Alleged Cure for Consumption.

Hastings Standard, Issue 110, 2 September 1896, Page 4

Alleged Cure for Consumption.

Another cure for consumption is announced. M. G. Scarpa, of Turin, claims to have succeeded in the treatment of cavities in consumptive patients by injecting into their interior solutions of pure ichthvol in sterilised water, from 1 to 15 per cent. The instrument used is a syringe, containing 10 to 12 cubic centimetres, fitted with several fine needles, which he passes between the ribs at th<> spot where the cavity lies. These injections are repeated twice a week, first with weak solutions, of which only a gramme is used, and then with stronger solutions, of which the dose is gradually raised to 12, 15, 20, or even 25 cubic centimetres. When this is done, the patient should remain quietly in a recumbent position for a while, and check so far as possible all desire to cough. The injection is generally followed by a moderate rise of temperature that does not last, and gives rise to abundant expectoration. The result of the treatment shows itself after ten or twenty injections by progressive decrease in the expectoration, the number of bacilli is less, the night sweats and fever diminish, appetite and strength return, and the physical signs improve.