Dr. F. Engelmann, in Cent. f.  Gyn., claims that acetic acid possesses equally as good antiseptic properties as carbolic acid; in fact, that it is to be preferred, as it is completely harmless, even if used in concentrated solutions, and that it is a valuable haemostatic, an advantageous addition particularly in obstetrics.  Another important property is its ease of transition into the tissues, which, according to Engelmann’s experiments, is by far greater than that of all the other antiseptics.  Of bichloride it is well known that it forms an insoluble combination with albumen, and can therefore act only on the surface, while acetic acid extends into the deeper tissues with ease.

Acetic acid also affects the metal of the instruments, but not as severely as the bichloride; the forceps, for instance, may be placed for a quarter of an hour in an irrigator filled with a three per cent. solution of acetic acid without being injured.

A pleasant effect of acetic acid is that it softens and lubricates the skin.  The author generally used a three per cent. solution; at times he has made use of a five per cent. solution, which would easily cause a painful burning at sore places, so that he only used the latter strength in septic cases, as the three per cent. solution proved to be a satisfactory antiseptic for general purposes.

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COUNTER-IRRITATION IN WHOOPING COUGH.

By G.F.  INGLOTT, M.D.

To combat this often distressing disease I have tried the administration of several medicines, namely, bromide of potassium, asafoetida, valerian, morphine, belladonna, etc., and I have very closely watched their effects, but none of them proved of much use.  Having observed, however, that during the late cholera epidemic some of the patients admitted into the hospital under my medical charge slept well, had their anxiety improved, and some of them ultimately recovered, after the application of a strong counter-irritation of the pneumogastric nerves in the neck, namely, between the mastoid process and the angle of the lower jaw, I tried the same treatment on whooping patients, and I have no hesitation in stating that the result was very satisfactory.  I may quote one single case of the many I have had under treatment.

A boy, aged twelve years, of weak constitution, was suffering from frequent and intense attacks of whooping cough.  At a time the fits were so vehement that blood came out of his eyes and mouth.  The case was a severe one, and I thought it would very likely end fatally.  I prescribed several medicines, and even subcutaneous injections of morphine, but without any avail.  I then tried for the first time the counter-irritation on both sides of the neck, and this means acted like magic.  In four or five days the patient recovered, and was able to go to school.  Since that time I have been applying the same treatment, either on the right side only or on both, with the greatest benefit.—­Br.  Med.  Jour.