Dr. HoMCOck on Sarsapiii ilia. 71 



plumpness, smoothness of the skin, and a degree of activity 



unknown lx lore. 



Whatever be its mode of action, its advantages will doubtless 



be found verv great in the treatment of phthisis and scrofula, 

 and e-peciallv in correcting a constitutional diathesis tending to 

 those disorders. 



It is esteemed by the Colonial Spaniards, as a remedy for 

 i rerj stage of syphilis. When they go under a course of this 

 remedy, they drink barley water, vegetable acids, and cooling 

 articles, to counteract the heating effects of the Sarsa, for they 

 OOJksidef it verj heating. Perhaps they should ascribe this effect 

 more to the vinous menstruum w Inch they employ. 



Much h.is been s.iid by different writers regarding the specific 

 pow.-rs, so termed, of Sarsaparilla, as a remedy in lues venerea, 

 Although well convinced of the great efficacy of the genuine 

 Sarsa, under proper regimen, in the various stages of lues, I 

 < on-ider it no specific ; and it is not particularly as an antivone- 

 real remedy that I would insist on its value, but as a general 

 parrective and sanative agent in scrofulous swellings, ulceration, 

 .ui.l lesions of various kinds, and especially in general marasmus, 

 m xia, debilitated and emaciated habits, and in disorders 

 arising from the abuse of mercury. 



Than narrow views and \ ain discussions about the specific 



m of Sana in syphilis, have had the effect of keeping down 



i, as a great and extensively useful remedy — a cha- 



liich it certainlv deserves. It is to the want of a pro- 



rneii under its us,-, to the introduction of spurious kinds, 



and to fault] of preparing it d»v long boiling especially), 



thai to attribute the In <pieiit failures which manv com- 



plain of, and for which it is e\en t.itallv neglected by some 

 prai'litiom i 



The disease, however, which in the ( hinoko and V. ne/.uela, 

 ■lost frequeutl) demands the employment ut this invaluable 

 alterative, i ••! rheumatism, which common!) followi 



attack loon after the discharge has been 



