NATIONAL LIBRARY OF MEDICINE Bethesda, Maryland I ©ssrercs D03IESTIC MEDICINE, OR POOR MAN'S FRIEND, IN THE HOURS OF AFFLICTION PAIN AND SICKNESS, THIS BOOK POINTS OUT IN PLAIN LANGUAGE FREE FROM DOCTOR'S TERMS, THE DISEASES OF MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN, AND THE LATEST AND MOST APPROVED MEANS USED IN THEIR CURE, AND IS EXPRESSLY WRITTEN FOR THE BENEFIT OF IN THE WESTERN AND SOUTHERN STATES. IT ALSOCONTAINS DESCRIPTIONS OF MEDICAL ROOTS AND HERBS OF THE WESTERN AND SOUTHERN COUNTRY, AND HOW THEY ARE TO BE USED IN TnE CURE OF DISEASES; ARRANGED ON A NEW AND SIMPLE PLAN, BY WHICH THE PRACTICE OF MEDICINE IS REDU- CED TO PRINCIPLES OF COMMON SENSE. Why should we conceal from mankind, That which relieves the distresses of our fellow-beings? EIGHTH EDITION. PUMPKIIVTOAVN, TEN; S. M. Johnston, Publisher. 1839. Entered according to act of Congress in 1832, by John C. Gumn, in the Clerk's Office of the United States District Court for the District of East Tennessee. INDEX. Anger, 22 Ague and Fever, 148 Apoplectic Fits, 265 Asthma, 272 Abortion,.&c. 374 After Pains, 396 Alum Root, 454 American Columbo, 481 American Senna, 486 American Ipecacuanha, 494 American Centaury, 502 Active Purgatives, 541 Anodynes, 548 Antispasmodics, 548 Amputation of the Arm, 597 Amputation of the Thigh, 599 Amputation of the Leg, 59S 60(1 Amputation of the fore Arm, Amputation of the fingers & Toes, 601 Aperient Pills, 606 Bilious Fever, 153 Bone Set, - 470 Blackberry Bush, 473 Button Snake-root, 474 Butterfly-weed or Pleurisy-root, 496 Blood-Letting, - 519 Cold Bath, 131 Colic, - 161 Cholera Morbus, 164 Consumption, 181 & 605 Catarrh, 232 Cow-pox or Vacination, 290 Clap, 303 Cancers, 324 & 607 Corns, 328 Cessation of the Menses, 347 Cautions during Pregnancy, 359 Colic, 365 IV INDEX. 368 Cramp, - Constant desire to make \V ater, - «|Jl_ Chills, - Child-bed Fever, Constipation, Colic of Children, - - ^ l/' Convulsions or Fits; - - '1"'_ Croup, - " 0si Cholera Infantum or Puking & Purging, *<™ Cancer root or Beech Drops, - jJ^J Chamomile, - - ** '] r.L- • - 470 Chinquepin, - - • *«» Castor oil, and how to make it, - ^*;| Clysters or Glysters, - - '^'~" Contusion or Blow, - - ^' Concussion of the brain, - - 5^1 Compression of the Brain, - *>^~ Contused Wounds, - - iJ' ' Diseases oe the Liver, - 200 Dysentery or Flux, - - 21f) 39. 399 418 Drinking Cold-water when Overheated, Dropsy, - - - 235 & 006 Diseases of Women, - - 3'*l Diseases of pregnancy, - - 3^1 Difficult Labor, - -s l Directions for Midwives, - 3S7 Directions after Labor, Diseases of Children, - - 407 & 600 Dogwood, - - 4;>,) Dittany, - - 4tU Directions for preserving roots ride and avarice, that I do not intend to cast an imputation on all my proffession, for want of that heavea born principle, charity to our fellow beings. On the contrary, we arejur- XIV INTRODUCTION. nished by history, with many prominent examples of this divine form of humanity. Hippocrates dispensed health and joy w'herever he went, and often yielded to the solicita- tioji^orileighboring princes, and extended the blessings of his skiHvj&o foreign nations. The great Boerhaavc did a great deahfos the poor, and always discovered more solicitude and punctuality in his attendance on them, than on the'rich and powerful:—on being asked his reasons for this, he promptly replied—'-God is their pay-master."—Ileberdens liberality to the poor was so great, that he was once told by a friend. 'hs would exhaust his fortune: "no," said he, "I am afraid that after all my charities, I shall die shamefully rich." Fothergiil pneo heard of the death of a citizen of London, who had left his family in indigent circumstances,—the doctor immedi- ately called on the widow, and informed her he had received thirty guinea? from her husband, while he v^as in prosperous circumstances, for as many visits; "1 have heard of his reverse of fortune—take this purse—which contains all 1 received from him—it will do thy family more good than it will do me." Similar occurrences of the liberality of this great and good man, might be given almost without end: in leed it is said, that he gave away one half of the income of his extensive and profitable business, to the needy and atilicted—amounting, in the course of his life, to more than one hundred thousand pounds. What an immense interest, in celestial honor and happiness, mitsf. this sum not produce at the great day of accounts—the general judgment! Wjth what unspeakable gratitude and delight, may we not suppose the many hundreds—perhaps thousands^ whom he has kd, clothed, and relieved in sickness, by his charities, will gaze on their benefactor in that solemn day, while the Supreme Judge accredits those acts as done to himself, in the presence of an assembled Universe. But—these good and great men, have gone where we must all shortly follow—and are now receiving the rich re- ward of all their virtues, in that kingdom where pain and affliction cease. When we trace the powers of human in- tellect, and the monuments of human greatness, and all that genius has instituted and labor accomplished, when wo trace INTRODUCTION. XV these things through all their grades of advancement and decline—where is the pride of man? Behold in each suc- cessive moment, the monuments of the rich, the great, and the powerful—tumbling into their "native dust—and the ; hand of time mingling the proud man's ashes wi.ththose of the menial slave, so that their posterity cannot distinguish them from each other! When the sable curtain- of death is drawn, where is the bright intellect of genius—and where are those we have loved and honored? At the threshold of eternity, reason leaves us and we sink, notwithstanding all our precautions, and the aid of distinguished physicians. Yet. such is the course of nature, that those who live long, must outlive those they love and honor. Such, indeed, is the course of nature, and the condition of our present exist- ence, that life must sooner or later lose its associations, and those who remain a little longer, be doomed to walk down- wa;d to the grave alone and unregarded without a single interested witness of their joys or griefs! It is evident that the decays of age must terminate in death;—yet where is the man who does not believe he may survive another year? Piety toward God, should characterise every one who has any thing to do with the administering of medicine; nor dmuld any individual ever administer medicine, without first imploring the Almighty for success on his prescriptions— for where is the man, who can anticipate success, without the aid and blessing of heaven? Galen vanquished Athe- ism, for a considerable time, by proving the existence of a God, from the wise and curious structure of the human bodv. Botallus, the illustrious father of blood-letting in Europe, earnestly advises a physician never to leave his "house, with- out prefering a prayer to God to aid and enlighten him. Chcselden. the famous English anatomist, always implored the aid and blessing of heaven on his hand, whenever he laid hold of an instrument to perform a surgical operation. Sydenham, the great luminary and reformer of medicine, was a religious man; and, Boerhaave spent an hour every morning in his closet, in reading and commenting on the Scriptures, before he entered on the duties of his profession. Hoffman and Stahl, were not ashamed of the Gospel of XVI INTRODUCTION. Clirist; and, Waller has left behind him, a most eloquent defence of its doctrines. Doctor Fathergill's long life, resem- bled an altar from which incense of adoration and praise as- cended daily to heaven; and Hartley, whose works will prob- ably only perish with time itself, was a devout christian. To this record of these great medical men, I shall add but one remark—which is, that the authoritative weight of their names alone, infaVor of the truth of revealed religion, is suffi- cient to turn the scale against all the infidelity that has ever dis- graced the science of medicine.since its earliest discoveries. I have seen 'the flower of life fade, and all its freshness wither; I have seen the bright eye of beauty loose its lustre and my last and'best friends, close their eyes in the cold and tranquil slumbers of death—and have said, "where are the boasted powers of medicine, the pride of skill, the vain boast of science!"—How humiliating to the pride of man! Let eve- ry physician put this solemn question to himself:—what will avail all the means I canuse, without the aid of the Almighty? All efforts, founded on years of experience and study, vanish at the touch of death; and, the hold on life proffessed by the physician, is as brittle and slender as that possessed by his patient:—the next moment may be his—and those reme- dies so often used with success, in the cases of others, will assuredly fail him in his own case at last. In some unex- pected moment, a wave in the agitated sea of life will baffle all his struggles; and he, in his turn, will be compelled to pay that debt, which nature has claimed from thousands of his pa- tients. When on the couch of death, and whilst perusing the works of Rousseau, the last words of the great Napoleon were, in the language of that author, '"it is vain to shrink from whatcannot be avoided; whyhidethat from ourselves, which must at some period be found; the certainty of death, is a truth which man knows—but which he willingly conceals from him- self."—We shall all shortly finish our allotted time on earth, if even unusually prolonged, leaving behind us all that is now familiar and beloved. Numerous races of men will suc- ceed us, entirely ignorant that we once lived, and who will retain of our existence, not even the vettxge of a vague an4 empty remembrance! OF THE PASSIONS. All the passions of man, seem to have been bestowed on him by an all-wise Creator, for wise and benefieent pur- poses; and it is certainly the province of human wisdom, to keep them under due regulation. In a moral point of view, when the passions run counter to reason and religion, nation- ally, and individually they produce the most frightful catas- trophes. Among nations if suffered to transcend the bounds of political justice, they always lead to anarchy, war, mis- rule and oppression: and among individuals, do we not ea- sily trace the same dreadful and disasterous consequences? With monarchial and despotic governments, we frequently .sec the unruly and ungoverned passions of one man, destroy- ing and laying waste, whole empires in a single campaign: and with democraticahor republican institutions of govern- ment, have we not frequently witnessed the turrific conse- quences, to moral and political justice, which arises from the disorganizing and tribulent passions of the sovereign people. Individually and nationally, then, the consequences'of mis- directed and 'uncontrolled passions are precisely the same, as regards every thing connected with political, legislative, and moral justice. But, as it is not my intention to enter into a dissertation on the passions, farther than as they relate to man as an indi- vidual, and to their influence on the state of his physical sys- tem. I will first observe, that it is of the very highest im- portance to the healthy action of the human system, that the passions should be held in due subjection. If you give way to.the passions, you destroy the finest of the vital powers: you. destroy digestion and assimilation; you weaken the strength and energies of the heart, and of the whole nerv- ous system. The stomach is the workshop of the whole human frame, and all its derangements "are immediately felt in the extremities: and to prove how strongly the 18 or the passions. connexion exists, between the stomach and the heart, the latter immediately ceases to beat, when the powers of the former sink and are destroyed. Distress of mind is always a predisposing cause of disease; while on the other hand, a calm and contented disposition, and a proper command over our pensions and affections, are certain to produce con- sequences which operate against all predisposing causes of disease. Any complaint arising from great ag.tation of mind, is more obstinate than any occasioned by violent corporeal agitations. For instance, eating and drinking, nnd particularly the case of drinking, disease may be •combatted by rest, sleep and temperance: but neither tem- perance, rest, nor even sleep itself, as every one knows, can much affect those diseases which have their seat in the passions of the mind. I shall not enter into the subject of the passions at full length. .FEAR. Fear is a base passion and beneath the dignity of man. It takes from him reflection, power, resolution and judg- ment; and in short, all that dignity and greatness of soul, which properly appertain to humanity. It has great influ- ence in occasioning, aggravating, and producing .disease. It has been a matter of much speculation with me, wheth- er any man is born constitutionally a coward.—and my decided opinion is, that'cowardice and courage are general- ly., the fleets of habit and moral influence* I have frequentfy * Immediately preceding the 'great battle of 'Waterloo, on which were about to be suspended the great political and military destinies of Europe, Napoleon employed a guide. who was well acquainted villi tlie country, to accompany liirn in reconnoitering the field' of battle, and the relative positions of the hostile armies. When the battle commenced,'.his peas- ant guide, vdio had never before been exposed to /./."> tunmltn- mis shock of hos'ile armies, manifested strong and decided indications of fear—by dodging from side to side at the sound of tlie shot. * Napoleon observed it and taxed him with OF THE TASSIONS. 19 seen brave men, acknowledged to be such on great and im- portant occasions during the late war, who trembled at the mere approach of danger, and acknowledged their want of firmness. The great duke of Marlboro' was once seen to tremble on the eve of battle; being asked by a soldier, the cause of it—the Duk made the following reply—"my body trembles at the danger my soul is about exposing it to?'' And does it not appear surprisingly singular, butno less true, that a man shall be one day brave, and the next a coward. That there is a close affinity between the condition of the jrhysioal system and tlie passions there can be little doubt: the same man, who under the influence of opium, would brave danger in its most giant fonfi, is seen to shrink like a nensative plant, when deprived.of that influence. There seems to be a reciprocal exercise of influence between the body and the mind, which by man is absolutely inexplica- ble; but of this we are certain, that cowardice disorders and impeads 1 he- circulation of the blood: hinders breathing with freedom; puts the stomach out of order, as well as the bowels: affects the kidneys and skin, and produces bad effects on the whole body —and it may be for these and similar, reasons, that the ancients, elevated courage into a moral virtue. Many persons have fallen down dead, from the influence of cowardice or fear; and can it then be doubtful, that this passion has much influence in producing and modifying diseases? I feel assured from practical cowardice, which he acknowledged. He then reasoned with him on the absurdity of his conduct. "Dd you not know," said he. "that there is a poioer infinitely superior to man, who rules and governs all, and who holds in his hands all our destinies! if this be true of which there can be no doubt, you cannot die until your time arrives; why then dodge the sound of a ball; when you hear it, it has passed you; and besides, when dodging tlie mere sound of one shot, you may throw yourself in the way ofanother." This reasoning had the ';//"<'(/; it banished all suggestions of fear, and the gu'uh afterwards rode erect and steady, and manifested no indica- tions of fear. I mention this circumstance to show how much we are under the influence of mortal power, or the force of reason, respecting both cowardice and courage. 20 OP THE PASSIONS. experience, that in disorders that are epidemical or catching, the timid, cowardly and fearful, take them much oftener than those who are remarkable for fortitude and courage. Xapoleon was so well convinced of these facts, that when his army of Egypt was suffering dreadfully from the ravages of the plague, in order to inspire his souldiers with courage, and to ward off those dangers which might arise from the fears of his army, frequently touched the bodies of those infected, with his own hands. Fear weakens the energy or strength of the heart, and of the whole nervous system; the infectious matter has greater power on the frame at this time—consequently the system being deranged, losses its healthy action, and cannot resist and throw off the epidem- ical disease. HOPE. Hope! what a source of human happiness rests in the pleasures of hope. Man cherishes it to his very tomb. Take from him hope, and life itself would be a burthen. How wisely has our Heavenly Father blended in our cup of misery, soft whispers of our future exemption from its influ- ence. Without hope, how wretched, how miserable our ex- istence: what a powerful effect it has, when laboring under pain and bodily disorder! It raises the spirits; it increases the action and power of the heart, and nervous system; moder- ates the pulse: causes the breathing to be freer and fuller— and quickens all the secretions. It is therefore proper and advisable in all disorders, to produce hope in the mind, if you wish to have any chance to effect a cure. Is there a being who lives without this balm of consolation, this hope of heavenly birth, which tells of happier days in bright anti- cipation! If such are the advantages of hope, as to the things of this field of thorns and briers—this vale of tears__ what may we expect from that emotion, when it embraces the certainty of enjoying felicity with God in eternity. When in ordinary health and engaged in the pursuits of life, hope is attended with many favorable effects of a fortunate OF THE PASSIONS. 21 event, without possessing the physical disadvantges; the anticipation of happiness does not affect us so excess- ively as the actual enjoyment; yet it has frequently produ- ced more benefit by its influence on health, than fortune realized. JOY. This is a benificent passion; it produces an extraordinary (■fleet, and is of infinite benefit to the constitution, when in- dulged in moderation; but if it should be excessive, or very sudden, it frequently does serious and lasting injury to per- sons in good health; and to those wTho are weak, or afflicted with disease, it sometimes terminates fatally. The follow- ing instance of the melancholy effects of the too sudden in- fluence of joy, will fully exemplify the power of this passion on the physical system, even when in health. It maybe relied on, as it came very nearly under my own observa- tion. A gentleman in the State ot Virginia, who-had onpe been very wealthy, but whose pecuniary circumstances had become, much depressed, not to say desperate, as a last hope of redeeming himself and his family from distressing em- barrassments, purchased a lottery ticket, for which he gave the last hundred dollars he could command. The purchase was made, under a presentiment if such it may be called, that a certain number would draw the highest prize. All his property was then under execution. When the day of sale arrived, his father-indaw and himself took a walk into the fields, leaving his familv much distressed with their mis- lortune. A gentleman on horse-back, immediately from Richmond, rode up to the house and asked for Mr. B-----, and was directed by his wife where he would be found. When the gentleman rode up to Mr. B---- without exer- ( ising the least precaution, he announced the fact that the ticket had drawn One hundred thousand dollars! The effect was such as might have been expeeted; Mr. B——imme- diately famted, and was with much difficulty and after many exertions, restored.—in the circumstance I have just related, B 22 OF THE PASSIONS. the great influence of this passion will easily be seen; and I trust it will be distinctly inferred from it, that excesses of joy are frequently as dangerous to the constitution of hu- manity, as those of grief, if not more so. I need scarcely remark here, that to persons laboring under disease, as well as to those in merely delecate health, joyful intelligence ought always to be communicated with much caution. AIVGER. "Next, anger rushed its eyes on fire!"—Of this most dreadful of the human passions, had I sufficient space to allot it, much might be said that would be of high import- ance. There is no passion incidental to humanity, an indul- gence in which leads to so many dreadful, not to say hor- rid and frightful consequences: "To count them all would want a thousand tongues-^- A throat of brass and adamantine lungs!" I have before remarked, that all our passions were inten- ded by the God of nature, if kept under the control of reason and humanity, to be beneficial to the happiness of man. This position is demonstrable by reason, and sanctioned by the highest authority—the word of God himself, "ivho never made any thing in vain". It is not the application of our passions to their natural, reasonable and legitimate objects, that constitutes crime, and ends in misery and misfortune: No—it is the abuse of those passions by unrestrained and intemperate indulgence—and the prostitution of them to ig- noble and disgraceful purposes! Was a noble spirit of re- sentiment, for unprovoked and wanton injuries, ever intend- ed by the God of nature, to degenerate into senseless anger and brutal rage? A noble spirit of resentiment, upon the strictest moral principles, was intended to punish wanton and unprovoked aggression, and by preventing a repetition of the deed, to reform the offender. I am perfectly aware that I here occupy a new, but by no means an untenable ground. Was the passion of love, the refined solacer of civilized life; the harbinger of successful procreative powep; OF THE PASSIONS. 23 tlie nurse which ushurs into life successive millions of the human race, ever intended bv the God of Mature to decern crate into brutal lust; and to be followed by a train of ve- nereal diseases which cankers life at its very core '-and vis- its the iniquities of the fathers, upon the children to the third and fourth generations?" Was the deep seated and natural sentiment of self preservation, that essential safe- guard of man in every stage of his moral existence, ever in- tended to degenerate into thatchildish superstitious, base, and ignoble passion called far? Was the elevating and enno- bling passion of emulation, that only seeks to rival superior excellence, so honorable to the pride of man, and so con-» sonant to the native dignity of his soul, ever intended to de- generate into a dastardly passion of envy which seeks to destroy by slander and defamation, the excellence it has not the honest virtue even to attempt to rival? Those who blindly decry the legitimate gratification of the human passions, although they may do so from what to them seems the best of motives, ought to be aware that they do uot arraign the wisdom of Providence, for implanting them into the human bosom; and they ought also in all cases, to avoid confounding the natural and legitimate uses of the passions, with the abuses of their lofty, and powerful ener- gies. The passions, confined to their native objects, and as I have said before, kept in due subjection to the restraints of reason and moderation, are essential to the' enjoyments, the preservation, and the happiness of man; they only become dangerous and criminal, when permitted to produce misrule in the human breast, and are placed beyond the arbitrium and control of moral virtue, which is the true science of human wisdom. - I remarked in the outset, that there was no passion known to humanity, an unrestrained indulgence in which was so fatal in its consequences toJthe peace of society, and the happiness of man, as'anger. This defor- mer of the human countenance and character, is every where to be found; and its ravages seem co-extensive with its existence: in other words, it seems to live through all human life, "and to extend through the whole extent of hu- man society. 21 OF THE PASSIONS. It is even sometimes seen to wrinkle and deform the maidden cheek'of youthful beauty, with a frown! But do not my fair country-women know, that the passsions nevet- fail to leave their impress on the countenance, and that hibitual anger will render them more disgusting than the witch of Endor? They ma'y be assured andimy remarksare not founded on cursory and superfficial observations, that the more of native beauty there is to be 'found in the,female countenance, the more easily will if be deformed , by the vicious passion, and particularly by that demon. Anger. The female countenance is more expressive'of the finer, • softer, and mor'6 amiable" passions,'than > that of man: in other .words,-the female face seems to be formed-from finer materials, and to have been cast in a finer mold, and it is from these causes, that the female face is more exp'res- : sive of the moral feelings, and sooner betrays indications of a depravedjand vicious temper. The stern countenance of man, can assume and maintain a fixture of "expression un- der anyv circumstances; and it is the consciousness of this power, that frequently tempts him to play the hypocrite and hluder:—for1 were he conscious1 that'his face would always betray the emotions' of his soul, he would never even at- tempt to deceive! ' To the practiced eye of phylosophical research and rigid scrutiny, no expression of the human countenance ever passes unobserved; to such an eye all the wiles of the human heart stand umevealed; "nor.can any sub- terfuge .of counterfeit expression, conceal the reality from 'its observation. The scripture itself sanctions this doc- trine. "A man. shall be known by his loot—and a proud man by his gait." If my fair country-women would re- flect well on the doctrine I,have just laid down, they would always cultivate the softer and more benevolent" feelings of ' the heart; and-'always endeavor to be in reality, what they would wish to appear; for they may receive it as a valuable truth, not to be controverted by any of the artifi- ces of self deception, that they were never formed by the God of nature for deception and hypocrisy; and that the purity and elevation of their moral feelings, or the corrup- tions and depravity of their real characters, are as easily OF THE PASSIONS. ' 25 distinguished from each other, as is the surface of the ocean in a settled calm, from that same ocean, when lashed into mountain billows by the winds of heaven. Do we not see the ravages of this moral curse called an- ger in every department of society? We see it beneath the domestic roof, embittering' the enjoyments of the rich and poor; laying waste the harmonious sanctity of connubial life, and often entailing misery and misfortune on ,a help- less and unoffending offspring. But this is not all. We, sec it manifesting itself in its most horrid forms, in our halls of legislation; in our seats of legal justice; and even in our elections, in which every man ought to be permitted to act with perfect freedom, and without the least account- ability to another. In all our electioneering conflicts, at least of late yeats. we can see the old and disgraceful maxim revived and fully acted on:— "those who are not for us are against us,"—as if a man could not exercise a right of selection, and prefer one man to another, without forfeiting the friendship, and incurring the-enmity of all the opposite parties. If we would reflect correctly on this subject, we would soon discover, that personal friendship, and personal enmity, ought to have nothing to do with the matter: we would soon distinguish, that a real states- man, or enlightened legislator, ought to be the mere tool, for factional purposes, of no party whatever. The noble and devoted patriotism, which gave birth to our truly great po- litical institutions, emphatically forbids, that the American people should ever sacrifice to the narrow views of party spirit, what was destined by the God of nature, for the hffi'fit of the human race! This government presents to Europe, a spectacle of no ordinary character; in which their statesmen read the future destinies of man, and the political fate of nations. We are the only people of any age or country, who have organized a truly representative government, whose experiments in legislation—diplomacy and arms, are to settle the important question yet undecided, whether the mass of mankind can bear the idde tol- erations of political freedom; and whether man, under any circumstances, is capable of assuming and exercising the TV 1 ^ © 20 OF THE PASSIONS. high prerogative of self government. For what a stake then, against all the m march'es and despotisms of Europe. and'Asia, are this people and this government contending;— a stake as. I before remarked, in which the whole human race are interested! Before this view of the subject, my reader, how do our party squabbles and brawls at elections, dwindle down to nothing: to less than nothing.' God forbid, that I should evcrseem to turn censureof the age: or assume a dictatorial tone even in the cause of truth and moderation. I have been led intb a slight notice of the preceding subjects, by their slrong connexion, with'the mora! condition o\ man, and his too frequent-subjection to the- ravages of a most devastating, and Iliad almost said* a mpst damnable passion,. which it seems js-'scarcely controlabSe, by all t:i0*energies of reason and moral sentiment combined; ■ Anger-was nev- er yet an evidence of justice, a proof of virtue, or a 'dem- onstration of superior intellect,; a mind of clevateH endow- ments, will always endeavor to correct, its. sanguinary im- pulses and to expel its influence. The man of: cool reflec- tion, sees in its unrestrained dominion, a thousand evils which escape common observation.—lie sees that it frequently fills our prisons with delinquents; that it is sometimes the cause of endless remorse; and that it often- loads the gallows with a melancholy victim? To speak of other than morn! and religious rerhedies, for this dreadful malady, would Le idle and nugatory. 1 might tell you as a physician, to deluge your heads with water as cold-as the snows of Zcmbla; I might tell you to open every vain in your bodies, to cairn the raging and ungovernable impulses of anger; I might tell ' you, that an emetic would curb the tumultuous fewer ox rage, and restore you to yourselves: all thes) remedies would produce a temporary cure; they would be but clipping the twigs from the Bohon upas, and leaving the root untouch- ed! The only sovereign powers, or remedies if you please, which can be efficient in correcting the evils of anger, must be sought for in early education, and in moral and reibdous. principles, instilled intj tlie mind at an e'arlv period of life, ' ^ OF THE PASSIONS. 27 JEALOUSY. This is a passion, the causes of which have seldom been investigated, although the effects of it are every where to be for.ud. The causes of it have generally something to do with love; but not always. The coxcomb and coquett, both of vvhom are incapable of genuine love, may be powerfully effected by jealousy; yet in.both these cases, the lady and gentleman have only experienced a slight mortification of their vanily, and love of general admiration. The wound . here is not deep: and,is generally healed by the consolato- ry admiration of some other jilt or jackpudding, as the case may be. I am hot going to speak of the jealousy of the Warrior, winch is sanguinary and daring; of that of the di- pinmalist, which is politic, cunning and circumventive; or of that of the statesman,- which is embittered by spectres r, and phantoms of future glory?---Nor-will LtroUble myself with not'eing the jealousy of the poet, which is harmless though vindictive:—of the historian, which is longwinded and untiring'- in the pursuit of fame:—or of the philosopher and man of general science, which is learnedly dull, and heavily investigative, in the pursuit of truths Which eternaliv elude human researches! 1 shall confine myself to the single subject, of that jealousy which sometimes sub- sists between Husband and Wife, and which generally ren- ders both the objects of public curiosity, compassion or contempt. Marriages are contracted upon various principles; such as the love of person, the love of fame, the love of mon- ey, &c. So soon as the rites and ceremonies of marriage are duly solemnised, and rendered matter of legal record, the parties individually acquire certain rights and privileges, of which it is a breach of the municipal law to deprive them as well as a violation of the law of God. If the love of money induced the lady to marry the gentleman, or the gentleman the lady, airy deviation of conduct however in- decent and immoral on the one part, ought never to be com- plained of on the other, provided the true intent and mean- ing of the compact be complied with, in relation to the 28 OF THB PASSIONS. cash itself! The same doctrines apply, in the case of a marriage contracted on any other principles. If the fame of either of the parties, induces the other to enter into the marriage bonds, and there be no other stipulation express- ed or implied, infidelity to the nuptial bed,.profligacy of conduct, and even the most indecent deviations from mor- al rectitude, ought never to make a breach between the parties; the tenor and spirit of the compact being compli- ed with, there is nothing more to be said. Nor would there be in nine cases out of ten, if married persons who are in- duced to captiousness and disagreement, would only be particular in calling to mind, the real motive which operated in inducing them to marry. If the mere love of person, without any considerations relating to temper, moral ex- cellence, and intellectual elevation of character, were the leading principle which induced the parties to bear the yoke, of life together, surely neither of them have a right to complain of the want of excellencies, which were over- looked, disregarded and absolutely undervalued in the stipula- tions of the compact. I think this reasoning is fair; and absolutely too logical to be refuted; and as I intend this hookas a family museum of useful instruction and advice, I trust that what Ihave so fare said on the subject of jealous}', and other causes of domestic discontent, will have its due weight. Whatrighthave parties whohavebeen improperly matched or rather those who have improperly matched themselves, to disturb the peace of whole neighborhoods and communities, with their winnings, scoldings, and recriminations of each other. Will these proceedings benefit the parties themselves? Will these bickerings and brawls, divorce them from each other? Will their domes- tic disagreements, and their 'fisticuff combats;" if they should happen to be so far advanced in the "sweets of connubial love, reflect any respectability or honor, on their innocent and unoffending offspring? Will their neighbors endeavor to comp"ose their stritcs, and hush them into peace with a sooth- ing lullaby? No: they will in ten cases out of eleven, be gratifyed at finding out, that there are others more misera- ble than themselves; and do every thing they possibly can, OF THE PASSION*. £0 to inflame the contest, by taking sides. Some will take the part of the husband;.these, are generally the gentlemcnof the ' little body politic: some will take the part of the wife; these nre generally the lady peace-makers of .the neighborhood: and before six months pass around, the \ hole country will be roused to a war of words—and resemble a puddle-in.a storm." &c &e. , But to conclude the' subject of this species of jealousy, wilh as mudi. seriousness as it seems to deserve; it may be r'emarked,-'that the passion is generally founded on the tales and Hints of servant;', the surmises of tale-bearing gossips, and tlie 'malignant-innuendoes of those who delight- in the diffusion' of slander and defamation. There is a .class of nebple in all societies, v#hQ are seriously afflicted with a :'i.;case called- by physicians "cacoethes'loquendx" It is a disease that is generated between ignorancy petty malignity and restlessness of tongue, which forbids the repose of soci- ety; in English, it-is the "disease of talking.'' These peo- ple-have considerable powers of invention; but from their ignorance of the common '"picsot erhg^toneo c:y »■:::-;>•' conversation, they seem to be absolutely compelled to lie their way into notice! -. The'education of these people, com- mences at an early period of life. When very young, just perhaps able to goon an errand to a neighboring house, they arc immediately asked on their return home, as to eve- ry thing they saw or heard there: their answers are such ks might be expected, a mixture of truths and lies. Find- ing at length, that their parents aredntcrested in such tales— they commence with telling fibs—and end, confirmed and malignant liars! Parents, this is especially addressed to you: it is worthy of your most serious consideration. But ihereis a species of jealous;/ of a most malignant and terrible character, .such as that delineated by Shakespear in his Moore of Venice, which sometimes takes possession of the human bosom, and shakes the throne of reason to its ve- ry centre. This passion, or rather this insanity, seemstome t<> be founded on almost speechless and unbounded love; a love bordering on absolute veneration and idolatry. This is w OF THE PASSIONS. aa abstruse and intricate subject, and I freely confess that I approach it with unfeigned diffidence. There certainly does exist, in the very nature of man, certain strong sympathies and antipathies, for which he is absolutely unable to account on reasoning principles: and which, therefore, must be referred to the native inspirations of human instinct. These sympathies and antipathies are everywhere tobe found; nordo Ibelievetherecxists, on earth, one single individual, male or female,arrived at mature age, who has not strongly felt the influences of these instinctive, I w111 not say unerring principles. They are discoverable in our choices of dogs, of horses, of farms; infact, they are discoverable in all cases, where the biasses, of self interest and ambition have no voice: and where nature herself rules the empire of election. Doctor Fell once asked Dean Swift, what was the reason, after all the advances he had made to conciliate his friendship, that he could not gain him over; and received the following reply, which speaks a volumn on the subject. , "I do not like you Doctor Fell, The reason why I cannot t«ll, I do not like you Doctor Fell." These attractive and repulsive principles have been felt by every individual; and the probability is, that their influ- ence is stronger or weaker, in proportion to the warmth or coldness of the human temperament: for I hold it to be im- possible, that so sensativs a being a,s man, can ever behold an object' possessed of any strength of character, and feel perfectly indifferent respecting it. , If these sentiments of attraction or disgust, existed only in cases where the char- acter of the object portended benefit or injury to the behol- der, the matter might easily be explained, upon the rational principle of self-interest on the one hand, or oi self-preserva- tion on. the other. Such however is not the fact; every man knows, from his own experience, that the first view of an ob- ject is pleasing or displeasing, attractive or repulsive; and infact, an object of attachment or disgust in some decree, OF THE PASSIONS. 31 without the least relation to the sentiments of self-interest or self-preservation.—How much stronger, then, must be our feelings ofattachmentordisgust for an object, when we know or believe that the character of that object is to determine, under certain circumstances, happiness or mjsery of our whole lives!1 Parents and guardians of the destinies of youth, if you can for one moment suspend the delusions which fascinate you, respecting wealth and aggrandize- ment, I wish you to remember:—that the closer in contact you bring those who have no natural affinity for each other, the greater and more distant will be the rebound! Have you never experienced an emotion of loathing and disgust, mere- ly by being in the presence of an object, whose native and unalterable character was repugnant to yours? In other words, have you never experienced a moral nausea of all the sensibilities of your nature, by being compelled to an association with a being whose feelings, whose sensibilities. whose very modes of thinking, spoke a language abhorrent to your souls! If you have, you can form some idea of the irresistible repulsions, which sometimes influence the con- duct of persons in the married state; freeze the few and cold affections which habits of enforced associations may have produced; and which seldom fail, sooner or later,— cither to make them unfaithful to each other, ortoseperate them forever. This is not a threadbare dream of the imagination, a mere chimera of the fancy; the affections of mankind are absolutely beyond their control. How often have you seen instances in which the purest and strongest sen- timents of parental duty, and all the efforts of reason herself, have been unable to overcome a repugnance to the mar- riage bond. Was this apparent contumaciousness, the off- spring of wilful disobedience, and a fixed design to thwart your intentions of bestowing connubial happiness on your child? no:—it was the struggle of nature herself in deep distress: it was the last effort she could make, to prevent the violation of one of the most sacred of her laws! Seeing then, as I think has been clearly demonstrated, that human affections are not under our control, at least so far as to be influenced by sentiments of duty, or admonitions 32 OF THE PASSIONS. of reason, are we not to presume, from the great variety of motives which influence many to enter the marriage bond, that thousands are badly paired and wores match- ed? I think so; and those who doubt the fact, for their own satisfactory conviction of error, will do well to investigate the real causes, of so much domestic discontent as is every where to be found; of so many quarrels and connubial bick- erings, and finally, of so many divorces. I assert it to be the fact; and it will be supported by the experience of thousands, that wedlock is a perfect hell, and the worst one we know of on earth, even when surrounded by all the splendors Of wealth and trappings of power, if it is not hallowed by human affections—and I assert further, and,am in ho way apprehensive of experimental contradiction that where wedlock is consecrated by fixed and virtuous love, it is arid must be a source of high enjoyment, even surround- ed by the hardships, privations and daily sufferings of labor and drudgery. I have often been surprised, on going into some of our cabins on the frontiers; there was the meat hanging in the chimney; the bread-tray on the only table; the straw-bed on a rude frame: the blankets and counter- panes aboiit the floor, from which perhaps a dozen or less of healthy, ruddy children had just risen; there was the corn in the crib, the-cow standing with her head in at the door, and the meal-bag under the bed. Great God, I have said to myself, is it possible that weded love can exist in such a place as this! But I was soon undeceived;-the whole enig- ma was solved satisfactorily; it had been a marriage of pure and virtuous love untrammeled by the calculations of avarice, the meanness of false pride, and the groveling as- pirations of petty ambition. On the other hand, I have frequented the mansions of the great, the wealthy and the powerful; where' surrounded by luxury and wealth, and reclined at ease on a gilded sopha, love might have held a court superior in splendor and mag- nificence, to that said to have been held in the fabled man- sions of Jove! What did I see? I saw discontent, suspi- cion and prying distrust, lowering in every eye. I'saw that the hearts of the inhabitants of these splendid mansions OF THE PASSIONS. 33 were estranged from each other. I saw the servants in vaued liveries, gliding in solemn silence from room to room; nor did one sound of cheerfulness or festivity, break the dull monotony of this splendid solitude, this gilded, carpeted, and festooned hell of wedded misery! I saw the owners of all this wealth and waste of luxury, take their solitary meal; for nature had denied them offspring, in revenge for a viola- tion of her laws. They approached the festive board,which was loaded with luxuries of every climate, with eyes aver- ted from each other. No social converse; no interchange of thought or sentiment, enlivened the cold and hollow splendor of the scene. The servants in attendance helped them; even the common forms of superficial politeness were unobserved; nor did they recognize the presence of each other, unless in stolen and hateful glances. They seemed to sit on thorns; and no sooner was their miserable repast ended, than the one betook himself to the gaming table and probably the other to her paramour. These two delineations of life, are not mere visions of the fancy; they are to be met with in every country. They prove conclusively, that marriages contracted from improp- er motives, are always followed by consequences destruc- tive to human happiness, and the best interests of mankind. All the conflicts, discontents and jealousies of the married state, may be traced to improper motives for marriage or improper conduct after it. Perhaps there is one exception which I shall name. The husband sometimes becomes jeal- ous of the wife, and the wife of the husband, where there is no infidelity on either side, from the mere consciousness of being unworthy of an attachment. Cases of this character frequently occur; and it may generally, if not in every in- stance, be laid down as a fixed and settled principle in hu- man nature that where there is no positive demonstration of connubial delinquency, the party disposed to suspicion ossible advantages of mankind, for the hoarding and accu- mulation of ill-gotten wealth. These pigmy misanthropes, or haters ol mankind on a petty scale, are every where *to be found. They are the scoundrels who, in all societies, cheat and swindle on every occasion: they are the men who will sacrifice, or in other words, purchase at half its value, on an execution sale, the.little property of the needy and who would not scruple to rob the widow and the or- phan of the little that sickness and misfortune had spared them. You will see these swindling vagabonds, adding hypocricy to their petty villanies, by making an absolute mockerv of religion itself, at the communion table. That insatiable avarice is a disease of the mind, there can be no doubt, and that this disease requires a moral treatment of cure, there can be as little question. If these men would reflect on tin1 brevity of human life; if they would consider that their ill-acquired weahh must soon pass from their possession, and that death will unload them at the gates of eternity, surely they wou'd soon discover the folly, impolicy and henious immorality of such a course. The passion of love, properly so called, or that strong and indissoluble attachment which frequently exists between the two sexes, is one of the noblest and most powerful emotions that ever animated the human bosom. As I re- marked before, under the head of jealousy, this pure and elevated attachment, is the great solacer of human life^ the hnrbiuger of successful procreative power; the precursor 40 OF THE PASSIONS. and nurterer of successive millions of the human race; the great moral parent of all the numerous races of men to be found in every climate of the globe. It is the native of every country that has been invaded by the enterprize of man, and is found to bloom and' flourish in perfection wherever man has fixed his habitation. It- finds a congen- ial soil in the booth of the hunter, the hut of the savage, the tent of the wandering Arab, the leafy bower of the Af- rican of the Gambia, as v.ell as in the haunts of civiliza- tion, and the palaces of kings. As I have remarked under another head, there exists in the human bosom, certain instinctive sympathies and antip- athies, which we are unable to control, either by the force of moral sentiment or the efforts of reason; and which are absolutely inexplicable by all the boasted powers of hu- man genius. The existence of these instinctive princi- ples, are only known by our own consciousness, and the powerful and decisive effects they are known to produce. No two human beings, especially of different sexes, and more especially if their affections were engaged by pre- vious prepossessions, were ever yet in the presence of each other for any length of time, without experiencing the force, in a greater or less degree, of the sympathy or antipathy before noticed. When the attraction is mutally strong, the parties soon become conscious of a congeniality of tem- per, disposition, tastes, and sensibilities; this sympathetic at- traction has by some writers on the subject, been denom- inated "love at first sight." When on the other hand, the physical, moral, and intellectual characters of the parties, are essentially and radically different from each other: in other words, and in more fashionable phraseology, when the natural character of the parties are the antipodes, or di- rect opposites of each other, the repulsive powers of naN ural antipathy are so strongly experienced, as to produce involuntary hatred, if not fixed and unalterable sentiments of contempt and detestation. I am thus particular in giv- ing my opinions on these subjects, not only because I know that their correctness will be sanctioned by the actu- al experience of thousands, but because I trust they will be OF THE PASSIONS. 41 of service to many, in disclosing the extreme danger to human happiness, which invariably arises from uniting those to each other, by merely artificial and fictitious ties, whom God and nature have put assunder. By opposition of na- tive character, I mean a plain and palpable dissimilitude of tempearaments, tastes, and. intellectual and moral persuits. Can physical and moral beauty, be in love with physical deformity, and moral depravity of character? Can wisdom and intelligence be in love with folly and stupidity? Inno- cence and spotless purity, with guilt and corruption? Vir- tue with vice? g»o! "Vice is a monster, of such frightful mien, That to be hated, needs but to be seen." I am wii'ing to admit and believe it to be strictly true, that persons w\io are characterized by vice, corruption, guilt, stupidity, folly, moral depravity or personal defor- mity, may form strong attachments to persons of diametric- ally opposite characters:—this would out be admitting what every person knows; that vice and imperfection, un- der all their various forms and characters, if endowed with the common faculties of perception, must and always wnl. pay involuntary tributes of respect, veneration, anf\ such love as they arc capable of experiencing, to virtue and moral purity wherever found. The love of the deprave d and immoral portion of mankind, is precisely such as m:iy always be expected from such characters: it is selfish, ba se and! ignoble; utterly devoid of tenderness and considera- tion for the object beloved—it is precisely such love as'lTie wolf bears for the lamb; or the fox for the hen-roost! It has always been a matter of much astonishment to me, that females of refined sens.bilty, lofty sentiments of moral virtue, and high orders of intellectual power, should expect a reciprocation of pure and virtuous love, from the scum and dregs of, society, the offscourings of brothels, and the hoary and depraved veterans of the gamingtable! They might as well, I think, and with much better hopes of suc- cess, attempt to extract candor from confirmed hypocrites, 42 OF THE PASSIONS. honor from thieves, and humanity from highway robbers. There is no way of solving this enigma, that I know of, but by supposing that women of virtue and honor are in- capable of distinguishing the particular claims which these gentlemen have to their detestation and contempt1, or by presuming that they always, by the aid of their imagina- tions, invest the characters of such men with fictitious vir- tues, which have no existence: for I cannot suppose they can truly love them, and yet be fully acquainted with their intrinsic characters. The strength and quality of an at- tachment, must certainly depend, in a great measure, on the physical and moral qualities of the object beloved, and on the capacities of a lover to perceive and appreciate those qualities. I am perfectly convinced, and that too from experience, that a woman of moral purity of charac- ter, never excites the same impure sentiments and base passions, that are produced or excited by a female of a con- trary character, and whose countenance and deportment betray indications of immoralhabits and loose desires. There is something of immaculate purity; something of the very divinity of virtue, in the countenance and deportment of a woman of chaste desires, elevated moral sentiments, and cultivated intellectual powers, that represses the low-born suggestions of lust and depravity, and awes all, the vi- cious passions, into cowardly submission to the dignity of female perfection. No man, however vicious and depraved iq his habits and persuits ever yet had the impudence and audacity to contemplate the deliberate seduction of an ac- complished and beautiful woman, unless he were under the influence of a species of libidinous insanity; had formed a contemptible opinion of the female character; or had dis- covered some vulnerable part in her armour of chastity and virtue. Few women, and I mention the fact with much regret, are proof against the thrilling suggestions of vanity, the allurements of flattery, and the fascinations attendant on a passion for general admiration; they ought early to be taught by their parents and preceptors that true pride, which is in reality dignity of character, is always hostile to the OF THE PASSIONS. 43 foolish and dangerous suggestions of vanity; that fiattery, cal.'ed by an old and quaint writer, "the oil of fool," is a positive and direct insud; and that a female passion for uni- versal admiration, especially in the married state, is hostile to domestic peace and absolutely at war with connubial enjoyment and happiness. That flattery is an insult, is evident from the fact that no flatterer ever yet ventured upon the practice of his art, without first concluding that the object of his addresses was a fool: the truth is, that flattery is always addressed to our personal vanity, which in plain language means, a strong propensity to an over estimate of our own merits and perfections. Manly ano dignified pride, has always been found a specific against the frivolous passion of vanity, and hence it has been frequently said, that a man or woman . may be too proud to be vain: the fact is, that van.ty is the false and empty pride of fools! Napoleon intended much when he expressed himself thus to some of his friends—"I had hoped and expected that the French were a proud na- tion; but I have found by experience that they are only vain." The passion for universal admiration is the distin- guishing and strong characteristic of a'coquett; it is the offspring of personal vanity, begotte.i upon coldness of tem- perament, ignorance and folly.—A coquett in the female world, is what a coxcomb is among men; a being void of sentiment, sensibility and intelligence, and utterly incapable of genuine love. The marriages of both coquetts and coxcombs, in con- formity with the coldness and shallowness of their charac- ters, are always predicated on other principles than those of attachment to the object. They are absolutely incapable of feeling the soft refinements, the elevated sentiments, or the deep-toned energies of real love: these people are never in danger of suffering the tortures of a broken heart, nor can they experience either muca happiness or any considerable degree of misery in the married state. The love of general admiration is their master passion; and whenever this is the case, it is impossible that a concentration of affections can take place, and be exclusively directed to a single object; fire 44 OF PHE PASSIONS. can never be produced from the separated and scattered sun- beams; they must be concentrated by a convex glass, called a lens, before they can be rendered sufficiently intense to produce warmth, heat and combustion. The love of gen- eral admiration, was wisely implanted in the human bosom, and for the best of purposes; but.wherever it gains the ful possession of the female breast, it freezes all thedomestic and conjugal affections, and sometimes leads to jealousy and dis- content, with all their dreadful train of consequences;—m other words, and I wish the sentiment to make a well-mer- ited and indeliable impression, the married man who can prefer the admiration of other women to that of the wife of his bosom, is a traitor to all the hallowed solemnities of the marriage compact, and a cold and calculating violator of the laws of God! Nor on the other hand, is the married woman less a traitress to connubial love, to the honor and happiness of her husband and family, and to the best interests of socie- ty and domestic enjoyment, who can prefer the shallow and superficial admiration of fools and coxcombs, to the deep and devoted attachments of a husband, who would not scru- ple to make a sacrifice of life itself to ensure her happi- ness,— "Woman alone was formed to bless The life of man, and share his care: To sooth his breast, when keen distress Hath, lodged a poisoned arrow there."— I have mentioned that persons of diametrically opposite physical, moral and intellectual characters, could never as- similate with and become strongly attached to each other, notwithstanding the powerful attractions of the sexual in- stinct. By opposite natural and acquired characters. I do not mean mere contrasts of mental and corporeal disposi- tion and characteristics. I cannot otherwise disclose my precise meaning, respecting things which are direct opposites, and those which are only contrasts of each other; than by citing the example or colors. Black and white, for instance, are the opposites of each other, and when placed in juxtapo- sition always pain the eye; but, either of those colors, when OF THE PASSIONS. 45 compared with any other of the primitive colors or'even shades, are only considered contrasts. St. Pierre in His studies of nature, has been explicit on this ingenious and novel subject, which is certainly worthy of much consid- eration. There seems to exist, between persons of opposite physical characters, a decided indifference as regards sexual communication; or if not a decided and entire indifference, there certainly does not obtain between them, that arduous and passionate sexual propensity, which is found between persons who are the contrasts of each oth- • cr. 1 have remarked in innumerable instances the strong attachments which existed between persons of contrasted complexions, constrasted colors of the eyes arid hair, and especially of strongly contrasted stature and dimensions; and 1 have no doubt, that the reader of this new, if not very in- teresting part of my reflections, will recollect very many in- stances, of the existence of marriages voluntarily entered into from the strongest of possible' attachments, between persons who in point of stature and size, were perfect con- trasts of each other. Ask a tall, robust and athletic man, what sort of a wife be would-choose; and you will very soon ascertain, that his choice would fell on a female, the contrasted reverse of himself. In fact, you will always find on inquiry, that a Jean man prefers a woman of size and rath- cr large proportions—a short man,a womanof lofty stature— and so on, to the end of the chapter of contrasts in personal character. The gigantic and Brawny Roman warrior, Mark Anthoiy, fell in love with the sylph-like and fairy form of Cleopatra the celebrated queen of Egypt, who'was remarka- ble for being, or very diminutive proportions, though very beautiful; in fact, thousands of such instances might be cited to from both ancient and modern history. This con- trast of physical proportions and character, united in the marriage bond, seems to have been intended by providence, to equalize the breed of mankind, and to prevent them on the one hand, from.running up into a race of giants, and on the other, from degenerating into a strain of diminutive and contemptible pigmies. But on the subject of contrasts, this is not all: contrasts D 46 OF THE PASSIONS. in moral and intellectual qualities, seem to be equally favor- able to love; and here again 1 am compelled to resort to figurative language to convey my meaning. There are concords and discords in music: perfect concords always fall on the ear with a dull and cold monotony; whilst perfect discords always grate harshly on the auditory nerves, pro- dtxing exquisite sensations which are still more unharmoni- ous and disagreeable. It will not be necessary to say much Oil this subject of moral and mental contrasts; I only suggest it, that the reader may make his own observations, respect- ing this singular anomaly in the human character. We know perfectly well, that persons of moderate intellectual ppwers, both male and female, provided their tempers and dispositions be gentle and amiable, are invariably the objects of love and the most tender regard, with those who possess uncommonly lofty and powerful characteristics of genius and intellect. This fact is even so notorious in all societies, as to have become a proverb; and, how often have we all seen instances in conjugal life, in which fortitude has been united to despondency—fickleness and inconsistency of res- olution, with the most unshaken, and resolute tenaciousness of purpose—timidity, with consumate bravery, and the highest order of moral courage, with the shrinking cowar- dice of superstition and childish ignorance. We know these to be the facts, and can only account for it on the great scale of divine wisdom and Providencc,by presuming them to be intended for equalizing the human species in wisdom and moral energy—and for forming additional and indissoluble bonds in the social compacts of mankind. I have several times mentioned, and I think demonstrated, as far as the force of facts and moral reasoning will go, that the passion of love is measureably involuntary, and beyond the control of moral sentiment and reason; nor can there I think exist any doubt, not only that the strength of the passion depends on the peculiar temperaments of individuals, but that the distinctive characteristics of the pas- sion or emotion called love, are essentially connected with the physical, moral and intellectual qualifications of the objects or persons beloved. Ii, then, the strength of the OF THE PASSIONS. 47 passion is in any proportion to the natural temperaments, of individuals; and if its peculiar qualities or characteristics depend on the natural and acquired qualifications of the ob- jects of attachment, how ridiculous, absurd and perfectly irrational it must be for any man or woman to expect, that he or she can possibly be an object of attachment, with any person of rational and scrutinizing mind, on ac- count of qualifications which are not possessed, and which infact are known and perceived to be entirely wanting. I mention the subject in this way, and place it in this light, in order to prevent the exercise of hypocrisy between the sexes, which is always dangerous in its consequences— and in order, also, that those whose happiness in life de- pends on their being objects of esteem, friendship, venera- tion, attachment and love, may see the absolute necessity of deserving the homage of such refined and virtuous senti- inents; in other words, that they may be deeply impressed with the important and eternal truth, that candor, honor, and moral virtue, are the great passports to human,hap- pincss. 1'have often witnessed the tremulous solicitude of females, of the most amiable and exalted qualities of per- son and mind, respecting the public opinion of their merits and character, and frequently been interrogated by them on the subject. In these cases, I have uniformly answered, m thd words of an old Grecian sage, "know yourself;" and your opinions of yourself, if correct and well founded, will be precisely such as are entertained for you, bv those whose esteem and approbation are of any importance. Genuine and rational love, commences in the natural, and if I may be allowed the expression, as applicable to human nature, the instinctive sympathies of individuals for the society of each other; it is cemented and powerfully strengthened by the endearments of sexual enjoyment, of which I have be- fore spoken; and it is crowned with both temporal and im- mortal duration, by the mild purity and unfading lustre of the moral virtues, and the imposing splendors of genius and intellectual power. As I said before it is confined to no par- ticular climate, and to no exclusive region of the globe; its benign influence is experienced, as well among the polar 4 s OF THE PASSIONS. snows of the North, as in the mild climates of the temperate zones. It is the exclusive guest of no particular rank in life: the rich, the poor, the exalted, the base, the brave arealike participant in its genial warmth, andheavenly influ- ence. In the words of Lawrence Stern, "no tint of words can spot its snowy mantle, nor chcmic power turn its sceptre into iron; with love to smile upon him as he cats his crust, the swain is happier than the monarch, from whose court it has been exiled by vice and immorality." This is that un- debased and genuine love, which is founded in unlimited confidence, mutual esteem, and the mild sublimities of virtue and integrity of character. It illuminates the countenance with the sparkling brilliancy of soft desire; and is in fact, the safeguard of female virtue, and of chastity itself when- ever assailed by unprincipled and seductive fascination. With respect to the passion of love, there is a com- mon error of female education, which will also apply to the early instruction of males, of which I must speak in plain terms in the conclusion of this subject. Every human be- ing, St a very early period of life, from peculiar modes of instruction, and the examples presented to tlie mind, form some idea of the qualifications which constitute human excellence. If for instance, at an early period, the parents and instructors of a female, impress upon her mindj that the mere decoration of the person will render her an object of tender regard, without the cultivation of her moral and intellectual qual'ties, the result will be, and it can- not be avoided, that aiming at what she believes to be the great excellence of the human female character, both her moral and intellectual energies will retrograde into barren- ness and insipidity: in other words, she will become what the world denominates tipretty woman, the idle.of fools and cox- combs, but an object of compassion, indifference or contempt with men of lofty sentiments and distinguished characters. Peter, the great of Russia, on account of her superior intel- lectual endowments chose for a wife, and made her Empress of Russia, a woman of obscure and lowly origin. And in more modern times, I had the information from a person well acquainted with the facts, we find the spirit, discfim- OF THE PASSIONS. 49 ination and sound judgment of Peter the great, respecting the value of a woman of a cultivated mind, revived in the person and character of Lord Morgan. Sidney Ovvenson, his present wife, was the daughter of a Comedian on the Dublin stage. At an early period, this youthful female dis- rovered strong traits of genius of a literary character, and Ovvenson though in impoverished circumstances determin- ed to educate his daughter. He did so; in consequence of which, she became an object pf. strong attachment with a man of distinguished mind, who preferred her to the titled and the rich, and she is now lady Morgan. Mrs. Hamilton, a lady of some celebrity, who has writ- ten much on female education,, makes the following remark on women: "where there is no intellect, there is no moral principle; and where there is no principle, there is no. secu- rity for female virtue." This is the truth, but not the whole truth: had Mrs hamilton recognized religion as an essential requisite in preserving the moral virtues of women, she would probably have said all that was necessary on female education. The accomplishments of women, ought always to have some relation to their future duties in life; but it is evident, that the cultivation of their minds, cannot with justice to themselves and society be dispensed with, no mat- ter what may be their future destinies. A cultivated mind is a never-failing passport to the best society; it always in- sures the. extension of friendship and civility, when ac- companied by correctness of conduct and a virtuous de- iportment: ,it prevents women from- becoming the dupes of artifice, and the victims of seduction; it expands the heart io all the principles of sympathetic feeling for the distresses of others, and induces a commiseration for the misfortunes of mankind; it holds up to a distinct scrutinizing examination, the real characters of men, and enables a woman to make a judicious selection of worth, from a herd of coxcombs and fools, by which, if wealthy and distinguished by personal beauty, she.may be .persecuted with addresses* It fits her for the superintendence and regulation of a family, and ena- bles her to make correct educational impressions on the minds of her offspring. 50 OF THE PASSIONS. The want of mental culture, among fema'cs of all ranks in life, has frequently lead to disastrous consequence; ■ By mental culture, I do not mean those shallow and frivo- lous accomplishments which arc sometimes taught at boar- ding schools; nor do I mean by a refinement of the female mind, a proficiency in drawing joses which resemble ,a copper coin, in thruming.a waltz on the piano, or figet- ing through the lacivious gesticulations of an Italian or French fandango! I mean by mental culture, the acquisi- tion of solid accomplishments; those which can be render- ed useful to domestic policy, be an example to society in the correction of its morals, and reflect honor on the na- tional character. Such an education always represses the waywardness of the fancy, and lops away the useless and often dangerous exuberance'of a powerful imagination; it affords-a ncve£,failing resource of comfort in solitude, and finds a healing balm for the wounds for a wayward and * unfortunate destiny. In fine, no woman possessed of a judicious education, even under the pressure of the most trying misfortunes, ever yet lost the just equipoise between her strength and sensibility, or became the victim of a bro- ken heart! The exquisite miseries which spring from disappointed love, and sometimes terminate in a broken heart, for I am well persuaded there is really such a disease, always arise from visionary creations of the fancy, and disorders of tlie im- agination: in other -words, they are the offspring of over- strained andimagmary conceptions, of the qualifications of the object of attachment; they are infact, the melancholy results of an over-estimate of the virtues and perfections of human nature; of which the woman of a cultivated mind, ■end really, philosophic'acquisitions, stands in no possible danger. A woman who-cultivates her imagination, by the unlimited, perusal of novels and romances, at the expense of the solid qualities of her understanding, is always in dan- ger of becoming the-victim of a wayward fancy; and should she live to have the eriors of her imagination cor- rected by practical experience, will have nothing of ihe imagination left, but the ashes of a consumed sensibility, on OF THE PASSIONS. 51 which no fu ore attachment can possibly be predicated. A woman of cultivated mind, sees objects as they really are—and not as they are clothed by an inflamed and disor- dered fancy; she knows that human nature is not perfection itself, and expects nothing from it, but what appertains to the natural character of man; she knows it to be a com- pound of weakness and strength, virtue and vice, wisdom and folly—and never over-estimating the virtues and perfec- tions of an object of attachment, her desires are chastened by mod'eration, and her loves by the high-toned philosophy of true wisdom! Such a woman, unlike the melancholy victim of a morbid sensibility, and a high wrought and dis- ordered imaginaliou, is in no danger of sinking into the diseased apathy' of disappointed love* and becoming the victim of partial or total insanity, or a disconsolate and broken heart;, for which all the mere medical remedies known to human genius and science, are but miserable and inefficient palliatives. Religion, change of scenery, and at tractive and interesting company, in some cases have con- siderable- influence, in detaching the mind from the con- centration of its reflections on an object of deep and vital love; but, in the more numerous instances, they have all l>een known tofail,and'evcn to baffle all the efforts-of friend- ship and parental attachment. Infact, it seems to me. arid I have paid much attention to the subject, that judicious ed- ucation, and a well cultivated mind, acting-as preventatives to the disorders of the imagination, are almost the only and powerful specifics, against tlie occurrence of the miseries of disappointed love. GR5IfF" This depressing affection of .the mind, called a' passion,, when experienced in die extreme, sometimes degenerates into confirmed melancholy, despair and fatal insanity. It is the offspring of so many and such various causes, that it is nca to impossible to enumerate them. It is sometimes 62 of Tnn passions. caused by cheerless and gloomy presentiments of the future; sometimes by the heavy pressure of present evils and ca- lamities; and not unfrequently, by strong'and vivid recollec- tions of losses which can never be,retrieved. Against its inroads and often fatal effects on the health of the physical system, (which are varied according to the temperament and character of the individual,) neither the internal nor external exhibition of medical drugs can have much avail. The force and effect which grief exercises and produces, in deranging the functions of the physical system, seem in a great degree to depend on the poignancy and accuteness.of those sensibilities which characterize the nervous system. Where the nervous system is tremulously sensible, and ea- sily susceptible of external impressions, which is generally the case with persons of distinguished genius, there is invari- ably found a constitutional melancholy, which delights.in re- trospections of the past, and serious if not cheerless anticipa- tions of the future. At an early period of life, these per- sons are highly susceptible of the charms of nature, and also cfher more gloomy and sombre scenery; and, being deeply sensible of the influence of what to other men would lie slight-impressions, their feelings always exhibit themselves in. the extremes of animation or depression of spirits, for which they themselves are utterly unable to account. Infact it is not unusual to witness in the varying sensibilities of these persons, and that too in the lapse oi a single day, the reflec- tive* calmness, and profundity of the great southern Pacific ocean—the urbanity arid cheerfulness attendant on anticipa- tions of future< prosperity arid happiness—and those storms of ungovernable and unsubdued passions whose, undulations resemble the mountain billows of the Atlantic, when lashed by the hurricanes and tarnadoes of the Torrid Zone! This is not only the constitutional temperament of true and un- sophisticated genius, of which so much has been said and so little known, but it is also the soil which produces sensations of exquisite happiness and misery; distinguished principles of moral rectitude and depravity of conduct; great virtues and great vices! Seriousness, depression of spirits, melancholy, chief, OF THE PASSIONS. 53 dispair, insanity, arc but the different modifications of the same passion, or predisposition of the moral faculties, of whose essence we in reality know nothing abstractedly, on- ly differing in degree of force and effect, in proportion to the strength and weakness of operating causes. For instance; seriousness and solemnity of feeling, are always produced in a mind ne., veneration and love, for that inscrutable Bs:in<; who created the universe in his wisdom; supports it by his almighty power; and regu-atns the machinery of nature, in beneficence and love to his creatures. Considered merely in relation to Ida vital and animal functions, man seems to occupy the highest point in the scale of animated nature; but notwithstanding this distin- guishing elevation, with some grand and. distinctive excep- tions to the general principles of existence, and those of a strong and decided character, he seems-in many respects to'be'allied to the inferior orders of creation. Like the merely animal orders of nature inferior to himself, he is OF THE PASSIONS. 61 animated by loves and friendships, hatreds and enmities,— and by all the other passions and propensities, incidental to the merely animal creation. In common with the ele- phant, the lion, the dog and the fox, his heart seems to be the seat of life or vitality, and his brain the censorium of intel- lectual existence. Like them, he is furnished with a stom- ach to digest his food—and a heart to propel the vital fluid through the arterial and venous systems.. Like the inferior orders of creation, man is susceptible of the influence of heat and cold, and all the variations of temperature inciden- tal to the changes of the seasons; like them, he can be deluged by rains, frozen by the snows of winter, and melted by the heats of summer. Like them, he is subjected to physical diseases, which can be mitigated or removed by the same means, and like them, he is animated by strong sentiments of self-preservation, and entertains an instinctive and powerful dread of both pain and dissolution! But here, the parallel between man, and the inferior orders of creation terminates; and he begins to take his departure from their earth born level, which they can never emulate, or even follow. Man is the only animal in creation, who can raise his contemplations to the Deity, and experience a sublime sei> timent of awe and veneration, for the unknown Author of his existence. The only animal in creation, capable of ex- periencing a strong solicitude for a knowledge of his origin, or who can direct his views and anticipations to a future existence, beyond the boundaries of time! He is the only being absolutely known to himself, who call form a concep- tion of sj>ace, which is an abstract idea of infinity—of time, which is an abstract conception of eternity—or of plas- tic and creative power, which leads to an abstract, but infi- nitely inadequate conception of the omnipotence of god! Man seems to unite in his moral and intellectual composi- tion, the human extremes of strength and weakness, wis- dom and folly. In infancy, or when not associated with his fellow-beings, he is a naked, defenceless, dependent and timid animal, exposed to diseases of every multiplied char- acter—to dangers bevond arithmetical computation—and E* ~ 62 OF THE PASSIONS. to death in all its varied and gigantic forms: vet, with a.I these incipient weaknesses, and seeming imperfections ot Jus nature, in the plenitude of life and intellectual power, and when associated with his fellow-beings in social compact, he has satisfied his natural wants; rendered himself inde- pendent of every thing but his Creator; driven from his presence, enslaved to his purposes, or destroyed by the machinery and chemical power of his warlike inventions, all animals hostile' to his life and preservation; and com- pelled the earth, the air, the waters and the woods, to yield him the sustenance, and even luxuries of life, and to furnish him with the means of constructing his habitation. He has done more. By referring his knowledge of particu- lar facts, to the discovery of abstract and general.principles, lie has measureably unfolded the elements of science, by which he measures the earth, and discloses the laws which regulate the solar system—ascertains the distances and rel- ative positions of the heavenly bodies; and determines the location of his own globe among them:—discloses the com- ponent partsof wdiich the substratum of the earth-itself is com- pounded, and by an effort of microscopic vision' and pro- found sagacity, gives you a satisfactory analysis of a phys- ical atom! Nor is this all; from ob«cure and imperfect ori- ginal discoveries in nautical science, he has converted the bark canoes of the wandering savage into "vehicles of bur- then for international commerce, and imposing engines of war; and, instead of the petty barks of the ancients, by which they prosecuted an insignificant traffick along the shores and inlets of the Mediterranean, he has constructed ships of bul k and st rength sufficient tomaster the winds of heav- en aai the waves of the ocean:—to discover and colonize new continents:—and to make his way in security, through trackless, unknown, and almost shoreless oceans, to countries po remote as not oven to be found in delineation on the ma- riners chart! Nor do the greatness of his discoveries, nor the sublime elevations of his character terminate here. The progressive improvements of man in literature, from hierog'i/phics, which are the signs of things, to the use of letters, which are the signs or symbols of sounds, afford OF TEH PASSIONS. 63 n«w and astonishing demonstrations of his powers.—We have proofs before us, if we will advert for a moment to tlie present state of mankind, of all the progressive stages •of improvement through which he has passed, in arriving at his present state of moral and intellectual civilization, and scientific and literary refinements—nor need we recur to ■ the empire of fable, nor the fictions of his early history, to ;arrive at the truth. A collective view of the present inhabitants of the globe, will furnish ample demonstrations <*f the following facts. In a state of savage and illiterate nature, tradition, as among the Indians of our own forests, afforded the only means of communication,betwcen the pres- ent and future races of mankind. But, in proportion as man began toprogrcss in discoveries relating to the arts and iffenccs; he became disgusted and dissatisfied with the er- rors and misrepresentations of oral tradition, and sought various expedients to perpetuate to his posterity, authentic testimonials of his sagacity, and durable monuments of his (intellectual powers. Hieroglyphics and pyramids were re-sorted to in some countries, and pillars and public edifices in others; but, knowing all these to be liable to decay, and that their true meaning might be easily misunderstood or forgotten, he was not satisfied with a medium of intelligence, which would revive and perpetuate his knowledge and dis- coveries to future times until literature arose to record in unfading characters, the intelligence, the improvements in science and the fate of past generations. The discovery of, mid progressive improvements in letters, have enabled man to trace his species through all anterior ages since the cro- iition; nor would he now, were it not for literature, and the discovery of .the Art of Printing, be enabled to profit at this advanced period of the world—by the records of history, and the divine inspirations of religion, virtue and pure mor- ality, which are breathed forth in love and mercy to fallen man, by holy writ! It is from this divine and inspired work, that he derives a knowledge of all the attributes of his Gro- ator; of She immortality of his own soul; and of all the du- ties he owes to God—his fellovv-crcatures—and himself. The rerortesofall thG sages & philosophers of antiquity, with 64 OF TRR PAS8I0JTS. the immortal Plato at their head, sink into cold insignificance, when compared with the divine consolations afforded to man, by that pure and unsophisticated religion, which is de- rived from the word of God; and while speaking of the pure and undefiled religion of Jesus Christ, I will first show what it-is not; second—the abuses of its doctrines; third what it really is; and fourth—its benefits and consola- tions, in health and prosperity, sickness and misfortune. The virtues and the boasted wisdom of man, purified and improved by the highest efforts of human reason, would be-nothing without the support and consolations of the doctrines of the Scripture. The. magnificence, splendor and sublimity of the great works of nature, from which alone, without the divine inspirations to be found in the word of God, he is enabled to form but an inadequate and finite con- ception of the attributes o,f an Almighty Creator, dazzle and confound the feeble efforts of man, in all his attempts to grasp at the divine perfections of his Maker—baffle all the high-toned energies of his reason and intelligence—and throw him to an infinite distance below, even an imaginary conception of the Deity. Thus circumstanced—thus sur- rounded by mysteries, which he cannot explain to himself —feeling a strong and deep-seated natural sentiment of .im- mortality: and yet dreading the cold and silent horrours of the grave—the word of God, and faith in Christ alone; can afford him support and consolation in the hour of death; solve the otherwise inscrutable and sublime mysteries of his own existence; and reveal to him the dreadful enigmas of eternity! In fact, when man surveys with an attentive and philosophic eye, the vast and complicated machinery of the Universe;—when he discovers that all this complicated and boundless machinery is subject to the irresistable influence of laws infinitely beyond his conception:—when he essays to embody his own conceptions, of the attributes of that Being who created, and who rules and governs all:—and in fine, when he makes the feeble attempt, unaided by divine rev- elation, to identify his hopes of immortality and future happiness with the unchangeable laws of created nature, so vast, so boundless, and so complicated as they rnust be, he OF THH PASSIONS. 65 shrinks back upon his own insignificance, and involuntarily asks himself, "am I not a stranger to the eternal laws of my own destiny?—am I not a stranger to this God, the su- preme creator of the Universe?—am I not lost in the im- mensity of his works, and the boundlessness of his power?" Mere opinions, deduced from the boldest efforts of the reasoning faculties of man, never yet produced that genu- ine, religion which absorbs his affections, concentrates his love and gratitude on his divine Creator, regulates his moral and intellectual energies for the production of his present nnd future happiness, and makes him satisfied with his own prospects of futurity. These arc the reasons in all •probability, why the ancient sages, who hoped for and partially believed in immortality, were unable to satisfy themselves, with rational and conclusive proofs of the fu- ture existence of the human soul: these are probably also the reason^ and they are founded in the wisdom and prov- idence of God himself, why the great truths of immor- tality were veiled, in all ages, anterior to the true gos»» pel dispensation, from the boasted sagacitv and reasoning powers of the philosophers, and sages of antiquity:—for, could these men have arrived at any definite and certain conclusions on the future destinies of the human race, with- •out the moral purifications of true cristianity, the con- sequences would have been dreadful to society and man- kind, as can be easily demonstrated. * Suppose a man were enabled by the unaided efforts of reas3n, to demonstrate conclusively to himself, that anihi- lation, or an absolute and entire negation of existence, was his future and irrevocable doom:—what would be the imme- diate consequences of this appalling and dreadful discovery! Would he not feel that every affection of his soul was dissol- ved; and that existence itself was valueless? Would it not loosen every strong tie he feels on life—and sicken him with that lapse of time which must so soon reduce him to nothing?! Where, under this gloomy and horrid anticipation, would be: his affections for his parents, his wife, his family, his conn-, try;—what would become of the performance of his duties? as a parent, a husband, a citizen, and a patriot:—v/hgia 68 OF THE PASSIONS. would be the endearing- suggestions of his own self-love and insatiable desires of his present and future happi- ness, under the certain conviction that the elevated and noble energies of his soul would explode and be lost for- ever, when his carcass would become a clod of the valley! But, let it be supposed that the powers of reason, unaided by the holy inspirations of Scripture were capable of arri- ving at the certain conviction of man's future happiness in eternity; and that the decree of the Almighty which awar- ded to him so auspicious a destiny, was absolutely irrevocable by his own conduct: and what would then be the consequen- ces? With so brilliant a career of future happiness and ce- lestial glory in full view, would not all the poor erjoyments of this life fade away—and even all the splendors of the visible creation become to him a blank? Would he take up- on himself the care3 of a family; assume the laborious du- ties of providing for a numerous offspring; or feci an interest in the common affairs of mankind? Would he expedience any of those affections and friendships, which, under the present predicaments of life, are of such vast importance to the enjoyments of man? Can the eye which is accustomed to gazing at the'sun, distinguish the darker and more sombre colorings of earthly objects! But with unalloyed and in- terminable happiness beyond the grave in full view, what in this life would" be the feelings, emotions and conduct of a man subjected to the pains of disease, the evils attendant on poverty and want, and all the great aggregate of mise- ries and misfortunes, with which man in the present state of things is destined to agonize through life. Would he feel disposed to encounter gratuitously, evils and., suffer- ings from which' he could escape with impunity to hap- pier regions. And now let us suppose, that a man were enabled to dis- tinguish nothing in his future destinies, but a submission throughout eternity to the sufferings and speechless agonies of the damned; that noting he could do would alleviate so dreadful, disasterous and horrible a destiny! and what would be the immediate results? Where, to the eye of such a man, would then be all the eharms and fascinations of nature:. OF THE PASSION*. 6T where all the varied and imposing splendors of the visible creation? What delight could he possibly experience in the performance of his moral duties, or in the practice of virtues which must terminate in a future condition infinitely worse than anidilation itself? Would not these dark and dreadful anticipations of a period, which must soon arrive, be eternally present to his imagination, with all their attendant horrours? Would they not haunt his waking dreams of future misery, and disturb his midnight slumbei s with spectral phantoms of the sufferings of the damned, too frightful and tremendoas for dclination! But, what, under these awful and afflicting ex- pectations, from which there were no distant hopes of ex- emption, would be the character and conduct of this unfortu- nate and miserable victim! Would he not say to himself;— "What to me arc all the ties of. parentage, of offspring, or of kindred; what interest have I in the affairs of life, the peace and happiness of society, or the moral conduct and regula- tions of mankind! Before the setting of to-morrow's sun my eyes may close forever on the light of day, on all the objects which once were dear to my infancy and youth,and on all the varied and sublime beauties, which characterize with mag- nificence and splendor, the mystic wonders of created na- ture! For me no morning sun will ever again arise; forme no vernal music of the grove will ever again awake; on my benighted soul, predestined to endless torments, no distant ray of feeble hope can ever dawn?"----■—Sectarians, remoise- less fanatics, purblind bigots—you who deal with unsparing hand and intolerant zeal, the ineffable and everlasting mis- eries of deep damnation to your fellow beings, merely for differing from you in opinion respecting modes of faith and divine worship, behold in this faithful picture, the condition to which your narrow and selfish doctrines would consign the great mass of mankind! Approach and behold a pic- ture, which might make you shudder for your blasphemous presumptions, in judging between erring and feeble man and his Maker, and wresting the high prerogative of divine and eternal justice, from the hands of the Almighty! If you re.n for a moment suspend the fiery and vindictive delusions ofvour intolerance and presumption, I wish you to contem- 68 OF THE PASSIONS, plate with a dispassionate and discriminating eye, some far- ther results to which your infuriated and intolerant doc- trines inevitably tend, if you alone are right, and if all oth- er religious creeds are the offspring of error, which must of necessity terminate in future misery—what allurements to religion and morality do you hold out, to tiiese who you say are predestined from all eternity to the inflictions of divine wrath: and to what a penury of beneficence and 1 we, do you reduce the mercy and affections of the Deity to man. Do you suppose that the.doctrines of particular and exclusive faith, are within the arbitrium or control of the voluntary powers of human intellect? In' other words, do you pre- sume that man can believe what he wishes, without divine assistance sought with purity of heart! And that he can ever be the voluntary devotee of religious errors, thereby sinning against light and knowledge, and dooming himself to endless and indescribable torments?' To speak in plain terms, and without any courtly affectations of language detrimental to the interests of truth, can you suppose that any rational being since the creation of man, ever yet vol- untarily consigned his soul to everlasting'misery, by the entertainment of religous opinions, which he knew to to ■wrong: the truth is that the supposition imphes, not only a contradiction in language, but an absolute and positive con- tradiction in the facts themselves! But let us suppose for a moment, that your sect or per- suasion alone are right in their faith and religious opinions, & that all Others professing different modes of faith, and diffe- rent opinions in religion, are in the entertainment of errors which must inevitably end in eternal punishments. Have you ever contemplated the absurdity of this intolerant and exclusive doctrine; have you ever viewed it with an unpre- judiced and dispassionate eye and traced its malignant and desolating spirit, on the past, on the present, and on future times'! If you have not, I will make the laudable attempt to burst your narrow and intolerant preujdices asunder; and to exhibit, these disgraceful and dogmatical doctrines in all their native deformities. By the Mosaical account of the creation, which we are OF THE PASSIONS. G9 bound to believe authentic, the world is now nearly six thou- sand years old; but of the antideluvian races of men, and al- so of "those who existed anterior to the gospel dispensation, I will make none but the following simple and plain remark; that it would hardly comport with the common principles of justice, to consign all those numerous races of men to eternal perdition, for not believing in doctrines which had never been announced to them, and to which they were utter strangers! Since the first announcement of the gos- pel dispensation under our Saveiour, until the present time, a period of nearly two thousand years has elapsed; every half minute of which long period, according to the most authentic calculations which can be made, has witnessed the birth and death of ten human beings! There are, as nearly as the facts can be ascertained, about eleven hundred millions human beings composing the population on the globe: now—if you will ascertain the number of half minutes which have elapsed in two thousand years, and multiply that number by ten, you will have something like the num- ber of deaths which have occurred since the coming, of Christ. Under this strong, and new, and most important view of the subject; and considering likewise, that the immense and measureably unknown population of bot Africa and Asia have never embraced the christian dispensation; that the aboriginal inhabitants of both North and South America have ever been in the same uncivilized and unchristian con- dition; I wish you to inform me, yc bigots—ye fanatics—ye fiery and intolerant zealots, in the cause of a God autocrat- ical, supreme, and infinitely merciful to feeble and erring man, how many human beings, out of the countless myriads who have sunk into the tomb in the teng lapse of two thou- sand years, belonged to those little sects which doom all mankind to the horrours of deep and irrevocable damnation but themselves! But this is not all, according to the narrow and exclusive principles of your religious doctrines, which we will bring nearer to ourselves by an application of them to the present age, how many human beings out of eleven hundred millions which are now in existence, according to tlie purblind and intolerant dogmas of any one of your 7he precepts of religion are plain and easy of comprehension; they can be understood and practiced by all ranks and grades of men. Reason, on the other hand, in attempting an explanation of the attributes of God, Or the duties of man to that God, or his fellow-creatures, is eternally operating on imaginary and unknown princi- ples, and making hair-breadth distinctions, which have no existence but in the sound of words without meaning: the errors of reason are founded in the ignorance of man who knows nothing in reality of the essential or elementary OF TnB PASSIONS. 77 principles of any one thing in heaven or on darth. The Scripture says, and any man can understand the denuncia- tion, "whoso shedeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed." Aow I would like to see the champion of reason, who can demonstrate satisfactorily that murder is a crime, and that it is punishable with death. But I will put ano- ther, and a more general and comprisive case, which will be quite sufficient. Municipal law is said to be founded on reason, which we call the mother of justice.—If reason be an unerring sentinal, and if law be the perfection of reason, as it is said to be by learned and profound civilians, why, have not six thousand years of reasoning been sufficient to reduce law to unerring principles of justice; and why, at this late and refined period of reason, do we so sel- dom find two persons of "counsel learned in the law," who agree in opinion respecting its real principles? The fact is, that in reasoning on all subjects involving morals, all we can possibly arrive at, is a high degree of probability, which amounts to little more than ingenious and plausible conjecture. If the mere exercise of reason be entirely sufficient to disclose to man his duties, to impel him to the performance of those duties, and to satisfy him respecting the all-important doctrines of futurity, why have the advo- cates of mere reason, so many doubts and difficulties on all these subjects:—the enigma is easily solved; the ignorance of man respecting the first principles, the doubts he always eotcrtains of the infallibility of reasoning as a science, and the consciousness of being eternally liable to error in his ra- tional deductions, invoke him in labyrinths of confusion and dismay, from which no merely human powers of intellect or genius can possibly extricate him. While in the rise or day- spring of life; while enjoying uninterupted health and pros- perity; and while indulging in anticipations of a protracted and fortunate term of existence here, the lordly and proud advocate of the all-sufficiency of reason, may indulge in tlie- arctical speculations which he imagines he firmly believes in; but, let him become unfortunate in his adventures after earthly enjoyments, and infirm in his health; let his prospects of exemption from disease and misfortune darken around him: 78 OF THE PASSIONS. and in this situation let him approach the unknown and mysterious confines of eternity. Where then will be his visionary and theoretical speculations respecting futurity; where the fortitude which ought to support him in his dis- sent to the cold and silent mansions of the dead; and where the celestial fire of hope and christian consolation that alone can light him to eternal happiness, relieve his gloomy apprehensions of anihilation—and shed even a splendor around the horrours of the grave! Pure and vital religion, not that based on merely biggotted and sectarian prejudices, or on frivolous and childish dis- tinctions respecting rites and ceremonies, is infinitely supe- rior to reason, in securing to man all the moral enjoyments of this life, and in assuring him of those blessings which reason only hopes for in futurity. By pure and vital reli- gion, I do not mean hypocrisy which is the religion of knaves, fanaticism which is the religion of madmen, fear which is the religion of cowardice, or superstition which is that of fools: I mean that pure and elevated sentiment of divine love and admiration for the Deity, which leads us to faith in the great Redeemer of fallen and degraded man, and to the practice of benevolenc, virtue, toleration and charity for our fellow-beings. This divine and ennobling sentiment, when experienced in all its purity, banishes all the base, sordid, selfish, and ignoble passions from the hu- man bosom, and elevates man as it were, to a communion with his Maker. It cultivates all the finer affections of man for his fellow-beings; makes him a provident and tender pa- rent; a chast and faithful husband; a kind and benevolent master; and a useful, virtuous, and patriotic citizen: it makes him faithful in his friendships, virtuous in his loves, honest in his dealings, candid in his communications with mankind, moderate in his desires, unostentatious in his charities, and tolerant in his opinions. Fanatics, bigots, zealots, hypo- crites: ye who practice fraud, violence, hypocrisy, and all the deceptions and mummery of priestcraft on the sons of men, and yet dare to call yourselves the disciples and followers of the immaculate Saviour of mankind, compare yourselves with this portrait of a real christian.' There is a class of ro- OF THE PASSIONS. 79 Jigionists in everychristian country, who are impressed with tlie absurd opinion, that the profession of faith in particular sectarian creeds; andthe/>rac*iceof a few frivolous rites and ceremonies, are quite sufficient to entitle them to salvation. The probability is, that these people are deceiving them- selves, or making the profession of religion a mere mask for iniquitous designs against the community; for, let their vi- cious passions or propensities be excited, and themselves thrown off their guard, and you immediately discover the true state of the case:Jn fact you soon discover them to be sensualists, swindlers and hypocrites. These people ought always to bear in mind, that those alone are genuine chris- tians, who know the will of God, and practice its divine pre- cepts: nor onght they ever to loose sight of the important and eternal truth—that it is impossible to deceive the Almighty. Compared with these hypocritical and unworthy professors, whose prayers are always on the "house tops," and whose devotions are loud and emphatical that they may be heard; the true christian exhibits an essentially different and great- ly more elevated character.—He is modest, retiring and unobtrusive in his devotions; it is not the mere profession of piety and religion, that stimulates him in the performance of his duties—it is the heaven-born consciousness that his devotional exercises are acceptable to his Maker, and that they will render him serene amidst dangers and difficulties, animated and cheerful under the infliction of disease and sick- ness, and resigned to the will of his Creator. To such a man, diseases, infirmities and misfortunes in this life are no- thing; he is above their influence: they can neither ruffle his passions nor disturb the deep and settled serenity of his soul. The death-bed of such a man is not the death-bed of the Sinner: even the presence of the king of terrours cannot ap. pal the resolutions, or shake the fortitude of the man whose reliance is on the love and mercy of his God. Asa physician, I sume years since, in Virginia, attended the couch of a de- vout christian, and a sincere believer in Christ; and was im- pressed with sentiments which can never be obliterated from my memory by the lapse of time. The patient was a poor methodist preacher: he had been seriously and danger- 80 OF TnE FISSIONS. ously indisposed nearly two years; and was evidently await- ing the summon to "that bourne from whence no traveller returns." Instead of seeing terrour and dismay depicted in his countenance, which I had often witnessed in the cases of those who were not christians, all was cheerful serenity and mild resignation; no ghastly expression of feature bespoke the terrour of death, no indications of mental distress told of remorse for an ill-spent life; nor did a single shade of gloomy anticipation, pass over the eye that was so soon to close in the cold and silent mansions of the dead! The last words of the innocent sufferer were,and they are deeply impressed on my memory,—"my life has been devoted to the service of my God, and to the benefit of my fellow-beings: I await with perfect resignation to his will, the call of my master." -------Here was an instance of the consolitary influence of true religion, which ought to prove conclusivly that it is connected with none of the gloomy and depressing passions. In truth, it has always been a matter of much astonishment to me, that the consolation which true religion promises mankind in a future state of existence, could ever have pro- duced on the mind of any other impressions than those of cheerfulness fortitude and resignation. I never could con- ceive how genuine religion was connected, unless perverted to the excitement of the gloomy passions, by misconceptions of the attributes of God, with emotions of terrour and de- pressing apprehensions of futurity. Has man not assuren- ces of an exemption from all the evils and calamities of this life, ifhe be a faithful and true christian, in a more perfect and elevated state of being, when his corruption shall put on incorruption—and when the mere mortal shall put on immortality? Are not the doctrines of true Christianity, es- sentially connected with that sunshine of the breast, which we denominate a good conscience:—"and which nothing earthly can give, or can destroy!"—The christiau religion was never intended by the Almighty, as a source of grief, mortification and suffering; it is a pure emenation of divine love and mercy towards feeble, erring and fallen mankind; and was surely intended by divine wisdom, as an unfailing source of joy, consolation and happiness, both here and OF THE PASSIONS. 