Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1907 edition. Excerpt: ...the condition is a simple inflammatory one or of strumous or syphilitic origin. Its external application may be of some service, as well, in other strumous or tuberculous conditions, such as disease of the mesenteric glands or periostitis, and in exudations into serous cavities. One of the most common uses of both hard and soft soap is for purgative enemata; but the latter is decidedly preferable. For this purpose either may be made into a lather with 500 c.c. (i pint) or more of water at a temperature of 37.8 C. (i00 F.). Soap enemata are somewhat liable to give rise to an erythematous or urticaria eruption, and this appears to be especially the case with those made with hard soap. In some individuals such a rash makes its appearance regularly after each injection, however often the enema may be repeated. This may be due to some irritant in the soap employed, or possibly, as some are inclined to believe, may result from the solution and consequent absorption of some faecal toxin. Doubt has been expressed whether the rectal injection of soap and water has any more effect in causing an evacuation of the bowels than would an enema of warm water alone or the same quantity of thin oatmeal gruel; but it seems altogether probable that the soap itself has some purgative action, though this may sometimes be but slight. In order to increase the effi ciency of a soap enema it may be advisable to add to it a certain amount of castor oil. The quantity of soft soap used is usually about 30 c.c. (i fl. o2.). In some hospitals there is employed an enema, known as the " House Mixture," which consists of soft soap, molasses and water in varying proportions, and to which turpentine and olive oil are added if flatulence be present. This, it is...