556 PRACTICE OH PHYSIC. 



valerian cured the headach, by being given in a large dose, as 3ii 

 or 3iii a day. 



" There is another remedy, which is somewhat analogous to 

 this, in deriving from the head, a pediluvium ; for, by relaxing 

 the lower extremities, it takes off the tension from the vessels 

 and membranes of the head. 



" But the most effectual remedy, either in a more general or . 

 partial plethora, especially in young persons, is a low diet, con- 

 sisting chiefly of vegetable matter ; and keeping up a proper per- 

 spiration at the same time, and an equable determination of 

 blood by moderate exercise. 



" These remedies act more generally upon the system. There 

 are others which act more topically on the head ; such are 

 blisters, as acting either by evacuation only, or by removing the 

 spasmodic affections which are the foundations of the disease. 

 Issues are also of considerable service, if we consider the na- 

 ture of the matter evacuated by them, which is the coagula- 

 ble lymph ; these, then, keep the vessels more relaxed and 

 empty ; they are also ready as outlets to carry off any super- 

 fluous matter, in case of any unequal determination to the part. 

 The nearer they are to the part, the more effect both they and 

 the blisters must undoubtedly have, though they may be of ser- 

 vice, too, at a greater distance. 



" In all cases of congestion and determination to the partic- 

 ular parts, relief may be obtained by increasing the contiguous 

 secretions, as here of the mucus of the nose. This is the foun- 

 dation of the application of Sternutatories, and particularly of 

 the Asarum, which may be managed so as to cause a secretion 

 of the mucus, with the appearance of pus, aud then it is often 

 an useful remedy. These remedies are proper where the returns 

 depend on a particular turgescence of the vessels of the part. 



" When there are symptoms of a cold fit approaching, other 

 means should be used to prevent its return. If it comes at a 

 considerable interval and exact period, the bark is most proper. 

 Where the headach has any of the properties of the intermit- 

 tent fever, which have been already mentioned, it is almost the 

 only thing to be depended on. But there are other cases some- 

 what periodical, where it may be hurtful ; as in those cases, de- 

 pending on a turgescence, either general or particular ; hence, 





