m i ri..m 'V.'iJ-'jC r'V^jt '': nip Ummtm wmilmvis UiW>&&Mii:s:itffr^gv* WSmmml*^ NATIONAL LIBRARY OF MEDICINE Washington Founded 1836 U. S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare Public Health Service THE HOUSE SURGEON AND PHYSICIAN; DESIGNED TO ASSIST HEADS OF FAMILIES, TRAVELLERS, AND SEA-FARING PEOPLE, IN DISCERNING, DISTINGUISHING, AND CURING DISEASES ; WITH CONCISE DIRECTIONS FOR THE PREPARATION AND USE OP A NUMEROUS COLLECTION OP THE BEST AMERICAN REMEDIES: TOGETHER WITH MANY OP THE MOST APPROVED, PROM THE SHOP OP THE APOTHECARY. ALL IN PLAIN ENGLISH By Wm. M. HAND. ^ECOND EDITION, REVISED AND ENLARGED new-haven' ::: ":£r. '-^.y:. PRINTED BY S. CONVERSE, FOR SILAS ANDRUS, HARTFORB. 1820. DISTRICT OF CONNECTICUT, ss. BE it remembered, That on the fifteenth day of June, in the forty-fourth year of the In- dependence of the United States of America, Silas Anduus of the said District, hath depos- ited in this Office the title of a hook, the right whereof he claims as Proprietor, in the words following, to wit:— " The House Surgeon and Physician ; designed to assist Heads " of Families, Travellers, and Sea-faring people, in discerning, "distinguishing, and curing Diseases; with concise directions " for the preparation and use of a numerous collection of the best " American Remedies: together with many of the most ap- " proved, from the shop of the Apothecary. All in plain English. " By Wm. M. Hand." Second edition, revised and enlarged. In conformity to the act of the Congress of the United States, entitled, " An Act for the encouragement of learning, by securing the copies of Maps, Charts and Books, to the authors and propri- etors of such copies, during the times therein mentioned." CHAS. A. INGERSOLL, Clerk oflhe District of Connecticut. A true copy of Record, examined and sealed by me, CIIAS. A. INGERSOLL, Clerk of the District of Connecticut. In revising this work, a number of things not originally contemplated, have been ad- ded. Consequently it will be found most convenient, in looking for an article, to seek it first in the index. ,\ RECOMMENDATIONS. From NATHAN SMITH, M. D. Professor of the Theo- ry and Practice of Physic, Surgery, and Midwifery, in the Medical Institution of Yale College. This certifies, that I have perused a Manuscript of the " House Surgeon and Physician," and am decidedly of opinion that it is better adapted to the use of families, and those, unlearned in med- ical science, than any other work of the Wind which I have ever seen; and especially for the people of this country, on account of its containing a better description of the indigenous medical plants of this country, and their virtues, than is to be found in any European publication of this kind. NATHAN SMITH New-Haven, April 24, 1818. From MASON F. COGSWELL, M. D. President of the Connecticut Medical Society. Hartford, April 18f/t, 1818. TO THE PUBLIC. I hereby certify, that I have perused a treatise, entitled the " House Surgeon and Physician," and I have no hesitancy in say- ing that it is the best thing of the kind I have ever seen—that is, that it is better calculated for family use, and the use of the nur- sery, than any treatise extant. The list of the Plants of our coun- try is more full, and their peculiar qualities and virtues, are better defined and described than can be found in any of our Botanical writers. I sincerely wish the work may be encouraged. \USON F. COGSWELL PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION. EVERY mortal is liable to be thrown into suffering by accident, or by disease; and no situation or circumstance of life exempts any one from " the common lot." Physicians and Surgeons cannot be present in every place ; nor can they alone do every thing, which should be done for those to whom they are called. TJie sick and wounded must depend much on nurses and attend- ants; and almost every individual thing which is done for the sick, is influenced by the notions or prejudices of the attendants. How important, then, that the means of information relating to the healing art, be extended to ev- ery one who may suffer, or who can watch. There are cases also, where medical aid cannot be obtained; and shall the sufferer lie without relief? In the following work, 1 have attempted, in the plainest language, to inform the reader what he should do, wheu he is a witness to pain and sickness, and no one present better informed than himself. In the pursuit of this object, I have made a free use of any and every author, whose work I could obtain, with- out marking any quotations. This I should not have done, but as it became necessary to alter the dress of that A* VI PREFACE. which was designed for the learned, to make it intelligible to the unlearned. How far I have succeeded in divesting my work of technics, .or whether I have not in many instances run into vulgarity, I cannot myself determine; but this I can say, I have in every case sacrificed every thing to the desire of being fully understood. We, who are taught our profession in a language of made-up hard words, get so familiarized to the use of them, that we scarcely know when we ornament our style, or embellish our conversa- tion; with the ribbands of Greece, and rags of Rome. It is not necessary for me, here, to say much of my plan, or the execution of it; a little time will suffice to make the reader acquainted with it; and that without a Glossary. Every body knows there can be enough taken out of a library to make a great book; but I have taken the greatest pains to keep mine a small one. In the Surgical part, I have endeavoured to describe what every man may do, (and they may do much;) in many cases, immediate and effectual assistance may be afforded, where people are now idle spectators ; and fre- quently departing life may be staid, till a surgeon arrives to make all safe. In the part which treats of Diseases, I have been the fullest on those which are of minor consequence, and man ageable; in the more terrible forms of disease, I have particularly pointed out urgent and alarming symptoms, that medical aid may be called in tim?. PREFACE. yii The part' which contains Recipes for Apothecary's Medicines, will be found convenient. What is said of American Remedies, I think may be relied on. The collection is sufficiently numerous to an- swer every purpose of medicine in common hands, and they should always be preferred, when and where they can be obtained. Where the common names are not certainly known, recourse should be had to a botanist, who, of all people in the world, is most ready to commu- nicate. Should a very learned critic cast his eye on these pages, he will here learn, that this book was written for the unlearn- ed ; and he will also learn, that a handkerchief tied loosely round a man's leg, above a wounded and bleeding artery, and a stick twisted into it, will as effectually save life as a surgeon's turniquet—and many other Such things. He will therefore please spare this little work, for the sake of him whose house is far removed from the surgeon, and who has no money to pay the physician. June 22, 1818. s / / // PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION. THE primary object and design of the author is suffi- ciently declared and explained in the preface to the first edition ; yet, it should be further stated, that other consid- erations were not without their influence in the origin and progress of the work. Every man owes to his country, his endeavours to rid the community as much as possible from the ills and disa- greeables which breed in, or hover over soeiety ; the least among which, are not the empiric and gossip. Besides, there is a blind credulity (not indeed confined to the unlet- tered,) which could not exist but in minds totally devoid of information on subjects relating to the healing art. Else, why do we see the able physician, whose qualifi- cations are unquestionable, and whose integrity was never doubted, set aside for the self-puffed officeless, ignorant quack ; and why, the plain suggestions of nature, and the plainer dictates of common sense, thrown away, for the mutilated relics of incantations and witchcraft. It was easy to foresee who would scout the idea, that a practical work on medicine and surgery in familiar Eng- lish, could be useful. Indeed, the supercilious mouthings of little. men, dubbed Doctors, only because they can try tricks, and talk hocuspoCus, was anticipated. Have not the pains and sicknesses incident to our nature, travelled in company with our mother-tongue, down the PREFACE. generations of our fathers even to us ? can any one in his sober senses suppose for a moment that the language of a nation is not a mirror of its troubles ? If our vernacular tongue is filled with signs of suffering, and types of dis- ease ; it is rich in the names of remedies ; and that man is a heathen who would hide them under an affectation of foreign gibberish. Let it not be supposed that it is here meant to lower the physician in the estimation of the people, or to depreciate learning; far otherwise ; it is intended, to enable the peo- ple to appreciate their physician according to his true worth, and to look at the sun of science through a better medium than smoked glass. Neither the arts nor the learned professions, should be denied the aid of technology ; yet the artist and professor should remember that the English language is sufficient to all the common purposes of intercourse ; and that the man of learning, who cannot communicate with the world, in the world's vernacular tongue, has no claim on the pub- lic ; he may indeed be a very industrious man in his clos- et, but a very useless one in society. The perfection of art is to do without apparatus, and here the great man and the useful man, meet on common well known ground, and here true learning and common sense embrace without reserve. In corroboration of what has been here said, it remains '4- tm to be added—It has been boldly declared fromTa profes- sor's chair, and by one who yields to none in surgery, " that the operator who, if the urgency of the case requir- ed, could not find a tolerable substitute for his instruments PREFACE. XI # in any common well-furnished New-England house, was sever made for a surgeon." Of the subscribers to the first edition, those who were prepared by nature, or education, to be benefited by the reading of any English book, were pleased with their pur- chase ; on the other hand, those who were ignorant of the common written English phraseology, and all those who consider cant as the key of science, were of course disap- pointed. As was expected, frightful symptoms of discomfiture appearecf among all the penffl-wise venders and dispen- sers of drugs, which reminds one of the shrieking and scampering of the witches, when an honest guest said grace at their table. ! i&fa The liberal members of the profession, who despise mystery, with all mean acts and actions, have bestowed full approbation on the work, and generously proffered their assistance to mend and bring it to perfection. After all it is but an essay, and the writer claims indul- gence, chiefly because none who were qualified to finish such a work, have as yet undertaken so necessary a pub- lic service. ^ Ours is a noble profession when followed in the spirit of it, yet most thanklessly requited, because the body is measured by its little members.,,. Yet, who has not seen the sick-worn countenance brighten at {the sight of a good pHj(tianB> 'Tis nothing to " set the table all on a roar" when health is there, and all are full of glee and merri- ment ; but to carry smiles, and ease, and hope, and joy to XII ^ PREFACE. the sad group who anxiously watch over the restless bed of wasting fever,—is a most gracious errand. Such men there are, and would to heaven their community so occu- pied the ground, that like as in a noble forest, there could grow no under shrubs or brambles. j* It is enough, that politicians hold " that all mankind in- sist on being cheated and ridden,"and that themselves may as well ride as any body. But softly, lest the patriot point to the Mantuan apothecary, and say, " An if a man did need a poison dow, Here lives a caitiff wretch would sell it him " HOUSE SURGEON AND PHYSICIAN. f 4$ WOUND?. i\_ WOUND is a recent division of the "soft parts of the body, suddenly occasioned by .external causes. The degree of dajiger, aTtenaupg any wound, depends very much on some of the folloJJRg circumstances. The extent of the injury^ tfie additional violence which the fibres of the part have suffered, besides their division^ the nature of the nerves and blood vessels which happenw be cut; the nature of the wounded part in respect to its gej oral powerof healing kindly, or not; whether the oj tions of the system at large, and life itself can be well supported, or not, while the functions of the wounded part are disturbed, interrupted, or suspended by the accident; ' the age of the patient; the goodness or badness of the con- stitution ; and the Opportunities which there may be of receiving proper surgical aid and assistance of every kind. *Lp~ WOUNDS, sdHtion. Ma.de by cmharp cuttiMg%*strument. & Need no desfl Rcmjye evagftextraneous substance irpjriTthe wound ; clew"n with a soft Sponge, or cloth, anrf; warm water; # 2 WOLXUb. i i dry the skin with a warm soft cloth ; bring the sides neat- ly and closely together with straps of adhesive plaster; the straps should be an inch wide, and extend across the wound far enough to secure it from gaping. The num- ber of straps should be in proportion tofjje extent of the wound, and the width of a wheat corn between them, to allow the escape of any fluid which may run from the wound. Over the straps should be placed a cushion of soft lint, and over the whole a bandage drawn agreeably tight, and making equal press ure^fl-**!* Under this dressing, jj clean cut wound may be expect- ed to heal without the formation of matter, i. e. without suppuration; and this is'what surgeons call, union by the first intention. A cooling diet and regimen should be ob- rfteryed ; and every kind of motion and disturbance of the "partjvoided. The rest is the work of nature.* ^SlfPFhis dressing should not be removed till the third or fourth day, or longer. If painJor heat are'felt in the wound, wet the dressing with spirit and water, or mineral water, frequently. All this may be performed by any^agenious perso provided the bleeding from the woufjd ceases after the proper cleansing, and this is commonly the case, unless a —*— ^ *- m * Some surgeons prefer a plaster sorfl|||hat stimulUBg, in ciiessing a wound with a view to its healing by the firgt intention. Aikl as a substitute for the common adhesivd plasterTprefer the, Bals£ttaof Fir or Burgundy Pitch. yfjf^jjf IndAd when we conjjjw,.that withia a few years, symptoms, strictly inflammatory,,liave almost ceasejjto attend our fevers, and that a cordial and invigorating treatment is indispensable in al- most all our crraases; it should seem thajj even a sl(f>le wound might require ejKtants to enable;the pa flaramation.—Se&Baham Fir. 1 iatj even a slHle v two take an a^^i 4 BANDAGE. large blood vessel is cut. When an artery is cut, the blood is of a bright scarlet colour, and gushes from the bleeding vessel in jets, with great force. When a vein is cut, the blood runs in an even unbroken stream, of a dark purple red colour- Slopping of Bleeding.* Pressure is the best mean of stopping blood. If the wound be small, pressure of the thumb or palm of the hand, resting most on the side next the heart if an artery is bleeding, and the,t opposite side if a vein, is commonly sufficient while the dressings are preparing. Should a large vessel continue to throw'out blood, so as to endang- er life, press into the wound a handful of lint, or a rolled bandage, or a sponge; round it tie your neck-clojpor handkerchief, loop in a stick, and twist till the blood is effectually stopped. Send for an experienced surgeo'r??^1 "I BANDAGE. * $ tNote.—A bandage may be made either of flannel, linnen or cot- ton cloth. For common surgical purposes, humhum or calico is prefered as being softer and more elastic. Bandages should be of 4 * People unskilled in surgery, are apt when they see a bleeding wound, to stuff inVdpiwebbs, puff ball and suchlike things to stop Wood; and were they learned, they might quote high authority for so doling. Yet tradition, nor learning, nor authority can change the nature of such uncouth applications ; they are extra- neous Substances, and must ultimately be got rid&f only by sup- puration, which is a tedious process ;—a button of allum or cop- peras may bevometimes advantageously applied to a small bleed- ing vessewHhese have been known to stop the bleeding and dis- appear so^s to not hinder the union* of the wound by the first in- ertion.—See article mtndage. * 4 BANDAGE. three or four fingers breadth and of sufficient fength to accom- plish the purposes hereafter to be described. In applying a bandage, care should be taken that it be put on tight enough to fulfil the object in view, without running any risk of stopping the circulation, or doing harm in any other way. If »t be not sufficiently tight to support the parts in a proper manner, it is useless j if it be too tense, it will produce swelling, inflamma- tion and soon mortification. % To apply a roller (bandage rolled tip) skilfully, the part which it is to cover, must be put in its proper situation ; the head of the roller held in the surgeon's hand, and only so much unrolled as will go once round the part. In general the bandage should if possible, be applied in such a manner as will admit of its*being ren-j^ted with the most ease, and allow the state of the parts to be examined as occasion may require. As soon as a bandage has fulfilled the'object for which it is ap- plied, and it has become useless, its employment should be dis- continued ; for by remaining too long on parts, it may obstruct the circulation, diminish the tone of the compressed fibres and ves- sels, and thus do harm. Although it is with plasters we bring together the sides and parts of a recent wound and fix them point to point, still it with a bandage that we support the limb, preserve the parts continual contact with each other, and prevent any strains upo the straps of plaster with which the parts are immediately joined ; and we may often unite pails with a bandage alone. In the case of a bleeding wound, the bandage must be a princi- pal mean of stopping blood, and when a bandage cannot be had, n handkerchief or neck-cloth is the best substitute. In every ca^e which requires a tight drawn ba'ndage, (as in bleeding for instance) the bandage should be rolled1 smoothl) from the very extremity of the limb including the fuflLs or toes; the member must be thoroughly supported in all its^HveiVoprts that it may bear the necessary pressure above. It isaBrtial stric- ture alone that does harm, creates intolerable pain at^jgpaxiety: and l»"ings on mortification. I J? LACERATED WOUNDS. 5 In deep seated ulcers, when the matter is working downwards along the limb, undermining the skin, insinuating itself between the muscles, and between the muscles and bones ; here a proper use of bandages with compresses will do every thing. The evil may be stopped at once, and after proper cleansing, the parts may be kept in contact till the whole is healed.—See article Fever-sore In applying a bandage you must begin below and roll upwards, and support the limb by general pressure ; I have repeated this because it is all important that you may be able to support the dis- eased part with a particular pressure. You must lay compress- es (folds of cloth) upon the hollows, and upon the bed of each particular lodgment of matter, (this having been previously evacuated.) It will be necessary from time to time to change the places of the compresses so as to favour the escape of matter, and the union of the parts where it was lodged. In rolling a bandage from the foot to the knee, the several lay- ers or turns should lap one third. Begin by a number of turns round the foot, proceed obliquely over the instep, up round the ancle, down again ; and by proceeding upward a second time you will easily cover those parts which were before left naked. As you proceed up the swell of the leg, if you find one edge of the roller slack, turn the bandage over; this manoeuvre will tighten the loose side and enable you to proceed as before. The twist in the bandage should not be made over the shin bone, as it will |then occasion uneasiness, but behind the leg where it will not be felt, and where the wrinkle will be " out of sight," and conse- quently " outo'mind" of the patient. The above general directions, should be remembered in every case where a bandage is to be applied. V LACERATED WOUNDS. A lacerated wound is made by violently tearing the parts asunder; the edges of this kind of wound are une- qual and jagged. But little blood issues from a lacerated wound, even though a large blood vessel is ruptured.— Whole limbs have been torn from the body, without the 1* '•I 6 CONTUSED WOUNDS. occurrence of bleeding j but we know that a great wound with little bleeding, was made with great violence. Treatment.—Clean the wound as directed for simple cuts ; restore the parts as near as may be to their natural position. Apply warm emollient poultices and fomen- tations. Should sloughing, i. e. dying and cleaving out of the wounded parts ensue, the treatment laid down for mortifications is proper. Opium should be taken to allay the pain and irritation. When the laceration is but slight, an union by the first intention, as in cuts, may some- times be effected; at least the attempt should be made, if upon trial it fail, no harm is done, and we can still re- sort to the poultices and fomentations. CONTUSED WOUNDS. Made by the stroke of a blunt instrument against any part of the body ; the skin remaining unbroken ; and black and blue spots appear on the bruised parts. Treatment.—Slight bruises require only to be cover- ed with Jinen wet with vinegar and water, brandy, aluin jj water, or mineral water.* m The bruised part should be kept quiet with the mus- *l cles relaxed. A dose of salts needs sometimes to be giv- 1 en. When however the contusion is greater, bleeding and saline purgatives are proper. Equal parts of vine- gar and water, or hartshorn and vinegar and water, form ' R. No. 1. Take of Sugar of lead, one drachm. Soft water, half a pint. Vinegar and spirit, of each half a gill. Mix. or, P*. No. 2. Sal ammoniac, half an ounce. >pV:t and vinegar, each a pint. Mix PUNCTURED WOUNDS. an excellent wash; When the inflammation has a little abated, use No. 2, or 3*—Sometimes a little laudanum or camphor is added where there is tenderness of the part to which it is applied. Gentle pressure from a bandage should not be omitted. When a contusion absolutely kills the skin or flesh, treat it as is directed for lacerated wounds. punctured wounds, Made by a sharp pointed instrument, as by a dagger, bayonet, scissors, $c. Punctured wounds are not only dangerous on account of their depth, injury of blood vessels, nerves, or vi- tal parts; they,also frequently give rise to extensive inflammation. Immense agita'ion of the nervous system, even to lock-jaw, sometimes follows the infliction of a punctured wound. Treatment.—Punctured wounds are not apt to heal, , but form deep seated ulcers. But as no man can tell whether such wounds will heal or not, and as no harm can result from the attempt to unite them by the first inten- tion ; the orifice should be closed with straps of adhesive plaster, and gentle compression applied along the whole course of the wound. Perfect quietude is to be observed. When the pain is severe, opium is to be administered. Sometimes under this treatment the wound speedily unites by the first intention. More frequently however, in cases of deep stabs, the pain is intolerable, and the in- flammation runs so high, as to leave no hope af avoiding * R. No. 3. Spirit of hartshorn, one part. Sweet oil, or fresh butter, two parts. Mix.---- ind shake it in a phial—this is called volatile liniment. 8 BITE OF THE VIPER. suppuration. In this condition an emollient poultice is the best application. When matter is formed, the treat- ment must conform to the principles laid down under the head of suppuration, which see. POISONED WOUNDS Bees, wasps, hornet^and ^ther insects of this country produce by their sting, a great deal of pain, redness, swel- ling and heat in the part affected. Treatment.—Lemon juice, vinegar, No. 1, cold wa- ter, oil, and hartshorn, are the principal local applica- tions. When the patient has been stung in many places, bleed- ing, salts, and spare diet ought to be observed. BITE OF THE VIPER. The poison of the viper is lodged in a little sack at the roots of the fangs in its upper jaw, and is pressed out when it bites. In about twelve or fifteen hours, an acute pain and burning is felt in the wounded part. Swelling, heat tension and pain spread from the wound, over the limb and sometimes over the whole body ; dejection of spirits small weak pulse, head-ache, nausea and vomiting, a fixed pain in the breast, yellow tinge of the skin, cold sweat, convulsions, and sometimes death. Treatment.—The wound should be immediately cut or burnt out; let the patient take ten drops of spiiits of hartshorn every hour, opium, musk and camphor may be given advantageously, j [i 1 BITE OP MAD ANIMALS. 9 BITE OP THE RATTLESNAKE, Produces nausea, a full, strong agitated pulse, the whole body swells, the eyes are suffused with blood; sometimes bloody sweat; bleeding fronithefiiose, eyes, and ears; the teeth chatter, interrupted groans^1" Treatment.—Local tr^ment same as for the bite of the viper. A poultice of qaick lime, with oil and honey, is said to have been used effectually; the fresh juice of plan- taiaj^by some considered an antidote. The firing of gun powder on the part. See several articles among the Amer- ican remediesT* Sanguinaria Canadensis &c. BITE OF THE RED ADDER. Symtoms same though less distressing than of the rattle snake, and the treatment the same. Sec American Rem- edies. BITE OF MAD ANIMALS. Of all the poisoned wounds that happen in this country, ^.tiie bite of a mad animal is the most dangerous. The hy- drophobic poison resides in the saliva of the rabid animal, therefore when a person is bitten through a boot or cloth- ing, the danger is much diminished. A considerable time elapses between the bite and the attack of hydrophobia. And the disease may be prevented, but is seldom cured af- ter the symptoms appear. Symptoms of HXDKOPBOmA.-srMelancholy stage.—A dull heavy pain and swelling about the wounded part al- though it may have healeJkikivjinbness proceeding up the limb. The patient becomes anxious and gloomy, sleep? unsoundly and loves solitude. &»■ 10 LOCK-JAW. Raving stage.—Horror of water, even the sight or ban mention of it occasions disgust; every attempt to swallow liquids produces intolerable suffocation and convulsions. The patient is unable to swallow his own saliva, and throws it out, yet swallows dry thingsfcithout the least difficulty. Excruciating pain gradually ej&ncling to the midriff. Con- vulsions and pain of the rnuscjp continually augment; the countenance is full of horror, the eyes mad and furious, still the patient retains his senses to the last. Treatment.—In every case where there are strong sus- picions that the bite is inflicted by a mad animal, common prudence dictates a complete removal of the wounded parts by a knife. No man of conscience or discernment, would neglect to urge in strong terms the use of the knife. Wine, camphor, opium, hartshorn, night shade, sea bathing, mercurial frietions. After the attack, opium in conjunction with the above remedies, and in large doses as in locked-jaw, may smooth the road to death, but is never perhaps efficacious enough to restore to health. In this disease, as well as in many others, the intrusio of company is distressing to the patient ; in all such cases! the patient's quiet should not be sacrificed to impertinent curiosity, nor to ill timed obsequiousness, nor yet to the officious teasings of old women, either in or out of the practice of medicine. 1 1 it! LOCK-JAW. Sometimes this disease^ arises without any previous injury, more especially in warm climates, and near thVsea. LOCK-JAW. 11 Robust, vigorous, middle-aged men are more liable than others. In the majority of cases, lock-jaw comes inconsequence of stabs and punctures in tendinous parts, and about the fingers and toes, and this frequently when the wound heals kindly. Symptoms.—The muscles of the lower jaw become con- tracted and hard; at length the patient cannot open the mouth at all. A difficulty of swallowing succeeds,resem- bling hydrophobia. The muscles of the neck and back, and indeed of the whole body, become successively affect- ed with violent spasms. The symptoms are sometimes ra- pid, at others slow in their progress. If the patient sur- vives the fourth day, there is a chance of his recovery. The symptoms never recede but by slow degrees. Treatment.—The symptoms of lock-jaw are spasmod- ic, and opium in large doses is the principal remedy ; at least two grains every two hours. If the symptoms abate, the opium should not be suddenly relinquished. Half an bunce of laudanum in aglyster, has sometimes checked the fcrogress of the disease. Opiate frictions on the cheeks, temples, neck and back, have been of service. When the perspiration seems checked, the warm bath, camphor, hartshorn, and antimonial wine. When there is dejplity, ajhberal use of bark, wine, and cold bathing; but opium is sti||fthe|grand remedy. Fow- ler's Solution has done wonders in ghis disease but should never be given but by able practitioners. S& \2> INFLAMMATION. '^7*^ INFLAMMATION.* Charactbr.—Increased heat and redness, swelling/' pain and tension. Two Species. I. Phlegmonous, the swelling forms a cake well defined. II. Erysipelas, which see. Symptoms of species i. or healthy inflvmmA- TiONgfctftching and dryness of the part, shortly succeeded by increased heat, and circumscribed swelling ; redness and increased circulation of the blood; shooting and throbbing pains. If the inflammation runs high and be of considerable extent, an increased action of the heart and arteries takes place; the pulse becomes full, strong and hard, some- what quickened; the.skin is dry and hot, great thirst ari- ses, the tongue is white ; the urine is high coloured, and the blood when drawn from a vein, shows a glutinous buff coloured scum on its surface. This is sympathetic or in- flammatory fever. Causes.—Cold, wounds, compression; or any thin which irritates the part. Favourable symptoms.—Absence of the above desc: bed fever; the swelling becoming more circumscribed,' pointing out and soft in the centre. —■jfe.--------- * I would not be understood hjere, to suppose I have included all kinds of Inflammation. But only the most simple and promi- nent divisions. All pa.rts of the body, perhaps, according to their structure or function, when diseased, from injury or otherwise" take on peculiar kinds (jf inflammation. Is Inflammation of the^bstance, ofr'the Brain, of the Lungs, of the Kidney one and theWne thing? Membranes whelhj|fta||lu- lar or dense, are suppose! topmost liable to ErysipManTin- nam m a * I r\ n in- \ d^ flammation. • ' inflammation. 13 Unfavourable symptoms.—Violent fever with deliri- um, sinking of the pulse; blisters forming which discharge a thin ichorous matter; the part becoming of a livid col- our, and loosing its sensibility. See Mortification. Treatment.—Remove the cause if it continue to ope- rate, apply leeches, lay upon the part cloths kept constantly wet with mineral water No. 1, or No. 4*. Saline purges of Epsom or Glaub. salts or sulphur and cream tartar. If the symptoms run high, bleed and give sweating medicines, antimonial wine,&c. Warm emollient poultices if it will suppurate. Poultices should never be suffered to get cold or dry, but be often renewed. See ■ Suppuration. ■■ The generality of cases of inflammation undoubtedly re- ceive most relief from the use of cold astringent lotions; but there are constitutions, and parts which derive most benefit from the application of warm emollient remedies. The eyes, and parts about the face, and the private parts, ^ when labouring under acute inflammation, also boils, car- fltauncles, gunshot wounds, and swellings which rise in the Htourse of fevers, more frequently require emollients as fo- ^mentations and poultices, though not always, and the greatest surgeons are frequently compelled to change their applications, and it would be folly here to give precise rules; the patient's feelings should be consulted. Hence in all cases in which the first kind of topical applications seem not to produce the wonted degree of relief, let the second sort be tried. From ,the opportunity of compari- son^ right judgment may then beVeasily formed. Fomen- -----*---— *R. No. 4. White vitriol one drachm, Soft water one pint. Mix d as quick as possible. But when an ulcer has been of long standing, or has become habitual, especially in an old person, a surgeon should be consulted, or a blister or issue should be applied and kept open for some time as a substitute for the drain of the old ulcer.— 20 ULCERs. Many have fallen martyrs to their neglect of this precau- tion ; particularly old men who have suddenly cured their sore legs, and children who have been cured of ulcers about the head. Ulcers are either healthy or vitiated. The matter in healthy ulcers, is white, thick, and does not stick to the surface.* The granulations, (growth of new flesh,) are small, florid, and pointed at top, rising no higher than the surrounding flesh ; a smooth film begins to form from the skin at the edges which spreads over the whole; this is the new skin which is to complete the cure. An ulcer answering this description is in a healthy or healing state.t The dressing should be soft lint or mild ointment of lard and bees wax, or No. 5. Avoiding all sources of irritation, by observing perfect rest. Filling the ulcer with soft lint, and applying over it a plaster of the simple ointment; the lint to absorb the mat- ter as it forms, and the plaster to prevent evaporation, (which makes the dressing stick io, and wound the sur- face) is a good way of dressing. If over this we wind a bandage, which makes gentle and equal pressure, the rest may be left to nature. Only renewing the dressing daily and cleansing the ulcer thor- ougly with warm water and Castile soap'—See American Remedies. * See article Suppuration. t Perhaps the term healthy as applied to ulcers is objectionable. We mean by it ulcers, whose tendency is to heal in distinction from those whose tendency is to degenerate and so become worse and more difficult of cure. indolent ulcers. 21 Foul or ill conditioned ulcers, must become healthy before they can heal, and may be divided into Irritable and Indolent. IRRITABLE ULCERS. The Irritable Ulcer, has an undermined jagged edge, the bottom has unequal lumps and hollows, a thin gleety discharge, the surface when touched is painful and bleeds. Treatment.—Steam of warm water, fomentations or decoctions of poppy heads, night and morning. Extract of hemlock and hen-bane dissolved in warm water.— Emollient poultices of flax seed, under the poultice lay a piece of lint or cloth, dipped in opium water, made by dis- solving one drachm of opium in three gills of water.— Carrots boiled and beat to a pulp applied as a poultice. A change of, dressings is indispensable. Bandaging is pernicious in irritable ulcers. As soon as this or any oth- er ill conditioned ulcer assumes a healthy appearance, treat as directed under healthy ulcers. See American Remedies, Common Elder, Stramonium. INDOLENT ULCERS. The edges of this kind of ulcer are thick, prominent, smooth and rounded ; the bottom smooth and glossy, covered with a thin, transparent, glairy fluid ; or a tough, thick, white matter, which can hardly be rubbed off.— Sometimes these ulcers turn livid, not unfrequently a sloughing takes place. 22 BURNS AND SCALDS. Treatment.—Internally, bark, iron, wine, and gene- rous diet. Local applications.—Red precipitate sprinkled on, over which place lint or simple salve, and a tight ban- dage. Night and morning bathe with decoctions of oak bark or walnut leaves, or immerse in quick ley. But all applications must give place to Mr. Baynton's new method of treating indolent or habitual ulcers, which consists in applying slips of adhesive plaster round the limb, so as to cover the sore, and at least an inch above and below the ulcer. The straps should be three or four inches wide, and drawn tight. The parts are to be cov- ered with compresses or soft cloth, and the limb rolled iu humhum bandages. The dressings are to be wet with cold spring water, which helps to remove the dressings, and keeps off inflammation. With this dressing the pa- tieiit may walk about and attend to his business. In this way, the scar is much less, and the ulcer less likely to break out again. See article Bandage. ■»■ BURNS AND SCALDS. Instantlt plunge the part in cold water. If the parts are not blistered, wrap in cotton bats, or w.'ish in alum whey or vinegar. The new practice is, to bathe the part in rectified spirit of wine, or camphorated spirit; then apply a plaster of yellow basilicum,* softened with spirit of turpentine, to . *R. No. 5. Take of yellow wax, \\ hite resin, Frankincense, of each 1-4 lb. Mix Melt over a gentle fire, then add lard one pound ; strain the oint ment while warm. Tl.is ointment i« the best drcssiim foi- all heallhv ulcer* FROST. 23 remain twenty-four hours, then renewed with as little ex- posure to the air as possible. If fungus (proud flesh) arise, sprinkle with powdered chalk. Give internally opium to allay pain and irritation. If the part is abso- lutely destroyed, apply an emollient poultice till it sloughs. See Mortification. Stramonium ointment, made of the juice of the plant in the common way, has justly been celebrated; an oint- ment made from indigo weed, is also much used by the judicious country people. See Thorn Apple and Wild Indigo. FROST. In order to thaw frozen limbs, they should be rubbed in snow, or water with ice in it, until sensibility and mo- tion return ; taking care not to break slender parts, as the ear, fingers, &c. As soon as feeling and motion re- turn, the friction is to be continued with brandy, oil of amber, tinct. myrrh, or camphorated spirit. Put the patient to bed in a chamber with a fire in it; give mul- led wine, and in this situation let him remain till a perspi- ration appears, and a perfect recovery of sensibility takes place. Sudden exposure to heat, occasions inflammation, morti- fication, and loss of life or limb. If this has been impru- dently done, still try the above plan, and save what you can. If inflammation or mortification has already taken place; see the proper treatment under those heads. If 24 WARTfe. ulceration succeeds, the ulcers are commonly of the irrita- ble kind. See Ulcers. If the whole body is frozen, treat as above directed. It signs of life appear, apply strong volatiles to the nose, blow into the lungs. Never use tobacco injections in any case of suspended animation. CHILBLAINS. Chilblains are red tumors commonly about the heels, occasioned by suddenly exposing a cold part to the fire ; or a heated part to intense cold. They are accompanied with intolerable heat, itching, pain, and soreness; after a while they burst and form ul- cers, slow to heal, sometimes turn black and mortify. Treatment.—When they first appear, immerse the part three times a day in ice cold water, after which dry them well, and cover with socks. If they inflame, use mineral water, camphorated spirit, alum-water, spirit of turpentine, balsam of capivy. If they ulcerate, warm vinegar, lime-water, quick-ley, salve No. 4. with red precipitate rubbed into it. Touch with lunar caustic. WARTS. Warts need no description. Spirits of hartshorn; tinct. cantharides, are good applications. The warts WEAKENED, OR WEEPING SINEW. 2"i) should be moistened 'with one or the other every day. Lunar caustic moistened and rubbed on the wart. A strong decoction of oak bark used as a wash, and often repeated, will most certainly cure warts, if perse- vered in. Large warts should be cut out, unless cured with oak bark* as the irritating applications are apt to make fungus flesh shoot out of them. See American Remedies. CORNS. Corns are commonly brought on by tight shoes and boots, and will be relieved by wearing loose ones. Eight or twelve pieces of linen smeared with soft salve, having a hole cut in the middle fitting the corn, and laid over each other so that the corn may not touch the shoe or stock- ing, this applied for several weeks the corn commonly dis- appears. Take of yellow wax, gum ammoniac, of each two oun- ces, verdigris, six drams, make a plaster and apply to the corn. If the corn do not disappear in a fortnight, apply another plaster. Some cure corns by rubbing them re- peatedly with lunar caustic. Others by laying on a little blister, larger than the corn, which will commonly raise the corn with the plaster, so that it drops from its bed. WEAKENED, OR WEEPING SINEW. Ganglion. A ganglion is a small hard tumor, composed of a lit- tle sac, and containing a fluid resembling the white of an 3 26 ANEURISM. egg. 'Tis usually moveable beneath the skin; its growth is slow, seldom larger than a ha/.lenut. Its figure is com- monly smooth, even and rounded ; it seldom inflames, rare- ly suppurates, but when it does, it forms an ill condition- ed ulcer. They are usually the consequence of sprains or bruises; i hey adhere by a slender neck to a tendon. Treatment.—Binding a piece of lead on a ganglion with a bandage, is a good method of dispersing them. Oil origan, or hartshorn may be rubbed on the weeping sinew. They may be cut out by a surgeon. VARIX. An enlarged vein.—These are most apt to appear in the legs. Slight affections of this kind may be cured by rolling a bandage neatly from the toes to the knee, so as to produce equal pressure, and it should be moistened with cold water, snow, brandy or alum in vinegar. See article Bandage. ANEURISM. Enlarged artery.—This tumor throbs and keeps time with the pulse or beating of the heart. If they burst or are wounded, death instantly follows.* A patient on per- ceiving one, should immediately consult an experienced surgeon, that the disease may be removed by an opera- tion, or directions obtained, that may prevent accident. * If the artery be large. CANCER. 27 MARKS. The marks on infants, are, either a varix or an aneu- rism, more frequently the former. Pressure, as directed for ganglion or weeping sinew, will commonly cure them if applied in season. CANCER. Puckering of the skin, lead colour, feeling knotted and uneven, darting pains ; the skin adhering to the parts be- neath, distinguish a cancer before ulceration. Before the tumor has arrived to a very large size, it commonly ulcerates, throwing out some sloughs and a mixture of matter; leaving a large chasm, the bottom of which is uneven and ragged; the edges thick, hard, jag- ged and painful. The ulcer sometimes spreads rapidly, with alarming bleedings and great debility. At other times the ulcer seems to be healing for a while, but the new flesh shoots out fungus and bleeding lumps, which cannot be controlled. At length other parts are affected ; cough and difficulty of breathing come on, and death is welcome to the sufferer. Treatment.—Pressure, and equal temperature by means of a piece of rabit's skin with the fur inside. Ci- cuta and nightshade applied to the tumor have sometimes relieved. Mercury and gum ammoniac are too irritating and dangerous. The knife in good hands is the safest, best, and should be the only remedy. Preparations of lead, arsenic, iron. 2S WEN. barytcs,and mercury may be useful by medical preset ip tion. Carrot and fermenting poultices. WHITLOW. A painful inflammatory affection on the finger, at pi near the end. There are four kinds, distinguished by their depths in the parts of the finger. I. Seated immediately under the Scarfskin, called a run round. It may be for some time immersed in warm wa- ter, or a soft fomentation, repeated till it suppurates, when it may be opened with a lancet or scissors. II. Seated under the true skin, more painful than the first, but requiring the same treatment. HI. Seated under the muscles. IV. Seated on the bone. The two last species of whitlow should be treated with nothing but a surgeon's knife, and followed by a little lint and spirit and water, or perhaps a little laudanum. The operation should be performed as soon as the second or third day. Any thing else will expose to the loss of bones, if not of limb, at least a dreadful disease. See American Remedies. WEN. The swellings popularly called wens, consist of a sac, filled sometimes with a fluid, at others a hard substance. most commonly with fat. RUPTURE. 