Echinacea for Superficial Gangrene

Mr. Thomas Hutchinson, of Ludlow, Ky., aged fifty-two. Occupation, railroad conductor. Admitted to the Good Samaritan Hospital February 9, 1907, in a semicomatose condition, suffering from two large gangrenous areas as large as the hand, situated on the inner aspect of the thigh, extending well into the region of the nates; temperature 104°, pulse 128. Mental condition was such that could be roused, but immediately passed into stupor again. Examination of urine revealed large quantities of sugar. I gave large doses of bicarbonate of sodium. I opened the gangrenous area by crucial incision, irrigated with permanganate, 1/2000. Gave echinacea compound 4 Cc. four hourly; also applied it locally. Ordered diabetic diet. After ten days the echinacea compound was given t. i. d., and a moist dressing of the same was kept on the gangrenous area continuously. The patient improved gradually, and was discharged April 13, 1907. The urine showed sugar but had diminished very much, probably due to strict diet. I saw Mr. Hutchinson July 25, and there is no trace of the infection left. Sugar in the urine is just about the same. He is working and feels well; weighs 192 pounds.

Dr. Rockhill has kindly permitted us to state that Eusoma is the preparation referred to in the above letter as "Echinacea Compound." THE EUSOMA PHARMACEUTICAL CO., Cincinnati, O.

Ellingwood's Therapeutist, Vol. 2, 1908, was edited by Finley Ellingwood M.D.