74 Some Account of the Deleterious Effects 



purging. The strength of the decoction is, however, 

 varied, according to the intention. 



Cumber] and- Island (Georgia), 

 September 4th, 1803. 



XI. Extract of a letter from Dr. Currie to the Edi- 

 tor, giving some account of the deleterious effects of 

 the Spigelia Marilandica, or Carolina Pink- Root, in 

 t\vo cases. 



SPEAKING of the Melia, mentioned in the 

 last article, Dr. Currie says, 



" From the established efficacy of the Spigelia, 

 however, I am inclined to give it the preference, 

 when exhibited in moderate doses, and with proper 

 precautions. Without these, it sometimes produces 

 very singular and distressing effects upon the nervous 

 system, as has been remarked by the late Dr. Lining, 

 ^f Charleston : the truth of which I had lately an op- 

 P orL Miity of seeing confirmed, in two girls, of delicate 

 constituj onS) between five and seven years of age. 



1 wo ou. ces f t h e root f t he Spigelia, fresh 

 bruised, were boi ec | m a q Uar t of water, over a slow 

 fire, till reduced to^ ome thing less than a pint, when 

 strained. About foin ounce s of this decoction were 

 given to each of the gin. before breakfast. In less 

 than an hour, they both beg. n to complain of vertigo, 

 and pain over their eyes, thouj^ t he oldest one had 



