In page S, the sixth line from the 
bottom, for emitting read uniting« THE 
Nurse’s Guide, 
OR COMPANION FOR 
A SICK CHAMBER. The following Character of this Treatise, is extract- 
ed from the Monthly Review. 
<c This is a New Edition of a little Pocket 
Volume, which is well known and generally 
esteemed as very useful in families. The Work 
has been long before the Public; and another 
impression being required, the benevolent Au- 
thor has deemed it proper, in this third Edition, 
to make several Additions, * founded on such 
observations as have occurred to him, in his 
own practice’. The directions respecting the 
diet of the sick, and for the making of gruels, 
caudles, herb teas, broths, &c. may frequently 
be found peculiarly useful. Medical Writers 
have too seldom attended to such particulars.’' FRIENDLY CAUTIONS 
‘TO THE 
HEADS OF FAMILIES AND OTHERS, 
VERY NECESSARY TO BE OBSERVED IN ORDER TO 
PRESERVE HEALTH AND LONG LIFE s 
■WITH 
AM RLE DIRECTIONS 
TO 
NURSES WHO ATTEND THE SICK, 
WOMEN IN CHILD-BED, &c. 
Third edition with additions. 
ROBERT WALLACE JOHNSON* M. D. 
THE FIRST AMERICAN EDITION, 
WITH NOTES AND ADDITIONS. 
Mims, ('iillt'Ut 
pgilatrelpßia: 
SRJNTED AND SOLD BY JAMES 
1804. District of Pennsylvania, to wit: 
BE IT REMEMBERED, that on the thirtieth day of 
October, in the twenty-ninth year of the Independence of the 
United States of America, James Humphreys, of the said distridl, 
hath deposited in this office the Title of a Book, the right where- 
of he claims as Proprietor, in the words following, to wit. 
“ Friendly Cautions to the Heads of Families and others, 
<! very necessary to be observed in order to preserve 
ie Health and Jong Life. With ample DiredUons to 
ce Nurses who attend the Sick, Women in Child-bed, 
“ See. Third Edition with Additions.-—By Robert 
“ Wallace Johnson, M. D. The first American Edi- 
<e tion, with Notes an! Additions.” 
In conformity to the aft of Congress of the United States, inti- 
tled “ An aft for the encouragement of learning, by securing the 
copies of maps, charts, and books, to the authors and proprietors 
of* such copies during the times therein mentioned.”-—And also 
to an aft, intit'ed “ An aft supplementary to an aft, intitle 1 
“ An Aft for the encouragement of learning by securing the co- 
pies of maps, charts, and books, to the authors and proprietors 
cf such copies duiing the times therein mentioned,” and extend- 
ing the benefits thereof to the arts of designing, engraving, and 
etching historical and other prints.” 
D. CALDWELL, 
Clerk of the DhtriEt of Pennsylvania- INTRODUCTION 
THE AMERICAN EDITOR. 
TT is with great satisfaction the Editor 
■presents to the Public} the following 
valuable requisite for a sick room. It is 
not to one description of persons alone it 
will prove usefuf but to every class of 
Society. As long as sickness is a concomi- 
tant of humanity, so long will this, or 
some work of a similar nature, retain its 
estimation. Its value may not be perceived 
by persons in health} hut when sickness 
finds access to some beloved friend, this. IV 
INTRODUCTION. 
little treatise will he regarded with plea- 
sure. The qualifications and duties of a 
Nurse, (so essential to the welfare of the 
sickJ, are here detailed, by a man, whose 
long experience in the prablice of pTTc, 
amply qualified him to pen them, uhe 
preset iption of medicine and of diet belongs 
exclusively to the Physician j the admini- 
stration cf them is committed to the Nurse. 
Her qualifications therefore should he great, 
to he entrusted with such a charge, on 
whichy perhaps, the life cf a patient may 
depend. How few are qualified need not 
be told I—How few understand the prepa- 
ration of the various articles cf diet recom- 
mended to the convalescent! These, are 
condensed in this excellent little manual, 
whose utility will be most appreciated by 
those, whore situation about the sick, best INTRODUCTION. 
V 
qualifies them to judge. The Physician 
who orders the various articles of diet, is 
frequently ignorant, as well as the family, 
of the mode of preparing them j but by 
means of this treatise, one uniform method 
will be attained, which is of vast import- 
ance ; and ignorance will no longer be a 
cloak for omissions. 
Seme parts of this little treatise, may 
be regarded as unnecessary, such for in- 
stance, as that which reprobates the use of 
st ay Si as this fashion does not now exist: 
But, as we see similar fashions again 
rising into existence, the Editor thinks it 
right to retain it, as hearing testimony a- 
gainst their future introduction, to the de- 
struction of hundreds of the loveliest por- 
tion of the Creation. 
Philadelphia, Nov. 26, 1804*. CONTENTS. 
CHAPTER I. 
Of our Persons. i 
CHAP. IL 
CHAP. IT. 
) 
Of our Dress. 9 
CHAP. 111. 
Of our Diet in a State of Health - 25 
Directions to Nurses - - - 44 
CHAP. IV. 
CHAP. IV. 
Of Things to be observed relating to the Chamber ij 1 
CHAP. V. 
CHAP. V. 
CHAP. vr. 
CHAP. vr. 
Concerning the Bed and shifting the Patient C« X 
CONTENTS. 
CHAP. VII. 
Of Diet for the Sick - - 77 
To make Sage Tea, Balm Tea, &c. life, 85 
Rojc Tea - - - 86 
Oatmeal Tea - - ib. 
Bran Tea - - 87 
Linseed or Flaxseed Tea - - ib. 
Malt Tea - - 88 
Camomile Tea - - - ib. 
White Wine Whey - - 89 
Vinegar Whey - - pi 
Treacle Posset - - ib. 
Lemonade - ib. 
Orangeade - - - 92 
Emperiai Drink - 93 
Oxycrate - ib. 
Barley Water - - 94. 
Decoction - - - ib. 
Buttered Water, or what the Germans 
call Egg Soup - - 95 
Water Gruel - - - 96 
iJzVtf Gruel - - - ib. 
White Caudle - - 97 
Brown Caudle - - 98 
Panada - - 99 
Sago - * - lO® CONTENTS, 
To make - - 100 
White Drink - - ICI 
Rennet Whey - - - ib. 
Vulnerary Drink - - 103 
Perioral Drink - - 104. 
Elder Berry Syrup - . ib. 
Syrup of Turnips - „ 105 
Oatmeal Flummery - - ib. 
Potato Flummery - - 107 
Bread Soup - - - 108 
Soup Meagre - - ib. 
Green Pease Soup - _ no 
Mutton Broth - > 112 
Do. with Burley or Rice - 11 
Beef Broth - - - Ij 4 
C hie ken Broth - - ib. 
Eel Broth - „ - 116 
Boiled Chicken - - ib. 
Stewed Chicken - - - 118 
Boiled Pigeon - _ j I p 
Pigeon Stewed in Paste - ~ 120 
Boiled Partridge - - ib. 
Boiled Flounder - - 121 
Bread Pudding - - 122 
Do, without Eggs - 123 XII 
CONTENTS. 
To make Batter Pudding - - 124 
Rice Pudding - - 125 
Do, without Eggs - ib. 
Apple Pudding - - 126 
Potato Pudding - 127 
ITapioca - - - 128 
Arrow Root - - 129 
Blanc Manger - - 130 
Hartshorue Jelly - - 131 
Calves Feet Jelly - - 133 
Isinglass Jelly - - 134 
CHAP. VIII. 
CHAP. VIII. 
O/’ Administering Diet - - 135 
CHAP. IX. 
CHAP. IX. 
0/ Administering Medicines - - 143 
Prescriptions for Clysters - - 139 
Clysters - 155 
Of the Treatment of Burns and Scalds 160 Chap. I. 
OF OUR PERSONS. 
rjPHE greatest blessings that Man can 
enjoy in this world, appear to be a 
native right Form of Body,—a good State 
of Health,—and a salubrious and suffici- 
ent supply of every Necessary to support 
the innocent Comforts of Life. 2 
OF OUR PERSONS. 
Through our state of action here, wc 
are often subjected to impressions and sen- 
sations apparently very repugnant to our 
Nature and Interest;—yet, by exercising 
properly that degree of reason which is 
given to us by our Creator, all, or most 
of those evils become alleviated, and ma- 
ny of them are entirely warded off. On 
the contrary, should vve incautiously admit 
some Habits or Customs, although at first 
appearing very harmless, yet in process 
of time they are found to produce very 
pernicious effects;—let us, therefore, be 
as watchful and cautious as we can, of eve- 
ry thing that is likely to become a Cus- 
tom or Habit, and, to this purpose, we 
shall begin with a few particulars to be 
observed respe&ing our Persons, and in 
the power of every one of us to perform. OF OUR PERSONS. 
3 
The surface of our bodies should ever 
be kept as clean as possible from all filth, 
putrid or infectious matter, by water 
ablution, &c. In the course of every 
week, or two at farthest, the hard crust, 
or horny scales which usually gather on 
the feet, should be carefully scraped off, 
and the nails cut so short as to become 
evert with the ends of the toes. The 
best time to perform this is juft before go- 
ing to bed, and as every person knows 
that warm water, soap, and bran, are 
to be used in this operation, and the feet 
well dried and kept warm afterwards, no 
more need be said on this occasion. 
Although these little matters, here des- 
cribed, may seem very insignificant to 
some persons, yet, if neglefted to be used. 4 
OF OUR PERSONS. 
let them remember their errors when they 
become crippled by rheumatic pains, ac- 
cumulations of gouty matter, corns, long 
nails, &c. 
Our Breath Is the next thing to be 
considered. When it becomes fetid, it is 
not only noxious and offensive to ourselves, 
but more so to others who either lie, sit, 
or stand near us. It may arise from dis- 
eased lungs, or even from the teeth, without 
any fault in the persons conduct so afflifted. 
But in general we are the cause of it, by 
neglecting to clean away from the gums 
and teeth, the remains of every meal, and 
not duly washing our mouths. We may 
cause it also by overloading our stomachs 
with aliments, especially those which ei- 
ther go soon into fermentation, or a high. OF OUR PERSONS. 
5 
state of putrefaction.—Tills I have obser- 
ved to be the case, as it appeared to me, 
from the steams arising from those, who, 
but a little time before, seemed much sa- 
tiated with such food; and from being so 
well acquainted with their constitutions, 
as not to believe that any fetor could 
arise from either their teeth or lungs. 
However, as this nuisance of a horrid 
fetidness of the breath, generally arises 
from our own indolent and nasty disposi- 
tions, let us use the best means we know 
of to remove it. As a leading hint to 
this end, I shall beg leave to relate the sim- 
ple and easy method that I have used for 
myself above sixty years, and recommend- 
ed to othets, wherever I could use the free- 
dom. It js ; imply this, the observance 6 
OF OUR PERSONS. 
of cleaning my teeth well, immediately 
after each time of eating, from any such 
parts of the food, as remained or lodged 
in the grooves formed by the joining of 
the teeth, or hollow spaces near their roots 
and the gums, by means only of a goose 
quill, cut shelving, and not so sharp at 
the point as to hurt the gums; and now 
and then I have cleaned the teeth with 
cream of tartar, so as to prevent any scurf 
or extraneous substance adhering to them. 
About forty years ago, it became a 
professional practice to clean teeth with 
powders and liquids, kept as secrets,—to 
scale, as it was called, the teeth,—to make 
and place artificial ones,—and to trans- 
plant natural ones from one person to 
another. I presume we should allow e~ OF OUR PERSONS. 
very endeavour for improvement to be 
laudable 3 but as our efforts often run from 
one extreme to the other, so they did in 
this; for, instead of being satisfied with 
such an easy and safe method as that of 
mine, above described, they introduced 
the practice of rubbing the teeth often 
with materials, in order to make them 
white, that soon destroyed the natural ena*- 
mel, and then the substance of the tooth 
itself.*—Some evils also arose from trans* 
planting, that afforded sufficient reason 
for totally discontinuing the use of that 
practice. 
* The very best dentrlfice which can be employed, 
is the powder of chat coal, and Peruvian bark, in equal 
quantities. The former is a powerful preventive from 
putrefa&ion, and the latter is useful from its tonic 
property. It is easily made, and is not expensive. 
Am, Ed, OF OUR PERSON. 
In addition to what has been said by 
the respedhble Author of this treatise, we 
may be allowed here, to call the attention 
of parents to the necessity of daily em- 
ploying the fine-tooth comb on their chil- 
drens heads; not merely to preserve them 
from the annoyance of vermin, which may 
be taken from their playmates or school- 
fellows; bur also, to prevent sores and 
other inconveniencies that may occur from 
an accumulation of the dandriff, which 
Jaafting with the perspiration from the 
head, forms a compad crust, not easily 
removed, but which, eventually, obstruds 
the perspiration, and often gives nse to 
eruptions behind the ears, &c. and some- 
times even to more dangerous evils. 
Am, Ed, Chap. 11. 
OF OUR DRESS. 
dress should ever be kept as dean 
and dry as possible, for, by neglect 
in this, a fetidness, if not putrefaction, 
will take place; mephitic air, and the mi- 
asms of several infectious diseases will be 
collected, and retained, and even cause a 
malignant atmosphere around the person, 
so as not only to endanger his own life, but 10 
OP OUR DRESS. 
that of others who come near him. It is 
no wonder, therefore, that fevers of a ma- 
lignant nature happen often in camps, 
prisons, or any other houses or rooms 
where many people cither sit or sleep to- 
gether, especially as the steams arising 
from both their bodies and cloaths, must 
there be very powerful. 
We should likewise observe to cover 
our bodies equally, and thicker or thinner, 
according to the weather or climate where 
we are. How ridiculous now appear men 
of almost every age with bald heads, a 
thick roll of muslin or linen about their 
necks, some, with two under, and as ma- 
ny upper vests, yet with thin breeches, 
stockings, and shoes, or boots!—all sub- 
jecting themselves to diseases of different OF OUR DRESS. 
11 
kinds!—O, brave fashions! you are very 
good friends to physic, &c. &c.—The use 
of garters is also pernicious, as thereby 
the a&ions of the tendons and blood ves- 
sels are coniined and injured. 
But what requires more serious atten- 
tion is, to avoid wearing any kind of dress 
tight about the neck j for by such a cus- 
tom, the reflux of the blood and .other 
fluids from the head will be ohs fled; 
consequently the brain may be ome in- 
flamed, and so much injured as to cause 
a mania, apoplexy, Bcc. 
