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The action of tobacco, when smoked, upon the pulsations of the heart, is a subject whic . ill this country lias not received the attention it deserves; we are therefore glad, for the sake of science, to find it has been taken up in France. M. Dfcasisne contributes a valuable paper to the Comptes Rendus, and therein ex- presses his opinion on the matter. He exa- mined no less than eighty-eight incorrigible smokers, and fouud among the number seventy- one cases of intermittent pulse, which did uot arise from any affection of the heart. Of these, nine were attacked by dyspepsia. Five or six had themselves perceived the peculiarity of their circulation, without, however, attaching any importance to it. Tt was remarkable that as soon as the habit of smoking was given up the digestion improved and the pulsations became more regular. The average age was thirty-four yours. If we consider (1) that none of the in- dividuals suffered from organic disease of the heart; (2) that most of them enjoyed a slate of health very unfavorable to the production of intermittent pulsation ; and (3) that by forsak- ing the linbit of smoking, therts were nearly half the number restored to health, the following conclusion will not appear unjustifiable: — The abuse of Tobacco-smoking may produce in cer- tain constitutions a species of cardiac nsiic<>tism, which is indicated by the irregularity of the pulsations, as rpckoued at the wrist; and it is only necessary to relinquish a habit in order to obtain a healthy action of the heart. Holloways Ointment. — Soundness renewed. Any indolent ulcer or chronic sore should imme- diately have this excellent unguent applied to it in the manner pointed out in its accompany- ing directions. For thoroughly cleansing a diseased or broken skin, and for rousing its poisoned vessels or depressed nerves to healthy actiou, nothing can surpass Holloway's well- known Ointment. It strikingly shows its power when applied to the " old man's ulcer," which settles in the leg and often becomes most in- tractable under the ordinary treatment, though no case has yet withstood this cooling and heal- ing salve. The troublesome swellings preparatory to most ulcera lions of the legs are likewise re- duced by the diligent application of Holloway's unguent by giving stiength to the weakened circulfttiou through the canillaiies.
