388 PRACTICE OF PHYSIC. 



The dyspeptic are ready to suppose, that the whole of their 

 disease consists in a flatulency. In this it will be obvious that 

 they are mistaken ; but although the flatulency is not to be 

 entirely cured, but by mending the imbecility of the stomach 

 by the means above mentioned ; yet the flatulent distention of 

 the stomach may be relieved by carminatives, as they are call- 

 ed, or medicines that produce a discharge of wind from the 

 stomach ; such are the various antispasmodics, of which the 

 most effectual is the vitriolic aether. 



The heartburn may be relieved by absorbents, antispasmo- 

 dics, or demulcents. " Asafcetida, when taken into the stom- 

 ach, is particularly useful in relieving those spasmodic com- 

 plaints which so frequently attend dyspepsia: and as it has 

 manifestly a laxative power, it is well suited to relieve the fla- 

 tulent colics of hysteric and hypochondriac persons. M. M. 



The other pains of the stomach may be sometimes relieved 

 by carminatives, but most certainly by opiates. 



" In dyspepsia and hypochondriasis, there often happen pains 

 and spasmodic symptoms, which may be, and for the most 

 part are relieved by opium. It is accordingly often employed, 

 and it is not easily withheld from such patients. But I have 

 always found the frequent use of opiates in these diseases ex- 

 tremely pernicious. M.M. 



Vomiting is to be cured most effectually by opiates thrown 

 by injection into the anus. 



CHAP. III. OF HYPOCHONDRIASIS, OR THE HYPO- 

 CHONDRIAC AFFECTION, COMMONLY CALLED 

 VAPOURS OR LOW SPIRITS. 



" Those of the melancholic temperament appear to be slow 

 in receiving impressions or irritations, with regard to body and 

 mind : they require larger doses of stimulants of all kinds, they 

 are much less susceptible of passions than those of the contrary 

 temperament, and tenacious in retaining impressions which have 

 once been made, particularly that of revenge. They are fur- 



