urine; and, in some paralytic cases, the cure is said to be preceded by a peculiar prickling sensation, and by shooting pains in the affected parts. It has also of late been recommended as a very powerful antipasmodic; and it is said to have been successfully employed in agues, as well as in gangrenous affections; where it is asserted to be equally efficacious as the Peruvian bark, when administered in the form of an electuary with honey. But, as the alledged virtues of the German Leopard's-bane, have not hitherto been confirmed by the experience ot British practitioners, the real efficacy of this active plant remains to be ascertained by future observations. It, however, too large a dose of this medicine should have been swallowed by mistake, its most effectual antidote will be vinegar, which ought to be taken without delay, in copious draughts.
LEPROSY, or Lepra, a cutaneous disorder, in which the skin is rough, with white eschars resembling bran, though they are sometimes most beneath the surface, and accompanied with an intense itching.
This loathsome distemper, though at present very rare in Britain, is sometimes caused by the gout; melancholy; by touching the torpedo; but more frequently arises from the eating of impure flesh, especially that of swine which had been infected with the murrain.
Various remedies have been devised for the cure of the leprosy: among these, mercury, both internally and externally; sea-water; the cold bath, and the purging mineral waters, have been successfully employed. The expressed juice of the common fumitory (in doses from 20 to 60 drops, frequently repeated), has likewise been prescribed with advantage; and, according to Dr. Lettsom, a decoction of the inner bark of the elm has removed the complaint, even after antimonials and mercurials had failed. The diet of patients afflicted with this malignant eruption, ought to consist chiefly of milk, carefully avoiding whatever may irritate the system.—Their daily drink should be either whey or butter-milk.
The leprosy is not peculiar to man, but frequently appears among quadrupeds, especially hogs; when it is generally called the Murrain; under which article we shall point out a few of its appropriate remedies.
LETHARGY, or Lethargus, a species of apoplexy, which is manifested by an invincible drowsiness, or inclination to sleep, from which the patient is with difficulty awakened; and, if roused, he remains destitute both of sense and memory; so that he soon relapses into his former sleep. It is attended with an increased degree of heat; slow fever; full pulse; paleness; swelling of the eyes; and a coldness of the extremities.
Various circumstances concur to produce this affection: the more remarkable of these are, injuries of the brain, arising either from external or internal causes; congestions of blood in the head; terror, anger, or other depressing passions; to which may be added, sneezing medicines, and strong exhalations of flowers.
Many remedies have been employed to remove this growing drowsiness, with different degrees of success. In plethoric persons, blood-letting, blisters, and emetics,
