NATIONAL LIBRARY OF MEDICINE Washington Founded 1836 U. S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare Public Health SerTKe • • ,"•■• tfi/rn*tl-/rXr^zr *£~A- *^zfk ^ 7/^e ^ *£*£* X^^'kf^v^y-7^ xf/*^ ( > $ \ ♦ \ • - Vu» i ' 1 » » * /~ c^r THE AMERICAN NEW DISPENSATORY. CONTAINING GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF PHARMA- CEUTIC CHEMISTRY. PHARMACEUTIC OPERATIONS. CHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF THE ARTI- CLF.S OF MATERIA MEDICA. MATERIA MEDICA, INCLUDING SEV. ERAL NEW AND VALUABLE ARTI. CLES, THE PRODUCTION OF THE UNITED STATES. PREPARATIONS AND COMPOSITIONS. WITH AN APPENDIX, CONTAINING MBDICAL PRESCRIPTIONS. THE NATURE AND MEDICAL USES OP THE GASES. MEDICAL ELECTRICITY. GALVANISM. AM ABRIDGMENT OF DR. CURRIE'S REPORTS ON THE USE OF WATER. THE CULTIVATION OF THE POPPY PLANT, AND THE METHOD OF PREPARING OPIUM. AND SEVERAL USEFUL TABLES. THE WHOLE COMPILED FROM THE MOST APPROVED AUTHORS, BOTH EUROPEAN AND AMERICAN. BY JAMES THACHER, A. A. & MrS. S. CC BOSTO I PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY T. B. WAIT AND CO. COURT-STREET. 1810. DISTRICT OF MASSACHUSETTS, TO WIT : BE it remembered, That on the tenth day of May, in (he thirty-fourth ytar of the In- dependence of the Unitid States of America, Thomas B. Wait and Company, of the said district, ha vi deposited in this office the title of a book, the right whereof they claim as pro- prietors, in the words following, to wit: " The American New Dispensatory. Containing General principles of pharmaceutic chemistry. Pharmaceutic operations. Chemical analy- sis of the articles of materia medica. Materia medica. including several uew and valuable articles, the production of the United States. Preparations and compositions. With an appendix, containing medical prescriptions. The nature and medical uses of the gases. Medical electricity. Galvanism. An abridgment of Dr. Currie's reports on the use of water. The cultivation of the poppy plant, and the method of preparing opium. And several useful tables. The whole compiled from the most approved authors, both Euro1 pean and American. By James Thaeher, A. A. & M. S. S." In conformity to the Act of the Congresi of the United States, entitled, " An Act for the Encouragement of Learning, by securing the copies of Maps, Charts, and Books, to the Authors and Proprietors of such copies, during the times therein mentioned ;" and also to an act entitled, " An act supplementary to an act, entitled, an act for the encouragement of Learning, by securing the copies of Maps,|Charts, and Books, to the authors and proprie- tor! ufsuch copies during the times therein mentioned; and extending the beaefiu thereof to the Arts of Designing, Engraving, and Etching Historical, and other Prints." WILLIAM S. SHAW, Clerk of the District of Massachusetts. RECOMMENDATION. REPORT OF A COMMITTEE OF THE MASSACHUSETTS MEDICAL SOCIETY. J. he Committee appointed by the Massachusetts Medical Society, to examine a manuscript submitted to their inspection by Doctor James Thacher, under the title of the American New Dispensatory, have per- formed that service as minutely as their various avocations would admit; and are of opinion, that a work of this kind is much wanted at the present period, on account of the improvements and important discoveries, which have been made in chemical science within a few years, by which the existing publications have been in some measure superseded. Dr Thacher appears to have made his compilation from the most ap- proved modern publications, and to have adapted it to the purpose of " a standard work, exhibiting, in familiar language and a concentrated form, the principles of modern pharmacy, chemistry and materia medica." Many of the ancient pharmaceutical articles and preparations, which experience has proved to possess little or no value, have been left out of the work, by which means it is compressed into a smaller compass, and rendered less expensive than most European publications of the same kind. A number of indigenous substances are introduced into the Materia Medica, which have been hi therto unknown, or which, though their properties are in some instances highly active, have never been brought into general use. As it appears to have been a principal object of Dr. Thacher to adapt the work to American practice ; and, as he has adopted for the basis of his work the Pharmacopoeia of Massachusetts, lately published by the Medical Society, and recommended for general use, they are of opinion, that it will co-operate with the views of the Society in that publication especially as " its nomenclature and order of arrangement seem to be strictly observed" in the manuscript. They therefore conclude, that it will be for the interest of medical sci- ence in this country, to encourage the work, and that it may be the means of exciting a more general attention to the medicinal virtues of American productions, any of which might be introduced into the Materia Medi- ca, and advantageously, as well as economically, supply the place o' foreign articles. JOHN WARREN AARON DEXTER. JUSIAH BARTLETT. Boston, October 14, 1809. TO JOHN WARREN, M. D. rROFESSOR OF ANATOMY AND SURGERY IN THE UNIVERSITY OF CAMBSIDGF; AND PRESIDENT OS THE MASSACHUSETTS MEDICAL SOCIETY. SIR, Were any apology necessary for the liberty I have taken, of inscribing to you the following sheets, without previously soli- citing your assent, it might be found in the various relative cir- cumstances, which designate you as the most proper patron of the work. You have been eminently instrumental in the establish- ment and advancement of the philanthropic institutions over which you preside ; while the applause of the public bears ample at- testations to your pre-eminent attainments in medical science, and numerous qualifications as a distinguished teacher of medicine. But, if permitted to indulge, on this occasion, considerations of a more personal nature, I might recur to that interesting period, when officiating in a military hospital, I experienced from your beneficence civilities and acts of friendship very propitious at the time ; and which, with more recent instances of friendly inter- course, I shall ever recollect with the most pleasing emotions. Permit me, therefore, to proffer this dedication, as a tribute of respect and gratitude, accompanied with my fervent wishes, that you may long continue to exhibit to the public and to your friends those virtues and that benignity, which are conspicuous traits in your character. It has become one of the felicities of your day to have associat- ed with you as coadjutor a son, whose talents and intelligence have already attracted public attention, and whose prosperity is peculiarly interesting to yourself.* May this important union, so auspicious to the medical character of our country, with your excellent example and influence, excite emulation in the field of science, and prove a shield to the community against the baneful effects of medical demerit and empiricism. I am, sir, with sentiments of profound consideration, Your most obedient servant. JAMES THACHER Plymouth, January 1, 1310. * John C. Warren, M. D. r^cntly elected adjunct Professor of Anato- my and Surgery. B PREFACE. Such has been the series of improvements in Chemical Science for the last thirty years, that Dispensatories and Phar- macopoeias have in constant succession been superseded and ren- dered obsolete. Those gentlemen, therefore, whose education is not of modern date, are subjected to the alternative, either of making continual accessions to their libraries, or of treating with disrespect the prevailing systems of the day. Medical students seldom have leisure to search the pages of numerous volumes on the subject; and there is much reason to apprehend, that can- didates frequently commence their professional duties under cir- cumstances extremely inauspicious as respects this branch of education. The mutual duties, therefore, both of the medical instructer and the student, might be facilitated by a standard work, exhibiting in familiar language, and in a concentrated form, the principles of modern Pharmacy, as well as those of Chemistry and Materia Medica, to which it is so closely allied. European Dispensatories, it will be conceded, are not well suited to the views and purposes of American physicians: they still contain in their catalogues many antiquated substances and Pharmaceutical preparations, whose medicinal powers are found by experience to be too trivial to entitle them to consideration ; while some valuable remedies employed in this country have no; been introduced. The Epitome of Chemistry, and a variety of tables, plates, &c. with the Pharmaceutic apparatus, occupying nearly one hundred and fifty pages in Dr. Duncan's Dispensa- tory, are altogether omitted in this work; and the more concise and perhaps no less judicious " General Principles of Pharma- ceutic Chemistry" of Mr. Murray, are substituted. Under the head of Preparation and Compositions, the analogous officinals of the three British Pharmacopoeias, are inserted in his Dispensa- tory ; and in some instances the different processes of each are particularly described. These, although of utility in a scientific view, are not to be considered as indispensable to American prac- 9 PREFACE. titioners in general; nor do they comport with the plan here pre- scribed. The Pharmacopoeia of the Massachusetts Medical Society, it will be confessed, is not inferior in point of merit to any other. It contains an ample and judicious selection of medicinal sub- stances and preparations; but, being intended merely as a stan- dard of uniformity, the natural history, chemical properties, and medicinal virtues of natural and artificial substances, and their application as remedies, not being appropriate subjects, were in- admissible in such a work. Indeed, since the appearance of that production, the expediency of a concise compilation adapted to our own practical use, has become more evident; and from the desire of co-operating with the views of the Massachusetts Me- dical Society, their Pharmacopoeia is adopted as the basis of this work, and its nomenclature and order of arrangement are strictly followed throughout. It is, however, to be considered in the character of a compila- tion only ; and when other than the language of the original is substituted, it is with the view of condensing the subject. The general principles of Pharmaceutic Chemistry, general analysis of the articles of Materia Medica, and classification of Medicine, taken from Murray's Elements, will be found to enrich the first part of this volume. With respect to the natural history, chemi- cal composition, and properties of medicinal substances, both Dun- can and Murray, together with the American Dispensatory by Dr. Cox, have been carefully consulted, and the same respectable and well established authorities have been the sources resorted to for information relative to officinal preparations and compositions. The munificence of Providence is so amply displayed in our country, that it may not be deemed too enthusiastic to anticipate the happy period, when by the associated labours of medical men, our Materia Medica shall be copiously furnished from the three kingdoms of nature, with such materials, as will derive ad- ditional value from the consideration of their domestic origin, and the facility with which they may be procured. Several in- digenous substances, not to be found in any other Dispensatory, have, on this occasion, received proper attention, and their re- spective characters delineated under all the advantages which the most unexceptionable sources of information could afford. Pro- fessor Barton, whose authority is held in universal respect, fur- nishes in his valuable collection for a Materia Medica of the PREFACE. 9 United States, the requisite information relative to most of these productions. On some occasions the compiler has had recourse to that excellent publication, the Domestic Encyclopedia, edited by Dr. Mease, and also the communications to be found in the several volumes of the Medical Repository of New York. In other instances, where important information respecting medicinal substances has been announced by American physi- cians, or otherwise found floating on the surface of science, he has not failed to collect, and incorporate into the general mass. To the Rev. Dr. Cutler acknowledgments are due for his bo- tanical account of indigenous vegetables,* in which are described some productions that have hitherto escaped the investigation of other writers, and we are induced to hope, that, from the more extended researches of this respectable botanist, the public will derive advantages still more considerable. Although the appendix augments the size and price of the volume, its contents will be found to afford the reader ample compensation. Indeed, the advantages derived from access to public and private libraries, and an extensive correspondence, have been accompanied with a diligent and zealous application to the subject, and a constant endeavour to compress in this volume an unusual mass of well authenticated medical ficts, embracing objects of solid and practical utility. Plymouth January 1, 1810. ■ Yid Memoirs of tbe American Academy of Arts and Sciences, vol. 1; TABLE OF CONTENTS. INTRODUCTION. Paffe Objects of Materia Medica and Pharmacy..................... 13 PART I. General Principles of Pharmaceutic Chemistry............. 17 Sect. I. Pharmaceutic Operations............................ 17 II. Chemical Analysis of the articles of the Materia Medica......................................... 24 PART II. MATERIA MEDICA. Classification of Medicines and a view of the operation of Medicine on the living system................................. 50 Class I. Narcotics...................................................... 50 II. Antispasmodics........................................... 52 III. Tonics.......................................................... 53 IV. Astringents.................................................. 54 LOCAL STIMULANTS. V. Emetics........................................................ 57 VI. Cathartics..................................................... 58 VII. Emmenagogues.......................................... 60 VIII. Diuretics.....................•................................ 60 IX. Diaphoretics................................................ 61 X. Expectorants............................................ 63 XI. Sialagogues................................................. 64 XII. Errhines................................................... 64 XIII. Epispastics and Rubefacients................... 65 REMEDIES ACTING CHEMICALLY. XIV. Refrigerants............................................. 66 XV. Antacids....................................................... 67 XVI. Lithcntriptics............................................. 67 XVII. Escharotics............................................... 68 REMEDIES ACTING MECHANICALLY. XVHI. Anthelmintics........................................... 68 XIX. Demulcents.............................................. 68 XX. Diluents....................................................... 69 XXI. Emollient';................................................... 69 T.Ylil.E Of ( OS1T.N1 v PART HI. PREPARATIONS AND COMTOSI 1 IONS. Chap. I. Sulphur.................................................... 243 II. Acids, alkalies, earths, and their com- pounds..................................................... 244 III. Metalline preparations.............................. 275 IV. Ether and ethereal spirits......................... 302 V. Expressed and inspissated juices............. 306 VI. Fixed oils and oily preparations............... 309 VII. Distilled waters and spirits....................... 312: VIII. Volatile oils............................................... 316 IX. Infusions and decoctions.......................... 319 X. Emulsions and mucilages......................... 326' XI. Syrups....................................................... 32.) XII. Medicated vinegars.................................... 333 XIII. Tinctures.................................................. 335 XIV. Medicated wines...............;....................... 353 XV. Extracts.............................."....................... 357 XVI. Powders.................................................... 360 XVII. Conserves and electuaries......................... 364 XVIII. Troches....................................................... 367 XIX. Pills............................................................. 369 XX. Cataplasms................................................ 375 XXI. Liniments, ointments, cerates and plasters 376 APPENDIX. N°- I. Medical prescriptions............................... 391 II. On the nature and medicinal uses of the gases....................................................... 394 III. Medical electricity.................................... 401 IV. Galvanism................................................ 405 V. An abridgement of Dr. Currie's medical reports on the use of water................... 408 Cold and warm bathing........................... 448 VI. Method of cultivating American opium.. 454 TABLES. Table of ancient names with their synonimes................ 459 Table of systematic names with their synonimes........... 471 Table shewing the proportion of antimony, opium, and quicksilver, contained in some compound medicines 483 Posological and prosodial table........................................ 48j5 English index..................~.............................................. 495 Latin index........................................................................ 5 j 7 INTRODUCTION. Jyl ateria medica, understood according to the strict defini- tion of the term, is that department of the science of medicine which relates to the knowledge of remedies, or of the effects produced in the human system by such substances as are em- ployed for the removal of disease. The objects to be attended to in its study are the natural history, the chemical composition and properties, and the medicinal powers and applications of the substances which belong to it. The natural history of these substances is of utility in furnishing appropriate characters by which they may be dis- tinguished. Many of them bear a close resemblance to each other, and can only be discriminated by those minute and ac- curate distinctions which the methods of natural history afford. From the intimate connexion which frequently subsists be- tween those properties on which natural classification is esta- blished, and the various qualities with which bodies are endowed, natural history is likewise, to a certain extent, capable of afford- ing indications of the virtues of remedies. Thus, in the vegeta- ble kingdom, the different species of the same genus, and even the different genera of the same natural order, are composed of substances which frequently exert the same actions on the living system; yet to this connexion there are exceptions so numerous and important, that it is incapable of just application to any con- siderable extent; it can only suggest conjectures, which require to be brought to the test of experiment. The more full description of the sensible properties oT the articles of the materia medica, affords the most obvious method of distinguishing them, and in many cases the easiest and most certain criterion of their purity and perfection. It has likewise been imagined, that the sensible qualities of medicines afford indications of their peculiar powers. Those, for example, which arc inodorous and insipid, are seldom active remedies; and those which have a similarity in taste or in flavour, have also a general resemblance in their virtues. But though indications of this kind may be partially true, they are I 14 INTRODUCTION. extremely limited in their application, and are liable to many causes of obscurity and error. The chemical history of the articles of the materi medica, embraces several important subjects of inquiry. Their analysis, especially that of those belonging to the vege- table kingdom, has been supposed capable of leading to a know- ledge of their virtues; and the opinion does not a jiriori appear improbable, since the medicinal powers of any compound body, in common with its other internal properties, must arise from its peculiar composition. Without any reference, however, to the very imperfect analyses of the older chemists, it may be re- marked, that even from the researches of modern chemistry little information of this kind can be acquired. It may be dis- covered, indeed, in what proximate principle of any vegetable substance its virtues reside ; but this affords no previous indica- tion of these virtues. Nor can the analysis of these principles explain the source of the powers which are attached to them in particular substances; the peculiarities of composition from which these may originate, being by far too subtile to be(detect- cd by chemical means. Chemistry, however, is in other respects more directly use- ful in its application to the materia medica. It enables us, by the use of proper solvents, or by the due application of heat, to separate those proximate principles of vegetables in which their virtues reside, from other inert or noxious matter with which they may be mixed; it ascertains how far these processes are useful, points out those changes in composition by which the virtues of the substances acted on are frequently altered, and the means by which such injuries may be lessened or prevent- ed. Similar advantages are obtained from its application to the few products of the animal kingdom that are used in medicine. Those which are derived from the mineral kingdom, can be employed with advantage and discrimination only when their composition is known; and the analyses of these substances have exploded many errors respecting them, have enabled us to distinguish them from each other, have pointed out the iden- tity of others, and have rectified the processes by which they are prepared. By new combinations, chemistry furnishes us with many remedies equally active and important with those afforded by nature ; and by pointing out the mutual chemical action of dif- ferent substances, it guards against the errors which might arise from improper mixtures. INTRODUCTION. 15 The last object in the study of the materia medica, that to which the others are merely subservient, is the medical his-h tory of its articles; the investigation of their virtues, or their practical uses in the treatment of disease. This includes, in the first plaqe, the consideration of the ac- tions of these substances on the system, in general, as, this be- ing ascertained, leads to their application to the treatment of morbid affections. It is likewise necessary to investigate, so far as it can be done, the mode in which remedies act, either in the healthy or in the diseased state, and by which they produce their peculiar effects. We are thus better enabled to diversify their application, to determine the cases to which each may be more peculiarly adapted, and to discover the various circumstances by which their operations are influenced. In considering the practical uses or applications of remedies, the objects demanding attention are the various kinds and forms of disease to which they are adapted, the circumstances that may render their exhibition improper in particular cases, the cautions necessary in their use, their doses, together with then- usual and proper modes of administration, and the effects ol their combinations with each other. PHARMACY is the art of preserving, preparing, and com- pounding medicines. The preservation of medicines is its least extensive part. It includes principally the general rules for collecting plants at certain seasons, or in particular states of maturity, and those by which they are dried or preserved from the injuries they would sustain by exposure to light, air, and moisture. It comprehends, in like manner, rules for the collection and preservation of ani- mal and mineral substances. That part of pharmacy termed the preparation of medi- cines, includes a variety of important operations. The virtues of those remedies which are derived from the vegetable kingdom, generally depend on one or other of the proximate principles of each substance ; on its gum, its resin, essential oil, or some other. These different principles are dis- solved by different agents, by water, alkohol, Sec.; and as they are often, as they exist in the entire vegetable, mixed with much inert matter, it is of advantage to extract the active prin- ciple by means of its proper solvent, and to exhibit it in its pure and concentrated state. Hence have arisen the various pharmas 16 INTRODUCTION ceutic preparations of infusions, decoctions, tinctures, extracts, &c. these being all processes by which the active matter of any substance is separated from the inert matter with which it is naturally mixed, and differing from each other only in the sol- vent employed, or in the form to which the solution is reduced. Sometimes, also, the principles of these substances are ex- tracted by other means, as when an unctuous oil is obtained by expression, or an essential oil by the application of heat. This oil may also be combined with water or alkohol, and thus dis- tilled waters or spirits are formed. By such processes, we extract only a principle previously existing in any particular substance; we form no new remedy, but merely obtain the same virtue in a different form. In other cases, pharmacy produces remedies altogether new. These arc always the result of chemical action ; they are either compounds, produced by the combination of two or more chemical agents, or they are the products of chemical decomposition. In this manner are obtained the various saline and mctalic preparations. These preparations, too, are often dissolved in various fluids, in order that they may be conveniently exhibited ; processes ana- logous to the infusions or tinctures of vegetable substances. Composition is the last part of pharmacy. In this no chemi- cal combination is effected; but different medicines are merely mixed together, with the intention of promoting their efficacy, of correcting their operation, of covering their taste or flavour, or of giving them a commodious form. From this view of the objects of pharmacy, it is evident, that it is principally a particular application of chemistry. Its opera^ tions are either directly chemical, or require that the chemical properties of the bodies operated on should be accurately known. THE AMERICAN NEW DISPENSATORY. PART I. general principles of pharmaceutic chemistry. a harmaceutic chemistry is that department of chemical science which investigates the composition and chemical rela- tions of bodies with a view to their medicinal properties, and explains those operations by which they are fitted to act with more efficacy or safety as remedies against disease. It includes those facts and principles, which connect materia medica and pharmacy, the enumeration of which forms the proper intro- duction to the study of these two branches of medicine. SECTION I. PHARMACEUTICAL OPERATIONS. The phenomena which it is the object of chemistry to inves- tigate, and upon which, therefore, the principal operations of pharmacy depend, arise principally from the exertion of that power possessed by the particles of different kinds of matter, by which they have a tendency to combine together. When two different bodies are placed in contact, under certain circum- stances, they unite, and form one homogeneous substance, in which the particles of either can no longer be discovered. The power whence this combination proceeds, is termed chemical attraction or affinity. It is exerted only between the minute par- ticles of different kinds of matter, and between these only at in- sensible distances. The substances which it combines never separate spontaneously, nor are they capable of being separated by any mechanical means; and they form a compound possessing properties more or less different from those of its component parts. The change of properties from combination is the most re- markable phenomenon attending the exertion of chemical at- traction. The sensible qualities, and chemical properties of the compound, bear in general no resemblance to these qualities and properties in the substances of which it is formed. This, how- ever, is not invariably true. There are a number of instances, especially in pharmacy, where the change is much less com- plete, as in the solutions of resins or essential oils in alkohol, or 18 PHARMACEUTIC CHEMISTRY. of gums or saline substances in water. But in these the marks of chemical combination are still present, the compound is homo- geneous, and cannot be decomposed but by the exertion ot a su- perior affinity. Chemical attraction is not invariably or equally exerted by each substance to every other. Between many substances there seems to exist no attraction, at least they cannot be made to combine together. Others have a very extensive power of com- bination, and seem capable of uniting with almost every sub- stance which is not already saturated with them; and there are many intermediate, in their facility of combination, between these two extremes. Chemical attraction is not limited, in its action, to two bodies. It can be exerted between three, four, or more, and can thus form compounds of so many principles. It can likewise unite bodies in different proportions. Some combine in every pro- portion, others only in limited quantities. In the latter case, the compounds formed by the different proportions have in general very different properties. The compounds which are thus formed, have still the same relation to chemical attraction. They have a tendency to com- bine with other bodies, simple or compound; they can combine in various numbers and proportion ; and these combinations are accompanied by the same phenomena, and regulated by the same laws. The attraction exerted by any substance towards others, is not uniform in its force. To some it is stronger, to others weaker. Hence it follows, that if two bodies have been com- bined together, they may be separated, or the compound they have formed may be destroyed, by presenting to it another sub- stance, which exerts an attraction to one of its component parts, superior to the attraction by which they were held united. If the circumstances necessary to favour the exertion of chemical attraction be present, the two bodies between which there is the strongest attraction combine, and the other is separated. In chemical language this process is termed decomposition, from a single elective attraction. A case of decomposition, more complicated, is that, where two compounds are mixed together, and where the constituent parts of the one exert attractions to those of the other stronger than the attractions by which they are held combined in the original compounds. In this case, a complete exchange takes place, and two new compounds are formed. This is termed double decom- position, or the exertion of a double elective attraction. Tables nave been constructed of the relative forces of attractions of many bodies towards others, whence may be estimated the combina- tions or decompositions that will take place on their mixture with each other. The exertion of chemical attraction between bodies is greatly influenced by another power, that of heat or caloric. This is the cause of the temperature of bodies, of their expansion. fluidity, and conversion into the aeriform or gaseous state. Its PHARMACEUTIC CHEMISTRY. 19 influence on chemical combination and decomposition is very extensive. Some bodies combine together at the common tem- perature of the atmosphere; others require that temperature to be raised; and in some it is necessary to expose them to a very intense heat. The same differences take place with respect to decomposition. Many bodies remain in chemical union within a certain range of temperature, more or less extensive; but whenever the heat, to which the compounds in which they exist are exposed, is increased beyond a certain degree, decomposi- tion takes place, and the constituent principles are separated from each other. These effects are partly to be explained from the power caloric has of weakening the force of aggregation in bodies by which their particles are held in union, and by which that power tending to separate them, in order to bring them. into a state of new combination, is counteracted; and partly from the state of expansion or of fluidity produced by caloric, by which the surfaces between which chemical attraction is exerted are increased, and the minute particles of bodies are brought to act upon each other. The operations of pharmaceutic chemistry are entirely dependent on chemical attraction, or on the action of caloric. They are merely particular arrangements of circumstances, by which the exertion of that attraction is promoted, and the pro- ducts of the combinations or decompositions which take place are obtained. There are several preliminary operations, not directly chemi- cal, but employed either to favour the exertion of chemical at- traction, or to facilitate the medicinal operation of the substances subjected to them. They are those operations, by which bodies are reduced to a state of extreme mechanical division. The principal are pulverization, or reducing bodies to powder by beating; trituration, in which the same effect is obtained by rubbing; and levigation, in which the powder is reduced to a greater degree of fineness, from the rubbing being continued longer, and being facilitated by the addition of any fluid which does not act chemically on the substance subjected to the opera- tion. These are performed in mortars of glass, earthen-ware, or metal. As the particles into which the substance is reduced by any of these means, must necessarily be of unequal fineness, the coarser are separated from the finer, by sifting or passing the powder over a sieve. Washing or elutriation is an operation in which the same end is attained. The powder is agitated in a fluid, in which it is not soluble; the larger parti- des are allowed to subside; the liquor, holding the finer suspend- ed, is poured off; and, on its remaining at rest, are deposited. These methods can be applied to few of the metals with advan- tage. They are, therefore, mechanically divided, by filing, by beating into fine leaves, or by pouring them when melted into water; an operation termed granulation, as the metal becomes solid, in the form of small grains. These operations do not directly promote chemical action, as they are far from reducing bodies to their minute particles, be- 20 PHARMACEUTIC CHEMISTRY twecn which that action is exerted: they are merely employed as preliminary to those which are more directly chemical. In pharmacy, some of them are of utility, besides promoting chemi- cal combination, as there are several medicines which act with more certainty and power when finely levigated, than when given in a coarser powder. Of the chkmical operations, the most important are those by which that fluidity is obtained, which is in general requisite for the exertion of chemical attraction. Solution is the prin- cipal operation of this kind. It is that process in which a solid body, when immersed in a fluid, disappears, so that its particles are no longer discoverable, and upon standing do not subside, the fluid likewise retaining its usual transparency. It is merely an example of chemical combination between two bodies, which hap- pen to exist in different forms, the compound remaining in the fluid state. The fluid being conceived to be the more active substance, has been termed the solvent, the solid the solvend or body dissolved. The attraction, however, whence the solution proceeds, is reciprocal, and is not more exerted by the one than by the other. The previous mechanical division of solids, promotes their so- lution, by enlarging the surface between which the mutual attrac- tion is exerted. Agitation causes the solution to proceed more rapidly, by bringing succesively the different parts of the fluid into contact with the solid. There are, in general, certain limits to the solution of solids in fluids. A certain quantity of sea-salt, for example, may be dissolved in a given quantity of water ; but if more be added, it remains undissolved, and can only be diffused through the solu- tion. When the fluid has taken up as much of the solid as it can dissolve, it is said to be saturated with it. The same fluid requires for its saturation very different quantities of solids; of some it can dissolve only a very small portion, of others more than its own weight. The saturation of a fluid with one substance, does not prevent it from dissolving a portion of a second, or even of a third or fourth, though it lessens the solvent power with regard to each. There are some cases in which the solvent power is apparently unlimited, or in which no precise point of saturation can be pointed out, such as the solution of sugar, gums, &.c. in water. The temperature or degree of heat has a very important in- fluence on solution, and in varying the point of saturation. In general every solution proceeds with more facility or rapidity at a high than at a low temperature, and the fluid is even capable at the high temperature of dissolving a larger portion of the solid though with respect to different solids, this increase of solvent power, by a given temperature, is very different. Solution, besides being one of the most important operations in chemical analysis, is one of the most useful in pharmacy, the active principles of many substances being extracted, by means of their proper solvents. Saline substances are dissolved in water, as are also gum, sugar, and other vegetable and animal PHARMACEUTIC CHEMISTRY. 21 products. Resins, camphor, essential oils, &c. are dissolved in ether, alkohol, or wine; and metals are rendered soluble and active by the different acids. The operation,receives different appellations, according to the nature of the solvent, of the sub- stances dissolved, and of the manner in which it is performed. When we have a mixture of saline or earthy substances, of which part is soluble in water, or in any other fluid, while another part is insoluble, the one may be separated from the other by the due application of its proper solvent. The process thus performed is termed lixiviation, and the solution ob- tained, a ley. When a fluid is poured on any vegetable or animal substance, so as to dissolve only part of its principles, the operation is termed extraction, and the part dissolved is said to be extracted. If it is performed without the assistance of heat it is termed maceration ; if with a moderate heat, diges- tion ; if the fluid be poured boiling hot on the substance, and they are kept in a covered vessel till cold, it forms infusion. Lastly, decoction is the term given to the operation where the fluid is boiled upon the substance to be dissolved. To obtain the solid matter which has been dissolved in any fluid, the process named evaporation is employed. The liquor is exposed to. heat in a vessel of such a form as to present a wide surface to the atmosphere; the fluid is converted into vapour, and the matter that had been dissolved is thus obtained in a solid state. The heat employed in evaporation should always be as moderate as possible, as the flavour of the solid residuum is other- wise apt to be injured, its composition changed, or part of it carried off with the vapour. In many cases, the heat afforded by placing the vessel containing the fluid to be evaporated over boiling water is sufficient. This forms the water bath, or balneum maria. There are many substances, especially those belonging to the class of salts, which, when their solutions are evaporated to a certain extent, concrete in masses of regular forms, hard and transparent. These are termed crystals, and the operation itself crystallization. The first step in this process is to evaporate part of the fluid till the solution while at its boiling point is sa- turated, or retains in solution the largest quantity of the body which at that temperature it can hold dissolved. On allowing it to cool, the portion which the high temperature enabled the fluid to hold in solution, will separate, and crystals will be formed ; and by successive evaporations, the whole of the solid matter may be obtained in the crystalline form. In like manner, crystals are formed by the slow or spontaneous evaporation which takes place when a fluid is exposed to the atmosphere, and these being form- ed more slowly, are even harder and more perfect in their figure than those obtained by hasty evaporation. In crystallizing, the figure which the body assumes, is regu- lar and peculiar to itself, and hence is established the arrange- ment of crystals into prismatic, rhomboidal, and other forms; these, however, are frequently varied by external circumstances. 2 PHARMACEUTIC C11EMIS M\ Water is essential to tlie formation of crystals, and given thcin their transparency. The crystals of different bodies contain very different quantities of this fluid. It is termed their Water ot Crystallization ; and by whatever means it is expelled, the trans- parency, density, and figure of the crystal is lost. If crystals lose their water of crystallization on exposure to the air, they are said to effioreace; if, on the contrary, water is absorbed, so that the substance becomes moist or fluid, it is said to deliquesce. Crystallization is promoted by the access of the atmospheric air to the fluid, and by affording a nucleus or solid point at which the crystallization may commence. Some substances have so strong an attraction to the fluid in which they are dissolved, that they do not separate in the crystalline form, even when the solu- tion has been considerably evaporated. They either remain dis- solved, forming a liquor more or less glutinous; or if the eva- poration be carried to a greater extent, they are recovered in the solid form, but destitute of any regular figure. Some of these bodies, when dissolved in water, may be made to crystallize by the addition of a small quantity of alkohol, which, by exerting a still stronger attraction to the wa'er, weakens their combination with it. Other substances soluble in water, as gum, starch, &c# can by no management be made to undergo this operation. Besides this species of crystallization, there is a process of a similar kind to which the same term is applied. When a body has been melted, if the fluid has its temperature slowly reduced, so that it approach gradually to the point at which it becomes solid, its particles frequently unite, so as to form masses of regu- lar figures, or crystals. This species of crystallization is not how- ever, applied to any pharmaceutical purpose. Precipitation is another process by which a solid body is separated from a fluid. If, for example, to the solution of any solid matter in any fluid, a substance be added, which has a stronger attraction to the fluid than the solid previously dissolved in it has, the latter will be separated, and will be thrown down in its solid form. In like manner, precipitation may take place from the substance which is added combining not with the fluid, but with the solid dissolved, and forming with it a new compound no longer soluble. The process, in either case, is termed precipitation, the substance thrown down is a precipitate, and the substance by which the precipitation has been effected, is the precipitant. In order to obtain a precipitate pure, it is allowed to subside ; the clear liquor is poured off, the precipitate is repeatedly washed, to carry off any of the substance by which it was precipitated, which may still adhere to it ; it is then dried. The preceding operations are those in which a solid body dis- solved in a fluid is recovered by abstracting part of the fluid. But there are many cases of combination, or decomposition, iii which our object is rather to obtain the more volatile part of the mixture. In such cases distillation and sublimation are had re- eour-e to. In distillation, the materials are exposed to a proper degree of heat, in vessels contrived so as to collect the part which passes PHARMACEUTIC CHEMISTRY. 23 off in vapour, condense it, and thus obtain it in the fluid form. Distillation is therefore nothing but evaporation in close vessels, with the design of obtaining the volatile products. In many cases of distillation, the matter to be distilled is apt to be injured by the application of too strong a heat; such, for ex- ample, is the case with regard to the essential oils of plants. To prevent this, they are not exposed alone to heat, but with the addition of a quantity of water. The temperature at which water is converted into vapour, (212° of Fahrenheit) is sufficient to volatilize these oils, without injuring them. The oil therefore rises with the vapour, is condensed with it, and is easily separated from the water, by their difference in specific gravity, a small quantity of it only being lost by being retained by the water in solution. When the substance to be distilled is not of such a nature as to act chemically on metallic vessels, the common still, made of iron or copper, is employed. This is a cylindrical vessel, from the head of which a pipe issues, which is connected with a spiral tube, placed in a vessel filled with water. The heat is directly applied to the bottom of the still; the vapour produced passes off through the tube, and is condensed in the spiral tube (or worm as it is termed), the cold water with which this is sur- rounded promoting the condensation. Acids, or other substances that would act upon metallic ves- sels, or receive from them a noxious impregnation, are distilled from glass vessels. The retort, or conical bottle bent nearly at a right angle, is used for this purpose; the heat being communi- cated to it by the medium of a sand-bath. The vapour is con- densed in a conical or globular vessel, termed a receiver, con- nected with the retort. Where the vapour is highly elastic or difficult of condensation, a series of receivers connected together is necessary; and where it is incapable of condensation by itself, but is easily absorbed by water, a portion of that fluid is disposed in the receivers, by which it is condensed. Some bodies are im- pure on their first distillation ; they are purified by a second dis- tillation, which is then termed rectification. Or, with the proper product of the distillation, a portion of aqueous vapour may have passed over: this may be abstracted by exposing the distilled fluid again to heat, and the process is named concentration or dephlegmation. Sublimation is another operation, by which a volatile matter is separated from one more fixed, by the application of heat; but the matter volatilized is again condensed, not in the fluid but in the solid form. The operation, therefore, is generally per- formed in one vessel, the sublimate being condensed in the up- per part. When it concretes, in the form of light flakes, it was termed flowers, in the old language of pharmacy. Fusion is, next to solution, the principal operation by which chemical combination is promoted. It is adapted to those cases in which the bodies designed to act upon each other are not solu- ble in any fluid, or at least in none that does not alter their attrac- tions. The fluidity necessary for their mutual chemical action,, is, therefore given to them by the due application of heat. The 24 PHARMACEUTIC CHEMISTRY. operation is commonly preformed in vessels termed crucibles, which are cups made of earthen-ware, of black-lead, or of some metal; the necessary heat being excited and communicated in general by a furnace. Chemical combination is also frequently promoted by the ap- plication of heat, even though the bodies are not fused. Calcina- tion is an operation of this kind. It is merely the exposing of a metal to a high temperature, with the free access of atmospheric air, by which it is oxygenated. Deflagration is an operation of a similar kind. It consists in mixing some salts, especially nitrat of potash, in which a large quantity of oxygen is retained with a very weak attractive force, with any inflammable body, and expos- ing the mixture to heat. The oxygen is attracted by the in- flammable substance, which is thus oxydated. Chemical decomposition is, in like manner, promoted by an increase of temperature. One principle of a compound, which is disposed to volatility, may thus be expelled ; or two bodies, one or both of which are compounds, and which when mixed together have no action on each other, may, when exposed to a strong heat, exert attractions, by which their decomposition is effected. These are the principal operations of pharmacy. Connected with this branch of the subject, there remain to be noticed the measures and weights which are usually employed. Troy weight is that ordered to be observed in the different pharmacopoeias. The pound is divided into twelve ounces ; the ounce into eight drachms ; the drachm into three scruples ; and the scruple into twenty grains. Measures are rejected by the Edinburgh college, but are admitted in other pharmacopoeias, and used by the apo- thecaries. They are subdivided in a similar manner, and are made to answer to the specific gravity of water. A table-spoonful and tea-spoonful, (measures frequently employed), are understood to be equal, the former to half an ounce, the latter to one drachm. N. B Sixty drops of water, one hundred of diluted alkohol, or an hundred and twenty of alkohol, are equal to a drachm by measure. SECTION II. CHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF THE ARTICLES OF THE MATERIA MEDICA. The consideration of the general analysis of the substances employed as remedies, must necessarily precede their particular history, as it is so intimately connected with the observations to be made on their properties, the marks of their purity and per- fection, their actions on each other, their combinations, and phar- maceutic treatment. Chemistry arranges all bodies under two classes; those which are simple, and those which are compound. The former are such as consist merely of similar parts; the latter such as can PHARMACEUTIC CHEMISTRY. 25 be resolved into particles different in their properties from each other, and from the compound which they had formed. From the combinations of a few simple substances, originate all the productions of nature, and all those which are the results of the operations of art. It is the province of chemistry to trace these combinations, to determine whether bodies are simple or compound ; and, if com- pound, to ascertain the number and proportions of their consti- tuent parts, and the modes in which they are combined. These objects are attained by analysis and synthesis, two general opera- tions, comprehending the greater number of the processes of chemistry. Analysis is the decomposition of a compound, or the separa- tion of its constituent parts. It is effected, either by exposing it to heat, when, from the unequal action of the caloric on the par- ticles of which it is composed, they are separated from each other; or, by subjecting it to the action of a superior attraction, in other words, by presenting it to some substance which exerts an attraction to one or other of its component parts, superior to the attraction by which these were held united. When the analysis has been effected, we may often again com- bine the principles obtained, so as to form the compound that has been decomposed. This forms what is termed synthesis, which, when it can be effected, is always a proof of the accuracy of the analysis. Very frequently, however, in the decomposition of a compound, the principles that are separated, instead of passing off pure, combine in new modes and proportions, and form com- pounds, which then become the products of the analysis. These cannot be combined again, or, if they could, they would form a compound totally different from the substance originally analysed. They may, however, be subjected to a further analysis, and thus the ultimate principles of the compound may be accurately as- certained. The whole of the substances belonging to the vege- table and animal kingdoms are subject to this complicated an- alysis. In analysing the various products of nature, we ultimately arrive at a few substances which we are unable farther to decom- pose, and which are therefore regarded as simple. Their ab- solute simplicity is not indeed established, but is inferred, till their composition be proved. They are simple with regard to our present knowledge of them, that is, they consist of particles, which, so far as can be discovered, are similar to each other, and they are regarded as the elements of which all other bodies are composed. It is sufficient to state their distinguishing charac- ters, and the principal compounds which they form. The first order of these substances, those which seem best entitled to the character of simplicity, are the simple gases, oxygen, azot, and hydrogen. Modern chemistry has demon- strated, that these gases are solid substances, brought into the aerial form by the operation of caloric. In the new nomencla- ture, therefore, the name of each is given to the base, and from this the appellation of the air or gas is derived. 26 PHARMACEUTIC CHEMISTRY. Of these simple bodies, oxyc.en is the most important, since it is either capable of combining with, or forms a component part of the greater number of the productions of nature Like other gases, it is invisible, and permanently clastic ; its specific gravity is a little superior to that of atmospheric air. Its distinguishing characters are its capacity of supporting combustion and animal life. It is indeed the only substance that can support cither of these processes, and it is absolutely necessary to enable them to be carried on. The influence of this air in supporting combustion, is more particularly to be assumed as its distinguishing chemical charac- ter, since so many of the most important chemical agents are formed by this operation. It is proved by the most unequivocal experiments, that combustion is nothing more than the com- bination of oxygen with the combustible body. Burnt bodies are therefore merely substances combined with oxygen : that principle is contained in them in very various quantities, and is retained by very different degrees of attractive force. Many substances can also be combined with oxygen, without the phenomena of combustion taking place, that is, without the disengagement of light and caloric. This happens when the oxygen has been previously combined with another body, and is only transferred from it by the exertion of a superior affinity. It happens, too, when the oxygen is slowly absorbed from the atmosphere, at the natural temperature. It is thus that many animal and vegetable substances are altered by exposure to the air. The absorption in these cases is so gradual, that the caloric, and perhaps the light, which are disengaged, are not perceptible. The compounds resulting from the union of oxygen with other bodies, arc among the most active of the chemical agents. It forms one-fourth part of the atmospheric air, and it is prin- cipally upon its action that the many chemical changes produced o>» bodies by that air depend. United with hydrogen, it forms water, the substance which of all others has the greatest share in promoting chemical combinations. Another order of important compounds resulting from the union of oxygen with other bodies, is that of acids. These are distinguished by their sour, styptic taste ; by their greater or less causticity ; by their changing the vegetable colours to a red; and by their combining with the alkalies, earths, and metals, forming peculiar compounds in which the acid properties are totally lost. They are compounds of inflammable substances with oxygen, and this element derives its name from being the principle of acidity. With the same substance oxygen is capable of combining in different proportions, so as to form different acids, the more powerful acid being generally formed by the larger proportion of oxygen. The nomenclature of the acids is designed to express these facts. The name of each acid is derived from the substance of which, combined with oxygen, it is formed; and by a variation in termination, the different acids resulting from the different de- grees of oxygenation of this base are denoted; the name of the PHARMACEUTIC CHEMISTRY. 27 more perfect acid terminating in the syllable ic, that of the one with the less proportion of oxygen in ous. Thus sulphur, with two proportions of oxygen, forms sulphureous and sulphuric acids. Acids have a great tendency to combination. From this, and from the facility with which they are in general decomposed and part with oxygen, they are the most active of any of the com- pound chemical agents, and are used in many pharmaceutic operations. Lastly, oxygen unites with many bodies without rendering them acid ; it then forms an order of bodies termed oxyds. It in general communicates to them a greater tendency to combina- tion. To this order belong almost all the compounds it forms with the metals, and the greater number of the vegetable and animal products. The second of the simple gases is azot. Like oxygen, when pure, it exists always in the gaseous form, forming azotic gas. This gas, with less than one-fourth part of oxygen, constitutes the common atmospheric air. It possesses no remarkable pro- perty by which it may be characterized, and therefore it is rather distinguished by its negative qualities. It is lighter than atmos- pheric air, its specific gravity, compared with it, being as 985 to 1000 ; it is unable to support combustion or respiration ; it is not absorbed by water, at least in any considerable quantity; and it is not inflammable in the strict sense of the term, for although it combines with oxygen, yet the combination is not sudden, nor is it attended with the emission of light, and with scarcely any extrication of caloric. Azot combined with oxygen, in proportions in which these two elements are mutually saturated, forms a powerful acid, the Nitric; with a smaller proportion of oxygen it forms the nitrous acid. These acids are very easily decomposed, and hence are often employed in chemical operations to afford oxygen to other bodies. With smaller proportions of oxygen, it forms two gases, neither of which has acid properties; nitrous gas, composed of 44 of azot with 56 of oxygen, distinguished by the facility with which it unites with an additional proportion of oxygen; and nitrous oxyd, consisting of 63 of azot, and 37 of oxygen, pecu- liarly characterized by its high exhilarating powers on the ani- mal system. Combined with hydrogen, in the proportion of 121 parts to 32, it forms ammonia, or volatile alkali, and hence it has been supposed, from analogy, that the other two alkalies also contain azot as a constituent principle. Lastly, azot is contained in great abundance in animal matters, and is the principle which distinguishes them, by their chemical composition, from vegetables. The last of these simple airs is hydrogen. It is the lightest of all the gases, its specific gravity, when it is in its purest state, being to that of atmospheric air as 13 to 1. It is highly inflam- mable ; one ,part of it mixed with four parts of atmospheric air, exploding with violence on the approach of an ignited body. I he most important compound of hydrogen is water, formed by its union with oxygen, in the proportion of 15 parts, by weight, 28 PHARMACEUTIC CHEMISTRY. of the former to 85 of the latter. As a chemical agent, water is of the first importance, both from its very extensive power of com- bination, and from its agency in affording oxygen. It is the solvent of all saline, and of the greater number of the earthy substances ; and it likewise dissolves a number of the vegetable and animal products. In these combinations, it is singular that the general law of chemical attraction, (that combination which alters the properties of bodies,) is scarcely observed ; the proper- ties of the bodies dissolved by water remaining almost invariably nearly the same, and that fluidity being merely communicated to them which is necessary for their mutual chemical action, or which renders convenient their preparation as medicines. Water is farther an important chemical agent, by affording oxygen to a number of bodies. Thus, many of the metals are slowly oxydated by it; and in their solutions by acids, it is fre- quently from the water that the metal receives oxygen. The vegetable and animal products receive oxygen also from the water they contain ; and in the decompositions which they suffer, whether from the reaction of their principles at a natural tem- perature, or by exposure to heat, the elements of the water pre- sent enter into the composition of the products which such ana- lysis afford. Under the appellation of simple inflammable substances, are commonly described three bodies, carbon, sulphur, and phos- phorus. They exist in the solid form, but are totally destitute of the metallic splendor, opacity and gravity. They are highly in- flammable, and form acids when united with oxygen. Carbon, the first of these, is an inflammable matter, the basis of common charcoal. In this substance, it was supposed to be merely mixed with oxyd of iron, and some other impurities. But the experiments of Guyton have proved that it is also com- bined with a portion of oxygen, and that the diamond is the pure inflammable base. Charcoal therefore, or the black porous sub- stance which remains after the imperfect combustion of wood, is an oxyd of carbon containing 36 parts of oxygen in the 100. It is inflammable. Combined with a larger quantity of oxygen, it forms a gas still possessing the property of inflammability, the gaseous oxyd of carbon. Saturated with oxygen, it forms a gas possessing the properties of an acid ; carbonic acid, or what was formerly named fixed air. Its acid powers are extremely incon- siderable, and its attractions so weak, that it is displaced from its combinations by all the other acids. Carbon, with hydrogen and oxygen, forms several compounds possessing inflammability. Some of them exist in the gaseous form, and differ slightly in their properties from each other. Alkohol, which is the product of fermentation from sugar, and which when pure is a colourless fluid, fragrant and pungent, volatile and inflammable, is a com- pound of a similar kind ; and ether, which is formed by the action of acids from alkohol, and which is still more light and volatile, is nearly of the same composition, differing from alkohol princi- pally in containing a larger proportion of hydrogen. PHARMACEUTIC CHEMISTRY 29 Sulphur is a simple inflammable substance found in abun- dance in nature, either pure or in combination with metals. When pure, it is hard and brittle, semitransparent, of a light yellow co- lour, insipid, emitting when slightly heated a foetid smell. It melts and volatilizes at a very low temperature, that of 185° ; at a temperature of 302°, it bums with a blue flame, when atmos- pheric air is admitted. Sulphur combines with oxygen, hydrogen, phosphorus, with many of the metals, and indeed with the greater number of the simple bodies. Its combination with oxygen forms the sulphuric and sulphureous acids. The latter is gaseous, has a pungent suffocating odour, and does not possess the acid properties in a very eminent degree. The former is fixed and inodorous; in the general acid powers it is superior to any body of the same class; it has a strong attraction to water, and is always combined with it; it exerts also strong affinities to the alkalies, earths and metallic oxyds, and oxydates the metals, and the greater number of inflammable bodies. It is therefore extensively used in che- mical and pharmaceutical operations. With hydrogen, sulphur forms a compound, sulphurated hy- drogen, which exists in the aerial form, and is distinguished by its very foetid smell. It resembles the acids in several of its properties. Sulphur is also a component part of some animal substances, and it has even been detected in a few vegetables. The last of these simple substances is phosphorus, a sub- stance with which we have been made acquainted only by the art of the chemist. It exists no where pure and uncombined, but its acid is found in great abundance in nature. In the fossil kingdom, it is combined with several of the earths and metals, and it forms a component part of many animal and several vegetable productions. Phosphorus is always obtained by decomposing this acid, by heating it with carbon, which attracts its oxygen. The phos- phorus is sublimed in close vessels ; it is of a soft tenacious con- sistence like wax; transparent, of a pale yellowish colour. It emits fumes, which are owing to its combination with the oxy- gen of the atmosphere. From this combination, two acids are formed, according to the proportion of oxygen : the phosphorus, which is foetid, and when heated, emits luminous vapours; and the phosphoric, which is inodorous, and more powerful as an acid than the other. Phosphorus is one of the component principles of animal substances. Besides the acids formed by the oxygenation of these simple inflammable bodies, there are three not yet decomposed, but which are supposed from analogy to be of a similar composition; the muriatic, fluoric, and boracic. The muriatic acid exists in sea-salt, and in various other natural substances. In its pure state it is gaseous, has a pungent suffocating odour, and extinguishes combustion. It is rapidly absorbed, and in large quantity, by water; and it is under the form of this solution that it is generally used. It possesses in an eminent degree the general acid properties. It combines 3 Jj PHARMACEUTIC CHEMISTRY. with the alkalies and earths; and though incapable of affording oxygen directly to the metals, it affects the oxydation of many of them, by enabling them to decompose the water it contains. This acid is capable of being combined with a considerable pro- portion of oxygen, forming the oxy-muriatic acid. The acid powers of this are inferior to those of the simple muriatic acid; but parting with facility with the oxygen combined with it, it acts with more energy on many inflammable substances. The fluoric and boracic acids cannot be regarded as pharma- ceutic agents. The metals, the third order of simple substances, are dis- tinguished by their opacity, brilliancy, fusibility, ductility, malle- ability, and by possessing a specific gravity superior to that of any other class of bodies. They are truly inflammable, since they are capable of combining with oxygen, and many of them during their oxydation emit light and caloric. It scarcely comes within the limits of pharmaceutic chemistry to notice all the metals particu- larly : it is sufficient to take a general view of their properties, and of their influence in combination. The metals are very various in their degree of fusibility. Mer- cury does not become solid but at a temperature equal to 40 de- grees below 0 of Fahr., while iron or platina requires a very intense heat for its fusion. They differ also in their ductility and malleability. Gold is at once the most ductile and most malleable, that is, it can be drawn into the finest wire, and beat into the thinest plates, without its texture being injured. The other metals possess these properties in different degrees, some being ductile which are scarcely malleable, and vice -versa. Others are neither ductile nor malleable. These have been improperly termed semi-metals. Specific gravity is the property by which the metals are most clearly distinguished. The specific gravity of the heaviest stone is to that of water as 4 to 1, while that of the lightest metal is as 6 to 1. Metals are very susceptible of combination. They unite with sulphur, with phosphorus, and with each other. Their combina- tions with oxygen are the most extensive and important. This combination is effected in different ways. When raised to a temperature more or less high, with the access of atmos- pheric air, they attract oxygen ; some are oxydated rapidly, and exhibit all the phenomena of combustion ; others undergo this operation much more slowly; and there are some (gold, silver, and platina) which can scarcely be oxydated in this manner. Several of them are oxydated by the agency of water. It is thus that iron and some others, especially, when assisted by a high temperature, attract oxygen from water, the hydrogen being dis- engaged. Lastly, all of them may be oxydated by the action of acids. The acid itself is not only decomposed, by its oxygen being attracted by the metal, but its presence enables several of the metals to decompose the water present with great rapidity. The results of these combinations are compounds, which in general belong to the class of oxyds. They are destitute of the metallic qualities,.and are more similar to earths, being in ge- PHARMACEUTIC CHEMISTRY. 31 neral insipid, insoluble in water, and vitrifiable by heat. Four metals, tungsten, molybdena, arsenic, and tin, can be so highly oxygenated as to pass into the acid state. Metals attract very different quantities of oxygen. Some com- bine with only a small proportion of that principle, while others can take up nearly their own weight. Each metal, too, combines with certain different proportions, and the oxyd produced by each proportion differs in its proper- ties from that produced by the others. The first degree of oxy- genation generally produces an oxyd, having a colour not much different from that of the metal: by higher oxygenation, more brilliant colours are produced. Metals also attract oxygen with very unequal degrees of force. Hence one metal can often be oxydated merely by heating it with the oxyd of another. Some oxyds, too, as those of gold, silver, and mercury, are decomposed by the mere agency of ca- loric, at a temperature not raised very high, and even by the action of light at the natural temperature. It is principally from their combination with oxygen that metals derive their activity. They are, for instance, incapable of com- bining with the earths, unless they have been previously oxydated. The case is the same with respect to the acids. If the metal has not been previously oxydated, it immediately decomposes either part of the acid, or of the water present, and then this oxyd com- bines with the remaining acid. The union of the different metals with the different acids, is much influenced by the degree of their oxygenation; and at a high degree of oxygenation they frequently become incapable of combining with the acid. Hence, many metallic solutions are decomposed by exposure to the at- mosphere ; the metal attracting more oxygen, and becoming in- soluble in the acid. In the same manner, heating a metallic solution, often decomposes it, as it enables the metal to attract more oxygen from the acid. The different oxyds have very dif- ferent degrees of attraction to the acids, and hence some are able to decompose the combinations others form. Metals are rendered active on the system, only by being com- bined with oxygen, or with acids. The most deleterious of them prove innocent in the metallic state, and produce their bad effects only when given oxydated, or when oxydated by some of the ani- mal fluids. In general, they are more active the more oxygen they contain ; and they are always rendered more powerful when the oxyd is farther combined with an acid. The mildest pre- paration of mercury, for example, is that prepared by trituration merely, in which the mercury approaches nearest to the metallic state, and the most virulent preparation of that metal is the cor- rosive muriat, in which it is very highly oxydated. The last class of simple substances is the earths. They have usually been defined substances, insipid, infusible, having little solubility, uninflammable, having a specific gravity, com- pared with water as a standard, always less than 5 to 1, and com- bining with acids to form neutral salts. Of these characters some apply only to some earths; that of insipidity, for instance, is con- PHARMACEUTIC CHEMISTRY. fined to two or three ; others, as lime and barytes, being consi- derably sapid. These characters too are understood as applying to pure earths; substances which, so far as has been discovered, are absolutely simple. These by combination, or intimate mixture with each other, and with other bodies, give rise to a vast variety of com- pounds, still distinguished by the title of earths, but to which these characters are only in part applicable. Such compounds are not the objects of pharmaceutic investigation, it being only the pure earths, or combinations of them effected by art, that are used in medicine. The principal earths are six ; silex, argil, magnesia, lime, barytes, and strontites. Of late two or three others have been discovered, but in quantities so minute as not to require notice in this sketch. Silex, though an abundant ingredient in stnes, scarcely exists pure in nature. When obtained by a chemical process, it is in the form of a light white powder. Its chemical character is its little susceptibility of combination. It unites with none of the acids, the fluoric excepted. It is dissolved by potash and soda; and by fusion it combines with the earths and metallic oxyds. Argil is distinguished by insipidity, infusibility by heat, inso- lubility in water, and by forming a ductile paste with that fluid, but more completely by the compounds which it forms with acids. It is never used in medicine in its pure state ; but some of its compounds, especially that resulting from its union with sulphuric acid, are employed. The salts formed by its combina- tion with acids, have one general medicinal character, that of be- ing possessed of a considerable degree of astringency. Magnesia, when pure, is always in the form of a fine white very light powder. It is infusible; insoluble in less than 2000 parts of water, and does not form with it a ductile paste ; is somewhat sapid ; changes the colours of vegetables to a green, and forms with the acids peculiar neutral salts. It is never found in a pure state in nature, but is always the produce of art. Magnesia, in its pure state, is extensively used in medicine, as are also several of its compounds. It is given as an antacid, and the salts it forms with the acids have all a cathartic power Lime is distinguished by its disagreeable, penetrating, styptic taste. It attracts water rapidly from the atmosphere ; it is heated when water is poured on it, and falls into a dry white powder; it is soluble in about 700 parts of that fluid, and its solution changes the vegetable colours to a green. In the fire, it is infusible by itself; it fuses, however, when mixed with the other earths; it combines with almost all the acids. Lime is used in medicine as an antacid, as an astringent, and as a remedy in calculus. It is given in the form of solution in water. Some of its compounds, particularly that with the car- bonic acid, are also used to correct acidity, and are sometimes preferred, as being less acrid than the pure lime. Barytes is distinguished by its great specific gravity, which is superior to that of every other fossil not metallic. In nature, PHARMACEUTIC CHEMISTRY. jo it is always found combined with the sulphuric or carbonic acid. When pure, it is in the form of a very fine white powder; it is fusible and soluble in 20 parts of water, its solution changing the vegetable colours to a green ; its attractions to the acids are in general much superior to those of any of the other earths. Barytes has a much more powerful action on the system than the other earths have. Even in a small dose it occasions vertigo, insensibility, and other nervous symptoms. From this circum- stance, as well as from its great specific gravity, some have sup- posed that it is a metallic oxyd, which we have hitherto been unable to decompose. Strontites is, in many of its properties, similar to barytes. Like it, it is found in nature combined with sulphuric and car- bonic acids, and these compounds are distinguished by great spe- cific gravity. It is fusible, but less soluble, requiring 200 parts of water for its solution. Its saline combinations are, on the con- trary, in general, more soluble than those of barytes. It has no poisonous quality, or does not appear to exert any great activity on the animal system. The Alkalies are somewhat analagous in their properties to the earths; they are distinguished by the following characters. They have a penetrating acrid taste; change the vegetable colours to a green ; have a strong attraction for water, unite with oils, and combine with the acids, forming neutral salts. There are three substances of this kind ; potash, soda, and ammonia. There is reason to believe that they are compounds. One of them, am- monia, is proved to consist of azot and hydrogen, which renders probable the opinion that the others are also compounds, though they have not hitherto been decomposed*. * Decomposition op alkalies. Mr. Davy, Lecturer in the Royal Institution, has lately discovered the bases of potash and soda. He has obtained them separately, and they look like metals, both in their solid and fluid form. They also combine with metals, preserving their metallic appearance. With oxygen, they recpm- Eose potash and soda. Much is expected of this interesting discovery as *ding to others of equal, and perhaps superior importance. Phila. Ph and Med. journal. J' Davy's Bakerian Lecture from the Edinburgh Review, of July 1808 page 396, &c. ' ' Decisive and satisfactory is the evidence, by which Mr. Davy has proved that the alkahes are compounds of oxygen and metallic bases, or rather that they are metallic oxyds. The metals are substances hitherto quite unknown to chemistry. According to the result made with great accuracy, 100 grains of potash contain 86, 7 of metal, and 13, 3 of oxygen. And according to another trial of the same kind, 100 grains contain 85, 5 of metal, and 14 5 of oxygen; the mean between the two being 86, 1 of metal, and 13 9*of oxygen. Soda in like manner consists of 80 grains of metal and 20 of oxy- gl-n j" j100 aikali- The decomP°s«tion of water by the metallic bases attorded another approximation. This gave for potash 84 parts of metal to 16 of oxygen m the hundred; and for soda 76 per cent, of metal to 24 of oxygen. Comparing these leading experiments with the mean results of a variety of others, our author infers as a general medium of the whole, that potash contains about six parts of metal to one of oxygen ; and soda about seven parts of metal to two of oxygen. The metallic base of potash resem- bles mercury so exactly, that it is not possible to distinguish by the eye a 34 PHARMACEUTIC CHEMISTRY. Potash is the most powerful of these substances: it is solid, and crystallizable, of a white colour, is highly acrid and causticf has so strong an attraction to water as to take it from almost any other substance. It melts at a moderate temperature ; by fusion with siliceous earth it forms glass ; it has a stronger attraction than cither of the other alkalies for the acids, and therefore the compounds it forms are not easily decomposed. This substance is obtained from vegetable matter, principally the ligneous part. This is made to burn slowly, till its carbon is totally destroyed: a saline mass remains, which consists princi- pally of potash. There is reason to believe that it is formed dur- ing the combustion, since, although it can be detected by other means as a component principle of vegetable matter, it is only in some vegetables, and never in such quantities as are afforded by the combustion. The physical characters of soda are so precisely the same with those of potash, that it is scarcely possible to distinguish them when both are in a state of purity. Soda, it is said, at- tracts humidity from the atmosphere less rapidly than potash. It is by their combinations, however, that they are principally distinguished. The salts, in particular, which soda forms with the acids, are totally different in their properties from those that have potash for their base. It forms glass with silex in the same manner as potash. Soda is obtained as well as potash by burning vegetables. It is, however, only sea plants, or those that grow by the sea-shore, that afford it: it has therefore been supposed, that these plants may contain sea-salt, or muriat of soda, and that it is from the decomposition of this salt that the soda is derived. The third of these alkalies, ammonia, differs much from the others. It can never be obtained in the solid or fluid form, but when pure, is always in the state of gas: it is absorbed in great quantity by water, and thus forms a solution of pure ammonia. Its smell is extremely pungent: it is also volatile, escaping gra- dually from the water in which it has been dissolved: hence it lias received the appellation of volatile alkali. It is considered as a less powerful alkali than either of the others: it does not combine with the siliceous earth; it acts more feebly on animal matter, and it adheres to the acids with much less force. Ammonia is composed of azot and hydrogen, in the propor- tion of 121 of the former to 32 of the latter. It is obtained in great quantity by exposing animal substances to heat: they are globule of the one metal from a globule of the qther, when they are laid together. The fluidity of the potash metal at the temperature of 60° is considerably smaller than that of mercury: but at 100° its fluidity is perfect; at 50° it is malleable, and at 32° is chr> stallized: its specific gravity to that of water is as six to ten. In many essential properties, the basis of soda re- sembles this very singular metal, but is considerably less fusible, and its specific gravity is greater; it melts at 120° of Fahrenheit, and is quite fluid at 180°: its specific gravity is to that of water as nine to ten nearly. Potato sium is the name of the metallic base of potash, and sodium of the metallic base of soda. PHARMACEUTIC CHEMISTRY. 35 decomposed, and part of their hydrogen and azot combining form ammonia. The alkalies are all used in medicine, and their combinations form some of the most important articles of the materia medica. They are also important pharmaceutic agents. With the alkalies, earths, and metallic oxyds, the acids com- bine and form an order of compounds termed neutral salts. In these, the properties of the acid, as well as of the base with which it is united, are in general lost; the compound acquires some new properties; it has in general a considerable attraction for water, and it is capable of assuming a crystalline form. The acids adhere with very different degrees of force to these bases; in general the attractions of the earths to the acids are greater than those of the metallic oxyds, and those of the alkalies greater than of the earths. The names of the neutral salts are taken partly from the acid, and partly from the base; the generic name is derived from the acid, the specific from the base to which it is united. Thus, all the salts composed of the sulphuric acid, are arranged together under the name of sulphats; and each species is named from the substance to which the acid is united, as the sulphat of pot- ash, the sulphat of lime, &c.: and as each acidifiable base can be combined with different proportions of oxygen, so as to form acids of different qualities, the salts formed by these are dis- tinguished by a variation in the termination of the generic name. Thus, the salts formed by the sulphureous acid are termed sul- phites. In this manner the nomenclature of all the compound salts is established. It remains to notice the analysis of the vegetable and ani- mal products, important in a pharmaceutic point of view, as so many of them are employed in medicine. The vegetable kingdom, in particular, furnishes by far the greater part of the articles of the materia medica. The substances which are the products of organization, are very different in their chemical characters from those belong- ing to the mineral kingdom. The latter we can easily analyze. We can determine the number and proportions of their constituent principles with ac- curacy, and their analysis can often be confirmed by synthesis; in other words, we are able by artificial combination to form com- pounds possessed of the same chemical qualities as the bodies we have analyzed. But with regard to the products of the ve- getable and animal systems, the case is extremely different. If we are able to detect their component principles, we can scarce- ly determine their proportions; much less are we able to ascer- tain the mode in which they are combined. In no instance, therefore, does the analysis enable us to combine the principles, whether proximate or ultimate, which we have obtained, so as to form any compound at all resembling that which has been analyzed. These productions, too, consist of a few principles, chiefly of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, with the addition of azot and phosphorus in the animal kingdom; while the com- 36 PHARMACEUTIC CHEMISTRY pounds belonging to the mineral kingdom arc more varied in their cpmposition. The products of organization are likewise distinguished by sus- ceptibility of decomposition. Their principles, having strong mutual attractions, are disposed to react on each other; and if this be favoured by humidity, or slight increase of temperature, new combinations are formed, whence the original compounds are destroyed. In the analysis of these substances, it is necessary to mark an important distinction,—that between the proximate and ultimate principles of a compound. Two compounds may unite and form one substance ; and this substance, by the means which analysis affords, may be resolved into the compound bodies of which it was immediately formed, or into the simple principles of which they consist. The former are its proximate, the latter its ulti- mate principles. The proximate principles of vegetable pro- ducts are gum, resin, oil, &c; their ultimate principles, are chiefly carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. In subjecting any vegetable to analysis, the first object is to discover what ate its proximate principles. For this purpose we subject it to the action of caloric, and of different chemical agents. By the first, we separate those principles that are volatile, such as the essential oil. The application of this mean is, however, very limited, since an increase of temperature, not much exceed- ing that which is necessary to disengage any of their volatile principles, tends not merely to separate, but actually to decom- pose them. It is necessary, therefore, that the temperature should not exceed 212° of Fahrenheit's scale, which is obtained by heating these substances with water, when the volatile princi- ples escape without any decomposition along with the aqueous vapour. Of the different chemical agents useful in the vegetable ana- lysis, water dissolves the gummy and extractive parts, the saline substances, and several other principles of inferior importance. Alkohol dissolves the resin, balsam, camphor, and essential oil. The substances which alkohol dissolves are separated by water; while the gum, which water holds in solution, is precipitated by alkohol. Ether dissolves the same principles as alkohol; it far- ther dissolves the elastic gum of some vegetables, and it preci- pitates the extractive matter from water. The alkalies discover several of the acids contained in vegetable substances, and the acids are sometimes used as tests. Lastly, in the analysis of vegetables, we are often able to pro- cure several of their proximate principles by mechanical means, particularly by expression. Sometimes, also, they exude spon- taneously from the growing vegetable, or are obtained from it by incisions made in the branches or trunk. After we have discovered the proximate principles of vegeta- bles, the next step is to ascertain their composition. This, with respect to their ultimate principles, is nearly uniform ; the dif- ferences in their chemical properties and sensible qualities aris- ing principally from differences in the proportions of these prin- PHARMACEUTIC CHEMISTRY. 57 ciples, and in the modes in which they are combined. These differences are too subtile to be very accurately determined by analysis, and hence this species of investigation is now acknow- ledged to convey no information on the medicinal powers of ve- getables. Besides carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, which are their principal constituent parts ; some of them contain azot and phos- phorus, which modify their properties. Various metals, too, particularly iron and manganese, lime and the three alkalies, either pure, or in combination with some of the acids, are not unfrequently constituents of vegetable matter, though never in any considerable proportion, nor is it certain but that some of these are formed during the analysis by which they are obtained. The proximate principles of vegetables are sometimes analys- ed by mere exposure to heat; their elements enter into new com- binations, and from the products we discover what the principles were, and even, to a certain extent, in what proportions they had been united. Sometimes the atmospheric air is admitted when they are raised to the temperature of ignition, and by collecting the substances formed by their combustion, we form a similar judgment as to their composition. Others of them are capable of undergoing fermentation ; and from the products of this pro- cess, the constituent principles of the substance operated on are determined. Lastly, their analysis may often be effected by the agency of the nitric acid, which communicates to them oxygen, and by the resulting compound ascertains the nature of their acidifiablc base. . The proximate principles of vegetables are numerous, and of very different kinds. They are not all to be met with in every plant, or in every period of vegetation, but each of them is to be found in some plants, at certain periods of their growth. They are all the products of vegetation from a common juice or sap, which circulates freely through every part of the vegeta- ble system, which is uniformly supplied by absorption, and which is perpetually changing its composition, according to the state of the plant. This sap being brought into contact, in the vessels of the vegetable, with the gaseous bodies absorbed by its leaves, is by the action of these vessels, assisted by the agency of light, changed in its composition, and thus the peculiar products of the vegetable are formed. The first transition of the sap seems to be into mucilage or gum, as this is one of the proximate principles contained in the greatest quantity in vegetables, and which is abundant in young plants. It is an inodorous, insipid and glutinous substance, solu- ble in water in every proportion, and forming with it a viscid so- lution termed mucilage. It is insoluble in alkohol, ether, or oil, and is precipitated from its solution in water by the addition of alkohol, or any of the alkalies. It does not absorb oxygen from the atmosphere ; it is neither fusible nor volatile. At a tempe- rature superior to 212°, but inferior to that of ignition, it is de- composed, affording pyromucous or rather impure acetous acid, ammonia, carbonic acid and carbonated hydrogen gases, its resi- duum being charcoal containing lime The principal products 4 3S PHARMACEUTIC CHEMISTRY. of its combustion are carbonic acid and water. By the action of nitric acid, it is converted into oxalic acid. The experiments ol Mr. Cruickshank, prove it to be composed of oxygen, hydrogen, carbon, azot, and lime. Gum is obtained by spontaneous exudation, by incisions made in the trunk of the growing vegetable, or by decoction of any ve- getable containing it in water. No proper distinction exists be- tween it and mucilage. As a medicine, it has little activity. From its chemical qualities it is of more importance ; as its mix- ture, with the other vegetable principles, renders them more so- luble in watery liquors,'by which their action on the stomach is promoted. In pharmacy, it is employed to render oils, balsams, Sic. miscible with water. Resin is another of these proximate principles, most abun- dantly diffused through the vegetable kingdom. It is often unit- ed with gum, but some vegetables exude juices purely resinous. Resin is insoluble in water, is soluble in alkohol, ether, and oils; is not acted on by oxygen at any natural temperature, but burns when heated to ignition; is fusible at a temperature nearly that of boiling water, but incapable of being volatilized without being decomposed. The products of its decomposition by heat are, water, acetous acid, an empyrcumatic oil, and a residuum of char- coal. Its constituent parts, therefore, are carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. Resins are frequently odorous and sapid. They are more ac- tive than gums, with respect to their medicinal effects, the vir- tues of many of those vegetables which act most powerfully as medicines depending on their resinous part. Gum and resin are often intimately mixed in vegetables, form- is.g a gum-resin. Some of the most active articles of the mate- ria medica, are natural compositions of this kind. A proximate principle of vegetables, which, till lately, was al- ways confounded with gun\-resin, is that termed by the French chemists extract or extractive matter. The peculiar character by which it is distinguished from gum, resin, or any mixture of the two, is its being equally soluble in water and in alkohol; hence its solution in the one fluid is not precipitated by the addition of the other. The extractive principle also, when dissolved in water, and heated to 212°, in contact with the atmos- pheric air, absorbs oxygen with avidity, which neither gum nor resin does. By this absorption, it is converted into an insipid ii«crt substance, no longer soluble in water. By the oxygenated muriatic acid, it is also changed into an insoluble concrete of a yellow colour. These properties seem sufficient to characterize it as a distinct principle ; but there is still some obscurity respect- ing the mode of its existence in vegetable products. According to the French chemists, it is the principle upon which the vir- tues of many vegetable medicines depend, though it is difficult to obtain it unmixed with the other principles. By exposure to heat, it affords an empyrcumatic acid and oil, and a small quan- tity of ammonia. Its elements, therefore, are carbon, hydrogen, azot, and oxygen. PHARMACEUTIC CHEMISTRY Oil is a very common proximate principle of vegetable mat- ter ; it is of two kinds, expressed, or unctuous oil, and distilled, volatile or essential oil. These have some common qualities, they are inflammable, insoluble in water, and unctuous to the touch; but they are also possessed of peculiar properties by which they are distinguished. The first class, the expressed, fat, or fixed oils, are thick and unctuous, nearly insipid and inodorous; they congeal on expo- sure to cold, are insoluble in water or in alkohol; they combine with the alkalies, forming soaps; they are not volatilized at the temperature of 212°; they are decomposed in close vessels, and burn when the atmospheric air is admitted, the products of the combustion being water and carbonic acid. At a natural temper rature they slowly absorb oxygen, and by long exposure to the air they are thickened, and at length become concrete. They consist of carbon and hydrogen in the proportion nearly of 12 of the former to 3 of the latter. Expressed oils are generally contained in the seeds and fruit of certain vegetables. They are extracted by expression or de- coction with water, and are thus frequently in part impregnated with the extractive, mucilaginous, or resinous particles, whence in some instances they derive taste- odour, and even some medi- cinal virtues. In general, however, they are insipid, and are used in medicine principally for their lubricating quality; they are diffused in water by the medium of gum or sugar, or by the addition of a small quantity of any of the alkalies. Volatile, essential, or distilled oils, differ from the expressed oils in several of their properties. They are volatile at a low temperature, are entirely and quickly converted into vapour, at the heat of boiling water, without being decomposed; they are soluble in a small proportion in water, and are more abundantly soluble in alkohol ; they do not combine with the alkalies with facility; they are more highly inflammable than the fixed oils, and, on exposure to the atmosphere, slowly absorb oxygen, are thickened, and are at length converted into substances of a resi- nous nature. In their composition, they contain more hydrogen proportioned to their carbon than the fixed oils do. The essential oils are in general highly odorous, pungent, and often even acrid; they exist in greatest quantity in the aromatic plants, and are usually obtained by distillation; the vegetable being heated to 212° along with water, and the oil being volati- lized with the aqueous vapour. As medicines they possess a highly stimulating power. In many vegetables there exists a natural combination of es- sential oil and resin, forming a fluid more or less thick and tena- cious, usually also odorous and pungent, termed a Balsam. Bal- sams also contain a quantity of a peculiar vegetable acid, the acid of benzoin. Another proximate principle of some vegetables, similar in many of its properties to the essential oils, is camphor. It is a solid tenacious concrete, of a white colour, semi-transparent, hav- ing a strong peculiar smell, and a penetrating taste. It is inso,- 40 PHARMACEUTIC CHEMISTRY. ble in water, but completely soluble in alkohol, ether, and oils ; it evaporates at the common temperature of the atmosphere, and is volatilized in ciose vessels without decomposition. When its volatilization, however, is prevented, and heat applied, it is de- composed : a volatile oil, fragrant and pungent, of a rich yellow colour, amounting nearly to one-third of the weight of the cam- phor, distils over ; a quantity of charcoal remains .is a residuum, and hydro-carbonate, and carbonic acid gases escape with a por- tion of the peculiar acid termed camphoric. Camphor, there- fore, differs from the essential oils, in containing a larger pro- portion of carbon, and perhaps also of oxygen. Camphor is lound in distinct vesicles in the wood and bark of several vegetables; it is also contained in many essential oils. As a medicine, it possesses considerable powers. The same relation which camphor has to the volatile oils, wax seems to bear to the fixed oils. This substance is a product of vegetation. It is solid and tenacious, easily fusible, and inflam- mable. It does not combine with the alkalies ; but, when melt- ed, unites with expressed or essential oils. It consists of carbon and hydrogen, in the proportion nearly of 13 of the former to 2 of the latter : some have supposed that it also contains a quantity of oxygen. . Fecula is a name appropriated to a dry, white, insipid pow- der, contained in many vegetables, particularly in the tuberose roots and gramineous seeds. It is extracted by beating the dried root, wood, or seeds, with a large quantity of water ; the fluid becomes milky, from the diffusion of a white powder through it. This, when dried, is the fecula, which, when not united with any of the other principles of the vegetable, is mild and insipid. It is insoluble in cold water, but with boiling water it forms a jelly. It is also insoluble in alkohol. It is an oxyd having carbon and hydrogen for its base. It is capable of being converted by certain processes into saccharine matter. By destructive distillation it affords a large quantity of acetous acid. The fecula is the most nutritious principle of plants, and is contained in great quantity in all vegetables used as food. Gluten.—The farina of some vegetables is found to contain a \i=cous, elastic, and fibrous-like substance, which, from its close resemblance in properties to the animal product termed gluten, has been named vegetable gluten. It is insipid, elastic, totally insoluble in water, and very sparingly soluble in alkohol. By the action of nitrous acid, it is converted into oxalic acid and by exposure to heat in close vessels, it affords a large quan- tity of .mmonia. Its analysis proves, that it contains more azot than ary other vegetable principle. Albumen.—This is another principle of vegetables, which re- ceives ks name from its resemblance to a principle of animal matter. It is soluble in cold water, its solution being coagulated by heat or by alkohol; it is liable to putrefaction, and furnishes a large quantity of ammonia on exposure to heat. It abounds in the juices of several acrid and narcotic plants, and is also con- tained in the gramineous seeds. PHARMACEUTIC CHEMISTRY. 41' Saccharine matter.—This exists in many vegetables, par- ticularly in their fruits and roots, generally united with their gum and extractive matter. When pure, its taste is sweet. It is solu- ble in water and in alkohol; is capable of crystallization. By fer- mentation, it is converted into alkohol, as this, by a second stage of fermenation, is changed into acetous acid. By the action of nitrous acid, it is converted into oxalic acid, tiy decomposition by heat, it affords more than half its weight of acetous acid ; a small quan- tity of empyreumatic oil, carbonic acid, and hydro-carbonate gases, the residuum being charcoal. It consists of oxygen, carbon, and hydrogen. Essential salts.