Salicylate of methyl is more particu larly successful in the articular mani festations of rheumatism, especially as a means of relieving pain. The amount of urine should be watched during the ad ministration of this drug. Salicylate of methyl is also of extreme advantage in subacute and chronic rheumatism. The drug is also efficacious in neuralgia, sciatica, some forms of neuritis, herpes zoster, and in the lightning pains of tabes. In cases of orchitis from mumps it has been tried with remarkable re sults. Schou11 (Jour. de MCA., Mar. 13, '99).
In muscular rheumatism the salic ylates are useful in relieving the pain. The salicylates are of no value in gonor rhoeal rheumatism until the gonorrhoea is cured, when the rheumatism usually ceases without treatment. In rheuma toid arthritis the salicylates are useless. Rheumatic iridochoroiditis and scleritis are, however, markedly benefited by 15 grain doses of the salicylates, given four times a day.
GOUT.—The value of the salicylates in gout is not definitely settled. See, Jaccoud, Haig, and others recommend them; Dyce Duckworth claims that they are inferior to colchicum. If given at all, large doses seem to be necessary. The salicylates frequently arrest the pain and are said to favor the absorption of the tophi.
In lumbago, sciatica, and similar mala dies salicylic acid is very useful, espe cially if they are of rheumatic origin.
NEURALGIA.—In neuralgia the salic ylates are not as good as phenacetin and similar remedies. In migraine of rheu matic origin the salicylates will not only relieve, but often effect a cure.
In the nervous irritability of gouty or litlimmic patients Brunton advises the use of the salicylates combined with the bromides.
The pains of locomotor ataxia and of peripheral neuritis are often relieved by the salicylates.
— The employment of sali cylic acid as an antipyretic in fevers has fallen into disuse. Cold baths and other antipyretic remedies have replaced it.
—In quinsy or paren chymatous tonsillitis salicylic acid is a specific, especially if of rheumatic origin. If given early it will relieve the pain and swelling, shorten the period of illness, and prevent suppuration; doses of 3 or 4 grains every hour suffice.
The salicylates are useful in the post inflammatory stage of pleurisy, if the effusion be serous in character. The duration of treatment with the salic ylates is less than with alteratives, purga tives, or diuretics. For this purpose 1 to 2 drachms are given daily, in divided dj)ses.