ft*' ' • 'V.' •' ■ '•'-^ *»-*-''.. Vv >m > >. *jC> >..,v - ^..—1-1 WL \RMY MEDICAL LIBRARY WASHINGTON Founded 183C ■ WNEX Section.. ....Si.w..,..Li;. .PW t n£ Nurnber Carter 37fSfl Fobm 113c, W. D.. 8. G. O. (»o 3—10543 devised Juno l:j, 19.t<>) r i THE BOTANIC PHYSICIAN, OR | FAMILY MEDICAL ADVISER: BEING AN IMPROVED SYSTEM, FOUNDED ON CORRECT PHYSIOLOGICAL PRINCIPLES. COMPRISING A BRIEF VIEW OF ANATOMY, PHYSIOLOGY, PATHOLOGY, HYGIEINE, OR ART OF PRESERVING HEALTH: A MATERIA MEDIOA, " EXCLUSIVELY BOTANICAL, CONTAINING A DESCRIPTION OF MORE THAN TWO HUNDRED AND THIR- TY OF THE MOST VALUABLE VEGETABLE REMEDIES: TO.WHICH IS ADDED A DISPENSATORY, BMBRACING MORE THAN TWO HUNDRED RECIPES FOR FREPARINS AND ADMINISTERING MEDICINE. THE DISEASES OF THE UNITED STATES, WITH THBIR SYMPTOMS, CAUSES, CUBES, AND MEANS OP PREVENTION, LIKEWISE, A TREATISE ON THE DISEASES PECULIAR TO WOMEN AND CHILDREN. BY J. E. CARTER? WRITTEN BY A. H. MATHES. MADISONVILLE, TEN. PUBLISHED BY B. PARKER & Cs. 1837.' Entered according to an act of Congress, in the year 1837, by B. Parker «fc Co., hi the clerk's office of the United States Court, in the District of East Tennessee. TO THE PUBLIC THIS WORK IS MOST RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED, WHICH THEY ARE ENTREATED TO READ BEFORE THEY JUDGE, BY THEIR OBEDIENT SERVANT, THE AUTHOR. 4 * PREFACE. Every new work, that issues from the press, has, or at least, ought to have, some grounds upon which it can set up its claim to a share of public patronage and ap- probation. This humble effort to add another item to increase the facilities of the public to acquaint them- selves with simple, safe, and efficient means for preserv- ing health and curing disease, is not, we trust, altogeth- er uncalled for, at this time. Although many works on domestic medicine have been written, and some of them by able pens; but little, comparatively speaking, has yet been done to place withiu the attainment and pre- cuniary resources of the public, a knowledge of the bo- tanic system of practice. A system this, that presents the strongest claims to public confidence, because of its Simplicity, its safety, and its unequaled efficiency; for in the bands of skillful practitioners, it has successfully bat- tled death in a thousand shapes, and subdued disease of very stubborn character. Yet this system is comparative- -J ly in its infancy, and consequently labors under many imperfections which will graduaj^ be removed as the subject becomes mat-" V *^lir *"lr l,as suc" ceeded in clear:-«^ " 'r^ andembel1: ^K. None s'1 hie eff ingt' mec5 aP o' t 6 PREFACE. eat interest to every son of mortality;—influenced, as lie is, by all the conflicting elements around him—by the energies of thought, and the power of sense and sympa- thy within him, all conspiring to wear out this vital ma- chine—to sap the foundations of this house of clay: while passion tossed by the storms that infest the sea of life, often wreck this frail bark against the rocks of mor- tality, ere half the voyage is performed; and besides these, numerous diseases lay direct siege to the citadel of life, blockading the avenues of health, and cutting off the supplies of the vital stimulus, and finally forcing an entire surrender of the castle. Man being thus circum- stanced, and thus impelled by the combined action of so many agents "to that bourne whence no travller returns,'" h. it a matter of astonishment, that next to the salvation of his soul, the care of health, and the preservation of life, should call forth his deepest energies to find means to disarm disease of its power. For this purpose, let every ray of light shine upon the subject confessedly ob- scure—let every improvement and discovery be cast into the balance so long found 'wanting*—willingly receive the labors of any one from any corner of the globe,1 that will aid in *' *- V **^ M|n of human suffering, and ^venues of death. *L;s end direct- he reader V i INTRODUCTION. In presenting the following work to the public it may not be improper to advert to some of the leading objects at which we have aimed, and the views by which we have been governed in its general composition and ar- rangement. One leading object has been to simplify the theory and practice of the healing art, so as to adapt it to gener- al use among families; and thus enable them in most cases to become their own physicians. In doing this, the writer has labored that while he adapted hi* style to the comprehension of the commonest capacity, not to sink beneath the attention of the more learned. We are apprised that a very common prejudice prevails, that the great mass of the human family are incapable of administering to their own, or to each others wants'in case of sickness. This opinion has been got up, and is still maintained by the artifice of the profession in cloth- ing the whole "healing art" with the veil of mysticism, and obscuring its sense by learned technicals, which are often applied where they are as unmeaning, as they are uncooth. On this subject, Dr Gunn, a late medical wri ter of some distinction, says; Professional pride and na- tive cupidity, contrary to the true spirit of justice and Christianity, have, in all ages and countries, from senti- ments of self interest and want of liberality, delighted in concealing the divine art of healing diseases, under complicated names, and difficult, or unmeaning, techni- cal phrases. Why make a mystery of things that relieve the distresses and sufferings of our fellow beings?" We readily admit that all are not capacitated to become adepts in the medical science, nor to enrich or embelish the science by original observations; yet there are but few who can not learn how to prepare and administer the more simple remedies, in all the common cases of dis- ease. The same earth which yields our food, produce* oar medicine:—all learn how to prepare their food, which 8 INTRODUCTION. requires as much art as the preparation of many of the simple and most valuable remedies do, and the prepar- ation of the latter is as easy learned as that of the for- mer. The application of some dashing, unmeaning, foreign, difficult name to a simple medicine, or to a sim- ple, common disease is calculated to strike an unlettered person speechless; and fancying that he is no more able to understand the preparation of the medicine, or the na- ture of the disease, than he is to comprehend its unintel- ligible technical name, he is readily induced to give over the study, as one beyond the reach of his intellect. The practice of encumbering the science of medicine with difficult, classic, technicals has hitherto secured to the faculty a privilege, which the Jlomish priests have lost; —viz: the exercising a despotic sway in controling all matters that pertained to their art. But the time has ar- rived when the impartial and intelligent will read and study for themselves; and the daw in borrowed feath- ers will be stripped of the foreign a;audy plumage with which learning had dressed her. 'Tis true, some of the faculty are as much disturbed about the reformation in medicine, as Demetrius and the craftsmen of Eph'srs were at St. Paul's preaching in that city. And the cry is heard through every land, "Great is Diana of the Facul- ty, whom not only the mercurial-mongers of America, but all the world worship. This effort of the faculty, has produced no small stir about the way, and no means have been left untried to enlist the combined power of ignorance and prejudice against the botanic system. But fortunately the world is not wax enough to take the impression at every stamp the faculty make upon them; although they still manage a great many in the leading strings of prejudice, a majority of the.world will be free and independent enough to read for themselves. If men will take the pains to read and study, they will soon be convinced that Heaven has graciously furnished man with the means of curing his own diseases, in all the dif- ferent countries and climates of which he is an inhabi- tant; and that a knowledge of the means of curing all INTRODUCTION. 9 common diseases is not so difficult to obtain as has gen- erally been represented. For says Dr. Gunn, "There is not a day, a month, a year, which does not exhibit to us the surprising cures made by roots, herbs, and sim- ples, found in our kingdom of nature, when all foreign articles have utterly failed; and the day will come when calomel and mercurial medicines will be used no longer." We beg the reader's indulgence while we introduce a few more quotations from the same author, which will go to show the reader, what some of the faculty them- selves think of their own system. "The great body of the people are beginning to find out, that when we take from the learned sciences all their technical and bombastic language, they immediate- ly become plain common sense easily to be understood by all ranks of men. I have said, and I now repeat it, that the really valuable materials in medicine, and those whieh are most powerful in the cure of disease are few and simple, and easily to be procured in all countries: —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 remedies to be found in nature, and in all the different countries and climates of which he is an inhabitant." Again he says, that "Three fourths of the whole science of physic, as now practiced, and imposed upon the common people, amounts to nothing but fudge and mummery. Mere names are nothing but blinds frequently placed by learned men between the reader and the realities of things to conceal the naked poverty and barrenness of the sciences. If the great mass of people knew how much pains were taken by scientific men to throw dust in their eyes by the use of high sounding terms, which mean very little if any thing, the learned profes- sors of science would soon loose much of their mock dig- nity. Real knowledge consists in understanding both what is useful, and what is hurtfuj to mankind; and true wisdom amounts to nothing more than appropriat- ing tp pur use whatever is beneficial and avoiding what- 10 INTRODUCTION. ever is injurious: this is the true distinction between common sense, and nonsense. The refined fripperies, and hair-drawn theories of science, are of no use what- ever. Indeed they never have had much other effect, than to excite a stupid admiration" from the great mass of the community. "I am thus particular," continues the same author, "not because I wish to lower the pub- lic opinion of the real value of medical knowledge, but because the time has arrived when the pettifoggiug dis- simulation which has crept into the practice and science of law, and the quackeries which have so long disgrac- ed 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 in- telligence." If members of the faculty thus speak and write about the science of medicine as taught among the faculty, what better opinion can they expect others to entertain of it!—or can they reasonably attach censure to us for repeating their sentiments, and presenting them to the attention of the world. In the compilation of this work, we have introduced those subjects, and adopted that arrangement of the ma- terials, which we thought would embrace all the infor- mation that was necessary for a family physician, and offer the greatest facilities for its acquisition. In the brief view of anatomy, which we have taketi, the read- er will discover that we have presented the subject in a form differing somewhat from most treatises that are ex- tant on the subject, and we hope, it has lost nothing of its interest by the view that has been taken of it. Our principal object in this part of the work, was to present the reader with a brief, comprehensive view of the most important parts of the human system, in which is em- braced a consideration of the materials of which the body is composed, both elementary and proximate; the prin- cipal organs of the system and their uses. This synop- sis of anatomy was considered sufficiently comprehensive to afford the means of acquiring a general knowledge of the structure of the human system to those whose.oppor- INTRODUCTION. 11 tunities or inclination may not permit them to study any voluminous work on the subject. On physiology only such subjects are introduced as were deemed important in illustrating &nd establishing the principles upon which the botanic practice of medi- cine are based. The principal subjects considered in this department are, the phenomena of life or the living power; the "waste of this power; the means by which this waste is supplied, and the living power sustained; the waste of the substance of the organs, and the means by which this waste is supplied; animal heat—the means of its generation in the svstem; its use in the animal economy, and the means by which it is wasted; and lastly the natural outlet for all morbid matter from the system. In chapter third we have endeavored to point out the means of preserving health, by showing first that it con- sists in the due operation of all the functions with ease and regularity; and secondly by considering the influ- ence of aliments, regimen or the regulation of the quan- tity and quality of food; of the air, clothing, proper cleanliness, exercise, sleep; the excretions, and the pro- per regulation of the passions. Chapter fourth on pathology, takes a general view of some of the prominent theories of disease that have been adopted by the faculty; and closes with a short account of our own views on the subject;—the causes of disease, exciting, remote, and proximate. The second part of the book is occupied by the differ- ent botanical remedies that have been employed for the lemoval of the maladies of man, whether applied exter- nally or administered inwardly;—the method of prepar- ing and administering them; the indication they are de- signed to answer, and their mode of operation. This department of the work was designedly enlarged to a considerable extent, so that the reader, in whatever cli- mate he may live, may possibly be guided in finding in bis own neighborhood, the remedies suited to the cure of feis diseases. For some valuable remedies that grow 12 INTRODUCTION. in one country are not to be found in another, but their place is supplied by something else that is pehaps equal- ly good:—this is the only apology we have to offer for extending the materia medica to its present length, if any one should think it needed one. In part third, the diseases peculiar to our hemisphere, which are common to men, women and children are de- scribed, with their causes, means of prevention, and method of treatment. Part fourth embraces a treatment of the diseases pe- culiar to women and children. To your candid inspection reader, the work is now sub- mitted, pardon the errors for some have escaped obser- vation, and crept into the work, that we did not discov- er until too late to correct them. They are, however, mostly typographical errors, and there are none as we have yet discovered, that materially alter the sense. It will fortify the mind against the bitterness of cen- sure, blunt the keen edge of sarcasm, and defeat the purposes of malignity to reflect that we have labored though feebly, to serve the cause of humanity, to ease the pangs of disease, and dry up the fountains of suffer* ing and sorrow. * PART I. OF ANATOMY, PHYSIOLOGY, &C. CHAPTER I. OF ANATOMY. Anatomy as a science, treats of the structure of the human body, the various organs by which it is consti- tuted and their uses. Practical Anatomy is t^e dissec- tion or dividing of the organized substances to exhibit the structure, situation and uses of the parts. To the operative surgeon, a knowledge of anatomy is an indis- pensable acquisition, to render him either a safe or skil- ful operator. ^ Those wishing to practice surgery will find that subject discussed at large in books that profes- sedly treat on that alone. But to a practical physician, in the treatment of disease, the knowledge of anatomy is of little value, unless to eneumber the mind with a mass of useless lumber tinseled with a show of classic lore, perfectly inapplicable to any of the practical pur- poses of the healing art. Chesselden one of the most celebrated anatomists of bis age, observes that what is most worth knowing is soonest learned, while dividing and describing the parts more than the knol wedge of their uses requires, serves only to perplex the learner with what is useless as it is difficult and uuinviting. A knowl^ age of the latin and greek technical names for all the bones, muscles, glands, blood-vessels, nerves, ligaments «c. &c, cannot afford the medical practitioner the least aid m discovering the most suitable and efficient reme- * 14 ANATOMY. dies for restoring health; nor confer an understanding of the, means of, removing a single malady. A knowl- edge of the best, safest, and most efficient means of af- fording relief, is the sine qua non in the healing art—the diarm which confers skill in the application and success in the treatment. The ability to point out the adapta- tion of a proper remedy to a particular complaint, is the reward of experience, and the patient observation of its effects at the bed side of the sick. Although we admit that anatomy is an indispensable acquisition to the operative surgeon; yet it is certainly true that the new physiological principles of the botanic school, point the practitioner to a safe and successful course of medical treatment, whereby many painful and dangerous surgical operations may be prevented. The botanic practitioner, instead of gathering up instru- ments of steel to amputate a mortifying arm or leg, suc- cessfully applies his powerful antiseptics;—mortification is checked—the limb saved, and the patient is made whole, instead of being maimed for life. Certainlythis is a more rational and correct course of medical treat- ment, than has hitherto been known or practiced by the medical faculty; and we hail its introduction into com- mon use, as the means of saving many limbs, prevent- ing much unnecessary pain, and many premature deaths. Nothing more is wanted in a work of this kind than a very brief view of the most important parts of the hu- man system, that those whose opportunities or inclina- tion may not permit them to peruse any voluminous work on the subject, may have the means of acquiring some general knowledge of the structure of the human frame. SECTION I. MATERIALS OF THE HUMAN BODY. The human body is a compound whether we regard the materials of which it is composed, or the organs by which it is constituted. It is formed by the union of a variety of elementary materials, which are wrought in- to all the various organs which make up the body and perfect its symetry. Empedocles, a celebrated philosopher who flourish- ed about two thousand two hundred years ago, first taught that man as well as all other organized bodies, was composed of the four elements, earth, air, (ire and water. This doctrine was generally received and main- tained by physiologists, until the modern improvements in chemistry had demonstrated, that at least three of those substances, viz: earth, air, and water, were themselves compounds made up of different elementary principles. Modern philosophers have transferred the term elemen- tary, from those natural substances, to which the an- cients! applied it, to the more simple materials of which they are composed. They deny thatany thing can proper- ly be called an element that can bereduced to two or more simple principles. Modern physiologists, reckon at least twenty ele- ments, which enter into the composition of the human body. Of these eleven are solid; two fluid; three are gaseous; and four iuconfinable. Magendie gives us the following enumeration of the I elements; Phosphorus, sulphur, carbon, iron, manganese, potaeh, lime, soda, salica or sand, and alumniaor pure clay, are the solid elements. Muriatic acid and water, are the liquid; oxygen, hy- drogen, and nitrogen, are the gaseous; and caloric, 16 ANATOMY. light, the electric and magnetic fluids, are the inconfina- ble elements. Water and several other materials enumerated here as elements, cannot strictly speaking, be considered as primary elements, according to the present state of chem- ical discovery. • The great difference observable between the differ- ent parts of the human body, take for example the blood which is fluid, and the bones which are hard and. solid, does not arise from their formation from different ingredients; but depends entirely upon different portions, under a different mode of combination of the same ele- mentary materials. There are also, what are termed proximate matirials; these are substances whose distin- guishing properties, bear the nearest resemblance to the matter of the body; and they are formed by the union of different portions of the elementary ingredients different- ly combined. The proximate materials of animal sub- stances, are, albumen, fibrin, gelatin, mucus, casea, urea, osmazome, and the coloring matter of the blood. There are also others less distinguishable, and less im- portant, such as the acetic, benzoic, lactic..formic, oxa- lic, and rosaic acids, and the sugar of milk and diabetic urine; picroniel, the yellow coloring matter of the bile, Fibrin is one of the most abundant principles in the animal composition. It constitutes the principal part of the flesh or muscles, and is also found in large quanti- ties in the blood. Fibrin is a white, fibrous substance; it is insipid, inodorous, and insoluble in water. , It may be obtaiued from lean meat washed in successive por- tions of water until all the coloring matter is removed, and the soluble part dissolved, what remains is fibrin. Albumen is also found in considerable quantities in both the solidsand fluids of the animal body. It forms a large part of the serum, or white part of the blood, and of the fluid which serves to lubricate the joints. It also. forms a part of the skin, and the membraneous coating of the vessels. Albumen may be found almost in a pura ANATOMY. 17 state in the white of an egg, which consists almost en- tirely of albumen. Gelatin is the third prevalent animal compound,, it exists in coosiderble quantities in many of the solid parts of the body; but not in any of the healthy fluids. It forms a chief ingredient in the 'skin, and is found also in the cartilages, tendons, membranes and bones. Boil- ing water dissolves and separates it from these substan- ces: and on cooling forms glue, if the water be all evap- orated from it. Common glue is made by boiling the ears, feet aad refuse cuttings of skins of animals in wa- ter, and evaporating the fluid so as to form a hard jeliy. Gelatin therefore is nothing but glue existing under a different form, combined with other animal matter. We deem the other proximate principles too unimpor- tant to merit a distinct discription in a work of this kind. They form too small a part in the animal economy to yield the common reader much either of interest or prof- it. SECTION II. ORGANS OF THE HUMAN BODY AND THEIR USES. Having in the preceding section taken a brief view of the elements, both primary and proximate, which com- pose the body; in the present section, we turn our at- tention to the various organs into which these elementa- ry materials are wrought in the formation of the human frame. On this, we must also study brevity, bringing only some of the most important parts of the system in review before the reader. The most natural general divisions of the human body, are, the head, the trunk or body, the upper and lower extremities. These are covered with the common in- teguments, viz: the skin, hair and nails. These gener- al divisions are composed of bones, muscles, glands, A* /* 18 ANATOMY. ligaments, cartilages, tendons, nerves, blood ,vessels> absorbents, and the brain and spinal marrow. The trunk is divided into two cavities by a strong membrane called the midriff or diaphragm;—the upper cavity is called the thorax or chest, and the lower one, abdomen or belly. The heart and lungs, called the thoracic viscera^ are contained in the thorax; and the stomach, kidneys, liver, intestines and their various ap- pendages, called abdominal viscera, are contained in the abdomen. A membrane called the mediastinum divides the thorax into two portions, each of which contains one lobe or division of the lungs. The heart is placed in what may be called a third division of the thorax, on the leftside. The abdominal cavity, though not parted into any natural divisions, by some anatomists, has been divided into nine artificial or imaginary regions; and as they are sometimes useful in pointing out the location of the or- gans, or the seat of disease, we will here describe them. Imagine two lines parallel with each other, drawn a- cross the abdomen transversly, the one about two inches above the navel, and the other about the same distance below it, we then have the abdomen divided into three grand divisions. Then let us suppose two other per- pendicular lines drawn from the upper transverse line downward, one on each side of the navel, about two inches from it, we shall have the two lower divisions di- vided each into three regions. The upper division also includes three regions viz: the central portion which is between the ends of the false ribs, termed the epigastric region, & on each side of it are the right & left hypochon- driac regions. The centre of the middle division is styled the umbilical region, and on the right and left of it, are the right and left lumbar regions. The lower general division contains in the middle the hypogastric region, and on each side is the right and left iliac regions. "These different regions are generally occupied by the abdominal viscera in the following manner; the stomach occupies the principal part of the epigastric region, and ANATOMY. 