ON VARIOLARIA AMARA. 
263 
Variolaria has proved itself most efficacious, it has acted 
beneficially after the first or second dose, and 7 to 9 grs. 
have very often been sufficient to effect a cure. In cases, 
however, where the first doses do not act, we cannot reckon 
upon any good results. 
M. Dassier has given Variolaria in a very great number 
of intermittent, quotidian, tertian and quartan fevers. In 
the second of these he has almost constantly, in the third 
kind frequently, in the last rarely, obtained a cure. It is 
true that he has never exceeded the dose of 1 grm. in the 
course of 24 hours. Despite the encouraging observations 
of M. Dassier, we are of opinion that the Variolaria 
should only be prescribed under the following circum- 
stances. : — 
1. As a substitute for sulphate of quinine. 
2. In cases of mild quotidian or tertian fevers. 
3. That recourse should never be had to its use where we 
suspect a severe attack of fever, or one that may assume a 
dangerous character. 
It would be interesting, on account of its low price, and 
the ease with which it can be procured, to ascertain whe- 
ther, if given in larger doses than has been above specified, 
its properties might not prove more efficacious. At all 
events, new researches upon the active principle of this 
lichen are well deserving of being made. 
Ibid, fr om Journ. de Pharm. 
