INFLAMMATION OF THE LUNGS. 311 



into it ; and then to look about and observe that no draughts 

 blow directly upon his body ; this being ascertained, pro- 

 vided the weather be favourable, the door and windows may 

 be left open throughout the day. 



All this accomphshed, you may order the following drink 

 to be prepared and administered : — 



Sulphuric ether one ounce. 



Laudanum one ounce. 



Ext. of belladonna a drachm. 



Tincture of aconite two drachms. 



Cold water a pint and a half. 



Rub down the belladonna in a little of the water. Then 

 mix with the other ingredients. The aconite (Wolfsbane) 

 should be of the strength of a drachm to an ounce. If 

 stronger or weaker, make the due allowance, so as to have 

 but the virtue of the fourth of a drachm in the drink. 



The above drench, to those who allow their minds to be 

 controlled by names, will appear a strange mixture. Sul- 

 phuric ether is called a powerful stimulant, yet it has not 

 been proved to have any influence over the pulse, to 

 which, however, it certainly communicates character or 

 tone. Laudanum is a decided sedative ; but as the brain 

 is here unaffected, it certainly does lose that property 

 when blended with sulphuric ether. Its action is in some 

 mysterious manner rendered more mild. Belladonna is 

 also called a sedative, but it has a wonderful influence over 

 the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract, and over 

 the lungs themselves. Aconite is almost the only drug we 

 know of which can, in a decided manner, lessen and im- 

 prove the pulse. Yet, according to the general practitioner, 

 here we have blended four powerful sedatives with one 

 powerful stimulant. So much harm is done by christening 

 or arranging medicaments. 



Should the foregoing be rejected, either of the following 

 may be employed : — 



Tartar emetic (in the form of the antimonial 



wine of the Dublin Phar.) one drachm. 



Digitalis, made into a decoction one drachm. 



Nitre two drachms. 



Cream of tartar three drachms. 



Mingle with a pint of warm water and give ; or the an- 

 nexed may be tried : — 



Powdered wliite hellebore ten grains. 



Powdered ipecacuanha half a drachm. 