81 hereafter, to the human race! I have been more particular on the subject of religion, than at first view might seem ne- cessary to the interests of medical science; but I have been long convinced, that the sentiments we entertain of a future life, are not only essentially connected with the moral c<3n dition of mankind, but with the health and many of the dis eases of the physical system, of which more will be said under the proper heads. INTEMPERANCE, Intemperance is the offspring of so many and such vari- ous causes, that it'Seems impossible to enumerate them,or ever to reduce them to any thing like scientific order. I will commence my remarks on intemperance, which in its broadest signification means excess in the gratification of our propensities, passions, and even intellectual pursuits, by em- phatically observing, that it is generally found in strong and intimate connexion, when really traced to its origin, with the pleasures and enjoyments as well as with miseries and misfortunes of mankind. I have before remarked under another head, that with regard to the elementary principles of the passions, propensities, and intellectual powersofman we know absolutely nothing with certainty; and that all we can possibly understand with respect to them, is derived from our consciousness of their existence, and from the effects they daily and hourly produce for our observation. Every capacity or power of the human system, physical and intellectual, when exercised in moderation, and with strict conformity to the laws of nature, is productive of en- joyment and happiness: this natural and moderate exercise of our propensities, passions, and mental energies, when matured into habits of life and character, we call temperance; and, it is the abusive degradation of those same intellectual powers, passions and propensities, by their unrestrained and excessive indulgence to the destruction of health and happi- ness, that we call intemperance. I will give some famil- 8-2 OF THE PASSIONS, iar examples of the application of these principles, in order that they may be fully comprehended by those for whom I write. We are all liable to hunger and thirst: and all of us require sleep, for the renovation of our bodily and mental powers when fatigued. These are natural wants; and their gratifications are always essential to health and happiness. We all know perfectly well, for instance, that when we satisfy our hunger and thirst in moderation, and renew the strength of our systems, of mind and body, by sleeping no more than the requisite time for producing those effects, th« satisfaction of these natural wants invariably produces heal- thy action of body and mind, attended with enjoyment and pleasure. But on the other hand, when in eating or drink- ing, we overload and surcharge the stomach with meat and drink, and when in sleeping take more repose than is re- quired for the renovation of our bodily and mental systems our excesses are always productive of nausea, uneasiness, indigestion, and stupidity, and we habitually become glut- ions drunkards and sluggards, and are a disgrace to our- selves and society. The same doctrine and mode of rea- soning may be applied to the passions of mankind. When they are indulged in with natural moderation, and never suffered to run into riot an;! excess, they are always condu- cive to health, and productive of many of the enjoyments and pleasures of life; but, when they gain the ascendency of the moral feelings and rational powers, when they prostrate the bulwarks of religion and morality, and are indulged in all their debasing and destructive excesses, the progress of the passions proclaims the premature decay of-health, strength, and happiness—and emphatically announces to the unfortunate victims of excess, that they are fallen indeed! In truth, what has just been remarked with regard to the nat- ura1 xcants and passions of men, may with strict justice be applied to the lofty and powerful energies of the mind it- self. It has been truly remarked, by an accute and pro- found investigator of the faculties of the mind, that "he who thinks with great intenseness and profundity, will not con- tinue to do so for many successive years,"—and in proof of this, I will note some instances which will have much weight OF THE PASSIO.VS. 83 in demonstrating the fact. Sir Isaac Newton, who' was probably the greatest astronomer and mathematician of his owu'or any other age, several years previbus to the close of his life, was utterly unable to comprehend the meaning of his own works: in addition to which I will notice as a well authenticated fact, that the celebrated Dean Swift, the en- ergies of whose mind were inferior to those of no literary man of the same age; several years previous to his death became a driveller, and confirmed ediot. Whether it be true, that intense, subtile and powerful intellect, acts upon tiie mere carcass as a sharp sword does upon the scabbard, or whether the mind itself becomes exhausted and worn out, by an overstrained and continued excitement of its powers, 1 leave for metaphysicians to determine:—but we certainly do know, and the experience of all ages and generations proves the fact, that excessive mental exertion not only pro- duces fatigue and lassitude in a few hours, but that if such exertion be continued for a few years in sucedsion, it inva- riably blunts and wears down the keenest and soundest in- tellectual energies of man. The broad and comprehensive view I have just given of temperance and intemperance, in regard to the physical wants, passions, and intellectual pow- ers of man, I believe to be the only correct exposition on general principles that can be given; because it embraces all the destructive excesses to which man is prone, and refers all those excesses, to the abuses and degradations of his ele- vated and noble faculties. I commenced with remarking, and I wish the principle to be kept in view by the reader, that the vices of intem- perance when fairly traced to their origin, will always be found in connexion with the enjoyments and pleasures. as well as with the miseries ai^l misfortunes of mankind. Mankind may be distinguished into two great classes or divisions: First, those whose pleasures and enjovments, and whose pains and miseries, partake so greatly of a physical character, as nearly always to be referable to corporeal or bodily functions and sensations: this class is composed of men who are properly denominated sensualists; in other words, they are individuals who can only be rendered 84 OF THB PASSIONS. happy or miserable through the medium of the senses. Se- cond, those whose general characters partake more of the nature and habitual influence of the intellectual powers,and of the emotions and passions of the mind; and whose enjoy- ments, pleasures.suflerings,and miseries, are more intimately connected with the mind and imagination: these may with much propriety be denominatcdms?italis(s. Among the great aggregate of mankind, the reality of the distinction be- tween animal and intellectual man, as regards the native bias of the human character towards one or the other ex- treme, is demonstrable from tlie following facts. Hunger and thirst, for instance, are corporeal wants; they are essen- tial to the health, strength, and support of the physical or bodily system; and may be, called corporeal ,or bodily pas- sions, when they become so powerful as *to impel men to gluttony and drunkenness: desires and propensities being nothing more, when considered in relation to the corpore- al system, than slighter shades of the physical wants and passions of men. Love and ambition, on the contrary, are passions of the mind and imagination; they arc the offspring of refined sensibility, and deep-toned energies of. intellec- tual character, and when acting in their native sphere, are so far abstracted from all corporeal considerations, that they only occasionally act on the physical wants and passions, and then, only for the attainment of specific objects. When the passion of love, for instance, is directed to the perpetu- ation of the human species, which I will remark in passing, was not the case in the love which existed between Jona- than and David, the intellectual passion of love only acts on the sexual and corporeal functions; but, I would ask any sceptic on this point, whether the love of literature, mathematics, astronomy, pr any other science or intellec- tual pursuit, has any connection whatever with propensities, wants and passions, founded on the merely corporeal or bodily functions of mankind. And surely it will not be questioned, that the food and nourishment required for ex- ercising, giving pleasure to, and strengthening the mind, are essentially different from those required for the sustenance, health, and strength of the body; and we all know perfectly OF TUB PASSIONS. 85 well, in reference to the corporeal and intellectual func- tions and capacities of men, that the strong predominance of either class, operates unfavorably and sometimes de- structively to the other. The fact is, that we oftentimes find the loftiest and strongest passions and mental energies, connected with delicate and sometimes feeble corporeal organization, debility of stomach, and prostration of strength: nor is it unusual to observe, that those who possess uncom- monly high health and physical strength, are frequently in the other extreme, as regards the exercise of the mind and passions. But further, every man who has acquired anv experience, respecting those states of the physical system when the mind and passions act with the greatest force, must know that a full stomach always blunts the mind and feelings; and that inanit on or emptiness of the stomach, is favorable to intellectual operations. This fact is so well known, that the Creed-; Ind.ans, in all their public delibera- tions on important national concerns, use what they call the blacJi drink, made of the parched leaves of the spice-wood boiled, which vomits them copiously, and produces the in- anition just mentioried;*without which, they allege they are inadequate to deliberating on their national affairs. Some medical writer has remarked, that physical debility. and a diseased state of the system, impart as it were a preternatural excitement to the mind, and instances the oases of Boilieu, Erasmus. Pascal, Cicero, Galba, Pope, and several others, who were as remarkable for the feebleness of their physical constitutions, as they were for their gigan- tic energies of intellect: the same writer also remarks, that abortive, feeble, and sickly children, almost invariably dis- play powerful characteristics of intellect when grown to maturity; and instances the cases of the great lord Littleton and Mrs. Ferguson, both of whom were seven months chil- dren; to which he might have added the case of Richard the Third, who according to Shakespear's account, was '•deformed, unfinished, and sent into this breathing world s-.arce half made up." On t,lie other hand, it has fre- quently been remarked, by men of acute and scrutinizing minds, that high health, great corporeal strength, and uncom- (J* lot. 86 OF THE PASSIONS. mon muscularity of frame, are seldom remarkable for subtile & profound genius, or for an attachment to purely intei lectual pursuits. This is so notoriously true, that the opinions gen- erally formed by the vulgar, of the persons of men who are conspicuous and renowned for great intellectual powers, are almost invariably the very reverse, of what may be called, the corporeally contemptible realities. In demon- stration ol this fact, innumerable instances might be given, in addition to those found in the persons of Alexander of Macedon, Frederic king of Prussia, John Philpot Curran, Aaron Burr, Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, Andrew Jackson, and lastly the late emperor Napoleon, who was nicknamed by his own soldiers, from his contemptible stature and proportions, the little corporal. I will here make an observation on this subject, which I do not recollect to have seen in any writer. We are always to presume, that the soundness and strength of the physical constitutions of men, lead to great longevity or length of days; and it is a fact as notorious as true, that such men are seldom or never possessed of much mind; in other words, the sword is not sufficiently sharp to cut the scab- bard. I am acquainted with a man, a paupor. of this country, who is said from good authority to be one hundred and ten years of age, who, I was informed on inquiry, never even in the meridian of life had more than a very ordinary mind; acd Thomas Parre, who died in London on the 16th of November, 1635—aged one hundred and fifty two years, it is said was greatly noted for having been a man as re- markable, for his deficiency of mental energies, as for his lascivious and sensual propensities. "It was observed of him," says the London Medical Museum, "that he used to eat often, both by night and by day, taking up with old cheese, milk, coarse bread, small beer, and whey, and which is more remarkable; he ate at midnight, a little before -he died. Being opened after his death, his body was still found very fleshy;. his breast hairy, his genitals unimpaired, which served to confirm the report of his having undergone public censures for his incontenency," &c. &c. I v oulJ by no means wish to be understood, that there are no indi- OF THB PASSION*. " 87 viduals, possessed of high health andgreat physical strength, w.io are remarkable for strong intellectual powers, New- ton Johnston, Shakespear, and a thousand other instances might be given as exceptions to the general rule just no- ticed; but we are all well convinced, not only that high health and strength lead to corporeal amusements and pursuits, unfavorable to intellectual improvement—but that debility and disease act in various ways extiemely favora- ble to accessions of mental strength! In the first place, debility and disease lower the tone of those passions, which impel Us to active exertion and amusement; in other words, tliey impose a powerful restraint on the physical appetites and propensities—circumscribe us to amusements and pursuits connected with the operations of the mind— confine us to the company of our elders, whose superior ex- perience and knowledge are beneficial to our intellectual improvement; and "by keeping up an action in the brain, in common with other parts of the body, they tend to im- part vigour to the intellectual faculties." From what has been said, I think it will appear evident, that from both natural and accidental circumstances, there is a distinction to be drawn between those men whose j leasures and pains arc connected with physical or corpo- leal character, and those whose enjoyments and miseries are more intimately associated with the powers and pas- sions of the mind: and it was for these reasons that 1 alleged in the outset, Hot o.ily that intempe. ance was the offspring of various physical and intellectual causes, but that when traced to its origin, it would generally be found in strong and intimate connexion, as well with the pleasures and en- joyments, as with the miseries and misfortunes of mankind. This is a view of the subject of intemperance and its cau- ses, which I presume has never before been taken by any writer: and although it must of necessity, like every thing else human, be subject to imperfections, both in data and vinclusions, yet it may have some salutary tendencies. . It may possibly invite the attention of the learned, to further and more satisfactory investigations of the subject; it may exhibit the necessity of seeking for the real causes of in- 88 OF THE PASSIONS. temperance, in removing its habits and effects from the human system; and it may invite society to the exercise of rrfore lenity and compassion, when laboring for the reform- ation of its unfortunate and melancholy victims.—Abuse and degrada'ion were never yet influential in reforming the intemperate; for, what interest did any man ever yet feel, for the preservation of that which he has been con- vinced, by abuse and degradation, was of no estimation or value! Intemperance is confined, to no rank in life; to no particular grade of genius and intellectual power, between a Socrates and an idiot; it is found in the hut of the savage, the haunts of the learned, the hovel of the beggar, and in the palaces of kings; its causes are as various as the the capacities of man for enjoyments and pleasures, and as multiplied as the various miseries and misfortunes, to which he is subjected through iife: what a farce then it must be, for any physician to attempt to remove the different causes of intemperance, without knowing what those causes are, •and by the application of one specific remedy to such an infinite variety of causes.—Would you attempt to remove diseases of the mind, by merely physical remedies? Would you, on the other hand, hope for the removal of merely eorporeal diseases by the application of intellectual means? Would you sooth the mental anguish of remorse, without the consolations of religion, and assurences of divine for- givenness? Would you, in other words, attempt to destroy a poisonous variety of plants, without striking at the roots of their existence and vitality? The mere pleasures of sense, as well as those of the intel- lect, are susceptible of being rendered more intense, by tha application of stimulants: in the varied and endless cata- logue of stimulating powers, are to be found all the great allurements to dissipation and confirmed intemperance; but it will hardly be contended, that one grade of stimulants, possesses the same strength and adaptation of allurement, with'all the varieties of mankind. Physically speaking, one man's system is excited to pleasureable sensations by snuff, the system of another by tobacco, of another by wine, of a feurth by spirits and opium, of a fifth by highly seasoned OF THE PASSIONS. 80 and stimulating food, &c. (fee ; and we are all perfectly aware, that a persistency in the use of any or all the above stimulants, will sometimes degenerate into a confir- med habit of intemperance in their use, too strong for the restraints of either the moral or intellectual energies of the self-dcvotcd victims. You will frequently hear the devo- tees of any or all the above excesses, execrating the. veiy agents they employ in wearing down their constitutions with incidental diseases and premature decay, and morali- zing with the finest touches' of elocution, on the heinousness and immorality of such dangerous and degrading excesses: and what docs all this prove? Why, it demonstrates con- clusively, that the habits of dissipation and intemperance, like all other derelictions from the standard of nature and philosophic moderation, are to be.resisted in their first formation, and before they can acquire the resistless force of torrents, before which all human resolutions, and efforts; of preservation, sink to rise no more! There are two pe- riods of human life; there are two marked and distinct periods in the progressive excesses of dissipation and in- temperance. In the rise of life, we act upon everything around us, from a.confidence in our own strength, and a consciousness of being able to master and shape our own destinies: in the decline of life, when the physical, moral, and mental energies begin to fail, we act upon less resolute and less confidential principles; in other words, we merely aGt on the defensive, and resort to expedients for warding off diseases, dangers and death. These two periods are strong- ly marked in the lives and characters of all men; from the gerteral who achieves victories in his youth, and sustains defeats in his old age, to the man of intellectual powers and persuits, who, like the immortal Milton, writes a "par- adise lost" in the meridian of life and intellectual resolu- tion, and a "pa-adise regained," when the tremors of old age and irresolution have crept over him. This is a faith- ful picture, of a man of dissipation and intemperance. At first, he adventures on an excess, partly from the attractive force of the allurement, and partly from the consciousness of moral and intellectual resolution to withstand any temp- &0 OF THE PASSIONS. tation to dangerous indulgence. In the formation of intern- perate habits, this is precarious and hostile ground: the Scripture says, "let him who stands, take heed Jest he fall." The habit of intemperance is of slow or rapid growth, in proportion to the strength or weakness of our resolutions to withstand temptation. Where many and strong motives combine to retard our progress in excesses of intemper- ance, we advance slowly and almost imperceptibly to self- destruction. When the animation of youth, and the con- vivialities of conversation, are sufficient for the production of pleasureable sensations: when, we are highly suscepti- ble of impression from the varied charmes of nature; and while the brilliant prospects of a long and animated life, seem "to bid an eternal Eden smile around us," the temp- tations to degrading intemperance, are only those which enhance the intensity of othei pleasures. But, in propor- tion as all these fairy prospects fade on the vision; in pro- portion as the repetition of these enjoyments causes us to lose the sentiment of novelty; and especially when sati- ety of such enjoyments produces lassitude and coldness, we invariably descend to more sensual and intense expedi- ents for renewing sensations of pleasures: and unfortunate- ly, for mankind, those expedients are too often connected with the dissipations and intemperance of the glutton, the epicure, the opium eater, and the drunkard. This descent to confirmed habits of intemperance, in all its varied stages of degradation need not be delineated; these gradu- ated debasements are visible in every department of socie- ty; and are so common, as almost every where to hav« lost their novelty and impression. I have not yet spoken of those dissipations, which seem to be connected with the energies and passions of the mind; and compared with which, the intemperate excesses of the mere animal appetites and passions of man, dwindle into a comparatively insignificantand ordinary character. Where the character of an individual is decidedly intellectual, there always will be discovered at an early period of life, a strong native propensity to an indulgence in intellectual pleasures, and in those passions which are more closely allied to the OF THB PASSIONS. 91 mental powers. I mean here those pleasures of the mind, which have their rise in the memory, the understanding the imagination, &c. and those which are the offspring of an indulgence in those passions of the mind, which we call hve, hope, ambition, 6pc. With regard to the pleasures of memory, they are as various and unlimited as the objects by which we are surrounded in nature; they comprise every thing cognizable by all the senses of man, the impressions of which can be stamped upon the retentive faculty; and they embrace also, those recollections of our own conduct, which are fraught with the pleasures of a good conscience. It is absolutely impossible to define or limit the pleasures of memory, they embrace our parents, our earthly friends, and all the objects of our youthful attachments: the houses in which we were born and educated, the haunts of our youth- ful and innocent diversions, and all the objects of our early pursuits. The pleasures of memory also comprise, all we have learned of the heroism, the magnanimity, and the intel- ligence of the great watriors and sages of antiquity; they in fact embrace all the recollections of the mind, in its recognizance of all the objects and events which have ever been pleasing to us: and they particularly afford us happi- ness from a review of a well-spent life. But are there not pains as well as pleasures of memory! There are: and here commences the catalogue of dissipations, the first impulse to which is to be found in the mind. Was it an inherent baseness and brutality of native character, that rendered Robert Burns intemperate? Was it a bestial love of the li- quid poison which finally destroyed him, that originated and confirmed those habits of intemperance which sent him to an early grave? No: his dissipations commenced hi the convivialities and pleasures of a refined, delecate, and supe- rior mind; and were confirmed into habits of intemperance too stubborn for the control of his moral energies, by the lowliness of his fortunes, the poignancy and vulgarity of his sufferings, and the/wins of his memory! Why do we sec a man like this, the prey of a morbid and confirmed melan- choly? And why do we hear him warbling forth his dis- tresses, whencontemplating\>bjects yet dear and painful to 92 OF THE PAS8IONS. his memory, in the following inspired and tender straints: "ye mind me of departed hours—departed, never to return!" The fate of Robert Burns has been the fate of thousands whose names are lost to fame, and who have sunk into ob- scure and lonely graves, unpitied and unknown. Thomas Paine, once remarked, that one of the greatest miseries of human life, consisted in not being able to forget, what it was painful to remember: Mr. Paine's character was highly in- tellectual; his whole life had been devoted to conferring political benefits and moral miseries on mankind; and it is not merely possible, but highly probable, that the desertations of society on account of his theological writings, and the pains of his memory, led to those confirmed habits of dissipation and intemperance, which ultimately destroyed him. But, the.instances just submitted to the reader, are but two out of thousands which might be adduce.!, to prove the influence of the pains of memory, in originating and confirming fatal habits of dissipation and intemperance. How many mill- ions have sunk into the vortex of intemperance, from the in- fluence of those pains of memory, called an accusing con- science? Physician:—"canst thou minister to a mind dis- eased," by medical prescriptions which can only affect the body? The pleasures and pains of the understanding come next under consideration; and present such a field for the inves- tigations of philosophy, as can,only be delineated in outline. Curiosity is the first passion, or rather emotion of the human understanding; it leads the mind to the investigation and scrutiny, of all the objects of nature and art which present themselves to man, betwixt the cradle and the grave? the emotion or passion of curiosity does more; it leads us to the investigation of objects beyond the boundaries of time, and impels us to attempt a revelation of the great en- igmas of eternity itself! The mind of man is naturally attached to truth; and always experiences pleasure in the discovery of it, when the disclosure is found beneficial to comfort, health, fame, or enjoyments of any description; in all these cases, and innumerable others, we experience what may be called the pleasures of the understanding. OF TUB PASSIONS. L'!. J. - r*3 But has not the human understanding also its pains? I think so: we all know perfectly well, that the period of death must arrive: and does not this certain anticipation give pain to thousands? Is not the tear of death painlul? I will admit that the uncertainty of the moment, wisely and benevolently hidden from us by Providence, in some measure blunts the painful anticipation of death: but what are the mental pangs of the convict, who is given to understand that he must bo executed to-morrow! Both, tne pleasures and pains of the understanding, have relation to the discovery of truth. Sup- pose a man be bitten by a serpent, of whose character he knows nothing; is he not alarmed? Suppose that he imme- diately discovers the reptile to be harmless: do not the men- tal pains of alarm cease; and does he not experience pleas- ure from the consciousness of security from danger? Here the pleasure of the understanding is derived from a benefi- cial discovery: but suppose he ascertain that the reptile by which he has been'assailed, is of a venomous and fatal char- acter, and that he clearly understands his immediate destiny to be death; are not his mental pangs identified with the pains of the understanding? I have not space, in a work like this, to go into a philosophical detail of the important truths connected with this subject; and regret to be compelled to differ from the authority of the great Dr. Rush, who alleges that the pleasures.of the understanding have no antagonist in pain. A knowledge of facts, is the aggregate amount of the truths acquired by the operations of the understanding: where these acquisitions of knowledge develop consequen- ces beneficial to human enjoyment and happiness, they are always productive of pleasure to the mind, through the me- dium of the understanding: but, where, by the operations of the understanding, the mind is brought into a full view of dangers and disasterous consequences, the results are al- ways painful and unhappy. This I believe to be a full and fair statement of the case: and were it not, I would like to know, what influence in the religious reformation of man- kind, could possibly be derived from faith, in the belief of fu- ture rewards and punishments! Ignorant of consequences, what to mau would be the happiness or misery of either 94 OF TUB PASSIONS. prosperity or misfortune! And how are either to be calcula- ted without the operations of the understanding?—can a man even calculate the results of a plain question in arithmetic, without the operations of this mental power? It is alone by the pervading and subtile powers ol the understanding, that we are enabled to feel the realitise, of either intellectual pain or pleasure, happiness or misery. The memory of man, acts upon nothing but facts and events which are past and gone: but the understanding operates also, on the present condi- tion and circumstances of mankind, and even extends its views to futurity: and these are the reasons why the pleas- ures and pains of the understanding, are more intense than those of the memory. These are also the reasons, why we are led astray by the festivities of present dissipations an I intemperance; and these are also the true reasons, why we resort to the banquit and the flowing bow , to drown both past and present sorrows connected with the mind. Thue we see, that both joys and sorrows, are capable of produc- ing habits of intemperance and dissipation: Physician: cau your medical drugs restrain those joys, or remove those sor- rows which spring from the mind itself, when all the maxim* of moral wisdom and philosophy have failed! . o: you must resort to the restraining powers, and the Consolations of religion and morality.. The pleasures and pains of the imagination, commence where those of the memory and the understanding termin- ate: and, there is this specific difference between them; the powers of the understanding and memory, operate on facts and probabilities, while those of the imagination, riot in the wild excesses offiction, romance, and absolute improbabili- ties. The range of the human imagination seems to be un- limited; and what is very extraordinary, and something dif- ficult to be accounted for, its vigour and creative powers, seem to be proportioned to the weakness and want of cultiva- tion of the understanding. All the records which have de- scended to us from very ancient times, seem to favor the presumption that the empire of imagination, fiction and rom- ance, in the dark periods of antiquity, gave a tone and char- acter to the human mind; and that the early records ofhistory, OF THE PASSIONS. 95 •nly teem with romantic fictions which defy belief, and with delineations of prodigies which never existed, because the philosophic investigations of the understanding had not yet eorrected the errors of the imagination. It was probably for these reasons, that liomer in his "Illiad" admits and de- scribes a plurality of Gods; and that Ossian's fancy saw the ghosts of departed heroe's who had been slain in battle, half viewless among the clouds of night. Had the progress and improvement of Homer's understanding enabled him to arrive at the sublime conclusion which announces the ex- istence of one great first cause, he never could havuMeline- ated in poetic numbers the distinctive characters of his fictitious deities: and, had Ossian not been ignorant enough to believe in ghosts, his imagination never could have de- ceived him into the belief, that those of his fore-fithers were witnessing from the clouds the sanguinary horrours of his battles? the fact seems to be, as I have said before, that the empire of imagination commences, where the mat- ter of fact, and philosophic operations of the understanding and memory cease; lor I think it will not be contested, even by men of ordinary intelligence, that it is impossible to imagne the existence of a thing which we are convinced has no being: or fancy a thing to be trw, which we know to be a falshood. Can any man imagine that sugar is bit- ter, gall sweet, or tint two and two make five?° No: the truth is, tint a knowledge of facts an I. realities, destroys all the frost-works of fancy anl fiction, and demonstrates clearly, that philosophy and science have nearly extinguish- ed the fire of poetic genius. In other words, few men can be poets in this age of philosophic improvement, who will not borrow or steal from the old Writers, or who cannot find subjects of poetic inspiration, on which little or nothing, is or can be certainly known. Newton or Locke, would ha've eut as contemptible a figure in poetry, ns Homer and Ossian would have exhibited in astronomy andmetanhysicks We all know that the fire of the imagination is weakened and destroyed by old age and experience; and that those who always deal in fictions, are alvvavs the victims of fol- ly. The pleasures of imagination, are always the mc#t 90 OF THE PASSIONS. brilliant and powerful in the youthful mind, and the reas- ons are obvious. This is the period when all impressions made on the mind, by disclosing to us the opening beauties of nature, and the imposing splendors of creation, are en- tirely novel and without alloy. This is the period when none of the cares and anxieties of life, overshadow and begloom the fiery prospect of fancied and endless felicities to come: and this too is the period, when our youthful friendships are untainted by a knowledge of the baseness and selfishness of mankind—and our loves of the supposed divinity of the fema'e character, are unalloyed by those appalling discoveries of experience, wisdom and philosophy, which teach us, that every thing human is imperfect, and unworthy of our idolatrous devotions? These are the rea- sons why many modern bhilosophers have been of opinion, that the state of savage and uncultivated nature, as regards a more refined condition of the human mind, is much more conducive to human happiness than any other; for say these men,"where ignorance is bliss, it is surely folly to be wise." If these delusive fascinatfons of the imagination could con- tinue through life, uncorrected by the bitter lessons of ex- perience and wisdom; or if man could be so educated, as never to seek or experience happiness but in the realities of life and .nature, the wild delusions of fan-y. would never lead Ms judgment astray in the pursuit the origin and nature o the diseas; ; yon mus*t employ the moral powers of dissuasive eloquence; the di- vine consolations of Religion, held out by Scripture, to er- ring and repentant man, and its denunciations against the conduct of the self-destr<>yer; you must employ the maxims of philosophy, and the admonitory precepts of true wisdom; you must sooth the victim of intemperate despair, with rea- sonable hopes of a better fate, instead of irritating him by ab sive and degrading denunciations:—&c. &c. But, as this is a most important s bjecf. I will endeavor to eluci- date it a little further. When the causes of disease are connected with the mind and its passions, mere physical restraints, and even punishments, vil! amount to nothing in attempting a cure. There is a class of mankind, I will admit, who like children, whose moral susceptibilities cannot oe acted upon, must be restrained from excesses, and even the commission of crimes, by ignominious corporeal terrors and punishments; this class of men always pi ssesses more of the phvsical or corporeal, than of the moral and men- tal character, and must be acted on-by pillories, whipping- posts, and sometimes gibbets. But, terrors and punishments which merely affect the bodies, ha- e no influence with those men whose minds and passl >ns are morbidly affected; or those whj are under strong moral impressions of recti- tude of conduct. The whole range of martyrs, who have suffered unspeakable tortures in the cause of religion and patriotism, demonstrate these facts.—Would you then at- temp to restrain from intemperance, by mere corporeal and physical means, the man whose mind and its passions are affected? Certainly not; every man whose character is decidedly intellectual, feels that his native dignity is on'rag- ed, and degraded by coi poreal and ignominious restraints or punishments, and will in nine instances out of ten, de- stroy himself to escape from his own sentiments of degra- dation. While the genius of conquest, in the person of IVapoieon, was lowering by successive victories all the na- tional banners of Europe, a French soldier of the line presented himself to the Emperor and desired to be shot. OF THE PASSIONS. 99 When interrogated as to his reasons, he replied that he had been sentenced to receive ignominious corporeal punish- ment for some mi deed, rather than submit to which, he preferred dzath; the impression made on the mind of Na- poleon was such, that, ignominious Gorporeal punishments were immediatejv abolished throughout the French armies. It is almost needless to rniork, on those passions of the mind called hope, love, ambition, <§c,—that they are all pro- ductive of pleasures and pains, in oroportion as their influ- ence is bounded by moderation, or characterized by excess. The pteasvres of hope have been finally celebnited by Campbell;, and are well known to have a powerful influence in bliwitinir the miseries and misfortunes of mankind during life, an I even ini'luminating their anticipations of a happy immortality beyond the grave! But, the pleasures of hope have their counterpoise of evils and miseries: and when indulged into excess, or founded on visionary and impossible principles, frequently terminate in disapointment and despair. Here wisdom, fortitude, religion and philosophy, are probably, the only essential and efficient preventatives, against those intemperate palliatives of disappointed hope, which have led thousands to drown themselves, their for- tunes, and their miseries in the bowl. The miseries of do- spair and disappointed hope, are seldom the portion of those whose educations have been moral and judicious, or who have been early taught to distinguish the realities of life, from those illusive and visionary expectations of it, which never can be realized, even by the greatest prosperity. The visionary gildings with which youthful feeling and an- imating anticipation invest the untried scenes of life, always dissolve before tlie lessons of wisdom and expedience; and wtare these privations are followed by positive misfortunes from which there exists no hope of redemption, intemper- ance aim est invariably succeeds, as the .only remedy by which temporary alleviation can be obtained. But this c.eJuct is founded in short-sighted and desperate policy; because to the mental pangs of misfortune, are always add- «\1 the miseries of corporeal disease. Love is likewise an intellectual passion, and like hope, 100 OF THE PASSIONS. is productive of pleasure and pain, happiness an«f misery. I have before spoken of this passion, as connected with the enjoyments and happiness of man; it now becomes my du- ty to take a brief view of the sombre colorings of the pio- ture, and to develop some of the causes with which its miseries are connected. Love is always founded on per- ceptions of real or imaginary perfections; when this elevated and ennobling sent ment is based on the perception of qual- ities which really exist, it invariably leads to happiness, and is an unerring indication of superior wisdom; but when it is founded in errors of the imagination, and in ihe false per- ception of merely visional qualities which have no exisfr- ence, it generally eventuates in misery, and s a decided mark of over-weenmg stupidity and folly. * The first step to misery, in wedded lov, where the qualities of either of the parties are not sufficiently noble to sustain the passion, is the discovery of blemishes of person, disposition, mind or character which were not known previous'y to marriage. This discovery produces a chill of the affections, which leads to a more narrow and scrutinizing investigation of the causes of our having been decided. P thev are found to have originated with ourselves, we invariably undervalue and detest our own judgment which could srffer us thus to be deceived, and immediately become dissatisfied with our- selves: and it requires no great exercise of wisdom to know, thatthose who are dissatisfied with themselves, aredispleased with all those around them. On the contrary, if it is found on investigation that we have been deceived by the hypoc- risy of the individual to whom we are tied by bonds which death alone can dissolve, contempt and detestation are the inevitable consequences; for it is no more possible, for a man or woman of moral discernment to love an unwor- thy object, knowing it to be such, than it is for a human being to hate the presence of virtue combined with peerless beauty. Here then commences that series of domestic and conjugal miseries, which defies and bafles the power of mere language to describe: and the parties soon become sstranged from and perfectly hateful to each oth- er* Home becomes a hell; the tavern and gaming table OF THE PASSIONS. 101 arc resorted to; to bad company; habits of intemperance succeed; and the event is death, by confirmed habits of in- toxication, or life embittered by negligence, disease, poverty, and want! I am the more particular in mentioning the effects of love to hatred turned," and in tracing those effects to their causes, not only because the picture which is true to life may be instrumental in preventing deceptions and hypocrisy in courtship, but because it may have a tenden- cy to illustrate the eternal truth, that no miseries can ever be drowned in the midnight bowl, unless the chalice con- tain the poison of death itself?—I said that love was always founded on the perception of real or visionary perfections, with that founded on amiable and noble qualities, I have here, nothing to do, because it is always permanent, and always unshaken by misfortunes. This position -requires no further proof, than can be found in every country, and in the sphere of every man's observations on life. Where, however, the attachment is founded on illusory per- ceptions, it is not only shortlived in itself, but eternally liable to destruction by variations of fortune. Some per- sons, indeed all individuals of the human species, are form- ed by nature, for enjoying the felicities of attachment and love. With these elementary principles, and with a heart alive to the tem'erest sensibilities, the devourer of novels and iomances, in which the human character is invested with perfections that never pertained to it, is peculiarly liable to miseries and misfortunes in love. I>ayoncefor all, and wish it to be borne in mind by the reader, that no inordinate and excessive passion, not even that of love it- self, was ever the offspring of correct perceptions of hu- man nature, such as it really is. Where is the man or wo- man of reflection, who does not know that human nature U not perfection; and who is not perfectly convinced, that it is a compound of personal and moral beauties and imperfec- tions. Those who are in time made acquainted with these philosophic truths; and have early learned to know that man is a compound, to say the best we can of him of virtue and vice—strength and weakness—wisdom and folly, will never experience any of the passions in their extremes* 102 OF TnE FASSIONS. Their loves and hatreds, their friendships and enmities, and indeed all their other passions, are true to nature, and therefore, always characterized by moderation. Loves and hatreds are only felt in the extreme, because in the former case, we are blind to imperfections which really exist; and because in the latter instances, we shut our eyes against ma- ny noble traits of character, which would mitigate our unqualified hatreds. The same may be said of our friend- ships and enmities; and indeed of all our other passions: even the sneaking scoundrel avarice, if he did not overrate the ob- jects of his desires, would abandon his swindling propensi- lies, and relax his gripe on the miseries an 1 misfortunes of mankind. It is the immoderate overrating of the objects of our pass;ons. that produces ail th ir excesses; againsl which no human being can be guarded, unless through ths medium of wisdom and intelligence, which ah me can stamp the genuine value on every object of human desire or pur- suit. Few instances are to be found on record, where the miseries of disappointed love have been experienced in the extreme, by persons whose errors of imagination had been corrected by experience, and the acquisitions of true wis- dom; and even where all the agonies of disappointed love have been fe't. in their excesses, they produce different effects upon the different sexes. On woman, they induce a dispo- sition for retirement and a solitary life; which sometimes enl in confirmed melancholy! sometimes in insanity, and not unfrequently in a broken heart. With man, on the other hand", the excesses of unfortunate love produce verv differ- ent effects. Ihey urge him to mix in crowded assemblies, in the hum of business, and in the haunts of men: they dispose him to attempt a fqrgetfulness of his miseries, by exploring new scenes of life, in countries to which he is a stranger; by encounteringthe dangers of the field and flood; and by drown- ing.the memory of his misfortunes in the oblivion of the bowl! Of the miseries of ambition, and the excesses to which they lead, the space allotted will not allow much to be saicV Like love, the passion of ambition, both in moderation and excess, depends for strength on the value we set on objecte of ambitious desire. To those whose wisdom teaches them 1 OF THE PASSIONS. 103 the true value of earthly objects, the passion of ambition is always productive of eujoments; but, when an over-estim- ate of the objects of ambitious pursuit, arises from false, though dazz.ing perceptions of those obj.-cls, the passion always acquire an uncontrolled dominion in the human breast, producing misery to the individual, and frequently the mostiireadful desolations to society and mankind. When ambition is confined to moral bounds; in other words, where it is restricted to doing good , it becomes a powerful auxiliary to re igion and morality, and to the peace and hap- piness of mankind. "But, talents angel bright, if wanting worth, Are shining instruments in false ambition's hand, To finish faults illustrious, and give infamy renown!" Where ambition is laudable, and restricted to beneficent and moral objects, it serves to dignify and adorn the human character: and even, where thus characterized, it meets with failures an I dis ippointments, it produces no serious and last- ing miseries to its votaries. The real passion of ambition is of a heaven-born character; it is founded in a strong de- sire to be remembered with gratitude and admiraiion by posterity and future ages—and is the legitimate offspring of a vital and deep-seated sentiment of immortality? We see its indications in every department of life, and in every age of the world. The monumental inscriptions of ancient times; the mummied catacombs, and the great pyramids of Egypt themselves, bear witness of the universal prevalence of this all-absorbing sentiment of immortality, and of the dreadful contemplations which accompany the anticipations of being swept from human memory by the hand of time! The desire to be remembered, is as obvious h the school- boy who inscribes his name on a tree or a rock, as in the lofty and headlong careers of Charlemagne, Alexander and Napoleon:—who desolated nations and overturned emp res, to give their achievements to posterity and future ages.— When the passion of ambition, of whatever grade, or to whatever objects directed, is disappointed in its expecta- tions, k invariably leads to dissatisfaction with life and mankind, and frequently plunges its votaries into the vortex 104 OF THE PASSIONS. of intemperance and debauchery. These effects are not only confined to the ambition of men possessing lofty and pow- erful energies of mind, whose objects of arnbition are cor- respondent in elevation, but they are discoverable in all tlie inferior orders of society, and in all the subordinate ranks of intellectual power; they are in fact, as- observable in the Ccesar who is disappointed in the possession of an imperial crown, as in the humble votary of literature and science, or the hook-fingered and swindling devotee of avarice, with whom wealth is the idol of adoration! Let any of these men, be finally and permanently disappointed in the first and great objects of their ambition, and if they are destitute of resolution, fortitude, wisdom, and philosophic energy of intellect, they invariably sink in the wdiirlpool of intemperance, debauchery and sottishness:—Alexander the great, died from the influence of a fit of intemperance, be- cause probably he had no more worlds to conquer: and it is needless to advert to the thousands of instances which eve- ry where present themselves, of men of all ranks and grades of life, who sink into insignificance and obscurity, from the effects of intemperance brought on them by disap- pointed ambition. I have now, I think, shown some of the various causes of intempeiance, and probably to the satisfaction of reflect- ing men, traced some of them to the physical and mental constitutions of men, as far as it is practicable to be done by observations of mere effects. In this brief essay, by no means correspondent with the importance of the subjuct, I have neither followed nor profited by the hacknied theories which have heretofore been published; I have endeavored to view human nature as it is, and to remark the develop- ments of the causes of intemperance, such as they have appeared to me in my medical pursuits; and if I have not been as successful as might be desired by medical men who are the real friends of humanity, I may at least have fur- nished some materials which may be useful to such fathers of the profession, as Mitchill, Physic, Hossack, and many others, who are engaged in developing the mystic isms of medical science, and rendering them intelligible to mankind. REMARKS, PRELIMINARY TO THE MEDICAL* PORTION OF THIS WORK. I have now done with the passions most material to be thought of in a work like this. I think I have spoken of them as they deserve; and as being the real causes of very nnny and obstinate diseases; and I also think, without any ■sort of vanity on the subject, that I have taken views of them which are not only new, but such as will be satisfac- tory to men who are pleased with common sense, and mat- (•r-of-fact disclosures, instead of visionary theories, and old doctrines that have been worn thread-bare by repetition. Where I have foun I the essences of the passions beyond the reach of investigation, I have freely confessed the truth; being determined not to veil my ignorance of what is most likely hidden from us by divine wisdom, by 10110- sounding Words, which, when explained would make men of common sense laugh at medical quackery, and by technical lan^ua^e which means next to nothing. 1 have spoken of the passions as I have seen and witnessed their effects on the human system, and on the peace and happi- ness of society generally; and particularly as regards in- temperance, or rather excess in fear—joy—anger—jealousy —love—grief—religion—gluttony and drunkenness, I have ventured to go as far into some of the remote and constitu- tional causes of them, as I possible could without running into mere theories, not supported by the experience of mankind. In treating of them, 1 have been limited much by want of space; and have therefore in some instances, been compelled to comprise as much information as possi- ble in a few words; and I must also observe here, that on intemperance, religion, love, jealousy and anger, I have extended mv remarks further than on the rest of the pas- 1 6 GUNN's DOMESTIC MEDICINE. ons; because I consider them of vastly more importance o the health and happiness, and to the diseases and miseries f mankind, than all the rest of the passions put together. i have classed Religion and Intemperance under the head of the passions, because all our desires and aversions be- come passions, when they become too strong to be controlled and moderated by moral sense and reason; and if even these were not the facts, mere names are nothing but blinds, frequently placea by the learned between the leader ami the reahties of things, to conceal the naked p'overty and barrenness of the sciences, as professed by literary men. If our education consisted more in a knowledge of things, and less in a knowledge of mere words than it does, and if the great mass of the people knew how much pains were taken by scientific men, to throw dust in their eyes by the use of ridiculous and high-sounding terms, which mean very little if any thing, the learned professors of science would soon lose much of their mock dignity, and mankind would soon be undeceived, as to the little difference that re- fdly exists between themselves and the very learned portion t f the community. I ani the more particular on this subject, not because I wish to lower the public-opinion respecting the real value of medical knowledge, but because the time has arrived when the hypocrisy which has attached itself to religion, the pettifogging dissimulation which has crept into the practice and science.of law, and the quackeries which I ave so long disgraced the practice and science of medicine are about to be scattered to the four winds of heaven, by the progress of real knowledge, and the general diffusion of useful intelligence. The great body of the people are beginning to find out as I before remarked in substance— that when we take from the learned sciences all their tech- nical and bombastic language, they immediately become plain common sense, very easily to be understood by all ranks of men. 1 have also said, and I again repeat it, that the really valuable materials in medicine, and those which are the most powerful in the cure of diseases, are few and ;mple, and very easily to be procured in all countn'es; and n this subject, I will say something more which may ounn's domestic medicine. 107 probably, be considered new. I not only believe, that eve- ry country produces, or can be made to produce, whatev- er is necessary to the wants of its inhabitants—but also whatever is essential to the cure of diseases incidental to each country; it is by no means probable, that an all-wise Creator would create man with wants he could not supply, and subject him to diseases for which there were no reme- dies to be found in nature, and in all the different countries and climates of which he is an inhabitant. If such were not the facts, how miserable would be the condition of the human species; eternally harrassed by the calls of wants which could not be satisfied, and afflicted with diseases for which thpy could find neither the means of alleviation nor cure? How did the Indian Nations of this countiy become so populous and powerful, unless from finding the means of supplying their wants, and of mitigating and curing their diseases, on the soil and in the countries which gave them birth? The fact is, that this country, like all other countries, produces spontaneously, or can be made to produce, by the genius and industry of its inhabitants, all that is required by the wants of the people, and all that is essential in med- ical science; and the sooner we set about finding out, and fully exploring the resources of our own country, the soon- er will we be clear of the abuses and countless impositions in the adulteration of medical drugs; and the sooner will we be exempted from individual and national dependence on other nations. There are many drugs that come from a broad that are made good for nothing, by adulterations or mixtures before they reach us, or lose their virtues by long standing and exposure; and any professed druggist if he will tell you the truth, will tell you the same; and these among many others, arc the reasons why, I mean to be ve- ry particular inshowingyou. as respects the plants, and roots, &c. of this country, not only how great are our resources, but how easily we can evade roguery and imposition, and obtain pure and unadulterated materials in medicine, if we will be industrious in developing the real resources of this country. The science of botany, like manv others I could name, has dwindled into mere mumerv and hard soundin" lea gunk's domestic medicine. names of plants, &c. I can find you, indeed you can easi- ly find them yourselves, veiy many individuals profound- ly learned in botany, who can tell you all about the genus and species of plants and herbs, and can call them individually by their long Latin names, who can tell you nothing whatever about their use to mankind, or whether they are poisonous or otherwise; and I want to know whether such information, or rather such want of informa- tion, is not mere learning without wisdom, and science with- out knowledge. But why need 1 speak of the science of botany alone, as having sunk into frivolity and superficial nonsense; the same may be said of many other of the sci- ences, which were in their origin and early progress useful to mankind. Real knowledge consists in understanding both what is useful and what is injurious to mankind; and true wisdom amounts to nothing more than appropriating to our use whatever is beneficial, and avoiding whatever is injurious to our enjoyments and happiness: this is the true distinction between common sense and nonsense: if you will have the same idea in finer language, between wisdom and folly. For the common and useful purposes of mankind. the refined fripperies and hair-drawn theories of mere sci- ence, are of no use whatever; indeed they never have had much other effect, than to excite a stupid admiration for men who pretended to know more than the mass of man- kind: and it is this stupid admiration, this willingness to be duped by the impudent pretensions of science and quackery combined, that has led to impositions and bare-faced frauds upon society, without number. Wherever artifice is used, it is either to cover defects, or to perpetrate impositions and frauds; and if you wish to know how much of this arti- fice is in vouge in the science and practice of medicine, ask some physician of eminence to give you in plain English, the meaning of those mysterious and high-sounding names you see plastered on bottles, glass jars, gallipots and drawers in a drug-store, or doctor's shop. There you may see in large and imposing capitals—Datura Stramonium, which simply means stink-weed, or vulgarly Jamestown weed-. Tanacelum Vulgare, which inenglish means Common Tansy: 6LWXS DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 109 Chenopodinm Anthelmenticum, good heaven, what a name for Jerusalem Oak: Spigelia Marilandica, which means nothing more nor less than Pink Root: Alium Sativum,\\hich means Cloves of Carlic: and who would ever suppose, un- less he were previously iniciated into the sublime mysteries of the '•Physicians'Materia Medica," that Cantharis Vittata, was the Potatoe Fly—that Iledeoma Pulegioides, was merely the common plant Pennyroyal: that Phytolacca Decandra, was nothing but Poke-weed: that Panax Quinquefolium, was nothing but Cinseng: that Rubus Viilosus, meant hi plain English, the Black-berry: that Upatorium Perfoliatum, was nothing but Bone-set: that Poly gala Seneka, was Snake Root: that Laurus Benzoin, was no more than Spice- wood: that Asarium Canadense, was Wild Ginger: that Bahtisa. Tinctoria, was only another name for Wild Indigo: that Hydrastis Canadensis was nothing but Yellow Root: that Podophyllum Pellatam, was merely the May Apple, or common Jalap of the shops: that Sanguinaria Canadensis, was no more than the Puccoon, or Blood Root, well known to every old woman in the state: that Cornus Florida, was nothing but Dogwood: that Gillenia Frifoli- ata, was merely Indian Physic: that Symplocarpus Faetida, was nothing but Skunk Cabbage: Anthemus Cotula, was the Wild Chamomile, that Lobelia Injlata. was nothing but Wild Tobacco: that Comptonia Asplenifolia, was only the Sweet Fern:—and so on to the end of the chapter. But on consideration of the importance of this information, I will add a few more instances of the shameful impositions prac- ticed on the mass of the people, by the quackeries con- nected, with medical science. They are as follows: Oleum Pacini, meaning Castor Oil: Unguentum Picis Liquidce, meaning Tar Ointment: Oleum Terebiiithince meaning the Oil of Turpentine: Zanthoxylum C'lava Ilerculis, meaning the common Prickly Ash of our country: Sal. Nitre, mean- ing Salt Petre: Tartarized Antimony, meaning emetic Tar- tar: Sulphat Soda, meaning nothing but Epsom Salts: R,uta Graveslcus, meaning our common Garden Rue: Salva Ofi- cinalis, the common Sage, Sumbucus Nigra, common Elder: S.*pr.ntaria Virginiana, Virginia Snake-root. Myrtis Pirn- 110 DUNN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE. enio, common Pepper: Elmus Americana, meaning Red Elm: Aqua Calcis, meaning Lime Water: and Carbo Ligni, Charcoal of Wood!! These I think, are fair specimens of the useless technical terms and phrases, with which the sci- ence of medicine has been encumbered, by a policy hostile to the interests of every community; in which the reader will easily distinguish, if he will look one foot beyond his nose, not only that big words and high sounding phrases arc nOt superior wisdom, but that three-fourths of the whole science of physic, as now practiced and imposed up- on the common people, amounts to nothing butfudge and mummery. In fact, it has always seemed to me, whenever I have reflected seriously on this subject, that all these hard names of common and daily objects of contemplation, were originally made use of to astonish the people; and to aid what the world calls learned men, in deceptions and fraud. The more near1 y we can place them on a level in point of knowledge, the happier we would become in society with each other, and the less danger there would be of tyranny on the one hand, and submission to the degradations of per- sonal slavery on the other: nor are these all the benefits that would certainly arise from a more equal distribution of useful information among the people. We all know per- fectly well, and if we do not we ought to do so, that there are two v/ays of acquiring a greater name than common among men. One is by putting on affected airs of superior wisdom, and the concealment of weakness and ignorance to which all men are subject: and the other is, by exhibiting to>the world, grate and useful energies of mind and character, of which nothing can be more decisive proof, than success in our undertakings. But this is not all; the less we know of the weaknesses and imperfections of what the world calls great men, the more we are disposed to over- rate their merits and wisdom, and to become their humble followers, admirers, and slaves. This is the reason why 1 wish to impress upon your minds, the simple and important truth, that there is not so great a difference between men as there appears to be; and that you are always to find out in the characters of men, the difference between impudent GUN.VS DOMESTIC MEDICINE; 111 presumption, which seeks to blind you to defects, and mod- est and unassuming merit, which is above hypocrisy and deception. On the other hand, I wish you to remember, that the more we know of the ignorance and weaknesses of great men, ignorance and weaknesses which they all have, however they may try to hide them, the more easily we will feel ourselves on a level with them, the less we will be compelled to think of their assumed superiority, and conse- quently the less danger their will be of our becoming their most humble followers, their tools of dirty purposes, and in fact their slaves. The fact is, if we could always strip the fine coat, tfie ruffled shirt, the well blacked boots, and what would be better than all, the hypocrisy and presump- tion, from about those who pretend to lord it over us: and if we could always hit the true medium of truth and justice, in forming our opinions of each other, there would be much less fraud in this world than there is: for you may rest assured, and I desire you most particularly to fix it in your memory, that no man or junf.0 of men, ever yet attempted to cheat or impose on your credulity, without first forming a contemptuous opiivon of your discernment; in other words, all attempts to cheat and deceive you, are direct insults to your understandings.------With these remarks, in which I have been as plain as possible in point, of lan- guage;' in order that you might the better understand:"my meaning, I will now go on to describe to you, in as plain language as can be made use of, all the diseases we are mostly liable to in this country, and all the Lest remedies for those which arc brought to us from other countries. 1 intend also to describe particularly all the roots, and plants, and so on, which we have about us, in our gardens, barn- yards, fields and woods, which are useful in the,cure of dis- eases. These will be important considerations, because I am convinced we have many things the most common about us, that as medicines, are as good as any in the world, and the knowledge of which, by the people themselves, will enable them to cure their own diseases in many instances; and avoid many and great expences. The language I will make use of, as I said before, will be extremely plain, the 113 GUNN'S DOMESTIC MEDiCINE. object of the work being, not so much to instruct the learn- ed as the unlearned; nor will I regard in the slightest degree, any of those petty critical remarks, which may be made on such language, provided I succeed in adopting language which .can be understood by those for whom this work is intended. And here I cannot avoid remarking, that since this work of mine was commenced, and measureably finish- ed, I have received from New York, the first number of a periodical work on the same plan that this is, to be writ- ten by some of the greatest medical men in the United States, some of whom are Mitchell, Hossack, Mott M'Ne- ven, &c. These gentlemen as well as myself, are con- vinced that the time has come, when all the mysteries and technical language of the science of medicine, must be made plain to the people of this country, and when the old frauds and quackeries of the profession must be laid down, and discontinued in practice. I am gratified that men wdiose names have so much weight, have undertaken to make the sciehce of medicine plain; because otherwise, I should have stood alone in the great attempt, and had to contend with all the petty critical remarks, of all the pet- ty professors of the science, and all those who wish to make a mystery, of what every man in the community is fullf; able to understand if well explained. * Before concluding these observations, it may not be im- proper to make some remarks, intended for the more youth- ful portion of those into whose hands this woi k may fall. Some of the diseases I am compelled to mention and ex- plain, necessarily relate to a sex whose weaknesses and de- licacies of constitution, entitle them to the highest respect, and the most tender consideration; nor can any youth be guilty of a more flagrant breach of humanity, nor more com- pletely disclose a brutal and unfeeling disposition, than by manifesting a wish to turn into unfeeling ridicule, the disea- ses and calamities of women: I would at once pronounce such a young mama brute, a poltioon and a coward. But I am confident there are few if any such in this country, be- cause there are few or none who will not recollect, that their venerable mothers were of the female sex, and that they GUNN'S DOMESTIC MBD1CINE. US have probably sisters and other relatives of the same sex. I wish the younger portion of my readers also to recol- lect, and I most respectfully request them to do so—that when perusing my book, on the various diseases to w hich the human body is liable, as to their uncertainty, of life, and the slender thread on which it hangs. I wish them to remem- ber, how unknown to them are the vicissitudes ofthe world; how easily they may be thrown into strange lands, destitute, friendless, and afflicted: I wish them to engrave on their minds, that sacred rule of doing all things to others, which they would wish others should do unto them: that they would always let the tear of sympathy drop for their fellow- creatures in aeliction and distress, and always let their hearts melt at the tale of human woe, for which God will bless them in all their works. OX SLE*. "What better name may slumber's bed become. Night's sepulchre, the universal home, When weakness, strength, vice, virtue sunk supine, Alike in naked helplessness recline; Glad for a while to heave unconscious breath, And wake to wrestle with the dread of death."— To exist as it were between death and life; to rove in im agination, unfettered by the cold and strong realities of wal ing existence, through a boundless realm of visions whic seem real; this is what we call sleep, without knowing much of any thing about its causes. The real cause of slee] has been a matter of much guessing and speculation wit! medical men; even very learned philosophers have disa- greed in opinion respecting the cause of sleep, and nearly all the little we know on the subject is, that when the sable curtain of night is drawn around us, the mind and body worn out and exhausted by the fatigues of the day, sink into soft repose. Napoleon, whose genius seemed capable of seizing every subject of contemplation with a giant grasp, remarked while distinguishing between sleep and death, that sleep was the suspension of the voluntary powers of man:—and that death was a suspension of those that were invath with some system and regularity, you will ward oft" many hours confinement by ill health; save the expense of many a Doctor's bill; and prevent you from having a ruined constitution, and a stomach worn out by swallowing medi- cines: for I do assert, without fear of contradiction, but by the ninneliav.mers of the profession, that if the warm bath vere mon; frequently used, with proper abstainance from food, on' the approach of fever, and many other diseases which I shall enumerate under their proper heads, in five oRses in ten, medical assistance would not be required. In all cases of debility from spasms—in pain—in cholic—in cramp—and. in anxity and restlessness, the bath will relieve and tranquilize the system. In hectic or consumptive fever, 1 have found it of great benefit from the fact of its lessening the heat; and most particularly beneficial, when the liver was connected with this dreadful disease. In dyspepsia or indigestion, this terrible disease which makes life itself a burthen, the bath is a valuable assistant and comforter in •he cure.—All young persons who manifest a disposition to 128 gunn's domestic medicine. stop at a premature point of growth, in other words, to re- main pigmies for life, should use the bath; because it always promotes the growth of the body, increases the proportions of the limbs, and adds much to the muscular powers. On the subject of barrenness I have reflected much; and as it seems to be the anxious wish of many of the wealthy to have offspring, the remark or seasonable hint, that the bath is admirably adapted to the want of increase of family, may be quite sufficient without descending to particulars. The ancient Greeks, Romans, and Germans, as well as the Persians, Turks, and modern Egyptians, enjoyed the comforts and benefits procured by bathing, in a degree of which we can scarcely form an idea. The French owe much of their cheerfulness and vivacity of disposition to the warm " bath; and you could not inflict on Frenchmen or French fe- males a greater punishment than to deprive either, of the warm bath which they always prize as a component part of their existence. The soft, delicate and beautiful skins, for which the French females are so much celebrated, are very much owing to tepid bathing, being far preferable to all the cosmetics and other preparations sold for the purpose of whitening and, beautifying the skin. The habits of person-; are very different as to perspiration or sweating: some per- spire very much, and others very little: from some, no offen- sive afiluvia arises in perspiring, whilst from the bodies of others, there arises a perfect fetor—and I m ust here say, that of all possible putrid smells, that arising from the perspira- tion of the human body, is the most dreadful; and to such persons as have a fetid perspiration, I do most certainly know, that the frequent use of the warm bath would be of immense service. It would not only prevent strangers from becoming disgusted with their society, but be a great auxil- iary in promoting their health, and removing that most unpleasant smell which salutes the nasal organs with a per- fectly sepulchral stench! Thisuncleanliness.or want of clean- liness, exhibits itself as frequently in the drawing-rooms and festooned halls of the great and wealthy, as in the humble cottages of the obscure and needy; and sometimes produces disgust which neither time nor circumstances can remove. gunn's domestic medicine. 129 Let me then, again, and with every desire for your happi- ness, and every delicacy of sentiment I am master of, urge upon you the simple fact, that cleanliness is the very best of perfumes—and that all those which are imported from the east, are inferior to the pleasant and native smell of the skin, when perfumed by the use of soap and water. I ought here perhaps to close my remarks, but I feel it a solemn duty I owe to my fellow beings to be candid, and sil have pledged myself to do, to inform them plainly of whatever I know to their advantage. I have absolutely known many match- es in wedlock, completely destroyed by the discovery of a want of clcanliness-^and many married persons rendered miserable and highly obnoxious to each other, by this lazy, indolent, and I will add, this dirty trait of character: for it is well known to all keen observers of mankind, that moral purity and cleanliness of person, are nearly always found combined. Every family, rich and poor, ought to have a bathing ma- chine, improperly called a tub. It is easy of construction and very simple, being in shape like a child's cradle with- out rockers, abo,.d six feet in length, and of width sufficient easily to admit the body, with a hole in the bottom near the foot, to let the water pass 'off after being used, it may be constructed of wood or tin, and if of the latter, ought to be painted to prevent rust. Where it is made of wood plank, the seams or cracks ought to be filled with boiling tar or pitch to prevent leakage. Rocks properly cleansed previously to being heated in the fire, afford very easy means of heat- ing the water to any temperature, and will always enable the bather to take the bath with very little trouble. Most wealthy persons imagine, when they have furnish- ed their mansions with splendid mirrors, Turkey carpets, sophas, and various other decorations which soon tire after the novelty of seeing them ceases, that all things are com- plete; but, I say, that unless they have a small room appro- priated to bathing, in which the necessary apparatus can be found fitted up for use, their houses want one of the most necessary appendages of comfort and health: and that they ought to be charged with the responsibility, of many dis- 130 gunn's domestic medicine. eases which afflict their families, for want of this fountain of health. The construction of public baths, has from the remotest ages been considered an object of national atten- tion; and most sincerely and ardently do I desire, that Nashville, a city of public spirit, and cordial support of every thing useful; a city whose kind hospitality endcars.it to the warm recollections of every stranger who visits that metropolis, may shortly construct a public Bath, whose beautiful structure will be admired as a public ornament, and its utility fully established as the harbinger of health to its citizens, which may operate as an example in the intro- duction of this luxury into the western country. The warm or tepid bath, should be used about twice or three times, a week in summer; in winter once a week is sufficient. It ought to be used in the morning, at noon, or when going to bed. Having now given a concise account, of some of the ben- efits of this bath, I shall next show by a brief statement of facts, the method of bathing practised by tlie hardy Russians. They have sweating or vapour baths which are resorted to by persons of ajl classes, rich and poor, free of expense, be- cause these baths are supported and kept up by the govern- ment. Here mingle together the beggar, the artizan, the peasant, and the nobleman; to enjoy the luxuries of tlie steam or sweating bath, in both sickness and health. The method pursued to produce the vapour bath, is simply by throwing water on red hot stones in a close room, which rai- ses the heat from 150 to 168 degrees, making when at 168— above a heat capable of melting wax, and only 12 degrees below that for boiling spirit of wine. In this tremenduous and excessive heat, which on an American would produce suffocation, the Russian enjoys what to him is a comfortar ble luxury of the vapour bath; wbich shows clearly as 1 have before observed, the wonderful force of habit among mankind. In these bath houses are constructed benches, on which they lie naked, and continue in a profuse sweat for the lapse of one and sometimes two hours, occasionally washing or pouring over their bodies warm or cold water. During the sweating stage, the body is well rubbed or gen- gunn's domestic medicine. 131 tly whipped with leafy branches of the birch tree, to pro- mote perspiration by opening the pores of the skin. A Russian thinks nothing of rushing from the bath room dis- solved in sweat, and jumping into the cold and chilling wa- ters of an adjacent river: or during the most piercing cold to which his country is liable in winter, to roll himself in the snow; and this without the slightest injury. On the contrary, he derives many advantages from these sudden changes and abrupt exposures; because, he always by them hardens his constitution to all the severities of a climate, whose colds and snows seem to paralyze the very face of nature. Rheumatisms are seldom known in Russia, which is certainly owing to the habit of thus taking the vapour bath. The great and sudden transition from heat to cold, seems to us very dangerous and unnatural; but I have no doubt the Russians owe their longevity, their healthy and ro- bust constitutions, their exemption from certain moral disea- ses^ and their cheerful and vivacious tempers, to these baths and their generally temperate mode of living. A learned writer has justly remarked, and not without cause, that it is much to be lamented, "this practice of bathing should have fallen into such disuse among the modern nations of Europe; and that he most sincerely wishes it might again be revived in our towns and villages." When we look back and see the benefits that the old.physicians derived from this remedy of nature's own invention, and the many cures formerly affected by the use of the bath; and that Rome for five hundred years together had few physicians but baths, we cannot avoid being astonished that they should ever have fallen into disuse, from the prejudices and negligence of mankind. COLD BATH. The cold bath is one of the most important medical reme- dies, presented from the friendly bosom of nature. The cold bath means cleansing or washing the body with cold 132 gtjnn's domestic medicine. water, of a temperature varying from the 33d to the 56th degree of Fahrenheit's thermometer or the usual warmth of our river water during the summer months; but the entrance of spring-branches into the river should be avoid- ed by persons bathing, because it produces a sudden change of temperature, from an agreeable warmth a to cold and chilling sensation. Bathing in cold water during the warm season, is a pre- ventive against disease, particularly fevers, by lessening the heat of the body; it cleanses the skin from its impure and acrid contents, thereby removing a primary source of dis- ease: the bath braces the solids which were before relaxed by heat, restoring and tranquilizing the irritability of the ner- vous system, and greatly exhilara' ing and cheering the spirits with an increase of strength and bodily power. If the bath has been serviceable, you will quickly feel after leaving the water and rubbing well with a coarse towel, the most pleasant glow or increase of heat, with a delightful serenity and cheerfulness; but if the bath has been injurious, you will feel the contrary effect to that which I have described: and you must of course discontinue its use, and apply the tepid or warm bath in its stead; the effects produced by the cold bath when they prove injurious to the bather, are directly the contrary to those which I have before described —such as heaviness and depression of spirits—respiration or breathing becomes impeded—livid or dark appearance of the skin-nails purple-the lips change their florid appear- ance to a pale or purple color: and the countenance assumesa cadaverous or ghastly color, accompanied with head-ache. In such a case, the bather should immediately take plentiful- ly of warm toddy, made of spirits of any kind, or if a cramp in the stomach, which sometimes takes place from the cold bath, thirty or forty drops of laudanum for a grown person, with warm toddy, together with the application of warm salt to the stomach, will give immediate relief. Moderate exercise should always be taken after bathing so as to re- store the equilibrium of the circulation, and produce a re- action in the vessels and muscles. The morning is the best time for bathing; or two hours before sunset, if in a river; GCNXjS DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 133 Ss the water has then from the rays of a summer sun, acquired an agreeable warmth. When the sun has disap- peared, or evening begins to throw her mists over the wa- ters, it is imprudent to bathe, owing to the dampness-of the atmosphere, which is- apt to produce a chill followed by fever. The rules for bathing are, to enter the bath on an emp- ty stomach; or in' other words, sometime after eating; wet the head first, and if" the bathing place is free from impedi- ments, dive in head foremost, so as to make the impression uniform; for you will' feel the shock less by boldly en- tering it, than by reflecting and acting slowly and timidly,. by which you might produce dangerous consequencas by propelling the blood from* the extremities to the head, indu*- cmg apoplexy. * The time,of remaining in the bath should always be short,- and must be determined by the constitution, and the feelings of the persons themselves, as healthy persons may contin- ue in the bath longer than those who are weakly and in bad health. It is improper and unsafe, to remain in the cold wa- ter longer than a quarter of an hour at most, during the hot- est day in summer as the principle object in cold bathing in the influence and effect produced by the first impression made on the system;—and should the cold bath be advisable insuring or autumn, which is sometimes the ease, one or two minutes at most will be sufficient; when the bath is necessary at these seasons1, it will be advisable to use the shower bath as hereafter described. On the use of the cold bath', considerable judgment is re- quired, as many serious and lingering complaints have been produced by the injudicious use of this remedy, and many diseases brought to a fatal termination by its improper ap- plication. I shall therefore described as plainly as possible, the different effects produced in the different constitutions, and the diseases for which it is beneficial. On aged and thin persons, it acts more powerfully than on corpulent and fat persons; therefore a fat and young per- son can remain double the time in the bath to one that is-'
also arises from an agitation of the mind. A vibrating pulse, acting under the fingers like a thread, as if the artery was smaller with quick pulsations but very weak and ir- regular, may be considered as producing a highly dan- gerous state of the system: you will know this pulse by its being accompanied with heavy and deep sighs, difficulty of breathing and a dead and heavy languor of the eye. By being attentive to the instructions given above, no man can be at a loss to distinguish the different states of the pulse, by which different diseases are indicated, as well as their different stages. AGUE A1VD FKVFR. This disease generally makes its visit in the fall season of the year; and those who live on the rivers or low lands, are more than others subject to its ravages. There are three stages of this disease, which are in substance the same thing, differing only in the intermission or length of time in which they make their attacks. The 'first—is that which comes on every twenty-four hours:—this is called by Doctors Quotidian. The second—is that which comes on every forty hours: this is called Tertian. The third—comes on every forty-eight hours, and is call- ed by physicians, Quartan. gunn's domestic medicine. 149 I have merely mentioned these stages, in order that I might describe the disease more plainly, for the remedies and the treatment for the cure are the same; and the only difference between them simply is, as to their severity and time of coming on. If very severe, the remedies should be the most active:—on the contrary, if mild and gentle, rem- edies less active and powerful will answer. I have said above, that there are three stages of this com- plaint—the cold—the hot—and the sweating. In the first, there is much yawning and stretching, the feet and hands become cold, the skin looks shrivelled, you seem to lose the use of your limbs by weakness, your pulse is small and frequent, you dislike to move, and finally take a chill suc- ceeded by a cold shake. This shake continues about ten or fifteen minutes, according to the severity of the attack. In the second stage, as the chill and shaking go off, a pain in the head and back comes on, succeeded by flushings of heat. You now beg n to burn with heat and thirst, and desire that the covering be removed, that you may feel the cool air. Your faCe^ read, your skin dry, your pulse becomes regular, hard and full. In severe attacks-, where the blood determines to the head, I have frequently known delirium for a time. In the commencement of the third and last stage, the intense heat begins to subside, mois- ture begins to break out on the forehead, gradually extend- ing itself over the whole body, the fever abates, thirst di- minishes, breathing becomes free and full, desire to make water which deposits a sediment in the urinal or pot:— you then feel considerably relieved as the sweat increases, which soon restores you to your usual feelings and sensa- tions, except great weakness and extreme prostration of strength. REMEDIES. In the cold stage, take warm teas of any kind, provided they are weak—such as sage, balm, hysop, ground ivy, &c. &c: make hot applications to the feet; and if you will apply a bandage, wound round the right foot and leg» 150 guxn's domestic medicine. from the toes to the groin, and another bandage, wound round the opposite or left hand and arm, from the fingers to the shoulder, drawing both pretty tight, so as to compress the muscles without impeding the circulation of the blood, the shake will be much shortened by it; but you must not omit to loosen these bandages gradually, as the shake is go- ing off. In many instances, the Ague and Fever can be entirely cured, by taking immediately, from fifty to sixty drops of laudanum, with a few drops of peppermint, in warm tea of any of the kinds'mentioned above, on feeling the commencement of the chill; and as soon as the hot stage approaches, continuing to drink the warm tea plentifully, with a little acid of any kind in it.—If during this hot stage, the fever runs very high with considerable pain in the head, the loss of some blood would be proper. The object being, however, to bring on as early as oossible the sweating stage, put into a pint of the tea or warm water, from four to five grains of tartar ^emetic, and give two or three spoon-fuls occasionally, so as to produce slight sickness of the stomach, which will promote and aid the sweating stage. My prac- tice in this disease is, on its first appearance to give a puke of •tartar emetic—for dose refer to the table. After cleansing the stomach, Igive an active dose of calomel and jalap— and if that is not sufficient, I follow it with some mild purge, such as salts, castor oil, or senna and manna. Supposing, then, that the stomach and bowels are freed from their impure contents, the skin moist; and the body kept mode- rately open by gentle purgatives, it will then be proper to give the dog-w&ck bark, the wild cherry-tree bark, and pop- iar-treebcurk, I&llude to the large swamp poplar. These three kkds of bark are to be boiled in water, until their juices are extracted, and the water then given cold to the patient, and in such quantities as the stomach will bear. This disease is sometimes succeeded by a low, lingering and constant fever: this must always be removed,"before the extraet of the different kinds of bark just mentioned is given; nor ought it ever to be given in any paroxism of fever, however slight-— because in such cases it invariably does material injury. From causes depending en the con- gcnn's domestic medicine. 151 stitution at the time of taking this disease, it is sometimes extremely difficult to cure; and persons who have had it foi more than twelve months, have placed themselves under my care. In these cases, when the various remedies above noticed have failed, I have used with great success the cold salt bath, as directed under the head of cold bathing. When a bathing machine cannot be had, a strong brine poured over the naked body in the morning when rising, is the best expedient that can be used; always taking care to wipe the body perfectly dry with a coarse towel: after which it might be well to return again to bed for an hour, before taking the morning meal, immediately before which, any common bitter such as tansy in spirits may be taken. When the disease is of long continuance, elixir vitriol is a good remedy, and may be given in doses of eight or ten drops, in a wine or stem glass of cold water, during the days in which the cold bath is used. I do not think it necessary to take the barks, as before described when an ague-cake or hardness termed by physicians, an enlargement of the spleen, has taken place; in such a case, use a tight broad ban- dage round the belly, with a padding of wool or cotton im- mediately over the hard cake in the side, and take care two or three t'mes a day, to rub the place well with a coarse woolen cloth or a flesh-brush. This is called friction by physicians, and friction will be the more properly kept up by wearing flannel next the skin. ' It will be proper here to state, that in some cases where the dog-wood bark, the wild cherry-tree bark, and theswamp poplar bark, prepared as I have mentioned, disagree with the stomach, which is sometimes the case from long sick- ness, the tea or decoction may be rubbed on the skin of children or delicate persons, and will produce an excellent effect. Another method of operating by the skin, with chil- dren and delicate women, is as follows; have a jacket made to fit the body, line it with the kinds of barks mentioned, which can easily be done, and cause it to be worn next the body. Both these modes of operating by the skin, have been known to produce fine tonic or strengthening effects, in cases of obstinate and long standing. 152 gunk's domestic medicine. I shall now conclude these remarks, by giving the meth- od of treating this disease by the Spaniards in the Island of Cuba. I there witnessed its unbounded success: and in no instance in which the remedy was fairly tried, did I ever know it to fail of success. Make a good sized cup of strong coffee, sweeten it, well, and mix with it an equal quantity of lime or lemon juice. This juice may be had at any of the stores, doctor's shops, &c. the dose to be ta- ken just before the shake is expected to come on, and must be drank warm, and on an empty stomach. This simple and always practicable preparation, may be relied on as a most valuable remedy. But the Spaniards of the Island of Cuba, are not the only persons acquainted with this powerful and efficient remedy. It is noticed in Doctor Pouqueville's travels in the MonE.\,as follows:—''I have often seen inter- mitting fevers subdued entirely, by a mixture of strong cof- fee and lemon or lime juice, which is a successful remedy all over this county. The proportions are three quarters of an ounce of coffee, ground fine—with two ounces of lemon juice, and three of water: the mixture to be diank warm and fasting."—I quote from memory, but with a perfect assurance of be:ng right: It may be well before quitting the subject of Ague and Fever, to mention for the information of my readers, the late practice of physicians—which is as follows: as soon as the chill has somewhat subsided, take a good dose of cal- omel—see the table. Next, when the fever goes off, and you commence sweating, take two grains of quinine, which is the extract of peruvian bark. This quinine or extract of bark, must be mixed with a tea-spoonful of Epsom or other salts, and taken in water as you would other salts. Take this dose every two hours, until you take five doses; but you must omit to put in the salts, so soon as the bowels have been freely moved; because a continued loosness of the bowels would carry off the bark before it could operate on the system. Should the fever not go off in six hours, take a dose of castor oil to carry off the calomel—and then, as soon as the fever has left you, take the quinine or extract of bark, as before directed. gunn's domestic medicine. 158 BILIOUS FEVER. Bilious Fever, is nothing more nor less than the Ague and Fever just before described, under something of a different modification or character:—that is to say, in ague and fever, there is at certain times an entire intermission or stoppage of the disease; whereas, in Bilious Fever, there is nothing more than an abatement or lowering of the fever for a time. The analogy or likeness between them,is so strong, that in both cases the patient is taken with-ja chill: and the little difference that does exist between them in the outset, consists in the simple circumstance, that the pulse in Bilious Fever is more tense and full. If, however, the attack of Bilious Fever, be severe; the skin becomes very hot after the chill, and sometimes of a yellowish hue; there is likewise great pain in the head; the tongue changes from white to brown, as the fever increases, the eyes acquire a fiery color and expression, and the whites have a yellow tinge; the light becomes painful to the patient, and he requires the room to be darkened; his bowels are very costive, and his urine highly colored: by these symptoms, any man of common sense may be enabled to distinguish Bilious Fever. REMEDIES. This formidable and dangerous disease, may in most in- stances be easily subdued, if you will divest yourselfofirresolu- tion, and timidity in the commencement of the attack:—I make this remark, because I have witnessed many instan- ces, in which timidity and over-caution in the treatment of this disease, have proved fatal to the sufferer.—You are to depend on the lancet; and in the next and most important instance, on purging well with large doses of calomel and jalap. On the first appearance of this disease, give a good puke of tartar emetic, so as to cleanse well the stomach— taking care to make its operation fully effective, by giving warm chamomile tea. When the fever comes on, bleed free- ly, and regulate the quantity of blood drawn, by the symp- 154 gunn's domestic medicine. toms and the severity of the attack: then give or adminis- ter, if to an adult or grown person, twenty grains of calo- mel and twenty of jalap; and if this is not sufficient, repeat the dose with thirty grains of calomel, and work it off' if necessary with castor oil—salts—or senna and manna; [for dose see table of medicines.] By these active purgatives, given in time, you will in nine cases out of ten, give relief in a few hours; nor keep your patient lingering perhaps for weeks, and at length lose him. The administration of small doses of calomel, say of eight or ten grains, has been productive of call: the injury that has disgraced the profes- sion respecting the use of calomel, for several years past. A large dose*always carries itself off; whilst a small one remains, in the system, and frequently does much mischief, if neglected to be carried off by castor oil, or some laxa- tive medicine^ therefore let • me urge you as you value the recovery ana life of your patient, to give active and pow- erful purgatives of calomel. The only danger in this dis- ease, arises from giving tonic or strengthening medicines, before the stomach and bowels are completely cleansed by an evacuation of their contents. If the fever should still continue, notwithstanding the administration of the foregoing medicines, my plan is to follow Dr. Rush's famous prescription, of ten grains of calomel and ten of jalap; the frequency of which prescription with the Doctor, pro- cured "him among his students, the ludicrous nickname of "Old Ten in-ten." But the fact is, that this dose, after the stomach and bowels have been thoroughly cleansed, acts well upon the skin, and as a purge, drives the sweat from every pour, thereby lessening and finally breaking the fever. During this fever; generally speaking, the skin is obstin- ately dry, and it therefore becomes important, that a deter- mination should take place to the surface—in other words, that a moisture or sweat should take place on the skin, for the purpose of breaking the fever: therefore the nitrous powders should be given. The directions for making them are: to sixty grains of saltpetre, add sixteen grains of cal- omel, and one grain of emetic tartar. Mix them wcil glnn's domestic medicine. 155 together by pounding them very fine; divide them next into eight powders, and give one of them in a little honey or syr- up, every two or three hours." Emetic tartar made weak with water, and given at intervals, will produce the same effect; antimonial wine, and sweet spirits of nitre, mixed in equal quantities, and a tea-spoonful given occasionally, or every hour, will have the same effect; for antimonial wine is nothing more than emetic tartar mixed with wine, and sweet spirits of nitre is made from salt petre. Ipecacuan- ha, in doses of one or two grains, repeated every two or three hours, is also a good remedy, to produce sweating. In this disease you will sometimes have an obstinate, severe nnd tedious case; in which you will find that the most active purgatives will not answer your wishes and expectations. Here the warm bath combined, will be found excellent, in relaxing the system and taking off the strictures of the ves- sels: and when you make use of the bath, be particular in making it of a temperature pleasant to the patient. Al- ways follow the bath with injections or glysters, made of warm soar.-suds; or molasses and water, pleasantly warm but not hot, to which may be added a little vinegar; these injections will cool the bowels, and remove from the larger intestines any offensive matter. When the fever is on, the sponging or wetting the body with cold vinegar and water, will reduce the heat of the body, and be a great source of comfort to the sick person. If there is a pain in the head, cold applications of vinegar and water, will be of much benefit in relieving the violence of the pain. On the decline of this fever, night sweats sometimes occur: in these cases, use elixirMtriol, and gen- tle exercise in the open air. In Bilious fevers, a want of sleep and watchfulness often occur; the warm bath and a pillow of hops, and the room kept dark and all things quiet, will no doubt procure the desired tranquility; and if no in- flammatory action or considerable fever exists, a dose of laudanum may be administered. The misfortune in the country is, that many persons who come-to sit up with the sick, talk so incessantly as to prevent the sick person from having the repose necessary for promoting a speedy recov- 156 gunn's domestic medicine. cry:—and it may be important here to remark, that when- ever laudanum or opium is given, the person must be kept undisturbed and perfectly quiet.—When the stomach is ir- ritable, warm mint leaves stewed in spirits and applied to the pit of the stomach, will be proper—and then if the ir- ritability should continue, the application of a cataplasm of mustard seed,.or a large blister, wilf infallibly relieve irritation*, and quiet the stomach. I have now taken a comprehensive view of this disease, and given plainly and simply the remedies, and shall close with the following remarks. If the calomel taken in this fever salivates, you should not' be alarmed or uneasy, but consider it a source from which you have derived safety to your patient; for when Bilious Fever is dangerous, the sooner salivation takes place, after the stomach and bowels have been thoroughly cleansed, the safer for the patient. It \i to produce this effect, that physicians give small doses of calomel every two hours, say from one to two grains, in any kind of syrup; for, when salivation is produced, you may consider the danger of the patient at an end, the rest depending altogether on care and good nursing. After good purging, without salivation, I have found good nursing and kind attention, the best and most salutary medi- cine. Cooling drinks slightly acid, will be proper: and when the fever is subdued, cold chamomile tea may be given as a drink; or a bitter made with dog wood-bark, pop- lar bark, and Virginia snake root, may be given as a cold tea, in small quantities, as the stomach will bear. XERVOUS FEVER, This fever carries in its title or name, its true character; because it affects the whole nervous system, and produces a tremulous motion of the body and limbs; the system seems to be sinking; there is a clammy, cold, and unnatural perspiration or sweat on the skin, and the pulse is extreme- ly weak. Next, the sweat subsides, and the skin becomes ginn's domestic medicine. 157 dry and hot to the touch; and at the same time, the arte- ries of the temples and neck throb and beat with considera- ble action. The sleep is very much disturbed and unre- freshing; the countenance sinks or seems to change from its natural expression of feature, to a ghastly appearance: the tongue becomes dry, and frequently trembles, when put out, and with the teeth and gums, soon become covered with a dark buff-colored scurf; the spirits flag, and the mind broods over the most melancholy feeling, without knowing the cause; the sight of food is very unpleasant and some- times disgusting, the stomach being generally much debilit- ated and weak; the diliiculty of breathing becomes very considerable, and sometimes the hands are glowing with heat, whilst the forehead is covered with sweat. The symptoms, considered very dangcousarc a constant inclin- ation to throw off the cover; a changing of the voice from its usual tone; great vigilance or watchfulness; picking at the bed-clothing; inability to hold or retain the urine; invol- untary discharges from the bowels; hiccupping; a muttering as if speaking to one's sell; a wild and fixed look, as if the eyes were riveted upon some particular object; if these lat- ter symptoms occur, there is little to expect but that the case will terminate fatally. This fever originates from putrid animal and v domestic medicine. cians, has correctly and elegantly described the remedies for indigestion, in nearly the following language. There is a great error committed almost every day in this disease, which is by flying to medicines at once, whenever the func- tions of the stomach and liver appear to be disordered, and the food imperfectly digested. Instead of taking purgative medicines day after day, we should lessen and simplify the food, in order to prevent the formation of such things in the body, as will assist to produce and increase the disease; but in attempting to induce a patient to adopt this rule; I am aware that great prejudices are to be overcome. The patient feels himself getting weaker and thinner; and he flies immediately to nourishing food, and tonics and strengthen- ing medicines for a cure: but he will generally be disappoint- ed in the end by this plan. From four ounces of gruel every six hours, under any states of indigestion, he will derive more nutriment and real strength, than from half a pound of animal food, and a pint of the best wine. Whenever he feels any additional uneasiness or discomfort, in mind or body, after eating, the patient has erred in the quantity orqual- ity of his food, however restricted the one or select the other. If the food and drink irritate the nerves of the stomach, they must be reduced and simplified down even to the gruel diet above alluded to. I have known dyspeptic patients gain flesh and strength, on half a pint of good gruel, taken three times in twenty-four hours, and gradually bring the stomach step by step, up to the point of digesting plain an- imal food. On a biscuit and a glass of water, I have known persons who were afflicted with this disease to dine for months in succession; and on this small portion of food, to obtain a degree of strength, and a serenity of mind, be- yond their most sanguine hopes. You will perceive, that in all the different forms of Indigestion, diet is the first thing, and the principal cure in this disease; and rely upon it, for I^issert it from sad experience in my own person, that it is absolutely vain to expect a cure, unless you have courage and perseverance to reap the fruits of such a svstem as I have laid down to you in diet, and not to change it, however strongly you may be tempted by the luxuries of the table, ginn's domestic medicine. 177 and the seductions of convivial society, and when you have escaped the miseries of this worst of human affliction, you must be extremely careful how you deviate from the right diet which has restored you to health; for no disease is so liable to relapse as Indigestion. An unrestrained indulg- ence in a variety of dishes, or vegetable and fruit, or a debauch in drinking, will be certain of making the poor dyspeptic patient pay dearly, in suffering and wretched- ness of feelings, for his straying from the correct path of temperance and propriety. The least over-exertion of the stomach, caused by its being overloaded or too highly stim- ulated, will be certain to cause you to be on the stool of repentance for some time afterwards. As soon as you have the least reason for supposing that you are laboring under Indigestion, commence first with an active purgative consisting of ten grains of calomel, ten of rhubarb in fine powder, and ten of aloes likewise finely powdered. These three articles are to be mixed well together, and made into pills, with honey or syrup. After this purgative medicine, which is intended to clear the stomach and bowels of all their unhealthy and injurious contents, which always when present, keep up a constant irritation in the stomach and in- testines no more very active purges are to be given—be- cause the frequent and almost constant employment of ac- tive purges, always do more harm than good, by unneces- sarily weakening the system: one satisfactory evacuation by stool in the course of the day is quite sufficient; and by more than this, the stomach and bowels are teased, thereby producing debility—the real parent of morbid irritation. When this state of the body is avoided, and the stomach and bowels at the same time kept sufficiently easy and clear, and the temperate abstemiousness I have advised strictly fol- lowed, the poor sufferer under Indigestion, may hope and confidently expect an extinguishment of the flames of his torture. A little rhubarb root chewed at night—or the following simple pill will be of service. Take of rhubarb in powder half a drachm, ofcastile soap one drachm, and of ipecacuan- ha in powder half a drachm, mix them well together in honey 1 78 gunn's domestic biedicine. or any syrup, t© which add a little powdered ginger, to make the mixture pleasant to the stomach: make it into thirty pills, one of which you must take every morning, noon and at night; this will give a tone to the stomach and bowels, but as an alternative; and keep them gently open—this is an innocent and most useful pill, and will afford great re- lief, with proper exercise and diet. A tea spoonful or a table spoonful of common charcoal, pounded very fine, and taken three times a day in a tumbler of cold water, is an excellent remedy in this complaint. This article is made in a proper mapner, by taking a lump of common charcoal made of any kind of wood, and burning it over again in an iron ladle or skillet, to a red heat: then suffering it to cool —and pounding it as before directed. This coal powder, ought to be immediately pui into a bottle and corked tightly, in order to exclude the action of the air on it—and when- ever any of it is used as before mentioned, the cork ought immediately to be returned to the bottle. The quantity of the charcoal used, must be regulated so as to produce moderate operation by stool. I have known hundreds re- lieved by this simple and innocent remedy, when the diet has been properly attended to. after many other remedies had been tried in vain. Physicians call this pounded char- coal, carbo ligni, in their learned prescriptions; which I have often found very powerful in relieving diseases of the liver, when other remedies "had totally failed. Epsom salts and magnesia in equal quantities, ground fine in a mortar, and given in doses of a tea spoonful in a glass of cold, wa- ter, every morning on an empty stomach, is also a fine remedy in Indigestion or Dyspepsia—and if necessary at any time to have the bowels gently opened, will always be found beneficial and effective. When the stomach and bowels have been kept free from irritation for any length of time, by the mild treatment I have laid down; when the tongue becomes clean; when the sleep becomes more refreshing; and when the mind be- comes tranquil, the spirits something animated, and the head clear, fresh beef made into a weak soup, may be ven- tured on, with a little well boiled chicken; by this diet you ounn's domestic medicine. 