Our attention has beeq frequently called during tfqe past year to tfqe claims rrjade by the progenitors of Aqtikamnia, and as a result after careful investigation we sub- net tlqe following as a compendium of our exanqiqation of its pathological and physiological actiorp The therapeutic properties are, Antipyretic, Antithermic, Analgesic and Anodyne. Klem- erer of Germany, makes a distinction between antipyretics and antithermics. He says, “Anti- thermics act only on the temperature; that is, they influence its reduction, while antipyretics influence the cause of the high temperature. Fever is an acute derangement of all func- tions, the most important of which are acceler- ation of the heart’s beat, and disturbance of the circulation; nervous disturbance; elevation of the bodily temperature; disturbance of nutrition, including secretion. These four groups of symptoms may have one or two relations. One condition may be the cause of the other, or they may all be simply the result of a common cause. The nervous disturbances of fever may be summed up as a paresis or convulsions, stupor, coma or delirium. Jergenson has found that there is a regular diurnal variation of temperature in health, precisely similar to that which is known to occur in fever thus, the 24 hours is, as far as human temperature is concerned, divided into a diurnal and nocturnal period. Burdon Sanderson says : “ The only mate- rial difference between the conditions is that in fever the normal is 3°.267° F. higher.” In health, there is in man a fixed mean and a normal temperature, having a regular rhythm, and this variation is beyond the con- trol of all disturbing causes, which do not force the organism beyond the condition of health. The maintenance of the normal tem- perature and its rhythm is dependent upon the nervous system, which within certain limits controls both the production and dissipation of animal heat. So far as our present knowledge goes, the chief factor in controlling heat dissipation, is the vaso-motor nerves, including in man such nerves as control sweat secretions ; these nerves being able by contracting the capillaries of the surface of the body and by drying the secretions of the skin to reduce the loss of heat to a minimum, and by a reverse action to increase it to a maximum. The only nerve centre proven to exist capable of influencing the heat production without affecting the general circulation, is situated in the pons varolii or above it, and whilst it may be a muscular vaso-motor centre, it is more proba- bly an “inhibitory heat center.” Of which ever nature it may be, it must act through sub- ordinate centres situated in the spinal cord. In fever, vaso-motor paralysis, when pro- duced, is followed by an immediate fall of temperature. Fever is, therefore, a state in which the depressing poison or a depressing peripheral irritation, acts upon the nervous system which regulates the production and dissipation of animal heat. Owing to its de- pressed state, the inhibition centre does not exert its normal influence upon the system, and consequently tissue change goes on at a rate which results in the production of more heat than normal, and an abnormal destruction and elimination of the materials of the tissue. At the same time the vaso-motor and other heat dissipating centers are so benumbed that they are not called into action by their normal stimulus—elevation of the general bodily tern- perature, and do not provide for throwing off the animal heat until it becomes so excessive as to call into action, by its excessive stimula- tion, even their depressed forces. The nerve centers, in some cases, seem to be completely inhibited. Antikamnia removes the pressure, by dilating the capillaries and the other vas- cular vessels, thus causing local congestion to disappear. It reduces the pulse rate, thereby slowing the heart. It controls the vaso-motor nerves, besides calming the whole nervous sys- tem, and thus has a general soothing effect. It is a valuable remedy as an antithermic; its action in this regard is well marked, sometimes re- ducing the temperature 2° to 3° F. in a few hours. It seems to have a better effect on the high evening temperature than upon the high diurnal temperature. An extreme degree of fever, with or without complications, is dan- gerous, and must be controlled ; in addition to the direct substraction of heat by cold ap- plications, we must, with caution, have recourse to antipyretic remedies. A distinction must be drawn between fever and its pathogenic agent. Such an antipyretic as Antikamnia may not act on this agent, but may have an inde- pendent action, therefore, have only a transitory effect, or it may influence this agent in the same manner that quinine does the germ of malaria or influenza. 5 An additional advantage gained in typhoid fevers and all gastroenteric fevers by the administration of Antikamnia in moderate doses, is that the alimentary canal is rendered alkaline, and kept in an antiseptic condition, and this is a most important condition to maintain in the treatment of all fevers. The best results are obtained with Antikam- nia when exhibited in small doses, repeated at proper intervals, and the most desirable vehi- cle is sherry wine or diluted brandy. The duration of the effect of Antikamnia is longer than that produced by any of the other coal tar derivatives. It also seems indisposed to produce sub-normal temperature, as some of the others do. In the pyrexia produced by exposure to the rays of the sun, which is common in India and in our large cities during the summer solstice, Antikamnia, in addition to cold douches, is the best remedy. Antikamnia reduces tempera- ture by increasing radiation of heat from the body, and diminishing heat