_Take mercurial ointment_ (P), _and precipitate_ (O) _equal
parts: mix them._
The roots of these stubborn companions are frequently seated very deep;
if this is particularly taken notice of, together with proper internal
medicines, the excrescences taken away at the root, and the ointment
applied, they may all of them soon be drove off from the field.
_Of the second Infection._
In regard to the second infection, this is too tedious here to enter
into, and to do properly justice, I must refer the reader to the
treatise itself.
All I have at present to say, is, that my method of cure is particularly
easy and simple, in itself; and I am happy to think at the same time,
that it is more efficacious, than any former method, or practice, made
use of.
The _antacrid injection_ No. XXI. is the most efficacious for subduing
the gonorrhœa, and all the evil consequences in that part; and the other
mercurial preparations in the manner I have recommended them, is equally
powerful.
I am utterly averse to salivation; it is using mercury as a poison; very
few have ever been cured by it, and those few have been more indebted to
their good constitution, than the treatment which they have with so much
danger undergone. But many, very many, have had their constitutions
ruined by salivation, past the art of man to recover; and thousands have
been sent miserable objects to the grave.
I am also averse to bleeding in venereal cases, unless the greatest
necessity requires it; for in general it serves only to infect all the
fluids, since the veins emptied, will naturally absorb from all parts of
the body, and thence liable to infect the whole mass of blood. Purging
needs but be used very sparingly.
Mercury inwardly taken, should be used with the greatest moderation, and
taken in very small doses; for with such judicious management it becomes
one of the best medicines in the whole Materia Medica; but if abused, it
is converted into a poison. The decoction of the sassafras should be
plentifully made use of during the whole course of the venereal disease.
And lastly, from the real effect that the mercury has on the blood, I
must add, that the same gentle method with respect to its internal use,
as is recommended for the first infection, must also be pursued for the
second infection; let the malignities be ever so bad, even in the most
inveterate diseases of the bones themselves; with this difference, that
in proportion as the disease is engrafted, time must be allowed for the
cure.
Nature may be led by the gentle hand of assistance, and tenderness; but
he who attempts to do good by main force, acts as a fool, and deceives
not only himself, but those who are so unfortunate, as to trust to his
pretended skill.
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