* If the reader bear in mind the explanation, contained in the note upon page 112, of the impunity with which large doses of tincture of digitalis have been sometimes given, he will be able at once to perceive the great hazard of giving equivalent doses of the leaves, infusion, and extract; for in these there is no couuteract-ing influence from alcohol. He will also understand how much greater may possibly be the danger from the administration of a large quantity of the tincture, in divided doses, at considerable intervals, than from the whole at once. The influence of the alcohol ceases with each dose, while that of the digitalis continues; and we may thus have the cumulative force of the latter, which may be very serious, unless care is taken to watch the effects of the medicine, and suspend it if necessary. (Note to the third edition.) expectations which these reports in its favour are calculated to excite, it would prove a most valuable remedy, even though possessed of no other recommendation. As previously stated, it is said to be remarkably efficient in uterine hemorrhage.

Through the uterine contraction, which it is thought to promote, it has been used advantageously in the languor of the uterus sometimes following delivery; and has been found very efficacious in the expulsion of clots. (Ann. de Thérap., 1860, p. 128.)

4. Administration

In acute cases, as for example in inflammatory rheumatism or pericarditis, a grain may be given every four or six hours, its effects being closely watched.

The officinal infusion (infusum Digitalis, U. S., Br.) is prepared by macerating a drachm of the leaves in half a pint of boiling water, and adding a fluidounce of tincture of cinnamon. The dose of this preparation, usually recommended, is half a fluidounce; but, if the infusion is well made, this would be out of proportion to the dose of the powdered leaves. Two fluidrachms are as much as should be given for a commencing dose. it may be repeated, and otherwise regulated, as advised for the pill.

The Tincture (Tinctura Digitalis, U. S., Br.) is made, according to the U. S. Pharmacopoeia, in the proportion of four ounces to two pints of diluted alcohol. The British tincture is very nearly of the same strength. The dose, equivalent to a grain of the powder, is eight minims, or about sixteen drops, to be repeated and increased as directed for the pill. As found in the shops, the tincture is not unfrequently feeble, being prepared probably from inferior leaves, or from the leaf, midrib, and footstalk mixed together. it should have a dark colour, and a very bitter taste.

There is an officinal Alcoholic Extract of Digitalis (Extractum Digitalis Alcoiiolicum, U. S.), first introduced in the late revision of our Pharmacopoeia. It is said to have about four times the strength of the leaves. Its commencing dose, therefore, is about one-quarter of a grain.