me seldom
exceeded a spoonful. I requested him to get some of the Digitalis, and
as they had no proper weights in the house, I told them to put as much
of the fresh leaves as would weigh down a guinea, into half a pint of
boiling water; to let it stand till cold, then to pour off the clear
liquor, and add a glass of gin to it, and to take three table
spoonfuls every third hour, until it had some sensible effect upon
him.

Before he had taken all the infusion, the quantity of urine made
increased, (he therefore left off taking it), and it continued to do
so until all the water was evacuated. His breathing became much
better, his cough abated, though it never quite left him; he being for
some time before asthmatic. By taking some tonic pills he continued
quite well until the next spring, when he had a return of his
complaint, which was carried off by the same means. Two years after,
he had a third attack, and this also gave way to the medicine. Last
year he died of a pleurisy.

I am, &c.
JER. VAUX

Moor-Street, 8th May,
1785.

P. S. You must well recollect the case of Mrs. F----.--It was "a
general dropsy--every time she took the medicine its effects were
similar, viz. The discharge of urine came on gradually at first,
increased afterwards, and the whole of the water both in the belly,
legs, &c. was perfectly evacuated. Although the effects were only
temporary, they were exceedingly agreeable to the patient, making her
time much more comfortable."--(_See Case_ XLIII.)

A Letter from Mr. WAINWRIGHT,
Surgeon, in Dudley.

Dear SIR,

It gives me great pleasure to find you intend to publish your
observations on the Digitalis purpurea.

Several years are now elapsed since you communicated to me the high
opinion you entertained of the diuretic qualities of this noble plant.
To ensure success, due attention was recommended to its _preparation_,
its _dose_, and its _effects_ upon the system.

I always gave the infusion of the dried leaves; the dose the same as
in the prescriptions returned. If the medicine operated on the stomach
or bowels, it was thought prudent to forbear. When the kidneys began
to perform their proper functions, and the urine to be discharged, a
continuance of its farther use was unnecessary.

These remarks you made in the case of