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Low-Code
Development with
Appsmith
Building Internal Tools
and Business Applications

Rahul Sharma
Rajat Arora
Low-Code Development with Appsmith: Building Internal Tools and
Business Applications
Rahul Sharma Rajat Arora
Delhi, Delhi, India Delhi, India

ISBN-13 (pbk): 978-1-4842-9812-1 ISBN-13 (electronic): 978-1-4842-9813-8


https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4842-9813-8

Copyright © 2023 by Rahul Sharma and Rajat Arora


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part of the material is concerned, specifically the rights of translation, reprinting, reuse of
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express or implied, with respect to the material contained herein.
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Paper in this product is recyclable
Table of Contents
About the Authors��������������������������������������������������������������������������������ix

About the Technical Reviewer�������������������������������������������������������������xi

Acknowledgments�����������������������������������������������������������������������������xiii

Introduction����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������xv

Chapter 1: Introduction to Appsmith����������������������������������������������������1


Low-code Movement��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������2
Ease of Use������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������2
Speed of Delivery��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������3
Flexibility���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������4
Cloud-First�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������4
Citizen Developers�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������5
Appsmith Low-code Platform�������������������������������������������������������������������������������8
Graphical Console��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������8
Data Sources���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������9
Dataflow��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������10
Versioning������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������11
GraphQL and REST Support���������������������������������������������������������������������������12
White Labeling�����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������13
Access Control�����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������14
SOC Compliant�����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������15

iii
Table of Contents

Limitations�����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������16
Appsmith Setup���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������18
Summary������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������25

Chapter 2: Working with the Canvas Editor����������������������������������������27


Running Appsmith for the First Time�������������������������������������������������������������������28
Introducing the Canvas Editor�����������������������������������������������������������������������������29
Application Settings��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������31
Application Components�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������33
The Greetings Application�����������������������������������������������������������������������������������37
Text Widget���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������37
Controlling a Widget’s Look and Feel������������������������������������������������������������42
For the Greetings Application������������������������������������������������������������������������43
Input Widget��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������43
Data Section��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������44
Label Section�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������46
Validation Section������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������48
General Section���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������51
For the Greetings Application������������������������������������������������������������������������53
The Button Widget�����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������53
Controlling a Button’s Behavior���������������������������������������������������������������������57
For the Greetings Application������������������������������������������������������������������������61
Running the Greetings Application����������������������������������������������������������������������62
Other Appsmith Widgets�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������63
Input-Based Widgets�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������64
Output-Based Widgets�����������������������������������������������������������������������������������67
Summary������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������68

iv
Table of Contents

Chapter 3: Working with Datasources������������������������������������������������69


Datasource Principles�����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������69
Data Binding��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������70
Native Query��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������71
Datasource Connectors���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������74
Hands-on: Movie Rental Scenario�����������������������������������������������������������������75
MySQL Connector������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������75
Data Queries�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������78
Prepared Statements�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������80
Hands-on: Movie Rental Dashboard��������������������������������������������������������������81
MongoDB Connector��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������92
Summary������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������97

Chapter 4: Creating Application Flows�����������������������������������������������99


Adding Interactivity���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������99
The Mustache Syntax����������������������������������������������������������������������������������100
Immediately Invoked Function Expressions������������������������������������������������102
JavaScript Objects���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������103
Appsmith JavaScript Framework����������������������������������������������������������������������106
The Context Object��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������107
The Query Object�����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������109
Synchronous and Asynchronous JavaScript�����������������������������������������������������112
Three Ways to Write Asynchronous JavaScript�������������������������������������������113
Programmatically Controlling Appsmith Widgets����������������������������������������������118
Store Value��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������119
Navigate To��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������120
Show Alert���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������121

v
Table of Contents

Show / Close Modals�����������������������������������������������������������������������������������122


Download�����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������122
Introducing RetroReels�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������126
High level design�����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������126
The Login Page��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������128
Adding the Login Functionality�������������������������������������������������������������������������131
The Customer Dashboard����������������������������������������������������������������������������������134
Fetching Data����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������135
The Staff Dashboard������������������������������������������������������������������������������������142
Summary����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������144

Chapter 5: Integration with Web Services����������������������������������������145


Working with GraphQL��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������146
Hands-on: Reminder Notification App���������������������������������������������������������146
GraphQL Setup���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������146
GraphQL Queries������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������151
Working with REST��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������157
Hands-on: Sending Notifications�����������������������������������������������������������������158
Authenticated API Datasource���������������������������������������������������������������������159
Authenticated API Query������������������������������������������������������������������������������161
Plumbing Code��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������163
Working with JS Objects�����������������������������������������������������������������������������������165
Hands-on: Customer Multi-selection�����������������������������������������������������������165
JS Object�����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������166
Session State Management�������������������������������������������������������������������������173
Embed Appsmith Applications��������������������������������������������������������������������������175
Summary����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������177

vi
Table of Contents

Chapter 6: Access Control����������������������������������������������������������������179


Application Authentication��������������������������������������������������������������������������������180
Set Up Firebase�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������180
Configure Authentication�����������������������������������������������������������������������������186
Appsmith Platform Authentication��������������������������������������������������������������������193
Appsmith Roles�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������194
Summary����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������196

Chapter 7: Error Handling and Troubleshooting�������������������������������197


A Framework for Effective Bug Investigation����������������������������������������������������198
The Console Object�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������201
Using the Browser’s Debugger�������������������������������������������������������������������������204
Breakpoints�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������206
Using Console and Debugger Together��������������������������������������������������������207
Types of Errors in AppSmith������������������������������������������������������������������������������207
Datasource Errors����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������209
REST API Errors�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������212
JavaScript Errors�����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������215
Query Errors������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������217
Summary����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������220

Chapter 8: Monitoring Appsmith������������������������������������������������������223


Monitoring Principles����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������224
Overview of Appsmith Architecture�������������������������������������������������������������������226
Core Components����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������226
Communication Flow�����������������������������������������������������������������������������������227
The Appsmith Monitoring Stack������������������������������������������������������������������������229
cAdvisor (Container Advisor)�����������������������������������������������������������������������229
Prometheus�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������229

vii
Table of Contents

Grafana��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������230
How They Work Together�����������������������������������������������������������������������������230
Installing the Monitoring Stack��������������������������������������������������������������������231
Working with Appsmith Cloud���������������������������������������������������������������������������239
Appsmith Cloud�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������239
Summary����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������243

Chapter 9: Implementation Patterns with Appsmith������������������������245


UI Patterns��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������246
Multi-page Application��������������������������������������������������������������������������������246
Dynamic Rendering�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������249
Dynamic Forms�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������251
Query Patterns��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������252
Use Prepared Statements����������������������������������������������������������������������������253
Batch Inserts�����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������254
Transactions������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������255
JS Patterns�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������256
Update Value of Input Fields������������������������������������������������������������������������257
Asynchronous Callback Chains�������������������������������������������������������������������258
Summary����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������260

Index�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������261

viii
About the Authors
Rahul Sharma is an architect with 18 years of
experience developing Java/J2EE and Python
applications. He has worked in a variety of
organizations ranging from enterprises to
startups. He has experience with various
architectures, including monolith, distributed,
big data, and streaming.

