Reports of Societies

1891 Boston Medical and Surgical Journal  
about in these tissues a condition of superficial necrosisthe condition following upon the application of sublimate-they are much less able to resist the inroads of infectious organisms than they would have been had they been left in their natural condition. As a disinfectant, in the strict sense of the word, there are, perhaps, few substances which possess the property in a higher degree than does corrosive sublimate, but. at the same time, there is nothing which is employed for this purpose
more » ... at requires greater care in its manipulation, in order to obtain its best results, than does this salt. In practice, its action is influenced by a number of conditions which it is difficult) if not quite impossible, to control. For these reasons we seem hardly justified in continuing to give to it the first place in the list of substances which may be employed practically for the purpose of rendering harmless, materials containing the germs of infectious maladies. METHODICAL EMPLOYMENT OF SULPIIONAL IN MEN-TAL DISEASES.16 Dr. Forster publishes his medical experience with fifty-six patients of the Konigsmutter Institution and he was much pleased with the result. The drug acted principally as a motor depressant, noisy, obstreperous patients were quieted : many who were given to soiling themselves ceased to do so. This condition of restfuluess was induced in excitement stages of acute and chronic insanity, periodical and chronic mania, senile dementia, progressive paralysis, idiocy, epilepsy. Thirty grains were generally sufficient, but as much as sixty were sometimes given. A single dose was from seven and a half to fifteen grains ; in periodical excitement, given continuously, it shortened anil ameliorated the period of excitement; and it was of special value in cases of acute melancholia and insanity. Epileptic attacks were not so violent; a cure of epilepsy was not achieved. He observed two forms of by-effects, called by him sulphonalismus, the first was a motor and sensory depressive form, but appeared as paretic weakness, at first, of the lower extremities, then of the tongue and Upper extremities. The oilier form was a persistent 80inuoleucy and a diminution of sensation, weakening, or extinction of the cutaneous sensibility. The first stage of ibis was not dangerous, but the second required careful observation. The symptoms disappeared quickly on reduction of the dose of sulphonal. The pulse was generally regular and strong. Neither respiration nor the uro-geuital system was injuriously affected. Disturbances of the digestive tract were, however, observed twice with an exanthem. Tolerance of the drug was never observed, so that, unlike morphine, it can bo discontinued at any time. TOXIC DOSE OF OIL OF TUHPENTINE." The daughter of a former Hawaiian missionary states that the natives of the Islands are so fond of drink that the native house-painters will drink oil of turpentine for its intoxicating effect when they are unable to obtain any other stimulant. They have been known to drink as much as a pint at a time. From this statement it would appear that the toxic dose of this substance is far beyond any dose dreamed of by therapeutists.
doi:10.1056/nejm189112031252309 fatcat:5hh4tyjcvvgptb27cyn566sgna