4 is. 
na 103 [eMM. 
That constitutional preparatory treatment is — 
‘requisite to ensure the action of what are termed 
emmenagogues, is known by every practitioner who 
has attended to the subject; and it seems as ne- 
ctssary in using those of activity as any other. I 
am sustained in this by a distinguished author, 
whose opinion bears with peculiar force on this 
point, because he speaks ofemmenagogues as agents 
of specific virtue. Speaking of the effect of gua- 
iacum in restoring suppressed catamenia, and of 
its want of success in the hands of some of his 
brother practitioners, Dr. Dewees states that they 
had neglected to ** place the system in a proper 
situation for its use,”* by- the treatment he pursues ; 
remarking that he ‘almost always reduces the 
pulse lower than for madder or cantharides; this 
he observes, ‘* is easily effected, by the loss of a 
little more blood than in the other cases ;_ purging 
more freely, and insisting on a low diet for a few 
days.”* The doctor in many other passages, 
shews that these general remedies are habitually 
used by him preparatory to what he believes the 
specific emmenagogue, chosen for the particular 
case. I cannot however, but view the latter as one 
of the train of general remedies employed, suited 
by.its peculiar stimulant energy, to rouse the 
whole system, and by this means its parts. Of 
the latter the uterus is one, participating in the 
general healthy restoration. This view by no 
means can weaken our confidence in the vol. tr. 
of guaiacum, so strenuously recommended, or, 
in any other medicine of similar effect. But 
merely adjusts what it is impossible for me to help 
believing, a misnomer of the commended remedy, 
which may mislead less experienced practitioners 
* Dewees on the Diseases of Females, Phila, 1826, p. 79. 
I 
