96 
DIGITALIS PURPUREA. 
Hence it has been recommended in a great variety of diseases ; and 
from its remarkable property of diminishing the velocity of the cir- 
culation, it is a valuable and powerful addition to the lancet, in 
many inflammatory diseases, as we have witnessed in several cases of 
acute hepatitis and pneumonia, in active haemorrhagies and phthisis. 
In spasmodic asthma, palpitation, and aneurism of the aorta, it pro- 
. duces decidedly good effects. In most anasarcous and dropsical 
eflfusions, it isjone of the most powerful diuretics we have : as a topical 
remedy it has been applied advantageously to scrofulous tumours. 
This active medicine demands great judgment and circumspection 
in those who administer it, and, as Withering observes, " the doses 
are not to be repeated too quickly, or an injurious quantity may be 
taken before any of the signals of forbearance appear." The 
general rule which he gives, is to stop the exhibition of it as soon as 
it appears to act, either on the kidneys, the stomach, or the bowels. 
In diseases accompanied with increased sensibility and irritability, 
such as phthisis, haemoptysis, scrofula, &c. more caution, if possible, 
is required in the exhibition of this medicine, than in dropsy ; hence 
it should be given in smaller doses. In pulmonary consumption, its 
virtues have been much over-rated ; in the earlier stages, it generally 
abates the frequency of the pulse, moderating the hectic heat and 
cough ; but in the last stage of this disease it is rarely admissible, 
in consequence of its depressing power. Dr. Gregg relates two 
cases of phthisis, in which it produced a copious ptyaiism. 
Preparations and Doses. The fox-glove is given in sub- 
stance, in infusion, and in tincture ; alone or in combination with 
other medicines. The exsiccated leaves are now generally preferred 
to the fresh plant.* The dried leaves in powder, may be given from 
one to three grains, twice a day, or in smaller doses at shorter 
intervals, so as gradually to remove many dropsical disorders, 
without producing any other than mild diuretic effects, and without 
any interruption to its use, till the cure is completed ; in various 
cases of dropsy many other diuretics may be advantageously joined 
with it ; such as spt. aether nit. supertart potasse, acetate of potasse, 
* Dr. Withering preferred the dried leaves to any other preparation, and prescribed 
them to be given in powder or in infusions, and gives the following directions for pre- 
paring the powder : — " The leaf-stalk and mid-rib of the leaves should be rejected, and 
" the remaining part should be dried, either in the sun-shine, or on a tin pan or pewter 
" dish before the fire; if well dried they rub down to a beautiful green powder, care 
" mast be taken that the leaves be not scorched in drying, and they should not be 
" dried more than what is requisite to allow of their being readily reduced to powder." 
As the fox-glove loses much of its active properties by exposure to the light, the leaves 
or powder should be kept carefully covered in a dark place ; the botUe containing the 
tinctnre should likewise be covered with a bladder, so as to exclude the light. 
