78 LETTUCE. 



nymphomania, and other lesions of the reproductive organs, from 

 its temperative and cooling nature, the Lettuce has been favourably 

 commended. 



Galen,* Dioscorides,tandCelsus,t attributed to it narcotic powers; 

 and, notwithstanding the scepticism of some writers upon this head, 

 modern experience has confirmed the observation of our illustrious 

 primogenitors, inasmuch as that Dr. Duncan, sen., has lately sug- 

 gested § the use of lactucarium as a narcotic, and Dr. Coxe, of 

 Philadelphia, as a substitute for opium. The former conceives it 

 to be particularly well adapted for allaying the cough in phthisis 

 pulmonalis, and as a general soporific; in which character it is 

 received into the British Pharmacopoeias. Lettuce emulsions, made 

 with the seeds, have been supposed to be more refrigerant than 

 those of the almond, and hence have been sometimes preferred 

 in heat of urine and other disorders from acrimony or irritation || 



The Lettuce is externally applied, in decoctions or cataplasms, to 

 painful inflammations and burns, and for all cases where emollient 

 topical applications are useful. 



Lactucarium may be taken in doses from two to six grains. Dr. 

 Franqois states that the first dose occasions a strange sensation in 

 the stomach, resembling cold, but not unpleasant. This viscus 

 soon becomes habituated to its action ; it is therefore necessary to 

 increase the dose rapidly, to abandon its use a day or two, and to 

 return to the original dose, which is generally two grains for an 

 adult. If this quantity is not sufficient to cause sleep, the patient 

 is at least exempt from agitation and pain during the night ; and 

 this repose is neither accompanied nor followed by narcotism, 

 stupor, constipation, suspension of any function, itching, or other 

 inconveniences consequent on the use of opium.^f 



TINCTURE OF LACTUCARIUM. 



Take of Lactucarium one ounce ; 



Proof spirit one pint. 



Digest for seven days, and filter.— Dose, from fifteen to sixty drops. 



* De Aliment. Facult. lib. ii. c. 40. 



t Lib. ii. c. 165, 166. p. 44. ed Sarrac. 



X Lib. ii. c. 32. p. 108. ed Kraus. 



§ Observations on Pulmonary Consumption, Append, p. 162. 



|| Lewis ; Mat. Med. p. 332. 



1" Magendie's Formulary, transl. by Dr. Gregory, p. 175. 



