It is however but too true, that mercury is frequently employed in cases where its use might readily be dispensed with. And this holds not more of its employment in other diseases, than in some venereal complaints. When, indeed, the venereal virus has actually entered the system, perhaps a cure, by means of mercury, is in every case at least to be attempted. And a cure without it, by any medicine at present in use, is seldom, if ever, to be depended on. But, where the matter occasioning the affection is still in a state of topical application only, as happens in the case of gonorrhoea, the introduction of mercury into the system is totally unnecessary. And a cure may be effected by other means, not only with greater safety and ease, but likewise with more expedition. Mercury, in an active state, when introduced into the system, has, in every case, more or less a tendency to affect the intestines. This action, while it seldom co-operates with its other effects in curing the disease, frequently produces the most mischievous consequences in the constitution. When it occurs, therefore, it is but natural to think of checking it. This may often be successfully done, by the employment of means fitted to promote a determination to the surface. Where this method fails, it may frequently be obviated, by giving opium at the same time with the mercurial. Another consequence which often arises from active mercury, when introduced into the system in any considerable quantity, is its exciting salivation. This discharge is attended with numberless inconveniencies, and it is at the same time no farther necessary to a cure, than as it is a proof of the quantity of active mercury which is in the system. But, where mercury in the greatest quantity is requisite to a cure, to keep the patient upon the verge of a salivation is all that is necessary. Salivation, then, on its first appearance, is always to be restrained. For this purpose, it is necessary, that the use of the medicine should for a little be intermitted. Where that is insufficient, determination to the surface, by means of diluent diaphoretics, has a tendency to restrain this discharge as well as the former, and may often, for this purpose, be used with advantage. But, in general, salivation will be most successfully checked, by increasing the determination to the intestines by means of cooling purgatives. As well as other discharges, that by sweat may likewise, from the use of mercurials, take place in a degree not to be wished for. Although this discharge is attended with much less inconvenience than either of the two already mentioned, yet it may often be proper to restrain it. This may be done by keeping the patient more thinly clothed, and in a cooler temperature than before, and by a cautious exposure to open air.