244 RABIES CANTNA, 



his practice, he expressed a wish that he knew as certain a pre- 

 ventive for any other disease. The Ormskirk Remedy is also 

 another striking proof how easily a reputation may be gained, and 

 how undeservedly ; for although palpable instances of its failure 

 are numerous, it once enjoyed great reputation, and is even yet 

 occasionally trusted to. The water plantain (alisma plantago) 

 has also proved one of those unfortunate articles offered to notice, 

 which only served to ^ise hopes it was doomed never to realize. 

 As it came recommended by a Russian counsellor of state, M. 

 Jalowsky, at the express direction of his government, it met 

 with a cordial reception, and a full trial in England and else- 

 where, but everywhere it proved fallacious, both as a preventive 

 and cure. 



To enumerate all the other articles, particularly of the vegeta- 

 ble world, that at some period or other have been deemed prophy- 

 lactics, would be endless. Among the most popular we may men- 

 tion the eglantine, or wild rose (rosa sylvestris^ Linn.^i^, pimper- 

 nel (anagallis)^^i deadly nightshade (atropa belladonna J^''^^ rue 

 frutaj^% garlic f allium sativum)^ sage (salvia)^ daisy fbellisj, 



'^ The wild rose seems to have been a remedy of much repute in its day 

 (Baudot, Mem. de la Soc. Roy., 1783). In a communication to the Royal 

 Society of Medicine of Paris, M. Provost details the virtues of its inner bark. 

 And, among the Sicilians, its spongy excrescences (hedeguar) are considered 

 a powerful antidote to the rabid poison (Museo di piante rare du P. Boconi). 

 According to Pliny, its virtues were revealed by an oracle ; from whence we 

 may learn that a preventive efficacy was long ago attributed to it. 



1^ An account of its supposed anti-rabid virtues may be seen.by consulting 

 Hist, de la Med., Sprengel, tom. ii, p. 48 ; (Euv. de Bourgelat, Reflex, sur la 

 Rage, Voy. Journ. d^Agricult., p. 109. 



" As long as the time of Pliny, the belladonna has been used as a remedy 

 against rabies. Apulei also notices it ; and in later times, Munch also, Hist, 

 de la Soc. Roy. de Med., 1783, 2d part. At the present time, Mr. Youatt at- 

 tributes some preventive efficacy to it. 



'8 Rxie was a very ancient favourite prophylactic, and it still enters into 

 many of the country nostrums and drinks against madness. It formed also an 

 ingredient in the celebrated powder of Palmerius. — See Andry's account of 

 celebrated remedies. 



