The violence with which corrosive sublimate acts, has always been a sufficient reason to prevent its being thrown in, either in large quantities, or in substance. Of late years, however, a weak solution in ardent spirits has been recommended as an efficacious remedy, and often used with success. But, as it has been found that the mercury is apt to precipitate from this menstruum, if the solution is kept for any time, water has often been substituted to the spirits. Water is perhaps, in every case, even by itself, a better menstruum than spirits; but, besides this, it may be much improved, from having its solvent power increased by the addition of sal ammoniac. By this means, the precipitation of the mercury may be, in a great measure, if not totally, prevented. Corrosive sublimate, when introduced into the system, is, as well as calomel, very universally stimulant. But its chief tendency, unless prevented by some accident, is to operate upon the surface. For the most part, it powerfully excites diaphoresis, and in this way is speedily evacuated from the system. But, if there is in the patient’s constitution a want of disposition to diaphoresis, or if the discharge by the surface is suddenly checked by the application of cold, it frequently acts upon the salivary glands, inducing salivation. From the success with which the use of corrosive sublimate has been attended, it cannot be doubted that it is highly active in destroying the venereal virus. And, either from the circumstance of its entering the system more readily, or from its greater activity, it produces an equal effect, in the cure of _lues venerea_, to what arises from most other mercurials, even when it is employed in a less considerable quantity. This preparation, in proportion to its superior acrimony, is more apt to affect the bowels than any of the other mercurials already treated of. This circumstance is, in many cases, an unsurmountable objection to its use. From its high stimulant power, it can never be lodged in the system in any considerable quantity. Notwithstanding its activity, therefore, it is not well fitted to eradicate obstinate complaints. From its influence upon the alimentary canal, its use cannot with safety be continued for any considerable length of time. It is not, therefore, well adapted for those cases which require a long and gradual use of mercury.