3iZ FOXGLOVE. 



the fluid in primary dropsies of the cellular tissue, chest, and 

 abdomen, it has no effect in encysted dropsies and hydro- 

 cephalus. 



Digitalis maybe exhibited in the state of a powder, infusion, 

 or tincture. Dr. Withering recommends a dose of one to three 

 grains of the powder, or an ounce of the infusion, twice a day ; 

 the remedy to be continued in these doses till it either acts upon 

 the kidneys, the stomach, the pulse, or the bowels *. 



From the powerful and even fatal results which have followed 

 the incautious use of this drug, it is very unfit for domestic use, 

 and it can only be considered safe in the hands of experienced 

 practitioners, and even by them, with great watchfulness. On 

 the quantity and mode of administering it Dr. Murray -j- makes 

 some very judicious remarks, which, from their practical utility, 

 are well worthy of the attention of the profession. " Though 

 Withering," says Dr. M., " enjoined strictly the caution neces- 

 sary in the use of Foxglove, the doses prescribed in his direc- 

 tions are perhaps rather large : and the propriety of the method 

 which has sometimes been recommended, of progressively in- 

 creasing the dose until the effects are obtained, is doubtful. If 

 the dose be at first small, or at least, if having been raised to one 

 grain of the powder, or one ounce of the infusion, twice in twenty- 

 four hours, it be continued at this quantity, the diuretic operation 

 will be obtained, in no long time, without any unpleasant sym- 

 ptom, and when it commences will continue of itself, even 

 though the dose is suspended. Or if, from peculiarity of habit, 

 or the state of disease, the dose requires to be increased, it 

 ought to be done slowly, and without that regularly progressive 

 augmentation which has been recommended. And if the effects 

 begin to cease before the reduction of the dropsical swelling be 

 completed, it may easily be renewed by a repetition of this 

 moderate dose. This mode of administering Foxglove is that 

 suggested by the nature of its action. The peculiarity which is 

 charactersitic of it, is its tending to accumulate in the system, 

 its effects not appearing for a time, but at length being suddenly 

 induced. There is no necessity, therefore, to increase its dose, 

 or to give one that is large, with the view of speedily inducing 



* Account of Foxglove, p. 1 86. 

 f Materia Medica, vol. i. p. 418. 



