Note 5 — OF THE SYMPTOMS OF THE FIRST STAGE OF LUES.

Mercury.

The preparations of mercury are various: but those chiefly employed in the treatment of syphilis are the oxymuriate, or bi-chloride, the submuriate, or chloride, the red precipitate, or the hydrargyri nitrico-oxydum, the blue pill, the red sulphate for fumigations, and the blue ointment.

Ptyalism or salivation, which implies an extraordinary secretion of the salivary and other glands, occasioned by the taking of mercury, inasmuch that when carried to an unwarrantable extent, ulceration is the consequence, may be produced by the internal exhibition or external application of almost any of its preparations. With this view, however, the blue pill is usually administered in doses of five grains twice a day, or the blue ointment is directed to be rubbed in on the inner part of the legs and thighs, in quantities varying from one to two drachms night and morning. Mercury, when given to excite ptyalism, is generally taken in conjunction with sarsaparilla (see Form 51, or the fluid extract). The symptoms whereby the effects of mercury are ascertained, are a coppery taste in the mouth, followed by a tenderness of the gums on mastication, an increased flow of the saliva, and a peculiar fœtor of the breath. It is usual, on the tainted taste being perceptible, to diminish or discontinue the further use of the medicine, unless the case be very severe, or merely to keep up the effect produced. But it can not be denied that, although sufficiently manageable in scientific hands, mercury, or any one of its preparations, is too powerful to be taken indiscriminately.