Rajat Arora is a hands-on programmer with


over ten years of experience building software
in the fintech domain. He has worked with
both monolith and microservices-based
architectures using .NET and Java technology
stacks. He is currently working as an
engineering manager.

ix
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About the Technical Reviewer
Arun Verma has been working in the IT
industry for more than a decade. He is
currently working as a lead engineer and
has experience in creating and executing
innovative software solutions. He is
passionate about utilizing serverless and
microservices-based architecture to enhance
business productivity and end-to-end project
management, from concept through to
development and delivery.

xi
Acknowledgments
I am deeply grateful to the many individuals who made this book possible.
Each and every one of them played an important role in its success. I
want to express my sincere appreciation to Divya Modi for entrusting us
with this wonderful opportunity. Her belief in our project provided the
foundation for its eventual success.
I also extend my thanks to Shonmirin P. A. for her unwavering
dedication and editorial expertise. Her guidance and support were
essential in bringing this project to fruition. I am equally grateful to Arun
Verma and Mark Powers for their insightful feedback, which helped us
refine our ideas and effectively convey our message.
Rajat Arora, my co-author, also deserves special recognition for his
vast knowledge and expertise. Our collaborative brainstorming sessions
were instrumental in shaping the final product and conveying a clear and
concise message.
I would also like to express my gratitude to my loving family—my
supportive parents; my wife, Swati; and my children, Rudra and Pranshi—
whose unwavering encouragement and patience were essential sources of
strength and inspiration throughout this project.
Lastly, I would like to thank my friends, whose insights and knowledge
were invaluable in shaping my understanding of the subject matter. Our
discussions and debates served as an important benchmark and helped
ensure the accuracy and relevance of our ideas.

xiii
Introduction
In today’s digital landscape, adopting low-code development platforms
has become crucial for businesses of all sizes. This approach offers a host
of advantages, such as speed, ease of use, and visual interfaces, all while
reducing expenses and increasing flexibility. According to a report by
Forrester, low-code development can accelerate software development up
to ten times faster than the traditional methods. By adopting this approach,
businesses can reap a plethora of benefits, including the ability for individuals
to create new innovations and facilitate better collaboration across teams.
In essence, low-code development platforms offer a practical solution for
organizations looking to stay ahead of the curve in this fast-paced digital era.
Appsmith is one such low-code platform that has seen widespread
popularity in recent years. It is an open-source platform with a strong
community and numerous integrations, offering a variety of tools for
delivering business solutions quickly. This book serves as an introduction
to Appsmith, and will explain its usefulness and explore its features to
establish a foundation for development. Readers will gain hands-on skills
for handling errors, debugging, and troubleshooting with Appsmith.
Additionally, they will learn efficient monitoring and authentication
methods for deploying production-ready systems. Through examples,
realistic scenarios, and explanations of necessary tools, this book will help
readers gain practical skills for building successful low-code apps.
This book is tailored to business analysts and citizen developers with a
technical background who aspire to start developing apps with Appsmith.
It will also be helpful for experienced developers seeking to learn a new
tool or platform, as well as anyone interested in designing technical
solutions with minimal programming. Basic knowledge of object-oriented
programming and JavaScript is assumed.

xv
CHAPTER 1

Introduction to
Appsmith
Software development without coding has been the principal of various
application development paradigms. There have been several attempts
to build commercially variable solutions, like computer-aided software
design (CASE) tools, rapid application development (RAD), fourth-
generation programming languages (4GL), etc. All of these solutions
were aimed at solving the issue of organizational productivity. Several
organizations adopted these tools to build products quickly and with
adequate quality.
All the approaches just mentioned have struggled to deliver on their
promises. These tools were expensive, to begin with. Moreover, the
applications were complex to develop and challenging to maintain in the
long run. Organizations were also required to train and retrain employees
to use the tool effectively. The tools were also limited in their capabilities
and often failed to perform as predicted. These challenges led to the tools’
having very little commercial impact.
Over the last decade, businesses have been going through digital
transformations. Moreover, the Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated
the need for these transformations. The shortage of skilled developers
and the unsatisfactory quality of software development has formed a
chasm between software demand and supply chain. This gap has forced
companies to reorganize their value chains or even to change their

© Rahul Sharma and Rajat Arora 2023 1


R. Sharma and R. Arora, Low-Code Development with Appsmith,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4842-9813-8_1
Chapter 1 Introduction to Appsmith

business models, which in turn requires them to rebuild their processes


and products in software. Therefore, tools and methods to increase the
efficiency of implementing business software are needed like never before.

Low-code Movement
Global market research company Forrester coined the term “low-code
development platform (LCDP)” in their 2014 market trend report. As per
the original report, LCDP is a software development environment that
enables users to develop applications through graphical user interfaces
(GUIs) instead of writing code in a traditional programming language. The
platform also provides capabilities, maybe GUIs, across the entire software
development life cycle (SDLC) spectrum. These capabilities result in faster
go-to-market products and reduced overall cost of maintenance.
Similar to its predecessors, like CASE and RAD tools, low-code
platforms are built on the concepts of abstractions where the user can
directly express business processes and requirements without getting
mired in coding details. While originally intended for applications
involving databases, business processes, content management systems,
and web interfaces, LCDPs have matured enough to develop almost all
applications except for embedded or high-performance applications, such
as games or scientific computing. LCDP is now used to create applications
with the prominent characteristics discussed in the following sections.

Ease of Use
Almost all LCDPs are GUI-based platforms with what-you-see-is-what-
you-get (WYSIWYG) editors. The editor offers several functions, such as
drag-and-drop facilities, pre-built templates, data capabilities like bar
charts and filters, decision engines for building logic, and form builders for
data capture. Domain-specific LCDPs offer domain modeling capabilities
that can be used to generate and maintain their respective use cases.

2
Chapter 1 Introduction to Appsmith

LCDPs often have some aspects of workflow management. Generic


LCDPs provide limited capabilities for such purposes. However, LCDPs
of the workflow management domain focus on the visual design of
workflows with additional support for workflow execution and third-party
connections.
All these features are targeted to simplify the complexity of building
software. In turn, they also empower a non-programmer to generate
applications for business needs. To succeed at this goal, the platform
must provide representations that its users can follow intuitively without
investing in massive training.

Speed of Delivery
Production rollout can pose several challenges. Applications must be
validated against specifications and deployed on infrastructure with the
required governance. Bypassing these rules can be a severe risk for an
organization’s information technology (IT) setup. Thus, most LCDPs
provide runtime environments that package the application in a specified
format. The low-code runtime allows for immediate testing. Any issues can
be debugged without a long compile-build-deploy cycle. The packaged
app can be delivered to various infrastructures like staging or pre-prod and
production using pre-existing deployment solutions.
Application capacity planning is often outside the scope of LCDPs.
Organizations often adopt deployment practices, like containers and
serverless, to apply scaling measures across the entire ecosystem.
Applications developed with LCDPs are no exception to this governance.

3
Chapter 1 Introduction to Appsmith

Flexibility
Thus, in the absence of a full-fledged programming environment, they must
offer a wide range of integrations. These integrations are often provided
as pre-built components like plugins and widgets, which can capture and
transform data. Some of the pre-built components include the following:

• Location services using GPS on mobile devices

• Cameras, including gesture and facial recognition, etc.

