"That others, (medicines of the first class,) called Catalytics, act so as to counteract a morbid material or process, and must pass out of the body."
The action of the remedies in this division, which are the surest and most potent of all those that are employed in the treatment of disease, is involved in a greater degree of doubt and obscurity than that of any other class. Though there may be in some cases a certain dim explanation which we may catch hold of, and strive to fix or to render definite, yet in many instances there is not even so much as this. How can we, for example, by any of the common terms which are made use of to designate the actions of Mercury, of Arsenic, and of Iodine, express the peculiarity of their influence over Syphilis, Lepra, and Scrofula, respectively? Does it not seem better to confess our ignorance, and to say that all we know for certain is that these remedies have the power of antagonizing certain diseases?
Having done this, we may afterwards try, if we can, to invent for this action a theoretical explanation. Our arguments and theories will not affect the fact, nor will they lead us into danger, if we have first laid down the truth, however incomprehensible, as the only secure foundation, in such a manner that it shall be incapable of being disturbed by the flimsy superstructure. Some philosophers have erred in this; that they have first, with much pains and labour, erected an airy fabric on a basis of incontestable truth,--but subsequently, relying too much on that which they have themselves raised, they have commenced to pull up the blocks on which it was founded, and have thus brought the whole speculation tumbling to the ground in ruins.
Considering then that the action of Catalytic medicines in each disorder is of a special and peculiar kind, which I think will not be denied, I have grouped them in orders which are named according to the several morbid states in which they are employed.
CATALYTICA. Ord. 1. Antiphlogistica. Ord. 2. Antisyphilitica. Ord. 3. Antiscrofulosa. Ord. 4. Antiarthritica. Ord. 5. Antiscorbutica. Ord. 6. Antiperiodica. Ord. 7. Anticonvulsiva. Ord. 8. Antisquamosa.
The medicines of the first order are employed in inflammatory disorders generally, and possess an influence over the process of sthenic inflammation, however first produced. The second order contains those that are used in the several forms of Syphilis. The third, those that are employed in Scrofula. The fourth, those that are found to be useful in the cure of painful affections of the joints, as Gout and Rheumatism; and also of Oxaluria, Lithiasis, Diabetes, and other disorders of secondary assimilation. The fifth order contains those that are useful in Scurvy. The sixth, those that are employed in Ague, Remittents, and other periodic disorders, on the Catalytic principle. The seventh, those used in convulsive disorders. Lastly, the eighth, those that are capable of curing Lepra, Psoriasis vulgaris, and some other skin diseases.