_August_ 22d. Mrs. S----, AEt. 36. Extreme faintiness; anasarcous legs
and thighs; great difficulty of breathing, troublesome cough, frequent
chilly fits succeeded by hot ones; night sweats, and a tendency to
diarrhoea. Apprehensive that the more urgent symptoms were caused
by water in the lungs, I directed an Infusion of Digitalis, with an
ounce of diacodium to the half pint to prevent it purging, a wine
glass full to be taken every night at bed-time, and a mixture with
confect. cardiac. and pulv. ipecac. to be given in small doses after
every loose stool.
On the fourth day she was better in all respects; had made a large
quantity of water and did not purge. In a few days more she lost all
her complaints, except the cough, which gradually left her, without
any further assistance.
I was agreeably deceived in the event of this case, for I expected
after the water was removed, to have had a phthisis to contend with.