DROPSY. 243 



been known to completely cure ascites, or dropsy of the belly. It is of the very 

 greatest value in nearly all forms of dropsy resulting from Blight's disease or kidney 

 mischief, and will often succeed admirably even when the heart is the organ at fault. 

 The resin of copaiba may be made up into pills, each containing five grains, two of 

 which should l>o given three times a day. Spirit of juniper has an action which is 

 especially directed to increasing the now of water from the kidneys, and is on this 

 account valuable in many forms of dropsy. It is especially indicated in dropsy 

 fallowing scarlatina. It may be given either alone in water, in thirty-drop doses 

 every four hours, or, as it is contained in both Hollands and gin, it may be taken 

 in that perhaps more agreeable and accessible form. 



Tincture of squill, in doses of from fifteen to twenty drops in a little water every 

 four hours, has been found useful in nearly all kinds of dropsies. It acts chiefly on 

 the kidneys. 



In many forms of dropsy, especially those dependent on heart disease, digitalis 

 or foxglove is a most valuable remedy. Its administration is especially indicated in 

 the following class of cases : There is dropsy, which is often extensive; the breathing 

 is short, especially at night, and is often so bad that the patient cannot lie down in 

 lol, and has to take his rest sitting up in an arm-chair. The pulse is quick, feeble, 

 fluttering, and irregular, and the urine is deficient in quantity. On measuring it, it 

 may be found to amount to not more than half a pint in the twenty-four hours; it is 

 oloured, and gives a copious deposit on cooling. Under these circumstances, 

 digitalis usually gives speedy relief. It should be given in doses of one fluid drachm 

 of the infusion of digitalis of the British Pharmacopeia twice a day. Any chemist 

 will make the infusion, and it is essential that it should be quite freshly prepared. 

 Digitalis is a powerful remedy, and it is advisable not to increase the dose we have 

 indicated, or to give it more frequently than twice in the twenty-four hours, unless 

 under the immediate direction of a medical man. The effects of this method of 

 treatment are often very marked, and we can testify to the favourable results which 

 frequently ensue. The pulse usually grows considerably stronger, more regular, 

 and much slower, till in many cases all irregularity ceases, and it becomes natural 

 both in frequency and rhythm. At the same time, the urine increases to one, two, 

 four, or even eight pints a day ; and in proportion to the increased flow the dropsy 

 diminishes, until it finally disappears. In these cases it is necessary to give some 

 stimulant, and gin and water or gin and seltzer, from its action on the kidneys, 

 is best adapted for this purpose. 



Arsenic is a useful remedy in many forms of dropsy, especially in dropsy of the 

 hands, face, and feet, arising from disease of the heart. It does least good when 

 the dropsy is confined to the belly, and depends on disease of the liver. It is espe- 

 cially indicated in the following class of cases : There is much general debility, with 

 rapid emaciation and anxious depression ; constriction and oppression of the chest, 

 and a sensation of suffocation, are experienced on attempting to lie down ; the skin 

 is dry and pale or burning and itching, and sometimes it peels off in large flakes ; 

 the tongue is red and parched, sometimes with excessive burning thirst ; the pulse 

 feeble and irregular, and the extremities cold. Arsenic often increases the flow 

 of urine to an astonishing extent, after which the dropsy disappears. It may be 



