This section is from the book "A Manual Of Practical Therapeutics", by Edward John Waring. Also available from Amazon: A Manual of Practical Therapeutics.
Tartar Emetic appears to exercise a powerful influence in these cases. M. Gimelle particularly speaks highly of its efficacy. In 28 cases treated by him, the dose administered at the commencement was gr. iv. in twenty-four hours; this was gradually increased to gr. ij. daily, until the dose was 16, 18, or 20 grains daily; and, he states, with the invariable effect of causing the absorption of the fluid in from eight to sixteen days. Of the 28 cases, the effusion was in the knee-joint in 22; in the shoulder-joint in 2; in the elbow in 1; and in the ankle in 3. In 25, the pain and stiffness disappeared simultaneously with the effusion, and a complete cure was effected. In 2, the pain and stiffness remained; and one appears to have derived little benefit. The longest period during which the remedy was administered was sixteen days; the largest dose, gr. xx. daily. In the majority there was neither vomiting nor purging, nor any ill consequence; in those in which these did occur, they were only temporary. M. Gimelle saw all the patients some months after treatment, and in none did any relapse occur. In Inflammation of the Joints, Tartar Emetic forms an important part of the treatment. It may be given alone or combined with Calomel, at the same time that the local abstraction of blood and other local measures are adopted.
 
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