29 The most successful applications for dispersing this kind of tumor, are such as contain common salt, sal am- moniac, &c. The best practice is the operation by which the wen is cut out, but this must be done by a surgeon. RUPTURE. This disease is the protruding of a bowel through the sides of the belly, and lifting the skin and fat over it. It is not in consequence of laceration or tearing, but the opening is in consequence of the relaxation of the parts, and straining. The bowels are not held in place by a strong sac or bag; for the strong sides of the belly are made by an overlapping of the flat muscles which bend the body forward and sideways ; not very much unlike the layers of green leaves which compose the child's bask- et for summer small fruit. In violent straining the edges of the muscles which overlap, give way from each other, and the bowel escapes through the interstice, carrying the lining of the belly with it. Treatment.—When ruptures can be reduced by the hand, it ought always to be done ; and the patient should always retain the parts in place by a bandage or truss. Persons who cannot keep up a rupture, should support it by a bandage, and carefully avoid pressure and bruises. Also avoid costiveness or any irregularity. If heat, pain, or inflammation come on, apply cloths lipped in cold water, or filled with snow ; use injections. vhile you send for a surgeon. 3* JO WHITE SWELLINC. WHITE SWELLING. The large joints, such as the knee, ancle, and elbow, are most liable to attacks of this malady. In the first stage of this disease, the skin is not at all altered in colour. In most cases the tumor is trivial, al- though the pain is severe, and felt commonly at one point of the articulation. The swelling at first occupies the little hollows of the joints, but soon becomes general. The patient soon only touches the ground with the tip of his toes, and the limb becomes stiff and crooked. These are the appearances in the first stage. At length the diseased joint appears of an enormous size, the skin not much altered, but smooth and shining, with a few red veins running over it. Soon openings ap- pear, and discharges from them ; sometimes these heal, but soon break out again. The health fails, and hectic fever comes on. Treatment.—A continual discharge is to be kept up >>y blisters from the part, first from one side, then the other, or issues may be used, however they are thought not so good. The common blistering salve may be used; or bruised roots of the ranunculus, vulgarly called butter- cups, (see American Remedies,) will do equally well, and some think better. All other means are totally unequal to the cure of this formidable disease, and no time should be lost. The treatment for this disease here laid down is designed for the first stage only. After openings appear life should fe saved bv loss of limb. RICKETS. 31 DROPSY OF THE KNEE JOINT. Dropsy of the knee joint, is known by a swelling of the part, in which pressure on the knee pan swells out the hollows of the joint. Blistering, as directed for white swelling, bandaging, moderate exercise, frictions, with flannel and vinegar, or a perpetual blister, as for white swelling, mercurial pur- ges. Bandaging the joint often. Blisters are good. Has been considered not difficult of cure. RICKETS. Character.—Large head, prominent forehead, pro* truded breast bone, flattened ribs, big belly, emaciated1 limbs, great debility. Weakly children are most subject to this disease. The bones become soft, so that they will not bear the weight of the body without bending ; and eveu the muscles draw the body out of shape. Treatment.—Nourishing food, wine, bark, country air, cold or sea bathing.* Above all, pure air and ex- ercise. *R. No. * Rhubarb, 1-4 oz. Iron filings, 1-2 on. Loaf sugar, 1 oz. grind to a fine powder, take it every day at 11 o'clock, so as liot t> purge. DISLOCATIONS. DISLOCATIONS. When a bone is moved out of its place or articulation, so as to impede its proper functions, it is said to be dislo- cated, or out of joint. As this often happens to persons in situations where no surgical assistance can be obtained, so that loss of limbs, and even life, may be the conse- quence of such accidents. We shall endeavour here to point out the method of setting or reducing the most common dislocations which require immediate assistance. Any person of common sense and resolution, who is pres- ent when a dislocation happens, may often be of more service to the patient than the most expert surgeon can, after the inflammation and swelling have come on. When these are present, it is difficult to know the state of the joint and dangerous to attempt a reduction ; and by wait- ing till they are gone off, the muscles become so relaxed, and the cavities so filled up, that the bone can never be retained in its place. A recent dislocation may generally be reduced by ex- tension alone, which must always be greater or less ac- cording to the strength of the muscles which move the joint, the age, robustness, and other circumstances of the patient. When the bone has been out of its place for any length of time, and a swelling and inflammation has come on, it will be necessary" to bleed the patient, and after fomenting the part, to apply soft poultices with vinegar to it before the reduction is attempted. After reduction all that is necessary, is to apply cloths dipped in vinegar or camphorated spirit, and to keep it perfectly easy. Many bad consequences follow tbe neg- lect of this rule. DISLOCATION OF THE NECK. 33 DISLOCATION OF THE LOWER JAW. The lower jaw may be dislocated by yawning, blows., falls, chewing hard substances, and the like. It is easily known by the patient's inability to shut his mouth, or to eat any thing, as the teeth of the under jaw do not cor- respond to those of the upper; besides, the chin is either thrown down or toward one side, and the patient is nei- ther able to speak distinctly, nor to swallow without con- siderable difficulty. This dislocation is commonly reduced thus : Set the patient on a low stool, so that an assistant may hold the head firm by pressing it against his breast. The operator is then to thrust his thumbs (being first secured by wrap- ping them in leather or linen cloth, that they may not slip,) as far back into the patient's mouth as he can, while his fingers are applied to the jaw externally. After he has got firm hold of the jaw, he is to press it firmly downwards and backwards, by which means the elapsed heads of the jaw may be easily pushed into the sockets. DISLOCATION OF THE NECK. The neck may be dislocated by falls, violent blows, ©v the like. In this case if the patient receives no assis- tance, he soon dies, which makes the people believe that his neck was broken. It is however for the most part. only partially dislocated, and may be reduced by any res olute person. 34 DISLOCATION OP THE RIBS. When the neck is dislocated, the person is deprived of all sense and motion, his neck swells, his countenance appears bloated, his chin lies upon his breast, and his face is generally turned to one side. To reduce this dislocation, the unhappy sufferer should be immediately laid upon his back on the ground, and the operator must place himself behind him so as to be able to lay hold of his head with both hands, while he makes resistance by placing his knees against the patient's shoulders. In this posture he must pull the head with considerable force, gently twisting it at the same time, if the face be turned to one side, till he perceives that the joints are replaced, which may be generally known by the noise which the bones make when slipping in, the patient's beginning to breathe, and the head continuing in its natural posture. This is one of those operations which it is more easy to perform than describe. Women have happily performed it. After the neck is reduced, the patient should be bled, and keep himself quiet for some days till the parts have recovered their tone. DISLOCATION OF THE RIBS. The ribs are strongly articulated to the back bone, and a dislocation seldom occurs. It does however sometimes happen. When the ribs are dislocated upwards or downwards, in order to replace them, the patient should be laid upon his belly on a table, and the operator must endeavour to push the bone into its proper place. Should t his method DISLOCATION OF THE SHOULDER. 35 not succeed, the arm of the disordered side may be sus- pended over a gate or ladder, and while the ribs are thus stretched asunder, the bones may be thrust into their sockets. A bandage should be rolled round the chest, so that it may make gentle and equal pressure, and worn for some time. DISLOCATION OF THE SHOULDER. A dislocation of the upper bone of the arm, more frequently downwards, sometimes upwards. From the nature of the articulation as well as from its exposed posi- tion upon the body, this bone is more subject to disloca- tion, than any bone in the body. A dislocation of this bone may be known by a depression or cavity on the top of the shoulder, and an inability to move the arm ; when the dislocation is downward or forward, the ami is elon- gated and a ball or lump is perceived under the arm-pit; but when it is backward, there appears a protuberance behind the shoulder, and the arm is thrown forward to- wards the breast. The usual method of reducing dislocations of the shoul- der, is to seat the patient on a low stool, and to cause an assistant to hold his body so that it may not give way to the extension, while another lays hold of the arm a little above the elbow, and gradually extends it. The operator then puts a napkin under the patient's arm, and causes it to be tied round his own neck ; by this, during the ex- tension, he lifts up the bone into its place. This is the way described in the books. 36 WRIST AMD FINGERS. The compiler knows a farmer, who set the dislocated shoulders of his neighbours in a country village much more ingeniously than most surgeons. With his right hand he seized the elbow of the dislocated arm, keeping it bent, and gently moviug it from the body ; with his left hand he crowded a large ball of yarn as far toward the arm-pit as was practicable; then using the arm as a lever, the ball of yarn becomes a bait and roller, over which he guided the head of the bone into its socket. All this he did without assistance, and gratuitously. DISLOCATION OF THE ELBOW. A dislocation of this joint may take place in any direction. A protuberance may be felt on that side of the arm towards which the bone is pushed, from which, and the patient's inability to move the joint, a dislocation is easily known, Treatment.—Extension is to be made upwards and downwards by two assistants, while the operator guides the protruded bone into its cavity. All this time the arm should be half bent, that the joint may be as much relax- ed as possible. WRIST AND FINGERS. Dislocations of the wrist and fingers, are to be reduc- ed by simple extension, and guiding the bones to their proper places. • K THE HIP. J7 It is only necessary to look at injured parts, to learn the method of relief required ; yet strange as it may seem, bystanders will remain idle spectators, when a little reso- lution exerted on their part, would instantly put all things right. In such cases an attempt should be made, a par- tial relief is better than none, and the swelling is less, even though a surgeon must finally be called. OF THE HIP. The bone of the thigh may be dislocated four different ways. Downward. In this case the leg is lengthened by an inch and an half; the knees are forcibly separated from each other; the foot is turned outward. The patient is to be laid upon his opposite side, the knee bent so that it may form a right angle with the body. The right hand of the operator should be placed on the outside of the knee, his left hand on the inside of the thigh as high as possible. Now, the thigh should be made a lever, the right hand a power, the left a bait or opposing power. The left hand should raise the head of the bone from its new bed, and the right carry it to oppo- site its socket. I have seen a dislocated hip reduced to its place by putting the patient astride a saddle and causing the horse to -r->t. If the stirrups of the saddle be buckled short, so as to relax the muscles of the limb, the effect of appara- tus, position, and power, is readily imagined. The other three kinds of dislocations distinguished by surgeons, req;ir 'h^ am- treatment, with little variation; a destruction will only tend to confuse the common reader. 4 38 BROKEN BONES. KNEES, ANCLES, AND TOES. Dislocations of these joints are relieved much the same way as the joints of the arm, viz. by extension in opposite directions, while the operator replaces the bones. In many cases, extension alone is sufficient, and the limb will slip into its place, merely by exerting sufficient force. I would not be understood to suppose that force alone is sufficient for the reduction of dislocations. Skill and address will often succeed better than force. A disloca- tion of the thigh has been set by one man, after all the force that could be exerted by six had proved ineffectual. The parts injured by dislocations, require rest, after- ward easy motion, to enable them to regain their wonted vigor. BROKEN BONES. There is, in most country villages, some person who pretends to the art of setting bones. Though, in general, such persons are very ignorant, yet some of them are very successful; which evidently proves, that a small degree of learning, with a sufficient share of common sense and a mechanical head, will enable a man to be useful in this way. We would advise, however, people never to employ such persons when a skilful and expert surgeon can be had; but when this is impracticable, they must be employed. We shall therefore recommend the following hints to their consideration. When a large bone is broken, the patient's diet should, in all respects, be the same as in inflammatory fever. BROKEN BONEm. 39 His body should be kept open by emollient glysters, the food of an opening quality, as roasted apples, &c. He should keep quiet and cool. In all cases however, persons who have been accustomed to high living may indulge more than those who have been more abstemious. Too sudden a reduction of living may have fatal effects on the gluttonous, and wine bibbers. There is often a necessity for indulging even in bad habits, those patients who have already injured their own constitutions.* It will be generally necessary to bleed the patient im- mediately after a fracture, especially if he be young, of a full habit, or has, at the same time, received any bruise or contusion. When several of the ribs are broken, bleeding is peculiarly necessary. If any of the large bones which support the body are broken, the patient must keep his bed for several weeks. It is by no means necessary, however, that he should be all that time, as is customary, on his back. This situa- tion sinks the spirits, galls and frets the skin, and renders the paaent very uneasy; after the second week he may be gently raised up, and may set several hours, supported by a bed chair, or the like, which will greatly relieve him. Great care, however, must be taken in raising him up, and laying him down, that he makes no exertion himself, otherwise the action of the muscles may pull the bones out of place. It is of great importance to keep the patient dry and clean while in this situation ; by neglecting this he is often * At least, this is the case while labouring under disease. Yet I would by no means be understood to discourage a thorough and radical reform, so soon as a tolerable degree of health is restored 40 BROKEN bones. so galled and excoriated, that he is forced to keep chang- ing his place for ease. It is a bad custom to keep the limb for weeks upon the stretch. It is uneasy to the patient and unfavourable to the cure. " The best situation is to keep the limb a little bent. This is the posture into which every animal puts itself w hen it goes to rest, and in which fewest muscles are upon the stretch. It is easily effected by putting the patient on his side, or making the bed so as to favour this position of the limb. If the bone upon examination be found shattered in a number of pieces, or a large blood vessel is wounded, or accompanied with a wound of the soft parts, an experi- enced surgeon should be sent for. All that art can do towards the cure of a broken bone, is to lay it perfectly straight, and to keep it quite easy. All tight Dfhdages do hurt. They had much better be wanting altogether. A great many of the bad consequen- ces which succeed to broken bones, are owing to tight bandages. This is one of the ways in which excess of art does mischief. Some of the most sudden cures of broken bones which were ever known, happened when no bandages were applied at all. Some method however must be taken to keep the member steady ; but this may be done many ways without bracing it with a tight ban- dage. The best method of retention is by two or more splints of leather or pasteboard. These if moistened before they are applied, soon assume the shape of the limb, and are sufficient, by the assistance of a slight bandage, for all the purposes of retention. The twelve or eighteen tailed ban- DRESSING OF A BROKEN LEG. 41 dage is much easier applied and removed than long rollers, and answer all the purposes of retention equally well. The splints should be as long as the limb, with holes cut for the ancle if the leg be fractured. In fractures of the ribs, where a bandage is not alone sufficient, a strap of adhesive plaster will assist in keep- ing the parts in place. The patient should keep himself quite easy, and avoid any thing which may occasion sneezing, laughing, cough- ing, and the like. The most proper external application for a fracture, is a mixture of vinegar and water. The bandages should be wet frequently with this, if pain or inflammation come on. All which has been said above, is taken principally from the directions of the English surgeons. I shall now at- tempt to describe the long splint of the French surgeons, with my own method of using it—in the DRESSING OF A BROKEN LEG. Take a piece of thin board or clapboard the width of the hand, and of sufficient length to extend from opposite the highest part of the hip bone, to a tew inches beyond the foot. Cut a hole in each end, similar to those seen in a Russia shovel or spade. Draw a bandage, or what is better, a large silk handkerchief, between the legs by the groin ; pass the ends through the hole in the upper end of the splint; turn the ends, so passed through, back without crossing, and tie them firmly by the opposite hip. Thus the head of the splint becomes immoveably fixed and will not roll. Now wind a second handkerchief 4* 42 STRAINS, OR SPRAINS. round the ancle, laying under it bats of cotton or the like, that the joint be not fretted ; pass the ends through the hole in the lower end of the splint; gradually extend the limb, by making the ends of the handkerchief act like a pully over the end of the splint. By varying the direction of the ends of the handkerchief, as from inside or outside of the foot, the limb may be made to assume a right position as it respects the body. This dressing may be made effectual to prevent the overlapping of the ends of the bone in an oblique frac- ture ; and it may be tightened or loosened at pleasure. Besides, the posture of the body may be varied, and the patient be allowed to sit up. No tight bandage is needed on or near the injured part, nor need the place of the fracture be covered at all, except for the purpose of re- taining washes. In the use of this splint it will be readily seen the limb takes its natural shape, even though it be broken in more places than one; aud that the splint answers as a substi- tute for the bone, by giving firmness to the member till the bone is healed. STRAINS, OR SPRAINS. Strains are often attended with worse consequences than broken bones. The reason is obvious; they are generally neglected. When a broken bone is to be heal- ed, the patient is compelled to keep qui' t, because he can- not do otherwise. But when only a joint is strained, the person finding he can still make a shift to move it, is sor- ry to lose his time for so trifling an accident. In this way FEVER SORE. 43 he deceives himself, and converts into an incurable evil what might have been removed by keeping the part easy for a few days. Country people generally immerse a strained limb in cold water. This is very proper, provided it be done im- mediately, and not continued too long ; in which case the parts are relaxed, instead of being braced. Wrapping a bandage around the strained part is also of use. It helps to restore the proper tone of the vessels, and prevents the action of the parts from increasing the disease. It should not however be applied too tight. But what we would recommend above all is rest. It is more to be depended on than any medicine, and seldom fails to remove the complaint. A great many external applications are recommended for sprains, some of which do good, and others hurt. The following are such as may be used with the greatest safe- ty, viz. camphorated spirit, volatile linament No. 3, com- mon fomentations of bitter herbs, with the addition of spirit or brandy. Previous to other applications, the sprained joint should be immersed in warm soap suds, and rubbed for an hour lightly with the balls of the fingers. The evening is the best time for this -operation. FEVER SORE. Inflammation and ulceration of a bone. First stage.—A peculiar obtuse, deep seated, aching pain, extremely distressing to the patient, and soon affect- ing the health to a remarkable degree. At length the part swells, and a tumour forms, possessing great hardness, the 44 kivgV evil. skin becomes red and extremely tender, there is an in- crease of heat, and other symptoms of inflammation. Treatment.—Use in this stage blisters, fomentations, allay pain with opium; after the pain subsides, mercurial frictions. Second stage.—The symptoms of inflammation above enumerated ; the preceding pain has usually been exceed- ingly severe and constant, and attended with great consti- tutional irritation, quick hard pulse, white tongue; the parts become swelled and inflamed ; the patient is attack- ed with severe agues; and an undulation is perceptible within the tumour; ulceration takes place, and a thin acid matter is discharged ; when, by an examination with a probe, a cavity can be traced leading to, if not into, the bone. . The progress of the formation of matter, is some- times extremely slow, at others the tumour soon has signs of the fluctuation of matter. Treatment.—If the means prescribed in the treat- ment of the first stage fail, the whole should be laid open by a free incision. This must be performed by a surgeon. After the operation, use tincture of myrrh, as an injection, and treat it as laid down for ulcers. Injections first of soap in water, then with a solution of corrosive sublimate, a full, compress, and thorough ban- dage will commonly succeed in healing the abscess; if there is a tendency to such affections, insert an issue.— But all this a surgeon must direct. See article Bandage. KING'S EVIL. Perhaps this is a subject that requires more eluci- dation than any other with which medical practitioners have so much to do. king's evil. 45 Scrophula is more terrible for being; a hereditary disease. A fine skin, a delicate complexion, light blue eyes, a tu- mid unhealthy countenance, and a swelling of the upper lip, are so frequently observable in scrophulous patients, that such marks are deemed signs of this peculiarity of constitution. Scrophulous inflammation is attended with a soft swel- ling of the affected part. The swelling has at first a doughy feel, which in time it changes for that of elasticity or fluctuation. A circumscribed hardened margin, sur- rounds the base of the tumour. The skin is slightly red. As the swelling advances, it changes to a light purple colour, with small red veins running over its surface.— The skin at length becomes thinner, and more dark col- oured at a particular point; then bursts and discharges a thin fluid, blended with a curdy matter. The redness of the skin continues, but the apperture enlarges in propor- tion as the tumour subsides, and thus a scrophulous ulcer is the result. The margins of this ulcer are smooth, obtuse, and over- lap the sore; they are of a purple colour, and are rather hard and tumid, the surface of the ulcer is of a light red colour; the granulations are flabby and indistinct, the discharge is thin, and contains flakes resembling curd.— The pain is inconsiderable. The limits of this work will not permit us to trace every form which a scrophulous ulcer assumes. Scrophulous ulcers frequently heal in one place, and break out in another, and are generally worse in summer than in winter. 4b* VENEREAL DISEASE. There is no medicine which has the power oi com- pletely correcting the peculiarity of constitution implied by the term scrophulous habit. Bark, sea air, and sea bathing, are among the means from which patients afflicted with scrophula derive the most relief. Burnt sponge and soda are useful. Cicuta is good when the sores are irritable. Salivation is always hurtful. Nitrous acid is sometimes serviceable; if on trial it does no good, it should be dis- continued. Vitriolic emetics, repeatedly exhibited, are said to be useful. Scrophulous swellings should never be opened. External applications are of little use. Before the tu- mours break, a piece of swansdown to keep the part from suffering from change of temperature. After the tumour has broke, dress with No. 5, adding a little red precipi- tate. See American Remedies. Oxalis stricta Phytolacca decandra, Triostium perfoliatum. VENEREAL DISEASE. CLAP. A preternatural flux from the urethra in men, aris- ing from impure connexion. The action of the venereal poison on the passage, producing first an itching at its orifice, afterwards a discharge like matter, heat of urine, swelled testicle, and other painful and disagreeable symp- toms. CLAf. 47 Treatment.—While the heat of urine continues, drink infusions of flax-seed, barley water, or solution of gum Arabic. Use spare, cooling diet, avoiding spirits and spices, using cooling gentle laxatives, as cream tartar and jalap, senna and manna, &c. not to purge much. Perfect attention to cleanliness, by purifications with warm milk and water, that the poison may not be absorb- ed into the system. If the parts at the head of the yard be much swollen and tender, soft fomentations, or flax-seed poultice with mineral water. Forchordee wrap the parts with cloths wet with laudanum, or take sixty drops of it on going to bed. When every appearance of heat and inflammation have subsided, astringent injections may be used to stop the disease, as white vitriol twenty grains, rose leaf tea, or soft water one pint, make an injection ; or, sugar of lead fif- teen grains, white vitriol ten grains, soft water one pint, used for an injection. While these injections are using, injections of opium dissolved in water, may be frequently thrown up to relieve pain and allay irritation. Or opium may be taken internally for the same purpose. If injections are used too early in the disease, a swelled testicle is the consequence ; rest must be enjoined ; a brisk purge of calomel ten grains, jalap fifteen grains, every two days; cloths dripping with mineral water cold, must be laid on the swelling often repeated, while the part is suspended in a bag attached to a strap surrounding the body. After the inflammatory symptoms abate, and injections are used, a pill of one or two grains of calomel, made up with bread crumb, may be taken every night or two, but not to purge, yet so as slightly to affect the gums, continu- 48 CHANCRE. ed till all symptoms of the disease disappear. If swelled testicle come on, lay by the pills till it is abated, then re- sume them. See American Remedies, Sarsaparilla,. Her- cules club, Poke weed. Note.—There are some kinds of inflammatory affections, which are in the outset treated with stimulating applications advanta- geously ; and clap is one of those ; and may be treated from the beginning with the following injection :— R. White vitriol, - - 10 grains, Soft water, - - - 5 oz. Mix for use Or, the following remedy to be taken internally :— R. Balsam capivy, - - 1-2 oz. Compound Spirit of Lavender, Sweet Spirit of Nitre, of each 2 drams. Gum Arabic, - - 2 oz. Water, - - - 4 oz. Mi> Pose, a table spoon-full morning, noon and night. Or the following :— Take tincture of Cantharides in tea-spoon-full doses every three hours, till a severe strangury (stoppage of water with heat,) come on ; then drink freely of mucilage of Gum Arabic, till the strangury and disease both disappear together, which will probably take place in less than thirty hours. CHANCRE. Venereal sores may be sprinkled daily with red pre- cipitate or calomel, and covered with lint or soft salve. Attend strictly to cleanliness. Take the calomel pill as mentioned in clap. «.leet. *y BUBO. A swelling in the groin ; should be rubbed with blue ointment of mercury. A lump of unguentum as big as a hazle nut should be rubbed on the inside of the thigh eve- ry night, increase the quantity, till you use double that mentioned. If the bubo is too forward to be dispersed, a soft poul- tice may be applied over it to promote suppuration. In due time they may be opened as a boil. After opening, it may be treated with lint, red precipitate, and strict clean- liness During the cure of every form of the venereal di.-ease, the pill prescribed for clap may be used as there directed, avoiding spirits, spices, &c. If the mouth become sore, a gargle of Borax half an ounce, honey one ounce, rose tea. or soft water boiling, one pint, may be used, and the medi- cine omitted for a short time. GLEET. By the term Gleet we understand a continued running, or discharge, after the inflammatory symptoms of clap have subsided, being attended with pain, scaldiug in mak- ing water, &c. Gleets are always attended with a relaxed constitution, and may come without previous venereal infection, or may come long after such affections have been cured, by excessive venery and other debilitating causes; a simple gleet is never infectious. 5 50 RING WORM. Treatment.—Cold sea bathing cures more gleets than the use of the common cold bath. Balsams, turpentine, and tincture of cantharides taken internally are useful, and will effect a cure soon if at all, and need not be long continued. Injections of white vitriol, oak bark, alum, lead, &c. may be used, and usually cure. A solution of corrosive sublimate, two grains in eight ounces of water is a powerful injection, but should not be used in irritable habits. Bougies are a powerful means in the hands of surgeons, or well informed apothecaries. SCALD HEAD. An infectious disease. It consists of an eruption of pustules among the hair, containing a substance like hon- ey, and soon forming large white or yellow scales ; the disease spreads over the head, and sometimes down the body. ;ind is frequently mistaken for the itch. Unless the disease is attacked at its very commencement, the hair must be clipped, after having softened the scales and free- ing the roots of the hair by lard, oil, or soft poultices.— This cannot be done at once, but by repeated operations it may be effected. External applications.—Ointment or decoction Of hellebore, diluted citrine ointment, soap and water, or u solution of corrosive sublimate mentioned for the itch. RING WORM. Ring worms may be communicated by contact.*— • R. No. 7. White vitriol 1-2 drachm, S'.igai of lead 11 grains, Soft water 3 gills. DISEASES OF THE EYES. 51 Wash twice a day, at night rub on red precipitate and lard. Gun powder ground fine and rubbed on, and mois- tened with vinegar or saliva will often succeed. PIMPLED FACE. If pimples on the face have been of long standing, they should be cured with caution. In the treatment, abstain from spirits, wash with corrosive sublimate as mentioned for the itch, adding as much soft water to weaken it. Fowler's solution, six drops twice a day, for some time will cure, a dose of calomel should be pre- mised. Note.—The author is not unaware that in prescribing corrosive sablimale, and Fowler's solution, he names two terrible poisons— nor should his readers be ignorant, that he does the same when he mentions opium and tartar-emetic. The truth is, that all the powerful remedies which physicians use, are, when administered unskilfully, or in immoderate doses, strictly speaking, poisons. Yet, when the effects of a medicine are known, its proper dose ascertained, and its use established, we do not hesitate to prescribe it, but we must insist on the patient's keeping within our rules. In the present state of things, and under existing prejudices, more danger is to be apprehended from the general prescription of old remedies, than from those more lately introduced. No body fears being killed by blood-letting, antimony, pink, gam- boge, or red precipitate, because they have become familiar wit^ them. DISEASES OF THE EYES. Inflammation of the eyes, redness, heat, pain of the eyes, intolerance of light, effusion of tears; in more severe 52 DISEASES OF THE EYES. oases there is a violent throbbing, burning, darting pain iu the eye, the eye feels pressed, the pain is increased by mo- tion of the eye, sometimes there is considerable swelling. Inflammatory fever. After a few days, the heat, throbbing and violent pain abate, as also the fever, but the eye remains weak, and moister than usual, and more or less red. This is the chronic state of inflammation, and requires different treat- ment from the acute. Treatment,—For the acute stage. In general mild cases are easily cured by means of low diet and gentle purging, with small doses of antimonial wine, or in more violent cases, bleeding, salts. R. Tartar emetic 1 grain, Barley water 1 1-2 pint, Cream tartar 1 drachm, Loaf Sugar 1-4 oz. Mix. Take a whole or half a wine glass full every two hours, This will move the bowels, promote perspiration, and check inflammation and fever. Apply externally milk and water for a wash, and roasted apples as a poultice in a muslin bag at night. As soon as the acute inflammatory symptoms are over, use the following : A wash made of rose leaf tea, half a pint, white vitriol five grains, mix. Or, sugar of lead eight grains, camphorated spirit ten drops, soft water three gills, or, No. 7 diluted, if it cause pain. Note.—A partial or total loss of sight in one or both eyes, some- times occurs, and yet to an examiner no external appearance of disease presents itself, except perhaps a fullness of the ball with- out redness. 1 have beard this disease, though it should seem im properly, called " White inflammation of the eyes " WOUND OF THE EYE. 53 Treatment.—In the first instance, a full emetic, and tartar emet- ic is the best if the strength will bear, if not, Ipecac ; and, were I writing to physicians, I would say, "continue the nauseating ef- fect till the absorbent system is thoroughly roused :" after which, give Fowler's solution, as directed for Intermittent Fever. There is a weakness, or rather tenderness of the eyes, which sometimes creeps on almost imperceptibly ; and at other times succeeds other diseases of the eyes; this is relieved and cured by dropping frequently into the eye Sydenham's Laudanum. R. Spanish (white) wine, 1 lb. Opium, 2 oz. Saffron, 1 oz. Cinnamon and cloves, each 1 drachm. Mix. Digest 14 days. Upon the first use of it, a severe smarting is felt, with profusion of tears: to this succeeds a warm glow of the parts, and finally a pleasant sensation and clearness of sight. Perhaps more cases of chronic weakness of the eyes will yield to this medicine than to all others. Yet to expect much relief, the use of the medicine should be persevered in. Where large quantities of matter (pus) is discharged from the eyes, or adheres to the edges of the lids, use as a wash, Ware's Eye water. R. Blue vitriol, Armenian bole, of each 1 oz. Camphor, 1-4 oz. Grind to a fine powder, and project into 4 lbs. boiling water ; let it stand till it is clear. Put one drachm of the clear liquor to one ounce of clear water 'or use. WOUND OF THE EYE. The slightest wound on the ball of the eye, especially if it be near the sight, should not be neglected. A flying chip, or stroke, or scratch may induce inflammation which 5* 54 URINE. will destroy the sight. To prevent which, cover the eye from the light, with a cloth dipped in spirit and water, suspended from a ribband tied round the forehead. This vv:il, if properly managed, prevent inflammation. If the symptoms increase, send for an experienced surgeon. STY. This is a small boil, seated in the edge of the eye-lid. It is attended with heat and stiffness ; pain and consider- able irritation. Apply a small poultice of roasted apples. or poppy leaves. An opening may be made with the point of a lancet, as soon as there is matter in the tumour. Afterwards dress with red precipitate rubbed in a little lard. Old ulcers of this kind, or lumps remaining after a sty, should be touched with an ointment made by rubbing red precipitate iu lard, or they may be touched with lunar caustic. URINE. Suppression, and difficulty of passing urine. Treatment.—Aspargus and fennel roots, infusion ot sassafras twigs, wintergreen tea, solution of gum Arabic. Inject into the passage sweet oil, or milk and water. Let the patient stand on a cold hearth, sprinkle his loins with cold water. Pouring a gentle stream of wat^r in the hear- ing of the patient. BLOOD LETTING. 55 In every case of difficulty of making water, opium is of the utmost service. Involuntary discharge of urine.—Put a blister on the rump, and take pills of burgundy pitch. Gravel.—Use winter green tea, soda habitually, gum Arabic, uva ursi, opium, warm bath. Injections as above. In every difficulty of urine, live a temperate life, and avoid every irregularity. See Princes7 pine. See Ame- rican Remedies. BLOOD LETTING.* In whatever part of the body bleeding is to be practised, it is necessary to make pressure on the vein, betwixt the place where the opening is to be made and the heart.— Thus the rotum of the blood through the vessel is pre- vented ; consequently it swells, becomes conspicuous, and bleeds freely, which it would not do if the blood could readily pass on towards the heart. In bleeding in the arm, a fillet or garter is to be tied with moderate tightness round the arm above the elbow. In doing this, we should be careful sufficiently to intercept the flowing of the blood through the veins, without mate- rially affecting the pulsation of the artery at the wrist. Before cording the arm, however, the operator should * In preparing the first edition of this work, we said nothing of the manner of performing this operation, then deeming it inexpe- dient to put a lancet into common hands. Yet when we consider that lancet* are usually deposited in medicine chests, and that no body would be likely to assume the responsibility incident to thi? operation, when it is possible to obtain a decent bleeder, we have concluded to insert this article. 56 BLOOD LETTING. carefully press upon the place designated for the orifice, and ascertain that no artery lies underneath, which might be wounded. In general, a vein should be selected which does not roll easily under the finger. The operator should always fix the vein as much as he can, by placing the thumb of the left hand below the place where he intends to intro- duce the lancet. Persons who bleed but seldom, had better use a Ger- man or spring lancet; but when a common lancet is to be used, it should be pushed into the vein in an oblique di- rection, and, when its point is felt, or seen to be a little entered within the cavity of the vessel, it is not to be in- troduced further, but the opening rendered sufficiently large by carrying the instrument obliquely upward and forward, by which movement it is also brought out of the part again. The opening being made, the patient is to support his arm in a convenient position for allowing the blood to flow into a basin, by taking hold of a walking stick or pummel of a chair. The running of the blood may be facilitated by opening and shutting the hand frequently, and with some force. The due quantity of blood having been drawn, the lig- ature is to be removed gently, and not too suddenly, lest the patient faint. Should the bleeding not cease sponta- neously, the operator should place his thumb upon the vein below the orifice. The arm in this state is to be washed with a sponge or cloth, and water, and when dry, the edges of the wound are to be placed in contact, a little lint and a compress laid on, and a bandage applied, so that the several turns shall cross each o^jer over the com- press. See article Bandage. DISEASES. Introduction.—The knowledge of disease does not depend so much on scientific principles as many imagine. It is chiefly the result of experience and observation. By attending the sick, and carefully observing the various occurrences in diseases, a great degree of accuracy may be acquired, both in distinguishing their symptoms, and in the application of medicines. Hence sensible nurses, and other persons who wait upon the sick, often discover a disease sooner than those who have been bred to physic. We do not, however, mean to insinuate that a medical education is of no use; it is doubtless of the greatest im- portance ; but it can never supply the place of observa- tion and experience. Every disease may be considered an assemblage of symptoms, and must be distinguished by those which are most obvious and permanent. By a due attention to these, the investigation of diseases will be fouud to be less diffi- cult than is generally imagined. A proper attention to the patient's age, sex, temper of mind, constitution, manner of life, and other circumstan- ces, will greatly assist, both in the investigation and cure of diseases. In childhood the fibres are soft and lax, the nerves ex- tremely irritable; in old age the fibres are rigid, the nerves insensible, and many of the extreme vessels oblite- rated. These and other peculiarities render the diseases 58 DISEASES. of the young and aged very different, and of course they require very different treatment. Females are liable to many diseases which do not afflict the other sex. Their nervous system is more irritable; they are less able to bear large evacuations; and. much more caution is required in administering to them stimu- lating medicines. Particular constitutions not only dispose persons to pe- culiar diseases, but likewise render it necessary to treat those diseases in a peculiar manner. A delicate person, with weak nerves, who lives mostly within doors, must not be treated precisely in the same manner as one who is hardy and robust, and who is much exposed to the open air. The temper of mind ought to be carefully attended to in diseases. Fear, anxiety, and fretfulness, all occasion and aggravate diseases. In vain do we apply medicines to the body to remove maladies which proceed from the mind. When that is affected, the best medicine is to soothe the passions, divert the attention, and keep the person as easy and cheerful as possible. Notice should be taken of the climate. Does the pa- tient live in the city or country ? In a high or marshy situation ? Is he temperate, or otherwise ? What is his occupation ? It would be madness to treat, even under the same disease, the enervated shop-keeping citizen the same as you would the hardy happy rustic. We should inquire, farther, whether the disease be constitutional or accidental; whether it has been of long or short duration; whether it proceed from error in diet, or manner of life. The state of the patient's body should be inquired into ; of the evacuations, &c.; and likewise dIMPLE INFLAMMATORY FEVER. 59 whether he can perform with ease all the vital and animal functions, as breathing, digestion, &c. Lastly, what diseases the patient has before been liable to, and what relieved him. In the cure of diseases much may be done by diet alone; many patients think the more drugs they swallow, the better they shall do. This makes people trust to drugs, and neglect their own endeavours ; besides it discourages all/attempts to relieve the sick when medicines cannot be obtained. Every disease weakens the digestive powers. The diet should be light and easy of digestion. Exercise in many cases may be considered as medicine. Sailing, or riding on horseback, will be of more service in consumptions, scrophula, and nervous affections, than any medicine whatever. Few things are of more importance than cleanliness. Many diseases may be cured by cleanliness alone; most may be mitigated by it, and in all of them it is highly necessary, both for the patient and attendants. FEVERS. SIMPLE INFLAMMATORY FEVER. Symptoms.