806 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA.

are applied. When swallowed, therefore, in large quantities, theypoisonous. The topical action of mezereon bark is that of an llT1and, when the bark has been applied to the skin, vesicant.

A decoction of mezereon bark, taken in moderate quantities, some gappears to promote the action of the secreting and exhaling 0 Jfy e d.(especially the kidneys and the skin). But Dr. Alex. Russell lObserv. and Inq. vol. iii. p. 194) could not observe, upon the stninquiry, “ that it sensibly increases any of the secretions, more s

same quantity of any small liquor would do.” In some cases it P |,laxative, where the patients are easily moved, and large doses jjand irritate the stomach. Richter ( Ausfiihr. Arzneimittell.

S. 193) says, that, under the long-continued use of mezereon, th e . s ‘j iea tacquires a peculiar odour. In larger doses it causes dryness an c j S)in the throat, increased flow of saliva, pain in the stomach and p° uyand sometimes vomiting and purging; the stools being oecasi ^.bloody. The urinary organs are sometimes specifically affected ^irritation, analogous to that produced by cantharides, being set up - gS)An affection of the cerebro-spinal system (marked by great feed pgiddiness, incapability of keeping the erect posture, and slight csive movements) is occasionally brought on (Vogt, Pharmakod!) 1 ' ^. eIJd. ii. S. 305, 2" Aufl.) I am unacquainted with any cases "hie ]proved fatal from the use of mezereon bark. Vicat (Orfila, Toxic 0 '"mentions the case of a dropsical patient, in whom the wood causerhoea, pain, and vomiting, which continued for six weeks. It

Uses. —In this country mezereon is scarcely ever employedis usually administered in conjunction with sarsaparilla (vide .peSarzee composition, p. 670), and is employed as a sudorific and at pg-in venereal, rheumatic, scrofulous, and chronic cutaneous diseases- 0 jcoction of the root-bark of mezereon was recommended to the n ^ gt)),the profession, by Dr. Alexander Russell {op. supracit. vol. ib-as a very efficacious remedy in cases of venereal nodes and n° ^ apains. Dr. Home {Clin. Exper. and Hist.) also speaks of ijj ‘^.pgrcpowerful deobstruent in all venereal tumors, of the scirrhous kum’mercury has failed.” But Mr. Pearson {Observ. on the Effects oj ' ga ys>Articles of the Mat. Med. 1800), after many years’ observations of 1 ’ )rel uii“ I feel myself authorized to assert unequivocally, that the me ^ juhas not the power of curing the venereal disease in any one stage^

any one form.” Dr. Cullen {Mat. Med.) employed it with successcutaneous diseases. th llC ^ e

As a topical remedy, it is sometimes applied to relieve the too e #t

. Dr. Withering {Arranff^ a l-of Brit. Plants, vol. n. p. 490, 7tli ed.) cured a case of difficulty 7 }i elowing (arising from a paralytic affection) by mezereon, " ^n n nh^directed to be chewed frequently. In France the bark of both y "_u-Mezermm and I). Gnidium is used as a vesicatory. The mode otgjjiling it is thisFirst soften the bark by soaking it in hot vineg arwater, and then apply it to the part by a compress and bandag e \ j-g-application is to be renewed night and morning, until vesication & 'duced.

Administration. —Mezereon is administered in the form of(prepared by boiling Mezereon Bark, 5ij. ; Liquorice Root, 3ij- 5 "pjj.;Oiij. Boil the mezereon bark in the water until the liquid measures