Pectorals, a term employed to express such medicines as are appropriated to the diseases of the chest and lungs. They are administered either with a view to allay an irritation prevailing in the organs of breathing; such are, liquorice, liuseed-tea, mucilage of gum-arabic, etc. which may properly be called demulcents; or, in order to promote the expectoration of tough and viscid mucus; for instance, the roots of the rattle-snake, calaguala (vol. 11. p. 82), or similar drugs; the use of which, however, requires great precaution.—See Expecto-Rants.

In obstinate coughs, which dp not yield to the pectoral remedies Commonly prescribed, we venture, from experience, to recommend the following mixture ; Take tincture of squill, and balsam of Copaiba of each half an ounce ; and syrup of saffron, one ounce: let them be incorporated, and a tea-spoonful may be taken, according to circumstances, every hour or oftener.