In Anæmia produced by special causes, as by scrofulous or nervous disorder, we may often do most good by striking at the root of the evil,--employing a Catalytic medicine which shall be able to do this. In simple Anæmia, Iron is of more use than any other medicine. It should be combined with exercise, air, light, and good living. In other disorders a combination of drugs is frequently of use. In chronic Ague, and in many cases of debility, Iron and Bark may be given together. Iron and Aloetic purges may be prescribed in Chlorosis and Amenorrh[oe]a. A mild purgative should be occasionally given in all cases in which Iron is used. The Ammonio-citrate of Iron,--the compound Iron mixture, which contains the Carbonate,--and the Tincture of the Sesquichloride,--are perhaps the best of the officinal Chalybeate preparations. The first of these is the mildest, and the last the most irritant of the three. (_Vide_ pp. 145, 263.)
Class I. Div. II. Ord. I. ANTIPHLOGISTICA.
Class II. Div. III. Ord. II. SEDANTIA SPECIFICA.
The best Antimonial for general purposes, and the most characteristic in its mode of operation, is Tartar Emetic. In this medicine are exhibited three distinct varieties of action. The first of the terms which are applied to it above implies that it has a Catalytic action in the blood. As a Special Sedative, it is able to cause nausea and vomiting. And it acts upon the glands as an Eliminative; being a Diaphoretic and an Expectorant.
I have found it convenient to restrict the term _Antiphlogistic_ to those medicines which counteract the inflammatory process by an action in the blood. In this sense it is applicable to Antimony; although this medicine is still better able to subdue inflammation by its powerful neurotic action.
The operation in the blood is naturally slower than the action on nerve, and is therefore less marked, and less immediately applicable. Antimony deteriorates and impoverishes the blood in very much the same way as Mercury, and, if given in small and carefully regulated doses, is simply a mild Antiphlogistic and Eliminative. It tends to increase all secretions, but particularly the exhalation from the skin and lungs, independently of the production of nausea (p. 324,) a symptom which is not brought on by a small dose. It is probable that a diaphoretic dose of Tartar Emetic is actually eliminated from the skin and mucous membranes. Antimony is appropriate as a Diaphoretic in high fevers, and in cases where Opium could hardly be used. But Opium is preferable in cases where there is gastric irritation, and a weak compressible pulse.