462 PRACTICE OF PHYSIC. 



these means of cure can be supposed either to correct or to ex- 

 pel a morbific matter, though they are evidently suited to change 

 the state and habits of the nervous system. 



MCCCCXXII. From this view we are directed to the indi- 

 cation that may be formed, and in a great measure to the reme- 

 dies which may be employed in what we suppose to be the 

 second stage of the disease. It may perhaps be alleged, that 

 this indication of shortening the course of the disease is not very 

 important or necessary, as it supposes that the violence or dan- 

 ger is over, and, in consequence, that the disease will soon spon- 

 taneously cease. The last supposition, however, is not well 

 founded ; as the disease, like many other convulsive and spas- 

 modic affections, may continue for a long time by the power of 

 habit alone, and by the repetition of paroxysms may have hurt- 

 ful effects ; more especially as the violence of paroxysms, and 

 therefore their hurtful effects, may be much aggravated by va- 

 rious external causes that may be accidentally applied. Our in- 

 dication, therefore, is proper ; and we proceed to consider the se- 

 veral remedies which may be employed to answer it. 



MCCCCXXIII. Terror may possibly be a powerful remedy, 

 but it is difficult to measure the degree of it that shall be pro- 

 duced ; and, as a slight degree of it may be ineffectual, and a 

 high degree of it dangerous, I cannot propose to employ it. 



MCCCCXXIV. The other remedies which we suppose suit- 

 ed to our second indication, and which indeed have been fre- 

 quently employed in this disease, are antispasmodics or tonics. 



Of the antispasmodics, castor has been particularly recom- 

 mended by Dr. Morris ; but, in many trials, we have not found 

 it effectual. 



With more probability musk has been employed. But, whe- 

 ther it be from our not having it of a genuine kind, or not em- 

 ploying it in sufficiently large doses, I cannot determine ; but 

 we have not found it commonly successful. Of antispasmodics, 

 the most certainly powerful is opium. And, when there is no 

 considerable fever or difficulty of breathing present, opium has 

 often proved useful in moderating the violence of the chincough ; 

 but I have not known it employed so as entirely to cure the dis- 

 ease. 



" With respect to the chincough, we have to observe, that 