Bur, while we are thus paying atten- 
tion to ourselves, let us no. : ; unfriend- 
ly as to forget the dress o ~ ’ ex* 
The great variety of ingenious Uste and OF OUR DRESS, 
splendour displayed in their caps, hats, 
bonnets, robes, and jewels, deserve our 
admiration as well as encouragement, so 
far as is consistent with their circumstan- 
ces and departments in life. But, when 
we consider some other parts of their dress, 
it gives us real pain instead of pleasure, 
to behold their unhappy situations, usual- 
ly brought on by their vain mothers and 
teachers; for although they are known to 
have been born with the most beautiful 
and perfedl shapes, yet, unsatisfied with 
this great kindness of nature, the young 
lady, even in her growing state, is put 
into a coat of armour,*—the spine of her 
* This account was very applicable to the period in 
which it was written. But although this detestable 
fashion of wearing stays, &c. is now'deservedly reject- 
ed, yet, these cautions may have then use, in prevent- 
ing its recurrence at some future permd. Am. Ed* OF OUR DRESS. 
back is confined from its growth and na- 
tural movements, by a steel fetter, called 
a monitor,—her chin is held up by a prop 
of steeJ also,—and the stays usually stif- 
fened with whale-bone, encompasses her 
thorax and upper regions of the abdomen. 
What are the consequences?— Not a- 
ny shapes superior or even equal to those 
of Nature, as the vain parent expe&ed, 
but on the contrary worse ones; and what 
is really melancholy, an injured constitu- 
tion, the bad effects of which often con- 
tinue through her life. Now, seeing these 
consequences may arise from an officious 
and imprudent application of art;—let us 
take a view of some of Nature’s operations 
in the case before us, when left to herself* OF OUR DRESS. 
In order to these, we observe the spines 
of all children before birth are curved like 
the segment of a circle, the hands and 
knees approaching each otherj and that 
after birth, to the usual state of maturity. 
Nature being still employed to unfold her- 
self, the spine, especially the upper part 
of it, (the lower part towards the loins 
making a little curve in an opposite di- 
rection), does not become straight of it- 
self in many instances, yet by exertion 
of the person himself, aided by instruc- 
tion, his body becomes upright, as may 
be seen daily amongst military men. 
We learn, also, from the testimony of 
those who have visited the nations of al- 
most every part of this globe, that, ex- 
cepting where stays, and such things as OF OUR DRESS. 
above described are used, there is scarcely 
a woman to be found, either distorted, 
crooked,. afHi£led with a cancer in the 
breast, or an umbilical rupture, &c. Now, 
as it is too true that such cases do fre- 
quently occur in this country, it behoves 
us to know, how far the apparatus above 
described can be concerned in producing 
them. 
We have taken notice of the position 
and curvation of the spine in the embryo as 
well as in the infant state (see, if you please, 
plate V. fig. 13 and 14, in my System 
of Midwifery), while Nature is unfolding 
herself; and which, in some cases, is not 
effected till the age of maturity: a full li- 
berty for the natural growth and move** 
meats of the body hath been hinted at also. OF OUR DRESS. 
and the rareness of deformity in those na- 
tions where art is least used. Now, take 
one child, for instance, that has a bul- 
ging out of one shoulder more than the 
other, (generally caused by the nurse ha- 
ving usually carried her on one arm, or 
suckled at one breast); another child who 
stoops or bends the head, and upper part 
of the spine forward; another child who 
is perfectly well formed and upright; and 
upon each of these (for the latter accord- 
ing to the present fashion is not excused), 
place the coat of armour before mention- 
ed, consisting of stays, and steel monitor 
on the back, and the steel prop under the 
chin; we will suppose now that the mo- 
ther applies the stays to keep the child’s 
body straight, and to fashion it as she 
wishes it to be;—the monitor (as it is OF OUR DRESS. 
called), is also to bring the bulged shoul- 
der square with the other, and hold the 
spine upright at the same time;—that the 
chin prop is to keep the head up;—and 
that, in respedl to the last or third case, 
those means are only used to prevent the 
child’s going out of her original right na- 
tural form. 
All these particulars having been pre- 
mised, let us now attend to the effects of 
the application, of such .an apparatus, 
(improperly by me called a coat of ar- 
mour, because, as it may appear hereaf- 
ter, the body is not defended from injury 
by it). The stays make a compressure,. 
as before observed, upon the thorax and 
upper part of the abdomen, the lateral 18 
OF OUR DRESS. 
expansion of those parts, accordingly as 
Nature requires in her growing state, is 
hereby counteracted,—the circular cavity 
of the thorax, naturally formed by the ribs 
with the sternum and the spine, is confi- 
ned in its proper expansion, and general- 
ly becomes spheroidical,—consequently 
one shoulder, and the breast opposite to 
it on the other side, projeds or bulges 
out,—the external muscles also are not 
only checked in their growth, but thrown 
out of their natural line of action, so that 
they must ad according to such altered 
and confined directions. The heart, lungs, 
liver, stomach, and, in short, the whole 
viscera, must sustain a check upon their 
expansion, and the natural circulation of 
the fluids through them. OF OUR DRESS. 
It may be observed here, that under 
this use of stays, and the previous conduCt 
of nursing, the projections of one shoul- 
der and the opposite breast, as above sta- 
ted, generally take place;—the monitor 
and chin prop are then called in for assist- 
ance, and when applied, the anterior side 
of the whole spine, (commonly called the 
back bone), and muscular and tendinous 
parts of the body also, are put upon the 
stretch to be brought to a straight line, 
and this even before nature can be unfold- 
ed : and, if the confinement about the 
shoulders is not carefully attended to at 
the same time, a stop is put to this inten- 
tion of extension, the anterior sides of the 
spinal joints are opened by the efforts of 
such extension, and the protuberances on 
the posterior side of the vertebrae coming OF OUR DRESS, 
to approach or rest, each one upon theo- 
ther, may readily slip aside, and throw 
the whole of the spine from the straight 
line attempted to force it, into lateral and 
opposite curvatures from side to side, as 
often may be seen. How far the parti- 
culars here described can be admitted as 
causes for the frequent distortions of bo- 
dy appearing amongst the women of our 
country, we shall leave the public to judge, 
and turn next to the adult state, through 
which the use of stays is still continued,, 
to the hurt of thousands. 
That women,, as well as ourselves,, 
may, by custom, become insensible of 
impressions which, in their effedils are in- 
jurious, the continued use of stays is a* 
proof,—By their compressure on the up- OF OUR DRESS. 
21 
per part of the thorax, the glandular sub- 
stance of the breasts become too often so 
affedled as to end in a confirmed cancer. 
—By their compressure below the breasts, 
hysterics may be produced; and in mar- 
ried women, or those who have born seve- 
ral children, umbilical ruptures, prociden- 
tia uteri, & quandoque ani, each of which, 
although not curable, by either medicines 
or bandages, yet can be relieved, to the 
ease and comfort of the patient, by leaving 
entirely off the use of stays. For these 
many reasons recited, I most solemnly 
protest against the use of all stays and of 
every other stiff or hard substance worn 
upon the thorax and abdomen of women. 
This bold protest may probably be 
thought very assuming in me, who have OF GUR DRESS. 
received many civilities from the Fair Sex, 
am still in their favor, and would be ex- 
ceedingly miserable by the loss of it;— 
but should they retort a little, as I think 
they may, and ask me, c what they should 
wear ?* I would advise them, for the sake 
of their ease, convenience, and safety, to 
wear vests, like those called riding ha- 
bits, which dress well becomes women of 
all ranks. Such ladies as attend the court, 
assemblies, concerts, &c. may easily, in- 
stead of the upper vest, be adorned with 
gowns, and other splendid attire, suitable 
to that degree of distin&ion which belongs 
to. them. 
But, whilst thus expressing my good 
wishes to the Ladies, I must not forget 
to caution them against the use of all OF OUR DRESS. 
23 
manner of paints on their faces, such be- 
ing not only pernicious to their health 
but charafler also!—as the appearance of 
such may give reason for an impeachment 
of their chastity, which, once lost, can 
never be regained. 
O, fair Britons! whose beauty now is 
equal, if not superior, to that of the Cir- 
cassian Ladies, be content with those bles- 
sings which Nature has bestowed upon 
you I Chap. 111. 
Of 'Things to he observed respecting the 
DIET 
taken in ottr State of Health* 
T TAVING said what was intended con- 
cerning the external mode of treat- 
ing our bodies, we shall now observe some 
things respecting the use and abuse of ali- 
ments, beginning with the manner still 
practised in treating infants. OF DIET. 
It is greatly to be lamented, that many 
thousands of children seem to be lost by 
overcharging their stomachs with food at 
one time, (whether by breast-milk or any 
other aliment it matters not); a sufficient 
interval to allow the digestive powers to 
complete their office is not duly attended 
to, consequently, another quantity of food,, 
too much for the capacity of the stomach 
and other digestive organs, is added, be- 
fore the former is digested. This incon- 
siderate method being often repeated, the 
child must be either destroyed soon, or, 
having so strong a constitution as to sus- 
tain such forcing, his stomach and other 
primary digestive organs will become so 
enlarged, as to admit of a greater quanti- 
ty of food at a time, and so on, ’till, by 
habitj he becomes a mere glutton. Should OF DIET.. 
the frame of his body bear all this forcing, 
ss he grows up, the appetite will coincide 
with the custom, and he will, probably* 
not only become a jolly fellow, in eating 
very copiously, but in drinking too; and 
to such excess, that a fever of the high 
inflammatory kind, will, most likely, take 
him off very speedily. 
But, supposing not so bad an event, 
and that his constitution is still so very 
firm, as to bear several more such shocks 
with impunity, as probably he may think, 
yet great mischief must take place; for, 
his digestive powers and organs having 
thereby been brought repeatedly on such 
violent stretches as to impede their natu- 
ral adions, and all the fluids also distur- 
bed in their timely and natural secretions,. OF DIET. 
circulations, and excretions, a portion of 
the earthy or indigeftible parts of the food 
taken, must accumulate, and even concrete,, 
as very commonly happens, in the liver 
and gall-bladder, to cause a jaundice, &c. 
in the kidnies and urinary bladder, so as 
to form Hones there•, and fuch other ear- 
thy parts as are conveyed by the capillary 
vessels to the surface of the body, will be 
there colle&ed, on the hands and feet, so, 
as to form (what is called) a real gout. 
The strong man’s case having been 
brought thus far, he is usually congratu- 
lated by those about him, and often advi- 
sed to drink brandy, or some other strong 
liquor, to keep the gout out of his stomach, 
and being used to live well, he readily fol- 
lows their advice j ’till finding himself OF DIET. 
29 
grow very feeble, the stomach palled, the? 
body wafting, the hands and feet crippled, 
he then sends for the doftor, although, 
most likely having before detested the 
thoughts of physic.—But, alas! the pro- 
per time of taking it is past,—the disease 
is confirmed,—-the whole conftitution is 
quite broken,—the powers of medicine, or 
any other means which the most able Phy- 
sician can prescribe, are" now not sufficient 
to save him.—Whereas, had his appli- 
cation been made at first, the cure might 
have been easily effected. 
By the short description above given, 
without much physiology, I have reason 
to hope it appears chat a native good con- 
stitution may be ruined, by admitting and OF DIET. 
following ill habits in the mode of living. 
It has long appeared to me, from stridl 
inquiry into the cause and nature of our 
diseases, that most of them are of our own 
creation. I say most of them, for there 
are malignant fevers, and other disorders 
which arise from some peculiar bad quality 
in the air, in different seasons of the year, 
and in different countries, that it is not in 
human power to prevent, and, at best, ve- 
ry difficult to cure.—There are diseases 
also, called hereditary, as for instance, 
scrophula, the king’s evil, and gout; but 
as these originate from our own errors in 
general, they may be eradicated in a few 
generations, by good management. That 
they do originate from our own errors ap- 
pears from adding some other impure hu- GF DIET. 
mows to those above described, and the 
diseases produced by this combination 
being not so easily cured, as in simple 
gouty and scrophulous cases. 
But confining ourselves to the for- 
mer very fashionable disorder (although 
the king’s evil is still to be attended to), 
I shall beg leave to mention an idea that 
occurred to me, and has been mentioned 
many years by me wherever I could do it 
consistently, viz. That the gout appear- 
ed to me to originate from eating and 
drinking too much, and, at the same 
time, neither using exercise nor work in 
proportion; it was therefore curable, as 
well as other diseases, by the use of time- 
ly and proper means. O? DIET. 
The strong man’s case, as I have cal- 
led it before, and indeed all others arising 
from a plethora, give indications of their 
own cure, by early bleeding, purging, and 
other evacuants judiciously advised, and 
administered according to the age, the ha- 
bit of the body, and the other circum- 
stances of the patient;, and by these sim- 
ple means, the gouty fit, will in genera], 
be soon removed. After this is obtained, 
the patient must lessen the quantity of his 
diet, from that which he had before accus- 
tomed himself to. He should keep his 
body well and equally covered, not omit- 
ting to wear woollen stockings next the 
skin, with any other sort over them, and 
his shoes or boots should have very thick 
soles. OF DIET. 
The approach of another fit is gene- 
rally indicated by a want of appetite, a 
fuller and quicker pulse than usual in its 
natural state, several darting pains in dif- 
ferent parts of die body, and then increa- 
sing on the parts formerly affedled. There 
is usually also, a ftiffness or confinement 
of motion through many of the external 
muscles and tendons of the body, all or 
most of which symptoms give him notice 
enough to send in time for medical assist- 
ance. But as some have imbibed a vio- 
lent fear of, and prejudice against bleed- 
ing, that is very difficult to be overcome, 
(and yet, without the prudent use there- 
of, and of the other means above hinted, 
I am convinced the gout cannot be cured), 
'—let me, therefore, request him not to be 34 
OF DIET. 
afraid of the means advised by his Physi- 
cian. 
While I am enforcing these few hints, 
which I hope may be for the good of o- 
thers, I shall beg leave to mention my 
own case, and the treatment thereof, which 
I have reason to believe saved me from a 
consumption, in the former part of my 
life, and from being crippled with the 
gout in the latter part of it; especially, as 
a brief history of the means used, may lead 
to the cure of other persons threatened 
with such disorders. 
I never heard that any of my ances- 
tors were troubled with the gout; no seeds 
of it, therefore, can be supposed to have 
remained with me. From my youth I OF DIET. 
was subjefted to coughs and defluxions 
from my lungs, but usually without fe- 
vers.—When about the age of twenty-six, 
my cough and excretion of mucus increa- 
sed very greatly, and my body became 
wasted so much in the course of cvu> years, 
that I began to reconcile my sell to that 
awful close of life which seemed to ap- 
proach me;—nay, when walking through 
the streets of the town where I resided, I 
often heard the people behind me say, 
cc Ah, poor man, he is not long for this 
world!” 
