436 PRACTICE OF PHYSIC. 



quence, the employment of them in practice here becomes less 

 and less every day. M. M. 



MCCCXXXVIII. There have been of late some instances 

 of the cure of epilepsy by the accidental use of mercury ; and, 

 if the late accounts of the cure of tetanus by this remedy are 

 confirmed, it will allow us to think that the same may be adapt- 

 ed also to the cure of certain cases of epilepsy. 



MCCCXXXIX. With respect to the employment of any 

 of the above-mentioned tonics in this disease, it must be observ- 

 ed, that, in all cases where the disease depends upon a constant 

 or occasional plethoric state of the system, these remedies are 

 likely to be ineffectual ; and, if sufficient evacuations are not 

 made at the same time, these medicines are likely to be very 

 hurtful. 



MCCCXL. The other set of medicines which we have 

 mentioned as suited to obviate the effects of the too great mo- 

 bility of the system, are the medicines named Antispasmodics. 

 Of these there is a long list in the writers on the Materia Me- 

 dica, and by these authors recommended for the cure of epilepsy. 

 The greater part, however, of those taken from the vegetable 

 kingdom, are manifestly inert and insignificant. Even the root 

 of the wild valerian hardly supports its credit. " The anti- 

 spasmodic powers of valerian, in general, are well established ; 

 but it seems to me, that in almost all cases, it should be given 

 in larger doses than is commonly done. On this footing I 

 have frequently found it useful in epileptic, hysteric, and other 

 spasmodic affections. It seems to be most useful when given 

 in substance, and in large doses , I have never found much 

 benefit from the infusion in water. M.M. 



MCCCXLI. Certain substances taken from the animal 

 kingdom seem to be much more powerful : and of these the 

 chief, and seemingly the most powerful, is musk ; which, em- 

 ployed in its genuine state, and in due quantity, has often been 

 an effectual remedy. " Musk seems to be adapted to those 

 cases of convulsive disorders, which are cured by opiates ; and 

 indeed the success I have generally had with these has prevent- 

 ed my having further experience of the musk. 



" I had once a gentleman affected with a spasm of the 

 pharynx, preventing deglutition, and almost respiration. This, 