—The saline substances contained in vegeta- bles have been termed their essential salts. They are either acids or neutral salts. There are seven acids found native in vegetables; the malic, citric, oxalic, gallic, tartarous, acetous, and benzoic. The first five consist of carbon and hydrogen, brought to the state of an acid by oxygen, and differ from each other chiefly in the propor- tion of hydrogen and carbon they contain. The oxalic acid contains the largest proportion of oxygen ; and it is into it that several of the other acids, and many of the vegeta- ble oxyds, are converted by oxydation. It is very soluble in water, and crystallizable. It is distinguished by the very strong attraction which it has for lime, which it takes from every other acid. As it exists in vegetable's, it is commonly united with potash, but so that the acid is present in excess. The malic acid is contained in apples and in many other fruits before they are ripe. It does not crystallize; it contains more oxygen than the citric acid does, and is converted into the oxalic acid by the action of the nitrous acid. The citric acid is soluble in water and crystallizable; it has a stronger attraction to the earths than to the alkalies; it is not, like the malic, convertible into oxalic acid. The tartarous acid, as it exists in vegetables, is generally com- bined with potash, but in such a quantity as still to leave an ex- cess of acid. From this salt the pure acid of tartar is obtained; it is very soluble in water, and is crystallizable ; it is convertible into oxalic acid; it is decomposed by heat, and affords more em- pyreumatic oil than any of the other acids; hence, it has been in- ferred, that it contains a larger proportion of hydrogen. The acetous acid, though generally the product of fermentation, has been found in the sap of the vine, and in some other vegeta- bles. It is decomposed in a high temperature, and along with the usual products of the decomposition of vegetable matter, it yields a small quantity of ammonia. Benzoic acid is contained in several balsams and gum resins: it is highly fragrant, and has a pungent acidulous taste ; it is volatile and inflammable, is sparingly soluble in cold water; it is dissolved in considerable quantity by boiling water, and on cooling, crystal- lizes in white flakes. The last of the native vegetable acids is the gallic acid, hitherto distinguished as the principle of astringency. It exists in gall- i PHARMACEUTIC CHEMISTRY nuts, and in all those vegetables termed astringents. It is extract- ed either by maceration \\ith water or by sublimation. It is dis- tinguished from every other acid by the strong attraction which it has for the oxyds of iron, and by forming with them a precipi- tate of a very deep black colour. It contains a very large quan- tity of carbon, combined with an inferior proportion of oxygen, and with a very small quantity of hydrogen. A principle, which till lately was confounded with the gallic acid, is tannin, or the tanning principle. It is distinguished from every other principle by its power of combining with ani- mal jelly, and forming a substance absolutely insoluble in waiter. It is contained in considerable quantity in the greater part of the vegetable astringents, and is generally mixed with the gallic acid. Several of the native vegetable acids exist together in the same vegetable. They are never contained in distinct vesicles, but are either mixed with the mucilaginous or saccharine juice, or arc combined with the alkalies or earths. Combinations oi these acids with lime or potash, are, in particular, very abundant in the vegetable kingdom. Compounds formed by the union of the sulphuric, nitric, muriatic, carbonic, and even phosphoric acids with the alkalies and earths, also exist in many vegetables. The last of these proximate principles is the ligneous part, or woody fibre. It is the basis to which the others are attached, and composes the greater part of most vegetables, as it forms their entire structure. It is insipid and insoluble in water or alkohol, and consequently remains as the residuum, after the active principles of any vegetable have been extracted by the action of these solvents. By the action of the nitrous acid, it affords the malic and oxalic acids; by distillation it yields the pyroligneous acid. Its principal constituent part is carbon, com- bined with hydrogen and oxygen. Besides those principles of vegetables which can be exhibited as distinct bodies, there are some of a more subtile kind, the existence of which has been maintained by many chemists; such as the aroma or spiritous rector, the colouring principle, the bitter principle, the narcotic principle, and several others. The existence of these, however, is very doubtful; the properties of smell, taste, colour, 8cc. being probably the result of peculiar variations in the composition of some of the known principles of vegetables, and not depending on any peculiar principle. The odour of vegetables, for instance, generally depends on their essential oil ; and all the facts that have been stated in support of a distinct aroma, are explicable on the known volatility of these oils, or on the probability of part of them being dissolved by the atmospheric air. After this enumeration of the proximate principles of vegeta- bles, it may be proposed as a question of some importance, Whether they exist in the vegetable in a state of chemical com- bination, or whether they are merely mixed together ? The latter seems most probable. These principles can oftcr. be distinguished as existing separately from each other, and even as placed in separate cells ; they can in many cases be separated PHARMACEUTIC CHEMISTRY. •43 by mechanical means; and even where they are more intimately mixed, that change of properties does not take place, which we must have expected were they chemically united, the virtu-\s of each principle being discernible in the entire mixture, weakened but not changed. It seems to follow, therefore, tiiat tiie vinn >-, of vegetable substances do not depend on chemical combination^ of their proximate principles, but rather on the peculiar ultimate composition of one or other of these principles. Hence ■<. iso it is evident, that in separating the proximate principles of any vege- table, we cannot expect to alter or improve its virtues, farther than in concentrating them by a separation from what is inert, or in separating principles which are possessed of different, or even opposite powers. The attainment even of these ends, however, is, in innumerable cases, of importance in their exhibition as me- dicines. From this enumeration of the proximate principles of vegeta- bles, we may perceive the reasons for those pharmaceutic pro- cesses to which plants are usually subjected. By infusion in water, we impregnate the fluid with the gum, sugar, extract, tannin, saline substances, part of the essential oil, and part also of the resinous principle. The aroma of the plant is generally first taken up : by longer infusion the water is loaded with the colouring astringent and gummy parts: these are also most abundantly dissolved when the temperature is high. Hence an infusion differs according as the water has stood longer or shorter on the materials, and according as it has been promoted or not by heat. An infusion made in the cold is in general more grateful, while one made with heat, or by keeping the fluid Ion* upon the materials, is more strongly impregnated with active matter. By decoction or boiling, the solvent power of the water is still farther increased; and hence the liquor always appears darker coloured, and is, in fact, more loaded with the principles of the vegetable which it can hold dissolved. The volatile parts, how- ever, particularly the essential oil, are entirely dissipated ; and therefore it is an improper process for those vegetables whose virtues depend, wholly or partially, on these parts. Even the fixed principles of vegetables, at least some of them, are injured by long decoction. The extractive matter, for instance, gradual- ly absorbs oxygen from the atmosphere, and is converted into a substance nearly insipid and inert. Opium, peruvian bark, and many other vegetables, are injured in this manner by decoction, especially if the atmospheric air is freely admitted ; and these two circumstances, the dissipation of the volatile matter, and the oxy- genation of the extractive, considerably limit the application of this process. It is still used, however, with advantage, to ex- tract the mucilaginous parts of vegetables, their bitterness, and several other of their peculiar qualities. Alkohol may be applied to vegetables to extract those principles which are not soluble in water. It dissolves entirely their essen- tial oil, camphor, and resin; and as these are often the parts on 44 PHAR.MACEl lit CHEMISTRY which the virtues of vegetables depend, these solutions, or tinc- tures as they are termed, are often active preparations. Equal parts of alkohol and water, in general, extract still more completely the active matter of plants, as we thus obtain a solu- tion of all those substances which are separately soluble in cither of these fluids. When by the action of one or both of these fluids, we obtain a solution of the. active principles of a vegetable, the solution may be evaporated to the consistence of a thick tenacious mass. This forms what is termed an extract: it is termed an aqueous ex- tract when obtained from the aqueous infusion or decoction of a plant, and spiritous when alkohol has been the solvent. The design of this preparation is to obtain the active matter of the vegetable in a small bulk, and in such a state that it may be pre- served a long time without suffering any alteration. It is evident, that it is a process which can be properly applied to such plants only as have their virtues dependent on some of their fixed prin- ciples, and even these are often injured by the heat employed, and the free access of the atmospheric air. Distillation is another process applied to vegetable substances, by which wc obtain some of their active principles, particularly tlieir essential oil. If the vegetable matter be heated along with the water, the oil is volatilized, along with the aqueous vapour: it separates from the water on being allowed to remain at rest; a part of it, however, is also dissolved, and communi- cates to the water a considerable degree of flavour, and often also of pungency. This forms what are termed distilled waters. If alkohol be used instead of water, the esssential oil is com- pletely dissolved in it, and we thus obtain what are termed dis- tilled spirits. By such processes we extract the active matter of vegetables from the inert matter with which it is more or less mixed, and arc enabled to administer many remedies under a variety of forms, suited to particular circumstances. A single example will show the utility of investigations of this kind, respecting the component principles of vegetable products, and their rela- tions to the more important chemical agents. Peruvian bark is one of the most important remedies ip the materia medica. Prac- tioners have not always found it practicable to exhibit it in sub- stance with advantage, as where the stomach is uncommonly irritable, or where, from the nature of the disease, it is neces- sary to give it in large doses, frequently repeated, it is apt to occasion sickness and other'uneasy sensations, and even to be rejected by vomiting. Such inconveniencies are attempted to be obviated, by giving it in the different forms of infusion, de- coction, tincture or extract, as any of these may best agree with the patient. Our knowledge of its constituent parts can only lead us to the proper application of these processes. From an accurate analysis of it, it has been proved that seven parts out of eight of it consist of woody fibre, or of a matter inert and in- soluble, which cannot act on the system, and which affects the stomach only by its weight and insolubility. The remaining PHARMACEUTIC CHEMISTRY. 45 eighth part is that in which the activity of the medicine resides: it is therefore evident that if this be extracted, without injuring its activity, the medicine could be exhibited with much more advantage. This is in part accomplished by the preparations of it that have been mentioned; but even these do not convey it in all its force. If one ounce of the bark be infused or boiled in a certain quantity of water, the infusion or decoction is not nearly equal in efficacy to the whole quantity of bark operated on. It is therefore evident that during either of these operations, the active matter of the bark has not been entirely extracted, or has suffered some change. And here chemistry lends her assistance, and still farther elucidates the peculiar nature of this substance, and the changes produced in it by these processes. It has been proved by experimencs, that the matter on which the power of the bark depends, has a strong attraction for oxygen at a tem- perature moderately increased; that during the infusion, and particularly during the decoction of that drug, this active mat- ter absorbs oxygen from the atmosphere, and is converted into a substance insipid and inert. This leads to the improvement of the preparations of this medicine ; and experiments instituted for the purpose have accordingly proved, that, while by long boiling the virtues of the bark are nearly totally destroyed, they are fully extracted by a few minutes decoction in covered ves- sels. The same investigations have pointed out the nature of the action of some other substances on bark, formerly not well understood. Thus, it has been found by experience, that the alkalies, and more particularly magnesia, enable water to extract the virtues of bark, more completely by infusion,—a circum- stance elucidated by the fact since discovered, that the extrac- tive matter of the bark, to which its activity is owing, combines with facility with these substances, and forms soluble com- pounds*. Similar examples might be given of several other important vegetable remedies, which would sufficiently prove the utility to be derived from the analysis of the vegetable kingdom, and that indeed researches of this kind are absolutely necessary for the preparation of substances belonging to it as medicines. It remains only to notice the animal analysis. But on this few observations need to be made; as there are comparatively but a small number of the articles of the materia medica which belong to the animal kingdom. The animal products have the same general chemical charac- ters as vegetables. They differ from them in being more liable to the process named Putrefaction; and in affording a large quantity of ammonia, when decomposed by heat. These dif- ferences depend principally on the presence of azot in a much larger proportion in the animal than in the vegetable products; which, during their decomposition, combines with the hydrogen they also contain, and furnishes the ammonia which is so abun- dantly discharged. Animal substances also contain sulphur and * Annates de Chimie, torn. ix. p. 19. 5 i6 PHARMACEUTIC CHEMISTRY. phosphorus; and in general a smaller proportion of carbon ou- ters into their composition than into that of vegetables. Notwithstanding these differences, there are many of the ani- mal products which close-1v resemble the vegetable principles in their properties. The vegetable gluten and albumen arc simi- lar to the animal. The vegetable oils and butters resemble the animal fats. Gelatin has a resemblance to mucilage or fecula. A principle similar to the vegetable saccharine matter is found in milk. In some of the animal secretions, there are substances of a resinous nature ; and the animal acids do not differ greatly from the vegetable compounds of the same class. Many of these substances, therefore, are acted on by chemical agents in a simi- lar manner to vegetables, and, for medicinal purposes, arc sub- jected to similar pharmaceutic processes. PART II. MATERIA MEDICA. XJnder this head are comprised simple and some prepared medicines, such as are usually kept in the shop of the apothe- cary, but not prepared by him; to which is subjoined a short view of their natural, medical, and pharmaceutical history, with the virtues and doses of each. A few unimportant articles still retained in pharmacopoeias are excluded, and several new sub- stances introduced. " Much pains has been bestowed by the writers on Materia Medica in attempting to form useful arrangements of those arti- cles. Some have arranged them according to their natural affini- ties ; others according to their native constituent parts; and others according to their real and supposed virtues. Each of these ar- rangements has its particular advantages. But no arrangement has yet been proposed which is not liable to numerous objections. Accordingly in the Pharmacopoeias published by the Colleges of Physicians of London, Dublin, and Edinburgh, the articles of the Materia Medica are arranged in alphabetical order, and the same plan is now also adopted in almost every Pharmacopoeia of much estimation lately published on the continent of Europe." We have, therefore, in conformity to the Massachusetts Pharmaco- poeia, adhered to the universally established system. As, how- ever, Murray's medicinal distribution of substances, and explana- tion of their operations, are the most unexceptionable of any that have hitherto appeared, it may be proper to premise his observa- tions relative to a new classification of the articles of the Materia Medica j and his concise view of their operations on the living system- In explaining the operations of medicines, and classing them according to these operations, it is to be regarded as a first prin- ciple, that they act only on the living body. The presence of life is accompanied with peculiar properties, and with modes of ac- tion, inexplicable on mere mechanical or chemical principles. Substances acting on the living system no doubt produce effects referable to these ; but the changes they produce are also always so far modified as to be peculiar in themselves, and regulated by laws exclusively belonging to organized matter. Medicines, in general, operate by stimulating the living fibre, or exciting it to motion. This proposition has even been stated as universal, and was received as an axiom, in a system superior, perhaps, to any, in conveying just and precise ideas on the na- ture of life, and the affections to which it is subject. Medicines, 48 MATERIA MEDICA in common with all external agents, are, according to this sys- tem, incapable of directly altering the state of the vital power: they can only excite the parts possessed of that power to action; and however diversified their effects may appear to be, such diversities are to be referred merely to the different degrees of force in which they exert the general stimulant power they pos- sess. This proposition cannot, however, be received in an unlimited sense. From the exhibition of different medicines, very different effects are produced, which cannot be satisfactorily explained from the cause assigned,—the difference in the degree of stimu- lant operation. They differ in kind so far, that even in the greater number of cases, one remedy cannot by any management of dose or administration be made to produce the effects which result from the action of .mother. It is therefore necessary to admit some modifications of the general principles ab >ve stated, and the following are perhaps sufficient to afford grounds for explaining the operations of reme- dies, and for establishing a classification of them sufficiently just and comprehensive. I. Stimulants are not to be regarded as differing merely in the degree of stimulant operation which they exert. An important distinction exists between them, as they are more or less diffusible and permanent in their action. A stimulus is termed diffusible, which, whenever it is applied, or at least in a very short time after, extends its action over the whole system, and quickly pro- duces its full exciting effect. A diffusible stimulus is generally also transient in its action; in other words, the effect, though soon produced, quickly ceases. There are others, on the con- trary, which, though equally powerful stimulants, are slow and permanent These varieties, whic n are sufficiently established, serve to explain the differences in the powers of a number of the most important medicines; and they lay the foundation for the distinction of two great classes, narcotics and tonics, with their subordinate divisions of antispasmodics and astringents, both con- sisting of powerful stimulants ; the one diffusible and transient, the other slow and permanent in their operation. II. There is a difference between stimulants, in their actions being directed to particular parts. Some, when received into the stomach, quickly act upon the general system ; others have their action confined to the stomach itself, or, at least, any farther stimulant effect they may occasion is slow and inconsiderable ; while a third class consists of those which operate on one part, often without producing any sensible effect on the stomach or genersl system. Some thus act on the intestinal canal ; others on the kidneys, bladder, vessels of the skin, and other parts ; the affection they excite in these, being the consequence, not of any stimulant operation equally extended over every part, but of one more particularly determined. This difference in the^ction of stimuli is the principal foundation of the distinctions of medicines into particular classes. Cathartics, for instance, arje those medi- cines, which, as stimuli, act peculiarly on the intestinal canal: diu- MATERIA MEDICA. 49 retics, those which act on the secreting vessels of the kidneys: em- menagogues, those which act on the uterine system : diaphoretics, those which exert a stimulant action on the vessels of the skin. With these operations,medicines, at the same time, act more or less as general stimulants, by which each individual belonging to any class is thus rendered capable of producing peculiar effects; and many of them, by a peculiarity of constitution in the patient, or from the mode in which they are administered, frequently act on more than one part of the system, by which their effects are still farther diversified. Medicines, when thus determined to parti- cular parts, are sometimes conveyed to these parts in the course of the circulation; more generally their action is extended from the stomach, or part to which they are applied, by the medium of the nervous system. III. Medicines, besides acting as stimuli, sometimes occasion mechanical or chemical changes in the state of the fluids or solids, by which their action is more or less diversified. These opera- lions of medicines were formerly supposed to be more extensive than they really are ; and many absurd explanations were deduced from the supposed changes which the solids and fluids under- went in disease. Though these notions are now exploded, it must still be admitted that changes of this kind take place in the living system. Chemical changes in particular, there is reason to be- lieve, very frequently modify the actions of remedies; and some very obvious operations of this kind, as well as others of a me- chanical nature, serve as distinctions for establishing several par- ticular classes. These observations point out the principles on which the ar- rangement of the articles of the Materia Medica, from their me- dicinal operations, may be established. Those stimulants, which exert a general action on the system, may first be considered. Of these there are two well marked subdivisions, the diffusible and the permanent; the former cor- responding to the usual classes of narcotics and antispasmodics; the latter, including likewise two classes, tonics and astringents. In these there is a gradual transition passing into the one from the other, from the most diffusible and least durable stimulus, to the one most slow and permanent in its action. The next general division is that comprising local stimulants ; such are the classes of emetics, cathartics, emmenagogues, diu- retics, diaphoretics, expectorants, sialagogues, errhines, and epis- pastics. These all occasion evacuation of one kind or another, and their effects are in general to be ascribed, not to any operation exerted on the whole system, but to changes of action induced in particular parts. After these, those few medicines may be considered whose action is merely mechanical or chemical. To the former belong diluents, demulcents, and emollients. Anthelmintics may per- haps be referred with propriety to the same division. To the latter, or those which act chemically, belong antacids or absor- bents, lithontriptics, escharotics, and perhaps refrigerants. j(i MATERIA MEDICA Under these classes may be comprehended all those substance. capable of producing salutary changes in the human system. Se- veral classes are indeed excluded which have sometimes been admitted; but these have been rejected, either as not being suffi- ciently precise or comprehensive, or as being established only on erroneous theory. The subdivisions of these classes may sometimes be established on the natural affinities existing among the substances arranged under each ; on their chemical composition ; their resemblance in sensible qualities; or, lastly, on distinctions in their medicinal virtues, more minute than those which form the characters of the class. In different classes one of these methods will frequently be found preferable to any of the others. TABLE OF CLASSIFICATION. A. General stimulants. t\-cp -li C Narcotics. a. Diffusible. } Antispasmodics. b. Permanent. £ Astringents. B. Local stimulants. Emetics. Cathartics. Emmenagogues Diuretics. Diaphoretics. Expectorants. Sialagogues. Errhines. Epispastics. C. Chemical remedies. Refrigerants. Antacids. Lithontriptics. Escharotics. D. Mechanical remedies. Anthelmintics Demulcents. Diluents. Emollients. CLASS I—NARCOTICS. This first division of the preceding classification, is that com- prehending those stimulants, the action of which is general over the system. The first class of this division comprises those which are highly diffusible, and at the same time transient in their operation. This corresponds with the common class of narcotics or sedatives, usually defined, Such substances as di- minish the actions and powers of the system, without occasion- ing any sensible evacuation. The definition is imperfect, as it does not include that stimulant operation which it is acknow- ledged they equally produce. When given in a moderate dose, narcotics excite the functions both of body and mind: the force and frequency of the pulse are MATERIA MEDICA 51 Increased, muscular action is more vigorous, and hilarity or in- toxication are induced. These symptoms, after continuing for some time, are succeeded by those of diminished action: the pulse becomes slower, is full and soft, the body is less sensible to impressions, and Less capable of voluntary exertion, and the mind is inactive. This state terminates in sleep. When it ceases, there remains a degree of general debility, marked by sickness, tremor and oppression. By a large dose, debility, with- out previous excitement, is occasioned, and the consequences of an immoderate quantity are delirium, paralysis, coma, and con- vulsions, sometimes terminating in death. These are the gene- ral effects, considerably diversified, however, as arising from dif- ferent narcotics, and varied by other circumstances. Habitual use considerably diminishes their power. These medicines act primarily on the stomach, whence their action is conveyed by nervous communication to the general sys- tem. Externally applied, they exert their usual action, though with less force. Directly applied to the muscles of animals, they first stimulate them to contraction, but ultimately exhaust their irritability. As the medicines belonging to this class diminish the actions of the system, when given even in small doses, their primaiy operation was generally considered as of a depressing kind ; and the stimulant effects which occasionally appeared to be produced by their exhibition, were ascribed to what was termed the re-ac- tion of the system, or the exertion of that salutary power sup- posed to belong to the living body, by which every noxious appli- cation is resisted and thrown off. They w ere therefore consider- ed as directly sedative, and indirectly stimulant. Precisely the reverse of this doctrine was likewise advanced. As their exciting effects were those which appeared first, and were succeeded by those of debility, and as the first were pro- duced from a small dose, while the others were occasioned when the dose was comparatively large, thes e substances were regard- ed as direct stimulants, capable of exci ting the actions of the sys- tem ; and the symptoms of debility which they so frequently produced, were considered as arising from that exhaustion of power, which, according to a general law of the system, always follows increased action suddenly raised and not kept up. They were regarded, therefore, as directly stimulant, and indirectly se- dative, and the peculiarities of their anion were ascribed to their rapid and transient stimulant operation. If, in investigating this subject, we merely contrast these two theories, little doubt carr remain of the superiority of the latter. The suppositions of there being a power in the living system, fitted to resist any noxious agent, and of such a power acting be- fore the deleterious effects have taken place, and thus retarding or preventing their production, are improbable, and unsupported by any satisfactory proof. Since the stimulant operation of nar- cotics always precedes the symptoms of languor and debility which they produce ; it is the direct conclusion, that these latter are the consequences of the former. The analogy between nar- V MATERIA MEDICA cotics and other substances, admitted to be stimulants, hut which are less rapid in their operation, is also in many respects so di- rect, as to prove similarity of action. And their utility in several diseases, in which ttiey are employed as stimulants, is scarcely consistent with the opinion, that they possess a real depressing power. Some doubt, however, is still attached to the theory that they are direct stimulants, from the fact, undoubtedly true, that the sedative effects of narcotics are frequently disproportioned to their previous stimulant operation, allowing even in such cases, for its rapidity and little permanence; and the proposition, though apparency somewhat paradoxical, is perhaps just, that these sub- stances are at once capable of stimulating the living fibre, and, independent of that stimulant operation, exhaust to a greater or less extent, by direct operation, the living power. The effects of certain chemical agents on the living system, as lately ascer- tained, appear to support some conclusion of this kind. N..rcoiics being capable ol producing either stimulant or seda- tive effects, m..y be practically employed with very different in- tentions. Either operation is obtained chiefly by certain modes of administration. If given in small doses, frequently repeated, the actions of the system are excited, and kept up. But if given in larger doses, at distant intervals, the state of diminished ac- tion and lessened sensibility is obtained. As stimulants, they are employed in various diseases of debility ; in intermittent fever, and continued fevers of the typhoid type ; in gout, hysteria, 8cc. As sedatives, hey are used to allay pain and irritation, to procure sleep, and diminish secretions; hence their applications in spas- modic and painful diseases, in haemorrhagies and increased dis- charges. In an inflammatoiy state of the system, the use of some of them is not altogether without danger from their stimu- lating effects. CLASS II—ANTISPASMODICS. This class might perhaps be considered as a subordinate di- vision of narcotics. They have similar virtues, being used prin- cipally to allay pain and inordinate action, and they differ only in not producing that state of general insensibility and diminished action, which arises from the action of narcotics. This might be supposed owing merely to a difference in power ; yet there seems also to be something more than this, since they produce no such effect in any dose, and since, although they are so much inferior to narcotics in this respect, they are equally powerful in repress- ing inordinate and irregular muscular action. This difference may be explained, on the supposition that they are equally pow- erful stimulants, but are less diffusible, and more durable in their action, or that they are powerful diffusible stimulants, possessing little direct power of diminishing the excitable principle. Con- sidered in this point of view, they will form an intermediate class between narcotics and tonics; and experience shows, that they partake of the properties of both; several narcotics and tonics being frequently used as antispasmodics. MATERIA MEDICA Jo From the name given to this class, their effects may be easily understood. Spasm is an irregular contraction of a muscle; sometimes the contraction is permanent, at other times it alter- nates wiili relaxation, but is still irregular. Such medicines as obviate and remove such affections, are termed antispasmodics. Spasm may arise from various causes. One of the most fre- quent is a strong irritation continually applied ; such as dentition or worms. In these cases, narcotics prove useful, by diminish- ing irritability and sensibility. Sometimes spasm arises from mere debility ; and the obvious means of removing this is by the use of tonics. Both narcotics and tonics, therefore, are occasion- ally useful as antispasmodics, such as opium, camphor, and ether, in the one class, and zinc, mercury, and Peruvian bark, in the other. But there are farther, several substances which cannot be with propriety referred to either of these classes, and to these the title of antispasmodics may be more exclusively appropriated. CLASS III.—TONICS. By tonics, are understood those substances whose primary operation is to give strength to the system. Their operation is not mechanical, as was once conceived; they act not on the simple solids, increasing their tension or tone, but on the living fibre, and are merely powerful stimulants, permanent in their operation. By producing a gradual excitement, they give vigour to the actions of the system, and as that excitement is gradually produced, it is in like manner gradually diminished, and the habitual stimuli continuing to operate, diminished action does not succeed. Where tonics, however, are given in excess, are used unnecessarily, or for too long a time, they weaken the powers of life. Tonics act primarily on the stomach, the action they excite in that organ being communicated generally by the medium of the nerves to the rest of the system. Some of them, however, are received into the mass of blood. The immediate effects of a tonic, given in a full dose, are to increase the force of the circulation, to augment the animal heat, promote the various secretions, or moderate them when morbidly increased, quicken digestion, and render muscular action more easy and vigorous. By some of them, however, these effects are very slowly induced. The affections of the system in which tonics are employed, must be obviously those of debility; hence their use in the greater part of the diseases to which mankind are subject. This class may be subdivided into those individuals derived from the mineral, and those from the vegetable kingdoms. TONICS FROM THE MINERAL KINGDOM. These are in general more local in their nature than the ve- getable tonics, they do not operate so speedily, and seldom oc- casion considerable excitement. 6 j'4 MATERIA MEDICA TONICS FROM THE VEGETABLE KINGDOM. The tonic power in vegetables is intimately connected with certain sensible qualities, with their bitterness, ustringency _, and aromatic quality, all of them perhaps possessing these qualities, though, in each, one may be more predominant than the other. The purest bitters, astringents, and aromatics, possess also more or less of a tonic power. Of these divisions, the pure astrin- gents form a distinct class ; the remaining tonics may be arrang- ed according as the bitterness or aromatic quality is predomi- nant in them. The stimulant operation of the purer bitters is little diffusi- ble, and very slow in its operation; their effects are principally on the stomach and digestive organs, to which they communi- cate vigour, though they also act in some degree on the gene- ral system, and obviate debility, as is evident in particular from their efficacy in intermittent fevers, in dropsy, and gout, and from their debilitating effects when used for too long a time. Aromatics are more rapid and diffusible in their action ; they quicken the circulation, and augment the heat of the body. Their action has little permanence ; hence, in medicine, they are employed either as mere temporary stimulants, or to pro- mote the action of bitters or astringents. From these different modes of action of bitters and aromatics, it is evident, that a more powerful tonic will be obtained from, the combination of these qualities than where they exist sepa- rately. The most powerful tonics are accordingly natural com- binations of this kind. AROMATICS. The substances belonging to this subdivision of the vegeta- ble tonics, stimulate the stomach and general system, augment the force of the circulation, and increase the heat of the body. They are scarcely sufficiently permanent in their action to be used by themselves as tonics; but they always promote the action of bitters and astringents, and are used with advantage to obviate symptoms arising from debility of the stomach or intestinal canal. Their aromatic quality in general resides in an essential oil, which in each of them varies in flavour, pun- gency, and other sensible qualities, but which is nearly alike in its chemical properties. It is soluble entirely in alkohol, is sparingly soluble in water, and is extracted from them by dis- tillation. CLASS IV—ASTRINGENTS. Astringents have been usually considered as substances capable of obviating or removing increased evacuations, by their power of constringing or condensing the simple solids, of which the vessels are formed, and this by an action entirely chemical or mechanical, the same as that which they exert on dead ani- mal matter. MATERIA MEDICA. 5$ Allowing, however, these substances to possess some power of this kind, their effects as remedies cannot be explained mere- ly from its exertion. Increased evacuations cannot be ascribed to mere mechanical laxity of the solids ; and their removal can- not be referred to simple condensation of these solids. Neither can it be admitted that active substances may be applied to the system without occasioning changes in the state of the living powers. Many substances, arranged as astringents occasion very considerable alterations in several of the functions; they produce effects too which cannot be solely referred to a con- densing power, and therefore, in all the changes they produce, part at least of their operation must be referred to their acting on the powers peculiar to life. For reasons of this kind, some have denied the existence of such remedies, and have considered those which usually receive the appellation of astringents, merely as stimulants, moderate and permanent in their action ; in other words, as tonics of in- ferior power. But though there be a great analogy between these two classes in their effects, and probably in their mode of operation, there is also a very obvious difference: the most powerful astringents,—that is, substances which immediately restrain excessive evacuations, being much inferior in real tonic power to other substances having little astringency; while there are powerful tonics or medicines capable of removing debility, which do not with any uniformity produce the immediate effects of astringents. Perhaps astringents may be regarded as moderate, permanent stimulants having their stimulant operation modified by their power of condensing the animal fibre by a mechanical, or rather a chemical action. That they exert a stimulant operation, is proved by their power of curing intermittent fever, and other diseases of debility; and that they possess a constringing quali- ty is evident, not only from the sensation they excite on the tongue, but is proved by the change they produce in animal matter. If these combined actions be exerted on the fibres of the stomach, the change produced, it is possible, may be propa* gated by nervous communication to other parts of the system. The hypothesis of Dr. Darwin, that astringents produce their effects by powerfully promoting absorption, though it serves to explain part of their operation, seems to be refuted by their power of stopping haemorrhage. Some narcotics, as opium, have, in certain cases, effects ap- parently astringent. These are, where increased discharges arise from irritation, in which, by diminishing irritability, they lessen the discharge} but such an operation is altogether dif- ferent from that of real astringents. As remedies against disease, .astringents may sometimes, from their moderate stimulant operation, be substituted for to- nics. They have thus proved successful in the treatment of intermittent fever; and in all cases of debility, they seem to be serviceable, independent of their power of checking debilitating evacuations. 56 MATERIA MEDICA. It is, however, for restraining morbid evacuations that astrin- gents arc usuallv employed, 'in the various kinds of luvmor- rhagv, menorrhagia, hxmoptysis, Sec. they arc frequently em- ployed with advantage, though their power is also often inade- quate to stop the discharge. In diarrhoea they diminish the ef- fusion of fluids, ;.nd at the same time give tone to the intestinal canal, and thus remove the disease. In the latter stage of dy- sentcrv thev prove useful by a similar operation. In profuse sweating, and in diabetes, they are frequently sufficiently pow- erful to'lessen the increased discharge; and in those kinds of inflammation, termed passive, and even in certain cases of active inflammation, they are applied with advantage as topical reme- dies. It is an obvious caution, that astringents arc not to be used to check critical evacuations, unless these proceed to excess. Astringents mav be subdivided into those belonging to the vegetable, and those belonging to the mineral kingdom, which differ very considerably from each other in their operation. VEGETABLE ASTRINGENTS. Astringkncy in vegetables seems to be connected with a cer- tain chemical principle, or at least with some peculiarity of com- position, since vegetable astringents uniformly possess certain chemical properties. The astringency is extracted both by water and alkohol, and these infusions strike a black colour with any of the salts of iron, and are capable of corrugating more or less powerfully dead animal matter. Chemical investigations have accordingly discovered two dis- tinct principles in the vegetable astringents, one or both of which may probably give rise to the astringent property. One of these, the Gallic acid, is distinguished by its property of strik- ing a deep black colour with the salts of iron: the other, the tanning principle, or tannin, is characterized by its strong at- traction to animal gelatin, with which it combines, and forms a soft ductile mass, insoluble in water. These may be separated by a solution of aninn.l jelly, which unites with the tannin, and leaves the gallic acid pure. As both these principles exist in all the stronger vegetable astringents, it is probable that the corrugating property by which the action of these substances as medicines is modified, depends on their combination, especially as, in their action on dead mat- ter, the change produced on the animal fibre by the gallic acid, promotes the combination of that fibre with the tanning prin- ciple. MINERAL ASTRINGENTS. Ot these, the principal are the mineral acids, especially the sulphuric, and the combinations it forms with some of the me- tal* and earths. MATERIA MEDICA. 5^ LOCAL STIMULANTS. CLASS V—EMETICS. Emktics are substances capable of exciting vomiting, inde- pendent of any effect arising from the mere quantity of. matter introduced into the stomach, or of any nauseous taste or flavour. The effects of an emetic, are an uneasy sensation in the sto- mach, with nausea and vomiting. While the nausea only is present, the pulse is feeble, quick and irregular, and the coun- tenance pale: during vomiting the face is flushed, the pulse is quicker, and it remains so during the intervals of vomiting. When the operation of vomiting lias ceased, the nausea goes off gradually; the patient remains languid, and often inclined to sleep; the pulse is weak, but becomes gradually slow and full, and the skin is commonly moist. The general nature of vomiting is sufficiently evident;- The peristaltic motion of the stomach is inverted, the diaphragm and abdominal muscles are called into action by association, and the pylorus being contracted, the contents of the stomach are forcibly discharged. The peristaltic motion of the upper part of the intestinal canal is likewise frequently inverted. How this peristaltic motion is thus inverted, it is difficult to explain. The substances which have this effect, no doubt pos- sess a stimulant power, but the effect is by no means produced in proportion to the degree of stimulant operation exerted on the stomach, and it has not been explained how such an operation can invert the usual motion. Dr. Darwin considers vomiting as the effect, not of increased action from the operation of a stimulus, but of diminished action, arising from the disagreeable sensation of nausea. This being induced, the usual motion is gradually lessened, stopt, and is at length inverted, which gives rise to.the phenomena of vomiting. The susceptibility of vomiting is very different in different individuals, and is often considerably varied by disease. Though nausea generally accompanies vomiting, this is scarce- ly a necessary connexion : some emetics acting without occa- sioning much nausea, while others induce it in a much greater degree than is proportioned to their emetic power. The feeble and low pulse which accompanies vomiting, has been ascribed to direct association between the motions of the stomach and those of the heart, or it may be owing to the nau- sea excited, which being a disagreeable sensation, is equivalent to an abstraction of stimulus. It is supposed also, that a sympathy exists between the sto- mach and the surface of the body, so that the state of the vessels of the one part is communicated to the vessels of the other. Hence vomiting is frequently followed by diaphoresis. Emetics powerfully promote absorption. They often occasion increased evacuation by the intestinal canal, more especially when they have been given in too small a dose to excite vomiting, an effect arising from their stimulat- ing power. 58 MATERIA MEDICA. Lastly, several of the effects of vomiting have been ascribed to the agitation of the body, and to the compression of the viscera, by the action of the diaphragm and abdominal muscles. Emetics are employed in many diseases. When any morbid affection depends upon, or is connected with over-distcntion of the stomach, or the presence of acrid indigestible matters, vomiting gives speedy relief. Hence its utility in impaired appetite ; acidity in the stomach ; in intoxica- tion, and where poisons have been swallowed. From the pres.-ure of the abdominal viscera in vomiting, emetics have been considered as serviceable in jaundice arising from biliary calculi obstructing the hepatic ducts. The expectorant power of emetics, and their utility in catarrh and phthisis, have been ascribed to a similar pressure extended to the thoracic viscera. In the different varieties of febrile affections, much advantage is derived from exciting vomiting, especially in the very com- mencement of the disease. In high inflammatory fever, it is considered as dangerous ; and in the advanced stage of typhus it is prejudicial. Emetics given in such doses as only to excite nausea, have been found useful in restraining haemorrhage. Different species of dropsy have been cured by vomiting, from its having excited absorption. To the same effect, per- haps, is owing the dispersion of swelled testicle, bubo, and other swellings, which has occasionally resulted from this operation. The operation of vomiting is dangerous or hurtful in the fol- lowing cases : where there is determination of blood to the head, especially in plethoric habits ; in visceral inflammation ; in the advanced stage of pregnancy ; in hernia, and prolapsus uteri, and wherever there exists extreme general debility. The frequent use of emetics weakens the tone of the stomach. An emetic should always be administered in the fluid form. Its operation may be promoted by drinking any tepid diluent or bitter infusion. The individual emetics may be arranged under those derived from the vegetable, and those from the mineral kingdom. CLASS VI—CATHARTICS Cathartics are medicines which quicken or increase the evacuation from the intestines, or which, when given in a suffi- cient dose, excite purging. They evidently act by augmenting the natural peristaltic motion, from their stimulant operation on the moving fibres of the intestines, whence the contents of the canal are more quickly propelled. The greater number, or perhaps all of them, seem likewise to stimulate the extremities of the exhalent vessels terminating on the internal surface of the intestines, and hence the evacuations they occasion are not onl? more frequent, but thinner, and more copious. MATERIA MEDICA. i9 Besides these immediate actions, the stimulant operation of cathartics appears to be more or less extended to neighbouring organs, and hence they promote the secretion and discharge of the bile, and other fluids usually poured into the intestinal canal. It is also exerted on the stomach, so as to occasion a more quick evacuation of the contents of that organ by the pylorus. Besides the differences between individual cathartics in quick- ness, slowness, or other circumstances attending their operation, there is a general difference in the mode in which they act, from which they may be, and usually have been ranked under two divisions. Some operate mildly, without exciting any general affection of the system, without even perceptibly stimulating the vessels of the intestines, and hence they merely evacuate the contents of the canal. Others are much more powerful stimu- lants : they always occasion an influx of fluids from the exhalant vessels, and neighbouring secreting organs : they extend their stimulus to the system in general, and if taken in too large a dose, excite inflammation on the surface of the intestines. The former are distinguished by the title of laxatives ; the latter are termed purgatives, and the stronger of them drastic purga- tives. Cathartics, as medicines, are capable of fulfilling various indications. Where there exists a morbid retention of the contents of the stomach, where these contents are acrid, or where extraneous bodies are present, they are calculated by their evacuating power to relieve the symptoms arising from these affections, and hence their utility in constipation, colic, dysentery, and a variety of febrile affections. Partly by exciting the intestines to action, and partly by extending their stimulus to the other abdominal viscera, cathartics are of service in dyspepsia, hypochondriasis, amenorrhoea, jaundice, and visceral obstructions. By their power of stimulating the exhalant vessels, on the internal surface of the intestinal canal, and causing a larger por- tion of fluid to be poured out, cathartics are capable of produc- ing a diminution of the fluids with respect to the general system, and of course cause an abstraction of stimulus. Hence purging is a principal part of what is termed the antiphlogistic regimen, and is employed as a remedy of much power in highly inflam- matory diseases. From the same power of causing effusion of fluid, is to be explained the utility of cathartics in the various species of dropsy. A balance is preserved in the system between exhalation and absorption, so that when one is increased, the other is so also. The increased secretion and discharge of serous fluid, which cathartics occasion, causes an increased absorption ; whence the affused fluid in dropsy is frequently taken up and removed. Partly by the serous evacuation which cathartics occasion, and partly by the derivation of blood they make from the head, they are highly useful in the prevention and cure of apoplexy, all comatose affections, mania, phrenitis, and headach. OU .MATERIA MEDICA By a change in the distribution of the blood, it has been sup- posed that purging determines from the surface of the body ; and hence in a great measure has been explained its utility in small-pox and some other eruptive diseases. The administration of cathartics is rendered improper by in- flammation of the stomach or intestines, or tendency to it, and by much debility. Several cautions are likewise requisite in their exhibition. The nausea or griping they frequently produce, may be obviated by the addition of an aromatic, or by giving them in divided doses. The more powerful cathartics should always be given in the latter mode; and in general they irritate less when given diffused in a fluid than when given in a solid form. The different cathartics may be considered under the two divisions of laxatives and purgatives: the former being mild in their operation, and merely evacuating the contents of the intes- tines ; the latter being more powerful, and even extending their stimulant operation to the neighbouring parts. A division of cathartics remains, intermediate in their opera- tion between the laxatives and purgatives, more powerful than the one, less violent and stimulating than the other. These are the neutral salts. They seem to act principally by stimulating the exhalant vessels on the inner surface of the intestines ; and by the watery evacuation they occasion, they are particularly adapted to those cases where inflammatory action or tendency to it exists. CLASS VII— EMMENAGOGUES. The medicines arranged under this class are those capable of promoting the menstrual discharge. As the suppression of this discharge is usually owing to de- bility of the uterine vessels, or want of action in them, the medi- cines capable of exciting it must be those which can stimulate these vessels. General stimulants or tonics must have this effect to a certain extent, and there are several stimulants both diffusible and per- manent, employed as Emmenagogues. It is doubtful, whether there are further any medicines, which have their stimulant operation particularly determined to the uterine vessels. There are several, however, which, acting on neighbouring parts, have their action extended to the uterus, and hence exert an emmenagogue power greater than can be ascribed to any general stimulant operation they exert on the system. Several cathartics act in this manner. Under one or other of these divisions, may be arranged the principal medicines employed as emmenagogues. CLASS VIII—DIURETICS. Diuretics are those medicines which increase the urinary discharge. MATERIA MEDICA. 61 It is obvious that such an effect will be produced by any sub- stance capable of stimulating the secreting vessels of the kidneys. All the saline diuretics seem to act in this manner. They are received into the circulation, and, passing off with the urine, stimulate the vessels, and increase the quantity secreted. There are other diuretics, the effect of which appears not to arise from direct application, but from an action excited in the stomach, and propagated by nervous communication to the se- creting urinary vessels. The diuretic operation of squill, and of several other vegetables, appears to be of this kind. There is still, perhaps, another mode in which certain sub- stances produce a diuretic effect, that is, by promoting absorp- tion. When a large quantity of watery fluid is introduced into the circulating muss, it stimulates the secreting vessels of the kidneys, and is carried off by the urine. If, therefore, absorption •be promoted, and if a portion of serous fluid, perhaps previously effused, be taken up, the quantity of fluid secreted by the kidneys will be increased. In this way digitalis seems to act: Its diure- tic effect, it has been said, is greater when exhibited in dropsy than it is in health. On the same principle, (the effect arising from stimulating the absorbent system), may probably be explained the utility of mer- cury in promoting the action of several diuretics. The action of these remedies is promoted by drinking freely of mild diluents. It is also influenced by the state of the surface of the body. If external heat be applied, diuresis is frequently prevented, and diaphoresis produced. Hence the closes of them should be given in the course of the day, and the patient if pos- sible be kept out of bed. The direct effects of diuretics are sufficiently evident. They discharge the watery part of the blood; and by that discharge they indirectly promote absorption over the whole system. Dropsy is the disease in which they are principally employed, and when they can be brought to act, the disease is removed, with less injury to the patient than it can be by exciting any other evacuation. Their success is very precarious, the most powerful often failing; and as the disease is so frequently connected with organic affection, even the removal of the effused fluid, when it takes place, only palliates without effecting a cure. Diuretics have been likewise occasionally used in calculous affections, in gonorrhoea, and with the view of diminishing ple- thora, or checking profuse perspiration. CLASS IX—DIAPHORETICS. Diaphoretics are those medicines which increase the natural exhalation by the skin. When this is carried so far as to be con- densed on the surface, it forms sweat; and the medicines produc- ing it are named sudorifics. Between diaphoretics and sudorifics, there is no distinction ; the operation is in both cases the same, and differs only in degree, from augmentation of dose, or em- ployment of assistant means. 7 62 MATERIA MEDIC I Since diaphoresis or sweat is merely the increase of the natu- ral exhalation, it must arise from increased action of the cutane- ous exhaLnt vessels, and the medicines belonging to this class must be those which are capable of exciting that action. Of stimulants capable of producing this effect, the application of heafto the surface affords an example. It is one of the most effectual, and is always employed to promote the action of su- dorifics. The same effect may be produced indirectly, by increasing the general force of the circulation, which acts as u stimulus on the exhalant vessels, and increases their discharge. By one or other of these modes of operation, the medicines classed as diaphoretics seem to act. The saline diaphoretics, as they do not sensibly augment the force of the circulation, probably act in the former manner, exert- ing a particular action on the stomach, which is communicated to the vessels of the skin, or perhaps being received into the blood, and directly applied to these vessels. Those diaphoretics, on the contrary, which are termed heat- ing, as the aromatic oils and resins, act by directly stimulating the heart and arteries, and increasing the force of the circulation. Diaphoresis is not, how ever, the necessary consequence of the circulation being increased ; for the surface often remains dry, where the pulse is'frequent and strong. In this case, a morbid constriction of the cutaneous vessels exists, which opposes a re- sistance to the impetus of the blood. Whatever, therefore, re- laxes these vessels, will favour the production of sweating ; and to this mode of operation probably is to be ascribed the diapho- resis produced by antimonial preparations, or by ipecacuan, and itt part the advantage derived from the use of warm diluents in promoting sweat. When these circumstances, the increase of the force of the circulation, and the relaxation of the cutaneous vessels, are conjoined, the sweating will be still more copious ; and from this probably arises the superiority of the combination of opium with antimony or ipecacuan, to any other sudorific. The primary effects of diaphoretics, are to evacuate the watery part of the blood, and thus lessen the quantity of fluid in the cir- culating system ; to determine the blood to the surface ; to in- crease the action of the absorbents, and to remove spasmodic constriction of the cutaneous vessels, and render the skin moist. The ii'si of these effects probably takes place to no great de- gree, as ihe free use of diluents makes part of the sweating re- gimen. The last effect, the changing the state of the vessels on the skin, is the most important, considered in a practical point of view, that diaphoretics produce, as on this their efficacy in fever, in which principally they are employed, depends. The limits to the practice of sweating in affections of a febrile kind, are now sufficiently established. It is attended with ad- vantage in synocha, and the various phlegmasia?; but in fevers of the typhoid kind it is useless, and, unless in the very commence- ment of the disease, is uniformly hurtful. METERIA MEDICA. 63 As evacuating the serous part of the blood, and as promoting absorption, sudorifics have been used with advantage in the dif- ferent species of dropsy, especially in anasarca. By determining to the surface, and preserving a gentle dia- phoresis, they are found serviceable in asthma, dyspepsia, habi- tual diarrhoea, chronic dysentery, and chronic rheumatism, and likewise in a number of cutaneous diseases, probably by altering the state of the extreme vessels of the skin. A few circumstances are to be attended to in the administra- tion of sudorifics. In inflammatory affections, if the action of the vascular system is strong, bleeding should be previously used : during the sweating, the free use of warm diluents is necessary ; and external cold ought to be guarded against. The particular diaphoretics may be arranged from the affinity in their operation, as they act by increasing the force of the cir- culation, or as they operate without producing any general sitmu- lant effect. CLASS. X—EXPECTORANTS. Expectorants have been defined, those medicines which facilitate or promote the rejection of mucus or other fluids from the lungs and trachea. The theory of their operation is very imper- fectly understood. It has been supposed that where a greater quantity of fluid is thrown out into the lungs than the exhalants can take up, there are remedies which may facilitate its rejec- tion. But as expectoration is an operation partly voluntary, and dependent on the action of a number of muscles, it is difficult to discover how such an effect can be produced. If by expectorants be meant substances capable of producing it by some specific action on the parts concerned, there seems no reason to believe in the existence of such remedies. Dr. Cullen supposed that expectorants might act by promot- ing the exhalation of a thin fluid, which diluting the viscid mucus present in the mucous follicles in the lungs and trachea, might facilitate its rejection. But the action of the different individuals belonging to the class, and especially their effects in various dis- eases, cannot be explained on this principle. There are probably various modes of operation by which cer- tain remedies will appear to promote expectoration, and which will give them a claim to the title of expectorants. Thus, in certain diseases the exhalant vessels in the lungs, seem to be in that state, by which the exhalation of fluid is les- sened, or nearly stopped, and in such cases expectoration must be diminished. Any medicine capable of removing that con- stricted state, will appear to promote expectoration, and will at least relieve some of the symptoms of the disease. It is apparently by such a mode of operation, that antimony, ipecacuan, squill, and some others, promote expectoration in pneumonia, catarrh, and asthma, the prinripal diseases in which expectorants are em- ployed. tit MATI.RIA MEDICA. There is a case of an opposite kind, that in which there i redundance of mucus in the lungs, as occurs in humoral asthin.-., and catarrhus senilis. In these affections, certain expectorant - are supposed to prove useful. If they do so, it is probably 1 y being determined more particularly in their action to the \..\' monary vessels, and by their moderate stimulus diminishing th secretion, or increasing the absorption, thus lessening the quan- tity of fluid, and thereby rendering the expectoration of the ie- mainder more easy. The determination of these substances .o the lungs is often perceptible by their odour in the air expiree; V similar diminution of fluid in the lungs may be effected I determining to the surface of the body, and those e:;pccLo'cJ.i which belong to the class of diaphoretics probably act in thi- manner. Expectorants, then, arc to be regarded, not as medicir.- which directly assist the rejection of a fluid already secrete but rather as either increasing the natural exhalation where is deficient, or diminishing the quantity of fluid where it is v»o copious, either by stimulating the pulmonary vessels, or by de- termining to the surface. In both cases expectoration will ap- pear to be promoted or facilitated. Pneumonia, catarrh and asthma, are the principal diseases ,i which expectorants are employed; and the mode in which they prove useful will be apparent from what has been said of their operation. CLASS XI— SIALAGOGUES. Sialaoogues are substances which increase the quantity of. the salivary discharge. This may be effected by the mastica- tion of certain acrid substances, or by the internal exhibition of certain medicines. Of those which act in the latter mode, Mercury is the only one that uniformly produces this effect. No satisfactory expla- nation has been given of this peculiar power which it exer ; and the inquiiy why it should be particularly directed to the <■ .- livary glands, appears as fruitless as that into the specific virujo of any medicine. It does not from its sialagogue power appear to be of advantage in the treatment of any disease; salivation being only a test of its action on the system, but not in itself of any utility. The remaining sialagogues are those which act merely by topical application by mastication, and from their acrid stimu- lating quality. By increasing the salivary discharge, they have been found of service in toothach, and, as has been supposed, in some kinds of headach. CLASS XII—ERRHINES. Errhines are medicines which occasion a discharge from the nostrils, either of a mucous or serous fluid. They all ope- rate by direct application, and generally in consequence of a MATERIA MEDICA. 65 greater or less degree of acrimony which they possess. Their practical uses, it is evident, must be very limited. By the eva- cuation they occasion, it is supposed that they may diminish the quantity of fluid in the neighbouring vessels; and that they hence may prove useful in rheumatic affections of these parts, in headach, pain of the ear, and ophthalmia. They are sometimes used with advantage in some of these affections. It has like- wise been imagined that they may be of use in preventing apo- plexy. CLASS XIII—EPISPASTICS AND RUBEFACIENTS. These, as they operate on the same principles, and produce the same effects only in different degrees, may be considered merely as subdivisions of one class. EPISPASTICS. Epispastics are those substances which are capable, when applied to the surface of the body, of producing a serous or pu- riform discharge, by exciting a previous state of inflammation. The term, though comprehending likewise issues and setons, is more commonly restricted to blisters,—those applications which, exciting inflammation on the skin, occasion a thin serous fluid to be poured from the exhalants, raise the cuticle, and form the appearance of a vesicle. This effect arises from their strong stimulating power, and to this stimulant operation, and the pain they excite, are to be ascribed the advantages derived from them in the treatment of disease. The evacuation they occa- sion is too inconsiderable to have any effect. It is a principle sufficiently established with regard to the living system, that where a morbid action exists, it may often be removed by inducing an action of a different kind in the same or in a neighbouring part. On this principle is explained the utility of blisters in local inflammation and spasmodic action, and it regulates their application in pneumonia, gastritis, hepa- titis, phrenitis, angina, rheumatism, colic, and spasmodic affec- tions of the stomach ; diseases in which they are employed with the most marked advantage. A similar principle exists with respect to pain; exciting one pain often relieves another. Hence blisters often give relief in toothach, and some other painful affections. Lastly, blisters, by their operation, communicate a stimulus to the whole system, and raise the vigour of the circulation. Hence, in part, their utility in fevers of the typhoid kind, though in such cases they are used with still more advantage to obviate or remove local inflammation. RUBEFACIENTS. Rubefacients excite pain and inflammation, but in a less degree than blisters, so that no fluid is discharged. They stimu- 66 MVTERIA MEDICA. late the system in general, and obviate local inflammation, and are used for nearly the same purposes as blisters. Any stimulating application may be used for this purpose. Cantharides added in a small proportion to a plaster, or the tincture of cantharides applied by friction to a part, is often em- ployed as a rubefacient. Ammonia mixed with one, two, or three parts of expressed oil, forms a liniment frequently used for this purpose in rheu- matism, angina, and other cases of local inflammation. REMEDIES ACTING CHEMICALLY. CLASS XIV.—REFRIGERANTS. The remedies comprised under this class have been usually defined, substances which directly diminish the force of the cir- culation, and reduce the heat of the body, without occasioning any diminution of sensibility or nervous energy. The theories, that have been delivered respecting their mode of operation, are obscure or unintelligible ; and eveii the facts, which are adduced to establish the existence of such remedies, are far from being conclusive. Keeping in view the very inconsiderable action of these reme- dies, it may perhaps be possible, from the consideration of the mode in which animal temperature is generated, to point out how their trivial refrigerant effects may be produced. It has been sufficiently established, that the consumption of oxygen in the lungs is materially influenced by the nature of the ingesta received into the stomach; that it is increased by ani- mal food and spirituous liquors, and, in general, by whatever sub- stances contain a comparatively small quantity of oxygen in their composition. But the superior temperature of animals is deriv- ed from the consumption of oxygen gas by respiration. An in- crease of that consumption must necessarily, therefore, occasion a greater evolution of caloric in the system, and of course an in- crease of temperature, while a diminution m the consumption of oxygen must have an opposite effect. If, therefore, when the temperature of the body is morbidly increased, substances be introduced into the stomach, containing a large proportion of oxygen, especially in a state of loose combination, and capable of being assimilated by the digestive powers, the nutritious matter received into the blood, must contain a larger proportion of oxygen than usual; less of that principle will be consumed in the lungs, by which means less caloric being evolved, the temperature of the body must be reduced; i.nd this operating as a reduction of stimulus, will diminish the number and force of the contractions of the heart. It might be supposed that any effect of this kind must be tri- vial, and it actually is so. It is, as Cullen has remarked, not very evident to our senses, nor easily subjected to experiment, and is found only in consequence of frequent repetitions. The principal refrigerants are the acids, especially those be- longing to the vegetable kingdom. As these contain a large MATERIA MEDICA. 67 proportion of concrete oxygen in a state of loose combination, their refrigerant power may be explained on the above princi- ple. The neutral salts form the remaining division of refrige- rants ; they are much inferior in power ; and what refrigerant quality they do exert, probably arises from the same cause. In some of them, it may be increased by the sensation of cold they excite in the stomach, which is equivalent to an abstraction of stimulus. It is obvious, that the indication to be fulfilled by the use of refrigerants, is the reduction of the morbidly increased tempera- ture. Hence they are administered in synocha and other inflam- matory affections, and likewise in fevers of the typhoid kind. ACIDS. All acids are supposed to be refrigerants ; but the vegetable acids are allowed to possess this power in a more eminent degree. The native vegetable acids are found chiefly in the fruits of vegetables. The sour juice of these fruits consists either of the citric or malic acids, or more frequently of a mixture of both. The citric acid is that which is most largely employed, as it forms chiefly the acid juice of the orange and lemon, the two acid fruits in common medicinal use. CLASS XV—ANTACIDS. Antacids are remedies which obviate acidity in the stomach. Their action is purely chemical, as they merely combine with the acid present, and neutralize it. They are only palliatives, the generation of acidity being to be prevented by restoring the tone of the stomach, and its vessels. Dyspepsia and diarrhoea are the diseases in which they are employed. CLASS XVI—LITHONTRIPTICS. Lithontriptics are medicines supposed to be capable of dissolving urinary calculi. Their operation is entirely chemical. The researches of modern chemists have proved* that these calculi, in general, consist principally of a peculiar animal acid, named the lithic or uric acid. With this substance the alkalies are capable of uniting, and of forming a soluble compound ; and these are accordingly the sole lithontriptics. From the exhibition of alkaline remedies, the symptoms arising from a stone in the bladder are very generally alleviated ; and they can be given to such an extent, that the urine becomes sensibly alkaline, and is even capable of exerting a solvent power on these concretions. Their administration cannot, however, be continued to this extent for any considerable length of time, from the strong irritation they produce on the stomach and urinary organs. The use, therefore, of the alkalies as solvents, or lithontriptics, is now scarcely ever attempted ; they are empkn- ed merely to prevent the increase of the concretion, and to pal- liate the painful symptoms, which they do, apparently by pre- 63 MVTT.RIA MEDICA. venting the generation of lithic acid, or the separation of it by the kidneys ; the urine is thus rendered less irritating, and the surface of the calculus is allowed to become smooth. When the alkalies are employed with this view, they are generally given saturated, or even super-saturated, with carbonic acid. This renders them much less irritating. It at the same time diminishes, indeed, their solvent power ; for the alkaline carbonats exert no action on the urinary calculi: But they are still equally capable of correcting that acidity in the prima vi ,.j* The most general character of the carbonates, is their effer- vescing violently when any of the stronger acids are poured upon them. This phenomenon is owing to these acids displacing, by their greater affinity, the carbonic acid, which flies off in the form of gas. The carbonates may be also deprived of the carbonic acid, either by the action of heat alone, or by heating them when mix- ed with charcoal, which decomposes the carbonic acid, by com- bining with part of its oxygen, so that both the acid and char- coal are converted into carbonic oxyd gas. The carbonates may be divided into three great families : the alkaline, the earthy, and the metallic. Family 1st. The alkaline carbonates have an acrimonious taste; tinge vegetable blues green, and are soluble in water, and inso- luble in alcohol. Family 2d. The earthy carbonates are insipid, and insoluble in water, but soluble in water saturated with carbonic acid. Family 3d. The metallic carbonates scarcely differ in appear- ance from the metallic oxyds. We shall have occasion immediately to notice some individu- als of each of these families. Carbonas Baryt.e. Carbonate of Baryta. Carbonated baryta is rarely found in nature, and as it was first discovered by Dr. Withering, Mr. Werner gave it the name of Witherite. Its colour is grayish white, sometimes inclining to milk white, and sometimes with a slight tinge of yellow. It is found in solid masses, sometimes filling an entire vein, sometimes in- terspersed with sulphated baryta, frequently rounded, or effect- ing that form, seldom crystallized. Although it has no sensible taste, it is poisonous; even in a small dose, it occasions danger- ous symptoms. It is used for preparing the muriate of baryta, to which the reader is referred. Carbonas Calcis. Carbonate of Lime. Chalk. 1. Soft Carbonate of Lime, called Chalk. 2.' Indurated Carbonate of Lime, called Marble. Of the two varieties of this article, the soft carbonate of lime, Greta alba, white chalk, is principally employed in medicine. This is a carbonate of lime found abundantly in nature; it al- ways contains more or less agillaceous, and siliceous earths. 11 -»l MATERIA MEDIC \ From the grosser impurities with which it is mixed, it is freed by levigation and washing. It is then termed prepared chalk, and is very commonly employed as an antacid. As the salt it forms with the acid in the stomach, has no purgative quality, it is the one commonly employed to check diarrhoea, proceeding from acidity. It is given in a dose of one or two drachms, with the addition of a small quantity of any aromatic. In pharmacy, it is employed for the preparation of carbonic acid gas, and of the muriate of lime. Carbonas Potassa Impurus. Impure Carbonate of Potash, called Pearl Ashes. The potashes of commerce are made by reducing large quan- tities of wood of any kind to ashes ; this process is termed in- cineration. The ashes, which are of a blackish gray, or white colour, are next boiled in water, so as to form a strong lixivium or ley ; which, after being strained, is evaporated in an iron vessel, almost to dryness. The saline matter which remains at the bottom, is then put into a crucible, and liquified over an in- tense heat, and poured out on iron plates, where it speedily cools, and assumes the form of concrete salt. This, however, being mixed with many impurities, is again burnt in a rcverba- tory furnace, and in this state, although not free from impuri- ties, it receives the name of pearl ashes. This is the fixed vegetable alkali, and was formerly known in Pharmacopoeias under the names of Sal Absinthii, Sal Tartari, Sec. and by the London College, Kali. But, since the fixed vegetable alkali, from whatever vegetable it has been produced, is one and the same thing; those several terms as leading to errour, have been with justice expunged, and the new chemical term potassa, univer- sally adopted. The best vegetable alkali is obtained from weeds, the ashes of which yield a larger proportion of salt, than most kinds of wood; end among these, wormwood is said to produce the largest quantity. This kind of salt, never preexists in the vege- table, but is always generated during the burning. These salts are acrid and caustic. They may be purified sufficiently, for pharmaceutical uses, by lixiviating them in cold water, and eva- porating the ley to dryness in an iron pot. Potassa is of extensive use in medicine, and particularly serviceable in complaints of the stomach and intestines, produced by acids. The medicinal virtues of this salt, are to attenuate the juices, resolve obstructions, and promote the na- tural secretions. A diluted solution of it, drank warm in bed, generally excites sweat; if that evacuation is not favoured its' sensible operation is by urine. When acidities abound in 'the first passages, this salt absorbs the acid, and unites with it, into a mild, aperient, neutral salt. As one of its principal effects is to render the animal fluids more thin; it is obvious, that where MATERIA MEDICA. 95 they are already colliquated as in scurvies, and in all putVid dis- orders, in general this medicine is improper*. The common dose of this salt is from two or three grains to a scruple, or even to a drachm. Its acrimony must, however, be sheathed with some mucilage, or largely diluted with watery liquors. But potassa is more frequently employed in a neutralized state with the vegetable acids. It is of late employed in calcu- lous complaints, but its continued use seldom fails to injure the constitution, or the intestinal canal. It is applied externally as a stimulant to the inactive state of the vessels, in certain foul ulcers. Dr. Mitchell recommends the use of potash cakes for chil- dren^ to prevent the injurious effects of acidity in their sto- machs, and mitigate the disorders to which their bowels are lia- ble. He observes, that those children, who have been accus- tomed to eat cakes, a little tinctured with this excellent ingre- dient, grow fat and healthy. Carbonas Soda Impurus. Impure Carbonate of Soda. The fixed mineral, or fossil alkali, called soda, is a very com- mon mineral production. It is the basis of sea salt, and is found on the surface of the earth in Egypt, Syria, Barbary, 8cc. but the native production being found greatly inadequate to the consump- * According to the theory of Dr. Mitchell, and other respectable writers in the United States, alkaline, salts, both fixed and volatile, but more espe- cially potash and soda, are the greatest detergents, or purifiers, which are known. They are capable of resisting the dangerous progress of the septic acid, abounding in pestilential or infectious air. Hence they are employed as the principal and active ingredient in soaps, and are signally active in the form of lixivia, or leys, in cleansing and purifying apartments in houses and ships, when infected with putrid exhalations. Alkalies, too, are the most powerful antiseptics with which we are acquainted. Potash and soda are remarkable for removing tainted and foetid odours, and for keeping ani- mal substances sweet, entire, and free from decay. They cleanse garments, and every thing else which is contaminated with common filth, infection, and contagion, which they neutralize, and render harmless. Alkalies are admi- rable remedies in fevers, and in dysentery. Administered by the mouth, they neutralize in their passage through the alimentary canal, the septic acid, which is the existing cause, and, injected in clysters, they allay tenes- mus like a charm. In both cases they mitigate pain, allay spasmodic action, and restore and equalize the peristaltic motion. They effectually destroy the foetor and in- fection of the stools. Alkalies are also excellent helps in surgery : many foul ulcers are very much benefitted by their application with the dressings, in weak, watery so- lution. Experiments have proved, that in foul and degenerate ulcers, of the common, as well as of the syphilitic, cancerous, and scrofulous kinds, the matter secreted on their surfaces, degenerates to a venemous acid : the propriety of alkaline dressings, therefore, will be instantly apparent. These and other properties of alkalies, have been treated of in Dr. Mitchell's Essays, published in the several volumes of the Medical Reposi- tory of New York 5 where the reader will find a large body of evidence in favour of the antiputrifactive and antipestilential properties of alkalies, and of their rirraes in curing various diseases 96 MATERIA MF.m<"\. tion of this article, in the arts and manufactures ; it is now obtain- ed by the incineration of marine plants, especially the Spanish Barilla, Kali, &c. These plants, after being dried, arc thrown into a deep pit, where they are burnt. When the incineration is compW w, the soda is found at the bottom, caked into a solid mass. When good, it is firm, heavy, dry, sonorous, spongy, and inter- nally of a blue colour, mixed with white spots; does not deli- quesce, emits no unpleasant smell on solution, and does not leave a large proportion of insoluble matter. In medicine, this salt possesses similar virtues with the carbonate of potash, and from its crystallizability and efflorescence when exposed to the air, it is preferable to it, because its dose may be more accu- rately ascertained, and may be given, either in the form of pow- der or pills. A solution of soda is an excellent gargle for cleansing the throat, mouth, and gums, both in a sound and a dis- eased state; while it whitens the teeth, and dissolves all incrus- tations that may have been formed on their surfaces, without injuring their enamel. A small quantity of this liquid occa- sionally swallowed, after washing the fauces, is said effectually to remove a foetid breath. Soda is also in many instances pre- ferable to magnesia, for correcting acidity in the stomach. Carbonas Zinci Lmpurus. Impure Carbonate of Zinc. This mineral is found plentifully in England, Germany, and other countries, either in distinct mines, or intermingled with the ores of different metals. It is usually of a grayish, brown- ish, yellowish, or pale reddish colour. This mineral, formerly called Lapis Calaminaris, is generally roasted, before it comes into the shops, to render it more easily reducible into a fine powder. In this state it is employed in collyria, against defluc- tions of thin acrid humours upon the eyes, and is the basis of the common healing cerate. Carum Carui. Caraway. The seeds. This is an indigenous, biennial plant, cultivated in our gar- dens, both for medicinal and culinary uses. On account of their aromatic smell, and warm, pungent taste, the seeds of caraway maybe classed among the finest stomachics and carminatives of our climate. To persons afflicted with flatulency, and liable to colics, if administered in proper quantities, they generally afford considerable relief, and may sometimes be used with advantage in tertian agues. ° Cassia Fistula. Cassia Tree. The fruit. This tree is indigenous in India and Egypt, and is cultivated in Jamaica. Its fruit is a cylindrical pod, scarcely an inch in diameter, a foot or more in length ; the outside is a hard, brown bark; the inside is divided by thin, transverse, woody'plates, MATERIA MEDICA. 97 coverd with a soft black pulp, of a sweetish taste, with some de- gree of acrimony. This pulp, which dissolves, for the most part, both in water and rectified spirit, is a gentle laxative, and is frequently given in doses of several drachms, to persons of cos- tive habits. In inflammatory complaints, it is sometimes admi- nistered in much larger doses, from one to two ounces, when acrid purgations are improper; though it is apt to nauseate the stomach, to produce flatulency, and griping; especially if the pulp be of an inferior kind, or spoiled by long keeping : these effects may, however, be obviated by the addition of aromatics, and by taking it in a liquid form. There are several species of cassia in the United States. Cas- sia Marilandica js used in the southern states, as a purgative, and possesses nearly the same virtues as the senna of the shops. Cassia Senna. Senna. The leaves. This species of cassia is annual, although in its mode of growth, it resembles a shrub, and sends out hollow, woody stems, to the height of four feet. It is principally brought to us from Alexandria, in Egypt. The leaves, the only part in use, are of an oblong figure, sharp pointed at the ends, about a quarter of an inch broad, and not a full inch in length, of a lively yellowish green colour, a faint, not very disagreeable smell, and a sub- acrid, bitterish, nauseous taste. Some inferior sorts of this drug are obtained from Tripoli, and other places; but they may be easily distinguished, as the latter is of a fresh green colour, without any yellow shade. Senna is an useful purgative, operating mildly, though effec- tually; and at the same time promoting the secretion of urine. It is always given in the form of watery infusion, two or three drachms being infused in four or six ounces of water, with the addition of a few coriander seeds, to cover its flavour, and ob- viate griping. It is also frequently combined with manna, with tamarinds, or with acidulous tartrite of potash, to increase its action on the bowels. By decoction with water, the activity of senna is much impaired, if not destroyed. Cassia Marilandica. American Senna. The leaves. This plant is abundant in America, and known by the name of senna, is of the same genus with the senna of the shops, and possesses nearly the same virtues as the eastern species. It is used as a purgative, in different parts of the United States, and, from the high price of foreign senna, deserves to be attended to. It is easily cultivated from the seeds, and ought to be gene- rally introduced into our gardens. Castor Fiber. The Beaver. The substance collected in the follicles, near the anus, called castor. The beaver is an amphibious animal, which inhabits the northern parts of Europe, Asia, and America; in the banks of 99 MATERIA MEDICA. rivers, or lakes, and at a distance from the habitations of men. Near the rectum of both sexes, there are two little bags, about the siec of a hen's egg, containing a browni>h oily matter, called castor, which is a peculiar deposition of fat, interwoven with cellular membrane. This substance has a disagreeable, narco- tic smell, and a bitterish, acrid, nauseous taste. By drying it in the smoke of a chimney, it may be preserved seven or eight years. The best castor is brought from Russia, Prussia, and Poland; that procured in Canada^ and New England, is of an in- ferior quality. That which is very old, quite black, and desti- tute of smell and taste, is unfit for medicinal use. To preserve this drug from injury, it should be kept wrapt up in bladders or oiled-paper. Its active matter is dissolved by alcohol, proof spirit, and partially by water. The tincture made with diluted alcohol, is the least nauseous. Castor is an excellent antispasmodic, and acts particularly upon the uterine system. It is given with advantage in most spasmodic diseases, especially in hysterica and epilepsy. In powder, which is the most eligible form, it is exhibited in closes from ten to twenty grains, or from one to two drachms of the tincture. Centaurea Benedicta. Blessed Thistle. The herb. The carduus benedictus is an annual exotic plant, cultivated •n gardens; it flowers in June and July, and produces ripe seeds in autumn. The virtues of this plant, says Dr. Duncan, seem to be little known in the present practice. The nauseous decoction is some- times used to provoke vomiting, and, a strong infusion, to pro- mote the operation of other emetics. But excellent effects have been frequently experienced, from a slight infusion of carduus, in loss of appetite, where the stomach has been injured by ir- regularities. A stronger infusion, made in cold or warm water, if drunk freely, and the patient kept warm, occasions a plenti- ful sweat, and promotes the secretions in general. Cera. Wax a. Flava. Yellow. b. Alba. White. For this useful substance, we are indebted to the common honey bee, by whom it is collected from the leaves and flowers of vegetables. It is formed into solid cakes by melting the combs, after all the honey has been expressed from them, in hot water. The best sort should be hard, compact, of a clear yellow colour, and an agreeable odour, similar to that of honey. Pure bees-wax, when recent, is tough, yet easily broken; by long keeping, it becomes harder, and more brittle, looses its fine colour, and, in some measure, its fragrance. The yellow colour of bees-wax, and its peculiar smell, may be destroyed by the combined action of water, air, and the sun's rays. In the process for bleaching wax, we therefore extend MATERIA MEDICA, 9S its surface as much as possible, by melting it, and forming it into thin plates, which are exposed to the sun's rays, and repeat- edly moistened until they acquire the whiteness desired. WThite wax is more delicate, but in medicine, it has no advantage over yellow wax. When taken internally, wax agrees in its effects with the fat oils, and is preferable, in being less apt to become rancid. Its principal use, is for the formation of cerates, oint- ments, and plasters. Cervus Elaphus. The Stag, or Hart. The horns. The horns of the common male, red deer, have long been considered as an article of Materia Medica. The scrapings, or raspings of these horns, are medicinal, and employed in decoc- tions, ptisans, or cooling drinks, &c. Hartshorn jelly is remark- ably nourishing, and sometimes given as an agreeable demul- cent, in cases of diarrhoea. The coal of hartshorn, which is prepared by exposing it to a strong and long continued fire, changes into a very white earth, called calcined hartshorn. It is employed as an absorbent, and likewise in dysenteries, which are supposed to arise from acrid and ill digested matter. These animal horns are to be considered of the same nature as bones; and their products by heat, are those of animal substances in general. They were formerly so much employed for the prepara- tion of the volatile alkali (ammonia) that it was commonly call- ed hartshorn. Chenopodium Anthelminticum. Jerusalem Oak. The herb and seeds. This plant, a native of Buenos Ayres, and of various parts of the United States, is said to be an excellent vermifuge. The whole plant has a powerful smell, of which it is very retentive ; the taste is bitter, with a good deal of aromatic acrimony. The whole plant may be employed. Sometimes the expressed juice is used in the dose of a table spoonful, for a child of two or three years old: more commonly, however, the seeds, empha- tically called wormseed, are reduced to a fine powder, and made into an electuary with syrup. Of this, the dose for a child two or three years old, is a table spoonful early in the morning. The patient is to be kept without nourishment for some hours; after supper another dose is to be administered. It is often neces- sary to continue this course for several days, and great numbers of lumbrici are frequently discharged, after the use of a few doses of the medicine. Chironia Centaurium. Smaller Centaury. The flowering heads. This plant is annual, and grows wild in many parts of Eng- land, and other countries, chiefly on barren pastures. It agrees in every respect with other pure bitters. The chironia angu- 100 MA'i F.lilA MI'.DIt \ laris, common American centaury, is a native of the tinted States, and has the appearance of lesser centaury (gentiana centaurium). It is universally known by the name of centaury, and is deservedly esteemed as an highly medicinal, and very- agreeable simple bitter. It is used w ith great success in relaxations of the stomach, loss of appetite, and general debility. In sickly situations, an infusion of this plant, joined with calamus aromaticus, is com- monly resorted to as an excellent medicine, taken in the morn- ing as a preventive. Cinchona Officinalis. Officinal Cinchofia. The bark. a. Communis. The Common. b. Ftuva. The Yellow. c.Rubra. The Red. It is by no means ascertained, that the two last are the bark of the cinchona officinalis, but have been merely classed under it until wc are better acquainted with their botanical history. The tree affording this bark grows wild in the hilly parts of Peru. In the dry season, from September to November, the bark is stripped from the branches, trunk, and root, and after being carefully dried in the sun, is packed in skins. The name Cinchona, is derived from that of the lady of the Spanish viccrov, who was cured by the bark, in the year 1640. The dis- covery of its medicinal virtues was in all probability an accident, and on its first introduction into Europe, it was reprobated by many eminent physicians; and at different periods long after, it was considered a dangerous remedy; but its character, in pro- cess of time, became universally established. The common pale bark is in the form of small quilled twigs, thin, breaking close and smooth, friable between the teeth, covered with a rough coat of a brownish colour, internally smooth and of a light brown; its taste is bitter, and slightly as- tringent; flavour lightly aromatic, with some degree of musti- ness. . The yellow Peruvian bark has only been introduced since the year 1790. It approaches more to the yellow colour, than either of the others do; is in flat pieces, not convoluted like the pale ; nor dark coloured, like the red; externally smooth, internally of a light cinnamon colour; friable, and fibrous; has no peculiar odour different from the others; but a taste incomparably more bitter, with some degree of astringency. The red Peruvian bark is in large thick pieces, externally covered with a brown rugged coat, internally more smooth and compact, but fibrous; of a dark red colour, taste and smell simi- lar to that of the pale, but the taste rather stronger. Its powder is reddish, like tii.d cf Armenian bole ; its astringency and bit- terness are more intense, and it contains more resin than the pale bark. It also produces its effects in smaller doses; but it is said to be more frequently adulterated. MATERIA MEDICA. 101 Practitioners have differed much with regard to the mode of operation of the Peruvian bark. Some have ascribed its virtues entirely to a stimulant power. But while the strongest and most permanent stimuli have by no means the same effect with bark in the cure of diseases, the bark itself shows hardly any stimu- lant power, either from its action on the stomach, or on other sensible parts to which it is applied. From its action on the dead animal fibre, there can be no doubt of its being a powerful as- stringent ; and from its good effects in certain cases of disease, there is reason to presume that it is a still more powerful tonic. To this tonic power some think that its action, as an antiseptic, is to be entirely attributed; but that, independently of this, it has a very powerful effect in resisting the septic progress to which animal substances are naturally subjected, appears beyond all dispute, from its effects in resisting putrefaction, not only in dead animal solids, but even in.animal fluids, when entirely de- tached from the living body. But although it be admitted that the Peruvian bark acts pow- erfully as an astringent, as a tonic, and as an antiseptic, yet these principles will by no means explain all the effects derived from it in the cure of diseases. And accordingly from no artificial combination in which these powers are combined, or in which they exist even to a higher degree, can the good consequences resulting from Peruvian bark be obtained. Many practitioners, therefore, are disposed to view it as a specific. If, by a specific, we mean an infallible remedy, it cannot indeed be considered as entitled to that appellation; but as far as it is a very powerful remedy, of the operation of which no satisfactory explanation has yet been given, it may with great propriety be denominated a specific. But, whatever its mode of operation may be, there can be no doubt that it is daily employed with success in a great variety of diseases. It was first introduced for the cure of intermittent fevers ; and in these, when properly exhibited, it rarely fails of success. Practitioners, however, have differed with regard to the best mode of exhibition ; some prefer giving it just before the fit, some during the fit, others immediately after it. Some, again, order it in the quantity of an ounce, between the fits ; the dose being the more frequent and larger according to the frequency of the fits; and this mode of exhibition, although it may perhaps sometimes lead to the employment of more bark than is neces- sary, we consider as upon the whole preferable, from being best suited to most stomachs. The requisite quantity is very differ rent in different cases; and in many vernal intermittents ifcseems even hardly necessary. It is now given from the veiy commencement of the disease, without previous evacuations; which, with the delay of the bark, or under doses of it, by retarding the cure, often seem to induce abdominal inflammation, scirrhus, jaundice, hectic, dropsy, Sec. symptoms formerly imputed to the premature or intemperate use of the bark, but which are best obviated by its early and liberal use. It is to be continued not only till the paroxvsms 12 102 MATERIA MEDIP\ cease, but till the natural appetite, strength, and complexion return. Its use is then gradually to be left off, and repeated at proper intervals to secure against a relapse ; to which, how- ever unaccountable, there often seems to be a peculiar disposi- tion ; and especially when the wind blows from the east. Al- though, however, most evacuants conjoined with the Peruvian bark in intermittents are rather prejudicial than otherwise, yet it is of advantage, previous to its use, to empty the alimentary ca- nal, particularly the stomach ; and on this account, good effects are often obtained from premising an emetic. It is a medicine which seems not only suited to both formed and latent intermittents, but to that state of fibre, on which all rigidly periodical diseases seem to depend; as periodical pain, inflammation, haemorrhagv, spasm, cough, loss of external sense, Sec Bark is now used by some in all continued fevers; at the same time attention is paid to keep the bowels clean, and to promote, when necessary, the evacuation of redundant bile ; always, how- ever, so as to weaken the patient as little as possible. In confluent small pox, it promotes languid eruption and sup- puration, diminishes the fever through its whole course, and pre- vents or corrects putrescence and gangrene. In gangrenous sore throats, it is much used, as it is exter- nally and internally in every species of gangrene. # In contagious dysentery, after due evacuation, it has been used, taken internally and by injection, with and without opium. In all those haemorrhagies called passive, and which it is al- lowed all hecmorrhagies are very apt to become, and likewise in other increased discharges, it is much used ; and in certain un- . defined cases of haemoptysis, some allege that it is remarkably effectual when joined with an absorbent. It is used for obviating the disposition to nervous and convul- sive diseases; and some have great confidence in it, joined with sulphuric acid, in cases of phthisis, scrofula, ill conditioned ul- cers, rickets, scurvy, and in states of convalescence. In these cases, notwithstanding the use of the acid, it is proper to conjoin it with a milk diet. In dropsy, not depending on any particular local affection, it is often alternated or conjoined with diuretics or other evacuants; and by its early exhibition after the water is once drawn off, or even begins to be freely discharged, a fresh accumulation is pre- vented, and a radical cure obtained. Mr. Pearson, of the Lock Hospital, praises very highly the • powers of this remedy in different forms of the venereal disease ; in reducing incipient bubo, in cleansing and healing ulcers of the tonsils, and in curing gangrenous nlcers from a venereal cause. But in all these cases mercury must also be given to eradicate the venereal virus from the system. Peruvian bark may be exhibited, 1. In substance. The best form of exhibiting this valuable remedy is in the state of a very fine powder, in doses of from ten grains to two METERIA MEDICA. 103 drachms and upwards. As it cannot be swallowed in the form of a dry powder, it must either be diffused in some liquid, as water, wine, or milk; or mixed with some viscid substance, as currant jelly. Its taste, which is disagreeable to some people, is best avoided by taking it immediately after it is mixed up; for by standing any time, it is communicated to the vehicle. In this respect, therefore, it is better for the patients to mix it up them- selves than to receive it from the apothecary already made up into a draught with some simple distilled water, or into an elec- tuary with a syrup. A much more important objection to this form of giving Peruvian bark is, that some stomachs will not bear it, from the oppression and even vomiting which in these cases it excites. We must endeavour to obviate this inconveni- ence by the addition of some aromatic, and by giving it in small doses more frequently repeated. *If we are unable to succeed by these means, we must extract the most active constituents of the bark by means of some menstruum. It has therefore long been a pharmaceutical problem, what menstruum extracts the virtues of Peruvian bark the best. But the active constituents of this remedy, according to the best and latest analysis, are bitter ex- tractive, tannin, and gallic acid, combined with some mucilage and resin. Of these, the two last are not soluble in any one men- struum ; but they most probably contribute very little to the powers of the medicine. The three other constituents, on the contrary, on which all its activity depends, taken singly, are all of them very soluble both in water and in alcohol, and in eveiy mixture of these. But it would be contrary to analogy to sup- pose, that these substances should exist so intimately mixed as they must be in an organic body, without exerting upon each other some degree of chemical affinity, and forming combinations possessed of new properties. Accordingly we find, whether it arise from this cause, or merely from the state of aggregation, , that neither water nor alcohol extracts these constituents from Peruvian bark in the same quantity in which they are able to dis- solve them separately, and that we must have recourse to direct experiment to determine the degree of action possessed by each menstruum upon it. With this view many experiments have been made, and by very able chemists. But most of them were performed when the science of chemistry was but in its in- fancy ; and even at this time that branch of it which relates to these substances is so little understood, that the results of the late experiments are far from conclusive. 2. In infusion. To those whose stomachs will not bear the powder, this is the best form of exhibiting Peruvian bark. Water, at a given tem- perature, seems capable of dissolving only a certain quantity, and, therefore, we are not able to increase the strength of an infusion, either by employing a larger quantity of the bark, or allowing it to remain longer in contact. One part of bark is sufficient to saturate sixteen of water in the course of an hour or two. To accelerate the action of the water, it is usual to pour it boiling hot upon the bark, to cover it up, and allow it to cool slowly. 104 MATERIA MEDIC A. After standing a sufficient length of time, the infusion is decanted off for use. The infusion in water is however liable to one very great objection, that it cannot be kept even a very short time with- out being decomposed and spoiled. Therefore, in some instances, we prepare the infusion with wine ; and it fortunately happens that veiy often the use of the menstruum is as much indicated as that of the solvend. 3. In tincture. The great activity of the menstruum in this preparation, pre- vents the bark from being given in sufficiently large doses to exert its peculiar virtues. It is, however, a powerful stimulant. 4. In decoction. Water of the temperature of 212° is capable of dissolving a much larger proportion of the soluble parts of Peruvian bark than water at 60°. But the solvent rjowers even of boiling water have their limits, and by protracting the decoction we do not increase its strength, but rather, by diminishing the quantity of the men- struum, we lessen the quantity of the matter dissolved. Besides,at a boiling temperature, extractive absorbs oxygen rapidly from the atmosphere, and is converted into what seems to be an insoluble and inert resinous substance. 