(Auri Murias.) _Muriate of Gold._
[Gold was early used as a medicine. It fell however into total disrepute
until its use was a few years since revived in France. Although it has
attracted some attention lately, it can hardly be said to have reclaimed
a permanent place in the materia medica. The most striking effects which
it produces on the system, are an increase of urine and perspiration. It
has been recommended in glandular swellings, gleets, schirrus of the
uterus, scrofula, and dropsy. It is however as an antisyphilitic remedy
that it has been principally celebrated. According to Dr. Chrestien of
Montpelier, it would appear that gold was not merely adequate to the
cure of syphilis in all its forms, but that it possesses very great
advantages over mercury—It does not affect the gums, nor does it in any
way disturb the general health of the patient. Notwithstanding this warm
recommendation of Dr. Chrestien, it is still doubtful whether gold is
adequate to the cure of syphilis. The best form in which the gold can be
given is that of the muriate, prepared according to the directions of
the Pharmacopœia of the United States; of this the dose is one fifteenth
to one fourth of a grain, in pills, given every six, eight, or twelve
hours.]