• Audio support, including sound generation and voice


recognition

• Multilanguage support

• SQL and NoSQL support for manipulating data

• Log file and audit trail support in applications requiring


governance

However, off-the-shelf components might not be enough, so providing


a framework to adapt the LCDP for custom integrations is essential. Such
integration requires the support of popular data exchange protocols like
SOAP, REST, GraphQL, etc.

Cloud-First
LCDPs are primarily offered as software as a service (SAAS). They can
be used from the web browser and host the developed applications. The
SAAS model frees users from installing the development platform and
maintaining infrastructure for deployed applications. It also lowers the
entry barrier for new users, who can evaluate such platforms and even
develop and deliver small-scale applications at no cost from the familiar
environment of their web browser.

4
Chapter 1 Introduction to Appsmith

Almost all LCDPs can also integrate and deploy the developed
applications to the organization’s cloud provider. This way, it can enforce
the required checks without needing a DevOps team. The integration can
dramatically reduce the time and effort required to release applications
(and updates) to users.
All the preceding characteristics of LCDPs make them a strategic
solution for digital transformations. They can serve as a medium for
operation excellency via rapid application development and delivery.
However, LCDPs not only provide quick go-to-market solutions but also
bridge the software developement supply-chain gap by empowering non-
programmer business users, also known as citizen developers, for software
development. The platform provides business analysts full autonomy to
solve their unique productivity challenges.

Citizen Developers
Humans have always been the force behind all innovations, and as such,
technology and tools should never be a barrier. Business analysts and
operational teams experience several challenges while servicing their
intended customers. When armed with an LCDP and supported by the
organization and IT, they become citizen developers. It is important
to note that citizen developers may not have any formal training in
programming. Moreover, software development may not be their actual
job responsibility. But these folks are involved with day-to-day operational
challenges and can think of creative ideas to solve them. Consequently,
LCDP delivers the ability to develop, adapt, and deploy software quickly,
a pivotal factor in business competitiveness. LCDP adoption enthusiasm
is additionally fueled by impressive success stories across several
organizations; for example:

5
Chapter 1 Introduction to Appsmith

• T-Mobile US Inc developed its Covid-19 Employee


Roster Mobile App using LCDP. Being the third
largest wireless carrier in the United States, they
provided an essential service. The employee roster
app enabled T-Mobile to serve customers when
almost all their stores were temporarily closed. The
internal application captured real-time information
on employee availability and provided insights to field
managers. It was developed and deployed within a
matter of days in March 2020 by a team of business
analysts.

• Time magazine, a century-old brand with a huge print


and online audience, adopted LCDP for its vendor
management process. The internal application was
aimed to do away with the repetitive, manual processes
in content sourcing, like planning, budgeting,
invoicing, payments, etc. The app had several benefits,
like reduced payment cycles from months to days
and streamlined vendor communication, bringing
transparency and efficiency to the content creation
processes.

• Heathrow Airport, one of the largest and busiest


airports, has empowered all airport front-line
employees with an LCDP. These employees have made
numerous applications for several challenges across
different aspects of airport operations. These apps
automated 950 hours of effort and eliminated 75,000
sheets of paperwork, thus yielding impressive cost and
time benefits.

6
Chapter 1 Introduction to Appsmith

It is crucial to note that citizen developers must have an aptitude for


using tools to their advantage to find solutions but don’t need intensive
training. Further, because many are digital natives who grew up with
and understand the value of software, they are open to learning and
implementing new tools that increase productivity and assist their
workflow. The development of administrative and reporting apps, for
example, is one area where citizen developers can be of greatest use within
enterprise organizations. These applications currently run on spreadsheets
or database tools and may include data-tracking and workflow or
administrative apps. Moving them to an LCDP allows IT to control all these
applications, rather than having dozens of unsynchronized, unmonitored
applications in every team.
As discussed previously, low-code tools and techniques have existed
since commercial software development began. Their use was limited
to developers and IT experts, who accomplished specific objectives in
software development to reduce overall effort. Meanwhile, the LCDP
democratizes software development for everyone by lowering the entry
barrier. Applications built by citizen developers can describe radical
business solutions more accurately than any product requirement
document. The power of LCDP is that it will allow us to capitalize on
human potential to solve problems and transform organizations.
Digital transformation has been an essential agenda item for
business leaders. The effects of the pandemic increased the need for
digital transformation while revealing the huge worldwide shortage of
skilled developers. As a result, citizen development has emerged as a
contemporary method of encouraging employees without enterprise IT
skills to become software developers, thereby promoting the principle:
“Software is everyone’s business.”