5. In extract. In this preparation wc expect to possess the virtues of Peruvian bark in a very concentrated state. The principal objections to its use arc its 'jfrcat expense, and the decomposition and destruction of the active constituents of the bark during the preparation, when not properly conducted. It is convenient for the formation of pills and boluses, but we would always prefer a fresh infusion or decoc- tion to any mixture in which the extract is redissolved. Externally, Peruvian bark is used in substance, as an application to ill-conditioned, carious, or gangrenous ulcers. In the form of clyster, it may be given in substance, decoction, or extract. The powder is used as a tooth powder for spongy and bleeding gums, and the decoction is an excellent astringent gargle or wash. To increase the power of Peruvian bark, or to direct its efficacy to a particular purpose, or to correct some inconveniences occa- sionally produced by it, it is frequently combined with other re- medies. When it produces vomiting, carbonic acid forms a useful addition ; when it purges, opium ; when it oppresses the stomach, aromatics ; and when it induces costiveness, rhubarb. It may be also combined with other vegetable astringent or bitter reme- dies, without impairing its powers. But we are afraid that many additions are made, chiefly saline substances, of which the effects are not at all understood. Sulphuric acid, super-sulphate of alumina and potash (alum\ muriate of ammonia, carbonate of potash, tar- trite of potash, tartrite of antimony and potash (tartar emetic), iron, lime-water, Sec have been frequently prescribed with it; but we know that in many of these mixtures decomposition occurs, which renders the whole either inactive, or completelv deceives us with regard to its expected effects. I MATERIA MEDICA. !05 In addition to Dr. Duncan's observations relative to this im- portant article, the following taken from Murray will not be deem- ed superfluous. The effects of Peruvian bark are those of a powerful and per- manent tonic, so slow in its operation that its stimulating proper- ty is scarcely perceptible by any alteration in the state of the pulse, or of the temperature of the body. In a large dose, it oc- casions nausea and headach; in some habits it operates as a lax- ative ; in others it occassions costiveness. It is one of those medicines, the efficacy of which in remov- ing disease is much greater than could be expected a priori, from its effects on the system in a healthy state. Intermittent fever is the disease for the cure of which bark was introduced into practice, and there is still no remedy which equals it in power. The disputes respecting the mode of administering it are now settled. It is given as early as possible, with perhaps the pre- vious exhibition of an emetic to evacuate the stomach ; it is re- peated in the dose of one scruple or half a drachm every second or third hour, during the interval of the paroxysm; and it may even be given with safety during the hot fit, but it is then more apt to excite nausea. In remittent fever it is given with equal freedom, even though the remission of the fever may be obscure. In those forms of continued fever which are connected wilh debility, as in typhus, cynanche maligna, confluent small-pox, &c. it is regarded as one of the most valuable remedies. It may be prejudicial, however, in those diseases where the brain or its membranes are inflamed, or where there is much irritation, marked by subsultus tendinum, and convulsive motions of the extremities; and in pure typhus it appears to be less useful in the beginning of the disease than in the convalescent stage. Even in fevers of an opposite type, where there are marks of inflammatory action, particularly in acute rheumatism, bark has been found useful, after blood-letting. In erysipelas, in gangrene, in extensive suppuration, and vene- real ulceration, the free use of bark is of the greatest advantage. In the various forms of passive haemorrhagy, in many other diseases of chronic debility, dyspepsia, hypochondriasis, paralysis, rickets, scrofula, dropsy, and in a variety of spasmodic affections, epilepsy, chorea, and hysteria, it is administered as a powerful and permanent tonic, either alone, or combined with other reme- dies suited to the particular case. Its usual dose is half a drachm. The only inconvenience of a larger dose is its sitting uneasy on the stomach. It may, there- fore, if necessary, be frequently repeated, and in urgent cases may be taken to the extent of one ounce, or even two ounces, in twenty- four hours*. * In a case of mortification, Dr. Philip Syng Physick, of Philadelphia, exhibited bark to the quantity of from six'to eight ounces in twenty-four hours, without its exciting any very unpleasant sensations. 106 MATERIA MEDICA The powder is more effectual than any of the preparations ; it is given in wine, in any spiritous liquor, or, if it excite nausea, combined with an aromatic. The cold infusion is the least pow- erful, but most grateful; the decoction contains much more of the active matter of the bark, and is the preparation generally used when the powder is rejected ; its dose is from two to four ounces. The spiritous tincture, though containing still more of the bark, cannot be extensively used on account of the men- struum, but is principally employed occasionally, and in small doses of two or three drachms, as a stomachic. The extract is a preparation of considerable power, when pro- perly prepared, and is adapted to those cases where the remedy requires to be continued for some time. It is then given in the form of a pill, in a dose from five to fifteen grains. When children cannot take the bark, it may be applied in the form of a quilted waistcoat with complete success. Cinchona Caiubjea. Cinchona of the Caribbean Islands. The bark. This species belonging to the same genus, a native of the Ca- ribbee Islands, has been proposed as a substitute to Peruvian bark, and has, as such, been received into the Edinburgh Pharmaco- poeia. The bark comes in pieces about a span in length, rolled together, and a line or half a line in thickness, of a brown colour on the surface, which is most commonly covered with white moss. It has at first a sweetish taste, but after being chewed some time it becomes extremely nauseous and bitter. Dr. Wright says he made use of this bark in all cases where Peruvian bark was indi- cated, and with the greatest success. Citrus Aurantium. Seville Orange. The juice of the fruit and its external rind. The juice of oranges is a grateful acid liquor, consisting prin- cipally of citric acid syrup, extractive, and mucilage ; of consid- erable use in febrile or inflammatory distempers, for allaying heat, quenching thirst, and promoting the salutary excretions ; it is likewise of use in genuine scorbutus, or sea scurvy. The china, or sweet orange, is to be preferred, as being more mild and less acid ; and it is employed in its most simple state with great advantage, both as a cooling medicine, and as an useful an- tiseptic in fevers of the worst kind. The outer yellow rind of the fruit of the orange has a grateful aromatic flavour, and a warm bitterish taste. Both are extracted by water; and by dis- tillation, a small quantity of essential oil is obtained. Its qualities are those of an aromatic and bitter. It has been employed to re- store the tone of the stomach, and is a very common addition to combinations of bitters used in dyspepsia. It has likewise been given in intermittents, in a dose of a drachm twice or three times a day. MATERIA MEDICA. 107 Citrus Medica. Lemon Tree. The fruit, the rind of the fruit, and its volatile oil. The juice of lemons is similar to that of oranges, from which it differs:little otherwise, than in containing more citric acid, and less syrup. The quantity of the former is indeed so great, that the acid Jias been named from this fruit, acid of lemons, and is commonly prepared from it. Lemon juice is one of the most cooling and antiseptic vegeta- ble productions; and is of great utility in medicine. Sir John Pringle highly praises its efficacy in the sea scurvy; and it affords a grateful and cooling, beverage for febrile patients ; but it should be remarked, that this acid must never be freely given to persons whose breast, or respiration is affected. Citric acid is a powerful and agreeable antiseptic. Its powers are much in- creased, according to Dr. Wright, by saturating it with muriate of soda. This mixture he recommends as possessing very great efficacy in dysentery, remittent fever, the dry bellyach, putrid sore throat, and as being perfectly specific in diabetes and lien- teria. Citric acid is often used with great success for allaying vomiting ; with this intention it is mixed, with carbonate of pot- ash, from which it expels the carbonic acid with effervescence* This neutral mixture should be drunk as soon as it is made, or the carbonic acid gas, on which actually the anti-emetic powers of this mixture depend, may be extricated in the stomach itself, by first swallowing the carbonate of potash, dissolved in water, and drinking immediately afterwards the citric acid properly sweetened. The doses are about a scruple of the carbonate dis- solved in eight or ten drachms of water, and an ounce of lemon juice, or an equivalent quantity of citric acid. Lemon juice is also an ingredient in many pleasant refrigerant drinks, which are of very great use in allaying febrile heat and thirst. Of these the most generally useful is lemonade, or eli- cited lemon juice, properly sweetened. Lemonade, with the ad- dition of a certain quantity of any good ardent spirit, forms the well known beverage, punch, which is sometimes given as a cor- dial to the sick. The acid of lemons is a known antidote against narcotic vegetable poisons, and among these in particular against opium. It has therefore been recommended that with every dose of opium a proportion of this acid in the quantity of two ounces to the grain, should be taken, by which means the unea- siness which that drug often communicates will be prevented, and its distressing consequences avoided. Hence the use of acids, to persons who are habitually obliged to take considerable doses of opiates, cannot be too strongly recommended. To the liberal use of vegetable acids are to be ascribed the slight ef- fects which opium possesses over the Eastern nations, and not to the influence of coffee, as commonly alleged. Either of the following methods is recommended for preserv- ing the juice of lemons, or limes. Boil the juice after straining it, and bottle it; or squeeze the fruit; put the juice and pulp into a bottle; cover the top with an inch of oil; cork and rosia 108 MATERIA MEDICA. the bottle. The juice is supposed to feed upon the pulp. Before using the juice, the pulp and oil must be carefully taken out. The yellow peel is an elegant aromatic, and is frequently em- ployed in stomachic tinctures, and infusions ; it is considerably less hot than orange peel, and yields in distillation with water a less quantity of essential oil; its flavour is nevertheless more perishable, yet does not arise so readily with spirit of wine ; for a spiritous extract made from lemon peel possesses the aromatic taste and smell of the subject in much greater perfection than an extract prepared in the same manner from the peels of oianges. In the shops a syrup is prepared from the juice, and the peel is candied; the peel is an ingredient in the bitter infusions and wines ; the essential oil enters the volatile aromatic spirit, or spiritus ammoniae compositus, as it is now called, and some other formulae. Coccus Cacti. Cochineal. Cochineal is a small, irregular, roundish body, of a dark red colour on the outside, and a deep bright red within. It consists of an insect which derives its nourishment from the leaves of the cactus cochinillifer, or, as it is differently called, nopal, or no- pelleca. This plant is found most abundantly in Mexico, and other parts of New Spain ; and from its leaves cochineal insects are collected, and killed either by being immersed in hot water, or put into an oven moderately heated, or more advantageously, by being exposed to the scorching rays of the sun. These singu- lar insects in their successive generations, are taken by the Mex- icans three times in a year, carefully preserving over the winter in their houses such as may be necessary for breeders, while at- tached to the succulent leaves of the plant. No less than 800,000 pounds, each pound containing at least 70,000 insects, are im- ported annually into Europe, as a highly valuable colouring drug. They are principally consumed by the scarlet dyers, and for the purpose of making carmine. The best sort has been sold for one guinea the pound. It is remarkable that the dried insect may be kept unimpaired for an indefinite length of time. The true cochineal has been found in South Carolina, and Mr. K. Peal of Philadelphia asserts, that he has discovered it upon the Island of Little St. Simons, on the coast of Georgia. It is extremely desirable that the insect, and the cactus cochenillifer plant on which it breeds, should be cultivated in the southern states. The planter might find it a valuable source of revenue, when, from vicissitudes in the season, their crops of rice or cot- ton should fail. Cochineal is not employed in medicine, except for the purpose of imparting a beautiful red colour to some tinctures. Their colour is easily extracted, both by alcohol and water. " Cochineal flourishes on the native nopal, or prickly pear of South Carolina. The insect thrives well, and increases and spreads on every leaf rapidly. MATERIA MEDICA. 109 " The breeding of the cochineal is, however, attended with precarious circumstances; the insect is exposed to a variety of dangers from the violence of the winds, the rains, fogs, frosts, and other causes, and also from the depredations of birds, who are very fond of these insects." Rees' Cyclo. Cocos ButyraceA. The Mackaw Tree. Palm Tree. The fixed oil of the nut, commonly called Palm Oil. This oil is obtained from the kernel of the fruit of the palm tree ; which is imported from the West Indies, whither the tree has been transplanted from Africa. It is of an orange colour, and of the consistence of ointment, emitting a strong agreea- ble odour, but having very little taste ; both of which it entirely looses by long keeping, when it becomes unfit for use. It is chiefly employed externally, for mitigating pains, cramps, and similar affections : it is likewise used for the cure of chilblains, and, if early applied, has often proved successful. With cam- phor, palm oil makes a common, and very excellent liniment of the stimulating kind. Muriated ammonia, (sal ammoniac) in very fine powder, rubbed with camphorated palm oil, forms one of the most active and valuable liniments, as a discutient to in- dolent tumors, rigidity of the tendons, &c. Cochlearia Armoracia. Horse Radish. The leaves and root. An indigenous perennial plant, growing on the sides of ditch- es, the banks of rivers, and other damp places, flowering in the month of May. For medicinal and culinary uses, it is also cul- tivated in gardens. Horse radish root has a quick pungent smell, and a penetrating acrid taste ; it nevertheless contains in certain vessels a sweet juice which sometimes exudes upon the surface. By drying, it loses its acrimony; but if kept in a cool place, covered with sand, it retains its qualities for a considera- ble time. The medicinal effects of this root are to stimulate the solids, and promote the fluid secretions ; it seems to extend its action through the whole habit, and affect the minutest glands. It is greatly recommended by Sydenham in dropsies, particularly such as succeed intermittent fevers. In paralytic complaints horse radish has sometimes been applied with advantage as a stimu- lating remedy to the parts affected. When steeped in vinegar during a fortnight, this root is said effectually to remove freckles in the face. A syrup made by boiling scraped horse radish in brown sugar, is an excellent remedy in the decline of colds and of pleurisies, to promote expectoration, and remove hoarseness. Cochlearia Officinalis. Garden Scurvy Grass. The plant. This is an annual plant growing on the sea shore, and in mountainous situations, and is sometimes cultivated in gardens. It possesses a considerable degree of acrimony, and by distilla- 13 110 MATEKIV MEDICA. tion it affords an essential oil, the smell of which is so strong aa to make the eves water. The fresh plant is a gentle stimulant and diuretic, and is chiefly used for the cure of the sea scurvy. It is employed ex- ternally as a gargle in sore throat, and scorbutic affections of the gums and mouth. It may be eaten in substance to ..ny quan- tity, or the juice m; y be expressed from it, or it may be intused in wine or water, or its virtues may be extract.- u by distilla- tion. Dr. Withering savs it is a powerful remedy in the pitui- tous asthma, and in what Svdcnham calls the scorbutic rheuma- tism. The juice is prescribed along with that of oranges, by the name of antiscorbutic juice. Coffea. The Coffee Tver. The fruit. A shrub from twelve to eighteen feet high, originvlly a native of Arabia, but is now cultivated in the East and West-Indies, and in several parts of America. I he Arabian, or Mocha coffee, imported from the Levant, is far the most aromatic and resinous, and, on account of its superior flavour, is the most esteemed. Very various have been the opinions entertained by different physicians relative to the medicinal qualities of the coffee-berry; some inveighing ag,dn->t its use as a pernicious indulgence, otheis, on the contrary, are as vehement in its praise. It has been suspected of producing palsies ; and Dr. Percival assures us, from his own observations, that the suspicion is not, altogether, without foundation. According, however, to the experiments, and, in the language of the same respectable author, coffee is slightly astringent and antiseptic ; it moderates alimentary fer- mentation, and is powerfully sedative. Its medicinal qualities seem to be derived from the grateful sensation it produces on the stomnch, and from the sedative powers it exerts on the vis vita. Hence it assists digestion, and relieves the headach ; but in delicate habits it oiV-n occasions watchfulness, tremours, and many of those complaints denominated nervous. The celebrated Sir John Pringle, bestows high encomiums on coffee, as a remedy in paroxysms of the periodic asthma. He directs the best Mocha coffee, newiy burnt, and made very strong immediately after grinding it, an ounce to one dish, with- out milk or sugar, to be repeated after the interval of a quarter or half an hour, until relief be obtained. We are assured also, that Sir John Floyer, during the latter year of his life, kept free from, or lived easy under this afflictive complaint, by the use of strong coffee. With respect to the medicinal properties of coffee, says Dr. Willich, it is in general excitant and stimulating, though we doubt whether it relax the animal fibres, asfhas by some authors been supposed. lib more or less wholesome effect greatly depends on the climate, as well as the age, constitution, and other pecu- liarities of the individual. Hence it cannot be- recommended to children, or persons of a hot, chol<•'. ic, nervous, or phthisical ha- bit ; nor will it be so useful in warm, as in cold and temperat< MATERIA MEDICA. Ill climates ; but to the phlegmatic and sedentary, a cup of coffee, one or two hours after a meal, or, which is stin better, one hour before it, may be of service to promote digestion, and prevent or remove a propensity to sleep. In cases of spasmodic asthma, hypochondriasis, scrofula, diarrhoea, agues, and particularly against narcotic poisons, such as opium, hemlock, 8cc. coffee often pro- duces the best effects : nor is there a domestic remedy, better adapted to relieve periodical headachs which proceed from want of tone, or from debility of the stomach. •*** The heaviness, headach, giddiness, sickness, and nervous af- fections, which attack some persons in the morning, after taking an opiate at night, are abated by a cup or two of strong coffee. Colomba. Colombo. The root. Of the plant which furnishes this root, no botanical account has been obtained. It is brought from the town of Colombo in the island of Ceylon, in round pieces; the sides covered with a bark; the woody part of a bright yellow colour: It has an aro- matic smell, and a bitter taste. It yields its bitterness to water, but proof spirit is its proper menstruum. The Colomba-root is a powerful antiseptic and bitter; it is used with much advantage in affections of the stomach and intestinal canal, accompanied with redundance of bile; it is also employed successfully in dyspepsia. Nor is it attended with any heating effect, and it may therefore be advantageously taken in pulmonary consump- tion and other hectical cases, both with a view to correct acri- mony and strengthen the digestive organs. Its dose is half a drachm of the powder, which in urgent cases may be repeated every third or fourth hour. The use of this valuable drug has been particularly recommended to the attention of practitioners by Dr. Percival of Manchester, in his experimental essays ; and it has been found to answer expectation; but it is to be regret- ted that it is not so regularly imported as to admit of our shops being supplied with it of good quality, it being frequently found either in a decayed or adulterated state. It has been discovered in the vicinity of the Ohio river in large quantities, and is said to be of an excellent quality. Conium Maculatum. Hemlock. Cicuta. The leaves and seeds. This is a large biennial umbelliferous plant, which grows very commonly about the sides of fields and hedges, and in moist shady, places. The root is white, long, of the thickness of the finger, contains when it is young a milky juice, and resembles both in size and form, the carrot. In the spring it is very poison- ous, in harvest less so. The stalk is three, four, and often six feet 'high, hollow, smooth,(jand marked with red or brown spots. The leaves are large, and of a dark green colour, having a faint disagreeable smell, resembling the urine of a cat. The seeds arc inferior in strength. The whole plant is a virulent poison, but varying very much in strength according to circumstances. When taken in an over dose, it produces vertigo, dimness of 112 MATERIA MEDICA sight, difficulty of speech, nausea, putrid eructations, anxiety, tremors, and paralysis of the limbs: to which may be added dila- tation of the pupils, delirium, stupor, and convulsions. But the internal use of this narcotic medicine was introduced by Dr. Stork, who found that in small doses, it might be given with safe- ty. He recommended it particularly in scirrhus and in cancerous sores, in which it received a very extensive trial. While its in- efficacy towards effecting a radical cure is established, its utility as a palliative medicine is generally admitted. It has likewise been found serviceable in scrofulous and venereal ulceration*, cutaneous affections, glandular tumors, chronic rheumatism, and various other diseases. In open cancer it often abates the pains, and is free from the constipating effects of opium. The dose is two or three grains of the powdered leaves, or one or two grains of the inspissated juice. It requires to be increased, in general, to a very considerable extent: at the same time, this must be done with caution, as both the dried leaves and inspissated juice are variable in their strength. In some cases the former have been increased to upwards of two ounces a day without produc- ing giddiness. Dr. L. Valentine has furnished the public with a remarkable case at St. Domingo, of an inveterate disease of the bladder, attended by tetters and erysipelas, in which he pre- scribed the latter from six or eight grains to a drachm, and afterwards to three drachms per day. At the end of one year his patient had taken the quantity of four pounds; by which a radical cure was effected.* In this and in other well attested instances, salivation was induced by the use of hemlock. The dried leaves are less liable to injury from keeping, than the inspissated juice. The leaves should be collected in the month of June when the plant is in flower, and its peculiar smell strong. The drying of the leaves should be performed quickly before a fire on tin plates, and the powder should be kept in phials closely stopped and secluded from the light, for this soon dissipates the green colour, and with it the virtues of the medi- cine. The proof of the drying having been well performed is the powder's retaining the odour of the leaves, and the deepness and freshness of the colour. Dr. Joshua Fisher, a highly re- spectable and intelligent physician of Beverly, has experienced the beneficial effects of cicuta in a variety of cases of scrofulous affections of the abdominal viscera, and in phthisis pulmonalis. But in the hands of this accurate observer, cicuta has been found remarkably successful, as a remedy in jaundice occasioned by spasmodic contraction of the biliary ducts. lie adduces a variety of instances in which the antispasmodic powers of this medicine were happily demonstrated, and cures completely effected. Convolvulls Scammoma. Scamflbny, The gum resin. This is a concrete gummy-resinous juice obtained from the roots of the convolvulus scammonia, or Syrian bind weed an ex- • (Med. Repository.) MATERIA MEDICA. 113 otic plant growing in Asiatic Turkey. The best scammony is imported from Aleppo, in light, spongy, friable masses, of a shining blackish ash colour. It possesses a faint unpleasant smell, and a bitterish pungent taste. It consists of resin and gum, in general nearly in equal proportions. In its medicinal effects, scammony is an efficacious but violent purgative, em- ployed chiefly in obstinate constipation. If triturated with sugar, almonds, or gum arabic, it becomes sufficiently mild, and safe in its operation. It may also be dissolved in a strong decoction of liquorice, in which form it is not disagreeable to the palate, and proves a gentle laxative. The common dose is from three to twelve grains. The true scammony plant has lately, it is said, been found in Sussex county, New Jersey ; but with what pros- pect of its being productive, is not ascertained. Convolvulus Jalapa. Jalap. The root. The dried root of Jalap is imported from New Spain in thin transverse slices; solid and heavy, of a dark gray colour, and striated texture. It has little smell, its taste is bitter and sub- acrid. The medicinal activity of Jalap resides principally if not wholly in the resin, which, though given in small doses, occasions violent griping. The gummy part bears an inconsiderable pro- portion to the resinous, and is found to have little or no cathar- tic power ; but as a diuretic it is extremely active. That Jalap is an efficacious and safe purgative, daily experience must evince; and, except when given in very large doses, it is not heating to the system. If triturated with hard sugar it becomes in moderate doses a safe medicine for children, which in this form they will readily receive, as the Jalap itself has very little taste. Jalap in large closes, or when combined with mild mu- riate of mercury (calomel), is recommended as an anthelmintic and a hydragogue. The dose of the simple powder is commonly from one scruple to two, but its efficacy is considerably increas- ed by the addition of crystals of tartar. Dr. Rush's celebrated purgative in yellow fever, consists often grains of Jalap and ten of calomel, but double the quantity of the former has been found to be a more suitable proportion. Convolvulus Panduratus. Wild Potaloe. The root. This is supposed by professor Barton, to be the mechameck, or wild rhubarb of some of our Indians. In the state of Dela- ware it is called wild-potatoe-vine ; and the root kussander or kassader, (a corruption of the word cassada.) From one of our species of convolvulus, an extract has been procured, but little if any inferior to the scjmmony of the shops. In Virginia, and some other parts of thelJnited States, the root of this plant has been much recommended in cases of gravel. It is used either in powder or in decoction. Dr. Harris, of New Jersey, has found an infusion, or decoction of the root, very useful in his own case. 1U MATERIA MEDICA- He is persuaded, that it has enabled him to pass the calculi rcnales with much facility. Cornus Florida. Common dogwood. Box-wood. The fruit and bark. This is one of our most beautiful, and useful shrubs, grow- ing in almost every part of the United States. In the New England States it is well known by the name of box-wood. It grows in swampy situations, and flowers very early in the spring, and with so much regularity, that some of our southern tribes were accustomed to name the spring season from its flowering. The ripe fruit or berries infused in spirits or brandy make an agreeable bitter. The bark, both of the stem and root, is con- siderably astringent, and has long been employed in intermittent fevers. And as possessing properties nearly allied to the Peru- vian bark, this and the following article will probably be found excellent substitutes. Corni's Sr.nirEA. Red Willow. Swamp-dogwood. Blue- berried dogwood. S(/aw-wood. The bark. The leaves arc ovate, ferruginous, silky underneath; it grows about six feet high, with an upright, round-branched gray stem ; the shoots are of a very line red colour in winter, and said to furnish our Indians with a beautiful red dye; the bunches of white flowers which come out in August and September, and grow at the extremity of every branch, give to this shrub a very elegant appearance. Both these American species of Cornel are found, by experiments instituted by Dr. John M. Walker, to jtossess the same ingredients with cinchona. The cornus florid., possesses most of the gum, mucilage, and extract; the sericea the next, which appears to be an intermediate be- tween the florida and cinchona, while the latter possesses most of the resin. The virtues appear equally similar in their resi- dence. The extract and resin possess all their active virtues. The extract appears to possess all their tonic powers. The re- sin, when perfectly separate from the extract, appears to be purely stimulant. The bark of cornus sericea forms a beautiful rncture with proof spirit, which has been found useful in the latter stages of diarrhoea unaccompanied with fever. This and the powdered bark of both species, are well deserving a place in the apothecaries' shops, as valuable additions to our Materia Me- dica. The industrious and learned professor Barton says, " I believe, however, that it may with entire safety be asserted, that as yet we have not discovered within the limits of the United Stales, any vegetables which have beenMbund so effectual to an- swer the purpose of the Peruvian burK in the management of intermittent fever, as the cornus florida and cornus sericea." These articles have already at traced the attention of medical practitioners in the United S*tates, many of whom have vouched Ky: their stringent and tonic powers, as being little if anv thing MATERIA MEDICA. 115 inferior to those of cinchona officinalis. If our native productions are adequate to our exigencies, let expensive exotics be re- jected. Copaifera Officinalis. Copaiva tree. The liquid resin, called balsam of copaiva. The tree which produces the balsam copaiva is a native of the Spanish West Indies, and of some part of the continent of South America. It grows to a large size, and the resinous juice flows in considerable quantities from incisions made in the trunk. It is thick and tenacious, with a yellowish tinge, has a peculiar not disagreeable smell, and a pungent bitter taste. It is soluble in alcohol and in expressed and essential oils. Dis- tilled with water it affords nearly half its weight of an essential oil, an insipid resin being the residuum. Balsam of copaiva increases the urinary discharge, and com- municates to the urine a violet odour. In too large a dose, it excites inflammation of the urinary passages. From its power of stimulating these parts, it frequently proves successful in the cure of gleet. It has also been given in leucorrhcea and in hae- morrhoidal affections w ith advantage. It is an useful corroborat- ing detergent medicine. Itstrengthens thenervoussystem,tends to loosen the bowels ; and in large doses proves purgative, pro- motes urine, and cleanses and heals exulcerations in the urinary passages, which it is supposed to perform more effectually than any of the other resinous fluids. It has also been recommen- ded in dysenteries, and in diseases of the breast and lungs. Very dangerous coughs have been cured by the use of this balsam alone ; but it ought never to be given in coughs where inflam- matory symptoms are present. In catarrhal affections to which old people are liable, it is an useful medicine. The dose should not exceed from twenty to thirty drops twice or thrice a day. A Konvenient way to take it is, to mix it up in brown sugar, drink- ing a glass of water after each dose, or it may be diffused in water by the medium of a mucilage of gum arabic. Crocus Sativus. Common saffron. The summit of the pis- tils, called saffron. Saffron is a bulbous rooted perennial plant, very generally cultivated in gardens in European countries. The smell of saf- fron is pleasant and aromatic, but narcotic; the taste a fine aro- matic bitter, and it immediately gives a deep yellow colour .to the saliva, when chewed. The active matter is equally extracted by alcohol, water, proof spirit, and vinegar. Saffron is remarkably fragrant, and is highly esteemed, as it exhilirates the spirits when taken in small doses ; but, if used in too large portions, it produces immoderate mirth, and all the consequences resulting from the abuse of spirituous liquors. This drug was formerly considered an ex- cellent remedy in hysteric depressions originating from spasms. 116 MAIT.IMA MEDICA. or in obstruction of the uterine secretions ; but in modern practice it is seldom employed, though it enters into several medicinal preparations. The best saffron is that raised in Eng- land : it ought to be of a deep red or orange colour, fresh and tough, though neither too dry nor too moist, and of a strong but pleasant aromatic odour. Crotov Eli-.vtheria. Cascarilia. The bark. This bark is imported from the Bahama Islands, particularly from one of them of the name of Elutheria, whence its title is derived. But Dr. Wright also found the tree on the sea shore in Jamaica, where it is common, and rises to about twenty feet. It is imported in the form of curled pieces, or rolled up into short quills about an inch in width, externally resembling the Peruvian bark. Divested of its whitish upper rind, the casca- rilia possesses an agreeable smell, and a bitterish, pungent aro- matic taste. This inflammable drug, when burning, emits a fragrant odour, not unlike that of mu6k. The cascarilia is frequently and successfully administered in intermittent fcveis, even as a substitute for the cinchona ; being less liable to produce the inconveniences which the latter is apt to occasion by its astringency. Cascarilia, according to medical writers, has also been employed with uncommon advantage in dangerous epidemic and petechial fevers, in flatulent colics, in- ternal haemorrhages, dysenteries, and diarrhoeas. The virtues of cascarilia are partially extracted by water, and totally by rectified spirit, though it is more efficacious given in powder from ten to thirty grains every four, six, or eight hours. Cuprum. Copper. This has a more perceptible smell and taste than any other metal. Its effects when taken into the stomach, are highly de- leterious, and often fatal. It particularly affects the primx viae, exciting excessive nausea, vomiting, colic pains, and purging, sometimes of blood, or, though more rarely, obstinate constipa- tion. It also produces agitation of the mind, headach, vertigo, delirium ; renders the pulse small and weak, the countenance pale, and causes fainting, convulsions, paralysis, and apoplexy. When any of these symptoms occur, we must endeavour to obviate the action of the poison by large and copious draughts of oily and mucilaginous liquors; or to destroy ijs virulence by solutions of potash, or sulphuret of potash. *■ Great care ought to be taken that acid liquors, or even water, designed for internal use, be not suffered to stand long in vessels made of copper; otherwise they will dfcsolve so much of it, as will give them very dangerous properties. But although copper be thus dangerous, some preparations of it, are in certain cases used with great advantage, both internally and externally. Its tonic power, like that of zinc, is estimated by its successful ex- hibition in epilepsy, and some other spasmodic diseases, depen- MATERIA MEDICA. nr dent on, or connected with debility. The several preparations of this metal will be found in their proper places in this volume. Curcuma Longa. Turmeric. The root. Turmeric is a perennial plant, a native of India. The roots are tuberous, knotty, long and wrinkled ; externally of a pale yellow colour, internally of a shining saffron brown. They have a weak aromatic smell, and a slightly bitter aromatic taste. Turmeric, taken internally, tinges the urine of a deep yellow colour, and acts as a gentle stimulant. It has been celebrated in diseases of the liver, jaundice, cachexy, dropsy, intermittent fevers, Sec. Its in- ternal use is now generally dispensed with ; and it is only esteem- ed as affording a valuable yellow dye. Turmeric is a production of the United States, being found on the borders of the Ohio river. Daphne Mezereum. Mezereon. Spurge Laurel. The bark of the root. An indigenous low shrub, growing in woods and shady places, and flowering in the month of February or March. When cul- tivated in gardens, it attains in a rich soil, the height of 16 feet. The whole of this plant is so corrosive, that six of its berries are said to kill a wolf. The bark of the root of this plant, is the part used in medicine; its taste, when chewed for sometime, is ex- tremely acrid, exciting an insupportable sensation of burning in the mouth and throat. Its acrimony is somewhat impaired by drying. It is extracted by water and vinegar. Mezereon is a stimulating diaphoretic, which, by determining to the surface, has been found of service in chronic rheumatism, and in cutaneous diseases. Its principal use has been in syphilis, as being parti- cularly efficacious in removing venereal nodes, and thickening of the ligaments and periosteum, and disposing ulcerations to heal. It is given in the form of decoction ; two drachms of the bark, with half an ounce of liquorice root, being boiled in three pounds of water, to two pounds, and four or six ounces of this given four times in a day. It is generally combined with sarsaparilla: such a combination, forms the decoctum sarsaparilla compositum, an improved formula for the Lisbon diet drink. Dr. Withering has found this bark serviceable in removing a difficulty of swallowing, and asserts, that a patient who lived under extreme difficulty of swallowing for three years, was effectually cured in two months, by chewing the root of mezereon as often as she could support its irritating effects. This bark, when applied to the skin in its recent state, or infused in vinegar, is effectual in raising a blister, and is sometimes employed for the purpose of keeping up a per- petual discharge, for th ^ removal of some chronic local affections. From the ripe berries of this plant, an excellent red lake is pre- pared by painters. Mezereon grows plentifully in the vicinity of the Ohio river. 14 118 MATERIA MEDIC V Datura Stramonium. Thorn Apple. The leaves and seeds. The thorn apple is an annual plant, and a native of America. It grows wild among rubbish, and on dunghills ; flowering in the month of July. Blossoms white with a tinge of purple. This plant grows to the height of four or five feet; its seeds are con- tained in a prickly pod, the leaves are dark green, large, egg- shaped, pointed, angular, and deeply indented; of a disagreeable smell and nauseous taste. In the southern states it is called Jameston or Jimson weed. Every part of this plant is a strong narcotic poison, and nu- merous instances are recorded, of children having suffered the most alarming consequences from having swallowed the seeds. Immediately after their being received into the stomach, dilata- tion of the pupils, vertigo, delirium, tremor, itching, eruption, insupportable thirst, and palsy ensue; which, if not remedied soon, terminate in death. The most effectual antidote will be speedy emetics, followed by copious draughts of olive oil, aided by soap clysters, and cathartics. According to Baron Stork, and other German physicians, the inspissated juice of the leaves of this plant, has been successfully employed in maniacal cases, and in convulsive and epileptic affections. Professor Barton, of Phi- ladelphia, esteems it as a good stimulant and diuretic, and as a medicine possessing great and invaluable powers. He has fre- quently exhibited it with success in cases of mania and epilepsy. The form in which he chiefly employed it, is that of an extract prepared from the fresh leaves, and this in large doses, beginning with a few grains, he increased it gradually to the extent of 15 or 20 grains. We have also the authority of Dr. Fisher, of Bever- ly, in favour of the efficacy of stramonium in the cure of epilepsy. From his extensive experience it appears, that great confidence may be reposed in the virtues of this medicine in effecting a radi- cal cure in those cases of young persons where the fits occur daily, or monthly, at regular periods, especially if assisted by chalybeates, or such other medicines, as particular symptoms ap- pear to require. He observes that the patient must be kept con- stantly under the influence of the medicine; for this purpose, he will require every day, one or two doses, according to the severity of the symptoms. The saturated tincture, he says, is the most convenient form for children. The requisite dose may be known by the dilatation of the pupils. The extract may be made by boiling the bruised seeds, or fresh leaves in water for the space of four hours ; then strain off the liqour; evaporate over a gentle fire, without taking off the scum, until it has acquired the thickness of syrup; then place it in a warm oven, in an earthen glazed vessel, until it becomes of a pro- per consistence for use. The dose is from half a grain to one or two grains for an adult. An ointment, prepared by simmer- uig the fresh leaves in hogs lard, affords great relief in external inflammations, and especially in the piles. It is also highly be- neficial in burns, and in allaying the swelling of a cow's udder MATERIA MEDICA. 119 The leaves applied to the feet or part affected, have been found efficacious in removing spasm. Daucus Carota. Wild Corrot. The seeds. The seeds of wild carrot have a moderately warm pungent taste, and an agreeable aromatic smell. They are carminative, and are said to be diuretic. The roots of the cultivated variety, common carrot, contains much mucilaginous and saccharine mat- ter, and are therefore highly nutritious and emollient. When beaten to a pulp, they form an excellent application to cancerous and other ill-conditioned ulcers, allaying the pain, checking the suppuration and foetid smell, and softening the callous edges. A marmalade of carrots, on account of their strong antiseptic quali- ties, has been successfully used for preventing and curing the sea-scurvey. An infusion of these roots, has also been found to afford considerable relief to persons afflicted with the stone and worms, but especially the tape worm. Digitalis Purpurea. Common Fox-Glove. The leaves. This is an indigenous biennial plant, very common on hedge banks, and sides of hills, in dry, gravelly, or sandy soils, and the beauty of its appearance has gained it a place in our gardens and shrubberies. The leaves are large, oblong, egg-shaped, soft, cover- ed with hairs, and serrated. They have a bitter, very nauseous taste, with some acrimony. Its effects when swallowed are, 1. To diminish the frequency of the pulse. 2. To diminish the irritability of the system. 3. To increase the action of the absorbents. 4. To increase the discharge by urine. In excessive doses, it produces vomiting, purging, dimness of sight, vertigo, delirium, hickup, convulsions, collapse, death. For these symptons the best remedies are cordials and stimulants. Internally, digitalis has been recommended, 1. In inflammatory diseases, from its very remarkable power of diminishing the velocity of the circulation. 2. In active haemorrhagies, in phthisis. 3. In some spasmodic affections, as in spasmodic asthma, pal- pitation, 8cc. 4. In mania, from effusion on the brain. 5. In anasarcous, and dropsical effusions. 6. In scrofulous tumors. 7. In aneurism of the aorta, we have seen it alleviate the most distressing symptoms. Externally, it has been applied to scrofulous tumors. It may be exhibited, I. In substance, either by itself, or conjoined with some aroma- tic, or made into pills with soap and gum ammoniac. Wither- ing directs the leaves to be gathered after the flowering stem has shot up, and about the time when the blossoms are coming forth-. 120 MATE HI A MEDICA lie rejects the leaf-stalk, and middle rib of the leaves, and dries the remaining part, either in sunshine or before the fire. In this state they are easily reduced to a beautiful green powder, of which we may give at first one grain twice a day, and gradually increase the dose until it acts upon the kidneys, stomach, pulse, and bowels, when its use may be suspended. II. In infusion. The same author directs a drachm of the dried leaves to be infused for four hours in eight ounces of boil- ing water, and that there be added to the strained liquor an ounco of any spirituous water, for its preservation. Half an ounce or an ounce of this infusion may be given twice a day. III. In decoction. Darwin directs that four ounces of the fresh leaves be boiled from two pounds of water to one, and half an ounce of the strained decoction be taken every two hours, for four or more doses. IV. In tincture. Put one ounce of the dried leaves coarsely powdered into four ounces of diluted alcohol; let the mixture. stand by the fire-side twenty-four hours, frequently shaking the bottle ; and the saturated tincture, as Darwin calls it, must then be separated from the residuum, by straining or decantation. Twenty drops of this tincture may be taken twice or thrice a day. The Edinburgh college use eight ounces of diluted alcohol to one of the powder, but let it digest seven days. V. The expressed juice and extract are not proper forms of exhibiting this very active remedy. When the digitalis is disposed to excite looseness, opium may be advantageously conjoined with it; and when the bowels are tardy, jalap may be given at the same time, without interfering with its diuretic effects. During its operation in this way, the patient should drink very freely. In a letter from Dr. Grey to Dr. Walmsley, published in the Philadelphia Medical and Physical Journal, two cases of phthisis are mentioned, in which the remedy induced a copious ptyalism, which lasted some time, but without producing any beneficial effect. In the second case, the ptyalism was a second time in* duced by its use. From Murray's Elements of Materia Medica and Pharmacv, the following interesting and judicious observations are selected. Of all the narcotics, digitalis is that which diminishes most powerfully the actions of the system ; and it does so without oc- casioning any previous excitement. Even in a moderate dose, it diminishes the force and frequency of the pulse, and in a large dose, reduces it to a great extent, as from seventy beats to forty or thirty-five in a minute, occasioning, at the same time, vertigo, indistinct vision, violent and durable sickness, with vomiting. In a still larger quantity, it induces convulsions, coldness of the body, and insensibility, symptoms which have sometimes terminated fatallyy. Besides its narcotic effects, digitalis acts peculiarly on the absorljent system. As a narcotic, fox-glove has been recon^ mended in epilepsy, insanity, and in some acute inflammatory dis- eases. Lately, it has been very extensively employed in phthisis, and the beneficial effects which it produces in that disease, are MATERIA MEDICA. 121 probably owing to its narcotic power, by which it reduces the force of the circulation through the lungs and general system. It is administered so as to produce this effect. One grain of the powdered leaves, or ten drops of the saturated tincture, may be given night and morning. This dose is increased one half every second day, till its action becomes apparent. As soon as the pulse begins to be diminished, the increase of dose must be made with more caution, and whenever nausea is induced, it ought rather to be reduced, or if necessary, intermitted for a short time. If the sickness become urgent, and if vertigo, indistinct vision, and a great reduction of the force of the circulation follow, they are best relieved by stimulants, particularly small doses of opium, brandy, and aromatics, and by a blister applied to the region of the sto- mach. The tincture has been supposed to be the best form of administering digitalis, when the remedy is designed to act as a narcotic; it is also more manageable in its dose, and more uni- form in its strength, than the dried leaves. Digitalis, though one of the most powerful narcotics, acts likewise as one of the most certain diuretics in dropsy, apparently from its power of promoting absorption. It has frequently suc- ceeded where the other diuretics have failed. It is given in sub- stance, in the watery infusion, or in tincture. In substance, the dose is at first one grain of the dried leaves twice a day, and this form is perhaps preferable to any other. It excites absorption, perhaps, more effectually, and has less tendency to excite nausea, as it must act more gradually on the stomach. The administra- tion of this remedy must be conducted with much caution. Its effects do not immediately appear, and, when the doses are two frequent, or two quickly augmented, its action is concentrated, so as to produce frequently the most violent symptoms. Dr. Currie, of Liverpool, observes that" a remedy has lately pre- sented itself, that greatly enlarges our power over the numerous diseases, which are arranged under the orders of phlegmasiae and haemorrhagiae ; I mean the digitalis purpurea. This medicine may almost be said to be possessed of a charm, for allaying in- ordinate action of the heart and arteries, and in this point of view, as well as for its efficacy in some kinds of dropsy, particularly hy- drothorax, its introduction into medicine is one of the greatest benefits our science has received in modern times. The extra- ordinary power of digitalis in the haemorrhagiae, particularly in haemoptysis, is pretty generally known, and if it were necessary, I could confirm it by some striking examples; its use in the phlegmasiae is, so far as I know, in a great measure new. Di- gitalis does not indeed supersede the use of the lancet in these diseases ; but it diminishes the extent to which it is required ; and it may be used with safety and success, in cases where the lancet can no longer be employed. Under the precautions point- ed out by Dr. Withering, without the strictest attention to which, no practitioner should prescribe this powerful and singular me- dicine, I have employed the digitalis to a very considerable ex- tent in inflammations of the brain, of the heart, and of the lungs ; and have succeeded with it in situations, where I should other- 122 MATERIA MKDK'X wise have despaired. I have also found it an excellent remedy in inflammatory rheumatism, one of the most tedious and intractable of diseases."* In the United States, experimental inquiries into the medical properties of digitalis, have been prosecuted with uncommon zeal, and although uniformity of opinion is far from prevailing, every practitioner who has adopted the use of it, will allow thatit is one of the most active medicinal agents ; nor will it be denied, that the high character formed of it by its sanguine patrons, has suffered considerable diminution. Among those to whose intelligence the public are indebted in this respect, besides Dr. Rush on dropsy, are, Dr. Isaac Rand, a physician of eminence in Boston,! and Dr. John Spence, a res- pectable practitioner in Virginia :\ both these gentlemen furnish unquestionable attestations of its efficacy in the early stages of phthisis pulmonalis. Although Dr. Rand does not think with Dr. Beddoes, that it is as infallible a remedy in consumption as mercury in lues venerea, and bark in intermittents, he asserts that he has cured more by this medicine than by all and every other medicine conjoined. He has also experienced the most decisively good effects from the use of digitalis in haemopt>sis, epistaxis, and active haemorrhages from the uterus. In one in- stance of haemoptysis in a very athletic young man, where the discharge eluded the force of every other medicine, it reduced the pulse in eight hours, from one hundred in a minute, to fifty pulsations, and stopped the haemorrhage. He has given it with complete success in a case of mental derangement. Such are the active and virulent qualities of this plant, that it ought not to be entrusted to the direction of the inexperienced practi- tioner ; nor resorted to, without due attention to the state of the system ; and when administered, its peculiar effects should be discriminated with the utmost vigilance and precision. Dr. Rand relates for admonition, one melancholy example of the fa- tal effects of digitaiis, in a man, who having experienced relief from its use, adventurously exceeded the extent enjoined by his physician. Dr. Mease of Philadelphia,!! being of opinion, that notunfrequently, disappointment to the expectations of the pre- scribcr, is to be attributed to the improper manner of preparing and exhibiting digitalis, advises physicians to cultivate the plant for their own use, and to observe the greatest care in preserving the leaves. Dolichos Pruriexs. Cowhage. The stiff hairs which cover the pods. An exotic plant growing in warm climates, especially the West Indies. The pods are about four inches long, round, and * Currie's Med. Reports, vol. II pages 418, 419. | Observations on the Phthisis Pulmonalis, &c. read at the request of the Massachusetts Medical Society, June 6ih, 11504. i See Medical Repository, vol. 5th, page 13—17. 'I !»..'e Medical Repository, vol. 1. page 153. METERIA MEDICA. 123 as thick as a man's finger. The outside of the pods is thickly beset with stiff brown hairs, which, when applied to the skin occasion a most intolerable itching. The ripe pods are dipped in syrup, which is again scraped off with a knife. When the syrup is rendered by the hairs as thick as honey, it is fit for use. It acts mechanically, as an anthelmintic, occasions no uneasiness in the primae viae, which are defended by mucus, and may be safely taken from a tea spoonful, to a table spoonful, in the morn- ing, fasting. The worms are said to appear with the second or third dose, and, by means of a purge, in some cases the stools have consisted entirely of worms. A decoction of the roots of cowhage is esteemed a powerful diuretic, and a vinous infusion of the pods (twelve to a quart) is said to be a certain remedy for the dropsy; the dose half a pint when made into beer. Mr. Kerr has given a botanical description of the plant in the Medical Commentaries, vol. ii. Dorstenia Contrajerva. Conlrayerva. The root. This plant is perennial, and grows in South America, and some of the Caribbean Islands. The root is knotty, an inch or two in length, and about half an inch in thickness; externally of a reddish brown colour; and pale within; long, rough, slender fibres shoot out from all sides of it, and are generally loaded with small, round knots. It has a peculiar kind of aromatic smell and a somewhat astringent, warm, bitterish taste, with a slight, and sweetish kind of acrimony when long chewed. Con- trayerva is a gentle stimulant and diaphoretic, and is sometimes given in exanthematous diseases, typhus, and dysentery. Its dose is about half a drachm of the powdered root. Eugexia Caryophyllata. The Clove Tree. The flower bud, and its volatile oil. This is a beautiful tall tree, a native of the Molucca Islands. Cloves are the unexpanded flowers which are dried by fumigat- ing them, and exposing them to the sun. They have a strong aromatic odour, and a pungent taste. They afford to water their flavour principally; to alcohol, their taste. By distillation with water, they yield a fragrant essential oil, not very pungent. The oil of cloves commonly met with, is rendered acrid by cer- tain additions. Cloves are among the most stimulating aromatics : the dose of them does not exceed from five to ten grains. They are em- ployed principally as adjuvants, or corrigents to other medicines. The essential oil is used with the same intention, and likewise, as a local application in toothach; but from its pungent nature, it is apt to corrode the gums, and injure the adjacent teeth. Eupatorium Perfoliatum. Thorovgh-wort. The plant, leaves, and flowers. This plant sometimes called thorough-stem, cross-wort, bone- set, is annual, and rises from two to three feet high, is hairy, Ut MVTKHIA MEDICA and the leaves at each joint rough, from three to four inches long,and about one inch broad at their base, gradually lessening to a very acute point, of a dark green, and covered with short hairs. Thorough-wort certainly possesses active properties, and deserves the attention of American physicians. It acts pow- erfully as a sudorific and emetic, and sometimes as a purgative, and has been successfully employed in intermittents and other fevers, either in decoction or the leaves in powder. Every part of the plant may be advantageously employed, though the flowers appear most active. A watery infusion of the leaves is a pow- erful and not disagreeable bitter, and the flowers are deemed su- perior in this respect to those of camomile, and ought to be kept in the shops. Eupatoricm Pilosum. Wild Horehound. The leaves. This species of Eupatorium is also an annual plant, it rises froni one to two feet. It grows wild in abundance in the southern states, where it has acquired great repute as a domestic remedy in the prevalent fevers of that climate. We are indebted to the honourable George Jones, Esq. president of the Georgia medi- cal society for the following sketch of its medical virtues. " It serves as an excellent substitute for the Peruvian bark ; indeed, among the planters on or near the sea board it supersedes the use of the bark in the cure of fevers. It is tonic, diaphoretic, diuretic, and mildly cathartic, and does not oppress the stomach as the Peruvian bark is apt to do ; hence it may often be exhibit- ed where the cinchona is inadmissible. It is usually exhibited in the form of infusion, one ounce of the dried leaves infused in a quart of water may be taken daily in doses of from two to four ounces every hour or two. It may be advantageously combined with Peruvian bark : and although it may sometimes fail of pro- ducing the desired effect, I think it well deserves a station among the articles of the Materia Medica." Ferrvm. Iron. A metal very abundant in nature, of a bluish gray colour, highly ductile, scarcely fusible, but easily oxydated in atmosphe- ric air, and subject to rust. It seems even to be a constituent of organic substances, and is the only metal, which, when taken in- to the stomach, exerts no deleterious action upon it. The general virtues of this metal, and the several prepara- tions of it, are, to constringe the fibres, to quicken the circulation, to promote the deficient secreions in the remoter parts, and at the same lime to repress inordinate discharges into the intesti- nal tube. After the use of them, if they take effect, the pulse is very sensibly raised ; the colour of the face, though before pale, changes to a florid red ; the alvine, urinaiy, and cuticular excre- tions, are increased. Fetid eructations, and the feces voided of a black colour, are marks of their taking due effect. MATERIA MEDICA. 125 When given improperly or to excess, iron produces headach, nnxiety ; heats the body and often causes haemorrhagies, or even vomiting, pains in the stomach, and spasms and pains of the bowels, Iron is given in most cases of debility and relaxation, I. In passive haemorrhagies. 2. In dyspepsia, hysteria, and chlorosis. 3. In most of the cachexiae. 4. In general debility produced by disease, or excessive hac- morrhagy. When either a preternatural discharge, or suppression of natu- ral secretions, proceed from a' languor and sluggishness of the fluids, and weakness of the solids ; this metal, by increasing the motion of the former, and the strength of the latter, will suppress the flux, or remove the suppression ; but where the circulation is already too quick, the solids too tense and rigid, where there is any stricture or spasmodic contraction of the vessels, iron, and all the preparations of it, will aggravate both distempers. Soft, malleable iron is the only kind fit for internal use, as steel and cast-iron, always contain impurities, and often arsenic : as its mechanical division is extremely difficult, it is directed to be kept in the shops in the state of filings or wire. Ferri Oxidum Nigrum. The black oxide of iron, such as are the scales of iron, formed at the foot of the blacksmith's anvil. When iron is heated to redness in the smith's forge, to render it more malleable, its surf ce becomes oxydized by the action of the atmospheric air ; and as the oxyde formed cioes not adhere to the iron, it is easily separated by percussion on the anvil, and hies off in the state of sparks, which, on cooling, constitute the scales of iron. In these, the iron is oxydized to that degree in which it is soluble in acids, without the production of hydrogen gas : there- fore, when tAen into the stomach, they do not produce the dis- tention and flatulence occasioned by the use of the filings. These scales are purified for use by the application of the magnet. For the magnet will attract only the smaller and purer scales, and will leave those which are larger and less pure. Ferula Assa Foetida. Assa fatida. The gum resin. The plant which furnishes assa foetida is perennial and a native of Persia. It has, however, born fertile seeds in the open air, in the botanical garden of Edinburgh. The gum resin is pro- cured from the roots of plants which are at least four years old. The top of the root is cut off transversely, and the juice suffered to exude, which is afterwards exposed to the heat of the sun to harden. It comes to us in large irregular masses, composed of various little shining lumps or grains, which are partly of a whitish colour, pardy reddish, and partly of a violet hue. Those masses are accounted the best, which are clear, of a pale reddish colour, and variegated with a great number of elegant white tears. This drug has a strong foetid smell, somewhat 15 MATEKIV MEDICA. like that of garlic ; and a bitter, acrid, biting taste. It looses some of its smell and strength by keeping ; a circumstance to be particularly regarded in its exi.ibition. It is the most pow- erful of all the foetid gums, and is a most valuable remedy. It acts as a stimulant, antispasmodic, expectorant, emmenagogue, and anthelmintic. Its action is quick and penetrating, and it af- fords great and speedy relief in spasmodic, flatulent hysteric, and hypochondriacal complaints, especially when they arise from ob- structions of the bowels. Where spasms and constipations have weakened the powers of nature, #and the functions are in a lan- guid state, it generally affords effectual relief ; as it promotes digestion, enlivens the animal spirits, and by increasing the pe- ristaltic motion of the intestines, tends to open them in persons of an advanced age. In the spasmodic, as well as humoral asth- ma, unattended with fever, it is an excellent remedy ; for, in the former, it couuteracts the strictures of the respiring organs, and in the latter, greatly facilitates expectoration. The hooping cough has been cured, and worms have frequently been expelled, by the conjoined administration of assa foetida, both by the mouth and in the form of clyster. It is exhibited in the form of pills, in doses of from five to twenty grains, either alone, or combined with bitter extracts or purgatives ; or it may be given in tinc- ture, or dissolved in some simple distilled water. In the form of clyster, it is frequently directed to the extent of two drachms, dissolved in eight ounces of water as an antispasmodic. Ficus Carica. The fig tree. The fruit. This tree is probably a native of Asia, but grows plentifully in the south of Europe. As the fruit is very pulpy, it is dried when it is to be preserved. They consist almost entirely of sugar and mucilage, and are therefore demulcent. They are grateful to the stomach, and more easy of digestion than any other sweet fruit, and, abounding in saccharine matter, they are very nutri- tious, but apt to occasion flatulency, when eaten without bread, or other mealy substances. A decoction of figs affords excellent gargles to cleanse the throat and mouth. This fruit also forms an ingredient in lenitive electuaries, and pectoral draughts, and is likewise applied externally to soften, digest, and promote matu- ration. Figs ripen very well by the middle of September in Philadel- phia, when enjoying a free exposure to the sun. In the southern states they flourish luxuriantly, and might become an article of extensive exportation, and home consumption, if pains were taken to introduce the large Levant fig. Fraxim s Orxus. Manna ash. The concrete juice, called manna. Manna is obtained from other sp.-r ies of fraxinus besides theor- nus, and especially from the rotundifolia. It is principally col- MATERIA MEDICA. 12? kcted in Calabria and Sicily. In the warmest season of the year from the middle of June to the end of July, a clear juice exudes from the stem and branches of these trees, which, when natural- ly concreted on the plants and scraped off, is called manna. The best Calabrian manna is imported in oblong, light, .friable flakes, or pieces of a whitish or pale yellow shade, and somewhat trans- parent. The inferior sorts are moist, unctuous, and of a darker colour. Manna is a mild and agreeable laxative, which may be safely administered to children and the aged, though in some constitu- tions it is apt to induce flatulence, and to distend the bowels ; but this inconvenience may be remedied by the addition of a little cinnamon water, or other warm aromatic. The dose for children is according to their* age, from one to three drachms, and for aduits, )nc ounce, or one ounce and an half ; as, however, its operation when by itself, is very mild, and sometimes impercep- tible, it is generally gi. en in laxative mineral waters, or combin- ed with salts, s^nua, rhubarb, or similar aperient medicines. Manna is dso one 01 the most useful demulcents in the hu- mid asthma, and similar pituitous as well as inflammatory affec- tions of the breast ; it also beneficially promotes expectoration and is of peculiar service in the second stage of the smali pox, or during the suppuration of the pustules. Gamkogia. Gamboge. A gum resin. A concrete vegetable juice, of a gummy, resinous nature. It issaes [Von the canibo^L gutta, a native of Canabia in the East Indies ; whence it is imported in large cakes or rolls. The best sort is of a deep yellow colour ; is divested of all smell, and has very little taste. When taken as a medicine it operates violently, both upwards and downwards. It has been used in dropsies with cream of tartar, or jalap, or with both, to accelerate their ope- ration ; but calomel tus been found to be a useful addition to gam- boge in dropsical cases. Gamboge is also recommended to be taken for U;e expulsion of the taperworna, in doses of 15 grains, early in the morning, and, if the worm be not expelled in two or three hours, this powerful dose is said to have been repeated with safety and success, even to the third time, and in persons of de- licate habits Great precaution, however, is requisite in the use of this precarious and active medicine ; and, if accidentally, too large a dose of it should be swallowed, the most effectual anti- dote will be copious draughts of a solution of pearl ashes in water. Gentiana Lutea. Gentian. The root. Gentian is a perennial plant which grows upon the Alps, Pyrennees, and other mountainous parts of Europe. The roots are long and thick, externally of a brown colour, and wrinkled ; internally spongy, and of a yellow colour'without any remarka- 128 MATERI\ MEDICA. ble smell, but surpassing all other European vegetables in bitter- ness. Alcohol dissolves onlv the bitter extractive ; water, both the extractive and mucilage. Gentian posseses the general vir- tues of bitters in an eminent degree, and is wholly devoid of as- tringencv. Taken into the stomach, it proves a powerful tonic, and in large doses, it evacuates the intestines. It is useful in de- bility of the stomach, in general debility, and in gout: combined witn astringents, it cures intermittents. The dose of this drug in powder, is from 10 to 40 grains ; though it is more frequently taken as the chief ingredient in bitter wines, tinctures, and infu- sions. Geoffrjea Inermis. Cabbage bark tree. The bark. The bark of this tree, which grows in Jamaica, is of a gray colour externally, but black, and furrowed on the inside. The powder resembles jalap, but is not so heavy. It has a mucilagi- nous and sweetish taste, and a disagreeable smell. Its medical effects are much greater than its sensible qualities would lead us to expect. It is given in cases of worms in form of powder, de- coction, syrup, and extract. The decoction is preferable, and is made by slowly boiling an ounce of the fresh, dried bark in a quart of water, till it assume the colour of Madeira wine. This sweet- ened, is the syrup ; evaporated, it forms an extract. It common- ly produces some sickness and purging; sometimes more violent effects, as vomiting, delirium, and fever. These last are said fo be owing to an over dose, or to drinking cold water; and are re- lieved by warm water, castor oil, or a vegetable acid. It should always be given at first in small doses ; and, when properly and cautiously administered, it operates as a very powerful anthelmin- tic, particularly for the expulsion of the lumbrici, which are a very common cause of disease in the West India islands, and there it is very frequently employed, with singular success. Glycyrrhtza Glabra. Liquorice. The root and extract. Liquorice is a perennial plant, and a native of the south of Europe, but is cultivated in considerable quantities in England, for medicinal purposes. The root of this plant has a sweet agreeable taste. This sweetness is extracted by water, by infu- sion or decoction ; and, by evaporation, a dark coloured extract, of the same sweet taste, is obtained, consisting principally of saccharine and mucilaginous matter. Liquorice root is a pleasant demulcent, which is frequently added to infusions of linseed or althaea. There is no doubt of its gentle deterging qualities, which ren- der it an excellent medicine in coughs, hoarseness, asthma, &c. for lubricating the throat, softening acrimonious humours, and af- fording relief to the organs of respiration. But with this inten- tion it ought to be taken as a diet drink in considerable portions MATERIA MEDICA. 129 by way of infusion. This plant is found in the state of Vermont and on the borders of the Ohio river. Guajacum Officinale. Officinal Guaiacum. The wood and resin. Guaiacum, or lignum vitae, is a genus of plants producing three species, the principal of which is the officinale, or common lig- nu.n vitae, a native of the West Indies. The wood of this tree, and the gum resin obt.iaed by exudation from incisions in its trunk, are the parts of it used in medicine. The wood :s hard and heavy, of a yellow colour, has little smell, and a moderately bitter taste. Its virtues depend on the small portion of resinous matter which it contains. Gum gu ii cum is of a triable nature, of a deep greenish co- lour, and sometimes of a redish hue, and has a pungent acrid taste. This medicine was introduced into practice as a remedy in the treatment of lues venerea, ..nd was at one time considered capa- ble of effecting a radical cure. Its powers are now better ascer- tained. It is employed, and with some advantage, in promoting the action of mercury in the confirmed state of the disease, and in alleviating the various symptoms which arise from a protract- ed mercurial course. The general virtues of guaiacum, are those of a warm aromatic medicine; it strengthens the stomach and other viscera, and greatly promotes the discharge of urine and perspiration. Hence it is of especial service in cutaneous erup- tions, and disorders arising from obstructions of the excretory glands; in rheumatic, and other pains, unattended with fever, the liberal use of gum guaiacum has often afforded considerable relief. It is likewise a good laxative, and furnishes a more active medicine than either the wood or bark of this tree. This gum when dissolved in rum, or combined with water, by means of mu- cilage or the yolk of an egg, or in the form of tincture and elixir, has been found useful in chronic rheumatism, or even in such wandering pains of the stomach and other parts of the body, as could be attributed to the retrocedent gout. The form in which guaiac wood is administered, is always that of decoction. A quart of it is drunk in the course of the day. If taken warm, it produces diaphoresis. HiEMATOXYLUM Campechianum. Logwood Tree. The wood. This tree was introduced from Honduras into Jamaica, where it is now very common. Logwood is of a deep red colour; has scarcely any smell; its taste is sweetish, and astringent. It is used principally as a dye-wood, and also with considerable advan- tage in medicine. Its active matter is extracted by water, and by alcohol; both solutions strike a black colour with the salt of iron. ISO MATERIA MEDICA. It has been employed in medicine as an astringent in diarrhoea, and chronic dysentery, under the foi-m of decoction, or watery extract. Helleborus Niger. Black Hellebore. The root. This plant is perennial, and grows wild in the mountainous parts of Austria, and the Pyrennees. The root of this plant con- sists of small fibres attached to one head; externally dark colour- ed, internally white. Its taste is very acrid, but the acrimony is much impaired by drying and keeping. Its medicinal power seems principally to depend on its resinous part. By decoction with water, it yields half its weight of gummy matter, with some resin; the extract obtained by inspissation is milder than the root itself. Black hellebore root is a very violent cathartic, in a dose from ten to twenty grains ; so violent, indeed, that it is seldom used., On its cathartic power probably depends any advantage that may be derived from its administration in mania and melancholia, in which diseases it was highly celebrated by the ancients. In dropsy it has been employed as an hydragogue cathartic. It was likewise strongly recommended by Mead as on emmenagogue, though with others it has seldom been successful. Helleborus Foetidus. Bears Foot. The leaves. This species is a native of England. It is perennial, and grows in shady places, and under hedges. The leaves have an acrid, bitter, nauseous taste, and an unpleasant smell, especially when they are fresh. When dried they are frequently given as a do- mestic medicine to destroy worms; but they must be used spar- ingly, being so violent in their operation, that instances of their fatal effects are recorded. Snuffed up the notrils in a very small quantity, it excites a violent sneezing, with a sense of heat, and a copious discharge. Taken internally in a dose of a few grains, it acts as a violent emetic and cathartic. Externally, when mixed with lard, or in the form of decoction, it is used as an application in some cutaneous diseases. Heraci ium Si'iiondylum. Common Cow-Parsnip. This article was brought into notice by the late Dr. Joseph Orne, of Salem. In a communication to the Massachusetts Me- dical Society, October, 1803, he thus describes it: Common cow- parnsip. (Sphondylium vulgare hirsutum. Park. C. B.J It grows in hedges; the stalk is large and tubular, invested with a down which also covers the leaves, that are large and jagged, five on each stalk, and of the colour of wormwood ; it is umbelliferous, and flowers in June; the root is divided into several long and fibrous branches, resembling a brge parsley root; and the height of the plant, in its maturity, may be from two to four feet: the MATERIA MEDICA. 131 root has a rank strong smell, and a pungent and almost caustic taste; it should be carefully distinguished from the common pars- nip, that grows wild in gardens, and hedges; and indeed, it has a very different appearance. The particular disease in which Dr. Orne commends the cow- parsnip, is that of epilepsy. Three of the five cases which are exhibited in his communication, were cured by the use of this medicine. The author judiciously observes, that in the three successful cases, the patients were remarkably liable to flatulence, with symptoms of morbid sensibility of the stomach, and date their first relief from the sensation of a more firm and healthful tone of that organ, and the carminative effects of the medicine. He commonly prescribed two or three drachms of the pulverized root, to be taken every day for a great length of time, and a strong infusion of the leaves and tops to be drunk at bed time. In the hands of other practitioners, this plant has manifested considerable efficacy, exerting its peculiar powers immediately on the stomach, as an excellent carminative, and, if it does not cure epilepsy, it generally mitigates the distressing symptoms attend- ing that disease. In some cases of dyspepsia, accompanied with flatulencies and cardialgia, a strong decoction of this plant has been given by Dr. Mann with satisfactory success. Hordeum Distichon. Barley. The seed stripped of its huskr called pearl barley. Barley has from the earliest ages been considered as a whole- some and nutritious food. Pearl barley is prepared by grinding off the husk of rough barley, and forming the grain into little round granules, which appear of a kind of pearl whiteness. In this state, barley consists almost entirely of amylaceous matter, and when boiled forms an excellent article of nourishment. In diseases of the kidneys and the breast, as well as in that state of the body where it is said to abound in acrimonious humors, decoctions made of this grain, sufficiently strong, and acidulated with vine- gar, are eminently useful. As a cooling and diluent beverage, barley ■'water is of essential service to febrile patients, and in all inflammatory cases, where preternatural heat and thirst prevail; but, to promote its salutary effects, the grosser parts which re- « main after decoction, ought not to be swallowed. Hamulus Lipulus. The Common Hop. The flowers. This is an agreeable bitter, anodyne, diuretic remedy ; it is however but little used in medicine, except in the form of a sa- turated tincture ; of which from thirty to one hundred drops, or more, may be taken to promote sleep, where opium is improper. A pillow tilled with flow ers, and laid beneath the heatl, has been found to promote sleep in patients afflicted with delirious fevers. 132 MATERIV MEDICA. Hydrargyria. Quicksilver. Argentum Vivum. Mercury. Mercury is a mineral fluid about fourteen or fifteen times hea- vier than water: it is so remarkably thin, that it requites the in- tense cold of 40° below 0 of Fahrenheit to render it soil 1. Quicksilver is sometimes found in a native state, as in the mines of India, South America. Hungary, 8cc. but more general- ly mixed with metals, stone, or other substances, from which it is extracted by various processes. Next to gold und phttina, mercury is the heaviest of all the metals, with most of w nich it unites, excepting iron and antimony. Mercury taken into the stomach in its metallic state, has no action on the body, except what arises from its weight or bulk. It is not poisonous as was vulgarly supposed, but is perfectly inert. But in its various states of combination it produces cer- tain sensible effects. It quit kens the circulation, and increases all the secretions and excretions. According to circumstances, the habit of body of the patient, the temperature in which ne is kept, the nature of the prepara- tion, and the quai.tity in which it is exhibited, its effects arc in- deed various; it sometimes increases one secretion more pard- cularly, sometimes another; but its most characteristic effect is an increased flow of saliva, which it generally excites, if given in sufficient quantity. In the words of Dr. Cullen, it acts as a stimulus to every sensible and moving fibre of the body, and it produces the most permanent excitement. Hence it is the most general evacuant belonging to the Materia Medica; and, from its stimulant operation, its utility in many diseases may be ex- plained. Mercury, or some of its preparations, is exhibited, 1. As an errhine. The sub-sulphate of mercury. 2 As a sialogoue. Mercury in almost any form. 3. As a cathartic. The sub-muriate of mercury (calomel). 4. As a diuretic. The oxydes, the muriate, and the sub-mu- riate, combined with other diuretics. 5. As a sudorific. Calomel conjoined with a sudorific regimen. 6. As an emmenagogue. 7. As an astringent. Muriate of mercury. 8. As a stimulant. Muriate of mercury. 9. As an antispasmodic. 10. As an anthelmintic. With some of these views, mercury is frequently employed, and with the utmost advantage in various spasmodic diseases ; in tetanus and hydrophobia; in the fevers of warm climates; in rheumatism, acute and chronic ; in visceral obstructions, especial- ly the glandular viscera, as the liver, spleen, &c. In inflamma- tory, and in exanthematous diseases, and in dysentery. In ca- chectic diseases, as the various species of dropsical affections; and also in cutaneous and local diseases of various descriptions, and in many chronic morbid affections. Its principal medicinal vir- tue, however, is that of curing lues venerea. Its mode of opera- MATERIA MEDICA. 133 lion in this case has given rise to many disputes : some ascribing its efficacy to the evacuation it occasions; others considering it as an antidote to the venereal poison; while some ascribe its efficacy to its general and permanent stimulant operation, which they believe to be of a peculiar kind, and by which it induces and keeps tip an action incompatible with that which constitutes lues venerea, till at length the virus is changed, or eliminated from the body by the usual discharges. The latter opinion, ori- ginally proposed by Mr. Hunter, seems to afford the most satis- factory solution. For the cure of syphilis, mercury is adminis- tered until moderate salivation is excited; and this is kept up for sometime, longer or shorter, according to the kind and vio- lence of the symptoms. Cold is to be guarded against, as tend- ing to induce profuse salivation. When this occurs, it may be moderated by opium, a brisk cathartic, the application of a blis- ter to the throat, and, as has been affirmed, by the administration of sulphuret of potash (liver of sulphur). Mercury occasionally attacks the bowels, and causes violent purging, even of blood. This effect is remedied by intermitting the use of the medicine, or by exhibiting opium. At other times it is suddenly determined to the month, and produces inflammation, ulceration, and an excessive flow of saliva. In this case, too, the use of mercury must be discontinued for a time ; while, according to Mr. Pearson's advice, the patient should be freely exposed to a dry cold air, with the occasional use of cathartics, Peruvian bark, and mineral acids, and the assiduous application of astringent gargles. On the other hand, the sudden suppression of ptyalism is not without danger. It is most fre- quently caused by cold liquids being taken into the stomach, or exposure to cold and moisture, while under the influence of mer- cury. The danger is to be obviated by the quick introduction of mercury, so as to affect the gums, with the occasional use of the warm bath. Sometimes also a morbid condition of the system' occurs dur- ing a mercurial course, and which tends to a fatal issue. Mr. Pearson has termed it Erethismus. It is characterized by a great depression of strength; a sense of anxiety about the praecordiaj frequent sighing ; trembling, partial or universal; a small, quick pulse; sometimes vomiting; a pale contracted countenance; a sense of coldness, while the tongue is seldom furred, or the vital or natural functions much disordered. In this state, a violent or sudden exertion of muscular power, will sometimes prove fatal. To prevent dangerous consequences, the mercury must be dis- continued, whatever may be the stage, extent, or violence of the disease for which it has been exhibited, and the patient must ex- pose himself freely to a dry, cool air, in such a manner as shall be attended with the least fatigue; and in the course of ten or fourteen days, he will sometimes be so far recovered, that he may safely resume the use of mercury. 16 151 MATERIA MEDICA Quicksilver in its native state may be advantageously prescrib- ed in the first stage of the iliac passion, before the lx>wcls arc too much weakened and corroded by the stagnant feces ; especially it it be given with castor oil, or fat broth, but no spice. There are instances in which several ounces, nay half a pound and up- wards of pure quicksilver have been swallowed with the happiest effects. But in the last stage of obstinate and violent colics, when inflammation and gangrene have already taken place in the bow- els, its specific gravity would infallibly rend the intestines, and accelerate the fatal crisis. [See Calomel.] IItoscyamus Niger. Black henbane. The herb and seeds. Henbane is a biennial plant, which abounds in villages, road sides, and among rubbish, and flowers in the month of July. The leaves of this plant, when recent, have a slightly foetid smell; and a mucilaginous taste ; when dried, they loose both taste and smell, and also part of their narcotic power. The root possesses the same qualities as the leaves, and even in a more eminent de- gree. Henbane, more than any other narcotic, resembles opium in its action. In a moderate dose, it increases at first the strength of the pulse, and occasions some sense of heat, which is followed by diminished sensibility and motion ; in some cases by thirst, sickness, stupor, and dimness of vision. In a larger quantity it occasions profound sleep, hard pulse, and sometimes fierce deli- rium, ending in coma or convulsions, with a remarkable dilata- tion of the pupil, distortion of the countenance, a weak, tremu- lous pulse, and eruption of petechiae. On dissection, gangrenous spots have been found on the internal surface of the stomach. Its baneful effects are best counteracted by a powerful emetic; and, after discharging the contents of the stomach, it will be necessa- ry to administer emollient and oily clysters, and repeat them as often as they are ejected ; and to drink as large portions ol vine- gar and of the juice of lemons as the stomach will support. Henbane has been used in various spasmodic and painful dis- eases ; as in epilepsy, hysteria, palpitation, headach, paralysis, mania, and scirrhus. It is given in the form of the inspissated juice of the fresh leaves, the dose of which is from one to two grains, which ought to be gradually increased It is sometimes employed as a substitute for opium, where the latter, from idiosyn- crasy, occasions any disagreeable symptoms. The henbane is also free from the constipating quality of the opium, and like this last also, its influence is very much diminished by habit. In open ulcers, the powder of the leaves, sprinkled on the part, has often a good effect. MATERIA MEDICA. 135 Hyssopus Officinalis. Hyssop. The herb. The leaves of hyssop have an aromatic smell, and a warm pun- gent taste ; they are particularly recommended in humeral asth- mas, coughs, and other disorders of the breast and lungs ; being supposed wonderfully to promote expectoration. According to Ray, these leaves are of great service when applied in cataplasms to bruises, the pain of which they speedily mitigate, and at the same time disperse every mark or spot from the part affected. Inula Helenium. Elecampane. The root. This is a very large downy perennial plant, sometimes found wild in moist rich soils. The root, especially when dry, has an agreeable aromatic smell; its taste, on first chewing, is gluti- nous and somewhat rancid, quickly succeeded by an aromatic bit- terness and pungency. The ancients entertained a high opinion of elecampane, which is recommended for promoting expecto- ration in humeral asthma and coughs ; liberally taken, it is said to excite urine, and loosen the belly. In some parts of Germany, large quantities of this root are candied, and used as a stomachic, for strengthening the tone of the viscera in general, and for attenuating viscid humours. Its dose is from twenty to sixty grains powdered ; and in this form it has been found by experience to possess considerable efficacy. Ipecacuanha. Ipecacuan. A root, either of the cephaelis ipecacuanha, or psychotria emetica. The root of ipecacuanha is brought from Spanish America. It is divided into two sorts, Peruvian and Brazilian ; the eye dis- tinguishes three, ash coloured or gray, brown, and white. The ash coloured or Peruvian ipecacuanha of the shops, is a small wrinkled root, bent and contorted into a great variety of figures ; it has veiy little smell; the taste is bitterish and subacrid, cover- ing the tongue with a kind of mucilage. The brown sort has been sometimes observed, even in a small dose, to produce vio- lent effects. The white, though taken in a large one, has scarce any effect at all. The first sort, the ash coloured or gray ipecacuanha is usually preferred for medicinal use. It contains both a resinous and gum- my matter. It is generally stated, that its emetic power, and, indeed its principal virtues, reside in the former, though Dr. Irving has affirmed that they depend on its gum. Its active matter is completely extracted by alcohol, proof spirit, or wine. Vinegar likewise dissolves it, but at the same time greatly weak- ens its power. By decoction with water, its activity is greatly im- paired, though the water distilled from it has scarcely any emetic 136 MATERIA MEDICA- power. It is even injured by being kept, long exposed in tho state of powder to the air and light. Ipecacuanha is the mildest of those emetics, which arc at the same time certain in their operation ; and possesses this pecu- liar advantage, that, wh$n it does not operate by vomiting, it pas- ses off by the other erounctories. It merely evacuates the con- tents of the stomach, without exciting violent vomiting, or ex- tending its action beyond the stomach ; and is hence adapted to. many cases where violent vomiting would be useless or improper. The medium dose of it as an emetic is fifteen grains, though twenty or tiiirty may be taken with perfect safety. Ipecacuanha is employed with other intentions than as an emetic. \t was at one time much celebrated as a remedy in dysentery, given either in such a dose as to produce full vomiting, or rather in the quan- tity of two or three grains, repeated every three or four hours, till, it occasioned vomiting, diaphoresis, or purging. It has been given in a similar mode iu obstinate diarrhoea. In spasmodic asthina, it is given in a full dose to relieve the paroxysm ; and in a dose of three or four grains, continued every morning for some weeks, to prevent the return of the disease. In haemorrhagies, it is given in nauseating doses, the nausea diminishing the force of the cir- culation. Combined with opium, it forms a very powerful sudo- rific. The primary effect of ipecacuanha, says. Dr. Duncan, is that of stimulating the stomach. If the dose be sufficiently large, it excites vomiting, by inverting the peristaltic motion pf the stomach and duodenum ; in a smaller dose, it only produces neau- sea, and operates by stool; and in still smaller doses, it gently stimulates the stomach, increases the appetite, and facilitates di- gestion. Its secondary effects depend on the sympathy of the other parts with the stomach ; and in this way only can we ex- plain its action as an antispasmodic, diaphoretic, expectorant, and in checking haemorrhagies. Its beneficial effects in some cases alsp, seem to be owing to* the general concussion given to the whole system during the ac- tion of vomiting. It is found to increase the purgative virtue of jalap remarkably. Dr. Aiken asserts that fifteen grains of jalap, with two or three of ipecacuanha, purge more than twice the quantity of jalap by itself. Ipecacuan properly administered, often proves serviceable, 1. In intermittent fevers. It has frequently succeeded in stop- ping these, when given about an hour before an accession was expected, and also when given so as to produce vomiting at the time of an accession, or at the end of the qold stage. 2. In continued fevers. We have never seen more decidedly beneficial effects from the use of any medicine whatever, than from the exhibition of ipecacuan in the commencement of ty- phus fever. An emetic, succeeded by a diaphoretic regimen, when administered sufficiently early in this disease, very fre- quently cuts it short at once ; and when it fajU in this di'tirabl* MATERIA MEDICA. 1# object, it always has a beneficial influence on the progress of the fever. 3. In inflammatory diseases, rheumatism, bubo, swelled tes- ticle. 4. In exanthematous diseases, when the eruption is disposed to recede. 5. In haemorrhagies, when given in nauseating doses. 6. Tn profluvia, especially in dysenteiy, so much so, that it was formerly esteemed a specific against that disease. But Cullen attributes its good effects in this instance, to its produc- ing a steady determination of the peristaltic motion of the intes- tines downwards, when given in repeated small doses. 7. In many spasmodic diseases; in epilepsy; asthma; dyspnoea; pertussis; chronic diarrhoea; hysteria; melancholia; mania. 8. In cachectic diseases, as in some kinds of dropsy. 9. In impetiginous diseases; in jaundice. 10. In local diseases; in amaurosis, and several of the dvso- rexiae. II. In every instance when we wish to evacuate the stomach, as when it is overloaded with food, or when poison, especially opium, has been swallowed. The use of ipecacuan, as an emetic, is contra-indicated, 1. Where there is a disposition to haemorrhage. 2. Where there is an increased flow of blood toward the head. 3. In very irritable subjects. 4. In pregnant women, and persons afflicted with hernia. Ipecacuan is exhibited, 1. In substance ; in powder. Full vomiting will generally be produced in an adult by a scruple or half a drachm, and though less might answer the purpose, fortunately an over dose is scarcely attended with any inconvenience, as the whole of it is vomited with the contents of the stomach as soon as it operates. The vomiting is promoted and facilitated by drinking copiously of warm watery fluids. On the contrary, when vomiting is not intended, liquids must be rather drunk sparingly, and the dose must be diminished to a grain or less. In such small doses it is conveniently combined with any proper adjunct, in the form of powder, pill, or bolus. 2. In infusion. One drachm may be infused in four ounces of water, and taken in repeated doses till it operate. 3. Infused in wine. (See vinum ipecacuanhae..) Ipecacuan not only checks the narcotic effects of opium, and is therefore one of the best antidotes for its poison, but recipro- cally the emetic powers of ipecacuan are checked by the addi- tion of opium, and the combination operates by increasing the cuticular discharge. (See pulvis ipecacuanhae et opii.) 138 MATERIA MEDICA- Iris Pseudacorls. Water Flag. Flower de Luce. Blue Flag. The root. This plant is perennial, and grows in great abundance by the brinks of rivers, and in other watery places. It blossoms in July; its flowers are blue, variegated with white, yellow, and purple; its leaves sword shaped. The root has an acrid taste, and when fresh is highly cathartic. The expressed juice of the root, recently gathered, given to the quantity of sixty or eighty drops, every hour or two, and occasionally increased, has been productive of very copious evacuations, after jalap, gamboge, and other strong purgatives had proved ineffectual; and it is in this form only that it is used; for by drying, it entirely loses it pur- gative effects. Juglans Cinerea. Butternut. White Walnut. The unripe fruit, and the inner bark. This tree is generally known throughout the United States, and is now introduced into the Materia Medica of the Massa- chusetts Pharmacopoeia. During the American war, the extract, made from the inner bark of this tree, attracted the attention of Dr. Rush, and other medical men in our military hospital; and, being frequently administered to patients under the operation of inoculated small pox, it was proved to be an excellent substitute for jalap or other cathartics. It is now esteemed as a valuable purgative, in doses from ten to thirty grains, not occasioning heat or irritation; and is greatly commended in cases of dysen- tery. Conjoined with calomel it is rendered more active and efficacious, especially in bilious habits. As this extract is often very carelessly prepared by the country people, it ought to be prepared by the apothecaries, or practitioners themselves ; and as a domestic medicine of considerable importance, it should be adopted by every physician. The bark of the root of this tree will excite a blister; and the bark and shells of the nuts dye a good brown colour. A decoction of the inner bark is advan- tageously employed as a cathartic in the disease of horses, called ;.he yellow water. Juniperus Communis. Juniper. The berries and leaves. This is an ever-green shrub, growing on heaths and hilly grounds in all parts of Europe; and, if planted in a good soil, will attain the height of fifteen or sixteen feet, and produce numerous branches. Juniper berries possess a strong not dis- agreeable smell, and a warm pungent sweet taste, which, if they be long chewed, or previously bruised, is followed by a bitteruh one. METERIA MEDICA. 139 Their predominant constituents are, an essential oil, and a sweet mucilaginous matter. To the oil, they are indebted for their stimulating, carminative, diaphoretic, and diuretic proper- ties. They are most commonly used in the form of infusion, to which a little gin is added, as a diuretic drink in dropsy. The essential oil may be separated by distillation. It possesses the same properties in a higher degree, and imparts them to ardent spirits. The peculiar flavour, and well-known diuretic effects of Hol- land gin, are owing to the oil of juniper. Juniperus Sabina. Savinc. The leaves. This is an ever-green shrub, which has small rather prickly- leaves, and produces blue berries, only after it has arrived at a considerable age. Its stem attains the length of seven feet, and is apt to grow in a reclining posture : the wood is internally of a beautiful reddish shade, resembling that of mahogany. The leaves of savine possess a bitter, acrid taste; and their smell is so powerful and disagreeable, that it expels moths and similar vermin. When distilled with water, these leaves yield an un- commonly large proportion of essential oil. Savine is a warm, stimulating medicine, capable of producing diaphoresis, and increasing all the secretions, but apt to excite haemorrhage, especially from the uterus. It has long been con- sidered as a powerful emmenagogue, and Dr. Home asserts, that in five cases of obstructions of the menses, four were cured by the savine, which he gave in powder, from a scruple to a drachm, twice in a day. But this acrid and heating substance, in the opin- ion of Dr. Cullen, is improper in plethoric habits,^and should be employed with caution in those cases only which proceed from a relaxed state of the solids. The oil distilled from this shrub is one of the most violent emmenagogues, and ought therefore to be used with the greatest caution in obstructions of the uterus or other viscera, proceeding from laxity or weakness. Savine is also recommended as an an- thelmintic, and said to be very efficient in the cure of the gout. Externally, the leaves are applied in the form of powder or in- fusion, to warts, carious bones, and old ulcers; and in cases of psora, gangrene, and tinea. Farriers apply this article with suc- cess to the ulcers of horses. Juniperus Virginiana. Common Red Cedar Tree. The leaves. The red cedar tree is a native of the United States, and grows to the height of fifteen or twenty feet. Its berries are smaller than those of the true juniper. In Virginia and Carolina the 140 MATERIA MEDICA. berries arc distilled into brandy. The leaves of this tree are now brought into notice by the investigation of Dr. Aaron Dexter, Professor of C hem istiy, and Materia Medica, in the University at Cambridge. He has found this to be the only species of juni- per in the United States, whose leaves agree in their properties with those of the savine, directed by Dr. Crowther, as the basis of the savine ointment. Ralmia Latifolia. Broad Leaved Laurel. Calico Tree. The leaves. This plant kills sheep and other animals. The Indians use the decoction to destroy themselves. The powdered leaves are em- ployed with success in tinea capitis, and in certain stages of fever. A decoction of it is used for the itch, but it should be cautiously- applied. The brown powder attached to the foot stalks of the leaves, and about the seeds, is errhine. The powdered leaves with lard, form an ointment in herpes. In syphilis this plant has seemed useful. A saturated tincture of the leaves in proof spirit is an active remedy. Kino. Kino. A gum resin. This substance is the produce of a tree a native of Africa; the botanical characters of which have not been ascertained. It is of a dark-red colour, and has an astringent taste, with a degree of bitterness. It is more resinous than catechu, and is therefore less soluble in water. Its solution in water, as well as that in alcohol, strikes a deep purple colour with sulphat of iron, the latter even more so than the former. Its gallic acid seems there- fore to be combined with its resinous part. It yields a precipitate with animal gelatin, but scarcely so copious as that from catechu. Kino is a powerful remedy in obstinate chronic diarrhoeas and dysenteries; in all passive haemorrhagies, especially from the uterus; in fluor albus ; and in diseases arising from laxity of the solids. It is exhibited internally, in doses of from ten to thirty grains, in substance, or dissolved in diluted alcohol. Externally, it is applied as a styptic to check haemorrhagies from wounds or ulcers, and to diminish the discharge of sanious or ichorous mat- ter from ill-conditioned ulcers. Lactuca Virosa. Wild Lettuce. The leaves. This plant is biennial, and grows wild on rubbish and rough banks, in many places in Great Britain, and flowers in the month of August and September. It smells strongly of opium, and re- sembles it in some of its effects ; and its narcotic power, like MATERIA MEDICA. 141 that of the poppy heads, resides in its milky juice. An extract prepared from the expressed juice of the leaves of this plant, gathered when in flower, is recommended in small doses in drop- sy. In dropsies of long standing, proceeding from visceral ob- structions, it has been given to the extent of half an ounce in a day. It is said to agree with the stomach, to quench thirst, to be gently laxative, powerfully diuretic, and somewhat diaphoretic. Plentiful dilution is allowed during its operation. Dr. Collin, of Vienna, asserts, that out of twenty four dropsical patients, all but one were cured by this medicine. Lactuca Sativa. Common Garden Lettuce. The herb. This plant, so valuable as an article of diet, abounds with a milky juice, which possesses all the characteristic properties of the opium of the shops, and may be procured from it in sufficient quantity, to repay any labour bestowed on it for this purpose. The laudanum made from the opium of the lettuce increases the pulse in force and frequency, and produces generally the same ef- fects as result from similar dosesof common laudanum. It has been used with advantage in allaying the pain of chronic rheumatism, and colic ; in checking the frequent stools accompanying diar- rhoea ; in allaying cough, &c. &cc.; and doubtless the plant may be advantageously cultivated for medical purposes, especially as the opium is procured after the period in which the plant is use- ful for the table. Laurus Cixnamomum. The Cinnamon Tree. The bark and its volatile oil. This valuable tree is a native of Ceylon, in the East Indies, and is now cultivated in Jamaica and other West-India islands. It grows from four to ten feet high, and is very bushy. The leaves resemble those of the laurel, and have the hot taste and smell of cloves when chewed. Cinnamon is the interior bark of the tree ; it is thin and convoluted, of a texture somewhat fibrous, of a slight brown colour, having an agreeable pungent taste, with a degree of sweetness and an aromatic flavour. Its virtues chiefly depend on the small quantity of essential oil which it contains. This bark is a very useful and elegant aromatic, more grateful both to the palate and stomach than most other substances of this class. Like other aromatics, the effects of cinnamon are stimulating, ' heating, stomachic, carminative, and tonic ; but it is rather used as r.n adjunct to other remedies, than as a remedy itself. The essential oil of cinnamon has a whitish yellow colour, a pungent burning taste, and the peculiar fine flavour of cinnamon in a very great degree. It should sink in water, and be entirely 142 MATF.RTV MKDICA. soluble in alcohol. It is principally prepared in Ceylon. This oil is one of the most powerful stimulants wc possess, and ^ sometimes used as a cordial in cramps of the stomach, and in syncope ; or as a stimulant in paralv sis of the tongue, or to dea- den the nerve in toothach. But it is principally used as an aro- matic, to cover the less agreeable taste of other drugs. Laurus Cassia. The Cassia Tree. The bark and flower buds, gathered before they open. This tree is very similar to the former. The bark, which is imported from different parts of the East-Indies and from China, has a very exact resemblance to the cinnamon. It is distinguish- able from the cinnamon, by being of a thicker and coarse tex- ture, and by its breaking short and smooth, while the cinnamon breaks fibrous and shivery. It resembles cinnamon still more exactly in its aromatic flavour and pungency than in its external appearance, and seems only to differ from it, in being considerably weaker, and in abounding more with a mucilaginous matter. Cassia buds are the flower buds which are gathered and dried before they expand. They are of a brown colour ; their taste and flavour is similar to the bark, and they are used for the same purposes. Both the bark and buds of cassia possess the same properties with cinnamon, though in an inferior degree. The bark is very frequently, and sometimes unintentionally, substituted for the more expensive cinnamon ; and the products obtained from cas- sia bark and buds by distillation, are in no respect inferior to those prepared from cinnamon. Laurus Camhiora. Camphor Tree. The camphor. The camphor laurel grows in great abundance, and to a very considerable size, in the forests of Japan. It is not uncommon in green houses in England. , Camphor is a proximate principle of vegetables, contained in many plants, especially those of the aromatic kind. For the pur- poses of commerce, it is obtained from the laurus camphora. It exists in distinct grains in the wood of the root and branches of this tree. It is extracted by sublimation ; in Europe it is puri- fied by a second sublimation, with the addition of one twentieth of its weight of lime. Pure camphor is colourless, semitransparent, tenacious, and somewhat unctuous to the touch ; its smell is strong and fra- grant ; its taste pungent and bitter. It is volatile at every natural temperature ; is fusible in a heat inferior to 212° ; is inflamma- ble ; scarcely soluble in water, but entirely soluble in alcohol. MATERIA MEDICA. 