(seq. 419)

412

Materia Medica

Stimulants

Dr Mead relates a case of dropsy of the ovarium with ascites which
was cured by one tablespoonfull of an infusion of horse radish. In the
Scurvy as in dropsy they must act be promoting an evacuation by the
skin and kindneys, a strong infusion of horse radish may be given in
water to the extent of half a pint two or three times a day, our plants are
taken into the circulation for some of them communicate their
taste to the flesh of Animals, a weak infusion of mustard in warm
water sometimes checks vomiting. Perhaps it is most serviceable
in arthritic vomiting, it should not be used too strong for it then
might increase the affection. I think that a propper proportion is a
teaspoonfull of mustard to a gill [4 ounces] of water which must be agitated
and left to subside and the cleanest part exhibitted in a dose of a
teaspoonfull at a time. They are employ’d with meal when powerfull effects
are to be produced externally, two parts of Pulv. mustard seed and one
of rye meal are mixed together with milk, the preparation to the skin
acts as a rubefacient and excites great pain, if kept on too long it
produces a separation of the epidermis, externally apply'd mustard
and horse radish stimulate the system more quickly than cantharides
and more quickly in dentition. I have removed convulsions by
synapisms apply'd to the rist and ancles, and in convulsions in small pox