ARSPHENAMINE VERSUS NEOARSPHENAMINE

To the Editor:  —For many years I have been thoroughly convinced of the truth of the statements made by Dr. Henry H. Hazen (The Journal, March 2, p. 696) that neoarsphenamine is inferior to arsphenamine as an antisyphilitic remedy.When neoarsphenamine first appeared, I used it in a large series of cases, and arsphenamine in a similar series of cases of the same type at the same time. The clinical results distinctly favored arsphenamine, but the effect on the laboratory tests (blood and spinal fluid) was still more striking—so definite that I discontinued almost entirely the use of the newer remedy about fourteen years ago. I still use it occasionally in certain cases in which it seems advisable to begin with a less active arsenical. I feel satisfied that neoarsphenamine is not less toxic than arsphenamine as indicated by reactions in man, although different lots of both drugs vary somewhat.