—Weariness, anxiety, chills and flushes alternating, terminating in a violent continued heat; face flushed, eyes and skin red ; pulse frequent, strong, hard, and irregular; great thirst, white tongue, scanty high coloured urine; exquisite sensibility, hurried breathing, 60 INTERMITTENT FEVER. and intolerance of the usual impressions ; sometimes de- lirium. Favourable.—Moisture of the skin, nose-bleed, sores around the mouth, diarrhoea, soft pulse. Unfavourable.—High delirium, high pulse, laborious breathing, hickup, twichings, involuntary evacuations. Distinguished fbom typhus—By full, strong pulse. From inflammation of the brain, by there being no delir- ium at the first attack. Causes.—Sudden exposure to cold after violent exer- cise ; intemperance; suppressed evacuations ; violent passion. Most commonly suppressed perspiration. Treatment.—A quiet dark room. Bleeding, purging, laxative glysters, sweating medicines, salts. Senna, manna, cream tartar, and rheubarb. See Glysters and Sweating Medicines. Cool air, sprinkling the floor with vinegar and water ; light bedclothes, and sitting up. Drink of sorrel tea, barley water, solution of cream tartar, tea spoonful to a tumbler of water, tamarind beverage, lemonade, balm tea. If deliiiura come on, blister the back of the neck, put the feet into warm water. If the strength fail and pulse sink, treat as for Typhus. See American Remedies. INTERMITTENT FEVER. Symptoms.—Cold Stage.—Languor, listlesness, yawn- ing and stretching; pulse small, frequent, and irregular; breathing anxious and short; the patient feels cold, first intermittent feyer. 61 in the back, then over the whole body; followed by a universal shaking or ague. Hot Stage.—After the shaking, flushes come on, suc- ceeded by a steady high heat; soreness of the flesh ; acute sensibility; pain in the head, and flying pains over tire whole body ; pulse quick, strong, and hard; white tongue; great thirst; scanty high coloured urine ; costiveness. Sweating Stage.—At length a moisture appears, then a sweat, first in the face and proceeding downward to the feet. The heat abates ; the pulse becomes slow, full, and free ; the bowels move; the breathing is free ; and all the functions are restored to their natural standard. After an interval of 24, 48, or 72 hours, the ague and lever returns with nearly the same symptoms as before, and this distinguishes Intermittent from all other fevers, viz. a time between the fit, when the patient is free from fever. Causes.—Exposure to the vapors arising from stag- nant waters, after fatigue, or any thing which debilitates ; as poor food, fear, anxiety, disappointment. Favourable.—When the paroxysms are short, regular, and go off clear. Unfavourable.—When the paroxysms are long, vio- lent with delirium ; or other diesases appear with it. Of when convulsions, stupor, hickup, double vision, prostra- tion of strength, vertigo, black tongue appear. Treatment—During the cold stage. Artificial warmth; put the feet in warm water, or warm bath; warm drinks; cordials; hartshorn in pennyroyal or hyssop tea; Warm tanjarind beverage. 6 62 intermittent fever. Hot Stage.—Cold acidulated drinks. Continue the remedies for the cold stage. If stupor come on, apply a blister to the nape of the neck. Mustard to the feet. In the intermission, just before the fit, an emetic* Fifty drops of laudanum will sometimes prevent the fit. Bark is now the remedy principally depended on, for the cure of this disease. It should be given in substance. After clearing the stomach by an emetic, No. 8, or No. 9.+ An ounce, or nearly that, of fine powder of bark, should be taken in eight hours previous to the fit, in divided doses. It may be stirred into wine. An infusion or de- coction of bark, may be taken if the substance will not stay on the stomach .j Of this take a wine glass every hour, the last eight hours of the interval before the ague. A strong decoction of white oak bark, or nut galls, have been used as a substitute for Jesuit's bark. The crack willow has also been used. Or No. ll.§ * R. No. 8. Powder of Ipecac, 15 grains, Tartar emetic, 1 do. Mix lake in warm water or in molasses. fR No. 9. Calomel, 8 grains. Jalap, 15 do. Mix J R. No. 10. Peruvian bark, 1 oz. Cloves, No. 12. Boiling water, 1 pint, to be poured on the bark, and to be strained while warm, to be stirred when taken. (JR. No. 11. White \itrioI, 3 grains. Extract gentian, 1 dram. Mix. Make twelve pills, to be taken as is directed for the doses of bark, in the interval before the fit, has cured In tprmittents. remittent fever. 63 If there is swelling or soreness in the bowels, under any course of treatment, calomel from one to three grains, should be taken every night on going to bed. Fowler's solution of arsenic will cure this disease, in doses of six drops twice a day; but whoever thinks to enlarge the dose, should remember it is rat's bane. Yet it is a convenient, cheap, and safe remedy, as above di- rected ; and moreover it is very certain to cure. See American Remedies. Note.—There is an anomalous state of disease, which attends northern-men who have been down the Mississippi, and there worn out an ague and fever without medication. Tbey tell us tfiat " two, three, or six months ago they had ague and fever, and that the agues became less and less.and that finally they missed them altogether. Yet that an ' Inward Fever' has followed them ever since." They have now a dead white, or sallow countenance, swelled feet, tumid bowels, a crude or bloody lax, with increas ing emaciation, and in most cases a voracious appetite withal. This form of disease comes frequently from the low countries of the south, and sometimes from the larger Islands in the tropics- The treatment which has succeeded best in the hands of the author, (and that in no small number of cases,) is a full dose of calomel and opium at night, superadded to the common treat- ment of Intermittent Fever. Frequently the first harbinger of returning health is a sound fit of ague. REMITTENT FEVER. This fever arises as the intermittent, from marsh va pours and from stagnant waters ; although there is evi- dent exacerbations or rises, and remissions of fever, still G4- nervous fever. there is no interval of time when the patient is completely free from fever. The autumnal fevers of this country ar« commonly of this type, sometimes bilious, at others putrid symptoms predominate. This fever is most favourable when it approaches in form, nearly to an intermittent, or is inflammatory. It in symptoms it correspond with nervous or typhus fever, the danger is to be estimated as in those fevers. Treatment.—If the disease assume the intermittent form, or especially if each rise of fever goes off with a sweat, or can be made to, by clearing the stomach and ,, bowels with No. 8, or No. 9, followed with sweating medicines; then give the bark in the remission, or any of the remedies laid down in Intermittent Fever. If there are obstructions in the bowels, calomel, as in ague and fever. Should it have a tendency to any of the fevers here* after to be described, treat as is directed for that, to which it approximates in form and symptoms. NERVOUS FEVER. Called also, slow tWer, long fever, mild typhus, slow typhus, &c. Symptoms.—General languor and lassitude, alternate chills and flushes, dejection of mind, loss of appetite, con- fusion of thought, giddiness, pain in the head, aching pain in the back, limbs, and flying over the whole body; nau- sea and vomiting; short anxious breathing; pulse weak, quick, often intermitting ; tongue at first white, moist. NERVOUS FEVER. 65 covered with slime, border indented with the teeth, after- wards dry, brown, and tremulous, little thirst, urine pale, low muttering delirium. As the disease advances, the heat becomes intense, tongue dry, brown, and morbidly red ; delirium with su/^ fused redness of the eyes, flushed countenance, throbbing of the arteries of the neck and temples, urine scanty, high coloured, and fetid, sometimes drenching sweats, profuse diarrhoea, starting of the tendons, lethargic sleep, invol- untary evacuations, cold extremities, convulsions, death. Such is usually the progress of this disease. Sometimes, however, the patient gradually, almost imperceptibly sinks, no threatening symptoms, no anxiety, no pain, of distress ; yet in such cases the arteries are seen to tremble or throb, under the chin, and a dark rose or peony col- oured spot appears on one of the cheeks, while the limbs are apt to be cold. Favourable symptoms.—About the seventh, four- teenth, or twenty-first day, the tongue peeling and becom- ing moist, showing a conical point and vigour of motion when put out, and quickly retracted ; moist skin, gentle diarrhoea, pulse becoming slow and full, sores about the mouth and nose. Unfavourable.—When no crisis appears on ope of the above days, all of the symptoms enumerated in the second, or advanced stage. Causes.—Exposure to a damp cold atmosphere, de- pressing passions, fear, grief, anxiety, exhaustion from fa- tigue, more especially in persons of delicate habit, accom- panied with irritability and sensibility, of sedentary life, of poor living and indolence. 6* 66 NERVOUS FEVER. Distinguished from malignant typhus by#its attack be- ing more gradual, the succession of symptoms being li>« rapid, less urgent. See Malignant Typhus. From in- flammatory fever by the pulse being quick, weak and feeble. Treatment.—Ah emetic or cathartic should begin the treatment, No. 8, or if physic, No 9, after which sweating with the effervescing mixture, or thorough- wort tea, this will act as a puke or purge, and briug on sweating. After the stomach and bowels are cleared, and a moist- ure appears, give tonics. Bark, Virginia snake-root, co- lumba, dogwood bark, willow, &c. wine, mineral acids, and cordials. If delirium, a blister to the nape of the neck, and mus- tard to the feet. No. 12.* This allays irritation, promotes perspiration, and pro- cures sleep. After the emetic or cathartic, this powder may be used daily, till a uniform moisture appears, and the bark can be used. If diarrhoea come on, use No. 12 more frequently. If the strength decline, it should be maintained by generous wine, nutritious diet, cordials, wine whey, jellies, broths, eggs, puddings, &c. medicine No. 10,11, and bitters. The opiate powder once in four hours. * R. No. 12. Opium and Ipecac, of each 10 grains, Camphor, 20 grains. Mix, and grind to a fine powder, divide into ten papers j half, or the whole of one may be taken at the rise of fever, and on going to bed. NERVOUS FEVER. 67 Note—Much lias been said on either side the question,—vvheth er fever can be broken up during its first stages ?• Here we shall not attempt to argue or decide, but simply to give the outline of the practice which those adopt who claim it may be done. Dr. Jackson, (author on fevers) during the cold stage, put his patient into warm soap-suds, and rubbed him well with a brush or sponge ; afterward, in the hot stage, before perspiration came on dashed on cold water till the fever h eat was gone. Dr. Currie, (of Liverpool,) used water in cold affusion during the hot stage, when the heat was steadily above natural, and be- fore a moisture appeared on the surface. Many physicians of our own country use powerful emetic and cathartic remedies at the commencement of fevers. Others excite ialivation with a view to the breaking up of fever. The above plans have all been published and supported by those who believed them practicable. It remains to mention a plan adopted with success by an emi- nent practitioner of this State, and which has not as yet been published :— It consists in giving at the commencement of the disease, say (yet varying the dose as the case may be,) four grain doses of cal- omel, at intervals of four or more hours, expecting the medicine slowly to pass the bowels, in the whole period of twenty-four hours. When the calomel threatens to pass before the system gen- erally has been got under the influence of it, opium should be us- ed to stay it for a time. We do not cheose to salivate, nor would we deny our patients the other customary means. It should be further stated, that in case this treatment fails from having been delayed too long, or from some other adverse cir4 cumstance, still something is gained ; the disease is more n»an- ageablc, and yields sooner to other remedies, than if the plan had been neglected. It is possible that in a case of fever the patient may be so pros- trated, as that calomel woald b° inadmissible. See Spotted Ft vtt. 68 TYPHUS FEVER. TYPHUS FEVER. Called also, malignant, putrid, spotted, and jail fever. Symptoms.—The attack is much more sudden than that of nervous fever, the strength gone, the horror and anxiety beyond expression, the skin cold, or of burning, acrid, almost stinging heat, the pulse quick, small, some- times halting, at others wiry, nausea and bilious vomiting, intense pain in the head, ringing in the ears, throbbing in the temples, beating of the arteries visible in the neck, fiery redness of the eyes, furious delirium, tongue dry, black and encrusted, breath hot and offensive, black crusts collect on the teeth, urine at first pale, thin, high colour- ed, offensive, or depositing a black sediment. As the disease advances, bleedings take place from dif- ferent parts of the body ; red, blue, purple, or black spots, appear under, without raising the skin ; involuntary evac- uations extremely offensive; pulse sinks and intermits; extremities grow cold ; hickup, convulsions, death. Distinguished from all other fevers by symptoms which cannot be mistaken. Always dangerous, more especially if it proceed to the coming on of the symptoms mentioned in the advanced stage. Favourable symptoms.—Rising of the pulse, return of sleep and reason, the spots being of a florid colour. Treatment.—By the means laid down in Nervous fe- ver, No. 9,10,12, putting the feet in warm water during the ague. In short, the same treatment as in Nervous Fe- ver, but more assiduously applied. Sponging the body, with warm or cold water, as best suits the patient's feelings j frequent change of bed and YE.LLOW I EVER. 69 linen ; sprinkling the room with vinegar and water ; pure «ir, and every attention to cleanliness.* Decoctions of oak bark, Virginia snake-root, cinnamon tea, or orange peel tea, to which may be added elix. vit- riol, nitric or muriatic acids. If bleedings appear, opium and muriatic acid. Through the whole the bowels should be kept soluble by rhubarb, 11 'am tartar, or calomel, or glysters. Light nourishing diet, jellies, broths, &c. as in Nervous Fever. After the disease has abated, and the patient in a fair way of recovery, he should be cautioned not to make any sudden exertion of his strength, or be suddenly raised to a perpendicular posture, which has sometimes •proved fatal. YELLOW FEVER. Many of the symptoms of this fever are common with this and the fevers above described. Those in some meas- ure peculiar to yellow fever, seem to be, pains in the eye balls and lower part of the forehead; the saliva is viscid ; * R. No. 13. Volatile salt of hartshorn, 10 grs. Opium and camphor, each 10 grs. Chalk, 30 grs. Mix. liiind to a fine powder, divide into ten papers, take one every four hoars, more or less, according to symptoms ; or, R. No. 14. Equal parts of laudanum, Spirits of hartshorn, and Camphorated Spirit. Mix. V tea-spoon full, more or less, as urgency of symptoms require, R. No. 13. Take of No. 10, a wine glass, Tinct. bark, a tea-spoon full, Muriatic acid, 5 drops. Mix for a. draught Tkis may be repeated every four or five hours. 70 YELLOW FEVER. large quantities of frothy bile is thrown np by vomiting; the eyes, face, and breast of a deep yellow tinge; a pe- culiar delirium, with permanent dilatations of the pupils of the eyes ; delusive remissions which promise speedy re- covery, soon, however, the disease returns with redoubled violence; the patient suddenly becomes giddy; loses his sight; or the eyes are much inflamed, watery protruding, and wildly rolling; anxiety, vomiting of yellow or black matter; sweats of a yellow colour, and highly offensive; bleedings, severe pains, more especially in the testicles and calves of the legs; livid spots in the skin ; the pa- tient in an agony throws out and draws back his extremi- ties in violent succession; black fetid stools ; hickup; sunk pulse ; death. Such are the usual appearances; yet so irregular, and so varied is this disease, that the most eminent physicians consider it only as a remittent fever; deranged as to its form, by appearing in subjects unaccustomed to hot cli- mates; so that if all would stay in their native climate, this disease would disappear. Causes.----Exposure to noxious exhalations, from swamps, rivers, lakes, ponds and marshes, or the filth of cities and towns, accumulated under a burning sun. The poison is assisted by an irregular life, intemperance, ex- haustion of the system from whatever cause. Treatment.—Early in the disease, calomel so as to clear the passages, and affect the hiouth.* *R. No. 16. Calomel, 4 grains, Jalap, 15 grains. Mis. Given and repeated every four or six hours, till the effect is pro- duced : at the same time assist the application by rubbing in half or a full drachm of blue mercurial ointment every four hdurs, de- sisting wUeu the mouth becomes effected YELLOW fever. 71 As soon as the bowels are loose, use this pill* in place of No. 16. If nausea appear at the commencement, wash out the stomach with camomile flowers, but use no emetic med- icine. Lay on the stomach decoctions of poppy heads, or tansy cloths. Injections of tansy tea, and eighty drops laudanum. Saline, or effervescing mixture.t' For vomiting of black matter, use lime water and new milk every hour, or oftener. Apply early a blister or mustard paste over the stomach. Affusion and sponging the body with cold water, when the heat of system is steadily above the natural tempera- ture, may be applied early in the disease. After the bowels have become loose, when malignant symptoms threaten, the bark may be used in substance, or decoction. See Intermittent Fever. The bark should be continued till health is completely restored. The patient's strength is to be supported throughout the disease, with preparations of barley, sago, Indian arrow root, &c. mixed with wine. * R. No. 17. Calomel, 2 grains, Opium, half a grain. Make a pill, 10 be taken every four hours. t R. No. 18. Sal. tart, or pearlash, half a drachm, Lemon juice, or good vinegar, sufficient to destroy the taste of the pearlash, Cinnamon tea, a gill, Loaf sugar, a tea spoonful. Mix, end take half the above quantity every half hour or hour, till it allays the sickness, produces a moisture on the skin, or move the bowels. 7J aFOTTED FEVER. SPOTTED FEVER. Perhaps there is no disease which so soon makes the tongue to faulter, the knees to totter ; locks up the senses, alienates the mind; and with unconquerable weakness, saps the very basis of our life, as Spotted Fever. It is not confined to any season, and it has not been observed to choose any peculiar aspect or atmosphere, but visiting in turn the bleak ridge and the banks of the clear stream. Though the leading features of this enemy are always the same, yet his dress is endlessly varied. To enumerate symptoms :— Some patients are seized with violent pains in the stom- ach, head, joints, limbs; and frequently the pain is con- fined to a single point; often to a single toe, or finger. Some have a violent ague and shaking, and yet are not sensible of cold; and some have no heat succeed this symptom. Some were taken suddenly, totally blind, or impenetrably deaf: others were not affected at all in those organs. A palsy of a member was not unfrequent, and a strange numbness was felt in the nose and face of some, which led them to be rubbing their face, and that for hours.* Some had raving or furious delirium, others a playful or hysteric alienation of mind, while others were * This is a symptom which nurses consider as indicative of an over dose of laudanum, and was one among many which appear- ed in Spotted Fever, (such as staggering and inarticulation, &c.) and induced bye-standers to suppose the patient intoxicated by medication ; when the fact was, no medicine had been given, and those dreadfully equivocal symptoms never gave way, but upon a liberal use of powerful stimulants, such as laudanum, spiri t ether, and cuntharides. SPOTTED FEVER. 7J more shrewd than before. Some were conscious of their sinking, yet seemed not to mind it. Some fell into a snoring lethargic sleep, from which nothing would rouse them. Some were so painfully sensible as to complain of the slightest touch or motion, while others felt not the pricks of needles, nor yet the contact of living coals. The voice was low and melancholy, the countenance shrunk, the eyes sparkling or muddy, the breath failing; and the air seemed to withhold from the gasping sufferer its invigorating energy. The pulse was commonly feeble, frequent, irregular, and often interrupted. In some cases it seemed inflated, yet would disappear upon the slightest pressure. Some- times when the pulse was gone in the wrist, the arteries of the neck would be seen beating with seemingly impatient and fretful motion. Bleedings were frequent from different parts of the body, ;ind often fatal. Purple spots* appeared in some, from oozing of blood from the relaxed vessels of the true skin, yet without ' Nothing could be more absurd than to style this disease Spot- led Fiver, merely because purple spots often attended among other symptoms. It might as well have been called Blind Fever, or Bleeding Fever, or Freezing Fever, as what it is, and perhaps better ; because the name Spotted Fever, had been forestalled by the old English writers, and applied to a regular fever of their time. Indeed in this disease there are often no s}wls nor fever at all, and the patient is in many cases dead before fever could form We know fever strictly speaking does sometimes follow an attack of this disease, and so it does some labours, and riding of a foggy night, or sleeping on the damp ground; yet whoever thought of styling the last mentioned states of uncor.ifortablenessfever ? 7 74 SPOTTED FEVER. sufficient force to penetrate or elevate the scarf skin, and spreading to various sizes, from a point, to that of a shil- ling ; and assuming different hues, from scarlet to black. From the onset, a clay-like coldness came over the whole system, and all efforts to restore genial warmth were frequently unavailing. The tongue was in some cases clear and moist, in oth- ers dry, in others bloodless ; in the progress of the disease it commonly turned brown or black. The swallowing was often dirTicult, from canker in the throat, or from palsy of the parts. Nausea and vomiting commonly harrassed the patient from first to last; yet the contents of the stomach were not at all vitiated. 'The bowels seldom suffered at all. A horrid sensation of cold was felt in the stomach, as if ice was melting there ; this symptom, as well as that of puking, was greatly aggravated by drinking cold water, or any weak beverage. Patients who enquired for water could not distinguish it from brandy. It must not be supposed that the whole of the above enumerated symptoms appeared in any one case. What is put down in this article, is applicable to the more se- vere cases. Like every other disease, however, it some- times occurred in so mild a form as to require very little medication. Yet it should not be out of our minds, that many without feeling alarm in themselves, or exciting it in their friends, have suddenly and silently sunk into the arms of death, and that even while their physicians were beginning to investigate their case. Treatment—Now, if we will bring our minds steadily up to the work, and calmly look over the above enume- SPOTTED FEVER. 75 rated appalling symptoms; two considerations paramount to all others force themselves upon us ; viz. the immense prostration of the vital powers, calling imperiously for support of the most prompt, powerful, and durable kinds; and that nothing can be expected from evacuations, as the contents of all the cavities* are ab initio uncontaminated. Under this view of the subject, we see what must " de- cide when doctors disagree," the case giving laws to the prescriber, and the symptoms pointing with iron index, to the only means which can save the patient from sinking, viz. cordial stimulating medicine, and nourishing diet. The pressure of the disease, and the remaining strength, must determine the kind and quantity of means ; and the range is between going into a warm bed, with drinking pennyroyal or peppermint tea; and hot bath, with bran- dy, laudanum, ether, and cantharides. Begin the treatment by putting the patient into a warm bed, apply flannels wrung out of hot water, or bladders of hot water to the sides and feet of the patient. If the disease be more than slight, give to drink hot wine whey, milk punch, or warm wine and water. If obstinate nau- sea or puking attend, give hot brandy, a spoonful at a time, with only water enough to keep it from strangling ; put a blister over the stomach. If lethargic symptoms come on, apply blisters round the, head, and increase all the stimulants. If warmth and moisture return, and the pulse is raised, there is hope ; yet the patient must be kept up, and the disease kept at bay, by laudanum in full portions every By cavities, are meant stomach, bowels, kidneys: bladder, kc "6 INFLAMMATION OF THE BRAIN- two or three hours, with tincture of cantharides and Fowl- er's solution. It has before been observed, patients sooner crave and bear strong food than in, or after fever. Yet it is possible the patient shall have a run of regular fever, after he shall have passed this anomalous state of disease. In sueh a case, treat as for Typhus Fever— Which see. INFLAMMATION OF THE BRAIN. Symptoms.—Horror, the face becomes flushed and turgid; the eyes stare as if starting from their sockets, furious delirium; tears sometimes burst from the eyes; sometimes sweating at every pore; skin dry and hot; parched tongue, at first fiery red, then white, yellow, or black ; hard rapid pulse. If the disease is not soon re- moved, stupor, insensibility, a great failure of the strength. Causes.—Exposure to heat, vertical sun ; violent pas- sion ; intense thought; iutemperance. Distinguished from madness, by its being attended with fever. From simple fever, by the delirium appearing as a first symptom. From typhus, by the pulse being hard and rapid. Treatment.—By a copious and sudden evacuation of blood from the arm or temporal artery. Application of leeches to the temples. Putting the feet and legs into warm water, and pouring vinegar and water on the head, previously shaved. Blisters to the head, neck, and legs. Quiet, room secluded from li^ht and sound. Give no O.UINSEY. 77 food during the inflammatory stage, except barley water gruels, arrow root, &c. Purging, salts, strong doses of calomel, No. 9- Sweating with cream tartar, and effervescing mixture, No. 18, often repeated, or No. 19.* • QUINSEY. Inflammation of the almonds of the ears and throat. Symptoms.—Chills and flushes succeeding each other, and terminating in the hot stage of an inflammatory fever. Swelling of the palate and almonds of the ears; swallow- ing becomes painful and difficult; voice hoarse or lost; shooting pains through the throat and almonds of the ears ; frequent slimy spitting. Sometimes dangerous, and indeed fatal. Causes.—Cold applied to the neck ; damp linen ; wet feet; damp rooms; hallooing ; blowing on wind instru- ments, &c. Treatment.—The timely exhibition of an emetic will frequently check the formation of the disease, No. 8, in divided doses. Bleed, if the pulse is high ; cupping, leeches. Blisters to the throat, or nape of the neck. A flannel dipped previously in volatile liniment, No. 3, and wrapped round the neck. * R. No. 19. Nitre, 10 grains, No. 18. 2 tea-spoon fulls, Sage tea, a gill, L. Sugar, a tea-spoon full Alii Lo be taken every two, or four hours. 7* 78 CROUP, OR RATTLES. Purging with salts. Nitre, a few grains rubbed with L. sugar, and slowly dissolved on the tongue and swallowed. Sweating with saline mixture, No. 18, 19* Inhaling steams of water and vinegar, and camphor. Gargles of sage or rose tea, sweetened with honey and acidulated with muriatic acid. , If it will go on to suppuration, poultice with hops and flax-seed. If there is danger of suffocation, the swelling may be opened at any stage, with safety, by a surgeon. MALIGNANT QUINSEY. This disease is a kind of ulcerous sore throat, attend- ed with typhus fever and quick pulse; and requires the treatment of typhus, with the addition of gargles frequent- ly used.* No. 13, and No. 15, alternately every two hours. Call a physician. See American Remedies. CROUP, OR RATTLES. This disease, generally of children, creeps on imper- ceptibly, with hoarse dry cough; wheezing, at first the breathing sounds like blowing through muslin; then a rat* *• R No. 20. Powder of bark, a table-spoon full, Boiling water, a teacup full, Honey, two tea-spoon lulls, strain while warm, anJ add muriatic acid to make it sour a> punch MUMPS. 79 tling in the throat; soon it is like the croaking of a foul when caught in the hand. Treatment.—Emetics of Ipecac, and oxymel of squills between ; the former as often as every two hours at least; warm bath often repeated ; a blister put between the shoulder blades; calomel two grains, doses every two hours. Strong mercurial ointment plasters, under the knees.— See American Remedies, Sanguinaria canadensis. Note.—In diseases, terrible as the two last described, and ma- ny others, incident to human nature, no time should be lost; but medical aid obtained as quick as possible ; yet something should be done while the physician is coming, and more especially if he cannot come at all. In a work of this kind, most should be written on the more man- ageable diseases. MUMPS. This is commonly a mild disease,* requiring only that the patient avoid all causes of cold. Should fever appear, treat it as simple inflammatory fever. If swelling of the testicles in men, and the breasts in women, or delirium supervene, apply blisters to the head, mustard paste to the feet, and fomentations to the parts af- fected. -> * The philanthropic Dr. Rush, of Philadelphia, said, that there was no disease so trifling, but at one time or other it had proved nu avenue to death ; and there are times, or rather case?, in which this disease puts on a frightful aspect 80 pleurisy. PLEURISY. Symptoms of inflammatory fever, accompan ied with a sense of weight in the chest, which in a short time be- comes acute pain shooting into the side, thence to the breastbone, or through to the shoulder blade. Breathing difficult, and increases the pain. The patient cannot lie on the affected side ; cough ; frequent, hard, contract- ed pulse, vibrating under the finger like the tense string of a musical instrument; white tongue; high col- oured urine; and indeed all the symptoms of inflammato- ry fever. Caused most frequently by exposure to vicissitudes of temperature; violent exercise of body, or exertions of the voice. Treatment.—Copious bleeding from the arm, accor- ding to symptoms. Fomentations to the sides. Brisk purges at the commencement, of calomel 10, ja- lap 15 grains ; purging medicines to be laid aside after the patient raises freely. Sweating with R. Tartar emetic, 2 grains, Sage tea, 10 spoon fulls. Mix. A spoon full of this, or a tea-spoon full of No. 21,* may be taken any hour till a sweat breaks out. Apply a large blister over the pained side. Drink free- ly of hoarhound or catnip tea ; oxymel of squills, or blood root will help to raise from the lungs ; or make free use of teas of flax-seed, rye bran, cat-tail-flag-root, bass- wood bark, &c. * R. No 21. Ipecac, 15 grains, Thorough wort tea, 12 tea-spoon fulh Mi* ON LUNG FEVER. 81 The diet in all inflammatory diseases, should be gruels, wheys, mucilaginous roots, and plants, &c. PERIPNEUMONY, OR lung fever. This disease has, seemingly, for a number of years in New-England, taken the place of Pleurisy. It differs from pleurisy, in the pains being less acute, and more steady; a greater sense of oppression and weight all around the chest; the face is flushed, sometimes al- most purple; pulse not hard, but quick. Bleeding is in- admissible, and so is tartar emetic. Thoroughwort tea has been much used ; take a table- spoon full every half hour, till it sweats, or pukes, or pur- ges. Blisters, if they produce stoppage of urine, it is a good symptom; squills, famentations, injections, all will come in for a place. A stoppage of urine from a blister, is cur- ed by gum Arabic, drink freely; or, infusion of marsh mal- lows, asparagus or parsley roots, &c. For sweating in the first stage of the complaint, No. 12, with hoarhound tea. In the second stage, after the patient raises matter from the lungs streaked with blood, (a good symptom,) use No. 13, or 14. Oxymel squills,. with warm tea. If the strength fails, wine whey with hartshorn in it. 82 inflammation oe the stomach. warm broths. Bark No. 15, nourishing diet, cordials.— For obstructions in the lungs, No. 22.* Note.—What is said of the calomel practice, in Note after INer- vous Fever, is applicable to this disease. Slight cases of Lung Fever are not difficult of cure, yet it some- times appears with symptoms, which bid defiance to all common means. A mottled skin, a cadaverous smell, and the skin, to the examiner, feeling like that of negro's, flabby, or rather like one that is dead, but not quite cold. This disease, (and so do some others,) sometimes lurks in a most fatal form under a semblance of health, i. e. the symptoms are, if I may so speak, morbidly natural. For instance, the pa- tient does not complain; is absent; is obstinate, either in doing things of little consequence in themselves, but hurtful to a sick man, or, neglectful of customary duties which he might do as well as not. Ask the patient, if he is better ? he says, yes, if he is worse ? he says, no. Circumstances calculated to interest him, are either not regarded, or they produce a disproportionate effect. He smiles, and frowns, and moves and stops, when you don't expect him to. A train of such like symptoms are discoverable, yet will be overlooked by a careless observer. I wouffi only observe further, that the eye in such cases, is ei- ther glassy, the pupil is muddy, or spreading unequally and in- distinctly ; the eye is never natural. INFLAMMATION OF THE STOMACH. Fever, anxiety, heat and pain in the region of the stor *R. No. 22. Gum ammoniac the size of a nutmeg, Loaf sugar, twice as much. Mix. Grind to a fine powder, pour on a teacup full of boiling water, stirring ,it; let it settle, then give a spoon full every half hour. till the person raises freely, to be assisted by warm tea, tin' blood-root. inflammation of the bowels. 83 mach, increased when any thing is swallowed ; aggrava- ted by pressure on the stomach ; vomiting, hickup ; pulse hard and small; great prostration of strength. Send for a physician. Treatment.—Bleeding; warm bath long continued ; fomentations to the belly constantly applied; blisters to the part. Large emollient glysters. Small quantities of flax-seed tea ; barley-water, or gum Arabic in water. INFLAMMATION OF THE BOWELS. Acute pain in the belly, increased by pressure, and shooting and twisting round the navel; obstinate costive- ness; belly tense ; frequent inclination to stool; vomiting bilious, dark and fetid matter. Fever, pulse quick, hard and contracted ; great prostration of strength ; high col- oured urine. A terrible disease. Distinguished from colic, by the pain in colic being re- lieved by pressure; absence of fever in colic, and the pulse is not affected. Treatment.—Bleeding, warm bath ; and fomentations continually applied and changed ; purges of calomel fol- lowed by oil; large glysters ; no time to be lost. Send for a physician. There is a slight inflammation sometimes takes place around the belly , with mild fever in the morning; bow- els little costive ; strength little diminished. Caused by exposure of the lower extremities to water in windy weather. Cured by large blisters, where the pain is most se- :*4 INFLAMMATION OF THE KIDNEY. vere, and purges of calomel, salts, or cream tartar, aud rhubarb. I have seen this disease prove fatal by neglect, yet blis- ters and the other remedies are sufficient to the cure. INFLAMMATION OF THE LIVER. Tension and pain near the short ribs of the right side, more or less acute, shooting to the top of the shoulder, and through to the shoulder blade; increased by lying on the left side; fever, dry cough, sallow countenance, high coloured urine ; sometimes hickup and vomiting. Causes.---Violent emetics ; hot climates ; violent passions, intemperance, and all the causes of inflamma- tion. Treatment.—Bleeding, cupping, blisters large and repeated. Purges, especially of calomel, No. 9, or lG.— Dress the blisters with mercurial ointment. If the disease become chronic, pills of calomel and opi- um, so as not to affect the mouth, No. Ij. A continued course of bitters and laxatives, as dandeli- on, Frazeii, gentian, Columba and Quassa, soda. A beve- rage of nitric acid should be used with calomel, or alterna- ting with it. Remove to a cold climate. INFLAMMATION OF THE KIDNEY. Fever, pain in the loins, shooting to the bladder; draw- ing up of the testicle, numbness of the thigh, high coloured urine; vomiting, costiveness, and colic pains. RHEUMATISM. 35 Treatment.—Bleeding, applying leeches to the loins, cupping; salts, caster oil, senna, manna, cream tartar, emollient glysters ; blisters are inadmissible. Mucilaginous drinks, sassafras twigs, dandelion, mal- lows, flax-seed and nitre. Warm bath fomentation, with camphor or spirit; opiate glysters. INFLAMMATION OF THE BLADDER. Fever, acute pain in the region of the lower belly ; sore- ness and pain increased by pressure ; painful discharge ol urine, frequent inclination to stool; vomiting. Treatment.—Same as in inflammation of the kidneys. In both diseases may be used, winter green, sassafras, vio- kts, peach-tree gum. RHEUMATISM. Chills, followed by heat and fever, with hard, full aud quick pulse; obstinate costiveness ; after one, two, or three days, tumour and pain, with inflammation, attack one or more of the large joints, and they become extreme- ly tender to the touch ; tongue white ; urine high colour- ed ; sometimes profuse sweating, without relief. In rheumatism the pain shoots along the courses of the muscles, and often changes its seat. Rheumatism often runs into a chronic state, i. e. the fe- ver abates, and the pain or soreness continue. Sometimes chronic rheumatism is not preceded by the acute. 8 86 GOUT. Causes.—Obstructed perspiration, damp rooms, damp linen, exposure to cold after exercise. Treatment.—Bleed with caution ; cupping and leech- es; purging with calomel, oil, salts, rhubarb and cream tartar; sweating, No. 12, 18, pennyroyal tea. Fox- glove, cicuta, calomel and opium may be given by medi- cal prescription. Fomentations with bitter herbs and poppy heads. After the fever abates, bark, wine, guai- acum. In chronic rheumatism, cupping, blisters, No. \J, vol- atile tincture of guaiac, hartshorn, spirits turpentine, mus- tard, blisters, sarsaparilla; above all, blisters, frictions, patience, and flannel; queen of the meadows, white- wood-root bark, prickly ash, thoroughwort. See Colic. GOUT.* Pain in the joints, chiefly in the great toe, hands, ltd, and small joints; returning at intervals; previous to the * Gout seems to have been common in Old England, during its earliest ages of barbarism. It is frequently noticed by the Anglo- Saxon historians, and was called fot-adl, or foot-ail. The following prescription was regarded as a specific by the ancients; and will be considered as a curiosity by the reader :— 1 Take the herb datulus ortitulosa, which we call greata cranleak, (a speeies of iris, or flag-flower.) Take the heads of it, and dry them very much, and take thereof a penny weight and an half; and the pear-tree and Roman bark, and cummin, and a fourth part of laurel berries; and of the other herbs half a penny-weight each, and six pepper-corns, aud grind all to dust; and put two egg-shells full of wine. This is the true leech-craft. Give it U» the man to drink, till he be well." GOUT. 87 attack, the functions of the stomach are much disturbed, with dejection of spirits; coldness and numbness of the extremities, cramps, &c.; succeeded by horror, rigours and fear. The attack comes on about midnight, subsides next evening, the patient falls asleep, and awakes with swollen limbs, but apparently comfortable till in the night, when his distress returns, but goes off in the morning.— The pain during the paroxysm imitates almost every spe- cies of torture. This is regular gout, for which much may be done to very little purpose. Lamb skin slippers, and gloves, with the wool turned inward; regular life, and ab- stemiousness after the fit is over. Atonic Gout, is when in a gouty patient, there is all the symptoms, except the pain and inflammation in the joints, viz. nausea, vomiting, palpitation of the heart, giddiness, low spirits, and other nervous affections. Treatment of atonic gout.—Avoiding all the caus- es of debility, moderate exercise, animal food, good wine, bitters, wearing flannel, blisters on the extremities. Retrocedent Gout, is where, after the inflammation has appeared on the limbs, it suddenly leaves them, and at- tacks some internal part, as the stomach, lungs, &c. occa- sioning vomiting, pain and sickness, spasms ; or the heart, occasioning faintings; or the head, occasioning apoplexy or palsy, &c. Treatment.—If the stomach be the suffering part, which is commonly the case, liberal use of warm brandy and water, or wine and aromatics, castor, hartshorn, fe- tida, camphor, blisters and mustard to the extremities. Misplaced Gout, is when the inflammation first, instead of the great toe, takes hold of some vital part, as the 8S PAINFUL AFFECTIONS. lungs, heart, stomach, &c. For which, in strong consti- tutions, treat as for Pleurisy; in weak ones, as for Retro- cedent Gout. EAR. Inflammation of the ear is, for the most part, a local disease, without fever; but in some instances, the suffer- ings of the patient are very great, and the disease assumes a formidable appearance, as stupor, delirium, fever, con- vulsions, and soon, a fatal termination has been the con- sequence. Pain and inflammation of the ear may be produced by the causes of other inflammations, but none more readily than partial exposure to cold. Treatment.—If there is no fever, apply a blister be- hind the ear, and warmth to the part, leeches, mullen leaves in warm milk and water, cathartics, salts, No. 9- Sweating with No. 12, and balm tea. When the pain is over the whole head, with fever, delirium, stupor, and other urgent symptoms, use the remedies laid down for inflammation of the brain, excepting the cold local appli- cations. If it will suppurate, fomentations and poultices <»f hops and poppies. PAINFUL AFFECTIONS. Systematic writers have generally considered painful affections, only as symptoms of other diseases, and al- tooth-ache. 89 though this may be satisfactory to scientific readers, still we may be excused for attempting to afford assistance to the unscientific sufferer, by putting down his case under a well known head, as " tooth-ache, pain in the side," &c. Further, If we mistake not, pain does occur independent of other disease inform; for instance generally,pains from torpor or inanition; as the fingers aching with cold, hunger, &c. I would not be understood, to suppose that pain comes suasponta of its own accord; but that, in some cases, pains may be properly considered and treated indepen- dently, of those diseases, with which they are customarily associated by systematic writers. TOOTH-ACHE.* It is difficult to account for the rotten spects and holes which occur in the teeth, and that, even while the constitution remains unimpaired, since the teeth seem to be almost indistructible after they are extracted. Teeth more commonly ache in consequence of expo- sure of the nerve, through a defect of the animal and bony part.' May be relieved by removing with a proper instru- ment the rotten part and filling the cavity with tinfoil or gold. By this process of " loading the teeth," as it is m * Our unlettered anglo-Saxon Forefathers called this disease " toth-ece," and it seems at least to be as old as the common law of England. Yet forsooth, Europeans talk and write as if decay- ed teeth were peculiar to America ! Strange those wise-acres have never argued hence, that Americans were becoming less carnivo- rous and blood thirsty. 