which exist together in a simple state of mixture. Until the subject be elucidated by farther experiments, it will be difficult for the chemist to persuade the physician, that he can never have derived any benefit from the exhibition of Antimonial Powder, although I am by no means inclined to concede to it that extraordinary degree of virtue, which many practitioners are so eager to maintain.
[619]. This plant is esteemed by the American Indians as a universal remedy, and is always carried about with them. The members of the profession have doubtless heard of an irregular practitioner, who has persuaded a certain number of persons in this metropolis, that he possesses remedies, obtained from the American Indians, by which he is enabled to cure Scrofula in its worst forms; it is to this Empiric that I alluded in the note at page 33; and it may be worthy of notice that the plant upon which he relies for success, is the Pyrola Umbellata.
[620]. Philosophical Transactions, 1799.
[621]. Warner’s Cordial. Rhubarb bruised ℥j; Sennæ ℥ss; Saffron ʒj; Powdered Liquorice ʒiv; Raisins pounded ℔j; Brandy oiij; digest for a week and strain.
Moseley’s Pills. The stomachic Pills which are sold under this name, consist merely of Rhubarb and Ginger.
[622]. Dr. Rehman asserts that it is the root of the same species as that which produces the Turkey variety, but that it is prepared with less care.
[623]. The seeds of this plant, from which the oil is expressed, are variegated with black and white streaks, resembling in shape as well as colour, the insect Ricinis or Tick, whence the name. These seeds, from the acrid juice in their skins, are very drastic and emetic; they were however used by Hippocrates. Mathiolus attempted to correct their emetic quality by torrefaction, but without success. Gulielmus Piso proposed a tincture of them, but the preparation is not only uncertain, but unsafe in its operation. See Tiglii Semina.
[624]. For the derivation of the name Castor oil, see p. 39.
[625]. The sugar cane is called in Arabic Lukseb. The produce of it, Assakur, hence Sugar. Some authors have attempted to derive the word from Succus a juice; this is obviously an error.
[626]. For this purpose it may be added to certain ointments to prevent their becoming rancid. For the reasons, however, above stated, it must not be boiled with the ingredients, but added after they are cold.