I had bled sometimes from the arm, 
and taken medicines by the advice of my 
medical teachers, and several other emi- 
nent practitioners; but the cough, and 
spitting of a mucus, sometimes tainted OF DIET. 
with blood, continued, though I do not 
remember to have observed any purulent 
matter. In my studies, having met with 
an author, I think Dodtor Dover, recom- 
mending bleeding in very small quanti- 
ties, and frequently, in consumptive ca- 
ses, I took the hint, and bled myself from 
four to six ounces at a time, for four weeks 
running, alternately from each arm, and 
finding my lungs greatly relieved, I re- 
peated the operation in this manner twice 
the next month, to six ounces at a time. 
I continued, also, the use of the pedlorals 
advised me, and took an aperient once or 
twice a week- By these means I found 
myself gradually relieved, and therefore 
persevered in bleeding myself to about 
eight ounces at a time, once every month 
during the space of twelve years, and for OF DIET. 
37 
four years afterwards about the same quan- 
tity every six weeks; amounting in the 
whole to, as nearly as I could calculate, 
twelve gallons, between the twenty-sixth 
year of my age, as before mentioned, and 
that of it at forty-two.—After this time, 
to that of my fiftieth year, I bled only 
about six times in the year. 
During all this time, 1 went through 
great fatigue of body and mind, in every 
branch of medical pradice, yet my health 
recovered, the cough and defluxion gra- 
dually abated, and quite left me, except- 
ing when I caught cold, which I was 
much fubjeded to by being called often 
out of bed, at night, to attend in cafes of 
midwifery, a part of my medical prac- 
tice. 38 
OF DIET. 
Finding my health thus recovered, I 
indulged more freely in eating and drink- 
ing (though never to excess) and in the 
ufe of a carriage exercise instead of others. 
Ere long I felt wandering pains through 
the muscular parts, which soon fixed on 
one hip with such violence, that I could 
neither turn in bed nor bear the weight of 
the cloaths on the part affeCled. Convin- 
ced that my case was of the inflammatory 
kind, I bled, and took an aperient; but 
the pain still raging and descending to the 
knee, I sent for my late valuable friend 
Do(stor Lewis, who, being convinced, 
also, that the case was as I had thought, 
advised me to be bled again and take 
cooling medicines. I must observe here, 
that my blood was at this time sizy, in 
wh’ch state I had not seen it before. 1 OF DIET. 
39 
was bled again;—in about ten days the 
pains, which were still excessive, ex- 
tended to the other side, and soon after- 
wards both hands and feet began to swell, 
upon which the pains in the hips and 
knees grew more tolerable, and a gouty 
redness appeared on the fingers and toes, 
which convinced the Doctor, and another 
friend, a Physician, and myself, that the 
case was now, reduced to a real gout;—it 
was therefore, treated as such, and I re- 
covered perfect health. 
I have had flight attacks since that fir, 
but by bleeding at the first onset, and the 
use of a few medicines, my health has al- 
ways been restored in about a week’s 
time; excepting an attack near six years 
ago, in Scotland, when at a gentleman’s 40 
OF DIET. 
house, situated high, on the south side of 
two rivers, which united a little towards 
the east of it 5 and tho’ it was a strong 
stone building, yet I felt it remarkably 
cold, during my stay there, in the months 
of November and December. In this si- 
tuation I lived most plentifully in rcspefl 
to diet, &c. but had not my usual degree 
of exercise. 
Here I was seized In a similar way to 
my first attack, only that the gout ap- 
peared sooner on my feet and hands.*—l 
began with taking blood from my arm, as 
usual, and found it sizy;—then took such 
medicines as I thought my case required, 
by which means I grew daily better;—but 
the first day that I could get on shoes, 
very urgent business calling me to return OF DIET. 
to my home at Brentford, although the 
ground had been covered very deep with 
snow for some time, and there was a frost* 
I set out in the latter week of December, 
travelled day and night, excepting part of 
one day, and arrived at home the first of 
January, 1788, so exceedingly ill, that I 
almost despaired of recovery. By uneasy 
sensations and pains which I felt over all 
the body, and great inability of muscular 
motion, I concluded, that the extreme 
cold which I had undergone must have 
prevented the excretions of the gouty 
matter, and fixed it so as not to be remo- 
ved. Notwithstanding this dilemma, I 
bled myself again, to the astonishment 
of several medical practitioners, as well 
as of my own family, and finding the 
blood sizy-as I expected it must be, I left OF DIET. 
off the use of wine and every other fer? 
merited liquor for some weeks. My di- 
et consisted of boiled meats, weak broths, 
puddings, vegetables, water, and rennet 
whey; and for medicines, such as I had 
used before. 
I have no doubt the above treatment 
will appear very strange to some, and, in- 
deed, I should not have ventured to re- 
commend it to others,—lest, not meeting 
with the success I hoped for, much cen- 
sure most likely would have fallen upon 
me.—However, I survived ail those trials, 
and have not been confined by the gout 
since. But, on account of frequent over- 
charges of blood and mucus, oppressing 
my lungs, by receiving what is called 
cold, I have been obliged to bleed three OF DIET. 
or four times every year since my fiftieth 
year, before mentioned, the whole a- 
mount, from my twenty-sixth year, be- 
ing as near as I can calculate, equal to 
twenty gallons. I hope, therefore, the 
candid reader will forgive me in decla- 
ring here my thankfulness to God, for 
bringing me on this 25th day of May, 
1793, in the seventy-third year of my 
age, and in better health than that I usu- 
ally enjoyed in the early part of life/ ' 
* The venerable and respjftable Author of this little 
treatise, rs, it Is believed, yet diving,' ■ and in perftft 
health.—The above observations may serve to eradi- 
cate the foolish and unfounded prejudices against blood 
letting:—for although much harm may have been done 
by its indiscriminate employment, we should not objeft 
to the use of a remedy, from evils arising from its 
abuse. Am. Ed, Chap. IV.* 
DIRECTIONS TO NURSES. 
A S it is the Physician’s business to 
heal the sick, it can hardly be sup- 
posed, that any endeavour which condu- 
ced! to health, can either be deemed a 
thing below him, or unworthy of public 
I venture therefore again, on 
a subjeft, which, so far as I know, has 
never been attempted by any other per- 
* This Chapter cannot be too closely attended to by 
every person who is interested in the welfare of the 
sick. Am, Ed, TO NURSES. 
son, though it is twenty-six years since 
the first edition of this work was printed. 
What I mean principally, is a collective 
view of such things as ought to be under- 
tood by those whose office it is to nurse 
the sick: An office, which, if well 
known, and rightly performed, is most 
certainly of great benefit to mankind, 
how trifling soever it may appear; on 
the contrary, when it is either negleCted, 
or badly executed, the most fatal conse- 
quences often arise. To prove the truth 
of these assertions, I shall only appeal to 
every sensible Physician, whether, when 
the plan prescribed by him hath been 
punctually observed, he has not com- 
monly seen the disease either yielding rea- 
dily to the remedies, or terminating in DIRECTIONS 
its usual period, without any mysterious 
or difficult symptom arising through the 
course of it? Whereas, on the contrary, 
when his plan hath been altered, as for in- 
stance, when the medicines have not been 
taken at the appointed times, when im- 
proper diet has been given instead of that 
directed, when the air in the room, and 
many other circumstances, have not been 
properly attended to, whether he has not 
then known the disease to he aggravated, 
and frequently diverted from its natural 
course (If I may be allowed the expres- 
sion) j so that new symptoms have arisen, 
and very often a new disease, which ad- 
ding force to the former, the power of 
medicine hath been resisted, nature has 
been overcome, and death has ensued, 
even in cases, where, if no such errors had TO NURSES. 
47 
been committed, there was the highest 
probability of the patient’s recovery. 
This is what I apprehend few will deny; 
the mistakes indeed are commonly con- 
cealed artfully by the nurse, who is too 
often imprudently influenced and sup- 
ported by the patient: Horrid indiscre- 
tion ! I must tell them, that the latter 
sports with no less than life and the 
former, not only with that, but character 
and conscience also. For these reasons, 
I could wish the heads of families would 
deign to peruse this work with serious at- 
tention ; not only because they will be 
forewarned of dangers, but being enabled 
also to judge (when sick) how they are 
treated by their nurses, they may know 
how to reward them accordingly, as their 
office hath been well or ill discharged. DIRECTIONS 
Before we go farther upon this subject, 
it may be necessary to observe, that none 
should be nurses, unless they are posses- 
sed of the following qualities, viz, ho- 
nesty and fidelity; without which, they 
will not only injure others, but them- 
selves also. 
Sobriety is also essential. To be in- 
toxicated with liquor is a disgrace to eve- 
ry woman, but unpardonable in those 
who are intrusted with the lives of others. 
Let nurses be aware of this shameful vice, 
and never give way to it, even tho’ at 
one time they may be exhilirated with 
joy, and at another time depressed with 
care and fatigue; if they do, they will 
not only endanger the patient, but infal- 
libly lose their characters, (almost as ef- TO NURSES. 
feflualiy, as if void of the above virtues) 
■which once lost, may never be regained, 
tho’ their future maintenance may depend 
entirely on a good name. The more 
equal and cheerful they are in their dispo* 
sitions, the better, provided always that 
they keep their proper distances j and ne* 
ver incommode the patient with idle chit- 
chat, disagreeable subjects, or any thing 
that can occasion sudden surprize.* 
They must learn to be very quick and 
expert in the execution of their office, yet 
without bustle or noise j the track may be 
* This caution is of the highest importance! an ex- 
cessive and indiscreet loquacity is sufficient to overba- 
lance every other qualification in a nurse. 
Am. Ed, DIRECTIONS &c. 
easily kept when once get into, and the 
objeds to be attended to are but few, as 
for instance, those which are compre- 
hended in the following chapters. Chap. V. 
Of Things to he ohjerved relating to the 
CHAMBER, 
JT being a well known fa<Tr, that the 
life of every animal depends as much 
on air as on diet; and its health also, as 
much on the goodness of the former, as 
on that of the latter f care therefore 
* Thus it was expressed in my first publication ; since 
which time, the great benefit of breathing pure vital air, 
has been so fully pointed out by the learned and most in- 
defatigable Doctor Priestly, and some other very enu- 52 
OF THINGS RELATING 
should be taken, what sort of air and 
rooms we usually cither sit or sleep in* 
but more especially so, when confined by 
sickness. 
Hot climates require such rooms as arc 
high and spacious. In this country one 
sixteen feet long, fourteen broad, and ten 
high, is reckoned a good size, particu- 
larly for a bed chamber; the length and 
breadth being more or less, the ceiling 
ought never to be lower: If higher, or 
coved, the better, as thereby the foul air 
will have space to ascend, and make way 
for an influx below of that which is fresh 
and pure. 
uent philosophers, as to confirm my ideas on the sub- 
ject. To their writings I think it my duty, therefore, 
to refer the reader. TO THE CHAMBER. 
53 
It should be kept as clean as possible 
from every sort of mephitic air, or putrid 
matter. If it is situated so as to receive 
the rays of the sun some hours every day,, 
the better.. 
The bed should never be placed be- 
tween the door and the chimney, if it can 
be avoided] for in this situation, the air 
on the side next the fire will be ratified, 
and that from the door will corne/with so 
much force upon the bed, as to endanger 
the patient: a screen therefore in such 
cases must be so placed as to prevent the 
cold air from rushing direflly upon the 
bed. Even supposing no fire, yet if the 
bed is thus situated, the air in most rooms 
will pass so forcibly towards the chimney, 
as to affedl the patient] though not so OF THINGS RELATING 
much as in the former case; yet it is not 
adviseablc to stop up the chimney place.* 
Whenever a fire is required, it should 
be kept equally up; though in a weaker 
or stronger degree, according to the na- 
ture of the disease, the season of the year, 
and state of the weather. The room be- 
ing brought to a due heat, should never 
cool suddenly, nor the fire be permitted' 
to go entirely out j for the air must be 
kept always in a state as sweet and tem- 
perate as possible: This seldom or ne- 
ver can be so well known by the patient, 
: , ....... 
as by others. The nurse, in this respedl, 
must be directed by the medical person 
* In many of the diseases to which we are liable, is 
would be far preferable to place the bed in the middle of 
the chamber. Am, Ed, TO THE CHAMBER: 
who attends; and in his absence by her 
own senses, or by those of others, who? 
coming from the open air, will be sensi- 
ble if any thing in the room is offensive 
or disagreeable. 
When the foul air is to he changed, or 
the room cooled, the door must be open- 
ed awhile, and if that be insufficient, a 
window also; during which time the pa- 
tient must be so covered, or screened, as 
the torrent of cold air come not violently 
upon him. 
If the disease be the small-pox, and 
the weather very hot, it is often needful 
to keep a window open day and night 
during the whole course of the disease,* 
but in this case the nurse must take care OF THINGS RELATING 
that the patient doth not lie in a violent 
stream of air, by keeping either the door, 
or another window open at the same time, 
unless it be for a minute or two, when the 
smell in the room becomes extremely 
powerful. In short be the disease as it 
may, the air in the room should never be 
tainted with any smoke, dust, putrid, or 
offensive smell, if they possibly can be 
avoided*. 
The door now and then must be sprink- 
led with lavender-water or vinegar, espe- 
cially before it is swept; but it must be 
washed with great caution during the 
* As far as respe&s the Small-pox, it is to be hoped 
the preceding remark may be soon rendered altogether 
unnecessary by the invaluable introduction of the Vac- 
cine. If the small-pox is however unfortunately intro- 
duced, there is no reason for not opening all the win- 
dows in hot weather. Am. Ed. 57 
TO THE CHAMBER. 
month of child-bed, and in the course of 
a fever, unless the patient is able to be 
removed into another room, till it is per- 
fectly dried. 
A daily change of roses and some other 
herbs, as for instance, lavender, sweet- 
marjoram, sage, thyme, balm, mint, 
southernwood,, rue, feverfew, &c. may be 
placed in the room, and such as are most 
agreeable smelled to by the patient. When 
faint, some lavender-water, or the steams 
of warm vinegar, may be applied to the 
nose* but smelling-salts, as they are cal- 
led, and volatile spirits, such as those 
of hartshorn, &c. must be used with 
caution, for they are often pernicious. OF THINGS, RELATING 
If the nurse deviates from the above 
plan, it ought to jbe by the advice of the 
Physician, who knowing the case, it may 
be reasonably supposed, will diredl what 
is most suitable for the cure. 