179 may gradually try the powers of the stomach, and know by your feelings how much they will bear without injury. If it produce uneasy feelings, such as before described, to either the min°i or body—or to both—within the day or uirrht of this trial of animal food, it should be lessened in quantity. If that will not do, you must entirely relinquish it, and resume the old diet of gruel. When animal food can be taken, without producing any pain and uneasi- ness, you may gradually increase it according to your feelings. Begin with one ounce of animal food, and grad- ually increase the quantity, but with g. eat caution. After a while you may venture on simple food, so that by degrees your stomach may acquire some strength and firmness, which it will now do beyond your most sanguine expecta- tions; but you must always remember, to eat just such a quantity as will produce no uneasiness or languor after eat- ing; no unhappy feelings of body or mind during digestion. U is quite unnecessary forme to enumerate all the kinds of food wdiich it will be improper for you to eat; I have already explained to you, that the most simple food is the best. Milk and rye-mush is an excellent dish in this complaint; and I have known many persons, who, by using it six months together, without any anin al food, have been en- tirely and permanently cured. No hot bread is to be used at all; stale bread and biscuit, the older the better, but without any butter, are very good in this complaint. How often have I been asked by my dyspeptic patients this ques- tion: Is it. impossible to cure Indigestion without resorting to low and very abstemious diet? I have always said it is impossible—and I now repeat it, for the ten thousandth time; and those who think otherwise will find, if they act up to their opinions, that after spending their money, and making apothecary shops of their bodies, that all the medi- cal remedies in the world, without very temperate and ab- stemious living, are not worth one cent? Always have patience; there must be time for every thing, and particu- larly for the cure of Indigestion. Reflect on the length of time, and the great variety of causes which produce this disease, and you will soon see that it cannot be cured in a 130 gunn's domestic medicine. few hours, or in a few days. The stomach, like a weary traveller worn down by fatigue, requires rest, tranquillity, and cooling diet, to allay the feverish state of the system, produced by high and long con inued excit«*»nent, and per- haps by terrible, excesses! Cold water is the only proper drink; and to persons who have been accustomed 10 the use of spirituous liquors, some gentle bitter may be taken, but in very small quantities. But in respect to drink, 1 am perfectly convinced that wa- ter alone is the best drink for persons afflicted with this dis- ease of the stomach. After a complete change has taken place in the system, by a low, regular, and very abstemi- ous diet, for some months—the patient will find, if it should agree with his stomach, which his own feelings will soon ell him, immense benefit from taking a mixture, com pound- ed of equal quantities of the root of the poplar, the bark of the wild cherry-tree, and the bark from the root of the dog- wood, with a small portion of black snake-root, made into bitters With old whiskey or very old rum. This bitters must stand four or five days before being taken; and then given in small doses, diluted with water, three times in each day—but if it occasions any unpleasantness of feeling or sensation, in the stomach or head, it must be immediately discontinued. Tonic or strengthening medicines are nev- er to be given in the fever stages of Indigestion, or while the .slightest irritation exists, or the consequence will prob- ably be, an inflammation which will terminate fattally. The warm or tepid bath should be frequently used in this complaint, taking particular care to rub over the stomach wrell with a brush in the bath, and a coarse towel immedi- ately on leaving 'u\. For bathing, and the manner of pre- paring the warm or tepid bath, look under the head Warm Bath. Injections or clysters of simple milk and water, luke-warm, or of warm water with a table spoonful of hog's lard mixed with it, thrown up into the bowels, occa- sionally, will be of much service in this disease: because they will remove any irritable matter which may remain in the lower intestines, thereby lessening one of the greatest enemies you have to contend with, which is morbid irrita- gunn's domestic medicine. 181 bility. For clysters—look under that head. Clysters, con- stantly used with the warm bath, will obviate or do away the necessity of taking medicines by the stomach, and very much expedite the cure of the afflicted sufferer. In this disease, the acid or sour belchings may be corrected or re- moved, by the simple use of magnesia or chalk: a tea spoonful of either of which articles, may be taken in a wine or stem glass of cold water. The charcoal prepared as I have before mentioned, is also well adapted to removing this unpleasant and irritable state of the stomach arising from acid. I have now given a faithful, plain, and full description of this tedious and most afflicting malady, called Dyspepsia or Indigestion—together with an account of the most ap- proved remedies for its removal. CONSUMPTION. Consumption spreads its ravages in the haunts of gaiety, fashion, and folly—but in the more humble walks of life where the busy hum of laborious industry is heard, it is seldom known. In the last stage of this dismal waste of life, although there are many means of alleviating, in some degree, its miseries, there is neither remedy nor cure for this disease—and yet so flattering is Consumption, even when very far advanced that the unfortunate victim fre- quently anticipates a speedy recovery, and is preparing for some distant journey for the renovation of health, when in a few days, perhaps a few hours, his wearied feet must pass the peaceful threshold of the tomb, and his body sink to everlasting rest; thousands are yearly falling in the spring-time of life by the untimely stroke of this most fatal of diseases, and although, medical men have for ages been endeavoring to> put a stop to its ravages. I assert it with- out fear of contradiction, that in the last stage of consump- tion, there is no remedy within the whole circle of medi- cal science, that will cure the disease, but I have no doubt the period will arrive, when this formidable enemy of the 132 gi/nn's domestic medicinb. human species, will be subdued by some common and sim- ple plant, belonging to the vegetable kingdom, which is at this period totally unknown; for I have always been im- pressed with a decided belief, that our wise and beneficent Creator has placed within the reach of his feeble creature man, herbs and plants for the cure of all diseases but old age, could we but obtain a knowledge of their real uses and intrinsic virtues. I wish it to be distinctly understood, with respect to what I have said of this disease, that I mean Consumption alone, and entirely unconnected with any other complaint. The cure of Consumption should always be attempted in its forming state, before it produces active symptoms of cough, or matter from the lungs, or inflammatory or hectic fever. I have often seen this fatal complaint cured by attention to it, in the first symptoms, but how often are they permitted to steal gradually on, creating no alarm or uneasiness, mistaking it for a simple cold, until it makes considerai le progress, and the complaint becomes permanently seated in the system. Consumption. can easily be distinguished from any other disease by the following symptoms, the patient complains of weakness on the least bodily exertion, the breathing is hurried, oppress- ed on ascending any steep place, the pulse small, and quick- er than natural, a feeling of tightness as if a cord was drawn across the chest; slight, short, dry cough, becoming more troublesome at night; a spitting of white frothy spittle termed by physicians, mucus. As this disease advances, the spitting becomes more copious and frequent, and some- times streaked with blood, of a tough, opake or dark sub- stance, solid and of a yellow or green color, having an unpleasant or fetid smell when throwm on burning coals, or if this matter is put into pure water, it sinks to the bot- tom of the vessel, by this simple test, you can easily distin- guish it from mucus which has no smell, and separates into small flaxes, and floats upon the surface of the water—there- by enabling you to judge as to the progress or formation of this complaint. Consumption is considerably advanced when the follow- ing symptoms occur: a pain in the chest, and in the side,, ounn's domestic medicine. 183 which is increased by exerting the voice by long or loud talking; pulse is quick and hard, generally from one hund- red to one hundred and fifteen strokes in a minute; the urine or water is highly colored, and deposits in the urinal or pot a mudny sediment; the palms of the hands, and the soles of the feet, have a dryness and burning sensation; one cheek, and frequently both cheeks, have a flush or reddish hue, exhibiting itself about the middle of the day. This flush lasts one or two hours, when a remission takes place un- til the evening, when the feverish symptoms again return, accompanied frequently by a shivering or cold sensation, continuing until after midnight, then terminating in a pro- fuse perspiration or sweat, occasioning great prostration or weakness. In the last stage of Consumption, the whole countenance assume a ghastly and cadaverous look, the white part of the eyes have a pearly and unnatural appear- ance, while the eye itself beams with sparkling animation and lustre; the cheek-bones are prominent, the mouth and throat resembles or looks like that of *a child having the thrush; the legs swell, the nails are of a livid or purple color; frequent purging, ending in profuse sweating, cough hollow, difficulty of respiration or breathing, and the patient has a restless and disturbed slumb r; during sleep, a curious noise is made from the throat, like suffocation, occasioned by the collection of matter or pus, in the throat and mouth: when these last symptoms make their appearance, the period is last approaching, when the unhappy sufferer will lay his weary and aching head in the calm and peaceful mansions of the dead. The alarming increase of Consun ptions in the United States, affords an ample field for medical re- search; the bills of mortality taken in the various cities show the immense number who die in the flower of life, by this merciless disease. In three years, the number of deaths in the British metropolis, is stated to be fifty two thousand, two hundred and thirty-seven; and among these, were, under the general head of Consumptions, seventeen thousand, five hundred and fifty-nine—making the number of deaths annually in London, by Consumption, three thou- sand. 184 gunn's domestic medicine. The rapid progress made in our country by this fatal complaint, is sufficient to serve as a warning to every par- ent, and head of a family, in order to avoid those causes, which, sooner or later, end in this unmanageable disease. The causes which produce Consumption are, exposure to cold & damp air, using tobacco to excess, either by smoking, chewing, or by using it in snuff to clean the teeth, acting as a powerful stimulant, thereby producing irritation; the use of spirituous liquors to excess; obstructions and inflam- mations of the lungs; the suppression of natural discharges, particularly the menstrual discharge or courses; scrofula, diseases of the liver and stomach, and unfortunately, receiv- ing a hereditary disposition or taint to this disease from father or mother. The narrow chest and high shoulders, weakness of the voice, whiteness of the teeth, fairfess of complexion, and light hair, have all been observed to accom- pany a predisposition to consumption. Much reliance hov/ever cannot be placed upon these signs, except where' a number of them concur in the same person. While the empire of fashion bears so arbitrary a sway, and the followers of pleasure are bound by the fascination of exam- ple, and the contagious influence of that spirit, which in- sinuates itself into the bosom of each and every one of its votaries, so long will the sage precepts of wisdom be un- heeded till the emaciated form, the glassy eye, and hectic blush, speak in language too strong for utterance, that the disease is established and the yawning grave stands ready to receive its devoted victim. I hardly know an object of more tender concern to the anxious parent, or the medical adviser, than a young and beautiful female in the pride and soring of youth, and strength of intellect, borne down by the invasion of a malady, which has so often selected for its sacrifices, the most amiable and interesting beings of God's creation. And when, moreover, all this can be traced to one single act of imprudence, one offering on the altar of fashion, who can forbear to utter a sigh, when they behold a lovely woman, laced to such a degree as to-impede respi- xation or breathing. As well might the hardy Russian or Laplander, amongst his snows, pretend to brave the gunn's domestic medicine. 185 severities of his icy climate in the flowing robes of tropical indolence, as a female to indulge in the Grecian costume or dress, under the influence of such a change as we experi- ence during the winter and spring months. This predispo- sing debility for consumption runs in families, and may be traced from generation to generation—moving on the lead- en pinions of unshaken time, without a remedy to arrest its course. REMEDIES. The cure for this formidable complaint is to be attempted by a removal to a warm climate at an early stage of the disease, and to attend to the preservation of an equal tem- perature in the atmosphere which the patient breaths, a sud- den or frequent alteration of heat and cold is fatal to an ir- ritable consumptive system, if possible consumptive persons should remove to a warm climate the moment a predisposi- tion is discovered; a change to a warm or temperate at- mosphere during the winter months, may be the means of removing the predisposing cause to this complaint; it is however, to be regreted, that this change is often delayed until a late period of this disease, when the strength is so much exhausted that sufferers can not take sufficient exer- cise to assist the climate in restoring health, it is then too late, and the unfortunate victim of this complaint had better remain at home, for by leaving it, he is deprived of the .at- tention of the society of his friends, and exposed to much un- necessary fatigue and anxiety of mind. If the disease is so far advanced as to prevent the patient from going out of doors in the winter months, his chamber or room should be kept warm at an even temperature by a stove; the unpleas- ant smell which frequently arises from a stove in a close room, may be removed by burning tar upon it, this fumiga- tion or vapour, constantly inhaled or breathed, is considered by physicians as a valuable remedy in Consumption; the usual method of inhaling the vapour or steam, is by putting a small quantity of tar into a coftee-pot or earthern vessel, which is to be heated and the fumes inhaled from the stem 18G gunn's domestic medicine. of the vessel, this simple but valuable remedy, allays the violence of the cough, and produces a free and copious dis- charge of mucus or matter, inhaling of the vapour ari- sing from warm water with a little vinegar added to it, sev- eral times during the coarse of the day, will assist in pro- moting the discharge and tranqui.ize the cough. These valuable but simple remedies should not be omitted in this complaint. Bleak winds, night air, and exposure of every kind must be strictly avoided, the body should be well de- fended by wearing flannel next the skin, also the feet prop- erly secured from the damp; frictions or in other words, rubbing the whole body with a brush or coarse towel from fifteen to twenty minutes in the morning, and at night, will be of great service in thisd sease; the friction to be contin- ued twice a day, as long as the complaint lasts. As nothing tends more to aggravate the symptoms of a Consumption at an early stage than a desponding mind, brooding over real or perhaps imaginary calamities, every thing should be done to cheer the spii its, such as cheerful society, music, &c. &c. Be careful to regulate the bowels, if possible by diet, and by friction (as before described,) but if -recourse must be had to medicine, let it always-be mild, and in no larger doses than are necessary to discharge or move the bowels, for this purpose clysters of simple milk and water thrown up the bowels, or warm water with a tea spoonful of hog's lard will be proper, (for clystering and the method of adminis- tering them look under that head) rhubarb root chewed in small quantities at night will produce a motion, Epsom suds and magnesia mixed and ground fine in a mortar, dose a tea spoonful in half a pint of cold water—or a table spoonful of common charcoal pounded very fine in the same quantity of water, for the method of making and preserving this in- nocent but valuable medicine, read Indigestion. The con- sumptive patient should daily take as much exercise as his strength will admit of except when the weather is unfavor- able, the best exercise will be riding on horse-back, but if this produces fatigue, substitute the use of some kind of carriage, or a swing, so constructed as to admit a chair in it, for the patient to recline or rest when fatigued: In my prac- ounn's domestic medicine. 187 tice I have used a large basket of a sufficient size to admit a small bed to be placed in it, the patient can lay at full length, and receive the advantages to be derived from the swing, without experiencing any fatigue, this basket is about six feet in length and two feet in width, haying six handles by which it is suspended to the ceiling, with ropes, or in any convenient place, free from damp or moist atmosphere. In whatever exercise is taken, the greatest care, must be observed to guard against cold in any manner whatever, for this important reason tubercles or ulcers of the lungs are formed in the winter in cold climates, and their progress to suppuration kept back in the summer, and this is the cause why I urge your removal to a warm climate at an early period of this disease, for when tubercles or ulcers become permanently seated in the lungs, the case may be considered incurable, but palliative remedies may be given with proper diet, and change of climate, as to prolong the life of the unfortunate victim of this disease;—1 shall explain for the satisfaction of my reader, what is meant by the lungs and their structure. In anatomy it denotes the viscera or lobes in the cavity of the breast, by which we breathe; they are connected with the neck, and situated on the right and left side of the heart; being furnished with innumerable cells which are formed by the descent of the wind pipe into the 1 ungs, those bronchial tubes communicate w i. h each other; and the whole appears not unlike a honey comb, the most im- portant use of the lungs, is that of respiration or breathing, by which the circulation of the blood is supposed to be effec- ted, the evacuation of the feces or excrement, and urine, greatly depends on the constant action of the lungs, but likewise the sense of smelling is enjoyed by inhaling the air; and it is cheitlv by the organic structure of these vessels, that mankind are enabled to speak;—lastly, they perform theoflice of excretion, andexpel those useles matters, which if retained in the system, would be productive of fatal con- sequences. The treatment of consumptive persons must be regulated according to the manner in which this disease shows itself, an energetic course of practice by the physician in the first stage or symptoms of this disease may be the 188 gunn's domestic medicine. means of saving the life of his patient, or in other words preventing confirmed Consumption if there is a pain in the side, or breast, accompanied by cough with fever, the patient should be bled immediately, the quantity of blood taken must be regulated by the constitution, strength and habits of the person, bleeding should be continued every third day if the inflammatory symptoms continue to exist, regulating the quantity of blood, by the strength and feverish state of the patient. I have generally found in my practice that after bleeding moderately, the symptoms considerably abated, the fever diminished, less pain in the breast or side, cough relieved and the respiration or breathing much improved, after the inflammatory action is subdued, apply a blister over the breast, and side, if necessary from pain, this blister is to be kept discharging or running, and should it heal, put on another; the object being to continue a drain or run- ning as much as possible (similar to a seaton or rowel) as you value the life of your patient, enforce a rigid and low diet, of the most simple nature, for hundreds die from im- prudence in this respect who might be relieved if they could but have courage and firmness to live on gruel and milk,and avoid altogether animal or stimulating food. I have had an opportunity of testing the effects of low diet in Consumption and I feel fully satisfied, that it is highly essential in the cure of this disease. In the early stage of this alarming com- plaint, give an emetic or puke of ipecacuanna: [see table for dose:] and repeat this emetic, once or twice a week as the ob- struction or case may require, this is to be continued through the disease, and much benefit will result from it, for I rely very much on emetics in my practice in consumption,for the purpose of moderating the irritation of the system and allaying cough and fever, give small doses of tartar emetic of half a grain dissolved in a small quantity of flax seed tea, balm or sage tea, slippery elm tea, marsh mallow tea, any of which may be used, the tartar emetic must be gradually increased and given at intervals until the irritation subsides, if the tartar emetic affects the stomach or bowels, add a few drops of laudanum to each dose. By a little caution the emetic tartar may be gradually increased with much gunn's domestic medicine. 1S9 benefit to the patient by lessening the fever, allaying the cou and I must have the hooping-cough, because it was in the neighborhood, though I had had it severely when a child, which all my friends, as well as myself could perfectly re- member. My fever was violent, my strength entirely fail- ed, and was on the point of suffocation ten times a day: I eoughed all night; my bed was wet through with perspi- ration; I became almost a skeleton, from the bilious state of my stomach, an emetic was administered, after which my appetite entirely failed, though I still continued to swal- low meat, wine, and the most stimulating medicines. A large boil appeared on my breast, after the blister I had insisted upon having applied; this circumstance I urged as an evidence of disease within, but it was not regarded. Whilst the blister continued to discharge, my cou^h was somewhat alleviated: but the day after it closed, I had a more severe and distressing chill, preceding the afternoon fever, than I had ever experienced. While the fever of that day was raging, the cough and suffocation threatened immediate death. The spasm became extreme, my sen ses failed, at last were entirely gone. In the struggle an ulcer gave way, and when I opened my eyes again, I was expectorating with the most agonizing cough, large quan- tities of matter mixed with blood. This was the first time 1 had expectorated any blood, though it had frequently been discharged from my head, which I had often urged as a reason for a different mode of treatment. I then saw, wdiat was my exact situation; I wondered at my late blind- ness. I had watched my sister through the whole progress of her disorder, saw her endure the same agony, with the gunn's domestic medicine. 197 same result, and then sink rapidly into the arms of death- I, therefore, gave up all hope; I considered all aid as too late. However, to satisfy my mother .wife, and sister, I sent to a town at some distance, for a physician wdio had formeily been at the point of death with the same disease, and who had seen my sister during her illness. The pain in my side now, for the first time, came on, and as the ul- cer increased, and new ones were formed and discharged on the opposite lobe of the lungs, my condition became in- supportable; in whatever position I was placed in the bed, it was almost impossible to turn from it, on account of the lancinating pains, the extreme soreness within, and the suf- focating weight which a word or a motion would produce. In an upright position, I was but little easier. The gen- tleman for whom I had sent, came, hut made no change in the treatment, till after he had watched by me, almost the whole time, for two days and nights. He then said that an entirely opposite course, carried to the last extreme, nughtpossibly save me; at least it would.relieve me from the raging fever, and dreadful suffocation under which I then labored, and which every day threatened to I e instant- ly fatal, and that I should sink more gradually and with less pain. I acquiesced. It was then January; he tempera- ture of my room, both night and day, was kept' by a ther- mometer, at 55 deg's of Fahrenheit, which was not suffi- ciently warm to be agreeable; if increased, my fever be- came extreme, and if colder, my cough insupportable. In the first four days after this treatment was commenced, beef soup, wine, coffee, bark and opium, which I had boen taking to support me, were prohibited, though I had no ap- petite, and was rapidly sinking. Three tea-cups of milk and water, in twcnty-fourhours, with a littlebread dried in an oven and pounded, with three wine glasses of tea made of Iceland moss, taken cold, half an hour before the milk was taken; a very small quantity of cicuta v as substitu- ted for the opium. I do not, however, attribute much to the cicuta. I was bled moderately three times in the first four days during the fever; I had bleeding from the noso «i*ery morning, for two months after this prescription, and 198 gunn's domestic medicine. frequently, also, from my lungs, in the most violent parox- ysm of coughing, which was easily distinguished from the other, by its color, and the sensation when it was for- ced away. Mv breast was covered with blisters, put on eveiy night and morning; these means, however, appeared too slow; accordingly, on the sixth day, on the right side over the most painful ulcer, sulphuric acid and the alkali were applied, producing, in a week, a sore which almost exposed the surface of the ribs. This plan was continued for three months without intermission, and afterwards, with some intervals of a week, for a year; rhubarb, sufficient to move my bowels, was given every night. The regular bleeding at the nose rendered venesection unnecessary for a month; and after its cessation, it was performed as often as was requisite for some time, amounting to thirteen times in the course of a few months. As soon as I was able to trav- el, if pain and fever returned, and blistering did not remove them, I was bled and lived on tea and bred; after eating even milk for five or six days, I was obliged to intermit it. For twenty-two days my physician continued with me eve- ry night till 2 o'clock, regulating according to circumstan- ces, the bed clothes; my limbs were frequently rubbed. I was put on a wooden horse, or an elastic board, which was moved by an assistant; at first, I could not sit upon it more than five minutes, but in six weeks, I could ride with facility, and move myself with a staff with several bars through it to exercise my hands many hours in the day. My appe- tite was literally starved back again in five or six days; but this was the only good symptom. The same severe treatment was continued; I gained no strength, but was every day apparently at the point of death with suffocation; I would survive the struggle: and throw up matter and blood, with the hard points of tubercles, and then be, for a few hours relieved. To all appearance I wras now much worse, as the treat- ment had taken away my color, except during the fever; my emaciation was extreme, and my mouth and threat were extremely sore. All who saw me, except my family pronounced my case desperate and, that the treatment must gvnn's domestic medicine. 190 be fatal. This however, was my last hope, and with our approbation the physician had the courage to persevere. The prospect grew darker, and seemed on the point of closing forever, when suddenly, on the eighteenth day after the commencement of the treatment, when I was in a state of extreme feebleness, expecting the afternoon paroxysm of fever and suffocation, which would probably be fatal, the fever was protracted an hour later than usual, the cough was not so distressing, the expectoration was less, the suffo- cation did not continue so long, and the lancinating pains were not so great. From that moment I mended slowly. The Doctor left me on the twenty-second day, for a week, and then returned and stayed fifteen days more. I now increased the quanti- ty of my bread and milk, but a little excess, even of milk or oatmeal gruel, increased all the bad symptoms, and obliged me to have recourse to blisters or to be bled. The mere bulk of the most innocent liquid increased my cough; my stomach was now in so good a state, from the regimen I had followed, that I had no longer any bilious complaint. I kept a small piece of sugar candy in my mouth to check the inclination to cough, and suppressed it by main strength, by holding my breath at times; as the lancinating pain in my side was always brought on by it, even when they did not precede it, convincing me that I gained much by resisting the cough. In March, the ulcers healed, and all soreness except of the throat, was gone; though great ten- derness, and frequently pain in my side, accompanied by fe- ver would oblige me to be bled or blistered, or both, for a long time after; still the least excess, even in my simple food,re-produced my bad symptoms. I had an extreme sen- sibility of cold, arising from a constant perspiration, which never lessened till the next September. If checked by cold air, or light covering, the difficult breathing, pain, and fever, were the immediate consequences. I was, therefore; obliged to endure it, and let it wear itself out. All attempts to check it by bracing medicines were equally injurious. 1 rode much during the summer, but if I had not every accommodation, it did me no good. 200 gunn's domestic medicine. I could not bear the wind or the heat. The side-way a motion of carraige: in a rough road, gave me so much pain in my chest, that I was obliged to get out, perpendicualar motion was agreeable on good roads. The slow and easy trot of a horse I could bear, but was then too much exposed both to sun and wind. I mended regularly for two years, living on milk, vegetables, and fruit which had previously undergone some preparation by cooking. I seldom took the smallest quantity of wine, or a mouthful of meat, with- out being obliged to have recourse to diet or venesection, the second winter I was confined to the house for nearly three months, and was very comfortable with such exer- cise as I could use within doors. For several of the last years, I have had no serious return of the complaint. Hive much as others do, but with cau- tion, rarely drink wine, principally because it makes me bilious, rather than affects my lungs; sometimes 1 blister my chest; once in about two years I am bled: and resort to starvation for a common cold, which immediately cures it. I go out at all seasons and in all weathers, and much more rarely suffer from it, than my hardy neighbors, who do not, like me, guard against the weather. I do not believe ^ that a consumption can ever be cured by medicine only, \yithout attention to regimen, air, and exercise. But I think it never should be considered hopeless, because it is a con- sumption, or because it is hereditary." DISEASES OP THE L.IVER. The liver is much more frequently the seat of disease, than is generally supposed, even by many physicians of reputation and experience. The functions it is destined to perform, and on the regular execution of which depends not only the general health of the body, but the powers of the stomach, bowels, brain, and whole nervous system, show its vast and vital importance to human health. When the liver is seriously diseased, it in fact not only deranges the gunn's domestic medicine. 201 vital functions of the body, but exercise a powerful influence over the mind and its operations, which cannot easily be described. It has so close a connexion with other diseases; and manifests itself by so great a variety of symptoms of a most doubtful character-that it misleads, I am well persua- ded, more physicians even of great eminence, than any oth- er vital organ. The intimate connexion which exists be- tween the liver and the brain; and the great dominion which I am persuaded it exercises over the passiS-s of mankind, convince me, and has long since done so, that many unfortunate beings have committed acts of deep and criminal atrocity, or become what fools term hyhochondri- acks, from the simple fact of a diseased state of thi liver. I am well aware, that the remark just made, in allusion to the crimes of mankind, will by many be considered new and daring: to these men I answer, that my business is with truth, regardless of consequences. But to proceed with my subject:—I have long been convinced, and it may be added from experience, that more than one half of the complaints which occur in this country, are to be considered as having their seat in a diseased state of the liver. I will enumerate some of them. Indigestion—stoppage of the menses— disordered state of the bowels—affections of the head—loud- ness of spirits—irritable and vindictive feelings and passions, from trifling and inadequate causes, of which we afterwards feel ashamed-and last, though not least, more than three- fourths of the diseases enumerated under the head consump- tion, have their seat in a diseased liver. I will ask you, reader, of the particular description from which I write, is not this a most frightful catalogue? But, I will add one more of these general indication?, of a diseased liver, before I speak of the symptoms of those particular diseases to which I at first intended to direct my attention. Under the head "■Intemperance," I have spoken on that subject, in general and philosophic terms; but I neglected to mention under that particular head, that a diseased liver is frequent- ly the cause of intemperance, and sometimes the effect of it: and I will now remark, that in either case, when the disease has arrived at a great height and strength, it is next to 202 GUNiVs domestic medicine. impossible fo-eformthe drunkard, without absolutely ope- rating on him for a disease of the liver, by medical reme- dies which will actually affect his physical system.—I will also remark here, that many of those men who are called confirmed drunkards, are only men laboring under a disease of the liver, whose influence they cannot possibly resist by any moral power they possess, without the means I have just mentioned: or medical aid—and this may be the reason why Dr. Rush once alleged, that drunkenness was a disease. How often do we see men, who in their mom ents of sobriety, confess to their friends and families, their improper courses, with a full determination to refrain, and no doubt with every sincerity of heart, who, after refraining from liquor a certain time, become restless, fretful or irri- table, and depressed in spirits; now, I do know, that in hun- dreds of instances, the love of liquor is not the cause of their becoming again intemperate. You will hear those men attempt to describe the wretchedness of their feelings when they abstain from liquor; they cannot do it. Now, reader must not this be a disease, with which the mere love of liquor has nothing to do? There aro two strongly marked forms of diseased liver, requiring entirely diffeient courses of treatment to effect a cure; one is called acute, and the other chronic. The first is known by inflammatory symptoms of fever, accompanied with slight chills, and very much resembles an attack of pleurisy, being characterized by pain in the right side, which rises to the point of the shoulder. On pressing below the ribs on the right side, you will feel the pain more severe. There is sometimes a sharp, and sometimes a dull heavy pain about the collar-bone; you have painful and uneasy sensations on lying on the left side, difficult respiration or breathing, dry and hacking cough, sometimes a vomiting or puking of bilious matter, your bowels are costive your urine or water of a deep saffron color, and the quan* tity made, quite small, great thirst, tongue dry and covered ■with a white fur, hard and frequent pulse, from ninety to one hundred in a minute, and sometimes intermitting, skin gunn's domestic medicine. 203 hot and dry; and after several days continuance of the dis- ease, the skin and whites of the eyes put on a yellow color. On a close examination of the blood drawn from the arm, you will find its appearances somewhat singular. Before it begins to coagulate or congeal, and while the red part is settling to the bottom—and before the buffy or yellow coat is fully formed, it looks of a dull green color; but imme- diately after the full formation of the upper coat, it chang- es from a dull greenish hue, to a yellow. In warm climates, the liver is more apt to be affected with inflammation than any other part of the body;—this is owing to an increased secretion of bile, from the stimulous or heat, and several other causes. The liver is the largest, and most ponderous or heavy of the abdominal viscera or entiails. In adults, by which I mean grown persons, it weighs about three pounds—and serves to purify the blood, by secreting or taking from it the bile. Its situation is im- mediately under, and connected with the diaphragm, gener- ally called the midriff; this is a muscle which divides the tho- rax or chest, from the abdomen or belly. When inflamma- tion of this organ takes place in hot climates, it is a highly dan- gerous disease; which, when spoken of by physicians, is call- ed hepatitus.—When physicians only mean general disease of the liver, they call it in equally general terms, hepatic de- rangement. The disease of the liver sometimes terminates in the formation of matter in an abscess, which has to be discharged, of which more notice will be taken in the prop- er place. Chronic: a term applied to diseases which are of long continuance, and most generally without fever. It is the opposite disease to the acute. When this stage exists, the complexion and countenance put on, or rather assume, a morbid or diseased appearance. You will experience, fre- quently, a giddiness or swimming of the head; a general weakness, and dislike to motion or exercise; frequent head- ache; indigestion; flatulence, or belchings of wind from the stomach, with acid taste in the throat and mouth; pains in the stomach; your skin and eyes will be of a yellow color, similar to jaundice; your urine will be high colored, deposit- 204 gunn's domestic medicine. ing a red brick-dust colored sediment in the urinal or pot, and frequently your water will be mixed with a ropy mu- cus, and "when left some time in the vessel, will form a pink streak round its inside; and your stools will be the co- lor of clay. By attending to these evacuation, their color will be almost a certain characteristic or mark of this dis- ease: observe, however, that when you chew rhubarb root, it will always give your stools this light yellow color; you will experience a dull heavy pain in the region of the liver, W extending to the point of the shoulder, and a great loss of appetite; your whole system will be oppressed with an un- usual sense of fullness; on examination by pressure, there will be felt an enlargment and hardness of the liver; and in some cases', there will be experienced great oppression of respiration or breathing. I must remark, that the symp- toms which I have here described, as indicative of the chronic stage of. this disease, will always depend very much on the length of time the disease has been making its rava- y ges on thesystem, for it may be compared to the midnight assassin, who steals on your hours of rest and security, with a noiseless foot—and deals you the deadly blow! The truth is, that chronic affections of the liver, is a far more: common form of disease in the United States than the acute. A disease of the liver, of the acute form, is produced by all causes which produce inflammation or fever. The chronic form of this complaint, is generally produced in the United States, by the excessive and imprudent use of spirituous liquors. A residence of any continuance irf hot countries, or even in warm climates, where a free and unrestrained course of living is indulged, is almost certain to produce the disease; intermittent fevers of long continuance, are also apt to produce chronic stage of the liver, but I am compelled to say, if I must speak with candor, that I believe more than two-thirds of the whole number of liver com- plaints in the U. States, may be traced to Intemperance. GUNN's DOME8TIC MEDICINE. 205 REMEDIES. For an acute inflammation of the liver, you are to depend principally on the prompt and immediate use of the lancet, by bleeding the patient freely, according to his age, his strength and the violence of his pains. After the bleeding, give an active purge of calomel and jalap—[see table for dose.] If this does not diminish the pain, bleed again and give an active dose of calomel at night, and a dose of epsom salts in the morning.—After the first copious bleeding, I have generally, by giving an active purge of calomel and jalap,- succeeded in lessening the violence of the complaint; but, if it still continued severe, I pursued moderate and fre- quent bleedings, with doses of calomel at night, and epsom salts in the morning, and decreased the bleeding gradually until I stopped it. Apply, also, a large blister over the liv- er, which will assist in mitigating and lessening the pain in the side. Also, cup freely and daily over the liver; if. will be of great benefit by drawing off the blood from the interior. | For cupping look under that head.] Small do- ses of emetic tartar in this stage of the disease, given oc- casionally in sage or balm tea, from one to two grains, will determine to the surface, or in other words produce mois- ture on the skin, and thereby relieve the feverish symp- toms. ]n this stage of the complaint particularly—and in- deed through the whole course of the disease, the warm bath will be found one of the finest remedies. Indeed too much reliance cannot well be placed on warm bathino-, ac- companied by fiction—by which I mean, rubbing the bo- dy well with a brush, immediately after leaving the bath: rhe truth is, that this friction ought by no means to be omit- ted by the patient, I can from experience vouch for its ben- eficial effects. After following the course of practice which I have here laid down, and the disease still continuing obstinate, which it frequently does when it has been of long standing you must depend on mercury. When I speak of this medicine, do- not be alarmed or frightened at its name; for, with the rules 200 gunn's domestic medicine. which I lay down (read under the head mercury,) it will be as easy to manage this medicine as a dose of epsom salts: and the various injuries which result from this valuable medicine, (for without it, it would be impossible to practice medicine with any kind of success,) arise from its abuse: in fact, the injuries sustained by its use are owing to a want of care, and administering it on every trifling occasion, when medicines not so active would answer a much better purpose. There are various preparations of mercury; but, at the head of this article for removing this disease, stands calomel; and thousands of empiricks or quacks of the United States, who publish in every news journal, some long-named reme- dy to cure disease without the use of mercury, are the very fellows who use it most in some disguised form: and in- deed it becomes in this way truly dangerous; for the patient, regardless of weather or exposure, having no knowledge of what he is constantly using, destroys instead of benefits his health—or, in removing one disease, lays the foundation of another stilt worse in its consequences. This medicine is the only sure and positive remedy that can be relied on for the removal of the diseases of the liver, when permanent- ly seated in that organ; and so powerful and necessary is it for the correction of its disorders, that it is called by a distinguished physician—the key of the liver. In adminis- tering this medicine, there are various ways of introducing it into the system, which must be done according to the stage of the disease, and the symptoms of the chronic form. If violent, active mercurial preparations must be used con- stantly, and steadily given. If the symptoms are gradual and not dangerous, the medicine must be in proportion to the state of this disease, and of a milder form of mercurial preparation. By reading under the head mercury, you will there see the different forms in which this mineral is pre- pared—and that it may be given to act promptly or mildly on the system. My course of practice on this disease, has been to employ the use of calomel from an early stage of the disease, after having purged the bowels well, frequently gunn's domestic medicine. 207 by its use alone or combined with jalap. I generally administered in small doses, say from one to two grains ev- ery three hours until salivation took place; or to act with more mildness, about the size of a nutmeg of mercurial ointment, (oil of baze) was rubbed over the region of the liver, every night until salivation was produced. 1 make use of the words, "oil of baze," because they form the name by which the country people usually ask for the article in the shops. When this takes place, you will know it by the fol- lowing circumstances. You will spit freely; the salivary glands will become enlarged, and the throat sore; the gums tender, and the breath have an offensive and peculiar odour, &c. ]n rubbing the ointment over the region of the liver, if any pain or uneasiness is produced by it, which is sometimes the case, you must rub it on the inside of the thighs. In some constitutions, calomel disagrees with the patient; I have had such cases frequently. When this is the case, and your patient's situation requires it, recourse must be had to a milder preparation of mercury—the blue pill. For the method of making this pill, look under the head of Mercury. The usual method of administering this mild and elegant preparation is, by giving a pill twice or three times a day, morning, noon, and night. If the symptoms are less urgent—twice a day will suffice—and if very mild and gradual, a pill at bed-time will be sufficient. Pursue this steadily, until the gums are affected, or a copperish taste is experienced in the mouth: this must be kept up gently un- til the disease is subdued, or some visible -effect is produced upon the system. After the effect is produced, stop the use of mercury—and give time to see the advantage you may have derived from your course of practice.- -The blue pill, although a mild preparation, is not without its inconven- iences. It sometimes occasions griping, pain in the bowels, by which it will at times run off, without producing the effect intended, which is an approach to—or salivation it- self—so as to induce a change or alterative effect on the liver. If this be the result, a small portion of opium or 208 GUNN'S DOMESTfC MEDICINE. laudanum will check this giiping, and prevent the pill from1 passing off without producing the effect intended and desired. Where there are uneasy and unpleasant sensations produced by these medicines, particularly when Dyspepsia or Indi- gestion is connected with a diseased Liver, which is very frequently the case in the United States, there is a consid- erable degree of morbid or diseased sensibility in the stom- ach and bowels, which can generally be removed by joining some innocent and gentle anodyne with them; but where this morbid sensibility does not exist, the anodyne ought to be omitted. When this slow and gradual mercurial taste can be kept up in the mouth for some time, without actually producing a free flow of spittle, or salivation, great benefit Will be felt by the patient;—and I have always found, on an actual salivation being produced,the symptoms entirely re- moved, and a cheerfulness and a change of feelings so dif- ferent, as at once to inspire that confidence of returning health, which can only be communicated by the prudent and careful use of this valuable specific. Persons who are prejudiced against the use of mercury, and there are ma- ny who entertain an unfavorable opinion of its use, wheth- er from having observed its injurious effects from bad treatment, or from the terrible and unfounded tales which are daily circulated respecting it, I cannot say have never witnessed its innocently beneficial effects in diseases of the liver, in as many instances as I have. The fact is, that I have known those very persons travel one hundred miles to abtain relief "without the aid of mercury" from some published quack medicine, who always met mercury under some disguised form. But—with those whose prejudices are not to be removed respecting the use of mercury, I shall give such remedies as are highly recommended in this complaint, by some of the most distinguished physicians of Europe and the United States. The late experiments made with the medicine I am about to recommend, have proved, by their influence in the practice, equal to mercury—in fact they prefer its use in the first instance: for, say they, "if it does not succeed, which is not apt to be the case; it leaves the system in a CUNY's DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 209 much better situation for the use of the last and certain remedy—mercury." This medicine is nitric acid; and may be obtained at any doctor's shop, or wherever medicines are sold, at a very trifling sum. This article, in its pure state, is perfectly colorless, and transparent as pure water. I have frequently received it from the northern cities of a light straw color; but this is not so good as that which is perfectly pure and transparent—and is, in fact, nothing more nor less than aquafortis. It is made of sulphuric acid, which is merely oil of vitriol—and nitrate of potass, which is no more than simple salt petre. Nitric acid, in its pure state, should be cautiously handled, or it will destroy your clothes, and stain your hands of a yellowish color which cannot be washed off. |. It is used by the country people generally, to color the stocks of their rifles. I suppose this caution will be sufficient. It becomes quite harmless, after being diluted or mixed with water. The method of using the nitric acid or aquafortis, is as follows. A quart bottle of water may be made agree- ably sour, that is to suit the taste of the patient, and sweet- ened with sugar so as to make it a pleasant drink. Take as much of this drink from your bottle during the twenty- lour hours, as yourstomach will bear without inconvenience. Sixty drops of this nitric acid, will be sufficient for a quart of water. This medicine, like mercury, must be gradually continued, until some visible effect is produced on the system. This will be felt by an affection of the mouth and glands, and excite spitting, similar to mercurial preparations. In all constitutions of a scorbutic or scurvy habit, or those laboring under great weakness, the nitric acid will be a better remedy than mercury; because it acts as a tonic or strengthening medicine, at the same time that it tends to correct.the scorbutic affection. In several cases, in which I have had opportunities of trying the nitric acid in the form I have mentioned, it has ■ always had beneficial effects, with the exception of the single case of a lady of delecate and irritable stomach: she was compelled to discontinue its use, from the acidity it produced on her stomach. This I endeavored to remedy* 210 GUNN's DOMESTIC MEDICINE. by gentle emetics or pukes, intended to cleanse the stomach of its impurities; and by afterwards giving magnesia, and charcoal, and such other articles, for the purpose of neu- tralizing or destroying the acid. All however did not suc- ceed, and I was compelled to desist. From this practice, and general experience, I apprehended no other difficulty with regard to the beneficial effects of the nitric acid in chronic affections of the Liver, than the simple fact of the patient being unable to take it a sufficient time to produce the effect desired. In such cases as the above, therefore, much benefit will be experienced from the use of the nitro muriatic bath. This valuable and grateful remedy, is by far too much neglected in the United States. The reason of this negleot I apprehend to be, because its application is considered to ■* be attended with some trouble. I recollect a circumstance in point. I directed one of my patients, to bathe his feet every night on going to bed in this bath: "What doctor," said he "every night?"—"or every other night," said I:—he exclaimed—"How much trouble!" This is the reason, 1 have no doubt, why this simple but valuable preparation is so much neglected. But, to those, who like myself, have witnessed the surprising cures produced by its use, the trouble will be considered a matter of no consequence. I shall, for the satisfaction of my reader, relate a case. Mrs. Stoner; wife of John Stoner, of Botetourt county, Virginia, was in the last stage of this disease, and had been attended by several distinguished physicians, who treated her case for consumption. At the time her husband called on me to visit her, his object was merely to procure the administration of some palliative remedies, to soothe her cough, and relieve her obstructed respiration or breathing, which had nearly suffocated her several times: he entertain- ed neither hope nor relief, that any medical assistance could, by any possibility, permanently relieve her. In truth, from what I had heard of her case, I candidly stated to Mr Stoner, that my visits would only be a useless expense; and advised such remedies as were calculated to allay irritation. Two or three days afterward, Mr. S. made a second application, GUNrt's DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 211 and to gratify a tender and affectionate husband, and a numerous and highly respectable connexion, I consented to visit her. On my arrival, I found her situation, as I at first supposed, to be critical in the extreme, in fact, the last stage of consumption; hollow cough—breathing very difficult and obstructed—constant expectoration, or discharge of matter, occasionally streaked with blood—regular paroxysms of fever, accompanied with flushings at midday, and toward evening terminating in profuse sweats—diarrhoea or dysen- tery—in fact, her case was such an exact resemblance of the last stage of consumption, that the most experienced and skilful physician would have been deceived. I re- mained all night; and very attentively examined this, (as I at first supposed,) hopeless case. About midnight she reques- ted some nourishment, which was immediately prepared, and of the lightest kind. She had hardly swallowed it, before it was rejected or thrown up:—and for the first time, I observed the extreme irritability of her stomach. On inquiry, she stated that from her first attack, the slightest food would oppress her stomach with a sense of burning and fullness, and become sour, accompanied with the most unpleasant sensations, until what she had eaten was reject- ed and thrown up. I now questioned her minutely, as to all the symptoms from the commencement of the disease; all her answers fully convinced me, that the liver was the primary seat of the disease. Fully impressed with this opinion, although debilitated in the extreme, and reduced to a mere skeleton, and so weak as almost to faint on the slight- est exertion, I determined, even in this last and almost hope- less stage, to try the nitro muriatic bath. Fearful, that in the usual way, would be productive of fatal consequences immediately on its application, I hesitated some hours; but, with the consent of herself and family, having candidly stated to all parties my serious doubts, as to the success of the remedy in this stage of her case, I proceeded to the use of the bath in its mildest form, by suffering her hand alone to remain in it for fifteen or twenty minutes. In five min- utes after her hand was in the bath, she complained of great aaetsiness in the region of the /iwr.which gradually sub- 12 GUNN's DOMESTIC MEDICINE. sided after withdrawing her hand. This night she rested well. The following morning expectoration was greatly increased. This day I placed both her hands in the bath; there was immediately great oppression; her nervous system became much agitated; and here extremities were becoming very cold. I immediately removed her hands from the bath and she fainted. There was now much increase of pulse; and great oppression of breathing, almost amounting to suffocation. On a sudden, as if by a conclusive effort, she threw up about a pint of yellow bile, similar in color to the yolk of eggs. The oppression for this time ceased; her brea- thing become slow, easy, and regular:—and, by a contin- uance of this bath, gradually persevered in, and moderately increased to sponging the whole body with it—and lastly to using it as a footbath, she improved daily—and in eight weeks I had the satisfaction of seeing her attending to her do- mestic concerns, in tolerable health, which gradually impro- ved until she was entirely restored. The strength of the bath I used was about equal to weak vinegar and water. For the period of about six weeks, during which I was enga- ged in performing this cure, a relative of this lady, the Rev. Mr. Crumpecker, pastor of the Dunkard society, an indi- vidual whose character as a christian, a philanthropist, and a man of integrity, would do honor to any age or country— together with his friend, John Stoner, Sen. were absent on a visit to the State of Maryland. On their return, they were astonished to find Mrs. Stoner, of whom they had taken leave for eternity, in the vigor of comparative health and strength, and attending to all her domestic affairs. I mention the names of these gentlemen particularly, be- cause when they peruse my report of Mrs. Stoner's case as treated by me with the nitro muriatic bath, they will confirm the fact of her entire recovery, from the use of this bath. It may be necessary to state, that Mrs. Stoner's diet consisted of milk and water, and mush and milk—and nothing stimulating—being entirely restrained from animal food. The nitro muriatic bath is formed, by mixing equal parts of the nitric acid and muriatic acid together. You gunn's domestic medicine. 213 must pay strict attention to the following directions, or your carelessness will produce unpleasant consequences. When these two acids come in contact, that is to say, when they are poured together, without having been previously mixed with water separately, a gas, or volume of what appears to be smoke, will immediately fill the whole house. This gas has a very disagreeable smell, and is dangerous to the lungs. The proper manner of mixing- therm is—first, to fill a glass bottle about half full of cold water—next, you must put in one of the acids, and shake it up with water— then, you must put in the other acid, and immediately cork the bottle tightly, occasionally shaking the acids together. This will prevent the unpleasant smell I have mentioned, and retain the virtues of these medicines, if you keep your bottle well corked: the fact is, none other than glass bot- tles with stoppers of the same material, can keep these acids in. Having stated to you how the nitric acid is made, it may be necessary also to communicate the method practiced in procuring the muriatic acid. It is distilled from nothing more than common salt, by means of sulphuric acid, or in other words oil of vitriol. It is less powerful than nitric acid, and is of a deeper yellow color. It ought always to be kept with wax over the cork, so as to prevent the fumes from escaping; they are very unpleasant and in large vol- umes suffocating. But when either of these acids is mixed with water, as I have before directed, and the other then added, they lose all unpleasant effects, and become nothing more than strong acid, like vinegar and water. You will easily perceive by these directions, that you may make the nitro muriatic bath weaker or stronger, as you may think proper. This bath is very easily made at any time; for, by mixing some acid from the bottle before mentioned, with water made pleasantly warm, to about the strength of vine- gar and water, you have the bath. Bathe the feet and le«*s in this bath, from ten minutes to half an hour, according to the strength of the patient, immediately before retiring to bed. If the patient be very weak, bathing one hand a few minutes will be sufficient; if a little stronger, the whole body 214 gunn's domestic medicine. may be sponged with the acid: and if still stronger, the feet and legs to the knees may be bathed, according to the cir- cumstances and the times just mentioned. A narrow wooden bucket or box—sufficient to admit the feet and legs( and to permit the bath to reach the knees, would be advisa- ble: it would be a saving of the acid, the requisite strength of which can always be tested by tasting it. You may preserve the bath or acid in an earthern crock, or in any giass^vessel; aiTd~Dy "warntrng it again, continue to use it when required. It is impossible to specify the time this bath should be used; this must depend on the effect produced, and the strength of the patient. The object is, to bring the system moderately and gradually under its influence; which is ea- sily done, because it may be made so innocent, by applying it very weak, as to be borne in the most delecatc state of the patient. I have witnessed persons being immersed in it to the chin for half an hour; while others, who were very weak and nervous, were strongly affected by the im- mersion of one of the hands. The great advantage of this bath is, that you may regulate its strength to any point ne- cessary. I have no doubt it would be highly beneficial, in Indigestion; and in all depraved states of the biliary se- cretions, producing melancholy and despondency of mind, or in other words, hypochondriasis. The nitro muriatic bath, will be found also a valuable remedy to females. This bath, or the nitric acid taken by the stomach, ought always to be very much diluted with water; and if any very considerable effects are produced, the use of it ought to be stopped for a week or two, and gradually resumed again; whenever it produces very uneasy sensations, you must be guided by your feelings; nor are you ever to take any animal food, or use any stimulants of any kind, while using this bath, or the nitric acid in any way. If the bath- ing, or sponging the body, should not keep the bowels open, or in a laxative state, you must take some simple medicine, such as epsom salts, senna and manna, or aloes, or any thing else that will keep the bowels gently open. In addition to what I have said, it may be remarked in i gunn's domestic medicine. 215 conclusion, that equal quantities of epsom salts and magnesia, ground very fine together in a mortar, and a sufficient quan- tity taken in cold water to keep the bowels gently open, al- ways act beneficially in diseases of the liver; the common dose is from one to two tea spoonfuls, in half a pint of cold water.—Or you may mix equal quantities of jalap and cream tartar, ground fine in a mortar, and give doses of a tea spoonful. This last is a drastic purgative, and acts powerfully on the Liver. I have never used it in my prac- tice, always prefering, as a mild purgative, the salts and magnesia. The low-ground sarsaparilla, found in almost every part of the United States, is also a very good remedy in diseases of the liver; it ought to be taken plentifully, cold, in decoction or tea, I must not omit to remark, and that emphatically and strongly, that the use of the warm bath, as described under that head, will be almost indispen- sable in the cure of all diseases of the liver, and in all-stages of those diseases. I cannot relinquish the subject of diseases of the Liver, without mentioning in terms of almost unqualified appro- bation, my candid opinions of the waters of the Harrods- burg Greenville Springs, situated in the county of Mercer, and State of Kentucky. These waters are well known to operate powerfully and beneficially on the Livek; nor do I believe there has been many instances, if an absolute con- sumption, or an induration of the liver had not taken place,' in which those waters have not been efficient in removing diseases of the liver. Their almost certain efficacy is so well known, that they are frequented by thousands of in- valids, during the summer months, from every part of the United States. And, I would advise all persons laboring under complaints of the Liver—or under Dyspepsia or Indigestion—and who have become hopeless of the influ- ence of medical prescriptions, never to omit, if it be possi- ble for them to travel to those springs, to give those waters a fair trial. They are situated in a beautiful and healthful country, and the accommodations are always such, as to en- sure the comfort and convenience of all invalids who ap- proach them. 216 gunn's domestic medicine. DYSENTERY OR FLUX. This disease is always accompanied with Tenesmus, or a constant desire to go to stool, without being able to pass much of any thing from the bowels, excepting a bloody kind of mucus—which resembles that generally scraped from the entrails of a hog. These desires to go to stool, are usu- ally accompanied with severe griping, and also with some fever. Afier a few days continuance of this complaint, your discharges by stool will consist of pure blood, and matter mixed; and from severe straining to evacuate, parts of your bowels will frequently protrude or come out, which soon becomes a source of great suffering. Dysentery or flux generally takes place about autumn; when the whole body has become irritable by a continuation of warm or rather hot weather, and has been suddenly exposed to cold or damp;—it is also produced by eating unripe or green fruit of any kind; by sudden suppressings or stoppages of the perspiration or sweat; by the eating of some putrid or decayed food; and sometimes it arises, from some pecu- liar cause existing in the atmosphere:—when this is the case, whole neighborhoods and extensive tracts of country are affected by it fatally. REMEDIES. If your patient is vigorous, hale, and generally healthy— and there is considerable fever, the loss of some blood in the first stage of the disease will be proper. But if, on the contrary, the patient be a weakly and delecate person, the loss of any blood would be highly improper and dangerous. First:—cleanse the stomach by an emetic or puke of ipe- cacuanha; then give a purge of calomel; (see table for dose.) —Next:—if the disease does not abate, you must repeat the purging daily with castor oil: this is the best medicine you can possibly use in this complaint. As the stools are gunn's domestic medicine. 217 generally very offensive, you can easily correct them, by giving a tea spoonful of prepared chalk, in a little cold wa- ter, three times a day; this prepared chalk is nothing but common chalk freed of its impurities. Give clysters fre- quently through the day, made of slippery elm; which is to be thrown up the bowels cold. In case of violent pain, bathe the stomach with laudanum, and spirits in which cam- phor has been dissolved; and apply cloths wrung out of hot water to the belly; or blister over the stomach. If the belly is hard, and sore on being touched, grease it well with any kind of oil or lard:—here the frequent use of the wapm bath will be of immense service. When the disease is very obstinate, administer a clyster morning and night, of a mu- cilage of cherry-tree gum—or peach trpe gum, dissolved in water until it will be ropy and gluttinous—in which drop from fifty to sixty drops of laudanum, for grown persons; and so on in proportion to different ages. Throw this clys- ter up the bowels cold; (for the method of doing which, see under the head clyster.) The warm bath, and castor oil, in this disease may safely be depended on. If the de- sire of going to stool is very frequent and painful, introduce up the back side or fundament, (I must speak in plain terms,) a pill of opium of from three to four grains. It must be put up with much care and tenderness; because in this com- plaint the parts are always very sore—its remaining there will greatly allay the irritation of the lower gut, and pro- duce much relief and immediate comfort; the proportions of opium in the pill, must be varied according to the age of the patient. The common black-berry syrup, ought to be prepared and kept in every family in this country, and used freely in this complaint. I frequently apply a remedy in this disease; which I claim as the discoverer; and which very often succeeds, when all others have failed: it is flax seed oil, to be given in the quantity of a table spoonful, twice a day to a grown person, and reducing the dose according to the age of the patient. It may be necessary to remark, that small doses of ipecacuanha combined with opkm; say three grains of ipecacuanha- to half a grain of opium, formed into a pill and given twice a dav, after purging well with castor ^18 GUNN'iJ DOMESTIC MEDICINB. oil, will be an excellent remedy to check this complaint, by producing a moisture on the skin—and allaying the irrita- tion of the bowels. The drinks should be of the mildest kind such as slippery elm tea—flax-seed tea—watermelon- seed tea—and diet of the lightest kind—such as jellies, chicken soup, lamb soup,&c. &c. LAX, os CONSTANT LOOSENESS OF THE BOWELS. Called by physicians Diarrhoea. This disease is unat- tended with any fever, and not contagious or catching, as is the disease immediately before mentioned. It generally prevails among persons of weakly constitutions; persons advanced in years; and those who have lived int.emperately. Many are naturally and constitutionally of this habit of body; and others are subject to its attacks, on the slightest cold or exposure, which at all affects "their bowels. The appearances of the stools in this disease, are very different at different times: sometimes of a thick consistence—sometimes thin; at times of a slimy nature, and then again of a whitish color—changing the green, yellow, dark or brown, depending very much on the food, and the manner in which it agrees or disagrees with the stomach and bowels; sometimes, and that not frequently, it is produced by worms. REMEDIES. First:—give an emetic or puke, in the morning; and at night, for a grown person, give a large dose of castor oil with from thirty to thirty-five drops of laudanum in it—but, al- ways lessen this dose, in proportion to the age of your pa- tient. Next:—a stool is to be produced daily, by the use of the castor oil. When griping attends the complaint, warm garden mint stewed, and placed over the stomach and belly will give relief. When the disease has been brought on by GUNN's DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 219 cold, or sudden stoppages of the perspiration or sweat, use the warm bath, and take some snake-root tea, so as to pro- duce a determination to the surface, or gentle moisture on the skin. This troublesome complaint, frequently continues on many persons through life:—such persons should be par- ticular as to what they eat, and avoid every thing that disa- grees with their stomach and bowels—always taking care to defend their feet against the damp ground, and wearing flannel next to their skins. Friction—or rubbing the whole body, every day, with a brush—particularly over the region of the stomach, liver, and bowels, will be of much service. Old French brandy, taken in moderation, and well diluted with water, is not only a good remedy in this complaint when constitutional, but frequently a preventive against attacks. When worms are presumed to have any influence in producing this disease, which may be suspected from a fetid or offensive breath, the complaint is to be treated for worms:—see which head. When the complaint arises from weakness, opium will be found highly important in restrain- ing its excesses, and removing the debility. By using the clysters of slippery elm, or those made of common starch and warm water, for directions how to use which, [look un- der the head clystering,'] much benefit will result, by coolin» the bowels, and allaying the irritation which always exists in this disease. INFLAMMATION This complaint can easily be distinguished from any other, by its distinctive and peculiar symptoms: it is, therefore, impossible to mistake it for any other disease, if the least attention be paid to the indications of its presence. There is always violent pain in 'the stomach, together with a sen- sation of heat and burning in it. There- is, also, a great increase of pain in the stomach, when any thing is swallow- ed; and an immediate rejection and puking of it up. Also, a sinking and loss of strength; great thirst and uneasiness; a continued moving of the body from side to side of the bed:— and as the disease advances, frequent hiccoughs, accom- panied with coldness of the hands and feet. When these last symptoms occur., hiccoughs and cold extremities, they are extremely unfavorable, and will probably terminate fatally. Inflammation of the stomach is usually produced, by corrosive poisons taken into the stomach, or drinking ex- tremely cold water, when the body is overheated; by re- ceiving violent blows, or wounds in the region of the stom- ach; by the gout; by strong emetics; and lastly, by large quantities of iced liquor taken into the stomach. REMEDIES. This being a very dangerous disease, and the life of the patient depending on the bold and free use of the lancet, you are not to be detered from its use, by any apparent feeble- ness of the pulse. The proper practice is, to bleed freely every few hours, until the inflammation is subdued. As soon as you have subdued the inflammatory symptoms, by frequent bleeding, the patient is to be put in the warm bath, GUNN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 221 where he is to remain as long as possible. You are then to have a large blister prepared, which must be put over the region of the stomach, the moment the patient has left ■ the bath; or, if there is no blister at hand, apply a large cata- plasm or poultice of mustard and strong vinegar. Keep the bowels open, with clysters made of common starch, or slippery elm, or flax-seed oil, or thin gruel, or chicken water boiled strong. These clysters will assist to nourish the patient, especially as he will be unable to take the slight- est nourishment on the stomach. When the inflammation is reduced, and the stomach will bear it, a pill of opium, (see table for dose,) will be serviceable. The diet should be of the lightest kind; such as jelly, slippery elm tea, rice, and light soups—a very little at a time, and administered with extreme caution, with small doses of laudanum. Small quantities of the best sweet oil, about a tea-spoonful at a time, given during the continuance of this complaint, will very much assist in allaying the inflammation. When this disease terminates fatally, it invariably ends in mortifi- cation; and this will nearly always be the case, unless the lancet is used freely in the first instance. A sudden change,, from great misery to perfect ease, is conclusive evidence of mortification. INFLAMMATION OF THE INTESTINES. This complaint is extremely dangerous, and requires im- mediate use and very active measures to arrest its course. The symptoms are very distressing, and are always ac- companied with sharp pains in the bowels, and particularly about the navel. The belly seems tight and hard, and so tender that the least pressure with the fingers, gives great pain; you will know it from colic by pressing the belly; in colic the pressure gives relief—but in inflammation of the intestines, the belly is so sore that the least bearing on it gives immediate and excruciating misery. Great weak- ness attends this disease, the pulse is small, quick, and hard; 222 gunk's dombstic medicine. the urine or water is high colored, and passed off with dif- ficulty: and the bowels are very costive. Inflammation of the intestines, is produced by very nearly the same causes, as those which are productive of inflammation of the stom- ach; and is attended with very nearly as much danger as that disease. It arises from severe colic; from hard un- digested food remaining in the bowels; from drinking cold water when the body is over-heated; by blows and wounds in and about the region of the bowels; by long and severe dysentery; by worms; and lastly by hernia or rupture. REMEDIES. The remedies are much the same, as those for inflamma- tion of the stomach; the object being to arrest the disease in- stantly, and before, mortification can take place, which al- ways when it occurs, terminates the .matter fatally. The only hope of relief is from the immediate and free use of the lancet;'for without its instrumentality, you may abandon every hope of saving your patient. Therefore, take blood immediately from the arm, letting the stream be large, so as to draw the blood off suddenly. You must repeat the bieeding frequently; as the urgency and critical situation of the patient may appear to demand it: cup the belly, and ap- ply a large blister. Depend very much after the bleeding, on frequent clysters—to be made of slippery elm or flax- seed, (the ebm is best for clystering,) and the warm bath; look under the different heads for information. The only medicine that ought to be giyen in this disease, is the best «weetoil,indoses of a table spoonful each, and that frequently. I have no authority for it; but I should in my own practice if attending a case of. this kind, mix a tea spoonful of the finest charcoal, prepared as directed under the head of In- digestion, with each dose of sweet oil: and I should also mix charcoal with the clysters of slippery elm. A distin- guished physician, recommends clysters of cold lead water, in this complaint, to lessen the high action, and subdue the inflammation. I would suppose, although I never tried it in this disease, that his remedy is valuable: it is made by gunk's domestic medicine. 228 mixing, very weak, the sugar of lead and cold water, and throwing it up the bowels with a clyster pipe. [Look under the head of clystering.] After the violence of the disease is subdued, you must throw up the bowels as a clyster, fifty or sixty drops of lau- danum in any simple mucilage, such as flax-seed tea or slippery elm. This clyster will allay the irritation, and may be given twice a day—early in the morning and late at night—diminishing the quantity of laudanum, according to the age of the patient. The diet should be of the lightest kind, and always cautiously given, to patients recovering from this dangerous disease: this caution is the more neces- sary, because the disease may, and frequently does return from very slight causes; especially where persons have been afflicted with it several times before. In truth, and to speak plainly, it is only by proper diet, and that of the most simple kind, with great care in preventing exposure, that such persons can remain secure. Flannel should be worn next the skin, and the warm bath frequently used, for the purpose of preventing the recurrence of this very dangerous, and often unmanageable complaint. INFLAMMATION OF TKE BRAIN. This disease has destroyed some of the most distinguish- ed men in Europe and America, among whom may be na- med, the celebrated Lord Byron, General Nathaniel Greene of the Revolution, and the late Doct. Dorsey of Pennsyl- vania. It arises from intense study; from exposure to the heat of the sun; and from every other cause which produces an overfulhuss of blood on the brain. Thesymptomsare,ave- ry high fever—great pain in the head-the eyes look red and fiery—there is also great watchfulness—the patient is un- able to bear the smallest light—there is also, generally, a heavy dull sleep, with frequent startings as if in alarm—the memory fails, and in the first stage of the disease, the patient dislikes to talk; but, as the complaint advances, the eyes 224 gunn's domestic medicine. assume a great brightness—the patient becomes furious and talks 'wildly, and generally on subjects which have left deep impressions on his mind when in health. The tongue becomes dry, and of a dark color—the pulse small, quick, and hard—and the poor sufferer is frequently seen, to put his hand or hands to his head. The brain.—This organ is larger in man than in any other known animal. Its general weight is from two pounds five and a half ounces, to three pounds three and three-quar- ter ounces. I have weighed several at four pounds. The Brain of the late Lord Byron, (without its membranes) weighed six pounds. REMEDIES. Bleed as largely in quantity, as the strength of your pa- tient will possibly admit:—let the blood be taken as suddenly as practicable from the arm, by a large orifice or opening, so as to permit it to flow in a copious and bold stream. If the patient, by bleeding from the arm freely, becomes weak, and the disease is not subdued, shave the head, and cup freely all over it:—for the method of cupping, look under that head. Apply over the whole head immediately, the coldest applications that can be found, such as wet towels constantly wrung out of the coldest spring wajer—or ice if it can be had: these cold applications are to be constantly renewed, until the disease is subdued. . Give, also, active purges, and that very frequently, consisting of twenty grains of calomel and twenty of jalap. If the symptoms are very violent, give a clyster, made of thin gruel, with thirteen,grains of tartar emetic well mixed in it:—this clys- ter must be given once every day, as long as the disease continues severe. Your patient's head should be placed on high pillowing, and his body kept in bed, in as upright a posture as possible, so as to lessen as far as practicable the determination or flowing of the blood to the head. After the violence of the disease is removed by bleeding and purging, &c. apply constantly, poultices made of pounded mustard seed and vinegar, to the feet and ancles; or blister gunn's Domestic medicine. °."2j them, with cantharides or Spanish flies, prepared in the usual manner. The feet and legs should, also frequently be bathed in the usual way with warm water:—this will di- vert, or draw off the determination of blood from the head. The diet and drinks should be of the lightest, simplest, and most cooling kinds. The room ought to be kept dark, and perfectly cool, nor ought the least noise to be permitted to disturb the quiet of the patient. When reason begins to return, and the fever to subside, be extremely careful to attend to these instructions:—because the slightest cause will bring on the disease a second time, with more violence than in the first instance, which will in all probability ter- minate fatally. INFLAMMATION OF THE When there is an inflammation of the Spleen, considerable pain is felt in the leftside, wheie the Spleen is situated. By pressing the fingers on the left side, a thrbbing sensa- tion is easily discovered, and a pain is ffelt by the patient, ex- tending from the side to the left shoulder, and not unfre- , quently through the belly. The most remarkable symp- toms which attend this disease, and those which may be relied on, are puking of blood, great weakness, watchfulness, and not unfrequently, the mind is much confused. This complaint, like all other inflammatory diseases, is attended with considerable fever. It is brought on by long continu- ed fevers, and by affections of the liver; and persons who have suffered much from long attacks of fever and ague, are liable to what they term ague-cakes, which are diseases of the Spleen, and which are apt to terminate, without the application of proper remedies, in inflammation of the Spleen. Where there is no inflammation, and the side is swelled* the disease is called chronic. S 226 GUNX'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE. REMEDIES. Purge well, and frequently, with calomel and jalap:—[see table for dose.] Also cup over the Spleen:—[for the method of cupping, look under that head:]—and, always, if the dis- ease is of the chronic form, blister over the Spleen, in the usual manner. The nitric acid will also be found a val- uable remedy; read affections of the liver, page 200, where you will find the acid treated on at large. A broad bolt worn over the Spleen, with folds of cloth to press on it, will be a good remedy:—as will, also, rubing the side daily with equal quantities of spirits of hartshorn and sweet-oil. INFLAMMATION OF THE ,ij.Nj ^ -mi) ttji1 t4~±J e*»] gjj w In this disease, there is ahvays great pain in the small of the back, similar to that felt in colic, but seated much nearer the back bone and loins. There is also, in this complaint, a deadnGss and numbness of feeling in the upper part of the thigh; considerable sickness at the stomach; a great desire to make water frequently, which is done with much difficulty, and in small quantities at a time. The urine or water is of a deep red color, showing that there is great internal fever: the slightest motion gives pain; and, even in sitting upright in bed, the patient is extremely restless, al- ways receiving more ease by lying on the affected part. Sometimes one of the testicles is retracted or drawn up, so that you can scarcely feel it. The complaint is brought on, Sy great exertions in lifting; by violent and sudden strains; >y exposure to cold when over-heated; by lying on the lamp ground; and, by too frequent intercourse with women. Sometimes the disease is produced by hard substances, ,selGulus, stone, or gravel, formed in the kidneys: and I have gunn's domestic medicine. 227 known two or three instances, of its having been produced in young persons, by that horrible practice called by physi- cians onanism. R E M E D I E S . Like all other inflammations, that of the kidneys require* the free use of the lancet; always repeating the bleeding from the arm, as the urgency and severity of the symptoms may seem to require. Cup freely over the small of the back; (for cupping, read under that head.) Apply flannel cloths wrung out of hot water, to the small of the back; and give clysters of warm milk and water in equal portions —which must be thrown up the bowels three or four times a day. All the drinks should be made warm, in which must be dissolved some kind of gum, such as that of the peach-tree, gum or any other kind of gum, that will produce a mucihuio. Flax-seed tea will answer a good purpose, as will also a tea made of slippery elm bark; in both of which you may put a little spirits of nitre. The bowels, are to be ,t kept open by castor oil, and by moderate clystering. The warm bath must be frequently used, and applied for a con- siderable time at once, over the whole body; during which, the patient in the bath, must have his body well rubbed with a soft brush or woollen cloth: this bath must be repeated every day, and twice a day if necessary. The warm bath is a most valuable remedy, in this complaint, and must not be neglected. After the violence of the disease has been subdued, by the use of the lancet and warm bath, !>, as in the case of spaying swine, looses all power of 236 gunn's domestic medicine. conceiving, and all venereal desire. I omitted to mention, thai hydrocephalus or dropsy of the train, is a disease com- mon to children, and will be treated of under the proper head. I have in the first instance, and contrary to the im. pressions of some medical men, given it as my decided opinion, that dropsy is a disease of the whole system:—and my reader may be assured, that I am sustained in thatopin- ion, by many of the most distinguished physicians in the United States. REMEDIES. More diseases of dropsy have been removed by bleeding, and more relief has been obtaind from it than from any other known remedy; for which reasons, it is now consid- ered as satisfactorily proven, that this complaint is more frequently inflammatory than was formerly supposed. For this very important information, we are indebted to that highly distinguished physician Doctor Benjamin Rush. Bleeding must be entirely regulated, as to frequency and quantity, by the relief it affords to the patient. In my prac- tice, I always use it freely; and never omit, at the same time, to purge freely with calomel and jalap:—[see table of dose:] or jalap alone. If these purges operate without pain, and the stools are fluid or watery, and your patient is not much weakened by them, it does not matter how many stools are produced daily; because the remedy is an efficient and a proper one. One ounce of cream tartar, in half a gallon of water, drank during the day, will be of much service: in truth, all articles which will increase the flow of the urine, or water from the bladder, called by physicians diuretics, are very useful in this complaint. The following cures, which I shall notice in the words of an experienced and dis- tinguished man, give evidence of the correctness of some of my introductory remarks, among which are the follow- ing:—"The discoveries of each succeeding day convince us, that the Almighty has graciously furnished man with the means of curing hi£ own diseases, in all the different coun. \ gunn's domestic medicine. 237 tries and climates of which he is an inhabitant; and, there is scarcely a day, month, or year, which does not exhibit to us, the surprising cures made by roots, herbs and simples, found in our own vegetable kingdom, when all foreign ar- ticles have utterly failed." &c. &c—The truth is, that the wise and beneficent Creator of the Universe, has made nothing in vain; and the time will come, when the apparent- ly most useless and noxious plants, will be found eminently useful in the cure of diseases, which have hitherto baffled the proloundest skill, and the most powerful energies of gen- ius. The following are the words of the author just alluded to. ••I am knowing to two extremely distressing cases of dropsy, being entirely relieved by means of the bark of the common 'ider. One, a woman advanced in age, in the last stages of this disease, who lost a brother some short time previ- ous, by the same complaint. The other, a young woman, who had been for eighteen months confined to her bed, during four of which she was unabled to lie down, and who is now wholly free from dropsy, and recovering strength in a most surprising and unexpected manner. A great many other cases, less aggravated, have been cured by the bai k of the common elder; I have used it myself, with universal success—and its immediate adoption by the afflicted, is truly important and deserving attention. The' receipt is as follows:—Take two handfuls of the inner bark of the white common elder; steep them in two quarts of Lisbon wine twenty-four hours—if this wine cannot be had, Teneriffe or Maderia will answer: take a gill every morning fasting, or more if it can be borne on the stomach. The bark and leaves of the elder, have long been known as powerful evacuants. 1 ought to have said in the proper place, that the young woman I have mentioned, used the elder—barked—wine, at the instance of one of the most distinguished-physicians of Boston; who had previously tried every known prescription without success, and that the use of the elder entirely cured her;" The following remedy, handed me by a most respectable man, who resides in Roane county. Tennessee, Mr. William Mead, will undoubtedly be worthy of trial, and I therefore submit it to the reader T y 238 ^yr gunk's domestic medicine. "Take two or three handfuls of rusty nails, and put them into half a gallon of good apple vinegar:—then boil, or rath- er simmer the vinegar down to a quart, and strain it well through a linen cloth:—next, add to the vinegar a quart of molasses, a handful of chamomile flowers, and a hand- ful of lavender from the garden. Boil or stew this mix- ture down to a quart. The dose for a grown person, is a large table spoonful, to be increased gradually to one and a half: the dose of course, must be smaller for younger and more weakly persons." The character of Mr. Mead for integrity and veracity, and his solemn assurances thnt the prescription has often been eminently successful, induce me to place it on record. The oxide of iron, in other words rust of iron, would probably answer a better purpose than the nails mentioned by Mr. Mead. SCURVY, This disease is frequently of a highly putrid nature, and generally afflicts persons who have lived a considerable time on salted provisions, or unsound and tainted animal food. Those are also subject to it, wdio have been long con- fined without due exercise; those also, who have been un- able to obtain vegetable food for a considerable period. Cold moist air, bad water, the morbid influence of depress. ing passions, such as grief, fear, &c. and the neglect of per- sonal cleanliness, will also produce scurvy. With regard to cleanliness, I must speak in plain terms. Neglect of per- sonal or bodily ablutions, in other words washing, among females at particular periods, are in reality the causes of very many cases of scurvy: and here I am compelled to say, that such are the cleanly habits of the French of the better order, male and female, I have never known a single case of scurvy among them, although much accustomed to their society in Europe: they are in the constant practice of using the warm bath. The disease called scurvy, can always be known by the softness and spongyness of the GUNK X DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 239 gums, which, even on being gently rubbed with a soft sponge, will invariably bleed. Ulcers next form around the teeth, arid gradually cat away the lower edges of the gums, by which the teeth become loose, and sometimes fallout. The breath is always offensive, and smells badly; the face is usually of a pale yellow color, and considera- bly bloated; the heart palpitates or beats rapidly and irreg- ularly, on slight exertion; the legs and feet swell; small ulcers or sores, break out on different parts of the body, and more generally on the legs; pains are felt over the whole body; the urine or water is highly colored; the stools smell very badly; the strength becomes very much reduced and bleeding takes place from the nose, ears, gums, and fundament. When these last symptoms take place, the sufferer is near the termination of his earthly career:—and it is no less singular than true, that the appetite remains good to the last, together with a perfect retention of mem- ory. REMEDIES. Ail acids are valuable medicines in scurvy:—such as common vinegar with fresh vegetables; in fact, a bath made of vinegar and water, in which the whole body can be frequently bathed, will be of essential service: as will also the plentiful use of ripe fruits. Sour krout, or pickled cab- bage, is so excellent a remedy in scurvy, that a Dutchman whose name I have forgotten, received a large premium from the British government, for introducing it into the English Navy. Where there is much debility, the moder- ate use of good old wine will be proper; as will also the use of the nitric acid: (see diseases of the liver, where you will see this medicine plainly described, together with its effects,) by which the bowels will generally be kept sufficiently loose, at the same time that the system wdJI be strengthened. If, however, the bowels should be found, dissolve a table spoonful of cream tartar in a pint of boiling water, and when cold, use it as a drink. I must not omit to mention, emphatically, that regular exercise is absolutely necessary 240 gunn's domestic medicine. in this complaint. You will find the following medicine, also, a good remedy:—dissolve three ounces of common salt petre, in a quart of good vinegar, and take one or two table spoonfuls three or four times a day—or less quantities if the state of your patient will justify it. When the gums are much-swollen, with considerable ulceration, and the mouth, teeth, and breath, have a foetid or bad smell, the mouth must be frequently washed with water, prepared as follows: boil red-oak bark in water, then strain the wa- ter well, and in it dissolve a lump of alum, to which add a tea spoonful of finely powdered charcoal, which is to be prepared by burning common smith's coal over again. I , have omitted to state, that if the breathing js difficult, or there is much pain in the breast, a blister should be applied on the chest over the pain: you are never to bleed in scurvy: if you do, you will lose your patient. Pure fresh air, mod- erate yet sufficient exercise,-and the warm bath of a pleas- ant temperature, with a sufficiency of vinegar in it, as before mentioned, will rapidly restore your paticnS. PLEURISY. Pleurisy is an inflammatory complaint, and requires rem- edies for the immediate reduction of the inflammation. The symptoms are, a sharp pain in the side, particularly when vou draw your^breath; the pain then shooting into the breast, back, or shoulders:—great difficulty in lying on the affected side; the tongue is of a white color; the urine or water of a high color; the face flushed and red; and the body very hot, denoting much fever. Sometimes this disease is accompanied with cough; and when this is the case, it is what physicians call a short dry cough. Sometimes the cough increases, and is accompanied by spitting up a tough phlegm; and the blood when drawn from the arm, when suffered to cool, has a coat or cover- ing on it of a buffy color, which always denotes inflamma- tion. This complaint is brought on by exposure to cold gcnn's domehtic mbdicine. ~41 and wet; by sleeping on the damp ground, and getting the feet wet; by being exposed to sudden currents of cold air, when the body is over-heated; by the suppression of cer- tain periodical evacuations, or in other words, by the ob- struction of the menstrual discharges in women. The winter and spring, are the seasons in which this complaint is most prevalent. I will endeavor, for the satisfaction of the reader, to notice such symptoms as indicate a favorable termination of the disease; and, also, such as argue an un- favorable and fatal issue of the complaint. First—the symptoms are favorable, when there is a free perspiration or sweating; when there is a copious discharge, by expecto- ration or spitting freely; when the urine or water, deposites, on settling, considerable sediment or grounds, in the urinal or pot; when there is a spontaneous bleeding at the nose; or a gentle purging comes on; or the skin becomes warm and soft, with an abatement of thirst; and, when there is consid- erable relief from pain in the head and side. Second— the symptoms are unfavorable, when there is violent fever, when the patient is delirious or out of his senses; when the pain suddenly stops, and the face or countenance changes its expression; when there is little, perhaps no expectora- tion or discharge by spitting—or if there is any thing spit up, it is of a dark color; and, finally, when there is a sink- ing and irregularity of the pulse: these symptoms are high- ly dangerous. REMEDIES. I have stated above that pleurisy is an inflammatory dis- ease, and that it requires the immediate reduction of the inflammatory symptoms. You must, therefore, bleed-in the first instance, as freely as the constitution and state of the patient will bear. If the fever still continues high, and the pulse remains hard and full; or, in other words, if the pain and fever, after the first bleeding should be relieved for a short time, and afterwards return with any violence, it will be proper to bleed a second time moderately. In fact, I have frequently been compelled to bleed three and 212 GUNK'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE. four times, before I could reduce the inflammatory symp- toms. After the first bleeding, apply a large blister over the pain, wdiether situated in the side or chest:—and if the blister should not run sufficiently after being dressed, and the pain should continue, apply another blister. After the bleeding and blistering, give a large dose of epsom salts— and if any considerable pain is felt, put the patient in a warm bath, which will cover the whole body. I have, in more than fifty cases in the State of Virginia, relieved pleu- risy by immediate and copious bleeding, and as early as convenient afterward, by using the warm bath. After the inflammatory action is in some degree removed, the seneka snake-root tea will be found a valuable remed}r: (look for a description of this root, under that head.) Throughout this complaint, the bowels must be kept open, by the use of epsom sails, or senna and manna, or castor oil; epsom salts, however, will always be best, if they can be procured. Clysters of any simple kind, such as thin gruel milk warm, or starch dissolved in warm water will be perhaps equally as good for keeping the bowels open. [See under the head clystering, and how to prepare clysters.] When per- spiration or sweating is not produced in moderation, by the remedies I have mentioned, equal quantities of antimonial wine and sweet spirits of nitre, mixed, and given in doses of a tea spoonful every two hours, will assist in producing perspiration. Toward the close of this disease, and after the inflammatory or feverish symptoms have subsided, and not before, if the cough should continue troublesome give a pill of opium at night, or a dose of paregoric or laudanum: (see table, for doses of these articles;) and, also, under the different heads, how they are made.—If the pulse should sink, and your patient become weak, stimulate him gently but cautiously with warm toddy wine mixed with sugar and water, and apply blisters to the ancles—and cataplasms or poul- tices to the soles of the feet, made of mustard-seed pounded fine, and mixed with vinegar. These measures sometimes become necessary, from sinking of the pulse, coldness of the fret, or extreme weakness: they always produce excitement and warmth in the system. This complaint requires the gunn's domestic medicine. 243 strictest abstainance from all animal food, and from every thing which has a tendency to produce fever. The patient should live on the lightest diet, and such as will keep down all fever and inflammation: in fact, there is no disease men- tioned in this book, which require a more rigid abstainance from solid food than pleurisy. Nothing but toast and water barley water gruel, or flax-seed tea, ought to be taken in this disease, and that warm and in Very small quantities at a time; a little panado may be given as nourishment. Un- fortunately, and want of experience, when any person is taken sick in this country, and refuses to eat for two or three days, great alarm is created immediately lest the paMent should starve to death: and I have known scveral instances since I have been in the western country, in which the offi- cious stuffing of patients with food, with the best possible intentions, has produced death, in spite of medical assistance. I wish all such persons as are disposed to cram their patients with food, when there is no appetite for it, and the stomach rejects it, to rememl>er that nature generally speaksthe truth. After recovering from this disease, great care must be taken to avoid all cold and dampness, and particularly exposure to the night air; because they almost always produce danger- ous relapses. Flannel ought to be worn next the skin; and dressed buck skin, I am convinced from my own practice, worn in the same manner by delecate persons, is also an ex- cellent defender from cold, and much superior to flannel. Gravel and stone, which originate in the same causes, are to be distinguished thus from each other. Gravel is usu- ally undei stood to mean, calculi, (from the old word calx, a limestone, or little sand like stones, which pass from the kidneys, through the ureters, into the bladder. The ureters are small tubes, which run from the kidneys to the bladder, and convey the urine into the latter. The word stone speaks for itself: it is a strong concretion of matter, which 244 gunn's domestic medicine- enlarges and hardens by time, seldom found in the ureters or tubes themselves, but generally lodged in the kidneys or bladder; when the stone is in the kidney, it is because it is too large to be passed off by the tubes leading to the bladder —and when found in the bladder, it is from the simple fact, of its being too large to be passed off through the channel of the penis.---------When a disposition to gravel, which I have just explained, exists in the urinary system, there will be occasional paroxisms or fits of pain in the back, which sometimes shoot downward to the thighs; and some- times a numbness of one of the legs inside, accompanied with a retraction or drawing up of one of the testicles or stones in men. The pain I have just spoken of is often ex- tremely violent, and is sometimes terminated by a discharge of small gravel stones from the urethra, with the water in the common way. The stone, howrever, which I have also de- scribed, and which is usually found in the kidneys or bladder, sometimes in both, is a disease of more serious and danger- ous consequences altogether. When the stone has acquired some size, if situated in the bladder, there is a frequent and almost constant desire to make water; sometimes the water passes off, drop by drop—with much pain—and sometimes in a small stream, which occasionally stops short; in the last ease, when the water passes in a small stream with 9udden stoppages—there will be great pain for some minutes after, in the glans of the penis, in other words the head of the penis. In some persons, the violence of straining to evac- uate the urine, make the rectum or lower gut contract, and expel its excrements:—or if that gut be empty, this strain- ing occasions tenesmus or a constant desire to go to stool. In discharges of urine, when stone exists in the bladder, there is very often blood to be seen in the water, and some- times pure blood itself is passed off in small quantities. When the calculus or stone is formed in the kidney, in addi- tion to the general symptoms of stone in the bladder, there will be felt a dead, heavy, dull pain, in the loin where the kidney containing the stone is seated; frequently accompa- nied by fits of shuddering, and creeping coldness, in and over the part affected; this shuddering and coldness of sen- GfNN S DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 245 sation, arc sometimes so great, that sufferers have been known to blister the small of their backs, by exposure of the parts naked to the heat of large fires. In severe cases of calculus or stone, either in the kidneys or bladder, there is frequently* experienced, during the time of passing the urine, sickness of the stomach, a desire to vomit, and much faintness.—Aged persons are most liable to disorders of the urinary passages; which donotin all cases arise from grav- el and stone, or even from spasmodic strictures in those parts. These apparent disorders of the urinary passages, frequently occur in old persons, from the constipation and retention of feculent and fetid matter in the bowels, which ought always to be attended to by gentle purging, and par- ticularly by frequent clystering:—(for clystering sec that head.)—The gravel, and sometimes the stone, when the latter has not become much enlarged from the lapse of time, may much more easily be removed from the bladders of females, than from those of males. In women, the urethra or canal which leads from the bladder to the exterior, is al- ways straighter, shorter, and wider, than in men—and may in many cases be dilated so much by artificial means, as to admit the gravel or stone to pass off with the water.—The extraction of the stone from men, by the use of the knife, is called by the physicians, lithotomy. This is a delecate, dangerous, and very painful operation; and I have uniform- ly advised persons much advanced in age, and who were afflicted with the stone, to employ palliative remedies for the pains attending it, rather than lithotomy. REMEDIES. When there is much difficulty in passing the urine, and that difficulty arises from strictures or obstructions in the urethra or canal which conveys off the water; an d especial- ly where inflammation of the b'adder is apprehended, the catheter must be used: (for which see the head catheter.) When the complaint is painful and oppressive, in what are called paroxysms or fits of the gravel or stone, for I make no distinction between them as to remedies, and there is so 218 GUNN's DOMESTIC MEDICINE. much irritation as to lead to apprehensions of inflammation, bleeding should be immediately resorted to, followed by the warm bath; in which the patient should remain some time. In most cases, I have been enabled to allay the pain entirely, by bleeding in the first instance, using the warm bath next, and then giving a pill of opium or a dose of laudanum; (for which see head warm bath—and table of doses.) Al- ter these remedies, if considered necessary, the privates and belly should be rubbed and bathed, with flannel cloths wrung out of warm water, in which chamomile flowers have been boiled; after which the cloths themselves should be applied warm, and suffered to remiin. The drink of the patient should be flax-seed tea, given as freely as you please. Should the pain still continue severe, give a clyster made of /gruel, and strained, in which put two table spoon- fuls of castor oil or sweet oil,—and forty drops of laudanum, This is to be thrown up the bowels pleasantly warm:—(see head clystering.) Old persons who are afflicted with gravel or stone,, will find great relief from frequently using such clysters, and from taking in moderation, occasionally, lau- danum Or opium to procure rest: (see table of doses.) But, among all the palliative remedies ever yet discovered, I am compelled, from both experience and incontesatble authori- ties to believe, that, in all diseases of the urinary organs, and particularly in stone and gravel, the uva ursi of the mountainous regions of Europe, and possibly of this coun. tnT, stands conspicuous and alone. 1 he following cases of actual experiment, to which had I space, many more might be added, will prove conclusively that it is a sovereign remedy, if not dissolving the stony matter, at least in banishing the sufferings with which it is usually attended. Case 1st. At the age of thirty-two, Mr. B----having tri- ed various remedies, submitted to an operation for the stone, with which he had been afflicted many years. When the usual passage was opened into the bladder with a knife, a rough stone of the mulberry kind was taken out. Although the operation was well performed, the incission perfectly cured, and the severe pains he formerly felt had ceased for a time—yet, after the lapse of some weeks, he again began GUNK S DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 247 to be afflicted with excruciating pains, and great difficulty in making water. The urine was accompanied with a dis- charge of matter, which had continued ever since the ope- ration—and now, instead of decreasing as was expected, it had become more abundant, bloody, fetid, corrosive and inflammatory, and excited exquisite agony at every attempt to pass it off. After various remedies, ordered by the best physicians,had. been tried in vain, the use of the uva ursi was recommended, and many cases in which it had been successful related to him by way of encouragement.