* * * * * OBSERVATIONS ON +MERCURY+. * * * * * ------------------------------------------------------------------------ OBSERVATIONS ON THE OPERATION AND USE OF MERCURY IN THE VENEREAL DISEASE. BY ANDREW DUNCAN, M.D. Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians, Edinburgh. ❦ _Longe mihi potior cura est veritatis quam novitatis._ MORGAGNI. +EDINBURGH:+ Printed for A. KINCAID and W. CREECH; and for T. CADELL in the Strand, and J. MURRAY in Fleetstreet, London. ---------- M,DCC,LXXII. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ To DR WILLIAM CULLEN, +SIR+, AN address of this nature can add nothing to your reputation. And professions of gratitude are but an inadequate return for real services. When, therefore, I inscribe this performance to you, it is neither my intention to enlarge upon your character, nor to recount the many obligations for which I am indebted to you. But, as I am happy in being favoured with your countenance, and proud of the honour it does me, allow me to take this opportunity of expressing it. As I have long since adopted the wish, permit me, on this occasion, to use the language of a celebrated English Poet: O! while along the stream of time thy name Expanded flies and gathers all its fame; Say, shall my little bark attendant sail, Pursue the triumph and partake the gale? And shall this verse to future age pretend Thou wert my guide, philosopher, and friend? I am SIR, With unfeigned esteem, And sincere regard, Your much obliged, And most obedient Servant, THE AUTHOR. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ CONTENTS. PAGE. PREFACE i CHAP. I. Of the general Properties 13 of Mercury II. Concerning the opinion, 22 that Mercury cures Lues Venerea by the Evacuation which it produces