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that twenty grains of* the feeds are adequate to tliirty of the 

 root, as to the purgative power. • , 



OLdly. That the refiduum of the feeds is nearly equal in 

 this refpect to their powder, according to what was difco- 

 vered concerning the refiduum of the root; but here the 

 proof fpirit extradted lefs from the feeds, than from the 

 root by way of tin£ture. 



3a'/y. That the feeds appear to be more aromatic than 

 the root, but to contain lefs aftringency than even its refi- 

 duum, when treated in the fame manner. 



Some writers alledge, that the diftilled water of rhubarb 

 contains a purgative qualjty. But this merits farther con- 

 firmation, and at the fame time fuggefts fome additional 

 experiments to thofe whofe curiofity may prompt them to 

 profecute the fubject, which is ftill far from being exhaufted. 

 The chemical and medicinal properties of the diftilled wa- 

 ter, and of the refiduum ; the elaftic fluid extricated by dif- 

 tillation; the eflential fait, and the aftringent principle, may 

 all afford further novelties worthy the attention of a curious 

 obferver, and perhaps throw new light on the hidden qua- 

 lities of this important drug. 



I have the honour to be, &c. 



A. FOTHERGILL. 



Bath, Feb. lo, 1785. 



T i % Opinions 