19 a considerable portion of the left hypochondriac. The liver fills nearly the whole of the right hypochondriac region and extends through the upper part of the epi- gastric region into the left hypochondriac. The spleen or milt is also situated in the left hypochondriac region. That portion of the intestinal canal which is, composed of the small intestines is generally found in the umbili- cal, the hypochondric, and the iliac regions. The kid- neys are situated in the back part of the lumbar regions." We shall now proceed to take a concise view of the uses of some of the principal organs, and then dismiss the subject of anatomy. The bones may properly be considered as the braces of the living frame; they give shape, stature and firmness to the body; they protect from external injury those sen- sitive, vital parts which otherwise would be constantly exposed to fatal injuries by the least violence; as the brain, heart, &c.—They also serve for the levers of the body upon which the muscles act, thereby .producing motion and exerting power. The number of bones in the human body is estimated at two hundred and forty- eight. Of these sixty-three are in the head; fifty-three in the trunk; sixty-eight in the upper extremities or arms; and sixty-four in the lower extremities. This estimation includes the four sesamoid bones in the thumbs, and the four sesamoid bones in the great toes, which are not always found. The brain is situated in the upper cavity of the head. The spinal marrow is only an elongation or continuation of the substance of the brain through the cavity of the spine or backbone. That part of the brain which lies in the back part of the cavity of the head,is called cerebel- lum or little brain, to distinguish it from the upper and larger portion of the same organ. The brain receives all impressions made upon any of the organs of sense; it is the seat of sensation, the tablet where all the images of perception are drawn;—An short it is the-grand work-shop of the mind, where all impressions made upon the organs of sense, are manufactured into ideas. But in what 20 ANATOMY manner the brain performs this, or what connection it has with the mind is yet, and perhaps ever will be un- known. Th,e deep and varied researches of physiologists, and the elaborate deductions of metaphysicians, have hitherto been unable to reflect any light on this obscure, though interesting subject. * The most we know on the subject is,that the mind acquires all its ideas of external, material objects through impressions made by these ob- ects on the organs of sense, and these impression are conveyed to the brain by the nerves, and produce what is called sensation,which is the passive reception of the image of the archetype or patern of the idea upon the brain,and in some unknow manner the perception is con- veyed to the mind. The nerves all have their origin either from the brain or spinal marrow. Those which issue from the -brain arecalledcere&ra/,andare theorgans of sensation;—it is their province to convey impressions to the brain from all parts of the system. Those issuing from the marrow of the spine are termed spinal; itis their province to com- municate the power of motion to the muscles. The nerves all issue in pairs; it is by means of those that is- sue from the brain,that we see,hear,taste,smell and feel, or in other words they convey to the brain the impress- ions received by the five organs of sense,in the act of seeing, hearing, tasting, smelling & feeling. There are usually reckoned forty pair of nerves, of which nine have their origin in the brain, and thirty-one, in the spi- nal marrow. The muscles serve to perfect the form and complete the symetry of the body; but their most important use is to act upon the bones and produce animal motion. The muscles are all in pairs except nine. There are reckoned one hundred and ninety-eight pair in the human system; this estimation makes the number of muscles four hundred and five. The muscles are composed of distinct portions of fleshy fibers; and are covered by a thin, delicate membrane, ealled cellular membrane, which also surrounds every ajtatomy. 21 fiber, though in a less distinguishable form; and con- nects them to each other, lubricating them by means of the oily substance contained in its cells, and serving as a support to the lymphatic vessels, blood vessels & nerves, which are distributed through the muscles. The mus- cles are susceptible of contraction and relaxation; and upon this property, their power of producing motion and exerting energy depends. The glands are composed of blood vessels, nerves and absorbents; and may be regarded as a system of organs dispersed amongst the muscles or contained in the abdomen, designed for the secretion or alteration of some peculiar fluid. They are distinguished according to the nature of their fluid contents, into mucous, seba- ceous, lymphatic, lachrymal and salival glands. The mucous glands are situated in the nose, back part of the mouth, throat, stomach, intestines, bladder, &c; and secrete (that is separate from the blood) mu- cus, for-thft purpose of moistening all the internal sur- faces that need moisture. The sebaceous glands are sit- uated in the arm-pits, face, pubes, &c. They secrete an oily substance. The lymphatic glands are situated in the arm-pits, mesentary, groin &c. These glands are formed by contortions or folds of the lymphatic vessels; and as yet it has not been ascertained that they secrete any fluid. They are supposed to produce some change in the lymph during its passage through them. The salival glands are situated about the angle of the jaw and root of the tongue. They secrete the sub- stance called saliva or spittle, which the salival ducts discharge into the mouth; and in the act of chewing, this discharge of saliva is much more copious, to facil- itate mastication and digestion. The lachrymal glands are situated above theouter cor- ner of the eyes. They secrete the fluid substance- termed tears, which serves to moisten the eyes, and wash out any extraneous matter from them. Grief gener- ally, and joy frequently in some unknown manner^ op^ $2 ANATOMY. rates on the lachrymal glands so as to produce a copious flow of the lachryma or tears. The liver may be considered as a large gland; it se- cretes, the bile from the blood; and by some anatomists, is supposed to be auxiliary to the lungs in decarboizing the blood. It is situated immediately below the mid- riff, occupying the right hypochondriac region, and pas- sing through the upper part, of the epigastric,, it fills a portion of the left hypochondriac region. The bile is a fluid of vast importance, both in promoting the process of digestion, and regulating the action of. the iutestines. It is'supposed to produce a chemical effect upon the ali- mentary mixture in the duodenum,' separating the chyle from the chyme. By its acridity it excites the motion of the intestines. The bowels are generally fond inac- tive in those diseases which prevent the secretion of the proper quantity of bile. Its regular secretion also pre- vents the abundance of acrid mucus from collecting in the intestines, which is apt to produce flux, dysentary &c. The pauchreasis a glandular body, situated immedi- ately below the stomach in the epigastric region. It is of an irregular oblong form, by some compared to a dog's tongue. It resembles the salival glands in color and texture; and appears to be composed of small bodies of a granulated form united to each other by a cellular membrane. The use of the panchreas is to secrete the panchreatic juice, which is discharged into the duoden- um to be mixed with the chyle. .. This fluid serves to dilute the viscid, cystic bile, to mitjg$|je*' its acrimony, and mix with the food in the .«*Q Ky be remarked in relation to all the glands, that the animal principles which they secrete, *ue iiot separ- ated from the blood by mere mechanial filtration, but they are chemically produced. The substances thus produced, do not exist ready formed in the blood; yet- their elementary ingredients do exist in that fluid; and ihe several glands possess the power of selecting from ANATOMY. 23 the general mass, the peculiar elements which make up the substances, they respectively secrete. The secre- tions are of two kinds: 1st Those which eonsist of the peculiar animal fluids, as bile, tears, saliva, 8£c; and 2nd those which form the general materials of the body, for the purpose of nourishing and recruiting the several organs or parts of the system; such as albumen, fibrin, gelatin, &c; these latter are distinguished by the name of nutritive secretions. The stomach is situated in the epigastric region, im- mediately below the diaphragm. Its most important use is to receive the masticated food, and retain it until the process of digestion is so far completed as to reduce the food to a pulpy, semifluid mass called chyme. Di- gestion is principally effected by the agency of the gas- tric juice, a fluid secreted in the stomach, possessing ex- traordinary solvent powers. Repeated experiments have yielded the most satisfactory testimony, that the solution of the food by the gastric juice is a chemical process decomposing it, and separting it into its elementa- ry principles. When the process of digestion has so far advanced as to convert the food into chyme, it is poured into the du- odenum, where it mixes with the bile, and panchreatic juice. From this mass, the absorbent vessels called lac- teals obtain a white opake fluid termed chyle. The lacteals are numerous minute vessels, that have their or- igin on the internal surface of a great part of the intes- tinal canal. The chyle contains all the ingredients necessary to the nourishment of the body; and it is conveyed by the lacteals into a vessel called the thoracic duct; and by that it is discharged into a large vein called the subcla- vian vein, where it soon mixes with the blood, and be^" eomes a part of that fluid. From the blood all tlxf ma- terials are supplied, which support the growth *nd sup- ply the waste of the system in all its parts whether fluid or solid. The stomach, including the oesophagus or gullet, and 24 ANATOMY. intestines, is called the alimentary canal; because it is through this tube all our food or aliment must pass, in order to expose its nutritious parts to the action of the absorbents. The grosser parts of the food which can- not be taken up by the absorbent ducts, pas on through the intestines, and are discharged by stool. The con- tents of the intestines are propelled through them by what is termed the perisaltic motion; and when this suffers any diminution in force or frequency, costiveness of the bowels must ensue as a necessary consequence. The stomach is one of the most important organs in the animal economy. It may be considered the grand labaratory or chemical workshop of the living power, where chemical operations upon our food and drink are regularly performed without effort, toil or study. We must fully appreciate the importance of this organ to the animal economy, when we consider that it prepares our food and drinl. to yield their nutritious particles; and that it, in connection with the lacteals, can with the most unerring aecuracy, detect those elementary ingredients contained in our aliment, select and distribute them to thedifferent parts of the system to nourish and recruit it Any deviation from its regular action, must be attended with a pernicious influence upon our health. And its operation is liable to be disturbed more or less from al- most every disease which attacks the body, in conse- quence of the great number of organs connected with it \u the digestive process. From the days of John Hunter, the stomach has been considered the centre of sympa- thy in the system. We think there can be no great dif- ficulty to find the reason of this, in the association of so many organs in the performance of one common fuuc- tion, and their mutual dependence upon each other, con- sequently when one suffers, the other must be more or lass affected. The lungs are situated in the thorax. The thorax. is lined with a smooth, shining membrane, denominated the pleura, which is the seat of, and gives name to the pleurisy. This membrane forms two distinct bags in ANATOMY. 25 *be thorax, two sides of which meeting, attach to the anner edge of the spine or back-bone, and reaching from thence to the breast-bone form the partition called the mediastinum. The lungs are divided into two portion j or lobes, and situated in these two divisions of the thor- ax, attached to the trachea or wind-pipe. 'I he most important, and/perhaps the only function of the lungs, is that of respiration. The more common name for this function, is that of breathing, which is sim- ply inhaling the air into the lungs and expelling it from them. An important change is produced in the blood by respiration, which is generally called decarbonizing it; this will be more particularly described, when we speak of the circulation of the blood. The Iridneys are situated in- the lumbar region, one eu each side of the spine. They are of a dull red color, and bear a strong resemblance in their form to that of the bean called kidney bean. They are glandular bod- ies, and it is their province to secrete the urine from the blood. Each kidney receives a large artery, which proceeds immediately from the aorta; and a vein issuimr from each kidney, returns the blood to the vena cava,' after its superabundance of water has been separated from it. There is no secretion accomplished by any ©f the glandular structures in the human system, so exten- sive as this. Its regular performance is essential to a healthy state of the body. Its operation is liable to suf- fer derangement in two ways. First its secretion may be checked, and a proper quantity of fluid will not be car- ried off; and secondly, its secretion may be too active, and carry off too much of the fluids; and thus waste away the substance of the body, till deai^ break the attenua- ted thread of life, close the scene, and end the patients suffering. The water secreted by the kidneys, is conveyed to the bladder by means of tubes about *e size of a goose qwll, called the ureters. They ente: the bladder near its neck; and form for themselves valves, that prevent toe water from running back in them, when the bladder 26 ANATOV:^ contracts to eject the urine through the urethra, its pro- per passage; The mammre or breasts of females, are also regarded as glandular bodies.. When full grown, they are of an oval or round form.' They, are composed of a vast mul- titude of small ducts or vessels, which secrete the milk from the blood. The milk being designed to answer the purpose of nourishment to the infant, contains every ingredient necessary to support the growth of the body, by supplying every part, both fluids and solids with its proper elementary ingredients. The vessels which se- crete the milk, as they approach the nipple fall into each other, and form eight or ten large tubes connected with the most admirable skill, so that if any thing should ob- struct one or more of them, the passage of the milk to the nipple, might not be entirely obstructed. The heart is situated in the thorax, nearer the left than right side. It is a strong muscular body, of that class denominated hollow muscles. It is divided into two cavities, which are distinguished by the names of right and left ventricles. Connected with these at the base or broad part, are two other hollow muscles denom- inated auricles. The heart possesses the power of dila- ting and contracting which is technically denominated the systole and diastole motion. By this operation it '♦ first receives the venous blood into its cavities, and then forces it into the arteries through every part of the body. This motion continues day and night, asleep or awake, during the whole period of existence. The number of these systole and diastole motions that take place in a minute, is modified or governed by age or by disease. In infancy the number is greatest, being from one hun- dred and thirty, to one hundred and forty; in manhood, from seventy to eighty; in old age, from fifty-five to six- ty-five. Most-inflammatory diseases stimulate the mus- cles of the heart and accelerate its motion. This is the piwerthat rolls the crimson current of life through every channel in the system, with the constancy of a perenni- al fountain. While the vital power remains, tb4 ANATOMY. 27 Itarl with untiring assiduity plies the wheels of life, un- fatigued with its ceaseless labor; and is neither lulled into stupidity by the torpor of sleep, nor decoyed into remissness by the enchantments of pleasure. The heart is generally represented as the seat of our propensities, passions and affections: the fountain from which our good and evil deeds flow. The forms of ex- pression adopted in all languages, whether ancient or modern, classic or rude, sacred or profane, indicate the prevalence of this practice. Even the Scriptures repre sent the heart as undergoing a radical change in the di- vine work of regeneration. It must be obvious, that the change wrought in the heart by conversion, cannot be a change of its physical or organic nature; it therefore it remains, that the change spoken of, must be of a moral kind, wrought upon the propensities, passions, and af- fections, which the usual forms of expression, represent as having their seat in the heart. But as a moral ren- ovation can only be wrought in moral qualities, and moral qualities can only attach to mind or spirit subject to moral government, it follows that the term heart in these familiar forms of expression is used figuratively, and denotes the soul, to which these moral properties may properly be ascribed. The blood vessel*, are. flexible, elastic tubes, dis- tinguished by the names of veins and arteries. The arteries receive the blood from the heart, and convey it to every part of the body; the veins convey it from the extremities back to the heart. There are two arteries issuing from the heart, distinguished as the aorta and the pulmonary anery. The latter issues from the right ventricle of the heart, and conveys the blood into the lungs. From the lungs issue four veinscalled the pul: mouary veins, which return the blood to the Ierr auricle, from which it passes into the left, ventricle, an-;l the coh- traction of the heart propels it through the aorta and its numerous branches to every part of the system. The aofta takes its origin from the left ventricle, and seuds oif numerous large branches to different parts of the body, 28 ANATOMY. .which are again ^divided iuto t counties uocr of minute tubes. The origin of the "^ corres^nd every whc-a with the iernn. .ation of the s. As the ,tein* proceed from the extremities tov> i „,ie.he« -t, the nu- merous branches intercepting each ,/ther u.iite, and form tubes larger andv larger, until they are all concen- trated in two large canals, termed vena cava: one of which has its brandies froni-the uper extremities, and is denominated the superior, or descending vena cava; the other having its branches from the lower extremities, is termed the inferior, or ascending vena cava. These two large veins discharge the blood, thus c dlected from r*U parts of the system, into the right auricle of the heart, whence-it passes into the right ventricle, and the contraction of the heart drives it through the pulmonary' artery into tho lung-*, and from the luti:;s it returns through the pulmonary veins to the heart again; and tu.us it keeps its ceaseless round, day and night, asleep or awake during the whole period of existence. The arteries are strong, elastic tubes, susceptible of considerable dilation, and elongation, which takes place when the blood is forced into the aorta, and thus en4 iarged it readily receives the purple tide; and when the action of the heart ceases, the effort of the artery to re- turn to its usual dimension, keeps a constant motion of tiie blood along the arteries, during the dilation of the heart to receive another portion of the crimson fluid, which by the contraction of the heart, is ajjain driven in- to the aorta, and thus the vital tide is kept in motion. The aorta or grand arterial trunk has a valve at its orifice or opening into the heart, which readily admits the passage of the blood from the heart into the artery; but preveuts its return from the artery into the heart. Were it not for this valve, the blood would run back in- to the heart, at every dilation. In many of the veins also, there are valves which readily admit the passage of the blood towards the heart; but prevent it from run- ning towards tfee extremities of the body. One of the principle purposes answered by the ctr* ANATOMY. 29 Culation of the blood, is the distribution of the nutriment to every part of the body. The lacteals abstract from the digested food all its nutricious parts, and convefy ■. them into the thoraeic duct, whence they are discharged into the left subclavian vein to mingle with the blood? and by its circulation, are carried to every part of the system. The operation by which the nutriment, that supports the growth, and supplies the waste of the body, is. separated from the blood, is termed secretion. Se- cretions are performed by the agency of the glands, which are small tubes collected together in bundles. The glands receive their name from the latin word glans, which signifies acorn, from their resemblance to the shape of that fruit. These secretions are all effected during the passage of the blood through the arteries, and by this means it is deprived of a greater portion of those principles, which are necessary to the carrying on of the animal functions. Thus exhausted, it returns to the heart to be revived. On its way it receives from the thoracic duct a supply of nutriment just before it enters the right ventricle of the heart, and is thence driven through the pulmonary artery into the lungs. It circulates through that organ by means of inconceivably numerous vessels of a delicate texture. When it enters Jie lungs it is of a dark purple color, but when it leaves them its color is a bright red, or a florid hue. . This change is produced by the air in- haled into the lungs. While the blood psses through the numerous delicate vessels in the lungs, it absorbs ox- ygen from the air; and the air abstracts carbon from the blood. When the air is exhaled from the lungs, a great portion of its oxygen has disappeared, and carbon is found in its place. The blood relieved from its su- perabundance of carbon, and now essentially revived, sets outagaiu, to distribute its fresh supply of nutrition and stimulus, to the different parts of the system. B* CHAPTER II. OF PHYSIOLOGY. Physiology is that science which inquires into the nature of those phenomena which belong to living beings. We do not intend, in this work, to enter into a formal, scientific discussion of this subject, in the usual method of shading it with classic obscurities, and garnishing it wrth technical lore. But we shall introduce such sub* jects as we shall deem useful to illustrate and establish the new physiological principles of \h<. botanic school. In connection witii this, will be exhibited a comprehen- sive view cf what we esteem, the only correct principles upon which the successful practice of medicine can be based. Some attention will, occasionally, be bestowed on other subjects, that maybe consiuered remotely or even if]" 'dentally, Connected with/this part of the work. The pr ucinlcs upon which the botanic system of practice is founded, were not formed in-the va, je regions of specula- tion; but were drawi1 from the school of experience, by observing the various modas, operations and phenomena of lit'i under the different aspects of health and disease; andby paying particular ."Mention to the operation ana effects of remedies, having the mind unbiased by anyr favorite theory previously1 adopted.