1813.] 



in the Isle of IVigkt, 



419 



The tonic powers of the sulphate of iron, as applicable to a 

 great variety of painful and obstinate diseases, even when admi- 

 nistered under the ordinary forms of prescription, and more 

 particularly when given in a state of dilution, are well known to 

 the profession ; and the advantages to be derived from a further 

 combination of this active remedy with alum so prepared by 

 nature, as to admit of its being applied in very considerable 

 proportions over a large surface of the stomach without injuring 

 that organ, are circumstances which I am convinced will not 

 escape the observation of medical men. Since the period of my 

 first discovering this water, and ascertaining its properties, I 

 have employed it very extensively both in my public and private 

 practice; and the result of my experience of its effects has 

 proved it to be a tonic of the most powerful kind, and, as such, 

 singularly efficacious in the cure of ail diseases termed asthenic, 

 arising from a relaxed habit and languid circulation. 



In addition to the high opinion which I have been enabled to 

 form of its good effects, I am happy to have it in my power to 

 add the testimonies of other medical men of the first respecta- 

 bility, particularly of my friends Dr, Saunders and Dr. Lem- 

 priere, the former of whom, in a letter I some time since had 

 the honour to receive from him, informed me he had experienced 

 the benefical effects of the water in cases of uterine hsemorrhagy, 

 excessive discharges of fluor albus, and in incipient cases of 

 diseased uterus, so as to prevent tlie progress to ulceration, as 

 also in chlorosis ; and that he was persuaded it Vv'ouid be found 

 useful in dyspeptic cases, and in chronic diarrhoeas. The latter 

 Gentleman, who is physician to the forces at the army depot 

 hospital in the island, has authorised me to say he has given the 

 water in upwards of 200 cases at that establishment (where he 

 also still continues to administer it) principally consisting of 

 those termiaating in, or connected with, chronic debility ; but 

 more particularly in patients who have heen reduced by long 

 residence in warm climates, by visceral obstructions, obstinate 

 intermittent?, chronic rheumatism, and the like; and where 

 the ordinary tonics, both of the vegetable and mineral kingdom, 

 had failed to produce the desired effects. In such cases, pro- 

 vided the thorax and abdominal viscera had not been materially 

 impaired ; or, if they had been previously diseased, the more 

 important symptoms had been removed; this mineral water 

 never failed to produce the most speedy and mjost beneficial 

 etfects, such as he had not befox'e observed in any other remedy, 

 evinced by a rapid improvement in the patient's countenance, 

 spirits, and appetite, and ultimately by a permanent establish- 

 ment of his hi alth. 



The mode in which I have usually administered this medicinCj 

 and which I believe in general has been adopted by others, has 



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