88 
SWIETENIA FEBRIFUGA, 
He also says, ** In common intermittent fevers, I have employed this 
bark very extensively, and with invariable success. I have also put 
this drug to the test of trial in three cases of gangrene and mortifi- 
cation, and in a case of suppurated liver ; but as it was accompanied 
with auxiliaries, I cannot speak so positively of its actual efficacy in 
these instances. The uniform result, however, of so many experi- 
ments, satisfied my own mind, that the Swietenia Febrifuga answers 
every purpose of Peruvian bark, in allaying irritability, and restoring 
strength. I trust I shall not be accused of being visionary or 
enthusiastic, when I avow my own conviction, after having long 
employed this bark in every case where cinchona is indicated, t|iat 
it forms a completely efficient substitute for the American drug, and 
that time alone is required to extend that general conviction of its 
efficacy, which every succeeding experiment will assuredly tend to 
impress." Dr. Ainslie says,* " Given to the extent of four or five 
drachms in the twenty-four hours, I have found it to be a useful 
medicine, but beyond that quantity, it, in every instance in which 
I tried it, appeared to me to derange the nervous system, occasioning 
vertigo, and subsequent stupor." 
Swietenia bark may be given in substance from one to five or six 
drachms in twenty-four hours. It may also be given in the form of 
infusion or tincture. We are told by Dr. Ainslie that the tincture 
is, perhaps, the most valuable of all its preparations, where the bark 
is good, as a stomachic. 
Oflf. The Bark. 
• Mat. Ind. Tol.i p. 124. 
T 
