NERVOT,IS D I SORDERS. — In melan cholia and neurasthenia coca has been used with advantage, especially when as sociated with a moderately-anmmic con dition, a feeling of depression, loss of appetite, and impaired digestion, other appropriate remedies being associated with it. A wineglassful of coca-wine every three hours usually brings about a beneficial change in a day or two.
Hypodermic Administration.—For hy podermic use the salts of cocaine are used (generally the hydrochlorate), as the alkaloid requires 1300 parts of water for its solution. A 4- to 8-per-cent. solution is generally employed, and not more than 1/, grain of cocaine should be injected.
Solution employed by writer contains 10 per cent. of resorcin and 20 per cent. of the hydrochlorate of cocaine. The addition of resorcin diminishes the toxic effect of cocaine, while at the same time it increases the anmsthetic effect of the latter, and it moreover prevents the cocaine crystallizing out. The anti
septic properties of resorcin in the solu- I tion are also of value. Use of the spray for applying cocaine to the nose dis approved of. If after the application of a solution of cocaine the patient becomes pale, giddy, or faint, 1 drachm of the aromatic spirit of ammonia, in 2 ounces of water, should be given, and the pa tient directed to sip the draught. F. de H. Hall (Brit. Med. Jour., Feb. S, '96).
Extra care should be observed and a smaller dose given where injections are made about the head, face, and neck. The hypodermic use of cocaine is em ployed to relieve pain, and to induce local anmsthesia for the purpose of mak ing some surgical operation.