cilliticum seemed for a few days to check the progress of her
complaint, but they soon lost their effect, and diarrhoea ensued
upon every attempt to increase the frequency of the dose. Draughts
with Infus. Digital. were then directed to be taken twice a day. The
effect was a powerful action on the kidneys, and a reduction of the
swellings, but without sickness. A degree of appetite returned, but
still the tendency to diarrhoea existed, and kept her weak. Tonic
medicines were then tried, but without advantage, and in a month it
was necessary to have recourse to the Digitalis again. It was directed
in a half pint mixture; an ounce to be taken thrice in twenty-four
hours. On the 2d day, finding her symptoms very much relieved, she
took in the absence of her nurse, nearly a double dose of the
medicine. The consequence was great sickness, languor continuing for
several days, and almost a total stop to the secretion of urine, from
the time the sickness commenced.

The case now became totally unmanageable in my hands, and, after a
fortnight, I was dismissed, and another physician called in; but she
did not long survive.

This was not the first, nor the last instance, in which I have seen
too large a dose of the medicine, defeat the very purpose for which it
was directed.

CASE CXX.

_August_ 22d. Mrs. S----, AEt. 36. Extreme faintiness; anasarcous legs
and thighs; great difficulty of breathing, troublesome cough, frequent
chilly fits succeeded by hot ones; night sweats, and a tendency to
diarrhoea. Apprehensive that the more urgent symptoms were caused
by water in the lungs, I directed an Infusion of Digitalis, with an
ounce of diacodium to the half pint to prevent it purging, a wine
glass full to be taken every night at bed-time, and a mixture with
confect. cardiac. and pulv. ipecac. to be given in small doses after
every loose stool.

On the fourth day she was better in all respects; had made a large
quantity of water and did not purge. In a few days more she lost all
her complaints, except the cough, which gradually left her, without
any further assistance.

I was agreeably deceived in the event of this case, for I expected
after the water was removed, to have had a phthisis to contend with.

CASE CXXI.

_August_ 25th. T---- W----, Esq; AEt, 50. A free liver, diseased
viscera, belly very tense, and much swollen; fluctuation perceptible,
but the swel