lly evacuated, it is best to allow an
interval of several days before the medicine be repeated, that food
and tonics maybe administered; but truth compels me to say, that the
usual tonic medicines have in these cases very often deceived my
expectations.

From some cases which have occurred in the course of the present year,
I am disposed to believe that the Digitalis may be given in small
doses, viz. two or three grains a day, so as gradually to remove a
dropsy, without any other than mild diuretic effects, and without any
interruption to its use until the cure be compleated.

If inadvertently the doses of the Foxglove should be prescribed too
largely, exhibited too rapidly, or urged to too great a length; the
knowledge of a remedy to counteract its effects would be a desirable
thing. Such a remedy may perhaps in time be discovered. The usual
cordials and volatiles are generally rejected from the stomach;
aromatics and strong bitters are longer retained; brandy will
sometimes remove the sickness when only slight; I have sometimes
thought small doses of opium useful, but I am more confident of the
advantage from blisters. Mr. Jones (_Page_ 135) in one case, found
mint tea to be retained longer than other things.

CONSTITUTION of PATIENTS.

Independent of the degree of disease, or of the strength or age of the
patient, I have had occasion to remark, that there are certain
constitutions favourable, and others unfavourable to the success of
the Digitalis.

From large experience, and attentive observation, I am pretty well
enabled to decide _a priori_ upon this matter, and I wish to enable
others to do the same: but I feel myself hardly equal to the
undertaking. The following hints, however, aiding a degree of
experience in others, may lead them to accomplish what I yet can
describe but imperfectly.

It seldom succeeds in men of great natural strength, of tense fibre,
of warm skin, of florid complexion, or in those with a tight and cordy
pulse.

If the belly in ascites be tense, hard, and circumscribed, or the
limbs in anasarca solid and resisting, we have but little to hope.

On the contrary, if the pulse be feeble or intermitting, the
countenance pale, the lips livid, the skin cold, the swollen belly
soft and fluctuating, or the anasarcous limbs readily pitting under
the pressure of the finger, we may expect the diuretic effects to
follow in a kindly manner.

In cases which foil