(seq. 529)

522

Materia Medica

Cathartics

the good effects, upon the whole, I do not think that the nausea
occasioned by the antimonials render them less apt to cure fevers, Indeed I
them improved by it. I have used the Tart Emet as an injection in
Gonorrhea, in the proportion from 4 to 6 grs. [grains] in 6 or 8 ℥ [ounces] of water to
stimulate the urethra when the running has been stopped to suddenly.

Cathartics. These are medicines evacuating the intestines
downward and promoting the discharge by stool, they are unquestionably
some of the most important articles in the hands of Physicians, some of
our best cathartics have been taught us by savages and even by brutes.
Purging may be induced by various states of the system, this operation
is verry extensive affecting the whole intestinal canal they increase the
paralstaltic motion, in some persons the action of the intestines are greater
than in some others, but a person should have one stool every 24 hours.
Cathartics produce a decided effect upon the pulse and heat of the body
diminishing them more considerably than bloodletting they are therefore
indispensable in fevers. In Apoplexy however when the pulse is low they
increase the frequency, among their other effect is that of producing sleep
this I have noticed to be a striking effect in Maniacs. I might also
speak of their effects upon the mind, melancholy is often occasioned
by an accumulation in the intestenal canal. Sometimes irratibility