Chemical and Medical FactSy ^c. 103 



Some of our planters take a little water in which a 

 few of the bruised seeds of the Argemone Mexicana* 

 have been steeped, as a more certain emetic than ipe- 

 cacuanha. A large dose is apt to act violently. 



A gentleman here, afflicted with an obstinate hydro- 

 cephalus, underwent a long course of Digitalis purpu- 

 rea, mercury, &c., but in vain; and, finally, became 

 foolish. It was a gratifying circumstance to see him 

 restored to his senses, and perfectly cured, in twenty- 

 four hours, by a tincture of the seeds of our Datura 

 Tatula. It is a most powerful hydrogogue, and acts 

 directly on the brain, as is evident from the giddi- 

 ness and peculiar sensations it excites there. The 

 energy with which it excites the absorbents makes 

 it an important agent. I have stated these circum- 

 stances to Sir Lucas Pepys. 



I was applied to by letter, lately, for advice in the 

 case of an elderly lady, about four or five hundred 

 miles from this. She was far gone in a consumption. 

 From the circumstances stated, I recommended a ri- 

 gid abstinence from all fluids, and the tincture of Da- 

 tura seeds, to excite the absorbents. My last letter 

 from her brings the agreeable intelligence of her being 

 very nearly well; from a condition thought incurable. 



A friend of mine, not remarkable for steady tempe- 

 rance, was seized with vehement, frequent, and long- 



* Or Mexican Poppy. This is a pretty common plant in many 

 parts of the United-States, even as far north as Pennsylvania. It 

 delights to grow in nitrous grounds. EniTOS. 



