Memoir of Edward A. Holyoke,... / prepared in compliance with a vote of the Essex south district medical society, and published at their request.

  • Peirson, A. L. (Abel Lawrence), 1794-1853.
Date:
1829
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Memoir of Edward A. Holyoke,... / prepared in compliance with a vote of the Essex south district medical society, and published at their request. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    30/98 (page 20)
    tory. As this volume of the work is now scarce, we have subjoined the paper in the Appendix.* Although, as has been observed, Dr. Holyoke was a cautious practitioner, he was not a timid one, and never neglected to make himself acquainted with the reputed powers of new articles, which were from time to time introduced into the materia medica, and with the new modes of practice which were recommended by others. In the use of the Digitalis, of the gum Acaroides, of the muriate of Barytes, and of many medicines of later date, he was one of the earliest and most careful experimenters. His use of acetate of Lead in restraining hemorrhages,! of the oxymuriate of Mercury in the treatment of scrofula, and some forms of cutaneous disease, of small doses of calomel in the ulcuscula oris of chil¬ dren, have led to the establishment of modes of treatment, attended with the highest degree of benefit. There are several medicines which owe their introduction into use entirely to him, and may in fact be said to have originated with him, as he was the first to settle their best mode of preparation and administration. The article so well known in this place by the name of the “ white balsam drops” or “ fennel balsam,” is a strong solution of sub¬ carbonate of potass with the addition of a little of the essential oil of sweet fennel, and is a valuable diaphoretic and carminative, especially to children. This was a favorite medicine during his whole prac-