MANGANESE, Medical Properties of. During the prevalence of pneumatic medicine, preparations of manganese, particularly the binoxide, on account of the large quantity of oxygen it can yield, were much employed ; but since the views of Beddoes and others, who recommended them, have become obsolete, the articles suggested to be used have fallen into oblivion. A rational ground for reviving some of them is to be found in the facts that oxide of manganese exists as a constituent of the bones, and may in some cases be deficient in these structures, and also that carbonate of manganese exists in some of the mineral springs of Carlsbad and Marienbad, and hydrochlorate of man ganese exists in the waters of Kreutznach. The presence of these salts in waters much celebrated for their utility in various chronic diseases has suggested their employment in some of the complaints which are frequently benefited by them. But even if their curative properties are insufficient to establish them as valuable medicines, the deleterious effects of some forms of manganese justify a notice of them in this place. The extensive employment of black oxide of manganese in the preparation of bleaching-powder produces in some of the work men a form of paralysis which should be early noticed, inasmuch as after it is thoroughly established it seems altogether incurable, and the only chance of escape is the complete abandoning of the occupation. It is limited to paralysis of the lower extremities, affecting the motor nerves only, for the sensibility is unimpaired. A staggering gait is the first symptom of its commencement: this is often perceived sooner by others than by the sufferer. No cholle, nor constipation, such as attends the use of lead, is manifested. (See Dr. Couper's paper in
British Annals of Medicine,' i., p. 41.) Binoxide of manganese has been used internally in pills, and also as a gargle ; externally as an ointment in some obstinate cutaneous affections. It does not appear entitled to much attention. Hydro chlorate, and still more sulphate, of manganese, deserves attention as chologogue cathartics, or promoters of the secretion of bile. The Latter salt has a cooling and bitter taste, resembling that of Glauber salts. Dissolved in a considerable quantity of water, and taken in the morning, it produces several liquid stools. Its purgative action may be increased by giving it with infusion of senna or with rhubarb. Alkalies and their carbonates are incompatible with it, as decomposition occurs. Its power of augmenting the secretion of bile renders it a valuable agent along with mercury, or as a substitute for it where mer cury cannot be borne. It is useful in gout. Care must be observed in using it, as in doses as large as some writers have recommended, it causes dangerous, if not fatal, consequences.
The sulphated ferro-manganesian waters of Crausac, a village in the south-west of France, between Bordeaux and Toulouse, with springs in which this combination exists in two different degrees of strength, present a valuable means of benefiting feeble systems.
The manganate of potassa, known by the name of "mineral chameleon," furnishes a useful caustic and eseharotic, especially for foul and fetid ulcers.
glanganic acid and perthanganate of potass are very valuable disin fectants. Manganic acid is employed as a means of testing the purity Or degrees of impurity of the air. [DISINFECTANTS.]