14 Dr. Hancock on Haimarada. 



Its ultimate operation on the stomach is tonic and bracing, 

 improving the appetite and digestive functions. From these 

 effects, its aptitude for expelling bile, together with its bitter- 

 ness and certain other analogies, I was induced to employ it in 

 chronic disorders of the liver. The results have appeared to me 

 so favourable, that I have thence chiefly been induced to solicit 

 the attention of the faculty to this humble plant ; hoping that, 

 in abler hands, its virtues may be more fully developed and 

 turned to yet greater avail in certain untoward disorders. From 

 what can be gathered of its nature, I am inclined to believe, 

 that it may be found peculiarly applicable as a remedy in jaun- 

 dice. I have never tried it, however, in this complaint. 



I would by no means be understood to say, that I depend on 

 this remedy alone in chronic disorders of the viscera, as indura- 

 tions and enlargement of the liver, spleen, &c. I would only 

 assert, that my experience has, to my own satisfaction, most 

 decidedly proved its value as an important aid in such cases. 



I usually employ, at the same time, a light mercurial course, 

 frequent fomentations, and repeated applications of blisters.* 



I think I shall not be contradicted by the candid practitioner, 

 when I assert, that we have in general been in the habit of 

 placing too much reliance on the use of mercury in those com- 

 plaints, without reflecting on the results. This must certainly 

 be owing to the influence of fashion, or to some mistaken views ; 

 for I would submit the question to any man of experience and 

 candour, whether its success has been in any degree satisfactory, 

 and what striking advantages he may have observed, from the 

 use of mercury alone in hepatites. Surely the experience of 

 the fourth part of a century within the tropics, which some few 

 of us have passed, should enable us to form an opinion of our 

 own on these points, unbiassed by the shackles of routine, or 

 the prevailing fashion of the day. 



We know that mercury forms one of the most valuable re- 

 medies we possess, capable of effecting important purposes in 



• From a few trials I have made of Sar9aparilla and nitric acid, in these cases, 

 I cau speak most favourably of them as resolvent remedies. 