8* 90 NERVOUS FACE-ACHE. called pain is relieved and decay is suspended for years. Until this can be done, a dossil of cotton dipped in oil of peppermint, or cloves, or cajeput, or laudanum, will fre- quently relieve for the time. When a number of teeth and gums are painful, putting grated horse raddish, or paste of ginger on the jaws, or chewing pelletory or ginger-root will relieve. The practice of extracting teeth for slight pain or in- cipient disease, should be reprobated. They in every point of view are important. To preserve the teeth, wash them morning and eve- ning with a soft brush in clean water; should this not be sufficient, rub them once a day with fine powdered ehar- coal, kept in a close stopped vial;' should the gums be spongy or incline to bleed, use powder of bark ; or tinc- ture of bark as a wash. Acids and gritty substances are pernicious applications for the teeth ; they soon change the living white of the en- amel for a dingy harbinger of destruction. I mention this principally with a view to caution against pompous dentifrices and quack Dentists ; yet, I do consider a faith- ful, honest, and ingenious Dentist as a valuable member of society, and one who should be encouraged. NERVOUS FACE-ACHE. Tic-Douloureux of the French writers. Physicians scarcely find a more intractable disease than this to manage, and patients seldom one more intol- erable to bear. HEAD-ACHE. 91 It commonly attacks by keen lancinating pains, first as if a nail was driving in between the eye and cheek bone; spreading to the wings of the nose, upper lip, teeth and gums, through the temple, ear and side of the head, yet generally confined to one side. This disease is known from nervous head-ache, rheu- matism, and tooth-ache, by the shortness of the paroxysm, the rapidity of succession and complete intermission of pain during the interval. Beside the slightest motion or touch of the part is sufficient to set the pain to radiating like lightning, so to speak, through all the branches of the side of the face. Treatment.—To talk here, of cutting through to the nerve, would be idle, only to state it has been done, and usually the operation has succeeded, not always. Prepa- rations of arsenick ; opium ; extracts of henbane, hem- lock, nightshade; stramonium, with ipecac; all in large doses, as the stomach will bear are chiefly relied on.— mercurial ointment so as to effect the gums has relieved. I mention nothing here in treating this disease, which will be safe in the hands of any but able physicians. Per- haps the yellow powder of hops made into pills, with ex- tract of hemlock would relieve the pain, at the same time hops taken from hop-infusion might be applied externally to the part. HEAD-ACHE. Pain in some instances over the whole head. l?om#- times it is confined to a point, when this is the case the pain is frit most commonly over one eye. 92 STOMACH-ACHE. Head-ache attends most febrile diseases as a symptom. In this article we shall confine ourselves to those spe- cies of head-ache which are unattended by fever. When the disease originates from foulness of the stom- ach, a gentle emetic is the best remedy, when costiveness prevails, laxatives or Epsom salts, or pearlash in cider, drank on an empty stomach, and while foaming. When gouty or rhumatic pains attack the head blister the extremities and give laudanum. Periodical head-aches may be cured by Fowler's solu- tion, used as for ague and fever, which see. Most head-aches may be relieved by application of camphorated spirit, bay rum, .vinegar and water, and spirit and water. STOMACH-ACHE. Some persons are at times attacked with severe pains in the stomach and the common application of warm and stimulating things do not relieve. When the pain is continual and oppressive it may be necessary to premise an emetic of ipecac. But when the pain comes in severer paroxysms with short intervals of comparative ease, complete relief may be had by taking a full dose of No. 13 or 14 after the return of every parox- ysm. *)n waking from sleep after dosing as above direct- ed, give before rising from bed a single dose of the powder, or a glass of sling; else sickness at stomach and swim- ming of the head will be troublesome. cow-pock. 93 PAIN IN THE SIDE. (Stitch.) This occurs in delicate habits upon sudden or long con- tinued exertion. May be relieved by along strap of ad- hesive plaster, or a bandage rolled round the chest so as to make equal pressure. Tight stays have unquestionably helped their wearers to a misgiving chest, and so have corsets, boards, and the like, yet these can be no way injurious, provided they give only gentle and equal pressure. SMALL-POX. Character.—Fever, eruption of red pimples on the third day, which on the eighth contain matter, and drying fall off in crusts. Formerly, a great proportion of every medical work, was religiously devoted to this disease ; and till less than a century since, one in seven at least of the persons born in England died of the small-pox. It is fortunately now unnecessary, even to describe this loathsome and fatal disease. COW-POCK. The cow-pock consists of a single vesicle, which ap- pears on the spot where the vaccine matter is inserted. The colour is a dull white, but it is red at the edges. It contains a fluid clear as crystal, about the eighth or ninth 94 cow-pock. day. A redness or inflammation of the skin spreads to a little distance from it, about the size of half a crown.— This begins to fade on the eleventh or twelfth day, and the vesicle becomes brown, and presently is covered with a glossy harsh scab, which discovers, when it falls off a permanent scar. In boys, it is of little consequence where the matter is inserted, and the arm is as good as any part; but in girls, (children) it is better to inoculate on the outside of the thigh, a little above the knee. Parents cannot too gener- ally know, that the arm may inflame, and yet the vesicle may not be of the genuine kind. If the progress be differ- ent from the usual course, then there is always a doubt, lest it may not give security againt the small-pox. If for example, there be no inflamed circle at all, or if on the other hand, it appear early, for instance on the fifth or sixth day, and especially if the vesicle be not round or oval, but jagged and irregular, and contain on or before the eighth day, a turbid white, instead of a clear fluid, it will be necessary to re-inoculate. It is possible the vesicle may be of the genuine kind, and the constitution not af- fected by it. This cannot be determined by appearances or symptoms, but it may by a very innocent and slight test. If on the morning of the sixth day, a second inocu- lation be performed on the other arm or leg, it will ad- vance quickly, and become surrounded with a red circle, nearly*as soon as the first vesicle. If this trial be neglect- ed, we have still two other methods of determining wheth- er the constitution be properly altered, viz. by inoculating a second time with the kine-pock matter, any time after the child has fully recovered from the disease. If be has had the genuine cow-pock, in either case, the scratch only COW-POCK. 95 inflames a little, it soon heals, and no other effect is pro- duced. No child can be presumed safe without having tested the operation in one of the above ways. If it be asked, why every parent does not re-inoculate as a test, it can only be answered, that it is frwn the same cause which makes many neglect insuring their property, namely, a belief that there is no great chance of its taking fire. It has been urged as an objection to the cow-pock, that it produces cutaneous diseases afterwards, but this is groundless. With regard to the treatment of cow-pock, I have only to observe, that the part should^pvhen the red circle forms, be frequently dusted with flour or chalk; and after the vesicle breaks, the same should be continued, in order to form a crust on the sore, which is much better than dress- ing it with ointment. It is to be regretted, since inoculation of this disease has become fashionable, that ignorant people should under- take to propogate it; as no one but a physician can de- cide whether any individual case is of the genuine, or spu- rious kind. With a view to caution those who are willing to incur the responsibility of inoculating with vaccine mat- ter, I here give what Good has inserted in his Definition and Arrangements of Diseases, lately published in London. SPECIES. Vaccinia.—Cow-pock; vesicles few or a single one, confined to the part affected ; circular, semi- * transparent, pearlcoloured; depressed in the middle, surrounded with a red areola. (Cir- cle somewhat broad.) 96 CHICKEN-POX. .... Nativia.—Natural Cow-pock ; vesicles on the hands, or such parts as have been in contact with the affected udder of a Cow ; of a bluish tint; the fluid at first limpid; afterwards opake and purulent, (like pus); often with enlargement of the axillary glands (kernels in the armpits,) and considerable fever. A preventive of Small-pox. ... Spuria.—Spurious kind; vesicles less uni- formly circular ; purulent from the first; without blueish tint; with little or no central depression. Affords no security against the Small-pox. .... Inserta.—Germine Inoculated Cow-pock ; ve- sicles single, confined to the puncture ; cellaulose; blueish, brown in the middle ; fluid clear and col- ourless to the last; concreting into a hard, dark- coloured scab after the twelfth day. Note.—This is the only variety which should be propogated in this country as a preventitive of Small-pox. .... Degener.—Degenerate Inoculated Cow-pox; Blane; vesicle amorphous (imperfect), uncer- tain; fluid often straw-coloured or purulent; are- ola absent, indistinct, or confused with the ve- sicle ; scab formed prematurely. Affords little or no security against the Small- pox. CHICKEN-POX. Slight fever, pimples bearing some resemblance to those of small-pox ; scaling off in three or four days. MEASLES. 97 This disease is of so trivial a nature, as seldom to need the aid of medicine. Gentle laxatives and fool regimen is all that is necessary. MEASLES. Fever, cough, hoarseness, difficulty of breathing: sneezing, sense of weight in the head; nausea or vomiting; drowsiness, dullness of the eyes, and flow of hot tears ; running from tfie nose, itching of the face. On the fourth day, small red pimples appear, first on the face spreading over the whole body ; the pimples hardly elevated above the surrounding skin, but by the touch are found to be a little prominent. On the fifth or sixth day, they turn brown, and disappear with the peel- ing off of the scarfskin. A diarrhoea often appears with the turning of tiie mea- sles. Treatment.—Abstinence from animal food, light veg- etable diet; a moderately cool room, temperature to be regulated by the patient's feelings; carefully guarding against sudden changes. Saline purgatives. Solution of cream tartar; sorrel tea; sweating with No. 12, warm herb drinks. If the symptoms run high, with pleuritic symptoms, bleed and blister the chest. If the eruption suddenly re- cede, put the feet in warm water while tying in bed ; ap- ply mustard paste to the breast and feet. Blister between the shoulders. Warm wine whey with hartshorn, tea of Virginia snake- root, Sec. 9 98 S-CARLET FEVER. Hoarseness and cough, may be palliated by bran-lea, flax-seed tea after the fever abates; these symptoms may be relieved by oxymel of squills, and opium, or No. 22. Blood root made into a tincture by shaving the root, filling a phial half with the shavings, and adding spirit. If paleness or purple spots appear, with prostration of strength, and other symptoms of typhus, treat as in ty- phus, with cordials, wine, bark and snake-root. SCARLET FEVER. This fever is most commonly inflammatory, but some- times, either at its commencement, or in its progress, symptoms of typhus appear. About the fourth day, the face swells and spots of a florid red colour appear, scatter- ed through the skin, which at length run together, and after three days disappear, the scarfskin peeling off in branny scales. In severe cases the nails peel off with the skin. It is not unfrequently succeeded by a dropsical swelling of the whole body. When the disease has symptoms of typhus fever, it appears like malignant quinsey, often the same affection of the throat; when it is to be treated like malignant quinsey, or typhus. See those diseases. Scarlet fever is distinguished from measles, by absence of cough, sneezing, flow of tears; the eruption is more diffused like a blaze, and not sensible to the touch. Treatment.—Keep the bo welt loose with calomel and rhubarb.* * No. 23. Calomel 6 grains, Rhubarb 12 grains. Mix taken in molasses, and repeated if necessary. NETTLE RASH. 99 Cool vegetable acid drinks, lemonade, currents, rsap- berries, sorrel tea, No. 18, with snake-bite tea, and No. 12, at night. Sponging the body with vinegar and water, if agreeable to the patient. Sprinkle the room with vinegar and wa- ter. Beverage of muriatic acid, or elixir vitriol. If dilirium or stupor come on, blister between the shoul- ders. If soreness of the mouth and throat, with difficulty of swallowing, gargles of oak bark tea, sweetened with honey, add muriatic acid, as in quinsy. At the decline of the eruption, bitters, bark and wine, and nutritious diet. No. 15. NETTLE RASH. An eruption on the skin resembling that produced by the stinging of nettles, whence its name; suddenly ap- pearing and vanishing, or changing its seat. The part affected is frequently considerably swelled. In the erup- tion, appear little white lumps resembling bites or stings of insects, sometimes long wheals, like the strokes of a whip lash. These lumps or wheals do not contain any fluid, and itch intolerably. All the symptoms increase at night. The parts which have been affected with this dis- ease, peel off branny scales on recovery. Treatment.—Laxatives, salts, cream tartar, calomel in small doses with rhubarb. Nitrous acid beverage; perspiratives, as sorrel tea, snake-bite, &c. Cool vegeta- ble diet. If it strike in and occasion nausea and distress, teas of peppermint, hyssop or rosemary, &c. wine whey with hartshorn. 100 THRUSH, OR CANKER. THRUSH, OR CANKER. The mouth becomes redder than usual; tongue swelled and rough; whhe specks or spots invade the palate, al- monds of the ear, and inside of the cheeks, gums, and jaws; the disease sometimes spreads to the stomach, and bowels ; they frequently disappear in a day or two and a new crop succeeds. But this is more favourable than to have the first crop continue. While the spots remain white or yellow, and the parts between of a florid red and moist, there is no danger. But if there is hickup, oppres- sion, pain in the stomach, and sense of suffocation, and the spots turn brown or black, great prostration of strength; it is nearly allied to Malignant Quinsey, and to be treated as such. Treatment.—Emetics of ipecac ; gentle laxatives of manna, rhubarb, oil, calomel in small doses, copious emol- lient glysters; No. 15 used as a gargle; touch the spots with borax and cream. If the stomach and bowels seem affected, a powder of R. Borax, Nut galls, Chalk, or charcoal, equal parts, ground to a fine powder, five or six grains of which ma\ be taken every four hours, aud oftener if it does not pro- duce costiveness. 'If the strength fails, wine, bark, No. 15, taken internal- ly; nourishing food, canker-root, oak-bark and alum, elm, b:tis-wood, and upland violets are all useful in the course of thi? disease. INFLUKNZA, 101 There is a chronic kind of canker which yields to emet- ics, and No. 11. COLDS. A common cold is produced by suppressed perspiration, and is cured as soon as an equable perspiration is again restored. Abstaining from animal food; drinking freely on going to bed, of cold water or tepid herb drinks, as hoarhound tea, motherwort, flax-seed and tansy ; and lying in bed late of a morning will commonly loosen a cold. If the symptoms run high, see Influenza. INFLUENZA. An epidemic cold; whole countries are sometimes af- fected with it. It has been thought contagious, but its progress is too quick, and its effects too general. Conta- gion is slow. It seems to depend on a peculiar state of the air, and sweeps whole nations at a blast. Symptoms.—Fever, weight and pain in the head ; op- pression of the chest, and difficulty of breathing ; sense of fulness and stopping of the nose ; watery inflamed eyes ; chills and flushes; soreness of the jaws and wind-pipe; cough ; pain in the chest; shooting pains in the head and back; running of a scalding fluid from the nose, &c. If the fever is inflammatory, spare diet of vegetables, salts, saline mixture No. 18, and antimonial wine as a 9* 102 CONSUMPTION. perspirative, teas of bran, flax-seed, thoroughwort in small doses. After the fever subsides, oxymel of squills, and laudanum. If the fever has symptoms of typhus, with prostration of strength, give wine whey with harts- horn, warm wine and snake-root, No. 15, also opium, No. 13 or 14, more especially in old people. Generous diet, moderate exercise. In the course of treatment, snake- bite, thoroughwort, motherwort, sorrel tea, elecampane, &c. If the symptoms run high in either case, blisters may be used advantageously; so may mustard paste to the feet, warm drinks, and No. 12. In the advanced stage. No. 22 is an excellent remedy. CONSUMPTION. Symptoms.—Regular consumption usually begins with a short dry cough, so slight as to become habitual before it excites the attention of the patient. The breathing is more easily hurried by bodily motion; the patient be- comes languid and indolent, and gradually loses his strength ; the pulse is small, soft and quicker than usual; at length from some fresh exciting cause, the cough be- comes more considerable, and is particularly troublesome during the night; the breathing more anxious ; sense of straitness and oppression of the chest is experienced; and a raising from the lungs of a frothy mucus, and is most considerable in the morning; afterwards becoming more copious, viscid and opake. The breathing becomes more and more difficult; the emaciation and weakness go on increasing; pain arises in some part of the chest; at first generally under the breast CONSUMPTION. 10J bone, but as the disease advances is felt in one or both sides, is increased by coughing, and is sometimes so acute as to prevent the patient from lying down on the affected side. The face now begins to flush ; the pulse becomes quick and hard; the urine is high coloured,and deposits a branny sediment; the palms of the hands, and soles of the feet, are affected with burning heat; the tongue from being white, is preternaturally clean and red; the matter raised is now like that from a boil, dull white or turned of yellow and green; all the symptoms are increased toward eve- ning, and the fever assumes the hectic form. Hetic Fe- ver has two exacerbations in a day; the first about noon and inconsiderable, and is soon followed by a remission ; the other in the evening which gradually increases till af- ter midnight. Each exacerbation is commonly preceded by chills, and is terminated by a profuse perspiration, and the urine deposits a sediment. The appetite often now mends; the while of the eyes assume a clear pearly col- our ; during the rise of fever a red spot appears on each cheek; at other times the face is pale and dejected; food is vomited up; a diarrhoea comes on, and generally al- ternates with drenching sweats; the emaciation is ex- treme, the countenance sunk; the cheeks prominent; the eyes hollow and languid; the hair falls off and the nails are hooked ; the feet and legs swell; thrush in the throat. Still the appetite remains entire, and the patient flatters himself with hopes of speedy recovery, and is often vain- ly forming distant projects of Interest or amusement, when death puts a period to his existence. Causes.—Hereditary predisposition, marked by long neck, prominent shoulders, narrow chest, slender fingers ; scrophulous constitution, known by fine clear skin, fair 104 CONSUMPTION. hair, delicate rosy complexion, large veins, thick upper lip, weak voice, and great sensibility. Caused also by some diseases; as bleeding at lungs, pleurisy, catarrh, asthma, King's-evil, venereal disease, small-pox and measles; the dust of certain trades, as of stone cutters, millers, &c. fumes of burning poisonous metals; intemperance, profuse evacuations, natural or ar- tificial ; depressing passions, damps, colds, &c. Treatment.—In the first stages, small and repeated bleedings, unless the patient be of a scrophulous habit.— Gentle laxatives, as cassia, manna, Rochelle salts. Mild perspiratives, as No. 12, No. 18, substituting vol- atile salt of hartshorn for the pearlash. Occasional use of emetics of white vitriol in doses of from two to five grains. Blisters, issues, and setons over the part affected, are highly serviceable. Cicuta, beginning with doses of one grain, and increas- ing. Foxglove in tincture, beginning with 15 drops in infusion of gentian, three times a day, gradually increased till the pulse is slower. At the same time may be taken three of the following pills, three times a day.* * R. No. 24. Myrrh in powder 2 drachms, Sulphate of iron 1 scruple, Salt of tartar 1 drachm, Extract of Gentian 1-2 drachm, simple syrup to pill, make into 70 piits. DYSENTERY. 105* The diarrhoea may be relieved by opium and chalk. The cough by opium and liquorice.* A light and nutritive diet; the farinaceous vegetables, arrow root, what some call consumption root, (its botani- cal name not ascertained ;) milk. Removal to a warm climate. Moderate exercise, either by swinging, riding on horseback, or by sailing; carefully guarding against cold, by wearing flannel next the skin ; a sea voyage, but not the sea shore. The air at sea is favourable to consumptive patients; but the changes on the shore, in consequence of the sea and land breezes un- favourable. So that inland situation, or to be fairly out of sight of land, should be the object of a hectic patient. DYSENTERY. This disease sometimes comes on with cold shiverings, and fever; at others, the complaints of the bowels first shew themselves. Costiveness, flatulence of the bowels ; severe gripings, frequent inclination to stool, with small fetid evacuations of slime and blood ; or a fluid resembling beef brine; loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting; quick and weak pulse; sense of burning heat, and intolerable bearing down of the parts; febrile heat and dry skin ; hickup; livid spots on the breast, and not unfrequently fatal termination. * R. No. 25. Opium in powder, 12 grains, Ipecac in powder, 15 do. Camphor, 20 do. Mix. and make 15 pills with balsam capivy, take one every six hours, and oftener if necessary to allay the cough. 106 PILES. Favourable symptoms.—Moist skin ; stools becoming easy and natural; sediment in the urine; strength not much diminished. Treatment.—An emetic of ipecac or white vitriol; followed by the saline mixture, No. 18. Cathartics, calomel, oil, manna, Epsom or Glaub. salts. Ipecac in small doses to sweat, but not to puke, No. 12. Glysters of mutton broth, arrow root, or starch, in either of which, put from 60 to 100 drops of laudanum, often repeated. Mucilaginous drinks, sassafras twigs, dandelion, arrow root, flax-seed and tansy. Fomentations to the bowels, of poppy heads, burdock or stramonium leaves, with camphorated spirit; frictions with No. 3. Blisters. Opium, with antimonial or ipe- cac wine, or No. 12,13,14. If symptoms of malignancy supervene, and the strength flags, bark and snake-root; wine whey, with hartshorn; Quassia, Columba, Angus- tura, and simouraba barks. Nitrous acid with opium. If the disease become chronic, opium, oak-bark, and fennel seed. PILES. In this disease the patient should use cool diet consist- ing of bread, milk, vegetables, and broths; drink beer, infusions of mucilaginous plants of mallows, sassafras twigs, &c. BLEEDING FROM THE NOSE. 107 Medicine.—Balsam of capivy from twenty to fifty drops morning and evening. Emollient glysters; laxa- tives of cream tartar, or R. Rhubarb, 1 part, Cream tartar, 3 parts, grind together, and take a tea-spoon full in molasses occasionally, to prevent costiveness. Many have, seemingly, cured themselves by attending to the proper use of this remedy. If the gut protrudes, it is common to put the patient on his face, and make long continued pressure with a soft cloth dipped in milk and water. The compiler has seen cold water succeed where warm water had failed. Where the common means fail, an emetic has caused it to return. Regularity in going to stool, has a wonderful effect in preventing, and curing many troublesome complaints of the bowels, and particularly so in this. See American Remedies. BLEEDING FROM THE NOSE. Treatment.—Erect position of the body, with the head falling a little backward ; free exposure to cold air ; cold water applied to the head, back of the neck, or gen- itals ; lint dipped in alum water, or a solution made by putting one drachm of white vitriol in a pint and an half of soft water, stuffed into the nose. If there is fever with strong pulse, head-ache, &c. bleed at the arm; salts and sweating medicine. 108 BLEEDING FROM THE STOMACH. If the face is pale, and pulse feeble, opium in large doses. See American Remedies. BLEEDING FROM THE LUNGS. Symptoms.—Coughing up florid frothy blood; heat and pain in the chest; irritation in the windpipe ; saltish taste in the mouth. Treatment.—Carefully avoid heat and every kind of exertion, with every cause of agitation. Cool acidulated drinks; sprinkling the genitals, feet, and legs with cold water. A table spoon full of fine salt, repeated if necessary. Sugar of lead one grain, with one grain of opium every six hours, is a powerful remedy in bleeding ; oil to keep the bowels loose at the same time. Tinct. fox-glove, with laudanum, 24 drops three times a day. To prevent a return, small bleedings at the arm, if there is a sharpness of the pulse. Sailing, swinging, riding in an easy carriage, gentle motion on horseback, are the best kinds of exercise. See American Remedies. BLEEDING FROM THE STOMACH. In this disease the blood is puked up, of a dark colour. A free use of cooling purgative medicines. Note.—The bleedings which occur in Malignant Quinsey, Scar- let Fever, and Typhus, are only symptoms of those diseases, and opium with cordials are proper. PALSY. 109 APOPLEXY. Symptoms.—The usual forerunners of apoplexy, arc giddiness, pain and swimming of the head; loss of memo- ry, drowsiness; noise in the ears; night-mare; flux of tears; laborious breathing. When plethoric old people notice in themselves these symptoms, they should en- deavour to prevent a fit, by bleeding, slender diet, and opening medicines. In the fit, if the patient does not die suddenly, the face is bloated and red; the blood vessels turged; the eyes are prominent and fixed ; breathing difficult, and snoring; the excrement and urine are voided involuntarily; some- times vomiting. Treatment.—The patient should be perfectly easy ;uid cool; the head raised, and the feet hanging down ; his clothes should be loosened, but his garters tightened. Now, if his pulse beats strong, he should be bled freely, otherwise not. Glysters with oil, and two table spoons full of salt. Blisters between the shoulders, and on the calves of the legs. Drink warm tamarind water, or cream tartar whey ; a portion of salts. If the pulse be weak, do the same; except for drink, give warm wine or mustard whey, adding hartshorn. Omit letting blood. PALSY. Loss of voluntary motion, or sensation, or both in cer- tain parts of the hody; often with sleep, and slow soft 10 110 NLRVULb AFFECTIONS. pulse ; preceded by universal torpor ; giddiness, sense oi weight and pain in the head ; loss of memory ; sense of creeping, numbness, and pricking in the part afterward to be affected. Often preceded by apoplexy. Causes.—Any thing which impairs the nervous power, t\ bother it acts on the brain itself, or injures the nerves in their course. Treatment.—If the attack is sudden, with symptoms of apoplexy, treat it as directed for that disease. In debilitated constitutions, and in old age, with the head little affected, powerful stimulants will be proper, as mustard, horse-radish, spirit, and salt of hartshorn ; tinct. ^uaiac. ether, electricity, &c. Frictions with flour of mustard, spirit of turpentine. Tincture of cantharides; flesh-brush; blisters, whip- ping with nettles, exercise, warm and salt water bath. Light nutritious diet. In palsy, from exposure to lead ; balsams of Peru and capivy; mercury in small doses. In palsy of the tongue, chew pyrethrum. NERVOUS AFFECTIONS. Loss of appetite; distention of the stomach ; belching-.; nausea, heart-burn ; costiveness, or looseness ; small slow- pulse, quickened upon the least exertion; palpitation ; tongue white and dry in the morning; limbs cold, sallow countenance. Senses depraved, or impaired; sadness; want oi' ..solution; timidity as to future events; dread of impending evil; particular attention to the health ; and, upon every unusual feeling, (which the patient is sure to NERVOUS AFFECTION^. Ill have) a fear of imminent danger, and even death itself. Disturbed sleep and frightful dreams, " And all that misery's hand bestows " To fill the catalogue of human woei." Ill respect of all these feelings and apprehensions, the pa- tient is most obstinate in his belief and persuasion. Treatment.—" Contraria contrariis mendentur," or in plain English, change every habit of life, and every train of thought in the mind. Abandon the use of opium, and the immoderate use of ardent spirit, and tobacco; give up tea, and coffee, and chocolate ; get up, and go to bed early ; use moderate exercise in the open air. En- gage in new and interesting pursuits. It has been unfortunate for the medical profession, as well as patients themselves, that persons labouring under nervous disorders, have expected too much from the pre- scription of the physician, and the shop of the apothecary, what is only to be obtained from their own caution and circumspection : we thus find most of them ready and greedy to swallow every medicine that is recommended; but stubborn and untractable in all that relates to breaking in upon established habits and customs; whether of luxu- rious living, depraved appetites, indolence of body or mind, or indulgence of any kind, inconsistent with health. Many of these habits, it is true, are so far interwoven with the constitution, as to make some changes almost im- practicable ; but as indisposition is so frequently brought on, or aggravated by the patients themselves, the physi- cian cannot be too much on his guard, in demonstrating to them all that belongs to their own government and de- meanor. The medical adviser, therefore, who observes 112 NERVOUS AFFECTIONS, the most disinterestedness towards his friends, will often be the first man to be dismissed ; while the selfish dissem- bler, however ignorant, will become a favourite, and en- gross the emolument. On such an occasion, the virtuous mind of a liberal physician, would know where to look for approbation. Nervous people are commonly endued with acute feel- ings; liable to act from the first impression and impulse, and easily deceived by the designing and interested. And should they fall into the hands of a gossiping physician, or a wheedling apothecary, these personages become a kind of appendage to their establishment, if not fixtures in their houses. Being singular in the choice of their friends, they seldom mix in company; sedentary from habit, they go little abroad ; their amusements and recre- ations are thus limited, and such as possess the talent of bringing new?, and telling a story, are at all times wel- come guests. But as the tale of their own complaints en- grosses so much of their conversation, a medical gossip, before all others, is the most acceptable. Nevertheless, let the nervous and valetudinary, beware how they trust their health and purse in such hands. See Dr. Trotter on Nervous Temperament. Exercise and recreation in the open air, even to labour and fatigue; and always till it produce a moist skin, if not a profuse sweat. Riding on horseback, is universally acknowledged to be beneficial; a journey should be taken, and if possible with some business, or object in view. Cold bathing, by a shower. Begin by setting a vessel of water in the morning, the south side of a building; at II o'clock the water will, in summer, have become tepid NIGHT-MARE. 113 in it; sprinkle the patient, at first with a small quantity; rub him dry with flannel immediately. Every fair day, use the shower, and every day putting the vessel out later, and increasing the quantity; soon the patient will bear the full dash of a pail of cold water. Now, if the patient has no longer a dread of cold water, he may plunge and swim ; and exercise in the cold bath increases greatly its beneficial effect. Mineral springs may be visited with advantage by many. Nervous people should clothe warm and guard against variable weather. For cold feet, flannel or broadcloth, pasted on the innermost soal of the shoe. Change of climate, may sometimes be resorted to, with great advan- tage. Medicine.—Nervous patients should begin with small doses. If an emetic is thought proper, ipecac should be used, or perhaps white vitriol. If a cathartic, rhubarb with a little salt of tartar, magnesia, or soda. To strengthen the digestive organs, bark, in powder, or infusion, or Whytt's tincture. Bitters, as Quassia, Colum- ba, gentian, and the like. The mineral acid, as sulphuric, nitric, and muriatic, dropped into sugar water. Iron in the mineral spring waters, or No. 6, or 24. Zink is much praised by many. No. 11. See American Remedies. NIGHT-MARE. Such as are subject to this affection, should avoid ail gloomy reflections; tell no dreams, but keep the mind as 10* 114 ST. VITUS' DANCE. cheerful and easy as possible ; should take exercise in thr open air; eat light suppers ; use cold bathing if it can be borne ; cordials, hartshorn, rhubarb. Iron No. 6. Keep the bowels free with rhubarb and cream tartar. EPILEPSY. FALLING SICKNESS. Sudden falling, with strong convulsive motion of the muscles of the limbs and whole body, and spasms of the face and eyes ; frothing at the mouth ; insensibility ; fol- lowed by sound sleep. Causes.—Worms, teething; acute pain, violeut pas- sions, intemperance ; hereditary predisposition ; often continued by habit. The cure is seldom effected, except by medical pre- scription. The medicines are, mercury, zink, nitrate of silver. Of late stramonium is much used ; the stomach and bowels should be first cleared; afterwards one fourth or one half a grain of the seed ground to a powder with chalk, may be given twice a day, gradually increasing the dose, till the pupil of the eye is somewhat dilated. Keeping the patient at that point will frequently cure the disease. ST. VITUS' DANCE. Symptoms.—Convulsive motions of one side of the body. A kind of lameness in one of the legs, which the asthma. 115 person draws after him in an odd and ridiculous manner; nor can he hold the arm of the affected side one moment still; if he is desirous of drinking, he uses many gesticula- tions before he can carry the cup to his mouth, when, he pours the liquor down his throat with great haste, as if to divert the by-standers. The eye loses its lustre and in- telligence, and the countenance is pale and^vacant; the flesh wastes, and the appetite and digestion are impaired. Treatment.—Purgative medicines. Calomel and jalap, No. 9, 16. Rhubarb and iron, No. 6. Cold bathing ; good food ; warm clothing, &c. A physician may prescribe nitrate of silver, and stra- monium, &c. See Epilepsy. ASTHMA. Symptoms.---Paroxysms generally coming on in the night, in which there is frequent and extremely anxious breathing, with wheezing noise and tightness across the chest; propensity to cough ; with sense of immediate suf- focation , starting up from an horizontal posture, as if to get air ; the face turgid, or livid, or pale and shrunk. Towards morning the patient is relieved by raising free- ly from the lungs, and falls asleep. The tightness of the chest remains for some days, with a return of the distress at night. Treatment.—If the pulse is full, bleed, otherwise not. Purge with calomel 6 grains, rhubarb 15 grains. A puke of ipecac will break up the fit; and if followed with a pill at night, of opium, calomel, and ipecac, each one grain, the paroxysm will not return. 116 WATER brash. Some asthmatics find relief in smoking tobacco, others in smoking stramonium. Lobelia inflata has lately come into great repute for the cure of asthma. A tea-spoon full of the infusion, or tincture, repeated till it pukes, or sweats. Observe a light nutritious diet; warm clothing; avoid damps and wet feet; use regular exercise. See Ameri- can Remedies. WHOOPING COUGH. Convulsive strangulating cough, with whooping, re- lieved by vomiting. Contagious. Treatment.—Emetics given frequently, will mode- rate the symptoms. Keep the bowels open with mild laxatives. Change of air. Riding on horse-back. See American Remedies. WATER BRASH. Heart-burn, pain in the stomach, and running from the mouth of a thin watery fluid, in considerable quan- tity. Treatment.—Wear broadcloth soals in the shoes; flannel shirt and drawers. Opium, hartshorn, soda ; lime-water for a steady dnnk ffo. 24. » COLIC. 117 COLIC. Pain in the belly, and twisting round the navel, vomit- ing, costiveness. Treatment.—Warm bath and fomentations to the bowels. Opium till it relieves the pain, in glysters or by ihe mouth. To stop vomiting, effervescing mixture. No. 18. Cathartics—Calomel in full doses, 8 or 10 grains eve- ry four hours ; with oil, and milder laxatives frequently interposed. R. Jalap, Rhubarb and Senna, each one drachm, Manna, half an ounce, Fennel-seed, a table-spoon full. Pour on three gills of water, boiling, let it steep, and strain, add pearlash half a drachm, cream tartar one drachm, sweeten with molasses. Give a wine glass full every hour till it operates. Glysters with oil and salts; they should be bulky and often repeated. In qolic much depends in constantly plying the patient with the means above directed; no part of which should be neglected, and more especially the opium and calo- mel. In the treatment, external means should not be forgot- ten ; fomentations, and applications of burdock leaves heated upon a fire shovel; mustard paste ; and sometimes blisters are necessary. Such applications relieve pain, relax spasm, and promote an equal motion of the bowels. See American Remedies. The muscular coat of the intestines is sometimes affect- ed painfully, perhaps with rheumatic inflammation. 'This US COLIC. occurs in those colics which are not cured by cathartic remedies. This species of disease may be known by a concurrence of the following symptoms : Tension and soreness of the abdomen equal to that of genuine inflammation of the bowels, though not increased by an erect posture, and the patient is more apt to seek relief by change of position, excessively acute pains trav- elling slowly round the body, yet not quitting one place to appear in another, as does pure spasm, but occupying in succession every point of the intestines. This painful disease may last for months, and during its continuance, the bowels may be lax, and costive alternate- ly, or even natural as to discharges. The soreness and tension seem to depend on that spe- cies of inflammation mentioned in the first paragraph of this article, and the wandering pains on a natural effort of the parts toward healthy vermicular motion, yet a fail- ure seems to take place, and an uncertainty whether the attempted motion shall be forward or retrograde. Irregularity of life, late hours, hard riding, with expo- sure to sudden changes of weather, will bring on this dis- ease. Emetics of ipecac, followed by opium and gentle laxa- tives, will break up the disease; and, Avoiding all the causes, and wearing a broad elastic woolen belt will keep it off. I have added this, because the patient, in such a case, will surely call his disease colic, yet will look in vain for relief among the appropriate remedies for genuine colic. COSTIVENESS. Ill* COSTIVENESS. In this disease, the excrementitious contents of the bowels are retained an inordinate length of time. This may happen in firm rigid constitutions, in which cases the matter accumulates in large hard dry masses, with little or no pain; or, in slender weakly habits, at- tended with irritation, when the matter discharged is small, hard, in button-like divisions, scarcely affording relief. The treatment of the two species of disease now under consideration, must vary as do the causes, and the consti- tutions in which they severally obtain. In the former case, use salts, calomel, nauseating doses of ipecac and antimonials ; in the latter, warm aromatic purgatives, as aloetics, Hull's powder, picra, &c. Those who would avoid this troublesome complaint, should observe regularity in going to stool, and this par- ticularly; after the fullest meal of the day. There is one thing further to be said, which may be of consequence to those who have not studied the animal economy, viz.: There is a disposition in all the hollow muscles, (like the stomach, bowels, bladder, &c.) to as- sume regular periodical movements: and defying compul- sion during the interval. Witness the process of parturi- tion, and even tartar emetic will not make the stomach vomit, but at periods of from ten to twenty minutes, and the interval is left to repose; so the bowels will move with very little assistance from the voluntary muscles, provided time is given them, and a proper attention is paid to the daily intimations of nature. 120 CHOLERA. Ill-timed straining at stool, does mischief in more ways than one. It not only deranges the excretory function generally; hinders the return of the blood from the lower parts through the veins, and thus causes Piles ; but it tends to open the joinings of the abdominal muscles, and so paves the way to Rupture. See article Rupture. I would not be understood here to deny the agency of the diaphragm and abdominal muscles in vomiting and dejection; what I intend, is to deprecate ill-timed strain- ing. CHOLERA. Violent and frequent vomiting, and purging of bilious matter; frequent, small, unequal pulse; thirst and heat followed by cold sweats; great anxiety; spasms of the belly and calves of the legs; sometimes universal convul- sions, hickup, and death in a few hours. Causes.—Excessive heat, and sudden changes; cool damp evenings, after hot days; indigestible food ; poi- sons ; violent passions. Treatment.—Copious draughts of chicken broth, or barley water, or arrow-root tea. Emollient glysters, and those with nourishment. Opium in large doses, often repeated, by the mouth 01 in glysters, or rubbed on the bowels. Fomentations to the belly, No. 18. Warm wine whey, and other cordials ; hartshorn, &<\ Nourishment as the stomach will bear. See American Remedies. IYMPAN* 121 WARRH02A. Copious and frequent discharges by stool; each mo- tion is usually preceded by murmuring of the bowels, and griping ; sense of weight, wind, and uneasiness in the low- er belly, which ceases for a time after a discharge ; fre- quently sickness and vomiting; pale sallow countenance ; thirst, bitter taste in the mouth, yellowness of the tongue ; dry rigid skin ; if the disease continues, great emacia- tion. Causes.—Cold applied to the surface of the body ; suppressed perspiration ; indigestible food, imprudent use of purgatives ; worms; unripe fruit, &c. Treatment.—Emetics of ipecac. Laxatives of rhubarb, calomel, magnesia, castor-oil. salts, saline mixture, No. 18. Solution of pearlashes; chalk-water, No 12. Opiates, lime-water, and milk. Mucilages, dandelion, barley-water, arrow-root, rice- water, elm-bark, cat-tail-flag-root, briarroots. Tonics. Rhubarb in small doses; iron -filings, No. 0. ('olumba, bark and wine, Virginia snake-root. Nourishing diet. Lamb, chicken, calves-feet jelly : brandy and water, wine whey, and hartshorn, &c. As soon as the bowels are cleaused, oak-bark, and fen- nel-seeds : an infusion with milk and sugar, is an excellent remedy. See American Remedies. TYMPANY. Elastic distention of the bowels, not readily yielding to pressure, and sounding when stricken, like a drum ; 11 122 juropsi. croaking of the bowels; costiveness; wasting of the flesh; no fluctuation of water, which distinguishes it from drop- sy- Causes.—Weakened bowels, from any cause ; from er- rors in diet; exposure to cold ; intemperance, &c. Treatment.—Evacuate the air, by seeds of mother- wort, cassia, anise, &c. Opium, fetida; and drawing it oft' with a glyster pipe, and rubbing the bowels with the hand dipped in oil, with camphor dissolved in it. This should be frequently repeated. Glysters of opium and motherwort. Laxative pills, of equal parts of myrrh and aloes. Bitters, exercise, digestible food. Leaves of burdock, horse-raddish, or meadow cabbage, externally applied to the bowels, and frequently renewed. Frazeri, harvest- weed root, (asclepias tuberosa.) See American Rem- edies. DROPSY. A preternatural collection of a watery fluid in some of the cavities, or diffused over the whole body, the latter pitting on pressure of the finger. In this disease, the urine is high coloured and scanty; costiveness: insatiable thirst. Skin pule and sallow, unless it is in- flamed, when it is red, smooth, and shining ; cough ; slow fever. Treatment.