To the Editor:
—In your Therapeutic Department of The Journal for December 30, p. 2138, I noticed an article on pruritus ani, in which a variety of remedies were mentioned, all undoubtedly good in conditions named, but I failed to see mention of one application which has always been a favorite with me, especially in such cases as are associated with an excess of moisture about the anal region, and where a due attention is not paid to absolute cleanliness of the parts. My remedy is subnitrate of bismuth, and is used as follows: After thoroughly cleansing the surface with water, and a bland soap if necessary, I follow with a weak solution of phenol (carbolic acid) and dry thoroughly. I then take a square piece of gauze, one thickness only, about 4 or 5 inches square, lay it on the table and put 1 or 2 ounces of bismuth