ON THERAPEUTICS. 
69 
where diaphoretics are desirable, we shall indicate the 
instances where the bath has proved effectual, or where its 
action may be fairly tested. 
Adhering to our expressed intention of treating disease 
upon the allopathic system, we may consistently administer 
(i diaphoretics,” or in any way induce diaphoresis, when the 
perspiratory fluid is secreted in too small quantities,—always 
on the assumption that the “defective secretion” is the prin¬ 
cipal element in the disease, and not merely a subordinate 
one. Diaphoresis, we have seen, is usually attended with 
nervous and vascular excitement. Many diaphoretic agencies 
are productive of stimulant effects, and consequently are not 
applicable to those diseases in which stimulant treatment is 
contra-indicated ; where the stimulant action can be restricted 
to the surface, the objection does not apply. Our remarks, 
therefore, will have references to two classes of diaphoretics : 
those which act upon the nervous and vascular systems 
generally, and those which act upon the skin without pro¬ 
ducing any obvious excitement of the system. 
The first class includes the “ Turkish bath,” which actively 
excites the circulation, perhaps to two or three times its 
ordinary rate, and to a less extent the nervous functions. 
Alcoholic fluids, which act in the same way, although to a 
comparatively trifling extent ; and exercise, which occasions 
nervous, vascular, and muscular action together. 
In the second class we place all agencies whose influ¬ 
ence upon the skip is unconnected with systemic excitement, 
Potassio-tartrate of antimony, and ipecacuanha are admitted 
in small doses, and under favorable circumstances, to produce 
a moist skin. Their action is certainly anything but stimulant 
to the system, notwithstanding an increased activity of the cu¬ 
taneous circulation follows their exhibition; we cannot, how¬ 
ever, consider their diaphoretic action to be referable to their 
emetic or sedative properties. In what way the peculiar effect 
is produced we have no means'of ascertaining, and therefore 
content ourselves with the fact that they occasion diaphoresis 
when assisted by warm clothing, without exciting the system. 
“ Meadow saffron” and u nitric aether” do not, so far as we 
have observed, produce any stimulant effects; any diaphoretic 
action they may possess must be due, therefore, to some local 
influence. Hot or cold water, in considerable quantities, will 
sometimes produce sweating, probably on account of the in¬ 
crease of the bulk of the blood which is the result of their 
absorption. Friction and fomentations produce diaphoresis 
entirely by their local action, warm clothing being necessary 
as an adjunct. 
