(seq. 177)

168

Materia Medica

Tonics

he says a tertian was prevented after the second paroxysm, and
it was neither followed by Jaundice or Dropsy, but if it was
permitted to run longer, one or the other of those diseases were
sure to ensue, and in proportion to the number of fits was the
violence of the disease, but I believe when the fever will permit the
barks to be given in the first instance, neither of the above
diseases will follow. This last question involves us in another of
almost equal importance — Whether the bark may be administered
without any previous preparation, which may fit the body to
receive it with great advantage. Dr Cullen observes that bark in
small doses is not apt to disturb the natural functions and if the
presence of bile or indigestible substances in the stomach do not
demand them, the bark may be given in urgent cases without
previous evacuations, but otherwise it would be better to prepare
the stomach for the quantity of bark that is necessary, by a
gentle Emetic or Cathartic. I would remark the most simple
intermittants are frequently of an inflamitory type arising from
stimulus, Marsh Miasmata &c. And in such cases it would
be verry improper to administer the bark without previous depletion
or bleeding, Emetics, Cathartics &c. If given before it will be rejected