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lion always comes in their place. Hence it is, that in diseaseswhich are the most difficult to understand, we generally hearof the greatest number of miraculous cures being performedHere, however, the deception is easily accounted for. Thescrofula, at a certain period of life, often cures of itself; andif the patient happens to be touched about this time, the cureis imputed to the touch, and not to nature, who is really thephysician. In the same way the insignificant nostrums ofquacks and old women often gain applause when they deservenone.

There is nothing more pernicious than the custom of plyingchildren in the scrofula with strong purgative medicines.People imagine it proceeds from humors which must be purgedoff, without considering that these purgatives increase the re-laxation and aggravate the disease. It has indeed been foundthat keeping the belly gently open for some time, especiallywith sea-water, has a good effect; but this should only begiven in such quantity as to procure one, or at most two stoolsevery day. Bathing in the salt water has likewise a verygood effect, especially in the warm season. I have oftenknown a course of bathing in salt water, and drinking it insuch quantities as to keep the belly gently open, cure a scro-fula, after many medicines had been tried in vain. Whensalt water cannot be obtained, the patient may be bathed infresh water, and his belly kept open by small quantities ofsalt and water, or some other mild purgative.

Next to cold bathing and drinking the salt water, we wouldrecommend the Peruvian bark. The cold bath may be usedin summer, and the bark in winter. To an adult half a dramof the bark in powder may be given, in a glass of red wine,four or five times a day. Children, and such as cannot takeit in substance, may use the decoction.*

The Moffat and Harrowgate waters, especially the latter,are likewise very proper medicines in the scrofula. Theyought not, however, to be drank in large quantities, but should

* The decoction may be made by boiling an ounce of Peruvianbark and a dram of Winter's bark, both grossly powdered, in an Eng-lish quart of water to a pint. Towards the end half an ounce ofsliced liquorice-root and a handful of raisins may be added, whichwill both render the decoction less disagreeable and make it take upmore of the bark. The liquor must be strained, and two, three, orfour table-spoonfuls, according to the age of the patient, given threetimes a day.