Its effect on menstruation is slight. It sometimes causes too free flow, sometimes a slight, continuous flow. I can find no facts supporting the belief that it, like morphine or opium, produces sterility. As menstruation seems to be unaffected it is probable that it does not do so.
As bearing upon the effect of chloral on menstruation, the following letter is of interest. No replies seem to have been received.
To the Editor of the Lancet:—
Sir—Have any of your correspondents noticed one peculiarity in the action of hydrate of chloral—namely, its power entirely to check the catamenial discharge? I have three patients who are in the habit of taking the drug, for attacks of asthma, and who have assured me that its exhibition is attended with this one drawback, if taken at the onset of the monthly period. I have had no opportunity of verifying their statements, but imagine there must be some truth in them, as they are all three of them in different stations of life, do not know one another, and cannot have compared notes. Moreover, their statements were volunteered, and not elicited by leading questions.
Your obedient servant,
G. H. R. Dabbs, M.D.
Newport, I. W., Sept. 21st, 1872.
CIRCULATION AND COMPOSITION OF THE BLOOD.
Aberrations in circulation are due to derangement of the nerves governing the vessels; in other words, the vaso-motor system.