Note 317 — A SYNOPSIS OF THE Principles of Combination, AS INVESTIGATED IN THE PRECEDING PAGES, ARRANGED IN A TABULAR FORM SO AS TO AFFORD THE STUDENT AN EASY REFERENCE TO THE KEY LETTERS.

This formula is introduced, as a combination supported by authority, although it may be questioned whether its adoption can be sanctioned upon principle. Let us decypher the intention of the different ingredients by their Key Letters. The basis is Squill, to which Digitalis is added, for the purpose we perceive of acting in unison with it, and Calomel, which succeeds it, is intended to promote and direct the diuretic Basis; two fœtid gums next present themselves to our notice, and these are shewn by the bracket to exert a combined action, depending, as the Key Letter announces, upon the medicinal similarity, but acting in the general scheme of the formula, as shewn by the exterior letter, for the purpose of fulfilling a second indication, distinct and different from that which the Basis is designed to answer, i. e. to produce, not a diuretic, but an antispasmodic and stimulant effect; an important question then arises for our consideration—Is the latter part of the formula consistent with the former, or is the stimulant effect of the Gums compatible with the sedative operation of Digitalis?