7
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The author of the New Dispensatory, however, in opposition to
these weighty authorities, and to the concurring testimony of almost
all the chymists, affirms, that this opinion, however plausible, does
not seem to have any just foundation. Nothing arsenical, he says,
has ever been separated from pure antimony. The most violent
antimonial preparations are rendered inactive by means which do
not lessen the poisonous quality of arsenic, and the most inactive
are rendered virulent by operations in which arsenic would either be
dissipated, or its violence abated[27].
This opinion, contradicted by the general voice of mineralogical
and chymical writers, since it is not supported by more convincing
proofs, should not have been published in a book intended for the
use of every pupil in pharmacy; if the prevailing opinion of the
poisonous quality of antimony should be erroneous, it cannot affect
the lives of mankind, but if it is well founded, what words can
express the dangerous tendency of a false doctrine so universally
propagated!
He has not indeed treated this subject with his usual accuracy, for
with Hoffman and other celebrated chymists, he elsewhere
compares antimony to arsenic, as well with respect to its virulence,
as the means of correcting it: Orpiment, says he, from which a
perfect arsenic is obtainable in notable quantity, is when it
participates more largely of sulphur, almost perfectly innocent; and
sulphur, which restrains the power of the antimonial semimetal,
remarkably abates the virulence of this poisonous mineral also[28].
Poppius affirms, that an impure, bituminous and arsenical sulphur,
noxious to the eyes, nose, and lungs, with a blue flame and
arsenical smell, which cannot be endured without danger, is raised
during the calcination or sublimation of antimony[29].
Glauber also directs antimonial cups to be made for the purpose of
communicating an emetic quality to acid liquors, which according to
him produce the same effects as those prepared from orpiment[30];
Boerhaave asserts that antimony seems to be of the same nature
with arsenic[31]; Macquer informs us, that some of the antimonial
ores contain a portion of the same poisonous mineral[32]; and
Cronstedt affirms that all of them are arsenical[33].
Unless therefore those modern chymists, who assert the perfect
innocence of antimony, expect from us that implicit confidence which
their predecessors, who held a very different opinion, rigorously
exacted, it cannot, on their authority, be admitted that it does not
contain arsenic. Wonderful as the works are which they have
atchieved, many secrets of nature have escaped their researches,
which may hereafter be discovered, and many will, undoubtedly,
elude all human investigation.
Nor is more credit due to those who assert that all arsenical
particles are volatilised, and carried off by the force of fire; the
crocus, regulus and glass of antimony containing such subtil virulent
particles as must for ever escape observation, since without losing in
any degree their specific gravity, they impart, almost inexhaustibly,
an emetic power to wine and other liquors, and the operation of
these essences of antimony, as they have been emphatically called,
is similar to those of arsenic.[34]
But although, in opposition to the testimony of the best chymical
writers, it should be granted that there is no arsenic in antimony, it
cannot be affirmed, that it does not contain poison, since by
unfolding its texture by the force or fire, it is rendered highly
virulent; and by the addition of various substances, in the stomach,
it becomes violently emetic[35].
By those who assert the perfect innocence of antimony, and extol
its virtues, orpiment is allowed to be a poisonous substance, and
giving it as a medicine, is declared a practice too dangerous to be
followed[36], yet it is ranked by Hoffman with antimony. It ought to
be remarked, says he, that orpiment was known to the ancient
philosophers and physicians, and universally deemed a poison, and
to this day is sold for arsenic. Yet it does not, when taken internally,
give any molestation, either by vomiting or purging, and may be
given, in a large quantity, to dogs, without hurting them. But if it is
exposed to the fire, then, indeed, it acquires a poisonous quality, as
is also the case with antimony, which, though in its natural crude
state, it is rather a medicine than a poison, yet when melted by fire
it exerts a violent emetic power[37].
Crude white arsenic, the most virulent poison of that tribe, is not
always baneful[38]. It is now more than twenty years since it was
taken in large quantity by four persons, on whom it had no other
effect than, what is usually produced by antimonial preparations, to
excite violent vomiting. All of them were lately, and, I believe, are
still in perfect health. To this I was an eyewitness, and took large
lumps of white arsenic out of the pot in which their victuals were
prepared. It happened at Kelso, in the shire of Roxburgh, and is well
known in that country.
I was a few years afterwards, desired to visit a gentleman in
Northumberland, who had taken white arsenic: it operated in the
same manner, and for several years after this accident he continued
in his usual health.
Thus far does arsenic resemble antimony, but their affinity is still
more strongly asserted by Hoffman. While, says he, the sulphureous
part of antimony is intimately combined with the arsenical or
reguline[39]; it cannot exert its violence. For mineral poisons cannot
act or become noxious, till the poisonous parts are freed from their
union with those which correct their virulence.
But that mineral sulphur has a power of correcting poison, is
clearly proved by that experiment which shews, that arsenic, the
greatest poison, being melted on a slow fire, with an equal portion
of mineral sulphur, is converted into a mass, almost void of
virulence; and if regulus of antimony is fused with an equal portion
of the same sulphur, it immediately loses its drastic power[40].
This theory probably introduced an arsenical medicine into
practice at Berlin, where Hoffman, who was physician to the king of
Prussia, resided. Newman, professor of chymistry and director of the
Royal Elaboratory and Dispensatory in that city, observes, that
chymistry is capable of converting sundry poisons into remedies;
thus the virulent antimonial regulus is changed, by that art, into the
mild diaphoretic antimony; and some have been hence induced to
imagine, that arsenic might also be corrected and rendered safe, and
have even ventured to put so dangerous a speculation in practice. A
preparation of arsenic with nitre has been actually sold at Berlin, and
in other places, under the title of a specific febrifuge[41].
There is, in many instances, a strong analogy not only between
antimony and orpiment, but the more virulent poison of white
arsenic; and those who have been bold enough to use that
poisonous mineral as a medicine, have found, in its preparations, a
more certain and efficacious remedy than in those of antimony. The
illustrious Stahl gives some account of a famous fever powder, which
obtained great reputation in Germany, and was used by most of the
nobility in his neighbourhood. This celebrated chymist does not deny
its great efficacy, but, alarmed by a suspicion of poison in its
composition, earnestly declaims against its use: it was at length
acknowledged to be a preparation of white arsenic[42].
The same fever-powder, or a similar preparation, was used, with
great success, by the German Physicians and Surgeons, in the late
Flanders war. It was also introduced among the English, but the late
Mr. Pringle, Inspector General of the British hospitals in Flanders, on
whose authority this fact is related, alarmed at the danger and
uncertainty of this remedy, ordered all the preparations of it to be
destroyed. This gentleman acknowledged it had proved successful,
but dropsies and visceral obstructions, which sometimes followed the
fevers in which it was given, were, perhaps unjustly, ascribed to its
use.
Some account of an arsenical fever-powder is given by Doctor
Werlhoff, late physician to his Britannic Majesty at Hanover. He
mentions its being recommended from successful experience by
Michael Friccius[43], who had used some drachms of it, and by
Sleuogtius[44], who had given it with safety in fifty cases, but,
notwithstanding these and many other recommendations, he
expressly condemns this dangerous remedy[45].
Lemery also affirms, that many diseases have been cured by
giving four grains of white arsenic in a large quantity of water. It
operates, according to this intelligent chymist, by vomiting, in the
same manner as antimony. But he highly disapproves of using it as
an internal remedy[46].
Poisons having been lately strongly recommended for the cure of
many obstinate diseases, and generally adopted in practice, the
dread of them, wisely implanted in our nature, is in a great measure
banished; and such is the influence of novelty and fashion, and so
much has prejudice prevailed, that one of the most eminent
physicians in Europe has been disgraced for exposing a practice
fraught with danger, and supported by misrepresentation[47].
But though the strong proofs of the poison of antimony, drawn
from its natural history and chymical analysis, should be rejected by
prejudice or scepticism, yet the easy transition of this mineral, by the
simplest processes and slightest accidents, from a salutary medicine
to a deadly poison, has not yet, been seriously denied.
It is found by chymists generally to contain mercury, arsenic, lead,
sulphur, and sometimes copper, silver, and other metals[48]. When it
is melted by fire, or deflagrated with half its weight of nitre, it
becomes a poison. But if antimony, or its regulus, is mixed with an
equal portion of common salt, and calcined with a gentle heat,
stirring it constantly, and afterwards washing it with pure water, it
becomes a gentle diaphoretic.
The mildest preparation of antimony; its white calx, which may be
safely taken to the quantity of some drachms, if melted with an
equal portion of nitre, a little powder of charcoal, and a small
quantity of animal fat, is immediately rendered poisonous.
If antimony is melted with a fourth part of salt of tartar, a salutary
medicine is obtained; but if the same process is performed with two
or three times that quantity of the salt, so nice is the management
of this wonderful mineral, in place of a medicine it becomes a
poison[49]
When antimony is combined with other medicines, as it frequently
is by practical physicians, unless the composition is directed with
chymical skill, it may be so changed, or, in the language of the
chymists, decomposed, as totally to alter its usual qualities.
By marine acids the activity of antimonials is increased, and they
are rendered corrosive, or virulently emetic and purgative; but by
the addition of the nitrous acid this virulence is diminished or
destroyed, and they become mild diaphoretics[50].
Such being the uncertainty and variety in the operation of
antimonial preparations, it cannot be improper, since they are now in
common family use, to lay before the public the objections against
the general application of them, which arise from the accurate
observations of the best chymists, and most experienced physicians;
since it is not improbable, that many who deal them out with a
liberal hand, and with the most charitable and benevolent intentions,
would dread the danger of a drug, which though published as an
infallible remedy, may, without great skill and precision in the
direction of it, in place of a remedy become a poison.
But the ultimate decision of this point must depend on the real
effects of antimonial medicines on the human body, which are
therefore now to be considered.
SECTION IV.
Of the preparations of antimony, and their
medical effects.

