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Selected Articles. 
danger of exciting the system too much, which might result 
from the menstruum, should the doses be suddenly augmented. 
Possessing properties perfectly analogous to the crust, and 
employed with the same intention, and in nearly similar doses 
and forms, we will mention the parings of the hoof. In some 
cases it has been thought more efficacious than the crust 
itself. We have used it frequently in the form of tincture in 
the proportions of one part hoof to two of spirits, with com- 
plete success. A favourable result from the use of this remedy, 
(which w r e had prescribed in a case of epilepsy,) has been 
communicated to us since commencing this essay. Extreme 
doses, ^j. to ^ij. 
The administration of the crust should always be preceded 
by a purgative or aperient. This step is designed to prepare 
the system for the action of the remedy, which it effects by 
unloading the intestines of vitiated secretions ; increasing at 
the same time the nervous susceptibility of their mucous 
membranes to remedial impressions, and by determining 
from the head. 
Aperients, or the milder purgatives, should be employed, 
and generally preferred in those cases of epilepsy distinguished 
by slight aberations in the animal economy ; in such examples 
the pulse, bowels, and skin are very nearly in the condition 
of healthy organs ; the paroxysms are short and transitory, 
succeeded by little or no coma, or even drowsiness. In cases 
marked by symptoms of greater violence, in which a decided 
inflammatory or congestive character predominates, cathar- 
tics should be used : to be varied in activity and strength in 
proportion as the symptoms partake more or less of acute 
characters; these are to be repeated until a decided impres- 
sion is made. Cases of this latter description sometimes re- 
quire V. S. also, and when this remedy is employed, blood 
should be always detracted from one or both of the external 
jugulars, if possible. Occasionally mercurials alone, or in 
combination with antimonials, are required. 
In the first description, or milder cases of epilepsy, some 
preparations of rhubarb, or rhubarb itself, should be preferred. 
In the more violent cases, a combination of aloes, scammony, 
