376 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS ON THE 



means the disorder is soon removed, as I have experienced 

 in a great number of cases, attended with the most unfavour- 

 able appearances. 



The common remitting fevers of tropical countries gene- 

 rally yield to the methods prescribed by Drs Cleghorn and 

 Lixd, yiz. cleansing the prima? viae, then giving the bark, 

 wine, and nourishing diet ; but if they are attended with bi- 

 lious vomiting, and symptoms of inflammatory diathesis, ca- 

 lomel, in small doses (as two grains every three hours), ap- 

 peases the vomiting, opens the belly, and brings on a gentle 

 moisture on the skin. After this the bark may be tried, but 

 I have often seen the sick recover sooner without it. 



Where fiery eruptions, with swelling and inflammation, 

 break out in the mouth and lips, at the decline of bilious re- 

 mittents, quartans, and other obstinate fevers, Dr Kirkland 

 justly remarks, that the whole alimentary canal is affected 

 with this sort of erysipelas. To that author I am indebted 

 for the treatment of the patient in this critical and dangerous 

 stage of the disease. Calomel, either by itself, or joined with 

 mild antimonials and opiates, in small doses, does every thing 

 that can be wished for. If the eruption has continued any 

 length of time, and degenerated into little ill- disposed ulcers 

 and scabs, the unguentura hydrargyri nit rati effectually cures 

 them in three or four days. 



Remitting fevers, arising from marsh miasmata, are fre- 

 quently obstinate and fatal. In many cases of this kind the 

 tongue is furred and slimy, and the vomiting incessant, with 

 great headach and prostration of strength. Sometimes I have 

 settled the stomach with a decoction of camomile flowers ; at 

 other times by saline draughts, taken in an effervescing state ; 

 but the most effectual remedy I have ever tried, has been a 

 slight infusion of the quassia polygama, or bitter-wood* ; af- 



* See the account of this tree bv Mr Lindsay, in the Transactions of 



