a saline substance brought from the East Indies, much used in the soldering of metals, making glaigs, &c. As a medicine too it has by some been held in considerable esteem; but its virtues in this way have never yet been sufficiently ascertained by experience, tho' Dr Lewis thinks there are strong reasons for believing them greater than they are generally supposed. In doses of half a dram or two scruples, it is recommended as a diuretic, emmenagogue, and promoter of delivery; with this last view it was an ingredient in the *pulvis ad partum*, or powder to promote delivery, of the Edinburgh college. Mr Bisset, in an essay on the medical constitution of Great Britain, recommends a solution of this salt in water, as the most powerful diaphoretic yet known of aphthous eruptions in the mouth and fauces of children. Dr Alton of Edinburgh says that it should be dissolved when taken inwardly, for that the stomach is not able to melt it; but that, if given in a dissolved state, it enters the vasa minima, mixes with the blood, and dilutes it. If given in powder, it is emetic; but, mixed with aromatics, this quality is checked; and in the fluor albus it is said to be a specific. Its dose is from five grains to half a dram. Externally used, borax is said to be a better collyrium than bismuth, and is undoubtedly much safer.