New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-03-14
MEDICAL AND SANITARY NOTES.

A HYPNOTIC FOR THE INSANE-An article
which appeared some time ago in the "Semaine
Medicale" on this subject has been widely quoted
II seems that two Prussian physicians. NJ. Odeogge
and NJ Jurman made series OF careful expert
ments with the nydrobromide OF scopolamne. and
found that tho drug possessed a true value as
hypnotic in the treatment OF the insane. Admins
tered hypodermically in doses varying from oVoS
to Ools OF n grain they found that II induced. In
the ma jority OF subjects sleep which lasted from
three to ten hours and. on awakening the patients
appeared much calmer than before the adminlstrrn-
ton OF the substance. This effect was especially
pronounced In the cases Of maniacs, but was not
so marked in those Of acute lypemania. In chronic
insanity tho hypnotic action was also manifest 10
n degree: in delirium tremenS however the ten
dency of the drug was only to weaken the patient.
and there hypnotic action Whatever
TREATMENT OF PAIN.-In discussing this sub
ject Dr. Goldscheder. OF Berlin. thinks that mar
cotics and especially morphine. should be avoided.
particularly In chronic diseases. Bromdes do nos
suffice Of themselves to aay pain. but are very
useful when pain is due to increased excitability
of the nervous system: the permanent use of anti
neuralgio agents Is be avoided; the local appli-
ca lion OF cold for the relief Of pain Is often use
ful especially I'm affections not deeply seated: the
value OF the anode In allaying pain is not clear.
DR. Coldscheiders opinion of counter-irritants Is
that they among the most useful means IN
dealing with pnin. not only In neurasthenlcal put
likewise in genuine pain the question of alteration
In vascular supply is Hypothetical, but venesec-
tion cool or warm applications and other hydro
y m in Some I1 due to
In regard TO massage and treatment by m0Vemeent
he thinks that the value OF passive ana hctiVe
motion is still much underestimated. and that In
some cases of scatca and painful joints AFTER IN
iuries, there Is no better treatment
PRACTICE IN DIPHTHERTA.-The results OF
the practice of various Paris physicians with their
diphtheretic patients have been made TO appear IN
n published summary of much interest According
Nh ,I9x- 70 hnN hQG
moderately successful, while salcylic acid and
saIicyate Of soda stated to have failed entirey
carbolic camphor-that is, camphor twenty-five,
alcohol one. carboic acid nine-applied either pure
or with oil OF almonds operated quite favoraby
Cubebs and copaiba were administered to q slight
extent also tincture Of eucalyptus. but not so as
to form criterion. Chorate OF potash proved by
far the most successful remedy. az 1t was also
believed by some to be due in part to the oxygen
with which 1t supplies the blood, and which II Is
some other physicians however. are OF the opinion
that the success should be attributed rather to Its
local effects.
IMPORTANT TTGATIONS.-Aprop Of
certain substances extensively put before
tho public mental and physiological aids. the
fact I. cited that the late Professor Lehman. an
eminent German authority In physiological chem
stry called attention to the close alliance Of caf
fem TO creatin and other tissue poisons the ac-
emulation OF which within the body gives rise
to loss OF energy and the disposition to work the
| late DR.. Edward Smith also clearly shows that
while,tea and coffee produce feeling or Increased
readiness for work. the fatigue experienced after
| tho EFFORT put forth under the influence or sucn
beverages Is far greater than that Induced by the
, same amotnt OF work performed without them
| Again beef tea is pronounced by celebrated
French medical investigator veritaole solution or
ptomains.
SKIN GRATING SIMPLIFIED.-The successful
substitution OF the hens egg membrane in this
delicate operation depends, according to NJ Amat
| its originator upon certain definite details Among
| these is the primary requisite that tho membrane
DO taken from fresh egg, physiological observa-
ton having shown that tho latent life OF this
membrane Is then moro active: grating Is not to
be done until the dressings have suppressed sup
puratlon and provoked healthy growth. and
previous to the transplantation. contact with the
air is to be avoided By thick dressing of gauze
saturated with carbide solution. The method OF
operatlon is simply TO tax. fresh egg, break II In
the centre empty the contents. and seize the MEM
brana with a mouse tooth forceps at the large end
of the egg that is. the internal layer OF the men,
brane OF the SHE'LL this layer Is cut into strips