—On the 10th of October, 1762; after taking some medicines by way of preparation, he began with half a drachm of the powder of the plant uva ursi, which had been brought from Vienna for the greater certainty; this dose he took twice a day, observing a temperate diet and abstaining from every thing considered pernicious. In three weeks his pains were appeased; the matter was greatly diminished in quan- tity, and was also of a much less acrid quality; and he voided his uri.ie more freely. These circumstances gave him great hopes of being perfectly cured; nor were his ex- pectations ill grounded:—for in ten weeks, he was entirely free from pain, made water easily, and was no more affiic- lod with fruitless provocations to urinate. And now, April 2o, 1703, by persevering in this course, he is so perfectly free from all symptoms'of the complaint, that he considers himself entirely cured. Case 2d. A youth twelve years of age, of a tender con- stitution and delecate frame; having been frequently subject to coughs and other ailments, was suddenly attacked with severe pain in the region of the bladder. This continued for several days; during which time he frequently cried out as if upon the rack: his water, which was very mucus, dropping from him very painfully, gave strong suspicion of the gravel. The usual medicines were given; but in vain. He A'as next sounded by a skilful physician, and a stone was found in the bladder. About this time, De Haen's account of the uva ursi became public; and this was considered a fair case in which to give it a trial. After proper prepar- ations, half a drachm of the powdered plant was given 248 GUNNsj DOMESTIC MEDICINE. twice' a day. For a week, no perceptible relief was ob- tained; but, in three days more the pain abated, and the water became less charged with matter. In short, by ob- serving a regular diet, and by steady perseverance in the medicine, he is now so entirely well that an operation for extracting the stone by the knife is no longer thought of. Case 3d. A gentleman near forty years old, of a good constitution, living in a place supplied with water of a bad quality, became afflicted with the gravel to a very painful degree. He frequently passed small stones, of a sandy substance, which he could plainly perceive to fall from his kidneys, where they seemed to be generated, through the ureters into tiie bladder—always exciting, during their de- scent, intolerable misery. All the most celebrated medicines adapted to such complaints, were fairly tried. Little or no relief was obtained. The matter voided in his urine, gave suspicion of decay in the kidneys. The uva ursi was therefore advised, and continued in the dose of half a drachm twice a day; by which, with regular and abstemious diet, the patient in three months became perfectly well. I consider the foregoing cases, to which, as I have before remarked, many others might be added from excellent au- thorities, entirely conclusive as to the medicinal virtues of the uva ursi: for a particular description of which, together with some other cases of cures in stone and gravel, I most strongly and seriously refer the reader. SUPPRESSION, OR STOPPAGE OF wmEmm* This is a disease, which is frequently produced by injlam. mation of the urethra, or canal which conveys the water from the bladder:—it is also sometimes produced, as I have mentioned under "Inflammation of the bladder," by falls in various ways, and by that false delicacy, which induces a bashful and inexperienced person, to retain the urine an ounn's domestic medicine. 249 usual and dangerous length of time. It is also produced, amon" those who have worn down their manhood in indis- criminate debaucheries in early life, and sometimes among those whoare naturally of delecate and weakly constitutions, by taking too large quantities of the tincture of Spanish flies, for purposes which I forbear to name. It also, sometimes, arises from the necessary application of blisters, and not unfrequently from costiveness, or constipation of the bowels. REMEDIES. Draw some blood; this will relieve the system. Then put the patient in a warm bath, which must be continued from a quarter to a half hour. Next give a warm clyster* made of starch and water, in which must be mixed three table spoonfuls of castor oil. For the warm bath, and clys- tering, look under the heads. If it becomes necessary, after , these remedies, give a dose of castor oil by the mouth. It all these means fail of producing a flow of urine, the cathe- ter must be skilfully and cautiously used:—for which look under the head. Throwing cold water on the belly and thighs, will sometimes afford relief, when all other remedies have failed. A clyster of warm water, in which tobacco leaves have been steeped for a few minutes, is an excellent remedy; it must, however, be used with great caution; being very powerful in its effects, it must be made weak—and should by no means be repeated, unless under the direction of a physician. Its immediate effec.s are—a general re- laxation of the whole system, accompanied with prostration of muscular power, faintness, and sickness of the stomach:— profuse sweat breaks out over the whole body; and if the remedy succeeds, the urine is immediately evacuated. GREAT FLOW OF URINE. This complaint is called by physicians diabetes. The word diabetes is derived from two Greek words, which U 2ou GUNN's DOMESTIC 3IEDICINE. signify—to pass through: and, I mention the fact merely to show, how little connexion there usually is between the derivation of words and their real meaning. The quantity of water usually discharged in diabetes, is more than double the portion of liquid taken in both drink and food. The attacks of this disease are generally slow and gradual:—I have known instances, in which it has been more than two years in making its advances on the constitution. The symptoms of diabetes are:—larger and more frequent dis- charges of water from the bladder than common; the urine is clear and transparent as spring water: and having a sweetish and sickish taste, like sugar and water—accompa- < n.ied by a faint smell, as if mixed with rosemary loaves. These symptoms generally occur without.pain—and are usually attended with a voracious or greedy appetite. When this disease occurs on young persons, or is attended to in grown individuals at any period, it can very frequently be removed:—but, when suffered to proeeed for any length * of time, or wdien it attacks persons in advanced age, or those who have indulged to excess in spirituous liquors, it is ex- tremely difficult of removal. As this disease increases on the constitution, for I certainly consider it a constitutional complaint, the whole body becomes emaciated, and gradu- ally wastes away; the mind becomes dull and melancholly; the patient has a strong aversion to motion and exercise; there are frequent darting pains in the privates, accompanied with a dull and heavy pain in the small' of the back; nearly constant thirst, which it seems impossible to satisfy; the bowels are costive, and the pulse irregular; as the disease advances, . fever takes place, similar to-that in hectic and consumptive cases, the feet begin to swell, and death in a short time usually closes the scene. The favorable symp- toms in this disease are the following;—the appetite be- comes more natural, and the thirst diminishes; the urine is voided in smaller quantities, and the desire to make water iessfrequent; the water assumes its natural color, and regains its usual smell; the skin becomes more flexible or soft, and suffused or covered with gentle and natural sweat; the mind gradually becomes more cheerful, and the desire for gunn's domestic medicine. 251 exercise increases: when these symptoms manifest them- selves, there are always great hopes of speedy recovery. The .bodies of many persons who have died of diabetes, have been accurately examined by skilful anatomists:^—and the results have always shown diseased state of the kid- neys and their vessels, and consequent derangement of their secretions—in plain language, and 1 am supported in the opinion by the celebrated Rush, and several other physicians of note, diabetes is a consumption of the kidneys. REMEDIES. Emetics or pukes are frequently to be given in this disease, and much dependence may be placed on them for a cure. Ipecacuanha is perhaps the best puke that can be given:— | see table for dose.] Blisters are to be applied to the small of the back, and kept continually running: and a Dover's "powder is to be given at night, which will produce a deter- mination to the surface, or in other words a gor/tle svvo:r: to prepare these powders, look under the head Dover's pow- ders. Use the warm bath frequently, and have the whole body rubbed well twice a day with a flesh brush, or coarse towel; the rubbing should at least continue half an hour to benefit your patient: Flannel must be worn next the skin. The tincture of cantharides, cautiously administered, is a val- uable remedy, and should be given to a grown person from eight to ten, and twelve drops, every four or five hours in a little cold water, or in water in which some-gum has been dissolved:—wild cherry tree gum will answer. Astringents may be serviceable in this complaint, and should be tried agreeably to the following directions. Alum dissolved in water, and occasionally given throughout the day, as the stomach may bear it without inconvenience or unpleasant feelings, will be serviceable:—or sugar of lead, given from a grain and a half to two grains, twice a day in cold water, for grown persons, has afforded much relief and expedited the cure:—for the dose of alum or sugar of lead, see table for the doses adapted for different ages. When it is possible to obtain chalybeate water, or in other words spring wa- 252 gunn's domestic medicine. ter impregnated or mixed with iron, you should direct your patient to use the water freely. East Tennessee abounds with those springs, on almost every branch or rivulet. As there is an acid of the stomach, which frequently accompa- nies the complaint, it will be proper to give your patient weak lime water, or chalk, or soda powders: look under that head, and you will see how soda powders are made. If fever is present in this disease, which is sometimes the case, the loss of a little blood occasionally will be proper. Your patient is to use no strong drink of any kind; to eat no vegetable food, but live on animal food; to avoid cold and exposure of every kind; and to defend the feet and body well against the damp air—and, in good weather, to take moderate exercise. In my practice, I use the uva ursi tea, and have derived great benefit from it: I therefore recom- mend it with the utmost confidence. By the use of emetics, with this tea, and frequent bathing in warm water if com- menced at an early period, a cure may be speedily expected. Read under the head uva ursi, for a description of this plant, how it may be obtained, and how to use it. The bowels are to be moderately purged, and kept open by cas- tor oil; or by rhubarb, either by chewing it, or taking it in powder. Rhubarb is preferable to castor oil in this disease, and should be used if it can be obtained. Look under the head rhubarb, for an explanation of its qualities and (see ta- ble for doses.) Doctor Samuel Sair, lately read to the Acad- emy of Medicine in France, an interesting memoir on this subject. He refers most cases of incontinence or involun- tary flow of urine, or diabetes, to a w ant of equilibrium in power, between the body of the bladder and its neck; in other words, when the muscular power of the neck of the bladder, is so much weakened^or relaxed, as not to retain the urine against the contractible power of the bladder itself. With this view of the subject, he imagined that if he could stimulate the neck of the bladder, and not the body of it, he could succeed. He introduced, by means of a catheter, some tincture of cantharides, so as to touch the urethra in its prostatic part, and also the neck of the blad- der:—by this process, he cured three patients who labored ounn's domestic medicine. 253 under this disease. When this remedy is to be resorted to, the aid of a skilful physician will be required. ERUPTIONS OF THE SKIN. The close connexion which exists, between the stomach, skin, and bowels, is evidently demonstrated by the simple fact, that in many instances where the bowels is internally disordered, the skin exhibits external evidence of disease. The many eruptions which show themselves on the face, hands, legs, and bodies of individuals, are positive proofs of the deranged state of their systems internally.—and by removing the primary or first causes, you invariably remove those eruptions, which are in general mere effects. You should therefore, always endeavor to ascertain, whether those diseases of the skin are not produced from some im- pure state of the blood, from a foul stomach, from costive bowels, or from some constitutional disease derived from parents. If either of those causes produce eruptions of the skin, you will easily see that they are to be removed by internal remedies—I mean those which strike at their roots:—for, if you should succeed in driving in the eruptions of the skin, by merely external remedies, you will always produce fever, and almost invariably seat some fatal disease on the vital organs. Whenever diseases exhibit their effects on the skin, you may be assured that they are efforts of nature to relieve herself from oppression; and, the real business of a physician is to assist nature, and never to re- tard or stifle her operations. REMEDIES. The first great and important rule, in all eruptive disor. ders of the skin, is to open the bowels and keep them in a laxative state, by cooling medicines, such as Epsom salts, or equal quantities of cream of tartar and sulphur. If the ■rtomach is out of order, there being a close connexion b°- 254 gunn's domestic medicine. tvveen it and the skin, a gentle emetic will sometimes be necessary to cleanse the stomach, and to assist nature in throwing the whole disease on the surface, where it may expire and fall off in scabs. Tea, made of sassafras, or sar- saparilla, shouldal ways be usedas acommon drink. When- ever fever takes place, which is sometimes the case, draw some blood from the arms, and give an active purge of cal- omel at night, followed by a dose of Epsom salts in the morning. Common starch rubbed on the skin, in all kinds of eruptions, is a cooling and pleasant remedy; and the application of it on going to bed, will produce much relief from the itching, and consequently easy and refreshing sleep. Persons who are subject to eruptions of the skin, should live on light and cooling diet; avoid salted provisions, and every thing of a heating nature; avoid spirituous liquors, and use cooling acid drinks—and, by all means, keep the skin clean by frequent warm or tepid bathing. SAINT ANTHONY'S FIRE. This disease, is called by physicians, ery sipelas:—it is of an inflammatory character, and always attended with some fever.—The skin burns and itches very much, and usually turns to a scarlet color. It generally commences in a red spot or blotch, and quickly extends itself over the whole body. Sometimes the face swells very much, and becomes inflamed: there is also, head ache, sickness at the stomach, and, not unfrequently, violent fever attended with delirium. REMEDIES. This disease is atlended with inflammatory symptoms, and like others of the same character, must be treated by moderate bleeding, cooling purges, and cooling drinks. Bathe the feet and legs frequently in warm water; and re- main in your room, so as not to be exposed to damp cold air, by which the disease might be struck inwardly. Every gunn's domestic medicine. 255 two or three hours, give equal quantities of antimonial wine and sweet spirits of nitre, in doses of a tea spoonful, in a stem or wine glass of cold water. If the head ache is very severe, the loss of some blood, a blister between the shoulders, and poultices made of mustard seed and corn meal, will give relief-—Sprinkling the body with fine starch, or with wheat flour, will greatly assist to cool and allay the irritation.—A tea spoonful of sugar of lead, put in three half pints of cold water, and used as a remedy by wash- ing the body, is also a valuable application. TETTER OR This is a disease confined to the skin, for which medi- cines are seldom given internally. It first appears as an inflammatory eruption or small magnitude, not larger than the finger nail, and gradually extends itself in a circle, which sometimes embraces the hinds, sometimes the face, and not unfrequently large portions of the body. Unless relieved, it at length becomes extremely painful, and is at- tended with an itching sensation, which is greatly increa- sed by the least warmth or exercise. REMEDIES. Puccoon root called by some persons Blood-root, and by others Indian paint, steeped in strong vinegar, and applied as a wash to the parts affected, is a most excellent remedy —perhaps the best one known in this disease. The Blue Dye, made by the country people to color their cloth, has been sometimes known to remove it, when many other remedies had failed:—this must be owing to the indigo and urine the die contains I do not recollect, however, one single case in my practice in Virginia, in which the puc- 256 gunn's domestic medicine. coon-root and vinegar failed. In France, the application of the fume of sulphur is always resorted to with success, in all diseases of the skin:—(read under the head sulphuric fumigation. SCALD HEAD. In this disease, the whole scalp or skin of the head is covered with small sores, which discharge very offensive matter. These sores eventually turn to little scales or seals, while fresh ones continue to break out at the roots of the hair, and follow the same process of turning to scales and falling off. This disorder is infectious or catching, and is often taken by children, in consequence of wearing the hat or cap of. a person affected with it. Sleeping in the same bed, or combing with the same comb, when a child has con-' stitutionally a scrophulous taint, will also communicate the disease—which is sometimes tedious and difficult to cure. REMEDIES. First, shave off the hair as close as possible; then cleanse the sores daily with warm soap-suds—and put on the fol- lowing ointment, which must be spread on a bladder, and worn as a cap. Take two table spoonfuls of tar, and a sufficient quantity of suet or 'ard to make an ointment; to these add a table spoonful of powdered charcoal, and two tea spoonfuls of sulphur. The bowels must be-kept open with epsom salts, and a tea made of sarsaparilla and sassa- fras drank freely; these measures will purify the blood. Once or twice a week, bathe the whole body in warm water of a pleasant temperature. Doctor Chapman of Philadel- phia, one of the Professors of that University, recommends highly the following remedy. Take of liver of sulphur, three drachms; of Spanish soap, one drachm, of lime wa- ter eight ounces; and of rectified spirits of wine, two drachms;—mix them well together, and use the whole as a ounn's domestic medicine. 257 wash. Where the remedies I have mentioned fail, look under the head sulphuric fumigation, for a certain remedy in all diseases of the skin. This disease does not always arise from decayed teeth; it is frequently the offspring of nervous affections of cold, of rheumatism, and not unfrequently among females, of stop- pages of certain evacuations. I have known many sound teeth to be extracted unnecessarily, and on account of dis- eases which were afterwards discovered to be seated in other parts of the body; and, I therefore 'earnestly recom- mend, that great caution be used in discovering the causes of tooth ache, before a tooth is suffered to be drawn. Tooth ache, in very many instances, arise from a disordered state of the stomach and bowels. In these cases, the suffering is generally severe, and must be removed by attention to cleans- ing the stomach and bowels. Many instances have occur- red in my practice, where persons have requested teeth to be drawn to remove tooth ache, when all their teeth on ex- amination were found to be sound. In these cases, I have always relieved them by a good purge. Among women more than one half of the suffering from tooth ache, may be fairly traced to some bodily habit, or some nervous sym- pathy, to which the female constitution is peculiarly liable— and which may be removed by other means, than the extrac- tion of the teeth. Persons who have written before me, on the subject of tooth ache, have spoken of the disease as pe- culiar ^o, and confined to the teeth alone; when the fact is, that common sense and experience, will teach any man the palpable absurdity of such doctrine, and convince him that tooth ache is very frequently a common symptom of othe r diseases which are to be sought out and removed before re- lief can be obtained. * 258 gunn's domestic medicine. REMEDIES. When tooth ache is presumed to arise from nervous affec- tions, the nervous system is to be strengthened by gent'e tonics, nutritive and cooling food, and moderate exercise in the open air. When it proceeds from cold or from rheu- matism, consult these two heads for directions to remove it: and when it arises from stoppages of the menses in females, see an) consult that head, among the diseases of women. Extracting teeth ought always to be the last remedy resor- ted to; it is a painful operation, and oftentimes a dangerous one, when attempted by an unskilful and clumsy hand. When a tooth is discovered to be defective, and that there is inflammation at the root, which is the cause of the pain, let the inflammation be reduced by blistering the sur- face of the check, or by scarifying tbe gums, with a lancet, and the tooth pluged with gold leaf, Or silver or tin foil. Tooth ache is frequently owing, to the nerve of the tooth being exposed to the air from decay: in this case, it is al- ways advisable to avoid the extraction of the tooth, and to have it pluged as 1 have just told you, with gold leaf, or with silver or tin foil. These articles can always be ob- tained pure. There are cases, in which the diseased tooth will not bear the wedging pressure of being plugged with gold leaf; in these instances, pure tin or lead ought to be used. These last mentioned articles, however, wear out in a few years; and it is a truth well known, that tin wdll cor- rode, rust, or turn black in a short time, from the action of the acids generally used in food. Gold in its pure state, is always preferable for pluginga tooth; it will sometimes last twenty years.—If the disease arises from inflammation, the practice of holding hot and stimulating articles in the mouth is highly improper: you will know when it arises from inflammation, by the following indications—you will have headache, which will be attended with fever. Take a full dose of epsom or glauber salts, and repeat the dose if necessary. Apply to the face cold mush and milk gunn's domestic medicine. 255) poultices; or those made of meal and vinegar, as cold as possible, and if the inflammation runs high, and is attend- ed with fever, the loss of some blood will be proper, togeth- er with the application of a blister over the pained part. threat suffering about the teeth, is frequently caused by ' ertain nervous pains, to which females are sometimes con-' stitutionally liable:—these cases are to be treated with sim- ple remedies, and scrupulous care, until the original causes are removed—and you may apply to the face, some irri- tating tincture, such as cayenne pepper, tincture of Span- ish flies, or volatile liniment. I have said before, that tooth ache sometimes arises,though not very frequently, from rheu- matism:—when this is the case, the whole side of the face will be pained together with the sound as well as the decay- ed teeth. There will also be felt, a dull heavy pain, extend- ing along the jaw bone; and a stiffness of the neck, some- times attended wdth pain in the shoulder. The following is a cmod remedy. Put a piece of lime, the size of a walnut, into a quart bottle of water; with this rinse the mouth two or three times a day—and clean the teeth with it every morning until the pain ceases. But in rheumatic affections, of the kind just described, see under the head rheumatism. The tartar or scurvy of the teeth, is a very destructive disease; it greatly injuries the teeth, and frequently destroys them, before you are aware of the danger. Tartar is an accumulation of earthly matter, deposited on the teeth from lhe saliva or spittle. It collects on the teeth of some per- sons, much faster than on those of others; this is owing to the natural or constitutional state of the fluids, of the mouth. When first deposited on the teeth, it is soft and very easily removal with a tooth brush; but, if suffered to remain, it acquires hardness by time, and thickens about the necks of the teeth. The gums become irritafed,and inflamed by it; the sockets are next destroyed—and the teeth being left bare, without any support, are pressed out by the tongue, or fall out. The importance of removing tartar from the teeth, must be obvious to all:—and the operation ought always to be performed by a skilful person, called a Dentist —or bv a physician. To prevent the accummlation of tartar en the "teeth," and to restore the healthy state of the gums, 260 gunn's domestic medicine. nothing more is requisite than a stiff brush, and pounded charcoal, mixed with an equal quantity of peruvian bark. The use of all acids for the removal of tartar, is a base imposition. Acids will, indeed, make the teeth look beauti- fully white for a few days, dissolve and remove the tartar, and stop the tooth ache; but, in a few months, the teeth will become of a dead chaky white, next turn dark colored, then begin to decay and crumble to pieces, and finally leave their fangs in the sockets, exposed to pain and inflammation. Milk warm water, and the tooth powder 1 have mentioned, will not only preserve the teeth, but correct in a great de- gree the offensive effluvia arising from decayed teeth and unhealthy gums. This filthy disease is infectious, or in other words catch- ing; and is frequently produced by want of cleanliness: it is confined to the skin, and first shows itself between the fin- gers, in small watery pimples—gradually extending to the wrists, thighs, and waste. There is a constant desire to scratch, which is much increased after you become warm in bed. Cleanliness, and early attention to this dirty disor- der, will prevent its being communicated to a whole family: children are apt to take it at school, and to communicate it to those with whom they sleep. Travellers are apt to take it, from sleeping in beds that have been previously oc- cupied by persons who have it:—therefore, a good caution in travelling is, to have the sheets and pillow-cases changed. Frequent instances occur in travelling, where persons of much respectability have taken the itch, and been much mortified by it, from want of this precaution. REMEDIES. Take one drachm, or sixty drops of sulphuric acid, which is oil of vitriol:—mix it well with one ounce of hog's lard, gcnn's domestic medicine. 261 or fresh butter without salt will answer. After it is well prepared by good rubbing, anoint the parts affected until cured; this is an innocent and certain remedy for the itch. Or you may make an ointment of a table spoonful of sul- phur, and a table spoonful of lard, or butter without salt, and put in the ointment a table spoonful of the essence of lemon, or a tea spoonful of the oil of lemon, which will give it a pleasant smell. This ointment must be rubbed on the parts affected, three or four nights on going to bed. Sulphur is nothing more than common brimston purified and pounded fine. Or, you may take one drachm of red percipitate, and rub it well in a mortar with an ounce of hog's lard, or butter without salt, and anoint the parts affec- ted; this last is a valuable and certain cure.—A strong de- coction or tea of Virginia snake-root, known generally as black snake-root, will frequently cure the itch when used a« a wash. Tobacco leaves steeped in water, and used two or three times a day as a wash, will effect a cure; but this remedy must be used with caution on children. Water dock grows in wet ditches mill ponds, and sides of rivers; and flowers in July and August. The root boiled in strong decoction or tea, and used as a wash, is a good remedy for itch: the narrow and broad leaved dock, found in yards and fields, will answer the same purpose. Mercurial ointment, sometimes called oil of baze, is frequently rubbed on the joints*for itch: this is highly improper, because it frequent- ly salivates, and produces pains in the joints and bones for life. EATING SNUFF. Nothing is more difficult to be accounted for, even by men of acute and profound observation, than the strong at- tachments of the human species, to practices which are ab- solutely at war with nature, and hostile to every principle of enjoyment and happiness. How the use of tobacce, under any form, could ever have become a luxury among mankind, especially considering its nauseous and disgusting 262 GUNls's DOMESTIC MEDICINE. qualities, is an enigma not to be solved on common princi- ples. We can easily account for our attachments to food, and even to those luxuries of life which have any ihing tempting in their use, by referring them to instinctive im- pulses to the preservation of life, and our native propensi- ties to heighten the enjoyments of existence: but—to ac- count for our attachments to habits and practices, which are absolutely disgusting, offensive, and highly injurious to health, and which almost invariably lead to immoral and dangerous excesses, we are compelled to refer them to the degeneracy of our species, and the entire corruption of their moral tastes and feelings. The Use of tobacco in any way, unless as a medicinal application to the system, the instances of which will be found under the head tclacco, is dangerous to health, to happiness, and to morals;—in support of the truth of this doctrine, it would be idle to adduce proofs; those who use tobacco, are conscious of its defective effects, and those who do not, may hourly witness its dreadful consequences on the health and morals of society. We are all well ac- quainted with the effects of chewing and smoking tobacco, and taking snuff in the common way; but we have some- thing yet to learn and disclose, respecting the hitherto un- heard of practice among the females of our country, of regularly eating Scotch snuff! It appears, from what I have been informed on veritable authority, or I certainly would 'not believe it possible, that the practice among our ladies, of eating daily considerable quantities of Scotch snuff, arose in the first instance, from their using it as a tooth powder—yes, most courteous reader, a tooth powder! If this is any thing more, than a mere pretext for the filthy and disgusting practice, which taints the breath with a fetor ivorse than assafcetida: deranges all the physical sensations, and the whole nervous system; imparts to the rosy cheek of youthful beauty, the delightsome complexion of a cake of bees-wax: subverts, ruins and finally destroys the digestive powers of the stomach; and, renders that stomach a filthy reservoir of dregs and crudities which taints and corrupts the whole system—the eaters of Scotch snuff may be induced GUNN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 203 to abandon the destructive practice, when I point out to them a much better tooth powder—which is nothing more nor less, than powdered charcoal, mixed with peruvian or dog- wood bark. In speaking of the evils which arise from eating snuff, I have not enumerated the half of them; the fact is that lan- guage itself would fail in classing and giving them names. We all know perfectly well, that the stomach is the work-shop of the whole human machine, and that when its functions are deranged or impaired, the whole system suf- fers in its remotest extremities. Hear what the celebrated Rush says, respecting the practice of eating snuff:—"I have known two instances of death from eating snuff. It is a habit which is increasing among the ladies of our country. with a rapidity only equaled by the ravages of ardent spir- its, and which is no less ruinous to health and destructive to life. The practice of eating snuff, had its probable ori- gin in using the Scotch snuff as a tooth-powder;—a fondness is soon acquired for it, and hundreds among us, especially among our females, get drunk upon it every day of their lives."—Doctor Rush's views of this subject are undoubted- ly correct; but he has not said all that might have been al- leged, respecting the consequences of snuff eating. He might have said, that those who*are in the practice of eat- ing snuff, may easily be distinguished from those who are uot. He might have said:—here is a snuff eater; notice this complexion; it is a pallid sickly yellow; the skin seems to be under-coated with a layer of Scotch snuff, there is nothing of "the rose's bloom of opening unsullied beauty," on this lank, faded, and hollow cheek:—look at this eye, the owner is an eater of Scotch snuff;—do you see any thin"- of that healthful brilliancy, that sparkling fire of youthful beau- ty which inchants mankinl, in that jaundice, sunken, hollow, dead and beamless eye! ' No: the vital energies havo been worn out and exhausted by snuff eating; the an- imations of youth have been overpowered and killed by this cxeess: this is but the shadow of a human being!— Catch a scent of this breath,—is it pure and sweet, with youthful passions tender bloom? Does it remind you of 264 gunn's domestic medicine. the gale of spring, that gently shake the blossoms from the orange grove?—Does its healthful purity bespeak the par- adise of sweets from which it conies?—No: like the wind of night, that has swept the sepulchral shades of death, it comes with corruption and infection on its wings!—It re- minds you of disease, debility, decay, and death, of every thing but love!—Doctor Rush might have said all this of the snuff eater, and forfeited none of his high claims to pro- fessional honors, integrity, and truth—I am decidedly of opinion, and I record the allegation without fear of contra- diction, especially by those wdio know any thing of the sub- ject, that of the two characters, the drunkard and the snuff- eater, the drunkard is the more worthy personage, if con- sequences be taken into consideration. Snuff eating inva- riably produces languor, extreme debility, aversion to the performance of the common duties of life, tremors of the nerves, capricious and disagreeable temper, and restless melancholy, and lownessof spirits, unless the person is im- mediately under the disgusting stimulant. But, this is not all; snuff eating always produces want of appetite, nausea, inordinate thirst, pains and distention of the stomach, dys- pepsia or indigestion, tremors of the limbs and whole frame, disturbed sleep, emaciation or wasting of the body and limbs, epilepsy or fits, consumption and death.—Nor is this all; tobacco is an absolute poison—a very moderate quan- tity introduced into the system, or even applied moist to the pit of the stomach, has been known to produce instant death. The Indians of our own hemisphere, have long known of its poisonous effects upon the human system; and formerly used to dip the points of their arrows in an oil obtained from the leaves, by which faintness and death oc- curred from their wounds. I was once acquainted with a young lady of the first res- pectability, whose kind and affectionate heart was possessed of every noble and generous sentiment, who was in the hab- it of snuff eating. She was taken dangerously ill, and it became necessary to give her an emetic or puke, and the fact was, that in the operation of the medicine, she threw up nearly half a pint of snuff from the stomach.—How ounn's domestic medicine. 265 young, blooming, and tender girls, can bear the use of snuff in this way, or indeed in any other way, after experiencing the wretched sensations always produced by it, is to me absolutely unaccountable, unless on the pinciples I have mentioned:—and I must also here confess myself unable to account for the fact, that the parents of these girls, know- ing the evils of snuff eating, cannot merely over-look the practice in their blooming daughters, but absolutely encour- age it by their example. I really trust, that the preceding remarks, and they are founded in experience and truth, will have some influence in restraining the practice of snuff eating, and in restoring many of the fair of our country, to the possession of their native charms and beauty APOPLECTIC FITS. This disease derives its name from a Greek word, which signifies to strike or knock down; because those affected with it are suddenly prostrated to the earth, and deprived of sense and motion. A variety of causes have been assigned for Apoplexy; but, they may all be comprised in the follow- ing words—whatever determines, or throws, so great a quantity of blood on the brain, that it cannot return from that vital organ. It is not necessary to enumerate those causes, further than to remark, that among them are:—vio- lent fits of passion, excess of venery, stooping down for any length of time, overloading the stomach, and wearing any thing too tight about the neck, great cold and intem- perance.—Persons most liable to apoplexy, are such as have short necks and large heads. In attacks of Apoplexy in the severest form, the blood vessels are found bursted, M\d the blood poured out in various parts of the brain; and when Apoplexy attacks in milder forms, those blood vessels are found distended, or swelled with too large a quantity of blood. This complaint has deprived the republic of some of her greatest ornaments, among which wei e the Hon. De- nit Clinton, the Irish patriot Th: A. Emmet,, and Williai* 260 ounn's domestic mhdicine. Pinckney Esq. our former minister to London. Intense and protracted mental exertion, was probably the cause of the death of Messrs. Emmet, Pinckney, and Clinton; but, inmost instances, Apoplexy is to be dreaded by corpulent or plethoric persons, such as I have before named, having large heads and short necks, epicures, gluttons, and those who use spirituous liquors to excess. REMEDIES. The chief remedy in Apoplexy is large and copous bleeding, wdiich must be repeated if necessary. Cupping at the temples ought also to be resorted to, the great object being to draw the blood from the head and to relieve the oppression of the brain, as speedily as possible. The next thing to be attended to, is to give the most active purges:— [see table for dose.] Apply cold cloths wet in vinegar, and the coldest water constantly to the head. If your patient should recover by the means directed, in order to escape from a second and third attack, the person should scrupulously observe the following rules of living: he must eat vegetable food, drink no wine or spirits of any kind, avoid all strong and long continued exertions of mind; and after the full state of the brain has for some time subsided, the use of Chalybeatwaters,suchas those of the Harrodsburgh Springs in Kentucky, will be of much service. As this is a common and often fatal disease. I will make some further remarks on it. Many physicians have recommended, and put in practice in this complaint, opening one of the external jugular veins. They imagine, that by drawing blood from one of these veins, they unload the brain and relieve its blood vessels from distention, and the danger of rupture. The fact however seems to be otherwise. Instead of unloading the vessels by this operation, the pressure which is necessary to be made on the vein for the purpose of drawing the blood, evidently retard? the return of the blood to the heart—and, as a certain and inevitable consequence of this pressure, accumulation of blood in the arteries, and oTeater distention of the blood vessels immediately take GUNN S DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 267 place. To exhibit the force of this reasoning clearly, I will make an example of blood letting from the arm. The arteries of the arm convey, by the muscular power of the heart, all the blood in those arteries to the points of the fin- gers:—here the veins take up the same blood, to return it again to the heart.—Now—when we cord the arm tightly in order to draw blood from a vein, what are the consequen- ces? Why;—we stop the course of the blood back to the heart, swell the veins of the arm next, and lastly distend the whole of tho blood vessels of the arm: and, are not the same effects produced and the blood vessels of the head, by a strong pressure in cording the jugular vein? The above doctrine, as well as it can be explained from the words of the great Doctor Baillie of London, I am induced to consid- er correct. Instead of opening the jugular vein, in cases of emergency, I would recommend bleeding in the foot. In performing this operation after the bandage has been put on, the foot should be put in warm water: the fact is that warm water applied to both feet, in bleeding for apoplexy, would be attended with manifest advantages. EPILEPTIC FITS. This disease differs from apoplexy, by the former having convulsions, and frothy spittle issuing from the mouth. The ancients gave it the name of the sacred disease, because it affected the mind, the most noble part of the rational creature. These fits last from ten minutes to half an hour, depending on their violence; they always leave the sufferer in a stupor, attended with great weakness and exhaustion of the body. Epileptic fits arise from the following caus- es:—Original or natural defects; in other words, defects derived from nature; and severe blows in the head. When tlie disease arises from either, or both of these causes in oombination, it is seldom if ever cured. But when it pro- ceeds from any of the following causes, cures may be effec- tuated by medicine, proper diet, &c.—In children, when it 268 GUNN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE. proceeds from worms, cutting teeth, impure and acrid mat- ter in the stomach and bowels, eruptions of the skin which suddenly strike in, and sores on the head which are too quickly healed up, relief may be obtained by medical means. Relief may also be had in the cases of grown per- sons, afflicted from the too free use of spirituous liquors, from violent excitements of those passions which affect the nervous system, from stoppages of the menses in women, and those who have not yet had their courses according to nature. This disease is sometimes, although not often, pro- duced by great debility or weakness; and sometimes by onanism. REMEDIES. In fits of this kind; a few days previous to the expected attack, draw blood from the foot; and every night on going to bed, bathe the feet some time in warm water, so as to prevent too great a determination of blood to the head, as these fits generally attack persons during sleep. If con- sidered necessary, give an emetic or puke to cleanse the stomach, followed by an active purge to act on the bowels": (see table for doses.) These fits generally occur about the change or full of the moon. The singular and surprising influence, which this planet is known to exercise in many instances over the human species, is absolutely unaccounta- ble, and is even ridiculed by many physicians; but, I feel fully confident, from reflection and experience, that this planet has considerable control over certain diseases to which the human system is liable—one or two of which I will notice. The monthly courses of women at particular times, are evidently under its influence: madness, or mental derangement, is in many cases greatly increased at the changes of the moon: and it is well known to almost every person, that the periodical return of epileptic fits, is. generallly about the full and change. These circumstance* eertain'y denote some secret and mysterious agency, which is concealed from human knowledge. On a full examina- tion of the different remedies recommended in epileptic fete, GUN.Vs DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 269 where they arise from circumstances which can be traced to some particular cause, please to refer to the different heads, remembering always, that when you expect to effect a cure, it can only be done by removing the cause. I have mentioned emphatically, bleeding in the foot, and the warm bath; these will remove the blood from the brain, when harsher means have failed. The bowels must be kept in a laxative state, by epsom salts, castor oil, or mild clysters:— (see table for doses and the head clysters.) By permitting the bowels to be the least bound, you subject the person to much risk of having a fit. An issue or aseaton in the neck, something resembling a rowel, and kept continually dis- charging, is a good remedy in fits. The use of tartar ometic ointment, is a remedy resorted to in the hospitals of Europe with success; I have tried it in two cases; it suc- ceeded in one and failed in the other:—this, however, is the usual fate of those remedies applied in this disease. Sea- tons always lessen the fits considerably in number and severity, and the tartar emetic ointment sometimes removes the complaint; they arc, therefore, both worthy of a fair trial. For the mode of preparing this ointment, and the manner of using it, look under that head—and for issues or seatons, see that head. All that can be done during the fit* is to prevent the person from injuring himself, by placing a bit of soft wood between the teeth, and unclenching the hands. The following remedies should be tried separately, and with moderation, where there is any hope of success:— plunge the whole body in a strong bath made of salt and water, a few mornings in succession, before an attack is expected; or you may give spirits of turpentine, in small doses, on an empty stomach; or, take the person afflicted through a gradual and moderate salivation with mercury. Doctor Currie, an eminent physician, speaks highly cf the Digitalis or fox glove, as a remedy in this complaint; but it must be used with much caution. Five or six drops of tincture, increased two drops every five or six days, ought to be given: [see table of doses.] The bowels must be kept open with senna and manna. Doctor Wharton, of Shenaddoah pounty, Virginia, a man of distinguished 270 gunn's domestic medicine. abilities, administered it with great success: see page 184, Med. Recorder:—Persons who are subject to these fits, should avoid all strong and heating food together with all kinds of spirituous liquors. Hog meat should never be used as food in any way; nor should any thing difficult of di- gestion ever be eaten. Moderate exercise must betaken, and every thing must be avoided which is calculated to produce melancholy:—because the mind and passions have great influence on the nervous system. PALSY. Palsy is a disease, attended with the loss or diminution of the power of voluntary motion. It sometimes affects one part of the body, and sometimes another; but, in what- ever part of the system it prevails, there will always be a numbness, and almost entire want of feeling, and a loss of power to move the part affected. This disease may rise from apoplexy; from any thing that prevents the flow of the nervous fever from the brain to the organs of motion; from luxurious and intemperate living: from the suppress- ion of certain evacuations, such as are mentioned in epilep- tic fits; from spasmodic affections or cramps; from what- ever causes a determination of blood to the brain; from too frequent intercourse with women, by which the nervous system is much weakened: from exposure to cold; from affections of the spinal marrow; from any mechanical compression; in fact, from whatever has a tendency to weaken and relax the system in an extreme degree. Dis- sections frequently show collections of blood, and some- times of serous or watery fluid, effused or spread out on the brain; and what is something singular, the collections and effusions, are generally found on the opposite side of the brain from the parts of the body affected. guxVs domestic medicine. 271 REMEDIES. In no cases of the palsy should bleeding be resorted to, unless the patient is of a stout and full habit of body, and where the disease originated in the head, causes a great determination of blood to the vessels of the brain. In all other cases, bleeding is of much more injury than benefit. Where the person is of a full habit, and there is much de- termination of blood to the head, in addition to bleeding in the first stage of attack, active purges will be very beneficial. If, on the contrary, the person is of a delecate and weakly habit of body, is considerably advanced in life, or if the disease has affected the system for a time, bleeding and very active purges should never be used; it will be sufficient here to keep the lower bowels gently open, by mild and at tlie same time, stimulating clysters: (see the head clysters.) The fact is. that constipation of the bowels on the one hand, and excessive laxness on the other, are extremes equally to be avoided in palsy. Constipationorcostivenessof thebowels, always oppresses the brain with an accumulation of blood, which must be relieved.—and too much purging with very laxative medicines, invariably weakens the svstem greatly, and as I have somewhere before remarked, produces mor- bid irritability. Palsy, with the exception of the cases I have mentioned, must be treated with tonic or strengthening medicines. Every second or third night take two grains of calomel, and three of ground ginger, in a little honey: these doses are to be continued, until there is a copperish taste in the mouth, or some soreness felt in the gums and mouth; here you are to stop taking them. During all this time, you are to have the affected parts well rubbed with a brush, for half an hour three times a day; and you are also, once a day, to bathe in strong salt and water made pleas- antly warm. See the head warm bath, where you will find, that out of 996 cases of palsy, 813 were benefited by the warm bath. Blisters are also very beneficial in this disease, one of which ought to be placed between the shoul- ders, one on the inside of each ancle, and one over the part affoctedc they should all be kept continually running, by the 272 gtjnn's domestic medicine. application of some irritating ointment. An issue or seaton in the neck is also highly recommended, especially where the disease has originated from apoplexy. I have found great benefit in palsy, by using on the affected parts, the following liniment. One ounce of spirits of heartshorn, one table spoonful of spirits of turpentine, one table spoon- ful of the tincture of Spanish flies, made by steeping the flies in whiskey. These articles are to be mixed in half a pint of sweet oil, and well rubbed on the parts affected three times a day. If these articles cannot be had, bathe the parts in whiskey, in which cayenne pepper has been steeped so as to make it strong of the pepper. Use horse raddish freely with your food; and take thirty-five drops of spirits of turpentine, on a lump of sugar,'three times a day. As soon as practicable, take exercise in the open air, and when on the recovery, make use of water impregnated with iron, and use your bath cold instead of warm, in the manner of a shower bath:—see that head; the water should be mixed with salt. I will remark in conclusion, that^elec- trifying or shocking in this disease, is very highly recom- mended:—as is also, the method of cure resorted to with great success in Austria, France, and Germany, wdiich is the use of the sulphur bath, by which 673 cases were cured in the hospitals of Paris, and 484 in those of Vienna. See head Sulphuric Bath. ASTHMA. In this disease, from an extensive experience, I unhesita- tingly say, that asthma when once firmly seated in the sys- tem, is a complaint that maybe palliated but never entirely removed by medicine. When the disease attacks young persons, abstemious diet and due exercise are the best rem- edies for subduing its violence; but, an entire, and perma- nent cure of the complaint, is only to be expected from the spontaneous and powerful efforts of nature herself. In aged persons, where the disease is of long standing, great gunn's domestic medicine. 273 care and attention, are required to lessen the severity of the attacks; this is nearly all that can be done by the boasted powers of medicine, when the disease has become obstinate by age. Many physicians have asserted that asthma is a nervous disease; the contrary however, has been establish- ed, by many dissections in the hospital of Paris and other cities of Europe. Corvisart, Raumus, and Roston, besides many others, allege that asthma depends on a morbid or diseased alteration in the organs of breathing or respira: tion and circulation, by which congestions or collections of blood in the lungs are produced. Boston, particularly, gives in evidence of this opinion, the following facts:—he says in substance, that the bodies of many who had died of asthma, were opened immediately after death, and that in all of them alterations in the structure of the heart and arte- ries, were found combined with extensive congestive disea- ses of the lungs, proving that disorder of the heart and large blood vessels, have much greater influence in the production of asthma than is generally supposed. The symptoms of asthma are:—difficult breathing or respiration for a time, succeeded by short intervals of comparative ease, which are followed by attacks similar to the first, in many cases, amounting to almost suffocation; a great tight- ness across the breast, and in the region of the lungs; a wheezing noise in breathing, attended by a hard cough at first, which gradually diminishes in toughness, until a white stringy tough mucus is discharged from the throat and mouth, accompanied perhaps by a gentle moisture on the skin. Persons subject to periodical attacks of asthma, gen- erally know the approach of those attacks, by the follow- ing symptoms and sensations:—depression of spirits amount- ing to melancholy; sense of fullness and distention about the stomach, attended with uneasy and restless feelings: drowsiness accompanied with head,ach: and a sense' of tightness or constriction across the breast. These indica- tions usually occur about the close of the day, increase hi severity during the night, and sensibly diminish toward morning. W 274 gunn's domestic medicine. REMEDIES. Bleeding must never be resorted to in asthma:—although it is frequently practiced by physicians, it is altogether wrong, and must always be avoided. The reason is obvi- ous, and particularly so, in the cases of persons advanced in age. Bleeding retards, in fact it prevents expectoration by the mouth and throat; in other words, it prevents hawk- ing and spitting up mucus from the throat and lungs, which always gives relief in asthma. So soon as symptoms of an attack are felt, which I have just described, give a mild emetic or puke; this will always shorten the attack —during which the feet must be bathed in warm water, and the steam of warm vinegar inhaled, or breathed from the spout of a coffee-pot. Stew down over a slow fire, half an ounce of seneka snake root in a pint of water, after bruising it with a hammer, to half a pint: of this take a ta- ble spoonful every ten or fifteen minutes, and drink a small glass of warm toddy. I have frequently afforded relief in a short time, by merely bathing the feet and giving plen- tifully of warm toddy. The Indian tobacco is a valuable remedy in this complaint, used in the following manner. Take of the leaves, stem and pods, nearly as much as you can hold grasped between the fore-finger and thumb. Put it into a bottle of whiske)% and in five days the liquor will be fit for use; of which give a tea spoonful every half hour until relief is obtained. When this complaint attacks young men, for it is much more apt to attack men than women, they should rise early and take active exercise, particularly by ascending the highest and steepest hills and mountains, where they can breast the pure mountain breeze. These people should always rise from a hard bed instead of a soft one, and swallow a raw egg before walking.—To persons severely afflicted with this disease in advanced life, smok- ing the dried root of the Jamestown weed will be beneficial, as will also smoking the dried root of the skunk cabbage. Look under the head Jamestown weed where this plant is described; it must always be used gradually and with some gunn's domestic medicine. 275 caution. Baron Brady states, that he cured himself of asthma of 21 years standing, by the internal use of mustard need, of which he took every morning and evening a tea- spoonful in tea or broth. Doctor Pitschaft says, he derived much benefit from the internal use of mustard, in pectoral disorders attended with cough, and excessive mucus ex- pectoration. SORE LEGS. Sore legs frequently arise from the imprudent neglect of bruises; and, from trifling sores, whch are permitted to be- come inflamed, and finally ulcerous. Sore legs, like con- sumptions, and other diseases which descends from parents to children, sometimes run in families for several genera- tions:—when they run in families/it isgenerally in such fam- ilies as are addicted to king's evil, scrofula or scurvy. Doc- tor Rush says, that he considers them, in many instances, as arising from general debility or weakness, operating on the whole system, but centering more particularly on the legs. Persons who have been afflicted any length of time with ulcerous sore legs, or indeed with ulcers situated any where els, if of long standing, should be cautious how they heal them suddenly, without purifying and preparing the system for the change:—because the sudden suppression of a ha- bitual discharge, without this previous purification, almost invariably seats some new disease on a vital organ, or* pro- duces death by apoplexy. REMEDIES. The first and important remedy in sore legs, is to keep them perfectly clean, by frequently washing them with soap and water. Doctor Rush say, and I perfectly agree with him in opinion, that the great success of old women in curing sore legs, arises more from keeping the ulcers clean, than from any peculiar efficiency of their medical applica- tions. Where sore legs have been of any long standing, it 276 gunn's domestic medicine. is of importance, as I have told you before, to attend to pur- ging and purifying the whole system, with frequent doses of epsom salts. Nitre or saltpetre, given in doses of ten, fiteen, or twenty grains, three times a day in a little cold water, will be found a useful and cooling medicine. Pour- ing cold water on the sores three times a day, is an ex- cellent application; but it must be done on an empty stomach. Poultices of light wheat bread and milk, applied as cold as possible, will reduce the inflammation, or fever: so will also, a poultice of slippery elm bark, pounded well and moistened before being applied. A wash of white oak bark, in old ulcere is a valuable remedy. I have succeeded in curing old sores, when every other means had been tried in vain, by the application of common tow to the ulcer, and kept wet with new milk. A salve made of Jamestown weed, will be found an excellent remedy; as will also a salve made of the common elder bark. When the sores are sluggish, and refuse to heal, a poultice made of common garden carrots will be found of great utility. Should proud flesh take place, after washing the sores with castile soap-suds, sprinkle a little red percipitate on the sores—or a little calomel—or a little burnt alum—or dis- solve a little blue vitriol, (blue stone.) in water and wet the ulcers with it. In sore legs of long standing, moderate exercise should be taken, and tight bandages applied, commencing at the toes and winding up the leg, which will give due support to the vessels. In such cases, tonic or strengthening med- icines are necessary, such as bark, iron rust, &c. &c.— with a moderately nourishing food. The use of opium, see table for dose, will be a useful medicine in allaying the pain and invigorating the whole system. Rest in a lying posture, should always be particularly attended to, in all cases of sore legs: and the diet should be cooling, accom- panied with pure air. Every thing of a heating and stim- ulating nature should be avoided, particularly ardent spirits. In some old ulcerations of the legs, nitric acid (aquafortis) very weak, is sometimes taken internally and also applied outwardly as a wash for the sores, charcoal will correct ounn's domestic medicine. 277 the smell, and purify the sores; or if made into a poultice is an excellent application to ill-conditioned ulcers. Water dock which grows in wet boggy soils, and on the banks of ditches, boiled to a strong decoction, is a good wash for old ulcers: and, an ointment made by simmering the root in hog's lard, is a valuable remedy, derived from the Indians. PILES. There are two kinds of piles, originating from very near- ly the same causes:—one is called the bleeding piles, and the other the blind piles. The piles are small swelled tu- mors, of rather a dark appearance, usually situated on the edge of the fundament. Where there is a discharge of blood from these tumors when you go to stool, tho disease is called bleeding piles; but, when there is only a swelling on the edge of the fundament, or some little distance up the gut, and no bleeding when you evacuate the bowels, the disease is called the blind piles. Both men and women are subject to piles; but women more particularly, during the last stages of pregnancy, in which the womb presses on the rectum or gut. In passing the stool, you can plainly feel these tumors, which extend from the edge of the fun- dament, to an inch or more upward, if you have them severe;—when these burst and bleed, the person is very much relieved; and when the pain is excessive, it is apt to produce some fever. Many persons are constitutionally subject to this disease through life. It is, however, gener- ally brought on by costiveness, or having irregular stools. Piles is also produced, by riding a great deal on horse-back in warm weather; by the use of highly seasoned food; by sedentary habits, in other words, want of exercise; by the use of spirituous liquors to excess; and by the use of aloes as a purge, if constantly taken for any length of time to remove costiveness:—therefore, persons subject to costive- ness, should particularly avoid aloes. W* 278 gunn's domestic medicine. REMEDIES. Cold water is one of the best remedies that can be appli- ed in this complaint:—nor will any person ever be afflicted much with bleeding or blind piles, who will bathe the fun- dament well, with cold spring water daily, or with iced water to prevent, or to relieve the disease if formed. I have known many persons who have exempted themselves from this painful disorder, merely by bathing twice a day in the coldest water. For those, who from laziness or neg- lect, omit to use this simple and powerful precaution, I shall proceed to give the usual remedies. When there is a fever attending piles, it will be proper to lose a little blood, and to take a dose of epsom salts or castor oil: (for doses see table.) Purging and bleeding should be repeated, if the inflammatory or feverish symptoms do not subside. If the pain is violent, bathe the fundament with some lau- danum, say a tea spoonful of laudanum, mixed in a table spoonful of cold water:—or set over a tub, in which some tar has been heated or set on fire, so that the steam may sweat the fundament:—this steaming should continue some time, and be frequently repeated. Sweet oil applied to the fundament is a good remedy; and cooling applications of sugar of lead is also good—made by putting a tea spoonful of the lead into a pint of spring water, and bathing the parts frequently with it. Mercuiial ointment, otherwise called oil of baze, is a fine remedy; and, by greasing the parts with a small quantity three times a day, speedy relief .will be obtained in a short time. The root of the James- town weed, made into a slave, and the fundament greased with it, will also afford a speedy relief from pain. All persons subject to piles, should live on light diet of a cool- ing nature, avoid costiveness, and use plenty of cold wrater in bathing, as before directed. gunn's domestic medicine. 279 PUTRID SORE THROAT. In this infectious or catching disease, the respiration or breathing becomes hurried, and the breath hot and offensive. The swallowing becomes more and more difficult; the skin burning and disagreeably hot, without the least moisture; and the pulse very quick and irregular:—the mouth and throat assume a fiery red color, and the palate and glands of the throat much.swelled. Blotches, of a dark red color appear on the face about the third or fourth day, which grad- ually increase in size, and soon spread over the whole body. On examining the throat at this stage of the disease, you will discover small brown spots inside of the throat, which soon become deep sores or ulcers—a brownish fur covers the tongue; the lips have small watery pimples on them, which soon break and produce sores, the matter of which is of an acrid nature. If this disease is not immediately relieved, it soon terminates fatally, from the fifth to the seventh day. As the disease advances, the following symp- toms denote an unfavorable and fatal termination. Purg- ing a black matter, of a very offensive and fetid smell; the hands and feet become cold; the eruptions becoming cf a dark liver color, or suddenly disappearing; the inside of the mouth and throat assuming a dark hue; the pulse becoming small, quick, and fluttering; the breathing much hurried, with an almost constant sighing; and a cold and clammy sweat.-—When putrid sore throat is about termina- ting favorably, the skin becomes gradually soft and moist, denoting the abatement of fever; the eruptions of the skin becomes of a reddish color over the whole body; the breath- ing becomes more free and natural; the eyes assume a natu- ral and lively appearance; the sloughs, or parts which sep- arate from the ulcers, fall off easily, and leave the sores of a clean and reddish color:—when these symptoms occur, as I said before, the disease is about terminating in a re- covery of the patient. This infectious and frequently mortal disease, made its appearance in Knox county, in the fall of 1827, and proved 280 gunn's domestic medicine. fatal in very many instances. Having a short time before arrived from Virginia, and being a stranger, my practice was necessarily confined to some cases which occurred at Knoxville. I immediately determined, to use a remedy which I had seen successfully administered, in the West Indies, in this disease; and the result of the prescription was successful in my own practice. Feeling it a duty to communicate the remedy to several gentlemen in the coun- try, whose children were attacked with the complaint, I was informed it was unusually successful, in every case an which it was resorted to in the early stages of the disease. REMEDIES. In this disease, which is generally a dangerous one, unless treated with judgment, bleeding and purging are always fatal in their consequences, and you are scrupulously to avoid both. Many physicians have treated this complaint injudiciously, from the simple fact of not giving themselves the trouble to investigate its causes. It generally makes its appearance at the close of sultry summers; when the system has been much weakened by protracted exposure to intense heat, and when people nave been for some time, exposed to breathing the putrid atmosphere arising from stagnant waters and decaying vegetation. You are in the first instance, to give an emetic or puke of ipecacuanha: (see table for dose,) and the dose must be repeated in moderation the next day if considered ne- cessary. This will throw off the acrid matter, which would otherwise produce injury by descending into the bowels— which are to be kept gently open by clysters:—(see under that head.] If it is necessary, a little castor oil by the mouth, or a little rhubarb may be given to assist the clys- ters in removing offensive matter:—use, then, the following valuable prescription, which is well known in the West Indies, whence I derived it. Take cayenne pepper, in pow- der, two table spoonfuls:—with one tea spoonful of salt; and put both into half a pint of boiling water. Let them stand one hour and strain off the liquor. Next put this ounif's DOMESTIC medicine. 281 iiquor as pure as you can make it, into half a pint of strain- ed vinegar and warm it over the fire. Of this medicine, give two table spoonfuls every hour. Make also, a strong decoction or tea of seneka snake root, and give of it two table spoonfuls every half hour. If any debility or weakness should come on, bathe the grown person or child in a strong decoction of red oak bark. If the weakness is very con- siderable, add one fourth of whiskey to the decoction, and give wine, or toddy made with spirits and sweetened with sugar, to support the system. Wash the mouth and throat frequently with the liquor made of pepper, vinegar, and salt:—ami, apply to the throat, a poultice frequently renew- ed, of garlic, or onion, or ashes well moistened with vine- gar, and enclosed in a small bag, so as to produce slight ir- ritation of the skin. Volatile liniment will answer:—look under the head; but blisters must never be applied to the neck. 1 have never used the compound, but am strongly impressed with the opinion, that a tea spoonful of good yeast, mixed with the same quantity of powdered charcoal, and given three times a day, would be a good remedy in this complaint. HEAD ACHE. This affection is produced from a foul stomach, from cos- tiveness, from indigestion, and sometimes from exposure to the rays of the sun. There is also a pa;nful affection of the head, accompanied with some nausea, called sick head ache, which comes on periodically, or at particular limes:— this last is sometimes called nervous head ache. It is not nervous head ache: it arises from want of acid on the stom- ach, or from an excess of acid. There is, indeed, a nervous head ache, which arise from the same causes as those which produce tooth ache in female diseases: and which may be produced, also, by grief or any of the depressing passions, and should be treated by gentle stimu- lants. 282 gunn's domestic medicine. REMEDIES. If produced from afoul stomach, give an emetic or puKe; if from costiveness, give an active purge—(see table for dose;) if from exposure to the sun, read under the head In- flammation of the Brain. In sick head ache, a late remedy has been discovered, which may be relied on; it is citric acid which may be had at any drug store; in plain terms it is nothing but the acid of lemons; of which you have onlv to put a little in cold water, and to drink it. This remedy is believed to be an effective one; and was like many other valuable discoveries, the result of mere accident. A girl who attended a bar in London, was called on to make a glass of lemonade. She was so afflicted with sick head ache, as scarcely to be able to prepare it. On tasting the lemonade to know7 if it was good, she found that every sip she took relieved her head, and finally, she obtained entire relief, from drinking the whole glass. When sick head ache ari- ses from excess of acid on the stomach, a tea spoonful of finely powdered charcoal, in a little cold water, will correct the acid:—a tea spoonful of magnesia will do the same. When head ache arises from debility, st:mulants are requi- red, particularly by delecate females. Wine sangaree, made with warm water, wine sugar, and nutmeg, is an ex- cellent and gentle stimulant. I have in many cases, given a bottle of Maderia wine to a female in the course of a day, and produced much benefit from it in this disease—without the least intoxicating effect.—The best wine must always be used. EAR ACHE. Many persons are subject, on the slightest cold, to painful affections of the ear. These pains usually subside in a day or two, and the disease ends in a discharge of matter.— Sometimes great pain is produced, by some insect crawling gunn's domestic medicine. 283 into the ear of a person whilst sleeping: and it is not un- frequent, that an accumulation of wax takes place in the ear, and produces deafness. REMEDIES. Warm some fine salt, place it in a bag, and apply it in the ear; or—make a poultice of roasted onions, and apply it to the ear and side of the head—first putting into the ear a little fine wool, on which has been dropped a few drops of laudanum and sweet oil warmed. If the pain or deafness is occasioned by the lodgment of hard wax in the ear, inject strong warm soap-suds into the ear, so as to soften and finally dissolve the wax. If the pain is very severe, a blister behind the ear will relieve it; and if the deafness continue for some time after the pain has gone off, inject into the ear once or twice a day, a little strong salt and water—after which, keep the ear stopped with some wool, which must be moistened with spirits in which camphor has been dissolved. MUMPS. This complaint is so universally known, as to make a minute description of it unnecessary. It appears on the throat; sometimes on one side, and sometimes on both sides. It makes its appearance in a lump immediately under the jaw, which swells and becomes large and painful, and often renders the swallowing difficult. The cheeks and whole face generally swell at first, and continue swelled for five or six days. When the disease is any way severe, it is usually attended wiih fever:—children are generally affect- led with it, but it is not exclusively confined to them. When it attacks grown persons, male and female, great care shoud be observed in treating it. In men, the testicles frequently become swe led as large as goards, and extremely painful:— in women, without great attention, the disease is apt to settle in the breasts, which become swelled and very hard; in this case there is much danger of an accumulation of 284 gunn's domestic medicine. matter. These consequences, however, both to men and women, usually arise from want of attention, and from the taking'0f colds:—when due caution is exercised, there is very little danger from the complaint. REMEDIES. In simple cases of mumps, nothing can or ought to be done, but avoiding the taking of colds. Keep the face throat, and head, moderately warm, by wearing flannel round the parts. Keep the bowels gently open, by a little castor oil or epsom salts; and always avoid the damp ground and wet feet, or even damp feet. If the testicles swell' immediately lie down on your bed, and move as little as possibler-and also be bled from the arm, and purge freely Apply to the privates, poultices of cold light bread and milk, wh.ch are always to be renewed as soon as they be- come warm. Dissolve a tea spoonful of sugar of lead, ina pint of co d water, with which you are to wet the poultices and also the testicles; which are to be suspended, or held up in a bag made for the purpose; a handkerchief will an- swer the same purpose, which is merely to prevent their weight from doing injury. Women, in cases of swelled breasts must pursue the plan of bleeding and purging prescribed for men, and apply the poultices to their breasts to prevent the formation of matter in them. Poultices made of flax-seed, applied cold, are also effective in reducing inflammations. * SORE EYES. This is so common a disease in the western country, that it requires to be treated of with much attention. The eyes are exceedingly tender, and subject to a great variety of maladies, some of which usually terminate in total blind- ness, unless speedy relief can be obtained. This delecate organ exemphfies in the wisdom of its construction, the boundless and incomprehensible power of an Almighty God It may gunn's domestic medicine. 285 be called the mirror of the soul; the interpreter of the passions of mankind. At a single glance, it takes in the sublime beauties, and magnificent splendors of. the visible creation; reaches by its mystic energies the bosom of unlim- ited space—and, at the next moment, by an effort of micro- scopic vision which is absolutely unaccountable, it expatiates on the mild tints of the opening rose-bud, and detects the analysis of a piiysical atom! The loss of such powers of vision, then, must be indeed a great misfortune.—and fre- quently, when I have reflected on the dangers of so great a loss, I have been astonished at the carelessness and inatten- tion, with which diseases of this noble and distinguished or- gan are sometimes treated. In a work like this, which is intended for popular use and benefit, it would be irrelevant and unimportant, to treat of such diseases of the eye, as require surgical operations; such must always be met, by the skill and judgment of a practiced physician. Optiialmiv is the general name, given by physicians to inflammatory diseases of the eye:—these diseases are either inflammations on the coats or mombranes of the eye. or they are inflammations of the whole orbit or globe of the eye it self. In common opthalmia, for there is such a disease as venereal opthalmia, the eyes exhibit considerable inflam- mations, owing to the fulness of the small blood vessels; there is also much heat and pain over the whole surface of the eye; and, generally speaking, an involuntary flow of tears. When the inflammation is suspected to be deeply seated, throwing a strong light on the eye will determine the fact, by producing sharp shooting pains through the head, accompanied with fever. When the pains of the eyes and head are not much increased by an exposure of the eyes to a strong light, we may safely conclude, that the inflammation is of a slight and local nature. It is my opin- ion, and I know it is contrary to the common opinion, if any judgment can be formed from the general practice of physi- cians, that inflammatory diseases of the eye, are very fre- quently connected with diseased states of some of the other 286 gunn's domestic medicine. organs, or with, general and constitutional derangements of the whole system. Inflammatory diseases of the eye, are usually produced by severe colds; by sudden changes of the weather; by exposure to cold, raw and damp winds; by residing in very damp or very sandy countries; and by exposures of the eye to the vivid beams of the sun, on sandy or snowy wastes of country, for some length of time. In the salt mines of Poland, to which many convicts are consigned for life, and where the exclusion of day-light render tor- ches necessary, not only the prisoners, but the horses them- selves become blind, from the insufferable brilli.mcy of the salt rock. This simple fact, is sufficient to place all persons on their guard, against exposing the eye to a strong glare of light. In addition to the above causes, inflammations of the eye, are often produced from external injuries, such as blows and bruises; and also from splinters, dust or any other irritating matters getting into the eyes. Healing old ulcers, or sores of longstanding—and particularly driving in erup- tions of the head and face, will very often inflame the eyes Besides all these causes, the suppression or stoppage of some habitual discharge, such as the menses, bleeding at the nose, hemorrhoids or piles, &c. will produce inflammations of the eyes:—and, to (dose the catalogue of the causes of inflammatory diseases of the eye, venereal opthalmia itself is produced, by the action of the virus or poison of the ve- nereal disease, on scorbutic or scrofulous habits of body. This last disease of the eyes, generally terminates in impair- ed vision, or total blindness:—You, who are yet tyros in th< school of experience and humanity:—you, who are melt- ing down your physical and vital energies on the corrupted bed of lust and debauchery, listen to this! REMEDIES: ! In all inflammations of the eyes, presumed to arise from a diseased state of the general system, from a foul stomach from costiveness of the bowels, from colds accompanie. with fever, or even from local affections of the organic gunn's domestic medicine. 287 structure of the eye, the .stomach is to be thoroughly evacu- ated and cleansed by gentle emetics or pukes, and the bowels by active and cooling purges. If the inflamma- tion should be severe, some blood should be drawn from the arm occasionally, at the same time that very cooling purg- es are in operation. The diet should be of the lightest kind, and of the most cooling nature. Cold acid drinks are also proper, because they tend to lessen the inflammation, and to cool the whole system. The skin should be kept clean, and perspiration or sweating kept up continually, by the warm or tepid bath, after bleeding and purging have been sufficiently resorted to. Doctor Physic, who is probably among the greatest men of his profession, either of this, or unv other aire, expressly recommends, that in very severe inflammations of the eyes, blister plasters should be applied ovr and around them, which are to be kept shut; and, that between these plasters and the eye-lids, two or three doub- lings of gauze are to be placed, in order to prevent the flies or cantharides from entering the eyes. When the inflamma- tion is considered merely local and external, and not deeply seated in the system or vital organs, poultices made of light bread and milk, and applied as cold as possible will be ben- eficial:—in fact, the coldest applications are to be kept to the eyes, such for instance, as the following:—Take twenty grains of sugar of lead, and ten grains of white vitriol— dissolve them in half a pint of pure rain water—and let the mixture settle for several hours:—then pour off the clear part from the top, and keep the eye constantly moistened with this water. If the eyes are very painful, you may add to the mixture a tea poonful of laudanum, to allay the irritation. Persons who are constitutionally subject to weak eyes, will find much benefit from bathing them fre- quently in pure water; and if the weakness is unattended by inflammation, by bathing them in weak spirits and water. In cases of films over-spreading the cornea, or stransparent part of the eye, so as to induce blindness. I consider it my duty to make the following notices: Doctor Manlone, for- merly a celebrated physician of Dinwidie county, of Virgin- ia, since dead, left on record in the margin of one of 288 OUNN'ri DOMESTIC MEDICINE. Prideaux's works, the following note:—"The gaul of an Eel, laid on with a soft brush, and with great care, and occasion- ally repeated, has successfully removed a film from the eye. The writer of this, leaves it on record in this place, with the intention that it may be useful to some fellow creature, when the writer is no longer an inhabitant of this world. I most solemnly declare, that I have experienced the good effects of the application, in the course of my practice; but it should be used when the disorder is recent. C. Manlone." Thus we see, notwithstanding the sneers and ridicule of modern infidels, that the story in the apocrypha, of Tobit's blindness being cured by the gall of a fish, is neither ridic- ulous nor improbable:—Doctor Manlone has been dead about forty years.' For the satisfaction of the reader, I will record a case in which I myself was successful in the cure of blindness. Mis Hudson, of Knox county, who resides with her father on the waters of Holston, in this state, came to me afflicted with blindess in one of her eyes, from a film which I speedily and easily removed, by introducing upon the surface of the eye-ball, clean hog's lard; it was intro- duced into the eye with a fine Camel-hair pencil, and with much care. WHITLOW; There is an inflammation at the end of the finger or thumb. The pain gradually increases, attended with a throbbing sensation, and always produces in its progress, the most excruciating torment. In whitlow, the finger or thumb affected, always puts on a glossy or shining ap- pearance. After six or eight days, matter forms under the nail or at the side of it, which, on being opened gives imme- diate relief. REMEDIES. The old plan of treatment in whitlow has been entirely laid aside—it consisted merely of poultices and warm appli- gunn's domestic medicine. 289 cations. The method of cure now adopted in the Europe- an Hospitals, which may be said to be an infallible one, is simply as follows. The moment the whitlow is discovered, press the part gently and gradually with your fore-finger and thumb. Then, with a piece of tape or narrow binding bind or wind the sore finger or thumb tightly, from the point upward toward the body of the hand. This bandage must be permitted to remain on, the object being merely to stop the circulation, until a cure is effected. You may unwind it once a day to examine the whitlow, but it must immediately be put on again. If the bandage give much pain, so that you cannot bear it, it must be gradually loos- ened until you can bear the pressure. By this simple meth- od, whitlow may be easily cured, if matter has not formed hi it. Were I not convinced that many wise men and old women will laugh at this simple cure, I would not put my- self to the trouble of proving its efficacy. Doctor William Balfour of Edinburgh, relates more than fifty cases of whit- low being cured, some of them with matter formed and highly inflamed, by this simple method. I will give two cases of success, selected from the London Medical and Physical Journal. "James Briddet," says the writer, "who was a tanner, aged twenty-five years, applied to me on the 25th of August, with a whitlow on one of his thnmbs. He knew no cause for the complaint, which had existed for about a week, and prevented him from following his occupation. When I had pressed the parts firmly, and applied a hand- le, I desired him to call the next day. He looked at me, as ifhe woJd have said—'Is this all that you are to do for mcl'—I found this fellow, says the doctor,quite doubtful with regard to my cure, and again desired him to call the next day. In the morning he accordingly returned—when I found the inflammation and swelling considerably abated. On the third day the pain was entirely gone, and the man had the free use of his diumb. I now asked him, if he was not at first, quite distrustful of the mode of cure I had adopted. He laughed and admitted that he was, expressed his surprise at the quick result, made his acknowledge- ments, and went about his business.—Peter Fraser re- 290 gunn's domestic medicine. ceived an injurvonthe 26th of December last, by having his thumb bent forcibly backward in lifting a heavy stone. When he applied to me on the 29th, he complained of hav- ing passed three days in great agony, and three sleepless nights. The pain was confined to the first joint, but the swelling extended a considerable way upward. I never handled a more excruciatingly painful case, and believed it must soon terminate in suppuration," (breaking and run- ning.) "Such wras also the opinion of Doctor Anderson of New York, who happened to be with me when the pa- tient presented himself. I told the gentleman that exquis- itely painful as was the complaint, I had no doubt of cur- ing it in a week, without any other application than my own fingers, and a simple bandage of narrow tape. The cure was completed in six days,exclusive of that on wdiich the patient applied to me."—I have thus given two cases, in which whitlow has been cure?l by the mere application of a bandage: and, I will adventure another suggestion, which is this—that even in cases where suppuration has taken place, and the lancet has been u«ed, the use of an easy bandage would be greatly benficial, applied to every part of the finger or thumb,cxceptimmediately over the small point of the discharge. COW POY OR VACCINATION. This valuable discovery made several years ago by tho celebrated Doctor Jenner, is now resorted to as a remedy against the infectious and dreadful inroads of the Small ?ox, in almost every portion of the civilized world. Vac cination is merely the introduction or insertion into the arm. by means of the lancet, of the matter by which the cow pox is- produced in the human system. There is a contention among physicians, and those too of the higher orders, whether the cow pox is, in all cases, a preventive of that gunn's domestic medicine. 291 dreadful scourge of mankind, the small pox: for myself, 1 am induced to believe, that with very few exceptions, it may be considered an antidote against small pox, especially when vaccination has been effectual on the system. In Prussia> out of 5*4.000 children, born in the year 1821—40,000 of them were vaccinated for the cow pox. During the above period, there died of small pox, in all the provinces belong- ing to Prussia, 1190 persons:-and before the introduction of vaccination, from thirty to forty thousand died annually of small pox. Although persons who have been vaccinated may be liable to take the small pox afterwards, yet the latter disease always terminates very mildly. Of many hundred thousand persons vaccinated in London, not a single case of death has taken place from small pox, where the matter of the cow pox had before taken proper effect. The report of the college of physicians in London, for 1807, expressly states, that small pox in any shape, rarelv proves fatal, when it attacks those who have been success- fully vaccinated. The success attending this operation in the United Stats, has entitled it to the highest confidence of our most distinguished physicians. I have before remar- ked in substance, and I think the opinion a correct one, that many who have taken the small pox after vaccination, took it from bad management in inserting the cow pock matter: when the proper effect is not produced on the sys- tem, by the introduction of the cow pock matter, it is to be expected that persons will still be liable to the contagion of small pox. To every man of common prudence, and proper senti- ments of self-preservation, advice of the necessity of vac- cination, as the preventative of the dangers attendant on small pox, would be supeifluous; to those who seem to slumber in security, respecting the future ravages of small pox in the western country, I have only to remark—that the facilities of commerce with other countries are daily increasing, from the universal introduction of steam boats, and the rapid improvement of our internal navigation; and that in a few years, through these mediums, the most remote and secluded portions of our country, will stand as much 292 gunn's domestic medicine. exposed to the mortal inroads of small pox, as our large cities and maratime towns. The great object in vaccina- tion, is the certainty that the matter of vaccination takes full effect on the system; and it is needless to remark, that unless the matter be genuine, no beneficial effects can pos- sibly result from vaccination. Vaccination is an innocent and valuable preventive remedy against smallpox, in which little if any medicine is required; in children it passes over in a few days. In grown persons, it may produce slight fever and pain under the arm, which usually go offin a few hours. If the person vaccinated be of a gross habit of body, a moderate dose of salts will be of much service on tho seventh or eighth day. If the inflammation of the arm becomes very painful, moisten the place frequently with a little weak sugar of lead water, until the sore is dried up; this however is seldom necessary. The great point in vaccination, is certainly to know, that the matter introduced into the system has taken full and sufficient effect. If there is only a slight redness in the arm, where the matter has been inserter, and no other effect is produced on the system, you may certainly conclude that the vaccination has failed of effect. But if, on the contrary, a pustule or pimple arises, of a full and oval form, with an indentation or den I in the centre, not unlike a button mole, about the sixth day contain- ing matter, vaccination has had the desired effect. Great at- tention should be paid to these circumstances by the opera- tor, or he will probably be the cause of future exposure of the person to the ravages of the small pox, and not improbably to the iminent hazard of death. The influ- ence of the kine or cow pox, over affections of the skin, in many cases in which medical remedies have failed, has lately produced considerable attention and interest in the Hospitals of Europe. The matter of cow pox, can always be obtained pure, by addressing a letter to the Vaccine In- stitution of New York, Philadelphia, or Baltimore; from either of which, on application, you will receive it by letter. If the matter be received from a distance, it is best to hold the point of the lancent, on which is the matter you intend to insert into the arm, until it softens a little:—then, hold gunn's domestic medicine. 293 the lancet in such a position, that the matter can gradually go off the point. Next, scratch the skin frequently, but not too deeply, with the point of the lancet on which is the matter, until a little blood may be seen:—this is the whole secret of vaccination. Sometimes the matter of cow pox is sent on thread; when this is the case, make a slight in- cision in the arm, and lay the threads in it, which must be covered with court plaster to keep it in its place until the disorder has been communicated. If a physician be con- venient, it will always be advisable to employ him to per- form the operation, because much depends on the exercise of judgment, respecting the future security of the person ngainst that most dreadful of scourges the small pox. SMALL POX. How imperfect are the conceptions which are formed by the fortunate few, of the sufferings to which millions of the human race are subject, when afflicted by this dreadful and fatal disorder. How important, then, is the great rem- edy of vaccination, which I have before described, that from some inexplicable principle, renders harmless this po- tent enemy of numan life. Small Pox is known by the following symptoms:—A few days before its appearance, you feel restless and unea- sy, and a great dislike to motion of any kind. Cold chills steal over you, followed by flushings of heat, and accom- panied by a slight fever, all of which end as the disease gradually increase. You have a pain in the head, a dull heavy pain in the small of the back, great thirst, increase of stupor—until about the third day, when the eruptions or spots on the skin, something like flee-bites, their appear- ance on the face, neck, breast and arms, and gradually ex- tend over the whole body. These spots gradually increase iu size, until about the fifth or sixth day, when they begin to turn white at the tops, and feel painful. Your voice then becomes hoarse, asifyouhadasevercold; yourface becomes 294 GUNN S DOMESTIC MEDICINE. much swelled; and your features appear much changed.— Your eye-lidsr particularly, swell to a considerable extent, so as frequently to close the eyes entirely, and a spitting takes place as if you were salivated. On the eleventh day, these pustules or pimples have increased to about the size of a common pin, and instead of white, contain a yellow matter, on the tops of which pustules or pimples, you wi.l discover a small black spot, whilst all the rest is filled with this yellow matter. About the twelfth day they burst, and discharge their contents, with a horrible stench which i< almost insupportable; nor dare you attempt to wash off this matter—the slightest touch giving the most excrucia- ting pain. It is this matter which leaves the scares on the faces of persons disfigured with the disorder. If the mat- ter dries quickly, it leaves no marks; but if from any un- healthy constitutional defect, it lingers for some time on the body, it generally leaves those marks behind it, which disfi- gure the countenance for life. This disease sometimes, but not frequently, comes on with great violence, with all the symptoms of typhus or nervous fever:—refer to the head Nervous Fever, where you will see the form of treatment which must be observed in smallpox, should it come with symptoms of typhus or nervous fever. When these unfa- vorable appearances take place in the commencement of the disease, it is called by physicians, confluent small pox. The eruptions appear much earlier in this form of the complaint; they run in patches, and instead of rising, re- main flat; and are of a dark livid color. They secrete a dark brown unhealthy matter; the fever, which in the first form of small pox, abates when the pimples become full, in this form of the disease continues constantly throughout the disease, ending in great debility or weakness. In this last form or stage of small pox, which I have described as of the nervous or typhus kind, it may be considered as very highly dangerous, and as generally terminating, without judicious and skilful treatment,/ata%. REMEDIES. In the treatment of this complaint, you are to avoid eve- ry thjng, as you value the life of your patient, of a heating gunn's domestic MEDICONE. 295 71 ature, either as drink or food or clothing. The room is to be kept as quiet and cool as possible. Cover the patient with nothing but a very thin sheet; even the weight and heat of a common linen sheet is painful and oppressive; and unless he complains of feeling cold, you cannot com- mit an error in keeping him too cool. Let all of his drinks be of the most cooling nature. As a general drink, cold water sweetened with sugar, in which is put a little acid, so as to make it pleasantly sour, is the best drink'that can be given. In fevers of every description, and particularly in the one which attends on small pox, acid drinks abate the fever, lessen the thirst, and cool the whole system. The heat and pain of the eruptions will always be lessened by keeping them well moistened with equal quantities of milk and water, or with cold water alone. Cold water, as a remedy used in sponging the body, in the first stage of this complaint, will greatly tend to lessen the heat, and the pain in the head and back. In fact, as I have told you be- fore, there is no danger of cooling remedies, unless the pa- tient complains of being chilly and cold, which is not fre- quently the case; but if he should do so, moderate the quantity of cooling drinks to the feelings of the patient— nature usually tells the truth. If, by any accident, the com- plaint should strike in, which is not the case once in a hun- dred instances, the warm bath made pleasantly warm should be used; and a little warm wine whey, or warm wine, given internally at the same time. These measures will again bring out the disorderon the skin. For the proper treatment of this disease, when it puts on the appearance of nervous or typhus fever, and is called confluent small pox, I refer you to the head nervous fever, where you will find it at length. When the eruptions burstand discharge their matter, an oint- ment made of cream and common garden parslev, and con- stantly applied by means of a soft swab, or rag rolled round * * a small stick, to keep the sores soft, and to prevent their har- dening, will entirely prevent any marks or scares from being left on the face. I have omitted to state, that if the bowels \ are costive,epsom salts should be given in a little cold wa- ter:—see table for dose: or you may keep them gently 296 gunn's domestic medicine. open, by cooling clysters, for clystering, look under the head clysters. The loss of some blood from the arm, is sometimes necessary in the first stage of this disease, if the inflammatory symptoms run high, and the pain in the head is very distressing. This, with the use of cold water as before mentioned, if the inflammatory action is very great, will produce a beneficial effect in relieving the pain in the head and back. VENEREAL DISEASE. The prevalence of this dreadful disease among mankind, is another, proof among the many others that might be ad- duced, that it is, the interest of man to be virtuous if he wishes to be happy, and that a decree of the Almighty has announced to liim, in language not to be mistaken, "the penalty of a misdeed shall always tread upon the heels of the transgression; if you violate my laws, which were form- ed for your happiness, I will convince you of that violation, by plunging you into sufferings and misery,'\ That there are moments of licentious conduct in early nfe, affording but a short and transitory enjoyment, to which memory in after periods looks back with sorrow and remorse, no man possessed of common sense will deny; but when to the bitter pangs of remorse for a misdeed, are added the pains and sufferings of bodily disease, as is always the case in venereal complaints, language has no powers to de- scribe the real condition of the sufferer. What dreadful sacrifices are frequently made by mankind, of health, wealth, fame, happiness and character, for a momentary gratification of sensual pleasure, which often ends in shame, and remorse, and the misery of a whole life, inflicted by the venereal disease. If the transgressor himself alone suffered, this disease would not present so horrible a spectacle to the eye A of humanity; but how often do we see an innocent and\y spotless wife, in moments of endearing confidence and love, *} receiving this infectious disorder, and communicating it to , her children—I will not say from a husband, it would be a J gunn's domestic medicine. 297 misuse of the word, but from a bruit, who has violated every principle of honor, and the most sacred ties of human- ity. But this is not all: how often do we see an innocent, virtuous, unsuspicious wife—her constitution destroyed, her health deeply impaired, and all her hopes of happiness blasted forever, from having received from the man she calls her husband, this loathsome and filthy disorder; and having to submit to an examination of those parts which common decency forbids me to name, in order that she may be cured of a disease, which always ends in death, of a most terrible character unless medical means can be used. This complaint is produced, in most cases, by a healthy person having sexual intercourse or connection with ano- ther who has this infectious disorder in the genitals or pri- vates. It took its name from a Greek word, which in our lan- guage means filthy. The Old testament informs us, that the ancient inhabitants of the Eastern countries, were much sub- ject to diseases of the genitals or privates; and that for the preservation of the Jewish nation, circumcision was enfor- ced in the Mosaic laws, and made also a religious rite or cer- emony. Circumcision means the cutting off the foreskin or prepuce of the private member, which prevents any poison- ous and infectious matter from producing disease, by being lodged under the folds and coverings of this skin. Although no direct mention is made of venereal disease among those people, yet the description of some of the diseases of the genitals to which they were subject, leads us directly to the belief, that they were well acquainted with the vene- real complaints. Be this however as it may, about the close of the fifteenth century, I think about the year 1494, the venereal disease appeared in Europe, from which it was communicated with great rapidity to every known part of the world, and became such a desolating scourge to the human race, as to become an object of great medical atten- tion. I have neither time nor space, for pursuing the sub- ject of its history any further—indeed it would be botfc useless and unnecessary. After you have taken this disorder in the manner I have described, it will depend very much on the state of your 298 gunn's domestic medicine. system, and other peculiarities of that system not distinctly known, at what particular time the disease will make its appearance. In some persons, whose systems are very ir- ritable, it will show itself on the third or fourth day after you have had sexual intercourse with a person infected with the disease; in other persons, it will be eight or ten days before it makes its appearance—and I have known it to remain a month or more in the system, before it would show itself in any form. In fact, cases are mentioned by good medical writers, in which several men have had con- nection with a woman known to have the venereal disease, some of whom took it, while others escaped uninjured. This singular circumstance, which we are bound to credit from the goodness of the authorities, must have been owing to the fact of the infected woman making water, immediately before having connection with those who escaped without injury. I am inclined to believe that it has never been fully ascertained, how long the venereal matter will re- main, as it were a sleep in the system, without making its appearance—some writers say three months, some six months, some a year, and so on. I suspect the fact to be, in those cases in which the disease is supposed to appear after a considerable time, that the persons have not been entirely cured—in other words, that the disease has merely been driven back by quackery, and afterwards shown it- self under the foflowing forms:—in the nose, in the throaty in the eyes, on the legs, in swelling the groins, in splotches or sores on the body, &c. This last stage of the venereal disease is called constitutional, because it is firmly seated in the whole body, by the venereal virus or poison having been absorbed, and carried into the whole circulation. The venereal disease may be communicated, by wounding or pricking any part of the body with a lancet, having on its point any particle of this venereal poison. I recollect a student of medicine, who came very near death, from cutting his finger slightly, when dissecting a person who had died of the venereal disease: the poisonous matter was communicated to the slight cut; in twelve hours afterward he labored under violent fever, wliich continued ten or gunn's domestic medicine. 299 twelve daysbefore the inflammation could be subdued. This disease may also take place, from an application of the matter to a scratch, to a common sore, or to a wound. Several instances are mentioned, of venereal or pock sores being formed in the nostrils, eye-lids,and lips, from the slight circumstance of persons having the disease, touching their nostrils, eyes, or lips, with their fingers immediately after handling the venereal sores on their own privates. These remarks are made, with the intention of showing how ea- sily this loathsome disease, with all its impure and life corrupting taints, may be communicated—and to place phy- sicians and midwives on their guard against infection. Venereal disease has two distinct forms: I might say three forms—but the third is nothing more than the one I have just-described as constitutional, which always arises from one of the other two, or from both in combination. This first is POX, properly so called:—and the other clap, called by physicians, Gonorrhea, which is so simple in its nature, that with proper treatment it may be cured, in from three to five or six days. The pox is a most corrupting, dangerous, and destructive disease; and if suffered to progress in its ravages on the human body, never fails in desolating the human con- stitution, and destroying life at its very core. When it is foolishly concealed, and suffered to run on, or badly treated in attempting its cure, it always ends in distressing, and irreparably fatal consequences. In ten cases out of eleven, if application were immediately made with the proper remedies, the complaint, dreadful as it is, might be cured ina very short time, without affecting the system, for I do know from actual experience, having paid much attention to the general practice in venereal cases, that thousands have been salivated, and their constitutions destroyed by mercury, when more simple and less dangerous practice, combined with adequate and proper attentions, would entirely have removed the disease. Medically speaking, pox is at first a local, and not a general disease of the system—by which I mean that it is more a disease of the part first affected' tlian of the whole body; and I have no manner of doubf 300 gunn's domestic medicine. that many a poor unfortunate fellow, has been pushed and draged through a tedious and destructive mercurial course of medicine, and perhaps for a disease which was not actual pox, who might have been cured by a little lunar caustic, awash made of blue stone, a little red precipitate, or even by sprinkling on the chancre, or first venereal ulcer, a small portion of calomel. I have frequently observed in the United States, many cases which professional honor forbids me to name, in which patients have suffered infinite- ly more from the imprudent, and to coin a new word, the quacknichdl use of mercury, than could possibly have result- ed from the first insignificant venereal sore itself, with strict attention to cleanliness, had the disease been permitted to run on its course. That mercury holds a distinguished, powerful, and perhaps, perfect dominion over venereal dis- ease, in most, if not all cases, I freely admit to be true:—but I as firmly believe, that thousands might have been cured of this horrible complaint, under very mild administrations of this powerful medicine, this Sampson of the Drug- Shops. I have witnessed the progress of this disease, in both Europe and the U. States, from its mildest forms to its most destructive ravages on the human system; and feel perfectly assured that the disease, which is the same in all countries, assumes either a milder or severer form according to the peculiarities of the human constitution, the irritable state of the system at the time this disease is taken, the habits of the persons, the character of the climate, and so on. Very few cases of pox in France, in proportion to the immense population, terminate in injuries to the bones of the face, disfigurement of the nose, loss of the palate of the mouth, &c. This is altogether owing to their proper management of the complaint; with them the pox produces very little alarm, probably not more than the itch does in this country. They are perfect masters of the disease; and there are few cases that do not terminate speedily and successfully, under their strict and judicious treatment. An individual may travel through France, and have promiscuous intercourse of a sexualcharacter for years, without receiving the least injury. On the contrary, in this country, from causes which GUNN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 301 need not be particularly named, the least deviation from moral propriety, involves the participant in disease and suffering. As my object is the development of truth, regardless of petty objections and servile prejudices, I assert that we use infinitely too much mercury in the cure of pox in the United States: in fact, we very frequently communi- cate a serious disease by the imprudent use of mercury, instead of removing one; yet I trust in Cod, the day will arrive, and that too at no very distant period, when diseases themselves will be prescribed for, and not their mere tech- nical names. There are generally in the venereal Hospital at Paris in France, from five to seven hundred'venereal or pox patients. Included in this number there are usually about three hundred women of the town, in other words common prostitutes. "The patients of all the French Hos- pitals," says Doctor F. J. Didier, honorary member of the Medical society of Baltimore, "are carefully nursed by the sisters of charity, a class of nuns whose lives are consecra- ted to the relief of wretchedness and the calming of pain. With what eloquence does Voltair write, in favor of these charming and admirable women!