DOMESTIC MEDICINE;
OR, THE
FAMILY PHYSICIAN:
BEING AN ATTEMPT
To render the MEDICAL ART more generally
useful, by shewing people what is in their own
power both with respect to the PREVENTION
and CURE of Diseases.
CHIEFLY
Calculated to recommend a proper attention to 
REGIMEN and SIMPLE MEDICINES.
BY 
WILLIAM BUCHAN, M.D.
Sed valetudo sustentatur notitia sui corporis; et obsevatione, quae
res aut prodesse soleant, aut obesse; et continentia in victu omni at-
que cultu, corporis tuendi causa; et praetermittendis voluptatibus;
postremio, arte eorum quotum ad scientiam haec pertinent.
CIC. DE OFFIC.
TO WHICH IS ADDED,
DR. CADOGAN's DISSERTSATION on the GOUT.
PHILADELPHIA:
Printed by JOHN DUNLAP, for R. AITKEN, at his
BOOK-STORE, nearly opposite the LONDON COFFEE-HOUSE,
in FRONT-STREET.
M. DCC. LXXII. 




ADVERTISEMENT.
W. MARSHALL. SEN,
IT is astonishing, after medicine has been so long cultivated
as a liberal art, that philosophers and men of sense should
still question whether it be more beneficial or hurtful to mankind.
This doubt could never take its rise from the nature of medi-
cine, but from the manner in which it has been conducted.
ALL ages and nations have agreed in thinking that the sick
ought to be treated in a manner different from those in health.
Indeed the very appetites of the sick shew the necessity of, at
least, a different regimen. So far medicine is evidently found-
ed in nature, and is quite consistent with reason and common
sense.
HAD physicians been more attentive to regimen, and less sol- 
licitous in hunting after wonderful medicines, and concealing 
their pretended virtues from the rest of mankind, the medical 
art would never have become an object of ridicule. The affec-
tation of mystery may, for a while, draw the admiration of the
multitude, but will never secure the esteem of men of sense;
and it will always occasion suspicions in the minds of the more
enlightened part of mankind.
EVERY attempt therefore to monopolize or conceal any 
thing that relates to the preservation of health or the cure of
diseases, must not only be injurious to the interests of society,
but likewise detrimental to the medical art. If medicine be a
rational science, and founded in nature, it will never lose its
reputation by being exposed to public view. If it be not able
to bear the light, it is high time that it were exploded.
SECRECY in any art lays a foundation for imposition. Had
physicians never affected mystery, quacks and quackery could
never have existed. Now that they have overrun all Europe,
and disgraced both human nature and the medical profession,
there is no other method of discrediting them with the peo-
ple, but a total reverse of behaviour in the Faculty. Let us 
therefore act with candor, openness, and ingenuity, and man-
kind will soon learn to dread every thing in medicine that has
the smallest appearance of secrecy or disguise.
THE affectation of mystery not only renders the medical art
more liable to be abused, but likewise retards its progress. No
art ever arrived at any considerable degree of improvement so
long as it was kept in the hands of a few who practiced it as a
trade. The interested views of a trade will always obstruct the
progress 

iv ADVERTISEMENT
progress of a science. Other arts have been diffused among
the people, have become the objects of general attention, and
have been improven accordingly. Medicine still continues a
mystery. Even the philosopher is not ashamed to own that
he is ignorant of the causes and cure of diseases. Hence
it is, that while other branches of science have arrived at a
high degree of perfection, the healing art is still involved in
doubt and uncertainty.
THOSE who follow the beaten tract of a teacher seldom
make any useful discoveries. Accordingly we find that most
of the real improvements in medicine have either been the ef-
fect of chance, or have been made by persons not bred to phy-
ic. Men who think and reason for themselves, who are not
fettered by theories nor warpt by hypotheses, bid the fairest for
improving any art.
As all men are liable to disease, and equally interested in
every thing relating to health, it is certainly the duty of phy-
sicians to shew them what is in their own power both with re-
spect to the cure of the one, and the preservation of the other.
Did men take every method to avoid diseases, they would sel-
dom need the physician; and would they do what is in their
own power when sick, there would be little occasion for medi-
cine. It is hard to say if more lives are not lost by people
trusting to medicine, and neglecting their own endeavours,
than all that are saved by the help of physic.
WE do not mean that all men are to be made physicians,
This, according to the present acceptation of the word, would
be an attempt as ridiculous as it is impossible. We only mean
that they should be taught the importance of due care for the
preservation of health, and of a proper regimen in diseases.
These they are certainly capable of understanding, and all the
rest are of small account.
WE are happy to find that some of the most eminent phy-
sicians now begin to entertain more liberal ideas with regard
to physic. Van Sweiten*, Rosen†, Tissot, and some others,
have written with a view of diffusing some knowledge of medi-
cine among the people. Their performances have met with
that applause from the public, which it is always ready to be-
stow upon works of real utility. Had Tissot's plan been more
extensive, the following pages would probably never have been
made public. He confines himself solely to the acute diseases.
We have likewise treated the chronic; both because they are
very
* Physician to their Imperial Majesties.
† First physician of the kingdom of Sweden. 

ADVERTISEMENT. v
very frequent in this country, and because the cure of them
chiefly, depends on a proper regimen.
DR TISSOT has also treated the prophylaxis, or preven-
tive part of medicine, less minutely than seems necessary. A
very slight inquiry into the causes of popular maladies is suffi-
cient to shew that many of them might, by due care, be pre-
vented. For this reason a considerable number of the follow-
ing pages are employed in pointing out the most common
causes of popular diseases, and the means of avoiding them.
THE first part of the prophylaxis is calculated to shew the
importance of proper nursing*. The observations were made
in a situation where the author had the greatest opportunities
of seeing the effects both of the right and wrong management
of children, and of being fully convinced that the latter is the
principal cause of their great mortality.
PECULIAR attention is paid to the diseases of mechanics.
That useful set of people, upon whom the riches and prospe-
rity of Britain depend, can never be too much regarded.
Their valuable lives are frequently lost for want of due atten-
tion to circumstances which both to themselves and others may
often appear trifling.
WE have likewise endeavoured to point out the bad effects
of luxury, indolence, &c. All men acknowledge health to be
the chief blessing of life; but few shew a proper concern for
the preservation of it. There is hardly any pleasure or profit
for which people will not hazard their health; and it is often
bartered for the most sordid enjoyments. Few things howe-
ver are more in our own power. Most men may enjoy health
if they will. Even those who have had the misfortune to be
naturally of a weak constitution, have often, by proper care,
arrived at an extreme old age, and enjoyed good health to the
very last; while such as were naturally robust, by trusting too
much to their strength of constitution, and despising care,
have either died young, or dragged out a life of pain and mi-
sery.
IN the treatment of diseases we have been chiefly attentive
to diet, drink, air, and the other parts of regimen. Regimen
seems to have been the chief, if not the only medicine of the
more early ages, and, to say the truth, it is the most valuable
part of medicine still. But regimen and domestic medicines
are despised, while foreign regions are ransacked for things of
less
* Most of the observations contained in the first chapter were made in
the Foundling Hospital at Ackworth, and communicated to the public
several years ago, in a pamplet addressed to the governours of that hos-
pital.

vi ADVERTISEMENT.
less value, and every ore which the earth affords is tortured to
extract poisons, and arm the daring empiric for the destruction
of his fellow men.
WE have indeed ventured to recommend some simple medi-
cines in almost every disease; but even these should only be
administered by people of better understanding. We would
have the ignorant omit them altogether, and attend solely to
the directions relating to diet and the other parts of regimen.
THE laudable disposition which so universally prevails a-
mong the better sort of people in the country, of assisting their
poor neighbours in distress, suggested the first hint of this at-
tempt. It never was, and, in all probability, never will be in
the power of one half of mankind to obtain the assistance of
physicians. What must they do? To trust themselves in the
hands of quacks, or blunder on in the track which their rude
forefathers pointed out, are perhaps equally dangerous. The
ignorant rustic puts little confidence in any endeavours of his
own. All his hopes of a cure are placed in something which
he does not understand, something mysterious and quite above
his capacity, as herbs gathered under the influence of some
planet, charms, the nostrums of quacks and conjurers, &c.
Such are the ridiculous and destructive prejudices which prevail
among the inhabitants of this country, even in this enlighten-
ed age, and such is their entire ignorance of medicine, that
they become the easy dupes of every pretender to it.
WE make no doubt but the ladies, gentlemen, and clergy
who reside in the country will readily concur with us, in en-
deavouring to root out such pernicious and destructive prejudi-
ces. Their example will have great weight with their de-
pendents and inferiors; and their advice will be often listened
to with more attention than that of a physician. They will
teach the poor the importance of a proper regimen both in
health and sickness; the danger of trusting their lives in the
hands of quacks and conjurers, and the folly of their own
superstitious notion. By this means they may prevent much
evil, do some good, and prove real blessings to those among
whom they reside.
NOTHING is farther from the design of the following pages,
than to induce ignorant persons to tamper with dangerous me-
dicines, or trust to their own skill, where better assistance can
be obtained. But where something must be done, and no me-
dical assistance can be had, it is certainly better to direct peo-
ple what they ought to do than to leave them to blunder on
in the dark.
THERE 
          

ADVERTISEMENT. vii
THERE is no doubt but the more mercenary part of the Fa-
culty, whose ideas of medicine never rise above the sordid
views of a trade, will do all in their power to discredit every at-
tempt of this kind with the public. With such as are able to
see through the disguise, their censure will pass for applause;
and with the less enlightened, it will be very little regarded.
With us it can have no weight, so long as we are conscious
that we have the good of mankind at heart; and that, howe-
ver imperfect the execution may be, the design has been appro-
ven by many whose names do honour to the medical profession.
As people who live in the country cannot always obtain me-
dicines, upon any sudden emergency, even though they knew
how to use them, we have here added a list of such simple
drugs and medicines as ought to be kept, at least in every
gentleman's family, in order to be in readiness upon all occasi-
ons.
Rhubarb 
Jalap
Senna
Manna
Glaubers salts
Cream of tartar
Salt of tartar
Tamarinds
Ipecacuanha
Jesuits bark
Nitre, or salt petre
Sal. prunell
Sal. ammoniac
Flowers of sulphur
Magnesia alba
Crabs claws prepared
Snake root
Liquorice root
Seneka root
Wild Valerian root
Gentian root
Gum arabic
- camphor
- ammoniac
- asafœtida 
Burgundy pitch
Agaric of the oak
Ash coloured ground Liver-
wort
Cinnamon water
Penny-royal water
Pepper mint water
Syrup of poppies
- of oranges
- of lemons
Spirits of wine
- of hartshorn    
- Sweet spirits of nitre
- of vitriol
Liquid laudanum
Elixir of vitriol
Vinegar of squills
Oil of almonds
Olive oil
Adhesive plaster
Blistering plaster
Wax plaster
Yellow basilicon ointment
White ointment
Turner's cerate 



THE
CONTENTS.
PART I. OF PREVENTING DISEASES.
OF CHILDREN - page 1
Cloathing - 8
Food - 12
Exercise - 17
Bad effects of unwholesome air - 24
Faults of nurses - 26
A summary view of the directions concerning children 28
General CAUSES of diseases - 31
Catching cold - ib
Unwholesome food - 37
Irregularities in diet, sleep,  &c. - 44
Bad air - 48
Neglect of cleanliness - 52
Intemperance - 55
Indolence - 59
Infection - 63
The passions - 66
Particular CAUSES of diseases - 71
Laborious employments - 74
Sedentary employments - 81
Intense study - 85
PART II. OF DISEASES.
Of distinguishing diseases - 92
Fevers in general - 97
Intermitting fevers, or agues - 101
An acute continual fever - 108
A pleurisy - 113
A peripneumony or inflammation of the lungs - 119
Consumptions - 121
A slow or nervous fever - 132
A malignant, putrid, or spotted fever - 136 
Of

CONTENTS.
Of the miliary fever - 144
The small pox - 148
The measles - 168
The scarlet fever - 171
The crysipelas, or St Anthony's fire - 172
The inflammation of the brain - 176
The inflammation of the eyes - 180
The quinsey, or inflammation of the throat - 184
The malignant quinsey, or ulcerous sore throat - 189
Colds - 193
Cough - 195
The chin-cough - 198
The inflammation of the stomach - 201
The iliac passion  - 203
Colics - 206
The inflammation of the kidneys - 210
The inflammation of the liver - 213
The cholera morbus, or vomiting and looseness - 215
A diairhœa, or looseness - 217
The dysernery, or bloody flux - 220
A diabetes, or excessive discharge of urine - 226
A suppression of urine - 228
Costiveness - 230
Involuntary discharges of blood - 232
Bleeding at the nose - 234
Bleeding and blind piles - 236
Spitting of blood - 238
Vomiting of blood - 241
Bloody urine - 242
Excessive vomiting - 243
The headach - 246
The toothach - 249
The carach - 252
The heart-burn - 254
Pains of the stomach - 255
Worms - 257
The jaundice - 261
The dropsy - 264
The gout - 267
The rheumatism - 273
The scurvy - 276
The scrophula, or king's evil - 280
The rickets - 283
Of

CONTENTS.
Of the itch - 286
The asthma - 288
The apoplexy - 291
The palsy - 294
The epilepsy, or falling sickness - 295
Nervous, hysteric and hypochondriac disorders - 299
Melancholy and madness - 303
Poisons - 308
The stone and gravel - 318
The hiccup - 321
The cramp of the stomach - 322
Want of appetite - 323
Deafness - 324
The night mare - 325
Swoonings - 326
DISEASES of WOMEN - 328
Pregnancy - 334
Childbirth - 336
Barrenness - 339
DISEASES of CHILDREN
Retention of the meconium - 341
Aphthae or thrush - ib.
Acidities - 342
Galling and excoriations - 344
Stoppage of the nose - ib.
Eruptions - 345
Difficult breathing - 347
Teething - 348
SURGERY
Of wounds - 350
Burns - 354
Bruises - 355
Dislocations - 356
Broken bones - 357
Strains - 360
Ulcers - ib.
Imposthumes or boils - 362
Whitlows - 363
Ruptures - 365
Casualties - 366 
 



[1]
PART I.
OF PREVENTING DISEASES.
CHAP. I.
OF CHILDREN.
TO avoid diseases, it is necessary we should know
their causes. These indeed are numerous; but
we shall endeavour to point out such only as have
the most general influence, as too great minute-
ness in this respect would tend rather to perplex than in-
struct the generality of readers.
THE better to trace diseases from their original causes,
we shall take a view of the common treatment of mankind
in the state of infancy. In this period of our lives, the
foundations of a good or bad constitution are generally
laid; it is therefore of importance, that parents be well ac-
quainted with the various causes which may produce dis-
eases in their offspring. It must be owing either to the ig-
norance or carelessness of parents, that so many of the hu-
man species perish in infancy. This, we presume, will
appear from the following observations.
THE annual registers of the dead shew, that at least one
half of the children born in Great Britain die under twelve
years of age. To those who do not reflect, this appears to
be a natural evil, and therefore they think it their duty to
submit to it. But whoever accurately examines the mat-
ter, will find that it is of evil of our own making, and, in
a great measure, owing to mismanagement. Were the
death of infants a natural evil, other animals should be as
liable to die young as man; but that we see is not the case.
IT may seem strange, that man, notwithstanding his
superior reason, should fall so far short of other animals
A in 

2 OF PREVENTING
in the management of his young: But our surprise will
soon cease, if we consider that brutes, guided by instinct,
never err in this respect; while man, trusting solely to art,
is seldom right. Were a catalogue of those children who
perish annually by art alone, exhibited to public view, it
would astonish most people.
WHEN parents are above taking care of their children,
others must be employed for that purpose: These will al-
ways endeavour to recommend themselves by the appear-
ance of extraordinary skill and address. By this means so
many unnecessary and destructive articles have been intro-
duced into the diet, cloathing, &c. of children, that it is
no wonder so many of them perish.
NOTHING can be more preposterous than for a mother
to think it below her to take care of her own child, or to
be so ignorant as not to know what is proper to be done
for it. If we search nature throughout, we cannot find a
parallel to this. Every other creature is the nurse of its
own young, and they thrive accordingly. Were the brutes
to bring up their young by proxy, they would share the
same fate with those of the human species.
WE mean not to impose it as a task upon every mother
to suckle her own child. This, whatever speculative
writers may say to the contrary, is in many cases imprac-
ticable, and would inevitably prove destructive both to the
mother and child. Women of delicate constitutions, sub-
ject, to low spirits, hysteric fits, or other nervous disorders,
make very bad nurses: But these complaints are now so
common, that it is rare to find a woman of fashion free
from them; for which cause few women of better station,
suppose them willing, are really able to suckle their own
children.
DID mankind live as nature directs, almost every mother
would be in a condition to give suck: But, whoever con-
siders how far we have deviated from her dictates, will not
be surprised to find many of them unable to perform that
necessary office. Mothers, who do not eat enough of solid
food, nor enjoy the benefit of free air and exercise, can
neither have wholesome humours themselves, nor afford
proper nourishment to an infant. Children who are suck-
led by delicate women, either die young, or are weak and
sickly all their lives. Nor is this at all to be wondered at.
If children suck in nervous diseases with their mother's
milk, What have we to expect?
WHEN

DISEASES. 3
WHEN we say, that every mother is not able to suckle
her own child, we would not be understood as discouraging
that practice. Every mother who can, ought certainly to
perform that tender office. But suppose it to be out of
her power, she may, nevertheless, be of great service to
her child. The business of nursing is by no means con-
fined to giving suck. To a woman who abounds with
milk, that is the easiest part of it. Numberless other offices
are necessary for a child, which the mother at least ought
to see done. A mother, who abandons the fruit of her
womb, as soon as it is born, to the sole care of an hireling,
hardly deserves that name. A child, by being brought up
under the mother's eye, not only secures her affection, but
may reap all the advantages of a mother's care, though it
be suckled by another. How can a mother be better em-
ployed, than in superintending the nursery? This is at
once the most delightful and important office! yet the most
trivial business or insipid amusements are often preferred to
it. A strong proof both of the bad taste and wrong edu-
cation of modern females.
IT is much to be regretted, that more pains is not be-
stowed in teaching the proper management of children to
those whom nature has designed for mothers. This, in-
stead of being made the principal, is seldom considered as
any part of female education. Is it any wonder, when
females, so educated, come to be mothers, that they should
be quite ignorant of the duties belonging to that station?
However strange it may seem, it is certainly true, that
many mothers, and those of fashion too, are as ignorant,
when they have brought a child into the world, of what is
proper to be done for it, as the infant itself. Indeed, the
most ignorant part of the sex are generally reckoned most
knowing in the business of nursing. Hence, sensible people
become the dupes of ignorance and superstition; and the
nursing of children, instead of being conducted by reason,
is the result of whim and caprice.
ONE great design of females, no doubt, is to propagate
the species. But to bring forth a child, is the least part of
that important business. Were the care of a parent to stop
here, the whole human race would soon be extinct. Na-
ture has made it necessary, that a child should depend on
its parents during the state of infancy; and those parents
who neglect the proper care of their offspring, not only
violate one of the first and strongest principles of nature,
A 2 but 

4 OF PREVENTING
but actually endeavour to extinguish the human race. An
infant may be as certainly murdered by neglect, as by any
act of violence whatever; and, for one child that loses its
life by the latter, a thousand perish by the former, without
being regarded.
WERE the time that is generally spent by females in ac-
quiring useless knowledge, employed in learning how to
bring up their children; how to dress them so as not to
hurt, cramp, or confine their motions; how to feed them
with wholesome and nourishing food; how to exercise their
tender bodies, so as best to promote their growth and
strength: Were these the objects of female instruction,
mankind would derive the greatest advantage from it. But,
while the education of females implies little more than what
relates to dress and public show, we have nothing to ex-
pect from them but ignorance, even in the most important
concerns. But ignorance can be no excuse, where people
have it in their power to be better informed; and, if chil-
dren perish by the negligence of mothers, they must be
accountable.
DID mothers know their importance, and lay it to heart,
they would embrace every opportunity of informing them-
selves of the duties which they owe to their infant-offspring.
It is theirs, not only to form the body, but also to give the
mind its most early cast. They have it very much in their
power to make men healthy or valetudinary, useful in life,
or the bane of society.                        
BUT the mother is not the only person concerned in the
management of children. The father has an equal interest
in their welfare, and ought to assist in every thing that re-
spects either the improvement of the body or mind.
IT is pity that men pay so little regard to this matter.
Their neglect is one reason why females know so little of
it. Women will ever be desirous to excel in such accom-
plishments as recommend them to the other sex. But men
generally keep at such a distance from even the smallest ac-
quaintance with the affairs of the nursery, that many would
esteem it an affront, were they supposed to know any thing
of it. Not so, however, with the kennel or the stables:
A gentleman of the first rank is not ashamed to give di-
rections concerning the management of his dogs or horses;
but would blush, were he to be surprized in performing the
same office for that being, who derived its existence from
himself, who is the heir of his fortunes, and the future hope
of

DISEASES. 5
of his country. Few fathers indeed run any hazard of
being surprized in this situation; yet, certain it is, that
man needs culture more than any other creature, and that
both his body and mind are capable of the greatest im-
provement. Nature has left so much in the power of pa-
rents, that children are, in a great measure, what they
please to make them.
PHYSCIANS themselves have not been sufficiently atten-
tive to the management of children: That has been gene-
rally considered as the sole province of old women, while
men of the first rank in physick have even refused to visit
infants when sick. Such conduct in the faculty has not
only caused this branch of medicine to be neglected, but
has also encouraged the other sex to assume an absolute title
to prescribe for children in the most dangerous diseases. The
consequence is, that a physician is seldom called till the
good women have exhausted all their skill; when his attend-
ance can only serve to divide the blame and appease the dis-
consolate parents.
WE would have nurses do all in their power to prevent
diseases; but, when a child is taken ill, some person of
skill should immediately be consulted. The diseases of
children are generally acute, and the least delay is dan-
gerous.
WERE physicians more attentive to the diseases of chil-
dren, they would not only be better qualified to treat them
properly when sick, but likewise to give useful directions
for their management when well. The diseases of chil-
dren is by no means such a difficult study as many imagine.
It is true, children cannot tell their complaints; but the
causes of them may be pretty certainly discovered, by put-
ting proper questions to the nurses and such as are about
them. Besides, the diseases of infants, being less compli-
cated, are easier cured than those of adults.
IT is really astonishing, that so little attention should in
general be paid to the preservation of infant-lives! What
labour and expence are daily bestowed to prop an old rotten
carcase for a few years, while thousands of those, who
might be useful in life, perish without being regarded, and
prove no better than an untimely birth! Mankind are apt
to value things not according to their future but their pre-
sent utility. This is of all others the most erroneous me-
thod of estimation; yet, upon no other principle is it pos-
sible

6 OF PREVENTING
sible to account for the general indifference with respect to
the death of infants.
OF DISEASED PARENTS.
DISEASED parents cannot beget healthy children. It
would be as reasonable to expect a rich crop from a barren
soil, as that strong and healthy children should be born of
delicate parents, worn out with intemperance or disease.
AN ingenious writer observes *, that on the constitution
of mothers depends originally that of their offspring. No
one who believes this, will be surprised, on a view of the
female world, to find diseases and death so frequent among
children. A delicate female, brought up within doors, an
utter stranger to exercise and open air, who lives on tea and
other slops, may bring a child into the world, but it will
hardly be fit to live. The first blast of a disease will nip
the tender plant in the bud: Or, should it struggle through
a few years existence, its feeble frame, shook with convul-
fsions from every trivial cause, would be unable to sustain
the common functions of life, and prove a burden to so-
ciety.
IF to the delicacy of mothers we add the irregular lives
of fathers, we shall see further cause to believe, that chil-
dren are often hurt by the constitution of their parents. A
sickly frame may be originally induced by hardships or in-
temperance, but chiefly by the latter. It is impossible that
a course of vice should not spoil the best constitution: And
did the evil terminate here, it would be a just punishment
for the folly of the sufferer; but when once a distemper is
contracted and rivetted in the habit, it is entailed on all
posterity. What a dreadful inheritance is the gout, the
scurvy, or the kings-evil, to transmit to our offspring! How
happy had it been for the heir of many a great estate, had
he been born a beggar, rather than to inherit his father's
fortunes at the expence of likewise inheriting his diseases !
NO person who labours under any incurable malady,
ought to marry, as he thereby both shortens his own life,
and transmits misery to others: But when both parties are
deeply tainted with the scrophula, the scurvy, or the like,
the effects must be still worse. Such will either have no
issue at all, or those whom they have, must be miserable in-
deed. Want of attention to these things, in forming con-
nections
* Rousseau.

DISEASES. 7
nections for life, has rooted out more families than the
plague, famine, or the sword; and while these connections
are formed from mercenary views, that must be the case.
IN our matrimonial contracts, it is amazing so little re-
gard is had to the health and form of the object: Our
sportsmen know, that the generous courser cannot be bred
out of the foundered jade, nor the sagacious spaniel out of
the snarling cur. This is settled upon immutable laws.
The man who marries a woman of a sickly constitution,
and descended of unhealthy parents, whatever his views
may be, cannot be said to act a prudent part. A puny
scrophulous woman may prove fertile; should this be the
case, the family must become an infirmary. What prospect
of happiness the father of such a family has, we shall leave
any one to judge.
THE Jews, by the positive direction of the Almighty,
were forbid to have any manner of commerce with the
diseased; and indeed to this all wise legislators ought to
have a special regard. In some states, the marriage of
morbid people has actually been prohibited. This is
an evil of a complicated kind, a natural deformity, and
political mischief; and therefore requires a public con-
sideration.
SUCH children as have the misfortune to be born of dis-
eased parents, will require to be nursed with greater care
than others. This is the only way to make amends for
the defects of constitution; and it will often go a great
length. A healthy nurse, wholesome air, and enough of
exercise, will do wonders. But, when these are neglect-
ed, little is to be expected from any other quarter. The
defects of constitution cannot be supplied by medicine.
THOSE who inherit any family-disease, ought to be very
circumspect in their manner of living. They should con-
sider well the nature of such disease, and guard against it
by a proper regimen. It is certain, that family-diseases
have often, by proper care, been kept off for one genera-
tion; and there is great reason to believe, that, by persist-
ing in the same course, such diseases might at length be
wholely eradicated. This is a subject very little regarded,
though of the last importance. Family-constitutions are
as capable of improvement, as family-estates; and the li-
bertine, who impairs the one, does greater injury to his
posterity, than the prodigal who squanders away the other.
OF

8 OF PREVENTING
OF THE CLOATHING OF CHILDREN.
THE cloathing of an infant is so simple a matter, that
it is surprising, how any person should err in it; yet many
children lose their lives, and others are deformed, by errors
of this kind.
NATURE knows no other use of cloaths to an infant,
but to keep it warm. All that is necessary for this pur-
pose, is to wrap it in a soft, loose covering. Were a mo-
ther left to the dictates of nature and reason, this is cer-
tainly the method that she would follow. But the business
of dressing an infant has long been out of the hands of mo-
thers, and has at last become a secret, which none but
epts pretend to understand.
FROM the most early ages it has been thought necessary,
that a woman in labour should have some person to attend
her. This in time became a business; and, like all others,
those who were employed in it, strove to outdo one ano-
ther in the different branches of their profession. The
dressing of a child came of course to be considered as the
midwife's province, who no doubt imagined, that the more
dexterity she could show in this article, the more her skill
would be admired. Her attempts might be seconded by the
vanity of parents, who wanting to make a show of the in-
fant as soon as it was born, were ambitious to have as much
finery heaped upon it as possible. Thus it came to be
thought as necessary for a midwife to excel in bracing and
dressing an infant, as for a surgeon to be expert in applying
bandages to a broken limb; and the poor child, as soon as
it came into the world, had as many rollers and wrappers
applied to its body, as if every bone had been fractured in
the birth; while these were often so tight, as not only to
gall and wound its tender frame, but even to obstruct the
motion of the heart, lungs, and other organs necessary for
life.
IN several parts of Britain the practice of rolling chil-
dren with so many bandages is now, in some measure, laid
aside; but it would still be a difficult task to persuade the
generality of women, that the shape of a child does not in-
tirely depend on the midwife's care. So far, however, are
all their endeavours to mend the shape of children, from
being successful, that they constantly operate the contrary
way, and mankind become deformed just in proportion to
the 

DISEASES. 9
the means used to prevent deformity. How little deformi-
ty of body is to be found among uncivilized nations? So
little indeed, that it is vulgarly believed they put all their
deformed children to death. The truth is, they hardly
know such a thing as a deformed child. Neither should
we, if we followed their example. Savage nations never
think of manacling their children. They allow them the
full use of every organ, carry them abroad in the open air,
wash their bodies daily in cold water, &c. By this ma-
nagement their children become so strong and hardy, that,
by the time our puny infants get out of the nurse's arms,
theirs are able to shift for themselves.
AMONG brute animals no art is necessary to procure a
fine shape. Though many of them be extremely delicate,
when they come into the world, yet we never find them
grow crooked for want of swaddling-bands. Is nature
less generous to the human kind? No: But we take the
business out of nature's hands.
NOT only the analogy of other animals, but the very
feelings of infants tell us, that they ought to be kept easy
and free from all pressure. They, cannot indeed speak their
complaints but they can shew signs of pain; and this they
never fail to do, by crying, when pinched by their cloaths.
No sooner are they freed from their bracings, than they
seem pleased and happy; yet, strange infatuation! The
moment they hold their peace, they are again committed to
their chains.
IF we consider the body of an infant as a bundle of soft
pipes, replenish'd with fluids in continual motion, the dan-
ger of pressure will appear in the strongest light. Nature,
in order to make way for the growth of children, has form-
ed their bodies soft and flexible; and, lest they should re-
ceive any injury from pressure in the womb, has surrounded
the fœtus every way with fluids. This shews the care which
nature takes to prevent all unequal pressure on the bodies of
infants, and to defend them against every thing that might
in the least cramp or confine their motions.
EVEN the bones of an infant are so soft and cartilaginous,
that they readily yield to the slightest pressure, and easily
take on a bad shape, which can never after be remedied.
Hence it is, that so many people appear with high shoul-
ders, crooked spines and flat breasts, who were born with
as good a shape as others, but had the misfortune to be
B squeezed 

10 OF PREVENTING
squeezed into monsters by the application of stays and
bandages.
PRESSURE, by obstructing the circulation, prevents the
equal distribution of nourishment to the different parts of
the body, by which means the growth becomes unequal.
One part of the body grows too large, while another re-
mains too small, and thus in time the whole frame becomes
disproportioned and misshapen. To this we must add, that
when a child is cramped in its cloaths, it naturally shrinks
from the parts affected, and by putting its body into unna-
tural postures, it becomes deformed by habit.
DEFORMITY of body may proceed from weakness or
diseases; but, in  general, it is the effect of improper
cloathing. Nine tenths, at least, of the deformity amongst
mankind must be imputed to this cause. A deformed body
is not only disagreeable to the eye, but injurious to the
health. By a bad figure both the animal and vital func-
tions must be impeded, and of course health impaired.
Hence, few people remarkably misshapen are strong or
healthy.
THE new motions which commence at the birth, as the
circulation of the blood through the lungs, respiration,
the peristaltic motion, &c. afford another strong argument
for keeping the body of an infant free from all pressure.
These organs, not having been accustomed to move, are
easily stopped; but when that happens, death must ensue.
Hardly any method could be devised more effectually to stop
these motions than bracing the body too tight with* rol-
lers, &c. Were these to be applied in the same manner to
the body of an adult, for an equal length of time, they
could hardly fail to hurt the digestion and make him sick.
How much more hurtful they must be to tender infants,
we shall leave any one to judge.
WHOEVER considers these things, will not be surprised,
that so many children die of convulsions soon after the
birth. These fits are generally attributed to some inward
cause; but, in fact, they oftener proceed from our own
imprudent conduct. I have known a child seized with
convulsion-fits, soon after the midwife had done swaddling
it; but, upon taking off the rollers and bandages, it was
im-
* This is by no means inveighing against a thing that does not
happen. In many parts of Britain at this day a roller, five or
six feet in length, is applied round the child's body as soon as it
is born.

DISEASES. 11 
immediately relieved, and never had any convulsion-fits af-
terwards. Numerous examples of this sort might be
brought, were they necessary.
IT would be safer to fix on the cloaths of an infant
with strings than pins, as these often gall and irritate their
tender skins, and occasion convulsions. Instances have
been known, where pins were found sticking above half
an inch into the body of a child after it had died of con-
vulsion-fits, which, in all probability, proceeded from that
cause.
CHILDREN are not only hurt by the tightness of their
cloaths, but also by the quantity. Every child has some
degree of fever after the birth; and, if it be loaded with
too many cloaths, the fever must be increased. But that
is not all; the child is generally laid in bed with the mo-
ther, who is likewise feverish; to which we may add the
heat of the lying-in-bed-chamber, and the wines, and
other heating things too often given to children immediate-
ly after the birth. When all these are combined, which
does not seldom happen, they must increase the fever to
such a degree as will endanger the life of the infant.
THE danger of keeping infants too hot, will further ap-
pear, if we consider, that, after being for some time in the
situation mentioned above, they are often sent into the
country to be nursed in a cold house*. Is it any wonder,
if a child, from such a transition, catches a mortal cold,
or contracts some other fatal disease? When an infant is
kept too hot, its lungs not being sufficiently expanded, are
apt to remain weak and flaccid for life; from whence pro-
ceed coughs, consumptions, and other diseases of the
breast.
IT would answer little purpose to specify the particular
pieces of dress proper for an infant. These ever will vary
in different places according to custom and the humour of
parents. The great rule to be observed is, That a child
have no more cloaths than are necessary to keep it warm, and
that they be quite easy for its body.
STAYS are the very bane of children. A volume would
not suffice to point out all the ill effects of this useless piece
of dress. The madness in favour of stays seems, however,
to have been at a height; and it is to be hoped the world
will, in time, become wise enough to know, that the hu-
B 2 man
* Cadogan. 
 

12 OF PREVENTING
man shape does not solely depend upon whale-bone and
bend leather *.
WE shall only add, with respect to the cloaths of chil-
dren, that they ought to be kept very clean. Children
perspire more than adults; and, if their cloaths be not
frequently changed, they become very hurtful. Dirty
cloaths not only gall and fret the tender skins of infants,
but likewise occasion ill smells; and, what is worse, tend
to produce vermin and cutaneous diseases.
CLEANINESS is not only agreeable to the eye, but
tends greatly to preserve the health of children. It pro-
motes the perspiration; and, by that means, frees the body
from superfluous humours, which, if retained, could not  
fail to occasion diseases. A nurse can have no excuse for
allowing a child to be dirty. Poverty may oblige her to
give it coarse cloaths; but, if she does not keep them clean,
it must be her own fault.
OF THE FOOD OF CHILDREN.
NATURE not only points out the food proper for an in-
fant, but actually prepares it. This, however, is not suf-
ficient to prevent some who think themselves wiser than
nature, from attempting to bring up their children with-
out her provision. Nothing can show the disposition which
mankind have to depart from nature more than their en-
deavouring to bring up children without the breast. The
mother's milk, or that of a healthy nurse, is unquestion-
ably the best food for an infant. Neither art nor nature
can afford a proper substitute for it. A child may seem
to thrive for a few months without the breast; but when
teething, the small-pox, and other diseases incident to
childhood come on, they generally fall a victim. An evi-
dent proof, that their food is unwholesome, and their hu-
mours bad.
A child soon after the birth shews an inclination to suck;
and there seems to be no reason why it should not be gra-
tified. It is true, the mother's milk does not always come
immediately after the birth; but is  not this the way to
bring it? The first milk that the child can squeeze out of
the breast, answers the purpose of cleansing better than all
the drugs in the apothecary's shop, and at the same time
pre-
* Stays made of bend-leather are worn by all the woman of
lower station in many parts of England. 

DISEASES. 13
prevents inflammations of the breast, fevers, and other dis-
eases incident to mothers.
IT is strange how people came to think, that the first
thing given to a child should be drugs. This is beginning
with medicines by times, and no wonder that they generally
end with it. It sometimes happens, that a child does not
pass the meconium so soon as could be wished. This has in-
duced physicians in such cases to give something of an open-
ing nature to cleanse the first passages. Midwives have im-
proved upon this hint, and never fail to give syrups, oils,
&c. whether they be necessary or not. Cramming an in-
fant with such indigestible stuff as soon as it is born, can
hardly fail to make it sick, and is more likely to occasion
diseases, than prevent them. Children are seldom long af-
ter the birth without having passage both by stool and urine;
though these evacuations may be wanting for some time
without any danger.
WERE a child permitted to suck its mother as soon as it
shows an inclination for the breast, it would need no other
physic; but if it must have something before it be allowed the
breast, let it be a little simple water-pap, to which may be
added an equal quantity of new milk. If this be given
without any wines, sugars, or spiceries, it will neither heat
the blood, load the stomach, nor occasion gripes.
UPON the first sight of an infant, almost every person is
struck with the idea of its being weak, feeble, and wanting
support. This naturally suggests the need of cordials.
Accordingly we find wines universally mixed with the first
food of children. Nothing can be more fallacious than
this way of reasoning, or more hurtful to infants than the
conduct founded upon it. Children need very little food
for some time after the birth; and what they receive,
should be thin, weak, light, and of a cooling quality.
A very small quantity of wine, or even sugar, is sufficient
to heat and inflame the blood of an infant;  but every per-
son, conversant in these matters, must know, that most of
the diseases of infants proceed from the heat of their hu-
mours, as the thrush, &c.
IF the mother or nurse has enough of milk, the child
will need little or no other food before the third or fourth
month. It will then be proper to give it, once or twice a
day, a little of some food that is easy of digestion; as wa-
ter-pap, milk-pottage, weak broth with bread in it, or the
like. This will ease the mother; it will accustom the child
by

14 OF PREVENTING
by degrees to take food, and render the weaning both less
difficult and dangerous. All great and sudden transitions are
to be avoided in nursing. For this purpose the food of chil-
dren ought to be simple, as near as possible resembling the
properties of milk. Indeed milk itself should make a princi-
pal part of their food, not only before they be weaned, but
for a long time after.
NEXT to milk, we would recommend good light bread.
Bread may be given to a child as soon as it shows an in-
clination to chew, and it may at all times be allowed as much
as it pleases. The very chewing of bread will help to cut
the teeth and promote the discharge of saliva, while by mix-
ing with the nurse's milk in the stomach, it will afford an
excellent nourishment. Children show an early inclination
to chew whatever is put into their hands. Parents observe
the inclination, but generally mistake the object. Instead of
giving the child something which may at once exercise its
gums and afford it nourishment they commonly put into
its hand a piece of hard metal or impenetrable coral. A crust
of bread is the best gum-stick. It not only answers the pur-
pose better than any thing else, but has the additional pro-
perties mentioned above, of nourishing the child and car-
rying the saliva down to the stomach, which is too valuable
a liquor to be lost.
BREAD, besides being used dry, may be many ways pre-
pared into food for children. One of the best methods of
preparing it, is to boil it in water, afterwards pouring the
water off, and mixing with the bread a proper quantity of
new milk unboiled: Milk is both more wholesome and
nourishing this way than boiled, and is less apt to occasion
costiveness. For a child farther advanced, bread may be
mixed in veal or chicken broth, made into puddings or the
like. Bread is a proper food for children at all times, pro-
vided it be plain, made of wholesome grain, and well fer-
mented; but when enriched with fruits, sugars, or such
things, it becomes very unwholesome.
IT is soon enough to allow children animal food when
thev have got teeth to eat it. They should never taste it
till after they are weaned, and even then they ought to use
it very sparingly. Indeed, when children live wholely on
vegetable food, it is apt to sour on their stomachs; on the
other hand, too much flesh heats the blood and occasions
fevers and other inflammatory diseases. This plainly points
out a proper mixture of animal and vegetable food as most
fit for children.
FEW           

DISEASES. 15
FEW things are more hurtful to children, than the com-
mon method of sweetening their food. It not only makes
them grow fat and bloated, but entices them to take more
food than they ought to do. It is pretty certain, if childrens
food were quite plain, that they would never take more than
enough. Thus the excesses of children are entirely owing
to nurses. If a child be gorged with food at all hours, and
enticed to take it, by making it sweet and agreeable to the
palate, is it any wonder if such a child comes in time to
crave more food than it ought to have?
CHILDREN may be hurt by too little as well as too much
food. After a child is weaned, it ought to be fed four or
five times a-day; but should never be accustomed to eat in
the night; neither should it have too much at one time.
Some lay it down as a rule, that no child ought to be fed
above three times in twenty-four hours; whereas, most
adults eat four times in the same space. The food of chil-
dren is generally lighter than that of adults; their digestion
is likewise more quickly performed: If to these we add the
power of habit, we will be inclined to think, that children
should be fed oftener than up-grown persons. If a child,
who has been accustomed to suck its nurse at all hours, be
suddenly deprived of that, and restricted to three meals
a-day, bad consequences must follow. I have often seen the
scheme of bringing children to live on three regular meals
a-day tried, but never knew it succeed. Children thrive
much better with small quantities of food frequently given.
This neither overcharges the stomach, nor hurts the di-
gestion, and is certainly most agreeable to nature.
WRITERS on nursing, have inveighed with such vehe-
mence against too much food, that one would be apt to
imagine two thirds of those who die in infancy were actu-
ally crammed to death. This has induced many parents
to ruin the constitutions of their children, by running into
the other extreme. The error of pinching children in their
food, is more hurtful than its opposite. Nature has many
ways of relieving herself when overcharged; but a child
who is pinched with hunger will never become a strong or
healthy man. That errors are frequently committed on both
sides, we are ready to acknowledge; but where one child
is hurt by the quantity of its food, ten suffer from the qua-
lity. That is the principle evil, and claims our strictest at-
tention.
MANY people imagine, that food which they love them-
selves cannot be bad for their children: But this notion is
very

16 OF PREVENTING
very absurd. In the more advanced periods of life we often
acquire an inclination for food which when children we
could not bear to taste. There are many things that may
agree very well with the stomach of an up-grown person,
which would be very hurtful to a child; as high-seasoned,
salted, and smoke-dried provisions, &c. It would also be
improper to feed children with fat meat, strong broths, rich
soups, gravies, or the like.
ALL strong liquors are hurtful to children. Some parents
teach their children to guzzle ale, and other strong liquors
at every meal; but such a practice cannot fail to do mis-
chief. These children seldom escape the violence of the
small-pox, measles, hooping-cough, or some other feverish
disorder. Milk, water, butter-milk, or whey, make the
most proper drink for children. If they have any thing
stronger, it may be fine small bear, or a little wine mixed
with water. The stomachs of children can digest well
enough without the assistance of warm stimulants. Young
people are naturally hot, and consequently are easily hurt
by every thing of a heating quality: Their blood has a con-
stant tendency to inflammation, which all strong liquors
must increase.
FEW things are more hurtful to children than unripe
fruits. These not only four the stomach, but relax it and
weaken the digestion; by which means it becomes a pro-
per nest for worms of all kinds. Children indeed show the
greatest inclination for fruit, and I am apt to believe, that
if good ripe fruit were allowed them in proper quantity, it
would have no bad effects. We seldom find a natural incli-
nation wrong, if directed to its proper objects. Fruits are
generally of a cooling nature, and correct the heat and acri-
mony of the humours. This is what most children want;
only care should be taken left they exceed. Indeed the best
way to prevent children from going to excess in the use of
fruit, or eating that which is bad, is to allow them a proper
quantity of what is good.
ROOTS which contain a crude viscid juice should be spa-
ringly given to children. They fill the body with gross hu-
mours, and tend to produce eruptive diseases. This caution
is peculiarly necessary for the poor; being glad to get what
will fill their children's bellies for a little money, they stuff
them two or three times a-day with potatoes and the like.
Children had better eat a small quantity of such food as
would yield a wholesome nourishment, than be crammed with
what their digestive powers are unable properly to assimulate.
BUTTER. 

DISEASES. 17
BUTTER ought likewise to be sparingly given to children.
It both relaxes the stomach, and produces gross humours.
Indeed, most things that are fat or oily, have the same ef-
fect. Butter, when salted, becomes still more hurtful. In-
stead of butter, so plentifully eat by children in most parts
of Britain, we would recommend honey. Honey is not only
more wholesome than butter, but likewise cheaper. It is
cooling, cleansing, and tends to sweeten the humours;
whereas butter is just the reverse. Children who eat honey
are seldom troubled with worms. They are also less subject
to the common cutaneous diseases, as itch, scabbed-head, &c.
MANY people err in thinking the diet of children should
be always moist. When children live entirely upon slops,
it relaxes their solids, renders them weak, and predisposes
them to rickets, scrophulas, and other glandular disorders.
Relaxation is one of the most general causes of the diseases
of children. Every thing therefore which tends to unbrace
their bodies ought to be carefully avoided.
WE would not be understood as confining children to
any particular kind of food. Their diet may be frequently
varied, provided regard be had to simplicity. Whatever
food we are most accustomed to in youth, we generally love
during life. For this reason children should have a little
of any kind of food that is plain and wholesome, lest they
should contract an aversion for it, and afterwards be under
the necessity of using it.
OF THE EXERCISE OF CHILDREN.
OF all the causes which conspire to render the lives of
children short and miserable, none has greater influence
than the want of proper exercise: Healthy parents, whole-
some food, and proper cloathing, will avail little where it is
neglected. Enough of exercise will make up for several
other defects; but nothing can supply the want of it. It
is absolutely necessary to the health, the growth, and the
strength of children.
THE desire of exercise is almost co-eval with life itself.
Were this principle attended to, many diseases might be
prevented. But while indolence and sedentary employ-
ments keep two thirds of mankind from either taking ex-
ercise themselves, or giving it to their children, what have
we to expect: but diseases and deformity among their off-
spring? The rickets, so destructive to children, never ap-
C peared 

18 OF PREVENTING
peared in Britain till manufactures began to flourish, and
people, attracted by the love of gain, left the country to
follow sedentary employments in great towns. It is amongst
these people that this disease chiefly prevails, and not only
deforms, but kills many of their offspring.
THE analogy of other animals shews that children re-
quire exercise. Every creature endeavours to make use of
its organs as soon as it can, and many of them, even when
under no necessity of moving in quest of food, cannot be re-
trained without force. This is evidently the case with the
calf, the lamb, and many other young animals. If these
creatures were not permitted to frisk about, and take ex-
ercise, they would soon die. The same inclination appears
very early in the human species; but as they are not able
to take exercise themselves, it is the business of their parents
or nurses to assist them.
CHILDREN may be exercised various ways. The best me-
thod, while light, is to carry them about in the nurse's
arms. This gives the nurse an opportunity of talking to the
child, and of pointing out every thing that may please and
delight its fancy. It is much safer than swinging an infant
in a machine, or leaving it to the care of such as are not fit
to take care of themselves. Nothing can be more foolish
than to set one child to keep another; that has proved fatal
to many infants, and has rendered others lame for life.
WHEN children begin to walk, the safest and best method
of leading them about is by the hands. The common way
of swinging children by strings fixed to their backs, has
many bad consequences. It makes them throw their bo-
dies foreward, and press with their whole weight upon the
breast: by that means the breathing is obstructed, the breast
flattened, and the bowels compressed. This hurts the di-
gestion, and occasions consumptions of the lungs, and other
diseases.
IT is a common notion, that if children be set upon their
feet too soon, their legs will become crooked. There is
reason to believe, that the very reverse of this is true. Eve-
ry member acquires strength in proportion as it is exercised.
The limbs of children are weak indeed, but their bodies are
proportionably light; and had they skill to direct them-
selves, they would soon be able to support their own weight.
Who ever heard of any other animal that became crooked
by using its legs too soon? Indeed if a child be not permit-
ted to make use of its legs till a considerable time after the
birth, 


DISEASES. 19
birth, and be then set upon them with its whole weight at
once, there may be some danger of hurting it; but this
proceeds intirely from the child's not having been accustom-
ed to use its legs from the beginning.
MOTHERS of the poorer sort think they gain a great deal
by making their children lie or sit while they work, in this
they are greatly mistaken. By neglecting to give their chil-
dren exercise, they are obliged to keep them a long time
before they can do any thing for themselves, and to spend
more on medicine than would have paid for proper care,
while it can never supply its place. To take care of their
children, is the most profitable business in which even the
poor can employ themselves: But alas! it is not always in
their power. Poverty often obliges them to neglect their
offspring, in order to procure the necessaries of life. When
that is the case, it becomes the interest as well as the duty
of the public to assist them. Ten thousand times more be-
nefit would accrue to the state, by enabling the poor to bring
up their own children, than from all the *hospitals that
ever can be erected for that purpose.
WHOEVER considers the structure of the human body,
will soon be convinced of the necessity of exercise for the
health of children. The body is composed of an infinite
number of vessels, whose contents cannot be pushed on with-
out the action and pressure of the muscles. But if the fluids
remain inactive, obstructions must happen, and the humours
will of course be vitiated, which cannot fail to occasion dis-
eases. Nature has furnished both the vessels which carry the
blood and lymph with numerous valves, in order that the
action of every muscle might push forward their contents;
but without action this admirable contrivance can have no
effect. The final cause of this part of the animal œconomy
proves the necessity of exercise for the preservation of health.
ARGUMENTS to shew the importance of exercise might
be drawn from every part of the animal œconomy: With-
C 2 out
* If we make it the interest of the poor to keep their offspring
alive, we shall lose very few of them. This I have had many oppor-
tunities of observing. A small premium given to the poor annually
for every child they have alive, would save more infant-lives than
if the whole revenues of the nation were expended on hospitals for
that purpose. This would make the poor esteem fertility a blessing;
whereas many of them think it the greatest curse that can befal
them; and in place of withing their children to live, so far does po-
verty get the better of natural affection, that they are very happy
when they die. 

20 OF PREVENTING
out exercise the circulation of the blood cannot be properly
carried on, nor the different secretions duly performed;
without exercise the humours cannot be properly prepared,
nor the solids rendered strong or firm. The action of the
heart, the motion of the lungs, and all the vital functions
are greatly assisted by exercise. But to point out the man-
ner in which these effects are produced, would lead us far-
ther into the œconomy of the human body, than most of
those for whom this treatise is intended, would be able to
follow. We shall therefore only add, that where exercise
is neglected, none of the animal functions can be duly per-
formed; and when that is the case, the whole constitution
must go to wreck.
CERTAINLY our first object in the management of chil-
dren ought to be a good constitution. This lays a founda-
tion for their being useful and happy in life; and whoever
neglects it, not only fails in his duty to his offspring, but
to society.
ONE very common error of parents, by which they hurt
the constitutions of their children, is sending them too
young to school. This is often done solely to prevent
trouble. When the child is at school, he needs no keeper.
Thus the schoolmaster is made the nurse; and the poor
child is nailed to a seat seven or eight hours a-day, which
ought to be spent in exercise and diversions. Sitting so long
cannot fail to produce the worst effects upon the body; nor
is the mind less injured. Early application weakens the fa-
culties, and often fixes in the mind such an aversion from
books as can never be removed.
BUT suppose this were the way to make children scholars,
that ought not to be done at the expence of their constitu-
tions. Our ancestors, who seldom went to school before
they were men, were not less learned than we. But we
imagine the boy's education will be quite lost unless he be
carried to school in his nurse's arms. No wonder if such
hot bed plants seldom become either scholars or men!
NOT only the confinement in public schools, but the
number often proves extremely hurtful. Children are much
injured by being kept in crowds within doors; their breath-
ing not only renders the place unwholesome; but if any one
of them happens to be diseased, the rest catch the infection.
A single child has been often known to communicate the
bloody-flux, the hooping-cough, the itch, or other diseases
to almost every individual in a numerous school.
BUT

DISEASES. 21
But if fashion will prevail, and infants must be sent to
school, we would earnestly recommend to teachers, as they
value the interests of society, not to confine them too long
at a time; but to permit them to run about and play at such
active diversions as may promote their growth and improve
their constitutions. Were boys, instead of being whipped,
for stealing an hour to run, ride, swim, or the like, encou-
raged to employ their time in these manly and useful ex-
ercises, it would have many excellent effects.
IT would likewise be of great service to boys, if at a pro-
per age, they were all taught the military exercise. This
would improve their strength, courage, and agility; and,
when their country called for their assistance, it would enable
them to act in her defence, without being obliged to under-
go a tedious and troublesome course of instructions, at a time
when they are less fit to learn new motions, gestures, &c.
AN effeminate education will infallibly spoil the best na-
tural constitution; and, if boys are brought up in a more
delicate manner than even girls ought to be, they never will
be men.
BUT the common education of girls is no less hurtful to
the constitution than that of boys. Miss is set down to her
frame, before she can put on her cloaths; and is taught to
believe, that to excel at the needle is the only thing that can
intitle her to general esteem. It is unnecessary here to in-
sist upon the dangerous consequences of obliging girls to sit
too much. They are pretty well known, and are too often
felt at a certain time of life. But suppose this critical pe-
riod to be got over, greater dangers still await them when
they come to be mothers. Women who have been early
accustomed to a sedentary life, generally run great hazard in
childbed; while those who have been used to romp about,
and take enough of exercise, are seldom in any danger.
ONE hardly meets with a girl who can, at the same time,
boast of early performances by the needle, and a good con-
stitution. Close and early confinement generally occasions
indigestions, headache, pale complexions, pain of the sto-
mach, loss of appetite, coughs, consumptions of the lungs,
and deformity of body. The latter indeed is not to be
wondered at, considering the aukward postures in which
girls sit at many kinds of needle-work, and the delicate
flexible state of their bodies in the early periods of life.
WOULD mothers, instead of having their daughters in-
structed in many useless accomplishments, teach them plain
work

22 OF PREVENTING
work and housewifery, allowing them enough of time to
run about, they would both make them better mothers and
more useful members of society. I am no enemy to gen-
teel accomplishments, but would have them only con-
sidered as secondary, and always disregarded when they
impair health.
MANY people imagine it a great advantage for children
to be early taught to gain their bread. This opinion is
certainly right, provided they be so employed as not to
hurt their health or growth; but, when these suffer, so-
ciety, in place of being gainers, are real losers by their
labour. There are few employments, except sedentary
ones, by which children can earn a livelihood; and, if
they be set to those too soon, it ruins their constitutions.
Thus, by gaining a few years from childhood, we generally
lose twice as many in the other periods of life, and even
render the person less valuable while he does live.
IN order to be satisfied of the truth of this observation,
one needs only look into the great manufacturing towns,
where he will find a puny degenerate race of people, weak
and sickly all their lives, seldom exceeding the middle pe-
riod of life; or, if they do, being unfit for business, they
become a burden to society. Thus, arts and manufactures,
though they may increase the riches of a country, are by
no means favourable to the health of its inhabitants.
Good policy would therefore require, that such people
as labour during life, should not be set too early to work.
Every person conversant in the breeding of horses, or
other work-animals, knows, that, if they be set to hard
labour too soon, they never will turn out to advantage.
This is equally true with respect to the human species.
THERE are nevertheless various ways of employing young
people, without hurting their health. The easier parts of
gardening, husbandry, or any business carried on without
doors, are most proper. These are employments that most
young people are fond of, and some parts of them may al-
ways be adapted to their age, taste and strength.
SUCH parents, however, as are under the necessity of
employing their children within doors, ought to allow them
enough of time for active diversions. This would both
encourage them to do more work, and prevent their con-
stitutions from being hurt.
SOME imagine, that exercise within doors is sufficient;
but they are greatly mistaken. One hour spent in running,
or 

DISEASES. 23
or any other exercise without doors, is worth ten within.
When children cannot go abroad, they ought indeed to be
exercised at home. The best method of doing this, is to
make them run about in a long room, or dance. This
last kind of exercise, if not carried to excess, is of ex-
cellent service to young people. It cheers the spirit, pro-
motes perforation, strengthens the limbs, &c. An eminent
physician used to say, that he made his children dance, in-
stead of giving them physic. It were well, if more people
followed his example.
AS many of the chronic diseases of children might be
prevented by the prudent use of the COLD BATH, we
shall point out some of those mistakes which commonly
prevent its having the desired effect.
THE Cold Bath may be considered as an aid to exercise.
By it the body is braced and strengthened, the circulation
and secretions promoted, and, were it conducted with pru-
dence, many diseases, as the rickets, scrophula, &c. might
thereby be prevented. The antients, who took every me-
thod to render children hardy and robust, were no stran-
gers to the use of the cold bath; and, if we may judge
from the great number of consecrated wells in this island,
many of which possess no other virtues but those of cold
water, yet are said to have been famous for curing the dis-
eases of children, we will see cause to believe, that the
practice of immersing children in cold water must have
been very common amongst our ancestors.
SO far as I have been able to observe, the cold bath does
as much mischief as good; but that is owing to the want
of due care in using it. Children born of delicate patients
are not suddenly to be plunged over the head in cold wa-
ter. They must be gradually brought to it by using tepid
water at first, and making it a little cooler every time they
are bathed, till by degrees they be able to bear it quite
cold. Children afflicted with internal diseases, as inflam-
mations or obstructions of the breast, bowels, &c. ought
not to be bathed in cold water. No child should be put
into the cold bath, when its body is hot, nor immediately
after a meal.
IT is next to impossible to bring nurses to make a proper
use of the cold bath: Their prejudices are so strong and
deep-rooted, that no reasoning is able to bring them off
their own way. I have known some of them, who would
not dry a child's skin after bathing it, lest it should destroy
the 
  

24 OF PREVENTING
the effect of the water. Others will even put cloaths dipt
in the water upon the child, and either put it to bed, or
suffer it to go about in that condition. Some nurses be-
lieve, that the whole virtue of the water depends upon its
being dedicated to some particular faint. These will carry
a child 40, 50, or 100 miles to have it once dipt in a cer-
tain well; and this is to cure it of whatsoever disease it la-
bours under. Others place their confidence in a certain
number of dips, as three, seven, nine, or the like, and
the world could not persuade them, if these do not suc-
ceed, to try it a little longer.
THUS, by the whims and caprice of nurses, a valuable
medicine is lost, and the physician is often disappointed in
his hopes by their misconduct. When the cold bath is used
as a medicine, it ought always to be by the advice of a phy-
sician, and the nurse should adhere strictly to his directions.
I have seen wonderful cures in the most obstinate scrophu-
lous cases performed by the cold bath. The salt water in
this case is always to be preferred. That will succeed where
all other medicines have failed.
EVERY child, when in health, ought to have its extre-
mities at least washed with cold water daily. This is a
partial use of the cold bath, and is better than none. In
winter this may suffice; but in the warm season, if a child
be relaxed, or seem to have a tendency to the rickets or
scrophula, its whole body ought to be daily immersed in
cold water. Care however must be taken not to do this
when the body is hot, or the stomach full. The child
should be dipt only once at a time, should be taken out
immediately, and have its skin well rubbed with a dry
cloth.                                            
OF THE BAD EFFECTS OF UNWHOLESOME
AIR UPON CHILDREN.
FEW things are more destructive to children than con-
fined or unwholesome air. This is one reason why so few
of those infants live who are put into hospitals, or parish-
workhouses. These places are generally crowded with old,
sickly and infirm people. By that means the air is ren-
dered so extremely pernicious, that it becomes a poison to
infants.
WANT of wholesome air is likewise destructive to many
of the children born in great towns. There the poorer sort
of     

DISEASES. 25
of inhabitants live in low, dirty, confined houses, where
the fresh air has no access. Though up-grown people, who
are hardy and robust, may live for a number of years in
such situations, yet they generally prove fatal to their off-
spring, few of whom arrive at maturity, and those who do,
are weak and deformed. Such people, not being able to
carry their children abroad into the open air, we must lay
our account with losing the greater part of their progeny.
But the rich have not that excuse. It is their business to
see that their children be daily carried abroad, and that they
be kept in the open air for a sufficient time. This will suc-
ceed better, if the mother goes along with them. Servants
are often negligent in these matters, and allow a child to
sit or lie on the damp ground, in place of leading or carry-
ing it about. The mother surely needs air as well as her
children; and how can she be better employed than in at-
tending them? Some may think this office below their
dignity; but I know no situation in which a mother ap-
pears to such advantage, as when surrounded by a circle of
healthy children.
A very bad custom prevails of making children sleep in
small apartments, or crowding two or three beds into one
chamber. In place of that, the nursery ought always to
be the largest and best aired room in the house. When
children are confined in small apartments, the air is not
only unwholesome, but such places being generally too
hot, their bodies are relaxed, and this disposes them to
catch cold when they go abroad, and has many other
bad effects.
CHILDREN who are kept within doors all day, and sleep
all night in warm close apartments, may, with great pro-
priety, be compared to plants nursed in a hot-house, in
place of the open air. Though such plants, by extraor-
dinary care, may be kept alive for some time; yet they
never will arrive at that degree of strength, vigour and
magnitude, which they would have done in the open air,
nor would they be able to bear it afterwards, should they
be exposed to it.
CHILDREN brought up in the country, who have been
accustomed to fresh open air, should not be too early sent
to great towns, where the air is confined and unwhole-
some. This is frequently done with a view to forward
their education, but proves very hurtful to health. Those
who are grown up, do not suffer near so much from bad
D air 
  

26 OF PREVENTING
air as young persons. All schools and seminaries of learn-
ing ought to be so situated as to have fresh, dry, whole-
some air, and should never be too much crowded.
WITHOUT entering into a detail of the particular ad-
vantages of wholesome air to children, we shall only ob-
serve, that when they enjoy that blessing, they generally
sleep well, eat well, and thrive accordingly. It braces
and strengthens their bodies, enlivens their spirits, and
every way promotes their growth and health.
OF NURSES.
NURSES are guilty of many faults, which prove fatal to
infants. It is therefore the duty of parents to watch over
their conduct with the greatest care, and to be extremely
cautious in the choice of them.
ONE of the most common faults of nurses is to dose
children with stupifactives, or such things as lull them
asleep. An indolent nurse, who does not give a child
enough of exercise in the open air to make it sleep, and
does not choose to be disturbed by it in the night, will sel-
dom fail to procure for it a dose of laudanum, diacodium,
saffron, or, what answers the same end, a dram of spirits,
or other strong liquors. These, though they be certain
poison to children, are every day administered by many
who bear the character of very good nurses.
A nurse who has not enough of milk, is apt to imagine,
that she can supply that defect by giving the child wines,
cordial waters, or other strong liquors. This is an egre-
gious mistake. The only thing that has any chance to
supply the place of the nurse's milk, must be somewhat
nearly of the same quality, as cow's milk, ass's milk, or
the like, with good bread. It never can be done by the
help of strong liquors. These, in place of nourishing an
infant, never fail to produce the contrary effect.
CHILDREN are often hurt by nurses permitting them to
cry long and vehemently. This strains their tender bo-
dies, and frequently occasions ruptures, inflammations of
the throat, lungs, &c. The nurse who can hear an infant
cry till it has almost exhausted itself, without endeavouring
to please it, must be cruel indeed, and is unworthy to be
trusted with the care of a human creature.
NURSES who deal much in medicine, are always to be
suspected. They trust to it, and neglect their duty. I
never

DISEASES. 27
never knew a good nurse who had her Godfrey's cordials,
Daffy's elixirs, &c. at hand. Such generally imagine, that
a dose of these will make up for all defects in food, air,
exercise, cleanliness, &c.
A very pernicious custom of indolent nurses is the al-
lowing of children to continue long wet. This is not
only disagreeable, but it galls and frets the infant, and by
relaxing the solids, occasions scrophulas, rickets, and other
fatal diseases.
NATURE often attempts to free the bodies of children
from bad humours, by throwing them out upon the skin:
By that means fevers, and other diseases are prevented.
Nurses are apt to mistake such critical eruptions for an itch,
or some other infectious disorder. Accordingly they take
every method to drive them in. In this way many children
lose their lives; and no wonder, as nature is opposed in
the very method that she took to relieve them. It ought
to be a rule which every nurse should observe, never to stop
any eruption without proper advice, or being well assured,
that it is not of a critical nature. At any rate it is never
to be done without previous evacuations.
LOOSE stools is another method by which nature often
prevents the diseases of infants. If these proceed too far,
no doubt they ought to be checked; but this is never to be
done without the greatest caution. Nurses, upon the first
appearance of loose stools, frequently fly to the use of
astringents, or such things as bind the belly. Thus in-
flammations, fevers, and other fatal diseases are brought on.
A dose of rhubarb, a gentle vomit, or some other evacua-
tion, should always precede the use of astringent medicines.
ONE of the greatest faults of nurses is concealing the
diseases of children from their parents. This they are
extremely ready to do, especially when the disease is the
effect of their own negligence. Every person must have
seen instances of people who were lame for life, by a fall
out of the nurse's arms, while she, through fear, conceal-
ed the misfortune till it was past cure. Every parent who
intrusts a nurse with the care of a child, ought to give
her the strictest charge not to conceal the most trifling dis-
order or misfortune that may befal it. Parents, instead of
being angry, when a nurse informs them of such accidents,
ought to reward her for her honesty; this would encourage
her to do the same upon other occasions. We can see no
reason why a nurse should not be punished who conceals
D 2 any

28 OF PREVENTING
any disorder or misfortune that happens to a child under her
care, till it loses its life. A few examples of this would save
many infant lives; but as there is little reason to expect,
that it ever will be the case, we would earnestly recommend
it to all parents to look carefully after their children, and
not to trust so valuable a treasure entirely in the hands of
an hireling.                                        
THESE, and many other faults, being daily committed
by those who have the care of children, it ought surely to
rouse the attention of all parents who have any regard for
their offspring, and to make them very circumspect in the
choice of those into whose hands they commit them.
They ought at least to take care that a nurse be sober,
cleanly, honest, healthy, not too young, nor the contrary;
that she have the necessaries of life, and a comfortable ha-
bitation, &c.
WERE it practicable to have all children nursed and
educated in the country, we should lose very few of them.
One seldom sees a country-farmer without a numerous off-
spring, most of whom arrive at maturity. Many things
conspire to that end. The children of these people are
generally nursed by their mothers; they eat plain whole-
some food, enjoy the benefit of fresh air, and have enough
of proper exercise; they have rural sports and pastimes
suited to their age, and as they grow up, find employments
adapted to their strength, agreeable to their inclinations,
and conducive to their health. They learn industry and so-
briety from their parents, and seldom fail to practise these
virtues for life. In fine, we cannot help joining with the
learned Mr. Locke*, in recommending the example of
these people as a model to all in the management of their
children.
As many people can understand the meaning of a short rule,
who are not able to attend to a chain of reasoning, we shall
reduce the leading principles of nursing under the following
general heads.
1. EVERY mother ought to suckle her own child, if
she can do it with safety.
2. A weak, consumptive, nervous, or hysteric mother
ought not to give suck, where a healthy nurse can be had.
3. No
* On Education. 

DISEASES. 29
3. No child should be brought up without the breast, if
it be possible to obtain a proper nurse.
4. The cloaths of an infant should be soft, light, loose
and easy for its body. They ought to be fattened on with
strings rather than pins.
5. The cloths of children ought to be kept very clean.
6. A new born infant should not be kept too hot.
7. AN infant should be permitted to suck as soon as it
shows an inclination for the breast.
8. AN infant should neither be crammed with food nor
physic as soon as it is born; but permitted to lie quiet for
some time, in order to recover the fatigue of the birth, &c.
9. IF an infant must have food before it sucks, let it be
water-pap mixed with new milk, free of all wines, sugars,
spiceries, or the like.
10. WHILE the child sucks, it seldom needs much of
any other food. It will however be right, about the third
or fourth month, to begin to give it once or twice a-day
a little of some food that is light and easy of digestion.
This will make the weaning both less troublesome and
dangerous.
11. A child should not be weaned all at once, but by
degrees; as all sudden changes in the diet of children are
dangerous.
12. THE food of children ought at all times to be
simple, but nourishing. It should consist of a proper mix-
ture of animal and vegetable substances.
13. CHILDREN should not be permitted to eat too much
fruit, or roots of any kind; but all sorts of green trash
ought to be kept from them with the greatest care.
14. CHILDREN ought not to be pinched in their food.
They require to eat oftener than adults.—If their food be
simple, and they know that they can have it when hungry,
they will seldom or never eat more than enough.
15. As soon as children can take exercise, they ought to
be allowed as much as they please; till then it is the busi-
ness of the nurse to carry and toss them about.
16. A nurse ought not only to carry an infant about,
but to divert and amuse it so as to keep it in good humour.
17. AN infant should never be suffered to cry long and
vehemently.
18. ERUPTIONS, or looseness in children, ought not to
be stopt, but with the greatest caution.
19. NURSES

30 OF PREVENTING
19. NURSES should use no means to force children to
sleep; but they may always be permitted to take as much
as they please.
20. CHILDREN ought never to have medicine unless
they are diseased.
21. CHILDREN should neither be too early set to school,
nor confined to any mechanical employment within doors.
22. SCHOOLMASTERS, and all who have the care of
youth, should allow them plenty of time for exercise and
diversions.
23. ALL children should be nursed and educated in the
country, if possible. When that cannot be done, they
ought to be carried abroad every day, and kept for a suff-
cient time in the open air.
24. THE children of delicate and diseased parents must
be managed with more care than those of the hardy and
robust.
25. A mother should never abandon her child solely to
the care of a mercenary nurse.
LET no one imagine these matters unworthy of his at-
tention. On the proper management of children depend
not only their health and usefulness in life, but likewise
the safety and prosperity of the state to which they be-
long. Effeminacy ever must prove the ruin of any king-
dom; and when its foundations are laid in infancy, it
can never afterwards be wholely eradicated. We would
therefore recommend to all who wish well to their country,
to study every method to render their offspring strong and
healthy.
- By arts like these,
Laconia nurs'd of old her hardy sons;
And Rome's unconquer'd legions urg'd their way,
Unhurt, thro' every toil in every clime*.
* ARMSTRONG on health.
CHAP. 

DISEASES. 31
CHAP. II.
OF ADULTS.
HAVING endeavoured to point out some of the
sources from which the diseases and mortality of in-
fants proceed, we shall next take a view of the more ge-
neral causes of diseases, or such things as endanger the
health of mankind in the more advanced periods of life.
No man, however careful, can at all times avoid dis-
eases; yet nothing is more certain than that many of them,
and those too of the most dangerous nature, are often ow-
ing to the want of care. The smallest causes, when ne-
glected, generally produce the greatest effects. This is
strictly true with respect to diseases. A little care would
often prevent what no medicine can cure.
THE most common cause of diseases in this island is
an obstructed perspiration, or what commonly goes by the
name of CATCHING COLD. The perspiration is by far
the most considerable discharge from the body; and so long
as it goes on properly, we have seldom any complaints;
but when it is obstructed, the health must suffer. Men
being less sensible of this than of the other evacuations,
are consequently not so attentive to the various causes
which obstruct it: We shall therefore point out some of
the most considerable of them, in order to put people upon
their guard.
COMMON CAUSES OF CATCHING COLD.
COLDS are often occasioned by sudden changes in the
atmosphere. There is no country where such changes hap-
pen more frequently than in Britain. The degrees of heat
and cold are not only various in the different seasons of the
year, but often change from the one extreme to the other
in a few days, and sometimes even in the course of one
day. As these changes cannot fail to increase or diminish
the perspiration, they must of course affect the health.
THE best method of fortifying the body against the
changes of the weather, is to be abroad every day. Those
who keep much within doors, are most liable to catch cold.
Such 
  

32 OF PREVENTING
Such people feel even the slightest changes in the atmos-
phere, and by their coughs, pains and oppressions of the
breast, &c. become a kind of living barometers.
THE frequent changes of the weather ought to make
us cautious in changing our apparel. All persons, but
especially the valetudinary, should be careful not to put off
their winter-garments too soon, nor to wear their summer
ones too long. The commencement of our warm season
is so uncertain, that a few hot days in April or May often
make us believe summer is arrived; when all of a sudden
the weather sets in more intensely cold than at Christmas.
The like sudden changes frequently happen in September
or October; and where no care is taken to guard against
their influence, the gout, rheumatisms, fluxes and fevers
often ensue.
LABOURERS frequently suffer by not attending to the
changes of the weather. They strip to work while it is
warm, but neglect to put on their cloaths when it grows
cold; some are even thought less enough to disregard being
wet; such however, in the end, generally find cause to re-
pent their fool-hardiness.
NOTHING more certainly obstructs the perspiration than
WET CLOATHS. Nor is the most robust constitution proof
against their effects. The perspiration is not only ob-
structed by wet cloaths, but the moisture is likewise ab-
sorbed, which greatly encreases the danger.
IT is impossible for people who go abroad, always to
avoid being wet. But the danger might generally be les-
sened, if not wholely prevented, by changing their cloaths
soon; when that cannot be done, they should keep in mo-
tion till they dry. So far are many from observing this
rule, that they will sit, or even lie down in the fields with
their cloaths wet, and frequently sleep whole nights in that
condition. Every person must have known instances of
fevers, rheumatisms, and even consumptions, brought on
in this way. Though these happen daily, yet they are not
sufficient to deter others from the like conduct.
EVEN wet feet often occasion fatal diseases. Coughs, in-
flammations of the breast, and ulcers in the lungs, frequent-
ly proceed from that cause. The cholic, a fit of the gout,
the iliac passion, and cholera morbus, are likewise often oc-
casioned by wet feet. Habit will, no doubt, render this
less dangerous; but it ought, as far as possible, to be
avoided. The delicate, and those who are not accustomed
to 

DISEASES. 33
to have their cloaths or feet wet, should be peculiarly care-
ful in this respect.
THE perspiration is often obstructed by NIGHT-AIR;
the absence of the sun renders it damp and foggy. Even
in summer the night-air ought to be avoided. The dews
which fall plentifully after the hottest day, make the night
more dangerous than when the weather is cool. Hence,
in warm countries the dews are more hurtful than where
the climate is more temperate.
IT is very agreeable indeed, after a warm day, to be
abroad in the cool evening; but this is a pleasure to be
avoided by all who value their health. The effects of
evening dews are gradual and almost imperceptible; but
they are not the less to be dreaded: We would therefore
advise travellers, labourers, and all who are much heated
by day, carefully to avoid them. When the perspiration
has been great, these become dangerous in proportion: By
not attending to this, in flat marshy countries, where the
exhalations and dews are copious, labourers often catch
intermitting fevers, quinsies, and the like.
DAMP BEDS seldom fail to obstruct the perspiration.
Beds become damp, either from want of use, standing in
damp houses, or in rooms without fire. Nothing is more
to be dreaded by travellers than damp beds, which are very
common in all places where feuel is scarce. When a tra-
veller cold and wet arrives at an inn, he may by means of
a good fire, and a dry bed, have the perspiration restored;
but if he be put into a cold room, and laid on a damp bed,
it will be more obstructed, and the worst consequences must
ensue. Travellers should avoid inns which are noted for
damp beds, as they would a house infected with the plague;
as no man, however robust, is proof against the danger
arising from them.
BUT inns are not the only places where damp beds are
to be met with. Beds kept in private families for the re-
ception of strangers, are no less dangerous. All kinds of
linen and bedding, when not frequently used, become
damp. How then is it possible, that beds which are not
slept in above two or three times a-year, should be other-
wise? Nothing is more common than to hear of people
having caught cold by changing their bed. The reason is
obvious. Were they careful never to sleep on a bed but
what was frequently used, they would seldom find any ill
consequences from a change.
E No- 

34 OF PREVENTING
NOTHING is more to be dreaded by a delicate person,
when on a visit, than being laid in the guest-chamber.
That ill-judged piece of complaisance becomes a real in-
jury. All the bad consequences from this quarter might
be easily prevented in private families, by causing their ser-
vants to sleep in the spare beds, and to resign them to stran-
gers when they come. This is the custom of many families
in London, and we would earnestly recommend it to all
who value the health of their friends. In inns where the
beds are used almost every night, nothing else is necessary
than to keep the rooms well seasoned by frequent fires, and
the linen dry.
DAMP houses frequently produce the like ill conse-
quences. For this reason those who build, should be care-
ful to chuse a dry situation. A house which stands on a
damp marshy soil, must be hurtful to the health of the in-
habitants. Not only a marshy soil, but being situated in
the neighbourhood of large woods, lakes, or standing wa-
ter, must make a house damp. Large woods both prevent
the free current of air, and send forth great quantities of
moist exhalations, which render all places near them un-
wholesome. This is one reason why new discovered coun-
tries commonly prove unhealthy, till they be cleared of
their woods. Even in England, at this day, there is great-
ly more planting in several parts than is either conducive
to the fertility of the soil, or the health of its inhabitants.
This taste, instead of being any improvement, is the way
to reduce the country back to its original state, and to
render the climate less healthy than it otherwise would be.
COLD is not near so hurtful to the health as moisture.
Cold, in a moderate degree, braces and strengthens the
body; but moisture relaxes and pre-disposes it to diseases.
That is the reason why intermittents and other fevers are so
frequent in low, damp, marshy countries abounding with
woods and standing water. This likewise shews the danger
of inhabiting new houses before they be thoroughly dry.
Nothing is more common than for people, merely to avoid
some trifling inconveniency, to hazard their lives, by in-
habiting a house almost as soon as the masons, plaisterers
&c. have done with it. Such houses are not only dangerous
from their dampness, but likewise from the smell of lime,
paints, &c. The asthma's, consumptions, and other dis-
eases of the lungs, so common to people who work in these
articles, are a plain proof of their being unwholesome.
HOUSES

DISEASES. 35
HOUSES are often rendered damp by an unseasonable
piece of cleanliness, I mean the ridiculous custom of
washing rooms immediately before company is put into
them. Many people are sure to catch cold, if they fit but
a short while in a room that has been lately washed. The
delicate ought carefully to avoid such a situation, and even
the robust would run less hazard by sitting without doors.
People who are accustomed to live in dry houses, ought, as
far as possible, to shun damp ones, and by all means not
to continue long in rooms that have been lately washed.
ALL houses, unless where the ground is extremely dry,
should have the first floor a little raised. Such servants as
are obliged to live for the most part in cellars and sunk sto-
ries, seldom continue long in health; and surely masters
ought to pay some regard to the health of their servants as
well as to their own.
EVEN houses which are built for the poor, ought to be
dry. These people generally live on the ground-floor, and
if it be damp, they must suffer. This is one cause of the
aches, cramps and rheumatic pains, which poor people are
so subject to in the decline of life.
BUT nothing so frequently obstructs the perspiration as
SUDDEN TRANSITIONS from heat to cold. Colds are seldom
caught, unless when people have been too much heated.
Heat rarifies the blood, quickens the circulation, and in-
creases the perspiration; but when these are suddenly
checked, the consequences must be bad. It is indeed im-
possible for labourers not to be too hot upon certain occa-
sions; but it is generally in their power to put on their
cloaths when they leave off work, to make choice of a dry
place to rest themselves in, and to avoid falling asleep in the
fields. These easy rules, if observed, would save many
useful lives.                                       
NOTHING is more common than for people, when hot,
to drink freely of cold small liquors. This conduct is ex-
tremely dangerous. Thirst indeed is hard to bear, and the
inclination to gratify that appetite, frequently gets the bet-
ter of reason, and makes us do what our judgment disap-
proves. Every peasant knows, if his horse be permitted to
drink his belly full of cold water after violent exercise,
and be immediately put into the stable, or suffered to remain
at rest, that it will kill him. This they take the utmost
care to prevent. It were well, if they were equally atten-
tive to their own safety.                         
E 2 THIRST

36 OF PREVENTING
THIRST may be quenched many ways without swallow-
ing large quantities of cold liquor. The fields afford variety
of acid fruits and plants, the very chewing of which would
abate thirst. Water kept in the mouth for some time, and
spit out again, if frequently repeated, will have the same
effect. If a bit of bread be eat along with a few mouth-
fuls of water, it will both quench thirst more effectually,
and make the danger less. When a person is extremely
hot, a mouthful of brandy, or other spirits, ought to be
preferred to any thing else, if it can be obtained. But if
any one has been so foolish, when hot, as to drink freely
of cold liquor, he ought to continue his exercise at least,
till what he drank be thoroughly warmed upon his sto-
mach.
IT would be tedious to enumerate all the bad effects
which flow from drinking cold thin liquors when the body
is hot. Sometimes this has occasioned immediate death.
Hoarseness, quinseys, and fevers of various kinds, are its
common consequences. Neither is it safe, when warm,
to eat freely of raw fruits, sallads, or the like. These indeed
have not so sudden an effect on the body as cold liquors,
but they are notwithstanding dangerous, and ought to be
avoided.
SITTING in a warm room, and drinking hot liquors till
the pores are quite open, and immediately going into the
cold air, is extremely dangerous. Colds, coughs, and in-
flammations of the breast, are the usual effects of this
conduct: Yet how common is it? Many people, after
having drank warm liquors for several hours, walk or ride
a number of miles in the coldest night; while others sit up
at their bottle all night, or ramble about in the streets.
Such conduct is one cause why coughs and colds are so
common in the winter-season.
PEOPLE are very apt, when a room is hot, to throw
open a window, and to sit near it. This is a most ready
way to catch cold. A delicate person had better sit with-
out doors than in such a situation, as the current of air is
directed against one particular part of the body. Inflam-
matory fevers and consumptions have often been occasioned
by sitting or standing thinly cloathed near an open window.
Nor is sleeping with open windows less to be dreaded. That
ought never to be done even in the hottest season. I have
known mechanics frequently contract fatal diseases, by
work- 

DISEASES. 37
working stript at an open window, and would advise all of
them to beware of such a practice.
NOTHING exposes people more to catch cold than keep-
ing their own houses too warm; such persons may be said
to live in a sort of hot-houses; they can hardly stir abroad
to visit a neighbour, but at the hazard of their lives.
Were there no other reason for keeping houses in a mode-
rate degree of warmth, that alone is sufficient. But no
house that is too hot, can be wholesome. Heat destroys
the spring and elasticity of the air, and renders it less fit
for expanding the lungs, and other purposes of respiration.
Hence it is, that consumptions and other diseases of the
lungs prove so fatal to people who work in forges, glass-
houses, and the like.
SOME are even so fool-hardy, as to bathe themselves,
when hot, in cold water. Not only fevers, but madness
itself, has frequently been the effect of this conduct. In-
deed it looks too like the action of a madman to deserve a
serious consideration.
WE shall conclude these observations on the common
causes of catching cold, by recommending it to every one
to avoid, with the utmost attention, all sudden transitions
from heat to cold, and to keep the body in as uniform a
temperature as possible; or, where that cannot be done, to
take care to cool gradually.
IT may be thought, that too strict an attention to these
things would tend to render people delicate. So far how-
ever is this from being our design, that the first rule laid
down for preventing colds, is to harden the body, by enur-
ing it daily to bear the open air.
It is a true saying, that colds kill more than plagues. On
examining patients, one finds most of them impute their dis-
eases either to violent colds, or to slight ones which had been
neglected. This shows the importance of guarding against
every thing that may obstruct the perspiration, and likewise
of using proper means immediately to remove such obstruc-
tion when it does happen. The want of due attention to
these costs Britain annually some thousands of useful lives.
UNWHOLESOME FOOD.
As our bodies consist of what we eat and drink, un- 
wholesome food must be dangerous. There is no question
but the whole constitution of body may be changed by
diet. 

