Colonial North America: Countway Library of Medicine

416

Materia Medica

Stimulants

by them I use synapisms and know of no remidy that is so effectual. I have known them in the case of a lady to remove this distressing affection in forty minutes, they have sometimes been employ’d to prevent the paroxysm of intermittant blisters have been used for the same purpose, but I think the synapisms better because they are more powerfull more uniform, and we can produce their effects near to the part, nor do they subject the patient so long as blisters, in retrocedent and irregular gout they have seemed to produce verry alarming symptoms. Dr Haller and others speaks of synapisms being efficacious to the sides in pneumonia. I have not follow'd this practice, but have prefered blisters.

Alicia. They are an order of plants less stimulant than siliquoso and allied by their medical affinity to the Assa. Foetida and Ammoniac they take their name from allium or garlic all the onions and garlic are included in this class, but I believe the garlic and the beats [beets] to be most worthy of attention.

Allium sativum. Or Common garlic this has all the properties that have been mentioned above as a stimulant &c, these are the largest in their root, its smell is pungent and resides in an essential oil, which is dissipated by drying &c, its activity is proved by its effects when apply’d to the body, if it is bruised and laid on the skin it reddens it, and if continued causes a blister, it is longer

578

Materia Medica

Diuretics

been used to advantage in several cases of Dropsy, it is often Diuretic and increase the effect of the fox glove.

Cynara. Or Artichoke. The root of this is much employ’d in England as a Diuretic, and it is praised by Dr Cullen. Dr Wilson of England has lately published a treatise on it. I have not used it myself therefore can say nothing from experience.

Helliborus Niger. I have already spoken of it under another head, but it is also an excellent Diuretic. Dr Turner says they have often done good in Dropsies.

Gamboge. This is often used as a purge in Dropsies, and it also stimulates the kidneys.

Siliquosa. The whole of the plants are given as Diuretics in Dropsies.

Alliaciae. All of these are Diuretics and they appear in the urine.

Coniferae. These are also recommended and used as Diuretics,

from the Animal Kingdom we obtain two Diuretics, the first is Cantharides these have been used as Diuretics both in substance and in tincture. Hypocrates employ’d in substance, the Tincture is made by macerating together

Ʒij [2 drams] Canth. Cocchinel Ʒfs [½ dram] Spt. Vin. Rect. lbi [1 pound].

Dr Chalmers employ’d cantharides to great