2 ON THE FEVILLEA CORDIFOLIA. 
in such a case, but all in vain ; for, on my subsequent re- 
moval to Kingston, I found the swelling much increased in 
her face, legs, and thighs, with a puffiness in her belly. A 
planter, from Above Rocks, breakfasted with me; I called 
the girl to get some water ; he was alarmed on seeing her 
condition, and advised the use of the coccoon or antidote, 
observing that he had made a perfect cure of a girl in the 
same state. I proceeded according to his directions, and 
with the like success ; it is now eighteen months since, and 
thanks be to God she is now in perfect health. I therefore 
think myself bound to publish the same for the benefit of 
my fellow creatures." 
Such is the unvarnished narrative of the anonymous cor- 
respondent of the magazine, which is not the less entitled 
to consideration, because it comes unsanctioned by the im- 
press of professional authority, and unauthenticated by the 
celebrity of a name. To the medical reader, the omission 
of the manner of exhibition is immaterial, since his own 
experience and judgment in similar cases must be sufficient 
to guide him, while his professional caution will secure him 
against the danger of its rash administration. 
It becomes, however, worth the trouble of enquiry to 
determine upon what the hydragogue action of the coccoons 
depends, and whether the active constituent does not admit 
of being obtained apart from the rest. By the aid of Che- 
mistry, modern practice is enabled, in most cases, to reduce 
the bulk, while it augments the activity of the dose. This 
is especially manifested in the cases of cinchona and 
opium — in both of which art has succeeded in detaching 
the active principle from its inert or noxious adjuncts, and 
presenting it to the patient in a form, if not attractive, at 
least exciting the smallest possible amount of disgust. 
Taken to a larger extent than that mentioned, the tincture 
operates as an emetic and a purgative. In dropsical cases 
a wineglassful should be taken every morning fasting, and 
.followed by moderate exercise before breakfast. An in- 