The limits to which dissertations of this kind ought to be confined


will not permit us to enter into a minute detail of the various
antimonial preparations which may be found in every dispensatory.
Those in most frequent use are calx of antimony, crocus of
antimony, antimonial wine, tartar emetic, and kermes mineral.
The virtues of calx of antimony are variously represented by
different writers, some ascribing to it the power of an excellent
diaphoretic, others asserting that it even proves violently emetic,
and others, among whom is the great Boerhaave, declaring it a mere
inert earth intirely destitute of all medicinal virtue. The College of
Physicians of London, who had formerly directed this preparation,
under the title of diaphoretic antimony, thought proper, because of
the various opinions concerning its operation, to change its name to
that of calx of antimony, till its medicinal qualities should be better
ascertained[51].
These different judgments can scarce be supposed to have been
delivered by competent judges concerning the same medicine, but
may be accounted for from the different manner in which the
process for making the calx may have been conducted. The common
nitre, with which it is prepared, contains some portion of sea-salt,
and when that abounds, the proportion of nitre being less, the calx
may prove an active remedy[52].
If it is not sufficiently calcined, or perfectly freed from the reguline
parts by washing, such of these as remain, may produce more
sensible effects than are to be expected when it is duly prepared,
and hence perhaps proceed the contradictory opinions of chymists
and physicians concerning this antimonial preparation.
But the assertion of its being a mere inert earth, is not well
founded, since a small dose of it sometimes produces violent effects;
and it may be reduced by fusion, with inflammable fluxes, into pure
regulus. It enters the composition of a medicine described by the
judicious Doctor Morton, with which, in three instances, he cured an
obstinate intermitting fever. In one case the disease was of two
years standing, and in all of them had resisted a diligent and skilful
application of the Peruvian bark. But these were the only
opportunities he had of trying it; for having never met with any
other case in which that excellent febrifuge disappointed his
expectation, he deemed it an unpardonable wantonness to use a
precarious remedy, while he was possessed of one more certain and
efficacious[53]. It is also recommended by Van Swieten in the
peripneumony, as a deobstruent and expectorant[54].
Crocus of antimony is made by deflagrating equal parts of
antimony and nitre: it operates as a violent emetic when given from
two to six grains. A preparation of this kind, recommended to the
London College of Physicians by one of their own members, under
the title of milder crocus of antimony, as a medicine of mild
operation and eminently efficacious, was inserted in their
Dispensatory; but the committee appointed to review and correct it
having had some comparative trials reported to them of this and the
common crocus, which rendered them dubious of their effects, were
induced to leave the matter to be further examined[55].
It is seldom prescribed: but an extraordinary cure is said to have
been performed by the milk of an ass that had drank water in which
it was accidently infused[56]; and from such an improbable story, an
eminent physician was induced to use the milk of a goat which drank
the same kind of water.
Antimonial wine was formerly ordered, in the London
Dispensatory, to be made, by infusing an ounce of powdered glass
of antimony in two pints of claret; and is commended by Salmon, as
a strong vomit, under the name of vinum rubellum.
The vinum benedictum is made by infusing an ounce of crocus
metallorum in a pint and an half of Spanish white wine. A third form
is, to digest two ounces of regulus of antimony in three pints of
white wine. This last preparation is declared by Salmon to be an
excellent medicine in fevers and agues, and in obstructions of the
bowels, emptying them of all evil humours. It perfectly cures the
falling-sickness, convulsions, cramps, gout, sciatica and almost all
other disorders. Another tincture of antimony is directed by the
same author, and is said, on account of its many virtues, to be a gift
sent from God. It cures the plague and all pestilential fevers. A
tincture of antimony is also directed by Basil Valentine, eight drops
of which are said to be a remedy for all diseases.
The simple infusion of crocus, glass, or regulus of antimony in
wine, if not more efficacious, is at least less dangerous than those
preparations which are made by more elaborate chymical processes,
since the accuracy and attention of those who prescribe it, will not
so readily be defeated by the carelessness or ignorance of an
operative chymist. But though it may be given with greater safety
than other antimonials, yet the extravagant encomiums bestowed
upon it are contradicted by the testimony of the faithful, attentive
and judicious Sydenham. That candid physician expresses his
wishes, that instead of the infusion of crocus of antimony, we had
safer vomits sufficiently efficacious. When called to infants, and
observing a vomit indicated, whereby they might have been
preserved from danger, he durst not give this infusion for fear of bad
consequences. He was cautious of giving it, even to grown people,
though, when plentifully diluted, he found no ill effect from it; but he
positively declares that, in a continued fever, it is by no means safe
to give it to children under the age of fourteen; and expects no
other benefit from it, than what might be obtained by milder
emetics[57].
But the obsolete opinions of the universal efficacy of antimonial
wine, although expressly contradicted by the chaster judgement of
Sydenham, were again revived in their full force by Dr. Huxham. In
the year 1737 he recommended the vinum benedictum, in a manner
that might rather have been expected from the mystical chymists, in
times of ignorance and superstition, than from an able and
experienced physician, in a liberal and enlightened age[58]. As he
had obtained much influence and authority in his profession, his
earnest recommendation could not fail widely to extend the use of
this medicine in regular practice; and when further experience
induced him to speak of it in more moderate terms, and physicians
to look out for less precarious remedies, a new and infallible
antimonial medicine, known by the name of the fever-powder, was
published, which brought us again back to the abuse of antimonial
preparations, which had already been often exploded.
That which next became fashionable, as having the greatest
supposed resemblance, in its operation, to the celebrated fever-
powder, was tartar emetic. It is prepared by boiling equal quantities
of washed crocus of antimony and crystals of tartar in water. This, as
being soluble in liquids, is said to be less precarious in its effects
than the other solid preparations; yet the strength of it greatly
depends upon the manner of conducting the process, for some of
the tartar, in the ordinary method, will be apt to shoot by itself,
retaining little of the crocus. Some have therefore advised, as soon
as the solution is filtered, to carry the evaporation much further than
is usually done, if not to the total exhalation of the liquor[59]. Its
effects, however, are uncertain, six or eight grains sometimes
proving a mild emetic; though in other cases, I have seen half a
grain operate so severely as to bring on violent convulsions, and
Newman has known three or four grains prove mortal.
Fatal consequences have also happened from want of attention to
the different methods of preparing this medicine. A Dutch physician,
being accustomed to an emetic tartar made with salt of tartar, which
was given in doses of ten, twelve, or fifteen grains, prescribed a like
dose from a German shop, by which the patient vomited to
death[60].
Kermes mineral, a preparation similar to golden sulphur of
antimony, has been vended as a quack medicine in France and
Germany, under the title of Mineral Centaury, Kermes or Alkermes
Mineral, or Poudre des Chartreu, and in England by that of Wilson’s
Panacæa, and Russel’s Powder.
The king of France was at length persuaded by M. Dodart, his first
physician, to purchase it from M. La Ligerie, a surgeon at Paris, and
it was made publick in the year 1720: but, like all other catholicons,
has lost its consequence since the secret has been divulged, and the
medicine found to be a well-known preparation described by
Glauber,[61] and the elder Lemery.[62]