- And hence the most astonishing results have ensued;—the safety and efficacy of the remedies have been tested, not in few cases of mild form; but in thousands of cases of the most hopelesskind;—-hundreds of them being given over, and pronounced incurable by the faculty. For indeed the founde: of the botanic system, had at first only few cases to attend * it such as w; ^ pronounced incurable; and OP PYS10LOGY. 31 tbus his remedies evinced their perfect safety and un- paralleled efficacy, and urged the new practice into no- tice, in despite of the obstinacy of ignorance and the blindness of prejudice. The certainty and value of these remedies, are rapidly gaining the confidence of the pub- lic, riot withstanding malice has exhausted.all the power of falsehood, exaggeration and misrepresentation to keep the system down, and learning has employed all the raillery of wit, all the amplifications of rhetoric and all the force of declamation to bring it into contempt. A system that has intrinsic merit enough to give it an en- ergy sufficient to rise beneath the crush of this mighty lever, need not dread a competition with the old miner- al system.—A system framed in the regions of specula- tion, and fraught with uncertainly and want of efficacy, as is clearly shown by the successive changes its princi- ples bave undergone, from the days of Paracelsus to^the present. Some daring genius, starts the chase in the wilds of speculation;—scents up a new theory;—points out the defects of the former system of practice; is fol- lowed and admired by numhers,—triumphs his brief day, and then goes the way of all the earth, and Ins be- loved theory, frequently, soon follows. It is succeeded^ however, witii ai.other built on principles equally un- certain and introduces a practice equally unsuccessful. To conceal the defects of these different systems^ soph- istry was engaged to weave a covert for them; and learn- ing, was employed to patch the rents that experience was continually making; and as far as possible, to con- V;ceaL tlie whole from common observation by dressing them with technical lore, and clasic obscurities. We think the new physiological principles of the botanic school, furnish us with the torch, of truth kindled by experience, whcse beams pierce through sophistry's coat of many colors, and expose at once the weakness and absurdity of the system, however disguised to com- mon eyes, or complicated by art. It is impossible for science invested with the splendid robes of learning, to bend or change the principles of nature to suit a favor- 82 OP PHYSIOLOGY. ite theory, if that theory be founded on assumed princi' pies that are incorrect. When philosophy takes the wrong road, its magic power can lead its votaries far- thest from the truth, plung them into the deepest error, and bind them with the strongest delusions. The prin- ciples upon which the successful practice of medicine is based, must be studied in the school of experience. In this school Dr. Thomson studied long with nicest obser- vation of the cause of disease, and the effects of remedies, for forty years, on near a million patients, in all varie- ties of cases and diseases, until his success in discover- ing remedies has enabled him to battlc'death in a thou- sand forms, and conquer disease of the most stuborn character. SECTION I. OF LIFE OR THE LIVING POWER. There are none perhaps who have not observed the phenomena of the living power; but what constitutes vi- tality or the living power is not so clearly understood. The deepest anatomical, and physiological research, has hitherto, been unable to satisfactorily settle the question, as may be seen by the accumulation of theory upon ther- ry, and the advancement of hypothesis warring against hypothesis, all offered in explanation of this diflacujt, though interesting subject. The reader has been informed in the preceding chap- ter, that each organ in .the system is charged with the performance of some office or function, in carrying on the animal economy. The performance of a function implies both an action and the power to act; for as there can be no -performance without action, so there can be no action without power to act. All organs there- fore, must either possess an inherent power, or it must be imparted to them through some external agency, by which they arc enabled to act. This power, from whatever OF LIFE OR THE LIVING iJWER. 33 source derived, is called, the living power, vitality or the power of life. And when this power ceases to act, the organs fajl to perform their respective functions,-'and the wheefs of life no longer move. J "riijgiis presence there i*r life; in its absence there 'is de !h. The most stupid can distinguish between allying and a dead man, but the must learned cannot explain ihc intimate nature of that living principle which animates the one, and lias forsaken the other. Bagiivi supposed the-dura mater to be the life, or the seat of the power of life; Haller" placed it in the me- dulla; Hoffman in the nervous fluid; Darwin in th-2 sens- orium. Hippocrates' the Grecian father of medicine, supposed that life was derived from Are or heat; and this was a prevalent opinion among, his successo:-;?. Dr. Thomson, of the present day observingthe invar \hle ne- cesity of the presence of her.t in a living body, and thai in its absence there was death, was led toform the sane op- inion. Tourtell has endeavored, by introducing both facts and arguments to prove that caloric or heat, is the vital principle which animates the whole living world. The human system has been compared to a compli- cated machine, and the oprati'on of the different, organs^ is like the moving of so many different Wheels, alf kept in motion by one main spring or moving cause; and that moving cause is the power of life. If the power which keeps np organic motion be inherent or self existing, it cannot be dependent upon any extraneous matter for supplies to keep Un vital action. But we find from ob- servation that If)e vital power is continualy dependent upon supplies der'ved from the air we "breathe, and the aliment we receive. If food, drink and air be withheld, instantly do the wheels of life cease to roll, and the crimson tide forgets to flow. This view of life, led the impious Dr. Brown to adopt the theory that life was zfovped state, continually dependent upon power derived from,external substances; that the tendency of animals * eve^ moment is to disolution; and that they are kept fromit, (not by any power in themselves,) but by foreign / 84 of lipe on the living power. powers, and even by these with difficulty, and only for a little while, until disease, accidental injury, or old age weaken or wear out the machine, and then it can move no longer With regard to the^hature of the living power, or its peculiar mode of operating upon the organs, little is known; and whether it acts as a chemical or mechan- ical agent, we are not fully prepared to say; nor is it a matter of great consequence, in a medical point of view, to know either its intimate nature, or its peculiar modus operandi. Of one thing, all must be sensible; its contin- ued amplication is necessary to keep up organic motion. and drive us on through life. The Hebrew lawgiver, under the guidance of inspira- tion, forbade the Jews to eat the blood, because it was the life. This declaration of Moses, probably means, that the life is, in the blood; and that the vital power which plies the wheals of life, is imparted by it. This latter idea corresponds with all the facts that observa- tion has been able to collect on the subject. All have noticed that vital action is continually dependent upon a power derived from air and aliment; for if these are * "withheld life ceases. The nutriment and stimulus ob- tained from the food and drink received into the stomach, ami the air we breathe, are communicated to the blood, and by it, are imparted to the organs; aud thus it would be inferred that the living power is concentrated in ?M .its force in the blood. This view of the subject agrees ■with the declaration of the iuspired Jewish lawgiver. It is further corroborated by another fact obvious to the most uulettered;-take away the blood, and you destroy life; open an artery aud iife'togeherwith the blood, es- capes at the orifice. Our remarks so far have been confined to the princi- ple of mere vitality, or that power of life which stimu lates the organs, and enables them to accomplish the dif- ferent tasks assigned them in the animal economy. But there is in man a living principle far superior to mere vitality. And the existence of this principle is clearly OF LIFE OR THE LIVING POWER. 35 evinced by the production of actions, that must spring ;'rom a far more noble and efficient power than vitality or mere animal life. Man is capable of performing ac- tions that indicate volition, reason, judgment and design; and rausi necessarily, be in possession of a moving pow- er, that can choose, reason, judge, design, &c. This living principle, we call the soul or spirit: it is immate- rial and consequently immortal; and is not dependent upon any material substance for its existence or its pow- er. Mere vitality is only capable of produing involun- tary organic action; i. e. such motions or actions of the organs, as go on regularly without the mind exercising any choice or direction about them. The motion of the heart and lungs, the circulation of the blood, the vari- ous secretions and excretions, &c. are of this kind. But the mind or soul is concerned in the production of all voluntary actions; and in some indefineable man- ner, can so a«t upon the bodily organs, as to produce immediate obedience to its volitons. The soul like a lord maintains an absolute dominion over the bodily power. It wills, and the obsequious organs instant o- bedience yields* Quick as thought the nimble tongue plies its articulate powers to communicate to others, theT cogitations, wishes or commands of the soul. It de- signs, and the docile hands with skillful touch draw the delicate likeness; chase up the expressive marble true to nature; or diligently ply the tools of art, arid the im- plements of husbandry. If business or amusement invite to a different place, the willing feet bear it to the desired spot. The student of the healing art, however, is only im- mediately interested in observing the various operations- andjphenomena, which vitality or animal life exhibits under the different aspects of health and disease. SECTION II. WASTE OF THE POWER OF LIFE, The preceding section shows that the vital power is not inherent or self-existent in the human system; but is continually dependent on, and kept up by the stimu- lus and nutriment derived from the air inhaled into the lungs, and the aliment received into the stomach. The tendency of all animals is to dissolution; and the power which for a while, resists this tendency is deriv- ed from foreign substances, that in their natural state bear no resemblance to the living machine. The toils of business, the fatigue of labor, the anxiety of care, the pangs of distress, the thrill of ecstasy, the depression of disappointment, the gloom of desponden- cy, the rancor of malice, and the corrosion of envy, all tend to undermine tlie foundations of life, and exhaust its energy. The constancy of organic exertion, is con- tinually wasting the power that gives them motion. Any increased o. excited exertion either of the vital or- gans, or of the muscular motions still more rapidly ex- hausts the living power. The use of ardent spirits, which stimulate the heart and arteries into increased exertion without supplying any nutriment to keep up the living power, impairs the tone of the organs; for being lashed into an excited ex- ertion, without any increase of power to sustain that ex- ertion, a waste of its power is the invariable and neces- sary consequence. Excessive eating or drinking, un- necessary sleep, neglect of proper exercise, inordinate indulgence in sensual pleasures, all enervate the system, either by exhausting the living power or preventing its accumulation. The indulgence of inordinate passionr is usually attended with a diminution of the vital energy; and on some extraordinary occasions has pros- trated it entirely. Sudden transports of passion are al- ways deleterious io the living power; and numerous i** WASTE OF THE POWER OF LIFE. 8? •stances are not wanting in which they have instantly hsed the silver cord, broke the golden bowl, or broke the pitcher at the fountain, or the wheel at the cistern'. While treating on the waste of the vital power, by the influence of these common causes, duty binds, truth requires, and humanity urges, that we expose the dele- terious influence of some other causts upon the same po^er. And it is the more imperiously necessary that we notice them, because the living power, is subjected to the most lavish and fatal waste of its energy, under the delusive idea, that it will be a means of restoring health or relieving pain. We allude to the practice of bleeding and starving patients, or what amounts to the same thing, imposing upon them great abstinence. It is well known that these items, form an important pari of the common treatment of disease, by practitioners of the faculty. We are aware that this practice is in accord- ance with, and recommended by their theory of practice? but experimental facts can, and ought to overthrow all the theoretical reasoning that has been, or ever will be advanced in defence of a practice so much at war with. life. A late respectable writer says, that in a given pe- riod, previous to the time he wrote, that more persons had perished under the use of the lancet, than had fal- len by war, famine and pestilence in the same period? and indeed when we take a correct physiological view of the blood and its use, we cannot esteem the statement as an exaggeration, nor be astonished that a practice so pernicious, would be attended with a result so murder- ous. In the foregoing section, we have shown that the blood is the medium through which the system receives all its nourishment; and that the organs are constantly dependent upon it for the supply of that stimulus and nutriment which keeps up vital action. The circulation of the blood, is for the purpose of carrying to every part of the system, the portion of nourishment and stim- ulus necessary to premote the functions of life. "This distribution of nutriment and stimulus, is more necessary 88 WASTE OF THE POWER OF LIFE, in disease than in health; because disease is the result of a deficiency of the vital power." How pernicious then, must that practice be to the system, already-labor- ing under a deficiency of vital energy, to abridge the ve- ry means which are provided to recruit and sustain it!! By diminishing the with whatever else, that becomes worn out and useless, is carried off by the emunctories to make room for new materials to act their part. Cutaneous transpiration is one of the most extensive excretions from the human sys- tem; and its importance is evinced by the deleterious effects that result from its being checked. Like *ho steam in the steam engine, when it Iras exhausted iti force, must be thrown off, to make room for a fresh fcup> Jply of power, or the machine will be stopped. 3. Urinary Discharge. .-. ' * The urine also carries off from the system worn out aatter, such ,as salts, earths and water. Having per- formed their part in the active operations of life, they give place to new materials to carry on the purposes, they had become incapable of serving. Disease is the result of the check or stoppage of this excretory process; but its too active operation is more fatal, as it wastes the substance of the body faster than the regular supply of nutrition can repair it. 4. Jllvine Discharges. This deiotes the discharges from the intestines by stools. Through this channel are discharged the gros- ser parts of the alimentary matter we take into the atom-! aei;, after it has yielded its nutritious particlei to tho WASTE OF THB SUBSTANCfc OF THE ORCANS. 49 lacteals, together with a mixture of bile,mucus, and other exirementitioiis matter, poured into the. intestines by the excreting vessels that terminate, on their internal sur- face s. The exhalen'a or vessels that throw off the excremen- titious aud worn outmatter from the system, diverge both Ways, and terminate on tlie internal surface of the intes- tines, aud on toe external surface of the skin, when perspiration is free and uninterrupted, the determining powers are said to be to the surface; but when it is oth- erwise, the determining powers are said to he inward. To- regularity of the stools, like every other func- tion of the living machine, is of great importance to a healthy vigorous state of Mie body. . The faeces are gradually moved towards the fundament by the peristaltic motion of the intestine*. Win u this motion becomes ex- cited, the digested al'ni»Mit \* drhen too rapidly through the intestinal caml o yield Its nutrient aud stimulant powers to the lacteals: ai.o hence debility and emaciation is the, in c ssary result. When the det.» riuiniug powers are inward, the-intestinal exhalen's pour into the intes- tiues a Miperahuudanre of fluid, producing liquid stools, which have a very deb litating influence upon ihe body. Any acrid, irritating sub*taiice introduced into them, such as a drastic purge, excites the action of theexhalents, and induces debdity by pr* ducing liquid stools. Great caution ought, therefore, to be observed in administer- ing drastic purges to patients laboring under bodily weakness; for few things have a more debilitating influ- ence iifio > the system, duri.glhe time they operate, than dras c purges. Thepeistaltic motion so netimes becomes so dimin- ished hi is force and frequency, as not to carry off the faces in the regular aud pro er titee; ibis is the cau-e of costiveness, which f long co itmued. produces a formida- ble train of symptoms that are sometimes difficult to re- move: Nor does it diminish the danger of these symptoms, for medical metaphysics to regard costivenesa m asymptomatic, and not as a primary disease. D SO WASTB OF THK ?>UB-TAVCB OF THE OK«A*S, The regular and constant action of the emonctorie* in cleansing the body by removing the useleMS and worn out matter from it, lends to preserve the system from putrefaction and decay. And the constant wearing out, and subsequent removal of the substance of the organs, indicate the necessity of regular recruits to sup- ply this waste. Let it be remembered that everything intended to support the growth and supply the waste of the body, passes into the blood, and ly its circulation, is dtstr.buted to every part. During the progress front infancy to mature age, more matter is separated from the life-sustaining fluid by the nutritive secretions, than is removed by the exhalent-; whence results an increase of the bulk or size of the body during this period. The daily reception of such articles of aliment, as can be converted into a suh-tanee of the same kind and nature with that from which the waste takes place, is in- dispensable, or emaciation necessarily ensues. It was a prevalent opinion among ancient physiolo- gists, that the body was entirely renewed in the course of time, by this constant change of matter which is con- tinually taking place. That the materials which com- pose the b )dy are changing admits of no reasonable doubt; but that the entire b■ idy is thus periodically re- newed is not satisfactorily known. It is certainly a most curious phenomenon in the animal economy, that one set of organs called exhalents or emiihrtories, should be busily employed in cany ing off the useless and worn out matter from every part of the system; while at the same time another set of organs are engaged in forming all the different substances of the bnd\, such as bones", muscles or flesh, cartilages, ligaments. &c. &c, out of the new materials regularly furnished. This process of compounding and decompounding the proximate ele- ments which compose our bodies, most undoubtedly, to a certain extent, is continually going on within us. This double process is indispensably necessary to our healthful existence; and essentially constitutes'vitality or life. If the excretory process is checked or obstruct^ ( /f^* .4* **vs; AM VIAL MF AT. St ed, disease is the consequence; and if the secreting or» gam are not supplied with the proper materials, or if they fail to perform their proper Amotions, debility and emaciation unavoidably follow. It is this active ope- ration of.i.he living vaehine. that distinguishes organic from inorganic hodie-; a ngoperation, and without which life itself cannot exist. 52 ANIMAL HfcAT. The temperature of the body is several degrees above the temperature of the air even in summer, consequently the anim-il system cannot derive its heat from the tem- perature of the climate, as it is always above it; there- fore the heat of the body must be, in some way, produced wtihiu it, in sufficient quantities to maintain an equal temperature in all seasons. The heat of the blond is married on Fahrenheit's thermometer at ninety eight degrees. And a thermometer held in the mouth of a person in health, would scarcely vary a single degree whether it were tried in summer or in winter, in tho frigid or torrid zone; nor does the thermometer indicate any considerable difference in the temperature of the body, when we are overcome with the sensation of heat, or shivering with cold. There is a vast difference it is true, in the sensations of a person in these two cases; but the difference, exists at the surface on'y; for it is by the surface we judge of the sensation of heat or cold, which is merely.an absence of caloric or matter of heat. We readily admit that in one case the animal heat is generated more rapidly than in I he other; but tho process of perspiration acts as a regulator, and on princi- ples readily apprehended by the chemist, equalizes the temperature of the body. And this is another evidence of the wis torn and benevolence of the Divine Architect, in so directing and controlling the operations of the liv- ing'machinery, that its temperature will not vary with that of the atmosphere, nor with the gentleness or vio* lenceofour exercises. Notwithstanding we have the most satisfactory evi- dence that animal heat is generated within us; yet the means by which it is generated and kept up in the sys- tem, lie so remote from the ken of observation, that the most ardent .chemical and physiological research has hitherto been uuable to ascertain with certainty, either the seat or mode of its production. Nature's Author has assigned an organ, or organs, for the secretion or formation of every other material neces- sary to promote the regular operations of the living sys- ANIMAL HEAT. 5£ tem; but no organ has yet been detected whose office it could reasonably be supposed was to generate caloric or matter of heat, a substance absolutely indispensable in the animal economy. And indeed, from the nature of this subtle fluid; the facility with which it radiates, ten- ding to an equilibrium in surrounding objects, we should judge that no one organ couid be the instrument of its generation, and equ^l diffusion through the system. We must believe that the production of animal heat is a process of vitality, (and not vitality itself, as some iuppose,) and probably, never will be perfectly under- stood, until the nature of vitality is more fully compre- hended. No theory has yet been proposed to account for its production, which is not liable to weighty objec- tions; nor do we think any one likely to be offered, that will lie entirely free from some, until the nature of the vi- tal principle be more perfectly compreeended. It is no uncommon thing however, for philosophy, when she has collected all the facts she could, on any subject of absorbing interest, to surmise the balance, and from analogical deductions drawn from the assumed and ascertained principles to frame a theory, which, when invested with learning's purple and scarlet robes, she introduces into the walks of science, as a valuable acquaintance. Whether the practice of offering theories in explanation of subjects not perfectly understood, springs from an effort of the pride of learning to conceal her ignorance; or from a more worthy desire to glean from the pro'iflc fields of speculation, something that mightembeliish knowledge, or add to the treasures of sci- ence, we shall not stop here to inquire. And without pretending to decide which of the above named motives govern us, we must beg the reader to take a short prom- enade with us in the fields of speculation; and we will try to serve up for his special entertainment, such a theory of the means by which animal heat is generated, as we think best accords with the chemical and physio- logical facts, we have been able to collect on this inter- esting phenomenon of the animal economy. 