It is a misfortune to the poor, that the 
ceilings of their houses are generally very 
low, and that they are often obliged to 
have several beds in the same room; but 
what is worse, (though usually owing to 
their own floth and dirty disposition), 
their linen being foul, and other filth be- 
ing suffered to remain in the room, the 
air becomes tainted with the putrid 
steams; so that if a person falls ill, sup- 
pose of a fever, in itself not malignant, 
yet, by giving hartshorn-spirits, or ve- TO THE CHAMBER. 
59 
nice-treacle, &c.* in order to force sweats, 
as is too often the case, the disease is 
not only increased, but often changed so 
much, that it becomes at last a putrid or 
malignant, and frequently an infeflious 
fever. For these reasons, the sick per- 
son’s room should be kept very clean, and 
as few deep in it as possible. People 
surely may be cleanly, though ever so 
poor. 
The floor should also be sprinkled with 
vinegar, or strewed with herbs, as before 
dire&ed by which precaution, the infec- 
tion will probably be nipt in the bud, and 
hence many lives saved, which otherwise 
would fall a sacrifice. 
* This practice is become nearly in disuse, since mj 
first publication, Chap. VL 
Of what is to he ohjerved concerning 
the BED, and 
SHIFTING the PATIENT. 
§ i. Ae bedstead there is little to 
be said, but the posts should be 
high that the tester may allow an ascen* 
sion of the foul air. 
It Is extremely needful to have the bed 
and bedding always as clean as possible, 
and the newer they are the better; for old AND SHIFTING THE PATIENT. 
61 
ones contract a putridity not only from 
the stagnated air which they contain, but 
from the exudations of those persons who 
have lain in them. 
Silk or worsted curtains imbibe a hu- 
midity, which, together with the dust, 
occasions mustiness; such therefore as 
can be washed, whenever they are not 
clean, are certainly the best, as for in- 
stance, those which consist of linen or 
cotton, or of both. 
§ 2. Some people, (sick or well), ac- 
custom themselves to have the curtains 
drawn. This is a pernicious habit, for the 
air being thus confined, becomes replete 
not only with what is expired from the 
lungs, but likewise with a portion of the CONCERNING THE BED, 
effluvia from the rest of the body ; hence, 
in a short time they draw in a considerable 
part of the excrementitious particles of 
their own bodies.* 
The air thus contaminated, is fo noxi- 
ous to a perfon who comes from the freffl 
air, that upon opening the curtains, when 
visiting such patients, I have often been 
almost suffocated. I therefore wish, that 
people would adopt such a method as the 
following, namely, to pin the curtains close 
to the head of the bed; and from thence, 
when the weather is warm, to extend them 
downwards to near the middle, and when 
* This article is worthy of the most serious atten- 
tion, especially in a sick chamber. Miliary fevers, &c. 
are less frequent now, in consequence of this pernicious 
custom being less prevalent. -Atn, E4. AND SHIFTING THE PATIENT. 
it is cold, to the feet-posts only, without 
any opening on the sides, by which means 
the air will not come directly upon the 
person’s head, but gradually round, to 
afford a supply of fresh, and at the same 
time, to permit an escape of that which 
is foul.* 
Every feather bed should have one 
mattress over, and another under it; for, 
without this precaution any person may 
become faint and languid. Let the mat- 
tresses be made with clean horse hair, or 
with straw, as other materials may be- 
come foetid or putrid. 
* The atmosphere of a chamber of persons in health 
becomes so contaminated, as to be disagreeable to any 
one entering it from the fresh air; how much mare so 
then must this be the case, when sickness tends in va- 
rious additional ways to destroy its purify! Atn, Ed. 64 
CONCERNING THE BED 
§. 3. The bed, at the beginning of an 
illness should be made as smooth as pos- 
sible, but always higher at the head than 
at the feet} and clean linen, (not such as 
has once been used,* of which some have 
a mighty notion, but such as is well dri- 
ed) must be laid upon it; the patient 
then may go into it, and being covered 
with such a quantity of cloaths as accus- 
tomed to when in health, the curtains 
must be drawn only as before directed.f 
Fads evince it, that light is condu- 
cive to health as well as to life; it is there- 
* This practice of preferring linen once used, is 
now, I hope, quite discarded. 
f If curtains are used at all, it would certainly be 
preferable never to draw them lower than to the middle 
of the bed-sled. All the advantage they afford of keep, 
ing out the cold, or rather of retaining the heat, is bet- 
ter attained by additional covering. Am. Ed, and shifting the patient. 
fore an error (as I humbly conceive) to 
darken bedchambers, especially those or 
the sick. If indeed, the patient is light- 
headed, or delirious, the fewer objects 
that are presented to his view the better; 
or if his eyes are afifedled, as in the small- 
pox, measles. &:c. the light must then 
be obscured; but in other cases its rays 
should be freely admitted. 
§< 4. In cases of women in labour, 
when the bed is to be got ready for deli- 
very, it must be first prepared as above 
diredted, and then the following linen ad- 
ded, namely; take two sheets, doublfe 
them lengthways, lay them one above the 
other across the bed, over the under sheer, 
and tuck in their ends on each side, below CONCERNING THE BED 
the bedding. Or instead of these, take 
one sheet, fold it twice, stitch a tape to 
each comer, then lay this sheet across, 
upon the under sheet, and tie it tightly to 
the bedstead on each side by the tapes. 
In this manner the bed must remain after 
the delivery. But to keep it perfectly 
clean during that operation, the following 
conveniencies must be added also: 
§. 5. Place a basil skin* upon the cross 
sheer, and over it two sheets four times 
folded, one upon the other, the uppermost 
with its end hanging over the right side 
of the bed; upon these the patient must 
lie, and over her another sheet being laid 
across, below the upper sheet, with that 
* This is a species of leather—A piece of oiled silk 
will answer as well. Am. Ed. 
Am. Ed. AND SHIFTING THE PATIENT. 
end which is towards the right side of the 
bed turned back over the coverings and 
pinned, every thing then will be kept clean 
and in proper order. If the weather be 
hot, or the labour violent, the upper co- 
verings must be accordingly lessened, un- 
til the operation is ended. 
§. 6. When the patient is delivered and 
has rested awhile, she must be drest with 
the suitable apparel; the sheet which lay 
across above her, and those which were 
doubled below, together with the basil 
skin, must be taken away, and then she 
will remain very comfortably, in the clean 
linen with which the bed was before 
prepared. CONCERNING THE BED 
§. 7. When persons are not so well pro- 
vided with such requisites as above men- 
tioned, things then must be conducted as 
follows: 
The bed being prepared with the linen 
which the patient had used before, and a 
basil skin with a sheet or two doubled, 
above it, placed as in § 5, she then may 
undress and go into It, as soon as the ob*- 
ste trick operator gives orders. 
When she is delivered, and has rested 
about half an hour, she may then be ta* 
ken up, and things conducted in the fol- 
lowing manner: 
Place a large chair near that side of the 
bed where the operator sat, spread over AND SHIFTING THE PATIENT. 
69 
it a blanket or quilt, wrap the patient in 
the sheets in which she lay, the leather 
and cloaths which were under being inclu- 
ded, and kept close to her, set her imme- 
diately on the chair, cover her up with 
more cloaths if needful, and then lay the 
chair back on the knees of an assistant, who 
must sit on another chair at a little dis- 
tance behind, and support this chair and 
the patient upon it, in an horizontal po- 
sition, till the bed is prepared as direded 
in §. 3 and 4, that is, with the clean li- 
nen and cross sheet j whilst in this situa- 
tion, a pillow being under the head, she 
will remain safe, without any danger of 
fainting, or getting cold. When the bed 
is ready, as an assistant warms it, the 
chair must be moved to the side of it, 
then raised up, and the patient be drest CONCERNING THE BED 
as quickly as possible with the clean ap- 
parel; this being done, she must stand 
up between two assistants, at which in- 
stant warm linen must be applied proper- 
ly, to prevent cold, and as the clean ap- 
parel descends, the foul things must fall 
before it. Having now stood about the 
space of a minute, whilst the clean dress 
is kept close, she must turn round and sit 
down upon the edge of the bed, then lay 
herself upon her right* side and be covered 
up. When things are conveniently placed,, 
and thus managed, this whole work is per- 
formed easily, without bustle, in fifteen 
minutes, the patient is in no danger of 
getting cold, and she seldom faints; if she 
does, she must be laid back, with , the 
* Right or left side is immaterial. An:,Ed, AND SHIFTING THE PATIENT. 
chair in an horizontal position again, and 
she will soon recover; after which the 
nurse must proceed as before. 
After this time she may remain in bed 
till the beginning of the third day, and 
then be taken up in the following man- 
ner: 
Before she rises, the room must be in a 
moderate degree warmed, and a chair pla- 
ced by the side of the bed, with a blan- 
ket or quilt over it; she then must be 
taken up, with the linen in which she lay, 
and being covered up, either sit in the 
chair, or if faint, be laid back as before 
direded, till the bed is prepared a-new, 
and her dress also changed as occasion re- 72 
CONCERNING THE BED 
quires. Tills being done she must repair 
to bed, and continue there till the fifth 
day, when she may dress, and sit up 
about an hour, or more, every day, if 
no illness forbid it; but if she is feverish, 
she ought not to be taken up even now, 
unless by consent of the Physician who 
attends, for as he can judge of the case, 
he will know if it may be done or not. 
After the first week, (no indisposition 
forbidding), she may rise every day, and 
sit up longer, or lie upon a couch for a 
while, and then sit up again. 
During the first three weeks she should 
avoid the fatigue of many visitors as much 
as possible, and those whom she receives AND SHIFTING THE PATIENT. 
73 
ought not to stay long in the room, lest 
thereby she be incommoded.* 
§.B. Whenever a sick person is taken 
up till the bed is made, the above method 
should be observed, be the disorder what 
it may, unless it is a some part 
of the lower limbs j if so, the Surgeon 
must be present, to take care that the 
bones are not disturbed, and the callus 
consequently not injured. 
It is of great moment to the sick, to 
have their linen shifted so often, that it 
may never become foul or offensive. 
* This advice is highly important; many women 
suffer extremely, and even induce dangerous and fatal 
illness, by exerting themselves prematurely. 
Am. Ad, CONCERNING THE BED 
I shall here repeat a remark which I 
made in the first publication of this work, 
respecting the small-pox; it is as fol- 
lows : 
xc There is a custom remaining among 
£< the common people, in respeCt to the 
£C small-pox, which is really to be la- 
£C merited, it is this: They will not shift 
“ their linen till the pustles are dried. 
£C Whoever will give themselves but time 
cf to reflect, must be convinced, that no 
<< disease, (putrid fevers excepted), re- 
e£ quires more cleanliness in nursing than 
« the small-pox, especially the confluent 
Cf kind. 
cc I must own, that in such cases, I have 
used all the arguments in my power. AND SHIFTING THE PATIENT. 
“ to enforce the neteflity of admitting 
the fresh air, and of shifting the linen, 
&c. yet sometimes the obstinacy (I 
tf cannot help calling it the cruelty) of 
“ nurses, nay sometimes that of the 
ff neighbours also, has been so great, as 
£C to prevent their complying ; and to my 
(C farther mortification, I have in such 
<c cases known the patient sink, and even 
“ die, under the influence of the morbid 
“ steams arising from his own body, and 
tc the filthy deaths around him; whereas, 
t( if he had been kept clean, and the pure 
fc air admitted as advised, I have been 
<( perfectly convinced, in my own mind, 
£c that he must have done well. I cannot, 
€t therefore, but heartily wish, that this 
“ preposterous and detestable custom may 
“ be speedily exploded,” CONCERNING THE BED, &c. 
Since the above remark it gives me 
great pleasure to find, now, that the ad- 
mission of fresh air, frequent change of 
clean linen, and in short, every other sort 
of cleanliness in the chambers of the sick 
of every description, are better attended 
to than before. Chap. VII. 
OF DIET FOR THE SICK, 
rJpHE health of the human body ha- 
ving a great dependence upon the 
quantity and quality of the blood and jui- 
ces, and it being plain that all those ali- 
ments which preserve and maintain a just 
temperament, and a due quantity of these, 
are beneficial to health, whereas such as 
have a contrary tendency, are to be rec- 
koned unwholesome j a particular regard 
is therefore to he had to the choice of our OF DIET 
diet, even whilst we are in perfedl health. 
The prevailing fashion at present is, to 
make one repast consist of a variety of 
dishes. This mode, whilst observed with 
moderation, is laudable, for such a meal 
will digest sooner, and with less uneasiness 
to the stomach, than one consisting only 
of one dish; even supposing the quanti- 
ty eaten is not quite so much as that of 
the former. And moreover, there is rea- 
son to believe (as 1 was long ago inform- 
ed by an ingenious friend,* who has 
made many experiments upon living ani- 
mals relative to digestion), that the chyle 
is always the same, let the substance from 
which it is produced, be either vegetable 
or animalj that when it appears to be in 
* Mr. John Hunter, FOR THE SICK. 
any respedt different, it is owing to its 
being mixt with such substances as are 
indigestible in the stomach, such as the 
juice of madder, See. and that every 
thing that goes perfedly thro’ the diges- 
tive fermentation, constantly produces a 
substance that is alike in all its parts. 
But then we' must suppose, that the3 
materials which constitute each of these- 
meals, are not spoilt in the dressing •, that 
is to say, that neither by a dissimilar com- 
mixtion, nor by the adtion of the 
they are rendered either acrimonious, or 
totally effete, hence improper for nutri- 
tion; for I am apt to think, that this hap™ 
pens too often, even in the most fashion- 
able method of dressing vidluals. OF DIET 
If vve take but a cursory view of the 
present state of cookery, we shall find 
that many of those dishes which are rec- 
koned the most elegant, consist of above 
twenty articles, some near forty, and 
many of them, though very incongru- 
ous and insignificant, extremely expen- 
sive j nay, an incredible quantity of the 
most wholesome food is often destroyed 
in the produdtion of one trifling article, 
which, when obtained, serves for little else, 
than to render some heterogeneous farrago 
(though agreeable to the palate) more 
improper for nutrition. 
Gan we refleft on all this, and not won- 
der how the opulent, whom we may sup- 
pose to be the most reasonable part of the 
community, can be thus imposed upon5, FOR THE SICK. 
not only in being made the instruments 
of enhancing the price of provisions, espe- 
cially now, when its exorbitancy is still so 
justly complained of; but in habituating 
themselves to the use of such aliments as- 
are better suited for the maintenance of 
diseases than for that of life. 
