which, if the alteration described by M. Cruveilhier were the effect of morbid irritation, would not be likely to occur. On the whole, however, we are strongly disposed to the opinion that the ramollissement gelatiniforme of Cruveilhier is a pseudomorbid phenomenon, and identical with that caused by the action of the gastric juice.

tissue, called vasa vasorum, are minutely injected, and form beautiful arborescences freely anastomosing over the surface of the arterial tube. These often are produced as a mere mechanical effect, or as the result of gravitation. The alterations of colour which the internal coat of arteries exhibits deserve particular attention. Every one must have observed that if an artery be slit open, its coagulum or blood removed, and its inner coat exposed to the air, it quickly acquires a bright red colour. Again, if the blood remain fluid for some time after death, if its fibrine be less contractile than in the healthy state, the inner coat of the arteries will be generally found to be deeply coloured. In examinations made when putrefaction has fully set in, a similar colouring of the same tissue will

In a true pathological softening there are uniformly present some additional signs of inflammation; thus, we sometimes have redness of the membrane, and generally an increased opacity and a thickening of the submucous tissue; and it may be indifferently found on all parts of the stomach, even where the gastric juice could not come in contact with it; moreover, here likewise we have not the black discoloration of the blood which is a remarkable character of the softening by the gas-uniformly be seen. Again, if a coagulum exist tric juice.

The perforation which results from this softening must be distinguished from that caused by inflammation or by rupture. The existence of signs of inflammation in the serous membrane would be unequivocal evidence; but sometimes the perforation or rupture occurs at too short a time prior to death to allow of the production of peritoneal inflammation, in which case the appearance of the margin of the opening, the state of the surrounding membrane, and of the submucous tissue, will assist in forming a conclusion.

in an artery, and the colouring matter have sunk to its most depending part, that portion of the inner coat will be coloured which is in contact with the colouring matter of the clot. Finally, by inclosing some blood in an artery, and keeping it there by ligatures, we are able to produce a red colour in its internal membrane. Such are the different ways in which a red colour or stain of the inner coat of arteries may be produced, very similar to that which is the first indication of inflammatory action in it. In veins similar discolorations, and from the same causes, are observed, and in them those arising post-mortem take place much more quickly than they do in arteries. The red colour of the inner membrane of either arteries or veins can be but little depended on as a sign of inflammation; nor, indeed, can we derive any conclusion from it at all unless it be accom panied with an albuminous exudation or other unequivocal product of inflammatory action.

We have alluded to the effect which the gastric fluid produces when brought into contact with the blood in the vessels of the stomach. The effect is nearly similar to that produced in the case of poisoning by acetic acid, related by Orfila in the Annales d'Hygiène for July, 1831, namely, a black or brownish black discoloration of the blood, without affecting the coats of the vessels. In the instance under consideration, however, the In the preceding detail of the various pseudo discoloration is not so extensive as in that of poi-morbid alterations which are to be met with in soning by the acid, the quantity of acid in the gastric juice being so small. But we sometimes meet with a brownish black discoloration from morbid action, which may be distinguished chiefly by the fact of its occupying the villi of the membrane, and by the gradation through which the colour passes from red to brown, and from brown to black; to which we may add that the discoloration by the gastric juice is most conspicuous inclusions suggested by the consideration of the subthe large trunks. The absence of all appearance of transudation, as well as the state of the other tissues, will sufficiently indicate that the black colour is not caused by putrefaction.

the principal tissues of the body, our design was, not to exhibit to the reader the difficulties in the way of forming a correct estimate of the condition of any structure, but to convince him, and is the most practical way, of the necessity for and utility of observing great caution in deciding upon the presence or absence of disease. We shall bring this article to a close by stating a few con

ject, which may serve as useful directions in making or recording post-mortem examinations.

1. Before proceeding to examine a body, the inspector should invariably ascertain, with as much accuracy as possible, the length of time which may have elapsed since the death, and it should be noted in the record of the inspection. The neglect of this has rendered many apparently va luable cases, noted in some of our standard works, utterly inconclusive. We allude more especially to cases in which serous effusion has been found round the brain or spinal marrow. 2. The reporter

In the parenchymatous viscera of the abdomen there are no pseudo-morbid appearances worthy of notice; they are chiefly such as are produced by mechanical obstacles to the free course of the blood, or such as are caused by the operation of the principle of gravitation. In some bad states of the blood the liver and spleen have been found softened in their texture to such a degree that they almost appeared to be thus altered by putre-of post-mortem inspections should in no case confaction; however, in general, the effect of putrefaction is to diminish the size of those organs, while the reverse often takes place in the case to which we allude.

