Polygala seneka. 123 
I may here not impertinently remark, that in the treatment of a re- 
cent case* of hydrophobia, under my care, I prescribed the Polygala 
seneka in pills, of the pulverized root, and in powders, under the 
impression, that in this fatal and mysterious malady, the prominent 
feature of which is the distressing affection of the pharynx and larynx, 
and an extreme difficulty of expectorating the great quantity of vis- 
cid mucous with which the trachea seems choaked up—it might 
prove serviceable, I was led to this practice from the analogy of its 
effects in croup, as detailed by Dr. Archer: and though in the short 
continuance of this disease, which ran its terrific and fatal course in 
less than two entire days, I had but little opportunity of coming to 
any decided conclusion on the effect of the seneka; still I ought to 
remark, that it promoted expectoration very freely. It was adminis- 
tered but for three hours, and not to any great extent. In a disease 
so direful in its symptoms and so universally fatal in its effect, it is a 
matter of no inconsiderable importance to seek alleviating remedies. 
‘I would therefore propose the free use of the seneka in cases of hy- 
drophobia, with a view to its specific or remarkable operation on the 
apparent seat of this malady, the lungs, trachea and larynx ; and 
should another case ever occur in my practice, I shall lose no time in 
the administration of a remedy so powerfully affecting these organs. 
* Of this case, which occurred between the 28th and 30th of the present month, 
(November,) and which supervened upon the bite of a rabid dog, I have drawn up a de- 
tailed account, which is to be soon published in one of our periodical journals. 
