320 VERMINOUS AFFECTIONS 



goous in those fevers which have heen called vet- 

 minous, because by this means the stomach is clear* 

 ed of corrupt materials, which, being there retained, 

 wouhl contribute to the production of worms. 



An emetic also, by agitating the whole system, 

 gives energy and force to the organs which perform 

 the natural functions. The abuse however of emet- 

 ics, as well as purgatives, by producing a greater 

 loss of the fluids, may also produce the opposite ef- 

 fects, as we every day see. The weakening of the 

 solids, the increased secretion of iiuids, the aug- 

 mentation of the asthenic diathesis, and a disposi- 

 tion suited to the propagation of worms, are the con- 

 sequences of an excessive use of evacuants how- 

 ever given. (266) 



^ CLXXVII. Besides, the first indication in 

 the treatment of these affections should be deduc- 

 ed from the general form of the disease ; and the 

 whole treatment should be directed to increase the 

 excitement of the whole system ; that is, to strength- 

 en the body. 



The treatment suited to simple typhoid fevers, 

 whether they are violent, mild, or slow, is the same 

 as that adopted in general verminous complaints, 

 more especially as those remedies are the most effi- 

 cient,fii67) which are used both to conquer these 

 dangerous astheniae, and to expel those worms 

 from the body, which occasion its derangement. 



