There is a remedy to which I wish to call special attention, namely, benzoic acid. This substance was first recommended as a remedy in {110} jaundice by a German physician, about six years ago. Since then, I have tried it several times, and found it of benefit in jaundice arising from suppression. In those cases of obstruction, on the other hand, in which I tried it, it appeared to be anything but beneficial. I give it in the form of pill, three times a day. Dr. Green, one of my former pupils, who has just returned from India, tells me that he acted on my suggestion, and tried it in a case of well-marked jaundice, following an attack of delirium tremens; and that by the end of eight days it would have required an experienced eye to detect the tinging of the conjunctivæ. The following may be cited as a tolerably good example of the value of benzoic acid in cases of jaundice from enervation:-- William M----, aged eleven years, labouring under an acute attack of severe jaundice, came under my care at University College Hospital on the 2nd of February. The patient appeared to be a moderately developed, and very intelligent boy. The jaundiced condition of the skin, his mother said, was first noticed on the 30th of January, only two days before he came to the hospital. It was further ascertained that, although the boy had for some length of time been subject to monthly attacks of severe headache, and bilious vomiting, he had never before suffered from {111} jaundice. On the present occasion he complained of headache, but it was unaccompanied either by sickness or vomiting. On examination the liver was found normal in size, and not in the least tender on pressure. The bowels were moderately open, and the stools not clay-coloured. The urine was of a deep orange tint, and the skin of a dark yellow hue. There was an abundance of bile pigment, but not a trace of bile-acids in the urine. As the jaundice appeared to be the result of enervation, brought on by over mental exertion, the boy was ordered to be kept from school, and not allowed to read any books (his mother said he was always reading). At the same time three grains of benzoic acid were ordered to be taken thrice a-day. 9th February.--The skin was now very much paler, the yellow colour being nearly gone. The conjunctivæ were still yellow, although less so than at last visit. The urine remained unchanged in colour. He was ordered to continue the medicine. 16th February.--Skin perfectly normal in colour; if anything perhaps a shade whiter than natural. Conjunctivæ no longer yellow. Dismissed cured. In this case no medicine whatever, except the benzoic acid, was given.