EXTERNAL IMES. — Belladonna used externally (liniment, ointment, or plas ter of belladonna; or atropine) in solu tion is of value in the treatment of swollen lymphatic, parotid, and other salivary glands and the mammw. It may be applied over sprained or inflamed joints. The application of a mild sin apism, to redden the skin slightly, will increase the efficiency of the belladonna. In blepharospasm the extract or oint ment may be rubbed on to the eyelids externally.
In recent typhlitis with acute exacer bations give full warm baths, lasting half an hour; every hour a teaspoonful of a purgative mixture made up of 1 part each of castor-oil and oil of sweet almonds and 2 parts of syrup of lemon. until active purgation is established; mercury and belladonna ointment over the cwentn; and then hot linseedmeal poultices. For recurrent typhlitis there should be treatment in the intervals with a diet that leaves little residue, and with counter-irritation and belladonna oint ment over the eaicum, the bowels being kept regulated and intestinal antiseptics administered. Grasset (Revue Gen. de
Clin. et de Then, Dec. 6. '93).
In ileus apply a compress of fifty square centimetres [about three inches square. ED.] coated with belladonna extract mixed with a little vaselin. If. some hours after this application. symp toms of atropinism supervene, an enema of ox-gall is given, which often relieves intestinal obstruction. In appendicitis, after the acute period. a compress eight by three inches, coated with extract of belladonna and potassium iodide. of each. 1 drachm; lard, 1 ounce. is useful: the action of potassium iodide on the skin promotes the absorption of the bella donna extract contained in the ointment. A suppository containing 1 grain of belladonna extract should also be used every eight hours. As soon as the first symptoms of intoxication appear, a soap enema with ox-gall and sodium carbon ate should be administered; this pro duces a copious and easy stool without irritating the affected intestine. Byers (American Medieo-Surg. Bull., Jan. 15, '94).