—'Perhaps, says he, there is nothing on earth so truly great, as the sacrifice made by the softer sex, of beauty, youth, and often the highest world- ly expectations, to relieve that mass of every human suffer- ing, the sight of which is so revolting to delicacy.'—I myself Ijave observed one of these angelic women, administer- ing consolation and relief to a man tortured by the ago- nies of disease and wretchedness. She appeared to take the greatest interest in the poor sufferer. The sweetness, the captivating voice, the winning kindness of these sisters of charity, soon dry the tear which flows down the care- worn cheek, and infuse the gleam of hope into the soul de- pressed by misfortune." It is rather singular to an Amer- ican, that the French government should license common prostitutes, and exact a tribute from their debaucheries; but such are the facts. The probability is, however, that these measures originate in sound policy on the part of the gov- ernment, and in sentiments of actual charity, to those who under any circumstances would lead a life of whoredom Y* 302 gunn's DOMESTIC MEBICINE. and prostitution. Several objects are attained by this pol- icy; the license, subjects these women monthly, to a medical examination touching their diseases, and tends to check and prevent the spread of venereal infection through their im- mense population; it furnishes the police offices of their large cities with monthly registers of their names and places of abode, and exacts from them a fund, while in youth and health, for their care and support in sickness and old age, which they themselves would never think of laying up. I think these considerations worthy of the attention of our own governments, general and state, and particularly of the Medical Board, lately established by the Legislature of Tennessee. The fact is, that if the Legislature of Tennes- see, would compel the loose characters in all our cities and towns, who practice prostitution on a petty and filthy scale, to take out licenseand submit to medical examination monthly, or abandon their commerce in low and corrupt debauchery, « we would soon have fewer cases of venereal in our com- mercial towns, or be rid of the fraternity of prostitutes altogether. I have, in the foregoing remarks, perhaps, strayed a little from the precise track of my subject; but, as the digression will probably not be wholly interesting, I shall make no elaborate apology for it. I will first describe pox and clap, separately—and next give their rem- edies separately. POX. When you suppose you have taken this disease, no fool- ish or childish delicacy, should prevent you for a moment, from ascertaining the fact. The disease generally makes its appearance by what physicians call chancres. .These are small inflamed pimples, which show themselves on the head of the penis or yard, or on the side of the penis near the end. In a very few days these pimples enlarge them- selves; and become what are called venereal sores or ulcers. In women, these pimples show themselves first, immediate- ly inside of wdiat are called the lips of the privates; and unless arrested in their course of enlargement, extend gunn's domestic medicine. 303 themselves to the fundament in a short time. The pox, also, sometimes makes its appearance, in what are called buboes. These are hard lump-like kernels or swellings, which rise in one or both groins. These swellings gradually increase in size,, until they become about the size of an egg, and have an angry red color; and unless driven away by the application of medicine, eventually come to a head, and discharge the poisonous matter. These buboes generally produce great pain, some fever, and prevent the person afflicted with them, from walking without considerable diffi- culty. Buboes sometimes make their appearance under the arm-pits, and sometimes in the glands of the throat: these appearances of bubo, however, are not very frequent, and are much oftener the effects of mercury improperly administered in the pox, than arising from the disease itself. The fact is, that I think them produced, generally, from the neglect of many, in not speedily effecting a cure by the proper and efficient use of medicine—in other words, by half way dilatory measures, which neither cure the dis- ease nor suffer it to run its course. When the constitution is very irritable, the disease will sometimes attack the nose, the throat, the tongue, the eyes, the shin bone, and so on, and fill the whole system with the venereal poison in no great length of time; and unless efficient, combined with well judged measures be resorted to, the human system will become a mass of putrifying sores, and the sufferer become an object of compassion and disgust. By this short, and eomprisive description, you will be at no loss to know what is the Pox, if you should ever have it. CLAP. Clap is a simple,disease, and may be very easily cured, if timely attention be paid to it. The first symptoms of the disease are, burning and scalding sensations or feelings, in the urethra or canal of the penis, whenever you urinate or make water. There will be a discharge of matter from the penis, first, of nearly a white color, next, of a yellow- ish color which will stain your shirt, and lastly of a greenish 304 GUNN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE. color. After having the disease sometime, or perhaps from the irritable state of your system, you will experience what is called chordee; this is a spasmodic contraction of the pe- nis, which gives considerable pain in erections of the yard, as if it were wound with a small cord. In women, this disease called clap, is still more simple; in its first stage, merely resembling the whites in their worst stage.—There is, however, this specific difference between clap and whites in women: in clap, there is always a scalding and burning sensation in making water, and a continual uneasiness and itching anout the parts, neither of which sensations are ex- perienced in mere whites. REMEDIES FOR POX. As soon as the first symptoms of Pox is discovered, which will in all common cases be known by the appear- ance of chancres or buboes, both of which I have described to you sufficiently, take an active purge of calomel and jal- ap. The object of this purge, is to clear the bowels of all irritating obstructions, and to remove as far as possible, eve- ry species of irritation from the system: See table for dose.) If this dose of calomel and jalap does not operate in prop- er time, take a tea spoonful of epsom salts to assist the ope- ration, and make it fully effective. If you should have dark stools, let the medicine run on its whole coures; but, if the stools become yellow and watery, and you feel much weakened by the operation, take from ten to twenty drops of laudanum, or a tea spoonful of paregoric, to pre- vent the medicine from working you too severely. Next, obtain from any doctor's shop, a small quantity of lunar eaustic; cut the end of a quill, and set the caustic into it, which will afford you an opportunity of using it more con- veniently, and without handling it with your fingers. Wet the end of this caustic in water, and touch the chancres or sores with it lightly, twice a day, until you have killed the poison: always taking care to wash and cleanse the sores well with soap and water, immediately befoie this operation is performed. The caustic will sting you a little; but never gunn's domestic medicine. 805 mind this; you are now on the stool of repentance; and are only learning the moral salutary lesson, that "the penalty always treads upon the heels of the transgression," and that the sacred laws of nature and her God, can never be violated without punishment to reform the offender! After using the caustic, as just directed, apply a little dry lint to the sores. If caustic cannot be had, red precipitate will answer nearly the same purpose; this must be used by sprinkling a little on the chancre, after cleansing them with soap and water as before mentioned: or you may, if you have neither caustic or precipitate, use a little calomel, in the way that I have directed the precipitate to be used. The better way however, will be where all these articles can be obtained to use the three alternately, or in rotation, until you can ascertain which of them seems best to heal the ulcers—and then to adopt the one which you prefer, from the exercise of your best judgment. I, myself have always found the lunar caustic the best remedy. If you are difficultly situated, as to procuring the articles above named, dissolve some blue vitriol generally called blue stone, in water, and wash the chancres, or ulcers with the solu- tion repeatedly, taking particular care to keep the sores very clean, and entirely free from matter. If the disease appears under the form of buboes, which are such swellings of the groins as I have described to you, and which if left to themselves will rise and break like boils, you are to put blisters of Spanish flies on them, which extend one or two inches over the buboes; and I suppose I need not tell you, that these said blisters, are to be renewed, until the buboes or swellings are what physicians call "dis- cussed," in other words driven away, or back entirely. If you cannot get blisters, lie quietly on your back, and apply linen rags to the buboes, kept constantly wet with clear strong ley, which we vulgarly pronounce lye. For this remedy, which is a valuable one, we are indebted to the French Physicians; (I learned it in France.) And now mind me particulary; if these buboes, notwithstanding the appli- cation of blisters, or the application of ley or lye, rise to a head, burst, and discharge their offensive and poisonous 306 gunn's domestic medicine. matter, which they will certainly do if not driven back, yon are to take the greatest possible precautions to keep them clean, while discharging their loathsome contents. If yon do not, the matter will be very apt to produce other vene- real ulcers, especially if it happens to lodge on any sores on other parts of the body. Therefore wash them gently but well, two or three times a day, in strong soap and water; and after drying them well, wash the sores again with a little of the weak solution of corrosive sublimate. If you cannot procure this preparation, sprinkle a little red pre- cipitate or calomel on the sores, and dress them with some simple ointment, such as Turner's cerate, see under that head —but mind me, these dressings, or either of them, are never to be put on, unless after washing the sores well with soap and water.—During all this treatment, and from the very commencement of :he disorder, you are to drink freely of a strong decoction or tea, made of low-ground sarsapa- rilla,—to every quartof which tea, after you have strained it clear, you are to add sixty drops of nitric acid, vulgarly called aquafortis. Take this tea thus prepared freely, say from a pint to a quart a day; and avoid particularly every kind of strong food, and all kinds of spirituous liquors. These measures, carefully restricted and pursued, combined with time, patience, and the requisite rest, are all that are required to cure this dreadful scourge of debauchery and licentiousness; under any form in which it may appear in the human system, This has been my uniform practice, both in Virginia and Tennessee; and it is well known that I have succeeded in many cases of the most desperate and hopeless character, and where other modes of practice had been resorted to in vain. By these means, which have nev- er before been made known by me, I succeeded in cur- ing a gentleman in Virginia, several years ago, whose case I will dare aver, was as bad a one as can well be im- agined.—He had been attended and prescribed for by sev- eral of the most distinguished physicians in the United States, and was brought to me twenty miles in a carriage to Montgomery Court-house, where I then resided, in so helpless and dreadful a condition, that he had fainted several gunn's domestic medicine. 307 times on the short journey,'and was but the shadow of a hu- man being. Yet, in the lapse of six weeks, by the prac- tice I have just described, he became a well man. He is now married, and I am happy to add, from late accounts, is a healthy and virtuous husband—and an excellent citizen. I am constrained, however to add, that the real danger of his situation, was as much owing to the effects of mercury he had taken, as to the actual presence in his system, of the venereal virus or poison. That his disease was both venereal and mercurial, I have never entertained the least doubt—in other words, it came under the constitutional disease I have before described, as being characterized by sores on the body, blotches, &c. &c.—The venereal dis- ease, in this constitutional stage, has been called by some medical writer, and I perfectly coincide with him in opinion, the mercurial pox—which I certainly consider, not only more dangerous, but greatly more difficult to cure, than the real disease itself, if no means other than mercury be relied on. I aAi perfectly aware, that the idea of abandon- ing the use of mercury in the cure of pox, will be consider- ed a novelty by many of the Faculty of this country; but I am fully as well a ware, that sarsaparilla, as I have pre- scribed the use of it here, combined with the nitric acid or aquafortis, as before mentioned, will remove the pox from the human system in its worst forms and stages. For the powerful and salutary influence of the nitric acid or aquafortis on the human system, the sceptical reader will please to refer to the head "Remedies," in Diseases of the Liver. The practice of treating venereal cases without mer- cury, has now become general, both in the Hospitals of Eng- land and France; and I predict that theday is not fardistant, when mercury will cease to be used in this complaint, throughout the United States. The belief, that pox can only be cured with safety and certainty by the use of mer- cury, is so deeply seated in the minds of physicians at this time, that I am persuaded it will require much time to remove their confidence in its favor. That mercury is, as I have before said, a cure for the venereal disease, is well known; 306 gunn's domestic medicine. but, that the effects produced by it are frequently mistaken for the pox itself, I have no more doubt than I have of my own existence. The French method of curing pox, is by the use or ad- ministration of Van Sweeten's liquor, as they call it—or Antisyphilitic Robb; for this medicine and the manner of preparing it, (look under the head.) The Robb was used in the London Hospitals, until it was superceded or thrown out of use, by Swaim's Penacea; (for the method of prepar- ing which, see under that head.) Both these medical pre- parations are used with great advantage in secondary symptoms, by which I mean what I have said before, in cas- es where the disease has become constitutional,, and is at- tended with ulcers, sores, blotches, &c. The Sulphur bath, or sulphuriousfumigation, is much used in France. After the fourth bath, the ulcers and venereal blotches begin to heal, and generally in ten or twelve baths, are entirely cured. This last remedy, which is an excellent one, is entirely neg- lected in the U. Slates; and I can account for the neglect, if I must speak out, upon no other principles than laziness and inattention on the part of practitioners, and ignorance in their patients. This bath is nothing more than the fumes of sulphur—or sometimes the fumes of sulphuric acid, ■which is nothing but oil of vitriol. For a full description of this valuable remedy, I may add this astonishing one, read under the head sulphuric fumigation. With the foregoing exposition of my own mode of curing Pox, and the material remedies used in other countries, I will now proceed to give the common and general practice in this disease, leaving it optional with the patient to adopt that whieh suits his opinion or convenience best. Were I to advise, however, on the subject of a choice, I would recommend the mild method in the first instance, and the mercurial one only when the aggravation of the symptoms seemed to call for it; which I must confess, I think would be but seldom, where the plan of treatment I have laid down had been faithfully adhered to and persisted in. Doct. Rous- seau of Philadelphia, a gentleman of distinguished ability, and great practice in this disease, expressly says, "I hare gunn's domestic medicine. 309 never found any benefit to be derived from a salivation; on the contrary, those patients who have undergone this dirty, filthy torturing process, have to my knowledge, and to their own sorrow, felt the deleterious effects of it for years, and very many for life." For a full description of this com- plaint, in its secondary or constitutional symptoms, and the dreadful effects of mercury, I refer to this very valuable, intelligent, and honest writer; Medical Recorder, Vol. 3d. "sketches on venereal complaints." The practice throughout the United States has been, and now generally is, to introduce into the whole system, as much mercury as will produce a soreness of the gums, or salivation, by giving small doses of calomel alone, or com- bined with a small portion of opium, if the calomel alone would run off by the bowels; and by rubbing on the bubo, to disperse it, mercurial ointment known by the country people as oil of baz, of which a piece about the size of the end of your finger is to be rubbed in and about the bubo, night and morning, until a salivation is produced, or until the lump in the groin is dispersed.—When the mouth has a copperish taste, or a slight soreness is felt, stop taking the calomel, and omit rubbing in the mercurial ointment; as the whole system is then considered to be under mercurial influence. The blue pill is now used very extensively in the United States, instead of calomel; being a much milder preparation of mercury:—for a description of this pill, and the manner of preparing it, read under that head. The dose is one pill in the morning, and one at night, until they produce the effects on the gums and mouth, required to be produced by calomel; when they are to be continued, only so far as to keep up the effect on the gums and mouth, until the disease is removed. The chancres or buboes, are to be treated as before described in a preceding page. Doctor Cartright, who is among the greatest medical men now living in this, or any other county, recommends the follow- ing practice, and relates many cases treated by himself with unbounded success. "I never," says he "prescribe calomel with a view to produce salivation; but to guard against it, I order a clyster or some mild purgative to be Z 310 gunn's domestic medicine. taken, in twelve or sixteen hours after the calomel, if it does not operate: and in the event of its operating too much, I direct a little laudanum to check it, so as to limit it to two or three stools—unless the stools are of a dark or green color, when the purging should be permitted to go on, until they change their appearance. As it respects this disorder, when taken in time, I have found by an experience of two years practice, that pox is as easily cured by giving twenty or thirty grains of calomel every day, or every other day, as a common cold. In good constitutions, poo: yields to the native powers of the system. As soon as a copperish taste is perceived in the mouth, or the least tenderness of the gums, or soreness of the teeth, I order an immediate suspen- sion of calomel, until these symptoms have disappeared __when it should be resumed with caution. The prepar- ation I generally use, says the doctor, is twenty grains of calomel and four of rhubarb, given at bed time. Generally, by the time three or four doses have been taken, the breath will begin to have a mercurial odour, a copperish taste will be perceived in the mouth, or the gums will feel tender. About this time, or even before it, the venereal symptoms begin to disappear, and in a few days more the chancres entirely heal. I generally recommend, after the healing of the chancres, a dose or two more to complete the cure of the disease. I have rarely found more than twelve or fifteen pills, each ten grains of calomel and two of rhubarb, necessary for the cure of a recent infection, or in other words of one that is not of long standing." I have now given a full description of the various methods of treating this loathsome disease called pox, in the best manner, leav- ing the reader to make his own selection among them. Much of my information has been derived from experiment and observation; and I regret to say that I have witnessed the disease in as severe forms, since I have been in Knoxville, as I ever did in the Hospitals of Europe or the United States. The disease was brought from New Orleans, and was of the most virulent or poisonous character. I omitted to remark, that buboes are always to be poulticed with light gunn's domestic medicone. 311 bread and milk, or'slippery elm bark, if they are likely to come to a head. REMEDIES FOR CLAP. The moment you discover that you have contracted this complaint, the symptoms of which I have plainly described to you, take at bed time an active dose of calomel; see table for dose:—and if necessary, which is usually the case, assist the operation of the calomel in the morning, with a dose of epsom salts; see table, &c. Take care to live on cooling and simple diet, say corn or rye mush and milk, and avoid every thing of a heating and irritating nature, such as salt- ed provisions, high seasonings, and spirituous liquors. When the medicine I have directed has done operating, use the following prescription, and use it with much accuracy too.—Take one ounce, which is about four table spoonfuls of Balsam copaiva; (commonly called capivi,) and add thereto one tea spoonful of spirits of turpentine. Mix them well together by shaking, and take sixty drops of the mix- ture, three times a day on some sugar—and drink freely of flax seed tea, mad by pouring a quart of boiling water on any quantity of flax seed convenient. This tea must be taken cold and used freely as a common drink. If you ride on horse back, or walk much, or take active exercise, clap is difficult to cure, and requires much longer time, than if you remain, quiet and stationary while using the above remedy. I generally cure it in three days, and frequently in less time. A dose of salts should be taken every other morning. Sometimes this balsam operates on the bowels, without producing the proper effect on the urinary organs: —if so, reduce the dose to thirty-five drops, twice or three times a day, which is to be taken as usual on sugar. Clean- liness, and I wish you to mind this matter particularly, is very important in the cure of this disease; by which J. mean frequently washing the parts well, three or four times a day, with soap and water, so as to remove this poisonous matter.. Clap is generally more mild, and much more easily cured in women than in men, unless women permit 312 gunn's domestic medicine. it to remain and run on them for some length of time; in this case, the disease becomes painful, and requires the remedies prescribed in the cases of men, only in smaller doses:—say from twenty to thirty drops, of the balsam and turpentine, three times a day. If any attention be paid, nothing more will be necessary than keeping the parts clean by washing with soap and water, and injecting up the birth place with a small syringe or leaden squirt, the following mixture: put 15 grains sugar of lead, and 15 grains white vitriol, in a quart of cold water, and let them fully dissolve. Then, of this water, inject or throw up the birth-place, a syringe, full five or six times a day, and drink freely of flax seed tea, using the balsam and turpentine as before directed, if neces- sary. Doctor Chapman, one of the Professors of the Universi- ty of Philadelphia, recommends the following valuable remedy, which is admirably suited to weakly persons, and those whose stomachs are much debilitated. It is per- haps better calculated for the summer season, being a much milder preparation than any other. I have used it frequent- ly in my practice; but the first remedy is always certain to put a stop to the disease. Chapman's remedy. Take two table spoonfuls of bal- sam copaiva, the same quantity of sweet spirits of nitre, some of the white of an egg, and mix them together. Add then, one tea spoonful of laudanum, and ten table spoonfuls of cold water. Shake the whole well together, and the mixture will be ready for use; remembering always, to shake the medicine up before taking it. Morning, noon, and night, take a table spoonful of this mixture. You may take it with any thing that will render it pleasant to the taste. It is an excellent, certain, and mild remedy, either for males or females; and I now again admonish you, that if you wish a speedy cure, you are to avoid every heating article of food or drink, and to repose much on the bed. When clap is permitted by neglect to go on, or when you ride much on horse-back, you will be apt to have what is called chordee, which I have fully described under the head clap, ansl which it is needless to repeat: in these cases of gunn's domestic medicine. 313 chordee, take a dose of laudanum on going to bed—see table; and when the spasm comes on, which it will with a partial erection, pour cold water over the parts which pain you.—Should a discharge of blood take place, which is some- times the case, apply cooling poultices of light bread and cold milk, to the affected member, or a poultice of slippery elm bark. The old plan of curing clap, wdiich is scarcely worth- while to mention, was by weak injections of sugar of lead and white vitriol; equal quantities mixed in water and thrown up the canal with a syringe. This old and impru- dent practice, wdiich in many instances occasioned swelled testicles, gleet, and what is called running of the reins, has entirely ceased. The methods of cure I have laid down, are infinitely superior in every respect, and are attended with none of the dangers of the old manner of cure. GLEET. This disease sometimes called running of the reins. It is a discharge which resembles in consistence, the white of an egg. Men who have frequently had the clap, also, those who have been old soldiers in the wars of Venus, are very liable to have the gleet. It is also produced, by too frequent intercourse with women, in those enjoyments which ought always to be bounded by virtue and moderation. The disease is also produced, by that horrible practice of self-pollution, called onanism; and also by the use of strong diuretic medicines, or such as cause a great flow of urine! This complaint sometimes resists the powers of medicine for years; and operates as a constant drain on the strength of the system, by which the constitution and the vital ener- gies are sometimes prostrated, it is a disease that ought never to be neglected. REMEDIES. You are to bathe the parts three or four times A day in cold water; this cold bathing will act so as to give tone and 314 gunn's domestic medicine. strength to the parts. Obtain a phial of muriated tincture of iron, and take thirty drops of it, three times a day, in a wine glass of strong tea, made of the dog wood bark; it must be taken cold. By persevering steadily in this remedy, and in cold bathing for a month or two, you will probably be relieved of gleet. You may at the same time, use an injection of red-oak bark, made by boiling a little of the bark in water, and straining it clear. A little of this tea, can occasionally be thrown in the canal, by the aid of a small syringe, which you can obtain at any Doctor's shop; it must be thrown up cold, four or six times a day. In throwing up this injection, you are to press your left fore finger pretty hard on the, lower side of the penis near the root, to prevent any part of the injection from getting into the bladder. After a fair trial of the above remedies, and are baffled of success, commence with taking ten drops of tincture of cantharides or Spanish flies, instead of the iron, in the tea three times a day, gradually increasing the dose to thirty drops and no more. This is generally a certain remedy. Women may use the iron as directed; but not the least tinc- ture, unless in very small doses of eight, ten, or fifteen drops, three times a day—bathing frequently with cold water, and with a female syringe throwing the bark water up the birth place, five or six times a day. Cold water thrown up will also answer a good purpose. As the western country abounds with chalybeate springs, they ought to be resorted to, and used freely of, by all persons laboring under gleet. I suppose I need not tell you, that chalybeate water is such as is impregnated with iron. The gum called turpentine, of our common pine tree, taken in common sized pills, one three times a day, is a valuable remedy in gleet, and has been known to cure it when all other remedies have failed. POISONS. ''" Any substance, which, taken into the stomach, or into any other part of the body, or applied externally to the body, so as to produce disease or death, may be called a poison. gunn's domestic medicine. 315 The most active and powerful remedies we use in medi- cine, if given in large doses, operate as poisons. But when given in small ones, are not only innocent but valuable. There are, also, many medicines, which, when taken into the stomach are quite harmless, indeed very valuable in the cure of diseases; but, when taken into the lungs by breath- ing or respiration, are dangerous and destructive in the extreme. The poison of the Rattle-snake, when taken into the stomach, is entirely harmless; but the same poison, when inserted into the flesh so as to reach the circulation, immediately produces disorder and death, unless relief can be obtained. I make these introductory remarks on poi- sons, to throw as much light on their operations as possible, in the fewest number of words. .When Mineral poisons, such as copper, arsenic, corrosive sublimate, lead, lunar caustic, fyc. &c. arc taken into the stomach, in too large quantities, you will feel a burning and prickling sensation in the stomach, and great pain in the bowels, accompanied with a constant puking, and a thirst which cannot be satisfied. Your mouth and throat will be- come rough and dry, as if you had chewed and swallowed unripe parsimmon—and the pain will gradually increase, until it becomes almost insupportable. In this stage, unless speedy relief is had, inflammation will take place, and ter- minate in mortification and death. Should the dose of poi- son taken, not be sufficient to destroy life, a fever will take place, which will last for some time, attended with a con- stant trembling of the nerves. When vegetable poison, such as James-town weed, hemlock, opium, hen-bane, deadly night-shade, fox-glove, wolf's-bane, laurel, &c. &c. are taken into the stomach in too great portions, they produce stupor and a constant desire to sleep. The James-town weed, usually produces effects peculiar to itself:—for which, and a description of the plant, read under that head. When the poison of animals is introduced into the human system, it is communicated by the bites or stings of serpents, spiders, &c. &c. requiring prompt and immediate attention to the following remedies, which, together with those ap- 316 gunn's domestic medicine. plicable to other speeies of poisons, mineral and vegetable, are arranged under the proper heads. REMEDIES. When any poison has been swallowed, whether vegetable or mineral, the first thing to be done is to empty the stom- ach, by an emetic or puke of the most active kind. White vitriol, from five to ten, and even twenty grains, should be given in a little warm water, and repeated every fifteen or twenty minutes if necessary, until free and copious puking is produced, which you must encourage and keep up by large draughts of warm water. The white vitriol is an in- nocent puke, and acts almost instantaneously: and if the em- etic should require assistance, apply tobacco leaves, steeped in warm vinegar or water, to the stomach; they will mate- rially assist the operation of the vitriol. If the patient can- not be made to puke, you must immediately give repeated clysters, made of strong flax-seed tea and sweet milk—let your patient drink freely of vinegar and water, sweetened with sugar. If the poison taken into the stomach-is of the mineral kind, beat up the whites of fifteen eggs with a quart of cold water, and give half a tea-cupful every three or four minutes—this will greatly assist the puking. From taking large doses of opium or laudanum, your patient will sometimes sink into a stupor, or deep and insensible sleep. When this is the case, stimulants must be given, of suffi- cient power to rouse him if possible. In these cases, I have sometimes resorted to scalding the soles of the feet with boiling water—and in one instance, saw the life of a young man saved, by whipping him to keep him in motion. There is one simple and certain remedy, however, to be found in almost every house:—take two tea-spoonfuls of made mustard, or in other words common mustard seed, pounded fine and mixed as if for eating; put them into some warm water, and give the whole as an emetic, and copi- ous puking will almost be immediately produced. This simple and effective remedy, has been the means of saving hundreds, who have accidently or intentionally swallowed poison. I have mentioned, that poisons might be taken into the GUNNS DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 117 lungs, by breathing or respiration. Doctor Paris, in his book on diet, speaks decidedly against the introduction of gass lights into the interior of dwellings, and says, "that carburetted hydrogen is a deadly poison, wdiich, even in a Estate of great dilution, is capable of exerting a baneful ef- fect on the nervous system. I have been consulted," says the Doctor, "on several occasions, for pains in the head, and distressing languor, which had evidently been produced by the persons inhaling the unburnt gass in the boxes of play- houses." Sir Humphrey. Davy, the celebrated chemist, made an experiment on himself, by inhaling pure carburet- ted hydrogen: and the result was, that after three inspira- tions, his vital powers were so completely suspended, that he did not recover them until the next day. Many instances have occurred, of persons sleeping in close rooms during the night, where small charcoal fires have been kept up for warmth, who have been found dead in the morning;—I mention this as a caution; and will also, notice some other facts respecting poisons, which ought to be attended to by those who value their safety. Medicines should always be strictly examined, especial- ly if to be given by inexperienced persons, and those who are not well acquainted with their appearance and quali- ties: even those wdio make a practice of selling medicines, sometimes make dangerous mistakes in them. I have now in my office, three pounds of emetic tartar, which' 1 re- ceived forj cream of tartar; and, had I administered this medicine without detecting the mistake, the results must have been fatal to many. A merchant of Knoxville, of the first respectability, received from a young man who atten- ded a drug-store in Baltimore, emetic tartar, for cream of tartar, and was in the very act of giving it to a friend who was indisposed, when the master of the shop arrived in great alarm, having discovered the blunder,just in time to prevent the fatal consequences. I will give one case more, by way of caution respecting mistakes in medicine. During the summer of 1825, a gentleman from South Carolina, stopped at the house of Mrs. H----, of Patrick county, Virginia; he felt somewhat indisposed, and desired 318 GUNN S DOMESTIC MEDICINE. to have a dose of salts: through mistake he received and took saltpetre. Nothing saved him but the early arrival of the son of Mrs. H. a gentleman of superior intelligence, who immediately administered a powerful emetic and re- lieved him. • Poisons, communicated by the bites of snakes, spiders, and other insects, are immediately to be attended to. The moment you are bitten by a snake, you are to tye a tight and strong bandage immediately above the bite. This will prevent the circulation of the blood, and give you time to apply the remedies needful for relief. As soon as possible, dissolve six grains of lunar caustic in six table-spoonfuls of water, and wet the bitten part with it constantly. Every man in the country, ought to keep a small piece of lunar caustic in his house: it is sometimes called nitrate of silver, and is made of pure silver, nitric acid, and pure water. If the caustic cannot be obtained, make a poultice of quick lime and soap, and apply it to the part affected; and give the patient as much red pepper tea as the stomach will bear; and also every hour, give him a table-spoonful of the juice of the plantain. In all cases where a> physician can be had, the best remedy is to cut out the bitten part. The Indians, wdien bitten by a poisonous snake, always extract the poi- son by sucking the wound. There is no danger in this op- eration:—I have told you before, that the venom of a snake if even taken into the stomach, is attended with no dan- ger: The blood should be encouraged to flow from the wound, by scarifying the parts immediately about it, and ap- plying the cupping instruments. When you are bitten by a spider, or injured by any other insect, apply a linen rag constantly moistened with laudanum, spirits of hartshorn or strong ley. I shall record a few cases, in which it will be evident, that the bite of the rattle-snake may be very easily cured' by extremely simple and always practicable remedies. The cases maybe found in detail, on pages 619, 620 and 621,of the sixth volume of the Medical Recorder. I shall abridge .- them. 1st. One evening, at my residence on the hills-of ^ GUNN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 319 Santee, says Wm. Mayrant Esq. (formerly a member of Congress,) I heard a violent scream at no great distance. In a few minutes I was called out and informed that a ne^ro had been bitten by a rattle-snake, and was dead or dying. I found him motionless and speechless, his jaws locked, and his pulse fluttering and scarcely perceptible. I had heard of the successful use of spirits in such cases; both amono- the Whites and Indians. I therefore took a glass of whis- key; put into it a table-spoonful of pounded red pepper; and poured it down his throat. In a few minutes it was puked up; as were also three or four succeeding doses. After the fourth glass it remained on his stomach. His pulse im- proved greatly in a short time: and after getting five or six glasses to remain, 1 ceased giving him any more, until the pulse fell very fast, and nearly ceased beating. I again commenced giving him the whiskey and pepper, and soon discovered that on ceasing the stimulants, his pulse would again sink to nothing. After taking more than one quart of this liquor, a copious stool followed:—the spirit was again administered, until his pulse became steady. During the night he took three quarts of whiskey: in the morning he was much better, but very weak—he finally recovered. 3d. About a year afterward, I was called to another slave who had been bitten by a rattle-snake; he was in great pain about the chest, and was puking a green fluid. I gave him repeated doses of whiskey and pepper, until his pulse returned, which had nearly ceased to beat: in twelve hours, by the use of about a quart of this liquor, he was a well man. 3d. I related the above cases to a friend, who had lately arrived from Rio Janeiro, after a residence of thirteen years. He told me that the serpents of that country were so ex- tremely venomous, as in many instances to produce death in fifteen minutes; and that the natives effected their cures, (by giving large doses of spirits, in which herbs had been stewed. He related an instance in which a man was found with one of these most poisonous snakes on him and biting him repeatedly. The snake was killed, and the man taken 320 GUNN'sS DOMESTIC MEDICINE. to the house, to all appearance dead. In a short time he came to himself, and was unhurt by the poison. The fact was, that he had been very drunk, and had fallen on the snake: the stimulous of the liquor had no doubt, counterac- ted the influence of the poison; this was the solution of the difficulty.—These three cases coincide strongly, with a case published several years since, in the National Intelli- gencer, by the celebrated Doctor Ramsey; in which large doses of brandy and opium were given with complete suc- cess, in the bite of a rattle-snake. The tincture of cantharides, which is nothing more than the Spanish or blistering flies, or our common potatoe fly, steeped for a few days in whiskey or spirits of any kind. Of this tincture, apply a few drops to the wound until it occasions a redness. By this application, the poison is rendered ^harmless; and the stings of insects or reptiles are entirely removed as soon as the blister raises. This is a late discovery, and truly a valuable remedy. I cannot quit this interesting subject, without noticing particularly, that a most excellent remedy in the bites of both venomous snakes and spiders, is the immediate appli- cation of the soft black mud from spring branches, or such mud as is used for the daubing of houses. I have never had occasion to try the experiment myself, but fully believe from the best authority; that it is an efficient and powerful application. PAINFUL AFFECTION OF y This disease is called by physicians, tic douloureux, and happily for mankind, is'of very unfrequent occurrence. It is an acutely painful affection of the nerves of the face, particularly over the cheek bone; in which the pain shoots with great quickness and suddenness, and is almost insup- portable for a few seconds, when it as suddenly becomes easy. The slightest touch will cause it to dart instantly, gunn's domestic medicine. 321 and sometimes by opening the mouth quickly, it will return with a jurking and spasmodic affection of the muscles of the face. There is in this complaint, neither swelling of the cheek nor any species of inflammations, nor does the pain seem deeply seated. REMEDIES. Remedies for curing this complaint, have long been ob- jects of retentive research, with the most distinguished and able physicians. The remedies usually resorted to, but I confess with very little success, are sulphat of ten, which is white vitriol; Peruvian bark; opium; and carbonate of iron, given in doses of twenty grains every fourth hour. As I have just remarked, these are remedies attended with very little success; the carbonate of iron was for some time considered efficient and beneficial; but at length, like the other remedies it fell into disrepute. We are now in- debted to a common weed for the cure of this complaint, a weed which infests our gardens, high ways, and barn- yards;—it is the common Jamestown weed, usually called the stink-weed and thorn-apple: read under the head James- town weed. A physician of much distinction, Doctor John Eberle of New York, speaks thus in substance of this weed—In July last, I was called to see a lady aged about twenty years, who was suffering very much from this com- plaint in the right side of her face. The paroxysms of fits of pain, were sometimes, so very violent as to produce temporary loss of reason! She had been treated by other physicians with the usual remedies; all of which had been found incompetent to afford relief in the slightest degree. I prescribed for her'the extract of stramonium or James- town weed, and gave her a grain of this extract every four hours. She commenced with this in the evening; and toward morning had intervals of ease, and slept some. She continued this medicine during the succeeding day, and ' experienced much less pain than she had done for eight ' days previously. After the fourth dose, she felt, some ver- l' it> tigo or dizziness of the head, and was directed to take the AA 322 gunn's domestic medicine. medicine only every six hours; in which she persisted until entirely relieved and fully cured, which was in a few days. "The Jamestown Weed, says this eminent physician, is undoubtedly a medicine of great and valuable powers. In chronic rheumatism, I have employed it in several in- stances with the most unequivocal advantage. In sciatica, (by which the doctor means hip gout.) also, I prescribed it with complete success in three cases. We are chiefly indebt- ed to Doct. Mareet for our knowledge of its efficacy, in af- fections of this kind," &c. "If I were called upon says this writer, to express in a few words the general opinion which I feel inclined to form from the opportunities I have had of studying the properties of stramonium, (Jamestown Weed,) I should say, that when given with due caution, and in proper doses, in all cases of chronic disease, attended with acute pain, it will invariably lessen the sensibility to pain and suffering." I fully accord with the Doctor in his opin- ions, and refer the reader to the head Jamestown Weed, where he will find an interesting development of the medi- cinal powers of this plant. The following remedy is taken from the New York Medical Inquirer:—Mr. Abernethy has administered the nitrate of silver in this d'sease, [which means lunar caustic] in the dose of one grain twice a day, made into pills, with conserve of roses," [which is nothing more than a syrup made of rose leaves and sugar, or honey. "A Mr. Thomas also recommends this preparation in this most distressing disease. The following is a copy of Mr. Thomas's prescription. Take nitrate of silver, one scruple; nitric acid, fifteen drops; [which is commonly call- ed aquafortis] pure water three ounces. From forty to sixty drops to be taken twice a day, in two table spoonfuls of camphorated julep." For a description of the method of preparing the camphorated julep, read under that head. LOCKED JAW. This disease is called by physicians, tetanus; which means spasm with rigidity—it is from the Greek word which gunn's domestic medicine. 823 means to stretch. It may be considered an involuntary contraction of all the muscles of the body, while the patient remains perfectly in his senses. It generally arises from wounds; and I have even known it to originate from the slight puncture or prick of a needle, in which case it terminated in the death of and amiable lady. It comes on with a dull stiffness of the neck and head; in a short time the head and neck becomes difficult to move; the tongue also becomes stiff and difficult to be moved about or put out; the swallowing becomes painful; there is a tight- ness across the breast, sometimes attended with pain in the small of the back: the jaws gradually become stiff, and tlie teeth clenched; this is locked jaw. REMEDIES. You are immediately to open the wound, if that be the cause, with a lancet or other sharp instrument, and removs any matter that may be in the wound. Then apply spirits of turpentine to the wound, and if the person is strong, hearty and in full habit, you are to draw blood freely from the arm. Then put your patient in the warm bath; I mean here, that the whole body is to be immersed in warm wa- ter for some time and give two grains of opium. During the time these operations are making, a skilful physician must be sought for; because the immense quantities of opium which must now be given, will make even the best physician dread his own practice. Yet such are the fatal consequences of delay and timidity in locked jaw, that unless bold reme- dies are used, particularly the use of opium in heavy doses, death must certainly take place. Opium has to be given in this complaint, according to the situation of the patient, and tlie violence of the disease, almost without regarding the quantity. That it is the proper remedy in spasm there can be no doubt; and that the quantities sometimes given in locked jaw are almost incredible, is a fact well known to practitioners of medicine. Tobacco is highly spoken of in this distressing spasm, given in the form of clysters. Doc- tor Thomas tells us, "that many cases are on record, 324 gunn's domestic medicinb. where the astonishing quantity of an ounce of opium has been given in twenty-four hours." To proportion the quan- tity of opium to be given, combined with the administration of clysters of tobacco, must always require the judgment of a skilful physician, and I therefore, recommend that one always be procured where practicable. In desperate cases, where, by reason of the clenching of the teeth, the patient cannot receive any thing in the mouth, it is necessary to remove a front tooth, and sometimes more than one. I have never heard of nor seen the practice; but should a case of desperate locked jaw occur in my practice, I would try the effect of a strong bath made of warm ley or lye, in which the body of the patient should be entirely immersed, at the same time, that I would give a clyster containing fif- teen grains of tarter emetic—in addition to which I would stimulate the patient freely with warm toddy. CANCER. Cancer generally makes its appearance about the lips, the nose, and about the breasts of females. It sometimes, al- so, but the instances I am happy to say are notvery frequent, makes its appearance in the womb, in which the cure is very doubtful. Those who are advanced in life, are much more subject to cancerous affections than young persons: particularly, if they have scrofulous constitutions, which have descended to them from their ancestors. A cancer commences with a small inflamed pimple, of a bluish color, which becomes a sore with hard rising edges of a ragged and uneven appearance. On a close examination of the sore, you will discover two whitish lines, crossing from the centre to the edge of the sore. At first, a burning sensation is felt in the sore, which is accompanied as the disease in- creases with sharp shooting pains. After sometime, these pains subside, and the cancer discharges a highly offensive matter; this discharge increases gradually, and the matter communicating to the adjoining parts, finally ends in a large gunn's domestic medicine. 325 offensive sore or ulcer, of a most dreadful and exhausting nature, always terminating, unless a cure is effected, in a lingering, painful, and horrible death. REMEDIES. The moment cancer is discovered, dissolve ten grains of corrosive sublimate in a gill of whiskey, or a gill of strong spirits of any kind. Apply cautiously this mixture to the affected part: it may be done by making a small rag swab, wetting it with the solution just named, and touching the affected or sore part with it gently. This operation is to be performed once a day, until the cancer is destroyed. This is a powerful medicine, and the pa"n produced by its application is very severe; but by an early application of this remedy, and bearing the pain of its application fifteen or twenty minutes for a few days, it will kill the cancer. It should never be used on large ulcers or cancerous sores, the pain it inflicts being as severe as if a red hot iron were applied. In many cases, when applied at an early stage of cancer, I have known this remedy successful. The sores should be washed with salt and water, and dressed with charcoal plasters. To kill the pain give opium or laudanum: see table. But notwithstanding, what has been said of the foregoing remedy, in order to ensure a successful ..cure, I think the parts ought to be removed or cut out at an early period of the disease. I have performed the operation 'fif- teen or sixteen times with success; the last operation was performed on Mr. H----, of Monroe county Verginia, du- ring my residence in Botetourt county, of the same state, assisted by my medical friends Doctors, M'Dowel and Foot, two gentlemen of distinction in the medical profession. The gentleman on whom the operation was performed, was about 48 years of age. The cancer was seated in the lower lip, and was of such size as to require the removal of the lower lip entirely. By the suggestion of Doctor M'Dowel, but with great caution, I cut well down the chin, and secu- red the edges of the incision together, after taking out the ©ancer. Singular as it may appear, a new lip was formed. 326 gunn's domestic medicine. The wound healed with the first intentions; and when it was entirely well, the mouth was so extremely small, as scarcely to admit the end of the fore finger. The mouth, however, gradually distended itself by the exertions of na- ture, and is now both useful and beautiful. Before the op- eration, the mouth was large and the lips coarse and fleshy. On my way out to Tennessee, I presented to Doctor Pow- ell of the Boat yard, the old lip, and I doubt not he has it now in his possession. A remedy for cancer, appeared in the public journals some years since, which, from its marks of authenticity of statement, and success in the case of Thom- as Tyrrel, I think proper to place on a more durable record. It is simply the use of "a strong potash;" made of the ley of the ashes of redoak bark, boiled down to the consistence of molasses. With this substance, the cancer must be first covered, and in about an hour afterwards, the whole is to be covered with a plaster of tar. This must be removed after a few days, and if there are any protruberances or lumps in the sore, the applications are to be renewed. As far as an opinion can be relied on, without actual experiment, I think the remedy a good one. SCALDS AND BURNS. Because we all know well what scalds and burn? are, and because the saving of space for matters of high inter- est, is important to both, the subscribers to this work, and myself, 1 shall not attempt to describe them. REMEDIES. In these accidents, which sometime unfortunately arise from negligence, the important point is to use such remedies as are immediately at hand, or are easily obtained for afford- ing direct relief from excruciating pain. Nature always a tender parent, bountifully affords the best and most soothing remedy, cold water: in which the parts affected are to be im- ocnn's domestic medicine. 327 mediately plunged. If ice can be obtained which is but water under another character, its application will be as good, if not better than mere water, which sometimes can- not be had of sufficient coldness. If the body is severely scalded or burned, apply cloths kept continually wet with the coldest water. Where the scald or burn takes place in children, and to no great extent, the application of common tar immediately to the injury, is a valuable remedy not often resorted to, but which I earnestly recommend. The application of carded cotton to a scald or burn, is al- so an excellent remedy, and one which is nearly always con- venient. The old method of applying sweet or olive oil immediately to a scald or burn is a bad plan; and ought never to be resorted to, until cold water or ice has been applied for reducing the inflammation; then olive or sweet oil will answer a valuable purpose. If oil is not convenient, which is often the case, the application of poultices made of raw Irish potatoes, carrots, or turnips, will be proper; the oil however, if possible to be obtained is preferable. When the patient has been in the greatest pain, and every remedy I had applied give but little relief, I have always been able to give instant ease, if I had or could procure it, by the ap- plication of Turner's cerate. For the method of making this very valuable salve, look under that head. It must be applied by spreading it on linen rags, and covering the burned or scalded parts with them; and I suppose I need not tell you, that these cerate plasters are to be supplied by new ones, every day laid on fresh. This cooling and soothing remedy seems to act like magic, in giving relief from the most horrible suffering. On my arrival in Mont- gomery county, Virginia, I was called in consultation with Doctor Joseph Miller, who was a physician by nature, and a man of the highest native genius; a man who must have stood at the head of his profession, had his great intellectu- al power been aided by adequate opportunities of education. With this gentleman I attended on Maj.----. He had been taken with a fit, and fallen into a large fire by which he was sitting, after his family had retired to bed. Before he was discovered by his family and taken out, he was litterally 328 gunn's domestic medicine. roasted; his ribs were perfect^ exposed on the right side, and the motion of the abdominal viscera, (the intestines or guts,) could easily be distinguished through the thin mem- brane. His situation was as truly horrible as can well be imagined; and his sufferings were so very great, as frequent- ly to induce him to pray to us, that something might be given him to end the miseries of his existence. Those sufferings indeed must be unspeakable, which destroy in man the deep seated love of life. By the application of Turner's cerate, wdiich was spread on a sheet and applied to him, and slippery elm tea given internally, this gentleman recovered and is now living in Montgomery county, Virgin- ia, near Christianburgh. I mention this case in all its hor- rors, to induce every family into whose hands this book my fall, always to have in their possession, Turner's cerate for immediate application. CORNS. We all know what corns are, and it is useless to consume time in describing them.— Remedies.—To get rid of them in the shortest possible time, baihe the foot or feet in warm water, about half an hour before going to bed. Wen the corns have become soft from bathing, shave down the horny parts smooth, but not so close as to produce blood. Then moisten the tops of them with spittle, and rub over them a little lunar caustic, which you can easily procure. This caustic must be gently rubbed on, until a sufficiency of it sticks on the corns, to change them first to a dark grey color, and next to a deep black. Put a little cotton over them to prevent the stock- ing from rubbing them, and in a few days they will come out by the roots:—This is the remedy of doctor Brown of Philadelphia, and it is a good one. WARTS. We all know what warts are, and it is also useless to describe them. Remedies.—Put on each wart, a small blister of Spanish flies, which can easily be confined by adhesive plaster, of any kind. In a few days the warts will come out, when you may use the lunar caustic, as in the case of corns: or you may wet the warts with a little sulphuric acid or oil of vitriol, which will soon bring them off; or with nitric acid or aquafortis, which will produce the same effect. THE OF - _J WOMEN AND CHILDREN. DISEASES OF WOMEN. When we consider the important relation, in which wo- man stands to man in every department of life; when we consider, that in one relation, she is the wife of his bosom, the chosen companion of his heart, the voluntary sharer of his prospeirty and misfortunes, the mother of that offspring, in whose life and prosperity, man even in the decline of life and the decay of health, lives over again the youthful vigor and tender passions of his early years: when we consider that in another relation, as the sincere lover of his virtues, and the admirer of his heroic and noble achievements, she urg- es man to perseverance in the performance of his moral duties and to those sentiments of patriotism which gave to the aneient Republics their statesmen and heroes—to Ireland her Emmets, to england her Sidneys, and to America her Washingtons: and, when we consider, that in another and important relatian. the minute and apparently ignoble cares of a family devolve on her, where there are no witnesses to support her under endless sufferings and trials, and where no civic crowns or public honors await her victories over domestic miseries, and ignoble sufferings and misfortunes, we cannot but be astonished at the fortitude, the courage, the devotedness, the fidelity to her duties, and the heroic virtues of woman! Place man in her situation, and compel him to perform the duties of woman, and he would soon ei- ther degenerate into a savage, or sink into perfect insignifi- cance. Placed in the limited sphere of the employments of woman, and man would soon feel himself an obscure and lonely slave: doomed like her, to a life of obscurity and do- mestic cares, where the anticipation of no honors would await the performance of his duties, his boasted magnanim- ity and fortitude would expire like meteors of night, and leave him a monument of powerless and fallen ambition 332 gunn's domestic medicine. And, how soon would his boasted philanthropy and love of mankind expire, were there no historians to record his deeds of benevolence and patriotism, and transmit them to future ages, and especially, were there no honors to be gathered but such as grew on the brows of obscure and suffering humanity, and such as would fade in the grasp and be remembered no more. Woman! when we reflect on thy blameless life, thy art- less tenderness, thy pious simplicity, thy confiding love, and the meek and lowly resignation of thy heart and feelings, under the pressure of miseries and misfortunes of almost every possible character, it seems difficult for the most hu- mane of mankind, duly to appreciate either thy sufferings or thy worth! But, when to these considerations are added the multiplicity of diseases entailed on thee by nature and sexuality, as well as by the ignorance of the Midwives of this country, thy lot and condition of present existence seem hard indeed! Most of the midwives of this country, and indeed of most other countries, are those who take up the employment from too great laziness to exert themselves in other walks of life; from utter ignorance of the great re- sponsibilities attached to such a calling; and from a heart- less destitution of feeling and humanity, which permit their ignorance and officiousness, to entail diseases originating in mismanagement, on thousands of women for life. These people are always seen wishing to officiate in something which had better be let alone; in fact, if I must speak in plain terms, in attempting to force nature into premature and exhausting exertions, who, if let alone so far as not to be retarded in her operations, would finish her own work without injury to the sufferer. I do not mention this to cast censures on all midwives; I am acquainted with several of excellent qualifications; who are kind, feeling, and expe- rienced; and who possess the excellent good sense, never to hazard or exceed the due bounds of prudence; and, who, in all cases where there is lingering and difficulty, always so far distrust their own judgment, as to require the aid of a skilful physician. Women should never dread the time of child-birth; but always reflect on the innumerable milJioms gunn's domestic medicine. 333 of cases, in which women have passed safely through the trial, for one perhaps which has been unfortunate. When a physician is called in, whfch in many cases is absolutely- essential to the preservation of life, and the safety of the child, his whole solicitude should concentrate in feelinsrs and sentiments of humanity; in such cases, therefore, no woman however delecate or fastedious in her feelings or sentiments, ought to feel any hesitation in permitting the assistance of a physician:—life is always to be preserved, and the safety of human beings ensured, by much greater sacrifices than those which appertain to feelings of mere bashfulness, or even sentiments of modesty. When I speak of calling in a physician, with permission to render the essential assistance to nature and child-birth, I mean a man of delicacy of seniiment and feeling, tried and well known discretion, and dignified elevation of character; I do not mean a beardless boy, who has dosed over a medical book for year or even two, without understanding its contents, and who is as proud of the name Doctor, as is a child of a new pair of morocco shoes; such a physician would be worse than an ignorant and officious midwife, who always wishes to be doing something right or wrong. When young in my profession, I always thought it necessary to be giving some little article in all cases; in other words, something that would do neither good nor harm: this kind of conduct will do well enough, so far as it has a tendency to keep up and animate the spirits of the patient, but here it ought to stop: —my good old preceptor or master, who had for more than forty years officiated successfully as a man midwife, gave me the following advice, which I recommend most sincerely to the attention of all my readers: "neither hurry nor retard nature, give her time to perform her own operations, and when she fails assist her." BB 334 ounn's domestic medicine. OUTWARD PATS OF FEMALE GENERATION, I would omit a description of these parts altogether, were not a slight delineation of them essential to under- standing the medical doctrines and diseases relating to them. The front exhibits what is called the mons veneris which is shielded by nature with a coat of hair, as if she aimed at the concealment of these parts, intendeti for the procreation of the human species. The labia or lips as they are called, shaded by this covering of hair, extend downward on each side of what is called the cleft: they unite and form a thin skin or membrane called the perineum, which divides these parts from the fundament. On opening the labja or lips, you will observe a small part which appears more full, and rises higher than the rest: this by physicians is called the clitoris, and is the chief seat of pleasureable sensation, in the' intercourse or connexion of the sexes. It may as well be remarked here as any where else, that cleanliness, by frequent bathing these parts with soap and water, has a powerful tendency to remove or quell those venereal desires which frequently arise from the irritability of the parts, and lay the foundation of many evils for life:—read, in addition to these remarks, under the head warm or tepid bath. Immediately under the clitoris, you will find on close examination, a small ori- fice or hole; this is the end of the canal which leads to the bladder, and it is through this orifice or hole that the urine or water passes off. My object in explaining these parts so plainly, is to enable any woman of common sense, by the use of the catheter, to draw off her urine or water herself, whenever it may be necessary, instead of being exposed to a physician on every trifling occasion. [For a descrip- tion of the catheter, and the use of it, see the head catheter.] Immediately under the part out which the urine passes, is the mouth or entrance into the birth-place, called by physicians the vagina, at the further end of which is situa- gunn's domestic medicine. 335 ted the womb, at the distance of three or four inches. The mouth of the vagina, or entrance of the birth-place, is usually, but not always defended by a thin tough membrane resembling a fish scale, called the hymen; which was once supposed to be the test of virginity, and which is always destroyed on a first connection with a male. Some females have this membrane so strongly formed by nature, as to prevent their menses or courses from flowing; when this is the case, they collect in the womb in such a manner as to resemble pregnancy. I have seen several cases of this kind; and 1 recollect one particular instance, in which a lady of great respectability had to undergo an operation, before her husband could have sexual intercourse with her. When the menses do not flow at the usual period, and the proper means have been used to bring them on, it is alw of an oblong form like a pear, and in its natural position has its largest end turned upward toward the stomach, and the vagina neck down- ward towrard the external parts. The womb is supported by small membranes or little strings, interwoven together and to the sides of thepelvis or basin, which I have already described to you: it is so commodiously and admirably ar- ranged, as to float about occasionally. On each side of the womb, and coming out from its sides, are two fleshy tubes which are called fallopian tubes, from the name of a phy- sician who discovered them in 1547. These tubes are about gunn's domestic medicine. 337 three inches in length, and the ends look as if they had been cut off with a dull knife. On each side of the pelvis or basin, is found a lump about the size of the end of the thumb: these are the female testicles, which supply the seed at the time the female conceives the child. These ovaria or testicles, have small cells in them, which burst like small blisters, in the act which gets a woman with child. The tubes which I have mentioned are constantly floating about, and the moment the seed of the male comes in contact or touch with them, it stimulates them to take up the contents ofoneortwo of the small cells I have mentioned; and to convey their contents through the tubes of the womb; by what is called by medical men peristaltic motion. The seed being now deposited, the child commences its formation and. growth; this commencement of growth takes place, as is supposed, about three w eks after the sexual commerce has taken place; because about that time the ovaria or egg passes through the fallopian tube into the womb. About the fourth month, the woman feels a peculiar sensation about the womb; this is called quickening: and is caused by the womb suddenly rising above the brim of thepetvis or basin, and as suddenly pressing on the inside of the be'ly. The womb is much thicker at the sides than any where else; it is a hollow fibrous mass, which means that it is composed of fibres or threads, interwoven with each other. It has the power of contracting or drawing up, and of expelling its contents whatever they may be. These fibres secrete and hold the discharge called the menses or courses. I have now given you a full and plain description, of the fe- male organs of generation; of what is believed to be the manner of conceiving; of the formation of the womb; and of the different presentations of labor: and I have been thus particular, in order that you may the better understand the information I have to communicate on the diseases of wo- men. BB* 338 gunn'jj domestic medicine. MENSES Oil COURSES. The early or late discharge of the menses or courses, depends very much on the climate; the constitution of the woman, as to strength or weakness; on the emotions and passions of the mind, or in plain terms on the lasciviousness or chastity of her venereal desires. In all cold climates, this discharge is later in making its appearance than in warm ones! Fruit ripens sooner in warm latitudes than in cold ones: and it is the same with females. In the genial climate of Italy, girls have their courses at nine years old: but in the colder regions of Russia, this discharge does not come on until women are from twenty to twenty-five years of age, and then not unfrequently in very small quantities. In all warm climates, says a distinguished writer, women ex- hibit all the splendor of their charms, when they are mere children in understanding; but, when their minds have arri- ved at maturity they cease to be objects oflove. In the western country, although the climate is mild, it is much subject to sudden changes, particularly in East Ten- nessee. These changes produce powerful effects on the health of women, and also on their constitutions. The western couniry is damp and wet during the winter season; in sonsequence of which, women from being exposed to wet feet, are subject to more irregularities in this discharge called the menses or courses, than in any other part of the U. States. When the usual period for this discharge comes on a little attention on the part of the parent will be suffi- cient to discover the symptoms: Many girls have their discharges without inconvenience, while others suffer con- siderably when the period is about to come on—such as a great restlessness, slight fever, head-ache, heavy dull ■pain in the small of the back and bottom of the belly, swelled and hardened breasts, and so on The appetite becomes delicate, the limbs tremble and feel weak, the face becomes pale, and there is a peculiar dark streak or shade under the eves. When these symptoms and feelings occur, every thinf should be done to assist nature in bringing forward gunn's domestic medicine. 330 this discharge. This is a critical period of life, and much depends on the result. The greatest possible precaution should be used, to prevent the girl from taking cold at this time; because by very slight exposures, nature may be prevented from performing, this very important office, by the failure of which some of the most fatal female diseases are produced. Exercise should be taken on horse-back at this time, or indeed any exercise that will give free circu- lation to the blood: the emotions and passions of the mind, ought also to be particularly attended to; a cheerful dispo- sition shopld be produced and kept up, at the same time that every effort should be made to banish grief, despondency, or any of the depressing passions, which I need not tell you have a powerful effect in preventing the due discharge of the menses or courses. The discharges, in their first ap- pearance, are in small quantities, and rather irregular as to time; but they gradually, in healthy women,become regular and flow monthly, While in a state of pregnancy, or when suckling children, women do not have these menses or cour- ses; nor do t.hev ever become pregnant, or in plain terms get with child, until this menstrual discharge make its appearance on them. Women also cease toJu-eed, when this menstrual discharge leaves them, in advanced life. The period when this discharge commences on women, and the period when it leaves them, are critical and dangerous peri- ods of time, to the health and constitutions of women. As I shall describe the remedies more fully, in cases where the menses have been established, and have suddenly stopped, from cold or other causes, I shall merely remark here; that in all cases where the fir>t symptoms of menses make their appearance in young girls, they should use all mild and gentle methods of courting nature to the performance of her office, by sitting over the steam of warm herbs, bathing, their feet and leo;s at the same time in warm water, as h:gh as the knees, or what is preferable, use the warm or tepid bath: [see that head,] and drink freely of warn) pennyroyal tea. These remedies should be used a short time before go- ing to bed, so that a gentle moisture or sweat may be pro- duced on the skin, which generally causes the menses or 340 GUNN S DOMESTIC MEDICINE. courses to flow. This discharge is usually at first very small; but, by attending to this simple course, which I have laid down, when the proper or expected time has arrived for their appearance, nature will gradually become regular, and the menses or courses be produced. The quantity, as I have observed, will at first be quite small, perhaps just sufficients stain the linen or shift—which will in quantity increase at every period or monthly return. As this dis- charge depends very much on climate, constitution, manner of living, and exercise, vou will easilv account for its differ- ing in quantity, not only in different women, but even in the same woman, increasing or diminishing as to the state of the system. In all southern or warm climates, the quantity discharged is from eighteen to twenty ounces; but, in colder climates, itdiminishes accordingly even tooneor two ounces. The length of time the menses or courses remain on and the time of their monthly return, differ very much in women: in some it will remain but a few hours or a day—in others from two to four days—and I have even known it to remain ten days. The common or usual time, however, is from three to six days. In the western country, the menses generally cease at about the forty fifth year. This however depends ver^hiuch on the period they make their appear- ance—if at an early age, they go off earlier, and if at a later period, they sometimes continue to fifty years. About the expected time that the menses or courses should flow. which will be easily known from the description I have given you of the symptoms, you are to avoid every thing that may injure the digestive powers, and parficularly cos- tiveness orbeing bound in the bowels,loss of sleep, exposures of any kind, such as damp feet, or sudden changes from warm to thin clothing. Girls in the country should be pre- vented, about this time, from Wading in the water, or walk- ing bare-foot through the dew, as it often stops this discharge. Getting cold, from any imprudence or unnecessary exposure, must also be avoided. On the subject of medicines, you are particularly requested, as you value the health of your child, to give no strong medicines in the first stage of the GUNN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 341 menstrual discharge, called vulgarly forcing medicines. This indeed is a proper name, for you are truly forcing nature, which is contrary to every principle of common sense: for this discharge, unless stooped from some one of the causes I have mentioned, will assuredly yield to patience and simple remedies; after a full trial, and sufficient time allowed, and you are disappointed at bringing them on, you will try cautiously and mildly, the following remedies under the following head—"obstruction of the menses," where you will find the valuable remedy "Seneka Snake-root"— for a full description of which important root in the stoppage of the menses or courses, read under the head Seneka Snake root. OBSTRUCTED MENSES. When the menses or courses have been once regular, and have been stopped from any accidental cause, such as cold and so on, they are said to be obstructed. This is sometimes attended with pain. When this is the case, it is called obstructed or painful menstruation, and is attended with greater or less misery, according to the state of the system at the time this obstruction takes place, and more particularly, if any other part of the body is laboring under disease; for the womb, from whence the menses- or courses flow, is subject to great varieties of diseased action, and it is utterly imppossible for me to describe the close sympathy and connexion, which is immediately and sensibly felt, between the womb, the stomach, the head, and the influence or power it has on the pulse. In six cases out of ten, where hysterics, despondency of mind, sickness at the stomach, pains in the head, coldness of the hands and feet, flushings of heat over the whole body, and not un- frequently fever, arise from obstructed menses or courses, or some disordered state of the womb. I have had in my prac- tice, many females who became greatly alarmed from the spitting of blood. This is frequently the case, where the obstruction has been for any length of time, accompanied by frequent bleeding at the nose, dry short cough, pains in 34l2 GUNN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE. the bottom of the belly, and in the small of the back, pulse hard and quick, skin hot, and burning sensations in the palms of the hands and feet. When these last symptoms take place, immediate attention should be paid or consumption will take place. A skilful physician must be sought for, if the remedies after a fair and steady trial, should not pro- duce the discharge. In some instances, this obstruction of the menses' or courses, arises from debility or weakness of the constitution. This will be known by the whites making their appearance. When this is the case, you must not force nature, but give tonic or strengthening medieines to restore the system. First, then, the remedies that follow; beginning with those that are the most simple, until the menses or courses are produced. REMEpiES. If the woman is of a robust or full habit of body, the loss of some blood from the foot will be proper. A short time before the return of the menses or courses, warm cloths wrung out of hot water must be applied to the bot- tom of the belly: this is to be done a few nights before the expected tinie; or you may sit over the steam of common pine tops, orrwhich boiling water has been poured; or yoi may sit in a tub of warm water for fifteen or twenty minute before you go to bed—and while sitting in warm water have your feet bathed in another tub or vessel, in whic! the water should be as warm as you can conveniently bea it: or plunge your feet and legs in and out frequently, a you may be able to bear the heat of the water. While yoi are bathing or steaming over the pine tops, use the follow irig remedy, which must be prepared and kept ready foi use when you are going to bathe. One ounce of Senekf snake-root is to be bruised with a hammer; then put it intc a quart of boiling water, and stew it over a slow fire to hah a pint. Of this tea, take a table-spoonful every ten minutes while bathing; or while over the steam. For a full de- scription of this valuable root, see the head Seneka snake- root. When you have used these remedies for a quarter GUNN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 343 .• half an hour, retire to bed, and have the bottom of your nelly well rubbed with a coarse warm towel, or a soft brush; this is called friction, the intention of which is to rouse the circulation, excite the womb to action, and cause the menses or courses to discharge or flow. You will find the following medicine to be a valuable assis- tant in producing this discharge: and it should be taken for one, two, and even three nights before the expect- ed time:—Five grains of aloes; five grains of rhubarb: and five grains of calomel; and must be finely powdered and mixed together well; and should the dose produce a stool or two by morning, you are to take a small dose of epsom salts to assist ihe operation, If the dose should parge you too severely, the next dose should be less: say three- grains of each instead of five; or even two grains of each will answer. Your own judgment wil. easily reg- ulate the dose to the costitution of the person. Or you may ap^ly a small blister a day or two before the time, be- tween the fundament and birth-place called by physicians the perineum; giving at the same time, a purgative twice or even three times a day of aloes; each dose five grains. Should these remedies all fail, inject or throw with a syringe or squirt, into the vagina, a mixture of strong whiskey and water,so as to irritate or excite an action in the womb. As I have remarked in the first instance, the loss of some blood will generally be found beneficial, unless the constitu- tion or the health of the woman will not. admit of the loss of blood, which is not very frequently the case. The loss of blood, always attends to assist the womb to return to its natural action. Madder, which is known to every per- son in the country as a dye, and may be purchased at any of the stores; is highly recommended by the late Doct. Barton of Philadelphia, late professor of the medical school in that city, in doses of twenty or thirty grains. The tinc- ture of gum guaiacum, in doses of a table spoonful in half a cup of new milk may be given. This tincture is made in the following manner; obtain one ounce of the gum guaia- cum, which is worth about ninepence; mash or pound it 344 GUNNS DOMESTIC MEDICINE. fine with a hammer, and put it in a pint of spirits of any kind. Let it steep for ten days, shaking it daily, and you have the tincture of gum guaiacum, it being then fit for use. Doctor Dowees, professor of midwifery, in the med- ical school of Philadelphia, asserts, that in the experience of thirty-tow years, it has never failed him in producing the menses or courses. Of this spirit, put a table spoonful in the milk and gently pour off the spirit, so as not to shake it at the time you are about to use it. I have now given you the different and important remedies, out of which you may select which you please for use: they, are all valuable. You will however bear in rnind, that the efforts to be made to bring on the menses or courses, should take place about the expected time, or a little time before it. The constitu- tion of the woman, must be fully and properly examined, so as not to force, but to assist nature in her operations. GREEN SICKNESS. When the menses or courses have been retained or stop- ped for any length of time, and the whole system becomes diseased from a want of discharge, so necessary to the health of every female, it terminates or ends frequently in what is called chlorosis or green sickness. When this is the case, the skin turns of a pale yellow or greenish hue; the lips become of a pale or purple color; the eyes have a dark or purple tinge around them; on making the least exertion, the heart palpitates or beats; the knees tremble. and there is a frequent sighing without knowing the cause. The mind is veryficle, and the woman dislikes, or seems to want the power to attend to her domestic concerns. The cheeks are frequently flushed, similar to consumption; the feet swell; and the whole system seems to sink under de- bility or great weakness. I have now described to you the symptoms which I alluded to, when I directed you to exam- ine the constitution, and not to force nature, especially when tonic or strengthening medicines are required to restore the whole system, before any attempt ought to be made to bring on the menses or courses. The treatment in this gunn's domestic medicine. 345 last stage called green sickness, should be as follows:__as little medicine as possible should be given: in fact, nothing but simple medicine, such as will prevent costiveness by keeping the bowels open, such for instance as a tea spoonful of epsom salts, and a tea spoonful of magnesia, ground finely and well mixed together, to be taken in a cup full of cold water when necessary for this purpose; trav- elling on horse-back or moderate exercise. Good Maderia wine, taken frequently and in small quantities; bitters made of equal quantities of wild cherry tree bark, and poplar bark, usually called swamp poplar, steeped in wine for several days, and taken in moderate doses; or tea made of the flow- ers of garden chamomile, and taken cold, the dose a wine glass full, three or four times, a day. The chalybeate wa- ter should be used very freely. The western country abounds with these waters; for they are to be found on almost every brarich or creek. Chalybeate waters, are those springs which are impregnated with iron. By these remedies, the whole system will be restored, and in due time the menses or courses will again appear; at which time, mild and gentle remedies are to be used, to court nature to the proper performance of this necessary and important discharge. THE GREAT DISCHARGE OF THE MENSES OR COURSES. When the menses or courses come on suddenly or irreo-. ularly, and the discharges for several days are greater than usual, by which the woman is greatly reduced and weak- ened—this is called excessive menstruation. The causes are too great a determination of blood to the womb; or in other words too great an action in its vessels. This over quantity, or. large discharge, generally take place in dele- cate women, particularly those who takes but little exer- cise, or those who sit a great deal; such as milliners or seamstresses, and in fact all who lead sedentary lives, and are addicted to-such unhealthy habits. 546 GUNN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE. REMEDIES. Draw blood from the arm immediately; and regulate the quantity taken, by the constitution, the habits, and the strength of the woman: there are few cases that do not admit of a little blood being drawn. Give a purge of epsom salts or castor oil, and let your patient go to bed and there remain: she must be kept as cool as possible, with her hips a little raised. The room also must be made and kept as cool as possible. If the discharge of blood is considerable, apply cloths wet with cold water to the birth-place, and even push them up it; at the same time injecting cold water up with a female syring or pewter squirt. There is no danger whatever in these cold applications; therefore do not hesitate to use them if necessary. I have always used ice in my practice in Virginia, by putting it in a towel or piece of flannel, and applying it to the belly. If the blood flows rapidly, make a plug with cloth, and push it well up the birth-place, so as to prevent the blood from flowing, or that it may congeal and stop. Should these remedies fail, you must resort to the following remedy, which should only be used in extreme danger:—Mix two grains of sugar of lead with a quarter of a grain of opium; give a pill of this mixture every two hours, made with a little honey, until the discharge of blood is lessened. If the pa- tient is very much exhausted, give laudanum in the dose of fifteen drops, occasionally—or administer opium, see table for the dose: administering either laudanum or opium, accor- ding to the urgency of her situation—pains ,lace, the stomach being unable to master such a mass, followed by colic, and purgings. The above remarks. are made in terms thus.plain, that they may be distinctly understood by my readers, and that they may profit in the treatment of their infant children, by their true meaning. STILL BORNV When an infant is born apparently dead, or giving no signs of life, it is said to.be still born. This appearance, however, should not-prevent the midwife from making ev- ery possible exertion for the restoration of the child: by patience and perseverance, thousands of infants have been restored to life. If no pulsation or beating can be felt in the navel cord, and if there be marks of putrification or de- cav, I need not tell you that all your efforts will be fruit- less. The infant, in this case, where there is hope, ought to be separated from.; t|ie mother as early as possible, and wrapped in.a blanket made warm by-the fire. As soon as possible, after this, its breast is to be bathed in warm spirits, at the same time that you gently apply to its nostrils spirit of hartshorn. If these remedies fail to restore the circulation, put- it in warm water, keeping its head in such a position as to prevent suffocation. You may loosen the string on the nayel cord, so as:toJetfit bleed about a, tables spoonful, when it must be again tied. While these meas- ures are in operation, you are to prepare a clyster, made of a table-spoonful of spirits of any kind, and three table- spoonfuls of warm water; and if the child does not breathe, you are to give this clyster up the bowels with a proper instrument; look under the head clystering. The lungs are to be filled viith air, by means of a common syringe, the pipe of which is to be introduced into one nostril, while the,other nostril and mouth are to be carefully closed; when you are then by gentle pressure on the breast of the child to empfy them: in this way the lungs are to be fre- gunn's domestic medicine. 409 quently filled and compressed until natural respiration or breathing takes place. Sometimes the application of a lit- tle- cold water to the chest will restore children. In ma- ny instances, when the slightest action of the heart has been perceived, it would be advisable to keep up a fric- tion or rubbing over the body, for at least an hour. Cases are stated, and many of them of infants still born, being restored by warmth and gentle rubbing, even when no signs of life had appeared for an hour or more after their birth. This should therefore encourage you to persevere, by every possible method, for the restoration to life a still born infant.. There are instances in which the child is born of a dark purple cast, in which* the breathing is scarcely perceptible, and where death ensues in a few minutes. When these appearances take place, the infant has generally some defect in the formation of the heart and lungs. Doctor Hos- sack advises that a bath be made of oak bark, four ounces of which is to be boiled for a few minutes in about two gal- lons of water. When this bath is prepared, add to it a pint of spirits of any kind, permitting it to become pleas- antly warm, bathe the child up to the neck in this water. If it is convenient you may add to this bath occasionally, a table spoonful of spirits of hartshorn so as to render it stimulating. When the child shows symptoms of recovery, take it out of the bath and wrap it in warm flannels; and should the infant be taken in the same way again you must immediately make use of the bath again, after again warming it. TREATMENT of NEW BORN INFANTS. According to the old custom, the moment the child was separated from the mother, it was plunged in warm water, or washed with spirits of some kind, and well rubbed with HH* 410 GUNN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE. a towel, to remove the mealy matter which adhered to it, and to prevent its taking cold, and perhaps to harden its skin. These foolish and dangerous practices, have caused the death of thousands of infant children, ©reproduced other consequences highly detrimental to their constitutions. The consequences always are, that by washing and rubbing the child, you irritate and inflame the skin, which is at this time so tender, that nature in her wisdom has covered it with this mealy matter to defend it from injury in entering the world, and to preserve it from irritability and inflamma- tion afterward. An infant born in the winter season, has more of this mealy covering than if born in the summer; it is also more thickly covered with it at the arm-pits, the bends of the joints, and so on, which are more liable to rubbing or fractional injury during labor, than other parts of the body; and in addition to these considerations, this covering is in- tended to protect the infant against the action of the atmos- pheric air. This covering is perfectly natural, and should always be permitted to remain until nature herself removes it. This will be done in a day or two, without assistance or artificial means, by which the skin will be left white, soft, ?.nd beautiful, and the child exempted from innumerable diseases—diseases which by the old custom of washing and rubbing would almost invariably insue. By the old custom, the skin is greatly irritated and inflamed, then becomes of a dark red color, and afterwards breaks out with those eruptions or pimples which usually appear on children called the red gum. Every person of common sense must know, that the ap- plication of spirits of any kind, especially when rubbed on the head and body of a grown person, will produce smart- ing and give pain. Now I ask what must be the con- sequence to an infant, whose skin is so delecately tender, that nature herself has shielded it from the atmosphere, un- til it will bear the change without injury. In many cases of grown persons, the application of brandy to the head, and washing the body with it, have been known to produce in- flammation of the brain, or lungs or bowels: the evapora- GUNN'S DOMESTIC MEDICNE. 411 tion from tl e surface being so great, as to produce a degree of cold sufficient to stop the perspiration or sweat. In in- fants this evaporation produces inflammations of the bow- els, or of the lungs, and sometimes of the membrane which lines the nostrils, by which the child is afflicted with a disease called the snuffles. The proper plan, and the one now practiced in the differ- ent lying-in hospitals throughout Europe and the U. States, is simply the following. Cleanse the face with tenderness and caution, with a little milk and water made pleasantly warm: then cover the body with thin muslin, over which is to be put the flannel. In a day or two the mealy cover- ing will entirely peal off, and nature in due time will exhi- bit a healthy, delecate and beautiful skin, free from every disease, and entirely exempt from all those painful and erup- tive diseases to which infants are usually subject, from the old method of treatment. MECONIUM. When a child is first born, its bowels are filled with a dark colored greenish matter called by physicians meconium. In a short time after its birth, or as soon as it commences sucking the first milk from the mother, which milk seems by nature to be intended to remove this dark colored or greenish matter from the bowels, for it is almost imme- diately discharged by stool. This is the reason, and I think an amply sufficient one, why children should be put to the breast as early as possible after their birth. Some- times the milk in the mother's breast is rather slow in coming: or from some particular cause, the child will not ^uck the breast, and consequently it will not discharge by stool this matter from the bowels which I have described. It will then be necessary to give it something to open the bowels, such as a little molasses and water, which should be given frequently until the bowels are properly opened. Or you may obtain from any doctor's shop, a small piece of 412 gunn's domestic medicine. manna; about the size of a walnut, and dissolve it in a gill of boiling water; and when it becomes cool, give the in- fant a tea spoonful frequently, or until it operates freely. Or you may, if these remedies fail, give a tea spoonful of the best castor oil, which will remove the meconium imme- diately. The two first being the most simple remedies,, should always be used first. Sometimes but the cases are- not frequent, this necessary discharge is prevented from passing, owing from the fact of the fundament from some defect or other cause, being stopped up. Such cases require- the immediate aid of an able physician, to examine and re* move;such difficulties or obstructions. ORIGINAL IMPERFECTIONS. Immediately after the birth of an infant, examine its body and limbs, and particularly its private parts: because child- dren are not all born perfect im this respect. The passa- ges of infants are sometimes closed up with this slime or tough matter, whicb require the'aid of surgical operations to open them, before they can pa3S either their stools or their urine. Great care and attention ought always to be paid by parents to these examinations. Sometimes the parts which decency forbids me to name, are entirely closed up by malconformation or deformity of those parts:: these: cases however, are very rare and unfrequent; and I need not tell you, that in them no human assistance can afford! nelief.. Ruptures are very frequent among new born infants,. particularly about the navel. When these ruptures are- very early observed, they may speedily be removed by bathing the belly frequently with cold water, and; attend- ing to the child's bowels; in other words keeping them reg- ularly open. If the rupture should: beat the navel, apply a piece of adhesive plaster, so as to give support to the narts; but by no means^ apply a bandage, which will do> GUNN S DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 413 injury to the delecate and tender parts by the pressure. The fact is, that the constant application of cold bathing as the infant advances in age and strength will always re- move these early ruptures. Tongue tied. In this case the tongue is confined to the roof of the mouth, by a small cord which prevents its mo- tion. Sometimes indeed, the tongue is so confined that the infant cannot suck. But I have sometimes known children cut for it where it did not exist: therefore great caution ought to be used in this operation, although it may seem a very simple one. If the physician or other person, who cuts this small cord does not understand it properly, or cuts it carelessly, so great a quantity of blood may be lost as to prove fatal to the child. As many women are very uneasy, respecting their children being tongue tied, I will inform them that they are often alarmed unnecessarily, and have their children operated on when they are not tongue tied. A very simple method of discovering its situation by putting the end of your finger in the child's mouth; if it is able to clasp it with the same force it would the nipple, or the end of the tongue moves, it does not re- quire cutting. Hare lip. There are different kinds of hare lip__ and not unfrequently, both lips are disfigured by the open- ing or space extending along the roof of the mouth. When this is the case, it has a very unsightly appearance; and the operation of closing the lip cannot be performed, how- ever skilful the physician with any probability of success. But where there is but one opening, or even double, provided it does extend to the roof of the mouth, as I have described, the cure or operation can be performed without much difficulty. You will bear in mind, that an operation (which means endeavoring to close up the lip,) ought never to be performed on an infant until it is a year old, as the lip requires strength to bear the operation, by wdiich it is, to be removed. In some cases but they are very rare, tho in ant is unable to suck; if this is the case the operation 414 gunn's domestic medicine. may be performed; but at this early stage I should con- sider the success very doubtful. The method used in the country of sewing it up is highly improper. The opera- tion to be performed in closing up the lip, where the fissure or opening does not extend beyond the upper part of the gum, is as follows:—At any silver smith's shop have two silver pins made something longer than a common pin, and without any heads to them. With a sharp knife pare well the edges of the opening: then with one of these pins, pierce the lip at the upper side entirely through, in a slant- ing direction; then pierce through on the other side in the same way. You will recollect to take a good hold, so that it will not easily tear out; then with your thumb and finger, close together the edges that have been cut; now you are to wind tight round these pins some silk, which has been properly waxed, so as to draw it together that it may heal. In six or seven days, or perhaps earlier, it will heal or ad- here together; then draw out the pins and dress it with any simple ointment or salve, and if properly performed, the scare in a few years will scarcely be perceptible. The feet of infants are sometimes deformed, by what are called club feet: if this is permitted to go on without immediate attention, the deformity will be very great, and cannot be removed after the infant is a few months old: the bones of the feet become hard and firm, whereas at an early age, or immediately after birth, they are in a soft grisley state. When if proper means are used, the foot or feet by gradual compression may be reduced to their natural form in a few months, if the deformity is not graet; but in some cases a longer time will be required. EXERCISE OF CHILDREN AND PUKE AIR. If you are desirous of preserving your children's health, and giving them good constitutions, give them exercise gunn's domestic medicine. 415 and let them be frequently in the open air, so as to ac- custom their bodies to the various changes of the atmos- phere. By no means keep them in a close room, or coop- ed up as if you were afraid they would catch cold at every gentle breeze. I have never seen children thus confined whose health and constitutions were not, through life, ex- tremely delecate, and subject to colds and various diseases, which, by a contrary course, they would have entirely es- caped. As an evidence, take two children, let one be cloth- ed in flannel, and protected from the slightest exposure or change of weather; feet constantly supplied with stock- ings and shoes, and not suffered to go out in the least damp or inclement weather. While the other is moderately clothed, perhaps hardly enough to cover it with decency; no shoes or stockings; exposed to all kinds of weather, even during our inclement winters, without a shoe to its little feet. The first will be pale, thin, weakly, and of a delecate constitution through life, subject to colds on every change of weather; perhaps not attaining the age of man- hood, before a breast complaint commences its ravages. While the other, full of strength, vigor, and a cheek like a rose, with ahealthy constitution,exempt from colds, and free of every disorder, reaches a good old age without an hour's sickness. Are we not furnished daily with evidences of this fact. Why then take pains to throw obstacles in the way, when, if children were permitted to exercise freely, and not so much unnecessary care bestowed on them after a certain age: or in other words, when able to run about themselves, parents would be blessed with a more healthy and vigorous offspring, and have very little necessity for Doctors or medicines. By the use of cold bathing, or in other words, washing the child in cold water, you will, in a great measure, prevent the galling, and excoriation which frequently occur about the groins and privates, in the neck, behind the ears &c. which are produced by the sweat or urine. The parts after being washed in cold water, should be suffered to dry, and a little fine starch dus- ted upon it, this will very much relieve the child. 416 gunn's domestic medicine. THE SNUFFLES, This stoppage of the nose is quite common to young children. It frequently prevents them from breathing freely, and they cannot suck or swallow without considera- ble difficulty. This is quite a simple complaint, which will be speedily removed by giving the infant a purge of castor oil; about a tea-spoonful is the dose; and bathing its feet or body in warm water, pleasantly warm; and for a few days keeping its head a little warm. A little lard or sweet oil may be rubbed upon the nose and around the nostril. THE RED GUM. The red gum breaks out in small pimples on the skin, generally of a red, but not unfrequently, of a yellow ap- pearance. This complaint appears principally on the face and neck; but it sometimes breaks out on the hands and legs, and the pimples contain, not unfrequently, a white clear matter. It would be highly improper to use any means outwardly to remove it, for by so doing, you might sud- denly drive in the complaint, and thereby destroy the life of the infant. The child while laboring under this disor- der, should be prevented from being exposed to the cold air. The only danger in this disorder is driving it in; when this is the case, the infant is greatly distressed in the bowels, screams and cries constantly; and not unfrequent- ly has fits. In the management of this disorder, you are to keep the infant's bowels open with a little magnesia and rhubarb: for the dose of either of these medicines, (see ta- ble;) or a tea spoonful of castor oil may be given. Should the disorder suddenly disappear, and the child become sick from it, put it immediately in warm water, and give it one or two drops of antimonial wine, in a little sage tea. This may be repeated every hour or two, until a moisture is pro- duced on the skin, and the pimples or eruptions brought out again on the body. gunn's domestic medicine. 417 YELLOW GUM. This is a disorder similar to the jaundice, and takes place with some infants a few days after their birth: it is known by a yellow tinge of the skin, high colored urine, and a constant desire to sleep. This simple complaint can be removed by a gentle puke of one or two grains of ipe- cacuanha, mixed with a little warm water, and in a short time followed by some mild purge. THRUSH. The thrush or sore mouth, is a very common disease in early infancy. The child suffers a great deal of pain in sucking, and frequently this complaint is attended with some fever. This disorder appears in small white spots on the tongue, corners of the lips, and inside the cheeks, and by de- grees spreading itself over the whole inside of the mouth and throat; and in somecases, extending down through the stomach and canal. If the white spots on the tongue re- semble coagulated milk, or in other words, look as if the child had been eating curds and that some of them remain- ed sticking to the tongue, you will know by this appearance that the thrush or sore mouth is commencing. The thrush is produced from acidities in the stomach and bowels, occa- sioned from some particular quality of the milk, which dis- agrees with the infant, or from improper food. Those children who are raised by hand, are more subject to this complaint, which shows plainly, that it is the food which disagrees with the stomach and bowels, and brings on the thrush or sore mouth. The remedies are then very plain and simple; attend to the stomach and bowels first, before you use any astringent washes; after which it will be prop- er to use a wash for the mouth, made of a little borax, honey and alum, dissolved or mixed in a small quantity of sage tea. Then with a rag tied to a stick, rub or wash the mouth with this preparation, two or three times a day; II 418 gunn's domestic medicine. regularly persevering in washing, while any appearance of the disease remains. To regulate the stomach and bow- els, give equal quantities of magnesia and rhubarb; [for the dose of either of these medicines refer to the table.] CONSTIPATION. Constipation means costiveness or being bound in the body, so that the infant cannot pass its stools^ This com- plaint is sometimes hereditary or natural to the child; when this is the case, and it does not exceed proper bounds, it may not require the use of any remedy; but should the infant's health begin to suffer from frequent attacks of colic, flatulence, wind &c. it should be strictly attended to, as it may produce convulsions or fits, inflammation of the bowels, or other diseases of a difficult and lingering nature, thereby establishing this costive habit of body for life. If the predisposition descended from a mother of the same habit, or in other words, if the mother herself is sub- ject to being bound in her body, the child may be relieved for a short time but it will again return. When this is the case,the mother if possible should change the quality of the milk by being attentive to her diet, and to take occa- sionally some mild purge, which will alter the quality of her milk; for this purpose, there is no medicine superior or more innocent than magnesia or epsom salts, of equal quan- tities mixed and ground very fine in a mortar. Of this, take a tea spoonful or two in a tumbler of cold water of a morning on an empty stomach. When the constipation originates from the child's food it must be changed; and simple medicines given occasionally, to act as a mild purge, sach as magnesia, rhubarb, manna, sweet oil, or castor oil, either of these may be given: [for doses of either of these medicines see table.]