production. It stimulates the glandular system, particularly the sudorific glands. In many cases its action as a diaphoretic is phenomenal. In some cases it has marked action on the mammary glands, producing an increase in the flow of milk. Antikamnia can be given to children without any ill effects, and is a relia- 6 ble remedy. In pertussis, it keeps the parox- ysms in check, and makes the patient more comfortable than any remedy we have. The cyanosis induced by its administration is nil, unless there is a peculiar idiosyncrasy, which is found sometimes, producing manifest heart disturbance. These are to be overcome by stimuli, or intravenous injections of salt. Antikamnia acts admirably in the after-pains of labor, in dysmenorrhoea, hemicrania, mi- graine, ordinary sick or nervous headache, in the pains of locomotor ataxia, the various neuralgias, epilepsy, and in the aching pains produced by la grippe and dengue. It exerts a decided beneficial influence in bronchial and pneumonic troubles, as well as the fever of phthisis. It acts as an analgesic by obtunding the sensibilities of the vaso-motor and sensory nerves. It seems to tranquilize the ganglionic centers of the whole nervous system, and has but slight action on the brain. We mean by this, that it does not stupify or produce uncon- sciousness. It seems to have no disturbing influence on the lt has a happy effect in nearly all neurotic troubles, and is destined to occupy a permanent position in therapeutics. Antikamnia is of the Amido-Benzole series, in combination, and is much to be preferred to any other of this class of derivatives. THE USES OF A.NTIKA. MNIA. In General Practice. W. THORNTON PARKER, M.D., M. M. S. S., Manchester-by-the-Sea, Mass. October sth, 1891. Gentlemen:—The relief of suffering is the object of philanthropy. The relief of pain commands the highest efforts of the physician. Remedies which are useful in the relief of pain are always highly prized, and the discoverer is entitled to the highest honor. For many years numberless remedies have been offered to the profession as analgesics and anodynes ; the list is a long one, and contains many products of great reliability—the result of faithful study and experiment. One especially, has re- ceived the confidence of the profession, the Antipyrin of Knorr ; but recently there has appeared a product which bids fair to be a successful rival of this, and all others, and in truth to deserve the title “A Succedaneum for Morphia.” Antikamnia is no longer a stranger to the medical profession, but is daily winning laurels in its mission as ‘‘opposed to pain,” It is de- scribed as a new combination of coal tar deriv- atives, of the series Cn H2n_6 into which the amines have entered, forming the various amido compounds. It is by the further com- bination of other organic bodies with the amido benzoles that many of the valuable antipyretics and analgesics have been brought into exist- ence. Antikamnia has as its base the deriva tives of the amido benzoles, so combined as to obviate the bad effects caused by many of this series of organic bodies when administered alone. Briefly stated, it is indicated in Cephalalgia, Neuralgia, attacks of Acute Rheumatism, Scia- tica, and the disorders of menstruation, accom- panied by pain. In the treatment of Malaria, Typhoid and other fevers, it is fast winning its way. In the treatment of diseases where it is important to exhibit quinine, the action of Antikamnia will bo found specially desirable in preventing the disturbance of the nervous system so frequent when quinine is given in large quantities. Several very interesting articles have ap- peared of late, describing its action. Hr. Hol- land, in the Medical Summary of May, des- cribes an interesting case of Dysmenorrhoea promptly relieved by its use. My own exper- ience confirms this, I believe it to be one of Hie best remedies for the relief of pain in this disease. Experience with its use in cases of la Grippe, Asthma, etc., has convinced me of its efficacy. Indeed, to state the merits of Antikamnia more fully, it would be necessary to mention all the diseases in which pain is a prominent symptom. It can be used advan- tageously in the treatment of the various forms of hysteria where bromides have been indi- cated heretofore. So far as my experience goes, we need not anticipate unfavorable after effects; its action is soothing, tranquilizing, and diminishes the tendency of a rise of the bodily temperature. Antikamnia has been found by Dr. Alyord, of the St. Louis City Hospital, especially valuable in the treatment of Phthisis. Dr. Gayle, of Kansas City, Mo., reports very satisfactory results from its use in the treatment of Typhoid, in an article published in the St. Louis Courier of Medicine, August, 1890. A very successful operation, performed by Dr. A. Y. L. Brokaw, Demonstrator of Anat- omy and Surgery, Missouri Medical College, in a case of a severe stab wound of thorax and abdomen, published in the same journal of December, 1890, shows how valuable is Anti- kamnia as a remedy for the relief of pain. It is best exhibited in doses of from three to ten grains every three or four hours, in powder or tablet form, taken in water or wine. Its anodyne action is admirably shown in the treatment of the insomnia of neurasthenic patients, and for the treatment of many cases of sleeplessness in over-worked business and professional men. I am, Very sincerely yours, Extract from an article in “The St. Louis Clinique,” entitled “Confinement Closely Following Ery- sipelas.” To lower the temperature, to promote rapid absorption of the infilitrated tissues, and to relieve the intense pain, I gave— Antikamnia 5 Spirits Frumenti § iv M. Sig.:—Tablespoonful every two to three hours. Earnest Joseph Lutz, M.D. Trenton, Tenn., August 28, 1891. Gentlemen:—I enclose you one of my favorite Ifc’s for Hemicrania: Antikamnia 5 * Caffeine gr. vi Mx. et. ft. pulv. Div. in capsules No. x. Sig.:—One every two hours, if necessary to relieve. J. T. Fawcett, M. D. R Rician’s Opinion. Among the many truly marvelous members of the coal tar chemical derivatives which have displayed such power over two of the most dreadful features of disease, viz.