EPILEPSY. — Evidence is not lacking to show that it is valueless and even dangerous in epilepsy. limphenbach noticed from its use increased mental confusion and decided disturbance of sleep. Dunn experimented upon four teen cases. He noticed from the drug at first an apparent transient improve ment in some cases, though in others the number and severity of the attacks were increased from the beginning. A marked tendency to the development of status epilepticus manifested itself in some cases, while others sank into a state of coma, with subnormal temperature and slow, heavy respiration. The men tal condition of patients under this treatment did not improve at all, even in those which appeared at first to be benefited in the number of attacks.
INSANITY.—Amylene-hydrate has been thoroughly tried in cases of mental dis order. It is an hypnotic of a high order, occupying a position between paralde hyde and chloral. It is superior to the first in its less injurious action on the heart, and to the second in the absence of unpleasant odor on the breath.
In a large number of cases Lehmann obtained good results, though in mania large doses were required. Paralysis of the insane was benefited, but the in somnia of melancholy was aided to a less degree. Lehmann considers it more
efficacious and less unpleasant than paraldehyde. It is quite effective in alcoholic delirium.
In 149 observations S3 per cent. showed marked benefit, 15 to 75 minims being administered. Large doses were required in mania; the insomnia of mel ancholia was aided to a lesser degree than that of other disorders. It is more efficacious and less unpleasant than paraldehyde. Lehmann (Ther. Mouat., Dec., '87).
In 300 observations sleep came on be tween 15 and 45 minutes; occasionally no effect was produced. Although, as a rule, no unpleasant secondary effects were noted, 37 minims caused a condi tion resembling drunkenness in an hys terical woman. :trellis (Deutsche med. \Voch., No. 1, '88).
OPIUM HABIT.—Sleep, lasting through the night with but little or no intermis sion, was obtained by Kirby and Griffith in a case of opium habit, in which chlo ral, bromides, paraldehyde, and hyoscine, given singly or variously combined, had produced but indifferent results. Like re sults have been noted by other observers.