38 OF PREVENTING
diet. This is often done more quickly than people would
imagine. A diet consisting too much of alkaline substances
will soon render the humours putrid. On the other hand,
if acids be used too freely, they will receive a taint of an
opposite nature. The solids may be relaxed or weakened
by the use of oily or watery substances, or they may be too
much constricted by eating spiceries, austere vegetables, &c.
IT is not easy to ascertain the exact quantity and quality
of food proper for every age, sex and constitution: But a
scrupulous nicety here is by no means necessary. The best
rule is to avoid all extremes. Mankind were never intend-
ed to weigh and measure their food. Nature teaches every
creature when it has enough of food, and a very small de-
gree of reason is sufficient for the choice of it. Men sel-
dom err in this respect through ignorance. The most
knowing are generally the most guilty.
THOUGH moderation be the only rule necessary with re-
spect to the quantity of food, yet the quality of it merits
further attention. Many people, if they can satisfy the
appetites of hunger and thirst, are very indifferent what
they eat or drink. The following observations will show
the danger of such conduct.
PROVISIONS may be rendered unwholesome various ways.
Bad seasons may either prevent the ripening of grain, or
damage it afterwards. Wet and cold summers seldom bring
the fruits of the earth to maturity; and if the harvest like-
wise prove rainy, they are often so damaged as to be very
hurtful. These indeed are acts of Providence; it is there-
fore our duty to submit to them. But surely no punishment
can be too severe for those who suffer provisions to be spoilt,
by hoarding them on purpose to enhance the price. The
soundest grain, if kept too long, must become unfit for use.
THE poor are generally the first who suffer by unsound
provisions: But the lives of the labouring poor are of the
greatest importance to the state. Besides, diseases occa-
sioned by unwholesome food often prove infectious, and by
that means reach people in every station. The poor judge
ill in buying low-priced and coarse provisions. They had
better have a smaller quantity of what is sound and good;
as that would both afford more nourishment, and be at-
tended with less danger.
ANIMAL as well as vegetable food becomes unwholesome
when kept too long. All animal substances have a constant
tendency to putrefaction, and when that has proceeded too
far, 
               

DISEASES. 39
far, they not only become offensive to the senses, but hurt-
ful to health. Diseased animals, and such as die of them-
selves, ought not to be eaten. It is common enough in
grasing countries for servants and poor people to eat such
animals as die of any disease in the spring or winter, or are
killed by accident. I have been frequently told by people
who live in places where this is done, that when much flesh
of that kind is eaten, it never fails to occasion fevers.
THE injunctions given to the Jews, not to eat any crea-
ture which died of itself, seem to have a strict regard to
health, and ought to be observed by Christians as well as
Jews. Animals never die of themselves without some pre-
vious disease; but how a diseased animal should be whole-
some food, is inconceivable. Even those which die by ac-
cident, must be hurtful, as their blood is mixed with the
flesh, and soon turns putrid.
ANIMALS which feed gross, as tame ducks, swine, &c.
are neither easily digested, nor afford wholesome nourish-
ment. No animal can be wholesome food which does not
take sufficient exercise. Most of our stalled cattle, hogs,
&c. are crammed with gross food, but not allowed exercise
nor free air, by which means they indeed grow fat, but
their humours not being properly prepared or assimulated,
they must remain crude. The flesh of an animal which
has not properly digested its own food, can never be easily
digested by another: Yet such are the delicacies of modern
luxury, and such the animals daily devoured even by the
weak and valetudinary. Is it any wonder, that such should
complain of crudities, indigestions, and oppression of the
spirits? Let them eat the same quantity of an animal
which runs wild, and they will not feel any load on their
stomach, or difficulty of digestion. We would not have
people live on carrion; but surely the opposite extreme of
eating animals which are gorged with gross food till they
are unfit to live, must be as pernicious.
ANIMALS may likewise be rendered unwholesome by
being over-heated. Heat causes a fever, exhalts the salts
of the animal, and mixes the blood so intimately with the
flesh, that it cannot be seperated. For this reason people
ought not to eat freely of such animals as are hunted
down, their flesh being apt to occasion putrid fevers. But-
chers should also be careful not to over-drive their cattle.
No person would choose to eat the flesh of an animal which
had died in a high fever; yet that is the case with all over-
drove

40 OF PREVENTING
drove cattle, and the fever is often raised even to the degree
of madness.
NO people in the world eat such quantities of animal
food as the English. That is one reason why they are so
generally tainted with the scurvy, and its numerous train
of consequences, as indigestion, low spirits, hypochon-
driacism, &c. Animal food was surely designed for man,
and with a proper mixture of vegetables, it will be found
the most wholesome; but to gorge beef, mutton, pork,
fish and fowl twice or thrice a-day, is certainly too much.
All who value health, ought to be contented with making
one flesh-meal in the twenty-four hours, and this ought to
consist of one kind only.
THE most obstinate scurvy has often been cured by a
vegetable diet; nay, milk alone will frequently do more
in that disease than any medicine. From hence it is evi-
dent, that if vegetables and milk were more used in diet,
we should have less scurvy, and likewise fewer putrid and
inflammatory fevers.
OUR aliment ought neither to be too moist, nor too dry.
Moist aliment relaxes the solids, and renders the body
feeble. Thus we see females who live much on tea and
other watery diet, generally become weak, and unable to
digest solid food; from whence proceed hysterics, and all
their dreadful consequences. On the other hand, food that
is too dry, renders the solids in a manner rigid, and the
humours viscid, which predisposes the body to inflamma-
tory fevers, scurvies, and the like.
THE arts of cookery render many things unwholesome,
which are not so in their own nature. By jumbling to-
gether a number of different ingredients, in order to make
a poignant sauce, or rich soup, the composition proves al-
most a poison. All high-seasoning, pickles, &c. are only
incentives to luxury, and never fail to hurt the stomach.
It were well for mankind, if cookery, as an art, were in-
tirely prohibited. Plain rosting or boiling is all that nature
points out, and all that the stomach requires. These alone
are sufficient for people in health, and the sick have still
less need of a cook.
THE liquid part of our aliment likewise claims our at-
tention. Water is not only the basis of most liquors, but
also composes a great part of our solid food. Good water
must therefore be of the greatest importance in diet. The
best water is that which is most pure, and free from any
mix- 

DISEASES. 41
mixture of foreign bodies. Water takes up parts of every
body with which it comes in contact; by which means it
is often impregnated with metals and minerals of a hurtful
or poisonous nature.
THE inhabitants of some hilly countries have peculiar
diseases, which in all probability proceed from the water.
Thus the people who live near the Alps in Switzerland,
and the inhabitants of the Peak of Derby in England, have
large tumours or wains on their necks. This disease is
generally imputed to the snow-water; but there is more
reason to believe it is owing to the minerals in the moun-
tains through which the waters pass. Were it owing to
the snow-water, it should happen to the inhabitants of all
mountainous countries, where snow lies long; but there
are many parts of Britain where the snow lies much longer
than in the Peak of Derby; yet the inhabitants have no
such disease. The Peak of Derby is well known to be a
bed of minerals of different kinds; and, as far as what is
called the mineral country extends, these tumours are com-
mon, and generally go by the name of Derbyshire-necks.
WHEN water is impregnated with foreign bodies, it ge-
nerally appears by its weight, colour, taste, smell, heat, or
some other sensible quality. Our business therefore is to
chuse such water, for common use, as is lightest, and
without any particular colour, taste or smell. In most
places of Britain the inhabitants have it in their power to
make choice of their water, and few things would contri-
bute more to health than a due attention to this article.
But mere indolence often induces people to make use of
the water that is nearest them, without considering its
qualities.
BEFORE water be brought into great towns, the strictest
attention ought to be paid to it's qualities, as epidemic dis-
tempers are often occasioned by bad water; and when it
has been procured at a great expence, we are unwilling to
give it up.
THE common methods of rendering water clear by fil-
tration, or soft by exposing it to the fun and air, &c. are
so generally known, that it is unnecessary to spend time in
explaining them. We shall only in general advise all to
avoid waters which stagnate long in small lakes, ponds, or
the like. Such waters often become putrid with insects and
other vermine, which breed and die in them. Even cattle
frequently suffer by drinking, in dry seasons, water which
F has 

42 OF PREVENTING
has stood long in small reservoirs, without being supplied
by springs, or freshened with showers. All wells ought to
be kept clean, and to have a free communication with the
air. When either animal or vegetable substances are suf-
fered to lie at the bottom of wells, they corrupt and taint
the water. Even the air itself, when confined in wells,
becomes poisonous, and must of course render the water
unwholesome.
MUCH noise has been made about the use of fermented
liquors. They notwithstanding still continue to be the
common drink of almost every person who can afford them.
As this is, and in all probability will be the case, we shall
rather endeavour to assist people in their choice of these
liquors, than pretend to condemn what custom has esta-
blished. It is not the moderate use of sound fermented
liquors which hurts mankind; it is excess, or the abuse of
them, and using such as are ill-prepared or vitiated.
FERMENTED liquors which are too strong hurt digestion,
instead of assisting it, by which means their intention is
lost, and the body, in place of being strengthened by them,
is weakened and relaxed. Many imagine, that hard labour
could not be supported without drinking strong liquors:
This, though a common, is a very erroneous notion. Men
who never taste strong liquors, are not only able to endure
more fatigue, but also live much longer than those who use
them daily. But suppose strong liquors did enable men to
do more work, they must nevertheless waste the powers of
life, and of course occasion premature old age. They keep
up a constant fever, which wastes the spirits, heats and
inflames the blood, and predisposes the body to number-
less diseases.
BUT fermented liquors may be too weak as well as too
strong: When that is the case, they must either be drank
new, or they become sour and dead. When such liquors
are drank new, the fermentation not being over, they ge-
nerate air in the bowels, and occasion flatulencies; and
when kept till stale, they sour on the stomach, and greatly
hurt digestion. For this reason all malt-liquor, cyder, &c.
ought to be of such strength as will make them keep till
they be ripe, and then they should be used. When such
liquors are kept too long, though they should not become
sour, yet they generally contract a hardness, which renders
them unwholesome. Hence it is, that bottled ale hurts the
stomach, occasions the gravel, &c.
ALL 

DISEASES. 43
ALL families, who can, ought to prepare their own li-
quors. Since preparing and vending of liquors became
one of the most general branches of business, every me-
thod has been tried to adulterate them. The great object
both of the makers and venders of liquor is, to render it
intoxicating. But it is well known, that this may be done
by other ingredients than those which ought to be used for
that purpose. It would be imprudent even to name those
things which are daily made use of to render liquors heady.
It is sufficient to observe, that the practice is very common,
and all the ingredients used for that purpose, are of an opiate
or stupifactive nature. But as all opiates are of a poisonous
quality, it is easy to see what must be the consequence of
their general use. Though they do not kill suddenly, yet
they hurt the nerves, relax and weaken the stomach, and
of course spoil the digestion.
WERE fermented liquors faithfully prepared, not too
strong, nor too weak, kept to a proper age, and used in
moderation, they would prove real blessings to mankind.
But while they are ill prepared, various ways adulterated,
and taken to excess, they must have many bad consequences.
These however we shall not mention at present, as they
will be pointed out under another article.
TO specify the different kinds of aliment, to explain
their nature and properties, and to point out their effects
in different constitutions, would far exceed the limits of
our design. Instead of a detail of this kind, which in all
probability would be very little attended to, and would not
be generally understood, we shall only mention the follow-
ing easy rules with respect to the choice of aliment.
THOSE whose solids are weak and relaxed, ought to avoid
all viscid food, or such things as are hard of digestion; and
to take plenty of exercise in a dry open air.
SUCH as abound with blood, should be sparing in the use
of every thing that is highly  nourishing, as fat meat, rich
wines, strong ale, &c. Their food should consist mostly
of bread and other vegetable substances, and their drink
ought to be milk, whey, and the like.
FAT people should not eat freely of oily nourishing
diet. They ought frequently to use raddish, garlic,
spices, or such things as are heating, and promote per-
spiration and urine. Their drink should be water, coffee,
tea, or the like; and they ought to take much exercise
and little sleep.
F 2 THOSE

44 OF PREVENTING
THOSE who are too lean, must follow an opposite course.
SUCH as abound with acidities, or whose food is apt to
sour on their stomach, should live much on flesh-meats;
and those who are troubled with alkaline eructations, or
heat of the stomach, ought to use a diet consisting chiefly
of acid vegetables.
PEOPLE who are affected with the gout, low spirits, hy-
pochondriac or hysteric disorders, ought to avoid all flatu-
lent food, every thing that is viscid or hard of digestion,
all salted or smoke-dried provisions, and whatever is au-
stere, acid, or apt to sour on the stomach. Their food
should be light, spare, cool, and of an opening quality.
THE diet ought not only to be suited to the age and con-
stitution, but also to the manner of life. A sedentary or
studious person should live more sparingly than one who
labours hard without doors. Food will nourish a peasant
very well, which would be almost indigestible to a citizen;
and the latter will live upon a diet on which the former
would starve.
DIET ought not to be too uniform. The constant use of
one kind of food might have bad effects. Nature points
out this by the great variety of aliments which she has pro-
vided for man, and likewise by giving him an appetite for
different kinds of food.
THOSE who labour under any particular disease, ought
to avoid such aliments as have a tendency to increase it.
For example, a gouty person should not use rich wines,
strong soups, or gravies, and should avoid all acids. One
who is troubled with the gravel, ought to shun all austere
and astringent aliments; and those who are scorbutic,
should not indulge in animal food, &c.
IN the first period of life our food ought to be light,
nourishing, and of a diluting nature, but frequently used.
Food that is solid, with a sufficient degree of tenacity, is
most proper for the state of manhood. The diet suited to
the last period of life, when nature is upon the decline,
approaches near to that of the first. It should be lighter,
and more diluting than that of vigorous age, and likewise
more frequently taken.
IRREGULARITIES IN DIET, SLEEP, &c.
IT is not only necessary for health, that our diet be
wholesome, but also that it be taken at regular periods.
Some 

DISEASES. 45
Some imagine, that long fasting will atone for excess; but
that, instead of mending the matter, never fails to make
it worse. When the stomach and intestines are over dis-
tended with food, they lose their proper tone, and by long
fasting they become weak, and inflated with wind. Thus
either gluttony or fasting destroys the powers of digestion.
THE frequent repetition of aliment is not only necessary
for repairing the continual waste of our bodies, but like-
wise to keep the humours sound and sweet. Our humours,
even in the most healthy state, have a constant tendency to
become putrid, which can only be prevented by frequent
supplies of fresh nourishment: When that is wanting too
long, the putrefaction often proceeds so far, as to occasion
very dangerous fevers. From hence we may learn the ne-
cessity of regular meals. No person can enjoy a good
state of health, whose vessels are either frequently over-
charged, or the humours long deprived of fresh supplies of
chyle.
LONG fasting is extremely hurtful to young people; it
vitiates their humours, and prevents their growth and
strength. Nor is it less injurious to the aged. Many in
the decline of life are afflicted with wind: That com-
plaint is not only increased, but even rendered dangerous,
and often fatal, by long fasting. Old people, when their
stomachs are empty, are frequently seized with giddiness,
headachs and faintness. These complaints may generally
be removed by a bit of bread and a glass of wine, or taking
any other solid food; which plainly points out the method
of preventing them. It is more than probable, that many
of the sudden deaths which happen in the advanced periods
of life, are occasioned by fasting too long, as it exhausts
the spirits, and fills the bowels with wind; we would
therefore advise people, in the decline of life, never to al-
low their stomachs to be too long empty. Many take no-
thing but a few cups of tea and a bit of bread, from nine
o'clock at night till two or three next afternoon. Such
may be said to fast almost three fourths of their time. This
can hardly fail to ruin the appetite, vitiate the humours,
and fill the bowels with wind; all which might be pre-
vented by a solid breakfast. That would tend more to
strengthen the nerves, and expel wind, than all the cor-
dial or carminative medicines which can be administered.
THE strong and healthy do not indeed suffer so much
from fasting as the weak and delicate; but they run great
hazard 

46 OF PREVENTING
hazard from its opposite, viz. repletion. Many diseases,
especially fevers, are the effect of a plethora, or too great
fulness of the vessels. Strong people, in high health, have
generally a great quantity of blood and other humours.
When these are suddenly increased by an overcharge of
rich and nourishing diet, the vessels become distended, and
being unable to contract themselves, obstructions and in-
flammations ensue. Hence so many people are seized with
inflammatory and eruptive fevers, after a feast or debauch.
This shows the danger of all sudden transitions from a
spare to a full and luxurious diet.
EXCESS in diet is not peculiar to the rich and opulent; the
poor are often guilty of it, and frequently feel its bad effects.
The poor seldom lose an opportunity of gorging themselves
either with meat or drink, when they can obtain it, and the
less they are accustomed to it, the danger is the greater.
WHEN we recommend regularity in diet, we would not
be understood as condemning every small deviation from it.
It is next to impossible for people at all times to avoid some
degree of excess, and living too much by rule might make
even the smallest deviation dangerous. It may therefore be
prudent to vary a little, sometimes taking more, sometimes
less than the usual quantity of meat and drink, provided al-
ways that regard be had to moderation.
SLEEP as well as diet ought to be duly regulated. Too
little sleep exhausts the spirits, weakens the nerves, and oc-
casions diseases; and too much renders the mind dull, the
body gross, and disposes it to apoplexies, lethargies, &c. A
medium therefore ought to be observed; but that is not easy
to fix. The youug require more sleep than those who are
grown, the laborious than the idle, and such as eat and drink
freely than those who live abstemiously. Besides, the real
quantity of sleep cannot be measured by time; as one per-
son will be more refreshed by five or six hours of sleep, than
another by eight or ten. The best way to make sleep found
and refreshing is to rise by times. The indolent custom of
lolling a-bed for nine or ten hours relaxes the body, un-
braces the nerves, and greatly hurts the constitution.
CHILDREN may be allowed as much sleep as they chuse;
but for adults six or seven hours is certainly enough, and
none ought to exceed eight. Those who lie more than
eight hours a-bed may slumber, but they can hardly be said
to sleep; such generally toss and dream away the fore-part
of the night, sink to rest towards morning, and dose till
noon.

DISEASES. 47
noon. Instead of encouraging a habit of this kind, rising
early would make them fall into a sound sleep as soon as
they went to bed, and they would seldom wake till morn-
ing, when they would find themselves sufficiently refreshed.
NATURE points out night as the proper time for sleep.
Those who think it too vulgar to sleep in that season, seldom
enjoy health. Nothing more certainly destroys the con-
stitution than night-watching. It is great pity that a prac-
tice so destructive to health should be so much in fashion.
How quickly the want of rest in due season will blast the
most blooming complexion, or ruin the best constitution, is
evident from the ghastly countenances of those who, as the
phrase is, turn day into night, and night into day.
To make sleep refreshing, the following things are ne-
cessary. First, that we take enough of exercise in the open
air, through the day; next, to eat a light supper; and last-
ly, to lie down with a mind chearful and serene.
IT is certain, that too much fatigue will prevent sleep, as
well as too little. We seldom, however, hear the active and
laborious complain of restless nights. It is the indolent and
slothful who generally have these complaints. Is it any
wonder, that a bed of down should not be refreshing to a
person who lolls all day in an easy chair? A great part of
the pleasure of life consists in alternate rest and motion;
but they who neglect the latter can never relish the former.
The labourer enjoys more true luxury in plain food and
sound sleep, than is to be sound in sumptuous tables and
downy pillows, where exercise is wanting.
THAT light suppers cause found sleep, is true even to a
proverb. Many, if they exceed the least at that meal, are
sure to have uneasy nights; and if they drop asleep, the
load and oppression on their stomach and spirits occasion
frightful dreams, broken and disturbed repose, with night-
mares, &c. Were the same persons to go to bed with a
light supper, or sit up till what they eat were pretty well
digested, they might enjoy sound sleep, and rise refreshed
and chearful.
NOTHING more certainly disturbs our repose than anxie-
ty. When the mind is not at ease, we seldom enjoy sound
sleep. That greatest of human blessings often flies the
wretch who needs it most, and visits the happy, the chear-
ful, and the gay. This is a good reason why every man
should endeavour to be as easy in his mind as possible, when
he goes to rest. Many, by neglecting this rule, and by in-
dulging 

48 OF PREVENTING
dulging grief and anxious thoughts, have banished sleep so
long, that they could never afterwards enjoy it.
FEW things contribute more to health than keeping the
belly regular. When the fœces lie too long in the bowels,
they become acrid, and spoil the humours; and when they
are discharged too soon, the body is not properly nourished.
Regular stools depend greatly upon regularity in eating and
drinking, and proper exercise; people have reason to su-
spect a fault in one or other of these, whenever the belly is
not regular.
TO prevent costiveness, one good rule is, to rise betimes
and go abroad in the open air. Not only the posture in bed
is unfavourable to regular stools, but likewise the warmth.
This, by promoting the perspiration, cannot fail to lessen
all the other discharges. Mr. Lock's advice, to solicit na-
ture by going regularly to stool every morning, is a very
good one, and has more effect than most people would ima-
gine. Any habit will in time become natural. It is always
more safe to keep the belly regular by proper diet, exercise,
&c. than by the use of drugs. Those who have frequent
recourse to medicine for that purpose, seldom fail to ruin
their constitutions. But if opening medicines must be used,
the safest is fine rhubarb, which may either be taken in
small doses in powder, or a little of it chewed daily. Cus-
tom will render this sufficiently agreeable.
SUCH as are troubled with habitual looseness, ought to
suit their food to the nature of their complaint. Looseness
may often be removed by a change of diet: For example,
boiled milk may be used in place of raw, wheat bread in-
stead of that which is mixed, red wine, or brandy and wa-
ter may be drank in place of malt-liquor, white broths may
be eat instead of flesh, and rice or sago gruels, with light
flour puddings, in place of barley or oat meal. An habitual
looseness is often occasioned by an obstructed perspiration.
In that case a flannel vest and thick shoes are the best me-
dicines.
BAD AIR.
BAD air is a very common cause of diseases. Few are
aware of the danger arising from it; people generally pay
some attention to what they eat and drink, but seldom re-
gard what goes into the lungs, though the one often proves
fatal as well as the other.
PERHAPS

DISEASES. 49
PERHAPS no air is perfectly pure; that, however, which
has fewest noxious particles in it, is no doubt the best. Air
as well as water takes up parts of most bodies with which it
comes into contact, and is often so replenished with those of
a noxious quality, as to occasion immediate death. But
such violent effects seldom happen, as people are generally
on their guard against them. The less perceptible influ-
ences of bad air prove more hurtful to mankind; we shall
therefore endeavour to point out some of these, and to show
wherein the danger consists.
AIR may become noxious many ways. Whatever destroys
its spring or elasticity, renders it unfit for respiration:
Wherever therefore great numbers of people are crowded
into one place, if the air has not a free current, it soon be-
comes unwholesome. Hence it is that delicate persons are
so apt to faint or be sick, in crowded churches, assemblies,
or any place where the air is exhausted by breathing, fires,
candles, or the like.
IN great cities so many things tend to pollute the air,
that it is no wonder it proves so fatal to the inhabitants. The
air in cities is not only breathed over and over by thou-
sands, but is likewise exhausted by fires, loaded with sul-
phur, smoke, and other exhalations, besides the vapours
continually arising from innumerable putrid substances. All
possible care should be taken to keep the streets of large
towns open and wide, that the air may have a free current.
They ought likewise to be kept very clean. Nothing tends
more to pollute and contaminate the air than dirty streets,
dunghills, slaughter-houses, &c.
IT is very common in this country to have church-yards
in the middle of populous cities. Whether that be the ef-
sea of ancient superstition, or owing to the increase of such
towns, is a matter of no consequence. Whatever gave rise
to the custom, it is a bad one. It is habit alone which re-
conciles us to these things; by means of it, the most ridi-
culous, nay, pernicious customs, often become sacred. Cer-
tain it is, that thousands of putrid carcases, so near the sur-
face of the earth, in a place where the air stagnates, cannot
fail to taint it; and that such air being breathed into the
lungs, and mixed with the blood, must occasion diseases*.
WHEREVER air stagnates long, it becomes unwholesome.
Hence the unhappy inmates of jails not only contract ma-
G lignant
* In most eastern countries it is customary to bury the dead at
some distance from any town. It were to be wished the inhabitants
of Europe would follow this example. 

50 OF PREVENTING
lignant fevers themselves, but often communicate them to
others. Nor are many of the holes, for we cannot call them
houses, possessed by the poor in great towns, much better
than jails. These low dirty habitations are the very lurk-
ing places of bad air and contagious diseases. Such as live
in them seldom enjoy good health; and their children com-
monly die young. In the choice of a house, the greatest at-
tention ought always to be paid to free air.
THE various methods which luxury has invented to make
houses close and warm, contribute not a little to render
them unwholesome. No house can be wholesome unless
the air has a free passage through it. For which reason,
houses ought daily to be ventilated by opening opposite win-
dows, and admitting a current of fresh air into every room.
This would expel any noxious vapour, and could not fail
to promote the health of the inhabitants. In hospitals, jails,
ships, &c. where that cannot be conveniently done, venti-
lators should be used. The method of expelling foul, and
introducing fresh air, by means of ventilators, is a most sa-
lutary invention, and is indeed the most useful of all our
modern medical improvements. We wish, for the benefit
of mankind, it were more generally regarded. It is capable
of universal application, and fraught with numerous advan-
tages, both to those in health and sickness.
AIR not only loses its spring, and becomes unwholesome
from heat and stagnation, but likewise from moisture. Thus,
in low marshy countries, the air is generally bad, as also in
countries over-run with wood, or any thing that sends forth
moist exhalations.
AIR that stagnates in mines, wells, cellars, &c. must be
noxious. That kind of air is to be avoided as the most
deadly poison. It often kills almost as quick as lightening.
For this reason, people should be very cautious in opening
cellars that have been long shut, or going down into deep
wells, especially if they have been close covered.
MANY people who have splendid houses, chuse to sleep
in small apartments. This conduct is very imprudent. A
bed-chamber ought always to be well aired; as it is gene-
rally occupied in the night only, when all doors and win-
dows are shut. If a fire be kept in it, the danger becomes
still greater. Many have been stifled when asleep by a fire
in a small apartment. Some are even so inconsiderate as to
make fires in bed-chambers which have no chimneys, and
imagine by using that kind of coal which has little or no
smoke, 
               

DISEASES. 51
smoke, that they are safe; whereas the danger becomes
thereby the greater, such coal generally abounding with
sulphur. The most fatal consequences are always to be
dreaded from every attempt of this nature.
THOSE who are obliged, on account of business, to spend
the day in close towns, ought, if possible, to sleep in the
country. Breathing good air in the night will, in some
measure, make up for the want of it through the day. This
practice would have a greater effect in preserving the health
of citizens than is commonly imagined.
CARE should be taken to admit a constant stream of fresh
air into all crowded places, as churches, assembly-rooms,
colleges, courts of justice, &c. The neglect of this has had
so many fatal consequences, that it is sufficient only to men-
tion it.
IT was necessary in former times, for safety, to surround
cities, colleges, and even single houses, with high walls.
These, by obstructing the current of air, never fail to ren-
der such places damp and unwholesome. As such walls are
now, generally speaking, become useless, they ought to be
thrown  down, and every method taken to admit a free pas-
sage to the air. Were proper attention paid to AIR and
CLEANLINESS, it would tend more to preserve the health
of the inhabitants of great towns than all the endeavours of
the Faculty.
IF fresh air be necessary for those in health, it is still more
so for the sick, who often lose their lives for the want of it.
The notion  that sick people must be kept very hot, is so
common, that one can hardly enter the chamber where a
patient lies, without being ready to faint, by reason of the
hot suffocating smell. How this must affect the sick, any
one may judge. No medicine is so beneficial to the sick as
fresh air. It is the most reviving of all cordials, if it be ad-
ministred with prudence. We are not, however, to throw
open doors and  windows at random upon the sick. Fresh
air is to be let into the chamber gradually, and, if possible,
by opening the windows of some other apartment.
THE air of a sick person's chamber may be greatly fresh-
ened, and the patient much revived, by sprinkling the floor,
bed, &c. frequently with vinegar, juice of lemon, or any
other strong vegetable acid.
IN places where numbers of sick are crowded into the
same house, or, which is often the case, into the same apart-
ment, fresh air becomes absolutely necessary. Infirmaries,
G 2 hospitals. 
 

52 OF PREVENTING.
hospitals, &c. often become so noxious for want of proper
ventilation, that the sick run more hazard from them than
from the disease; this is particularly the case when dysen-
teries, putrid fevers, or other infectious diseases prevail.
PHYSICIANS, surgeons, and others who attend hospitals,
ought, for their own sake, to take care that they be proper-
ly ventilated. They are obliged to spend much of their
time amongst the sick, and run great hazard of being them-
selves infected when the air is bad. All hospitals, and places
for the sick, ought to have an open situation, at some dis-
tance from any great town.
WANT OF CLEANLINESS.
THE want of cleanliness is a fault which admits of no
excuse. Where water can be had for nothing, it is surely in
the power of every person to be clean. The continual dis-
charge from our bodies by perspiration renders frequent
changes of apparel necessary. Change of apparel greatly pro-
motes the secretion from the skin, so necessary for health.
When that matter which ought to be carried off by perspi-
ration, is either retained in the body, or re-absorbed from
dirty cloaths, it is apt to occasion fevers and other diseases.
MOST diseases of the skin proceed from want of cleanli-
ness. These indeed may be caught by infection; but they
will seldom continue long where cleanliness prevails. To
the same cause must we impute the various kinds of vermine
which infest the human body, houses, &c. These may ge-
nerally be banished by cleanliness alone. Perhaps, the in-
tention of naturcin permitting such vermine to annoy man-
kind, is to induce them to the practice of this virtue.
ONE common cause of putrid and malignant fevers is the
want of cleanliness. These fevers commonly begin among
the inhabitants of close, dirty houses, who breathe bad air,
take little exercise, use unwholesome food, and wear dirty
cloaths. There the infection is generally hatched, which
often spreads far and wide, to the destruction of many.
Hence cleanliness may be considered as an object of public
attention. It is not sufficient that I be clean myself, while
the want of it in my neighbour affects my health as well as
his own. If dirty people cannot be removed as a common
nuisance, they ought at least to be avoided as infectious. All
who regard their health should keep at a distance even from
their habitations.
IN 

DISEASES. 53
IN places where great numbers of people are collected,
cleanliness becomes of the utmost importance. It is well
known, that infectious diseases are communicated by taint-
ed air. Every thing, therefore, which tends to pollute the
air, or spread the infection, ought, with the utmost care, to
be avoided. For this reason, in great towns, no filth of any
kind should be permitted to lie upon the streets. Nothing
is more apt to convey infection than the excrements of the
diseased. These, in many cases, are known to be highly in-
fectious. The streets in many great towns are little better
than dunghills, being frequently covered with ashes and
nastiness of every kind. How easily might this be prevented
by active magistrates, who have it always in their power to
make proper laws relative to things of this nature, and to
enforce the observance of them?
WE are sorry to say, that the importance of general clean-
liness does by no means seem to be sufficiently understood.
It were well if the inhabitants of Britain would imitate their
neighbours the Dutch in the cleanness of their streets,
houses, &c. Water, indeed, is easily obtained in Holland;
but the situation of most towns in Britain is more favourable
to cleanliness. Nothing can be more agreeable to the senses,
more to the honour of the inhabitants, or conducive to their
health, than a clean town; nor does any thing impress a
stranger sooner with a disrespectful idea of any people than
its opposite.
THE peasants in most countries seem to hold cleanliness
in a sort of contempt. Were it not for the open situation
of their houses, they would often feel the bad effects of this
disposition. One seldom sees a farm-house without a dung-
hill before the door, and frequently the cattle and their mas-
ters lodge under the same roof. Peasants are likewise ex-
tremely careless with respect to change of apparel, keeping
their skins clean, &c. These are merely the effects of indo-
lence and a dirty disposition. Habit may indeed render
them less disagreeable; but no habit can ever make it
salutary to wear dirty cloaths, or breathe unwholesome
air.
IN camps the strictest regard should be paid to cleanliness.
By negligence in this matter, infectious diseases are often
spread amongst a whole army; and frequently more die of
these than by the sword. The Jews, during their encamp-
ments in the wilderness, received particular instructions with
respect 

54 OF PREVENTING
respect to cleanliness*. The rules enjoined them ought to
be observed by all in the like situation. Indeed the whole
system of laws delivered to that people, has a manifest ten-
dency to promote cleanliness. Whoever considers the na-
ture of their climate, and the diseases to which they were
liable, will see the propriety of such laws.
IT is remarkable, that in most eastern countries clean-
liness makes a great part of their religion. The Maho-
metan, as well as the Jewish religion, enjoins various ba-
things, washings and purifications. No doubt these were
designed to represent inward purity; but they are at the
same time calculated for the preservation of health. How-
ever whimsical these washings may appear to some, few
things would tend more to prevent diseases than a proper
attention to many of them. Were every person, for ex-
ample, after handling a dead body, visiting the sick, &c.
to wash before he went into company, or sat down to meat,
he would run less hazard either of catching the infection
himself, or communicating it to others.
FREQUENT washing not only removes the filth and sordes
which adhere to the skin, but likewise promotes the per-
spiration, braces the body, and enlivens the spirits. Even
washing the feet tends greatly to preserve health. The
sweat and dirt with which these parts are frequently co-
vered, cannot fail to obstruct the perspiration. This piece
of cleanliness would often prevent colds and fevers. Were
people careful to bathe their feet and hands in warm water
at night, after being exposed to cold or wet through the
day, they would seldom experience any of the fatal effects
which often proceed from these causes.
A proper attention to cleanliness is no where more ne-
cessary than on shipboard. If epidemical distempers break
out there, no one can be safe. The best way to prevent
them is to take care that the whole company be cleanly in
their cloaths, diet, &c. When infectious diseases do break
out, cleanliness is the most likely means to prevent their
spreading. Above all things, the cloaths, bedding, &c.
of the sick ought to be carefully washed, and fumigated
with brimstone, or the like. Infection will lodge a long
time
* Thou shalt have a place also without the camp, whither thou
shalt go forth abroad; and thou shalt have a paddle upon thy
weapon; and it shall be, when thou shalt ease thyself abroad, thou
shalt dig therewith, and shalt turn back, and cover that which
cometh from thee, &c. Deuter. chap, xxiii. ver. 12. 13. 
              

DISEASES. 55
time in dirty cloaths, and will afterwards break out in the
most terrible manner.
IN places where great numbers of sick people are kept,
cleanliness ought most religiously to be observed. The
very smell in such places is often sufficient to make one
sick. It is easy to imagine what effect that is likely to have
upon the diseased. A person in perfect health has a greater
chance to become sick, than a sick person has to get well,
in an hospital or infirmary, where cleanliness is neglected.
THE brutes themselves set us an example of cleanliness.
Most of them seem uneasy, and thrive ill, if they be not
kept clean. A horse that is kept thoroughly clean, will
thrive better on a smaller quantity of food, than with a
greater, where cleanliness is neglected. Even our own
feelings are a sufficient proof of the necessity of cleanli-
ness. How refreshed, how chearful and agreeable does
one feel on being shaved, washed and dressed; especially
when these offices have been long neglected? Most people
esteem cleanliness; and even those who do not practise it
themselves, often admire it in others. Superior cleanliness
sooner attracts our regard than even finery itself, and often
gains esteem where the other fails.
TO point out the numerous advantages arising from
cleanliness of person, houses, streets, &c. would be a very
useful and agreeable task; but as our plan only permits us
to name things, we must conclude this article by recom-
mending the practice of that virtue to people of all stations
and conditions in life. We do not indeed pretend to rank
cleanliness amongst the cardinal virtues; but we would re-
commend it as necessary for supporting the dignity of hu-
man nature, as useful and agreeable to society, and as
highly conducive to health.
INTEMPERANCE.
A modern author* observes, that temperance and ex-
ercise are the two best physicians in the world. He might
have added, that if these were duly regarded, there would
be little occasion for any other. Temperance may justly
be called the parent of health; but numbers of mankind
act as if they thought diseases and death too slow in their
progress, and by intemperance and debauch seem, as it
were, to sollicit their approach.
THE
* Rousseau. 

56 OF PREVENTING
THE danger of intemperance appears from the very con-
struction of the human body. Health depends on that state
of the solids and fluids which fits them for the due perform-
ance of the vital functions; and so long as these go regular-
ly on, we are sound and well; but whatever disturbs them,
necessarily impairs health. Intemperance never fails to dis-
order the whole animal œconomy; it spoils the digestion,
relaxes the nerves, renders the different secretions irregular,
vitiates the humours, and of course occasions diseases.
THE analogy between the nourishment of plants and
animals affords a strong proof of the danger of intemper-
ance. Moisture and manure greatly promote vegetation;
but an over-quantity of either will entirely prevent it. The
best things become hurtful, nay destructive, when carried
to excess. From hence we learn, that the greatest pitch of
human wisdom consists in regulating our appetites and pas-
sions so as to avoid all extremes. 'Tis that alone which en-
titles us to the character of rational beings. The slave of
appetite will ever be the disgrace of human nature.
THE Author of nature hath endued us with various pas-
sions, for the propagation of the species, the preservation of
the individual, &c. intemperance is the abuse of these pas-
sions; and in the proper regulation of them moderation con-
sists. Men, not content with satisfying the simple calls of
nature, create artificial wants, and are perpetually in search
after something that may gratify them; but imaginary wants
can never be gratified. Nature is content with a little; but
luxury knows no bounds. The epicure, the drunkard and
the debauchee seldom stop in their career till cash or con-
stitution fails: Then indeed they generally see their error,
when too late.
IT is impossible to lay down determined rules of tem-
perance, on account of the different constitutions of man-
kind. The most ignorant person however certaily knows
what is meant by excess; and it is in the power of every
man to avoid it, if he chooses. The great rule in regulat-
ing our diet, is to study simplicity. Nature delights in
the most plain and simple food, and every animal, except
man, follows her dictates. Man alone riots at large, and
ransacks the whole creation in quest of luxuries, to his own
destruction. An elegant writer* of the last age speaks
thus of intemperance: "For my part, when I behold a
"fashionable table set out in all its magnificence, I fancy
that
* Addison. 

DISEASES. 57
" that I see gouts and dropsies, fevers and lethargies,
" with other innumerable distempers, lying in ambuscade
" among the dishes."
INTEMPERANCE does not hurt it's votaries alone; the
innocent too often feel the direful effects of it. How many
wretched orphans are to be seen embracing dunghills, whose
parents, regardless of the future, spent in riot and debauch
what might have served decently to feed and cloath their
offspring? How often do we behold the miserable mo-
ther, with her helpless infants, pining in want, while the
cruel father is indulging even at the expence of their lives!
FAMILIES are not only reduced to misery, but extirpated
by means of intemperance. Nothing tends so much to pre-
vent propagation, and to shorten the lives of children.
The poor man who labours all day, and at night lies down
contented with his humble fare, can boast a numerous off-
spring, while his pampered lord, sunk in ease and luxury,
has neither son nor nephew. Even states and empires feel
the influence of intemperance, and rise or fall as it prevails.
INSTEAD of mentioning the different kinds of intem-
perance, and pointing out their influence upon health, we
shall confine our observations to one particular species of
that vice, viz. the abuse of intoxicating liquors.
EVERY act of intoxication puts nature to the expence of
a fever, in order to discharge the superfluous load; but
when that is repeated almost every day, it is easy to foresee
the consequences. That constitution must be strong indeed
which is able long to hold out under a daily fever! But
fevers occasioned by drinking do not always go off in a
day; they frequently end in an inflammation of the breast,
liver or brain, and produce fatal effects.
THOUGH the drunkard should not fall by an acute dis-
ease, he seldom escapes those of a chronic nature. Intoxi-
cating liquors, when used to excess, weaken the bowels
and spoil the digestion; they destroy the power of the
nerves, and occasion paralytic and convulsive disorders;
they heat and inflame the blood, destroy it's balsamic qua-
lity, render it unfit for circulation, and the nourishment
of the parts, &c. Hence obstructions, atrophies, dropsies,
and consumptions of the lungs. These are the common
ways in which drunkards make their exit. Diseases of
this kind, when brought on by hard drinking, seldom ad-
mit of a cure.
H MANY 

58 OF PREVENTING
MANY people injure their health by drinking, who sel-
dom get drunk. The continual habit of soaking, as it is
called, though its effects be not so violent, is no less per-
nicious. When the vessels are kept constantly full and
upon the stretch, the different digestions can neither be
duly performed, nor the humours properly prepared. Hence
most people of this character are afflicted with the gout,
the gravel, ulcerous sores in the legs, &c. If these dis-
orders do not appear, they are seized with low spirits,
hypochondriacal disorders, and other symptoms of indi-
gestion.
ALL intoxicating liquors may be considered as poisons.
However disguised, that is their real character, and sooner
or later they will have their effect. Consumptions are now
so common, that it is thought one tenth of the inhabitants
of great towns die of that disease. Drunkenness is one
of the causes to which we must impute the increase of con-
sumptions. The great quantities of viscid malt-liquor drank
by the common people of England, cannot fail to render
the blood sizy and unfit for circulation; from whence pro-
ceed obstructions and inflammations of the lungs. There
are few great ale-drinkers who are not phthisical; nor is
that to be wondered at, considering the glutinous and almost
indigestible nature of strong ale. Those who drink ardent
spirits or strong wines, do not run less hazard; these liquors
heat and inflame the blood, and tear the tender vessels of
the lungs in pieces.
THE habit of drinking proceeds frequently from mis-
fortunes in life. The miserable fly to it for relief. It af-
fords them indeed a temporary ease. But alas, this solace
is short-lived, and when it is over, the spirits sink as much
below their natural pitch, as they had before been raised
above it. Hence a repetition of the dose becomes necessary,
and every fresh dose makes way for another, till the un-
happy wretch becomes a slave to the bottle, and at length
falls a sacrifice to what nature intended only as a medicine. 
No man is so dejected as the drunkard when his debauch is  
gone off. Hence it is, that those who have the greatest
flow of spirits  while the glass circulates freely, are of all
others the most melancholy when sober, and often put an
end to their own miserable existence in a fit of spleen or
ill humour.
DRUNKENNESS not only proves destructive to health,
but likewise to the faculties of the mind. It is strange,
that

DISEASES. 59
that creatures who value themselves on account of a su-
perior degree of reason to that of brutes, should take plea-
sure in sinking so far below them. Were such as volun-
tarily deprive themselves of the use of reason, to continue
ever after in that condition, it would seem but a just pu-
nishment. Though that be not the consequence of one
act of drunkenness, it seldom fails to succeed a course of
intoxication. By a habit of drinking, the greatest genius
is often reduced to a mere dunce.
INACTIVITY.
MANY look upon the necessity man is under of earning
his bread by labour as a curse. Be that as it may, it is
evident from the structure of the body, that exercise is not
less necessary for the preservation of health, than food.
Those whom poverty obliges to labour for daily bread, are
not only the most healthy, but generally the most happy.
Industry seldom fails to place such above want, and activity
serves them instead of physic. This is peculiarly the case
with those who live by the culture of the ground. The
great increase of inhabitants in infant-colonies, and the
common longevity of such as follow agriculture every
where, evidently prove it the most healthful as well as the
most useful employment.
THE love of activity shows itself very early in man.
So strong is this principle, that a healthy youth cannot
be restrained from exercise, even by the fear of punish-
ment. Our love of motion is surely a strong proof of its
utility. Nature implants no disposition in vain. Some
imagine, that the love of motion was implanted in man,
because without it he could not obtain the necessaries of
life; but suppose the necessaries of life could be universally
obtained without motion, it would nevertheless be indis-
pensable. It seems to be a catholic law throughout the
whole animal creation, that no creature, without exercise,
can enjoy health. Every creature, except man, takes as
much exercise as is necessary. He alone, and such animals
as are under his direction, deviate from this original law,
and they suffer accordingly.
INACTIVITY never fails to bring on universal relaxation
of the solids, which occasions innumerable diseases. When
the solids are relaxed, neither the digestion, nor any of
the secretions, can be duly performed. In this case the
H 2 worst 

60 OF PREVENTING
word consequences must ensue. How can those who loll
all day in easy chairs, and sleep all night on a bed of down,
fail to be relaxed?  Nor do such greatly mend the matter,
who never stir abroad but in a coach, or sedan, &c. These
elegant pieces of luxury are become so common, that the
inhabitants of great towns seem to be in some danger of
losing the use of their limbs altogether. 'Tis now below
anv one to walk who can afford to be carried. How ridi-
culous would it seem to a person unacquainted with modern
luxury, to behold the young and healthy swinging along on
the shoulders of their fellow-creatures! or to see a fat
carcase, over-run with diseases occasioned by inactivity,
dragged through the streets by half a dozen horses.
GLANDULAR obstructions generally proceed from in-
activity. These are the most obstinate of all maladies,
So long as the liver, kidnies, and other glands, duly
perform their functions, health is seldom impaired; but
when they fail, nothing can preserve it. Exercise is almost
the only cure we know for glandular obstructions; indeed
it does not always succeed, but there is reason to believe,
that it would seldom fail to prevent these complaints. One
thing is certain, that amongst those who take enough of
exercise, glandular diseases are very little known; whereas
the indolent and inactive are seldom free from them.
WEAK, nerves are the constant companions of inactivity.
Nothing but exercise and open air can brace and strengthen
the nerves, or prevent the endless train of diseases which
proceed from a relaxed state of these organs. We seldom
hear the active or laborious complain of nervous diseases;
these are reserved for the sons of ease and affluence. Many
have been compleatly cured of nervous disorders by being
reduced from a state of opulence to labour for their daily
bread. This plainly points out the sources from whence
such diseases slow, and the means by which they may be
prevented.
IT is absolutely impossible to enjoy health without a free
perspiration; but that necessary discharge never goes pro-
perly on where exercise is wanting. When the matter
which ought to be thrown off by perspiration, is retained
in the body, it cannot fail to vitiate the humours. Hence
proceed the gout, fevers, rheumatism. &c. In a word,
none of the vital or animal functions can be duly per-
formed when exercise is neglected. It alone would pre-
vent

DISEASES. 61
vent many diseases which cannot be cured, and would, re-
move others where medicine proves ineffectual.
A late author*, in his excellent treatise on health, says,
that the weak and valetudinary ought to make exercise a
part of their religion. We would recommend this, not on-
ly to the weak and valetudinary, but to all whose business
does not oblige them to take sufficient exercise, as sedentary
artificers, shop-keepers, studious people, &c. Such ought
to take exercise as regularly as they take food. This, were
people careful to husband their time well, might be done
without any interruption to business or study.
No piece of indolence hurts the health more than the
modern custom of lolling a-bed too long in a morning. This
is universally the case in great towns. The inhabitants of
cities seldom do much business before breakfast; but that is
the best time for exercise, while the stomach is empty, and
the body refreshed with sleep. Rising early would not on-
ly give those who cannot leave their business through the
day, an opportunity of taking exercise, but it would prevent
the bad effects of loitering in bed too long. The morning
air braces and strengthens the nerves, and, in some measure,
answers the purpose of a cold bath. Let any one who has
been accustomed to lie a-bed till eight or nine o'clock, rise
by six or seven, spend a couple of hours in walking, riding,
or any active diversion without doors, and he will find his
spirits chearful and serene through the day, his appetite keen,
and his body braced and strengthened. Custom soon ren-
ders early rising agreeable, and nothing contributes more to
the preservation of health.
EXERCISE, if possible, ought always to be taken in the
open air. When that cannot be done, various methods may
be contrived for exercising the body within doors, as dan-
cing, fencing, the dumb bell, playing at tennis, &c. It is
not necessary to adhere strictly to any particular kind of
exercise. The best way is to take them by turns, and to use
that longest which is most suitable to the strength and con-
stitution. These kinds of exercise which give action to
most of the bodily organs, are always to be preferred, as
riding; walking, running, digging, swimming, and such like.
IT is much to be regretted, that active and manly diver-
sions are now so little regarded. Diversions make people
take more exercise than they otherwise would do, and are
of the greatest service to such as are not under the necessity
of
* Cheyne. 

62 OF PREVENTING
of labouring for their bread. As active diversions lose
ground, those of a sedentary kind seem to prevail. Sedentary
diversions are of no other use than to consume the time
which might be employed in exercise: Instead of relieving
the mind, they often require more thought than either stu-
dy or business. Every thing that induces people to sit still,
unless it be some necessary employment, ought to be avoided.
THE diversions which afford the best exercise are, hunt-
ing, shooting, playing at cricket, hand-ball, golff*, &c.
These exercise the limbs, promote perspiration, and the
other secretions. They likewise strengthen the lungs, and
give firmness and agility to the whole body.
SUCH as can, ought to spend two or three hours a-day
on horseback; those who cannot, should employ the same
time in walking. The best time for taking exercise is in
the morning, or at least before dinner; but it should never
be continued too long. Over fatigue prevents the benefit of
exercise, and weakens instead of strengthening the body.
EVERY man should lay himself under some sort of necessi-
ty to take exercise. Indolence, like all other vices, when in-
dulged, gains ground, and at length becomes agreeable.
Hence, many who were fond of exercise in the early part
of life, become quite averse to it afterwards. This is the
case of most hypochondriac and gouty people, which ren-
ders their diseases in a great measure incurable.
IN some countries laws have been made, obliging every
man, of whatever rank, to learn some mechanical employ-
ment. Whether such laws were designed for the preserva-
tion of health, or encouragement of manufacture, is a que-
stion of no importance. Certain it is, that if gentlemen
were frequently to amuse and exercise themselves in this
way, it might have many good  effects. They would, at
least, derive as much honour from a few masterly specimens
of their own workmanship, as from the character of having
ruined most of their companions by gaming or hard drink-
ing. Besides, men of leisure, by applying themselves to the
mechanical arts, might improve them, to the great benefit
of society. This would afford a more comfortable reflec-
tion at the close of life, than the consciousness of having
lived in the world for no other purpose than to eat and drink.
INDOLENCE
* Golff is a diversion very common in North-Britain. It is well
calculated for exercising the body, and may always be taken in such
moderation, as neither to over-heat nor fatigue. It has greatly the
preference over cricket, tennis, or any of those games which cannot
be played without violence. 

DISEASES. 63
INDOLENCE not only occasions diseases, and renders men
useless to society, but promotes all manner of vice. To say
a man is idle, is perhaps, in the strongest terms, to call him
vicious. The mind, if not engaged in some useful pursuit,
is constantly in quest of ideal pleasures, or impressed with
the apprehension of some imaginary evil. From these sources
proceed most of the miseries of mankind. Sure man never
was intended to be idle. Inactivity frustrates the very de-
sign of his creation. An active life is the best guardian of
virtue, and the greatest preservative of health.
INFECTION.
MOST diseases are infectious. Every person ought, there-
fore, as far as he can, to avoid all communication with the
diseased. The common practice of visiting the sick, though
well meant, has many ill consequences. Far be it from us
to discourage any act of charity or benevolence, especially
towards those in distress; but we cannot help blaming such
as endanger their own or neighbours lives by a mistaken
friendship, or an impertinent curiosity.
THE houses of the sick, especially in the country, are gene-
rally crowded from morning till night with idle visitors. It is
customary, in such places, for servants and young people to
wait upon the sick by turns. It would be a miracle indeed
should such always escape. Experience teaches us the dan-
ger of this conduct. People often catch fevers in this way,
and communicate them to others, till at length they be-
come epidemic.
IT would be thought highly improper for one who had
not had the small-pox, to wait upon a patient in that disease;
yet many other fevers are almost as infectious as the small-
pox, and not less fatal. Some imagine, that fevers prove
more fatal in villages than in great towns, for want of pro-
per medical assistance. How far that is true, we will not
pretend to say; but we are inclined to think, that it rather
proceeds from the cause above mentioned.
WERE a plan to be raid down for communicating infec-
tion, it could not be done more effectually than by the
common method of visiting the sick. Such visitors not only
endanger themselves and their connections, but likewise hurt
the sick. By crowding the house, they render the air un-
wholesome, and by their private whispers and dismal coun-
tenances, disturb the imagination of the sick and depress 
his

64 OF PREVENTING
his spirits. Sick persons, especially in fevers, ought to be
kept as quiet as possible. The sight of strange faces, and
every thing that disturbs the mind, hurts them.
THE common practice in country places of inviting great
numbers of people to funerals, and crowding them into the
same apartment where the corpse lies, is another way of
spreading infection. The infection by no means dies with
the patient. In many cases it rather grows stronger as the
body becomes putrid. This is peculiarly the case of those
who die of malignant fevers, or other putrid diseases. Such
ought not to lie long unburied; and people should keep at a
distance from them. It is very common for people, after
attending the funeral of a friend, to be seized with the same
disease of which he died, and to share the same fate.
IT would tend greatly to prevent the spreading of infec-
tious diseases, if those in  health were kept at a proper dis-
tance from the sick. The Jewish Legislator, among many
other wife institutions for preserving health, has been pecu-
liarly attentive to the means of preventing infection, or de-
filement, as it is called, either from a diseased person or a dead
body. In many cases the diseased were to be separated from
those in health; and it was deemed a crime even to ap-
proach their habitations. If a person only touched a dead
body, he was appointed to wash himself in water, and to
keep for some time at a distance from society.
INFECTIOUS diseases are often communicated by cloaths.
It is extremely dangerous to wear apparel which has been
worn by the diseased, as infection will lodge in it a long
while, and afterwards produce very tragical effects. This
shows the danger of buying at random the cloaths which
have been used by other people.
INFECTIOUS disorders are frequently imported. Com-
merce, together with the riches of foreign climes, brings us
also their diseases. These do often more than counterbalance
all the advantages of that trade, by means of which they are
introduced. It is to be regretted that so little care is com-
monly taken, either to prevent the introduction or spreading
of infectious diseases. Some attention, indeed, is generally
paid to the plague; but other diseases pass unregarded.
INFECTION is often spread by jails, hospitals, &c. These
are frequently situated in the very middle of cities, or po-
pulous towns; and when infectious diseases break out in
them, it is impossible for the inhabitants to escape. Were
magistrates to pay any regard to the health of the people,
this evil might be easily remedied.
MANY

DISEASES. 65
MANY are the causes which tend to diffuse infection
through populous cities. The whole atmosphere of a large
town is one contaminated mass, abounding with every kind
of infection, and must be pernicious to health. The best
advice that we can give to Such as live in cities,is to choose
an open situation; to avoid narrow, dirty, crowded streets;
to keep their own houses and offices clean; to admit the
fresh air every day into their apartments; and to be as
much abroad as their time will permit.
IT would tend greatly to prevent the spreading of infec-
tious diseases, were proper nurses every where employed to
take care of the sick. This might often save a family, or
even a whole town, from being infected by one person.
We do not mean that people should abandon their friends
or relations in distress, but only to put them on their guard
against being too much in company with those who are af-
flicted with diseases of an infectious nature.
SUCH as wait upon the sick in infectious diseases, ought
to stuff their noses with tobacco, or some other strong smel-
ling herb, as rue, tansy, or the like. They ought likewise
frequently to sprinkle the room where the patient lies with
vinegar, or other strong acid; and to avoid the patient's
breath as much as they can.
HOWEVER easy these hints may seem; yet a proper atten-
tion to them would save many lives. A fever, or other in-
fectious disease, seldom breaks out in a family, but it affects
the most of them, and frequently seizes every individual.
The scenes of calamity and distress produced by this means,
are too often witnessed by those who attend the sick.
YOUNG people are peculiarly liable to catch infection;
and therefore ought to be kept at the greatest distance from
the diseased. Their minds are easily affected with scenes of
distress, and they often catch diseases even by the force of
imagination.
WE would not only recommend it to magistrates, to take
proper measures to prevent the spreading of infectious dis-
eases, but also to masters of families. A single servant may
spread a disease amongst a whole family, which may prove
fatal to many of them. For this reason, when a servant is
seized with a fever, or other infectious disease, he ought to
be kept in some separate apartment, or rather sent to an hos-
pital or infirmary. Servants would not only be taken better
care of in this way, but fatal diseases might be often pre-
vented.
I INFECTION 

66 OF PREVENTING
INFECTION is often caught by sleeping with the diseased.
Every person knows that this is the case in consumptions
of the lungs; but other diseases are infectious as well as
consumptions: Nay, we hardly know any disease that is
not so in some degree. If a sound person communicates
health, surely a diseased one must have the contrary effect.
Were this attended to in the choice of companions for life,
it would save many from a premature end.
NOT only the diseases of the body, but also those of the
mind are infectious. For this reason, our companions
ought to be of a sound mind, as well as a sound body. A
melancholy person, for example, diffuses a gloom all around
him, and generally taints the minds of his companions with
the temper of his own. Those who would be healthy and
happy, ought therefore to associate with the young, the
chearful, and good humoured.
THE PASSIONS.
The passions have great influence both in the cause and
cure of diseases. How mind acts upon matter, will, in
all probability, ever remain a secret. It is sufficient for us
to know, that there is established a reciprocal influence be-
twixt the mental and corporeal parts, and that whatever dis-
orders the one likewise hurts the other.
THE passion of anger ruffles the mind, distorts the coun-
tenance, hurries on the circulation of the blood, and disor-
ders the whole vital and animal functions. It often occa-
sions fevers, with other acute diseases; and sometimes
brings on sudden death. This passfion is peculiarly hurtful
to the delicate, and those of weak nerves. I have known a
hysteric woman lose her life by a violent fit of anger; all
such ought to guard against the excess of this passion with
the utmost care.
IT is not always in our power to prevent being angry ;
but we may surely avoid harbouring resentment in our breast.
Resentment preys upon the mind; it occasions the most ob-
stinate chronical disorders, and gradually wastes the con-
sititution. Nothing shows true greatness of mind more,
than to forgive injuries. It promotes the peace of society,
and greatly conduces to our own ease, health, and felicity.
SUCH as value health should avoid violent gusts of anger,
as they would the most deadly infection. They ought never
to indulge resentment, but to endeavour at all times to keep
their 

DISEASES. 67
their minds calm and serene. Nothing tends so much to
the health of the body as a constant tranquillity of mind.
THE influence of fear, both in occasioning and aggra-
vating diseases, is very great. No man ought to be blamed
for a decent concern about life; but too great a desire to
preserve it, is often the way to lose it. Fear and anxiety,
by depressing the spirits, pre-dispose us to diseases, and
often render those fatal, which an undaunted mind would
overcome.
SUDDEN fear has generally violent effects. Epilectic fits,
and other convulsive disorders, are often occasioned by it.
Hence the danger of that practice, so common among
young people, of frightening one another. By this many
have lost their lives, and others have been rendered useless
ever after. It is dangerous to tamper with the human pas-
sions. They may easily be thrown into such disorder as
never again to act with regularity.
BUT the gradual effects of fear prove more generally
hurtful. The constant dread of some future evil, by dwell-
ing upon the mind, often occasions the very evil itself.
Hence it comes to pass, that so many die of these diseases,
of which they long had a dread, or which some accident,
or foolish prediction, had impressed on their minds. This
often happens to women in childbed. Many of those
who die in that situation, are impressed with the notion
of their death a long while before it happens; and there
is reason to believe, that such impressions are often the
cause of it.
THE methods taken to impress the minds of women
with apprehensions of the great danger and peril of child-
birth, are very hurtful. Few women die in labour, though
many lose their lives after it; which may be thus accounted
for. A woman after delivery finding herself weak and ex-
hausted, immediately apprehends she is in danger; but fear
seldom fails to obstruct the necessary evacuations, upon
which her recovery depends. Thus the sex often fall a
sacrifice to their own imaginations, when there would be
no danger, did they apprehend none.
IT seldom happens, that two or three women, who are
generally known, die in child-bed, but their death is fol-
lowed by many others. Every woman of their acquaint-
ance who is with child, dreads the same fate, and the dis-
ease becomes epidemical by the mere force of imagination.
This should induce pregnant women to dispise fear, and
I 2 by

68 OF PREVENTING   
by all means to avoid those tattling gossips, who are con-
tinually telling them the misfortunes of others. Every
thing that may in the least alarm a pregnant or child-bed
woman, ought with the greatest care to be guarded
against. Many women have lost their lives in child-bed by
the old superstitious custom, still kept up in most parts of
Britain, of tolling the parish-bell for every person who
dies. People who think themselves in danger, are very
inquisitive; and if they come to know, that the bell tolls
for one who died in the same situation, what must be the
consequence?
BUT this custom is not pernicious to child-bed women
only. It is hurtful in many other cases. When low fe-
vers, in which it is difficult to support the patient's spirits,
prevail, what must be the effect of a funeral peal sound-
ing five or six times a day in his ears? His imagination
will no doubt suggest, that others died of the same dis- 
ease, which he labours under. Nor will the matter be
at all mended by endeavouring to persuade him of the
contrary. This will tend rather to confirm than remove
his suspicions.
IF this childish custom cannot be abolished, we ought to
keep the sick as much from hearing it as possible, and from  
every thing else that may tend to alarm them. So far is
this from being attended to, that many make it their busi-
ness to visit the sick, on purpose to whisper dismal stories
in their ears. Such may pass for sympathizing friends,
but they ought rather to be reckoned enemies, and ranked
amongst murderers. All who wish well to the sick, ought
to keep such persons at the greatest distance from them.
A custom has long prevailed among physicians of prog-
nosticating, as they call it, the patient's fate, or foretelling   
the issue of the disease. Vanity no doubt introduced this
practice, and still supports it, in spite of common sense
and the safety of mankind. I have known a physician
barbarous enough to boast, that he pronounced more sen- 
tences than all his Majesty's judges. Would to God that
such sentences were not often equally fatal! It may be
alledged, that the doctor does not declare his opinion be-
fore the patient. So much the worse. A sensible patient
had better hear what the doctor says, than learn it from    
the disconsolate looks, the watery eyes, and the broken
whispers of those about him. It seldom happens, when
the doctor gives an unfavourable opinion, that it can be
con-

DISEASES. 69
concealed from the patient. The very emberassment which
generally appears in disguising what he has said, is sufficient
to discover the truth.
WE do not see what right any man has to announce the
death of another, especially if such a declaration has a
chance to kill him. Mankind are indeed very fond of
prying into future events, and seldom fail to importune the
physician for his opinion. A doubtful answer, however,
or one that may tend to encourage the hopes of the patient,
is surely the most safe. This conduct could neither hurt
the patient nor the physician. Nothing tends more to de-
stroy the credit of physic than those bold prognosticators,
who, by the by, are generally the most ignorant. The
mistakes which daily happen in this way, are so many
standing proofs of human vanity, and the weakness of
science.
THE vanity of foretelling the fate of the sick is not
peculiar to the Faculty. Others follow their example, and
those who think themselves wiser than their neighbours,
often do much mischief in this way. Humanity surely
calls upon every one to comfort the sick, and not to add
to their affliction, by alarming their fears. A physician
may often do more good by a mild and simpathizing be-
haviour than by medicine, and should never neglect to ad-
minister that greatest of all cordials, HOPE.
GRIEF is the most destructive of all the passions. Its
effects are permanent, and when it sinks deep into the
mind, it generally proves fatal. Anger and fear being of
a more violent nature, seldom last long; but grief often
changes into a fixed melancholy, which preys upon the
spirits, and wastes the constitution. We should beware of
indulging this passion. It may generally be conquered at
the beginning; but when it has gained strength, all our
attempts become vain.
NO person can prevent misfortunes; but it shows true
greatness of mind to bear them with serenity. Many make
a merit of indulging grief, and when misfortunes happen,
they obstinately refuse all consolation, till the mind, over-
whelmed with melancholy, sinks under the load. Such
conduct is not only destructive to health, but inconsistent
with reason, religion and common sense.
CHANGE of ideas is as necessary for health as change of
posture. When the mind dwells long upon one object,
especially of a disagreeable nature, it hurts the whole func-
tions 

70 OF PREVENTING
tions of the body. Thus grief indulged spoils the digestion,
and destroys the appetite. By that means the spirits are de-
pressed, the nerves relaxed, the bowels inflated with wind,
and the humours, for want of fresh supplies of chyle, vi-
tiated. Thus many an excellent constitution has been
ruined by a family-misfortune, or any thing that occa-
sioned excessive grief.
IT is utterly impossible, that any person of a dejected
mind should enjoy health. Life may indeed be dragged on
for a few years: But whoever would live to a good old
age, must be good humoured and chearful. This indeed
is not altogether in our own power; yet our temper of
mind, as well as actions, depends greatly upon ourselves.
We can either think of agreeable or disagreeable objects,
as we choose; we can go into chearful or melancholy com-
pany; we can mingle in the amusements and offices of
life, or sit still and brood over our calamities. These, and
many such things, are certainly in our power, and from
these the mind generally takes its cast.
THE variety of scenes which present themselves to the
senses, were certainly designed to prevent our attention
from being too long fixed upon any one object. Nature
abounds with variety, and the mind, unless fixed down by
habit, delights in contemplating new objects. This at
once points out the method of relieving the mind in dis-
tress. Turn the attention to other objects. Examine
them with accuracy. When the mind begins to recoil,
shift the scene. By this means a constant succession of
new ideas may be kept up, till the disagreeable ones entire-
ly disappear. Thus travelling, the study of any art or
science, reading or writing on such subjects as engage the
attention, will sooner expel grief than the most sprightly
amusements.
IT has already been observed, that exercise is absolutely
necessary for the health of the body; but it is no less so
for that of the mind. Indolence nourishes grief. When
the mind has nothing else to think of but calamities, no
wonder that it dwells there. Few people who pursue busi-
ness with attention, are hurt by grief. Instead of abstract-
ing ourselves from the world or business, when misfortunes
happen, we ought to engage in it with more than usual at-
tention, to discharge with double diligence the functions
of our station, and to mix with friends of an easy social
temper.
IN-

DISEASES. 71
INNOCENT amusements are by no means tb be neglected.
These, by leading the mind insensibly to the contemplation
of agreeable objects, help to dispel the gloom which mis-
fortunes cast over it. They make time seem less tedious,
and have many other happy effects.
SOME, when overwhelmed with grief, betake themselves
to drinking. This is making the cure worse than the dis-
ease. It seldom fails to end in the ruin of fortune, cha-
racter and constitution.
THE best way to counteract the violence of any passion
is to encourage its opposite. Thus, under the most pres-
sing calamities, HOPE is always to be kept in view. Hope
is the very support of life, and absolutely necessary to the
happiness of a rational being.
SHOULD all other means of comfort fail, the Christian
religion affords an inexhaustible source of consolation. It
teaches us, that the sufferings of this life are designed to
prepare us for a future state of happiness, and that all who
pursue the paths of virtue, shall at last arrive at complete
felicity.
CHAP. III.
OF ARTIFICERS, LABOURERS, &c.
THAT men are exposed to particular diseases from
the occupations which they follow, is a fact well
known; but to remedy that evil, is a difficult matter.
People are under a necessity of pursuing the employments
in which they are bred, whether they be favourable to
health or not. Hence all that we can propose, under this
article, is to point but those diseases to which men are
more immediately exposed from their particular occupations;
and to shew how far such diseases, by due care, may be
avoided.
THE first cause of the diseases of artificers that we shall
mention, is the unwholesome smells and noxious exhala-
tions which often proceed from those materials in which
they are employed. Thus tallow-chandlers, boilers of oil,
dressers of leather, and all who work upon putrid animal
sub- 

72 OF PREVENTING
substances, are afflicted with diseases of the stomach and
lungs. I'll smells not only create a nausea and hurt the di-
gestion, but even taint the humours themselves, and fre-
quently prove the cause of fevers, consumptions, &c.
THESE occupations are not only hurtful to those as are
employed in them, but likewise to those who live in the
neighbourhood of the places where they are carried on;
for which reason they ought always to be at a proper dis-
tance from any town.
THE best advice that we can give to such as are em-
ployed in this way, is, to pay the utmost attention to clean-
liness. They are indeed obliged to wear dirty cloaths while
at work; but the moment they leave off, they ought to wash
themselves, strip off their dirty cloaths, put on clean ones,
and remove at a proper distance from the smell of their work-
shops, &c. No one who has not made the trial, can imagine
how far an attention to these, and other pieces of cleanli-
ness, will go in preserving the health of those artificers
who are obliged to follow such employments.
CHYMISTS, founders, glass-makers, &c. besides the
noxious exhalations from those bodies in which they work,
are forced to breathe an air that is in a manner burnt, or
at least too much rarified to expand the lungs, or answer
the important purposes of respiration. Such people are ge-
nerally thin, pale, and of a weak consumptive habit. They
are melted down with sweat, in order to supply which eva-
cuation, large quantities of liquor become necessary. Thus
by hard working and fast living their constitutions are worn
out in a few years.
SUCH artists ought to work by turns, and should never
continue long near the furnace at a time. They should be
careful, when they leave off work, to cool gradually, avoid-
ing every thing that may suddenly check the perspiration.
The places where these occupations are carried on, should
be properly constructed for discharging the smoke and
other exhalations, and admitting a free current of fresh
air; otherwise the people who work in them, can never
enjoy health.
THE exhalation from metals and minerals is not only
hurtful to founders, chymists, and others who manufacture
them for particular purposes, but likewise to miners, or
those who dig them out of the earth. Fallopius observes,
that such as work in mines of mercury, seldom live above
three or four years. They are generally affected with palsies,
ver- 

DISEASES. 73
vertigos, and other diseases of the nerves, which soon put
an end to their miserable lives. Those also who work in
lead-mines are very liable to paralytic disorders, with gripes,
cholics, and other complaints of the bowels.
MINER suffer from their situation as well as from the me-
tals in which they work. The air in mines being totally
excluded from the sun's rays, by stagnation loses its spring,
and often becomes damp. This kind of air is to be avoided
as the most deadly poison: Besides, mines are often wet, which
renders them still more hurtful. This is one reason why
miners are very subject to aches, cramps, and rheumatic
pains, &c.
MINERS should never continue too long under ground at 
a time; neither ought they at any time to go to work fast-
ing, nor to suffer their stomachs to be empty while they
continue in the mines. They ought not to live too low;
and their liquor should be generous. They should by all
means avoid costiveness, by either taking food of an open-
ing nature, or, when that does not succeed, a gentle purge.
Oils are found to be a good preservative against gripes from
the affluvia of metals. Oils both open the belly, and
sheath the coats of the intestines, which prevents their be-
ing hurt by the poisonous particles of the metal.
MINERS should by all means take care that the air have a
free current through the mines and that neither it nor the
water be suffered to stagnate. All who work in mines or
metals ought to wash when they leave off work, and to
change their cloaths. Those parts of the metal which ad-
here to the skin or the cloaths, being continually absorbed
into the body, must necessarily do hurt. People are too
apt to look upon such circumstances as unworthy their at-
tention; but these small causes, by being neglected, never
fail to produce the most dreadful effects.
PLUMBERS, painters, gilders, and all who work in me-
tals, are subject to the same diseases as those who dig them.
They are afflicted with colics, asthmas, palsies, &c. and
should observe the same precautions as miners. It is impos-
sible for people thus employed, at all times to avoid some
degree of danger; but it consists with observation, that, by
due care, they may prolong their lives to a good old age,
with a tolerable share of health. We have seldom seen a
person in danger from any of the above causes, but it pro-
ceeded from his own foolhardiness or want of care.
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74 OF PREVENTING
As it would greatly exceed our bounds to specify the
disorders peculiar to every occupation, we shall therefore
consider mankind under the following general classes, viz.
Laborious, Sedentary and Studious.
The LABORIOUS.
THOUGH those who follow laborious employments are in
general the most healthy, yet the nature of their occupati-
ons, and the places where they are carried on, expose
them to many diseases. Husbandmen, for example, are
exposed to all the vicissitudes of the weather, which
are often very great and sudden. They are likewise
forced to work hard, and often to carry loads above their
strength, which by overstraining the vessels, occasion ma-
ny diseases, as asthmas, fevers, ruptures, &c.
INTERMITTENT fevers, or agues, are very common a-
mongst those who labour without doors. These are occasi-
oned by the frequent vicissitudes of heat and cold to which
they are exposed, by the bad water which they are often
obliged to drink, by the low marshy situation of their hou-
ses, and by their frequent exposure to the evening dews,
night-air, &c.
ASTHMAS and inflammations of the breast are very inci-
dent to the laborious. These are occasioned by the violent
exercise and the frequent extremes of heat and cold to
which they are exposed. Those who bear heavy burdens,
as porters, &c. are obliged to draw in the air with much
greater force, and also to keep their lungs distended with more
violence than is necessary for common respiration: By this
means the tender vessels of the lungs are over distended.
and often burst, insomuch that a spitting of blood or fevers en-
sues. Hippocrates mentions an instance to this purpose of
a man, who, upon a wager, had carried an ass. The
man, he says, was immediately seized with a fever, a vo-
miting of blood, and a rupture.
CARRYING very heavy burdens is often the effect of mere
indolence, which prompt people to do at once, what
should be done at twice. It likewise proceeds frequently
from bravado, or an emulation to outdo others. Hence it
is that the strongest men are most generally hurt by heavy
burdens, hard labour, or seats of activity. It is rare to find
one who excels in this way, without a hernia, a hæmoptoe,
or some other disease, which he enjoys as the fruit of his fol-
ly.

DISEASES. 75
ly. One would imagine, that the daily instances we have of
the fatal effects of carrying great weights, running, wrestling,
&c. should be sufficient to put a stop to such practices.
THERE are indeed some employments which necessarily
require a violent exertion of strength, such as blacksmiths,
carpenters, &c. None ought to follow these occupations but
men of a strong body; and they should never exert their
strength to the utmost, nor work too long. When the
muscles are violently strained, frequent rest is necessary, in
order that they may recover their tone; where that is ne-
glected, the strength and constitution will soon be wore
out, and a premature old age brought on.
THE quinsy and erisipelas, or St. Anthony's fire, are
likewise diseases very incident to the laborious. These are
occasioned by whatever gives a sudden check to the perspi-
ration, as drinking cold liquor when the body is warm,
keeping on wet cloaths, sitting or lying on the cold
ground, damp houses, wet feet, &c. As the great dan-
ger of these practices has already been pointed out, it is un-
necessary to insist upon them here.
THE laborious are often afflicted with the iliac passion,
the colic, and other complaints of the bowels. These
are often occasioned by wet feet, or wet cloaths; but they
more generally proceed from flatulent and indigestable food.
Labourers eat unfermented bread made of peas, beans, rye,
and other windy ingredients. They also eat great quanti-
ties of unripe fruits, baked, stewed, or raw, with various
kinds of roots and herbs, upon which they drink four
milk, stale small beer, &c. Such a composition cannot
fail to fill the bowels with wind, and occasion diseases. Ac-
cordingly we find these people in the decline of life univer-
sally complaining of flatulencies; a disorder which renders
many of them very unhappy, and for which no cure is yet
known. The best advice that we can give them is to avoid
windy food as far as possible.
INFLAMMATIONS, whitlows,and other diseases of the ex-
tremities, are very common amongst them who labour
without doors. These diseases are often attributed to ve-
nom, or some kind of poison; but they generally proceed
either from sudden heat after cold, or the contrary. When
such people come from the fields cold and wet, they run to
the fire, and often plunge their hands in warm water, by
which means the blood and other humours in these parts
are suddenly expanded, the vessels not yielding so quickly,
K 2 a 

76 OF PREVENTING
a strangulation happens, and an inflammation or mortificati-
on ensues.
WHEN labourers come home cold, they ought to keep
at a distance from the fire for some time, to wash their
hands in cold water, and to rub them well with a dry cloth.
It sometimes happens that people are so benumbed with cold,
as to lose the use of their limbs altogether. In such a case
the only remedy is to rub the parts affected with snow, or,
failing it, with cold water. If they beheld near the fire, or
plunged into warm water, a mortification will certainly en-
sue.
LABOURERS in the hot season are apt to lie down and
sleep in the sun. This practice is so dangerous, that they
often rise in a high fever. The burning fevers which
prove so fatal about the end of summer, and beginning of
autumn, are often occasioned by this means. When la-
bourers leave off work, which they ought always to do du-
ring the heat of the day, they should go home, or, at least,
get under some cover, where they may repose themselves in
safety.                                            
THE different seasons of the year expose those who la-
bour without doors to different diseases. Thus in the spring
agues are frequent: in summer, as has been observed,
burning fevers abound; and in autumn, dysenteries and
fluxes prevail. The latter proceed not only from the per-
spiration being, at that time, obstructed, but also from the
green trash, or unripe fruits, which country people eat in
great quantities. Indeed if fruit be ripe, and eat in mode-
ration, it rather prevents than occasions dysenteries; but it
is equally certain, that much bad fruit will bring on a
flux.                                          
LABOURERS are often hurt by long fasting. They fre-
quently follow their employments in the fields from morn-
ing till night, without eating anything. This cannot
fail to hurt their health. However homely their fare be,
they ought to have it at regular times, and the harder they
work, the more frequently should they eat.
LABROURERS likewise suffer from the nature of their food
They are extremely careless with respect to what they
eat or drink, and often through mere indolence, eat
unwholesome food, when they might, for the same expence,
have that which is wholesome. The poor often hurt their
health for want of a proper method of living, and in the
end save nothing by it. In many parts of Britain, the pea-
sants are too careless to take the trouble of dressing their
victuals,

DISEASES. 77
victuals, though they have feuel for nothing. Such peo-
ple will live upon one meal a-day in indolence, rather than
labour, though it were to procure them the greatest afflu-
ence.
POVERTY is doubtless a very general cause of diseases a-
mong the labouring part of mankind. Few of them have
much foresight; and if they had, it seldom is in their power
to lay any thing up against hard times. They are glad to
make a shift to live from day to day; and when any disease
renders them unfit for work, their families are ready to
starve. Here the God-like virtue of charity ought ever to
exert herself. To relieve the industrious poor when in dis-
tress, is surely the most exalted act of religion, and can
never lose its reward. They alone who witness those
scenes of calamity, can form a notion of what numbers pe-
rish in diseases for want of proper assistance, and even
for want of the necessaries of life. It were to be
wished, for the honor of human nature, as well as for the
good of society, that these things were more looked into.
FEVERS of a very bad kind are often occasioned by what
is called poor living. When the body is not sufficiently
nourished, the humours become bad, and the spirits sink;
from whence the most fatal consequences must ever ensue.
Poor living is likewise productive of cutaneous diseases. It
is remarkable that cattle, when pinched in their food, are
generally affected with diseases of the skin. These diseases
seldom fail to disappear when they are put upon good pa-
sture: which shews how much a good state of the humours
depends upon a sufficient quantity of proper nourishment.
LABOURERS often suffer from a foolish emulation, which
prompts them to vie with one another, till they drop down
dead, or over-heat themselves to such a degree as to occasi-
ton a fever. As this is the effect of vanity, it ought always
to be checked by those who have the superintendance of
them. Such as wantonly throw away their lives in this
manner, deserve to be looked upon in no better light than
self-murderers. It is pity that poor widows and father-
less children should suffer by such childish conduct: Could
we speak to the passions of men, we would bid them think
of these, and then consider of how great importance their
lives are.
THE office of a soldier in time of war, may be ranked
amongst laborious employments. Soldiers suffer many
hardships from the inclemency of seasons, long marches,
hunger, 

78 OF PREVENTING          
hunger, bad provisions, &c. These occasion fevers, flux-
es, rheumatisms, and other fatal diseases, which often do
more execution than the sword, especially when campaigns
are continued too late in the season. One week of cold 
rainy weather will kill more men than many months when 
it is dry and warm.
EVERY commander should take care that his soldiers be 
well clothed and well fed. He ought also to endeavour to
put an end to the campaign in due season, and to provide
his men with winter quarters that are dry and well-aired.
These easy rules, with taking care to keep the sick at a pro-
per distance from those in health, will go a great length in
preserving the lives of the soldiery.
IT is indeed to be regretted, that soldiers suffer no less
by indolence and intemperance in time of peace, than from
hardships in time of war. When men are idle, they will
be vicious. It would therefore be of the greatest importance,
could a scheme be formed for rendering the military in
time of peace less vicious, more healthy, and more useful 
to society. All those desirable objects might certainly be
promoted by only employing them five or six hours every
day, and advancing their pay in proportion. By this
means idleness, the mother of vice, would not only be pre-
vented, but the price of labour might be lowered. Public
works, as harbours, canals, turn-pike roads, &c. might
be made without hurting manufactures; and soldiers might
be enabled to marry, and bring up children.                
A SCHEME of this kind might be so conducted as to raise
instead of depressing the martial spirit, provided the men
were never allowed to work above a certain number
of hours, and obliged always to work without doors. No
soldier should ever be allowed to work too long, nor per-   
mitted to follow any sedentary employment. Sedentary
employments render men weak and effeminate, and quite
unfit for the hardships of war; whereas working a few 
hours daily without doors would innure them to the wea-
ther, brace their nerves, and promote their strength and
courage.
SAILORS may also be numbered amongst the laborious.
They undergo great hardships from change of climate, the
violence of weather, hard labour, bad provisions, &c. Sai-
lors are of so great importance both to the trade and safety
of this kingdom, that too much pains can never be bestowed
in pointing out the proper means of preserving their lives.
EXCESS

DISEASES. 79
EXCESS is one great source of the diseases of sea-faring
people. When they get on shore, after being long at sea,
without regard to the climate, or their own constitutions,
they plunge headlong into all manner of riot, and often per-
sist till a fever puts an end to their lives. Thus intemperance,
and not the climate, is often the cause why so many of our
brave sailors die on foreign coasts. We would not have
sea-faring people live too low; but they will find tempe-
rance the best defence against fevers, and many other ma-
ladies.
SAILORS when on duty are often exposed to cold and
wet. When that happens, they should change their
cloaths as soon as they are relieved, and take every proper
method to restore the perspiration. In this case they
should not have recourse to spirits, or other strong liquors,
but should rather drink such as are weak and diluted, of a
proper warmth, and go immediately to bed, where a sound
sleep and a gentle sweat will set all to rights.
THE health of sailors suffers most from unwholesome
food. The constant use of salted provisions vitiates the
whole humours, and occasions the scurvy, and other obsti-
nate maladies. It is no easy matter to prevent this disease
in long voyages; yet we cannot help thinking, that much
might be done towards effecting so desirable an end, were
due pains bestowed for that purpose. For example, various
roots, greens, and fruits might be kept a long time at sea,
as potatoes, cabbages, lemons, oranges, tamarinds, apples,
&c. When fruits cannot be kept the juices of them either
fresh or fermented, may. With these all the drink, and
even the food of the ships company, ought to be acidulated
in long voyages. But suppose the vegetable acids should
fail, yet the chymical, as cream of tartar, elixir of vitriol,
&c. may be kept for any length of time; and as they are
attended with no expense, it is in the power of every sailor
to lay in enough of these for the longest voyage. These,
though not so good as vegetable acids, are still better than
none, and should always be used when the others fail.
STALE bread and beer likewise contribute to vitiate the
humours. Meal will keep for a long while on board, of
which fresh bread might frequently be made. Malt too
must be kept on board, and infused with boiling water at
any time. This liquor, when drank even in the form of
wort, is very wholesome, and is found to be an excellent
antidote against the scurvy. Small wines and cyder might
likewise 

80 OF PREVENTING
likewise be plentifully laid in, and should they turn sour,
they would still be useful, as vinegar. Vinegar is a very
great antidote against diseases, and should be used by all
travellers, especially at sea.
SUCH animals as can be kept alive ought likewise to be
carried on board, as hens, ducks, pigs, &c. Fresh broths
made of portable soup, and puddings made of peas, or
other vegetables, ought to be used frequently. Many o-
ther things will occur to people conversant in these matters,
which would tend to preserve the health of that brave and
useful set of men. Pity it is that so little attention should be
paid to these things by such as have it in their power to rec-
tify them; but interest binds the eyes of some, while others,
totally regardless of the future, will make no provision a-
gainst diseases till they feel them.
THERE is reason to believe, if care were taken with re-
spect to the diet, air, cloathing, &c. of sea-faring people, that
they would be the most healthy set of men in the world; but
when these are not duly regarded, the very reverse must
happen.
PERUVIAN bark is the best medical antidote that we can
recommend to sailors or soldiers on foreign coasts. This
will often prevent fevers, and other fatal diseases. A dram
or so of it may be chewed every day, or if this should
prove disagreeable, an ounce of bark, with half an ounce
of orange-pill, and two drams of snake-root coarsely pow-
dered, may be infused for two or three days in an English
quart of brandy, and half a wine glass of it taken twice or
thrice a-day, when the stomach is most empty. This has
been found to be an excellent antidote against fluxes, putrid,
intermitting, and other fevers, in unhealthy climates. It
is not material in what form this medicine be administred.
It may either be infused in water, wine, or spirits, as re-
commended above, or made into an electuary with syrup of
lemons, oranges, or the like.
The S E- 

DISEASES. 81
The SEDENTARY.
THOUGH nothing can be more contrary to the nature
of man than a sedentary life, yet the far greater part
of the human, species are comprehended under this class.
Almost the whole female world, and, in manufacturing
countries, the major part of the males, may be reckoned
sedentary.
AGRICULTURE, the first and most healthful of all em-
ployments, is now followed by few who are able to carry
on any other business. Those who imagine that the culture
of the earth is not sufficient to employ all its inhabitants,
are greatly mistaken. An ancient Roman, we are told,
could maintain his family from the produce of one acre of
ground. So might a modern Briton, if he could be con-
tented to live like a Roman. This shows what an immense
increase of inhabitants Britain might admit of, and all of
them live by the culture of the ground. Agriculture is the
great source of domestic riches. It is of all employments
the most favourable to health and population. When it is
neglected, whatever wealth may be imported from abroad,
poverty, wretchedness, and misery will abound at home.
Such is, and ever will be, the fluctuating nature of manu-
factures, that ten thousand people may be in bread to-day,
and in beggary to-morrow. This can never happen to
those who cultivate the ground. They can eat the fruit of
their labour, and can always by industry obtain, at least,
the necessaries of life.
THO' sedentary employments be necessary, yet there
seems to be no reason why any person should be confined
for life to these alone. Were such employments intermixed
with the more active and laborious, they would never do
hurt. It is constant confinement that ruins the health. A
man may not be hurt by fitting four or five hours a-day,
who, were he obliged to fit ten or twelve, would soon con-
nta diseases.
BUT it is not want of exercise alone which hurts sedenta-
ry people; they often suffer from the unwholesome air
which they breathe. It is very common to see ten or a do-
zen taylors, or stay-makers, for example, crouded into
one small appartment, where there is hardly room for one
single person to breathe freely. In this situation they gene-
L rally 
  

82 OF PREVENTING
rally continue for many hours at a time, with often the ad-
dition of sundry candles, which help to waste the air, and
render it less fit for respiration. Air that is breathed over
and over, loses its spring, and becomes unfit for expanding
the lungs. This is one cause of the phthisical coughs, and
other complaints of the breast, so incident to sedentary ar-
tificers.
EVEN the perspiration from a great number of bodies
pent up together, renders the air unwholesome. The danger
from this quarter is greatly increased, if any of them hap-
pens to have bad lungs, or to be otherways diseased. Those
who sit near him, being forced to breathe the same air, can
hardly fail to be infected. It would be a rare thing indeed
to find a dozen of sedentary people all sound. The danger
of crouding them together must therefore be evident to eve-
ry one.
MANY of those who follow sedentary employments are
constantly in a bending posture, as shoemakers, taylors,
cutlers, &c. Such a situation is extremely hurtful. A
bending posture obstructs all the vital motions, and of
course must ruin the health. Accordingly we find such
artificers generally complain of indigestions, flatulencies,
headaches, pains of the breast, &c. In such people the
first concoction is generally bad, and as that fault can never
be mended in any of the subsequent ones, it cannot fail to
induce a total vitium of the humours, which paves the way
to innumerable diseases.
THE aliment in sedentary people, instead of being push-
ed forwards by an erect posture, the action of the muscles,
&c. is in a manner confined in the bowels. Hence costive-
ness, wind, and other hypocondriacal symptoms, the never
failing companions of the sedentary. Indeed none of the
secretions can be duly performed where exercise is wanting,
and when any one of these is retained too long in the body,
it must have bad effects, as it is again taken up into the mass
of humours.
A bending posture is very hurtful, to the lungs. When
this organ is compressed, the air cannot have free access in-
to all its parts, so as to expand them properly. Hence tu-
bercles, adhesions, &c. are formed, which often end in
consumptions. The proper action of the lungs is like-
wise necessary for making good blood. When that
organ fails, the humours soon become universally de-
praved, and the whole constitution goes to wreck. In
fine, both the pectoral and abdominal viscera ought to
be kept as free and easy as possible. Their continual action
is 
             

DISEASES. 83
is absolutely necessary to life, and being of a soft texture,
their functions are easily obstructed by any sort of pressure.
THE sedentary are not only hurt by pressure on the bow-
els, but also on the inferior extremities, which obstructs
the circulation in these parts, and renders them weak and
feeble. Thus taylors, shoemakers, &c. frequently lose
the use of their legs altogether; besides the blood and other
humours, by stagnating in these parts, are vitiated; from
whence proceed the scab, ulcerous sores, foul blotches,
and other cutaneous diseases, so common among sedentary
artificers.
A bad figure of body is a very common consequence of
close application to sedentary employments. The spine,
for example, by being continually bent, puts on a crooked
shape, and generally remains so ever after. But a bad fi-
gure of body has already been observed to be hurtful to
health, as the vital functions, &c. are thereby impeded.
A sedentary life never fails to occasion an universal relax-
ation of the solids. This is the grand source from whence
most of the diseases of sedentary people flow. The scro-
fula, consumption, rickets, and many other maladies which
now abound, were little known in this country before se-
dentary artificers became so numerous; and they are very
little known still among such of our people as follow active
employments without doors, though in the great manufac-
turing towns, at least two thirds of the inhabitants are af-
flicted with them.
IT is the  more difficult to remedy those evils, because
many who have been accustomed to a sedentary life, like
rickety children, lose all inclination for exercise; we shall
however give a few hints with respect to the most likely
means for preserving the health of this useful set of people,
which some of them, we hope, will be wise enough to ob-
serve.
IT has been observed, that sedentary artificers are often
hurt by their bending posture. They ought therefore to
stand or sit as erect as the nature of their employments will
permit. They should likewise change postures frequently,
and should never sit too long at a time, but leave off work
and walk, ride, run, or do any thing that will promote the
vital functions.
SEDENTARY artificers are allowed too little time for ex-
ercise; yet, short as it is, they seldom employ it properly.
A journeyman taylor or weaver, instead of walking abroad
L 2 for 

84 OF PREVENTING
for exercise and fresh air, at his hours of leisure, chooses
often to spend them in a publick house, or in pursuing
some sedentary diversion, at which he generally loses both
his time and money.
THE awkward postures in which many sedentary artifi-
cers work, seem rather to be the effect of custom than ne-
cessity. For example, a table might surely be contrived for
ten or a dozen taylors to sit round it, with liberty for their
legs either to hang down, or rest upon a foot-board, as they
should choose. A place might be cut out in the table for
every person to sit in, by which means his work would lie
as ready to his hand, as in the present mode of sitting cross-
legged.
WE would recommend to all sedentary artificers the most
religious regard to cleanliness. Both their situation and oc-
cupations render this highly necessary. Nothing would
contribute more to preserve sedentary artificers in  health,
than a strict attention to this rule; and such of them as ne-
glect it, not only run the hazard of losing their health, but
of becoming a nuisance to society.
SEDENTARY people should live spare. They ought like-
wise to avoid food that is windy, or hard of digestion, and
should pay the strictest regard to sobriety. A person who
works hard without doors will soon throw off an overcharge
of liquor, but one who sits has by no means an equal
chance. Hence it often happens, that sedentary people are
seized with fevers after hard drinking. When such people
feel their spirits low, instead of running to the tavern for
relief, they should ride, or walk into the fields. This
would remove the complaint more effectually than strong li-
quor, and would never hurt the constitution.
INSTEAD of multiplying rules for preserving the health
of the sedentary, we shall recommend the following general
plan, viz. That every person who follows a sedentary em-
ployment should cultivate apiece of ground with his own
hands. This he might dig, plant, sow, and weed at his
leisure-hours, so as to make it both an exercise and amuse-
ment, while it produced many of the necessaries of life.
After working an hour in a garden, a man will return with
more keenness to his employment within doors, than if he
had been all the while idle.
LABOURING the ground is every way conducive to
health. It not only gives exercise to every part of the body,
but the very smell of the earth and fresh herbs, revive and                 
chear 
               

