298 Dr. Ainslie's Observations on the Lepra Arabum. 



ammoniac, intermixed with half a pint of proof spirit. I cannot say, how- 

 ever, that I experienced any good whatever in prescribing the bark in 

 affections of this nature in India ; on the contrary, it appeared to heat and 

 irritate. 



In every attempt I made to combat the Elephantiasis of the Greeks on 

 the Coromandel coast, the first thing I did, previously to ordering any 

 medicine whatever, was to bring the general health of the patient into a 

 better state, by nourishing diet, and due attention to exercise and cleanliness; 

 tlie necessity of attention to this caution must be evident, seeing that the 

 disorder is so frequently found amongst the mendicant poor, whose reduced 

 habits are but ill suited to stand the operation of any powerful medicine.* 



The corrosive sublimate has been given by some medical practitioners in 

 this affection, in small doses, in conjunction with the muriatic acid and 

 antimonial wine ;t but this is a prescription I cannot recommend from my 

 own experience. 



In whatever form mercury is prescribed, great care must be taken not to 

 push it so fast, or so far, as to bring on a weakening ^/^a/wm, which cannot 

 fail to be productive of infinite mischief; it will be necessary, however, to 

 touch the mouth, and keep it so for some weeks. Warm bathing is fre- 

 quently to be had recourse to (let the plan pursued be what it may); and 

 when we have done our utmost by the use of mercury in one shape or other, 

 to overcome the disorder, we must continue to support the frame by giving 

 generous wine or other cordial. 



The mineral acids are unquestionably of great service. The tinctura guaiaci 

 ammoniata, as a stimulating sudorific, has been supposed to possess con- 

 siderable virtues in such affections, in doses of one to two fluid drams. 

 Of the tinctura gambogiw ammoniata I have had no experience ; it has been 

 ordered to the quantity of a tea-spoonful or two, night and morning. The 

 vinum antimonii compositum of the Pharmacopeia Chirurgica is a valuable 

 medicine in this, as well as other cutaneous complaints.! 



From what 1 have said under the head of the exciting causes of this 

 malady, it need scarcely be observed, that the diet ought to be generous. § 



Hindu medical writers reckon no less than eighteen different kinds of 

 Kustam or Lepra, the two worst are called in Tamool, Ven kustam or scaly 



I 



* See Note A. f See Note B. X See Note C. § See Note D. 



