Salvarsan or 606

SALVARSAN or "606," is the trade name of dihydrochlo ride of dioxy-diamino-arsenobenzene, a powerful remedy for syph ilis, invented by Ehrlich and introduced to the public in 191o. It is a yellow powder which is prepared for injection into a vein by a rather complicated' process. A little later Ehrlich invented a modification, "914" or Neo-salvarsan, which is much easier to use, and preparations of this type are now by far the most commonly employed. Of rather another order are Silver-salvar san and Neo-silver-salvarsan in which the action of arsenic is assisted by that of silver. There is now a fairly large variety of arsenobenzene preparations made by different firms. They are sold in Great Britain only after satisfaction of Government tests of toxicity and therapeutic activity which are applied to each batch. In America the arsenobenzene preparations are known as arsphen amines. A moderate dose of an arsenobenzene preparation usu ally causes the germs of syphilis to disappear from the secretions of open sores within a day and a rapid amelioration of symptoms follows, but it is necessary to treat for i to 2 years or more and to use also either the older remedy, Mercury, or the newer one, Bismuth. The best chance of success lies in commencement when the infection is very recent.

The arsenobenzene preparations are not tolerated equally well by all patients. In a minute percentage of cases they may cause death by damaging the small vessels of the brain or the kidneys. Other toxic effects are jaundice, and an inflammation of the skin (either of which may be fatal) and a variety of minor troubles. Serious effects from arsenobenzene injections are, however, far too rare to counteract their very great advantages. One of the most important of these is the rapidity with which patients are rendered non-infectious, an effect to which is probably due the very substantial decrease in syphilis in most countries which has taken place in recent years. (L. W. H.) SALVATION ARMY, a religious philanthropic organiza tion founded by William Booth (q.v.), who in 1865 began to hold meetings for preaching in the streets in London and in tents, music halls, theatres and elsewhere. In 1878 the Mission, which had

spread beyond London, was reorganized on a quasi-military basis, and the title of "The Salvation Army" was definitely adopted in June 188o, with Booth as "General" of the whole body. The spiritual operations of the Army at once rapidly expanded in spite of much disorderly opposition in some places. In doctrine, the Army is in harmony with the main principles of the evangelical bodies, "as embodied in the three creeds of the Church." Its preaching is practical and direct, asseverating the reality of Sin and Redemption, and the supreme duty of self-sacrifice for the sake of the salvation of others.

Great Britain.

The Army is under the General for the time being, who issues all orders and regulations. Large powers devolve upon other officers, such as the "Chief of the Staff," the "Foreign Secretary," and the "Chancellor," who direct affairs from the "In ternational Headquarters" in London. The system of government is autocratic, "unquestioning obedience" being required throughout all ranks. The Army is divided, usually in harmony with national boundaries, into "territories," each under a "Commissioner," with headquarters in the capital of the country. The Territories are generally divided into "Provinces" and these again into "Di visions," which include a number of corps, each supporting its own "Captain" and "Lieutenant." The "soldiers" or members are drawn from all classes of the community. The property of the Army in the United Kingdom is held by the General for the time being, for the benefit of the Army exclusively, he being constituted the sole trustee of the property, in the disposal of which and in the appointment of his successor he is placed under the govern ment of a deed poll, executed by Booth while the body was still known as "The Christian Mission," and enrolled in the Court of Chancery in August 1878. In other countries various modifica tions have been necessary, but the General's ultimate control has been practically assured.