DISEASES. 85
chear the spirits, whilst the perpetual prospect of some-
thing coming to maturity, delights and entertains the
mind. We are so made as to be always pleased with some-
what in prospect, however distant or however trivial. Hence
the happiness that most men feel in planting, sowing,
building, &c. These seem to have been the chief employ-
ments of the early ages; and when kings and conquerors
cultivated the ground, there is reason to believe, that they
knew as well wherein true happiness consisted as we do.
IT may seem romantic to recommend gardening to ma-
nufacturers in great towns; but observation proves, that
the plan is very practicable. In the town of Sheffield, in
Yorkshire, where the great iron manufacture is carried on,
there is hardly a journeyman cutler who does not occupy a
piece of ground which he cultivates as a garden. This
practice has many salutary effects. It not only induces
these people to take exercise without doors, but also to eat
many greens, roots, &c. of their own produce, which
they would not think of purchasing. There seems to be
no reason why manufacturers in any other town in Great-
Britain should not follow this example.
MECHANICS are too much inclined to crowd into great
towns. This situation may have some advantages, but ma-
ny disadvantages. All mechanics who live in the country,
have it in their power, and indeed most of them do, occupy
a piece of ground, which not only gives them exercise,
but enables them to live more comfortably. So far at
least as our observation reaches, mechanics who live in the
country are far more happy than those in great towns.
They enjoy better health, live in greater affluence, and
seldom fail to rear a healthy and numerous offspring.
IN a word, exercise without doors, in one shape or other,
is absolutely necessary to health. Those who neglect it,
though they may for awhile drag out life, can hardly be
said to enjoy it. Their humours are generally vitiated,
their solids relaxed and weak, and their spirits low and de-
pressed.
The STUDIOUS.
INTENSE thought is so destructive to health, that few in-
stances can be produced of studious persons who live to an
extreme old age. Hard study always implies a sedentary
life; and when want of exercise is joined to intense think-
ing 


86 OF PREVENTING
ing, the consequences must be bad. We have frequently
known even a few months intense study ruin an excellent
constitution, and bring on a train of nervous complaints,
which never could be removed. Man is evidently not form-
ed for continual thought more than for perpetual action,
and would be as soon worn out by the one as by the other.
So great is the power of the mind over the body, that by
its influence the whole vital motion may be accelerated or
retarded, to almost any degree. Chearfulness and mirth
quicken the circulation, and promote all the secretions;
whereas sadness and profound thought never fail to retard
them. Thus even a degree of thoughtfulness is necessary
to health. The perpetual thinker seldom enjoys either
health or spirits; while the person who can hardly be said
to think at all, seldom fails to enjoy both. The mind, by
a habit of thinking, in some measure, loses the power
of unbending itself. This may be called a disease of the
mind, and should be as carefully guarded against as any o-
ther malady.
PERPETUAL thinkers, as they are called, seldom think
to much purpose. Such people, in a course of years, ge-
nerally become quite stupid, and exhibit a melancholy
proof how readily the greatest blessings may be abused.
Thought, like all other things, when carried to extreme,
becomes a vice. Hence nothing can afford a greater proof
of wisdom than for a man frequently and seasonably to un-
bend his mind. This may always be done by a chearful
company, active diversions, music, or the like.
THE gout is the common companion of the studious.
This excruciating disease generally proceeds from indigesti-
ons, and an obstructed perspiration. It is impossible that
the man who sits all day in a closet should either digest his
food, or have any of the secretions in due quantity. When
that matter, which should be thrown off by the skin, is re-
tained in the body, it cannot fail to vitiate the humours,
and of course to produce the gout, or some other malady.
THE studious are often afflicted with the stone and gra-
vel. Motion greatly assists the secretion and discharge of
urine; consequently a sedentary life must have the contra-
ry effect. Of this any one may be sensible by observing,
that he passes much more urine by day than in the night,
and also when he walks or rides than when he sits. A free
discharge of urine not only prevents the gravel and stone,
but many other diseases. When the blood or other hu-
mours 

DISEASES. 87
mours are disordered, nature generally attempts to free her-
self of the offending cause, by the urinary passages; but
when these become unfit for performing their proper func-
tions, this attempt must fail, and consequently diseases will
ensue.
OBSTRUCTIONS of the liver prove often fatal to the stu-
dious. Diseases of that organ are very obstinate, and gene-
rally complicated. The circulation in the liver being
slow, obstructions can hardly fail to be the consequence of
inactivity. Hence sedentary people are frequently afflicted
with schirrous livers, the jaundice, &c. The proper secre-
tion and discharge of the bile is so necessary a part of the
animal œconomy, that where it is not duly performed, the
health must needs be impaired. Indigestion, loss of appe-
tite, and a wasting of the whole body, seldom fail to be
the consequences of a vitium, or obstructions of the bile.
FEW diseases prove more fatal to the studious than con-
sumptions of the lungs. It has already been observed, that
this organ cannot be duly expanded in those who do not
take proper exercise, and where that is the case, obstruc-
tions, adhesions, &c. must ensue. Not only want of ex-
ercise, but the posture in which studious people often sit,
is very hurtful to the lungs. Those who read or write
much are apt to contract a habit of bending forwards, and
often press with their breast upon a table or bench, &c.
It is impossible this posture should fail to hurt the lungs.
It ought therefore to be avoided with the utmost care.
THE studious are often afflicted with want of appetite
and indigestions. These lay the foundation of numerous
diseases. When the digestions fail, the humours must soon
be depraved, to which succeed low spirits, weak nerves,
with the whole train of hysteric and hypochondriac mala-
dies.
HEADACHES often afflict the studious. These proceed
from long and intense thinking, and sometimes they are ag-
gravated by costiveness. The best way to prevent them is
never to study too long, and to keep the belly regular ei-
ther by proper food, or taking frequently a little of some o-
pening medicine.
Diseases of the eyes often afflict the studious. Such
therefore as read or write much should early accustom
themselves to use preserves. Night-study is most destructive
to the sight, and should never be prolonged too late. In-
deed late studies are not only hurtful to the eyes, but to 
the

88 OF PREVENTING
the whole body. Nothing more certainly ruins the health,
than the practice of spending those hours in the closet which
should be allotted to sleep. Studious persons will find their
eyes greatly strengthened by bathing them frequently in
cold water, or brandy and water mixed.
THE dropsy is another of those diseases which commonly
affect the studious, and very often puts an end to their lives.
It has already been observed, that the secretions are gene-
rally defective in the studious, and that various diseases, a-
mong which is the dropsy, are occasioned by the retention
of these humours which ought to be thrown off in that way.
Any person may observe, that sitting makes his legs swell,
and that this will go off by exercise; which clearly points
out the method of prevention to all who can take it. To
those who cannot take exercise, we would recommend the
use of the flesh brush, cold bathing, and such food as is of
a bracing and strengthening nature.
FEVERS, especially of the nervous kind, are often the
effect of study. Nothing is so destructive to the nerves as
intense thought. It is able, in a manner, to unhinge the
whole machine. It not only hurts the vital motions, but
disorders the mind itself. Hence a delirium, melancholy,
and even madness, are often the effect of close application
to study. There is no disease which can proceed either
from a bad state of the humours, a defect of the usual secreti-
ons, or a debility of the nervous system, which may not be
brought on by intense thinking.
BUT the most afflicting of all the diseases which attack
the studious, are the hypochondriacal. These seldom fail to
be the companions of deep thought, and may rather be call-
ed a complication of maladies than a single one. To
what a wretched pass are the best of men often reduced by
these maladies? Their strength and appetite fail. A per-
petual gloom hangs over their minds. They live in the
constant dread of death, and are continually in search of
relief from medicine, where, alas! it is not to be found.
This disease far exceeds all description, and those who la-
bour under it, though they be often made the subject of
ridicule, justly claim our highest sympathy and compassi-
on.
NOTHING can be more preposterous than for any man to
make study his sole business. A mere student is seldom an
useful member of society. Indeed it rarely happens, that
an useful invention is the effect of study. The farther that
men 

DISEASES. 89
men dive into profound researches, they generally deviate
the more from common sense, and too often lose sight of it
altogether. Hence it is that profound speculations, instead
of making men wiser or better, generally render them
mere sceptics, and overwhelm them in doubt and uncer-
tainty. All that is necessary for man to know, in order to
be happy, is easily obtained, and the rest, like the forbid-
den tree, serves only to increase his misery.
STUDIOUS people, in order to relieve their minds; must
not only discontinue to read and write, but engage in some
employment or amusement, that will so far occupy the
thought as to make them forget the business of the closet,
A solitary ride or walk are so far from relieving the mind,
that they rather encourage thought. Nothing can divert
the mind, when it gets into a train of serious thinking, but an
attention to subjects of a more trivial nature. These,
when compared with the other, prove a kind of play to the
mind, and consequently relieve it.
THINKING men are apt to contract a contempt for what
they call trifling company. They are ashamed to be seen
with any but philosophers. This however is no proof of
their being philosophers themselves. No man deserves the
name of a philosopher who is ashamed to unbend his mind
by associating with the cheerful and gay. Even the society
of children will relieve the mind, and expel the gloom
which application to study is too apt to occasion. It is re-
markable, that such as have numerous families, whatever
hardships they may labour under, are generally the most
cheerful and happy.
As studious people are necessarily much within doors,
they should make choice of a large and well-aired place for
study. That would not only prevent the bad effects which
attend confined air, but would cheer the spirits, and
have a most happy influence both on the body and mind.
It is said of Euripides, the Tragedian, that he used to re-
tire to a dark cave to compose his tragedies; and of De-
mosthenes, the Grecian orator, that he chose a place for
study where nothing could either be heard or seen. With
all deference to such venerable names, we cannot help con-
demning this taste. A man may surely think to as good
purpose in an elegant apartment as in a cave; and may
have as happy ideas where the all-cheering rays of the sun
render the air wholesome, as in places where they never
reach.
M THOSE 
 

90 OF PREVENTING
THOSE who read or write much should be very attentive
to their posture. They ought to fit and stand by turns,
always keeping as near an erect posture as possible. Those
who dictate may do it walking. It has an excellent effect
frequently to read or speak aloud. This not only exercises
the lungs, but almost the whole body, Hence studious
people are greatly benefited by delivering discourses in pub-
lic. Such indeed sometimes hurt themselves by over-act-
ing their part; but that is their own fault. The man who
dies a martyr to mere vociferation merits not our sympa-
thy.
THE morning has by all medical writers been reckoned
the best time for study. It is so. But it is also the most
proper season for exercise, while the stomach is empty, and
the spirits refreshed with sleep. Studious people should
therefore frequently spend the morning in some manly diver-
sion abroad. This would make them return to study with
greater alacrity, and would be of more service than twice
the time after their spirits are worn out with fatigue. It is
not sufficient to take diversion only when we can think no
longer. Every studious person should make it a part of his
business, and should let nothing interrupt his hours of re-
creation more than those of study.
MUSIC has a most happy effect in relieving the mind.
It would be well if every studious person were so far ac-
quainted with that science as to amuse himself after severe
thought, by playing such airs as have a tendency to rouse
the spirits, and inspire cheerfulness and good humour.
STUDIOUS persons generally spend their mornings in the
closet, and their evenings in company. It were better to
invert this rule. It is the reproach of learning, that so ma-
ny of her sons, to relieve the mind after study, betake
themselves to the use of strong liquors. This indeed is a
remedy; but it is a desperate one, and always ends in de-
struction. Would such persons, when their spirits are low,
get on horse-back, and gallop ten or a dozen miles, they
would find it a more effectual remedy than all the strong
liquors in the world. A good horse is the best preventive
medicine that we can recommend to the studious. This is
better than all the nervous antidotes of the shops, and will
in the end be found much cheaper.
IT is really to be regretted that men, while in health,
pay so little regard to these things! How common is it to
see a wretch, over-run with nervous diseases, bathing,
walking, 

DISEASES. 91
walking, riding, and in a word, doing every thing for
health after it is gone; yet if any one had recommended
these things by way of prevention, his advice would have
been treated with contempt, or, at least, with neglect.
Such is the weakness of human nature, and such the folly
and want of foresight, even of those who ought to be the
wisest of mankind!                                 
M 2 PART 

PART II.
OF DISEASES.
CHAP. IV.
OF DISTINGUISHING DISEASES.
BEFORE we proceed to the particular treatment of
diseases, it will be necessary to lay down some gene-
ral rules for distinguishing one disease from another, as the
danger of mistaking the disease often deters people from at-
tempting to relieve the sick.
To distinguish diseases is the most difficult part of the
practice of physic. So near a resemblance do the symptoms
of one disease often bear to those of another, that they
may deceive the most skilful physician. We do not mean
in this place to give the distinguishing marks of every par-
ticular disease, but only to put the reader upon his guard
by pointing out a few of those diseases which have the
nearest resemblance to one another, and which the unwary
and inattentive may be most apt to mistake.
THE small-pox and measles are both preceded by chil-
ness and shivering, with heat and cold by turns, a quick
pulse, great thirst, and other symptoms of a fever. In both
the eruption appears about the third or fourth day in little
spots resembling flea-bites. Thus far the disease cannot be
certainly known; but on the second or third day from the
eruption, the small-pox begin to rise and to fill with matter;
which plainly shows the nature of the disease.
THE petechial or spotted fever, may be known from the
miliary by this mark, that in the former the spots never
rise above the skin; whereas in the latter the skin is rough, and
before the eruption appears the patient complains of chil-
ness, itching in the skin, and oppression of the breast.
THOUGH there be a great similarity in the first symptoms
of all fevers, yet an attentive observer may generally disco-
ver to what class they belong. Thus a burning fever may
be

OF DISTINGUISHING, &c. 93
be known by the intense heat of the whole body, a dry
parched skin, a chapt tongue, and unquenchable thirst.
An inflammatory fever generally affects one particular part,
as the lungs, the stomach, the brain, &c. This kind of fever has
a natural tendency to a mortification. Malignant fevers
are generally owing to infection. They may be known
by the patient's sudden loss of strength, perpetual watching,
&c. A catarrhal fever is known by a running at the nose,
a hoarseness, and a sense of fulness in the breast.
THE peripneumony and pleurisy may be distinguished
by this, that in the latter the pain is more acute, and in
the former the oppression of the breast, and difficulty of
breathing are greater, and the spittle is generally tinctured
with blood.
INTERMITTENT fevers or agues are known by their
leaving the patient, and returning at certain periods, as
once a day, once in two days, three days, or the like.
They are denominated from the space between the fits, as
quotidian, or every day agues, tertian, or such as return
every other day, quartan, &c.
A hectic fever may be known by its supervening to some
other disorder, so the dropsy, consumption, scurvy, &c.
It differs from a slow fever in this, that the pulse is always
quick, but remarkably so in the morning; whereas the
pulse in a slow fever is more natural in a morning, and be-
sore meals, though it be more quick after eating: Besides,
in a slow fever the weakness is not so great as in a hec-
tic.  
AN inflammation of the stomach may be distinguished
from a cardialgia, an inflammation of the liver, &c. by a
sense of the most intense heat in the stomach, a fever at-
tended with a quick, unequal and weak pulse, and a prodigious
uneasiness upon taking any thing into the stomach.
AN inflammation in the concave part of the liver may
be distinguished from the bastard pleurisy, by the fever be-
ing less violent, the breathing easier, and the pain lower
down. Besides, the bastard pleurisy generally goes off on
the seventh day; whereas the inflammation of the liver is a
tedious disease, and often ends in an abscess, which occasi-
ons a hectic fever or a dropsy, &c.
A phrenzy, or inflammation of the membranes of the
brain, may be distinguished from madness, a common de-
lirium, the hydrophobia, &c. by the burning fever, the
continual watching, and the violent pulsation of the arte-
ries 


94 OF DISTINGUISHING
ries about the head and temples, which always attend it.
It differs from a delirium in being more violent, from mad-
ness in being an accute disease, and from the hydrophobia
in this, that the patient has no aversion from liquids.
A nephritis, or inflammation of the kidneys, may be
distinguished from a fit of the gravel, by a fixed, dull,
pressing pain in the loins, which continues long; whereas
the pain in a fit of the gravel is more violent, less fixed, and
generally extends downwards.
EXTERNAL inflammations are easily distinguished. An
erysipelas, or St. Anthony's fire, only affects the skin with
redness, tumour and pain; whereas a phlegmon reaches to
the subjacent musclcs, and a gangrene penetrates not only
the muscles, but even the tendinous and nervous parts,
and is attended with great heat, pain, and redness, which
at length change into a livid or black colour.
A stone descending by the uriters may easily be mistaken
for a fit of the colic, as both are attended with violent pain,
vomiting, &c. In the former, however, the pain is more
fixed in the loins, is attended with shiverings, and as the stone
descends, the pain reaches downwards, and occasions a
numbness of the thigh on the, side affected; there is also a
frequent inclination to pass water, with some degree of
strangury; whereas in the colic the  pain is chiefly about
the navel, and the belly is generally distended with
wind.
THE gout may be distinguished from the rheumatism by
its attacking the extremities chiefly, and being attended
with a greater inflammation, and more violent pain. It
may likewise be distinguished from venereal pains, by its
being more violent in the day; whereas they are most severe
in the night. 
THE piles may be mistaken for a dysentary, as both
tinge the stools with blood, though the one be a dangerous
disease, and the other in many cases a salutary evacuation.
In the piles however the blood flows without pain or
gripes; whereas in the dysentary the stools are attended
with the most violent gripes, spasms, &c.
COUGHS may be owing to cold, an ulcer in the lungs,
an asthma, &c. The best way to distinguish them is io
examine into the cause, to observe what the patient spits,
and to mark the continuance of the disease. A cough occa-
sioned by catching cold is generally attended with a dis-
charge of phlegm, and is seldom of long continuance. That
which

DISEASES. 95
which is owing to an ulcer of the lungs is generally attend-
ed with an hectic fever, and the spittle is mixed with matter.
An asthmatic cough is generally owing to wind or spasms,
and seldom admits of relief from medicine.
A headach, which proceeds from too great a quantity
of blood being forced into the vessels of the brain, is gene-
rally attended with heat, redness, and a swelling of the
face, a great pulsation of the arteries of the neck, &c.
That kind of headach, which is the effect of venereal con-
tageon, may be known by its being generally worst in the
night. When the headach is owing to an effusion of serum
or blood into the sinuosities of the bones of the forehead,
the pain is obstinate, sharp and fixed; it is generally situated
in the bottom of the forehead, and above the eyes. When
the head is disordered from crudities in the stomach or wind,
it may be known from belching, and the increase of the
disorder upon using flatulent food, &c.
AN apoplexy may be distinguished from a syncope or
fainting fit, by the colour of the face, the breathing, and
the pulse continuing much the same as in health; whereas
in a syncope the pulse and breathing are imperceptible, the
face is pale, and the body grows cold. An apoplexy may
be distinguished from a catalepsy, because the latter comes
on suddenly, and keeps the member quite rigid, and in the
same posture as at the time of the attack
A proper attention to the age, sex, constitution, temper
of mind, &c. of the patient would greatly assist us in find-
ing out and distinguishing diseases. Thus, in children the
fibres are lax and soft ; in adults, rigid and tense. In
young people the nerves are extremely irritable, and the flu-
ids thin. In old age the nerves become almost insensible,
and many of the vessels imperviable. These, and number-
less other peculiarities, render the diseases of the young and
those of the aged very different; and of course they must re-
quire different treatment.
NOT only the age, but also the sex of the patient, claims
our attention. Females are liable to many peculiar diseases.
Their nervous system being weak and delicate, they are
easier affected with spastic or convulsive disorders than
males. This is the true source of most of the diseases of the
fair sex, and ought always to be kept in view in the treat-
ment of their disorders.
WE

96 OF DISTINGUISHING
WE ought likewise to attend to the particular constituti-
on. This not only predisposes persons to peculiar diseases,
but likewise makes it necessary, that their diseases be treat-
ed in a very different manner. For example, a delicate
person with weak nerves, can neither bear bleeding, nor
any other evacuation, to the same extent as one whose con-
stitution is hardy and rebuff.
THE temper of mind ought likewise to be attended to in
diseases. Fear, anxiety, and a fretful temper both occasi-
on and aggravate diseases. The medicine of the mind is
too little regarded. In vain do we apply medicines to the
body to remove diseases which proceed from the mind.
When that is the case, the best medicine is to sooth the
passions, divert the mind from anxious thought, and to
cherish the hopes of the patient.
ATTENTION ought likewise to be paid to the place
where the patient lives, the air he breathes, his diet, occu-
pation, &c. Such as live in low marshy countries, are
subject to many diseases which are unknown to the inhabi-
tants of the high countries. Those who breathe the im-
pure air of cities have many maladies, to which the
more happy rustics are strangers. Such as feed gross, and
indulge in strong liquors are liable to diseases which do not
affect the temperate and abstemious. The situation of life,
as has been observed, likewise predisposes men to peculi-
ar diseases. Thus the laborious, the sedentary, the studi-
ous, &c. are liable to particular maladies from the very oc-
cupations which they follow.
IT is necessary to enquire whether or not the patient has
been guilty of any excess in eating or drinking, if he has
overstrained himself, has drank cold liquor when he was
warm, lain on the damp ground, changed his usual
cloathing, or, in a word, done any thing that might ob-
struct the perspiration. It will also be proper to inquire,
if any usual evacuation, as sweating of the feet, issues, &c.
has been stopped. The state of the belly should likewise
be enquired into. Costiveness alone will occasion diseases,
and the removing of it will cure them.
IT is likewise necessary to inquire what diseases the pati-
ent has formerly been most liable to, and what medicines
were most beneficial. If medicines have been administered,
it will be proper to enquire into their effect. It will like-
wise be necessary to inquire, what kind of medicines are
most

OF FEVERS, &c 97
most agreeable to the patient, or if he has an aversion to
any particular drug, &c.
IT is also necessary to inquire whether the patient can
perform with ease all the animal and vital functions, or
which of them gives him pain; and also to inquire, if all
the different secretions go duly on, as the perspiration, dis-
charge of urine, &c.
THE nature of the disease is likewise to be inquired into,
as whether it be primary or secondary; whether simple or
complicated with some other disease; whether it be exter-
nal or internal; whether epidemic or not; whether it be
the effect of age, intemperance, infection, or owing to a
vitiated state of the humours, &c. &c.
OF FEVERS IN GENERAL.
A Fever is the most general disease incident to mankind.
It attacks every age, sex, and constitution, and effects
every part of the body; nor is the mind itself free from its
influence. A fever is known by a quick pulse, an increased
heat, and a difficulty in performing some of the vital or ani-
mal functions, as breathing, walking, &c.
FEVERS are divided into continual, remitting, and inter-
mitting. By a continual fever is meant that which never
leaves the patient during the whole course of the disease, or
which shews no remarkable increase or abatement in the
symptoms. This kind of fever is likewise divided into
acute, slow, and malignant. The fever is called acute,
when its progress is quick, and the symptoms violent; but
when these are more gentle, it is generally denominated
slow. When livid or petechial spots, show a putrid state of
the humours, the fever is called malignant, putrid, or pete-
chial.
A remitting fever differs from a continual, only in de-
gree. It has frequent increases and decreases, or exacerba-
tions and remissions, but never wholly leaves the patient
during the course of the disease. Intermitting fevers, or
agues, are those which, during the time that the patient may
be said to be ill, have evident intervals or remissions of the
symptoms.
AS a fever is nothing else but an effort of nature to free
herself from an offending cause, it is the business of those
who have the care of the sick, to observe with diligence
N which 

98 OF FEVERS
which way nature points, and to endeavour to assist her ope-
rations. Our bodies are so framed as to have a constant ten-
dency to expel or throw off whatever is injurious to health.
This is generally done by urine, sweat, stool, expectoration,
vomit, or some other evacuation.
THERE is reason to believe, if the efforts of nature, at
the beginning of a fever, were duly attended to and pro-
moted, it would seldom continue longer than twenty-four
hours; but when her attempts are either neglected, or
counteracted, it is no wonder if the disease be prolonged.
There are daily instances of persons, who, after catching
cold, have all the symptoms of a beginning fever; but by
keeping warm, drinking diluting liquors, bathing their feet
in warm water, &c. the symptoms in a few hours disappear,
and the danger is prevented. In a word, almost every fever
proceeding from an obstructed perspiration, might be car-
ried off, or its danger prevented, by timely care.
OUR design is not to enter into a critical inquiry into the
nature, causes, &c. of fevers, but to mark their most ob-
vious symptoms, and to point out the proper treatment of
the patient with respect to his diet, drink, air, warmth, &c.
in the different stages of the disease. In these articles the
inclinations of the patient will, in a great measure, direct
our conduct.
ALMOST every person in a fever complains of great thirst,
and calls out for drink, especially of a cooling nature. This
at once points out the use of water, which we may venture
to call the greatest febrifuge in nature. What is so likely
to abate the heat, attenuate the humours, remove spasms
and obstructions, promote perspiration, increase the quan-
tity of urine, and, in short, produce every salutary effect in
an ardent or inflammatory fever, as drinking plentifully of
warm water, thin gruel, or any other weak, diluting liquor,
of which water is the basis? The necessity of diluting li-
quors is pointed out by the dry tongue, the parched skin,
and the burning heat, as well as by the unquenchable thirst
of the patient.
MANY cooling liquors, which are extremely grateful to
patients in a fever, may be prepared from fruits, roots, and
acid vegetables, as decoctions of tamarinds, apple-tea,
orange-whey, and the like. Mucilaginous liquors might
also be prepared from marsh-mallow roots, linseed, lime-
tree-buds, and many other vegetables. These liquors, espe-
cially 

IN GENERAL. 99
cially when acidulated, are highly agreeable to the patient,
and should never be denied him.
AT the beginning of a fever, the patient generally com-
plains of great lassitude or weariness, and has no inclination
to move. This evidently shows the propriety of keeping
him easy, and, if possible, in bed; that relaxes the spasms,
abates the violence of the circulation, and gives nature an
opportunity of exerting all her force to overcome the dis-
ease. The bed alone would often remove a fever at the
beginning; but when the patient struggles with the dis-
ease, instead of driving it off, he only fixes it the deeper, and
renders it more dangerous. This observation is often veri-
fied in travellers, who happen, when on a journey, to be
seized with a fever. Their anxiety to get home, induces
them to travel with the fever upon them, which conduct
seldom fails to render it fatal.
IN fevers, the mind as well as the body should be kept
easy. Company is seldom agreeable to the sick. Indeed,
every thing that disturbs the imagination increases the dis-
ease; for which reason, every person in a fever ought to be
kept perfectly quiet, and neither allowed to see nor hear any
thing that may in the least affect or discompose his mind.
THO' the patient in a fever has the greatest inclination
for drink, yet he seldom has any appetite for solid food;
from whence we may see the impropriety of loading his
stomach with victuals. Much solid food in a fever is every
way hurtful to the patient. It oppresses nature, and instead
of nourishing the patient, serves only to feed the disease.
What food the patient takes should be in small quantity,
light, and easy of digestion. It ought to be chiefly of the
vegetable kind, as water-pap, roasted apples, groat-gruel,
and such like.
POOR people, when any of their family are taken ill, run
directly to their rich neighbours for cordials, and pour
wines, spirits, &c. into the patient, who perhaps never had
been accustomed to taste such liquors when in health. If
there be any degree of fever, this conduct must increase it,
and if there be none, this is the ready way to raise one.
Stuffing the patient with sweat-meats and other delicacies,
is likewise very pernicious. These are always harder to di-
gest then common food, and cannot fail to hurt the stomach.
NOTHING is more desired by a patient in a fever than
fresh air. It not only removes his anxiety, but cools the
blood, revives the spirits, and proves every way beneficial.
N 2 Many 

100 OF FEVERS. &c.
Many patients are in a manner stiffled to death in fevers,
for want of fresh air; yet such is the unaccountable infa-
tuation of many people, that the moment they think a per-
son in a fever, they imagine he should be kept in a close
chamber, into which not one particle of fresh air must be
admitted. There ought to be a constant stream of fresh
air into a sick person's chamber, so as to keep it always in a
temperate degree of warmth, which ought never to be
greater than is agreeable to one in perfect health.
NOTHING spoils the air of a sick person's chamber, or
hurts the patient more than a number of people breathing
in it. When the blood is inflamed, or the humours in a
putrid state, air that has been breathed over and over will
greatly increase the disease. Such air not only loses its
spring, and becomes unfit for the purposes of respiration,
but acquires a noxious quality, which renders it in a man-
ner poisonous to the sick.
IN fevers, when the patient's spirits are low and depressed,
he is not only to be supported with cordials, but every method
should be taken to cheer and comfort his mind. Many,
from a mistaken zeal, when they think a person in danger,
instead of solacing his mind with the hopes and consola-
tions of religion, fright him with the views of hell and
damnation, &c. It would be unsuitable here to dwell upon
the impropriety and dangerous consequences of this con-
duct; it often hurts the body, and there is reason to be-
lieve, seldom benefits the soul.
AMONGST common people, the very name of a fever ge-
nerally suggests the necessity of bleeding. This notion
seems to have taken its rise from most fevers having been
formerly of an inflammatory nature; but true inflammatory
fevers are now seldom to be met with. Sedentary occupa-
tions, and a different manner of living, has so changed the
state of diseases in Britain, that there is now hardly one fe-
ver in ten where the lancet is necessary. In most low, ner-
vous, and putrid fevers, which are now so common, bleed-
ing is really hurtful, as it weakens the patient, and sinks his
spirits, &c. We would recommend this general rule, never
to bleed at the beginning of a fever, unless there be evident
signs of an inflammation. Bleeding is an excellent medi-
cine when necessary, but should never be wantonly per-
formed.
IT is likewise a common notion, that it is always ne-
cessary to raise a sweat in the beginning of a fever. As fe-
vers

INTERMITTING FEVERS, &c. 101
vers often proceed from an obstructed perspiration, this no-
tion is not ill founded. If the patient only lies in bed,
bathes his feet and legs in warm water, and drinks freely
of water-gruel, or any other weak, diluting liquor, he will
seldom fail to perspire freely. The warmth of the bed, and
the diluting drink, will relax the universal spasm, which
generally affect the solids at the beginning of a fever; it
will open the pores, and promote the perspiration, by
means of which the fever may often be carried off. But in-
stead of this, the common practice is to heap cloaths upon
the patient, and to give him things of a hot nature, as spi-
rits, spiceries, &c. which fire his blood, increase the
spasms, and render the disease more dangerous.
IN all fevers a proper attention should be paid to the pa-
tient's longings. These are the calls of nature, and often
point out what may be of real use. Patients are not to be
wantonly indulged in every thing that the sickly appetite
may crave; but it is generally right to let them have a lit-
tle of what they eagerly desire, though it may not seem al-
together proper. What the patient longs for, his stomach
will generally digest; and such things have sometimes a
very happy effect.
WHEN a patient is recovering from a fever, great care is
is necessary to prevent a relapse. Many persons, by too
soon imagining themselves well, have relapsed, or contract-
ed some other disease of an obstinate nature. As the body
after a fever is weak and delicate, it is necessary to guard
against catching cold. Moderate exercise in the open air
will be of use; agreeable company will also have a good
effect. The diet must be light, but nourishing. It
should be taken frequently, but in small quantities. It is
very dangerous at such a time to eat as much as the sto-
mach craves.
OF INTERMITTING FEVERS OR AGUES.
INTERMITTING fevers afford the best opportunity both
of observing the nature of a fever, and also the effects of
medicine. No person can be at a loss to distinguish an in-
termitting fever from any other disease, and the proper me-
dicine for it is now almost universally known.
THE several kinds of intermitting fevers, as has been ob-
served, take their names from the period in which the fit
returns, as quotidians, tertians, quartans, &c.
CAUSES. 


102 INTERMITTING FEVERS
CAUSES. - Agues are occasioned by moist air.
This is evident from their abounding in rainy seasons, and
being most frequent in countries where the soil is marshy,
as in Holland, the fens of Cambridgeshire, the Hundreds of
Essex, &c. This disease is also occasioned by eating too
much stone-fruit, a poor watery diet, damp houses, even-
ing dews, lying upon the wet ground, &c. When the
inhabitants of a high country remove to a low one, they
seldom fail to catch an intermitting fever, and to such the
disease is most apt to prove fatal. In a word, whatever
relaxes the solids, diminishes the perspiration, or obstructs
the circulation in the capillary or small vessels, predisposes
the body to agues.
SYMPTOMS. - An intermitting fever gene-
rally begins with a pain of the head and loins, weariness of
the limbs, coldness of the extremities, stretching, yawning,
with sometimes great sickness and vomitting; to which
succeed shivering and violent shaking. Afterwards the skin
becomes moist, and a profuse sweat breaks out, which ge-
nerally terminates the fit or paroxysm. Sometimes, indeed,
the disease comes on suddenly, when the person thinks him-
self in perfect health; but it is more commonly preceded
by listlessness, loss of appetite, and the symptoms mention-
ed above.
REGIMEN. - While the fit continues, the
patient may drink feely of water-gruel, orange-whey,
weak camomile-tea; or, if his spirits be low, small wine-
whey, sharpened with the juice of lemon. His drink ought
to be a little warm, as that will assist in bringing on the
sweat, and consequently shorten the paroxysm.
BETWEEN the paroxysms the patient must be supported
with food that is nourishing, but light and easy of digestion,
as veal or chicken broths, sago-gruel, with a little wine,
light puddings, &c. His drink may be small negas, acidu-
lated with the juice of lemons or oranges, and sometimes a
little weak punch. He ought also to drink infusions of bit-
ters, as camomile, wormwood, or water trefoil tea, and
may now and then take a glass of small wine, in which
gentian root, centaury, or some other bitter, has been
infused.
As the chief intentions of cure in an ague are to brace the
solids, and promote perspiration, the patient ought to take
as much exercise between the fits as he can bear. If he be able
to go abroad, riding on horseback, or in a machine, will be                 
of 

OR AGUES. 103
of great service. But if he cannot bear that kind of exer-
cise, he ought to take such as his strength will permit. No-
thing tends more to prolong an intermitting fever, than in-
dulging a lazy, indolent disposition.
INTERMITTING fevers, under a proper regimen, will
generally cure of themselves; and when the disease is mild,
in an open dry country, there is seldom any danger from
allowing it to take its course; but when the patient's
strength is exhausted, and the paroxysms are so violent,
that his life is in danger, medicine ought immediately to
be administered. This however should never be done till
the disease be properly formed, that is to say, till the pati-
ent has had several fits of shaking and sweating.
MEDICINE. - The first thing to be done in
the cure of an intermitting fever, is to cleanse the first pas-
sages. This not only renders the application of other me-
dicines more safe, but likewise more efficacious. In this
disease the stomach is generally overcharged with cold vi-
scid phlegm, and frequently great quantities of bile are
discharged by vomit; which plainly points out the necessity
of such evacuations. Vomits are therefore to be admini-
stered before the patient takes any other medicine. A dose
of ipecacuanha will generally answer this purpose very
well. Half a dram of the powder will be sufficient for an
adult, and for a younger person the dose must be less in
proportion. After the vomit begins to operate, it may be
wrought off by drinking plentifully of weak camomile tea.
The vomit should be taken two or three hours before the
coming on of the fit, and may be repeated two or three
times at the distance of three or four days from each other.
Vomits not only cleanse the stomach, but increase the per-
spiration, and all the other secretions, which render them of
such importance, that they often cure intermitting fevers
without the assistance of any other medicine. Of this I have
seen many instances, and remember myself to have been
compleatly cured of a regular tertian, by taking two vomits
of ipecacuanha, and observing proper regimen.
PURGING medicines are likewise useful, and often ne-
cessary, in intermitting fevers. A smart purge has been
known to cure an obstinate ague, after the Jesuits bark
and other medicines had been used in vain. Vomits, how-
ever, are more suitable in this disease, and render purging
less necessary; but if the patient be afraid to take a vomit, 
he

104 INTERMITTING FEVERS
he ought in this case to cleanse the bowels by a dose or two
of Glauber's salts, jalap, or rhubarb, &c.
BLEEDING may sometimes be proper at the beginning of
an intermitting fever, when excessive heat, a delirium,
&c. give reason to suspect an inflammation; but as the
blood is very seldom in an inflammatory state in intermit-
ting fevers, this operation is rarely necessary.
AFTER proper evacuations, the patient may safely use the
Jesuits bark, which may be taken in any way that is most
agreeable to him. As it would answer no purpose to mul-
tiply forms, we shall only mention the following.
Two ounces of the best Jesuits bark, half an ounce of
Virginian snake-root, and a quarter of an ounce of ginger,
all fine powdered, may be divided into twenty-four doses.
These may be either made into bolusses, as they are used,
with a little syrup of lemon, or mixed in a glass of red wine,
a cup of camomile-tea, water-gruel, or the like.
IN an ague which returns every day, a dose of the above
may be taken every two hours during the interval of the fit.
By this method the patient will be able to take five or six
doses between each paroxysm. In a tertian, or third-day
ague, it will be sufficient to take a dose every third hour,
during the interval, and in a quartan every fourth. If the
patient cannot take so large a dose of the bark, he may di-
vide each of the powders into two parts, and take one every
hour. For a young person, a smaller quantity of this me-
dicine will be sufficient, and the dose must be adapted to
the age, constitution, &c.
THE above will seldom fail to remove an ague; but the
patient ought not to leave off taking the medicine so soon
as the paroxysms are stopped, but should continue to use it
till such time as there is reason to believe the disease is in-
tirely overcome. Most of the failures in the cure of this
disease are owing to the patients not continuing to use the
medicine long enough. They are generally directed to take
it till their fits are stopped, then to leave it off, and begin
again at some distance of time; by which means the disease
gathers strength, and often returns with as much violence
as before. A relapse may always be prevented by the pa-
tient's continuing to take small doses of the medicine for
sometime after the symptoms disappear. This is both the
most safe and effectual method of cure.
THOUGH the bark alone will generally cure intermitting
fevers; yet it may be assisted by alkaline salts, acid and
astringent 

OR AGUES. 105
astringent vegetables, &c. Many have been cured of an
intermitting fever, after the bark had failed, by taking
twice or thrice a-day a dram of the salt of wormwood in
water-gruel. Some have stopped an ague by eating a boil-
ed lemon, with the rind, immediately before the coming on
of the fit. We would rather recommend a medicine which
is the result of these two when joined together, than either
of them separately. Thus, a dram of salt of wormwood may
be dissolved in an ounce and half of fresh lemon juice, to
which may be added three or four ounces of, boiling
water, and half a glass of brandy. These will make an
agreeable medicine; a tea cupful of which may be taken
three or four times a-day.
AN ounce of gentian root, calamus aromaticus, and
orange-peel of each half an ounce, with three or four
handfuls of camomile flowers, and an handful of coriander
seed, all bruised together in a mortar, may be used in form
of infusion or tea. About half an handful of these ingre-
dients may be put into a tea pot, and an English pint of
boiling water poured on them. A cup of this infusion may
be drank three or four times a-day. This strengthens the
stomach, rectifies the blood, and greatly promotes the cure.
Such patients as cannot drink the watery infusion, may put
two handfuls of the same ingredients into a bottle of white
wines and take a glass of it twice or thrice a-day. If pa-
tients drink freely of the above, or any other proper infu-
sion of bitters, a much smaller quantity of bark than is ge-
nerally used, will be sufficient to cure an ague.
THERE is reason to believe, that sundry of our own
plants or barks, which are very bitter and astringent,
would succeed well enough in the cure of intermitting fe-
vers, especially when assisted by aromatics. But as the Je-
suits bark has been long approved in the cure of this dis-
ease, and is now to be obtained at a very reasonable rate,
it is of less importance to search after new medicines. We
cannot however omit taking notice, that the Jesuits bark is
very often adulterated, and that it requires considerable
skill to distinguish between the genuine and the false.
This ought to make people very cautious of whom they
purchase it.
THOSE who cannot swallow the bark in substance, may
take it in decoction or infusion. An ounce of bark in pow-
der may be infused in a bottle of white wine for four or
five days, frequently linking the bottle, afterwards let the
O powder 

106 INTERMITTING FEVERS
powder subside, and pour off the clear liquor. A wine-
glass may be drank three or four times a-day, or oftener,
as there is occasion. If a decoction be more agreeable, an
ounce of the bark, and two drams of snakeroot bruised,
with a dram of salt of wormwood, may be boiled in a pro-
per quantity of water, into half an English pint. To the
ftrained liquor may be added an equal quantity of red wine,
and a glass of it taken thrice a-day, or oftener, if necessa-
ry.
IN obstinate agues the bark will be found much more ef-
ficacious when assisted by warm cordials, than if taken
alone. This I have had frequently occasion to observe in a
country where intermitting fevers were endemical. The
bark seldom succeeded unless assisted by snakeroot, ginger,
canella alba, or some other warm aromatic. When the
fits are very frequent and violent, in which case the fever
often approaches towards an inflammatory nature, it will be
safer to leave out the ginger, and to add in its place half an
ounce of salt of wormwood. But in obstinate tertians or
quartans, in the end of autumn, or beginning of winter,
warm and cordial medicines are absolutely necessary.
As autumnal and winter agues generally prove much
more obstinate than those which attack the patient in
spring or summer; it will be necessary to continue the use
of medicines longer in the former than in the latter. A
person who is seized with an intermitting fever in the be-
ginning of winter, ought frequently, if the season proves
rainy, to take a little medicine, although the disease be
cured, to prevent a relapse, till the return of the warm sea-
son. He ought likewise to take care not to be much abroad
in wet weather, especially in cold, moist, easterly winds.
WHEN agues are not properly cured, they often degene-
rate into obstinate chronical diseases; as the dropsy, jaun-
dice, &c. For this reason, all possible care should be taken
to have them radically cured, before the humours be vitiat-
ed, and the constitution spoiled.
THOUGH nothing is more rational than the method of
treating intermitting fevers, yet, by some strange infatua-
tion, more charms and whimsical remedies are daily used
for removing this than any other disease. There is hardly
an old woman who is not possessed of a nostrum for stopping
an ague; and there is reason to fear, that many by trusting
to them lose their lives. Those in distress eagerly grasp at
any thing that promises sudden relief; but the shortest way
is 

OR AGUES. 107
is not always the safest in the treatment of diseases. The
only method to obtain a safe and lasting cure, is gradually
to assist nature in removing the cause of the disease.
SOME people try bold, or rather fool-hardy experiments
to cure agues, as drinking strong liquors, jumping into a
river, &c. These may sometimes have the desired effect,
but must always be attended with danger. When there is
any degree of inflammation, or the least tendency to it,
such experiments may prove fatal. The only person
whom I remember to have seen die in an intermitting fever,
evidently killed himself by drinking strong liquor, which
some person had persuaded him would prove an infallible
remedy.
MANY out of the way things are extolled for the cure of
intermitting fevers, as cobwebs, snuffings of candles, &c.
Though these may sometimes succeed, yet their very nasti-
ness is sufficient to set them aside, especially when cleanly
medicines will answer the purpose better. The only medi-
cine that can be depended upon, for thoroughly curing an
intermitting fever, is the Jesuits bark. It may always be used
with safety: And I can honestly declare, that in all my
practice I never knew it fail, when properly applied, and
duly persisted in.
WHERE agues are endemical, even children are often
afflicted with that disease. Such patients are very difficult
to cure, as they can seldom be brought to take the bark,
or any other disagreeable medicine. One method of ren-
dering this medicine more palatable is, to make it into a
mixture with distilled waters and syrup, and afterward to
give it an agreeable sharpness with the elixir of spirit of vi-
triol. This both improves the medicine, and takes off the
nauseous taste. The bark may be administered to children
in form of clyster when they will not take it by the mouth.
Wine whey is a very proper drink for a child in an ague;
to half an English pint of which may be put a tea-spoonful
of the spirit of hartshorn. Exercise is likewise of consider-
able service; and when the disease proves obstinate, the
child ought, if possible, to be removed to a warm dry air.
Their food ought to be nourishing, and they should some-
times have a little generous wine.
WE have been the more full upon this disease, because it
is very common, and because few patients in an ague apply
to physicians unless in extremities. There are, however,
many cases in which the disease is very irregular, being
O 2 complicated 
 

108 OF AN ACUTE
complicated with other diseases, or attended with sypmtoms
which are both very dangerous, and difficult to understand.
All these we have purposely passed over, as they would on-
ly bewilder the generality of readers. When the disease is
very irregular, or the symptoms dangerous, the patient
ought immediately to apply to a physician, and strictly to
follow his advice.
TO prevent agues, people must avoid their causes.
These have been already pointed out in the beginning of
this section; we shall therefore only add one preventive
medicine, which may be of use to such as are obliged to live
in low marshy countries, or who are liable to frequent at-
tacks of this disease.
TAKE an ounce of the best Jesuits bark, half an
ounce of Virginian snake-root, and half an ounce of
orange-peel, bruise them all together, and infuse for five
or six days in a bottle of brandy, Holland-gin, or any
good spirit; afterwards pour off the clear liquor, and take a
wine glass of it twice or thrice a day. This indeed is recom-
mending a dram; but the bitter in a great measure takes
off the ill effects of the spirit. Those who do not choose it in
brandy may infuse it in wine; and such as can bring them-
selves to chew the bark, will find that method succeed very
well. Gentian-root, or calamus aromaticus, may also be
chewed by turns for the same purpose. All bitters seem to
be antidotes to agues, especially those that are warm and
astringent.
OF AN ACUTE CONTINUAL FEVER.
THIS fever is denominated acute, ardent, or inflamma-
tory. It most commonly attacks the young, or those about
the prime or vigour of life, especially such as live full,
abound with blood, and whose fibres are strong and elastic.
It seizes people at all seasons of the year; but is most fre-
quent in the spring and beginning of summer.
CAUSES. — An ardent fever may be occasioned by any
thing that overheats the body, as violent exercise, sleeping
in the sun, drinking strong liquors, eating spiceries, &c.
It may likewise be occasioned by any thing that obstructs
the perspiration, as lying on the damp ground, drinking
cold liquor when the body is hot, night-watching, or such
like.
SYMP- 
        

CONTINUAL FEVER. 109
SYMPTOMS.----A rigor or chillness generally
ushers in this fever, which is soon succeeded by great heat,
a frequent and full pulse, a pain of the head, dry skin,
redness of the eyes, a florid countenance, pains in the back,
loins, &c. To these succeed difficulty of breathing, sick-
ness, with an inclination to vomit. The patient complains
of great thirst, has no appetite for solid food, is restless, and
his tongue generally appears black and rough.
A delirium, excessive restlessness, great oppression of the
breast, with laborious respiration, starting of the tendons,
hiccup, cold, clammy sweats, and an involuntary discharge
of urine, are generally the forerunners of death.
As this disease is always attended with danger, the best
medical assistance ought to be procured as soon as possible.
A physician may be of use at the beginning, but his skill is
often of no avail afterwards.
We cannot here omit, once for all, taking notice of the
unaccountable conduct of those who have it in their power,
at the beginning of a fever, to procure the best medical
assistance, yet put off till things come to an extremity.
When the disease, by delay or wrong treatment, has be-
come incurable, and has exhausted the strength of the pa-
tient, it is in vain to hope for relief from medicine. Phy-
sicians may indeed assist nature; but their attempts must
ever prove fruitless, when she is no longer able to co-ope-
rate with their endeavours.
REGIMEN.------From the symptoms of this dis-
ease, it is evident, that the blood must be thick and viscous,
by which its circulation thorough the small vessels is imped-
ed; that the perspiration, urine, and all the other secretions,
are in too small quantity; that the vessels are too rigid, and
the heat of the whole body too great: All these clearly
point out the necessity of a regimen, calculated to dilute
the blood, allay the excessive heat, remove the spasmodic
stricture of the vessels, and promote the secretions.
These important purposes may be greatly promoted by
drinking plentifully of diluting liquors, as thin water-gruel,
oat-meal tea, clear whey, barley-water, balm-tea, apple-
tea, &c. These should be sharpened with juice of orange,
jelly of currants, raspberries, and such like: Orange-whey
is likewise an excellent cooling drink. It is made by boil-
ing a bitter orange, sliced, among milk and water, till the
curd separates. If no orange can be had, a lemon, a little
cream of tartar, or a few spoonfuls of vinegar, will have
the

110 OF ANACUTE
the same effect. Two or three spoonfuls of white wine may
be occasionally added to the liquor when boiling.
If the patient be costive, an ounce of tamarinds, with
two ounces of stoned raisins of the sun, and a couple of figs,
may be boiled in three English pints of water to a quart.
This makes a very pleasant drink, and may be used at dis-
cretion. The common pectoral deception is likewise a
very proper drink in this disease. It is made by boiling
barley, stoned raisins and figs, of each two ounces, with
half an ounce of liquorice-root sliced, in two English quarts
of water, till one half be consumed. The, barley should be
boiled some time before the other ingredients are put in.
This, with the addition of two or three drams of purified
nitre, or sal-prunel, will not only be a proper drink, but
prove an exceeding good medicine. A tea-cupful of it may
be taken every two hours, or oftener, if the patient's heat
and thirst be very great.
The above liquors must all be drank a little warm. They
may be used in smaller quantities at the beginning of a se-
ver, but more freely afterwards, in order to assist in carry-
ing off the morbid matter by the different excretions. We
have mentioned a variety of liquors, that the patient may
have it in his power to choose that which is most agreeable;
and that, when tired of one, he may have recourse to an-
other.
The patient's diet must be very spare and light. All
sorts of meat, and even chicken-broths, are to be avoided.
He may be allowed groat-gruel, panada, or light bread boil-
ed in water, and afterwards strained; to which may be add-
ed a few grains of common salt, and a little sugar, which
will render it more palatable. He may eat roasted apples
with sugar, toasted bread with jelly of currants spread upon
it, boiled prunes, &c.
It will greatly relieve the patient, especially in an hot
season, to have fresh air frequently let into his chamber,
This, however, must always be done in such a manner as
riot to endanger his catching cold.
It is a common practice to load the patient with bed-
cloaths, under the pretence of making him sweat, or de-
fending him from the cold. This custom has many ill ef-
fects. It increases the heat of the body, fatigues the pa-
tient, and retards, instead of promoting, the perspiration.
Sitting upright in bed, if the patient be able to bear it,
will often have a good effect. It relieves the head, by re-
tarding 

CONTINUAL FEVER. 111
tarding the motion of the blood to the brain. But this pos-
ture ought never to be continued too long: And if the pa-
tient be inclined to sweat, it will be more safe to let him lie
still, only raising his head with pillows, &c.
Sprinkling the chamber with vinegar, juice of lemon,
or vinegar and rose-water, with a little nitre dissolved in it,
will greatly refresh the patient. This ought to be done fre-
quently, especially if the weather be hot.
The patient's mouth should be often washed with warm
water, mixed with honey, and a little vinegar; or a de-
coction of figs in barley-water, &c. His feet and hands
ought likewise frequently to be bathed in lukewarm water;
especially if the head be effected.
The patient should be kept as quiet and easy as possible.
Company, noise, and every thing that disturbs the mind is
hurtful. Even too much light, or any thing that affects the
senses, is to be avoided. His attendants should be as few as
possible, and they ought not to be too often changed. His
inclinations ought gather to be soothed than contradicted;
even the promise of what he craves will often satisfy him as
much as its reality.
MEDICINE.— In this and all other fevers arising
from too great a quantity, and too rapid a motion of the
blood, bleeding is of the greatest importance. This opera-
tion ought always to be performed as soon as the symptoms
of an inflammatory fever appear. The quantity of blood
to be let must be in proportion to the strength of the pa-
tient, and the violence of the disease. If after the first bleed-
ing the fever seems to rise, and the pulse feels hard, there
will be a necessity for repeating it a second, and perhaps a
third time, which may be done at the distance of twelve,
eighteen, or twenty-four hours, as the symptoms require.
If the pulse continues soft, and the patient is tolerably easy
after the first bleeding, it ought not to be repeated till ne-
cessary.
The cooling febrifuge draught, recommended in the in-
termitting fever, page 105, will likewise be very proper
here; only the brandy must be left out, and half a dram of
purified nitre added in its stead.
If the above cannot be conveniently obtained, forty or
fifty drops of the dulcified or sweet spirit of vitriol may be
made into a draught, with an ounce of rose-water, two
ounces of common water, and half an ounce of simple sy-
rup, or a bit of loaf-sugar. This draught may be given to
the 

112 OF AN ACUTE
the patient every three hours while the fever is violent; af-
terwards, once in five or six hours will be sufficient.
If the patient be afflicted with reaching or an inclination
to vomit, it will be right to assist nature's attempts, by
giving him weak camomile tea or lukewarm water to drink.
If the belly be bound, the patient ought daily to receive
a clyster of milk and water with a little salt, and a spoonful
of sweet oil or fresh butter. If this has not the desired effect,
a tea-spoonful of magnesia alba, or cream of tartar, may be
frequently put into his drink. He may likewise eat tama-
rinds, boiled prunes, roasted apples, and the like.
If about the 10th, 11th, or 12th day, the pulse becomes
more soft, the tongue moister, and the urine begins to let
fall a reddish sediment, there is reason to expect a favourable
issue to the disease. But if, instead of those symptoms, the
patient's spirits grow languid, his pulse sinks, and his breath-
ing becomes difficult; with a stupor, tremors of the nerves,
starting of the tendons, &c. there is reason to fear that the
consequences will be fatal. In this case, blistering plaisters
must be applied to the head, ancles, inside of the thighs, &c.
and the patient must be supported with cordials, as strong
wine-whey, negas, sago-gruel, and such like.
A proper regimen is not only necessary during the fever,
but likewise after the patient begins to recover. By ne-
glecting that, many relapse, or fall into other diseases, and
continue valetudinary for life. Tho the body be weak
after a fever, yet the food for some time ought to be rather
cleansing than of too nourishing a nature. The person
should take great care not to exceed in any thing. Too
much food, drink, sleep, exercise, company, &c. are care-
fully to be avoided. The mind ought likewise to be kept
easy, and the person should not attempt to pursue study, or
any thing that requires intense thinking.
If the digestion be bad, or the person be troubled at times
with feverish heats, an infusion of the Jesuits bark in cold
water will be of use. It will strengthen the stomach, and
help to subdue the remains of the fever.
When the patient's strength is pretty well recovered, he
ought to take some gentle laxative. An ounce of tamarinds
and a dram of senna, may be boiled for a few minutes in an
English pint of water, and an ounce, of manna dissolved in
the decoction; afterwards, it may be strained, and a tea-
cupful drank every hour till it operates. This dose may be 
repeated

OF THE PLEURISY. 113
repeated twice or thrice, five or six days intervening be-
twixt each dose.
Those who follow laborious employments ought not to
return too soon to their labour after a fever, but should keep
easy till their strength and spirits be recruited.
Of the PLEURISY.
The true pleurisy is an Inflammation of that membrane,
called the pleura, which lines the inside of the breast. It is
distinguished into the moist and the dry. In the former, the
patient spits freely; but in the latter, little or none at all.
There is likewise a species of this disease, which is called the
spurious or bastard pleurisy, in which the pain is more exter-
nal, and chiefly affects the muscles between the ribs. This
disease abounds among labouring people, especially such as
work without doors, and are of a sanguine constitution. It
is most frequent in the spring-season.
CAUSES.----The pleurisy is occasioned by whatever
obstructs the perspiration; as cold northerly winds, drinking
cold liquors when the body is hot, sleeping without doors
on the damp ground, wet cloaths, plunging the body into
cold water, or exposing it to the cold air when covered with
sweat, &c. It may likewise be occasioned by drinking strong
liquors; by the stoppage of usual evacuations, as old ulcers,
issues, sweating of the feet or hands, &c. the sudden striking
in of any eruption, as the itch, the measles, or the small-pox.
Those who have been accustomed to bleed at a certain sea-
son of the year, are apt, if they neglect it, to be seized with
a pleurisy. Keeping the body too warm by means of fire,
cloaths, &c. renders it more liable to this disease. A pleu-
risy may likewise be occasioned by violent exercise, as run-
ning, wrestling, leaping, or by supporting great weights,
especially on the breast. The very make of the body some-
times predisposes persons to this disease, as a narrow chest,
a straitness of the arteries of the pleura, &c.
SYMPTOMS.----This, like most other fevers, be-
gins with chillness and shivering, which are followed by
heat, thirst, and restlessness. To these succeed a violent
pricking pain in one of the sides amongst the ribs. Some-
times the pain extends towards the backbone, sometimes to-
wards the forepart of the breast, and at other times towards
the shoulder-blades. The pain is generally most violent
when the patient draws in his breath.
P The 

114 OF THE PLEURISY.
The pulse in this disease is generally hard, the urine high
coloured; and if blood be let, it is covered with a tough
crust, or buffy coat. The patient's spittle is at first thin,
but afterwards it becomes grosser, and is often streaked
with blood
REGIMEN.----Nature endeavours to carry off
this disease either by a critical discharge of blood from the
nose, &c. or by expectoration, sweat, loose stools, thick
urine, &c. When the violence of the fever is not broken
by these, or other evacuations, it often ends in an abscess
or suppuration; to which ensues an ulcer, mortification,
and death.
The violence of this disease may generally be checked
by lessening the force of the circulation, relaxing the ves-
sels, diluting the humours, and promoting expectoration,
&c.
For these purposes, the diet, as in the former disease,
must be cool, slender, and diluting. The patient must
avoid food that is viscid, hard of digestion, or that affords
much nourishment, as flesh, butter, cheese, eggs, milk,
and also every thing that is of a heating nature. His drink
must be sweet whey, or decoctions and infusions of the
pectoral and balsamic vegetables.
Take a table spoonful of linseed, a quarter of an ounce
of liquorice-root sliced, and half an ounce of the leaves of
coltsfoot. But these ingredients in a close vessel, pour on
them a quart of boiling water, and let them stand near a
fire for eight or ten hours; afterwards strain off the liquor;
of which the patient may take a cupful frequently for his
ordinary drink.
Barley-water sweetened with honey, or sharpened
with the jelly of currants, is likewise a very proper drink
in this disease. It is made by boiling an ounce of pearl-
barley in three English pints of water to two, which must
afterwards be strained. The decoction of figs, raisins, and
barley, &c. recommended in the continual fever, p. 110.
is here likewise very proper. These, and other diluting li-
quors, are not to be drank in large quantities at a time;
but the patient ought, in a manner, keep continually sip-
ping them, so as to render his mouth and throat always
moist. All his food and drink must be taken a little
warm.
The patient should be kept quiet, cool, and every way ea-
sy, as directed under the foregoing disease. His feet and hands
ought 

OF THE PLEURISY. 115
ought daily to be bathed in warm water; and he may
sometimes sit up in bed for a short space, in order to re-
lieve his head.
MEDICINE.------Almost every person knows
when a fever is attended with a violent pain of the side,
and a quick, hard pulse, that bleeding is necessary. When
these symptoms appear, the sooner this operation is per-
formed the better; and the quantity at first must be pretty
large, provided the patient be able to bear it. A large
quantity of blood let at once, in the beginning of a pleuri-
fy, has a much greater effect than several repeated small
bleedings. An adult person may lose ten or twelve ounces
of blood as soon as it is certainly known that he is seized with
a pleurisy. For a younger person, or one of a delicate con-
stitution, the quantity must be less.
If after the first bleeding, the stitch, with the other vio-
lent symptoms, should continue, it will be necessary, at
the distance of twelve or eighteen hours, to let eight or nine
ounces more. If the symptoms do not then abate, and the
blood shows a strong buffy coat, a third or even a fourth
bleeding may be requisite. If the pain of the side abates,
the pulse becomes softer, or the patient begins to spit free-
ly of a brown or reddish colour, bleeding ought not to be
repeated. This operation is seldom necessary after the
third or fourth day of the fever, and ought not then to be
performed without the advice of a physician, unless in the
most urgent circumstances.
The blood may be many ways attenuated without let-
ting it off. There are likewise many things that may be
done to ease the pain of the side besides bleeding. Thus,
after the first or second bleeding, emollient fomentations
may be applied to the part affected. These may be made
by boiling a handful of the flowers of elder, camomile, and
common mallows, or any other soft vegetables, in a proper
quantity of water. The herbs may be either put into a
bag, and applied warm  to the side, or flannels may be dip-
ped in the decoction, afterwards wrung out, and applied
to the part affected, with as much warmth as the patient can
easily bear. As the cloths grow cool, they must be chan-
ged, and great care taken that the patient do not catch cold.
An ox's bladder maybe half filled with warm milk and wa-
ter, and applied to to the side, if the above method of fo-
menting be found inconvenient. Fomentations not only
P2 ease 

116 OF THE PLEURISY.
ease the pain, but by relaxing the vessels, prevent the stag-
nation of the blood and other humours.
The side may likewise be frequently rubbed with a little
of the following liniment. Take two table spoonfuls of
the oil of sweet almonds, olives, or any other sweet oil,
and two tea spoonfuls of spirit of hartshorn: Shake them
well together, and rub about a tea spoonful upon the
side, with a warm hand, three or four times a-day.
Some recommend dry applications to the affected side,
as burnt oats, toasted bread, &c. But these, though they
may be useful, are not so proper as moist ones. Could it
be properly conducted, we would recommend putting the
patient into a bath of warm milk and water, in which emol-
lient vegetables had been boiled; but as this cannot always
be obtained, we shall recommend what is in every person's
power, viz. to apply soft poultices, or cataplasms to the
part affected. These may be made of wheat bread and
milk, softened with oil or fresh butter.
Leaves of various plants might likewise be applied to
the patient's side with advantage. We have often seen,
and even felt, the benefit of young cabbage leaves applied
warm to the side in a pleurisy. These not only relax, but
likewise draw off a little moisture, and may prevent the ne-
cessity of blistering plaisters; which, however, when other
things fail, must be applied.
If the stitch continues after repeated bleedings, fomenta-
tions, &c. a blistering plaister must be laid upon the part
affected, and suffered to remain for two days. This not
only procures a discharge from the side, but actually thins
the blood, and by that means assists in removing the cause of
the disease.
To prevent a stranguary when the blistering plaister is
on, the patient may drink freely of the following emulsion:
take an ounce of sweet almonds blanched, and beat them
well in a mortar, with an equal quantity of fine sugar;
then dissolve half an ounce of gum arabic in an English
quart of barley water warm. Let it stand till cool, and
afterwards pour it by little and little upon the almonds and
sugar, continually rubbing them till the liquor becomes
uniformly white or milky. Afterwards strain it, and let
the patient use it for ordinary drink. A quart bottle at
least, may be drank daily.
If the patient be costive, a clyster of warm water, or
of barley water, in which a handful of mallows, or any
other

OF THE PLEURISY. 117
other emollient vegetable, has been boiled, may be daily
administered. This will not only empty the bowels, but
have the effect of a warm fomentation applied to the infe-
rior viscera, which will help to make a derivation from the
breast.
The expectoration, or spitting, may be promoted by
sharp, oily, and mucilaginous medicines. For this purpose,
an ounce of the oxymel or vinegar of squills may be added
to six ounces of the pectoral decoction, and two table
spoonfuls of it taken every two hours.
Should the squill disagree with the stomach, two oun-
ces of the oil of sweet almonds, or oil of olives, and two
ounces of the syrup of violets, may be mixed with as much
sugar-candy powdered as will make an electuary of the con-
sistence of honey. The patient may take a little of this
frequently, when the cough is troublesome.
Should oily medicines happen to prove nauseous, which
is sometimes the case, two drams of gum ammoniac may be
dissolved in half an English pint of barley water, in the
following manner: The gum must be well rubbed in a
mortar, and the water gradually poured upon it till it be
quite dissolved. Three or four ounces of simple pennyroy-
al water may be added to the above quantity, and two table
spoonfuls of it taken three or four times a-day.
If the patient does not perspire, but has a burning heat
upon his skin; and passes very little water, some small do-
ses of purified nitre and camphire  will be of use. Two
drams of the former may be rubbed with five or six grains
of the latter in a mortar, and the whole divided into six do-
ses, one of which may be taken every five or six hours, in
a little of the patient's ordinary drink.
But the best medicine, which some indeed reckon al-
most a specific in the pleurisy, is the decoction of the Sene-
ca rattlesnake root. Two ounces of the root, grossly pow-
dered, must be boiled in two English pints and an half of
water, till one half the water be consumed. It must not
be boiled quickly, but gradually simmered over a slow fire.
After bleeding, and other evacuations have been premised,
the patient may take two, three, or four table spoonfuls of
this decoction, according as his stomach will bear it, three
or four times a-day. If it should occasion vomiting, two
or three ounces of simple cinnamon water, may be mixed
with the quantity of decoction above mentioned, or it may
betaken in smaller doses. As this medicine at once pro-
motes 

118 OF THE PLEURISY.
motes perspiration, urine, and keeps the belly easy, it
bids the fairest of any thing yet known to answer all the in-
tentions of cure in a pleurisy, or any other inflammation of
the breast.
No one will imagine, that these medicines are all to be
used at the same time. We have mentioned different
things, on purpose that people may have it in their power
to choose; and, likewise, that when one thing cannot be
obtained, they may make use of another. Different medicines
are no doubt necessary in the different periods of a disor-
der: and where one fails of success, or disagrees with the
patient, it will be proper to try another.
What is called the crisis, or height of the fever, is
sometimes attended with very alarming symptoms; as diffi-
culty of breathing, an irregular pulse, convulsive motions,
&c. These are apt to fright the attendants, and induce
them to do improper things, as bleeding the patient, giving
him strong stimulating medicines, or the like. But they
are only the struggles of nature to overcome the disease, in
which she ought to be assisted by plenty of diluting drink,
which is then peculiarly necessary, as the febrile matter is
now ready to be discharged. If the patient's strength,
however, be much exhausted by the disease, it may be ne-
cessary, at this time, to support him with frequent small
draughts of wine whey, or the like.
When the pain and fever are gone, it will be proper,
after the patient has gathered sufficient strength, to give
him some gentle purges, as those directed under the acute,
continual fever, page 112. He ought likewise to use a
light diet, of easy digestion; and, his drink should be
butter-milk, whey, and other things  of a cleansing na-
ture.
That species of pleurisy, which is called the bastard,
or spurious, generally goes off by keeping warm for a few
days, drinking plenty of diluting liquors, and observing a
proper regimen.
It is known by a dry cough, a quick pulse, and a dif-
ficulty of lying on the affected side, which last does not
always happen in the true pleurisy. Sometimes, indeed,
this disease proves obstinate, and requires bleeding, with
cupping, and scarifications of the affected side. These,
together with the use of nitrous, and other cooling medi-
cine, seldom fail to effect a cure.
The

OF A PERIPNEUMONY, &c. 119
The paraphrenitis, or inflammation of the diaphragm, is
so nearly connected with the pleurisy, and resembles it so
much in the manner of treatment, that it is scarce necessary
to consider it as a separate disease.
It is attended with a very acute fever, and an extreme
pain of the part affected, which is generally augmented by
coughing, sneezing, drawing in the breath, taking food
going to stool, making water, &c. Hence the patient
breathes quick, and draws in his bowels to prevent the mo-
tion of the diaphragm, is restless, anxious, has a dry cough,
a hiccup, and often a delirium. A convulsive laugh, or ra-
ther a kind of involuntary grin, is no uncommon symptom
of this disease.
Every method must be taken to prevent a suppuration,
as it is impossible to save the patient's life when that hap-
pens. The regimen and medicine are in all respects the
same as in the pleurisy. We shall only add, that in this
disease emollient clysters are peculiarly useful, as they relax
the bowels, and by that means draw the humours from the
part affected.
Of a PERIPNEUMONY, or INFLAM-
MATION of the LUNGS.
As this disease affects an organ which is absolutely neces-
sary to life, it must always be attended with danger. Those
who abound with thick blood, whose fibres are tense and
rigid, who feed upon gross aliment, and drink strong viscid
liquors, are most liable to this disease. It is generally fatal
to persons of a flat breast, or narrow chest, and to such as
are afflicted with an asthma, especially in the decline of
life. Sometimes the inflammation reaches to one lobe of
the lungs only, at other times the whole of that organ is
affected; in which case the disease can hardly fail to prove
fatal.
When the disease proceeds from a viscid pituitous matter,
obstructing the vessels of the lungs, it is called a spurious or
bastard peripneumony. When it arises from a thin acrid de-
fluction on the lungs, it is denominated a catarrhal peripneu-
mony, &c.
CAUSES.----An inflammation of the lungs is some-
times a primary  disease, and sometimes it succeeds to other
diseases, as a quinsy, a pleurisy, &c. It arises from the same
causes as a pleurisy, viz. an obstructed perspiration from
cold

120 OF A PERIPNEUMONY. 
cold, wet cloaths, &c. or from an increased circulation of
the blood by violent exercise, the use of spiceries, ardent
spirits, and such like. The pleurisy and peripneumony are
often complicated; in which case the disease is called a
pleuro-peripneumony.
SYMPTOMS.----Most of the symptoms of a pleu-
risy, likewise attend an inflammation of the lungs : only in
the latter, the pulse is more soft, and the pain less acute;
but the difficulty of breathing, and oppression of the breast,
are generally greater.
REGIMEN.——-As the regimen and medicine are in
all respects the same in the true peripneumony as in the
pleurisy, we shall not here repeat them, but refer the reader
to the treatment of that disease. It may not, however, be
improper to add, that the aliment ought to be more slender
and thin in this than in any other inflammatory disease.
The learned Dr. Arbuthnot asserts, that even common
whey is sufficient to support the patient, and that decoctions
of barley, and infusions of fennel-roots in warm water with
milk, are the most proper both for drink and nourishment.
He likewise recommends the steam of warm water taken in
by the breath, which serves as a kind of internal fomenta-
tion, and helps to attenuate the impacted humours. If the
patient has loose stools, but is not weakened by them, they
are not to be stopped, but rather promoted by the use of
emollient clysters.
It has already been observed, that the spurious or bastard
peripneumony is occasioned by a viscid pituitous matter ob-
structing the vessels of the lungs. It commonly attacks the
old, infirm, and phlegmatic, in winter or wet seasons.
The patient, at the beginning, is cold and hot by turns,
has a small quick pulse, feels a sense of weight upon his
breast, breathes with difficulty, and sometimes complains of
a pain and giddiness of his head. His urine is commonly
pale, and his colour very little changed.
The diet in this, as well as in the true peripneumony,
must be very slender, as weak broths sharpened with the
juice of orange or lemon, &c. His drink may be thin wa-
ter-gruel sweetened with honey, or a decoction of fennel-
root, liquorice, and roots of quick grass. An ounce of each
of these may be boiled in three English pints of water to a
quart, and sharpened with a little currant-jelly, or the like.
Bleeding and purging are generally proper at the be-
ginning of this disease; but if the patient's spittle be pretty
thick, or well concocted, neither of them are necessary. It
will

OF CONSUMPTIONS. 121
will be sufficient to assist the expectoration by some of the
soft balsamic medicines, recommended for that purpose in
the pleurisy. Blistering plaisters have generally a good ef-
fect, and ought to be applied pretty early. They may either
be applied to the neck or ancles, or both, if necessary.
If the patient does not spit, he must be bled, if his
strength will permit, and have a gentle purge administered.
Afterwards his belly may be kept open by clysters, and the
expectoration promoted, by taking every four hours two
table spoonfuls of the solution of gum ammoniac, recom-
mended in the pleurisy, page 117.
When an inflammation of the breast does not yield to
bleeding, blistering, and the other means mentioned above,
it commonly ends in a suppuration, which is more or less
dangerous, according to the part where it is situate. When
this happens in the pleura, it sometimes breaks outwardly,
and the matter is discharged by the wound.
Sometimes the suppuration happens within the sub-
stance or body of the lungs; in which case the matter may
be discharged by expectoration; but if the matter floats in
the cavity of the breast, between the pleura and the lungs,
it can only be discharged by an incision made betwixt the
ribs.
If the patient's strength does not return after the inflam-
mation is to all appearance removed; if his pulse continues
quick, tho' soft, his breathing difficult and oppressed; if he
has cold shiverings at times, his cheeks flushed, his lips dry;
and if he complains of thirst, and want of appetite; there is
reason to fear that a suppuration is going on, and that a
phthisis or consumption of the lungs will ensue. We shall
therefore proceed to consider the proper treatment of that
disease.
OF CONSUMPTIONS.
A consumption is a wasting or decay of the whole body,
from an ulcer, tubercles, or concretion of the  lungs; from
an empyema, a nervous atrophy, &c.
Dr. Arbuthnot observes, that in his time consumptions
made up above one tenth part of the bills of mortality about
London. There is reason to believe, they have rather in-
creased since that time; and we know for certain, that they
are not less fatal in several other towns in England than in
London.
Q Young

122 OF CONSUMPTIONS.
Young persons betwixt the age of fifteen and thirty, of a
slender make, long neck, high shoulders, and fiat breasts,
are most liable to this disease.
Consumptions prevail more in England than in any
other part of the world, owing, perhaps, to the great use of
animal food, and strong liquors, the general application to
sedentary employments, and the great quantity of pit-coal
which is there burnt; to which we may add, the perpetual
changes in the atmosphere, or variableness of the weather.
CAUSES.—It has already been observed, that in-
flammations of the breast often end in an imposthume:
Consequently, whatever predisposes to those diseases, must
likewise be considered as a cause of consumptions.
Many other diseases, by vitiating the humours, may
likewise occasion consumptions; as the scurvy, the scro-
phula or king's evil, the venereal disease, the asthma, small-
pox, measles, &c.
As this disease is seldom cured, it will be necessary to
point out its causes more particularly, in order that people
may be the better enabled to avoid it. These are:
-----Want of exercise. Hence it comes to pass, that
this disease is so common amongst the inhabitants of great
towns, who follow sedentary employments, and likewise
amongst the rich, who are not under the necessity of la-
bouring for their bread.
----Confined or unwholesome air. Air which stag-
nates, or is impregnated with the fumes of metals or mine-
rals, is extremely hurtful to the lungs, and often corrodes
the tender vessels of that necessary organ.
---- Violent passions or affections of the mind; as
grief, disappointment, anxiety, or close application to the
study of abstruse arts or sciences, &c.
—— Excessive evacuations; as sweating, diarrhœas,
diabetes, excessive venery, the fluor albus, an over-discharge
of the menstrual flux, giving suck too long, &c.
---  The sudden stoppage of customary evacuations; as
the bleeding piles, sweating of the feet, bleeding of the
nose, the menses, issues, ulcers, or eruptions of any kind.
-----Changing suddenly from a hot to a very cold cli-
mate, or whatever greatly lessens the perspiration.
-----Frequent and excessive debaucheries. Late watch-
ing, and drinking of strong liquors, which generally go to-
gether, can hardly fail to destroy the lungs. Hence the bon
companion generally falls a sacrifice to this disease.
-----Infection. 

