1 XXV11
2 before they can reach the stomach, can produce any effect.
3 They argue thus — As the stomach is the medium through
4 which we obtain everything we require to preserve
5 life, and by means of which those substances are assimi-
6 lated that serve to compensate for the loss caused by
7 the action of the vital functions, it requires to be
8 deluged with medicines, in order to produce any effect
9 on the system. But, experience teaches us, that this
10 is not necessary. Small particles of medicaments, dis-
11 solved on the tongue by the saliva, on entering the
12 stomach, mix with the chyle ; and their effect is then
13 conveyed by the electric or magnetic action of the
14 nerves, to the remote parts on which they are destined
15 specifically to operate.
16 I advise every medical man to extract from the Ma-
17 teria Medica (in the second volume), a list of such
18 remedies as he can procure ; and to arrange them
19 alphabetically (with the diseases and symptoms to
20 which they are applicable), that he may be able to refer
21 to them readily. A pocket-book so arranged, would be
22 useful to families as well as physicians. The remedies
23 for different diseases (which are suggested in the first
24 part of the second volume) are intended for those phy-
25 sicians only, who, having time and opportunity, desire
26 to continue the train of my experiments. I have
27 arranged the various diseases or symptoms in groups,
28 many of them being closely allied. I have noticed in
29 which cases the remedies proved beneficial, and, in
30 short, I have pointed out effects of any kind. I have
31 also retained several untried remedies, and have marked
32 them as such. Not knowing how long I might enjoy
33 so favorable an opportunity of prosecuting my ex peri-