Medical Facts and Observations. 1 1 9 



the United- States, are a pest to physicians and to their 

 families. 



Mercury, as a cure of fever, is going fast into discre- 

 dit here. I never used it to the extent of salivation in 

 fever, but have seen much mischief result from it, 

 whilst I thought its use very equivocal in every instance 

 where I have known it employed. I hope a few years 

 will consign this remedy to a humbler rank than that 

 of a panacea. 



I am daily more and more pleased with the effects of 

 the tourniquet, when applied to the stomach for the cure 

 of convulsions. I wish most sincerely that some of 

 you would try its effects in your hospitals, where you 

 have so many opportunities of experimenting upon in- 

 veterate disorders. In true epilepsy, I have not yet 

 had occasion for using it, but, from its effects in hyste- 

 ric convulsions, I should expect much benefit from it. 

 I am even inclined to think, that in habitual intermit- 

 tent-fevers, strong compression upon the stomach may 

 prevent paroxysms which would resist the bark. 



The natives of this country, and the negroes, cure the 

 gonorrhea by a decoction of the Palmetha (Litanie), and 

 it is believed by them, that a decoction of the leaves and 

 roots of the Nymphaea Nelumbo is capable of pro- 

 ducing temporary impotence. The experiment is worth 

 the trial. 



I am yours, &c, 



Samuel Brown. 

 .yew-Orleans, November 7th, 1807. 