OF CONSUMPTIONS. 123
---Infection. Consumptions are often caught by
sleeping with the diseased; for which reason this should be
carefully avoided. It cannot be of great benefit to the sick,
and must hurt those in health.
---Occupations in life. Those artificers who sit
much, and are constantly leaning forward, or pressing upon
their stomachs and breasts, as cutlers, taylors, shoemakers,
&c. often die of consumptions.
---Cold. More consumptive patients date their dis-
orders from wet feet, damp beds, night air, wet cloaths, and
such like, than from all other causes.
Sharp, saline, and aromatic aliments, which heat and
inflame the blood, are likewise frequently the cause of con-
sumptions.
We shall only add, that this disease is often owing to an
hereditary taint; in which case, it is generally incurable.
SYMPTOMS.---This disease generally begins
with a dry cough, which often continues for some months.
If a disposition to vomit after eating be excited by it, there
is great reason to fear an approaching consumption. The
patient complains of a more than usual degree of heat, a pain
and oppression of the breast, especially after motion; his
spittle is of a saltish taste, and sometimes mixed with blood.
He is apt to be sad; his appetite is bad, and his thirst great.
There is generally a sense of weight on the breast, with a
quick, soft, small pulse; though sometimes the pulse is pret-
ty full, and rather hard. These are the common symptoms
of a beginning consumption.
Afterwards the patient begins to spit a greenish, white,
or bloody matter. His body is extenuated by the hectic
fever and colliquative sweats, which mutually succeed one
another, viz. the one towards the night, and the other in
the morning. A looseness, and excessive discharge of urine,
are often troublesome symptoms at this time, and greatly
weaken the patient. There is a burning heat in the palms
of the hands, and the face generally flushes after eating; the
fingers become remarkably small, the nails are bent inwards,
and the hairs fall off.
At last, the swelling of the feet and legs, the total loss of
strength, the sinking of the eyes, the difficulty of swallow-
ing, and the coldness of the extremities, show the immedi-
ate approach of death, which, however, the patient seldom
believes to be so near. Such is the usual progress of this
Q2 fatal 

124 OF CONSUMPTIONS.
fatal disease, which, if not early checked, commonly sets
all medicine at defiance.
REGIMEN.---On the first appearance of this
disease, if the patient lives in a large town, or any place
where the air is confined, he ought immediately to quit it,
and to make choice of a situation in the country, where the
air is pure, dry and free. Here he must not remain inac-
tive, but take every day as much exercise as he can bear.
The best method of taking exercise is to ride on horse-
back, as this gives the body a great deal of motion without
much fatigue. Such as cannot bear this kind of exercise,
must make use of a machine. A long journey, as it amuses
the mind by a continual change of objects, is greatly pre-
ferable to riding the same ground over and over. Care,
however, must be taken to avoid catching cold from wet
cloaths, damp beds, or such like. At any rate, the patient
must ride; his life depends upon it; and it is almost an in-
fallible remedy, if begun in time, and duly persisted in.
It is pity those who attend the sick seldom recommend
riding in this disease, till the patient is either unable to bear
it, or the malady is become incurable. Patients are always
apt to trifle with every thing that is in their own power.
They cannot see how one of the common actions of life
should prove a remedy in an obstinate disease, and therefore
they reject it, while they greedily hunt after relief from me-
dicine, merely because it is unknown.
Those who have strength and courage to undertake a
pretty long voyage, may expect great advantage from it.
This has frequently cured a consumption after the patient
was thought to be in the last stage of that disease, and where
medicine had proved ineffectual. It is reasonable from hence
to conclude, that if a voyage were undertaken in due time,
it would seldom fail to perform a cure.
Such as try this method of cure, ought to carry as much
fresh provisions along with them as will serve for the whole
time they are at sea. As milk is not to be obtained in this
situation, they ought to live upon fruits and the broth of
chickens, or other young animals which can be kept alive
on board. It is scarce necessary to add, that such voyages
should be undertaken, if possible, in the mildest season, and
that they ought to be towards a warmer climate.
Those who have not courage for a long voyage may
travel into a more southern climate, as the south of France,
Spain, or Portugal; and if they find the air of these countries
agree 

OF CONSUMPTIONS. 125
agree with them, they should continue there, at least till
their health be confirmed.
Next to proper air and exercise, we would recommend a
due attention to the diet. The patient must eat nothing that is
either heating or hard of digestion, and his drink must be
of a soft and cooling nature. All the diet must be calculat-
ed to lessen the acrimony of the humours, and abate the
rapid motion of the blood. For this purpose the patient
alone, is of more value in this disease, than the whole ma-
teria medica.
Asses milk is generally reckoned preferable to any other;
but it cannot always be obtained; besides, it is generally
taken as a medicine, whereas, to produce any considerable
effects, it ought, in a manner, to make the principal part
of the patient's food. It is hardly to be expected, that a
gill or two of asses milk, drank in the space of twenty-four
hours, should be able to produce any considerable change in
the humours in a short time; but when people do not per-
ceive its effects soon, they lose hope, and so leave it off.
Hence it comes to pass, that this medicine, however valua-
ble, very seldom performs a cure. The reason is obvious;
it is commonly used too late, is taken in too small quanti-
ties, and is not duly persisted in.
I have known very extraordinary effects from asses milk
in obstinate coughs, which threatened a consumption of the
lungs; and do verily believe, if used at this period, that
it would seldom fail; but if it be delayed till an ulcer is
formed, which is generally the case, how can it be expect-
ed to succeed?
Asses milk ought to be drank, if possible, in its natural
warmth, and in the quantity of half an English pint at a
time. Instead of taking this quantity night and morning
only, the patient ought to take it four times, or, at least,
thrice a-day, and to eat a little light bread along with it,
so as to make it a kind of meal.
If asses milk should happen to purge the patient, it may
be mixed with old conserve of roses, which is itself a valu-
able medicine in this disease. If that cannot be obtained,
the powder of crabs claws may be used in its stead. Asses
milk is usually ordered to be drank warm in bed; but as
it generally throws the patient into a sweat, when taken in
this way, it would be proper to give it after he rises.
SOME

126 OF CONSUMPTIONS.
Some extraordinary cures in consumptive cases have
been performed by breast milk. Could this be obtained
in sufficient quantity, we would recommend it preferable to
any other. It is better if the patient can suck it from the breast
than to drink it afterwards. I knew a man who was reduced to
such a degree of weakness in a consumption, as not to be
able to turn himself in bed. His wife was that time giving
suck, and the child happening to die, he sucked her breasts,
not with a view to reap any advantage from the milk, but
to make her easy. Finding himself however greatly bene-
fited by it, he continued to suck her till perfectly recovered,
and is at present a strong and healthy man.
Some prefer butter-milk to any other, and it certainly is
a very valuable medicine, if the stomach be able to bear it.
It does not agree with every person at first; and is there-
fore often laid aside without a sufficient trial. It should at
first be taken sparingly, and the quantity gradually increas-
ed, until it comes to be almost the sole food. I never
knew it succeed, unless where the patient almost entirely
lived upon it.
Cows-milk is most readily obtained of any; and tho
it be not so easily digested as that of asses or mares, it may
be rendered lighter, by adding to it an equal quantity of
barley water, or allowing it to stand for some hours, and
afterwards taking off the cream. If it should, notwith-
standing, lie heavy on the stomach, a table spoonful of rum
or brandy, and a bit of loaf-sugar, may be put into half an
English pint.
It is not to be wondered, that milk should, for some
time, disagree with a stomach that has not been accustomed
to digest any thing but flesh and strong liquors, which is
the case of most of those who fall into consumptions. We
do not, however, advise those who have been accustomed to
animal food and strong liquors, to leave them off all at
once. This might be dangerous. It will be necessary for such to
eat a little once a-day of the flesh of some young animal, or
rather to use the broth made of chickens, veal, lamb, or
such like. They ought likewise to drink a little wine
made into negas, or diluted with twice or thrice its quan-
tity of water, and to make it gradually weaker till they can
leave it off altogether.
These must be used only as preparatives to a diet con-
sisting solely of milk and vegetables, which the sooner the
patient can be brought to bear, the better. Rice and milk,
or 

OF CONSUMPTIONS. 127
or barley and milk boiled, with a little sugar, is very pro-
per food. Ripe fruits, roasted, baked, or boiled, are like-
wise proper; as goose or currant-berry tarts, apples roasted,
or boiled in milk, &c. The jellies, conserves, and pre-
serves, &c. of ripe subacid fruits, ought to be eat plenti-
fully, as the jelly of currants, conserve of roses, preserved
plumbs, cherries, &c.
Wholesome air, proper exercise, and a diet consisting
solely of these and other vegetables, with milk, is the only
course that can be depended on in the beginning of a con-
sumption. If the patient has strength and sufficient resolu-
tion to persist in this course, he will seldom be disappointed
of a cure.
In a populous town in England, where consumptions
are very common, I have frequently seen consumptive pa-
tients, who had been sent to the country with orders to
ride, and live upon milk and vegetables, return in a few
months quite plump, and free of any complaint. This, in-
deed, was not always the case, especially when the disease
was hereditary, or far advanced; but it was the only me-
thod in which success was to be expected; where it failed,
I never knew medicine succeed.
If the patient's strength and spirits flag, he must be sup-
ported by rich broths, jellies, &c. Some recommend
shell-fish in this disorder, and we are inclined to think with
reason; they are very nourishing, at the same time that
they cool the blood, and blunt the acrimony of the hu-
mours. All the food and drink ought to be taken in small
quantities, left an overcharge of fresh chyle should oppress
the lungs, and too much accelerate the circulation of the
blood.
The patient's  mind ought to be kept as easy and chear-
ful as possible. Consumptions are often occasioned by a
melancholy cast of mind; for which reason, music, cheer-
ful company, and every thing that inspires mirth, are high-
ly beneficial. The patient ought seldom to be left alone,
as brooding over his calamities is sure to render them
worse.
MEDICINE.------Though we know no medi-
cine that will cure a confirmed consumption; yet the fol-
lowing things may be of service, in abating some of the
more violent symptoms.
In the first stage of a consumption, the cough may some-
times be appeased by bleeding; and expectoration promoted
by 

128 OF CONSUMPTIONS.
by the following medicines. Take fresh squills, gum am-
moniac, and powdered cardamum seeds, of each a quarter
of an ounce; beat them together in a mortar, and if the
mass proves too hard for pills, a little of any kind of syrup
may be added to it. This may be formed into pills of a
moderate size, and four or five of them taken twice or thrice
a-day, according as the patient's stomach will bear them.
The lac ammoniacum, or milk of gum ammoniac, as it
is called, is likewise a proper medicine in this stage of the dis-
ease. It may be prepared and used, as directed page 117.
A syrup made of equal parts of lemon juice, fine honey,
and sugar-candy, may likewise be used. Four ounces of
each of these may be simmered together in a sauce-pan, over
a slow fire, and a table spoonful of it taken at any time
when the cough is troublesome.
It is common, in this stage of the disease, to load the
patient's stomach with balsamic medicines, and at the same
time, to drench him with decoctions, infusions, &c. of
the pectoral vegetables. The former of these, instead of re-
moving the cause of the disease, tend rather to increase it,
by heating the blood, while the latter pall the appetite,
relax the solids, and prove every way hurtful to the pati-
ent. Whatever is used for removing the cough, besides,
riding, and other proper regimen, ought to be medicines of
a sharp and cleansing nature.
For the patient's drink, we would recommend infusions
of the bitter plants, as ground-ivy, the lesser centaury,
camomile flowers, or water trefoil. These infusions may
be drank at pleasure. They strengthen the stomach, pro-
mote digestion, rectify the blood, and at the same time an-
swer all the purposes of dilution, and quench thirst much
better than things that are luscious or sweet.
But if the patient spits blood, he ought to use the fol-
lowing decoction for his ordinary drink. Take an ounce
of comfrey root, of liquorice and marsh-mallow roots, each
half an ounce. Boil them in two English quarts of water
to one. If a tea spoonful of the acid elixir of vitriol be add-
ed to this decoction, when cold, it will be a very proper
medicine. A tea cupful of it may be taken at pleasure.
There are many other mucilaginous plants and seeds,
of a healing and agglutinating nature, from  which decocti-
ons or infusions may be prepared with the same intention;
as the orches, the quince seed, coltsfoot, linseed, sarsaparilla,
&c. It is not necessary to mention the different forms in
which 

OF CONSUMPTIONS. 129
which these may be used. Simple infusion, or boiling, is
all that is necessary, and the dose may be at discretion.
The conserve of roses is here peculiarly proper. It may
either be put into the decoction above prescribed, or eat by
itself. No benefit is to be expected from trifling doses of
this medicine. I never knew it of any service, unless where
three or four ounces at least were used daily. In this way
I have seen it produce very extraordinary effects, and
would recommend it wherever there is a discharge of blood
from the lungs.
When the spitting up of gross matter, oppression of the
breast, and the hectic symptoms show that an imposthume
is formed in the lungs, we would recommend the Jesuits
bark, that being the only drug which has any chance to
counteract the tendency which the humours then have to
putrefaction.
An ounce of the bark, in powder, may be divided into
eighteen or twenty doses, of which one may be taken every
three hours through the day, in a little syrup, or a cup of
the patient's ordinary drink.
If the bark should happen to purge, it may be made into
an electuary, with the conserve of roses: thus; take old
conserve of roses, a quarter of a pound; Jesuits bark, in
powder, an ounce; syrup of orange, or lemon, as much
as will make it of the consistence of honey. This quanti-
ty will serve the patient four or five days, and may be  re-
peated as there is occasion.
Such as cannot take the bark in substance, may infuse it
in cold water. This seems to be the best medium for ex-
tracting the virtues of that drug. Half an ounce of bark,
in powder, may be infused for twenty-four hours in half an
English pint of water. Afterwards let it be passed through
a fine strainer, and an ordinary tea-cupful of it taken three
or four times a-day.
We would not recommend the bark while there are any
symptoms of an inflammation of the breast; but when it is
certainly known, that matter is collecting there, it is the
only medicine upon which any stress can be laid. Few pa-
tients have resolution enough to give the bark a fair trial,
at this period of the disease; otherwise, we have reason to
believe, that great benefit might be reaped from it.
When it is evident, that there is an imposthume in the
breast, and the matter can neither be spit up, nor carried
off by absorption, the patient must endeavour to make it
R break 

130 OF CONSUMPTIONS.
break inwardly, by drawing in the steams of warm water
or vinegar with his breath, coughing, laughing, or bawl-
ing aloud, &c. When it happens to burst within the lungs,
the matter may be discharged by the mouth. Sometimes,
indeed, the bursting of the vomica, occasions immediate
death, by suffocating the patient. When the quantity of
matter is great, and the patient's strength exhausted, this
is apt to happen. At any rate, the patient is ready to fall
into a swoon, and should have volatile spirits, or salts, held
to the nose.
If the matter discharged be thick, and the cough, and
breathing, become easier, there may be some hopes of a
cure. The diet, at this time, ought to be light, but re-
storative; as, small chicken broths, sago gruel, rice-milk,
&c. The drink, butter-milk, or whey, sweetened with
honey. This is likewise a proper time for using the Jesuits
bark, which may be taken as before directed.
If the vomica, or imposthume, should discharge itself
into the cavity of the breast, betwixt the pleura and the
lungs, there is no way of getting the matter out, but by
an incision, as has already been observed. As this opera-
tion must always be performed by a surgeon, it is not ne-
cessary for us to describe it. We shall only observe, that
it is not so dreadful as people are apt to imagine, and
that it is the only chance the patient has for his life. It is,
indeed, a pity that this operation, like most others, is ge-
nerally delayed till too late. When the whole mass of hu-
mours is tainted, the body wasted, and the strength decay-
ed, it is in vain to attempt to save the patient's life by an
operation.
A NERVOUS CONSUMPTION, is a
wasting, or decay of the whole body, without any consi-
derable degree of a fever, cough, or difficulty of breathing.
It is attended with indigestion, weakness, and want of ap-
petite &c.
Those who are of a fretful temper, who indulge in spi-
rituous liquors, or who breathe an unwholesome air, are
most liable to this disease.
We would chiefly recommend, for the cure of a ner-
vous consumption, a light and nourishing diet; enough of
exercise, in a free open air; and the use of such bitters,
as brace and strengthen the stomach; as, the Jesuits bark,
gentian 

OF CONSUMPTIONS. 131
gentian root, camomile, &c. These may be infused in
wine, and a glass of it drank frequently.
It will greatly assist the digestion, and promote the cure
of this disease, to take, twice a-day, twenty or thirty
drops of the elixir of vitriol in a glass of wine or water.
The chalybeate wine is likewise an excellent medicine
in this case. It strengthens the solids, and powerfully as-
sists nature in the preparation of good blood. It is made
by putting three ounces of the filings of steel, or iron, into
a bottle of Rhenish wine, and allowing it to digest for three
weeks, frequently shaking the bottle. Afterwards the
wine must be filtered for use. A table spoonful of it may
be taken twice or thrice a-day.
Agreeable amusements, cheerful company, and riding
about, are, however, preferable to all medicines in this dis-
ease. For this reason, when the patient can afford it, we
would recommend a long journey of pleasure, as the most
likely means to restore his health.
What is called a symptomatic consumption cannot be
cured without first removing the disease by which it is oc-
casioned. Thus, when a consumption proceeds from the
scrophula, or king's evil, from the scurvy, the asthma,
the venereal disease, &c. a due attention must be paid to
the malady from whence it arises, and the regimen and
medicine directed accordingly.
When excessive evacuations, of any kind, occasion a
consumption, they must not only be restrained; but the pa-
tient's strength must be restored by gentle exercise, nou-
rishing diet, and generous cordials, &c. Young and de-
licate mothers, often fall into consumptions, by giving suck
too long. As soon as they perceive their strength and ap-
petite begin to fail, they ought immediately to wean the
child, or give it to another nurse, otherwise they cannot ex-
pect a cure.
Before quitting this subject, we would earnestly recom-
mend it to all who wish to avoid consumptions, to take as
much exercise without doors as they can; to avoid un-
wholesome air, and to study sobriety. Consumptions owe
their present increase not a little to the fashionable mode of
spending every evening over a punch-bowl, or a bottle of
wine. These liquors not only spoil the appetite, and hurt
the digestion, but heat and inflame the blood, and set the
whole constitution on fire. 
R2 THE

132 THE NERVOUS FEVER.
The SLOW or NERVOUS FEVER.
Nervous fevers have increased greatly of late years in
this island, owing, doubtless, to the increase of luxury and
sedentary employments; as this disease commonly attacks
persons of a weak relaxed habit, who neglect exercise, eat
little solid food, study hard, or indulge in spirituous liquors.
CAUSES.----Nervous fevers are occasioned by what-
ever depresses the spirits, or impoverishes the blood; as
grief, fear and anxiety, want of sleep, intense thought;
living on poor watery diet, as unripe fruits, cucumbers,
melons, mushrooms, &c. They are likewise occasioned by
damp, confined, or unwholesome air. Hence they are very
common in rainy seasons, and prove most fatal to those who
live in dirty, low houses, crowded streets, hospitals, jails, or
such like places.
Persons whose constitutions have been broken by ex-
cessive venery, frequent salivations, too free an use of pur-
gative medicines, or the like, are very liable to this disease.
Keeping on wet cloaths, sleeping in the sun, lying on
the damp ground, excessive fatigue, and whatever obstructs
the perspiration, or causes a spasmodic stricture of the so-
lids, may likewise occasion nervous fevers. We shall only
add, frequent and great irregularities in eating and drinking.
Too great abstinence, as well as excess, is hurtful. Nothing
tends so much to preserve the humours in a sound state as a
regular diet; nor can anything contribute more to occa-
sion fevers of the worst kind than its contrary.
SYMPTOMS.---Low spirits, want of appetite,
weakness, weariness after motion, watchfulness, deep sigh-
ing, and dejection of mind, are generally the forerunners of
this disease. These are succeeded by a quick low pulse, a
dry tongue, without any considerable thirst, chillness and
flushing in turns, &c.
After some time, the patient complains of a giddiness
and pain of his head, has a nausea, with teachings and vo-
miting; his pulse is quick, and sometimes intermitting;
his urine pale, resembling dead small bear, and his breath-
ing is difficult with oppression of the breast, and slight alie-
nations of mind.
If towards the ninth, tenth, or twelfth day, the tongue
becomes more moist, with a plentiful spitting, a gentle
diarrhœa, or a moisture upon the skin; or if a suppuration
happens in one or both ears, or large pustules break out
about 

THE NERVOUS FEVER. 133
about the lips and nose, there is reason to hope for a favour-
able crisis.
But, if there be an excessive looseness, or wasting sweats,
with frequent fainting fits; if the tongue, when put out,
trembles excessively, and the extremities feel cold, with a
fluttering or slow creeping pulse; if there be a starting of
the tendons, an almost total loss of sight and hearing, and
an involuntary discharge by stool and urine, there is great
reason to fear that death is approaching.
REGIMEN.----It is highly necessary in this disease
to keep the patient easy and quiet. The least motion will
fatigue him, and will be apt to occasion weariness, and even
faintings. His mind likewise ought not only to be kept
easy, but soothed and comforted with the hopes of a speedy
recovery. Nothing is more hurtful in low severs of this
kind, than presenting to the patient's mind gloomy or
frightful ideas. These often occasion nervous fevers, and
it is not to be doubted but they will likewise increase the
danger.
The patient must not be kept too low. His strength
and spirits ought to be supported by nourishing diet and ge-
nerous cordials. For this purpose, his gruels, panadas, or
whatever food he takes, must be strengthened with wine,
according as the symptoms may require. Pretty strong
wine-whey, or small negas sharpened with the juice of
orange or lemon, will be proper for his drink.
Wine, in this disease, if it could be obtained genuine,
would be almost the only medicine that we should need.
Good wine possesses all the virtues of the cordial medicines,
while it is free from many of their bad qualities. I say, good
wine; for, however common that article of luxury is now
become, it is rarely to be obtained genuine, especially by
the poor, or such purchase it in small quantities.
I have seen a patient in a low nervous fever, whose pulse
could hardly be felt, with a constant delirium, coldness of
the extremities, and almost every other mortal symptom,
recover by using, in whey, gruel, and negas, a bottle of
strong wine every day. Good wine is not only the most
proper cordial, but seems also to be an excellent antispas-
modic medicine; and consequently it must be highly pro-
per in all diseases arising from a poor vapid state of the
blood, and too greats stricture of the solids.
Mustard whey is a very proper drink in this fever. It
is made by tying in a linen rag a table spoonful of common
mustard 

134 THE NERVOUS FEVER.
mustard bruised, and boiling it a little in half an English
pint of water, with an equal quantity of milk. Two or
three spoonfuls of wine may be added to it when boiling, to
make the curd separate more perfectly, and to render the
whey more cordial. A tea cupful of this may be given fre-
quently for the patient's ordinary drink.
In a word, the great aim in this disease is to support the
patient's spirits, by giving him frequently small quantities
of the above, or other drinks of a warm and cordial nature.
He is not, however, to be over-heated either with liquor or
cloaths; and his food ought to be light, and given in small
quantities.
MEDICINE.----Where a nausea, load, and sick-
ness at stomach prevail at the beginning of the fever, it will
be necessary to give the patient a gentle vomit. Fifteen or
twenty grains of ipecacuanha will generally answer this
purpose very well. This may be repeated any time before
the third or fourth day, if the above symptoms continue.
Vomits not only clean the stomach, but, by the general
shock which they give, promote the perspiration, and have
many other excellent effects in slow fevers, where there are
no signs of inflammation, and nature wants rousing.
Such as dare not venture upon a vomit, may clean the
bowels by a small dose of Turkey rhubarb, or an infusion
of senna and manna.
In all fevers, the great point is to regulate the symptoms,
so as to prevent their going to either extreme. Thus, in
fevers of the inflammatory kind, where the force of the cir-
culation is too great, or the blood dense, and the fibres too
rigid, bleeding and other evacuations are necessary. But
where nature flags, where the blood is vapid and poor, and
and the solids weak and relaxed, there the lancet is to be
avoided. Hence, bleeding is never to be permitted in ner-
vous fevers unless there be evident signs of an inflammation,
which very seldoms happens.
It is the more necessary to caution people against bleed-
ing in this disease, as there is generally, at the beginning, an
universal stricture upon the vessels, which even to the pa-
tient himself often gives the idea of a plethora, or too great
a quantity of blood. I have known some of the profession
deceived by their own feelings in this respect, so far as to
insist upon being bled, when it was evident that the opera-
tion was improper.
I remember 

THE NERVOUS FEVER. 135
I remember to have attended an apothecary in a nervous
fever, who, at the beginning, was so fully persuaded of the
existence of a plethora, and the necessity of bleeding, that
when i objected to it, he told me he was so certain of the
necessity of that operation from his own feelings, that if it
was not performed he could not live; and that if no body
else would bleed him, he was determined to do it himself.
He was accordingly bled, but was soon convinced of his
error. The blood shewed no signs of inflammation, and he
was so remarkably worse after the operation, that he nar-
rowly escaped with his life. His pulse and spirits sunk ex-
ceedingly, so that he could hardly be supported by a bottle
of strong wine in the day, besides other cordial medicines.
Tho bleeding be improper in this disease, yet blistering
is highly necessary. Blistering plasters may be applied at
ail times of the fever with great advantage; we would, how-
ever, advise people not to make too free with them at the
beginning, left there should be more occasion for them after-
wards. If the patient be delirious, he ought to be blistered
on the neck, and it will be the safest course, while the fever
continues; as soon as the discharge occasioned by one plaster
abates, to apply another some where else, and by that means
keep up a continual succession of them till the patient be
out of danger.
I have been more sensible of the advantage of blistering
in this disease, than of any other medicine. It not only pro-
motes the circulation by stimulating the solids, but likewise
occasions a continual discharge, which may, in some mea-
sure, supply the want of critical evacuations, which seldom
happen in this kind of fever.
If the patient be costive through the course of the disease,
it will be necessary to procure a stool, by giving him every
other  day a clyster of milk and water, with a little sugar, to
which may be added a spoonful of common salt, if it be ne-
cessary.
Should a violent looseness come on, it may be checked,
by giving the patient frequently a small quantity of Venice
treacle, or any thing that will promote the perspiration.
Tho' blistering and cordial liquors are the only medi-
cines to be depended on in this kind of fever, yet, for those
who may choose to use them, we shall mention one or two
of the forms of medicine which are commonly prescribed
in it.
Thus, when the patient is low, ten grains of Virginian
snakeroot, and the same quantity of contrayerva root, with
five 

136 THE PUTRID OR SPOTTED FEVER.
five grains of Russian castor, all in fine powder, may be
made into a bolus, with a little of the cordial confection or
syrup of saffron. One of these may be taken every four or
five hours.
The following powder may be used for the same inten-
tion. Take wild Valerian root, in powder, one scruple;
saffron and castor, each four grains. Mix these by rubbing
them together in a mortar, and give it in a cup of wine
whey three or four times a-day.                       
In desperate cases, where the hiccup and starting of the
tendons have already come on, we have sometimes seen ex-
traordinary effects from large doses of musk frequently ex-
hibited. This is doubtless a great antispasmodic, and may
be given to the quantity of a scruple three or four times
a-day. Sometime, it may be proper to add to the musk a
few grains of camphire, and salt of hartshorn, as these tend
to promote perspiration and urine. Thus, fifteen grains of
musk, with three grains of camphire, and six grains of salt
of hartshorn, may be made into a dose and given as above.
If the fever should happen to intermit, which it frequent-
ly does towards the decline, or if the patient's strength
should be wasted with colliquative sweats, it will be necessa-
ry to give him an infusion of the Jesuits bark, with snake-
root, in wine or brandy.
Half an ounce of the bark, with a dram of Virginian
snakeroot, half a dram of saffron, and half an ounce of
orange-peel, all grossly powdered, may be infused in half
an English pint of brandy for three or four days. Afterwards
strain it, and give the patient two tea spoonfuls in a glass of
water, or small wine, three or four times a-day.
Such as don't choose spirit, may infuse the above ingre-
dients in a bottle of Lisbon wine, and take a glass of it fre-
quently; this will restore the strength, prevent a relapse,
and help to carry off the remains of the fever.
It will likewise be proper, at this time, to interpose now
and then a gentle dose of rhubarb, or some other mild open-
ing medicine, taking care, at the same time, to support the
patient's strength with chicken-broth, jellies, and such like.
Of the MALIGNANT, PUTRID, or
SPOTTED FEVER.
This may be called the pestilential fever of Europe, as in
many of its symptoms it bears a great resemblance to that
dreadful disease.
Persons

THE PUTRID OR SPOTTED FEVER. 137
Persons of a lax habit, a melancholy disposition, and
those whose vigour has been wafted by long fasting, watch-
ing, hard labour, excessive venery, or frequent salivations,
life, are most liable to this disease.
CAUSES.----This fever is occasioned by an un-
wholesome, putrid, or stagnating air. Hence it prevails in
jails, hospitals and infirmaries, especially where such places
are greatly crowded, and cleanliness is neglected.
A close constitution of the air, with long rainy or foggy
weather, likewise occasions putrid fevers. Hence they often
succeed great inundations in low and marshy countries, espe-
cially when these are preceded or followed by a hot and sul-
try season.
Living too much upon animal food, without a proper
mixture of vegetables, or eating fish or flesh that has been
kept too long, are likewise apt to occasion this kind of fe-
ver. Hence, sailors on long voyages, and the inhabitants
of besieged cities, are very often visited with putrid fevers.
Corn that has been greatly damaged by rainy seasons, or
long keeping, and water that has become putrid by stagna-
tion, will likewise occasion putrid fevers. The excessive
use of alkaline salts will also have this effect.
Dead carcases tainting the air, especially in hot seasons,
are very apt to occasion putrid fevers. Hence this kind of
fever often prevails in camps, and such countries as are the
scenes of war and bloodshed. This shews the necessity of
removing church-yards, slaughter-houses, &c. at a proper
distance from great towns.
Want of cleanliness is a very general cause of putrid fe-
vers. Hence they prevail amongst the poor inhabitants of
large towns, who breathe a confined, unwholesome air, ne-
glect cleanliness, and are forced  to live upon spoiled or un-
wholesome provisions, &c. Such mechanics as carry on dirty
employments, and are constantly confined within doors, are
likewise very liable to putrid fevers.
We shall only add, that all putrid, malignant, or spotted
fevers, are very infectious; and are, therefore, often com-
municated in this way. For which reason, all persons ought
to keep at a distance from such as are affected with these dis-
eases, unless those whose attendance is absolutely necessary.
SYMPTOMS.----The malignant fever is generally
preceded by a remarkable weakness, or loss of strength,
without any apparent cause. This is sometimes so great,
S that 

138 THE PUTRID OR SPOTTED FEVER.
that the patient can scarce walk, or even fit upright, with-
out being in danger of fainting away. His mind too is
greatly dejected; he sighs, and is full of dreadful appre-
hensions.
There is a nausea, and sometimes vomiting of bile;
a violent pain of the head, with a strong pulsation, or
throbbing of the temporal arteries; the eyes often appear
red and inflamed, with a pain at the bottom of the orbit;
there is a noise in the ears, the breathing is laborious, and
often interrupted with a sigh; the patient complains of a
pain about the region of the stomach, and in his back and
loins; his tongue is at first white, but afterwards it appears
black and chapped; and his teeth are covered with a black
crust. He sometimes passes worms both upwards and
downwards, is affected with tremors, or shaking, and often
becomes delirious.
If blood be let, it appears dissolved, or with a very small
degree of cohesion, and soon becomes putrid; the stools
smell extremely fœtid, and are sometimes of a greenish,
black, or reddish call. Spots of a pale, purple, dun, or
black colour, often appear upon the skin, and sometimes
violent hæmorrhages, or discharges of blood from the
mouth, eyes, nose, &c. happen.
Putrid fevers may be distinguished from the inflamma-
tory, by the smallness of the pulse, the dejection of mind,
the dissolved state  of the blood, the petechiæ, or purple
spots, and the putrid smell of the excrements. They may
likewise be distinguished from the low or nervous fever, by
the heat and thirst being greater, the urine of a higher co-
lour, and the other symptoms more violent.
It sometimes, however, happens, that the inflamma-
tory, nervous, and putrid symptoms, are so blended toge-
ther, as to render it very difficult to determine to which
class the fever belongs. In this case, the greatest caution
and skill are requisite. All endeavours must be used to re-
lieve the most urgent symptoms; and the efforts of nature
are carefully to be watched, in order that we may give her
what assistance we can in expelling the cause of the disease
in her own way.
Inflammatory and nervous fevers are often converted
into malignant and putrid, by too hot a regimen, or im-
proper medicines.
The period of putrid fevers is extremely uncertain;
sometimes they terminate betwixt the seventh and fourteenth
day, 

THE PUTRID OR SPOTTED FEVER. 139
day, and at other times, they are prolonged for five or six weeks.
Their duration depends greatly upon the constitution of the
patient, and the manner of treating the disease.
The most favourable symptoms are, after the fourth or
fifth day, a gentle looseness, with a warm, mild sweat.
These, when continued for a considerable time, often carry
off the fever, and should never be imprudently stopped.
Small miliary pustules appearing between the petechiæ, or
purple spots, are likewise favourable; as also, hot scabby
eruptions about the mouth and nose. It is a good sign
when the pulse rises upon the use of wine, or other cordi-
als, and the nervous symptoms abate; deafness coming on
towards the decline of the fever, is likewise a favourable
symptom, and so are abscesses in the groin, or parotid
glands.
AMONGST the unfavourable symptoms may be reckoned
an excessive looseness, with a hard swelled belly. Large
black or livid blotches breaking out upon the skin, are a
proof of the putrid dissolution of the blood, and shew the
danger to be very great. Aphthæ in the mouth, and cold
clammy sweats, are unfavourable signs; as also, blindness,
change of the voice, a wild staring of the eyes, difficulty
of swallowing, an inability to put out the tongue, and a
constant inclination to uncover the breast. When the
sweat and saliva are tinged with blood, and the urine is
black, or deposites a black, footy sediment, the patient is
in great danger. Starting of the tendons, and fœtid,
ichorous, involuntary stools, attended with coldness of
the extremities, are generally the forerunners of death.
REGIMEN.----—In the management of this
disease, we are to endeavour, as far as possible, to counter-
act the putrid tendency of the humours; to support the pa-
tient's strength and spirits; and to assist nature in expelling
the morbific matter, by gently promoting perspiration and
the other evacuations.
It has been observed, that putrid fevers are often occasi-
oned by unwholesome air, and, of course, they must be
aggravated by it. Care must, therefore, be taken to prevent
the air from stagnating in the patient's chamber, to keep
it cool, and renew it frequently, by opening the doors or
windows of some adjacent apartment. The breath and
perspiration of persons in perfect health, soon render the
air of a small apartment noxious; but this will sooner
S2 happen

140 THE PUTRID OR SPOTTED FEVER.
happen from the perspiration and breath of a person whose
whole mass of humours are in a putrid state. These fevers
are often so heightened by the same infected air being
breathed over and over, that the patient is, in a manner,
suffocated by his own atmosphere.
Besides the frequent admission of fresh air, we would
recommend the use of vinegar, verjuice, juice of lemon, Sevil
orange, or any kind of vegetable acid that can be most rea-
dily obtained. These ought frequently to be sprinkled up-
on the floor, the bed, and every part of the room. They
may also be evaporated with an hot iron, or by boiling, &c.
The fresh skins of lemons or oranges ought likewise to be
laid in different parts of the room, and they should be fre-
quently held to the patient's nose. The use of acids in
this manner would not only prove very refreshing to the
patient, but would tend greatly to prevent the infection
from spreading among those who attend him. Strong
smelled herbs, as rue, tansy, rosemary, wormwood, &c.
may likewise be laid in different parts of the house, and
smelled by those who go near the patient.
The patient must not only be kept cool, but likewise
quiet and easy. The least noise will affect his head, and
the smallest fatigue will be apt to make him faint away.
Nothing is of so great importance in this disease, as
the liberal use of acids. These are to be mixed with all
the patient's food, as well as drink. Orange, lemon, or
vinegar whey, are all very proper, and may be drank in turns,
according to the patient's inclination. These may be ren-
dered cordial, by the addition of wine, in such quantity as
the patient's strength seems to require. When he is very
low, he may drink negas, with only one half water, and
sharpened with the juice of orange or lemon. In some
cases, a glass of clear wine may now and then be allowed.
The most proper wine is Rhenish; but if the belly be open,
red Port, or claret, is to be preferred.
When the belly is bound, a tea spoonful of the cream
of tartar may be put into a cup of the patient's drink, as there
is occasion; or he may eat a few tamrinds, which will
both quench his thirst, and keep his belly easy.
If camomile tea will sit upon the stomach, it is a very
proper drink in this disease. It may be sharpened by add-
ing to every cup of the tea fifteen or twenty drops of the
elixir of vitriol.
The

THE PUTRID OR SPOTTED FEVER. 141
The food must be light, as panada, groat-gruel, and such
like; to these a little wine may be added, if the patient be
weak and low, and they ought all to be sharpened with the
juice of orange, or the jelly of currants, raspberries, &c.
The patient ought likewise to eat freely of ripe fruits, either
baked, roasted, or raw, as roasted apples, currant, or goose-
berry tarts, preserved cherries, plumbs, and such like.
The patient must never be long without nourishment.
Taking a little food or drink frequently, not only supports
the spirits, but counteracts the putrid tendency of the hu-
mours; for which reason, he ought constantly to be sipping
small quantities of some of the acid liquors mentioned above,
or any that may be more agreeable to his palate, or more
readily obtained.
If the patient be delirious, his feet and hands ought to
be frequently fomented with strong infusions of camomile
flowers. This, or an infusion of the bark, to such as can
afford it, cannot fail to have a good effect. Fomentations
of this kind not only relieve the head, by relaxing the ves-
sels in the extremities, but as their contents are absorbed,
and taken into the blood, they must, by their antiseptic
qualities, assist in preventing the putrescency of the humours.
If the patient be not able to put his feet and hands into
the decoction, cloths dipt in it may be applied to them.
MEDICINE.----If a vomit be taken at the very be-
ginning of this fever, it will hardly fail to have a good ef-
fect; but if the fever has gone on for some days, and the
symptoms are violent, vomits must not be taken without
proper advice.
Bleeding is seldom necessary in putrid fevers. If there
be signs of an inflammation, it may sometimes be permitted
at the  first onset; but the repetition of it often proves fatal.
Blistering plasters are never to be used unless in the
greatest extremities. If the petechiæ, or spots, should sud-
denly disappear, the patient's pulse sink remarkably, and a
delirium, with other bad symptoms, come on, blistering
may be permitted. In this case, the blistering plasters are
to be applied to the head, and the insides of the legs or
thighs. But as they are sometimes apt to occasion a gan-
grene, we would rather recommend warm poultices or cata-
plasms to be applied to the feet, having recourse to blisters
only in the utmost extremities.
A very ridiculous notion has long prevailed, of expelling
the poisonous matter of malignant diseases by strong doses
of

142 THE PUTRID OR SPOTTED FEVER.
of cordial or alexipharmic medicines. In consequence of
this notion, the contrayerva root, the  cordial confection,
and the mithridate, &c. have been extolled as infallible re-
medies. There is reason to believe, that these oftener do
harm than good. Where cordials are necessary, we know
none that is superior to good wine; and therefore again re-
commend it both as the safest and best. Wine, with other
acid and antiseptic medicines, are the only things to be re-
lied on in the cure of malignant fevers.
We have already recommended acids in various forms,
and shall only add one more, viz. camphorated vinegar.
This is made, by rubbing a dram of camphor, with a small
quantity of spirits of wine in a mortar, till it becomes soft,
then adding half an ounce of loaf-sugar, and rubbing the
whole together till perfectly united. Afterwards, take an
English pint of warm vinegar, and add it by little and little,
still continuing the trituration, till they be uniformly mix-
ed. Let it stand to cool, and afterwards strain it. This
may be taken in the dose of a table spoonful or two, every
two or three hours, according as it agrees with the stomach.
If it should heat the patient, or occasion a nausea, it must be
discontinued.
In the most dangerous species of  this disease, when it is
attended with purple, livid, or black spots, the Jesuits bark
is the only medicine that can be depended upon. I have
seen it, when joined with acids, almost perform wonders,
even in cases where the petechiæ had the most threatening
aspect. But, to answer this purpose, it must not only be
given in large doses, but duly persisted in.
The best method for administering the bark is certainly
in substance. An ounce of it, in powder, may be mixed
with half an English pint of water, and the same quantity
of red wine, and sharpened with the elixir of spirit of vitriol,
which will both make it fit easier on the stomach, and ren-
der it more beneficial. Two or three ounces of the syrup
of lemon may be added, and two table spoonfuls of the mix-
ture taken every two hours, or oftener, if the stomach will
bear it.
Those who cannot take the bark in substance may in-
fuse it in wine, as recommended in page 136.
If there be a violent looseness, the bark must be boiled
in red wine, with a little cinnamon, and sharpened with the
elixir of vitriol, as above. Nothing can be more beneficial
in

THE PUTRID OR SPOTTED FEVER. 143
in this kind of looseness than plenty of acids, and such
things as promote the perspiration.
If the patient be troubled with vomiting, a dram of the
salt of wormwood dissolved in an ounce and an half of fresh
lemon juice, and made into a draught with an ounce of
simple cinnamon water, or peppermint water, and a bit of
sugar, may be given to the patient, and repeated as often as
it is necessary.
If swellings of the glands appear, there suppuration is to
be promoted by the application of poultices, ripening cata-
plasms, &c. And as soon as there is any appearance of mat-
ter in them, they ought to be laid open, and the poultices
continued.
I have known patients, in the decline of this fever, have
large ulcerous sores breakout in various parts of the body,
of a livid gangrenous appearance, and a most putrid cada-
verous smell. These gradually healed, and the patient re-
covered by the plentiful use of Jesuits bark mixed in wine,
and sharpened with the spirits of vitriol.
All who would avoid this dreadful disease, should study
universal cleanliness, and should live regularly, avoiding the
extremes of too high or too low a diet with equal care.
Infection, above all things, is to be avoided. No con-
stitution is proof against it. I have known persons seized
With a putrid fever, by only making a single visit to a pa-
tient in it; others have caught it by going through a town
where it prevailed; and some by attending the funerals of
such as died of it.
Any one who is apprehensive of having caught the in-
fection, ought immediately to take a vomit, and to work it
off by drinking plentifully of camomile tea. This may be
repeated in a day or two, if the apprehensions still continue,
or any unfavourable symptoms appear.
The person ought likewise to take an infusion of the
bark and camomile flowers for his ordinary drink; and, be-
fore he goes to bed, he may drink an English pint of pretty
strong negas, or a few glasses of generous wine. I have
been frequently obliged to follow this course when malig-
nant fevers prevailed, and have likewise recommended it to
others with constant success.
People generally fly to bleeding and purging as antidotes
against infection; but these are so far from securing them,
that they often increase the danger.
Physicians,

144 OF THE MILIARY FEVER.
Physicians, and such as attend the sick in putrid fevers,
ought always to have a piece of spunge, or a handkerchief
dipt in vinegar, or juice of lemon, to hold at their nose.
They ought likewise to wash their hands, and, if possible, to
change their cloaths, before they visit any other patient.
Of the MILIARY FEVER.
This fever takes its name from the small pustules or
bladders which appear on the skin, resembling, in shape
and size, the feeds of millet. The pustules are either red
or white, and sometimes both are mixed together.
Sometimes the whole body is covered with pustules;
but they are generally more numerous where the sweat is
most abundant, as on the breast, the back, &c. A gentle
sweat, or moisture on the skin, greatly promotes the erup-
tion; but where the skin is dry, the eruption is both more
painful and dangerous.
Sometimes this is a primary disease; but it is much of-
tener only a symptom of some other malady, as the small-
pox, measles, ardent, putrid, or nervous fever, &c. In
all these cases it is generally the effect of too hot a regimen
or medicines.
The miliary fever chiefly attacks the idle and the phleg-
matic, or persons of a relaxed habit. The young and the
aged are more liable to it than those in the vigour and prime
of life. It is likewise more incident to women than men,
especially the delicate, and the indolent, who, neglecting ex-
ercise, keep continually within doors, and live upon weak,
watery diet. Such females are extremely liable to be seiz-
ed with this disease in child-bed, and often lose their lives
by it.
CAUSES.———The miliary fever is often occasi-
oned by violent passions or affections of the mind; as ex-
cessive grief, anxiety, thoughtfulness, &c. It may like-
wife be occasioned by excessive watching, great evacuations,
a weak, watery diet, rainy seasons, eating too freely of
cold, watery, unripe fruits, as plumbs, cherries, cucum-
bers, melons, &c. Impure waters, or provisions which
have been spoiled by rainy seasons, long keeping, &c. may
likewise cause miliary fevers. They may also be occasion-
ed by the stoppage of any customary evacuation, as issues,
setons, ulcers, the bleeding piles in men, or the menstrual
flux in women, &c.
This

OF THE MILIARY FEVER. 145
This disease in childbed women is sometimes the effect
of great costiveness during pregnancy; sometimes it is oc-
casioned by their excessive use of green, unripe fruits, and
other unwholesome things, in which pregnant women
are too apt to indulge. But its most general cause is in-
dolence. Such women as indulge an easy, sedentary life,
during pregnancy, and, at the same time, live gross and
full, can hardly escape this disease in childbed. Hence it
proves extremely fatal to women of fashion, and likewise
to those women in manufacturing towns, who, in order to
assist their husbands, fit close, within doors, for almost the
whole of their time. But, among women who are active
and laborious, who live in the country, and take enough
of exercise without doors, this disease is very little known.
SYMPTOMS.-----When this is a primary dis-
ease, it makes its attack, like most other eruptive fevers,
with a slight shivering, which is succeeded by heat, loss of
strength, faintishness, sighing, a low quick pulse, difficul-
ty of breathing, with great anxiety and oppression of the
breast. The patient is restless, and sometimes delirious;
the tongue appears white, and the hands shake, with
often a burning heat in the palms; and, in childbed wo-
men, the milk generally goes away, and the other dischar-
ges stop.
The patient feels an itching or pricking pain under the
skin, after which innumerable small pustules of a red or
white colour begin to appear. Upon this the symptoms
generally abate, the pulse becomes more full and soft, the
skin grows moister, and the sweat, as the disease advances,
begins to have a peculiar fœtid smell; the great load on
the breast, and oppression of the spirits, generally go off,
and the customary evacuations gradually return. About
the sixth or seventh day from the eruption, the pustules be-
gin to dry, and fall off, which occasions a very disagree-
able itching in the skin.
It is impossible to ascertain the exact time when the pu-
stules will either appear or go off. They generally come
out on the third or fourth day, when the eruption is criti-
cal; but, when symptomatical, they may appear at any
time of the disease.
Sometimes the pustules appear, and vanish, by turns.
When that is the case, there is always danger; but when
they strike in, all of a sudden, and do not appear again,
the danger is very great.
T In

146 OF THE MILIARY FEVER.
In childbed women, the pustules are commonly at first
filled with clear water, afterwards they grow yellowish.
Sometimes they are interspersed with pustules of a red co-
lour. When these only appear, the disease goes by the
name of a rash.
REGIMEN.------In all eruptive fevers, of what-
ever kind, the chief point is to prevent the sudden striking
in of the pustules. For this purpose, the patient must be
kept in such a temperature, as neither to push out the
eruption too fall, nor cause it to retreat prematurely. The
diet and drink ought therefore to be in a moderate degree,
nourishing and cordial; but neither strong nor heating.
The patient's chamber ought neither to be kept too hot nor
too cold; and he should not be, too much covered with
cloaths. Above all, the mind is to be kept easy and cheer-
ful. Nothing so certainly makes an eruption strike in, as
fear, or the apprehension of danger.
The food must be weak chicken broth, with bread, wa-
ter pap, with sago, and groat gruel, &c. to a gill of which
may be added a spoonful or two of wine, as the patient's
strength requires, with a few grains of salt and a little su-
gar. Good apples, roasted or boiled, with other ripe fruits,
of an opening, cooling nature, may be eat.
The drink must be suited to the state of the patient's
strength and spirits. If these be pretty high, the drink
ought to be weak; as water gruel, balm tea, or the fol-
lowing decoction:
Take two ounces of the shavings of hartshorn, and the
same quantity of sarsaparilla, boil them in two English quarts
of water. To the strained decoction add a little white
sugar, and let the patient take it for his ordinary drink.
When the patient's spirits are low, and the eruption
does not rise sufficiently, his drink must be a little more ge-
nerous; as wine whey, or small negas, sharpened with the
juice of orange or lemon, and made stronger or weaker, as
the circumstances may require.
Sometimes the miliary fever approaches towards a pu-
trid nature; in which case the patient's strength must be
supported with generous cordials, joined with acids; and if
the degree of putrescency be great, the Jesuits bark must
be administered. If the head be much affected, the belly
must be kept open by emollient clysters.
In the Commercium Literarium for the year 1735, we have
the the history of an epidemical miliary fever, which raged
at

OF THE MILIARY FEVER. 147
at Strasburg in the months of November, December, and
January; from which we learn the necessity of a temperate
regimen in this disease, and likewise that physicians are not
always the first who discover the proper treatment of dis-
eases." This fever made terrible havoc among men of
robust constitutions, and all medicine proved in vain. They
were seized in an instant with shivering, yawning, stretch-
ing, and pains in the back, succeeded by a most intense
heat; at the same time, there was a great loss of strength
and appetite. On the seventh or ninth day the miliary
eruptions appeared, or spots like flea-bites, with great anxie-
ty, a delirium, restlessness, and tossing in bed. Bleeding
was fatal. While matters were in this unhappy situation,
a midwife, of her own accord, gave to a patient, in the
height of the disease, a clyster of rain-water and butter,
without salt, and for his ordinary drink a quart of spring-
water, half a pint of generous wine, the juice of one lemon,
and six ounces of the whitest sugar, gently boiled till a scum
arose, and this with great success; for the belly was soon
loosened, the grievous symptoms vanished, and the patient
was restored to his senses, and snatched from the jaws of
death." This practice was imitated by others with the like
happy effects.
MEDICINE.----If the food and drink be properly
regulated, there will be little occasion for medicine in this
disease. Should the eruption, however, not rise, or the
spirits flag, it will be necessary to support the patient with
cordials, and to apply blisters. The most proper cordial,
in this case, is good wine, which may either be taken in the
patient's food or drink; and if there be any signs of putres-
cency, which frequently happens, the bark and acids may
be mixed with wine, as directed in the putrid fever.
Some recommend blisters through the whole course of the
disease; and where nature flags, and the eruption comes
and goes, it may be necessary to keep up a stimulus, by a
continual succession of small blisters; but we would not re-
commend above one at a time. If, however, the pulse should
sink remarkably, the pustules strike in, and the head be af-
fected, it will be necessary to apply several blistering plasters
to the most sensible parts, as the inside of the legs and
thighs, &c.
Bleeding is seldom necessary in this disease, and some-
times it does much hurt, as it weakens the patient, and de-
presses his spirits. It is, therefore, never to be attempted
T2 unless 

148 OF THE SMALL-POX.
unless by the advice of a physician. We mention this, be-
cause it has been customary to treat this disease in childbed
women by bleeding, and other evacuations, as if it were
highly inflammatory. But this practice is generally very
unsafe. Patients, in this situation, bear evacuations very
ill. And, indeed, the disease seems often to be more of a
putrid than an inflammatory nature.
Though this fever be often occasioned in child be
women by too hot a regimen, yet it would be dangerous
to leave that off all of a sudden, and have recourse to a very
cool regimen, and large evacuations. We have reason to
believe, that supporting the patient's spirits, and promoting
the natural evacuations, is here much safer than to have re-
course to artificial ones, as every thing that tends to depress
the patient's spirits constantly increases the danger.
If this disease proves tedious, or the recovery slow, we
would recommend the Jesuits bark, which may either be
taken in substance, or infused in wine or water, as the pa-
tient inclines.
The miliary fever, like other eruptive diseases, after it is
gone, requires purging, which should not be neglected as
soon as the patient's strength will permit.
To avoid this disease, a pure dry air, plenty of exercise
and wholesome food, are necessary. Pregnant women should
guard against costiveness, and take daily as much exercise
as they can bear, avoiding all green trashy fruits, and other
unwholesome things; and when in childbed, they ought
strictly to observe a cool regimen.
Of the SMALL-POX.
This disease is so general, that very few escape it at one
time of life or another. It is the most contagious malady
in these parts; and has, for upwards of a thousand years,
proved the scourge of Europe.
The small-pox generally appear towards the spring.
They are very frequent in summer, less so in autumn, and
least of all in winter. Children are most liable to this dis-
ease; and those whose food is unwholesome, who want pro-
per exercise and abound with gross humours, run the
greatest hazard from it.
The disease is distinguished into the distinct and conflu-
ent kind; the latter of which is always attended with dan-
ger.

OF THE SMALL-POX. 149
ger. There are likewise other distinctions of the small-
pox; as the lymphatic, the crystalline, the bloody, &c.
CAUSES.------The small-pox are commonly caught
by infection. Since the disease was brought into Europe,
the infection has never been wholely extinguished; nor have
any proper methods, so far as we know, ever been taken for
that purpose; so that now it has become in a manner con-
stitutional. Children who have over-heated themselves by
running, wrestling, &c. or adults after a debauch, are very
apt to be seized with this disease.
SYMPTOMS.----This disease is so generally known,
that a minute description of it is unnecessary. Children
commonly look a little dull, seem listless and drowsy for a
few days before the more violent symptoms of the small-pox
appear. They are likewise more inclined to drink than usual,
have little appetite for solid food, complain of weari-
ness, and, upon taking exercise, are apt to sweat. These
are succeeded by slight fits of cold and heat in turns, which,
as the time of the eruption approaches, become more vio-
lent, and are accompanied with pains of the head and loins,
vomiting, &c. The pulse is quick, with a great heat of the
skin, and restlessness. When the patient drops asleep, he
wakes in a kind of horror, with a sudden start, which is a
very common symptom of the approaching eruption; as are
also convulsion fits in very young children.
About the third or fourth day from the time of sicken-
ing, the small-pox generally begin to appear; sometimes,
indeed, they appear sooner, but that is no advantage. At
first they very nearly resemble flea-bites, and are most early
discovered on the face, arms and breast.
The most favourable symptoms are a slow eruption, and
an abatement of the fever as soon as the pustules appeal, in
a mild distinct kind of small-pox, the pustules seldom ap-
pear before the fourth day from the time of sickening, and
they generally keep coming out gradually for several days
after. Pustules, which are distinct, with a florid red bails,
and which fill with thick purulent matter, first of a whitish,
and afterwards of a yellowish colour, are the best.
A livid brown colour of the pustules is an unfavourable
symptom; as also, when they are small and flat, with black
specks in the middle. Pustules which contain a thin wa-
tery ichor are very bad. A great number of pox on the
face is always a bad sign, especially if they be confluent, or
run into one another.
But

150 OF THE SMALL-POX.
But the most unfavourable symptom is the petechiæ, or
purple, brown and black spots interspersed among the
pustules. These are signs of a putrid dissolution of the blood,
and show the danger to be very great. Bloody stools or
urine, with a swelled belly, are bad symptoms; as is also, a
continual strangury. When the urine is very pale, and
there is a violent throbbing of the arteries of the neck, it
portends a delirium or convulsion fits. When the face
does not swell, or falls before the pox come to maturity, it
is a very bad sign. If the face begins to fall about the
eleventh or twelfth day, and the hands begin to swell, and
afterwards the feet, the patient generally does well; but
when these do not succeed, there is reason to apprehend
danger. When the tongue is covered with a brown crust,
it is an unfavourable symptom. Cold shivering fits coming
on at the height of the disease, are likewise unfavourable.
Grinding of the teeth, when it proceeds from an affection of
the nervous system, is a bad sign; but, sometimes, it is oc-
casioned by worms, or a disordered stomach.
REGIMEN.----When the first symptoms of the
small-pox appear, people are ready to be alarmed, and often
fly to the use of medicine, to the great danger of the pa-
tient's life. I have known children, to appease the anxiety
of their parents, bled, blistered, purged, and vomited, during
the fever which preceded the eruption of the small-pox, to
such a degree, that nature was not only disturbed in her
operation, but rendered unable to support the pustules after
they were out; so that the patient, exhausted by mere eva-
cuations, sunk under the disease.
When convulsions appear, they give a dreadful alarm.
Immediately some nostrum is applied, as if this were a pri-
mary disease; whereas, it is only a symptom, and far from
being an unfavourable one, of the approaching eruption.
As the fits generally go off before the actual appearance of
the small-pox, it is attributed to the medicine, which, by
this means, acquires a reputation without any merit.
All that is, generally speaking, necessary during the
eruptive fever, is to keep the patient within doors, and to
allow him to drink freely of some weak diluting liquors;
as balm tea, barley water, clear whey, gruels, &c. He
should neither be kept in too warm a room, nor confined to
bed; but should fit up as much as he is able, and should
have his feet and legs frequently bathed in lukewarm water.
His

OF THE SMALL-POX. 151
His food, if he takes any, ought to be very light; and he
should be as little disturbed with noise and company as
possible.
Much mischief is done at this period by confining the
patient too soon to his bed, and plying him with warm
cordials, or sudorific medicines. Every thing that heats
and inflames the blood, increases the fever, and pushes out
the pustules too fast. This has numberless ill effects. It
not only increases the number of pustules, but likewise
tends to make them run into one another; and when they
have been pushed out with too great violence, they gene-
rally fall in before they come to maturity.
The good women, as soon as they see the small-pox
begin to appear, commonly ply their tender charge with
cordials, saffron or marygold teas, wines, punch, and even
brandy itself. All these are given with a view to throw
out the eruption, as they pretend, from the heart. This,
like most other popular mistakes, is the abuse of a very just
observation, That when there is a moisture on the fain, the pox
rise better, and the patient is easier than when it continues dry
and parched. But that is no reason for forcing the patient
into a sweat. Sweating never relieves, unless where it
comes spontaneously, or is the effect of drinking weak di-
luting liquors.
The patient ought to have no more covering in bed than
is necessary to prevent his catching cold, and he should be
frequently taken up, if it were only for a few minutes; this
will both keep him cool, and prevent too great a flux of
blood towards the head.
Children are often so peevish that they will not lie
a-bed without a nurse constantly by them. This, we have
reason to believe, has many bad effects. Even the natural
heat of the nurse cannot fail to augment the fever of the
child; but if she too proves feverish, the danger must be
increased. I have known a nurse contract a malignant fe-
ver, by lying in bed with a child the whole time of its be-
ing ill of a bad kind of small-pox.
Laying several children who have the small-pox in the
same bed, has many ill consequences. They ought, if pos-
sible, never to be in the same chamber, as the perspiration,
the heat, and the smell, &c. all tend to augment the fever,
and to heighten the disease. It is common, among the
poor, to see two or three children lying in the same bed,
with such a load of pustules, that their very skins stick to-
gether.

152 OF THE SMALL-POX.
gether. One can hardly view a scene of this kind without
being sickened by the sight and smell. How much more
must these affect the poor patients, many of whom perish
by this usage?
This observation is likewise applicable to hospitals,
workhouses, &c. where numbers of children happen to
have the small-pox at the same time. I have seen above
forty children cooped up in one apartment all the while
they had this disease, without any of them being admitted
to breathe the fresh air. No one can be at a loss to see
the impropriety of such conduct, which generally proceeds
from a piece of ill-judged œconomy, to save the trifling ex-
pence of a few nurses. It ought to be a rule, not only in hospi-
tals for the small-pox, but likewise for other diseases, that
no patient should be within sight or hearing of another.
This is a matter to which too little regard is paid in most
hospitals and infirmaries, where the sick; the dying, and
the dead are often to be seen in the same apartment.
A very dirty custom prevails amongst the lower sort of
People, of allowing children in the small-pox to keep on
the same linen during the whole period of that loathsome
disease. This is done lest they should catch cold, but it
has many ill consequences. The linen becomes hard, by
the moisture which it absorbs, and frets the tender skin. It
likewise occasions a bad smell, which is very pernicious both
to the patient, and those about him; besides the filth and
sordes, which adhere to the linen, being absorbed, or taken
up again into the body, greatly augment the disease.
A patient should not be kept dirty in any disease, espe-
cially in the small-pox. Cutaneous disorders are often oc-
casioned by nastiness alone, and are always increased by it.
Were the patient's linen to be changed every day, it would
greatly refresh him. Care, indeed, is to be taken that the
linen be thoroughly dry. It ought, likewise, to be warm-
ed, and put on when the patient is most cool.
So strong is the vulgar prejudice in this country, notwith-
standing all that has been said against keeping children too
warm in the small-pox, that numbers still fall a sacrifice to
that error. I have seen poor women travelling in the depth
of winter, and carrying their children along with them in
the small-pox; and have frequently observed others begging
by the way-side, with infants in their arms, covered with
the pustules; yet I could never learn that one of these chil-
dren died by this sort of treatment. We would not, however,
propose 

OF THE SMALL-POX. 153
propose this as an example worthy of imitation; we only
mention it to shew, that the danger of exposing children to
the open air in this disease is not so great as people are apt
to imagine.
Strong prejudices, when got over, often produce the
opposite extreme. We would, therefore, advise people,
when they avoid one error, not to run into another.
Some celebrated inoculators order their patients to walk
about all the while they are under the disease, as if nothing
were the matter. We should think it advisable, however,
to keep within doors, at least during the eruption, as cold
air is apt to check the perspiration, and to prevent the pox
from rising, or filling with matter. I do not remember
ever to have seen large, well-filled pustules where the patient
was exposed to the external air. In winter the air of this coun-
try is abundantly cool within doors, and in summer a patient
may be kept more uniformly cool in the house than he can
be out of it. For these, and other reasons, we should
think it right to confine the patient to the house while the
eruption is out; but never to allow the heat of his chamber
to be greater than is agreeable to a person in perfect
health.
The food in this disease ought to be very light, and of a
cooling nature, as water pap, rice, or bread, boiled with
milk, good apples, roasted, or boiled with milk, and
sweetened with a little sugar, or such like.
The drink may be equal parts of milk and water, clear
sweet whey, barley water, or thin gruel, &c. After the
pox are full, butter-milk is an excellent drink, it being of
an opening and cleansing nature.
MEDICINE.—---This disease is generally divi-
ded into four different periods, viz. the fever which pre-
cedes the eruption, the eruption itself, the suppuration, or
maturation of the pustules, and the secondary fever.
It has already been observed, that little more is necessary
during the primary fever, than to keep the patient cool and
quiet, allowing him to drink diluting liquors, and bathing
his feet frequently in warm water. Though this be gene-
rally the safest course that can be taken with infants, yet
adults of a strong constitution and plethoric habit some-
times require bleeding. When a pulse, a dry skin, and
other symptoms of inflammation, render this operation ne-
cessary, it ought to be performed. But, unless these
symptoms are urgent, it is safer to trust to fomentations;
U and, 

154 OF THE SMALL-POX.
and, if the belly be bound, emollient clysters may be thrown
in.
If there be a great nausea or vomiting, weak camomile
tea, or lukewarm water, may be drank, in order to clean
the stomach. At the beginning of a fever, nature general-
ly attempts a discharge, either upwards or downwards;
which, if promoted by gentle means, would tend greatly to
abate the force or violence of the disease.
Though every method is to be taken during the prima-
ry fever, by a cool regimen, &c. to prevent too great an
eruption; yet, after the pustules have made their appear-
ance, our business is to promote the suppuration, by gen-
tle warmth, diluting drink, light food, and, if nature
seems to flag, by generous cordials; but the latter ought
never to be given unless where there is an absolute necessi-
ty. When a low, creeping pulse, faintishness, and great
loss of strength, render cordials necessary, we would re-
commend good wine, which may be made into negas, with
an equal quantity of water, and sharpened with the juice
of orange, the jelly of currants, or the like. Wine whey,
sharpened as above, is likewise a proper drink in this case;
great care, however, must be taken not to overheat the pa-
tient by any of these things. This would retard instead of
promoting the eruption.
Sometimes the rising of the small-pox is prevented by
the violence of the fever; in which case, the cool regimen
is strictly to be observed. For example, the patient's
chamber must be kept cool; he ought likewise frequently
to be taken out of bed, and to be lightly covered with
cloaths while in it.
Excessive restlessness often prevents the rising and fill-
ing of the small-pox. When that happens, gentle opiates
are necessary. These, however, ought always to be ad-
ministered with the greatest caution. To an infant, a tea
spoonful of the syrup of poppies may be given every five or
six hours, till it has the desired effect. An adult person
will require a table spoonful in order to answer the same pur-
pose; and to others, the dose must be proportioned to their
age, and the violence of the symptoms.
If the patient be troubled with a strangury, or suppres-
sion of urine, which often happens in the small-pox, he
should be frequently taken out of bed, and, if he be able,
should walk across the room with his feet bare. When he
cannot do this, he may be frequently set on his knees in-
bed, 


OF THE SMALL-POX. 155
bed, and should endeavour to pass his urine as often as he
can. When these do not succeed, a tea spoonful of the
sweet spirits of nitre may be occasionally mixed in his drink.
Nothing more certainly relieves the patient, or is more be-
neficial in the small-pox, than a plentiful discharge of urine.
If the mouth be soul, and the tongue dry and chapped, it
ought to be frequently washed, and the throat gargled with
warm water and honey, sharpened with a little vinegar or
currant jelly.
During the rising of the small-pox, it frequently hap-
pens that the patient is eight or ten days without a stool.
This not only tends to heat and inflame the blood, but the
fœces, by lodging so long in the body, become acrid and
even putrid, from whence bad consequences must ensue. It
will therefore be proper, when the belly is bound, to throw
in an emollient clyster every second or third day, through
the whole course of the disease. This will greatly cool and
relieve the patient.
When petechiæ, or purple, black, or livid spots appear
among the small-pox, the Jesuits bark must immediately be
administered in as large doses as the patient's stomach can
bear. For a child, two drams of the bark in powder may
be mixed in three ounces of common water, one ounce of
simple cinnamon-water, and two ounces of the syrup of
orange or lemon. This may be sharpened with the spirits
of vitriol, and a table spoonful of it given every hour. If it
be given to an adult in the same form, he may take at least
three or four spoonfuls every hour. This medicine ought
not to be trifled with, but must be thrown in as fast as the
stomach can bear; in which case it will often produce very
happy effects. I have frequently seen the petechiæ disap-
pear, and small-pox, which had a very threatening aspect,
rise and fill with laudable matter, by the use of the Jesuits
bark and acids.
The patient's drink ought likewise, in this case, to be
acidulated with the spirits of vitriol, vinegar, juice of le-
mon, jelly of currants, or such like. His food must consist
of apples, roasted or boiled, preserved cherries, plumbs, and
other sharp fruits.
Camomile tea, if the patient's stomach will bear it, is
likewise a very proper drink in this case. It may be sharpen-
ed with any of the acids mentioned above, and drank at
pleasure. When the pulse and spirits are low, red wine
U2 negas, 

156 OF THE SMALL-POX.
negas, or pretty strong wine whey, sharpened with the juice
of lemon, must be given for the patient's ordinary drink.
The bark and acids are not only necessary when the pe-
techiæ or putrid symptoms appear, but likewise in the lym-
phatic or crystalline small-pox, where the matter is thin,
and not duly prepared. The Jesuits bark seems possessed
of a singular power to assist nature in preparing laudable
pus, or what is called good matter; consequently it must
be very beneficial, both in this and other diseases whose
crisis depends on a suppuration. I have often observed,
where the small-pox were flat, and the matter contained in
them quite clear and transparent, and where they had
the appearance of running into one another, that the use of
a few drams of the Jesuits bark, acidulated as above, not
only promoted the suppuration, but changed the colour and
consistence of the matter, and produced the most happy
effects.
When the eruption subsides suddenly, or, as the good
women term it, when the small-pox strike in, before they
have arrived at maturity, the danger is very great. This is
often the effect of a hot regimen, or medicines which at the
beginning push out the matter before it has been properly
prepared. When this happens, blistering plasters must be
immediately applied to the wrists and ancles, and the pa-
tient's spirits supported with cordials.
Sometimes bleeding has a surprising effect in raising
the pustules after they have subsided; but it requires skill
to know when this is proper, or to what length the patient
can bear it. Sharp cataplasms, however, may be applied to
the feet and hands, as they tend to promote the swelling of
these parts, and by that means to draw the humour towards
the extremities.
The most dangerous period of the disease is what we
call the secondary fever. This generally comes on when the
small-pox begin to turn on the face; and most of those who
die of the small-pox are carried off by this fever.
Nature generally attempts, at the turn of the small-
pox, to relieve the patient by loose stools. Her endeavours
this way, are by no means to be counteracted, but promoted,
and the patient at the same time supported by things of a
light but nourishing nature. Patients have often been re-
markably relieved at this time by a few loose stools, either
brought on by nature or procured by art. That should
encourage 

OF THE SMALL-POX. 157
encourage us to endeavour to assist nature in this way, espe-
cially if the symptoms be threatening, 2nd the belly con-
tinues bound.
If at the approach of the secondary fever, the pulse be
very quick, hard, and strong, the heat intense, and the
breathing laborious, with other symptoms of an inflamma-
tion of the breast, the patient must immediately be bled,
otherwise a fatal peripneumony will ensue. The quantity
of blood to be let must be regulated by the patient's strength,
age, and the urgency of the symptoms.
But, in the secondary fever, if the patient be faintish,
the pustules become pale and shrink, and if there be great
coldness of the extremities, blistering plasters must be ap-
plied, and the patient must be supported with generous
wine. Wine, arm even spirits have sometimes been given in
such desperate cases with amazing success.
As the secondary fever is in great measure, if not whole-
ly, owing to the absorption of the matter, it would seem
highly consonant to reason, that the pustules, as soon as
they come to maturity, should be opened. That is every
day practised in other phlegmons which tend to suppura-
tion; and there seems to be no reason why it should be less
proper here. On the contrary, we have reason to believe,
that by this means the secondary fever might always be
lessened, and often wholely prevented.
The pustules should be opened when they begin to turn
of a yellow colour. Very little art is necessary for this
operation. They may either be opened with a pair of scis-
sors, or a needle, and the matter absorbed by a wet spunge,
or a little lint. As the pustules are generally first ripe on
the face, it will be proper to begin with opening these, and
the others in course as they become ripe. The pustules
generally fill again, a second, or even a third time, &c.
for which cause the operation must be repeated, or rather
continued so long as there is any considerable appearance
of matter in the pustules.
We have reason to believe, that this operation, rational
as it is, has been neglected from a piece of mistaken tender-
ness in parents. They believe, that it must be great pain
to the poor child; and therefore would rather see it die
than have it thus tortured. This notion, however, is en-
tirely without foundation. It is only the scarf-skin that is
cut, which, upon the top of the pustules, by the time they
are ripe, becomes quite insensible. I have frequently open-
ed 

158 OF THE SMALL-POX.
ed the pustules when the patients did not see me, without
their being in the least sensible of it; but suppose it were
attended with a little pain, that is nothing in comparison
to the advantages which arise from it.
Opening the pustules not only prevents the absorption
of the matter into the blood, but likewise takes off tension
of the skin, and by that means greatly relieves the patient.
It likewise prevents the pitting, which is a matter of no
small importance. Acrid  matter, by lodging long in the
pustules, cannot fail to corrode the tender skin; by which
many a handsome face becomes so deformed as hardly to
bear a resemblance to the human figure.
It is always necessary, after the small-pox are gone off,
to purge the patient. If, however, the belly has been
open through the whole course of the disease, or, if butter-
milk, and other things of an opening nature, have been
given, after the height of the small-pox, purging becomes
less necessary; but it ought never wholely to be neglected.
For very young children, an infusion of senna and
prunes, with a little rhubarb, may be sweetened with
manna or coarse sugar, and given in small quantities till it
operates. Those who are farther advanced must take me-
dicines of a sharper nature. For example, a child of four
or five years of age, may take ten grains of fine rhubarb in
powder over night, and the same quantity of jalap in
powder next morning, with two or three grains of calomel,
mixed in currant jelly, or made into a bolus with a little
honey. He ought to keep the house all day, and to drink
nothing that is cold. The dose maybe repeated three or
four times, five or six days intervening betwixt each dose.
For children further advanced, and adults, the dose must
be increased in proportion to the age and constitution.
When imposthumes happen after the small-pox, which
is not seldom the case, they are to be brought to suppurati-
on as soon as possible, by means of ripening poultices;
and, when they have been opened, or break of their own
accord, the patient must be purged.
When a cough, a difficulty of breathing, or other sym-
toms of a consumption, succeed to the small-pox, the pa-
tient must be sent to a well aired place, and put upon a
course of asses milk, with such exercise as he can bear.
For further directions in this case, see the article Consump-
tions.
Though no disease, after it is formed, baffles the pow-
ers of medicine more than the small-pox, yet more may be
done

OF THE SMALL-POX. 159
done before hand to render this disease favourable than any
one we know, as almost all the danger from it may be pre-
vented by inoculation. This salutary invention has been
known in Europe about half a century; but, like most
other useful discoveries, it has met with great opposition.
It must, however, be acknowledged, to the honour of this
country, that inoculation has met with a more favourable
reception here than by any of our neighbours. It is still,
however, far from being general, which we have reason to
fear will ever be the case, so long as the practice continues
in the hands of the faculty.
No discovery can ever be of general utillity while the
practice of it is kept in the hands of a few. Had the inocu-
lation of the small-pox been introduced as a fashion, and
not as a medical discovery, and had it been practised by the
same kind of operators here as it is in those countries from
whence we had it, it had long ago been universal. The
fears, the jealousies, the prejudices, and the opposite inte-
rests of the faculty, are, and ever will be, the most effectual
obstacles to the progress of any salutary discovery. Hence
it is, that the practice of inoculation never became, in any
measure, general, even in England, till taken up by men
not bred to physic. These have not only rendered the
practice more extensive, but likewise more safe, and, by
acting under less restraint than the regular practitioners,
have taught them that the patient's greatest danger arose,
not from the want of care, but from the excess of it.
They know very little of the matter, who impute the
success of modern inoculators to any superior skill, either
in preparing the patient or communicating the disease.
Some operators indeed, from a sordid desire of ingrossing
the whole practice to themselves, pretend to have extraordi-
nary secrets or nostrums in preparing persons for inoculation,
which never fail of success. But this is only a pretence
calculated to blind the ignorant and inattentive. Com-
mon sense and prudence alone are sufficient both in the
choice of the subject, and management of the operation.
Whoever is possessed of these may perform this office for his
children whenever he finds it convenient, provided they he
in a proper state of health; and may rest assured, that he
will succeed as well as the most celebrated inoculator.
This sentiment is not the result of theory, but of observa-
tion. Though few physicians have had more opportuni-
ties of trying inoculation in all its different forms, so little
appear

160 OF THE SMALL-POX.
appears to me to depend on these, generally reckoned im-
portant circumstances, of preparing the body, communi-
cating the infection by this or the other method, &c. that
for several years past I have caused the parents or nurses
perform the whole themselves, and have found that method
followed with equal success, while it is free from many in-
conveniencies that attend the other.
A critical situation, too often to be met with, first put
me upon trying this method. A gentleman who had lost all
his children, except one son, by the natural small-pox,
was determined to have him inoculated. He told me his
intention, and desired I would persuade the mother and
grandmother, &c. of its propriety. But that was impossi-
ble. They were not tote persuaded, and either could not
get the better of their fears, or were determined against con-
viction. It was always a point with me not to perform the
operation without the consent of parties concerned. I
therefore advised the father, after giving his son a dose or
two of rhubarb, to go to a patient who had the small-pox
of a good kind, to open two or three of the pustules, taking
up the matter with a little cotton, and as soon as became
home to take his son into a private room, and give his arm
a slight scratch with a pin, as if it had been by accident,
afterwards to rub the place well with the cotton, and take
no farther notice of it. All this he punctually performed;
and, at the usual period, the small-pox made their appear-
ance, which were of an exceeding good kind, and so mild
as not to confine the boy an hour to his bed. None of the
other relations knew but the disease had come in the natural
way till the patient was well.
We do not propose this as the only method in which the
small-pox can be communicated. It appears from experience,
that this may be done various ways with equal success. In Tur-
key, from whence we learned the practice, the women commu-
nicate the disease to children by opening a bit of the skin with a
needle, and putting into the wound a little matter taken
from a ripe pustule. On the coast of Barbary, they pass
a thread wet with the matter through the skin, between
the thumb and fore-finger; and in Europe inoculation is
generally performed by making a small incision through the
cuticle of the arm or leg with a lancet, and laying a bit of
thread wet with the matter upon the wound, which is co-
vered with a piece of sticking plaster, and kept on for two
or three days.
Some 

OF THE SMALL-POX. 161
Some of the people in England, who make a trade of
inoculation, only open one of the ripe pustules with a lan-
cet, and while it is wet with the matter, make a slight in-
cision in the arm of the person to whom they want to com-
municate the disease; afterwards they close up the wound,
and leave it without any other dressing. This seems to be
no real improvement. It frequently fails to communicate
the disease, and is far less certain than when a scratch with
a pin or needle is made, and a bit of thread wet with the
matter kept on the wound for some days by a sticking pla-
ster.
Indeed, if the matter be applied long enough to the
skin, there is no occasion for any wound at all. Let a bit
of thread, about half an inch long, wet with the matter,
be applied to the arm, midway between the shoulder and
elbow, and covered with a piece of the common black
sticking plaster, and kept on for eight or ten days, This
will seldom fail to communicate the disease. We mention
this method, because many people are afraid of a wound ;
and, doubtless, the more easily the operation can be per-
formed, it has the greater chance to become general. Some
people imagine, that the discharge from a wound lessens
the eruption; but there is not much stress to be laid upon
this notion: Besides, deep wounds often ulcerate, and be-
come troublesome.
We do not find that inoculation is at all considered as a
medical operation in those countries from whence we learn-
ed it. In Turkey it is performed by the women, and in
the East-Indies by the Brachmins or priests. In this coun-
try the custom is still in its infancy; we make no doubt,
however, but it will become so familiar, that parents will
think no more of inoculating their own children than at
present they do of giving them a dose of physic.
No set of men have it so much in their power to render
the practice of inoculation general as the clergy; the great-
est opposition to it still arising from some scruples of con-
science, which they alone can remove. We would recom-
mend it to them, not only to endeavour to remove the re-
ligious objections which weak minds may have to this salu-
tary practice, but to enjoin it as a duty, and to point out
the danger of neglecting to make use of a mean which Pro-
vidence has put in our power for saving the lives of our
off spring. Surely such parents as wilfully neglect the means
of saving their children alive, are as guilty as those who
X put

162 OF THE SMALL-POX.
put them to death. We wish this matter were duly weigh-
ed. No one is more ready to make allowance for human
weakness and religious prejudices, yet I cannot help recom-
mending it, in the warmest manner, to parents to consider
how great an injury they do their children, by neglecting to
give them this disease in the early period of life.
The numerous advantages attending inoculation of the
small-pox, have been pretty fully pointed out by the learn-
ed Dr. M’Kenzie in his History of Health: " Many and
great, says this humane author, are the dangers attending
the natural infection, from all which the inoculation is
quite secure. The natural infection may invade weak or
distempered bodies, by no means disposed for its kindly
reception. It may attack them at a season of the year
either violently hot, or intensely cold. It may be commu-
nicated from a sort of small-pox impregnated with the ut-
most virulence. It may lay hold upon people unexpect-
edly, when a dangerous fort is imprudently imported into
a maritime place. It may surprize us soon after excesses
committed in luxury, intemperance, or lewdness. It may
likewise seize on the innocent, after indispensible watch-
ings, hard labour, or necessary journies. And is it a tri-
vial advantage, that all these unhappy circumstances can
be prevented by inoculation? By inoculation numbers
are saved from deformity as well as from death. In the na-
tural small-pox, how often are the finest features, and the
most beautiful complexions, miserably disfigured? Where-
as inoculation rarely leaves any ugly marks or fears, even
where the number of pustules on the face have been very
considerable, and the symptoms by no means favourable.
And many other grievous complaints, that are frequently
subsequent to the natural sort, seldom follow the artificial.
Does not inoculation also prevent those inexpressible ter-
rors that perpetually harrass persons who never had this dis-
ease, insomuch, that when the small-pox is epidemical, in-
tire villages are depopulated, markets ruined, and the face
of distress spread over the whole country? From this
terror it arises, that justice is frequently postponed, or dis-
couraged, at sessions or assizes, where the small-pox ra-
ges. Witnesses and juries dare not appear; and, by rea-
son of the necessary absence of some gentlemen, our ho-
nourable and useful judges are not attended with that reve-
rence and splendor due to their office and merit. Does not
inoculation, in like manner, prevent our brave sailors from
being 

OF THE SMALL-P0X. 163
being seized with this distemper on shipboard, where they
must quickly spread the infection among such of the crew
who never had it before, and where they have scarce any
chance to escape, being half-stifled with the closeness of
their cabbins, and but very indifferently nursed? Lastly,
with regard to the soldiery, the miseries attending these
poor creatures, when attacked by the small-pox on a
march, is inconceivable, without attendance, without
lodgings, without any accommodations; so that one of
three commonly perishes."
We shall only add, that such as have not had the small-
pox in the early period of life, are not only rendered un-
happy, but likewise, in a great measure, unfit for sustain-
ing many of the most useful and important offices. Few
people would choose even to hire a servant who have not had
the small-pox, far less to purchase a slave who had the
chance of dying with this disease. How could a physician,
or a surgeon, who had never had the small-pox himself,
attend others under that malady? Thus, besides, the
continual fears and anxiety which haunt those persons who
have not had the small-pox, we might shew numberless in-
conveniencies which arise from it. For example,
How deplorable is the situation of females, who arrive
at mature age without having had the small-pox! A wo-
man with child seldom survives this disease: And, if an
infant happens to be seized with the small-pox upon the
mother's breast, who has not had the disease herself, the
scene must be distressing! If she continues to suckle the
child, it is at the peril of her own life; and, if she weans
it, in all probability, it will perish. How often is the af-
fectionate mother forced to leave her house, and abandon
her children, at the very time when her care is most neces-
sary? But should parental affection get the better of her
fears, the consequences will often prove fatal. I have
known the tender mother and her infant child laid in the
same grave, both untimely victims to this dreadful malady.
But these are scenes too shocking even to mention. Let
parents who run away with their children to avoid the
small-pox, or who refuse to inoculate them in their infan-
cy, consider to what deplorable situations they may be, re-
duced by this mistaken tenderness.
As the small-pox has now become a constitutional dis-
ease in most parts of the known world, no other choice re-
mains, but to render the malady as mild as possible; that
X2 is 

164 OF THE SMALL-POX.
is the only manner of extirpation now left in our power;
and, though it may seem paradoxical, this artificial method
of planting the disease, could it be rendered universal,
would amount to nearly the same thing as rooting it out.
It is a matter of small consequence, whether a disease be
entirely extirpated, or rendered so mild, as neither to de-
stroy life, nor hurt the constitution; but that this may be
done by inoculation, does not now admit of a doubt. The
numbers who die under inoculation, hardly deserve to be
named. In the natural way, one in four or five generally
die; but by inoculation, not one of a thousand. Nay,
some can boast of having inoculated ten thousand without
the loss of a single patient.
I have often wished to see some plan established for ren-
dering this salutary practice universal; but am afraid I
shall never be so happy. The difficulties indeed are many;
yet the thing is by no mean, impracticable. The aim is
great; no less than saving the lives of one fourth of man-
kind. What ought not to be attempted in order to accom-
plish such an end?
The first step towards rendering the practice universal,
must be to remove the religious prejudices against it. This,
as already observed, can only be done by the clergy.
They must not only recommend it as a duty to others, but
likewise practise it on their own children. Example will
ever have more influence than precept.
The next thing requisite is to put it in the power of all.
For this purpose we would recommend it to the Faculty to
inoculate the children of the poor gratis. It is hard that
those who are certainly the most useful part of mankind,
should, by their poverty, be excluded from such a bene-
fit.
Should this fail, it is surely in the power of any state
to render the practice general, at least, as far as  their do-
minion extends. We do not mean, that it ought to be in-
forced by a law: That, there is reason to believe, would
rather tend to obstruct its progress. The way to promote it,
would be to employ a sufficient number of operators at the
public expence to inoculate the children of the poor. This
would only be necessary, till the practice became general;
afterwards custom, the strongest of all laws, would oblige
every one to inoculate their children, to prevent reflecti-
ons.
It 

OF THE SMALL-POX. 165
It may be objected to this scheme, that the poor would
refuse to employ the inoculators: That is easily removed.
A small premium to enable mothers to attend their chil-
dren while under the disease, would be a sufficient induce-
ment; besides, the success attending the operation, would
soon banish all objections to it. Even considerations of
profit, would induce the poor to embrace this plan. They
often bring up their children to the age of ten or twelve,
and when they come to be useful, they are snatched away
by this malady, to the great loss of their parents, and de-
triment of the public.
The British legislature has, of late years, shown great
attention to the preservation of infant lives, by supporting
the foundling hospital, &c. But we will venture to say,
if one tenth part of the sums laid out in supporting that in-
stitution, had been bellowed towards promoting the prac-
tice of inoculation of the small-pox among the poor, that
not only more useful lives had been saved, but the practice,
before now, rendered quite universal in this island. It is
not to be imagined, what effect example, and a little mo-
ney, will have upon the poor; yet, if left to themselves,
they will go on for ever in the old way, without thinking
of any improvement. We only mean this as a hint to the
humane and public spirited. Should such a scheme be ever
put in practice, a proper plan might easily be laid down
for the execution of it.
As all public plans are very difficult to bring about, and,
often, by the selfish views, or misconduct, of those intrust-
ed with the execution of them, fail of answering the noble
purposes for which they were designed: We shall, there-
fore, point out some other methods by which the benefits
of inoculation may be extended to the poor.
There is no doubt but inoculators will be daily more
numerous. We would, therefore, have every parish in
Britain, to allow one of them a small annual salary for
inoculating all the children of the parish at a proper age.
Though some refractory persons might for a while object
to this method, they would soon be obliged to comply
with it, or run the hazard of being reckoned the murder-
ers of their own children.
Two things chiefly operate to prevent the progress of
inoculation. The one is a wish to put the evil day as far
off as possible. This is a principle in our nature; and as
inoculation seems rather to be anticipating a future evil,
it 

166 OF THE SMALL-POX.
it is no wonder mankind are so averse from it. But this
objection is sufficiently answered by the success. Who,
in his senses, would not prefer a lesser evil to-day, to a
greater to-morrow, provided it were equally certain?
The other obstacle is the fear of reflections. This has
very great weight with the bulk of mankind. Should the
child die, they think the world would look down upon
them. This they cannot bear. Here lies the difficulty
which pinches, and till that be removed, inoculation will
make but small progress. Nothing can remove it but
custom. Make the practice fashionable, and all the ob-
jections at once vanish. It is fashion alone that has led the
multitude since the beginning of the world, and will lead
them to the end. We must, therefore, call upon the
more enlightened part of mankind, to set a pattern to the
rest. Their example, though it may, for some time,
meet with opposition, must, at length, infallibly prevail.
I am aware of an objection to this practice, from the
expence with which it may be attended; this is easily ob-
viated. We do not mean that every parish ought to employ
a Sutton, or a Dimsdale, as inoculators. These have,
by their success, already recommended themselves to
crowned heads, and are beyond the vulgar reach; but
have not others an equal chance to succeed? They certain-
ly have. Let them make the same trial, and the difficulties
will soon vanish. There is not a parish, and hardly a vil-
lage in Britain, destitute of some person who can bleed.
But this is a far more difficult operation, and requires both
more skill and time man inoculation.
The persons to whom we would chiefly recommend the
performance of this operation are the clergy. Most of
them know something of medicine. Almost all of them
bleed, and can order a purge; which are all the qualifica-
tions necessary for the practice of inoculation. The priests
among the less enlightened Indians perform this office;
and why should a Christian teacher think himself above it?
Surely the bodies of men, as well as their souls, merit a
part of the pastor's care; at least, the greatest Teacher who
ever appeared among men seems to have thought so.
SHOULD all other methods fail, we would recommend it
to parents to perform the operation themselves. Let them
take any method of communicating the disease they please,
provided the subject be healthy, and of a proper age; and
we may venture to warrant their success. I have known
many 

OF THE SMALL-POX. 167
many instances of parents performing the operation, and
never so much as heard of one bad consequence. A plant-
er in one of the West-India islands is said to have inocula-
ted, with his own hand, in one year, three hundred of his
slaves, who, notwithstanding the warmth of the climate,
and other unfavourable circumstances, all did well. Common
mechanics have often, to my knowledge, performed the ope-
ration with as good success as physicians. We do not, how-
ever, mean to discourage those, who have it in their power,
from employing people of skill to inoculate their children,
and attend them while under the disease, but only to shew
that where such cannot be had, the operation ought not,
upon that account, to be neglected.
Instead of multiplying arguments to this effect, I shall
just beg leave to mention the method I took with my own
child, an only son. After giving him two gentle purges,
I ordered the nurse to take a bit of thread, which had been
previously wet with fresh matter from a pock, and to lay it
upon his arm, covering it with a piece of sticking plaster.
This staid on six or seven days, till it was rubbed off by
accident. At the usual time, the small-pox made their ap-
pearance, and were exceedingly favourable. Sure this,
which is all that is necessary, may be done without any skill
in medicine.
The best season of the year for inoculation, is towards
the end of the spring, and in the beginning of summer. It
may, however, be done at any time of the year, if circum-
stances render it necessary.
The most proper age for inoculation is betwixt two and
five. Many disagreeable circumstances attend inoculating
children upon the breast, which we have not time to enu-
merate. Neither should the operation be too long delayed.
When the fibres begin to grow rigid, and children make
use of grosser food, the small-pox become more danger-
ous.
Children, who have constitutional diseases, must, ne-
vertheless, be inoculated. It will often mend the habit of
body; but ought to be performed at a time when they are
most healthy. Accidental diseases should always be re-
moved before inoculation.
The most healthy state is always to be chosen, as that
must be the best preparation. The next step is to regulate the diet
for some time before the disease is communicated. In children
great alteration in diet is seldom necessary, their food being
commonly 

168 OF THE MEASLES.
commonly of the the most simple and wholesome kind; as
milk, water pap, small broths, bread, light pudding, mild
roots, and white meats.
Children, however, who have been accustomed to a
hotter diet, who are of a gross habit, or abound with bad
humours, ought to be put upon a spare diet, before they
be inoculated. Their food should be of a light cooling
nature; and, their drink, whey, butter-milk, and such
like.
We would recommend no other medicinal preparation,
but two or three mild purges, which ought to be suited to
the age and strength of the patient. It is, no doubt, possi-
ble, by purgative and mercurial medicines, to lessen the
eruption; but it very seldom happens, that the eruption,
in this way, proves too great, and, we have always observed,
that those children who had a pretty free eruption, and
where the pox filled well, enjoyed the best health after-
wards.
The regimen, during the disease, must be the same as
under the natural small-pox. The patient must be kept
cool, his diet must be light, and his drink weak and dilu-
ting, &c. Should any bad symptoms appear, which seldom
happens, they must be treated in the same way as directed
in the natural small-pox. Purging is not less necessary,
after the small-pox by inoculation, than in the natural
way, and ought, by no means, to be neglected.
Of the MEASLES.
The measles appeared about the same time with the
small-pox, and are nearly related to that disease. They
both came from the East, are both infectious, and seldom
attack people more than once. The measles are most com-
mon in the spring season, and generally disappear in the
summer. The disease itself, when properly managed, is
seldom dangerous; but its consequences are often fatal.
CAUSE.------This disease, like the small-pox,
proceeds from infection, and is more or less dangerous, ac-
cording to the constitution of the patient, the season of the
year, the climate, &c.
SYMPTOMS.------The measles, like other
fevers, are preceded by alternate fits of heat and cold, sick-
ness, and loss of appetite. The tongue is white, but ge-
nerally moist. There is a short cough, a heaviness of the
head 

OF THE MEASLES. 169
head and eyes, drowsiness, and running of the nose.
Sometimes, indeed, the cough does not come before the
eruption. The eye-lids frequently swell so as to occasion
blindness. The patient generally complains of his throat;
and vomiting or looseness often precedes the eruption. The
stools in children are commonly greenish; they complain
of an itching of the skin, and are remarkably peevish.
Bleeding at the nose is common, both before and in the
progress of the disease.
About the fourth day, small spots, resembling flea-
bites, appear, first upon the face, then upon the breast,
and, afterwards, on the extremities: These may be distin-
guished from the small-pox, by their scarcely rising above
the skin. The fever, cough, and difficulty of breathing,
instead of being removed by the eruption, as in the small-
pox, are rather increased; but the vomiting generally
ceases.
About the sixth day, the measles begin to grow dry on
the face, and, afterwards, upon the body; so that by the
ninth day they entirely disappear. The fever, however,
and difficulty of breathing, often continue, especially if the
patient has been kept upon too hot a regimen. Petechiæ,
or purple spots, may likewise be occasioned by this error.
A violent looseness sometimes succeeds the measles, in
which case the patient's life is in imminent danger.
Such as die of the measles generally expire about the
ninth day, and are evidently carried off by a peripneumony,
or inflammation of the lungs.
The most favourable symptoms are, a moderate looseness,
gentle sweats, and a plentiful discharge of urine.
When the eruption suddenly falls in, and the patient is
seized with a delirium, he is in the greatest danger. If the
measles turn of a pale colour, it is an unfavourable symp-
tom, as are also, great weakness, vomiting, restlessness,
and difficulty of swallowing. Purple, or black spots, ap-
pearing among the measles, are very unfavourable. When
a continual cough, with hoarseness, succeeds the disease,
there is reason to suspect an approaching consumption of the
lungs.
Our business in this disease is to assist nature, if her ef-
forts be too languid, in throwing out the morbid matter,
by proper cordials; but when they are too violent, they
must be restrained by evacuations, and cool diluting liquors,
&c. We ought, likewise, to endeavour to appease the
Y most 

170 OF THE MEASLES.
most urgent symptoms, as the cough, restlessness, and dif-
ficulty of breathing.
REGIMEN.------The regimen in this disease
should be of the same kind with that recommended in the
small-pox, viz. cooling and diluting. Acids, however,
do not answer so well here as in the small-pox, as they
tend to exasperate the cough. Small beer, likewise, though
a good drink in these small-pox, is here improper. The
most suitable liquors are decoctions of liquorice, with
marsh-mallow roots, and sarsaparilla; infusions of linseed,
or of the flowers of elder with milk, clarified whey, barley
water, and such like. These, if the belly be bound, may
be sweetened with honey; or, if that should disagree with
the stomach, a little manna may occasionally be added to
them.
MEDICINE.------The measles being an in-
flammatory disease, without any critical discharge of mat-
ter, as in the small-pox, bleeding is commonly necessary,
especially when the fever runs high, with difficulty of
breathing, and great oppression of the breast. But if the
disease be of a mild kind, bleeding may be omitted.
Bathing the feet and legs in lukewarm water, both
tends to abate the violence of the fever, and to promote
the eruption.
The patient is often greatly relieved by vomiting.
When there is a tendency this way, it ought not to be stop-
ped, but encouraged, by drinking lukewarm water, or
weak camomile tea.
When the cough is very troublesome, with dryness of
the throat, and difficulty of breathing, it will greatly re-
lieve the patient, if he holds his head over the steam of warm
water, and draws the steam into his lungs.
He may likewise lick a little spermaceti and sugar-can-
dy pounded together; or take now and then a spoonful of
the oil of sweet-almonds, with sugar-candy dissolved in
it. These will soften the throat, and relieve the tickling
cough.
In case the measles should suddenly disappear, it will be
necessary to pursue the same method which we have recom-
mended when the small-pox fall in. The patient must be
supported with wine and cordials. Blistering plasters must
be applied to the extremities, and the body rubbed all over
with warm flannels. Warm poultices may, likewise, be
applied to the feet, and palms of the hands.
When 

OF THE SCARLET FEVER. 171
When purple, or black spots appear, the patient's
drink should be sharpened with spirits of vitriol; and, if
the putrid symptoms run high, the Jesuits bark must be
administered in the same manner as directed in the small-
pox.
Opiates are sometimes necessary, but should never be
given except in case of extreme restlessness, a violent loose-
ness, or when the cough is very troublesome. For chil-
dren, the syrup of poppies is sufficient. A tea spoonful or
two may be occasionally  given,  according to the patient's
age, or the violence of the symptoms.
After the measles are gone off, purging is absolutely ne-
cessary. This may be conducted in the same manner as
directed in the small-pox.
If a violent looseness succeeds the measles, it may be
checked by taking, for some days, a gentle dose of rhubarb
in the morning, and an opiate over night; but, if these do
not remove it, bleeding will seldom fail to have that
effect.
Patients recovering after the measles, should be very
careful what they eat or drink. Their food, for some
time, should be light, and in small quantities, and their
drink diluting, and rather of an opening nature; as butter-
milk, whey, and such like. They ought, also, to be-
ware of exposing themselves to the cold air, left a suffoca-
ting catarrh, an asthma, or a consumption of the lungs
should ensue.
Should a cough, with difficulty of breathing, and
other symptoms of a consumption, remain after the measles,
we would recommend small quantities of blood to be fre-
quently let at proper intervals, as the patient's strength and
constitution will bear. He ought, likewise, to drink asses
milk, to remove to a free air, if necessary, and to ride
daily on horseback. He must keep close to a diet, con-
sisting of milk and vegetables; and, lastly, if these do
not succeed, let him remove to a warmer climate.
Of the SCARLET FEVER.
The scarlet fever is so called from the colour of the pa-
tient's skin, which appears as if it were tinged with red
wine. It happens at any season of the year, but is most
common in the latter end of summer; at which time it of-
ten seizes whole families, especially children.
Y2 It 

172 OF THE ERYSIPELAS,
It begins with coldness and shivering, as in other fevers,
without any violent sickness. Afterwards the skin is covered
with red spots, which are broader, more florid, and less uni-
form than the measles. They continue two or three days,
and then disappear; after which the cuticle, or scarf-skin,
falls off.
There is seldom any occasion for medicine in this dis-
ease. The patient ought, however, to keep within doors,
to abstain from flesh, strong liquors, and cordials, and to
take plenty of cool diluting drink. If the fever be high,
the belly must be kept gently open by emollient clysters,
or small doses of nitre and rhubarb. A scruple of the for-
mer, with five grains of the latter, may be taken thrice
a-day, or oftener, if necessary.
Children, and young persons, are sometimes seized, at
the beginning of this disease, with a kind of stupor, and
epileptic fits. In this case, the feet and legs should be
bathed with warm water, a large blistering plaster applied
to the neck, and a dose of the syrup of poppies given every
night till the patient recovers.
After the fever is gone off, the patient ought to be
purged once or twice.
Of the ERYSIPELAS, or St. ANTHONY's
FIRE.
This disease, which in many parts of Britain is called
the rose, attack persons at all periods of life, but is most
common between the age of thirty and forty. Persons of a
sanguine or plethoric habit, are most liable to it. It often
attacks young people, and pregnant women; and such as
have once been afflicted with it, are very liable to have it
again. Sometimes it is a primary disease, and, at other
times only a symptom of some other malady. Every part
of the body is liable to be attacked by an erysipelas, but it
most frequently seizes the legs or face, especially the latter.
It prevails most in autumn, or when hot weather is succeed-
ed by cold and wet.
CAUSES.-----The erisipelas is frequently occa-
sioned by violent passions or affections of the mind; as,
fear, anger, &c. It is likewise occasioned by cold.
When the body has been heated to a great degree, and is
immediately exposed to the cold air, so that the perspiration
is suddenly checked, an erysipelas will often ensue. It
may 

OR ST. ANTHONY'S FIRE. 173
may also be occasioned by excess of strong liquor, by con-
tinuing too long in a warm bath, or by any thing that over-
heats the blood. If any of the natural evacuations be ob-
structed, or in too small a quantity, it may cause an ery-
sipelas. The same effect will follow from a stoppage of ar-
tificial evacuations; as, issues, setons, or the like.
SYMPTOMS.----The erysipelas attacks with
a violent shaking, heat, thirst, loss of strength, pain in
the head and back, restlessness, and a quick pulse; to
which may be added, vomiting, and sometimes a delirium.
On the second, third, or fourth day, the part swells, be-
comes red, and small pustules appear; at which time the
fever generally abates.
When the erysipelas seizes the foot, the parts contiguous
swell, the skin shines; and, if the pain be violent, it will
ascend to the leg, and will not bear to be touched.
When it attacks the face, it swells, appears red, and
the skin is covered with small pustules, filled with clear
water. One or both eyes are generally closed with the
swelling; and there is a difficulty of breathing. If the
mouth or nostrils be very dry, and the patient drowsy,
there is reason to expect an inflammation of the brain.
If the erysipelas effects the breast, it swells, and becomes
exceedingly hard, with great pain, and is apt to suppurate.
There is a violent pain in the armpit on the side affected,
where an abscess is often formed.
There is a kind of erysipelas, which in some parts of
Britain goes by the name of the ring worm. It frequently
attacks children about the region of the navel, where it
surrounds the body like a girdle, and is not without dan-
ger.
The event of this disease depends greatly upon the con-
stitution of the patient. It is seldom dangerous; yet I have
known it prove fatal to people in the decline of life, who
were of a scorbutic habit, or whose humours were vitiated
by irregular living, or unwholesome diet.
If, in a day or two, the swelling subsides, the heat and
pain cease, the rosy colour turns yellow, and the cuticle
breaks and falls off in scales, the danger is over.
When the erysipelas is large, deep, and affects a very
sensible part of the body, the danger is great. If the red
colour changes into black or blue, it will end in a mortisi-
cation. Sometimes the inflammation cannot be discussed,
but comes to suppuration; in which case, fistulas, a gan-
grene,

174 OF THE ERYSIPELAS,
grene, or mortification, generally ensue. Where the con-
stitution was bad, I have frequently seen the leg swell to
a prodigious size, and the cure prove extremely difficult.
Such as die of this disease, are mostly carried off by the
fever, which is attended with difficulty of breathing, some-
times with a delirium, and great drowsiness. They gene-
rally die about the seventh or eighth day.
REGIMEN.------In this disease the patient must
neither be kept too hot nor cold, as either of these extremes
will tend to make the disease retreat, which is always to be
guarded against. When the disease is mild, it will be suffi-
cient to keep the patient within doors, without confining
him to his bed, and to promote the perspiration by diluting
liquors, &c.
The diet ought to be very spare, and of a moderately cool-
ing and moistening quality; as groat gruel, panada, small
chicken or barley broth, with cooling herbs and fruits, &c.
avoiding flesh, fish, strong drink, spices, pickles, and all
other things that may heat and inflame the blood; the
drink may be barley water, an infusion of elder flowers,
common whey, and such like.
But if the pulse be low, and the spirits sunk, the patient
must be supported with small negas and other things of a cor-
dial nature. His food may be sago gruel with a little wine, and
nourishing broths, taken in small quantities, and often re-
peated. Great care, however, must be had not to over-
heat him.
MEDICINE----In this disease much mischief
is often done by medicine, especially external applications.
People, when they see an inflammation, immediately think
of some external applications. These, indeed, are necessa-
ry in large phlegmons; but, in an erysipelas, the safer
course is to apply nothing. Almost all ointments, salves
and plasters, are of a greasy nature, and tend rather to ob-
struct and repel, than promote any discharge from the part.
At the beginning of this disease, it is neither safe to pro-
mote a suppuration, nor to repel the matter too quickly.
The erysipelas, in many respects, resembles the gout, and
is to be treated with the greatest caution. Fine wool, or
very soft flannel, are the safest applications to the part.
These not only defend it from the external air, but likewise
promote the perspiration, which has a great tendency to carry
off the disease.
It

OR ST. ANTHONY'S FIRE. 175
It is a common thing to bleed in the erysipelas; but this
likewise requires caution. If, however, the fever be high,
the pulse hard and strong, and the patient vigorous, it will
be proper to bleed; but the quantity must be regulated by
these circumstances, and the operation repeated or not, as
the symptoms may require. If the patient has been accu-
stomed to strong liquors, and the disease attacks his head,
bleeding is absolutely necessary.
Bathing the feet and legs frequently in lukewarm water,
when the disease attacks the face or brain, has an excellent
effect. It tends to draw the humours of the head towards
the inferior extremities, and seldom fails to relieve the pati-
ent. When bathing proves ineffectual, poultices, or
sharp sinapisms, may be applied to the soles of the feet for
the same purpose.
In cases where bleeding is requisite, it is likewise necessa-
ry to keep the belly gently open. This may be effected by
emollient clysters, or small doses of nitre and rhubarb,
such as are prescribed in the foregoing disease. Some, in-
deed, recommend very large doses of nitre in this case; but
nitre seldom sits easy on the stomach when taken in large
quantities. It is, however, one of the best medicines in
this case; and, when the fever and inflammation run high,
half a dram of it may be taken in the patient's ordinary
drink, three or four times a-day.
The saline julep, as it is called, is likewise a very proper
medicine in the erysipelatous fever. It may be made by
dissolving two drams of salt of wormwood, or salt of tartar,
in three ounces of fresh lemon juice, to which may be add-
ed, two ounces of common water, and an ounce or two
of peppermint water, with as much white sugar as will
render it agreeable. Of this two table spoonfuls may be
taken every two or three hours.
When the erysipelas leaves the extremities, and seizes.
the head, so as to occasion a delirium, or stupor, it is ab-
solutely necessary to open the belly, if clysters and mild
purgatives fail to have that effect, stronger ones must be
given. Blistering plasters must, likewise, be applied to
the neck, or behind the ears, and sharp cataplasms laid to
the soles of the feet.
When the erysipelas cannot be discussed, and the pain
lies deep, and seems to reach to the membrane which co-
vers the bones, and the part has a tendency to ulcerate, it
will then be proper to promote suppuration, which may
be

176 INFLAMMATION OF THE BRAIN.
be done by the application of ripening poultices, with saf-
fron, warm fomentations, and such like.
When the black, livid, or blue colour of the part,
shews a tendency to mortification, the Jesuits bark must
be administered. It may be taken along with acids, as re-
commended in the small-pox, or in any other form more
agreeable to the patient. It must not, however, be trifled
with, as the patient's life is at stake. Half a dram maybe
taken every two hours, or oftener, if the symptoms be
threatening, and cloths dipped in warm camphorated spi-
rits of wine, or the tincture of myrrh and aloes, may be
applied to the part, and frequently renewed.
In what is commonly the scorbutic erysipelas, which
continues for a considerable time, it will only be necessary
to give gentle laxatives, and such things as purify the
blood. Medicines which promote the perspiration are
likewise proper. Thus, after the inflammation has been
checked by opening medicines, a decoction of the sudorific
woods, as sassafras and guaiacum, with liquorice root, may
be drank, and afterwards a course of bitters, which will
both strengthen the stomach, and purify the blood.
Such as are liable to frequent attacks of the erysipelas,
ought carefully to guard against all violent passions; to ab-
stain from strong liquors, and all fat, viscid, and highly
nourishing food. They should take abundance exercise,
carefully avoiding the extremes of heat or cold. Their
food should consist chiefly of milk, and such fruits, herbs,
and roots, as are of a cooling quality; and their drink
ought to be small beer, whey, butter-milk, and such like.
They should never suffer themselves to be too long costive.
If that cannot be prevented by diet alone, it will be proper
to take frequently a gentle dose of rhubarb and cream of
tartar, the lenitive electuary, or some other mild purga-
tive.
Of the INFLAMMATION of the BRAIN.
This is sometimes a primary disease, but oftener only
a symptom of some other malady; as the inflammatory,
eruptive, or spotted fever, &c. It is very common, how-
ever as a primary disease in warm climates, and is most
incident to persons about the prime and vigour of life.
The passionate, the studious, and those whose nervous
system is weak, are very liable to it.
CAUSES. 

