PLEUKISY.

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indeed reckon almost a specific in the pleurisy, viz. the decoc-tion of the seneka rattle-snakeroot* After bleeding andother evacuations have been premised, the patient may taketwo, three or four table-spoonfuls of this decoction, accordingas his stomach will bear it, three or four times a day. If itshould occasion vomiting, two or three ounces of simple cin-namon water may be mixed with the quantity, of decoctionhere directed, or it may be taken in smaller doses. As thismedicine promotes perspiration and urine, and likewise keepsthe belly easy, it bids fair for answering many of the inten-tions of cure in a pleurisy, or any other inflammation of thebreast.

No one will imagine that these medicines are all to beused at the same time. We have mentioned different thingson purpose that people may have it in their power to choose,and likewise that when one cannot be obtained they maymake use of another. Different medicines are no doubtnecessary in the different periods of a disorder ; and whereone fails of success, or disagrees with the patient, it will beproper to try another.

What is called the crisis, or height of the fever, is some-times attended with very alarming symptoms, as difficulty ofbreathing, an irregular pulse, convulsive motions, &c. Theseare apt to fright the attendants, and induce them to do impro-per things, as bleeding the patient, giving him strong stimu-lating medicines, or the like. But they are only the strugglesof nature to overcome the disease, in which she ought to beassisted by plenty of diluting drink, which is then peculiarlynecessary. If the patient's strength however be-much ex-hausted by the disease, it may be necessary at this time tosupport him with frequent small draughts of wine whey,small negas, or the like.

When the pain and fever are gone it will be proper, afterthe patient has recovered sufficient strength, to give him somegentle purges, as those directed towards the end of the acutecontinual fever. He ought likewise to use a light diet ofeasy digestion, and his drink should be buttermilk, whey,and other things of a cleansing nature.

* This decoction is made by boiling an ounce of seneka rattle-snake-root in an English pint and a half -water, till one third part of thewater be consumed ; afterwards let it be strained.

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