Case CLXI
Mary Hollis, aged 62, was admitted an out patient of the Birmingham General Hospital February 12th, 1784, labouring under all the effects of hydrothorax; her dread of suffocation during sleep was so great, that she always reposed in an elbow chair. She was directed to take two grains of Digitalis in powder every night and morning, and for a few days found great relief; but, on the eighth day, as she had complained of sickness, and had been considerably purged, she was ordered to desist taking any more of her powders. On the 14th day she was ordered an ounce of the following infusion twice in a day: R. Fol. Digital. purp. sicc. ʒiss. aq. bullient. ℔ss. digere per semi-horam, colaturæ adde tinct. aromatic ℥i. This infusion did not purge, but sometimes excited nausea, though not sufficient to prevent her from continuing its use. She grew gradually better, and on the 6th of May was discharged perfectly cured. The diuretic effects of the Digitalis were in this instance immediate.