The writer has had repeated opportunities for observing the value of quinia given hypodermically in checking effusion of serum into the air-passages, and he would strongly recommend its use in the treatment of pulmonary oedema in the form of the hypodermic injection of the solution of hydrobromate of quinia of the strength of 4 grains to 20 minims. Of this solution 10 to 20 minims may be injected at once. If such a solution cannot be obtained, a full dose of 10 to 15 grains of the sulphate of quinia may be given by the mouth.
As in the case of passive congestion of the lungs, so in oedema, advantage may be gained by changing the patient's position from time to time, so as to prevent the constant gravitation of fluid to the same portion of the affected organs.
HÆMOPTYSIS.
BY WILLIAM CARSON, M.D.
The word means, literally, spitting of blood, from two words, [Greek: haima], blood, and [Greek: ptyô], I spit.
SYNONYMS.—If we go back far in the history of medicine, we find many synonyms, such as Hæmoptoe, Emptoe, Emptoica passio, Pneumorrhagia, Hæmorrhagia pulmonis, Crachement de sang, etc., etc.
DEFINITION.—Bronchial hæmoptysis is the spitting or expectoration of blood which has been effused into the bronchi or bronchioles from the bronchial vessels. Pulmonary hæmoptysis is the spitting or expectoration of blood which has been effused into the air-cells, the inter-alveolar and interlobular tissues. This distinction is not always practicable in diagnosis or practice. It may, however, serve for a grouping of some well-known clinical forms of hæmoptysis.