—Evacuate the fluid, by emetics of tartar emetic, ipecac, squills. WATER IN THE HEAD. 123 , Cathartics, jalap and calomel No. 9, or cream tartar, 3 parts, rhubarb 1 part. Or No. 26.* Diuretics. Medicines which promote discharges by urine, cream tartar, acetite of potash, sweet spirits of nitre; fox-glove, junipers, horse-raddish, winter-green, &c. Tonics. Friction, bandages, as for ulcers of the legs ; exercise, cold bathing. Bitters, wine, bark and iron, No. 15. No.'s 6, and 24. See American Remedies. DROPSY OF THE CHEST. All the symptoms of dropsy, except the swelling, which in this disease is at first confined to the chest. In addi- tion, impatience of horizontal position, loss of breath, numbness of the arms; starting from sleep, frightful dreams ; palpitation of the heart; fluctuation of water in the chest. Treatment.—Same as in dropsy. May be tapped by an operating surgeon. See American Remedies. WATER IN THE HEAD. This is a fatal disease of children, and unfortunately of very frequent occurrence. It may come on spontaneous- * R. No. 26. Nitre 2 grains, Aloes 4 grains, Gamboge 8. Make 6 pills. Take one every two hours, till they operate freely. f 124 WATER IN THE HEAD. ly, or succeed teething, disordered bowels, sudden healing of ulcers of the head and skin. Symptoms.—Pain in the head, vomiting occasionally. This state lasts some days or weeks. Now the child com- plains seriously, the bowels are costive ; skin hot; pulse unequal and quick ; interrupted sleep, as if by dreams; asleep or awake, the child keeps up a continual moaning ; this is sometimes the first symptom ; and if accompanied by inability to support the head erect, should alarm the parents; cheelts flushed, the rest of the skin pale; no appetite ; he starts frequently ; grinds his teeth, picks his nose, tosses his hands over his head, and screams when apparently slumbering. In a few days the pupil of the eyes dilate, a squinting comes on: the pulse is slow and intermitting ; complains less, but moans and screams most piteously. Presently the pulse becomes quick; one side is convulsed, the oth- er palsied ; convulsions come on; the eyes are glazed ; breathing noisy; stupor, shrunk features, and death. Treatment.—Whenever a child complains of symp- toms of the first stage of this complaint, no time is to be lost; use brisk purges of calomel; apply leeches to the temples, and repeat this if the symptoms return. Quiet, and food of the lightest kind. Shave the head, and apply cold vinegar or a blister. If these do not help, the symptoms become more ur- gent, and the danger is great; and it is to be feared nothing will avail. Attention to cleanliness, beef tea, arrow-root, and ripe fruit for food; gruel, lemonade, and wine and water, for drink, holding the hand gently on the head, will somewhat relieve the sufferer. This done, all is done. See American Remedies. JAUNDICE. 125 INSANITY. Erroneous judgment from imaginary perceptions, at- tended with agreeable emotions ; or a perception of false relations; exciting the passions, and producing unrea- sonable actions or motions, with terrors of mind in pursu- ing a train of thought; and in running from one train of thought to another ; attended with incoherent and absurd speech, called raving; violent impatience of either con- tradiction or restraint, without fever. Maniacs have frequently lucid intervals, hence called lunatics. Treatment.—Much depends on gaining the confi- dence of the maniac, by gentle conciliating treatment; or more frequently, by inspiring awe and dread of correc- tion, tempered with mildness and humanity. Diverting the attention; frequent change of scene; spare low diet; bleeding, if the patient be plethoric and the attack recent. Purgatives, and emetics, No. 8, 9, 23, and 26. Henbane, hemlock, and stramonium, but not without advice. Cold bathing, blisters to the nape of the neck. If there is great debility, nourishing food; bitters, bark wi:ie and iron. See American Remedies. JAUNDICE. Languor, inactivity; loss of appetite; yellow colour of the skin, especially of the eyes; bitter taste in the 11* 126 SCURVY. mouth; yellow tinge communicated to the linen by the urine ; white or clay coloured stools; dryness of the skin; and if long protracted, ulcers, bleedings, and all the symp- toms ofthe scurvy. Treatment.—Warm bath, and fomentations to the upper part of the belly. Gentle emetics when the pain is not acute, No. 8. Cathartics, No. 9, 23, 26. Opium to relieve pain. Soda, soap, raw eggs, turpentine, ether. Bitters, Columba, Quassia, Frazeri,bark of white-wood root, box-wood bark, prickly ash, &c. If the disease assumes the appearance of scurvy, treat it as such. See American Remedies. SCURVY. Extreme debility, complexion pale and bloated; spon- gy gums, livid spots; breath offensive; swelling of the feet and legs ; bleeding, from various parts ; fetid urine ; stools extremely offensive. Treatment.—Pay the utmost attention to cleanliness ; vegetable food of every description ; vegetable acids, limes, lemons, apples, &c. Fermented liquors, beer, cider, wine, &c. Mineral acids in beverage, sorrel tea, mustard whey, tamarind water, arrow-root tea, gargles of oak bark, No. 15, and steams of vinegar. Pains relieved by opium, fo- mentations of vinegar and water, pure air, regular exer- cise, bitters, bark, iron, &c. WORMS. 127 Stimulants. Horse-radish, mustard, cabbage. See American Remedies. ITCH. The Itch is a contagious eruption of small pustules, with a hard hot base, and watery looking top. Too well known to need a minute description. The best application is an ointment of sulphur and lard. When sulphur fails, or is not employed on account of its smell, other remedies have been used; such as strong decoction of juniper berries, or of hellebore, or solution of ten grains of corrosive sublimate of mercury, in a pint of rose-leaf tea; these are to be applied as a wash to the part three times in a day. An ointment of hellebore, or of twenty grains of corro- sive sublimate, ground into two ounces of lard, have been used. Great attention to cleanliness, and frequent washings in soap and water, are necessary during the cure. Fre- quent change of linen throughout. See American Rem- edies. WORMS. Unwholesome food, with bad digestion, seem to be the principal causes of worms. They appear most fre- quently in those of a relaxed habit, and whose bowels con- fain a great quantity of mucus or slimy matter. Children 128 marasmus. are most subject to suffer from worms, but adults are af- fected sometimes with them to a high degree. Symptoms.—Variable appetite, fetid breath, sour belch- ings, pain in the stomach, grinding of the teeth, picking of the nose, swelled hard bowels, griping pains of the bow- els, paleness, emaciation, slow fever, convulsive fits. Treatment.—Calomel and jalap, No. 16, followed by the daily and continued use of No. 6, lime water, &c. This course may be preceded by an infusion of Caroli- na pink. Generous diet, wine, animal food. Crude unripe fruit and poor unwholesome food avoided. See American Remedies. MARASMUS. The following is taken from a work of Doctor James Hamilton, of Edinburgh; from which, if attentively read, a better idea will be gained of that wasting disease of children, which is usually ascribed to worms as a cause, than from any thing which I can offer on that interesting subject. Observations on the utility and administration of pur- gative medicines in the Marasmus which appears in childhood and early youth. 1 comprehend under the general title, marasmus, a variety of symptoms which affect the yeung of both sexes. MARASMUS. 129 A sluggishness, lassitude on slight exertion, depravity and loss of appetite, wasting of the muscular flesh, full- ness of the features and paleness of the countenance, swel- ling of the abdomen, an irregular and generally a costive state of the bowels, a change in. the colour and odour of the feces, fetid breath, swelling of the upper lip, and itch- ing of the nose, mark the beginning of the disease. When these symptoms have continued for some time, they are followed by alternate paleness and flushings of the countenance, heat and dryness of the skin, feeble and quick pulse, thirst, fretfulness, increasing debility and dis- turbed sleep, during which the patients grind or gnash their teeth, and are subject to involuntary starting, and twitching of different muscles. Every case of marasmus does not necessarily include all the symptoms which I have enumerated. Different combinations of them give a variety of the disease, which is, however, in general, readily known and distinguished. Marasmus appears most commonly among weak and infirm children, whether they are so from delicacy of con- stitulion, or from incidental causes. It is particularly prevalent in large and populous cities, where children are deprived of ready access to exercise in pure air, and sick- en and pine in the nursery; or when they are confined in crowded and airless school-rooms, whither they are sent, partly for the purpose of education, and partly, to use a common phrase, with a view of being kept out of harm's way. Children also, who are employed in manufactories, where their occupation and confinement are such as to weaken and enervate them, are liable to be attacked with this disease. Irregularity in diet and improper food, al- so give rise to marasmus. We accordingly observe it to 130 IHR^.YIUS. prevail most commonly in autumn, the season which af- fords opportunity for eating unripe fruit and vegetable ar- ticles from the garden. In proof of the operation of these causes, 1 remark, that I have held the office of Physician to George Her- riot's Hospital for two and thirty years. During this long period, I scarcely recollect an instance of this marasmus among the children entertained in that institution. This may be attributed to the healthy site of the building; to the cleanliness and free ventilation of every part of it; to the wholesome nourishing food of the children, and to their exposure to pure air while enjoying their infant sports. Marasmus has been generally attributed to the presence of worms in the alimentary canal. This supposition, however, is questionable. Ascarides, (Pin worms,j Ten- iae, (Tape worms,) and Lumbrici, (Long round worms.) are the worms most commonly found in the human intes- tines. Ascarides, which are often passed in great numbers by children when at stool, are not accompanied by the symp- tomps of marasmus. Except an itching about the anus, they give little other uneasiness. The teniae or tape worm, the presence of which is known by peculiar symptoms, which are the source of much suffering in after periods of life, is altogether un- known in infancy and childhood. The lumbricus, or round worm, therefore, must be the generally supposed cause of the symptoms, of marasmus. Medical gentlemen, who have practised in tropical cli- mates, speak much of the lumbricus, and mention the number of them that is occasionally passed to be very MARASMUS. 131 great. There may be something in the climate, soil, or state of the air of these regions; in the mode of life or constitution of the inhabitants, with which we are unac- quainted, which may account for this circumstance. But in our cooler latitudes, no such instances of numerous lumbrici have been noticed. On the contrary, after the best directed course of anthelmintic (worm destroying) medicines, when the symptoms of the disease are going off, no lumbrici, have been seen, unless we admit, that the worms, destroyed by the efficacy of the medicines, consti- tute the unnatural and fetid feces which, in such instances, are voided in great abundance. This admission, however, is not to be readily granted ; for similar feces are passed upon the exhibition of an early purgative, and before any specific vermifuge (worm de- stroyer,) is employed. Farther, the presence of lumbrici in the bowels is by no means an uniform cause of bad health. They have been known to exist i/i the intestinal canal without any disease ensuing. These instances are not rare, and are not cou- fined to childhood. They militate against the received opinion, that lumbrici, within the intestines, are the cause of marasmus; for if they are so in a single case, they should be so iu every one. This opinion, however, that worms exist, and exert a baneful influence in the iutestines, has been so prevalent for ages, that a great many anthelmintic medicines, some peculiar to the nursery, others to the regular practitioner have been mentioned and extolled. Of these, some have been considered as specific poison to the insect, and oth- ers are conceived to destroy it by mechanical triture.— Most of them have had their partisans for the day, and 132 MARAsMUS. have passed in succession through the ordeal of experi- ence into oblivion. The utility of such anthelmintics as have been found to be most beneficial, lias, in my opinion, been in proportion to the purgative powers which they possessed. When I consider the languor and lassitude which pre- cede this marasmus; when I recollect the constitutional or acquired debility of those who are more particularly exposed to be affected by it, instead of adopting the com- mon opinion, of its being occasioned by worms, I am more disposed to think, that a torpid state, or weakened action of the alimentary canal, is the immediate cause of the disease; whence proceed costiveness, distention of the bowels, and a peculiar irritation, the consequence of re- mora of the feces. I have accordingly been long in the habit of employing purgative medicines for the cure of this marasmus ; the object is, to remove indurated and fetid feces, (matter passed at stools,) the accumulation perhaps of months; and as this object is accomplishing, the gradual return of appetite and vigour mark the prog- ress of recovery. The history of the disease, from the first indisposition to the appearance of more urgent symptoms, disposes me to consider it as consisting of two stages or periods ; the incipient, and the confirmed. The first period commen- ces with the disease, and continues to the accession of the febrile (feverish) symptoms. These usher in the con- firmed stage, which continues to the end. This is not a frivolous remark ; it is of use in practice. In the incipient stage, the bowels are not altogether tor- pid and inactive, neither are they overloaded with accu- mulated feces. Mild purgatives, therefore, repeated at MARASMUS. 133 proper intervals, effect a cure. They preserve the bow- els in proper action, carry off feces which had begun to be offensive and hurtful, and prevent further accumula- tion. In selecting purgative medicines, we must flatter the taste of our young patients. Powder of jalap is not alto- gether unpleasant. The mild neutral salts, dissolved in a suitable quantity of beef tea, are also convenient purga- tives ; but calomel will prove on several accounts, the most certain and useful remedy of this kind. Neglect, on some occasions, and too great confidence in inert medicines, on others, allow the confirmed stage of marasmus to steal on imperceptibly. Manifest danger now threatens the young sufferer, whose remaining flesh and strength are rapidly wasted by the supervening fe- ver ; while prostration and depravity of appetite withhold necessary nourishment. And at the same time, the more inactive bowel, and greater bulk of feculent matter throw additional difficulties in the way of a cure. Under these circumstances, I adopt active practice, in the view of stimulating the intestines, and of putting the collected mass in motion without delay." I find these ends are best obtained by giving small doses of the purgative medicine which I employ, and by repeating these fre- quently ; so that the latter doses may support the effects of preceding ones. When the bowels are once opened, stronger purgatives, given at longer intervals, will accom- plish the cure. I observe calomel to be equally useful in this, as in the incipient state of the disease ; but great attention must be given during the exhibition of it. Without this, as the fe- tor of the breath prevents us from recognizing the mercu- 12 134 MARASMLs. rial fetor accurately, the mouth may be afiected unneces- sarily aud unexpectedly. While I thus give appropriate purgative medicines, I find it necessary in order to have full information of their effects, to inspect daily what is passed at stool. The smell and appearance of the feces are a criterion of the progress we make in the cure, and direct the farther ad- ministration of the purgatives. This inspection is the more necessary, as we cannot expect the information we want from our little patients ; and we shall often look for it in vain from the attendants, whose prejudices, and whose ignorance of our views, prevent their seeing the propriety of the enquiry. During the prevalence of the disease, the feces are dark, fetid, and varying from a costive consistence, to that of clay, and are often fluid; and such they appear upon the first exhibition of the purgative medicines. I observe that the recovery of the sick keeps pace with the return of feces of natural colour, form and smell; a change which the repetition of purgatives does not fail to produce. While I give purgative medicines after this manner, in this stage of marasmus, in which the obstinacy of the dis- ease is sometimes great, and the danger attending it im- minent, nourishing food, of light and digestible quality; and suited to the taste of the patient, and the moderate use of wine, are much wanted. For some time after the symptoms have disappeared, it is expedient to continue a mild stimulus to the bowels. As they have recently suffered, and have been weakened by over distension, they are apt to favour subsequent ac- cumulation of feces, the forerunner of a relapse, which is MARASMUS. 135 to be dreaded the more, as the patients have been weak- ened by previous disease. This gentle solicitation of the alvine (by the bowels) evacuation, for it ought to be gentle, is not attended with danger; on the contrary, it is the greatest promoter of re- covery in this case, with which I am acquainted. It re- lieves the stomach, and improves the appetite and diges- tion. Besides, nothing more is intended by this practice, than to establish a regular action of the bowels, after long constipation, (costiveness,) by procuring daily one or two easy motions, which are indeed at all times necessary to the healthy condition of childhood. With this precaution, I do not feel the necessity of em- ploying tonic and bracing medicines to complete the cure; this object is readily obtained, in general, by the use of light nourishing food, and by the patient's being much in the open air. I do not, however, say that strengthening medicines may not be useful towards the close of the disease, and many practitioners set a value upon them. Lime water infu- sions of vegetable bitters and chalybeates, (preparations of iron and steel) are of this description ; and, provided they do not, by any peculiar effect on the stomach, pre- vent nourishment being taken, will advance the return of the tone and vigorous action of the stomach and alimen- tary canal. I have thus endeavoured to unfold the opinion I enter- tain of this marasmus, and of the causes which induce it; and to explain the method of cure which I have employed for a great length of time, with success, in my private prac- tice. 136 MARASMUS. As marasmus proceeds from symptoms of slight indh position, through a series of others which becomes daily more and more obstinate and dangerous; as the first de- viation from health is easily obviated by the stimulus of purgative medicines, which brings the sluggish bowels in- to regular action, and evacuates their contents ; and as the disease attacks the young and thoughtless, who can hardly explain their feelings, it behoves mothers and nurs- es, and superintentlants of nurseries and of manufacto- ries, to whom the care of the young is committed, to watch over their charge with assiduity. Prostration and depravity of appetite, a changing complexion, tumefaction of the abdomen, scanty and" unnatural stools, and fetid breath, indicate approaching danger. When these there- fore, are observed, assistance should be asked; by the prompt interposition of whjch much eventual distress, and even death itself may be prevented. But other considerations weigh with me also, when I call for this assiduity. Marasmus has a close connexion with other formidable diseases, and either precedes or seems to accompany them; of these, I shall at present notice two, hydrocephalus, (water in the brain,) and epi- lepsy, (falling sickness.) Hydrocephalus interims, the bane of infancy and of childhood, a disease big with suffering, and of a fa- tal tendency, has at all times occupied the attention of physiriuns. They have endeavoured to investigate its nature, to assign the causes which induce it, and to pro- pose curative indications. Different sentiments on these subjects have led them to employ numerous and discor- dant remedies. Nevertheless, even now they are not agreed ;>« to th«- causes of hydrocephalus, so involved are MARASMUS. 137 these in obscurity. Neither have they made the most distant appioaches towards the discovery of a certain re- medy for it. This much is known, that hydrocephalus often steals slowly on, with symptoms resembling those of incipient marasmus. Till some better theory, therefore is estab- lished, it is not unreasonable to suppose, that the maras- mus, of which I have treated, may on some occasions give lise to hydrocephalus, by impairing the vigour of the constitution, and by favouring serous effusion {watery collection) into the ventricles (interstices between the folds of the brain, where the water is lodged in dropsy of the head) of the brain. This conjecture merits the greater attention on this ac- count, that while the symptoms of hydrocephalus resem- ble those of incipient and even of confirmed marasmus, they have been removed by the diligent exhibition of pur- gative medicines. The truth of this observation has been repeatedly confirmed in ray private practice, and it affords an additional reason for the exercise of watchful attention, to prevent the confirmed state of marasmus which may. in more instances than we are aware o!'. have been the forerunner if not the cause of hydrocephalus. Epilepsy, than which no disease is so distressing to the patient, and perplexing to the physician ofteu appears in childhood. It acquires a hold and is confirmed by the repetition of the fits, till their frequency, and the force of habit fix it, and make it a constitutional disease for life. It is not my present purpose to enquire in what manner, the functions of the organs more immediately affected by epileptic paroxysm are influenced, so as to give perma- nency to the disease. The uncertainty of the theories 12* 138 MARASMUS. proposed on this subject, and the little benelit that arises from them in practice, hold out little inducement to enter on the discussion. It is however, I believe, generally understood, that the first attacks of epilepsy are not always idiophatic, (with- out previous, or attendant symptoms, which operate as a cause,) but are frequently the effect of particular irritation of the mind or body. There are many instances of irrita- tion of the body inducing epilepsy. When no other is evident, the loaded intestine and the change induced on its contents in the course of the marasmus, of which I have spoken, may be suspected of giving the irritation in ques- tion. In fact, practitioners have had this circumstance in view; for they enumerate worms in the intestines, or marasmus, as I understand their language, among the causes of epilepsy. Surely, therefore, this consideration suggests another cogent reason for watching the rise and progress of marasmus. And it will induce us on therfirst attack of epilepsy in children, arising from an uncertain cause, to set on foot the most decided and active course of purgative medicines; and not peradventure to allow the disease to strike root, while we are idly employed in the exhibition of inert and useless vermifuge medicines; or are groping in the dark in ^uest of other causes of the disease, or of uncertain remedies for their removal ACCIDENTS. SUSPENDED ANIMATION. It is certain that life, when to all appearance lost, may often by due care be restored. Accidents frequently prove fatal, merely because proper means are not used to coun- teract their effects. In consequence of drowning, suffocation, and strangu- lation, a check is given to the principle of life without wholly extinguishing it. In drowning, the circulation of blood becomes slow and feeble. Air is discharged from the lungs and water drawn in, a struggling comes on, suc- ceeded by convulsions ; the breast ceases to rise, and the breath stops : soon the skin, especially about the face and neck, becomes of a purple or blue colour, and the body sinks. When a person dies from suffocation, the symptoms are nearly the same as in apoplexy. In strangulation, convulsions are joined to apoplectic symptoms. Livid dark spots on the face, stiffness and coldness of the body, a glassy appearance of the eyes, and a flaccid state of the skin, denote a perfect extinction of life. Actu- al putrefaction is the only certain sign of death. The noble machine may be stopped, yet the spring retain its elastic vigour. The following are the means to be employed for the •■?■•% rovpry of persons recently drowned : 140 SUSPENDED ANIMATION. As soon as the body is taken out of the water, it is to be conveyed with as little tossing and agitation as possible to the nearest house, where it is quickly to be stripped of the wet clothes, and wiped perfectly dry; then to be laid between warm blankets, and on the right side ; the head to be covered with a warm woollen cap, and bags filled with warm sand, or bricks heated and wrapped in flannel are to be applied to the feet and sides. The doors and the windows are to be thrown open in order that the pure air may be freely admitted, and no persons but such as are necessary in the operation, should be allowed to enter. We should in the next place endeavour to expand the lungs, and if possible, make them resume their office.— This may be done by inserting the tube of a bellows in one nostril, and stopping the other, as also the mouth, and gently forcing the air into the lungs till the chest is rais- ed, ihen with the hand depressing the breast, and thus imitating natural breathing, a strong person with a tube in the nostril, or by putting his mouth in contact with that of the sufferer, may raise the lungs. The lungs being inflated, rub every part of the body with salt and flannel cloths, carefully avoiding the access of cold, and gradually increasing the warmth as symptoms of life seem to return. Should the friction with flannel fail, apply flannels wrung out of very hot water, to the re- gion of the heart, and sides of the chest. Or put the pa- tient into a warm bath. Apply hartshorn to the nose, and with it wipe the tem- ples. Stimulating glysters to the intestines, but not of to- bacco. As soon as the person can swallow, a cordial may be given. CHOKE damps. 141 By perseverance in such means, persons have been re- stored to life, long after all signs of life had become ex- tinct. The use of the means should not be given up, till four or five hours have elapsed. After the vital heat and circulation are restored, bleed- ing may be proper ; of this a physician alone can judge. In cases of apparent death from suffocation and -trangling, the same precautions are necessary, and ma- ny of the same means are proper ; bleeding may be sooner used. In all cases of suspended animation, on the smallest appearance of respiration, or restoration to life, wine cor- dials, or a little brandy aud water should be conveyed into the stomach, in small quantities at a time, and frequently repeated. When the patient conies perfectly to himself, he should be allowed every benefit from re- pose. CHOKE DAMPS. Atrial poisons.—Persons cannot breathe where a can- dle will not burn. The air becomes contaminated and useless by repeated breathing, by burning charcoal in a close place, and when rendered noxious, being much heav- ier than the pure atmosphere, collects in low places, as caverns, wells not used, and in vaults where fermenting li- quors are kept, &c. The fumes of some of the metals are also deleterious, such as lead, copper, antimony, mer- cury, &c. The danger from damps, or foul air is increased by their silently extinguishing life, particularly that of fixed air. 142 CHOKE DAMPS. (carbonic acid gas.) This serial poison benumbs the sensibility and faculties, so that the person immersed in it is entirely insensible of his danger, and dies without a struggle. Symptoms.—Tile head, face and neck are swollen, the eyes are propelled from their sockets, the tongue hangs out at one side of the mouth, the jaws fixed, the face livid, and the lips blue, and the person appears in a profound sleep. On breathing deleterious fumes, the patient feels a sense of weariness, giddiness succeeded by head-ache, lethar- gy, fainting, convulsions, general stupor ; frequently how- ever, death comes without a precursor. As soon as a person is discovered, who has suffered by breathing any kind of foul air, he should be carried imme- diately into pure cool air, and freely exposed, being sup- ported in a leaning posture on a chair. The face should be sprinkled with vinegar, and the stomach with cold wa- ter. After each sprinkling of cold water, ru; the skin with flannel or a soft brush. Apply hartshorn to the nose, and warm water to the feet. Glysters of vinegar and water; and if there appear an inclination to vomit, promote it by a feather dipped in oil; continue the springling and fric- tions. The first symptoms of returning life, are shivering and foaming at the mouth. Air may be introduced into the lungs as mentioned in other cases of suspended animation ; as soon as the pa- tient can swallow, give vinegar and water, or some other acid beverage. /LiiETABLE POISONS. 14* MINERAL POISONS. The chief of these are arsenic, strong preparations of mercury and lead. Where arsenic, or muriate of mercury, (corrosive subli- mate,) has been swallowed, a strong puke should be given as soon as possible. Drink freely of some diluting liquor, as of barley-water, gum-water, flax-seed tea, mallows, &c. Oils should be given freely, and large injections of oil with any of the above mentioned drinks. Pearlash water quickly drunk, will somewhat counteract the poison. Where metalic poison has been swallowed, ipecac should be immediately given without measure. Where an over dose of arsenic has been swallowed, a pricking burning heat is felt in the stomach, and most ex- cruciating pains in the bowels, rough parched tongue, un- quenchable thirst, anxiety and restlessness; swelling of the belly, hickup, fetid puking, and stools, and death. Lead produces colic, and palsy, which see. Verdigris swallowed is highly poisonous. Emetics as in the case of arsenic, and followed by pearlash water, drank freely. The tests of poison can be known only to physicians and chemists. VEGETABLE POISONS. The vegetable poisons produce, when taken, giddiness, confusion, or loss of sight, with dilatation of the pupils of 144 VEGETABLE POISONS. the eyes, palpitations, loss of memory, fatuity, low mut- tering, delirium, stupor ; sometimes vomiting, convulsions and death. Tl\ose most liable to be taken, are wild fennel, hem- lock, night-shade, thorn apple, and other such plants. Opium, henbane, foxglove, Carolina pink, are liable to be taken in over doses, or by mistake, as medicines. The running rooting suinack, called mercury, is some- times eaten inadvertently, as it climbs fruit-trees, and being bruised, drops its juice, which dries upon the fallen fruit. This produces an eruption upon the skin ; is cured by a wash of corrosive sublimate, ten grains to a pint of water. Bark may be given internally with wine. As soon as it is ascertained that a person has swallowed a vegetable poison sufficient to endanger life, emetics of white vitriol, tartar emetic and ipecac should be given till they operate. When the patient pukes, a free use of dilutents should follow ; vegetable acid drinks, as vinegar, lemonade, &c. Coffee is a good drink in such cases. If the remedies are directed in time, the principal source' of danger is the fear of overdosing; vegetable poisons ren- der the stomach insensible; and consequently common doses have no effect; and it is best to repeat in quick suc- cession, a full dose of the first mentioned remedies, till a retching and vomiting takes place. Then proceed as is above directed. Cases of intoxication may receive the same treatment as vegetable poisons. iNIMAL POISONs. 145 ANIMAL POISONS. Most of the animal poisons have been mentioned iu the surgical part of this work. See Bites of Venomous Serpents, Src. Some persons, owing to pecularity of constitution, or from some other cause, are poisoned by eating freely of oysters, lobsters, eels, &c. Symptoms produced are, uneasiness, giddiness, and a blaze in spots on the skin. A smart vomit should be im- mediately taken, followed by vinegar, and a free use of milk. But a terrible poison is found in many kinds of fish in hot climates. The yellow bill-sprat, and cavalee, are most to be dreaded; but rock-fish, and king fish, are sometimes poisonous, with others. As in other cases of poison, vomiting should be premised, then a purge of oil or calomel. Ardent spirits, strong cordials, and Madeira wine should be drank freely. ll vomiting or cholera morbus come on, or follow, opi- um, and more particularly if convulsions come on. - The alkalies, hartshorn and pearlash may be of ser- vice. Pains of the joints and other symptoms often continue a long time to harrass the patient; wrap the parts in flan- nel ; warm bath. Remove to a cold climate. The entrails of a suspected fish should be given to a cat or a dog, and if no ill effect follow in two hours to the animal which eats them, the fish is good. The test by a silver spoon should not be relied on. Unknown fish with- out scales, and uncommonly large fish of their kind, are suspicious. 13 146 FALLb. CHOKING. As soon as any person is observed to be choked, and more particularly children, the obstructing body should be felt for with a finger at the top of the throat; 'tis pos- sible many times to remove it directly, and should we fail in this, the puking excited by the finger frequently re- moves the offending body. Food and foreign substances are sometimes lodged in the top of the wind-pipe and produce immediate suffoca- tion ; help in this case must be afforded at the moment by introducing the finger. Unless the offending body can be seen, any apparatus is unsafe except in the hands of an experienced surgeon. Presence of mind will enable any person to do much in all cases of casualty, and particularly in this, and the di- rections above are sufficient. The finger and the vomiting which it is sure to produce, will do much more at the in- stant than is commonly thought. FALLS. The concussion or shock of a sudden fall from an emi- nence is such, as to leave the sufferer breathless; and here there is often apparent death, though no destruction of parts has taken place. In this case the person should be turned to an easy pos- ture of body and the air freely admitted, or waved into his face. Should the breath not return, the lungs should be filled as in cases of drowning; a cordial should be given; LIGHTNING. 147 4iid the patient should not be bled, simply because he has fallen ; yet symptoms may require it, such as obstructed breathing. Bleeding is of essential service when the pulse rises or pain and inflammation come on. See Con- tused wounds, Sfc. In falls from fainting, the head should not be raised, nqr persons croud around; a little water sprinkled in the face is commonly sufficient; hartshorn, lavender, ether, &c. may be administered. LIGHTNING. Persons apparently dead from lightning, may be fre- quently restored by proper means. Sprinkling or affu- sion of cold water, and in general the means laid down for aerial poisons, are to be persevered in. A rigidity of the limbs usually attends persons recovering from a stroke of lightning; sprinkling and rubbing the parts with cold water, should be often used. The means to be used for the recovering of persons suddenly deprived of life, are nearly the same in all cases. they are practicable by every one who happens to be present at the accident,and require no great expense, and less skill. The great aim is to preserve or restore the vital warmth aud motion. This may in general be at- tempted, by heat, frictions, blowing air into the lungs, ad- ministering glysters, cordials, &c. These must be varied according to circumstances. Common sense and the sit- uation of the patient, will suggest the means of relief.— 148 ITS FIRST APPEARANCE PROTRACTED. Above all we would recommend perseverance. Much good may, and no harm can result; who would grudge pains in such a case ? TREATMENT OF FEMALE COMPLAINTS OF THE MONTHLY PERIOD. The age at which the monthly evacuation commences varies not only in different climates, but also in different individuals, in the same place. It usually appears about the fourteenth year, and continues for a period of thirty years. In some instances, this change takes place without any previous indisposition or uneasy feelings. But frequently it is preceded by various affections of the stomach and bowels, with pain in the back, and the health seems to decline, and not unfrequently a train of nervous or hys- terical symptoms occur. ITS FIRST APPEARANCE PROTRACTED. With regard to the management of the constitution of young women, about the time when this evacuation com- mences, I would observe that, that which insures general health, prepares the way for the happy establishment of this important change in the female constitution. If the health declines with a disordered state of the stomach and bowels, the surface of the body should be kept warm by / wearing a flannel shirt and drawers ; the use of the warm H OPPRESSION. 149 bath every second night; moderate but regular exercise; food easy of digestion; keeping the bowels regular by rhubarb, Epsom-salts, or No. 6. It will be useful to employ tonic remedies, such as tinc- ture of steel or Ens. veneris and myrrh. If there appear symptoms which indicate an approaching consumption, it will be necessary to have early recourse to a practitioner. If the system seems to be simply lax and debilitated the general remedies for strengthening are the best. Wine, iron, bark; as the strength returns use aloes and myrrh, or calomel and rhubarb. Riding in a waggon or on horseback. Sometimes girls robust, florid, and healthy, suffer from a protracted appearance of the periodical evacuation, and complain of uneasiness, head-ache, and flushes; such should observe a spare vegetable diet; keep the bowels loose, and avoid violent exercise, particularly in crowded rooms. The most effectual remedy is to bleed from two to six ounces every twenty-eight days, and after the second or third bleeding, to postpone the operation a day or two longer to wait for the desired event. SUPPRESSION. Iii temporary and accidental suppression or stoppage from cold, bathe the feet and legs, or the common prac- tice of setting in, and over decoctions of herbs, and tight- ening the garters are good means to restore the discharge. a dose of Elixir Pro. is a good addition to the treatment, and drink freely of catnip or motherwort teas on going to bed. If these fail, a little blood should be taken as soon as it is ascertained the period is missed. See American Remedies. 13* 15U PROFUSE DISCHARGE. DEFICIENCY. A deficient and painful turn is with some women very distressing. Such women should carefully avoid cold and every thing which tends to disturb the general health, at the period should keep the house, drink freely of warm teas, especially on going to bed ; should keep a moist skin, and use the warm bath, or sit over warm decoctions of herbs, and allay immoderate pains with opiates. PROFUSE DISCHARGE. A more frequent and more serious complaint is a pro- fuse flowing at the period, or an appearance at too short intervals. Such women should confine themselves to a horizontal posture on a hard bed or matrass; take cold drinks, astringents are to be preferred, such as rose-leaf tea, oak-bark and the like. Elixir vitriol may be added to the drinks. In obstinate cases, cold water and vinegar may be applied to the parts with cloths or otherwise; and opiates relieve pains and moderate the discharge,—acetite of lead, joined to opium is a powerful and safe remedy when a physician attends, but should not be taken with- out advice. This should be said of the cold bath during the period. During the interval the patient should use exercise, such as riding in the open air, in a carriage, or on horseback, and should use wine, nourishing food, and preparations of iron, No. 6. Both in deficient and profuse discharges at the period, the prime object should be, next to obviating symptoms at the time, to mend the health during the interval. Ir- WHITES, OR SEXUAL WEAKNESS. 151 regularity is commonly the effect of bad health, and peo- ple mistake when they suppose confirmed ill health grows out of accidental suppression. Violent and forcing reme- dies should always be avoided, and in female complaints the physician is too seldom consulted. CESSATION OF THE MENSES. The periodical discharge ceases spontaneously in most women between the ages of forty and fifty. In some it disappears suddenly, in others gradually ; when no symp- toms of disease appear, no other attention to the change is necessary, than to observe temperance in all things; every kind of excess, particularly that of spiritous liquors, should be carefully avoided. If symptoms of disease occur, during or at the time of the cessation of the periodical discharge, they should be treated as is elsewhere directed for such diseases. WHITES, OR SEXUAL WEAKNESS. This is a disease in which women have a thin white glairy discharge, in its mildest form resembling thin starch, and if attended with no pain is easily cured by removing the irritating cause, and washing and bathing in cold wa- ter. When, however, the discharge is of a yellow, brown, or green colour, and acrid or fetid, it then is certainly a con- stitutional disease, and should receive immediate atten- tion. If the patient be of a full habit, with flushings in the face and palms of the hands, with strong full pulse, bleeding, with cool evacuating medicines, and a spare diet will be sufficient to a cure. 152 HYSTERIC AFFECTIONS. If the disease be of long standing, and the health is much impaired, and the strength much reduced, the stom- ach should be cleansed by a vomit, then should follow cordial and bracing medicines, such as bark, wine, elixir vitriol, preparations of iron. Thus we should endeavour to effect a cure by remedies which tend to re-establish health. But local remedies should not be long omitted, such as injections of tea, oak-bark, but more particularly a solution of half an ounce of alum in a quart bottle of soft water; these should be frequently thrown up in the passage by means of a proper syringe. See American Remedies. HYSTERIC AFFECTIONS. In a well marked hysteric fit, a sense of pain or fulness is felt in the belly near the navel or left side. This grad- ually spreads, and a sensation is felt as if a ball passed up and stuck in the throat. The patient falls down insensi- ble, or convulsed, with irregular breathing, sobbing, and sometimes shrieking; after this the symptoms are won- derfully varied in different cases, alternate laughing and crying, fainting, &c. The treatment during the fit is simply this—lay the patient on a sofa or bed in a warm room, open a door or a window, apply lavender or camphor to the temples, hold hartshorn to the nose; as soon as the patient can 3wallow, give a tea-spoonful of lavender and hartshorn in a spoonful of water, or a dose of laudanum, and if ne- cessary repeat them. To prevent a recurrence of the fit, purgatives of aloes, strengthening medicines, and avoiding high seasoned food, ON DISEASES^F INFANTS. 153 and every irregularity of body and mind. See American Remedies. ON DISEASES OF INFANTS. Introduction.