40 MATERIA MEDICA. 



alterative impression upon the mucous membrane. Also in chronic 

 catarrh, chronic nephritis, chronic gout and rheumatism ; also in 

 hemorrhages from the lungs and bladder. Dose, from 5 to 20 drops, 

 given in emulsion, or dropped on sugar, and frequently repeated. 



Phosphorus is one of the most powerful of the stimulants, but is 

 rarely employed. It should never be used in substance, but in etherial 

 solution. Dose, one-twelfth of a grain. 



A R O M A T I C S. 



The aromatics are by some classified among the tonics ; but they 

 may very properly be considered under the present head, since they 

 all have stimuUmt properties, though in different degrees. They in- 

 clude the spices, which, on account of their agreeable odour and 

 taste, are much employed as condiments, and also for flavouring or 

 disguising less pleasant medicines. 



Most of the aromatics have an agreeable odour and taste, which 

 depend upon a volatile oil, procured by distillation. As medicines, 

 they act as grateful stimuli ; creating warmth of stomach, obviating 

 nausea, expelling flatulence, and relieving slight colic. 



Among the spices is frequently included a substance differing from 

 them somewhat in properties, termed 



Cayenne, or Red Pepper. — (Capsicum, U. S.) 



The fruit of the Capsicuin anyiuutn, a native of the East and 

 West Indies, but cultivated in our gardens. The fruit is in pods 

 2 or 3 inches long, of a conical shape ; colour when ripe, bright 

 red, which becomes darker by drying ; colour of powder red. The 

 odour and taste of capsicum are peculiar, and depend on a fixed 

 alkaline principle, named capsicin. Alcohol and water extract its 

 active properties. 



Effects. — A powerful stimulant, especially irritant to the part to 

 which it is applied. 



Used. — When a powerful local impression is required, as in 

 rousing the action of the stomach ; peculiarly applicable in malignant 

 scarlet fever attended with putrid sore throat. A preparation con- 

 sisting of two tablespoonsful of powdered capsicum, one teaspoonful 

 of common salt, half a pint of boiling vinegar, and half a pint of 

 boiling water, is much used for this purpose in the West Indies. A 

 saturated infusion may also be applied locally to the throat in gan- 

 grenous cases, with great benefit. 



Dose of powder, 5 to 10 grains; of infusion — made with 3ij to 

 Oss. water — f3ss. ; of the tincture, f3j to f3ij. The strength of the 

 gargle should be proportioned to the severity of the case. The other 

 species most employed are Nutmegs, Cloves, Mace, Black Pepper, 

 Cubebs, Allspice, and Cinnainori . 



Nutmegs. {Myristica, TJ. S.) — Fruit of the Myristica mos- 

 chata, a native of the Malaccas, but grown in Cayenne. They are the 



