_May_ 1st. Master W----, of St----, AEt. 6. I found him with every
symptom of hydrocephalus internus. As it was yet early in the disease,
in consequence of ideas which will be mentioned hereafter, I directed
six ounces of blood to be immediately taken from the arm; the temporal
artery to be opened the succeeding day; the head to be shaven, and six
pints of cold water to be poured upon it every fourth hour, and two
scruples of strong mercurial ointment to be rubbed into the legs
every day. Five days afterwards, finding the febrile symptoms very
much abated, and judging the remaining disease to be the effect of
effusion, I directed a scruple of Fol. Digital. siccat. to be infused
in three ounces of water, and a table spoonful of the infusion to be
given every third or fourth hour, until its action should be someway
sensible. The effect was, an increased secretion of urine; and the
patient soon recovered.