Digitalis Purpurea. (Foxglove.)

Prepare a tincture from the recent dried leaves in the proportion of ℥viij. to Alcohol 76° Oj. Dose, from a fraction of one drop to five drops.—Rx Tincture of Digitalis, gtts. x. to xx.; Water, ℥ iv. A teaspoonful every one or two hours.

Digitalis may be employed for the general purposes of a sedative, to lessen the frequency of the pulse, and the temperature, in cases of fever and inflammation. It is somewhat analogous to Aconite, and exerts the best influence in atonic conditions. For these purposes, however, it must be used in small doses.

It is a powerful cardiac tonic when used in small doses, and may be employed in any case of heart disease where the organ is enfeebled. It not only gives the necessary stimulation for the present, but it gives a permanent improvement; doubtless through an improved nutrition.

It exerts an influence upon the capillary circulation, and may be employed with much certainty to arrest asthenic hemorrhages. It also influences the absorption of dropsical deposits, and increases secretion from the kidneys, probably in the same way.

There is no cumulative effect when Digitalis is used in small doses.

Specific Medication and Specific Medicines, 1870, was written by John M. Scudder, M.D.