306 HORTUS JAMAICENSIS. worm- 



consumed ; then strain off the remainder av.d add a little sugar and lemon juice, to give 

 it a more agreeable taste, and keep it from growing viscid or clammy. It may be, how- 

 ever, observed, that the decoction is sometimes clarified, and sweetened, and is then 

 equally efficacious ; which gives a hint to have it made into syrup. The common me- 

 thod of administering this medicine is to a full grown person half a pint at the hour of 

 rest, and a proportionate quantity to all weaker and younger subjects, which is to he re- 

 peated once in twenty-four hours, for two or three flays after; but as the largeness of 

 this dose may render its operation too violent, and the use of it both unsafe and 

 precarious, I would recommend the followin method as less hazardous and as effectual : 

 Give about four ounces to a full grown person for the first dose, ami about two or three 

 every six hours alter, if its anodyne quality will permit, but to persons of a weaker con- 

 stitution, it should be repeated only every ten or twelve hours ; this is to be continued 

 for the space of thirty-six or forty-eight hours, when the double dose may be again re- 

 peated ; and after this takes its full effect, it must be worked off with some gentle pur-, 

 gative, such as the infusion of senna or rhubarb, with manna, &c. This medicine pro- 

 cures sleep almost as certainly, and in an equal degree with opium, but the eyes seem 

 (listen Jed, and appear bright and sparkling, as they generally do before the emotion of 

 the small pox and measles, after the sleepy effects are over. In a short time after this 

 first dose is administered, the pulse grows regular and begins to rise ; the fever cools ; 

 the convulsions, if any, abate; all the symptoms appear more favourable; and the 

 worms are generally discharged in great quantities, by the use of the subsequent pur- 

 gatives, if not before; often above one hundred at a time ; but, when a few only, come 

 away, and those alive, which seldom is the case, the dose must be again repeated, and 

 this scarcely ever fails. I never knew the medicine ineffectual when there was the least 

 probability of success ; nay, I have often found it serviceable when there was not the 

 least reason to expect it ; I have been however e; utious m ordering it for children ; for, 

 though I never knew it at all hurtful, its effects upon the eyes are such as frequently 

 deterred me, especially as their fibres are weakly and more sensible of irritation- and 

 the fevers arising from this source, on such subjects, seldom so violent as to hinder the 

 administration of some other medicines that may prove equally as effectual when the 

 symptoms are not too urgent Browne. Granger observes that this powerful vermi- 

 fuge, incautiously administered, has proved mortal. In Dancer's Medical Assistant, 

 the infusion of the herb is recommended, dose two table-spoonfuls to children four or 

 five years old : expressed juice, one table-spoonful to the same ; and it is observed that 

 too large doses are narcotic and dangerous, and should never be given to children under 

 two years old. The Cowitch therefore seems to be a much more innocent, 4 and equally 

 powerful worm medicine, consequently in almost every case deserving of preference. 



WORM-WOOD. ARTEMISIA. 



Cl. 19, or. 2. Syngcncsia pclygamia super/hi Nat. or. Composite, 



Gen. char. Common calyx roundish, imbricate ; receptacle sub-villose, or almost 

 naked ; no down ; no corolla of the ray. 



ABSINTHIUM. 



Leaves compound, multifid ; flowers sub-globose, pendulous; receptcale villose. 



This 



