_March_ 16th, 1782. Mary Bird, AEt. 61. Great fullness about the
stomach; diseased liver, and anasarcous legs and thighs. For the
first week squill was tried in more forms than one, but without
advantage. On the 22d she began with the Digitalis, which presently
removed all the swelling.
She was then put upon the use of aperient medicines and tonics, and on
the first of _August_ was discharged perfectly cured.
* * * * *
The three following Cases were drawn up and communicated to
me by Mr. Bayley, who succeeded Mr. Hinchley as apothecary to
the Hospital at Birmingham:
Shiffnall, April 26th, 1785.
DEAR SIR,
During my residence in the Birmingham General Hospital, I had frequent
opportunities of seeing the great effects of the Digitalis in dropsy.
As the exhibition of it was in the following instances immediately
under your own direction, I have drawn them up for your inspection,
previous to your publishing upon that excellent diuretic. Of its
efficacy in dropsy I have considerable evidence in my possession, but
consider myself not at liberty to send you any other cases except
those you had yourself the conduct of. The Digitalis is a very
valuable acquisition to medicine; and, I trust, it will cease to be
dreaded when it is well understood.
I am, Sir, your obedient,
And very humble servant,
W. BAYLEY.