How long this medicine was used by the mystical chymists cannot
be known, since they seldom communicated any of their processes
excepting for a valuable consideration, and under the strictest
obligation to secresy. But Cristopher Farnner, who was a humble
retainer of Glauber’s, on the small stock of chymical knowledge
which he had gleaned from him and from a servant whom he
seduced to betray his master and discover his secrets, attempted to
become his rival, and set the process for making the golden sulphur
of antimony to sale, at the price of thirty rixdollars. Glauber,
incensed at his treachery, published his own improved method of
preparing this medicine, which he calls a Panacea of common
antimony, and it has since under different names, and with some
variation, been transcribed into most of the chymical books[63].
According to Geoffroy, as well as the earlier chymists, it was
esteemed an universal medicine. It sometimes vomits, often purges,
and generally operates by sweat and urine; in a word, says this
celebrated writer, it promotes the feveral evacutions, according to
the different channels by which nature may be disposed to throw of
the vitiated humours.
It is recommended in the small-pox and measles, in obstinate
autumnal intermittents, in spitting of blood, and other pulmonary
complaints, in chronic diseases arising from obstructions in the
bowels, in dropsies and in the bloody-flux. It is made by boiling
antimony repeatedly in water, with a certain proportion of alcaline
salt, and owes its virtues to a portion of regulus being rendered
soluble in water[64].
But this manner of preparing it is condemned by Hoffman; who
affirms, that the reguline or arsenical parts are not sufficiently
sheathed by the sulphureous, as appears from many circumstances
which he mentions, but especially from its violent emetic quality. He
recommends a different process, by which he supposes the sulphur
to be so blended with the reguline, or arsenical particles as to render
it a mild and effectual diaphoretic.
The fate of antimony and its preparations has been as various as
the reports concerning their efficacy are contradictory. They have
been ranked among the wonders of the world, and their virtues
extolled beyond all probability. They have again been proscribed as
baneful, and prohibited under the severest penalties.
Those who used antimony in Rome were sent to the gallies. It was
prohibited in France by an edict of parliament in 1566; and in 1609 a
physician was expelled the faculty of Paris for prescribing it. The
edict was repealed in 1650, and it was again received into the
number of purgatives; but this having been found inconvenient or
dangerous, its general use was prohibited by a new edict in 1668,
and it was only permitted to be prescribed by Doctors of the faculty.
The opinions of different authors on this subject have not been
more various than those of the same person at different times. In
the year 1737 Dr. Huxham asserts, without reserve, that no medicine
is more safe or more efficacious than Vinum Benedictum, which,
from a supposition of its possessing all the powers of this mineral,
he calls essence of antimony[65]. But after almost twenty years
further experience, he declares, whoever would give antimony with
safety and success, should be well acquainted with its analysis and
component principles, and should know what different combinations,
preparations, and doses, will effect, otherwise it may prove a poison
instead of a remedy[66].
From what has already been advanced, it will not be difficult to
account for these contradictory reports. Different specimens of
antimony when dug out of the mines are not made up of the same
component parts; and it is so changed by fusion, that different
pieces of the same lump are not of equal virtue[67]. There are few
antimonial preparations which may not be made by various
processes, none of which can be conducted with such accuracy as
uniformly to produce a medicine of invariable strength, and their
operation is rendered yet more precarious by their combination with
a variety of humours, food, drink and medicines in the stomach.
But since no judgment can be formed from the opposite and
contradictory opinions of others, it may now be proper to mention
the result of my own experience and observation. In one instance, I
have seen a dangerous pleuritic fever, of seven days standing,
accompanied with an incessant cough, a hard, full, quick pulse,
laborious breathing, and violent pain in the breast, perfectly cured in
a few hours by the use of antimonial wine[68].
A dropsy of two years standing, occasioned by a tedious remitting
fever, and accompanied with an obstruction in the liver, which had
withstood the diligent application of a variety of medicines, under
the direction of several skilful practitioners, was cured in a few days
by a medicine which owed its efficacy to tartar emetic[69].
An obstinate dysentery, which had long resisted many other
methods of cure, was perfectly removed by two doses of the vitrum
antimonii ceratum.
Encouraged by these signal instances of the efficacy of antimonial
medicines, and by the universal prejudice in their favour, I have used
them in many thousand cases, but never, even in slighter diseases
with the same success. When given with much attention and
caution, they have generally failed where milder medicines have
proved effectual, and in some instances they have been prejudicial.
In a recent dropsy and visceral obstructions occasioned by a
remitting fever, tartar emetic was prescribed not only without
success, but with an apparent aggravation of the symptoms, which
were afterwards perfectly removed by the use of Peruvian bark,
snake-root and rhubarb[70].
I have been desired to visit children and some grown persons in
fevers, attended with convulsions, which were, with good reason,
attributed to the misapplication of antimonials, and in one case an
imprudent use of them was judged to be the cause of death.
Though it is asserted that antimonial preparations may be so
directed as to vomit, purge, or sweat according to the intention of
the prescriber, yet those who have had much experience will not
obstinately defend the assertion, since nothing perhaps is more
difficult than to foretel their effects when administered alone. If they
are combined with other medicines their operation may be more
certainly directed, since by opium they may be determined to the
skin, by senna or manna they may be carried off by the intestines,
and by an addition of ipecacuan or oxymel of squills they may be
rendered emetic.
But much prudence and skill are requisite in conducting the
operation of these compound medicines. For tho’ no danger were to
be apprehended from joining antimonials with emetics or purgatives,
yet, by unskilful combinations, the peculiar efficacy of antimony may
be destroyed; and by opiates those virulent particles may be
retained, and prove noxious, which would have been carried off,
without any other inconvenience than what might arise from the
violence of their operation.
Upon the whole, the evidence in favour of antimony and its
preparations is too slight to justify the exaggerated encomiums with
which it has been extolled: it contains in its crude state, and in all its
preparations, such virulent particles as may, by slight accidents,
become poisonous in the stomach: well-attested instances of
remarkable cures performed by it are few; cases in which it has
failed or been prejudicial, numerous; the reports of chymists and
physicians concerning it are various and contradictory; its effects are
precarious, and more skill, experience and attention requisite to
conduct its operation than are to be expected among the generality,
even of regular practitioners[71]. It is therefore very improper for
common use; and as there is no certain rule to direct the
management of it, every physician must form his judgment by
comparing his own observations with the opposite and contradictory
assertions of others.
It would be imprudent to reprobate a medicine which, in some
instances, has certainly performed such cures as are seldom
obtained by milder methods. No bounds are to be fixed to discreet
and experienced practitioners, who, on mature deliberation, may
determine the propriety of hazarding, in particular circumstances, a
violent and precarious remedy, and can conduct its operation with
skill and sagacity. Yet the present indiscriminate use of antimony,
which is now grown up into a fashion too formidable to be attacked
with much hope of success, must, after a candid and impartial
examination, be condemned as pernicious.
SECTION V.
Of the Secret Antimonial Medicines, and
particularly of the fever-powder.