143 ether, and oils, essential or expressed. It consists of carbon and hydrogen, and differs from the essential oils, in containing a lar- ger proportion of carbon, with some oxygen. By combustion it affords carbonic and camphoric acids. In a moderate dose, camphor produces effects similar to those of other narcotics. Its stimulant operation, however, is not con- siderable, even in a small dose ; and in a large dose, it always diminishes the force of the circulation ; induces sleep, and some- times causes delirium, vertigo, and convulsions, ending in total insensibility. These violent effects of camphor are most effec- tually counteracted by opium. In a morbid state of the body, camphor allays inordinate actions. When the pulse is hard and contracted, it renders it fuller and softer. It removes spasms and flitting pains arising from spasms ; and in delirium, when opium fails of producing sleep, camphor will often succeed. The most general indication for the use of camphor, is the languor or oppression of the vis vitae. It may therefore be given with advantage, 1. In all febrile diseases of the typhoid type, especially when attended with delirium. 2. In inflammations with typhoid fever, as in some cases of peripneumonia and rheumatism. 3. In eruptive diseases, to favour the eruption, or to bring it back to the skin, if from any cause it has receded, as in small pox, meazles, Sec. 4. In many spasmodic diseases, especially mania, melancholy, epilepsy, hysteria, chorea, hickcough, &c. 5. In indolent local inflammations, not depending on an inter- nal cause, to excite action in the part. As a stimulant, says Murray, camphor has been used in typhus, cynanche maligna, confluent small pox, and other febrile affec- tions accompanied with debility, in retrocedent gout, and to check the progress of gangrene. As a sedative it is used in affections of an opposite nature, as in pneumonia, rheumatism, and gonor- rhoea, combined with nitre or antimonials, or by itself, where evacuations have been made. In mania, it has sometimes suc- ceeded as an anodyne : as an antispasmodic, it has been employ- ed with advantage in asthma, chorea, and epilepsy. The dose of camphor is from five to twenty grains. It cannot be given with safety in a larger dose than half^ drachm ; and Dr. Cullen has likewise remarked, that in too small a dose, as that of a few grains, it has very little effect. In divided doses, it may be given to the extent of a drachm or more in the day. Its power of checking the progress of gangrene is promoted by com- bination with musk, or carbonate of ammonia : combined with opium, it forms a powerful diaphoretic ; and its efficacy in in- flammatory diseases is augmented by antimonials. Camphor ought generally to be given in a state of mixture in some fluid form, as being then less apt to excite nausea. It may 144 MATERIA MEDICA be diffused in water by trituration with sugar, mucilage, or al- monds. To reduce it previously to powder, a few drops of alco- hol must be added. Magnesia, by being triturated with it, has the effect of dividing and rendering it smooth, and may be used for its suspension ; a number of the gum-resins also act on it in such a manner, that, from their mixture, a soft uniform mass is formed, and this affords another mode of diffusing it in water. Externally applied, comphor is used as an anodyne in rheuma- tism and muscular pains, and as a discutient in bruises and in- flammatoiy affections ; it is dissolved in alcohol or expressed oil, and applied by friction to the part. Added to collyria, or mixed with lard, it is of service in ophthalmia. Suspended in oil, it is used as an injection in ardor urinae, and as an enema to relieve the uneasy sensations occasioned by ascarides. The combination of it with opium is useful as a local application in toothach. Camphor is recommended as singularly efficacious in cases of ardor urince, or scalding of the urine, and nervous hcadachs. One of the most eligible forms in which camphor can be given, is, to rub about eighty grains in a mortar, with six or eight grains of myrrh, having previously dropped a few drops of spirits of wine in the camphor; then add ten or fifteen grains of gum ara- bic, and gradually as much water as will suspend the whole. Laurus Sassafras. Sassafras. The wood, root, and its bark. This tree is a native of North America, and is cultivated in Jamaica. The wood, root, and its bark are used; they have a moderately fragrant smell, and a sweetish aromatic taste. Sassa- fras is a warm aperient and strengthening medicine ; it has often been successfully given in the form of infusion and decoction, for improving the tone of the stomach and bowels, in persons whose humours were in a vitiated state. The essential oil is highly stimulating and heating, and must be given only in very small doses, being a sudorific and diuretic remedy. The bark is useful in intermittents; and the oil is said to be efficacious, applied ex- ternally to wens. Lavendula Spica. Lavender. The flowering spikes. Lavender is a well known small, shrubby, perennial plant, a native of the south of Europe, but frequently cultivated in our gardens for the sake of its perfume. There are two varieties. The flowers of both have a fragrant, agreeable smell, and a warm pungent, bitterish taste; the broad leav ed sort is the strongest in both respects, and yields in distillation thrice as much essential oil as the other; it is also hotter and specifically heavier; hence in the southern parts of France, w here both kinds grow wild, this MATERIA MEDICA. 145 only is used for the distillation of what is called oil of spike. The narrow leaved, is the sort commonly met with in our gardens. Lavender is considered as a warm stimulating aromatic. It is principally used as a perfume. Leontodon Taraxacum. Dandelion. The root and leaves. An indigenous, perennial plant, growing in meadows and pas- tures, on road sides, ditch banks, &c. It produces a yellow flower, which blows from April to September, and has the re- markable quality of expanding early in the morning, and closing in the evening. The root, leaves, and stalk, contain a large pro- portion of bitter milky juice, which possesses considerable ac- tivity. Its moi'e immediate operation is, to remove visceral ob- structions, and promote the urinary discharge : the dose pre- scribed by Boerhaave for this purpose, is four ounces, to be taken three or four time's in a day; and later experience has corro- borated its great efficacy in dropsical and other complaints con- nected with a disordered state of the first passages, even in much smaller doses. Lichen Islandicus. Iceland Moss. The herb. This is a species of liverwort or rock moss, of which there are many varieties. It is brought from Iceland, where the inhabi- tants make considerable use of it as an article of diet, and esteem it an excellent remedy in consumption. Of late years it has at- tracted the attention of physicians in the United States, and ac- quired considerable repute for its remarkable mucilaginous and nutritive properties. It has a bitter and somewhat astringent taste, which are in some measure destroyed by drying or infus- ing in water. As a medicine, Scopoli and Haller recommended it in coughs and consumptions, and it has proved efficacious in diarrhoeas and dysentery. Docter Kerr found it so successful in dysentery, that, after repeated emetics and cathartics, he never used any other medicine, except that he occasionally added opium. Dr. Crichton has an high opinion of it only in two species of con- sumption : the phthisis hamoptoica and the phthisis pituitosa vel mucosa ; for by the use of this, he has seen patients get so far the better, as to be dismissed from the hospitals cured. It is given in decoction, boiling one ounce and an half in two pounds of milk, over a slow fire, exactly one quarter of an hour. If milk dis- agree, water may be used, to which after straining, a sufficient quantity of sugar may be added to make a syrup. Three or four ounces of this are to be taken frequently in a day. When con- tinued for several months, it has been found extremely service- able as a restorative in consumptive cases attended by debility, and an acrimonious state of the biood and juices. .46 MATKRIA MEDICA Linu.m Usitatissimum. Common Flax. The seeds and their fixed oil. Linseed contains about one fifth of mucilage, and one sixth of fixed oil. It is therefore considered as emollient and demulcent. The entire seeds are only used in cataplasms. The mucilage resides wholly in the skin, and is separated by infusion or decoc- tion. The infusion is used as a pectoral drink, and in ardor urinae, nephritic pains, and during the exhibition of corrosive sublimate. Flaxseed syrup is made by adding to two pints of the mucilage one pint of honey ; while simmering away by a gentle heat ob- serve to take off' the scum as it rises. This is highly useful in all kinds of coughs, and other diseases of the breast and lungs. The oil is separated by expression. It is one of the cheapest fixed oils; but is generally rancid or nauseous, and unfit for in- ternal use. The cake which remains after expression of the oil, contains the farinaceous and mucilaginous part of the seed, and is used in fattening cattle, under the name of oil cake. Lobelia Inflata. Lobelia Emetica. Emetic Weed. Indian Tobacco. The leaves. The leaves oblong, slightly serrated ; sessile ; alternate ; on the upper surface numerous tubercles. Stems branched. Blossoms solitary ; in a kind of spike ; pale blue. Common in dry fields, and flowers in August. The leaves chewed are at first insipid, but soon become pun- gent, occasioning a copious discharge of saliva. If they are held in the mouth for sometime they produce giddiness and pain in the head, with a trembling agitation of the whole body ; at length they bring extreme nausea and vomiting. The taste resemble! that of tartar emetic. A plant possessed of such active proper- ties, notwithstanding the violent effects from chewing the leaves, may possibly become a valuable medicine. [Cutler's account of indigenous vegetables.] It was employed by the aborigines as an emetic, and also by those empirics who affect to deal in Indian remedies only. As a new article it has lately excited much speculation in the New- England states, and its properties have very frequently been sub- jected to the test of practical experiment. It is found to operate as a speedy and active emetic, and it often induces a most pro- fuse perspiration immediately after being received into the sto- mach. It has proved serviceable in cases of colic, where emetics were indicated ; and some evidence has been adduced of its hav- ing afforded relief in rheumatic complaints of the chronic kind. In a variety ef instances it has been administered as a remedy in asthmatic affection*, and on competent authority wc are assured, that it has in general manifested considerable efficacy, and some- MATERIA MEDICA. ur times proved more beneficial in this distressing disease than any other medicine. From some of its effects, says an eminent phy- sician, lobelia seems to be related to the narcotic plants ; to the mouth and first passages it proves acrid and highly stimulant ; its stimulus appears to be of the diffusive kind, as Dr. Cutler, on taking it, experienced an irritation of the skin over the whole bo- dy. It is probably one of the most powerful vegetable substan- ces with which we are acquainted, and no rational practitioner will have recourse to it, but with the greatest precaution. The melancholy consequences resulting from the use of lobelia inflata, as lately administered by the adventurous hands of a noted em- piric, have justly excited considerable interest, and furnished alarming examples of its deleterious properties and fatal effects. The dose in which he is said usually to prescribe it, and frequent- ly with impunity, is a common tea spoonful of the powdered seeds or leaves, and often repeated. If the medicine does not puke or evacuate powerfully, it frequently destroys the patient, and some- times in five or six hours. Even horses and cattle have been supposed to be killed by eat- ing it accidentally. The specific qualities of this highly active plant, promising to be of utility as a remedy, should be particu- larly investigated by ingenious and intelligent men, that its rank in the Materia Medica may be clearly ascertained. The following highly interesting observations have been re- cently received from the Rev. Dr. M. Cutler. When I was preparing my botanical paper, says the Dr. I had given it (the lobelia) only a cursory examination, and having some doubt about its specific characters, I suspected it to be a new species. Accidentally ascertaining its emetic property, I in- serted it with the specific name, emetic weed. By chewing a small part of it, commonly no more than one or two of the capsu- les, it proves a gentle emetic. If the quantity be a little increas- ed, it operates as an emetic, and then as a cathartic, its effects being much the same as those of the common emetics and ca- thartics. It has been my misfortune, the author observes, to be an asthmatic for about ten years. I have made trial of a great variety of the usual remedies with very little benefit. In several paroxysms I had found immediate relief more frequently than from any thing else, from the skunk-cabbage. ( Dracontium fatidum. Lin. Arum Amcricanum. Catesby. See that article in this volume.) The last summer I had the severest attack I ever experienced. It commenced early in August, and continu- ed about eight weeks. Dr. Drury, of Marblehead, also an asth- matic, had made use of a tincture of the Indian tobacco, by the advice of a friend, in a severe paroxysm early in the spring. It gave him immediate relief, and he has been entirely free from the complaint from that time. I had a tincture made of the fresh plant, and took care to have the spirit fully saturated, which 1 think is important. In a paroxysm which perhaps was as severe as I ever experienced, the difficulty of breathing extreme, and 148 MATERIA MEDICA. after it had continued for a considerable time, I took a table spoon ful. In three or four minutes my breathing was as free as it ever was, but felt no nausea at the stomach. In ten minutes I took another spoonful which occasioned sickness. After ten minutes I took the third, which produced sensible effects upon the coats of the stomach, and a very little moderate puking, and a kind of prickly sensation through the whole system, even to the extreinetics of the fingers and toes. The urinary passage was perceptibly affected by producing a smarting sensation in passing urine, which was probably provoked by stimulus upon the bladder. But all these sensations very soon subsided, and a vi- gour seemed to be restored to the constitution, which I had not experienced for years. I have not since had a paroxysm, and only a few times some small symptoms of asthma. Besides the violent attacks, I had scarcely passed a night without more or less of it, and often so as not to be able to lie in bed. Since that time I have enjoyed as good health as, perhaps, before the first at- tack. I have given you this minute detail of my own case, from an apprehension that this plant, judiciously employed, may approach nearer to a specific in this most distressing complaint, than any other that has been yet discovered. But I am aware much fur- ther experiment is necessary to ascertain its real value. Several medical gentlemen have since made use of the tincture in asth- matic cases with much success, but the effects have not been uniformly the same. In all instances of which I have had infor- mation, it has produced immediate relief, but the effect has been different in different kinds of asthma. Some patients have been severely puked with only a tea spoonful, but in all cases some nausea seems to be necefssary. The asthma with which I have been afflicted, I conceive to be that kind which Dr. Bree, in his Practical Inquiries on disordered respiration, &c. calls the first species— " a convulsive asthma from pulmonic irritation of ef- fused serum." My constitution has been free, I believe, from any other disorder, than what has been occasioned by an affection of the lungs, anxiety of the praccordia, and straitness of the breast, and other symptoms produced by that affection. In similar asth- mas, the tincture has been as successful as in my case. It is ex- tremely desirable that careful experiments should be made by men of real medical knowledge. A particular case has been related to me of an effectual cure of the hydrophobia,* in the last stage of the disease, by the use of * Upon the principle in the animal economy, that one irritation destroys another, it has been attempted to cure tetanus by exciting a strangury l»y means of the internal administration of cantharides ; one remarkable in- stance of success by such practice has been announced, by Dr. S. Brown ol Lexington, Kentucky; and Dr. Mease, of Philadelphia, is extremely san- guine in his expectations, should this method be adopted f That th re is a - ^'i''tor . »ol. 1. MATERIA MEDICA. 149 ibis plant. I had the information from a man of undoubted vera* city, that received it from the father of the young man who was cured ; but facts relating to the case have not been sufficiently ascertained to assert it to be a remedy in this disease. In a short time I expect to obtain a more circumstantial and satisfactory ac- count of this case. With the view of establishing a uniformity of strength in the preparation, the Essex district medical society have agreed, that the proportion for the tincture of lobelia shall be two ounces of the dried plant to one pint of diluted alcohol. Lobelia Syphilitica. Lobelia. The root. This plant grows in moist places in Virginia. It is perennial, has an erect stalk, three or four feet high, blue flowers, a milky juice, and a rank smell. The root, which is the part used, con- sists of white fibres about two inches long, resembles tobacco in taste, which remains on the tongue, and is apt to excite vomit- Dr. Barton says, it is considerably diuretic ; and Mr. Pear- son found, that it generally disagreed with the stomach, and sel- dom failed of affecting the bowels as a strong cathartic. It cer- tainly possesses no power of curing syphilis ; even the Indians who have the disease, are glad of an opportunity of applying to the whites. It is said to have cured gonorrhoea. Lytta Vittata. Potatoe Fly. There are four species of meloe that blister, found in the United States. The lytta vittata was first brought into notice by close analogy subsisting between hydrophobia and tetanus, is a position am- ply confirmed by experience. There appears evidently to be an affinity be- tween cantharides and lobelia inflata, in their operation upon the human system. The latter acts as a stimulus of the diffusible kind, as evinced by its inducing a prickly sensation over the surface, and extending its influence to the urinary organs in the case of Dr. Cutler ; and in preserving a regu- lar excitement, and genial warmth, and producing a parmanent vigour in the system in a variety of instances. According to the laws of the animal economy, the nervous system, under the impression of this medicine, may be rendered unsusceptible of spasmodic affections ; and thus may the effects of canine poison, and the irritating cause of tetanus, be counteracted. It is therefore possible, that lobelia may ultimately prove a remedy in both of these kindred diseases. In the language of Dr. Mease—" Surely in a dis- ease hitherto almost universally fatal, we are justified in attempting a cure by a plan, in favour of which, analogy, authority, and the well known laws of the system, plead so powerfully. Those who may finally be the happy in- struments of disarming the awful disease of its terrours, will justly merit the thanks of their own country, and of the world in general." Another elegant writer observes—" The laurel of victory, and the gratitude of mankind, will be well bestowed upon him who shall enable as to triumph over this direful disease." 18 150 MATERIA MEDICA. Dr. Isaac Chapman, of Buck's county, Pennsylvania. It feeds principally upon the potatoe vine, and, at the proper season of the year, may be collected in immense quantities. This insect has a very near resemblance, in its outward form, to the meloc vesi- catorius, or Spanish fly ; but is rather smaller, and of a very dif- ferent colour ; the head is of a very light red, with black antennae; the elytra or wing cases are black, margined with pale yellow, and a stripe of the same colour extends along the middle of them ; the tarsi have five articulations ; the mouth is armed with jaws, and furnished with tarsi. In the abdomen of this fly, is a hard, white substance, about the size of a grain of wheat, which, when powdered, appears like meal,and, when rubbed with water, forms a milky emulsion. The experiments and investigation of Dr. Chapman have proved, that, when applied to the human system, the effects of the potatoe fly, are perfectly analogous to those of the Spanish cantharis ; being equal, if not superior to them in medicinal pow- ers.* The lytta vittata is now introduced into the Materia Me- dica of the Massachusetts Pharmacopoeia, and its properties have been made the subject of a valuable communication to the Me- dical Society of Massachusetts, by Dr. John Gorham, of Boston From this interesting paper it appears, that for some years past, the potatoe fly has been employed as a vesicatoiy by Dr. Israel Allen, of Sterling. That the insect in its dried state, is from four to six lines in length, its head and elytra are uniformly black, and the latter want the margin and stripe of yellow, observable in that described by Dr. Chapman. Its belly is ash coloured, and in the cavity of the abdomen is found the hard white substance already described. The thickness of the potatoe fly, which is nearly uniform throughout, is from one quarter, to one third its length. It generally appears on the vines, about the end of July, and the first week in August. They inhabit the soil at the foot of the plant ; they ascend in the morning and afternoon, but generally avoid the heat of the sun at noon. As they fly with great difficulty, they are easily caught, and are prepared for me- dicinal purposes, by shaking them from the plant into hot water, and afterwards drying them by the sun's rays. Dr. Gorham pro- ceeds to observe, that he has instituted an extensive series of ex- periments with the lytta vittata ; and that they have never failed, even in a single instance, of producing all the immediate effect! which he anticipated, from their external application, or internal exhibition : as a vesicatory, he has found them equal, if not su- perior to the cantharis usually employed for that purpose in this countiy. The saturated tincture has been administered inter- nally in many cases of diminished sensibility of the urinary or- gans, in gleets, and as a diuretic in dropsy ; and it has been found, in all, to increase the discharge of urine, and to produce a con- siderable irritation in the urethra, and in the neck of the bladder. ' Med. Rcpos. vol 2. MATERIA MEDICA. 151 It appears, therefore, from the combined testimony of Drs. Chap- man, Gorham, and Allen, that physicians, in various parts of the country, may collect from their own fields, an annual visitor, pos- sessing all the properties of the genuine cantharis. This indi- genous production cannot fail of being generally adopted, as an excellent substitute for an expensive exotic, not always to be ob- tained. We shall notice another kind of indigenous blistering fly, the meloeniger of professor Woodhouse,or the Pennsylvanicus of Lin- naeus. This is not more than half the size of Chapman's fly, and is uniformly black. It feeds upon the prunella vulgaris, or self heal, and ambrosia trifida, or stick weed. During the month of August, the farmers of New England find them in immense quantities, extracting nourishment from the potatoe vine, which in some seasons they almost destroy. These flies, it is well as- certained, are not inferior in point of efficacy to any other species, whether of foreign or domestic production, and they seldom ex- cite strangury when applied externally. Malva Sylvestris. Common Mallow. The leaves and flowers. This is an annual plant growing in hedges, foot paths, and among rubbish. The whole plant abounds with mucilage. The leaves were formerly often used in food, to prevent costiveness. At present, decoctions of the plant are sometimes prescribed in dysenteries and urinaiy complaints; though it is chiefly employ- ed in emollient cataplasms, clysters, and fomentations. Maranta Arundinacea. Indian Arrow Root. The root. This plant was originally the production of the East Indies, and is now cultivated in Jamaica and other West India islands, and in South America. Arrow root agrees with sago, jalap, and topioca in its general nutritious property, but is reckoned to ex- cel them, so far as to afford a much larger proportion of mucilage than any vegetable hitherto discovered. Hence it is of superior utility as an article of diet for the sick and invalids, and particularly in cases of acrimony, either in the general habit, as in hectic fever or consumption ; or in particular secretions, as in affections of the urinary passages, namely, inflammation, stone, or gravel; and also in affections of the bowels, as in looseness and dysentery. It furnishes also an excellent remedy for the bowel complaints, which so commonly prevail in the United States during the warm season, especially among children. The jelly is made by adding to a table spoonful of the powdered root as much cold water as will make it into a soft paste, then pour on boiling water, stirring it at the same time briskly, until it become a clear jelly, which may be seasoned with sugar and nutmeg, or a little wine or lemon 152 MATERIA MEDICA juice may be added. For children it maybe prepared with milk, and if it ferment on the stomach, the addition of a little animal jelly will obviate that effect. Prepared in the form of pudding the arrow root powder is far preferable to any of the farinaceous substances, and affords a delicate and very proper food for con- valescent patients. According to Dr. Wright, of Jamaica, a de- coction of the fresh root makes an excellent ptisan in acute dis- eases. In a pamphlet published in 1796, by Mr. T. Rider, wc find the culture of this valuable article highly recommended ft) the West Indian planters, and the new African colonists, as an object of commerce, and the most eligible substitute for starch made of wheat. By the authors computation eight millions of pounds weight of starch are made annually in Great Britain alone from that valuable grain. It appears also by the same authority that arrow root starch is of the finest quality, and that one pound of it is equal to two pounds and a half of that prepared from wheat. Fortunately the arrow root has of late years been intro- duced into the states of South Carolina and Georgia, and by prac- tical experiment it is ascertained that the soil of the southern sea coast is well adapted to it. John Cooper, Esq. an opulent planter on St. Simon's, and Campbell Wylly, Esq. of Sapelo island, have, it is understood, so far succeeded hi their attempts as to afford the most flattering encouragement, that this important article may be added to the numerous sources of wealth enjoyed by our southern planters. The latter gentleman asserts, that a spot of land on his plantation yielded arrow root sago in the proportion of 1840 pounds to the acre. No production it is presumed can promise a more ample remuneration, to stimulate the planter to attempt its cultivation; and when it is considered, that, in propor- tion to the produce, the demand will be extended, its claim as a rival staple with rice and cotton may, perhaps, be anticipated. Makrubium Vulgare. White Horehound. The leaves. This is a perennial plant, which grows wild on road sides, and among rubbish. The leaves have a very strong, not disagreeable smell, and a roughish, very bitter taste. It is reputed to be both attenuant and resolvent; an infusion of the leaves in water, sweet- ened with honey, is recommended in asthmatic and phthisical complaints, as well as in most other diseases of the breast and lungs. They promote the fluid secretions in general, and libe- rally taken, loosen the belly. Dr. Withering observes that it was a favourite medicine with the ancients in obstructions of the viscera. He says, that it is the principal ingredient in the negro Caesar's remedy for vegetable poisons. That a young man who had occasion to take mercurial medicines, was thrown into a salivation which continued for more than a year. Eveiy method, that was tried to remove it, rather MATERIA MEDICA. 153 increased the complaint. At length Linnaeus prescribed an in* fusion of this plant, and the patient got well in a short time. Mel. Honey. A sweet fragrant vegetable juice, collected by bees from the flowers of various plants, and deposited in the cells of the comb. The honey produced by young bees, and which flows spontane- ously, is purer than that expressed from the comb ; whence it is called virgin honey: the best sort is of a thick consistence, and of a whitish colour inclining to yellow ; it possesses an agreeable smell and a pleasant taste. In some situations, where noxious plants abound, poisonous honey is met with, from the bees feed- ing on such flowers. As an article of food, when immoderately used, honey is pernicious to week stomachs; it ought therefore to be avoided by persons liable to eruptions of the skin, or in whom there is a redundancy of bile. This vegetable substance contains an acid similar to that of sugar, but is more spiritous : hence it readily ferments, occasions flatulency, and in some habits produces gripes and looseness. As a medicine, however, it is a very useful aperient and expectorant, especially when it has been previously boiled ; in which state, it may be used with safety and advantage by asthmatic patients; for it tends to dissolve viscid humours, and to promote the expectoration of tough phlegm. Honey is also convertible into an agreeable liquor termed mead; and it may be advantageously employed in the following manner: dissolve one pound of honey in three or four quarts of water, and being exposed to a temperature between the 70th and 80th de- gree of Fahrenheit's thermometer, it will in a short time become a very agreeable acid liquor, which possesses an aromatic flavour and strength, superior to that of the best vinegar made of white wine. This cheap and agreeable substitute for white wine vine- gar appears to deserve every attention in domestic economy, Melaleuca Leucadendron. The Cajeput Tree. The vola- tile oil. The tree which furnishes the cajeput oil is frequent in the East Indies. The essential oil, obtained by distillation from the leaves and fruit, has a green or yellowish colour, a strong fra- grant odour, and an extremely pungent taste. It is highly vola- tile. This oil has been used as a highly diffusible stimulant and antispasmodic, in tympanites, hysteria, palsy, chronic rheuma- tism, and various other diseases of debility. Its dose is three or four drops. It is also applied externally to relieve rheumatic and gouty pains, and violent headachs. But its most remarkable effect is in that painful complaint the toothach. From whatever cause this affection may proceed, whether from a carious tooth, rheu- 154 MATERIA MEDICA. matic acrimony, catarrh, Sec. the cajeput oil has generally been found efficacious in removing it, if dropped on lint, and placed in the cavity of the tooth, or even around the gum. Melia Azedarach. Poison Berry Tree. Pride of India or China. The fruit and root. This is not a native of America, but is now completely natu- ralized to the states of Carolina and Georgia; where it is highly valued for the beauty of its foliage, and agreeable shade, which it affords during the sultry season. In the city of Savannah the streets and public walks are ornamented by rows of this charming tree, and the compiler has recently been gratified with the enchant- ing view which they exhibit. The azedarach has also obtained considerable repute for the medicinal virtues which it is found to possess. Professor Barton says, it is one of the most valuable anthelmintics that has hitherto been discovered, and many re- spectable physicians in Savannah repose the fullest confidence in its efficacy. To Dr. L. Kollock, vice-president of the Georgia Medical Society, we are indebted for the following information. " It is a vermifuge of efficacy. Its use is in some measure ge- neral among the planters ; and with many supersedes the use of all others. I have given it with success where all others in com- mon use have failed of relieving. But when given in the months of March and April, while the sap is mounting into the tree, it has sometimes been followed by stupor, dilitation of pupil, ster- torous breathing, subsultus, &c. But these symptoms, like those sometimes produced by spigelia, pass off without any perceptible injury to the system. This article, like the spigelia, is also a use- ful febrifuge medicine, in those affections usually denominated verminous fevers, but where no worms are voided. The com- mon form is that of decoction. A large handful, say about four ounces of the bark of the fresh root is boiled in a quart of water, till it acquire the colour of strong coffee, i. e. to about a pint, of which from half an ounce to an ounce may be given every two or three hours till it operate. Given in this manner, its operation is powerful, sometimes both vomiting and purging. The strength of the decoction is however varied according to the intention." The dried berries of this tree have been advantageously employ- ed as an anthelmintic, in Carolina ; children being allowed to eat them at pleasure. The pulp of the fruit formed into an oint- ment with lard, it is said, has been successfully employed in tinea c aphis. Melissa Officinalis. Blam. The leaves. Balm is much cultivated in our gardens on account of its plea- sant aromatic smell, resembling that of the lemon, and its fra- MATERIA MEDTCA. 155 grant though roughish taste. It is principally employed in the form of a watery infusion, which is drunk in the manner of tea • and in acute fevers, when acidulated with the juice of lemon it is an useful diluent. Meloe Vesicatorius. Cantharis. Spanish Flies. The cantharis is an insect, collected from the leaves of plants in Spain and Italy, and dried in the sun. It is of a lively green colour; has a faint unpleasant smell, and a taste slightly acrid. The active matter of this insect inflames and excoriates the skin, and is used as the basis of the common vesicatories. Taken in- ternally they often occasion a discharge of blood by urine, with exquisite pain : if the dose be considerable, they seem to inflame and exulcerate the whole intestinal canal ; the stools become mucous and purulent; the breath foetid and cadaverous ; intense pains are felt in the lower belly: the patient faints, grows giddy, delirious, and dies. Applied to the skin, they first inflame, and afterwards excoriate the part, raising a more perfect blister than any of the vegetable acrids, and occasioning a more plentiful dis- charge of serum. But even the external application of cantharides is often followed by a stranguary, accompanied with thirst and feverish heat. The inconveniences arising from the use of can- tharides, whether taken internally, or applied externally, are best obviated by drinking plentifully of bland emollient liquids, such as milk, decoctions of barley, linseed, solutions of gum arabic, Sec. or by pouring warm water from a bottle, upon the lower part of the belly, as the person lies in bed. The specific property of counteracting cantharides ascribed to camphor, says Dr. Duncan has no foundation. Internally administered, it acts with much vio- lence on the urinary passages. In dropsy, it has been given as a diuretic, m a dose of one grain once or twice a-day, or a few drops of the tincture continued for some time : it has been pre- scribed m a similar manner in obstinate gleet and leucorrhoea, and in retention of urine arising from debility of the body, of the bladder, or in the opposite affection of incontinence of urine from debility of the sphincter. It is principally in these two last af- fections, that the internal administration of cantharides is attempt- ed. The tincture has been of late much recommended in teta- nus, &c. and in some instances has proved useful. Applied externally, cantharides are one of our best and most powerful remedies. By proper management they may be regu- lated so as to act as a gentle stimulus, as a rubefacient, or as a blister. Blisters are applied, 1. To increase the activity of the system in general, by means of their irritation. 2. To increase the activity of a particular organ. 3. To diminish morbid action in particular organs, by means of the irritation they excite in the parts to which t'hev are applied. 156 MATERIA MEDICA. They may be employed with advantage in almost all diseases accompanied with typhus fever, especially if any important vis- cus,asthe brain, lungs, or liver, be at the same time particularly affected. In these cases the blisters are not applied to the dis- eased organs themselves, but as near them as maybe convenient. When we wisTi to excite action in an organ, the blisters arc, if possible, applied directly to the diseased organ. Cantharides are employed externally, either in substance mix- ed up with wax and resin, so as to form a plaster, or ointment, or in the form of tincture. After a blister has been raised, it is often of advantage to con- vert the serous into a purulent discharge, by exciting suppura- tion, which is done by applying to the blistering part any acrid stimulating ointment; one, for example, containing a small pro- portion of powdered cantharides ; which answers the purpose by the irritation it keeps up.* It is a practice often employed with advantage in asthma, paralysis, and a variety of chronic affections. Dr Philip S. Physick, and Dr. Rush have in several instances experienced the efficiency of blisters to arrest the progress of mortification when applied to the diseased part. Mentha Viridis. Spearmint. The herb. Spearmint grows on the banks of rivers, and in watery situa- tions ; and flowers in the months of July and August. The leaves have a warm roughish, somewhat bitterish taste ; and a strong, not unpleasant, aromatic smell. Their virtues are stomachic and carminative. Mentha Piperita. Peppermint. The herb. Of the different mints, this is the one which has the greatest degree of pungency. The leaves have a strong, rather disagree- able smell, and an intensely pungent aromatic taste, resembling that of pepper; and accompanied with a peculiar sensation of coldness. They afford an essential oil, rich in the aromatic qua- lity of the herb. It also contains a small portion of camphor. Peppermint is used as a stimulant and carminative, to obviate nausea or griping, or to relieve the symptoms resulting from fla- tulence, and very frequently to cover the taste and odour of other medicines. It is also an excellent stomachic, of great use in fla- tulent colics, languors, and hysteric cases, and in vomiting. It is used under the forms of the watery infusion, the distilled water, and the essential oil. This last being dissolved in a due propor- tion of rectified spirit of wine, and coloured with green grass, forms the essence of peppermint of the shops ; a fashionable and • Sec cerat. Juniper METERIA MEDICA. 157 pleasant carminative, which when taken on sugar, imparts a glowing taste, sinking into the tongue, and extending its effects through the whole system, instantly communicating a glowing warmth. *•' Mentha Pulegium. Penny Royal. The herb and flower. This herb possesses properties similar to those of the mint; but it is more acrid, and less agreeable to the palate. It has long been esteemed as an aperient and deobstruent, particularly in hysteric and other female complaints. Dr. Withering observes, that the expressed juice of penny royal, with a little sugar, is an useful medicine in the hooping-cough. Mimosa Catechu. Catechu. The extract of the wood, called extract of catechu. This substance is obtained by boiling the interior wood of a cove tree with water, the decoction is poured off and evaporated, and the tenacious extract thus obtained, is dried by exposure to the air and sun. It was for a long time erroneously called Terra Japonica, from the earthy particles it contains; but which are entirely adventitious, and consist of impurities adhering to it. The extract of catechu, when in its purest state, is in small pieces of a yellow or brown colour, which may be reduced to powder, and almost entirely dissolved in water, or in* spirit of wine. It is a mild but excellent astringent, and leaves in the mouth an agreeable sweetness. This medicine is more particu- larly useful in alvine fluxes, and, where on this account astrin- gents become necessary, it is perhaps the most salutary. It is also successfully employed in complaints peculiar to fe- males, laxity and debility of the viscera in general, and in various other diseases, which require strengthening remedies. When dissolved in the mouth, the catechu has frequently afforded re- lief for weak and ulcerated gums, for aphthous eruptions, or the thrush and similar affections. The best form, in which this me- dicine can be taken, is that of simple infusion in warm water, with the addition of cinnamon or cassia. It is given in doses from fifteen to forty grains, according to the age and constitution of the patient. Mr. Davie has discovered that the mimosa catechu consists al- most wholly of pure tannin, and that its action on leather is in proportion powerful. 19 158 MATERIA MEDICA. Mimosa Nilotica. Egyptian yTimosa. Gummi Arabicum. The gum, called gum arabic. This, the purest of the gums, is obtained by spontaneous ex- udation from the mimosa, and afterwards hardens in the sun. It is in small irregular .pieces, white or yellowish, semipellucid, without taste or smell. It has all the properties of gum ; is in- soluble in alcohol or oils, and soluble in water, forming a viscid solution termed mucilage, v The pieces, which are the most transparent and have least colour, are reckoned the best. Gum arabic is used as a demulcent. In catarrh it is allowed to dissolve slowly in the mouth, and its mucilage is the basis of the mixtures usually employed to allay coughing. Its solution in water, more or less viscid, is frequently exhibited in diarrhoea, dysenteiy, tenesmus, strangury, and ardor tirinae. In pharma- cy, mucilage of gum arabic is employed for a variety of purpo- ses. It serves to suspend heavy powders in waters ; it gives te- nacity to substances made into pills, and it effects a partial union of oils, balsams, and resins, with water. Moschus Moscuiferus. IVie Musk Deer. The substance contained in a follicle situated near the navel, called musk. The musk animal is an inhabitant of China, India, and Tarta- iy. It is a gentle and timid animal; its general form resembles the deer tribe, and is about three feet in length. In the male, behind tfie navel, and before the prepuce, there is situated an oval bag, flat on one side, and convex on the other, about three inches long and two broad. In the adult animal this sac is filled with a secreted matter, known by the name of musk. Fine musk comes to us in round thin bladders; which are generally about the size of a pigeon's egg, covered with short brown hairs lined with a thin brown membrane, well filled, and without any appearance of having been opened. The musk it- self is dry, with a kind of unctuosity, of a dark reddish brown, or rusty blackish colour, in small round grains, with very few hard black clots, and perfectly free from sandy or other visible foreign matter. If chewed, and rubbed with a knife on paper, it looks smooth, bright, yellowish, and is free from grittiness. Its j^ taste is somewhat bitterish, and its smell extremely powerful and * peculiar. Musk yields part of its active matter to water, by in- fusion ; by distillation the water is impregnated with its flavour; alcohol dissolves it, the impurities excepted* Mlisk is a medicine of very great efficacy, and for which, in some cases, there is hardly any substitute. When properly admi- nistered, it sometimes succeeds in the most desperate circumstan- ces. It raises the pulse without heating much ; it allays spasms, and operates remarkably on the brain, increasiog the powers of thought, sensation, and voluntary motion. It is administered with f MATERIA MEDICA. 159 advantage in the greater number of spasmodic diseases, especial- ly in hysteria and singultus, and also in diseases of debility. In typhus it is employed to relieve subsultus tendinum, and other symptoms of a spasmodic nature. In cholera it frequently stops vomiting, and, combined with ammonia, it is given to arrest the progress of gangrene. It is also used with the greatest benefit in exanthematous and phlegmonic diseases, accompanied with ty- phoid fever, and also in chin cough, epilepsy, trismus, Sec. Its dose is from six to twenty grains, repeated, if necessary, eveiy five or six hours. It is best exhibited in the form of bolus. To children, it is given in the form of enema, and is an efficacious remedy in the convulsions arising from dentition. Murias Ammonia. Muriate of Ammonia. Sal Ammoniac. Muriate of ammonia is found native, especially in the neigh- bourhood of volcanoes. It was first prepared in Egypt, from the soot of camel-dung, by sublimation. But the greatest part of that now used, is manufactured in Europe, either by combining di- rectly ammonia with muriatic acid, or by decomposing the sul- phate of ammonia by means of muriate of soda, or* the muriates of lime and magnesia by means of ammonia. It is prepared in solid masses, semitransparent, and somewhat ductile. It is vola- tile in a small degree of heat; its alkali is extricated in pungent vapours on the admixture of quick-lime ; its acid is extricated in white fumes, on pouring concentrated sulphuric acid upon it. It dissolves in rather less than thrice its weight of water. Sal ammoniac, when pure, promotes perspiration, and, in some cases, increases the secretion of urine. A drachm of it dissolv- ed in water, if the patient be kept warm after taking it, gene- rally proves sudorific. By moderate exercise in the open air, it operates beneficially on the kidneys ; given in a large dose, it / proves aperient; and in a still larger, it acts as an emetic. As a cooling and diaphoretic medicine, the sal ammoniac, dis- solved either in vinegar and water, or combined with small doses of the Peruvian bark, has often been attended with the best ef- fects, when taken in fevers, and especially in intermittents, after the intestinal canal has been properly evacuated. This salt has also been employed externally in lotions and em- brocations, for scirrhous and other indolent tumours ; for remov- ing warts and other excrescenses, and in gargarisms for inflam- mation of the tonsils. Externally applied, sal ammoniac is a valu- able remedy. It may act in two ways, 1. By the cold produced during its solution. It is from this cause that fomentations of muriate of ammonia probably prove beneficial in mania, apoplexy from plethora, lesions of the head, and in violent headachs When used with this intention^ the solution should be applied as soon as it is made. 2. By the stimulus of the salt. On this princi- ple wc may explain its action as a discutient in indolent tumours 166 MATERIA MEDICA. of all kinds, contusion, gangrene, psora, ophthalmia, cynanchc, and in stimulating clysters. In some cases, as in chilblains, and other indolent inflammations, both modes of action may be ser- viceable. When first applied, the coldness of the solution will diminish the sense of heat and uneasiness of the part, and the sub- sequent stimulus will excite a more healthy action in the vessels. Murias Sodje. Muriate of Soda. Common Sea Salt. This is the most common of all the neutral salts. It is not only found in immense masses, on, and under the earth's surface, and contained in great quantities in many salt springs ; but it is the cause of the saltness of the sea. Common salt differs from all other neutral substances of this nature, in its taste being purely- saline, and occasioning thirst after it it has been swallowed. The primitive figure of its crystals is that of a cube ; but, on evaporat- ing a solution of salt, the small cubic particles assume the secon- dary form of hollow squares. When the crystals are perfectly pure, they are not affected by moist air ; and in this state, one hundred parts, according to Bergman, contain fifty-two of muria- tic acid, or spirit of salt; forty-two of soda, or mineral alkali; and six of water of crystallization. Nature furnishes us with this neutral salt, cither in a solid state ; in mines; or dissolved in the sea; or in saline springs. If it be obtained from the bowels of the earth, it is called rock-salt; and is generally very hard and transparent, though it is some- times opaque, white, and sometimes of red, green, blue, or other shades. The purest of this kind is colourless; the other species are purified by solution in water, and by recrystallization, before they can be employed for culinary purposes. The principal mines of rock-salt are in the vicinity of Cracow, in Poland, and at North- wich, in the county of Chester. The salt, however, which is thus easily procured, and in very large masses, by no means affords a sufficient supply : hence numerous persons are employed in ex- tracting it from sea-water, or from saline springs. The former yields only from one 50th to one 30th part of its weight; but the latter produce the greatest quantities ; and we are informed by Dr. Brownrigg, that the celebrated saline springs in Great Britain contain more than one 6th part of good salt. Common salt is obtained from these natural solutions by three different methods: first, the saline fluid is speedily evaporated, till the salt begin to concrete, and settle in the form of grains at the bottom of the pans; after which it is put into proper vessels for draining the brine : and when the process is completed, it is called bay salt. By the second method the evaporation is slow and gradual; so that it is continued only till a saline crust is formed on the surface of the liquor, vvhjph soon shoots into crys- talline cubes. MATERIA MEDICA. 161 The manufacture of salt in the United States is of more im- portance than is generally imagined. It appears, that from the 1st of October, 1800, to the 30th of September, 1801, 3,282,063 bushels ©f salt were imported, and of this quantity more than one third was imported from England. This salt, which chiefly comes from Liverpool, and the Mersey, according to Dr. Mitchell, is both weak and impure; as sea-water, brine springs, and rock- salt, generally abound with various other earthy and saline in- gredients, such as lime, magnesia, epsom-salt, gypsum, glaubers salt, &c. all of which injure the quality of salt, and disqualify it for preserving animal flesh. On the shores of Cape Cod, and some other parts of Massachu- setts, marine salt is manufactured to very considerable profit and extent, from sea-water, evaporated by the rays of the sun. The whole annual amount cannot be estimated, as great improve- ments having been made in the construction of the works, and in abridging the performance of labour, the manufacture is rapidly increasing. • There is, however, every reason to conclude, that, with proper exertion and encouragement, this article might be furnished from our own shores, sufficiently abundant for the con- sumption of the New-England states. This domestic salt excels in purity, whiteness, and weight; and is not inferior to the first quality of Isle of May salt. A cir- cumstance which adds to its excellency, is, that during the pro- cess of evaporation, the lime is entirely separated from it, by- subsiding to the bottom of the vats. Basket salt, may be prepared from small fine crystals of com- mon salt, which must be cleansed, or purified, by dissolving, and again evaporating to dryness ; in which state it may be reduced to fine powder, and pressed hard into wicker-baskets, and dried at the stove or oven for use. With respect to its medicinal properties, common salt, when taken in small quantities, promotes the appetite and digestion; but, if given in large doses, for instance half an ounce, it operates as a laxative. It is useful in some cases of dyspepsia; and in large doses, it is said to check vomiting of blood. According to Dr. Rush, a table spoonful of fine salt, taken dry, has frequently afforded instant relief in haemoptysis and other haemorrhagies. It is a common ingredient in stimulating clysters, and is some- times applied externally, as a fomentation to bruises, or in the form of bath, as a gentle stimulus to the whole surface of the body. [See the articles vinegar and lemon jtiice.] Mvrica Cerifera Humilis. Dwarf Candteberry Myrtle. Bayberry. The bark of the root. There are in the United States several species of this plant, from which myrtle wax is obtained in abundance. The dwarf ■•?.ndlebcrry myrtle, commonly called in the New-England str-trs. 142 MATERIA MEDICA. bayberry, is a plant which possesses considerable medicinal vir- tues. The bark of the root is much employed by common peo- ple in jaundice, from obstructions to the flow of bile. This me- dicine has been employed by the aborigines as a mild emetic. According to Dr. James Mann, of Wrentham, who has used the bark in powder, its strength is ecpial to ipecacuanha. A more particular acquaintance with its medicinal properties ought to be attempted by practical experiments. Myristica Moschata. The Xutmeg Tree. The kernel of the fruit, called nutmeg ; its involucre, called mace ; its fixed oil, called oil of mace ; and its volatile oil. Under the officinal name myristica, are comprehended nux moschata or nutmeg, and macis or mace ; the former being the seed or kernel of the fruit, the latter the covering with which it is immediately surrounded. The tree which furnishes this ele- gant spice is a native of the Molucca islands. Nutmegs are round, of a grayish colour, streaked with brown lines, slightly unctuous; they have a strong aromatic flavour, and a pungent taste. They yield their active matter entirely to alcohol: distil- led with water, they afford a fragrant essential oil; by expression, a sebacious oil is obtained from them, retaining their fragrant odour, and part of their pungency. Nutmeg is used in medicine as a grateful aromatic, stomachic, and astringent: hence this drug has often been administered in diarrhoeas and dysenteries, in doses from ten to twenty grains in powder, or in larger quantities, when infused in port wine In violent headachs arising from a debilitated stomach, small doses of this medicine have frequently been found of real service ; but, if injudiciously employed, it is apt to infect the head not unlike opium, and other powerful narcotics. Mace, the involucre of the nutmeg, is a thin unctuous mem- brane, of a yellowish colour, which it acquires by being dried in the sun. It emits a very fragrant agreeable odour, and has a pleasant though acrid and oleaginous taste. It is reputed to be an excellent carminative, and stomachic, possessing all the virtues of the nutmeg, with less astringency. Its oil, whether distilled or expressed, is equally efficacious ; and when taken internally, in doses from one to five drops, fre- quently affords relief in colics. Externally, it is of great utility, if rubbed on paralytic limbs ; it also promotes digestion, and of- ten prevents vomiting and hiccoughs on being applied to the region of the stomach. MATERIA MEDICA. 163 Myroxylon Peruiferum Sweet smelling Balsam Tree. The balsam, called Peruvian balsam. This tree grows in the warmest provinces of South America, and is remarkable for its elegant appearance. Every part of it abounds with resinous juice, even the leaves are full of transpa- rent resinous points like those of the orange tree. The balsam, as brought to us, is commonly of the consistence of thin honey, of a reddish brown colour, inclining to black, an agreeable aromatic smell, and a very hot biting taste. It is said to be obtained by boiling the cuttings of the twigs in water, and skimming off with a spoon the balsam which swims on the top. Peruvian balsam consists of a volatile oil, resin, and benzoic acid. It is accordingly entirely soluble in alcohol, and in essential oils. Balsam of Peru is a very warm aromatic medicine, considera- bly hotter and more acrid than copaiva. Its principal effects are, to warm the habit, to strengthen the nervous system, and to at- tenuate viscid humours. Hence its use in some kinds of asth- mas, gonorrhoeas, dysenteries, suppressions of the uterine dis- charges, and other disorders proceeding from a debility of the solids. It is also employed externally for cleansing and healing wounds and ulcers. " In several cases of tetanus that have fal- len under my notice arising from wounds," says Dr. L. Kollock, of Savannah, " I have attributed the cure to the external appli- cation, and internal use, of balsam of Peru, whose influence has in several instances almost immediately controlled the spasms, and of itself restored the patient when rapidly sinking under the very liberal use of opium, bark, and wine. Two drachms in twelve or twenty four hours is the largest quantity I have ever found it necessaiy to give." Myrrha. Myrrh. A gum resin. A gummy resinous concrete juice, obtained from a shrub growing in the East Indies, but of which we possess no certain account. The best myrrh is somewhat transparent, of a uniform brown- ish, or reddish yellow colour; of a slightly pungent, bitter taste; with a strong aromatic, not disagreeable odour, though nauseous to the palate. In its medicinal effects, this aromatic bitter, when taken inter- nally, is supposed to warm and strengthen the stomach and other viscera ; it frequently occasions mild diaphoresis, and, in gene- ral, promotes the fluid secretions. Hence it has been used with; advantage in cases of debility; in diseases arising from suppres- sion of the urine, or from immoderate discharges, in cachectic habits, and those persons whose lungs and throat are oppressed by viscid phlegm. It is farther believed to resist putrefaction in all parts of the body : on which account it is highly recommend- 164 MAIEKIA MEDICA ed in malignant, putrid, and pestilential fevers ; and in the »mall pox. For these purposes it should be taken in doses of half a drachm or upwards ; and it may also be usefully combined with nitre, cream of tartar, or some other cooling salt. Myrrh is an expectorant, which has been regarded as too stimulating to be employed in pneumonic affections, or in phthisis, but which has been often employed in asthma and chronic catarrh. Its dose is from ten to twenty or thirty grains. The tincture of myrrh is in common use externally as a stimulating application to foul ulcers, and to spongy gums. Myrtus Pimenta. Pimento Tree. The fruit, called Jamaica Pepper. This is a native of Jamaica, and grows in all the wood lands on the north side. The berries are pulled before they are ripe, and dried in the sun. The smell of this spice resembles a mixture of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmegs : its taste approaches to that of cloves, or a mixture of the three foregoing ; whence it has re- ceived the name of allspice. Pimento is a warm aromatic stimulant, and is much used as a condiment in dressing food. As a medicine it is advantageously substituted for the more costly spices, especially in hospital prac- tice. Nicotiana Tabacum. Tobacco. The leaves. The tobacco plant is a native of America, where considerable quantities are annually raised for exportation. The leaves have a strong, disagreeable, narcotic smell, and a very acrid burning taste. The active constituent of tobacco is an essential oil; so active, that small animals are almost instantly killed, when woun- ded by a needle dipped in it ; and a few drops of this oil taken internally have operated as a fatal poison. Hence the pernicious effects, which may result from smoking the leaves of this noxious plant may be easily inferred.* The effects of tobacco are those of a powerful narcotic. Along with severe nausea and vomiting, it reduces the force of the cir- culation, and occasions extreme muscular debility, with insensi- bility and cold sweats. As a diffusible stimulant, the smoke of tdbacco, thrown into the intestines, was at one time employed in the recovery of drowned persons, a practice now exploded as per- • The reader who is anxious to see its injurious effects on both body and mind, detailed in an ample manner, is referred to an excellent paper of Dr. Rush, in his Essays, Literary, Moral and Phylosophical. Philadelphia, 1798; and to Dr. "Waterhouso's Lecture on the" evil tendency of tobacco, &c. Cambridge, Nov. ?0, !804. MATERIA MEDICA. 164 nicious. It is employed with more advantage in ileus and incar- cerated hernia, though it requires to be managed with much cau- tion. Thejjyatery infusion, of the strength of two drachms of the tobacco to one pound of water, is a more convenient mode of ex- hibiting it, as an enema. The smoke received into the mouth relieves the pain of toothach by its narcotic power, or by excit- ing a profuse salivary discharge. Reduced to powder, it proves an excellent errhine and sternutatory, when snuffed up the nos- trils. In infusion it is also applied externally for the cure of psora, tinea, and other cutaneous diseases. In an inaugural dissertation by Dr. Brailsford of South Caroli- na, (Philadelphia 1799) the author asserts, that the evident ope- ration of tobacco on the system, is that of a sudorific and emetic, a cathartic, and a diuretic. Hence the propriety of its use, in a variety of diseases. In cases of ascites and other dropsical affec- tions, it appears to be an invaluable remedy. As a diuretic it is excelled by few if any of our indigenous plants. Dr. Fowler, by extensive experiments, has proved it to be a powerful diuretic, in cases of dropsies and dysuries. He prescribed it in the form of infusion ; about eighty drops of which he considers as the ave- rage dose for an adult, or to begin with sixty drops, and increase the number by five, eight, or ten at a time, to one hundred ; or till by their obvious effects on the system, the proper dose shall be ascertained. The properest times for administering the medi- cine, are two hours before dinner, and at bed time ; it being ob- served to disagree the most with the stomach, in the morning fasting. In cases of nephritis calculosa, or gravel, the infusion was giv- en with astonishing effect. In many cases of asthma Dr. Fow- ler found the infusion to prove a good expectorant, and to afford great relief. The decoction of tobacco exhibited in cases of co- lic, procured relief almost instantaneously after other medicines had proved ineffectual. One ounce of the infusion, in half a pint of milk or gruel, is a medium dose in the form of injection for an adult of an ordinary constitution : this is to be repeated, or the strength of it increased, as occasion may require. In the iliac passion, and in hernia, both the infusion and smoke of tobacco have been employed in the form of injection with the happiest effects. In tympanites intestinalis strong clysters of to- bacco infusion have greatly relieved the patients. As a vermi- fuge it is deserving of being held in high repute, either taken internally, or. according to professor Barton, the leaves are to be pounded with vinegar, and applied in the shape of a poultice to the region of the stomach, or other part of the abdomen. In consequence of this application, worms are often discharged, af- , ter powerful anthelmintics have been exhibited internally in vain. In cases of obstinate constipation of the abdominal viscera, the infusion of this medicine has been administered, and often with immediate relief, by occasioning a. speedy expulsion of the ob- 30 166 M.UKiUA Ml.liK A struclcd indurated feces. In the tetanus, or lock jaw, injection* of this infusion have been used with success ; they not only pro- duce evacuations from the bowels, which are generally obstinate- ly constipated, but from their antispasmodic powers, occasion a relaxation of the violent spasms so peculiar in this disease. Dr. James Currie, of Liverpool, has employed with remarkable suc- cess, a cataplasm formed chiefly of tobacco, applied to the scro- biculus cordis, about half an hour before the expected accession ef the paroxysm, both in epilepsy, and in obstinate intermittents; and in two cases of general convulsion, by means of the decoction m the form of enema, he performed cures altogether surprising and unexpected. Nitras PoTAsSiE. Xiirale of Potash. Mtrc. Salt Pctre. This salt, consisting of nitric acid and potash, is found ready formed on the surface of the soil in warm climates. In the south of Europe, its production is accelerated by artificial arrangements. Animal and vegetable substances, in a state of decomposition, are mixed with a quantity of carbonate of lime, and exposed to the air, but protected from the rain. After a certain period, the materials are found to contain nitrate of lime and nitrate of pot- ash. These salts are extracted by lixiviation with water ; potash is added by which the nitrate of lime is decomposed, and the quan- tity of nitrate of potash increased ; and this salt is purified by re- peated solutions and crystallizations. It is also found in several parts of the United States. ''During the process by which the nitrate of potash is formed, it appears that the azot of the animal matter combines partly with the oxygen of the atmospheric air, and partly with the oxygen of the animal substances. The resulting compound, the nitric acid, is attracted in part by the lime present, and in part by a quantity of potash, which seems to be likewise formed during the pro- cess. Nitre is of a sharp, bitterish, penetrating taste, followed by a sensation of coldness. When pure, it dissolves in about six times its weight of water, and on evaporating the latter concretes into transparent crystals. It easily melts in the fire, where it defla- grates with a bright flame, accompanied with a crackling noise, and afterwards deposits a large portion of alkaline earth. Purified nitre is prescribed with advantage in numerous disor- ders. Its virtues are those of a refrigerant and diuretic. It is usually given in doses from two or three grains, to a scruple, being a very cooling and resolvent medicine, which, by relaxing the spasmodic rigidity of the vessels, promotes not only the secretion of urine, but at the same time insensible perspiration, in febrile disorders ; while it allays thirst and abates heat j though in ma- lignant cases in which the pulse is low, and the patients strength exhausted, it produces contrary effects. MATERIA MEDICA. 167 When combined with the Peruvian bark, nitre affords a useful " corrective to that drug, in the cure of spreading gangrenes ; as it prevents lhe additional heat which the bark frequently occa- sions : so that the efficacy of the latter is increased by the anti- septic quality of the former. But this cooling salt should never be administered in cases where the violence of the fever depends on bilious or putrid impurities in the abdomen, and where the patient is subject to haemorrhagies^or fluxes of blood, arising from a vitiated state of the fluids. On the contrary, salt petre will be most beneficially used in acute rheumatisms, inflammatory fevers, and even in those haemorrhagies arising from congestions of the blood in general, or from a plethoric state. This powerful salt, when inadvertently taken in too large quan- tities, is one of the most fatal poisons. There are several attest- ed cases on record, and some recent instances might be added, in which from half to a whole ounce of salt petre has occasioned violent vomiting, convulsions, swelling, and other painful symp- toms, in persons who, by mistake, had swallowed it in a dissolv- ed state, iiastead of glaubec, or similar salts. The most proper antidote in such distressing situations, will be a scruple or half a drachm of ipecacuanha, with a teacup full of sweet oil, and a large quantity of warm water to be drunk after it, to promote its ope- ration, as an emetic. It will be necessary also to make use of copious and frequent draughts of mucilaginous decoctions, of marsh mallows, pearl barley, arrow root &c. after which a gentle opiate will afflfrd the desired relief. For some interesting ob- servations relative to the deleterious properties of salt petre, the reader is referred to Dr. Mitchell's letter to Dr. Priestly.* Olea Europjea. The Olive Tree. The fixed oil of the fruit, called olive oil. The olive tree is a native of the southern parts of Europe, es- pecially Italy, Spain, France and Portugal, where it is cultivated to a very considerable extent, on account of its fruit, from which the sweet or salad oil is extracted ; and which also, when pick- led, forms an article of food. Olives possess, in their natural state, an acrid, bitter, and extremely disagreeable taste ; which, howe- ver, is considerably improved when this fruit is pickled. On ac- count of the great quantity of oil they contain, olives, if eaten by persons of delicate habits, are extremely hurtful, especially if ta- ken by way of desert, after a solid or heavy dinner. As an arti- cle of food, olive oil is preferable to animal &t ; but it ought always to be mild, fresh, and of a sweet taste. It should not how- ever be eaten by persons of weak stomachs ; for even in its mild- est state, it produces rancidity and acrimony, which are extreme- ly injurious to digestion. Med. Repos. vol. 3. p. 14. 168 MA11 l;l\ MEDICA Medicinally considered, olive oil has lately been found an ex- cellent preventive of the plague, when rubbed over the whole bo- dy, immediately after the contagion is supposed to have taken place. The oil, when properly applied, and followed by a con- siderable degree of friction, occasioned a copious sweat over the whole body, by which, it is said, the patients were immediately cured. Olive oil has also been employed with success as an antidote against the poison occasioned by the bite of serpents, especially that of the rattlesnake. In several cases apparently desperate, when a few spoonfuls of oil had been swidlowed, the vio.ent symptoms instantaneously subsided, and cures were soon effect- ed. In gouty patients, sweet oil rubbed into the pained limb, proves a very soothing, safe, and useful application. It is also beneficially employed internally for recent colds, coughs, hoarse- ness, Sec. and as a gentle laxative, it is sometimes given in cases of worms. It is also directed in large quantities to mitigate the action of acrid substances taken into the stomach. Externally it is used in frictions, in gargles, and in clysicrs; but its principal use is for the composition of ointments and plasters. Ostrea Edulis. Oyster. The shells. These shell-fish cast their spawn in the month of May,when they become subject to a periodical affection ; the m4fb fish, having a black substance in the fin, is black-sick; and the female oyster, from a milky juice in its fin, is said to be white-sick : in June and July they begin to recover, and are in August perfectly sound. They are saltish in the pits, more saline in the beds or layers, and very salt in the sea. Oysters are esteemed as excellent food, and are eaten both raw, and dressed, in various ways : in a fresh state, however, they are doubtless preferable ; for, by cooking, they are in a great measure deprived of their nourishing jelly, and of the salt water which promotes their digestion in the stomach. The shells of the oyster are composed like all the mother-of- pearl shells, of alternate layers of carbonate of lime, and a thin membranaceous substance, which exactly resembles coagulated albumen, in all its properties. By burning, the membrane is destroyed, and they are converted into lime, which, although very pure, possesses, no advantage over that of the mineral kingdom. Ovis Aries. The Sheep. The fat, called mutton suet. Mutton suet is officinal, for the purpose of giving consistency to ointments and plasters. MATERIA MEDICA. 16*i Oxalis Acetosella. Wood Sorrel. The leaves. This is a small perennial plant, growing wild in woods, and shady hedges. The leaves contain a considerable quantity of su- per-oxalate of potash, and have an extremely pleasant acid taste. They possess the same powers with the vegetable acids in gene- ral, and an infusion of them makes a very palatable diet drink in ardent fevers ; and on being boiled in milk, they form an agree- able whey. But the most easy and efficacious way of preserving these leaves is that of converting them into a conserve with the addition of double their weight of sugar; in which form they are an excellent substitute for lemons, and may be given with advan- tage in all putrid and other fevers, where antiseptics are indi- cated. The super-oxalate of potash is extracted in large quantities from the leaves of this plant, and sold under the name of F.ssen- tial salt of lemons. OxinuM Arsenici. Oxyd of Arsenic. Arsenic is a heavy, opaque, crystalline substance, of a very sin- gular nature, contained in greater or less quantity in the ore of most metalline bodies, particularly in those of tin and bismuth, and in the mineral, called cobalt, from which last most of the ar- senic brought to us, is extracted in Saxony, by a kind of sublima- tion. It is in a white crystalline, brilliant, transparent mass, but soon becoming opaque, yet without losing its whiteness. Its true nature is so little known, that chemists have hesitated whether it ought to be ranked among the salts or semi-metals; because it may by various processes, be made to assume either a saline or metallic state. It is very volatile, and easily oxydated. By oxy- dation, it is converted into a white powder, which has been con- sidered as an oxyd, and lately, perhaps more justly, as an imper- fect acid. Oxyd of arsenic is one of the most sudden and violent poisons we are acquainted with. In mines, it causes the destruction of numbers who explore them ; and it is frequently the instrument by which victims are sacrificed, either by the hand of wickedness, or imprudence. The fumes of arsenic are so deleterious to the lungs, that the artist ought to be on his guard, to prevent their exhalation by the mouth ; for if they be mixed and swallowed with the saliva, ef- fects will take place similar to those which follow its introduction into the stomach in a saline state; namely, a sensation of a piercing, gnawing, and burning kind, accompanied with an acute pain in the stomach and intestines, which last are violently con- torted ; convulsive vomiting; insatiable thirst, from the parched and rough state of the tongue and throat; hiccough, palpitation of the heart, and a deadly oppression of the whole breast, sue- 174 MAT I. Ill A MEDICA. ceed next; the matters ejected by the mouth, as well as the stook, exhibit a black, foetid, and putrid appearance ; at length, with the xnortiiiration of the bowels, the pain subsides, and death termi- nates the su ill-rings of the patient. Soon after death, livid spots appear on the surface of the body, the nails become blue, ..ml often fall off along with the hair, and the whole body becomes very speedily putrid. When the quantity is so very small as not to prove fatal, tremors, paralysis, and lingering hectics, succeed. On dissection, the stomach and bowels are found to be inflam- ed, gangrenous, and corroded, and the blood is fluid. The antidotes which have been recommended to the poison of arsenic, are various. Vomiting must be immediately excited by giving some brisk emetics, as half a drachm of white vitriol, and after it, plenty of sweet, linseed, or almond oil; large draughts of milk, bailey gruel, or warmed beer with a third part of oil, or fresh butter, should be taken. Mr. Navier prescribes one drachm of sulphurate of potash (liver of sulphur), to be dissolved in a pint of water, which the patient is to drink at several draughts. The sulphur unites with the arsenic and destroys its causticity and effects. According to Hehneman, a solution of white soap is the best remedy. One pound of soap may be dissolved in four pounds of hot water, and a cup full of this solution may be drunk lukewarm every three or four minutes, that the patient may swallow several pounds in the course of two hours. To promote the evacuation of the poison by stool, clysters composed of the preceding liquids, and a third part of castor oil, ought to be speedily administered, and the whole abdomen fomented with soap water. Though the most violent of mineral poisons, arsenic, according to Murray, equals, when properly administered, the first medi- cines in the class of tonics. Of all the diseases, says Dr. Dun- can, in which white oxyd of arsenic has been used internally, there is no one in which it has been so frequently and so success- fully employed, as in the cure of intermittent fevers. We have now the most satisfactory information concerning this article, in the Medical Reports, of the effects of arsenic in the cure of agues, remitting fevers, and periodical headachs, by Dr. Fowler, of Stafford. The medicine he employed was the arscnile of potash. He directs that sixty-four grains of oxyd ot arsenic, reduced to avcry fine powder, and mixed with as much carbonate of potash, should be added to half a pound of distilled water, in a 1 lorence flask; that it should then be placed in a sand heat, and gently boiled till the oxyd of arsenic be completely dissolved ; that after the solution is cold, half an ounce of compound spirits of laven- der be added to it, and as much distilled water as to make the whole solution amount to a pound. This solution is taken in doses regulated according to the age, strength, and other circumstances of the patient. Those from two to four years are to take from two to four drops; from five to seven, from five to seven drops; from eight to twelve, from seven to ten drops; from thirteen to MATERIA MEDICA 171 eighteen and upwards, may take twelve drops at a dose, in any proper vehicle, two or three times a day. The use of this solu- tion is to be occasionally intermitted, and not persisted in, if it do not soon prove effectual; and immediately relinquished if it occasion nausea and purging. In the diseases mentioned above, particularly intermittents, it has been found to be a safe and efficacious remedy, by Drs. Fow- ler, Withering, and other respectable practitioners. A preparation similar to that directed by Dr. Fowler, and cal- led the white tasteless ague drops, has lately been given with singular efficacy in the hooping cough. The celebrated professor Barton observes, that he has for se- veral years employed the oxyd of arsenic in substance, in pre- ference to Dr. Fowler's solution. He commonly gives it in com- bination with opium. One grain of the arsenic is united to four or eight grains of the opium, and made into a mass with conserve of roses, or honey. This is divided into sixteen pills, of which an adult patient is to take two or three at different periods in the course of the day and night, especially during the apyrexia, in intermittent fevers. Such are the powers of this medicine, that two grains of it are often sufficient to cure an intermittent, that has continued for weeks! For children, he directs that the arsenic be rubbed with honey, and molasses and water, and sometimes with a portion of gum arabic. In this form it is very conveniently given to chil- dren by drops; and the quantity of mineral, in each dose, may be estimated with considerable accuracy. As an external remedy, arsenic has long been known as the basis of the most celebrated cancer powders; and it has frequent- ly been resorted to in various forms, with the v iew of correcting the intolerable fastor attending cancerous and other foul ulcers, with great success. Arneman recommends an ointment of one drachm of arsenious acid, (oxyd of arsenic) the same quantity of sulphur, an ounce of distilled vinegar, and an ounce of white oxyd of lead, in cancerous, obstin; to, ill-conditioned sores, and in suppurated scrofulous glands. Le Feburc washed cancerous sores frequently in the course of the day, with a solution of four grains of oxyd of arsenic in two pounds of water. Arsenic has even been applied in substance, sprinkled upon the ulcer; but this mode of using it is excessively painful, and extremely dangerous. There have been fatal effects produced from its absorption. The principal thing to be attended to in arsenical applications, is to diminish their activity to a certain degree. They then cause little irritation or pain; but rather excite a gentle degree of in- flammation, which causes the diseased parts to slough off; and it has the peculiar advantage of not extending its operation later- ally. No other escharotic possesses equal powers in cancerous af- fections ; it not unfrequently amends the discharge, causes the \?2 MATERIA MEDICA. X sore to contract in size, and cases have been related of its having effected a cure. But says Dr. Willich, " We are, on the combined testimony of many medical practitioners, conspicuous for their professional zeal and integrity, irresistibly induced to declare our opinion, at least, against the internal use of this active and dangerous medi- cine. " Of the numerous authors which might be adduced in support of this declaration, we shall here avail ourselves only of the con- clusive testimony of Dr. Black, the late professor of chemistry, in the university of Edinburgh, who maintains, that he has seen the internal exhibition of arsenic attended with fatal effects, such as hectics, &c. nay, he declares, that the external application of this substance has often produced dreadful consequences ; so that, far from recommending it internally, he reprobates even the external use of this precarious drug. Unless, therefore, it could be proved by a plurality of cases, that patients after the taking of arsenic to some extent, have not only recovered from agues, cancers, hoop- ing cough, 8cc. but that they have likewise attained to a consi- derable age without ever having been subject to paralytic, spas- modic, and phthisical disorders, we shall not be disposed to re- tract our opinion of its virulent and destructive tendency." Mr. Morvealt, it is said, has brought arsenic to the state of a true neutral salt, readily soluble h< water, by mixing it with equal quantities of nitre, and then submitting them to a chemical pro- cess. Mr. Miiner, of Cambridge, England, has also produced an arsenical salt of the same nature, which has been employed with the greatest success in that neighbourhood by several practitioners. ■ The red and yellow arsenics, both native and factitious, have little taste, and are much less virulent in their effects than the white arsenic. Sulphur, which restrains the power of mercury and the antimonial metal, remarkably abates the virulence of this poi- sonous mineral also. Such of these substances as participate more largely of sulphur, seem to be almost innocent: the facti- tious red arsenic, and the native orpiments, have been given to dogs in considerable quantity, without being productive of any apparent ill consequences. Oxidum Plumbi Album. White Oxyd of Lead. Cerusse. The white oxyd of lead is manufactured in several countries; it is prepared by exposing lead to the vapour of vinegar. To accelerate the oxydizement, the lead is cast into thin plates, which are suspended over a vessel containing vinegar, in a mo- derately warm place, that the vapour arising from the acid may circulate freely round the plates: a while powder settles in the course of two or three weeks on the surface of the metal, which is in due time removed; and the remains of the piates again ex- posed to the vapour of vinegar, until they be entirely corroded, MATERIA MEDICA. 173 and converted into a white calx, when it is called cerusse, or white lead. White oxyd of lead is used in surgery; and on account of its cooling, drying, and astringent properties, is of considerable ser- vice when sprinkled over running sores and ulcers. In pharmacy it is used only in the composition of ointments and plasters. OxmuM Plumbi Rubrum. Red Oxyd of Lead. Red Lead. The preparation of red lead is so troublesome and tedious, as scarcely ever to be attempted by the apothecary or chemist. The makers melt large quantities of lead at once, upon the bottom of a reverberatory furnace built for this purpose, and so contrived, that the flame acts upon a large surface of the metal, which is con- tinually changed by the means of iron rakes drawn backwards and forwards, till the fluidity of the lead be destroyed-, after which the oxyd is only now and then turned. The red oxyd of lead is obtained in the form of a very heavy powder, consisting of minute shining scales, of a bright scarlet, verging towards yellow, especially if triturated. In medicine red lead is only employed externally ; it obtunds the acrimony of humours; mitigates inflammations; and if judi- ciously applied, is of excellent service in cleansing and healing old ulcers. OxinuM Plumbi Semivitreum. Semi-vitrified Oxyd of Lead. Litharge. If oxydized lead be urged with a hasty fire, it melts into the appearance of oil, and on cooling concretes into litharge. Greatest part of the litharge met with in the shops, is produced in the purification of silver from lead, and the refining of gold and silver by means of this metal. According to the degree of fire and other circumstances, it proves of a pale or deep colour: the first has been commonly called litharge of silver, the other litharge of gold. The oxyds of lead dissolve by heat, in expressed oils ; these mixtures are the bases of several officinal plasters and ointments. Lead and its oxyds when undissolved, have no considerable ef- fects as medicines. Dissolved in oils, they are supposed to be (when externally applied) anti-inflammatory^ind desiccative. Com- bined with vegetable acids they are remarkably so ; and taken in- ternally, prove powerful though dangerous styptics. OxinuM Zinci Impurum. Impure Oxyd of Zinc. Tutty. It is moderately hard and ponderous; of a brownish colour, and full of small protuberances on the outside, smooth and yel- i74 MATERIA MEDICA. lowish within; some pieces have a bluish cast, from minute glo- bules of zinc in its metallic form. Tutty is celebrated as an ophthalmic, and frequently employed as such in unguents and collyria. Papaver Sommverum. White P->Pt--j- The capsules and their inspissated juice, called opium. The white poppy is an annual plant, and is sometimes found wild in Great Britain ; but it is probably originally a native of the warmer parts of Asia. The leaves, stalks, and capsules, of the poppy, abound with milky juice, which may be collected in con- siderable quantity, by slighty wounding them when almost ripe. This juice exposed for a few days to the sun and air, thickens into a stiff tenacious mass, which in fact is opium. It is then worked up into masses, and covered with poppy or tobacco leaves. A strong decoction of the dried heads, mixed with as much sugar as is sufficient to reduce it to the consistence of a syrup, becomes fit for keeping in a liquid form. It is, however, a very unequal preparation, as the real quantity of opium it contains is very uncertain, and by no means equal to syrup, to which a cer- tain quantity of solution of opium is added. The seeds of the poppy are simply emulsive, and contain none of the narcotic prin- ciple. They yield a considerable quantity of oil by expression. Two kinds of opium are found in commerce, distinguished by the names of Turkey, and East India opium. Turkey opium is a solid compact substance, possessing a con- siderable degree of tenacity ; when broken, having a shining frac- ture and uniform appearance ; of a dark brown colour, and becom- ing yellow when reduced to powder ; scarcely colouring the saliva when chewed, exciting at first a nauseous bitter taste, which soon becomes acrid, with some degree of warmth ; and having a pecu- liar, heavy disagreeable smell. The best is in flat pieces, and besides the large leaves in which it is enveloped, is covered with the reddish capsules of a species of rumex, probably used in pack- ing it. The round masses which have none of these capsules adhering to them, are evidently inferior in quality. It is bad if it be soft, friable, mixed with any impurities, or have an intensely dark or blackish colour. East India opium has much less consistence, being sometimes not much thicker than tar, and always ductile. Its colour is much darker ; its taste more nauseous, and less bitter ; and its smell rather empyreumatic. It is considerably cheaper than Turkish opium, and supposed to be of only half the strength. Opium is supposed to consist principally of gum and resin, in the proportions of about four and a half of each in twelve parts of the crude opium. The bitterness is said to reside in the gum; the astringency, flavour, and narcotic entity in the resin. It affords a volatile principle ; water distilled from it having its nau- MATERIA MEDICA. 175 seous taste and smeil, but none of its narcotic quality. It con- tains also some saline matter, and a substance insoluble either in alcohol or water. From its analysis may be estimated the effects of different sol- vents upon it. Alcohol and proof spirit, dissolving its resin, afford tinctures possessing all its virtues. Water dissolves its gummy part, which is much less active, but a part of the resin is at the same time taken up by the medium of the gum. Wines also afford solutions possessing the virtues of opium. Vinegar dis- solves its active matter, but greatly impairs its power. The attempts made by some pharmaceutists, to obtain a pre- paration of opium, which should possess only its sedative, with- out its narcotic effects, only succeeded in so far as they dimi- nished its activity. The action of opium on the living system, has been the sub- ject of the keenest controversy. Some have asserted that it is a direct sedative, while others have asserted as strongly, that it is a powerful stimulus, and that the sedative effects, which it cer- tainly produces, depend entirely on the previous excitement. We cannot here pretend to give even an abstract of the argu- ments used by the supporters of each opinion. We regret still more, that the fintradictory results of their experiments render it difficult to ascertain even its primary and visible effects. Opium, when taken into the stomach to such an extent as to have any sensible effect, gives rise to a pleasant serenity of mind, in general proceeding to a certain degree of languor and drow- siness. The action of the sanguiferous system is diminished, the pulse becoming for the most part softer, fuller, and slower than it was before. By many, on the contrary, it is said, in the first instance at least, to increase the frequency of the pulse, and the heat of the body. It diminishes all the secretions and excretions, except the cuti- cular discharge, which it frequently augments in a very sensi- ble degree. It excites thirst, and renders the mouth dry and parched. Opium taken into the stomach in a larger dose, gives rise to confusion of head and vertigo. The powers of all stimulating causes of making impressions on the body are diminished ; and even at times, and in situations, when a person would naturally be awake, sleep is irresistibly induced. In still larger doses, it acts in the same manner as the narcotic poisons, giving rise to vertigo, headach, tremors, delirium, and convulsions; and these terminating in a state of stupor, from which the person cannot be roused. This stupor is accompanied with slowness of the pulse, and with stertor in breathing, and the scene is terminated in death, attended with the same appearances as take place in an apoplexy. From these effects of opium in a state of health, it is not won- derful that recourse should have been had to it in disease, as mi- tigating pain, inducing sleep, allaying inordinate action, and di- 17& MATERIA MEDICA. minishing morbid sensibility. That these effects result from kr is confirmed by the daily experience of every observer ; and as answering one or other of these intentions, most, if not all, of the good consequences derived from it in actual practice are to be explained. If, therefore, by a sedative medicine, we mean an article capable of allaying, assuaging, mitigating, and composing, no substance can have a better title to the appellation of sedative than opium. Some practitioners are averse to its use in active inflammation ; but others have recourse to it in such cases, even at an early pe- riod, especially after bloodletting ; and where such affections arc attended not only with pain and spasm, but with watchfulness and cough, it is often productive of the greatest benefit. Opium combined with calomel has of late been extensively employed in every form of active inflammation, and with the greatest success. It is found also to be of very great service in allaying the pain and preventing the symptomatic fever liable to be induced by wounds, fractures, burns, or similar accidents. In intermittents, it is said to have been used with good effect before the fit in the cold stage, in the hot stage, and during the interval. Given even in the hot stage, it has been observed to allay the heat, thirst, headach, and delirium, toftaducc sweat and sleep, to cure the disease with less bark, and without leaving ab- dominal obstructions or dropsy. It is often of very great service in fevers of the typhoid type, when patients are distressed with watchfulness or diarrhoea. But where these or similar circumstances do not indicate its use, it is often distressing to patients by augmenting thirst and con- stipation. In small pox, when the convulsions before eruption are frequent and considerable, opium is liberally used. It is likewise given from the fifth day onwards ; and is found to allay the pain of sup- puration, to promote the ptyalism, and to be otherwise useful. In dysentery, after the use of gentle laxatives, or along with them, opium, independent of any effect it may have on the fever. is of consequence in allaying the tormina and tenesmus, and in obviating that laxity of bowels which so frequently remains after that disease. In diarrhoea, the disease itself generally carries off any acri- mony that may be a cause, and then opium is used with great effect. Even in the worst symptomatic cases, it seldom fails tu alleviate. In cholera and pyrosis, it is almost the only thing trusted to. In colic, it is employed with laxatives ; and no doubt often prevents ileus and inflammation, by relieving the spasm. Even in ileus and incarcerated hernia, it is often found to allay the to- mitiii;:, the spasms, the pain, and sometimes to diminish the inflammation, and prevent the gangrene of the strangulated gut It is given to allay the pain and favour the descent of calculi and to relieve in jaundice and dysuria proceeding from spasm. MATERIA MEDICA. 177 It is of acknowledged use in the different species of tetanus ; affords relief to the various spasmodic symptoms of dyspepsia, hysteria, hypochondriasis, asthma, rabies canina, 8cc. and has been found useful in some kinds of epilepsy. In syphilis it is only useful in combating symptoms, and in counteracting the effects resulting from the improper use of mercury, for it possesses no power of overcoming the venereal virus. It is found useful in certain cases of threatened abortion and lingering delivery, in convulsions during parturition, and in the after pains and excessive flooding. The only form perhaps necessary for opium is that of pill; and as it is so soluble in every menstruum, there seems the less occasion for the addition of either gum or soap. It is more apt to sit on the stomach in this than any liquid form, but requires rather more time to produce its effects. The administration of opium to the unaccustomed, is sometimes very difficult. The requisite quantity of opium is wonderfully different in different persons, and in different states of the same person. A quarter of a grain will in one adult produce effects which ten times the quantity will not do in another ; and a dose that might prove fa- tal in cholera or colic, would not be perceptible in many cases of tetanus or mania. The lowest fatal dose to the unaccustomed as mentioned by authors, seems to be four grains ; but a dangerous dose is so apt to puke,-that it has seldom time to occasion death. When given in too small a dose, it is apt to produce disturbed sleep, and other disagreeable consequences ; and with some con- stitutions it seems not to agree in any dose or form. Often, on the other hand, from a small dose, sound sleep, and alleviation of pain will be produced, while a larger one gives rise to vertigo and delirium. Some prefer the repetition of small doses, others the giving of a full dose at once. In some it seems not to have its proper effect till after a considerable time. The soporific operation of a moderate dose is supposed to last in general about eight hours from the time of taking it. It is often given to promote healthy suppuration, and is a prin- cipal remedy in arresting the progress of certain kinds of gan- grene. Externally applied opium alleviates pain, and relieves spas- modic action. Hence the utility of it in colic, tetanus, toothach, fccc. In the form of enema, it is of singular efficacy in tenesmus, and it is employed under the same form in other diseases, where its administration by the mouth is inconvenient or impractica- ble. In his medical reports on the effect of water, Dr. James Cur- rie, relates a case of tetanus, and general convulsion, in which the patient first look a grain of opium every other hour ; after- wards a grain every hour, and at last two grains every hour. But being no longer able to swallow pills, the tincture (liquid laudi- num^ was directed, of which in twenty four hours ho took two and 178 MVTKKIA MKDICA a half ounces without sleep or alleviation of pain. The dose be- ^1 ing increased in the next twenty six hours, he swallowed five and a half ounces of the laudanum, a quantity, which at that time says the doctor, was unexampled. He lay now in a state of tor- por The rigidity of the spasms was indeed much lessened ; i and the general convulsions nearly gone ; but the debility was extreme ; a complete hemiplegia hud supervened ; the patient's eyes were fixed, and his speech faultcring and unintelligible. It seemed no longer safe to continue the laudanum, and the patient was afterwards cured by the cold bath and other remedies. Dr. Joshua Fisher, in his interesting discourse read before the Massachusetts Medical Society, asserts, that a young lady aged seventeen, being seized with excruciating spasms, the conse- quence of a rupture of the sartorius muscle, took 12 grains of opium every ten minutes tiil she had taken seventy two grains. This quantity removed the spasms, produced a comatose insensibility, slow, stertorous breathing, and a slow full pulse. In eight hours the spasms returned, and the opium was given as before. In this manner the opium was repeated at intervals of eight hours, for three days, when the spasms ceased and she recovered. During this period of three days, she took nearly eleven drachms of ex- cellent opium, and not a grain more than was absolutely neces- sary. In the colica pictonum, or Devonshire colic, Dr. Fisher admi- nisters opium in doses from fifteen to forty grains ; and has not for many years past, seen a single case of this distressing disease, which has not yielded to its efficacy in about an hour. This experienced physician has prescribed opium in large do- ses in cases of cholera with equal success. A gentleman, of about sixty five years, was seized with this disease in so violent a manner, that, in a few hours after the attack, every symptom in- dicated his speedy dissolution. As soon as practicable sixty grains of opium were given, ten of wnich were returned by vomiting. The quantity retained, soon removed every distressing symp- tom : gradually and with difficulty he recovered his strength. The soporific effects of opium may be checked, if a proper quantity of the vegetable acid be taken with, or immediately af- ter it. Thus, if one ounce of pure lemon juice, or twice that quantity of good vinegar, be added to every grain of opium, or to twenty five drops of laudanum, such a compound will produce a very different effect. Instead of stupifying the head, and pro- ducing troublesome costiveness, it will not only relieve the bow-" els, but also occasion a degree of cheerfulness, never attainable by the use of opium alone, and afterwards induce a composed and refreshing sleep. It is a melancholy consideration, that this excellent, kind as- uager of our bodily pains and mental distress, is frequently re- sorted to for the horrid purpose of self destruction. The alarm- ing symptoms induced by it, arc, vomiting, delirium, stupor, deep and difficult breathing, convulsions, and death. The remedies MATERIA MEDICA. 