Holly and Ilicine. 5 
decoction and extract of the leaves of the holly frequently; 
and always observed that these preparations caused appetite, 
facilitated all the secretions and excretions, and that their 
most constant effect was that of increasing the transpiration 
of the skin. We also ask, why repeated experiments have 
not been made with it in cases of intermittent fever, as Reil 
also affirms that he has employed the holly successfully in 
epidemic intermittent fever; and he adds, that, after those 
fevers resisted the use of Peruvian bark, they yielded to that 
of this indigenous plant. We read in the “ Botanique de 
Lyon,” that the dried leaves of the holly, reduced to powder, 
given in the dose of one drachm in a glass of water, one hour 
before the paroxysm, frequently cut short the fever. 
But all these observations, as well as those of Vituars, 
Murray, &c., seem to have been insufficient to draw from 
oblivion this medicine, to which | have devoted my especial 
attention. My inquiries being directed in preference to the 
febrifuge qualities of the leaves, I omit speaking of the trials 
made with the berries. 
I am now able to present the result of my experiments, 
which, being verified by enlightened and impartial physi- 
cians, demonstrate the great advantages of this medicine as 
a substitute for Peruvian bark; but, before doing so, it is 
necessary to consider the best mode of its administration. 
The leaves of the holly may be administered in different 
ways: in decoction, in substance, in extract, as bitter prin- 
ciple called ilicine, and in enemata. 
1. The decoction is prepared by boiling half an ounce of 
the freshly gathered or dried leaves in eight or ten ounces of 
water, which is to be boiled down to one half. ‘This quantity 
is to be given in one dose, two hours before the paroxysm, 
and to be continued for eight or fifteen days, if the fever does 
not yield at the fourth or sixth dose. 
2. In substance, the leaves are to be dried and reduced to 
powder, and passed through a sieve, and one or two gros 
macerated in ordinary white wine for twelve hours, or made 
into a decoction with water without being strained. ‘lhis 
dose should be given two or three hours before the paroxysm, 
and, if not found sufficient, the quantity can be increased to 
three gros, which may be repeated four, five, six, or more 
times, if necessary. Dr, Constantin, of the naval hospital of 
Rochefort, obtained great success by administering, during 
the intervals of the paroxysms, one gros of the leaves in de- 
coction every four wen which was continued for two or 
three weeks, as required, in addition to the vinous pre- 
scription. 