6. The Blood-vessels.—It is not uncommon to find considerable vascularity of the cellular membrane forming the external investment of arteries. The minute vessels ramifying in this

tent himself with merely stating what he conceived to be the state of a tissue, as, for instance, that such a membrane was inflamed," but he should be careful to note, as clearly and as concisely may be, the appearances which presented them selves, and any concomitant circumstances calcu lated to unfold the true nature of those appearances, whether morbid or pseudo-morbid. This

precaution need not, however, preclude any remarks as to the impression conveyed at the time of examination, but it is obvious that it will have the advantage of recording a plain statement of facts, from which each reader may have equal means of deriving a conclusion. 3. There are some points respecting the examination of certain parts worthy of attention. In every case of suspected disease of the spinal marrow, the spinal canal should be opened before the head, in order to form an estimate of the precise quantity of fluid that may happen to be effused. The advantage of this is apparent from what we state respecting the free communication between the two portions of the cephalo-spinal fluid. The brain should not be removed from the cranium until the ventricles have been examined, that as little as possible of the fluid may escape. Of course this is only applicable where the head is opened before the spine. As to the manner of opening the head, we have generally preferred to do so by sharp and strong blows of a hammer, so as to crack the skull round, the head being supported by the other hand, and not placed upon so unyielding a fulcrum as a table or block. We have found this method preferable to that of sawing, which, we conceive, disturbs the parts more, and, unless the saw be very sharp, is always extremely tedious; not to men. tion the difficulty of preventing the saw from injuring the dura mater, or even the substance of

thickness and solidity. This affection is attended with heat and itching, which, although seldom altogether absent, become at times more intense and distressing: during the exacerbations the in flamed skin flushes with heat, and swells up into ridges like an erectile tissue.

Psoriasis varies much in the rapidity of its progress: it generally appears first in the form of small, red, shining spots which become covered with scales; and under these other scales are formed, while the first loosen and fall off. Thus the scales thicken, the spots multiply, enlarge, coalesce one with another, and form large patches. In other instances of this disease, considerable portions of the integument are affected at once, becoming rough, harsh and chopped. Psoriasis is usually preceded by languor, lassitude, and loss of appetite: and is accompanied in its early stage by more or less of febrile disturbance, which is always most strongly marked in those cases where the disease is suddenly developed. It is very often periodical in its attacks, disappearing and recurring with marked regularity at certain seasons of the year. In the case of a lady, whose leg has for many years been affected with a large patch of psoriasis inveterata, the disease uniformly disappears during pregnancy, leaving a pale, wrinkled surface similar to the scar of a burn.

Causes.-Psoriasis is not generally believed to be contagious; but Dr. Willan, (Bateman, Synop sis, p. 38,) it appears, had observed psoriasis guttata to occur among the children of the same school or family at the same time: and we remember to have been consulted by two ladies having this disease on their necks, who were impressed with the belief that they had received it from their female attendant. Its hereditary nature is generally admitted; and several instances in proof of this opinion are known to us. Psoriasis is more frequently seen among the lower than the upper classes of society, and oftener among females than males, occurring especially during disorder of the uterine functions, as in chlorosis and after parturition. Persons of a full habit and dark complexion are most subject to this disease; and a distinct tendency to it is indicated by a dry and husky state of the skin, with languor of the circulation. It is more especially a disease of cold climates, and its occurrence is much promoted by the keen, dry winds of spring, and the sudden alternations of temperature which take place both at that season and in autumn. Hence it has been observed to recur particularly at these periods for successive years, and to be then most aggravated; but we have known psoriasis to be most severe during the heats of summer.

PSORIASIS. The term psoriasis (scaly tetter; dartre squameuse,) from yúpa, à scab or itch, was first employed by Dr. Willan to denote a cutaneous disease, which consists essentially in a greater or less degree of inflammation of the rete mucosum and contiguous surface of the cutis; and in the secretion of an unhealthy epidermis, forming itself into scales which exfoliate, and are renewed with greater or less rapidity. The natural transpiration through the affected parts is almost completely interrupted, and its place supplied by the exuberant growth of a morbid cuticle. Psoriasis is so closely allied to lepra that some writers (Plumbe, On Diseases of the Skin; Duffin, in Edin. Med. and Sur. Journ. 1826, on Squamous Diseases,) have proposed to conjoin them under one head, which in a practical point of view would be attended with no inconvenience. Both are well-marked scaly diseases, and the difference between them consists in the more perfect circular regularity of lepra, its inflamed margin, raised scaly circumference, and usually depressed centre; while the outline of the patches of psoriasis is irregular, and their centre rather elevated than depressed. Yet the connection between the two diseases is so intimate, that Various occasional causes appear to give rise to we sometimes observe both forms of eruption in this disease; such as chilling the stomach by the same individual; spots of lepra being intermix-large draughts of cold water while heated, (Faled with the more irregular and extended patches of psoriasis.

