01. Morrhuae.—In Sweden, cod-liver oil has for some time been em-
ployed as an external application in the treatment of cutaneous mala-
dies, and from that country it has recently been introduced into English
practice. We have had frequent opportunities of watching its eifects
as prescribed by Mr. Paget, in the out-patient’s room of St. Bartholo-
mew’s Hospital. The class of cases for which it appears most applica-
ble, is that of chronic eczematous eruptions, unattended by acute in-
flammation of the skin or general pyrexia. In abating the troublesome
itching which frequently accompanies this disease, especially in old
people, it has manifested powers decidedly superior to those of any other
application with which we are acquainted. In the majority of instances
it can, of course, only be expected to assist constitutional treatment,
not to supersede it.
We have as yet had no opportunity of forming an opinion respecting
the proposed inunction of the oil in cases of phthisis, where the sto-
mach cannot take it. Whilst on this subject, however, we feel inclined
to strongly recommend the practice of exhibiting it simultaneously with
tonics, as iron, quinine, etc., which is now adopted with great success at
several hospitals. The digestion and assimilation of the oil appears to
be much aided by such combination. In the treatment of cutaneous
struma and lupus at the Hospital for Skin Diseases, it is usual to
administer along with the oil small doses of mercurials, which are often
continued for many months. The success attending this practice is
very great, and appears to much exceed that which results from the ad-
ministration of cither drug alone.—Lond. Med. Times.