Diseases > Domestic medicine

DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 743
powdered and given in a little syrup, honey, treacle,
or any thing that is most agreeable to the patient,
lie is then to walk gently about, now and then
drinking a dish of weak green tea, till the worm is
passed. If the powder of the fern produces nausea
or sickness, it may be removed by sucking the juice
of an orange or lemon.
This medicine, which had been long kept a secret
abroad for the cure of the tape-worm, was some time
ago purchased by the French king, and made public
for the benefit of mankind. Not having had an op¬
portunity of trying it, I can say nothing from expe¬
rience concerning its efficacy. It seems, however,
from its ingredients, to be an active medicine, and
ought to be taken with care. The dose here pre-
cribed is sufficient for the strongest patient; it must,
therefore, be reduced according to the age and con¬
stitution.
Syrups were some time ago looked upon as medi¬
cines of considerable value. They are at present,
however, regarded chiefly as vehicles for medicines
of greater efficacy, and are used for sweetening
draughts, juleps, or mixtures ; and for reducing the
lighter powders into boluses, pills, and electuaries.
As all these purposes may be answered by the sim¬
ple syrup alone, there is little occasion for any other;
especially as they are seldom found but in a state of
fermentation; and as the dose of any medicine given
in this form is very uncertain. Persons who serve
the public must keep whatever their customers call
for; but, to the private practitioner, nine-tenths o.
the syrups usually kept in the shops are unnecessary.
Simple Syrup.—Is made by dissolving in water#
either with or without heat, about doubleits weight
of fine sugar.