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REMEDIAL AGENTS. 89

and where the surface is cool, being contra! ndicated in a high de-
gree of inflammation. For such effects, the diffusible stimulants,
aromatic substances, and such narcotics as opium and camphor
are administered. During the administration of diaphoretics, the
patient should be confined to bed, and when diaphoresis is ex-
cited, it should not be suddenly checked. Venesection is gener-
ally resorted to when there is great arterial excitement with undue
heat of skin, before the attempt is made to administer
diaphoretics.
Belonging to the class of diaphoretics are such agents as
Dover's powder, guaiac, spirits of mindererus, nitrate of potassa,
sweet spirit of nitre, etc., etc,
DIURETICS.
Diuretics are medicinal substances which act upon the kidneys,
and produce an increased flow of urine.
Remedies of this class act immediately and specially upon the
kidneys, some reaching these organs by first passing through the
blood, without being decomposed, while others, on the contrary,
undergo changes in the first passages, the result of such changes
exciting diuresis. The principal use of diuretics is to promote
the absorption of dropsical effusions. They are also employed to
correct nephritic disorders, accompanied with obstructed secretion
in calculi of the kidneys, ureters and bladder, and, as evacuants,
to reduce inflammation.
Where there is great arterial excitement, a judicious use of a
lancet is recommended, prior to the administration of diuretics,
the patient being kept cool, to avoid perspiration.
To insure the full effect of diuretics, diluent drinks should be
freely given, and especially such as contain some diuretic sub-
stance. Included in the class of diuretics are such agents as
squill, nitre, cubebs, juniper, colchicum, erigeron, cream of tar-
tar, copaiba, podophyllum, etc., etc.
BLENNORRHETICS.

Blennorrhetics are medical substances which increase the secre-
tion of the mucous membianes, and are employed in morbid