aired by Mercury. 49 



theory I had embraced in my Inaugural Dissertation* , 

 concerning the associated actions, subsisting between 

 the vessels of the mouth and those of the stomach. 

 Sublimate, being a more powerful local stimulant, 

 seemed indicated where a speedy action was wished. 

 Whether this theory be true or not, I placed some 

 confidence in it ; for the habit of thinking on a parti- 

 cular opinion, often creates a belief. 



The sublimate, in the form of solution, was exhi- 

 bited in as large and repeated doses, as it was sup- 

 posed he could bear, without inflaming his stomach. 

 By continuing its use fourteen hours, it, at length, 

 produced sickness at stomach, and began to heat his 

 system. A small abatement of his symptoms now 

 became evident. There gradually ensued, hot 

 skin, fever, swelled face and jaws, and a proportion- 

 able diminution of his symptoms, until the salivation 

 became complete, when his disease left him. His 

 remedies were now laid aside. 



Upon revisiting him, one day and a half afterwards, 

 I was greatly disappointed to find, that his disease 

 had returned, and that the effects of the mercury had 

 subsided. The sublimate, mercurial friction, and 

 warm bath, however, again relieved him, and were, 

 once more, omitted. The disease, however, recurred 

 a third time, just as above related. I entertained not 

 the least doubt of being again able to relieve him, 



* An Experimental Inquiry into the Principles of Nutrition, 



and the Digestive Process. Philadelphia : 1803. Editor. 



G 