If the difficulty of conducting the operation of antimony, renders


the general application of it, in regular practice, dangerous, it must,
as a secret remedy, in the hands of those who have no medicinal
skill, be still more pernicious. But as some secrets, now, universally
extolled, are avowed, by their proprietors, to be preparations of
antimony, let us next proceed to examine their claim to the high
character which they have obtained. For this purpose the fever-
powder may be selected, since if the impropriety and danger of its
general use should be demonstrated, the arguments in favour of less
celebrated secrets will not require a serious refutation.
Unpleasing as the task may be, and however odious, to some, it
may render the man who undertakes it, yet the great importance of
life and health requires, that the precepts of the most illustrious
physicians should not pass without examination, nor secret and
mysterious remedies be adopted with implicit faith.
The devout solemnity with which the fever-powder is ushered into
the world, the exorcisms against detractors and malicious
persecutors, and the invocation of God to support his own work,
being in the usual stile of the mystical chymists, require no
comment. As there may be some, says the Inventor, whose lucrative
views may tempt them to persecute me, and the method I propose,
with all the detraction and falsehood which may be expected from
self-interest and unprovoked revenge, these I shall advise to save
themselves a good deal of unnecessary trouble, and to let it alone;
for if it be of men it will come to nought, but if it be of God ye
cannot overthrow it[72]. When magical chymistry and superstition
reigned over the dark ages of ignorance, this charm would have
secured it from all enquiry. But as the sober light of religion and
philosophy hath now illuminated the world, and displayed the
absurdity of that servile bondage which obstructed all improvement,
we may, notwithstanding this solemn prohibition, with candor and
modesty, proceed to examine the real merit of this boasted
arcanum.
The process for making it has been carefully concealed, while its
being an antimonial preparation, hath, with industry and ostentation,
been universally published. From the view which has already been
given of the natural history of antimony, its analysis and chymical
properties, its preparations and their medical effects, it has, I think,
been clearly proved, that however efficacious it may have been in
particular circumstances, and under judicious management, yet
there is not, in unskilful hands, a medicine more dangerous and
destructive.
By a judicious regulation of the doses of different preparations of
antimony, by guarding against the pernicious effects which might
arise from the virulent particles which it contains, by directing such
food, drink, and medicines as may promote its salutary operation,
and prohibiting those by which it might be rendered noxious; skilful
and experienced physicians have been able, in singular instances, to
render it a safe and efficacious remedy: but when it has been
accidentally or imprudently given in too large doses[73], or joined
with such food or medicines as excite its poisonous qualities[74], it
has not only proved too violent in its operations, but has been
productive of fatal consequences.
Had, therefore, the Inventor discovered a method of divesting this
Proteus-like mineral of all pernicious qualities, and rendering it a
medicine invariably safe and efficacious, however combined with
other remedies, or mixed with a variety of humours, food, and drink
in the stomach, his powder would have been more proper for
common use, and might have been trusted, in unskilful hands, with
less danger, than other antimonial preparations. But it does not in
this respect lay any claim to superiority. Supposing, says the
Inventor, physicians perfectly well skilled in the preparation and uses
of it, that knowledge will inform them, that nothing can be added to
it that will in any degree increase its virtues; or rather that no
addition can be made to it that will not diminish them[75].
By this frank declaration we understand that the fever-powder
retains the mutability of antimony, and is, from slight accidents,
changed from a salutary medicine to a noxious substance; and
hence proceeds the Inventor’s anxiety to prevent improper
combinations. But the dread of dangerous consequences, or some
other cause, has led him unwarily and inconsistently to depreciate
his powder, and reduce it below all other antimonial preparations; for
though by certain additions the virtues of antimony may be
diminished, yet by others they may be improved; and this, it is
probable, from the known properties of that mineral, will also hold
with the fever-powder, although the contrary is here expressly
asserted.
But, lest the assertion should give unfavourable impressions, it is
immediately retracted; and we are told that, occasion may
sometimes occur of employing, advantageously, a regimen, or even
medicine, when judgment directs and integrity presides[76]. and
again: It sometimes happens, when little or no putrid bile is
contained in the stomach, bowels, &c. &c. that the powder, though
given in the largest doses, will have no sensible operation of any
kind whatever. In these cases half, or a whole paper should be
repeated every four or six hours. But on those occasions, it will be
proper to procure two stools in twenty four hours, either by a clyster,
which is the most easy way, or by giving, with every dose of the
powder, from five to ten grains of rhubarb[77]. But in some
constitutions where a putrid bile has very much abounded, and for
this reason the stimulus of the medicine, added to that of the bile,
has been apt to operate more than was sufficient, it has been
necessary to reduce the dose so low as two or three grains[78]: and
thus, after a series of contradictions, the fever-powder, as might
have been expected, is declared to require the addition of other
medicines, and to be as uncertain in its operation as other
antimonials.
These contradictions are suspicious, but if the efficacy of the
medicine is confirmed by authentic facts, the Inventor may still be
intitled to our confidence; and for this purpose some cases are
related in which it was successfully used: the first is that of Mrs.
Morton, on which it is remarked, that many gentlewomen were
present during her whole disorder, saw her take the medicine,
observed the effects, and are ready to give their testimony to the
truth of what has been asserted. From what has been advanced on
this subject, it clearly appears, that the operation of antimony is
precarious, and its effects uncertain. Not only the most skilful
physicians have given various and contradictory opinions concerning
it, but the judgment of the same person has varied at different
times[79]: it is not therefore to be expected, that a fact, which has
not yet been agreed upon by the most intelligent and attentive
practitioners, should be ascertained by these charitable
gentlewomen, who, however sincere and humane their intentions
might be, cannot be supposed to have any pretensions to that
critical and discriminating skill which is necessary to determine a
question so intricate. The Inventor therefore, in offering to the
publick a proof so incompetent, must have relied on that credulity
which, though generally abused, is still continued.
But though the cases had been attested by competent judges, yet
the inferences in favour of the powder are not warranted by the
circumstances related. Thus Mr. French of St. Albans street, late
Surgeon of his Majesty’s ship the Levant, “having given tartar emetic
and other medicines unsuccessfully, prescribed the powder on the
fourth day of the fever: it was continued on the fifth, and on the
evening of that day, the fever being entirely removed, on account of
the lowness and weakness of the patient, a drachm of bark was
given every hour in a glass of Madeira[80].” The misrepresentation,
in this case, is evident, since the cure must be attributed, by candid
and intelligent judges, not to the powder, but to the bark and
Madeira; and the slovenliness of the deception is an insult to the
credulity of the publick, as this is perhaps the only instance in which
it has been pretended, on account of lowness and weakness, to give
every hour a drachm of bark in a glass of Madeira.
These are not the only circumstances in which the evidence is
deceitful; successful cases are industriously published, while those
ending fatally are carefully concealed. The medicine is frequently
given in slight disorders which could not, even by improper
management, be rendered dangerous, and when the sick recover, its
praise is loudly proclaimed.
Those who use it often become insensibly interested in advancing
its reputation, and are not only incompetent judges, but partial in
their testimony. Thus some who, with horror and remorse have
applied for assistance, accusing themselves of murder, and vowing,
for ever, to renounce quackery, have afterwards triumphed and
assumed the credit of cures of which they had absolutely despaired,
though the sick were, by other means, rescued from the danger
incurred by the severe operation of this violent remedy; while
others, shocked by the fatal consequences of their facility and
