[475]. With this opinion Mr. A. T. Thomson coincides, for in the 3d edition of his Dispensatory, he says, “the thick old bulb begins to decay after the flower is perfectly expanded, and the new bulbs, of which there are always two formed on each old bulb, are perfected in the following June; from which time until the middle of August, they may be taken up for medicinal use.”
[476]. Eau Medicinale De Husson. After various attempts to discover the active ingredient of this Parisian remedy, it is at length determined to be the colchicum autumnale which several ancient authors, under the name of hermodactyllus, have recommended in the cure of gout, as stated in the historical preface to this work. The following is the receipt for preparing this medicine. Take two ounces of the root of colchicum, cut it into slices, macerate it in four fluid-ounces of Spanish white wine, and filter. See Veratri Radix (note).
Dr. Wilson’s Tincture for the Gout. This is merely an infusion of colchicum, as Dr. Williams of Ipswich has satisfactorily shewn. Since the discovery of colchicum being the active ingredient of the Eau medicinale, numerous empirical remedies have started up, containing the principles of the plant in different forms.
The expressed juice of the colchicum is used in Alsace to destroy vermin in the hair: it is very acrid, and excoriates the parts to which it is applied.
[477]. Dr. Davy, however, informs me that he is acquainted with a fatal instance from an excessive dose of these seeds, viz. ʒj, taken by a medical man for gout. On dissection, most of the viscera, more especially the brain and intestines, exhibited great sanguineous turgescence, and appearances of inflammation.
[478]. This preparation, or the Seeds, may be procured for trial, from the house of Savory, Moore, and Davidson, of New Bond Street.
[479]. Ward was originally a footman, and, during his attendance upon his master on the Continent, obtained from the Monks those receipts which afterwards became his nostrums. It may be observed that this Confection appears to be well adapted for the cure of that species of Piles which probably attended the sedentary and luxurious habits of the monks.
[480]. Dr. Chapman recommends the liberal use of the Copaiva in the very commencement of Gonorrhœa, disregarding ardor ruinæ, chordee, and every other symptom of inflammation that may be present. Than this, we do not know a medical precept more erroneous in theory, or more mischievous in practice. We are convinced that a great majority of gleets may be traced to the premature use of balsam Copaiva, and other stimulating articles in the inflammatory stage of the disease.—Ed.
[481]. Cūbĕba—Indis Cubab; Avicennæ Kebâba. It makes short the penultima, because Actuarius and other modern Greeks call it κουπεπερ, κόμπεπερ, and κομβεβα.
[482]. See “Practical Observations on the use of Cubebs, in the cure of Gonorrhœa,” by H. Jeffreys, Esq.