during
the paroxysm, with the most beneficial result.

I gave also oxygen inhalations a fair trial in the two cases. I find
them to act very soothingly in the simple asthma, facilitating
respiration after a few minutes; but during the paroxysmal stage they
cannot be utilized, for the reason that respiration is short and
rapid, and does not permit of a control in the quantity of the gas to
be inhaled. Consequently, it is either of little use as a remedy; or,
if too much is taken, a disagreeable headache will be the consequence.

During the catarrhal stage, which, however, was very mild compared
with last year, I derived great benefit from the administration of
codeine, in combination with terpine hydrate, in the pill form. The
codeine has the advantage over all other opium preparations that it
does not affect the digestive organs, and still acts in a soothing
manner. While during last year's sickness my patients lost from ten to
twenty pounds of their bodily weight, this year but one lost eight
pounds and the other five pounds.

As the etiology of this troublesome disease is yet enveloped in
obscurity, we may fairly conclude, by the success of my treatment, if
it should meet with the confirmation of the profession, that the much
pretended sensitive area, situated, according to Dr. Sajous, "at the
posterior end of the inferior turbinated bones and the corresponding
portion of the septum," or, according to Dr. John Mackenzie, who
locates this area "at the anterior extremity of the inferior
turbinated bone," need not necessarily be removed or destroyed by
cautery, in order to accomplish a cure of hay fever proper.

I examined my patients twice a week, and the closest rhinoscopical
exploration would not reveal the slightest pathological change in the
mucous membrane of the nares.

Now, what is the etiological factor of the disease? Is it a specific
germ conveyed by the air to the parts and--_locus minoris
resistencia_--deposited at the pretended area, or is the germinal
matter present in the nasal mucous membrane with certain persons, and
requires only at a certain time and under certain conditions
physiological stimulation to manifest periodical pathological changes,
which give rise to the train of symptoms called hay fever? Dropping
all hypothetical reasoning, I think some outside vegetable germ is
causing the disease in those predisposed, and peroxide of hydrogen
acts on them as it does on the pus corpuscles, _i.e.