Colonial North America: Countway Library of Medicine

90

Materia Medica

Astringents

a lax state of the system and uterus, in such cases astringents may be proper, it is directed to be given immediately after consumption, its dose is from ℈i [1 scruple] to Ʒi [1 dram] in Intily [Italy] it is used in the process of tanning having finished the vegitable astringents. I shall proceed to treat of some not belonging to that kingdom.

Allum. This salt is formed by the union of sulphuric acid with the argellarous earth, it is well known to be a powerful astringent. Dr Home proved by several experiments that it acted on the pulse. It therefore exerts with its astringency some degree of stimulant power, it is used internally and externally. Allum is employed in almost every case of hemorrhage which must certainly be improper. Dr Cullen being aware of two species of hemorrhage very happily observes that it can do service in hymoptesis, and is only serviceable in hemorrhages from relaxation or debility. I have given it with galls in the following proportions

Sulp. Allum Ʒi [1 dram] Galls Ʒfs [½ dram] Mice fit doi XII* [footnote back 1 page]

I have seen it succeed when the sugar of lead failed. If it purges which is not uncommon Opium may be mixed with it. Cullen says it must be given in small doses as it is apt to irritate the stomach and in several instances I have seen it rejected by vomiting in urgent cases the dose must be frequently