PASSIVE EFFUSIONS.—PilOCarpiTIC has been used in dropsy, ascites, and hydro thorax. In dropsy of renal origin it is a valuable asrent, but when due to cardiac trouble it is too depressing. In hydro -thorax it is of considerable value, but thoracentesis is. perhaps, best, and ela zterium or salines come next in efficiency.
EEYSIPELAS.—Da Costa reports suc cess from the use of pilocarpine in acute erysipelas. Ile recommends the hypo dermic administration of '/, grain every three hours until free sweating ensues, then every four to six hours. Its action is s.o prompt and effective that it may almost be regarded as a specific. The diaphoresis is at once followed by the retroces-sion of the rash, and an improve ment in the general condition. In atonic cases, when the heart is weak and per spiration cannot be established by pilo carpine no beneficial action is observed (Waugh).
Hypodermic injections of pilocarpine recommended in facial erysipelas.
Twenty-four cases treated in this man ner, all severe, 20 presenting albumi nuria and 4 retention of urine. The drug must be administered until the physiological effects are produced. Re covery took place in all his cases within eight days at latest, and in some cases in four days. Pilocarpine is contra-indi cated in affections of the heart. If the erysipelas appear as a complication, the treatment is absolutely without efficacy. Salinger (Then Gaz., Mar. 15, '04).
Good results with the drug in erysipe las; its efficacy probably depends on the time which bas elapsed from the incep tion of the first symptoms before treat ment is begun. In cases seen very early success is almost invariable. G. W. Barr (Ther. Gaz., May 15, '94).