The American Homoeopathist Volume 26

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1900 edition. Excerpt: ...and I am glad of this opportunity to impress the fact that iodoform often produces some serious results. For many years iodoform in powder, or mingled in the meshes of gauze, has been the chief reliance of the surgeon in the treatment of wounds and post-operative conditions. Its clinging odor, though seldom objectionable to the surgeon, is often very disagreeably so to patients and their friends, and has led to much investigation for a substitute, but usually we have gone back to the yellow powder, odor and all. My attention some time ago was directed to another iodine compound (nosophen) which I have used quite extensively and with very excellent results. The severe toxic effects noticed after the use of large quantities of iodoform, while not clearly understood, are supposed to be due to the liberation of iodine and its absorbtion by nerve structures (Klebs), but according to Bing and Luntz the iodine which is bound to phenol in nosophen is not set free in the body. Be it as it may, I have given nosophen a very thorough trial and have as yet discovered no untoward effect from its use. In minor surgery of almost any kind and in major operations the same useful action has been observed. A very useful application of this agent is in chancroids. The ulcer is thoroughly treated with hydrogen peroxide, or, better, pyrozone, and then dusted with nosophen, and the result will invariably be a speedy healing with no more attention or anxiety than though it were a simple ulcer. Washing the penis in a solution of antinosine, drying the organ, and dusting with nosophen is a very effective treatment for herpes preputialis. I might enumerate many such practical uses of both drugs, but can dispose of the subject by saying that in private...