In view of the widespread use of emetin hydrochlorid in the treatment of amebic dysentery and of pyorrhea alveolaris, more precise knowledge of the toxicity of the commercial preparations employed is highly desirable. The following case reports forcibly emphasize this fact:
Case 1.
—I. B. (Med. No. 33209), white, male, aged 56, a native of Baltimore, was admitted to the surgical service Oct. 12, 1914, complaining of an "ulcerated rectum." Fifteen years previously he had had a chancre, followed by a secondary eruption. For the past six years there had been alternating periods of diarrhea and constipation, with blood in the stools at times.
Examination.
—On examination, there was found slight enlargement of the heart to the left, a soft systolic murmur at the apex and some impairment of the percussion note over the manubrium. The systolic pressure was 150 mm. Hg; diastolic, 70. The urine was negative. The