Treatment of Poisoning. - Diffusible stimulants, atropine, strychnine - the same treatment as in poisoning by acetanilid.

Therapeutics. - Externally and Locally. - Salicylic acid has been satisfactorily employed, in the strength of 1/2 to 1 dram in 1 ounce (2-4 in 32 Gm.) of petrolatum, in the treatment of erysipelas.

In the treatment of chancroid salicylic acid has been extensively employed. The powdered acid should be thoroughly dusted over the surface.

The peculiar action of salicylic acid in softening and loosening thickened masses of epidermis and favoring the normal proliferation of epithelium renders the drug especially useful in the treatment of indurated eczema, particularly of the palm and sole, verruca, tylosis, callositas, corns, warts, etc.

It is one of the most useful drugs in the treatment of forms of eczema, impetigo contagiosa, psoriasis, lupus, parasitic affections, and in non-parasitic sycosis. It has been used successfully in the treatment of acne, comedones, and pruritus. A 3 per cent. solution has been recommended in aspergillus of the outer auditory meatus. A wash, 3 grains to 1 ounce (0.2 to 30 Cc.) is efficient in otorrhea. Solutions of varying strengths are frequently useful in acute coryza, diphtheria, inflammation of fauces, catarrhal stomatitis, and to correct offensive expectoration, especially in phthisis and gangrene of the lung.

Internally. - There is no better example of empiricism in therapeutics than the employment of salicylic acid in acute articular rheumatism. Used at first in this disease to reduce temperature, it was found that while it exerted marked antipyretic action, it also lessened the pain and swelling, and in the majority of cases shortened the duration of the disease. It cannot be classed as a "specific" in any sense of the word, but merely relieves certain symptoms - fever, pain, and swelling. Other symptoms - or complications, according to some authors - such as heart affections, are uninfluenced by this medicine. It has no power to prevent either affections of the heart or relapses.

Rheumatic tetanus, iridochoroiditis, and sclerotitis are alleged to have been cured by this drug. It is useful in gout to relieve pain, but does not seem to influence the disease, and is of no particular value in chronic or gonorrheal rheumatism, rheumatic arthritis, or rheumatic hyperpyrexia.

It is credited with being quite efficient in chorea of rheumatic origin, and in relieving the pains of herpes zoster and neuralgic headache.

It is a drug to be tried in many diseases of rheumatic or neuralgic character, unless some distinct contraindication to its use exists. It surpasses any drug, with the possible exception of guaiac, in the treatment of quinsy, and particularly infectious tonsillitis. The medicine is highly regarded by competent advocates as a remedy in diphtheria. Lumbago often yields to its influence, and it has also been recommended in sciatica, which in the very mild cases is helped somewhat.

It is a useful antizymotic to prevent putrefactive fermentation and flatulence, and lessen thereby the tendency to crapulous diarrhea. It is of service in some cases of diabetes.

It has been found of use in influenza, and is an efficient antiseptic remedy in chronic gastric catarrh, diarrhea, cholera, and enterocolitis. By some eminent clinicians it is considered to be one of the most effectual remedies in pleurisy with effusion.

It has been recommended as an effectual anthelmintic, both for tape- and round-worms.

Contraindications. - Salicylic acid should not be given in large doses to persons who have a weak heart or are otherwise greatly debilitated, at least not without counteracting its toxic tendencies with nutrients and diffusible stimulants.

Administration. - Owing to its irritant action upon the mucous membrane, it is best given in a solution of glycerin and some aromatic water, after meals. So concentrated a form as a pill or capsule is not recommended.

Many of the untoward cerebral effects may be relieved by giving 20 grains (1.3 Gm.) of sodium or potassium bromide.

If any benefit is to be derived from salicylic acid in acute articular rheumatism, it must be used early in the disease and in heroic doses at comparatively frequent intervals - not less than 20 grains (1.3 Gm.) every two, three, or four hours for an adult. If too serious gastric and cerebral symptoms manifest themselves, the drug may be decreased in amount or discontinued until the unpleasant action subsides. It is better, except in acute articular rheumatism, to give a small dose, repeated frequently, than to administer a full dose at once.

The physiological action and therapeutics of lithium salicylate are practically the same as those of salicylic acid or sodium salicylate. It is, however, richer in salicylic acid than the sodium salt, and in gout and chronic rheumatism has been thought to be of more value than salicylic acid. It should be given in solution.

Sodium salicylate is identical in physiological action and uses with salicylic acid, with the exception that it is less irritating to the stomach, and is therefore ordinarily to be preferred to the acid.

It may be prescribed in aromatic water, in syrup, or in powder, pills, or capsules.