15. Destruction of Snails by common Salt.
16. Remarkable Hairy Man.
17. Application of Remedies by Absorption from the Surface.
Salts of Morphia, applied in this manner, speedily exhibit their [p494] action upon the brain and nervous system, by the contraction of the pupils, and often by dysuria and ischuria; nausea and vomiting are rare; sometimes a sensation of itching is felt in the nasal cavities, and papular eruptions not unfrequently appear upon the skin.
Extract of Belladonna, applied upon the upper surface of the feet, produced all the consequences derived from its internal exhibition; such as dilatation of the pupil and impaired vision.
Extract of Squill, while it augments transpiration, promotes the urinary secretion, and facilitates expectoration.
Well powdered Strychnine supports the suppuration of wounds tolerably well, and stimulates the locomotive system without inconveniently exciting the brain. It happens also in certain palsies, such as those which are caused by the carbonate of lead, that the power of motion is restored without the production of those violent shocks which have been so unpleasant to patients. M. Bailly has observed, with respect to this medicine in general, that it often excites a marked turgescence about the head, heightening the colour of the face, which demands the suspension of the remedy, if not the intervention of blood-letting.
Perchloride of Mercury (corrosive sublimate) produces an intense sensation of heat, and corrodes the parts with which it comes in contact. Sometimes, however, it has been known to relieve the pains of exostoses, &c. The proto-chloride (calomel) also excites pain, particularly if rubbed upon a recently blistered surface. In this way it may cure old syphilitic affections; but as a set-off against these advantages, there is sometimes a difficulty in keeping up the action, as the absorbent powers of the surface wear out by long continued contact.
One great advantage of the endermic practice is the exemption of the digestive organs from an inconvenient or unaccustomed stimulus; and its importance must be apparent where the stomach is incapable of retaining medicines, or the power of deglutition is lost.—Nouv. Bib. Med.—Med. Rep. v. 341.