The elementary character of psoriasis is a scaly surface with inflammation of the subjacent vascular tissue; but to these are generally superadded the formation of fissures and excoriations, discharging a thin fluid, which concretes into crusts, intermingled with or formed upon true scales; and in severe and protracted cases there also occurs overgrowth of the cutis, which acquires unnatural

coner, Memoirs Medic. Soc. London, vol. iii,); the sudden exposure of the body to cold after violent exercise, acid and indigestible substances taken into the stomach. In children psoriasis appears sometimes to originate from the irritation of denti. tion; and in adults it has been observed to arise during great mental anxiety, grief, and apprehension (Bateman, Synopsis, p. 38,)-most probably from the influence which these states of the mind exert over the digestive organs. There is reason

7

to believe that both gout and urinary calculus are changed into one continuous eruption. Again, connected with psoriasis, not as causes, but con- in other cases, the disease appears in small sepacurring consequences of the same disordered con- rate patches, which may remain distinct, but are dition of the stomach and bowels. Numerous also apt to extend and coalesce, acquiring ultilocal irritations are productive of psoriasis affect-mately the characters just described. The cuticle ing the hands and arms, as in washerwomen, becomes rent into fissures, which discharge a thin, bakers, and others.

serous, and sometimes bloody fluid, while the cutis, which is always more or less turgid from inflammation, at length suffers a real overgrowth. The development of this disease is usually attended with constitutional disturbance, which is afterwards maintained by the continued irritation of the inflamed skin. The heat and itching are often very troublesome, and any additional excitement from increased temperature, or the friction of the clothes, produces a distressing aggravation of the symptoms. In children this is particularly re

Dr. Willan has mentioned that both psoriasis guttata and psoriasis diffusa are sometimes the sequel of lichen and prurigo; and we recollect an instance where psoriasis inveterata appeared to have been the consequence of eczema rubrum. We have observed also the disease last named degenerate under our eyes into psoriasis guttata. Psoriasis has been divided by Dr. Willan into numerous species, of which only four deserve particular consideration; the rest being regarded as mere varieties, for which a brief notice will suffice.markable, for in them diffuse psoriasis appears in 1. Psoriasis Guttata, (drop-like scaly tetter.) This appears in the form of irregularly shaped spots, some no bigger than a pin's head, others nearly as large as a sixpence; which multiply, extend, and coalesce into patches, all of them covered by white glistening scales, excepting those in the face, where they appear merely as red spots, rough and slightly elevated. It is seldom attended with much inflammation of the skin. Its type is sometimes acute, at others chronic; the former is most frequent in children, in whom it occasionally `overspreads nearly the whole body in a few days; the latter is usual in adults. When the progress of psoriasis guttata is rapid, it is always accompanied by general feverish disturbance, and in many cases preceded by muscular pains. It appears most frequently in spring, and sometimes recurs annually at that season for several successive years. This is the most common form of psoriasis, constituting, according to Rayer, (Maladies de la Peau,) three-fifths of all the cases which are met with.

a severe form, generally from the age of two months to two years. Dr. Willan (vol. i. p. 170) was led to erect this into a distinct species (pecriasis infantilis) in consequence of the affection of the mucous membrane of the nostrils which usually accompanies it, and the intermixture of scaly patches with smooth shining elevations, which in the cleft of the nates often assume the appearance of moist flattened condylemata. But we have seen this occur in other squamous diseases, apparently from the mere action of beat and moisture preventing the scales from forming, and increasing the morbid turgescence of the af fected spots. The disease in this altered form is more amenable to treatment, the dattened eleva tions yielding in general readily to the application of sulphate of copper.

