Sulphur should not be used for very plethoric individuals, or those inclined to high vascular action, till those states have been lessened by diet and other means.
' Internally sulphur has been given in chronic catarrhs and humid coughs, as well as In some of the forms of asthma. From the power which sulphur undoubtedly Nasalises over mucous membranes, especially the bronchial, it is often serviceable; but in the asthmatic affections complicated with organic disease of the heart or great vessels, nothing can be more hurtful.
In chronic rheumatism sulphur, from its diaphoretic properties, is of much utility either alone or with antimotlials. In those forms of dysentery which may be regarded as rheutnation of the intestines, sulphur is perhaps the beat aperient in combination with ipecacuanha. It is also beneficial in those forms of paralysis which have resulted from rheumatism. It is stated to effect a cure of inter mittents, and considering its power of rousing the vascular system, and its subsequent diaphoretio action, it may be used in those cases where arsenic fails and quinine is too expensive.
Sulphur is given as a laxative in haemorrhoids, stricture of the rectum, and habitual constipation. For these cases it is usually cons billed with bi-tartrato of potash, or magnesia, or electuary of senna. A small quantity of the compound cinnamon-powder, or aromatic con fection, is a valuable addition, as it lessens any tendency to griping, and also restrains the disposition to the disengagement of eulphuretted hydrogen gas, which is often a distressing consequence'of the use of sulphur. The dose varies much in different individuals, but in all cases it should he ample, as an inefficient quantity is most prone to generate flatus. Persons of a sedentary habit, afflicted with con stipation, find this combination of unspeakable service, as, unlike many others, it is not followed by greater constipation than before, but keeps the bowels moderately open for a considerabli time. It is one of the most appropriate medicines for children or pregnant females.
Sulphur is generally given iuteryally at the same time that it is used externally for the cure of cutaneous diseases. For one of these (scabies) it is regarded as almost a specific. Sulphur ointment is the form generally employed for this disease. It should never be applied to more than a fourth part of the body at one time. The compound sulphur ointment is more powerful, but requires still more caution in its employment from the vcretrine it contains. In workhouse practice, the preferable mode of employing sulphur is by smiting it with soft soap, which not only does not stain and grease the clothes, but assists in cleansing them as well as the patients when washed. Besides, the potash of the soap aids the cure. Many cutaneous diseases are more readily cured by a combination of sulphur with potash than by either singly. This combination, called Potassii eulpkcu•ctroH, or liver of sulphur, may be applied in various ways, particularly in baths, formiug artificial Harrowgate-water. The natural waters of Harrowgate, Moffat, and other sulphurous springs, owe their peculiarities to it.
Sulphur in combination with iodine, forming iodide of sulphur, when made into an ointment with a large quantity of lard or cerate, is a valuable agent in some cutaneous diseases. Sulphur sprinkled over the leaves of the.vine is almost a certain preventive of the oidium Tuckeri or vine scourge. It is useful also for hops. See ' Gardeners' Chronicle,' March 30, 1861, p. 293, nor is it powerless against the potato disease. See ' Gardeners' Chronicle,' March 16, 186], p. 241.
Sulphur in a state of combustion evolves sulphurous acid gas. This is sometimes employed as a fumigation in some obstinate cuts. neous affections, especially psoriasis inveterata, which often continues about the joints, especially the elbow, when it has been cured in every other part. The employment of this requires caution, and on no account must the face be exposed to it, as it is irrespirable.