179 <>.re in the first instance, powerful emetics of sulphate of zinc ; twenty grains of which should be given immediately, in a glass of warm water, and repeated every ten minutes, until copious vomit- ings are excited. Warm water is then to be freely given, together with a smart purgative of rhubarb or jalap, joined with a few grains of potash. These should be succeeded with water-gruel or butter-milk, sour whey, and particularly the vegetable acids, or strong coffee, which last appears to be the most effectual anti- dote. The principal object to be kept in view, according to Dr. Sea- man, of New-York, is, to produce such a degree of irritation, as may counteract the narcotic effects of this deleterious drug. Hence it is very useful to stimulate the nostrils with spirits of hartshorn, and to apply friction with salt over the whole body. When the symptoms of apoplexy have come on, the remedy is copious bleeding. .This has been used in four cases by Dr. Rush, who remarks, that it should never be prescribed, until great mor- bid action, or the suffocation of action from the excess of stimu- lus, (manifested chiefly in the depressed state of the pulse), have taken place. Physeter Macrocephalus. Spermaceti Whale. The matter found within the cranium, called spermaceti. Spermaceti is a fatty matter obtained from the head of the par- ticular species of whale above mentioned. It is purified by melt- ing and boiling with an alkaline solution. It is then in white flakes, is unctuous and friable, and has neither taste nor smell. Its chemical properties are the same as those of the expressed oils and fats, except that it does not easily unite with the alkalies. Its medicinal virtues are those of a miid demulcent, and as such is given in catarrh and gonorrhoea, mixed with sugar, or diffused in water by the medium of the yolk of an e%<^. Phytolacca Decandra. American Nightshade. Garget. The leaves, berries, and root. This is one of the most common North American plants, well known in New-England by the name of cunicum, skoke, or coak- ura. In the southern states it is called pokeweed. It has a thick, fleshy, perennial root as large as parsnips. From this rise many purplish herbaceous stalks, about an inch thick, and six or seven feet long ; which break into many branches irregularly set with large, oval, sharp pointed leaves, supported on short foot stalks. These are, at first, of a fresh green colour, but as they grow old they turn reddish. At the joints and divisions of the branches, come forth long bunches of small bluish coloured flowers, con- sisting of five concave petals each, surrounding ten stamina and 180 MVI1.RIA MEDICA. ten stiles. These are succeeded by round depressed berries, hav- ing ten cells, each of which contains a single smooth seed. The young stems when boiled are as good as asparagus, but when old they are to be used with caution, being a plant of great ac- tivity, operating both as an emetic and cathartic. A tincture of the ripe berries in brandy or wine, is a popular remedy for rheu- matism and similar affections; and it may be given with safety and advantage in all cases where guaiacum is proper. The ex- tract of the juice of the ripe berries has been employed in some cases of scrofula; and cancerous ulcers have been greatly bene- fited by its application. The juice of the leaves, however, is said to be more effectual. Dr. Shultz in his ingenious inaugural dissertation on this sub- ject, observes, that " scabies and herpes have been often removed by it. In these cases, a solution of the extract in water is gene- rally substituted where the expressed juice cannot be had. In rheumatisms, the whole substance of this plant has at different times been of essential service ; although the berries have gene- rally been preferred. In those rheumatic affections which some- times occur to syphilitic patients, its virtue far exceeds that, of opium ; and it seems more valuable than guaeiacum, especially when combined with mercury. " For medicinal purposes, the leaves should be gathered about July, when the foot stalks begin to assume a reddish colour, dri- ed in the shade, and powdered for use. An extract may easily be obtained from the leaves when gathered at this period, by gently evaporating their expressed juice to a proper consist- ence." A tincture maybe made by dissolving either the extract or the leaves, in their green or dry state, in common brandy, or in the spirit distilled from the berries. An ointment is also made by powdering the dried leaves, and mixing them well with hogs' lard, or simple cerate ; or by boil- ing some hogs' lard and bees wax with fresh leaves, and straining the mass. The proper time for gathering the berries in this climate is in October, when they become soft and ripe, and are of a blackish colour. The root is to be gathered about November or December, when the stalks of the plant are perfectly dead, and to facilitate drying, it should previously be divided into small pieces. An extract may be made from the root in the same manner as from the leaves or berries. According to the experience of Drs. Jones and Kollock, of Savannah, this plant may be relied on as an effectual remedy for syphilis in its various stages, even without the aid of mercury ; and they employ it with much confidence, both internally and ex- ternally in rheumatisms, and in cutaneous eruptions. One ounce of the dried root infused in a pint of wine, and given to the quan- tity of two spoonfuls, operates kindly as an emetic. The roots are sometimes applied to the hands and feet of patients in ardent MATERIA MEDICA. 181 fevers. Many country people use the extract with great confi- dence in its efficacy in discussing indolent tumors, and in healing various kinds of ulcers. It is found to operate as a mild vegeta- ble caustic, cleansing and healing foul ulcers better than most other remedies of that class. In three cases of apparent fistula lachrymalis, it is reputed to have performed cures, by being ap- plied to the tumors twice a day for two or three weeks. This root has also been employed in compounds as an article of dying. Pimpinella Anisum. Anise. The seeds. Anise is an annual umbelliferous plant, growing naturally in Crete, Syria, and other places of the East. The seeds of anise have an aromatic odour, and a warm taste, with a sh-u'e of sweetness. They afford by distillation with wa- ter, a considerable quantity of an essential oil, having a strong flavour, and a sweet taste without pungency. Anise is used as a good carminative in dyspepsia, and in the flatulence to which children are subject. A drachm or two of the seeds may be taken, or a few drops of the oil rubbed with sugar—[See volatile oils.] Pinus Abies. Common Spruce Fir. The resin which concretes spontaneously, called Burgundy pitch. This substance is obtained by exudation, from incisions in the trunk of the tree. It is boiled with a small quantity of water ; is strained; and when cold, forms a concrete resinous matter. This, spread upon leather, and applied to the skin, excites a slight de- gree of inflammation, and exudation of serous fluid. In obstinate coughs, affections of the lungs, and other internal complaints, plasters of this resin, by acting as a topical stimulus, are frequently found of considerable service. nus Balsamea. Balsam Fir. Hemlock Fir. The liquid resin, called balsam of Canada. This balsam exudes spontaneously from the trunk of the tree. It is of a light yellow colour, tenacious, and inflammable. By keeping, it becomes thicker ; its smell is agreeable ; its taste pungent. It is soluble in alcohol and oils, and affords an essen- tial oil by distillation. The medicinal virtues of this balsam seem to be the same as those of copaiba, and it is used for the same purposes. Its dose is from thirty to fifty drops. 22 l&I METF.RI V MEDICA. Pinus Larix. The Larch Tree. The liquid resin, called Venice turpentine, and volatile oil, called oil of turpentine. This balsam exudes spontaneously, and in greater abundance from incisions in the tree. It is thick and tenacious, pellucid, of a yellowish colour, has a pleasant smell, and a bitterish, pungent taste. By distillation, with the addition of a small quantity of water, to prevent the temperature from rising too high, it affords a large quantity of essential oil (oleum tercbinthinae, oil oP tur- pentine) ; the residuum being a resin nearly insipid, (common white, or yellow resin.) Venice turpentine derives all its virtues from its essential oil, and it is this oil that is generally used in medicine. It is a pow- erful stimulant directed more particularly in its action to the urinary passages. It has been employed in gleet, and in chronic rheumatism, especially in that form of it termed sciatic and lum- bago, in a dose of from five to twelve drops, gradually ircrcisul, generally mixed with a quantity of honey, by which its pungen- cy is covered. It is apt, however, to induce violent symptoms. Externally, it is applied as a stimulant to parts affected with cramp and rheumatism. Oil of turpentine has of late been suc- cessfully applied to scalds. When seasonably applied to the scalded part, the pain has frequently been removed in an hour, and blisters effectually prevented. The turpentine itself is sometimes used internally for the same purposes as its oil. The while resin is somewhat stimulant and diuretic ; but it is only- employed in the composition of ointments and plasters, which it renders more adhesive, and perhaps more stimulating. Oil of turpentine has also been found to possess styptic powers in re- straining epistaxis when applied up the nostrils. Pinus Sylvestris. Scotch Fir. The empyrcumatic resin, called tar ; and the liquid resin, called common turpentine. Tar is a thick, black, unctuous matter, extracted from the wood of the pinus sylvestris, by combustion in a close smother- ing heat. By long boiling, tar is deprived of its volatile parts, and converted into pitch. Tar is a mixture of resin, empyreu- matic oil, charcoal, and acetous acid. It was formerly in great repute as a medicine, both in its original state, and also in infu- sion with water. It has been greatly recommended by bishop Berkley, in tiif murrain of cattle ; and likewise in cold and phlegmatic habits of mankind ; as it not only raises the pulse, and accelerates the cir- culation, but, at the same time, exhilerates the animal spirits. At present, however, tar water is seldom employed, though its ex- ternal application proves to be an excellent remedy for the stings of wasps and bees. Tar is applied in the form of ointment, in tinea capitis, and some other cutaneous diseases. MATERIA MEDICA. 186 The common turpentine obtained from this tree, is rarely given internally ; its principle use is in plasters and ointments among farriers, and for the distillation of essential oil. A fluid extract, prepared by decoction from the twigs or cone6 of the pinus sylvestris, is the usual well known essence of spruce, which fermented with molasses, forms the fashionable beverage of spruce beer. Piper Nigrum. Black Pepper. The fruit. This tree is a native of the East Indies, where the fruit or beu- ries in their unripe state, are gathered in the month of October, and dried, by being exposed to the sun for seven or eight days. Its smell is aromatic ; its taste pungent. Both are extracted completely by water ; partially by alcohol. Pepper, from its stimulating and aromatic qualities, is employ- ed, to promote digestion, to relieve nausea, to check vomiting, or ter remove singultus, and as a remedy in retrocedent gout and paralysis. Its dose is ten or fifteen grains. Its infusion has been used as a gargle, in relaxation of the uvula. White pepper is the ripe berries of the same vegetable, freed from the outer covering, and dried in the sun. It is less pungent than the black. Piper Longum. Long Pepper. The fruit. This berry is obtained from another species of the same genus ortrees. It is about half an inch in length, cylindrical, and in- dented on the surface. In flavour, taste, and other qualities, It is similar to the black pepper, and may be used for the same purposes. Plumbum. Lead. This is one of the imperfect metals, of a dull white, inclining to a blue colour ; and, though the least ductile and sonorous, it is the heaviest of metallic bodies, excepting mercuiy, gold, and platina. Lead is found in various countries ; but it abounds in England. It is obtained by various processes, from the ores dug from the earth. In its metallic form, it is scarcely an officinal article, and its different oxyds are purchased from the manufac- turers, and never prepared by the apothecary. Its effects on the body are emaciation, violent colics, paralysis, tremors, and contractions of the limbs ; as they generally come on gradually, the cause is sometimes overlooked, until it be too late. Poisoning from lead is occasioned, either from liquors be- coming impregnated with it, by being improperly kept in vessels 184 MATERIA MEDICA lined with that metal, or to which lead has been criminally ad- ded to correct its acidity ; or among manufacturers, who work much with lead, as pointers and plumbers, and who are not suf- ficiently attentive to avoid swallowing it. The only effectual an- tidotes to this insidious poison, are antimonial emetics; and alter them, the internal use of ihcrof sulp.iur, together with vege- table oils, both internally and externally, should be liberally con- tinued. For the medicinal virtues of lead, see its several preparations. Podophyllum Peltatum. May Apple. Mandrake. The root. This plant is very common throughout North America. The fruit is esculent, and, by many, thought delicious. The leaves are poisonous. The root is an excellent purgative in doses of twenty grains. It is most advantageously used in combination with calomel, or crystals of tartar. The root, also, often operates as an anthelmintic, and as such, it is used by the Cherokee and other Southern Indians. The best time of gathering the May apple, for medical pur* poses, is in autumn, when the leaves have turned yellow, and are about falling off'. The Indians dry it in the shade, and powder it for use. Polygala Senega. Seneka. Rattle Snake Root. The root. Seneka is a perennial plant, which abounds in nearly all the United States, particularly in Virginia and Pennsylvania. This root is usually about the thickness of the little finger, variously bent, and contorted, and appears as if composed of joints, whence it is supposed to resemble the tail of the animal whose name it bears; a kind of membranous margin runs on each side, the whole length of the root. This root was fii-st introduced into use in 1739, by Dr. Fen- nent, of Virginia, who wrote a pamphlet on the subject, and high- ly extolied it as a remedy for many complaints, and particularly, as a specific for the cure of the bite of the rattle-snake. It is an ac- tive stimulus, and increases the force of the circulation, especial- ly of the pulmonary vessels. It has therefore been found useful in typhoid inflammation of the lungs, but it is apt to disorder the stomach, and to induce diarrhoea. Some have likewise employ- ed this root in hydropic eases, and not without success. There are examples of its occasioning a plentiful discharge by stool, urine, and perspiration; and by this means removing the disease, after the common diuretics and hydragogues had failed. It sometimes induces salivation, and it possesses diuretic, emetic, cathartic, expectorant, and diaphoretic powers. Dr. Archer, of Maryland, discovered the great utility of seneka snake- MATERIA MEDICA. 185 root, as a remedy for that fatal disease, the croup, and speaks with confluence as to the general good effects produced by it. The decoction of the root is the manner in which he generally gives it; the strength must be determined by the physician ; it must be so strong, as to act sensibly on his own mouth and throat, in exciting coughing, 8cc. for in this disease, the larynx (mouth of the wind pipe) in a manner loses its natural sensibili- ty. Half an ounce ol the root of seneka, bruised, and simmered in a close vessel, in half a pint of water, until reduced to four ounces, will, probabiy, in most cases be sufficiently strong. A te.tspoonfui of this to be given every hour or half hour, as the ur- gency of the symptoms shall demand ; and during these inter- vals, a few drops occasionally, to keep up a sensible action of the medicine, in the mouth and throat, until it act as an emetic and cathartic; tlien repeated in small quantities, and so frequently as to keep up a constant stimulus in the- same. By these means, in the course of two, four, six, or eight hours, a membrane is often times discharged by the mouth, one, two, and often three inches in length ; sometimes it is swallowed and voided by stool. Patients who use the medicine should not be permitted to drink any thing whatever, for some minutes after each dose. The reason must be obvious to all. The powder has lately been used by Drs. Archer and Son, in doses of four or five grains, mixed with a little water, with effects equally as pleasing as the decoction, and more so, unless the latter have been carefully pre- pared. Seneka has been usefully employed in the decline of pleurisies and catarrhs, to promote expectoration. In suppressed coughs of aged persons, and in asthma, it is doubtless useful; a gentle and constant stimulus on the throat should be kept up in these diseases. It has also been exhibited as a powerful remedy in ,~v cases of female obstructions. For tincture ;—half an ounce of the * root, to half a pint of spirit; digest for ten days and strain ; dose ~ twenty to thirty drops, two or three times in a day. The polygala sanguinea, a new species discovered at Savan- nah, has been used as a substitute for the polygala seneka. Polygonum Bistorta. Great Bistort. Snake Weed. The root, This plant is perennial, and grows wild in moist meadows in several parts of Great Britain. The root is about the thickness of the little finger, of a blackish brown colour on the outside, and reddish within : it is writhed or bent vermicularly (whence the name of the plant) with a joint at each bending, and full of bushy fibres ; the root of the species here mentioned, has, for the most part, only one or two bendings ; others, three or more. All the parts of bistort have a rough austere taste, particularly the root, which is one of the strongest of the vegetable astringents. ltd MATERIA MF.D1C V The root of bistort is employed in all kinds of immoderate ha?- morrhagies, and other fluxes, both internally and externally, where astringency is the only indication. It is certainly a very powerful styptic, and is to be looked on simply as such. To the tudorific, anti-pestilential, and other virtues attributed to it, it has no other claim but in consequence of its astringency, and of the antiseptic power which it has in common with other vegetable styptics. The largest dose of the root in powder, is one drachm. Polypodium Filix Mas. Male fern. The root. This fern is perennial, and grows in great abundance in al- most every part of Britain, where the ground is not cultivated. The root when chewed, is somewhat mucilaginous and sweet, and afterwards astringent and hitter. The vermifuge powers of fern, are well known. It appears to be particularly active in expelling the tape worm. Dr. G. Jones relates the case of a lady in New York, who after taking many worm medicines, with partial good effects, drank a decoc- tion of fern in water, (a pint per day) until some gallons were taken, when a dose of castor oil brought away the remnant of the worm, measuring 45 feet. The fern is the famous remedy of Madame Nuffer of Switzer- land, for the tape worm. She acquired the knowledge of the remedy from her husband, who was a surgeon, and obtained a great price for the secret from Louis 15th of France, by whose order it was published. The powdered plant was generally preferred by Mad. N. and may be given in doses of from 60 grains to 2 drachms. Prinos Verticillatus. Winter Berry. Black Alder. The bark and berries. This is a very common shrub in many parts of the United States, and grows in the greatest perfection in swamps and marshy places. The bark is manifestly astringent. It is like- wise considerably bitter, and pungent. The berries, which arc of a line red colour, greatly partake of the bitter quality; and, if infused in wine or brandy, might be advantageously employed in cases where bitter tinctures are ex- hibited. The bark has been used as a substitute for the Peru- vian bark, in intermittents and other diseases, both in substance and decoction. It is supposed to be chiefly useful in cases of great debility unaccompanied with fever, as a corroborant in anasarcous and other dropsies, and as a tonic in cases of incipi- ent sphacelus or gangrene. It is both given internally, and em- ployed externally as a wash. On many occasions, it appears to be more useful than the Peruvian bark. Professor Barton says, MATERIA MEDICA. 18? it ought to have a place in the shops, and in the pharmacopoeia of this country, when such a desideratum shall be supplied. Dr. Mease observes, (Philadelphia Medical Museum, vol. 2.) it is useful in mortification, united with the root of sassafras, in decoction, 8cc. Care must be taken to distinguish our prinos from the swamp alder or candle alder. Prunus Domestica. The French Prune Tree. Plumb Tree. The fruit, called French prunes. Numerous varieties of prunes or plumb tree, are cultivated by gardeners, the fruit of which, when dried, are called prunes. Great quantities of the dried fruit are imported from the conti- nent of Europe, but the French prunes are thought the best. They contain much mucilaginous and saccharine matter, and their medical effects are, to abate heat, and gently loosen the belly, which they perform by lubricating the passages, and sof- tening the excrement. They are of considerable service in costiveness, accompanied with heat or irritation, which the more stimulating cathartics would tend to aggravate. Where prunes are not of themselves sufficient, their action may be promoted by joining with them a little rhubarb, or the like ; to which may be added some carminative ingredient, to prevent their occa- sioning flatulency. Prunus Virginiana. Wild Cherry Tree. The bark, both of the tree and root. This tree is very commonly found in woods and hedges, but is probably produced from the stones of the garden varieties, dropped by birds. It delights in a sandy soil, and an elevated situation, and often grows from 15 to 30 feet in height, but is seldom more than nine inches in diameter. Its fruit is often infused in brandy, on account of its pleasant aromatic flavour. The leaves are poisonous to certain animals, and even the berries intoxicate different kinds of birds. The Indians use the bark in the cure of syphilis. The bark of the wild cherry tree is powerfully tonic, and has been frequently substituted for the Peruvian bark with great success. It is slightly narcotic, and commonly produces drowsiness in those who take it. From the experiments of Mr. C. Morris, of Virginia, (Inau- gural Dissertation, 1802, Philadelphia) it appears, that the bark of the root was more powerful than the bark of the trunk. It has been very useful in dyspepsia, and in consumption of the lungs. A strong decoction of the bark is anthelmintic. Very excel- lent effects have been produced by washing ill-conditioned ul- cers with a decoction of the bark. 188 MATER! V MF.DIC.A. Quassia Excelsa. Quassia. The wood, bark, and root. The Quassia tree is a native of the West Indies, and of South America. Quassia derives its name from a negro named Quas- si, who employed it with uncommon success as a secret reme- dy, in the malignant epidemic fevers which frequently prevail at Surrinam. The root, wood, and bark of this tree, are all employed in medicine ; but the latter, having a greater degree of bitterness, is more efficacious. Quassia possesses no peculiar odour, but is one of the most in- tense, durable, pure bitters known. Its infusion, decoction, and tincture, are almost equally bitter, and yellowish, and are not blackened by chalybeates. It is an excellent tonic, antiseptic, and febrifuge : being one of the least heating drugs, it is found very serviceable in exciting appetite for food ; expelling flatu- lency ; assisting digestion ; and particularly in removing cos- tiveness, when produced by weakness of the intestines, such as is consequent to sedentary occupations. Dr. Lettsom prescribed it with advantage, in cases of debility after febrile affections; in dyspepsia, arising from intoxication ; and in diarrhoea ; but he directed it with the greatest success, when combined with some absorbent in the histeric atony of females. It has been exhibited in intermittent, and bilious fevers, lientcria, cachexy, dropsies, leucorrhcea, and gout. It may be given, either in infusion, or in pills composed of the watery extract; the former preparation, however, is gene- rally preferred, in proportion of 3 or 4 drachms of the wood, to 12 ounces of water ; which is to be taken in doses of one, or two table spoonfuls, frequently repeated. Quassia Simarouba. Mountain Damson. The bark. This tree grows in Guiana, and in Jamaica. The bark of the root of this tree is brought to us, some feet long, and some inches in breadth, folded lengthwise. It is light, fibrous, very tough ; of a pale yellow on the inside ; darker coloured, rough, scaly, and waited on the outside ; has little smell, and a bitter, not disagreeable taste. It imparts its bitterness to alcohol and water. It has been much celebrated in obstinate diarrhoea, dysentery, anorexia, indigestion, lienteria, and intermittent fevers, but it is doubtful whether it is better than other bitters. It is given in powder, in doses of half, or a whole drachm; but its best form is in decoction. MATERIA MEDICA. 189 Quercus Robur. Oak. The bark. The bark of this valuable tree, is a strong astringent, and possesses tonic and antiseptic virtues. A chemical analysis of the white oak bark, as made by Mr. Davy, affords from one hundred and eighty grains of the inner bark in substance, seven- ty two grains of pure tannin (that remarkable vegetable princi- ple, the common and general source of the astringent and anti- septic properties). In every astringent bark, says Mr. Davy, the interior white bark contains the largest quantity of tannin. White oak bark exceeds in astringency the Peruvian bark, and falls but little, if any short of it, in its tonic powers. Hence, we have a valuable domestic substitute for Peruvian bark, which is successfully employed in haemorrhagies, alvine fluxes, and other preternatural or immoderate secretions. On account of the great difficulty in reducing it to a sufficiently fine powder, it is most commonly given in decoction Dr. Rousseau, in a communication published in the Philadel- phia Medical Museum, vol. 2. has mentioned the efficacy of the black oak bark in intermittents, and it appears to be well worthy the attention of physicians. The powder, as prepared by Mr. Benger, is of the most extreme degree of fineness. The bark of the Spanish oak, quercus rubra montana, red oak of the mountain, Dr. Barton has used in a case of gangrene of the foot, with such success, that he thinks it equalled in power the best Peruvian bark. He gave it in decoction in very large quantities, and the affected part was constantly kept wet with the same decoction, or with a poultice made of bread and milk with the bark. The medicinal virtues of the bark of Spanish oak, are proba- bly, in no respect materially different, from those of the bark of the common white oak of New England. Debilitated patients, whose stomachs cannot retain this medicine, may experience the happiest effects from bathing twice or thrice a day in a strong decoction of the oak barks, about luke warm. It is par- ticularly serviceable in the last stage of fevers. Quercus Cerris. Oriental Oak. The nest of the cynips quercifolii, called gall nut. This species of oak is a native of the Levant, and of the warm countries of Europe. An insect, the cynips quercifolii, deposits its eggs in the leaves, and other tender parts of the tree. Around each punc- ture an excrescence is presently formed, within which the egg is hatched, and the insect passes through all its stages of meta- morphosis, until it become perfect, when it eats its way out of its prison. 23 i'J9 MATI'.ni\ MEDICA These excre5cences are called galls, or gall nuts. They are of different sizes, smooth or knotty on the surlace, of a whitish, reddish, or blackish colour, and generally penetrated with a Small hole. Galls have an austere styptic taste, without any smell; they are said to be the most powerful astringent wc pos- sess, and have therefore been often employed in medicine. It is asserted, that, by their internal use, in doses of half a drachm, or more, of the powder, intermittent fevers have been cured, even after Peruvian bark had failed. An infusion, or decoction of galls, may be used with advan- tage as an astringent gargle; and an ointment of one part of finely powdered galls to eight of any simple ointment is applied with success in haemorrhoidal affections. Resin a Pint. Resin of Pine. A resin, which is procured from pines of various species, deprived of its volatile oil. The proper turpentines contain a large proportion of volatile oil, which is often separated from them by distillation. The residuum of the distillation gets different names, according to some peculiarities in its treatment. When the distillation is performed without addition, and continued until the whole a- sential oil be driven off, and there appear some traces of cm- pyreuma, the residuum is fiddler's resin, or colophony: but if, while the mass is still fluid, a quantity of water be added, and thoroughly blended with the resin, by long and constant agita- tion, it is then called yellow resin. This article is employed as an ingredient in ointments and plasters. Rhamnus Catharticus. Purging Bw:k'horn. Spina Cer- vina. The juice of the berries. This tree, or shrub, grows in woods or hedges ; it attains if cultivated, the height of sixteen feet ; it flowers in June, and ripens its fruit in September and October. Buckthorn berries have a faint disagreeable smell, and a nau- seous bitter taste. They have long been in considerable esteem as cathartics; and celebrated in dropsies, rheumatism, and even in gout : though in these cases they have no advantage above other purgatives, but are more offensive, and operate more se- verely than many with which the shops are furnished. They generally occasion gripes, sickness, dryness of the mouth and throat; and leave a thirst of long duration. A syr- rup, prepared from the berries, is still kept in the shops, though seldom prescribed. The dose is one ounce of syrrup, or about twenty of the fresh berries, and twice or thrice this number in decoction. MATERIA MEDICA. 191 The bark of the buckthorn is said to be a mild tonic, astrin- gent, and antiseptic medicine, and is recommended for the cure of intermittents; and in general debility, after chronic diseases. The decoction is of great service ; reducing inveterate inflamma- tions of the eye ; and curing the itch, as it cleanses the skin, and abates the burning heat, without repelling the humors. Rheum Palmatum. Palmated Rhubarb. The root. Palmatcd, true, or officinal rhubarb, is a native of China, and the East Indies; whence its culture has been introduced into Eu- rope. The rhubarb hitherto employed in medicine, is import- ed from Turkey, Russia, China, and the East Indies. The first sort is brought in roundish pieces, perforated in the centre; and which are externally of a yellow colour, but, on being cut, they appear variegated with reddish streaks. The Chinese rhubarb is imported in long pieces, which are harder, and more compact than the Turkey rhubarb ; the former possessing a weaker aromatic flavour, is less esteemed, though, being more astringent, it is, for some purposes at least, equal to the latter. The general characters of good rhubarb are, its hav- ing a whitish or clear yellow colour; being dry, solid, compact, and moderately heavy; brittle, easy to be pulverized, forming a powder of a fine bright yellow, having a bitterish, somewhat as- tringent taste, and when chewed feeling gritty under the teeth, speedily colouring the saliva, and not appearing very mucilaginous, The principal constituent of rhubarb is extractive matter, so- luble both in alcohol and in water. By gentle decoction, it looses above one half its weight. The virtues of this root are destroyed by roasting, boiling, and in forming the extract. Rhubarb is justly prized as a mild cathartic, and maybe safely administered to children, invalids, and delicate women, in doses of from ten to twenty grains, though, in irritable, hysterical, and phthisical habits it is apt to occasion gripes, and aggravate febrile symptoms : hence it ought never to be given in the first stage of dysentery, when this invaluable remedy, by premature use, may occasion the most violent pain, and inflammation of the bowels; but, after the fever is suppressed, and the disease becomes a chronic diarrhoea, small doses of rhubarb are attended with the best effects. Beside its purgative quality, it is celebrated as an astringent, by which it strengthens the tone of the stomach and intestines, and proves useful in diarrhoea, and disorders proceeding from laxity. Rhubarb exhibited in substance in the form of powder, operates more powerfully than in any other way. The dose for an adult is from a scruple to a drachm. On account of its great bulk it is sometimes unpleasant to the taste, and its laxative effects are often increased by the addition of neutral salts, or other more active purgatives. Combined with calomel, it is much more effi- 192 MATF.RI\ MEDICA. cacious as a cathartic. The infusion i-i considerably weaker than the powder, and requires double the dose to produce the same effect. It is well adapted for children, but must be always fresh prepared. In the form of tincture, its principal use is as a tonic, and stomachic. Small doses of the powder are frequently ex- hibited with the same intention. Attempts have been successfully made to introduce the culture of this valuable drug into Britain, and it appears from authentic accounts, that sufficient quantities of it may be reared, and that the English root has proved to be fully equal to the best sort ob- tained from Turkey or China. There can be no doubt that the climate of the United States is perfectly congenial to the growth of rhubarb, and considering the great value of the medicine, its cultivation ought to be attempted. Rhododendron' Crtsanthum. Yellow flowered Rhododen- dron. The leaves. This small shrub grows in the coldest situations in Siberia. The leaves are oblong, rigid, reflected at the edges, rough on the upper surface, smooth, and paler on the lower. When dried, they have no smell, but a rough, astringent, and bitterish taste. They also contain a stimulant narcotic principle ; for they in- crease the heat of the body, excite thirst, and produce diaphore- sis, or an increased discharge of the other secretions or excre- tions and, in a larger dose, inebriation and delirium. The Siberians use a decoction of it in rheumatism and gout. They put about two drachms of the dried shrub in an earthen pot, with about ten ounces of boiling water, keeping it near a boiling heat for a night, and this they take in the morning. Besides its other effects, it is said to produce a sensation of prickling, or creeping in the pained parts ; but in a few hours the pain and disagreeable symptoms are relieved, and two or three doses generally complete the cure. The use of liquids is not al- lowed during its operation, as they are apt to induce vomiting. Rhus CorALi inum. .Yarrow leaved Sumach. The berries. Narrow leaved sumach, grows naturally in most parts of the United States ; rising to the height of six feet in a slaty gravelly soil. The berries are very acid, and are sprinkled with a grayish pounce, of an agreeable acid taste. Rhus Glabrum. Pennsylvanian Sumach. The berries. Rhus glabrum, smooth Pennsylvanian sumach, common or upland sumach, rising to the height of eight or ten feet. The MATERIA MEDICA. 193 leaves are feathered, sawed, lanced, naked on both sides, and change to a beautiful red in autumn : it flowers in July. The seeds are arranged like the flowers, are red, and covered with a white powder of an agreeable acid taste. The two species above described are considerably astringent. An infusion of the berries sweetened with honey is sometimes used for a gargle in sore throats, and for cleansing the mouth in putrid fevers. They are also recommended as useful in several of the arts. The leaves or berries are found a valuable substi- tute for nut galls in dyeing or making ink, they give a deep and permanent black. The plants in all their parts may be used as a succedaneum for oak bark in tanning, especially the white glove leather. Rhus Radicans. Poison Vine. Poison Creeper. Poison vine, has a slender ascending stem, and frequently plimbs up to the top of our tallest trees. The flowers, which appear in June, are produced along th$ whole course of the smal- ler branches; they are small, are of a light yellow colour, and have a delightful odour. Rhus Typhinum. Virginian Sumach. Stags Horn. Vinegar Plant. The berries. This plant grows naturally in almost every part of the United States. In Virginia and Pennsylvania, it rises to the height of twelve or fifteen feet, with a trunk of six or eight inches in dia- meter. The young branches are covered with a soft velvet-like down, and from their resemblance to the horn of a stag, the com- mon people have given it the appellation of stag's horn. The flowers are produced in close tufts at the end of the branches, and are succeeded by seeds inclosed in purple, woolly, succulent covers ; so that the branches are of a beautiful colour in autumn. This plant resembles in its properties the rhus copallinum and glabrum. Rhus Toxicodendrum. Poison Oak. Swamp Sumach. The leaves. Poison oak, a low shrubby stalk : leaves trifoliate, with pretty- large foot stalks, lobate, entire, smooth, and somewhat heart shaped. The flowers come out from the sides of the stalks, in loose panicles, are small, and of an herbaceous colour. This plant, sometimes called poison wood, is so acrimonious, that the touching of the leaves, or rubbing them on the skin, occasions itching, inflammation, and eruption- 1M MATERIA MEDU'A Dr. Alderson, of Hull, has given the leaves in four cases oi paralysis, in doses of half a grain, or a grain, three times a day, with marked success ; all his patients recovered to a certain de- gree, the use of their limbs. The first symptom of amendment was always an unpleasant feeling of prickling or twitching in the paralytic limbs. It has been given in large doses, without ex- periencing the same success. It was not however inactive. In one case the patient discontinued its use on account of the disa- greeable prickling it occasioned; and in general it operated as a gentle laxative, notwithstanding the torpid state of the bowels of such patients. Rhus Vernix. Varnish Free. Poison Oak. Swamp Sumach, White Sumach. Swamp sumach is the largest of our native species of rhus; grows in swamps, and makes a fine appearance. In New Eng- land this is commonly called dogwood. The rhus radicans, toxioodendrum and vernix, are highly poi- sonous, and arc particularly active in warm weather, altera meal, and when the part touching the plant is moist with sweat. The rhus vernix is more violent" than the other species, the poi- son will be communicated by touching, and by smelling any part of the shrub, or even by the smoke while burning, or the steams of a decoction of the plant. In about forty-eight hours an inflam- matory eruption appears on the surface of the skin, attended by pain, swelling, itching, and fever. The eruptions sometimes suppurate, after which, the inflammation subsides, and the ulcers heal in a short time, but the patient frequently remains blind for several days. It operates, however, somewhat differently in dif- ferent constitutions; and what is singular, some constitutions are incapable of being poisoned with it at all. The remedies arc bloodletting; when the symptoms are violent, smart purging, especially by sea water; cold water, or ice, or a wash of spirits of sal ammoniac diluted with water, or of lead water applied to the parts. Dr. Barton has always found a solution of corrosive subli- mate in water, to answer the purpose of effecting a speedy cure. One case of the remarkable effects of this poison has fallen under the observation of the compiler of this volume. The pa-' tient, having incautiously expressed a quantity of the juice from the leaves of a species of rhus, was soon after attacked with vio- lent inflammation, eruption, and swelling of the whole body, with fever and extreme pain. The whole surface of the body, swel- ling of the head, and blindness, exhibited the appearance of the most malignant kind of small pox; and so obstinate were the dangerous symptoms, that with the loss of his hair and nails, it was several weeks before a cure was effected. Dr. T. Horsefield, in his excellent inaugural dissertation on the rhus vernix. rhus radicans, and rhus glabrum, declares his full MATERIA MEDICA. 195 •onviction, after many judicious experiments, that the rhus ver- nix is the true varnish tree of Japanese, described by Kempfer. He found that the greatest quantity of juice was obtained from incisions made in the tree about the middle of May. Thunbery, and others, are also of opinion, that the Japanese varnish so much celebrated, may be obtained from our native rhus. It is a subject undoubtedly worthy of attention. A singular instance is related in the Medical Repository, of the poisonous effects of the rhus vernix on a swarm of bees, the whole of which the day after they attached themselves to the branch, were found dead, and their bodies turned black, and swel- led to nearly twice their natural size. Ricinus Communis. Palma Christi. The seeds and their fix- ed oil, called castor oil. The palma christi is a native of the West Indies, and flourishes extremely well in almost every part of the United States. In Georgia and South Carolina, its growth is very luxuriant, rising to the height of fifteen or twenty feet, even without the assist- ance of the hand of culture, and exhibiting a beautiful appearance. In Mr. Drayton's history of South Carolina, it is asserted that its produce is from one hundred to one hundred and fifty gallons of oil per acre. Estimating this at four dollars per gallon, the ordi- nary price, it will be found to afford ample encouragement for its extensive cultivation, especially since the plant is not liable to be greatly affected by the vicissitudes of the season. It answers best in a rich sandy soil, and the seed should be put in early in the spring. The seeds are about the size of small beans, which, in their brittle shells, contain white kernels, of a sweet, oily, but somewhat nauseous taste. The skin is extremely acrid, and one or two of the seeds swallowed entire, operate as a drastic purga- tive or emetic. The kernels yield almost a fourth part of their weight of a bland fixed oil, commonly called castor oil. It is obtained from them either by expression or decoction with water. The former method is practised in Europe ; the latter in Jamaica. To increase the product, it is common to parch the seeds over the fire, before the oil is extracted from them ; but the oil thus obtained, is greatly inferior to that prepared by cold expression, or simple decoction, and is apt to become rancid. The most eligible method is, to shell the seeds and boil them in water; as the oil rises, skim it off". This oil is sweet, without bad taste, or smell, and as clear as olive oil; and may be kept much longer than that obtained by expression, because the water detains the mucilage, which abounds in the expressed oil, and disposes it the sooner to become rancid, and unfit for internal use. Genuine castor oil is thick and viscid, of a whitish colour, insipid or sweetish to the taste, and without smell. 196 M VTT.IMA MEDICA. Castor oil is a gentle and useful purgative ; it in general pro- duces its effects without griping, and in.a be given with safely, where acrid purgatives are improper, as in colic, calculus, go- norrhoea, Sec. It'is also one of the best vermifuges, and a most efficacious remedy for the dry bellyache and iliac passion, when administered in proper doses, to children and adults; viz. ihc dose for the former, from one to two teaspoonfuls; and the latter, a tablespoonful, repeated every two or three hours. Half a ic*- spoonful has been given with success to new-born infants, for lu- bricating the intestines, and expelling the meconium. As patients in general have a great aversion to this oil in its pure state, it may be taken swimming either in a glass of peppermint, or simple water, or in the form of an emulsion, with mucii^gc, or with the addition of a small quantity of rum. Rosa Gallic a. Red Rose. The petals. The Gallica, French or common red rose, has large, spread- ing, half double, deep red flowers. It has not the fragrance of the damask rose ; but the beautiful colour of its petals, and their pieasant astringency, have rendered them officinal. It must however be remarked, that their odour is increased by drying, while that of the damask and moss roses is almost destroyed. Rosa Damascena. Damask Rose. The petals. This is justly termed the queen of flowers, and both its ele- gance and fragrance have rendered it the favourite ornament of every garden. It is sometimes called Dutch hundred leaved rose. The damask rose yields on distillation, a small portion of butyrous oil, together with a water, which possesses the odour and taste of the roses, and are greatly esteemed for the agreeable flavour they impart to culinary preparations, and also to cordials. A valuable perfume is obtained from the flowers by distillation, called ottar or essence of roses. The true ottar of roses is sold in the East Indies, at the exorbitant price of twenty guineas and upwards per ounce. It is doubtless the most elegant perfume in vegetable nature ; as a single drop imparts its fragrance through* out the room or dwelling, and suppresses other less agreeable odours. Rosa Canina. Dog R-.ae. The fruit, called hips. The common wild briar, or hip tree, an indigenous plant, grow- ing in woods and hedges. In the month of June it bears oval flowers, which are succeeded by red egg shaped berries. It is the fruit of this shrub, thai is employed in Britain by the apothc- MATERIA MEDICA. 197 cary for making the conserve of hips. The pulp of the fruit, besides saccharine matter, contains citric acid, which gives it an acid taste. Rosmarinus Officinalis. Rosemary. The flowering tops. Rosemary is a shrubby perennial, which grows wild in the south of Europe, and is cultivated in gardens. It has a fragrant smell, and a warm pungent bitterish taste, approaching to those of lavender : the leaves and tender tops are strongest ; next to these the cup of the flower ; the flowers themselves are conside- rably the weakest, but most pleasant. From the leaves, tops, and flowers of this plant an essential oil is prepared ; or, when distilled with spirit of wine, they afford the celebrated Hungary water. These liquid medicines are esteemed excellent cephalics, in nervous and hysterical affections, and have been found eminently serviceable in apoplexies palsies, and vertigoes, in which cases they are sparingly applied to the temples and forehead. Rubia Tinctorum. Madder. The root. Madder is perennial, and grows wild in some parts of Britain, but the dyers are principally supplied with it from Zealand, where it is cultivated in large quantities. The roots consist of articulated fibres, about the thickness of a quill, which are red throughout ; have a weak smell, and a bit- terish astringent taste. For the use of dyers, they are first peeled and dried, then bruised and packed in barrels. The root of the common or wild madder is an excellent deter- gent, and aperient; on which account it has been highly recom- mended in visceral obstructions, particularly of the uterus ; in coagulations of the blood, induced either by falls or bruises ; in the beginning of dropsical complaints, and especially in the rick- ets. It may be given pulverized in doses of from five to fifteen grains to children ; and from half to a whole drachm, three or four times in a day, to adults. WThen taken internally, it posses- ses the remarkable quality of tinging the urine of a deep red co- lour, and produces similar effects on the bones of animals, if eaten with other food. Madder might be profitably cultivated in the United States. Rumex Aquatic us. Water Dock. The root and leaves. It grows in peat marshes, wet ditches, pools, at the sides of rivers, and in shallow water. It flowers in July and August, and is succeeded by large seeds. This plant affords a medicine of considerable efficacy, when applied externally, as a wash for 24 VJi> MATERIA MEDICA. spongy, putrid gums ; its roots when pulverized have been found excellent for cleaning the teeth. These roots are of a bitter, as- tringent taste, and have'often been employed for the cure of scor- butic and cutaneous disorders, whether administered internally, or applied externally in ointments, cataplasms, lotions, or fomen- tations. Decoctions of the leaves are, likewise, an efficacious laxative, and have been taken with advantage in rheumatic pains, and chronical diseases occasioned by costiveness, or by visceral obstructions. The dose usually given, is a decoction of half an ounce of the fresh roots, or from one to two drachms of them, in a diy state. The Indians, says Dr. Cutler, used the root of water dock with great success in cleansing foul ulcers. It is said, they endea- voured to keep it a secret from the Europeans. Dr. Withering says, he saw an ill conditioned ulcer in the mouth, which had destroyed the palate, cured by washing the mouth with a decoction of this root, and drinking a small quantity of the same decoction daily. Saccharum Officinarum. Sugar Cane. Sugar. a. brown, or impure. b. double refined, or most pure- The sugar cane grows wild in both the Indies, and forms the principal object of cultivation in the West-Indies. It grows to the height of from three and a half to seven, and sometimes to twelve feet, in strong, deep lands. When ripe it assumes a fine straw colour, and is usually cut at the age of twelve or fifteen months, according to the season, or the nature of the soil. Sugar is principally obtained from the plant by boiling down its expressed juice, with the addition of a certain proportion ol lime or potash, until the greater part be disposed to concrete into brownish or yellowish crystalline grains. In this dry state, it is called raw or muscovado sugar, and is sent to Europe, where it is subsequently refined. This is performed by dissolv- ing it in water, boiling the solution with lime water, clarifying it with blood or white of eggs, and straining it through woolen bags. The solution, when in a proper state, is poured into coni- cal forms of unglazed earthen ware, where it concretes into a mass of irregular crystals. The syrup, which has not been crystallized, is then permitted to run off through a hole in the apex of the cone. The upper or broad end of the cone is then covered with moist clay, the water of which gradually penetrates into the sugar, and displaces a quantity of syrup, which would otherwise be retained in it, and discolour it. It is then carefully dried, and gets the name of loaf or lump sugar. When the so- lution, and other steps of the process are repeated, the sugar is MATERIA MEDICA, 199 .hen said to be double refined. Sugar is sometimes made to assume a more regular form of crystallization, by carrying the evaporation only to a certain length, and then permitting the syrup to cool slowly: In this form it is called brown or white sugar candy, according to the degree of its purity. Sugar is a very wholesome and powerful article of nourish- ment ; for during crop time, the negroes in the West Indies, notwithstanding their increased labours, always grow fat. It produces no particular effect as a medicine, except that the coarser and impure kinds are slightly purgative. In pharmacy, it is principally employed to cover bad tastes, to give form, and to preserve more active substances. In using it for the last purpose, we must always remember, that if the proportion of sugar employed be too small, it will promote instead of retard- ing the fermentation of the articles it is intended to preserve. Molasses or treacle is a very impure syrup, which remains after refining the sugar. Treacle is applied to many domestic econo- nomical purposes; and, in hospital practice, may supersede the use of sugar in many instances. Sugar candy is used by persons labouring under hoarseness and coughs ; the violence of which it contributes to relieve, by lubricating the membranes, and promoting expectoration. Salix Alba. White Willow. The bark, and the bark of the root. The species or varieties of the willow, which have been no- ticed by botanical writers, are very numerous ; and it is probable that the bark of all of them possesses properties in many respects similar. In 1763, Mr. Stone, an English clergymen, presented a paper to the Royal Society, on the beneficial effects of the sa- iix alba, or white willow, in intermittent fevers ; and Dr. Cullen, on this authority, and from the sensible qualities it possesses, recommends it, in his Materia Medica, as a substitute for the cinchona. Mr. Stone gathered the bark in summer, when it was full of sap; dried it by a gentle heat, and gave a drachm of it powdered every four hours, betwixt the fits. In a few obsti- nate cases he mixed it with one fifth part of the cinchona. Some judicious physicians here, says Dr. Cutler, made trial of the bark of white willow, and recommend it as a valuable sub- stitute for the Peruvian bark. They have used principally the bark of the root. Salix Catifoha. Broad leaved Willow. The bark. This possesses greater medicinal properties than any of the other species of salix ; and is now substituted by many British physicians for the Peruvian bark. Three British pamphlets 200 MATERIA MEDICA. upon this subject have been published within a few years , the last, by Dr. Wilkinson (1803) is replete with encomiums on the remedy in question. This species of salix may be distinguished by the shape of its leaves from all others, except the salix pen- tandra, or bay leaved willow. But the leaves of the latter are smooth and shining, and of a deeper green ; nor have they the downy appearance on the under surface, which is so remarkable in the salix caprea or tat/folia. It is found in woods and hedges on hilly situations, and delights in cold, clayey, moist ground. The most proper time to gather the bark, is in May or June ; it should be cut in small pieces, and dried in the shade. This bark is very astringent to the taste, and somewhat bitter, but it loses the latter quality when dry. Dr. Wilkinson directs one ounce and a half of the coarse powder of the bark to be infused in one quart of water for six hours ; then to boil it over a gen- tle fire for a quarter of an hour, and strain for use : of this the ordinary dose is two or three large spoonfuls, three or four times a day ; but in the ague and fever, one or two ounces may be given every third hour, in the interval of the fit. The strong decoction of this bark resembles port wine in colour, for which, by several who have seen it in vials, it has been mistaken. Dr. Wilkinson relates sixteen cases of disease, in which this bark was employed with decided advantage, and from which he does not hesitate to assign to it virtues greatly superior to those of the cinchona: in particular he relates a case of extreme emaciation from an ulcerated foot, which was perfectly cured, after having resisted the continued use of Peruvian bark, and the exertion of the physicians of two public charities. It is doubtless a remedy of considerable efficacy, and is strongly re- commended on account of its cheapness, and the facility of pro- curing it. It appears to be useful in most cases where the cinchona is usually resorted to. The attention of medical men should be directed to the in- quiry, whether the salix latifolia may be found in the United States, as it promises to afford a valuable substitute for the cinchona ; the price of which has become exorbitant, and its quality greatly impaired by base and fraudulent adulterations. Salvia Officinalis. Sage. The leaves. The leaves of the sage have a peculiar aromatic smell, and a warm aromatic taste, with some degree of bitterness and astringency. In its effects, sage agrees with other aromatics. It is stimu- lant, carminative, and tonic. In cold, phlegmatic habits, it excites appetite, and proves serviceable in debilities of the ner- vous system. The best preparation for these purposes, is an infusion of the dry leaves, drank as tea; or a tincture, or ex- tract, made with rectified spirit, taken in proper doses ; these MATERIA MEDICA. 201 contain the whole virtues of the sage ; the distilled water and essential oil, only its warmth and aromatic quality, without any of its roughness or bitterness. Aqueous infusions of the leaves, with the addition of a little lemon juice, prove an useful diluting drink in febrile disorders, being sufficiently agreeable to the palate. Sambucus Nigra. Common Elder. The inner bark, flowers, and berries. This tree is frequent in hedges ; it flowers in May, and ripens its fruit in September. The berries contain malic acid, and have a sweetish, not unpleasant taste ; nevertheless, eaten in substance, they offend the stomach. The expressed juice inspissated to the consistence of a rob, proves an useful aperient medicine ; it opens obstructions of the vicera, promotes the natural evacuations, and, if continued a length of time, does considerable service in various chronical disorders. The inner green bark of its trunk is greatly cathartic. An infusion of it in wine, or the expressed juice, in the dose of half an ounce or more, is said to purge moderately; and, in smaller doses to prove an efficacious deobstruent, capable of promoting all the fluid secretions. The young leaf buds are strongly purgative, and act with so much violence, as to be deservedly accounted unsafe. The flowers are very different in quality ; these have an agreeable aromatic flavour, which they yield in distillation with water, and impart by infusion to vinous and spirituous liquors. Sanguinaria Canadensis. Blood Root. Puuson. The seeds and root. This is a common plant in the United States, and is called also red root, Indian paint, turmeric. The leaves are roundish, and deeply indented ; stems naked, supporting single flowers ; blossoms white. It grows in rich wood land, and flowers in April. When the fresh root is broken, a juice issues in large drops resembling blood. The Indians used it for painting themselves, and highly esteemed it for its medicinal virtues. It is emetic and cathartic, .but must be given with caution. An infusion of the root in rum or brandy, makes a good bitter. If it be planted in rich shady borders, it flourishes well in gardens ; and the large leaves and blossoms make an agreeable appearance soon after the frost is out of the ground. [Cutler's account of indigenous veg°tables.~\ From an inaugural dissertation on Sanguinaria* by Dr. Dow- ny (Philadelphia 1803), the following useful information is ob- 202 MATERIA MEDIC \ tained. « The root is from one fourth to half an inch in diame- ter, from three to four inches long, sending forth numerous stringy fibres, two or tluee inches long : a coloured liquor is thrown out when the root is broken. The stalk is six or eight inches long, and of the thickness of a quill. The leaves are cordate and lobate. There is but one leaf to a stalk ; on each lobe, one large fibre of a light yellow colour, may be seen running from the stalk, and many smaller ones branching from it in all directions. The powdered root, in doses of fifteen or twenty grains, is powerfully emetic. Eight grains is a mild dose, and is but little inferior to ipecacuan. It contains a large proportion of gum, some resin, and extractive matter. The first and last are the most active parts. The leaves and seeds of the plant are powerful and diffusible stimuli; promote sweat, and are given in Maryland with that view to horses, to promote the shedding of their coats. A tinc- ture of the root is used to prevent the intermittent fever; and a decoction of the roots to cure the dysentery. In one case, it operated powerfully upon the uterus, and produced abortion ; hence it might be useful in female obstructions." The seeds are said, by professor Barton (collection for Mate- ria Medica) to possess nearly the same quality of those of stra- monium, viz. they induce fever, delirium, dilated pupil, Sec. A deleterious property resides also in the leaves. The root has been used in gonorrhoea, for the bites of serpents, and in bilious diseases ; and the juice is employed to destroy warts. In some parts of New England, a spirituous tincture of the roots is used as a tonic bitter. It is expectorant, and is apparently allied in properties to rattle snake root. The medical properties of Sanguinaria have been investigated by numerous trials in the hands of Aaron Dexter, M. D. pro- fessor of chemistry and Materia Medica, university at Cam- bridge. The experimental tests of this gentleman, corroborated by those of other respectable physicians, afford the most satis- factory evidence, that it possesses very active powers, and that in doses of one grain of the powdered root, or ten drops of a saturated tincture, it proves efficacious as a stimulant and dia- phoretic. But in large doses, it excites nausea and vomiting, and if incautiously administered, it is of dangerous tendency. It is said to be efficacious in removing jaundice, and is be- lieved to be a chief ingredient in the quack medicine known by the name of Rawson's bitters. Dr. Israel Allen, of Sterling, and others, have had recourse to this medicine as a substitute for digitalis, in coughs and pneu- monic complaints ; and on some occasions it is said to have proved equally efficacious, and less debilitating than foxglove, when exhibited with the same precautions. The dose of the saturated tincture of the root is from thirty to eighty drops twice in the day, increasing or decreasing the number as particular circumstances may require. MATERIA MEDKA. 20S Sapo. Soap. Prepared with oil of olives and soda, called cas- tile soap. Soap, is a composition of fixed alkaline salt, in a state of com- bination with animal or vegetable oil ; it is sometimes dry, and hard ; at others, soft and liquid ; being manufactured various ways, with and without heat. The only difference in the various kinds of manufactured soap, is, in the oils employed in the composition. Thus, the common hard soap is prepared from the caustic ley, with the addition of tal- low. The Venice, Alicant or Spanish soap, with olive oil; green soap, with that of rape, hemp, or linseed ; black soap, with train oil; and, lastly, the ordinary soft soap, is formed by using potash as a substitute for soda, together with tallow, or train oil, to which •s added a large quantity of common salt. The perfumed compounds, known under the names of palm, violet, almond, or other soaps, are prepared in a similar manner; the oils of such vegetable substances being employed instead of those of the usual kind. The alkaline soaps have an unpleasant taste, and a peculiar smell; form a milky solution with water, and a transparent one with alcohol, and are powerfully detergent. The only species which is officinal in our pharmacopoeia, is that composed of olive oil and soda. It is only prepared in the coun- tries which produce the oil. For medicinal use, we prefer the Spanish. It should be white and hard, dissolved entirely in water and in alcohol, forming with the former a milky, and with the latter a transparent solution ; the solution should froth freely on agitation. It should not be variagated in its colour, feel greasy or moist, or be covered with a saline efflorescence ; and the solutions should not have a rancid smell or taste. Some of the foreign dispensatories are so very particular about the nature of the soap, used in medicine, as to direct it to be prepared by the apothecary, by simply triturating (without the assistance of heat) Provence oil, with half its weight of a solution of soda, of the specific gravity of 1.375, until they unite. Soap is decomposed by all the acids, earths, and earthy and metalline salts. The acids combine with the alkali and separate the oil. The earths form an insoluble earthy soap with the oil, and separate the alkali, while with the salts there is a mutual de- composition, their acid combines with the alkali, and earthy, or metalline soaps are formed. The detergent property of soap, or the power it possesses of rendering oily and resinous substances miscible with water, has given rise to very erroneous notions of its medical virtues. It was supposed to render such substances more readily solub'e in the juices of the stomach, and in the fluids of the body, and to be well fitted for dissolving such oily and unctuous matters as it may 204 MATERIA MEDICA. meet with in the body, attenuating viscid juices, opening ob- structions of the viscera, and deterging all the vessels it passes through. It has likewise been supposed a powerful menstruum for the urinaiy calculus ; and a solution of soap in lime water, has been considered as one of the strongest dissolvents that can be taken with safety into the stomach ; for the virtue of this composition has been thought considerably greater than the aggregate of the dissolving powers of the soap and lime water when unmixed. How erroneous these ideas are, appears evidently, when wc recollect the very easy decomposition of soap, which renders it per- fectly impossible that it should enter the circulating system, or indeed come into contact with the fluids even of the mouth, wi:h- out being decomposed. As to the solution of soap in lime water, we may observe, that it is only a clumsy way of exhibiting a so- lution of soda ; for the soap is decomposed, an insoluble soap of lime is formed, and the soda remains in solution. The internal use of soap should therefore be confined, in our opinion, to the giving form to other substances which arc not decomposed by it, and to decompose metallic poisons when they have been taken into the stomach. For this last purpose, a teacupful of a solu- tion of soap, in four times its weight of water, may be drank every three or four minutes, until a sufficient quantity be taken. Applied externally, it is a very powerful detergent, and com- bines the stimulating properties of the alkali with the lubricating nature of the oil. In this way it often proves a powerful discu lient, and an useful application to sprains and bruises. Scilla Maritima. Squill. The root. The squill is a perennial bulbous rooted plant, which grows wild on the sandy shores of Spain, Portugal, and the Levant. The best sea-onions ought to be sound, fresh, and to contain a viscous juice; they are nauseous, bitter, and, if much handled, are so acrid as to ulcerate the skin. It is more commonly met with in the shops, in the form of dried scales, which should be brittle, semipellucid, smooth, but marked with lines, and when chewed, should feel tenacious, and taste very bitter, without manifest acrimony. The active constituent of the squill is the acrid principle ; and, therefore, it becomes almost inert by drying, or by being kept too long in the form of powder. The squill is a powerful stimulant, promoting the discharge of urine; and if the patient be kept warm, a profuse perspiration. ...... It is chiefly employed in cases where the organs of perspira- tion are clogged, or oppressd with mucus. When combined with nitre, in the proportion of from five to ten grains of the dried root, with a double quantity of nitre, it has been greatly extolled for its efficacy in dropsical swellings, and in MATERIA MEDICA. 2Q5 inflammations of the kidneys. If the squill be taken in a large dose, it operates as an emetic ; and, in some persons, as a pur- gative. In some cases it produces even strangury, bloody urine inflammation, and erosion of the stomach. In smaller doses, how- ever, it proves an useful expectorant and diuretic, and is pecu- liarly serviceable in phlegmatic habits, where the lungs are op- pressed with viscid matter. The dose of squill is one or two grains, two or three times a- day; and the most commodious form, unless when designed as an emetic, is that of a bolus, or pill : though when mixed with honey into an oxymel, it affords an useful medicine in obstinate coughs. Scutellaria GalericuLata. Blue Scull-Cap. Hooded Wil- low-Herb. The leaves. A native perennial plant, growing on the banks of rivers, and the borders of ponds; flowering in the month of July or August. Its square stem is branched, and attains the height of two feet; the leaves are heart-shaped, narrow-pointed, on short foot stalks, and scalloped ; the flowers are blue, in pairs, on pedicles from the ala? of the leaves, and .pendulous. This herb is bitter, and has a garlic smell; it is eaten by cows, sheep, and goats; but is refused by horses and hogs. Cartheusen, a German writer, in- forms us, that the whole of this astringent vegetable may be em- ployed for dyeing black, with the addition of green vitriol. Botanic writers have ascribed no medicinal properties to this vegetable, nor would it occupy a place here, but for its recently reputed efficacy as an antidote against the effects of canine mad- ness. Should this plant ultimately prove a successful remedy for a disease so truly deplorable in its nature, and dreadful in its con- sequences, no encomiums can surpass its merit, even if recorded in letters of gold. Our authority, however, is founded on news- paper intelligence, and verbal report. In the Salem Gazette of September 15th, 1809, we have, in "a letter from a friend in New York, to his correspondent in Salem," an interesting ac- count of the unexampled success with which this remedy has been employed. The substance of that letter will now be cited in the handsome language of the writer, evincive of his own con- fidence, and animating to the hope of every benevolent mind. " I conceive it of importance to make known what I believe to be a specific remedy for the canine madness, and a certain anti- dote against the poison by which it is produced. The remedy to which I allude has been made use of with great success by a poor man of the name of Lewis, a resident of West Chester county, in this state. It was known to his father many years since, and kept a secret in the family for a very considerable time. Whenever a mad dog appeared in the neighbourhood of Mamaroneck or the Purchase, and bit either man or beast, it had long been the cuv.om, 206 MI.T1.UI A MKDICA. previous to the secret being made public, to send for Lewis, (tin father or son), who, as from long experience it was well known, would, by administering a simple powder, destroy with certainty the poison, and effectually cure the person or animal who had been bitten. Instances have, I am told, occurred of several crea- tures being bitten by dogs considered to be mail, unci the Lewises, when applied to, have, in order to prove the value of the medi- cine, requested their owners to set one aside ; which being done, they have cured all the rest, and the one so set aside has died with every symptom of the hydrophobia. This circumstance, il true, .and from the result of the inquiries I have made, 1 believe it to be so) places the character of the remedy made use of by them beyond a doubt. I have had opportunities of speaking to poi- sons well acquainted with Lewis, and who had particularly observ- ed the course he pursued in various instances, and they all con- curred in expressing their full conviction of its efficacy. " The remedy he made use of is nothing more than a plant that grows in the fresh meadows of our country. The botanic name of it is ''Scutellaria galericulata.' This plant Lewis used to gather, dry it, and reduce it to a powder, in order to prevent a discovery of what it actually was. It was found out by a person who obtained some of it from him in a powdered state ; observing seeds in it, he planted them in his garden, where they came to perfection. Since then, J. M. or some one of his family, in order to remove every doubt as to the certainty of the plant, produced from the seeds, being the one actually made use of by Lewis, gave him five dollars to shew it to him, and it proved to be the same. " Among the number of cases in which it has been applied with success, it may be necessary to mention only the following one ; the relation of which I had from the persons hereafter men- tioned, of whom I purposely inquired the particulars. U. F. father-in-law to R. M. had a few years since a number of his cows and hogs bitten by a mad dog. Being fully satisfied that the dog was mad, he sent immediately for Lewis; who, when he came, fur- nished him with a quantity of the powder before described, and di- rected him to make a tea of it, and give it to the animals every other day in any mess they were fond of; and, on the days intervening, a small portion of brimsto'ne : this course was adopted and continued for two or three weeks. Ii happened that before the termination of that period, he disposed of one of the cows to a neighbour, who was acquainted with its being bitten, and to whom he gave some of the powder, with directions not to fail giving it to the creature: this, however, through carelessness was neglected, and the con- se uence was that it went mad and died, while all the others con- tinued perfectly well. About two ounces of the herb when re- duced to powder, and divided into several portions, is sufficient to cure man or beast, if administered in time. I cannot learn with certain'y, that, if not given until the Hydrophobia com- mence, it will have the ucsired effect: it is difficult, if not MATERIA MEDICA. 207 wholly impossible, when the disorder has risen to a height, to in- duce the patient to take any kind of substance whatsoever: in- deed in most cases when it is presented to them, they are seized with violent spasms, and fall backwards strongly convulsed: to attempt forcing them to receive it, is attended with great danger. I am credibly informed, that a man in New Jersey, endeavouring to give a drench to a cow in that situation, died from the poison communicated by the saliva of the animal falling on a wound he had previously received on his hand. It is therefore best to ad- minister it as early as possible; it has, however, been in some instances deferred, till the patient have shewn some signs of ill- ness, and then effected a cure. In cases of this nature, the decoc- tion of the herb should be stronger than in others. In the in- stances which have come to my knowledge of animals being bitten by a mad dog, the periods between the times they were bitten and the commencement of the hydrophobia, varied very considerably. In some, the effects of the poison were discerni- ble in a few days, and in others, not under two or three months. "I am informed by a person acquainted with the family of the the Lewises, that the old man came by his knowledge of this remedy, by being bit by a mad dog; and hearing of an old Ger- man who was famous for curing poisons, applied to him, and having by his assistance escaped the danger he had incurred, ob- tained from him in confidence the secret of the means by which his cure was effected. Thou mayest rest fully assured that every thing which I have stated respecting this remedy, I have the greatest confidence is correct. My information has been derived from the most respectable sources, from persons of probity, who were eye-witnesses to the facts which they related ; and I have no doubt, but that in a very short time, I could collect more than one hundred instances of cures by the Lewises, since the remedy came to their knowledge. My confidence in the virtues of this herb is so great, that I would trust my life to it, rather than to the skill of all the physicians in this city, should I be so unfortunate as to stand in need of it. Physicians in general are, I believe, honest enough to confess, that they know of no remedy for the disease communicated by the bite of a mad dog." The very important account in the foregoing letter, is, we are happy to learn, corroborated by Mr. Coleman, editor of the New York Evening Post, who remarks in his paper, that he himself had been witness of the cure of the hydrophobia by the use of this plant alone, and that there are a number of gentlemen of the most respectable characters in New York, who will attest that they have been witnesses of repeated cures by the same remedy. He also confirms the account given in the above letter. The Rev. Dr. Cutler also has received verbal information, which he considers as confirmatory of the above important particulars. The field of experiment being thus fairly exposed, in which no medical skill is requisite, every humane person must consider himself warranted in resorting to this new remedy on any occa- 308 MATKRIA MEDICA. sion which may offer, either of alleviating the misery and distress of mankind, or of arresting the devastation among the brute creation. Sec ale Cere ale. Rye. Ergot*, or Spurred Rye. This article never having been made a subject of considera- tion by writers on Materia Medica, would not have been intro- duced in this place but for the general inquiry Which has lately been excited among the medical practitioners of the United States. In the Encyclopaedia, (Vol. 17. Art. Secale, Rye) we have some account of ergot, of which the following is an abstract. Rye is subject to a disease which the French call ergot, and the English, horned rye, which sometimes happens when a very hot summer succeeds a rainy spring. According to Tissot, horned rye is such as suffers an irregular vegetation in the mid- dle substance, between the grain and the leaf, producing an ex- crescence of a brownish colour, about an inch and a half long, and two tenths of an inch broad. Bread made of this kind of rye has a nauseous acrid taste, and produces spasmodic and gan- grenous disorders. In 1596, an epidemic disease prevailed in Hesse, which the physicians ascribed to bread made of horned rye. Some were seized with epilepsy, and these seldom ever recovered ; others became lunatic, and continued stupid the rest of their lives. The same disease was occasioned by the use of this bread in various parts of Europe at six several periods from the year 1648 to 1736, and has been very minutely described by Hoffman, and others. In the year 1709, no less than five hundred patients were in the hospital of Orleans in France afflicted with diseases in consequence of eating horned rye. The first symp- tom was a kind of drunkenness, then the local disorder began in the toes, and thence ascended sometimes to the thigh, and the trunk itself, even after amputation. In the year 1710, the celebrated Fontenelle describes the case of a peasant at Blois, who having eaten horned rye, in bread, was seized with a morti- fication, which, beginning at the toes, extended to the legs and thighs, destroying the flesh, and leaving the bones bare. Horned rye is equally fatal to brutes: sheep, dogs, swine, ami deer; nay, geese, ducks, and other poultry, that were fed with it by way of experiment, died in great agonies, some convulsed, others mortified and ulcerated. Rye is affected with the disease in this country similar to that in Europe, particularly summer rye in low wet situations. This singular production, which our farmers call smut, is found pro- jecting from among the leaves of the ear; it is a long round "Ergot is French for a cock's spur, and horned rye was called itrgu from whe*re?fejnblaoce of its excrescence to that part MATERIA MEDICA. 109 excrescence, pointed at the extremities, of a dark brown colour externally, and white within. Some ears afford a considerable number of spurs, while others have two or three only, inter- spersed with genuine seeds of rye. Although some European authors have noticed ergot in terms of reproach, as an empirical agent, or an inert .substance, our own recent experience furnishes evidence of its very active powers, and the novelty of the subject renders it peculiarly in- teresting to every scientific physician in our country. The medicinal properties of this extraordinary substance were first announced to the public by Dr. John Stearns, of Saratoga coun- ty, state of New York. A letter from him to Dr. Akerly, phy- sician to the New York City Dispensary, and one from this lat- ter gentleman to Dr. Dewees, of Philadelphia, both published in the Medical Repository*, are the principal sources from which our information is derived. The unexceptionable authority of these respectable physicians might suffice, even were Ave desti- tute of corroborating testimonies of its efficacy. According to Dr. Stearns, ergot is capable of exciting a spe- cific action upon the uterus, and while it augments the power of this organ, it appears to exert a peculiar effect in relaxing the rigidity of the contracted muscular fibres during the efforts of parturition. Hence in lingering and laborious cases, it is found to be an invaluable medicine ; speedily inducing forcible pains, and greatly expediting delivery. The Doctor asserts that he has administered it to more than one hundred patients, threaten- ed with difficult or lingering labours, and that in no instance has he been disappointed in his expectations. For obvious rea- sons, however, he cautions against employing this powerful par- turient in cases of preternatural presentation. In the form of powder (pulvis ad partum accelerandum) he gives from five to ten or fifteen grains; but has found it more active in the form of decoction ;—half a drachm of the powder being gently boiled in half a pint of water, one third may be given every twenty minutes, until proper pains shall have commenced. A large dose will excite nausea and vomiting. Dr. Stearns affirms, that in his hands ergot has never induced deleterious effects, but is of opinion that it is capable of pro- ducing abortion at any stage of pregnancy. In one case of ame- norrhoea, Dr. Beckman administered one drachm1 in decoction ; bearing-down pains immediately ensued, and the suppression was the next day removed. Whether it has been employed in other cases of a similar nature, and whether successfully, or otherwise, we have not yet ascertained: curiosity is rather ex- cited than gratified; but from the present spirit of investigation, wc anticipate a disclosure of other facts relative to a novel pro- duction which promises to subserve important purposes in me- dicine. * Ifexade 2. vol. v. p. 308, and vol. vj. p. 341, 210 MATERIA MEDICA- SesamumOriextale. Oily Grain. Bennc. The leaves and seeds. This originally an African plant has become well known by the name of benne in South Carolina and Georgia, or the \ angloe of of the West Indies. It is an annual plant, rising with an herba- ceous four cornered stalk, two feet high, sending out a lew short side branches; the leaves are oblong, oval, a little hairy, and stand opposite. The flowers terminate the stalk in loose spikes ; they are small, of a dirty white colour, shaped somewhat like those of foxglove. After the flowers are past, germen turns to an oval acute pointed capsula, with four cells filled with oval compressed seeds, which ripen in autumn. Of late years the seeds have been introduced into the states of Georgia and South Carolina, by the African negroes, where the plant succeeds extremely well ; and they boil a handful of the seeds with their allowance of Indian corn, which forms a nourishing food. But the excellency of these seeds consists in their yielding a larger proportion of oil than any other vegetable with which we are acquainted. One hundred weight of seed will produce ninety pounds of oil of an equal and even preferable quality to Florence oil. It will keep good many years without contracting any rancid smell or taste, and when the warm taste of the seed, discovered in the oil when first drawn, is worn off*, it becomes quite mild, and is found to be a pleasant and agreeable substitute for all the purposes of salad oil. The benne oil in some parts of the southern states is esteemed as a gen- tle laxative, in those cases where the more nauseous castor oil is usually employed It also burns well in lamps. The leaves of this plant by infusion or decoction are found to afford an excel- lent mucilage ; well adapted to all the intentions of that class of remedies, and in 1803, was used with the most marked good ef- fect, in an epidemic dysentery in South Carolina. Considering therefore the great utility and importance of the benne plant, its cultivation by our patriotic planters cannot be too strongly recommended. Siva pis Alba. White Mustard. > _,, , Sinapis Nigr\. Black or common Mustard. 3 £C6 S' These plants arc both annual, both grow wild in England, and possess similar virtues. They produce small round compressed seeds, which have an acrid bitterish taste, and a pungent smell when reduced to powder. The common mustard has blackish seeds, and is more pungent than the white. They impart their taste and smell in perfection to aqueous liquors, while rectified spirit extracts extremely little of cither : The whole of the pun- gency arises with water in distillation. Committed to the press, ihcy yield a considerable quantity of a soft insipid oil, perfectly MATERIA MEDICA. 211 void of acrimony ; the cake left after the expression, is more pun- gent than the mustard itself. The imported mustard, so common at tables, and which is generally preferred to our own, is the pulverized seed of the black species ; the difference consists only in the preparation of the powder. The seeds unbruised are frequently given in palsies and chr- nic rheumatisms, and are found beneficial. They may be take 1 in the quantity of a tablespoonful or more, and will gently relax the bowels. Rheumatic pains in the stomach are often relieved by taking them in brandy. The powdered seeds, with crumbs of bread and vinegar, are made into cataplasms, and applied to the soles of the feet in fevers, when stimulants are necessary. They are also topically applied in fixed rheumatic and sciatic pains. Dr. Withering says, wherever we want a strong stimu- lus, that acts upon the nervous system without exciting much heat, we know none preferable to the mustard seed. An infu- sion of the seed, given in large quantities, vomits ; but, in smal- ler doses, operates as an aperient and diuretic. Mustard whey, with wine, is used as a drink in fevers. Its acrimony is said to consist in an essential oil. Mustard whey is made by boiling one and half ounce of the bruised seeds in a pint of mi.lk, and as much water, till the curd be perfectly separated. This is perhaps the most elegant form in which mustard can be exhibited. A little sugar may be added, and an ordinary teacupful given four or five times a day in cases of low nervous fever, greatly warms and invigorates the habit, and promotes the different secretions. Smilax Saksaparilla. Sarsaparitla. The root. This root is brought from the Spanish West Indies. It con- sists of a great number of long strings hanging from one head : the long roots, the only parts made use of, are of a blackish colour on the outside, and white within, about the thickness of a goose quill. . They have a glutinous, bitterish, not^ungrateful taste, and no smell. It was first brought into Europe by the Spaniards, about the year 1563, with the character of being a specific for the cure of the lues venerea, a disease which made its appearance a little before that time ; and likewise of several obstinate chronic dis- eases. It has been combined with sassafras, guaiacum, liquorice, and other substances, in a decoction of the woods. It is, however, a very inert, mucilaginous substance ; and the diaphoresis, which it is sometimes supposed to produce, is entirely owing to the warm and diluent regimen employed at the same time. Sarsa- parilla is found in abundance in the vicinity of the Ohio river. 212 MATERIA MEDICA. Solanum Dulcamara. Bitter Sweet. Woody .Yight Shade. The twigs. This plant grows wild in moist hedges ; has woody, brittle stalks, and climbs on the bushes. But if there be no shrubs in their vicinity, the shoots creep along the ground, and frequently strike new roots. It flowers in the montiis of June and July. The taste of the twigs and roots, as the name of the plant expresses it, is both bitter and sweet ; the bitterness being first perceived, and the sweetness afterwards. The dulcamaru was formerly much esteemed as a powerful medicine. It is generally said to occasion some considerable eva- cuation by sweat, urine, or stool, particularly the latter. It has been recommended as a discutient and resolvent medicine ; and it has been said to have been attended with good effects in obsti- nate cutaneous diseases of the herpetic kind. It has also been used, and sometimes with advantage, in cases of rheumatism, jaundice, and obstructed menstruation. The twigs are principally employed under the form of watery infusion, in doses of two teacupfuls, morning and evening. Dr Hill has found it very efficacious in the asthma. Spigelia Marilandica. Carolina Pink. The roo\. This plant is perennial, and grows wild in most of our Sou thern states. The roots are celebrated as an anthelmintic, parti- cularly for the expulsion of lumbrici from the alimentary canal. Every part is possessed of the anthelmintic property, though the root is most active. It is commonly administered in the form of infusion ; an emetic is generally premised, and its purgative effect assisted by some suitable addition, as senna or jalap. By some the powdered root is directed in doses of ten or fifteen grains ; while others prescribe it in drachm doses. But it should be observed that according to the late Dr. Lining, of Charleston, when exhibited in large closes, and without proper precautions, it sometimes produces very singular and distressing effects upon the nervous system, such as vertigo, pains over the eyes, and di- lated pupil. As a vermifuge, spigelia has acquired a superior confidence, and it often affords relief and effects a cure, in cases where no worms are discharged. It is supposed by Dr. Barton, that it will be found highly useful in some febrile diseases of children, unaccompanied by worms, especially in the insidious remittent which so frequently lays the foundation of dropsy of the brain. MATERIA MEDICA. 213 Spiraa Trifoliata. Indian Physic. Ipecacuanha, &c. The root. This shrub grows plentifully in the United States, and is one of the few active plants of the class icosandria. The root, the part employed, consists, like that of the officinal Ipecacu- anha, of a bark, and woody part. The active power seems to reside exclusively in the bark. It is a safe and efficacious emetic, in doses of about thirty grains. It also seems to pos- sess a tonic power, and has accordingly been thought peculiarly beneficial in intermittent fevers. It is sometimes very injudi- ciously employed by the country people, insomuch that they are obliged to apply for medical aid, to remove the debility in- duced by the large doses of the'root which they employ. Ano- ther species, it is said, grows in Kentucky, which is still more valuable as an emetic, than the one ilnder notice. Spongia Officinalis. Sponge. Sponge is principally found in the Mediterranean and Red Seas. It was long supposed to be a vegetable production, but is now universally allowed to belong to that remarkable class of animals called Zoophytes, which are negatively characterized by Cuvier, as having no vertebrae, no sanguiferous vessels, no spinal marrow, and no articulated limbs. Sponge is a soft, light, very porous and compressible sub- stance, which readily imbibes water. It is of extensive utility in domestic economy, medicine, and surgery. As it strongly adheres to the orifices of wounded vessels, it is advantageously employed as a styptic ; often preventing the effusion of blood more effectually than the puff ball or agaric. From its property of imbibing and distending by moisture, it is sometimes made use of as a tent for dilating wounds and ulcers. To fit it for these intentions, the sponge is immersed in melted wax, and subjected to pressure till cool. In this state it may be easily formed into proper tents, so as to be introduced where necessary. And from the graftual melting of the wax in consequence of the heat of the part, a dilatation of course takes place. Sponge, cut in pieces, and burnt in a close iron vessel, till it become black and friable, and afterwards reduced to a very fine powder, has been successfully administered internally, in scro- fulous complaints and cutaneous diseases, in doses of one scru- ple and upwards ; it is also considered as a specific, on account of its efficacy in removing the glandular swelling of the neck, known under the name of bronchocle. But the virtues of burnt sponge probably depend on the presence of a little alkali. It also contains charcoal; and its use may be entirely superseded 26 214. MATERIA MEDICA by these substances, which may be obtained in other ways, andF at a much cheaper rate. ,. , . , If sponge be cut in small pieces, fried or dipped in honey, or salt butter, and given to rats, it distends their bowels, and effec- tually destroys those animals. Stannum. Tin. The filings and powder. Tin is one of the imperfect metals, and is found most frequent- ly mixed with other metallic ores. It is now only used as an an- thelmintic, especially in cases of taenia, and probably acts me- chanically. Tin is reduced to powder, consisting of small rounded parti- cles, by heating it nearly to its melting point, and agitating it briskly. This powder is often employed as a remedy against worms, particularly the flat kind, which too often elude the force of other medicines. The general dose is from a scruple to a drachm; but Dr. Alston assures us, in the Edinburgh Essays, that its success depends on its being given in much larger quan- tities. He directs an ounce of the powder on an empty stomach, mixed with four ounces of molasses; next day, half an ounce; and the day following, half an ounce more; after which, a cathar- tic is administered. He says the worms are usually voided dur- ing the operation of the purge, but that pains of the stomach oc- casioned by them, are removed almost immediately upon the first dose of the tin. This practice is sometimes successful in the ex- pulson of taenia, but by no means so frequently as Dr. Alston's observations would lead us to hope. Statice Limonium. Marsh Rosemary. Lavender Thrift. Sea Lavender. The root. This is welt known in the New England states. Ifis indi- genous and perennial, growing on the sea shore, in salt marshes; and the fissures or clifts of rocks near the sea coast: it is in flower from July to September The stem is naked, branched, and about a foot high. The radical leaves are long, pointed, and grow on foot stalks. The flowers are blue, and grow on long spikes on the tops of the branches. The roots of this plant are power- fully astringent A decoction of them is given and used as a gargle with success in cankers and ulcerated sore throats. Wc learn from an authentic source, that the late Dr. Hews, of Pro- vidence, held the root of this plant in high estimation in cases of aphthous states of fever accompanying dysentery, ulcerous sore throats, or scarlatina anginosa. He valued it as the greatest an- tiseptic he was acquainted with, and said he could administer it in cases where the bark was inadmissible. MATERIA MEDICA. 215 Dr. William Baylies, of Dighton, in a communication to the Massachusetts Medical Society, makes favourable mention of this root from his experience in the ulcerated sore throat, as it ap- peared in that town in 1785 and 1786. This judicious physician observes, " Among the many medicines in high estimation with the common people, and used by them without the advice of the physician,.Lknow of none worth the least consideration, except- ing the marsh-rosemary, or, as it is commonly called, marsh root. This in a large dose operates as a vomit; in a smaller, proves a powerful expectorant; and from its sensible qualities, one would suppose it to possess considerable antiseptic powers. I am well assured it was the basis of a medicine used by a physician in Providence, with very great success in this complaint. It is un- doubtedly of great efficacy, and deserves a more thorough inves- tigation." Styrax Benzoin. Benjamin Tree. The balsam, called benzoin. This balsam, obtained by exudation,.is in brittle masses com- posed of brown and white fragments; its smell is fragrant; it has little taste. It consists almost wholly of resin, and is therefore nearly entirely soluble in alcohol. It likewise contains a portion of a peculiar acid, which, as it exists in greater quantity in it than in any other vegetable matter, is named acid of benzoin (flowers of benzoin). It is obtained from it by sublimation ; is in white, brilliant scales; retains the flavour of the benzoin ; and, with acidi- ty, has also a degree of pungency. Benzoin is rarely employed in medicine : its acid is used as an expectorant in asthma, in a dose of ten or fifteen grains, but it is probably a medicine of little power. It enters into the composition of the ammoniated and camphorated tinctures of opium. Storax resembles benzoin in its virtues. It was formerly used as an expectorant, but is now little regarded. Sub Acetis Cupri. Sub Acetite of Copper. JErugo. Ver- degris. This substance is a kind of rust of copper, prepared by cor- roding the metal with vinegar. Verdegris is rarely, or never used internally. Applied externally,.it proves a gentle detergent and escharotic, and is employed to destroy callous edges, or fungous flesh in wounds. Jt is also advantageously applied to scorbutic ulcers of the mouth, tongue, and fauces, and deserves to be care- fully tried in cancerous sores. With these intentions it is an in* gredient in different officinal compositions. > 216 MATERIA MEDICA Sub Boras Souje. Sub Borate of Soda. Borax. r This salt, consisting of boracic acid, united with soda, (the soda being slightly in excess) is brought from Thibet, where it is found in a native state. It is purified in Europe by crystalliza- tion ; its taste is cool; it is soluble in eighteen parts of cold and six of hot water. It is decomposed by several of the acids. The medicinal virtues of borax have not been sufficiently ascer- tained by experience; it is supposed to be, in doses of half a drachm or two scruples, diuretic, emmenagogue, and a promoter of delivery. A solution of borax in water, is the best of all ap- plications, for healing aphthous crusts, or the thrush in the mouths and fauces, of children ; or it may be applied for the same pur- pose in the form of powder mixed with sugar. There is not per- haps a more balsamic, or useful application to sore nipples, or chopped lips'and hands in winter, than a few grains of borax dis- solved in warm water, with the addition of a little pure honey. There are strong reasons to believe, that the virtues of borax are much greater than they arc in general supposed to be; and that it maybe more extensively used with advantage. Succinum. Amber. This is a solid, brittle, bituminous substance, dug out of the earth, or found upon the sea shores; particularly along the coast of Polish Russia and Pomerania. It is of a white yellow, or brown colour; sometimes opaque, sometimes very clear and transparent. By distillation it affords a little acetous acid, an essential oil, and a peculiar acid, named from it, succinic. Amber is regarded only for the empyreumatic oil and acid ob- tained from it. Super Sulphas Alumina et Potassje. Super Sulphate of Alumina and Potash. Alum. This is a salt composed chiefly of argillaceous earth and sul- phuric acid, the acid being in excess. It likewise contains a smaller portion of potash, and frequently of ammonia. It is found in a native state, or is prepared by exposing alum ores, which are native compounds of argillaceous earth and sulphur, to at, mospheric air ; the sulphur absorbing oxygen, forms sulphuric acid, which unites with the argillaceous earth, and the formation pf the alum is completed by the addition of potash or ammonia. It is then obtained pure by crystallization. This salt is in large transparent masses ; it has a styptic taste, with a degree of sweetness. From the excess of its acid, it reddens the vegetable colours. It is soluble in eighteen parts pf cold, and in less than two of boiling water. The variety MATERIA MEDICA. 217 termed roche or rock alum (alum rupeum) has a reddish colour, from the'presence of a portion of iron, but its other pro- perties are the same as those of common alum. Alum, from its astringent power, is employed to check haemorrhagies and serouq^rvacuations; it is thus given in me- norihagia, leucorrhcea, and diabetes. It has likewise been used, though less frequently, in intermittent fever, malignant small pox, and colica pictonum. Its dose is from five to fifteen grains. The addition of an aromatic is generally necessary, to prevent it from exciting nausea, when it is given in the solid form. The best form of administering it, however, is that of the alum whey, prepared by adding two drachms of powdered alum to a pint of hot milk; the dose of this is three or four ounces. In uterine haemorrhage, and in diabetes, this whey taken to the quantity of three or four ounces, three times a day, has been attended with very favourable effects. It is also used externally, in astringent and repellent lotions and coliyria. But burnt alum taken internally, has been highly extolled in cases of colic. In such instances, when taken to the extent of a scruple for a dose, it has been said gently to move the belly, and give very great relief from the severe pain. Burnt alum is applied externally, as a gentle escharotic, to fungous ulcers. Sulphas Baryta. Sulphate of Baryta. Ponderous Spar. This salt has been omitted in the list of the Materia Medica of the Edinburgh college ; but they afterwards employ it for the preparation of the muriate of baryta. It is found in great abun- dance in many countries, either in a loose earthy form, or com- pact, or foliated, or striated, or acicular. The foliated is in general the purest. Heated to redness with charcoal, it is converted into a sulphuret, and it may be decomposed either by boiling, or in a crucible, with the carbo- nates of potash and of soda. It contains about eighty four of baryta, and sixteen of sulphuric acid and water. 9 Sulphas Cupri. Sulphate of Copper. Blue Vitriol. This article is made by stratifying plates of copper with the sulphur; and, on slow combustion, the sulphuric acid corrodes the copper : the metal is then boiled in water, till the saline particles be dissolved ; when, after repeated solution and sub- sequent evaporation, the whole is reduced to the chrystallihe point. , . * * .< The sulphate of copper has a strong^ styptic, metallic taste, and is chiefly ysed externally as 9n escharotic for destroying" warts, callous edges, and furtgous excrescences, as a stimulant 21* MATERIA MEDICA application to ill-conditioned ulcers, and as a styptic to bleeding surfaces. Taken internally, it operates, in very small doses, as a very powerful emetic. It has, however, been exhibited in incipient phthisis pulmonalis, intermittent fever, and epilepsy ; but its use is not free from danger. &C Sulphas Magnesia. Sulphate of Magnesia. Sal Catharticus Amarus Epsom Salt. This salt is found in mineral waters, whence it has been ex- tracted, but is at present principally prepared by art, from the liquor remaining after the crystallization of muriat of soda (sea salt) from sea water, which holds a quantity of muriate of mag- nesia dissolved. It is commonly in needle-like crystals, and deliquescent; but when pure, it forms large, regular crystals, which are rather efflorescent. They are soluble in nearly an equal weight of water. Their taste is extremely bitter. This salt is used as a purgative, in a dose of an ounce or more, dissolved in a large quantity of water. Though its taste is bit- ter, it has been remarked, that it remains better on the stomach than many other cathartics, especially when given in small re- peated doses. Exhibited in this manner, it has been particularly recommended in ileus and colica pictonum. It is a mild and gentle purgative, operating with sufficient efficacy, and in gen- eral, with ease and safety, rarely occasioning any gripes, sick- ness, or the other inconveniences with which purgatives of the resinous kind are too often accompanied. Some allege that this salt has a peculiar effect in allaying pain, as in colic, even independently of evacuation. Epsom salt may "be manufactured from the bittern, or bitter water which remains in the vats, after the crystallization of common salts by evaporation. The Rev. Mr. E. Briggs, pf Chatham, county of Barnstable, is probably the only person who has hitherto successfully attempted the manufacture of this do- mestic article. He deposits vessels containing the bitter water (leaden vessels are preferable) in a cellar, or other cool place, out of the influence of the sun ; this salt will collect upon the bottoms and sides of them, in very considerable quantities, having the appearance of half melted snow : in this state it is to "be laid aside until the weather becomes cold, and then crystal- lized afresh. The salt thus procured, is found to be genuine sulphas magnesiae, and equal in quality to any imported from it #^> j.t & /t *pr> 3^>^; MATERIA MEDICA. 