—It is frequently said, little can be done for infants labouring under disease, because they can give wo history or statement of their feelings and symptoms. Their diseases are simple and uniform ; and to an ex- perienced examiner sufficiently apparent. Their signs of suffering cannot be mistaken, or pass unheeded, by a man of sagacity or feeling. Their language is that of nature unsophisticated, they never cheat us. They have no im- agination of their own, and fortunate it would be for them, if their tenders had none. The God of Nature has pro- vided for them medicine and food, in the first issues from their mother's breasts; and common sense forbids the substitution of any filthy product of the gossip's brains, whether it be "chamber-ley to keep off sore mouth," or ,: strawberries or cherry-rum to obviate the terrible effects of the entailed longings of the mother." Soon as convenient after a child is born, it should be put to its mother's breasts. If circumstances forbid this, let it be fed with a little clean molasses and water, the best substitute for the first of its mother's milk, which is laxative. Its dress should in no way make it uncom- fortable. It should be suffered to sleep much of the first months, and when awake, carefully dandled for exer- cise. The worst that can happen to an infant, is to have a nurse who " knows a thousand things good for wind; and 154 THRUSH OF INFANTS. how to draw the mother's breast, and make pap and cau- dle ;'• and is skilled in " elixirs and laudanum."* When the bowels of a new-born infant do not move in time, and the molasses has been given, give a tea-spoon- ful of castor-oil, and repeat it in four hours; should it be ineffectual, dr vomited, take Senna, 2 drachms, Manna, 1-2 a drachm, boiled in a gill of water, and administered freely till the bowels move. Physic may be assisted by emollient in- jections, and fomentations to the bowels. Calomel in grain doses repeated at four'hours, is sometimes necessary to obviate the habit of costiveness. Infants will not be salivated, and often require a repetition of the calomel. When convulsions are present, put the child into a warm or tepid bath: it removes spasms, and helps ca- thartics—and do not forget injections in this case. It is sometimes necessary to give a dose of elixir asth- matic after the operation of a cathartic, if the child seems restless and uneasy. THRUSH OF INFANTS. Needs no description. Is sometimes with, and some- times without fever. * Formerly a surgeon could not live in peace, within hail of a " prime nurse," unless he cut the strings of the tongues of all the children born in his vicinity. Fortunately however for the chil- dren of men, they are not now presumed to be sent into the world " half made up;" and it were to be wished that all gossips who believe in tongue-ties, chamber-ley, hot caudle, wind, and apparitions, could be sent to nurse the children of that nation •vho shall be at war with us twenty-five years hence. DIARRHOEA. 155 Is best treated with an emetic of ipecac. Ipecac, 4 grains, Warm water, 6 tea-spoonfuls. Give one tea-spoonful every half hour, till the patient pukes or purges. Should the bowels not move, give cal- omel as directed for costiveness. After the stomach and bowels are free, gargle with strong green tea, or touch the parts affected with borax and sugar ground together and moistened with cream. RED GUM. Red Gum is an eruption of fine pimples of a red color, affecting infants mostly within the first month. Give snake-root and saffron teas, to keep out the erup- tion ; and magnesia, to move the bowels and keep them free. SORE EARS. 1 his is frequently a troublesome symptom, and one which should be cautiously treated. It may be washed with soft soap and water; after which apply a scorched linen rag. During the cure, the patient should take a grain dose of calomel at evening. Should the bowels be readily moved and remain loose, should be repeated only every other night. It is doubtful whether this disease should ever be treat- ed with astringents, except by a physician. -"' DIARRHOEA. A diarrhoea often follows infants and children in conse- quence of bad diet, damp rooms, and negligence. 156 oiARRno:A. In attempting the cure, we should be careful t9 avoid all causes which are obvious, and pay particular attention to the diet. It is frequently the case that the diet is of- fensive to the stomach, or badly digested, when we least suspect it. Consequently we should watch carefully what food agrees, and not fail to inspect the stools. If there is fever, we should begin the treatment with an emetic of ipecac. If no fever is present, calomel; and calomel should be given after ipecac when there is fever. This disease is frequently obstinate, and requires a rep- etition of the medicine to clear the stomach and bowels. Besides, it not unfrequently depends on a disordered state of the liver, which has existed a long time, perhaps before the birth of the child. After the stomach and bowels are free, we may use the following julep. R. Prepared chalk, 1-2 oz. Powdered cinnamon, 2 drachms, Gum Arabic, 1 oz. Carbonate of potash, 1 drachm, Water, 1 pint. Mix, . and boil half an hour. Give a spoonful at a time fre- quently ; and add laudanum according to the age of the patient, every four hours. As a strengthener use the following, which is Moseley's tonic solution. R. White vitriol, 3 drachms, Alum, 1 do. Water, 1 lb. Mix. Dose, from 4 to 20 drops, three times a day, according to the age and other circumstances. Opium in some form or other is a great help. VOMITING. 157 The tepid bath is useful in rousing the skin, and soap added occasionally, will bebeneficial, both as a medicine and detergent. Injections should not be forgotten, and castile soap should be dissolved in them also. There will be cases where the head suffers, and symp- toms of dropsy in the head may attend, for which, apply blisters behind the ears and back of the neck. If vomiting supervene, put mustard paste or blisters on the stomach and limbs. Those on the limbs may be changed to another place, soon as they begin to inflame the skin, as we wish only to produce counter irritation and not blistering. VOMITING. Vomiting is very common to healthy children, who eat or drink more than is necessary—needs no medication of course. Children bear pukes better than adults, and they should not be dreaded in croup, hooping-cough, &c. When vomiting in children becomes troublesome and attended with fever or emaciation, apply irritants to the skin, as mustard, paste of ginger, &c. Warm bath. Give internally the following: R. Chalk, 2 drachms, Lesser cardamon seeds, 1 do. Carbonate potash, 1-2 do. Boiling water, 1-2 lb. Feed freely. Note.—Many of the diseases incident to childhood have been noticed before. See articles croup, hooping-cough, &c. 14 INTRODUCTION TO MEDICINE. In prescribing a medicine, even the best calculated to fulfil the object intended, it is necessary to consider the age, sex, temperament and habits of the patient, before the dose can be properly apportioned ; and as far as the medi- cine itself is regarder', the most convenient and agreeable form of exhibiting, whether it should be given alone or combined with other ingredients; and how far these are likely to impede, modify, or facilitate its operation. An attention to these circumstances is absolutely requisite to prevent the errors which too frequently occur in forming a prescription. Circumstances connected with the stale of the patient. Age.—Here it must be observed, that the doses of medi- cine mentioned in this work (with some exceptions point- ed out in their place,) are those adapted for an adult; but, as in the two extremes of life, childhood and old age, the body is weaker, and in early youth more susceptible of all the impressions, these quantities cannot be administered with safety in every case; and hence the judgment of the prescriber must be exercised. See a table of doses re- duced, Sfc. under article weights and measures. Sex.—Although some women possess as much bodily strenghth and vigour of constitution as the majority of men; yet, the general greater delicacy and sensibility of the female frame, at every period of life, require not only caution in apportioning the doses of active medicine,'which should be less than those ordered for men of the same age; but, the medicines themselves should be such as are likely to fulfil the indications, without much violence. The state INTRODUCTION TO MEDICINE. 159 ni the Uterine system likewise must not be overlooked in prescribing for a female. Thus the employment of aloetic and drastic purgatives, bark, sulphuric acid, and astrin- gents, should be suspended during the* period. Temperament.—It is undoubtedly true that persons of different temperaments or original conformations of body are differently affected by the operations of medi- cines. Stimulants more readily affect those of a sanguine temperament than those of a phlegmatic; and, therefore smaller doses are required. In the phlegmatic, also, the bowels are generally torpid, and require both a description of purgatives and such doses, as would endanger an irrita- ble and delicate constitution. Habits, have considera- ble influence in modifying the operation of medicines.__ Persons addicted to the use of spirit, narcotics, and other simulants, are less easily excited both by medicinal stim- ulants and narcotics. Persons in the daily habit of taking purgatives, must take a different article to produce much effect upon the bowels. In the employment of medicines, also, which require to be long continued, the beneficial ef- fect is soon lost, if the doses be not increased. Of the form and composition of prescriptions.—In ev- ery prescription, simplicity should be kept in view, and when medicine will answer the intention of the prescriber, it ought to be preferred. The nauseous taste, however, and the other qualities of the great majority of drugs, re- quire the addition of others to modify their taste, or ac- tion ; but, although medicines are more generally prescrib- ed in a compound form, yet the practice of accumulating a great variety of ingredients in one prescription should be avoided. 160 INTRODUCTION" TO MEDICINE. Medicines exhibited in a fluid form operate sooner, and with more certainty than in a solid state; but in choosing the vehicle or solvent, the taste of the patient ought not to be overlooked. Thus, for those to whom peppermint- water is not disagreeable, the nauseous taste of Epsom- salts is more completely concealed by that vehicle than any other; if bark in powder be ordered, milk effectually covers its taste, provided the dose be taken the moment it is mixed ; and if aloes, the most nauseous article of the materia medica, be prescribed in a fluid form, a solution of extract of liquorice renders it by no means unpalatable. Medicines which when given alone, produce griping, re- quire the addition of aromatics to correct that quality, and when they operate with violence, mucilages, or opiates are necessary to moderate their action. In prescribing purgatives, it is also necessary to consider the particular part of the alimentary canal on which they more immedi- ately act. Thus, rhubarb acts chiefly on the upper part of the bowels, aloes on the lower and calomel and jalap on the middle, or larger intestines. Another reason for ordering medicines in a compound form is the necessity of producing two or more effects at one time. Thus the same dose may be required, in a case of colic for example, to allay pain and to open the bowels; or, in fever, to de- termine to the skin, to allay irritation and produce sleep. But in combining medicines, care must be taken not to bring together incompatibles, or substances that decom- pose each other, or chemically combine and consequently alter the nature of the mixture, or render it inert; unless the resulting compound be the remedy on which the pre- scriber relies. Thus acids and alkalies are incompatible, unless the neutral salt they produce be the remedy requir- OPIATES. 161 •id ; and astringent vegetable infusions and decoctions de- stroy the emetic and diaphoretic property of tartar emetic. EMETICS. For adults, a scruple of ipecac, or an ounce of ipecac wine. For children, from four to ten grains of ipecac, or from a tea to a table spoonful of ipecac wine, according to the"age. Antimonials should not be given but by medical prescription. LAXATIVES. For adults, a table-spoonful of castor-oil taken alone or mixed with brandy, lemon juice syrup, or the thin part of marmalade, an ounce or an ounce and an half of glaub, or Rochelle salts. Jalap from a scruple to a drachm, with a little ginger, or six or eight grains of calomel rubbed up with loaf sugar. Or No. 2J. Or magnesia or cream tartar. For children, rhubarb and magnesia, or sonna tea, from a tea to a desert-spoonful of castor-oil; from a quarter of a grain to six grains of calomel, according to the age, should be given in jelly or syrup of preserves. OPIATES. For adults, a grain of opium, or twenty-five drops of laudanum ; but in severe pain or lock-jaw, the dose of laudanum may be very much increased or repeated. Ex- tract of henbane (Hyosciamus,) in double the quantity of opium. See American Remedies, poppy, lettuce, and henbane. 14* 162 SICK DIET. SWEATING MEDICINES. See American Remedies. Thoroughwort, lemon baun, cat-nip, Virginia snake-root, Queen of the meadows, everlasting. CORDIALS. Wine, spirit, No. 13, 14, laudanum, wine whey, mus- tard whey. American Remedies see, motherwort, prick- ly ash, sanicle. GLYSTERS. A pint of gruel or broth, to which may be added a spoonful of common salt. When there is tenderness of the bowels or in the parts adjacent, infusions of tansy, or roots of motherwort may be used. Opiates are adminis- tered in gruel or starch, but the dose of opium should be double the quantity taken by the mouth. See American Remedies. Hops, motherwort, masterwort, American senna, hard hack. DRINKS. Barley-water, toast-water, oat-meal gruel, rice gruel, ginger wine and water, apple tea, lemonade, tamarind beverage. American Remedies see, baum, lemon baum, catnip, spice-bush, sassafras, spear mint. SICK DIET. Light boiled rice, stewed apples, prunes or gooseberries, soft boiled eggs, egg beat up in sugar, arrow-root, bread- MEASURES. 163 water, calves-feet jelly, chicken broth, beef-tea, spinage, asparagus, cauli-flower, turnip, &c. FAMILY DISPENSATORY. Under this head will be found what I conceive to be a choice of remedies. The limits of this work would not admit of a great variety of preparations ; yet enough are to be found here, and in the body of the work. A multi- plicity of remedies tend only to confusion. A few things well understood, and well improved, are better than a thousand of which we have but half knowledge. WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. The Apothecary^s weights, and wine measures are used in this work. WEIGHTS. Twenty Grains make a Scruple. Three Scruples . a Drachm. Eight Drachms . an Ounce. Twelve Ounces . a Pound. The Grains the same as in money scales, from which the other weights may be calculated—as, 24 grains make a Penny Weight, &c. Note.—Apothecaries in this country do not distinguish between the Grocer's or Avoirdupoise pound, and their own MEASURES. Eight Drachms make one Ounce. 164 apothecary's forms of mi.dicines. Twelve Ounces make one Pint. Eight Pints . . . Gallon. A table-spoonful is supposed to be equal to half an ounce, and a tea-spoonful to seventy drops. A drop will contain a quantity proportioned to the size of the mouth of the phial from which it falls; a common ounce phial should be a medium size. The doses mentioned are for adults, except when other- wise particularized. Doses reduced for persons under twenty-one years of age. For 14 years. Two-thirds. 7 do. One-half. 5 do. One-third. 3 do. One-fourth. 28 months, One-fifth. 14 do. One-eighth. 7 do. One-twelfth. 2 do. One-fifteenth. 1 do. One-twentieth. Under One-twenty-fourth Laudanum and other active fluids should not be given to young children, after there is a cloud in them, as the strength is then uncertain; the top of the fluid is then weaker and the bottom stronger, as the substance has fall- en to the bottom. APOTHECARY'S FORMS OF MEDICINES. Note.—Forms to the number of twenty-six are interspersed in the body of the work, and may be eas ily found by referring to the numbers A few more will be here added. PILLS. (65 PILLS. R. No. 27- LAXATIVE PILLS. Take of powder of cinnamon, 10 grains, Socotorine aloes in fine powder, and Castile soap, of each one drachm. Beat them together in a stone or iron mortar, addingpne or two drops of syrup or molasses. Make into 32 pills. Dose for grown persons, two at bed time. R. No. 28. PILLS OF ALOES AND FETIDA. Take of Socotorine aloes, Assa-fetida, and Soap equal parts. Pill with gum Arabic. These pills are good in indigestion, attended with costive- ness, and wind in the stomach and bowels. Purging pills, see No. 26. R. N. 29. hull's colic pills^ Take of Cinnamon, Cloves, Mace, Myrrh, Saffron, Ginger, Castile soap, of each one drachm, Socotorine aloes one ounce, Essence of peppermint, sufficient to moisten it. Make common sized pills, and take them till they ope- rate. 166 powders. POWDERS. R. No. 30. picra. Take of Socotorine aloes, 1 pound, White canella, 3 ounces. Separately powdered, and then mixed. Good purga- tive. Dose between a scruple and drachm. May be taken in syrup or molasses. R. No. 31. POWDER OF THE GUMS. Take of Tragacanth, in powder, Gumb Arabic, Starch, of each 1 1-2 ounce, Loaf sugar, 3 ounces. Grind to a powder. Good in coughs, hectic, stoppage of urine, old fluxes, &c. Dose one or more tea-spoonfuls. R. No. 32. sweating powder, or Dover's powder. Take of Ipecac in powder, Opium, (dry,) of each one part, Sulphate of potash, eight parts. Grind them together to a fine powder. Dose from 5 to 20 grains, as the stomach and strength will bear it; lessen the dose if it threatens to puke. Avoid much drinking after it. This is a powerful sweating remedy in fevers, rheumatism, and dropsies, excellent in colds and suppressed perspiration. In general this is the best opi- ate, as the ipecac lessens the danger of a habitual use of opium,—a thing to be avoided next to habits of intoxica- :\otu -ALVES AND OINTMENTS. 167 PLASTERS. Blistering plaster should be prepared by an apothecary. R. No. 33. COMMON PLASTER, OR DIACHYLON. Take of Litharge, one part, Olive oil, two parts. Boil them, adding warm water to prevent its burning, and constantly stirring the mixture till the oil and litharge be formed into a plaster. All this should be done with caution ; the water added should be neither very hot nor very cold ; it is better to remove the kettle from the fire while the warm water is added. This is a common application to slight flesh wounds; they keep the parts soft and warm, and defend them from the air, which is all that can be expected from any plaster. R. No. 34. STICKING PLASTER, OR ADHESIVE PLASTER. Take of common plaster, five parts, White resin, one part. Melt them together, and make a plaster. This is the plaster used in dressiug recent wounds; it supplies the place of the surgeon's needle and stitch, and this from a simple cut finger, to an amputated thigh. See its use un- der the head of Ulcers. This makes the best strengthen- ing plaster. Rub opium into it, and you have the ano- dyne plaster. SALVES AND OINTMENTS. Basilicam, See N»* 5. 168 SALVES AND OINTMENTS. R. No. 35. SIMPLE OINTMENT. Take of Olive (sweet) oil, five parts, White wax, two parts. Melt together. May be used for softening the skin, and healing chaps and excoriations. R. ^'o. 36. OINTMENT, OF WHITE HELLEBORE. Take of White hellebore, one ounce, Hog's lard, four ounces, Essence of lemon, half a scruple. Mix. Used to cure eruptions on the skin, ringworms, and the like. Ointments of mercury are difficult of preparation, and apt to change by keeping; for which reason they should be purchased of an apothecary when wanted. R. No. 37- TAR 01NTMEMT. Take of Tar, Mutton suet, of each half a pound. Melt them together and strain. Successfully employed in some eruptions of the skin, especially scald head. R. No. 38. SULPHUR OINTMENT. Take of Hog's lard, four parts, Flowers of sulphur, one part. To each pound of this ointment maybe added, Volatile oil of lemons, or, Oil of lavender, 1-2 drachm. A certain remedy for the cure of itch. A pound serves for four unctions. The patient should be rubbed four nights in succession, each time one fourth part of the body. TINCTURES, OR ELIXIRS. 169 For other ointments, see American Remedies, as stra- moniiuft, (thorn-apple) wild indigo, elder, &c. TINCTURES, OR ELIXIRS. See Tinctures, under American Remedies. K. No. 39- ELIXIR PROPRIETATUS, ELIX. PRO. OR TIM- TCRE OF MYRRH AND ALOES. Take of Myrrh in powder, two ounces, Alcohol, one pound and an half, Water, half a pound, Mix the alcohol with the water, and add the myrrh. Steep four days, and then add, Socotorine aloes, an ounce and an half. Saffron, an ounce. Steep three days, and pour oft' the clear liquor from the sediment. Laxative and stomachic. R. No. 40. TINCTURE OK ASSA FET1DA. Take of Assa fetida, four ounces, Alcohol, two pounds and an half. Digest seven days, and strain through paper. Dose from ten to fifty drops. R. No. 41. ELIXIR SAI.UTIS, OR ELIXIR OF HEALTH. TINCTURE OF SENNA. Take of Senna leaves, two ounces. Jalap, one ounce. Coriander seeds, halfan ounce. High spirit, three pounds and an bah. 15 no TINCTL'1U>, OU ELIXIRS. Digest seven days, and to the strained liquor add four ounces of loaf sugar. Useful in bowel complaints, colic, especially in intem- perate persons. R. No. 42. TINCTURE OP BARK, OR HUXHAAl's TIM Tl RK. Take of Peruvian bark in powder, two ounces. Orange peel dried, half an ounce. \ irginia snake root bruised, three drachms. Saffron, one drachm. Proof spirit, (rum) two pounds. Steep fourteen days and, strain. Good preparation of the bark taken as a bitter, a tea- spoonful to a glass of wine before eating; useful in low fevers. R. No. 43. TINCTURE OF GUAIAC. Take of Gum Guaiac, one pound. Alcohol, two pounds and a half. Steep for seven days, and strain. A powerful stimulating, sweating remedy in rheumatic and old gouty affections. Dose, a tea spoonful in spirit. R. No. 44. LAUDANUM. Take of Opium, two ounces. Diluted Alcohol, two pounds. Digest seven days. This is an elegant opiate, but separates by keeping. R. No. 45. ELIXIR PARAGORIC. Take of Purified opium, Flowers of Benzoin, of each one drachm. Camphor, two scruples. SIRUPS. 171 Oil of anise, one drachm. Proof spirit, two pints. Digest for ten days, and strain. This has been called Elixir Asthmatic, relieves coughs, and the bowel complaints of children. R. 46. BITTER TINCTURE OP RHUBARB. Take of Rhubarb, two ounces. Gentian root, half an ounce. Diluted Alcohol, two pounds and an half. Digest seven days, and strain through paper. Good in indigestion, debility of the bowels, diarrhoeas r.olics, and other similar complaints. R. 47- TINCTURE OF BALSAM TOLU. Take of Balsam Tolu, one ounce. Alcohol, one pound. Digest till the balsam be dissolved, then strain through paper, mixed with simple sirup of sugar; it forms an ele- gant preparation called Sirup of Balsam ; this with Elixir Paragoric in equal parts, is an excellent remedy for night coughs, and in consumption. SIRUPS. R. No. 48. SIMPLE SIRUf. Take of Double refined Sugar, fifteen parts. Water Eight parts. Let the Sugar be dissolved by a gentle heat, and boiled a little so as to form a sirup. See Tincture of Balsam. I "*2 LINIMENTS. R. No. 49. SIRUP OF GINGER. Pake of Beat ginger, three ounces. Boiling water, four pounds. Double refined sugar, seven and an half pounds. Steep the ginger in the water, in a close vessel for Iwenty-four hours, then to the strained liquor add the beat sugar, so as to make a sirup. This is an agreeable and moderately aromatic sirup ; impregnated with the flavour and the virtues of the ginger. R. No. 50. SIRUP OF LEMONS. Take of juice of lemons, suffered to stand till the sedi- ment falls, then strain off this liquor, three parts. Double Refined Sugar, five parts. Dissolve the sugar in the juice till it forms a sirup. Tn the same way are prepared, Sirup of Mulberry juice, ------- Rasberry juice, ------- Clack current juice. All these are pleasant cooling sirups; quenching thirst-, .md may be used in gargles for sore mouths. LINIMENTS. VOLATILE LINIMENT. See No. 3. R. No. 51. LINIMENT OF OIL AND LIME. Take of Linseed Oil, Lime Water, of each equal parts. Mix them. This Liniment is extremely useful in Burns and Scalds; efficacious in preventing inflammation after such acci- ■tent?; POWDERS. 173 R. No. 52. CAMPHORATED OIL. Take of Olive Oil, two ounces. Camphor, half an ounce. Dissolve the Camphor in the Oil. Good applied to local pains; to glandular swellings, and to the bowels in Tympany. R. No. 53. OPODELDOC Take the best of hard soap, two ounces, camphor, one ounce, very strong spirit, one pint; mix the soap with the spirit, and let them stand in a moderate heat until the soap is dissolved, occasionally shaking the phial; then add the camphor, and continue to shake the vessel fre- quently until the whole is dissolved, Useful in sprains, bruises, and in rheumatic pains. Good to disperse swel- ings, tumours, and the like. SUPPLEMENT TO FORMS OF MEDICINES. Vote.—The following recipes may be found convenient " for a change" in the several complaints mentioned in them. POWDERS. CATHARTICS. R. Calomel, 3 grains, Jalap in powder, L. Sugar, of each 10 grains. Mix. May be taken morning or evening. In bilious fevers, and slimy and obstructed bowels. 15* 174 PILLS. R. Cream tartar, 15 grains, Gamboge, L. Sugar, of each 5 grains. Mix. May be taken in the morning. In all dropsical cases, DIURETIC. R. Cream tartar, 1 drachm, Powdered squills, 2 grains, --------ginger, 4 do. Mix. May be taken every four hours. In dropsy. TONIC. R. Simaruba bark in powder, 1 scruple, Opium, do. 1-4 grain. Mix. May be taken every three hours. In dysentery, after the bowels have been cleared. PILLS. OPIATE R. Opium, 1 grain. Made into a pill. To procure sleep in ordinary cases. ANTISPASMODIC. R. Opium, 1-2 grain, Castor, 6 do. Fox-glove, 1 do. Syrup, q. s. , .Make into a pill, and repeat it three times a day. PILLS. 17S CATHARTIC R. Scaramony in powder, 4 grains, Extract of dandelion, 16 do. Make six pills; take three morning and evening. In hypochondriasis and chronic liver complaints. R. Calomel, 3 grains, Jalap in powder, 9 do. Mucilage of Gum Arabic, q. s. Make into three piHs, to be taken at night. To empty the bowels in bilious affections. R. Rhubarb in powder, 11-2 drachms, Soap, (Castile) 15 grains. Moisten with water, and make 24 pills; take as occa<- .slou requires. In costiveness, arising from deficiency of tile in the in- testinal canal. DIURETIC R. Fox-glove in powder, 12 grains, Calomef, 4 do. Extract of dandelion, q. s. Make 12 pills, to be taken every eighth hour. In dropsy of the chest, with obstructions. diaphoretic, (sweating.) R. Tartar emetic, 2 grains, Opium, /5 do. Camphor, 36 do. Alcohol, 3 drops. Make 12 pills; take one every 4 hours. In fevers. 1 70 PILLS. expectorant, (raising from the lungs.) R. Squills in powder, 30 grains, Gum ammoniac, 1 1-2 drachms, Extract of hemlock, 30 grains. Make 30 pills ; take one or two every six hours. In asthma and chronic catarrh. TONIC AND PURGATIVE COMBINED. R. Ammoniated iron, 1 drachm, Extract of aloes, ---------gentian, of each 1-L' do. Make into thirty pills; take two or three each day. In indigestion, hysterics, scrophula, and in obstructions. AMEUICAX REMEDIES. ADVERTISEMENT. The reader who may be skilled in botany, is requested to notice that the first term applied to the subsequent plants, is always the name of the lowest division above species, that has received a name, whether this division happens to be genus or sub-genus; and that the writer does not, by this selection of appellations, intend bjwiny means to go into the question, whether the Linnsean or Tournefortian genera are to be preferred ;—whether sub- genera are to be elevated to the rank of independent ge- nera, or whether they are still to remain in subordination, and as tributaries. It is to be observed likewise that the writer of these sketches, thinks it but justice to acknowledge, that for a considerable proportion of the unequivocally ascertained facts respecting those articles of which there has never, heretofore, been any published account, he is indebted to Eli Ives, M. D. of New-Haven, now Professor of Botany and Materia-medica in Yale-Colle ge, whose pupil he was, some years since. INTRODUCTION TO AMERICAN REMEDIES. COLLECTION AND PRESERVATION OF SIMPLES. Vegetable matters intended for medicine should be collected from where they grow spontaneously, in general from high and dry soils. Roots should be gathered before the plant shoots, or af- ter the sap has returned in the autumn. They should be dried without washing; after drying they should be cleaned with a brush, and freed from worm-eaten and de- cayed parts, with a knife. Such as lose their virtue by drying, should be preserved in dry sand. Herbs and leaves, are to be gathered when they are in full vigour; aroraatics, when the flower buds are opening. They are usually tied in bunches, and hung up under a roof; if they are juicy, they may be dried on a seive, near a stove. Sprouts are collected before the buds open. Stalks are gathered in autumn. Barks in spring and autumn. Barks should be taken from young trees, and freed from all impurities. Woods should be gathered in spring and autumti, but from trees not very young. Flowers are collected after the dew is off, before noon. Seeds and fruits are to be gathered when ripe, but be- fore they fall spontaneously. This is a rule with excep- tions. 180 EXTRACTS. PREPARATIONS. * INFUSION. Upon a handful of the article, pour on boiling water till a coffee bowl may be filled of the strained liquor; it should stand in a covered vessel, fifteen or twenty min- utes. Dose, a full draught, unless differently prescribed. We use infusion for those articles which have virtues liable to be driven off by heat in continued boiling. DECOCTION. Proceed as for Infusion, but continue the boiling gently, for a sufficient length of time to obtain the wished for product. EXTRACTS. To any quantity of the article, pour on a large quanti- ty of water; boil away one third or one half; strain through thick cloth ; put the strained liquor into a small kettle; set it into a large one with water previously put in it. This precaution will prevent the burning of the extract, which totally ruins it. Evaporate to the consistence of honey or wax. Note.—When extracts are prepared from poisonous plants, as hemlock, henbane, lettuce, stramoniun?, and the like ; the fresh plant, as the flowers fall off, should be gathered, cut up and bruis- ed in water in a wooden mortar; then the lluid pressed out of them through a thick cloth The liquor to be treated as the strain- ed liquor for the common extract. AMERICAN REMEDIES. Abies balsamifera. Michaux. Balsam of Canada, Balsam of Fir. \ liquid resin, or turpentine exudes from this tree, which taken freely, proves laxative, increases the dis- charge of urine, assists in raising phlegm from the Iungsj and in females, promotes the monthly discharge. In smaller doses and continued for some time, it strengthens the stomach and bowels, and promotes healthy action in the lungs, liver, and urinary organs. In reference to these effects, it may be given in cases of habitual costiveness, in piles, in colic, in moderate cases of jaundice, in chronic coughs, in old pains of the breast and side, in ulcerated or weakened states of the womb, and urinary organs, in gravel, whites, gleet, and in chronic rheumatism. By way of injection, it is very celebrated in colic; and as an external application, it is much used in eruption of the skin, in vitiated ulcers, in burns, in punctured or contused wounds, to promote suppuration, and to recently cut wounds, to promote adhesive inflammation. It should not be used where there is active inllammation. In the small quantities, in which it is commonly employed, by com- mon people, nothing can be more insignificant; and if used freely, it can be properly adapted to the symptoms only by a Physician. Improperly used it produces bloody stools, bloody urine, &c. and aggravates the symptoms which it was intended to relieve. 16 182 AMERICAN REMEDIES. \bies Canadensis. Michaux. Hemlock-Spruce, Canada-Fir. This affords a liquid resin, or turpentine, which has all the properties of Balsam of Fir, and which may be used in the same way, and in the same cases. From this tree, as well as from the Abies balsamifera, an essential oil may lie obtained, which has all the properties of common oil of turpentine. This oil dissolved in spirit of wine, is in much popular repute, under the name of essence of Hem- lock. Strong tea, made by boiling the young branches, is much used as a sweating drink, at the outset of colds, and low-fevers, for the purpose of breaking them up, and frequently with success. Achillea Millefolium. Liune. Yarrow, MiUfoil. This herb is bitter and spicy to the taste. The ex- pressed juice is strengthening, and carminative. It is use- ful in indigestion, air in the stomach and bowels, hyster- ical and spasmodic complaints, &c. The recent plant is much better than the dry. The fresh roots have the prop- erties of the Coutrayerva of the shops. Achyranthes-repens. Elliott. Forty-knot. The whole pl.-int made into a strong tea by boiling, sensibly increases the uiinary discharge. In suppression AMERICAN REMEDIES. 18o of urine, or difficulty of evacuating it, it is commonly a successful remedy. It must be drank freely, whilst it is warm. Acorus Calamus. Linne. Sweet-Flag, Myrtle-Flag, Sweet-Calamus, Swect-Myr- tie-grass. The root has a strong but grateful aromatic-smell, and a pungent bitterish taste. Its flavour is much improved by drying. For medicinal purposes this article is not in- feriour to Nutmeg, or Cinnamon. It may be combined with strengthening remedies to hasten or increase their effect, or it may be used by itself, in cramps of the sto- mach, &c. Withering informs us that it is capable of curing some cases of fever and ague. The juice obtained by expression of the recent root, after being reduced to a pulp in a mortar, is said to be a mild emetic. The dry powder snuffed into the nose produces sneezing. Act^a alba. Willdenow. Whit e- Cohosh, Coral-and-Pearl. The root tastes spicy and bitter, and has stronger sen- sible properties, when recent, than when dry. Made into a strong tea, and drank freely, it produces perspiration, and relieves restlessness. It is useful in chronic-rheuma- 184 AMERICAN REMEDIES. tism, low-fevers, hysterics, «i*c. It should not be given where there is inflammatory fever, or active inflamma'- tion. \CTJEA RUBRA. WUldeUOW. Herb-Christopher, Rcd-Cohosh, Red-bane-berry. Phis has the properties of White-Cohosh, and may be used in the same manner, except that it seems to be rather more powerful. \gave Virginica. Linne. I 'hick-leaved-Snake-root, Rattle-snake's-master. The root of this article is bitter. Steeped in spirit, it is much used in some places, as a remedy for colics, from air in the bowels. It is an article deserving of notice. Aletris alba. Michaux. Star-grass, Star-root, Colic-root, DeviPs-bit, Unicorn. The root is a smart bitter, and strengthening medicine. When taken in sufficient quantity, it purges. It has been used with benefit in agues, accompanied with dropsical swellings, in indigestion accompanied with nervous symp- toms and sickness, and in hysteric and flatulent colic. It may be taken in the form of strong tea, made either by AMERICAN REMEDIES. 185 steeping or boiling, or in dry powder, or occasionally in spirit. Aletris aurea. Michaux. Star-wort, DeviVs-bit, Shaw-root. The root of this species possesses the same properties as that of A. alba. Both are sometimes steeped in vine- gar for medicinal purposes, but this preparation cannot be as good, as a similar one, in water, or spirit. Alnus serrulata. fVilldenow. Hazle-Alder, Candle-Alder. The bark tastes astringent, and bears considerable re- semblance in sensible properties, to Peruvian bark. It is a good strengthening medicine, and may be used in cases of indigestion, agues, the secondary stages of bowel com- plaints or laxes, and in low fevers. It may be given in the form of fine powder, or strong tea, made either by steeping, or boiling, or it may be put into spirit. Amaryllis Atamasco. Linne. Atamasco-Lilly, Stagger-grass. This article has the popular reputation of being poison- ous, and of producing the disease in calves, which is call 16* 18b' AMERICAN REMEDIL* ed staggers. This is rather questionable, as the disease appears where the plant is never found. It is mentioned here with a view to turn the public attention to the sub- ject, because if it possesses what are commonly called poisonous qualities, it is no doubt capable of curing dis- eases. Ambrosia elatior. Linne. Bitter-weed, Roman-Worm-wood, Rag-weed, Iron-weed. This whole plant has a bitter disagreeable taste, but in the form of strong tea, it is useful in nervous and hysteric- al cases, and in after pains. It promotes perspiration, and is composing and strengthening. It should be drank freely. Andromeda nitida. Walter. Male-Whortleberry, Sour-wood, Sorrel-tree. The leaves are agreeably acid to the taste. A strong tea made by boiling, cures the itch, and some other erup- tions of the skin. It should be applied warm. It gene- rally causes smarting. One application is frequently suf- ficient. Anemoides quinquefolia. Persoon. Wind-flower. This plant is said to be acrid to the taste, and when ex- ternally applied to the skin, to be capable of producing AMBRICAN REMEDIES. 187 redness, and blistering. This effect is said to be more speedy, less painful, and equally serviceable, as the effect of the Spanish-fly. The plant should be bruised before it is applied. Anemoides Virginiana. Persoon. Thimble-weed, Virginian Anemony, Wind-flower. This plant has similar sensible and medicinal qualities to Anemone nemorosa, except that it is much more power- ful, and may be used in the same way as is directed for that. It is likewise of use internally in suppressions of the monthly evacuation in women, when dependent upon weakness exclusively, in blindness from obscurities in that part of the eye called the cornea, in venereal pains, and tumours of the bones, and ulcers from rottenness, in in- durated glands, in chronic-creeping eruptions, and in melancholy, and palsies. The distilled water and extract, are the only forms in which it is known to have been giv- en. Half an ounce of the former, and five or six grains of the latter, two or three times in a day, is a customary dose. It generally produces some sickness and vomiting, some increased discharge of urine, a lax, and frequently some increased pain, in the seat X>f the local complaint, for which it is given. It should not be used, except by physicians. Angelica atropurea. Linne. Purple-Angelica. The root of this plant is fragrant and spicy, and is use- ful in hysterics, cramps, air in the stomach, and a variety 188 AMERICAN Rl MEDI1>. of such complaints. The powder made by grating th* root, will be the most convenient form of giving it. \\ a- tcr does not extract its virtues. Angelica lobata. Waller. Angelica. The root of this article has the same properties as An- gelica atropurpurea, and may be used for the same pur- pose, and in the same manner. Angelica triquinata. Michaux. Wild-Angelica. This plant possesses medicinal properties, but of pre- cisely what nature is not entirely settled. Its power*. have been said to be similar to the other species of Angel- ica, by some; and by others, it has been considered to be one of those virulent poisons analogous to Cicuta maculata. Till these disputes are settled, there should be the greatest caution in its use. On either hand it is probably a valuable medicine, but should not be meddled with by common people. Anthemis Cotula. Linne. May-weed, Mathen, Stinking-Chamomile. The whole of this plant has the same properties as Chamomile, except that it is much less agreeable. By AMERICAN REMEDIES. 189 different management, it may be made to give strength to the stomach, to promote perspiration, or to vomit. A cold tea made by steeping or boiling in water, or a prepa- ration made in spirit, taken moderately, gives strength. A hot tea, drank strong and plentifully, promotes perspira- tion, and vomits. In some one of these ways, it is useful in hysterics, cramps, and colics, from air in the bowels, &c. A strong tea is likewise a good fomentation in external inflammations, and other cases where fomenta- tions are proper, and makes an excellent injection. The bruised herb is frequently a good addition to a poultice. The American plant is probably a distinct species from the European. The latter has mild blistering properties, which the former is entirely destitute of. Apocynum androscemifolium. Linne. Dog's-bane, Indian Hemp, American Ipecac. This plant is milky, and acrid to the taste. The bark of the root, in doses of thirty or forty grains, sometimes vomits, and has been recommended as a substitute for Ipecac. From its intense bitterness, however, and its trifling emetic powers, it is thought to promise more as a strengthening remedy. A strong tea, made by boiling the root, cures the itch, but sometimes takes off the skin from tender parts. Aralia hispida. Michaux, Wild-Elder, Bristly-Ash, Poison-Elder. The root of this article is a good vomit. 190 AMERICAN REMEDIES. Aralia nudicaulis Linne. Sarsaparilla, Wild-Sarsaparilla. This has been erroneously supposed by common peo- ple to be the same as the Sarsaparilla of the shops. The root is the only part used, and this seems to be much more powerful when recent, than when dry. A strong tea, made by boiling, promotes perspiration, cures some erup- tions of the skin, is serviceable in chronic rheumatism, and is a good restorative, after a course of mercury. It may be advantageously combined with Sassafras, Mezereum, &c. Aralia racemosa. Linne. Spikenard, Hungary-root, Wild-Liquorice, Petty-Mor- rel,Life of man. The fresh root is full of a juice which resembles tur- pentine in taste. It is better in this state, than when dry. A strong tea made either by steeping or boiling, is useful in thrush and canker of the mouth, and in very mild cases of malignant sore throat. The recent root, bruised to a pulp in a mortar, makes a useful poultice, for ill condi- tioned sores. Aralia spinosa. Linne. Angelica-tree, Tooth-ache-tree, Pigeon-wood^ Shot-bm/>. Prickly-Ash, Hercules-club. A strong tea made of the bark of the fresh root, both vomits and purges. It is perhaps a better vomit than anv AMERICAN REMEDIES. 191 of our native plants. An extract, prepared by boiling the root in water, makes an excellent purge. Drying very much weakens its active properties. Given with a view to the above mentioned effects, this medicine is efficacious in the bites of snakes and other venomous reptiles. In smaller doses it is useful in many eruptions of the skin, and in rheumatism, especially if connected with venereal complaints. The bark of the top, and the berries infused in spirit, relieve certain colics, and sometimes the tooth- ache. The medicine generally produces perspiration, but should not be given in fever, or in cases of local active inflammation. Arbutus Uva-Ursi. Limit. Vva-Ursi, Bear's Whortleberry, Bear-berry, Beards- grape. The leaves are astringent, and moderately bitter to the taste. A strong tea made by boiling, is useful in gravel, ulcerated states of the urinary organs, weakness of the same parts, suppressions of urine, &c. and likewise in ma- ny hectical cases. It seems to produce its beneficial ef- fects, by giving strength, operating as an astringent, and moderately increasing the urinary discharge. Archyrocoma Americana. Persoon. Everlasting, Life-everlasting, Sweet-Lavender-Cotton, Indian-posy, Cud-weed. The smell of the flowers of this plant is peculiarly ipleasant and grateful. A tea made by steeping evidently 192 AMERICAN REMEDIES. promotes perspiration more than simple water, and the stomach will bear a great deal more of it, without incon- venience, than it will of water. Hence it is a useful drink in the early stages of fevers and colds. Arctium Lappa. Linne. Burdock, Clot-bur, Hur-bur. The seeds, made into strong tea, and taken freely, pow- erfully promote perspiration, or if the patient is kept cool, the discharge by urine. Taken in this way, this article is useful in chronic rheumatism, the secondary symptoms of venereal complaints, and in many cases of eruptions of the skin. The roots possess the same properties. The recent wilted leaves are a good application to the feet when dry, in fever, to swelled bowels, and in a great vari- ety of local pains. Aristolochia Serpentaria. Linne. Virginio>Snake-root, Birtli-wort. The root has a very pungent and spicy bitter taste. Taken in powder, in doses of twenty or thirty grains, 01 in the form of tea made by steeping, it promotes perspi- ration, and gives strength. It is useful in the secondary stages of all low fevers, and cases of mortification. It sometimes relieves cramps of the stomach. Boiling in- jures it very much. The tea, made as above directed, AMERICAN REMEDIES. 