NAT. ORDER. LURID.E. 69 



eJ. First, in iaflammatory diseases, from its very remarkable pow- 

 er of diminishing the velocity of the circuh'tion. Second, in active 

 lueniori'hages, and phthisis. Third, in some spasmodic affections, as 

 in spasmodic asthma, palpitation, <&c. Fomth, in mania, from effu- 

 sion on the brain. Fiflli, in anasarcous and dropsical effusions. 

 Sixth, in scrofulous tumors. Seventh, in auem'ism of the aorta, and 

 hypcrtropliy of the heart. Externally it has been applied to scrofu- 

 lous tumors. It may be exhibited — first, in substance, either by it- 

 self, or conjoined with some aromatic, or made into pills, with soap 

 or gum anunoniac. Withering directs the leaves to be gathered be- 

 fore the plant comes into flower ; he rejects the petioles and mid-rib, 

 and dries the remaining part either in the smishine or before the fire. 

 In this state they are easily reduced to fine green powder, which is 

 given in doses of one grain twice a day, and the dose is gradually in- 

 creased until it acts upon the-kidneys, stomach, pulse, or bowels, 

 when its use must be laid aside, or suspended. Second, in infusion ; 

 the same author directs a drachm of dried leaves to be infused for 

 four hours in eight oimces of boiling water, and an ounce of any kind 

 of spirit for its preservation. Half an ounce, or an ounce, of this 

 infusion may be given twice a day. Third, in decoction, Darwin di- 

 rects that four ounces of the fresh leaves be boiled in two pounds of 

 water, until they are reduced to one, and that half an ounce of the 

 strained decoction be taken every two hours, for four or more doses. 

 Fourth, in tincture, put one ounce of the dried leaves, coarsely poAv- 

 dered, into four ounces of diluted alcohol ; let the mixture stand by the 

 fire-side twenty-four hours, frequently shaking the bottle, and the satu- 

 rated tincture, as Darwin calls it, must then be separated from the resi- 

 dum by standing, or decantation. Twenty drops of the tincture were 

 directed to be taken twice or thrice a day, but the dose is dangerous. 

 The EJinburgh College, and the United States formulas, recommend 

 eight ounces of diluted alcohol to one of the powder, but let it digest 

 seven days. 



