in acute or
markedly inflammatory types; but is most useful in the sluggish, chronic
forms of the disease. The dose should never be pushed beyond slight
physiological action. It may be given as arsenious acid in pill form,
one-fiftieth to one-tenth of a grain three times daily, or as Fowler's
solution, three to ten minims at a dose.

_Alkalies_, of which liquor potassae is the most eligible. It is to be
given in ten to twenty minim doses, largely diluted. It is valuable in
robust, plethoric, rheumatic or gouty individuals with psoriasis of an
acute or markedly inflammatory type; it is not to be given to
debilitated or anaemic subjects.

_Salicin_, sodium salicylate, and salophen in moderately full doses act
well in some cases. Occasionally thyroid preparations have a good
effect.

_Potassium Iodide_, in doses of thirty to one hundred grains, t.d., acts
favorably in some instances; there are no special indications pointing
toward its selection, unless it be the existence of a gouty or rheumatic
diathesis.

Oil of copaiba, potassium acetate, oil of turpentine, oil of juniper,
and other diuretics are valuable in some instances, and, while often
failing, sometimes exert a rapid influence, especially in those cases in
which the disease is extensive and inflammatory. Wine of antimony, given
cautiously, is also sometimes of service in the acute inflammatory type
in robust subjects.

#Are such remedies as iron, quinine, nux vomica and cod-liver oil ever
useful in psoriasis?#

Yes. In debilitated subjects the administration of such remedies is at
times attended with improvement in the cutaneous eruption.

#What are the indications as regards the external measures?#

Removal of the scales, and the use of soothing or stimulating
applications, according to the individual case.

#How are the scales removed?#

In ordinary cases, either by warm, plain, or alkaline baths, or
hot-water-and-soap washings; in those cases in which the scaling is
abundant and adherent, washing with sapo viridis and hot water may be
required. Baths of sal ammoniac, two to six ounces to the bath are also
valuable in removing the scaliness. The tincture of green soap (tinctura
saponis viridis) is especially valuable for cleansing purposes in
psoriasis of the scalp. The hot vapor bath once or twice weekly is
serviceable in keeping the scaliness in abeyance, and has, moreover, in
some cases, a therapeutic value.

The frequency of the baths o