Whoever indeed is nice in the gratifica- 
tion of his palate, may enjoy some pleasure 
whilst he feeds on these delicacies, which 
consist, usually, first, of a great variety 
of animal kinds, and are then succeed- 
ed by different pastries, confections, and 
fruits j but then let me ask him, do they 
not often tempt him to exceed the bounds 
of moderation, by eating so copioufly, that 
he soon finds his intellects are obscured, 
that his stomach is oppressed, and that OF DIET 
his whole body is indisposed ? Has he 
not known some of his acquaintance 
who have commonly fared so luxurioufly, 
either die apopledic, or linger on with 
gouty pains, &c.' 
In short, tho’ it cannot be supposed that 
this exuberant way of eating (which pre- 
vails remarkably, even now, amongst the 
middle ranks of people), has been intro- 
duced, by either any particular person or 
nation, with a design to hurt us, yet this 
observation, I presume, may be made up- 
on it, viz. that there was never a custom 
better suited to enfeeble, and at last to 
destroy, the constitutions of British sub- 
jects, even at the expense of their own- 
fortunes. FOR THE SICK. 
83 
A volume might be written, and very 
usefully coo, upon this head, but leaving it 
to some splendid pen, I shall return to the 
purpose intend , namely, to describe the 
preparations < such aliments as are most 
proper for edf sick; with an intention that 
the nurse (who ought to be the cook with 
reaped to this part of diet), may have rules 
to go by ; and that the Physician, or me- 
dical person who attends, may not only 
have a monitor to assist him, in some 
resped:, in causing such as are suitable to 
the case before him, but that the prepara- 
tion itself may be rendered more certain 
than it too often happens, when verbal 
diredions are given only. 
In preparing of all kinds of aliments, 
it is essentially necessary to be very clean* OF DIET 
]y, but more especially in that for sick 
people, whose stomachs are often so great- 
ly weakened and disordered by the dis- 
ease, as to put the Physician to his ut- 
most invention in finding out by way 
of diet, what is agreeable to the natural 
powers, and suitable to the case. 
The nurse, therefore, must not only 
be cleanly in her person, as observed be- 
fore, and in the materials which she uses, 
but she must take care that the vessels in 
which they are dressed are either silver, or 
iron, or if copper, very well tinned, and 
kept as perfedly clean as possible. FOR THE SICK. 
SAGE-TEA. 
Take of 
The leaves of green sage, plucked from 
the stalks and washed clean, half an 
ounce; 
Loaf sugar one ounce; 
Outer rind of lemon-peel, undried, a 
quarter of an ounce; 
Boiling water, two pints. 
Infuse them in a deep vessel for half ah 
hour, and then strain off the tea. 
When the sage is dried, it must be used 
in a less proportion than that above. 
In the same manner teas may be made 
of balm, rosemary, southernwoodj &c« 
the lemon-peel being omitted, or not, 
and the sugar lessened or increased, as 
occasion requires. OF DIET 
ROSE-TEA. 
Take of 
Red rose-buds, the white heels being ta- 
ken off, half an ounce; 
White-wine vinegar, three spoonfuls; 
Double refined sugar one ounce > 
Boiling water, two pints. 
Infuse them in a white stone, or porcelain 
vessel, well covered, for two hours, and 
then strain off the tea. 
When the roses are dried, a quarter of 
an ounce will be sufficient. 
OATMEAL-TEA 
‘Take of 
Oatmeal one handfulj 
Boiling water, one gallon. 
Mix them in a deep pan, and when they 
have stood about half an hour, or un- FOR THE SICK. 
87 
til the meal is subsided, strain off the 
tea. 
BRAN-TEA. 
Take of 
Bran, fresh ground, two handfuls j 
Common treacle, one spoonful; 
Boiling water, six pints. 
Mix them well, and when they have 
stood, covered, about three or four 
hours, strain off the tea. 
LINSEED or FLAX-SEED-TEA. 
Take of 
Linseed, whole, one ounce; 
Double refined sugar one ounce and an 
half; 
L,emon-juice, two ounces 5 
Boiling water two pints. OF DIET 
Infuse them in a stone or porcelain vessel, 
for some hours, and then strain off the 
liquor. 
An ounce of liquorice shaved, may 
sometimes be used instead of the sugar. 
MALT-TEA. 
Take of 
Ground malt, one pint; 
Boiling water, three pints. 
Stir them well together, and let the mix- 
ture stand, close covered, for three 
hours, after which strain off* the liquor. 
CAMOMILE-TEA. 
Take of 
Camomile-flowers, one handful; 
Boiling water, one gallon* FOR THE SICK. 
When they have stood covered up about 
half an hour, strain off the tea. 
If the drinking this tea is to strengthen 
the stomach, it must be made stronper. 
O J 
as for instance, about a quarter of an ounce-, 
to a pint. 
WHITE-WINE WHEY. 
Take of 
New milk, two pintsj. 
Water, one pint; 
White-wine, one gill,. 
Put the milk and water into a saucepan, 
well tinned, and set them upon a clear 
fire, and when they begin to boil, throw 
in the wine. Boil them about fifteen 
minutes, during which time as the 
curd, or cheesy part collc&s, take it off: 90 
OF DIET 
with a spoon, and if the whey is not 
clarified enough* with this quantity of 
wine, add a spoonful or two more; 
then boil it a little longer and skim it, 
by which means, it will become suf- 
ficiently fine,, and then it may be pour- 
ed into a bason for use. 
When it is to be made weaker, it must 
be boiled longer, that is, till the spirituous 
part of the wine flies off. But when it 
is to be made stronger, or when it is to 
be prepared with sorrel-juice, cyder, or 
cream of tartar, &c. directions will be gi- 
ven accordingly by the Physician who at- 
tends. 
*Or may be clarified thus, beat the white of an 
egg, let the whey cool, mix them together, boil them 
for a minute or two, and then strain off the .whey 
through a cloth. FOR THE SICK. 
VINEGAR WHEY.* 
Is made in the same manner as the wine 
whey, using vinegar instead of wine. 
* Am, Ed. 
TREACLE FOCSET * 
Take of 
Milk, one pint, put it on the coals till it 
just begins to boil, then add two or three 
table-spoon fulls of treacle, or molasses, 
stirring the milk as it is poured in- 
When mixed it is fit for use. 
* Am, Ed, 
LEMONADE, 
Take of 
The outer rind of frefli Lemon-peel, a- 
bout one drachm; 
, # f 
Lemon-juice, one ounce. OF DIET 
92 
Double refined sugar, two ounces5 
Boiling water, a pint and a half. 
When they have stood in a stone, or 
porcelain bason, about ten minutes, strain 
off the- liquor. 
ORANGEADE. 
Take of 
The fresh outer rind of Seville orange, 
one drachm;. 
Orange-juice, two large spoonsful, and a- 
bout one half; 
Double-Defined sugar, one ounce and a- 
bout three quarters, or enough to make 
it of an agreeable sweetness; 
Boiling water, one quart. 
When they have stood in a white stone 
or porcelain vessel, about ten minutes 
strain off the liquor. FOR THE SICK. 
93 
THE EMPERIAL DRINK. 
Take of 
Cream of tartar, one drachm; 
The outer rind of frerh lemon or orange 
peel, half a drachm; 
Loaf sugar, one ounce; 
Boiling water, two pints. 
When they have stood in a white stone 
or porcelain vessel about ten minutes, 
strain off the liquor. 
OXYCRATE. 
Take of 
White wine vinegar, four spoonsful; 
Virgin honey, an ounce and a half; 
Spring water, one quart. 
Mix them together in a white stone or 
porcelain vessel. OF DIET 
If honey disagrees with the patient, this 
drink may be sweetened with sugar instead 
of it. 
BARLEY WATER. 
Take of 
Pearl-barley, two ounces; 
Water, two quarts. 
Wash the barley first well with some cold 
water, then pouring on about half a pint 
of water, boil it a little while, and this 
water which will be coloured, being 
thrown away, put the barley into the 
quantity of water above dire&ed, first 
made boiling hot, boil away to half, 
and then strain off the liquor. 
BRAN DECOCTION. 
Take of 
Bran, newly ground, two handfuls; FOR THE SICK. 
Water, three quarts. 
Boil till only two quarts remain; then 
strain off the liquor, and add to it a 
quarter of a pound of the best honey. 
BUTTERED WATER, or nuhat the Germans call 
EGG SOUP. 
Take of 
Water, one pint; 
The Yolk of an Egg; 
Butter, the bigness of a small walnut; 
Sugar, enough to make it agreeably sweet. 
Beat up the yolk with the water, and then 
add the butter and sugar. 
Stir it all the time it is upon the fire; when 
it begins to boil, pour it to and fro be- 
tween the saucepan and mug till it is 
smooth and well frothed, and then it 
will be fit to drink. 96 
OF DIET 
WATER GRUEL. 
Take of 
Oatmeal, two large spoonfuls; 
Water, one quart. 
Mix them well, and boil them about ten 
or fifteen minutes, stirring often; then 
strain the gruel through a sieve, and 
add sugar and salt enough to make it 
agreeable to the taste. When it is de- 
signed as a meal, dissolve in it a little 
butter, and then add bread and nutmeg 
as occasion requires. 
RICE GRUEL. 
'Take of 
Ground rice, two ounces; 
Cinnamon a quarter of an ounce; 
Water, four pints. 
Boil them above half an hour, the cinna- 
mon being put in near the latter end of FOR THE SICK. 
97 
the decoction; then strain the gruel 
through a sieve, and add of double-re- 
fined sugar, (sugar of roses, or syrup 
of quinces), enough to make it agreea- 
ble to the patient’s taste. 
When this is to be used as a meal, the 
rice must be boiled above an hour, in 
only a quart of water, with half the 
quantity of cinnamon thrown in to- 
wards the latter end of the decoftion, 
and then wine added, as occasion re- 
quires. 
WHITE CAUDLE* 
Take of 
Oatmeal, two spoonfuls; 
Water, one quart; 
Mace, two or three blades; 
Three or four cloves. GF DIET 
Mix them well together, boil them about 
fifteen minutes, stirring often, then add 
a few’ slices of the outer rind of a le- 
mon ; when the mixture has boiled a- 
bout fifteen minutes, strain it through 
a sieve. 
As it is used, add to it white wine, grated 
nutmeg, and double-refined sugar, e- 
nough to make it agreeable to the pa- 
tient. Toasted bread is to be added 
likewise, as her appetite requires. 
BROWN CAUDLE. 
801 l the gruel as above, with three spoon- 
fuls of the oatmeal, then strain it, and 
add a quart of good mild ale boil it 
again, and then as it is used, add toast- 
ed bread, nutmeg, and sugar, as before 
dire&ed* FOR THE- SICK. 
99 
Some approve of a little wine in this al- 
so, but then less ale must be used in the 
first compofition. Others like a few sli- 
ces of ginger, some Jamaica pepper, or 
both, with the above ingredients, but if 
the patient is feverish, these had better be 
left out. 
PANADO. 
Take of 
Bread, one ounce* 
Mace, one blade* 
Water, one pint. 
Boil them, without stirring, till they mix 
and turn smooth, then add a little gra- 
ted nutmeg, a small piece of butter, 
and sugar enough to make the mixture 
agreeable. OF DIET 
When butter is not approved of, two 
spoonfuls of wine may be used in its 
steacj^|j|SS# .Medicill C> mllcuo 
SAGO. 
‘lake of 
Sago, one large spoonful; 
Water, about three quarters of a pint. 
Boil them gently, stirring often, till the 
mixture is smooch and thick; then add 
two spoonfuls of wine, a little nutmeg, 
and sweeten it to the taste. 
SALOP. 
fake of 
Salop, finely powdered, a tea spoonful; 
Water, half a pint. 
Mix the salop well in a cup of the water, 
then add the rest, and put the mixture 
into a saucepan, set it over a clear fire. FOR THE SICK. 
and keep it continually stirring, till it 
acquires the consistence of a jelly j add 
to it a large spoonful of wine, a little 
nutmeg, and sweeten it to the patient’s 
palate. 
THE WHITE DRINK. 
Take of 
Burnt hartshorn, prepared, two ounces* 
Gum Arabic, an ounce and a half; 
Water, three pints. 
Boil the water away to a quart, and then 
strain,. 
Wine and sugar may be added, as occasi- • 
on requires. 
RENNET WHEY, 
Take of 
New milk, one-quarts- OF DIET 
Rennet, a large spoonful. 
Put the milk into a saucepan, and when 
it is a little more than milk warm, 
mix the rennet with it ; keep it on the 
lire in a gentle degree of heat, till the 
curd, which as it separates from the se- 
rous part and collects, is taken off* with 
a spoon, and then the whey will be fic 
for use. 
The rennet is prepared thus: Take a 
calve’s bag, with the curd in it, (that is 
the duodenum replete with congealed 
chyle) pick the hairs entirely out, and 
wash the curd, and likewise the bag, ve- 
ry clean with water, then put the curd in- 
to the bag again, with near half a pound 
of salt, and let them stand in a clean gla- 
zed pan about a week; then take three FOR THE SICK. 
pints of water and one pound of salt, boil 
and skim until the liquor comes to two 
pints, set it by, and when it is cold, pour 
it upon the bag in the pan. When it has 
stood thus about a week longer, the brine 
or liquor, (now called rennet), will be fit 
for use, and keep good for several months, 
N. B. Whoever has not an opportunity 
of making this, may obtain it from the 
pastry-cooks, who generally prepare re- 
light, and keep it by them. 
THE VULNERARY DRINK. 
Take of ' 
Ground-ivy, colts-foot, and liquorice, each 
one ounces 
Elecampane, half an ounce. 
Boil them in four pints and a half of wa- 
ter, to four pints, and then strain off 
the liquor. OF DIET 
THE PECTORAL DRINK* 
'Take of 
Common barley and raisins stoned, each7 
two ounces ; 
Liquorice root, half an ounce; 
Water, two quarts. 
Boil the water first with the barley, then 
add the raisins, and afterwards near the 
latter end of the boiling, the liquorices 
The decoftion then will be fully com- 
pleated, when one quart only of the li- 
quor will be left after straining. 
ELDER BERRY SYRUP.* 
To,a pint of the juice of the berries add 
a pound of the best Muscovado 
and boil it until it becomes a syrup, 
carefully taking off the scum as long 
as any rises. 
* Am Ed. FOR THE SICK. 