21? ivt.phur Sublimatum. Sublimed Sulphur. Flowers of Sul- phur. Sulphur is a simple, inflammable substance, found in nature nearly pure, and likewise hi combination with several of the metals. The sulphur of commerce is the produce of volcanic countries. It is naturally mixed with earthy matter, from which. it is freed by sublimation. Pure sulphur is of a light yellow colour; is insipid ; has a faint smell, when rubbed or heated ; is very fusible and volatile j and, when heated in atmospheric air, burns with a blue flame, and suffocating fumes. It is insoluble in water or alcohol, but is dissolved by oils, and combines with the alkalies, several of the earths, metals, and metallic oxyds. Pure sulphur loosens the belly, and promotes insensible per- spiration : it seems to pass through the whole habit, and mani- festly transpires through the pores of the skin, as appears from the sulphurous smell of persons who have taken it, and from. silver in their pockets imbibing a blackish cast, which is the known effect of sulphurous fumes. It is a celebrated remedy against cutaneous diseases, both given internally, and externally applied. It has likewise been recommended in coughs, asthmas* and other disorders of the breast and lungs ; and particularly irt catarrhs of the chronic kind. But it is probable, that the bene- fit derived from it in these cases, is principally, if not entirely, owing to its operation as a gentle laxative. And with this in- tention it is frequently used with greatjadvantage in haemorrhoi- dal affections, and many other diseases in which it is proper to keep the belly gently open. The dose is two or three drachms^ in honey or molasses. Sulphuretum Antimonii. Sulphur-ct of[Antimony. Antimony. Stibium. Antimony, in the modern nomenclature, is the name given to a peculiar metal. This metal is found in nature, most abun- dantly combined with sulphur; and to this ore, the name of Antimony was once generally given. To distinguish it from the pure metal, it is named Crude Antimony, or more properly,. native sulphuret of antimony, the simple name, antimonium stibium, being appropriated to the metal itself. The native sulphuret is of a gray blue colour ; has a shining surface, and striated texture. To free it from the earthy mat- ters with which it is mixed, when dug from the earth, it is fused. Its lustre is greater, the more it is purified. The proportions of its principles are various ; sometimes they are nearly equal; in other specimens the quantity of n.etal is larger. The pure metal obtained from the ore, is of a silvery, white colour, and plated texture, moderately hard, and very brittle ; 220 MATERIA MEDIC A. easily fusible, and even volatilized by a heat not very intense, oxydized by exposure to the air at a temperature moderately increased ; and when oxydized, capable of combining with the greater number of the acids. The antimonial metal is a medicine of the greatest power of any known substance ; a quantity too minute to be sensible in the most delicate balance, is capable of producing violent eflects, if taken dissolved, or in a soluble state. Sulphureted antimony was employed by the ancients in col- lyria, against inflammations of the eyes ; and for staining the eyebrows black. Its internal use docs not seem to have been established till the end of the fifteenth century ; and even at that time it was by many looked upon as poisonous. But expe- rience has now fully evinced, that it has no noxious quality, being often used, particularly in chronic eiuptions; that some of its preparations are medicines of great efficacy; and, that though many of them be most violently emetic and cathartic, yet even these by a slight alteration or addition, loose their virulence, and become mild in their operation. All the metallic preparations are uncertain, as it entirely depends on the state of the stomach, whether they have no action at all, or operate with dangerous violence. The sulphuret is exposed, though in a less degree, to the same objections. The preparations of antimony do not exert any general stimu- lant operation, but are always directed in their action to particu- lar parts, so as to occasion some sensible evacuation. The principal general medicinal application of antimony has been for the cure of febrile affections. It is given so as to induce vomiting or purging, diaphoresis being also promoted ; and, ex- hibited in this manner in the commencement of the disease, it has been considered capable of cutting short its progress. In the latter stage of fever, where debility prevails, its use is inadmissible. Its efficacy has been in general ascribed to the evacuation it occasions: others have considered it, apparently with little reason, as exerting an action specific or peculiar in it- self, and not explicable on the known effects it produces. Antimonials have been found to have the same good effects in intermittents as in continued fevers, as well as in several of the phlegmasiae and exanthemata ; and even in several of the pro- fluvioe. The general effects of antimonials are, in small doses, diaphoresis and nausea; in large doses, full vomiting and purg- ing. Some allege that antimonials are of more use in fever when they do not produce any sensible evacuation ; as is said to be the case sometimes with James' powder. They therefore prefer this in typhus ; and emetic tartar in synochus ; in which there is the appearance at first of more activity in the system, and more apparent cause for evacuation. As an emetic, antimony is dis- tinguished, for the certainty, extent, and permanence of its ope- ration. The action it excites in the stomach is both more for- cible, and continues for a longer time, than that from othci MATERIA MEDICA. 221 emetics ; and hence, it produces more complete evacuation, and occasions in a greater degree all those effects which result from the action of vomiting. Its action is also less local. It is very gene- rally extended to the intestinal canal, so as to produce purging; and very frequently to the surface of the body, so as to occasion diaphoresis, or sweat. The virtues of antimony in the diseases of animals, arc greatly extolled. Pigs, that have the meazles, are at all times recovered by it, which proves it to be a great purifier of the blood. Horses, which have the running heels, and cannot be cured by the com- mon methods, will generally be cured by this medicine, in a lit- tle time. A horse that is lean and scabby, and not to be fatted by any other means, will become fat on taking one drachm of crude antimony every morning for two months together. Super-Tartris PoTASSiE. Super-Tar trite of Potash. Crys- tals of Tartar. Cream of Tartar. Super-Tartris Potass je Impurus. Impure Super-Tar trite of Potash. Tartar. Tartar is a concrete saline matter, which separates from wines, after they have undergone complete fermentation: it adheres to the top and sides of the cask, in red, or whitish gray crystals, ac- cording to the colour of the liquor. In this state, it is called crude tartar ; having a subacrid taste, and being with difficulty soluble in water. By repeated solution, filtration, and crystallization, crude tar- tar may be depurated, or divested of all gross and impure parti- cles, when it is called crystals of tartar ; and, if these be reduc- ed to powder, cream of tartar. This salt is a mild, cooling, aperient, and laxative medicine : if half, or a whole ounce of it be taken in substance, with treacle or any other vehicle, it proves an effectual purgative. Farther, when dissolved in water, it affords, with the addition of sugar, an agreeable acidulated drink, which is of great service in ardent fevers; and likewise forms a pleasant beverage during the sum- mer. It is also to be regarded as a valuable diuretic, and, as one of those, most efficacious in the treatment of the dropsy. It is given under two modes of exhibition, in which its effects are somewhat different. When given dissolved in a large quantity of water, to the extent of four or six drachms in a day, it acts simply as a diuretic; when given to the same extent, gradually increased, in the form of an electuary, without the free use of diluents, along with a more or less diuretic effect, it acts as a hydragogue ca- thartic. The latter is the more usual, and perhaps, more suc- cessful mode of exhibition. 222 MATERIA MEDICA Tamarisdls Indica. Tamarind 'Free. The preserved fruit, called tamarinds. Thk tree grows both in the East and West Indies. The pod of the tree includes several large hard beans, with a brown viscid pulp, very acid. This pulp, mixed with the seeds and small fibres, and with a quantity of unrefined sugar, forms the tamarinds of the shops. Vauquelin found it to contain, beside the sugar mixed with it, citric and malic acids, acidulous tart rite of potash, free tartarous acid, gelatin, mucilage, and fibrous matter. The pulp of tamarinds, beside its virtues as an acid, proves laxative, when taken to the extent of an ounce and an half. It is generally added to other cathartics, which are given in the form of infusion, with the view of promoting their operation, and covering their taste. It increases the action of the purgative sweets, cassia, and manna, and weakens that of the resinous ca- thartics. By its acidity this fruit quenches thirst, and allays im- moderate heat. Toluifera Balsamum. Balsam of Tolu Tree. The balsam, called balsam of tolu. This tree grows in Spanish America, and the balsam flows from incisions made in its bark, during the hot season ; and is brought to us in gourd shells. It is of a yellowish brown colour, inclining to red : in consistence, thick and tenacious : by age it grows hard and brittle, without suffering any great loss from its more valuable parts. The smell of this balsam is extremely fra- grant, somewhat resembling that of lemons; its taste warm and sweetish. Lewis says that he has sometimes procured benzoic acid from it; it yields very little volatile oil, although it impregnates the distilled water strongly with its flavour. By dissolving a proper quantity of sugar in this water, a syrup is obtained, greatly supe- rior to that prepared in the common way, with a decoction of the balsam. This is the mildest of all the balsams. It has been esteemed as an expectorant, but its powers are very inconsiderable, and it is employed principally on account of its flavour. It possesses, however, all the virtues-of the other balsams, and is more fra- grant than most of them. Tormentilla Erecta. Septfoil. The root. Tormentil is perennial, and found wild in woods and on com- mons ; it has long slender stalks, with usually seven long nar- row leaves at a joint ; the root is for the most part crooked and knotty, of a blackish colour on the outside, and a reddish within. MATERIA MEDICA. 223 This root has an austere, styptic taste, accompanied with a slight kind of aromatic flavour; it is one of the most agreeable and effi- cacious of the vegetable astringents, and is employed with good effect in all cases where medicines of this kind are proper. It has been used in diarrhoea, under the form of decoction, and in intermittent fever in substance, in a dose from half a drachm to a drachm. Triticum jEstivum., Wheat. The flour and starch prepared from the seeds. Wheat flour consists principally of gluten, starch, albumen, and a sweet mucilage. It is the presence of gluten that charac- terizes wheat flour ; and on the due admixture of it with the other constituents, depends the superiority of wheat flour for baking bread. Bread is not only one of the most important articles of nou- rishment, but is also employed in pharmacy for making cataplasms, and giving form to more active articles. An infusion of toasted bread has a deep colour and pleasant restringent taste ; and is an ex- cellent drink in febrile diseases, and in nausea and debility of the stomach ; and also in cholera morbus : examples are related of several cases of this kind cured by it, without the aid of any other medicine. Starch, the fecula of wheat, forms a gelatinous solution when boiled with water, which is used as a demulcent. It is thus given as an enema in dysentery and diarrhoea, from irritation of the intestines, and is the common vehicle for giving opium in that form. Tussilago Farfara. Coltsfoot. The leaves and flowers. This grows wild in moist situations, producing yellow flowers in February and March : these soon fall off, and are succeeded by large, roundish leaves, hairy underneath ; their taste is herba- ceous, somewhat glutinous and subacrid. It is recommended in coughs, phthisis and other disorders of the breast and lungs, and some use it in scrofula. It is chiefly directed to be taken with milk, and upon this, probably, more than on the tussilago itself, any benefit derived from it in practice is to be explained. Ulmus Americana. American Elm. The inner bark. We have two species of ulmus or elm in the United State*. The red, or slippery elm, on account of its many valuable proper- ties deserves particular mention. It rises to the height of thirty 224 MATERIA MEDICA feet, with a prct.y strong trunk, dividing into many branches, and covered with a light coloured rough bark. The leaves are ob- long, oval, and sharp pointed, unequally sawed on their edges, unequal at the base, very rough on their upper surface, and hairy underneath. The flowers are produced thick upon the branches, upon short, collected foot stilks, and are succeeded by oval, com- pressed membraneous seed vessels, with entire margins, con- taining one oval compressed seed. The inner bark, by infusion or gentle boiling in water, affords a great quantity of insipid mu- cous substance, that is applicable to a variety of important uses. Dr. Mitchell says it has been beneficially administered in catarrhs, ( pleurisies, and quinsies ; it has been applied as a poultice to tu- mors, and as a liniment to chops and festers. [Letter to Dr. North, Amer. Museum, vol. 7th.] The surgeons of our revolutionary army, and also those of general Wayne's army, who defeated the Indians in August 1794, experienced the most happy effects from the application of poul- tices of the elm bark to gun shot wounds, which were soon brought to a good suppuration, and to a disposition to heal. It was appli- ed as the first remedy. When tendency to mortification was evi- dent, this bark bruised, and boiled in water, produced the most surprising good effects. After repeated comparative experiments with other emollient applications, as milk and bread, and linseed poultice, its superiority was firmly established. In old ill-con- ditioned ulcers, and in fresh burns, equal benefit was derived from it. The infusion of the bark was used with advantage as a diet drink, in pleurisy, and catarrh, and also in diarrhoea and dysente- ry. Many of the above facts relative to the medicinal qualities of the red elm, were communicated, says the editor of the domestic Encyclopoedia, by Dr. Joseph Strong, of Philadelphia, who served as surgeon in the western army ; and adds, as a proof of the nu- triment which it affords, that a soldier who lost his way supported himself for ten days upon this mucilage and sassafras. The edi- tor of the above mentioned work, (vol. 2d, p. 448) proceeds to observe, that the red elm tree may be considered as a highly va- luable addition to our stock of medicines, exclusively American, and ought to be carefully searched for by the medical gentlemen in the country, and preserved from the indiscriminate axe. The inner bark of the slippery elm, or its mucilage, has been found by recent experience to be singularly beneficial when ap- plied to chilblains, cutaneous eruptions and various kinds of sores and ulcers ; and there is much reason to believe, that its inter- nal use in dysentery, consumption, 8cc. may be attended with greater advantage than is generally imagined. This tree certain- ly may be recommended to the particular regard of medical prac- titioners as a new, and domestic article of our Materia Medica, whose medicinal virtues will probably be found to merit a large share of confidence. MATERIA MEDICA. 225 Urtica Dioica. Common Nettle. The plant. This is a well known perennial weed. The leaves of the fresh plant stimulate, inflame, and raise blisters on the part of the skin which they touch. Hence, when a powerful rubefacient is re- quired, stinging with nettles has been recommended. It has been said, sometimes to have succeeded in restoring sense and motion to paralytic limbs. M. Zannetini, in Italy, asserts, that the flow- ers and seeds of the common nettle, may, with efficacy be sub- stituted for the Peruvian bark, in all febrile affections, especially in tertian and quartern agues. It operates more speedily than the bark ; and in large doses, induces a lethargic sleep ; the portion to be given should never exceed one drachm, and should be ad- ministered in wine, two or three times in twenty four hours. The same cautions that are necessary in the use of the Peruvian bark, are likewise to be observed in taking the seeds and flowers of the nettle. Valeriana Officinalis. Wild Valerian. The root. This plant is perennial, and grows wild in England. The root, which is the part used in medicine, consists of a number of slen- der fibres matted together, and attached to one head, of a brown colour, having a strong and unpleasant smell, and a warm bitter taste. Its active matter is extracted equally by wa'er and by al- cohol. Its infusion changes colour, on the addition of sulphate of iron. By distillation, water is impregnated with its flavour, but not with its taste. No essential oil is obtained. Valerian is one of the principal modern antispasmodics, and is used with advantage in chorea, epilepsy, and hemicrania. Som#recommend it as useful in procuring sleep, particularly in fever, even when opium fails ; but it is principally useful in nervous and hysterical affections. The common dose is from a scruple to a drachm in powder; and in infusion, from one, to two drachms, three or four times in the day, which is increased gradually, as far as the stomach can bear it. Its unpleasant flavour is most effectually covered by a suitable addition of mace. Valerian is lately found in abundance on the borders of the Ohio river, not inferior to that imported from Europe. Veratrum Album. White Hellebore. The root. The root of this plant has a strong, disagreeable smell when fresh, which is lost by drying, and an acrid taste which is re- tained. Snuffed up the nostrils in very small quantities, it excites violent sneezing, with a sense of heat, and a copious dis- charge of mucus. Taken internally in a dose of a few grains, it act-; as a violent- emetic and cathartic. Externally, when 226 MATERIA MEDICA. mixed with lard, it is used as an application in some cutaneous diseases. Viola Odorata. March Violet. The recent flower. This plant is perennial, and found wild under hedges, and in shady places ; but shops arc generally supplied from gardens. Its flowers are so remarkable for their delightful odour, and their peculiar richness of colour, that they have given a name to both. They impart their colour and flavour to aqueous liquors: a syrup made by this infusion has long maintained a place in the shops, and is said to be an agreeable and useful laxative for children ; but is chiefly valued as a delicate test of the presence of uncombined acids or alkalies, the former changing its blue to a red, and the latter to a green colour. Vitis Vinifera. The Vine. The dried fruit, called raisins, and the fermented juice of the fruit, called Spanish white wine. The vine grows in temperate situations in many parts of the world, and is cultivated very generally for the sake of its agree- able subacid fruit. Before they are ripe, grapes are extremely harsh and acid, and by expression furnish a liquor which is called verjuice. It contains malic acid, super tartritc of potash, and extractive, and may be made to furnish wine by the addition of sugar. As the grape advances to maturity, the quantity of sugar increases, while that of malic acid diminishes; it, however, never disappears entirely. When thoroughly ripe, the grape is one of the most agreeable fruits. It is cooling, antiseptic, and nutritious; and, when eaten in considerable quantity, diuretic, and gently laxative. In inflammatory diseases, and all others where acids are indicated, they form an excellent article of diet. Raisins, uva passa, are grapes which have been carefully dried. By this means, not only the water they contain is dissi- pated, but the quantity of acid seems to be diminished. They become more saccharine, mucillaginous, and laxative, than the recent grape, but are less cooling. Wine is the juice of the grape altered by fermentation. The numerous varieties of wine depend principally on the proportion of sugar contained in the must, and the manner of its fermenta- tion. When the proportion of sugar is sufficient, and the fer- mentation complete, the wine is perfect and generous : If the quantity of sugar be too large, part of it remains undecomposcd, as the fermentation is languid, and the wine is sweet and lus- cious ; if, on the contrary, it be too small, the wine is thin and weak, and if it be bottled before the fermentation be completed, MATERIA MEDICA. 227 it will proceed slowly in the bottle, and, on drawing the cork, the wine will froth and sparkle in the glass, as for example, Champaigne. When the must is separated from the husk of the grape before it is fermented, the wine has little or no colour: these are called white wines. If, on the contrary, the husks are allowed to remain in the must while the fermentation is ^ going on, the alcohol dissolves the colouring matter of the husks, and the wine is coloured: such are called red wines. Besides in these principal circumstances, wines vary very much in fla- vour. The reel wines, most commonly drunk in this country, are Port, which is strong and austere, and Claret, which is thinner and higher flavoured. Our white wines are called Madeira, Sherry, Lisbon, Malaga, and Hock. Of these the last is most acidulous, and Malaga the sweetest. Wine, taken in moderate quantities, acts as a beneficial sti- mulous to the whole system. It promotes digestion, increases the action of the heart and arteries, raises the heat of the body, and exhilirates the spirits. Taken to excess, it produces ine- briety and stupor, which are often succeeded by headach, nausea, and diarrhoea, which last for several days. Habitual excess in wine debilitates the stomach, produces inflammation of the liver, weakens the nervous system, and gives rise to dropsy, gout, apoplexy, tremours, and cutaneous affections. To convalescents, and in all diseases of general debility, and deficiency of the vital powers, wine is the remedy on which we must place our chief dependance ; and when properly adminis- tered, its effects are often scarcely credible. In typhus fever, attended by low delirium arising from debil- * ity, wine administered to the extent of one bottle or more in twenty four hours, surprisingly mitigates the symptoms, and finally proves a sovereign remedy. In the hands of Dr. Rush, and other eminent physicians in the United States, wine, aided by the use of bark, has frequently succeeded as a radical remedy in tetanus. Dr. Hosack, of New York, effected a cure in a case of lock-jaw, by administering wine alone to the extent of three gallons in four days. Dr. James Currie,of Liverpool, England, has also experienced the efficiency of wtine in the same disease. He asserts that a horse affected with lock-jaw, having.been made the subject of experiment, was completely cured by the liberal use of wine alone. Wine has been emphatically termed " the milk of the aged," but parents are seriously advised to beware of giving wine to their children indiscriminately ; because to them it can be of no service only when taken as a medicine ; and those injudicious persons, who encourage young people to take wine habitually at their meals, are guilty of an abuse, which cannot be easily re- paired by future abstinence. Wine is often adulterated with lead or other deleterious drugs. In order to detect this fraud, take two drachms of cream tartar, and one drachm of liver of sulphur; put them into a two 228 MATERIA MEDICA ounce phial of soft water. The phial must be kept well corked, and occasionally shaken for about ten minutes: when the pow- der has subsided, decant the clear liquor, and preserve it in a well stopped bottle. From sixteen to twenty drops of this liquid are to be dropped in a small glass filled with the suspected wine ; and if the wine turns blackish or muddy, and deposits a dark coloured sediment, we may be certain it is impregnated with sugar of lead, or some other preparation of that metal equally destructive. A Receipt to make an excellent American Wine, by Joseph Cooper, Esq. of Gloucester county, .Yew Jersey. " I put a quantity of the comb from which the honey had been drained, into a tub, and added a barrel of cyder, immediately from the press ; this mixture was well stirred and left for one night. It was then strained before a fermentation took place ; and honey was added until the strength of the liquor was sufficient to bear an egg. It was then put into a barrel; and after the fermenta- tion commenced, the cask was filled every day, for three or four days, that the filth might work out at the bunghole. When the fermentation moderated, I put the bung in loosely, lest stopping it tight might cause the cask to burst. At the end of five or six weeks, the liquor was drawn off into a tub; and the whites of of eight eggs, well beat up, with a pint of clean sand, were put into it: <* then added a gallon of cyder spirit; and after mixing the whole well together, I returned it into the cask, which was * well cleansed, bunged it tight, and placed it in a proper situation for racking off, when fine. In the month of April following, I drew it off into kegs, for use; and found it equal, in my opinion, to almost any foreign wine: in the opinion of many judges, it was superior. " This success has induced me to repeat the experiment for three years ; and I am pursuaded, that by using clean honey in- stead of the comb, as above described, such an improvement might be made, as would enable the citizens of the United States to supply themselves with a truly federal and wholesome wine, which would not cost a quarter of a dollar per gallon, were all the ingredients procured at the market price; and would have this peculiar advantage over every other wine, hitherto attempted in this country, that it contains no foreign mixture, but is made from ingredients, produced on our own farms." Xanthorhiza Apiifolia. Shrub Yellow Root. The stem and root. Is a native plant of North Carolina, first brought by the late John Bartram, from that state, and planted in his garden at King- sess, in the county of Philadelphia, where it has continued to MATERIA MEDICA 229 flourish in a most luxuriant manner. It is denominated Simpli- cissima by Marshal, Apiifolia by L'Herretier, and Marbosia, by Mr. William Bartram, in honour of Mr. De Marbois. Xanthor- hiza tinctoria is a more expressive name than any it has yet re- ceived. Dr. Woodhouse has given an excellent account of this valuable plant, in the fifth volume of the Medical Repository of New York, from which the present extract is taken. " The stems are three feet high, and somewhat thicker than a goose quill. The root is from three to twelve inches long, and about the diameter of a man's little finger, sending off numerous scions. The leaves are placed alternately, having long petioles and pinnated, terminating in an old one; the folioles sessile, and lacerated deeply on their edges. The peduncles are branchy, and placed immediately beneath the first leaves, from which cause the flowers appear before the leaves, very early in the spring." The stem and root are of a bright yellow colour, and possess a strong bitter taste. The xanthorhiza tinctoria, contains a gum and resin both of which are intensely bitter ; the resin is more abundant than the gum. It imparts a drab colour to cloth, and a handsome yellow to silk, but the dye will not take on cotton or linen. The watery extract of the grated roots mixed with alum, and added to Prussian blue, was first used by Mr. James Bartram for colouring plants, and the plumage of birds of a green colour. The green is far more lively and elegant than that made with gamboge and Prussian blue, which is generally used for painting in water colours, and stands well in the shade, but soon contracts a dull colour when exposed to a bright light, and to a high tem- perature. Various subjects coloured by this green, and inclosed in a book, were as lively after one year, as when first painted. It is a strong and pleasant bitter, and preferable to all our na- tive bitters. It sits easy on the stomach in the dose of two scru- ples (forty grains.) The colour of the leaves appears to reside in a resin which is altered by the combined action of light and oxygen, by either of which, separately, it cannot be affected. TVs the xanthorhiza is a strong and pleasant bitter, and very nearly allied to the columbo root, it promises to become a valua- ble addition to the American Materia Medica. It is preferable to all our native bitters. Dr. Woodhouse has often used the powdered stem and root of the xanthorhiza with success, in the dose of two scruples to an adult, in many of those diseases in which bitters are recommended, but generally combined with other remedies. It is a medicine, which sits easy on the stomach, and produces no disagreeabl^effects. (Dom. Ency.J 28 236 MATERIA MEDICA Xanthoxvlum Clava Herculis. Prickly Yellow Wood. Yellow Hercules. The wood and root, Is a native of Jamaica, and other tropical countries, where it grows to the height of sixteen feet, and is about twelve inches in diameter. This straight tree somewhat resembles the common ash : the bark of the trunk is covered with numerous prickles; s.nd the wood is of a bright yellow cast. The wood of the xanthoxylum is chiefly employed for the head- ing of hogsheads, for bedsteads, and numerous other purposes : it also possesses remarkable medicinal virtues. The fresh juice expressed from the roots, affords certain relief in the painful dis- ease, termed dry bellyache. This important fact was discovered in the West Indies, by watching a female slave, who collected the root in the woods, and gave two spoonfuls of its juice to a negro, suffering under that colic, at an interval of two hours. Such medicine occasioned a profound, but composed sleep of twelve hours; when all sense of pain, and other distressing symptoms, had vanished: the cure was completed, by giving an infusion of such expressed roots in water, by way of diet drink. Farther, the juice of the prickly yellow wood, when preserved in rum, and administered in doses not exceeding a wine-glassful, has ef- fectually removed the most obstinate epileptic fits; but Dr. Henry has not mentioned the manner in which this preparation ought to be managed. To the above observations of Dr. Willick, the following by Dr. Mease are added : (Dom. F.ncy.) Two species grow in the United States. 1. Xanthoxylum fraxinifolium, or ash-leaved xanthoxylum, growing in Pennsylvania, and Maryland : and xanthoxylum calvis herculis, or prickly yellow wood, which grows in the more sou- thern states. The bark and capsules are of a hot acrid taste, and when a small quantity is chewed, powerfully promotes the flow of saliva. It is used in this way to relieve the toothach. A tincture of the same parts of the tree is a common country remedy for the chronic rheumatism. In the West Indies a decoction of the bark is used with great success as an internal remedy, and also as a wash for foul ulcers, which it powerfully cleanses, and disposes to healthy granula- tions. The powdered bark is also mixed with the dressings. In the London Medical and Physical Journal, volume second, and following, there are several cases related of the efficacy of this medicine in the above disease. MATERIA MEDICA. 231 Zincum. Zinc. This is a semimetal, naturally obtained in state of combina- tion with different minerals, in England, Hungary, and other parts of the globe: it is of a whitish colour, nearly resembling that of lead, though it does not so speedily tarnish. From zinc several preparations are made ; under which the medicinal virtues of this article are described. CATALOGUE OF NEW ARTICLES THAT MERIT A PLACE IX THE APOTHE. CARIES' SHOPS. Lt was the observation of professor Cullen, one of the most celebrated writers on the Materia Medica that any age has pro- duced, that the writings on that subject are for the most part a compilation of mistakes and falshoods. And he adds, that these errors arise from the obstinacy of old professors, and their blind attachment to theory, as well as the vanity of young physicians, being the authors of observations that are hastily made, and dress- ed in the closet; and besides, many of the operations of nature have been falsely imputed to the effects of medicines pretendedly founded on experience.* So distant are they from a true and faithful delineation of nature. Allied to these evils are the nu- merous frauds and sophistications of chemistry and pharmacy, and the reprehensible practice of administering nostrums or se- cret remedies, and other popular impositions, the fertile and dis- graceful sources of empiricism. A knowledge of the medicinal powers, possessed by the indigenous vegetables, of which our own soil is so abundantly productive, should be deemed an ac- quisition of primary importance. However disparaging to me- dical erudition, it is but justice to confess, that we are indebted to the bold enterprize of illiterate pretenders for the discovery of some of our most active remedies. It is, therefore, extremely desirable, that our patriotic physicians and citizens should unite their exertions in the investigation of native substances, and in- stitute such chemical analyses and experiments as will tend to elucidate their specific properties. The following catalogue consists of a selection of new articles which merit a place in the apothecaries' shops ; many of which should be cultivated in our gardens, and claim the attention of every American practitioner, that the importation of expensive foreign drugs may be superseded : Aralia Spinosa. Prickly-ash. Tooth-ach tree. The bark, root and berries. Arbutus Uva Ursi. Bearberry. Bear's Wortleberry.. The leaves. Arum Americanum. Skunk Cabbage. The root and leaves. Arum Triphyllum. Indian Turnip. The root. Asclepias Decumbens. Pleurisy Root. The root. Asculus Hippocastanum. Horse Chesnut. The bark and fruit. Cassia Marilandica. American Senna. The leaves. Convolvulus Panduratus. Wild Potatoe. The root. * Vid. Cullen's treatise on the Materia Medica- vol. 1. S34 MATERIA MEDICA. Cornusfiorida. Common-dogwood. Box-wood. The fruit and bark. * Cornus Sencea. Red Willow. Swamp-dogwood. Blucbcrried- dog v jod. Sqaw-wood. The bark. Datura Stramonium. Thorn Apple. The leaves and seeds. Eupatorium Perforatum. Thorough-wort. The plant, leaves, and flowers. Eupatorium Pilosum. Wild Horehound. The leaves. Geranium Maculatum.* Cranes Bill. Crow Foot. The plant and root. Heracleum Sphondylium. Common Cow-Parsnip. Iris Pscudacorus. Water Flag. Flower dc Luce: Blue Flag. The root. Juglans Cinerea. Butternut. White Walnut. The unripe fruit, and the inner bark. Juniperus Virginiana. Common Red Cedar Tree. The leaves. Lobelia Inflata. Lobelia Emetica. Emetic Weed. Indian Tobacco. The leaves. Lytta Vittata. Potatoe Fly. Melia Azedarach. Poison Berry Tree. Pride of India or China. The fruit and root. Myrica Cerifera Humilis. Dwarf Candleberry Myrtle. Bay- berry. The bark of the root. Phytolacca Decandra. American Nightshade. Garget. The leaves, berries, and root. Prinos Vtrticillatus. Winter Berry. Black Alder. The bark and berries. Prunus Virginiana. Wild Cherry Tree. The bark, both of the tree and root. Quercus Robur. Oak. The bark. Rhus Toxicodendrum. Poison Oak. Swamp Sumach. The leaves. Sanguinaria Canadensis. Blood Root. Puuson. The seedi and root. Salix Alba. White Willow. The bark, and the bark of the root. Salix Catifolia. Broad leaved Willow. The bark. (Doubtful whether it is produced in the United States.) Scutellaria Galericulata. Blue Scull-Cap. Hooded Willow- Herb. The leaves. * Geranium Maculatum, or Cranes Bill. This is a common plant near Philadelphia, and in many other parts of the United States. It is commonly known by the English name of" Crovfoot," and flower* in the spring It is a powerful astringent, and will stop very violent bleedings if applied to the wounded vessel. A decoction of this plant has also, on some trials, manifested great efficacy in restraining internal haEmorrhagy. The root boiled in milk is a common domestic remedy foe the bowel complaints of children. This article unfortunately omitted in our alphabetical catalogue, is re commended as well deserving attention. Materia medica. 235 Secale Cer*ale. Rye. Ergot, bt Spurred Rye. Sesamum Orientate, Oily Grain. Benne. The leaves and seeds. Statice Limonium. Marsh Rosemary. Lavender Thrift. Sea Lavender. The root.- Ulmus Americana. American Elm. The inner bark. Xanthorhiza Apiifolia. Shrub Yellow Root. The stem and root. Xanthoxylum Clava Herculis. Prickly Yellow Wood. Yellow Herculis. The wood and root. ^v*V: .A^>~* • CCS-c^. /Xe,t. cJ- /•X^iyJ -y i r r,,'*<> *'<--> '' X ^ /Z . /* c 77 r j CHAPTER XIII. TINCTURES. JL inctures are solutions of vegetable, animal, and sometimes of mineral substances, in spirituous liquors. The solvent may be either pure alcohol, diluted alcohol, or alcohol impregnated with ammonia or ether. They generally contain the virtues of the substances dissolved, in a concentrated state, though some- times altered, or lost in those of the menstruum. They are lit- tle liable to decomposition, and this gives them a superiority over those preparations in which the solvent power of water is employed. Alcohol is the solvent of a number of the immediate principles of vegetables; of resin, camphor, essential oil, and extract; and hence is capable of extracting the virtues of many important remedies. Tinctures made with it are in general de- composed on the addition of watery liquors. Diluted alcohol, or proof spirit, is a still more general solvent; as the water it contains dissolves several principles which are not soluble in pure alcohol. It is therefore more generally em- ployed. Alcohol, impregnated with ammonia, or ether, is em- ployed in forming tinctures only of a few substances, whose ope- rations are supposed to be promoted by these agents. Tinctura Aloes Socotorine. Tincture of Socotorine Aloes. Take of. Socotorine aloes in powder, half an ounce, Extract of liquorice, an ounce and a half, Alcohol, four ounces, Water, one pound. Digest for seven days in a closed vessel, with a gentle heat and frequent agitation, and when the feces have subsided, de- cant the tfnoture; ♦These directions are-to be observed in preparing all tinctures. In this simple tincture, all the active parts of the aloes are suspended in the menstruum. The extract of liquorice serves both to promote the suspension and to cover the taste of the aloes ; and in those cases where we wish for the operation of the aloes alone, this is perhaps one of the best formulae under which it can be exhibited in a fluid state. About an ounce may- be taken for a dose. 336 PREPARATIONS AND Tinctura Aloes et Myrrh a. Tincture of Aloes and Myrrh. Elixir Proprietatis. Take of Myrrh in powder, two ounces, Alcohol, one pound and a half, Water, half a pound. Mix the alcohol with the water, then add the myrrh ; digest for four days ; and lastly add of Socotorine aloes in powder, Saffron sliced, each two ounces. Digest again for three days, and pour off' the tincture from the sediment. This may be considered as being the Elixir Proprietatis ol Paracelsus, improved with regard to the manner of preparation. It has long been in repute as a warm stimulant and aperient. It strengthens the stomach and other viscera, cleanses the first pas- sages from tenaceous phlegm, and promotes the natural secre- tions in general. Its continued use has frequently done much service in cachectic and icteric cases, uterine obstructions, and other similar disorders ; particularly in cold, pale, phlegmatic habits. The dose may be from one drachm to two, twice in a day. This preparation is rendered more pleasant and efficacious by age. Tinctura Amomi Repentis. Tincture of Cardamom. Take of Lesser cardamom seeds bruised, four o'unces, Diluted alcohol, two pounds and a half. Digest for seven days, and filtrate through paper. Tincture of cardamom has been in use for a considerable time. It is a pleasant warm cordial, and may be taken, along with a pro- per vehicle, in doses of from a drachm to a spoonful or two. Tinctura Aristolochia Serpentaria. Tincture of Vir- ginian Snakeroot. Take of Root of Virginian snakeroot bruised, three ounces, Cochineal in powder, one drachm, Diluted alcohol, two pounds and a half. Digest for seven days, and filtrate through paper. COMPOSITIONS. $37 This tincture, which contains the whole virtues of the root, may be taken to the quantity of a spoonful or more every five or six hours ; and to this extent it often operates as an useful dia- phoretic. Tinctura Ferula Ass.ffi Foetid-e. Tincture of Assa Fa- tida. Fetid Tincture. Take of Gum resin of assa foetida, foUr ounces, Alcohol, two pounds and a half. Digest for seven days, and filtrate through paper. This tincture possesses the virtues of the assa foetida itself; and may be given in doses of from ten drops to fifty or sixty as a remedy in-hysteria. Tinctura Benzoin Composita. Compound Tincture of Ben- zoin. Traumatic Balsam. Take of Benzoin in powder, three ounces, Peruvian balsam, two ounces, Hepatic aloes in powder, half an ounce, Alcohol, two pounds. Digest with a gentle heat for seven days, and filtrate through paper. This preparation may be considered as an elegant simplifica- tion of some very complicated compositions, which were cele- brated under different names ; such as Wade's balsam, Friar's balsam, Jesuit's drops, &c. These, in general consisted of a con- fused farrago of discordant substances. They, however, derived considerable activity from the benzoin and aloes; and every thing to be expected from them, may readily be obtained from the present formula. The compound tincture of benzoin, has been highly recom- mended, externally, for cleansing and healing wounds and ulcers, for discussing cold tumors, allaying gouty, rheumatic, and other old pains and aches ; and likewise internally for warming^nd Strengthening the stomach and intestines, expelling flatulencies, and relieving colic complaints. Its dose is from thirty to sixty drops. In modem practice it is much less used than formerly. .".38 PREPARATIONS AND Tinctura Camphors. Tincture of Camphor. Elixir of Cam- phor. Take of Camphor, one ounce, Alcohol, one pound. Mix them together, that the camphor may be dissolved. It may also be made with a double or triple proportion of camphor. This solution of camphor is only employed externally, against rheumatic pains, paralytic numbnesses, for discussing tumors, preventing gangrenes, or restraining their progress. Bruises and strains are also relieved by this application by way of fric- tion to the part. Tinctura Eleutheria. Tincture of Cascarilia. Take of Bark of cascarilia in powder, four ounces, Diluted alcohol, two pounds. Digest with a gentle heat for eight days and filtrate. This tincture may be employed to answer most of those pur- poses for which the bark itself is recommended ; but in the cure of intermittents, it in general requires to be exhibited in sub- stance. Tinctura Angustura. Tincture of Angustura. Take of Bark of angustura in powder, four ounces, Diluted alcohol, two pounds. Digest with a gentle heat for eight days and filtrate. In cases of dyspepsia this tincture has been found serviceable in doses of one or two drachms. Tinctura Senna Composita. Compound Tincture of Senna. Elixir of Health. Take of Leaves of senna, three ounces, Root of jalap bruised, one ounce, Coriander seeds, Caraway seeds, each bruised, half an ounce, Lesser cardamom seeds bruised, two drachma, Diluted alcohol, three pounds and a half. COMPOSITIONS. 339 Digest for seven days, and to the liquor filtrated through pa- per add of Double refined sugar, four ounces. This tincture is in very common use as a carminative and ca- thartic, by those especially who have accustomed themselves to the use of spirituous liquors ; it oftentimes relieves flatulent complaints and colics, where the common cordials have little ef- fect. Dose from one to two ounces. Tinctura Castorei. Tincture of Castor. Take of Russian castor in powder, an ounce and a half, Aicohol, one pound. Digest for seven days, and filtrate through paper. This is a feeble remedy, given sometimes as an antispasmodic, in a dose of from half a drachm to a drachm. Tinctura Cinchonje Officinalis. Tincture of Cinchona. Tincture of Bark. Take of Red bark of cinchona in powder, six ounces, Diluted alcohol, two pounds and a half. Digest for seven days, and filtrate through paper. The active matter of bark is entirely extracted by diluted al- cohol, but the powers of the menstruum itself do not allow of the use of bark under this form, where large doses of the remedy are necessary. It is used in dyspepsia, occasionally, in a dose of two drachms. Tinctura Cinchona Composita. Compound Tincture of Cinchona. Huxham's Tincture. Take of Red bark of cinchona in powder, two ounces, External rind at Seville oranges dried, one ounce and a half, '& Root of Virginian snakeroot bruised, three drachms, Saffron, one drachm, Cochineal in powder, two scruples, Diluted alcohol, twenty ounces. Digest for fourteen days and filtrate. >i\i PREPARATION'S AND This has been for a considerable time celebrated under the title of Huxham's Tincture of Ra k. As a corroborant and stomachic, it is given in doses of two or three drachms; but when employed for the cure of intermit- tents, it must be taken to a greater extent, It is more grateful than the simple tincture, and in dyspeptic affections, it proves a pleasant and efficacious remedy. Tinctura Colomba. Tincture of Colombo. Take of Columba root in powder, two ounces and a half, Diluted alcohol, two pounds and a half. Digest for seven days and filtrate through paper. This is used merely as a bitter tincture in dyspepsia, in a dose of three or four drachms. It may be advantageously employed against bilious vomitings, and those different stomach ailments, in which the colomba has been found useful; but where there does not occur some objection to its use in substance, that form is in general preferable to the tincture. Tinctura Convolvuli Jalaps. Tincture of Jalap. Take of Root of jalap in powder, four ounces, Diluted alcohol, fifteen ounces. Digest for seven days and filtrate through paper. The activity of jalap resides in its resin, which in this prepa- ration is extracted along with a portion of mucilage. The tinc- ture may be given as a cathartic, in a dose of four or six drachms. Tinctura Croci Sativa. Tincture of Saffron. Take of English saffron sliced, one ounce, Diluted alcohol, fifteen ounces. Digest for seven days and filtrate through paper This tincture is to be valued only for its colour. COMPOSITIONS. 341 Tinctura Digitalis Purpurea. Tincture of Common Fox- 'J Glove. Take of Dried leaves of common fox-glove, one ounce, ^y fl ^ f^ h nce^ Diluted-alcohol, eight ounces. «-^ %/, Digest for seven days and filtrate through paper. * . j**^ This is a very active preparation ; it is the one in which the '^ virtues of digitalis are longest preserved uninjured, and appears &^J~ to be the best form under which that remedy can be exhibited, to obtain its narcotic effects. Its dose is ten drops, which, ac- /*1^£ cording to the general rules observed in the administration of digitalis, is to be gradually increased. It has been chiefly used to diminish the force of the circulation of the blood in hsemop- , tysis, and often with remarkable success. It has been also said y%? to cure phthisis pulmonalis, but subsequent experience has not ,._ J. confirmed the first trials. ^ry" 4 Tinctura Gentians Composita. Compound Tiricture of I'M™ Gentian. Stomachic Elixir. Take of Root of gentian sliced and bruised, two ounces, Rind of Seville oranges dried and bruised, one ounce, Bark of canella alba bruised, half an ounce, Powder of cochineal, half a drachm, Diluted alcohol, two pounds and a half. Digest for seven days and filtrate through paper. This is a very elegant spirituous bitter, formerly called stomachic elixir. The aromatics are here very commodious in- gredients, as in this spirituous menstruum they are free from the inconvenience with which they are attende#in other liquors, of diminishing their transparency. This tincture is employed in dyspepsia, in a dose of two or three drachms given occasionally. Tinctura Guajaci Officinalis. Tincture of Guaiacum. Take of Gum resin of officinal guaiacum in powder, one pound, Alcohol, two pounds and ajialf. Digest for seven days and filtrate through paper. What is called gum guaiac, is in fact a resin, and perfectly soluble in alcohol. This solution is a powerful'stimulating su- 42 342 PREPAR \TIONS ANT) dorific, and may be given in doses of about half an ounce ii< rheumatic and arthritic cases. Tinctura Hellebori Nigri. Tincture of Black Hellebore. Tfckb of Root of black hellebore bruised, four ounces, Cochineal in powder, half a drachm, Diluted alcohol, two pounds and a half. Digest seven diys and filtrate through paper." This is perhaps the best preparation of hellebore, when de- signed for an alterative, the menstruum here employed ex- tracting the whole of its virtues. It has been found by experi- ence particularly serviceable in uterine obstructions. In san- guine constitutions, where chalybeates are hurtful, it has been said thai it seldom fails of exciting the menstrual evacuations, and removing the ill consequences of their suppression. A tea- spoonful of the tincture may be taken twice a-day in warm water, or some other convenient vehicle. Tinctura Hyosciami Nigri. Tincture of Black Henbane Take of Leaves of black henbane dried, one ounce, • Diluted alcohol, eight ounces. Digest for seven days and filtrate through paper. This tincture, although not yet come into general use, is a valuable anodyne, and in many cases may be substituted with ad- * vantage for the tincture of opium, especially where the latter pro- duces obstinate constipation ; or, instead of its usual soporific and sedative effects, it causes uneasiness, restlessness, and universal irritation. Its disc is from a scruple to a drachm. Tinctui. a Kino. Tincture of Kino. Take of Kino in powder, two ounces, Diluted alcohol, a pound and a half. Digest seven days and filtrate through paper. This is certainly a very astringent tincture, and will be found an excellent medicine in obstinate diarrhoea and in lienteria. The dose is from half a drachm to a drachm. fif COMPOSITIONS. 343 Tinctura Lauri Cinnamomi. Tincture of Cinnamon. Take of Bark of cinnamon bruised, three ounces, Diluted alcohol, two pounds and a half. Digest for seven days and filtrate through paper. This is used merely as an aromatic and cordial, in doses from one drachm to three. Tinctura Cinnamomi Composita. Compound Tincture of Cinnamon. Aromatic Tincture. Take of Bark of cinnamon, Lesser cardamom seeds, each bruised, one ounce, Long pepper in powder, two drachms, Diluted alcohol, two pounds and a half. Digest for seven days and filtrate through paper. In this formula, the Dublin and London Colleges diminish the quantity of cardamom seeds, and substitute ginger. This makes no alteration on the virtues of the preparation, which is a warm aromatic, too hot to be given without dilution. It was formerly called aromatic tincture. A teaspoonful or two may be taken in wine, or any other convenient vehicle, in languors, weakness of the stomach, flatulencies, and other similar complaints; and in these cases it is often employed with advantage. Tinctura LAVANnux^: Composita. Compound Tincture of > Lavender. Compound Spirit of Lavender. Take of Spirit of lavendcrjrthree pounds, ..............rosemary, one pound, Bark of cinnamon bruised, one ounce, Flower-buds of the clove tree bruised, two drachms. Nutmegjrbruised, half an ounce, Wood of red sauuderrf'rapped, three drachms. Macerate for seven days and filrrate. This is a grateful cordial in common use, as relieving languor and faintness. From ten to an hundred drops may be convenient- > ly taken dropped upon sugar. It docs not appear very clearly,^, whether it should be considered as a spirit or tincture; for al-<^< though the spirit of lavender be the predominant ingredient, yet the mode of preparation is that of a tincture, and the spirit as a menstruum dissolves astringent colouring, and other substances. which would not rise with it in distillation. 344 PREPARATIONS AND Tinctura Meloes Vesicatorh. Tincture of Cantharides. Take of Chantharides bi-uised, one drachm, Diluted alcohol, one pound. Digest for seven days and filtrate through paper. This tincture contains the active principle of the cantharides, whatever it may be. It is applied externally as a stimulant ami rubefacient, and is sometimes given internally, in doses of from ten to twenty drops as a diuretic. Tinctura Meloes Vesicatorii Fortior. Strong Tincture of Cantharides. Take of Cantharides bruised, ten drachms, Diluted alcohol, one pound. Digest for fourteen days and filtrate through paper. This i-, intended merely for external application. Tinctura Mimosa Catechu. Tincture of Catechu. Japonic Tincture. Take of Extract of catechu in powder, three ounces, Bark of cinnamon bruised, two ounces, Diluted alcohol, two pounds and a half. Digest/or eight days and filtrate through paper. The cinnamon is a veiy useful addition to the catechu, not only as it warms the stomach, 8cc. but likewise as it improves the roughness and astringency of the other. This tincture is of ser- • vice in all kinds of defluxions, catarrhs, loosnesses, uterine fluors, and other disorders, where mild astringent medicines are indi- cated. Two or three teaspoonfuls may be taken frequently in red wine, or any other proper vehicle. Tinctura Moschi. Tincture of Musk. Take of Musk, two drachms, Alcohol, one pound. Macerate for seven days and filtrate. In this forrn it is almost impossible to give such a quantity of musk as is necessary for our purpose ; and hence this article is more frequently employed under the form of julep or bolus. COMPOSITIONS. 345 Tinctura Muriatis Ammonia et Ferri. Tincture of Mu- riate of Ammonia and Iron. Ammoniac Tincture of Iron. Take of Muriate of ammonia and iron, four ounces, Diluted alcohol, sixteen ounces. Digest and filtrate. This is seldom prepared, being much less elegant than the following. Tinctura Muriatis Ferri. Tincture of Muriate of Iron. Tincture of Iron. » Take of Carbonate of iron, half a pound, Muriatic acid, three pounds, Alcohol, three pounds and four ounces. Pour the muriatic acid on the carbonate of iron in a glass ves- sel ; and shake the mixture now and then, during three days. Set it by, that the feces may subside ; then pour off the liquor ; evaporate this to sixteen ounces, and when cold, add to it the alcohol. The black oxyd of iron combines with the muriatic acid, and, during the solution, acquires more oxygen, partly by absorption from the atmosphere, and partly by decomposition of the water, which is promoted by the heat applied. The muriate of iron, in which this more perfect oxyd is contained, is soluble in alco- hol. The present preparation is such a tincture diluted with the water of the muriatic acid. When first prepared, it con- tains a portion of muriate of iron, in which the metal is imper- fectly oxydated ; but this soon attracts more oxygen ; and hence, the colour of the tincture deepens on keeping. It is a very ac- tive and excellent chalybeate, and may be given in doses of ten or twenty drops, twice or thrice a-day, in any proper vehicle. Tinctura Myrrh a. Tincture of Myrrh. Take of Myrrh in powder, three ounces, Alcohol, twenty ounces, Water, ten ounces. Digest for seven days and filtrate through paper. Tincture of myrrh is recommended internally for warming the habit, attenuating viscid juices, strengthening the solids, •pening obstructions, particularly those of the uterine vessels, 346 PREPARATION'S AND and resisting putrefaction. The dose is from fifteen to forty drops, or more. It may perhaps be given in these cases to ad- vantage ; though it is more commonly used externally as a sti- mulant and antiseptic application for cleansing foul ulcers, and promoting the exfoliation of carious bones. Tinctura Oru. Tincture of Opium. Thebaic Tincture. Li- quid Laudanum. Take of Opium, two ounces, Diluted alcohol, two pounds. •^Digest seven days and filtrate through paper. This tincture is the most usual form under which opium is administered, having long been known under the name of liquid laudanum. The proportion of opium to the solvent is five grains to the drachm; but by evaporation it is found that one drachm of the tincture holds three grains and a half dissolved. The usual dose is twenty-fije drops. It is to be regretted that this tincture is not * so well adapted for keeping as could be wished ; in long stand- ing a part of the opium is gradually deposited, and consequent- ly the tincture becomes weaker ; the part which thus separates amounts sometimes as it is said, to near one fourth of the quan- tity of opium at first dissolved. « The occasions for the use of laudanum in families are so nu- mcroirs, that the utmost certainty with regard to the ifciforniity of the strength, and the dose ou^ht to prevail. According to the London college, ten drachms of opium go to one pint of proof spirit. Dr. Donald Monroe observes, one drachm (sixty drops,)of such tincture, contains, by experiment, three ;ind twbthirds grains of opium : so that three drachms of it contains eleven grains : hence if we mix eight drachms of proof spirit, with three drachms of the above tincture, wc form a tincture, each drachm of which contains one grain of opium ; if we want a still weaker prep..ration, we may add eleven drachms more of s/iirir, when we shall have a tincture, each drachm of which < >,< u.i:»s half a grain of opium. In most cases, however, it is adv iseable to admi- nister laudanum in small quantities, (siv fiii.-cn drops to a grovfn person,) at a time, u:itil the desired cfl< <.; be produced. A sin- gle full dose of twenty, thirty, or thirty-five drops, will frequent- ly disappoint our wishes, by proving cither too great, or too small a quantity for the necessities of the system. laudanum should always be given in a perfectly pure state: that which has by long keeping deposited a portion of the opium previous- ly held in>solution and thereby become thick, and strong, should be marked, and reserved for external application. COMPOSITIONS. 34?: Tinctura Opii Camphorata. Camphorated Tincture of Opium. Paregoric Elixir. Take of ---——.---—— J L //Opium, 1 /JU // '•-> ^~ p* J y Benzoic acid, pf each one drachm, ( / %. /* '* w> -/ Take of 3 £ 4 ^ Camphor, two scruples, i ^. x discharge in cases of obstinate costiveness, when taken to the extent of only five or ten grains ; but they may be employed in much larger doses. They are, however, seldom used with a view of producing proper cathar- tics. Half a drachm of the mass, contains about five grains of the colocynth, ten of aloes, and ten of scammony. Pilula Aloes et Myrrh.*. Pills of Aloes and Myrrh. Rufus's Pills. Take of Gum resin of socotorine aloes, two ounces, Myrrh, one ounce, Saffron, half an ounce. Beat them into a mass with a proper quantity of simple syrup. These pills have long continued in practice, as a stimulating aperient. Given to the quantity of half a drachm or two scru- COMPOSITIONS. 371 pies, they prove considerably cathartic, but they answer much better purposes in smaller doses as laxatives or alteratives. Two or three for a dose. Pilula Assa Foetid^ Composita. Compound Pills of Asset Foetida. Gum Pills. Take of Gum resin of assa foetida, Galbanum, Myrrh, each eight parts, Purified oil of amber, one part. Beat them into a mass with simple syrup. These pills are designed for anti-hysterics, and emmena- gogues, and are very well calculated for answering those inten- tions. Half a scruple, a scruple, or more, may be taken every night or oftener. Pilula Acetitis Plumbi et Ipecacuanha. Pills of Acetite of Lead and Ipecacuan. Take of Acetite of lead, Root of Ipecacuan in powder, of each one drachm, Opium, ten grains. Beat them with simple syrup into a mass to be divided into forty equal pills. In most cases of internal haemorrhage, but more especially in uterine profluvia attended by debility, these pills, taken one eveiy three or four hours, seldom fail to produce the desired astringent effect; and if their use be duly persisted in, will in general induce that salutary change in the system upon which a radical cure depends. Pilula Ammoniareti Cupri. Pills of Ammoniaret of Copper Copper Pills. Take of Ammoniaret of copper in fine powder, sixteen grains, Bread crumb, four scruples, Solution of carbonate of ammonia, as much as may- be sufficient. Beat them into a mass, to be divided into thirty-two equal pills. It is under this form that ammoniaret of copper is given in epilepsy and the other spasmodic diseases in which it has been 272 PREPARATIONS AND employed. Half a grain of it is contained in each pill. One pill is given at first, night and morning, and the dose is gradu- ally increased. Pilula Hydrargyri. Pills of Quicksilver. Mercurial Pills. Take of Purified quicksilver. Conserve of red roses, each one ounce, Starch, two ounces. Triturate the quicksilver with the conserve, in a glass mor- tar, till the globules completely disappear, adding occasionally a little mucilage of gum arabic ; then add the starch, and beat the whole with water into a muss, which is immediately to be divi- ded into f:-ir hundred and eighty equal pills. The com iion mercurial pill is one of the best preparations of mercui;; nd m^y in general supersede most other forms of this mediciuc. In its preparation the mercury is minute- ly divided, and probably converted i'-o the buck oxyd. To effect its mechanical division, it must be triturated with some viscid substance. Soap, resin of guaiac, honey, extract of liquo- rice, manna, and conserve of roses, have all been at different times recommended, and either of them may be employed. We learn when the mercury is completely extinguished, most easily, by rubbing a very little of the mass with the point of the finger on a piece of paper, if no globules appear. As soon as this is the case, it is necessary to mix with the mass a proportion of powder of liquorice or starch, to give it a proper degree of consistency. It is necessary to form the mass into pills imme- diately, as it soon becomes hard. While this preparation of mercury is much milder in its operation than some others, it is perhaps capable of answering every purpose which the remedy can serve. The common dose, given with the view of inducing the common mercurial action, is two pills at bed time, and one in the morning, which in particular cases and habits, require to be increased. Four, or six pills given at once, generally excite purging. Each pill contains one grain of quicksilver. Pilula Opiata. Pills of Opium. Thebaic Pills, Take of Opium, one part, Extract of liquorice, seven parts, Jamaica pepper, two parts. Soften the opium and extract separately, with diluted alcohol. and having beat them intc a pulp, mix them; then add the pep- COMPOSITIONS. 373 per reduced to powder; and lastly, having beat them well to- gether, form the whole into a mass. This affords a form under which the exhibition of opium may be concealed from the patient. Two pills or ten grains of the mass contain one grain of opium. In the formula of the London College, the aromatic is omitted, and the proportion of opium increased ; so that each pill contains one grain. Some complain that the extract of liquorice occasions the mass to become too hard and difficult to manage. The follow- ing formula, therefore, may be substituted, or a stronger prepa- ration : viz. Take of Castile soap, eight parts, Camphor, six parts, Opium, four parts. The several articles being separately powdered, mix and beat them into a mass. Pilula Rhei Composite Compound pills of Rhubarb. Sto- machic Pills. Take of Root of rhubarb in powder, one ounce, Gum resin of socotorine aloes, six drachms, Myrrh, half an ounce, Volatile oil of perpermint, half a drachm. Make them into a mass with a sufficient quantity of syrup of orange peel. This is a moderate laxative much employed, especially in dyspeptic affections, to obviate costiveness, and gently stimulate the stomach and intestines. Two pills arc taken at bed time. Pilul.e Scilittice. Squill Pills. Take of Dried root of squills in fine powder, one scruple, Ammoniacum, Lesser cardamom seeds in powder, Extract of liquorice, each one drachm. Mix and form them into a mass with simple syrup. This is an elegant and commodious form for the exhibition of bquills, whether for promoting expectoration, or with the other intentions to which that medicine is applied. As the virtues of the compound is derived chiefly from the squills,, the other in- gredients are often varied in extemporaneous prescriptions. If 46 374 PREPARATIONS, fcc. however, the above form should be found to be too hard and difficult to manage, the following formula may be preferred : viz. Take of Dried root of squills in fine powder, Gum ammoniacum, each one drachm, Castile soap, one ounce. Mix them into a mass with a sufficient quantity of balsam copaiva. Pilule Plummkhi. Plummer*a Pills. Take of Precipitated sulphur of antimony, Mild muriate of mercury, each three drachms, Extract of gentian, Hard Spanish soap, each one drachm. Let the mercury be triturated with the sulphur; then add the, extract and form a mass with jelly of soap. These pills were recommended to the attention of the public, about forty years since, by Dr. Plummer, whose name they long bore. He represented them in a paper, which he published in the Edinburgh Medical Essays, as a very useful alterative ; and on his authority they were at one time much employed. In some cutaneous and even venereal affections, they are yet in repute, as being an efficacious remedy in doses of from four to eight or ten grains, morning and night. CHAPTER XX. CATAPLASMS. J>y cataplasms, are in general understood, those external ap- plications, which are brought to a due consistence or form for being properly applied, not by means of oily and fatty matters, but by water or watery fluids. Of these, not a few are had re- course to in actual practice ; but they are seldom prepared in the shop of the apothecary, and, in some of the best modern Phar- macopoeias, no formula of this kind are introduced. The Lon- don and Dublin Colleges, however, although they have abridged the number of cataplasms, still retain a few; and it is not with- out some advantage that there are fixed forms for the prepara- tion of them. Cataplasma Aluminis. Cataplasm of Alum. Alum Curd. Take the whites of two eggs; agitate them with a piece of alum, until a coagulum be formed. This preparation taken from Riverius, is a useful astringent epithem for sore moist eyes. Where the complaint is violent, this preparation, after the inflammation has subsided a little to bleeding, is one of the best external remedies. It is to be spread upon lint and applied at bed time. Cataplasma Sinapeos. Mustard Cataplasm. Take of Mustard, in powder, Crumb of bread, of each half a pound, Vinegar, as much as is sufficient. Mix and make a cataplasm. Cataplasms of this kind, are commonly known by the name of sinapisms. They were formerly, frequently prepared in a more complicated state, containing garlic, black soap, and other similar articles. But the above simple form will answer every purpose which they are capable of accomplishing. They are employed only as stimulants ; they often inflame the part, and raise blisters; but not so perfectly as cantharides. Their chief advantage de- pends upon the suddenness of their action. This preparation is the common sinapism which is applied with advantage, as a powerful stimulant, to the soles of the feet in typhus, where there is a determination to the head, and in comatose affections. CHAPTER NXI. LINIMENTS, OINTMENTS, CERATES, AND PLAS- TERS. 1 hf.se are all combinations of fixed oil, or animal fat, with other substances, and differ from each other only in consistence. A liniment is of the consistence of thin honey ; an ointment is firmer; and a cerate still harder. Oil or lard is their common basis; the due consistence is given by wax or spermaceti, and to the composition may be added any substance which is to be used under this form. Plasters are the most solid, and when cold, should be firm, and should not adhere to the fingers, but when gently heated, should become sufficiently soft to spread easily, and should then adhere to the skin. Plasters derive their firm- ness, either from a large proportion of wax, or from the presence of some metallic oxyd, such as that of lead. The following gene- ral directions are given in the Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia for their preparation. In making these compositions, the fatty and resinous sub- stances are to be melted with a gentle heat, and then constantly stirred, adding at the same time the dry ingredients, if there be any, until the mixture on cooling become stiff. Linimentum Simplex. Simple Liniment. Take of Olive oil, four parts, White wax, one part. Ukguentum Simplex. Simple (Sintmcnt. Take of Olive oil, five parts, White wax, two parts. Unguentum Physeteris Macro Cephali Sevi. Ointment of Spermaceti. Take of Spermaceti, two parts, Olive oil, . White wax, each one p-.irt. Melt them together over a slow fire, stirring them constantly and briskly until they be cold. COMPOSITIONS. 377 These several compositions differ merely in consistence. They are useful cooiing ointments for excoriations and other frettings, and for softening the skin and healing chaps. They are also applied spread on linen as usual dressings to slight wounds and simple ulcers. Frequently they are employed as the basis of more compounded ointments. Unguentum Oxidi Plumbi Albi. Ointment of White Oxyd of Lead. White Ointment. Take of Simple ointment, five parts, White oxyd of lead, one part. Or, the oxyd may be added in the same proportion to the sper- maceti ointment, its firmer consistence being better adapted to the purpose of keeping the oxyd uniformly suspended. This is a cooling desiccative ointment of great use when appli- ed to excoriated surfaces ; and has been a common application to burns and superficial inflammation. Unguentum Acetitis Plumbi. Ointment of Acetite of Lead. Saturnine Ointment. Take of Simple ointment, twenty parts, Acetite of lead, one part. This is an excellent cooling ointment, and of the greatest use in many cases. It is applied to the same purposes as the pre- ceding, and is more frequently employed. Ceratum Lithargyri Acetati Compositum. Compound Cerate of Acetated Litharge. Goulard's Cerate. Take of Water of acetated litharge, two ounces and a half, Yellow wax, four ounces, Olive oil, nine ounces, Camphor, half a drachm. Rub the camphor with a little of the oil. Melt the wax with the remaining oil, and as soon as the mixture begins to thicken, pour in by degrees the water of acetated litharge, and stir con- stantly until it be cold ; then mix in the camphor previously rubbed with oil. This ointment, usually named Goulard's cerate, has been ren- dered famous by the recommendations of Mr. Goulard, a French surgeon. It is unquestionably in many cases very useful ; it 578 PREPARATIONS AND cannot, however, be considered as varying essentially from the saturnine ointments already mentioned. It is employed with nearly the same intentions, and differs from them chiefly in con- sistence. Unguentum Rosarum. Ointment of Roses. Take of Hog's lard, Fresh damask roses with their calices, each equal parts. Let the roses be slightly bruised in a marble mortar with a pestle of wood, and put them in a vessel with the lard ; place this over a gentle fire, so as to evaporate a great part of the mois- ture ; then press it through linen and suffer it to cool. Separate the feces which are on the top, and melt it in order to depurate. Unguentum Aqua Rosa. Ointment of Rose Water. Take of Oil of sweet almonds, two ounces, Spermaceti, half an ounce, White wax, one drachm. Melt the whole in a water bath, stirring it frequently ; when melted, add of Damask rose water, two ounces, and stir the mixture continually till it is cold. These more elegant compositions being similar in their pro- perties to the preceding, are used for the same purposes. Unguentum Stramonii. Ointment of Thorn Apple. Take of Leaves of thorn apple recently gathered and sliced, five pounds, Hog's lard, fourteen pounds. Let them simmer together over a gentle fire till the leaves become crisp and dry. Then press out the lard, return it into the vessel when cleansed, and add to every pound of the com- pound, of Yellow wax, two ounces. Set the whole on the fire; when the wax has melted remove the vessel, and let it rest while the contents gradually cool, that the impurities may subside. These must then be separated from the ointment. COMPOSITIONS. 379 This ointment has been found to afford relief in external in- flammations, and haemorrhoids. It is also highly beneficial in burns, and to allay the swelling of a cow's udder. Unguentum Resinosum. Resinous Ointment. Basilicon Ointment. Take of Hog's lard, eight parts, Resin of pine, five parts, Yellow wax, two parts :—Or Take of m Yellow resm, ...........wax, Hog's lard, Oil of olives, equal weights. This ointment, long known under the name of yellow basili- com, is commonly employed in dressing, for digesting, cleans- ing, and incarning wounds and ulcers. Unguentum Pic is. Tar Ointment. Take of Tar, five parts, Yellow wax, two parts. Equal parts of tar and mutton suet are preferred by some as forming an ointment of a more firm consistence. The two com- positions, however, cannot be considered as differing essentially from each other. As far as they have any peculiar activity, this entirely depends on the tar. From the empyreumatic oil and saline matters which it contains, it is undoubtedly of some acti- vity. Accordingly it has been successfully employed against foul ulcers, and some cutaneous affections, particularly tinea capitis. Unguentum Infusi Meloes Vesicatorii. Ointment of Infusion of Cantharides. Mild Epispastic Ointment, Take of Cantharides, Resin of pine, Yellow wax, each one part. Hog's lard, Venice turpentine, each two parts, Boiling water, four parts. 380 PREPARATIONS AND Infuse the cantharides in the water for a night ; then strongly press out and srain the liquor and boil it with the laid till the water be consumed ; then add the resin and wax, and when these are melted, take the ointment off the fire and *dd the tur- pentine. This ointment, containing the soluble parts of the cantharides, uniformly blended with other ingredients, are more commodious, and in general occasion less pain, though little less effectual in their action, than the compositions with the fly in substance. Unguentum Pulveris Meloes Vesicatorii. Ointment of the Powder of Cantharides. Strong Epsispastic Ointment. Take of Resinous ointment, seven parts, Powdered cantharides, one part. This ointment is employed in the dressings for blisters, intend- ed to be made perpetual, as they are called, or to be kept run- ning for a considerable time ; which in many chronic, and acute diseases, is of great service. Particular care should be taken, that the cantharides employed in these compositions, be reduced into a very subtle powder, and that the mixtures be made as equal and uniform as possible. Unguentum Sulphuris. Sulphur Ointment. Antisporic Ointment. Take of Hog's lard, two parts, Sublimed sulphur, one part. To each pound of this ointment, add of Volatile oil of lemons, or ................. of lavender, half a drachm. Sulphur is a certain remedy for the itch, more safe than mer- cury. A pound of this ointment serves for four unctions. The patient is to be rubbed every night, a fourth part of the body each time. Though the disease may be thus cured by a single appli- cation, it is in general adviseable to touch the parts most affected for a few nights longer, and to conjoin the internal use of sulphur. Unguentum Acidi Nitrosi. Ointment of Nitrous Acid. Take of Hog's lard, one pound, Nitrous acid, six drachms. COMPOSITIONS. 381 Mix the acid gradually with the melted lard, and diligently beat the mixture as it cools. The axunge in this ointment seems to be oxydized ; for, during the action of the acid upon it, there is a great deal of nitric oxyd gas disengaged. It acquires a yellowish colour, and a firmer consistency ; and forms an excellent and cheap substitute, in slight herpetic and other cutaneous affections, for the ointment of nitrate of mercury. Unguentum Hydrargyri. Ointment of Quicksilver. Strong Mercurial Ointment. Take of Quicksilver, Hog's lard, each three parts, Mutton suet, one part. Rub the quicksilver carefully in a mortar with a little of the hog's lard, until the globules entirely disappear ; then add the remainder of the lard and the suet, rubbing them well together. A few trains of sulphur may be added to facilitate the union of the ingredients. Unguentum Hydrargyri Minus. Mild Ointment of Quick- silver. Blue Ointment. This is to be prepared as the preceding ointment, excepting that only one part of quicksilver is to be employed. During the trituration of mercury with unctuous matter, it cannot be doubted that an oxydation of the metal is effected ; and the efficacy of the ointment depends, in a great measure, on this oxyd of mercury. It has been also supposed, with a sufficient probability, that the portion of sebacic acid formed in animal fat, when exposed to the air, may promote this oxydation, and com- bine with the oxyd ; and the improvement of the ointment on keeping, a fact long observed, is probably owing to the gradual formation of this sebate of mercury. Mercurial ointment, is the form by which mercury is intro- duced into the system by external friction. It is a mode employ- ed with advantage, in cases where the preparations administered internally, are liable to be too much determined to the intestines, so as to occasion griping and purging, and when it is necessary to introduce a large quantity of mercury speedily into the sys- tem ; likewise in some local affections, particularly bubo. One drachm of the strong ointment, (that containing equal parts of the mercury and lard,) is introduced by friction in the evening, and frequently in the morning, until the system be affected. The inside of the thighs and legs, arc the parts most suitable for the 47 382 PREPARATIONS AND application of the frictions. But it is frequently necessary to change the place, as even the mildest ointment is sometimes apt to excite topical inflammation, and render further application very incon- venient. It is requisite that the ointment should be prepared with very great care ; for, upon the degree of triture which ha6 been employed, the activity of the mercury very much depends. Unguentum Oxidi HYdrargyri Cinerei. Ointment of < Gray Oxyd of Quicksilver. Take of Gray oxyd of quicksilver, one part, Hog's lard, three parts. This is designed as a substitute for the mercurial ointment, and as the quicksilver is fully oxydized, it has been supposed that it will prove more active. If this were sufficiently establish- ed, the facility and certainty of its preparation would be attended with great advantages. J^ NGUENTUM SuB-MuRIATIS HYDRARGYRI ET AMMONIA. Ointment of Sub-Muriate of Quicksilver and Ammonia. Take of Sub-muriate of quicksilver and ammonia, one drachm, Ointment of roses, one ounce and a half. Let them be mixed very intimately. This is a very elegant mercurial ointment, and is frequently made use of in the cure of obstinate cutaneous affections. Unguentum Oxidi Hydrargyri Rubri. Ointment of Red Oxyd of Quicksilver. Take of Red oxyd of quicksilver by nitrous acid, one part, Hog's lard, eight parts. This is an excellent stimulating ointment, often of very great service in indolent, ill conditioned sores, when we wish to ex- cite them to greater action. If it prove too stimulating, it may be weakened with axunge ; and in this state, it is often applied to the eye-lids, in chronic ophthalmia. COMPOSITIONS. 383 Unguentum Nitratis Hydrargyri. Ointment of Nitrate of jjf* Quicksilver. Yellow Ointment. Take of Purified quicksilver, one part, Nitrous acid, two parts, Hog's lard, three parts, Olive oil, nine" parts. „ Dissolve the quicksilver in the nitrous acid, by digestion in a sand heat, and, while the solution is hot, mix with it the lard" and oil, previously melted together, and just beginning to grow stiff. Stir them briskly together in a glass or wedgwood mor- tar, so as to form the whole into an ointment. In this ointment, the nitrate of the quicksilver combines with the lard; and as there is also an excess of nitric acid, it acts chemically on the fat, and gives to the composition a very firm consistence. It is a very active ointment, and as such, it is fre- quently employed with success in cutaneous and other topical affections, a small quantity being rubbed on the part. Unguentum Nitratis Hydrargyri Mitius. Milder Oint- ment of Nitrate of Quicksilver. This is prepared in the same manner as the preceding, with a triple quantity of hog's lard, and olive oil. It is, of course, a much milder application, and is designed to be also of a softer consistence ; but, to obtain the latter convenience, it is better to reduce the strong ointment, with the requisite proportion of lard. Unguentum Sub-Acetitis Cupri. Ointment of Sub-Acetite of Copper. Ointment of Verdigris. Take of Resinous ointment, fifteen parts, Sub-acetite of copper, one part. This ointment is used for cleansing sores, and keeping down fungous flesh. Where ulcers continue to run from a weakness of the vessels of the parts, the tonic powers of the copper pro- mise considerable advantage. It is also frequently used with advantage in cases of ophthalmia, depending on scrofula, where the palpebrse are principally affected; but, when it is to be thus applied, it is in general requisite that it should be somewhat weakened, by the addition of a proportion of simple ointment of hog's lard. 384 PKEPAR\TIO\> AND Unguentum Oxidi Zinci Impvhi. Ointment of Impure Oxyd of Zinc. Oiutinent of Tutty. Take of Simple liniment, five parts, Prepared impure oxyd of zinc, one part. This and the following ointment are chiefly used in affec- tions of the eye, particularly in those cases where redness arises rather from relaxation than from active inflammation. Unguentum Oxidi Zinci. Ointment of Oxyd of Zinc Take of Simple liniment, six parts, Oxyd of zinc, one part. Ceratum Simplex. Simple Cerate. Take of Olive oil, six parts, White wax, three parts, Spermaceti, one part. •** This differs from the simple ointment, in containing a greater proportion of wax to the oil, and in the addition of the sperma- ceti. But by these means, it obtains only a more firm consis- tence, without any essential change of properties. Ceratum Carbonatis Zinci Impuri. Cerate of Impure Car- bonate of Zinc. Turner's Cerate. Take of Simple cerate, five parts, Prepared impure carbonate of zinc, one part:—Or, Take of Olive oil, two pounds, Yellow wax, Prepared impure carbonate of zinc, each two parts. This composition is formed upon that which was formerly called Turner's cerate. The inventor strongly recommends it in cutaneous ulcerations and excoriations. It appears, from expe- rience, to be an excellent epulotic, and as such, is frequently made use of in practice. COMPOSITIONS. 38.^ Ceratum Sabin^e. Savine Cerate. Take of Fresh leaves of cedar savine, bruised, two pounds, Yellow wax, one pound, Hog's lard, four pounds. Bruise the fresh savine with half the quantity of lard, and sub- mit theni to the force of an iron press ; add the whole to the re- mainder of the lard, and boil until the herb begins to crisp; strain off the mixture, and then add the wax previously melted, to the composition. The ceratum sabinse (see juniperus virginiana) is designed as an irritating application with the view of exciting a perpetual discharge from blisters as a remedy in chronic diseases of the joints, Sec. and in other cases where such discharge is required. It is an admirable preparation of that shrub, and has been found by experience to answer every purpose for which it was origi- nally suggested by Dr. Crawther. On the use of this cerate, immediately after the cuticle raised by the blister is removed, it should be remarked, that experience has proved the advantage of using the application lowered by half or two thirds of the unguentum cerae : an attention to this direction will produce less irritation and more discharge, than if the savine cerate is used in its full strength. But as the discharge diminishes, the strength pf the savine dressing should be proportionally increased. Ceratum Juniperi Virginians. Cerate of Red Cedar. Take of Leaves of red cedar recently gathered and bruised, two pounds, Yellow wax, one pound, Hog's lard, four pounds. To the lard and wax previously melted, add the leaves, boil them till they become crisp, and strain while the mixture is hot, through a coarse cloth. Care being taken that the lard and wax be not too hot when the leaves are added. Emplastrum Simplex. Simple Plaster. Take of Yellow wax, three parts, Mutton suet, Resin of pine, each two parts. The principal use of this plaster is as a dressing, when spread dun on linen, to the part to which a blister has been applied. 386 PREPARATIONS AND Emplastrum Resinosum Compositum. Compound Resinous Plaster. Take of Burgundy pitch, two pounds, Galbanum, one pound, Resin of pine, Yellow wax, each four ounces, Fixed oil of mace, one ounce. To the pitch, resin and wax melted together, add first the galbanum and then the oil of mace. This plaster has been applied to the region of the stomach, as a stimulus, to relieve nausea and vomiting, and is considered as the most elegant formula of the kind. Emplastrum Meloes Vesic atorii. Plaster of Spanish Flies. Blistering Plaster. Take of Mutton suet, Yellow wax, Resin of pine, Cantharides, each equal weights. Beat the catharides into a fine powder, and add them to the other ingredients previously melted and removed from the fire. This is the plaster usually employed to raise a blister. It is of a softer consistence than the other plasters, that it may admit of being spread without the assistance of heat, which would im- pair the acrid quality of the cantharides. It requires to be ap- plied twelve hours to produce a perfect blister ; it is then re- moved ; the vesicle is cut, and the inflamed surface dressed with simple cerate or plaster. Emplastrum Meloes Vesicatorii Compositum. Compound Plaster of Spanish Flies. Take of Venice turpentine, eighteen parts, Burgundy pitch, Cantharides, each twelve parts, Yellow wax, four parts, Sub-acetite of copper, two parts, Mustard seed, Black pepper, each one part. COMPOSITIONS. 387 Having first melted the pitch and wax, add the turpentine, and to these in fusion, and still hot, add the other ingredients, reduced to a fine powder and mixed, and stir the whole care- fully together, so as to form a plaster. It occasionally happens, that the common plaster of cantha- rides is insufficient to excite a blister, even when its surface has been sprinkled over with powdered cantharides. In such cases, or even in others, where it is necessary that a blister should be quickly raised, this more powerful composition may be employ- ed. It certainly contains a sufficient variety of stimulating in- gredients, and its operation is accompanied with a pungent sen- sation of heat. Emplastrum Oxidi Plumbi Semivitrei. Plaster of the Semi- Vitrified Oxyd of Lead. Common Plaster. Take of Semi-vitrified oxyd of lead, one part, Olive oil, two parts. Boil them, adding water, and constantly stirring the mixture till the oil and oxyd be formed into a plaster. Oxyds of lead, boiled with oils, unite with them into a plaster of an excellent consistence, and which makes a proper basis for several other plasters. In the boiling of these compositions, a quantity of water must be added to prevent the plaster from burning and growing black. Such water as it may be necessary to add during the boiling, must be previously made hot; for cold liquor would not only prolong the process, but likewise occasion the matter to explode, and be thrown about with violence, to the great danger of the operator. This accident will equally happen upon the addition of hot water, if the plaster be extremely hot. It is therefore better to remove it from the fire a little, before each addition of water. This plaster, which has long been known under the name of diachylon, is a common application in excoriations of the skin, slike fresh wounds, and the like. They keep the part soft, and somewhat warm, and defend it from the air, which is all that can be expected in these cases, from any plasters. . Emplastrum Resinosum. Resinous Plaster. Adhesive Plaster. Take of Plaster of semi-vitrified oxyd of lead, Resin of pine, equal weights. ?98 PREPARATIONS AND This plaster rendered more adhesive, and somewhat stimulat ing, by mis intermixture of resin, is used for keeping on other dressings, for retaining the edges of recent wounds together, when we are encLavouring to secure them by the first intention,* and for giving mechanical support to new flesh, and contracting the size of ulcers in the manner recommended by Mr. Baynton, for the cure of ulcers of the legs. Emplastrum Assa Foetid.c. Plaster of Assa Fatida. Anti- Hysteric Plaster. Take of Plaster of semi-vitrified oxyd of lead, Gum resin of assa fietida, each two parts, Galbanum, Yellow wax, each one part. As an application to the umbilical region, or over the whole abdomen, in hysteric cases, this plaster has sometimes produced good effects. But probably more from its giving ..n additional degree of heat to the part, than from any influence, derived from the fetid gums. Emplastrum Gummosum. Gum Plaster. Take of Plaster of semi-vitrified oxyd of lead, eight parts, Ammoniacum, Galbanum, Yellow wax, each one part:—Or, The following form is prefered by some for the same pur- poses. Take of Plaster of semi-vitrified oxyd of lead, three pounds, Strained galbanum, half a pound, Common turpentine, Frankincense, each three ounces. Melt the three first articles together, and add the last in pow- der ; stir them well together. This plaster is used as a digestive and suppurative; particu- larly in abscesses, after a part of the matter has been maturated and discharged, for suppurating or discussing the remaining hurt part; but it is very doubtful whether it derives any advantage from the gums entering its composition. COMPOSITIONS. 389 Emplastrum Saponaceum. Saponaceous Plaster. Take of Plaster of semi-vitrified oxyd of lead, four parts, Gum plaster, two parts, Soap sliced, one part. To the plasters melted together, add the soap; then boil for a , ,l . wm|e so as to form a plaster. This is likewise supposed to possess a discutient quality, but is much inferior to the mercurial plaster, and is scarcely ever used. Emplastrum Hydrargyri. Plaster of Quicksilver. Blue Plaster. Take of Olive oil, Resin of pine, each one part, Quh*ksilver, three parts, Plaster of semi-vitrified oxyd of lead, six parts. Melt the oil and resin together, and when this mixture is cold let the quicksilver be rubbed with it till the globules disappear; then add by degrees the plaster of semi-vitrified oxyd of lead melted, and let the whole be accurately mixed. This mercurial plaster is considered as a powerful resolvent and discutient, acting with much greater certainty for these in- tentions than any composition of vegetables alone. Pains in the joints and limbs from a venereal cause, nodes, tophi, and begin- ning indurations are said sometimes to yield to its application. Emplastrum Oxidi Ferri Rubri. Plaster of Red Oxyd of Iron. Strengthening Plaster. Take of Plaster of semi-vitrified oxyd of lead, twenty-four parts, Resin of pine, six parts, Yellow wax, Olive oil, each three parts, Red oxyd of iron, eight parts. Grind the red oxyd of iron with the oil, and then add it to the other ingredients, previously melted. This plaster spread on leather is used as the common strength- ening plaster in weaknesses of the large muscles, as of the loins; and its effects seem to proceed from the artificial mechanical support given to the part, which may also be done by any other plaster that adheres with equal firmness. 48 APPENDIX. N°- I. MEDICAL PRESCRIPTIONS. 1 he principal objects designed to be attained by the compo- sition of medicines, are, to communicate an agreeable taste or flavour; to give a convenient form; to correct the operation of the principal medicine, or obviate some unpleasant symptom it is liable to produce; to promote its action, by the additional ar- ticle exerting one of a similar kind; to obtain the joint opera- tion of two remedies, having different powers ; or to alter their usual effects, by the power which one may have of modifying the action of another. A prescription has been usually divided into four parts, which compose it,....the basis, or principal article ; the adjuvans, or that designed to promote the action of the former; the corri- gcns, or that which is intended to correct its operation, or ob- viate any unpleasant symptom which it may be apt to produce; and the constituens, or that which gives to the other ingredients consistence or form. These are not necessarily present in every formula; nor is the division of much importance, except as per- haps affording the best principle for regulating the order in which the ingredients of a prescription should be enumerated. The following are the principal circumstances to be attended to in forming a prescription. 1st, Simplicity should be attained, as far as is consistent with the objects of the prescription. Nothing ought to enter into the composition which does not add to its virtue, render it less un- grateful, give it a convenient form, or which is not necessary to conceal any particular ingredient; and, in general, the prac- tice of accumulating a number of articles in one prescription is to be avoided. 2dly, Substances, it is evident, ought not to be mixed toge- ther, which are capable of entering into chemical combination, or of decomposing each other, unless it be with the view of ob- taining the product of the combination, or decomposition, as a remedy. 3dly, Those mixtures are also to be avoided, in which one medicine, by its peculiar action on the stomach or general sys- tem, modifies and changes the action usually exerted by another. >yj APPKNDIV unless where the object is to obtain the effects of that modified operation. 4thly, The error of contra-indication is to be guarded against, or those medicines ought not to be combined, the virtues of which are not merely different, but are, in some measure, op- posed to each other. 5thly, The ingredients which arc to be mixed, must be such as will mix properly together, so that the form in which the remedy is designed to be exhibited, may be easily obtained and preserved. Lastly, The form under which a medicine is prescribed, must be adapted to certain circumstances; principally to the nature of the disease, the nature of the remedy itself, and, as far as may- be possible, to the taste of the patient. The doses of medicines are not reducible to any general rules, from their general similarity of operation, or any other circum- stance. The principal circumstances by which they are influ- enced are, Age, Sex, Temperament, Idiosyncrasy, Habit, and Disease. Age.....From infancy to manhood, a larger dose of any medi- cine is requisite to produce its effect, in proportion to the ad^ vance in life. From manhood to old age, there is a similar gra- dation with regard to diminution of dose, though in a much less proportion than that which regulates the increase. The follow- ing table has been supposed to shew these proportions. TABLE. Let the dose for a person of middle age be ...... 1 or 1 drachm. For one from xiv to xxi years, it will be ..........^ or ** scruples. .......................vii to xiv,.......................................-i or half a dr. ....................... iv to vii,......................................... -j or 1 scruple. .................. of iv years of age,............................. \ or 15 grains. .......................iii................................................... i or halfascr. ....................... ii...................................................-J- or 8 grains. ....................... i ...................................................T'Tor 5 grains. Sex.....Women, in general, require smaller doses of any me- dicine than men, a difference probably owing to their greater sensibility from their habits of life. Temperament.....Those of the sanguine temperament are sup- posed to be more affected by medicines, and therefore to require smaller doses than those of the phlegmatic or melancholic ; but in what has been said on this subject, there is so much uncer- tainty, that little reliance can be placed on it. Idiosyncrasy.....This denotes that disposition in individuals to be affected by certain causes, in a manner different from the generality of mankind. Such idiosyncrasies are observed with regard to medicines, as well as to other agents ; and, where they are known, require to be attended to by the prescribe!-. APPENDIX. 393 Habit.....This has an important influence on the operation of medicines. In general, they lose some of their power by hav- ing been long continued. This is particularly the case with all strong stimulants and narcotics, and is even observed, to a cer- tain extent, in some of the other classes of the Materia Medica. In a few instances, the reverse has been supposed to hold true. Disease.....This has an influence on the doses of medicines not less important; the susceptibility to external impressions, and to action, being much varied in morbid affections, and the operations of remedies of course being modified by such varia- tions. The state of susceptibility being in general apparent, when it varies much from the healthy standard, the doses of the medicines administered are easily regulated. Murray. N°- II. ON THE NATURE AND MEDICINAL USES OF THE GASES. BY A FELLOW OF THE MASSACHUSETTS MEDICAL SOCIETY. JL he term gas, introduced into the nomenclature of chemis- try, by Van Helmont, is synonimous with air, and applied to a class of bodies, invisible, highly attenuated, compressible, and permanently elastic at the common temperature of the atmos- phere, and the lightest of substances, wnose specific weight is susceptible of demonstration. Every species of gas owes its form to the caloric with which it is combined. By the introduction of this agent, the particles which constitute the basis of the air, are made to recede to a greater distance from each other, cohesive attraction is destroy- ed, and a repulsive power is acquired, in consequence of which, they would fly oft' to an indefinite distance, were it not counter- acted by a proportional external pressure. By the abstraction of caloric to a certain degree, the distance between the particles of the air or gas is diminished, they are still capable of moving freely over the surfaces of each other, although cohesive at- traction be so far augmented as to constitute them liquids. Hence, as the airs obviously owe their specific forms merely to the quantity of caloric with which they are united, it has been inferred by chemists, that they are formed by the solution of certain unknown bases in heat. For example, the term oxygen is applied to a substance of peculiar properties, which, by its union with caloric, is rendered capable of assuming the form of an invisible, inodorous, insipid, permanently elastic, and com- pressible fluid, denominated oxygen gas. When this air or gas exerts an attraction for other substances, and enters into com- bination with their particles, the oxygen, or the base alone, is the subject of the change, and the other principle, the caloric, is evolved or becomes sensible. Hence the origin of the heat during the transition of oxygen from the aereform to the solid state. The same observations are equally applicable to the other species of gases. By the diminution of the capacity of an air for caloric, even without altering its form, by simple com- pression, a quantity of heat may be evolved, sufficient to pro- duce, by a peculiar arrangement, the ordinary effects of com- bustion. Of the precise nature of the bases of the different APPENDIX. 395 gases, we are still ignorant, for no attempts to obtain them inde- pendent of their combinations, have yet proved successful. The difference between gas and vapour is the property, pos- sessed by the former, of remaining permanently elastic (with the single exception of the oxygenized muriatic acid gas*) at the common temperatures of the atmosphere, while the latter, though it retain its elasticity for a time, is ultimately condens- ed and restored to the state of a liquid. The gases are susceptible of their peculiar form at very low temperatures, for the abstraction of caloric to the greatest extent observed in nature, or produced by art, has never been sufficient Jo deprive them of their elasticity, and reduce them to the state of liquids, or of solids: on the contrary, in the formation of va- pour, the temperature of the liquid is augmented above that of the surrounding air, it rises in the atmosphere, where its calo- ric, from its repellent power or tendency to equilibrium when accumulated in a body, is gradually abstracted, its particles again approximate toward each other, and it reassumes the form of li- quid. Hence, says Mr. Murray, " the distinction between gas and vapour is merely relative, and arises from the difference of temperature, at which they were formed."! In the enumeration of the different species of the extensi\e genus of gases, we shall confine ourselves to the description of the properties of those, which, in consequence of their peculiar action on the nervous system, and their well known influence in exciting or depressing the vital powers, have been lately intro- duced as a distinct class of remedies, into the Materia Medica. The observations of Lavoisier, confirmed by the more extensive and hazardous experiments of Mr. Davy, have sufficiently de- monstrated, which indeed was thought probable a priori, that the different species of airs, when taken into the lungs, produce very powerful effects on animal life, The respiration of some of them is accompanied with all the effects of increased excite- ment. The pulsations of the heart and arteries are accelerated, respiration is hurried, the brain labours with intense thought, new ideas and images present themselves to the imagination, and produce new combinations and associations, a propensity to mus- cular motion, almost irresistible, is excited, and the whole frame glows with a sense of " pleasurable existence."^ The breath- ing of others, on the contrary, is followed by vertigo and sick- * Gazeous ammonia is another exception to the general observation, that the airs are incapable of undergoing a change of form by a reduction of temperature. This abstraction of heat, however, must be great, and is to be effected by art. According to the experiments of Guyton, ammonia re- tains its elastic form at any temperature above 56°, but below that point it is converted into a liquid, an effect ascribed by Mr. Murray, to the presence of water, with a portion of which, that gas is always found strongly com- bined. It reassumes the aerial form as the temperature rises. . f Murray's Chemistry, vol. ii, p. l(>. i Davy's Researches. 396 APPENDIX. ness, the senses grow less acute, a painful sensation of stricture across the chest is produced, respiration becomes irregular and laborious, and the pulsations of the heart almost imperceptible, the wish and even the power of muscular motion is for a time extinguished, and the vital powers of the system slowly recover from the almost annihilating influence of these invisible agents. Hence it is obvious, that the airs are capable of acting as reme- dies in two ways, either by exalting or by depressing the vital powers of the constitution. Of the first class there exist but two species, oxygen gas and nitrous oxyd gas. 1. Oxygen Gas. • This gas, generally obtained from the black oxyd of manga- nese by the application of heat, is an invisible, inodorous, insipid, permanently elastic fluid, rather heavier than atmospheric air, and characterized by the property of eminently supporting the processes of respiration and combustion. As the capacity of at- mospheric air to continue these actions has been sufficiently de- monstrated to depend on the oxygen it contains, it was reasona- ble to suppose, that, when respired pure and undiluted, it would have no inconsiderable influence in increasing the activity of the vital powers. The experiments, however, of Mr. Davy pro?e that this stimulant effect is not so positive as might be inferred, for on breathing from and into a bag containing twenty quarts of oxygen gas, nearly six minutes, the only deviation from his usual standard of health, perceptible, was an increased hardness of the 9 pulse and an oppression at the chest analogous to that arising from the want of fresh air.* It is probable that during the res- piration of this air the system is excited, partly by a stimulating quality imparted to the blood, and partly by the more direct ap- plication of the stimulant to the nervous expansions on the mem- branes of the lungs. The diseases, in which oxygen gas ha', been administered medicinally, arc those of a chronic nature, where the various functions of the system are languid and debi- litated. In these it has been respired always more or less dilu- ted with atmospheric air, in the quantity of from one to two quart' daily, according to the effects produced by its inhalation.f 2. Nitrous Oxyd Gas. This interesting compound, the effects of which on the human system were first discovered by Mr. Davy, is formed by the union of thirty-seven parts of oxygen and sixty-three of nitrogen. It is a product of art, and is obtained in the greatest purity by the decomposition of the nitrate of ammonia by heat. The degree of temperature must be regulated by the texture of the salt. In order to obtain it with ease from the compact nitrate, the tempe- rature should be preserved between the 340° and 480° Fahren- heit ; the decomposition of the fibrous nitrate is effected between * Researches, p 474. f Murray. Mat. Med. vol. ii. p. 286....7. APPENDIX. 