(seq. 579)

572

Materia Medica

Diuretics

when it nauseates, or even pukes, it is often combined with other
substances, and for this purpose Dr Cullen employed a Neutral Salt,
Tissot** [footnote back 1 page] added Nitre to it, Calomel* [footnote back 1 page] is often added to it and I believe
improves it much if the mouth can be effected. I have employ’d it
in combination with the turbith Mineral, once or twice in the 24 hours,
this does not so much good if it pukes, the squill is said by Dr
Warner to produce salivation, I did not believe it untill I gave it
in one case where it produced a distressing salivation like Mercury.

Polygala Senaka. Or Rattle Snake Root.
This is a Native of the United States and when first tasted appears
farinaceous, afterwards it is acid then communicates a pungent taste
constricts the mouth and and fauces and evinces a stimulating
quality, it is Cathartic, Diuretic and brings on a flow of Saliva
it has even produced a salivation this was noticed by one of
Linneus' pupils and I have seen it in one patient in Hydrathorax
it is now several years since it was noticed as a powerfull medicine.
Mr Tennant gave it in decoction and in powder to two patients
who had been bitten by a rattle Snake, the dose of the powder is
Ʒfs [½ dram] and in decoction 3 table spoonfuls, these were large doses, he
found it always a Diuretic, but never observed any other effect