Digoxin — New Perspective on an Old Drug

After all, in spite of opinion, prejudice or error, Time will fix the real value upon this discovery, and determine whether I have imposed upon myself and others, or contributed to the benefit of science and mankind. — William Withering, 1785 Since 1785, when Sir William Withering published his treatise on the use of foxglove (see Figure), our perspective on the use of digitalis has continued to change. Withering believed that digitalis had a diuretic effect in patients with a weak and irregular pulse who had edema. Only in the early 20th century did digitalis begin to be considered useful . . .