INFLAMMATION OF THE BRAIN. 177
CAUSES.---- This disease is often occasioned by
night-watching, especially when joined with hard study:
It, likewise, proceeds from hard drinking, from anger,
grief, or anxiety. It may, also, be occasioned by a seden-
tary life, or the stoppage of usual evacuations; as the
bleeding piles in men, the customary discharges of women,
&c. Such as imprudently expose themselves to the heat
of the sun, especially by sleeping without doors, in a hot
season, with their heads uncovered, are often suddenly seiz-
ed with an inflammation of the brain, so as to awake quite
delirious. When repellents are imprudently used in an
erysipelas, an inflammation of the brain is often the conse-
quence. It may, likewise, be occasioned by external in-
juries, as blows, or bruises upon the head, &c.
SYMPTOMS.-----The symptoms which precede
a true inflammation of the brain are, pain of the head,
redness of the eyes, a violent flushing of the face, disturb-
ed sleep, or a total want of it, great dryness of the skin,
costiveness, a retention of urine, a small dropping of blood
from the nose, singing of the ears, and extreme sensibility
of the nervous system.
When the inflammation is formed, the symptoms, in
general are similar to those of the inflammatory fever. The
pulse, indeed, is often weak, irregular, and trembling; but,
sometimes, it is hard and contracted. When the brain itself
is inflamed, the pulse is always soft and low; but when the
inflammation only affects the integuments of the brain, it
is hard. A remarkable quickness of hearing, is a com-
mon symptom of this disease; but that seldom continues
long. Another usual symptom is, a great throbbing or pul-
sation in the arteries of the neck and temples. The tongue
is often black and dry; yet the patient seldom complains of
thirst, and even refuses drink. The mind chiefly runs after
such objects as have before made a deep impression upon it;
and, sometimes, from a sullen silence, the patient be-
comes all of a sudden quite outrageous.
A constant trembling and starting of the tendons, is an
unfavourable symptom, as also, a suppression of the urine;
a total want of sleep; a constant spitting; a grinding of
the teeth, which must be considered as a kind of convulsi-
on. When this disease succeeds an inflammation of the
lungs, of the intestines, or of the throat, &c. it is owing
to a translation of the morbific matter from these parts to
the brain, and generally proves fatal. Hence we learn the
necessity of proper evacuations, and the danger of repellents
in all inflammatory diseases.
Z The

178 INFLMMATION OF THE BRAIN.
The favourable symptoms are, a free perspiration or
sweating, a copious discharge of blood from the nose, the
bleeding piles, a plentiful discharge of urine, which lets
fall a copious sediment. Sometimes the disease is carried
off by a looseness, and in women by an excessive flow of the
menses.
As this disease often proves fatal in a few days, it re-
quires the most speedy applications. When it is prolong-
ed, or improperly treated, it sometimes ends in madness,
or a kind of stupidity, which continues for life.
In the cure, two things are chiefly to be attended to,
viz. to lessen the quantity of blood in the brain, and to re-
tard the circulation towards the head.
REGIMEN.----The patient ought to be kept
very quiet. Company, noise, and every thing that affects
the senses, or disturbs the imagination, increases the disease.
Even too much light is hurtful; for which reason, the pa-
tient's chamber ought to be a little darkened, and he should
neither be kept too hot nor cold. It is not, however,
necessary to exclude the company of an agreeable friend,
as this has a tendency to sooth and quiet the mind. Nei-
ther should the patient be kept too much in the dark, lest
it should occasion a gloomy melancholy, which is too often
the consequence of this disease.
The patient must, as far as possible, be soothed and hu-
moured in every thing. Contradiction will ruffle his
mind, and increase his malady. Even when he calls for
things which are not to be obtained, or which might
prove hurtful, he is not to be positively denied them, but
rather put off with the promise of having them as soon as
they can be obtained, or by some other excuse. A little
of any thing that the mind is set upon, though not quite
proper, will hurt the patient less than a positive refusal.
In a word, whatever the patient is fond of, or used to be
delighted with when in health, may here be tried, as plea-
sing stories, soft music, or whatever has a tendency to
sooth the passions, and compose the mind. Boerhaave pro-
poses several mechanical experiments for this purpose; as
the soft noise of water distilling by drops into, a bason, and
the patient trying to reckon them, &c. Any uniform
sound, if low and continued, has a tendency to procure
sleep, and, consequently, may be of service.
The aliment ought to be light, of farinaceous substances;
as panado, and water gruel, sharpened with jelly of cur-
rants

INFLAMMATION OF THE BRAIN. 179
rants, or juice of lemons, ripe fruits  roasted or boiled,
jellies, preserves, &c. The drink small, diluting, and
cooling, as whey, barley water, or decoctions of barley
and tamarinds; which latter, not only renders the liquor
more palatable, but likewise more beneficial, as they are
of an opening cooling nature.
MEDICINES.----In an inflammation of the
brain, nothing more certainly relieves the patient than a
free discharge of blood from the nose. When this comes
of its own accord, it is by no means to be stopped, but
promoted, by applying cloths dipped in warm water to the
part. When bleeding at the nose does not happen sponta-
neously, it may be provoked by putting a straw, or any
other sharp body up the nostril.
Bleeding in the temporal arteries greatly relieves the
head; but as this operation cannot be generally performed,
we would recommend in its stead bleeding in the jugular
veins. When the patient's pulse and spirits are so low,
that he cannot bear bleeding with the lancet, leeches may
be applied to the temples. These not only draw off the
blood more gradually, but by being applied nearer to the
part affected, generally give more immediate relief.
A discharge of blood from the hæmorrhoidal veins is like-
wise of great service, and ought, by all means, to be pro-
moted, if the patient has been subject to the bleeding
piles, and that discharge has been stopped, every method
must be tried to restore it; as the application of leeches to
the parts, sitting over the steams of warm water, sharp cly-
sters, or suppositories made of honey, aloes, and rock salt.
If the inflammation of the brain be occasioned by the
stoppage of any evacuation, either natural or artificial,
as the menses, issues, setons, or such like, all means must
be used to restore it as soon as possible, or to substitute
some other in its stead.
If the patient be costive, his belly must be kept open by
emollient clysters, or gentle purgatives; as manna, rhu-
barb, cream of tartar, or such like. These may either be
given separately or together in small doses, and repeated
as there may be occasion.
Small quantities of nitre ought frequently to be mixed
with the patient's drink. Two drams, or more, if the case
be dangerous, may be used every twenty-four hours.
The head should be shaven, and frequently rubbed with
vinegar and rose water a little warm. Cloths dipped in it
may likewise be applied to the temples.
Z2 If

180 INFLAMMATION OF THE EYES.
If the disease proves obstinate, and does not yield to
these medicines, it will be necessary to apply a blistering
plaster to the whole head.
Of the INFLAMMATION of the EYES.
This disease may be occasioned by external injuries; as
strokes, dust thrown into the eyes, &c. It is often caused
by the stoppage of customary evacuations; as the healing
of old sores, drying up of issues, or the like. Nothing
more certainly brings on an inflammation of the eyes, than
the suppression of gentle morning sweats, or the sweating
of the feet. Long exposure to the night air, especially in
cold northerly winds, or whatever suddenly checks the
perspiration, especially after the body has been much heat-
ed, is very apt to cause an inflammation of the eyes. View-
ing snow or other white bodies for a long time, or looking
stedfastly at the sun, a clear fire, or any bright object,
will likewise occasion this malady. A sudden transition
from darkness to very bright light, will often have the
same effect.
Nothing more certainly occasions an inflammation of
the eyes than night watching, especially reading or writing
by candle light. Drinking spiritous liquors, and excess of
venery, are very hurtful to the eyes. The acrid fumes of
metals, and of several kinds of fuel, are likewise very perni-
cious. Sometimes an inflammation of the eyes proceeds
from a venereal taint, and often from a scrophulous or
gouty habit. It may likewise be occasioned by hairs in the
eye-lids turning inwards, and hurting the eyes. Sometimes
the disease is epidemic, especially after wet seasons; and
I have frequently known it prove infectious, particularly to
those who lived in the same house with the patient. It
may be occasioned by moist air, or living in low, damp
houses, especially where people are not accustomed to such
situations. In children, it often proceeds from imprudent-
ly drying up of scabbed heads, a running behind the ears,
or any other discharge of the same nature. Inflammations
of the eyes often succeed the small-pox, or measles, espe-
cially in children of a scrophulous habit.
SYMPTOMS.----An inflammation of the eyes
is attended with acute pain, heat, redness, and swelling.
The patient is not able to bear the light, and sometimes
he feels a pricking pain, as if his eye were pierced with a
thorn. 

INFLAMMATION OF THE EYES. 181
thorn. Sometimes he imagines his eyes are full of motes,
or thinks he sees flies dancing before him, the eyes are fill-
ed with a scalding rheum, which rushes forth in great
quantities, whenever the patient attempts to look up.
The pulse is generally quick and hard, with some degree
of fever. When the disease is violent, the neighbouring
parts swell, and there is a throbbing or pulsation in the
temporal arteries, &c.
A slight inflammation of the eyes, especially from an ex-
ternal cause, is easily cured; but when the disease is vio-
lent, and continues long, it leaves specks upon the eyes, or
dimness of sight, and sometimes total blindness.
If the patient be seized with a looseness, it has a good
effect; and when the inflammation passes from one eye to
another, as it were by infection, it is no unfavourable
symptom. When the disease is accompanied with a vio-
lent pain of the head, and continues long, the patient is in
great danger of losing his sight.
REGIMEN.---- The diet, unless in scrophulous
cases, can hardly be too spare, especially at the beginning.
The patient must abstain from every thing of a heating na-
ture. His food must consist chiefly of mild vegetables,
weak broths, and gruels. His drink may be barley water,
balm tea, common whey, and such like.
The patient's chamber must be darkened, or his eyes
shaded by a green cover, so as to exclude the light, but not
to press upon the eyes. He should not look at a candle, the
fire, or any luminous object; and ought to avoid all smoke,
as the fumes of tobacco, or any thing that may cause cough-
ing, sneezing, or vomiting. He should be kept quiet, avoid-
ing all violent efforts, either of body or mind, and encou-
raging sleep, as much as possible.
MEDICINE.---- This is one of those diseases
wherein great hurt is done by external applications. Al-
most every person pretends to be possessed of a remedy for the
cure of fore eyes. These remedies generally consist of eye-
waters and ointments, with other external applications.
All which do mischief twenty times for once they do good.
People ought, therefore, to be very cautious how they use
such things, as the very pressure upon the eyes often increa-
ses the malady.
Bleeding, in a violent inflammation of the eyes, is al-
ways necessary. This should be performed as near the part
affected as possible. An adult may lose ten or twelve ounces
of 

182 INFLAMMATION OF THE EYES.
of blood from the jugular vein, and the operation may be re-
peated according to the urgency of the symptoms. If it be
not, however, convenient to bleed in the neck, the same quan-
tity may be let from the arm, or any other part of the body.
Leeches are often applied to the temples, or under the
eyes with good effect. The wounds must be suffered to
bleed for some hours, and if the bleeding stop soon, it may
be promoted by the application of cloths dipt in warm water,
In obstinate cases, it will be necessary to repeat this opera-
tion several times.
Opening and diluting medicines are by no means to be
neglected. The patient may take a small dose of Glau-
ber's salts and cream of tartar, every second or third day,
or a decoction of tamarinds with senna.  If these be not
agreeable, gentle doses of rhubarb and nitre, a little of the
lenitive electuary, or any other mild purgative, will answer
the same end. The patient, at the same time, must drink
freely of water gruel, tea, or any other weak diluting li-
quor. He ought likewise to take, at bed-time, a large
draught of very weak wine whey, in order to promote per-
spiration. His feet and legs must frequently be bathed in
lukewarm water, and his head shaved twice or thrice
a-week, and afterwards washed in cold water. This has
a remarkable good effect.
After these evacuations have been continued for some
time, if the inflammation does not yield to them, blistering
plasters must be applied behind the ears, to the temple,
or upon the neck, and kept open for some time by the mild
blistering ointment. I never knew these, if long enough
kept open, fail to remove the most obstinate inflammation of
the eyes; but, for this purpose it is often necessary to con-
tinue the discharge for several weeks.
When the disease has been of long standing, I have seen
very extraordinary effects from a seton in the neck, or be-
twixt the shoulders, especially the latter. It should be put
upwards and downwards, or in the direction of the spine,
and in the middle between the shoulder-blades. It may be,
dressed twice a-day with yellow basilicon. I have known
patients, who had been blind for several months, recover
sight by means of a seton betwixt the shoulders. When the
seton is  put a cross the neck, it soon wears out, and is both
more painful and troublesome than between the shoulders;
besides, it leaves a disagreeable mark, and does not discharge
so freely.
When

INFLAMMATION OF THE EYES. 183
When the heat and pain of the eyes is very great, a soft
poultice of bread and milk, with plenty of sweet oil or fresh
butter, may be applied, to them, at least all night; and they
may be bathed with lukewarm milk and water every morn-
ing.
If the patient cannot sleep, which is sometimes the case,
he must take tenor twelve drops of laudanum, or two spoon-
fuls of the syrup of poppies, overnight, more or less ac-
cording to his age, or the violence of the symptoms.
After the inflammation is gone off, if the eyes still re-
main weak and tender, they maybe bathed every night and
morning with cold water and a little brandy, six parts of
the former to one of the latter. A method should be con-
trived by which the eyes can be quite immersed in the bran-
dy and water, where they should be kept for some minutes. I
have generally found this as good  a strengthener of the eyes
as any of the most celebrated  collyriums.
When an inflammation of the eyes proceeds from a scro-
phulous habit, it generally proves very obstinate. In this
case the patient's diet must not be too low, and he may be
allowed to drink small negas, or now and then a glass of
wine. The most proper medicine is the Jesuits bark,
which may either be given in substance, or prepared in the
following manner:
Take an ounce of Jesuits bark in powder, with two
drams of Winter's bark, and boil them in an English
quart of water to a pint; when it has boiled nearly long
enough, add half an ounce of liquorice root sliced. Let the
liquor be strained. Two, three, or four table spoonfuls,
according to the age of the patient, may be taken three or
four times a-day. It is impossible to say how long this me-
dicine should be continued, as the cure is sooner performed
in some than others; but, in general, it requires a consi-
derable time to produce any lasting effects.
Dr. Cheyne says," That æthiops mineral never fails
in inflammations of the eyes, even scrophulous ones, if given
in a sufficient dose, and persisted in for a sufficient time."
Doth this and other mercurial preparations, are no doubt
proper when the disease proves obstinate; more especially,
when there is reason to suspect that it may proceed from a
venereal taint; but as these medicines can never be safely
administered unless under the direction of a physician, we
shall omit specifying their particular doses, &c.
It

184 OF THE QUINSEY.
It will be proper frequently to look into the eyes, to see
if any hairs be turned inwards, or pressing upon them, in
order that they may be cut off without delay.
Such as are liable to frequent returns of this disease,
ought constantly to have an issue in one or both arms.
Bleeding or purging in the spring and autumn, will be very
beneficial to such persons. They ought likewise to live re-
gularly, avoiding strong liquor, and every thing of a heat-
ing quality. Above all, let them avoid the night air and
late studies.
Of the QUINSEY, or INFLAMMATION
of the THROAT.
This disease is very common in Britain, and is fre-
quently attended with great danger, it prevails in the win-
ter and spring, and is most fatal to young people of a san-
guine or plethoric habit.
CAUSES.------In general, it proceeds from the same
causes as other inflammatory fevers, viz. an obstructed per-
spiration, or whatever heats or inflames the blood. An in-
flammation of the throat is often occasioned by omitting
some part of the covering usually worn about the neck, by
drinking cold liquor when the body is warm, by riding or
walking against a cold northerly wind, or any thing that
greatly cools the throat, and parts adjacent. It may like-
wise proceed from the neglect of bleeding, purging, or any
customary evacuation.
Singing, speaking loud and long, or whatever strains
the throat, may likewise cause an inflammation of that or-
gan. I have often known the quinsey prove fatal to jovial
companions, after sitting long in a warm room, drinking
hot liquors and singing with vehemence; especially, when
they were so imprudent as afterwards to go abroad in the
cold night air. Sitting with wet feet, or keeping on wet
cloaths, are very apt to occasion this malady. It is likewise
frequently occasioned by continuing long in a moist place,
sleeping in a damp bed, sitting in a room that has been
newly plastered, &c. I know people who never fail to com-
plain of their throat after sitting but a very short while in a
room that has been lately washed.
Acrid or irritating food may likewise inflame the throat,
and occasion a quinsey. It may also proceed from bones,
pins, or other sharp substances sticking in the throat, or
from 

OF THE QUINSEY. 185
from the caustic fumes of metals or minerals, as arsenic, an-
timony, &c. taken in by the breath. This disease is some-
times epidemic and infectious.
SYMPTOMS.----The inflammation of the throat
is evident from inspection, the parts appearing red and
swelled; besides, the patient complains of pain in swallow-
ing any thing. His pulse is quick and hard, with other
symptoms of a fever. If blood be let, it is generally covered
with a tough coat of a whitish colour, and the patient spits
a tough phlegm. As the swelling and inflammation increase,
the breathing and swallowing become the more difficult, the
pain affects the ears; the eyes generally appear red, and the
face swells. The patient is often obliged to keep himself in
an erect posture, being in danger of suffocation; there is a
constant nausea, or inclination to vomit, and the drink, in-
stead of passing into the stomach, is often returned by the
nose. The patient is frequently starved at last, merely from
an inability of swallowing any kind of nourishment. When
the breathing is performed with a hissing noise, and the
pulse begins to intermit, death is at hand.
As several of the organs necessary for life are affected by
this disease, it can never be without danger; no time there-
fore should be lost in attempting to remove it, as a little de-
lay often renders it incurable.
When the breathing is laborious, with straitness of the
breast and anxiety, the danger is great. Though the pain
of swallowing be very great, yet while the patient breathes
easy, there is not so much danger. An external swelling is
no unfavourable symptom; but if it suddenly falls, and the
morbific matter is thrown upon the breast, the danger is
very great. When a quinsey is the consequence of some
other disease, which has already weakened the patient, his
situation is dangerous. A frothing at the mouth, with a
swelled tongue, a pale ghastly countenance, and coldness of
the extremities, are fatal symptoms.
REGIMEN.-----The regimen in this disease is in
all respects the same as in the pleurisy or peripneumony.
The food must be light, and in small quantity, and the
drink plentiful, weak, and diluting, mixed with acids.
It is highly necessary, in this disease, that the patient be
kept easy and quiet. Violent passions of the mind, or great
efforts of the body, may prove fatal. He should not even
attempt to speak but in a low voice. Such a degree of warmth
as to promote a constant gentle sweat is proper. When the
Aa patient

186 OF THE QUINSEY.
patient is in bed, his head ought to be raised a little higher
than usual.
It is peculiarly necessary that the throat be kept warm;
for which purpose several folds of soft flannel may be wrapt
round the neck: That alone will often remove a slight
complaint of the throat, especially if applied in due time.
We cannot here omit observing the propriety of a custom
which prevails amongst the peasants of this country;
when they feel any uneasiness of the throat, they wrap a
stocking about it all night. So effectual is this remedy,
that, in many places, it passes for a charm, and the stock-
ing is applied with particular ceremonies: The custom,
however, is undoubtedly a good one, and should never be
neglected. When the throat has been thus wrapt up all
night, it must not be exposed to the cold air through the
day, but a handkerchief, or a piece of flannel, kept about
it, till the inflammation be gone.
The jelly of black currants is a medicine very much in
esteem for complaints of the throat; and indeed the whole
materia medica cannot afford a better. It should be almost
constantly kept in the mouth, and swallowed down leisure-
ly. It may likewise be mixed in the patient's drink, or
taken any other way. When it cannot be obtained, the
red currant jelly, or the mulberry, may be used in its
stead.
Gargles for the throat are likewise very beneficial.
They may be made by adding to half an English pint of the
pectoral decoction mentioned in page 110, two or three
spoonfuls of honey, and the same quantity of currant jelly.
This may be used three or four times a-day; and, if the
patient be troubled with tough viscid phlegm, the gargle
may be made more sharp and cleansing, by adding to it a
tea spoonful of the spirits of sal ammoniac. Some recom-
mend gargles made of a decoction of the leaves or bark of
the blackberry bush; but where the jelly can be had, these
are unnecessary.
There is no disease wherein the benefits of bathing the
feet and legs in lukewarm water are more apparent. That
practice ought, therefore, never to be neglected. If people
were careful to keep warm, to wrap up their throats with
flannel, to bathe their feet and legs in warm water, and to
use a spare diet, with diluting liquors, at the beginning
of this disease, it would seldom proceed to any great height,
or be attended with any danger; but when these precauti-
ons

OF THE QUINSEY. 187
ons are neglected, and the disease becomes violent, more
powerful medicines are necessary.
MEDICINE-----An inflammation of the throat
being one of the most acute and dangerous distempers,
which sometimes takes off the patient in a few hours, the
most early remedies are, with the greatest care and di-
ligence to be administered. In the very first attack, there-
fore, when it is violent, it will be proper to bleed in the
arm, or rather in the jugular vein, and to repeat the ope-
ration if the symptoms require.
The belly should likewise be gently opened. This may
either be done by giving the patient for his ordinary drink
a decoction of figs and tamarinds, or small doses of rhu-
barb and nitre, as recommended in page 172. These may
be increased according to the age of the patient, and repeat-
ed till they have the desired effect.
I have often known very good effects from a bit of sal
prunel, or purified nitre, held in the mouth, and swllowed
down as it melted. This promotes the discharge of saliva,
by which means it answers the end of a gargle, while, at
the same time, it cools the blood, by promoting the dis-
charge of urine, &c.
The throat ought, likewise, to be rubbed twice or thrice
a-day with a little of the volatile liniment. This may be
made by taking an ounce of oil of sweet almonds, and half an
ounce of spirit of hartshorn, and shaking them together in
a vial till they be united. I do not remember ever to have
seen this fail to produce some good effects. The throat
should be carefully covered with wool or flannel, to prevent
the cold from penetrating the skin, as this application ren-
ders it very tender. Many other external applications are
recommended in this disease, as a swallow's nest, poultices
made of the sunges called Jews-ears, &c. But as we do
not look upon any of these to be preferable to a common
poultice of bread and milk, we shall take no farther notice
of them.
Blistering upon the neck, or behind the ears, in vio-
lent inflammations of the throat, is very beneficial. After
the plasters are taken off, the part ought to be kept running
by the application of sharp ointment, till the inflammation
is gone; otherwise, upon their drying up, the patient
will be in danger of a relapse.
When the patient has been treated as above, a suppura-
tion seldom happens. This, however, is sometimes the case, in
Aa2 spite

188 OF THE QUINSEY.
spite of all our endeavours to prevent it. When the inflam-
mation and swelling continue, and it is evident that a sup-
puration will ensue, it ought to be promoted by drawing
the steam of warm water into the throat through a tunnel,
or the like. Soft poultices ought, likewise, to be applied
outwardly, and the patient may keep a roasted fig constant-
ly in his mouth.
It sometimes happens, before the tumour breaks, that
the swelling is so great, as entirely to prevent any thing from
getting down into the stomach. In this case, the patient
must inevitably perish, unless he can be supported in some
other way. This can only be done by nourishing clysters
of broth, or gruel with milk, &c. Patients have often
been supported by these for several days, till the tumour
has broke; and afterwards they have recovered.
Not only the passage of the food, but the breathing is
often prevented by the tumour. In this case, nothing can
save the patient's life, but opening the trachea or windpipe,
That has been so often done with success, that no person,
in such desperate circumstances, ought to hesitate a mo-
ment about the operation; but as it can only be performed,
by a surgeon, it is not necessary here to give any directions
about it.
When a difficulty of swallowing is not attended with an
acute pain or inflammation, it is generally owing to an ob-
struction of the glands about the throat, and only requires
that the part be kept warm, and the throat frequently gar-
gled with somewhat that may gently stimulate the glands, as
a decoction of figs with vinegar and honey; to winch may
be added a little mustard, or a small quantity of spirits.
But this kind of gargle is never to be used where there
are signs of an inflammation. This species of angina has
various names among the common people, as the pap of the.
throat, the falling down of the almonds of the ears, &c. Ac-
cordingly, to remove it, they pull the patient up by the
hair of the head, and thrust their fingers under his jaws,
&c. all which practices are, at best, useless, and often
hurtful.
Those who are subject to inflammations of the throat,
in order to prevent too great a fulness of blood and hu-
mours, ought to live temperately. Such as do not choose
to observe this rule, must have frequent recourse to purging
and other evacuations, to discharge the superfluous hu-
mours. They ought likewise to beware of catching cold,
and

OF THE MALIGNANT QUINSEY. 189
and should abstain from aliment and medicines of an astrin-
gent or stimulating nature.
Violent exercise, by increasing the motion and force
of the blood, is apt to occasion an inflammation of the
throat, especially if cold liquor be drank immediately after
it, or the body suffered suddenly to cool. Those who
would avoid this disease, ought, therefore, after speaking
aloud, singing, running, drinking warm liquor, or doing
any thing that may strain the throat, or increase the circu-
lation of the blood towards it, to take care to cool gradu-
ally, and to wrap plenty of coverings about their necks, &c.
I have often known persons who had been subject to sore
throats, kept intirely free from that complaint by only wearing
a ribband, or a bit of flannel, constantly about their necks,
or by wearing a pair of thicker shoes, &c. These may
seem trifling, but they have great effect. There is danger
indeed in leaving them off, after persons have been accu-
stomed to them; but surely the inconveniency of using
such things for life, is not to be compared with the danger
which may attend the neglect of them.
Of the MALIGNANT QUINSEY, or
PUTRID, ULCEROUS SORE THROAT.
This kind of quinsey is but little known in the northern
parts of Britain, though, for some time past, it has been
very fatal in the more southern counties. Children are
more subject to it than adults, females than males, and the
delicate than those who are hardy and robust. It prevails
most in autumn, or after a long course of damp, or sultry
weather.
CAUSE.----This is evidently a contageous distem-
per, and is generally communicated by infection. Whole
families, and even entire villages often receive the infection
from one person. This ought to put people upon their
guard against going near such patients as labour under the
disorder; as by that means they endanger not only their
own lives, but likewise those of their friends and connecti-
ons.
SYMPTOMS.----It begins with alternate fits
of shivering and heat. The pulse is quick, but low and une-
qual, and generally continues so through the whole course
of the disease. The patient complains greatly of weakness
and

190 OF THE MALIGNANT QUINSEY.
and oppression of the breast; his spirits are low, and
he is apt to faint away when set upright; he is troubled
with a nausea, and often with a vomiting or purging.
The two latter are most common in children. The eyes
appear red and watery, and the face swells. The urine
is at first pale and crude; but, as the disease advances,
it turns more of a yellowish colour. The tongue is white,
and generally moist, which distinguishes this from an in-
flammatory disease. Upon looking into the throat it ap-
pears swelled, and of a florid red colour. Pale, or ash-
coloured spots, however, are here and there interspersed,
and sometimes one broad patch or spot, of an irregular fi-
gure, and pale white colour, surrounded with florid red
only appears. These whitish spots, or sloughs, cover so
many ulcers underneath.
An efflorescence, or eruption upon the neck, arms,
breast, and fingers, about the second or third day, is a
common symptom of this disease. When it appears, the
purging and vomiting generally cease.
There is often a slight degree of delirium, and the face
frequently appears blotted, and the inside of the nostrils red
and inflamed. The patient complains of a disagreeable,
putrid smell, and his breath is very offensive.
The putrid, ulcerous sore throat, may be distinguished
from the inflammatory, by the vomiting and looseness,
with which it is generally ushered in; by the foul ulcers
in the throat, covered with a white or livid coat; and, by the
excessive weakness of the patient; with other symptoms of
a putrid fever.
Unfavourable symptoms are, an obstinate purging,
extreme weakness, dimness of the sight, a livid or black
colour of the spots, and frequent shiverings, with a weak,
fluttering pulse. If the eruption upon the skin suddenly
disappears, or becomes of a livid colour, with a dis-
charge of blood from the nose or mouth, the danger is very
great.
If a gentle sweat breaks out about the third or fourth
day, and continues with a slow, firm, and equal pulse; if
the sloughs cast off in a kindly manner, and appear clean
and florid at the bottom; and if the breathing be soft and
free, with a lively colour of the eyes, there is reason to
hope for a salutary crisis.
REGIMEN.----The patient must be kept quiet,
and, for the most part, in bed, as he will be apt to faint
when taken cat of it. His food must be nourishing and
restorative; 

OF THE MALIGNANT QUINSEY. 191
restorative; as sago gruel with red wine, jellies, broths,
&c. His drink ought to be generous, and of an antisep-
tic quality; as red wine negas, white wine whey, and
such like. 
MEDIClNE.----The medicine in this kind of
quinsey is entirely different from that which is proper in the
inflammatory. All evacuations, as bleeding, purging, &c.
which weaken the patient, must be avoided. Cooling
medicines, as nitre, and cream of tartar, are, likewise,
hurtful. Strengthening cordials alone can be used with
safety; and these ought never to be neglected.
If, at the beginning, there be a great nausea, or incli-
nation to vomit, the patient must drink an infusion of
green tea, camomile flowers, or carduus benedictus, in order
to clean the stomach. If these be not sufficient, he
may take a few grains of the powder of ipecacuanha, or
any other gentle vomit.
If the disease be mild, the throat may be gargled with
an infusion of sage and rose leaves, to a gill of which may
be added a spoonful or two of honey, and as much vinegar
as will make it agreeably sharp; but, when the symptoms
are urgent, the sloughs large and thick, and the breath ve-
ry offensive, the following gargle may be used.
To six or seven ounces of the pectoral decoction, when
boiling, add half an ounce of contrayerva root; let it boil
for some time, and afterwards strain the liquor; to which
add two ounces of white wine vinegar, an ounce of fine
honey, and an ounce of the tincture of myrrh. This ought
not only to be used as a gargle, but a little of it should
frequently be injected with a syringe to clean the mouth, be-
fore the patient takes any meat or drink. This method is pe-
culiarly necessary for children, who cannot use a gargle.
It will be of great benefit if the patient frequently re-
ceives into his mouth, through an inverted funnel, the
steams of warm vinegar, myrrh, and honey.
When the putrid symptoms run high, and the disease
is attended with danger, the only medicine that can be de-
pended upon is the Jesuits bark. It may be taken in sub-
stance, if the patient's stomach will bear it. If not, an
ounce of bark grossly powdered, with two drams of Virgi-
nian snakeroot, may be boiled in an English pint and an half
of water, to half a pint; to which a tea spoonful of the
elixir of vitriol may be added, and an ordinary tea cupful
of it taken every three or four hours. Blistering plasters
are 

191 OF COLDS.
are very beneficial in this disease, especially when the pati-
ent's pulse and spirits are low. They may be applied to
the throat, behind the ears, or upon the back-part of
the neck.
Should the vomiting prove troublesome, it will be pro-
per to give the patient two table spoonfuls of the saline ju-
lep, recommended in page 175, every two hours, or oftener,
if necessary. Tea made of mint and a little cinnamon, will
likewise be a proper drink, especially if an equal quantity
of red wine be mixed with it.
In case of a violent looseness, the size of a nutmeg of
diascordium, or the Japonic confection, may be taken two
or three times a-day, or oftener, if necessary; and the pa-
tient's drink must be red wine negas.
If a discharge of blood from the nose happens, the
steams of warm vinegar may be received up the nostrils fre-
quently; and the drink may be sharpened with spirits of
vitriol, or tincture of roses.
In case of a strangury, the belly must be fomented with
warm water, and emollient clysters given three or four
times a-day.
After the violence of the disease is over, the belly
should be opened with mild purgatives; as manna, senna,
rhubarb, or the like.
If great weakness and dejection of spirits, or night
sweats, with other symptoms of a consumption, should re-
main after this disease, we would recommend it to the pati-
ent to continue the use of the Jesuits bark, with the elixir
of vitriol, and to take frequently a glass of generous wine.
These, together with a milk diet, and riding on horseback,
are the most likely means for recovering his strength.
Of COLDS.
It has already been observed, that colds are the effect
of an obstructed perspiration; the common causes of
which we have likewise endeavoured to point out, and
shall not here repeat them. Neither shall we spend time
in enumerating all the various symptoms of colds, as they
are pretty generally known. It may not, however, be
amiss to observe, that almost every cold is a kind of fever,
and only differs in degree from some of those which have
already been treated of.
No

OF COLDS. 193
No age, sex, nor constitution, are exempted from this
disease; neither is it in the power of medicine to prevent
it. The inhabitants of every climate are liable to catch
cold, nor can even the greatest circumspection defend them
against its attacks. Indeed, if the human body could be
kept constantly in an uniform degree of warmth, such a
thing as catching cold would be impossible: But as that
cannot be effected by any means, the perspiration must be
liable to many changes. Such changes, however, when
small, do not affect the health; but, when excessive, they
must prove hurtful. Hence the great secret of preventing
colds, lies in avoiding, as far as possible, all extremes ei-
ther of heat or cold.
When oppression of the breast, a stuffing of the nose,
unusual weariness, or a pain of the head, &c. give ground
to believe that the perspiration is obstructed, or, in other
words, that the person has caught cold, he ought imme-
diately to lessen his diet, at least, the usual quantity of his
solid food, and to abstain from all strong liquors. Instead
of flesh, fish, eggs, milk, and other nourishing diet, he
may eat light bread pudding, veal, or chicken broth, paps,
or gruels, and such like. His drink may be water gruel,
sweetened with a little honey; an infusion of balm, or
linseed, sharpened with the juice of orange or lemon; a
decoction of barley and liquorice, with tamarinds, or any
other cool, diluting acid liquor.
Above all, his supper should be light; as small posset,
or water gruel, sweetened with honey, and a little toasted
bread in it. If honey should disagree with the stomach,
the gruel may be sweetened with treacle, or coarse sugar,
and sharpened with the jelly of currants. Those who have
been accustomed to generous liquors, may take white wine
whey instead of gruel, which may be sweetened as above.
The patient ought to lie longer than usual in bed, and
to encourage a gentle sweat, which is easily brought on
towards morning, by drinking tea, or any kind of warm
diluting liquor. I have often known this practice, in a
day or two, carry off a cold, which, in all probability, had
it been neglected, would have cost the patient his life, or
have confined him for some months to his bed. Would
people sacrifice a little time to ease and warmth, and prac-
tice a moderate degree of abstinence when the first symptoms
of a cold appear, we have reason to believe, that most of
the bad effects which flow from an obstructed perspiration,
Bb might

194 OF COLDS.
might be prevented. But, after the disease  has gathered
strength by delay, all attempts to remove it, often prove in
vain. A pleurisy, a peripneumony, or a fatal consumption
of the lungs, are the common effects of colds that have ei-
ther been totally neglected, or treated improperly.
Many attempt to cure a cold, by getting drunk. But
this, to say no worse of it, is a very hazardous and fool-
hardy experiment. No doubt it may sometimes succeed,
by suddenly restoring the perspiration; but when there is
any degree of inflammation, which is frequently the case,
strong liquors, instead of removing the malady, will in-
crease it. By this means a common cold is often convert-
ed into an inflammatory fever.
When those  who labour for their daily bread have the
misfortune to catch cold, they grudge to lose a day or two,
in order to keep themselves warm, and take a little medi-
cine, by which means the disorder is often so aggravated,
as to confine them for a long while, or even to render
them ever after unable to sustain hard labour. Such of the
labouring poor as can afford to take care of themselves,
are often too hardy to do it; they affect to despise colds,
and as long as they can crawl about, scorn to be confined
by what they call a common cold. Hence it comes to pass,
that colds destroy such numbers of mankind. Like an
enemy despised, they gather strength from delay, till, at
length, they become invincible. We often see this verifi-
ed in travellers, who, rather than lose a day in the prose-
cution of their business, throw away their lives, by pursu-
ing their journey with this disease upon them, even in the
coldest season.
But colds may be too much as well as too little indulged.
When a person, for a slight cold, shuts himself up in a warm
room, and drinks great quantities of warm liquor, it may
bring on such a general relaxation of the solids as will not
be easily removed. It will, therefore, be proper, when
the disease will permit, and the weather is mild, to join to
the regimen mentioned above, gentle exercise; as walking,
riding on horseback, or in a machine, &c. An obstinate
cold, which no medicine can remove, will yield to a pro-
per course of exercise when duly persisted in.
Bathing the feet and legs every night in warm water,
has a great tendency to restore the perspiration. But care
must be taken that the water be not too warm, otherwise
it will do hurt. It should never be warmer than new milk,
and

OF COUGHS. 195
and the patient should go immediately to bed after using it.
Bathing the feet in warm water, lying in bed, and drink-
ing warm water gruel, or other weak liquors, will sooner
take off a spasm, and restore the perspiration, than all the
hot sudorific medicines in the world. This is all that is
necessary for removing a common cold; and if this course
be taken at the beginning, and pursued for a few days, it
will seldom fail.
But when the symptoms do not yield to abstinence,
warmth, and diluting liquors, there is  reason to fear the
approach of some other disease, as an inflammation of the
breast, an ardent fever, &c. If the pulse, therefore, be
hard and frequent, the skin hot and dry, and the patient
complains of his head and breast, &c. it will be necessary
to bleed, and to give the cooling opening powders menti-
oned in page 172, every three or four hours, till they give a
stool.
It will likewise be proper to put a blistering plaster on
the back, to give two table spoonfuls of the saline mixture
ordered in page 175, every three hours, and, in short, to
treat the patient, in all respects, as for a slight fever. I
have often seen this course, when observed at the begin-
ning, remove the complaint in two or three days, when
the patient had all the symptoms of an approaching ardent
fever, or an inflammation of the breast.
Of COUGHS.
A cough is generally the effect of a cold, which has ei-
ther been improperly treated, or intirely neglected. When
it proves obstinate, there is always reason to fear the conse-
quences, as this shews a weak state of the lungs, and is
often the forerunner of a consumption.
If the cough be violent, and the patient young and
strong, with a hard quick pulse, bleeding will be necessary,
to lessen the quantity of the humours, and prevent a rup-
ture of the blood-vessels of the lungs, &c. but in weak and
relaxed habits, bleeding rather prolongs the disease. When
the patient spits freely, bleeding is unnecessary, and some-
times hurtful, as it tends to lessen that discharge.
When the cough is not attended with a fever, and the spittle
is viscid and tough, sharp pectoral medicines are to be ad-
ministered; as gum ammoniac, squills, &c. The solution
of gum ammoniac may be prepared as directed in page 117,
Bb2 and

196 OF COUGHS.
and two table spoonfuls of it taken three or four times a-day,
more or less, according to the age and constitution of the
patient. Squills may be given various way; two ounces
of the vinegar, the oxymel, or the syrup, may be mixed
with the same quantity of spirituous cinnamon water, to
which may be added, an ounce of common water, and an
ounce of balsamic syrup. Two table spoonfuls of this mix-
ture may be taken three or four times a-day.
A syrup made of equal parts of lemon juice, honey and
sugar-candy, is likewise very proper in this kind of cough.
A table spoonful of it may be taken at pleasure.
When the defluxion is sharp and thin, these medicines
rather do hurt. In this case, gentle opiates, oils, and mu-
cilages are proper. A cup of the infusion of wild poppy
leaves, with marsh mallow roots, or the flowers of coltsfoot,
may be taken frequently; or a tea spoonful of the parego-
ric elixir may be put into the patient's drink twice a-day.
He may likewise take an emulsion made of an ounce and
an half of olive oil, six ounces of water, one ounce of pec-
toral syrup, and a tea spoonful of spirits of hartshorn. These
must be well shaken together, and two table spoonfuls of
the mixture taken every three or four hours. Fuller's Spanish
infusion is also a very proper medicine in this case, and may
be taken, if the above should disagree with the patient's sto-
mach. It is made by infusing in an English quart of boil-
ing water, two drams of salt of tartar, half a dram of saffron
cut into small pieces, and an ounce of Spanish juice like-
wise cut small. These must stand in a close vessel for twen-
ty-four hours, in a gentle degree of warmth. Afterwards,
let the infusion be strained, and a tea cupful of it taken
three or four times a-day.
When a cough is occasioned by acrid humours tickling
the throat and sauces, the patient should keep some soft
pectoral lozenges almost constantly in his mouth; as the
Pontefract liquorice cakes, barley sugar, the Spanish juice,
&c. These blunt the acrimony of the humours, and by
taking off their stimulating quality, help to appease the cough.
In obstinate coughs, proceeding from a flux of humours
upon the lungs, it will often be necessary, besides expec-
torating medicines, to have recourse to issues, setons, or
some other drain. In this case, I have always observed the
most happy effects from a Burgundy pitch plaster applied
between the shoulders. I have ordered this simple remedy
in the most obstinate coughs, in a great number of cases,
and in many different constitutions, without ever knowing
it

OF COUGHS. 197
it fail, unless where there were evident signs of an ulcer in
the lungs. About the bulk of a nutmeg of Burgundy pitch
may be spread thin upon a piece of soft leather, about the
size of the hand, and laid between the shoulder-blades. It
may be taken off and wiped every three or four days, and
ought to be renewed once a fortnight or three weeks. This
is indeed a cheap and simple medicine, and consequently
apt to be despised; but we will venture to affirm, that the
whole materia medica does not afford an application more ef-
ficacious in almost every kind of cough. It has not, indeed,
an immediate effect; but, if continued long enough, it will
succeed where most other medicines sail.
The only inconveniency attending this plaster is the itch-
ing, which it occasions in the part to which it is applied;
but surely this may be dispensed with, considering the ad-
vantage which the patient may expect to reap from the ap-
plication; besides, when the itching becomes very uneasy,
the plaster may be taken off, and the part rubbed with a
dry cloth, or washed with a little warm milk and water.
Some caution, indeed, is necessary in discontinuing the use
of such a plaster; this, however, may be safely done by
making it smaller by degrees, and at length quitting it al-
together in a warm season.
But coughs proceed from many other causes besides de-
fluxions upon the lungs. In these cases the cure is not to
be attempted by pectoral medicines. Thus, in a cough pro-
ceeding from a foulness and debility of the stomach, syrups,
oils, mucilages, and all kind of balsamic medicines, do
hurt. This cough may be known from one that is owing
to a fault in the lungs by this mark, that in the latter the
patient coughs whenever he inspires, or draws in his breath
fully; but in the former that does not happen.
The cure of this cough depends chiefly upon cleansing
and strengthening the stomach; for which purpose gentle
vomits and bitter purgatives are most proper. Thus, after
a vomit or two, the sacred tincture, as it is called, may
be taken for a considerable time, in the dose of a table
spoonful or two twice a-day, or as often as it is found
necessary to keep the belly gently open. People may make
this tincture themselves, by infusing an ounce of hiera picra
in an English pint of white wine, letting it stand a few
days, and then straining it off for use.
In coughs, which proceed from a debility of the stomach,
the Jesuits bark is, likewise, of considerable use. It may
either

198 OF THE CHIN-COUGH.
either be chewed, taken in powder, or made into a tincture
along with other stomachic bitters.
A nervous cough can only be removed by change of air,
and proper exercise; to which may be added the use of
gentle opiates. A tea spoonful of the paregoric elixir, or
two of the saponaceous pills may be taken twice a-day. If
these prove too weak, ten, fifteen, or twenty drops of li-
quid laudanum, more or less, as circumstances require,
may be taken at bed-time, or when the cough is most
troublesome. Putting the feet and hands in warm wa-
ter, will often appease the violence of a nervous cough.
When a cough is only the symptom of some other ma-
lady, it is in vain to attempt to remove it without first cu-
ring the disease from which it proceeds. Thus, when a
cough is occasioned by the cutting of teeth; keeping
the belly open, scarifying the gums, or whatever facilitates
the teething, likewise appeases the cough. In like manner,
when worms occasion a cough, such medicines as remove
these, will generally cure the cough; as bitter purgatives,
oily clysters, and such like.
Women, during the last months of pregnancy, are often
greatly afflicted with a cough, which is generally relieved
by bleeding, and keeping the belly open. They ought
to avoid all flatulent food, and to wear a loose easy dress.
A cough is not only a symptom, but is often, likewise,
the forerunner of diseases. Thus, the gout is frequently
ushered in by a very troublesome cough, which affects the
patient for some days before the coming on of the fit. A pa-
roxysm of the gout generally removes this cough, which
should, therefore, be promoted, by keeping the extremities
warm, drinking warm liquors, and bathing the feet and
legs frequently in lukewarm water.
Of the CHIN-COUGH.
This cough seldom affect adults, but is often epidemical
among children. Such children as live upon thin watery
diet, who breathe unwholesome air, and have too little ex-
ercise, are most liable to this disease, and generally suffer
most from it.
The chin-cough is so well known, even to nurses, that
no description of it is necessary. Whatever hurts the digest-
ion, obstructs the perspiration, or relaxes the solids, pre-
disposes

OF THE CHIN-COUGH. 199
disposes to this disease; consequently its cure must depend
upon cleaning and strengthening the stomach, bracing the
solids, and, at the same time, promoting perspiration, and
the different secretions.
The diet in this disease must be light, and of easy digest-
ion; for children, good bread made into pap or pudding,
chicken broth, with other light spoon meats, are proper;
but those who are farther advanced, may be allowed sago
gruel, and, if the fever be not high, a little boiled chick-
en, or other white meats. The drink may be pennyroyal
tea, sweetened with honey or sugar-candy, small wine
whey; or, if the patient be weak, he may sometimes be
allowed a little negas.
The most effectual remedy in this  disease is change of
air. This often removes the malady, even when the change
seems to be from a purer to a less wholesome air. This
may, in some measure, depend on the patient's being re-
moved from the place where the infection prevails. Most
of the diseases of children are infectious; nor is it at all
uncommon to find the chin-cough prevailing in one town
or village, when another, at a very small distance, is quite
free from it. But, whatever be the cause, we are sure of
the fact. No time ought, therefore, to be lost in removing
the patient at some distance from the place where he caught
the disease, and, if possible, into a more pure and dry air.
When the disease proves violent, and the patient is in
danger of being suffocated by the cough, he ought to be bled,
especially if there be a fever with a hard full pulse. But,
as the chief intention of bleeding is to prevent a rupture of
the blood vessels of the lungs, and to render it more safe
to give vomits, it will seldom be necessary to repeat the
operation; yet, if there be symptoms of an inflammation
of the lungs, a second, or even a third bleeding may be re-
quisite.
It is a favourable symptom when the patient vomits after
the fit. This cleans the stomach, and greatly relieves the
cough. It will, therefore, be proper to promote the dis-
charge, either by camomile tea, or lukewarm water; and,
when these are not sufficient, small doses of ipecacuanha
may be given. A child of three or four years of age may
take five or six grains; and to others, less or more must be
given, according to their age and strength.
It is very difficult to make children drink after a vomit.
I have often seen them happily deceived, by infusing a scru-
ple

200 OF THE CHIN-COUGH.
ple, or half a dram, of the powder of ipecacuanha in a tea-
pot, with half an English pint of boiling water. If this be
disguised with a few drops of milk, and a little sugar, they
will imagine it tea, and drink it very greedily. A small
tea cupful of this may be given every quarter of an hour,
or rather every ten minutes, till it operates. When they
begin to puke, there will be no occasion for drinking any
more, as the water already on their stomach will be suffi-
cient.
Vomits not only clean the stomach, which, in this dis-
ease is generally loaded with viscid phlegm, but they like-
wise promote the perspiration and other secretions; and
ought, therefore, to be repeated, according to the obstina-
cy of the disease. They should not, however, be too
strong; gentle vomits, frequently repeated, are both less
dangerous, and more beneficial than strong ones.
As the patient is generally costive, it will be proper to
keep his belly gently open. The best medicines for this
purpose are rhubarb and its preparations, or the sacred tinc-
ture, if the patient can be brought to take it. Of this a
tea spoonful or two may be given to a young child twice or
thrice a-day, as there is occasion. To such as are farther
advanced, the dose must be proportionally increased, and
repeated till it has the desired effect. Those who cannot
be brought to take the bitter tincture, may have an infusion
of senna and prunes, sweetened with manna, coarse sugar,
or honey; or a few grains of rhubarb, mixed with a spoon-
ful or two of syrup, or currant jelly, so as to disguise the
taste. Most children are fond of  syrups and jellies, and
seldom refuse even a bitter medicine when mixed with
them.
Many people believe that oily, pectoral, and balsamic
medicines, possess wonderful virtues for the cure of the
chin-cough, and accordingly exhibit them plentifully to
patients of every age and constitution, without considering
that every thing of this nature must load the stomach, hurt
the digestion, and, of course, aggravate the disorder.
The millepedes, or woodlice, are greatly recommended
for the cure of a chin-cough. Those who choose to make
use of these infects, may infuse two ounces  of them bruised
in an English pint of small white wine for one night. Af-
terwards the liquor may be strained through a cloth, and
a table spoonful of it given to the patient three or four times
a-day.
Opiates

INFLAMMATION OF THE STOMACH. 201
Opiates are sometimes necessary to allay the violence
of the cough. For this purpose, a little of the syrup of
poppies, or ten, fifteen, or twenty drops, according to the
age of the patient, of the paregoric elixir, may be taken in
a cup of hyssop, or pennyroyal tea, three or four times
a-day. An adult may take a table spoonful of the syrup,
or a tea spoonful of the elixir.
The garlic ointment is a well known remedy in North-
Britain for the chin-cough. It is made by beating in a
mortar garlic with an equal quantity of hogs lard, but-
ter, or oil. With this the soles of the feet may be rubbed
twice or thrice a-day, or it may be spread thin upon a rag,
and applied as a plaster. It should be renewed every night
and morning at least, as the garlic soon loses its virtue.
This is an exceeding good medicine, both in the chin-
cough, and in most other coughs of an obstinate nature.
It ought not, however, to be used when the patient is very
hot, or feverish, lest it increase these symptoms.
The feet should be bathed once every two or three days
in warm water; and the Burgundy pitch plaster, mention-
ed in page 196, may be applied betwixt the shoulders. But
when the disease proves very violent, it will be necessary,
instead of it, to apply a blistering plaster, and to keep the
part open for some time with issue ointment.
When the disease is prolonged, and the patient is free
of a fever, the Jesuits bark, and other bitters, are the most
proper medicines. The bark may either be taken in sub-
stance, or in a decoction or infusion, as is most agreeable
to the patient. For a child, ten, fifteen, or twenty
grains may be given for a dose, according to the age of
the patient. For an adult, half a dram, or two scruples,
will be proper. Some give the extract of the bark with
cantharides; but to manage this, requires some skill and
attention. It is more safe to give a few grains of cast or
along with the bark. A child of six or seven years of age
may take seven or eight grains of castor, with fifteen grains
of powdered bark, for a dose. This may be made into a
mixture, with two or three ounces of any simple distilled
water, and a little syrup, and taken three or four times a-day.
INFLAMMATION of the STOMACH.
This is a dangerous disease, and requires the most speedy
assistance, as it frequently ends in a suppuration; and
sometimes in a mortification, which is certain death.
Cc CAUSES.

202 INFLAMMATION OF THE STOMACH.
CAUSES.----It may proceed from any of the
causes which produce an inflammatory fever; as cold li-
quor drank while the body is warm, an obstructed perspi-
ration, the sudden striking in of any eruption, &c. It
may likewise proceed from the acrimony of the bile, or
from acrid and stimulating substances taken into the sto-
mach; as strong vomits or purges, corrosive poisons, and
such like. When the gout has been repelled from the ex-
tremities, either by cold or improper applications, it often
occasions an inflammation of the stomach. Hard or indi-
gestable substances taken into the stomach, as bones, the
shells of nuts, &c. have likewise that effect.
SYMPTOMS.----It is attended with a fixed
pain and burning heat in the stomach; great restlessness
and anxiety; a small, quick, hard pulse; vomiting, or,
at least, a nausea and sickness; excessive thirst; coldness
of the extremities; difficulty of breathing; cold clammy
sweats; and sometimes convulsions and fainting fits. The
stomach is swelled, and often feels hard to the touch. One
of the most certain signs of this disease is the sense of pain,
which the patient feels upon taking any kind of food or
drink, especially if too hot or cold, into his stomach.
When the patient vomits every thing he eats or drinks,
is extremely restless, has a hiccup, with an intermit-
ting pulse, and frequent fainting fits, the danger is very
great.
REGIMEN.---- The patient must, with the
greatest care, avoid all acrimonious, heating, and irrita-
ting food and drink. His weakness may deceive the by-
standers, and induce them to give him wines, spirits, or
other cordials; but all these increase the disease, and of-
ten occasion sudden death. The inclination to vomit,
may likewise impose on the attendants, and make them
think a vomit necessary; but that too is almost certain
death.
The food must be light, thin, cool, and easy of digest-
ion. It must be given in small quantities, and should nei-
ther be quite cold nor too hot. Thin gruel made of bar-
ley or oatmeal, light toasted bread, dissolved in boiling
water, or very weak chicken broth, are the most proper.
The drink should be clear whey, barley water, or decocti-
ons of emollient vegetables; or liquorice and marsh mal-
low roots, &c.
MEDICINE. 

OF THE ILIAC PASSION. 203
MEDICINE.----Bleeding in this disease is ab-
solutely necessary, and is almost the only medicine that
can be depended on. When the disease proves obstinate,
it will often be necessary to repeat this operation several
times, nor must the low state of the pulse deter us from
doing so. The pulse in this disease generally rises upon
bleeding, and so long as that is the case, the operation is
safe.
Frequent fomentations with warm water, or a decoc-
tion of emollient vegetables, are likewise beneficial. Flan-
nel cloths dipped in these, must be applied to the region
of the stomach, and removed as they turn cool. They
must neither be applied too warm, nor suffered to continue
till they become quite cold, as either of these extremes
would aggravate the disease.
The feet and legs ought, likewise, to be frequently
bathed in lukewarm water, and warm bricks, or poultices,
maybe applied to the soles of the set.
The only internal medicines which we shall venture to
recommend in this disease, are mild clysters. These may
be made of warm water, or thin water gruel, and, if the
patient be costive, a little sweet oil, honey or manna, may
be added. Clysters answer the purpose of an internal fo-
mentation, while they keep the belly open, and, at the
same time, nourish the patient, who is often, in this dis-
ease, unable to retain any thing upon his stomach. For
these reasons they must not be neglected, as the patient's
life may depend on the application of them.
Of  the  ILIAC PASSION.
This is one of the most painful and dangerous diseases
that mankind are liable to. It proceeds from the same
causes as the inflammation of the stomach; to which may be
added costiveness, worms, eating unripe fruits, or great
quantities of nuts, drinking hard windy malt liquors, as
stale beer, bottled ale, or sour wine, cider, &c. It may,
likewise, be occasioned by a rupture, scirrhous tumours of
the intestines, or by their opposite sides growing together.
The symptoms here are nearly the same as in the forego-
ing disease; only the pain, if possible, is more acute, and
is situate lower down about the region of the navel. The
vomiting is likewise more violent, and sometimes even the
excrements, together with the clysters and suppositaries,
Cc2 are

204 OF THE ILAC PASSION.
are discharged by the mouth. The patient is continually
belching up wind, and has often an obstruction of his
urine.
While the pain shifts, and the vomiting only returns at
certain intervals, and while the clysters pass downwards,
there is ground to hope; but when the clysters and fœces are vo-
mited; and the patient is exceeding weak, with a low fluttering
pulse, a pale countenance, and a disagreeable, or stinking
breath, there is great reason to fear, that the consequences
will prove fatal. Clammy sweats, black fœtid stools, with a
small intermitting pulse, and a total cessation of pain, are
the signs of a gangrene, and approaching death.
REGIMEN.---- The regimen in this disease is in
general the same as in an inflammation of the stomach.
The patient must be kept quiet, avoiding cold, and all vi-
olent passions of the mind. His food must be thin, weak,
and given in small quantities; his drink weak and diluting;
as clear whey, barley water, and such like.
MEDICINE.----Bleeding in this, as well as in
the inflammation of the stomach, is the remedy most to be
depended on. It should be performed as soon as the symp-
toms appear, and must be repeated according to the
strength of the patient, and the violence of the symptoms.
A blistering plaster applied immediately over the part
where the most violent pain is, has often a very good effect.
Even clysters, which before had no effect, will operate
when the blister begins to rise.
Fomentations and laxative clysters are by no means
to be omitted. The patient's feet and legs should fre-
quently be bathed in warm water; and cloths dipped in it
applied to his belly. Bladders, filled with warm water,
may likewise be applied to the region of the navel, and
warm bricks, or bottles filled with warm water, to the
soles of the feet. The clysters may be made of barley wa-
ter or thin gruel, and softened with plenty of sweet oil, or
fresh butter. These may be administered every two or
three hours, or oftener, if the patient continues costive.
If common clysters have not the desired effect, we would
recommend the smoke of tobacco. It may be blown into
the bowels through an inverted pipe. This may be repeat-
ed after some time, unless the effect of the first renders it
unnecessary.
If the disease does not yield to clysters and fomentations,
recourse must be had to pretty strong purgatives; but as
these 

OF THE ILIAC PASSION 205
these, by irritating the bowels, often increase their contrac-
tion, and, by that means, frustrate their own intention, it
will be necessary to join them with opiates; these, by al-
laying the pain, and relaxing the spasmodic contractions
of the guts, greatly assist the operation of purgatives in this
case.
What often answers the purpose of purging very well,
is a solution of the bitter purging salts. Two ounces of
these may be dissolved in an English pint of warm water,
or thin gruel, and two or three table spoonfuls given every
half hour till it operates.  At the same time, fifteen, twen-
ty, or twenty-five drops of laudanum may be given in a
glass of pepper mint, or simple cinnamon water, to appease
the irritation, and prevent the vomiting, &c.
Acids have often a very happy effect in slaying the vo-
miting, and appeasing the other violent symptoms of this
disease. It will, therefore, be of use to sharpen the pati-
ent's drink with cream of tartar, juice of lemon; or,
when these cannot be obtained, a little vinegar may be add-
ed to it.
But it often happens, that no liquid whatever will slay
on the stomach. In this case the patient must take pur-
gative pills. I have generally found the following answer
very well. Take jalep in powder, and vitriolated tartar,
each half a dram, opium, one grain, Castile soap, as much
as will make the mass fit for pills. These must be taken
at one dose, and if they do not  operate in six or seven
hours, the dose may be repeated.
If a stool cannot be procured by any of the above means,
it will be necessary to immerse the patient in warm water
up to the breast. I have often seen this succeed, when
Other means proved in vain. The patient must continue
in the water as long as he can easily bear it without faint-
ing, and, if one emersion does not succeed, it may be re-
peated after some time, when the patient's strength and
spirits are recruited. It is more safe for him to go fre-
quently into the bath, than continue too long at a time;
and, it is often necessary, to repeat it several times before
it has the desired effect.
It has sometimes happened, after all other means of
procuring a stool had been tried in vain, that this was
brought about by immersing the patient's lower extremities
in cold water, making him walk upon a wet pavement, and
dashing his legs and thighs with the cold water, &c. This
method, 

206 OF THE COLIC.
method, when others fail, at least merits a trial. It is,
indeed, attended with some danger; but a doubtful reme-
dy is better than none.
In desperate cases it is common to give quicksilver.
This may be taken to the quantity of several ounces, or
even a pound, but should not exceed that. When there
are evident marks of an inflammation, or any reason to
suspect a mortification of the guts, this medicine ought not
to be tried. In that case, it will only hasten the patient's
death. But when the obstruction is occasioned by any
cause that can be removed by force, quicksilver is not only
a proper medicine, but the best that can be applied, as it
is the fittest body we know for making its way through the
intestinal canal.
If the disease proceeds from a rupture, the patient must
be laid with his head very low, and the intestines returned
by gentle pressure with the hand. If this, with fomenta-
tions and clysters, should not succeed, recourse must be
had to a surgical operation, which may give the patient re-
lief.
Such as would avoid this excruciating and dangerous
disease, must take care never to be too long without a stool.
Some who have died of it, have had several pounds of hard, dry
fœces taken out of their guts. They should, likewise, beware
of eating too freely of four or unripe fruits, or drinking
stale windy liquors, pricked wines, or the like. I have of-
ten known it brought on by living too much on baked
fruits, which are seldom good. It likewise proceeds fre-
quently from cold caught by wet cloaths, &c. but especial-
ly from wet feet.
OF THE COLIC.
The colic has great affinity, both in its symptoms and
method of cure, with the two preceding diseases. It is
generally attended with costiveness and acute pain of the
bowels; and requires diluting diet, evacuations, fomenta-
tions, &c.
Colics are variously denominated according to their
causes, as the flatulent, the bilious, the hysteric, the nervous,
&c. As each of these requires a particular treatment, we
shall point out their most general symptoms, and the means
to be used for their relief.
The

OF THE COLIC. 207
The flatulent, or wind colic, is generally occasioned by
an indiscreet use of unripe fruits, meats of hard digestion,
windy vegetables, fermented liquors, and such like. It
may likewise proceed from an obstructed perspiration, or
catching cold. Delicate people, whose digestive powers
are weak and debilitated, are most liable to this kind of
colic.
The flatulent colic may either affect the stomach or in-
testines. It is attended with a painful stretching of the
stomach, or that part of the bowels where it is lodged.
The patient feels a rumbling in his guts, and is generally
relieved by a discharge of wind either upwards or down-
wards. The pain is seldom confined to any particular part,
as the vapour wanders from one division of the bowels
to an other, till such time as it finds a vent.
When the disease proceeds from windy liquor, eating
green fruit, four herbs, or the like, the best medicine is to
take immediately a dram of brandy, gin, or any good spi-
rits, and to apply warm cloths to the stomach and bowels.
The patient should likewise fit with his feet upon a warm
hearth stone, or apply warm bricks to them; and he may
drink camomile tea, or water gruel, with as much pepper
in it as to render it moderately warm.
This is the only colic wherein ardent spirits, spiceries,
or any thing of a hot nature, may be ventured upon. Nor,
indeed, are they to be used here, unless at the beginning
before there be any symptoms of inflammation. We have
reason to believe, that a colic occasioned by wind or fla-
tulent food, might always be cured by spirits and warm li-
quors, if they were taken immediately upon perceiving the
first uneasiness; but when the pain has continued for a con-
siderable time, and there is reason to fear an inflammation of
the bowels is already begun, all hot things are to  be avoid-
ed, and the patient is to be treated in the same manner as
for the iliac passion.
Several kinds of food, as honey, eggs, &c. occasion
colics in some particular constitutions. I have generally
found the best cure for these colics was to drink plentifully
of small diluting liquors, as water gruel, small posset, toast
and water, &c.
Colics which proceed from excess and indigestions, ge-
nerally cure themselves, by occasioning vomiting or pur-
ging. These discharges are by no means to be stopped,
but promoted, by drinking plenty of warm water, or weak
posset.

208 OF THE COLIC.
posset. When their violence is over, the patient may take
a dose of rhubarb, or any other gentle purge, to carry off
the dregs of his debauch.
Colics which are occasioned by wet feet, or catching
cold, may generally be removed at the beginning, by
bathing the feet and legs in warm water, and drinking
such warm diluting liquors as will promote the perspiration,
as weak wine whey, or water gruel, with a small quantity
of spirits in it.
These flatulent colics, which prevail so much in the
country, might generally be prevented, if people were
careful to change their cloaths when they get wet. They
ought, likewise, to take a dram, or to drink some warm li-
quor after eating any kind of green trash. We do not
mean to recommend the practice of dram drinking, but, in
this case, ardent liquors prove a real medicine, and, in-
deed, the best that can be applied.
The bilious colic is attended with very acute pain about
the region of the navel. The patient complains of great
thirst, and is generally costive. He vomits a hot, bitter,
yellow coloured bile, which being discharged, seems to
afford some relief, but is quickly followed by the same vi-
olent pain as before. As the distemper advances, the pro-
pensity to vomit increases, in so much, that sometimes it
becomes almost continual, and the proper motion of the
intestines is so far perverted, that there are all the symptoms
of an impending iliac passion.
If the patient be young and strong, and the pulse full
and frequent, it will be proper to bleed, after which cly-
sters may be administered. Clear whey, or gruel, sharp-
ened with the juice of lemon, or cream of tartar, must be
drank freely. Small chicken broth, with a little manna
dissolved in it, or a slight decoction of tamarinds, are, like-
wise, very proper, or any other thin, acid, opening li-
quor.
Besides bleeding, and plentiful dilution, it will be ne-
cessary to foment the belly with cloths dipped in warm
water, and if this should not succeed, the patient must be
set in a warm bath up to the middle.
Mild purgatives are here likewise necessary, as the leni-
tive electuary, manna, cream of tartar, or, what will an-
swer very well, the bitter purging salts. These may be
dissolved in water, and given in the same manner as direct-
ed in page 205. If these medicines will not stay on the
stomach, 

OF THE COLIC. 209
stomach, it will be necessary to join an opiate with them.
Such as are liable to frequent returns of the bilious colic
should use flesh sparingly, and live chiefly upon a light ve-
getable diet. They should, likewise, take frequently a
dose of cream of tartar with tamarinds, or any other cool,
acid purge.
The hysteric colic bears a great resemblance to the bilious.
It is attended with acute pains about the region of the sto-
mach, vomiting, &c. But what the patient vomits in this
case is commonly of a greenish colour. There is a great
sinking of the spirits, with dejection of mind, and difficul-
ty of breathing, which are the characteristic symptoms of
this disorder. Sometimes it is accompanied with the jaun-
dice, but this generally goes off of its own accord in a few
days.
In this colic all evacuations, as bleeding, purging, vo-
miting, &c. do hurt. Every thing that weakens the pati-
ent, or sinks the spirits, is to be avoided. If, however,
the vomiting should prove violent, weak camomile tea, or
small posset, may be drank to cleanse the stomach. After-
wards the patient may take fifteen, twenty, or twenty-five
drops of liquid laudanum in a glass of cinnamon water.
This may be repeated every ten or twelve hours till the
symptoms abate.
The patient may likewise take four or five of the fœtid
pills, three times a-day, and drink a cup of pennyroyal tea
after them. If asafœtida should disagree with the stomach,
which is sometimes the case, a tea spoonful of the tincture of
castor in a cup of pennyroyal tea, or thirty or forty drops
of the balsam of Peru dropped upon a bit of loaf sugar, may
be taken in its stead. The anti-hysteric plaster may also be
applied to the region of the navel, which has often a good
effect.
The nervous colic prevails most among miners, smelters
of lead, plumbers, the makers of white lead, &c. It is very
difficult to cure, and often ends in a palsy.
No disease of the bowels is attended with more excru-
ciating pain than this. Nor is it soon at an end. I have
known it continue eight or ten days with very little inter-
mission, the belly all the while continuing bound in spite of
medicine, yet at length yield, and the patient recover.
The general treatment of this disease is so nearly the
same with that of the iliac passion, or inflammation of the
guts, that we shall not insist upon it. The belly is to be
Dd opened 

210 INFLAMMATION OF THE KIDNEYS.
opened by mild purgatives, given in small doses, and fre-
quently repeated, and their operation must be assisted by
soft oily clysters, fomentations, &c.
The Barbados tar is said to be a proper medicine in this
disease. It may be taken to the quantity of two drams
three times a-day, or oftener if the stomach will bear it. This
tar, mixed with an equal quantity of strong rum, is likewise
proper for rubbing the spine, in case any tingling, or other
symptoms of a palsy are felt. When this tar cannot be ob-
tained; the back may be rubbed with strong spirits, or a little
of the oil of nutmegs or rosemary.
If the patient remains weak and languid after this disease,
he must take exercise on horseback, and use an infusion of
the Jesuits bark in wine. When the disease ends in a palsy,
the Bath waters are found to be extremely proper.
To avoid this colic, people must shun all four fruits,
acid and austere liquors, &c. Those who work in lead
ought never to go to their business fasting, and their food
should be oily or fat. They may take a glass of sallad oil,
with a little brandy or rum every morning, but should ne-
ver take spirits alone. Liquid aliment is best for them; as
fat broths, &c. but low living is bad. They should now
and then go a little out of the tainted air; and should, at
least, take physic every spring and fall.
Sundry other kinds of this disease might be mentioned,
but too many distinctions would tend only to perplex and
bewilder the reader. These already mentioned are the most
material, and should indeed be attended to, as their treat-
ment is very different. But even those  who are not in a
condition to distinguish very accurately in these matters,
mav nevertheless be of great service to patients in colics, by
only observing the following general rules: First, To bathe
the patient's feet and legs in warm water; and next. To
apply bladders filled with warm water, or cloths dipped in
it, to his stomach and bowels. Afterwards, To make him
drink freely of weak, diluting, warm liquors. And, lastly,
To give him an emollient clyster every two or three hours.
INFLAMMATION of The KIDNEYS.
CAUSES.——This disease may  proceed from any of
those causes which produce an inflammatory fever. It is
likewise occasioned by wounds, or bruises of the kidneys,
and by small stones or gravel lodging within them. It may
also proceed from strong diuretic medicines; as spirits of
turpentine,

INFLAMMATION OF THE KIDNEYS. 211
turpentine, tincture of cantharides, &c. Violent motion,
as hard riding or walking, especially in hot weather, or
whatever drives the blood forcibly into the kidneys, may
occasion this malady. It may likewise proceed from lying
too soft, or too much on the back, or from involuntary
contractions, or spasms in the urinary vessels, &c.
SYMPTOMS.----There is a sharp pain about the
region of the kidneys, with some degree of fever, and a stu-
por, or dull pain in the thigh of the affected side. The urine
is at first clear, and afterwards of a redish colour; but in
the worst kind of the disease it generally continues pale, is
passed with difficulty, and commonly small quantities at a
time. The patient feels great uneasiness when he endea-
vours to walk or fit upright. He lies with more ease on
the affected side than on the found; and has generally a
nausea or vomiting, resembling that which happens in the
colic.
This disease, however, may be distinguished from the
colic by the pain being seated farther back, and by the dif-
ficulty of passing urine, which is a constant symptom of this
disease, but does nor always happen in the other.
REGIMEN.------Every thing of a heating or sti-
mulating nature is to be avoided. The food must be thin
and light; as water pap, small broths, with mild vegetables,
and the like. Emollient and soft liquors must be plentifully
drank; as clear whey, or balm tea sweetened with honey,
decoctions of marsh mallow roots, with barley and liquo-
rice, &c. The patient, notwithstanding the vomiting, must
constantly keep sipping small quantities of these or other
diluting liquors. Nothing so safely and certainly abates
the inflammation, and expels the obstructing cause, as co-
pious dilution. The patient must be kept easy, quiet, and
free from cold, so long as any symptoms of inflammation
appear.
MEDICINE.----Bleeding is here very necessary,
especially at the beginning. Ten or twelve ounces may be
let from the arm or foot with a lancet, and if the pain and
inflammation continue, the operation may be repeated in
twenty-four hours, especially if the patient be of a full ha-
bit. Leeches may likewise be applied to the hæmorrhoidal
veins, as a discharge from these will greatly relieve the pa-
tient.
Cloths dipped in warm water, or bladders filled with
it, must be applied to the part affected, and renewed as they
grow cool. If the bladders be filled with a decoction of
Dd2 mallows 

212 INFLAMMATION OF THE BLADDER.
mallows and camomile flowers, to which a little saffron is
added, and mixed with about a third part of new milk, it
will be still more beneficial.
Emollient clysters are likewise frequently to be admi-
nistered; and if these do not open the belly, a little honey
or manna may be added to them.
The same course is to be followed where gravel or a
stone is lodged in the kidney; but when the gravel or stone
is separated from the kidney, and lodges in any of the uri-
nary passages, it will be proper, besides the fomentations,
to rub the part with a little sweet oil, and to give gentle diu-
retics; as juniper water sweetened with the syrup of marsh
mallows, or a tea spoonful of the sweet spirits of nitre, now
and then in a cup of the patient's drink. He ought likewise
to take exercise on horseback, or in a coach, &c.
When the disease is protracted beyond the seventh or
eighth day, and the patient complains of a stupor and hea-
viness of the part, has frequent returns of chillness, shiver-
ing, &c. there is reason to suspect, that matter is forming in
the kidney, and that an abscess or ulcer will ensue.
When matter in the urine shews, that an ulcer is alrea-
dy formed in the kidney, the patient must be careful to ab-
stain from all acrid, sour, and salted provisions; and must
live chiefly upon mild mucilaginous herbs and fruits, toge-
ther with the broth of young animals, made with barley
and common potherbs, &c. His drink may be whey, and
butter milk that is not four. The latter is reckoned a spe-
cific remedy in ulcers of the kidneys. To answer this cha-
racter, however, it must be drank for a considerable time.
Chaly beat waters have likewise been found beneficial in this
disease. This medicine is easily obtained, as it is found in
every part of Great Britain. It must likewise be used for a
considerable time, in order to produce any salutary effects.
Those who are liable to frequent returns of inflamma-
tion, or obstruction of the kidneys, must abstain from wines,
especially such as abound with tartar; and their food must
be light, and of easy digestion. They should use moderate
exercise, and should not lie too hot, nor too much on their
back.
INFLAMMATION of the BLADDER.
The inflammation of the bladder proceeds, in a great
measure, from the same causes as that of the kidneys. It is
known by an acute pain towards the bottom of the belly,
and

INFLAMMATION OF THE LIVER. 213
and difficulty of passing urine, with some degree of fever, a
constant inclination to go to stool, and a perpetual desire to
make water.
This disease must be treated on the same principles as
the immediately preceding. The diet must be light and
thin, and the drink cooling and diluting. Bleeding is very
proper at the beginning, and in robust constitutions, it will
often be necessary to repeat it. The bottom of the belly
must be frequently fomented with warm water, or a decoc-
tion of mild vegetables; and emollient clysters must fre-
quently be administered, &c.
The patient should abstain from every thing that is of a
hot, acrid, and stimulating nature; and should live entirely
upon small broths, gruels, or mild vegetables.
A stoppage of urine may proceed from other causes be-
sides an inflammation of the bladder; as a swelling of the
hæmorrhoidal veins, hard fœces lodged in the rectum; a
stone in the bladder, excrescences in the urinary passages, a
palsy of the bladder, hysteric affections, &c. Each of these
requires a particular treatment, which does not fall under
our consideration here. We shall only observe, that in all
of them a mild and gentle treatment is the safest, as strong
diuretic medicines, or things of an irritating nature, gene-
rally increase the danger. Some persons have killed them-
selves by introducing probes into the urinary passages, to
remove, as they thought, somewhat that obstructed the
passage of the urine; and others have brought on a violent
inflammation of the bladder, by using strong diuretics for
that purpose.
INFLAMMATION of the LIVER.
The liver is less subject to inflammation than any of the
other viscera, as, in it, the circulation is slower; but
when an inflammation does happen, it is with difficulty re-
moved, and often ends in a suppuration, or schirrhous.
CAUSES.----Besides the common causes of inflam-
mation, we may here reckon the following, viz. excessive
fatness, a schirrhous of the liver itself, violent shocks from
strong vomits, when the liver was before unsound, an
adust or atrabillarian state of the blood, any thing that sud-
denly cools the liver, after it has been greatly heated,
stones obstructing the course of the bile, drinking strong
wines

214 INFLMMATION OF THE LIVER.
wines or spiritous, liquors, using hot spicy aliment, obstinate
hypochondriacal distempers, &c.
SYMPTOMS.----This disease is known by a
painful tention of the right side under the false ribs, attended
with some degree of fever, a sense of weight, or fulness of
the part, difficulty of breathing, loathing of food, great
thirst, with a pale or yellowish colour of the skin and
eyes.
The symptoms here are various, according to the degree
of inflammation, and likewise according to the particular
part of the liver where the inflammation happens. Some-
times the pain is so inconsiderable, that an inflammation is
not so much as suspected; but when it happens in the up-
per or convex part of the liver, the pain is more acute, the
pulse quicker, and the patient is often troubled with a dry
cough, a hiccup, and a pain extending to the shoulder,
with difficulty of lying on the left side, &c.
This disease may be distinguished from the pleurisy by
the pain being less violent, seated under the false ribs, the
pulse not so hard, and by the difficulty of lying on the left
side. It may be distinguished from the hysteric and hypo-
chondriac disorders by some degree of fever, with which it
is always attended.
This disease, if properly treated, is seldom mortal. A
constant hiccupping, violent fever, and excessive thirst, are
very bad symptoms. If it ends in a suppuration, and the
matter cannot be brought to discharge itself outwardly, the
danger is great. When a schirrhous of the liver ensues, the
patient, if he observes a proper regimen, may live a num-
ber of years tolerably easy; but if he indulges in animal
food and strong liquors, or takes medicines of an acrid or irri-
tating nature, the schirrhous will be converted into a cancer,
which must infallibly prove fatal.
REGIMEN.----The same regimen is to be ob-
served in this as in other inflammatory disorders. All hot
things are to be carefully avoided, and cool resolving li-
quors, as whey, barley water, &c. drank freely. The
food must be light and thin, and the body, as well as the
mind, must be kept easy and quiet.
MEDICINE.----Bleeding is proper at the begin-
ning of this disease, and it will often be necessary, even
though the pulse should not feel hard, to repeat the operati-
on. The belly must be kept gently open; but all violent
purgatives are to be avoided. A decoction of tamarinds,
with

OF THE CHOLERA MORBUS, &c. 215
with a little honey or manna, will answer this purpose ve-
ry well. The side affected must be frequently fomented
with warm water, in the manner directed in the foregoing
diseases. Mild laxative clysters should be frequently admi-
nistered; and, if the pain should, notwithstanding, con-
tinue violent, a blistering plaster may be applied over the
part affected.
Medicines which promote the secretion of urine, have
a very good effect here. For this purpose, half a dram of
purified nitre, or half a tea spoonful of the sweet spirits of
nitre, may be taken in a cup of the patient's drink, three
or four times a-day.
When there is an inclination to sweat, it ought to be
promoted, but not by warm sudorifics. The only thing to
be used for that purpose, is plenty of diluting liquor drank
about the warmth of the human blood. Indeed, the patient,
in this case, as well as in all other topical inflammations,
ought to drink nothing that is colder than the blood.
If the stools should be loose, and even streaked with
blood, nothing must be given to stop them, unless they be
so frequent as to weaken the patient. Loose stools often
prove critical, and carry off the disease.
If the disorder, in spite of all endeavours to the contra-
ry, should end in a schirrhous, the patient must be careful
to regulate his diet, &c. in such a manner as not to aggra-
vate the disease. He must not indulge in flesh, fish, strong
liquors, or any poignant or salted provisions; but must,
for the most part, live on mild vegetables, as fruits and
roots, taking gentle exercise, and drinking whey, barley
water, or buttermilk. If be takes any thing stronger, it
should be fine mild ale, which is much more safe than wines
or spirits.
We shall take no notice of inflammations of the other
viscera. They must all be treated upon the same princi-
ples as those already mentioned. The great rule, with re-
spect to all of them, is to avoid every thing that is strong,
or of a heating nature, to apply warm fomentations to the
part affected, and to supply the patient with plenty of
weak, warm, diluting drink.
Of the CHOLERA MORBUS, or VO-
MITING and LOOSENESS.
This is a violent purging and vomiting, attended with
gripes, and a constant desire to go to stool. It comes on
suddenly, 

216 OF THE CHOLERA MORBUS, &c.
suddenly, and is most common in autumn. There is hard-
ly any disease that kills more quickly than this, when proper
means are not used in due time for removing it.
CAUSES.---- It is occasioned by a redundancy and
putrid acrimony of the bile, by food that easily turns ran-
cid or sour on the stomach; as butter, fat pork, sweet
meats, cucumbers, melons, cherries, &c. It is sometimes
the effect of strong acrid purges or vomits; or of poison-
ous substances taken into the stomach. It may likewise
proceed from violent passions of the mind; as fear, anger,
&c.
SYMPTOMS.---- It is generally preceded by a
cardialgia, or heart burn, sour belchings, and flatulences,
with pain of the stomach and intestines. To these succeed
excessive vomiting, and purging of green, yellow, or black-
ish coloured bile, with a distention of the stomach, and vi-
olent griping pains. There is, likewise, a great thirst,
with a very quick unequal pulse, and often a fixed acute
pain about the region of the navel. As the disease advan-
ces, the pulse often finks so low as to become quite imper-
ceptible, the extremities grow cold, or cramped, and co-
vered with a clammy sweat, the urine is obstructed, and
there is a palpitation of the heart. Violent hiccupping,
fainting, and convulsions, are the signs of approaching
death.
MEDICINE.---- At the beginning of this dis-
ease, the efforts of nature to expel the offending cause,
must be assisted, by promoting the purging and vomiting.
For this purpose the patient must drink plenty of diluting
liquors; as whey, butter milk, warm water, thin water
gruel, small posset, or, what is, perhaps, preferable to any
of them, very weak chicken broth. This should not only
be drank freely, to promote the vomiting, but a clyster of
it given every hour, in order to promote the purging.
After these evacuations have been continued for some
time, a decoction of toasted oat bread, may be drank to stop
the vomiting. The bread should be toasted till it is of a
brown colour, but not burned, and afterwards boiled in
spring water. If oat bread cannot be had, wheat bread,
or oat meal, well toasted, may be used in its stead. If
this does not put a stop to the vomiting, the saline mixture
may be taken, as directed in page 175.
The vomiting and purging, however, ought never to
be stopped too soon. So long as these discharges do not
weaken

OF A DIARRHŒA, OR LOOSENESS. 217
weaken the patient they are salutary, and may be allowed
to go on, or rather ought to be promoted. But when the
patient is much exhausted by the evacuations, or has a
small intermitting pulse, coldness of the extremities, with
other symptoms of weakness, recourse must immediately be
had to opiates, and generous cordial medicines. Ten or
fifteen drops of liquid laudanum in half a glass of strong
cinnamon water, may be taken every four or five hours,
till the violent symptoms be removed. Warm negas, or
strong wine whey, may likewise be taken to support the
patient's spirits, and promote the perspiration. His legs
may be rubbed with flannel cloths, or wrapped in warm
blankets, and warm bricks applied to the soles of his feet.
When the violence of the disease is over, to prevent a
relapse, it will be necessary, for some time, to continue the
use of small doses of laudanum. Ten or twelve drops may
be taken in a glass of wine, at least twice a-day, for eight
or ten days. The patient's food ought to be nourishing,
but taken in small quantities, and he should use moderate
exercise. As the stomach and intestines are generally much
weakened, an infusion of the bark, or other bitters, in
small wine may be drank for some time.
Though physicians are seldom called in due time in this
disease, they ought not, however, to despair of relieving
the patient, even  in the most desperate circumstances. Of
this I lately saw a very striking instance in an old man and
his son, who had been both seized with it about the middle
of the night. I did not see them till next morning, when they
had much more the appearance of dead than of living men.
No pulse could be felt; the extremities were quite cold and
rigid; the countenance was ghastly, and the strength quite
exhausted. Yet from this deplorable condition they were
both recovered by the use of opiates and cordial medicines,
with the regimen mentioned above.
Of a DIARRHŒA, or LOOSENESS.
A looseness, in many cases, is not to be considered as a
disease, but rather as a salutary evacuation. It never
ought to be stopped unless when it continues too long, or
evidently weakens the patient. As this, however, some-
times happens, we shall point out the most common causes
of a looseness, with the method of treatment proper in each
case.
Ee When

218 OF A DIARRHŒA, OR LOOSENESS.
When a looseness is occasioned by catching cold, or an
obstructed perspiration, the patient ought to keep warm,
to drink freely of weak diluting liquors, to bathe his feet
and legs frequently in lukewarm water, to wear flannel
next to his skin, and to take every other method to restore
the perspiration.
In a looseness which proceeds from excess or repletion,
a vomit is the proper medicine. Vomits not only clean
the stomach, but promote all the secretions, which renders
them of great importance in carrying off a debauch. Half
a dram of ipecacuanha in powder will answer the purpose
very well. A day or two after the vomit, the same quan-
tity of rhubarb may be taken, and repeated two or three
times, if the looseness continues. The patient ought to
live upon light vegetable food, of easy digestion, and to
drink whey, thin gruel, or barley water.
A looseness occasioned by the obstruction of any custom-
ary evacuation, as the bleeding piles in men, the monthly
discharges in women, &c. generally requires bleeding. If
that does not succeed, other evacuations, as issues, setons,
&c. may be substituted in the room of those which are ob-
structed. At the same time, every method is to be taken
to restore the usual discharges, as not only the cure of the
disease, but the patient's life may depend on this.
A periodical looseness ought never to be stopped. It is
always an effort of nature to carry off some offending mat-
ter, which, if retained in the body, might produce fatal
diseases. Children are very liable to this kind of looseness,
especially while teething. It is, however, so far from be-
ing hurtful to them, that such children generally get their
teeth with least trouble. If these loose stools should at any
time prove sour or griping, a tea spoonful of magnesia alba,
With four or five grains of rhubarb, may be given to the
child in a little pap or any other food. This, if repeated
three or four times, will generally correct the acidity, and
carry off the griping stools.
A diarrhœa, or looseness which proceeds from violent
passions or affections of the mind, must be treated with
the greatest caution. Vomits, in this case, are highly
improper. Nor are purges safe, unless they be very mild,
and given in small quantities. Opiates, and other antispas-
modic medicines are most proper. Ten or twelve drops of
liquid laudanum may be taken in a cup of valerian or pen-
nyroyal tea, every eight or ten hours, till the symptoms
abate.

