First lines of the practice of physic (Volume 2).

William Cullen

Date:: 1805

Credit: First lines of the practice of physic (Volume 2). Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by the National Library of Medicine (U.S.), through the Medical Heritage Library. The original may be consulted at the National Library of Medicine (U.S.)

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though it is presumed that neutrals of all kinds have more or less of the same virtue.* 1213.] The aromatics, and perhaps some other acrids, certainly stimulate the stomach, as they obviate the aces- cency and flatulency of vegetable food : but their stimulus is transitory ; and if frequently repeated, and taken in large quantities, they may hurt the tone of the stomach.f 1214.] The tonics employed to strengthen the stomach are bitters, bitters and astringents combined, and chaly- beates. Bitters are undoubtedly tonic medicines, both with res- pect to the stomach and the whole system : but their long- continued use has been found to destroy the tone of the stomach and of the whole system ; and, whether this is from the mere repetition of their tonic operation, or from some narcotic power joined with the tonic in them, I am uncertain. 1215.] Bitters and astringents combined are probably more effectual tonics than either of them taken singly ; and we suppose such a combination to take place in the Peruvian bark ; which therefore proves a powerful tonic, both with respect to the stomach and to the whole system. But I have some ground to suspect that the long continued use of this bark may, like bitters, destroy, both the tone of the sto- mach and of the whole system.% 1216.] Chalybeates may be employed as tonics in various forms,§ and in considerable quantities, with safety. They have been often employed in the form of mineral waters, and seemingly with success : but, whether this is owing to the chalybeate in the composition of these waters, or to some other circumstances attending their use, I dare not positively determine ; but the latter opinion seems to me the more probable. 12H.] The remedies which strengthen the stomach, by being applied to the whole body, are, exercise, and the ap- plication of cold. * The Sal digestivus, i. e. the muriatic acid saturated with vegetable fixed alkali, was thought to be preferable to common salt in promoting digestion. Hence its old name of Sal digestivus. Its superiority over common salt is however doubtful. + This caution against the too free use of aromatics ought to be peculiarly attended to by the young practitioner. The speedy relief which they produce tempts the patient to have frequent recourse to them, which, as the author justly observes, may materially hurt the tone of the sto- mach, and consequently increase the disease which they were intended to remove. t Forms of these tonics may be seen in the preceding notes on articles 'J8I. 982. 992. i 6ee the notes on articles 981. 982. 992. In these cases the Tinctura Msrtis mentioned in the note on article 1212. is as proper a form of chalybeates as any we can use. Its dose is from ten to twenty drops in any proper vehicle. A glass of cold spring water, acidulated with a few drops of this tincture, is agreeable and refreshing, and may be used as the patient's common drink : its agreeableness may be considerably increased by adding to each half-pint glass a table-spoon- ful of simple cinnamon water.

First lines of the practice of physic (Volume 2).

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