A related product. Diethyl-malonyl urea, C(C2H5)2CO(CONH)2. Properties. - A white crystalline powder, soluble in 145 parts of cold water and 12 parts of boiling water. Slightly bitterish taste. Dose. - 8-15 grains (0.5-1 Gm.).

Therapeutics. - A valuable hypnotic of marked action and little after-effects in small doses, save some mild headache. Following large doses, considerable dizziness, and even delirium has been observed. Tolerance does not seem to be readily established. It is valuable in the insomnia of hemorrhage following childbirth, and is useful in mild maniacal excitement. The reports thus far published seem to indicate that it is reliable and safe if given in doses not to exeed 10 or 15 grains (0.6-1 Gm.).

Of the aldehydes paraldehyde is the oldest and best known. With the vast accession of new and reliable hypnotics there is little occasion to give this disagreeable substance. It is safe, however.

Sulphonal, trional, and tetronal are three newer hypnotics of this general chemical group. They are sulphons, methane hydrocarbons synthetized with sulphur.