WATER DOCK. 393 



fending matter, but after a few doses, it exerts its astringent 

 effects ; hence it is particularly useful in diarrhoea. As a sto- 

 machic, about ten grains is a sufficient dose. It may also be 

 given in the form of infusion * or decoction. 



DECOCTION OF WATER-DOCK. 



Take of Water-Dock root, sliced two ounces. 



Water three pints. 



Boil down to two pints and strain. A little liquorice root or spirit of 

 cinnamon may be added at the end of the boiling to improve the flavour. 



Dose. — A wine-glassful twice or thrice a day. It has been 

 recommended in the rachitis of children j\ 



An extract may also be prepared, but this appears almost 

 superfluous. The vinous infusion is much praised by Muntin- 

 gius and others ; it may be given as a stomachic, and in the 

 diseases already enumerated when they are exempt from fever 

 and inflammation. 



Some other native species of Dock, as R. sanguineus, obtusi- 

 folius, and crispus, are undoubtedly useful, particularly in cu- 

 taneous diseases. The root of the former was commended in 

 elephantiasis by Aretaeus J, and that of R. obtusifolius is said 

 by Dr. Thomson § to be extremely efficacious in obstinate 

 icthyosis. 



* " An infusion of this herb, under the name of its essence, has for some 

 years past been sold in London, as a great specific for the scurvy, to the no 

 small emolument of the proprietor, Dr. Hill." — Lind. Treat, h c. 



f Rosenstein om Barns sjukd. p. 405. 



$ Curat, diuturn. ii. c. 13. 



§ London Dispensatory, 1837, P- 5 73» 



