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496 DENTAL MEDICINE.

malignant tumors, the solution being injected well into the sub-
stance of the tumor.
Dental Uses.—Papain is employed in the treatment of ulcers
and tumors of the mouth, both benign and malignant, the solution
being injected into the substance of the growth by means of a
hypodermic syringe ; it has also been used to digest portions of a
pulp, requiring from 24 to 72 hours, the cavity well secured.
Dr. Harlan states that if one gram of papain is made into a thick
paste with glycerol and a drop of hydrochloric acid solution
(1-300), is added, it always acts well in pulp-digestion, prior to
the removal from the roots of teeth of dead pulp-tissue.

PARALDEHYDE—PARALDEHYDE.
Formula.—C^n,^0^=2,C2^iO.
Derivation.—Paraldehyde is a polymeric modification of alde-
hyde (CaH^O). It is a colorless liquid of an ethereal odor, pun-
gent taste and insoluble in eight parts of water, which is a proper
menstruum. It is frequently combined with chloroform, oil of
almonds and syrup of orange peel, or cinnamon.
Medical Properties and Therapeutic Uses.—Paraldehyde is an
efficient hypnotic, similar in its effects to chloral, although the
sleep caused by it is not so deep nor so prolonged. As it does
not weaken or paralyze the heart or lungs, it is considered to be
safer than chloral. It is employed as an hypnotic in fevers,
rheumatism, gout, prurigo, insomnia, hysterics, delirium tremens,
some cases of neuralgia, and all mental and nervous disorders. It
is also used as an expectorant. Poisonous doses cause respiratory
paralysis. The action of paraldehyde upon digestion is as
follows :
a. Large quantities considerably accelerated the digestion of
fibrin, and that the rate of this acceleration was distinctly in ratio
with the quantity used.
b. Small quantities also increased, but to a less degree, the
digestion of fibrin.
c. Putrefaction was prevented by the larger quantities of
paraldehyde, and was delayed by the smaller quantities.
Dose.—Of Paraldehyde, TTLxv to foj, repeated if necessary.