NAT. ORDER. LURID^. 
129 
ii IS not destroyed ; and, though it is nearly lost in the extract, 
there is much doubt whether its virtues are diminished in the same 
proportion. 
The infusion of Tobacco is employed in the formof enema with 
advantage, in some cases of obstinate constipation ; but, generally 
speaking, it is a dangerous remedy. As to the propriety and safety 
of employing it in sti'angulated hernia, there is considerable dif- 
ference of opinion. By some it is considered as most unsafe, whilst 
)thers speak of it as highly beneficial ; and it is no easy matter to 
ecide as to the most advisable mode of practice. We may, 
however, safely say, neither of these opinions should be strictly 
adhered to, for, in the first instance, this disease is sometimes con- 
nected with such prostration of strength, that a Tobacco enema 
would in all probability lestroy the patient in a very short time ; 
but, on the contrary, wht. i a person is in a vigorous state of health, 
pulse strong, and whose strength requires to be diminished, the 
Tobacco might be advantageously employed. We should use it 
with the greatest caution in every case, for there are many in- 
stances on record, where it has proved destructive in this and 
other diseases. An infusion of half a drachm is quite sufficient 
for one clyster. As an external application, it may be dispensed 
with, for when applied in that way, it is apt to occasion unpleasant 
symptoms. Thus, Murray mentions a case where it was applied 
to the cure of Itch, and it produced vomiting of blood, and con- 
vulsions ; and there are other cases on record, of the irjurious 
effects of it as an externa! application. 
