312 DISEASES OF THE INTESTINES. 



the other hand, overdoing the astringent and tonic plan. I 

 have, for the most part, treated the symptoms of the 

 disease, rather than dare to combat with its nature, when I 

 felt myself unable to comprehend in what it consisted. The 

 diarrhoea, when it has presented itself as a formidable symp- 

 tom, I have opposed by doses of Pulv. Cretse c. Opio, given 

 in gruel — 5j of the powder to a pint and a half of fluid. 

 Further than this, the proportion of powdered opium (which 

 in the compound powder is very small) may be, if necessary, 

 augmented ; or, when the diarrhoea appears mitigated, one 

 may give, with prospective advantage, drachm doses of Hydrarg. 

 c. Creta, in combination with half a drachm of Ipecacuanha 

 in each dose, made up with bark and treacle. Liniment to 

 the belly, or even blisters or mustard plasters, are always 

 recommendable ; and attention ought to be paid to diet, 

 which should be good dry hay and corn, with good gruel or 

 linseed tea allowed for drink. 



How is all this ? Is it really so rare a disease ? Or, 

 have we, when it has been present, called it — or rather 

 miscalled it — by any other name ? by fever, or in- 

 fluenza, or some other? From its mostly occurring 

 in the epidemic form, it was natural enough for us 

 to give the disease the name of influenza ; but, if this 

 prove the cause of leading us to commit such gross mis- 

 apprehensions, the sooner we get rid of — or, if that be 

 impossible, the less we use — such an unmeaning, or all- 

 meaning term, the better. I believe, many of the cases 

 presented to us about the spring and fall of the year will be 

 found to possess the gastro-enteritic character; and this 

 being once recognised, we shall, in acting in accordance 

 with such a supposition, find ourselves pursuing at least 

 some rational course of practice, and no longer, like grooms 

 and farriers, be blundering on, right or wrong, in wild 

 empiricism. 



