/IbsorptioQ or £xeisior), U/tyiet?? IS a well-known fact that modern medicine is encroaching continuously upon the field of the surgeon. The medical press is pregnant with well-tried remedies that have usurped or replaced the keen-edged steel. The vast storehouse of nature yields to the seeker its treasures and asks nothing in return. The inquiring mind, pausing to reflect, is im- pressed with the immensity of the work done in this day of scientific research in medicine as compared to that of former days. It is useless to detail instances save one. The application of a new remedy in an old form of ocular trouble well merits mention. We refer to the use of Succus Cineraria Maritima (Walker) in cataract of the eye. The teachings and text-books of only a decade ago differ greatly in many particulars from those of today. Many ailments then pronounced incurable are now treated with complete confidence as to an ultimate cure. The treatment of diseased conditions of various organs, which at one time were treated surgically, are now receiving more conservative consideration by physicians of both this and other countries. This applies to all departments of medical science. Modern ophthalmology has been enriched by many new and exceed- ingly valuable instruments of precision, as well as by a number of remedies of great value. Among these Succus Cineraria Maritima (Walker) ranks among the first. Its special sphere of usefulness is found in the treatment of cat- aract. It is hardly necessary to dwell on the etiology of this well-known pathological condition here. Broadly considered. SUCCUS CINKRARIA MARITIMA. it consists objectively in the deposition of opaque matter in the lens or its capsule, due usually to a degeneration of the lens fibres in consequence of defective nutrition, in which case the lens undergoes a process of hardening. Many different varieties or classifications of cataract are cited in text-books, all of which, however, differ but slightly clinic- ally, and not at all as to treatment. Since the new remedy, Succus Cineraria Maritima (Walker), took its place in ophthalmological therapeutics as an agent calculated to absorb cataract of the lens and its capsule, the great question has arisen as to whether or not absorption is preferable to ex- cision. The many successful results obtained by the use of this remedy have caused the more conservative and progress- ive practitioners to decide for themselves in favor of the former method. As Succus Cineraria Maritima (Walker) has not yet found its way into text-books on materia medica, a brief descrip- tion of the drug seems desirable. It is a shrub having its habitat in Venezuela, and belonging to the natural order of composite. The freshly expressed juice of the plant, gathered just before flowering, is used and imported in original packages and offered to the profession in this form. The physiological action manifests itself by a slight burn- ing sensation when introduced into the eye, which excites a flow of tears and then passes away in a few moments. It is an aqueous preparation, hence produces no inflammation; on the contrary, it has antiphlogistic properties, reducing hypenemia and pain. It exerts a peculiar influence over the lymphatic glands, hastening softening and promoting absorption of tissues which have undergone a structural change. It should be remembered that while Succus Ciner- aria Maritima (Walker) has its chief indication in lenticular and capsular cataract, many instances are at hand proving its therapeutic value as an absorbent in other eye diseases characterized by deposits of opaque matter in the lens or cornea. A few clinical reports taken from our records are offered, which we feel will add much to the answer of the question, that absorption is preferable to excision. Professional &iperienees Three Cases of Cataraet Cured. Dr. Reynolds writes: “I am so much pleased with the success had with a trial of your Succus Cineraria Maritima in three cases of cataract that I cannot refrain from saying something, hoping that people having the awful blindness approaching consequent of opacity of the lens of one or both eyes may have recourse to this invaluable remedy. I am slow to try new things, but some circulars received caused me to try your Cineraria on an old lady. She had had cat- aract for five years of right eye. I began treating the eye once a day until I had taught her to use the preparation her- self, and with the assistance of her daughter she, after a few days, used it three times each day. In seven weeks there was no visible cataract, and my old lady, N4 years old, could read the Boston Herld to me and was happy. “Another case—that of a clergyman—cataract of both eyes; diagnosed by two specialists in Boston. In eight months’ treatment by Cineraria he was without a visible sign of cat- aract, and his Boston specialists were completely nonplused. “Another, and the third—a relative—having been to a specialist and told that his cataract ‘was not ripe,’ that when it was he would operate, etc., came to me and in ten weeks under Cineraria he could read ordinary long primer tvpe, and is gaining even- day. “Why, it is the greatest thing we have got hold of in years! Tell this to our friends and thus help humanity.” Saved a Child from Blindness. Dr. Ettinger writes: “Last March a little girl was brought to me by her mother,who said that the child had re- cently recovered from an attack of acnte nephritis, and that during the period of convalescence her vision had become impaired to such an extent that it was necessary for her to be led by the hand to the table and to bed. On examination I found that both eyes were involved, the left being perhaps the worst of the two. She could distinguish light from darkness, but could not count fingers even at two feet. She had been to see several oculists,who advised expectant treat- ment, which meant to leave the eye alone and expect nature to effect a cure. As I do not practice medicine along those lines, I suggested that we help nature along to some extent and encourage the getting-well process as much as possible. This idea met with the approval of the mother, and in accord- ance with my experience in similar cases, I began the use of Succus Cineraria Maritima, five drops into each eye twice a day, and a green eye-shade to be worn when exposed to bright sunshine. There was some improvement to be seen after ten days’ treatment in the right eye. I ordered that the left eye be treated three times a day instead of twice daily, and asked the mother to bring her back after several days. At the expiration of this time the left eye had caught up with the right one. She could now count fingers at four feet, the cloudiness of the lens was rapidly clearing up, and there was no longer any pain when exposed to light. This case recovered completely after one and a half months’ treat- ment under the use of Succus Cineraria Maritima. No con- stitutional treatment was given at any time. Such results certainly speak very highly for your preparation, which in this case achieved a result which exceeded all expectations.” Traumatic Opacity Successfully Treated. Dr. A. D. Thornton writes: ‘‘Had anyone made the statement in my presence five years ago that an opacity of the lens conld be successfully treated by instillations, I should have had my donbts as to his learning or veracity; yet, this same thing was done by me only two months ago. The patient was a young man who had met with an injury to his left eye by having some hot ashes blown into it while watch- ing a conflagration near his home. When I saw him the eye was much inflamed and exceedingly painful. I had him make cold applications to it for several days and report to me. When he next called I found that his lens had taken on a clouded appearance, and that his vision was somewhat impaired as a result. He was much alarmed over this, and I must confess that I was somewhat uneasy myself. I spoke encouragingly to him, however, and began to instill some of your Succus Cineraria Maritiina, and gave him a small sup- ply for home use, as he lived some distance from the office and found it inconvenient to call every day for treatment. Wnen next I saw him he stated that the remedy caused a smarting sensation which, however, did not last long. I did not notice any marked difference from the original condition, and advised him to continue with the remedy and report in a week. At his next call there was a small area which seemed to be a little clearer, and I felt encouraged. He continued to use the remedy for a period of three months, at the expira- tion of which time no one could tell the difference between the two eyes. The result obtained was a delight to myself and to my patient. I had no idea that a perfect cure would result; but I shall know what to expect in the future from this grand remedy in similar cases. You have my permis- sion to use this in anv manner you see fit.” Imported m 0ri