54 ANIMAL HEAT. And as we are writing for the benefit of common peo» pie, and not merely for the chemist and physiologist it will be necessary that we first explain some well established chemical principles or facts, so intimately connected with this subject, that their explanation wi 1 be indispensable, to render our views of the means of generating animal heat, intelligible to those who were not in the previous possesion of these chemical data. It is a well established fact with which every chem- ist is familiarly acquainted, that different bodies possess different qiantities of caloric or matter of heat, at the same temperature; i.e. when the thermometer would indicate that both possess the same quantity of sensible caloric, it requires quite different quantities of caloric to raise them to the same degree. By sensible caloric we mean that which uky be detected by a thermometer, or perceived by the sense; thus if we lay our band on a heated bodv, we feel only the caloric which leaves it, and enters'the hand; for it is impossible that we could be sensible of that which remains in the body. All substances do not feel hot in proportion to the quantity of caloric they contain; thus the quantity of caloric that would raise the temperature of one pound of water ten degrees, would laise a pound of oil twenty degree-; and the consequence would be, that the oil would feel twice as hot as the wat n^ experiment il chemists tell us that the capacity of arterial blood for beat, exceeds that posses- sed by the venous blood. If this be a fact, and it is ad- mitted even by those who deny the inference drawn from this fact, that there is some difference, the generation of animal heat cao readily be accounted f >r, in a manner quite satisfactory. We have in a former section, shown that the blood in circulating through the lungs, undergoes an important . process, which changes the" venous into arierial blood. This change is effected in the act of respiration, by the air imparting a portion of its oxygen to the blood, and abstracting carbon, and perhaps some other mpuritien from it. The carbon thus abstracted from the bloody combines with the remaining portion of oxygen and forms carbonic acid, and of necessity forms a process similar to combustion, and consequently must, at every breath, produce a degree of heat, that would be attend- td with a serious inconvenience, were it not that the ar- 96 ANIMAL HEAT. terial blood possesses a greater capacity for caloric than venous blood; and thus the caloric produced by the combination of oxygen and carbon in the act of respira- tion. Which changes (he venous into arterial blood, is employed to satisfy this increased capacity; and floes not theiefore, increase the tempera tore of the lungs. Aud as the blood gradually supplies the various secre- tions in every part of the body, it gradually returns to the state of venous blood; and consequently its capaci- ty for ca'oric, is gradually diminished, and the caloric which went to satisfy the increased capacity is gradual- ly set flee and diffused throughout the system. That respiration is intimately concerned in this phe- nomenon, is fairly inferred from the fact that the quan- tity of heat in different animals, is proportioned to the quantity of oxygen they consume. And further, we are perfectly unable, on any other plan than the one above proposed, to give a rational account of what becomes of the caloric produced by the combination of oxygen and carbon which always takes place in the act of respira- tion, and renders ita process p rfectly s mil ir to toat of combustion;—a process necessarily attended with tho production of heat in proportion to the quantity or ox- ygen and carbon combined. In addition to the above general means of generating animal heat, there are some that may be c >o»idered as auxiliaries, viz: the secretions and friction The change of fluids into solids is universally attended with the disengagement of thr caloric of fluidity, which was before latent, but now becomes free or sensible caloric. We have heretofore shown that both the growth of tho body was supported, and its waste supplied by secre- tions from the blood. The secretions must therefore bo accompanied with the disengagement of caloric, and as these are constantly going on in every part of the bo- dy, they must be continually yielding a portion of calo- ric to every part of the system. Friction it ii well known, according to a universal law of nature, also produces caloric or matter of heat. A- 0T THE USE, AND WASTE OP ANIMAL HEAT 57 midst all the operations carried on by the complicated, organic machinery, '•anil particularly the circulation of the blood through the minute vessels which seem almost to compose the very f.bers of the flesh, there must be considerable friction, a id necessarily a corresponding production of heat. We must now take our leave of the theory of the pro- duction of animal heat, and devote a stectio* to the con- sideration of its u*e in the »nim«l economy; and the means by which it is wasted or diminished. SECTION VI. OF THE USE. AND WASTE OH ANIMAL HEAT, fcc. Most readers no doubt have derived the most convin- cing testimony from their own observation and »xpm- enoe, that a certain portion of caloric or \wat is indis- pensable to promote the healthful and regular operaW«ri9 of the 'vital functions;. Ho important is thr* influence which it exercises over the system, and so inuispensable it is to the healthy operations of life, that several, both of ancient and modern times, have mistakenly regarded it as constituting vitality itself. Animal heat is necessary to impart to, and maintain a proper consistence among, both the fluids and solids of the body. Its presence in a proper quantity, renders the vessels soft and pliant, and attenuates *he fluid*; and thus both are prepared to promote the circulation with healthy regularity and ease. The sensibility ef the nervous system greatly depends on the presence of a due proportion of heat In reference to this subject, the benumbing effects of cold U obvious to all; and the necessity of more violent impressions upon the nerves, in order to produce sensation, has, we doubt not, been remarked by the most of men. When a sufficiency of heat is not generated iu the system, the fluids becoBie 58 OF THE USE, AND WASTE OF ANIMAL HEAT. thick and.viscid; the vessels lose their softness and pli- ancy;jthe circulation is rendered languid andjfeeble; the process of nutrition is interrupted; the removal of the useless and worn out matter from the system is checked* aud death will soon close this train of functionary disaa- ters, unless they are speedily restored to their proper operations, by raising'the animal heat to its proper tem- perature. We have before remarked that the heat of the body wa» above the temperature t%Tthe atmosphere even in somuier. This subtle fluid cannot be confined in any sub-unce that is in contact or even near a colder body. It will radiate with greater or less facility from all bodies whoso temperature is higher than that of the surrounding bod- ies, constantly seeking an equilibrium, or more proper- ly an equal diffusion through all; consequently the heat of the body is constantly escaping, or wasiing away. Sometimes the animal heat is reduced or carried off so rapidly as to check or derange the vital functions, by producing an obstruction of the cutaneous transpiration, tir »f the gUndu'ar secretions. Disease is the unavoid- able result of all obstruction, aud its violence and ob- still icy, is generally proportioned to the. extent of the obstruction. Doth the dictates of reason and the result* of experience indicate the propriety of that course of tre*6ui,Mit which immediately effects the removal of the ob- ruction, which must be. done by restoring the bodily beat to that degree of temperature that will give pliancy to the vessels of the organs, and remove the viscid state of the fluids. A- the sudden reduct'on of the animal heat, or as it is more, commonly phrased, the "catching of cold," gives origin to many of the febrile and inflammatory diseases which besiege the citadel of life, it will be proper that we bestow some attention to that subject; for an "ounceof preventative is sometimes better than a pound of cure." As the temperature of the body is above that of the .atmosphere, it must be constantly losing heat; and when exposed to a current of cold air, the loss of heat is much OF THE USE, AND WASTE Or ANIMAL HEAT. 59 Bore rapid. A current of cold air coming in contact with the body, brings successive portions of fresh cold air in coHstant contact with its surface; and effects • very rapid, and often a fatal reduction of heat, unleg§ the body Is Well shielded with clothing. An exposure to a current of air pouring through a small aperture in the wall of a house, or through a-broken pane <5f glass, is very apt to prove hurtful; for the contact of cold air effecting only a small portion of the body, generally produces such a reduction of heat in that part of the sys- tem, as to obstruct a healthy action, before the reduc- tion of the general temperature would admonish the person of his danger. To set or lie dcM n on the cold damp ground, or any other cold or damp body that is a good conduciof of caloric, carries off the heat, and produces that effect cal- led "catching ccdd." The evaporation of the perspirable matter from the surface of the body, is continually carrying off all that degree of heat necessary to satisfy the increased capaci- ty of the perspiration, when changed from a fluid to va- por. Great caution should be observed, when the body la covered with a profuse perspiration, not to expose it in a situation to promote a sudden evaporation, lest the consequent rapid reduction of heat cause obstruction with its train of febrile and inflammatory disorders. The rapid reduction of heat by evaporation, maybe illustrated by observing irs effects in a few cases. VVa- ter is readily frozen even in summer time, in countrie/ that have a dry atmosphere, by exposing it in shallow earthen pans or dishes, in elivated situations, lo/ne cool dry breezes Of the night. Such an exposure/pro- motes a rapid evaporation from the surface of thetfater;: and the increased capacity of the vapor for caloric, is satisfied by abstracting the caloric of fluidity from the water, which in a short time reduces it to the freezing poin|»\ ,To freeze water in this way requires a brisk cool breeze and a dry atmosphere; for if the air is still, or the atmosphere damp, evaporation will proceed ton 60 OF Pt.HSPI RATION. slow to effect congelation. When evaporation is slow, the absorption of latent caloric from the water, and its consequent reduction of temperature is effected too slow- ly to form ice; for the radiation of caloric from surround- ing objects in this case, can supply the waste fast enough to keep its temperature above the freeziu^point; but when evaporation is rapid, the radiation of caloric from surrounding bodies cannot supply the waste fa»t enough to prevent freezing. Most washers, no doubt, have observed that wet clothes hung out in a cold dry, brisk atmosphere, will freeze before they will dry, even when the temperature of the air is five or six degrees above the freezing point. The freezing of the clothes, in this case is occasioned by the rapid evaporation from them; employing the latent cal «ric to fill the increabed capacity of the vapor for caloric. From the above it will be seen that exposing the body, when in a profuse perspiration, in any situation that will promote the rapid evaporation of the perspirable matter from it, produces a reduction of temperature so sud- denly thatitrarley fails to cause obstruction. We trust the remarks we have offered on this subject, are sufficiently clear and pointed to convince the reader of the importance of animal heat to the living functions, and to admonish h in of the danger of suffering a loss or a reduction of it. In another place the means, and the beneficial resiiltof restoring it, when so far reduced as to cause obstruction and disease, will be pointed out. SECTION VII. OF PERSPIRATION. We have already had occasion to speak of the perspi- ratory exeretion, and have made some remarks on its usei and effects; but the controlling influence it maintain* OP PERSPIRATION. 61 over the integrity and harmony of the living operations, gives it an importance that demands a distinct consid- eration. Perspiration is generally distinguished as sen- sible and insensible; but this distinction is founded merely on the difference in quantity. It is only when perspiration is profuse, that it is sensible; its ordinary operation is called insensible, because the perspirable matter is imperceptible. \ Perspirable matter is generally supposed to be sep- arated from the blood, which by this excretory process, is kept in a healthful state of purity. The organs which seperate it from the blood, are termed the exha- lents or emunctories, and are the minute extremities of the cutaneous arteries. The vessels which circulate the blood through the skin are so completely dispersed through it, that you can not put down the point of a pin without puncturing one. The constituent parts of the perspirable fluid, appears to be water, nitrogen or azo- tic gas, an animal gas, the subcutaneous oil, and serum of the blood. The removal of the materials, which are worn out, and no longer useful, from the system, is a cleansing, purging process, so important to the body, that good neaTth can not be enjoyed without it. When perspira- tion is obstructed, a mass of morbid, putrescible matter accumulates in the blood; and this natural outlet for the (surplus matter continually collecting, iu the blood, being shut up, the wheels of life become dogged, the organic Ifunctions deranged, their fiberis irritated, and some febrile or inflammatory disease is brought on. If the obstruction of perspiration by cold or any other cause, and the retention of the perspirable matter in the system, produces a diseased and morbid state of the blood, and thus brings on febrile and inflammatory com- plaints, does notnature indicate, common sense teach, an d experience prove, that the safest, most efficient, & most ra- tional mode of removing this morbid matter from the blood, must be by opening the outlet, nature has provided for 62 OF PERSPIRETION. carrying it off from the system. It is the obstruction of the emunctories, and the retention of the putrescible matter in the system, that vitiates the blood; for1 if the excretory functions had continued their regular opera- tions, this morbid matter would not have been permitted to accumulate, consequently the proper course to remove it, is to open the obstructed outlet nature has designed for its removal. And as the obstructed state of the ex- halents, has produced the accumulation of the putrescible matter in the system, artificial means must be employed to promote the rapid discharge of it by sweating. The means of doing this, in its'proper place, will be more particularly described. Every thing that enters the system, is provided with its proper channel to carry it off, when it becomes worn out and useless. The perspiratory process is the prop- er outlet for all extraneous, irritating, putrescible or poisonous matter from the blood. When a poisonous substance is taken into the stomach, unless it be thrown out by immediate vomiting, the poison is taken up by the absorbents and thrown into the blood, aud diffused by the circulation to every part of the system. If the poison be inhaled into the lungs in the form of gas, it enters the blood, and is by it diffused through every part, where the purple tide circulates. When the vital stream is thus infected with the seeds of speedy dis- solution, puking, purging, bleeding &c, cannot reach the case: perspiration, the grand emunctory of blood, is the only means by which it can be speedely and ef- fectually removed. From these considrations, it ap- pears that the regular operation of the perspiratory organs, is not only indispensable to a healthy state of the system, but becomes an essential auxiliary in the speedy and successful removal of disease. This, in its proper place, will be more fully illustrated. CHAPTER III. ART OF PRESERVING HEALTH. The enjoyment of perfect health, is one of the great- est earthly blessings that fall to the lot of mortals. A short treatise, therefore, on the art of preserving it, must, from the importance of it, be an essential and ac- ceptable article in a work of this kind. A book, to be useful as afamily medical adviser, should not only show how to remove disease, but how to shun it; and secure, as far as possible, a healthy, long life. Without health beauty, honor, title, wealth, the kindness of friendship and the tenderness of affection, are all insufficient to render a man even comfortable; or to assuage the pangs of disease, and give a relish for the business of life. To a mau laboring uncjer disease, the world is but little better than a dreary solitude;—a cheerless waste, enliven- ed by no variety;—a joyless scene, cheered by no so- cial sweets. Health is an invaluable prize, generally secured and retained by those who have moral firmness enough to curb their lust, check their appitites, control their pas- sions, and submit to the regulations of virtuous and temperate habits. It consists in the regular, harmoni- ous operation of alVthe organs performing with an uudevia- ting exactness all the functions in the system. Whilst this is the case, there is ease, and health;—the body is not now the field of contest between life and death, where enfeebled vitality is rallying her wounded forces to struggle a little longer for her citadel. One principal reason why men are so ofteu sick, is 64 OP FOOD AND DRINK. their disregard of the preservatives of health. We frequently, by irregular and intemperate practices throw open the gates of life, and provoke the troops of death to, enter and besiege the citadel of vitality. If we would maintain a healthy state of the system, we must pay proper attention to the quantity and quality of our food and drink; the air we breathe; the clothing we wear; due cleanliness; necessary exercise; sleep; ex- cretions; and tne proper regulation of the passions. We will consider each of these, and endeavor* to en- liven our treatise with appropriate illustrations, which we trust, will not only interest the reader; but enforce the truth and importance of the subject on his mind. SECTION I. OF FOOD AND DRINK. As we can not live without food and drink, the Au- thor of our existence has furnished us with two appetites, to admonish us when a supply of either is necessary: the one for food, we call hunger, and the other for drink we call thirst. Were it not that these appetites admon- ished us with calls too imperious to be neglected, we might, amidst the hurry and bustle of business, the eagerness of pursuit, or the enchantments of pleasure, forget or omit to take at proper times, and in proper quan- tities, the aliment necessary to sustain the healthful and vigorous operations of the living power. The sensation of hunger always informs us that nature demands a fresh supply of nutriment; and thirst indicates that water is needed. We may injure health by eating and drinking too much, or by taking improper kinds of food and drink; and lastly we may weaken nature's powers by with- holding a due portion of nourishing food. But the er- ror into which most people fall is eating too much. OF POOD AND DRIJfK. 65 The renowned Hippocrates observed, that he who eats and drinks sparingly, is not likely to bring disease up- on himself; and that a moderate supply of food nourish- es the body best. The quantity which nature really requires for her support, is not so much as is generally supposed; and he that lives temperately stands fair to enjoy a clean stomach, a clear headj; with sprightliness and vivacity. But he that loads the stomach with more than it can easily bear, impairs .,its digestive powers. The food being retained in the stomach longer than the laws of circulation allow, undergoes a disorderly fer- mentation producing crudities, sour eructations, flatulen- cy, headache, stupor, &c. He that would consult his health, must put himself under the regimen of temperate diets, which he can do without interruption, to business, loss of money or time. He must also pay strict attention to the kind of food most nourishing, and easiest digested; for the Epicure- an proverb', that whatever is agreeable to the palate,, must be wholesome and nourishing, is the error of those who place their summum bonum in good eating and drinking. The maxim of Socrates, the renowned phi- losopher of antiquity, wis, "That we ought to eat and drink to live, and not live in order to eat and drink." It would be difficult, if not' impossible to lay down fixed rules to determine the salubrious and insalubrious effect of different aliments, on every individual. Ex- perience must be our chief guide as to the quantity and quality of articles of diet; for such is the peculiarity of constitutions, that the same article which would nourish, and perfectly agree with one, would prove highly per- nicious to another. To secure health, we must curb our appetites, and not load our stomachs, because our high seasoned provisions, provoke a desire for more. A person in health requires no artificial incentives to provoke a desire for food; for the natural appetite, \iil\.^\%&y&jQ.