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88 DENTAL MEDICINE.

of a pint of warm water, to which castor oil or Epsom salt may
be added to augment the cathartic effect, is a formula for the com-
mon laxative enema. (See Purgatives.)

DIAPHORETICS.
Diaphoretics, known also as sudorijics^ are medicinal substances
capable of producing perspiration, or an increase of the cutaneous
discharge, which may be occasioned by the mere drinking of a
large quantity of fluid, provided the temperature of the system
be kept up. The determination of blood to the cutaneous ves-
sels by a warm temperature or exercise will produce diaphoresis,
and the action of nauseating agents, by relaxing the orifices of
the cutaneous vessels, and also stimulants, by exciting such ves-
sels to increased secretion, will have the same effect.
The external application of heat, friction, etc., stimulates the
cutaneous capillaries and causes an increased secretion.
Diaphoresis may also be excited by medicines which enter the
circulation and stimulate the cutaneous vessels by contact, such
as the mercurials and sulphur; also by medicines which act on
the surface sympathetically, through the medium of the stomach,
as cold drinks, etc.
Diaphoresis may also be produced by increasing the general
action of the vascular system, by such means as violent exercise,
the warm bath, and by the use of alcohol, ammonia, guaiacum,
etc. ; it may also be produced by the use of agents, capable of
relaxing the morbidly constricted mouths of the perspiratory ves-
sels, such as the antimonials, saline diaphoretics, and by the op-
eration of venesection.
Nauseating diaphoretics are employed to produce a powerful
relaxing action in inflammatory cases not complicated with gas-
tric irritability, and for such effects the emetics ipecacuanha and
the preparations of antimony are administered.
Refrigerant diaphoretics are employed to produce a gentle relax-
ing effect in allaying febrile excitement and reducing the tempera-
ture of the body.
Stimulating diaphoretics are employed in rheumatic and pul-
monary affections, after vascular excitement has been reduced.