When diffuse psoriasis continues its progress unabated, it either destroys the patient by the effects of cutaneous irritation, and of the accompa‐ nying morbid condition of the alimentary mucous membrane; or more frequently it degenerates into the inveterate form (psoriasis inveterata). But the severity of the disease is usually limited to a few months, after which it becomes greatly ameliorated or disappears altogether, again to recur during the variable weather of spring or autumn, most frequently the former, but sometimes at both seasons.

2. Psoriasis Diffusa, (diffuse scaly tetter.) The character of this species is considerably more inflammatory than any of the others, and it is more nearly allied to impetigo and eczema ; indeed Alibert has described one form of it under the name of dartre squameuse humide. The skin affected by this eruption is much more hot, red, and tender, more frequently presents fissures and The causes of this species of psoriasis are the excoriations, and is much less closely covered same as those already enumerated; but it appears with scales, which differ from those of the fore-oftener to originate from the application of irritat going species in being occasionally of a brownishing substances to the skin, and exposure to sudtint, more irregular in their form, and placed more den alternations of temperature: hence arise the edgewise on the surface. Diffuse psoriasis some-local varieties which occur in washerwomen, times appears at once over a large extent, the skin bakers, shoemakers, workers in metals, and cooks. becoming harsh, cracked, red, and scaly at other times its progress can be traced from the formation of minute, elevated spots, covered with distinct scales, which after a time are connected by the inflammation of the intervening spaces; these in their turn become scaly, and the whole is at length

* On Cutaneous Diseases, vol. i. p. 156. To the works of Dr. Willan, and of his pupil and follower Dr. Bateman, the writer of this article gladly acknowledges the heavy debt which he owes. Not to have drawn from the rich treasures left us by those distinguished physicians, would have been at once discreditable to himself and unjust to his readers.

† Maladies de la Peau, Pl. 13. Another form of the same species has been named by him dartre squameuse orbiculaire. Pl. 14.

The first of these is often very severe, affecting the hands, wrists, and fore-arms, particularly about the part up to which they are usually immersed in the washing-tub. It arises from the irritation of the soap, and the alternate exposure of the skin to hot water and cold air, and is most frequent in spring and winter.

The baker's itch (psoriasis pistoria) is confined chiefly to the back of the hand, where the skin is more tender than in the palm, and where it is exposed both to the irritation of the flour and to the strong heat of the oven. We have also observed a cutaneous affection somewhat similar on the hands of cooks, arising from exposure to the scorching heat of the fire.

thickened and opaque, and mouldering away or being cast off. This is often observed to be an hereditary disease, and in those disposed to it the nails usually possess an unnatural brittleness which makes them snap under the scissors. In such individuals the exposure of the hands to a cold dry wind, or frequently moistening them, is almost sure to induce some degree of psoriasis. The same affection is seen also on the soles of the feet, but in a less severe form, and rarely accompanied with fissures, as the feet are much better protected from cold, and very seldom exposed to the air while moist.

3. Psoriasis Inveterata (inveterate scaly | with heat, itching, and sometimes considerable tetter; dartre squameuse lichénoide). This, as pain on extending the fingers. Patches of the its name imports, is the most obstinate of all the same description appear also on the inside of the forms of the disease, sometimes originating in the wrist and on the sides of the fingers; the nails diffuse species, at other times being the conse-likewise are affected in protracted cases, becoming quence of prurigo senilis or of eczema rubrum. It is characterized by an exceedingly thickened state of the cuticle, which appears in firm layers of a glistening white colour, resembling the shining bark of a tree, or the skin of a dried fish; divided not into the mosaic of ichthyosis, but by transverse lines and fissures: it often encases a part or the whole of a limb, and sometimes extends over the greater part of the body, leaving unaffected a portion of the face, or perhaps the palms and soles. The edges of the divided cuticle are usually curled inwards, and these chinks open and close with the motions of the body, which in such cases are not unfrequently attended with a rustling or slight crackling noise. A quantity of thin fluid, sometimes tinged with blood, oozes from the fissures, and occasionally large portions of the thickened cuticle are detached, leaving a bright red and exceedingly tender surface, at first discharging copiously a watery liquid, and then be coming covered with a hard dry epidermis, which separates from time to time in large plates. The formation of scales and flattened crusts is so rapid in this disease, that great quantities are found every morning in the patient's bed, (Willan, on Cutaneous Diseases,) resembling in this respect the decline of mercurial eczema, in which, however, the appearance is produced by the drying of the serous discharge rather than the formation of true scales. When the cuticle is thus extensively and deeply diseased, the nails participate in the change, becoming thickened and brittle, frequently separating and being renewed.

