(seq. 517)

510

Materia Medica

Emetics

although the patient was quite free from pain. I give the medicine both
in powder and in wine, the following is the formula for making the
wine, Rx Rad. Ipecac. ℥iij [3 ounces] Spanish White Wine lbi [1 pound] M fit. That of
the Edinburgh Colledge is thus, Rx Rad. Ipecac ℥i [1 ounce] Spanish White
Wine ℥XV [15 ounces] M. digest for ten days and strain, the dose is half an
ounce more or less according to circumstances.

Spiraea Trifoliata. Or Indian Puke Root. This grows near
Philadelphia, the root consists of bark and wood, the former contains the emetic
qualities in a greater degree than the latter and it resides in a small
proportion in the stem also, the best method of giving it is to pound the
bark and give it in substance, in order to puke it is necessary to give
twenty, thirty or even forty grains. I have produced the effect however
with fifteen or twenty grains, this medicine has a great resemblance to
Ipecacuanha, and the large quantity which is necessary to give is the only
objection to its use.

Asarum. Or Wild Ginger. This was
much used by the antients [ancients] as an emetic, but is not now, it should be
given in powder of ℈i [1 scruple] sometimes less, the leaves also posses the emetic
power. It has been employ’d in Intermittants and Whooping Cough,
with advantage, it is usefull by its emetic and expectorant qualities.

Scilla Maratima or Squill.4 [footnote back 1 page] This is a native