OF A DIARRHŒA, OR LOOSENESS. 219
abate. Ease, cheerfulness, and tranquillity of mind, are
here of the greatest importance.
When a looseness proceeds from acrid or poisonous sub-
stances taken into the stomach, the patient must drink
large quantities of diluting liquors, with oil or fat broths,
to promote vomiting and purging. Afterwards, if the
bowels are inflamed, bleeding will be necessary. Small do-
ses of laudanum may likewise be taken to remove the spasms
and the irritation of the bowels.
When gouty matter, repelled from the extremities, oc-
casions a looseness, it is, by no means, to be stopped,
but promoted by gentle doses of rhubarb, or other mild
purgatives. The gouty matter is likewise to be solicited to
the extremities by warm fomentations, and cataplasms.
And the perspiration ought to be promoted by warm diluting
liquors; as wine whey, with spirits of hartshorn, or a few
drops of liquid laudanum in it.
When a looseness proceeds from worms, such medi-
cines ought to be used as kill or carry off these vermin; as
powder of tin, with purges of rhubarb and calomel, &c.
The proper doses of these medicines will be pointed out
when we come to treat of diseases occasioned by worms.
A looseness is often occasioned by bad water. When
this is the case, the disease generally proves epidemical.
When there is reason to believe that this, or any other disease,
proceeds from the use of unwholesome water, it ought im-
mediately to be changed, or, if that cannot be done, it
may be corrected by mixing with it quicklime, chalk, or
the like.
In people whose stomachs are weak, violent  exercise 
immediately after meals, will occasion a looseness. Though
the cure of this is obvious, yet it will be proper, besides
avoiding violent exercise, to use such medicines as tend to
brace and strengthen the stomach; as infusions of the bark,
with other bitter and astringent medicines, in white wine.
The person ought, likewise, to take frequently a glass or
two of old red port, or good claret.
Persons who, from a peculiar weakness, or too great
an irritability of the bowels, are liable to frequent returns
of this disease, should live temperately, avoiding crude
summer fruits, all unwholesome food, and meats of hard
digestion. They ought, likewise, to beware of cold,
moisture, or whatever may obstruct the perspiration, and
should wear flannel next their skin. All violent passions of
Ee2 the

220 OF THE DYSENTERY,
the mind, as fear, anger, &c. are likewise carefully to be
avoided.
Of the DYSENTERY, or BLOODY-FLUX.
Tins disease prevails in the spring and autumn. It is
very infectious, and often epidemical. Those persons are
most liable to it who are much exposed to the night air, or
who live in places where the air is confined and unwhole-
some. Hence it often proves fatal in camps, on shipboard,
in jails, hospitals, and such like places.
CAUSES.—— This disease may be occasioned by
any thing that obstructs the perspiration, or renders the hu-
mours putrid; as damp beds, wet cloaths, unwholesome
diet, air, &c. But it is most frequently communicated by
infection. This ought to make people extremely cautious
in going near such persons as labour under the disease.
Even the smell of the patient's excrements has been known
to communicate the infection.
SYMPTOMS.—--- It is known by a flux of
the belly, attended with a violent pain of the bowels, a con-
stant inclination to go to stool, and generally less or more
of blood in the stools. It begins, like other fevers, with chill-
ness, loss of strength, a quick pulse great thirst, and an inclinati-
on to vomit. The stools are at first greasy or frothy, afterwards
they are streaked with blood, and, at last, have frequently
the appearance of pure blood, mixed with small filaments,
or bits of skin, which is part of the internal coat of the in-
testines abraded by the acrimony of the fœces. Sometimes,
however, there is no blood in the stools through the whole
course of the disease. When the patient goes to stool, he
feels a bearing down, as if the whole bowels were falling
out, and sometimes a part of the interline is actually pro-
truded, which proves exceeding troublesome, especially in
children.
This disease may be distinguished from the diarrhœa, or
looseness, by the acute pain of the bowels, and the blood
which generally appears in the stools. It may be distin-
guished from the cholera morbus, by its not being attended
with such violent and frequent fits of vomiting, &c.
When the dysentery attacks the old, the delicate, or
such as have been wasted by scorbutic, consumptive, or
other lingering diseases, it generally proves fatal. Vomiting
and hiccupping are bad signs, as they shew an inflammation
of

OR BLOODY-FLUX. 121
of the stomach. When the stools have an exceeding disa-
greeable smell, are green, black, or mixed with small
glandular substances, or bits of skin, the danger is great.
It is an unfavourable symptom when clysters are immediate-
ly returned; but still more so, when the passage is so obsti-
nately shut, that they cannot be injected. A weak pulse,
coldness of the extremities, with difficulty of swallowing,
and convulsions, are signs of approaching death.
REGIMEN.------ Nothing is of more impor-
tance in this disease than cleanliness. It contributes great-
ly to the recovery of the patient, and no less to the safety
of such as attend him. In all contagious diseases, the dan-
ger is increased, and the infection spread, by the neglect of
cleanliness; but in none more than in this. Every thing
about the patient should be frequently changed. The ex-
crements should never be suffered to continue in his cham-
ber, but removed immediately, and buried under ground.
A constant stream of fresh air should be admitted into the
chamber; and it ought frequently to be sprinkled with vi-
negar, juice of lemon, or some other strong acid.
The patient must not be discouraged, but his spirits
kept up in hopes of a cure. Nothing tends more to render
any putrid disease mortal than the fears and apprehensions
of the sick. All diseases of this nature have a tendency
to sink and depress the spirits, and, when that is increased
by fears and alarms, from those whom the patient believes
to be persons of skill, it cannot fail to have the worst ef-
fects.
A flannel vest worn next the skin has often a very good
effect in a dysentery. This promotes the perspiration with-
out greatly heating the body. Great caution, however, is
necessary in leaving it off. I have often known a dysentery
brought on by imprudently throwing off a flannel vest be-
fore the season was sufficiently hot. For, whatever pur-
pose this piece of dress be worn, it should never be left off
but in a warm season.
In this disease the greatest attention must be paid to the
patient's diet. Flesh, fish, and every thing that has a ten-
dency to turn putrid or rancid on the stomach, must be
abstained from. Apples boiled in milk, water pap, and
plain light pudding, with broth made of the gelatinous
parts of animals, may be eat. Jelly broth not only answers
the purpose of food, but likewise of medicine. I have of-
ten

222 OF THE DYSENTERY,
ten known dysenteries cured by it, after pompous medi-
cines had proved ineffectual*.
Another kind of food very proper in the dysentery,
which may be used by such as cannot take the broth men-
tioned above, is made by boiling a few handfuls of fine
flour, tied in a cloth, for six or seven hours, till it be-
comes as hard as starch. Two or three table spoonfuls of
this may be grated down, and boiled in such a quantity of
new milk and water as to be of the thickness of pap. This
may be sweetened to the patient's taste, and taken for his
ordinary food †.
The patient may likewise be allowed to eat freely of
most kinds of good ripe fruit; as apples, grapes, currant ber-
ries, strawberries, &c. These may either be eat raw or
boiled, with or without milk, as the patient chooses. The
prejudice against fruit in this disease is so great, that many
believe it to be the common cause of dysenteries. This,
however, is an egregious mistake. Both reason and ex-
perience shew, that good fruit is one of the best medicines,
both
* The manner of making this broth is, to take a sheep's head
and feet with the skin upon them, and to burn the wool off with a
hot iron, in the manner they do in Scotland. Afterwards to boil
them till the broth is quite a jelly. A little cinnamon or mace
may be added, to give the broth an agreeable flavour, and the pa-
tient may take a little of it warm, with toasted bread, three or
four times a-day. A clyster of it may, likewise, be given twice
a-day. Such as cannot use the broth made in this way, may
have the head and feet skinned; but we have reason to believe,
that this hurts the medicine. It is not our business here to reason
upon the nature and qualities of medicines, otherwise this might
be shewn to possess virtues every way suited to the cure of a dy-
sentery which does not proceed from a putrid state of the humours.
One thing we know, which is preferable to all reasoning, that
whole families have often been cured by it, after they had used many
other medicines in vain. It will, however, be proper that the pati-
ent take a vomit, and a dose or two of rhubarb, before he begins
to use the broth. It will, likewise, be necessary to continue the
use of it for a considerable time, and to make it the principal
food.
† The learned Dr. Rutherford, late professor of medicine in the
university of Edinburgh, used to mention this medicine in his
public lectures with great encomiums. He directed it to be made
by tying three or four handfuls of the finest flour, as tight as possi-
ble in a linen rag, afterwards to dip it frequently in water, and
to dridge the outside with flour till a cake or crust be formed
around it, which prevents the water from soaking into it while
boiling. It is then to be boiled till it becomes a hard dry mass, as
directed above. This will not only answer the purpose of food,
but may likewise be given in clysters.

OR BLOODY-FLUX. 223
both for the prevention and cure of the most dangerous
kind of dysentery. In a dysentery arising from a putrid
state of humours, fruit is, in every respect, calculated to
counteract that tendency to putrefaction, from whence all
the danger proceeds. The patient, in such a case, ought,
therefore, to be allowed to eat as much fruit as he pleases,
provided it be good *.
The most proper drink in this disorder is whey. The
dysentery has often been cured by the use of clear whey
alone. It may be taken both for drink, and in form of a
clyster. When whey cannot be had, barley water, sharp-
ened with cream of tartar, may be drank, or a decoction
of barley and tamarinds; two ounces of the former, and
one of the latter, may be boiled in two English quarts of
water to one. Warm water, water gruel, or water where-
in hot iron has been frequently quenched, are all very pro-
per, and may be drank in turns. Camomile tea, if the
stomach will bear it, is an exceeding proper drink. It both
strengthens the stomach, and by its antiseptic quality,
tends to prevent a mortification of the bowels.
MEDICINE.----At the beginning of this disease
it is always necessary to cleanse the first passages. For this
purpose, a vomit of ipecacuanha must be given, and
wrought off with weak camomile tea. Strong vomits are
seldom necessary here. A scruple, or at most half a dram
of ipecacuanha, is generally sufficient for an adult, and,
sometimes, a very few grains will suffice. The day after
the vomit, half a dram, or two scruples of rhubarb, must
be taken. This dose may be repeated every other day for
two or three times. Afterwards small doses of ipecacuanha
may
* I lately attended a young gentleman who had been seized with
a dysentery in North America. All means had been tried for his
relief, but to no purpose. At length, tired out with disappoint-
ments from medicine, and reduced to skin and bone, he came
over to Britain, rather with a view to die among his relations than
with any hopes of a cure. After trying sundry medicines here,
with no better success than abroad, I advised him to leave off the
use of drugs, and to trust entirely to a diet of milk and fruits, with
gentle exercise. Strawberries was the only fruit he could procure
at that season. These he eat with milk twice, and, sometimes,
thrice a-day. The consequence was, that, in a short time, his
stools were reduced from upwards of twenty in a day to three or
four, and sometimes not so many. He used the other fruits as they
came in, and was, in a few weeks, so well as to leave the part of
the country where I was, with a view to return to America.

224 OF THE DYSENTERY,
may be taken for some time. Two or three grains of the
powder may be mixed in a table spoonful of the syrup of
poppies, and taken three times a-day.
These evacuations, and the regimen prescribed above,
will seldom fail to perform the cure. Should it, however,
happen otherwise, the following astringent medicines must
be used.
A clyster of starch or fat mutton broth, with twenty or
thirty drops of liquid laudanum in it, may be administered
twice a-day. At the same time, an ounce of gum Arabic,
and half an ounce of gum tragacanth, may be dissolved in an
English pint of barley water, over a slow fire, and a table
spoonful of it taken every hour.
If these have not the desired effect, the patient may take
four times a day, about the bulk of a nutmeg of the Japonic
confection, drinking after it a tea cupful of the decoction of
logwood; which may be thus made: Boil three or four
ounces of the shavings of logwood in two English quarts of
water to one; towards the end, add two drams of cinna-
mon bark. This decoction gives the stools a reddish co-
lour, which is sometimes mistaken for blood. We menti-
on this circumstance to prevent the patient from being
alarmed at their appearance.
Some have treated dysenteries very successfully, by giv-
ing the patient white wax dissolved in milk. Others
extol the virtues of the Cornessi root, the Simaruba bark,
&c. for the cure of this disease. When other medicines
fail, these strong astringents; may be tried; but we hope
they will seldom be found necessary. At any rate, astrin-
gent, or binding medicines, never are to be used till proper
evacuations have been premised, otherwise they will fix the
disease instead of removing it.
Persons who have been cured of this disease are very li-
able to a relapse; to prevent which, great circumspection
with respect to diet is necessary. The patient must abstain
from all fermented liquors, except now and then a glass of
good wine; but he must drink no kind of malt liquor. He
must, likewise, abstain from animal food, as fish and flesh,
and must live principally upon milk and vegetables.
GENTLE exercise, and wholesome air, are likewise of
importance. The patient should go to the country as soon
as his strength will permit, and should take exercise daily
on horseback, or in a machine. He may, likewise, use
bitters infused in wine or brandy, and may drink twice
a-day 

OR BLOODY-FLUX. 225
a-day a gill of lime water, mixed with an equal quantity of
new milk.
When dysenteries prevail, we would, recommend a
strict attention to cleanliness, a spare use of animal food,
and the free use of found ripe fruits, and other vegetables.
The night air is to be carefully avoided, and all commu-
nication with the sick. Bad smells are likewise to be shun-
ned, especially those which arise from putrid animal
substances. The office houses where the sick go are very
dangerous. Nothing is more apt to occasion the disease
than being greatly afraid of it.
When the first symptoms of the dysentery appear, the
patient ought immediately to take a vomit, to go to bed,
and drink plentifully of weak, warm liquor, to promote a
sweat. This, with a dose or two of rhubarb, would often
carry off the disease at the beginning. In countries where
dysenteries prevail, we would advise such as are liable to
them, to take either a vomit or a dose of physic every
spring and autumn, as a preventive.
There are sundry other fluxes of the belly, as the lien-
tery and cœliac passion, which, though less dangerous than
the dysentery, yet merit confederation. These diseases ge-
nerally proceed from a relaxed state of the stomach arid in-
testines, which is sometimes so great, that the food passes
through them without almost any sensible alteration; and
the patient dies merely from the want of nourishment.
When the lientary or cœliac passion succeed a dysentery,
they often prove fatal. They are always dangerous in old
age, especially when the constitution has been broken by
excess, or acute diseases. If the stools be very frequent,
and quite crude, the thirst great, with little urine, the
mouth ulcerated, and the face marked with spots of diffe-
rent colours, the danger is very great.
The treatment of the patient is in general the same as in
the dysentery. In all obstinate fluxes of the belly, from
whatever cause, the cure must be attempted, by first clean-
ing the stomach and bowels with gentle vomits and purges.
Afterwards, such a diet as has a tendency to brace and
strengthen the bowels, with opiates and astringent medi-
cines, will generally perfect the cure.
This observation, likewise, holds with respect to a tenes-
mus, or frequent desire of going to stool. It resembles the
dysentery so much, both in its symptoms and method of
cure, that we think it needless to insist upon it.
Ff OF 

226 OF A DIABETES.
Or a DIABETES, or EXCESSIVE
DISCHARGE of URINE.
The diabetes may be called a flux of the kidneys. It is
seldom to be met with among young people; but I have
often known it happen to labourers in the decline of life,
especially those who followed the more violent employ-
ments, and who had been hard drinkers in their youth.
CAUSES. A diabetes is often the consequence
of acute diseases, as fevers, fluxes, &c. where the patient
has suffered excessive evacuations; it may also be occasion-
ed by excessive fatigue, as riding long journies upon a hard
trotting horse, carrying heavy burdens, running, &c. It
may be brought on by the use of strong stimulating diuretic
medicines, as tincture of cantharides, spirits of turpentine,
and such like. It is often the effect of drinking large
quantities of mineral waters. Many imagine that these
will do them no service unless they be drank in large quan-
tities, by which mistake it happens, that they often occasi-
on worse diseases than those they were taken to cure. In a
word, this disease may either proceed from too great a laxi-
ty of the organs which secrete the urine, from something
that stimulates the kidneys too much, or from a thin dis-
solved state of the blood, which makes too great a quan-
tity of it run off by the urinary passages.
SYMPTOMS.---- In a diabetes the urine gene-
rally exceeds in quantity all the liquid food and drink
which the patient takes. It is thin and pale, of a sweetish
taste, and an agreeable smell. The patient has a continu-
al thirst, with some degree of fever; his mouth is dry, and
he spits frequently a frothy spittle. The strength fails,
the appetite decays, and the flesh wastes away, till the pa-
tient is reduced to skin and bone. There is a heat of the
bowels; and frequently the loins, testicles, and feet are
swelled.
This disease may be cured at the beginning; but, after
it has continued long, the cure becomes very difficult.
In drunkards, and very old people, a cure is not to be ex-
pected.
REGIMEN.----Every thing that stimulates the
urinary passages, or tends to relax the habit, must be
avoided. The patient should live chiefly on solid food. His
thirst may be quenched with acids, or sorrel, juice of lemon,
or vinegar. The mucilaginous vegetables, as rice, sago,
and

OF A DIABETES. 227
and salop, with milk, are the most proper food. Of ani-
mal substances, shell-fish are to be preferred, as oysters,
crabs, &c.
The drink may be Bristol water. When that cannot
be obtained, lime water with milk may be drank. This
will be better if an ounce of gum Arabic be dissolved in
every pound of it. The white decoction, with isinglass
dissolved in it, is likewise a very proper drink. It is made
by boiling two ounces of calcined hartshorn, and half an
ounce of gum Arabic, in three English pints of water to
two, and afterwards straining it.
The patient ought daily to take exercise, but it should be
so gentle as not to fatigue him. He should lie upon a hard
bed or matress. Nothing hurts the kidneys more than ly-
ing too soft. A warm dry air, the use of the flesh brush,
and every thing that promotes perspiration, is of service.
For this reason, the patient ought to wear flannel next his
skin. A large strengthening plaster may be applied to the
back; or, what will answer the same end, a broad girdle
may be worn about the loins.
MEDICINE.—--- Gentle purges, if the pati-
ent be not too much weakened by the disease, have a good
effect. They tend to promote a flux of the humours towards
the intestines, and, of course, to lessen the discharge by
the kidneys. They may consist of rhubarb, with cardamum
seeds, or any other spiceries, infused in wine, and may be
taken in such quantities as to keep the belly gently
open.
The patient must next have recourse to astringents and
corroborants. Half a dram of powder, made of equal parts
of allum and the gum called dragon's blood, may be taken
four times a-day, or oftener if the stomach will bear it. The
allum must first be melted in a crucible; afterwards they
may both be pounded together. Along with every dose of
this powder the patient may take a tea cupful of the tinc-
ture of roses. It is made by infusing in a stone ware vessel,
for four hours, an ounce of the dried leaves of red roses,
with one dram of spirit of vitriol, in two English pints of
boiling water. Afterwards the tincture may be filtered,
and four or five ounces of white sugar added to it.
If the patient's stomach cannot bear the allum in sub-
stance, whey may be made of it, and taken in the dose of
three or four ounces three times a-day. The allum whey is
prepared by boiling two English quarts of milk over a slow
Ff2 fire,

228 OF A SUPPRESSION OF URINE.
fire, with three drams of allum, till it be turned into
whey.
Opiates are of service in this disease, even though the
patient rests well. They take off spasms and irritation, and,
at the same time, lessen the force of the circulation. Ten or
twelve drops of liquid laudanum may be taken in a cup of
the patient's drink two or three times a-day.
The best corroborants which we know, are the Jesuits
bark and wine. A dram of bark may be taken in a glass
of red port or claret, three times a-day. The medicine
will be more efficacious and less disagreeable, if fifteen or
twenty drops of the acid elixir of vitriol be added to every
dose. Such as cannot take the bark in substance, may use
the decoction, mixed with an equal quantity of red wine,
and sharpened as above.
There is a disease pretty incident to labouring people in
the decline of life, called an incontinency of urine. This
differs intirely from a diabetes, as the water passes off invo-
luntarily by drops, and does not exceed the usual quantity.
This disease is rather troublesome than dangerous. It is
owing to a relaxation of the spincter of the bladder, and is
often the effect of a palsy. Sometimes it proceeds from hurts,
or injuries occasioned by blows, bruises, preternatural la-
bours, &c. Sometimes it is the effect of a fever. It may,
likewise, be occasioned by a long use of strong diu-
retics, or of stimulating medicines, injected into the blad-
der.
This disease may be mitigated by the use of astringent
and corroborating medicines, such as have been mentioned
above; but we do not remember ever to have seen it
cured.
Of a SUPPRESSION of URINE.
It has already been observed, that a suppression of urine
may proceed from various causes; as an inflammation of the
kidneys, or bladder; small stones or gravel lodged in the
urinary passages, hard fœces lying in the rectum, a spasm, or
contraction of the neck of the bladder, clotted blood in the
bladder, a swelling of the hæmorrhoidal veins, &c.
Some of these cases require the cathater, both to remove
the obstructing matter, and to draw off the urine; but as
this instrument can only be managed with safety by persons
skilled in surgery, we shall say nothing further of its use.
We

OF A SUPPRESSION OF URINE. 229
WE would chiefly recommend, in all obstructions of
urine, fomentations and evacuations. If the patient be
young, of a full habit, and if his pulse be hard, frequent
bleeding will be necessary, especially where there are symp-
toms of a topical inflammation. Bleeding, in this case, not
only abates the fever, by lessening the force of the circula-
tion, but by relaxing the solids, takes off the spasm, or
stricture upon the vessels, which occasioned the obstructi-
on.
AFTER bleeding, fomentations must be used. These
may either consist of warm water alone, or decoctions of
mild vegetables ; as mallows, camomile flowers, & c.
Cloths dipped in these may either be applied to the part af-
fected, or a large bladder, filled with the decoction, may
be kept continually upon it. Some put the herbs them-
selves into a flannel bag, and apply them to the part, which
is far from being a bad method. These continue longer
warm than cloths dipped in the decoction, and, at the
same time, keep the part equally moist.
IN all obstructions of urine, the belly ought to be
kept open. This is not, however, to be attempted by brisk
purgatives, but by emollient clysters, or gentle infusions
of senna and manna. Clysters, in this case, not only open
the belly, but answer the purpose of an internal fomentati-
on, and greatly assist in removing spasms of the bladder, &c.
THE food must be light, and taken in small quantities.
The drink may be weak broth, or decoctions and infusions
of mucilaginous vegetables, as marsh mallow roots, lime
tree buds, &c. A tea spoonful of the sweet spirits of nitre,
or a dram of Castile soap, may be frequently put into the
patient's drink ; and, if there be no inflammation, he may
drink small gin punch, without acid.
IN a suppresion of urine, nature often attempts to re-
lieve the patient by a sweat, looseness, spitting, gulping up
of clear water from the stomach, &c. These discharges
ought not to be suppressed, but encouraged, as the patient's
life often depends upon them.
PERSONS subject to a suppression of urine, ought to live
very temperate. Their diet should be light, and their li-
quor diluting. They ought to avoid all acids, and wines
that abound with tartar ; they should likewise take plenty
exercise, lie hard, and avoid study and sedentary occupati- 
ons. 
OF

230 OF COSTIVENESS.
OF COSTIVENESS.
NO person can long enjoy good health, who does not go
regularly to stool. There is, however, a very great dif-
ference of persons in this respect, some being able to bear
costiveness much longer than others. We do not here
mean to treat of those astrictons of the bowels, which are
the symptoms of diseases, as in the colic, the iliac passion,
&c. but only to take notice of that infrequency of stools
which sometimes happens, and which, in some particular
constitutions, may occasion diseases.
COSTIVENESS may proceed from an excessive heat of the
liver ; drinking rough red wines, or other astringent li-
quors ; too much exercise, especially on horseback :
It may, likewise, proceed from a long use of cold insipid
food, which does not sufficiently stimulate the intestines.
Sometimes it is owing to the bile not descending to the in-
testines, as in the jaundice ; and, at other times, it pro-
ceeds from diseases of the intestines themselves, as a palsy,
spasms, tumours, a cold dry state of the intestines, &c.
WHEN costiveness is constitutional, it may be borne a
long time without any bad effects ; but when it proceeds
from an inflammation or tumour in the intestines, it is dan-
gerous. Costiveness, when long continued, is apt to oc-
casion pains of the head, vomiting, colics, &c. It is pe-
culiarly hurtful to hypochondriac and hysteric persons, as
it generates wind and other grievous symptoms.
PERSONS who are liable to be costive should live upon a
moistening and laxative diet, as roasted or boiled apples,
pears, stewed prunes, raisins, gruels with currants, butter,
honey, and sugar, &c. Green broths, with spinage,
leeks, and other soft pot-herbs, are, likewise, proper.
Rye bread, or that which is made of a mixture of wheat
and rye together, ought to be eat. No person troubled
with costiveness should eat wheat bread alone, especially
that which is made of fine flour. The best bread for keep-
ing the belly soluble, is what the English call meslin. It
is made of equal parts of wheat and rye ; or, more com-
monly, of two parts of the former, to one of the latter.
COSTIVENESS is increased by keeping the body too
warm, and by every thing that promotes the perspiration ;
as wearing flannel, lying too long in bed, &c. Intense
thought, and a sedentary life, are, likewise, hurtful. All
the secretions and excretions are promoted by moderate ex-
ercise 

OF COSTIVENESS. 231
ercise without doors, and, by a gay, cheerful, sprightly
temper of mind. 
THE drink should be of an opening quality. All ardent
spirits, austere and astringent wines, as port, claret, &c.
ought to be avoided. Malt liquor that is fine, and of a
moderate strength, is very proper. Butter milk, whey,
and other watery liquors, are likewise proper, and may
be drank in turns, as the patient's inclination directs.
* THOSE who are troubled with costiveness ought, if
possible, to remedy it by diet, as the constant use of medi-
cines, for that purpose, is attended with many inconveni-
encies, and often with bad consequences. I never knew
any one get into a habit of taking medicine for keeping the
belly open, who could leave it off. In time, the custom
becomes necessary, and, generally, ends in a total relax-
ation of the bowels, indigestion, loss of appetite, wasting
of the strength, and death.
WHEN the belly cannot be kept open without medicine,
we would recommend gentle doses of rhubarb to be taken
twice or thrice a-week. This is not near so injurious to
the stomach, as aloes, jalep, or the other drastic purgatives
so much in use. Infusion of senna and manna may, like-
wise, be taken; or, half an ounce of soluble tartar, dis-
solved in water gruel. About the size of a nutmeg, of le-
nitive electuary taken twice or thrice a-day, generally an-
swers the purpose very well.
Of
* THE learned Dr. Arbuthnot advises those who are troubled
with costiveness, to use animal oils, as fresh butter, cream, mar-
row, fat broths ; especially those made of the internal parts of ani-
mals, as the liver, heart, midriff, &c. He, likewise, recommends
the expressed oils of mild vegetables, as olives, almonds, pastaches,
and the fruits themselves ; all oily and mild fruits, as figs ; decoc-
tions of mealy vegetables ; these lubricate the intestines ; some sa-
ponaceous substances, which stimulate gently, as honey, hydromel,
or boiled honey and water, unrefined sugar, &c.
THE doctor observes, that such lenitive substances as are proper for
persons of dry atrabilarian constitutions, who are subject to astric-
tion of the belly, and the piles, and will operate when stronger me-
dicinal substances are sometimes ineffectual ; but that such lenitive
diet hurts those whose bowels are weak and lax. He, like-
wise, observes, that all watery substances are lenitive, and that
even common water, whey, sour milk, and butter milk, have that
effect.- That new milk, especially asses milk, stimulates still
more, when it sours on the stomach ; and that whey turned four,
will purge strongly.- That most garden fruits are likewise lax-
ative ; and, that some of them, as grapes, will throw such, as take
them immoderately, into a cholera morbus, or incurable diarrœa. 


232 OF INVOLUNTARY
OF INVOLUNTARY DISCHARGES of
BLOOD.
SPONTANEOUS, or involuntary discharges of blood, of-
ten happen from various parts of the body. They are sel-
dom, however, attended with great danger, and prove of-
ten salutary. When such discharges are critical, which is
frequently the case in fevers, they ought not to be stopped.
Nor, indeed, is it proper, at any time, to stop them, unless
they be so great as to endanger the patient's life. Most
people, afraid of the smallest appearance of blood from any
part of the body, fly immediately to the use of stiptic and
astringent medicines, by which means an inflammation
of the brain, or some other fatal disease, is occasioned,
which, had the discharge been allowed to go on, might
have been prevented.
PERIODICAL discharges of blood, from whatever part of
the body they proceed, must not be stopped. These are
always the efforts of nature to relieve herself, and fatal
diseases have often been the consequence of obstructing
them. It may, indeed, be sometimes necessary to check
the violence of such discharges ; but even this requires the
greatest caution. Instances may be given where the stop-
ping of a small periodical flux of blood, from one of the
fingers, has proved fatal to the person's health.
IN the early period of life, bleeding at the nose is most
common. Those who are farther advanced in life, are
more liable to a hæmoptoe, or discharge of blood from the
lungs. After the middle period of life, hæmorrhoidal
fluxes are most common, and in the decline of life, dis-
charges of blood from the urinary passages.
INVOLUNTARY fluxes of blood may proceed from very
different, and often from quite opposite causes. Some-
times they are hereditary, or owing to a particular con-
struction of the body, as a sanguine temperament, a lax or
plethoric habit, &c. Sometimes they proceed from a deter-
mination of the blood towards one particular part, as the
head, the hæmorrhoidal veins. They may likewise proceed
from an inflammatory disposition of the blood, in which
case, there is generally some degree of fever ; this, like-
wise, happens when the flux is occasioned by an obstructed
perspiration, or a stricture upon the skin, the bowels, or
any particular part of the system.
BUT 

DISCHARGES OF BLOOD. 233
BUT a dissolved state of the blood will, likewise, occa-
sion hæmorrhages. Thus, in putrid fevers, the scurvy,
the malignant small-pox, &c. there are often very great
discharges of blood from different parts of the body. They
may, likewise, be brought on by the use of any medicines
which tend to dissolve the blood, as mercury, cantharides,
and the volatile alcaline salts, &c. Food of an acrid or ir-
ritating quality, may, likewise, occasion hæmorrhages ; as
also strong purges and vomits, or any thing that greatly sti-
mulates the bowels.
VIOLENT passions, or agitations of the mind, will also
occasion hæmorrhages. These often cause bleeding at
the nose, and I have known them sometimes occasion an
hæmorrhage in the brain. Violent efforts of the body, by
overstraining or hurting the vessels, may, likewise, bring
on hæmorrhages, especially when the body is long kept
in an unnatural posture, as hanging the head very low,
&c.
THE cure of an hæmorrhage must be adapted to its cause.
When it proceeds from too much blood, or a tendency to
inflammation, bleeding, with gentle purges, and other eva-
cuations, will be necessary. It will, likewise, be proper
for the patient, in that case, to live chiefly upon a vegeta-
ble diet, to avoid all strong liquors, and food that is of an
acrid, hot, or stimulating quality. The body should be
kept cool, and the mind easy.
WHEN an hæmorrhage is owing to a putrid or dissolved
state of the blood, the patient ought to live chiefly upon
acid fruits with milk, and vegetables of a nourishing na-
ture, as sago, salop, &c. His drink may be wine diluted
with water, and sharpened with the juice of lemon, vinegar,
or spirits of vitriol. The best medicine, in this case, is the
Jesuits bark. It may be taken as directed in page 228.
WHEN a flux of blood is the effect of acrid food, or of
strong stimulating medicines, the cure is to be effected by
such soft and mucilaginous diet as is recommended in the
dysentery or bloody-flux. The patient may, likewise, take
frequently about the bulk of a nutmeg of Locatelli's bal-
sam, or the same quantity of spermaceti.
WHEN an obstructed perspiration, or a stricture upon any
part of the system, is the cause of an hæmorrhage, it may
be removed by drinking warm diluting liquors, lying in
bed, bathing the extremities in warm water, &c.
Gg OF 


234 OF BLEEDING AT THE NOSE.
OF BLEEDING AT THE NOSE.
A bleeding at the nose is commonly preceded by some
degree of quickness of the pulse, a flushing of the face, pul-
sation of the temporal arteries, heaviness in the head, dim-
ness of the sight, heat and itching of the nostrils, &c.
TO persons who abound with blood, this discharge is
very salutary. It often cures a vertigo, the headach, a
phrenzy, and even an epilepsy. In fevers, where there is a
great determination of blood towards the head, it is of the
utmost service. It is, likewise, beneficial in inflammations
of the liver and spleen, and often in the gout and rheuma-
tism. In all diseases where evacuations are necessary, a
spontaneous discharge of blood from the nose, is of much
more service than the same quantity let with a lancet.
IN a discharge of blood from the nose, the great point is,
to determine whether it ought to be stopped or not. It is a
common practice to stop the bleeding without considering
whether it be a disease, or the cure of a disease. This con-
duct proceeds from fear ; but it has many bad, and some-
times even fatal consequences.
WHEN a discharge of blood from the nose happens in
an inflammatory disease, there is always reason to believe,
that it may prove salutary ; and, therefore, it should be suf-
fered to go on, at least as long as the patient seems to bear
it well.
WHEN it happens to persons in perfect health, who are
full of blood, it ought not to be stopped ; especially if
the symptoms of a plethora, mentioned above, have pre-
ceded it. In this case, it cannot be stopped without risking
the patient's life.
IN fine, whenever bleeding at the nose relieves any bad
symptom, and does not proceed so far as to endanger the
patient's life, it ought not to be stopped. But when it re-
turns frequently, or continues till the pulse becomes very
low, the extremities begin to grow cold, the lips pale, or
the patient complains of being sick, or like to faint, it must
immediately be stopped.
THE patient should be set nearly upright, with his head
inclining a little backwards, and his legs immersed in wa-
ter about the warmth of new milk. His hands ought, like-
wise, to be put in lukewarm water, and his garters may be
tied a little tighter than usual, about three inches above the
knee. Ligatures may, likewise, be applied to the arms,
about 

OF BLEEDING AT THE NOSE. 235
about the place where they are usually made for bleeding,
and with nearly the same degree of tightness. These must
be gradually slackened as the blood begins to stop, and re-
moved intirely as soon as it gives over.
SOMETIMES, dry lint put up the nostrils will stop the
bleeding. When this does not succeed, dossils of lint dipped
in strong spirits of wine, may be put up the nostrils, or, if
that cannot be had, they may be dipped in brandy. Roman
vitriol dissolved in water may, likewise, be used for this pur-
pose, or a tent dipped in the white of an egg well beat up,
may be rolled in a powder made of equal parts of white su-
gar, burnt allum, and white vitriol, and put up the nostril
from whence the blood issues.
INTERNAL medicines can hardly take place here, as they
have seldom time to operate. It may not, however, be
amiss to give the patient half an ounce of Glauber's salt,
and the same quantity of manna, dissolved in four or five
ounces of barley water. This may be taken at a draught,
and repeated if it does not operate in a few hours. Ten or
twelve grains of nitre may be taken in a glass of cold water
and vinegar every hour, or oftener, if the stomach will bear
it. If a stronger medicine be necessary, a tea cupful of the
tincture of roses, made as directed in page 227, with twen-
ty or thirty drops of the small spirit of vitriol, may be taken
every hour. When these things cannot be had, the patient
may drink water, with a little common salt in it, or equal
parts of water and vinegar.
IF the genitals be immersed in cold water, it will gene-
rally stop a bleeding at the nose. - I have never known
this fail.
SOMETIMES, when the blood is stopped outwardly, it
continues to bleed inwardly. This is very dangerous, and
requires particular attention, as the patient is apt to be suf-
focated with the blood, especially if he falls asleep, which
he is very ready to do after losing a great quantity of blood.
AFTER the bleeding is stopped, the patient ought to be
kept as easy and quiet as possible. He ought not to pick
his nose, nor to take away the tents or clotted blood, til
they fall off of their own accord, and should not lie with 
his head too low.
THOSE who are affected with frequent bleeding at the
nose, ought to bathe their feet often in warm water, and
keep them warm and dry. They ought to wear nothing.
tight about their necks, to keep their body as much in an
erect posture as possible, and never to view any object
G g 2 obliquely 

236 OF THE BLEEDING AND BLIND PILES.
obliquely. If they have too much blood, a vegetable diet,
with now and then a dose of physic, is the safest way to lessen
it.
BUT when the disease proceeds from a thin dissolved
state of the blood, the diet should be rich and nourishing;
as strong broths with bread, sago gruel with wine and su-
gar, &c. Infusions of the Jesuits bark in wine, ought like-
wise to be taken, and persisted in for a considerable time.
OF THE BLEEDING AND BLIND PILES.
A discharge of blood from the hæmorrhoidal vessels is
called the bleeding piles. When the vessels only swell, and
discharge no blood, but are exceeding painful, the disease is
called the blind piles.
PERSONS of a loose spungy texture, of a bulky size, who
live high, and lead a sedentary and inactive life, are most
subject to this disease. It is often owing to a hereditary
disposition. Where this is the case, it attacks persons more
early in life than when it is accidental. Men are more liable
to it than women, especially those of a sanguine plethoric
habit, or of a melancholy disposition.
THE piles may be occasioned by an excess of blood, by
strong aloetic purges, high seasoned food, drinking great
quantities of sweet wines, the neglect of bleeding, or other
customary evacuations, much riding, great costiveness, or
any thing that occasions hard or difficult stools. Anger,
grief, and other violent passions, will likewise occasion the
piles. I have often known them brought on by cold, espe-
cially about the anus. A pair of thin breeches will occasion
the disorder in a person who is subject to it, and sometimes
even in those who never had it before. Pregnant women
are often afflicted with the piles.
A flux of blood from the anus is not always to be reckon-
ed a disease. It is even more salutary than bleeding at the
nose, and often prevents or carries off diseases. It is pecu-
liarly beneficial in the gout, rheumatism, asthmas, and hy-
pochondriacal complaints, and often proves critical in co-
lics, and inflammatory fevers.
IN the treatment of this disease, regard must be had to the
patient's habit of body, his age, strength, and manner of
living. A discharge which might be excessive and prove
hurtful to one, may be very moderate, and even salutary to
another. That only is to be esteemed dangerous which
coutinues

OF THE BLEEDING AND BLIND PILES. 237
continues so long, and in such quantity, as to waste the
patient's strength, hurt the digestion, nutrition, and other
functions necessary to life.
WHEN that is the case, the discharge must be checked by
a proper regimen, and astringent medicines. The diet must
be cool, but nourishing, consisting chiefly of bread, milk,
cooling vegetables and broths. The drink may be chaly-
beate water, orange whey, decoctions or infusions of the
astringent and mucilaginous plants, as the tormentil root,
the marsh mallow roots, &c.
OLD conserve of red roses is a very good medicine in this
case. It may be mixed with new milk, and taken in the
quantity of an ounce three or four times a-day. This me-
dicine is in no great repute, owing to its being seldom taken
in such quantity as to produce any effects ; but when taken,
as here directed, and duly persisted in, I have known it per-
form very extraordinary cures in violent hæmorrhages, espe-
cially when assisted by the tincture of roses ; a tea cupful of
which may be taken about an hour after every dose of the
conserve. The method of preparing this tincture is men-
tioned in page 227.
THE Jesuits bark is likewise proper in this case, both as
a strengthener and astringent. It may be taken in red wine,
sharpened with the spirit of vitriol.
THE bleeding piles are sometimes periodical, and return
regularly once a-month, or once in three weeks. In this
case, they are always to be considered as a salutary discharge,
and by no means to be stopped. Some have intirely ruined
their health by stopping a periodical discharge of blood from
the hæmorrhoidal veins.
IN the blind piles bleeding is generally of use. The diet
must be light and thin, and the drink cool and diluting. It
is likewise necessary, that the belly be kept gently open.
This may be done by small doses of flower of brimstone and
cream of tartar. These may be mixed in equal quantities,
and a tea spoonful taken two or three times a-day, or as
often as is necessary to keep the belly easy. Or an ounce of
flower of brimstone, and half an ounce of purified nitre
may be mixed with three or four ounces of the lenitive elec-
tuary, and a tea spoonful of it taken three or four times a-day.
EMOLLIENT clysters are likewise beneficial; but there
is sometimes such an astriction of the anus, that they cannot
be thrown up. In this case, I have known a vomit have
an exceeding good effect.
WHEN 


238 SPITTING OF BLOOD.
WHEN the piles are exceeding painful and swelled, but
discharge nothing, the patient must sit over the steams of
warm water. He may, likewise, apply a linen cloth dipped
in warm spirits of wine to the part, or poultices made of
bread and milk, or of leeks fried with butter. If these do
not produce a discharge, and the piles appear large, leeches
must be applied as near the piles as possible, or it they will
fix upon the piles themselves so much the better. When
leeches will not fix, the piles may be opened with a lancet.
The operation is very easy, and is attended with no danger.
VARIOUS ointments, and other external applications, are
recommended in the piles ; but I do not remember ever to
have seen any effects from these worth mentioning. Their
principal use is to keep the part soft, which may be done
equally well by a soft poultice or an emollient cataplasm.
SPITTING OF BLOOD.
WE only mean here to treat of that discharge of blood
from the lungs, which commonly goes by the name of an
hæmoptoe, or spitting of blood. Persons of a slender make, and
a lax fibre, who have long necks and strait breasts, are most
liable to this disease. It is most common in the spring, and
generally attacks people before they arrive at the prime or
middle period of life. It is a common observation, that
those who have been subject to bleeding at the nose when
young, are afterwards most liable to an hæmoptoe.
CAUSES.- An hæmoptoe may proceed from ex-
cess of blood, from a peculiar weakness of the lungs, or a
bad conformation of the breast. It is often occasioned by
excessive drinking, running, wrestling, singing, or speaking
aloud. Such as have weak lungs ought to avoid all violent
exertions of that organ, as they value life. They should,
likewise guard against violent passions, and every thing that
occasions a rapid circulation of the blood.
THIS disease may likewise proceed from wounds of the
lungs. These may either be received from without, or
they may be occasioned by hard bodies getting into the
wind-pipe, and so falling down upon the lungs, and hurt-
ing their tender vessels. The obstruction of any customa-
ry evacuation, may occasion a spitting of blood ; as the ne-
glect of bleeding or purging at the usual seasons, the stop-
page of the bleeding piles in men, or the menses in women,
& c. It may likewise proceed from a polypus, schirrhous
concretions, 
 

SPITTING OF BLOOD. 239
concretions, or any thing that obstructs the circulation of
the blood in the lungs. It is often the effect of a long and
violent cough ; in which case, it is generally the forerunner
of a consumption. A violent degree of cold, suddenly ap-
plied to the external parts of the body, will occasion an
an hæmoptoe. It may likewise be occasioned by breathing
in air which is too much rarified to be able properly to ex-
pand the lungs. This is often the case with those who
work in hot places, as furnaces, glass houses, &c. It
may likewise happen to such as ascend to the top of very
high mountains, as the peak of Teneriff, &c.
SPITTING of blood is not always to be considered as a
primary disease. It is often only a symptom, and, in some
cases, not an unfavourable one. This is the case in pleu-
risies, peripneumonies, and sundry other fevers. In a
dropsy, scurvy, or consumption, it is a bad symptom, and
shews that the lungs are ulcerated.
SYMPTOMS. - Spitting of blood is gene-
rally preceded by a sense of weight, and oppression of the
breast, a dry tickling cough, hoarseness, and a difficulty of
breathing. Sometimes it is ushered in with shivering, cold-
ness of the extremities, costiveness, great lassitude, flatu-
lence, pains of the back and loins, &c. As these shew a
general stricture upon the vessels: and a tendency of the
blood to inflammation, they are commonly the forerunners
of a very copious discharge. These symptoms do not at-
tend a discharge of blood from the gums or fauces, by
which means they may always be distinguished from an
hæmoptoe. Sometimes the blood that is spit up is thin,
and of a florid red colour ; and, at other times, it is thick,
and of a dark or blackish colour ; nothing, however, can
be inferred from this circumstance, but that the blood has
lain a longer or shorter time in the breast before it was dis-
charged.
SPITTING of blood, in a strong healthy person, of a
sound constitution, is seldom dangerous ; but when it at-
tacks the tender and delicate, or persons of a weak lax
fibre, it is not easily removed. When it proceeds from a
schirrhous, or polypus of the lungs, it is bad. The danger
is greater when the discharge proceeds from the rupture
of a large vessel than of a small one. When the extrava-
sated blood is not spit up, but lodges in the breast, it cor-
rupts, and greatly increases the danger. When the blood
proceeds 


240 SPITTING OF BLOOD.
proceeds from an ulcer in the lungs, it is generally fa-
tal.
REGIMEN.—The patient ought to be kept cool,
and perfectly at rest. Every thing that heats the blood, or
quickens the circulation, increases the danger. The mind
ought likewise to be soothed, and every occcasion of exci-
ting the passions avoided. The diet should be soft, cool-
ing, and slender ; as rice, boiled with milk, small broths,
barley gruels, panada, &c. The diet, in this case, can
scarce be too low. Even water gruel is sufficient to sup-
port the patient for some days. All strong liquors must
be avoided. The patient may drink milk and water, bar-
ley water, whey, butter milk, and such like. Everything
should be drank cold, and in small quantities at a time.
The patient must observe the strictest silence, or, at least,
speak with a very low voice.
MEDICINE. - This, like the other invo-
luntary discharges of blood, ought not to be suddenly stop-
ped by astringent medicines. More mischief is often done
by these than if it were suffered to go on. It may, how-
ever, proceed so far as to weaken the patient, and even en-
danger his life, in which case, proper means must be used
for restraining it.
The belly should be kept gently open by laxative diet ;
as roasted apples, stewed prunes, & c. If these should not
have the effect, a tea spoonful of the lenitive electuary may
be taken twice or thrice a-day, as is found necessary. If
the bleeding proves violent, ligatures may be applied to the
extremities, as directed for the bleeding at the nose.
IF the patient be hot or feverish, bleeding, and small do-
ses of nitre, will be of use ; a scruple, or half a dram, may
be taken in a cup of his ordinary drink, twice or thrice
a-day. His drink may likewise be sharpened with acids,
as juice of lemons, or a few drops of the spirit of vitriol ; or
he may take frequently a cup of the tincture of roses, as di-
rected in page 227.
BATHING the feet and legs in lukewarm water, by ta-
king off spasms, has a very good effect in this disease. Opi-
ates too are sometimes beneficial for that purpose ; but
these must be given with the greatest caution. Ten or
twelve drops of laudanum may be given in a cup of barley
water twice a-day, and continued for some time, provided
they be found beneficial.
THE

VOMITING OF BLOOD. 241
THE conserve of roses is likewise a very good medicine
in this case, provided it be taken in sufficient quantity,
and long enough persisted in. It may be taken to the ex-
tent of three or four ounces a-day ; and, if the patient be
troubled with a cough, it should be made into an electuary
with balsamic syrup, and a little of the syrup of poppies.
IF stronger astringents be found necessary, fifteen or
twenty drops of the acid elixir of vitriol may be taken in a
glass of water, three or four times a-day.
THOSE who are subject to frequent returns of this dis-
ease, should be careful to avoid all excess. Their diet
should be light and cool, consisting chiefly of milk and ve-
getables. Above all, let them beware of vigorous efforts
of the body, and violent agitations of the mind.
VOMITING OF BLOOD.
THIS is not so common as the other discharges of blood
which have already been mentioned ; but it is more dan-
gerous, and requires the greatest attention.
VOMITING of blood is generally preceded by pains in
the stomach, sickness and nausea, and is accompanied with
great anxiety, and frequent fainting fits.
VOMITING of blood is sometimes periodical ; in which
case it is less dangerous. It often proceeds from an ob-
struction of the menses in women ; and sometimes from
the stopping of the hæmorrhoidal flux in men. It may be
occasioned by any thing that greatly stimulates or wounds
the stomach, as strong vomits or purges, acrid poisons,
sharp or hard substances taken into the stomach, &c. It
is often the effect of obstructions in the liver, the spleen,
or some of the other viscera. It may likewise proceed
from external violence, as blows or bruises, or from any of
the causes which produce inflammation.
A great part of the danger in this disease arises from the
extravasated blood lodging in the bowels, and becoming
putrid, by which means a dysentery or putrid fever may be
occasioned. The best way of preventing this, is to keep
the belly gently open, by frequently exhibiting emollient
clysters. Purges must not be given till the discharge is
stopt, otherwise they will irritate the stomach, and increase
the disorder. All the food and drink must be of a mild
cooling nature, and taken in small quantities. Even
H h drinking 

242 OF BLOODY URINE.
drinking cold water has sometimes proved a remedy. When
there are signs of an inflammation, bleeding may be neces-
sary ; but the patient's weakness will seldom permit it.
Astringents can seldom be used, as they stimulate the sto-
mach, and of course increase the disease. Opiates may be of
of use; but they must be given in very small doses, as four
or five drops of liquid laudanum twice or thrice a-day. Af-
ter the discharge is over, as the patient is generally troubled
with gripes, occasioned by the acrimony of the blood lodged
in the intestines, gentle purges will be necessary.
Of BLOODY URINE.
THIS disorder is commonly called pissing of blood. It is a
discharge of blood, with or without urine, from the vessels
of the kidneys or bladder, which may be either enlarged,
broken, or eroded. It is more or less dangerous according
to the different circumstances which attend it.
WHEN pure blood is voided suddenly without interrup-
tion and without pain, it proceeds from the kidneys ; but if
the blood be in small quantity, of a dark colour, and emitted
with heat and pain about the bottom of the belly, it pro-
ceeds from the bladder. When bloody urine is occasioned
by a large rough stone descending from the kidneys to the
bladder, which wounds the ureters, it is attended with a
sharp pain in the back and difficulty of making water. If
the coats of the bladder are hurt by a stone, and bloody
urine follows, it is attended with the most acute pain, and
a previous stoppage of urine.
BLOODY urine may likewise be occasioned by falls,
blows, the lifting or carrying of heavy burdens, hard riding,
or any violent motion. It may also proceed from ulcers or
erosions of the bladder, from a stone lodged in the kidneys,
or from violent purges, or sharp diuretic medicines, especially
cantharides.
BLOODY urine is always attended with some degree of
danger; but it is peculiarly so when mixed with purulent
matter, as this shews an ulcer somewhere in the urinary
passages. Sometimes this discharge proceeds from excess of
blood, in which case it is rather to be considered as a salu-
tary evacuation than a disease. If the discharge, however,
be very great, it may waste the patient's strength, and oc-
casion an ill habit of body, a dropsy, or a consumption, &c.
THE treatment of this disorder must be varied according
to the different causes from which it proceeds.
WHEN 
 

OF VOMITING. 243
WHEN it is owing to a stone in the bladder, the cure de-
pends upon an operation, which it is not our business to de-
scribe.
IF it be attended with a plethora, and symptoms of an
inflammation, bleeding will be necessary. The belly must
likewise be kept open by emollient clysters, or cooling pur-
gative medicines; as crystals of tartar, rhubarb, manna, or
small doses of lenitive electuary.
WHEN bloody urine proceeds from a dissolved state of the
blood, it is commonly the symptom of some malignant dis-
ease; as the small-pox, a putrid fever, or the like. In this
case, the patient's life depends on the liberal use of the Je-
suits bark and acids, as has already been shewn.
WHEN there is reason to suspect an ulcer in the kidneys
or bladder, the patient's diet must be cool, and his drink of
a soft, healing, balsamic quality, as decoctions of marsh-
mallow roots with liquorice, solutions of gum Arabic, & c.
Three ounces of marshmallow roots, and half an ounce of
liquorice, may be boiled in two English quarts of water to
one ; two ounces of gum Arabic, and half an ounce of pu-
rified nitre, may be dissolved in the strained liquor,  and a
tea cupful of it taken four or five times a-day.
THE early use of astringents, in this disease has often
bad consequences. When the flux is stopped too soon, the
grumous blood, by being confined in the vessels, may pro-
duce inflammations, abscess, and ulcers. If, however, the
case be urgent, or the patient seem to suffer from the loss of
blood, gentle astringents may be necessary. In this case,
the patient may take three or four ounces of * lime-water,
with half an ounce of the tincture of Jesuits bark, three
times a-day. Or, he may take an ounce or two of the con-
serve of roses three or four times a-day, drinking a tea cup-
ful of the tincture of roses after it. If stronger styptics be
necessary, a dram of Armenian bole may be taken in a cup
of whey three or four times a-day.
OF VOMITING.
VOMITING may proceed from various causes ; as excess
in eating or drinking ; a foul stomach; the acrimony of
H h 2 the
* LIME-WATER is prepared by pouring two English gallons of
water gradually upon a pound of quicklime; when the ebullition
is over, let the whole stand to settle for two days, then filter the
liquor through paper. It should be kept in vessels closely stopped. 
 

244 OF VOMITING.
the aliments ; the translation of the morbific matter of ul-
cers, the gout, the erysipelas, and other diseases, to the sto-
mach. It may likewise proceed from a looseness, or flux of
blood being too suddenly stopped, or from the stoppage of
any customary evacuation, as the bleeding piles, the menses,
&c. Vomiting may proceed from the weakness of the sto-
mach, the colic, the iliac passion, a rupture, a fit of the gra-
vel, worms, or from any kind of poison taken into the sto-
mach. It is an usual symptom of hurts of the brain ; as
contusions, compressions, &c. It is likewise a symptom of
wounds, or inflammations of the diaphragm, intestines,
spleen, liver, kidneys, &c.
VOMITING may be occasioned by unusual motions ; as
riding backwards in a cart or coach, failing, &c. It may
likewise be excited by violent passions, or by the idea of
nauseous objects, especially of such things as have formerly
produced vomiting. Sometimes it proceeds from a regur-
gitation of the bile into the stomach; in this case, what
the patient vomits is generally of a yellow or greenish colour,
and has a bitter taste. Persons who are subject to nervous
affections are often suddenly seized with violent fits of vo-
miting. Lastly, Vomiting is a common symptom of preg-
nancy. In this case, it generally comes on about two weeks
after the stopping of the menses, and continues during the
first three or four months.
WHEN vomiting proceeds from a foul stomach or indi-
gestion, it is not to be considered as a disease, but as the
cure of a disease. It ought, therefore, to be promoted by
drinking lukewarm water, or thin gruel. If this does not
put a stop to the vomiting, a dose of ipecacuanha may be
taken, and wrought off with weak camomile tea.  
WHEN the retrocession of gouty matter, or the obstruc-
tion of customary evacuations occasion vomiting, all means
must be used to restore these discharges ; or, if that cannot
be effected, their place must be supplied by others, as bleed-
ing, purging, bathing the extremities in warm water,
opening issues, setons, perpetual blisters, &c.
WHEN vomiting proceeds from pregnancy, it may ge-
nerally be relieved by bleeding, and keeping the belly
gently open. The bleeding, however, ought to be in small
quantities at a time, and the purgatives should be of the
mildest kind, as figs, stewed prunes, manna or senna. Preg-
nant women are most apt to vomit in the morning, imme-
diately after getting out of bed, which is owing partly to
the 

OF VOMITING. 245
the change of posture, but more to the emptiness of the sto-
mach. It may generally be prevented bv taking a dish of
tea, or some light breakfast in bed. Pregnant women, who
are afflicted with vomiting, ought to be kept easy both in
body and mind. They should neither allow their stomachs
to be quite empty, nor should they eat much at once. Cold
water is a very good drink in this case ; if the stomach be
weak, a little brandy may be added to it. If the spirits be
low, and the person apt to faint, a spoonful of cinnamon
water, with a little marmalade of quinces or oranges, may
be taken.
IF vomiting proceeds from weakness of the stomach, bit-
ters will be of service, as the Gentian root, camomile and
snakeroot, infused in brandy or wine. To these may be
added as much rhubarb as will keep the belly gently open.
The Jesuits bark is likewise an excellent medicine for
bracing and strengthening the stomach It may be drank
in form of tea, or infused in wine or brandy, &c. The elixir
of vitriol is also a good medicine in this case. It may be
taken in the dose of fifteen or twenty drops, twice or thrice
a-day, in a glass of wine or water.
A vomiting which proceeds from acidities in the stomach
is relieved by alkaline purges. The best medicine of this
kind is the magnesia alba, a tea spoonful of which may be
taken in a dish of tea or a little milk, twice or thrice a-day,
or oftener, if necessary, to keep the belly open.
WHEN vomiting proceeds from violent passions, or affec-
tions of the mind, all kind of evacuations must be avoided,
especially vomits. These are exceeding dangerous. The
patient, in this case, ought to be perfectly easy and quiet,
tp have the mind soothed, and to take some gentle cordial,
as negas, or a little brandy and water. A few drops of li-
quid laudanum may likewise be taken, to calm the spirits,
and take off the irritation upon the nerves.
WHEN vomiting proceeds from spasmodic affections of
the stomach, musk, castor, and other antispasmodic medi-
cines are of use. Aromatic plasters have likewise a good
effect. The stomach plaster of the London or Edinburgh
dispensatory may be applied to the pit of the stomach, or
rather a little towards the left side, so as to cover a part of
the false ribs. Aromatic medicines may likewise be taken
inwardly, as cinnamon tea, mint tea, wine with spiceries
boiled in it, &c. The region of the stomach may be rubbed
with æther, or, if that cannot be had, with strong brandy,
or 

246 OF THE HEADACH.
or other spirits. The belly should be fomented with warm
water, or the patient immersed up to the breast in a warm
bath.
I have always found the saline draughts most effectual in
stopping a vomiting, from whatever cause it proceeded.
These may be made by dissolving a dram of the salt of tar-
tar in an ounce and a half of fresh lemon juice, adding to it
an ounce of peppermint water, and half an ounce of spi-
ritous cinnamon water. This draught may be sweetened
with a little white sugar, and taken in the act of efferve-
scence. It must be repeated every two hours, or every
hour, if the vomiting be very violent. I do not remember
to have seen this medicine, when duly persisted in, fail to
stop a vomiting.
As the least motion will often bring on the vomiting
again, even after it has been stopped, the patient must avoid
all manner of action. His diet must be so regulated as to
fit easy upon the stomach, and he should take nothing that
is hard of digestion. We do not, however, mean that the
patient is to live upon slops. Solid food, in this case, of-
ten fits easier on the stomach than liquids.
OF THE HEADACH.
THE headach is produced by various causes, and attend-
ed with different symptoms, according to its different
degrees, and the part where it is situated. When it is
slight, and affects a particular part of the head, it is called
cephalalgia ; when the whole head is affected, cephalæa ;
and when one side only, hemicrania. A fixed pain in the
forehead, which may be covered with the end of the thumb,
is called clavis hystericus.
THERE are also other distinctions. Sometimes the pain
is internal ; sometimes external ; sometimes it is an origi-
nal disease, and at other times only symptomatic. When
the headach proceeds from a hot bilious habit, the pain is 
very acute and throbbing, with a considerable heat of the
part affected. When from a cold phlegmatic habit, the
patient complains of a dull heavy pain, and has a sense of
coldness in the part. This kind of headach is sometimes
attended with a degree of stupidity or folly.
WHATEVER obstructs the free circulation of the blood
through the vessels of the head, may occasion a headach.
In persons of a full habit, who abound with blood, or
other 

OF THE HEADACH. 147
other humours, the headach often proceeds from the sup-
pression of customary evacuations ; as bleeding at the nose,
sweating of the feet, &c. It may likewise proceed from
any cause that determines a greater flux of blood towards
the head ; as coldness of the extremities, hanging of the
head, &c. Whatever prevents the return of the blood
from the head, will likewise occasion a headach ; as look-
ing long at any object obliquely, wearing any thing tight
about the neck, &c.
WHEN a headach proceeds from the stoppage of a run-
ning of the nose, there is a heavy, obtuse, pressing pain in
the forepart of the head, in which there seems to be such a
weight, that the patient can scarce hold it up. When it is
occasioned by the caustic matter of the venereal disease it
generally affects the skull, and often produces a caries of the
bones.
SOMETIMES the headach proceeds from the repulsion,
or retrocession of the morbific matter of the gout, the ery-
sipelas, the small-pox, measles, itch, or other eruptive
diseases. A hemicrania generally proceeds from crudities or
indigestion.
THERE is likewise a most violent, fixed, constant, and
almost intolerable headach, which occasions great debility
both of body and mind, prevents sleep, disturbs digestion,
destroys the appetite, causes a vertigo, dimness of sight, a
noise in the years, convulsions, epileptic fits, and some-
times vomiting, costiveness, coldness of the extremities,
&c.
THE headach is often symptomatic in continual and in-
termitting fevers, especially quartans. It is likewise a very
common symptom of hysteric and hypochondriac com-
plaints.
AN external pain of the head is seldom dangerous. When
it attends an acute fever, with pale urine, it is an unfa-
vourable symptom. In excessive headachs, coldness of the
extremities is a bad sign. When the disease continues
long, and is very violent, it often terminates in blindness,
an apoplexy, deafness, a vertigo, the palsy, epilepsy, &c.
THE cool regimen in general is to be observed in this
disease. The diet ought to consist of such emollient sub-
stances as will correct the acrimony of the humours, and
keep the belly open ; as apples boiled in milk, spinage,
turnips, and such like. The drink ought to be diluting;
as barley water, infusions of mild mucilaginous vegetables,
decoctions 

248 OF THE HEADACH.
decoctions of the sudorific woods *, &c. The feet and
legs ought to be kept warm, and frequently bathed in luke-
warm water ; the head should be shaved, and bathed with
water and vinegar. The patient ought, as much as possi-
ble, to keep an erect posture, and not to lie with his head
too low.
WHEN the headach is owing to excess of blood, and in
hot bilious constitutions, bleeding is necessary. The pati-
ent may be bled in the jugular vein, and the operation re-
peated if there be occasion. Cupping also, or the applica-
tion of leeches to the temples, and behind the ears, may
be of service. Afterwards a blistering plaster may be ap-
plied to the neck, or behind the ears, or to any part of the
head that is most affected. In some cases it will be proper
to blister the whole head. In persons of a gross habit, is-
sues, or perpetual blisters, will be of service. The belly
ought likewise to be kept open by gentle laxatives.
BUT when the headach proceeds from a copious vitiated
serum stagnating in the membranes, either within or with-
out the skull, with a dull, heavy, continual pain, which
will neither yield to bleeding nor gentle laxatives, then
more powerful purgatives are necessary, as pills made of
aloes, resin of jalap, or the like. It will also be necessary
in this case to blister the whole head, and to keep the
back part of the neck open for a considerable time by a
perpetual blister.
WHEN the headach is occasioned by a stoppage of the
running of the nose, the patient should frequently smell to
a bottle of volatile salts ; he may likewise take snuff, or
any thing that will irritate the nose, so as to promote a dis-
charge from it; as the herb mastich, ground ivy, &c.
A hemicrania, especially a periodical one, is generally
owing to a foulness in the stomach, for which gentle vo-
mits will be beneficial, as also purges of rhubarb. After
the bowels have been sufficiently cleared, chalybeate wa-
ters, and such bitters as strengthen the stomach, will be ne-
cessary.
WHEN
* THE decoction of woods is thus made : Take shavings of gu-
aiacum wood, three ounces ; raisins of the sun, stoned, two oun-
ces ; sassafras wood, shaved, one ounce ; liquorice, sliced, half an
ounce : Boil the guaiacum and raisins in an English gallon of wa-
ter, over a gentle fire, to the consumption of one half ; adding to-
wards the end the sassafras and liquorice. Strain the liquor, and
having suffered it to settle for some time, pour off the clear liquor
from the fœces. This may be taken at pleasure for ordinary drink. 
 

OF THE TOOTHACH. 249
WHEN the headach arises from a vitiated state, of the
humours, as in the scurvy and venereal disease, the pati-
ent, after proper evacuations, must drink freely of the de-
cotion of woods, recommended above, or the decoction of
sarsaparilla with raisins and liquorice *. These promote
perspiration, sweeten the humours, and, if duly persisted
in, will produce very happy effects. When a collection
of matter is felt under the skin, it must be discharged by an
incision, otherwise it will render the bone carious.
WHEN the headach is so intolerable as to endanger the
patient's life, or is attended with continual watching, de-
lirium, &c. recourse must be had to opiates. These, af-
ter proper evacuation by clysters, or mild purgatives, may
be applied both externally and internally. The affected
part may be rubbed with Bate's anodyne balsam, or a cloth
dipped in it may be applied to the part. The patient may,
at the same time, take twenty drops of laudanum, in a
cup of valerian or pennyroyal tea, twice or thrice a-day.
This is only to be done in case of extreme pain. Proper
evacuations ought always to accompany and follow the use
of opiates.
WHEN the patient cannot bear the loss of blood, his feet
ought frequently to be bathed in lukewarm water, and
well rubbed with a coarse cloth. Cataplasms with mustard
or horseradish ought likewise to be applied to them. This
course is peculiarly necessary when the pain proceeds from
a gouty humour affecting the head.
WHEN the headach is occasioned by great heat, hard
labour, or violent exercise of any kind, it may be allayed
by cooling medicines ; as the saline draughts with nitre,
&c.
OF THE TOOTHACH.
THIS disease is so well known, that it needs no descrip-
tion. It has great affinity with the rheumatism, and often
succeeds pains of the shoulders and other joints.
IT may proceed from various causes ; as obstructed per-
spiration, or catching cold ; or from any of the common
causes of inflammation. I have often known the toothach
I i occasioned
* THIS is made by boiling three ounces of fresh sarsaparilla, an
ounce of raisins, and half an ounce of liquorice, in three English
quarts of water to one. The liquor must be strained, and an En-
glish pint of it drank daily.

250 OF THE TOOTHACH.
occasioned by neglecting some part of the usual coverings
of the head, by sitting with the head bare near an open
window, or its being any how exposed to a draught of cold
air. Food or drink taken either too hot or too cold, is ve-
ry hurtful to the teeth. Great quantities of sugar or
other sweet-meats, are likewise hurtful. Nothing is more
destructive to the teeth than cracking nuts, or chewing
any kind of hard substances. Picking the teeth with pins,
needles, or with any thing that may hurt the enamel with
which they are covered, does great mischief ; as the too
is sure to be spoilt whenever the air gets into it. Pregnant
women are very subject to the toothache especially during
the first three, or four months of pregnancy. The tooth-
ach often proceeds from scorbutic humours affecting the
gums. In this case, the teeth are sometimes wasted, and
fall out without any considerable degree of pain. The
proximate or immediate cause of the toothach is a rotten or
carious tooth.
IN order to relieve the toothach, we must endeavour to
draw off or divert the humours from the part affected.
This may be done by mild purgatives, bleeding and bath-
ing the feet frequently in warm water. The perspiration
ought likewise to be promoted, by drinking freely of weak 
wine whey, or other diluting liquors, with small doses of
nitre. Vomits too have often an exceeding good effect in
he toothach. It is seldom safe to administer opiates, or
any kind of heating medicines, or even to draw a tooth till
proper evacuations have been premised, and these alone will
often effect the cure.
NEXT to evacuations we recommend fomenting the part
with warm water, or decoctions of emollient vegetables.
Bags filled with boiled camomile flowers, flowers of elder,
or the like, may be applied to the part affected, with as
great a degree of warmth as the patient can bear, and re-
newed as they grow cool. The patient may likewise re-
ceive the steams of warm water into his mouth, through
an inverted funnel, or by holding his head over the mouth
of a porringer filled with warm water, &c.
GARGLES are likewise of use to make a discharge from 
the part. Rob of elder dissolved in small beer makes a ve-
ry proper gargle, or an infusion of sage or mulberry leaves.
SUCH things as promote the discharge of saliva, or
cause the patient to spit, are always proper. For this pur-
pose, bitter, hot, or pungent vegetables may be chewed ;
as

OF THE TOOTHACH. 251
as gentian, calamus aromaticus, or pellatory of Spain.
Allen recommends the root of yellow water flower-de-luce in
this case. This root may either be rubbed upon the tooth
or chewed. Brookes says, he hardly ever knew it fail to
ease the toothach.
MANY other herbs, roots, and seeds, &c. are recom-
mended for curing the toothach ; as the leaves or roots of
millefoil or yarrow chewed, tobacco smoaked or chewed,
or the ashes put into the hollow tooth, staves acre, or the
seeds of mustard chewed, &c. These bitter, hot, and
pungent things, by occasioning a great flow of saliva, fre-
quently give ease in the toothach. 
OPIATES often relieve the toothach. For this purpose
a little cotton wet with laudanum maybe held between the
teeth ; or a piece of sticking plaster, about the bigness of a
sixpence, with a bit of opium in the middle of it, of a size
not to prevent the sticking of the other, may be laid on the
temporal artery, where the pulsation is most sensible. De
la Motte affirms, that there are few cases wherein this will
not give relief. If there be a hollow tooth, a small pill
made of equal quantities of camphire and opium, put into
the hollow, is often beneficial. When this cannot be had,
the hollow tooth may be filled with gum mastich, wax,
lead, or any substance that will stick in it, and keep the
external air out.
FEW applications give more relief in the toothach than
blistering plasters. These may be applied betwixt the
shoulders, but they have the best effect when put behind
the ears, and made so large as to cover a part of the lower
jaw. Burning the nerve within the affected tooth with a
hot iron, has frequently given ease ; but this operation
ought to be done with care. Applying a hot iron to the
antetragus, or what is called the inner bar of the ear, is like-
wise a noted cure for the toothach. Blistering, however,
is more safe than either of these, and is not less efficaci-
ous.
HOFFMAN says, When every thing else failed, that he
had often great success from the following pills.
TAKE of aromatic pill one dram, storax pill half a
dram, extract of saffron six grains. Make them into nine
pills ; of which six or eight are to be taken at bed time for
a dose.
AFTER all, when a tooth is carious, it is often impossi-
ble to remove the pain, without drawing the tooth ; and,
I i 2 as 

252 OF THE EARACH.
as a spoilt tooth never becomes found again, it is prudent
to draw it soon, left it should affect the rest. Tooth
drawing, like bleeding, is very much practised by mecha-
nics as well as persons of the medical profession. The
operation however is not without danger, and ought al-
ways to be done with care. A person unacquainted with
the structure of the parts, will be in danger of breaking the
jaw-bone, or of drawing a sound tooth instead of a rotten
one, &c.
WHEN a sound tooth has been drawn, if it be replaced
immediately, it will grow in again. It is now a common
practice to draw a rotten tooth, and put a sound
one, taken from the mouth of some other person, in its
place. It is likewise an easy matter to fix artificial teeth
so neatly, as to answer most of the purposes of the natural;
but these are matters which do not properly fall under
our consideration.
WHEN the toothach returns periodically, and the pain
chiefly affects the gums, it may be cured by the bark.
SOME pretend to have found great benefit in the tooth-
ach, from the application of an artificial magnet to the af-
fected tooth. We shall not attempt to account for its
mode of operation ; but, if it be found to answer, though
only in particular cases, it certainly deserves a trial, as it is
attended with no expence, and cannot do any harm.
PERSONS who have returns of the toothach at certain
seasons, as spring and autumn, might often prevent it by
taking a dose of physic at these times.
KEEPING the teeth clean has no doubt a tendency to
prevent the toothach. The best method of doing this is to
wash them daily with salt and water, or with cold water
alone. All brushing and scraping of the teeth is dangerous,
and, unless it be performed with great care, must do mis-
chief.
OF THE EARACH.
THIS disorder chiefly affects the membrane which lines
the inner cavity of the ear, called the meatus auditorius. It
is often so violent as to occasion great restlessness and
anxiety, and even delirium. Sometimes epileptic fits, and
other convulsive disorders, have been brought on by ex-
treme pain in the ear.
THE

OF THE EARACH. 253
The earach may proceed from any of the causes which
produce inflammation. It often proceeds from a sudden
suppression of perspiration, or from the head being exposed
to cold when covered with sweat. It may also be occasion-
ed by worms, or other insects getting into the ear, or be-
ing bred there ; or from any hard body sticking in the ear.
Sometimes it proceeds from the translation of morbific mat-
ter to the ear. This often happens in the decline of malig-
nant fevers, and occasions deafness, which is generally
reckoned a favourable symptom.
WHEN the earach proceeds from infects, or any hard
body sticking in the ear, every method must be taken to
remove them as soon as possible. The membranes may be
relaxed by dropping into the ear oil of almonds, or olive
oil. Afterwards the patient should be made to sneeze, by
taking snuff, or some strong sternutatory. If this should
not force out the body, it must be extracted by art. I
have seen infects which have got into the ear, come out of
their own accord upon pouring in oil upon them, which is
a thing they cannot bear.
WHEN the pain of the ear proceeds from inflammation,
it must be treated like other topical inflammations, by a cool-
ing regimen and opening medicines. Bleeding at the be-
ginning, either in the arm or jugular vein, or cupping in
the neck, will be proper. The ear may likewise be fo-
mented with steams of warm water, or flannel-bags filled
with boiled mallows and camomile flowers may be applied
to it warm ; or bladders filled with warm milk and water.
An exceeding good method of fomenting the ear is to apply
it close to the mouth of a jug filled with a strong decoction
of camomile flowers.
THE patient's feet should be frequently bathed in luke-
warm water, and he ought to take small doses of nitre and
rhubarb, viz. a scruple of the former, and ten grains of
the latter three times a-day. His drink may be whey, or
decoctions of barley and liquorice, with figs or raisins, &c.
The parts behind the ear ought frequently to be rubbed
with camphorated oil, or the volatile liniment ; and a few
drops of the camphorated spirit of wine may be put into the
ear with wool or cotton.
WHEN the inflammation cannot be resolved, a poultice
of bread and milk, or roasted onions, maybe applied to the
ear, and frequently renewed, till it breaks, or the abscess
can be opened. Afterwards the humours may be diverted
from 

254 OF THE HEART-BURN.
from the part by gentle laxatives, blisters, or issues ; but
the discharge must not be suddenly dried up by any exter-
nal application. I have often known the sudden drying of
a running of the ear produce fatal consequences.
OF THE HEART-BURN.
WHAT is called the heart-burn, is not a disease of that
organ, but an uneasy sensation of heat or acrimony about
the pit of the stomach, which is sometimes attended with
anxiety, nausea, and vomiting.
IT may proceed from indigestion, from the acidity of the
fluids, or contents of the stomach, or from bilious humours.
Stale liquors, vinegar, greasy aliment, wind, &c. will cause
the heart-burn. In some constitutions it is occasioned by
the use of acids, and in others by aromatics. Pregnant wo-
men are very subject to it.
WHEN the heart-burn proceeds from indigestion, or a
foul stomach, the patient ought to take a vomit, and after-
wards a purge. After the stomach has been cleansed, he
may drink twice or thrice a-day a cup of camomile tea, with
fifteen or twenty drops of elixir of vitriol in it, in order to
strengthen the stomach and promote digestion.
WHEN acidity or sourness of the stomach occasions the
heart-burn, absorbents are the proper medicines. In this
case, chalk and water, or what is called the chalk julep,
often answers very well. It is made by mixing an ounce
of powdered chalk, half an ounce of fine sugar, and a
quarter of an ounce of gum Arabic, in two English pints of
water. A tea cupful of this may be taken at pleasure.
When the gum Arabic cannot be had, the chalk may be
mixed with milk, or taken in water alone. The testacious
powders are very proper here. A tea spoonful of prepared
oyster shells, or the powder called crab's eyes, may be taken
in a glass of peppermint water, or simple cinnamon water, as
often as there is occasion.
BUT the safest absorbent which we know, is the magnesia
alba. This not only acts as an absorbent, but by its purg-
ing quality cleanses the bowels ; whereas the chalk, and
other absorbents of that sort, are apt to lie in the intestines,
and occasion obstructions. This powder is no way dis-
agreeable, and may be taken in a cup of tea, a little milk,
or a glass of peppermint water. A large tea spoonful is the
usual dose, but there is no danger in taking a much greater
quantity, 

PAIN OF THE STOMACH. 255
quantity, and it may be repeated as often as is found neces-
sary.
WHEN the heart-burn proceeds from bilious humours, a
tea spoonful of the sweet spirits of nitre in a glass of wa-
ter, or a cup of tea or coffee, will generally give ease. If it
be caused by fat or greasy aliments, a dram of brandy or
rum may be taken.
IF wind be the cause of this complaint, the medicines
called carminatives are proper; as aniseeds, juniper berries,
cardamum seeds, &c. These may either be chewed, or a
glass of their distilled waters taken at pleasure. These, and
other warm aromatics, as ginger, canella alba, &c. give
ease, but they ought never to be used unless when necessary.
They are only drams in a dry form, and very pernicious to
the stomach. One of the safest medicines of this kind is
the tincture made by infusing an ounce of rhubarb, and a
quarter of an ounce of the lesser cardamums, in an English
pint of brandy. This must digest for two days; afterwards
it should be strained, and four ounces of white sugar-candy
in powder added to it. It must stand to digest again till
the sugar be dissolved. A table spoonful may be taken for a
dose.
I have frequently known the heart-burn cured by the
patient chewing green tea.
PAIN OF THE STOMACH.
THIS may proceed from various causes ; as indigestion,
wind, the acrimony of the bile, or from sharp, acrid, or
poisonous substances taken into the stomach. It may like-
wise proceed from worms; the stoppage of customary eva-
cuations, or from a translation of gouty matter to the sto-
mach, &c.
WOMEN, in the decline of life, are very liable to this dis-
ease, especially such as are afflicted with hysteric complaints.
It is likewise very common to hypochondriac men of a se-
dentary and luxurious life. In such persons it often proves
so extremely obstinate, as to baffle all attempts of medicine.
WHEN the pain of the stomach is most violent after eat-
ing, there is reason to suspect that it proceeds from some
fault either in the digestion or the food. In this case, the
patient ought to change his diet, till he finds what kind of
food agrees best with his stomach, and should continue
chiefly to use that. If a change of diet does not remove 
the

256 PAIN OF THE STOMACH.
the complaint, the patient may take a gentle vomit, and
afterwards a dose or two of rhubarb. He ought likewise to
take an infusion of camomile flowers, or some other sto-
machic bitter, either in wine or water. I have often known
exercise remove this complaint, especiallv failing, or a long
journey on horseback, or in a machine.
WHEN a pain of the stomach proceeds from flatulencies,
the patient is constantly belching upwind, and feels an un-
easy distension of the stomach after meals. This is a most
deplorable disease, and is seldom cured. In general, the pa-
tient ought to avoid all windy diet, and every thing that
sours on the stomach, as greens, roots, &c. This rule, how-
ever, admits of some exceptions. I have known several in-
stances of persons very much troubled with wind, who re-
ceived great benefit from eating parched peas*, though that
grain is well known to be of a windy nature. This com-
plaint may likewise be greatly relieved by exercise, especi-
ally digging, walking, or riding, &c. I have found the elixir
of vitriol answer very well in flatulencies. It may be taken
as directed in page 254.
WHEN a pain of the stomach is occasioned by the swal-
lowing of acrid or poisonous substances, they must be dis-
charged by vomit; this may be excited by butter, oils, or
other soft things, which sheath and defend the stomach from
the acrimony of its contents.
WHEN a pain of the stomach proceeds from a translation
of gouty matter, warm cordials are necessary. Some have
drank a whole bottle of brandy or rum, in this case, in a
few hours, without being in the least intoxicated, or even
feeling the stomach warmed by it. Generous wines, how-
ever, are more safe, as genuine Madeira, &c. It is impos-
sible to ascertain the quantities necessary upon these occa-
sions. This must be left to the feelings and discretion of
the patient. It is, however, the safest way not to go too
far. When there is an inclination to vomit, it may be pro-
moted by drinking an infusion of camomile flowers or car-
duus benedictus.
IF a pain of the stomach proceeds from the stoppage of
customary evacuations, bleeding will, in some cases, be ne-
cessary, especially in sanguine and very full habits. It will
likewise
* THESE are prepared by steeping or soaking peas in water, and
afterwards drying them in a pot or kiln till they be quite hard.
They may be used at pleasure. 

