(seq. 79)

70

Materia Medica

Astringents

in winters after the yellow fever has been in the city than any other
time. Galla. They are an excressence formed on the leafs of the
oak from a puncture made by a small black insect resembling
the species of our black winged fly. The gall is destitue of smell
but has an acute taste. Alcohol and water extract the
asstringent principle, it yields readily to both and this extract is the
most powerfull astringent we have, it has been used in France
by Boaldoe in Intermittant fever. Dr Cullen was in the
habit of using it, but in combination with gentian, they
would answer well in the intermittants of children, being
easily taken and the dose small they have been found to be
a good substitute for the bark, some physicians are afraid
of obstructions from its use, but as it verry often purges I
am enclined to think there is no foundation for this fear.
I have been obliged to add opium to prevent their purging,
in large doses they cause pain, and I never have been able to
give them, in as large doses as some recommend. Six grains
twice a day is sufficient Mr Bell recommended equal parts of
of gall and hogs lard as a remidy in blind fits, this is generally
too strong. Dr Cullen used one part of galls to eight of lard this