14t [ExP. 
EXPECTORANTS, 
A mongrel and ill-defined class of remedies, the 
effect of which every one perceives, but no one can 
satisfactorily account for. I believe the only true 
expectorants are emetics. Stimulating diaphor- 
etics often promote expectoration; but their more | 
certain and constant effect is on the skin, hence 
they are properly located already. Many anti- 
spasmodics, as assafetida, ammoniacum, mask, &c. 
facilitate expectoration. Yet they have a more 
decided and constant character. Should we, for 
this adventitious and by no means constant effect, 
refer them to the present class? Some narcot- 
ics, camphor for example, are expectorants; but 
this property in the example given (and others, ) is 
subsidiary to a paramount operation on the brain 
and nervous system, which has caused it properly 
to be placed with the deleterious class, and not 
with the present. All the natural family of allia- 
- cex, facilitate expectoration, as onions and garlic 
forexample. They are, in common with the tribe — 
of bulbous rooted plants, as the squill, diuretic, 
—more decidedly sea, in many instances, than they 
ave expectorant. Shall we retain a class to re- 
ceive them for an effect not always produced, while 
they have stronger claims to the position, already 
allotted to them? The whole tribe of terebinthi- 
nate, and fragrant balsams, as copaiva, tolu, 
peru, elemi, &c. facilitate expectoration: they are 
general stimulants, diuretics and diaphoretics, 
ee 
