In  all  cases,  at  least  during  the  early  stages,  the  patient  should  be  seen  fre-
quently, or  cautioned  as  lo  the  .symptoms  of  mercurialism  (hydrargyrism,
ptyalism,  salivation),  which,  owing  to  the  presence  of  an  idiosyncrasy,  may
rapidly  follow  even  small  doses.  The  gums  become  soft,  sfxingy,  tender,  and
bleed  easily;  there  is  an  excessive  production  oMhick  saliva,  with  fetid  breath,
metallic  ta.stc  in  the  moilth,  colicky  pain  in  the  abdomen,  and  diarrhea.  In
more  severe  cases  the  teeth  loosen,  the  alveolar  process  becomes  necrotic,  and
severe  ulceration  of  the  mouth  develops.  Chronic  inrrcurialism  is  manifested
by  digestive  disorders,  salivation,  loss  of  weight,  albuminuria,  mental  depres-
sion, tremor,  and  general  weakness.  These  s)'mptoms  may  be  prevented  by
careful  regulation  of  the  dose  of  mercury,  by  having  the  teeth  put  in  order,
by  cleansing  the  mouth  several  times  a  day  with  tooth  powder  and  tooth
brush,  by  the  use  of  a  mouth-wash  containing  chlorate  of  potash,  and  by  pro-
hibiting the  use  of  tobacco.  Salivation  is  treated  by  discontinuing  the  mer-
cury, by  giving  a  saline  purge,  and  by  the  use  of  antiseptic  and  astringent
mouth-washes.  Albuminuria  calls  for  an  intermission  or  a  great  reduction
in  the  dose  of  the  mercury.
The  general  health  should  not  be  neglected,  and  if  necessary  tonics  should
be  employed.  The  contagious  natuR-  of  the  malady  should  be  impressed  upon
the  patient,  who  should  be  directed  to  have  a  separate  table  and  toilet  utensils,
to  avoid  kissing,  to  sleep  alone,  and  to  Lathe  frequently,  paying  special  atten-
tion to  naturally  moist  f»arts  of  the  body,  such  as  the  axilhe  and  the  perineum.
At  the  end  of  two  years  the  i^aticnt  should  take  mixed  treatment  (hydrarg.
