m
in one-half ounce doses every four hours has succeeded well in some
hands. In severe cases, as a rule, it is desirable to begin treatment by
a dose of aloes (4 to 6 drams) with the above-named dose of bromid of
potassium, and this latter may be continued at intervals of four or six
hours, as may be requisite to calm the nervous excitement. Fomentations
with warm water over the loins are always useful in calming the
excitable conditions of the spinal cord, muscles, liver, and kidneys,
and also in favoring secretion from the two latter. On the second day
diuretics may be resorted to, such as saltpeter one-half ounce, and
powdered colchicum, one-half dram, to be repeated twice daily. A
laxative may be repeated in three or four days should the bowels seem to
demand it, and as the nervous excitement disappears any remaining
muscular weakness or paralysis may be treated by one-half dram doses of
nux vomica twice a day and a stimulating liniment (aqua ammonia and
sweet oil in equal proportions) rubbed on the torpid muscles.

During the course of the disease friction to the limbs is useful, and in
the advanced paralytic stage the application of electricity along the
line of the affected muscles. When the patient can not stand he must
have a thick, soft bed, and should be turned from side to side at least
every twelve hours. As soon as he can be made to stand he may be helped
up and even supported in a sling.

ACUTE INFLAMMATION OF THE KIDNEYS, OR ACUTE NEPHRITIS.

Inflammations of the kidneys have been differentiated widely, according
as they were acute or chronic, parenchymatous or tubal, suppurative or
not, with increased or shrunken kidney, etc. In a work like the present,
however, utility will be consulted by classing all under acute or
chronic inflammation.

_Causes._--The causes of inflammation of the kidneys are extremely
varied. Congestion occurs from the altered and irritant products passed
through these organs during recovery from inflammations of other organs
and during fevers. This may last only during the existence of its cause,
or may persist and become aggravated. Heart disease, throwing the blood
pressure back on the veins and kidneys, is another cause. Disease of the
ureter or bladder, preventing the escape of urine from the kidney and
causing increased fullness and tension in its pelvis and tubes, will
determine inflammation. Decomposition of the detained urine in such
cases and the production of ammon