the green leaves gathered in winter, but then I
order three times the weight; and in one instance I used three ounces
to a pint decoction, before the desired effect took place. I consider
the Foxglove thus given, as the most certain diuretic I know, nor do
its diuretic effects depend merely upon the nausea it produces, for in
cases where squill and ipecac. have been so given as to keep up a
nausea several days together, and the flow of urine not taken place, I
have found the Foxglove to succeed; and I have, in more than one
instance, given the Foxglove in smaller and more distant doses, so
that the flow of urine has taken place without any sensible affection
of the stomach; but in general I give it in the manner first
mentioned, and order one dose to be taken after the sickness
commences. I then omit all medicines, except those of the cordial kind
are wanted, during the space of three, four, or five days. By this
time the nausea abates, and the appetite becomes better than it was
before. Sometimes the brain is considerably affected by the medicine,
and indistinct vision ensues; but I have never yet found any permanent
bad effects from it."--

"I use it in the Ascites, Anasarca, and Hydrops Pectoris; and so far
as the removal of the water will contribute to cure the patient, so
far may be expected from this medicine: but I wish it not to be tried
in ascites of female patients, believing that many of these cases are
dropsies of the ovaria; and no sensible man will ever expect to see
these encysted fluids removed by any medicine."

"I have often been obliged to evacuate the water repeatedly in the
same patient, by repeating the decoction; but then this has been at
such distances of time as to allow of the interference of other
medicines and a proper regimen, so that the patient obtains in the end
a perfect cure. In these cases the decoction becomes at length so very
disagreeable, that a much smaller quantity will produce the effect,
and I often find it necessary to alter its taste by the addition of
Aq. Cinnam. sp. or Aq. Juniper. composita."

"I allow, and indeed enjoin my patients to drink very plentifully of
small liquors through the whole course of the cure; and sometimes,
where the evacuations have been very sudden, I have found a bandage as
necessary as in the use of the trochar."--

Early in the year 1779, a number of dropsical cases offered themselves
to my attention, the consequences of the scarlet fever and s