326 ON THE USE OF VEGETABLE ACIDS, &C. 



toms with the bark, in various forms, as well as claret, and 

 often saved my patients ; sometimes, however, I failed of suc- 

 cess. When such cases fall now under my care, I have im- 

 mediate recourse to the antiseptic mixture, nor have I been 

 hitherto disappointed ; the stools becoming less frequent on 

 the use of it, and of a better consistence ; the cold sweats 

 also disappear, and the spirits soon return, together with an 

 appetite for food. 



The Putrid Sore-Throat. 



In June 1770, the putrid sore throat made considerable 

 havock amongst adults and children. It attacked those of a 

 lax habit, who for a few days had slight headaches, chilliness 

 and heats alternately, and an uneasiness about their throats, 

 but not so much as to hinder their swallowing. 



On examination, the mouth, tongue, and gums, were foul 

 and slimy ; the tonsils and uvula covered with white specks 

 or sloughs ; the breath was hot and offensive, the skin felt 

 hot and pungent to the touch ; the pulse low and quick ; a 

 diarrhoea often attended, and the patients were in general 

 much dejected. 



Antimonial wine, with cordials and nourishing diet, suc- 

 ceeded best, till the sloughs or spots were removed and sepa- 

 rated ; then the bark completed the cure. When a diarrhoea 

 accompanied this disorder, I gave the mixture with success. 



In all disorders where a gargle is necessary, I make use of 

 the above mixture in preference to any other, and I find it 

 speedily cleanses the tongue, gums, and fauces, and sweetens 

 the breath. 



Where lemons or limes cannot be had, vinegar or cream of 

 tartar may be substituted in their room. 



