Colonial North America: Countway Library of Medicine

10

Introduction

Experience

and insufficiency of Linneus arrangements, though his classes may have some resemblance, his class Pentaria is an exception, in this class he places Chinchona, Strammonicum, Jalap, Ipecacuanha, and Potatoe, all which possess very different virtues. In his class Herinaria he has Rice, Pine Apple, Garlic, Squills, and Alloes. In the 13th Class Some of the most excellent plants with hellebore, Chocolate, and Gamboge, these are sufficient to prove the unnatural arrangement of Linneus. Dr Rush has divided the system into particular or minor systems and is proposed to class them as they operate on each of those. In some such method I think a division might be made of more lasting duration, but I fear the time has not yet arived for a complete arangement on this plan it would be easy to shun the objections such a system would be liable to. I reject the idea of one medicine being confined in its operation to one system alone. Opium for instance operates on several, this is evident from its carrying a more evident secretion of bile, and in the yellow fever brings back lost pain, in the viscus, it acts on the lungs increasing the secretion of

526

Materia Medica

Cathartics

delicate females that are purged by one or two grains of assafoetida or 2 teaspoonsfull of molasses. I think that larger doses of cathartics are necessary in warm climates than in cold ones. It is well known that the cathartic medicines differ in their degrees of power, some acting partially though at the same time they empty the intestines completely, while others are more violent in their operation, they have been divided therefore into Mitiora, and Acriora. Dr Cullen thinks there are some acting as stimulants upon the extremities of the exhalents in the intestines only, and others which likewise increas the action of the vessels, but at the same time increase the perastaltic motion, though they increase this action they cannot stimulate the intestines so as to inflame them even when taken in large doses. Dr Duncan has divided them (Cathartics) into 1st Stimulantia, as Alloes, Jalap, Gamboge, &c. 2nd Refrigerantia, as neutral salts, tamarinds, &c. 3rd Astringentia, as rheubarb &c, 4th Emolientia, as Castor Oil, manna &c,* [footnote back 1 page] this arangment has been highly spoken of, but I do not think there is much proprety [propriety] in it, many of the classes are improperly denominated, to the term Astringentia" as apply’d to the cathartic medicines I object, though I have nothing to say against that of "Emolientia" that two of "Narcotica"

540

Materia Medica

Cathartics

Gamboge. This is the product of different vegitables, that of our shops is from a plant called "Gambogia". I have found this article verry usefull in the form of a pill containing three or 4 grains it will often purge after ℈i [1 scruple] of calomel has failed and Castor Oil will will not produce that effect.

Alloes. This is the inspisated Juice of the Alloes Pafoliata, made by cutting off the leaves near the stem, and drying the juice that is obtained from them, alloes is a good cathartic and is not often used alone, it is I believe one of the ingredients of the different kinds of purging pills used in the United States. It has been long supposed to exert a specific effect upon the Intestinal Canal, it is verry proper when there are obstructions and retention of the menses, but not in cases of hemorrhoidal tumors.

Scammony. This is the product of a species of Convolvulus. It is a concrete juice, the dose of which is from 3 to 12 grains it is generally saturated with sugar.

Collocynth. This is a verry drastic purge. It grows in Egypt, Turkey, and Persia, and the part employ’d is the pulp of the fruit, it is nauseous and bitter, and is seldom employ’d by it self, but generally combined with other medicines, the dose is from 4 to 12 grs. [grains] it violently irritates the intestines and if used alone occasions bloody stools; I do not think it

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