Like all potent remedies, Iodine requires to be carefully used. It is sufficient to give it in small doses. If given in large doses, and too long continued, it causes a deterioration of the blood, followed by an emaciation of the whole frame. So vigorously was this medicine used by the Swiss practitioners after its first discovery, that serious consequences, as the absorption of the mammæ or the testes of healthy individuals, are said to have ensued in several cases. By these mishaps their faith in its utility was much shaken. But M. Magendie states that he has never known such a thing to occur; and M. Lugol, the most devoted and enthusiastic of all the advocates of Iodine, has observed that scrofulous patients frequently become fattened during its employment. The therapeutic actions of Iodine have been ascribed by Dr. Billing to a contraction of the capillary vessels; by Dr. Pereira, to a liquefaction of the blood; by others, to a direct stimulation of the absorbent system. It probably counteracts morbid operations in some way that we do not understand. It is one of those medicines which tend to increase secretion in general. It appears to act most upon the urine, but is not a powerful Eliminative. It has been chemically discovered in the blood, urine, and sweat; as also in the saliva, tears, and nasal mucus, which secretions are apt to be increased in quantity during its action. The Iodide of Potassium should be cautiously administered to excitable patients, as it sometimes acts as an irritant. When the stomach is irritable, it should be given after meals, and the dose considerably diluted with water. A bronchocele, to be benefited by Iodine, should consist of a simple enlargement of the gland, not of very long standing, nor painful to the touch. All scrofulous affections, whether of the glands, joints, liver, or other parts, are more or less benefited by the use of Iodine. Iodine has been used in simple enlargement and induration of various organs, particularly the uterus. Dr. A. T. Thomson speaks highly of its efficacy in ovarian dropsy. It is probable that Chlorine, Bromine, and their compounds, closely resemble the preparations of Iodine in their therapeutic operations. (_Vide_ pp. 169, 188, 191, 306.) COLCHICUM. Class I. Div. II. Ord IV. ANTIARTHRITICA. Class II. Div. III. Ord. I. SEDANTIA GENERALIA. Class IV. Ord. III. CATHARTICA.