OF WORMS 257
likewise be of use to keep the belly gently open by mild
purgatives ; as rhubarb or senna, &c. When this disease
affects women in the decline of life, after the stoppage of
the menses, making an issue in the leg or arm will be of
peculiar service.
WHEN the disease is occasioned by worms, they must
be destroyed, or expelled by such means as are recom-
mended in the following section.
OF WORMS.
THESE are chiefly of three kinds, viz. the tænia, or
tape worm ; the teres, or round and long worm, and the
ascarides, or round and short worm. There are many
other kinds of worms found in the human body ; but as
they proceed, in a great measure, from similar causes,
have nearly the same symptoms, and require almost the
same method of cure, we shall not spend time in enumera-
ting them.
THE tape worm is white, very long, and all over joint-
ed. It is generally bred either in the stomach or small in-
testines. The round and long worm is likewise bred in the
small guts, and sometimes in the stomach. The round
and short worms commonly lodge in the rectum, or what is
called the end gut, and occasion a disagreeable itching
about the anus.
THE long round worms occasion squeamishness, vo-
miting, an ill breath, gripes, looseness, swelling of the
belly, swoonings, loathing of food, and, at other times,
a voracious appetite, a dry cough, convulsions, epileptic
fits, and sometimes a privation of speech. These worms
have been known to perforate the intestines, and get into
the cavity of the belly. The effects of the tape worm are
nearly the same with those of the long and round, but ra-
ther more violent.
ANDRY says, the following symptoms particularly at-
tend the solium, which is a species of the tape worm, viz.
swoonings, privation of speech, and a voracious appetite.
The round worms called ascarides, besides an itching of the
anus, cause swoonings, and tenesmus, or an inclination to
go to stool.
CAUSES.-Worms may proceed from various
causes ; but they are seldom found but in weak and relaxed
stomachs, where the digestion is bad. Sedentary persons
K k are 


258 OF WORMS.
are more liable to them than the active and laborious. Those
who eat great quantities of unripe fruit, or who live much on
raw herbs and roots, are generally subject to worms. Worms
are often a symptom of fevers, and other acute diseases.
There seems to be a hereditary disposition in some persons
to this disease. I have often seen all the children of a fa-
mily subject to worms of a particular kind. They seem
likewise frequently to be owing to the nurse. Children of
the same family, nursed by one woman, have often worms,
when those nursed by another have none.
Children are more liable to this disease than adults,
especially after two years of age. Infants while on the
breast, are seldom troubled with worms. To this, how-
ever, there are several exceptions, I lately saw an instance
of a child who passed worms before it was three months
old. They were indeed of a very particular kind, being
real caterpillars. Some of them were above an inch long ;
they had red heads, and were so brisk as to jump about ;
they lived several days after the child had passed them.
Another child suckled by the same woman, passed the same
kind of worms when upon the breast, and both children
suffered extremely before the worms came away.
SYMPTOMS - The common symptoms of
worms are, paleness of the countenance, and, at other
times, an universal flushing of the face ; itching of the nose,
this however is doubtful, as children pick their noses in all
diseases ; starting, and grinding of the teeth in sleep ; the
appetite sometimes bad, at other times quite voracious  ;
looseness, a sour or stinking breath, a hard swelled belly,
great thirst the urine frothy, and sometimes of a whitish
colour, griping, or colic pains, an involuntary discharge
of saliva, especially when asleep ; frequent pains of the
side,  with a dry cough, and unequal pulse ; palpitations
of the heart, swoonings, drowsiness, cold sweats, palsy,
epileptic fits, with  many other unaccountable nervous
symptoms, which were formerly attributed to witchcraft,
or the influence of evil spirits. Small bodies in the excre-
ments, resembling melon or cucumber seeds, are symptoms
of the tape worm.
Though this is a very common disease, yet it is less so
than is generally imagined. Nurses impute most of the
diseases of children to worms, and often give medicine to
kill these vermin where they do not exist. Even physici-
ans are often deceived with respect to worms. I have fre-
quently 

OF WORMS 259
quently opened children who were thought to have been
killed by them, and found none. In short there is no
certain proof of worms existing in the intestines, but their
being passed ; and that will sometimes happen where no
previous symptoms appeared.
MEDICINE.- Though numberless medi-
cines are extolled for killing and expelling worms *, yet
no disease more frequently baffles the physician's skill. In
general the most proper medicines for their expulsion are
strong purgatives ; and to prevent their breeding, stoma-
chic bitters, with now and then a glass of good wine.
The best purge for an adult is jalap and calomel. Five
and twenty or thirty grains of the former, with six or
seven of the latter, mixed in syrup, may be taken for a
dose. This should be taken early in the morning. It will
be proper that the patient keep the house all day, and drink
nothing cold. The dose may be repeated once or twice
a-week, for a fortnight or three weeks. On the inter-
mediate days the patient may take a dram of the powder of
tin, twice or thrice a day, mixed with syrup, honey, or
treacle.
Those who do not choose to take calomel, may make
use of the bitter purgatives; as aloes, hiera picra, tincture
of senna and rhubarb, & c.
Oily medicines are likewise of use for expelling worms.
An ounce of salad oil and a table spoonful of common salt,
may be taken in a glass of red port wine thrice a-da/, or
oftener if the stomach will bear it. But the more com-
mon form of using oil is in clysters. Oily clysters sweeten-
ed with sugar or honey, are very efficacious in bringing
away the short round worms called ascarides.
The Harrowgate water is an excellent medicine for ex-
pelling worms, especially the ascarides. As this water evi-
dently abounds with sulphur, we may hence infer, that
sulphur alone must be a good medicine in this case ; this is
found to be true in fact. Many petitioners give flour
of sulphur in very large doses, and with great success. It
may be made into an elecetuary with honey or treacle, and
taken in such quantity as to purge the patient.
K k 2 Where
* A medical writer of the present age, has enumerated upwards
of fifty British plants, all famous for killing aud expelling worms
out of the body. 
  

260 OF WORMS.
Where Harrowgate water cannot be obtained, sea
water may be used, which is far from being a contempti-
ble medicine in this case. If sea water cannot be had,
common salt may be dissolved in water and drank. I have
often seen this used by country nurses, when they suspect-
ed their children were troubled with worms, with very
good effect.
But worms, though expelled, will soon breed again,
if the stomach remains weak and relaxed ; to prevent this,
we would recommend the Jesuits bark. Half a dram of
bark in powder may be taken in a glass of red Port wine,
three or four times a-day, after the above medicines have
been used. Lime water is likewise good for this purpose,
or a table spoonful of the chalybeate wine *, taken twice
or thrice a-day. Infusions or decoctions of bitter herbs
may likewise be drank; as the infusion of tansy, water
trefoil, camomile flowers, tops of wormwood, the lesser
centaury, & c.
The above directions are calculated for adults ; but for
children the medicines must be more agreeable, and given
in smaller doses.
For a child of four or five years old, ten grains of rhu-
barb, five of jalap, and two of calomel, may be mixed in
a spoonful of syrup or honey, and given in the morning. The
child should keep the house all day, and have nothing cold.
This dose may be repeated twice a-week for three or four
weeks. On the intermediate days the child may take a
scruple of powder of tin, and ten grains of æthiops mine-
ral, In a spoonful of treacle twice a-day. These doses must
be increased or diminished according to the age of the pa-
tient.
I have frequently known those big bellies, which in*
children are commonly reckoned a sign of worms, quite
removed by giving them white soap in their pottage, or
other food. Tansy, garlic, and rue, are all good against
worms, and may be used various ways. We might here
mention many plants, both for external and internal use,
but think the powder of tin, with æthiops mineral, and the
purges of rhubarb and calomel, are much more to be de-
pended on. It will not, however, be amiss to give a child
who
* The chalybeate- wine is made by digesting three ounces of si-
lings of iron, and half a dram of cochineal, in two English pints of
Rhenish wine for three weeks, frequently shaking the vessel. Af-
terwards the liquor must be filtered. 

OF THE JAUNDICE. 261
who is troubled with worms a glass of red wine now and
then, as every thing that braces and strengthens the stomach
is good both for preventing and expelling these vermine.
Parents who would preserve their children from worms,
ought to allow them plenty of exercise in the open air, to
see that their food be wholesome and sufficiently solid, and,
as far as possible, to prevent their eating raw herbs, roots,
or green trashy fruits  *.
OF THE JAUNDICE.
This disease is first observable in the white of the eye,
which appears of a yellowish colour. Afterwards, the whole
skin puts on a yellow, and sometimes a blackish appearance.
The urine too is of a saffron hue, and dyes a white cloth, if
put into it, of the same colour.
CAUSES.——-The immediate cause of the jaundice
is an obstruction of the bile. The remote or occasional
causes are, the bites of poisonous animals, as the viper, mad
dog, & c. the bilious or hysteric colic, violent passions, as
grief, anger, & c. Strong purges or vomits will likewise oc-
casion the jaundice. Sometimes it proceeds from obstinate
agues, or from that disease being prematurely stopped by
astringent medicines. In infants it is often occasioned by
the meconium not being sufficiently purged off. Pregnant
Women are very subject to it. It is likewise a symptom in
several kinds of fevers. Catching cold, or the stopping of
customary evacuations, as the menses, the bleeding piles,
issues, & c. will occasion the jaundice.
SYMPTOM S.- The patient at first complains of
excessive weariness, and has great aversion to any kind of
motion. His skin is dry, and he generally feels a kind of
itching or pricking  pain over the whole body. The stools
are of a whitish or clay colour, and the urine, as was ob-
served
* We think it necessary here to warn people of their danger who
buy worm cakes and powders at random from quacks, and give
them to their children without proper care. The principal ingre-
dient in most of these medicines is mercury, which is never to be
trifled with. I lately saw a mocking instance of the danger of this
conduct. A girl who had taken a dose of worm-powder, bought of
a travelling quack, went out, and I believe might be so imprudent as
to drink cold water, during its ooeration. She immediately swelled,
and died that very day, with all the symptoms of having been
poisoned. 


262 OF THE JAUNDICE.
served above, is yellow. The breathing is difficult, and the
patient complains of an unusual load or oppression on his
breast. There is a heat in the nostrils, a bitter taste in the
mouth, loathing of food, sickness at the stomach, vomiting,
flatulency, and frequently all objects appear to the eye of a
yellow colour.
IF the patient be young, and the disease complicated
with no other malady, it is seldom dangerous ; but in old
people, where it continues long, returns frequently, or is
complicated with the dropsy or hypochondriac symptoms,
it generally proves fatal. The black jaundice is more dan-
gerous than the yellow.
REGIMEN.- The diet should be cool, light,
and diluting, consisting chiefly of ripe fruits and mild ve-
getables ; as apples boiled or roasted, stewed prunes, pre-
served plumbs, boiled spinage, & c. Veal or chicken
broth, with light bread, are likewise very proper. The
drink should be butter milk, whey, sweetened with honey,
or decoctions of cool opening vegetables : as marshmal-
low roots, with liquorice, &c.
THE patient should take as much exercise as he can
bear, either on horseback or in a machine ; walking, run-
ning, and even jumping, are likewise proper, provided
he can bear them without pain, and there be no symptoms
of inflammation. Patients have been often cured of this
disease by a long journey, after medicines had proved inef-
fectual.
AMUSEMENTS are likewise of great use in the jaundice.
The disease is often occasioned by a sedentary-life, joined to
a dull melancholy disposition. Whatever therefore tends
to promote muscular motion, and to cheer the spirits, must
have a good effect ; as dancing, laughing, singing, & c.
MEDICINE.- If the patient be young, of a
full sanguine habit, and complains of pain in the right
side about the region of the liver, bleeding will be necessa-
ry. After this a vomit must be administered ; and if the
disease proves obstinate, it may be repeated once or twice.
No medicines are more beneficial in the jaundice than vo-
mits, especially where it is not attended with inflammati-
on. Half a dram of ipecacuanha in powder will be a suf-
ficient dose for an adult. It may be wrought off with
weak camomile tea, or lukewarm water.
THE belly must likewise be kept open by mild purga-
tives. Castile soap, if taken in sufficient quantities, an-
swers 
 

OF THE JAUNDICE. 263
swers this purpose extremely well. It may be taken from
half an ounce to an ounce daily, for a considerable time.
As few people have resolution to swallow such large quan-
tities of soap, I generally give pills made of soap, aloes, and
rhubarb, which answer the same intention in a smaller
dose. They may be prepared in the following man-
ner :
TAKE socotrine aloes and Turkey rhubarb in powder,
of each a dram, Castile soap an ounce. Beat them all to-
gether, with a little syrup, into a proper consistence for
pills. Let them be formed into pills of an ordinary size, and
five or six of them taken three times a-day. They must be
continued for some time, and the quantity regulated by the
patient's stools, of which he ought at least to have one or
two every day.
FOMENTING the parts about the region of the stomach
and liver, and rubbing them with a warm hand or flesh-
brush, are likewise beneficial ; but it is still more so for the
patient to fit in a vessel of warm water up to the breast.
He ought to do this frequently, and should continue in it
as long as his strength will permit.
MANY dirty things are recommended for the cure of the
jaundice ; as lice, the millepedes, &c. But these do
more harm than good, as people trust to them, and ne-
glect more valuable medicines ; besides, they are seldom
taken in sufficient quantity to produce any effects. Peo-
ple always expect that these out of the way things should act
as charms, and consequently seldom persist in the use of
them. Vomits, purges, fomentations, and exercise, will
seldom fail to cure the jaundice when it is a simple disease ;
and when complicated with the dropsy, or other chronic
complaints, it is hardly to be cured by any means.
NUMBERLESS British herbs are extolled for the cure of
this disease. Dr. Short, in his Medicina Britannica, men-
tions near a hundred, all famous for curing the jaundice.
The fact is, this disease often goes off of its own accord ;
in which case the last medicine is always said to have per-
formed the cure. I have however seen considerable benefit
in a very obstinate jaundice, from a decoction of hemp
seed. Four ounces of the feed may be boiled in two En-
glish quarts of ale, and sweetened with coarse sugar. The
dose is half an English pint every morning. It may be
continued for eight or nine days.
I have 

264 OF THE DROPSY.
I have known Harrowgate water cure a very obstinate
jaundice. I have known patients, after taking many me-
dicines without effect, go thither in the middle of winter,
and in few weeks return quite well. They both drank
the sulphur water, and bathed.
OF THE DROPSY.
THE dropsy is a preternatural swelling of the whole bo-
dy, or some part of it, occasioned by a collection of watery
humour. It is distinguished by different names, according
to the part affected, as the anasarca, or a collection of wa-
ter under the skin ; the ascites, or a collection of water in
the belly ; the hydrops pectoris, or dropsy of the breast ;
the hydrocephalus, or dropsy of the brain, &c. There is
likewise a species of dropsy called tympany, which is occa-
sioned by rarified air pent up in the cavities or cells of the
body.
CAUSES.- A very common cause of the drop-
sy is a hereditary disposition. It may likewise proceed
from drinking ardent spirits, or other strong liquors. It is
true, almost to a proverb, that great drinkers die of a drop-
sy. The want of exercise is also a very common cause of
the dropsy. Hence it is justly reckoned among the diseases
of the sedentary. It often proceeds from excessive evacua-
tions, as frequent and copious bleedings, strong purges of-
ten repeated, frequent salivations, &c. The sudden stop-
page of customary or necessary evacuations, as the menses,
the hæmorrhoids, or fluxes of the belly, may likewise
cause a dropsy. 
I have often known the dropsy occasioned by drinking
large quantities of cold, weak, watery liquor after violent
exercise, while the body was hot. A low, damp, or marshy
situation is likewise a frequent causes of it. Hence it is a
common disease in moist, flat, fenny countries. It may
also be brought on by a long course of poor watery diet, or
the use of viscous aliment, that is hard of digestion. It is
often the effect of other diseases, as the jaundice, a schirrhous
of the liver, a violent ague, of long continuance, a diarr-
hœa, a dysentery, an empyema, or a consumption of the
lungs. In short, whatever obstructs the circulation of the
blood, or prevents its being duly prepared, may occasion a
dropsy.
SYMPTOMS. 

OF THE DROPSY. 265
SYMPTOMS.- This disease generally begins
with a swelling of the feet and ancles towards night, which
for some time disappears in the morning. In the evening
the parts, if pressed with the finger, will pit. The swell-
ing gradually ascends towards the belly, which at length
grows big. When it is struck with the hand, a fluctuation
may be felt, and sometimes heard. Afterwards the breath-
ing becomes difficult, the urine is in small quantity, and
the thirst great, the belly is bound, and the perspiration
is greatly obstructed. To these succeed torpor, heaviness,
a slow wasting fever, and a troublesome cough. This last
is generally a fatal symptom, as it shews the lungs to be
affected. In a tympany, the belly when struck sounds like
a drum.
When the disease comes suddenly on, and the patient is
young and strong, there is reason to hope for a cure, espe-
cially if medicine be given early. But if the patient be old,
has led an irregular or a sedentary life, or if there be reason
to suspect that the liver, lungs, or any of the viscera are un-
found, there is great ground to fear that the consequences
will prove fatal.
REGIMEN.- The patient must abstain, as
much as possible, from all drink, especially weak and wa-
tery liquors, and must quench his thirst with acids, as juice
of lemons, oranges, forrel, & c. His aliment ought to be
dry, of a heating and diuretic quality, as toasted bread,
the flesh of birds, or other wild animals, roasted; pungent
and aromatic vegetables, as garlic, mustard, onions, cresses,
horseradish, rocambole, shalot, & c. They may also eat
sea biscuit, dipt in wine or brandy. This is not only nou-
rishing, but tends to quench thirst. Some have been actu-
ally cured of a dropsy by a total abstinence from all liquids,
and living entirely upon such things as are mentioned
above. If the patient must have drink, the Spaw water, or
Rhenish wine, with diuretic medicines infused in it, are the
best.
Exercise is of the greatest importance in a dropsy. If
the patient be able to walk, run, dance, or jump about,
he ought to continue these exercises as long as he can. If he
be not able to walk, & c. he must ride on horseback, or in
a machine, and the more violent the motion so much the
better, provided he can bear it. His bed ought to he hard,
and the air of his apartments warm and dry. If he lives in
a damp country, he ought to be removed into a dry one,
L 1 and, 

266 OF THE DROPSY
and, if possible, into a warmer climate. In a word, every
method must be taken to promote the perspiration and to brace
the solids. For this purpose, it will likewise be proper to
rub the patient's body two or three times a-day, with a hard
cloth or the flesh brush, and he ought constantly to wear flan-
nel next his skin.
MEDICINE. If the patient be young, his
constitution good, and the disease has come on suddenly, it
may generally be removed by strong vomits, brisk purges,
and such medicines as promote a discharge of sweat and
urine. For an adult, half a dram of ipecacuanha in pow-
der, and half an ounce of oxymel of squills, will be a pro-
per vomit. This may be, repeated three or four times, if
necessary, three or four days intervening betwixt each dose.
The patient must not drink much after the vomit, other-
wise he destroys its effect. A cup or two of camomile tea
will be sufficient to work it off.
Betwixt each vomit, on one of the intermediate days,
the patient may take the following purge. Take jalap in
powder half a dram, cream of tartar two drams, calomel
fix grains. These may be made into a bolus with a little
syrup of pale roses, and taken early in the morning. The
less the patient drinks after it the better. If he be much
griped, he may take now and then a cup of chicken broth.
The patient may likewise take every night at bedtime
the following bolus : Take four or five grains of camphire,'
one grain of opium, and as much syrup of orange peel as is
sufficient to make them into a bolus. This will generally
promote a gentle sweat, which should be encouraged by
drinking now and then a small cup of wine whey, with a
tea spoonful of the spirits of hartshorn in it.
The patient may take, three or four times a-day, a tea,
cupful of the following infusion : Take juniper berries,
mustard seed, and horse radish, of each half an ounce, ashes
of broom half a pound ; infuse them in a quart of Rhenish
wine or strong ale for a few days, and afterwards strain of
the liquor. Such as cannot take this infusion, may use the de-
coition of Seneca root, which is both diuretic and sudorific.
It may be prepared and taken as directed in page 119.
As this disease is very apt to return ; after the water has
been drained off, to prevent its collecting again, the patient
must continue to take exercise, to use a dry diet, and such
medicines as strengthen and brace the solids, as wine with
steel or bark infused in it ; warm and aromatic bitters are
likewise 

OF THE GOUT 267
likewise proper, as the Virginian snakeroot, canella alba,
orange peel, &c. infused in wine or brandy : The patient
must avoid all great evacuations, and ought, if he can, to
make choice of a dry warm situation.
The above course will often cure an incidental dropsy,
if the constitution be good ; but when the disease proceeds
from a bad habit, or an unfound state of the viscera, strong
purges and vomits are not to be ventured upon. In this
case, the safer course is to palliate the symptoms by the
use of such medicines as promote' the secretions, and to
support the patient's strength by warm and nourishing cor-
dials.
The discharge of urine may be greatly promoted by ni-
tre. Brookes says, he knew a young woman who was
cured of a dropsy by taking a dram of nitre every morning
in a draught of ale, after she had been given over as incu-
rable. The powder of squills is likewise a good diuretic.
Six or eight grains of it, with a scruple of nitre, may be
given twice a-day in a glass of strong cinnamon water.
Ball says, a larges spoonful of unbruised mustard seed taken
every night and morning, and drinking half an English
pint of the decoction of the tops of green broom after it,
has produced a cure, after other powerful methods had
proved ineffectual.
To promote perspiration, the patient may use the de-
coction of Seneca root, as directed above ; or he may take
two spoonfuls of Mindererus's spirit, in a cup of wine
whey, three or four times a-day. The saline draughts re-
commended in page 105, are likewise very proper in this case.
These medicines, with the regimen mentioned above, if
they do not cure, will, at least, alleviate the disease,
which, in worn out constitutions, is a safer course than at-
tempting to extirpate it. When other means fail, re-
course must be had to tapping, which is a safe and easy ope-
ration, though it seldom produces a radical cure.
Of the GOUT.
There is no disease which shews the imperfecion of
the medical art more than the gout. Nor does any malady
L 1 2 shew
This spirit is prepared by gradually pouring distilled vinegar
upon any quantity of the volatile fal ammoniac till the effervescence
ceases ; occasionally shaking the vessel to promote the action of the
vinegar on the salt.

268 OF THE GOUT.
shew the advantages of temperance and exercise in a stronger
light. Few who pay a proper regard to these are troubled
with the gout, unless when it is hereditary. This points
out the true source from whence that pest originally sprung,
viz. excess and idleness. Few persons are affected with the
gout till the decline of life, except those who inherit it
from their parents. Men are more liable to it than wo-
men, especially those of a full, gross habit.
CAUSES.—- One very common cause of the gout
is a hereditary disposition. Persons who know themselves
to be tainted this way, ought therefore to guard against its
attack, by steadily pursuing a course directly opposite to
that which occasions the disease. Full living, but especi-
ally indulging in rich, pungent, or stimulating sauces and
generous wines, has a great tendency to bring on the gout.
Intense thought, or application of the mind to abstruse sub-
jects, particularly night studies, has likewise this effect.
The plentiful use of acids, as four punch, prickt wines,
&c. are also hurtful ; but nothing more certainly induces
this disease than excess of venery, especially in the early
period of life.
Sometimes the gout has been known to prove infecti-
ous ; but this is rarely the case. It may proceed from an
obstruction or defect of any of the usual discharges, as the
perspiration, sweating of the feet, the menses, &c. A
sudden chilling of the feet after sweat, or drying them at
the fire after being wet and cold, are likewise bad. The
modern custom of eating a hot flesh supper, drinking warm
strong liquors after it, and fitting up the greater part of the
night, is one very great cause of the gout, and indeed of
many other diseases.
SYMPTOMS - A fit of the gout is generally
preceded by indigestion, drowsiness, wind, a slight head-
ach, sickness, and sometimes vomiting. The patient com-
plains of weariness and dejection of spirits, and has often a
pain in the limbs, with a sensation as if wind or cold water
were passing down the thigh. The appetite is often re-
markably keen a day or two before the fit, and there is a
slight pain in passing urine, and sometimes an involuntary
shedding of tears. Sometimes these symptoms are much
more violent, especially upon the near approach of the fit ;
and some observe, that as the fever which ushers in the gout
is, so will the fit be ; if the fever be short and sharp, the
fit will be so likewise ; if it be feeble, long, and lingering 
the
 

OF THE GOUT. 269
the fit will be such also. But this observation can only
hold with respect to very regular fits of the gout.
The regular gout generally makes its attack in the spring,
or beginning of winter, in the following manner : About
two or three in the morning, the patient is seized with a
pain in his great toe, sometimes in the heel, and at other
times in the ankel or calf of the leg. This pain is accom-
panied with a sensation, as if cold water were poured upon
the part, which is succeeded by a shivering, with some de-
grees of fever. Afterwards the pain increases, and fixing
among the small bones of the foot, the patient feels all the
different kinds of torture, as if the part were stretched,
burnt, squeezed, gnawed, or torn in pieces, & c. The
part at length becomes so exquisitely sensible, that the pa-
tient cannot bear to have it touched, nor even suffer any
person to walk across the room.
The patient is generally in exquisite torture for twenty-
four hours, from the time of the coming on of the fit: He then
becomes easier, the part begins to swell, appears red, and
is covered with a little moisture. Towards morning he
drops asleep, and generally falls into a gentle breathing
sweat. This terminates the first paroxysm, a number of
which constitutes a fit of the gout ; which is longer or
shorter according to the patient's age, strength, the season
of the year, and the disposition of the body to this dis-
ease.
The patient is always worse towards night, and easier
in the morning. The paroxysms however generally grow
milder every day, till at length the matter is discharged
by perspiration, urine, and the other evacuations. In some
patients this happens in a few days ; in others it requires
weeks, and in some months, to finish the fit. Those
whom age and frequent fits of the gout have greatly debili-
tated, seldom get free of it before the approach of summer,
and sometimes not till it be pretty far advanced.
REGIMEN.- As there are no medicines, yet
known, that will cure the gout, we shall confine our ob-
servations mostly to regimen, both in and out of the fit.
In the fit, if the patient be young and strong, his diet
ought to be thin and cooling, and his drink of a diluting
nature; but where the constitution is weak, and the pati-
ent has been accustomed to live high, this is not a proper
time to retrench. In this case, he must keep nearly to his
usual diet, and should take frequently a cup of strong negas,
or 

270 OF THE GOUT.
or a glass of generous wine. Wine whey is a very proper
drink in this case, as it promotes the perspiration without
heating the patient. It will answer this purpose better, if a tea
spoonful of sal volatile oleosum, or spirits of hartshorn, be put
into a cup of it twice or thrice a-day. It will likewise be
proper for the patient to take at bed time a tea spoonful of
the volatile tinaure of guaiacum in a large draught of warm
wine whey. This will greatly promote perspiration
through the night.
As we know no safe way of discharging the gouty matter
but by perspiration, this ought to be kept up by all means,
especially in the part affected. For this purpose, the leg
and foot affected should be wrapt in soft flannel, for or
wool. The last is most readily obtained, and seems to an-
swer the purpose as well, if not better, than any thing else.
The people of Lancashire look upon wool as a kind of spe-
cific in the gout. They wrap a great quantity of it comb-
ed about the leg and foot affected, and cover it with a skin
of shamoy leather. This they suffer to continue for eight
or ten days, and sometimes for a fortnight or three weeks,
or longer if the pain does not cease. I never knew any
external application answer so well in the gout. I have of-
ten seen it applied when the swelling and inflammation
were very great, with violent pain and have found all
these symptoms relieved by it in a few days. The wool
which they use is generally greased, and carded or combed.
They choose the softeft which can be had, and seldom or
never remove it till the fit be entirely gone off.
The patient ought likewise to be kept quiet and easy
during the fit. Every thing that affects the mind disturbs
the paroxysm, and tends to throw the gout upon the no-
bler parts. For the same reason, all external applications
that repel the matter are to be avoided as death. They
do not cure the disease, but remove it from afafe to a more
dangerous part of the body, where it often proves fatal.
A fit of the gout is rather to be considered as Nature's me-
thod of curing a disease than a disease itself, and all that we
can do, with safety, is to promote her intentions, and to
assist her in expelling the enemy in her own way. Evacu-
ations by bleeding, stool, &c. are likwise hurtful. They
do not remove the cause of the disease, and by weakening
the patient, they generally prolong the fit.
Many things will indeed shorten a fit of the gout, and
some will drive it off altogether but nothing has yet been
found 

OF THE GOUT. 271
found which will do this with safety to the patient. In
pain we eagerly grasp at any thing that promises immediate
ease, and even hazard life itself for a momentary relief.
This is the true reason why so many infallible remedies
have been proposed for the gout, and why such numbers
have lost their lives by them. It would be as prudent to
stop the small-pox from rising, and to drive them into the
blood, as to attempt to repel the gout. The latter is as
much an effort of Nature to free herself from an offending
cause as the former, and ought equally to be promoted.
In fine, there is no disease which Nature makes a greater
effort to cure than the gout ; nor is it difficult to see which
way her endeavours tend. She always attempts to throw
the disease upon the extremities, and when that is accom-
plished, her work is half done. It may safely lodge there
till it be gradually expelled by the vital powers, and it can-
not lodge safety any where else, nor be expelled in any
other way.
After the fit is over, the patient ought to take a dose
or two of the bitter tincture of rhubarb, or some other
warm flomachic purge. He should also drink a weak in-
fusion of stomachic bitters, in small wine or ale ; as genti-
an, with cinnamon, or Virginian snakeroot, and orange
peel. The diet at this time should be light, but nourish-
ing, and gentle exercise should be taken on horseback, or
in a machine, & c. 
Out of the fit, it is in the patient's power to do ma-
ny things towards preventing a return of the disorder, or
rendering the fit, if it should return, less severe. This,
however, is not to be attempted by medicine. I have fre-
quently known the gout kept off for several years, by the
Jesuits bark, and other medicines ; but in all the cases
where I had occasion to see this tried, the persons died
suddenly, and, to all appearance, for want of a regular
fit of the gout. One would be apt, from hence, to con-
clude, that a fit of the gout, to some constitutions, in the
decline of life, is rather salutary than hurtful.
Though it may be dangerous to stop a fit of the gout by
medicine, yet if the constitution can be so changed by diet
and exercise, as to lessen or totally prevent its return, there
certainly can be no danger in following such a course. It
is well known that the whole humours may be so altered by
a proper course of diet, as quite to eradicate this disease ; 
 

272 OF THE GOUT. 
and those only who have resolution enough to persist in such
a course have reason to expect a cure.
THE course which we would recommend for preventing
the gout, is as follows: In the first place, universal tempe-
rance. In the next place, plenty of exercise. By this we
do not mean sauntering about in an indolent manner, but
labour, sweat, and toil. These only can render the hu-
mours wholesome, and keep them so. Going early to bed,
and rising by times, are of great importance. It is like-
wise proper to avoid night studies, and all intense thought.
The supper should be light, and taken early. All strong
liquors, especially generous wines and sour punch, are to
be avoided. Above all, we would recommend a milk diet.
The use of milk is not to be gone into all at once, but in-
creased gradually, till it becomes the principal part of the
diet.
WE would likewise recommend some doses of magnesia
alba and rhubarb to be taken every spring and autumn ;
and afterwards a course of stomachic bitters, as tansy or
water trefoil tea, an infusion of gentian and camomile
flowers, or a decoction of burdock root, &c. Any of
these, or an infusion of any wholesome bitter that is more
agreeable to the patient, may be drank for two or three
weeks twice a-day. An issue or perpetual blister has a great
tendency to prevent the gout. If these were not ge-
nerally used, in the decline of life, they would not
only often prevent the gout, but also many other mala-
dies. Such as can afford to go to Bath will find great be-
nefit from bathing and drinking the water. It both pro-
motes digestion and invigorates the habit.
WHEN the gout attacks the head or lungs, every me-
thod must be taken to draw it towards the feet. they must
be frequently bathed in warm water, and acrid cataplasms
applied to the soles. Blistering plasters ought likewise to
be applied to the ancles or calves of the legs. Bleeding in
the feet or ancles is also necessary, and warm stomachic
purges. The patient ought to keep in bed for the most
part, if there be any signs of inflammation, and should be
very careful not to catch cold.
If it attacks the stomach with a sense of cold, the most
warm cordials are necessary ; as strong wine, cinnamon
water, peppermint water, and even brandy or rum. the
patient should keep in bed, and endeavour to promote a
sweat by drinking warm liquors ; and if he should be trou-
bled

OF THE RHEUMATISM. 273
bled with a nausea, or inclination to vomit, he may drink
camomile tea or small posset.
WHEN the gout attacks the kidneys, and imitates gravel
pains, the patient ought to drink freely of a decoction of
marshmallows, and to have the parts fomented with warm
water. An emollient clyster ought likewise to be given,
and afterwards an opiate. If the pain be very violent,
twenty or thirty drops of laudanum may be taken in a cup
of the decoction.
PERSONS who have had the gout should be very attentive
to any complaints that may happen to them about the time
when they have reason to expect a return of the fit. the
gout imitates many other disorders, and by being mistaken
for them, and treated accordingly, is often diverted
from its proper course, to the great danger of the
patient's life.
THOSE who never had the gout, but who, from their
constitution or manner of living, have reason to expect it,
ought likewise to be very circumspect with regard to its
first approach. If the disease by wrong conduct or im-
proper medicines, be diverted from its proper course, the
miserable patient has a chance to be ever after tormented
with headachs, coughs, pains of the stomach and intestines;
and generally falls, at last, a victim to its attack upon some
of the more noble parts.
OF THE RHEUMATISM.
THIS disease has great affinity with the gout. It gene-
rally attacks the joints with exquisite pain, and is some-
times attended with inflammation and swelling. It is most
common in the spring and towards the end of autumn. It
is usually distinguished into acute and chronic ; or the
rheumatism attended with a fever, and that which is not.
CAUSES.-The causes of a rheumatism are fre-
quently the same as those of an inflammatory fever, viz.
an obstructed perspiration, the immoderate use of strong
liquors, &c. Sudden changes of the weather, and all,
quick transitions from heat to cold, are very apt to occasi-
on the rheumatism. The most extraordinary case of a
rheumatism that I ever saw, where almost every joint of the
body was distorted, was in a man who used to work one
part of the day by the fire, and the other part of it in the
M m water. 


274 OF THE RHEUMATISM.
water. Very obstinate rheumatisms have likewise been 
brought on by persons, not accustomed to it, allowing
their feet to continue long wet. The same effects are of-
ten produced by wet cloaths, damp beds, or lying upon
the ground, especially in the night.
THE rheumatism may either be occasioned by excessive 
evacuations or the stoppage of usual discharges. It is often
the effect of chronic diseases, which vitiate the humours ;
as the scurvy, the lues venerea, obstinate autumnal agues,
&c.
THE rheumatism prevails most in low, damp, marshy
countries. It is likewise very common amongst the poor-
er sort of peasants, who are ill clothed, live in low, cold
houses, and eat coarse unwholesome food, which contains
but little nourishment, and is not easy assimilated.
SYMPTOMS.—The acute rheumatism com-
monly begins with weariness, shivering, a quick pulse,
restlessess, thirst, and other symptoms of fever. After-
wards the patient complains of flying pains, which are in-
creased by the least motion. These at length fix in the
joints, which are often affected with swelling and inflam-
mation. If blood be let in this disease, it has generally the
same appearance as in the pleurisy.
IN this kind of rheumatism the treatment of the patient
is nearly the same as in an acute or inflammatory fever.
If he be young and strong, bleeding is necessary, which
may be repeated according to the exigencies of the case.
THE belly ought likewise to be kept open by emollient
clysters, or cool opening liquors ; as decoctions of tama-
rinds and liquorice, cream of tartar, whey, &c. The diet
should be light, and in small quantity, consisting chiefly
of roasted apples groat gruel, or very weak chicken broth.
After the feverish symptoms have abated, if the pain still
continues, the patient must keep his bed, and take such
things as promote perspiration ; as wine whey with spi-
ritus Mendereri, in the manner directed in page 267. the
patient may likewise take, for a few nights, at bed time,
in a cup of wine whey, a dram of cream of tartar, and half
a dram of gum guaiacum in powder.
WARM bathing, after proper evacuations, has often an
exceeding good effect. The patient may either be put in-
to a bath of warm water, or have cloths wrung out of it
applied to the parts affected. Great care must be taken
that he do not catch cold after bathing.
THE


OF THE RHEUMATISM. 275
THE chronic rheumatism is seldom attended with any con-
siderable degree of fever, and is generally confined to some
particular part of the body, as the shoulders, the back, or
the loins. There is seldom any inflammation or swelling
in this case. Persons in the decline of life are most subject
to the chronic rheumatism. In such patients it often proves
extremely obstinate, and sometimes incurable.
IN this kind of rheumatism the regimen should be nearly
the same as in the acute. Cool and diluting diet, consist-
ing chiefly of vegetable substances, as stewed prunes, cod-
dled apples, currants or gooseberries boiled in milk, is
most proper. Arbuthnot says, " If there be a specific in
" aliment for the rheumatism, it is certainly whey ;" and
adds, " That he knew a person subject to this disease, who
" could never be cured by any other method but a diet of
" whey and bread." He likewise says, " That cream of
" tartar in water gruel, taken for several days, will ease
" rheumatic pains considerably." This I have often ex-
perienced, but found it always more efficacious when join-
ed with gum guaiacum, as directed above. In this case the pa-
tient may take the dose mentioned above twice a-day, and
likewise a tea spoonful of the volatile tincture of gum gu-
aiacum at bed time in wine whey.
THIS course may be continued for a week, or longer,
if the case proves obstinate, and the patient's strength will
permit. It ought then to be omitted for a few days, and
repeated again. At the same time, leeches or a blistering
plaster may be applied to the part affected. What I have
generally found answer better than either of these, in obsti-
nate fixed rheumatic pains, is the warm plaster. It is made by
melting over a gentle fire, an ounce of gum plaster, with
two drams of blistering plaster. This may be spread upon
soft leather, and applied to the part affected. It should
be taken off and wiped every three or four days, and may
be renewed once a fortnight. Cupping upon the part af-
fected is likewise often beneficial, and is greatly preferable
to the application of leeches.
THOUGH this disease may not seem in the least to yield
to medicines for a long time, yet they ought still to be per-
sisted in. persons who are subject to frequent returns of
the rheumatism, will often find their account in using me-
dicines, whether they be immediately affected with it or
not. The chronic rheumatism is similar to the gout in
M m 2 this 

276 OF THE SCURVY.
this respect, that the most proper time for using medicines
to extirpate it, is when the patient is most free from it.
TO those who can afford to go thither, we would re-
commend the warm baths of Buxton or Matlock in Der-
byshire. These have often cured very obstinate rheuma-
tisms, and are always safe either in or out of the fit.
When the rheumatism is complicated with scorbutic com-
plaints, which is not seldom the case, the Harrowgate wa-
ters and those of Moffat are proper. they should both be
drank and used as a warm bath.
THERE are several of our own domestic plants which
may be used with advantage in the rheumatism. One of
the best of them is the white mustard seed. A table spoon-
ful of this may be taken twice or thrice a-day, in a glass of
water or small wine. the water trefoil is likewise of
great use in this complaint. It may be infused in wine or
ale, or drank in form of tea. The ground-ivy, camo-
mile, and several other bitters, are also beneficial, and may
be used in the same manner. No benefit however is to be
expected from these unless they be used for a consider-
able time. Excellent medicines are often despised in this
case, because they do not perform a cure instantaneously ;
whereas nothing would be more certain than their effect,
were they duly persisted in. The want of perseverance in
the use of medicines is one great cause why chronic disea-
ses are so seldom cured.
COLD bathing, especially in salt water, often cures the
rheumatism. We would also recommend riding on horse-
back, and wearing flannel next the skin. A flannel shirt,
in an obstinate rheumatism, especially if the patient be old,
is one of the best medicines we know. Issues are likewise
very proper ; they have often been known to cure a chro-
nic rheumatism. If the pain affects the shoulders, an isssue
may be made in the arm ; but if it affects the loins, it
should be put in the leg or thigh. Rheumatic persons ought
to make choice of a dry warm air, to avoid wet cloaths
as much as possible, and make frequent use of the flesh-
brush.
OF THE SCURVY.
THIS disease prevails chiefly in cold northern countries,
especially in low damp situations, near large marshes, or
great 

OF THE SCURVY. 277
great quantities of stagnating water. Sedentary people, of a
dull melancholy disposition are most subject to it. It
proves often fatal to sailors in long voyages, particularly in
ships that are not properly ventilated, and have many peo-
ple on board.
CAUSES.—— the scurvy is occasioned by cold
moist air, by the long use of salted or smoke-dried provisi-
ons, or of any kind of food that is hard of digestion, and
affords little nourishment. It may also proceed from ex-
cessive evacuations, or the suppression of customary dis-
charges ; as the menses, hæmorrhoidal flux, &c. It is
sometimes owing to a hereditary taint, in which case a very
small cause will excite the latent disorder. Grief, fear,
and other depressing passions, have a great tendency to pro-
duce this disease. It may likewise proceed from neglect: of
cleanliness, bad cloathing, the want of proper exercise, con-
fined air, excess in eating or drinking, or from any dis-
ease which greatly weakens the body, or vitiates the hu-
mours.
SYMPTOMS.-This disease may be known
by unusual weariness, heaviness of the body, and difficulty
of breathing, especially after bodily motion ; rottenness of
the gums, which are apt to bleed on the slightest touch ;
a stinking breath, frequent bleeding of the nose, difficulty
of walking ; sometimes a swelling, and sometimes a falling
away of the legs, on which there are livid, yellow, or vio-
let coloured spots ; the face is generally of a pale or leaden
colour. As the disease advances, other symptoms come
on ; as rottenness of the teeth, hæmorrhages, or dischar-
ges of blood from various parts of the body, foul obstinate
ulcers, which no applications will cure ; the patient com-
plains of pains in various parts of the body, especially about
the breast, and his body is covered with dry scaly eruptions.
At last a wasting or hectic fever comes on, and the mise-
rable patient is often carried off by a dysentery, or diarr-
hœa, a dropsy, the palsy, fainting fits, or a mortification
of some of the bowels.
CURE.- We know no method of curing this
disease, but by pursuing a course directly opposite to that
which brought it on. It proceeds from a vitiated state of
the humours, occasioned by errors in diet, air, or exer-
cise ; and this can be removed no other way than by a pro-
per attention to these important articles. 
IF

278 OF THE SCURVY.
IF the patient has been obliged to breathe a cold, damp,
or confined air, he should be removed, as soon as possible,
to a dry, open, and moderately warm one. If the disease
proceeds from a sedentary life, or depressing passions, as
grief, fear, &c. the patient must take daily as much exer-
cise in the open air as he can bear, and his mind should be
diverted by cheerful company and other amusements. No-
thing has a greater tendency either to prevent, or remove
this disease, than constant cheerfulness and good humour.
But this, alas, is seldom the lot of persons afflicted with
the scurvy ; they are generally surly, peevish, four, mo-
rose, and dull.
WHEN the scurvy has been brought on by a long use of
salted provisions, the proper medicine is a diet consisting
chiefly of fresh vegetables ; as oranges, lemons, apples,
tamarinds, water cresses, scurvy grass, brooklime, &c. The
use of these with milk, pot herbs, new bread, and fresh beer
or cider, will seldom fail to remove a scurvy of this kind,
if taken before it be too far advanced ; but to have this
effect they must be persisted in for a considerable time.
When fresh vegetables cannot be had, pickled or preserved
ones may be used ; and if these cannot be obtained, the
chymical acids may be taken in their stead. All the pati-
ent's food and drink must be sharpened with cream of tar-
tar, elixir of vitriol, vinegar, or the spirit of sea salt, &c.
THESE things, however, will more certainly prevent
than cure the scurvy ; for which reason seafaring people,
especially on long voyages, ought to lay in plenty of
them. Cabbage, onions, gooseberries, and many other
vegetables, may be kept a long time by pickling, preserv-
ing, &c. When these fail, the chymical acids, mention-
ed above, which will keep for any length of time, may be
used. We have reason to believe, if ships were well venti-
lated, good store of fruits, greens, and portable soup, &c.
laid in, and a proper regard paid to cleanliness and warmth,
that sailors would be the most healthy people in the world,
and would seldom suffer either from the scurvy or putrid
fevers, which are so fatal to that useful set of men ; but it
is too much the temper of such people to despise all precau-
tion ; they will not think of any calamity till they find it,
when it is too late to ward off the blow.
IT must indeed be owned, that many of them have it
not in their power to make the provision we are speaking
of ; but in this case it is the business of their employers to
make 

OF THE SCURVY. 279
make it for them ; and no man ought to engage in a long
voyage without having this article secured.
I have often seen very extraordinary effects in the scurvy
from a milk diet. This preparation of nature is a mixture
of animal and vegetable properties, which of all others is
the most fit for restoring a decayed constitution, and re-
moving that particular acrimony of the humours, which
seems to constitute the very essence of the survy, and many
other diseases. But men despise this wholesome and nou-
rishing food, because it is cheap, and guzzle down flesh,
and fermented liquors, while milk is only deemed fit for
their hogs.
THE most proper drink in the scurvy is whey or butter-
milk. When these cannot be had, found cider or perry
may be used. Wort has been found to be a proper drink
in the scurvy, and may be used at sea, as malt will keep
during the longest voyage. A decoction of the tops of the
spruce fir is also good. It may be drank in the quantity of
an English pint twice a-day. Tar water may likewise be
used for this purpose, or decoctions of any of the mild mucila-
ginous vegetables 5 as sarsaparilla, marshmallow roots, &c.
infusions of the bitter plants, as ground-ivy, the lesser cen-
taury, marsh trefoil, &c. are likewise beneficial. I have
seen the peasants in some parts of Britain express the juice
of the last mentioned plant, and drink it with good effect
in those foul scorbutic eruptions with which they are often
troubled in the spring season.
THE Harrowgate water is certainly an excellent medi-
cine in the scurvy. I have often seen patients in the most
deplorable condition from that disease, greatly relieved by
drinking the sulphur water, and bathing in it. The cha-
lybeate water may also be used with advantage, especially
with a view to brace the stomach after drinking the sul-
phur water, which, though it sharpens the appetite, never
fails to weaken the power of digestion.
A slight degree of scurvy may be carried off by frequent-
ly sucking a little of the juice of a bitter orange, or lemon.
When the disease affects the gums only, this practice, if
continued for some time, will generally carry it off. We
would, however, recommend the bitter orange as greatly
preferable to lemon. It seems to be as good an acid, and
is not near so hurtful to the stomach. Perhaps our own
sorrel may be little inferior to either of them. All kinds of
salad are good in the scurvy, and ought to be eat in great
plenty ; 
 

280 OF THE SCROPHULA,
plenty; as spinage, lettuce, parsley, celery, endive, ra-
dish, dandelion, &c. It is amazing to see how soon fresh
vegetables in the spring cure the brute animals of any scab
or foulness which is upon their skins. Is it not natural to
suppose that their effects should be as great upon the human
species ?
THE LEPROSY, which was so common in this country
long ago, seems to have been near akin to the scurvy.
Perhaps its appearing so seldom now, may be owing to the
inhabitants of Britain eating more vegetable food than for-
merly, living more upon tea and other diluting diet, using far
less salted meat, and being greatly more cleanly and better
cloathed, &c. Where this disease happens, we would
recommend the same course of diet and medicine as in the
scurvy.
OF THE SCROPHULA, OR KING's
EVIL.
THIS disease chiefly affects the glands, especially those
of the neck. Children and young persons of a sedentary life
are most subject to it. It is one of those diseases that may
be removed by proper regimen, but seldom yields to medi-
cine. The inhabitants of cold, damp, marshy countries,
are most liable to the scrophula.
CAUSES.—— This disease may proceed from a
hereditary taint, infection, a scrophulous nurse, &c.
Children who have the misfortune to be born of sickly pa-
rents, whose constitutions have been worn out by the
French-pox, or other chronic diseases, are apt to be affect-
ed with the scrophula. It may likewise proceed from such
diseases as weaken the habit or vitiate the humours, as the
small-pox, measles, &c. External injuries ; as blows,
bruises, compressions, &c. sometimes produce scrophulous
ulcers ; but there is reason to believe, when this happens,
that it is owing either to a predisposition in the habit to this
disease, or to the confinement of the patient. In short,
whatever tends to vitiate the humours, or relax the solids,
predisposes to this disease ; as the want of exercise, too
much heat or cold, confined air, unwholesome food,
bad water, the use of poor, weak, watery aliments, the
neglect of cleanliness, or suffering children to continue
long wet, &c.
SYMPTOMS. 


OR KING'S EVIL 281
SYMPTOMS.- At first small knots appear
under the chin or behind the ears, which gradually increase
in number and size, till they form one large hard tumour.
This often continues for a long time without breaking,
and when it does break, it only discharges a thin sanies or
watery humour. Other parts of the body are likewise lia-
ble to its attack, as the arm-pits groins, feet, hands, eyes,
breasts, &c. Nor are the internal parts exempt from it.
It often affects the lungs, liver or spleen ; and I have fre-
quently seen the glands of the mesentery greatly enlarged
by it.
THESE obstinate ulcers which break out upon the feet
and hands with swelling, and little or no redness, common-
ly called the spina ventosa, are of the scrophulous kind.
They seldom discharge good matter, and are exceeding dif-
ficult to cure. the white swellings of the joints seem like-
wise to be of this kind. they can seldom be brought to a
suppuration, and when opened they only discharge a thin
ichor. There is not a more general symptom of the scrophu-
la than a swelling of the upper lip and nose. It likewise
frequently begins in a single toe or finger, which continues
long swelled, with no great degree of pain, till at length
the bone becomes carious.
REGIMEN.-As this disease proceeds, in a great
measure, from relaxation, the diet ought to be generous and
nourishing, but at the same time light and of easy digestion,
as good light bread, the flesh and broth of young animals,
with now and then a glass of generous wine, or good ale.
The air ought to be open, dry, and not too cold, and the
patient should take as much exercise as he can bear. Ex-
ercise is here of the utmost importance. Children will sel-
dom be troubled with the scrophula who have enough of
exercise, and if they be, it alone has the greatest chance
to cure them.
MEDICINE.-The vulgar are remarkably credulous
with regard to the cure of the scrophula, many of them be-
lieving- in the virtue of the royal touch, that of the seventh
son, &c. The truth is, we know but little either of the
nature or cure of this disease, and where reason or medi-
cines fail, superstition always comes in their place. Hence
it is that in diseases which are the most difficult to under-
stand, we always hear of the greatest number of miracu-
lous cures being performed. Here, however, the decepti-
N n on

282 OF THE SCROPHULA,
on is easily accounted for. The scrophula at a certain pe-
riod of life, often cures of itself; and, if the patient hap-
pens to be touched about this time, the cure is imputed to
the touch, and not to nature, who is really the physician.
In the same way the insignificant nostrums of quacks and
old women often gain applause when they deserve none.
THERE is nothing more pernicious, than the custom of
dosing children with strong purgative medicines in the scro-
phula. People imagine, that it proceeds from humours
which must be purged off, without considering, that these
purgatives increase the relaxation and aggravate the disease.
It has indeed been found that keeping the belly gently open,
especially with sea-water, has a good effect ; but this should
only be given in such quantity as to procure one, or at most
two stools every day. Bathing in the salt water has like-
wise a very good effect, especially in the warm season. I
have often known a course of bathing in salt-water, and
drinking it in such quantities as to keep the belly gently
open, cure a scrophula, after many medicines had been
tried in vain. When salt-water cannot be had, the patient
may be bathed in fresh-water, and his belly kept open by
small quantities of salt and water, or some other mild pur-
gative.
NEXT to cold bathing and drinking the salt-water, we
would recommend the jesuits bark. the cold bath may
be used in summer, and the bark in winter. It may either
be taken in substance mixed with wine, or if the patient
cannot be brought to use it in that form, a decoction of it
may be drank. An ounce of the jesuits bark, and a dram
of Winter's bark grossly powdered, may be boiled in an
English quart of water to a pint ; towards the end, half an
ounce of sliced liquorice-root, and a handful of raisins
may be added, which will both render the medicine less
disagreeable and make it take up more of the bark. The
liquor must be strained, and two, three, or four spoon-
fuls, according to the age of the patient, taken three times
a day. The patient ought at the same time to take, twice
or thrice a day, a glass of good wine, with ten, twenty, or
thirty drops of volatile tincture of guaiacum in it. I have
often given the bark in obstinate scrophulous cases with very
good effect. An adult may take at least two drams of it
daily, and must continue to use it for several months.
THE


OR KING'S EVIL 2S3 
THE Moffat and Harrowgate waters are likewise very
proper medicines in the scrophula, especially the latter.
They ought not however to be drank in large quantities,
but should be taken so as to keep the belly gently open, and
must be used for a considerable time.
As to external applications, they are of little avail. Be-
fore the tumour breaks, nothing ought to be applied to it,
unless a piece of flannel, or something to keep it warm.
After it breaks, the sore may be dressed with some digestive
ointment. What I have always found to answer best, was
the yellow basilicon mixed with about a sixth or eighth
part of its weight of red precipitate. The sore may be
dressed with this twice a day; and if it be very fungous,
and does not digest well, a larger proportion of the preci-
pitate may be added.
MEDICINES which mitigate this disease, tho' they do not
cure it, are not to be despised. If the patient can be kept
alive by any means till he arrives at the age of puberty, he
he has a great chance to get well; but if he does not reco-
ver at this time, in all probability he never will. Persons
afflicted with this disease ought not to marry. There is
no malady which parents are so apt to communicate to
their offspring as the scrophula, and surely it is a cruel
thing to entail miserv on posterity.
FOR the means of preventing this disease, we must re-
fer the reader to the observations on nursing, at the begin-
ning of the book.
OF THE RICKETS.
THIS disease generally attacks children betwixt the age
of nine months and two years. It appeared first in Eng-
land, about the time when manufactures began to be in-
troduced, and still prevails most in towns where the inha-
bitants follow sedentary employments, and by that means
neglect either to take proper exercise themselves, or to give
it to their children. It has a great resemblance to the
foregoing disease both in its causes and method of cure.
CAUSES.-One cause of the rickets in children is
diseased parents. Mothers of a weak relaxed habit, who
neglect exercise, and live upon weak watery diet, can nei-
ther be expected to bring forth strong and healthy children,
nor to be able to nurse them, after they are brought forth.
N n 2 Accordingly 


284 OF THE RICKETS.
Accordingly we find, that the children of such women ge-
nerally die of the rickets, the scrophula, consumptions, &c.
Children begotten by men in the decline of life, who are
afflicted with the gout, the gravel, or other chronic dis-
eases, or who have been often affected with the venereal dis-
ease in their youth, are likewise liable to the rickets.
ANY disorder that weakens the constitution, or relaxes
the habit of children, as the small-pox, measles, teething,
the hooping-cough, &c. predisposes them to this disease.
It may likewise be occasioned by improper diet, as food
that is either too weak and watery, or so viscid that the
stomach cannot digest it. Too great a quantity of rich and
nourishing diet may likewise vitiate the humours and occa-
sion the rickets. Bad nursing is often the cause of this dis-
ease. When the nurse is either diseased, or has not enough
of milk to nourish the child, it must suffer. But children
suffer oftner by want of care in nurses than want of food.
Allowing an infant to continue long wet, or not keeping it
thoroughly clean in its cloaths, &c. has the most pernici-
ous effects. Wet shoes, stockings, and other cloaths, re-
lax the bodies of children, and greatly obstruct their growth.
The want of free air, is likewise very hurtful to children
in this respect. A nurse who lives in a close, small house,
where the, air is damp and confined, and who is too in-
dolent to carry her child abroad into the open air, will
hardly fail to give it the rickets. But want of exercise is
the chief cause of this disease. A healthy child should al-
ways be in motion, unless when asleep ; but if it be suffer-
ed to lie, or sit, instead of being tossed and dandled about,
it can hardly escape this baneful malady.
SYMPTOMS.-At the beginning of this disease the
child's flesh grows soft and flabby ; its strength is diminish-
ed ; it loses its wonted cheerfulness, looks more grave and
composed than is natural for its age, and does not care to
be moved. the head and belly become too large in pro-
portion to the other parts ; the face appears full, and the
complexion florid. Afterwards the bones begin to be affect-
ed, especially in the more soft and spungy parts, or to-
wards the ends. Hence the wrists and ancles become thick-
er than usual ; the spine or back-bone puts on an unnatu-
ral shape ; the breast is likewise often deformed ; and the
bones of the arms and legs grow crooked. All those symp-
toms vary according to the violence of the disease. the 
pulse

OF THE RICKETS. 285
pulse is generally quick, but feeble ; the appetite and di-
gestion, for the most part, bad ; the teeth come slowly
and with difficulty, and they often rot and fall out after-
wards. Ricketty children generally have great acuteness
of mind, and an understanding above their years. Whether
this be owing to their being more in the company of adults
than other children, or the enlargement of the brain, we
shall not pretend to determine.
REGIMEN.-As this disease is always attended
with evident signs of weakness and relaxation, our chief
aim in the cure must be to brace and strengthen the solids,
and to promote the digestion and due preparation of the
fluids. these important ends will be best promoted by
wholesome nourishing diet, suited to the age and strength
of the patient, and often repeated ; by open dry air, and
plenty of exercise. If the child has a bad nurse, who ei-
ther neglects her duty, or has not enough of milk, she
should be changed. If the season be cold, the child ought
to be kept warm ; and when the weather is hot it ought to
be kept cool ; as sweating is very apt to weaken it; and
too great a degree of cold has the same effect. The limbs
should be rubbed frequently with a warm hand, and the
child should be kept as cheerful as possible.
THE diet ought to be light and dry, as good bread,
roasted flesh, &c. Biscuit is generally reckoned the best
bread ; and pigeons, pullets, veal, rabbets, or mutton
roasted or minced, are the most proper flesh. If the child 
be too young for flesh meats, he may have rice, millet, or
pearl barley boiled with raisins, to which may be added a
little wine and spice. His drink may be good claret, of
which he may take half a glass three or four times a day.
those who cannot afford claret, may give the child now
and then a wine glass of fine mild ale.
MEDICINE.-Medicines are here of little avail.
The disease may often be cured by the nurse, but seldom
by the physician. In children of a gross habit, gentle pur-
ges or vomits may sometimes be of use ; but they will never
carry off the malady. That must depend upon bracing a-
lone : For which purpose, besides the regimen mentioned
above, we would recommend the cold bath, especially in
the warm season. It must however be administred with
prudence, as some ricketty children cannot bear it. The
best time for using the cold bath is in the morning, and 
the

286 OF the RICKETS.
the child should be well rubbed with a dry cloth immedi-
ately after. If the child should be weakened by the use of
the cold bath, it must be discontinued.
SOMETIMES issues have been found beneficial both in
this and the foregoing disease. They are peculiarly necessa-
ry for children who abound with gross humours. An infu-
sion of the jesuits-bark, in wine or ale, is likewise of use;
but it is scarce possible to bring children to take it. We
might here mention many other medicines which have been
recommended for the rickets ; but, as there is far more
danger in trusting to these than in neglecting them altoge-
ther, we chuse rather to pass them over, and to depend en-
tirely on regimen.
OF THE ITCH.
THE ITCH is a disease of the skin, and is generally com-
municated by infection. It seems originally to proceed from
the want of cleanliness, bad air, or unwholesome diet; as
the inmates of jails, hospitals, and such as live upon salted
and smoke dried provisions are seldom free from it.
IT generally appears in form of small watery pustules,
first about the wrists, or betwixt the fingers, and afterwards
it affects the arms, legs, and thighs, &c. These pustules
are attended with an intolerable itching, especially when
the patient is warm in bed, or sits near the fire. Sometimes
the skin is covered with large blotches or scabs, and at o-
ther times with a white scurf, or scaly eruption. This last
is called the dry itch, and is the most difficult to cure.
THE itch is seldom a dangerous disease, unless when it
is rendered so by neglect or improper treatment. If it be 
suffered to continue too long, it may vitiate the whole mass
of humours; and, if it be suddenly drove in, without proper
evacuations, it may occasion fevers, inflammations of the
viscera, or other internal disorders.
THE safest medicine for the itch is sulphur, which ought
to be applied both externally and internally. The parts
most affected may be rubbed with an ointment made of
common sulphur and flower of brimstone, each an ounce;
crude sal ammoniac, finely powdered, two drams; hog's
lard, or butter, four ounces. A scruple, or half a dram of
of the essence of lemon may be added, to take away the
disagreeable smell. About the bulk of a nutmeg of this
may 


OF THE ITCH. 287
may be rubbed upon the extremities ; at bed-time, twice
or thrice a week. It is seldom necessary to rub any part but
the extremities, and even these ought not all to be rubbed
at the same time, but by turns, as it is dangerous to stop 
too many pores at once.
BEFORE the patient begins to use the ointment, he ought,
if he be of a full habit, to bleed and take a purge or two.
It will likewise be proper, during the use of it, to take e-
very night and morning as much of the flower of brim-
stone, in a little treacle or new-milk, as will lie upon a
shilling. He should beware of catching cold, should wear
more cloaths than usual, and take every thing warm. The
same cloaths, the linen excepted, ought to be kept on all
the time of using the ointment; and such cloaths, as have
been worn while the patient was under the disease, are not
to be used again, unless they have been fumigated with
brimstone, and thoroughly cleaned, otherwise they will
communicate the infection anew.
I never knew brimstone, if used as directed above, fail
to cure the itch ; and I have reason to believe, that, if du-
ly persisted in, it never will fail : but if it be only used
once or twice, and cleanliness be neglected, it is no won-
der if the disorder returns. The great secret both for pre-
venting and curing the itch is CLEANLINESS. Where it
prevails, the itch wilt seldom approach, and if it should,
it will soon be banished. The quantity of ointment men-
tioned above will generally be sufficient for the cure of one
person; but, if any symptoms of the disease should appear
again, the medicine may be repeated. It is both more safe
and efficacious when persisted in for a considerable time,
than when a large quantity is applied at once. It will like-
wise be proper that the patient, while he is using the oint-
ment, should take a purge once a week.
PEOPLE ought to be extremely cautious not to mistake o-
ther eruptions for the itch ; as the stoppage of these may be
attended with fatal consequences. Many of the eruptive
diseases to which children are liable, have a near resem-
blance to the itch ; and I have often known infants killed
by being rubbed with greasy ointments that made these e-
ruptions strike suddenly in, which nature had thrown out
to preserve the patient's life, or prevent some other disease.
MUCH mischief is likewise done by the use of mercu-
ry in this disease. I have known some persons mad enough
to 

288 OF THE ITCH 
to wash the parts affected with a strong solution of the cor-
rosive sublimate, which had almost proved fatal. Others
use the mercurial ointment without taking the least care
either to avoid cold or observe a proper regimen. The
consequences of such conduct may be easily guessed. I have 
known even the mercurial girdles produce tragical effects,
and would advise every person, as he values his health, to
beware how he uses them. Mercury ought never to
be used as a medicine without the greatest care. Ignorant
people look upon these girdles as a kind of charm, without
considering that the mercury enters the blood.
As sulphur is both the most safe and efficacious medicine
for the itch, we shall not recommend any other. Other
medicines may be used by persons of skill, but are not to
be ventured upon by the ignorant. those who would avoid
this detestable disease ought to beware of infected persons,
to use wholesome food, and to study universal cleanliness.
OF THE ASTHMA.
THE asthma is a disease of the lungs, which seldom admits
of a cure. persons in the decline of life are most liable to
this disease. It is divided into the moist and dry, or hu-
moural and nervous. The former is attended with expec-
toration or spitting; but in the latter the patient seldom
spits, unless sometimes a little tough phlegm by the mere
force of coughing.
CAUSES.-The asthma is sometimes hereditary.
It may likewise proceed from a bad formation of the breast;
the fumes of metals or minerals taken into the lungs* ; vi-
olent exercise, especially running ; the obstructions of cu-
stomary evacuations, as the menses, hæmorrhoids, &c ; the
sudden retrocession of the gout, or striking in of eruptions,
as the small-pox, measles, &c. ; violent passions of the
mind, as sudden fear, or surprise. In a word, the disease
may proceed from any cause that either impedes the circu-
lation of the blood through the lungs, or prevents their be-
ing duly expanded by the air.
SYMP-
* I knew a person whose lungs were set in a manner stock-still, by
the fumes of antimony. It happened in the night, after he had been
preparing great quantity of the regulus of antimony through the day.
He was relieved by clysters, fomentations and oily emulsions. 


OF THE ASTHMA, 289
SYMPTOMS.—An asthma is known by a quick
laborious respiration, which is generally performed with a
kind of wheezing noise. Sometimes the difficulty of breath-
ing is so great that the patient is obliged to keep an erect 
posture, otherwise he is in danger of being suffocated. A
fit or paroxism of the asthma is very apt to happen after a
person has been exposed to cold easterly winds, or has been
abroad in thick foggy weather, or has got wet, or continu-
ed long in a damp place underground, or the like.
A fit of the asthma is generally ushered in with great list-
lessness, want of sleep, hoarseness, cough, belching of
wind, a sense of heaviness about the breast; and difficulty
of breathing. To these succeed heat, fever, pain of the
head, sickness and nausea, great oppression of the breast,
palpitation of the heart, a weak and sometimes intermitting
pulse, an involuntary flow of tears, bilious vomitings, &c.
All the symptoms grow worse towards night; the patient is
easier when up than in bed, and is very desirous of cool air.
REGIMEN.-The food ought to be light, and of
easy digestion. Boiled meats are generally preferred to
roasted, and the flesh of young animals to that of old. All
windy food, and whatever is apt to swell upon the stomach, 
is to be avoided. Light puddings, white broths, and ripe
fruits baked, boiled or roasted, are proper. Strong liquor
of all kinds, especially malt-liquor, is hurtful. The pati-
ent should eat a very light supper, or rather none at all.
His cloathing should be warm, especially in the winter-
season. A flannel shirt or waistcoat, and thick shoes, are
of great service ; as all disorders of the breast are much re-
lieved by keeping the feet warm, and promoting the perspi-
ration.
BUT nothing is of so great importance in the asthma as
pure and moderately warm air. Asthmatic people can sel-
dom bear either the close heavy air of a large town, or the
sharp, keen atmosphere of a bleak hilly country ; a medium
between these is therefore to be chosen. The air near a
large town is often better than at a distance, provided the
patient be removed so far as not to be affected by the smoke.
Some asthmatic patients indeed breathe easier in town than in
the country ; but this is seldom the case, especially in towns
where much coal is burnt. Asthmatic persons who are
obliged to be in town all day, ought, at least, to sleep out
of it. Even this will often prove of great service. Those
O o wh


290 OF THE ASTHMA.
who can afford it ought to travel into a warmer climate.
Many asthmatic persons who cannot live in Britain enjoy
very good health in the south of France, or in Spain or Italy.
EXERCISE is likewise of very great importance in the
asthma, as it promotes the digestion, and greatly assists in
the preparation of the blood. the blood of asthmatic per-
sons is seldom duly prepared, owing to the proper action of
the lungs being impeded. For this reason such people
ought daily to take as much exercise, either on foot, horse-
back, or in a machine, as they can bear.
MEDICINE.-Almost all that can be done by
medicine in this disease, is to relieve the patient when seiz-
ed with a violent fit. This indeed requires the greatest ex-
pedition, as the disease often proves suddenly fatal. In the
paroxism or fit, the body is generally bound, a clyster
ought therefore to be administred, and if there be occasion,
it may be repeated two or three times. the patient's feet
ought to be put into warm water, and afterwards rubbed
with a warm hand, or dry cloth. If there be a violent
spasm about the breast or stomach, warm fomentations, or
bladders filled with warm milk and water, may be applied
to the part affected, and warm cataplasms to the soles of
the feet. the patient must drink freely of diluting li-
quors, and may take a tea-spoonful of the tincture of castor
and saffron, mixed together in a cup of valerian-tea, twice
or thrice a-day. Sometimes a vomit has a very good effect,
and snatches the patient, as it were, from the jaws of
death. This will be more safe after other evacuations
have been premised.
OUT OF THE FIT. In the moist asthma, such things
as promote expectoration or spitting, ought to be used ; as
the syrup of squills, gum-ammoniac, and such like. A
common spoonful of the syrup or oxomell of squills, mixed
with an equal quantity of cinnamon-water, may be taken
three or four times a-day. Any quantity of gum-ammo-
niac, with an equal quantity of asafœtida, may be made
into pills, and four or five of them taken every night at
bed-time.
IN the convulsive or nervous asthma, antispasmodics and
bracers are the most proper medicines. the patient may
take a tea-spoonful of the paregoric elixir twice a-day. the
jesuits bark is likewise proper in this case. It may be taken
in substance, or infused in wine. In short, every thing 
that

OF THE APOPLEXY. 291
that braces the nerves, or takes off spasm, may be of use
in a nervous asthma. It is often relieved by the use of asses
milk ; I have likewise known cows milk drank warm of a
morning, have a very good effect in this case.
IN every species of asthma issues have a good effect ;
they may either be made in the back or side, and should
never be allowed to dry up. We shall here, once for all,
observe, that in most chronic diseases, issues are extremely
proper. They are both a safe and efficacious remedy; and
and tho' they do not always cure the disease, yet they will
often prolong the patient's life.
OF THE APOPLEXY.
THE apoplexy is a sudden loss of sense and motion,
wherein the patient is to all appearance dead, only the
heart and lungs still continue to move. This disease, by a
little care, might often be prevented, but can seldom be
cured. It chiefly attacks sedentary persons of a gross ha-
bit, who use a rich and plentiful diet, and indulge in strong
liquors. People in the decline of life are most subject to the
apoplexy. It prevails most in winter, especially in long
rainy seasons, and very low states of the barometer.
CAUSES.——The immediate cause of an apoplexy
is a compression of the brain, occasioned by an effusion of
blood, or of watery humours on that part. The former
is called a sanguine, and the latter a serous apoplexy. It may
be produced by any cause that increases the circulation to-
wards the brain, or prevents the return of the blood from
the head ; as intense study ; violent passions* ; viewing ob-
jects for a long time obliquely ; wearing any thing too
tight about the neck ; a rich and luxurious diet; suppressi-
on of urine; suffering the body to cool suddenly after
having been very hot; continuing long in a warm bath ;
the excessive use of spiceries, or high-seasoned food ; excess
O o 2 of
* I knew a woman who in a violent fit of anger was seized with a
sanguine apoplexy. She at first complained of extreme pain, as if dag-
gers had been thrust thro' her head, as she expressed it. Afterwards she be-
came comatose and dull, her pulse sunk very low, and was exceeding
slow. By the help of bleeding, blistering, and other evacuations, she
was kept alive for about a fortnight. When her head was opened, a
large quantity of extravasated blood was found in the lest ventricle of the
brain. 


292 OF THE APOPLEXY.
of venery ; the sudden striking in of any eruption ; suf-
fering issues, seatons, &c. suddenly to dry up, or the stop-
page of any customary evacuation ; a mercurial salivation
suddenly checked by cold ; wounds or bruises on the head ;
long exposure to excessive cold ; poisonous exhalations ; &c.
SYMPTOMS, and method of cure.-the usu-
al forerunners of an apoplexy are giddiness, pain, and
swimming of the head ; loss of memory ; drowsiness ; noise
in the ears ; the night mare ; a spontaneous flux of tears,
and laborious respiration. When persons of an apoplectic 
make observe these symptoms, they have reason to fear the
approach of a fit, and should endeavour to prevent it by
plentiful bleeding, low diet, and opening medicines.
IN the sanguine apoplexy, if the patient does not die
suddenly, the countenance appears florid, the face is swell-
ed or puffed up, and the blood-vessels, especially about the
neck and temples, are turged ; the pulse beats strong; the
eyes are prominent and fixed, and the breathing is difficult,
and performed with a snorting noise. The excrements and
urine are often voided spontaneously, and the patient is
sometimes seized with a vomiting.
IN this case every method must be taken to lessen the
force of the blood towards the head. The patient should be
kept perfectly easy and cool. His head should be raised pret-
ty high, and his feet suffered to hang down. His cloaths
ought to be loosened, especially about the neck, and fresh
air admitted into his chamber. His garters should be tied
pretty tight, by which means the motion of the blood from
the lower extremities will be retarded. As soon as the
patient is placed in a proper posture, he should be bled pret-
ty freely in the neck or arm, and, if there be occasion, the
operation may be repeated in two or three hours. A laxa-
tive clyster with plenty of sweet oil, or fresh butter and a
large spoonful of common salt in it, may be administred eve-
ry two hours; and blistering plasters applied betwixt the
shoulders, and to the calves of the legs.
AS soon as the symptoms are a little abated, and the pa-
tient is able to swallow, he ought to drink freely of some di-
luting opening liquor, as a decoction of tamarinds and li-
quorice, cream-tartar-whey, or common whey with cream
of tartar dissolved in it. Or he may take any cooling purge,
as Glauber's salts, or manna dissolved in an infusion of senna,
or the like. All spirits and other strong liquors are to be
avoided. 


OF THE APOPLEXY. 293
avoided. Even volatile salts held to the nose do mischief.
Vomits, for the same reason, ought not be given, nor any
thing that may increase the motion of the blood towards the
head.
IN the serous apoplexy, the symptoms are nearly similar,
only the pulse is not so strong, the countenance is less flo-
rid, and the breathing less difficult. Bleeding is not so ne-
cessary here, as in the former case. It may however ge-
nerally be performed once with safety and advantage ; but
should not be repeated. The patient should be placed in
the same posture as directed above, and should have blister-
ing plasters applied, and receive opening clysters in the same
manner. Purges are here likewise necessary, and the pati-
ent may drink strong balm tea. If he be inclined to sweat,
it ought to be promoted by drinking small wine whey, or
an infusion of carduus benedictus. A plentiful sweat kept
up for a considerable time, has often carried off a serous a-
poplexy.
WHEN apoplectic symptoms proceed from opium, or o-
ther narcotic substances taken into the stomach, vomits are
necessary. The patient is generally relieved, as soon as he
has discharged the poison in this way.
PERSONS of an apoplectic make, or those who have been
attacked by it, ought to use a very spare and slender diet, a-
voiding all strong liquors, spiceries, and high seasoned
food. they ought likewise to guard against all violent passi-
ons, and to avoid the extremes of heat and cold. The
head should be shaved, and daily washed with cold water.
The feet ought to be kept warm, and never suffered to con-
tinue long wet. The belly must, by all means, be kept
open, either by food or medicine, and blood ought to be let
every spring and fall. Moderate exercise should likewise be
taken ; but it ought never to be continued too long. No-
thing has a greater effect in preventing an apoplexy than is-
sues or perpetual blisters ; but great care must be taken ne-
ver to suffer them to dry up, without opening others in their
stead. Apoplectic persons ought never to go to sleep with
a full stomach, nor to lie with their heads too low, or wear
any thing tight about their necks,
OF 

294 OF THE PALSY.
Of the PALSY.
THE palsy is a loss or diminution of sense, or motion,
or of both, in one or more parts of the body. It is more or
less dangerous, according to the importance of the part af-
fected. A palsy of the heart, lungs, or any part necessary
for life, is mortal. When it affects the stomach, the intes-
tines, or the bladder, it is highly dangerous. If the face
be affected, the case is bad, as this shews, that the disease
proceeds from the brain. If the part affected feels cold, is
insensible, or wastes away, there is small hopes of a cure,
especially, if the judgement and memory begin to fail.
CAUSES.-THE immediate cause of the palsy is
whatever prevents the regular exertion of the nervous pow-
er upon any particular muscle or part of the body. The
occasional and predisposing causes are various, as drunkenness ;
wounds of the brain, or spinal marrow ; pressure upon the
brain or nerves; very cold or damp air ; the suppression of
customary evacuations ; sudden fear ; want of exercise ; or
or whatever greatly relaxes the system, as drinking much
tea, * or coffee, &c. Wounds of the nerves themselves, or
any thing that obstructs the regular action of that vital pow-
er contained in them, will occasion a palsy. It may like-
wise proceed from the poisonous fumes of metals or minerals,
as mercury, lead, arsenick, &c.
IN young persons of a full habit, where there are symp-
toms of inflammation, the palsy must be treated in the same
manner as the sanguine apoplexy. The patient must be
bled, blistered, and have his belly kept open by sharp cly-
sters or pugative medicines. But, in old age, or when the
disease proceeds from relaxation or debility, which is gene-
rally the case, a quite contrary course must be pursued.
The diet must be warm and attenuating, consisting chiefly
of spicy and aromatic vegetables, as mustard, horse-radish,
&c. The drink may be generous wine, mustard-whey, or
brandy and water. Friction with the flesh brush, or a
warm hand, is extremely proper, especially on the parts
affected
* Many people imagine, that tea has no tendency to hurt the nerves,
and that drinking the same quantity of warm water would be equally
pernicious. This however seems to be a mistake. I know many per-
sons who daily drink three or four cups of warm milk and water with-
out feeling any bad consequences; yet the same quantity of tea will
make their hands shake for twenty-four hours. 
 

OF THE EPILEPSY, &c. 295
affected. Blistering-plasters may likewise be applied to the
affected parts with advantage. When this cannot be done,
they may be rubbed with the volatile liniment, or the
nerve-ointment of the Edinburgh dispensatory. But the
best external application is electricity. The shocks should
be received on the part affected ; and they ought daily to be
repeated for several weeks. This is not only proper for
curing, but also for preventing a palsy.
VOMITS are very beneficial in this kind of palsy, and
ought to be frequently administred. Cæphalic snuff, or any
thing that makes the patient sneeze, is likewise useful.
Some pretend to have found great benefit from rubbing the
parts affected with nettles; but this does not seem to be
any ways preferable to blistering. If the tongue be affected,
the patient may gargle his mouth frequently with brandy
and mustard ; or he may hold a bit of sugar in his mouth
wet with the palsy-drops or compound spirits of lavender.
The wild valerian root is a very proper medicine in this
case. It may either be taken in an infusion with sage-
leaves, or half a dram of it in powder may be given in a
glass of wine three times a day. If the patient cannot use
the valerian, he may take of sal volatile oleosum, compound
spirits of lavender, and tincture of castor, each half an
ounce ; mix these together, and take forty or fifty drops in
a glass of wine, three or four times a day. A table spoon-
ful of mustard-seed taken frequently is a very good medi-
cine. The patient ought likewise to chew cinnamon bark,
ginger, or other warm spiceries.
EXERCISE is of the utmost importance in the palsy; but
the patient must beware of cold, damp, and moist air. He
ought to wear flannel next his skin ; and, if possible, should
remove into a warmer climate.
OF THE EPILEPSY, OR FALLING
SICKNESS.
THE epilepsy is a sudden deprivation of all the senses,
wherein the patient falls suddenly down, and is affected
with violent convulsive motions. Children, especially those
that are delicately brought up, are most subject to it. It
more frequently attacks men than women, and is very diffi-
cult to cure. When the epilepsy attacks children, there is
reason to hope it mav go off about the time of puberty.
When 

296 OF THE EPILEPSY,
When it attacks any person after twenty years of age, the cure 
is difficult ; but when after forty, a cure is hardly to be ex-
pected. If the fit continues only for a short space, and re-
turns seldom, there is reason to hope; but if it continues
long and returns frequently, the prospect is bad. It is a
very unfavourable symptom, when the patient is seized with
the fits in his sleep.
CAUSES.-Sometimes the epilepsy is a hereditary
disease. It may likewise proceed from a sudden fright of
the mother when with child of the patient ; from blows,
bruises, or wounds on the head ; a collection of water,
blood, or serous humours in the brain ; a polypus ; tumours
or concretions within the skull ; excessive drinking ; intense
study; excess of venery; worms; teething; suppression of 
customary evacuations ; too great emptiness or repletion ;
violent passions or affections of the mind, as fear, joy, &c.
hysteric affections ; contagion received into the body, as
the infection of the small-pox, measles, &c.
SYMPTOMS.-An epileptic fit is generally pre-
ceded by an unusual weariness ; pain of the head ; dulness; 
giddiness ; noise in the ears ; dimness of sight; palpitation
of the heart; disturbed sleep ; difficult breathing ; the bow-
els are inflated with wind ; the urine is in great quantity,
but thin ; the complexion is pale ; the extremities are cold,
and the patient feels as it were a stream of cold air ascend-
ing towards his head.
IN the fit, the patient generally makes an unusual noise;
his thumbs are drawn in towards the palms of the hands ;
his eyes are distorted ; he starts, and foams at the mouth ;
his extremities are bent or twisted various ways ; he often
discharges his seed, urine, and fœces involuntarily ; and is
quite destitute of all sense and reason. After the fit is over,
his senses gradually return, and he complains of a kind of
stupor, weariness, and pain of his head; but has no remem-
brance of what happened to him during the fit.
SOMETIMES the fits return at stated periods, as at the
full or change of the moon : at other times they are excited
by violent affections of the mind, a debauch of liquor, ex-
cessive heat, cold, or the like.
THIS disease, from, the difficulty of investigating its
causes, and its strange symptoms, was formerly attributed
to the wrath of the gods, or the agency of evil spirits. In
modern times it has often, by the vulgar, been imputed to
witchcraft 


OR FALLING SICKNESS. 297
witchcraft or fascination. It depends however as much up-
on natural causes as any other malady; and its cure can
only be effected by persisting in the use of proper means.
REGIMEN.-Epileptic patients ought, if possible,
to breathe a pure and free air. Their diet should be nourish-
ing, but of easy digestion. They ought to drink nothing
strong, to avoid swines flesh, water-fowl, and likewise all
windy and oily vegetables, as cabbage, nuts, &c. They
ought to keep themselves cheerful, carefully avoiding all
occasions of violent passions, as anger, fear, &c*.
EXERCISE is likewise of great use; but the patient must
be careful to avoid all extremes either of heat or cold, all
dangerous situations, as standing upon precipices, riding
deep waters, &c. Any thing that makes him giddy, is
apt to occasion a fit, as turning round, looking into a deep
pit, or the like ; all these ought therefore to be avoided
with the utmost care.
MEDICINE.-The intentions of cure must vary
according to the cause of the disease. If the patient be of
a sanguine temperament, and there be reason to fear an
inflammation in the brain, bleeding and other evacuations
will be necessary. When the disease is occasioned by the
stoppage of customary evacuations, these, if possible, must
be restored ; if this cannot be done, others may be substi-
tuted in their place. Issues or setons, in this case, have
often a very good effect. When there is reason to believe
that the disease proceeds from worms, proper medicines must
be used to kill or carry off these vermin. When the disease
proceeds from teething, the belly should be kept open by
emollient clysters, the feet frequently bathed in warm wa-
ter, and, if the fits prove obstinate, a blistering plaster may
be put betwixt the shoulders. The same method is to be
followed, when epileptic fits precede the eruption of the
small-pox, or measles, &c.
WHEN the disease is hereditary, or proceeds from a 
wrong formation of the brain a cure is not to be expected.
When it is owing to some fault in the nervous system such
P p medicines
* It has already been observed that epileptic fits are often the effect
of fear, and are occasioned by that idle custom amongst young people of
frightening one another. Though this be generally done out of mere
frolic, it has many dreadful consequences, and ought by all means to
be discouraged. It is surelv a smaller crime to take away a person's life, 
than to render him at once miserable in himself, and a burden to society. 

