ALEXIPHARMIC, in Medicine, expresses that Property which a Remedy, either simple or compound, has to resist, or destroy everything of a poisonous Nature: For the Ancients had a Notion, that there was Poison in all malignant Diseases, and in the generality of those whose Cause is unknown. See POISON. Alexiterial, Cardiac, Antidote, Alexipharmic, and Counterpoison, are all Terms of the same Signification. See ANTIDOTE, COUNTERPOISON, &c. Alexipharmics are ordinarily divided into such as are general; and those more particular, supposed only to combat some particular Disease.—But this Division is founded more on Speculation than Experience.
Alexipharmic Medicines, contain a great Number of volatile Parts, and such as render fluid the Mass of Blood. The greatest part of them are aromatic, and pungent to the Taste. See AROMATIC, AMONG THE REST, it is true there are some acid Plants and Juices; but these are only reckoned in the Number, on account of their Use in malignant, colliquative Fevers. Alexipharmics chiefly act by exciting or increasing a Diaphoresis, or Perspiration; by which the noxious Matter is thrown off. See DIAPHORETICS, PERSPIRATION, &c.
Alexipharmics, whether simple or compound, are also esteemed Preservatives against malignant, and pestilential Fevers: But they are to be used with Caution; some being only proper in Condensations, and others in Colliquations of the Blood. See PRESERVATIVE, PRACTICE, &c. The Word is derived from the Greek ἀλεξῖν, arceo, to drive out, or expel; and φάρμακον, pharmakon, Poison.
Alexipharmic Waters, &c. See WATER, &c.
