A402 POLYGALA SENEGA. 
particularly in promoting the separation and dis- 
charge of the membrane formed in the trachea of 
patients affected by it. Such a membrane, how- 
ever, does not exist in all cases of croup. And 
in the early part of the complaint it may be ques- 
tioned, how far a medicine, which acts as a stimu- 
lant to the fauces and neighbouring organs, is en- 
titled to reliance, in a local inflammation of the 
trachea. It ought not from such a reliance to 
exclude more active remedies, especially vene- 
section. Dr. Archer’s mode of administering it 
is to give a tea-spoonful of a strong decoction 
every hour or half hour, according to the urgency 
of the symptoms, and during the intervals, a few 
drops occasionally, to keep up a sensible action of 
the medicine upon the mouth and throat, until it 
acts as an emetic or cathartic. 
In various forms of dropsy, the Seneca root. 
has been resorted to with advantage, and has re- 
ceived the commendations of Percival, Millman, 
and some others. ‘Its cathartic and diuretic effects 
are very considerable, when regularly persevered 
in, in quantities as large as will set easily on the 
stomach ; and have in various instances effected 
the dissipation of dropsical swellings. 
In chronic rheumatism, this root sometimes 
does good by its universally stimulant and diapho- 