£mm\9Mfo1fb®!!lfo p-fapw ^hlity ^lwJtoiksoji»e7ipodfeo6eo^«r^. }Mb#j p9ddk8no£ienlplo4iBgiJbi)tt4r^ ^wft^rflO*baU#* MdPY 66 OF FOOD AND DRINK. condiments in the art of cookery, to excite an artificial appetite is invariably pernicious. A convincing proof of this fact, may be seen by observing the difference in the vigor of the constitutions of those whose limited means confined them to a fewsimple wholesome articles of diet, and those who fared sumptuously every day, on a variety of well seasoned dishes. This kind of diet may not manifest its pernicious effects immediately, yet, it nevertheless, undermines and breaks down by a grad- ual operation, the vigor of our constitutions, destroys the healthy tone of the digestive organs, and entails up- on us, a stubborn train of chronic disorders, troublesome to bear, and difficult to cure. The anecdote about Esculapius and Chremes, though in the garb of a fable, furnishes a moral too instructive to be cast into the shades of oblivion, amongst the gener- al mass of worthless things. Chremes, a noble Grecian youth, had, by indulging luxurious and intemperate habits, destroyed the vigor of his constitution, and passed his cheerless time in a sickly infirm state, subject to fits or trances. In oue of these, he thought that a philosopher came to sup with him; and out of all the dishes served, up at the table, he would only eat of one and that the most simple; yet, to his astonishment, the philosopher's countenance was cheerful, his conversation sprightly, his knowledge great, and his constitution strong. When the sage took his leave, he invited Chremes to sup with him, which, in imagination, took place. He was received, as he thought, with the most polite and affectionate tokens of friendship; but was greatly surprised, when supper came on to find only a few plain dishes, to which cheerfulness and good sense were the only sauces. As Chremes' dainty stomach could not relish plain wholesome diet, the phi- losopher ordered another table to be spread with delica- cies more suited to his taste. Immediately a table was set loaded with the greatest variety of high seasoned dish- es that luxury could invent* with the richest wines. These were accompanied with damsels of the most be- OF FOOD AND DRINK. 67 •witching beauty. Chremes thought that he now gave the reins to appetite; and every thing he tasted, gave pleasures beyond any thing he had before kndwn. Their charms enchanted the enraptured guest, already heated .with what he had drunk. His senses were lost in ecstatic confusion. He was in his Elyskn, basking i?i the ocean of Epicurean fecility, when lo! on a sudden, their beauty, which was but a visor, fell off, and forms the most hideous and forbidding, stood before him. Lust, disease, like a many headed monster with dismal visages ghastly with death; Skull the son of Skeleton, a native of ghost-land, of the tribe of the bloodless; meager poverty, frantic dispair, revenge, murder &c, now appeared in their own hideous shapes, rendering the place a scene of misery and desolation! The astonish- ed Chremes eagerly sought to fly from such a diabolical company.—His blood ran chill to his heart; his knees smote each other through fear; and horror seized his mind. When the philosopher perceived that this scene had made a sufficient impression on the mind of his guest, he thus addressed him: "Know Chremes, that it is 1^ Esculapius, who has thus entertained you; and what you have seen, is a true image of the deceitfulness and misery connected with habits of luxury and intemper- ance.—Would you be happy and healthy, be temperate. Temperance is the parent of health, eheerfulness and vivacity. It is indeed, the true luxury of life; for with- out it, life cannot be enjoyed." Chremes awaked, in- structed by the vision, and altered his mode of living. He became temperate, frugal and industrious; and by these means recoved his health, and lived to a good old age free from pain or disease; and was ranked among the seven wise men of Greece. Should some sensualist object to the force of the truth illustrated by the above fiction, we will face him with a case of reality, that clearly exhibits the influence of proper diet on the health and vigor of the system. ft*wis Cornaro, a Venetian nf noble extraction, is a memorable example of the effects of both luxury and 68 OF FOOD AND DRINK. intemperance, on the health of the body. When young, he indulged in luxurious habits; and by the time he reached his thirty fifth year he enjoyed no health. His luxurious habits had brought upon him many afflic- tive disorders. From his thirty fifth to his fortieth year, he spent, or rather dragged out his days and nights in the utmost anxiety of mind and torture of body;. andjn truth hislife had become a burden to him; wearier day succeeded wearier night. After his physicians had exhausted all the resoursces of their medical skill in fruitless efforts to remove his maledies, they exhorted him to try a temperate, regular way .of living. They added, that unless he'applied instantly and persever- ingly to it, his case would soon become desperate. Upon this,he immediately prepared himself for his new re- gimen; and he now began to eat and drink nothing but what was proper for one in his situation, This at first, was very disagreeable to him. He often lusted after the flesh pots of Egypt; and indeed, did somtimes indulge himself with a little freedom in his diets, but always at the expense of ease,. Driven at length by ne- cessity, he pursued a course of strict temperance, until he grew confirmed in the habit, by virtue of which, he assures us, all his disorders left him in less than a year- He lived afterwards, under the same regimen, in the enjoyment of good health, more than sixty years. At the advanced age of one hundred, he possessed, an unusual degree of vigor and activity. He was able to leap on a horse from the ground, or to climb a mountain. His pleasures were not blunted by the usual imperfections of age; for, said he, "I enjoy all my senses in perfect vig- or; and I have a better relish for the plainest food now, than I had for the choisest delicacies formerly, when im- mersed in a Kfe of luxury." As a genreal rule of diet, we ought to tak esuch whole- some food, as experience shows to be easy of digestion, producing no setose of uneasiness nor oppression after we have eaten., Weoufihrtttrtfcke Ctff YnttaTs^VftMar IHJJS "glHXDl illod 10 gJowlQ 9lU lo... 9lqniAX9 aldfiioinoni OF FOOD AND DRINK. 69 periods; for long fasting is hurtful at any stage of life, and is apt to be followed by too full a meal. Animal food, in the general, is more nourishing than vegetable; it enriches the blood, increases the muscular strength, stimulates the organs, and accelerates?the cir- culation; but at the same time, it disposes the body, more to fevers and inflammatory complaints, than vegeta- ble food does. This is owing to its tendency to pu- trefy more rapidly than vegetables, it ought therefore, in warm climates to be taken sparingly, and then well mixed with wholesome vegetable diet. Persons laboring in the open air, require both more and stronger diet, than those whose employments lead them to a sedentary life. The kind add quantity of food necessary for the former, would be highly injuri- ous to the latter. Whatever can be most easily assimi- lated to the body, is best for them; as their digestive powers are feeble, they should have as little as possible to do. The flesh of young animals is generally more tender; but that of full grown animals is in most cases, besh because the fiber has acquired its natural solidity and perfection, and the juices are sufficiently elaborated and exalted. In old animals the fibers have become too tough and rigid, and the fluids too acrid to yield a ready and healthy nutriment. In young animals the gelatine and fiber are not sufficiently perfected to administer a proper and wholesome nutriment. Whatever we eat must be digested and assimilated to our own substance, in order to support the growth and supply the waste of the body; so the nearer any animal substance approaches to the nature of ours, the more readily will it yield us a proper nourishment. Animals of the beeve kind, are wholesome, and liable to the fewest diseases. Their flesh is nearest akin to that of man, and is the most proper for his nourishment. mutton of mature age, and free from disease is whole- some and nutritive. The hog is generally a healthy animal, but feeds coarsely, and is-principally composed 70 OF FOOD AND DRINK. of gross, fibrous fat which is more difficult of diges- tion than beef or mutton, but is highly nutritive when digested, and is therefore suitable for those who labor in the open air as their digestive powers are generally good.* The goose is nutritive, but is not easily digested, when dressed whole and stuffed; the foetid, seasoned materials with which it is stuffed, renders it less digesta- ble; the same may be said of other flesh when cooked with stuffing in it. The duck is a gross feeder, and its flesh is not easy of digestion. The turkey and chicken are wholesome, though, not very nutritive. Fish is wholesome, nutritve and easy of digestion; though they readily run into a putrid state, and are then particularly unwholesome. Vegetable diet ought to form a part of our meals, not only for the sake of nutrition; but to counteract the pu- trefactive tendency of animal food, especially in warm weather. With regard to this class of edible articled, we have only room to make one general remark, that whatever is easy of digestion and gives no uneasiness to the stomach, may be regarded as wholesome.—Bet none act so inconsidrate, as to destroy their health, and endanger .their lives, for the sake of yielding a transient gratification to their palate. The liquid part of our alimeut next claims our atten- tion. Amongst these water is the most important; for we can not live without it. Water is necessary for the solu- tion of our food to facilitate digestion; consequently the drier our food is, the greater proportion of water will be required. A diet composed principally of animal food will require more jlrink, than one composed chiefly of vegetables. Too much water, however, is hurtful, as it will weaken the action of the stomach and gastric juice, and retard rather than facilitate digestion, causing the food to pass off too quickly to yield its nutrient parts to the lacteals. A good rule will be to take water moderately, when- ever the sensation "of thirst indicates that nature de- mands it. Caution ought to be observed not to drink OF FOOD AND DRINK. 71 much when warm; for many by disregarding this, have destroyed their lives by one drink of cold water. Persons laboring hard enough to keep up an increased perspiration, require much more water than those who do not. Climate and season have likewise an influence upon the quantity of fluids necessary. Excessively warm weather calls for a large supply of water, both, be- cause it increases the quantity thrown of by perspiration, and in some measure suspends the energy of the fluid secreted by the glands of the stomach to promote digest- tion. For this reason the inhabitants of warm climates eat less, and drink more, than those of colder ones. Water being the basis of our drink, we should be care- ful to obtain such as is pure. That is best which is clear, light, colorless, and without any particular taste or smell. On these qualities its wholesomeness very much depends; for it is very apt to take up parts of most bodies it comes in contact with, and by this means, is often impregnated .with pernicious impurities. The best and purest water is that which issues from a gravelly, or sandy stratum of earth; because it not only imparts few if any impurities, but tends to clear it of im- purities by filtration in passing through such a channel* Stagnant water, and such springs as issue in low marshy ground, are generally impregnated with impurities, ten- ding to putrescency, and consequently can not be whole- some. Impure water may be rendered fit for use, by filter- ing it through a soft porous stone, through sand, or through pounded charcoal. The most effectual way? however, to clear it of gross, feculent impurities is to dis- till it. When water is put up in casks to be kept some- time, as on long voyages, it should be put in vessels well charred to prevent it from becoming putrid or feculent. When the barrels have not been charred, and the water has become feculent and offensive, it may be rendered sweet again by putting a little fresh powdered charcoal in it, and letting it stand two or three days before it is used. 72 OF FOOD AND DRINK. Milk is the food of the infant, and contains all the elements of nutriment. It forms part of the diet, both of children and grown persons, in many parts of the country. It is nutritive, wholesome, and easy of diges- tion; and children that use it instead of coffee and tea, have more vigor and health, than those who do not. Persons, whose powers of digestion are enfeebled, would do well to use a milk diet; if the milk be too rich for them, in its natural state, it may be diluted with wa- ter. Coffee, or rather an infusion of the coffee berry some- what toasted, is now very generally introduced to the breakfast table, as a liquid part of the diet, and some- times at other meals. It is certainly less nutritious than milk; but when properly made, and not drank too hot, nor in too great quantities, it is generally considered an agreeable beverage, that affords some assistance to the concoction of other kinds of food. It is more stimulant than nutritive; and on that account, it is possibly a very proper part of the diet of the aged and infirm, who stand in need of something to exhilarate the spirits. Its sed- ative, exhilarating and antispasmodic properties render it a proper article in the diet of the hypochondriac, and those subject to the hysterics. When coffee is drank in considerable quantities, and made strong, it affects the nerves, and produces watchfulness. Tea is frequently introduced to our tables as a part of our meals; particularly in the evening. Good tea, tak- en in moderate quantities, neither too hot nor too strong, is not only a pleasant beverage, but a salutary one. But when taken too warm, or in too great quantities, or too strong, it certainly affects the nerves, weakens the tone of the stomach and in many persons causes some interruption to sleep. Some, under the idea of strength- ening the digestive powers, and counteracting the relax- ing effects of strong tea, are in the habit of adding a little spirits to it; but this is certainly making a bad case worse. Chocolate is made from a nut or bean, that grows on OF EXERCISE. 73 the cocoa plant, combined with spice and some other in- gredients. That which is made in America, or the West Indies, is much better than that made in Great Britain; for the former is made of the genuine cocoa beans, ground up with a proper portion of spice; the latter is adultered with other beans, and mixed up with the oil of almonds, or butter. A decoction of the American choc- olate forms a wholesome and very nutritions article of diet; but containing a quantity of vegetable oil, it is apt to cloy weak stomachs. SECTION II. OF EXERCISE. It appears to be a law throughout the animal world, that no creature, without exercise shall enjoy health, or procure subsistence. The formation of our bodies and the very constitution of our natures, give evident indica- tions that Providence designed that we should "eat bread by the sweat of the brow;" and he that seeks to thwart this purpose of the Creator, generally reaps a full harvest of afflictive disorders. The sluggard does not so much live, as rust away existence. Exercise tends to give firmness and vigor to the body; tone and energy to the nervous system; free circulation to the blood; and a healthful determination of the fluids to the surface, cleansing from all morbid impurities. It prepares the body to be refreshed with sleep, and makes even the bed of straw pleasant;—it furnishes an appetite that relishes plain wholesome food, and preserves the healthy tone of the digestive organs. It gives clearness to the brain, vivacity to the spirits, cheerfulness to the mind, and elasticity to the whole system. When proper exercise is not taken the strength and energy of the living machine gradually declines, and a morbid irritability is induced, with a fearful train of F 74 OF P.XBRCISB. distressing symptoms usually accompanying chronrc weakness. The natural powers of the stomach and in- testines are relaxed; the appetite vitiated; the bile and other fluids concerned in the digestive process, are im- perfectly secreted, or partially obstructed; the muscles relaxed and debilitated; the whole animal economy is deranged, and a train of nervous and hypochondriacal symptoms, together with palsy, gout, glandular obstruc- tions, and many other complaints incident to indolent, inactive and sedentary persons, are brought on. Proper exercise in the open air, is the only preventa- tive of the endless train of diseases, which proceed from a relaxed state of the organs. To preserve the vigorous and healthy tone of the body, and the regular operations of its various functions, exercise should be taken as reg- ularly as our food. The active and laborious are seldom the subjects of the train of troublesome disorders above. enumerated. Exercise should not be carried to excess: for it then fatigues the body, exhausts the muscular strength, oppresses the spirits, and is productive of more mischief, than benefit. Active exertion soon after eat- ing a fuil meal seldom fails to unstring the energy of the digestive organs. To die, is the unavoidable fate of man, from the de- cree of Heaven; but to die of lingering chronic diseases, is generally the fruit of his own improper conduct The ancient Romans and Athenians, considered idle- ness as the rust of life, and the bane of virtue; and on that acount, enaoied a law, that exacted from every man an account of the means by which he procured a support for his family. When one was found who could not give a satisfactory answer, he was banished as an unprofitable excrescesace, contributing nothing to the public weal, and as a drone that feeds upon the labors of the industrious part of the hive. Those whose employment leads them to a sedentary life, should take regular exercise in the open air; for weak fibers and relaxed energies, are the constant and unavoidable companions of an inactive life. OF SLEEP. . 75 Exercise, is so essential to health that the want of it in many chronic complaints, renders them very intract- able, if not incurable. Friction may be used as a sub- stitute, when the patient is unable to take any exercise. Frictions may be made, either with a flesh brush, a piece of flannel, or with the hand. This kind of exercise promotes both the circulation, and the excretions; and thereby tends to excite a healthy action in the system. SECTION III. OF SLEEP. Sleep is the tender nurse ef wenry nature. Our bo- dies require regular periods of rest, and refreshment in sleep to restore the wasting vigor of its powers. The -exercises of the mind, the brain and the bodily powers, exhaust the vigor of the body, and the vivacity of the spuits; but nature's Author has wisely, and beneficent- ly provided, that balmy sleep, weary nature's kind res- » torer, should succeed this exhaustion, with adequate renovation. Sleep suspends the exertions of the bo- dy, stretches the relaxed limbs in aposture for rest, rolls from the pensive thoughts their load of sorrow, banish- es the carking anxiety of care, the perplexity of business, and fatigue of application; and then distiils upon the system its refreshing dews, and infuses its reviving cor- dial, renovating the vigor of the body, and imparting vi- vacity to the mind. A broken disturbed sleep is not refreshing. Observe how kindly the Almighty has provided-that we may enjoy the full benefit of balmy repose. He periodically, drawn around us the sable curtain of darkness, concealing every object that might excite the senses. He conveys peace into our apartments, and imposes silence on the whole creation, "and thus kindly removes whatever might ob- itruct ita beneficial influence. The principal directions we have to give on this sub- 76 OF SLEEP. ject, are to take a proper portion at seasonable hours. An insufficient quantity of sleep, does not yield a suffi- cient refreshment to give elasticity and vigor to nature's wearied powers; and too great indulgence in sleep brings on a state of indolent stupidity, with a great want of the sprightliness and vivacity of life; the muscular motions become languid and debilitated, and the nerves and oth- er fibers relaxed and torpid. Ill general six hours are enough for adult persons, who do not labor hard, and seven for those who do. Yonng and old persons require more. When a person rises in the morning and does not feel refreshed, he may rest assured he has either taken too much, or not enough sleep. Some do well writh five hours sleep. To enjoy quietude and repose with refreshing sleep, we should eat light suppers, if we eat any, and at least one or two hours before retiring to bed; A loaded stomach occasions frightful dreams, nightmare, disturb- ed rest, &c. Retire with a Calm mii.d, unvexed with passion,—at peace with God,—at peace with man, then may you expect your sleep to be sound and refreshing. He, that, frequently, breaks his accustomed repose, by indulging in scenes of mirth and debauchery, or by Huffering his mind to become the prey of anxiety, or any other passion, will soon find his whole system thrown into disorder; his appetite impaired, his spirits dejected, and a restless, uneasy feeling will afflict the whole body. Sleep accomp inied with talking, is called somnilo- quism; and accompanied with walking, is called som- nambulism. Both these states may be regarded as tran- sient paroxysms of delirium, generally induced by a dis- turbed or deranged state of.the mind. Let persons thus afflicted, take pains to secure a healthy vigorous action of the bodily organs, by proper regimen and exercise; and retire to bed with a calm serene mind: this will gen- erally effect a cure. Feather beds, particularly in summer, are less heal- thy, though more pleasant, than matresses, orclean straw- beds. We are aware, however, that many persons have OF THE EVACUTION. 77 \ not fortitude enough to forego the pleasure of feather- beds, even to secure a more vigorous constitution; let such shake and air their beds every day, that all the feculent matter, that escapes from the body by perspira- tion during the night, may be carried off. Let the bed rooms be well ventilated, during the day; and admit a sufficient supply of fresh air during the night, to answer the purpose of respiration, particularly in warm weath- er. SECTION IV. OF THE EVACUATIONS. The regular removal of the worn out, impure, and noxious matter from the body, is no less necessary to health, than its nourishment. It is, therefore, an object of the first consequence, that nothing be allowed to re- main in the body which ought to-be evacuated. Nature is furnished with the proper organs, for carrying off all superfluous and hurtful matter, unless they become ob- structed. When the emunctories are obstructed, the crude, acrid, putrescible matter accumulates in the sys- tem, and unavoidably produces disease. Our atteutioa ought to be particularly directed to keeping them open, anil their operations regular. A proper attention to the rules for preserving health, and to what has been said under the head of perspiration, will in general, secure the regular operation of the emunctories. When they do become obstructed, medical meatjs must be resorted to, which will be described in the proper place. It sometimes happens, that the peristaltic motion of the intestines, becomes too languid and unfrequent to effect a regular and proper discharge by stools, and a partial constipation of the bowels is the resuit. Persons thus troubled, should not have frequent recourse to pur- ges; for an evil consequence attending such a practice, is that in time, the bowels will not act withoat them. 76 OP CLOTHING. To obtain a regular motion of the bowels, rise early and take gentle exercise before breakfast; and at some convenient time, retire regularly, each day to the tem- ple of (loacina, whether you have a call or not, and by proper efforts, solicit nature to do her duty, at each vis- itation. Persevering efforts of this kind, havein numerous instances, completely removed a habitual costiveness, and established a perfect regularity in the action of the bowels. As we have had occasion to speak of the evacuations by the emunctories in a former section, we forbear to add any more remarks at this place, as all further neces* sary information on this subject can there be found. SECTION V* OF CLOTHING. Clothing is not only necessary to hide the nakedness of the body; but is necessary to preserve the proper tem- perature of the system. Clothes do not assist in gen- erating the heat of the body; but prevent the heat from escaping too rapidly from it. From the diffusible na- ture of heat, constantly radiating from warmer bodies to those that are colder, the heat of the body is constantly escaping; but the clothing is designed to prevent its rad- iation, so as to effect a ra pid reduction of the animal heat. Those articles of clothing are warmest, that is, suffer the heat to escape^the slowest, which are the worst con- ductors of caloric. Furs are the warmest, wollena next, and cotton goods next, and linen the least. The difference observed by the sense of feeling, between a linen sheet and a blanket, on getting into a bed of a cold night, exists entirely in the different facilities with which these two substances conduct caloric or matter of heat. The sheet is really no colder than the blanket; but the sheet being the best conductor of caloric, conveys off or clothing. 