sleep with their
mouths open; the currents of air in respiration increasing the evaporation.
There is also a dryness in the mouth from the increased action of the
absorbent vessels, when a sloe or a crab-apple are masticated; and after
the perforation has been much increased by eating salt or spice, or after
other copious secretions; as after drunkenness, cathartics, or fever fits,
the mucus of the mouth becomes viscid, and in small quantity, from the
increased absorption, adhering to the tongue like a white slough. In the
diabaetes, where the thirst is very great, this slough adheres more
pertinaciously, and becomes black or brown, being coloured after a few days
by our aliment or drink. The inspissated mucus on the tongue of those, who
sleep with their mouths open, is sometimes reddened as if mixed with blood,
and sometimes a little blood follows the expuition of it from the fauces
owing to its great adhesion. When this mucus adheres long to the papillae
of the tongue, the saliva, which it contains in its interstices, like a
sponge, is liable to become putrid, and to acquire a bitter taste, like
other putrid animal substances; which is generally mistaken for an
indication of the presence of bile.

M. M. Warm subacid liquids. See Class I. 2. 5. 8.

2. _Fauces aridae._ Dry throat. The expuition of a frothy mucus with great
and perpetual hawking occurs in hydrophobia, and is very distressing to the
patient; which may be owing to the increased irritability or sensibility of
the upper part of the oesophagus, which will not permit any fluid to rest
on it.

It affects some people after intoxication, when the lungs remain slightly
inflamed, and by the greater heat of the air in expiration the mucus
becomes too hastily evaporated, and is expectorated with difficulty in the
state of white froth.

I knew a person, who for twenty years always waked with his tongue and
throat quite dry; so that he was necessitated to take a spoonful of water,
as soon as he awoke; otherwise a little blood always followed the forcible
expuition of the indurated mucus from his fauces. See Class II. 1. 3. 17.

M. M. Steel-springs fixed to the night-cap so as to suspend the lower jaw
and keep it closed; or springs of elastic gum. Or a pot of water suspended
over the bed, with a piece of list, or woollen cloth, depending from it,
and held in the mouth; which will act like a syphon, and slowly supply
moisture, or barley water should be frequently syr