(seq. 89)

80

Materia Medica

Astringents

chewed increases the saliva, the leaves are more active than
the stalk, they contain more Gum than Resin, water is its
best menstruum, and I prefer the decoction to infusion. It
was first introduced into practice about the year 1745. Some
German Physicians have praised its qualities in the most
unqualified terms, whilst others have said as much against
it. Dr Haen highly recommends it in calculous cases he gave
it in doses from ℈i [1 scruple] to Ʒfs [½ dram]. Dr Fenican has used it with
advantage in nephrites, he cured twelve out of sixteen by giving mild
purgatives, he gave it in doses of 5 grs. [5 grains] larger doses excite
nausea but I have frequently taken from a ℈i [1 scruple] to Ʒfs [½ dram] without
any disagreeable sensation. In Catarrhus Visico.
I have no doubt it is a verry valuable medicine, it may do harm
if a febrile state exists. I have used it with great advantage in
that species of Nephritus Podagra. It sometimes produces a
lightness of the chest, this I have myself experienced. Bark has
the same effect on me. It has been recommended in gonorrhea
and I can recommend it to you in cases of long standing both
internally and in the form of injection. I thought I was the
first that used it in this disease, but I find Mr Bell has