Page:Willich, A. F. M. - The Domestic Encyclopædia (Vol. 4, 1802).djvu/428

394] so that the former may be exhibited in doses of less than eight grains, without exciting vomiting.  ANTISPASMODICS are those medicines, which are calculated to relieve persons afflicted with cramps, spasms, or convulsions: such are opium, Peruvian balsam, and the essential oils of different vegetables. The most speedy antispasmodic, with respect to its immediate effects, is doubtless the juice of the poppy; but the Peruvian balsam produces more permanent benefit, and has frequently been of eminent service, after opium had failed to afford any relief.

Essential oils act principally on some particular part, rather than on the system in general; and are seldom attended with any soporific effects. But, beside these internal medicines, there are some which instantly remove spasmodic contractions by contact; for instance, cream, oil of almonds, and asses'-milk; while sulphur, sal ammoniac, nitre, &c. mitigate these painful complaints, by diminishing heat. Where, however, spasms originate from inanition, and a defect of vital heat, the best antispasmodics are, valerian, musk, and castor; because these medicines tend to restore the animal spirits, and at the same time operate as corroborants.  ARCHITECTURE.—To the list of publications on this subject, already enumerated, we may add Mr. 's Collection of "Essays on Gothic Architecture," (8vo. pp. 149, 1800); which are written by the most able adepts in this branch of science, and are illustrated with elegant engravings.  ARITHMETIC.—Beside the elementary works formerly stated, the following will be found peculiarly serviceable, both to masters and pupils, namely, Mr. 's "Tutor's Guide," 12mo.;—his "Key to the Tutor's Guide," 12mo.—Mr. 's "Institutes of Arithmetic:"—Mr. 's "Question Book, or Practical Introduction to Arithmetic," 12mo.:—his "Scholars' Question Book," also in 12mo.;—Mr. 's "Introduction to Arithmetic," 8vo.;—and, lastly, Mr. 's "Complete Practical Arithmetician," &c. 12mo. 2d edit.  ART.—Those of our readers, who wish to trace the rise and progress of the arts of architecture, sculpture, and painting, in this country, will meet with ample information, illustrated with appropriate rules, in Mr. 's "Anecdotes of the Arts in England," &c. 8vo. pp. 526, 1800; a work which forms an useful and amusing introduction to the study of the arts.  ASPARAGUS.—In the 13th vol. of the "Repertory of Arts," &c. a new method of rendering asparagus more productive, is communicated by Mr. ; who observes, that the male plants yield a greater number of shoots than the female ones; though the former are of an inferior size. He consequently advises males only to be selected for the formation of beds; and, to prevent mistakes, they should not be planted from the seed-bed, till they have flowered. After having grown 12 months, Mr. W. directs them to be removed into beds, at the distance of six inches from each other, where they ought to remain another year, in which they generally flower; a small stick must then be driven into the ground, contiguous to