ed one grain to be given
every two hours until it should excite nausea. This it did; but, as I
expected, it did no more. The reason of this belief will be mentioned
hereafter. Five days after this last trial I gave him assafetida in
large quantity, flattered by a hope that his extreme sufferings from
the state of his respiration, might perhaps arise in part from spasm,
but my hopes were in vain. I now thought of using an infusion of
tobacco, and prescribed the following:

R. Fol. Nicotian. incis. [Symbol: dram]ii.
Aq. bull. [Symbol: pound]ss.
Sp. Vini rectif. [Symbol: ounce]i digere per horam.

I directed a spoonful of this to be given every two hours until it
should vomit. This medicine had no better effect than the former ones,
and he died some days afterwards.

CASE LVI.

_November_ 6th. Mr. H----, AEt. 47. In the last stage of a phthisis
pulmonalis, suffered much from dyspnoea, and anasarca. Squill
medicines gave no relief. Digitalis in pills, with gum ammon. purged
him, but opium being added, that effect ceased, and he continued to be
relieved by them as long as he lived.

CASE LVII.

_November_ 16th. Mrs. F----, AEt. 53. In _August_ last was suddenly
seized with epileptic fits, which continued to recur at uncertain
intervals. Her belly had long been larger than natural, but without
any perceptible fluctuation. Her legs and thighs swelled very
considerably the beginning of this month, and now there was evidently
water in the abdomen. The medicines hitherto in vain directed against
the epileptic attacks, were now suspended, and two grains of the Pulv.
fol. Digital. directed to be taken every six hours. The effects were
most favourable, and the dropsical symptoms were soon removed by
copious urinary discharges.

The attacks of epilepsy ceased soon afterwards. In _February_, 1781,
there was some return of the swellings, which were soon removed, and
she now enjoys very good health. Does not the narrative of this case
throw light upon the nature of the epilepsy which sometimes attacks
women, soon after the cessation of the menstrual flux?

1781.

CASE LVIII.

_January_ 1st. Mrs. G----, of H----, AEt. 62. Ascites and very large
hard legs. After trying various medicines, under the direction of a
very able physician, I ordered her to take one grain of Pulv.
Digital. eve