On Rickets 325 



Those medicines that consist of purely saline sal 

 volatile are of marked efficacy in this disease : among 

 such are to be reckoned the spirits of blood, of harts- 

 horn, of sal armoniac, and the like, especially these 

 spirits impregnated with amber or castoreum. 



Elixir propriet. with tincture of salt of tartar, even 

 when prepared in the common way, is sometimes 

 used, not only because it is best for the digestion, 

 but also because it is suitable for killing worms and 

 for preventing corruption of the humours, and for 

 gently moving the bowels. The dose is six to ten 

 grains in two spoonfuls of a suitable liquid. 



If the lungs are obstructed (as often is the case) 

 with viscid humours, and the mesentery affected with 

 strumous glands, balsam of sulphur may be exhibited. 

 Of this, three or four drops may be taken in a 

 suitable liquid, or in syrup. 



Sometimes also the use of steel is appropriate, as 

 it is signally endowed with aperient virtue, and 

 not only assists the digestion but also confirms and 

 strengthens the tone of the viscera ; but it must be 

 used with caution, for steel is altogether to be avoided 

 in coughs, pleurisy, obstruction of the lungs, hectic 

 fever, and other diseases of that kind. 



Diaphoretics are often added to the above-men- 

 tioned medicines, such as decoction of guaiacum and 

 others of that sort, which are to be taken in bed and 

 perspiration promoted as far as the strength will 

 allow. 



We may here also refer to the use of the bath, 

 whether natural, such as the warm springs of Bath, 

 which have proved themselves of much use in this 

 disorder in provoking perspiration and in strengthen- 

 ing the nerves ; and indeed I have found by frequent 

 observation that the use of these warm springs con- 



