618 PRACTICE OF PHYSIC. 



MDCCXVI. When the ascites is a part of universal dropsy, 

 it may, as far as other cases of that kind can, admit of a cure; 

 and it will be obvious, that such a cure must be obtained by the 

 same means as above proposed for the cure of general anasarca. 



It frequently happens, that the ascites is attended with a 

 diarrhoea ; and, in that case, does not admit of the use of pur- 

 gatives so freely as cases of anasarca commonly do. It is there- 

 fore often to be treated by diuretics almost alone. 



The diuretics that may be employed, are chiefly those above 

 mentioned ; but in ascites, a peculiar one has been found out. 

 It is a long continued gentle friction of the skin over the whole 

 of the abdomen, by the fingers dipped in oil. This has some- 

 times been useful in exciting an increased flow of urine ; but in 

 most of the trials of it which I have known made, it has failed 

 in producing that effect. 



MDCCXVII. The ascites admits of a particular means for 

 immediately drawing off the collected waters ; and that is the 

 well-known operation of the paracentesis of the abdomen. In 

 what circumstances of ascites this operation can most properly 

 be proposed, it is difficult to determine ; but, so far as I can 

 judge, it must be regulated by very much the same considera- 

 tions as those above mentioned with regard to the paracentesis 

 of the thorax. 



The manner of performing the paracentesis of the abdomen, 

 and the precautions to be taken with respect to it, are now so 

 commonly known, and delivered in so many books, that it is al- 

 together unnecessary for me to offer any directions upon that 

 subject here ; especially after the full and judicious information 

 and directions given by Mr. Bell, in the second volume of his 

 System of Surgery. 





