In general it may be stated that iodoform is now used in all the wounds, injuries, diseases, requiring the action of an antiseptic. Chancres, ulcers, sloughing and phagedenic ulcers, surgical operations, etc., are especially benefited by its application. It is, above all topical remedies, the most appropriate for gunshot wounds and injuries (Mundy). As an antiseptic remedy, it has hardly kept the position originally attained, for it has proved to be less destructive of pathogenic organisms than was supposed during the period of "iodoform mania." Notwithstanding this change in opinion and practice as to its utility in surgical maladies, there has been a steady growth in the appreciation of iodoform in certain diseases of internal organs—in phthisis, hepatic disorders, malarial troubles, etc.

For internal use the dose of iodoform will range between one half a grain to five grains, but the usual dose for an adult, free from any idiosyncrasy as to its action, is two grains, three to six times a day. The most suitable form for administration is the pill, or capsule; but for some affections, solution in cod-liver oil makes an advantageous preparation.

In chronic gastric catarrh, gastro-duodenal catarrh, and when the catarrhal process invades the hepatic and pancreatic ducts, iodoform renders an important service. It checks fermentation, and modifies the catarrhal troubles. The most conspicuous and valuable effects are those produced in catarrhal jaundice—for the remedy not only lessens or removes the morbid action going on in the liver-ducts, but it promotes elimination of the bile acids and pigment contained in the blood. The author has reason to believe that cirrhosis of the liver, if the disease is not too far advanced, especially the hypertrophic form, may be arrested by the diligent and persistent use of iodoform in moderate doses. Combination with the salts of manganese—the sulphate chiefly—increases the action, and has been ascertained to be peculiarly effective in gouty subjects.

In chronic dysentery, good results have been obtained by iodoform injections (Culbertson). The systemic effects of iodoform are sedative and resolvent (Kirsch), and it has been applied with some success in phthisis and in strumous affections, but has not proved useful in syphilitic adenitis, although a priori it would appear to be clearly indicated. There is much evidence that it is beneficial in the more chronic cases of phthisis, and in those originating in chronic bronchitis and in exudative pleuritis, but examples showing its remarkable power in phthisis florida have also been recently published. In a highly interesting and valuable paper read by Dr. Shingleton Smith before the International Medical Congress, he presents the results obtained from its internal administration by numerous observers in various countries. All forms of phthisis are included, and the results of the practice as reported by such authorities as Prof. Semmola, of Naples; Dr. Cols-feld, of Bremen; Drs. Rummo and Renzi; Dr. Dreschfeld, of Manchester, and Dr. Shingleton Smith, are included in the summary. The therapeutical effects were gain in weight, increase of appetite, lessening of cough and expectoration, lowering of the temperature, and decided diminution, often entire suppression, of sweating. Although, as has been stated, iodoform is not one of the more active germicides, it is very destructive of the bacillus tuberculosis, which is remarkably inhibited, and its pullulation prevented. "With the internal treatment the topical may be combined, the iodoform in the finest powder, applied by means of an insufflator, or the ethereal solution, inhaled. Also, simultaneously, ethyl iodide can be inhaled, with or without iodoform dissolved in it. Drs. Renzi and Rummo have ascertained that the systemic effects of iodoform are more promptly and powerfully produced when this agent is taken by inhalation than when it is administered by the stomach.

In cases characterized by insufficient oxidation, as the so-called lithaemia, diabetes, obesity, etc., iodoform has proved highly effective in some instances. The amount of testimony in regard to its beneficial action in diabetes is quite considerable. The physiological basis for its administration in these maladies consists in its power to increase the conversion of uric acid into urea, and to promote combustion of the nitrogenous material submitted to its action (Testa, Moleschott, Ransome, and others). In cases of obesity, it is highly effective, as compared to the influence of other remedies; but it should not be forgotten that it causes rapid wasting and anaemia, probably because of the injury done to the red blood-corpuscles (Bozzolo), and hence it must be administered with caution, and in combination with other remedies that will lessen its injurious action on nutrition. Moleschott reports that, in five cases of diabetes, iodoform, in doses of one and a half to three grains, rapidly reduced the quantity of sugar and caused its disappearance in four or five days, although no change in diet had been made. If these extraordinary results are confirmed by the experience of others, it will be impossible to overestimate the value of iodoform as a remedy.

The susceptibility to the toxic action of iodoform varies so greatly that no arbitrary rule of dosage can be properly made. One grain may, if given frequently, cause iodism in some subjects; on the other hand, three-grain doses may be continued for a long time without any unpleasant effects. Gastric disorder, drowsiness, maniacal excitement, weakness, impaired locomotion, rapid wasting, fever, etc., are symptoms that may arise during the administration of this remedy in moderate doses.