the
limbs, intense feeling of coldness, with real coldness of the surfaces,
profound apathy, and a sense of utter weariness develop; then a dark
spot appears on the nose or one of the extremities, all sensibility is
lost in the affected part, the skin assumes a livid red hue, and
adynamic symptoms in severe cases deepen as the gangrene spreads, until
finally death ensues. Very generally the appetite and digestion are
preserved to the last, and not rarely there is a most ferocious hunger.
Wood also mentions a species of ergotism characterized by epileptic
paroxysms, which he calls "spasmodic ergotism." Prentiss mentions a
brunette of forty-two, under the influence of ergot, who exhibited a
peculiar depression of spirits with hysteric phenomena, although
deriving much benefit from the administration of the drug from the
hemorrhage caused by uterine fibroids. After taking ergot for three
days she felt like crying all the time, became irritable, and stayed in
bed, being all day in tears. The natural disposition of the patient was
entirely opposed to these manifestations, as she was even-tempered and
exceptionally pleasant.

In addition to the instance of the fatal ingestion of a dose of Epsom
salts already quoted, Lang mentions a woman of thirty-five who took
four ounces of this purge. She experienced burning pain in the stomach
and bowels, together with a sense of asphyxiation. There was no
purging or vomiting, but she became paralyzed and entered a state of
coma, dying fifteen minutes after ingestion.

Iodin Preparations.--The eruptions following the administration of
small doses of potassium iodid are frequently noticed, and at the same
time large quantities of albumin have been seen in the urine. Potassium
iodid, although generally spoken of as a poisonous drug, by gradually
increasing the dose can be given in such enormous quantities as to be
almost beyond the bounds of credence, several drams being given at a
dose. On the other hand, eight grains have produced alarming symptoms.
In the extensive use of iodoform as a dressing instances of untoward
effects, and even fatal ones, have been noticed, the majority of them
being due to careless and injudicious application. In a French journal
there is mentioned the history of a man of twenty-five, suspected of
urethral ulceration, who submitted to the local application of one gram
of iodoform. Deep narcosis and anesthesia were induced, and two hours
after awakening his b