79 the heat of the body, and thus produces the sensation of greater cold than the blanket does; for it being a bad conductor of caloric, does not carry off the heat so rapid- ly, and consequently will not produce as strong a sen- sation of cold. It is the difference in the conducting pow- ers of the different articles of clothing that makes one kind feel warmer than another. Color also affects the warmth of clothes. Black or dark colored clothes are warmer thanlightcolored, ones when worn in the sun; be- cause that color absorbs the rays of sun with the greatest facility; but in the shade they are not warmest, as that color radiates caloric faster than light colored clothes. One of the principal things to be attended to, is to a- dapt our clothing to the climate and season. In winter, the body should be protected with warm clothing; in summer, let it be clad lighter. Observe the change of the temperature of the air; and let your clothing be reg- ulated so as to preserve, as far as possible, an equal temperature in the body. The aged, and the infirm ought to wear flannel next the skin in cold weather; be- cause, in them, the circulation is more languid, and their skin more rigid than that of young persons. But such clothing next the skin, will, in some measure, soften it, and promote the perspiratory discharge. The quantity of clothing necessary for each individ- ual, can not be ascertained by reasoning; for the robust require less than the infirm. It is a matter that must be entirely determined by experience. Each individu- al can best determine for himself, what quantity is ne cessary to preserve his body sufficiently warm and com- fortable. Individuals of infirm and delicate habits, should nev- er wear any article of linen clothing next the skin, even in summer; for it conducts off the animal heat too rapidly for them. Indeed, we cannot recommend it even to the more robust as a suitable article to wear next the akin. Clothes should never be put on when wet or damp; and if they get wet when on, it is safest to change them 80 OP CLOTHING. immediately for dry ones, as in the act of drying on the body, the water is converted into vapor, which must ex- tract heat from the body to fill its increased capacity for caloric, and consequently expose a person to the danger of "catching cold," as it is familiarly called. Many persons think there is no danger in this practice, becatise it does not stretch them forthwith on the b d of sickness; but we would say to such, that this conduct gradually lays the foundation of some stubborn chronic disease, as rheumatism, pleurisy, consumption, &c. We can not dismiss this subject, without dropping a passing remark, on some of the pernicious effects resul- ting from yielding implicit obedience to the silly, whim- sical mandates of the Queen of Fashion, the great Dian- a, whom the world worshippeth. Many female constitu- tions have been ruined; because they had more atten- tively regarded the disgusting, foolish dicta of the whim- sical, silly Queen, in their manner ofdressing, than the comfort and health of the body. Let Fashion but issue the preposterous edict, and the tender female frame must be rigged with ornaments that disfigure, decorated with that which will not cover, and dressed with that which will not defend the body against the inclemencies of the weather, nor keep it comfortable. Tight lacing is one of the most distructive practices that fickle Fashion ever introduced. And yet every lady, who is ambitious to win the approving smile of the Queen, and be ranked amongst her votaries, cheerfully submits to this engine of torture, with a fortitude and resolution, that would, in a better cause, immortalize a hero, and cannonize a saint! By means of cords, fish bones, steej ribs, &c, the stomach, heart, lungs, &c, are compressed closer and closer, till the poor victim can scarcely breathe; the flesh is sometimes excoriated, the ribs dis> torted and breast bone crushed! All this is borne, for the sake of moulding the figure, into the fine, delicatfc shape of a waspW The rose of health blooms not o% the cheek of this devotee of fashion; nor does the syft? tern enjoy the vigor of a healthful organic action. OF CLEANLINESS. SI Tight lacing impairs the actien of the stomach and intestines, impedes the motion of the heart and lungs, nnd in short will more or less affect all the vital functions. This naturally produces feebleness, indigestion, eostiv- ness, obstruction, coughs, consumptions, and many oth- er complaints. The palid victims of this practice, have recourse to rouge and paint brushes, to put en the fading cheek, the mimic semblance of health; but the disgusting cheat can not secure a vigorous constitution, nor revive a declining one. - The Spartan mothers, in token of devotion, brought their children to the altar of Diana to be scourged! but the votaries of fashion, in the excess of their devotion,' sacrifice ease and health, to gain one smile from ihefickk Queen!! Sincere indeed, must that devotion be at Fol- ly's shrine, which wilfully destroys health, aad: abridges the period of existence, merely to win the distinction o& ^eiiig a lady of fashion. SECTION VS. OF CLEANLINESS. Personal cleanlines is too important to health, to be over lovked in a treatise on the art of preserving it. Cleanliness of the body, is to be effected by changing the dress at proper periods, aud by washing its surface. When this is neglected the perspirable matter, dust and so on, collecting in the clothes, and on the skin, destroys its liveliness, renders it rigid, and will more or less, ob struct the cutaneous transpiration. But changing the dress frequently, and cleansing the skin by washing,rub- bing, bathing, &c, removes all the putrescible perspira- ble matter, and other filth; and promotes both perspira- tion and circulation in tho extremities, by keeping tho skin pliant and lively. Those who perspire a great 32 OF CLEANLINESS. quantity, require a more frequent change of dress, and washing of the skin than those who do not. When the clothes are impregnated with the perspirable matter, they emit, a disagreeable foetid smell; and this is an ad- monition that the clothes ought to be changed and the skin washed. Some, from a peculiarity of .constitution, are inclined to have moist feet, particularly in warm weather. The perspiration proceeding from them gives out a very offen- sive odor;—the proper treatment for them is to change the socks, and wash the feet every day in cold water. This will be found both a convenient, and a salutary means of preventing such unpleasantness. Particular attention should be paid to cleansing the teeth aud mouth. When this is neglected, the mouth becomes foul by the putrescency of the particles of food, that settle about the teeth; and this taints the breath and injures both the gums and the teeth, by incrustiug them. with tartar. A diseased fiitliy mouth not only taints thcs breath, but will in time affect the stomach. Due atten- tion to cleansing the mouth will prevent this offensive, unpleasant result. When a habit, of cleanliness is once established, the feelings of the person will give sufficient indication of what is proper in this respect. Our attention to cleanliness ought to extend to our houses, kitchens, yards, &c. For, it is evident, that many diseases of a malignat, contagious kind, are gene- rated by breathing the unwholesome air, infected with miasma or noxious effluvia, rising from the filthy anci decaying substances about our houses, kitchens, sewers^ ^ards &c, SECTION VII. OF AIR. In a foregoing section, we have had occasion to speak of air, so far as its instrumentality, in sustaining vitality is concerned. It is here introduced, that its influence on the health of the system, may be considered. Air is not a simple element, as most unlettered per- sons suppose; but, in its purest state, is composed ofcat least three different kinds of gases namely, oxygen, ni- trogen or azote and carbonic acid. Chemical experi- ments instituted to ascertain the relative quantity af each of these gases, that enter into the composition of the air, have given a slight difference in the results; this, per- haps, was occasioned by the different degrees of accu- racy employed in making the experiments, or by the different states of purity in the air subjected to trial. The latest experiments we have consulted, set down the quantity of oxygen by volume, at a little over one fifth, and that of nitrogen, at a little under four fifths. and that of carbonic acid, at one hundredth, that is one part in a hundred. Besides these, there are other gases, exhalations and vapors that are sometimes found in the air; but as they form no part of pure air, they are considered as acci- dental mixtures. And some regard even carbonic acid, as an accidental property, and not as forming any essen- tial part of pure air. Oxygen is sometimes called vital air, because it is the principle that supports life. Without this proper- ty, air is incapable of supporting conbustion or sustain- inglife; yet the relative quantity of oxygen and uitro- gen> has been wisely regulated by infinite Wisdom. An atmosphere of pure oxygen would promote combus- tion so rapidly, that a candle would disappear in a minute or two, and even our iron candle-sticks would take fire and burn up. It has also been ascertained, 84 OF AIR. that, although nitrogen alone, is destructive of life, yet the exact proportion in which we find it combined with ox- ygen in the air, is the best adapted to our well being. But as we are not aiming to write a scientific treatise on the nature and properties of air in general, we will confine our observations more particuaily to those cir- cumstances by which the health of the body is affected. The atmosphere becomes corrupted, and consequent- ly pernicious to health, either by losing its oxygen, or being impregnated with various mephitic gases or nox- ious vapors. The respiration of men and animals, and the burning of so many fires, whether natural or artifi- cial, destroy its oxygen; and the decomposition and pu- trefaction of innumerable substances, both animal and vegetable, load it with effluvia pernicious to health, and frequently fatal to life. Had not the all-wise Creator provided adequate means fordisinfectiugand renovating theair, it would, in a short time, become entirely unfit for the purpose of respiration. Some ingenious experiments made by Dr. Priestly,, led to the important discovery that air disoxygenated by the breathing of animals, was in a short time renova- ted by the vegetation of plants. Most plants, in astate of vegetation, have the property of renovating air that has lost its oxygen, if exposed to the light of the sun; but during the night, or in the shade, they emit impure air. The quantity of pure oxygen, however, produced by the green stalks and leaves of plants when exposed to the influence of the sun, during the day, exceeds the quantity of impure air emitted by the same plants during the night, by more than a hundred fold. This is one means by which the waste of oxygen, constantly taking place, is supplied-. For this reason, no doubt, the air of the spring season, is more salubrious than that of au- tumn, which is impregnated with impure exhalations. Fevers, and inflammatory complaints are more common in the fall, than in the spring. Nitrogen is lighter than the atmospheric air, and con- sequently will tend to rise into the upp*er regions of the OF AIR. 85 atmosphere, and is there oxygenated, and restored to pure air by the dischargeof the electric fluid, that takes place when it thunders. Air is apt to become infected in deep wells, damp cellars and other confined places. Many persons have instantly expired by going down into wells, where car- bonickcid gas had settled at the bottom, or some other raephjtic gas had collected in it. Caution ought to be observed byjpersons intending to descend into a well, to remove all noxious gases before they enter. It may readily be ascertained whether any such gas has col- lected in a well, by passing a lighted candle slowly up and down a time or two suspended by a string; if the candle does not go out, the well maybe entered with safety; but if it does go out, to enter the well will be at the hazard of an instantaneous loss of life. The nox- ious air may be removed from the well, by attaching a long pipe to the nozzle of a bellows, and blowing strongly for a few minutes. Newly painted rooms likewise emit some mepbitic exhalations, that are pernicious in a high degree, par- ticularly to those predisposed to weakness of the lungs or breast. A newly painted room should not, therefore, be occupied until it is disinfected. Chloride of lime, (that is slaked lime impregnated with a gas called chlo- rine,) dissolved in water and sprinkled abont the room, rapidly removes the noxious effluvia, and purifies the sources from which they issued. Cellars, jails, hospi- tals, slaughter-houses, &c, or any other place infected with the miasma arising from animator vegetable putre- faction, may be purified by the use of the same article/ either in state of solution, or in a dry state. We have recommended this article because it is cheap, and upon the whole is the best disinfecting agent we are acquainted with; and we think that people in towps and cities, where there are so many sources to produce infected air, would do well to use it. Warm stove rooms, though very pleasant so far as temperature is considered, are by no means to be regard- £6 OF AIR. ed as being as healthy as rooms warmed by fire in achinv ney. Such rooms, are generally too close to admit a free circulation sufficient to carry off the vitiated air, and yield an adequate supply of fresh air. Both U«s heated stove, and the act of breathing vitiate the awfand if there are many persons in the room, they" will »n *> short time, feel languid and feeble, and unless fresh air is admitted, the result must be fatal. Rooms warmed by a fire in the chimney, are more con- genial to health; for all the air vitiated by the process of combustion, is carried off up the chimney. And there is a freer circulation in such a room, than in a Btove room; for the continual ascent of air up the chimney, makes room for fresh air, which is constantly forcing in- to a room, where there is a good fire, at every small open ing. This keeps the air in a state of purity to a good degree. Churches, and all public rooms that have been closed for some time, should be well ventillated an hour or two, before the people collect; and should then admit a suffi- ciency of fresh air to answer the purpose of respiration; for so many persons together soon corrupt all the air in the house. Many persons, in crowded rooms, not well ventillated, have by breathing a corrupted air, become languid, and sick, and some have fainted. A young disciple of Esculapius, not many years since, made one of a pleasuie party, that met in a close room, where many suffered severely the consequence of breath- ing the noxious air. Not long after, in conversation with another physician, he complained loudly of what .lie suffered in that vile oven; and expressed his deter- mination of cautioning the public against the pernicious effects of such assemblies in close rooms. **Let theut alone doctor," said his more crafty Esculapian fellow, whose heart was more alive to motives of self interest than those of humanity, "how else should so many doctors rive in one town!" The following afflictive circumstance, affords a most melancholy confirmation of the fact, that close crowded OF AIR. 87 rooms are not only pernicious to health, but often fatal to life. The British settlement in India, near Calcutta, was attacked by the natives, under command of the viceroy, Rajah Doulah, in the summer of 1756. The little gar- rison, after an obstinate resistance, was forced to sur- render themselves prisoners of war, the Rajah having given a most solemu promise of honorable treatment. }itit the monster had no sooner golten the quiet posses- sion of their arms, than he violated the pledge of good faith; and utterly regardless of the principles of honor, the dictates of humanity and the treatment due a brave enemy, he barberously drove them all into a dark, shal- low vault under ground, significantly called the black hole, being only eighteen feet sq tare. Tne number of unfor- tunate soldiers, thus inhumanly immured, was one hun- dred and forty six, with their gallant commander, Col- onel Holwell. Only two small windows, obstructed with iron bars, admitted air into this filthy vault. Cov- ered with sweat and dust, when crammed in, on a hot sultry evening, the sweat soon became most profuse; and as the body was drained of its moisture, their thirst grew insupportable. The acrid perspirable matter evap- orating and mingling with the air vitiated by so many breaths, soon rendered it unfit for respiration; and now their sufferings were indescribable, until released by death, and such release many of them soon obtained. Before the barbarous wretches, that penned them there, could be prevailed on to remove them, one hundred and twenty-three, had perished! Other examples might be adduced; but let this suffice. Warm air, generally affects the aged and infirm, as it tends to relax the body, and produce a more rapid cir- culation of the fluid-*. Extremely cold air renders the fluids stiff and viscid, and readily disposes the blood to canker and inflammation; hence originate stiches in the side, pains, rheumatisms, inflammatory sore throats, Jfcc. Attacks from this catalogue of disorders, may generally be obviated, by preserving a proper temperature or the body. 88 OF AIR. Damp or moist air, relaxes and debilitates the body, retards the circulation, checks the perspiration, and de- presses the spirits. If it is accompanied with cold, it obstructs the perspiration, and throws the retained hu- mors on the breast, throat, stomach and bowels, occasion- ing sore throat, pleurisies, sick stomach, diarrheas, &c. Dry air moderately cool, promotes the serenity and activity of mind; the elasticity and vigor of body; and may, therefore, be reckoned, the most salubrious both to the healthy and infirm. Houses situated near lakes and ponds, or in low, damp situations, may be considered as unhealthy. Bed rooms, and sitting rooms, ought to be elevated above the mass of carbonic acid gas, that naturally settles near the ground. In large towns, this caution is more necessary, as this deadly air is copiously generated in them; and there is not vegetation enough about them to absorb it. Wet clothes should by no means be kept in dwelling rooms, asfhedamp vapors arising froca them are partic- ularly prejudicial to health* SECTION VII. OF THE PASSIONS. Custom, the arbiter of language, has employed the term passion as a generic term, to denote all those em- otions of the mind, produced by the operation of extrinsic causes. These emotions may very properly be divided into two kinds; those which enliven the spirits, accom- panied with sensations of pleasure, and those which de- press them, accompanied with sensations of an unpleas- ant or afflictive nature. The former, are the immediate result of the mind's perception of some desirable good either present or anticipated: the latter, the result of the minds perception of some fancied or real ill, either pres- ent or expected. Some metaphysicians think the for- OF THE PASSIONS. 89 Wer emotions ought to be distinguished by the term af- fections, and the latter only, by the term passions; but the distinction does not possess that degree of importance and propriety to secure a general adoption. The passions appear to be the active forces of the soul, roused to action by the influence of extrinsic caus-^ es, that is, causes that do not exist in the mind. They are the wind &m\fire of the moral world, productive of important beneficial results, while moderation marks their operation; but when they rise to undue violence, or deviate from their proper course, their path is mark- ed with desolation and misery. But as we do not intend entering into a general or sci- entific dissertation on the passions, our remarks will be principi ly confined to their influence on the physical system. For it is a well established fact, that the proper control and direction of the passions is not only of the highest importance to peace and happiness; but is of equal importance to a healthy action of the sys'em. Those of sanguine, choleric constitutions suffermore severely from violent passions, than those of a c< ol, de- liberate or phlegmatic disposition. The inordinate indulgence of passion, frequently induces disease of a formidable, stubborn character, by disturbing di- gestion, enfeebling the circulation, affecting the brain and nervous system, producing deiiiium, &c. &c; and on many occasions, sudden gusts of it, have instantly terminated existence itself. It may be observed, as generally true, that diseases which have their seat in the passions, are more obstinate, and difficult of cure, than those produced by irregular or violent corporeal ac- tion. The early management and control of the passions, by a proper education, is the best guard against their mischievous effects at any after period of life. When the habit is once established, their control then become* comparatively easy; but when the curb of piety, reason m .habit, is not put on them, the ordinary excitements, of 90 OF JOY. unexpected circumstances, spurs them into a gallop* When passion reigns, reason is dethroned; and the in- dividual driven by the wild storm of passion, can no more be controlled by the helm of reason or discretion, than a ship, before the driving tempest, with full sails, can be guided without a rudder. Should the vessel be so fortunate as to escape wreck, the raging tempest, will doubtless strain the joints and spring a leak. The effects of the principal passions upon the physic- al system will claim a distinct consideration; and we shall first notice the enlivening ones, by some called affections. OF JOY. This is an emotion of soul noting a high degree of Measure, excited by the attainment or possesion of sqme desired good, the reception of good news, &c. &c. It is a vivid sensation of delight in the soul, awaked by the most important events in life, that are calculated to cre- ate a happy condition of the mind. Every pleasing ob- ject that surrounds us excites a pleasant sensation with, in»us, more or less, vivid, according to the capability or power of such object, to awaken such sensations which is generally in the ratio of the value or estimate We place upon them. Hence, there are different degrees or modifications of this emotion, as delight, gVJness mirth, cheerfulnees, and the like; but joy is pleasure at high tide. Delight, likewise, denotes a high degree of pleasure, and springs from an exercise of the affections or understanding; gladness is inferior in degree to either joy or delight; it springs from being relieved, from some trouble or distress, but joy and delight imply not only, relief from distress, but also, the presence of some object that gives pleasure. Gladness springs up on ordinary oc- casions, when