The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1904-01-17
RADIUM IN MEDICINE.
Possibly Wide Field in Which It's Mar
veIOus Agency May BE Used.

DR. Samuel G. Tracy. in New York Medical
Journal.
The marvellous properties of radium have
made it a matter of wide interest to almost
everyone, but to the medical man its posi-
bic value a therapeutic agent renders it
a subject of special importance. Already
many investigators are turning their atten-
ton 10 the treatment of various forms of
disease by means of radium, and many fields
nave been proposed as promising ones for
investigation of its action.
For instance, among the various diseases
in which it has been tried may be mentioned
certain malignant grOwthS such as epitheli-
oma and other superficial cancers, lupus,
certain skin diseases. blindness from afro
ply of the optic nerve, etc. Its effect upon
heterogeneous and fermentation, as well
as its likely action upon the tissues and
fluids of the body, suggests that, if it could
be harmlessly introduced into the system.
vast field of positive usefulness lies before
1t. To take its effect upon micro-organisms
nrst; AS we have stated, II is admitted to
have very considerable inhibitory effect
upon the functional activity of various bac-
terra. molds, etc, and il is at any rate
possible that it may possess a like effect
upon protozoa. This at once suggests a
value for its systematic employment, should
such be practicable.
Now, the property possessed by radium of
imparting its activity TO various fluids. e. g.
normal saline solution, seems to offer rea-
sonable ground for hope that. in this way,
it may be therapeutically administered in
ternally, and the fight against bacterial dis
eases be waged directly i'm the tissues af-
fected, through the agency of the blood and
lymph circulations and the various internal
SecretiOns.
Another diseased condition in which the
induced radioactive salt solution is likely to
prove of service is Preventative. gastrO-in-
testinal Indigestion, with its long train of
symptoms Que 10 administration. 1t is
also hoped that the ''radium fluid" will have
a favorable effect On malignant disease of
the stomach and intestine.
AS to local employment, that is already
"a mot
with more or less success in many super
however will be found far more convenient
II we can get the desired results by the
employment of the induced radioactive salt
solution. BY this method we can use il as a
local appica ton on congresses, in sprays,
gargles, inhalations. cOllyria, etc.
In its use in surgical dressings congresses
can be saturated with this solution and ap-
piled over large areas which could not be
reached by the radium rays.
As spray il will be found useful in ca
tarrhal affections of nose. throat and lungs
by coating the membranes with fine film
of radioactive matter. This active matter is
several hours. The radioactIvity OF this
active matter may be intensified by expos
ing the patient TO the ultraviolet rays, and
Oy the internal use OF quinine.
While all these possibilities OF the use of
radium fluid may not be borne out by &C
tual clinical experience. nevertheless, owing
to the already known properties OF radium
and induced radioactive substances, IL is
certainly worth while to try them-especial-
ly in pathological conditions which are not
amenable to other forms Of treatment.