These observations suggested by the age of patients using mercury, would naturally lead to the consideration of such as result from sex. From the laws of the male system, few, if any directions which will not fall under other heads, are peculiar to men; but, in the female œconomy, there are many circumstances which require particular notice. Mercury promotes menstruation, and is apt to produce it in an excessive degree. On this account, it is always proper to intermit its use for some time previous to the flow of the menses, and during the continuance of this discharge. From the influence it has upon this evacuation, its use to any considerable degree during the term of pregnancy, is totally inadmissible. When mercury is used during nursing, it has such an effect upon the milk, that a child suckled by a woman who takes it, may by that means be cured of the venereal disease. In different diseases, where the child is healthful, the influence of mercury on the milk would be an objection to its use, during nursing, for any particular complaints of the woman. But, where a nurse labours under the venereal disease, since in this situation she can never be supposed to suckle a child not likewise infected, as the remedy is equally necessary for both, there is no reason for delaying to attempt a cure during that period. The different temperaments of patients, as far as they are marked by obvious signs, and have been distinguished by medical writers, afford little ground for particular observations with regard to the use of mercury. What has been said with regard to the prime of life, holds more especially with those of a sanguine habit; and the observation made concerning old age, in some degree, applies to the melancholic. But, with all temperaments, mercurials may in general be used without any peculiar preparation; and, during their use in such cases, no particular cautions are necessary which will not be suggested by other circumstances.