AMMONIA

or spirits of hartshorn, applied externally in strong solution produces redne of the skin. It is used a3 a counter-irritant in certain liniments, e.g., compound camphor liniment. {n dilute solution ammonia is sooth i to the skin and is useful for insect stings, When inhaled it stimulates the heart, but it is irritating to the air pa ages. Hence smelling salts, which consist mainly of ammonia, must not be applied to the nose of an unconscious patient for long. Taken internally in tho form of sal volatile, tho heart and stomach are stimulated. It is thus useful for a fainting fit or to disperse wind. The dose of sal volatile is half a teaspoonful in water for an adult. [Refer to Poisons.] AN 25X14, literally “ without blood,” means poverty of the blood. One form, common in y girls, is named chlorosis, from the yellowish-green ea x it causes. The cause may be lack of fresh air and exercise, unsuitable diet and constipation or the presence of some constitutional disease such as phthisis, rheumatism, etc. The symptoms are pallor of the face, lips, and gums, lack of energy, shortne of breath, faintne , want of appetite, and often indigestion. The treatment consists in determining whether any constitutional discase is the cause, and if so treating this; if not, much can be do no by rest, fresh air, attention to the bowels, and by a course of iron. Iron is best taken freely diluted by adding forty drops of the tincture of perchloride of iron to a pint of lemonade, drunk during the day after meals. Tho absence of the monthly lo should not be treated, as this will become normal when the general health has improved. [s. 331]