= _ theiruse, even where fever was present ; a pract 
AST. } 48 
Cullen imagined a partial decomposition in cases 
of decoction, and hence prefered infusion. Dr. — 
Morveau suggested ether as a solvent for astrin- — 
_ gency, as best adapted to convey that principle © 
most readily into the system. Astringents long — 
used in intermittents. The most effective remedies 
for these affections, are characterized by more or 
less astringency. The best are those containing as- 
_ tringency and bitterness combined. Astringents — 
used in weakness from whatever cause—often in- — 
juriously. In certian dropsies, generally with 
benefit, where there is no great degree of febrile 
action. The late Professor Barton advocated | 
_ according to my own experience of doubtful pro- 
priety, never having seen good effects from it. _ 
The efficacy of astringents is chiefly evidenced 
in the cure of the profluvie. They are used to 
check serous evacuations from the bowels, fluor 
albus, gonorrhea and gleet, and the excessive 
discharges of other organs. It is supposed | 
many that they do this, rather by their t 
property than their immediate astringent vi 
ir power in checking hemorrhages from 
lungs nose, stomach, bowels and uterus, — 
it is undeniable, presents one of the most diff 
subjects for medical ratiocination, which oc 
in the whole science of Materia Medica, and t 
modus operandi of its subjects. Their exhibiti 
not safe, without close attention to the state of 
circulation; indeed with regard to hemorrhi 
astringents are absolute and relative. A very @ 
ferent substance as an astringent is required 
- eheck that bleeding, called active acc 
with a tonic contractile power of the arteri 
that called passive which happens duri 
atonic or relaxed condition of the same— 
