in much larger doses than directed in the Pharma-copœias. One method of preparation I have seen employed is as follows: Using an earthenware pot, boil ½ oz. of simaruba in 1½ pints of water for three hours, and then strain it. Let the patient remain in bed and drink this decoction on an empty stomach every second morning for four times. Food must consist of milk and farinaceous stuffs. Another method is to boil 1 oz. of simaruba in 12 oz. of water until it is reduced to 7 drachms; to this 1 drachm of spirit is added. This preparation, also, must be made in either an earthenware or an enamelled dish. For an adult this is a suitable dose; a child may take a fourth part. It should be taken every night for four nights.*[1] Kho-sam (the seeds of Brucea sumatrana) is another drug with some reputation as an anti-dysenteric, probably in the amœbic form of the disease.
Monsonia ovata. Maberly reports favourably on this South African plant in dysentery. He uses a tincture of 2½ oz. of the dried plant to the pint of rectified spirit. It gave in his hands wonderful results, both in acute and in chronic cases which had resisted the ordinary remedies.
Cinnamon, pomegranate, mangosteen rind, and other aromatics and astringents sometimes do good in chronic dysentery.
I can offer no explanation of the action of any of these drugs in dysentery. We use them quite empirically.
Intestinal antiseptics.— Salol (10 to 15 gr.), izal, and cyllin in keratin capsules in doses of 60 to 90 minims of pure cyllin per diem, are sometimes
- ↑ * Appended is the formula of a preparation of simaruba much used in Shanghai, and there known as "Rhein's Specific Remedy for Diarrhœa and Dysentery." I understand that the formula was purchased by the Shanghai municipality for a considerable sum of money, so highly was it thought of by the European community of that city. Simaruba bark, 3 oz.; Chinese cinnamon, 1 oz.; boil in 3 quarts of water and allow it to evaporate down to 1 pint. When cool, strain into a brandy- bottle, add 3 tablespoonfuls of good brandy, and fill up by pouring cold water over the bark in the strainer till the bottle is full. Dose: A wineglassful three times a day.
