_July_ 10th. Mr. M---- of T----, AEt. 54. A very hard drinker; had been
affected since _November_ last with ascites and anasarca, for which he
had taken several medicines without benefit. A decoction of the recent
leaves of the Digitalis was then directed, an ounce and half to a
pint, one eighth of which I ordered to be given every fourth hour. A
few doses brought on great nausea, indistinct vision, and a great flow
of urine, so as presently to empty him of all the dropsical water.
Indeed the evacuation was so rapid and so complete, that it became
necessary to apply a bandage round the belly, and to support him with
cordials.
In something more than a year and a half, his dropsy returned, but the
Digitalis did not then succeed to our wishes. In _August_, 1779, he
was tapped, and lived afterwards only about five weeks.
For more particulars, see the extract of a letter from Mr. Lyon.