misplaced confidence, wish to banish it for ever from their
remembrance. The cases must therefore be dismissed as insufficient
to justify the claim of infallibility to this antimonial preparation.
A proof of its salutary influence is attempted to be drawn from the
bills of mortality. Fewer having, on an average, died in the space of
thirteen years, from the year one thousand seven hundred and fifty,
to the year one thousand seven hundred and sixty-three, than in the
preceding thirteen years; this decrease in the funerals amounting to
sixty-two thousand, two-hundred and sixty-six, is attributed to the
fever-powder[81].
It might with some plausibility be objected, that the bills of
mortality being collected from the reports of incompetent judges,
cannot be admitted as proper evidence of the fact; but as no
extraordinary skill seems necessary for the employment, and as the
bills cannot be supposed to be made up with any partial intention,
this argument must be admitted; and if the deaths, by fevers, shall
be found to have decreased, in so great proportion, since the
powder has been in general use, its reputation will be established by
the most desirable evidence.
In collecting this proof, the whole circle of disorders, accidents and
casualties has been calculated, though the powder was then only
recommended for fevers. It has, indeed, been since extended to
other diseases, but our examination shall be restricted to fevers,
during the period to which the Inventor refers.
Though some of the cases which he relates happened in the year
one thousand seven hundred and forty-one, yet the medicine was
not much known till one thousand seven hundred and fifty, the æra
from which its auspicious influence on the bills of mortality is dated.
But antimonial medicines were more in fashion before the powder
came into general use, than at any future time. Dr. Huxham having,
in the year one thousand seven hundred and thirty-seven,
recommended, in the highest strain of panegyric, the vinum
benedictum, it was universally adopted, though expressly
condemned by the Inventor of the fever-powder. Great numbers,
says he, of those whose employment it is to attend the sick,
cunningly exhibited to their patients something, which they asserted
was like the fever-powder, and would do as well. I leave it to the
relations of those who took the something, to judge the
consequence, for I suppose few or none of them who were thus
treated survive[82].
The something, it is well known, was essence of antimony or
tartar emetic, medicines under the direction of prudent practitioners,
similar in their operation and in their effects, not only to each other,
but also to the fever-powder; and though the Inventor has perhaps
too much indulged his indignation against his competitors in the
antimonial trade, yet his general position, concerning the fatal
consequences of the universal administration of antimonial
medicines, is well supported by the evidence to which he has
appealed, the bills of mortality having greatly increased during the
prevalence of that practice.
The numbers of those who died of fevers from the year one
thousand seven hundred and thirty-eight, to one thousand seven
hundred and fifty, including a series of thirteen years, is fifty-five
thousand four hundred and ninety, and those in a like series of
years, immediately succeeding, is thirty-six thousand three hundred
and seventy-two; consequently nineteen thousand one hundred and
eighteen fewer have died in the latter than in the former period, and
this has, with some appearance of justice, been urged as a proof of
the efficacy of the fever-powder.
But if this decrease in the funerals were actually owing to that
medicine, it should have been still more observable in the last ten
years, when the powder has been more universally used. But, in that
period, thirty-five thousand four hundred and ninety-four have died,
and consequently, the number of deaths, by fevers, have increased
eight thousand seven hundred and eighty; and if inflammation, rash,
and sore-throat, which were included in the former calculations, are
added, the number will amount, nearly, to ten thousand, and
therefore, on an average, one thousand, or near one-third more
have died, of fevers, every year, in the last ten years, while the
medicine has been universally used, than in the thirteen immediately
preceding. The proof, therefore, from the bills of mortality is fatal to
the fame of the fever-powder, and the decrease in the funerals
during the thirteen years to which the Inventor appeals for the
success of his antimonial powder, must be attributed to the desertion
of the antimonial practice, and not to its prevalence.
But an appeal to the sum-total of the funerals, to prove the
efficacy of the fever-powder, is unfair and inconclusive, since a great
number of deaths happen from disorders, accidents and casualties
with which it cannot possibly have any connection. That it might
have a fair trial, our calculation has been restricted to fevers; and if
the other diseases, in which it is recommended, had been included,
the evidence would have been still more unfavourable.
Another argument in favour of the powder is, if it had not been
attended with general success, it could not, amidst the opposition of
Physicians, have grown into reputation. But transitions, from the
highest approbation of antimony, to the absolute condemnation of it,
have been so frequent, and are so familiar to those acquainted with
its history, that no conclusion can be drawn from its casual
reputation, or transitory condemnation; and since, in the course of
our enquiry, no advantage has been taken of the penal laws enacted
against its use, nor of the public edicts by which it has been
prohibited, neither can any concession be made on account of the
transient applause, artfully, obtained to some of its preparations.
As to the opposition of physicians, the Inventor, indeed, that the
prophecy with which he set out might be fulfilled[83], complains, that
all laws human and divine, have been trampled upon in opposing
him; that he has been persecuted with malice, rancour, virulence,
detraction and unprovoked revenge, and that his enemies have not
only sacrificed candour, honour, truth and reputation, but even the
lives committed to their care, in order to discredit his boasted
arcanum[84].
Were we not witnesses of his triumph, we should naturally
conclude that he had suffered as a martyr in the cause of truth and
humanity. Yet we find, in his Dissertation, many cases in which the
powder was given under the sanction of eminent physicians, and
these, too, produced by the author, in proof of its efficacy; though
by his own account of the medicine, it is of all others the most
improper to be used without an accurate knowledge of its
composition, and cannot therefore be prescribed by physicians on
any justifiable principles; although they may, from facility or
complaisance, yield to the importunity and prejudice of the sick or
their relations, and assent, even against their better judgement, to
its administration.
When the fever-powder is given, says the Inventor, no other
medicine should be taken either with it, or during the course of it.
For want of this caution many have perished. For it may be
depended upon, that in the state of credit in which it has at present
the honour of standing amongst many of the medicinal worthies,
nothing is meant by any addition, but to counteract or discredit the
powder at the expence of the patient’s life. It is usual for them to
say, that they are acquainted with the preparation of the medicine,
or that they cannot use a medicine that they do not know, just as
either favours the present intention and purpose. Now let us
suppose they do not know it, which is very true; by what
conjuration, magic, or inspiration are they taught a method of
improving, by adding something to a medicine, of which they are so
totally ignorant, that they choose to suffer their friends to perish
rather than employ it[85].
It may be left to the Author to explain how those physicians, who
do not use the powder, kill their friends, by adding something to
counteract or discredit it, while from his own declaration, we may
fairly conclude that those who do use it, must, in his opinion, be
destitute either of judgment or integrity. For supposing them, says
he, perfectly well skilled in the preparation and uses of it, their
behaviour is, for this very reason, abundantly more infamous. For
the same knowledge would inform them, that no addition can be
made to it that will not diminish its virtues[86].
But so far is this heinous charge of committing murder to discredit
the powder from being supported by any shadow of proof, that
physicians, on the contrary, have been complaisant to excess, or
culpably indolent, in suffering the many misrepresentations
concerning this medicine to pass uncensured and unexposed; and
those who, from the most laudable principles, have refused to adopt
it, are wanting to themselves, to their profession, and to the public,
in neglecting to explain the honourable principles on which they
have acted; while others from different motives, which they can best
justify to themselves, have acquired fame and fortune by a studied
compliance with the popular prejudices in favour of this fashionable
remedy.
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