(seq. 537)

530

Materia Medica

Cathartics

but it is particularly so in some cases as it does not gripe, it is verry
good in Hemorrhoids, and is much used, in Dysentary, Many
physicians have trusted to it and opiates, in Colica Pictonum,
it has been serviceable, but more powerfull cathartics should be
used, as it is verry nauseating it should be given in such forms as
to diminish the disagreeable taste. I prescribe it for children in
molasses or syrup, adults prefer it in wine or brandy, and many take
it with milk or cream. I have been in the habit of using it thus

Rx
Oleum Ricini ℥ij [2 ounces]
Gum Arabic Ʒiij [3 drams]
Sach Alba ℥iij [3 ounces]
Aq Font ℥vi [6 ounces]

M. fit. This is verry mild and palatable
with children, it is verry proper in
Dysentary and when I employ’d it in
that disease, I generally add to 8 ℥ or 10 [8 or 10 ounces] of
of the mixture 80 or 100 gtt. [drops] of Laud. Liq.

Rheubarb.
Of this there are several sorts, it well adapted to every age and
constitution, but it should be given in large doses to an adult. I think
Ʒfs [½ dram] a good dose and even Ʒi [1 dram] at times, however 30 grs [grains] are sufficient
as it is a mild and innocent medicine it may be safely given to
children even of the tenderest age,* [footnote back 1 page] for notwithstanding its nauseating
taste there is hardly a medicine that sits better on the stomach, it
has many advantages over Jalap, being less disposed to vomit, less griping