Diffuse psoriasis is sometimes seen on the scalp, producing an inflamed state of the skin, and a copious formation of white scales in some instances the bulbs of the hairs become affected, and baldness is the consequence. The skin around the different natural apertures of the body is also subject to psoriasis, which, from the movements of the parts, is almost always productive of painful fissures. Thus it is met with on the edges of the eye-lids (psoriasis ophthalmica), the lips (psoriasis labialis), the nostrils, and on the verge of the anus and prepuce (psoriasis preputialis). When the lip is affected with psoriasis, it is most commonly the prolabium of the under lip: its causes are obscure, but Rayer (Maladies de la Peau, t. ii. p. i. p. 35,) states that he has twice observed it in persons who were great talkers, and addicted to the practice of biting their lips. The scrotum is likewise subject to this disease, and that generally in the inveterate form (psoriasis

4. Psoriasis Gyrata, (serpentine scaly tet-scrotalis). ter). This very rare species of psoriasis is chiefly Treatment. The treatment of psoriasis is remarkable for the red waving ringlet-like stripes rendered of much greater importance than that which it presents on the back or breast of the of many other cutaneous diseases by the severe patient; the figures on one side of the spine, or suffering which in many of its forms it produces; on one breast, often bearing a near resemblance to by its long continuance, sometimes for a lifetime; those on the other. It is unnecessary to describe and by the obstinacy with which, after an appaminutely the fantastic shapes which it sometimes rent cure, it returns on a change of season, or the exhibits; suffice it to say that the red colour of application of some slight occasional cause. It these tortuous stripes is partly shaded by a thin very seldom exists to any considerable extent covering of light branny scales, which are con- along with a general healthy state of the frame: stantly being thrown off and renewed. It is dis- the system is usually either oppressed by the tinguished from herpetic and impetiginous erup- effects of a luxurious and indolent mode of life, tions, to which it bears a remote general resem- or enfeebled by bad health, or by scanty nourishblance, by the absence of vesicles and pustules.ment and clothing, neglect of cleanliness, and the Like other species of psoriasis, it is much influenced by the weather and the seasons of the year-subsiding in summer, and becoming more intense in spring and autumn.

Such are the great divisions of psoriasis founded on its peculiar forms and the degree of its severity, and under them, especially the diffuse species, may be ranked all the local varieties which have been described by Dr. Willan and others. The most important, and perhaps the most common of these varieties, is that which affects the palms of the hands, (psoriasis palmaria: dartre squameuse centrifuge) it is characterized by inflammation and thickening of the skin of the palm, with scales dispersed over the surface; and very often fissures, from which thin fluid oozes, attended

other concomitants of poverty. In both of these cases a change in the mode of living and in the state of health must be accomplished before we can hope to derive permanent benefit from the employment of remedies. A strict regimen, extending to every particular of diet, clothing, and exercise, suited to the peculiarities of the individual, must be the first step in our treatment. Should much irritation exist, and the strength of the patient permit, blood should be taken by venesection or cupping; and, in the local varieties, such as the palmar and ophthalmic, leeches in the vicinity will be found useful. A general antiphlogistic regimen should be pursued, the use of spirituous liquors abandoned, and even wine and ale very sparingly, if at all, allowed; pickles, sour

fruits, vinegar, shell-fish, baked meats, pastry, | his time its reputation has undergone many vicis highly seasoned dishes, and other indigestible situdes. Dr. C. Smyth, Dr. Falconer, and Dr ,food, should be carefully avoided. The bowels Willan, speak of the tincture of cantharides as ought in every instance to be freely opened and altogether inefficient in the treatment of scaly diskept in regular order: in many cases a sustained ease; but M. Biett, (Schedel et Cazenave, Abrégé "purgative treatment by calomel and saline medi- pratique,) at the Hospital St. Louis, has revived cines has succeeded in effecting a cure. In the the use of this medicine in psoriasis, and found it hands of M. Biett (Schedel et Cazenave, Abrégé to possess great efficacy. Our own experience pratique des Malad. de la Peau,) this mode of has convinced us of its utility, but we have been treating psoriasis has proved highly advantageous; | repeatedly obliged to relinquish its employment in but it has been strongly opposed by Willan and consequence of its effects on the urinary and geBateman, whose opinion on this subject has tend-nerative organs. Arsenic, which was first introed in no small degree to prevent British practi-duced by Dr. Fowler in the treatment of squamous tioners from making a fair trial of its efficacy. affections, has maintained its character among Of this practice our own experience does not British practitioners with little or no interruption, enable us to speak with confidence; but we be- and has even gained a place in the estimation of lieve that it will be found to be suited only to those the physicians of France, notwithstanding the cases where there exists a tendency to plethora. denunciations of the school of Broussais. M. Psoriasis, we have already stated, is sometimes Biett uses the solutions of Fowler and Pearson, combined with an opposite condition of the sys- and has also introduced into practice the arseniste tem, as it is met with in delicate chlorotic females. of ammonia, of which he speaks very favourably. In these a course of tonic medicines, consisting He employs, likewise, with advantage, the arseof the preparations of cinchona and steel, will be nical pill formed of the protoxide and black pepnecessary, if not as the immediate means of cure, per: each pill contains one-thirteenth of a grain at least for the purpose of preparing the body of arsenic, and two daily are considered by him for the successful employment of other remedies. as the maximum dose. Iodine is another medicine of the revulsive class, from which we anti

