[12]. A cat of nine tails.
These patients are in every respect wretched, and are actually objects of pity. They generally have a pale, sullen, heavy, half-starved, cowardly, in short a lousy, look; habitually lazy, and seem to be void of every manly passion; neither good nor ill-natured; and are stimulated by nothing but pusillanimity; and as they seem neither sick nor well, I say they are objects both of pity and contempt; though the latter is unjust, because they cannot help it.
The reason of all this wretchedness is because the blood is degenerated into a lifeless mass of pituitous corruption; and wants that spirit which gives a relish to life. Hence we see in this one instance, how much the mental faculties depend upon the state of the body.
In order to cure this unhappy patient, the blood must be purified, and the whole system stimulated to a brisk circulation. Nothing less than mercury will do the one, and stimulants together with exercise, effect the other.
In the first place give him the following medicine.
No. XIII
Take ipecacuanha (S) one scruple; jalap (R) ten grains; calomel, (N) four grains; make it into a draught or bolus.
Let him take this in a morning upon a fasting stomach, and let him drink plenty of chamomile tea after every vomiting; then give him the following electuary.
No. XIV
Take lenitive electuary (I.) two ounces; black pepper powdered, two drachms; calomel (N), one scruple; mix them.