Sarsaparilla, and sarsaparilla so called : a popular analysis of a popular medicine, its nature, properties, and uses, how to insure its success as a remedy, the most approved forms, and the various phases of disease in which it may be advantageously employed / by Linnaeus Smilax.

  • Smilax, Linnaeus, active 1854.
Date:
1854
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Sarsaparilla, and sarsaparilla so called : a popular analysis of a popular medicine, its nature, properties, and uses, how to insure its success as a remedy, the most approved forms, and the various phases of disease in which it may be advantageously employed / by Linnaeus Smilax. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by King’s College London. The original may be consulted at King’s College London.

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    all mantle? of infirmities where there is hope of cure by sweat- ina-: it is a medicine ivhose vertices are well-known to all” From these remote dates down to the present day, sarsapa- rilla has continued to rank among European remedies as a medicine of remarkable value in a multitude of complaints that appear to yield to nothing else; though occasionally, from causes we can easily account for, its use has been attended with variable success, and sometimes doubtful reputation ; indeed, disappointments from defects like these have called forth more discussion, and given rise to a greater discrepancy of opinion upon the merits of this medicine, than of any other drug or chemical within the whole range of the materia medica. Notwithstanding this, it has always held a prominent position in our Pharmacopoeia; and, as a highly useful remedy, not unfrequently plays a distinguished part in the treatment of numerous forms of disease, where other means fail and the ordinary remedial agents seem unavailable. Indeed, when from a root of good quality, and well prepared, so invari- ably successful has it been found in changing the corrupt and vitiated humours of the body, altering and amending the secretions, correcting depraved chylification, and bringing about a better state of digestion, assimilation, and nutrition, that it may be said to be a remedy of its class without an equal; and, considering it effects these ends (unlike most other medicines) without the slightest sensible inconvenience to the animal economy, one of the most simple, safe, and effectual alterative agents we possess. But notwithstanding its curative influence (both alone and in conjunction with other means) in so many phases of disease, and its salutary influence on the secretions and the system generally, it appears till very lately many of the claims of this invaluable medicine had been lost sight of. In short, the vain discussions of the sceptical regarding its failure as a specific n 2