52 On the Salivating Effects 



in proportion as the medicine was more freely admi- 

 nistered. I never ventured on a larger dose than 

 eight grains in the twenty-four hours, for the sickness 

 of stomach which this induced was truly distressing. 

 As soon as the medicine sensibly produced distress 

 of the stomach, the discharge of urine amounted to 

 half a gallon in the day and night. This quantity she 

 continued to evacuate, and has done it for three 

 weeks past. Most of the water is carried off ; but 

 she still complains grievously of her feet and ancles ; 

 for which I intend salivating her with mercury. 



Another effect of the Digitalis, besides that which 

 I have already taken notice of, remains yet to be men- 

 tioned : viz. its salivating property, as having taken 

 place in this patient. Authors speak of its tendency 

 to produce salivation, particularly Dr. Barton ; but 

 no writer, so far as known to me, has published any 

 cases in particular, where this effect has followed, in 

 consequence of the use of this medicine. I am, how- 

 ever, decidedly of opinion, that it acted as a salivant, 

 as well as diuretic, in this case ; for the quantity of 

 saliva, or water, which was discharged from the 

 mouth, amounted from a pint to a quart in the day 

 and night. 



Perhaps, this ptyalism may by some persons be 

 ascribed to its nauseating the stomach. I am, how- 

 ever, bold to say, this was not the cause, for the me- 

 dicine was more than once intermitted, in order to 

 ascertain this matter. It is true, the salivation was 

 somewhat greater, when the stomach was distressed 



