Scrofula. So far as concerns the dispersion of scrofulous swellings, whether in the glands, or elsewhere, if there has been no deposition of tubercle, and no acuteness of inflammatory action remain, iodine will prove not less efficacious, probably, than in the affection just treated of. in cases of tuberculous deposition in the glands, it is in vain to expect resolution under this or any other remedy, until the offending matter has been discharged. it is possible that the tubercle in the gland may sometimes go through a series of changes ending in its absorption, after which the swelling will disappear; but I doubt extremely whether iodine has any influence in promoting these changes. Most frequently the tubercle softens, excites suppuration, and is in this manner eliminated; but neither has iodine, as I believe, any power of forwarding this process. I have used it often in tuberculous affections; and never had any reason to suppose, in any one instance, that it had either prevented the deposition of tubercle, or facilitated its absorption or elimination. But when, a,s often happens, the scrofulous diathesis exhibits itself merely in the production of chronic tumefactions, the result of a low feeble inflammation, without the formation of tuberculous matter, iodine, generally or locally used, is an admirable remedy. in the indurations which sometimes remain after the discharge of the tubercle, it may also serve a good purpose by promoting complete resolution.

Even more efficacious than in mere scrofulous swellings, is this remedy often in obstinate scrofulous ulcers. it operates like a charm in many of these cases, when the ulceration seems to be kept up by a perverted tendency in the system, without the presence of tuberculous matter. The same may be said of other scrofulous affections, as of the skin, the eyes, the ligaments, even the bones and the joints, in all of which good may be hoped for from it under the circumstances mentioned. in white swelling of the joints, and in the same affection of the spinal column, whether before or after caries and suppuration, the remedy should be used, in the hope of changing the morbid action in the part affected.

* it is well known that goitre prevails preferably in certain localities, upon removal from which the patient often rapidly recovers. The idea has been advanced that the affection, as it occurs among the Alps of Switzerland and Savoy, may be owing to the absence of iodine from the waters drank by the inhabitants. it has also been suggested that the iodine contained in natural waters may be consumed by the fungous plants which constitute the green scum upon their surface; and it has been noticed that the use of such waters, in certain localities, has been attended with the occurrences of goitres, which have disappeared upon the substitution of rain-water for drink. [Journ. de Pharm., Avril, 1858, p. 273.) - Note to the second edition.

In scrofulous affections, iodine may be used internally, topically to the diseased part, and in the form of bath, in order to impregnate the system. Peculiar care should be taken never to allow it to disturb the digestive function, or in any other way to impair the general health.

In all anemic cases of scrofula, it should be conjoined with the chalybeates; or the iodide of iron may be substituted for its other preparations.

In phthisis, in which much was at one time expected from iodine, and in which, from its analogy or identity with scrofula, there seemed good reasons for expecting much, I believe that it is utterly useless, so far as concerns the prevention, or the cure of tubercle. This disease so often spontaneously halts for a time in its march, and gives such fair promises of amendment, that nothing has been more common than to ascribe efficiency to medicines, which may have been administered at the time of the change; and hence a great number of supposed remedies have acquired a temporary reputation in its treatment. iodine is among them. As it is incompetent to correct the scrofulous diathesis, so is it also equally inadequate to the prevention or the cure of phthisis; and all that can be expected from it is to correct incidental local affections, similar to those attendant on external scrofula, when not dependent on the immediate presence of tuberculous matter.

In tabes mesenterica, or enlarged mesenteric glands, and in a similar affection of the bronchial glands, good might be anticipated from it in a simple condition of chronic scrofulous inflammation without tubercles; but as, when these affections are obvious, more especially the former, they are very generally associated with this abnormal deposit, the remedy will as generally fail. Nevertheless, it may be resorted to in all cases, in the hope that the affection may be uncomplicated; while, if it be tuberculous, no injury will be done. The remedy may, in these cases, be employed in the form of bath, with special propriety.

In tuberculous peritonitis and meningitis, though it has been recommended in the latter affection, iodine is, I fear, useless. I have employed it in some instances, but have never had reason to suppose that it was of the least service in the fully formed disease. Nevertheless, in a treatise upon the subject, Dr. Bourrousse de Laffore endeavours to demonstrate the curability of tuberculous meningitis, especially in the earlier stages of deposition, and reports eight cases which he had treated successfully with large doses of iodide of potassium. (B. and F. Medico-chir. Rev., Jan. 1862, p. 236.) As it is often extremely difficult to diagnosticate between tuberculous and non-tuberculous meningitis, post-mortem examination being not unfrequently the only certain test, the suspicion is obvious that the cases cured may have belonged to the latter affection. But, even if this be admitted, the practical interest of this statement is great; as it is a highly important fact that eight cases of acute hydrocephalus, with symptoms of tuberculous meningitis, got well under this treatment. Dr. John Coldstream, in a communication to the Edinburgh Med. Journal (v. 503, a.d. 1859), also speaks very highly of this remedy in the head-affections of children, and thinks that acute hydrocephalus may often be prevented, and in its earlier stages cured by the iodide; and the probability is that, in cases of irritation or inflammation of the meninges, threatening the deposition of tubercles, in which, however, they have not yet been formed, the iodide of potassium may exercise a very favourable influence in preventing them.