—But if the costiveness is obstinate, a little aloes pounded fine and mixed with honey or molasses. will procure a passage or stool. Or you may give a laxa- tive clyster, made of a little warm water, in which put a gunn's domestic medicine. 419 tea spoonful of lard, and with a clyster pipe or syring, throw or squirt it up the fundament. In administering clys- ters, you are to recollect that they should not be given hot, but milk warm, by giving them hot, you increase the dis- order, and do serious injury to the child; this is a mistake which is often made, and the consequence both to children and grown persons, when clysters are given hot, is ex- tremely dangerous. [For directions as to clystering see that head.] COLIC. Whenever the child cries, the general practice is to suc- kle or feed it, by which its little stomach is kept constant- ly loaded, and being unable to digest the food, colicy pains, griping and purging are the consequences. The suffer- ing of the infant in such cases being very acute and pain- ful, recourse is had to Bateman's drops or Godfreys cordial, and sometimes laudanum or paregoric, all of which contain opium, and relieve the little sufferer for a short time; when the colic or griping again returns. "From my experience in the diseases of infants," says a distinguished writer, in the New York Medical Inquirer, liI am satisfyed that these complaints if not produced, are nevertheless cherished by the causes already mentioned. I have in my practice, been in the habit of administering ipecacuanha in the dose of one grain, so as to produce puk- ing in imitation of that excited by nature; and I am happy in saying that in no hi stance did it fail to produce the desired effect; that in some obstinate cases it has act- ed like a charm, and that the parents declared that it must have contained opium. '*In cases of griping and violent pain in the bowels of in- fants, I have*also found the application of the following anodyne plaster to the abdomen or belly highly benefi- cial:—Take of gum plaster three drachms; camphor half i20 GUNN S DOMESTIC MEDICINE. a drachm; opium twenty grains; oil of anniseed ten drops; to be made in a plaster and spread on soft leather. "Professors, Meyer, and Reich of Berlin, employ as a principal remedy in cases of bowel complaints of children, one drachm of the diluted muriatic acid in three ounces of simple syrup, of which they direct a tea spoonful to be given about every two hours." Colic generally takes place in early infancy, from the first six weeks to the tenth or twelfth month; and is easily known by the infant's suddenly screaming or crying, and at the same time drawing up its legs: if the complaint is severe, the child cannot urinate or make water. If the colic is slight, and arises from flatulence or wind, give one or two drops of peppermint, to which if necessary, you may add a drop or two of laudanum; at the same time, expose the infant's belly to a warm fire, rub it well with the following mixture.—Take three table spoonfuls of spirits in which camphor has been dissolved, add to this a tea spoonful of laudanum, and bathe the child's belly with it. You will also find the application of warm salt, or bath- ing in warm water, valuable remedies. When the colic originates from acidity, as may be known by the bowels not being bound, and the stools of a green color and sour smell, in addition to the above means, you should give occasionally a dose of magnesia: [See table for doses:] this will correct the acidity, and assist the dis- charge of the offending matter from the bowels. You will find the infusion of rhubarb in small doses, given so as to keep the bowels gently open, whilst at the same time, it communicates tone to the stomach and bowels, and increases the peristaltic action. The infant must be kept warm, and a flannel roller be applied round the belly, which gives support to the muscles, and is a valuable assis- tant in diseased conditions of the intestinal canal. '- gunn's domestic medicine. 421 SORE EYES. Sore eyes are very apt to make their appearance a few days or weeks after the birth of the infant, which occa- sions them to be fretful and uneasy, and sometimes if neg- lected, may produce blemishes, or blindness. It is often brought on by exposure of the infant to large fires, or the imprudent practice of holding it to alighted candle to keep it quiet. It is also caused by cold: and when the eyes are sore at a more advanced age, it may be produced by cutting teeth.—The remedies are, to avoid cold, and exposure to too much light, particularly the fire; bathe the eyes three or four times a day in cold water, or make the following preparation, with which you are to bathe the infant's eyes frequently through the day: about the .size of a common pea of sugar of lead dissolved in a pint of cold water. If this should not relieve it, give it a purge of castor oil. The application of the lead water as men- tioned, is generally successful, and a valuable remedy. TEETHING. Children suffer a great many complaints during the time of cutting teeth.—Some infants suffer much less than others: but all seem, during this necessary operation, to undergo pain and a disordered state of the system. The symptoms which go before and accompany the cut- ting of teeth, are more or less violent, according to the manner in which the teeth comes through the gum, or in other words, the resistance which the gum makes; and to the irritability of the infant's constitution, &c. When the child cuts its teeth in the most easy manner, the pressure on the gums, however slight gives pain, and produces an increased flow of the fluids furnished by the mouth; the child is fretful, and restless during the night, is constantly putting its little hands, or any thing that it can get hold of, into its mouth. The spittle which it is 422 gunn's domestic medicine. constantly discharging or slabbering from the mouth, when swallowed, produces sickness, gripes, and looseness; after a short time the corner of a tooth is perceived; but the pain and uneasiness still continues for several days, when a second tooth is cut. During the time between the cutting of the lower and upper teeth, the child generally improves in health and strength; but in a short time is again subjected to the same uneasiness. In strong, healthy, or fat children, a fever generally, and that sometimes violent, comes on before, cr about the time of cutting every tooth; the gums are swell- ed, and inflamed, the eyes much disordered, the belly bound, the skin hot; and the child cries constantly, and sucks with much pain: sometimes it is unable to suck, and its sleep is very much disturbed. Weakly and delecate children where teething is painful and difficult, lose their color, fret constantly, vomit or puke frequently, attended with loose- ness or purging, and become quite emaciated, or in other words, reduced to great weakness. I have discovered that those children I have last mentioned, pass through the painful and dangerous proeess ,of teething, much easier and with greater safety than those who are fat and robust: and have particularly remarked, that those children who slaver, (vulgarly called slobber,) must cut their teeth with the greatest ease. The treatment during teething, should be a particular attention to the bowels, by keeping them sufficiently open: also paying a due attention to every circumstance likely to promote the general health of the child, such as pure air, exercise, strict cleanliness, food easily digested in the stomach, and taken in small quantites. As the difficulties are sometimes greatly lessened, and frequently en- tirely prevented, by a looseness coming on spontane- ously, or more plainly speaking of its own accord, it must not be checked, particularly in children of a fat or full habit, but permitted to go on, unless it weakens the infant too much, or runs to excess, when it may be stopped by de- grees. But if the child is bound in its body, you will rec- gunn's domestic medicine. 423 olleet that it should take some laxative purge, so as to produce two or three stools daily, for this purpose, give two grains of calomel, to which add three or four grains of rhubarb or magnesia. If necessary, the operation of this medicine may be assisted by clysters: [for directions, &c. as to clystering, look under that head.] When fulness, and quickness of the pulse, increase of heat, flushed face, frequent startings, oppressed breathing, immediate fits of crying, &c. denote fever; the irritation on the gums must be removed, which is done by cutting or lancing the gum down to the teeth, for which purpose a gum lancet must be made use of. CONVULSIONS OR FITS. ■ Convulsions or fits, are at all times alarming and danger- ous, and require a very great variety of treatments: there- fore, procure in such cases, a skilful physician. But as these fits are frequently very sudden, I shall direct the means which may be used before a physician can be obtained, and I will make some observations as to the general causes which produce them. It is not unfrequently the case, for convulsions or fits, to come on suddenly, in others the at- tack is gradual, and the symptoms so slight as to pass unobserved by the mother or nurse. In the former, the child, from being in the most perfect health, turns of a pur- ple color, the features and eyes are changed, and the whole frame is violently convulsed or agitated. In a short time, these symptoms are followed by faintings, or medically speaking, by a suspension of the vital powers; after which, the child gradually recovers, but for some time remains stupid and drowsy. In the latter cases, the infant shows uneasiness, changes color suddenly and frequently, the lips quiver, the eyes are turned upwards, and it stretches out, the hands become clenched, when the convulsions or fits come on. Fits are apt to be produced by any thing which affec!s 424 gunn's domestic medicine. the whole nervous system, or that which produces irrita- tion on any particular nerve; and by the sudden striking in of any eruptive disorder, such as the measles, or any com- plaint which breaks out on the skin; from improper food, or irritating substances applied to the stomach or bowels, will produce this disorder. These convulsions frequently occur during the period of teething; but I have found from particular attention to the causes which produce convul- sions or fits, that worms are very often the cause of this complaint. But if they take place frequently, and with • great violence occasioned from pressure on the brain, or any cause in that organ, they generally terminate fatally, or cause the child as he advances in years to become fool- ish. The treatment of convulsions or fits, must depend on the ^ causes which produce them. If the sudden striking in of any complaint, as the thrash, measles, &c; or the drying up of any eruption or discharge on the body, it ought to be brought out by putting the child into a warm bath, then giving a dose of Godfrey's cordial, or Bateman's drops, so as to produce to the surface, the complaint; if indiges- tion or improper food has occasioned it, give a gentle emet- ic or puke of ipecacuanha, or emetic tartar, [see table for dose.] If the bowels are stopped, or the fits are supposed to arise from irritating matter of any kind in the body, it must be removed by purgative medicines, as two grains of calomel, mixed with five grains of rhubarb or jalap, which if necessary assist with a clyster: [for the method of pre- paring and administering a clyster, read under that head:] but if produced by teething, then scarify the gums, or in other words, cut them down with a gum lancet immedi- ately over the tooth, this operation ought to be performed daily, or until the tooth is through the gum, or the fits cease. When worms are suspected to be the cause, from which the convulsions or fits are produced, the remedies recom- mended under that head must be employed. gunn's domestic medicine. 425 CROUP. This is a very dangerous complaint, and the rapidity with which it proceeds, requires prompt and immediate at- tention, or the disorder will prove fatal in a very short time. Of all the the diseases to which children are liable, croup is certainly the most dangerous. Every mother should un- derstand the symptoms and treatment of this disease; as in many instances, before a physician can possibly be obtain- ed, suffocation is the consequences. The croup comes on with a difficulty of breathing and wheezing, a short dry cough, and a rattling in the throat when a sleep. In a short time, the difficulty of breathing increases, the face of the child is flushed, and the veins in the neck are very full of blood and throb or beat very fast. The voice and cough- ing has a very strange sharp sound, something like the crowing of a young cock; the child is very restless and uneasy, the body is hot and attended with great thirst, and the pulse very quick. Those in whom the face is much flushed, seem over-powered by a heavy sleep, from which they are aroused only by the violent fits of coughing. As the disease continues, the fits of coughing return more frequently, and are attended with an uncommon degree of agitation throughout the whole frame; the breathing be- comes more and more noisy; and unless relief is speedily obtained, the infant will die by suffocation. The remedy is an emetic or puke. The moment the complaint is discovered, put six grains of emetic tartar, into six table spoonfuls of warm water, give the child about half a table spoonful every ten or fifteen min- utes. The intention is to keep up a constant sickness and vomiting or puking. But if it is a violent case, you are to bleed it from the arm, and put it up to its neck in warm water. But recollect you are to keep up the sick- ness at the stomach, and puking it freely. I have frequent- ly, when the croup was severe, kept the child puking occasionally through the whole night, and using now and then, the warm bath, before relief could be given. In this 426 gunn's domestic medicine. complaint you will find the seneka snake root a valluable remedy; it must be given to the child frequently, made into a strong tea. After using the remedies I have already described, without success, and the disease is desperate, the best remedy is calomel, in doses of from forty to fifty grain", (do not be alarmed at this dose.) I know by expei'ience in a hundred instances, of the Jives of children being preserved by large doses cf calomel, wdiich must otherwise have proved fatal. Then let me urge upon you the necessity of laying aside your prejudices against this medicine, and not to slacken your hand in this trying mo- ment if you wish to preserve the infant. So powerful and salutary is this medicine, that it frequently relieves the complaint in ten or fifteen minutes without.recourse to any other means. It acts on the stomach bowels and skin. Smaller doses may be given where the complaint is not ve- ry alarming: when given in smaller doses, you may add a little ipecacuanha, say two or three grains with the cal- omel, from which much benefit will be derived. The following simple remedy is highly recommended by Doct. John D. Goodman, an eminent physician of Charlotts- ville, Virginia. The simplicity of the remedy, and the fa- cility of its application, entitled it to a trial. "When children are threatened with an attack of croup, I direct [says the doctor,] a plaster covered with dry Scotch snuff, varying in size according to the age of the patient, to be applied directly across the top of the chest and retained there till all symptoms disappear. This remo- dy is found to be always effectual when applied to the first and second stages of the malady. The mode of treatment was from prejudice, neglected by me, and in one instance, in wffiich very considerable difficulty, one of my chdd- ren was rescude by the ordinary treatment. But on be- ing urged to make a trial of the snuff plaster, I determin- ed to make the experiment whenever opportunity presen- ted. This was not long wanting; and when called to a child laboring under all the symptoms of the early stage of croup, such a plaster made by greasing a piece of gunn's domestic medicine. 427 linen and covering it well with snuff was directed to be applied to the chest. The event was most happy, the symptoms of irritation, and half crouping cough, ceased shortly after; the child fell into a profound sleep, with gentle perspiration, and by the next morning, was free from all distressing symptoms. The plaster was re-appli- ed for a night or two following, and then discontinued. Since that time my family has been saved from a great deal of anxiety and alarm, to which previously they were subject, as we were obliged to keep Cox's hive syrup, tartar emetic and all other articles resorted to, constantly ready to meet the attacks of the croup, which were very sudden and frequent in cold wet seasons. Since then, we have found nothing necessary but the snuff plaster. If a child is heard to breathe hoarsely, or cough with any thing of the dreadful ringing sound of croup, it is only necessary to apply the snuff plaster, and we feel under no further anxiety. Instead of being obliged to watch with the child all the rest of the night when once the snuff is applied, we go to rest again, with a feeling of entire security, which we have never had the least cause to regret. FEVER OF CHILDREN. The various complaints to which children are subject, being as I have before mentioned of an irritative nature, will generally produce fevers, and although severe while they continue, are not frequently productive of danger if properly managed. A disordered state of the stomach and bowels, teething, exposure to cold, striking in of any eruption, and in short, every thing which can excite an increased action in the heart and blood vessels, will produce more or less fever.— The treatment of these complaints has already been descri- bed. When these fevers take place, cleansing the stom- ach and bowels will be proper, for which purpose give an emetic or puke, followed by two or three grains of 428 gunn's domestic medicine. calomel, to which add four, five, or six grains of rhubarb; for the dose of either of these medicines, [see table;] after which Bateman's drops, Grodfrey 's cordial or paregoric, at the same time bathing the child in warm water, will gener- ally assist in lessening the irritability of the system and re- moving the fever. SCALD HEAD. This complaint begins in brownish spots on the head, and in a few days forms a scab, and discharges a thick gluey matter that sticks amongst the hair. The sores gradually increase until the whole head is covered with a scab, dis- charging this matter which is very offensive. You are to cut off the hair as close as possible, and wash the head well every night and morning with fresh lime water. This is easily prepared by slacking a piece of quick lime, of the size of a hen's egg, in a quart of water, and when set- tled, pour the liquor into a bottle and keep it corked for use. CHOLERA INFANTUM. OR PUKING AND PURGING. This vomiting and purging of children, called by physi- cians, Cholera Infantum, prevails during the heats of summer: it is a dangerous and destructive disorder through- out the United States. Of all the complaints with which childhood becomes afflicted in its earliest stage, this is at least among the infantile population of the Western coun- try, the most destructive. When this disease commence*, it is very rapid in spreading itself through the sectioa of country or neighborhood in which it first makes its appear- ance. Its desolation or fatal termination, depends very much gunn's domestic medicine. 4->Q upon the season, section of country, and state of the atmos- phere. This disorder generally shows itself before the middle of June, or about the commencement of our sum- mer months, continuing its ravages through the warm sea- son, gradually lessening in violence as the cool weather approaches. Its frequency and danger is always in pro- portion to the heat of the weather: children are subject to it from the third week after birth, to the second summer, at which period it is the most fatal to them. Many distinguished physicians have been disposed to consider teething as the cause of this complaint. I am however convinced, that this is not the cause of Cholera Infantum or Puking and Purging. Yet in children labor- ing under the irritation of cutting teeth, I have no doubt this complaint is much more severe than it otherwise would be, and that it is more easily taken by them, and that the disorder is more apt to be fatal in its consequences, I admit. But that it is brought about by the causes which I have before mentioned, will be admitted by every phy- sician who has taken the trouble to investigate, or in other words, to search out the original causes of this disease. As I have before told you, the digestive organs in the early stage of childhood, are liable to constant irregulari- ties and irritations: but what excites morbid irritations in the intestinal canal, is perhaps difficult for the most learned of the profession at the present day to determine. Yet, whatever influence the irregularities of diet, teething, or orther complaints may have in producing this disorder, I am assured from long experience, that the violent heats of summer, together with sudden changes or exposure to a moist and unhealthy state of the atmosphere, are the usual exciting causes of Cholera Infantum or Puking and Pur- ging- Symptoms.—This disorder commences generally wdth a purging, but when severe, the child is seized with a puk- ing and purging at the same time, when a few moments be- fore it appeares in the full enjoyment of health. The dis- charge or stool is highly offensive, and colored with a dark or yellow hue; the stools now become frequent, JJ 430 gunn's domestic medicine. attended with severe griping: probably the motions wiil be as often as fifteen or twenty times during the twenty-four hours. So soon as the operation commences freely from the bowels, the vomiting or puking begins to cease; over the region of the stomach the slightest pressure will give pain, being very tender and "probably swelled; tongue white, thirst great, a constant craving for water between the times of purging which cannot be satisfied. The skin becomes dry, and from the child falling away, which it does with great rapidity, the skin is very much shrunk on the inside of the thighs: and while the feet are cold, the head and belly are hot; pulse small and quick, sometimes full; generally towards evening the child is better, but after a short time the purging commences again. Counte. nance pale, wan and languid; eyes sunk and dull; the child moans and sighs much; cannot sleep, is excessively irrita- ble, sometimes attempting to bite its nurse, or rolling about its head, or constantly putting up its hands to its face; the stools become bloody. Even water itself will produce purging. The least jar or irregular motion gives it pain; noise and light cannot be endured. It will scream on barely being touched; The gums are black and swelled; the lips or their edges are filled with a dark scurf: in- flammation takes place; the breathing becomes hurried and laborious; the pulse quick, weak, and irregular, and death closes the sufferings of one of the most painful and distressing disease. Remedies.—When this complaint is about to make its appearance, which you will know by a purging, a white tongue, skin dry and hot, slight fever, attended with grip- ings, and occasionally accompanied with cramps of the ab- dominal and other muscles—nothing is of greater service than a gentle emetic in the morning, followed by a dose of calomel, mixed with a small quantity of ipecacuanha, at night. [For doses of medicines see table.] The emetic not only cleanses the stomach, but produces a soft moist state of the skin. The calomel and ipecacuanha as I have before described, will greatly lessen the severity of the dis- ease, and not unfrequently entirely relieve it. But should gunn's domestic medicine. 431 there continue looseness of the bowels, with a dry skin and wakefulness, you are to obtain at any doctor's shop a phial of wine of ipecacuanha, which is nothing more than the ipecacuanha steeped or mixed in wine—of this medicine give the child a few drops through the day, in a little warm tea of any kind: this will produce a gentle moisture or in other words a moist sweat. At night give a dose of par- egoric. [For dose of this or any other medicine refer to the table.] The warm bath, that is bathing- the whole body of the child once or twice a day in warm water, wi 1 be found a valuable remedy and greatly assist the cure. Many children have entirely escaped this dangerous com- plaint by daily using the warm bath. By following the directions I have laid down, in a great many cases, the complaint will be so relieved as to render the further use of medicine unnecessary. When the remedies which I have mentioned fail, which is sometimes the case, give occasionally a dose of calomel, to which add a little ipecacuanha. As soon as the medi- cine has purged the child, or in other words, it has had three or four stools, you are to give a little paregoric in which put a few drops of the wine of ipecacuanha. This moderotes the operation of the purge, and brings on a gen- tle moisture or sweat of the skin. You will find great benefit from covering the child's belly with carded cotton, over which you are to put a broad bandage^ drawn moder- ately tight. The cotton thus borne will check the purg- ing.—Should the child be teething when, it takes this com- plaint, immediate attention ought to be paid to the gums, and cut if necessary, when the teeth cannot pass through them. It may be necessary for me to inform you,, that if the emetic or puke which I have directed, should happen to act too severe, you can easily stop it by giving a dose of paregoric or laudanum, in a little tea made- of cinnamon. So distressing in some cases are the effects of vomiting or puking—not from the emetic but from the disorder itself, that you will be under the necessity of seeking means to check it;, for this purpose there is nothing better than weak 432 gunn's domestic medicine. I'mc water and new milk, in which put a few drops of lau. danum or paregoric, or apply green peach tree leaves beat up, over the stomach and breast, this is a valuable appli- cation for putting a stop to bilious vomiting: sulphuric eather is also a good remedy. If these however should fail in removing the vomiting or puking, a blister applied uver the pit of the stomach will scarcely ever fail. This last remedy should not be applied until a fair trial is given those which precede or go before it. HOOPING-COUGH. This complaint occurs only once during life, and is con- tagious or catching. It prevails in the Western country du- ring the winter and spring months, and its being mild or se- vere, depends very much on the atmosphere. When the winter and spring is extremely cold and wet, the Hooping Cough is generally severe, but on the contrary, it appears under a much milder form. Symptoms.—Hooping cough commences like a common cold, and as it gradually advances, the breathing becomes more hurried and difficult, the voice hoarse attended with cough; great thirst; after a few days, a strange hoopping bound is made wdienever the child draws a long breath, fol- lowed immediately by the cough. The agitation of the whole system is such at this moment, that the child lays hold of whatever is nearest, in order to support himself during the fit of coughing: after which he pukes or spits up a tough, frothy, slimy mucus, and is for a short time ielieved. The treatment is quite simple:—When you discover the child has taken it, give instantly an emetic or puke of antimonial wine: [See the table for dose.] And should ibis puke not lessen the severity of the complaint, you are to give a second puke, and if necessary, a third; if bound in the body, a dose of castor oil. To lessen the cough, give frequently the juice of garlic sweetened with honey, or a gunn's domestic medicine: 433 tea-spoonful of Sweet Oil, to which you may add a few drops of Paregoric or Laudanum. The Hooping Cough is generally most severe during night: to allay or ease the cough, the use of Paregoric or Laudanum will be highly necessary. [For doses see Table.] I have found great benefit in my practice by using in this complaint the Tincture of Assafcctida—which is nothing more than a small lump of Assafcctida steeped for a few days in a little whiskey, or any kind of spirits—of this Tinc- ture you are to give a few. drops whenever the cough is severe, and you will find it to allay the irritatiomof the sys- tem, and mitigate or calm the cough. Doctor Robertson, in the January number of the London Medical Repository, states that, of all the remedies, he has ever employed in Hooping Cough, friction—which means rubbing—on the region of the stomach with the Tartarized Ointment; has been the most undeviatingly useful: for as soon as the pimples begin to appear on the breast, the disor- der begins to abate. This ointment, is nothing more than Emetic Tartar mixed with a little hog's lard. [For a de- scription how to prepare it, look under the head Tartarized. Ointment.] MEASLES. The measles generally make their appearance in the spring season. It is a contagious or catching disorder, and like the hooping cough attacks but once during life. Symptoms.—For a few days before they break out on the body, the child complains of sickness; seems dull and heavy; very great thirst; short, dry cough, with frequent sneezing, as if laboring under a severe cold; the eyes look red, and much inflamed. On the fourth day, the eruptions, or red pimples—which resemble flea bites—make their appearance on the face and neck, which soon extend to the breast, and then cover the whole body. In three or four days thev begin to go off; at the same time, the fever. J J* 434 gunn's domestic medicine. which always accompanies the measles, begins gradually to decline. In some cases, the fever and cough will con tinue without lessening in their violence for several.davs or a week after the measles have entirely disappeared. Remedies.—As soon as. the sickness or drowsiness is observed, and you have cause to apprehend, from the symp- toms I have already described, that your child is about to take the measles, open the bowels by castor oil, so as to procure two or three stools: the next evening—-for it is at this time the fever is the highest—give a gentle vomit, or puke, of antimonial wine. You will find, by giving gentle pukes, that tlie child will be greatly relieved, by lessening the fever and oppression—this being the cause of the drow- siness and stupor. If the vomit should both puke and purge, so much the better, for the child will be the sooner relieved. When the fever and,cough continue /or a few days after the measles have entirely disappeaied, a dose of castor oil will be proper, and which should.be occasion- ally given during its continuance. About this time there is a.dark offensive matter remains in the bowels, that produ- ces this fever, and which ought, and must be removed by means of these gentle purges. You will always know if the fever continues, by the dullness, thirst, and want of ap- petite. Sometimes the measles and hooping-cough, attack the child at the same-time: when this is the case, a physi- cian should be immediately called, as there is considera- ble danger. The diet in this complaint ought to be low: such as mush and boiled milk, chicken soup, &c. The drinks are to be slippery elm tea, flaxseed tea, balm tea, &c. Noth- ing to be taken cold or hot but moderately warm. Expo- sure to cold or damp must be avoided, or the disorder may strike in, which would be very dangerous. Let the child be kept in a room neither hot nor cold, but of a pleasant temperature. And you are to recollect that spirituous liquors of any kind, administered in any way, is highly im- proper. Bleeding is sometimes necessary, when the in- '\uh.ma,'!ry symptoms run high, or cough is very severe^ gunn's domestic medicine. 433 but it ought always to be performed if possible, under the advice of a physician.—Blisters applied between the shoulders or on the sides, will abate the cough, and may be • safely used,at: any time during the complaint. WORMS. The worms-which infest the human body,, are the lone round worm, the maw, or thread worm, the tape or long joint worm, and the fluke worm. The long round worm is called by physicians, ascaris lumbricoides, deriving its name from its slipperiness. It has three nipples at its head, and a triangular mouth in its middle. Its length is from four to twelve inches, and its thickness, when at its largest size, about that of a common sized goose-quiil. The body is furrowed on each side, and the tail somewhat blunt. This worm is quite common in children, and not unfrequently it crawls out at the mouth. It is generally of a milky, brown-- ish, or ash color. The maw or thread worm,—called by physicians, ascaris vermicularis—has a blunt head; the tail of the male is blunt. but that of the female quite sharp and winding. It is gen- erally from two to four inches long, quite small—about the size of a small thread—of a white color, and very elastic or springy. This worm is generally found in the strait gut, or funda- ment—most commonly in children, but not unfrequently it is met with in grown persons also. They are frequently found in the intestines, or guts in the form of a ball, and so completely covered with a slimy mucus, as to prevent the medicines which are usually given for worms, from acting—or in other words—causing their discharge by stool. In women, they sometimes escape into the vagina or womb, and thence into the urethra, or canal through which the urine passes—and they are also found in the intestines of children. The long thread worm—called, medically speaking, hi- 438 GUNN S DOMESTIC MEDICINE. cocephahs dispar—U from an inch and a half to two inches. long—of a clear white; the head is sharp; the body of the male is constantly in motion in a curved or winding form. The female is straight, with a blunt head and sharp tail; they contain a brown matter, and generally inhabit the large intestines. The long tape worm—called by medical men, taenia s.olium—is from one to six hundred feet in length. It is gifted, with the power to contract, or enlarge its diameter; that is. to draw up or increase its size at pleasure.. It rolls; itself into a round form, and falls from one side of the stomach to the other on turning, when in the recumbent or lying position. When cramped by the position of the pa- tient* or by hard pressure over the belly, disturbed bv food which does not agree with it, by medicine, or some disease proper to it, or tormented by the approach of death. it leaves its hold, leaps about and falls, as it were into con- vulsions or fits. The broad tape worm—called medically, bothriocephalus latus—the head is longer than it is broad; scarcely any neck. Its. body is flat; generally from ten to twenty feet long, and at its broadest part from a.quarter to a half an inch across, and of a white color. The fluke worm.—This worm is about an inch long, and of a dirty, yellowish, greenish, or brownish color; you will know it by examining the worm which infests the livers of animals, as the sheep, the hog, the goat, &c. being the same worm.. It is extremely difficult to say, what are the original cau- ses which produce worms. It is therefore, impossible that any physician, however learned he may be, to determine with any kind of certainty, their origin. That improper diet, or food assists in producing worms, is correct; but this is only true so far as this improper food disorders the stomach and bowels, and weakens their action; for worms seldom occur if the action of the bowels is healthy, strong, and vigorous. "Few infants have worms until they are weaned, which is to .be: accounted for on the pr'neiole thit GUNN S I DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 437 the bowels are in betl er order during suckling than after- wards, when the diet i s more varied and indigestible." [For the learned ai id distinguished Robley Douglison, Professor of the practi ice of medicine in the University of Virginia. I am indeb ted for the highly valuable informa- tion on the subject.] Climate* infancy, i veakened state of the bowels, and improper food, favor t he production of worms. That cli- mate has: a particular influence, and is favorable to the ori- gin of certain worms. , is evident. A fourth part of the inhabitants of Grand Cairo have the Tape Worm: and in Holland, according t o Rosen it is quite common. In the United States is quit* i rare. Symptoms.—The I head is generally affected; the face is pa'e, and sometimes the color of bees-wax; the lower eye lid becomes of a leaden color; itching is felt in the nose, occasionally pi -king it; the saliva or spittle runs down over the pillow during sleep; the breath has a re- markable bad foetor or bad smell; frightful dreams; the child cries in its sleei p, and awakes with great terror; itch- ing about the navel; creeping or tearing pain in the belly, or a pricking and gna wing about the stomach; constant hun- ger, and yet the systieim becomes weak; frequent itching of the fundament;, fre< ruent dry cough, with tickling in the throat, accompanied w dth low fever; these symptoms sing- ly or together,, denote -the presence of worms. Treatment.—A g reat many medicines are daily em- ployed for, worms. 1 iYom long experience, and an ex- tensive practice, I hav e had a fair opportunity of treating their virtues, at the lief id of which stands calomel, worm- seed oil, Carolina pinl: root, sometimes called Indian pink root, or pink root, and spirits of turpentine; all of which when properly given, are valuable medicines for expelling worms. You are first to oommence, by giving the child a suit- able dose of calomel; [For which see table of medicine.] you are occasionally to repeat this medicine as long as the stools 438 GUNN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE. have a very offensive smell, and look unnatural. On the days between the administering the calomel, give the child a little aloes, pounded very fine, and mixed with hon- ey. [For dose see table.] "I have never known a case of failure," says a distinguished physician, when the patient or child, was freely purged with calomel, and then given either the worm seed oil, agreeably to the directions on the phials in which it is sold, or the Indian pink root in tea." [For a descripton of this root look under the head Carolina Pink root.] The oil should be given on an empty stomach in the morning on a lump of sugar, and when the pink r< ot is used make a tea of it, by pouring a quart of boiling w ater on a handful of the roots, of which you are to give a cupful night and morning to the child; and to cause him to take it more readily, you may add milk and sugar: by this means children will take it as soon as any other tea. Sometimes the pink root will occasion the eyes to be sore, when this ig the ease, you are to stop using it until the eyes are perfectly well; this is produced as is sup- posed, from some other root which grows with the pink root, and is frequently gathered with it. After using the pink- root for a week or ten days, give a dose of calomel or cas- tor oil. In those species:of worm which I have mentioned as uncommon in our country, their expulsion or discharge, is produced by spirits of turpentine in large doses, requir- ing the advice and attendance of a physician. M. Cloquet, a distinguished physician of France, affirms, th t he has seen the long worm, or the one to which chil- dren are most subject, evacuated or discharged by stool, after the belly had been rubbed with a mixture of ox's gall and common soap,, oil of tansy or of chamomile, mixed with spirits in which.camphor has been dissolved, or garlic; and by the application of a plaster composed of common yellow wax, litharage, assafoetida, and galbanum, applied to the belly. Pure air, simple digestible food, exercise,, and the use of all those means by which the system is strengthened, should be attended to: otherwise, as soon as they are expellecU they GUNN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 439 will a^ain return. For this purpose, accasionally administer to the child or person subject to worms, a simple dose of Charcoal in new milk. According to the latest and most enlightened experience of the Medical Schools in Europe, Charcoal is highly recommended. ^~£?> TIP5 \Wf a\v •" '' * fc »<' (** I I Lave now given a full and general description, of the important diseases to which tlv3human body is liable,.and of the various remedies to b'3 used in their cure. The limits of my work, will now -exceed those promised my subscribers, by nearly one hundred pages, the surplusage of which I present to those subscribers, with sentiments of gratitude for the liberal and generous support I have re- ceived. Even with this extra number of pages, my work will not permit me to describe every trifling plant or root, nor would it even be necessary for me to do so. I shall therefore, proceed to describe as far as practicable, all the valuable roots, plants, and so on possible to be included in the work. I have observed in several books purporting to have been written for the use of families, descriptions of many plants and roots, merely calculated to fill up and increase the size of such works, without being of any bene- fit as medicines, or even affording any useful information to the reader. I shall therefore, mention only such as are truly useful as medicines, and whose virtues are highly important in the cure of diseases. Should my book be beneficial to mankind, and meet the approbation of my countrymen, I will, with the permission of the Almighty, endeavor to be still useful to my fellow creatures, by adding a second volume which will contain such information, as for want of room, I have been unwillingly compelled to leave out of this volume. I will also endeavor to notice, all the new discoveries which will have been made throughout the world, in the cure of various diseases to which the human race are liable, and such roots and plants as may be found worthy of attention. gunn's domestic medicine. 441 SENEKA SNAKE ROOT. This root possesses more virtues than any one used in medicine; and of all the roots used in medicine it is by far the most valuable. It is now more than eighty years since its virtues were made known to physicians, by Doctor John Tenant, who learned its use from the Senagaroos tribe of Indians. By rewarding them liberally, he obtained their secret remedy against the bite of the Rattle Snake, which he called snake root on that account. According to their practice, it was applied both outwardly and inwardly; either chewed and applied to the wound, or in the form of a poul- tice. Doctor Tenant thought the Seneka a certain remedy asrainst the bite of the Rattle Snake, but it has since been doubted. A reward was given to the Doctor for this dis- covery, by the Legislature of Pennsylvania. The Seneka was recommended by him, to be used in pleurisy; and in this disease it is a truly valuable remedy, after the free use of the lancet and the warm bath. Sir Francis Millman, Doctor Percival, and many other distinguished physicians, have borne testimony in favor of its powers as a diuretic in dropsies—diuretic means whatever acts on the urinary organs, so as to produce an evacuation of the water from the bladder freely. In Croup this is a valuable medicine: and the discovery of its being such, is due to Doctor Archer, of Hartford county, Maryland, who first discovered its great efficacy in Croup, that frequently unmanageable dis- ease. My practice js, in the first instance to employ the lancet, in the next the warm bath, and in the next the Seneka Snake-root, as directed under the head of croup. Given as a strong decoction, which is made by pouring on one or two ounces of the best root coarsely pounded with a hammer, about a quart of boiling water, which is to be stewed down to half a pint or less, in a close vessel over a slow fire:—a tea spoonful every hour, or indeed every twenty minutes to a child as the case may be dangerous or otherwise, will answer the effect in croup. It is of infinite service if it pukes the patient when given in this way; because it brings KK 442 gunn's domestic medicine. on a discharge of mucus or tough slime from the mouth and throat, which almost always relieves the person afflicted. It is proper if the case is a dangerous one, to give a dose of calomel with the snake root, adding to the calomel a small portion of ipecacuanha; in fact, in this disease when very dangerous, I give large doses of calomel wdien I re- sort to this remedy: in simple and gentle cases of croup, an emetic of ipecacuanha, and the warm bath, will frequently give relief. A strong tea made of this root, and given as in croup, is an excellent remedy for the hives, or for rheu- matism of an inflammatory nature; and in violent colds, it is an admirable medicine to promote perspiration or sweating. Used in these cases, the best form is that of a handful of the root to a quart of boiling water, giving a wine glass full of the decoction every two hours, if a grown person, and in- creasing or lessening the quantity as seems necessary. The virtues of this root in obstructions or stoppages of the Menses or monthly discharges, are absolutely incalcu- lable; and every woman should return thanks to the Author of all Good, for giving such virtues to this root us are pos- sessed perhaps by no other, in relieving this diseased state of the female system, which of all others is probably the most dangerous. When the menstrual discharge is looked for and does not appear, four ounces of the decoction above described ought to be taken in the course of the day, indeed, as much ought to be taken as the stomach will bear without sickness.—Without sickness to puking is induced, which is sometimes the case when the stomach is weak and irritable, add in the tea or decoction some cinnamon, or calamus, or angelica, or a little ginger; either of these in addition, will cause the stomach to. retain the decoction: There is no dan- o-er in the seneka snake root, for I have frequently -riven it in very large doses in croup. The only difficulty is, th a it sometimes passes off by stool, without being produc- tive of its usual benefits in female cases—the remedies for which will be spoken of under the proper heads. But in Dropsy, this purgative effect of the seneka snake root is of M-reat and important, service, as well as in its active and pow- erful influence on the urinary organs. In all dropsical swel- gunn's domestic medicine. 443 lings it ought to be used very freely, and will always be found a medicine of high and inestimable value. I will close the notice of this great root, by observing that it has the con- fidence of the most distinguished physicians of the United Stats, as well as those of Europe. 'The discoveries of its virtues in Female Obstructions, is due to Doctor Hartshorn of Philadelphia, one of the best of men, and a man whose heart is devoted to the cause of suffering humanity. SASSAFRAS.. A particular description of sassafras is unnecessary, be- in^ known and found in every part of the western country. The root, bark, or flowers made into a tea, is used consid- erably by the people in the country. It cleanses any impurities of the blood, and if' distilled, affords a valuable oil which is a good remedy in rheumatism. It ought to be rubbed on the afflicted parts in small quantities: and if ta- ken inwardly a few drops are to be given on a lump of su- gar, being highly stimulating. The oil rubbed on wens is con- sidered a good remedy, and frequently removes them entire- ly. The sassafras bark mixed with the sarsaparilla makes a.good, diet drink for cleansing impurities the blood,. &e. SARSAPARILLA. This root was first brought into notice by the Spaniards, in the year 1563, and was for sometime afterwards, con- sidered a certain cure for venereal diseases; [see that head, where you will see venereal described.] It however, after wards proved unsuccessful, either from want of proper attention, or from want of knowledge how to treat the complaint. This little root has excited a great deal of inquiry and discussion of medical men, throughout Europe and the United States, as to whether it really is or is not,, a cure for this wretched disease, the venereal. It has fallen several 444 gunn's domestic medicine. times into almost entire neglect, and as often been again revived into use. It has however, lately been brought for- ward, with a much higher reputation than it ever held be- fore, and if used in the manner I have described in venere- al, may be relied on as a certain cure. Years of practical experience have convinced me of the fact, even in the worst of the complaint. I will go still further, by assert- ing that the virtues of this root, are not yet fully known and duly appreciated: and 1 sincerely regret that the lim- its of my work will not permit me to go more fully into the great benefits I have witnessed from its use in chronic affections of the liver—[for a description of which dis- ease, see diseases of the liver.] In scrofulous sores, in all diseases of the skin, and for cleansing the blood, it will be found valuable. In rheuma- tism, gout, and to stop the effects of mercury, or to re- move any bad consequences which have been produced by its use, the sarsaparilla is also good. In weakness of the stomach called dyspepsia, [see under that head,] is an excellent remedy by giving tone and strength to the stom- ach and bowels. The method of preparing it, is by sim- ply boiling after washing it clean, in the proportion of an ounce of the root, split and finely cut up to two quarts of wafer, wdiich must be boiled down to a quart, and suffered to get cold before it is taken. Take of it from a pint to a quart daily, or as much as the stomach will bear. The bark of the root contains the virtues. You must obtain it sound: and recollect always, that it looses its powers by being kept any length of time. The tea should always be made fresh every day. Sarsaparilla grows plentifully in the western country, and may be found along creeks, and on the banks of rivers. It is a small running vine when torn from the ground, and extends some distance from the head, which is of a dark brown color on the outside, and a pale white within. When cut into short pieces it splits easily, and has a very bitter taste. The main vine is about the size of a common goose quill. It is a native of the Spanish West Indies, from whence it was formerly import- ed, until discovered to be also a native of the United States. gunn's domestic medicine. 445 The imported root is not quite as large as ours, and is of a darker color and much wrinkled on the outside. It may be considered as one of the most valuable roots in the west- ern country, and although possessing great power, is en- tirely innocent. It ought most certainly to be used, in all cases in which mercury has had any effect on the system, or in which there is the least doubt that any infection lurks in the system connected with veneral. JAMESTOWN WEED. Sometimes called jimston, thorn-apple, stink-weed: and, by the learned, usually called datura stramonium. Wheth- er this plant is a native of the United States or not, cannot at this late period be known; nor is it material that the fact should be ascertained, because it is now found in every part of the American Union; from the state of Maine to the Mexican Gulph, and from the Atlantic Sea-board to the Rocky, or Oregon Mountains. It was first noticed by the original settlers of Virginia, at Jamestown, from which circumstance it took the name which I have adopted. Beverly, who in very early times, wrote a history of the first settlement of Virginia, thus speaks of its effects on a party of British soldiers, who had eaten of the leaves of the Jamestown weed as boiled greens. "One would blow up a feather into the air, whilst another would dart straws at it with great fury: another would sit stark naked in a corner of the room, grinning like a monkey, and making mouths at the company: whilst another would caress and paw his companions, and sneer in their faces. In this fran- tic condition they were confined, under the apprehension that they might destroy themselves, though it was observed that all their actions were those of innocence and good na- ture. They were by no means cleanly, and would have wallowed in their own excrements, had they not been preven- ted. After the lapse often or eleven days, their senses again returned, without their beirvr able to remember any thing 446 gunn's domestic medicine. that had occurred in the interim '" I will give, for the satis- faction of my readers, some account of the first discovery of the medical properties of the Jamestown weed, and also adduce several cases in proof of those medical properties, abridged from the account of Doctor Storck, whose author- ity may be relied on. "In the month of June, July, and August, I observed in the neighborhood of Schoenbrun, says the Doctor, great quantities of the Datura stramonium, or thorn apple. I well knew that this plant was altogether disused in medi- cine, because several authors had pronounced it highly dan-orerous. On the 23d of June, 1760, I went out verv early in search of the weed, and gathered a large quantity of it, and resolved to give it a fair trial, notwithstanding all I had heard and read respecting its poisonous effects, and of its producing insanity or derangement of the mind. I next cut off the roots and threw them aside; then beat the leaves, branches and stalks, in a large marble mortar, and pressed out about one gallon of the juice. This I evaporated to the consistence of an extract, over a slow fire in a glazed vessel, often stirring it with a wooden spoon to prevent its burning: and the extract, when it became cold, I found to be a black brittle mass. I laid a grain and a half of this extract on my tongue; dissolved it against the roof of my mouth,and swallowed it down. It neither produ- ced disorder of my body, nor the least derangement in my intellectual faculties.—*■ After making several experiments on myself, and perceiving no manner of disorder, I concluded that the extract could be safely given to patients in samll doses. We happened at that time to have a case in the Hospital, in which it might be presumed this Extract of the Tkorn-ajpvle—which the reader will please to remember we ca$: James-town weed—would be of service. Before using/it, however, I consulted both ancient and modern writers, and all to no purpose.—They had all laid it down in explicite terms, that it would disorder the mind, destroy the ideas and memory, and produce convulsions. These were all dreadful effects:—-but, notwithstanding, a query suggested itself to my mind in the following form. "If the gunn's domestic medicine. 447 Thorn-apple- by disordering the-mind, causes madness in sound persons* may we-not try whether, by changing and disturbing the ideas and' common sensory, it might not bring the insane and'persons bereft of their reason, to san- ity, or soundness of mind, and by a contrary motion, re- move convulsions in the convulsed." This motion, I con- fess, was far fetched, yet it was not without some good success. The experiments I made were as fol'ows: "Case 1st. A girl twelve years of age, had been dis- ordered in her mind two months; she answered confusedly when asked any questions, and what words she did utter, were very imperfectly articulated. She was sullen and refractory, and could be prevailed on by no means, to do any thing. All the medicines she had taken had produced no effect. I gave her half a grain of the extract morning and night, and made her drink after each dose, a cup of tea, or some veal broth. On the third week she began to be less sullen; returned more rational answers, and spoke dis-- tinctly. In two month's time—continuing the use of the same medicines, and giving three doses each day—-she be- gan to reason extremely well, and saidher morning-and eve- ning prayers with a clear and distinct voice; gained a good memory and gradually recovered her understanding. "Case 2d. A woman over forty years of age, was af- flicted with vertigo or dizziness in the head, and could find no relief from any medicines: she became gradually disor- dered in her mind, and finally a- degree of madness accom- panied her vertigo. She was brought to our hospital. The medicines first prescribed gave her no manner of re- lief. She began to be raving and furious: rose out of bed in the night, and by her bawling, disturbed and frightened the other patients—some of whom she would forcibly pull out of bed. "In this situation, I gave her," says Dr. Storck, "half a grain of the extract of thorn apple twice a day. The first day she became more composed, but in the night she turned as furious as ever. The third day, I gave her one grain of the extract morning and evening, and all the symptoms became milder. She made some noise indeed in the night, but soon fell asleep again. On the 4 IS {gunn's domestic medicine. fourth day she began to give more reasonable answers, but soon fell again into raving fits. Her days and nights then became calm and quiet. On the eighth day, I gave her one grain of the extract three times, and continued these doses until the fourth week, when all her fury was laid. Her madness went off; her soundness of mind, speech, and judgment returned: and she slept as soundly as any of the other patients—yet the vertigo frequently and suddenly returned upon her as before, and at times with such vio- lence as to make her fall down as if in a fit—but, she al- ways retained her presence of mind. It was enough for the purpose of my experiment, that the extract of thorn-apple cured her madness; and perceiving that the vertigo was not removed, I forebore its further use. She lived five months in the hospital:—All the functions of her mind were good and sound, but the vertigo returneed gradually stronger, and the fits of it became more frequent, until at length a true fit of apoplexy carried her off. I dissected her, and found many of the blood-vessels of the head dis- tended or swelled, and one of them turned bony for an inch and a half; besides wdiich—says the Doctor—I found the two anterior ventricles of the brain-distended greatly, and filled with many hydatides of different shapes and sizes. Hydatides are little animals, formed like bladders, and distended with a watery fluid. All the viscera in the rest of the body were in a very sound state. From these dis- coveries made after her death, it appears that the vertigo of thispaticnt was an incurable disease: and it also appears, that the extract of the Thorn-apple—Jamestown weed—not only laid her rage, but cured her madness, without produ- cing any bad symptoms." I have accompanied the discovery of the medicinal vir- tues of the Jamestown weed by Doctor Storck, with the two preceding cases, to prove clearly to my readers, that in the beneficence of his mercy, the great Father of the Universe, has clothed our soil with means, powerful means, of curing our diseases, with which we are measureably unacquainted, and with the medical properties of which it is our duty to become familiar. There is, in my opinion, gunn's domestic medicine. 449 nearly as much folly and stupidity in importing costly drugs at enormous expences from foreign lands, while we have their equals at home, as there would be in importing bricks and timber from Europe to construct our habitations. In- dustry and science alone, can develop the immense resour- ces of this unrivaled country, and these we are personally, morally, and politically bound to employ. Every part of the Jamestown weed exclusive of the root —of wdiich we know nothing from experiment—when taken in considerable quantities operates as a strong nar- cotic or stupifying poison. This is however no valid objec- tion to its medicinal use and properties; because some of our most powerful medicines, such for instance as opium and aquafortis, invariably destroy life when injudiciously taken. lam not alone in considering this plant as possessing high and invaluable medicinal powers; it has been spoken of in terms of high commendation by many of the most disting- uished physicians of the present age, among whom arc B.vrton, Fisher, Biglow, and King of Connecticut. Among the Indian nation the leaves of this weed are made use of, especially in cases of wounds, bruises or con- tusions, ulcerations, and the bites of reptiles. The extract of this weed procured in the manner above stated by Doct. Storck, is valuable in various cases of the chronic kind: by which I mean those of long' standing: also, in all those kinds of epilepsy, commonly called fits—those especially, which give warning of their coming on, or those which oc- cur at regular times. It is also a better medicine than any thing yet known, for lessening the violent pain in sciatica or hip gout. The leaves of the dried plant, smoked as we do tobacco, are of great use in attacks of spasmod- ic asthma, which means phthisic accompanied with cramp. In making use of this medicine internally, the dried and pounded leaves may be given in doses of a single grain. If the first dose produces no sickness nor vomiting, you may give a grain of the leaves three times a day, and even increase the dose each time, until the effects are felt, or relief produced. The extract however is alwrays 4.00 gunn's domestic medicine. to be preferred, given as before described by Dr. Storck the real discoverer of the medicine. The bruised or wilted leaves are valuable in painful tumors, and indeed in most swellings accompanied with pain. They are in these cases,. to be applied externally, and in such quantities as to pre- serve their moisture against the fever of such tumors. The ointment made from the bruised leaves, is also valuable, mid is made by boiling them in lard or tallow, straining it well and setting it off* to cool. In the abridged extract from Dr. Storck, I have shown the value of this medicine in mania, madness, orphrenzy, audi now say that, the value of his discovery in 1760, notwithstanding what has been said against it, has been amply substantiated by experiment of many distinguished men of the present age, among whom are Barton and Fish- er—infact, Barton's experimental testimony alone, would be quite sufficient: and, here I wish it to be distinctly no- ticed by those affected with epilepsy, or fits, that this testi- mony is clearly in its favor, as a most powerful remedy, even in deplorable cases—he has proved the fact from ac- tual experiment. I wish the reader also to bear in mind the following facts with regard to the value-of simple med- icines:—First, the most learned sometimes decry their use, because there is not scientific mystery enough about them to excite the astonishment of the common people; and second, because they are often abused by quacks and pretenders, and men who have not perseverance and reso- lution enough to give them a fair trial. DOG WOOD. The dogwood is so common throughout the United States, as to require no description whatever; it is infact to be found in every forest of the country.—The dogwood bark is generally considered equal to the Peruvian bark: but I conceive it greatly superior, not only on account of our always being able to procure it fresh from the tree,, but gunn's domestic medicine. 451 | because the Peruvian bark is old before it reaches this | country, and nearly if not always adulterated. It is rar.ong the best tonic or astringent medicines to be found J*f in this or any other country. The bark of the root of the k dogwood tree is the strongest; next in strength to which is the bark of the body and smaller branches. In all intermit- l , tent fevers—by which I mean all fevers which go off and P return again—it is an excellent remedy; and the only re- son why it cannot be given in other fevers, is that when given in actual fever, it increases the pulse, and by so do- ing does mischief: hence you will see the necessity of never giving it except when the fever is entirely off. In cases where it produces pain, or griping of the bowels, a few drops of laudanum will remove the difficulty if given with the bark. In most cases, the dose in powder—which is the best way of giving this bark, is from thirty to thirty- five grains: and in some particular cases, mentioned under { the proper heads—an addition of the snake root is to fce ! made in the proportions of thirty grains of the dogwood bark to six grains of the snake root, pounded to powder. The wood itself of the dogwood tree is considerably used by Dentists—by which I mean tooth cleaners and setters, f in putting in artificial teeth. The young branches stripped { of their bark, and rubbed with their ends against the teeth, render them extremely white and beautiful. These are tooth brushes of nature's presenting, and are infinitely bet- ter than those made of hog's bristles and filled with snuf, and such Qther delightful aromatics! The negroes of the Southern States, and those of the West Indie Islands, who are remarkable for the whiteness of their teeth, are in the constant practice of rubbing them with the small branches of the Dogwood, or of some other tree which will answer the purpose. The ripe berries of the Dogwood, in spirits |[ of any kind, make an excellent bitter for common purpo- ; ^ses, and one well adapted to persons of weak stomachs, taken in the morning. All the Indian Nations use the flowers at the proper season, in warm tea. or in spirits, as a remedy in windy colic. The dogwood is an excellent f remedy—boiled strong as tea or decoction—for Horses L 452 gunn's domestic medicinc. having that destructive disease, the yellow water: a distem- per which carries off thousands of that useful and noble animal every year. Horses having the yellow water, should be bled freely every day, and given nothing to drink but strong dogwood tea. The powdered bark of this tree makes an excellent ink, and the process is very simple:— Take half an ounce of the powdered bark, two drachms of copperas, two scruples of gum Arabic, or cherry-tree gum, and put them into one pint of water; mix them to- gether, and in a few days it will be fit for use. The medi- cal virtues of this bark were discovered as early as the year 1787. It is an astringent, and also a stimulant, and the internal use of it renders the pulse always quicker, and often fuller than it naturally is. PINK ROOT OF CAROLINA. This is a medicine of highly and justly celebrated repu- tation for worms, and was learned from the Cherokee In- dians at an early period of the settlement of this country. This plant grows plentifully in Tennessee, and is indigin- ous to all the Southern States, particularly South Carolina, where it is found in such abundance as to have given a name to the plant, I have frequently seen it brought to Knoxville for sale, and have been informed from good au- thority that, large quantities of it are to be found in almost all parts of the uncultivated country. Its growth is very rare in the state of Virginia; in fact, it does not grow wild in any of the states North of the city of Baltimore: it is, however cultivated in the gardens at the North. This plant grows in rich soils on the borders of woods. Its time of flowering is from May to July, and grows from six to twenty inches high. Its root consists of a multitude of fibres, or threads forming together, a large cluster or bunch. This root is of a yellow or straw color, when you first take it from the ground, but becomes black when dried and old. It is so common in all countries where it gunn's domestic medicine. 453 grows at all, as to need a very slight delineation or descrip- tion if any. From the root there arises several four-sjded stems or stalks of a purplish color, on which are narrow feaves of some length opposite to each other; the flower is of a carmine or crimson color, a little inclined to yellow- on the inside. Carolina pink root was first brought into notice among physi ians, by Doctors, Garden, Lini:ng and Chalmers, all uf whom speak very highly of it as a medicine for worms. The root and plant yield.all their virtues to wa- ter: in other and p'ainer language, you get all their strength out of them by steeping them in boiling water, or making a V.a of them. When the root becomes old it looses much of its strength, and should always be had fresh from the ground if possible. When made into a tea, it has a sweetish taste, and will therefore be easily taken by children. Of the dried and pounded root, the dose is about fifteen or twenty grains for children between six and eight years of age. and half that quantity for children under six years old. To a grown person, and to a peivon nearly grown one drachm, or two drachms may be sa'ely given, the com- mon mode of given it to children is as a tea, made in the proportion of one ounce of the root and plant to a pint of boiling water, of which from one to three table spoonfuls may be given to a child, and about half a pint to a grown person. If no effects foil* w, the doses may be increased accordingly. I usually give it as a tea to children for breakfast, in milk and sugar as they t ike it more readily in this way. It must not be continued if it affects the eyes of the child, which it sometimes does. After its use for eight or nine mornings, give a good dose of castor oil; and if no worms follow, give a dose of calomel. [See the table for doses.] The Carolina pink root as to its medical effects, is not entirely confined to worms: it is sometimes given in fevers which arise from what physicians call ascidily inth prime- via; which means mucus or slime in the stomach and up- LL 401 gunn's domestic medicine. per bowels: and the late professor Barton, recommends this medicine in the "protracted remitting fever of infants, which is supposed to lay the foundation of hydrocephalus," or in other words dropsy of the brain. ALUM ROOT. This is a native of all the North American forests, from Georgia to Maine, and from the Atlantic Ocean to the Or- egon or Rocky Mountains. It is a very strong vegetable astringent; by wdiich I mean that when applied to the hu- man body, it makes the solids harder and firmer, by con- tracting their fibres. As a powerful astringent, it is usual- ly employed in all cases of weakness and irritability, and report speaks favorably of its virtues. It is generally used in external applications more than as an internal remedy: in piles for instance, or hemorrhages from any part of the system; by which I mean spontaneous bleedings. GINSENG. This root is called by the people in the country generally, for shortness Sang. It is found in great plenty among the hills and mountains of Tennessee, and brought into Knox- ville daily for sale. Some few years back it was used as an article of commerce, and sent to the Eastward in wag- . ns as a commodity of foreign export, and offered consid- erable employment and profit to the gatherers of it who resided near!an;l among the mountaius. It has latterly however, fallen in price and value as an article of exporta- tion, and therefore but little of it is brought in for sale. This root was exported to China, and afforded to the ship- per a handsome profit—generally selling it in the Chiaesc dominions for its weight in silver. The Chinese attributed «»reat virtues to this root: so many indeed that at the period gun.n's domestic medicine. 455 of 1748, the price at Pekin is said to have been eight or nine times its weight in pure silver. They considered it as a sovereign remedy in all diseases incidental to their cli- mate and country, and had no confidence in any medi- cine that was not combined with, it: and such was its aston- ishing reputation, that it was rarely, if ever administered to the poor, on account, of the highness of its price. They chew it and take it in strong decoction so as to get all the virtues from this precious drug. These people are remar- kable for their superstitious prejudices, civil, moral, and reli- gious: as a proof of which, they set a higher value on those roots wdiich have a resemblance to the human form. and ascribe greater powers to them than those of a differ- ent shape. The ginseng has been fully tested, by the best physicians in the United States, and they ascribe to it nothing more than its being a pleasant bitter, and a gentle stimulan: for strengthening the stomach. It gives all its strength and virtues by being steeped in whiskey, or any other kind of spirits. TOBACCO PLANT. Called by the learned, Nicotiana Tobacum. This very common plant, was found in cultivation by the Indian na- tions, when the continents of North and South America were first discovered:—these however are not the only regions of the globe in which it is found to flourish; the East Indies have long been known to produce it. To de- scribe the tobacco plant would be entirely useless; it would answer as little a purpose, as to describe on paper the coun- tenance of an old friend, with whom we had long before shaken hands, and become perfectly familiar. I shall ther- fore consider it in no other light than as a medical drug. I shall first notice tobacco as a remedy for worms. I do not recollect ever to have tried it myself, but Doctor Barton expressly says—and his authority can in all cases 456 gunn's domestic medicine. be relied on, that "tobacco leaves pounded and mixed with vinegar, and applied as a poultice to the breast and belly, will frequently expell worms in cases where very power- ful remedies have been resorted to in vain. In cases also, where poisons of anv kind have been taken into the stom- ach, and emetics given internally, and prove deficient in their operation, the tobacco poultice as just described, if applied to the stomach, will act powerfully and force it to discharge the contents. In cases where the bowels are obstinately constipated, in other words, where great cos- tiveness exists, the leaves of the tobacco plant cured in the usual manner, stewed in vinegar and applied to.the belly, will be attended with signal success, when the most pow- erful purges internally taken have failed.—The last men- tioned application of tobacco leaves stewed in vinegar, is a good remedy in what physicians called ascites, or dropsy of the belly, of which there aie two kinds. One kind is where the dropsical water is lodged in the great cavity en- closing the intestines, or gut?, &c.—this is called ascites ab- ■ominahs bj'- medical men. The other is where the. water is lodged in the membrane, suck or tube about the womb, and is called ascite sacatus by physicians. I will for the satisfaction of the reader, abridge a case of the latter kind, from a le ter of Dr. Cutbush, physician of the American Marine Hospital at Syracuse. The subject of the disease- presumed by Dr. Cutbush, to be dropsy, was a young wo- man brought to him by her parents. Some of her former ohysicians—thirty-tfvrce of whom had been consulted in her .*ase, were of opinion that here disease was a collection of water in the worn1'; others, that it was dropsy of the ovaria; rhese are the parts taken out of the female swine when spay- ing: others that it was an enlarged liver; and others, still, that it was an extra-uterine fetus wdiich is a cause of con- ception in which the child is not in the womb where it should, be, but in the cavity of the belly outside of the womb. On examination, Dr. Cutbush discovered a large tumor, or swelling in the abdomen or belly, which exten- ded diagonally across it from the left to the right. The gunn's domestic medicine. 457 swelling or tumor, which was unusually great, had a num- ber of inequalities on its surface, which could be easily felt, and which, when pressed upon, produced extreme pain; no fluctuation or movement of water, however, could be dis- covered on such pressure. The case was new to him; and in addition greatly perplexing, because the first physicians of Naples had given contrary opinions respecting it, and had also disagreed in their practice. She had been under the free use of mercury twice—once, at Naples, and once at Syracuse: at the latter place, mercury had been given in large quantities by a surgeon belonging to Lord Nelson's fleet, without any beneficial effect. "From this history and examination," says the doctor, "I entertained no hopes of relieving her; but the solemn entreaties of her parents determined me to make a trial of a remedy which I had found useful in obstinate tumors, and which finally proved the disease to be a dropsical affection of the womb itself, of the right fallopian tube." These tubes extend from the sides of the womb towards the ovaria—which I have be- fore explained—and are supposed to grasp them in sexual communication. "I directed the leaves of the tobacco plant, recently collected, to be stewed in vinegar, and applied to the abdominal tumor." The first application produced sickness at the stomach, puking, vertigo, or swimming in the head, great depression of muscular strength, copious sweating, and a loose state of the bowels. Her pulse be- came low; and the violence of the symptoms induced the Doctor not to continue the application long. On the suc- ceeding day it was repeated twice —morning and evening —and produced the same symptoms but less violent, and attended with an immoderate flow of water from the va- gina or womb. This remedy was continued twenty days, and the patient was completely cured. No medicines were given, except a little opium and some wine occasionally. In cases of dropsy, generally the tobacco plant has been found very serviceable. When given in proper quantities, it acts as a powerful diuretic-or in other words, it produces a great flow of urine—entirely disproportioned to the quantity LL* 458 gunn's domestic medicine. of liquid taken into the stomach. This is a conclusive proof that it acts upon, and dislodges the dropsical fluid from the system. In cramps, or spasms it is also productive of much benefit: being well known to produce great relaxa- tions of the muscular powers, and unusual prostration of strength—on which account, it also may be given with advantage in cases of tetanus, or locked jaw, and in fact, in all cases where there appears to be a derangement of the muscular energies, local or relating to a particular part, or general, and involving the whole system. When tobac- co is to be taken internally, by the stomach, it ought either to be in the extract, as described by Doctor Storck, or in infusion. The infusion is made by steeping an ounce of tobacco leaves in a pint of boiling water, and giving it by the tea-spoonful with much caution. One, two, or three table-spoonfuls, in half a pint of warm milk, or thin gruel, will generally produce relief, if given in clysters, in cases of colic or very obstinate costiveness, where allother medicines have proved ineffectual. If these quantities produce no re- lief, and there is no sickness of the stomach, the clysters must be repeated every half hour, gradually increasing the infusion until one or the other of these effects be produ- ced. In this way, the dangerous effects of tobacco may always be avoided. I will record a case in which obstinate constipation of the bowels was relieved by an infusion of tobacco, when all other remedies had utterly failed. In the city of Charleston, South Carolina, some years since, and before reading medicine, I was attacked at night with severe colic, which terminated in obstinate constipation of the bowels. The pain was so excruciating that I was compelled to send for a physician: it was Doctor Witter- age, a gentleman equally celebrated for his philanthropy, and his profound knowledge of medical science. During a period of ten days, apprehending an inflammation, and consequent mortification of the bowels, this gentleman re- sorted to almost every known and powerful remedy, with- out effect. As a last resort—of which he candidly inform- ed me, recourse was had to clysters made of tobacco. gunn's domestic medicine* 45& The first, which was a weak infusion, had no effect; and the Doctor directed my nurse to give me a stronger one at midnight. Her fatigue caused her to fall a sleep, and it was neglected till morning. By this time—the tobacco having remained in the water all night—the infusion had become unusually strong, in which slate a clyster of it was given. The immediate derangement of my feelings and sensations, and the horrible nausea and sickness of the stomach I suffered, are absolutely indescribable. I perspir- ed at every pore, and so entire was the prostration of my muscular powers, that I had to be held on the close-stool. It was with difficulty that I could draw my breath. In a few minutes, by an almost unconscious effort, an extremely fetid discharge took place from the bowels, of the color and consistence of molasses, when I was entirely relieved. Subsequent experience has taught me to believe that, had this great and good, man applied tobacco leaves, stewed in vinegar, to the abdomen, whilst I was under the opera- tion of medicines taken by the stomach, I would much sooner have been relieved from my miseries. In con- cluding this subject, it can scarcely be necessary to advise my readers, that the tobacco plant is an active and pow- erful medicine, and dangerous when used to injudicious excess. THE UVA URSI. Sometimes called the Bear-berry, the Bear's Whortle- berry, and the Wild Cranberry. The, Uva Ursi—sometimes designated by the names I have noted above—is a.native of the mountains and cold regions of Europe, and it is said of the northern parts of the United States. It is presumed, from numerous and well authenticated experiments, to be the best remedy ever yet discovered, in all diseases of the urinary organs, whether of the kidneys, ureters, or bladder, and is therefore entitled t to no ordinary consideration as a medicine. The dose usually given, of the powdered leaves of the Uva Ursi, in 460 gunn's domestic medicine. :any kind of syrup, is from twenty to thirty grains, three or four times a day, which may be doub- led in quantity, in cases of extreme urgency and dan- ger. The description of this plant, given by the cele- brated Galen, which is considered the most accurate one -on record, is in substance as follows: It is a low shrub, which grows and spreads itself near the surface of the ground, and has pensile, or hanging branches; bark of a reddish or pink color, and is thickly set with oblong, oval, and entire fleshy leaves. The flower is oval shaped, and broader near the base than the mouth, which has an edge scolloped into five divisions, with small, blunt, and curled points. The fruit is a roundish, red-colored berry, similar in appearance to the small wild cherry, and contains five hard bony seed, with plain sides, and no more. It is an ever-green, and produces fruit every two years. Every part of this shrub, particular- ly the bark and leaves, has a bitter and astringent taste. I am thus particular in the description of it, because the Bilberry or Red Myrtle, is often mistaken by good Botanists, for the Uva Ursi—they being so nearly alike as scarcely to be distinguished from each other. The only distinguish- ing characteristics which can be depended on are these: The flower of the Uva Ursi has ten stamina, more com- monly known by the name of antlers or uprights, and the berriescontain five seed only, while theother—the Bilberry or the Red Myrtle—has only eight stamina in the flower, and sometimes twenty seed in the berry. 1 have some doubts, notwithstanding the opinion of the celebrated Doctors, Biglow and Chapman—for both of whom I en- tertain a high respect—that the real and genuine Uva Ursi of Galen, is not a native of any known and inhabited part of the North American continent: and that its having been measureably brought into disrepute, like many other medi- cines, has been owing to the fact of other plants being mis- taken for it, and used medically in its stead. Galen says that it is a rare plant, and is only to be found in the cold- est countries, an 1 in the neighborhood of mountains cover- ed with eternal snows; and that he never met with it but upon two of the highest mountains in Europe, one of which GUNN S DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 461 was an Austrian Alp called Gans, and the other a Styriart Alp called the Snowy Mountain, six leagues from Mari- anstein. We have no such mountains in North America, unless the Oregon or Rocky Mountains west of the Missis- sippi of whose botanical productions we know little, per- haps nothing. But whether the Uva Ursi is an Ameri- can plant or not, it can always be had genu ne in the shops, and my principal motive for mentioning any doubts res- pecting its being a native of this country, is to guard those afflicted with diseases of the urinary organs, against the use of spurious or useless plants in its stead. The follow- ing case abri Iged from a work of Irgh authority, will show the genuine Uva Uursi in its true light. C\srclst. "A man about sixty years of age, had been about twenty years afflicted at times with a difficulty of making water, which was usually voided by single drops, accompanied with exquisite torture, a foetid smell, and much mixed with blood. Sometimes there was a total suppression of urine, which could only be relieved by the catheter. He first took proper laxatives for the relief of the bowels, and then commenced taking haf a dradim of the Uva Ursi every morning. This prescription was con- tinued for seven complete months; by which time his urine became more free and full of mucus, but not so fetid as before; an I the pain which had tortured him for so many years was quite gone: he slept well; and had a good ap- petite; grew strong*'walked well; and made water without any pain. % Case 2d. ''This was also a man about sixty years of age, wh »hid for a long time been afflicted with exquisite pains, and a suppression of urine to so great a degree, that for seven weeks he had never passed his water but by tho help of a catheter. Haifa drachm of the powdered leaves) of the Uva Ursi was given him every morning and gentle doses of paregoric at night; and after six days he bad no further use of the catheter. Having persevered in the use of the medicine for fourteen weeks, ho was restored to per- fect health. 4f>3 gunn's domestic medicine. Case 3d. "A man came to us, whose name was Chris- tian: he was afflicted with hydrocele or dropsy of the scro- tum or bag. for which he had taken medicines usually giv- en in such cases. When this course was finished a defect in the urinary system began to threaten, insomuch that in a short time his urine became of a white color; was pas- sed with great difficulty and pain: and as soon as dischar- ged had a very bad offensive smell. The catheter be- ing introduced repeatedly, evidently proved that there was a calculus or stone in the bladder. The Uva Ursi was therefore given in the quantities before noticed; by which ina short time so great relief was obtained; that not only a due retention of urine took place, but it was also passed without difficulty or pain, in smell and color perfectly nat- ural: "And I assert it," says the writer, "that by continuing the use of this medicine two months, every calculus sign and symptom was entirely removed; although by sounding him again, the calculus or stone was still found in the blad- der. This is the first, and the only person among all that I have seen, who frequently made water of a healthy ap- pearance while a stone remained in the bladder. How it came to pass, and by what means, that the patient should obtain such benefit from this plant, as to be entirely ex- empt from pain, and all other inconvenienoes, when a stone still existed in the bladder, I must confess myself entirely .unable to explain, SLIPPERYELM. This tree deserves great attention, as being among the best remedies in our country. I have mentioned frequent- ly, that in many diseases it should be used as a poultice, and in many others as a clyster. I shall now describe the valuable properties of this tree more at large. The inner bark must be used, and that of the young tree is prefera- ble. As a poultice, nothing is superior, particularly in old sores or ulcers, burns, and wounds—particularly gun-shot gunn's domestic medicine. 403 wounds. During the Revolutionary War, our surgeons used it with the happiest effects. They applied poultices of it to fresh wounds, and always produced immediate suppuration, in other words, discharge of matter, and a quick disposition to heal. When any appearance of mor- tification was evident, the bark was pounded and boiled in water, and made into a poultice. When applied, it produ- ced immediate a surprising change for the better. In dysentery or consumption the inner bark boiled in water and drank freely, will be found a valuable medicine. It is cooling and soothing to the bowels. It may be made into a fine jelly, which if taken freely, is a certain and astonishing remedy in all bowel and breast complaints, and may be free- ly administered to children. This mucilaginous bark is so nutritive, that it supplies the Indians with food in times of scarcity. It is one of the most cooling and pleasant reme- dies and I may add, that it is not only one ol the most val- uable articles we have, but deserves the confidence of eve- ry person wdio practices or administers medicine. JERUSALEM OAK. From this plant which grows plentifully throughout the State of Tennessee, and which is too well known by almost every person to require a description. The oil called worm seed oil is made. This oil has for some time attracted a considerable share of popular favor, as an antidote against worms in children. It is sold in almost every store, under the name of "Wormseed Oil." And persons who pur- chase this oil or medicine, should be careful that they are not imposed upon: because it is very often adulterated with Spirits of Turpentine by which they are always disappoin- ted in their expectations of benefit. In its pure and unadulterated state, there is no medicine preferable to the oil made from Jerusalem Oak for expel- ling worms from children; but it must never be given when the child has fever: because it will in that case, 464 gunn's domestic medicine. increase the fever, the oil being highly stimulating and in- flammatory. When the oil is aJmiuistered from eight to ten drops must-be given to a child two years old, on a lump of sugar—it ought to be given three times a day for three days in succession; after which you must give a good dose: of calomel, say i.ve or six grains, or a dose of c istor oil, the calomel however, is the most certain to produce a full discharge of worms. If no worms are discharged, and they are stiii suspected to exist in the ssstein, repeat the dose again—ana again, until you bring them from the child. A wine jdass id of a d'eoction of the Jerusalem Oak rrade by bd ing it in mil'.v, in the proportion of a .handful of the leaves to a quart o! milk, is a dose for a child, but the pure oil is by »ar the beat. PENNYROYAL. There is no description necessary of this plant, as it grows in almost ev.-ry gar !en. In slight stoppages by co'd, of a female's monthly discharges; gonerady caned Menses, Pennyroyal tea will generally remove the obstructions. The tea must be male strong and sweetened with honey, molasses or sugar, and drank as warm as possdde,at the same time bathing the feet in warm water. It is probable however, that in obstructions of the menses which have existed for any considerable time, more efficient and powerful remedies than pennyroyal tea must be used. I will also, mention that the American pennyroyal is a dif- ferent plant from that known in England by tlie same name. DITTANY. This handsome little plant, belongs exclusively to Ameri- ca: and is knownto almost every farmer and his family in the gunn's domestic medicine. 465 country. It grows plentifully in Tennessee. The dittany is always found in dry soils, and in shady and hilly places- it is used in slight fevers as a tea: every old lady in the country has more or less used dittany tea in colds It is excellent to relieve nervous head-aches, and is a good rem edy in hysterical affections of women. In South Carolina and Georgia, the dittany is given frequently by infusing the leaves of it in hot water and administering it as a tea, drank as warm as possible to produce sweating.—-The medicinal virtues of dittay are much the same as penny- royal, mint and sage: it is a perfectly innocent plant MAY APPLE. Sometimes called wild lemon, duck's foot, Ipecacuanha, • and by the learned, Podophyllum Peltatum. This plant which possesses very important medicinal virtues is presumed to be an exclusive production of the North American Continent: it is every where found in abun- dance on congenial soils, from the State of Main to the Mex- ican Gulph, and fiom the Atlantic sea-coast to the Oregon Mountains. In the language of the learned, it is a peren- nial herbaccus plant; in other words the roots do not per- ish by the frosts and snows of winter. The May Apple is well known to almost every person in the United States: —it has a plain upright stem, of a yellowish green color," about twelve or fourteen inches in height; two large hor- izontal leaves at the top, between which, and in the fork when in bloom, there is a white flower which is succee- ded by a yellow acid fruit. Respecting the different prop- erties of this plant, the reader is desired to recollect that the fruit is good for food,—the leaves poisonous—and that its medicinal virtues are wholly confined to the root. The season proper forgathering the root is late in the fall, when the leaves begin to drop: if gathered in the spring it is comparatively good for nothing. The Indians dry it in the shade, and use it in powders. MM 466 gvnn's domestic medicine, The American May Apple-root is an excellent, gentle, and effective purge, and is presumed by many celebrated practical physicians to be greatly superior to the jalap ob- tained in the shops. Practical experiment has proved that this root operates more gently as a purge than jalap: that it operates a much longer time; and that it is by no means so drastic and griping as jalap. It is also preferable to Jalap in other respects; it is less nauseous and more easily taken; less irritating to. the stomach and bowels, and may be more easily used by delecate females, and persons hav- inf weak and sensitive stomachs. It may be given with much advantage in what physicians call colicapictonem, or dry belly ache, sometimes a dangerous complaint; in inter- mitting fevers; and particularly dropsy, on account of its producing continued and large evacuations. Taken in a small dose, say of ten or twelve grains in powder; it is a gentle and easy laxative. Twenty-five or thirty grains usually operate with activity and power; and where grip- ing is apprehended, the mixture of eight or ten grains of calomel will be of advantage. CANCER ROOT BEECH DROPS. Called by the learned Orobanche Virginiana.—This plant is the natural growth of every part of the United States: is usually found under the beech tree, and is of a sickly yellow or pale pink color, and entirely without leaves. The root which appears blunt, and round at the bottom, and is covered with twisted and matted fibres on its lower end, is of a yellow color; the stems and branches are finely furrowed; and on the ridges formed by these furrows, there will be found dark purple, white and yellow stripes. Be- tween the root and the first divisions of the stalk, there are blunt pointed and bud-like scales, which stand out from the surface: and similar ones, but more resembling buds, are scattered along their branches nearly to their tops. The top grows from eight to fifteen inches high. The gunn's domestic medicine. 467 reason for my being thus particular in the description of this plant will be presently seen. From the best information I can collect respecting the history of the cancer root, it appears to have been originally a cure for cancers, used by the Indians, and commu- nicated by them to a Surgeon of one of the Pennsylvania regiments many years ago, stationed at what was then called Fort Pitt. The physician to whom the secret was communicated by the Indians, afterwards came to Phila- delphia, and advertised for the cure of cancers. He had been the student of Doctor Rush, who speaks thus of the application: "It gave me great satisfaction to witness the efficacy of the Doctor's application, in several cancerous ulcers, the cures he performed were complete. But, w-hen the cancers were connected with the lymphatic system, or accompanied with a scrophulous habit of body, his medicines always failed, and in some instances did evi- dent injury." The word "scrofula," is derived from scro- fa, a hog, because this animal is subject to a similar disorder, i which means King's Evil.- The physician who had the secret from the Indians, died in 1784—and it wassup- \ posed the secret had died with him: but Doctor Rush pro- cured from one of his administrators some of the powders, f* and found them compounded of the dried and pounded Cancer root and Arsenic: the proportion of Arsenic—of the pure white kind, was not more than one fortieth part of the whole compound. Most of the cures effected by these powders, were situated about the nose, forehead and cheeks, and upon the surface and extremities of the body. Cancers, taints of the fluids of the body, or those which af- fect the whole lymphatic system, must be cured by diet and internal medical remedies. Dr. Rush says that the powders compounded of cancer root and arsenic, in the \ proportions I have mentioned, and applied in the proper ca- » sesof cancer, produced inflammation which separated the ^ sound flesh from the cancerous ulcer and its roots, and that l he therefore preferred the application of those powders, to \l the use of the knife in all such cases. I will conclude these 468 gunn's domestic JIEDICINE. remarks by observing that the cancer root is a valuable remedy in old and obstinate ulcers, in which it has often been known to succeed, when all-other applications had failed:—It must be gathered in the month of Septem- ber. POPLAR. Sometimes sailed the white wood and sometimes the American poplar: the learned name of this tree is Lirio- dendron Tulipiferia. This tree, as every reader of this work must know, is a native of the United States, and is so generally found in all parts of the country, that a description of it would be entirely unnecessary. It is sometimes called the tulip tree, from a supposed resemblance between its blossoms and those of the tulip. The first physicians of the United States and many distinguished men in Europe, have borne ample and uniform testimony respecting the valuable med- icinal properties of the poplar. Its virtues reside in the bark of the root, branches and trunk, that of the root is pre- sumed to be most powerful. It is a valuable medicine in all intermitting fevers, and particularly in ague and fever, and has been found of great benefit in dyspepsia or indigestion, in gout, in dysentery, and in chronic rheumatism. I say in chronic rheumatism, which is always without fever: be- cause if given in acute rheumatism, where there is always some inflammatory fever, the poplar bark being a stimu- lant, will increase the fever instead of diminishing and subduing its .^violence: and here I wish the ■ reader dis- tinctly to bear in mind that, for the above reasons, stimu- lants can never be given in fevers which continue without intermission, and that they can always be given with safety and benefit, when there are periodical sensations of fever. For the same reason, also peruvian bark is never given in paroxysms of fever. The reason why poplar bark is ben- eficial in chronic rheumatism, and several diseases of the gunn's DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 469 same character, is presumed to be because it is a power- ful sudorific, or active agent in. producing sweat, if given in tolerably strong decoctions. Given in powders, especially, if mixed in equal quantities of pulverized dogwood bark, it is equal to the best peruvian bark, and is to be given, in the same quantities. "In pulmonary consumption, attended with hectic fever, night sweats, and diarrhoea, when combi- ned with laudanum," says Dr. Young, "it has frequently abated these alarming symptoms. I effectually cured, a man fifty years of age, who was afflicted with catarrh and dyspeptic symptoms for five years, which, had baffled the skill of the best physicians, and the most celebrated reme- dies, by preserving in the use of the poplar bark for two weeks; and I can assert, from actual experience, that a more certain, speedy, and effectual remedy in hysteria, or hyster- ics, cannot be found in medicine, than the poplar barkcom- b.ned with a little laudanum. I have used no other reme- dy after cleansing the prims viae—[by which.the Doctor means the stomach and upper intestines, or first passages,] ■ in cholera infantum, for more than two years: [cholera in- fantum, means a disease of children, attended with griping and purging, and sometimes with puking.]. I have never known it fail—continues the Doctor—in a single case of worms which has come under my observation: I have prescribed it to a child when convulsions had taken place. After giving a few doses, several hundreds of dead ascajides were discharged with the stools." Ascarides in plain eng- lish, are all kinds of worms which are found in the human intestines, from the stomach to the rectum and'fundament. The dose for a grovvn person, of the powdered poplar bark, is from a scruple to two drachms: it may also be giv- en in decoction or in infusion: but when given in sub- stance, it is most beneficial. The dose should be decreas- ed in quantity in proportion to the age of the patient. The time for collecting and drying the bark, is the month of January or February.. MM* 470 gunn's domestic medicine. SPICE WOOD. Otherwise called Allspice bush, Spice berry, Fever bush— and by the learned Laurus Benzoin. It is altogether unnecessary to describe the Spice wood; it is known to nearly every person of any intelligence in the United States. It is used as a medicine in the mid- dle and Southern States, as well as the Western country, and operates in giving tone to the stomach, and strength to the general system: and when given in intermittent fevers, either in the pounded bark, or in tolerably strong de- coction, it is generally attended with success. Doctor Bar- ton alledges in some of his works—I have forgot- ten wdiich—that, a decoction of the twigs in water, has often been given to children for worms, and that it is con- saiered a good remedy in such cases. As a proof that the Spice wood possesses considerable medicinal qualities, the Indians make use of it in several of their complaints; but in which of them particularly, I am unable to say. The dose of Spice wood in decoction, is about a pint in twenty- four hours: and when used in the powdered bark, one drachm must be taken three or four times a day, in a glass of wine, or in any other liquid with which it will mix When taken freely as a tea, it produces copious perspiration, or sweat- ing. BONE SET. Sometimes called Thorough wort, Cross wort, Indian sage, and perhaps, more properly, by the Indians, Ague 10? v/.--—The learned name of it is, Eupatorium Perfolia- tum. The Bone-set is a valuable plant,, and cannot be too highly prized as a medicine. I regret to say, that at this time, most of its medical virtues remain unknown. It has been used in the hospitals of New York with great gunn's domestic medicine. " 471 success, given either as a tea or in powder. The limited size of my Book, prevents me from writing at large on the great virtues it possesses: but I will merely make this re- mark, that it is endowed with more real and genuine virtues than any plant now known. The stalk is heavy, rises from two to four feet, perforating or bearing the leaves at each joint. The flowers are white, and appear in July and August. The leaves at each joint are horizontal, teethed and rough, from three to four inches long, about an inch broad at their base, gradually lessening to an acute point, of a dark green color and covered with short hairs. It is a native of the United States, and is every where to be found in Tennessee. It is generally found in abundance, on the edges of ponds which are surrounded with thickets of brush wood; in low and damp wood-lands; on the banks of small water courses creeks and rivulets, which are deeply shaded by the close foilage of the trees; and is sometimes in open meadows, and waste-lands. 1 do not know what the name bone-set was derived from; nor do I think it very material that the reader should be informed; because real wisdom and useful intelligence, have much more relation to the nature of things, than to the mere names of things. The medical properties of this plant, are various and pow-i erful: nor do I believe there is a one which is a native of the soil of our country, more entitled to the attention and experiments of medical men. The whole plant is extreme- ly bitter to the taste, and in some degree astringent; by which I mean that when it is applied to the tongue, or any other part of the body, it contracts the fibres and surface without any voluntary exertion of the muscular power. It is a strong tonic or strengthener to the stomach: and always when used internally, produces an increased discharge from the skin, which when condensed on the surface is called sweat; in these respects, from well attested experi- ments, its medical virtues are unequivocal as well as pow- erful. It can always be given successfully and without danger, in violent catarrh or colds, even when attended with some fever; because its stimulant effects are too slight to increase tie fever, while the other qualities of imparting 472 gunn's domestic medicine. s rength and causing perspiration, are in active operation. 1 wish the reader particularly to notice, that I mention the 1 eneficial effects of the bone-set plant, in cases of violent catarrh or cold, because it is a dangerous forerunner of phthisis, or pulmonary consumption, in very many instances, and ought always to be removed immediately if possible. This plant is also an excellent remedy in ague and fever: which is the reason of its being called by the Indians, by a name which in their language signifies ague weed. It is also a valuable remedy in ail intermittent and remittent fevers—always acting as powerfully and beneficially as peruvian bark. In fact, I think it in many cases, prefer- able to the bark, because it can be given when there is considerable fever: in which condition of a patient, the bark cannot be administered without great danger. For this reason also, I mean because it never increases fever it can always be given, and has been repeatedly adminis- tered successfully, not only in remitting bilious fever, but in typhus or yellow fevers. Dr. S. G. Hopkins of New Jersy, a physician of much celebrity, in an extensive practice of several years: during which intermittent and typhus fevers were very prevalent, gave the bone-set free- ly in warm decoction with great success. By giving the bone-set tea very copiously, he always produced sweating to allay the fever; and in dangerous cases,, pushed the remedy so far as to produce emeses, or vomiting; and also purging. He related to several of his friends, that many of the farmers in his vicinity, without calling in a physi- cian, had by the liberal use of a strong preparation of the bone-set tea, given warm, entirely succeeded in curing them- selves and their families, of both intermittent and typhus fever. The truth is, that in low typhus which is very dan- gerous* and always attended with an unusual dry hot skin, the bone-set is an inestimable remedy. It is always used with the best effect, in a warm decoction of the flowers and leaves, which ought to be dried in the shade, and kept for use: the warm decoction is generally preferable to the plant in subtance; and from one to two, table spoonfuls. gunn's domestic medicine. 473 given every half hour, will in most cases produce sweating without causing so much nausea of the stomach as to pro- duce vomiting. If the fever is broke, and you wish to give strength to your patient, give the bone-set in the pow- .dered leaves and flowers, from twenty grains to a drachm, from three to six times in the lapse of twenty-four hours. Used in decoction as above stated, it is also a valuable remedy in yellow fever, as has been proved by repeated and well attested, experiments. The bone-set is also very effi- cacious in removing acute rheumatism: [For a discription of which look under that head.] but it ought to be employ- ed in this disease after blood-letting, to reduce the inflam- matory action. With the above commentary on the important uses of this plant in medicine, I recommend it to the serious atten- tion of my readers. It affords another proof that Providence has given us the means of curing many of our diseases, without resorting to the adulterated drugs of foreign lands. COMMON BLACK BERRY BUSH. Called by Botanists,r?