FEBR[LE AND INFECTIOUS DISEASES. —In low forms of pyrexia camphor is often a remedy of great value. A solu tion in acetic acid was at one time held to be an almost specific in common con tinued, pestilential, exanthematic, and puerperal fevers; and even yet it is ad mitted to be of great value, but difficult to administer. It is, however, contra indicated where there is either a flesh red tongue or tenderness of the abdomen with diarrhoea. Latterly, more espe cially in Europe, the hypodermic admin istration of camphor dissolved in sweet almond oil is lauded in these maladies; also in asthenic and advanced stages of acute inflammations when the vital powers are greatly exhausted, and in delirium accompanied by depressed nerve-energy; but it sometimes requires to be reinforced, so to speak, by other stimulants and sedatives. In the main, however, the administration hypodermic ally has little to commend it, over in gestion by the stomach.
In infectious diseases, the exanthe mata, pleuro-pneumonia with meningeal symptoms, in infectious endocarditis, etc., more especially if the patient is in a condition of collapse. 15 to 45 minims of a 10-per-cent. solution of camphor ated oil afford prompt relief, employed subcutaneously. Even so much as 15
grains of camphor daily, far from ag gravating, ameliorated cerebral symp toms. From 7 to 15 grains produce remarkable restorative effects. Schill ing (La Med. Moderne, Nov. 30, '95).
In influenza, pneumonia, typhoid. bronchopneumonia. etc., camphorated oil yields good results, but should be administered before the patient is too weak; it produces an increase of ar terial pressure, free expectoration, and a feeling of physical well-being. If given by the mouth its taste may lie disguised by essence of pepermint. It appears to be contra-indicated where there is great cerebral excitement. Tuassia (Gaz. (leg. Ospitali, Mar. S, '92: Brit. Med. Jour., Mar. 26, '92).
Camphoric acid in doses one hour before bed-time, with a glass of milk or water, is of value for night sweats. The medicine is best given dry on the tongue, and then washed down with water or milk. Coston (Then Gaz., Mar. 15, '99).
In small-pox and other exanthemata, when the eruption has receded, camphor in small and oft-repeated doses fre quently causes restoration; but if there is inflammation of important viscera the drug is contra-indicated.