I believe Iron to be simply and solely a Restorative remedy. By improving the condition of the blood, it appears similar in action to Tonics; but it is not a true Tonic, for neither in debility nor in Ague is it of any service, unless there is at the same time Anæmia. In some cases, even of Anæmia, Iron will not effect a cure. This must be because the appropriative power of the system is so weakened and degenerated, that it is incapable of consigning even this needful substance to its proper destination. Anæmia is the one disease in which Iron is of use. Purgative medicines form a valuable adjunct to the treatment in most cases. Dr. G. Owen Rees has suggested that they may be of use by removing some of the water of the blood, so that the corpuscles, being then shrivelled by exosmosis of their contents, may be in a fitter condition to absorb the "ferriferous chyle." And yet, if so, the drinking of a single glass of water would probably be sufficient to swell out the corpuscles again, and thus put a stop to the process. It is just possible that a Cathartic may be serviceable by purging away from the blood some effete matters, as Sulphuretted Hydrogen, formed by the continual decomposition of the tissues, which would have hindered the operation of the Chalybeate in the blood, by decomposing it. The use of Iron may, I think, be summed up by saying that it cures Anæmia. In this way it may benefit, and sometimes cure, other disorders, in which Anæmia is apt to be a prominent symptom. Such are Amenorrh[oe]a, Scrofula, Cancer, chronic Ague, Hysteria, Chorea, and Bright's disease of the kidney. But it seems that it can never be used advantageously in these disorders, when they are unattended with Anæmia; nor even then is it to be preferred to the other remedies specially appropriate in each case, but ought rather to be conjoined with them. Cancer, and granular kidney disease, may perhaps be alleviated, but are seldom cured. In Chorea, Arsenic or Quinine may be used, with or without Iron. Aloetic purgatives may be advantageously conjoined with Chalybeates in Amenorrh[oe]a and Hysteria. Their use may be accompanied by cold affusions, or by some antispasmodic stimulant. In Scrofula the Iodide of Iron affords us a valuable double remedy. In chronic cases of Ague, when accompanied with Anæmia, as is often the case, Iron may be prescribed with advantage. In general Anæmia, an occasional purge, a generous diet, with good air and exercise should be combined, if possible, with the Chalybeate treatment. ORD. VI. SOLVENTS. (_Antilithics._ The mineral Alkalies, their Carbonates, and neutral salts with vegetable acids. Biborate and Phosphate of Soda. Benzoic and Cinnamic acids. _Antiphosphatics._ Mineral and vegetable acids. Sour fruits.)