Joint-Mouse (Floating Cartilage).—Term used to designate a small piece of bone or cartilage which, owing to inflammatory processes in a joint, has become separated so that it is freely movable within the joint-cavitv. It may consist also of an inflammatory growth Nvhich has become detached from the joint-membrane. The most disagreeable manifestation of the presence of such a joint-mouse occurs when it becomes wedged between the bones of the joint, causing pain. Usually, in such cases, the joint cannot be moved, but remains fixed in a certain position. Many patients soon learn to execute certain movements which cause the joint-mouse to spring back into the joint-cavity, thus bringing about the former movability. The frequent \ vedging of the joint-mouse between the bones of the joint gives rise to considerable irritation, which may cause a watery effusion to form ; and this, in the course of time, lead to a loosening and relaxation of the joint. This condition, \S•kh is very disagreeable, most frequently affects the knee-joint, greatly impairing the ability to walk. The only successful treatment consists in removing the joint-mouse. Owing to the progress made in the treatment of wounds this is not a dangerous operation ; but it should be performed only by a practical surgeon.
JUNIPER.—The fruit of an evergreen tree, the PerlIS It contains a volatile oil and a resinous compound. called juniperin. Juniper
is a stimulant to the kidneys. increasing the flow of urine. It is too irritating to be used if there is any active inflammation of the kidneys ; but in chronic conditions, or in simple congestion, it is very useful as a mild diuretic. Gin contains a certain amount of juniper. The spirits of juniper may be given in teaspoonful doses.
reddish-brown powder composed of the glands and hairs from the capsules of an Oriental plant, the 3/allotus Philfippifitxsis. It contains two substances, kamalin and rottlerin, but it is not known which of these is the more active principle. Kamala is used as a remedy for tape worm and roundworm. Being an active purgative it is not necessary to follow it with any laxative.
is a porcelain-clay, chemically known as aluminum silic.ile. It is a soft, Nvhitish powder, which is insoluble in water and quite inert chemically. For this reason it is used as a basis for pills of easily reducible substances, such as silver nitrate, which would be altered imme diately if mixed with any of the vegetable powders. Clay is also widely employed as a basis for ointments ; and, when impregnated Nvith antiseptic substances, it makes a clean and efficient antiseptic dressing for infected wounds, such as cuts, ulcers, etc.