19a and very strong, is serviceable in the bites of snakes, and venomous reptiles. It must be drunk freely. Aristolocijia Sipho. VHeritier. Birth-wort, Snake-root. The root has the same sensible and medicinal proper- ties as Aristolochia Serpentaria, except that it is more bitter, and less spicy to the taste, and more permanent in its effects. It may be prepared in the same manner, and /iven in much the same cases. Aronia Arbutifolia. Persoo/i. Choke-berry. The fruit tastes rough and astringent, and in the form of conserve, may be used in fevers and bowel complaints, to correct the state of the mouth. A strong tea made by boiling the bark of the root, has some popular reputation, for the relief of chronic rheumatism ; but with what foun- dation is doubtful. Artemisia Absinthium. Linne. Worm-wood. The expressed juice of the leaves of this article, is a "uittei* strengthening medicine, which is sometimes used i« 1? 194 AMERICAN REMEDIES. moderate cases of indigestion, hypochondrias, the slighr jaundice in the spring season, and in cases of worms. A table spoonful is a medium dose. It may be taken about four times a day, at as nearly equal intervals as is conven- ient. Arum Dracontium. Linne. Green Dragon, Dragon-root. The root of this plant has the same sensible properties as Arum Triphyllum. It may be prepared in the same way, and given in the same cases. Arum triphyllum. Linne. Wild-turnip, Indian-turnip, Dragon-root, Wake-robin. The medicinal virtues of this root, reside altogether in an acrid principle, which cannot be extracted, either by cold or hot water, by milk, by wine or spirit, or by vine- gar or any other acid. It is entirely destroyed by age, and drying; and likewise, by too much pounding. In or- der to use it in medicine, it must be reduced to a pulp in something oily, mucilaginous or saccharine, and suitably diluted, must be taken in this form. It is useful in old cases of asthma, chronic coughs, especially in old people, and in cases of accumulation of phlegm in the stomach and bowels. Bruised to a pulp, with lard, it is a good ex- ternal application, in all those cases, in which volatile liniment is prescribed by Physicians. AMERICAN REMEDIES. 193 Asarum Arifolium. Michaux. The root is said to have the same sensible and medi- cinal properties, as Asarum Canadense. It may be pre- pared in the same way, and given in the same cases. Asarum Canadense. Linne. Colts-foot, Snake-root, Wild-Ginger. The root of this article has a bitterish, and very spicy taste, something resembling Virginia-Snake-root, and Gia- ger. A strong tea made by steeping, promotes perspira- tion, and strengthens the stomach. Its values are however best extracted by spirit. Boiling injures it. It is useful in the secondary stages of all low fevers, cramps of the stomach, and most nervous symptoms that are connected with weakness. Asarum Virginicum. Linne. The root has much the same properties as Aristolochia Serpentaria. It may be prepared in the same way and used in the same cases. Asclepias acuminata. Pursh. The root of this species very closely resembles that of Asclepias tuberosa. It may be prepared in the same 1£6 AMERICAN REMEDIED way, and used in the same rases. The recent root as in. all the other species, is more powerful than the dry. Asclepias pulchra. Willdenow. Water-silk-weed, Hairy-silk-weed, Lobelia. The sensible properties of this root differ considerably from the most common species of this numerous family. Its taste is pungent bearing some resemblance to tobacco. Taken in the form of strong tea, in doses of a wine-glass full, it promotes perspiration, increases the urinary dis- charge, assists to raise phlegm from the lungs, &c. and is a good restorative after a mercurial course. It is useful n chronic rheumatism, chronic coughs, asthmas, and ca- tarrhal affections in general. It has sometimes done good in cases of gleet, and when taken in substance, brought away worms. It probably possesses the most medicinal efficacy, of any of the American species of this genus. Its effects have been compared to Seneca-Stiake-root, or to hops andguaiacum in combination. Asclepias Syriaca. Linne. Milk-weed, Silk- Weed, Swallow-teort, Butterfly-wee^. This is the most common species of Asclepias in the United States, and the greatest proportion of the Ameri- can Milk-weeds resemble it iu medicinal as well as sensi- AMERICAN REMEDIES. 197 ble properties. A strong tea, made by boiling the root, promotes perspiration, but more especially the urinary discharge; and if taken freely, seldom fails of proving laxative. It has been used principally in dropsies, as an assistant to a customary course. Asclepias tuberosa. Linne. White-root, Flux-root, Pleurisy-root, Butterfly-weed, Harvest-flower, Wind-root. A strong tea of the root of this plant, made either by boiling or steeping in water, is quite useful to promote perspiration. The powder of the root, taken in substance, is a mild laxative, especially relieving those symptoms that proceed from air in the stomach. In mild inflamma- tions of the lungs and liver, and in dysenteries, this article may frequently be made a useful auxiliary to a more ener- getic course, and it may sometimes be employed with ad- vantage, as a purgative for children. The taste of this root is first sweetish and mucilaginous, then somewhat bit- ter. As a laxative for children, it may be boiled in milk Atriplex mucronata. Rafinesque. Jagged-Orache. The fruit of this article contains a juice, which, when inspissated, resembles the gamboge of the shops, both in 17* 19S AMEjaiCAN REMEDIES. sensible and medicinal qualities. In a dose from five to ten grains, it is said to operate as a powerful purgative, and is supposed to be especially suited to certain cases of .asthma and dropsy. Berberis Canadensis. Pursh. Berberry, Pipperidge-bush. The inner bark is a pretty pure bitter. It gives strength. and proves laxative. It i9 useful in torpor of the liver and bowels. Th" fruit is intensely acid, and is grateful and cooling in low fevers and fluxes. Betula lenta. Linne. Black-Birch, Sweet-Birch, Cherry-Birch, Mountain-Ma- hogany. The bark of the young branches is sweet, spicy, fra- grant and astringent. It contains a pungent essential oil, very nearly resembling, if not identical with that from Gaultheria procumbens. This oil promotes perspiration, and the discharge by urine, and relieves nervous and spasmodic complaints. It is useful in cramps of the sto- mach, spasmodic asthma, suppressions of urine, and grav- el, jwhen not attended with inflammation. Indeed, it nev- er does good, in cases attended with any actively inflam- matory symptoms. AMERICAN REMEDIES. 199 Brachystemum Liniiolilm. Willdenow. Wild-Hyssop, Mountain-Mint. A strong tea, made by steeping this plant, is a good sweating drink in the beginning of low fevers. The es- sential oil resembles that from American-Penny-royal, and may be used for that in every case. It relieves cramps of the stomach, old coughs, sickness, vomiting, and griping of the bowels, in cases of a lax, &c. It does good, ex- ternally applied, in chronic rheumatism, and the seconda- ry stages of sprains and bruises. Bromus purgans. Linne. Purging-Brome. This plant is capable of operating as a purgative. Cenotus Canadensis. Nuttall. ColVs-Tail. The whole of the plant is pungent to the taste. Tak- en internally in the form of decoction, it promotes perspi- ration, and discharge of urine, and seems to operate upon the stomach and bowels, like any of the aromatics. It is useful in gravel, and most of the diseases of the urinary organs, when not accompanied by active inflammation. It has likewise proved a useful auxiliary in the treatment of laxes, and other bowel complaints, and likewise in many cases of dropsy. It is commonly taken in the form of strong tea, made by boilirig; 200 AMERICAN REMEDIES. Calla Virginicv. Michaux. The root of this plant has the same sensible and medi- cinal properties as Arum triphyllum. It may be prepar- ed in the same way, and given in the same cases. Calystegia Sepium. Brown, Great-bear-bind, Hedge-bear-bind, Poison-vine. The expressed juice dried till it is of the consistence of pitch, or an extract, made by boiling the plant in water, straining and boiling away the liquor, is a powerful purga- tive. Its operation may be rendered mild, by combining it with a little opium, or even with liquorice, sugar or com- mon gum. As a purge it is peculiarly adapted to drop- sies. From ten to twenty, or even thirty grains of these preparations are proper doses. Caprifolium Periclymenum. Persoon. Honey-suckle, Wood-bind. The berries are a strong purgative. Carthamus trinctorius. Linne. Sajflower. The seeds of this plant, reduced to a pulp, and taken AMERICAN REMEDIES'. 201 internally, prove a griping purgative. The flowers in the form of tea, are a mild carminative and bitter strengthen- ing remedy. They are popularly supposed, to be the same as the Saffron of the sho'ps, but are in reality, as un- like that article, as chalk is to cheese. Cassia Marilandica. Linne. American-Senna, Wild-Senna. The leaves of this plant have been much recommended, and used, as a substitute for the Senna of the shops; but they are but little more than half as powerful. Not less than an ounce, made into a tea by steeping, (boiling im- pairs its power,) will be sufficient to operate as physic.— The extract of the root, is said to be much more effica- cious, and capable of operating in a less dose. The strong tea of the leaves, makes a very good common in- jection. Caulophvllum Tmalictroides. Michaux. Blue-Cohosh, Pappoose-root, Squaw-root. The root tastes, at fijst, moderately bitter, but in a moment, a disagreeable pungency diffuses itself through the mouth, leaving a sense of acrimony in the throat, which somewhat resembles that, from Seneka-Snake-root, and from the green seed-capsules of the Moose-wood to- 202 AMERICAN REMEDIES'. gether. From its sensible properties, it would seem to possess the medicinal powers of a combination of Virgin- ia and Seneka-Snake-roots. A late empyrical writer re- commends it to promote the monthly evacuation in wo- men ; and says, it is likewise useful in certain cases of fever, rheumatism and dropsy. The Indians are said to have used it ad partum accelerandum. Its properties have not been investigated and. it is accordingly recora- oiiended to the notice of the public. Ceanothus Americanus. Linne. Red-root, New-Jersey-Tea, Continental-Tea. The bark of the root is an intense astringent and may be employed in all cases, where astringents are proper.— It maybe given in the form of tea, made by steeping, or boiling in water, or prepared in spirit, or even in sub- stance. It may be of use in the secondary stages of bow- el-complaints or laxes, in bleedings, accompanied with weakness, and in whites; also as a gargle in canker and thrush. The leaves possess a much less degree of as- tringency, and were much used, during the revolutionary war, as a substitute for tea. Cephalanthus occidentals. Linne. Button-wood, Button-bush, Globe-flower, Head-flower^ Pond-Dog-wood, Dwarf-Elder. The inner bark of the root is an agreeable bitter, and AMERICAN REMEDIES. 203 has been used in obstinate chronic coughs, dropsies, con- sumptive cases, &c. It seems likewise to possess some astringency. It may be given in the form of dry powder, or of strong tea. Whether it possesses any other virtues than that of a mere strengthener, is not known. Cerasus Virginiana. Michaux. Wild- Cherry-tree, Black- Cherry-tree. The bark of this tree is a bitter strengthening medi- cine, but it contains a principle, which gives it some de- gree of that property, called by physicians narcotic. This combination of powers, renders it peculiarly suited to ca- ses of weakness, connected with some excessive "discharge, or with irritability, or pain, as in^hectical cases, connect- ed with discharge of matter from the lungs, the liver, or from the ulcers of king's-evil. It is likewise useful in the secondary stages of laxes and bowel complaints generally. It is commonly given in the form of strong tea. The fruit possesses less bitterness, with much mucilaginous, and some saccharine matter; otherwise it is similar to the bark. A gum similar to gum Arabic exudes from the tree. Chamjesycp corollata. Persoon. The root of this article possesses the same properties as that of Chameesyce Ipecacuanha?, except that it is said to be preferable. 204 AMERICAN REMEDIE.S. Cham-esyce Ipecacuanha. Persoon. Wild Ipecac, Spurge, Ipecacuanha. This though a humble plant, has a very deep root.— Pursh observes that he has dug more than six feet, and to all appearance bef»n as far from its end as ever. The powder of the dry root has very little taste or smell, and in doses of ten or fifteen grains, is a sure and safe vomit, always producing perspiration, and generally purging. It is not inferior to the South-American Ipecac, either for the general purposes of a vomit, or in the treatment of the early stages of low fevers. With opium and sulphate of potash, it makes good Dover's powder. It is thought to lie more certain in producing sweating, than even this celebrated preparation. Chelidonium majus. Linne. Celandine. The root of this article is an acrid, bitter, strengthen- ing medicine, possessing considerable power of removing obstructions in the bowels. It is useful in the secondary stages of coughs, jaundice, &c. in certain cases of indiges- tion, and in short, in most of the cases in which Blood- root is proper. It is likewise a good external application , to indolent and vitiated ulcers, and to many eruptions of the skin. For internal use, a strong tea is a common mode of preparation. For external application, the tea or an ointment made by bruising it to a pulp with lard, will answer. The yellow juice of ihe plant sometimes cures ring-worms, canker, 3?c. AMERICAN REMEDIES. 205 Chelone glabra. Linne. Snake-head. This plant is bitter to the taste, and is a good strength- ening remedy. It may be used in the form of strong tea made by steeping or boiling. It is proper in cases of in- digestion, loss of appetite, and weakness in general. Chenopodium Ambrosioides. Linne. Mexican- Goose-foot. The properties and medicinal uses of this article, are exactly similar to those of Chenopodium anthelminticurii. Chenopodium anthelminticum. Linne. Oak of Jerusalem, Worm-seed. The expressed juice of this plant, or the essential oil, possesses the power of relieving hysterical and spasmodic complaints, and warms. For the latter purpose^ the seeds are sometimes given in substance. An excessive dose of the oil sometimes produces bad symptoms. A tea, made either by steeping or boiling, possesses comparatively but little of the virtues of the plant. The last mentioned form is the only one, however, in which it may be administered safely, without the direction of a physician. 18 m 206 AMERICAN REMEl)lf>. Chenopodium Botrys. Li tint. Oak of Jerusalem, Oak of Cappadocia. The properties of this article are \ ery nearly similai to those of Chenopodium anthelminticum. Chimaphila corymbosa. Pursh. Pippsissewa, Winter-green, Princess-Pine, Ground-Hol- ly, Rheumatism-weed. Bitter and astringent to the taste. A strong tea made by boiling, is an efficacious remedy in dropsies, promoting the urinary discharge, and at the same time giving strength to the stomach and increasing the appetite. The tea is likewise useful in all diseases of the urinary organs that are not accompanied with any inflammatory symptoms. It possesses all the properties of Uva-Ursi, except in a much more eminent degree. The bruised leaves applied externally to tender parts raise blisters. It is capable of curing many cases of fever and ague. Extract is a very common form of preparation. Chimaphila maculata. Pursh. Variegated-winter-green, or Prince's-Pine. This possesses similar sensible and medicinal proper- ties to Chimaphila corymbosa; and it may be prepared and ^ministered in the same form and in the same cases. AMERICAN REMEDIES. 207 Chionanthus Virginica. Linne. Fringe-tree, White-Ash, Old-man's-beard. The root is used in the form of tea, as a remedy in long standing agues, and other chronic diseases. Chrysanthemum Leucanthemum. Linne. White-weed, Moon-flower, Oxe-eye-Daisy. \ strong tea made of this plant increases the urinary discharge. It is useful in cases of weakness, attended with sweating. It should be drunk freely, and the patient %ept cool. Cichorium Intybus. Linne. Hickory. The juice, and strong tea made by boiling, gives strength, and removes obstructions in the bowels. If taken very freely it proves laxative, and so cures many eruptions of the skin. Cicuta bulbifera. Linne. Wild-Fennel, Water-Cow-bane, Fennel-leaved-Cow-bane. This article is one of those poisons styled §y physi- cians narcotic. Its powers seem to be concentrated in 208 AMERICAN REMEDIED. the very acrid juice of the root. Its virtues are similar to those of Conium-maculatum, except that it is much more powerful. It is used in the cure of jaundice; it frequent- ly relieves that painful disease of the face called Tic-do- loureux, and it may be given as a palliative in cancer, and in old and painful venereal complaints. The plant in substance, or the extract, or a preparation in spirit, are proper forms. Common people should not meddle with it, as they value life ; as it requires much skill and judg- ment to manage it with safety. Cicuta maculata. Linne. • Wild-Carrot, Water-Hemlock, Snake-weed, Cow-bane, American-Hemlock. This is a poison of the same kind as Cicuta bulbifera. It should never be meddled with by common people. It may be prepared in the same way, and given in the same cases, as the above mentioned species, with the exception of the seeds, which differ in having less of the poisonous quality, and in having considerable heating and spicy properties. Dried and powdered, and given in doses from five to ten grains, they are useful in all cases of irritation of the urinary organs and lungs, when not accompanied with inflammatory symptoms, also in chronic cough, and ?»me cases of confirmed consumption, &c. Coccoloba uvifera. Linne. Sea-side-grape. One variety of the Kino of the shops is an extract from this plant. It is a good astringent, useful in bleedings. AMERICAN REMEDIES. 209 the secondary stages of bowel complaints, as a gargle ia canker of the mouth, and in sore throats, and in a variety of other cases. It may be prepared in water or spirit, ■•r • given in powder, as will be best suited to the case, Cochlearia Armoracia. Linne. Horse-radish. The root of Horse-radish is useful in palsy, chronk rheumatism, the secondary stages of dropsy, asthma, chro- nic coughs, &c. Its virtues reside in an essential oil, which may be obtained by distillation, and which is im- parted to water and spirit by steeping. Boiling of course dissipates it. It is perhaps best to take the root in sub- stance, grated fine. The leaves are a good external ap- plication, in all those cases in which Burdock leaves are recommended. They are, however, a much more power- ful application, and generally bHster. Comptonia Arplenifolia. Aiton. Sweet-Fern. The leaves and stems of this plant, when taken freely, promote perspiration, and seem to be moderately com- posing. In the form of strong tea, it has been recom- mended in cases of chronic-rheumatism, the secondary stages of venereal complaints, and as a restorative after a mercurial course. As a wash, applied externally, at the 18* 210 OlERK AN REMEDH>. same time that it is taken freely internally, it is considered by man)', to be peculiarly efficacious in curing many erup- tions of the skin, particularly St. Anthony's fire, and poisoning from swamp-sumac. • Conium ma( ulatum. Linne. Hemlock. All parts of this plant area virulent poison, but it may be used for very valuable purposes, as a medicine, and with perfect safety, by skilful, and judicious physicians. Giv- en in small doses, and at regular intervals, just so as to keep up the slightest possible dizziness of the head, and continued for a weak or two, it is very efficacious in jaun- dice, and other obstructions of the liver, in chronic rheu- matism, and the secondary stages of the acute ; in schii- rous and cancerous complaints; in old venereal cases; in that painful disease called Neuralgia, or by the French, Tic-dolourmx, and in short in any very painful chronic disease. Expressed inspissated juice, tincture, and sub- stance, are the common forms for administration. Convallaria Majalis. Linne. Lilly of the Valley. The extract of the root of this article, both in sensible properties, and medicinal qualities, resembles Aloes. It may be used in those cases to which Aloes is adapted, and in similar doses. AMERICAN REMEDIED. 2i I Convolvulus panduratus. Linne. Wild-Potatoe vine. The root of this article is supposed to possess mild purgative powers ; but these are too inconsiderable to ren- der it of much use in this point of view. The tea, made either by steeping or boiling, and taken freely, is said to be serviceable iu gravel. Coptis trifolia. Salisbury. Golden-thread, Mouth-root. The root is a very pure bitter, and strengthening medi- cine. Either alone, or combined with spices, it may be used in the secondary stages of low fevers, in chronic weakness of the stomach, and in almost every case in which strengthening remedies are proper. Its effects are similar to Gentian, Columbo, Quassia, &c. It may be prepared either in spirit, or made into strong tea. It is likewise good in substance, but is not easily reduced to powder. It has been supposed, but without the least foundation, to be useful in sore mouths. Cornus circinata. VHeritier. Round-leaved-Dog-wood. This bark has the same properties, and may be used in the same manner, and in the same cases, as Cornus flo- rida, and Cornus-sericea. >1 » AMERICAN REMEDIE-. Cornus Florida. Linne. Box-wood, Dog-wood, Box-tree, Dog-tree, Camel-tree. The bark of this tree is a good astringent, bitter, and strengthening medicine; useful in all cases in which Peru- vian bark is used. It may be given in powder, or in the form of tea, made by boiling or steeping. Unless it is dry, and about a year old, it will sometimes offend the stomach. A strong tea made of the flowers, is a ph asant substitute for that of red-rose leaves. Cornus sericea. Linne. Swamp-Dog-ivood, Blue-berried Dog-wood. The bark of this article has the same medicinal prop- erties as Cornus florida, and maybe used in the same way. It is even supposed to be preferable. Cltlera Catesb;ei. Rafinesque. Sampson''s-Snake-root. The dry root has a mucilaginous, sweetish, and in- tensely bitter taste. It may be used in powder, or in the form of strong tea, or steeped in spirit, to give strength, in cases of indigestion, the secondary stages of low-fever, and in weakness generally. It is supposed to have some pow- er of promoting perspiration. AMERICAN REMEDIES. 216 Cutlera ochroleuca. Rafinesque. Sampson's Snake-root. The root of this article has the same properties as that of Cutlera Catesbsei, except that it is apt to nauseate. Cutlera Saponaria. Rafinesque. The root of this article has the same properties as Cut- Hera Catesba?i. Datura Stramonium. Linne. Thorn-apple, Apple-Peru, Stink-ioeed. Every part of this plant is a strong poison, of that kind called by physicians, narcotic. Given internally it is use- ful in epilepsy, or falling-sickness, St. Vitus'-dance, con- vulsions of the disease called Tic-doloureux, when not oc- casioned by organic affection ; also in madness, suppres- sion of the monthly evacuation in females, and asthma, when accompanied by tendency to spasm ; also in rheu- matism of the loins and hips, with much pain. External- ly applied, it is serviceable in common inflammation, burns, ulcers, piles, accompanied with pain, and in cer- tain eruptions of the skin attended with heat and itching. The powder of the seeds and leaves, the extract, or a preparation in spirit arc suitable for internal use. Fo. 214 AMERICAN REMEDIES. asthma the dry leaves may be smoked ; for external use an ointment or the leaves may be used. Common peo- ple should never meddle with it, as it would be highly dangerous in their hands. Datura Tatula. Linne. Blue-thorn-apple, Purple-stink-weed. This, which is certainly a distinct species, from Da- tura Stramonium, has precisely the same properties, and may be used in the same way. Common people cannot be too cautious how they take these two articles internal- ly. It will never be safe, except under the direction of an experienced Physician. Delphinium Consolida. Linne. Lark-Spur. The seeds are capable of puking, purging and increas- ing the discharge by urine. They also relieve spasmodic complaints, cure eruptions of the skin, destroy worms iu the stomach and bowels, and lice of all kinds externally. It may be employed in the form of tea, made by boiling or steeping or in spirit. Asthma, whooping-cough, drop- sy and worms, are the diseases in which its internal use is proper. The itch and lice, are the cases in which its external application is advised. Common people ought not to use this article, without the advice and direction of AMERICAN REMEDIES. 215 a physician, since if it is used freely enough to do good, there will be danger of ill effects, without such precautions, as one skilled in medicine only can direct. Delphinium Staphisagria. Linne. Staves-acre, Bee-Lark-spur. The seeds of this article have the same medicinal prop- erties as those of common Lark-spur, except in a more eminent degree. Dentaria diphylla. Michaux. Tooth-wort, Pepper-wort, Coral-wort, Indian-Mustard. The root of this plant resembles mustard, in sensible properties, and may be used for it, both in diet and medi- cine. Diervilla lutea. Desfontaints. Yellow-upright-Honey-suckle. The young twigs have a sickish rather disagreeable taste and smell. In the form of strong tea, they some- times cure scaly and ring-worm-like eruptions of the skin and also relieve certain venereal complaints. The tea besides being drank freely should be applied externally 210 AMERICAN REMEDIES. and continued for a length of time. The medicinal qual- ities of this article are similar to those of Solanum-Dul- camara. Diospyrus pubescens. Pursh. Downy-Persimon or Date-Plumb. This article has the same properties as Diospyrus Vir- .'iniana. Diospyrus Virginiana. Linne. Persimon, Date-Plumb. The bark of the root is astringent and strengthening, and when taken freely, laxative. The ripe fruit, before it is mellowed by the frost, possesses the two first proper- ties in a less degree, and the last in a greater. Both the bark and the fruit have been supposed to be capable of de- stroying worms. A fine gum, like gum-Arabic exudes from the tree. The bark of the root is recommended in the secondary stages of bowel complaints, in canker of the mouth, worms, &c. The gum may be used as a substitute, for gum-Arabic. Erigeron Bellidjfolium. Willdenow. Roberta-Plantain, Rattle-Snake's-Plantain, Purple- Daisy. This plant has the same sensible properties, and medi- cinal powers, as Caenotus Canadensis. AMERICAN REMEDIES. 217 Erigeron Philadelphicum. Linne. Skevish, Philadelphia Flearbane. This has the same sensible properties, and medicinal powers, as Coenotus Canadensis. Eryngium fjetidum. Linne. Slinking- Eryngo, Stinking-Holly. This article has a very disagreeable smell. Pursh in- forms us that it is in high repute among the Savages of this country, as a medicine, but does not inform us how it is used. It probably possesses the properties of Eryngi- um Yuccifolium, which see, for preparatories, and cases to whieh it is suited. Eryngium Yuccifolium. Michaux. Buttort-Snake-root. The root of this plant has a pungent bitter and aromat- ic taste, and when chewed it excites a flow of saliva. A strong tea of this root promotes perspiration, assists in raising phlegm from the lungs, and if taken freely some- times vomits. It resembles Seneka-Snake-root, but is preferred by many to that article. 19 218 AMERICAN REMEDIES. Erythronium lanceolatum. Pursh. Adders-tongue, Adder's-violet, Dog's-tooth-violet. This article is capable both of vomiting and increasing the discharge by urine ; and is a remedy adapted to most cases of dropsy. The juice of the recent plant may be given in doses of a table-spoonful, or prepared in wine or cider, it may be given to twice the quantity as circum stances require. Euqsmus Benzoin. JVuttall. Spice-bush, Spice-wood, Benjamin-tree. A strong tea made by steeping or boiling the bark and twigs of this shrub, is considerably efficacious in promo- ting perspiration, and is a grateful- beverage in fevers.— The powdered bark has been recommended as a remedy for worms. Euosmus Sassafras. JVuttall. Sassafras. A strong tea made by steeping the bark, especially of the root, promotes perspiration, and the discharge of urine. It is useful in the early stages of low fevers, in gout, rheu- matism, and a variety of eruptions of the skin. It like- wise assists other medicines in old venereal complaints, and is something of a restorative after a mercurial course. AMERICAN REMEDIES. 219 A tea made of the pith of the twigs is mucilaginous, and is useful if drunk freely, in gravel and suppressions of urine. The essential oil, obtained by distillation, is a good application to old strains and inveterate cases of chronic rheumatism, creek in the back, &c. EUPATONIUM PERFOLIATUM. Lilltle. Thorough-wort, Thorough-stem, Thorough-wax, Cross' wort, Bone-set, Indian-Sage, Ague-weed, Vegetable- antimony. This article is very nauseously bitter to the taste. By different preparation and management, it may be made to produce a variety of effects. A strong tea prepared by long steeping, or by boiling, and taken freely while warm, may, according to the quantity, be made either to pro- duce perspiration and assist in raising phlegm from the lungs, or to purge, or to vomit. Taken cold, and in more moderate quantity, it gives strength. In one or other of these methods, it may be useful in common-cold, influen- za, malignant-pleurisy, low-fevers, Agues, indigestion, and weakness in general, being managed as above directed, ac- cording to the effect desired. Eupatorium purpureum. Linne. Queen-of-the-Meadow, Trumpet-weed, Gravel-weed. The leaves have similar properties to Thorough-wort, but are considerably weaker and less liable to vomit and 220 AMERICAN REMEDIES. purge. The root in substance powdered or grated, or in the form of strong tea, made by boiling, inci eases the dis- charge by urine, and strengthens the urinary organs. It is useful in suppressions of urine, bloody urine, gravel, and weakness of these parts generally. It has some popular reputation, in chronic Rheumatism; but it is uncertain with what reason. Rupatorium Teucrifolium. Willdenoiv. Wild-hoar-hound. The leaves of this plant are bitter to the taste. When made into a tea, either by steeping, or boiling, and drank warm, it promotes perspiration. If taken very freely, it vomits and purges moderately. If the tea is taken cold, it strengthens the stomach and bowels, and promotes the urinary discharge. Frasera verticillata. Muhlenberg. Pyramid-flower, Colomba-of-Marietta, Wild-Colomba, American-Colomba. The root is bitter and rather sickish to the taste. It is a good strengthening remedy, possessing in its recent state, considerable vomiting and purgative power, which is not altogether lost by drying. It is well adapted to the secondary stages of low fever, and may be taken earlier than most other articles of the kind. It is useful likewise AMERICAN REMEDIES. 221 ia chronic weakness of the stomach, especially when at- tended with .costiveness. It has been supposed to resem- ble the foreign Colomba, but it is much more like Gentian. Galium circ&zans. Michaux. Wild-Liquorice. The taste of this plant resembles the Liquorice of the shops, and in the form of strong tea, it is much used for it, in cases of cough, dryness and irritation of the throat, &c. It must however be admitted to be considerably inferior to it, for these purposes. The tea is sometimes used in cases of cold, as a laxative, for young children and infants. Its effects are probably very moderate. Gaultheria procumbens. Linne. Winter-green, Mountain-tea, Deer-berry, Partridge-ber- ry, Grouseberry, Tea-berry, Ground-Holly, Ground- Ivy, Spice-berry. A very elegant essential oil is obtained by distillation, which is quite a heating perspirative. It is useful in spas- modic asthma, in irritation about the urinary organs, lower intestines and womb, when not accompanied with any in- flammatory disposition. It likewise relieves cramps, from air in the stomach, &c. The leaves in substance are quite astringent as well as spicy. The tea which is much 19* 222 AMERICAN REMEDIES. used by common people contains but little of the virtue ol the plant. GELSEMINUM SEMPERVIRENS. Elliott. Carolina-Jessamine, Yellow-Jessamine. The flowers and root and probably the other parts of this beautiful shrub, are a poison, of that kind called by Physicians narcotic. The root steeped in spirit, has been used successfully for the cure of rheumatism. Geranium maculatum. Linne. Crane's-bill, Alum-root, Flux-root, American-Tor men- til, Crow-foot, Spotted-Geranium. The root is a pure and strong astringent much prefer- able to the Kino of the shops. It may be used with ad- vantage in bleedings accompanied with weakness, the secondary stages of laxes, in the whites, gleet, &c. like- wise in old gravelly-cases, and as a gargle in canker and thrush. Dry-powder, strong tea, or a preparation in spirit, are all good forms to give it in. Geum nutans. Rafinesque. Water-Avens, Avens-root, Herb-Bennet. The root of this plant is a strong astringent and •'trengthening medicine. The powder or a very strong AMERICAN REMEDIES. 223 tea made by boiling, is good in bleedings, the secondary stages of bowel complaints, sore mouths, &c. A weaker tea is good in chronic complaints of the lungs, indigestion, and weakness generally. It should be drunk with food, as it is a pretty good substitute for tea and coffee. Gillenia stipulacea. Barton. Indian-Physic, American-Ipecac. The root of this plant is recommended for the purpo- ses of a vomit, in all cases where the South-American Ip- ecacuanha would be proper. Its medium dose is consid- ered to be twenty or thirty grains, of the dry powder. Gillenia trifoliata. Moench. Beaumont's or Bowman's-root, Indian-Physic, American Ipecacuanha. The bark of this root, like that of Gillenia stipulacea, is considered to be emetic, like Ipecacuanha from South- America. It may be given in the same doses, and in the same cases as Ipecac. Gossipium herbaceum. Linne. Cotton-plant. The wool which invests the seeds has been highly re- commended as aa application to burns, but on repeated 224 AMERICAN REMEDIES. trial, it is found to produce no beneficial effects that may not be better obtained some other way; and its employ- ment frequently interferes with the use of better remedies, and often does much mischief. It is a useful application to indolent, inirritable, and vitiated ulcers, and of course to burns, when degenerated into such a state. Hedeoma Pulegioides. Persoon. American-Penny-royal. This plant makes an excellent sweating herb-tea in the forming or cold stage of fevers and colds. A fine essen- tial oil is obtained from it by distillation, which is not in- ferior to the oil of Marjoram, as an external application in bruises, sprains, chronic rheumatism, &c. Taken in- ternally in small quantity, it relieves cramps, pains in the stomach, &c. and promotes the effect of opium and astrin- gents in checking cholera and laxes. Taken freely in the cold and sinking stages of some low fevers, it does good; also in whooping and spasmodic coughs. A drop or two put daily into the ear in cases of deafness, from palsy of the nerve, sometimes cures. Helenium autumnale. Linne. Sneeze-weed. The leaves and flowers of this plant possess the power of exciting sneezing. The flowers are the strongest, and especially the central parts of them. A very small qunr AMERICAN REMEDIES. 225 tity of these reduced to a powder between the fingers or otherwise, produces a strong and durable impression, with- out any violent or dangerous effect. This article may be employed by itself, or in combination with other articles. Articles of this sort have sometimes been useful in certain kinds of inflammation of. the eye9, in blindness, from palsy •f the nerve of sight, in deafness, ear-ache, head-ache, and in rheumatic affections of the jaws and neighbouring parts. The whole plant is intensely bitter to the taste, and is recommended as a substitute for chamomile, which it re- sembles in sensible properties. He^onias dioica. Pursh. Unicorn, DeviVs-bit, Blazing-star, Star-wort, Colic-zroot. The roots are intensely bitter, and are a good strength- ening medicine, particularly calculated to improve the state of the stomach. In obstinate vomitings it frequent- ly gives speedy relief, and that even in cases of pregnan- cy. In chronic weakness, and in fever and ague, it is ca- pable of effecting a cure in a majority of cases. It is re- puted to be capable of destroying worms, ancl has been suspected of possessing anodyne properties, from the fact that it relieves some cases of colic. A strong tea, made by steeping, is the common method of using it. Helonias erythrosperma. Michaux. Fly-poison, Star-wort. The root is a poison, of that kind called by physicians narcotic It is capable of stupifying insects, and even 226 AMERICAN REMEDIES. rats. It is a useful article, belonging to that class of med- icines in which Opium, Foxglove, Thorn-apple, &c. are placed. It should not be used, except by physicians. It may be reduced to a pulp in a mortar with honey or mo- lasses, or it may be given in the form of tea, and probably prepared in spirit. Hepatica triloba. Willdenow. Liver-ioort, Herb-Trinity. The leaves are moderately astringent and strengthen- ing, and have been supposed to be suited to cases of disor- dered stomach and liver, in connexion. Dry powder in doses of a tea-spoonful, or strong tea drank freely, is the customary preparation. This article is, in reality, worth little. Heuchera viscid a. Pursh. Alum-root, American-Sanicle. This root is roughly astringent to the taste, possessiag very little character beside. Its properties are similar to those of geranium maculatum, which see, for preparations and doses, and cases, to which it may be suited. Hibiscus palustris. Lanne. Marsh-Mallows. This root, by boiling, affords a great abundance of a good mucilage, which is useful in hoarseness, pleurisies, dysenteries, gravel, stranguary, and scalding of urin'. AMERICAN REMEDIES. 22? Humulus Lupulus. Linne. Hop. The medicinal powers of the hop depend entirely upoa the yellow powder, which is so abundant in the fruit. It is strengthening'and anodyne, and in some cases is a tole- rable substitute for opium. This powder is best taken in the form of a pill, but it is sometimes used steeped in spirit. It is useful in indigestion, hysterics, melancholy, vapours, obstinate-watchfulness, chronic-rheumatism, &c. A strong tea made by boiling the roots, is useful to pro- mote perspiration in the last mentioned disease. Hydrastis Canadensis. Ellis. Yellow-root. The root of this plant is one of our strongest and purest simple bitters, and strengthening remedies. It may be given in the form of powder, or of strong tea made by boiling, in indigestion, the secondary stages of low fevers, and all cases of weakness in general. The tea when cold, and carefully strained, is supposed to be an efficacious wash in many cases of inflamed eyes. Hyoscyamus niger. Linne. Henbane, Black-Henbane. The extract, and inspissated expressed juice of this plant, has been recommended as a substitute for opium; 228 AMERICAN REMEDIES. and in some instances it has appeared to answer very well, but in general it will be found to fall infinitely short of it. It is uncertain, both in relieving pain, and producing sleep, and it is liable to produce nausea and dizziness. Besides, in order to produce any continued effect, the dose must be very rapidly increased, and even then it soon ceases to give the desired relief. It is recommended only to alleviate pain, and produce sleep. Hypericum parviflorum. Willdenow. Low-Centaury. The whole of this plant has a moderately bitter, and excessively disagreeable taste. It has had considerable popular reputation as a strengthening remedy in indiges- tion, loss of appetite, and weakness generally, but it is not likely ever to come into much repute, so long as we have so many preferable articles. Strong tea made by boiling is its most proper form. Hypericum perforatum. Linne. John's-wort. This plant is an acrid, and rather unpleasant bitter. It has been considered to be a good strengthening remedy, but is at present entirely out of use. The leaves given in substance, have been reputed to destroy worms. AMERICAN REMEDIES. 229 Ilex opaca. Alton. American-Holly. The berries of this tree are strongly purgative, and taken to the number of fifteen or twenty, excite vomiting. It is probable that in the form of syrup, prepared like that of Buck-thorn-berries, it would be a useful addition to the medicines now in use. The inspissated juice, wrought into pills, would quite likely be another convenient form of preparation. Imperatoria Ostruthium. Linne. Master-wort. Tiie roots and seeds are a strong, but not very pleasant aromatic. They have been used internally, to relieve cramps of the stomach, and pain from flatulence, and like- wise to promote the effect of common bitter, and strength- ening remedies. It is much more used, however, in the form of strong tea made by boiling, for injections in cases of colic, and distention of the bowels with air,&c. Inula Helenium. Linne. Elecampane. The recent root has a pleasant spicy smell, and some pungency and bitterness to the taste. In substance, or in 20 230 AMERICAN REMEDIES. the form of strong tea made by boiling, it relieves hoarse- ness, chronic coughs, &c. It has been supposed to pos- sess some efficacy in removing obstructions of the bowels. Iris gracilis. Bigelotv. The root of this species has the sanje medicinal and ather properties, as Iris versicolor and Virginica. Iris versicolor. Linne. Blue-Flag, Flower-de-Luce. Phe root has a very nauseous taste, which is soon fol- lowed by a sense of heat, and pungency. A few grains of it, in a recent state, is an active and certain purgative, very apt, however, to produce nausea and languor. By drying, its powers are considerably impaired, and a much larger quantity is necessary. These roots, made into a strong tea, or steeped in spirits, promote the discharge of urine, and are often capable of curing dropsies. An oint- ment made of them, when fresh, if sufficiently strong, cures the itch, and many other eruptions of the skin, and is a good application to inflamed breasts, and to indolent, inirritable,.and vitiated ulcers. Iris Virginica. Linne. Flower-de-Luce. • The root of this species has the same properties as Iris versicolor, and may be prepared and used in the same way, and in the same cases. AMERICAN REMEDIES. 231 Jeffersonia diphylla. Barton. The root of this article has the same medicinal proper- ties as that of Podophyllum pellatum. Iuglans cinerea. Linne. Butter-nut, Oil-nut, White-Walnut. An extract from the inner bark of this tree, especially of the root, operates as a purgative in doses of fifteen, twenty, or thirty grains. Age impairs its power. It seems to be peculiarly suited to cases of habitual costive- ness, and has been considered almost a specific in diar- rhoea and dysentery. The bark of the root should be collected in May or June: after cleaning, cutting and bruising, should have eight times its weight of water added to it; it should then be boiled to one half, strained through thick cloth, and after- wards evaporated to the consistence of thick honey, at such a distance from a fire that it shall not be burnt in the least. It may then be dried in a warm oven till it will pill; take four or five pills the size of a pea. Note.