(seq. 101)

92

Materia Medica

Astringents

repeated and increased, we may begin with five grs [grains] and increase
it to ℈i [1 scruple] several times in the day, before we administer this
remidy in morbid evacuations or hemorrhages we should attend
to the cause whether it be an increased arterial action or debility. I
shall now mention the different diseases in which it has been employed.
Leucorrhea. It has been recommended in this disease, which
is frequently connected with the Phytisis, I have used it with
colombo with advantage it is of much importance to the pulse.
Gonorrhea. Many authors have recommended it in this
disease. I have used a simple solution, but prefer it mixed with
a decoction of the oak bark. Dr Foroler has found it verry usefull
in scorbutic hemorrhages. I have used it with success with
galls. Diabetes. On the authority of Dr Mead it
has been used in this disease, but it would be natural to doubt
its efficacy in diabetes, there are however some facts which seem
to show it may be usefull in some cases. Dr Wistar informed me
he was successfull in a case that appeared to be desperate. Dr Dover
had a verry high opinion of it other physicians have used it
with success. Dr Darwin supposed it acted by exciting the
absorbents of the urinary organs into their natural action, but I