s, pour them into the lacteal branches; which, by their
inverted actions, return them into the intestines; and they are thus
evacuated from the body:--these purges also are used with success in
discharging the accumulated fluid in anasarca.

II. The following cases are related with design to ascertain the particular
kinds of dropsy in which the digitalis purpurea, or common foxglove, is
preferable to squill, or other evacuants, and were first published in 1780,
in a pamphlet entitled Experiments on mucilaginous and purulent Matter, &c.
Cadell. London. Other cases of dropsy, treated with digitalis, were
afterwards published by Dr. Darwin in the Medical Transactions, vol. iii.
in which there is a mistake in respect to the dose of the powder of
foxglove, which should have been from five grains to one, instead of from
five grains to ten.

_Anasarca of the Lungs._

1. A lady, between forty and fifty years of age, had been indisposed some
time, was then seized with cough and fever, and afterwards expectorated
much digested mucus. This expectoration suddenly ceased, and a considerable
difficulty of breathing supervened, with a pulse very irregular both in
velocity and strength; she was much distressed at first lying down, and at
first rising; but after a minute or two bore either of those attitudes with
ease. She had no pain or numbness in her arms; she had no hectic fever, nor
any cold shiverings, and the urine was in due quantity, and of the natural
colour.

The difficulty of breathing was twice considerably relieved by small doses
of ipecacuanha, which operated upwards and downwards, but recurred in a few
days: she was then directed a decoction of foxglove, (digitalis purpurea)
prepared by boiling four ounces of the fresh leaves from two pints of water
to one pint; to which was added two ounces of vinous spirit: she took three
large spoonfuls of this mixture every two hours, till she had taken it four
times; a continued sickness supervened, with frequent vomiting, and a
copious flow of urine: these evacuations continued at intervals for two or
three days, and relieved the difficulty of breathing--She had some relapses
afterwards, which were again relieved by the repetition of the decoction of
foxglove.

2. A gentleman, about sixty years of age, who had been addicted to an
immoderate use of fermented liquors, and had been very corpulent, gradually
lost his strength and flesh, had great difficulty of breathing, with legs