The QUASSIA SIMARUBA. 77 



and confidence. In a moderate doze, it occafions no diflurb- 

 ance or uneafinefs ; but in large dozes it produces ficknefs at 

 ftomach, and vomiting. Negroes are lefs affected by it than 

 white people. 



Preparation of Simaruba Bark. 



The fimaruba bark yields its qualities to water, either in cold 

 infufion or in decoction. I prefer the latter. Phyficians have 

 prefcribed the bark in different quantities ; but it feems now 

 agreed that the following proportion is the beft : 



Two drams fimaruba bark, boiled from twenty-four 

 ounces of water to twelve ounces, then flrained. 



This is divided into three equal parts, and the whole taken 

 in twenty-four hours. 



When the ftomach is reconciled to it, three drams may be 

 boiled in the fame quantity of water, and taken as above men- 

 tioned. Some join aromatics to the decoction of this bark ; 

 others give a few drops of laudanum with each doze. The de- 

 coction is to be drank daily till the diforder is cured, which 

 fometimes happens in a few days, and at other times it may re- 

 quire weeks to perfect a cure. 



Of the Epfecls of Simaruba in particular Difeafes. 



Having thus treated of the fimaruba in general, I am now 

 to mention its ufe and effects more particularly in different dif- 

 eafes, and firft in the Dyfentery. In the years 1718 and 1723, 

 an epidemic flux prevailed in France, and fwept off a great 

 number of people of all ages and of both fexes. This diforder 

 not only refifted all the medicines given, but was aggravated by 

 fmall dozes of ipecacuanha, the mildeft purgatives, and all 

 aftringents. The diforder was happily cured by the fima* 

 ruba. 



mi 



