In regard to the second infection, this is too tedious here to enter into, and to do properly justice, I must refer the reader to the treatise itself.
All I have at present to say, is, that my method of cure is particularly easy and simple, in itself; and I am happy to think at the same time, that it is more efficacious, than any former method, or practice, made use of.
The antacrid injection No. [XXI]. is the most efficacious for subduing the gonorrhœa, and all the evil consequences in that part; and the other mercurial preparations in the manner I have recommended them, is equally powerful.
I am utterly averse to salivation; it is using mercury as a poison; very few have ever been cured by it, and those few have been more indebted to their good constitution, than the treatment which they have with so much danger undergone. But many, very many, have had their constitutions ruined by salivation, past the art of man to recover; and thousands have been sent miserable objects to the grave.
I am also averse to bleeding in venereal cases, unless the greatest necessity requires it; for in general it serves only to infect all the fluids, since the veins emptied, will naturally absorb from all parts of the body, and thence liable to infect the whole mass of blood. Purging needs but be used very sparingly.
Mercury inwardly taken, should be used with the greatest moderation, and taken in very small doses; for with such judicious management it becomes one of the best medicines in the whole Materia Medica; but if abused, it is converted into a poison. The decoction of the sassafras should be plentifully made use of during the whole course of the venereal disease.
And lastly, from the real effect that the mercury has on the blood, I must add, that the same gentle method with respect to its internal use, as is recommended for the first infection, must also be pursued for the second infection; let the malignities be ever so bad, even in the most inveterate diseases of the bones themselves; with this difference, that in proportion as the disease is engrafted, time must be allowed for the cure.
Nature may be led by the gentle hand of assistance, and tenderness; but he who attempts to do good by main force, acts as a fool, and deceives not only himself, but those who are so unfortunate, as to trust to his pretended skill.