DISORDERS OF THE RESPIRATORY TRACT.—In pneumonia, nitrate of potash may be given, with great benefit, in small doses grain), combined with to grain of Dover's powder every two or three hours.
In asthma relief is generally obtained by igniting small squares of bibulous paper previously dipped in a 20-per-cent. solution of nitrate of potash and dried (charta potassii nitratis), and inhaling the fumes.
The hoarseness of singers and speakers is relieved by 2 grains of the nitrate dis solved in a glass of sweetened water.
MALARIA.—In malarial intermittent fever the nitrate is especially valuable, if given in a single dose of from 15 to 24 grains in either the febrile or the non febrile stage.
The nitrate is a reliable remedy in haemoptysis with fever.
PURPURA.—In purpura simplex 10 grain doses of the nitrate are useful; in purpura hremorrhagica it may be given in doses of from 10 to 60 grains.
BURNS.—In the treatment of burns of all kinds potassium nitrate has been strongly recommended by Poggi (Rev. Med., Feb. 16, '96) as a topical applica tion. (See BURNS.) Alkaline Lotions. — Alkaline lotions are used with benefit in cutaneous and other disorders. A weak solution of the bicarbonate (1 drachm to 1 pint) has been used as an application to rheumatic joints, and in eczema in the early and middle stages when there is a copious weeping from a red and raw surface. Hebra advises the application of liquor potassm or of a stronger solution of pot ash in the chronic forms of eczema. He brushes liquor potassm, once a day, over the surface, and, if it produce much smarting, washes the residue off with cold water. When the skin is only
slightly infiltrated and thickened he em ploys a solution of 2 grains of caustic potash to 1 ounce of water; but, if the infiltration is greater, he uses a solution containing from 5 to 30 grains or more to the ounce. These stronger applica tions must be employed only once a day and must be quickly washed off with cold water. This treatment speedily allays the itching, but is apt to make the skin brittle. To obviate this condition Mc Call Anderson applies, every night, either codliver-oil or glycerin. Anderson fre quently employs alkalies in conjunction with tar or oil of cade, as in the follow ing: Equal parts of soft soap, rectified spirit, and oil of cade; a little of this to be firmly rubbed over the eruption night and morning; it should be washed off before each reapplication.
SKIN DISEASES.—In eczema of the vulva Lusch advises the use of the fol lowing: Bicarbonate of potash, 1 drachm; bicarbonate of soda, 2 drachms; glycerin, 1 drachms; laudanum, 2 drachms; water, S ounces; this is to be used as a lotion, night and morning.
In pruritus vulvae, and in bites and stings, a solution of the bicarbonate (2 drachms to 1 pint of water) will give relief.
A weak solution of caustic potash or of the carbonate (1 drachm to 1 pint), ap plied with a small piece of sponge, is often of extreme comfort in urticaria or lichen. A solution of the same strength of the cyanide of potash, which has a strong alkaline reaction is, perhaps, bet ter. (Ringer.)