ERYTHROL-TETRANITRATE is a polyatomic organic nitrate which, as do all bodies of this class, detonates when struck with a hard body. In this par ticular it is even more sensitive than gun-cotton or dynamite. Its dangerous activity may be developed when gently stirred with apparently harmless com pounds.
Explosion of erythrol-tetranitrate in which Mr. Lewis Jones, a qualified chemist, lost his life. Mr. Jones was engaged in stirring together in a mortar a mixture of erythrol-tetranitrate and lactose, presumably for the purpose of making tabloids. The quantity of the active drug served out to him was 4 ounces, and there is reason to believe that the dangerous nature of the com bination was fully explained to him at the time by the chief of the department. Editorial (Brit. Med. Jour., Jan. I, '98).
I consider the drug perfectly safe un less rapidly heated or struck or mixed with some readily-oxidizable substance. Indeed, during its investigation my as sistant and I were surprised, knowing its composition, at its stability. J. B. Bradbury (Brit. Med. Jour., Jan. I, '98).
Erythrol-tetranitrate is solid and crys talline, and melts at a temperature of G1° C. (142° F.). When pure it is colorless, and if kept in a dark and moderately cool place is fairly stable. If exposed to warmth, and especially sun light, it rapidly undergoes decomposi tion, turning yellow and giving off nitrous fumes. Its solubility in water is slight, but it dissolves readily in alcohol and in ether. (Bradbury.) Dose.—The dose of the solid nitrate is to 1 grain. It can be given in pill, tablets, or in alcoholic solution.
Physiological Action. — It is a vaso dilator, and belongs to the group of which glycerol-trinitrate, known famil iarly as nitroglycerin, may be regarded as the typical representative. Blood pressure experiments show that the nitrates of .erythrol and mannitol have a less marked, but more prolonged, action than those of glycerol and glycol.
Therapeutics. — Bradbury speaks highly of its therapeutic properties in warding off attacks of angina pectoris and in keeping down arterial tension in chronic Bright's disease.
Case of angina pectoris treated by erythrol-tetranitrate. To avert the paroxysms it became necessary to ad minister the remedy in steadily increas ing doses. The patient finally took drachm in the day: that is, 6 grains at 6 A.M., to enable him to dress at S A.M.; 6 more at 10 A.M., 2, 6, and 9 P.M., to gether with 1/21 grain of trinitrin at 10.30 P.M. to enable him to ascend the stair and get to bed. He is in perfect health, barring the seizures, which are always at hand, if a tabloid chance to be omitted. No physiological effects whatever have at any time been mani fested. As these doses of erythrol are unwontedly large, possibly unprece dently, the fact is worthy of record. It is unfortunate that the preparation of this remedy is so costly. Edward Gar raway (Brit. Med. Jour., Jan. 1, '95).
Erythrol-tetranitrate used with good effect in 3 cases of aortic regurgitation accompanied by cardiac pain. In 2 other cases amyl-nitrite was more ef fective. In 3 cases of chronic inter stitial nephritis 2 were benefited; the third could not be persuaded to con tinue treatment. In 1 case of Ray naud's disease the effect was very satis factory. H. Walsham (Brit. Med. Jour., Nov. 4, 99).
ETHER.—Sulphuric ether, or oxide of ethyl is a colorless, vola tile liquid which evaporates at ordinary temperatures. Vaporized ether is heavier than air, and, being inflammable, its use as an anaesthetic in the presence of arti ficial light other than an incandescent electric lamp, is, therefore, attended with danger, unless the light be placed at a considerable distance above the patient. Ether has a penetrating odor, generally regarded as pleasant, and a sharp, burn ing taste.
To avoid deleterious effects, it is neces sary to use a pure preparation. The purity of ether may be tested by adding to it a small amount of oil of cdpaiba. Clearness of the solution indicates its purity; any emulsion or cloudiness in dicates the presence of alcohol or water.