One or two table spoonfuls of this sy- 
rup added to a pint of water makes a 
wholesome pleasant beverage. 
SYRUP OF TURNEPS.* 
Pare and slice the turneps, placing brown 
sugar between every slice; let them 
stand a few hours and the syrup will 
collect. 
This simple syrup has been found very 
useful in coughs. 
* Am. Ed. 
OATMEAL FLUMMERY. 
Take of 
Oatmeal (or grits), what quantity you 
please; put it into a broad deep pan, 
cover it over with water, stir them well OF DIET 
together, and when they have stood a- 
bout twelve hours, pour off the water 
so long as it runs clear, that is, till it 
comes to the mealy part; then pour on 
a larger quantity of fresh water, mix, 
and let them stand twelve hours more; 
then pour off the clearest part of this 
also, and repeat the process again about 
twelve hours afterwards. When the 
oatmeal has been thus macerated about 
thirty-six hours, the clear water being 
poured off and thrown away, the thick 
or mealy part must be strained through 
a hair sieve, and put into a well tinned 
saucepan; this being done, let it be well 
stirred while it boils, upon a clear fire, 
until it acquires a thick consistence; it 
is then to be taken off the fire, and 
poured into dishes, and when cold turn- FOR THE SICK. 
107 
cd out upon plates and eat with milk, 
or rather with wine and sugar, or cyder 
and sugar. 
POTATO FLUMMERY. 
'Take of 
Potatoes, one pound. 
Boil them gently in a sufficient quantity 
of water, till they are brittle or tender'; 
then take them out of the water, and 
peel the skins entirely off. When this 
is done, add salt enough to season them, 
mash them well, and put them into a 
saucepan again, with a quarter of a pint 
of milk and two ounces of butter; warm 
them a little, during which time let 
them be well mixed, and beat fine and 
smooth with a spoon. The mixture 
then which may be called flummery. OF DIET 
will be fit for use, and may be eat di- 
ther by itself, or with bread. 
BREAD SOUP. 
fake 
The upper crust of a roll, the drier the 
better; cut it into pieces, and put it 
into a saucepan, with a pint of water, 
and a piece of butter about half as big 
as a walnut; boil them well, every now 
and then stirring and beating them, till 
the bread is mixed; then season the 
soup with a very little salt, and pour it 
into a bason. 
SOUP MEAGRE. 
fake of 
Butter, half a pound i FOR THE SICK. 
Put it into a deep stew-pan,, place it 
upon a gentle fire till it melts, shake it a- 
bout, and let it stand till it has done ma- 
king a noisej have then ready, six mid*- 
dling onions peeled and cut small, throw 
them in, and shake them about. Take a 
bunch of celery, clean washed and pick- 
ed, cut it in pieces about an inch long, a 
large handful of spin age, clean washed 
and cut small, a little bundle of parsley 
chopped fine, shake all these together in 
the pan for about a quarter of an hour, 
then sprinkle in a little flour. When they 
are stirred again, pour into the stewpan 
two quarts of boiling water, then take of 
the dry hard crust of bread broken into 
pieces, one handful; of beaten pepper a 
tea spoonful; of mace three blades, beat 
fine; put these into the mixture and boil OF DIET 
them gently half an hour: take all now 
from the fire, beat up the yolks of two 
eggs and stir them in, then add a spoon- 
ful of vinegar, and the soup will be fit 
for use. 
The vinegar may be left out if it dis- 
agrees with the patient, or is inconfiftent 
with the medicinal plan observed in the 
cure. 
GREEN PEASE SOUP. 
‘Take of 
Young green peafe, half a pint; 
Two large cabbage lettuces, washed clean 
and cut into slices; 
Three middling fized onions, cut also in- 
to pieces; 
Beaten black pepper, a tea spoonful, or 
more if required; FOR THE SICK. 
111 
Water, one quart; 
Salt enough to make it agreeable.. 
Put all these into a saucepan, and set them 
upon a gentle clear fire; cover the sauce- 
pan, and let them stew a full hour, then 
add two ounces of fresh butter, mixed 
up with flour; stir all well together, and 
when they have boiled about fifteen mi- 
nutes longer, the soup will be well pre- 
pared. 
This soup may happen to be too flatu- 
lent for a stomach which is very weak; but 
when the valetudinarian begins to recover 
health, especially before animal food is to 
be allowed, it will in some cases be found 
useful as well as agreeable, for which rea- 
son it is inserted here. 112 
OF DIET 
MUTTON BROTH. 
’Take of 
A loin of mutton, one pound] 
Water, three pints. 
Put them into a saucepan, and set it up- 
on a clear fire, throw in a little salt, and 
as the scum rises take it carefully off 
with a spoon; then add a little onion, 
if there is no cbjeflion to it, and two 
blades of mace. Boil till the meat is 
very tender, then take it out, pour the 
broth into a bason, and when cold, skim 
the hit part which is congealed on the 
surface, entirely off; after which a part of 
the broth may be warmed and given to 
the patient as often as needful. A little 
boiled rice may be added here occasion- 
ally. FOR THE SICS. 
113 
MUTTON BROTH, either with BARLEY or 
RICE. 
Take of 
Scotch barley, or rice, two large spoonfuls; 
Water, one quart. 
When they have boiled for half an hour,, 
pour the water entirely off, and add 
three pints of fresh water, one pound of 
lean scrag of mutton, and a little salt. 
Boil again, and take the scum off as it 
rises; this being done, throw in one 
onion of a middling size, two turnips 
sliced, and a little parsley; then having 
boiled till the meat is tender, the broth 
will be fit for use. 
If the rice is washed before it is boiled,, 
the water need not be changed afterwards,. OF DIET 
BEEF BROTH. 
Take of 
Lean beef, as clear of fat as possible, a 
quarter of a pound : 
Water, a pint and a half; 
Salt, sufficient to season it. 
When it begins to boil, skim it for five 
minutes, then add about two blades of 
mace, and continue the boiling ten mi- 
nutes longer, which being done, the 
broth may be poured into a bason for 
use. 
CHICKEN BROTH. 
Take 
A middling sized chicken, divide it into 
two parts, take the skin and fat entire- 
ly off, put one half into a saucepan, 
with a quart of water, seasoned with a FOR THE SICK. 
little salt] as the scum rises take it off, 
then add a blade or two of mace, and 
a crust of bread,, and when boiled about 
three quarters of an hour in all, the 
broth will be fit for use. 
ANOTHER WAY. 
Take 
The fleshy part of the legs of a chicken., 
without skin, fat, or bones, put it into 
a small saucepan, with a pint and a half 
of water seasoned with salt; boil, and as 
the scum rises, which will not be much, 
take it off, then add a blade of mace, a 
little bundle of parsley, and a crust of 
bread; when they have boiled about half 
an hour, the parsley may be taken out, 
and the broth will be fit for use. GF DIET 
EEL BROTH. 
Take 
Six small eels washed clean, and the skin 
striptoff; cut them into pieces about 
an inch and a half in length, put them 
into a pint and a half of water, with a 
little salt; when they begin to boil, take 
off the scum as it rises. This being 
done, add two blades of mace, six whole 
pepper corns, and a little parsley, then 
let them stew about half an hour, and 
the broth will be fit for use. 
This is placed here instead of viper- 
broth. The Physician will diredl when 
it is proper to be taken. 
BOILED CHICKEN, 
Take 
Thin slices of bread, pour upon them 
some of the chicken broth as before FOR THE SICK. 
117 
prepared, and then lay the chicken as 
then boiled, over them. 
Let this be eaten without any other sauce. 
When the appetite is more recovered, 
and the case permits, it may be dressed 
as follows; 
Take 
Half a chicken, wash it clean from the 
blood, and put it into a saucepan with 
a quart of boiling water, seasoned with 
a sufficient quantity of salt. As the 
scum rises, take it off, and when the 
chicken has been boiled about half an 
hour, it may be laid upon a plate, over 
such sippets as above diredted, and the 
lean parts of it eaten either with those, 
or with parsley and butter sauce. OF DIET 
STEWED CHICKEN. 
Fake 
A good chicken, and half boil if, then lay 
it upon a pewter or silver dish, cut off 
the wings and legs, separate their joints, 
then take off the breast bone, and if e- 
nough of liquor does not drain from 
the fowl, add a few spoonfuls of the 
broth. Pot in a blade of mace and a 
little salt, cover the whole up close 
with another dish, set it over a stove, 
or chafing dish of coals, let it stew till 
the chicken is enough done, and then 
serve it up hot to the table, in that dish 
in which it was stewed. 
N. B. Rabbits, partridges, and moor- 
game, may be dressed the same way. FOR THE SICK. 
BOILED PIGEON. 
Take 
One pigeon, drawn, skinned, and washed 
very clean; boil it in a sufficient quan- 
tity of milk and water, that is, about 
half a pint of each, for fifteen minutes. 
When thus prepared, it may be taken 
out, and eat with the following sauce. 
Take 
The* iiver parboiled, bruise it fine, with a 
little parsley boiled and finely chopped; 
melt some butter, and mix a little of it 
first with the liver and parsley, then add 
the rest, and pour the whole upon the 
pigeon. 120 
OF DIET 
A PIGEON Stewed In Paste. 
Take 
A pigeon drawn and washed clean, season 
it with pepper and salt, inclose it in 
puff paste; tie the whole in a cloth, that 
the paste does not break, and then boil 
it in water an hour and a half. When 
the bag is untied, and it is put upon a 
plate, a little gravy sauce may be used 
with it; or if that is not agreeable, let 
it be eaten with the gravy only which 
is contained in itself and the paste. 
BOILED PARTRIDGE. 
Take 
One partridge, drawn and walked very 
clean, put it into a saucepan with a 
quart of boiling water, seasoned with 
a little salt; take off the scum as it ri- FOR THE SICK. 
121 
ses, and let the boiling continue about 
ten or fifteen minutes, by which time 
the partridge being done enough, may 
be eaten with the following sauce: 
Take 
The crumb of a French roll; 
Water, half a pint. 
Pepper, about fix corns; 
A piece of onion, if no objection to it; 
And a little salt. 
Boil it to a smooth consistence, then add 
about the bigness of a walnut of butter, 
and when mixed it will be ready for use. 
boTled FLOUNDER. 
Put the flounder into a stew-pan, with a 
sufficient quantity of boiling water, sea- OF DIET 
soned with a little salt; take o£F the 
scum, and continue the boiling about 
ten minutes, then take the flounder out, 
and when it has lain awhile upon a fish- 
plate to drain, it may be eaten with 
parsley and butter sauce. 
BREAD PUDDING. 
‘Take of 
Crumbs of bread, about half a pound.; 
New milk, about three quarters of a pint. 
Pour the milk boiling hot upon the bread, 
and let it stand about an hour covered 
close up; then add the yolks of two 
eggs, well beaten; a little grated nut- 
meg; about a spoonful of rose-water; 
a little salt, and sugar also, if agreea- 
ble; beat the bread well, and mix the 
whole together with a spoon. Tie it FOR THE SICK. 
then close up in a clean linen cloth, and 
when the water boils, put it in; boil a- 
bout three quarters of an hour, then 
take it out, lay it upon a plate, pour 
over it some melted butter mixed with 
a little mountain wine, if there is no ob- 
jection, and sprinkle a little sugar over 
all. 
BREAD PUDDING •vjithcui Eggs. 
Ttake 
A French roll, pour over it half a pint of 
boiling milk, cover it close, and let it 
stand till it has soaked up the milk, tie 
it then up lightly in a cloth, and boil it 
a quarter of an hour. When it is laid 
upon a plate pour a little melted butter 
over it. If there is no objection, some 
mountain wine may be mixed with the OF DIET 
; butter, and the whole sprinkled over al- 
so, with powdered sugar. 
BATTER PUDDING 
Take of 
Flour, six spoonfuls; 
Milk, one pint; 
Salt, half a tea-spoonful; 
Beaten ginger, nutmeg, and tin&ure of 
saffron, each a tea-spoonful. 
This pudding may be eat as the prece- 
ding, with a little melted butter, wine, 
and 'Sugar. 
When eggs are allowed, the yolks of 
three, and the white of one, must be beat- 
en well together, then mixed with the 
above ingredients, and boiled about an 
hour. FOR THE SICK. 
RICE PUDDING 
Take cf 
Ground rice, one once and an half. 
Pur it into a pint of milk, and let it boil 
till it is pretty thick, stirring it all the 
time; then pour it into a pan; stir in a 
quarter of a pound of sweet beef suet, 
chopped very fine, and two ounces of 
sugar. When it is cold, grate in half a 
nutmeg, and beat up three eggs, with a 
spoonful of sack. Mix all well toge- 
ther, and pour it into a dish, first rub- 
bed over with a little butter, and then 
bake it. 
RICE PUDDING without Eggs. 
’Take of 
Rice, two ounces. 126 
OF DIET 
Boil it in a pint of milk, stir it that it 
does not burn; when it begins to be 
thick take it off, let it stand till it is 
a little cool, then mix well in, two 
ounces of butter, half a nutmeg grated 
line, sugar enough to make it agreea- 
bly sweet; pour it into a proper dish, 
first rubbed over with a litttle butter, 
and bake it. 
APPEE PUDDING. 
'Take 
Three middling sized apples, pared, and 
cut in quarters, with the cores taken 
out, lay them in a good puff paste of 
about half an inch in thickness. When 
the paste is closed up, tie it tightly in 
a cloth, put it into boiling water, and 
when boiled an hour, take it out, pux FOR THE SICK. 
it upon a plate, open it at the top, and 
then put in a little butter, and sugar 
enough to make it agreeable to the pa- 
late. 
POTATO PUDDING, 
Take of 
Potatoes, one pound. 
Boil them, and take the skins entirely off, 
then beat them in a mortar; mix in four 
ounces of melted butter, tie the whole 
up in a cloth well floured, and boil it 
again for about half an hour; when it 
is turned out, and laid upon a plate, 
pour some melted butter, mixed with 
two spoonfuls of white wine, and one 
spoonful of orange juice, over it. A 
little powdered sugar also may be 
sprinkled over ail. OF DIET’ 
TAPIOCA JELLY. 
Take of 
That fine vegetable substance, called Ta- 
pioca, two table spoonfuls, or in weight 
one ounce. 
Mix it with one pint and a half of pure 
spring water; and, when it has stood 
cold an hour, then boil it about aa 
hour, with a clear gentle fire, stirring it 
well, until it is dissolved and become 
transparent. Near the end of the boil- 
ing, add two tea spoonfuls of lemon 
juice, a little of the peel, one tea spoon- 
ful of common salt, and sugar suffici- 
ent to suit the taste; strain it off through 
a sieve, add threef or four spoonfuls of 
white wine, a little nutmeg finely gra- 
ted, mix well, and then it will be fit 
for use. FOR THE SICK. 
