ALOMINO-SULPHATE OF POTASH.

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lity of the stomach and bowels, as in the case of the lady in whom dan-gerous gastro-enteritis was apparently induced by a single dose of a solu-tion containing between 10 and 20 grains of burnt alum (Ann. dHyg.Publique et de Med. Leg. i.) Ordinarily, however, tolerably large dosesof alum may be given without any unpleasant effects. Thus ProfessorDumeril has given a drachm, properly diluted, in chronic diarrhoeas,within twenty-four hours: Professor Marc, two drachms, in passivehemorrhages, within the same period of time : and MM. Kapeler andGendrin have administered 3 drachms, at one dose, in colica pictonum.(Devergie, Med. Leg. ii. 656.)

After its absorption, alum appears to act as an astringent or astringent-tonic on the system generally, and to produce more or less general astric-tion of the tissues and fibres, and a diminution of secretion. Such atleast appears to be its effects in some passive hemorrhages and mucousdischarges. Barbier ( Traite Element, de Mat. Med. 2d ed. i. 440) saysalum “ irritates the lungs and often provokes cough,” but I am not awareof any other practitioner having confirmed this statement. Kraus ( Heil-mittellehre, 255) observes, that the urine becomes remarkably acid fromthe use of alum.

Uses. —Alum is employed both as an external or topical, and as aninternal remedy.

(a.) As a topical remedy. —Burnt or calcined alum is employed as avery mild escharotic to destroy exuberant spongy granulations, commonlyknown by the name of proud flesh.

Solutions of alum are sometimes employed to produce contraction orcorrugation of the tissues, and thereby to prevent displacements of parts,especially when accompanied with excessive secretion. Thus it is usedas a gargle in relaxation of the uvula with evident advantage. In theearly stage of prolapsus of the rectum, a solution of alum, applied as awash, is sometimes of service, especially when the disease occurs ininfants. Washes or injections containing alum are of occasional benefitin prolapsus of the uterus.

In hemorrhages, whether proceeding from an exhalation or exudationfrom the extremities or pores of the minute vessels, or from the rupture ofa blood-vessel, a solution, or, in some cases, the powder of alum, may beused with advantage as a styptic, to constringe the capillary vessels, andclose their bleeding orifices. Thus in epistaxis, when it is consideredadvisable to arrest the hemorrhage, assistance may be gained by theinjection of a solution of alum into the nostrils, or by the introduction oflint moistened with the solution. Where this fails to give relief, finelypowdered alum may be employed in the manner of snuff. In hemor-rhage from the mouth or throat, gargles containing alum are useful. Inhsematemesis, as well as in intestinal hemorrhage, alum whey may beadministered, though of course-no reliance can be placed on it, as thehemorrhage usually depends on circumstances which astringents merelycannot be expected to obviate. In uterine hemorrhage a sponge soakedin a solution of alum may be introduced into the vagina with good effect.To check the hemorrhoidal flux when immoderate, washes or enematacontaining alum may be employed. To stop the bleeding after leechbites in children, a saturated solution, or the powder of alum, may beapplied to the punctures.

In certain inflammations, alum has been used as a repellent-, that is, it