Potassa Sulphurata

Sulphurated potassa has a brownish-yellow color when freshly broken. It dissolves in water, with the exception of a slight residue, and forms an orange-yellow solution, which exhales the odor of hydrosulphuric acid. Dose, gr. j—gr. v.

Calx Sulphurata

Sulphurated lime. A mixture containing at least 60 per cent of calcium monosulphide. A greenish-gray powder, having a strong odor of sulphureted hydrogen. Dose, gr. j—gr. v.

Antagonists and Incompatibles

Solutions of the sulphides are decomposed by the mineral acids, sulphureted hydrogen being liberated and sulphur precipitated. Solutions of the metals, generally, are also incompatible with the sulphides of potassium and calcium, for, in the decomposition which ensues, the metals are precipitated in the form of insoluble sulphides. Hence it is that these preparations have been proposed as antidotes to the metallic poisons. Chlorine-water, chlorides of sodium and potassium, sulphate of iron, etc., are chemical antidotes.

Synergists

All agents promoting waste are, therapeutically considered, synergistic. Alkalies favor their action, both chemically and physiologically.

Physiological Actions

These preparations have a decidedly nauseous taste and smell, and are somewhat irritant. In the stomach they excite a sense of heat, and in sufficient quantity cause gastro-enteritis, with all the attendant symptoms belonging to irritant poisons. Disagreeable eructations of sulphureted hydrogen take place when they are administered medicinally, owing to the reactions in the presence of an acid alluded to above. They stimulate the secretion of the gastrointestinal canal, and are laxative. The fetor of the stools is increased by their use, a result not altogether due to the evolved sulphureted hydrogen, but to the increased action of those intestinal glands concerned in elimination. As the sulphides pass easily to the state of sulphates by the action of oxygen, it may be assumed that a part of their physiological effects is produced by the latter salts. They, however, undoubtedly exercise a toxic action on the blood, impairing the red blood-globules, and increasing the amount of effete material. Emaciation, muscular weakness, and trembling, and a feeble circulation, are results of their use in large amount, or for lengthened periods. It is true that some acceleration of the pulse-rate and increase of secretion of the mucous surfaces follow their medicinal administration for a short period and in moderate doses; but the prolonged inhalation of sulphureted hydrogen, or the prolonged internal use of the sulphides, causes great anaemia, wasting, and debility.

Therapy

The waters of the well-known Blue Lick Springs, and others, of Kentucky, which are almost identical in composition with the famous Harrogate, of England, may be substituted for the sulphides in many of the cases in which the latter are useful.

The Blue Lick waters are useful in abdominal plethora. A pint taken before breakfast is an efficient laxative, which is indicated in cases of habitual constipation from deficient secretion of the intestinal juices. Four ounces taken before each meal is an excellent remedy for obesity. Engorgement of the pelvic viscera in women, and haemorrhoids in both sexes, when due to torpor of the portal circulation, are relieved by the same agent. For these purposes the Blue Lick waters may be taken for several weeks or even months, but their use should be discontinued when anaemia is threatened. In anaemic subjects, chalybeates and a generous diet should be conjointly administered. The author has observed excellent results from the prolonged use of this water in glandular affections, hepatic, splenic, uterine, and of the prostate.

A succession of common boils, scrofulous and other abscesses, are, it is said, made to mature, and the expulsion of the pus is favored by the use of the sulphides. When abscesses are threatened, and before matter is formed, the sulphides, it is claimed, may cause them to abort. Small doses (gr. ss—gr. j) frequently repeated (every hour or two) are said to be most effective under these circumstances. Since the publication of the last edition of this work, rectal injection of gases obtained from natural waters corresponding in composition to the Kentucky Blue Lick has been brought forward. A century ago Priestley and others advocated this expedient, but the method did not appeal to the practical talent of the profession, and hence fell into complete desuetude. Its revival was due to the discovery of Bernard, that sulphureted-hydrogen gas and carbonic-acid gas, when thrown into the rectum, escape quickly from the lungs, and hence do not reach the nerve-centers. In passing through the lungs, morbid processes, morbific germs, etc., are acted on by the gas. The discovery of the bacillus tuberculosis was the next step, and after this the utilization of Bernard's discovery. Already the rectal injection of the gases is being superseded by the more direct and facile inhalation of the same agents.