Should wine be disagreeable to the pa- 
tient, milk may be used in place of it, es- 
pecially for children. 
Tapioca, as appears to me, is a gum- 
my exudation of some tree, although, the 
only account of it, yet obtained from the 
Brazils, whence it is imported to Lisbon 
and London, is, that it is a root. 
However, when prepared as above di- 
rected, it is both an agreeable and nutri- 
tive aliment. 
ARROW ROOT.* 
Take of 
The powder a large tea spoon full; 
mix it in a gill of sweet milk, and pour 
the mixture into near a pint of boiling 
water, stirring it for a few minutes, when 
* Am. Ed. OF DIET 
it will be fit for use. Sweetened with 
loaf sugar it is an agreeable nutriment 
for children affiided with complaints of 
the bowels. 
If made with a larger proportion of the 
powder and milk, and seasoned with nut- 
meg or cinnamon, it is adapted to the di- 
seases of the stomach and bowels in adults. 
SLANG MANGER. 
Take of 
Isinglass sliced, one ounce. 
Infuse if in cold water twelve hours, pour 
the water off, and then put the isinglass 
into a quart of new milk, with three 
or four of the common laurel leaves 
fresh gathered j set it upon a clear fire, 
stir it very'often until the isinglass is> 
dissolved, and then strain it through a FOR THE SICK. 
hair sieve. Add of double refined su- 
gar, enough to make it agreeably sweet, 
and two spoonfuls of orange flower wa- 
ter] these being well mixed, when it 
has stood about a quarter of an hour, 
pour it into proper cups, first wet. 
When cold turn it out upon plates, as it 
is to be used, and stick into it some 
small pieces of blanched almonds. It 
may be eaten with sugar and wine, &c. 
HARTSHORN JELLY. 
Take cf 
Hartshorn shavings, half a pound j 
Water, three pints; 
White sugar-candy in powder, six ounces; 
Mountain wine, a quarter of a pint; 
Orange or lemon juice, one ounce. 
Boil the hartshorn with the water, by & OF DIET 
gentle heat, in a silver, or well tinned 
vessel, till two parts are wasted; strain 
out the remaining liquor, add to it the 
other ingredients, and boil the whole 
over a gentle fire, to the consistence of 
a foft jelly. 
If half a pint of this jelly is dissolved in 
a quart of barley water, it makes an excel- 
lent drink in some cases; but when nei- 
ther wine nor acids are to be allowed, the 
following method may be used. 
Take of 
Hartshorn shavings, half a pound; 
Barley-water, four quarts. 
Boil away to half, then strain, and add 
sugar enough to make it of an agreea-*- 
O O O 
ble sweetness* FOR THE SICK, 
Boil two calves-feet in one gallon of wa- 
ter till it comes to a quart, then strain 
it, and when it is cold skim the fat en- 
tirely off, and take the jelly up clean; 
if there is any settling at the bottom 
leave it. Put the jelly into a saucepan, 
with a pint of mountain wine, half a 
pound of loaf sugar, the juice of four 
large lemons, and the white of six or 
* eight eggs, beat up with a whisk; mix 
-all well together, set the saucepan up- 
on a clear fire, and stir the jelly till it 
boils. When it has boiled a few mi- 
nutes, pour it through a flannel bag till 
it runs clear. Have now ready a large 
China bason, with some lemon peel in 
it cut as thin as possible, let the clear 
jelly run upon them while warm, and 
CALVES-FEET JELLY. OF DIET, &c. 
from these it will acquire both an am- 
ber colour and an agreeable flavour. 
Afterwards it maybe poured into glass- 
es. 
ISINGLASS JELLY. 
Take of 
Isinglass, one ounce; 
Water, one quart; 
Cloves, a quarter of an ounce. 
Boil to a pint, and then strain the liquoi 
through a flannel bag, upon four oun~ 
« ces of double refined sugar, and one 
gill of mountain wine. 'When they 
are well mixed pour the jelly into glass- 
es, . Chap. VIII. 
OF ADMINISTERING DIET. 
TN the cure of diseases, experience 
proves, how much depends upon the 
proper choice and administration oi diet. 
We see one series of disorders, where- 
in the appetite, either from a bad habit, 
or from some morbid afredtion, naves 
such things chiefly as have a tendency ter 
heighten the disease. 
CD ADMINISTERING DIET. 
Another series, in which the patient's 
whole fabrick being fully engaged, and 
struggling with the disease in order to 
conquer it, the stomach, (till in that con- 
flict nature gets the better), loathes every 
kind of aliment, except such as is fluid, 
and that only which consists of pure wa- 
ter alone, or such as is mixed with some 
vegetable ingredient; nay sometimes, e- 
ven this too, as for instance, when the 
stomach is either diseased in its substance, 
or is loaded with morbid humours, or 
when the disease has vanquished nature, 
&C. 
And we see in a third class, the sto- 
mach not affected, but dispensing with 
all kinds of food; yet these being taken 
indiscriminately, the disease is not only ADMINISTERING DIET. 
nursed, but the medicines, which usually 
are the most efficacious in curing it, are 
rendered entirely ineffectual. 
To give a particular explanation of 
those diseases, and of the effeds mention- 
ed, is not my business here; they are so 
very well known to every proficient in 
physic, that it may reasonably be conclu- 
ded, whenever a Physician directs a plan 
of diet, he first considers the past and pre- 
sent state of the patient, the state of the 
disease, and the qualities of the medicines 
which he prescribes. 
It behoves the patient therefore to re- 
gard his rules, the nurse to see them punc- 
tually observed, and both, to be cautious 
how they deviate from them; as fatal ADMINISTERING DIET. 
consequences’ may sometimes arise, from 
what may seem to have been but a trifling 
variation. The diet which is chosen, must 
be prepared either as direded in the pre- 
ceding chapter, or as the Physician shall 
order; who, judging or the cast before 
him, will make such alterations as he 
finds needful. 
In most diseases, especially in the small 
■pox and putrid fevers, the patient’s mouth 
should be well washed, before any thing 
is taken into the stomach; and the clean- 
er it is kept in the intervals, the better. 
The stomach must never be oppressed 
with much at a time; about half a pint is 
enough, and that should be repeated on- 
ly as nature indicates* This will general-* ADMINISTERING DIET. 
ly be known by the patient’s desire of, or 
dislike to it, I say generally, for in some 
cases where there is great weakness, in- 
sensibility, or both, the patient may not 
be able to give such indications : And 
there are other cases, (especially fevers 
which terminate badly), where the patient’s 
thirst is insatiable. In either of these 
exigencies, the nurse must proceed with 
discretion; that is, in the former, she must 
rouse the patient every hour or two, and 
give a cup-full, or half a pint of such 
drink as directed; and in the latter, she 
must be cautious, and allow but sparing- 
ly, till the physician or apothecary can, 
be consulted. 
It is a vulgar error, and a very com- 
mon one too, that a sick person is. to be: ADMINISTERING DIET. 
140 
supported by rich broths, by jellies, or 
by solid meat itself. The outcry is, that 
the Doflor will starve him. Hence the 
relations (I must not call them friends) 
combine; the nurse (I am sorry to say it) 
becomes sometimes a confederate; a nou- 
rishing and comfortable thing, as it is 
called, is soon invented; the deadly mess 
is dressed, and the unhappy patient is 
crammed in opposition to apperi e, even 
though it may happen, that his constitu- 
tion shudders at it! What is the conse- 
quence? It is this, such broths and jellies 
(allowing them sometimes to be relished) 
do not nourish, but serve to increase the 
febrile hear, which, perhaps at this time 
is too great already; and the chylopoietick 
organs being not yet able to digest any 
solid food, if meat is eaten, it must re- ADMINISTERING DIET. 
main in the stomach and intestines, and 
oppress them, till, at last corrupting, the 
disease is heightened by this new addition 
of heat and putrefaction. 
Nurses take care! If you indulge rela- 
tions, at the expense of the patient’s life, 
how will you satisfy your conscience af- 
terwards? > 
When you are obliged to aft by your- 
selves, you are justifiable in ailing to the 
best of your judgment; but, when a phy- 
sical person is concerned, whom you see 
watchful of every step which nature takes, 
and ready to give the necessary.aid as soon 
as indicated, you may certainly rest satis- 
fied with only such as he allows j even 
though after the disease is conquered, and ADMINISTERING DIET. 
the appetite begins to crave, he directs 
you to gir« but sparingly for several days. 
There are mistakes also with res peel to- 
lying-in women, which I cannot but take 
notice of, as for instance; First, It is of- 
ten urged that the good woman may have 
some chicken even the day she is deli- 
vered; and some who have a very athle- 
tic constitution will take it too, and yet 
get off with impunity. But then, how of- 
ten do we see women, after such repasts, 
seized with a fever, faintings, violent dis- 
orders in the bowels; then with a purging, 
and sometimes with other symptoms which 
are still more dangerous! Solid meat 
therefore should never be eaten before the 
third or fourth day, and then but very 
sparingly, till after the milk fever sub- ADMINISTERING DIET. 
sides, and the bowels have been duly relie- 
ved from indurated feces. Secondly, those- 
who do not suckle the child, are common- 
ly debarred from drink during the milk 
fever, whereby the blood not being duly- 
supplied, the milk (if not the whole fluids,) 
becomes thick and viscid, and forms ob- 
structions in the breasts, &c. which often 
prove troublesome, if not dangerous. As 
in the former cases, so in these, it is al- 
ways best to be direded by the medical 
person who attends.* 
* The attentive perusal of this instruc- 
tive chapter, is strongly recommended to ADMINISTERING DIET. 
the consideration of every person, con- 
cerned in the welfare of the sick. 
Am, Ed, Chap. IX. 
ADMINISTERING MEDICINES. 
r whole world hath seen, and still 
must be convinced, how much the 
cure of diseases depends upon a right 
choice and administration of medicinesj 
it is also well known, that the former 
wholly, and the directory part of the lat- 
ter, belongs properly to him who has made 
physic his study as well as profession* 146 
ADMINISTERING 
and therefore not to be treated of here; 
But, as the executive part of the latter is 
left commonly to the nurse, and some- 
times to the patient, a few cautions (it is 
presumed) may be offered, which, errors 
arising either from neglect or whim, and 
committed every day, render necessary. 
We may reasonably allow (as was ob- 
served with respect to diet) that the Phy- 
sician will consider carefully, first, what- 
ever relates to the disease, the constitution, 
&c. of the patient; secondly, the nature 
and powers of the medicines he prescribes; 
and thirdly, the most elegant form or 
manner of composition, in which they 
can be given. It therefoie may as rea- 
sonably be concluded, that those medi- 
cines should be taken punctually accord- MEDICINES. 
147 
mg to his directions, and not altered with- 
out his knowledge, for every trifling symp- 
tom that may arise in the course of the 
disease, or for such whims as may arise in 
the patient’s fancy. If there is any ma- 
terial change expected to happen before 
his next visit, he will commonly give no- 
tice thereof, and directions how to aft 
accordingly ; but whether he docs or not, 
he ought always to be consulted before 
his plan is altered; for cases may happen, 
wherein if but one medicine is ncgleCled, 
it can never be administered again proper- 
ly, and consequently the patient may ei- 
ther be lost, or greatly injured* 
There are circumstances with respeCt to 
some persons, and symptoms attending 
some diseases, which cannot be omitted ADMINISTERING 
here, seeing, that the former, subjed those 
persons, especially when sick, to great 
difficulty in conforming to the requisites 
of cure; and that the latter give them 
mistaken notions; As for instance; some 
people are unfortunately prompted, or per- 
mitted in their youth to indulge certain 
fears and apprehensions, especially the 
fair sex, who, being thus enslaved to 
such, are thereby subjected to hystericks, 
and miscarriages, &c. Others being bred 
tip with strong prejudices, and an exces- 
sive like or dislike of certain things, can- 
not be persuaded to comply with what is 
thought the propercst method of cure, 
namely, a particular regimen, bleeding, 
vomiting, blistering, &c. and thus their 
lives are often endangered, if not lost. 
Or if they survive, the cure is not only MEDICINES. 
149 
procrastinated, but the future part of their 
lives often rendered very miserable, by 
some consequent disease remaining fixed 
in the constitution. 
The symptoms which give birth to 
mistaken notions, are such as follow: 
First, retchings and vomitings, which 
are variously produced, as for instance, 
from pregnancy; from the miasma of sun- 
dry fevers; from diseases in the substance 
of the stomach itself, or some other of the 
viscera, with which that organ sympathi- 
zes by means of nerves; from morbid hu- 
mours accumulating within it, and velli- 
cating its inner coat so much as to bring 
on spasms; or from errors in eating and 
drinking, &c. ADMINISTERING 
These complaints arising from the a- 
bove causes, are very common, and some- 
times continue awhile after the stomach 
lias been properly washed; so that the 
medicines prescribed, though ever so 
good, or so well adapted, are nauseated, 
and sometimes rejedled. This to the Phy- 
sician, is no ways strange, for having in- 
vestigated the disease, he discovers ths 
causej but not being so well known to 
the patient, and to the attendants, a preju- 
dice arises diredlly against the medicines, 
which being taken for the cause, the re- 
mainder of what was ordered is condemn- 
ed and set aside. What is the conse- 
quence ? Why, it commonly happe 'at 
on the next visit the Physician finds die 
disease to be less alleviated than lie ex- 
pelled, nay, perhaps worse, than if no MEDICINES. 
medicines had been taken at all 5 and to 
his farther mortification, he often perceives 
either the patient, the attendants, or both, 
disgusted so much with him, that he ex- 
periences more difficulty in curing their 
distempered minds, than in removing the 
disease for which he was employed. 
Secondly, When acidites, or other bad 
humours afFeding the first passages, are 
to be gradually .corrected or altered, it is 
not unusual for a commotion, and then 
a flatulency to arise, and occasion an un- 
easiness in the stomach, &c. immediate- 
ly after each dose of the medicine is ta- 
ken. Now, although these proceed nei- 
ther from an error in the prescriber, nor 
in the medicine, but are efleds medically 
produced till the humours are correded ADMINISTERING 
and expelled, they both nevertheless suf- 
fer commonly the same censures as hath 
been observed in cases of retching and vo- 
miting. 
