Remarks on the efficacy of matico, as a styptic and astringent. With additional cases, mode of exhibition, &c / [Thomas Jeffreys].

  • Jeffreys, Thomas, 1774?-1852.
Date:
1844
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Remarks on the efficacy of matico, as a styptic and astringent. With additional cases, mode of exhibition, &c / [Thomas Jeffreys]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    the skin and lips blanched, pulse sixty and weak. This patient had for nearly a month been treated by the usual mode for such cases, but without any very decided improvement, when she began to take a wine-glassful of the infusion of Matico four times daily, and in ten days had recovered from all severe symptoms; indeed is nearly perfectly well.” In confirmation of the above good effects of the Matico in intestinal haemorrhage, I may mention that of my being called to a severe case of sanguineous dysentery, in the month of October, 1841, which required very active treatment for full two wTeeks; and at times the unfavourable symptoms caused great anxiety for the probability of its fatal termination. Howrever, the patient got quite well, and I had discontinued my attendance for one week, when I was hastily sent for, in consequence of his having had a profuse discharge of pure blood, with scarcely any feculent matter in the stools. I immediately prescribed a decoction of the Matico, in the pro¬ portion of half an ounce to the 'pint, and directed three table-spoonfuls every four or six hours, three doses of which completely suppressed the haemorrhage. I may also mention that the daughter of the last patient wTas attacked with laryngitis, for which ten leeches were applied with great relief, but the oozing of blood from some of them could not be stayed; I immediately applied com¬ presses made wet with the decoction ordered for her father, and the good effects were almost immediate. I have been asked for formulae for its use. Externally, I believe the under side of the leaf is preferable to the powder, and more powerful than the smooth or upper side. Inter¬ nally, the decoction or infusion may be safely given, half an ounce to the pint, and the dose, three table-spoonfuls ; in¬ creasing the strength to one ounce to the pint, gradually ; sus¬ pending its use for a day, and substituting a gentle purgative ; but if it produces nausea, it should be omitted for a few days.