One deduction is certain: that the extract lessens the excretion of glucose; whether by increasing the power of storing up reserves of sugar, or by caus ing a more rapid destruction of ingested hydrocarbons, remains uncertain. The antitoxic function of the liver is little, if at all,—the biliary but slightly,—while the glycogenic and uropoietic functions are markedly increased. Gilbert and Carnot (La Sem. MCA., May- 10, '97).
1. In diabetes mellitus there is a dis tinct loss of phosphorus, lime, and chlo rine by every form of diet.
2. Addition to diet of phosphate of lime induces a slight saving of nitrogen; addition of salt does not do this.
3. Addition of fatty matter produces the same effect as phosphate of lime.
4. Addition of phosphate of lime to the diet causes diminished excretion of sugar. IV. v. Moraczewski (Zeit. f. klin. Med., B. xxxiv, H. 1, 2, '93).
In diabetes, Fowler's solution and co deine give best results, together with tonics, such as muriatie acid, strych nine, and quinine, as indicated. H. G. Norton (Med. News, July 9, '93).
Arsenous acid in doses as large as 'h grain a day recommended in diabetes.
In cases of progressive emaciation a mixture of 100 grar_nmes of glycerin and 2 grammes of tartaric acid with some rum, added to a quart of water, is very useful. Jaccoud (MCA. Mod., No. 14, '98).
Methylene-blue used in two cases of diabetes mellitus, in average doses of 5 grains daily. In one case, after treat ment for five weeks, subjective symp toms were relieved, and glucose reduced to mere trace. In second case, in which urine contained about one ounce of sugar per quart, the saccharin content was re duced to 11/, drachms per quart after treatment for four weeks. Estay (Bull. 06n. de Then, No. 2, '98).
Where aperients fail in diabetes, co caine in small doses (IA-grain doses twice or thrice daily) will not only brace up the muscular system generally and re move the sense of fatigue so frequently present in these patients, but overcomes constipation. Thomas Oliver (Lancet, Aug. 13, '98).
Eulexine used with great satisfaction in diabetes. E. C. Skinner (Louisville Med. Monthly, Oct., '98).
Diabetes believed to be due to pto maine poisoning or to bacterial invasion of the organism. Therefore mercuric
chloride has been used in beginning doses of 1/„ grain three times daily, increasing within a week to V, grain. Three weeks of this treatment are sufficient to cause a marked reduction in the amount of sugar and improvement in the general health. After this time the dose is de creased to 1/, grain in the day. Abraham Mayer (Med. Record, Dec. 10, '9S).
Cases in which the administration of liver-substance brings about improve ment are those in which the diabetes is connected with a functional inadequacy of the liver (characterized by diminution of urea, urobilinuria, etc.). On the other hand, cases of diabetes that are not bene fited or are even made worse by the treatment are those in which the glyco suria appears to depend on overactivity of the organ. Gilbert (Inter. Congress of Med.; Brit. 'Med. Jour., Oct. 13, 1900).
Opium, arsenic, and bichloride of mer cury are the drugs of most service. Opium, which is of the greatest general use in controlling various annoying symptoms, should not be used continu ally, but interruptedly. It should be given in small doses (not more than V, grain three times a day at first), and its constipating effect should be coun teracted by cascara sagrada or other laxative. There are certain cases of diabetes, generally occurring in middle age, which were like a bacterial invasion or ptomaine poisoning. In these the bichloride of mercury has a certain, per haps specific, value. The dose, at first small, should be increased to '/, grain. Even if the sugar is not entirely elimi nated, many patients can get along very comfortably for years. The diabetic's attention should be diverted as much as possible from himself, and lie should be free from professional or business cares and other sources of worriment. He should wear warm clothing and avoid fatigue and all excesses. Massage and carbonic-acid baths are often of great service, and visits to various health re sorts, with the use of mineral waters to aid digestion, have a good effect. About 25 per cent. of diabetics die from phthisis. Abraham Mayer (Boston Med. and Surg. Jour., Apr. 18, 1901).