psoriasis, but as yet our limited trials do not enable us to speak of its effects with confidence. Before taking leave of these powerfully acrid substances, it is necessary to caution the younger portion of our readers against employing them during the existence of constitutional disturbance or irritation of the digestive organs, and to point out the necessity of attentively watching their effects, that any inflammatory movement or deleterious influence on the stomach or brain may be immediately counteracted. In some cases, when the appearance of such symptoms has obliged us to suspend these medicines, great benefit has been obtained from bloodletting, both in allaying the irritation which they had caused, and subduing the cutaneous affection.

Mercurials as well as purgatives have been denounced in general terms by Willan and Bate-cipate very beneficial results in the treatment of man, (Willan, vol. i. pp. 183, 184; Bateman, Synopsis, p. 43,) as unsuited to the treatment of psoriasis; and it must be admitted that the full action of mercury in this disease is positively injurious, as Willis (De Medicin. operat. Opera, p. 292,) long ago discovered. But it will not be denied that this remedy, when judiciously managed, in small and alterative doses, possesses a great power of correcting many of the disordered states of the digestive organs, and of restoring to the skin a soft and perspiring condition. The mercurial pill, mercury with chalk, Plummer's pill, and corrosive sublimate, have in our hands proved very serviceable, both in psoriasis and other scaly affections. One of the numerous remedies which have been employed internally for the cure of this disease is sulphur: it may be considered to act both as a revulsive, and by its immediate effect on the skin, through the pores of which, even under scaly disease, it is exhaled in the form of hydro-sulphurous gas. Among the different modes of exhibiting this popular remedy, may be enumerated the sulphureous mineral waters, sulphur conjoined with soda, with magnesia, or with cream of tartar; and, lastly, the diluted sulphuric acid, which was given by Dr. C. Smyth in very large doses, and, according to his report, with excellent effects. (Smyth, in Medical Communicat. vol. i. p. 191.) It is proper here to remark, that the sulphuric acid, when taken diluted, undergoes decomposition in the alimentary cavities; and that by its continued use the body becomes impregnated with sulphur, just as when that substance itself has been administered.

We are furnished with still more powerful remedies of a revulsive character in the tincture of cantharides and the different preparations of arsenic. The former of these was first recommended by Dr. Mead in cutaneous diseases; and since *Medicina Sacra, cap. ii. Although Dr. Mead's remarks refer professedly to the leprosy of the Jews, he

There remain to be noticed some other remedies of the revulsive tribe which possess a certain de gree of efficacy in scaly diseases. The tincture of white hellebore (veratrum album), and pitch given in large doses in pill, are both highly recom mended by Dr. Bateman: from the latter we have seen beneficial results. The liquor potasse has occasionally proved useful in psoriasis, as we have repeatedly experienced; and when this disease exists along with the lithic diathesis, as in gout and calculus, (no unusual combination,) its property of correcting acidity affords a prospect of decided benefit. (See the case of Horace Walpole, Phil. Trans. vol. 50, p. 206.) The bitter sweet (solanum dulcamara) has likewise obtained considerable reputation for the cure of psoriasis; its effects are rather narcotic than revulsive; but its sensible action, in the doses usually prescribed, is seldom very obvious. The belief in its efficacy as a remedy for scaly eruptions rests on unexcepdescribes, as an instance of leprosy, the case of a connappears to have had in view scaly diseases; for he tryman, whose skin was glistening like snow with white scales, which, when rubbed off, left a raw surface exposed. This individual seems to have laboured under psoriasis inveterata.