298 OF THE EPILEPSY, &c 
medicines as tend to brace and strengthen the nerves may
be used, as the Jesuits bark, Valerian root, misletoe of
the oak, snake-root, &c.
FULLER recommends the following electuary as a most
excellent anti-epileptic. Take Jesuits bark in powder three
ounces, Virginian snake-root powdered one ounce, as
much syrup of pæony or cloves as is sufficient to form it in-
to a soft electuary. The dose to an adult is a dram, or a-
bout the size of a nutmeg, morning and evening. It must
be continued for three or four months, and after-
wards repeated, three or four days before the new and full
moon, for some time.
MEAD recommends an electuary against the epilepsy much
of the same nature, only he uses Valerian-root in place of
the snake-root. It must be taken in the same manner as
the above. The patient ought always to be bled, and to
take a purge or two before he begins to use these medicines.
They will likewise have a better effect if the patient drinks
a tea-cupful of the decoction of guaiacum after each dose. 
It may be made by boiling two ounces of guaiacum shavings,
and one ounce of raisins of the sun stoned, in two English
quarts of water to one. Strain the liquor, and afterwards
let it stand to settle, then pour off the clear from the feces.
COLEBATCH says, that the misletoe cures an epilepsy as
certainly as the Jesuits bark does an intermittent fever. the
dose to an adult is half a dram of the powder, four times a-
day, drinking after it a draught of a strong infusion of the
same plant. Though this medicine has not been found to
answer the high encomiums which have been passed upon it,
yet in obstinate epileptic cases it deserves a trial. It must
be used for a considerable time, in order to produce any sa-
lutary effects.
MUSK has sometimes been found to answer very well in
the epilepsy. Ten or twelve grains of it, with the same
quantity of factitious cinnabar, may be made up into a bo-
lus and taken every night and morning.
SOMETIMES the epilepsy has been cured by electricity.
CONVULSION FITS proceed from the same causes, and
must be treated in the same manner as the epilepsy.
THERE is one particular species of convulsions, which
commonly goes by the name of St. Vitus's dance, wherein
the patient is agitated with strange motions and gesticulati-
ons, which by the common people are generally believed
to 
 

OF NERVOUS DISORDERS. 299
to be the effects of witchcraft. This disease may be cured
by repeated bleedings and purges ; and afterwards using the
medicines prescribed above for the epilepsy, viz. the jesuits-
bark, and snake-root, &c. Chalybeate waters, are found
to be beneficial in this case. The cold bath is likewise of
singular service, and ought never to be neglected when the
patient can bear it.
OF NERVOUS, HYSTERIC, AND
HYPOCHONDRIAC DISORDERS.
OF all diseases incident to mankind, those of the ner-
vous kind are the most complicated and difficult to cure.
A volume would not be sufficient to point out the various
symptoms. They imitate almost every disease; and are sel-
dom alike in two different persons, or even in the same
person at different times. Like Proteus, they are continual-
ly changing shape; and upon every fresh attack, the pati-
ent thinks he feels symptoms which he never experienced
before. Nor do they only effect the body, the mind like-
wise suffers, and is often thereby rendered extremely weak
and peevish. The low spirits, timorousness, melancho-
ly, and fickleness of temper which generally attend ner-
vous disorders, induce many people to believe, that they
are entirely diseases of the mind ; but this change of temper
is rather a consequence, than the cause of nervous diseases.
CAUSES.-Every thing that tends to relax or
weaken the body, predisoses it to nervous diseases, as in-
dolence, excessive venery, drinking great quantities of tea,
or other weak watery liquors, frequent bleeding, purging,
vomiting, &c. Whatever hurts the digestion, or prevents
the proper assimilation of the aliment, has likewise this ef-
fect, as long fasting, excess in eating or drinking, the
use of windy, crude, or unwholesome aliments, a bending
posture of the body, &c.
NERVOUS disorders often proceed from affections of the
mind, as grief, disappointments, anxiety, intense study,
&c. Few studious persons are free from nervous diseases.
Nor is this at all to be wondered at; intense thinking not
only preys upon the spirits, but prevents the person from
taking proper exercise, by which means the digestion is im-
paired, the nourisment prevented, the solids relaxed, and
the whole mass of humours vitiated. Grief and disappoint-
P p 2 ment


300 OF NERVOUS DISORDERS.
ment likewise produce the same effects. I have known
more hysteric and hypochondriac patients, who dated the
commencement of their disorders from the loss of a husband,
a favourite child, or from some disappointment in life, than
from any other cause. In a word, whatever weakens the
body, or depresses the spirits, may occasion nervous dis-
orders, as unwholesome air, want of sleep, great fatigue,
&c.
SYMPTOMS.-We shall only mention some of
the most general symptoms of these disorders, as it would
be both an useless and impracticable task to point out the
whole. They generally begin with windy inflations or di-
stensions of the stomach and intestines, especially under the
false ribs of the left side, where a hard tumour may some-
times be perceived. The appetite and digestion are general-
ly bad ; yet sometimes there is an uncommon craving for
food, and a quick digestion. The food often turns sour on
the stomach ; and the patient is troubled with vomiting of
clear water, tough phlegm, or a blackish coloured liquor 
resembling the grounds of coffee. Excruciating pains are
often felt about the navel, attended with a rumbling or
murmuring noise in the bowels. The belly is sometimes
loose, but more commonly bound, which occasions a reten-
tion of wind and great uneasiness.
THE urine is sometimes in small quantity, at other times
very copious and quite clear. There is a great straitness of
the breast with difficulty of breathing ; violent palpitations
of the heart ; sudden flushings of heat in various parts of the
body ; at other times a sense of cold, as if water were pour-
ed on them ; flying pains in the arms and limbs ; pains in
the back and belly, resembling those occasioned by gravel ;
the pulse very variable, sometimes uncommonly slow, and
at other times very quick ; yawning, the hiccup, frequent
sighings and a sense of suffocation, as if from a ball or lump
in the throat; alternate fits of crying and convulsive laugh-
ing ; the sleep is unsound, and seldom refreshing ; and the
patient is often troubled with the night-mare.
As the disease increases, the patient is molested with
headachs, cramps, and fixt pains in various parts of the
body ; the eyes are clouded, and often affected with pain
and dryness ; there is a noise in the ears, and often a dull-
ness of hearing; in short, the whole animal functions are
impaired. The mind is disturbed on the most trivial occa-
sions,

OF NERVOUS DISORDERS. 301
sions, and is hurried into the most perverse commotions, in-
quietudes, terror, sadness, anger, dissidence, &c. the pa-
tient is apt to entertain wild imaginations, and extravagant
fancies ; the memory becomes weak, and the reason fails.
Nothing is more characteristic of this disease than a constant
dread of death. This renders the patients peevish, sickle,
impatient, and apt to run from one physician to another;
which is one reason why they seldom reap any benefit from
medicine, as they have not sufficient resolution to persist in
any one course till it has time to produce its proper effects.
They are likewise apt to imagine that they labour under dis-
eases from which they are quite free, and are very angry if
any one attempts to laugh them out of their ridiculous no-
tions.
REGIMEN.-Hysteric and hypochondriac per-
sons ought never to fast long. their food should be solid
and nourishing, but of easy digestion. Fat meats, and
heavy sauces, are hurtful. All excess should be carefully
avoided. they ought never to eat more at a time than they
can easily digest. Heavy suppers are to be avoided. If the
patient feels himself weak and faint between meals, he
ought to eat a bit of bread, and drink a glass of wine. Tho'
wine in excess enfeebles the body, and impairs the faculties
of the mind, yet taken in moderation, it strengthens the
stomach, and promotes digestion. Wine and water is a
very proper drink at meals. If wine sours on the stomach,
or the patient is much troubled with wind, brandy and wa-
ter will answer better. Every thing that is windy, or hard
of digestion, must be avoided. All weak and warm liquors
are hurtful, as tea, coffee, punch, &c. People may find
a temporary relief from these, but they always increase the
malady, as they weaken the stomach, and hurt digestion.
Above all things, drams are to be avoided. Whatever im-
mediate ease the patient may feel from the use of ardent spi-
rits, they are sure to aggravate the malady, and prove cer-
tain poisons at last. These cautions are the more necessa-
ry here, as all hysteric and hypochondriac persons are pe-
culiarly fond of tea and ardent spirits; to the use of which many
of them fall a victim.
EXERCISE is of such importance in nervous disorders,
that it is worth all other medicines. Riding on horseback is
generally esteemed the best, as it gives motion to the whole
body, without fatiguing it. I have known some patients,
however, 


302 OF NERVOUS DISORDERS.
however, with whom walking agreed better, and others who
were most benefited by riding in a machine. Every one
ought to use that which he finds most beneficial. Long
sea-voyages have an excellent effect ; and to those who can
afford to take them, and have sufficient resolution, we
would by all means recommend this course. Even change
of place, and the sight of new objects, by diverting the
mind, have a great tendency to remove these complaints.
For this reason a long journey, or a voyage, is of much
more advantage than riding short journeys near home.
A cool and dry air is the best, as it braces and imparts
vigour to the whole body. Nothing tends more to relax ,
and enervate than hot air, especially that which is render-
ed so by great fires, or stoves in small apartments. But
when the stomach or bowels are weak, the body ought to
be well guarded against cold, especially in winter, by wear-
ing a thin flannel waistcoat next the skin. This will keep
up an equal perspiration, and defend the alimentary canal
from many impressions, to which it would otherwise be
subject, upon every sudden change from warm to cold wea-
ther. Rubbing the body frequently with a flesh-brush, or
a coarse linen cloth, is likewise beneficial, as it promotes
the circulation, perspiration, &c. Persons who have weak
nerves ought to rise early, and take exercise before break-
fast, as lying too long a-bed cannot fail to relax the solids.
They ought likewise to be diverted, and to be kept as easy and
cheerful as possible. Nothing hurts the nervous system, or
weakens the digestive powers more than fear, grief, or anx-
iety.
MEDICINES.-Tho' nervous diseases are sel-
dom radically cured, yet their symptoms may sometimes be
alleviated, and the patient's life rendered, at least, more
comfortable, by proper medicines.
WHEN the patient is costive, he ought to take a little
rhubarb, or some other mild purgative, and should never suffer
his belly to be long bound. All strong and violent purga-
tives are however to be avoided, as aloes, jalap, &c. I have
generally seen an infusion of senna and rhubarb in brandy
answer very well. This may be made of any strength, and
taken in such quantity as the patient finds necessary.
WHEN the digestion is bad, and the stomach relaxed and
weak, bitters will be of service. The best of these are the
jesuits bark and gentian root, which may be prepared and
used 


OF MELANCHOLY AND MADNESS. 303
used in the following manner. Take jesuits bark in pow-
der, an ounce and a half, gentian-root and orange peel
bruised, of each half an ounce. Infuse these ingredients
in a bottle of brandy or whisky, for five or six days, then
strain the liquor, and take a table spoonful in half a glass of
water an hour before breakfast, dinner, and supper.
NOTHING tends more to strengthen the nervous system
than cold bathing. This practice, if duly persisted in,
will produce very extraordinary effects ; but when the liver
or other viscera are obstructed, or otherwise unsound, the
cold bath is improper. the most proper seasons for it are
summer and autumn. It will be sufficient, especially for
persons of a spare habit, to go into the cold bath three or
four times a week. If the patient be weakened by it, or
feels chilly for a long time after coming out, it is improper.
IN patients afflicted with wind, I have always observed
the greatest benefit from the acid elixir of vitriol. It may
be taken in the quantity of fifteen, twenty, or thirty drops,
twice or thrice a-day, in a glass of water. This both ex-
pels wind, strengthens the stomach, and promotes digesti-
on.
OPIATES are greatly extolled in these maladies ; but as
they only palliate the symptoms, and generally afterwards
increase the disease, we would advise people to be extreme-
ly cautious in the use of them, lest habit render them at last 
absolutely necessary.
IT would be an easy matter to enumerate many medicines
which have been extolled for relieving nervous disorders ;
but whoever wishes for a thorough cure must expect it from
regimen alone ; we shall therefore omit mentioning more
medicines, and again recommend the strictest attention to
DIET, AIR, EXERCISE, and AMUSEMENTS. 
OF MELANCHOLY AND MADNESS.
MELANCHOLY and madness are nearly allied. They
both proceed from the same origin, and may be considered
as only different degrees of the same disease. A delirium
without a fever is the common definition of madness : Indeed
it is not a very accurate one; but there is no great occasi-
on to be solicitous about the definition of a disease which
every body knows. It is of far greater importance to know
how it is occasioned and by what means it may be cured. 
CAUSES.—

304 OF MELANCHOLY AND MADNESS.
CAUSES.-It may proceed from a hereditary dis-
position ; intense thinking, especially where the mind is
long occupied about one object ; violent passions or affect-
ons of the mind, as love, fear, joy, grief, over-weening
pride, and such like. It may also be occasioned by exces-
sive venery ; narcotic or stupifactive poisons ; a sedentary
life; solitude ; the suppression of customary evacuations;
accute fevers, or other disease. Violent anger will change
melancholy into madness ; and excessive cold,
especially of the lower extremities, will force the blood in-
to the brain, and produce all the symptoms of madness. It
may likewise proceed from the use of aliment that is hard of
digestion, or which cannot be easily assimilated ; from a
callous state of the integuments of the brain, or a dryness
of the brain itself. To all which we may add gloomy or
mistaken notions of religion*.
SYMPTOMS.-When persons begin to be me-
lancholy, they are dull ; dejected ; timorous ; watchful ;
fond of solitude ; fretful; fickle ; captious and inquisitive;
felicitous about trifles ; sometimes niggardly, and at other
times prodigal. The belly is generally bound ; the urine
thin, and in small quantity; the stomach and bowels in-
flated with wind ; the complexion pale ; the pulse flow and
weak. The functions of the mind are also greatly pervert-
ed, in so much that the patient often imagines himself
dead, or changed into some other animal. Some have ima-
gined, their bodies were made of glass, or other brittle sub-
stances, and were afraid to move lest they should be broken
in pieces. The unhappy patient, in this case, unless care-
fully watched, is apt to put an end to his own miserable
life.
THE signs of approaching madness are : Redness of the
eyes, with a tremulous and constant vibration of the eye-
lids ; a change of disposition and behaviour ; supercilious
looks ; a haughty carriage ; grinding of the teeth ; unac-
countable malice to particular persons ; excessive watchful-
ness ; violent headachs ; quickness of hearing; noise in
the ears, &c.
PERSONS
* THE mind by dwelling too long upon the dark side of religion,
is often, at length, overwhelmed with the deepest melancholy, which
ends in madness. What a pity that religion, which was intended to al-
leviate the calamities of life, to keep the mind cheerful, and to raise
it above disappointments, should ever be perverted into the means of
producing these very evils it was designed to cure ? 
 

OF MELANCHOLY AND MADNESS. 305
PERSONS actually mad are in an excessive rage when pro-
voked to anger. Some wander about, others make a hide-
ous noise. Some shun the sight of men; others, if permit-
ted, would tear themselves, or those whom they meet, to
pieces. Some in the highest degree of the disorder see ima-
ges before their eyes, and fancy themselves struck with
lightening. To these we may add incredible strength, and
great insensibility to hunger and cold.
WHEN the disease is owing to an obstruction of custom-
ary evacuations, or any bodily disorder, it is easier cured
than when it proceeds from the mind. Madness attended
with mirth is not so dangerous as that which is accompani-
ed with sadness. A discharge of blood from the nose, a vi-
olent looseness, scabby eruptions, the bleeding piles, or the
menses, sometimes carry off this disease.
DISEASES of the mind often intermit for several years,
and return again. In some they return annually at the sol-
stics ; in others about the time of the equinoxes. Some-
times the raving fits observe the lunar periods; in which
case the disease is thought to have some affinity with the e-
pilepsy.
REGIMEN.-The diet ought to consist chiefly of
vegetables of a cooling and opening quality. Animal food,
especially salted or smoke-dried fish or flesh, ought to be
avoided. All kinds of shell-fish are bad. Aliments pre-
pared with onions, garlic, or any thing that generates
thick blood, are likewise improper. All kinds of fruits that
are wholesome may be eat with advantage. Boerhaave
gives an instance of a patient who by a long use of whey,
water, and garden-fruits, evacuated a great quantity of
black matter, and recovered his senses. This seems to have
been the method of cure practiced at the Assyrian court;
where we find the monarch himself, when seized with mad-
ness, was turned out to graze.
STRONG liquors of every kind ought to be avoided as
poison. the most proper drink is water, whey, or very
small beer. Tea and coffee are improper. If honey agrees
with the patient, it may be eat freely, or his drink sweet-
ened with it. Infusions of balm-leaves, penny-royal, the
roots of wild valerian, or the flowers of the lime-tree, may
be drank freely, either by themselves, or sweetened with
honey, as the patient shall chuse.
Q q THE

306 OF MELANCHOLY AND MADNESS.
THE patient ought to take as much exercise in the open
air as he can bear. This helps to dissolve the viscid humours,
it removes obstructions, promotes the perspiration, and all
the other secretions. Every kind of madness is attended
with a diminished perspiration ; all means ought therefore
to be used to promote that necessary and salutary discharge.
Nothing can have a more direct tendency to increase the
disease than the common method of confining the patient
to a close apartment. Were a proper space allotted for him
to run about in, where he could neither hurt himself nor
others, it would contribute much to promote a cure. It
would have still a better effect, if he were obliged to labour
a piece of ground. By digging, hoeing, planting, sow-
ing, &c. both the body and mind would be exercised.
A PLAN of this kind, with a strict vegetable diet, would
be a more rational method of cure than confining the patient
in Bedlam, or sending him to a private mad-house. These
institutions, as they are generally managed, are far more
likely to make a wise man mad than to restore a madman to
his senses. Even running about at large, tho' it may be
attended with some bad consequences, is more likely to re-
store the patient than confining him in a mad-house. I
have known several instances of persons cured by exercise,
amusements, and a vegetable diet, who, in all probability,
had they been confined, would have continued lunatic for
life. A long journey, or a voyage, especially into a warm-
er climate, with agreeable companions, has often very hap-
py effects.
MEDICINE.-IN the cure of madness, great re-
gard must be paid to the mind. When the patient is in a
low melancholy state, his mind ought to be soothed and di-
verted with variety of amusements, as entertaining stories,
pastimes, music, &c. This seems to have been the method
of curing melancholy among the Jews, as we learn from
the story of King Saul; and indeed it is a very rational one.
Nothing can remove diseases of the mind so effectually as
applications to the mind itself, the most efficacious of which
is music. the patient's company ought likewise to con-
sist of such persons as are agreeable to him. People in this
state are apt to conceive unaccountable aversions against
particular persons; and the very sight of such persons is
sufficient to distract their minds, and threw them into the
utmost 

OF MELANCHOLY AND MADNESS. 307
Utmost perturbation. In all kinds of madness, it is better
to sooth and calm the mind than to ruffle it by contradicti-
on. 
WHEN the patient is high, evacuations are necessary.
In this case he must be bled, and have his belly kept open
by purging medicines, as manna, rhubarb, cream of tartar,
or the solube tartar. I have seen the last have very good ef-
fects. It may be taken in the dose of half an ounce, dis-
solved, in water gruel every day, for sundry weeks, or
even for months, if necessary. More or less may be given
according as it operates. Vomits have likewise a good ef-
fect ; but they must be pretty strong, otherwise they will
not operate.
MADNESS has sometimes been cured by camphire. Ten
or twelve grains of it may be rubbed in a mortar with half
a dram of nitre, and taken twice a day, or oftner if the
stomach will bear it. If it will not sit upon the stomach in
this form, it may be made into pills with, gum asafætida
and Ruffian castor, and taken in the quantity above direct-
ed. Musk has likewise been found efficacious in this case ;
but to have any effect, it must be given in large doses. A
scruple or twenty five grains may be made into a bolus with a
little honey or syrup, and taken twice or thrice a day. the
antimonial wine is by some extolled for the cure of madness.
It may be taken in the dose of forty or fifty drops, twice
or thrice a day, in a cup of tea. the tincture of hellebore
has likewise been in great esteem ; but I never saw any con-
siderable effects from it. Each of the above medicines may
be of service in some particular case, provided it be duly
persisted in, and where one fails, it may not be amiss to try
another.
As it is very difficult to induce patients in this disease
to take medicines, we shall mention some outward appli-
cations which sometimes do good; the principal of these
are issues, setons, and cold bathing. Issues may be made
in any part of the body, but they generally have the best ef-
fect near the spine of the back. The discharge from these
may be greatly promoted by dressing them with the mild
blistering ointment, and keeping what are commonly
called the orrice peas in them. The salt water is most
proper for bathing in ; but when that cannot be obtained,
the patient may be daily immersed in fresh water. Some
recommend
Q q 2 


308 OF POISONS.
recommend bathing the body in warm water, and at the
same time pouring cold water upon the head.-
THAT kind of madness or delirium which proceeds from
mere weakness, requires a quite different method of treat-
ment. It is often the effect of fevers injudiciously treated,
wherein the patient's strength has been exhausted by frequent
bleedings and purgings. This must be removed by nourish-
ing diet, exercise proportioned to the patient's strength, and
cordial medicines. All evacuations are here carefully to be
avoided. The patient may take frequently a glass of good
wine, in which a little jesuits bark has been infused.
OF POISONS.
EVERY person ought, in some measure, to be acquaint-
ed with the nature and cure of poisons. They are general-
ly taken unawares, and their effects are often so sudden and
violent, as not to admit of delay, or allow time to procure
the assistance of physicians. Indeed no great degree of me-
dical knowledge is here necessary, the remedies for most
poisons being generally at hand, or easily obtained, and
nothing but common prudence needful in the application of
them.
THE vulgar notion that every poison is cured by some
counter poison, as a specific, has done much hurt. People
believe they can do nothing for the patient, unless they
know the particular antidote to that kind of poison which he
has taken. Whereas the cure of all poisons taken into the
stomach, without exception, depends on discharging them
as soon as possible.
THERE is no case wherein nature points out the method
of cure more clearly than in this. Poison is seldom long in
the stomach before it occasions sickness with an inclination
to vomit. This shews plainly what ought to be done. In-
deed common sense dictates to every man, that, if anything
has been taken into the stomach which endangers life, it
ought immediately to be discharged. Were this duly re-
garded, most of the mischief occasioned by poison might be
prevented. The method of cure is obvious, and the means
of performing it are in the hands of every man.
POISONS, either belong to the animal, vegetable, or mi-
neral kingdom.
MINERAL 


OF POISONS. 309 
MINERAL poisons are commonly of an acrid or corrosive
quality, as arsenic, the corrosive sublimate of mercury, &c.
THOSE of the vegetable kind are generally of a narcotic
or stupifactive quality, as poppy, hemlock, henbane, ber-
ries of the deadly night-shade, &c.
POISONOUS animals communicate their infection, either
by the bite or fling. This poison is very different from the
former, both in its symptoms and cure.
MINERAL POISONS.-arsenic is the most
common of this class ; and, as the whole of them are pret-
ty similar both in their effects and method of cure, what is
said with respect to it will be applicable to every other spe-
cies of corrosive poison.
WHEN a person has taken arsenic, he soon percieves a
burning heat, and violent pricking pain in his stomach and
bowels, with vomiting and intolerable thirst. The tongue
and throat feel rough and dry ; and, if proper help be not
soon administred, the patient is seized with great anxiety,
hiccupping, faintings, and coldness of the extremeties. To
these succeed black vomits, fœtid stools, with a mortifica-
tion of the stomach and intestines, which are the immedi-
ate forerunners of death.
ON the first appearance of these symptoms, the patient
should drink large quantities of new milk and salad oil till
he vomits ; or he may drink warm water mixed with oil.
Fat broths are also proper, provided they can be got ready
in time. Where no oil is to be had, fresh butter may be
melted and mixed with the milk or water. these things
are to be drank as long as the inclination to vomit conti-
nues. Some have drank eight or ten English quarts before
the vomiting ceased ; and it is never safe to leave off drink-
ing while one particle of the poison remains in the stomach.
THESE oily or fat substances not only provoke vomiting,
but likewise blunt the acrimony of the poison, and prevent
its wounding the bowels ; but if they should not make the
person vomit, half a dram or two scruples of the powder of
ipecacoanha must be given, or a few spoonfuls of the oxy-
mel of squills mixed with the water which he drinks. Vo-
miting may likewise be excited by tickling the inside of the
throat with a feather.
IF the tormenting pains are felt in the lower belly, and
there is reason to fear, that the intestines are attacked, clys-
ters of milk and oil must be very frequently thrown up ;
and 


310 OF POISONS.
and the patient must drink emollient decoctions of bar-
ley, oatmeal, marshmallows, and such like.
AFTER the poison has been evacuated, the patient ought,
for some time, to live upon such things as are of a healing
and cooling quality. To abstain from flesh and all strong
liquors, and to live upon milk, broth, gruel, light pud-
dings, and other spoon meats of easy digestion. His drink
should be barley-water, linseed-tea, or infusions of any of
the mild mucilaginous vegetables.
VEGETABLE POISONS, besides heat and
pain of the stomach, commonly occasion some degree of
giddiness, and often a kind of stupidity or folly. Persons
who have taken these must be treated in the same manner
as for the mineral or corrosive.
THOUGH the vegetable poisons, when allowed to remain
in the stomach, often prove fatal; yet the danger is gene-
rally over as soon as they are discharged. Not being of
such a caustic or corrosive nature, they are less apt to wound
and inflame the bowels than mineral substances, no time
however ought to be lost in having them expelled the sto-
mach.
OPIUM, being frequently taken by mistake, merits par-
ticular attention. It is used as a medicine both in a solid
and liquid form, which letter commonly goes by the name
of laudanum. It is indeed a valuable medicine when
taken in proper quantity ; but as an over-dose proves a
strong poison, we shall point out its common effects, to-
gether with the method of cure.
TOO great a quantity of opium generally occasions great
drowsiness, with stupor and other apoplectic symptoms.
Sometimes the person has so great an inclination to sleep,
that it is almost impossible to keep him awake. Every me-
thod must however be tried for this purpose. He should be
tossed, shaked, and moved about. Sharp blistering plasters
should be applied to his legs or arms, and stimulating me-
dicines, as salts of hartshorn, &c. held under his nose. It
will also be proper to let blood. At the same time every
method must be taken to make him discharge the poison.
This may be done in the manner directed above, viz. by
the use of strong vomits, drinking plenty of warm water
with oil, &c.
MEAD, besides vomits, in this case, recommends acid
medicines with lixivial salts. He says, that he has often
given 

OF POISONS. 311
given salt of wormwood mixed with juice of lemon in re-
peated doses with great success.
IF the body should remain weak and languid after the
poison has been discharged, nourishing diet and cordials will
be necessary ; but when there is reason to fear that the sto-
mach or bowels are inflamed, the greatest circumspection is
necessary both with regard to food and medicine.
ANIMAL POISONS.-We shall begin with
the bite of a mad dog, as it is both the most common and
dangerous animal poison in this country.
THE creatures naturally liable to contract the hydropho-
bia are, so far as we yet know, all of the dog-kind, viz.
dogs, foxes, and wolves. Of the last we have none in this
island ; and it so seldom happens that any person is bit by
the second, that they scarce deserve to be taken notice of.
If such a thing should happen, the method of treatment is
precisely the same as for the bite of a mad dog.
THE symptoms of madness in a dog are as follow. At
first he looks dull, shews an aversion to food and company :
He does not bark as usual, but seems to murmur, is peevish,
and apt to bite strangers: His ears and tail droop more than
usual, and he appears drowsy. Afterwards he begins to loll
out his tongue, and froth at the mouth, his eyes seeming
heavy and watery. He now, if not confined, takes off,
runs panting along with a kind of dejected air, and endea-
vours to bite every one he meets. Other dogs are said to fly
from him. Some think this a certain sign of madness fup-
posing that they know him by the smell; but it is not to be
depended on. If he escapes being killed, he seldom runs
above two or three days, till he dies exhausted with heat,
hunger, and fatigue.
THIS disease is most frequent after long dry hot seasons ;
and such dogs as live upon putrid stinking carrion, without
having enough of fresh water, are most liable to it.
WHEN any person is bit by a dog, the strictest enquiry
ought to be made, whether the animal be really mad.
Many disagreeable consequences arise from neglecting to as-
certain this point. Some people have lived in continual
anxiety for many years, because they had been bit by a dog
which they believed to be mad ; but, as he had been killed
on the spot, it was impossible to ascertain the fact. This
should induce us, instead of killing a dog the moment he
has 


312 OF POISONS.
has bit any person, to do all in our power to keep him alive,
at least till we can be certain whether he be mad or not.
MANY circumstances may contribute to make people
imagine a dog mad. He loses his matter, runs about in
quest of him, is set upon by other dogs, and perhaps by men.
The creature thus frightened, beat, and abused, looks wild,
and lolls out his tongue as he runs along. Immediately
a crowd is after him ; while he, finding himself closely pur-
sued, and taking every one he meets for an enemy, natu-
rally attempts to bite in self-defence. He soon gets knock-
ed on the head, and passes currently for a mad dog, as it
is then impossible to prove the contrary.
THIS being the true history of, by far, the greater part
of those dogs which pass for mad, is it any wonder that
numberless whimsical medicines have been extolled for pre-
venting the effects of their bite? This readily accounts for
the great variety of infallable remedies for the bite of a mad
dog, which are to be met with in almost every family.
Though not one in a thousand has any claim to merit, yet
they are all supported by numberless vouchers. No wonder
that imaginary diseases should be cured by imaginary reme-
dies. In this way credulous people first impose upon them-
selves, and then deceive others. The fame medicine that
was supposed to prevent the effects of the bite, when the
dog was not mad, is recommended to a person who has had
the misfortune to be bit by a dog that was really mad. He
takes it, trusts to it, and is undone.
TO these mistakes we must impute the frequent ill suc-
cess in preventing the effects of the bite of a mad dog. It
is not owing so much to a defect in medicine, as to wrong
applications. I am persuaded if proper medicines were
taken immediately after the bite is received, and continued
for a sufficient length of time, we should not lose one in a
thousand of those who have the misfortune to be bit by a
mad dog.
THIS poison is generally communicated by a wound,
which, nevertheless, heals as soon as a common wound :
But afterwards it begins to feel painful, and as the pain
spreads towards the neighbouring parts, the person becomes
heavy and listless. His sleep is unquiet with frightful
dreams; he sighs, looks dull, and loves solitude. these
are the forerunners, or rather the first symptoms, of that
dreadful disease occasioned by the bite of a mad dog. But
as 
 

OF POISONS. 313
as we do not propose to treat the disease itself, but to point
out the method of preventing it, we shall not take up time
in shewing its progress from the first invasion to its com-
monly fatal end.
THE common notion, that this poison may lie in the
body for many years, and afterwards prove fatal, seems not
to be well founded. It must render such persons as have had
the misfortune to be bit very unhappy, and can have no
good effects. If the person takes proper medicines for for-
ty days after being bit, and feels no symptoms of the dis-
ease, there is reason to believe him out of danger. Some
indeed have gone mad twelve months after being bit; but
I never knew it happen later ; and of this I only remember
to have seen one instance.
THE medicines recommended for preventing the effects
of the bite of a mad dog, are chiefly such as promote urine
and perspiration ; to which may be added antispasmodics.
DR MEAD recommends a preventive medicine, which
he says he never knew fail, though in the space of thirty
years he had used it a thousand times.
THE medicine is as follows :
" TAKE ash-coloured ground liver-wort, cleaned, dried,
and powdered, half an ounce ; of black pepper powdered,
a quarter of an ounce. Mix these well together, and divide
the powder into four doses ; one of which must be taken
every morning fasting, for four mornings successively, in
half an English pint of cows milk warm.
AFTER these four doses are taken, the patient must go
into the cold bath, or a cold spring or river, every morning
fasting, for a month ; he must be dipped all over, but not
flay in (with his head above water) longer than half a mi-
nute, if the water be very cold. After this he must go in
three times a-week for a fortnight longer.
THE person must be bled before he begins to use the me-
dicine*."
R r We
* I was, some time ago, favoured with the following prescription for
the bite of a mad dog, which had been long kept a secret in a gentleman's
family in the north of England, and is said never to have failed, when
given as a preventive either to man or beast.—" Take six ounces of Rue
clean picked and bruised, four ounces of garlic pealed and bruised, four
ounces of Venice treacle, four ounces of scraped tin or pewter. Boil
all these ingredients in two English quarts of the best ale, in a vessel 
close

314 OF POISONS.
WE shall next mention the famous East India specific,
as it is called. This medicine is composed of cinnabar and
musk. It is esteemed a great antispasmodic, and by many,
thought to be an infallible remedy for preventing the effects
of the bite of a mad dog.
"TAKE native and factitious cinnabar, of each twenty-
four grains, musk sixteen grains. Let these be made into
a fine powder, and taken in a glass of arrack or brandy."
THIS single dose is said to secure the person for thirty
days, at the end of which it must be repeated; but if he has
any symptoms of the disease, it must be repeated in three
hours.
THE following is likewise a good antispasmodic medicine.
TAKE of Virginian snake-root in powder, half a dram,
gum asafœtida twelve grains, gum Camphire seven grains ;
make these into a bolus with a little syrup of saffron.
CAMPHIRE may also be given in the following manner :
TAKE purified nitre half an ounce, Virginian snake-root
in powder two drams, camphire one dram ; rub them toge-
ther in a mortar, and divide the whole into ten doses.
MERCURY is another medicine of great efficacy, both in
the prevention and cure of this kind of madness. When
used as a preventive, it will be sufficient to rub daily a dram
of the ointment into the parts about the wound.
VINEGAR is likewise of considerable service, and should
be taken freely, either in the patient's food or drink.
THESE are the principal medicines recommended for
preventing the effects of the bite of a mad dog. We would
not however advise people to trust to any one of them ; but
from a proper combination of their different powers, there
is the greatest reason to hope for success.
THE great error in the use of these medicines lies in not
taking them for a sufficient length of time. They are used
more like charms than medicines intended to produce any
change in the body. To this, and not to the insufficiency
of
close covered, over a slow fire, for the space of an hour; then strain
the liquor, and give eight or nine spoonfuls of it warm to an adult per-
son every morning fasting, for three or four mornings running. Less
may be given to a young person, or one of a weak constitution. Some
of the ingredients may be bound upon the wound, if it can be conveni-
ently done." This is ordered to be given within nine days after the bite.
No doubt the sooner it is given the better.-The dose ordered for a horse
is twelve spoonfuls, the same quantity for a bullock ; and for a sheep,
hog, or dog, four or five. 


OF POISONS. 315
of the medicines, must we impute their frequent want of
success.
DR MEAD says, that the virtue of his medicine con-
sists in promoting urine. But how a poison should be ex-
pelled by urine, with only three or four doses of any medi-
cine, however powerful, is not easy to conceive. More
time is certainly necessary ; and here the defect of the Doc-
tor's prescription seems to lie.
THE East-India specific is still more exceptionable on
this account.
As these and most other medicines, taken singly, have
frequently been found to fail, we shall recommend the fol-
lowing course.
IF a person be bit in a fleshly part, where there is no
hazard of hurting any large blood-vessel, the parts adjacent
to the wound may be cut away. But if this be not done
soon after receiving the bite, it will be better to omit it.
THE wound may be washed with salt and water, or a
pickle made of vinegar and salt, and afterwards dressed 
twice a-day with yellow basilicon mixed with some red pre-
cipitate.
THE patient should begin to use either Dr Mead's me-
dicine, or some of the others mentioned above. If he takes
Mead's medicine he may use it as the Doctor directs for
four days successively. Let him then omit it for two or
three days, and again repeat the same number of doses as
before.
DURING this course, he must rub into the parts about
the wound, daily, one dram of the mercurial or blue oint-
ment, as it is called. This may be done for ten or twelve
days at least.
WHEN this course is over, he may take a purge or two,
and then begin to use the cold bath. This must be used
every morning for five or six weeks ; but if the patient
should feel cold and chilly for a long time after coming out
of the cold bath, it will be better to use a tepid one, or to
have the water a little warmed.
IN the mean time, we would advise him not to leave off
all internal medicines, but to take either one of the boluses
of snake-root, asafœetida and camphire ; or one of the pow-
ders of nitre, camphire, and snake-root, twice a-day.
These may be continued for a fortnight or three weeks 
longer.
R r 2 IF


316 OF POISONS
IF the person has gone through the above course of me-
dicine, and no symptoms of madness appear, he may be
reckoned out of danger. It will nevertheless be adviseable,
for the greater safety, to take a dose or two of Dr Mead's
medicine, at every full or change of the moon, for the three
or four succeeding months.
DURING the use of the mercurial ointment, the patient
must keep within doors, and take nothing cold.
A PROPER regimen must be observed during the whole
course. The patient should abstain from flesh, and all salt-
ed and high-seasoned provisions. He must avoid strong li-
quors, and live mostly upon a light and rather spare diet.
His mind should be kept as easy and cheerful as possible,
and all excessive heat and violent passions avoided with the
utmost care.
I HAVE never seen this course of medicine, with proper
regimen, fail to prevent the hydrophobia, and cannot help
again observing, that the want of success must generally be
owing either to the application of improper medicines, or
not using proper ones for a sufficient length of time.
MANKIND are extremely fond of every thing that promi-
ses a sudden or miraculous cure. By trusting to these they
often lose their lives, when a regular course of medicine
would have rendered them absolutely safe. This holds re-
markably in the present case: Numbers of people, for ex-
ample, believe if they or their cattle be once dipped in the
sea, it is sufficient: as if the salt water were a charm against
the effects of the bite. This and such like whims have
proved fatal to many.
SOME people believe, if a person be bit by a dog that is
not mad, if he should go mad afterwards, that the person
will be seized with the disorder at the same time. This no-
tion is too ridiculous to deserve a serious confutation*.
THE next poisonous animal that we shall mention is the
VIPER. The grease of this animal rubbed into the wound
is generally reckoned a cure for the bite. Though this
is all that the viper-catchers commonly do when they are
bit,
* It is surprising that no proper inquiry has ever been made into the
truth of the common opinion, that a dog which has been wormed can-
not bite after he goes mad. This circumstance not only merits the at-
tention of physicians, but of the legislature. If the fact could be ascer- -
tained, and the practice rendered general, it would save both the lives
and properties of many. 
 

OF POISONS 317
bit, I should hardly think it sufficient for the bite of an
enraged viper. It would surely be more safe to have the
wound well sucked,† and afterwards rubbed with warm sa-
lad oil. A poultice of bread and milk, with plenty of salad
oil in it, should likewise be applied to the wound, and the
patient ought to drink freely of wine whey with some spirits
of hartshhorn ; or, if that be not at hand, of water gruel with.
vinegar in it, to make him sweat. If the patient be sick,
he may take a vomit. This course will be sufficient for the
bite of any of the poisonous animals of this country.
WITH regard to poisonous insects, as the bee, wasp,
hornet, &c. their stings are seldom attended with great dan-
ger, unless where a person happens to be stung by a num-
ber of them at once. In this case something should be done
to abate the pain and inflammation. Some, for this pur-
pose, apply honey, others lay pounded parsley to the part.
Some recommend a mixture of vinegar and Venice-treacle;
but I have always found rubbing the part with warm salad-
oil succeed very well. Indeed, if the stings be so numerous
as to endanger the patient's life, which is sometimes the
case, he must not only have oily poultices applied to the
part, but must likewise be bled and take some cooling me-
dicines, as nitre, cream of tartar, &c. with plenty of dilu-
ting liquors.
IT is the happiness of this island to have very few poison-
ous animals, and even these are not of the most virulent
kind. Nine tenths of the effects usually attributed to poi-
son or venom are really other diseases, and depend upon
quite different causes.
WE cannot however make the same observation with re-
gard to poisonous vegetables. These abound every where,
and prove often fatal to the ignorant and unwary*. This
indeed
† The practice of sucking out poisons is very ancient ; and indeed
nothing can be more rational. It is the most likely method of extract-
ing the poison where the bite cannot be cut out. There is no danger in
performing this office ; as the poison does no harm unless it be taken
into the body by a wound. The person who sucks the wound ought
however to wash his mouth frequently with salad-oil, which will secure
him from even the least inconveniency. The ancient Psylli in Africa,
and the Marsi in Italy were famed for curing the bites of poisonous ani-
mals by sucking the wound ; and we are told, that the Indians in North
America practice the same at this day.
* The principal of these are, hemlock, henbane, monkshood, co-
lumbine, hellebore, berries of the deadly night-shade, thorn-apple,
all the spurges, and most mushrooms, &c.

318 OF THE STONE AND GRAVEL.
indeed is, in a great measure, owing to carelessness. Chil-
dren ought early to be cautioned against eating any sort of
roots or berries which they do not know. We would like-
wise advise parents to destroy all poisonous plants in their
gardens, &c. or else to keep them in places where their
children can have no access.
BUT it is not children alone who suffer by eating poiso-
nous plants: We have every year accounts of adults poison-
ed by eating hemlock-roots instead of parsnips, or some
fungus which they gather for mushrooms, &c. These ex-
amples ought to put people upon their guard with respect to
the former, and put the latter entirely out of use.
OF THE STONE AND GRAVEL.
WHEN small stones are lodged in the kidneys, or dis-
charged along with the urine, the patient is said to be afflic-
ted with gravel. If one of these stones happens to make a
lodgment in the bladder for some time, it accumulates fresh
matter, and at length becomes too large to pass off with
the urine. In this case the patient is said to have the stone.
CAUSES.- THIS disease may be occasioned by
high living ; the use of strong astringent wines* ; a seden-
tary life ; lying too hot, soft, or too much on the back ;
the constant use of water which is impregnated with earthy
or stony particles, aliments of an astringent or windy na-
ture, &c. It may likewise proceed from an hereditary dis-
position. Persons in the decline of life, and those who
have been much afflicted with the gout or rheumatism are
most subject to it.
SYMPTOMS.-SMALL stones or gravel in the
kidneys occasion pain in the loins; sickness; vomiting ;
and sometimes bloody urine. When the stone descends
into the ureter, and is too large to pass along with ease, all
the above symptoms are increased ; the pain extends to-
wards the bladder; the thigh and leg of the affected side
feel benumbed ; the testicles are drawn upwards, and the
urine is obstructed.
A STONE
* It is a common notion that the tartar in wine generates the stone ;
but there is more reason to believe that its astringency, together with
the fixed air contained in it, produce this effect. I know many persons
who never fail to pass less urine, and to complain of a pain in their kid-
neys for several days after drinking freely of red wine. 

OF THE STONE AND GRAVEL. 319
A STONE in the bladder is known from a pain at the
time, as well as before and after making water; from the
urine coming away by drops, or stopping suddenly when
in a full stream ; by a violent pain in the neck of the blad-
der upon motion, especially on horseback or in a coach on
rough road ; from a white, thick, copious, stinking, mu-
cous sediment in the urine ; from an itching in the top of
the penis ; from an inclination to go to stool while the urine
is discharged ; from the patient's passing his urine more ea-
sily when lying than in an erect posture ; and from a kind
of convulsive motion occasioned by the sharp pain in dis-
charging the last drops of the urine.
REGIMEN.- Persons afflicted with the gravel or
stone should avoid aliments of a windy or heating nature, as
salt-meats, sour fruits, &c. Their diet ought chiefly to
consist of such things as tend to promote the secretion of u-
rine, and to keep the belly open. Artichoaks, asparagus,
spinnage, lettuces, succory, parsley, purslane, turnips, po-
tatoes, carrots, and radishes may be safely eat. Onions,
leeks, and cellery are, in this case, reckoned medicinal.
The most proper drink is whey, butter-milk, milk and wa-
ter, barley-water; decoctions of the roots of marshmallows,
parsley, liquorice; or of other mild mucilaginous vegetables,
as linseed, &c. If the patient has been accustomed to gene-
rous liquors, he may drink small gin-punch without acid.
But spirits must be used very sparingly, as every thing that
heats is hurtful.
GENTLE exercise is proper ; but if violent, it is apt to
occcasion bloody urine. We would therefore advise that it
should be taken in moderation. Persons afflicted with gra-
vel often pass a great number of stones after riding on horse-
back, or in a machine ; but those who have a stone in the
bladder are seldom able to bear these kinds of exercise.
Where there is a hereditary tendency to this disease, a se-
dentary life ought never to be indulged. Were people care-
ful, upon the first symptoms of gravel, to observe a pro-
per regimen of diet, and to take sufficient exercise, it
might often be carried off, or, at least, prevented from in-
creasing ; but if the same course which occasioned the dis-
ease be persisted in, it cannot fail to become worse.
MEDICINE.- In what is called a fit of the gra-
vel, which is commonly occasioned by a stone sticking in the
ureter or some part of the urinary passages, the patient must
be 
 

320 OF THE STONE AND GRAVEL.
be bled, warm fomentations applied to the parts, emolient
clysters administered, and diluting mucilaginous liquors
drank, &c. The treatment of this case has been fully
pointed out under the articles, inflammation of the kidneys and
bladder, to which we refer the reader.
DR WHYTT advises patients who are subject to fre-
quent fits of gravel in the kidneys, but have no stone in the
bladder, to drink every morning, two or three hours before
breakfast, an English pint of oyster or cockle-shell lime-
water. The Doctor very justly observes, that though this
quantity might be too small to have any sensible effect in
dissolving a stone in the bladder; yet it may very probably
prevent its growth.
WHEN a stone is formed in the bladder, the Doctor re-
commends Alicant soap, and oyster or cockle-shell lime-
water* to be taken in the following manner. The patient
must swallow every day, in any form that is least disagreea-
ble, an ounce of the internal part of Alicant soap, and
drink three or four English pints of oyster or cockle-shell
lime-water. The soap is to be divided into three doses ;
the largest to be taken fasting in the morning early ; the se-
cond at noon; and the third at seven in the evening,
drinking above each dose a large draught of the lime-water ;
the remainder of which he may take any time betwixt din-
ner and supper, instead of other liquors.
THE patient should begin with a smaller quantity of the
lime-water and soap than what is mentioned above ; at first
an English pint of the former and three drams of the latter,
taken daily, may be enough. This quantity, however,
he may increase by degrees, and ought to persevere in the
use of these medicines, especially if he finds any abatement
of his complaints, for several months ; nay, if the stone be
very large, for years. It may likewise be proper for the
patient, if he be severely pained, not only to begin with
the soap and lime-water in small quantities, but to take the
second or third lime-water instead of the first. However,
after he has been for some time accustomed to these medi-
cines
* Oyster-shell lime-water is prepared by pouring an English gallon
and a half of boiling water upon a pound of oyster-shells reduced to
quick-lime by being burnt. Where oyster or cockle-shells cannot be
had, common quick, lime maybe used in their stead. After the clear
liquor has been poured off, the same quantity of lime will make a se-
cond or third quantity of water of nearly the same strength as the first. 

OF THE HICCUP. 321
cines, he may not only take the first water, but, if he finds
he can easily bear it, heighten its dissolving power still more
by pouring it a second time on fresh calcined shells.
THE only other medicine which we shall mention is the
uva ursi. It has been greatly extolled of late years both
for the gravel and stone. It seems, however, to be, in all
respects, inferior to the soap and lime-water ; but as it is
less disagreeable, and has frequently, to my knowledge, re-
lieved gravelly complaints, it deserves a trial. It is general-
ly taken in powder from half a dram to a whole dram, two
or three times a-day. It may be mixed in a cup of tea or
gruel, or taken in any way that is most agreeable to the pa-
tient.
OF THE HICCUP.
THE hiccup is a spasmodic or convulsive affection of the
stomach and midriff, arising from any cause that irritates
their nervous fibres.
IT may proceed from excess in eating or drinking ; from
a hurt of the stomach ; poisons ; inflammations of the sto-
mach, intestines, bladder, midriff, or the rest of the viscera.
In gangrenes, acute and malignant fevers, a hiccup is often
the forerunner of death. I have known an obstinate hic-
cup proceed from a schirrous tumour of the pylorus, or
right orifice of the stomach.
WHEN the hiccup proceeds from excess, especially from
aliment that is flatulent, or hard of digestion, a draught of
generous wine, or a dram of any spiritous liquor, will ge-
nerally remove it. If poison be the cause, plenty of milk
and oil must be drank, as has been formerly recommended.
When it proceeds from an inflammation of the stomach, &c.
it is very dangerous. In this case the cooling regimen must
be observed. The patient must be bled, and take frequent-
ly a few drops of the sweet spirits of nitre in a cup of wine-
whey. His stomach must likewise be fomented with cloths
dipped in warm water ; or bladders filled with warm milk
and water applied to it.
A HICCUP proceeding from a gangrene, or mortificati-
on, is generally incurable. In this case the Peruvian bark,
with other antiseptic medicines, are most likely to succeed.
If the hiccup be a primary disease, and proceeds from a
foul stomach, loaded either with a pituitous or a bilious hu-
S s mour, 


322 CRAMP OF THE STOMACH.
mour, a gentle vomit and purge, if the patient be able to
bear them, will be of service. If it arises from flatulencies,
the carminatives directed for the heart-burn, page 255.
must be used.
WHEN the hiccup proves very obstinate, recourse must
be had to the most powerful aromatic and antispasmodic
medicines. The principal of these is musk; fifteen or
twenty grains of which may be made into a bolus, and re-
peated occasionally. Opiates are likewise of service ; but
they must be used with caution. A bit of sugar dipped in
compound spirits of lavender, or the volatile aromatic tinc-
ture, may be taken frequently. The Peruvian bark is like-
wise of use. External applications are sometimes also be-
neficial ; as the stomach plaster, or a cataplasm of the Ve-
nice treacle of the Edinburgh or London dispensatory, ap-
plied to the stomach.
I LATELY attended a patient who had almost a constant
hiccup for above nine weeks. It was frequently stopped by
the use of musk, opium, wine, and other cordial and anti-
spasmodic medicines, but always returned. Nothing in-
deed gave the patient so much ease as brisk small beer. By
drinking freely of this, the hiccup was often kept off for
several days, which was more than could be done by the
most powerful medicines. He was at length seized with a
vomiting of blood, which soon put an end to his life. Up-
on opening his body, a large schirrous tumour was found
near the pylorus or right orifice of the stomach,
CRAMP OF THE STOMACH.
THO' this, for the most part, is only a symptom of ner-
vous or hysteric disorders, we thought proper to treat it se-
parately ; as it often seizes people suddenly, is very dange-
rous, and requires immediate assistance.
IF the patient has any inclination to vomit, he ought to
take some draughts of warm water, or weak camomile tea,
to clean his stomach. After this, if he has been costive, a
laxative clyster must be given. He ought then to take some
doses of laudanum. The best way of administering it is in
a clyster. Sixty or seventy drops of liquid laudanum may
he given in a clyster of warm water. This is much more
certain than laudanum given by the mouth, which is often
vomited. 
 

WANT OF APPETITE. 323
vomited, and in some cases increases the pain and spasms in
the stomach.
IF the pain and cramps return with great violence, after
the effects of the anodyne clyster are over, another with an
equal or larger quantity of opium, may be given ; and e-
very four or five hours a bolus with ten or twelve grains of
musk, and half a dram of the Venice treacle. In the mean
time, the stomach ought to be fomented with cloths dipped
in warm water ; or bladders filled with warm milk and wa-
ter, should be constantly applied to it. I have often seen
these produce the most happy effects. The anodyne balsam
may also be rubbed into the stomach ; and an antihysteric
plaster worn upon it for some time after the cramps are re-
moved, to prevent their return.
IN very violent and lasting pains of the stomach, some
blood ought to be let, unless the weakness of the patient
makes it improper. When the pain or cramps of the sto-
mach proceed from a suppression of the menses, bleeding is
of great use. If they be owing to the gout, some of the
warm cordial waters, or a large dram of good brandy or
rum, will be necessary. Blistering plasters ought likewise,
in this case, to be applied to the ancles.
WANT OF APPETITE.
THIS may proceed from a foul stomach ; indigestable
food ; the want of free air and exercise ; grief; fear ; anx-
iety ; or any of the depressing passions ; excessive heat;
living much upon strong broths, or fat meats; the immo-
derate use of strong liquors, tea, tabacco, opium, &c.
THE patient ought, if possible, to make choice of an o-
pen dry air ; to take exercise daily on horseback, or in a
machine ; to rise betimes; and to avoid all intense thought.
He should use a diet of easy digestion, avoiding every thing
that is fat and oily ; he ought to chuse agreeable company ;
and should avoid intense heat and great fatigue.
IF want of appetite proceeds from errors in diet, or any
other part of the patient's regimen, it ought to be changed.
If nausea and reachings to vomit, shew that the stomach is
loaded with crudities, a vomit will be of service. After
this a gentle purge or two of rhubarb, or any of the bitter
purging salts, may be taken. The patient ought next to
use an infusion in wine of any of the stomachic bitters ; as
S s 2 Gentian 


324 OF DEAFNESS.
Gentian root, jesuits bark, orange peel, &c. He may also
eat orange peel or ginger candied.
THOUGH gentle evacuations be necessary, all strong pur-
ges and vomits are to be avoided, as they tend to weaken
the stomach and hurt digestion. After proper evacuations,
bitter elixirs and tinctures with aromatics may be used.
The patient may take, twice a-day, a common spoonful of
the stomachic tincture; or, if he be costive, the same
quantity of the bitter tincture of rhubarb. Elixir of vitriol
is an excellent medicine in most cases of indigestion, weak-
ness of the stomach, or want of appetite. Twenty or
thirty drops of it may be taken twice or thrice a-day in a
glass of wine or water. It may likewise be mixed with
the tincture of the bark, two drams of the former to an
ounce of the latter, and a tea-spoonful of it taken in wine
or water, as above.
THE chalybeate waters are of great service in this case.
I never knew these fail to sharpen the appetite, if drank in
moderation. The salt water has likewise this effect ; but
it must not be used too freely. The waters of Harrowgate,
Scarsborough, Moffat, and most other spaws in Britain,
may be used with the same intention. We would advise
all who are afflicted with indigestion and want of appetite,
to repair to these places of public rendezvous. The very
change of air, and the cheerful company will be of service ;
not to mention the exercise, dissipation, amusements, &c.
OF DEAFNESS.
DEAFNESS is sometimes owing to an original fault, or
wrong formation of the ear itself. It may likewise be occa-
sioned by wounds, ulcers, or any thing that destroys the fa-
bric of the ear. It is often the effect of old age ; of violent
colds in the head ; of fevers; of excessive noise; of hard
wax in the ear ; of too great moisture or dryness of the ear,
&c.
PERSONS who are born deaf are seldom cured. When
deafness is the effect of wounds or ulcers in the ear, or of
old age, it is not easily removed. If it proceeds from cold
of the head, the patient must be careful to keep his head
warm, especially in the night; he should likewise take a
purge or two, and should keep his feet warm, and bathe
them frequently in warm water. When deafness is the ef-
fect
 

OF THE NIGHT-MARE. 325
fect of fevers, it generally ceases of itself, after the patient
recovers strength. If it proceeds from dry wax sticking in
the ears, it must be softened by dropping oil into them for
a few nights, at bedtime; afterwards they must be syringed
with warm milk and water, or milk and oil.
IF deafness proceeds from dryness of the ears, which may
be known by looking into them, half an ounce of the oil
of almonds, and the same quantity of liquid opodeldoch, or
tincture of asafœtida, may be mixed together, and a few
drops of it put into the ear every night at bed-time, stopping
them afterwards with a little wool or cotton. I have often
known this have good effects. When the ears abound with
moisture, it may be drained off by an issue or seton, which
must be made as near the parts affected as possible.
MANY medicines are recommended for the cure of deaf-
ness, some of which, in obstinate cases, at least, deserve a
trial. Some recommend the gall of an eel mixed with
spirit of wine, to be dropped into the ear ; others equal parts
of Hungary water and spirits of lavender. Etmuler recom-
mends amber and musk ; and Brookes says he has often
known hardness of hearing cured by putting a grain or two
of musk into the ear with cotton-wool. But these and o-
ther applications must be varied according to the cause. We
cannot conclude this article without recommending the
greatest attention to warmth. From whatever cause deaf-
ness proceeds, the patient ought to keep his head warm. I
have known more benefit from this alone, in the most obsti-
nate cases of deafness, than from all the medicines I ever
saw used.
OF THE NIGHTMARE.
IN this disease the patient, in time of sleep, imagines he
feels an uncommon oppression or weight about his breast or
stomach, which he can by no means shake off. He groans,
and sometimes cries out, tho' oftener he attempts to speak
in vain. Sometimes he imagines himself engaged with an
enemy, and, in danger of being killed, attempts to run a-
way, but finds he cannot. Sometimes he fancies himself
in a house that is on fire, or that he is in danger of being
drowned in a river. He often thinks he is falling over a pre-
cipice, and the dread of being dashed to pieces suddenly a-
wakes him.
THIS 


326 OF SWOONINGS.
THIS disorder has been supposed to proceed from too
much blood ; from a stagnation of blood in the brain, lungs,
&c. But its general cause is indigestion. Persons of weak
nerves, who lead a sedentary life, and live full, are most
commonly afflicted with the night-mare. Nothing tends
more to produce it than heavy suppers, especially if eat
late, or the patient goes to bed soon after. Wind is like-
wise a very frequent cause of this disease ; for which reason
those who are afflicted with it ought to avoid all flatulent
food. Deep thought, anxiety, or any thing that oppresses
the mind, ought also to be avoided.
PERSONS afflicted with the night-mare ought to eat very
light suppers. They should never go to bed immediately
after eating, nor lie upon their back with the head low. As
they generally moan, or make some noise in the fit, they
should be waked, or spoken to by such as hear them, as the
uneasiness generally goes off as soon as the patient is awake.
Dr Whytt says he generally found a dram of brandy, taken
at bed-time, prevent this disease. That, however, is a bad
custom, and, in time, loses its effect. We would rather
have the patient depend upon cheerfulness, and exercise
through the day, a light supper taken early, and the use of
food of easy digestion, &c. than to accustom himself to drams.
A draught of cold water will often promote digestion as
much as a glass of brandy, and is much safer. After a per-
son of weak digestion however has eat flatulent food, a dram
may be necessary; in this case we would recommend it as
the most proper medicine.
PERSONS who are young, and full of blood, if troubled
with the night-mare, ought to purge, bleed, and use a spare
diet.
OF SWOONINGS.
THE principal causes of swooning are, sudden transiti-
ons from cold to heat ; breathing air that is deprived of its
proper spring or elasticity ; great fatigue ; excessive weak-
ness; loss of blood ; long fasting ; fear, grief, and other vi-
olent passions or affections of the mind.
IT is well known, that persons who have been long ex-
posed to cold, often faint or fall into a swoon, upon coming
into the house, especially if they drink hot liquor, or sit
near a large fire. This might easily be prevented by peo-
ple 
 

OF SWOONINGS. 327
ple taking care not to go into a warm room immediately
after having been exposed to the cold air, to approach the
fire gradually, and not to eat or drink any thing hot, till
the body has been gradually brought into a warm tempera-
ture.
WHEN any one, in consequence of neglecting these pre-
cautions, falls into swoon, he ought immediately to be re-
moved to a cooler apartment, to have ligatures applied above
his knees and elbows, and to have his hands and face
sprinkled with vinegar. He should likewise be made to
smell to vinegar, and should have a spoonful or two of wa-
ter, if he can swallow, with about a third part of vinegar
mixed with it, poured into his mouth. If the fainting fits
prove obstinate, it will be necessary to bleed the patient,
and afterwards to give him a clyster,
As air that is breathed over and over loses its elasticity
or spring, it is no wonder if persons who respire in it often
fall into swooning or fainting fits. They are, in this case,
deprived of the very principle of life. Hence it is that
fainting fits are so frequent in all crowded assemblies, espe-
cially in hot seasons. Such fits however must be consider-
ed as a kind of temporary death ; and, to the weak and de-
licate, they sometimes prove fatal in reality. They ought
therefore to be avoided with the utmost care. The method
of doing this is obvious. Let assembly rooms, and all o-
ther places of public resort, be well ventilated ; and let the
weak and delicate avoid such places, particularly in warm
seasons.
A PERSON who faints, in such a situation, ought im-
mediately to be carried into the open air ; his temples should
be rubbed with strong vinegar or brandy, and volatile spi-
rits or salts held to his nose. He should be laid upon his
back with his head low, and have a little wine, or some o-
ther cordial, poured into his mouth, as soon as he is able
to swallow it. If the person has been subject to hysteric
fits, castor or asafœtida should be applied to the nose, or
burnt feathers, horn, or leather, &c.
WHEN fainting fits proceed from mere weakness or ex-
haustion, which is often the case after great fatigue, long
fasting, loss of blood, or the like, the patient must be sup-
ported with generous cordials, as jellies, wines, spirituous
liquors, &c. These however must be given at first in very
small quantities, and increased gradually as the patient is
able 
 

328 DISEASE OF WOMEN.
able to bear them. He ought to be allowed to lie quite still
and easy upon his back, with his head low, and should
have fresh air admitted into his chamber. His food should
consist of nourishing broths, sago-gruel with wine, new
milk, and other things of a light and cordial nature. These
things are to be given out of the fit. All that can be done
while the person continues in the fit is, to let him smell to
a bottle of Hungary water, eau de luce, or spirits of harts-
horn, and to rub his temples with warm brandy, or to lay
a compress dipped in it to the pit of his stomach.
IN fainting fits that proceed from fear, grief, or other vi-
olent passions ro affections of the mind, the patient must be
very cautiously managed. He should be suffered to remain at
rest, and only made to smell to some vinegar. After he has
come to himself he may drink freely of warm lemonade, or
balm tea, with some orange or lemon peel in it. It will
likewise be proper, if the fainting fits have been long and
severe, to clean the bowels by throwing in an emolient
clyster or two.
DISEASES OF WOMEN.
THE diseases peculiar to women arise chiefly from their
monthly evacuations, pregnancy, and child-birth. Fe-
males generally begin to menstruate about the age of fif-
teen, and leave it off about fifty, which renders these two
periods the most critical of their lives. About the first ap-
pearance of this discharge the constitution undergoes a very
considerable change, generally indeed for the better, but
sometimes for the worse. The greatest care is now necessa-
ry, as the future health and happiness of the female depends,
in a great measure, upon her conduct at this period. If a
girl about this time of life be confined to the house, kept
constantly sitting, and neither allowed to romp about, nor
employed in some active business, which gives exercise to
the whole body, she becomes weak, relaxed and puny ; her
blood not being duly prepared, she looks pale and wan ;
her health, spirits, and vigor decline, and she sinks into a
valetudinary for life. Such is the fate of numbers of those
unhappy females who either from the indulgence of mo-
thers, or their own narrow circumstances, are, at this cri-
tical period of life, denied the benefit of exercise and free
air.
A LAZY 
 

DISEASES OF WOMEN. 329
A LAZY indolent disposition proves very hurtful to girls
at this period. One seldom meets with complaints from
obstructions amongst the more active and laborious part of
the sex ; whereas the indolent and lazy are seldom free
from them. These are, in a manner, eat up by the chlorosis,
or green sickness, and other diseases of this nature. We 
would therefore recommend it to all who wish to escape
these calamities, to avoid indolence and inactivity, as their
greatest enemies, and to take as much exercise, especially
in the open air, as possible.
ANOTHER thing that proves very hurtful to girls about
this period of life, is unwholesome food. Fond of all man-
ner of trash, they often eat every out-of-the-way thing they
can get, till their blood and humours are quite vitiated.
Hence ensue indigestions, want of appetite, and a whole
train of evils. If the fluids be not duly prepared, it is ut-
terly impossible that the secretions should be properly per-
formed : Accordingly we find that such girls as lead an in-
dolent life, and eat great quantities of trash, are not only
subject to obstructions of the menses, but likewise to glan-
dular obstructions ; as the scrophula or King's evil, &c.
A DULL disposition is likewise very hurtful to girls at
this period. It is a rare thing to see a sprightly girl who
does not enjoy good health, while the grave, moping, me-
lancholy creature proves the very prey of vapours and hy-
stericks. Youth is the season for mirth and cheerfulness.
Let it therefore be indulged. It is an absolute duty. To
lay in a stock of health in time of youth is as necessary a
piece of prudence as to make provision against the decays
of old age. While therefore wise Nature prompts the hap-
py youth to join in sprightly amusements, let not the severe
dictates of hoary age forbid the useful impulse, nor damp
with serious gloom the seasons destined to mirth and inno-
cent festivity. 
ANOTHER thing very hurtful to females about this peri-
od of life is strait cloaths. They are fond of a fine shape,
and foolishly imagine, that this can be acquired by strait
cloaths. Hence by squeezing their stomach and bowels
they hurt the digestion, and occasion many incurable ma-
ladies. This error is not indeed so common as it has been;
but, as fashions change, it may come in again, we there-
fore think it not improper to mention it. I know many fe-
males who, to this day, feel the direful effects of that
T t wretched 


330 DISEASES OF WOMEN.
wretched custom which prevailed some time ago, of squeez-
ing every girl into as small a size in the middle as possible.
Human invention could not possibly have devised a practice
more destructive to health.
AFTER a female has arrived at that period of life when
the menses usually begin to flow, and they do not appear,
but, on the contrary, her health and spirits begin to de-
cline, we would advise, instead of shutting the poor girl up
in the house, and dosing her with steel, asafœtida, and o-
ther nauseous drugs, to place her in a situation where she
can enjoy the benefit of free air and agreeable company.
There let her eat wholesome food, take plenty of exercise
and amusements, and we have little reason to fear but Na-
ture, thus assisted, will do her proper work. She seldom
fails unless where the fault is on our side.
WHEN the menses have once begun to slow, the greatest
care should be taken to avoid every thing that may tend to
obstruct them. Females ought to be exceeding careful of
what they eat or drink at the time they are out of order.
Every thing that is cold, or apt to sour on the stomach,
ought to be avoided ; as fruit, butter milk, and such like.
Fish, and all kinds of food that are hard of digestion, are
also to be avoided. As it is impossible to mention every
thing that may disagree with individuals at this time, we
would recommend it to every female to be very attentive to
what disagrees with her own stomach, and carefully to a-
void it.
COLD is extremely hurtful to females at this particular
period. More of the sex date their disorders from colds,
caught while they were out of order, than from all other
causes. This ought surely to put them upon their guard,
and to make them very circumspect in their conduct at such
times. A degree of cold that will not in the least hurt them
at another time, will, at this period, be sufficient to ruin
their health and constitution altogether.
The greatest attention ought at this time to be paid to
the mind, which should be kept as easy and cheerful as
possible. Every part of the animal œconomy is influenced
by the passions, but none more so than this. Anger, fear,
grief, and other affections of the mind, often occasion ob-
structions of the menstrual flux, which prove absolutely in-
curable.
FROM 
 

DISEASES OF WOMEN. 331
FROM whatever cause this flux is obstructed, unless the
female be pregnant, proper means should be used to restore
it. For this purpose we would recommend plenty of exercise,
in a dry, open, and rather cool air ; wholesome diet, and,
if the body be weak and languid, generous liquors; also
cheerful company, and all manner of amusements. If these
fail, the following medicines may be tried.
IF the obstructions proceed from a weak relaxed state of
the solids, such medicines as tend to promote digestion, to
brace the solids, and assist the body in preparing good blood,
ought to be used. The principal of these are iron, the je-
suits bark, and other bitter and astringent medicines. Fi-
lings of iron may be infused in wine or ale, two ounces to an
English quart, and after it has stood in a warm place twenty
four hours, it may be strained, and a small cupful drank
three or four times a-day ; or they may be reduced to a fine
powder, and taken in the dose of half a dram, mixed with
a little honey or treacle, three or four times a-day. The
bark and other bitters may either be taken in substance or
infusion, as is most agreeable to the patient.
WHEN obstructions proceed from a viscid state of the
blood, and the patient is of a gross full habit, evacuations,
and such medicines as attenuate the humours, are necessa-
ry. The patient, in this case ought to be bled, to bathe
her feet frequently in warm water, to take now and then a
dose of cooling physic, and to live upon a spare thin diet.
Her drink should be whey, water, or small beer, and she
ought to take plenty of exercise.
WHEN obstructions proceed from affections of the mind,
every method should be taken to amuse and divert the pati-
ent. And that she may the more readily forget the cause of
her affliction, she ought, if possible, to be removed from
the place where it happened. A change of place, by pre-
senting the mind with a variety of new objects, has often
a very happy influence in relieving it from the deepest dis-
tress. A soothing, kind, and affable behaviour to persons in
this situation is also of the last importance. This would
often prevent the fatal consequences which proceed from a
harsh treatment of females, who are so unfortunate as to be
crossed in their inclinations ; or who meet with disappoint-
ments in love, &c.
THO' many diseases proceed from obstruction, it is 
not always to be considered as the cause, but often as the ef-
T t 2 fect 


332 DISEASES OF WOMEN.
fect of other maladies. When that is the case, instead of
giving medicines to force down the menses, which might be
dangerous, we ought, by all means, to endeavour to restore
the patient's health and strength. When that is effected
the other will return of course.
BUT the menstrual flux may be too great as well as too
small. When that is the case, the patient becomes weak,
the colour pale, the appetite and digestion are bad, and
œdematous swellings of the feet, dropsies and consumpti-
ons often ensue. This frequently happens to women about
the age of forty five or fifty, and is very difficult to cure.
It may proceed from a sedentary life ; a full diet, consist-
ing chiefly of salted, high-seasoned, or acrid food; the ex-
cessive use of spiritous liquors; too much exercise; violent
passions of the mind, &c.
To restrain this flux, the patient ought to be kept quiet
and easy both in body and mind. If it be very violent, she
ought to lie in bed with her head low ; to live upon a cool
and slender diet, as veal or chicken-broths with bread ; and
to drink decoctions of nettle-roots, or the greater comfrey.
If these be not sufficient to stop the flux, stronger astringents
may be used, as allum, dragons blood, &c. As much
powdered allum as will lie upon a sixpence may be taken in
a glass of red wine twice or thrice a-day, or oftener if the
patient's stomach can bear it. Such as cannot take allum
in substance may use the allum-whey. Females who have
frequent returns of this complaint, ought to use the jesuits
bark for a considerable time. Half a dram of bark may be
mixed in a glass of red wine three or four times a-day, or
it may be taken in common water, and sharpened with spi-
rits of vitriol.
BUT the uterine flux may offend in quality as well as in
quantity. What is usually called the fluor albus or whites,
is a very common disease, and proves extremely hurtful to
delicate women. This discharge is not always white, but
sometimes pale, yellow, green, or of a blackish colour ;
sometimes it is sharp and corrosive; sometimes foul and fœ-
tid, &c. It is attended with a pale complexion, pain in the
spine of the back, loss of appetite, swelling of the feet, &c.
It generally proceeds from a relaxed and debilitated state of
the body, arising from indolence, the excessive use of tea,
coffee, or other weak and watery diet. 
TO

DISEASES OF WOMEN. 333
To remove this disease, the patient must take as much
exercise as she can bear without fatigue. Her food must be 
solid and nourishing, but of easy digestion ; and her drink
pretty generous, as red port or claret wine. These may be
drank pure or mixed with water, as the patient inclines.
Tea and coffee are to be avoided. I have often known
strong broths have an exceeding good effect in this case.
The patient ought not to lie too long a bed. When medi-
cine is wanted, we know none preferable to the jesuits bark,
which, in this case, ought always to be taken in substance.
THAT period of life at which the menses cease to slow
is likewise very critical to the sex. The stoppage of any
customary evacuation, however small, is sufficient to dis-
order the whole frame, and often to destroy life itself.
Hence it comes to pass that so many women either fall into
chronic disorders, or die about this time : Such of them
however as survive it, without contracting any chronic dis-
ease, often become more healthy and hardy than they were
before, and enjoy strength and vigour to a very great age.
IF the menses cease all of a sudden, in women of a full ha-
bit, they ought to abate somewhat of their usual quantity
of food, especially of the more nourishing kind, as flesh,
eggs, &c. They ought likewise to take plenty of exercise,
and to keep the belly open. This may be done by taking,
once or twice a-week, a little rhubarb, or an infusion of
hiera picra in wine or brandy.
IT often happens that women of a gross habit, at this pe-
riod of life, have ulcerous sores break out about their an-
cles, or in other parts of the body. Such ulcers ought to
be considered as critical, and should either be suffered to
continue open, or artificial drains should be opened in their
stead. Women who will needs have such sores dried up,
are often soon after seized with acute or chronic diseases, of
which they die.
PERSONS of either sex ought to be very cautious in drying
up sores which break out towards the decline of life. We
would lay it down as a rule, where ever such sores appear,
that before any attempts be made to heal them, an issue or
seton should be set in some part of the body. Few things
bid fairer for preserving health, or prolonging life, especi-
ally in persons who live full, than an issue, or some other
drain constantly kept open in the decline of life. This is 
imitating

334 OF PREGNANCY.
imitating Nature, who often, at this period, endeavours to
relieve herself by a fistula, the hæmorrhoidal flux, &c.
OF PREGNANCY.
PREGNANCY is not a disease, but as it subjects women
to several ailments, it may not be improper to point out the
methods of preventing or relieving them.
PREGNANT women are often afflicted with the heart-
burn. The method of treating this complaint has already
been pointed out in page 254. and the one following. They
are likewise, in the more early periods of pregnancy, often
harrassed with sickness and vomiting, especially in the morn-
ing. These complaints may generally be relieved by care-
fully observing the directions contained in pages 244 and 245.
The head-ach and tooth-ach are also very troublesome symp-
toms of pregnancy. The former may generally be removed
by keeping the belly gently open, by the use of prunes, figs,
roasted apples, and such like.  When the pain is very vio-
lent, bleeding may be necessary. For the treatment of the
latter, we must refer the reader to that article page 249.
EVERY pregnant woman is more or less in danger of a-
bortion. This should be guarded against with the greatest
care, as it not only weakens the constitution, but renders
the woman liable to the same misfortune afterwards. Abor-
tion may happen at any period of pregnancy, but it is most
common in the second or third month. Sometimes howe-
ver it happens in the fourth or fifth. If it happens within
the first month, it is usually called a false conception; if
after the seventh month, the child may often be kept alive
by proper care.
THE common causes of abortion are, the death of the
child ; weakness or relaxation of the mother; great evacua-
ations ; violent motion ; raising great weights ; reaching
too high ; vomiting ; coughing ; convulsion-fits ; strokes
on the belly ; falls ; fevers ; disagreeable smells ; excess of
blood; indolence; high living; or the contrary ; violent
passions or affections of the mind, as fear, grief, &c.
THE signs of approaching abortion are, a pain in the
loins, or about the bottom of the belly ; a dull heavy pain
in the inside of the thighs; a slight degree of coldness or
shivering; sickness ; palpitation of the heart ; the breasts
become

OF PREGNANCY. 335
become flat and soft; the belly falls; and there is a dis-
charge of blood or watery humours from the womb.
To prevent abortion, we would advise women of a weak
or relaxed habit to use solid food, avoiding great quantities
of tea, and other weak and watery, liquors ; to rise early,
and go soon to bed; to shun damp houses; to take frequent
exercise in the open air, but to avoid fatigue ; and never to
go abroad in damp soggy weather, if they can shun it.
Women of a full habit ought to use a spare diet, avoiding
strong liquors, and every thing that may tend to heat the
body, or increase the quantity of blood. Their diet should
be of an opening nature, consisting principally of vegeta-
ble substances. Every woman with child ought to be kept
cheerful and easy in her mind. All violent passions hurt
the fœtus, and endanger an abortion.
WHEN any signs of abortion appear, the woman ought
to be laid in bed on a mattress, with her head low. She
should be kept quiet, and her mind soothed and comforted.
She ought not to be kept too warm, nor to take any thing
of a heating nature. Her food should consist of broths, rice
and milk, jellies, or gruels with a very little wine in them.
IF she be able to bear it, she should lose, at least, half a
pound of blood from the arm. Her drink ought to be bar-
ley-water sharpened with cream of tartar ; or she may take
half a dram of powdered nitre in a cup of water-gruel, eve-
ry five or six hours. If the woman be seized with a violent
looseness, she ought to drink the decoction of calcined
hartshorn prepared. If she be affected with vomiting, let
her take frequently one of the saline draughts recommend-
ed page 143.
SANGUINE robust women, who are liable to miscarry at
a certain time of pregnancy, ought always to be bled a few
days before that period arrives. By this means, and obser-
ving the regimen above prescribed, they may often escape
that misfortune.
THO' we recommend due care for preventing abortion,
we would not be understood as restraining pregnant women
from their usual exercises. This would operate the quite
contrary way. Want of exercise not only relaxes the body,
but induces a plethora, or too great a fulness of the vessels,
which are the two principal causes of abortion.
OF


336 OF CHILD-BIRTH.
OF CHILDBIRTH.
MANY diseases proceed from the want of due care in child-
bed. The more hardy part of the sex are apt to despise the
necessary precautions after delivery. They think, when
the labour-pains are ended, the danger is over ; but in
truth it may only then be said to be begun. Nature if left
to herself, will seldom fail to expel the fœtus ; but proper
care and management are certainly necessary for the recove-
ry of the mother. No doubt, mischief may be done by too
much as well as by too little care. Hence it is that females
who have the greatest number of attendants in child-bed,
generally recover worst. But this is not peculiar to the
state of child-bed. Excessive care always defeats its own
intention, and is generally more dangerous than none at
all.
DURING actual labour, nothing of a heating nature must
be given. The woman may, now and then, take a little
panada, and her drink ought to be toast and water, or thin
groat-gruel. Spirits, wines, cordial-waters, and other
things, which are given with a view to strengthen the mo-
ther, and promote the birth, for the most part tend only to
increase the fever, inflame the womb, and retard the la-
bour. Besides, they endanger the woman afterwards, as
they often occasion violent and mortal hæmorrhages, or
predispose her to eruptive and other fevers.
WHEN the labour proves tedious and difficult, to pre-
vent inflammations, it will be proper to bleed. An emoli-
ent clyster ought likewise frequently to be administered ; and
the patient should sit over the steams of warm water. The
passage ought to be gently rubbed with a little soft pomatum
or fresh butter, and cloths wrung out of warm water ap-
plied over the belly. If Nature seems to sink, and the wo-
man be greatly exhausted with fatigue, a draught of gene-
rous wine, or some other cordial, may be given, but not
otherwise. These directions are sufficient in natural la-
bours, and in all preternatural cases, a skillful surgeon, or
man-midwife, ought to be called as soon as possible.
WE cannot help taking notice of that ridiculous custom
Which still prevails in some country-places, of collecting a
number of women together upon such occasions. These,
instead of being useful, serve only to crowd the house, and
obstruct the necessary attendants. Besides, they hurt the
patient 

OF CHILD-BIRTH. 337
patient with their noise ; and often by their untimely and
impertinent advice, do much mischief.
AFTER delivery, the woman ought to be kept as quiet
and easy as possible. Her food should be light and thin ;
as gruel, panada, &c. and her drink weak and diluting.
To this rule however there are some exceptions. I have
known several hysteric women, whose spirits could not be
supported in child-bed without solid food and generous li-
quors ; to such a glass of wine and a bit of chicken must be
allowed.
SOMETIMES an excessive hæmorrhage or flooding hap-
pens after delivery. In this case, the patient should be laid
with her head low, have ligatures applied above her knees
and elbows, and be in all respects treated as for an excessive
flux of the menses. If the flooding proves violent, linen
cloths, which have been wrung out of a mixture of equal
parts of vinegar and water, should be applied to the belly,
the loins, and the thighs : These must be changed as they
grow dry ; and may be discontinued as soon as the flooding
abates.
IF there be violent pains after delivery, the patient ought
to drink plentifully of warm diluting liquors, as tea with a
little saffron ; or an infusion of camomile flowers ; and to
take small broths, with carroway seeds or a bit of orange-
peel in them ; an ounce of the oil of sweet almonds may
likewise be frequently taken in a cup of any of the above li-
quors ; and if the patient be restless, a spoonful of the sy-
rup of poppies may now and then be mixed with a cup of
her drink. If she be hot or feverish, one of the following
powders may be taken in a cup of her usual drink, every
five or six hours. Take of crabs claws prepared half an
ounce, purified nitre two drams, saffron powdered half a
dram; rub them together in a mortar, and divide the whole
into eight or nine doses. When the patient is low spirit-
ed, or troubled with hysterical complaints, she ought to
take frequently twelve or fifteen drops of the tincture of
asafœtida in a cup of penny-royal tea.
AN inflammation of the womb is a dangerous and not un-
frequent disease after delivery. It is known by pains in the
lower part of the belly, which are greatly increased upon
touching ; by the tension or tightness of the parts ; great
weakness ; change of countenance ; a constant fever, with
a weak and hard pulse; a slight delirium or raving ; some-
U u times 


338 OF CHILD-BIRTH.
times incessant vomiting ; a hiccup ; a discharge of redish
stinking sharp water from the womb ; an inclination to go
to stool ; a heat, and sometimes total suppression of urine.
THIS must be treated like other inflammatory disorders,
by bleeding and plentiful dilution. The drink may be thin
gruel or barley water; in a cup of which half a dram of
nitre may be dissolved, and taken three or four times a day.
Clysters of warm water must be frequently administred ; and
the belly should be fomented by cloths wrung out of warm
water, or by applying bladders filled with warm milk and
water to it.
A SUPPRESSION of the lochia, or usual discharges after de-
livery, and the milk-fever, must be treated nearly in the
same manner as an inflammation of the womb. In all these
cases the safest course is plentiful dilution, gentle evacuati-
ons, and fomentations of the parts affected. In the milk-
fever, the breasts may be embrocated with a little warm lin-
seed oil, or the leaves of red cabbage may be applied to them.
The child should be often put to the breast, or it should be
drawn by some other person.
NOTHING would tend more to prevent the milk-fever than
putting the child early to the breast. The custom of not
allowing children to suck for the first two or three days, is
contrary to Nature and common sense, and is very hurtful
both to the mother and child. Every mother who has milk
in her breasts, ought either to suckle her own child, or to
have her breasts frequently drawn, at least for the first
month. This would prevent many of the diseases which
prove fatal to women in child-bed.
WHEN an inflammation happens in the breast, attended with
redness, hardness, and other symptoms of suppuration, the
safest application is a poultice of bread and milk, softened
with oil or fresh butter. This may be renewed twice a day
till the tumour be either discussed or brought to suppuration.
Afterwards it may be dressed with yellow basilicon, or any
other digestive ointment. The use of repellants, in this
case, is very dangerous ; they often occasion fevers, and
sometimes cancers: Whereas a suppuration is seldom attend-
ed with any danger, and has often the most salutary effects.
WHEN the nipples are fretted or chapt, they may be a-
nointed with a mixture of oil and bees-wax, or a little gum
arabic may be sprinkled on them. I have seen Hungary-
water applied to the nipples have a very good effect. Should
the 

OF BARRENNESS. 339
the complaint prove obstinate, the nurse ought to be purg-
ed, which generally removes it.
THE miliary fever is a disease very incident to women in
child-bed. But as it has been treated of already, we shall
take no farther notice of it here than only, with the celebrat-
ed Hoffman, to observe, that this fever of child-bed women
might generally be prevented, if they, during their preg-
nancy, were regular in their diet, used moderate exercise,
took now and then a gentle laxative of manna, rhubarb, or
cream of tartar; not forgetting to bleed in the first months,
and avoid all sharp air. When the labour is coming on, it
is not to be hastened with forcing medicines, which inflame
the blood and humours, or put them into unnatural com-
motions. Care should be taken, after the birth, that the
natural excretions proceed regularly ; and if the pulse be
quick, a little nitrous powder should be given, &c.
WE shall conclude our observations on child-bed women
by recommending it to them, above all things, to beware
of cold. Poor women, whose circumstances oblige them
to quit their bed too soon, often contract diseases from cold,
of which they never recover. It is pity the poor are not
better taken care of in this situation. But the better sort
of women run the greatest hazard from being kept too hot.
They are generally kept in a sort of bagnio for the first
eight or ten days, and then dressed out to see company. The
danger of this conduct must be obvious to every one. The
superstitious custom of obliging women to keep the house
till they go to church, is likewise a very common cause of
catching cold. All churches are damp, and most of them
cold ; consequently they are the very worst places to which
a woman can go to make her first visit, after being confined
in a warm room for a month. We make this observation
from experience, having often had occasion to attend wo-
men whose disorders were the effect of cold caught in this
way.
OF BARRENNESS.
BARRENNESS may be very properly reckoned among the
diseases of females, as few married women who have not
children enjoy a good state of health. It may proceed from
various causes ; but we shall only take notice of two, viz.
high living and relaxation. It is very certain that high
U u 2 living 

340 OF BARRENNESS.
living vitiates the humours, and prevents fecundity. We
seldom find a barren woman among the labouring poor,
while nothing is more common amongst the rich and afflu-
ent. The inhabitants of every country are prolific in pro-
portion to their poverty, and it would be an easy matter to
adduce many instances of women who, by being reduced
to live entirely upon a milk and vegetable diet, have con-
ceived and brought forth children, though they never had
any before. Would the rich use the same sort of food and
exercise as the better sort of peasants, they would seldom
have cause to envy their poor vassals and dependents the
blessing of a numerous and healthy offspring, while they
pine in sorrow for the want of even a single heir to their ex-
tensive dominions.
AFFLUENCE begets indolence, which not only vitiates
the humours, but induces a general relaxation of the solids;
a state highly unfavourable to procreation. As we have the
greatest reason to believe, that relaxation is one of the most 
common causes of barrenness, we would recommend the
following course for removing it. First, plenty of exer-
cise in the open air ; secondly, the use of the cold bath ;
and lastly, astringent medicines. It is well known, that
many women who had been long barren, have, by the use
of the cold bath not only become mothers, but have after-
wards enjoyed a much better state of health. This should
induce all barren women not only to try the cold bath, but
to persist in the use of it for a long time, otherwise it cannot
be expected to produce any considerable effects.
THO' a vegetable diet, plenty of exercise, and the cold
bath, are the medicines most to be relied upon, we shall
mention one more, which has sometimes proved effectual,
viz. common allum. About the third or fourth day of the
menstrual flux the woman must take as much powdered al-
lum at bed-time, in a cup of wine or negas, as will lie up-
on sixpence. This must be repeated for three or four
nights running. If it has not the desired effect, it may be
taken in the same manner next time the menses return. I
have known several women who always conceived after
taking this medicine, and never without it.
THE above observations on diet, air, and exercise, are
applicable to men as well as to women. Dr Chyne avers,
that want of children is oftener the fault of the male than
of the female, and strongly recommends a milk and veget-
able 
 

DISEASES OF CHILDREN. 341
able diet to the former as well as the latter ; adding, that
his friend Dr Taylor, whom he calls the milk Doctor of
Croyden, had brought sundry opulent families in his neigh-
bourhood, who had continued some years after marriage
without progeny, to have several fine children, by keeping
both parents, for a considerable time, to a milk and veget-
able diet.
DISEASES OF CHILDREN.
THE nursing and management of children having been
pretty fully treated of in the first part of this book, we shall
only here take notice of such of their diseases as have not
been already mentioned.
RETENTION OF THE MECONIUM.
THE stomach and bowels of a new-born infant are filled
with a blackish coloured matter of the consistence of syrup,
commonly called the meconium. This is generally passed
soon after the birth by the mere effort of nature, in which
case it is not necessary to give the infant any kind of medi-
cine. But if it should be retained, or not sufficiently carri-
ed off, it may occasion wind, gripes, jaundice, restlessness,
convulsions, &c.
THE most proper medicine for expelling the meconium is
the mother's milk, which is always, at first, of a purga-
tive quality. But, if the the mother does not gives suck,
or, if her milk happens not to be sufficiently purgative, a
little of the syrup of pale roses may be given, or a small
quantity of the syrup of rhubarb diluted with water, and
sweetened with honey or coarse sugar. If these are not at
hand, a common spoonful of whey sweetened with a tea-
spoonful of honey may be given.
ALL kind of oils are to be avoided ; they are quite indi-
gestible by infants, and tend only to load their stomachs
and makes them sick.
THE APHTHÆ OR THRUSH.
THE aphthæ are little whitish ulcers affecting the whole
inside of the mouth, tongue, throat, and stomach of in-
fants. Sometimes they reach through the whole intestinal
canal; 

342 DISEASES OF CHILDREN.
canal; in which case they are very dangerous, and often
put an end to the infant's life.
IF the aphthæ are of a pale colour, pellucid, few in
number, soft, superficial, and fall easily off, they are not
dangerous ; but if opake, yellow, brown, black, thick,
or running together, they are bad.
IT is generally thought that the aphthæ owe their origin
to acid humours ; but we have reason to believe that these,
and several other eruptive diseases of infants, are, in a great
measure, owing to too hot a regimen both of the mother and
child. It is a rare thing to find a child who is not dosed
with wine, punch, cinnamon waters, or some other hot
and inflaming liquors, almost as soon as it is born. It is
well known that these will occasion inflammatory disorders
even in adults; is it any wonder then that they should heat
and inflame the tender bodies of infants, and set, as it
were, the whole constitution on a blaze ?
THE most proper medicines for the aphthæ are those of
a cooling and gentle opening nature. Five grains of rhu-
barb and a dram of magnesia alba may be rubbed together,
and divided into six doses, one of which may be given to
the child every five or six hours. These powders may ei-
ther be given in the child's food or a little of the syrup of
pale roses, and may be repeated as often as is found necessa-
ry to keep the belly open.
MANY things have been recommended for gargling the
mouth and throat in this disease ; but it is not easy to apply
these in very young infants; we would therefore recommend
it to the nurse to rub the child's mouth frequently with a
little borax and honey ; or with the following mixture.
Take fine honey an ounce, borax a dram, burnt allum
half a dram, rose-water two drams; mix them together.
These may be applied with the finger, or by means of a bit
of soft rag tied to the end of a probe.
OF ACIDITIES.
THE food of children being, for the most part, of an
acescent nature, it readily turns sour upon the stomach, e-
specially if the body be any how disordered. Hence it
comes to pass, that most diseases of children are accompa-
nied with evident signs of acidity, as green stools, gripes,
&c. These appearances have induced many to believe, 
that
 

DISEASES OF CHILDREN. 343
that all the diseases of children were owing to an acid a-
bounding in the stomach and bowels; but whoever considers
the matter attentively, will find, that these symptoms of a-
cidity are oftener the effect than the cause of diseases. 
NATURE evidently intended, that the food of children
should be acescent; and until the body be disordered, or
the digestion hurt, from some other cause, we will venture
to say, that the acescent quality of their food is seldom in-
jurious to them. Acidity however is often a symptom of
infantile disorders, and, as it is a very troublesome one, we 
shall point out the method of relieving it.
WHEN green stools, grinds, purgings, &c. shew, that 
the bowels abound with an acid, the child should have 
little small broth instead of milk, with light white bread in
it; and should have plenty of exercise in order to promote
the digestion. It has been customary in this case to give the
pearl-julep, chalk, crabs eyes and other testaceous pow-
ders. These indeed, by their absorbent quality, may cor-
rect the acidity ; but they are attended with this inconve-
niency, that they are apt to lodge in the bowels, and occa-
sion a costiveness, which may prove very hurtful to the in-
fant. For this reason they should never be given unless 
mixed with purgative medicine, [illegible] rhubarb, manna or
such like. 
THE best medicine which we know, in all cases of aci-
dity, is that fine insipid powder called magnesia alba. It
purges, and, at the same time, corrects the acidity ; by
which means it not only removes the disease, but carries
off its cause. It may be given in any kind of food, from
ten grains to a teaspoonful, according to the age of the pa-
tient. I have often known it have good effect when given
in the following manner. Take of magnesia alba two
drams, fine rhubarb in powder half a dram, pepper-mint
water and common water of each two ounces, as much
syrup of sugar as will make it agreeable. Shake the bottle,
and give the child a table spoonful three or four times a-
day.
WHEN an infant is troubled with gripes, it ought not 
to be dosed with brandy, spiceries, and other hot things,
but should have its belly opened with an emollient clyster,
or the medicine mentioned above ; and at the same time a 
little brandy may be rubbed on its belly with a warm hand
before the fire. I have seldom seen this fail to case the 
gripes

344 DISEASES OF CHILDREN.
gripes of infants. It is often more effectual, and always
more safe than brandy taken inwardly.
GALLING and EXCORIATION.
THESE are very troublesome to children. They happen
chiefly about the groin and wrinkles of the neck, under the
arms, behind the ears, and in other parts that are moisten-
ed by the sweat or urine.
As these complaints are, in a great measure, owing to
want of cleanliness, the most effectual means of prevent-
ing them are, to wash the parts frequently with water, to
change the linen often, and in a word, to keep the child,
in all respects, thoroughly clean. When this is not suffi-
cient, the excoriated parts may be sprinkled with absorbent
or drying powders ; such as burnt hartshorn, tutty, chalk,
crabs claws prepared, &c. Any of these may be tied in a
rag and the powder shook out on the disordered places.
WHEN the parts affected are very sore, and tend to a
real ulceration, it will be proper to add a little sugar of lead
to the powders ; or to anoint the place with a little cam-
phorated ointment. If the parts be washed with spring wa-
ter, in which a little white vitriol has been dissolved, it will
dry and heal them very powerfully.
STOPPAGE OF THE NOSE.
THE nostrils of infants are often plugged up with a gross
mucus, which prevents their breathing freely, and likewise
renders it difficult for them to suck or swallow.
SOME, in this case, order, after a suitable purge, two
or three grams of white vitriol dissolved in half an ounce of
marjoram water and filtered, to be applied now and then to
nostrils with a linen rag. Wedelius says, If two grains
of white vitriol, and the same quantity of elaterium, be dis-
solved in half an ounce of marjoram water, and applied to
the nose above directed that it brings away the mucus
without sneezing.
IN obstinate cases these things may be tried ; but we
have never found any thing else necessary, than to rub the
nose at bed time with a little oil of sweet almonds, or a bit
of fresh butter. This resolves the filth, and renders the
breathing more free.
OF