SULPHUR.

Materia Medica.-Sulphur is found in volcanic regions, and in a state of impurity from both mechanical and chemical admixture. It is not used in its native state. As known to pharmacy, it exists in three forms, results of as many methods of preparation.

(1) S. Sublimatum, or the flowers of Sulphur; apt to have traces of acid.

(2) S. Lotum, or washed Sulphur; treated with dilute ammonia, by which acid impurities are removed.

(3) S. Precipitatum, Lac Sulphuris, or milk of Sulphur; the result of a complex chemical process by which the Sulphur is thrown down in a state of minute subdivision, from a liquid in which a preparation of it had been held in solution. Is of milkwhite color. Properly made, it is, according to Binz, of great purity, fineness of texture, minuteness of subdivision and hence of high activity.

Pharmacy.--The U. S. P. recognizes but one compound Sulphur preparation, as bearing upon purgative medication, viz., The Comp. Liquorice Powder,Pulvis Glycyrrhiza Comp.,--introduced from the Prussian Pharmacopoeia a few years ago, and already become a favorite laxative remedy, especially for children. It consists of senna, 18 parts; liquorice root, 16; fennel seed, 8; washed Sulphur, 8; white sugar, 50. Dose, one teaspoonful. The British Pharmacopoeia also directs a confection, chiefly a mixture of Sulphur and cream of tartar, which in varying ratios is also a favorite laxative in the United States.

constipation complicating hemorrhoids. Its continuous use, pretty surely, exerts somewhat of cholagogue action; it prevents fæcal accumulations in the alimentary canal, and it ensures stools of a soft, pasty character most favorable for any rectal complication. Here, it is often best to energize purgative action by resort to the confection of the B. P., although not always in the ratio of that combination. Such mixture, in this affection, was a favorite prescription of the late Prof. Peaslee, and used by him for this purpose for many years. One part Sulphur and two of the bitartrate often best meet the indication, mixed with glycerine, syrup or honey, according to choice; but with glycerine, when the patient will consent:-dose about one teaspoonful in the early morning.

The very general introduction of the comp. liquorice powder, in the domestic treatment of children, is justified by the gentleness and sureness of its action, by the moderate size and unobjectionable taste of its dose, and the fact that its use is not followed by constipation; it is a mild, safe and effective agency for frequent resort in the nursery.

DIFFERENTIAL THERAPEUSIS.

OLEUM TIGLII.

Action. Upon the upper portion of the intestinal canal, probably involving the whole of the small intestines. Affords an approach to equivalents of energy, in respect of the two agencies which procure catharsis, i. e., increased peristalsis and increased secretion; these activities operating with great force. Hydragogue stools, forcibly expelled, with attending colics. Should operate in one to two hours.

Uses. (1) In subjects disgusted with bulky medicines, and where the stomach will not receive, or the bowels will not respond to them; and who still require an emphatic cathartic action. (2) In exceptionally grave torpor of the bowels, as in lead cachexia. (3) In some cases of apoplexy, for revulsion and derivation. (4) As a part of the treatment for the expulsion of tapeworm.

Inconveniences, Contra-indication.-Causes very severe colic in some subjects. Is uncertain in action, as respects dose, time required for operation, etc., in different individuals.

An inflamed state of stomach or small intestine forbids its use; a past experience of idiosyncrasy, respecting colic and vomiting, should cause selection of another purgative.

Poisoning (1) An abundance of milk or oily emulsion, to envelop irritating particles. (2) Opium

to relieve colic and arrest diarrhoea, at proper stage. (3) Stimulants to overcome prostration.

OLEUM RICINI.

Action. (Much like that of croton oil, with less energy.) Stimulates peristalsis and secretion in about equal degree. Involves entire alimentary tract. Operates in four to six hours; stools feculent and semi-solid. Purgative principle is secreted in the milk and affects the nursling. Diminishes bilesecretion. Its use is frequently followed by constipation.

Uses. (General.) Wherever is required promptness and thoroughness of action, with a minimum of constitutional effect. (1) In the puerperal state. (2) In dysentery, to keep the upper bowel unloaded. (3) To meet purgative indication in rectal and abdominal surgery. (4) In cumulative constipation and impaction. (5) For abortion or relief of sudden cold," by its revulsive action. (6) Cure of chronic constipation, by Cullen's method.

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No contra-indication.

JALAPA.

Action.--Chiefly on glandular and follicular structure; but involves peristalsis, frequently, to extent of severe colic. Upon the small intestine; and so high up as, sometimes, to involve the stomach and cause nausea. Is not secreted in milk, and so does