state approaching to syncope. The strongest
cordials, volatiles, and repeated blisters barely supported him. At
length, however, he did begin to emerge out of the extreme danger into
which his folly had plunged him; and by generous living and tonics, in
about two months he came to enjoy a perfect state of health.
CASE CVII.
_November_ 19th. Master S----, AEt. 8. Ascites and anasarca. A dram of
Fol. Digitalis in a six ounce infusion, given in doses of a spoonful,
effected a perfect cure, without producing nausea.
1783.
The reader will perhaps remark, that from the middle of _January_ to
the first of _May_, not a single case occurs, and that the amount of
cases is likewise less than in the preceding or ensuing years; to
prevent erroneous conjectures or conclusions, it may be expedient to
mention, that the ill state of my own health obliged me to retire from
business for some time in the spring of the year, and that I did not
perfectly recover until the following summer.
CASE CVIII.
_January_ 15th. Mrs. G----, AEt. 57. A very fat woman; has been
dropsical since _November_ last; with symptoms of diseased viscera.
Various remedies having been taken without effect, an Infusion of
Digitalis was directed twice a day, with a view to palliate the more
urgent symptoms. She took it four days without relief, and as her
recovery seemed impossible it was urged no farther.
CASE CIX.
_May_ 1st. Mrs. D----, AEt. 72. A thin woman, with very large
anasarcous legs and thighs; no appetite and general debility. After a
month's trial of cordials and diuretics of different kinds, the
surgeon who had scarified her legs apprehended they would mortify; she
had very great pain in them, they were very red and black by places,
and extremely tense. It was evident that unless the tension could be
removed, gangrene must soon ensue. I therefore gave her Infusum
Digitalis, which increased the secretion of urine by the following
evening, so that the great tension began to abate, and together with
it the pain and inflammation. She was so feeble that I dared not to
urge the medicine further, but she occasionally took it at intervals
until the time of her death, which happened a few weeks afterwards.
CASE CX.
_May_ 18th. I was desired to prescribe for Mary Bowen, a poor girl a
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