Thirdly, Through the course of many 
diseases, particularly fevers, it commonly 
happens, that the patient hath little or no 
inclination to ear, till nature has gained 
the victory. But this not being rightly 
understood by either him or his attend- 
ants, an outcry is made, that he will never 
have an appetite whilst he takes medi- 
cines. Hence the remonstrances of the 
Physician are over ruled, and the remedies 
are discontinued j yet the appetite doth 
not recover, nor does the case grow bet- 
ter, but rather worse. The reason is ob- 
vious, if they would but only observe-, ti^t MEDICINES. 
153 
as the disease is cured, the appetite in con- 
sequence will revive. 
Fourthly, As the cure of diseases which 
are very stubborn, hence tedious, requires 
usually a long course of medicines, even 
of those whose operations can be known 
but obscurely, if at all by the patient, he 
is therefore out of humour, and becomes 
cither irregular in the use of the remedies, 
or leaves them entirely off. Besides, the 
disease being still uncured, he quarrels 
with his Physician, (though perhaps he 
has been conducted by him through the 
most difficult stages of his illness), and not 
uncommonly sends for another, who, if 
not so honest as to undeceive him, enjoys 
the honour which was due to the former. ADMINISTERING 
It is too common a case for some per- 
sons to be very soon prejudiced with the 
conduft of others, and even for trifles, to 
mistrust their abilities wholly ; sometimes 
not scrupling to go so far as to reproach 
them unfairly, though their character 
(which is a jewel of much value to a me- 
dical man) may be injured by it. But set- 
ting this aside, it is here wished that they 
would befriend themselves, by attending 
to the truths above hinted ; and steadily 
persevere in the use of such means as arc 
offered, for the sake only of their own lives 
and future healths. 
By these observations, I do not mean 
to skreen any unskilful or improper use 
that may be made of medicine, or to 
raise it into higher esteem than what it MEDICINES. 
deserves; on the contrary, it is my real 
opinion, that he who knows his business 
best, will make it his constant care to heal 
with fewest medicines; and will always be 
most ready to resign his patient to diet 
alone, so soon as he knows it can be done 
with safety. 
The use of clysters is often of great 
moment, and as their administration is 
commonly now resigned to the nurse, it 
behoves her therefore to be very expert in 
this part of her office; for if she is not, 
the patient is not only disgusted, but is 
■often injured. For these reasons she ought 
always to have in readiness an armed pipe, 
the point of which should be made smooth, 
and as free as possible from any edge or 156 
ADMINISTERINGI 
roughness, that may cause pain or unea- 
siness. 
As to the operation* if she is not per- 
fectly skilled in it, she may do it in the 
following manner: 
The bed being prepared with a suffici- 
ency of deaths to keep it dry, the patient 
must be placed on the left side across it, 
with the knees forwards, and then cover- 
ed decently j the clyster being likewise 
prepared, and brought to that moderate 
degree of heat, called milk warm, must 
be poured into the bladder, and secured, 
by tying the opening; which being done, 
and the pipe anointed, the whole must 
be placed in the bed, near to the patient* 
The nurse now must pass the point of her MEDICINES. 
left fore finger (the nail being cut short) 
close to the anus, or a little within it, and 
then slide the p:pe along this finger, till 
the greatest part of it is entirely introdu- 
ced. In doing this the pipe must be di- 
rected a little backwards, taking care not 
to push it against any part so much as to 
cause pain. When thus introduced, its 
outer end must be held fast with one hand, 
whilst with the other she takes hold of the 
string, and pulls out the cork; when this 
is done, the bladder must be grasped 
with both hands, and the contents forced 
up, keeping the pipe in its place at the 
same time. When the clyster has been 
pressed out of the bladder, the pipe must 
be withdrawn, and that direftly, especial- 
ly if there ensues a forcing; the patient 158 
ADMINISTERING 
must get upon the chair, and assise him- 
self, as occasion requires. 
Some use a syringe for this purpose, 
with a flexible leather tube fixed between 
the cylinder and pipe] by which means it 
is rendered so convenient, that the patient 
may use it himself. 
There is also another syringe invented, 
with two such tubes, each of which is 
supplied with a valve in opposite directi- 
ons, so that when one pipe is placed in 
the fluid, and the other in the anus, a 
large quantity may be thrown up] nay, I 
have known above a gallon thus injeded, 
in order to reach the part of the intestinal 
tube which was obstruded. This syringe 
is very useful, but as it should be cm- MEDICINES. 
159 
ployed only by a skilful surgeon, a far- 
ther account of it here would be needless. 
And, moreover, there is an instrument 
with a flexible tube, &c. for conveying 
the fumes of tobacco into the intestines j 
which operation belongs properly to sur- 
gery also. 
The following -prescriptions for Clysters, 
it is presumed may be found useful, as 
the ingredients are generally at hand, or 
are easily to he procured and it some- 
times happens, that the attendants upon 
the sick are quite ignorant of their com- 
position. 
It is to be understood that these are in- 
tended for Adults. Am. Ed, ADMINISTERING 
CLYSTERS. 
2 * 
fake of 
Molasses, half a gill; 
Olive oil or castor oil, one or two tabic 
spoonfuls; 
Salt, a table spoonful; 
Water, half a pint; mix. 
i 
Gruel, half a pint to a pint; 
Salt, one or two table spoonfuls; 
Oil, the same; mix. 
3 
Water, one pint] 
Oil, two table spoonfuls; 
Salt, a table spoonful; mix. MEDICINES. 
4 
Camomile tea, half a pint to a pint; 
Oil, one or two table spoonfuls; 
Glauber salts, from one to two table spoon- 
fuls. 
5 
Infusion of senna leaves, half a pint to a 
pint; 
Oil and salt, of each a table spoonful. 
6 
Milk, half a pint to a pint; 
Oil and molasses, each a table spoonful. 
7 
Warm water alone; a pint will make a to- 
lerable clyster, or mixed with two ta- 
ble spoonfuls of salt. ADMINISTERING 
The following Account of the treatment for 
Scalds and Burns, accidents which so 
frequently happen in families, must prove 
an acceptable appendage to.this little use- 
ful Family Book. Experience proves it 
far superior to scraped potatoes, lime wa- 
ter , and many other common applications. 
It is extracted from the Philadelphia 
Medical Museum, under the direc- 
tion of John Redman Coxe, M. D. 
to whom the Public, and particularly 
Parents, are much indebted for the 
publication. He recommends, for the 
sake of sufferers in such cases, that 
the liniment be kepi constantly prepared, 
and at hand. For a particular detail 
re spelling its ejfebi, the Editor begs 
leave to refer to the Museum. 
Am. Ed. MEDICINES. 
SCALDS AND BURNS.V 
Apply, immediately, linen wet with spi - 
rits of turpentine, and repeat, as it dries. 
If the burn is bad, after applying the 
above, prepare a liniment as follows. 
Take common rosin as much as you 
please. .Melt it with about a fourth of its 
size of hogs lard or mutton suet, or fresh 
butter, and then add as much spirits of 
turpentine as will make it, when cold, of 
the consistence of thick honey. Apply 
this pretty freely on rags, to the parts 
burned, even if the skin is oft. If blis- 
ters have risen, snip them and let the wa- 
ter out first. 
If spirits of turpentine are not at hand, 
use spirits of wine, brandy, whisky, &c. 
If applied warm, it will be preferable. the following BOOKS may be had o? 
James Humphreys, 
At the Corner of Second and Walnut-itreets. 
PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS ON 
Vaccination: 
Or Inoculation for the Cow-Pock, 
BY JOHN REDMAN COXE, M. D. 
Member of the American Philcfophical Society, and one of the Physicians 
to the Pennfyl'vania Hofpital. 
(Price 125 Cents in boards, 100 in paper) 
From the American Literary Review. 
“ This publication will probably be found to comprife 
the greater part, if not all the fads and principles necefla- 
ry to be known concerning this mild and ineftlmable fub- 
ftitute for a troublefome, and, in many cafes, moll feroci- 
ous and deftru&ive difeaie. Dr. Coxe is certainly entitled 
to great honour for his exertions and zeal to promote its 
general adoption; and we cannot help exprefling an ear- 
neft wifh, that his exertions, in union with thole of other 
enlightened Phyficians who have engaged in the fame 
caule, may prove completely fuccefsful.” 
THE TOWN AND COUNTRY 
Friend and Phydcian: 
Oran afFe&lonate addrefs on the prefervation ofheauh, 
and the removal of difeafe on its firtt appearance : Suppo- 
fed to be delivered by a Country Ptiyfician to the circle of 
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With curfory obfervations on the treatment of children. 
Sec, Calculated for the promotion of domeftic happinefs. 
(Price bound 50 Cents,J ** Taking this little book into our confideration upon its 
merits, we are inclined to think its precepts, if obferved, 
may lave many a perfon from difeafe and ruin. It {eems, 
upon the whole, to be one of thole plain and didadic per- 
formances, which, without affeding any thing exq'iifite 
in novelty, beauty, or fubiimity, aims at the preferable 
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probably be anfwered in the beft manner, if our fell w- 
citizens would purchafe it, and place it on their fofas, 
parlour windows, and handy places about the houie, as a 
falutary memorandum book.’* 
Trent the NevJ-York Medical Repojtfory. 
Medical Admonitions to Families 
Refpeding the Prefervatinn of Health, and the Treat- 
ment of the Sick: Alfo a Table of Symptoms, ferving to 
point out the degree of danger, and to djftinguilh one di- 
feafe from another: Wi.h Observations on the improper 
Indulgence of Children, &c. By James Parkinfon, M. D, 
A Pocket Confpeffus of the 
LONDON and EDINBURGH 
Pharmacopoeias : 
Wherein the Virtues, U'es, and Dotes of the feveral 
Articles and Preparations contained in thole Woiks, are 
concifely ftated ; their Pronunciation, as to Quantity, is 
diftindly marked, and a Variety of other Patticulars re- 
fpeding them given ; calculated more efpecially for the Ufe 
of Ju ior Prad tiontrs. By Robert Graves, M.D. Mem- 
ber of the Royal College of Phyficians, Lond n ; of the 
Royal Medical Society of Edinburgh ; of the Meaical So- 
ciety n London, See. Sic. Price 75 Cents. 
It is prefumed any further Recommendation of the 
above Work than that it is dedicated to Sir George Baker, Phyfician in Ordinary to their Britannic Majefties. is un- 
necefiary, especially as vve are informed in the Dedicati- 
on, that it had received the Honor of his Approbation. 
The Chemical Pocket-Book, 
Or Memoranda Chemlca: Arranged in a Compendium 
of Chetniftry, See. Scc. By James Parkihfon, M. D. 
With the lateft difeoveries. To which is now added, an 
account of the principal obje&ions to the Antiphlogiftlc 
Syftem of Chemiilry: By James Woodhouse, M. D. 
ProhiTor of Chemitlry in the Udverfity of Pennsylvania, 
See. embelhllied with two Plates of economical Labora- 
tories. ■* 
An Epitome of Chemiilry: 
WILLIAM HENRY. 
£s= To him difpofed to take P eafure (as Mr. Parkin- 
fon lays) “ in the-delightful walks which arc to be found 
in this department oflfcience, where wide feenes of in- 
-4t tereil and amufe-ment are conftanciy opening upon the 
** mind,” this little,manual of Cheurftry mull prove of 
infinite fervice-leading the flucle .t by an arranged fe- 
rits of experiments (which may be performed by the moil 
csconomical apparatus), and by particular inftrudlions for 
the performance of them, to the acquifition ot the know- 
ledge he would feek, whether for the purpofes of utility or 
amufement. 
A COMPENDIUM OF THE 
Anatomy of the Pluman Body. 
Intended principally for the ufe of {lndents. By Andrew 
Fyfe. In two volumes. To this edition is prefixed 
a compendious blftory of Anatomy, and the Ruyfchiaa 
art and method of making preparations to exhibit th® firufture of the human body ; illufirated with a repre- 
fentaiion of the quickfiiver tray and its appendages, 
which are not in the London edition. 
A GUIDE TO THE CHURCH. By the Reverend 
Charles Daubeny, L.L B. A Prefbytsr of the Church of 
England. 
THE BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER, and Ad- 
tniniftracion of the Sacraments, and other Rites and Ce- 
remonies o£ the Church, in the United States of America. 
Confifting of a Ihort Explanation of the Lord’s Sapper, 
and Meditations and Prayers, proper to be ufed before, 
and during, the receiving of the Holy Communion, ac- 
cording to the Form prefcribed by the Protellant Epifco- 
pal C lurch in the United Slatesot America. By "JOHN 
HENRT HOBART, A. M. An affiftant Mlniftcr oi Tri- 
nity Church, New-York. 
A Companion for the Altar; 
A COMPANION FOR THE 
Of the Protellant Epifcopal Church in the United S'ates 
of America. Principally leleded and alteted from Neli'on’s 
Companion for the Feilivals and Fulls of the Church of 
England. By JOHN HENRT HOBJRT, A. M An 
Affillant Minifter or Trinity Church, New York. To 
Which are added, Palloral Advice to Young Perfuns before 
and alter Confirmation, by a Miniiler of the Church of 
England ; and an Exhortation to Family Prayer, by Bilhop 
Gibfoa; with Forms of Devotion. 
Feilivals and Fails 
DISCOURSES to the AGED: By Job Orton. FAMILY BOOK; containing, difcourfes do&rinal, 
evangelical, piadtical, and hiftorical; by Eli Forbes, of 
Mafiacnufetts. 
The TEMPLE OF NATURE; or the Origin of So- 
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EVENINGS AT HOME, or, the Juvenile Budget 
opened ; o infilling of a variety or mifcellanies for the in- 
flrudlion and amulement of young perfons, 6 vols. in 3. 
The PLEASING LI BRARY ; containing a feleftion 
of numerous, entertaining, and infiru£Hve pieces in profe 
and poetry ; by N. Heaton, junr. of MafTachufetts. 
Stridfares on the modern fyflem of Female Education ; 
with a view of the principles and conduct prevalent among 
women of rank and fortune; by Hannah Moore. 
An Enquiry into the DUTIES OF THE FEMALE 
SEX. By Thomas Gifborne, M. A. 
The Hlflory of the ROTCHFORDS; or the Friendly 
Counfellor. Defigned for the inlhudtion and amufement 
of youth of both fexes. 
LEONARD and GERTRUDE. A popular flory. 
written originally in Geiman, uanflated into French, and 
now into Englifh. 
PLEASING INCITEMENTS toWifdom and Virtue, 
conveyed through the medium » f anecdote, tale, ar.d ad- 
venture : Calculated to entertain, fortify, and improve 
the juvenile mind.