CIASS I. 1. 4. 10. OP IRRITATION. 43 



M. M. It should be dusted over with very fine powder of gum 

 sandarach, and then replaced. Astringent fomentations; as an 

 infusion of oak bark or a slight solution of alum. Horizontal 

 rest frequently in the day. 



10. Lumbricus. Round worm. The round worm is sus- 

 pected in children when the belly is tumid, and the countenance 

 bloated and pale, with swelling of the upper lip. The genera- 

 tion of these worms is promoted by the too dilute state of the 

 bile, as is evident in the fluke-worm found in the biliary ducts 

 and substance of the liver in sheep; and in water-rats, in the 

 livers of which last animals they were lately detected in laige 

 numbers by Dr. Capelle. Transactions of the College at Phila- 

 delphia, v. i. 



Now as the dilute state of the bile depends on the deficiency 

 of the absorption of its thinner parts; it appears that the tumid 

 belly and bloated countenance, and swelled upper lip, are con- 

 comitant circumstances attending the general inactivity of the 

 absorbent system; which is therefore to be esteemed the remote 

 cause of the generation of worms. 



The simplicity of the structure of worms probably enables 

 them to exist ia more various temperatures of heat; and their 

 being endued with life prevents them from being destroyed by 

 digestion in the stomach, probably in the same manner as the 

 powers of life prevent the fermentation and putrefaction of the 

 stomach itself. Hence I conclude that worms are originally 

 taken into our alimentary canal from without; as I believe simi- 

 lar worms of all kinds are to be found out of the body. 



M. M. The round worm is destroyed by a cathartic with 

 four or six grains of calomel; and afterwards by giving six or 

 eight grains of filings of iron twice a day for a fortnight. See 

 Hepatis tumor, Class I. 2. 3. 9. As worms are liable to come 

 away in fevers, whether of the hectic or putrid kind, could they 

 be removed by purulent matter, or rotten egg, or putrid flesh, 

 since in those fevers from the enfeebled action of the intestines 

 the faeces become highly putrid? 



The sharp spiculae or hairs, which are found on the pods of 

 cowhage, stizolobium siliqua hirsuta, have been recommended 

 in worm-cases, and said to destroy them by mechanical puncture; 

 the late Mr. Power of Polesworih, assured me, he had had great 

 success with this medicine, and gave about six or eight grains in 

 a bolus three or four times on one day, with a brisk cathartic 

 on the next day. Some have recommended chopped hair or 

 bristles for this purpose. There are numerous sharp spiculas in 

 the fruit of the wild rose, which mignt be worth trying in this 



