1150

ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA.

usual way by gelatine. The College errs in supposing that the e *^ rl j cextract is necessarily either wholly or in great part tannin ; for catechjacid, which constitutes a large portion of some kinds of catechu, is sol 11in ether. j

Physiological Effects. —Catechu produces the local and g ene jeffects of the astringents before described (see p. 79). When of ffj! ,quality it is more powerful than kino. In its operation it is closely ato rhatany root ( Krameria triandra).

Uses. —Employed as an astringent in the following cases:— .

1. In affections of the mouth and throat. —In various affections ol amouth and throat I have frequently employed catechu, and foundconvenient and efficacious astringent. Thus, in relaxed uvula, anthat slight chronic inflammatory affection of the throat usually dennated the relaxed sore throat, and which is especially observed in del 1 ffemales, catechu, chewed or sucked, is a most useful remedy. Th e P al - ckinds of catechu should be selected, especially avoiding those tn agritty. Or catechu lozenges may be employed. The pale kinds o ^techu (as garnhir, described at p. 1026), are usually sweeter and nagreeable than the dark varieties. For public speakers or singer® ais a useful remedy; it prevents or diminishes hoarseness consequ en ^frequent use of the vocal organs. In slight ulcerations of the mouthit is useful. j, n

-1 have known cater

It should be used j -

2 . As a stomachic in dyspeptic complaints.-chewed with advantage in dyspeptic complaints,before taking food: it promotes the appetite, and assists digestion- r

3. As an alvine astringent it may be employed in old-standing 1 ,

rhoeas and dysenteries, when there are no inflammatory sympt° 1I,s Pjjysent. It is often conjoined with the chalk mixture, and not unu-with opiates. cruP* e

4. As an astringent in hemorrhages of an atonic character. A s n .of catechu, with grs. xij. of confection of opium, and a sufficient dtity of aromatic confection to make a bolus, was a favourite presc <^ a f.of Dr. Babington, sen. in immoderate flow of the menses (Ainslie»

Ind. i. 590). p- lC to-

5. In lead colic it was recommended by Grashius {De Cohc a

num, Amsterd. 1752). _ n ,i;ng

6. In mucous discharges , as gleets, fluor albus, chronic old*®

cystirrhcea, &c. . 0 f jiv-

7. As a topical application to ulcers. —“ An ointment compose

of catechu, 3 ix. of alum, Siv. of white resin, and f3x. of olive ..Lyona sufficient quantity of water, is in great repute in India as an appto ulcers” (Thomson, London Dispens.) j j n th* 7

Administration. —Dose, grs. x. to 5j- It may be administere ^alform of bolus, or of mixture with sugar and gum Arabic- *' 0 ^ c0 ifl'solution in the mouth, I have found a lump of the purer kinds eS te amercial catechu more agreeable than catechu lozenges, which I ra manufacturer of lozenges to prepare for me. techih

1. Infusum Catechu compositum, L. D. Infusum y a p.] >

(Catechu, powdered, 3vj. [jiiss. D.]; Cinnamon , bruised, “.P 0> s '

[Syrup, f3iij. £ ]; Boiling [distilled, L.] Water , Oj. [fjxvij- ^ ^ T a tc f ’wine measure, D.] Macerate the Catechu and Cinnamon m ^ s o' alltin a lightly-covered vessel, for an hour [two hours, -E.J,