378 PRACTICE OF PHYSIC. 



unless either the quantity of it is very large, or the acidity pro- 

 ceeds to a higher degree than usual. But, in either of these 

 cases the acid occasions various disorders, as flatulency, eructa- 

 tion, heartburn, gnawing pains of the stomach, irregular appe- 

 tites and cravings, looseness, griping, emaciation, and debility. 

 To obviate or remove these effects aggravating and continuing 

 the disease, it is not only necessary to correct the acid present 

 in the stomach ; but especially as this acid proves a ferment 

 determining and increasing the acescency of the aliments after- 

 wards taken in, it is proper also, as soon as possible, to correct 

 the disposition to excessive acidity. 



MCCVI. The acidity present in the stomach may be cor- 

 rected by the use of alkaline salts, or absorbent earths, or by 

 such substances, containing these, as can be decomposed by the 

 acid of the stomach. Of the alkalines, the caustic is more ef- 

 fectual than the mild ; and this accounts for the effects of lime- 

 water. By employing absorbents, we avoid the excess of alkali, 

 which might sometimes take place. The absorbents are differ- 

 ent, as they form a neutral more or less laxative ; and hence 

 the difference between magnesia alba and other absorbents. It 

 is to be observed, that alkalines and absorbents may be employ- 

 ed to excess ; as, when employed in large quantity, they may 

 deprive the animal fluids of the acid necessary to their proper 

 composition. 



MCCVII. The disposition to acidity may be obviated by 

 avoiding acescent aliments, and using animal food little capable 

 of acescency. This, however, cannot be long continued without 

 corrupting the state of our blood ; and, as vegetable food can- 

 not be entirely avoided, the excess of its acescency may in some 

 measure be avoided, by choosing vegetable food the least dis- 

 posed to a vinous fermentation, such as leavened bread and 

 well-fermented liquors, and, instead of fresh native acids, em- 

 ploying vinegar. 



MCCVIII. The acid arising from acescent matters, in a 

 sound state of the stomach, does not proceed to any high de- 

 gree, or is again soon involved, and made to disappear ; but 

 this does not always happen ; and a more copious acidity, or a 

 higher degree of it, may be produced, either from a change in. 

 the digestive fluids, become less fit to moderate fermentation, 



