rats, in the livers
of which last animals they were lately detected in large numbers by Dr.
Capelle. Transactions of the college at Philadelphia, v. i.

Now as the dilute state of the bile depends on the deficiency of the
absorption of its thinner parts, it appears, that the tumid belly, and
bloated countenance, and swelled upper lip, are a concomitant circumstance
attending the general inactivity of the absorbent system; which is
therefore to be esteemed the remote cause of the generation of worms.

The simplicity of the structure of worms probably enables them to exist in
more various temperatures of heat; and their being endued with life
prevents them from being destroyed by digestion in the stomach, probably in
the same manner as the powers of life prevent the fermentation and
putrefaction of the stomach itself. Hence I conclude, that worms are
originally taken into our alimentary canal from without; as I believe
similar worms of all kinds are to be found out of the body.

M. M. The round worm is destroyed by a cathartic with four or six grains of
calomel; and afterwards by giving six or eight grains of filings of iron
twice a day for a fortnight. See Hepatis tumor, Class I. 2. 3. 9. As worms
are liable to come away in fevers, whether of the hectic or putrid kind,
could they be removed by purulent matter, or rotten egg, or putrid flesh,
since in those fevers from the enfeebled action of the intestines the
faeces become highly putrid?

11. _Taenia._ Tape-worm consists of a chain of animals extending from the
stomach to the anus. See Sect. XXXIX. 2. 3. It frequently exists in cats,
rats, and geese, and probably in many other animals.

The worms of this genus possess a wonderful power of retaining life. Two of
them, which were voided by a pointer dog in consequence of violent
purgatives, each of which were several feet in length, had boiling water
poured on them in a bason; which seemed not much to inconvenience them.
When the water was cool, they were taken out and put into gin or whiskey of
the strongest kind, in which their life and activity continued unimpaired;
and they were at length killed by adding to the spirit a quantity of
corrosive sublimate. Medic. Comment. for 1791, p. 370.

The tape-worm is cured by an amalgama of tin and quicksilver, such as is
used on the back of looking-glasses; an ounce should be taken every two
hours, till a pound is taken; and then a brisk cathartic of Glauber's salt
two ounce