III. _Opium._ The efficacy of this medicine in dropsies has been attested by Dr. Willis, and several other practical writers. It seems to possess almost an exclusive power of acting alike upon the arterial, the lymphatic, the glandular, and the nervous systems. IV. _Metallic tonics_, such as chalybeate medicines of all kinds, and the mild preparations of copper and mercury. I once cured an incipient ascites and anasarca by large doses of the rust of iron; and I have cured many dropsies by giving mercury in such quantities as to excite a plentiful salivation. I have, it is true, often given it without effect, probably from my former ignorance of the violent action of the arteries, which so frequently occurs in dropsies, and in which cases mercury must necessarily have done harm. V. _Diuretics_, consisting of alkaline salts, nitre, and the oxymels of squills and colchicum. It is difficult to determine how far these medicines produce their salutary effects by acting directly upon the kidneys. It is remarkable that these organs are seldom affected in dropsies, and that their diseases are rarely followed by dropsical effusions in any part of the body. VI. _Generous diet_, consisting of animal food, rendered cordial by spices; also sound old wine. VII. _Diluting drinks_ taken in such large quantities as to excite the action of the vessels by the stimulus of distention. This effect has been produced, sir George Baker informs us, by means of large draughts of simple water, and of cyder and water[44]. The influence of distention in promoting absorption is evident in the urinary and gall bladders, which frequently return their contents to the blood by the lymphatics, when they are unable to discharge them through their usual emunctories. Is it not probable that the distention produced by the large quantities of liquids which we are directed to administer after giving the foxglove, may have been the means of performing some of those cures of dropsies, which have been ascribed to that remedy? [44] The remark upon this fact by sir George, is worthy of notice, and implies much more than was probably intended by it. "When common means have failed, success has sometimes followed a method _directly contrary_ to the established practice." Medical Transactions, vol. II. VIII. _Pressure._ Bandages bound tightly around the belly and limbs, sometimes prevent the increase or return of dropsical swellings. The influence of pressure upon the action of the lymphatics appears in the absorption of bone which frequently follows the pressure of contiguous tumours, also in the absorption of flesh which follows the long pressure of certain parts of the body upon a sick bed.