This preparation certainly possesses considerable powers as an
expectorant; especially if allowed to pass slowly over the fauces, as
when applied in the form of a linctus, (_Form: 135,_) which by
stimulating the top of the trachea may possibly act, by a kind of
“_contiguous sympathy_,” upon the pulmonary structure,[596] and thereby
increase the activity of the exhalant vessels, and so dilute the mucus
contained in the follicles as to cause it to be poured out in a less
viscid form, and consequently in a state to be more easily brought up by
expectoration. Its action will also admit of another explanation, but
for this see page 102. DOSE from fʒss to fʒij. In larger doses it is
given for the purpose of exciting vomiting, especially in hooping cough.