397 400° and 450°. The products of this distillation are water and nitrous oxyd gas. The theory of the formation of these sub- stances is obvious. The hydrogen of the ammonia combines with a portion of the oxygen of the nitric acid, and forms water while the remaining oxygen unites with the residual nitrogen both of the ammonia and acid, and produces the nitrous oxyd, which passes over into the receiver in the form of gas, carrying with it a portion of the salt which may have escaped decompo- sition, from which it may be freed by standing a short time in contact with water. The effects on the system, resulting from the respiration of this gas, are very remarkable, and are amply detailed in the " Researches" of Mr. Davy. It operates like a very powerful and general stimulus on the vital powers. Objects appear to the subject under its influence magnified and of a dazzling lustre, the sense of hearing is often painfully acute, the whole frame glows with a consciousness of pleasurable sensation ; if the inha- lation be continued the patient nearly loses all connection with the objects which surround him, he gradually passes into a state of delirium, when the various faculties of the mind act with un- known and uncontrollable energy, respiration is hurried, the pulse is accelerated, and an irresistible propensity to muscular motion is evinced which exhausts itself in laughing, stamping, exclamations of joy, and walking. These effects continue for a % few minutes, and at length gradually subside, though the impres- sion on the system often gives a charm to existence for many hours. Unlike the operation of other stimuli, the respiration of the nitrous oxyd gas is unattended by any exhaustion or debility of the vital powers, and although the stimulation have perhaps amounted to a degree, beyond which the functions of the body might remain permanently impaired, it passes off almost insen- sibly, and leaves no unpleasant traces of its powers. " A sub- stance capable of acting in such a manner, we might suppose, would prove one of our most valuable remedies The transient nature of its operation must undoubtedly limit its medicinal effi- cacy, but still in diseases of extreme debility we seem justified in expecting from its exhibition the most beneficial effects. The dose which is necessary to produce its peculiar effects varies from four to nine quarts, which may be breathed pure or dilu- ted with atmospheric air. It cannot be breathed for more than four minutes and a half, insensibility being induced."* The gases inimical to animal existence constitute a much more extensive class than the preceding, and appear to be de- structive of life, either by simply excluding oxygen from the lungs, or by some positive action on the nervous system. All the airs, with the exception of oxygen and nitrous oxyd, may be supposed to produce their effects in one of these modes. * Murray's Mat. Med. vol. h. p. 288....9. 49 398 APPENDIX. The administration, however, of these has been confined to hy- drogen, nitrogen, carbonic acid, and carburetted hydrogen gases, the two first of which are negative, and the two L,st positive, with regard to their action on the human system. 1. Hydrogen gas. For the purposes of respiration this gas should always be pro- cured by the decomposition of water transmitted in vapour over the surface of ignited iron. " In a pure state, if the lungs have been previously emptied as much as possible of atmospheric air, it cannot be breathed above three quarters of a minute. It quickly occasions a giddiness ana sense of suffocation; the countenance becomes livid, and the pulse sinks rapidly ;• but, when diluted with two thirds or an equal bulk of atmospheric air, it can be safely breathed; nor does it appear to produce any very important effect. It occasions some diminution of muscu- lar power and sensibility, and of the force of circulation. It has been used in catarrh, haemoptysis, and phthisis, but its powers seem merely those of a palliative."* Hence it may be inferred that hydrogen, like nitrogen gas, operates only by the exclusion of oxygen, and not by any positive influence on the nervous system. 3. Carbonic Acid Gas. This serial fluid has acquired some celebrity in medicine, and has often been'administered by respiration ; by the introduction of substances into the stomach from which it is easily disengaged; and as an antiseptic in cases of topical gangrene. It may be ob- tained with facility, and in a state of purity by the exposure of carbonate of lime to a strong red heat in an iron tube, and col- lecting the gas over water. By the experiments of Mr. Davy, it appears to produce an acid taste in the mouth and fauces, and a sense of burning at the top of the uvula. When arrived to the upper part of the trachea, it is instantly stimulated to such a degree as to excite a spasmodic constriction of the glottis, and render it incapable of transmiting a particle of the air into the lungs. The same effects are produced even when diluted with an equal bulk of atmospheric air. But when the proportion of the two gases is about three quarts of carbonic acid to nine of atmospheric air, the mixture may be breathed for a short time with impunity. The symptoms resulting from its respiration in this way, are those of a weak sedative, producing a slight degree of giddiness, and an inclination to sleep. The effects, however, are temporary, and rapidly disappear after ceasing to breath the air. This gas has been highly recommended in the cure of dis- eases of increased excitement, particularly phthisis pulmonalis ; and patients have even been persuaded to visit daily, and even te • Murray's Mat. Med. APPENDIX. 399 reside in those places, particularly brewhouses, in which there is a constant copious production of this depressing power___ There are few cases on record, in which it has done more than act like an anodyne to diminish sensibility, and thus smooth the path to the grave. This substance has perhaps proved more permanently useful as a local application to phagedenic ulcers and incipient gan- grene, conveyed to the part through the fermenting poultice, from which it is extricated, or by means of a flexible tube, in its pure uncombined state. 4. Carburetted Hydrogen gas. This is undoubtedly the most deleterious of all the gases which have been employed to diminish the morbid actions of the animal system. It is usually prepared by passing the vapour of water over the surface of charcoal, heated to igni- tion in an iron tube. The fluid is decomposed ; its oxygen enters into combination with a portion of the carbon, and pro- duces carbonic acid, while the hydrogen thus liberated unites with the remaining carbon, forms carburetted hydrogen gas, which, mixed with the other aerial product, passes over into the receiver, and is freed from the latter by agitation over lime water. Respired in a diluted state, it produces very alarming effects on the vital powers, and when pure almost im- mediate death. The rashness of Mr. Davy, in attempting its respiration, had nearly cost him his life. When diluted with atmospheric air, in the proportion of three quarts of the former to two of the latter, its inhalation was followed by a slight gid- diness, pain in the head, and momentary loss of muscular power, attended by a quick and feeble pulse. When pure, however, the effects were much more positive and alarming. " After a forced exhaustion of my lungs," says Mr. Davy," I made three inspirations and expirations of the hydro-carbonate. The first inspiration produced a sort of numbness and loss of feeling in the chest, and about the pectoral muscles. After the second inspiration, I lost all power of perceiving external things, and had no distinct sensation, except a terrible oppression on the chest. During the third expiration this feeling disappeared, I seemed sinking into annihilation, and had just power to drop the mouth piece from my unclosed lips."—" Putting my finger on my wrist, I found my pulse thread-like, and beating with ex- cessive quickness." The system was a long time in recovering from the effects of this experiment. From the action of this gas on his nervous system, it was inferred by Mr. Davy, that its operation is directly sedative, or productive of a diminution of vital powers and debility, without previous excitement. The medicinal effects of this air are most obvious in phthisis pulmonalis, and it is to this disease, that its administration has in general been directed. According to the experiments of 400 APPENDIX Dr. Beddoes, it has in many cases relieved the symptoms and suspended the disease. Its respiration, however, must be regu- lated with caution. The gas should at first be highly diluted, and its strength gradually increased, in proportion as the system becomes accustomed to its action. The quantity to be respired should vary from one to four quarts a day. N». III. MEDICAL ELECTRICITY. X he application of this subtle fluid to medicinal purposes, was thought of, soon after the discovery of the electric shock. At the first introduction of electricity as a remedy, it was very highly celebrated for its efficacy in a number of diseases ; and after various turns of reputation, its medical virtues seem now to be pretty well established. The medicinal operation of electricity may be referred to its stimulant power. It produces forcible contractions in the irri- table fibre ; excites therefore to action, if duly applied ; and, when in excess, immediately exhausts irritability. It posses- ses the important advantage of being easily brought to act locally, and of being confined to the part to which it is applied, while it can also be employed in every degree of force. Electricity is applied to the body under the form of a stream or continued discharge of the fluid, under that of sparks, and un- der that of shock ; the first being more gentle, the second more active, and the last much more powerful than either of the others. The stream is applied by connecting a pointed piece of wood, or a metal wire, with the prime conductor of the electrical machine, and holding it by a glass handle, one or two inches from the part, to which it is to be directed. A very moderate stimulant ope- ration is thus excited, which is better adapted to some particular cases, than the more powerful spark or shock. The spark is drawn by placing the patient on the insulated stool, connected with the prime conductor, and, while the machine is worked, bringing a metal knob within a short distance of the part, from which the spark is to be taken. A sensation somewhat pungent is excited, and slight muscular contractions may be produced ; these effects being greater or less, according to the distance at which the knob is held, if the machine be sufficiently powerful. The shock is given by discharging the Leyden phial, making the part of the body, through which it is intended to be transmitted, part of the circuit. The sensation it excites is unpleasant, and the muscular contractions considerable, if the shock be mode- rately strong. The general rule for the medical employment of electricity, is to apply it at first under the milder forms, and gradually to raise it, if necessary, to the more powerful. Mr. Cavallo, who has published the latest and best treatise on medical electricity, 402 APPENDIX entirely disapproves of giving violent shocks, and finds it most efficacious to expose the patient to the electriral aura discharged from an iron or a wooden point ; or, if shocks be given, they should be very slight, and not exceed thirteen or fourteen .it a time. In this way he recommends it as effectual in a great num- ber of disorders. The patient may be electrified from three to ten minutes ; but, if sparks be drawn, they should not exceed the number of shocks above mentioned. Rheumatic disorders, even of long standing, arc relieved, and generally quite cured, by only drawing the electric fluid by a wooden point from the part, or by drawing sparks through flan- nel. The operation should be continued for about four or five minutes, repeating it once or twice, every dd\. Deafness, except when it is occasioned by obliteration, or other improper configuration of the parts, is either entirely or partly cured by drawing the sparks from the car with the glass tube director, or by drawing the fluid with a wooden point. Toothach, occasioned by cold, rheumatism, or inflammation, is generally relieved by drawing the electric fluid with a point, im- mediately from the part, and also externally from the face. Hut when the body of the tooth is affected, electrization is of no use, for it seldom or never relieves the disorder, and sometimes in- creases the pain to a prodigious degree. Swellings, in general, which do not contain matter, are fre- quently cured by drawing the electric fluid with a wooden point. The operation should be continued for three or four minutes every day, and in obstinate cases it is sometimes necessary to persevere in its use for several weeks. In inflammations of the eyes, the throwing of the electric fluid, by means of a wooden point, is often attended with great benefit; the pain being quickly abated, and the inflammation being gene- rally dissipated in a few days. In these cases, the eye of the patient must be kept open ; and care should be taken not to bring the wooden point very near it, for fear of any spark. Sometimes it is sufficient to throw the fluid with a metal point; for in these cases, too great an irritation should always be avoided. It is not necessary to continue this operation for three or four minutes without intermission, but after throwing the fluid for about half a minute, a short time may be allowed to the patient to rest and wipe his tears, which generally flow very copiously ; then the operation may be continued again for another half minute, and so on for four or five times every day. Palsies are seldom perfectly cured by means of electricity, especially when they are of long standing ; but they are gene- rally relieved to a certain degree ; the method of electrifying in those cases, is to draw the fluid with the wooden point, and to draw sparks through flannel, or through the usual covering of the parts, if they are not too thick. The operation may be conti- nued for about five minutes per day. APPENDIX. ^3 Ulcers, or open sores of every kind, even of long standing, are generally disposed to heal by electrization. The general effects are a diminution of the inflammation, and first a promotion of the discharge of properly formed matter ; which discharge gra- dually lessens, according as the limits of the sore contract, till it be quite cured. In these cases, the gentlest electrization must be used, in order to avoid too great an irritation, which is gene- rally hurtful. To draw or throw the fluid with a wooden, or even with a metal point, for three or four minutes per day, is fully sufficient. Cutaneous eruptions have been successfully treated with elec- trization ; but in these cases it must be observed, that if the wooden point be kept too near the skin, so as to cause any con- siderable irritation, the eruption will be caused to spread more; but if the point be kept at about six inches distance, or farther if the electrical machine be very powerful, the eruptions will be gradually diminished till they are quite cured. In this kind of disease, the immediate and general effect of the wooden point, is to occasion a warmth about the electrified part, which is al- ways a sign that the electrization is rightly administered. Scrophulous tumors, when they are just beginning, are gene- rally cured by drawing the electric fluid with a wooden or metal point from the part. This is one of those kinds of diseases in which the action of electricity requires particularly the aid of other medicines in order to effect a cure more easily ; for scro- phulous affections commonly accompany a great laxity of the habit, and a general cachexy, which must be obviated by proper remedies. Locked-jaw has in some instances been speedily cured by small shocks passing through the jaws. Nervous headachs, even of long standing, are generally cured by electrization. For in this disease, the electric fluid must be thrown with a wooden, and even sometimes with a metal point, ail round the head successively. Sometimes exceedingly small shocks have been administered ; but these can seldom be used, hecause the nerves of persons subject to this disease are so very irritable, that the shocks, the sparks, and sometimes even the throwing the electric fluid with a wooden point kept very near the head, throw them into convulsions. Amenorrhea, a disease of the female sex, that often occasions the most disagreeable and alarming symptoms, is often success- fully and speedily cured by means of electricity, even when the disease is of long standing, and after the most powerful medicines, used for it, have proved ineffectual. The cases of this sort, in which electrization has proved useless, are so few, and the suc- cessful ones so numerous, that the application of electricity for this disease, may be justly considered as an efficacious and cer- tain remedy. Small shocks, that is, of about one twentieth of an inch, may be sent through the pelvis ; sparks may be taken through the clothes 404 APPENDIX. from the parts adjacent to the seat of the disease; and also the electric fluid may be transmitted, by applying the metallic or wooden extremities of two directors to the hip in contact with the clothes ; part of which may be removed, in case they be too thick. Those various applications of electricity should be regu- lated according to the constitution of the patient. The number of shocks may be about twelve or fourteen. The other applica- tions may be continued for two or three minutes ; repealing the operation every day. But either strong shocks, or a stronger application df electricity than the patient can conveniently bear, should be carefully avoided ; for by those means, sometimes dis- agreeable symptoms are produced. The application of electricity has also been beneficial in other diseases besides the abovementioned; but as the facts are not sufficiently numerous to afford the deduction of any general rules, we have thought not proper to take any particular notice of them. We may lastly observe, that, in many cases, the help of other remedies to be prescribed by the medical practitioner, will be required to assist the action of electricity, which by itself would, perhaps, be useless; and, on the other hand, electrization may often be applied to assist the action of other remedies, as of su- dorifics, strengthening medicines, 8cc. It not unfrequently hap- pens that electricity is relinquished as an unsuccessful remedy, when by a more rigid perseverance a cure might have been ef- fected. N. B. The substance of the above article may be found in the Encyclopedia, American edition. N»- IV. GALVANISM. 1 he peculiar power, which is generated, when two metals moistened are in contact, at first named animal electricity, since galvanism, discovered by Professor Galvani, at Bologna, has been recently applied as a remedy in various morbid affections. Its effects on the animal system are such as warrant this application. Its activity is shewn, by its exciting strong sensatior s, in sensible parts, and powerful contractions in parts endowed with irritability. These singular phenomena take place in consequence of a mu- tual communication between any two points of contact, whether more or less distant, in a system of muscular and nervous organs. The extent of this communication may be considered as a com- plete circle divided into two parts, one of which, comprising the organs of the animal under the experiment, is called the animal arc ; the other, which is formed by the metals or galvanic exciters, is denominated the excitatory arc ; and consists of more than one piece of various kinds. Beside the effect thus produced on the muscles, the impres- sions made on the organs of sense are equally remarkable. For instance, if a thin plate of zinc be placed on the upper surface of the tongue, and half a crown, shilling, or teaspoon, be laid on the lower surface of the tongue, and both metals after a short space of time be brought into contact, a peculiar sensation, similar to taste, will be perceived, at the moment when the mutual touch happens. A similar perception will result both at the moment of contact, and that of separation, if one of the metals be applied as high as possible between the gums and upper lip, or even un- der the tongue. Signior Voltd's apparatus consists of a number of copper or silver plates, (which last are preferable,) together with an equal number of plates composed of tin, or still better of zinc, and a similar number of pieces of card, leather, or woolen cloth, the last of which substances appears to be the most suitable. These last should be well soaked in water saturated with common salt, muriate of ammonia, or, more effectually, with nitre. The silver or copper may be pieces of money, and the plates of zinc may be cast of the same size. A pile is then to be formed, by placing a plate of silver on a corresponding one of zinc, and on them a piece of wet cloth or card; which is to be repeated alternately. till the number required be arranged in regular succession. BtP- 50 406 APPENDIX. as the pieces are apt to tumble down, if their numbers be consi- derable, unless properly secured, it will be advisable to support them by means of three rods of glass, or baked wood, fixed into a flat wooden pedestal, and touching the pieces of metal at three cqui-distant points. Upon these rods may be made to slide a small circular piece of wood, perforated with three holes, which will serve to keep the top of the pile firm, and the different layers in close contact. The mois.ened pieces should likewise be some- what smaller than those of metal, and gently squeezed before they are applied, to prevent the superfluous moisture from insin- uating itself between the pieces of metal......Thus constructed, the apparatus will afford a perpetual current of animal electric fluid, or galvanic influence, through any conductor that commu- nicates between the uppermost and lowest plate ; and, if one hand be applied to the latter, and the other to the highest metal, a shock will be perceived, which may be repeated as often as the contact is renewed. This shock greatly resembles that given by the torpedo, or gymnotua electricus : and, according to the larger size of the metallic plates, the shock will be proportionably stronger. The intensity of the charge, however, is so low, that it cannot penetrate the dry skin ; it will therefore be neces- sary to wet both hands, and to grasp a piece of metal in each, in order to produce the desired effect: its power nu\y be conside- rably increased, both by an elevation of temperature, and by aug- menting the number of pieces that compose the pile. Thus twenty pieces of each will emit a shock that is very perceptible in the arms ; if one hundred be employed, a very severe but tremulous sensation will extend even to the shoulders ; and, if the surface of the skin be broken, the action of the galvanic in- fluence will be uncommonly painful. The sensation of a flash, or shock with this apparatus, doe- not materially differ from tha' produced by two simple plates ; but it may be effected in various ways, especially if one or both hands be applied in a wet state to the lowest plate of the pile ; or any part of the face be brought in contact with a wire communi- cating with the top piece. Farther, if a wire be held between the teeth, so as to rest upon the tongue, that organ, as well as the lips, will become convulsed, the flash will appear before the eye, and a very pungent taste will be perceived in the mouth. Between galvanism and electricity there are so many points of resemblance, that they have been considered as ultimately the same power, or, as the same subtle matter in different states. Whether this opinion be just or not, the effects of galvanism on living matter, are different from those of electricity. The sensation, which the former excites, though somewhat analo- gous to that produced by the latter, is still dissimilar ; the action of galvanism is more extended, both to the nervous and muscu- lar systems, than that of electricity, which is more local in its action. The galvanic excitation produces sensations and contrac- tions in the parts, which, from disease, are insensible to electrical APPENDIX. 407 impressions ; and the stimulant power, which both exert, appears in galvanism, to be greater in proportion to its intensity, than in electricity ; or the sensations and muscular contractions, which the galvanic discharge excites, are more than proportioned to its power of producing electrical phenomena. The diseases, in which galvanism has hitherto been employed, are principally those of the nervous kind. In paralysis, it has been affirmed to have restored the capability of muscular con- traction, and consequently the power of motion. Cases of chorea, tetanus, and some other spasmodic affections, have been related, in which perfect cures were accomplished by its application. It appears, in several instances, to have relieved deafness, especial- ly that species of it arising from torpor of the auditory nerve ; and it has been successful in discussing indolent tumors. Galvanism is applied by connecting two metallic wires with the two extremities of a galvanic battery, and bringing them in contact with the part affected, so that it shall form part of the circuit of the galvanic discharge ; the one wire is kept in con- tact with the part it touches ; the other is alternately- applied for a moment and removed. If the skin be moistened, the galvanic influence is communicated more readily and effectually ; and still more so if a small piece of metallic leaf be laid on the parts to which the wires are applied. Sometimes even the cuticle has been previously removed by a blister, but the galvanic applica- tion is then attended with pain. N°- V. AN ABRIDGMENT OF DR. CURRIE'S MEDICAL RE- PORTS ON THE USE OF WATER. -Dr. Currie has published a work in medicine apparently of the utmost importance, and particularly so to the United States ; for whose now reigning disease, it flatters us with some appear- ance of relief, if not of cure. The veracity of the author in all situations, is as well established as his reputation for solid and ingenious talents. Dr. William Wright, f. r s. formerly of Jamaica, and well known for his writings in medicine and botany, seems to have furnished a case to our author, which, joined to his own previous opinions, led him to the train of practice and observation of which we are about to rive the account.—Dr. Wright, while on a voyage from Jamaica, in 1777, being attacked with fever, on the third day of it, ordered three buckets of salt water to be thrown upon himself, which gave him instant relief; and this, being repeated on the two following days, removed every symptom of disease. Another passenger, whose attack from fever had begun on August 9, copied the example, and was restored to health. A seaman, who originally communicated the fever to Dr. Wright, refusing proper assistance, died. Encouraged by these incidents, and finding that Dr. Brandrcth of Liverpool, had employed cold water externally in cases of fever, with happy effects, Dr. Cur- rie resolved upon a series of experiments. In December 1787, Dr. Currie, in seven cases of contagious fever, threw cold water from a bucket upon the body of each patient ; and the whole recovered. An eighth patient died, with whom the practice was omitted. The cure was chiefly intrusted to this remedy in one hundred and fifty three cases, of which the author kept a register; besides many subsequent cises, of which he kept no register, unless where the application failed of success. The 30th regiment of British infantry, in particular, while quartered at Liverpool, in 1792, afforded him an opportunity of trying this application with some precision ; and the result of the experiment is instructive. A guard-room, prison-room, two sick-rooms, and a cellar, had, by their foulness, either caused or increased a fever, which soon affected a number in the regi- ment. Dr. Currie being called in, the primary causes of the disaster were removed, aud the patients all cleansed. Thosr- APPENDIX. 409 whose strength was not greatly reduced, had cold salt water poured upon them; and the rest were sponged over with tepid vinegar. The remainder of the regiment was drawn up in its ranks, and seventeen others who had marks of the disease were separated, and subjected to the cold affusion ;* which cut the disease short in all but two of these. Those who were yet well, were ordered to bathe in the sea ; being regularly mustered for that purpose. The number infected in the whole was fifty- eight ; of whom twenty-six had the disase, by these means, brought suddenly to a close ; but in the remaining thirty-two it ran its course. It was fatal, however, only to two; who had been weakened by visiting the West Indies, and by being bled, and who besides had not received the cold aspersion, not having been visited by Dr. Currie till the twelfth or fourteenth day of the disease. The fever broke out about the beginning of June, but no new attack occurred after the thirteenth of that month. The water employed was taken from the river Mersey ; having in it 1-32 or 1-33 part of sea salt; and being of the temperature of 58 or 60 degrees of Fahrenheit's, which is our common, ther- mometer. When Dr. Currie speaks of fever simply, he means the low contagious fever; which frequently is called the nervous, and in certain cases the putrid, fever; being the common fever of England, and prevailing chiefly among the poor, who are most exposed to the causes producing it. Dr. Cullen gives it the name of typhus ; terming it a contagious fever ; in which the heat is but little increased; the pulse small, weak, and mostly quick ; the urine scarcely changed; the functions of the brain and senses much disturbed; and the strength greatly reduced. In fevers called continued, there is nevertheless (see Dr. Cul- len and others) at least one increase and one abatement in each day. This increase of the fever is known by thirst, restlessness, and increased flushing ; and also by the heat in the internal parts of the body, raising the thermometer one or two degrees beyond the average observed during other moments of the fever. As this increase (or paroxysm) usually occurs in the afternoon or evening, Dr. Currie prefers this period (other things being equal) for the cold affusion; thinking it most safe, as well as most useful, to apply the water at the height of the fit or imme- diately after it has begun to decline. But he says, that the re- medy may be safely used, when there is no sense of chilliness pre- sent, when the heat of the surface is steadily above what is natural, and when there is no general or profuse perspiration ; which he observes, are particulars of the utmost importance.t * By affusion or aspersion, the author means the pouring of water upon a patient, as for example, from a bucket. f One important caution appears to have escaped both Dr. Currie and his able commentator. That when fevers are complicated, (as they often are in this climate) with pneumonic inflammation, or other dangerous affection*; of thelung-s, cold ablution is inadmissible. [Compiler.'] 410 APPENDIX. During the cold stage of the fever, the cold water nearly sus pends the respiration, greatly disturbs the pulse, increases the chill, and seems to bring on the struggles of death ; and le.dly would do so, if repeated. The thermometer therefore is never to govern the practitioner, where the chilliness of ;he patient con tradicts its indications. On the other hand, the absence of chilli- ness is no guide, unless the thermometer concurs to shew a heat more than natural. Lastly, profuse perspiration, in fever, must for the time, deter from the operation ; and especially in proportion to its continuance. Though perspiration is in itself a cooling process, yet the load of heated bed-cloaths may prevent an inter- nal diminution of the heat from being immediately perceived. Under these restrictions, Dr. Currie thinks, that the cold affusion may be used at any period of fever ; but preferably in the be- ginning. The author seems after each affusion to have rubbed the body hastily with towels. The cold affusion generally reduces the heat from two to six degrees of Fahrenheit's thermometer ; and the pulse sinks by it from two to above twenty beats in the minute ; and in one ease, somewhat dubious indeed as to its issue, it fell at least forty beats. Where the heat is reduced and the debility great, some cordial should be given immediately after the affusion ; and the author thinks that warm wine is the best. In case the affusion produces effects unusually severe, then to the cautious use of warm cor- dials in small cjuantities, friction and especially of the extremi- ties, is to be added, and a bladder of hot water applied to the pit of the stomach. Several examples are given of the effect of the cold affusion in the first, second, third, fourth, and succeeding days of fever. On the first and second days, the disease often instantly vanishes with one aspersion ; and sometimes on the third day ; but on the fourth day this is rare. Each aspersion however instantly removes the symptoms ; and a few repetitions of it on the suc- cessive returns of the paroxysm, in two or three days happily ter- minate the disease, with none or trifling aid from medicine. In advanced periods of the disease, the author commonly em- ploys water only fifteen or twenty degrees below the natural heat of the human body. After the eighth or ninth day be often sim- ply sponges the whole body with tepid vinegar, to which he some- times adds water. But where the heat has remained considera- ble, and where thf sole object has been its removal, he has still persisted in the tepid aspersion. Hence another limitation occurs to the author's general doc- 'rine ; for the cold affusion is to be changed after a certain num- ber of days for the tepid, and the tepid affusion in various cases is to give way after a time to moistening and washing the body. Since cold, cool, and even tepid water, employed externally, each reduce the patient's heat ; we see why this heat should not APPENDIX. 411 be too low at the moment, lest too great a chilliness should follow. Hence also the same patient, whose disease has been removed by cold water judiciously applied, would often suffer from re- peating the application in his convalescent state. But if we think we perceive why this rude remedy answers so happily at the delicate moment of the hot fit ; we are still to inquire, whence it often removes the whole of the disease, of which the heat seems to constitute only a part ? Dr. Currie, as might be expected, has extended his trials with water to other species of fever. One species and one alone, he has found in every shape insensible to his great remedy, of asper- sion with cold water ; but this species was generally insensible also to every other remedy, and was not made worse by cold water. This fever occurs, he says, chiefly in the winter season ; and in persons who are in the flower or vigour of life, and who are also possessed of considerable sensibility of mind, and are in habits of more than orc|jnary mental exertions. Other particulars of this complaint must be looked for in Dr. Currie ; who is the first per- haps who has noticed it, as a distinct species of fever ; to which indeed it seems to lay claim, not merely by its refusing to yield to his applications, but by its symptoms ; and particularly by the acuteness which prevails in all the senses of the patient, beyond perhaps the state of nature, and certainly beyond what occurs in common fever. In intermittents, the cold affusion with vigorous patients, ap- plied before the period of the cold fit, has prevented the whole of the fit; but where weakness made the attempt hazardous, the cold fit was suffered to arrive and pass, and the affusion was applied to the hot fit when thoroughly formed. The disease was sometimes cured in the first case ; but in the second, there was only a solution of the pending fit; though four or five repetitions of the practice finally removed the disease. In any event, oppor- tunity was given for throwing in medicines. Dr. Currie has found not only that eruptions on the surface of the skin, but that salivation, are no obstacles to the cold affusion, under the restrictions before mentioned. A friend of his has tried it also in the first commencements of scarlet fever (scarlatina,) and with complete success. The efflo- rescence on the skin and the affection of the throat were even prevented ; which has led Dr. Currie to consider the tendency to these symptoms as being the effect, and not the cause, of this fever. Dr. Currie having had no late opportunity of treating the scarlet fever in its early stages, has contented himself with pre- scribing for it in its later stages, immersion in the tepid bath, heated from ninety-two to ninety-six degrees of Fahrenheit. In the eruptive fever of the small pox, Dr. Currie has found a new object for the successful use of the cold affusion ; regulat- ing himself as usual by the actual state of the patient's heat, as appearing from the thermometer, provided the indications of the thermometer are confirmed by the patient's sensation of heat. 4L? APPENDIX In the confluent small pox, after the eruption is completely form- ed, he is diffident of its benefit. But he is the more anxious to apply it in the eruptive fever, since he says that the assimilation of the quantity of contagious matter produced from the first con- tagion, is invariably found to bear an exact proportion to the erup- tive fever. He declares that in the eruptive fever, he has in- stantly abated the symptoms however severe, and that the disease has assumed a benignant form. He tells us, that the Chinese arc stated to have long followed this practice with success. Dr. Currie treats of cold water applied internally in fevers. He says that in the cold stage, it is never to be employed, how- ever urgent the thirst ; which ought only to be gratified in this stage of the fit, or paroxysm, with warm liquids. When the hot stage is fairly formed, and the surface of the body dry and burn- ing ; cold water, he says, may be drank with the utmost freedom; and if it succeeds in lowering the pulse and heat, as is usual, perspiration and sleep commonly follow. Its effect however is never so powerful, according to bis experience, as to dissolve even the existing fit of the fever, and much less the fever itself. But he holds draughts of cold water as an useful auxiliary in these cases, and says that they may be used more freely in proportion as the heat is more advanced above the natural standard. lie allows cold water to be drank, though more sparingly, even in the beginning of the sweating stage ; since it may promote the flow of perspiration ; which after it has commenced, seems to be checked, if a fresh increase of animal heat occur. But after the perspiration has become general and profuse, the use of cold drink is strictly forbidden ; the rule being, in all other respects, the same as laid down for cold water used externally. In case of injury from drinking cold water, the author recom- mends hot water to be applied in a bladder io the pit of the sto- mach ; and small and frequent doses of tincture of opium to be administered, which Dr. Rush recommends in cases of injury from cold water drank in warm weather. Though Dr. Currie is persuaded that injury has sometimes followed from cold water drunk in hot weather, and from cold bathing used after strong exercise; yet he denies that any in- convenience is necessarily to follow. He affirms, that inconve- nience arises only for the want of making proper distinction*. In situations where the body, after having been much heated and enfeebled by severe exertions, is losing its surplus heat by perspiration, and in general by a cessation of the exertions which caused the heat; he allows that cold water, whether ap- plied inwardly or outwardly, may often be injurious and some- times even fatal. But while the surplus heat is kept up by a continuance of the exertion, he says that cold water may be drank safely in moderate quantities. The same he asserts respecting the cold bath ; and therefore he has for some years constantly directed infirm persons to use such a degree of exercise before plunging into the cold bath, as would produce some increased APPENDIX. ^ action of the vascular system, with some increase of heat • and hus secure reaction under the shock. It will appear, however that he patient here ought not to perspire; or if perspiring' ought not to stand still, either dressed or undressed, sufficientS png to become chilled from the effect of the act of perspira- tion, or from the evaporation following it. Under the above persuasions our author contends against Dr Kush ; that where the party is warm, no attempt should be used to reduce the heat, previous to drinking cold water. It follows however from Dr. Currie's own premises, that no objection oc- curs either against removing the chill from the water, by means ol the sun, of common fire, or of animal heat; or against con turning to exercise for a short time after the draught- and as either of these expedients is simple, it would be well to employ one or both of them; as the sole object in view is quenching the thirst, and not curing a disease upon speculative principle? W e may here also observe the benefit of wearing cotton or even woolen next to the skin, where perspiration is probable from hot weather or violent exercise, especially where both are com- bined ; since wet linen aided by evaporation, conducts away the heat ot the body so rapidly, in certain situations, as often to oc- casion severe chills. Few however are the cases, in which it will not be safe and highly adviseable to throw off the wet linen rub or wipe from the skin the matter perspired with something dry, and put on a fresh and dry covering next to the body • as those who have had experience in the case, will cheerfully tes- As to using the cold bath when the body is warm, there are so many facts on both sides of the question that it requires an expedient to reconcile them; and this Dr. Currie certainly seems to offer. By his means, we perceive whence the Roman youth could plunge in the course of their daily exercises into the river 1 iber, and yet Alexander suffer from throwing himself into the river Cydnus, after being fatigued and chilled with per- spiration ; as well as whence the Russians and others jump from a vapour or hot bath into the snow, or into a cold bath • while merely to sit in a cold stream of air, after violent exercise, is sufficient to bring others, nay the very same people, to the grave. A number of other seemingly contradictory, and yet authentic relations, receive here also a similar solution. Hence we may assure ourselves, that if the waters of the Mississippi never injure those who drink them in summer, whatever be their state as to perspiration or fatigue ; it is not owing to the quality of these waters, but to their warmth, in consequence of their long exposure to the sun. In like manner, if the water issuing newly from the ground iiv Abyssinia, is harmless in all cases ; it is because the spring-water of that country (which every where nearly corresponds with the average temperature of the weather of the place) is never very cold. But we pass on 10 new cases of disease. 11, APPENDIX Before and since the year 1790, the author has witnessed thir- teen cases of tetanus (that is, stiffness accompanied at intervals with convulsion, as instanced in the disease known by the name of the locked jaw.) This disease is distinguished into the proper or primary, called idiopathic; and the concomitant or secondary, called symptomatic, being an occasional attendant upon wounds, especially in hot countries. The author from his later experience, is disinclined to use the cold bath in any of its forms in the symptomatic tetanus; unless in the earlier stages of the disease, when the vigour is less impaired, and the disease less rooted. One reason is, that cliange of posture is required for the purpose, in a case where the mere action of the will on the muscles is often alone sufficient to bring on a general con- vulsion. He rather prefers wine given in large quantities, a remedy first introduced by Dr. Rush ; but w ishes it combined with very large doses of opium. Wine, it seems, has in this disorder been given with success also to horses; but it is que- ried, whether other strong or spirituous liquors would not an- swer as well. It is observed that the constitution under this disease, powerfully resists the intoxicating quality of the wine and opium. In tetanus also, Dr. Currie has applied pressure, with evident good effect; moistening at the same time the ban- dages with ether, but taking care lest inconvenience should arise from too great an evaporation, the natural consequence of ether being exposed to a current of air. In the idiopathic or sim- ple tetanus, the author has applied water of an exceedingly cold temperature (exhibited in a bath where the effect was sudden, and the limbs could be stretched out,) with a very marked suc- cess, though all other applications had failed. Let us observe here, that since to rub in sweet oil has been found a powerful remedy with many, in cases of cramp of the external muscles; it might be well always to try it in tetanus, though medical per- sons often slight it. In any event, those subject to this painful affection of the cramp, especially pregnant women and swim- mers, may do well to remember this use of oil. Oily substan- ces may also be tried by the mouth or clyster, in cases of cramp or spasm in the stomach or intestines. The author has applied a very cold bath to more than one case of insanity, with brilliant success; but it was when the fit was at the highest. The ordinary delirium of fever is acted upon by cold water in different shapes, in common with all the other symptoms of fever. In children's convulsions, it is also serviceable ; stopping the fit, and giving time for ether remedies. When the author men- tions that convulsions may sometimes arise from worms or other causes; perhaps he ought to have added, that teething is one of these causes, and that John Hunter has given instant relief, by cutting the gum over a young tooth with a lancet. On the. whole, Dr. Currie recommends caution in the applications of water in early infancy; sometimes tempering his water, and APPENDIX. 415 sometimes only pouring it on, in preference to bathing in it; but making the operation sudden and transient, and providing means ready for securing the re-action, and even omitting it altogether when little vigour is left. But with these precautions he has seen great benefit resulting from the application of cold water. In cases of St. Vitus's dance he has found no encouragement, for a reason hereafter to be mentioned ; but he recommends elec- tricity in this complaint, as one of the few in which this opera- tion seems advantageous. He promises us little from his remedy in the case of epilepsy, where his experience does not seem indeed to have been exten- sive. Instead however of his own favourite remedy, he mentions benefit derived, in a case of periodical epilepsy, from a plaster formed chiefly of tobacco, applied near the pit of the stomach before the expected attack. He has used tobacco also in tw& desperate cases of convulsion, followed by continued coma, (that is, sleepiness and loss of sense ;) but it was in the form of a de- coction applied, as a clyster, which he prefers to the fumes of tobacco ; the quantity for the decoction being half a drachm of tobacco in four ounces of water. In epilepsy also he applies oxyd of zinc (that is the calx of the semi-metal zinc ;) and still more efficaciously the digitalis purpureay or purple fox-glove, con- cerning which Dr. Withering and others have lately written largely. The author might have added, that hartshorn or ether mixed with water and given during the epileptic fit, tend power- fully to shorten it. But let us close the author's account of his treatment of convul- sive diseases with the following general remarks, extracted from his work. The efficacy of the cold bath in convulsive disorders, is much promoted by its being employed during the moment of con- vulsion ; or (as he afterwards chooses to express himself,) its chief benefit depends on its being used in the paroxysm of con- vulsion ; its efficacy consisting in resolving or abating this par- oxysm, by which means the return is greatly retarded, if not en- tirely prevented. This law or principle in the disease, the author tells us, bears analogy to the fact, that madness is best treated in the height of phrenzy. He also remarks, that the cold bath seems without effect in every spasmodic disorder, (as St. Vitus's dance,) which does not rise to the height of convulsion. Lastly, he ob- serves, that in cases of madness and convulsion, there must be no considerable wound or other lesion of structure ; that the dis- ease should not be too habitual, and especially so as to produce insensibility to impression ; that the fit should have a general influence on the frame ; and that the digestion should not be too much impaired nor the vigour of the circulation much debilitated, lest the action of the cold be too strong for the living powers. " Cold water (says our author) cannot be used as a drink dur- ing the paroxysm of convulsions ; and of course we cannot shew the analogy between its external and internal use in these, as in other diseases. 416 APPENDIX. w That its effects (he adds) taken internally, are most salutary, in a numerous class of chronic diseases, is however well known ; though perhaps not acknowledged to the full extent of the truth. A considerable part of the virtue of mineral waters is doubtless to be attributed either to the diluting quality of the pure element itself ; or to the invigorating effect of cold on the stomach, and through it, on the system at large. ' * * In hypochondriacal, hysterical and dyspeptic* affections, cold water taken internally has produced the most salutary effects. Hoffman praises it in head-ach, whether arising from indigestion or some primary af- fection of the nerves of the head. The following case will shew the use of cold drink in certain convulsive affections." Here the author cites from Hoffman the case of a Jew boy, cured of vio- lent convulsions in a fortnight, by drinking cold water frequently every day. Dr. Currie applies the term tepid, to water heated from 87 to 97 degrees of Fahrenheit, where it is used for affusion ; though water will seem to be warm to the body at some degrees lower, if used as a bath, for in this case the evaporation is excluded. The cold from evaporation is so considerable, that water in the warmest climates will chill the person moistened with it, if stand- ing in a current of air in the shade. The author finds the coolness remaining from the warm affu- sion (strange as it may be thought) as great, as that lrom the cold affusion ; and perhaps greater ; but the cold is less sudden and stimulating. Without inquiring into the author's reason- ings, let us observe that he applies the tepid affusion to certain other cases where there is fever ; provided the chief view is to diminish the heat, and provided there is no contagion present, nor any foul matter in the bowels, as likewise no local inflamma- tion ; for we must never forget that affusion is only recommen- ded where the heat is general. Under these impressions, the author employs the warm affusion frequently with children ; and he has used it also where the lungs were affected ; and espe- cially in his own case, during the hectic fit, in hereditary con- sumption. But independent of the possibility of the respiration being affected, he remarks that in hectic cases, the body soon parts with its heat, which is then seldom great, even in the extremities. He recommends, however, in any event to moisten the inside of the hands and feet ; since from the sensation of heat in the ex- tremities, great irritation follows to the system. Dr. Currie every where insists, that when the patient feels chilly, neither affusions nor wet sponges, of any kind, are to be applied : but he repeats, that the cold affusion (which he calls an energetic remedy) is not only the most effectual, but safest appli- cation, in many of the cases where it can be used; since the system often accommodates itself to a sudden cold which is general and stimulating, but shrinks from a cold which is slow and successive. * Dyspepsia, in general includes the obvious diseases arising from indi- gestion. APPENDIX. 4ir Water tempered from 75 to 87 degrees, (which the author terms cool) is recommended for febrile diseases ; but more fre- quently for palsy and other cases of debility. If the system is to be strengthened, or if diseased associations (or habits) are to be broken through, the application is to be quick and brief; but if it is merely to allay heat, and there is no danger of indirectly af- fecting the respiration, it may be used ropre slowly. Such are the principal uses of water here to be mentioned from Dr. Currie.—We may be permitted to add one or two to his list. In cases of strains, dislocations, or fractures, cold water employed externally has had the happiest effects : operating in the first case like a charm ; and in the others, allaying inflammation and preventing swelling, till the arrival of the surgeon, who then finds less impediment in examining the bones. With bruises and burns, similar advantages perhaps may be expected. But in all cases, it must be remembered, that the application must be im- mediate and long continued, and used merely to the part affected; and the water changed whenever the cold goes off. That the facts respecting the use of cold water in certain dis- eases, as detailed in these sheets, may seem applicable to the case of the inhabitants of the United States; the author of this abridg- ment has judged it proper to cite the following evidence of some eminent physicians of America, on this subject. In the " History of the yellow fever, as it appeared in the city of New York in 1795, by Div Alexander Hosack, jun. of that city," we are told that " the most certain and successful means [of cure] were, to wash the whole surface of the body with cold vinegar and water; and, immediately after, covering the patient with blankets, to administer such medicines as possess the effect of bringing on sweating. Of these, the spiritus mindereri and saline draughts of Riverius succeeded well; more especially if the warm drinks were continued ; such as the infusion of snake- root, gruel, toast water, tamarind water, lemonade, &c. These were much aided by applying to the feet of the patient a warm brick, steeped in vinegar and covered in a flannel cloth wet with vinegar or spirits: the steam, thus emitted and diffused through the bed, had a wonderful effect in softening the skin and excit- ing sweat; especially where the cold washing had been previous- ly employed. " Some practitioners have preferred the practice of plunging the patient several times in a cold bath, and violently dashing the body with cold water. But simply washing the patient with cloths dipped in cold vinegar and water, was found much preferable to immersion;* both because it more effectually diminished the heat of the system and was less fatiguing to the patient. Experi- ments have proved, that repeatedly wiping and washing with water, in the ordinary way in which the operation is performed; dimi- * Before deciding here, we must consult Br. Currie, 418 APPENDIX nished the heat seven or eight degrees more than simple immer- sion, or dashing it over the body with pails. " The practice of cold bathing in fevers of this type, is not a new one, but was very commonly employed at Breslaw in Sile- sia; and of late years has been very successfully applied in the West Indies,* as well as in different parts of Europe, where dis- eases of this type prevail. " Professor Gregory, of Edinburgh, and Dr. Currie, an eminent physician at Liverpool, have also prescribed it with great advan- tage in the low typhus fevers of those cities. But its great success in the New York hospital, as employed by Dr. Samuel Bard, and in the private practice of my brother, have fully convinced me of its use. " It is also proper to remark, that where the physician was not called to the patient in the first stage of the disease, and putrid symptoms had appeared, and the patient had become much de- bilitated, the cold bath was injurious : and from the abuse of cold bathing, by employing it in the last stage of the disease, it has fallen into disrepute with some practitioners. But as the abuse * of a thing is no argument against its use, 1 repeat my observation, that in the first or infiammatory stage of the disease, it was one of the most useful remedies that was employed. " When the cold bath had been thus made use of, and imme- diately after followed by the spiritus mindereri or saline mixture, with plentiful dilution, it rarely tailed to produce sweating in the course of fifteen minutes; and when once induced, it was easily continued by the repetition of the sudorific medicines and drinks, until a solution of the fever was obtained. In some instances, where the patient refused his drink and medicines, or from the carelessness of the nurses they had not been supplied as frequent- ly as was proper, and the perspiration had been suppressed, it became necessary to repeat the cold bathing ; which seldom fail- ed to procure a return of the sweating. By the continuance of this discharge, an abatement of all the symptoms took place. It appeared to operate as a specific in the disease; the pulse in a short time become moderate; the heat of the skin diminished; the pain in the head and back, before so distressing, was also re- lieved ; the sickness of stomach and vomiting were removed; and in the course of two or three days from the attack, the patient had little else to contend with but mere debility." Thus far Dr. A. Hosack, jun. who, as we perceive, cites the authority of his brother Dr. D. I losack, and of Dr. G. Bard, both of New York, in addition to his own. We must observe, that neither of these gentlemen, at the time of the publication of Dr. A. I lo- sack's pamphlet, had seen the larger work of Dr. Currie; of which the first edition appeared at the close of 1797, and the second in 1798. This work therefore merits an examination by itself, even by the physicians of New York. One of them, whose name has not * See Dr. Jackson on the Diseases of Jamaica. APPENDIX. 419 yet been mentioned, but whose own productions are read even in the centre of Germany, mentions in a private letter, that Dr. Currie's work did not reach New York till the present year (1799.) He himself says of it, that " it appears to be a judicious and interesting practical work." But not to dwell upon an opi- nion given incidentally only, however weighty may be the judg- ment of the party; we proceed to other evidence. An American physician, whose name is known in every part of the civilized world, states that " he can from the experience of five years, subscribe to all Dr. Currie's remarks upon the use of cold water in the disease which has lately afflicted *** Philadel- phia." He adds, " its efficacy is now admitted by nearly all our physicians.—It is so far from interfering with, that it aids the operations of bleeding, and mercury. Where cold water has been too feeble to compose the inordinate actions of the blood vessels, I have used ice with great advantage. When the head is much afflicted, I confine the ice in a bladder and apply it to the fore- head. In a few minutes I have seen it abate pain, remove a de- lirium, and sometimes induce the most salutary sleep. Its effects are equally obvious when applied to the seats of violent disease in other parts of the body ; provided none of those circumstances forbid its application which are mentioned by Dr. Currie." In various eastern countries, we find cold water used as an in- strument in medicine; the custom probably being derived to them from ancient times. Dr. Currie not only cites the exam- ple of the Chinese, but of others ; and he especially refers to the treatment of the sickness of Sir John Chardin in Persia; and Dampier says,* that he himself was cured of a flux, by bathing daily in a river in some of the eastern parts of Asia. But it is not from the rude practice of the orientals, nor even from Hippo- crates or Galen, who each employed cold water medicinally, that we are to expect nice distinctions in these cases. Such do not in general offer themselves suddenly even in our own times. Dr. Wright made his experiment in 1777, and (as every phy- sician ought to do where he has the opportunity) he made it upon himself. He has great merit ; but that merit does not consist in having given us sufficient rules. In 1788, apart of the prac- tice in question was established in the Liverpool infirmary ; whence it spread into the town of Liverpool and its surrounding country. In 1791, Dr. Currie's colleague published an account of these methods in Dr. Duncan's medical commentaries for that year. Dr. Currie himself published another partial account in 1792. Dr. Gregory (the younger) of Edinburgh, has spoken on the subject in his public lectures ; and even in 1737 it was used in a vague manner in Silesia, though it is now probably neglect- ed there. Various practitioners also have resorted to cold wa- ter in the West-Indies, and some likewise in the United States. Bvit as the practice has not gained ground generally, and chiefly » This fact is «tn*^d up^n memory only 42* APPENDIX. for want of the rules necessary to prevent mistakes, especially in the case of fever ; we have sufficient proof of our obligations to Dr. Currie. What thanks wouid not be due to him, who should teach with certainty when to employ and when to avoid blood- letting ; and especially should he give so accurate a guide as a thermometer and the feelings of the patient as to heat, when eon- firming each other r* The thermometer indeed cannot always be u-.cd by the country practitioner, to whom we shall soon suggest a substitute ; but to others, who can more easily obtain this useful assistant, we ad- dress the following information. Mr. John Hunter, in the London philosophical transactions for 1778 see also those for 1779) describes a thermometer of his own invention and of Mr. Ramsden's workmanship ; which was short, slender, and with so small a bulb, that he could upon occa- sion put the whole into a peacock's quill ; even including the scale, which was moveable! and of transparent ivory, l>eing in the form of a hollow tube, and no were touching the bulb. The results of this thermometer, differed from those of others before * used by John Hunte?, and even from his own expectations. It was this sort of thermometer which Dr. Currie employed with bis patients ; taking care to make the stem bend backwards in order to admit of his standing behind the sick, to avoid infection from their breath. Dr. Currie recommends as a farther im- provement to add a guage like that used by Mr. Six, in bis ther- mometers made upon the plan of those invented by lord C. Ca- vendish. (See London Phil : Trans : for 1782 and 1757.) But a thermometer with spirits of wine (which sufficiently corresponds with one of mercury in the high temperatures here in question) would probably be visible enough to answer every purpose, were the spirits as is usual, coloured ; and it does not appear, why excessive diminutiveness is so necessary a quality in mere me- dical thermometers. We have hinted that country practitioners must often be con- tent, and may do sufficiently well, without thermometers ; and . * This was written before seeing Dr. Rush's late brief and simple rules for blood-letting1. The members of the three learned professions in America, notwithstand- ing the worth and well known talents of many among them, have long been liable to the reproach, of having1 contributed little to the progress of their respective sciences, by means of their publications. The American practi- tioners in medicine have lately relieved themselves from this charge, by some valuable works. Among the earlie.st of these authors we must certainly place the amiable and respectable Dr. Rush, who has so eminently contri- buted to excite an emulation among the medical students in his own state. Professor Mitchell, and others hate most happily introduced a like emulation into the state of New-York ; which it is hoped will soon spread itself. f A moveable scale admits the application of the naked thermometer in certain cases ; and the observer by a mark on its tube, is easilv enabled when the scale is afterwards restored to its place, to ascertain where the mercury has stood during his experiments. APPENDIX. 421 especially in these parts of the United States, where thermo- meters are so seldom found corresponding with each other; and where, even if good, they are with difficulty replaced in case of accidents. The uses of the thermometer in Dr. Currie's system of practice are chiefly two ; one to shew the heat of the patient, and the other the temperature of the water to be applied to him. Let us begin with the latter subject. It is known to every practitioner, that boiling water is always of the same heat in the same state of the atmosphere. Next, it will soon be shewn, that water can always easily be found at hand at certain other known degrees of temperature. Lastly, rules may be given, for pro- ducing any intermediate temperature between that of boiling water and of water of any other known temperature, merely by mixing them in certain proportions and with certain precautions. We shall now shew that water may generally be found of seve- ral temperatures, which are easily ascertained without the aid of thermometers. 1 ° In winter, water which has remained a cer- tain time filled with ice or pounded snow, after it is poured off, will stand at the freezing point ; or at thirty-two degrees of Fahrenheit's thermometer. Water will also stand at the freez- ing point ; when taken from underneath a surface of thick ice, formed upon it in winter in a vessel of moderate size.* 2° The average temperature of the air throughout the year may be known fbr any place ; and this temperature is one and the same with that of the springs of the place when first issuing from the ground, and also of the earth of the place at a few feet below the surface. 3° The average temperature of each month also may easily be known for any place; and when known, it will commonly nearly mark the temperature of the water accidentally found in any con- siderable vessel; placed under shelter from the wind and sun, but exposed to the open air; especially upon making certain obvious allowances. Enough then has been said as to the fixed points of heat at which water may be found and the methods by which it may be tempered by being mixed in different proportions at different temperatures, for the purpose of bathing, aspersing, or moisten- ing the bodies of different patients according to tlieir respective cases. Happily very great nicety is not found to be requisite; and perhaps the guess of the practitioner will always abundantly suffice. In this case, what has been said on these subjects will not be lost, since it will find its place with those attentive to meteorology and other branches of natural philosophy. As to calculating the patient's heat, without help from a ther- mometer, in general, we may depend on the patient's feelings, the rapidity of the pulse, the precedence of the cold stage of fever, the colour of the skin, its freedom from perspiration, the fulness of the face, and the marks of universal heat to the touch * Mr. Nairne, instrument maker at London, first noted this fact, in itself 90 evident. 52 ui APPEXDIX. of the observer. That the practitioner may not be misled bv the remains of heat which the bed clothes may have kept in the patient from a preceding hot fit ; let the bed clothes be thinned with judgment and for a short time ; and if the patient still re- mains hot, he will offer a new criterion as to his temperature. If other rules are wanting, the following are some which pre- sent themselves. Take a short tube of glass, exceedingly thin and with a very smallbore, having one end open and the other closed. Having first heated it gradually by placing its outside in heated water, plunge its open mouth into a small quantity of spirits coloured with cochineal, or of aqua-fortis made blue by vitriol or copper; or if quicksilver is at hand, put it into a little quicksilver. As the afr cools in the tube, fluid will rise into it; and when a very short-column (amounting only to a drop or two) has been taken up, we have an instrument suited to our purpose.—A cork may be placed in the open end, when this instrument is not in use, to prevent dirt entering, or the evaporation of the spirit or water; but the cork must be carefidly withdrawn, to preserve the con- nection with the atmosphere, when the instrument is employed.* Let the practitioner place it during some time under his arm- pit, when at the sick bed; and, marking the spot then occupied by the column or fluid, let him wipe the instrument, and place it under the arm-pit of his patient. If the patient's heat be greater than his own, the air behind the column of fluid con- fined by the closed end of the tube, will now be most rarified, and drive the fluid farther out than with himself; if the contrary, the reverse will happen. This instrument must at some one time be compared with a thermometer, merely to shew how its scale of variation agrees with that of the thermometer, unless this can be guessed at by other methods. But the degree in which an instrument of this sort will be affected by the changes in the weight of the atmosphere, (for it is a species of barome- ter) render k necessary that the comparison of it with the heat of a healthy person, should always take place. An object to be farther attended to is, that the patient's heat Ijc not only greater than natural, but at a high pitch even for fever heat. Perhaps chemists may invent some compositions, which by their melting or effervescence may indicate fixed degrees of heat, which may be contrived to serve as standards, for the heat of fever. With respect to the standard heat of the human subject taken internally in a state of health ; it varies with age, constitution, exercise, fulness from meals, and other circumstances, indepen- dent of disease. The usual average temperature is perhaps at 97 ; but eating for example, increases it one or more degrees In disease, according to Dr. Currie's observations, it sometimes ■ Whenever the fluid employed is carried off by evaporation or other accident, it is easy to put in a fresh quantity, in the manner used for putting in the first. APPENDIX. 423 in extraordinary cases, sinks as low as 92 ; and sometimes in cases equally extraordinary, it rises to 105. Repeated doses of the purple fox-glove have reduced the heat to 89, and the pulse to 32 in the minute. Dr. Currie constantly treats the heat un- der the tongue when the mouth is shut, and the heat under the arm-pit when the body is properly covered, as one and the same; and takes them for his standard of the internal heat. The ex- periments of John Hunter, Dr. Crawford, and others, upon ani- mals whose bodies have been opened during life, prove that the heat within, near the heart and lungs, is greater than in the other parts of the body. But it is needless to repeajt these cruel experiments, which can offer no guide with patients ; the sta- tions assigned by Dr. Currie for receiving the instruments to measure the internal heat, answering every purpose in the cases here in view. Dr, Currie says, in a note ; " I intended to have introduced one or two registers of the heat and pulse, taken every half hour, during the paroxism of intermittent; but this is delayed, till \ am enabled to speak from more numerous observations." Dr. Currie, it is to be hoped, will feel himself bound to fulfil this task. If these lines should chance to meet his notice he is re- quested by one who respects his benevolent zeal, as well as his abilities, to extend his views v and to favour us with a more accu- rate account of the internal heat of the human subject in all cases referred to in the preceding paragraph, short of living dissections. To encourage him or others to labours of this kind (which are best pursued in large towns, particularly if possessed, as they are generally, of infirmaries,) we may be allowed to state something concerning the standard rate of the pulse in the hu- man subject. The pulse offers an important criterion in fever; and the pulse of persons under given circumstances, when in health, furnishes a necessary point of comparison for the pulse of the same class of persons during disease. We shall follow in this, the good Dr. William Heberden ; observing that he speaks of the pulse as it is found in England.* Rates of the beats of the pulse in the human subject, during the course of one minute. fOn the day of birth, 130 to 140 During J Through the first month, los to 140 sleep, j Thence, during the first year, 108 to 120 (^Through the second year, 90 to 100 Thence to the sixth year, decreasing, 80 to 108 During the seventh year, 72 and upwards Thence to the twelfth year, 70 and upwards. N. B. The pulse up to this age is more easily quickened by illness than afterwards. * See Medical Transactions published by the College of Physicians in London, vol. 2. 4J4, \PPENDIX Afterwards the pulse is from sixty to eighty ; but in men, it sometimes goes to ninety, and in women even beyond ninety. Sometimes the pulse is below forty. It frequently likewise in- termits. After a full meal the pulse increases ten or twelve beats. But if it has ten pulsations beyond the natural rate of tne patient's pulse, viewed as varying according to accidental circumstances, it indicates disorder. In disorder during the first year, the rate may pass from one hundred and foi\y to one hundred and sixty ; but want of sleep and appetite, with thirst and the state of the infant's breathing, are here better indications. Sometimes one hundred and forty four is a rate fatal at two years; but with others, one hundred and fifty six and one hun- dred and fifty two, are not fatal rates, at the age of four and nine respectively. With children a reduction of fifteen or twenty beats of the pulse, accompanied with signs of considerable illness, mark an affection of the brain. With adults, a sudden abatement of pulse in fever, and an aggravation of other symptoms, equally indicate disease in this organ. With adults, one hundred beats jtenote commonly no evident danger ; but danger begins at onq|Findrcd and twenty, and un- less there be delirium, all beyond is commonly fatal. The au- thor excepts cases of acute rheumatism and cases previous to a deposit of matter; when there have been recoveries even at one hundred and fifty and one hundred and twenty respectively. He excepts also cases of low fever at ninety or one hundred; for here may still be danger. It is hard to count one hundred and forty beats, unless dis- tinct ; but where distinct we may count one hundred and eighty in a minute. Schirrous and ulcerous cases, with a hectic, are often for a long time from ninety to one hundred and twenty. Great pain in certain cases, does not quicken the pulse ; as is instanced with gall-stones. It must not be forgotten in disease, as well as in health, that women sometimes have quicker pulses than men, other things being equal. Tnus far we collect from Dr. Heberden. A practitioner wishing to pursue observations of this kind, may not always be provided with a watch beating seconds; and, in these parts of the United States, he cannot always be certain of access even to a pendulum clock. It may therefore be con- venient to know, that in these latitudes, a pendulum beating seconds, may be made of a very fine thread and a small leaden ball; extending in the whole about thirty-nine inches and two tenths, from the point of suspension ; which point we will sup- pose formed by a very strong dressing pin. Theoretically, a pen* APPENDIX. 425 dulum should be somewhat shorter in these latitudes ; but the above total length wili answer for practice with a pendulum of the above description. The habits of astronomers shew, that it is easy to learn to count secbnds by memory. The practitioner who is able to do this, may, in certain cases, station one upon whom he can depend, to note the pulsations which have occurred in a patient, while he has been counting apart a certain number of seconds. It can he of no disservice also for a patient to learn the ordinary rates of his own pulse, to tell to his physician in case of disease. With respect to other indications of the pulse, in which not only certain individuals, but certain nations pretend to a pecu- liar nicety, we refer to the various authors who have written more or less expressly on the subject. We do not follow Dr. Currie in his history of the theory of fever. We rather give his own account of the leading symptoms of this affection, when viewed independent of circumstances and under general characters, in order to accompany it with his re- marks, u.- Fever begins with a languor of a peculiar kind seen even in the countenance, and is followed by paleness, cold, and trem- bling, and (he should have ^jded here) by a shrinking of the surface of the body ; the action of the mind and of the whole system being enfeebled. The heart and lungs, being roused by the fluids now crowding inwards, soon press them outwards. A tightness or spasm, however, in the vessels at the surface oppo- sing, the internal re-action becomes increased. If in the strug- gle, the stomach becomes affected by sympathy, a tendency to sickness ensues. At last, the powers of life prevailing, heat ap- pears, first in one part of the surface and then in another, but with some fluctuation ; till the hot stage becomes universal, when the vessels on the surface finally yield a passage to perspiration, though not always without a check. Such is the course of a single fever fit, when it obtains a regular termination. But in cases of continued fever, both the spasm and heat remain longer ; till at length as the patient weakens, the spasm decreases so as to admit of perspiration, and the heat is sometimes brought al- most to its natural state ; the quickness of the pulse alone per- sisting, as the effect of a habit produced in the course of the disease. Thus he says, when a hot room or bath raises the heat in the human subject four or five degrees, and most of the other symptoms of fever appear; yet after the external heat is removed, and the internal heat becomes natural, the increased pulse still continues ; which he attributes to the principle of as- sociation, peculiar to life and pervading the vital phenomena, intellectual and corporeal. The author from the same case of artificial heat proves the existence of spasm ; since perspiration follows this heat so plentifully, as to make it difficult to increase 426 APPENDIX. the internal heat beyond one hundred or one hundred and one ; whereas at the same temperature in fever, perspiration is often refused. He observes also, that both in hot fever and in the sudden increase of heat in health, the tightness of the vessels at the surface often exists: but when the heat abates, it disappears so as to admit of perspiration ; the spasm in the case of health being the result of a resistance to a violent stimulus. This re- sistance he calls another law of the living system, belonging to every species of vital action, whether of mind or of body. In these circumstances, he conceives that the general and powerful spur or stimulus of cold water dissolves the spasm or tightness ; perspiration and evaporation now succeeding, which naturally tend to reduce the heat and pulse. Whether the cold as a new stimulus aids the stimulus already existing in the blood vessels ; or whether the cold acts by dispelling or by counter-bal- ancing the spasm on the surface ; or whether these causes stand more or less combined, will not here be disputed. Certain it is, that the cold of the water operates more than its moisture ; be- cause warm water in general less easily effects a cure, even when producing a greater coolness through its longer application ; though it is possessed of those additional chemical powers for dissolving or penetrating substances which are derived from heat. On the other hand, even suddencold reduces the animal heat, chiefly by affecting the body as consisting of organized living mat- ter. Hence a variation in the effects, both temporary and perma- nent, of the cold and other affusions, 8cc. whether we compare these effects with themselves or with each other, in cases similar in a mere mechanical view. As to the diminution of thirst following the cold affusion on the surface, Dr. Currie by no means admits that much water is ever absorbed by the skin ; and therefore attributes this dimi- nution of thirst to the removal of a spasm in the mouth, jaws, and stomach. Whether it be the removal of spasm or some- thing else which is effected within, will not be discussed : it suffices, that a sympathy obtains between all these parts. It is no less true, that thirst is allayed by a draught of fluid before it can have entered the circulation ; as likewise, that perspiration often as immediately follows. The author (as has been hinted) attributes the reduction of heat by the tepid affusion, to cold arising from evaporation ; but as this stimulus is always slight and necessarily transient, the heat ultimately returns and the effect becomes merely palliative. Even the cold affusion cures at once, only in the early stages of disease; and though uniformly advantageous while the morbid heat con- tinues, its effects are less decisive when morbid associations have once been produced. What then, says Dr. Currie, ought to be the indications in the cure of fever ? To diminish the cold in the cold stage ; to mode- erate the heat in the hot stage ; to resolve the tightness or spasm APPENDIX. 427 on the extreme vessels ; and, where the inordinate action of the vascular system still continues, to support the powers of life, till the diseased associations die away from the ceasing of their causes. It is also essential, to secure the proper action of the bowels ; and, in every case, to unload them of their morbid contents, whether these are the effect or the cause of the disease. It is a serious error, according to Dr. Currie, to suppose that febrile poison received into the system, is the principal cause of the symptoms of fever ; and that these symptoms consist in a struggle of nature to expel the poison. It is safer to consider the poison, as an agent that excites the system into fever ; the fever being afterwards carried on, not by the agency of this poison, but of the principles which regulate the actions of life. We are not therefore to wait for a restorative process, by which nature is conceived to throvy off the poison ; but to oppose the fever in eve- ry stage with all our skill, and bring it to as speedy a termination as is possible. By the powerful means of the cold affusion ap- plied in time, the whole of the feverish symptoms vanish. Hence the safety and wisdom of decisive measures before the strength is materially impaired or diseased habits established. Those who practice within the tropics, where fever runs its. dreadful course with such rapidity, ought especially, he says, to be aware of this truth. They ought also to combat the disease not merely by cold affusions, (which whether supplied by springs or by the sea, can seldom there be below the temperature of 77 or 78 ;) but by actual immersion of the patient in a bath, or in the sea, supposing this at hand. The duration of the immersion he thinks must be governed by the pulse, by the sensations of the patient, and by the thermometer. He refers for the success of this practice to the case of Sir John Chardin ; and to that of persons, who in. the delirium of fever, and chiefly in warm cli- mates, have plunged ipto the sea, and who in every instance within his knowledge (where they have been saved from drown- ing) have recovered.* To increase the cold of water in hot cli- mates, he refers to the well known artificial modes of cooling water. He also hints at the practice of alternately plunging the patient in water and then raising him into the air, where the wind blows over his naked body, farther to cool it ; but he gays that the utmost care is necessary to guard against fatigue ; and we venture to add, that it will be prudent to have means at hand to remove both chilliness and faintness, should either occur. In the northern and middle latitudes of the United States, the effects of cold winters upon springs, furnishes cold water at all times ; and ice-houses admit of rendering it still colder. In hot climates, to cold water for the surface, the author would add cold drink in large quantities, where the patient's heat will bear it, especially the heat within at the stomach; and he consi- * See a remarkable case of this kind in the London Phil. Trans, foe 1736, p. 190. 428 APPENDIX ders a tendency to vomit as no objection. He confirms his opT3* nion by the practice of the ancients, by the treatment used in the Hungarian fever (which he holds as resembling the yellow tever,) and by the recommendations of Hoffman in bilious vomitings and dysentery. We now proceed to glean a few other detached particulars from the author's work, which are either theoretical or conjec- tural ; or have no immediate relation to the use of water ; or have not before been sufficiently noticed. The author wishes both cold water and cold drink to be tried in the case of the plague, should the heat in that disease be con- siderable ; but if it is no greater than in the confluent small pox, which is little, if at all above the natural standard, he has little hope. The best explanation which he can give of the success of his favourite remedy, in convulsive diseases and in insanity, it applied at the moment of their height, is taken from John Hunter and Dr. Darwin; namely, that no two great actions seem to take place in the human constitution at the same time ; and that if the balance of vital energy can be turned in favour of a shock from cold, it will supersede the disposition to the diseases in question at their cri- tical moments, and thus break through their associations. To- bacco used in the crisis of epilepsy, is another instance with him of the benefit of employing, in these cases, the balance of power in one stimulus over that in another. From both these remedies thus respectively applied; the good effect he says, has repeatedly been permanent. In cooling the surrounding air, or in any other application of cold, in fever; care must be taken to watch the limits within which it is grateful to the sensations ; in which case the author's experience has uniformly shewn it to be advantageous. It is believed that the author somewhere speaks of a wet blanket having been used with success. Dr. Crawford certainly gave temporary relief even from delirium, to a patient in fever, by this means; and nothing but its being used too late, seemed to have made it a palliative rather than an effectual remedy. The author says, that the action of coH may be conveyed over the whole system by its application to a sin. le part; as when cold substances are applied to some single part, to stop bleed- ings. Hence, for bleeding from the lungs, he has dipped the feet in cold water; though he thinks that it might perhaps have been better to have applied cold permanently to the scrotum, &c.; and he has often here found it safe and efficacious to plunge the patient into cold water up to the hips. In all these instances, the application of cold must be both powerful and permanent. The same rule as to permanency and degree, is necessary for cold applied locally to parts which are inflamed. Thus even ice, snow, and the clay-cap, are successfully employed, not only for reducing, but fireventing inflammation; the sensation of cold in the parts acted upon, speedily subsiding. APPENDIX. 429 He does not apply cold to local inflammation, if attended with fever ; chiefly, because in such cases there is too great a sensi- bility to cold and indeed to other stimulants ; but this is a sub- ject which he avoids treating at length. He extends this objection however to measles, catarrhs, (or colds,) Sec. and he is not persuaded that cold can be useful in jtiuerisy or peripneumony. Yet in inflammations of the brain, stomach, intestines, &c. and especially if desperate, he thinks the cold bath should be hazarded. But in all inflammatory cases, he inclines to judge it proper to moderate the cold, if employed. Besides sinking for example, gradually, into the cold bath; the state of the pulse and of the heat is to be examined ; though the author remarks from his own case, while in health, that the heat within the trunk of the body is wonderfully sustained in the cold bath, notwithstanding it is speedily and permanently lessened at the extremities. The House of Pecovery, instituted in May, 1796, at Manches- ter, in England, affords a singular instance of success in prevent- ing infection throughout a large town; and merits a short abstract from our author. Into this asylum on the first notice of fever, the patient is removed ; and proper methods (being in part che- mical) are taken to purify his habitation. The prevalence of fever has hence diminished to a degree beyond all rational ex- pectation ; and the fears that the institution might spread conta- gion in its particular neighbourhood, are found groundless; since not one case of fever appears there for ten or fifteen cases which prevailed there before. About one in nine only of those admit- ted, die; and as the result has made considerable impression, it will still farther greatly reduce both the deaths and the danger of contagion, should the poor apply in the early stages of the dis- ease. The importance of such an institution, in great towns, may be known from two other facts related by Dr. Currie: First, the apartments for fever-cases, in the Liverpool work-house, are in the very centre of the building, and cannot be entered except through the common stair-case; and yet not a single instance is known of contagion spreading thence, to the other patients in the house. Secondly, the number of fever-cases annually presented to the medical attendants at the Dispensary at Liverpool (a town with a population resembling that of Philadelphia) is above three thousand; and the average duration of the fever is about fourteen days, besides fourteen days consumed in the recovery, where the recovery happens. The fever-cases, in short, make neariy one fourth of the whole number of maladies ; the loss to the public occasioned by which may easily be conceived. In Liverpool (and this is another remarkable fact) eighteen hundred cellars are. in- habited by about seven thousand persons, besides nine thousand who live in close and confined houses; and many of these per- sons taste no animal food; tea being generally drank, once, if not twice in the day; from which causes principally, and the use of spirits, above five hundred patients, who are chiefly females, are 53 430 APPENDIX annually found among those applying to the dispensary on ac- count of diseased digestion. When our author, however, in speaking of the above institu- tions, affirms with Dr. William Hcberdcn, that cold winters arc unhealthy in England; and states that the most unhealthy mo- ment is that when they are exchanged for warmer weather; an inhabitant of these northern parts of the United States cannot but indulge a smile. Perhaps in no part of the civilized western world, is the entire severity of a cold winter actually more fully braved, than in these parts; nor can a more sudden transition from heat to cold easily offer; and yet in no one country in the known world, is there less disease, or fewer deaths, upon a given number of inhabitants. This fact, and especially in a compara- tive view, merits a particular attention, which will perhaps be given to it on a future occasion. The common treatment of fever by the gentlemen belonging to the Liverpool dispensary (which is distinct from the infirmary) consists in giving first, antimonial emetics; and then, bark, opium, and wine ; nourishing food being occasionally administered; but seldom washing with cold water (which would indeed be diffi* cult in the cellars where this disease is usually found.) Dr. Currie will now offer some more particular and interest- ing information on the use of opium and strong liquors in fever. Dr. Currie, treats of opium, pursuant to the engagement in the title to his work ; viewing it as administered in health and in fever. In a state of health, if the mind is vacant and external objects excluded, and provided also that the stomach is empty ; opium usually procures sleep. This sleep is preceded by agreeable sensations, happy slumbers, and gentle perspiration; the surface and extremities of the body acquiring the same heat with the internal parts. As the full sleep approaches, the pulse quickens, and the breath becomes slightly irregular ; but when profound sleep has actually arrived, the pulse abates to its slowest rate; while the breathing, besides growing slow, becomes regular also, and deep. In fever, if the heat reaches or exceeds one hundred degrees of the thermometer, with a dry skin ; opium commonly seems to add to the heat and restlessness. When the skin has softened, and the heat, though still great, is yet subsiding, opium often accelerates the perspiration ; and by this means, diminishes the 'heat ; in which case tranquillity and sleep generally follow. Hence, in the case of continued fever, which is commonly greatest in the evening, and is then accompanied with two or more additional degrees of heat, an opiate (or anodyne) may in- jure at night, and yet do service at two or three o'clock in the morning. Hence also in continued fever, it may be proper to lower the temperature of the surface and prepare for perspira- tion, by cold or tepid affusion or drink, (applied according to APPENDIX. szx rules) before giving, or even after giving, the opium. In inter- miients, on the other hand, where the disposition to perspire is more easily excited, opium may be given with fewer precau- tions ; though if administered in the hot stage, its salutary effects may be much promoted by moderate draughts of liquids ; which should be cold, if the heat is great. The author conceives water to be a better assistant to opium in procuring perspiration, than ipecacuan or antimonials; ex- cept in inflammatory diseases and in dysentery. His dose of opium is two or three grains of the extract, or from ten to sixty drops of the tincture ; for he finds that a very small quantity ju- diciously applied, will produce considerable effects ; and he thinks that whatever is beyond necessity, it would be unwise to employ. Alcohol is another of the topics standing in the title to Dr. Cur- rie's work ; by which term, he does not mean, with common chemists,spirits of wine ; but vinous and spirituous drinks. Alco- hol (or strong drink) he says, is more heating than opium, and has less tendency to produce perspiration and sleep; but yet has a striking resemblance to opium in its effects. In health, like opium, if the mind is vacant, and external ob- jects excluded, and the stomach empty ; strong drink inclines to sleep. But as sleep approaches, the heat of the body rising throughout and the pulse quickening, an agitation follows, which is often opposed to sleep. If the dose however has for the mo- ment stupified all sense, still on the first return of sense, the drunkard is roused from his apoplectic slumbers by intolerable heat ; amounting in one case (that of Dr. Alexander, who tried the experiment on himself) to one hundred and seven degrees ; and this is accompanied with thirst, agitation, and consequent weakness, as also with obstructed perspiration. The author here, as perhaps in all other cases, where there is heat and a dry skin without local inflammation, would prescribe large draughts of water, or the affusion ; which is likely to prove more effectual, if cold, than if warm. Opium, where the skin softens, favours perspiration in the drunkard ; and sometimes, and perhaps by this very means, affords remarkable relief- In fever, strong drinks must be given with the same precau- tions, as opium ; that is, be avoided in cases of great heat and a dry skin ; and reserved for those cases, where the heat is only a little above the natural standard ; unless perspiration is certain, when they may be used in a heat somewhat beyond the natural. Such are the author's remarks on opium and strong drinks. They are offered only with a view to fever ; and he so little con- considers them as complete, that he proposes to resume the subject. In the author's title page stands another topic yet unnoticed by us ; namely inanition, or abstinence ; and along with it, he 43S APt'KNDIV. handles another important, as well as long disputed point; namcU. whether fluids, and consequently nourishment if wanted, can/, though attendants were rubbing him, it fell again in tw o minutes to 87°; nor did he, though every resource was employed, entirely re- cover his heat under three hours. A second experiment on the next day, gave nearly the same result; as did a third on the following day ; but in the third, the man was afterwards plunged into a warm bath on being taken out of the cold air, when the thermometer sunk two degrees. But the thermometer rose again more quickly than in the cold bath, and the heat was ge- neral over the body, and not confined (as in the cold bath) to the trunk alone. In a fourth experiment on another day, a longer stay in the bath produced inconveniences somewhat resembling those felt by Mr. Amyat; and great pain followed afterwards from a warm bath at 104°,* into which the party was too suddenly transferred. Three other experiments offer little essential va- riation, though two of them were tried on a new subject. The cold water had always salt mixed in it, in the propor- tion of one to twenty-four ; and the cold was always lessened one or more degrees by the stay made in it. The parties immersed were generally agitated, so that the pulse was quickened ; but the cold bath sunk it twenty beats in die minute from its last rate ; and at the wrist, it was scarcely * In cases of this sort, t; Heat (says John Hunter) must be gradually ap- plied, and proportioned to the living principle ; but as the life increases, we may increase the degree of heat." See his Proposals for recovering per- sons apparently drowned, in the London Phil. Trans, for 1776. Mortifica- tion arising from heat too suddenly applied to a frost-bitten limb, is one of the facts, on which he founds his opinion. APPENDIX. 437 to be felt. A sense of cold at the stomach was generally fol- lowed by a rapid fall of the thermometer; and heat applied there so generally restored the heat in other parts that the author is persuaded that the stomach or diaphragm, or both, have some concern in the process of animal heat. The following facts also appeared. 1 °. The parties best re- sisted situations tending to produce cold, when they possessed most of their natural heat, as by wearing a flannel dress. 2°. Cold wind operated more severely than colder calm weather. 3°. Though the human body rapidly accommodates itself to change, yet the change may be made too quick, especially when the strength is diminished. 4°. The action of cold water is more or less considerable, according to the vigour of the consti- tution. 5°. The condition of the mind operates also; fear in- creasing the influence of cold; and attention pointed to other objects, as in madness, diminishing it. 6°. These experiments require great caution, and the presence of every means neces- sary for counteracting their effects when carried too far. The author, in an experiment upon himself, passed alternate: ly but gradually out of a cold into a hot bath, twice ; staying a short time only in each bath, and being covered with a flannel dress ; but his internal heat never varied from 96. By another experiment, it was found, that the cold of fresh water is more difficult to support, than that of salt water. In another paper of the Appendix, we find Dr. Wright again coming into notice, through Dr. Duncan's Medical Annals for 1797. He was still, among other things, using, in the West In- dies, external applications of cold in various shapes in the early stages of the ship fever and of the yellow fever, and with con- tinued success ; and in the latter stages, he employed calomel in small doses, to procure purging and sweating. Where the stomach was too irritable for calomel, recourse was had too Capsicum (or Cayenne, commonly called Kian, pepper) made into pills ; and it has cured even after the black vomit. This pepper has been given in the putrid sore throat, in the West Indies, with the most signal benefit. In the course of this paper concerning Dr. Wright, Dr. Cur- rie observes that perspiration seems useful in every fever in every country, not excepting the famous English sweating sick- ness ; but that for this purpose it must be profuse, and also early, since in the latter stages of fever it is often injurious. The mode of exciting it, he says, may however be mechanical. Mr. Thomas Graham for example, covers the whole surface of the body for this purpose with warm vapour, in the early stages. In the plague, Count Berchtold relates, that perspiration may be produced by a pint of olive oil, rubbed during four minutes, upon the patient in a close room over hot coals, with a clean sponge ; or if the first trial fails, then after wiping the body with a warm dry cloth, it may be repeated, and be aided by sudorific 5t *r-n APPEND!/ drinks. But in every ease the sweating nuht not only be carlv. but may be employed during the cold fit ; when it will still leave eoom lor the use of cold water in the hot fit, should the hot fit still occur. Before quitting Dr. Currie, we shall give him pleasure, by affording him an opportunity to rectify two or three oversight First, Dr. Cullen docs not, as he intimates, neglect cold as a cause of fever. Next, Dr. Currie attributes the discovery concerning the near agreement of the heat of springs with the average heat of the place where they are found, to Dr. John Hunter ; a British phy- sician of eminence, (but not related to the celebrated surgeon and anatomist of that name.) Dr. Hunter's reputation does not need the aid of borrowed fame. The first observer of the fact appears to have been Dr. John Roebuck, F. R. S. at least l)r William Heberden's comment upon the subject implies it.... (Sec London Phil. Trans, for 1775.) Lastly, Dr. Currie seems also to have omitted to notice Dr. Crawford's paper in the London Phil. Trans, for 1781 ; where that amiable philosopher stated, that the difference between the colour of the venous and arterial blood increases with cold and lessens with heat ; and that from the event connected with thi- difference, nature finds the means of proportioning the genera- tion of heat to the call for it.* Dr. Currie knows that this dif- ference of colour had its proper cause t assigned to it, by Dr. Priestley ; which paved the way for Dr. Crawford's application of the fact, to explain the origin of animal heat as coming from the action of the air on the blood in the lungs. The above ad- ditional fact noticed by Dr. Crawford, if confirmed by a few mon: experiments, will probably go far to remove Dr. Currie's diffi- culties concerning this beautiful discovery respecting animal heat, which he extended also to combustion. Mr. Cavendish and the French chemists have by their new system led to some modification of this discovery, (for it is no longer to be called theory ;) but however this shall be decided by time, the essence of the whole is Dr. Crawford's, and will render his name im- mortal. Dr. Rutherford, of Edinburgh, under their modification, explains the supply of water in diabetes to arise from " a por- tion of the oxygen, (which in the ordinary course of things is. exhaled in the form of an elastic vapour,) being absorbed in tin: * Is there any decisive difference in the colour of the venous and arterial blood in insane persons indicative of their known power to resist cold; which the practitioner can pursue through all its mazes, so as to arrive at the means of assisting their malady ? Their power of resisting cold has indeed its limits, since their limbs may be frost-bitten ; and perhaps it seems great- er than it is. from their attention (where they can command any) being di- rected to other objects ; in which they agree also with children. f,Mr. Hewson and others had been aware that the air operated here, but they knew not hoix it operated. ?•."•; Loia'.u:. Phil. Trans, for 1776. APPENDIX. 