—All extracts should be thus made, if they are burnt they are tffectually spoiled. Juniperus depressus. Rafinesque. American-Juniper. The berries prepared by boiling in water or steeping in spirit, promote the discharge of urine, and are used in 232 AMERICAN REMEDIES. "dropsies, but they are rather to be employed to proinoU th s effect of other articles, than relied on alone. The leaves prepared by boiling in water, and applied exter- nally, cure itch, and some other eruptions of the skin. Taken internally, this same preparation is serviceable in chronic rheumatism, and suppression of the monthly evac- uation of women, when unaccompanied with any inflam- matory symptoms. The whole virtues of this article re- side iu an essential oil, which may be obtained by distil- lation. In its pure state, its medicinal qualities are some- what similar to oil of turpentine. Lactuca elongata. Muhlenberg. Tall-Lettuce, Wild-Lettuce. The expressed inspissated juice is anodyne, and pro- motes the discharge by urine, and likewise favours perspi- ration, and obviates costiveness. It is recommended in dropsies proceeding from obstructions in some internal part, particularly in dropsy of the chest, accompanied with troublesome difficulty of breathing. Whooping- cough, and other spasmodic diseases of the organs of res- piration, are sometimes relieved by it. A commencing dose may be four or five grains, four times a day, and gradually increased to as many drachms in the twenty- four hours. It is probable that the inspissated sap would possess the same properties as that of common Lettuce. AMERICAN REMEDIES. 233 Lactuca sativa. Linne. Common-Lettuce, Garden-Lettuce. A strong tea made by steeping the dry plant, collected when in flower, is pleasantly bitter to the taste, and pro- motes perspiration, at the same time that it alleviates pain and occasions sleep. It must be drank freely. The sap of the plant, collected like that of the Poppy, and dried in the air, bears considerable resemblance to opium. It may be used for the same purposes, but must be given in much larger doses. A drachm in the form of pills is said to be a suitable dose. It may be prepared in spirit like opium, and used in tea-spoonful doses. It is supposed to be peculiarly adapted to chronic coughs, and consump- tions, in which opium sometimes produces troublesome costiveness. Leontodon Taraxacum. Linne. Dandelion. A strong tea made by boiling the root, or an extract in the form of pills, tends to remove obstructions in the bow- els, and promote the discharge of urine. It is recom- tneuded in diseases of the skin, dropsy, tubercular con- sumption, jaundice, and other obstructions of the liver, and in incipient schirrhus of the stomach. It must be taken freely. 20* 234 AMERICAN REMEDIED. Leonurus Cardiaca. Limit. Mother-wort. A strong tea made by boiling this plant, or the ex- pressed juice, has similar medicinal powers to Valerian, and is useful in many nervous and hysterical complaints, particularly in that peculiar restlessness, to which hyster- ical people are subject. It see ms to possess thepower of relieving moderate hysterical tendency, and of giving strength to the stomach. Liriodendron Tulpifera. Linne. Tulip-tree, White-poplar, White-wood. The bark of the root is a pungent aromatic bitter, anil is much used in combination with other pure but less heat- ing bitters. Lobelia inflata. LAnnr. Indian-tobacco, Lobelia. Two ounces of the plant put to a point of hot water oi spirit, make the first an infusion, the last a tincture, of these a tea spoonful, is a medium dose. In spasmodic asthma, it should be given every twenty minutes, till it pukes or relieves. In dropsy everv two hours, till it pukes or increase* urine. AMERICAN REMEDIES. 23$ Magnolia acuminata. Linne. Cucumber-Tree. ---------- auriculata. Barton. Indian-Physic. ---------- cordata. Michaux. Indian-Physic. ---------- glauca. JLAnne. Beaver-tree, Swamp-Sassafras, Elk-bark. The bark of the top and root of all the species of the Magnolia, is heating, bitter and tonic; promoting the fluid secretions, and moving the bowels when used freely. Best used in decoction. Good in chronic rheumatisms, agues, and wherever the bark and other stimulants are needed. Malva rotundifolia. Linne. Common-round-leaved-Mallows. Infusion and decoction are used in dysenteries and uri- nary complaints, gravel, asthma, and indeed wherever a mucilage is wanted. Marrubium vulgare. Linne. Hoarhound. Expressed juice, infusion, or the plant cut up in milk. Bitter tonic, promotes sweat, relieves coughs and colds : 236 AMERICAN REMEDIES. restores a healthy motion to the stomach and bowels: anodyne. Megotrys Serpentaria. Rafinesque. Black-Cohash, Black-Snake-root, Black-banc-berry, Squaw-root, Rich-weed, Rattle-weed. This root tastes strongly bitter and spicy. In the form of strong tea made by steeping, it promotes per.spiration and produces sleep. It is useful in rheumatism, hysterics, colics from air in the stomach and bowels, low fevers af- ter evacuations, and in most cases of debility accompanied with troubelsome nervous symptoms. It should be made strong and drank freely. Washing with a strong tea, cures the itch. Its properties have not been sufficiently investigated. It is believed to possess considerable activi- ty. It appears to be more powerful in its recent than in its dry state. Boiling is supposed to injure it. Empyrics confound this article with Caulophyllum Thalictroides, but they differ in taste. Both were supposed by the In- dians to be efficacious adpartum accelerandum. Melissa cordifolia. Willdenow. Lemon-Baum. Preferable to the common bautn. AMERICAN REMEDIES. 237 Melissa officinalis. Linne. Common-Baum. A pleasant beverage in fevers. Melia Azedarach. Willdenow. Pride of India. Substitute for Spigelia Marilandica. Mentha piperita. Linne. Peppermint. Infusion and essence, warm aromatic; expels wind, and relieves pains of the bowels and stomach. Highly stimulant. Mentha viridis. Linne. Common-Spearmint. More heating and stimulant, but less pleasant than pep- permint. Monarda didyma. Linne. Balm of Gilead of the gardens. Resf.mbi.es common baum in medicinal properties. 238 AMERICAN REMEDIES. Myrica cerikfra. Linne. Bay-Berry, Myrtle-wax, Candle-Berry. A towerful sneezing powder is made from the bark of :he root, and in doses of a scruple to half a drachm, ope- rates as an emetic. Narcissus pseudo Narcissus. Linne. Daffy, Daffodil. The root is much used as an emetic for children in whooping cough, and rising of the lungs, &c. Prepared and given like garlic tea. Nepeta Cat aria. Linne. Catnip, Catmint. Elegant warm cordial aromatic. Infusion promotes perspiration. NlCOTIANA O.UADRIVALVIS. Pursh. Ricara, or Mundane Tobacco. This is a fine new species of tobacco lately found in Louisiana, and now cultivated in many parts of the nn- AMERICAN REMEDIES. 239 ion. This plant, though smaller, is much more mild and grateful than the common tobacco. The Indians prepare a most elegant and delicate tobacco from the dried flow- ers. Nicotiana Tabaccum. Linne. Common Tobacco. The use, and abuse, of this article isjtoo well known; an ointment may be prepared from it for irritable ulcers. Should not be put into injections. Origanum vulgare. Linne. Wild Marjoram. Infusion, a warm cordial and stimulant, and stomachic. The essential oil is a heating stimulating application in the secondary stages of sprains and bruises, and in numbness of the limbs. Orobanche Virginiana. Linne. Beech-Drops, Cancer-Root, Broom-Rape, Virginica. Substance, infusion, and decoction, all good applied to foul ulcers, cancerous affections, sore mouths. Inter- nally, iu secondary stages of dysentery, diarrhoea. \ 240 AMERICAN REMEDIES. Oxalis stricta. Linne. Common-Wood-Sorrel, Toad-Sorrel. Bruised in water it makes a cooling acid beverage in fevers and measles, and boiled in milk produces a fine acid whey. Good applied to indolent ulcers ; bad to irritable ones. Panax q,uinq,uefolium. Linne. Ginseng. Moderate aromatic. Bitter sweating medicine. Papaver somniferum. Linne. Great Red and White Poppy. From these may be obtained by all who will take' the trouble, the genuine opium. It should be collected by slitting the exterior rind of the head, as the blossoms fall off, and scraping the milky juice off with a knife as it dries. It should be sun-dried. Poppy leaves and tops make a poultice very soothing to painful inflammatory affections around the face and head. Pavia rubra. Persoon. Buck-eye. The young branches, and the powdered seeds, possess the property denominated by physicians narcotic, which AMERICAN REMEDIEa. 241 denotes a combination of exhilarating and stupefying qual- ities. The parts above mentioned, bruised, and thrown iito a small pool of water, cause small fish to rise to the surface, almost lifeless, so that they may be taken with the hand. Such fish may be eaten, without any hazard or in- convenience. , Physicians may apply this article to the cure of such diseases as they think proper. The root of the shrub is used as a substitute for soap in washing woollen clothes. Phytolacca decandra. Linne. Poke-weed, Scoke, Coakum, Cunicum, Garget. The bruised leaves, expressed juice, and an ointment prepared from the leaves, may all be used with benefit in chronic inflammation, chronic rheumatism, in secondary stages of venereal disease, scrophulous and cancerous af- fections, in itch, ringworm, piles, &c. to foul ulcers, the milder species of whitlow. For the same purposes a tinc- ture of the seeds may be used internally. Infusion of the dried root pukes. Pinckneya pubens. Michaux. Georgia Bark-Tree. May be substituted for Peruvian bark. 21 242 AMERICAN REMEDIES. PODALYRIA TINCTORIA. MklutUX. Wild-Indigo, Indigo-weed. Bruised to a pulp, or a decoction, or made into an ointment; it cleans foul ulcers, relieves painful swellings, and irritable sores. Podophyllum peltatum. Linne. May-Apple, Mandrake, Duck's-foot. Excellent purgative; powdered root similar to jalap, operating more kindly in less doses, though equally effec- tual. POTENTILLA SIMPLEX. MichttUX. Five-finger, Cinquefoil. Infusion is astringent and tonic ; may be used for tea; relieves urinary complaints. Polygala Senega. Seneca-Rat tlesnake-root. Powder of the root in doses of thirty grains or more, pukes and purges. Is useful in smaller doses in low fe- vers, particularly in lung complaints, dropsy, croup. It may be given in infusion and decoction. Indians use ii for the bite of the rattlesnake. AMERICAN REMEDIEiS. 243 Populus balsamifera. Linne. Balm of Gilead-tree, Balsam-Poplar. Bark good bitter and tonic. The buds afford an acrid resinous juice, good in foul ulcers. Prenantes Serpentaria. Pursh. Lion's-foot-Snake-root. The milky juice or substance of the root is celebrated in diseases of a malignant tendency. Bite of mad dog. In bites of venomous serpents, particularly of the rattlesnake. Pyrethrum Parthenum. Willdenow. Fever-feto, Feather-few. Infusion, an aromatic tonic peculiarly appropriate to hysterics, and other female complaints. Quercus alba. Linne. White-Oak-bark. Astringent and tonic, in powder or decoction. It should be given in the secondary stages of all fluxes ; in bleedings from relaxed vessels; may be applied to foul ulcers, in cases of mortification ; to decayed relaxed limbs. and to old sprains and bruises. 244 AMERICAN REMF.DIE-. Ranunculus acris. lAmi?. Crowfoot, Buttercups. The bruised root applied to the skin produces a deep and thorough blister. Good where a lasting blister is wanted, in diseases of the joints, and old deep seated pains. Where eruptions strike in it may be applied to redden the skin without blistering. Khododendron maximum. Willdenow. Rose-Bay-Laurel, Mountain-Laurel. Stimulant, bitter tonic and anodyne; good in old rheumatic pains. Rhus Toxicodendron. Linne. Poison-Oak, Mercury. Better let alone than used by the common people. Highly poisonous. Physicians may give it in palsies-. Riginus communis. Linne. Palma Christi. <-'astor-ou. is expressed from the kernel of the trim AMERICAN REMEDIES. 245 Rosa Damascena. Aiton. Damask-Rose. Infusion of the flowers are purgative. Rosa Gallica. linne. Red-Rose. The flowers are a pleasant astringent. Good for in- flamed eyes and sore mouth. Rumex obtusifolius. Linne. Broad-Leaved-Dock. The powder or decoction of the root is purgative. The root beaten with lard, or in decoction, is celebrated for airing salt rheum. Sabbatia angularis. Pursh. American Centaury. An infusion or decoction is essentially serviceable in chronic weakness of the stomach, in low fevers, and wherever a pure tonic is needed. 21* -14* AMERICAN KEMBDlE:-. Salix eriocephala. Michaux. Swamp, Rose, or Puss-Willow. Decoction in milk good in the secondary stages of the bowel complaints of children. Strong decoction good in canker, ulcerous sore throat, diarrhoea. Tops bitter and tonic, useful in agues. Salix viticellina. Linne. Common Yellow- Willow. Good bitter tonic in agues, and in chronic weakness of the stomach. Sambucus Canadensis. Linne. Common Elder. The flowers are laxative for children. Juice of the ber- ries made into a rob, answers the same purpose. The pulp of the bark makes a good ointment for burns and ir- ritable sores. The bark is purgative. Sambucus pubens. Michaux. Mountain-Elder. A decoction of the tops pukes and moves the bowels. Tis said the natives use it, ad partum accelerandum. Triostium perfoliatum. Linne. Fever-wort, Wild-Gentian, Bastard Ipecac. Bark of the root pukes and purges like jalap, and in the same doses. In smaller doses removes obstructions of the liver. Tonic in scrophula, in yet smaller doses. Ulmus Fulva. Michaux. Red-Elm, Slippery-Elm. Mucilaginous, and slightly astringent. Uraspermum Claytoni. Nuttall. Sweet-Cicely. The root is mucilaginous and starchy, and has an agree- able Fennel-like odour. It is recommended to relieve the secondary stages of coughs, hoarseness, etc. In all prob- ability an essential oil similar to that from Solidago odora might be obtained from it. Veratrum Viride. Aiton. Green-Hellebore. Ointment and decoction cure the itch and other erup- tions, but is apt to excoriate tender parts ; violent poison taken internally. 252 AMERICAN REMEDIES. Verbena Hastata. Linne. Blue-Flowered- Vervain, (large.) A strong decoction is purgative, and in large doses vomits. Viola Pedata. Parsley-Leaved- Violet. Strong decoction; good in catarrhs, and affections ol the lungs; given in large quantities, pukes. Zanthoriza Aphfolia. LtHeritier. Shrub- Yellow-Root. A strong pleasant bitter; sits easy on the stomach. Zanthoxylum Ramiflorum. Michaux. Prickley-Ash. Warm pungent aromatic in substance or tincture; wa- ter does not extiact the virtues at all. Good in chronic rheumatism, and in other diseases where guaicum is.prop- er. A good ingredient in bitters. CONTENTS. Page. Abies balsamifera, 181 Canadensis, 182 Accidents, 159 Achillea Millefolium, 182- Achyranlhes repens, ib. Acorns Calamus, 183 dctea alba, ib. rubra, 184 Adder's tongue, 218 violet, ib. Agave Virginica, .184 Ague, 60 Ague-weed, 219 Aletris alba, 184 aurea, 185 Alnus serrulata, ib. Alum-root, ... 222, 226 Amaryllis Atamasco, - - 185 Ambrosia elatior, - - - 186 American Centaury, ... 245 Columba, - - 220 Hemlock, - - - 208 Holly, - ' - - 229 Ipecac, - - 223, 189 Juniper, - - - 231 Pennyroyal, - - " 224 09 254 CONTENTS. American Remedies, Sanicle, Senna, Tormentil, Andromeda nitida, Anemoides quinquefolia, Virginiana, Aneurism, Angelica, Angelica atropurea, lobata, triquinata, Animation suspended, Anthemis Cotula, Antispasmodic pills, Apple Peru, Apocynum Androsatmifolium, Apoplexy, Apothecary's forms of medicines, Aralia hispida, nudicaulis, racemosa, Spinosa, Arbutus Uva Ursi, Arrhyrocoma Americana, Arctium Lappa, Aristolochia Serpcntaria, Sipho, Aronia Arbutifolia. Artemisia Absinthium, • ONTENTS. Arteria enlarged, Arum Dracontium, triphyllum, Asarum Arifolium, Canadensis, Virginana, Asclepias acuminata, pulchra, Syriaca, tuberosa, Atimasco Lilly, Atriplex Mucronata, Aven's root, Balm of Gilead of the garden, Balm of Gilead tree, Balsam of Canada, of Fir, Poplar, Bandage, application of Barberry, Basilicum, Bastard Ipecac, Baum, common, Lemon, Bay-berry, Bear-berry, Bear's grape, Whortle-berry, Beaumont's root, Beaver tree, 250 CONTENTS. Beech-drops, Bee-lark-spur, Benjamin tree, Berberis Canadensis, Betula lent a, Birth root, Bite of mad animals, of the Rattle Snake, of the Red Adder, of the Viper, Bitter-weed, Black Birch, Cherry-tree, Cohosh, Henbane, Snake-root, Bladder, inflammation of Blazing-star, Bleeding from the Lungs, Nose, Stomach, Blood-letting, Stopping of Blood root, Blue-berried dog-wopd, Blue Cohosh, Flag, Thornapple, Boil, Blind, Bone-set, CONTENTS 257 Bowels, Inflammation of Bowman's-root, - - . Page. 8S 223 Box-tree, wood, 212 ib. Br achysternum linifolium, Brain, Inflammation of 199 76 Breaking up of Fevers, Bromus purgans, Broome-rape, Broken Bones, 67 - 199 239 38 Bubo, Buck-eye, Bur Dock, 49 - 240 192 Burns, t)0 Butter-cups, Butterfly-weed, Butternut, 244 196, 197 2S1 Button Bush, 202 Snake-root, 217 wood, 202 Cceonotus Canadensis, 199 Calla Virginica, Calystegia Sepium, Camel-tree, ib. - 200 212 Camphorated Oil, Canada Fir, 173 182 Cancer, 27 root, 239 Candle Alder, 185 berry, Canker, 238 100 22* 258 CONTENTS. Ccprif'-lium Periclymenium, Cat'.iiDcle, Carolina Jessamine, . Pink, Carthrtmus trinctorius, Cat-gut, Cat-nip, Cathaitic Pi'K Powders, Cass>a Matiktndica, CaulophyUum Thulictroides, Ceanotkus Americanus, Celandine, Cc ,l.alu:Jhus oceidentalis, Ccrasus Virginiana, Chameesyce corollata, Ipecacuanha, Chancre, Chelidonium inqjus, Chelone glabra, Chenopodium Ai.ihrcsioides, a nthelminticum, Chenopodium Botrys, Cherry Birch, Chintaphila corymbosa, maculata, Chicken Pox, Chionanthus Virginica, Chilblains, Choke berries, damps, CONTENTS. 259 Choking, Page. 146 Cholera, 120 Chrysanthemum Leucanthemum, 207 Cicuta bulbifera, ib. maculata, 208 Cichorium Intybus, 207 Cinquefoil, 242 Clap, 46 Clot-bur, 192 Coakum, 241 Coccoloba uvifera, 208 Cochlearia Armoracia, 209 Cock-up-hat, 250 Cohosh, black, 236 Colds, 101 Colic, 117 Colic-root, 184, 225 Coltsfoot snake root, 195 Colt's tail, 19^ Columba of Marietta, 220 Comptonia Asplenifolia, 209 Conium maculatum, 210 Consumption, 102 Continental tea, 202 Convallaria Majalis, 210 Convolvulus panduratus, 211 Coptis trifolia, ib. Coral and Pearl, Coral wort, Cordials, Corns, 183 215 162 . r 25 260 CONTENTS. Cornus circinata, Page. 211 fiorida, 212 sericea, Costiveness, ib. 119 Cotton plant, Cjgw-bane, Cow pox, Cranes-bill, 223 208 93 222 Croup, Crowfoot, Cucumber-tree, 78 222,245 235 Cud-weed, 191 Cunicum, Cutlera Catesbmi, 241 212 Ochroleuca, 213 Saponaria, Daffodil, Daffy, Diarrhoea, ib. 238 ib. 121 Diet, Sick, 162 Diseases, Introduction to 57 of Infants, Diarrhoea, 153 155 Red Gum, ib. Sore Ears, ib. Thrush, 154 Vomiting, Dislocations, 157 32 of the Jaw, 33 Neck, Ribs, ib. 34 CONTENTS. Dislocation of the Shouldi r, Llbow, Wiist, Fingers, Hip, Knee, Ancle, Toes, Dispensatory, Dog tree, wood, Doses of medicines, Drinks for the sick, Dropsy, of the Chest, Head, Knee joint, Duck's foot, Dysentery, Ear, Inflammation of Ears, Sore, Elder, common, Mountain, Elecampane, Elixirs, Paregoric, Asthmatic, Pro, Proprietatis, Salutis, of Health, Elk bark, Elm, red, Emetics, 262 CONTENTS. Epilepsy, Erigeron BeUidifolium, Ph iladelphicum, Eryngium faztidu in, Yuccifolium, Erysipelas, Erythronium lanceolatum, Essence of Spruce, Euosmus Benzoin, Sassafras, Eupatorium perfoliatum, purpureum, teucrifolium, Everlasting, Expectorant pills, Extracts, Eyes, diseases of, wounds of, Eye water, Face-ache, Face pimples, Falling-sickness, Falls, Family Dispensatory, Feather few, Fever Few, Fen«>le complaints, Fevers, Simple inflammatory, Intermittent, Rem'ttent, " Inward," CONTENTS. Feyers, JVervous, breaking up of, Typhus, Yellow, Spotted, Scarlet, Hectic, Fever-sore, Five-finger, Flower-de-Luce, Flux-root, Fly-poison, Forty-knot, Frazeri-verticilata^ Fringe-tree, Frost, Fungus, Gnliu.t circo3zans, Ganglion, Garget, Gaultheria procumbens, Gelseminum sempervirens, Georgia-bark, Geranium maculatum, Geum nutans, Gillenia stipulacea, trifoliata, Ginseng, Gleet, Globe-flower, Glysters, Goat-tree, 264 CONTENTS. Golden-rod, sweet scented, Golden-thread, Gossipium hcrbaceum, Gout, Gravel, Gravel-weed, Great-bear-bind, Green-briar, Ground Holly, Ivy, Groundsel, Grouse-berry, Hard-hack, Head-ache, Head scaled, Hairy silk-weed, Harvest-root, Hazle-alder, Head-flower, Hectic-fever, Hedge-bear-bind, Hedeoma Pulegioides, Htlenium autumnale, Hellebore, green, Helonias dioica, erythrosperma, Hemlock, Spruce, Henbane, Hepotica triloba, Herb Beunet, CONTENTS. Herb Trinity, Hercules club, Heuchera viscida, Hibiscus palustris, Hop, Hoar-hound, Honey-suckle, Horse-raddish, Humulus Lvpulus, Hungary-root, Hur-bur, Hydrastis Canadensis, Hydrophobia, Hyoscyamus niger, Hypericum parviflorum, perforatum, Ilex opaca, Imperatoria Ostruthium, Indian Hemp, Mustard, Physic, Posey, Turnip, Tobacco, Indigo-weed, Infants, Diseases of Inflammation, Phlegmonous, Erysipelas, of the Brain, Stomach, 23 266 CONTENTS. Inflammation of the Bowels, Liver, Kidney, Bladder, Influenza, Infusions, Insanity, Intermittent Fever, Introduction to Diseases, to American Remedies, " Inward Fever," Inula Helenium, Iris gracilis, » versicolor, Virginica, Iron-weed, Jagged Orache, Jaundice, Jeffersonia diphylla, Juglans cinerea, Juniperus depressus, Juniper, Kidney, Inflammation of King's Evil, Knee-joint, Lacluca elongata} saliva, Larkspur, Laxatives, Lei.ion-baum, heontodon Taraxacum, CONTENTS. Leonurus cardiaca, Lettuce, common garden Life of Man, Lightning, Lilly of the Valley, Liniments, Volatile, of Oil and Lime, Camphorated Oil, Opodeldoc, Lion's-foot-snake-root, Liver, Inflammation of Liver-wort, Liriodendron Tulipifera, Lobelia, Lobelia inflata, Lock-jaw, Low Centaury, Lung Fever, Magnolia acuminata, auriculata, cordata, glauca, Male Whortleberry, Malva rotundifolia, ' - Mallows, common round leaved Mandane Tobacco, Mandrake, Marasmus, Marks, maternal Marsh Mallows, 268 CONTENTS. Marsh Rosc-mary, Marrubium culgare, Master-wort, Mathen, May apple, May weed, Meazles, Measures, Megotrys Serpentaria, Melissa cord/folia, officinalis, Melia Azedarach, Mentha piperita, viridis, Mercury, Mexican-goose-foot, Milk weed, Millefoil, Mineral poisons, Mint, peppermint, common spear, Monarda didyma, Moon-flower, Mortification, Mother-wort, Mountain berry, Mountain Laurel, Mountain Mahogany, Mouth-root, Mumps, CONTENTS. Myrica cerifera, Myrtle berry, Flag, Narcissus pseudo Narcissus, Nepeta Cataria, Nervous affections, Nervous Fever, Nettle-rash, New-Jersey Tea, Nicotiana quadrivalvis, tobaccum, Night mare, Night shade black, Nose bleed, Oak of Cappadocia, Jerusalem, Ointments, simple, Hellebore, Tar, Sulphur, Old-man's-beard, Opiates, Opodeldoc, Origanum vulgare, Orobanche Virginiana, Oxalis stricta, Ox-eye-Daisy, Painful affections, Face, Head, 23* 270 CONTENTS. Pain in the side, Stomach, Pahv.a Chri>ti, Panax quinquefolium, Papaver somniferum, Pacia ru^ra, Pappoose-root, Palsy, Peppermint, wort, Peripneumony, Petty niorrel, Philadelphia-flea-bane, Fhytolacca decandra, Pigeon-wood, T Piles, Pills, Hull's colic, tonic and cathaitic, Pink, Indian, Carolina, Pinkneya pubens, Pimpled face. Pipsisewa, Pipperidge-bush, Plasters, sticking, adhesive, common, Pleurisy, root, Podalyria tinctoria, CONTENTS. 271 Page Podophyllum peltatum, - - 242 Poisons, - . . 5 j aerial, - . 141 animal, - _ 145 mineral, - - 143 vegetable, - - ib. Poison Elder, - - - 189 Oak, - - . 244 Vine, - - - 200 Poke-weed, - - 241 Pond-flower, ... 202 Polygala Senega, - - - 242 Poppy, red and white, - - 240 Populus balsamifera, - - 243 Potentilla simplex, - - - 242 Powders, - - 166,' 173 cathartic, - - 173, 174 Picra, - - 166 of the gums, - - ib. sweating, - - ib. Dover's, - - - 174 diuretic, - - ib. Prenantes serpentaria, - - 243 Prickly-ash, - - 252, 190 Pride of India, - - 237 Prince's Pine, - - - 206 Proud-flesh, - - - 23 Puccoon, - - - 247 Purging-Broom, - - 199 Purple-angelica, - - - 187 Daisy, - - 216 Thorn-apple, - - 214 272 CONTENT*. Page. Pus, - - - 13, 16 Pyramid-flower, - - 220 Pyrethrum Parthenum, - - 243 Quercus alba, - - ib. Queen of the Meadow, - - 219 Quinsy, - jj Malignant, - - 78 Rag-weed, - - - 186 Ranunculus ac7"is, - - 244 Rattles, - - .7-8 Rattlesnake's-master, - - 184 Plantain, - - 216 Rattle-weed, - . 236 Red-bane-berry, . . 184 Cohosh, - - ib. Gum, - - - 155 root, - - - 202 Remittent-fever, - - 63 Rheumatism, - 84 weed, - - 206 Rhododendron maximum, - - 244 Rhus Toxicodendron, - - ib. Ricara Tobacco, - - 238 Rich-weed, - - 236 Ricinus communis, - - 244 Rickets, - - - 31 Ring-worm, - - 50 Robert's Plantain, - - 216 Roman Worm-wood, - - 186 Rosa Damascena, - - 245 Gallica, - ib. Rose-Bay-Laurel, * - 244 CONTENTS. 273 Page. Rose Damask, 245 Red, ib. Round leaved Dog-wood, 211 Rumex oblusifolius, 245 Rupture, 29 Sabatia angularis, 245 Safflower, 200 Sal ammoniac, 6 Salix Eriocephala, 246 viticellina, ib. Salves, 167 Sambucus Canadensis, 246 pubens, ib. Sampson's-snake-root, 112,113 Sanguinaria Canadensis, 247 Sanicula Marilandica, ib. Sanicle, ib. Sarsaparilla, 190 Sassafras, 218 Satureja hortensis, 247 Savory of the gardens, ib. Scalds, 22 Scaled Heads, 50 Scarlet Fever, 98 Scrophula, 45 Scull-cap, 248 Scurvy, 126 Scutellaria integrifolia, 248 Sea-side-grape, 208 Seneca-rattle-snake-root, 242 Senecio vulgaris, 248 274 CONTENTS. Shot-bush, Slirnb-yellow-root, Sick-Diet, Silk-weed, Simple Fever, Ointment, Sirups, Simple, of Balsam, of Ginger, of Lemons, of Mulberries, of Raspberries, of Black currents, Skevish, Skunk Cabbage, Skoke, Small-pox, Smilax Rotundifolia, Snake-root, weed, Sneeze-weed, Solarium nigrum, Solidago odora, Sore Ears, Sorrel, tree, wood, Spice berry, bush, wood, CONTENTS*. 275 Page. Spigelia Marilindica, 249 Spikenard, 190 Spiraza tomentosa, 249 Spotted fever, 71 Spotted geranium, 222 Sprains, {strains) 42 Spurge, 204 Squaw-root, 201, 236 St. Anthony's fire, 14 Stagger grass, 185 Star grass, 184 root, ib. wort, 225 Statice Limonium, 250 Stillingia sylvatica, ib. Stings of Insects, 9 Stinking Chamomile, 188 Stinking Eryngo, 217 Holly, ib. Stink weed, ib. Stomach ache, 92 Inflammation of, 82 St. Vitus' Dance, 114 Stye, 54 Sulphure Ointment, 168 Supplement to forms of medicine, 173 Suppuration, 15 Suspended animation, 139 Swallow wort, 196 Swamp-dog-wood, 212 Swamp Sassafras, 235 276 CONTENTS. Sweet Birch, Sweet Calamus, Sweet Cicely, Fern, Flag, Lavender cotton, Myrtle grass, Swelling in the groin, Sydenham's Laudanum, Symplocarpus fetida, Tall Lettuce, Tanacetum vulgare, Tansey, Tea berry, Tephrosia Virginica, Thick-leaved-snake-root, Thimble-weed, Thorn apple, Thorough stem, wax, wort, Thrush, Tic Doloureaux, Timpany, Tincture of Myrrh and Aloes, Elix. pro. of Asa fetida, of Senna, Bark, (Huxham's,) of Guaiac. of Rhubarb, CONTENTS. 277 Tincture of Balsam Tolu, Page 171 Toad sorrel, Tobacco, Mandane, 240 237 ib. Ricara, ib. Tonic powder, Tooth-ache, 174 88 tree, 190 wort, 215 Treatment of female complaints. 7 48 monthly period, ib. first appearance, ib. Suppression, 149 Deficiency, 150 Profuse discharge, ib. ('ossation, ib. Whites, ib. Hysteric, 152 Milium erection, 251 Trillium, ib. Triostium perfoliatum, ib. Tulip Tree, 234 1'leers, ... 19 Healthy, 20 Irritable, 21 Indolent, ib. Ulmus Fulva, 251 Unicorn, » * - 184,225 Union by the first intention, 2 Vraspermum Claytoni, 251 Urine, Involuntary discharge of 55 2 A 278 CONTENT*. Urine, Stoppage of Uva Ursi, Variegated Wintergreen, Varix, Vegetable Antimony, Varn enlarged, Venereal Disease, Veratrum viride, Verbena hastatu, Vervain, Virginian Anemony, Virginia Snakeroot, Viola pedata, Violet, Parsley leaved Viper, Bite of Volatile liniment, Vomiting of Infants, Wake Robin, Water Avens, Water Brash, Water Cowbane, Water Hemlock, Water in the Head, Water Silk weed, Ware's Eye water, Warts, Weights, Weeping Sinew, Weakened do. Wen, White Ash, Cohosh, CONTENTS 279 White Inflammation of the Eyes Oak bark, Poplar, Root, Walnut, Vitriol Solution, Weed, Wood, Swelling, Whitlow, Whooping Cough, Wild Angelica, Carrot, Cherry-tree, Colomba, Elder, Fennel, Gentian, Ginger, Hoarhound, Indigo, Ipecac, Lettuce, Liquorice, Marjorum, Potatoe vine, Sarsaparilla, Senna, Turnip, Willow, common yellow, Swamp, rose, or puss, Page. 52 243 234 19? 231 13 205 231 30 28 116 lbS 208 203 220 189 207 251 195 220 242 204 233 221, 191 239 211 109 201 194 246 ib. ^80 CONTENTS. "age Wind Flower, 186, 187 Root, 197 Wintergreen, 206, 221 Worms, 127 Wormseed, '205 Wormwood, 193 Wounds. 1 Cut, simple, . . ib. Lacerated, . . 5 Contused, . . . 6 Punctured, . , . 7 Poisoned, . . . 8 of the Eye, . . 53 Yarrow, . . • 182 Yaw weed, . . ' . 250 Yellow Ba/ilicuni, ... 22 Fever, . . .69 Jessamine, . . 222 upright Honeysuckle, . . 215 Root, . . . 227 Zanthoriza Apiifolia, . . . 252 Zanthn.n/!>>j!! Ramiflorum, . th. APPENDIX. OF WATER. Taken from Thompson's London Dispensatory. Water is an agent of great importance, independent of the part it sustains in the magnificent operations of nature. Its efficacy in the cure of diseases is indubitable ; yet it is not admitted into the list of materia medica or any of the British Pharmacopoeias, either in the state in which it is most commonly found, or that in which it holds in solu- tion, substances from which it receives new properties, and is rendered capable of producing important changes in the animal economy. In the first state it is denominated common water; in the second, mineral water ; and under both of these forms, it is necessary that its quali- ties and effects should be known and well understood. I. C0M310N WATER. The usual appearance of water is too well known to require description. It retains its fluidity under the or- dinary pressure of the atmosphere, and at any degree of temperature between 32 and 212°, Fah.; but under 32°, it crystalizes and becomes solid, and is changed into ice ; and above 212°, assumes an aeriform character, or becomes steem, expanding to 1698 times its ordinary bulk. One cu- bic inch of pure water at 60°, and under a pressure of the atmosphere indicated by 30° of the barometer, weighs 252,422 grains, one thirty-third of a grain less than twd hundred fifty-two grains and an half. Although water is almost universally diffused over the surface of the earth, yet it is not found perfectly pure in anyplace; which is owing to its great solvent powers, enabling it to take up a portion of many things, with which it must come in contact in its natural state. These impregnations however, are not sufficient in general to 282 APPENDIX. give it any very sensible taste or odour, or render it unfit for the ordinary purposes of life; and it is in this state that common water is usually obtained. Common water varies considerably according to the source whence it is derived, and other circumstances; but all the varieties may be reduced under the three following heads:— 1. Rain Water—Aqua phirialis, 2 Spring Water—Aquafontana, 3. River Water—Aquafluviatilis. 1. Rain water is the purest kind of natural water; but, it nevertheless, contains in solution, in every 100 eubic inches, 3, 1-2 cubic inches of air, rather more oxy- genous than common atmospherical air, and about one eubic inch of carbonic acid gas, (fixed air,) besides mi- nute portions of carbonate of lime and muriate of lime. Its specific gravity scarcely differs from that of distilled water; and after precipitating the muriate of lime, by dropping into it a little baiytic water, and exposing it to the atmosphere until the precipitate be totally deposited, it is sufficiently pure for most pharmaceutical purposes. When rain water, however, is collected in towns, or from the roof's of houses it contains a small portion of sulphate of lime, soot, and other impurities, and requires to be boiled and filtered before dropping in the barytic water. Snow water, when nearly melted, is destitute of air which is the reason that fish cannot live in it: but when allowed to remain for sometime exposed to the atmos- phere, it does not differ in its qualities from rain water. 2. Spring water, if it has not filtered through a very soluble soil, is almost as pure as rain water. The best .-[•rings are those which rise through sand or gravel, at a small depth. It generally contains, besides the above mentioned ingredients, a small portion of muriate of soda, common salt.) Well or pump water, which is spring water obtained by digging to a considerable depth, is by no means so pure. It is commonly distinguished by a property named hard- ness, implying an incapability of dissolving soap*; which ♦' Soap when agitated with hard water is decomposed ; the al- kali fZ>y> of the soap uniting with the acid of the earthy salts; appendix. .sowing to its containing many earthy salts! the principle o f which is sulphate of lime, (planter of Paris.) It, al- so, contains more carbonic acid gas than common spring water. Many of the foreign igredien's contained in hard- water are simply suspended in it; for pump water is ren- dered softer and purer by only passing it through a filter- ing stone. The best method of freeing hard water of its earthy salts, is first to boil it; then, after it has cooled, to drop into it an alkline carbonate, (pearlash or the like): and lastly to filter it. It cannot be employed for pharma- ceutical purposes. 3. Rivki'. water, when the stream is rapid, and runs over a pebbly or siliceous channel, is as pure as the softer spring water; but when the current is slow, and the bed clayey, it approaches nearer to the nature of well water, and frequently contains putrified vegetable and animal and vegetable matters, as is generally the case in the water of lakes and marshes. Such are the foreign ingredients contained in common water. Boiling frees it from air and gasses, and precipi- tates many of the earthy salts; but d'^ilhtion in glass vessels frees it entirely from them, and it is obtained al- , most perfectly pure, transparent, colourless, insipid, and inodorous. The varieties of water above enumerated may be al- most indiscriminately employed as diluents, the small pro- portion of foreign ingredients they contain, occasioning no difference in their diluent properties. When the quantity of sulphate of lime and aluminous rmttcr, however, is very considerable, as is the case in many pump waters, there is some reason for concluding that deleterious effects may arise from the use of the water: although it may be doubted whether the scrophulous and glandular swelling. peculiar to some populous towns can be justly ascribed to this cause. Lven a few of the waters which are regarded as mineral waters, owe more to the diluent property of the water for their efficacy, than to the impregnations they while the oil and earths combine und form new and nearly inso- luble soap, which swim in ;i curdy form on the surface of the wa- fer. 234 APPENDIX". contain. The diluting power of water is much modified by temperature; warm or tepid water being a much bet- ter diluent than cold water. The medicinal properties of water as a diluent were well known to the ancients ; and cold water, used as a drink in fevers, was a principal remedy with the Father of physic in these complaints. The temperature of 60°, is the proper degree, when it is intended that nature should produce its diluent effects without the aid of heat. Un- der 45°, it produces a sedative and astringent effect; above 80° and under 100°, it relaxes the fibres of the stomach, and is apt to induce nausea, particularly when bulk is add- ed to this range of temperature; but. at a higher temper- ature, the stimulus of heat, in the same manner as the ad- dition of other stimulants, prevents that effect. Simple water may supercede the use of all other diluents; but animal and vegetable infusions are generally employed, or toast and water, which is more agreeable to most pal- ates, aud is an excellent diluent in fevers and inflammato- ry diseases. The temperature of water as a diluent should be regulated by the nature of the disease ; in inter- nal bleedings the temperature should not exceed 45° but it may be 60° in fevers; unless in the cold stage of the paroxysm of fever, when the thirst should be allayed by tepid or rain water, and other bland fluids ; and the same precaution is necessary when the sweat has become gene- ral or "profuse, In cases of redundant bile, by drinking half a pint of tepid water every morning before breakfast, and taking immediately afterwards, moderate exercise; the acrid bile is diluted, and its passage through the bow- els assisted, without the irritation, which in its undiluted state it alw:;vs excites ; and it produces the same benefit in cholera morbus in the commencement of the disease, the stomach being rendered by it more fit to «eceive opiates and other remedies. Some medicines, as sudorifics, diu- retics, and emetics, scarcely produce their effects, unless their operations be assisted by copious dilution with water or watery fluids. Water is also an external remedy of great importance, but its effects are much modified by the degree of temper- ature of which it is applied. APPENDIX. 2S5 Cold water, of a temperature under 70°, gives the sensation of cold to the skin, and is applied under the form of bath or affusions. The cold bath is water of any temperature from 42° to 85° of Fahrenheit. When the body, is immersed in it, it first induces the sensation of cold, excites shivering, renders the'skin pale, and con- tracts it so as to produce the papillous appearances de- nominated goose skin (cold pimples,) the respiration at the same time is quickened and rendered irregular, pro- ducing sobbings, and the pulse is diminished in force and velocity, but it is also rendered firm and more regular. If the immersion be not long continued, reaction takes place not long after coming out of the bath, a glow or agreeable sensation of heat, is felt over the whole body ; the tone or vigour of the muscles are increased, a buoyan- cy of spirit and aptitude for action succeeds, and a sense of general refreshment is felt by the bather. The pro- traction, however, of the immersion for a considerable space of time, particularly if the temperature of the bath be under 50°, is not followed by this reaction, but the cold water operates as a powerful sedative ; the action of the heart and arteries becomes languid, the pulse ceases at the wrist, the animal heat is rapidly diminished, and a sensation of coldness at the stomach is felt, which is suc- ceeded by faintncss, delirium, torpor and death. Some- times these unpleasant effects are experienced in some de- gree, even when the immersion is not protracted, at the temperature of the bath not under 60°; in which case cold bathing proves always hurtful, and ought not to be repeated ; but when contrary effects are experienced, it is found to be useful in many diseases of debility, particu- larly in schrophula, if the water be impregnated with salt, or sea bathing be resorted to. The debilitated, however, in whom the use of sea- bathing produces these effects, when it is employed before breakfast, are not always affected in the same manner when it is used after breakfast, or when the stomach is full; but on the contrary receive the same benefit from it as those with whom it agrees at all times. The use of cold water as a general bath, is never employed with a 286 APPENDIX. view to its sedative effects ; but for this purpose it is par- tially applied, either by the immersion of the affected parts, or by means of cloths dipped in very cold water, and laid over or near the feet. It is used as a remedy in active uterine bleedings, burns and scalds, and in local inflammations, even when arising from general disease, as gout and acute rheumatism, when the surface of the pained part appears red and inflamed. The cold affusions, or the suddenly pouring cold water over the whole surface of the body, operates as a power- ful remedy, although its effects as such are of short dura- tion. They are produced by the suddenness of the ap- plication affecting the nervous energy, and by the shock rousing the dormant sensibility, so as to induce a new ac- tion as it were of the nervous system, dissolving the spasm on the extreme vessels of the surface, carrying off a large portion of morbid heat by general evaporation, and the remainder by insensible perspiration, thence restoring the healthy action of the exhalents and the capillaries.— In typhus fever this mode of applying cold water has been productive of the best effects. It should be applied in the first hot stage of the disease, if possible, and repeat- ed every time the morbid heat returns. If the water can be impregnated with salt, so much the better; but when the disease is advanced, its temperature should not be more than 26° under the heat of the body. It often stops suddenly the disease, if it be used during the three first days, and sometimes even as late as the fifth; but af- ter this period, it can be regarded as an useful auxiliary only, even while properly employed. In tetanus, Currie affirms, that the cold affusion also proves useful, particu- larly when the shock is considerable, and applied during the covulsions. It is however, in idiopathic tetanus only that it proves useful, no advantage being obtained from using it in tetanus arising from wounds. Cold af- fusion, in the form of the shower bath, are advantageous- ly employed as a stimulant and tonic in diseases of debili- ty when no fever or increased perspiration is present.— I know of no remedy so generally useful in those affec- tions which are known by the name of nervous com- plaints. APPENDIX. 287 Warm watbr, or of a temperature from 86° to 100°, gives the sensation of warmth to the body, and is applied both locally and generally, in the form of vapour, fomen- tation and bath. Water is found in a state of nature, com- bined with different quantities of caloric within the above range of temperature; the necessary degree of temper- ature, however, is generally obtained by artificially heat- ing the water. In general the application of warm water is obtained by means of baths. When the greater part of the entire body is immersed, the water constitutes properly a bath ; but when half only is immersed, it is a half bath, (semicu- piurn,) these may be either, a. The hot bath, (balneum calidum) from 97° to 100°. 6. The tepid bath, f balneum tepidum) from 86° to 99°. c. The vapour bath, (balneum vaporis) from 103° to 130°. The two first differ in temperature only; but the last from the water being applied in a very minutely divided state, acts with much greater effect than the water in the liquid form. The operation of the first of these forms of applying is stimulant; it augments the action of the heart and arteries, renders the skin red, quickens respiration, and produces a copious flow of sweat: but the others, al- though they excite the sensation of heat, yet lessen the frequency of the pulse, relax powerfully the skin and simple solids, and diminish generally increased excite- ment. Warm and vapour baths are efficaciously employed iu acute rheumatism, inflammation of the abdominal viscera, (inwardparts below the midriff,) of the kidneys, bladder and uterus : in suppressions of urine, and in spasmodic affections, particularly those to which infants are liable, arising from teething and other irritations. The general relaxation produced by their use has been taken advantage of, also, for assisting the reduction of strangulated hernia (inflamed ruptuie',) as the relaxation produced gives a disposition to all the parts to regain their proper place. The tepid bath is found to be very useful in the rigidities which follow some acute diseases, as the gout and rheuma- J88 APPENDIX. tism, and according to some, the rigidities attendant on old age. Its effects in promoting the cure of eruptions (herpetic) ; in slight cases of leprosy, the use of it with friction is all that is required; and in all foulness of the skin it is a most important auxiliary. It has, also, been found very beneficial in cases of insanity. In general the period of immersion should not be less than twenty min- utes nor exceed one hour. The partial application of warm water as a, remedy is made by means of 1. a. The foot bath, (pediluvium.) b. The hip ath, (coxa'hwium,) c. The hand bath, (manuluvium.) 2d. Fomentations of vegetable decoctions ; and v.. Flannel cloths rung out of boiling water, by which the moisture is applied in a state of vapour. These partial baths are useful in the same diseases for which the general baths are employed; but are better adapted for relieving the rigidity of single joints and topi- cal inflammation, and the hip bath has been lately found to be very beneficial in suppression of the monthly period, and for relieving the pains of cancer in utero. For fomentations, it is the practice to employ vegetable decoctions ; but the best of these can be regarded only as vehicles for retaining the heat and moisture. At all times flannel cloths wrung out of boiling water, are superior; both because the water is applied in the form of vapour, and also, while they continue as long warm they do not wet the bed and linen of the patient. The flannel cloths should be each about two yards long, with the ends sewed together; so that by means of two sticks, one being at each end, turned in opposite directions, they may be wrung much dryer, wheu taken out of the boiling water, than could be effected by the hands. The principal cir- cumstance to be attended to in the applications of fomen- tations is the frequent removal of them in order that a steady and constant heat may be applied to the fomented part. .•."*r*^*<: \ ! ■ '\.C m