relieved from what troubles or disgusts us, or when we escape what we dreaded; it is a more tranquil feeling than joy or delight, and is in this res- OF JQY. 91 pect akin to cheerfulness. Mirth ig a light, transient emotion of pleasure, which is excited, not so much by the enjoymentof any valuable or desirable object as by some- thing diverting, as wit, drollery, buffoonry, grotesque gesticulations, &c; it generally displays itself, in laugh- ter and noise of different kinds. Cheerfulness is rather the effect of a habit of making one's self pleased with himself and all a round him, than a passion. It is a stateof mind extremely favorable to health; and is the very essence of contentment. The possession of genu- ine piety is the best security for that unruffled flow of cheerful spirits, which is not disturbed by every adverse gale. But, we crave the readers pardon, we have, almost insensibly slidden into a metaphysical investigation .of this passion, and its kindred emotions. We haste uow to make reparation,-by entering forthwith upon the con- sideration of its influence on the physical system. Joy and all its kindred emotions, exercise a salutary influence on the body;—enlivening the activity of the whole organic machine;—giving vigor to the action of the heart and arteries;—rendering the circulation free and uniform. Hence, this stateof the mind-is not only favorable to the enjoyment of. health; but contributes in no small degree to its recovery, when the body is wasting under general debility, or nervous depression, as it tends to promote the healthy action of the vital organs. Excessive and sudden transports of joy, however, have, in many instances, produced .the most alarming, and even fatal consequences. It is sometimes more in- imical to life than its opposite, grief. Sudden tansports of this passion, frequently, unstring the muscular ener- gies, and suspend vital motion; and in some instances, the most skillful efforts to rekindle the vital spark, have proved unavailing. Persons of an ardent, lively tem- perament, and of deilcate, nervous sensibility, ard more liable to suffer serious or fatal consequences, from sud- den transports of this passion. Pains ought, therefore, , to be taken to prepare their minds gradually to meet its 92 OF JOT. emotions; and by this means its dangerous effect* will be obviated. The door-keeper the of house of congress, on hearing the news of lord Cornwallis' defeat and surrender, was so overcome with the emotion of joy that he feli down and instantly expired. It would be easy to enumerate instances,- in which the sudden excitement of this emotion, raised the tide of pleasure so high, that it drowned the wheels of life; and produced either a temporary or perpetual suspen- sion of their motion. One instance of a temporary suspension of vital ac- tion, we beg leave to add, as we were an eye witness to the circumstance. The amiable wife of the Rev. S. D. jun., of Greeno county Ten., was a lady of extremely delicate sensibil- ity, possessing ardent and sinceie affection for her hus- band. When business called him from home, even for a few days, she geneerally experienced the depres- sion of sorrow, at his departure, and the enlivening in- fluences of joy at his return. On one occasion, ecclesi- astical business required his absence for several weeks longer than usual; and what rendered the effect stilL greater, he had to go several hundred miles. It is a fact, of which alt perhaps, are conscious, that we more sensibly feel the absence of those whom fond affection make essential to the fecility of the domestic circle, when we know that they are at a great distance from us. The day, he returned home, she was at church; during a short intermission between sermons, she was standing under the shade of a large tree near the house, conver- sing with some other ladies, and amongst other things; she spoke of the absence, and the expected return of her husband that day or the next, at farthest, While she was yet speaking, one of the company, exclaimed,. "Yonder he comes now!" She hastily turned her head, saw him at no great distance from her, and instantly fell, motionless and senseless, to the ground. Efforts^, however, to revive her, in a few minutes, proved sue- \ OF JOY. 93 ^* cessful, though great debility remained, from which she llowly recovered. Mirth, as before observed, is a modification of joy; and when moderately indulged, is by no means unfavor- able to health. Laughter is the ordinary mode of ex- pressing this emotion of the mind; and when indulged1 in moderation, it promotes the circulation of the blood, through the lungs, and increases the energy of the ner-j vous system; hence it has a salutary effect in relieving pains in the stomach, obstructed circulation, and nervous debility. Instances are found on record, of persons ex- piring in fits of excessive laughter. A melancholy proof of this fact, was realized by a young barrister of promising parts, in the upper end of this state, who in a fit of laughter, ruptered a vessel in the lungs, which its a short time produced his death. X "Askew, a wealthy and facetious farmer of Corn- wall, was afflicted a with most alarming imposthumatibn, of which he appeared to be on the very point of suffoca- tion. His ungrateful, thievish servants, concluding from their master's agonies, that the period of his dis- solution had come, began to plunder. One treated him- self to his master's gold watch, another laid violent haiids on the silver plate, and a third still more daring brake open the bureau, and began to finger his gold, with1 which he soon replenished his own empty pockets. A domes- tic monkey being present, witnessed this play of every one help himself; and prompted by the principle of imi tation, Jbe concluded to take a hand in the game. Lay- ing hold of his master's wig, he applied it to his head: and then gathering his gold-headed cane, politely made •him a low bow, and began to.strut about the house as a buck of great consequence. The stately steppings^elf assumed dignity, and grotesque anticks of Jaeko, wrought so powerfully on tho fancy of Mr. Askev, as to excite an immoderate fit of laughter.—The imposthu, mation broke, the purulent matter was thrown up—and, to the utter confusion of the pilfering crew, he perfectly- recovered his health," OF HOPE. This pleasurable emotion of the mind, is excited by the"anticipation of some desirable object considered at- tainable. It is always accompanied with a sensation of pleasure, in a greater or less degree, according to tho Value o/ibeobject, and probability of obtaining it. Joy t>ylTe considered, the freshet or spring tide of pleasure; ,^3-hope is pleasure flowing gently within its banks. It is constantly mingling some sweet to diminish the bitter- ness of misery's full cup. It is the first friend that of- \ fers solace to the sons of affliction;—it is the last to for- i sake them. It sheds a ray of light over the dark path of adversity; and promises health to the sick; prosper- ity to the unfortunate; success to enterprise; wealth to industry; victory to courage; and titles, honors and crowns to aspiring ambition. As it deals in future bles- , sings it always tells a flattering tale, and paints with fancy's bright ccdors, the image as it would have it; and J moulds the pliant future into the most desirable shapes: 'tis a source from which the most forlorn and wretched, even to the most prosperous, derive pleasure. Without it, how truly wretched would existence be to most per- sons! ^ Hope is attended with all the favorable effects upon the health of the system, that joy is, without producing' anjiof the serious consequences that excessive joy does. It buoys up the spirits, increases vital action; ,and is, therefore, an important auxiliary to effect a cure, when it can be excited. A remarkable case of its salutary in- fluence, in the cure of disease, is recorded in the history $ of lie notable siege of Breda, 1625, by a physician, an eye Witness to the fact. ijhecitizens of Breda, from a long siege were doom-' ed tqundergo all the miseries that fatigue, bad provis- ions] ahd distress of mind could bring upon them. The i acurvey breaking out amongst them, carried off grea^, numbers. This so enfeebled and dispirited the garrison^ OF HOPE. 95 lhaUhey w*re inclined to surrender the place into the hands of the enemies. The Prince of Orange, being anxious to save the place, and at the same time, unable to relieve the garrison, contrived to introduce letters ad- dressed to the men, promising speedy assistance. These were accompanied with newly discovered remedies for the scurvey of a most extraordinary price, but posses- sing still more extraordinary virtue. Each physician was supplied with Uiree small phials, filled with a tinc- ture of such sovereign power that four drops were suffi- cient to impart a healing power to a gallon of liquor! The physicians uow began to deal out their wonder- working balsams* All who had the scurvey flocked a- round them, to get their doses. A universal faith pre- vailed in the sovereign virtues of the remedy. Hope promised recovered health; and cheerfulness again lighted 11 p every countenance. The effect of the delu- sion, was, truly so astonishing, that it would almost dag- ger-credulity itself to give it credit. Some who had not walked for a month before, in a short time, were feeen walking the streets perfectly cured; and others, who de- dared that every former remedy hail only made them worse, recovered in a few days, by takiBg what they called their gracious APrince9s cure. The above singular case, shows what a wonderful in Huence the passions of the mind, have over the body. This influence is too often overlooked in the treatment of disorders. How ineffectual the operation of mere medical remedies, when despondency preys upon the mind! And how wonderfully successful are the moat staple means, when they have the mighty, concurrent influence of the imagination! OF LOVE. Love is a teim of very extensive import; it generally denotes strong and passionate attachment, for the object that excites this emotion in the soul. Love is easily distinguished from friendship by the ardor of its opera- tions; it is the master passion of the soul, exercising'an uncontrollable dominion over all the powers of man, when kindled into ardor. When the bosom glows with the idea of requited love, it sooths each sense and sen ' • sibility of man; and presents to his eager lips, the pur- est draughts of fecility that mortality knows. Pure, reciprocal love is one of man's most endearing delights ^ —'tis the master passion that sways all his sweetest en- & ergies—is not wrecked by the storms of adversity, nor starved out by poverty—it hangs over each vicissitude of fortune—aids virtue in the last sad tasks of mortality —to cheer the langors of age and decrepitude—"explore the thoughts-explain the aching eye." How sweet and powerful the influences of love! 'tis that which blends the interest and unites the hearts of lovers, and gives each the joys and felicities of the other. It induces the lovely delicate lady to leave the sweet home of childhood;—smile amidst poverty, heroically buffeting the waves of misfortune, and cheerfully toil with the husband she loves. No charm can so readily level the distinctions of birth or fortune, nor conceal tho natural infirmities that mortality is heir to, as this. No pleasures are comparable to those that affect the heart, i and none effect it with such exquisite delight, as this no-' ble passion;—the most delicious feeling the heart ever knew, is virtuous love. 'Tis love, pious, ardent, deep and holy, that creates the bliss of heaven. "Love studious how to please, improves our parts With polished manners, and with winning art*. It kindles all the soul with honor's fire; Curbs and restrains extravagant desire: tj[ A just heroic passion, that can find .*. t .No room in any bow degenerate mind.'* -^ OF LOVE. 97 The influence of propitious love, is salutary upon the physical system, promoting all the secretion*; envigora- ting the action of the heart; imparting vhacity to the spirits, & brighteningthe countenance with cheerfulness. But crossed or disappointed love, is often extremely hurtful. It depresses the spirits, enfeebles digestion. destroys the appetite, banishes sleep; and sometimes produces insanity. Love naturally seeks the enjoyment of the beloved object; and asks not the aid of memory, nor the deduc- tions of reason to prompt to the performance of whatevei will please. The absence of the object of tender affec- tion, generally produces an anxiety o? mind, particular- ly, if the idea of danger is connected, with it, that is often pernicious to health. If fate, or toe will of parents, in- terdicts the enjoyment of the society of the object, which inspires the heart with the glo.wing waimth ofundissem- bled love, the effect is equally pernicious to health:— the depressed spirits, the w an cheek, the heavy load of pensive sorrow, all bespeak the deleterious and fearful effects of baffled J.ove./in drying up the fountains of felicity, and crushing the eneigies of vitality. Separa- tion from the object of affection'by death, often for a time, produces resvYis, equally hurtful; but kind Providcnct has so constituted us, that time wipes away the tears, and sooths the sorrows of bereavement; and that object being utterly removed from the shores of time, and con- sequently beyond the reach of the tender offices of lore. the nuntf becomes resigned, or yields to the influence of ne,w attachments. . •But, if love is crossed or disappointed by the incon- stancy, or falseness of the beloved object, it then no< snfrenuently begets jealousy or turns to rage, revenge, or cWpair, producing some of ******«««"•*££ *ic,n, that infest the seas of life, w recking both happiness & Ad health. "Earth has ao rage like love to hatred^Urae* And hell no fury like a lover ee orne4. H 96 OF FEAB. We have now, briefly noticed the influence, of some of , the principal, enlivening passions, upon the system. Our attention will next be directed to the effects ef the principal depressing ones. OF FEAR. Fear is a sensation of pain produced by a prospect evil; and is kindly given to man as a sentinel for self- preservation. Apprehension, dread, &c, are modifica- tions of the same passion. We apprehend what is pos- sible, fear what is probable, and dread what is certain; thus, the condemned criminal dreads the day of execu- tion. Fear and apprehension, induce us to take measures \ to avert, if possible, Unapprehended ill; but dread with wretchedness expects the unavoidable calamity. Fear is not without a salutary influence in society, amongst those who are not governed by the principles of virtue. The fear of reproach, and the fear of condign punishment, often restrain the hand of violence, injus- tice aud oppression; it also unties the^urse of avarice and prompts to many worthy deeds that else had not been done. Like every other passion it is liable to excess; and is then hurtful both in a moral and physical po\t of view. It takes from man, reflection, resolution, and judgment; and degenerates into base cowardice. To a\oid this unmanning result, fear should not be allowed tv» have any other influence than prompt us to cautionary means to ward off' the stroke that could be averted; and then, With manly fortitude endure The evil, which prudence could not cure. Cowardice is in a good degree the effect of education and habit. Its foundation is often laid in impressions made in tender years, that are never completely rooted np in manhood. All the dismal stories of witches, fairies, ghosts, hobgoblins, raw head and bloody bones, and the OF FEAR. 90 like, are well calculated to make children timorous and cowardly, and the dastaadly feeling becomes habitual, and not easily shaken off in maturer years. One of the bast remedies against torturing fear is a good conscience, void of offence to God and man. It will secure us serenity amidst all the calamities of life; and prepare us to meet the shock of any adverse accideat. "Conscience" says Sliakspeare, "makes cowards ofui all." ------»—-*—.-----^-"Thou mysterious pow'r, • That dost inhabit us wiihoutour leave; And art within ourselves, another self, ' A Master self, that loves to domineer, And treat the monarch frankly as the slave; How dost thou light a torch to distant deeds; Make the past, present and future frown; How,ever and anon, wake the soul, As with a peal of thun.ler, to strange horror?!1' Fear generally impairs the vital energies, and instan- ces are not wanting, in which, a sudden and excessive fright has literally destroyed life, by a total suspension of vital action. Fear and anxiety are well calculated io;make disease more stubb >rn;and thus bring about the very thing dreaded; viz: a fatad. termination of the dis- order, 'v " • i Many suffer their minds to be, filled with distressing apprehensions of the fatality of their complaints, which* operate so powerfully as to attenuate the vital thread; and the hopeless patient, falls a victim to the enervating power of his own imagination. , It has long been a matter of observation, that those who suffer under apprehensions of taking any epidemic com- plaint, are more likely to take it, than those remarkable for courage. This passion, impedes the circulation, disorders the stomach and bowels, enfeebles vital action, and thus increases the liability of the system to be aftec- ted with the contagion. _____„,______------------Man Ingenious to torment himself, Grows pale at hideous fictions of his ovrn; Through fear of dying, suffers many deaths. 100 OF FEAR. Different effects have been produced, by excessive fear, or sud Ida fright, on different in lividmls, and even on the same individual under different circumstances. Sometimes it chills the blood, producing shivering with a sensation of coldness; and completely takes away the power of action. At other times, it his cured some chronic diseases; and impirted the power of vigorous active exertion to invalids Lint hid not been able to walk for months. A gentleman who had be°n afflicted many years with gout, and unible to wilk, even with the aid of crutches, on hearing an alarm that the house was on fire, and fear- ing that amidst the general confusion he should be left amidst the ruins, sprang up and ran out with agility; andto'his astonishment wa9 entirely relieved for a time, from all symptoms of his con;)laiot. An English offber of great courage^ from long service in India, hid become afflicted with asthmi, which in- duced great bo lily debility, so that he was unable to draw his sword or walk six yards to save his life, as he thoug'tt. Wnile , thus afflicted, the alarm guns were fired for tin whole lines t> tnr.i out, the enemy having broke into the camp. Knowing that instant and certain death would be his portion if ha stayed in his tent, he sprung out with an alacrity th it amizcid his attendants, mounte 1 his horse, an 1 drew his sword with ea.se, al- though, he hid thi diy brtfora, employed all his strength in tha attempt, and could not move it from the scabbard. His debility andasthni He I together, the instant the alarm wa3 given; nor did his disorder return for some time. On some occasions fright has s> operated on ,the in dividuil, as to chinge the black hiir of youth, into the hoary hiir of old age. A young Spaniard of noble birth, was smitten with the charms, of a b$a itiful la ly of royal blood, whose tender boson was fired with a mutual ardor. The difficulties that conrtly customs threw in the way, and the restraints imposed upon them by unfeeling parents did not damp OF GRIEF. 101 the ardor of their affection; but rather supplied fuel to the smothered flame. They met under the shady boughs of a tree in the king's garden, to enjoy in private, that lux- ury of social conversation, which the will of others inter- dicted. The barking of a little dog betrayod them, and end- ed their pleasure.—It was a capital crime to be found in that place. He was seized by some ef the king's guard; dragged to the bar, andconedmned to die. He was so terrified at the occurrence, that his hair turned gray that same night. The jailor, moved at the sight told the circumstance to the king as a prodigy; and the king thereupon pardoned him, saying, "He had been sufficiently punished for his fault, seeing he had exchang- ed the flower of »youth, for the hoary hairs of old age." OF GRIEF. -. This distressing emotion of the mind is produced by the suffering of some calamity, or by sustaining the loss of something that contributed to our happiness; and the intensity of the passion is generally proportioned to the estimate we place upon the thing lost, or the weight of the calamity endured. Grief is a deeper and more pun- gent sensation of distress than sorrow; the latter is pro- duced by disappointments and a variety of untoward circumstances that perpetually arise in life, and does not affect us so deeply nor so permanently as the former. Grief like a poison corrodes the mind, and wastes the body; it affect* the nervous system, enfeebles the circu- lation, impairs the digestive powers, produces obstruc- tion and other distressing complaints. Against the fa- tal effects of this passion, neither the internal nor exter- nal application of medical remedies avail anything. A copious flow of tears, generally lessens the load of gnei, and ought not therefore to be restrained. We deem it wide of our purpose to enter here into an H* 102 OF OBIBF. extended speculation on the concurrent causes, that ren- der the susceptibilities of feeling greater in one individ- ual than another. The most that science has been able to ascertain on the subject, is that similar causes of grief, produce defferent degrees of it, in different persons; but whether this results, from a different formation or organ- ization of the brain; or from the different degrees of hope, these individuals may have, is not satisfactorily known. Possibly both these causes have their influence; and for aught that science, has yet ascertained in the operation of the laws of the mind, other causes may con- tribute to the same effect. At any rate we are ready to acknowledge, that any thing we have ever seen on the subject, is little better than wild fancy, perfectly unsatis- factory. Grief indulged, often becomes settled melancholy, and sometimes produces insanity. Those under the influ- ence ©f this passion, should not indulge themselves to brood 6ver their sorrows, lest the waves of affliction over- flow the soul. The mincl should be actively employed in business or amusement, to divert it as much as possi- ble from dwelling on the cause of grief. The best rem- edy, is to seek in piety those unwithering consolations, which can sustain the mind under the severest strokes of adversity. From this source issue streams of living pleasure that cannot be dried up by the occurrence of disasterous events. Grief indulged, deepens the streams of sorrow, by employing the busy, anxious thoughts to con over the loves, friendships, hopes, and dear remembrances of past lappy moments. Such refflections, though accorapan- ed with a kind of melancholy pleasure, serve rather to awaken the mind to a greater sensibility, than to assuage its anguish. Among the many causes that excite the >assion of grief, few perhaps, overwhelm.the soul so deeply with the waves of anguish, as bereavement. "Among the tombs she walk3 at depth, of night, In miserable garb of widowhood. Observe her yonder, sickly, pale and sad, OF ANGER. iW Bending her wasted bedy over the grave Of him who had been the husband of her youth. ' Numerous were her sighs, her tears profu9«; For he she lost, was lovely, and loved her much: Fresh in her memory, fresh as yesterday, Is yet, the bitter day he died. The man she mourns was affection's all; The music of her ear, light of her eye; Desire of all her heart; her hope, her fear; The element in which her passions lived.