_August_ 25th. T---- W----, Esq; AEt, 50. A free liver, diseased
viscera, belly very tense, and much swollen; fluctuation perceptible,
but the swelling circumscribed; pulse 132. This gentleman was under
the care of my very worthy friend Dr. Ash, who, having tried various
modes of cure to no purpose, asked me if I thought the Digitalis would
answer in this case. I replied that it would not, for I had never seen
it effectual where the swelling appeared very tense and circumscribed.
It was tried however, but did not lessen the swelling. I mention this
case, to introduce the above remark, and also to point out the great
effect the Digitalis has upon the action of the heart; for the pulse
came down to 96. He was afterwards tapped, and continued, for some
time under our joint attendance, but the pulse never became quicker,
nor did the swelling return.