^us Yillosus. This root is every where known, and therefore requires no description. It is eminently useful in all such diseases as are to be treated with astringent medieines: the root particularly is power- folly astringent, and when used medicinally is generally made into a tea. When the ripe fruit itself is employed, it ought to be given in the juice, or made into a syrup, or jelly. The tea or decoction is made by boiling a handful of the bruised roots in a pint and ahalf of water, until it is reduced to a pint: thus prepared it is given with success in diarrhscs and dysenteries, a small tea cupful every two ' hours, and has often been known to effect cures when ma- ny other remedies had failed. In the disease called by phy- sicians, Cholera Infant urn, known by painful gripings, and nurmnU in children, a weak decoction of the black berry 474 gunn's domestic medicine. root may be given with good effects. But as these purg- ings may in many cases, be considered as the efforts of na- ture to remove the caues of disease, it ought to be given with much caution, and not until proper evacuations have been made to remove offensive matter from the stomach and bowels. Infact, it ought to be given in no case of dys- entery or cholera infantum, until all offending matter, if any is presumed to exist, be removed by.gentle pukes and purges. Black berry syrup made from the ripe fruit ought to be kept prepared in all families and given freely in all ca- ses of derangement of the bowels. BUTTON SNAKE ROOT. This is a native of all the Southern States, from the sea- board, to the Mississippi: the root has a sharp arromatic, and very bitter taste, and whenever chewed it produces a considerable flow of saliva or spittle. A tea or decoc- tion of it taken internally, produces a discharge from the skin, and expectoration from the throat and lungs. By ma- ny physicians of reputation, it is held in higher estimation than seneka snake root, which it very much resembles in its effects. THE HOP. This is a native of both Europe and America, and is found wild in the wooded tracts of the Western country, as far as the wdiite population, has extended:—there are large quantities of it on the uncultivated bottom tracts of all our rivers. Beside the bitter and strengthening properties pos- sessed by the hop, used in beer and malt liquor as a com- mon drink, it contains considerable narcotic powers, by which I mean those qualities which produce sleep. The qualities which produce sleep, are supposed to reside in the gunn's domestic medicine. 475 risinous part of the hop blossom, and can easily be ex- tracted by alcohol or spirits. Bitters made from the hop blossom, are very useful in nervous debility or weakness, and where persons are recovering from sickness and can- not sleep. C H A M O MI L E. The tame species is a native of Europe, but may be cultivated in most parts of the United States, and particu- larly in the mild climate of Tennessee. It is perenniel: that is to say its roots do not die by the frosts of winter, but shoot forth and blossom through succeeding years. The flowers are generally used for medical purposes, and sold in the shops: the single ones are the best, because they are the strongest. Infusion in water extracts the medicinal properties of the chamomile flower, which drank cold, is^ighly useful as a tonic: in other words it will give tone and strength to a weak and irritable stomach, repair a debilitated or lost appetite, and operate favorably on such young females as labor under what are called green sickness: which means a retention or stoppage of the menses. It also operates as an anti-spasmodic: that is to say, it relaxes the involuntary contractions of the muscles of all parts of the body, and particularly of the stomach, in what is com- monly called cramp: it is also of service in all the nervous weaknesses in females. When taken warm and in consid- erable quantities, it aids materially in the operation of emetics or pukes, &c. &c.—The chamomile flowers when steeped in old whiskey, or any good spirits, and ta- ken two or three times a day, in moderate quantities, is an excellent medicine to give tone and strength to a weak stomach, and restores the appetite. For women given in hysterical complaints, is a valuable remedy. 476 gunn's domestic medicine. C H I N Q, U E P I N . Every person who resides in the western country knows what this is: It is sometimes called the dwarf chesnut, and grows in all parts of the middle and southern states, and in nearly every part of the Western country. Its bark is used with success in intermittent fevers, or such as peri- odically go entirely off; for like peruvian bark, if given while there is fever, it will increase it, and aggravate the symptoms. And like peruvian bark, and perhaps it is equally as good, it imparts tone and strength to the stom- ach, and consequently to the whole system. FOX GLOVE. Called by physicians Digitalis Perpurce, is biennial, which means that its root lives two years in succession: to my knowledge is not a native of the United States, but may be cultivated with success, in all the states south of Pennsylvania, as has been proved by repeated experiments, and particularly in Kentucky and Tennessee. The leaves have a bitter, and nauseous, and acrid taste: Their medi- cinal properties may be extracted either by pure water, or alcohol or spirits. The general virtues and properties of the Fox glove are narcotic, by which I mean they induce sleep,—and also sedative: which means that they diminish the animal ener- gies of the system without destroying life; for instance, when the Fox glove is given in due quantities, it diminish- es in a remarkable manner, the force and frequency of the pulse. From its producing the latter effect on the circula- tion of the blood, the exercise of common sense will teach. any person that it must be beneficial in all kinds of hemorr- hages, or spontaneous bleedings, whether the lungs, the womb or any other part of the body. From the same rea- soning, and numerous experiments, it is also manifest thafo gunn's domestic medicine. 477 in diminishing the frequency of the pulse, and the irrita- bility of the system, it may be beneficially employed in all injlammdtory diseases, as a substitute for depleting remedies, such as bleeding, purging, &c. which alwavl materially weaken the system —The inflammatory con> plaints upon which it acts beneficially, are of the braid and the lungs, and indeed of the viscera generally. It is dso of much use in the early stage of phthisis or pul- monary consumption, in some cases of which, it merely operates as a palliative remedy, while in others it wholly removes the disease, particularly when given seasonably and cautiously until its effects are felt in the head and stom- ach, or both. Chronic coughs, bywhicihl mean cough? which are seated and of long standing, where no actual and positive injury has been done to the lungs, have often been strikingly and decidedly relieved by the fox glove. In Dropsy it is also considered an excellent remedy, partic- ularly in that kind called anasarcous; which means where the dropsical water is diffused between the skin and flesh or rather in the cellular system, and not in the great cav- ities of the breast and belly, and so on. When you in- tend to give the fox glove, you ought always to evacu- ate the stomach and bowels in the first instance, by tolera- bly strong purgatives. The first dose of the dried and pounded leaves of the fox glove ought to be but one grain; if you give of the tincture. you may give from ten to fifteen drops; and if you give of the infusion, you may give the half of a fluid ounce. You may increase these doses gradually, by adding one sixth part at a time, given three times a day, until nausea or sickness of the stomach, and vertigo or dizziness of the head ensues. It is not safe to proceed further with the fox glove, after the head and stomach have become affect- ed as I have described. And here it may be proper to remark, and I wish it distinctly to be borne in mind by the reader, that when the medicine is taken incautiously, and m improper quantities, it becomes a poison, and is follow- ed frequently by alarming and dangerous consequences. NN 478 [gunn's domestic medicine. IPECACUANHA. This root is a native of Spanish America: and in the Spanish language it means vomiting or puking root. The word ipecacuanha, is implied to several other roots which produce vomiting or puking to any extent. The proper or Botanical name of this root israicilla: I have however, adopted the name, Ipecacuanha, by which it is most com- monly known to physicians. This root was first brought into Europe about the middle of the last century, but did not come into general use until about the year 1680, when it was introduced into the practice of medicine by llelvetius, under the patronage of Louis XIV. The ipecacuanha is one the mildest and safest emetics or pukes with which we are acquainted, and has this great advantage; that if it should fail to puke, it passes off by purging or sweating; and further if by accident an over dose is taken, it is attended with no danger, as the whole of it is vomit- ed with the contents of the stomach as soon as it ope- rates.—The vomiting or puking is promoted by drinking freely of warm water. The genuine ipecacuanha in its dry state, is a small wrinkled root, about the size of a hen's quill, variously twis- ted, and marked with projecting parts, apparently like rings ash colored. Its taste is sickening and slightly bitter, with little smell, and covering the tongue with a kind of mucilage. On breaking the root, the outer bark is very brittle; and it is in this brittle part, that the activity and power of the root as a puke resides—the centre being near3y destitute of any medicinal virtues. This root is generally sold in the shops as a powder, that being the form in which it is used as a vomit or puke: The powder is the color of common ashes. IJhave now described to you the important ipecacuanha, or the medicine which is now used throughout the world under that name; and I may justly remark that it stands at the head of the vegetable emetics, for the promptness, efficacy, and safety of its operation«\ gunn's domestic medicine. 479 In powder, which is the manner in which it is gener- ally given, full vomiting or puking will be produced in a grown person, by a dose of a scruple or half a drachm: or you may put a drachm into six table spoonfuls of warm water, and give a table spoonful occasionally, until it ope- rates: or you may steep it in wine, and give it in small doses, until the effect you desire is produced. The medicinal uses of this powder, when properly applied, are very great and valuable. In addition to its acting as a vomit or puke when given in small doses, so as to produce nausea, which means sickness of the stom- ach; it generally produces moisture of the skin, or sweat, or evacuation of the bowels: and still in smaller doses, it generally stimulates the stomach, increases the appetite, and assists digestion. In small doses, it acts not only as a diaphoretic, which means sweating, but as an expectorant, which means a free discharge of tough mucus and spittle from the mouth and throat. It is also a valuable medicine when given in small doses, to stop spontaneous bleedings from the lungs and womb.—These bleedings are called he- morrhages.—In intermittent fevers, it has generally succee- ded in stopping them, especially when given about an hour before the coming on of the fever: and also when given so as to produce vomiting at the time of fever, or end of the cold stage. Great benefits are often derived from this medicine in continued fevers; and particularly in the commencement of typhus fever, an emetic or puke of ip- ecacuanha followed with a sufficiency of this medicine in very small doses, to keep up a gentle moisture or sweat, will if attended to in the early stage of this complaint, probably at once cut short the disease, or greatly lessen the severity and symptoms of the fever. Wine of ipecacuanha is sometimes substituted for the powder: it is however better suited to children. As an emetic or puke^the dose for a grow person is one fluid ounce, which is about half a large wine or stem glass full. [For a description of this wine of ipecacuanha, look under that head.] 4iD GUNN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE. C0 M MON TANS Y . Tansy is perennial or perpetual, and grows wild by the sides of roads, and the borders of fields, but is most fre- quently cultivated in gardens, both for culinary and medi- cinal purposes. It flowers .in July, and frequently in June. The leaves are generally used as a medicine, and when steeped in whiskey, or any kind of spirits, makes a moderately warm and highly valuable bitter for weak stomachs, very beneficial to children in preventing worms. It should be given to them in the morning, on empty stom- achs. Some physicians have spoken highly of its virtues in hysteric disorders, particularly those proceeding from a deficiency, or suppression of the menses or courses. An infusion or tea made of tansy and drank freely, has been strongly recommended as a preventive of the return el gout. SAGE. This valuable garden herb was once supposed by the ancients, to prolong the lives of those who would frequent- ly use it. They dedicated it to the following maxim:— "How can a man die in whose garden there grows Sage.' in allusion to its many virtues. It is too well known, and too much used to require a description. It makes an excel- lent tea to produce a sweat or moisture of the skin, and by adding a little lemon juice or vinegar, so as to make it pleas- antly sour, is a good remedy in levers. ;" RUE AND BALM. Rue is also a garden herb; the leaves which made into a tea, will produce perspiration or sweating, quicken the circulation, and remove obstructions of the blood. It is in- variably to weak and hysterical constitutions. GUNN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 481 Balm is also a garden herb, and affords a pleasant tea to be drank in fevers. When drank freely, it will produce perspiration or sweat, and of course is good in slight fevers. AMERICAN COLUMBO. This stately and elegant plant is a native ef the United States, and is found in abundance in both Kentucky and Tennessee. It has various names: such as Columbia, In- dian Lettuce, Columbo root, Marietta Columbo, and wild Columbo. The stalk grows from eight to ten feet in height: it is strong, juicy, and fleshy; nearly square and furrowed at the sides, and sends off its leaves, which are of a deep green color, at intervals of six or eightinches, to something more than half its length, and smaller leaves and flower- ing branches to the top. The root is biennial, that is, it lives two years: it is large, full of knots, plump and full, and of a yellow color. The leaves are occasionally appo- site to each other, and usually grow from four to eight to- gether: they are something sharp, and sometimes oblong: in other words oval or egg shaped, and sharp at the points. The flowers grow in clusters, and are of a green- ish yellow, or cream color. The Columbo root, which is the only part to be used —is a mild pleasant and highly valuable bitter, acting as a powerful tonic or strengthening medicine. It is valua- ble in dyspepsia or indigestion; and in diarrhsea or looseness ef the bowels, arising from a redundancy of bile. It will generally check vomiting or puking, and will al- ways be found beneficial in colic, or cramps^of the stomach, want of appetite, and cholera morbus, which means puking and purging: it may be taken in substance, by which I mean powdered,—a tea spoonful every three or four hours: or as a decoction or tea, a wine glassfull three or four times a day: or you may steep the root, say two ounces in a quart of old whiskey, which must stand for a few NN* 1*}-' GUNn's' DOMESTIC MEDICINE. days, that the spirits may extract the virtues from the root. This valuable bitter may be used three or four times a day, in doses of a table spoonful or more: and adding a few drops of peppermint to this preparation, it is a good rcmedy to moderate the puking which sometimes occurs -with preg- nant women.. All persons who are subject to lowness or depression of spirits, instead of resorting to more danger- ous stimulants, should use this columbo bitter freely. BLOOD OR PUCCOON ROOT. Sometimes called Indian paint, and Redroot, but learnedly denominated Sanguinaria Canadenis. This plant is a native of North America, from the Can- nadian Provinces to the Gulph of Mexico, and perhaps of no other region of the globe. It is not only a plant peculiar to the continent of North America, the virtues of which are so well known to the Indian Nations, but its root is peren- nial: in other words it is not destroyed by the frosts and snows of winter. It generally grows about a foot high in rich wood lands, and varies in thickness from a quarter to three quarters of an inch in diameter—which means across. It is generally about the size and length of a finger; fleshy and round, and the end of the root has the appearance of having been cut off by a dull instrument, or as if it had been broken off in removing it from the ground. The out side color of the root is brownish, but on being cut, the juice flows of a blood-red color. The puccoon, flowers early in April, bearing but single flowers on each stem. The blossoms are white; the stems perfectly naked; the upper side of the leaf a pale sickly green, and the veins which pass through it, of an orange color. The flower-bud is of a faint or delecate rose color: the seeds which are round and pointed, are very numerous. The leaves and seeds of the Puccoon plant, which is the name I have adopted, like the seeds of the Stramonium, or Jamestown weed, are poisonous and must never be used. GUNN S DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 483 The root seems to contain all its medicinal qualities; and is closely allied in its effects on the human system, to the Seneka snake root, and in some of its effects, to the Digital- is Purpuria, or fox glove. A decoction or tea, as it is usu- ally called, made of the puccoon root is highly recommened- ed in the treatment of old and indolent ulcers, which simply means old sores that do not seem inclined to heal, and the dried and pounded root applied a few times, in some cases of ill-conditioned ulcers, with callous edges, and an itcher- ous or itching discharge, seldom fails to produce a healthy state of the sores.—it is an excellent remedy in croup, and must be given in doses sufficient to produce vomiting, or puking; some physicians rely on it wholly in croup. It is also an excellent remedy in dropsy of the chest, called by physicians hydrothordx, given in doses of sixty drops of the juice three times a day, and increased until nausea or sickness of the stomach follows each dose. This root in powder from twenty to thirty grains, is an active emetic or puke. Dr. Barton one of the professors in the Phyladel- phia Medical College, thinks it nearly equal to the Seneka, or Rattle snake root, in cases of ulcerous sore throat, croup, and hives, and diseases of this nature. It is a valuable med- icine to produce a determination to the surface, by which I mean sweating; and also in colds, pleurisies rheumatism, and other inflammatory disorders. When used for these last dis- eases, it should be used as a tincture, which is the root steeped for several days in spirits of any kind, and given in doses of ten drops every two or three hours, until a moist- ure or sweat is produced on the skin. This tincture is also valuable in jaundice, in torpor of the liver, attended with a colic and yellowness of the skin, a disease common to sou- thern climates. The Puccoon rootmade into a tincture, and gradually and cautiously used, will be found a valuable medicine in stoppages of the menses or courses in women. I have used it with great success in my practice, when ev- ery other medicine usually resorted to had failed. My usu- al method of preparing it, is to steep about a handful of the roots sliced, in half a pint of old whiskey, letting it stand 484 gunn's domestic medicine. five or eight days when the tincture is fit for use, begin- ning with ten drops, and gradually increasing the dose, as circumstances may require. But you may give it in a decoction or tea, a handful of it to a quart of boiling water, a table spoonful of it every two or three hours, as the situ- ation of the patient may require. This root powdered very fine, and snuffed up the nose. is said to be a certain cure for polypus; a fleshy teat, or grisley substance, which grows in the nostril gradually in- creasing in size until breathing becomes difficult, and which sometimes unless removed, ends in suffocation. I have lately made experiments with this root, in a disorder called tetter worm; and in several instances succeeded in curing it when other valuable remedies had failed. Steep the sliced root in strong vinegar ten days, and wash the part affected two or three times a day. I shall conclude my remarks on this valuable root by observing that it possesses a great many valuable qualities which are probably yet unknown. The best time to collect it for medical purposes, is when the seeds are ripe, which is about the beginning of May. SENNA. I shall first describe to you, the foreign'or imported Sen- na, generally used in the practice of medicine; after which I shall describe the American plant Senna, which on almost numberless trials, has proved to be but very little if any, inferior to the imported, or that sold in the shops, and mostly- used by physicians. I have used them both, and can discover no difference. This affords another proof of a bountiful Providence, in bestowing on this people a plant of so much value, and one which before its discovery here, we were compelled to import from Egypt. Here I again repeat what I have frequently said in this work, that all that is required of us are industry and attention, and we will discover in a few years, thousands of medicinal plants in the Western country, superior in every respect to the gunn's domestic medicine. 485 foreign, by which we will have this further advantage: we will always have them fresh, and in full possession of their virtues. The leaves of the senna are alone used in the medicine. The imported plant grows'in Turkey, Syria, and Persia. It is commonly called Alexandria Senna, because it was once imported exclusively from the city of Alexandria in Egypt. This medicine was originally received from the Arabians: and large quantities of it are now brought from Nubia, which is known in Egypt by the name of the Valley, or Country of Barrabas, it is a narrow valley through which the Nile flows, where the view is confined on two sides alternately, by a lofty chain of mountains, Senna is the chief production or commodity of this coun- try. It is not cultivated, but grows naturally on the sides of the hills and ravins. Each person has the right of gathering what grows in his district. The crops are annu- ally made; the productiveness of which depends upon the duration of the rains, which fall periodically every year. The first and most fruitful crop, is that gathered at the termination of the rains, the second crop is small. No expense attends the preparation of the plant, which merely consists of cutting and spreading them on the rocks to dry. The senna is then put up in bales of one hundred pounds, and the slave merchants convey them by camels to Sienna, and Darao, where they are sold for elven or twelve francs a bale, which is about two dollars and twenty-eight cents. They are then carried to the Farmer general at Cairo,—an officer appointed by the government to ex- amine and purchase them. The sum fixed by him is from thirty to thirty-three francs—which is about eight dollars and twenty-seven cents. They are then sold by him to the European factors or merchants, for one hundred and six francs each bale, winch is equal to twenty dollars and four- teen cents, and by them exported to the different quarters of the world. American citizen, why will you pay such accumulated and enormous expenses to foreign goverments 586 gunn's domestic medicine. and merchants, for an article which is furnished plentifully by the soil of your-own country? The demand for this article from Europe every crop is, generally from about fourteen to fifteen hundred quintals, of one hundred pounds each. The great demand for this medi- cine, both in Europe and the United States, has induced the Egyptian merchants to mix with it senna of an inferior quality, which sometimes occasions it to fail in producing the immediate effect intended. Although this fraud, when practiced, does no serious injury, it frequently disappoints us in the active operation of the medicine. The inferior Senna, although producing eventually the same effects, is much slower and weaker in its operation. AMERICAN SENNA. Having given you the history of the European, I shall now proceed to describe to you our own Senna, which grows abundantly in the United States, and particularly in the Western country. In fact, it is found plentifully about Knoxville, and on the shores of the Holston river. I have told you that I had used both, and could perceive no differ- ence in their operation—and 1 now repeat the fact, that it may be the more forcibly impressed upon your mind. Notwithstanding this, those who prefer the foreign Senna to our own, may easily gratify their prefierence, as the im- ported kind is now cultivated in North Carolina, and is found to flourish abundantly. It is evident that we do not obtain the pure plant from abroad: and I have shown the manner of adulteration: why, then, should we not cultivate the foreign plant sufficiently for our own consumption, if we must and will have it? The wild senna of America, is a most beautiful plant. I will describe it in as plain terms as possible—knowing at the same time, that it is very dif- ficult, if not utterly impossible, to delineate in mere lan- guage, what can only be known to the eye. It has frequent- gunn's domestic medicine. 487 ly several stems from the same root: these stems are gen- erally either entirely smooth, or furnished with a few strag- ling hairs. The larger sized leaves, I believe, are mostly confined to the larger branches, and are disposed in pairs opposite to each other, on the sides of those branches which run out nearly a horizontal direction from the stem. The flowers are of a bright orange color, and are usually found on small sprays or sprigs, which shoot out in the an- gles formed by the stems and larger branches.—Near the top, *he flowers are attached to the main stems. The stems rise from four to two feet in height. The leaves are rath- er long, green above, and pale underneath: they should be gathered about the last of August for use. Dr. Barton, an eminent physician, and professor of Bot- any, in the University of Philadelphia, informs us that he had some experience with the American Senna, during a term of practice in the Marine hospital of that city. "I have says, the dpctor, for some months past, substituted the American for the Alexandrian Senna, and very frequent- ly employ it. I have also in a single instance, used it in my own family. I have had reason to confirm the high char- acter, which the American plant has maintained. But, reader, whether you may prefer the imported or the American Senna, which I consider equal in their medicin- al powers, the following remarks are applied to both, or to either of them. The senna is a valuable purge, and when good, is active in its operation, and at the same time quite innocent. Senna is seldom given by itself, but is always mixed with Man- na, a description of which will immediately follow this plant. When you enquire for senna as a medicine at a doctor's shop, always ask for a dose of Senna and Manna, because these two medicines are always given together. Sometimes a little salts is mixed with the senna and man- na, especially if you wish to make the operation sure and active. In fevers, first giving a good dose of calomel, fol- low it up with senna, manna, and salts: senna has but one fault; it is apt to gripe during the operation: this can always 488 gunn's domestic medicine. be prevented, however, by adding a little ginger. But I believe from an extensive experience, that after calomel to remove bile if the following mixture be made up and given, it is superior and more innocent than any medicine now known as a purge. Take of senna and manna, each half an ounce: of ginger one drachm; of salts one ounce,—pour on these medicines a pint of boiling water; cover over the vessel in which you make this tea, so as to prevent the steam from escaping. This tea is to stand until it becomes cool. You are to give of it togrown persons one gill'eve- ry hour or two until it operates freely. According to the age of the person, you are to-give this tea in smaller doses, and as it is quite innocent, it may be given to children occa- sionally in small doses until the desired effect is produced, which is a free operation as a purge. If you wish it to act as a very mild and gentle purge, you may leave out the salts. I repeat in order that you may remember it, that whenever the bowels are obstructed, or whenever you require an ac- tive and searching purge, senna, manna, and silts, in the proportions I have just mentioned, adding thereto a little ginger, are superion to any means of operating on the bow- els now in use. M A N N A . The word manna means a gift, it comes from a Syrian word mano, being the food supplied by the Almighty to the children of Israel in the wilderness: or it comes from the word mahna, what is it? an exclamation by the Israelites on its appearance, so say the best authorities. The manna, or medicine so called, and that which is mostly used by physicians, come from Naples on the Medi- terranean Sea. The best manna is in long flakes; moder- ately dry, brittle and crumbling, of a pale yellowish color, and considerably transparent; in other words you can par- tially see through it. It is moist, very sticky, and dark colo- red, it is considered of inferior quality, although not less pur- gunn's domestic medicine. 489 gative. The manna is principly collected in Calabria, Apulia, and Sicily, in the warmest season of the year, from the middle of June to the end of July. Various trees afford it: particularly a kind of ash, called Manna ash. It flows from the trunk of the tree when tapped, similar to the juice or sap of our sugar tree when used in the same manner-, The liquor first flows from the tree like a white froth, ex- tremely light and of agreeable taste. -The heat of the sun in a few days, hardens it to the consistence we find it. Manna has something the taste of sugar, and is sickish and searching on the tongue. Its great resemblance to su- gar both in appearance and taste, induces children readily to eat it, in its effects it acts on them as a mild purge. Manna is, however a very feeble purgative medicine, requiring large doses for a grown person, say an ounce or two: for this reason as I have before told you, and so directed, it must always be mixed with senna and salts. It ought nev- er to be given alone, except to small children, as a mild and opening medicine. [See table of doses.] WHITE WALNUT. During our Revolutionary War, when meditines became scarce, the physicians of the army employed the inner bark of the white walnut as a purge. In the dose of from ten to twenty grains, it operated well by evacuating the bowels thoroughly, and was much resorted to by them as a purgative in all billious cases of fever. By the addition of eight or ten grains of calomel, the efficacy of the white walnut may be greatly and beneficially increased. As I have stated to you, the medicinal virtues of this bark, are ' confined to the inner bark: and the proper time for getting it in the full possession of its virtues, is about the month of June, because the bark is at this time considerably more % powerful than at other periods. I have used the white walnut in may practice, and always found it among the best purgative medicines pos- 00 490 gunn's domestic medicine. sessed in the Western country, and have very often been surprised that the article is not kept in the family of every farmer in the country. The manner of extracting the vir- tues of this bark is very simple:—It is merely to be boiled in water several hours, then strained and boiled again, until it becomes about as thick as honey. Two, three, or four pills, which it can be made into with a little flour, make a dose of this extract. One or two of these pills taken at bed time, is a valuable remedy in the removal of costive habits of body, which occasions head-aches, colic, &c. &c. By increasing the dose, these pills are good in dysenteries and billious fevers, and will be doubly beneficial, if combi- ned or mixed with a little calomel. RHUBARB. Rhubarb, properly so called, is the root of a plant de- signated by the learned, Reum Palmatum. It is a native of various countries of Europe and Asia, and might be cultivated with perfect ease, perhaps, in every part of the United States. Attempts has been successfully made to introduce the culture of this valuable drug in England; and it appears from authentic accounts, not only that immense quantities of it may be produced there, but that the English root is ful- ly equal to the best Rhubarb obtained from Turkey, or China. The greatest difficuly seems to be in drying it prop- erly. Its cultivation is by no means difficult: it is merely to sow the seed in a light soil in the spring; to transplant the smaller roots the next spring in a light soil, well trench- ed, and set them about three or four feet a part. The third year the plants will produce the flowers: but the roots are not to be raised for use until the fall of the sixth year. This is the whole process of rearing the Rhubarb: a process which I am convinced every American farmer is" fully equal to. The cultivation of this valuable medicine in the United GUNN S DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 491 States, ought to be considered an object of high individual and national importance. That our climate throughout the different States, particularly the Western States, is ful- ly equal to its production, there can be no doubt, as has been fully ascertained by an actual experiment. That it will grow in Tennessee I well know: because it is now flourishing in abundance in the garden of Mr. Woods fifteen miles from Knoxville. The root was ori- ginally purchased by Mrs. Woods, from some drug store in Knoxville, and planted for the purpose of experiment, which has perfectly succeeded.—I mention the fact, in or- der to prove conclusively, with how much ease we might become independent of foreign countries for thousands of medical drugs which are annually draining our country of immense sums of money. Such experiments as that made by Mrs. V/oods, ought to be made by every person who has opportunity and leisure. They are duties the Ameri- can people owe both "to themselves and their country. There are three varieties of Rhubarb found in the drug shops: The Russian, the Turkish, and the East Indian Rhubarb; the two first, the Russian and the Turkish, re- semble each other in quality and appearance, while the East Indian is a somewhat different character. The best Russian and Turkey Rhubarb is in roundish pieces, with a large hole in the middle of them. The East Indi- an or Chines Rhubarb, comes to this country in long flat- ish pieces, seldom if ever, having holes in them. The Turkish Rhubarb is the best, and is generally used in this country. The marks of Rhubarb being of a good quality are, the liveliness of its color when cut: its being firm and solid, but not flinty or hard; its being easily pulverable, which means reducible to powder; and its appearing when pow- dered, of a fine high yellow color; and when chewed, by its imparting to the spittle and tongue, a deep saffron color. Rhubarb is one of the mildest, best, and pleasantest pur- gatives, now in use in this or any other country; because with its purgative power, it is also astringent and strength- 492 GUNN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE. ening, and in this it certainly differs from almost every other purgative of the same class known in medicine. It is su- perior to nearly all other purges for another reason; it may be taken with opium, and act on the bowels as well as if taken without it. This is a vast advantage; because where purging would be connected with great pain, its being combined with opium relieves the pain, while the Rhubarb is left free to do its duty. The operation of Rhubarb is slow- er and milder than any other purges, but it is very certain in its effects, when given in proper doses. It may always be given with innocence and safety, in all cases of extreme weakness, where a purge to open the bowels becomes ne- cessary, and where violent and severe purging would be highly improper.—You will find this medicine very valua- ble and safe, as it always acts with much gentleness in re- lieving the bowels. It is a common and proper purge for children, even at a very early period of life, and in every situation where their bowels become disordered, particu- larly in dysentery or lax, because it leaves the bowels in a favorable state, after removing the offensive matter from them. It is also an excellent purge for grown persons laboring under this complaint. In small, doses, say from two to.six grains, it is excellent for the stomach when la- boring under indigestion, generally called dyspepsia; and must be given in such small doses, so as not to purge, but to act as a tonic or strengthening medicine. There are various ways of giving. Rhubarb; such as in tincture, which means steeping it in any kind of spirits, but the best and most certain method of giving this medi- cine, and obtaining the virtues of it fully, is to give it in fine powder. A dose for a grown person is, from about a scruple or twenty grains, to half a drachm mixed with honey, molasses, or any kind of syrup. The root chewed as tobacco, and swallowing the saliva, or spittle is an inno- cent and efficient way of taking it, for keeping the bowels gently open, particularly with those persons who are sub- ject to habitual costiveness, indigestion, and those long trains of nervous diseases which afflict men and women, gunn's domestic^medicine. 493 who are subject to derangements of their systems from costiveness. In such cases, if they will chew the root of the Rhubarb, it will act as a moderate purge, and gently open their bowels, at the same time, it will act as a tonic or strengthening medicine to tlie stomach, by which they will always obtain relief. INDIAN PHYSIC. This plant is a native of the United States, and as its name imports, was a great favorite among the Indian nations. It is almost every where found in the Western country, inhabiting shady woods, and the rich sides of hills and mountains, from the Lakes of Cannada to the Floridas. The number of stems proceeding from the root of this plant varies considerably: sometimes there is but a single one,and occasionally there are many. The stems are branched above, say about two or three feet from the ground; they are round and commonly of a reddish color. The leaves are of a deep green, long andmointed, and the flower near- ly white. The root of this plant which is all that is used in medicine, is perennial; that is to say it is not destroyed by the frosts of winter. It is composed of several long brown slender shoots, which run out from the bottom of the stem to some distance under the ground. This root possesses many of the virtues of the ipecacuanha, and is much used by the country people as an emetic or puke. Given in the dose of thirty or thirty-five grains in the pow- der, for a grown person, it is an easy, safe, and certain emetic; and if you give it in what are called broken doses, of six or seven grains about every two hours, it will act as a sudorific: in other words, it will produce sweating. If you give it in infusion or weak tea, a handful to a pint of boiling water, of which you may take a small tea cupful every fif- teen or twenty minutes, it will produce vomiting. The ac- tive power of this root, seems to reside exclusively in the 00* 494 gunn's domestic medicine. bark, which in addition to its emetic qualities, probably possesses considerable tonic powers. AMERICAN IPECACUANHA. This singular and very useful plant is exclusively a na- tive of the United States, and may be found in great plenty, in the middle, southern, and western States. It nearly al- ways grows in loose, moist, and sandy soils, and is very of- ten found flourishing in beds of almost pure sand. The leaves of this plant vary so much in shape and color, and in fact the whole plant itself varies so much in its different states, that it is often mistaken by those unacquainted with its habits, for several distinct species of plants. The stems are numerous; they are nearly white below the surface of the earth or sand, and of a reddish color, or a pale green or yel- lowish hue above it. The leaves are opposite to each other, and generally of an oval form; I say generally, be- cause they are sometimes of a long oval, sometimes pointed, and not unfrequently linear. In the month of May, while the plant is in flower, the leaves are very small, but as it advances in age, they become greatly increased in size. The seeds of the flower are only three in number, enclosed in a triangular or three-square capsule, or case. I mention these things particularly because they afford the best possi- ble means of knowing the plant. The root is perennial, in other words, it is not killed by the frosts of winter. It is from three to seven feet in height, and from half an inch to an inch and ahalf in diameter or across, and of a yellowish color; sending off towards its upper part many smaller roots, about the size of small quills. I believe and am sustained in the opinion, by several high authorities, that the American Ipecacuanha, the plant just described to you, is superior in its medicinal properties to any other species known. The root of this plant alone is to be used; if the stems and leaves possess any medicinal virtues, they are yet to be discovered by experiment. It gunn's domestic medicine. 495 is a powerful emetic, both safe and certain in its operation, and is applicable to nearly all cases in which emetics are required. In small doses, of from five to ten or fifteen grains, it is an excellent emetic or puke; but if given in doses of twenty grains, it operates downwards as an ac- tive purge. Larger doses produce in addition to the above effects,—heat, vertigo, which means swimming in the head, and great prostration or loss of strength. Dr. Barton gives us the following experiment on the American Ipecacuanha, which I transcribe for the con- templation of the reader. "A portion of the dried root was finely pulverized, (powdered.) and administered with cau- tion to several patients. I at first, commenced with small doses of three, four and five grains. In these quantities the powder produced nausea—sickness of the stomach, de- termination to the skin—sweating, as small doses of Ip- ecacuanha do. On increasing the number of grains to ten, vomiting was produced, with occasionally an operation on the bowels. Fifteen grains I found sufficient to produce full vomiting in most cases; and in a single instance, having given the powder to an extent of twenty-five grains, I had reason to be alarmed at the violent cathartic—purgative effect which ensued, and continued for fourteen hours, atten- ded with distressing sickness at the stomach. I have tried the American root in various combinations, and can confi- dently assert that, in all the instances it has proved equal, if not superior to the imported Ipecacuanha. It has some advantages which the foreign article does not possess: Its occasional purgative effect is nothing more than what fol- lows the foreign medicine. This view of the subject de- rives peculiar impoitance, from the well known fact, that the imported Ipecacuanha is rarely if ever good, and per- haps seldom genuine." In this plant, or rather root, for that alone is to be used, we see another instance of the bounty of Providence, in furnishing us with an article possessed of great medicin- al virtue, the production of our own soil. And here again I repeat that, we have only to develop the resources of our own country, to becom.% completely independent of lor- 496 gunn's domestic medicine. eign lands for all our useful medical drugs: even Opium, as I shall show you in the proper place, can be made here in sufficient quantities for our own consumption. We are in fact, paying enormous sums annually, for what nature and our own exertions would furnish us. Foreign ipecacuanha adulterated and inferior to our own, is costing us three dol- lars the pound, while we can have our own for nothing. BUTTERFLY WEED. OR PL.ETTRISY KOOT. The Butterfly weed or Pleurisy root, called by the learned Asclepias Tuberosa, is a native of every State in the Amer- ican Union, and abounds particularly in the southern and western States. It flourishes best, and grows to the great- est perfection, in light sandy soils, and is frequently foun 1 under fences, and near old stumps in grain fields. From twenty to thirty stalks, the size of a pipe stem frequently rise from the same root, and stand in almost every direction. These stalks are round and woolly, and of a reddish brown color on the sun-side. The leaves are placed very irregu- larly, and are spear, or tongue shaped, and covered with a fine down on the lower side. The stalks rise from one to two feet in height, and spread to a considerable extent; and at the extremities of the branches are found clusters of small shoots on which are found the flowers when in bloom— which is about the month of July or August. The clusters of shoots from the end of the branches, as also the flowers, resemble those of the common silk weed, for which this plant is sometimes mistaken. There is, howover this difference between them, and it ought to be particularly noticed; the flowers of the silk weed are of a pale purple hue, while those of the butterfly weed are of a beautiful bright orange color, and are succeeded by long slender pods, which contain the t gunn's domestic medicine. 497 seeds. The seeds have a delecate kind of down or silk attached to them. The root of the Butterfly weed is spindle, or carrot sha- ped, of a light brown color on the out side, and white and coarse within. It has long been celebrated in the Southern Atlantic States, and particularly in Virginia and the Caro- linas, not only as a powerful remedy in pleurisy, but in pneu- monic diseases generally: by which I mean diseases of the lungs. This root possesses one remarkable power: given in proper quantities it affects the skin, and produces copious perspiration or sweating, without heating the body. Given in the simple form of a decoction or tea, it often produ- ces sweating, when all other remedies have failed in their effects. The powdered root sometimes acts as a mild pur- gative on the bowels; but it is more particularly, and ines- timably valuable, in producing expectoration, or the throw- ing off of mucus from the throat and lungs; in causing per- spiration or sweating when other remedies failed; and final- ly in reducing obstinate feverish affections. Its efficiency and power in fevers, have been attested by many of the best physicians in the United States. In feverish affections pro- ceeding from inflammation of the lungs, in colds recently ta- ken, and in diseases of the chest generally, this root is an excellent remedy. It is to be given in a strong infusion or tea: say a small tea cupful every two or three hours. Ma- ny families have long resorted to this root as a domestic med- ' icine, to relieve pains in the stomach, indigestion, colic; and so on, and for these reasons call it wind root. Doctors Chap- man and Biglow, whose testimonials alone. in its favor would be sufficient to establish its reputation, for the virtues 1 have ascribed to it, speak in very high terms of the medi- cinal powers of this root. "As a diaphoretic,"—or medicine which sweats, says Dr. Chapman—I think this root is distinguished by great cer- tainty and permanency of operation; andjhas this inestimable property, that it produces its effects—sweating—wdthout much increasing the force of the circulation, raising the heat of the surface,, or creating inquietude or restlessness. On 498 gunn's domestic medicine. these accounts, it is well suited to excite perspiration in the forming stages of most of the inflammatory diseases of win- ter—and is not less useful in the same cases, at more advan- ced periods, after the reduction of the feverish action by bleeding. The common notion of its having a peculiar effi- cacy in pleurisy, I am inclined to believe is not without foundation; for certain it is, that it very much relieves the oppression of the chest in recent catarrh—cold in the head and throat—and promotes perspiration in protracted inflam- mations of the lungs." JALAP. This plant was originally found a native of Mexico, near the celebrated city of Xalapa, from whence it derived its present name Jalap. It has since been discovered growing plentifully near Vera Cruz, and in our own countries of Florida. And, on the authority of Dr. W. P. C. Barton, I take upon myself to assert, that it is also certainly a na- tive of the State of Georgia. The root of this plant alone is used for medical purposes: and when of a good quality, comes to us in slices, which are solid and heavy, and of a dark gray color, having little smell, and scarcely any taste. When swallowed, however, it affects the throat with a warm and pungent sensation. This root is a powerful laxative medicine or purge; its activity resides principly, if not wholly, in the risinous part, which, even when taken in small doses alone, will sometimes gripe severely. The great activity of jalap as a purge, causes it to be much ased in the onset, or com- mencement of bilious fever. Combined with calomel in the proportion of ten grains each, was the purge gener- ally given in Yellow Fever by the great Dr. Rush, of Phil- adelphia, and which caused his students to give him the lu- dicrous nick-name of '■•Old Ten in Ten'' Used as what physicians call a Hydragoque, by which they mean any medicine which will expel water from the cavities of the gunn's domestic medicine. 499 1 ody, the Jalap root is entitled to all the praise that has ev- er been bestowed on it, by the medical profession: yet I am induced to believe, from actual experience, and the prac- tice of other physicians, that it produces a better effect in all dropsical cases, when combined with cremor tartar. Ten grains of Jalap with one drachm of cremor tartar, constitute probably, one of the best medical prescrip- tions ever known, where long continued purging is requi- red in the cure of a complaint. The dose of Jalap when uncombined with any other medicine, is from twenty to thirty and even up to forty grains. Our common May Apple root, has sometimes been called the Jalap of the United States. But I am of the opinion above; that the Jalap of Mexico is a native of the state of Georgia, and probably of all the southern 'States. Perhaps this would be an inquiry worthy of the attention of the lately estab- lished Medical Board of Tennessee, especially if they in- tend to remunerate the country for the privileges granted to them by the Legislature. PRICKLY ASH or TOOTHACHE TREE. The Prickly Ash is a native of the United States, and al- so of the West India Islands, where it sometimes grows to the height of sixteen feet. There are two kinds of Prick- ly Ash in the United States, which I believe possesses the same medicinal powers: one is called the Ash-leaved Zanthroxylum, which grows in the Northern States, and particularly in the States of Pennsylvania and Maryland, and the other is known by the name of the Prickly Yellow Wood, growing abundantly to the South and South-west of the States I have mentioned. The fresh juice obtained from the root of the Prickly Ash, is an excellent remedy in that painful complaint called dry belly-ache. This dis- 500 gunn's domestic medicine. covery, like most others of importance, was the result of accident: it was made by watching a female slave in one of the west India Islands, who collected the root in the woods, and gave two spoonfuls of the juice every two hours, to a negro suffering severely under this colic. The medi- cine caused a profound and composed sleep, for twelve hours, when all sense of pain, and other distressing symp- toms had vanished. The cure was rendered final by giv- ing an infusion of the juice as a diet drink. The most important discovery, however, relating to the Prickly Ash, or Yellow Wood tree, is the following: The juice of the root preserved in spirits of any kind, given in doses of about a wine-glassful, has repeatedly removed the most obstinate epileptic fits. I do not know precisely the manner in which this preparation ought to be managed, but would give it in the dose of a wine-glassful morning and evening. The leaves and rind of the Prickly Ash, or Yellow Wood, in their taste and smell, resemble those of the lemon, and possess a similar volatile oil. The bark has a separate acrid, or hot and biting principle, which it will communicate either to water or spirits of any kind: this acrid or biting principle, however, is not perceived when the bark or liquid is first taken into the mouth; it gradually makes itself known, by a burning sensation on the tongue and fauces, sometimes called the valotine arch, or cavity at the root of the tongue. Chewing a small quantity of the bark, produces a great flow of saliva, or spittle, and is very often used in this way to cure the tooth-ache. The bark of the Prickly Ash has also acquired a con- siderable name as a remedy in chronic rheumatism, by which I mean rheumatism of long standing. Taken in full doses, it produces a sense of heat in the stomach, and a strong tendency to perspiration, or sweating, and conse- quently much relief in rheumatism. The dose is twenty grains of the pounded bark, to be taken three times a day; or you may boil an ounce of the pounded bark in water, and take this tea, or decoction in the course of the twenty- four hours. In the West India Islands this strong decoc- gunn's domestic medicine. 501 tion of the bark is used with great suncess, as a wash for old and foul ulcers, which it always greatly cleanses, and disposes them to heal up. The West India people also mix the pounded bark with what are called the dressings of such old sores. The value of this remedy for old ulcers, is attested by numerous instances of its success, to be found in the London Medical and Physical Journal. INDIAN TURNIP. The Indian Turnip is a native of every part of the U. States: it grows in low rich meadows and woodlands, to the height of from two to three feet, and is too well known to require a very particular description. The leaves are but three in number, of a roundish or oval form: The stalks is of a purple color, and the berries of a bright and beautiful scarlet. In its recent state, that is when first dug up, the root is exceedingly hot, sharp, and biting to the tongue: and on being swallowed, a sharp acrimony is sensibly felt about the fauces, or cavity at the root of the tongue. Of all our American roots, the Indian turnip has the highest reputation in country practice, as a remedy in pulmonary or consumptive complaints: it is also given with considerable success in asthma, and in coughs of long stan- ding.—My own experience has convinced me, that it is among the most valuable of our expectorants, or medi- cines which cause a dislodgement of mucus from the throat and lungs, and that it is a good remedy in croup and hooping cough. The green or recent root, boiled in hog's lard to the consistence of an ointment, has been found very useful in tenea capatis, or scald head, in which I would always recommend its use. When given in con- sumptive complaints, the fresh root should be boiled in sweet milk. When the dried root is to be given, it must be finely grated in sweet milk—one root in half a pint of milk, and well boiled before it is taken. Some acrimony or sharpness should be perceptible to the throat and tongue,: PP 502 GUNNb domestic medicine. the root has probably lost its powers. The ointment I have mentioned above, is valuable also in some diseases of the skin: such as ring-worm, tetter-worm, and so on. WILD CHERRY TREE. This tree is so very common as to require no description. The bark of this tree, or the bark of the root, which is still better, combined with the bark of the dog wood, when em- ployed in the cure of ague and fever, bilious fever, and other diseases where tonic or strengthening medicines are proper, is by no means inferior to the best peruvian bark. Com- bined with Virginia snake root, in the proportion of one part of snake root to four parts of this bark, it is an excel- lent remedy in intermittent fevers of an obstinate character, and long standing. You may either give it in powder, in .he same dose that you would peruvian bark, [See table jf doses.] or you may give it as a tea or decoction. It has dso been found very useful in dyspepsia or indigestion, and a consumption'of the lungs. Infused plentifully in strong 1 ound cider, it will in most cases remove jaundice, es- ecially if preceded by a dose or two of calomel: and a trong decoction of the bark is an excellent wash for old nd ill conditioned ulcers. It is a singular fact, that the eaves of the wild cherry tree will poison cattle: nor is it 3ss singular than true, that the distilled water of the leaves s a powerful poison to most animals. This effect seems to e dependent on the presence of the same poisonous princi- le which exists in peach kernels, and other substances of similar kind, lately shown to the Prussic acid, the streng- st poison known to us. AMERICAN CENTAURY. This is a very elegant little plant, a native of the United ates: and is no less valuable for its medicinal virtues, than gunn's domestic medicine. 503: admired for its simple beauty. The root consisting of a few thick yellow fibres, generally sendsxup but one single stem, which grows from a foot to eighteen inches high: this stem is smooth and foursided, and where the branches shoot off, it has generally two leaves, which grow opppsite to each other: indeed the leaves of every part of the plant grow opposite to each other, and are oval and sharp at the points. The flowers are very numerous growing at the points of the branches, from two to five in number, and are generally of a beautiful pale rose color. This plant is in full flower in the month of July. Every part of this little plant is a pure strong bitter, and parts with its medicinal qualities to both water and spirits, it has no astringent powers. On stomcahs that are weak, it exerts a strengthening influence, and is considerably used in the southern States in intermittent fevers. In fact, by the best practitioners in the Union, it is generally admin- istered in fevers. Dr. Barton says "it was often employed with much benefit in the city of Philadelphia, in 1793, in < certain stages of the yellow fever. On the whole* Centau- ry may"be confidently recommended for its pure bitter, ton- ic, and strengthening virtues. It ought to be taken as a de- coction or tea, and always taken cold: it may be taken in powder, in doses of from ten to twenty grains, but I think not with the same advantage.—In relaxations of the stom- ach, and general debility of the system, mixed with calamus, angelica root, it forms an excellent and strengthening bit- ter.—This root is called by country people Gentry. HOR.SE MINT. Horse Mint grows very abundantly in all parts of the United States, and is so.extremely common as to require no f description. A tea made either-of the green or dried leaves, will stop vomiting or puking,, especially in bilious fevers. It will also act in simple cases,, as a valuable remedy for promoting or bringing on themenses or courses of women, 504 gunn's domestic medicine. when they are obstructed. In this instance it maybe pla- ced on a footing with Rosemary, Pennyroyal, and many other simple herbs. All this, however is well known to every old lady in the country. PEPPERMINT. Peppermint is originally a native of Europe, but it is now cultivated in almost every garden of the United States. The roots of the peppermint should be transplanted every three years, otherwise the plant is apt to degenerate into the flavor of the spearmint. This plant is certainly so com- mon, that a description would be entirely unnecessary. From this plant the oil is distilled, which, when mixed with alcohol dr proof spirits, make the essence of peppermint old in the shops. Peppermint is a warm stimulant to the stomach, and through that medium to the rest of the body, holding a first rank in the list of medicines called carminatioris: which> mean those medicines which dispel or scatter the wind from the stomach and bowels. It is also beneficial in allaying spasmodic affections of the stomach and bowels: removing the sickness of the stomach; dispelling flatulence or wind, and in removing all colicy pains. It is very often beneficial when cramp takes place during the operation of an emetic, or puke. The green leaves stewed in spirits, or hot water, and applied to the pit of the stomach as warm as they can be borne, will often stop puking when some of the best rem- edies fail. GINGER. Ginger is a perennial plant originally found in the East Indies, but at present cultivated in all the West Indian Islands. I think it highly probable, that the ginger would GUNN S DOMESTIC MEDICINE, 505 grow well in all the southern and western States, particu- larly in Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina, In the West India Islands, it is cultivated very much in the manner that we cultivate potatoes in this country, and is fit for diging once in every year. There are two sorts of ginger, the black and the wdiite. The black ginger con- sists of thick and knotty roots, of a yellowish grey color on the outside, and an orange or brown color in the inside. The white ginger is not so thick and knotty as the black, and is internally of a whitish grey or bright yellow color. The white1 is firm and resinous, more pungent or sharp in its taste than the black, and consequently a higher price. Pieces which«are worm eaten, soft, light, and easily broken, you are always to reject. Ginger has a fragrant smell, and a hot, biting, aromatic taste, and is very useful in cold flatulent or windy colics, and in all cases of looseness and weakness of the bowels cr intestines; it does not heat the system so much as the different kinds of pepper, but is much more durable in its effects. Some time since, the powder of ginger, taken in very large doses in sweet milk, was considered a very val- uable'remedy in gout. I have never tried it myself, and therefore cannot say as'to its correctness, but the experi- ment wrould be an innocent one, and is very easily tried. I think it unnecessary to say any thing more on the sub- ject of this root; every old lady in the country, is acquainted with its general character, and medicinal virtues. OPIUM. Without this valuable and essential medicine, it would be next to impossible for a physician to practice his profes- sion, with any considerable degree of success: it may not improperly be called, the monarch of medical powers, the soothing angel of moral and physical pain. PP* 506 GUNN S DOMESTIC MEDICINE. "Charmed with this potent drug, the exalted mind, All sense of woe delivers to the wind: It clears the cloudy front of wrinkled care, And soothes the wounded bosom of despair!" There are two kinds of this drug known in commerce, distinguished by the names of the Turkish and East Indian opium. The Turkish opium is the best: it is considerably solid and compact, possesses some degree of tenacity or stick- iness, and when broken, leaves a shining fracture. It is of a dark brown color: and when first taken into the mouth, produces a nauseous bitter taste, which soon becomes acrid, with some degree of warmth. The best kind of Turkish opium is in flat pieces, and generally covered with leaves used in packing it, and has nearly double the strength of that brought from the East Indies. The East Indian opium is not so solid as the Turkish be- infr sometimes not much thicker than tar, its color much darker, and its taste more nauseous and less bitter. By these distinctions, which are obvious to even tolerable judges, you will easily know the Turkish opium from that of the East Indies. Opium is combined, or in other words mixed, with more medicines for the cure of diseases, than any other drug known to, or used by medical men.-—In every patent med- icine sold in the shops, especially for the relief of pain in diseases, opium forms the principal portion. Bateman's drops and Godfrey's cordial both of which have sustained their characters for near a century, have opium for their bases or principle parts, and they are certainly valuable medicines. Were I to trace back the use of opium as a medicine among mankind, it would probably be found among the Greeks; but the limits of my book will not per- mit me to go minutely into its history; suffice it to say, that this valuable, singular, and astonishing drug, seems capable of changing our very nature to a more exal ted state of being, at the same time that it holds in due and prop- GUNN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 507 er subjection, without imparting it, the rationality of the human mind. Opium is made from the white poppy, which is or can be cultivated in all our gardens: it is probably a native of the warmer parts of Asia. Some attempts have been made to cultivate it extensively in England, but the cli- mate of that country seems to present an insuperable ob- stacle to its being cultivated as a productive object of com- merce. The United States, however, and particularly the more Southern and Western portions of the Union, on the score of climate and soil, present no difficulties in the culti- vation of opium, in amply sufficient abundance for the con- sumption of all our citizens. This is another proof, among several others which I have adduced, evincive of the inde- pendence of our country in the production of important medical drugs, if we will only employ industry and enter- prize; the fact is, that enormous sums of money are yearly expended for opium, which go into the pockets of foreign ers, that we could very easily produce from our own soil. The leaves, stalks, and capsules of the poppy, which cap- sules mean the cases containing the seeds, abound with a milky juice, which must be gathered when the seeds are nearly ripe. The manner of collecting this juice is as follows:—After the sun has gone down, or about the twilight of evening, make several incisions or cuts, lengthways, on the surface, of the capsules or poppy pods. As I have just told you, this is to be done when they are not quite ripe; and is the best performed with a knife made for the purpose, having four or five blades. The milky juice which flows out from these cuts during the night, must be collected the follow- ing day, after a sufficient time has been allowed for the milky fluid to become inspissated or thickened by the heat of the sun. It is now to be collected by a thin iron scra- per, made for the purpose, and put into an earthen vessel. This is the whole secret of opium making, a secret which every man in this country ought to know and profit by, and the ignorance of which has already cost our citi- 508 gunn's domestic medicine. zens millions of money; the price of foreign opium in our eastern cities, much of which is of an inferior quality, is about four dollars the pound. The operation of cutting or scarifying the poppy pods, in the manner 1 have men- tioned,1 may be repeated every evening, or as long as the pods will furnish the milky juice. When a considerable quantity of this juice is collected, you have nothing to do but to work it with a wooden knife or spoon, until it becomes of a proper consistency or thickness, and to enclose it in tlie leaves of the plant itself, or in tobacco leaves. "A paper has lately been read,- in the Harrisburgh Med- ical Society," says the Medical Recorder, "on the cultiva- tion of the poppy, and the manufacture of opium. The author, which is Dr. Webster Lewis, of Lewisburgh, York county Pennsylvania, has transmitted a specimen of his manufacture of opium, equal to the best foreign opium of the shops. After many unsuccessful experiments, he has fallen on a mode of cultivation and preparation, both easy and profitable. The plan will be put in operation in the ensuing season, by several other members of the society, to whom he has presented some of his best seed."' And, with regard to the cultivation of opium in the United States, the following extract of a letter from a gentleman in England, to a citizen in the United States will throw much light on the subject. "Let me entreat you to make an experiment on the cultivation of opium. I caused great increase of this article at Patna; it used to sell at 22.) ru- pees the cake, of 160 pounds: and has been sold for 300 lately. The company sells to the amount, annually I pre- sume, of fifteen millions of rupees, two and six pence sterling, amounting to one million eight hundred and seven- ty-five thousand pounds sterling: / know it can easily be produced in America, and is the best article of com- merce that can be sent to china." If these representa- tions be correct, of which there can be no doubt, the culti- vation of the white poppy, and the manufacture of opium, are not only easily practicable in the United States, but would afford an immense revenue to the citizens as an ar- gunn's domestic medicine. 509 tide of commercial exportation: and the fact is, if the real state of the case were truly known, that we yet remain in comparative ignorance of the multiplied and inexhausta- ble resources of our own country. There is a considerable difference between the effects produced by wine or spirituous liquors, and those produced on the system by opium. The excitement of pleasureable sensations produced by wine or spirits, is acute and power- ful while these sensations last, but they are of extremely short duration. The one is a flame wdiich soon subsides, and leaves nothing but the ashes of self reprehension and bitter reflection behind it; while the other affords a steady, agreeable and permanent glow of pleasure, physical and intellectual, which last from ten to twelve hours. But, the principal distinction between these stimulants of the human system, lies in this: that wine or spirits disorder and con- fuse .the intellectual faculties, while opium in all its forms, if taken in proper quantities, introduces order, harmony and pleasureable serenity among them. Wine or spirits unset- tle and cloud the judgment, and deprive us of our intellect- ual self possession: while opium on the contrary, produce a just equipoise between our intellectual strength and sensi- bilities, arouses all our dormant faculties, and disposes them to harmonious and pleasureable activity: and with regard to the temper, moral energies and physical sensations in gen- eral, opium produces that sort of simple and vital animation, cordial warmth of feeling and sensibility, which we would almost suppose to have accompanied man, in his pri- meval and unfallen state. Wine or spirits if taken to any excess, always lead men to the brink of absurdity and ex- tra vigance, and beyond a certain point, invariably produ- ces a distraction of the mental faculties; while opium, on the contrary, soothes our irritations of feeling, concentrates our intellectual energies, and robs pain and misfortune of their stings. This however, is but one side of the picture. Opium, as I have already told you, although a very valua- ble medicine in many diseases, and also always producing those agreeable sensations I have attempted to describe,. 510 gunn's domestic medicine. when used to any considerable excess, especially if per- sisted in,~has many disadvantages and miseries attending it. It is used by the Turks to great excess, because all wines and spirituous liquors are prohibited by the Mahomedan creed. Opium if habitually taken, in other words, when it is made use of as a stimulant or luxury, and not as medi- cine, affects the physical system in a terrible manner, and produces the same sufferings as those which arise from in- toxicating liquors. When the pleasureable effects I have before described begin to cease, or the effects of the opium begin to die in the system, the feelings are as agonizing and dreadful as can possibly be conceived: the mind be- comes weak, irresolute, heavy, dull, and languid, and the body averse to activity or motion of any kind, is not only disposed to sleep, but seems little affected by objects of pur- suit which usually put it in motion. If the dose of opium has been very considerable, all these symptoms seem to in- crease, until tremors, convulsions, vertigo, stupor, insensi- bility, and total depravation of muscular strength succeed— when death usually closes the scene. All these symptoms appear singly or combined, in proportion to the comparative moderation or excess of the dose, and the peculiarities of the constitution of the person. Therefore, use not this drug, but as intended by the great Father of the Universe, the universal parent of mankind; because used as a medicine alone, it is an invaluable blessing, in the relief of pain and suffering, and in soothing and tranquilizing the system, with balmy and, refreshing slumbers. ^Having under the head of each disease, mentioned par- ticularly when it was necessary to make use of opium, or laudanum, which is nothing more than opium dissolved or steeped in any kind of spirits, for which look under the head Laudanum, I shall now close these remarks. Opium and laudanum, which are the same things in substance and effect, are always efficient in mitigating or subduing pain, in overcoming spasm or cramp; in fact they arc the chief means employed by physicians in these cases.. I have now as fully as the limits of my book will allow: described to you gunn's domestic medicine. 511 this great and effective medicine, which is valuable, and pow- erful, if properly used, innocent. In a small dose it acts as a stimulant; in a moderate dose it eases pain and procures sleep, and in an over dose, when the person is not in the habit of using it, the consequences will always be fatal. It is therefore evident, that this medicine should be used with great judgment and discretion. The average dose of opi- um is about one grain: and the dose of laudanum for a grown person, is about from twenty-five to thirty-five drops, in a little cold water. For a child about the period of birth, the dose of laudanum is half a drop; but the table of medi- cines to which you will please refer, will explain the doses of both opium and laudanum for all ages. EXTRACT OF GARDEN LETTUCE. This extract which produces the same effect as opium, -as discovered by John Redman Cox, Professor of the med- ial College of Philadelphia and published by him in the merican Philosophical Societie's transactions, in the year 806. ^he extract of our garden lettuce, which is the milky nice-of this plant, is a valuable substitute for opium, and :an always be procured and kept for use, by every family in the United States, with the least possible troubled. It has the power of allaying pain, of producing sleep, of diminish- ing the too frequent action of the heart, and of repressing the inordinate heat of the system, without producing those un- pleasant effects which are sometimes felt, by persons whose constitutions cannot bear the stimulous produced by the opi- um obtained from the Poppy. It always allays or quiets cough, and in this particular respect, it will always be found a most valuable substitute for opium. Garden lettuce is so common a vegetable, and so constantly used at our tables, that it may excite some surprise in my reader, that it should produce so valuable and powerful a drug as opium: but such is the fact. And here I may go a step further, and 513 gunn's DOMESTIC MEDICINE. by no means exceed the bounds of truth by asserting that it is even superior to the imported opium. This is another plain proof, that the Creator has in his bountiful providence, bestowed on us a plant which is not only a succulent and nourishing food, but one which in the hours of pain and affliction, will soothe the pains of our suffering systems, and in sweet oblivion steal upon our senses, until the leaden wings of sleep render us unconscious of the cares of life. If you will recollect, there are two kinds of lettuce culti- vated in our gardens; one is the common lettuce and the other is the ice lettuce, both of which yield opium producing the same effects on the human system. The ice lettuce, however is the best, and yields the greatest quantity of milky juice. The following is the simple method of preparing this juice for medical uses. Take the leaves and stalks of the ice lettuce—and if you have not this kind you may use the other—when the plants are nearly ready to flower. Bruise them well in a mortar, and put them in a bag made of hemp: then press them strongly until they yield their juice. This juice is then to be evaporated in flat vessels, heated with boiling water; and the evaporation is to be kept up, until the milky juice of the lettuce is reduced to' the consistence or thickness of honey. Twelve pounds of the stalks and leaves of the lettuce plant, of either kind, will yield about eight or nine ounces of opium. This is the whole secret of making opium from the lettuce, which every far- mer in the country ought to know and practice. PEACH TREE. This valuable tree affords us not only a most delightful fruit, but its leaves, flowers, and gum, possess the most active and important medicinal virtues. I have also been informed, but never tried the experiment, that the bark of the Peach tree contains very active powers as a purge. The leaves and blossoms purge the bowels freely, and without the least griping, when taken as a strong tea, in GUNN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 513 doses of a tea spoonful every hour: and they also act as a mild purgative when taken as a syrUp, prepared by boiling slowly their juice, with an equal quantity of honey, sugar or molasses, and given to children in doses of a table spoon- ful, and to grown persons in doses of a wine or stem glass- ful. The leaves or flowers, or both made into a strong tea, and a gill taken every hour until it operates well on the stomach, bowels and skin, which it will do—puke, purge and sweat the patient, has very often relieved persons in the country when attacked by bilious fever. This medicine however, is to be taken for several days in such cases of fever, or until relief is obtained. I have been informed from respectable authority, that the bark of the Peach tree is valuable, both as a puke and a purge: and I well know from experience, that the gum of this tree will answer all the purposes of gum Arabic, which is an imported arti- cle, frequently mentioned in this book. CASTOR oil, AND HOW TO MAKE IT. This Oil, which is essential to the preservation of health in every family, is made from the seed of a plant called Palma Christi, which is a native of most countries lying within the tropics, and will grow and flourish in all tempe- rate latitudes. In the process of manufacturing's oil, the outer coat or covering of the seed or been, must first be taken off: in the next place, you must bruise them in con- siderable quantities, and afterwards subject what may be called the prumice, to a pressure sufficient to throw out the oil. The oil thus expressed, is called cola expressed oil, and is by far the best. That extracted by boiling the bruised seeds in water; another process of preparing it, is more nauseous, of a much darker color, more easily becoming- rancid or stinking, much more disagreeable to take, and more active in its operation on the system. 514 |gunn's domestic medicine. ^ The Palma Christi will grow in any climate or soil in the United States: it rises to about ten or twelve feet in height, and is usually about the size of a common corn stalk, having very large and beautiful spreading leaves: Wheth- er you extract the oil cold, or employ boiling water in the process, you must first collect the branches having the ripe seed on them, and expose them to the sun until perfectly dry. Then lay them on a scaffold or floor, and beat them with a light flail, to separate the hull or shell from the seed, after which to dislodge every particle of shell, you may pound them gently in a wooden mortar. Take care that you get all the covering off the seeds: because there is an acrid skin, which if intermixed with the oil, sometimes makes it operate as a puke, and always as a drastic or gri- ping purge. It is not improbable that the oil obtained by boiling, is saturated or filled with the properties of this skin, which forms another of my objection to boiling the seed. If you prefer however, to extract the oil by boiling, you must put the seed divested of their covering, in a vessel of boiling water; in about twenty minutes a dirty scum will rise, which must betaken entirely off. The clear oil will then rise, which must be put into a vessel without water, and kept warm by a slow fire, taking care that it does not arrive at a boiling heat. As soon as it becomes clear and transparent from taking off the scum which arises, and which will make an inferior kind of oil, you must put the clear oil, when cold, into clean bottles and cork them well. The kind of palma christi which produces the finest oil, is the species of which the stalk is of a pink color. I neglected to mention in the proper place, that the quantity of water in the first vessel used, should be three measures to one of seed, which should be frequently stirred to prevent any por- tion from sticking to the sides and bottom of the vessel, would give the oil a burnt taste; you must also be careful that it does not boil over. The dose for a grown person is two table spoonfuls, for an infant, a tea spoonful, even at birth. gunn's domestic medicine. 515 directions for preserving" ROOTS, HERBS, FLOWERS AND BARKS. Roots which are annual, or grow and die yearly, should be collected before they shootout their stalks or flowers: roots which are biennial, or which live and grow two years, should be collected in the harvest of the first year, or in the spring of the second year; perennial roots, or those which survive the frosts of winter, should be gathered be- fore the sap has begun to mount, or after it has returned to the root. When a root is worm eaten, or otherwise decay- ed, you are always to reject or refuse it: the medicinal vir- tues of such a root are destroyed. You are now with a brush and some cold water, to cleanse the roots newdy dug up, and to let them remain in the wrater as short a time as possible; after which you are to cut the small and Useless fibres or strings from them, if there be any. and carefully to dry them in a moderate heat. Roots which consist wholly of fibres or strings, of which there are several kinds, the black or Virginia snake root for instance, are to be dried as soon as possible by a regu- lar and moderate heat. But should the root be aromatic, which means spicy and fragrant, like ginger for instance, you are to dry it in a cool airy dry situation, turning it frequently in order that it may retain its virtues and fra- grance. If roots that you obtain are thick and strong, you are to split them in thin pieces, and string them on a cord or twine so as to admit the air freely to them in drying; if they are covered, which is sometimes the case with a thick tough bark, peel them while fresh and dry them. Some roots are apt to loose their virtues by drying; when this is the case, you have nothing to do but to keep them buried in dry sand, which will preserve them in such a manner that they will always be fit for use. Herbs and Flowers are always to be gathered in dry weather, and not until the dew is off. They are then to be dried in as short a time as possible, by the gentle heat of a 516 gunn's domestic medicine. stove or fire: for by this speedy method of drying, the herbs and flowers retain their virtues, which are usually destroyed by the common method of drying them in the open air, and in the shade. When herbs and flowers re- tain their virtues, they generally also retain much of their natural color. Barks and Woods, for medicinal uses, are to be gather- ed in the spring or in autumn, and from the youngest and most vigorous trees, because their most active and power- ful virtues are at those periods residing in them. If they are of the resinous kind, by which I mean rosinous merely, they are to be gathered in the spring; but if they are of a gumy nature, you must always gather them in the fall, or au- tumn. You are to recollect distinctly, that all decayed and injured parts of any of the articles 1 have mentioned, are to be entirely rejected. Persons are very frequently disappointed in the medicinal effects of roots, herbs, barks, • when this quantity is to be used, it ought to be administered RR I 526 gunn's domestic medicine. under the direction of a physician, and never but in extreme cases, and as the last alternative. 1 shall here mention a remedy for colic, which has lately been discovered, and which is said to give immediate relief. Give by the mouth, fifteen grains of calomel and two grains of tartar emetic, which you are to mix with honey, molasses or any kind of syrup. In common,cases of constipation, wffien the bowels are not easily moved so as to produce a stool; or in colic, ari- sing from indigestion,'or from having taken some improper food in the stomach, or from having gone some time with- out a passage, if you wish to hasten the operation of a ' purge, or if the stomach is too weak to bear one, all that is required is a simple laxative glyster, made of two table spoonfuls of castor oil, or sweet oil mixed with the same quantity of molasses, and put into about a pint of pleasant- ly warm water, to wdiich you may add a table spoonful of common salt, if you wish the clyster somewhat stimulating. This is a simple and innocent clyster, requiring nothing for its administration but the instrument for injecting it into the bowels, which will hereafter be described, with the meth- od of making clysters, either simple or more active, as the complaint may require. Glysters are frequently used in dysentery or flux, to soothe and quiet, the bowels, relieve the pain, and restrain the too great frequency of the stools. In these cases, the clysters are to be mixed with -some laudanum, and some mucilage, such as slippery elm tea. I have mentioned these things under their proper heads, and in such com- plaints as require their use: [See under the heads Colic, Choleramorbus, and Dysentery,] together with many other cases in which glysters are used. There are many persons, both men and women w ho are constitutionally subject to costiveness: by which I mean being bound in their bowels as that they cannot have their regular stools. This costiveness arises from a variety of causes: such as diseased liver, indigestion, torpor of the bowels, and from improper food being taken into the stom- gunn's domestic medi ine.: • 527 ach and bowels, and always produce spasms or colic pains: for remember this, that whenever your stomach and bowels are disordered, you will rbecome costive, your head will be confused and otherwise distressed, your spirits will become low and dejected, and the whole train of hypochondriacal feelings and sensations will haunt you. All these last symp- toms can easily be relieved, by a simple glyster, made of queal quantities of milk and water, and thrown up the bowels: for by this your bowels wdll be relieved of their load, which always produces irritation, and your mind and feelings soon-experience an agreeable change. Yrou who are always taking medicines to keep your bowels, open, and whose, stomachs are becoming exhausted and worn out by medical drugs, let me advise and entreat you as a friend and physician, who has witnessed throughout France the great and surprising benefits arising from this simple ope- ration, to abandon the idea of constantly taking medicines. Your good sense must teach you, if you will give your- selves time for reflection, that they must and will eventual- ly destroy the coats of the stomach, and vitally impair its powers; and that when you do really require medicines to subdue disease, your systems will have become so habitu- ated to them as to require tremendous doses, or st> complete- ly worn down by their constant use, as to produce ho effect. In France, there is scarcely a family unprovided with an instrument for glystering, which is always used when there is the slightest obstruction or costiveness of the bow- els. These people mostly use a simple clyster of milk and water, and sometimes water alone: in summer they use cold water, and in winter, water pleasantly warm. It v is to the warm bath, and to the common use of clyster.-, ■f'f, that are to be attributed'in a great degree, the cheerful dispositions, the uniform health, and the practical philosophy with when these people bear the hardships and misfortunes of life: infact, if you take from a French Physician the warm bath and glyster pipe, he cannot practice medicine with any kind of success. The importance of glysters, both in the hands of physicians and families, has become 528 gunn's domestic medicine. so well known, and is now so highly valued, as to call forth the commendations of the most eminent physicians of both Europe and America. The old plan of administering clysters was by an assist- ant; it was both inconvenient and indclecale, and has been measureably superceded, except in cases of infancy and extreme weakness, by a new and valuable invention, called a self-pipe. The common method of using the old glyster pipe, is as follows:—You are to take a beef or hog's bladder, which has been blown up and suffered to dry; and after incerting and fastening a short hollow reed, or a quill in it, cut off at both ends of the barrel, you are to put the glyster itself in the bladder. The end of the reed or quill, or end of the glyster pipe of the shops, if you use one, is now to be covered with some oil or lard, and gently put up the fundament about an inch, by an assistant, and the sides of the bladder squeezed together gradually, so as to throw its contents as far as possible up the bowels: but a full description of the particular mode of glysteringe in this way, will be given in the sequel or conclusion. The new invention consists of a pewter syring or pipe, called a self-pipe: the meaning of which is, a pipe that can be used without an assistant. It is so constructed as to be used by yourself, or by an assistant if you are so weak as to require one. The pewter syringe holds nearly a quart, and by a screw, a long pipe is connected to the syr- inge which holds the glyster itself. All that is required is to put the small tube in the fundament, and gradually to bear on the handle of the syringe, which, as you bear down steadily, throw the glyster up the bowels. The force with which the glyster is thrown up the bowels, depends on the pressure on the handle of the pipe. YTou are to recol- lect that force, unless it be very gently and steady, is never to be used; all you have to do, is to press gradually on the handle of the syringe, by which yon will feel the distention of the bowels as the glyster is thrown up. When the glys- ter is to be thrown up by an assistant, the long pipe or tube is to be unscrewed, and a shorter one made for the purpose GUNNS DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 529 and screwed on, which is to be used as a common squirt, on which principle it acts. One o f these pipes may be pur- chased at any drug shop, for about two dollars: and I trust from the great advantages to be derived from this valuable instrument, which in very many instances has even saved life, that no family in this country will be long without one. I shall now state the manner of administering a glyster, in such a way as that it may be understood by any person possessed of the least judgment. In giving a glyster by an assistant, the patient is to be laid on the edge of the bed, with"the bottom a little over the edge, and the knees drawn up near the belly. The clyster pipe is then to be taken, the finger placed before it to keep in the contents, and applied to the fundament. On pushing in the pipe, the finger is to be taken away. The pipe is to be pushed up very gently, the operator's hand near the thighs, a little backwards toward the . backbone, and then the contents are to be forced out, by gently push- ing the handle of the syringe with one hand, while with the other the syringe is firmly held; or if a bladder and pipe are used, there is nothing to do but to introduce the pipe into the fundament, as just described, and to gradually and gently squeeze the bladder, so as to empty the contents into the bowels. Glystering is one of the most power- ful, innocent, mild and beneficial remedies known in the science and practice of medicine. FRICTION. Friction, in medicine, means the act of rubbing a diseased part with a soft brush, a course linen cloth, or with flannel, or by rubbing into the body or diseased part, oils, ungents, and other matters, in order to ease, relieve, and cure them. This exercise, or rubbing contributes remarkably to the health, particularly of sedentary persons: for it excites and kindles the natural warmth, diverts defluxions, promotes perspiration, opens the pores, and tends to dissipate stagnant RR* 530 gunn's domestic medicine. humors. This operation is also particularly beneficial to the nervous, debilitated, and studious—being a useful sub- stitute for other exercises. Hence I recommend to such individuals to spend half an hour every morning and evening, in rubbing their whole bodies, especially their limbs, with the brush or flannel. It ought, however, to be observed, that this practice will be of the greatest service when the stomach and bowels are empty. Lastly, I venture to assert that, the most important purposes to which friction may be rendered subservient in the animal economy, have hitherto been almost entirely neglected: I am convinced, from expe- rience, that medicated frictions, or the introduction of the most active medicines into the human system, by rubbing them in properly on the surface of the body, is attended with the most happy effects, especially in all chronic diseases. Common sense appears to have long since pointed out this excellent method of administering medicines, even to the Indian savages, though it is little practiced in the United States, where the stomach is doomed to be the field of bat- tle, for deciding commotions and irregularities in our com- plicated frame. But who is hardy enough to maintain that, the digestive organs was by nature destined to become the exclusive vehicle of drugs, and to serve as their common laboratory? FLANNEL. A kind of light porous woolen stuff, woven on a loom with two treadles in the manner of baize. This is unquestionably, one of the most useful articles of wearing apparel, and it is much to be regretted, thatit is not more generally worn; as we are fully persuaded, that it would be the means of preventing many diseases. The principal objection to the wearing of flannel ap- pears to be, that it irritates the skin, and occasions disagree- able sensations: these, however, continue only for a few days, and the subsequent advantages thence resulting, amply com- pensate for such temporary uneasiness. Both young and gunn's domestic medicine. 581 aged would derive from it equal advantages. I do not, how- ever, mean to insinuate that flannel next the skin should be universally and indiscriminately worn by infants and young persons; though it is an ill founded assertion of its adversa- ries, that it has a tendency to produce eruptions, as it evi- dently opens the pores, promotes perspiration, and thus re- moves the principal cause of cutaneous diseases, that origin- ate from an obstructed and irregular state of the skin. There are, however, certain cases in which flannel cannot, with strict propriety, be used as an under dress. In order to en- able the reader to ascertain whether its constant use be advisable or not, I shall point out the leading circumstances which may, in this respect influence his determination. It is a salutary dress to all those, in general, who have passed the meridian of life, or the 35th year of their age. though they should not have been accustomed to it from their infan- cy, to persons of a cold and phlegmatic habit, or leading a sedentary life, to such as are subject to fits of the gout, rheumatism, frequent colds and catarrhs: to individuals ve- ry susceptible of impressions connected with the vicissi- tudes of air, weather and climate; as well as to nervous pa- tients, and those who have recently recovered from severe chronical diseases. On the contrary, the wearing of flannel next the skin may be injurious to constitutions so organized that they are liable to profuse perspiration on taking even moderate exercise: or to those who are already afflicted with scorbutic or other eruptions of the skin; or lastly, to all such whimsical and irritable persons as possess neither bodily nor inental vigor sufficient to overcome the first un- easy sensations which it occasions. But I am fully war- ranted to assert, from daily experience, that the habitual use of this beneficent texture, has essentially contributed to the recovery of numberless ricketty children, not less than to the saving of others who were born of feeble, and enervated parents. In short, there is every reason to believe that, a more general adoption of this cloth might prevent many fa- tal inflamations of the throat, breast, lungs, &c. to which the poorer class of people are remarkably liable, and thus pre- 532 gunn's domestic medicine. serve the lives of multitudes who are constantly becoming a prey to our damp and changeable climate. ISSUES. Issues are small ulcers or sores, formed by artificial means, in various parts of the body, for the purpose of procu- ring discharges of matter, considered beneficial in many diseases. They were formerly considered merely as drains, to carry off noxious or foul humors from the blood, and were therefore opened as near the affected part as practica- ble. But, as it is now well known that they produce bene- fit, as well by sympathy as by acting as a drain, they are usually placed where they will be the least dangerous and inconvenient. The most proper parts to place them in, are between the ribs: on either side of the back bone; in the hollow above the inner side of the knee; in the outer and fore parts of the shoulder; in the nape of the neck; in fact, wherever there is cellular substance enough for the entire protection of the parts underneath. They must never be placed near any blood vessel of a large size: nor over a ten- don or thinly covered bone; nor over what is called the bel- ly of a muscle. There are three kinds of them; the seaton or cord, the pea or pepper issue, and the blister issue. When you take offa blister, and wish to convert the sore into an issue, a discharge of matter can easi'y be kept up for any length of time, by dressing the part once a day with any ointment mixed with a little powdered Spanish flies. If the discharge is too small, put a little more of the Span- ish flies into it; and if too large, put a little less into the oint- ment, or desist from using the ointment for a few days, un- til the discharge be sufficiently diminished. This is called the blister issue. When you want what is called the pea or pepper issue, you must make an incision, or cut with a lancet, large enough to admit one or more peas or grains of pepper, or any thing else that will keep the sore running. When this opening is made with a lancet, or any other sharp instrument, the cu.vn's domestic medicine. 533 skin must be pressed or pinched up together, and the cut made of sufficient size to admit the substance to be put into it. The employment of caustic, however is the best mode of opening-an issue: This caustic is the lapis infurnalis of the drug shops. The caustic must be made into a kind of paste, with a little soft soap or water. You are then to put on an adhesive or sticking plaster,, with a hole in the middle of it; and in this hole on the skin you are to spread the caustic paste, and cover it with another sticking plaster, to keep the paste from spreading. In four days the place will become sore, and separate so as to admit whatever you may choose to place in it, for the purpose of keeping it run- ning. The seaton or cord issue, is always made when a large quantity of matter is required to be discharged: it is fre- quently put in the back of the neck, for diseases of the head and eyes, and between the ribs for complaints of the breast. The cord which is to be introduced, ought to be of cotton or silk threads, either not twisted together or very loosely twisted. A part of the cord must then be besmeared and smoothed with some kind of ointment, and passed through the eye of the seaton needle, and the needle fairly passed through the skin and part of the flesh, leaving a few inches of the cord hanging out on each side, to be mQved backward >-.nd forward every day, for the purpose of jkeeping it run- in ng. THE 'MALE CATHETER. This instrument is used for drawing the water from the bladders of males, whenever there are obstructions to its natural flow from the body, arising from gravel and stone, or any other causes. The male catheter is sometimes made of elastic gum, and sometimes of silver: it is about nine in- ches in length, and hollow from the but nearly to the point, which is rounded and smooth, and about the average thick- ness of a large rye straw. It is slighthr and evenly curved 581 gunn's domestic medicine. about an inch, and has an oval opening, or hole near the point, on one of the sides.—Being hollow and open at the out end, it has a handle which is fixed to a common sized wire, bent to fit the curve of the hollowed gum or piece of silver.—This is the Catheter so often used in'the obstruc- tions of the urinary organs. Directions for using this Catheter.—When you are about using this instrument, the curved wire which is attached to the handle, is to be pushed fully into the gum elastic, or silver case, where it is to remain until you have introduced the point of the instrument into the bladder. You are now to take the penis of the patient near the head, between the thumb and fore-finger of your left hand; he ought to be ly- ing on his back, on the edge of the bed, and you standing beside him. You are next to introduce the point of the Ca- theter well rubbed with sweet oil, into the urinary passage called the urethra, with the convex side of the instrument towards the knees of the patient; and while you are gently pushing the catheter down the passage of the bladder, you are to endeavor to draw up the penis on it. When you first introduce it, the handle of the catheter will of course be near the belly of the patient; but as the instrument descends the handle will be thrown further off, until the point enters the bladder; you will know when this is the case on drawing out the wire, by the flow of the urine.—If you cannot suc- ceed while the patient is on his back on the floor, while his legs and thighs are held up by an assistant. If this po- sition, will not answer, place him again on his back, and when you have got the catheter as far in as it will go, rub your fore-finger well with oil, and introduce it into the- fundament: then endeavor to push the point of the catheter upwards with your finger, while you still press it forward with the other hand. Force is never to be used: vary your position as frequently as you please, and let the patient va- ry his; but always remember that you are to succeed by humoring the instrument, and not by force and'violence. gunn's domestic medicine. 535 THE FEMALE CATHETER. This„ instrument is made, like the male Catheter, of elas- tic gum or silver: it is hollow, six or seven inches in length, and about the thickness of the male Catheter. Like the male instrument, it has a handle, and a wire to fit the tube, which is rounded and smooth at the point. From the open or handle end, the tube is nearly straight for three inches; here it curves gently, first downward and then upward, a- lout half an inch. Like the male Catheter, where the end of the tube is introduced into the bladder, the wire is to be withdrawn, in order that the urine may flow off. The operation of using the female Catheter is so perfectly simple, and attended with so little danger, that every female ought to understand and be able to practice it: first, because she can always operate on herself when necessary, and se- cond, because if a Physician is to be sent for in every case of necessity for the operation, and he should reside at a distance, the delay might often be dangerous and fatal. You will please to recollect, that under the head, outward parts of female generation, I have been very particular, and perhaps it may be thought by many, too plain and explicit, in my description of those portions of the female system: which modesty usually conceals and forbids us to name, in treating on this subject of the use of the catheter, how- ever, it will be easily seen, that without thoroughly under- standing those parts, the relief of many diseases connec- ted with the urinary organs would be impossible. And, besides, by explaining those parts fully, to which refence may always be had, females will always be enabled to re- lieve themselves, without an indecent and mortifying expo- sure of their persons to males who act as physicians. Immediately under the clitoris, which I have before de- scribed, you will find, on close examination, a small orifice or opening: this is the lower end of the canal which leads to the bladder, and is only from two to three inches in length. Into this orifice you are to introduce the end of 538 gunn's domestic medicine. the Catheter, after rubbing it well with oil; you are then to push it gently inward and upward, without any force or violence, until the end has reached the bladder, when you must draw out the wire affixed to the handle, and the urine will flow off through the tube into any vessel prepared to receive it. This is the whole secret of using the Female Catheter, for a want of the knowledge of which, thousands of females have been compelled to submit to an exposure of their persons, and thousands more have lost their lives. where assistance could not be obtained. By a little atten- tion to this subject, female friends, or even female servants, could easily give the required assistance.—By retaining the urine any length of time, the consequences are always dan- gerous^ and very often fatal; because the stoppage frequent- ly terminates in inflammation of the bladder. In a state of pregnancy particularly, the retention of the urine is highly dangerous: it not only displaces the womb, but often cau- ses death. Therefore I advise you, in the slightest obstruc- tions, of this kind, always to send for a physician before it fee too late. DISPENSATORY OR CLASSIFICATION OF MEDICINE. ■ iiii8g8».— i The medicines required for common and useful purposes, are very few in number, compared with the hundreds you see displayed in Doctor's shops for mere show, or be- cause they possess some simple and innocent virtues. I as- sert it without fear of contradiction, that more than one half of the medicines now in use, could be very easily dispensed with, and not the least inconvenience be felt for the want of them. When you see an extensive drug store, filled with drugs, tinctures, essences, &c. &C. &c, it ought always to remind you of a dinner table, covered with man}' unneces- sary dishes, where two of the substantial ones, properly cooked, would answer the same purpose. This hint will be sufficient to surprize you, that there are many different med- icines which produce the same effects on the human sys- tem, and consequently that there are a great many which are absolutely useless; and the choice of which, even by physicians, depends not so much on the characteristics or nature of the disease, as on the particular caprice or par- tiality of the physician himself. Under the head of each disease, I have mentioned the principle medicines now in use to effect the cure, and also those which are held in the highest estimation by the most distinguished medical men. But as the classification of several that may be useful and possibly may have been omitted, may he useful to those who have but a limited rano-e of selection, I shall proceed to classify and describe them, as minutely as my limits will admit. You will recollect that when you are in the habit of ta- king medicine often, or any particular medicine frequently, SS 538 gunn's domestic medicine. your system will become so habituated to the effects, that larger and more increased doses will be required to pro- duce the usual effects. This doctrine is proved to you, by those who have long been accustomed to the use of opium, spirits or even tobacco. Man is the creature of habit, and can easily bring his system to bear, by slow degress, medical drugs which would in the first instance produce death. By this rule you are to remember, that in giving medicine, you are to vary it in larger or smaller d.ises, ac- cording to the strength or weakness of the patient, as your good sense and discretion may dictate. What would at times only act as a good purge, would in other cases, and where the patient is weakly and delecate, be productive of fatal consequences. Therefore, always take the constitu- tion, the state or condition of the person, and the-parlicular character of the disease into consideration before you ad- minister medicines. ■ . ' ' EMETICS OR PUKES. ■ ■ These are medicines which on being received into the stomach, produce vomiting or puking. They are called emetics by physicians, and are given in a great variety of eases, which you will see enumerated in the body of this work. Their operation will always be increased, and rendered much easier by drinking milk, or blood-warm water in considerable quantities after the first operation. Ipecacuanha-.—This is the mildest of pukes; the dose for a grown person, is from fifteen to twenty grains dissolved ■n warm water, say five or six spoonfuls: give one spoonful every ten minutes' until it operates.- Tartar Emetic.—This is my favorite puke; you will always find it of superior efficacy in bilious fevers. It is the mostgeneraUy used by physicians in producing full and copious vomiting or puking. A dose for a grown person is from five to six grains, which you are to dissolve in fve or six table spoonfuls of warm water, and one. table gunn's domestic medicine. 