(seq. 409)

402

Materia Medica

Stimulants

and tarr water is made by mixing lbij [2 pounds] tar with lbviij [8 pounds] Water. I am
told that the negroes of South America when affected with Scicatica
are cured by the use of tar water. Dr Cullen says that it appears
to strengthen the tone of the stomach, to excite appitite, promote
digestion, and cure all the symptoms of Dyspepsia at the same time
manifestly promotes the excretions particularly that of the urine. Lind
found it usefull in Scurvy, its diuretic effects may perhaps be
advantageous here, thus finishes the Conifera. I shall now speak of some
stimulants that resemble the coniferae.

Balsam Copaiva. This is an important medicine, it is the product of
a tree called Copai. It has been recommended in ulcerations of the lungs
Dr Fothergill and Mr Home disapprove of it. Dr Semmonds
recommends the balsam, it has been frequently used in gleets, and is an
important medicine, it has like wise been employ’d in Gonorrhea internally.
I have never used this in recent Gonorrhea but sometimes in Old ulcers.
I employ the balsam injection which is prepared thus

Rx
Cal. ppt. grs iv vel vi [4 or 6 grains]
Bals. Copaiva XXXX [40]
Gum Arabic Ʒijfs [2½ drams]
Aq. Font. ℥viij [8 ounces]

these should be rubbed down together and a syringe full injected
from 4 to 8 times a day, it usefull in old ulcers of Gonorrhea where
generous diet porter &c, are necessary, but in recent cases it is injurious.