(From emitto, to send forth). An emissary. In medicine it is any outlet, whether natural or morbid, from which any thing is discharged. Emmenagoga, Emmenagogues, (from the menstrual discharges, and to propel,) menagoga; medicines suited to promote the menstrual flux in women; or to excite and restore it when retained 01 suppressed.

The establishment of this class has occasioned much hypercriticism; yet, as pointing out a change to be produced, it is equally proper with emetics or cathartics; nor is it an objection that we must produce the change through some medium, and not by any direct action on the vessels themselves.

Emmenagogues are general or partial stimulants, tonics, or antispasmodics. We cannot, however, enlarge on their utility or application, while the cause of the discharge itself has not been investigated. We are compelled, therefore, to defer the consideration to a future part of the work, and trust then to be able to give a comprehensive account of the whole subject: we shall endeavour to give a satisfactory one. See Menses.