439 form of water." But Dr. Crawford's discovery requiring to be treated at length, we for the present drop any further discussion of it; especially as this hypothesis regarding diabetes, leaves its symptoms still unexplained. In taking leave of Dr. Currie, let us do justice to his ingenui- ty, industry and candour. If his work stands the test of time, immortality also will be his lot. He is well known to many Americans frequenting Liverpool; but it is not perhaps known to all Americans, that besides Middlesex, no county in England can boast of so many able and spirited medical men, as that of Lancaster; especially if we include Dr. Haygarth in the num- ber, as united with them by intercourse, though residing in Chester. Among the foremost of these, we may certainly place the excellent Dr. Percival, of Manchester; to whose zeal for philosophy and for humanity, we may attribute in no small de- gree the honourable pre-eminence here mentioned. As to our analysis, though it includes the chief substance of Dr. Currie's book containing 347 octavo pages, the reader will not fail to peruse that work, with pleasure ; nor, having read that work, will the reader perhaps regret his having seen this analysis. Dr. Currie is not in every respect methodical; but he is more ; he is original on some of the most important of medi- cal subjects. The foregoing abridgment was published in a pamphlet, dur- ing the melancholy devastation of our cities by the prevailing epidemic fever. The respected and benevolent author will not, it is presumed, require an apology for the republication of a work so honorary to himself, and so extensively useful to the community. A BRIEF ANALYSIS OF THE SECOND VOLUME OF CURRIE'S MEDICAL RETORT^. A his volume is composed chiefly of additional evidence in fa- vour of the opinions and practice proposed in the volume preced- ing. This evidence is furnished not only from Dr. Currie's own experience, but is communicated to him from practitioners in various situations, and from various climates. The following is a comprehensive statement by Dr. Currie of his experience at the time of pubUshing this volume.. " In the six years, which have elapsed since the publication of the second edition of the first volume, I have invariably em- ployed the affusion of water, cold and tepid, in the diseases pointed out in the original publication, and I have extended it to some others, of which I shall afterwards speak. Its success has equal- led my expectations; I have nothing to detract from the accounts I have formerly given of its efficacy. I repeat, that used in the three first days of fever the cold affusion very generally stops the disease—that the same happy effects sometimes follow its use on the fourth or even fifth day, but seldom later ; that even in the sub- sequent stages, where the heat continues preternaturally great, and the skin dry, it is of great and manifest advantage, almost immediately relieving the most distressing symptoms, particu- larly restlessness and delirium, and conducting the disease to a safe and speedier issue. " The tepid affusion is, as I formerly observed, applicable, and possesses very considerable, though inferior efficacy. I find it, however, very safe, easy of application, and in a high degree grateful, and I have extended it to almost the whole class of fe- brile diseases. In my practice the cold and tepid affusions are veiy often combined in the same disease. While the heat is great, the skin dry, and the vascular action strong, I use water perfectly cold ; when these symptoms diminish, I use it cool ; and as they subside still farther, I make it tepid." The precise meaning of these terms is given in chapter X. volume I. The limits of this analysis will permit us to state only such remarks as are most essential, and those in very general terms. Dr. Currie describes an epidemic dysentery, which prevailed in Liverpool in 1801. In this disease, which was attended with fever, he did not try the application of cold in any form ; for he had learnt by experience that that remedy was not successful in APPENDIX. 441 fever, attended with affections of the bowels. The tepid affusion he did try, but without any permanent benefit, although it abated the heat. In Scarlatina of the same year he employed very extensively " the affusion, both cold and tepid, with the happiest effects." In this disease he followed the same rules, as in fever, without any regard to the eruption. Both Dr. Currie, and Dr. Gregory, professor of the practice of medicine in the university of Edin- burgh, evinced their confidence in the cold affusion by applying it to their own children, when affected with Scarlatina. , In this disease it is commonly necessary to repeat the affusion very often, and at very short intervals ; in some instances ten or twelve times in twenty-four hours. Dr. Currie assisted this re- medy by giving cold drinks, and by opening the bowels, if neces- sary, with sub-muriate of quicksilver; and in a few cases he also employed tartrite of antimony as a diaphoretic. He suggests doubts respecting cinchona in this disease ; and strongly repro- bates the use of wine, while there is any considerable heat on the surface. In typhus, which also prevailed in Liverpool in 1801; our author did not find his favourite remedy so useful as on former occasions. The affusion, seldom lower than cool, generally- tepid, was employed in most cases of the fever of that season. It was beneficial, but did not cut short the disease, even when employed at an early stage. But there was an unusual deficiency of heat, and therefore no opportunity was afforded of employing the cold af- fusion, which is much more efficacious than the tepid water. Dr. Currie suggests, in contradiction however to his own prin- ciples and cautions, that " a practice somewhat bolder might have been more successful." Dr. Currie avers, that he has not seen nor heard of any in- stance, in which the practice of cold affusion has been injurious. He doubts the utility of this practice in cases, where there is an unusual sensibility of the surface of the body to cold. Yet he gives a case, in which Mr. Dalrymple, of Norwich, disregarded this doubt not only with impunity, but with advantage. In some cases of cynanche tonsillaris, or inflammatory sore throat, and likewise of measles, the cold affusion was employecl in the early stages under a mistake respecting the nature of the cases. In these instances, there was no injury produced; and they were noticed as proving singularly mild. Dr. C. did not employ the affusion of water on any person af- fected with influenza, except himself. While' he had that dis- ease he submitted to the shower bath at 85° every three or four hours. The effects seem to have been beneficial. But Dr. Wright informed him that he employed the cokl affusion in this disease to " keep down heat and flushings," at the same time he allowed wine and a liberal diet; " a mode of treatment, which he found invariably successful." 4« APPENDIX. The following statement is quoted, as it relates to cases of yellow fever, originating in our own country. " Mr. Wilson, surgeon of his Majesty's ship the Hussar, cm- ployed the cold affusion with extraordinary- success in 1795. The Hussar had taken a French ship from Gaudaloupc, off the Capes of Virginia, which had brought the yellow lever out of port with her, of which many had died. The disease spread rapidly among the crew of the Hussar, and the ship, running northwards, landed eighty-three persons ill of the fever, at Hali- fax, in Nova Scotia, in the month of June. There not being accommodnttion for them in the hospital, tents were fitted up for them oh the shore, in which Mr. Wilson attended them. His practice was to bleed early generally in an hour after the acces- tion of the hot stage. He then gave a solution of emetic tartar. The cold affusion was always administered in cases of delirium, which it immediately removed, inducing tranquillity and sleep. Of these eighty three cases, Mr. Wilson did not lose one." Ajflppg many very important communications and tcstimo- ni^flf" favour of the practice of cold affusion is the following highly interesting letter from Mr. Nagle, surgeon to his Ma- jesty's ship Ganges, to Dr. Currie. " His Majesty's ship, Royal Sovereign. Portsmouth, May 9th, 1803. « Sir, " I took the first moment after my return from the West Indies, to acquaint you with the extraordinary success which has attended your new remedy in fever, the affusion of cold water, in my practice on board his majesty's ship Ganges, of 74 guns, on the Jamaica station ; and I very readily comply with your desire to give the particulars a little more in detail. " The Ganges was commissioned at Portsmouth in August, 1800, at which time I joined her as surgeon. She was then, and for some time afterwards, remarkably healthy, from her high state of discipline ; but an infectious fever was brought on board of her by some marines, from the Malta, at Spithead, in August, 1801. Forty marines, and four seamen, ill of it, were sent on shore to the royal hospital, at Haslar, and this cleared the ship of the disease. We then sailed for the coast of France, and were on a cruise off" Brest, from the 14th of September, to the 23d of October, at which time wc were ordered to Jamaica, where wc arrived on the 24th of November. During these ten weeks not a man died, and we reached the harbour of Port Royal in remark- able health. We found a malignant fever prevailing among the shipping there. The mortality was particularly great on board the merchant ships at Kingston, many of them being almost un- manned by it. Soon after our arrival it broke out on board the Ganges, and spread rapidly, especially among the marines ami landsmen, who had never before been in a warm climate. The APPENDIX. 443 symptoms were—severe headach ;—hot and dry skin ;—the face flushed ;—eyes red ;—nausea ;—thirst;—the pulse strong, and full at first, and as frequent as one hundred and twenty in the minute ;—pains in the back and limbs ;—great anxiety, and rest- lessness. The patients were in general under much depression of spirits from the accounts we had received of the great mortal- ity from the fever. There was little chilliness in any stage of the disease, and remissions were scarcely perceptible. Heat of the skin was the most striking symptom. To what degree it actually rose, 1 had no means of ascertaining, having unfortunate- ly, broken my thermometer. I was therefore obliged to trust to my sensations, and those of the patient. But from the impres- sion on my hand, I have no doubt that the heat in this fever, was many degrees greater than the temperature of health, and con- siderably more than in the common fever of England. " The violent, and rapid nature of the disease, convinced me, that early and decisive measures were required, and I determined to have recourse to the affusion of cold water, under the direc- tions which you have given for its use. As soon therefore as the morbid heat fairly indicated the accession of fever, I poured a quantity of sea-water on the patient, from the head downwards ; generally two or three bucketfulls ; and commonly directed the body to be afterwards wiped with a towel dipped in vinegar, but more with the view of preventing the sailors from thinking that I trusted entirely to the cold water, than from any supposition of the vinegar being required. I then put the patient into bed ; gave him in general from eight to ten grains of calomel, with four or five grains of the pulvis antimonialis, and supplying him with plenty of diluent drinks, left him to his repose. " The affusion, when used in the first, or even second day of fever, operated like a charm. The morbid heat and dryness of the skin were converted into an agreeable coolness, with some degree of moisture ; the pulse sunk very often from 120 to 90 ; the headach, flushings, restlessness, and agitation disappeared ; sensations of comfort were diffused over the whole body, and the patient fell into a natural and refreshing sleep. On awaking, two or three passages downwards from the calomel, seemed to carry off every remaining irritation. Most commonly the fever did not return ; but if it did, the bathing was repeated once, or perhaps twice, as might be required. Where I had not an opportunity of seeing the men for the first day or two of fever, which some- times happened from their being taken ill on shore, and remain- ing there, the effects of the affusion, though strikingly beneficial, were not so immediately decisive, and it was requisite to repeat it several times. I had seldom occasion to use opium in this fever, for the cold affusion produced sleep, and in three or four cases in which I gave opiates at bed time, irritation and restless- ness ensued ; the symptoms being increased which the cold af- fusion had obviated. We had one hundred and twenty cases of fever in all, during the time I served on board the Ganges on 444 vPPENDIN the Jamaica station, (that is, from November, 1801, to the end of July 1802) in all of which the cold affusion was used, and of winch wc lost two only. One of these had been ill of a violent inflammation in the knee, for which I was obliged to use bleed- ing largely, and in this reduced state he was attacked with fe- ver. The other was a marine, of a weakly habit, and a consump- tive tendency. I did not use the affusion in this case, in the early stage of the fever, and when I did use it, I fear I persisted in it too long. These were indeed the only deaths which oc- curred on board the Ganges from the time we left Portsmouth, to the end of last July, a period of eleven months, as may be ascertained by my journal at the board of sick and hurt, and during this time, two men only were sent to the hospital at Port Royal, one from an accident, the other from general debility.* " The fever broke out first at Port Royal, as I have already mentioned, and we carried several cases to sea with us, on a cruise to the island of St. Domingo, on which we were out six or seven weeks; when we repaired to Port Royal to refit and refresh for a few days, and again returned to our cruising ground. In these successive cruises, our whole time was employed. We had a great deal of calms, with heavy rains, at intervals, off St. Domingo, and at this time the mortality was understood to be very great among the French troops on shore. While at sea, we were often for several weeks together, not only without fresh vegetables, but without fresh animal food, and without even a single glass of lime juice, to correct the scorbutic tendency in the men. Many of my patients in fever had ulcers in their legs and feet, which had assumed a scorbutic appearance, from the want of those articles. In patients under these circumstances, the cold affusion was an incalculable blessing. It acted like magic. It was generally used in the evening, and scarcely ever failed to produce a gentle perspiration, and refreshing sleep, re- moving the symptoms of fever, and relieving the depression of spirits and anxiety of mind. A saline cathartic, such as I have already mentioned, completed the cure. By these means, we generally got clear of fever while at sea; but it broke out again on our return to Port Roy il, because there the men were often on shore, exposed to the heat of the sun, on watering and dock- yard duty; and besides in harbour, discipline could not be so easily preserved, or drunkenness prevented. * "I had a grc-nt objection to sending patients to the hospital at Port Royal, from the air at sea being far preferable in the West Indies for fever patients. The morUlity at tbe hospital is often verv great, and many other causes prevent men from returning to their ships again. Captain Freeman- tie was so sensible of this, that he would not allow a man to be sent on shor*.-, except in cases of the most urgent necessity, knowing the great loss to the service that pood men are during the season of war. If proper diet is al- lowed by government, their recovery is more rapid at sea, and taking caie of them when ill on ship-b->ard, makes them more attached to the service. Dr. Trotter has very justly remarked the great loss the service stained, when the hospital ship was discontinued in the channel fleet." APPENDIX. 445 u I was soon so much convinced of the great advantage of Using the cold affusion early, that I made a point of seeing im- mediately any man that complained ; and I gave positive direc- tions to my mates, whenever I was out of the ship, to use the same vigilance, and to apply the affusion without delay. And I always kept one of the mates in the sick birth, during the night, to watch the exacerbations of heat, and where they appeared, to take the patient out of bed directly, and pour the salt water over him. " At first, my patients were startled with the proposal of this novel remedy; but after a little experience of its effects, they submitted to it cheerfully, and were even anxious to use it. As soon as the fever went off, I gave the bark infusion or decoction, with a light nutritive diet, and in some cases, a little good wine and porter from the ward-room mess. " I leave you to judge what direful effects the lancet must have had, employed on such patients as I have described. In those ships where venesection was used, the mortality was great. But the more general practice, both in ship and on shore, was to trust chiefly to calomel, and to bring on salivation as speedily as possible. Of this medicine, as an auxiliary, I have the high- est opinion. I generally used it as a cathartic, as I have already mentioned, and in some cases brought on salivation. But even in these instances, I never hesitated to use the cold affusion on the febrile heat recurring, and I never saw any injury from this practice. " I never had recourse to blood-letting in this fever, although I was incited to use it, both by precept and example. I am a decided enemy to this practice in the fevers of the West Indies, and of other warm climates, both from reasoning and observa- tion. It may perhaps be sometimes used with officers just ar- rived, of full habits, and who live freely. But it will not do with sailors, and especially with those who are impaired by service, or by the climate.* " Neither did I encourage the use of emetics, which must ever, I think, be attended with dangerous consequences in this * " I served in the East Indies five years, (from 1793 to 1798) on board his majesty's ship Heroine, commanded by the hon. captain Gardner, and the hon. captain Murray, and did not use the lancet twelve times in that pe- Kod of years, except incases of accident. " When the lancet was used, it was chiefly in the incipient state of in- flammation of the liver, in new comers. Lord Hobart came home passen- ger in the Heroine—in our passage from Madras to Spithead, we did not lose a single man, and there was only one man sent to the hospital on our arrival, in the last stage of a liver affection. 1 contracted a disease of the liver in the East Indies, which appeared again in the West Indies, and oblig- ed me to leave the Ganges, and come home a passenger. Dr. Blane, late commissioner of sick and hurt, is no stranger to my practice m the East In- dies • nor is the ingenious Dr. Clarke of Newcastle, who has made the bert practical remarks on the diseases of that climate ; remarks which may 1* depended on." 416 APPENDIX. fever, notwithstanding, that in one of the medical journals, .. practitioner of Jamaica mentions his giving a solution of lln* tarturum antimoniale to stop vomiting 1 In a case on board the Ganges, in which one of my mates gave this medicine, it brought on such violent retchings, cold sweats, and languid pulse, as alarmed me greatly. A large dose of tincture of opium, in Ma dcira wine, stopped these symptoms. " The fever which prevailed on board the Ganges, was not confined to the sailors; it extended to the officers. Mr. George Aiicot and Mr. William Carter had it. This last had three dif- ferent attacks of the fever, and every time he used the cold affu- sion. I have not the least doubt that he was saved by it, and that nothing else would have saved him. In the absence of the sur- geon of the St. George, I was sent for on board- that ship, to attend Mr. Yule. As usual, I prescribed the cold affusion, and with, the usual happy effects. Captain Lobb, who now commands ihe Isis, a man of superior talents in his profession, then com- manded the St. George, lie was much pleased with the prac- tiee, and mentioned that he had known one surgeon of the navy before, who had adopted it, and with the greatest success. " If you ask whether this was the yellow fever of the West Indies, I would answer that it was, though under the practice I have described, the yellow tinge of the skin seldom appeared. By whatever name it may go, it was no doubt the same lever that spread such destruction through our naval and military ser vice in the West Indies last war. I did not consider it as con- tagious. There was little chilliness perceptible in this fever— the remissions, if any, were very indistinct. The patients com- plained of a burning heat, almost from the first. " While wc lay at Port Royal, a merchantman came down from Kingston, and our purser, Mr. John Allcot, went on board pf her to buy some coals. When he returned, he informed ine that almost all her men were down in fever, and entreated me to go to their assistance. I found that she hud already lost in ibis fever ten of her seamen and two mates ; four men were then dangerously ill of it. They were in a very dirty state ; the symptoms were, a hot burning skin, flushed face, red suffusion of the eyes, rapid pulse, anxiety, restlessness, and delirium. 1 immediately put in practice the cold affusion with them all, and with immediate and striking benefit; I directed it to be repeated from time to time, as the heat might require it I also sent each of them a dose of calomel and antimonial powder, to be taken next morning. The master of the ship, who had been himself ill of this fever, and with difficulty recovered, was wonderfully struck with this bold practice, and with its obvious good effects. The next day his steward being taken ill of the fever, he him- self put him under the cold affusion, and sent to me for the medicine the others had taken. I visited the ship in the even- ing, and found the steward quite cool and coiniortable, and so far recovered from his alarm, which had been great, that he said APPENDIX. 447 toe would attend his duty next day. All the others were doing well. " Fronj the extraordinary- success of my practice, I considered it as a duty incumbent on me to publish an account of it, and I accordingly sent one to the Kingston Diaiy, of July the 25th, 1802, referring to your book, as the authority from which it was derived. Of this I have already sent you a copy. I hope, but am not sure, that it was published, as 1 sailed immediately after sending it. I also made my success known to all my medical friends. I imagine the practice is scarcely known at Kingston, as a medical man of considerable reputation there, wondered at my temerity, and was astonished at my success. The second battalion of the 60th regiment, stationed at Upper Park camp, lost a number of men from fever ; they were treated by mercu- ry. On mentioning the success of my practice with the cold affusion to the surgeon, he regretted the want of a liberal supply of water, to put it in practice, the regiment being supplied by ■contract from Rock-port, some miles off. On my passage home in his Majesty's ship the Decade, the cold affusion was tried in all the fever cases that occurred, and with similar success to what I have already mentioned. " In a short time, it will, I think, have as many advocates as the .cow-pox. " I am, Sir, " Your very obedient and faithful servant, (Signed) « L. F. NAGLE." The preceding letter is given entire, on account of the great advantage derived from the use of cold affusions in the fever which occurred on board the Ganges ; the observations, how- ever, relative to venesection, should, perhaps, be received with caution by the practitioner, not only as they appear to be merely- theoretical, but as the remedy has been found by experience remarkably efficacious in diseases of a similar type, by physi- cians of the first respectability in America. t Although not precisely connected with the- subject, we can- not omit to notice one very interesting case, in which an ounce of tincture of opium was swallowed by mistake. After vomiting, the other usual effects were following,but these were almost com- pletely counteracted by the repeated affusion of water, heated to 106° and 108°, over the naked body. It does not belong to this place to decide either on the merit, or on the precise extent of the utility of the practice recom- mended by Dr. Currie. We must, however, exhort every man, who practises physic, to study the work, of which this is a very short analysis,* and in adopting its principles to regard all the rules and cautions it inculcates. * A cheap edition of this work was published in Philadelphia, in 1808. COLD AND WARM BATHING. J. he observations here subjoined relative to the important subject of cold and warm bathing, selected from various respec- table sources, will not be deemed superfluous. Cold baths are those of a temperature varying from the thirty- third to fifty-sixth degree of Fahrenheit's thermometer. The general effects, produced in a healthy person by immersion into an ordinary cold bath (that is, water of the temperature of forty- eight or fifty degrees) are, according to the accurate statement of Dr. Saunders, as follow: '-First, there is a general sensation of cold, forming that sudden shock to the whole system, which is one of the most important effects of the cold bath. This is almost immediately succeeded by an equal universal sense of warmth, which increases rapidly to a certain point, so as to cause the surrounding water, though actually cold, to feel of a comfortable warmth; and this feeling is sooner produced, and continues long- er, in proportion as the person is in full health, and naturally possesses a vigorous circulation. By degrees, however, if tho body continues immersed, it becomes chilled; violent shivering comes on ; the extremities grow numb and pale ; sometimes. sickness takes place; and, at last, the animal powers are ex- hausted by cold and fatigue. lathis process, the most remarka- ble effects are those which occur.first, and are directly conse- quent to the shock of immersion ; and these require particular attention in a medical view, as it is only to the production of these that the cold bathing should be suffered to proceed. " The sensations of returning warmth which take place directly after the cold of the first immersion, constitute what has been called the re-action of the system ; and this is certainly a proper and characteristic term, as it imports an action produced in the body itself, to resist an external impression. Re-action in this place seems to be a peculiar effort of the living power, and to be excited in a degree proportionate to the force of that power, and to the intensity of the cause which called it into action. It im- plies not merely an increase of the production of animal heat, but, superadded to this, a sudden effort within the body, and the whole arterial system, to overcome an impression on the extre. mities as sudden and powerful. Hence it is, that a mere ab- straction of heat, by a cold medium, will not produce that which is precisely meant by re-action, except the external cold be ap- •plied suddenly, and to a large surface. These two conditions are fulfilled by sudden immersion into cold water. The supe- rior power of conducting heat, which water possesses over air, APPENDIX 449 is also a circumstance that is always to be kept in mind in ap- plying cold externally. This is particularly shewn where a per- son continues long in this cold medium beyond the first effects of re-action. On account of the high conducting power of wa- ter, the body must be constantly employed in producing an un- usual quantity of heat; and this appears to be a great effort in the constitution, which, if carried too far, goes directly to destroy the animal powers." Thus three effects are produced by im- mersion in cold water; viz. an instantaneous and powerful shock, a sudden abstraction of heat from the surface of the body, and that exertion of the vital energies to counteract the shock and restore the lost quantity of animal heat, which is termed re-ac- tion. It is easy to perceive, that when the body is placed under such circumstances for a few seconds, a considerable impression must be made, first upon the sentient system, that is, the brain, and its ramifications, the nerves ; and, secondly, upon the san- guiferous and absorbent systems : and that such impression may be rendered subservient to the prevention and cure of various diseases. It contributes in various ways to brace the human body. The relaxed fibres of the skin and the muscles acquire more solidity and compactness from contraction. Their elasti- city is increased, and thus a considerable defect removed. The nerves are stimulated and excited to those powerful exertions, on which the vigour of the body so much depends. Hence the superior advantages of cold bathing over all internal corroborants, its immediate salutary action being on the solids, without the intervention of the organs of digestion and nutrition. It is pe- culiarly adapted to those constitutions which, though robust and apparently healthy, are liable to nervous, hysteric, hypocondri- acal, and paralytic affections, as well as to frequent attacks of flatulency, and consequent indigestion. As cold bathing is a remedy, which is successfully employed for the cure of various disorders, so is it a preservative against others, and particularly against febrile infection. When used by persons in health, it increases the tone of the muscular fibre, strengthens the diges- tive organs, and by diminishing the sensibility of the whole sys- tem, and particularly of the skin, renders the body less suscep- tible of atmospheric impressions from cold, wet, and sudden changes of temperature ; thus contributing to the production of what is termed a robust or athletic constitution. The duration of every cold bath applied to the whole body ought to be short; for its efficacy depends upon the sudden impression of the cold upon the skin and nerves. Much mischief is frequently done by staying in too long. It is a vulgar error, that it is safer to enter the water when the body is cool, and that persons heated by- exercise and beginning to perspire, should wait till they are perfectly cooled. Thus plunging into it in this state they expe- rience a sudden chillness that is alarming and dangerous. In such cases, the injury is generally imputed to going into the tvater to° warm, whereas in truth it arises from going in too 45ft APPENDIX cool. To use the cold bath without danger, and, on the contrary, with great advantage, is to dip into the water when the heat of the body has been a little increased by exercise. In this way only is the plunge productive of a shock, without which not tbc smallest benefit arises from cold bathing. Healthy persons may continue in it much longer than valetudinarians; and both will be influenced by the temperature of the air, so that in summer they can enjoy it for an hour, when in spring or autumn, one or two minutes may be sufficient. The head should first come in contact with the water, either by immersion, pouring water upon it, or by the application of a wet cloth, and then diving head fore- most into the water. The immersion ought to be sudden, that the first impression may be uniform all over the body ; a con- trary method would be dangerous; as it might propel the blood from the lower to the upper parts of the body, and thus occasion a fit of apoplexy. The best place for cold bathing is in the in- vigorating water of the sea, or a clear river. The morning or forenoon is the most proper time, either when the stomach is empty, or two hours after a light breakfast. While in water the person ought to move about, in order to promote the circulation of the blood from the inner parts of the body to the cxtrcmitic:-. After immersion the whole body ought to be rubbed dry as quick as possible, with a dry and somewhat rough cloth. Moderate exercise out of doors if convenient is adviscable, and indeed ne- cessary after bathing. If after going into the cold bath a glow- ing warmth pervade the whole body, we are assured of its sa- lutary effects, but if the patient feel dull or chilly, or complain of headach or tightness across the chest, it is a proof that it dis- agrees, and it should accordingly be discontinued. A temperate bath (i. e. from 70° to 85? or more) is applicable to the same cases as the cold bath, and may be used in the same manner. It is preferable in many cases where the shock of the ordinary cold bath is too great. It should be remarked, that this powerful remedy is not suited to those, who have a tendency to consump- tion, nor to such as are constitutionally liable to bowel com- plaints. It should also be prohibited in cases of general pletho- ra, or full habit of body ; in haemorrhagies, and in every kind of inflammation; in constipations, in diseases of the breast, diffi- cult breathing, short and dry coughs, 8cc.; in an acrimonious or sharp state of the fluids, bad colour of the face, difficult healing of the flesh, and the scurvy, properly so called ; in fits of the gout; in cutaneous diseases, and in a state of pregnancy. Where persons cannot resort to the sea or a river the most eligible method is by the shower bath, a proper apparatus for which is to be had at the tin shops ; or water may be poured from a common water pot over the head and shoulders, while the person sits upon a stool, placed in a large tub ; by this method conside- rable benefit is derived from the gravity as well as the tonic power of the water. The head and breast are secured from danger by- receiving the first shock, and the water is quickly transmitted APPENDIX. 451 over the whole body. The temperature of the water too may be more easily modified and adapted to the circumstances of the patient. For these and other reasons the shower bath possesses advantages superior to all others. The cold bath is highly useful to preserve children from the bowel complaints, which prevail in the summer throughout the United States, and in cases of rickets it is eminently beneficial. The warm or tepid bath is about the same temperature with the blood, between ninety-six and ninety-eight degrees of Fahren- heit's thermometer. Warm bathing is a remedy not less effica- cious than the former in diseases of an opposite nature ; but con- cerning the operation of which, wrong notions have till very lately been entertained by the generality of medical writers and me- dical practitioners. It has been imagined that the warm bath relaxes and weakens, whereas it produces a contrary effect ; un- less indeed the temperature be so high, or the time of immersion continued so long, as to bring on that degree of debility, which is accompanied with deliquium. But this arises only from an abuse of hot bathing, and is even then the consequence of an ex- cess of stimulation. So far is immersion of the body in water, heated to ninety-six, from having a lowering or weakening ope- ration, that when duly regulated, it is found to raise the spirits, to mend the pulse and appetite, and to refresh and invigorate the whole frame. Hence the benefit derived from it after great fa- tigue ; in old age ; in atonic gout, accompanied with stiffness and pallid swellings of the joints ; in paralysis; in chlorosis; in diseases arising from a certain torpor of the lymphatic and glan- dular system; such as scrofula, leprous and other chronic erup- tions, &c. In cases of predisposition to phthisis, it abates the frequency of the pulse, and tends to retard at least, if it does not wholly prevent, the pulmonary affection. In consequence of its soothing and agreeable impression upon the surface of the body, it produces very beneficial effects in certain disordered states of the alimentary canal, originating in diminished action ; and it affords the best and speediest relief in a great variety of painful disorders, whether connected with local inflammation or not j such as chronic rheumatism, certain forms of lues venerea, neph- ritis, calculus vesicae, colic, enteritis, See. Dr. Charleton, of Bath in England, asserts that, of nine hundred, and ninety-six paraly- tics, most of whom had resisted the powers of medicine, eight hundred and thirteen were benefited by the proper application of the warm bath. The time of immersion should be varied accord- ing to the temperature of the water, and the feelings of the pa- tient. In a bath of ninety-six, a person may remain fifteen, twenty, or thirty minutes, or even longer ; but in one of ninety-eight or one hundred, it will seldom be proper, and indeed there are few persons that can bear to remain beyond len mhmtes, and in the generality of cases not so long, patients labouring under chro- nic rheumatism and palsy, bear the hign degree of temperature best. When sweating is desired the warm bath should be used 45J APPENDIX in an evening, and the patient should immediately afterwards be put into a warm bed, and remain there until late the next morn' ing : but in all other cases, the best time for using the w arm bath will be in the forenoon, about two hours after breakfast. In these cases the bathers should not retire to bed, nor confine themselves within doors, but go about as usual ; unless the weather should be particularly damp or inclement. Hot bathing, like cold bath- ing, is applied topically by pumping on the diseased part. Some- times steam is applied to the body instead of warm water. The warm bath is of very great utility- to such individuals as are troub- led with a parched and rough skin ; in this and in most other cases a free use of friction with a flannel clwth, while in the wa- ter, will prove extremely beneficial. The celebrated count Rum ford h: Fimpinelfa anisum. too lAHLEOI' AXCIL.M N.VM1.S. Antimonium. praeporatum. tartarizatum. Aqua acris fixi. ammoniae. causticae. cassiaeligneae. cinnamomi simplex. spirituosa. ferri aerati. fortis. kali praeparati. puri. > lixivia caustica. $ pimentae. pulegii. rosai*um. styptica. Argentum vivum. purificatum. Arnica. Arsenicum. > album. 5 Assa fostida. Aurantium hispalense. Avena. Axungia porcina. Balsamum anodynum. canadense. copaibae. gileadense. peruvianum. saponaceum. sulphuris. tolutanum. traumaticum. Bardana. Barilla. Barytes. muriatus. Belladonna. Benzoinum. SYSTEM A IIC .\ VMK.S. Sulphuretum antimonii. praepa ratum. Tartris antimonii. Aqua acidi carbonici. carbonatis ammoniae- annnonix. lauri cassias. cinnamomi. Spiritus lauri cinnamomi. Aqua super-carbonatis ferri. Acidum nitrosum. Aqua carbonatis potassae. potassae. myrti pimentae. menthae pulegii. rosae damascenae. Solutio sulphatis cupri conipo. sita. Hydrargyria. purificatus. Arnica montana. Oxidum arsenici. Gummi-resina ferulae assae foe- tid ae. Citrus aurantium. Avena sativa. Adeps suis scrofae. Tinctura saponis et opii. Resina liquida pini balsameae. Resina liquida copaiferae offi- cinalis. Resina liquida amyridis gilea- densis. Balsamum lnyroxyli peruiferi Tinctura sapo.iis. Oleum sulphuratum. Balsumum toluiferae balsami. Tinctura benzoin composita. Arctium lappa. Carbonas sodae impurus. baryta. Murias baryt.c. Atropa belladonna. Balsamum styracii benzoin ANCIENT NAMES. 4«1 ANCIENT NAMES. Bistorta. Borax. Butyrum antimonii Cajeputa. Calamus aromaticus. Calomelanos. Calomelas. Calx hydrargyri alba. viva. Camphora. Cancrorum oculi. > lapilli. 5 Cantharis. Cardamomum minus. Carduus benedictus. Carica. Caryophyllus aromaticus. Carvi. Cascarilia. Cassia. Catechu. Causticum commune acerri- } mitius lunare. Centaurium minus. Ceratum epuloticum. lapidis calaminaris turneri. Cerussa. Chamacmelum. Cicuta. Cineres clavellati. Cinnabaris factitia. Cinnamomum. Coccinella. Cochlearia. Colchicum. Colcothar vitrioli. Colocynthis. Confectio cardiaca. Confectio japonica. Conserva corticis aurantii. rosarum. Contrayerva. 57 SYSTEMATIC NAMES. Polygonum bistorta. Sub-boras sodae. Murias antimonii. Melaleuca leucadendrbn. Acorus calamus. Sub-murias' hydrargyri. Sub-murias hydrargyri et am- moniae. Calx. Laurus camphora. Carbonas calcis durior Meloe vesicatorius. Amomum re pens. Centaurea benedicta. Fructus ficus caricse. Eugenia c.ryophyllata. Carum carui. Croton eleutheria. Laurus cassia. Extractum mimosas catechu. Potassa. Potassa cum calce. Nitras argenti. Chironia centaurium. Ceratum carbonatis zinci im- puri. Oxidum plumbi album. Anthemis nobilis. Conium maculatum. Carbonas potassae impurus. Sulphuretum hydrargyri ru-i brum. Laurus cinnamomum. Coccus cacti. Cochlearia officinalis. Colchicum autumnale. Oxidum ferri rubrum. Cucumis colocynthis. Electuarium aromaticum. catechu. Conserva citri aurantii. rosae damascenae. Dorstenia contrajerva. «£ TABLE 01 ANCIENT NAMES. Cornu ccrvi. ustum. Coriandrum. Cortex peruvianus. Cremor tartari. Creta alba. praeparata. Crocus antimonii. anglicUs. martis. metallorum. Crystalli tartari. Cuminum. Cuprum ammoniacum. vitriolatum. Curcuma. Cynosbatus. Daucus sylvestris. Decoctum lignorum. Dens leonis. Digitalis. Dolichos. Dulcamara. Elaterium. Electuarium lenitivum. thebaicum. Eleutheria. Elixir asthmaticum. camphorae. paregoricum. proprietatis. sacrum. salutis. stomachic um. vitrioli. l.mplastrum adhesivum. antihystericum. cantharidum. ' cercum. ccrussx. coeruleum. SYSTEMATIC NAMES Cornu cervi claphi. Phosphas calcis impurus. Coriandrum sativum. Cortex cinchonx officinalis. Super-tartris potassx. Carbonas calcis mollior. praeparatus. Oxidum antimonii cum sul- phure per nitratem potassx. Crocus sativus. Oxidum ferri rubrum. antimonii cum sul- phure per nitratem potassx. Super-tartris potassx. Cuminum cyminum. Ammoniaretum cupri. Sulphas cupri. Curcuma longa. Rosa canina. Daucus carota. Decoctum guajaci composi- tum. Leontodon taraxacum. Digitalis purpurea. Dolichos pruriens. Solanum dulcamara. Succus spissatus momordicsc elaterii. Electuarium cassix sennx. opiatum. Croton eleutheria. Tinctura opii camphorata. camphorae. opii camphorata. aloes et myrrh x. rhei et aloes. sennx composita. gentianx composita. Acidum sulphuricum aromati- cum. Emplastrum resinosum. assx foetidx. meloes vesicato- rii. simplex. oxidi plumbi albi. hydrargyri. ANCIENT NAMES. 463 ANCIENT NAMES. Emplastrum commune. cum gummis. diachyli. epispasticum. mercuriale. picis burgundicx. roborans. vesicatorium. Emulsio communis. Ens veneris. Enula campana. Essentia antimonialis. Extractum capitum papaveris albi. cicutx. chamxmeli. jalapx. ligni campechensis. nucis butyraccx. sennx. Ferri rubigo. squamx. purificatx. Ferrum ammoniacale. Filix mas. Flores benzoini. martiales. zinci. Foeniculum dulce. Galbanum. Gentiana. Geoffrxa. Glycirrhiza. Gratiola. Guaiacum. Gummi arabicum. SYSTEMATIC NAMES. Emplastrum oxidi plumbi se- mivitrei. gummosum. oxidi plumbi se- mivitrei. meloes vesicato- rii. hydrargyri. resinosum com- positum. oxidi ferri rubri. meloes vesicato- rii. Emulsio amygdali communis. Murias ammonix et ferri. Inula helenium. Vinum tartritis antimonii. Extractum papaveris somniferi. Succus spissatus conii maculati. Extractum anthemidis nobilis. convolvuli jalapx. hxmatoxyli campe- chensis. juglandis cinerex cassix sennx. Carbonas ferri. Oxidum ferri nigrum. Oxidum ferri nigrum purifica- tum. Murias ammonix et ferri. Polypodium filix mas. Acidum benzoicum. Murias ammonix et ferri. Oxidum zinci. Anethum fceniculum. Bubon galbanum. Gentiana lutea. Geoffrxa inermis. Glycirrhiza glabra. Gratiola officinalis. Guajacum officinale. Gummi mimosx niloticx. Helleboraster. Helleborus fcetidus. 46* TABLE OF AXC I EST NAMES. Helleborus albus. He par sulphuris. Hippocastanum. Hordeum. Hydrargyrus muriatus corro- sivus. mitis. Hyoscyamus. Hyssopus. Infusum amarum. japonicum. Iris. Jalapa. Kali purum. prxparatom. Lac ammoniaci. Lactuca. Lapis calaminaris. infernalis. septicus. Laudanum liquidum. Lavandula. Lignum campechensc Limon. Linimentum saponaceum. volatile. Liquor alkali vegetabilis mitis- simi. Linum. Lithargyrus. auri. Lixivium causticum. Lupulus. Magnesia. alba. calcinata. usta. < vitriolata. Majorana. Malva. Manna. Marmor album. Mars. SYSTtMVriC NAMES. Veratrum album. Sulphuretum potassae. jEsculus hippocastanum. Hordeum distichon. Murias hydrargyri. Sub-murias hydrargyri. IIvom vamus niger. Ih ^sopus officinalis. I nfusum gentian ae compositum. mimosas catechu. Iris pseudacorus. Convolvulus jalapa. Potassa. Carbonas potassx. Emulsio ammoniaci. Lactuca sativa. Carbonas zinci impurus. Potassa. Tinctura opii. Lavandula spica. Hxmatoxylum campechianum. Citrus medica. Tinctura saponis. Oleum ammoniatum. Aquasuper-carbonatis potassae. Linum usitatissimum. Oxidum plumbi semivitreum. Aqua potassx. Humulus lupulus. Carbonas magnesix. Magnesia. Sulphas magnesix. Origanum majorana. Malva sylvestris. Succus concretu^fraxini onu. Carbonas calcis durior. Ferrum. ANCIENT NAMES. 465 ANCIENT NAMES. Marrubium. Mastiche. Melampodium. Melissa. Mentha piperitis. sativa. Mercurius. calcinatus. corrosivus sublima- dulcis. [tus. emeticus flavus. prxcipitatus albus. ruber. Mezereum. Minium. Mucilago arabici gummi. Muria. SYSTEMATIC NAMES. Marrubium vulgare. Pistacia lentiscus. Flelleborus niger. Melissa officinalis. Mentha piperita. viridis. Hydrargyrus. Oxidum hydrargyri cinereum. Murias hydrargyri. Sub-murias hydrargyri. Sub-sulphas hydrargyri flavus. Sub-murias hydrargyri et am- monix. Oxidum hydrargyri rubrum per acidum nitricum. Daphne mezereum. Oxidum plumbi rubrum. Mucilago mimosx niloticx. Murias sodx. Natron prxparatum. Nicotiana. Nitrum. Nux moschata. Carbonas sodx. Nicotiana tabacum. Nitras potassx. Nucleus fructus myristicae moschatx. Oculi cancrorum. Olea essentialia. Olibanum. Oliva. Oleum essentiale juniperi. succini rectificatum. tartari per deliquium. terebinthinx. rectificatum. yitrioli. Petroleum barbadense. Petroselinum. Pilulx coccix. cupri. fcetidx. mercuriales. rufi. saponacex. stomachics. Carbonas calcis durior. Olea volatilia. Gummi resina juniperi lycix. Olea europxa. Oleum volatile juniperi com- munis. succini purissimum. Aqua carbonatis potassx. Oleum volatile pini laricis. purissimum. Acidum sulphuricum. Bitumen petroleum. Apium petroselinum. Pilulx aloes et colocynthidis. ammoniareti cupri. assx fcetidx compositx. hydrargyri. aloes et myrrh x. aloetic x. rhei compositx. 466 TABLE OF ANCIENT NAMES SYSTEMATIC NAMES. Pilulx thebaicx. Pilul.v opiatx. Pimento. Myrtus piincnta. Piper indicum. Capsicum annuum. jamaicense Myrtus pimenta. Pix burgundica. Resina sponte concreta pini-abietis. Pix liquida. Resina cmpyrcuinatica pini sylvestris. Prunus gallica. Prunus domestica. Potio cretacea. Mistura carbonatis calcis. Pulegium. Mentha pulegium. Pulvis antimonialis. Oxidum antimonii cum phos- phate calcis. aromaticus. Pulvis cinnamomi compositus. asarabaccx. asari compositus. cretaceus. carbonatis calcis compo- situs. doveri. ipecacuanhx et opii. stypticus helvetii. super-sulphutis aluminx et potassx compositus. Pyrcthrum. Anthemis pyrethrum. Quassia. Quassia cxcclsa. Quercus. Quercus robur. Raphanus rusticanus. Cochlearia armoracia. Resina alba. Resina pini. Rhabarbarum.} Rheum. 5 Rheum palmatum. Rhododendron. Rhododendron crysanthum. Ricinus. Ricinus communis. Rob sambuci. Succus spissatu ssambuci nigrx Rosa centifolia. } pallida. 5 Rosa damasccna. rubra. gallica. Rosmarinus. Rosmarinus officinalis. Rubia. Rubia tinctorum. Rubigo ferri. Carbonas ferri. Ruta. f Ruta graveolens- Sabina. Saccharum saturni. Sal absynthii. alkalinus fixus fossilis puri- ficatus. alkalinus fixus vegetabilis purificatus. ammoniac us. Juniperus sabina. Acetis plumbi. Carbonas potassx pumsimu sodx. Carbonas potassx. Murias ammoniax. ANCIENT NAMES. 467 ANCIENT NAMES. Sal catharticus amarus. cornu cervi. diureticus. epsomiensis. marinus. martis. glauberi. nitri. polychrestus. rupellensis. succini. tartari. vitrioli. volatile salis ammoniaci. Salvia. Sambucus. Sanguis draconis. Santalum rubrum. Santonicum. Sapo albus hispanus. Sarsaparilla. Sassafras. Saturnus. Scammonium. Scilla. Sel de seignette. Seneka. Senna. Serpentaria virginiana. Sevum ovillum. Simarouba. Sinapi album. Soda. muriata. Solanum lethale. Solutio terrx ponderosx salitx. Species aromaticx. Spermaceti. Spigelia. •Spina cervina. Spiritus ammonix. ammonix aromaticus. foetidus. carvi. cinnamomi. SYSTEMATIC NAMES. Sulphas magnesix. j Carbonas ammonix. Acetis potassx. Sulphas magnesix. Murias sodx. Sulphas ferri. sodx. Nitras potassx. Sulphas potassx cum sulphure. Tartris potassx et sodx. Acidum succinicum. Carbonas potassx purissimus. Sulphas zinci. Carbonas ammonix. Salvia officinalis. Sambucus nigra. Resina pterocarpi dracontis. ' Lignum pterocarpi santalini. Artemisia santonica. Sapo. Smilax sarsaparilla. Laurus sassafras. Plumbum. Gummi-resinaconvolvuli scam- monix. Scilla maritima. Tartris potassx et sodx. Polygala senega. Cassia senna. Aristolochia serpentaria. Adeps ovis arietis. Quassia simaruba. Sinapis alba. Carbonas sodx. Murias sodx. Atropa belladonna. Solutio muriatis barytx. Pulvis cinnamomi compositus. Sevum physeteris macroce- phali. Spigelia marilandica. Rhamnus catharticus. Alcohol ammoniatum. ammoniatum aromati- cum. foetidum. Spiritus cari carui. lauri cirmamomi. 468 TABLE 0» ANCIENT NAMES. SYSTEMATIC NAMES Spiritus cornu cervi. mindereri. nucis moschatx. nitri dulcis. fortis. pimentx. salis marini. salis ammoniaci. vinosus. vinosus camphoratus. vinosus rectificutus. tenuior. vitrioli dulcis. vitrioli fortis. tenuis. Spongia. Staphisagria. Stibium. Stramonium. Styrax. Succi ad scorbuticos. Sulphur antimonii prxcipita- tum vel auratum. Sulphuris flores. Syrupus balsami tolutani. corticis aurantii. ex althxa. limonum. papaveris albi. rosx solutivus. spins cervinx. zingiberis. Tamarindus. Tanacet um. Tartarum regeneratum. solubile. vitriolatum. Tartarus emeticus. crudus. purificatus. Terebintluna veneta.- Terra japonica. ponderosa. . vitriolata. Aqua carbonatis ammonix Aqua ace this ammonix. Spiritus myristicx moschatx xtheris nitrosi. Acidum nitricum. Spiritus myrti pimentx. Acidum muriaticum. Aqua carbonatis ammonix. Alcohol ammoniatum. Tinctura camphorx- Alcohol. dilutum. .Ether sulphuricus cum alco- hole. Acidum sulphuricum. dilutum Spongia officinalis. Delphinium staphisagria. Sulphuretum antimonii. Datura stramonium. Styrax officinalis. Succus cochlearix officinalis compositus. Sulphuretum antimonii pr*ci- pitatum. Sulphur sublimatum. Syrupus toluiferx balsami. citri aurantii. althxx officinalis. citri medicx. papaveris somniferi. rosx damascenx. rhamni cathartici. amomi zingiberis. Tamarindus indica. Tanacetum vulgarc. Acetis potassx. Tartris potassx. Sulphas potassx. Tartris antimonii. Super-tartris potassx impurus. Super-tartris potassx. Resina liquida pini laricis. Extractum mimosx catechu. Carbonas barytx. Sulphas barytx. ANCD2NT NAMES. 469 ANCIENT NAMES. SYSTEMATIC NAMES. Tinctura alexipharmica. Tinctura cinchonx composita; amara. gentianx composita. aromatica. lauri cinnamomi com- posita. balsami tolutani. toluiferx balsami. cantharidum. meloes vesicatorii. cardamomi. amomi repentis. cascarillx. eleutherix. cinnamomi. lauri cinnamomi. corticis pcruviani. cinchonx officinalis. com- composita. posita. ferri. muriatis ferri. foetida. ferulx assx fcetidx. guaiaci volatilis. guajaci ammoniata. hellebori albi. veratri albi. ipecacuanhx. Vinum ipecacuanhx. jalapx. Tinctura convolvuli jalapx. japonica. mimosx catechu. martis. muriatis ammonix et ferri. salita. muriatis ferri. rhei. rhei palmati. amara. ».- et gentianx. sacra. Vinum aloe s 'Socororinx. serpentarix. Tinctura aristolochix serpen- tarix. thebaica. opii. Tormentilla. Tormentilla erecta. Toxicodendron. Rhus toxicodendron. Tragacantha. Gummi astragali tragacanthx. Trifolium palustre. Menyanthes trifoliata. Triticum. Triticum xstivum. Trochisci cretx. Trochisci carbonatis calcis. glycirrhizx compo- glycirrhizx cum siti. • opio. Turpethum minerale. Sub-sulphas hydrargyri flavus. Tussilago. Tussilago farfara. Tutia. Oxidum zinci impurum. prxparata. prx- paratum. Unguentum xruginis. Unguentum sub-acetitis cupri. album. > e cerussa. 5 oxidi plumbi albi. cceruleum. hydrargyri. basilici flavi. resinosum. 470 TABLE OF, kc. ANCIENT NAMES. SYSTEMATIC NAMES. Unguentum calcis hydrargyri albi. citrinum. epispasticum for- mitius. e mercurio prxci- tius. pitato. mercuriale fortius. mitius. oxygenatum. saturninum. tutix. Unguentum zinci. Uva passa. ursi. Valeriana sylvestris. Vinum amarum. antimoniale. chalybeatum. Viola. Vitriolum album. coeruleum romanum viride. Vitrum antimonii. I ceratum. Zedoaria. Zincum vitriolatum. Zingiber. Unguentum sub-muriatis hy- drargyri et ammonix. nitratis hydrar- gyri. pulveris meloes vesicatorii. infusi meloes ve- sicatorii. sub-muriatis hy- drargyri et ammonix. hydrargyri. mitius. acidi nitrosi. acetitis plumbi. oxidi zinci im- puri. Unguentum oxidi zinci. Fructus siccatus vitis viniferi. Arbutus uva ursi. Valeriana officinalis. Vinum gentianx compositum tartritis antimonii. ferri. Viola odorata. Sulphas zinci. cupri. ferri. Oxidum antimonii cum sul- phure vitrificatum. Oxidum antimonii vitrificatum cum cera. Amomum zedoaria. Sulphas zinci. Amomum zingiber. Note. This table is designed to present the names, in u^r among us only. V/e have not inserted those, adopted some years ago by the London and Edinburgh colleges, because the greater part of them have never been employed by our physi- cians. TABLE OF SYTEMATIC NAMES USED IN THE MASSACHUSETTS PHARMACOPOEIA WITH THEIR SYNONIMES IN THE ANCIENT NOMENCLATURE. SYSTEMATIC NAMES. Acetis plumbi. potassx. Acetum scillx maritimx. Acidum acetosum. destillatum benzoicum. muriaticum. nitricum. nitrosum. succinicum. sulphuricum. sulphuricum aromati- cum. dilutum. Aconitum neomontanum. Acorus calamus. jEsculus hippocastanum. vEther sulphuricus. cum alco- hole. Alcohol. ANCIENT NAMES. Saccharum saturni. C Tartarum regeneratum. I Sal diureticus. Acetum scilliticum. vini. distillatum. Flores benzoini. Spiritus salis marini. nitri fortis. Aqua fortis. Sal succini. f Acidum vitriolicum. < Oleum vitrioli. ^Spiritus vitrioli fortis. Elixir vitrioli. Spiritus vitrioli tenuis. Aconitum. Calamus aromaticus. Hippocastanum. .Ether vitrioli. C Spiritus xtheris vitriolici. ammoniatum. aromati- i i vitrioli dulcis. vinosus rectificatus. ammonix. salis ammoniaci vino- aromati- foetidum. dilutum. Aloe perfoliata. Althxa officinalis. Ammoniaretum cupri. Amomum repens. zedoaria. zingiber. Amygdalus communis. foetidus. vinosus tenuior. Aloe. Althxa. Cuprum ammoniacum. Cardamomum minus. Zedoaria. Zingiber. Amygdala dulcis. TABLE OF SYSTEMATIC NAMES. Amyridis gileadeneis resina li- quida. Anethum fceniculum. Anethum graveolens. Angelica archangelica. Anthemis nobilis. pyrethrum. Apium petroselinum. Aqua acetitis ammonix. acidi carbonici. ammonix. carbonatis ammonix. carbonatis potassx. super-carbonatis ferri. lauri cassix. cinnamomi. menthx pulegii. myrti pimentx. potassx. rosx damascenx. super-carbonatis potassx Arbutus uva ursi. Arctium lappa. Aristolochia serpentaria. Arnica montana. Artemisia abrotanum. absinthium. santonica. Astragali tragacanthx gummi. Atropa belladonna. Avena sativa. ANCIENT NAMES Balsamum gilcadensc. Fceniculum dulce. Anethum. Angelica. Chamccmelnm. Pyrethrum. Petroselinum. Spiritus mindereri. Aqua aeris fixi. ammonix causticx. f ammonix. < Spiritus cornu cervi. (^ salis ammoniaci. C Aqua kali prxparati. I Oleum tartari per dcliquiuin Aqua ferri aerati. cassix lignex- cinnamomi simplex. pulegii. pimentx. f Lixivium causticum. < Aqua lixivia caustica. (^ kali puri. rosarum. Liquor alkali vegetabilis mitis- simi. Uva ursi. Bardana. Serpentaria virginiana. Arnica. Abrotanum. Absinthium. Santonicum. Tragacantha. C Belladonna. I Solanum lethale. Avena. Bitumen petroleum. Bubon galbanum. Calx. Capsicum annuum- Carbonas ammonix. Petroleum barbadense. Galbanum. Calx viva. Piper indicum. Ammonia. Sal cornu cervi. volatile salis ammoniaci! Alkali volatile. SYSTEMATIC NAMES. 473 SYSTEMATIC NAMES. Carbonas barytx. calcis mollior. durior. prxparatus. ferri. magnesx. potassx. impurus. purissimus. sodx. impurus. finci impurus. prxpa ratus. Carum carui. Cassia senna. Centaurea benedicta. Ceratum carbonatis zinci im puri. Cervi elaphi cornu. Chironia centaurium. Cinchonx officinalis cortex. Citrus aurantium. Citrus medica. Coccus cacti. Cochlearia armoracia. officinalis. Colchicum autumnale. Conium maculatum. Conserva citri aurantii. rosx gallicx. Convolvuli scammonix gummi resina. Convolvulus jalapa. Copaiferx officinalis resina li- quida. ANCIENT NAMES. C Barytes. £ Terra ponderosa. Creta alba. C Marmor album. I Cancrorum oculi vel lapilli. Creta prxparata. { Rubigo ferri. I ^Ethiops martialis. C Magnesia. I alba. f Sal alkalinus fixus vegetabilis -s purificatus. (. Kali prxparatum. 5 Alkali fixum vegitabile. I Cineres clavellati. £ Sal tartari. C absynthii. ("Natron prxparatum. J Soda. j Sal alkalinus fixus fossilis puri- ty ficatus. 5 Barilla. £ Alkali fixum fossile. Lapis calaminaris. prxparatus. { Carvi. Senna. Carduus benedictus. Ceratum epuloticum. lapidis calaminaris turneri. Cornu cervi. Centaurium minus. Cortex peruvianus. Aurantium hispalense. Limon. Coccinella. Raphanus rusticanus. Cochlearia. Colchicum. Cicuta. Conserva corticis aurantii. rosarum. Scammonium. Jalapa. Balsamum copaibx. 474 TABLE OF SYSTEMATIC NAMES. Coriandrum sativum Crocus sativus. Croton eleutheria. Cucumis colocynthis. Cuminum cyminum. Curcuma longa. Daphne mezereum. Datura stramonium. Daucus carota. Decoctum guajaci compositum. Delphinium staphisagria. Digitalis purpurea. Dolichos pruriens. Dorstenia contrajerva. Electuarium aromaticum. cassix sennx. catechu. opiatum. Emplastrum assx fcetidx. hydrargyri. resinosum. resinosum compo- situm. gummosum. meloes vesicatorii oxidi ferri rubri. oxidi plumbi albi. semi- vitrei. simplex. Emulsio ammoniaci. amygdali communis. Eugenia caryophyllata. Extractum anthemidis nobilis. cassix sennx. convolvuli jalapx. hxmatoxyli campe- chensis. juglandis cinerex. papaveris somni- feri. { ANCIENT NAMES Coriandrum. Crocus anglicus. I Cascarilia. [ Eleutheria. Colocynthis. Cuminum. Curcuma. Mezereum. Stramonium. Daucus sylvestris. Decoctum ligi.orunx Staphisagria. Digitalis. Dolichos. Contraycrva. Confectio cardiaca. Electuarium lenitivum. Confectio japonica. Electuarium thebaicum. Emplastrum antihystericum. mercuriale. 1 cceruleum. adhesivum. picis burgundicx. commune cum gummis. epispasticum. cantharidum. vesicatorium. roborans. cerussx. commune. diachyli. cereum. Lac ammoniaci. Emulsio communis. Caryophyllus aromaticus. Extractum chamxmeli. sennx. jalapx. ligni campechensis. albi. nucis butyraccx. capitum papaveri- SYSTEMATIC NAMES. 475 SYSTEMATIC NAMES. Ferri oxidum nigrum purifica- tum. Ferrum. Ferulx assx fcetidx gummi- resina. Ficus caricx fructus. Fraxini orni succus concretus Gentiana lutea. Geoffrxa inermis. Glycirrhiza glabra. Gratiola officinalis. Guajacum officinale. Hxmatoxylum campechianum Helleborus fcetidus. niger. Hordeum distichon. Humulus lupulus. Hydrargyrus. purificatus. Hyoscyamus niger. Hyssopus officinalis. Infusum gentianx compositum, mimosx catechu. Inula helenium. Iris pseudacorus. Juniperi lycix gummi-resina. Juniperus sabina. Lactuca sativa. Laurus camphora. cassia. cinnamomum. sassafras. Lavandula spica. Leontodon taraxacum. Linum usitatissimum. Magnesia. Malva sylvestris. Marrubium vulgare. Melaleuca leucadendron. Melissa officinalis. ANCIENT NAMES. Ferri squamx purificatx. Mars. Assa foetida. Carica. Manna. Gentiana. Geoffrxa. Glycirrhiza. Gratiola. Guaiacum. Lignum campechense. Helleboraster. Melampodium. Hordeum. Lupulus. Argentum vivum. Mercurius. Argentum vivum purificatum. Hyoscyamus. Hyssopus. Infusum amarum. japonicum. Enula campana. Iris. Olibanum. Sabina. Lactuca. Camphora. Cassia. Cinnamomum. Sassafras. Lavandula. Dens leonis. Linum. Magnesia calcinata. usta. Malva. Marrubium. Cajeputa. Melissa. 47«> TABLL Of SYSTEMATIC NAMES. Meloe vesicatorius. Mentha piperita pulegium. viridis. Menyanthes trifoliata. Mimosx catechu extractum. niloticx gummi. niloticx mucilago. Mistura carbonatis calcis. Momordicx elaterii succus spissatus. Murias ammonix. ammonix et ferri. antimonii. barytx. hydrargyri. sodx. Myristicx moschatx nucleus fructus. Myroxyli peruiferi balsamum. Myrtus pimenta. Nicotiana tabacum. Nitras argenti. potassx. Olea europxa. volatilia. Oleum ammoniatum. succini purissimum. sulphuratum. volatile pini laricis. purissi- mum. juniperi com- munis. Origanum majorana. Ovis arietis adeps. ANCIENT NAMES- Cantharis. Mentha piperitis. Pulegium. Mentha saliva. Trifolium palustre. Catechu. Terra japonica. Gummi arabicum. Mucilago arabici gummi Potio cretacea. Elaterium. Sal ammoniacus. Ammonia muriata. Ferrum ammoniacale. Flores martialcs. Ens veneris. Butyrum antimonii. Barytes muriatus. {Hydrargyrus muriatus corro- sivus. Mercurius corrosivus sublima- tus. Muria. Sal marinus. Nux moschata. Balsamum peruvianum. Pimento. Piper jamaicense. Nicotiana. Causticum lunare. Nitrum. Sal nitri. Oliva. Olea essentialia. Linimentum volatile. Oleum succini rectificatum. Balsamum sulphuris. Oleum terebinthinx- rectifica- tum. essentiale juniperi. Majorana. Sevum ovillura. SYSTEMATIC NAMES. 477 SYSTEMATIC NAMES. Oxalis acetosella. Oxidum antimonii cum phos- phate calcis. antimonii cum sul- phure per nitratem potassx. Oxidum antimonii cum sul- phure vitrificatum. antimonii vitrificatum cum cera. arsenici. ferri nigrum. rubrum. hydrargyri cinereum rubrum per acidum nitricum. plumbi album. rubrum. ANCIENT NAMES'. Acetosella. Pulvis antimonialis. C Crocus antimonii. "I metallorum. Vitrum antimonii. semivitreum. zinci. impurum. paratum. prx ceratum. C Arsenicum. I album. Ferri squamx. C Colcothar vitrioli. £ Crocus martis. Mercurius calcinatus. prxcipitatus ruber. Cerussa. Minium. 5 Lithar gyrus I auri. Flores zinci. Tutia. prxparata. Phosphas calcis impurus. Physeteris macrocephali se- vum. Pilulx aloes et colocynthidis. aloes et myrrhx. aloeticx. ammoniareti cupri. assx fcetidx compositx. hydrargyri. opiatx. rhei compositx. Pimpinella anisum. Pini abietis resina sponte con- creta. balsamex resina liquida. laricis resina liquida. laricis oleum volatile. sylvestris resina empyreu- matica. Pistacia lentiscus. Plumbum. Polygala senega. 59 Cornu cervi ustum. Spermaceti. Pilulx coccix. rufi. saponacex. cupri. fcetidx. mercuriales. thebaicx. stomachicx. Anisum. Pix burgundica. Balsamum canadense. Terebinthina veneta. Oleum terebinthinx. Pix liquida. Mastiche. Saturnus. Seneka. ATS TABLE Of SYSTEMATIC NAMES. Polygonum bistorta. Polypodium filix mas. Potassa. cum calce. Prunus domestica. Pterocarpi santalini lignum. dracontis resina. Pulvis asari compositus. carbonatis calcis com- positus. cinnamomi composi- tus. ipecacuanhx et opii. super-sulphatis alumi- nx et potassx compositus. Quassia simaruba. excelsa. Quercus robur. Resina pini. Rhamnus catharticus. Rheum palmatum. ' Rhododendron crysanthum. Rhus toxicodendron. Ricinus communis. Rosa canina. Rosa damasccna. gallica. Rosmarinus officinaii^. Rubia tinctorum. Ruta graveolens. Salix fragiiis. Salvia officinalis. Sambucus nigra. Sapo. Scilla rriaritiina. Sinapis alba. Smiiax sarsuparill:-. Solanum dulcamara. Solutio muriatis barvtx. ANClENl NAMKS Bistorta. Filix mas. ["Alkali causticum. j Causticum commune accrri- I mum. »i Kali purum. J Lapis infernalis. [__ septicus. Causticum commune mitius. Prunus gallica. Santalum rubrum. Sanguis draconis. Pulvis asarabaccx. cretaceus. C aromaticus. I Species aromaticx. Pulvis doveri. stypticus helvetii. , Simarouba. Quassia. Quercus. Resina alba. Spina cervina. 5 Rhabarbarum. ( Rheum. Rhododendron. Toxicodendron. Ricinus. Cynosbatus. C Rosa centifolia. I pallida. rubra. Rosmarinus. Rubia. Ruta. Saiix. Salv ia. Sambucus. Sapo albus hispanus. Scilla. Siiupi album. Sarsaparilla. Dulcamara. Solutio terrx ponderosx salitx. SYSTEMATIC NAMES. 479 SYSTEMATIC NAMES. Solutio sulphatis cupri com- posita. Spigelia marilandica. Spiritus xtheris nitrosi. cari carui. lauri cinnamomi. myristicx moschatx. myrti pimentx. Spongia officinalis. Styracis benzoin balsamum. Styrax officinalis. Sub-acetis cupri. Sub-boras sodx. Sub-murias hydrargyri. et am- monix. Sub-sulphas hydrargyri fla- vus. Succus cochlearix officinalis compositus. spissatus conii macu- lati. momordicx elaterii. sambuci ni- grx. Sulphas aluminx exsiccatus. barytx. cupri. ferri. ANCIENT NAMES. Aqua styptica. Spigelia. Spiritus nitri dulcis. carvi. 5 Aqua cinnamomi spirituosa. C Spiritus cinnamomi. nucis moschatx. pimentx. Spongia. Benzoinum. Styrax. iErugo. Borax. TCalomelanos. J Calomelas. | Hydrargyrus muriatus mitis. ^Mercurius dulcis. C prxcipitatus albus. I Calx hydrargyri alba. C Mercurius emeticus flavus. £ Turpethum minerale. Succi ad scorbuticos. Extractum cicutx. Elaterium. Rob sambuci. Alumen ustum. Terra ponderosa vitriolata. f Cuprum vitriolatum. < Vitriolum coeruleum. magnesix. potassx. potassx cum sulphure sodx. Sulphas zinci. Sulphur sublimatum. (_ romanum. C Sal martis. £ Vitriolum viride. f Magnesia vitriolata. •< Sal catharticus amarus. (_ epsomiensis. Tartarum vitriolatum. Sal polychrestus. glauberi. f Sal vitrioli. < Vitriolum album. ^ Zincum vitriolatum. Sulphr.ris flores. 480 TABL1. OF SYSTEMATIC NAMES. ANCIENT NAMES. Sulphuretum antimonii. prxpa- prxci hydrargyri ni- hydrargyri ru- ratum. pitatum grum. brum. potassx. Super-sulphas aluminx et po- tassx. Super-sulphas aluminx et po- tassx exsiccatus. Super-tartris potassx. Super-tartris potassx impurus Suis scrofx adeps. Syrupus althxx officinalis. amomi zingiberis. citri aurantii. citri medicx. papaveris somniferi. rhamni cathartici. rosx damascenx. toluiferx balsami. Tamarindus indica. Tanacetum vulgare. Tartris antimonii. potassx. et sodx. Tinctura aloes et myrrh x. amomi repentis. aristolochix serpen- tarix. ferulx assx fcetidx. benzoin composita camphorx. cinchonx officinalis. camposita. convolvuli jalapx. C Antimonium. I Stibium. Antimonium prxparatum. Sulphur antimonii prxcipita- tum vel auratum. JF.thiops mincralis. Cinnabaris factitia. Hepar sulphuris. Alumen. ustum. fCremor tartari. < Crystalli tartari. £ Tartarus purificalus. crudus. Axungia porcina. Syrupus ex althxa. zingiberis. corticis aurantii. limonum. papaveris albi. spinx cervinx. rosx solutivus. balsami tolutani. Tamarindus. Tanacetum. C Tartarus emeticus. I Antimonium tartarizatum. Tartarum solubile. 5 Sal rupellensis. i Sel de seignette. Elixir proprietatis. Tinctura cardamomi. serpentarix. foetida. Balsamum traumaticum. 5 Elixir camphorx. I Spiritus vinosus camphoratus Tinctura corticis peruviani. {com- posita. alexipharmica. jalapx. ANCIENT NAMES. 481 posita. ferri. SYSTEMATIC NAMES. Tinctura eleutherix. gentianx composita. Veratri albi. guajaci ammoniata. lauri cinnamomi. lauri cinnamomi com- meloes vesicatorii. mimosx catechu. muriatis ammonix et muriatis ferri. opii. opii camphorata. rhei et aloes. et gentianx. palmati. saponis. saponis et opii. sennx composita. toluiferx balsami. veratri albi. Toluiferx balsami balsamum. Tormentilla erecta. Triticum xstivum. Trochisci carbonatis calcis. glycirrhizx cum opio Tussilago farfara. Unguentum acetitis plumbi. acidi nitrosi- catorii. sicatorn. hydrargyri. mitius. infusi meloes vesi- nitratis hydrargyri. oxidi plumbi albi. zinci. impuri. pulveris meloes ve- resinosum. ANCIENT NAMES. Tinctura cascarillx. i amara. [ Elixir stomachicum. Tinctura hellebori albi. guaiaci volatilis. cinnamomi. aromatica. cantharidum. japonica. martis. salita. C thebaica. £ Laudanum liquidum. C Elixir paregoricum. £ asthmaticum. sacrum. Tinctura rhei amara. rhei. C Balsamum saponaceum. J Linimentum saponaceum. Balsamum anodynum. Elixir salutis. Tinctura balsami tolutani. hellebori albi. Balsamum tolutanum. Tormentilla. Triticum. Trochisci cretx. glycirrhizx compositi. Tussilago. Unguentum saturninum. oxygenatum. mercuriale fortius. cceruleum. mercuriale mitius. epispasticum mi- tius. tius. citrinum. album. e cerussa. zinci. tutix. epispasticum for- basilici flavi. 482 TABLE OP ANCIENT NAMES SYSTEMATIC NAMES. Unguentum sub-acetitis cupri. sub-muriatis hy- drargyri et ammonix. Valeriana officinalis. Veratrum album. Vinum aloes socotorinx. ferri. gentianx compositum. ipecacuanhx. tartritis antimonii. Viola odorata. Vitis viniferi fructus siccatus. ANCIENT NAMES. Unguentum xruginis. calcis hydrargyri albi. e mercurio prxci- pitato. Valeriana sylvestris. Helleborus albus. Tinctura sacra. Vinum chalybealum. amarum. Tinctura ipecacuanhx. Vinum antimoniale. Essentia antimonialis. Viola. Uva passa. TABLE SHEWING THE PROPORTION OF ANTIMONY, OPIUM, AND QUICK- SILVER, CONTAINED IN SOME COMPOUND MEDICINES. TARTRITE OF ANTIMONY. Wine of tartrite of antimony contains two grains of tartrite of antimony in the ounce. OPIUM. Opiate electuary contains in each drachm about a grain and a half of opium. Electuary of catechu contains in each ounce about two grains and a half of opium; for one grain of opium is contained in one hundred and ninety-three grains. Powder of ipecacuan and opium contains six grains of opium in each drachm, or one grain in ten. Opiate powder contains one grain of opium in ten. Opiate pills contain six grains of opium in each drachm, or five grains contain half a grain of opium. Tinctuke of opium is made with two scruples of opium in each ounce of the liquid, or with five grains in each drachm. But a drachm of the tincture appears, by evaporation, to contain about three grains and a half of opium. Ammoniated tincture of opium is made with about eight grains of opium in each ounce of the liquid, or with about one grain in the drachm. Tincture of soap with opium is made with about fifteen grains of opium in each ounce of the liquid. Troches of liquorice with opium contain about one grain of opium in each drachm- 484 TABLE, fcc Camphorated tincture ok opium contains nearly one grain of opium in three drachms. QUICKSILVER. Quicksilver pills contain fifteen grains of quicksilver in each drachm. Each pill contains one grain of quicksilver. Quicksilver ointment contains about twenty-five grains of quicksilver in each drachm. Mild quicksilver ointment contains twelve grains of quick- silver in each drachm. Quicksilver plaster contains about sixteen grains of quick- silver in each drachm. Ointment of nitrate of quicksilver contains in each drachm four grains of quicksilver and eight of nitrous acid. Milder ointment of nitrate of quicksilver contains in each scruple half a grain of quicksilver, and one grain of nitrous acid. Ointment of the sub-muriate of quicksilver and ammonia contains in each drachm about four and a half grains of the oxyd. t POSOLOGICAL AND PROSODIAL TABLE; -A-cetitis ammonix aqua, 3 ij ad vi. Acidum acetosum, 3 i ad g ss. destillatum, idem, forte, "3 ad 3 i. benzoicum, gr. x ad 3 ss. Acidi carbonici aqua, ftS ij. Acidum muriaticum, gt. x ad xl. nitrosum, gt. v ad xx. dilutum, gt. x ad xl. succinicum, gr. v ad "^ i. sulphuricum dilutum, gt. xv ad 1. aromaticum, gt. xv ad 1. Aconlti neomontani herba, gr. i ad v. succus spissatus, gr. \ ad iii. Acori calami radix, 3 i ad 3 *• Aesculi hippocaslani cortex, 3 ss ad i. Aether sulphuricus, gt. xx ad 3 1- cum alcohole, 3 ss ad ij. Aether sulphurtcus cum alcohole, aromaticus, 3 ss ad ij. Alcohol, 3 ss ad i. ammoniatum, 3 ss ad i. aromaticum, 3 ss ad i. foetidum, 3 ss aQ" i- Allli sativi radix, 3 i ad ij. Aloes perfoliatx socotorinx gummi-resina, gr. v ad xv. pilulx, gr. xv ad 3 ss- et assx fcetidx pilulx, gr. x ad £) i. et colocynthidis pilulx, gr. v ad x. et myrrhx pilulx, gr. x ad 9 i- tinctura, 3 ss ad ij. et myrrhx tinctura, 3 ss ad ij. tinctura xtherea, 3 ss ad ij. vinum, § ss ad iss. syrupus, 3 i ad iij. Aluminx et potassx super-sulphas, ^ ss ad i. et potassx super-sulphatis pulvis compositus, gr. x ad 3 ss. Ammonix aqua, gt. x ad xxx. acetitis aqua, § ss. hydro-sulphuretum, gt. v ad xij. carbonas, gr. v ad xv. carbonatis aqua, gt. xx ad 3 i 60 486 I'OSOLOGK. \E AND Ammoniacum gummi-resina, gr. x ad 5 ss. Ammoniaci emulsio, 5 iij ad 3 i. Amomi zingiberis radix, gr. v ad 3 '• syrupus, 3 i ad iij. repentis semina, gr. v ad 3 '• tinctura, 3 l ad nJ- zedoarix radix, 3 i ad 3 i. Amygdali communis oleum, 3 >lJ ad % l- emulsio, ft, ij. Amyridis gileadensis resina liquida, 3 l a£l 5 '■ Anethi grave61entis semina, 3 i ad 5 i- foeniculi semina, 3 l ad 5 •• oleum volatile, gt. ij ad v. „ Angelicx archangeiicx radix, herba, semen, 3 ss au< '8S Angusturx cortex, gr. x ad 3 '• Anthemidis nobilis flores, 3 i ad 5 i. extractum, gr. x ad 5 i. pyrethri radix, gr. iii. ad 3 l- Antimonii oxidum cum phosphate calcis, gr. iij ad xv. cum sulphure per nitratem potassx, gr. i ad iv. cum sulphure vitrificatum, gr. \ ad iss. vitrificatum cum cera, gr. iij ad 3 'l- sulphuretum praxipitatura, gr. i ad iv. prxparatum, gr. x ad 3 'j- tartris, gr. i ad viij. tartrltis vinum, gt. xx ad 3 *• Apii petrosellni semina, 3 l ad ij- Arbuti uvx ursi folia, gr. x ad 3 ij- Argenti nitras, gr. | ad -§■• Aristolochix serpentarix radix, 3 i ad 3 •• tinctura, 3 i ad iij. Arnicx montanx herba, gr. v ad x. Arsenici oxidum, gr. -^ ad -$-. Artemisix abrotani folia, 3 * ad 3 i- santomcx cacumina, 3 ss ad i. absinthli herba, 3 i ad ij. Asari europxx folia, gr. ij ad iv. pulvis compositus, gr. v ad 3 i ■ Atropx belladonnx folia, gr. ss ad v. succus spissatus, gr. i ad iij. Barytx muriatis solutio, gr. v ad x. Bubonis galbani gummi-resina, gr. x ad 3 i- Calcis aqua, 3" iv ad ft> i. muriatis solutio, gt. xl ad 5 i.1 carbonas prxparatus, 3 i ad 3 i. carbonatis mislura, 3* i ad ij. pulvis compositus, 3 i ad ij- trochisci, 3 i ad ij. C'anellx albx cortex, gr. xv ad 3 ij- PROSODIAL TABLE. 487' Capsici annui fructus, gr. v ad x. Cari carui semina, gr. x ad 3 i- spiritus, 3 ij ad 3" i. Cassix fistiilx pulpa, §* ss ad i. electuarium, 5 ij ad g i. sennx folia, 3 i ad 3 i- tinctura composita, 3* ss ad i. electuarium, 3 i ad ^ ss- extractum, gr. x ad 3 ss- Castoreum, gr. x ad 9 i. Castorei tinctura, 3 i ad ij. composita, 3 ss ad i- Centaurex benedictx herba, gr. xv ad 3 i- Chironix centaurgi summitates, 9 i ad 3 i. Chinchonx officinalis cortex, 9 i ad 3 ij- decoctum, § i ad iv. infusum, 3" i ad iv. tinctura, 3 i ad ij. tinctura composita, 3 i ad iij. extractum, gr. x ad 9 i. Citri aurantii folia, flores, gr. x ad 3 i. fructus cortex exterior, 3 ss ad 9 ij. aqua destillata, 3" i ad iij. syrupus corticis, 3 i ad ij. conserva corticis, 3 ij ad v. * medicx succus spissatus, 3 i ad § ij. syrupus succi, 3 i ad iij. aqua destillata, 3" i ad iij. Cochlearix officinalis succus compositus, 3" i ad iv. armoracix radix, 9 i ad 3 i. Colchici autumnalis radix, gr. ss ad iij. Colombx radix, gr. x ad 9 i. tinctura, 3 i ad iij. Conii maculati folia, gr. iij. succus spissatus, gr. -§■ ad gr. iij. Convolvuli scammonix gummi-resina, gr. v ad xv. pulvis compositus, gr. x ad xv. electuarium, 3 ss ad i. jalapx radix, gr. x ad 3 ss. pulvis compositus, 3 ss ad i. tinctura, 3 i ad iij. extractum, 9 ss ad i. Copaiferx officinalis resina, gt. xv ad 3 ss. Coriandri satlvi semina, 9 i ad 3 i- Croci satlvi floris stigmata, gr. v ad 3 ss. Crotonis eleutherix cortex, 3 i.ad 3 ss- tinctura, 3 i ad 3* ss. Cucumis colocynthidis fructus medulla, gr. iij ad viij. CumTni cymini semina, 3 i ad 3 i. Cupri sub-acetis, gr. \ ad £. 488 POSOLOGICAL AND Cupri ammoniaretum gr. •$■ ad v. ammoniaicti pilnlx. No i- sulphas, gr. ij ed x. Curcumx longx radix. 3 l *d 3 •• Daphnes mezerii li'licis cortex, gr. i ad x decoctum, 5* iv ad ro ss. Daturx stramonii folia, semin.-, gr. i ad v. succus spissatus, gr. i ad x. Dauci carotx semina, 3 i ad 3 *• Delphinii staphisagrix semina, gr. iij ad x. Digitalis purpiirex folia, gr. ss ad iij. infusum, 3 "j ad 5 i. tinctura, gt. x ad xl. Dolichi prurientis pubes leguminis rigida, gr. v ad x. Dorstenix contrajervx radix, 3 i ad 5 ss. Electuarium opiatum, 3 l ad ij. Eugcnix caryophyllatx floris germen, gr. v ad 3 j- oleum volaiile, gt. ii ad v. Ferri limatura purificata, gr. iii ad x. oxidum nigrum purificitum, idem. carbonas, gr. iii ad x. prxcipitatus, idem. super-carbonatis aqua, lb i. sulphas, gr. i ad v. et ammonix murias, gr. iii ad xv. muriatis tinctura, gt. x ad xx. et ammoniae tinctura, gt. xv ad 3 i vinum, 5 ij ad vi. Ferulx assx foetida gummi-resina, gr. x ad 5 ss. tinctura, 3 ss ad i. pilulx compositx, gr. x ad xx. I raxini omi succus concretus, § ss ad iss. Gambogia, gr. v ad x. Gentianx lutex radix, gr. x ad 3 *j- infusum compositum, 3* ss ad ij. tinctura composita, 5 ' ad iii- vinum compositum, 3* ss ad i. extractum, gr. x ad 3 ij- GeofTrxx inermis cortex, 3 i ad ij. Glycyrrlilzx glabrx radix, 3 ss ad i. • extractum, 3 i ad iij. trochisci cum opio, 5 ss ad j. Gratiolx officinalis herba, gr. x ad 3 *• Gua aci officinalis resina, gr. x ad 3 ss. tinctura, 3 ij ad 3* ss. tinctura ammoniata, 3 i ad ij. decoctum compositum, 3* iv ad vi Hxmatoxyli campechiani extractum, 9 i ad ij. Helle ori nigri radix, gr. x ad 9 i. extractum, gr. v ad x. PROSODIAL TABLE. 499 Hellebori nigri tinctura, 3 ss ad iss. fcetidi folia, 9 i ad ij. Hordei distichi decoctum 3" ij ad vj. Hydrargyri oxidum cinereum, gr. i ad v. oxidum rubrum, gr. ss. pilulx, gr. v ad xv. sub-sulphas flavus, gr. i ad v. murias, gr. -f ad -§-. sub-murias, gr. i ad v. prxcipitatus, idem. acetis, gr. i ad vi. sulphuretum nigrum, 9 i ad 3 i. rubrum, gr. x ad 3 ss. Hyosciami nigri herba, semen, gr. iii ad x. succus spissatus, gr. i ad v. tinctura, 9 i ad 3 i- Hyssopi officinalis herba, 3 i ad 3 i- Iniilx helenii radix, 9 i ad 3 i- Ipecacuanhx radix, 9 j. ad ij. vinum, gt. xxx ad 3 j- et opii pulvis, 9 ss ad j. Juglandis cinerex extractum, gr. v ad 3 ss. Juniperi communis baccx, 3 ss ad i. • oleum volatile, gt. ij ad x. spiritus compositus, 3 ij ad vi. lycix gummi-resina, 3 i ad ij. sabinx folia, gr. xv ad 3 ij- Kino, gr. x ad 9 i. tinctura, 3 i ad iij. Lactucx virosx succus spissatus, gr. iij ad xv. Lauri cinnamomi cortex, gr. v ad 3 i; aqua destillata, § i ad iij. spiritus, 3 ij ad § i. tinctura, 3 i ad § iij. oleum volatile, gt. i ad iij. camphorx camphora, gr. iij ad 3 i- emulsio, § ss ad ij. nobilis folia, baccx, gr. x ad 5 ss. sassafras lignum, radix, eorumque cortex, 3 i ad 3 i- Lavandulx spicx florentes, 3 i ad 3 i. tinctura composita, 3 ss ad ij. oleum volatile, gt. i ad v. Magnesia, gr. x ad 3 *• Magnesix carbonas, 9 i ad 5 *■ Magnesia trochisci, 3 i ad ij. sulphas, 3* ss ad i. Malvx sylvestris folia, fiores, 3 ss ad i. Marrubii vulgaris folia, 3 ss &d i- Melissx officinalis folia, gr. x ad 9 ij. Meloes vesicatorii pulvis, gr. ss ad i. 490 POSOLOGICAL AMI Meloes vesicatorii tinctura, gt. x ad xxx. Menthx viridis herba, gr. x ad 5 i. aqua, 3 i ad ij. spiritus, 5 ij ad 5 »• oleum volatile, gt. ij ad v. piperltx herba, gt*. x ad 9 ij. aqua, 3* i ad ij. spiritus, 5 ij ad 3* i. oleum volatile, gt. i ad iij. pulegii herba, gr. x ad 9 ij- aqua, 3" i ad ij. oleum volatile, gt. ij ad v. Menyanthis trifoliatx folia, 3 ss ad 3* i- Mimosx catechu extractum, gr. xv ad 3 ss. electuarium, 9 i ad 3 i. infusum, 3* i ad ij. catechu tinctura, 5 i ad iij. niloticx gummi, 3 i ad ij. Momordicx elaterii succus spissatus, gr. ss ad vi. Moschus, gr. v ad 9 i. Moschi tinctura, 5 i ad 3 ss. Murias ammonix, gr. x ad 5 ss. sodx, 3 iij ad 3* ss. Myristicx moschatx fructus nucleus, gr. v ad 9 j. oleum volatile, gt. ij ad v. spiritus, 3 ij ad 3* i. Myroxyli peruiferi balsamum, gr. v ad 3 ss. Myrrha gr. x ad 3 ss. Myrrhx tinctura, 5 ss ad iss. Myrti pimentx fructus, gr. v ad 9 i. aqua destillata, 3* i ad iij. spiritus, 3 ij ad 3* i- oleum volatile, gt. iij ad v. Nicotianx tabaci folia, gr. ss ad v. vinum, gt xxx ad lxxx. Olex europex oleum fixum, 3 iij ad 3* i. Opium, gr. ss ad ij. Opii pilulx, gr. v ad 9 i. tinctura, gt. xx ad xl. ammoniata, 3 ss ad ij. camphorata, 3 ss ad ij. Papaveris somniferi syrupus, 5 ss ad i. succus spissatus, gr. ss ad ij. Phosphas calcis impurus, 3 ss ad iss. Physeteris macrocephaU sevum. 3 ss ad iss. Phytolaccx decandrae radix, gr. xx ad xxx. Pimpuiellx anlsi semina gr. xv ad 3 ss. oleum volatile, gt. v ad x. Pini balsamex resina liquida, gr. v ad 3 ss. laricis resina liquida, 3 j *d ij- PROSODIAL TABLE. 491 Pini sylvestris resina liquida, gt. xv ad 9 ij. resina empyreumatica, 9 i ad 3 i- oleum volatile rectificatum, gt. x ad 3 i- Piperis nigri baccx, gr. v ad 9 i. longi fructus, gr. v ad 9 i. Pistacix lentisci resina, gr. v ad 3 ss. Plumbi acetis, gr. ss ad ij. Polygalx senegx radix, 9 i ad 3 ss. decoctum, 3" i ad ij. Polygoni bistortx radix, gr. xv ad 3 i- Polypodii filicis maris radix, 3 i ad ij, Potassx aqua, gt. x ad xxx. acetis, 9 i ad 3 }• super-carbonatis aqua, 3" vi ad lb ss. sulphuretum, gr. v ad xv. tartris, 9 i ad § ss. super-tartris, 3 i ad 3* i. sulphas, 9 i ad 3* ss. carbonas, gr. v ad 9 i. carbonatis aqua, 3 ss ad i. nitras, gr. v ad 3 ss. sulphas cum sulphure, gr. xv ad 3 ss. Pterocarpi draconis resina, gr. x ad 3 ij- Pulvis cinnamomi compositus, gr. v ad x. opiatus, gr. v ad x. Quassix simarubx cortex, 3 ss ad i. excelsx lignum, gr. v ad 9 i- Quercus roboris cortex, gr. xv ad 3 ss. cerris gallx, gr. x ad 3 ss. Rhamni cathartici succus expressus, 3* ss ad i. syrupus, 3" ss ad iss. Rhei palmati radix, gr. x ad 3 ij. infusum, § ss ad iss. pilulx compositx, gr. x ad 5 ss. tinctura, 3" ss ad iss. composita, 3* ss ad iss. et aloe's tinctura, 3" ss ad i. et gentianx tinctura, 3* ss ad iss. vinum, 3" ss ad iss. Rh&dodendri chrysanthi folia, gr. v ad x. Rhi toxicodendri folia, gr. ss ad i. Ricini communis oleum, 3" ss ad i. Rosx gallicx petala, 3 j ad 3 j. _ conserva, 3 ij ad 5 ss. infusum, § ij ad vi. syrupus, 3 i ad ij. damascenx petala, "^ i ad 3 i. aqua destillata, § i ad iij. syrupus, 5 ij ad § ss. RorismarTni officinalis summitates, gr. x ad 3 ij- HJiOLOblCAL AND Rorismarini officinalis oleum volatile, pt ij ad r. spiritus, 3 j ud iij. Rubix tinctorum radix, 3 i ad 3 ss. Rutx graveolentis herba, gr. xv ad 3 ij- Sagapcnum, gr. x ad 3 ss. Salvix officinalis folia, gr. xv ad 3 ij- Sambuci nigri cortex interior, gr. v ad 3 *■ . succus spissatus, 5 ss ad iss. Sapo, gr. x ad 3 ss. Scillx maritimx radix recens, gr. v ad xv. siccita, gr. i ad iij. syrupus, 5 i ad ij. tinctura, gt. x ad xx. pilulx, gr. x ad 9 i- Sinapees albx semina, § ss ad i. Smilacis bariaparlllx radix, 3 i ad 5 ss. sarsaparlllx decoctum, § iv ad ft ss. Sodx carbonas, gr. x ad 5 ss. super-carbonatis aqua, § iv ad lb ss. et potassx tartris, 3 vj ad § iss. sulphas, § ss ad iss. phosphas, 5 ss ad iss. sub-boras, gr. x ad 3 ss. SpipeTix marilandicx radix, 3 ss ad 9 ij. Spiritus xtheris nitrosi, 3 ss ad j. Stanni pulvis et limatura, 3 i ad ij. amalgamatis pulvis, 9 i ad ij. Styricis officinalis balsamum, gr. x ad 3 ss. benzoin balsamum, gr. x ad 3 ss. tinctura composita, 3 ss ad i- Succini oleum purissimum, gt. x ad xx. Sulphur sublimatum lotum, 9 i ad 3 i. Tamarindi indicx fructus, § ss ad iss. infusum cum cassia senna, £ ij ad iv. Tanaceti vuiglris flores, folia, 3 ssad i. Toluitcrx balsami balsamum, gr. xv ad 3 ij- syrupus, 3 i ad iij. tinctura, 3 ss ad ij. Tormentlllx erectx radix, 3 i ad ij. Valerianx officinalis radix, 9 i ad 3 i. Veratri albi radix, gr. v ad 9 i- tinctura, gt. v ad x. Violx odoratx syrupus, 3 i ad ij. Zinci oxidum, gr. iij ad x. sulphas, gr. vi ad 3 bS- PROSODIAL TABLE. 493 Note. These are in general the doses for adults from twenty to sixty ; but they may be diminished for children and people past the prime of life, nearly in the following proportions : Ages. Proportionate doses. Months 2.....TV 7.....tV 14..... i 28..... i Years 3..... i 5..... S 7.....± > 2 14..... | <-o 1 1 6j -.....TS 77.....-I 100.....| It may also be observed, that sixty drops of water, one hun- dred of diluted alcohol, or an hundred and twenty of alcohol, are equal to a drachm by measure. 61 ENGLISH INDEX. JL he following index is greatly amplified by the insertion of the different trivial or common names of each substance or com- pound, the systematic names being contained in the Latin index. By such arrangement the reader may with facility detect the ar- ticle searched for, under the term most familiar to himself, and having turned to the page, its synonimy will be presented to his 41. 70 distilled 248 strong . 249 with squills 333 Acetite of potash, .... . 256 lead, .... 297 quicksilver, . 287 Acids,..... 26 Aconite,......• 73 jEthiops, mineral .... 296 Affinity, ..... 17 Albumen,..... 40 Alcohol, . . • * . 28. 73 diluted 74 Alder black,..... . 186 Alkalies, . . 33. 95 decomposition of .33 Alkali, volatile .... . 27. 263 Almond, sweet . . . . 78 milk .... . * . 326 Aloe, ■..... . 75 Aloes, cabbaline . . ■ • 75 hepatic 75 75 socotorine Alum,...... . 316 burnt .... 274 curd . . 375 Amber, • 216 . 76 Ammoniacum, . milk 327 Ammonia,..... 34 prepared 263 496 EVf.LlSH INDEX Ammonia, water of . Ammoniated alchohol, . fetid oil, tinctures, tincture of opium Ammoniaret of copper, . Ammoniacal copper, Analysis, Angustura, . Animal analysis, Anise, Antacids, Anthelmintics, Anti-hysteric plaster, Antimonial powder, wine, Antimony, butter of crocus of glass of cerated golden sulphur of panacea of . prepared tartrite of Antispasmodics, Ardent spirit, Argil, .... Aromatics, . Aromatic acetous acid, ammoniated alcohol, electuary, species, sulphuric acid, . ether with alcohol, vinegar, Arrow root, Indian Arsenic, Afesenite of potash, Arsenical solution of Fowler, Ash-coloured powder of mercury, Assa foeti'la, Asarabacca, . Astringents, . . Attraction, . Azot, ENGLISH INDEX, 497 Balm, . . . Balsam, anodyne of benzoin canadi copaiva . fir gilead Peruvian sulphur tolu train maic Barbadoes tar, B*rlr B; ifiiiieon ol.; • lent, B feet salt, . Ba->.a, cold * - . warm . Bneyt.es, E :yberry, B. . 's foot, Bear's whortleberry, Bec.ver, . Benne oil, Benzoin, Benzoic acid, Bistort, great . Bitter sweet, Bitter infusion, wine, Blessed thistle, Blistering plaster, Blood root, Blue ointment, Blue plaster, . Borax, Boxwood, Buckthorn, purging Burdock, Burgundy pitch, Butternut, Cabbage bark tree, Cajeput tree, oil, Calamine, prepared Calcination, Calico tree, . 128 153 153 299 24 14© 496 ENGLI^I INDEX. Calomel, ... Caloric, Camphor,. Camphor tree, Camphorated acetous acid, oil, . Canella alba, Candleberry myrtle, Cantharis, Caraway, Carbon, oxyd of acid of Carbonate, of ammonia, baryta, iron, . precipitated lime, indurated mixture of prepared soft magnesia, potash, pure impure soda, impure zinc, impure prepared Carbonic acid gas, Carburetted hydrogen gas, Cardamon, lesser Cardiac confection, Carrot, wild .... Cascarilia , • Cassia pods, .... tree, bark, .... flower buds, . water, .... Castor, Castor oil, ..... Catechu, .... Catalogue of new articles, Cataplasms, .... Cataplasm of alum, . . mustard, Cathartics,..... 289. ENGLISH INDEX. 499 * Caustic ley,........251 Caustic common, strong......253 mild.....253 lunar........281 Cedar, red .......139 Centauiy, smaller..... 99 Cerates,........376 Cerate of acetated litharge, compound . . . 377 impure carbonate of zinc, . . . 384 red cedar,......• -385 savine.......385 simple.......384 Ceruse, ........ 172 Chalk,.........93 prepared.......269 mixture,.......327 powder,.......361 Chalybeate wine, . . . . . . .353 Chamomile, ....... 79 Charcoal of wood, . . . . . . .91 Cherry tree, wild......187 Cicuta, . . . . . . . .in Cinchona of the Carribean Islands, . . . 106 common . . . . . . .100 officinal . . . . . . 100 red........100 yellow......100 Cinnabar, factitious.......296 Cinnamon tree, . . . . . . . 141 water, . 313 Citric acid,.......41 Classification, table of......50 Clot burr, ........ 83 Clove tree, ........ 123^ Coakum, . . . . . . . . 179 Cochineal,........log Cockspur pepper,......90 Coffee, . . .......110 Colomba, . . . . . . . 111 Colts foot,........223 Combustion, ....... 26 Compounds of acids, alkalies, and earths, . . . 244 Concentration, ....... 23 Conserves, . .......364 Conserve of oranges,......364 red rose buds,.....364 Contrayerva, . ,......123 Copaiva tree,........115 Copper,........ 116 pills,........371 SQft ENGLISH INDEX Copper, preparations of.....382 Coral, red........270 Corrosive sublimate,......288 Cowhage,........122 Cow parsnip, common,.....130 Crab, black clawed.......90 Crab's eyes,.......90 Crane's bill,........2 U Craw fish,........90 Cream of tartar,.......221 Crystallization, ....... 21 Crystals of tartar,.......221 Cunicum,........179 D. Damask rose water, 313 Damson, mountain.......188 Dandelion, . ... . 145 Decoction,........2-1 Decoctions,.......319 Decoction of barley,......324 cinchona,.....323 guaiacum, compound . .324 marsh mallow, . . . 322 mezereon, ...... 324 sarsaparilla, .... 325 seneka,......325 the woods, ..... 324 Decomposition, ' . . . . . 18. 2j Deflagration,.......24 Deliquescence, r . .22 Diacodion, ......33) Diaphoretics, . . . . * . 61 Digestion,........21 Diluents, "•...... 69 Distillation, . . . . . 22. 44 Distilled spirits, .......312 waters . _ . . . 31« Diuretics, ■•••.... 60 Diuretic salt, . ... 256 Dogwood, common .114 swamp or biue benicd . . 114 Doses of medicines, _. .... 392 Dover's powder, . ... 361 Dragon root. ....... 34 L. Earths,...... . . . ,| Efflorescence, ....... 22 Elder, common . . . . .201 ENGLISH INDEX. 501 Elecampane, Electricity, Electuaries, Electuary, aromatic of cassia, catechu, opiate, of senna, Elixir of camphor, guaiacum volatile . of health, paragoric proprietatis, stomachic of vitriol, . Elm, slippery Elutriation, Emetics, Emetic weed, tartar Emmenagogues, Emollients, Emulsions, Emulsion of almonds, ammoniac, camphor, Epispastics, Epsom salt, Ergot, Errhines, Escharotics, Essential salts, Ether, Evaporation, . Expectorants, . . Extraction, Extractive matter, Extracts, Extract, of black hellebore, butter nut, . cinchona, chamomile, gentian, jalap, liquorice, logwood, rue, senna, 62 135 401 364 364 365 366 366 365 338 352 338 347 336 341 350 223 19 57 146 279 60 69 32^ 326 327 326 65 218 208 64 68 41 302 21 63 21 38 357 44 358 358 358 358 357 359 358 358 358 358 >2 ENGLISH INDEX. Extract of white poppy, . 3>* lead, Goulard's ..... 2.^ F. Fecula,........40 Fern, male . .....186 Fetid tincture,.......337 Fig tree, . ......126 Fir, Scotch........182 Fixed fossil alkaline salt, purified . . . .259 vegetable alkaline salt, purified . . . 253 Flag, blue........138 Flax, common ....-•• 146 Flolrer de luce, . • • • .138 Flowers of benzoin, . ..... 249 sulphur,.......219 ; washed.....293 zinc,.......299 Foxglove, common . . . . . 119 Fusion,.........23 G. 'Galbanum, ........ 83 Gallic acid, ... . . . • • .41 Gail nut, ....... 189 Galvvj.isin, ........ 405 Gataboge,........127 Garget,.........179 Garlic, ... . . . 75 Gases,. .. . .......25. 394 Gaseous oxyd of carbon, ...... 28 Gentian,.........127 Ginger, ........ 77 Glauber's salt,........261 Glauber's spirit of nitre,.....244 Gluten, . '........40 Goulard's cerate, . . . . . 377 Goat's thorn,......» .87 Granulation, ....... 19 Guaicum, officinal . . . .129 Gum, ......... 37, 38 Gum arabic, . . . . . . .158 tragacanth, ....... 87 pills,........371 plaster, ... .... 388 H. Hart,.........99 Hellebore, black.......130 fetid ...... 130 ENGLISH INDEX. SOS Hellebore, white Hemlock, Henbane, black Hiera picra, Hips, Honey, Hooded willow herb, Hop, common Horehound, white wild Horse chesnut, Horse raddish, Hydrogen, gas, . Hydro-sulphuret of ammonia Hyssop, I. Indian physic, tobacco, turnip, Infusions, .... Infusion, .... of catechu, cinchona, common foxglove, gentian, compound rhubarb, roses, tamarinds and senna, Ipecacuan, .... Iron, ..... filings of, purified rust of scales of purified Jalap,...... Jamaica pepper, .... Japonic infusion, .... tincture, . . . ■ Jimson weed, . . . Juices, expressed and inspissated Juice compound of scurvy grass, . Juice inspissated of black henbane, . deadly night-shade, hemlock, monkshood, 225 111 134 363 196 153 205 131 152 124 73 109 27 398 267 135 213 146 86 320- 2l" 321 320 320 320 321 322 328 135 213 . 124 283 . 283 125 . 283 113 164 321 344 118 306 306 308 307 307 307 SOi ENGLISH INDEX. Juice inspissated of thorn apple, . 308 Juniper, . K. 138 Kermcs mineral, . . » . 277 Kino, L. . ' .. . 11" 182 Laurel, broad-leaved 140 Lavender thrift, . . . . 214 red 173 Lemon tree, • . 107 Lenitive electuary, 365 Lettuce, common garden ■ . 141 Levigation, . 19 Ligneous fibre, 4 42 water . . 269 Liniments, . • . 376 Liniment, saponaceous . . 348 simple . 376 volatile . 310 Liquid laudanum, 346 Liquorice, 128 Litharge, 173 iathontriptics, . 67 Liver of sulphur, . 258 Lixiviation, . , 21 Lobelia, 146. 149 Logwood tree, , . 129 Lunar caustic, M. 281 Mace, . . 162 Maceration, 21 Madder, . . f97 alba . 271 calcined 273, Malic acid, . 4 1 Mallow, common 151 Mandrake, 184 Manna, ... 126 Marsh mallow, . 76 ENGLISH INDEX. Marsh rosemary, March violet, .... Martial flowers, .... May apple, . . . Medical prescriptions, Medical Electricity, Medicated vinegars, . . . wines, . Mercury, ..... Mercurial ointment, strong mild pills, .... plaster, . . • * • Metals, ..... Mezereon, . . Mild epispastic ointment, ointment of quicksilver, . Milder ointment of nitrate of quicksilver, Monkshood, ..... Moss, Iceland Mountain damson, .... Mucilages, . . . ... . Mucilage, . . . ■ . of gum-arabic, gum-tragacanth, . starch, Muriatic acid, .... Muriate of ammonia, . and iron, . antimony, . baryta, .... quicksilver, soda, / Musk, ...... I Mustard, common . white .... cataplasm, whey, .... Myrrh,..... 505 N. Narcotics, Nettle, common Neutral salts, Night-shade, American deadly woody Nitrate of potash, silver, 214 . 226 286 . 184 391 . 401 333 . 353 132 . 381 381 . 381 372 . 389 30 . 117 379 . 381 383 72 145 .■*188 326 . 37 328 . 328 327 29. 247 159 286 279 267 288 160 158 210 210 375 211 163 50 225 35 179 87 212 166 281 S06 I'.M.I.ISH INDEX Nitre, . . . 16" Nitric acid, ..... -15 Nitrous acid,...... 214 diluted......245 gas,...... 27 oxyd,........27 gas,......39'. Nutmeg tree, ... .... 162 O. Oak,.........189 Jerusalem ....... 99 oriental.......189 poison.......193, 194 Oats,.........88 Oils, expressed . . . . . .39 volatile.......39. 316 Oil of almonds,.......309 amber,.......250 purified . . .. . . .317 benne seeds,......210 dfcmphorated.......311 of linseed, ........ 309 with lime,......310 mace, . . • . . . 162 olive,........167 turpentine,........182 rectified.....317 vitriol, . . • . . .71 volatile of anise seeds,.....316 cinnamon,......141 cloves,......12 3 fennel seeds, ..... 3tfc juniper berries, . . . . 316 lavender,......317 lemon, .. . . . . 107 mace,......ir,2 pennyroyal,.....317 peppermint, . . . . .317 pimento, . . 316 pine, purified.....317 rosemaiy, . . . . '. 316 sassafras, . .......144 spearmint, . . . . 317 Oily grain,........210 preparations, . . . . . . z •. Water, . s . N .. Water of acetated litharge, acetite b£ ammonia, ( +\. vcs&-'' awirnonia, * • • ■'. * caustic ., catbonic «pid<, *.." N ijistilled *\v\ \ -N V v : a. potash ' styptic Water dock, '■ flag, ■• Wax, whitds yellow- Weights, . . \. Wheat, N . White walnut', v » '* \. «.? •• .' White precipitate of merciity * \ . \ 515 117 384 182 182 182 295 173 299 225 194 225 35 215 226 193 70 248 276 276 257 217 285 300 350 71 244 302 310 316 351 84 . 27. 79 2&' 265 *«265 26* 250 312 ,251 283 ' 197 ' ft'- ^¥*8^ < * 24 * 293, . .^lA:. **t 516 (AGUSD INDEX. White ointment, Willow, broad leaved red white Wine American, . Wine of gentian, compound ipecacuan, iron, . opium, compound rhubarb, socotorine aloes, • tartrite of antimony j tobacco, Winter berry, Wolfs bane, Wood sorrel, Worm seed, Wormwood, common Yellow ointment, Yellow root shrub, wood, prickly Y. £inc, oxyd of impure Z. prepared jffc-lM.S%E-*£' -i>vt^^ a/i-v/iJys isst. 7^ "\ LATIN INDEX. Acetis hydrargyri, .... . •. 287 plumbi, ..... . ■" . 297 potassae, ..... ; 256 Acetum aromaticum, .... ...[V • 333 scillae maritimse, #*"■ . 333 Acidum acetosum, ..... ♦ \ 41.70 camphoratum, 334 distillatum, . . 248 forte, . • • . *•$. 249 benzoicum, . 41.249 muriaticum, .... . 29. 247 nitricum, ..... 27. 245 nitrosum, . . . . 27. 244 dilutum, . 245 succinicum, .... 250 sulphuricum, .... . 71 aromaticum, 350 dilutum, . 244 Aconitum neomontanum, . \ 72 ^sculus hippocastanum, • . 73 jEther sulphuricus, 302 cum alcohole, . * . . 304 cum alcohole aromaticus , . 350 28. 73 ammoniatum, 263 ammoniatum aromaticum, '. . 351 foetidum, . 315 dilutum, ..... . 74 Allium sativum, . 75 hepatica,..... 75 socotorina, ..... 75 Althaea officinalis, 76 . 76 Ammoniaretum cupri, 282 Amomum repens,..... 77 zingiber, .... 77 Amygdalus communis, .... . 78 Amyris gileadensis, .... 78 Angustura, ....... 78 Anthemis nobilis, .... 79 64 518 LAT IN INDEX. Aquay acetitis ammoniae, acidi carbonici, ammoniae, ». citri aurantii, carbonatis ammoniae calcis, super-carbonatis ferri destillata, fortis, tenuis, . lauri cinnamomi, • lauri cassiae, . lithargyri acetati, menthae piperitae, pulegii,. viridis, mytti pimentae, . potassae, rosae damascene, super-carbonatis potassae sodae, Aralia spinosa, Arbutus uva ursi, Arctium lappa, Argentum, . vivum, Aristolochia serpentaria, Artemisia abrotanum, absinthium, santonica, Arum Americanum, . maculatum, triphyllum, Asarum europaeum,' Asclepias decumbens, Astragalus tragacantha, Atropa belladonna, Avena sativa, B. Balneum mariae, . Bitumen petroleum, Bubon galbanum, Calx, Cancer astacus, pagurus. Canella alba, LATIN INDEX 519 Cantharis, .... Capsicum annuum, Carbo ligni, .... Carbonas, ..... ammoniae, barytje, calcis, prasparatus, ferri, pi aecipitatus, magnesiae, potassae, impurus, purissimus, sodae, impurus, zinci impurus, praeparatus Carum carui, Cassia fistula, .... Cassia marilandica, Cassia senna, .... Castor fiber, Cataplasma aluminis, . sinapeos, Centaurea benedicta, . Cera alba, .... flava, .... Ceratum simplex, . carbonatis zinci impuri, juniperi Virginiana, lithargyri acetati compositum, sabinae, Cervus elaphus, . Chenopodium anthelminticum Chironia centaurium, Cicuta, .... Cinchona caribaea, officinalis, Citrus aurantium, medica, Cocos butyracea, Coccus cacti, Cochlearia armor%cia, officinalis, Coffea, Colomba, Conium maculatum, Conserva citri aurantii, rosae gallicae, f.p 520 LATIN INDEX Convolvulus jalapa, p. ncluratus, scammonia, Copaifera officinalis, Cor.iilium rubrum, Coitius florida, sericea, Crocus sativus, Croton eleutheria, . Cuprum, Curcuma longa, D. Daphne mezereum, Datura stramonium, Daucus carota, Decoctum althaeae oflicinalis, cine lion ae officinalis, daphnes mezerei, guajaci compositum, hordei distichi, polygalac senega?, smiuicis biirsapLii'illo:, Digitalis purpurea, Dolichos pruriens, Dorstenia contrajcrva, Electuarium aromaticum, . . . • cassiae fistulae, sennas, . catechu, .... opiatum, . Emplastrum assae foetidae, gummosum, meloes vesicatorii, compositum, hydrargyri, oxidi plumbi semivitrei . ferri rubri, . resinosum, compositum, saponaceum, ... simplex, . . . #. Emulsio amygdali communis, ammoniaci, .... camphorata, .... Eugenia caryophyllata, .... Eupatorium perfoliatum, . . _ pilosum, •.. LATIN INDEX 521 Extractum anthemidis nobilis, cassiae sennae, cinchonae officinalis, convolvuli jalapae, . gentianae luteae, . glycyrrbizae glabrae, haematoxyli campechensis hellebori nigri, juglandis cinereae, papaveris somniferi, rutae graveolentis, F. Fecula, ..... Ferrum, .... Ferri limatura purificata, oxidum nigrum, . purificatum, Ferula assa foetida, Ficus carica, .... Fraxinus ornus, . G. Gambogia, .... Gentiana lutea, Geoffraea inermis, . Gerunium maculatum . Giyeyrrhiza glabra . Guajacum officinale H. Haematoxylum campechianum, Helleborus foetidus, niger, Heracleum sphondylium, Hordeum distichon, Humulus lupulus, Hydrargyrus, .... purificatus, Hydro-sulphuretum ammoniae, Hyoscyamus niger, Hyssopus officinalis . Infusum cinchonae officinalis, digitalis purpureae, gentianx compositum mimosae catechu, rhei palmati, . rosae gallicae, tamarind! et sennae, 522 LATIN INDEX. Inula helenium, ... l " 5 Ipecacuan ha, ... 135. 213 Iris pseudacorus ... 138 J. Juglans oinerea, ... 138 Juniperus communis. .... 138 sabina .... . 139 Virginiana, 139 K. Kalmia latifolia, .... . 140 L. Lactuca sativa, .... 141 Laurus camphora, .... 142 cassia, ..... 142 cinnamomum, . 141 sassafras, .... 144 Lavandula spica, .... . 144 Leontodon taraxacum, 145 Lichen islandicus .... . 145 Linum usitatissimum, . 146 Linimentum simplex, . 376 Lobelia inflata, ..... 146 syphilitica, .... 149 Lytta vittata, 149 M. Magnesia,..... 32. 273 Malvu sylvestris, ..... 151 Maranta arundinacea, . 151 Marrubium vulgare, .... 152 Mel,...... . 153 Melaleuca leucadendron, ... 153 Melia azedarach, .... 154 Melissa officinalis, .... 1 5 I Meloe niger, ..... * . 150 vesicatorius, .... 155 Mentha piperita, .... . 156 pulegium, 157 viridis, .... 156 Mimosa catechu, . . . . 157 nilotica, .... 158 Mistura carbonatis calcis, 327 Moschus moschiferus, 158 Mucilago amyli, ..... 327 astragali tragacanthae, . 328 LATIN INDEX. 523 Mucilago mimosse niloticae, 328 Murias ammoniae,..... . 159 et ferri, 286 antimonii, ..... . 279 barytae,..... 267 hydrargyri, • . 288 sodae, ..... 160 Myrica cerifera humulis, . . . . 161 Myristica moschata, . . . 162- Myroxylon peruiferum, 1*3 Myrrha,...... 163 Myrtus pimenta, .... . 164 N. Nicotiana tabacum .... 164 Nitras argenti, ..... . 281 potassae, .... 166 o. Olea Europaea,..... . 167 Oleum ammoniatum, .... 310 amygdali communis, . 309 camphoratum, 311 lini usitatissimi, .... . 146. 309 cum cake, 310 succini et acidum succinicum, . 250 purissimum . 317 sulphuratum, .... . 310 volatile anethi' foeniculi, 316 eugeniae caryophyllatae, . 123 juniperi comunis 316 lauri cinnamomi, . . . . 141 lavandulae spicae, 317 menthae piperitae, . 317 pulegii, 317 viridis .... . 317 myristicae moschatae, 162 myrti pimentae, .... . 316 pimpinellae anisi, 181. 316 pini purissimum, . 317 rorismarini officinalis, 316 Ostrea edulis,..... . 168 Ovis aries ...... 168 Oxalis acetosella, ..... . 169 Oxidum antimonii cum phosphate calcis, 278 cum sulphure per nitratei n [potassa z, . 275 cum sulphure vitrificatum , . 276 vitrificatum cum cera, . 276 arsenici, .... 169 521 LATIN INDEX. Oxidum ferri nigrum purificatum, . rubrum, .... hydrargyri cinereum, rubrum per acidum nitricum, plumbi album, .... rubrum, semi-vitreum, zinci, . . . . impurum, prae palatum, P; paver somniferum, Phosphas calcis impurus, sod.e, .... Physeter macrocephalus, . Phytolacca dccandn., Pilulac acetitis plumbi et ipecacuanhae, aloes et assae foetidae, colocynthidis, myrrhac, aloeticce, ammoniareti cupri, assae fcetidx cornpositae, hydrargyri, opiatae, plummeri, rhei composite scilliticae, Pimpinella anisum, Pinus abies, balsamea, larix, sylvestris, Piper longum, nigrum, Plumbum, Podophyllum peltatum, Polygala senega, Polygonum bistorta, Polypodium filix mas, Potassae, cum cake, Prinos verticillatus, Prunus domestica, Virginiana, Pulparum extractio, Pulvis aloes cum canella, as.'.ri compositus, carbonatis calcis compositus, LATIN INDEX. 525 Pulvis cinnamomi compositus, ipecacuanhae et opii, jalapae compositus, . . . . opiatus, . scammonii compositus, super-sulphatis aluminae et potassae [compositus, tragacanth ae compositus, Quassia excelsa, simaruba, Quercus cerris, robur, Q. R. Resina pini, Rhamnus catharticus, Rheum palmatum, Rhododendron crysanthum, Rhus copallinum, glabrum, radicans, toxicodendron, typhinum, . vernix, . Ricinus communis, . , Rosa canina, damascena, gallica, . Rosmarinus officinalis, Rubia tinctorum, Rumex aquaticus, Saccharum officinarum, . Salix atba, . lati folia, Sal catharticus amarus, Salvia officinalis, Sambucus nigra, Sanguinaria canadensis, . Sapo, Scilla maritima, exsiccata, Scutellaria galericulata, Secale cereale, Serpentaria kennebis, Sesamum orientale, 65 596 LATIN INDEX Sinapis alba, ... 110 nigra,.......J"} Smilax sarsaparilla, . . 311 Solanum dulcamara,......212 Solutio acetitis zinci,......301 muriatis barytse, . 268 calcis, ..•••• 2^0 sulphatis cupri composita, • 283 Spigelia marilandica, • • .212 Spina cervina, ....••• 190 Spiraea trifoliata,.......213 Spiritus aetheris nitrosi, ..... 304 cari carui,.......313 ■ Juniperi compositus, 314 ^auri cinnamomi, • .314 lavandulae spicae, . . . • 314 menthae piperitae, . .314 viridis,.....314 royristicae moschatae, - . • .314 myrti pimentae,.....314 rorismarini officinalis, • . .314 Spongia officinalis, . .. • 213 Stannum,........214 Statice limonium,..... 214 Styrax benzoin,......."215 Snb-acetis cupri, . . . 215 Sub-boras sodae,.......216 Sub-murias hydrargyri,.....289 prxcipitatus, . . .292 et ammoniae, . 293 Sub-sulphas hydrargyri flavus,.....295 Succinum, . . . . . 216 Succus cochleariae compositus, .... 306 spissatus aconiti neomontani, . . 307 atropae belladonnae, . . 307 conii maculati, . . . 307 daturae stramonii,' • • .308 hyoscyami nijgpj . . 308 Sulphas barytae, . *.....217 cupri,.......217 ferri, . . . . . _, . 285 exsiccatus,.....285 magnesiae, . .•-,.-. .218 potassx, ......257 cum sulphure, .... 258 sodae,.......261 zinci, . . . 300 Sulphur sublimatum,......219 lotum,...... 243 LATIN INDEX. 527 Sulphuretum antimonii, praecipitatum, praeparatum, hydrargyri nigrum, rubrum, potassae, .... Super-tartris potassae, impurus, Super-sulphas aluminae et potassae, exsiccatus Syrupus althaeae officinalis, . amomi zingiberis, citri aurantii, citri medicae, papaveris somniferi, rhamni cathartici, rosae damascenae, . gallic ae, scillae maritimae, simplex, toluiferae balsami, .' violae odoratae, T. Tamarindus indica, Tartris antimonii, . potassae, et sodae, Tinctura aloes aetherea, socotorinae, et myrrh ae, amomi repentis, angusturae, aristolochiae serpentariae benzoin composita, camphorae, castorei, composita, cinchonae officinalis, composita, cinnamomi composita, colombae, convolvuli jalapae, croci sativi, digitalis purpureae, eleutheriae, ferulae assae fcetidae, gentianae composita, . guajaci ammoniati, officinalis, 5-28 LATIN INDEX. Tinctura hellebori nigri, hyoscyami nigri, kino, lauri cinnamomi, lavandulae composita, meloes vesicatorii, fortioi mimosae catechu, moschi, muriatis ferri, ammoniae et fcr myrrhae, opii, . . ammoniata, camphorata, rhei dulcis, * et aloes, et gentianx, palmati, saponis, et opii, scillae maritimae, sennx compositae, ■ toluiferae'balsami, veratri albi, . Toluifera balsamum, Tormentilla erecta, Triticum aestivum, Trochisci carbonatis calcis, glycyrrhizae cum opio magnesiae, . Tussilago farfara, U. Ulmus Americana, Unguentum acetitis plumbi, acidi nitrosi, aquae rosae, hydrargyri, mitius, infusi meloes vesicatorii, nitratis hytltargyri, mitius, oxidi hydrargyri cinerei, rubri, plumbi albi, zinci, impuri, physetcris macroccphali, . picis, f ^ *"'>.«■*• LATIN INDEX. 529 ^Unguentyl^" pulveris melo.es vesicatorii, .^ 380 • fe^inosum, s. . . ' * . 379 * v * rosarum,- ?..... 378 »* ' • l % '• simplex, • * > . . . 376 - AV, jyy-y Ntramonii^ .. "-. . ^ 378* A • * sub-acetitis cupri, . *. ..* -&83 sub-muriatis hydrargyri et ammoniae, 382 . ,£» ^ sulphuriS, ..*.. . . »380 Urapa" $iecea, . „.......225 *■ i Valeriana officintiis^P : 225 Veratrufn albuYn* - . .....* 225- Vinum aloes socotorinae, . . . * . 3*53 ;* ferri, N-*.........353' gentianae cVmpositum, . _. . . ' 354 ► * ■ . ipecacuanhae, . v . % X . .- % . 354 > ■» \ nicotianae tabaci, ' . .*' * . ^ v. 354 . v opii ccnppigitum, ;*" .^\ #. ^k 355 rhei-.palmati, • . \ . * . • . . 356 + tartritis antimonii, .'*•'..-.•. 356 '• * Viola odorata, .......226 W Vitis vinifera, . » '. . . -. • : $«§ *W\ Xanthorhiza apufolia, , *. ,-m . 228 . x tinctoria, . . * . *'". . . 229 Xanthoxylum clava herc.ulis, . ' ,. . . 230 N ► « *lraxini-folium, . . *.' . . 230 Z. 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