of the Digitalis Purpurea. 49 



though the most decided and unequivocal), where you 

 had observed this effect to follow the use of this me- 

 dicine. 



This conversation introduced the subject of the 

 salivating property of certain vegetables, amongst 

 which you mentioned the Digitalis Purpurea, or com- 

 mon Fox-glove, as having produced the same effect ; 

 and referred me to the publication of an instance or 

 two, in your Medical and Physical Journal, in sup- 

 port of this opinion. These I have since examined, 

 and find they (especially one of the cases) tend to 

 confirm the idea of its salivating powers. 



You, doubtless, recollect my mentioning, that I had 

 (as I believed) seen this medicine exert its power in 

 this way on a patient, who was under my more imme- 

 diate care, who laboured under ascites and anasarca. 

 In compliance with the request made, I will give you 

 the history of this case, nearly as noted down in my 

 common-place book, at the time it occurred, with 

 the liberty of making that part public, which you 

 deem important, if there be such a part contained 

 in it. 



In the month of March, 1801, I was called upon 

 to visit a lady, about fifty-seven years of age. On 

 my arrival, I found her greatly distended with water, 

 insomuch that she was the greatest monster in hu- 

 man shape I had ever observed. 



VOL. I. PART II. C. 



