SPASMODIC AFFECTIONS. 475 



dissection, was insuperable, a scirrhous constriction having re- 

 | duced the intestine to a very small size, even there the water 

 did no harm ; which encourages the trial of it in other cases." 



MCCCCXLIX. The third means of overcoming the spasm 

 of the intestines in this disease, is by employing a mechanical 

 dilatation ; and it has been frequently supposed that quicksilver 

 given in large quantity might operate in this manner. I have 

 not, however, found it successful ; and the theory of it is with 

 me very doubtful. Some authors have mentioned the use of 

 gold and silver pills, or balls, swallowed down ; but I have no 

 experience of such practices, and I cannot suppose them a 

 probable means of relief. 



MCCCCL. Another means of mechanical dilatation, and a 

 more probable measure, is by injecting a large quantity of warm 

 water by a proper syringe, which may throw it with some force, 

 and in a continued stream, into the rectum. Both from the 

 experiments reported by the late Mr. De Haen, and from those 

 I myself have had occasion to make, I judge this remedy to be 

 one of the most powerful and effectual. 



MCCCCL I. I have now mentioned all the several means 

 that may be employed for the cure of the colic, considered as a 

 genus ; but before I quit this subject, it may be expected that 

 I should take notice of some of the species which may seem to 

 require a particular consideration In this view it may be ex- 

 pected that I should especially take notice of that species nam- 

 ed the Colic of Poitou, and particularly known in England by 

 the name of the Devonshire Colic. 



MCCCCLII. This species of the disease is certainly a pe- 

 culiar one, both in respect of its cause and its effects ; but, as 

 to the first, it has been lately so much the subject of investiga- 

 I tion, and is so well ascertained by the learned physicians, Sir 

 George Baker and Dr. Hardy, that it is unnecessary for me to 

 say any thing of it here. 



With respect to the cure of it, so far as it appears in the 



form of a colic, my want of experience concerning it does not 



! allow me to speak with any confidence on the subject ; but, so 



! far as I can learn from others, it appears to me, that it is to be 



; treated by all the several means that I have proposed above for 



the cure of colic in general. 



