IODIDE OF POTASSIUM.

283

Increased secretion from, and pain of, the mucous membrane lining thenasal passages, have been observed. I have repeatedly remarked that thepocket-handkerchiefs used by patients who are taking this salt acquirea distinct odour of iodine.

Great discrepancy exists in the statements of authors as to the effectsof given doses of iodide of potassium. “ The average dose of this me-dicine,” says Dr. Williams [Med. Gaz. vol. xiv. p. 42) “ is eight grains ;carried beyond that quantity it purges; and even limited to that quantity,it requires some management to obviate nausea.” In two cases mentionedby Dr. Wallace ( Lancet , for 1835-6, vol. ii. p. 9) a drachm of this salttaken in divided doses caused vomiting, colicky pains, slight diarrhoea,frequency of pulse, and exhaustion. These statements, then, shew thatthis salt possesses very active properties, and coincide with the expe-rience of many practitioners, and with the results obtained from experi-ments on animals. But we have, in opposition to the above, theevidence of Dr. Elliotson ( Lancet , vol. i. 1831-2, p. 728) and of Dr.Buchanan {Med. Gaz. vol. xviii. p. 519). The first tells us that sixdrachms may be given daily (in doses of two drachms) for many weekswithout inconvenience; and the second states half an ounce may begiven at a dose without producing pain of the stomach or bowels,purging, or any hurtful effect. Furthermore, both physicians vouch forthe purity of the salt employed. It is difficult to explain such discrepantstatements. But I cannot help thinking that peculiarities of constitutionand morbid conditions of system (especially affections of the stomach)are principally concerned in modifying (either increasing or diminishing)the tolerance to this salt. I do not think that the different effectsobserved can be wholly ascribed to alterations in the quality oradulterations of the medicine employed, though I have published a case{Med. Gaz. vol. xvii. p. 839), shewing that the adulterated is much lessactive than the pure salt.

Uses. —Having so fully detailed (p. 117 et seq.) the uses of iodine, itis unnecessary to notice at any length those of iodide of potassium, sincethey are for the most part identical. Thus it has been employed inbronchocele, scrofula, in chronic diseases accompanied with indurationand enlargement of various organs, in leucorrhcea, secondary syphilis,periostitis, articular rheumatism, dropsies, &c. As a remedy for thehard periosteal node brought on by syphilis, it was first employed byDr. Williams {Med. Gaz. vol. xiv. p. 42) who obtained with it uniformsuccess. At the end of from five to ten days its mitigating effects arefelt; the pains are relieved, the node begins to subside, and in themajority of cases disappears altogether. In these cases Dr. Clendinning{Med. Gaz. vol. xv. p. 833) has also borne testimony to its efficacy. Inthe tubercular forms of venereal eruptions, Dr. Williams found itbeneficial. In Dr. Wallace’s lectures {Lancet, for 1835-36, vol. ii. and for1836 and 1837, vols. i. and ii.) are some valuable observations on the useof iodide of potassium in venereal diseases. In chronic rheumatismaccompanied with alteration in the condition of the textures of the joint,it is, in some cases, remarkably successful (Dr. Clendinning, Med. Gaz.vol. xv. p.866 ; and Dr. Macleod, Med. Gaz. vol. xxi. p. 361). As aningredient for baths, Lugol {Essays, p. 75) found the iodide would notanswer alone, but that it was useful as a solvent means for iodine.

Administration. —Iodide of potassium may be employed alone or in