Part 77 (1/2)

739. Rhubarb

Rhubarb is a purgative, astringent and stomachic.

It is _used externally_ in the form of powder to ulcers, to promote a healthy action.

It is given _internally_ in diarrhoea, dyspepsia, and a debilitated state of the bowels. Combined with a mild preparation of calomel, it forms an excellent purgative for children.

_Dose,_ of the _infusion,_ from one to two ounces; of the _powder,_ from one scruple to half a drachm as a purgative, and from six to ten grains as a stomachic; of the _tincture_ and _compound tincture,_ from one to four drachms; of the _compound pill,_ from ten to twenty grains.

740. Jalap

Jalap is a powerful cathartic and hydrogogue, and is therefore apt to gripe.

_Dose,_ of the _powder,_ from ten to thirty grains, combined with a drop or two of aromatic oil; of the _compound powder,_ from fifteen to forty grains; of the _tincture,_ from one to three drachms; of the _extract,_ from ten to twenty grains. The watery extract is better than the alcoholic.

741. Colocynth

Colocynth is a powerful drastic cathartic, and should never be given alone, unless ordered by a medical man, as its action is too violent for some const.i.tutions.

_Dose,_ of the _extract,_ from five to fifteen grains; of the _compound extract,_ from five to fifteen grains; of the _compound colocynth pill,_ the best of all its preparations, from ten to twenty grains.

742. Buckthorn

Buckthorn is a brisk purgative for children in the form of syrup.

_Dose_ of the _syrup,_ from one to six drachms.

743. Aloes

Aloes is a purgative and cathartic in large, and tonic in smaller doses.

_Dose,_ of _powder,_ from two to ten grains, combined with soap, bitter extracts, or other purgative medicines, and given in the form of pills; of the _compound pill,_ from five to twenty grains; of the _pill of aloes_ and _myrrh_ from five to twenty grains; of the _tincture_, from four drachms to one ounce; of the _compound tincture_, from one to four drachms; of the _extract_, from six to ten grains; of the _compound decoction_, from four drachms to two ounces.

[TO-DAY, HE FLOATS ON HONOUR'S LOFTY WAVE.]

744. Cream of Tartar

Cream of Tartar is a purgative and refrigerant.

It is _used internally_ in dropsy, especially of the belly, in doses of from one scruple to one drachm. As a refrigerant drink it is dissolved in hot water, and sweetened with sugar, and is used in febrile diseases, care being taken not to allow it to rest too much upon the bowels.

_Dose_, as a _purgative_, from two to four drachms, as a _hydrogogue_, from four to six drachms, mixed with honey or treacle.

_Caution._--Its use should be followed by tonics, especially gentian and angostura.