NAT. ORDER. CONVOLVULACE.E. 69 



it is indeed one of our most uscfid purgatives. The ancients eni 

 ployed it as an external np^'lication, in the form of poultices, in 

 cases of Sciatica, and for the removal of indurated tumors, sca- 

 bies, &c. ; but this practice is now wisely laid aside, to make way 

 for more effectual modes of treatment. It is now only employed 

 as an internal remedy, and as it is an article possessing powerful 

 purgative qualities, and one whicli can be relied on, it may be em- 

 ployed in any cases requiring such remedies. In people of indo- 

 lent habits, who generally have constipated bowels ; and in children 

 to remove any foeculent accumulations, it will be found highly ser- 

 viceable ; or when combined with some other active vegetable 

 cathartic, like the PodophyUiim peltatum, (May Apple,) it relieves 

 that inactivity in the function of the liver, which is often connected 

 with worms, and which are sometimes very effectually removed. 

 This compound proves equally serviceable in dropsical patients, 

 l)eing a powerful hydragogue. It is necessary to combine it with 

 some article, to prevent its griping, as aromatics, or sugar, ■^a.v- 

 ticularly when it is administered to children. Inflammatory dis- 

 orders are sometimes very much increased, and irritable and ex- 

 citable habits occasionally injured by it. It needs no corrector; 

 thouo-h for this purpose it has been exposed to the fumes of burn- 

 ing sulphur ; biit we thus only lessen its activity. When scam- 

 mony has undergone this operation, it is called diagrydium. 

 Since the time of Boerhaave, it has been considered a safe, 

 though stimulating cathartic, and is frequently given uncombined 

 with other articles, without producing tormina, or an excessive 

 discharge. It is certainly a brisk purge, and is usually given in 

 cold, phlegmatic constitutions. The dose in powder, is from eight 

 to twenty grains^ which may be given two or three times a day. 



