of the Digitalis Purpurea. 51 



enough to contain her, without making considerable 

 indentations on her thighs by the posts of it. She 

 had not been able to lie down on the bed, for three 

 weeks ; her breathing was difficult ; she was almost a 

 stranger to sleep ; her appetite was excessive, crav- 

 ing the strongest and most heating food ; her thirst 

 not more than when in ordinary health ; her pulse 

 nearly natural ; the quantity of urine she made was 

 very sparing, not more than from half a gill to a gill 

 in twenty-four hours. She had none of the common 

 symptoms of fever, save a white tongue; and she 

 complained heavily of the pain of her ancles and feet, 

 notwithstanding the liberal use of opium. This be- 

 ing her situation, it is not surprising that she should 

 anxiously wish for that period which would put an 

 end to her sufferings. 



In this state, I directed her to take half a grain of 

 digitalis, made up into pills with the mucilage of 

 Gum Arab., three times a day ; a grain of opium at 

 bed-time ; Jallap and Crem. Tart, to obviate costive- 

 ness, and Cream of Tartar dissolved in water as a 

 drink, which she was desired to take freely. Three 

 days after the use of these medicines, she made near 

 a pint of water in the twenty-four hours ; was able 

 to lie on the bed for several hours ; got some sleep, 

 and appeared to be better in every respect, except of 

 the pain of her feet and ancles. 



The dose of the digitalis was gradually augmented 

 to eight grains in the night and day ; the opium was 

 diminished. The quantity of the urine was increased 



