_October_ 31st. Mrs. C----, of W----, AEt. 67. Asthma, and very thick
hard legs of long continuance. The last month or two her breath worse
than usual, her belly swollen, her thighs anasarcous, and her urine in
small quantity. After trying garlic, squill, and purgatives without
advantage, I directed the Digital. Infus. After taking about five
ounces, her urine from thick and turbid, changed to clear and amber
coloured, its quantity considerably increased, and her breathing easy.
Contrary to my orders, but impelled by the relief she had found, she
finished the remaining three ounces of the infusion, which made her
very sick, and the free flow of urine immediately ceased. No medicine
was administered for a fortnight, during which time her complaints
increased. I then directed an infusion of tobacco, which affected her
head, but did not increase her urine. She had recourse again to the
Digitalis infusion, which once more removed the fulness of the belly,
reduced the swellings of her thighs, and relieved her breath, but had
no effect upon her legs.