420 Polygala seneka. 
hour, according as the urgency of the symptoms may indicate ; and 
at intervals, a few drops to keep up the stimulus, until the medicine 
acts on the stomach or bowels. The medicine is to be repeated in 
diminished quantities, so as to keep up a constant stimulus in the 
throat and mouth. This practice has been imitated by many phy- 
siclans with success.* 
* The following is Dr. Barton’s account of his use of this medicine in croup: 
«Since the beginning of the year 1798, I have employed a strong decoction of this 
plant in several cases of cynanche trachealis, or hives. Iam persuaded, that the se- 
neka is a very important medicine in the treatment of this common, and too frequently 
unmanageable, disease ; and praise, in my opinion, is due to Dr. Archer, for his im- 
portant discovery ; for such I cannot but deem it. That the seneka is a specific, or 
certain remedy, for the cure of the croup, 1 do not believe: but, from my own experi- 
ence, I am led to repose more confidence in the use of this medicine than in any other. 
Ihave made use of a very strong or saturated decoction of the root. I have always given 
it in large quantities. It appears to be chiefly beneficial, when it occasions an expecto- 
vation of mucus, and when it proves emetic. It is also very useful by virtue of its pur- 
gative quality. But I have known it to occasion very plentiful stools, without benefiting 
the patient. Indeed, in the exhibition of the seneka, I would rather wish to guard against 
large purging. I have sometime treated my patients almost entirely with the seneka. 
Even in such cases, I have perceived most unequivocal good effects from it. But I have, 
more generally, given, along with the seneka, calomel, and sometimes calomel com- 
bined with ipecacuanha. I have not omitted the employment of the lancet, (though this, 
in many cases of croup, is not absolutely necessary,) and the use of blisters, or sina- 
pisms, applied near to the seat of the disease. IT am happy to close this short notice by 
observing, that several respectable physicians in Philadelphia inform me, that they have 
used the seneka, with much advantage, in the disease in question.” 
