Medical News

Abstract

lect would not have occurred had the acid been given in sufficient quantity. The usual plan of prescribing the acid in 2or 3-minim doses three or four times a day is quite futile. To be effectual the acid must be given in full doses at short intervals, freely diluted and suitably combined. In the series of cases treated by me several took a large quantity of carbolic acid before convalescence was established; yet in none were any ill-effects noticed which could be ascribed to the acid. One patient took, from first to last, over 2 ounces of carbolic acid, with the same quantity of chloroform, and in other cases 1ounce of each of these drugs was taken; yet the urine never became black or anytliing approaching that colour; occasionally it became high coloured, that was all. The combination of carbolic acid and chloroform was a'lopted for the following reasons. In 1892 Dr. McIntyre, of Glasgow, conducted some experiments in regard to the action of carbolic acid on the enteric bacillus (Gaffky's), and found that in addition to an antiseptic action on the intestinal contents, the acid controlled the development of the enteric bacillus. Previously to this, in 1890, Werner, of St. Petersburg, made similar experiments with chloroform, and found that a per cent. solution of chloroform killed the enteric bacillus. Reflecting on these experiments it occurred to me that a combination of these drugs, both of which had a distinctive effect on the specific micro-organism of enteric fever, and one of which had as well a wholesome intestinal antiseptic action, ought, if given with judicious freedom, to be effectual in rendering immune the enteric bacillus and its septic pro-ducts. So far my expectation has been realised. I have treated with the carbolic acid and chloroform combination during the past year all the cases of enteric fever that have come under my care, and in each case perfect recovery has followed, without the advent of any symptom calculated to cause anxiety. It is a gratifying experience to be able to make this record regarding a fever which, in India, has a mortality very considerably higher than that usually experienced in temperate climates. The following are the effects I have observed as resulting from the use of the carbolic acid and chloroform combination:-1. A reduction in the average duration of the fever. 2. A continuous depression of the febrile temperature. 3. Early cleansing of the tongue, dryness of which was rarely observed, and was then evanescent. 4. An almost complete deodorisation of the stools. 5. Abdominal distension kept in entire abeyance. 6. Tendency to diarrhcea checked. 7. Intellectual clearness of patient preserved, with no tendency to stupor or delirium. 8. Secondary complication of any kind never occurred. 9. Relapses rare; when they occurred -they were of short duration. 10. Food invariably well assimilated. 11. Convalescence rapid.