CHARLES WATERTON, ESQ. Ixix 
hand. This, with calomel and jalap mixed together, 
as a purgative, with the use of rhubarb in occasional 
cases of dysentery, and with vast and often re- 
peated potations of powdered Peruvian bark, as a 
restorative, has enabled me to grapple successfully 
with sickness when I was far away from medical 
aid. In cases where kudanum was absolutely ne- 
cessary, I was always extremely cautious, having 
seen far too many instances in other people of the 
distressing effects produced by the frequent use of 
this insidious drug. My severest trials of sickness 
were those when 1 had to contend with internal in- 
flammation at the very time that I was labouring 
under tertian ague. In those cases, the ague had to 
bear all the burden, for I knew that it was not a 
mortal complaint ; whereas, internal inflammation 
was not to be trifled with for one moment. Under 
this impression, I would fearlessly open a vein, and 
would trust to the Peruvian bark, at a later period, 
to counteract the additional encouragement which I 
had been forced to give to the ague, through the 
medium of the lancet. I am now, I think, in as 
perfect health as man can be. But let me finish the 
account of my accident. On reaching home, I applied 
a Very large poultice, which was renewed twice every 
day. The inflammation never extended beyond the 
knuckles ; and I recovered the full use of the finger 
in due course of time. 
Early in the year 1817? an expedition was formed 
to explore the river Congo, in Africa. I went to 
London, and requested Sir Joseph Banks to allow 
me to accompany it as a volunteer. He acceded to 
d 3 
