_January_ 1st. Mr. H----. Hydrops Pectoris; legs and thighs
prodigiously anasarcous; a very distressing sense of fulness and
tightness across his stomach; urine in small quantity; pulse
intermitting; breath very short.
He had taken various medicines, and been blistered, but without
relief. His complaints continuing to increase, I directed an infusion
of Digitalis, which made him very sick; acted powerfully as a
diuretic, and removed all his symptoms.
About three months afterwards he was out upon a journey, and, after
taking cold, was suddenly seized with difficulty of breathing, and
violent palpitation of his heart: he sent for me, and I ordered the
infusion as before, which very soon removed his complaints. He is now
active and well; but, whenever he takes cold, finds some return of
difficult breathing, which he soon removes by a dose or two of the
infusion.