190 IRKATMENr OF 



produce all these effects, accomplish the necessary 

 indications. 



We are chiefly to regard as such the articles 

 taken from the class of stimulants, which, possessing 

 a bitter and an astringent principle, are well suit- 

 ed to invigorate the nervous power, and augment 

 the cohesion of the solids.(lO) 



Besides, experience every day proves that these 

 worms are expelled from our bodies by the use of 

 these medicines when administered in quantities 

 adapted to the degree and character of the asthenic 

 diathesis, whether this action takes place in con- 

 sequence of the subtle and penetrating odour of 

 these substances, or their mechanical agency on 

 these vermin ; the former is more probable, by ex- 

 citing the system, and particularly the parts affect- 

 ed. The verminous nidus is formed by the mu- 

 cous substance constantly enclosing the worms,' li) 

 which remaining like any foreign matter, are set in 

 motion and expelled by the increased action of 

 the organ s.(lli) 



§) CIX. By reasoning accurately, we easily 

 perceive that the speciiic property of destroying 

 and expelling worms from the body has been false- 

 ly attributed to a certain class of remedies. Be- 

 fore this can be true, anthelmintics must be endow- 

 ed with the power ascribed to them, and they should 

 constantly produce the desired effect. This can- 

 not be alBrmed except by persons who are influ- 

 enced rather by superstition, than exact and phi- 

 losophical observation. 



