5& 
± 
nr 
It was fir ft introduced to us with the character of an almofl 
in 
remedy, in dyfenteries and other inveterate fluxes, as diarr- 
hoea, menorrhagia, and leucorrhcea, and alfo in diforders proceed- 
ing from ohftrucliions of long ftanding : nor has it loft much of its 
reputation hy time. The ufe of Ipecacuan in thefe fluxes, is thought 
to depend upon its reftoring perfpiration ; for in thefe cafes, efpecially 
in dyfentery and diarrhoea, the fkin is dry and tenfe ; and while the 
common diaphoretics ufually pafs off by ftool, fmall dofes of this 
root have been, adminiftered with the beft effects, proving both 
laxative and diaphoretic. e In the fpafmodic afthma, Dr. Akenfide f 
remarks, that where nothing contraindicates repeated "vomiting, he 
knows no medicine fo effectual as Ipecacuan. In violent paroxyfms 
a fcruple procures immediate relief. Where the complaint is ha- 
bitual, from three to five grains every morning, or from five to ten 
every other morning, may be given for a month or fix weeks. 
This medicine has alfo been fuccefsfully ufed in hemorrhages. 
g 
Se 
veral cafes of menorrhagia are mentioned by Dahlberg, h in which one 
third or half a grain was given every four hours till it effe&ed a cure 
Thefe fmall dofes are likewife found of great ufe in catarrhal and even 
confumptive cafes, as well as in various ftates of fever. Dr. Cullen 
that he knew a practitioner who cured intermittents by 
or enough to excite naufea, an hour 
informs us 
5 
giving five grains of Ipecacuanha 
3 
before the accellion of the fit was expected; and that " Dr. Thomp- 
fon, formerly of Montrofe, propofed to cure agues by the employ- 
ment of emetics eiven at the time of accemon, or at the end of the 
cold ftage: and this practice has alfo been fuccefsful, and may in 
deed be executed by tartar emetic; but in trying fuch practices, I 
have found the Ipecacuanha more manageable than the other, and 
■ 
generally to be more eafy to the patient. 
?> 
ta 
Ipecacuan, particularly in the ftatc of powder, is now advan- 
ioufly employed in almoft every difeafe in which vomiting is 
Dr. Cullen attributes its good effe&s entirely to its purgative quality, M.M.. 
Vol. 2. p. 477. 
f 
Med. Tranf. vol. 1. p. 96 
s See Gianella de admirabili Ipec.'virtute in curandis febribus. Patav. 1754 
Bergius (M. M. p. 103.) and others. 
Alfo 
h Veu Acad. Handl vol. 31. p. 3 l6 « a l 77°- 
J L c. 
indicated 
3 
