a medicine whose fullest dose in substance does not
exceed three grains, cannot be supposed to stand in need of
condensation.

It appears from several of the cases, that when the Digitalis is
disposed to purge, opium may be joined with it advantageously; and
when the bowels are too tardy, jalap may be given at the same time,
without interfering with its diuretic effects; but I have not found
benefit from any other adjunct.

From this view of the doses in which the Digitalis really ought to be
exhibited, and from the evidence of many of the cases, in which it
appears to have been given in quantities six, eight, ten or even
twelve times more than necessary, we must admit as an inference either
that this medicine is perfectly safe when given as I advise, or that
the medicines in daily use are highly dangerous.

EFFECTS, RULES, and CAUTIONS.

The Foxglove when given in very large and quickly-repeated doses,
occasions sickness, vomiting, purging, giddiness, confused vision,
objects appearing green or yellow; increased secretion of urine, with
frequent motions to part with it, and sometimes inability to retain
it; slow pulse, even as slow as 35 in a minute, cold sweats,
convulsions, syncope, death.[11]

[Footnote 11: I am doubtful whether it does not sometimes
excite a copious flow of saliva.--See cases at pages 115,
154, and 155.]

When given in a less violent manner, it produces most of these effects
in a lower degree; and it is curious to observe, that the sickness,
with a certain dose of the medicine, does not take place for many
hours after its exhibition has been discontinued; that the flow of
urine will often precede, sometimes accompany, frequently follow the
sickness at the distance of some days, and not unfrequently be checked
by it. The sickness thus excited, is extremely different from that
occasioned by any other medicine; it is peculiarly distressing to the
patient; it ceases, it recurs again as violent as before; and thus it
will continue to recur for three or four days, at distant and more
distant intervals.

These sufferings of the patient are generally rewarded by a return of
appetite, much greater than what existed before the taking of the
medicine.

But these sufferings are not at all necessary; they are the effects of
our inexperience, and would in similar circumstances, more or less
attend the exhibition of almost every active and powerful medicine we