Selected monographs on dermatology / P.G. Unna [and others].

Date:
1893
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Selected monographs on dermatology / P.G. Unna [and others]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    501/636 (page 483)
    Tests for Mercury. The most certain method of detecting mercury in the urine is by electrolysis, that is, by causing it to be de- posited, in a metallic state, upon either gold or copper (or certain other metals), and then examining the deposit for its identity. Take a piece of bright gold wire (or some other smooth by the external application o£ mercurials. He points out that these erup- tions have recurred in the same patient with the repeated administration of mercury, either in the same or a varied preparation, and have followed, not only the internal exhibition of the drug, but also the external application of Neapolitan ointment, sublimate dressings, and the acid nitrate, vagino- ivterine injections of the sublimate or biniodide, a calomel enema, and the inhalation of fumes. Gaucherant recognized three forms of eruption, viz., the scarlatiniform, the usual type ; the'*eczematous, described by Alley ; and other rare forms (rubeoliforin,$urticate, &c). Morel-Lavallee considers a classification founded on the elementary lesions to be antiquated, and thinks that, if any grouping of the cases be called for, it would be better to have regard to the gravity and duration of the disturbance, and to note a discrete, fugacious and insignificant form (H. mitis), an intense form, and a grave or even malignant form (H. maligna). He does not accept Alley's second class simplex febrilis because amongst those cases which can be regarded as mites, judged by their duration and reaction upon the economy, a great number have commenced by general symptoms and a febrile malaise, at least in the invasion period, and, on the other hand, in more severe cases febrile movement has been slight or absent. The habitual type of the eruption is scarlatiniform, but, as far as our limited knowledge of the effects of intoxication by vagino-uterine injections goes, such eruptions incline rather to take on the polymorphic aspect of a macular, papular, or urticated roseola. Morel-Lavallee gives the following analysis of the twenty-two cases collected by him. The hydrargyrie succeeded the ingestion of the first dose at the following intervals of time : after several weeks, four times ; after some days, five times ; from a day to several hours, nine times. In most cases only a single dose was given. The existence of prodromata is the rule. They are almost nothing in the slight cases, where the itching and burning dryness of the teguments precede by very little the eruption, which, however, at times, when it is very discrete, shows itself at once. It is usual to see them inaugurate the affection with a suddenness and intensity sufficient to stimulate fever. It is a sudden illness, with violent fever, in- somnia, cephalalgia, dryness of mouth and pharynx, anorexia, and general aching or a shiver. These symptoms subside, as a rule, on the appearance of the eruption, except in grave cases. In one case there was photophobia; in one, loss of voice. The eruption commences in different ways, most often by plaques of various dimensions, not prominent, with sinuous contours, dis-