Miscellany. 
347 
given in the proportion of a scruple to half a grain of opium. This dose 
may be repeated two or three times a day. In combination with Glauber's 
salt, he says that opium may be administered in cases when it would other- 
wise be contra-indicated. In obstinate haemorrhages especially, this mix- 
ture will produce the happiest effects. The author also asserts that if this 
neutral salt prevents the congestion sometimes produced by opium, so 
castor prevents its narcotic effects, without diminishing its sedative pow- 
ers. Lond. Med. & Surg. Journ., & Am. Journ. Med. Sci. 
Ergot caused by an insect.— Mr. Rennie in his alphabet of Medical 
Botany, states that he has ascertained in numerous instances, in 1832, that 
the ergot of rye (Secale cornutum,) is a morbid enlargement of the grain, 
caused by the puncture of a four-winged fly, (Aphis graminis,) similar to 
the aphis of the rose, but one half smaller, and darker green with black 
markings, and not as has generally been supposed, a fungus. 
Guthrie's ointment for the cure of Chronic Opthalmia. — 
R. Nit. Argenti, gr. x. 
Sub. acet. Plumbi. gtts. xv. 
Axunge. 3i- 
The nitrate of silver and acetate of lead are to be reduced to an impal- 
pable powder, and perfectly incorporated with the axunge. A fragment 
of this ointment of about the size of a grain of wheat, is to be introduced 
under the upper eye lid, which is to be gently rubbed with the finger, so 
as to spread the ointment over the diseased part. The pain is severe and 
lasts for about an hour. 
Devergie^s Depurative syrup. — 
R. Lig. Guaiac. 
Rad. Saponaria 
Rumex Patient f± lb. ii. 
Dulcamara 
Arctium lappa *± lb. iii. 
Fol. Senna. % vl ^' 
Make two decoctions with thirty pints of water each, evaporate and add 
sugar and honey each thirty pounds, and form syrup. 
Journ. de Chim. Med. 
Eau medicinale. — Dr. Wilson of Yoxford (England,) first discovered 
that the celebrated gout nostrum, the Eau medicinale of Husson, was com- 
posed of the expressed juice of the flowers of the Colchicum autumnale. 
The formula given by Dr. Wilson is : Take two parts of the expressed 
juice of the flowers of meadow saffron, and one part brandy. Mix 
them, and permit the mixture to stand undisturbed for a few days, to al- 
