(seq. 601)

594

Materia Medica

Emmenagogues

robust and plethoric ones. Besides the passions of the mind have much
influence as amorous dispositions &c But this is a subject too delicate
to dwell on, if even we had sufficient time. As some of our
Emmenagogues are derived from the tonic and stimulating classes we will
treat of them regularly and first of the.

Tonic Emmenagogues.* [footnote back 1 page] The preparations of Iron
form some of the most important Emmenagogues they appear peculiar
to retention and only proper when there is a flaxcidity of the system.
My favourite preparation is the Rubigo Ferri. Dr Cullen supposes
that retention of the menses depends on a constriction which I
certainly do not believe, yet that is no reason why the medicine should be
improper.

Chamomile. The flowers of this I have used on
Heberdens recommendation with advantage.

Cold bath. Of all the tonic Emmenagogues there is perhaps
not one better than the cold bath, but this is only in retention and
even then should sometimes not be employ’d but with great caution.

Rubia Tinctorum. Though this is not a powerfull
Tonic it has long been administered as a deobstruent and Emmenagogue.
Dr Home of Edinburgh gave it to 19 Patients and cured 14 he gave it
to the extent of Ʒfs [½ dram] & Ʒi [1 dram] twice a day and in general found that it