Infusion of the leaves of the Ash-tree (Fraxinus polygamie') in the
treatment of Gout and Rheumatism. By Drs. Pouget and Peyraud.
—The most useful acquisitions in materia medica are due generally to
chance, or, rather, to a protective Providence over human health ; e. g.,
the antiperiodic properties of cinchona.
In 1842, Dr. Piyraud experienced his first attack of gout, for which
he employed the usual remedies. The attack lasted twenty-five days.
During the three following years the disease increased both in fre-
quency and violence, and the patient went through the several forms
of treatment without finding relief. He heard, by accident, that the in-
fusion of the ash-leaves had long been considered a specific in the de-
partment of Dordogne, and that the peasantry of the district used it to
“ chase away their pains.” Dr. Peyraud found it upon trial so useful
that he had but one attack of the gout from 1845 to 1849.
M. B., a merchant of Bordeaux, was seized with an attack of gout,
for the first time, in the right foot. He was ordered infusion of ash-
leaves ; upon the second day he was able to come down stairs and to
leave his house. Ever since, he has had recourse to the same remedy
with good effect upon experiencing premonitory symptoms, such as
headache, loss of appetite, etc. The same success followed its adminis-
tration in cases of acute articular rheumatism. A house-painter, aged
23, had, upon several occasions, suffered from acute articular rheuma-
tism, accompanied by endocarditis, which prevented his following his
occupation for four months or more. December 25, 1849, he had pain
in the articulations of the feet, knees, and wrists, with swelling, accom-
panied by difficulty of respiration and inability to lie down. December
30, he was so weak that it was thought better, before bleeding him, to
try the infusion of ash-leaves. In about twelve hours, and after the
third dose, the patient was able to breathe easier, and there were fewer
precordial pains. On the fourth day, the articular pains had diminished
in intensity, the respiration was freer, and the appetite had returned.
Jan. 22d.—He was able to resume work. The authorsnow administer
it in the form of a fine powder in preference to the infusion. Other
cases are related in the Essay.— Op. cit., Nov. 1852.