539 spoonful of which you are to take every ten minutes until it operates. Antimonial Win—This is nothing more than Tartar Emetic dissolved in wine. The dose is two or three tea spoonfuls given every ten or fifteen minutes until it operates. Antimonial Wine is made as follows:—just dissolve fortv irrains of emetic tartar into a large wine glass of warm water, which is about two ounces of water. After the emetic tartar is dissolved, add to this water about half a pint of Teneriffe wine, after standing a few hours it will be fit for use. In cases where an emetic or puke is necessary f< r child- ren, antimonial wine is nearly always given to them, and that too at a very early age. I have never hesitated, when necessary to give' to children when first born, to relieve difficult respiration or breathing, wdiere there was an accu- mulation of phlegm. The dose in such cases- ought net to be more than one or two drops; this medicine however, is so much oftener given to children of more advanced age. At any period under one year of age, and over four months, the dose when intended to produce vomiting, is from five to ten drops, according to the necessities of the case, which is to be repeated at short intervals of time, until the effect is produced. But in the dangerous disease call- ed croup, and I wish you particularly to recollect this, a larger quantity of antimonial wine should be given, because there is in this disease a great insensibility to the operation of emetic:-;. In an attack of croup, therefore, you need not be afraid to give a child six months old, from twenty- five to thirty drops every fifteen minutes. White Vitriol.—Of all the emetics or pukes known in medicine, this is the quickest in its operation, and ought always to be given .in cases which require an immediate evacuation of the stomach: these ca«es are generally those in which poisons have been swallowed.—The dose is from twenty to thirty grains in a cup of warm water: this med- icine is called by physicians sulphat of ziuk. The connexion of the stomach with every part of the 510 gunn's domestic medicine. body, and the great power it exercises over all portions of the system, and particularly over, the brain, have been fully explained to you: the fact is as I have before stated, that I consider the brain as the father, and the stomach as the mother of the system. In consequence of the very close connexion between the stomach and the head, emetics or pukes act as powerful and valuable remedies, in all dis- eases connected with the brain and its dependencies. They not only relieve the stomach, by discharging its acrid, viti- ated, and sometimes oppressive contents; but they at the same time, promote the secretion and evacuation of bile. They also, and that powerfully,, promote a determination to the surface, by which I mean perspiration or sweating; the fact is, that a moisture can be produced on the skin, either hy vomiting or puking, or by-the mere nausea or'sickness of tlie stomach, arising from emetics given in proper do- *••:-. I have not space here to enumerate all the advanta- ges arising from emetics: they will be found under the differ- ent heads of diseases, as treated in this work. I will now give you some directions as to the administra- tion of emetics, in particular cases and states of the system. If the person to whom you wish to give a puke, is of a full and fat habit of body, with a short neck, and a great deter- mination of blood to the head you'should draw some blood from the arm before giving the puke. By doing this you will render the puking easy and copious, and prevent all danger of apoplexy from too great a determination of blood to the head of the patient. Doctor Chapman one of the Professors of the Medical School of Philadelphia, states explicitly, and in strong terms, that many lives have been endangered, and some actually sacrificed for want of this necessary precaution of bleeding. In all cases where the necessity for a puke is urgent, and especially where poi- sons have been swallowed, give a full dose of emetic med- icine at once; but in common cases you may give an emet- ic in broken doses as I have directed; this will prevent too great violence in the operation.. You should if convenient, always give an emetic on an gunn's domestic medicine. 541 empty stomach, and in the morning; because at this time, it will always act with greater certainty and effect, and with much less distress to the patient. When you find that an emetic acts too severely, and ycu wish to check the ope- ration, give from twenty to thirty drops of laudanum in a little toddy, and apply cloths wrung out of warm water to the pit of the stomach: or you may apply stewed garden mint to the stomach; or drink thin chicken soup, with some salt in it, so as to turn the operation downward. -If these measures fail, give a glyster, in which you are to put 'double the quantity of laudanum usually given by the mouth: and if this also fails, put a large blister over the pit of the stomach, and poultices to the feet, made of pounded mus- tard seed, corn meal, and vmcgar. The quantity of lauda- num I have mentioned, has reference to grown persons, and not to.-- children. In all'cases consult the table of med- icines. ACTIVE PURGATIVES. These are such medicines as purge freely. When you use them with the intention that they shall act mildly on the bowels, and only keep them gently open, they are called laxatives by physicians: these medicines are usually mixed with honey, molasses, or any kind of syrup thatis convenient; their operation is always promoted by mild drinks, such as thin gruel pleasantly warm, or any kind of warm tea. If at any time you take a purgative medicine; such as calomel for instance, and it should not operate in due time, it will always be proper to assist the operation by some one of the laxative medicines. Calomel.—A purgative; the dose for a grown persons is from fifteen to twenty grains—and I now again,for the last time, tell you, that small doses of this medicine act more unkindly than large ones. In a reasonable dose calomel will work off without assistance, while in a small dose, it is liable to remain in the system, if not removed by the as- SS* 512 gunn's domestic medicine. sistance of laxative medicines. I am now speaking of the calomel when given with the intention of purging. Calomei, and Jalap: purgatives; ten grains of each, mix- ed with honey, molases, or any kind of syrup, is a dose for a grown person. This valuable preparation was a favorite with the celebrated Doctor Rush; he generally gave it in fevers—it both purges and sweats freely. Twenty grains of each, mixed as above, is a dose for a grown person. Calomel and Gamboge: purgative; ten grains of calomel, and three grains of gamboge, mixed with honey, molasses. or any kind of syrup, is a dose for a grown person: it is a valuable and active purge, given in bilious fevers. Lee's Anti Bilious Pills: purgative; they are made of five grains of calomel, ten grains of Jalap, two grains of gamboge, and half a grain of Tartar emetic. This is a val- uable preparation, and very easily made; and the informa- tion I have given, will enable you to prepare these pills your- self, and always to have them fresh for use. Those obtained from the stores are generally old, hard and dry, and do not operate as if fresh and newly made. Cook's Pills: a valuable purge, particularly when the liv- er is diseased, and in female complaints, where obstructions and irregularities take place in the monthly discharges. These pills are made with equal quantities of rhubarb, aloes and calomel, ground fine, well mixed together, and made into pills of a common size, with a little honey or syrup. A dose of these pills for a grown person consists of three or four of them, which operates freely as a purge. These pills may be frequently taken, until the desired effect is produ- ced. Salts, Senna, and Manna: purgatives; take of each of these articles half an ounce, and put them into a pint of hot water: after which you are to cover the vessel in which you make the preparation. For a grown person, take of this a tea- cupful every hour until it operates freely. Salts and Tartar Emetic: purgative; to a common dose of salts, and one grain of emetic tartar—this is a very val- uable purge to remove bile. gunn's domestic medicine. 543 May, Apple, Jalap, Rhubarb: purgatives.—The roots of these plants act in doses, from thirty to fifty grams each, taken separately, as an effective purge. If either of these roots are given with calomel, the dose should be from five to ten or fifteen grains of calomel, mixed with about twen- ty grains of the May Apple, Jalap, or Rhubarb root well pounded. LAXATIVES." These are medicines which gently open the bowels. Castor Oil, an innocent and valuable medicine; the dose for a grown person, is from two to three table-spoonfuls. The most agreeable way of taking this laxative oil, is in coffee, or a little spirits of any kind. Sweet Oil—generally called Olive Oil.—It acts on tho bowels the same as castor oil. The dose for a grown person is from two to three table-spoonfuls: like castor oil, you may take it in a little spirits or coffee. Charcoal in Powder.—This is one of the most val- uable and innocent medicines we possess; particularly for persons laboring under dyspepsia or indigestion. To per- sons of a costive habit of body, the use of pounded char- coal is invaluable, from its always keeping the bowels open and regular. The dose for a grown person is one table- spoonful, mixed with honey, milk, or cold water. The preparation of charcoal as a medicine is very simple. It consists in merely burning the charcoal used by smith's over again: to do which, you are to place it in an iron vessel, and expose it to a hot fire until it becomes of a red heat; then suffer it to cool, pound it very fine, and put it into a dry bottle, which is to be tightly corked. This is the whole secret of preparing the charcoal for medical pur- poses. . It is an excellent medicine in all depraved conditions of the stomach; and it will also check the violent vomit- ings, or pukings which accompany bilious and yellow fevers: and, I will now disclose to you a secret respecting the use 514 gunn's domestic medicine. of charcoal which is probably unknown to the physicians of the United states. Whilst I was at Havana, a city in the Island of Cuba, I discovered the secret, by which the Spanish physicians check and relieve the approaching symptoms "of Black Vomit in Yellow Fever: the medicinal preparation is charcoal and oil of turpentine hrxed: hut I could never ascertain the quantity of each. This matter, however can easily be ascertained by experiment. Macnesia Calcined.—Two tea spoonfuls of this medi- cine is a dose for a'grown person; it must be taken in half a tumbler of cold water. If you take uncalcined magnesia, ■a table spoonful will be required as a dose; This medicine corrects acidity of the stomach, and gently opens the bow- els. It is also well adapted to women in a family way, and to persons afflicted with dyspepsia or indigestion. A dose taken at bed time, will generally afford to dyspeptic persons, a pleasant night's rest by aiding the digestive pow- ers. Cream of Tartar. This is a cooling and innocent laxa- tive medicine, and is remarkably well adapted to the warm season. It may be taken in cold water sweetened with su- gar. The dose for a grown person, is a table-spoonful, in a tumbler of water. Manna.—This is the most innocent laxative medicine made use of in the practice of physic. On account of its extreme mildness in operating, it is better adapted to infants than any purgative known.—Used as a laxative, it is.sel- dom given to grown persons alone, but generally combined. or mixed with senna: the compound is called Senna and Manna. If the manna be given alone, the dose,for a grown person is from one to two ounces, dissolved in hot water. Ifyou give it combined with senna, half an ounce of man- na, and the same quantity of senna made into a a tea, with about a pint of boiling water, is the dose for a grown person. [See the heads senna and manna, in the Index.] Flour of Sulpiiuu.—This is nothing but brimstone, pu- rifyed and powdered very fine. From one tea-spoonful to ten, or about the same quantity £iven in broken doses, gunn's dojiestic medicine. 545 three times a day, will moderately purge a grown person. Whenever any of the.above purgative or laxative med- ieines purge too much, and the patient is becoming weak, if you wish to check the operation, you,are to give a dose of laudanum from twenty to thirty di ops: or you may give a glyster, in which you are to put double the quantity of laudanum taken by tlie mouth, and at the same time apply hot cloths wrung out of warm water, as warm as thev can be-borne to the stomach of the patient; either of these measures will stop the operation of the medicines. In some cases from the bowels being torpid, medicines of a-purgative nature will not produce a passage. In such cases you are to wait a reasonable time for their operation: if they do not operate, you are next to give -glysters, [For further instructions as to glystering,, see under tho head Clysters or G lystcrs-] If these means fail, which they sometimes do, instead .of giving-heavy doses of medicine by the mouth, give glysters of. warm water, and at the s.-ine time, pour the coldest water over the belly of the patient. Sailors when at sea, and when they have no medicines on board, frequently relieve themselves from costiveness of the bowels, by merely laying with their na- ked bodies over the but of a cannon, the coldness of which seldom fails to produce a strong disposition to stool. In severe constipation of the bowels, when the common rem- edies fail to procure a passage or stool, give a mixture of castor oil and oil of turpentine, of each half an ounce at one dose-—and if it does not operate in due time, you are to repeat the same. This powerful and valuable discovery has been lately used with great success in the city of New York. STIMULANTS. Stimulants are medicines which excite the whole sys- tem into action; the best of which are our common spiritu- ous liquors, intended by Divine Providence as medicines, 546 gunn's domestic medicine. but which we abuse in their employment as luxuries of daily use, by which they are converted into poisons, preg- nant with deadly mischief: destroying the reasoning facul- ties, and entailing upon the unfortunate devotee a train of corporeal afflictions which infallibly eventuate in his pre- mature dissolution. They are therefore to be regarded, rather than a blessing as a curse upon posterity and.a na- tion. It is a fact certainly known to those who are in the habit of constantly using stimulants, > that they require t<> lie frequently administered, or else they loose their power: that when the system has for any length of time,, been ac- customed to those stimulants, it is necessary gradually to increase the quantity to produce the same action upon the system which whs excited by their early or first use. The stimulants generally considered medicinal, or used in med- icine are as follows:— SuLPHuaic Ether.—This is a valuable stimulant in ca- ses of great debility or weakness, in hysterical cases, in cramp of the -stomach, Jn checking vomiting or puking, in allaying sea, sickness, and discharging wind from the stom- ach. Externally applied to the head^it will greatly assist in relieving head ach. Either is to be kept well corked, or it'will looj-e its strength: and when it is taken, it must be drank as quick as possible after it is mixed with water, or it will loose the power, or effect it is intended to produce.— Dose, from one to three tea spoonfuls mixed in a stem or wine-glass of cold water. Spirits of Hartshorn. This is a strongand active stim- ulant, it is generally used in hysterical complaints, and nervous head-ache, and is also a valuable remedy in dyspep- sia. [See that head.] By the alkaline property which it possesses, it neutralizes acids in the stomach, at the same time communicating strength to that organ. In all extreme cases of debility of the stomach, attended with vomiting and spasm, as is frequently the case with habitual drunkards. Hartshorn will be found a most valuable remedy.—It will relieve the sting 0' the bee, wasp, and other insects, by gunn's domestic medicine. 547 keeping the wounded part wet wdth it.—Dose from one to two tea-spoonfuls. Opium, and the preparation made from opium, called L\udanum, when given in small doses act as stimulants— when given in larger doses, produce sleep and relieve pain. [Fora full description of both these articles, see under the head of Opium—and for doses, see Table of Medicines.] Spirit, or Oil of Turpentine, when taken internally. is one of the most active and diffusible stimulants: perva- ding the whole extent of the system, hot with greater force to certain parts, and in cases where the bowels are obstinate- ly constipated, or bound; in puerperal, or -child-bed- fever, [see under that head] and in epileptic fits, [see under that head] particularly where these complaints are brought on by worms, it, also acts as an- evacua.nt, or purge. The dose is from three to four tea-spoonfuls, a'one, or with a small portion of water. Spirit of'Lavender.—This is a mild and pleasant stim- ulant, and is generally administered,to females in hysterical affections. When mixed with sulphuric ether in equal-quan- tities, it is valuable in debility, or weakness of the system-. The dose of lavender alone is three tea-spoonfuls. There is nothing more difficult in the practice of medi- cine, than to determine when it is proper to prescribe stim- ulants ; nor is it possible for me, here to point ou-t to you the exact time, or to give further light on the subject, than in advising you to be guided by the state of the system; avoid their application during fev er, as they invariably increase it; nor never prescribe them in no case, until proper evacua- tions have been made. It is only in the protracted and fee- ble sta<*e of diseases that they can be resorted to with any hope of advantage—By watching their operation, you can readily perceive by the absence or presence of the following symptoms, whether their administration is proper or not: pain in the head; delirious wanderings, or in othfer words, the patient talks wildly; great watchfulness; stricture, or tightness of the breast; restlessness and anxiety; with a hot, dry skin, parched tongue, and a quick, small and corded 548 gunn's domestic medicine. pulse.-—Upon the appearance of any, or all of the above symptoms you are immediately to desist in the use of stimu- lants. ANODYNES. Anodynes are those medicines which ease pain and pro- cure sleep. Opium in doses of from two to five grains. [See table of medicines, and also for a full description of Opium, see un- der that head.] Laudanum; made by dissolving an ounce of Opium in a pint of good spirits of any kind—it is generally fit for use in five or six days. Fifty drops of laudanum are equal to two grains of Opium. [For doses of this, or any other medicine refer to the table of medicines] • Pareuoric; made by adding half a drachm of Opium-^- or one ounce of laudanum to a pint of spirits of any kind, and mixing with them half a drachm of flowers of benzoin, the same quantity of oil of ani seed, and one scruple of camphor. The dose is three or four tea-spoonfuls. [For the different ages refer to the table of medicines.] ANTI-SPASMODICS. Anti-Spasmodics, are medicines which are given to re- move spasm or cramp, and generally used by physicians for this purpose. Opium, or Laudanum, in doses depending on the extreme urgency or danger of the case. Hot Toddy, made with spirits, hot water, and sweeten- ed with sugar. Sulphuric Ether, dose from two tea-spoonfuls, to a table-spoonful in half a cup of cold water. Assafcbttda, a lump weighing, from eight to ten, or even gunn's domestic medicine, 549 twenty grains; or if you use the tincture which is nothing more than assafoetida, steeped in whiskey as follows: Take K)f assafoetida two ounces, and put it in a pint of old whiskev, or good spirits of any kind; let it statld for ten days, and the tincture is ready for use. Dose from one tea spoonful to four, mixed in a little cold water. Eessence dF Peppermint, given in a large dose, mixed with hot toddy. The best means for removing spasms are the warm bath, [See under that head,] bleeding freely and applying cloths wrung out of hot water, or hot salt to the skin, over the part where cramp or spasm is seated. TONICS. Medicines which increase the tone of the muscular Fibres, and thereby strengthen the whole body. Peruvian Bark: this bark is obtained from South Amer- ica; there are three kinds, the red, the yellow, and the pale; the red bark when pure is the best. It has however been ascertained that the medicinal properties of our common dogwood, is equal if not superior to the imported bark The dose in substance of the peruvian bark is from two to four tea spoonfuls, in a stem or wine glass of water, ta- ken every three or four hours when there is no fever. If it should disagree with the stomach, it may be given in decoc- tion, by putting an ounce of the bark in a quart of hot water to which add a little Virginia Snake root, frequently called black snake root, to which add a small portion of cinnamon or ginger. When it becomes cold, you are to mix with it half a pint of the best Maderia or Teneriffe wine. [Dose astern or wine glass full every two or three hours] Dogwood Bark or Wild Cherry Tree Bark, pounded fine and taken in doses of thirty or forty grains, are equal to 4 the Peruvian Bark. I have been in the habit of using in my practice equal quantities of the barks of Dogwood, Wild Cherry and poplar, (I allude to the poplar of the forest o( TT 550 ;gunn'» domestic medicine." which our boats are made,) these three barks steeped in good spirits of any kind, and administered in moderate doses say three or four times a day, is superior in its tonic effects to any medicines. I have ever used. The bark of the poplar is one of the most valuable medicines we possess; I can assert from experience, that, there is not in all the Ma- teria Medica, a more valuable and certain remedy for dys- pepsia or indigestion, than poplar bark. In hysterical com- plaints, this bark combined with a sm.all quantity of lauda- num, is a valuable remedy. In worms it has been prescri- bed to a child when convulsions or fits had taken place: after tiking a few doses, several hundred dead worms were dis- charged with the stools. - The dose of the powder, to a [•lace the bones in their proper situation. Should the parts be so much torn that the bones slide again out of place, you had better apply Heartshorn's or Desault's apparatus, which., I fully described to you for fractured thigh. DISLOCATION OF THE FOOT. Dislocation of the foot seldom takes place. It however may occur; therefore I will give you the treatment. Let 594 gunn's domestic medicine. one secure the leg, and another draw the foot, while you push the bone in the contrary way to that in which it was forced out. Then you are to cover it with folds of linen dip- ed in water in which sugar of lead has been dissolved, and apply a splint on each side of the leg, so that it reaches be- low the foot. An accident of this'nature is highly danger- ous, requiring the immediate assistance of a skilful physi- cian; as, (even then,) all that can be done to remedy them is in the speedy, reduction of the, bone, keeping the parts on a •pillow at rest, and subduing inflammation by bleeding, low diet, and all such directions as already given to subdua fever. OF COMPOUND ACCIDENTS. I have fully, and as plainly as I could, before told you how to treat accidents of this kind, and what plan you are to pursrie when single; it now remains for me to state to you what are to be done when they are united. For instance, an accident happens by which a man is thrown from a height. On examination, a wound is found in his thigh—is bleeding profusely; his ancle on examina- tion is out of joint; with a wound communicating with a cav- ity, and his leg broken. In the first place stop the bleeding from the wound, then reduce the dislocation next, then draw the edges of the wound together with sticking plaster, and lastly apply to the fracture Heartshorn's or Desault's appa- ratus, which I have so fully explained before, that any car- penter can construct it for you. OF AMPUTATION. —&— This means the cutting off a limb, or other part of the body. How often do those accidents happen where there is no physician or regular surgical instruments (often at sea,) at a distance in the country, and the limb requiring immedi- ate amputation, or cutting off. The only difficulty which I confess to you, is to know when the operation ought to be performed; for it is sometimes the case, that the most skilful surgeon, is mistaken, or at a stand whether he shall operate or not. I do know several cases that have been preserved by the obstinacy of the patient, refused to have the opera- tion performed. But this was running a great hazard of life, and should be in all such cases, ventured upon with due caution: and the operation ought not to be performed unless under the most careful and sound judgment. Now to per- form this operation, require nothing but .firmness and com- mon dexteriy, for any man, and that too to perform it well. Although as I have told you, there are many doubts wheth- er an amputation should take place or not, yet in others, all difficulty vanishes; as for instance when a ball has carried away an arm; or during a storm, a tree happens to fall and mash the knee, the leg or ancle, so that those parts are great- ly lacerated or torn, and the blood vessels are severely la- cerated, also nerves and tendons; or the crushing or splin- tering of the bones almost necessarily resulting from such accidents, render immediate amputation an unavoidable and imperious duty. Now you will ask, what shall I do for in- struments to perform this operation? If it is difficult to ob- tain surgical instruments, which is often the case in this country, or at sea. It is of no consequence, The instru- ments for this purpose, are few and easily obtained, which, in all cases, will answer as valuable a substitute. First, get a large carving knife, with a straight handle—have the knife as sharp and smooth as possible—a pen knife—a carpen- ter's tenon, or mitre saw—a slip of leather or linen, three 598 gunn's domestic medicine. inches wide, and twenty inches long, slit up the middle to half of its length, a dozen or more of ligatures, each about a foot long, made of waxed thread or fine twine—a hook with a sharp point, (or a shoemaker's crooked awl will answer,) a pair of slender pincers, several narrow strips of stick- ing plaster, called by physicians or surgeons, adhesive plas- ter, or adhesive strip, some dry lint, a piece of old linen, large enough to cover the end of the stump, spread with simple ointment or lard, a bandage three or four yards long, about the width of your hand, a piece of sponge, and some warm water. You are now prepared fully to perforin amputation; which I will so plainly explain that any man, unless he is an idiot or absolute fool, can perform this operation. AMPUTATION OF THE ARM. HOW TO PERFOKM THE OPERATION. Give, the patient, about half an hour before you intend operating, sixty drops of laudanum; now having all things in readiness, seat him on a narrow and.firm table or chest, of a convenient height, he is now to be supported by an as- sistant, clasping him round the body. If the handkerchief and stick have not heen previously applied, place it as high upon the arm as possible, (the stick being very short,) and so that the knot may pass in the inner side of it. Your instruments having been placed regularly on a table, and within reach of your hand, while some one supports the lower end of the arm, and at the same time draws down the skin, take the large knife and make one straight cut; 11 round the limb through the skin and fat only; then with a pen- knife separate as much of the skin from the flesh above the cut, and all round it, as will form a flap to cover the face or end of the stump; when you think there is enough separa- ted, turn it back, where it must be held by an assistant, while with a large knife you make a second straight incision round the arm and down the bone, as close as you can to the doubled edge of the flap, but taking great care not to cut it. The bone is now to be passed through the slit in the piece of linen befor mentioned, and pressed by its edges against the Upper surface of the wound by the person who holds the flap, gunn's domestic medicine. 597 wnde you saw through the bone as near it as you can. With a hook or pincers you then seize and tie up every ves- sel that bleeds, the largest the first, and the smaller ones next, until they are all secured. When this is done relax the skin a little—if any artery spirts blood, tie it as before directed. The wound is now to be gently and very carefully clean- sed with a sponge and warm water, and the stick to be re- laxed. If it is evident that the arteries are all tied, brine the flap over the end of the stump, draw then the edges to^ gether with strips of sticking plaster, leaving the ligatures hanging out at the angles., Lay the piece of linen, spread with simple ointment or hog's lard, over the straps, and a fold or pledget of lint over that, and secure the whole by the bandage. Then put your patient to bed & rest ffie stump on a pillow. The handkerchief and stick are to be left loosely round the limb so that if any bleeding happens to come on it may be tightened at once by the person who watches bv, the patient. If this accident takes place, by which I mean the bleeding, the dressings are to be taken off, the flap rais- ed, and the bleeding vessel sought for and tied up; after which every thing is to be placed as before. I have mentioned a' handkerchief and a stick: these are substitutes for the instru- ment used by surgeons, calledaturniquet. Remember,insaw- ing through a bone, a long and free stroke should be used to prevent any hitching; as an additional security against which, the teeth of the saw should be well sharpened and set wide.' It is of the greatest importance to attend to this circum- stance. The ends of the divided arteries cannot at the Ntirne of operation be got hold of; or being in a diseased state, their coats give way under the hook; so that it is impossible to draw them out, and not unfrequently they are found ossified, which means turned into bone. In all such cases, having threaded a needle with a ligature well waxed, pass it through the' flesh round the artery, so that when tied, there will be a portion of it included in the ligature along with the artery The needle used by surgeons for this purpose is a curved or- crooked one: but a straight one will answer. When the bo- 598 gunn's domestic medicine. ature has been made to encircle the artery, cut off the nee* die and tie-it firmly in the ordinary way. The dressings should not be removed for several day?, say from five to seven, if the weather is cool; but if warm weather, it should be removed in three days. But this you must do with great care after soaking it well with warm water, so that you can .take it away without its sticking to the stump^ bleeding or otherwise producing pain. Then ap- ply a clean plaster of lint, over which put a bandage as be- fore directed;—which dressing is to be removed and a fresh one applied every two days. In. about fourteen or sixteen days the ligatures will generally come away; and in from three to five weeks, (if all goes on as might be expected, without any accident) the wound is well. AMPUTATION OF THE THIGH. Amputation of the thigh is to be performed in the same manner as thatof the arm, with one exception; it being prop- er to put a piece of lint between the edges of the flap, to pre- vent them from uniting until the surface of the stump has adhered to it AMPUTATION OF THE LEG. There are two bones in the leg, which have a thin mus- cle between them. In such' a case, you must, have an ad- ditional knife to those I have before mentioned, to divide i1, The knife required for this purpose must have a long narrow blade, with a double'cutting edge, and a sharp point, You can grind down a carving or case knife to answer eveiy purpose, the blade however, must be reduced to less than half an inch in width. The linen or leather strips should also have two slits in it instead of one. Having all your.preparations in order near you, your patient is to be laid; on his back, on a table covered with a blanket, or on a hard bed, with as many persons as may be necessary to hold him. The handker- chief and stick arc then to be applied on the upper part gunn's domestic medicine. 599 of the thigh. One person holds the knee, and another the thigh and leg as firmly as possible, while with the large knife the operator makes an oblique incision round the limb, through the skin, and beginning at five or six inches below the knee pan, and carrying, it regularly round in such a manner that the cut will be lower clown on the calf than in the front of the leg. As much of the skin is then to be sepa- rated by the pen-knife as will cover the stump. (It is here important for you to take the principal part of the, flap from the hinder part of the leg, for the cut being made as directed, it should require only one inch of skin to be raised in front, and of course you must take enough from behind to meet it.) When this is turned back, a second cut must be made all round the limb and down to the bones; when with the narrow bladed knife before mentioned, the flesh between them is to be divided. The middle piece of the leather strip is now to be pulled through between the bones, the whole be- ing held back by an assistant who supports the flap while the bones are sawed, which should be so managed that the smal- er one is cut through by the time the other is only half off The arteries are then to be taken up, the flap brought down, and secured by adhesive plaster with bandages as I have before plainly explained to you. AMPUTATION OF THE FORE-ARM The fore-arm has two bones in it; therefore you require in this operation the narrow bladed knife, and the strip of linen with three tails. Let the incision be made, straight round the part, as in the arm; with this.exception complete it as I gave you directions in the case before this. AMPUTATION OF THE FINGERS AND TOES. When amputations of this kind are made, you must draw the skin back and make an incision round the finger; a lit- tle below the joint it is intended to remove; turn back a lit- tle flap to cover the stump, then cut down to the joint, bend- inn- it so that you can cut through the ligament that connect the two bones—the under one first, then that on the side. 600 gunn's domestic medicine. The head of the bone is to be turned out, while you cut through the remaining soft parts. Should you see an arte- ry spirt out the blood, immediately tie it up; if not, bring down the flap, and secure it by a strip of sticking plaster. And then put a narrow bandage over the whole1 CONCLUDING REMARKS ON AMPUTATION. It often happens in cases of amputation, that the wound is apt to bleed, after you have dressed it—thereby giving you considerable trouble.] This is called by surgeons se- condary bleeding.] Therefore, to prevent this if necessa- ry, before the strips of plaster are applied to the edges of the flap, give a little wine and water, or a little spirit and water, and wait a few minutes to See whether the increas- ed force it gives to the circulation, will occasion a flow of blood, if it does, secure the vessel if comes from. But should there be a considerable flow of blood from the hol- low of the bone, make use of a small plug of cedar; and if violent spasm of the stump take place, hold it carefully by your assistants; and immediately administer large doses of laudanum, it may be understood as a general rule, that after every operation of the kind, laudanum ought and must be given according to the sufferings of the patient. MORTIFICATION. In the general treatment of wounds and in surgery; re- member always to stop excessive inflammation;'which if allowed to go to a certain point, frequently produce mor- tification, or the death of the parts. Therefore always be on your guard against fever—which you may easily know, by heat, pain, redness and swelling. Now I again repeat that you must bleed and purge as much as you think your patient maybe able to bear, from his situation, constitution, &c. &c. These matters are to be entirely regulated by the appearances at the same time. If the fever and pain should suddenly cease, and the part which before was red, gunn's domestic medicine. 601 swollen and hard, becomes of a purple color and is soft, you are to stop at once all reducing measures, put a large blis- ter over the parts, and give good wine, porter, barks, and wine or quinine, or other generous stimulants so sa to sup- port the sinking condition of the patient, for mortification has or is about to commence; and should you find the blisters should fail to put a stop to the disease, and the parts look dead and become offensive, cover them with charcoal or fir- menting poultices, until nature separates the dead parts from the living; during which time give a free generous and strengthening diet and good wine. In mortification of the fore arm, it frequently becomes necessary to amputate. This ought never to be done until after blisters have been fairlv tried to the sound parts, (above the mortified;) as they often separate, you should be care- ful to examine strictly the parts, so as to discover in time, that which may be necessary. DIRECTIONS FOR CATHETER. A catheter is an instrument made use of for drawing the water from the bladder. There are two kinds the male and the female. The difference between them is very little; the male has but one hole in the end that enters the bladder; the female has several; this is the only difference in the in- struments. By this simple operation which every person of common sense can perform, the lives of thousands have been preserved—and this is one among the reasons I could advance for having explained the outward parts of female generation so plainly. Now many fools say that I ought to have let out an explanation Of these parts.. And why do they do so? Because they do not read the book so as to see the necessity of writing so plain. Are we ashamed of the parts which the diseases of our nature require to be explained, so as to obtain relief in case of diseases? I am writing a book not for the learned but for the unlearned; not for amusement, but to explain, in plain language, the XX* 602 gunn's domestic medicine. diseases to which we are subjected, and the method to obtain relief from pain and sickness. With these re- marks I shall prescribe the method of using the Catheter. Holding the private member near its head, between the finger and thumb of the left hand: (standing at his side.) now with your right hand introduce the point of the instru- ment into the passage (out of which flows the urine:) the convex side of the catheter towards the patient's knees: and then gently, by no means using force, push the instru- ment down the urethra, at the same time endeavor to draw the penis on it. VVheii you first introduce the catheter, the handle will of'course, be near the belly of the pa- tient; and as it goes down the canal it will be thrown farther from it, until it enters the bladder which you will know by the water immediately flowing through the tube into the basin or pot. It sometimes occurs that you cannot succeed while the patient is on his back; if this is the case, make him stand up, or you may place him with his should- ers and back on the ground, while his thighs and legs are held up by assistants. In difficult cases I have been com- pelled to place the patient on his back, and when the cathe- ter was as far drawn as it would go, I introduced the forefin- ger well oiled, into the fundament, and endeavored to push the pointupwards whilestill pressing forwards with the other hand by which means I have often succeeded, when all oth- er methods failed. You must recollect, force is never, on any account to be used. Vary the position of the instrument as often as you think proper, even permit the patient him- self to try, but by all means use no force or violence; but humor the instrument, \ take your time and be cautious, and you will at least succeed. I will state to you a case. During my practice in Virginia, Botetour County, near the town of Salem, Mr. T., a young man in the prime of life, was engaged in raising a large barne, when a part of the building gave-away, and he was dreadfully mashed, with a fall of thirty feet.. I was immediately called into his case; it was such as to leave but little if any hopes of his recov- ery. One of the logs having fallen across his privates, pla- ced him in such a situation as to be entirely helpless. In this GUNN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 603 critical, and I may add wretched situation, he -continued five days without passing a drop of water. I had made daily unsuccessful efforts to introduce the catheter, but witi.out success, his fever and thirst very great.. I bad bled him very copiously everyday, and endeavored by all means to reduce inflammation. His misery w7as excruciating from being unable to pass his water. All my efforts to pass the instrument, from the bruised state of the parts were unsuccessful.—I then determined previous to an ope- ration to make the last trial; when I introduced my finger as before described, into the rectum. Feeling distinctly the point of the instrument, I passed it gently into the neck of the bladder, when immediately the water flowed. So great and instantaneous was the relief afforded him, that he exclaimed, "I thank thee merciful God!". By this opera- tion upwards of a gallon of water was drawn off. From this time his recovery gradually commenced. The instru- ment which I learned him to introduce, is continued, I am informed until this time, being unable to pass his water without it.. He is still living in Virginia, but poor fellow, entirely deprived of the use of his lower extremities. I will now relate to you a second case—with which I shall close my remarks on the subject of this small but. valuable instrument. Two years since, I was called upon at night to visit a young lady of the most respectable family resid- ing^about ten miles from Knoxville, said by the messenger to be dying. On my arrival, I found her in great misery. She desired the room might be cleared of all save her sis- ter, when she with the greatest delicacy declared her mis- ery was from being unable to pass her water. In this horrible situation she had been for four days; during, which time, the whole catalogue, of teas had been prescribed from water melon tea to the full extent of twenty different kinds. All had been poured down the throat of this poor innocent girl, until she declared she had rather die, than drink another draught.. On examination I found I had'for- gotten, my catheter, but-as I have often done before, made 601 gunn's domestic medicine. a temporary instrument. I took a, common goose quill, cut it off* at both ends, made one of the ends perfectly smooth, passed it into the small hole which I have so plainly descri- bed in the outward parts of the female generation, and in less than five minutes this amiable and innocent girl was en- tirely relieved, by an operation which any old woman might have performed—saving me of a very disagreeable ride of a very cold night, and the family an expense of ten dol- lars.—This lady is now married, and the mother of a fine family. I have often since laughed with, about the quality and quantity of the teas administered. I have mentioned this last case to show you the actual importance and indeed the necessity of explaining these parts, which otherwise I should have veiled in different language or omitted them al- together. DIRECTIONS FOR PASSING BOUGIES. Bougies are made of gum elastic, about the size of a goose quill and varying in proportion to suit the urethra. They intended for removing strictures in the canal or urethra. To introduce them, take the private member between your finger and thumb„and pass the point of the instrument (after being well oiled) down the urethra as I have directed you for the catheter; when it has entered three or four in- ches, depress the member a little and by humoring the bou- gie with one hand, and the penis or member with the other, endeavor without force to pass it as far as may be wished. I have frequently seen the patient succeed, when every one else failed. In removing strictures, it is best to pass the Bou- gie once a day, and let it remain in from ten to fifteen min- utes, so as to gradually distend the parts. When strictures are so difficult as to require an'armed Bougie, which means the point that enters the urethra pointed with caustic for the purpose of removing it by burning. In such difficult cases it would be prudent to apply to a physician. CONSUMPTION. Remarks of Dr. Cooper upon Chronic Bronchitis taken from the New York,commercial advertiser. The late la- mented death of Dr. Rush from that form' of consumption. known as Chronic Bronchitis, painfully reminds me, of a duty, the subscriber owes to his profession, and to socie- ty, of making known a simple form of treatment, that has never failed him in curing this form of consumption, so destructive to the Clerical and literary professions, the mode of treatment is of equal efficacy, in Carbal Phthisic, and is a valuable remedy for consumption in all its forms.—When in its chronic stages, and free from inflam- matory symptoms. This treatment is based on the pathology of consump- tion, as the generic name for disease. Sulphate of copper combined with gum amoniac given so as to nauseate, but not to produce full vomiting. The usual dose for this purpose is half agrain of the sulphate and five grains of gum amoniac taken in a tea-spoonful of water. At first, twice a day, and in the convolescing state once a day. A gargle of the sulphate is superceded when the case is properly chronic.—This alone is an abridgment of Dr. Cooper's Remarks on Consumption. RECIPIE. The celebrated Dr. Freelin's Recipie, with which he is said to have cured many desperate cases of consumption. 1 Quart French brandy or old rye whiskey. 1 Pint Honey. 1 Half pint new tar. 1 1 Pint spring water, boiled down to one quart,—a wine glass full taken every morning. Sulphate of copper is verdigris. 608 gunn's domestic medicine. DROPSY. Take a ten gallon pot fill it with sour wood leaves or in- side bark fill it up with water, boil slowly 3 hours, strain the liquor, add a lump of Alium big as half a hen egg, and a small branch of cedar bush, boil down to a quart, and bottle it tight take a table spoonful or more, if the patient can bear it three times a clay, it is best before using this to puke with tartar and Ipecacuanha, and purging freely for 2 or three days before. I have known this do wonders. It is an Indian Medicine for Dropsy. APERIENT PILLS. Take of Aloes 120 grs. Rhubarb 320 do. •' Ipecacuanha 60 do. Jalap 60 do. " Gamboge 60 do. Kayanne Capsecum, or rod pepper 30 do. Grind them fine in a mortar, wet with spirits, and work it like making biscuit dough, and then roll out into pills of common size.—Dose from two to six taken at any time—- these pills are anti-dyspeptic; the persons using these pills, can eat and drink what they please, and if the pills dont work them, they wont hurt,—they are best taken at night. DISEASES OF CHILDREN. Not commonly noticed, yet common, 1st. Looseness of the bowels, accompanied with griping, and green stools, fre- quently followed with emaciation. Treatment.—Take 4 grains of calomel 16 grains of prepared chalk mix them wel' together, give four grains of the mixture every 30 minute until the bowels shall have been freely purged; about everj third night afterward, give a ddse 4 grains of the mixturafo gunn's domestic medicine. 607 ibout a week.—See Dr. Dewees on diseases of children. Another excellent preparation for worms or, cases resembling the above disease, take a tea spoonful of honey, put about as much Alium scraped fine as will lie on the point of a pocket knife give this for a few mornings on an empty stomach not suffering the child to eat or drink for half an hour afterwards. SORE MOUTH AND THROAT. For the Throat fry a handful of Rue (is best) worm woo I Or other better herbs will do, in hogs fat, slowly for half an hour, then . add bees wax and tallow, untill you can spread it on a cloth, apply this round the throat extending up near- ly jo the ears, this plaster has done wonders. For the mouth take Golden seal some call it yellow puc- coon root dry and powder it, mixing a little Borax, put the powders in the mouth,, I have known this cure desperate cases in one night. FOR CANCERS. Fill the sore with arsenic, put over this a poultice of on- ions, let it remain 48 hours, then take off the poultices, and clean out the arsenic and wash the sore three times a day with strong copperas water anointing it with the oil of hogs feet, a desperate disease treat with desperate Medicine.— Cancer warts, and even when sores begins to run, having become painful; are cured by dissolving a lump of blue stone in 3 or 4 spoonfuls of Rum applying it several times a day. Some burn the blue stone. GRAVEL. Make a tea of the prickly pear and drink it freely or take what is called Devils shoe string and use the tea, an old Gen* tleman told me he was cured of this distressing malady by using a tea made of the little kind of smart grass* SCARLET' FEVER." This complaint is now paging violently through Virginia: and within a short time, has made its appearance through- out the Western States, with considerable severity in its symptoms, and requiring active and prompt treatment—oth- erwise it generally proves fatal. I have no doubt, by ear- ly attention to those symptoms and remedies which follow* you will at once cut short and easily control this contagion, (for it certainly is a contagious disease) similar to measles— distinguished or known from them, by the spots making their appearance on the second day of the fever: when, in measles, they usually make their appearance on the fourth day. The spots in scarlet fever being of a light flaming red, while those of the measles are of a dark red color. From this plain and different appearance, you can certainly distin- guish at once the difference-in the diseases; thereby enabling you to take at once, such prompt steps as to arrest this dis- order; wdiich, if suffered to proceed, generally, and I may add almost always, ends fatally. Symptoms.—Cold and sudden chills stealing gradually over the whole body—while, flushes of heat, great thirst, the head aches, the skin is covered with large red or scarlet patches, which after a short time unite or come together; then in a few days they disappear or go off in a kind of scruf, like bran, and the throat becomes quite hoarse or sore. Remedies.—As you value the life of your patient, depend on emetics, or pukes, of ipecacuanha; which are to be given on the first appearance of the disease, to be, followed by a dose of salts or eight grains of calomel and eight of rhubarb: and half of this dose for children. If the pulse is full ahd strong, and the head aches, it will be proper to draw blood, and dashicold water over the body freely and frequently. (Do not be_alarmed at this last remedy, for it will be the cei- tain one in this complaint to relieve your patient, for I have often used it with great success.) There is no disease in which the advantages of coldwater have been more success- ful than in scarlet fever: but to receive the full benefit of it, gunn's domestic medicine. G09 it must be often used and that freely. That is, as often as the heat, &c. seem to require the use of it, which perhaps may be the case eight or nine times in the tWenty-four hours. A fine remedy in this disorder is the Saline Mixture made as follows:—Salt of tartar one drachm, water seven ounces, essence of peppermint five drops. When the salt of tartar is dissolved, add very gradually lemon juice, or vinegar, un- til the effervescence ceases. This mxture is to be taken every hour—and to children, such quantities as you can get them to take. It is a cooling mixture, produces gentle mois- ture ori the skin, and keeps down inflammation, ccc. When there is a sore throat, use any innocent gargle, such as sage and honey, with a little alum or borax in'it, so as to wash or cleanse the throat frequently; and app'ly a mustard poultice to the throat. In scarlet feoer in the latter stage, it will be prudent for you to guard against putrescency, which' symptoms 1 will plainly describe to you, so that you may know .them; having fully the marks of typhus fever—difficulty in swallowing— breathing hurried—breath hot—skin dry, and burning to the touch—a quick, weak, and irregular pulse—-scarlet patches break out about the lips: and the inside of the mouth and throat are of a firey red color. About the third day, blotch- es of a dark red color make their appearance about the face and neck, which soon extend over the whole body. If you will examine the throat, you will find a number of specks between an ash, and a dark brown color, particularly on the palate ccc.—a brown fur covers the tongue—the lips are covered with little pimples containing acrid matter, which burst and produce ulceration wherever they touch. If the case is a bad one, the inside of the mouth and throat become black, and are covered with running sores, called ulcers. When these, symptoms take place, it is a well marked case of putrid fever, and contagious. Be therefore careful, but not afraid. We cannot die in a better cause than in dischar- ging a duty which we owe to God and our .fellow creatures —the last and most solemn injunction of our blessed Re- deemer, ''Love ye one another" and the beautiful inculation of Divine Revelation. "Do unto all mankind as ye would they should do unto you." For the treatment of these last symptoms, read under the head remedies for putrid sore throat. YY EPIDEMIC CHOLERA. This pestilence has .swept from life one hundred and forty millions of the human race according to the most au- thentic reports of interments since August, 1817. Sharers of the same nature, warmed with the same hopes, and as fondly attached to life as ourselves, all have been prematurely swept into eternity in quick succession, over- whelming the heart with sorrow of some affectionate pa- rent, some tender companion, or some dear friend; and how many thousands, no doubt, unprepared for so sudden a change from life to the presence of the Supreme Judge of the Universe! It is impossible to commence writing on this awful and important subject without reflecting on the rapid extinction of human life, the excruciating miseries so many human beings must have suffered, without shudder- ing at the great sum of human misery inflicted by thi.s complaint; nor can we but be sensible Of the insufficiency of human efforts, against thedecrees of an over-ruling Prov- idence. Now are we not warned by this sad and affecting scene, in language not to be mistaken, '-Be ye also ready." This destroying angel whom the Eternal has employed to sacrifice so great a portion of the human family has since, August 1817, been advanced over the whole field of Eu- rope: nor have oceans, mountains, climate or distance, preserved us from its ravages. Mysterious and uncertain in its course, having no regulated or physical agents by which its location could be certainly determined, save that of its selection of the vicious, the uncleanly and the intem- perate. Nothing in my opinion can change the condition of the atmosphere which is essentially connected with this complaint. In other words the disease is in the atmosphere: and although no preventive . can be taken against this complaint, yet much may be done towards staying its progress, and towards alleviating the force of the attack. The two best preventives for cholera from experience, are Temperance and great cleanliness; for experience through- gunn's domestic medicine. 611 out this disease, proves clearly and without any doubt, that cholera spreads itself with the most deadly effects amongst those wdio are negligent in personal cleanliness, and dissi- pated in their habits. But notwithstanding the cholera in a great measure was supposed at first to limit its ravages principally to this unfortunate part of the community, and such as were greatly exposed, yet, time and daily experience prove that many thousands have died of our most respecta- ble citizens who were certainly of the opposite character to those I have mentioned. Yet the fact is, that all wdio are within the atmosphere of cholera are liable more or less to suffer from this complaint; but what are the real and physical causes that produce cholera is as yet very un- certain, even to those medical men who have had great ex- perience in it. All that can be said is that it is in the at- mosphere; nor can any thing change the condition of the at- mosphere which is so essentially connected with this dis- order. The persons most liable to this infection, says the French Royal Academy of Medicine, in their report, are those physically and morally debilitated; those weakened by excesses of whatever kind they may be; gluttons, drunkards, and gamesters, and women of imprudent habits, and all persons suffering under the pernicious effects of uncleanli- ness. To this testimony may be added that of all physicians and others who have watched this complaint, and the pro- gress of the disease in India, England, France, Canada, and our own country. In al1 these countries the intemperate, the vicious and the Jewed, when attacked, have universallv fallen victims—and are the first to fall prostrate before the cholera and the most difficult to cure: and as an able physi- cian expressed himself, generally beyond the reach of med- icine. The unhappy inmates of the houses of ill-fame, and those of immoral uneleanlinessin Persia, have been univer- sally the first to be conveyed to the Cholera Hospitals. SYMPTOMS OF CHOLERA. I shall commence by giving you what is termed the Pre- monitory Symptoms of Cholera—by which is meant symp- 61'i gunn's domestic medicine. toms of the first or forming stage of this disease—and on vour paying strict attention to these symptoms, will great- ly depend the. favorable issue of the case, and if you do not. in nine cases in twelve the person will die. The person attacked with cholera, complains of weak- ness as if he had'undergone fatigue; he feels frequently for a few moments uneasiness in the region of-the stomach— but not so severe as to create alarm. Frequent evacua- tions or stools from the bowels, being'obliged to go to stool from two to a dozen times a day—and not much griped in passing'them. The countenance or features look unusually sharp, ■'sometimes a little sick, at the stomach, but this last symptom is not very common. This early evidence of the approach of the cholera is not often attended to, and seldom noticed but by those experienced in the complaints. The symptoms I have just mentioned may continue, vary- ing sometimess better and then worse from one to ten days. before the second stage of the disorder commences. The stools at the first, are generally of a.dark brown or black- ish color. As the looseness continue, they gradually become less and less of a natural appearance, until they look like dirty water. Some head-ache, cramp of the fingers and toes, and belly, and almost always a swimming of the head and ringing iq the ears, accompany these symptoms. Very frequently the bowels, for two or three days are costive or bound, and then looseness will again come on, and in a few hours collapse supervenes, and in general, sickness at the stomach and vomiting or puking. Now remember that on an early attention to this looseness of the bowels will gen- erally depend the Cure, by timely application of such means as I shall advise; or if it is convenient, and you fear to trust your own judgment, make on the first appearance of these symptoms early application to a, physician. Dr. Kirk, a distinguished medical gentleman, says it was found, from regular records of upwards of four thousand patients, that this looseness of the bowels prevailed in every case. SYMPTOMS OF MARKED CHOLERA. Having attentively perused all the numerous accounts which have been published, of the various symptoms bv gunn's domestic medicine. 613 which the Epidemic Cholera is accompanied, I have thought it only, necessary to give you all the general and well mark- ed symptoms of the complaint, without noticing every trifling deviation from the ordinary course of the disease. All you wish to be informed of is, when you are about to take it, and lastly when it has certainly attacked, 1 have therefore selec- ted for you the description of the Madris Report, founded on extensive experience in the country which I enumerated to vou its awful ravages. This complaint generally takes place in the night or to- wards morning. You are taken sick at the stomach, and vomit or puke —the bowels are at once evacuated, that is in other words, you go to stool, and you seem to discharge or empty all their solid contents, and feel after you have done, great exhaustion, sinking and emptiness—after a short time you feel faintness, your skin becomes cold, and very often giddiness or swimming in the head and ringing in the ears; the power of moving your limbs seems impossible— twitchings of the muscles of the fingers and toes are felt, and these affections gradually extend along the limbs to the trunk of the body. The pulse from the first is small, weak, quick, and after a certain interval, but particularly on the commencement of spasms or of severe puking, it sinks sud- denly, so as to be quickly lost in all the external parts. The skin, which from the commencement of the disease is below the natural heat, becomes colder and colder; it is seldom dry, generally covered with profuse cold sweat, or with a clam- my moisture. In Europeans the skin often assumes a living hue, the whole surface becomes collapsed; the lips become blue, the nails present a similar appearance, and the skin of the feet and hands becomes corrugated and exhibits a sod- den appearance; in this state the skin is insensible, even the action of the strongest medicines, such as warm spirits, or spirit in which camphor has been dissolved, or infact even the action of the most powerful stimulants; yet the patient generally complains of oppressive heat on the surface, and wishes to throw off tho bed clothes.—The eyes sink in their orbits, and are surrounded with a livid or dark circle; the eye becomes heavy, and frequently the whites of the eye diffused YY* " 611 gunn's domestic medicine, with blood, or in other words blood shot. The feature of the face look sharp and dead, and indeed the whole counte- nance assumes a cadaverous aspect, and its appearance so uncommon that it is easily observed by all to be strangely and peculiarly unnatural. There is almost always urgent thirst, & a desire for cold drink, although the mouth be not usually parched. The tongue is moist, whitish and cold: a distressing sense of pain, and a burning heat at the epigas- trium or pit of the stomach, are very common in this disease. Very little water is passed, bile, or saliva or spittle, is secre- ted; the voice becomes quite feeble and hollow, having an unnatural sound; the breathing is oppressed and generally slow, and the breath of the patient is quite cold or deficient in heat. While these symptoms are going on, the stomach and bow- els are very much affected in different ways. After the first vomiting and stool, however severe these symptoms may be, the matter passed by stool is always of a watery nature; and in some cases it is entirely destitute of color. The stools often resemble muddy water; and in others it is of a yellow- ish or greenish color. A very common appearance is that which is called in the East Indies "congee stools," resembling water in which rice had been washed, or having the appear- ance of various little slimy flakes, floating in the colorless water. The discharge from the stomach by puking, and those from the bowels by stool, do not appear to differ much, except that the former, or that which is puked up, has mix- ed with it portions of food which may have been eaten and not digested. Neither the vomiting or purging are symp- toms of long continuance: they are either stopped by medi- cine, or the body becomes unable from weakness to puke or purge any longer: and they, together, with spasms, sudden- ly disappear a considerable time before death. If blood be drawn, it looks of a dark or black color, ropy, and flows slow- ly and with difficulty. Toward the close of the scene, great restlessness comes on, and constant anxiety and distress; and death takes place often in ten or twelve hours, and general- ly within seventeen or twenty hours from the commence- ment of the attack. During all this mortal struggle and gunn's domestic medicine. 615 commotion in the body, the mind remains clear, and its func- tions undisturbed, almost at the last moment of existence. The patient, though sunk and overwhelmed, and almost life- less, dislikes to speak, and is greatly distressed if the least disturbed—still, however, retaining the power of thinking, and of expressing his thoughts, as long as his organs are ob- edient to his will, such symptoms are the most common of the Epidemic Cholera, where its tendency to death is not checked by medicine. Cholera, however, like other disea- ses, has presented considerable variety in its symptoms; thus, it may on one occasion be distinguished throughout by the absence of vomiting, and by the prevalence of pur- ging, on another, by the excess of vomiting; and tho' more rarely, by the absence of purging. Spasm may be gene- rally present in one instance; in another, it may not be ob- served. Of all, the most difficult is, that which is marked by a very slight commotion in the system—in whidh there is no vomiting, hardly any purging, perhaps one or two loose stools, no perceptible spasm, no pain of any kind, a marble coldness, with arrest or stoppage of circulation which comes on from the beginning, and the patient dies without a struggle. Vomiting or puking, (as I have before.told you) if entire- ly absent, or if it has taken place for a time, it soon stops, from the stomach being paralyzed, or in other words, as if it were really dead, or without any feeling or sensibility. Purging is a more constant symptom than vomiting in this disease, and in all cases of Cholera, or most generally, it is as I have before said the first symptoms of the disorder. Purging has been very rarely, and absent altogether—and wdien it is absent, is quite a bad symptom, for it denotes or shows plainly the attack is very dangerous —There is sel- dom much griping or tenesmus, which means a great ahd constant desire to go to stool, without doing much, and some- times these desires are so sudden as to be irresistable. They also frequently take place at the same time, both puking and purging with spasm, and the pulse stops for a time at the wrist; as if all these symptoms originated: at the instant, from one common cause. In advanced stages of the disease,, pur- ging generally ceases but in many cases a discharge of wa- 616 GUNN'S DOMESTie MEDICINE. tery fluid takes place on every change of posture. The mat- ters evacuated after the first emptying of the bowels have been occasionally observed to be greenish or of a yellowish appearance, torpid, of a frothy appearance, like yeast, and quite frequently bloody; but by far the most common appear- ances is, that of pure serum (which means the appearance of whey,) so thin and colorless as not to leave a stain on the patient's linen. The next in order of frequency is the con- gee-like fluid; (I have before explained to you what the con- gee stools meant:) the mucus is at times so thoroughly mix- ed, however, with the serum, as to give the whole the ap- pearance of milk. The quantity of clear watery fluid which is sometimes discharged, is very great, and were these dis- charges to continue constantly, it would afford a perfect - khowdedge of the cause of the debility or weakness, thirst, thickness of the blood and other symptoms, but it is reduced to a positive certainty, that the most fatal and rapid cases, are by no means those which are distinguished by excessive discharges. Death on the contrary, has ensued in innu- merable instances after one or two watery stools, without the development of any other symptom affecting the natural functions. Collapse has even come on before any evacua- tion by stool had taken place. The peculiarly calm and undisturbed state of the mind in this disorder, has been the subject of great surprise: in- stances have been known of patients being able to walk, and to perform many of their usual avocations in business, even after the circulation has been so much arrested, that the pulse has not been discerned at the wrist; the cases I al- lude to, are those chiefly in which it has begun by an insid- ious watery purging; and many lives have been lost in cod. sequence of the patient, under these false appearances, not having taken early alarm, and applied for medical aid. In other cases again, the animal functions appear to have been early impaired,'and the prostration of strength to have pre- ceded most of the symptoms. The voice in general sounds very weak, partaking of the debility prevailing in the other functions; it is commonly noticed as being remarkably fee- ble, often almost unable to be heard. Deafness has also been gunn's domestic medicine. 617 remarked in some instances to have been completely estab- lished. Coma does occasionally occur, especial'v towards the termination of the case, when it is fatal; but delirium has seldom been observed in this complaint. Spasm has been held as one of the most essential features or certain accompanymcnts of the Epidemic Cholera, and owing ,to which circumstances it has received this specific name; so far however, as relates' the mus- cles of the voluntary motion, and it is that description of spasm only to which I refer, no symptom is more frequently wanting.. Spasms of the muscles chiefly .ac- company those easesin which there is a sensible and violent commotion of the system; hence they are more frequently found in cases where Europeans are the subjects of the dis- ease, than when it attacks the natives of India, and in ro- bust patients, more frequently than in the weaklv. In the lower or more dangerous form of cholera, whether.in the European or Indian, spasm is generally wanting or is pres- ent in a very slight degree. The muscles most commonly affected are those of the.toes and feet, and. of the calves of the legs; next to these the corresponding muscles of the superior extremities, then those of the thighs and amis__ and lastly those of the trunk—producing the most distress- ing feelings to the affected person. It is deserving of re- mark, says Dr. Craigie in his account of the disease; that in seveaal instances, the first indications of the cholera are the twitchings. of the fingers and toes: and a great many persons who resisted all (he other symptoms of the dis- ease were attacked by this twitching. Of all the symp- toms of cholera, none are so universally present, nor in- deed so important and fatal, as the immediate sinking of the circulation. It must nevertheless be admitted, that where instant remedial medicines have been successfully practiced, this symptom may not have deyeloped itself, and that there are even cases where an excited vascular action has been observed to accompany the first preterba- tion of the system in cholera. Some intelligent medical gentleman have entertained doubts wdiether such cases belong indeed to this diseasejit is, however to be re- 018 gunn's domestic medicine. membered, that these are precisely the cases which yield most certainly and readily to appropriate remedies, and it consequently follows that a physician can seldom have an opportunity of observing whether or not this form of cholera will pass into a moie aggravated stage. Cases, h iwever have occurred, in wdiich such degeneration has taken place, and it has been followed by death. Tl>e symptoms of excitement have likewise principally occur- red among soldiers, in whom an effect upon the circulation may have been produced by the quantity of ardent spirits they are in the habit of drinking daily. The period at which a marked diminution of vascular action takes place, is somewhat various. The pulse sometimes keeps up toler- ably for some hours, though very rarely: it more generally becomes small and accelerated at an early stage, and on the accession of spasm or vomiting, suddenly ceases to be distinguishable in.the extremities. The length of time du- ring which a patient sometimes live in a pulseless state, is extraordinary. That remarkable shrinking of the features of the face, which has acquired the emphatic term of the "true chole- ra countenance," appears in every case, unless quickly stopped in the forming stage by medicine. This express- ion of countenance which conveys so truly, that of death itself, cannot be mistaken; and by an attentive observer, it will be perceived, that a similar shrinking takes place, throughout the limbs, and all the projecting parts of the body. No symptoms of cholera are so uniform in their appearance and progress, as those connected with the blood and its circulation. It is fully established, that the blood of patients attacked with cholera, is of an unnaturally dark color, and of a very thick consistence. In the great ma- jority of the reports of the physicians of India, it is staled unequivocally, or without doubt, that after a certain quanti- ty, of dark and thick blood has been drawn, it is common for its color to change, becoming,much lighter..—When this was the case, it was considered favorably as to the termin- ation of the case. In India, when medical aid was early administered, and the constitution of the patient otherwise gunn's domestic medicine. 61 IT healthy, the recovery from an attack of the cholera was generally very quick, owing to the peculiar constitutions of these people, in whom there is ordinarily very little tendency to inflammation or fever. But in Europeans, in whom there is much greater tendency to inflammation or fever, and a determination to some of the internal organs; consequently, the recovery from the disease by them is not so sudden or perfect. When cholera however, is of long continuance, and when the congestions appear to have been thoroughly established, few, either Europeans, or natives, who out-live the attack, are restored to health without con-' siderable difficulty. I have now described to you as fully and as minutely as the space allotted to me in this work would permit; giving you the general symptoms of cholera, as it presented itself in the different districts of India, and they agree in every respect with those observed in the disease during its prev- alence in Russia, Poland, North of Europe, the Canada*, &,c. "&c- This is proved by the history of the disease: by the most able and distinguished physicians throughout Europe and India: particularly the able report made by Dr. Keir of Moscow, to the British Government, and in .the accounts transmitted from Montreal and Quebec. And all the reports made in this fatal disease, agree as to the prin- cipal cystem; that in the generality of cases there were the same excessive or constant evacuations by puking and purging a watery torpid fluid—the same collaps of the skin —coldness of the surface—sinking of the pulse—failure of strength—lividity of the face, or purple cast—shrinking of the features—spasms of the muscles, &c. all of which symptoms usually take place more or less, with some few variations (perhaps very few,) owing to the peculiarity of the constitution, or the state of the system at the time of taking the disaese. For cholera in its severity or duration, by which I mean the length of time it exists, depends much upon the local or predisposing causes. Therefore, if any decided difference has been observed between the character of cholera, as it prevailed in India, and after its extension in- to Europe, the Canadas and the United States, it consists 620 gunn's domestic medicine. merely in the gradual amelioration, of the complaint: by which I mean that it sometimes gradually loses its severi- ty; owing as 1 have before told you, to the peculiarity of the climate, the predisposing causes, inviting more or less the disease wherever the disorder which is in the air, may locate or settle itself. And this is the reason why the cholera rages more violently at one place than it does at another: because the predisposing causes are greater. Therefore, let cleanliness and temperance in all things, he the watch word; for experience has taught the people of the United States, that by due caution, and early attention to the proper remedies, which are simple and easily under- stood, this pestilence may be, and has been perfectly within the control of medicine—and that this disease is the same as the European Cholera, is fully established by the evidence of various physicians of eminence'; who have witnessed the cholera both in India and Europe; and (as I have before sta- ted to you,) its virulence and mitigation entirely depending upon local cau-es, or the constitution and the predisposition to an attack of this complaint. Treatment.—The cholera has not been found to be lesi under the control of proper treatment than any other dis- ease equally rapid in its course. When remedies of a prop- er kind, have been administered in the early stage of the complaint, and judiciously managed, a favorable termina- tion, has in the majority of cases, been the result The difficulty is, to induce patients, or those attacked with this disorder, to apply sufficiently early for medical assistance. With the loss of a very few hours the chances of recovery are greatly diminished. "If the disease," says Dr. Annes- ley, whose experience in the treatment of the Epidemic Cholera, during its prevalence in India, was considerable, ''be taken at its first commencement, or within an hodr after the disorder attacks you. it is as manageable as any other acute disease; but the rapidity with which it runs through its course, requires the most active exertion before it can be checked, and the loss of an hour may cause the loss of life. The remedies most successfully used in India, throughout Europe generally, will be noticed. The variety of different gunn's domestic Medicine. 621 means used, and the peculiar opinions of different medical writers, many of which have proved unsuccessful, I do not think necessary to mention in a book of this kind. My ob- ject in writing so fully on this subject, has been to give you a perfect and general knowledge of this complaint,.as to its violence and progress in India, and the principal remedies which proved to be the most successful in the cure ofChole- ra; selecting from the experience of the most distinguished physicians, such remedies as maybe relied on in this epi- demic. The remedy, the good effects of which, >'n the treatment of Cholera, appears to have been most-generally acknowl- edged, and the early employment of which is most insisted upon, is 'blood letting. Bleeding from the arm in the first stage, when the pulse is full, and the temperature not reduced, is often sufficient to cut short the disease. The patient always feels immediate relief, particularly, where the head has been much affected. The bleeding should be performed in a horizontal position; or in other words, the patient should lie on a bed while blee- ding him. Doctor Drysen, who has had great experience in this complaint, direct^ to increase the flow of the blood from the arm, by frictions or rubbing ^ to the surface of the body, with flannel cloths wrung out of hot water or by blee- ding while the patient is in the warm bath. [To see how to prepare and use the warm bath, see that head.] According to Mr. Bell, "in no case in which it has been possible to persevere in blood letting, until the blood flows freely from the veins, and its color is recovered, and the op- pressed chest relieved, will the patient die from that attack of the disease." He directs that when the blood has once begun to flow it ought to ha allowed to bleed until these changes are observed. It is the opinion of Doctor Kenedy, that in ninety-nine instances out of a hundred, where patients are said to havexlied "despite of blood letting, it will be found on examination, either that no blood flowed from the incision or opening made by the lancet, or that it came away in drops, or in a small broken stream, rarely exceeding a few ounces in quantity. "On the contrary," he adds "where blood ZZ 022 gunn's domestic medicine. was freely obtained to the extent of twenty ounces, and where the depletion is followed by proper auxiliaries, or other assistant remedies, the patients have usuajly recovered.'" The testimony of the German, Russian, and Polish phy- sicians, has all been given in favor of the beneficial effects of blood letting, when early resorted to in cholera. The absence of the pulse, is no reason why he should not use the lancet, unless it be accompanied by other symptoms of great debility, and the system has been exhausted by pre- vious evacuation or purging, and the surface is covered with a cold clammy sweat. Even under such circumstan- ces, many attest the advantages of blood letting, especially when preceded by sinapisms, or in other words stimulating plasters of mustard to the belly, feet, ankles, &c.—The ap- plications of dry heat and frictions to the surface, by which is meant bags of hot sand, bags of hot mush,.bags of hot oats, bottles of hot water rolled in blankets, occ. (this is dry heat,)—frictions or rubbing as before explained, and diffusi- ble stimulants internally, either spirits of hartshorn, bran- dy, wine and liquors of all kinds, given inwardly, so as to excite or rouse the circulation of the blood. In some cases of cholera, says the able and experienced physician, Dr. Lefevre, the pulse ceases to beat very early, but upon opening a vein the blood flows slowly at first, grad- ually the current becomes fuller and stronger, the pulse feats very sensibly, and the heat thus relieved, is enabled to continue its circulation. The only cases in wdiich bleeding would appear of doubtful propriety, during the first stage, are those occurring in old debilitated or weak persons, and in constitutions completely broke down by intemperance. When blood cannot be drawn from the arm, and spasms continue—when severe pain and heat are felt at the epigas- trium, when the skin is cold, and deluged with a cold clam- my sweat, and when there is oppression of the chest and difficulty of breathing, excessive pain and confusion of the head, with great intolerance and dislike of light, no pules, or a very indistinct one, and a cadaverous or offensive smell from the body, cupping is advised over the region of the bel- ly, with frictions of turpentine externally or outwardly, and gunn's domestic medicine, 623 calomel given internally. In the advanced stages of the dis- ease, an opportunity is sometims afforded for the drawing of blood. This, according to Dr. Annesly, is marked by a struggle or effort of the circulation to overcome some re- sisting power, and is a most auspicious or favorable,symp- tom which should never be over-looked. As.soon as it oc- curs, bleeding directed with great, judgment, should be re- sorted to. . , , 1 i The patient after bleeding, should be warmly covered with bed clothes, and allowed to remain perfectly still for a short period. Sinapisms and rubefacients,'or in other words, in plain English, meaning mustard poultices, mixed with strong vin- egar and applied to the calves of the legs, inside the,ankles, soles of the feet. &c. to act as a stimulant employed in low states of fever, and other diseases; and in cholera the object is to rouse the circulation of the blood, and to supercede the use of blisters, which are in this disorder too slow. Rube- facients means the substance which, when applied to the bo- dy or skin a certain time, makes a redness without blistering. Sinapisms and rubefacients are among the most efficacious Or best means adapted to the cholera. "It may be said of them, that they ai;e indispensable, and there is hardly any stage of the disease in which they may be employed with advantage: so long as the disease endures, so long will their use be proper, and they should be .repeated continual- ly." The pain in the bowels, and even the sickness, are often instantaneously relieved by the application of a large mustard poultice mixed with vinegar and applied over the region of the belly, and much pain is saved the patient if it be applied early. In violent cases of the disease the applica- tion of the mustard poultice mixed with strong vinegar as before directed, and applied to the ankles, wrists, calves of the legs, inside of the arms and thighs, and along the spine, is recommended in the strongest terms, in various treaties by the best informed physicians, of India, and Europe, on the cholera: and from the beneficial effects which we have seen result from the practice throughout this co nplaint, that it is one which should never be neglected; it would be as well 624 gunn's domestic medicine. probably to defer, however the sinapisms or poultices until the full effect of dry friction have been tested. When the skin has been excoriated or inflamed by tlie use of sinapims, anodyne fomentations, or in other words laudanum or opi- um steam, applied to the body, or even pulverized opium sprinkled over the tender surface, will be useful in relieving pain and sickness at the stomach. Dry frictions are recommended as remedies of great im- portance and efficacy in ail cases of cholera. By dry fric- tion is meant rubbing well the whole body with your hands; hence it can only be recommended in those cases where there are plenty of attendants to. wait upon the sick. Dry frictions are best adapted to, and have been found most beneficial in the early period of the attack. "The object of friction is twofold. First to restore the circulation in the part, and the heat that is dependant on it. Second to introduce remedies into the system by absorption. Thr first may be effected by mere dry rubbing with the hand or a warm flannel, or the flesh brush; and if. persisted in, will often restore the circulation of the extremities, which were previously cold and senseless; but it requires great perseverance and long continuance; for it is necessary to keep up the circulation after it is restored; and as 1 have be- fore told you. require considerable attendants or assistance to wait upon the sick. Various liniments have been proposed to assist the efforts of friction; but they may be superceded by steady rubbing with the hand, which should be sprinkled occasionally with a little powdered starch, or a little cam, p'horated oil. Where proper and effectual rubbing cannot be maintained, stimulating liniments should be employed; because little rubbing will suffice, and the effect will be more permanent. The linimept composed of camphorated spirits and ammonia, (meaning hartshorn) will answer eve- ry purpose. When the spasms are severe, the spirits of turpentine are the best for rubbing with. Rubbing the bo- dy with spirits is improper, as their rapid evaporation will have a tendency to increase the coldness of the surface. Medicine may be introduced into the circulation by fric- tions and thus certain indications fulfilled, when the stotrraclv gunn's domestic medicine. 625 is in too irritable a condition to retain the proper remedies. Especially may local pain and spasm be alleviated by fric- tions which opium hyosermus and other narcotics, in form of liniments or other ointments. Dry Heat.—This remedy is strongly recommended by many of the practitioners who have witnessed cholera inthe north of Europe. Mr. Keneday, a distinguished physician, recommends it in the first stage of the disease, after the bleeding, the warm bath, and the other remedies which are immediately demanded. He remarks, "as soon as the cramps are subdued, or have received a decided check, the patient with all possible expedition, ought to be removed from the bath, and be placed between dry heated blankets, Dry wa, mth should be further afforded by surrounding his body and limbs with bags of heated sand. Here dry heat, be it remembered, is the remedy, and not the sand which contains it. On this principle, bottles of hot water, rolled in flannel have been employed; and also hot ashes, bran, oatmeal, and mush, &c. &c. However to prevent loss of time, always take the first or the most convenient of the above articles that may come to hand, so as to produce any heat as early as possible. You will recollect the warm bath is always preferable in the first stage of the disease, from its great power; "caution is necessary," says Mr. Kenedy, "to prevent its being too long continued." The following are the directions of Dr. Harnett, one of the British Medical commission, at Danizie, for the use of the warm bath. "It has been found necessary to guard against the indiscriminate use of the hot water and vapour baths,- (or steam generally used by a pipe under the bed clothes.) In hot water after the perspiration has broken out; and above all, in the clammy stage of the disease; and after marked venus congestion has taken place, when it seems to increase the latter, which is particularly observa- ble in the brain and heart. The bath should be used either in the critical moment in the beginning of the disease, or at farthsst, instantly after, if admissible even then. To obviate the determination, of blood to the head, cold appli- ZZ* • 626 qunn's domestic medicine. cations ought to be occasionally applied to it, while the pa* tient is in the bath. The patient should be most gently and otherwise judi- ciously placed in the bath, with respect to the gradually in- clined position of his body, and "due support of the head, neck and shoulders; and the immersion or subjection should be short, merely long enough for the positive communication of heat and its effects, when he ought to be as gently and judiciously taken out, well wrapped up in hot blankets, promptly laid on a bed, and gently rubbed with warm, dry, coarse thread towels, all over, and wiped dry as fast as the clammy sweat oozes out. There is much handy and careful personal management requisite, in this essential part of the treatment. Calomel.—.This medicine has been greatly used in chol- era, by a majority of English Surgeons in India, and is spo- ken highly of by such of them as have witnessed the disease in the north of Europe. In many instances the use of this powerful medicine has been carried or given to an enormous extent—doses of a scruple to half a drachm being consider- ed, tho smallest dose adapted to the disease; others however have condemned the use of the remedy to this great extent, and recommended it to be given in smaller doses frequently repeated, and in general combined with opium. The evi- dence which is advanced in favor of the beneficial effects of calomel, under both modes of administration, might at first view appear perfectly conclusive, but in making up an opin- ion on this subject, it is necessary to recellect in almost all these cases which are adduced where the practice is suppo- sed to have been eminently successful, other important remedies have at the same time been employed—especially bleeding; frictions, and stimulating applications to the sur- face—and very commonly the warm bath. Upon the early and judicious employment of the last mentioned medicines nearly all the writers agree that the cure of the disease main- ly depends; by many they are themselves supposed fully suf- ficient—and that the various internal remedies that have been resorted to are useless orabsolutely pernicious. Among the physicians of Russia, Poland and Germany, there are- gunn's domestic medicine. 627 but few who recommend the use of calomel at all, and the majority denounce in very decided terms, its employment in the early stages of cholera, or to the extent to which it was carried by the practitioners in India. In Warsaw, the result of experience showed, according to Dr. Hille, that whether in larger doses, or in small ones frequently repeat tid, the calomel did more harm than good; and hence its use was either entirely abandoned, or it was given in a single dose of a few grains combined with opium. Dr. Gibbs writing from St. Petersburg, says expressly, that one and a half- scruple doses of calomel would not do there; Dr. Lefevre very properly remarks, that small doses combined with opium can be of no use in the first stage. In slight ca- ses, he adds, where the quantity of opium is sufficient to al- lay the spasmodic action, wdiile time is allowed for the cal- omel to act gradually, the combination however may be of service: but it must share the same fate as all the vaunted nostrums which when administered indiscriminately, lose even the merit to which they are really entitled. In Dunaburg no calomel was administered, and of 745 ca- ses, many of which were in the last stages of the disease when first seen by the physicians, only 75 terminated fatally. Opium.—No remedy has been proposed in the treatment of cholera, which has so great a mass of testimony in its fa- vor as opium. Nearly all the physicians, whatever may be their opinions as to the nature of the disease, have adminis- tered it. By some it is recommended in the largest possi- ble doses, by others, however when given in smaller doses, it is considered much more efficacious, and less liable to pro- duce injurious consequences.—Mr. Orton. an eminent prac- titioner considers it "probable that a single dose of opium, alone, given at the very commencement of the disease would be found in a great majority of instances to put an effectual check to its progress." The Polish, and a few of the Ger- man physicians object, however, to the administrating of opium in cholera. Internal Stimulants —The exhibition of either, brandy, ammonia (or hartshorn.) and other stimulants, I find to be very gently recommended, especially in the advanced stagey 028 gunn's domestic medicine. of the disease. They are directed to be used or continued until rc-action is fairly established, after which they are to be gradually relinquished. In the early stage of the disease, there is less evidence of their good effects than during that period in which the clammy sweat, icy coldness of the sur- face, scarcely perceptible pulse; and sunken countenance indicate a state of collapse, which if not speedily removed, the loss of the patient is inevitable. Many persons have employed the most powerful stimulants even from the com- mencement of the attack, and with no sparing hand. This practice is highly improper, and certainly by experience known to end in fatal consequences. Stimulants require at the times, much judgment and great cautionin their employ- ment, or they will most assuredly produce far more harm than good; and should be given under no other circum- stances than those I have described, and even then, it is questionable whether they do not produce more evil than benefit. Purgatives.—Though considered by many physicians as indispensible remedies in the treatment of cholera, the} do not appear, with the exception of calomel, to have been very generally employed until after the more pressing and violent symptoms of the disease have been subdued. At this particular juncture it is very generally admitted that they have been productive of the best effects. They are proper so long as the bowels do not perform their functions regularly and the stools have an unusual appearance; nor is there any danger of re-producing the disease by their con- tinuance, so long as we take these marks for our guide. It is much more likely to recur or return from neglecting to administer them; for purging by calomel is necessary, for you will find the Muantity of unhealthy matter which is often evacuated by stool, remains for a long time after the com- plaint has been subdued. Such is the experience of Dr. Le- fevre, in regard to the use of purgatives. He says, they are found indispensable, by producing copious discharges of vitiated bile. "A full dose of calomel," remarks the Doctor. "is often useful in the beginning of the convalescences' as it act upon all the secretions. But the simple purging, which gunn's domestic medicine. 620 us so requisite after this disorder is best effected by small and repeated doses of castor oil." The virtues of the last medicine, have indeed been axtalled in a very greatmanner, by the physicians both in India and Europe. "The success under its use was very considerable, and there seems," savs Mr. Scott, "to be sufficient evidence to warrant, a more extensive trial." It is admitted by all, that purgatives which produce frequent watery stools, with griping are improper in this disease—are verv prejudicial, nncfoiHit and must not be given. Enemata. —Which means glysters, [how to prepare and give them, see that head.]—When the stomach is so irrita- ble that it will not retain any thing or constant puking, by wdiich the exhibition of remedies by the mouth cannot be given, glysters, (called enemas,) will be proper, not only in the first attack of the complaint, but in the latter state of the disease also: especially in such cases as have been atten- ded with much spasm, and the bowels continue sore for a long time after, and every motion on the stool is productive of pain. In this case, an enema or glyster of half a pint of flaxseed tea, and ten drops of laudanum, produces immediate relief—administered in this manner, the opium is less liable lo produce injurious consequences than when given by the ■mouth. Injections, or glysters in plain English, given of.' hot water above blood heat, have been, highly spoken of in cases or great collapse or sinking and general coldness of the skin. After drawing up the water with a syringe (or squirt) and letting this warm water remain up a while, the water may he withdrawn, by the syringe and a fresh supply of warm water introduced. Mr. Fife speaks favorably of injections of mustard—they have he says, promptly brought on a dis- charge of urine, after it had been entirely suppressed. Muriate of Soda.—(Nothing in English but our com- mon salts.)—This has been spoken of by a few, of the conti- nental physicians as a powerful remedy in cholera, and is rec- ommended by the eminent Mr. Searl.as anemeticin the com- mencement of the case. I cannot say that the evidence in its favor is very strong. It is true, we are told by Dr. Barry,that at St. Petcrsburgh, two German physicians declared in h$ 630 gunn's domestic medicine. presence at the medical council "that 'during the prece- ding eleven days they had treated at the custom house hospital, thirty cholera patients of whom they lost none. They gave him two table spoonfulls of common salt in six ounces of hot water at once, and one spoonful of tlie same cold, every hour afterwards." But let it be recollec- ted, that these gentlerhen, as well as the others who have recommended this remedy, always promised bleeding, that is, first bled, then used the salt and warm water, (and also, used other valuable remedies, upon the importance and good effects of which in cholera, there is but little differ- ence in opinion. It is thus that many remedies in this and other diseases, acquire a fictitious reputation frbm being conjoined or mixed with others of acknowledged power— when had they been omitted, the case would in all proba- bility, have proceeded as rapidly, or perhaps even more so, to a favorable termination. Drinks.—A strange diversity of opinions exist among the writers upon cholera, as the proper drinks to be allowed the patient. By some, dilutents of every kind were entirely prohibited, in consequence of a supposition that they increa- sed the vomiting. The great desire of the patient is for cold water—he appears to labor under the most distressing thirst, the calls of wdiich, it must be evident, cannot be disregarded, without materially increasing his suffering, and eventually the disease under which he suffers. Mr. Scott, in common with nearly all the best practitioners, ad- mits, the propriety of allowing some bland dilutent, but maintains that it should be given of tepid warmth. He conceives that cold drinks are always dangerous, and gen- erally fatal. This was the opinion very generally of the surgeons of India. Mr. Annesley however, gave cold wa- ter, with a slight impregnation of nitric acid—in-other words, made pleasantly sour. This was the general drink at the hospital under his care, and was found to relieve the most distressing symptoms of the disease, the burning sen- sation of the stomach. From the experience of the Euro- pean Physicians, it would appear very fully settled, that cold drinks are not more prejudicial than warm, and when desire by the patient, should be freely given. According to Dr. Lefevre, iced lemonade has often been taken with advantage. The diluted nitric acid, he states may gunn's domestic medicine. 681 be added withgreatbenefittothecommondrinks. Fifty drops of the diluted acid, added to a pint of water.sweetened to the taste, is a grateful beverage. Dr. drysen of Friga, says that when the thirst is great, warm or even hot drinks are the best, and are often retained and even desired by the pa- tient. Pie directs infusions of the various mfld aromatic herbs, or when these are unpleasant to the patient, of com- mon tea. But when the patient desires earnestly cold drinks they may be given in small portions at a time, without fear of any bad consequences. Fresh milk moderately cool, he states has been found very beneficial; and when diarrhces, is considerable, a decoction of rice and barley, or thin tapi- ca, &c. may be given, and when there is entire absence of pain or tenderness of the belly—a little port wine may be added. A cup of strong coffee, he has found very readily to stop the vomiting or puking in this disease; he advises the patient in cases of the drink being rejected by the-stomach, to be allowed to swallow small portions of ice somewhat rounded into the shape of a pill by being rolled between the fingers—a practice also recommended by Brussais. The strongest testimony in favor of warm water, is that ^[vcn by Dr. Strum, a Surgeon in the polish Army: wri- ting from the encampment near Karmienka. "The treatment which we now pursue, is probably already known to you, as Dr. Helbig has been ordered to publish an account of it by the government. It consists in nothing else than giv- ing to the patient as much warm, nearly hot water, as he is able to drink, in the quantity of a glassfull every fifteen or twenty minutes. By the time he has taken fourteen glass- es the cure is complete, with the exception of a slight diar- rhoe which it is not proper too sudenly to suspend. The effects of this plan of treatment are so quick and effectual, that in two house, or often sooner, the patient is well—par- ticularly when it is commenced with sufficiently early. treatment of the secondary stage of cholera. After the more violent symptoms have been removed, that is, after the vomiting and purging have been suspended, the regular action of the heart established, and the circula- tion and heat of the stomach permanently restored, the at- tention of the physician must be directed to guard against or remedy local congestions,/!© prevent inordinate re-action, 632 gunn's domestic medicine. and to produce a healthy action of the bowels. Conges* tion is most liable to take place after the first stage or that of collapse is over, in the liver and lungs, and sometimes that of the head also. For this, moderate blood letting, local or general according to circumstances* is the most certain remedy. When febrile symptoms with determin- ation to the brain present themselves, topical bleeding, (such as cupping &c.) near the temples, will be found very suc- cessfully to relieve it. The judicious employment of blis- ters, and of cold applications to the head, will also be of advantage. When that healthy condition of the bowels has not been produced by the remedies administered in the first stage, moderate doses of calomel, followed by castor oil, or other mild purgatives, will be necessary. As soon as the discharges have become healthy or well tinged with bile, (that is that you have fully roused the liver into action.) the patient may be considered out of danger, and the pur- gatives discontinued; but not until then. Tenderness or fixed pain in the region of the stomach; or any part of the abdomen or belly, call for the immediate application of leeches, or cupping. I have now fully and as minutely as I conceive it necessa- ry in a work of this kind, given you the various remedies which have been proposed, and strongly recommended, in the treatment of cholera by different writers—together with the practice of the most distinguished physicians in India, and Europe. You will after reading attentively this subject, see plainly that no decided or positive or certain method is laid down, for the treatment of this dreadful scourge of the human race. In plain language, it has com- menced in the United States, and the physicians of this country have been compelled to establish a practice founded on their o/wn experience, and to adopt or use such remedies according to the symptoms; or the effect of the disease, at the time of its location, upon the habits, constitutions, &c. and the effects of climate, together with such predispo- sing causes as may exist at the time this disorder is preva- lent. A TABLE OF MEDICINES tor FAMILIES, WITH THEIR DOSES AND QUALITIES ANNEXED. These doses must be increased, or diminished, according to the strength and habit of the patient. 631 A TABLE OF MEDICINES Medicines. Adults, from 20 to 15 from 15 to 10 from 10 to 6 Arsenical solution, Antimonial wine, Aloes, 'Balsam copaiva, Balsam turlington, Bark peruvian, Calomel, Camphor, Cream of t irtar, Caustic vol, alk. Columbo, Chalk prepared,. Castor oil Ess. of peppermint, Elixir vitriol, /Ether vitriolic, Ginger, Gamboge, i lartshorn. spirits,. Ipecacuanha, Jalap, Laudanum, IMagnesia, Manna, Nitre, Opium, Paregoric, Rhubarb, Steel dust, Sugar of lead,. Salts epsom, Salts of tartar, Spirits of lavender, Sulphur flour,. Sulphate of quinine, Tartar emetic, Tincture of steel, from to from to 4 12 drops] 5 10 j 2 4 drms1 2 3* I 5 20 grs 5 IS 120 80 drops 20 60 20 80 drops;20 60 | h 2 110 60 j 6 20 , i 2 iqi\i 4 2 10 60 [20 50 i * 3 dams, 4 1* grs ;10 40 grs j 5 15 OZS I i 14 drms ] i 11 grs 110 30 grs 20 40 ozs I 4 24 10 60 drops; 10 50 10 40 drops] 10 30 i 2 drms | i li 5 23 grs I 5 20 5 15 grs j 5 10 4 li drms j 4 1 115 30 grs 15 25 15 40 grs |10 30 20 60 drops 20 50 i 2 1 2 110 3.0 i 3 1 4 15 40 i 5 25 I l 5 1. 2 10 25 drms ozs grs grs drs sn-s. 4 1 1 li ,10 25 4 2 i 3 12 4 1 1 s grs ozs grs 10 20 30 100 drops 25 75 2 8 drms] 2 6 2 8 grs. ' 2 (5 3 10 grs j 3 8 8 20 drops' 8. 18 from to drops' 4 8 drops drms | 2 3 drms grs 3 15 grs drops. 15 40 drops drops 15 40 drops drms i*25grli drms grs 110 30grs grs j 3 lOgrs ozs : 3 lOdrms drms 4 ldrm 10 40grs 15 35grs i 2ozs drops] 8 35drops drops 8 25 drop ozs 30drp 1 drm 4 18grs 4 lOgrs 20 30drops 12 20grs 8 23grs drops 15 40drops ; drms 20, 60grs ozs II liozs grs 8 20grs ' i Igr 1 2drms 10 35grs 3 logrs J 3grs 3 14drms 8. 18grs grs grs ozs grs grs drm grs 'jrrs grs drms grs grs grs ozs grs Tincture of foxglove, 10 50 drops|10 40 Tinct. of cantharides,! 10 50 drops: 10 40 Vitriol white. 120 60 grs ;20 50 drops (20 60drops drms 1 4drms grs. 11 4grs grs !2 6grs drops 6 15drops drops ! 8 30drops drops S 30drops grs 15 30 grs from to / 3 6 drops*! 1.1 2'. drops I 3 12grs [i 10 30drops 1 10 30drops J 20 Oilgrs 5 20^rs 2 Sgrs 2 Ndrins ; 23 40drops $ 8 30grs i 15 30grs ]; 3 8drms } 0 20drops j 6 20drops [ 20 60drops j 3 15grs 3 3 I5grs 1 10 40drops | 10 15grs 8 5 20grs 5 10 30drop ^ 15 45grs 2 J loz 3 6 15grs j 50 lOOdropsif 8 30grs i 2ll3grs \ i 2grs , 2 12drops9 6 15grs } 15 50grs jij 3drmsL 3grs 'j 5grs ,j 12dropi 25dro 25drois I 20 grains Ss.ruple £make < . wioiGaT: 1 scruple, I drachm, 8 drachms 12 ounces £ make < 12 25grs (j 1 ounce, 1 pound. WITH THEIR DOSES AND QUALITIES ANNEXED. 635 from 6 to 4 from 4 to 2 from 2 to I under 1 Qualities. from to Tom to Vom to rom to 2 5 drops 1 4 drops i 3 drops i 1 drop Tonic, I 2 drams 1 14 drams I 1} drams 1 1 dram Emetic. 2 10 grs 2 8 grains 1 6 grains i 5 drops Cathartic. 10 20 drops 8 15 drops 5 10 drops 2 5 drops Corroborant. 10 20 drops 8 15 drops 5 10 drops 2 5 drops Corroborant. 15 45 grs 10 30 grains 8 20 grains 5 15 grains Tonic. 4 15 grs 5 10 grains 3 8 grains 1 5 grains Cathartic. 2 4 grs 1 3 grains 1 2 grains 4 1 grain Stimulant. 2 5 drams 1 4 drams i 2 drams 4 1 dram Aperient. 20 40 drops 15 30 drops 10 20 drops 5 10 drops Stimulant. 5 25 grs 5 20 grains 4 15 grains 2 10 grains Tonic. 12 30 grs 10 25 grains 7 20 grains 5 15 grains Absorbent. 2\ 6 drams 2 5 drams li 4 drams 1 2 drams Purgative. 4 15 drops 3 12 drops 2 10 drops 1 6 drops Carminative. 5 15 drops 3 42 drops 2 10 drops 1 4 drops Tonic. 15 56 drops 10 40 drops 8 30 drops 5 10 drops Stim. & anti-spasmod. 3 12 grs 2 10 grains 2 8 drains 1 6 grains Aromatic. 1 3 grs Active purgative. 10 20 drops 5 10 drops 3 8 drops 2 6 drop Stimulant. 8 12 grs 5 10 granis 4- 8 grains 1 5 grains Emetic. 5 15 grs 4 12 grains 3 8 grains 2 5 grains Purgative. 8 20 drops 5 15 drops 3 8 drops 2 6 grains Anodyne. 12 40 grs 10 35 grains 8 25 grains 5 20 grains Absorbent. 3 6 drams 2 4 drams 1 2 drams 4 1 dram Aperient. 5 12 grs 2 10 grains 2 8 grains 1 4 grains Febrifuge & diuretic. Anodyne. 30 60 drops 20 50 drops 10 40 drops 2 20 drops Anodyne. . Purgative, y 5 25 grs 4 20 grains 4 1.2 grains 2 10 grains 2 10 grs 1 6 grains 4 2 grains Tonic. j ligrain i 1 grain i igrain Astringent. 2 8 drams 2 6 drams 1 4 drams 1 3 drams Purgative. 4 8 grains 3 6 grains 2 4 grains 1 3 grains Absorbent & febrif'g. \0 35 drops 5 20 drops 4 15 drops 2 10 drops Cordial.^ i 2 drams'20grl dram 10 40 grains 5 20 grains Aperient. t0XW 4 2 grains i 1 grain i 4grain i igrain H 2 grains 1 2 grains i 1 grain i 1 grain Lmmfp.' 4 10 drops 3 8 drops 2 6 drops 1 5 drops Tonic* 4 20 drops 3 15 drops 2 10 drops 1 5 drops Diuretic. I 4 20 drops 3 15 drops 2 10 drops 1 5 drops Stimulant. 6 15 grains 3 6 grains 1 3 grains Emetic. " 8 pints 16 fluid oi > make ■ inces 3 \ 1 gallon. 1 8 L 1 pint, j 60 fluid dr'msC drops c , 1 1 fluid ounce,. lKe | 1 fluid dr'm. 1/ M W ! VH.V.SV ''y •jJMr. # &P '". * •*. 4^ ■* • USk < .-*> *' 7s **$& >*ix; -.*^. . ,>,T ' '"• X-' ■'