—fever and pain, none seems to promise wider and more permanent usefulness than the American product, Antikamnia. This name might be not incorrectly translated pain-killer. The substance is in the form of a white powder, somewhat like quinine in appearance, but lacking disagreeable taste. It is soluble in hot water and in alcohol. A good vehicle for it is simple elixir, or it may be administered in capsules, pills or tablets. It does not affect the secretions, nor depress the action of the heart, but reduces temperature in fever, and secondarily slows the pulse. It does not impede digestion, nor produce unpleasant after-effects. It appears to be safer and equally as efficient as any of the members of this wonderful series. The purpose I have in referring to it, is to call the attention of the profession to the value of this new remedy as a substitute for opium and morphine, hyosciamine and other dangerous alkaloids. The dreadful effects of abuse of these formidable drugs are not apparent in full force even to the medical mind, which has not been especially directed to their remote, no less than their immediate consequences. Hereditary results of the morphine habit, for example, may be worse and more terrible to contemplate than the individual effects. It has happened to the writer during his professional life, to have been called to take part in the study and discussion of many difficult and important points in medico-legal practice, and his mind has been directed to the study of the hereditary antecedents in which the lines of evolution ultimate, which lead up to criminal careers, and those sudden and violent outbursts of desperate crime which astound and appall communities. He has found the alcoholic and the morphine habit playing always a conspicuous part in the hereditary influences which lay the groundwork of these catastrophes of insanity, and of a whole host of evils which affect our defective classes, and darken and destroy so many lives. We are accustomed to regard it as a strange dispensation of Providence which visits the sins of fathers upon children of the third and fourth generation. But when one of these heredities of these vicious bodily sins is once established, happily it can not extend beyond the third and fourth generation. The merciful solution of the problem set for nature is annihilation. God is both merciful and just. Let the victims of these bodily sins andevil habits reflect upon their tremendous responsibility towards posterity. The professional experience is, that in Antikamnia we have found the best substitute for morphia, chloral, cocaine and the like, for the relief of pain and procurement of rest in all ordinary cases.—3l. G. Ellzey, 31. D., Woodstock, 3ld. Expressions. Extract from an article in “The Medical World,” entitled “La Grippe—Origin, History, Treat- ment.” Quinine is the best germ destroyer we have for the microbe of influenza. During the re- cent epidemic I aborted quite a number of cases with Antikamnia in combination with salol and quinine. The relief obtained by the administration of Antikamnia where the ceph- alalgia wras severe, as in the majority of my cases, was wonderful. When the pain seemed intolerable, I have seen a ten grain dose of Antikamnia banish it. The combination spoken of was as follows : Antikamnia g i Salol 5 ss Quinia sulph i M. Ft. Capsules No. XXX. Sig.:—One every two hours. Mustard pediluvia are of great advantage, and a plaster of mustard and lard, one part of the former to two of the latter, applied directly to the chest, answered admirably as a mild counter-irritantant. Expectorants are often needed, and Anti- kamnia should be administered with them, thus ; $ Antikamnia 5* Syr. Senega f. § i Yini Ipecac f. 5 hi Syr. Tolutan q. s. ft. f. § iv M. Sig.:—Teaspoonful every two hours. V. W. Gayle, M.D, Kansas City, Mo. Dorchester, Neb., Oct. 26th, 1891. Gentlemen :—Having had quite a number of cases of typhoid fever to treat during the past season, I have found opportunity in abundance for making a thorough test of the various antipyretics. The result has been that I have found your Antikamnia superior to them all. Have not noted the least sign of depression following its use in any instance, but rather a sense of well-being and comfort, I have not found it necessary to use it in larger doses than five grains, repeated every four hours, to thoroughly control the temperature during the tendency to hyperpyrexia. After this stage has passed, I have usually found the following formula to meet the indications : Antikamnia gr. xx Pulv. Ipecac Comp. Quin. Sulph aa gr. xii M. Ft. Capsules No. XII. Sig.:—Capsule every four hours. S. G. Panter, M.D. APPROVED FORMULAS, In Aborting Pneumonia. Ext. Jaborandi Eld f 5 in Antikamnia . .gr si Spts. Yin. Gall ”!!!.!!!!. * vi Syr. Aromat s j Aquae Desk, q. s. ad f §°iv M. Sig.Tablespoonful every hour until thorough effect, then half doses every two hours. Intermittent Fever, with Hepatic Torpor. Ifc Antikamnia. Quin. Sulph. aa X j Resin. Podoph gr jj M. Ft. Caps. No. xx. Sig.:—One every four hours. —Dixie Doctor. In Typhoid, a good formula is as follows : Ifc. Antikamnia *jj Ess. Pepsini. ° Spts. Yin. Gallici iia f g iv M. Sig.:—Tablespoonful every three or four hours. Acute Rheumatic Attacks. Ifc Salicylic Acid jjj Sodium Bicarbonate