2 causes an increased absorption ; “whence the affused fluid 
dropsy is frequently taken up and removed. “8 
Partly by the serous evacuation which cathartics occasion, and 
‘parely by the derivation of blood they make from the head, they are 
ighly useful in the prevention and cure of rating all comatose 
affections, mania »phrenitis, and headach. — 
The ad ministration of cathartics is rendered i 
mation of the stomach or intestines, or tendency 
debility. Several cautions are likewise requisite in their 
The nausea or griping they frequently produce, may be ob ae 
the addition of an aromatic, or by giving them in divided doses.— =—-* 
The more powerful cathartics should always ‘be given in the latter 
mode ; and in general they irritate less when given diffused in a fluid 
than when given in a solid form. : 
‘he different cathartics may be Gbnaidered under the two dis “ 
sions of laxatives and purgatives : the former being mild in their ee. 
operation, and merely evacuating the contents of the 3 intestines ; 3 : 
latter being more powerful, and extend their stimulant 
the neighboring parts. — 
- A division of cathartics remains, Hiterivediate in their 
between the laxatives and purgatives, more powerful than the one, 
Jess violent and stimulating than the other. These are the neutral 
salts. They seem to act principally by stimulating the exhalant 
vessels on the inner surface of the intestines ; and by the watery 
evacuation they occasion, are particularly adapted to those | 
where inflammatory action or peacat to lt exists, ri 
Pies 
CLASS VII. —EMMENAGOGUES. | 
a aielhieines arranged under tiie class are — z 
promoting the menstrual discharge. S aoe 
As the suppression of this discharge is usually ly owing to debiiy debitcy 
of the. uterine vessels, or want of action in th 
of exciting it must be those which can stimulate these ves- 
General stimulants or tonics must have this effect to a certain ex- 
tent, and there are several stimulants both diffusible and permanent, 
employed as Emmenagogues. — 
It is doubtful, whether there are any other medicines, which have 
their stimulant operation particularly determined to the uterine ves- 
_ sels. There are several, however, which, acting on neighboring 
_ parts, have their action extended to the uterus, and hence exertan _ 
emmenagogue power greater than can be ascribed to any general 
sti nt operation they exert on the system. Several <a 
n this manner. 
der one or other of these divisions, may be 
ines employed as weit Sa 
