Alexander states that the proper remedies for vomiting occasioned by
a redundance of bile are diluents and refrigerants. He recommends
internally ptisan, lettuces with a small quantity of vinegar, &c. For
drink, he particularly approves of cold water, but forbids much to be
given at a time. When the strength fails, he permits a small proportion
of hydromel, wine, or the like, to be added to the water. In certain
cases, when the patient is troubled with insomnolency, he directs us
to add the heads of poppies to his drink. He also recommends external
applications possessed of tonic, cooling, and repellent properties. (vii,
17.)
Serapion recommends us not to interfere with a critical vomiting. When
it is continued, he directs us to give clysters and gentle purgatives
at first, and afterwards vegetable acids and astringents. When these
remedies fail, he directs us, if the strength be good, to bleed from
the arm. He also makes mention of external applications, possessed
of astringent and refrigerant properties. (iii, 15.) Haly Abbas, in
like manner, cautions against stopping a critical vomiting. (iii, 24.)
Alsaharavius prescribes draughts of tepid water at first, and afterwards
the infusion of wormwood or of aloes. He also recommends external
applications of a strengthening nature. (Pract. xvi, 20.) Avicenna’s plan
of treatment appears to have been copied from our author’s. (iv, i, 2.)
Rhases recommends acid drinks, such as the decoction of pomegranates and
the like. (Cont. xi.)
According to Prosper Alpinus, the treatment of the Methodists consisted
in administering sub-acid fruits, the juice of wormwood or of mint in
wine, and in applying externally tonic epithemes, containing sumach,
galls, mastich, and the like. (Med. Meth. xii, 11.)