— Night after night, she wears herself away— A mere shadow, so worn with speechless wo. The tread of hasty foot, passing so late, Disturbs her not; nor yet the roar of mirth, From neighboring revelry ascending loud. - She hears, sees naught; fears naught; One thought alone, tills all the heart and soul; Uttered bv silence, and'tears alone— The awful language, eloquent of deep affection. Noi long shall she visit that place of skulls; Her unsubstantial, withered frame, scarce, Obstruction presents to the nightly breeze, Like winter's barren, leafless boughs.'1 Disease produced by grief can not be cured by mere physical means;—means must also be employed to re- move the anguish of the heart, otherwise medical effort* will be in vain. "Thou mqst minister to the mind distressed, Consolation's balm,sweet, efficient cordial; , Pluck from the memory the rooted sorrow; Rase out the written troubles of the brain; And, wifh some sweet oblivious antidote, Cleanse the stuffed mind of the poisonous grief Which weighs upon the heavy heart." OF ANGER. Anoer is a sudden emotion of displeasure, excited by the reception of some supposed or wal injury, otterea either to our persons, characters, or rights. 1 *e inten- 104 OP ANGEBf sity of this passion does not depend entirely upon the magnitude of the insult received; but aUo upon the pride or rather vanity of the individual, who receives it. When an individual, who possesses an exalted or over- weening opinion of his own dignity arid importance, re- ceives an insult, his vanity like a magnifying glass en- larges it into the most aggravated 'injury, and uncalled for insolence; and consequently his ready resentment will equal the supposed magnitude of the offence. Intense ang^r is one of the m jst ungovernable passions in the human breast: it drowns the voice of prudence, dethrones reason; and prompts to deeds of rashness that , lead to the prison, and even the gallows; or it mingles for daily drink, the bitter cup of remorse. This pas- sion, although turbulerit as the storm while it lasts, is usually of short duration. When the mind broods over an injury, seeking occasion for revenge, it is then called resentment; and is associated with a dislike for the of- fender. The resentment of Injuries to a certain extent, is, perhaps necessary and justifiable in human society, to protect our private rights, and impose restraint upon violence and insolence. But in the fullness of self-esti- mation we are too apt to step beyond the mere protection of rights, and restraint of violence and insolence; and indulge a spirit of revenge contrary alike to the precepts and spirit of Christianity. Few things contribute so largely to the instruction of peace of society as the indul- , gence of this passion; and the more it is indulged, the readier it is kindled into a raging flame which neither prudence nor reason can control. It is a tempest, which often lashes the sea of life into fearful rage, making fre- quent wreck of happiness and even life itself. "Pale and trembling anger rushes in, With faltering speech, and eyes that wildly stare; Fierce as the tiger, madder than the, seas, Desperate, and arm'd with more than human strength. Anger generally affects the nervous and muscular stb-^ tern; and the pulsations of the heart are carried on with increased rapidity. Sometimes, in great storms of this OF ANGER. lf>5 passion the blood is driven so rapidly and forcibly, that hemorrhages are produced both from the head and lungs, by rupturing some of the delicate vessels; and appoplec- tic fits are often produced by a too great determination of the blood to the brain. It often affects the stomach and bowels. In some vomiting is brought on; in other* the bile is poured so copiously into the intestines as to produce purging. Anger is a shortlived insanity, producing the rasheit, madest deeds of folly. The exercise of patience under injuries is not only a duty, the performance of which prevents all the deleterious effects of anger; but it is au infallible mark of a great and dignified soul. Plato on one occasion, requested his friend Xenocratsi, when on a visit, to correct his servant for him, as ho wai not at that time so fit to do it, as he was in a passion. At another time he said to one of his disobedient servant*, "that he would beat him suflficieutly, but that he was angry." Sir Walter Raleigh, a man of noble mind, aud known courage, has left an example of patience, and commaed over the passions rarely met with. A rash, hot-headed youth, at onetime, treated him insolently in public, and then .challenged him; and on his refusal to notice*tha challenge in any other way than with contempt, he tpit upon him. Sir Walter taking out his handkerchief, calmly made this remark: "Young man, if I could as easily wipe away your blood from my conscience, as I can this injury from my face, I would this moment takea- way your life." The youth was struck with such a sudden and strong sense of the aggravated insolence of his be^ haviour, that he fell to his knees and begged the noble minded man's pardon. Due attention to the formation of our habits, will read- ily bring this passion under the salutary restraints ol prudence and reason; but if we suffer it to be blown in, to aflameoneverv occasion, it soon becomes ungovern- able. Of IIAT&m TiitS detestable passion is a voluntary and deep-roof* cd dislike, that seems to have its seat in the angry pas-1 sions of the heart. The passion denominated hatred can have no existence in a bosom, Where malignant pas- sons do not rancor: iti* the voluntary fruit of a deprav- ed soul, rather than the consequence of any adequate provocation; and hence it is a passion that ought to have no place, but in the bosom of fiends, and no out- breaking but in the chambers of darkness. Hatred is &ot contented with merely wishing evil to the objects of its rancor; but derives its only fiendish pleasure froni their misery or destruction. The best of men are some- times the objects «f haired on account of their very vir- tues; or their well intended admonitions. A certain Italian, having the object of his hatred in hi» power, told him there was no possible way for him to save; hii life, but by renouncing his Savior. The dastardly wretch, afraid to die, and in hope of being spared, did abjure his interest in the merits of a crucified Savior. The other? immediately stabbed him to the heart, say- ing,*with a fiendish smile, that now he had full revenge; for he had at once destroyed both soul and body. Could any demon from the pit of darknessvhave manifested a more fiendish malignity! Hatred is the bane of peace,— the ulcer of the soul; and cannot fail to injure the body, "When hatred is in the basom nurst, Peace can not reside in a dwelling so accursed." Rancor, malice, enmity, ill-will, and spite, are modi- fications of this base passion; they seek the misery, and are delighted with the misfortunes of their objects. De- testation, aversion and the like, are, when kept in pro- per bounds, allowable emotions of the soul, excited by actions or things, and are not personal feelings, directed against tjie object independent of its qualities. Detest is generally a laudable passion; thus we detest a traitor for his treachery; good men detest fraud, baseness, and W ENTT. 107 the like. Hatred is a very different passion: the objeet is not hated because it is odious; but, because, it inter- fers with inclination, indulgeuce &c; thus bad men hate the light, because it makes their evil deeds manifest. Hatred and envy cohabiting produced Slander, whose mouth is ever full of lies, of which she stuffs the ears of men. "Slander, the foulest whelp of sin. His tongue was set on fire of hell, his heart Was black as death, his legs were faint with haste Topropegete his mischievious falsehoods. From door to door you may see him 6peed, Or placed amidst a group of gaping tools, And whispering in their ears with his foul lips: Peace fled the neighborhoods in which he made His haunts; and, like a moral pestilence, Before his breath, the healthy shoots and bloonw Of social joy and happiness, decayed. The sigh of innocence reproached, his delight, ^Broken friendships, and strife of brotherhoods; And with appetite keen for scandal, greedily He made inost hellish meals of good men's names* Strove daily by a thousand means, And oft succeeded to make virtue stink Id the world's nostrils, and its loathy self .Smell sweetly.------------------:--- The fool, and maqy too who credit had For wisdom, grossly svallowed all she said, Unsifted; and although, at every word, Contradictions glaringly its falsehood beipeker Yet still they ran to hear her speak, and T& others the story with many sanctions told.** OF ENVY, IforvBV, »ne of the blackest passions in the hams* neart, is a sensation of uneasiness accompanied with malignity excited by viewing the superior accomplish- ment or advantages of a rival. The root of this passion is an overweening self-love and thirst of praise, dealing *08 w iS-y. to be esteemed more wise, learned, wealthy and 10 tn, than others, without prompting us to use efforts to he- eome so. It never seeks to excel a rival, but to degrade him to its own level. Solomon says, "Envy is therotteness of the bonet." ft is the bane of peace,—the canker of the soul, the fell worm that gnaws the root of happiness,—the enemy of vivacity and health. Envic us persons are ever blind to the virtues and accomplishments of others; but quicksighted in detecting imperfections, that none else can see. They with shrewdest glance can penefrate the secret springs of ac- tion, and in Malignity's philosophy can find some sin- ister motive for every virtuous act. Envy, like the buzzard, can smell nothing so readily, as a carcase; or like the fly, it seeks only.the raw and conupt pasta ©£ the body. "What filled the heart of envy with gall, Was worth in others, vilentss in himself; A lust of praise with undeserving dee ds$, And conscious poverty of soul: and tt\\\r It was his earnest work and daily toi'i, To make the noble seem mean arj himself. -----------■---------Whenever be hear*V As oft he did, of joy and happ'.n'ess, And great prosperity, and rising worth, T* as like a wave of wormwood orer his aoef Rolling its bitterness. H is. joy was wo, The wo of others. Wh^r., from wealth to wanfr From praise to reproach, from peace to strife,. From mirth to tears, he saw a brother fall, Or Virtue make a slir,,—his dreams were sweet. But chief with Slander, daughter of his own, He took unhallowed pleasure. When she talked? And with her filthy lips defiled the bestr Hiseardrew ne;ar; with wide attention gaped Hismruth; his eyes, well pleased, as eager gasei As glutton, when the dish he most desired, Was placed befere him; and a horrid mirh\ At intervals, with laughter shook his sides." —— *——-----"But, sfmetiir.es too, beneath The dust she raised, was worth an bile obicere^, OP ENVY. 109 And then did Envy with devils laugh, O Env) ! hide thy bo^oui. hide it deep! A thousand snakes, with ld.uk, envenomrd mouths, Nest there; and his?, nod feed through all thy hcnrt! When man issued fr»»m the hand of creative energy, envy formed iu» part of his characfei; it had no existeuce in his mind. It was then known only in the chambers of darkness, and rankled in the bosom of fiend.*; it promp- ted them to meditttt* tho ruin of mankind. It is the most fiend like disposition that can find dominion in the human breast. Home of the blackest crimes thatswell the catalogue of man's enormity, from "original sin to the present day, have been instigated by this passion. Quickening the pace of shtuh r. it turns a malignant eye on all the fair forms of truth, righteousness, peace, hon- or and happiness, aud labors to blight them in its dele- terious .shade.. Moved with envy Joseph's brethren sold him as a slave into Egypt. Instigated by this passion, the Jews '•'put to death the Lord of life, and i buy;" for "Pilate knew thai for Hixy they had delivered him." Most of the persecution*, that have stained the world with mno- <$ut and righteous blood were instigated by this dia- bolical passion, unwilling to bear a virtuous rival. What other passion, so finnl-like, could instigate the lords of the It (juisition tociingeon thiir piry. and fawn on their veng/ i.im i !—cjiiiikning the I iir pi vg pace of in- genuity to multiply expedients of'tniture, and forcing ev- ery stand that ictiring humanity could make in the heart, —each emotion of tenderness and honor!—perpetrating cruelties that cue would have supposed, was beyond the reach of human thought to devise, or malignity to executt!—"lower than perdition—blacker than des- pair." Envy also, deservedly, punishes its possessor. "For wrath killeth, and envy slayeth the foolish one." "A iound heart is the life of the flesh, but envy is the rot- tenness of the bones." 110 , or AVARICE. "Envy commands a secret hand, With sword and poison in Ids hand; Around his haggard eye balls roll, A thousand fiends possess bis soul. The hellish,unsuspected sprite, With fatal aim, attacks by night. His troops advance with silent tread, And stab the hero in his hed^ Or shoot the wmgM malignant lie, And female honors pine or die." .-------------"Malicious envy rode Upon a ravenous wolf, and still did clew Between his cankered teeth, a venomcus lead, * That all the poison ran about his jaw." OF AVARICE. Avarice is a sordid passion. It is a carking anxiety after property;—a rapacity in getting, and a tenacity m holding it. It is a groveling passion that seek* for hap- piness beneath the skies, and expects to realize, by hoarding up perishing, dust, permanent enjoyments. When this sordid passion takes possession of the heart —farewell all sentiments of honor, all correct notions of honesty: the only rule of right, and measure of wrong with the miser is his own interest:—no other argument can reach his selfish soul.—Farewell to all natural affec- tion, and all the obligations of gratitude;—it wrests tha last drop of humanity from the bosom, and strips it of the last feeling of compassion. The shrill cry of jus- tice, or the deep groans of want are notes equally be- yond his compass. He can behold misfortune's most afflicted sons, driven by adversity's fiercest gales, wreck- ed on the ocean of poverty, with scarce a broken piece of the wreck, to buoy their heads above the waves of utter want, without one pensive reflection. Without a sigh, he can strip nakedness of its rags, and rob pover- ty of its crusts, or enter the forlorn cabiu of the widow and exact the uttermost farthing, leaving her fatherles* babes breadless. OF AVARICE. Ill Avarice unites the bonds of society, and robs the mi- te* of one of the grearest blessing of it;—the mutual communication of kind offices. It dries up the foun- tains of humanity, obliterates every sentiment of gene- rosity, and freezes up every stream of sympathy. Aa soon may you expect to pluck the blooming rose under the frozen pole, as to fi*id the warmth of affection in the miser's frigid heart. From a region so barren of virtue, men rio more expect to reap the fruits of charity, than they expect to gather grapes from the thistle, or figs from the bramble. This base passion robs the man of content; for al- though nature is content with few thing*, avarice is not content with all things. "The miser has wealth in the same way that a sick man Ins the fever, it tyrannizes over him;—it tortures the soul, and wastes the body with carking anxiety. His thievish fancy hears in ev- ery sound tiie approach of the robber. Of all the sons of folly, who barter time for eternity, life for death, heaven for he'l, none do.it on easier terms than the wretched worshipper at Mammou's shrine, "who to the clink of Mammon's box gives most greedy and rapacious ear;"—'tis the only music can charm him. Avarice renders a man poor in the midst of wealth. His nig- gard soul can scarce allow a scanty supply of food and ffaiment to his body; and for fear of future penury, re- duces himself to present utter want. uVm<1 oli! what man's conditon can be worse T i-in his, whom plenty starves,'and blessings cursel The beggars but a ro nmon fate deplore, Tiie rich poor man is emphatically poor. If cares and troubles, cuivy, grief, and fear, Bo the bitter fruits that fair riches bear; If utter poverty grows out of store, The old plain way is best,—let me be poor!" Avarice is accompanied with extreme eagerness to make money, with distressing fears about keeping it, and with inconsolable grief for losing it; besides heart- aches, envies, jealousies, sleepless nights, wearisome days, and numberless other ills which it inflicts on its 112 0P AVARICK. slaves, ruining their health, and dragging them to Ufa grave with some waiting malady, or hurrying them there by rash, horrible suicide. A wealthy cotton planter in Georgia, in congruence of getting his cotton to market after it had fallen two cents on the pound, was siezed with Mich a deep sad- ness of heart, that he forthwith took his bed. and refus- ing to heshirted, shaved, or supplied with suitable nour- ishment, died a miserable victim to grief, because he did not get the cream of the market. Tiiis u retched victim of avarice, was » hi helor. and his estate, on ap- praisinent, amounted to nearly one bundled thousand dollai>! An old miser seeing a hoop nr two hursled off one of the barrels in which his silver wa- hoarded up. wusso smitten with ^refat the expectation that the bairel was rifled of its content*. I hat lie could nut endure the bur- den of life, and by means of a r.ipe -dipped off the mor- tal coil, and ruOied one tiled for. iutu eternity, wMil impious li.i-.te to meet theiiglitiou* Jod-i: a though the bursting of the hoop had been merely ai cidenUl. and not one cent of the ido.ized, shining uust had been re- moved. We hive now .taken a brief view of some of the prin-; cipal effe.-ts, of *ome of the principal pis-ion* opon th health of the system. We have not introduced all the passion-; Uw tnere are u.iw.triU of twenty in all: nor have we lite s^me late medic tl writers, labored to ex- haust each snbj ct introduced, to *ho»v what could be said on t-iem; out, Irive merely traced the moiv promi- nent features, and pointed out the r mote obvious aui| deleterious effects upon the human «v*teiu. '•Would you extend jour narro v )»pan, Ami make the most of life yoiiean; Would vou, when m-di* mrs cannot gave, Li*5-c:end with e isu into the grave; Calmly retire like eveniiu h^'it, And cheerful bid the wurl 1 goad nighti L^'t vir'.ueand temperance pre/M-, Our bust physician, frieuJ and gujio.,*1 CHAPTER IV. OF DISEASE. Pathological writers have flooded the world with theories, offered in explanation of the nature, effects and causes of disease, both remote and proximate. Far divergent, have been the paths, they traveled, and unsatisfactory has been the result of most of their specu- lative tours. Many of the professors that have figured on the arena of hypothetical combat, appear to have been more eager to show their dexterity in hewing down old sys- tems, and their ingenuity in building up new ones, than to arrive at correct views of pathology. One of the lead- ing defects in the old systems originates from this, the theories were first formed, and then the practice was a- dapted to it. He, that begins in conjecture, ends in un- certainty; and his effort to explain by theory, that which he had never entered into the school of experience to learn, serves only to add another stripe to the many- colored web of hypothesis." And to us, it appears strange, that, on such uncertain grounds, men will set themselves up under the pompous cover of a diploma, to tamper with things so sacred as life and health. It is impossible that the correct knowledge of the nature, ef- fects and causes of disease, and the method of removing it, can be learned by reasoning a prior a. This is a knowledge, that can only be acquired in the sure school of experience, by a careful, patient and untiring study of the lessnus there taught. From this school were the data drawn, on which the theory of disease is founded, as laid down in this work. Systems fraught with so much uncertainty and incon- sistency, as many of those are, which have been taught I* 114 OF DISEASE. in the halls of medical science, would long since bar© withered before the breath of experience, had they not been protected by the authority of great names, and palmed upon the world under the sanctions of learning. But, however ingeniously, error may be gilt with learn- ing's finest colors, it does not change its nature—it is error still; and because the authority of its patrons is sufiicient to introduce it, independent of its merits, the world has long been imposed upon. A person unac- quainted with the merit of the various theories, would be ready to conclude, that the multitude of explanations had rendered this dark subject clear as the cloudless sun- beam . • A yonng traveller, making a tour through Europe to see whatever could be seen, and learn what, was there to be learned, was introduced by gentleman into a splen- did library. Amongst the different inquiries he made respecting the merits of the various works that attracted his attention, he said, "What large books are these?" Said the librarian, "They are commentaries written on the Bible." "That book," replied the tourist, inquir- ingly, "Must have, been very mysterious once, and very plain now, since so many volumes in folio, quarto, and octavo, have been written to explain it." "No truly," rejoined the librarian, "most of them have darkened counsel, by laboring to prove what they believed, instead of explaining what the Bible taught. They did not go to it to learn what it said, but to see what they could make it say." So most theorists, have produced their elaborate schemes to prove their favorite whims, instead of ex- plaining the phenomena of disease, learned by nicest observation, under all its different aspects. Hence it has resulted that this successive accumulation of theory upon theory, has not materially enlarged the sphere of useful knowledge, or improved the practice of the heal- ing art. We do not wish to be understood as uncere- moniously, and indiscriminately reprobating all the the- ories as unmixed error: some valuable truths are found OF DISEASE. H5 4n many of them, which have served as"beacon§ on the dark solitudes of time," to succeeding theorists. But these truths important as they were, had been associated with so many glittering errors, that the inquirer was often misled; and the value of the truth itself discredit- ed. The most distinguished medical theorists, of later times, are Cullbv, Brown and Ru«h, of the mineral school, and Thomson, the father of the botanic school of medicine. Aud it is worthy of remark that the respec- tive/theories of all these great men, except Thomson's, failed, or at least proved uncertain and inefficient in their own hands, when reduced to practice. How humilia- ting to the proud dignity of man that the darling fabric he has raised by years of toil should be sapped and overthrown by the stream of time, when hope had prom- ised him that it should be a monument of immortality to his name, against which the waves of time, should dash in vain. The contradictory schemes proposed and adopted, at different periods, as the standards of medical practice, and the inefficiency of each, clearly show that a false pathology, and a corrupt practice have pervaded each system from the origin of the science to the present day..^ Dr. Blane, in his medical logic says, "That the med- ical sceptics allege that the history of this pretended art in all ages, so teems with the fanciful influence of super- stitious observances, the imaginary virtues of medicines; with nugatory, delusive, inefficient, and capricious prac- tices; fallacious and sophistical reasonings, as to render it little more than a chaos of error, a tissue of deceit un- worthy of admission among the useful arts and liberal persuits of man." At another place, he remarks that the medical science, is "beset with every species offal- lacy, uncertainty and doubt." Cullen condemns the corrupt practice of all physicians from Hippocrates to Stahl. Brown says he was constrained "with many em- inent men, to deplore the healing art as altogether wn- certain and incomprehensible;" that upwards of fifteen 116 OF DISEASE. years of his studies were passed, "like a traveller in at? unknown country, wandering in the shades of night.** Dr. Rush, a great and good man, lamented the insta- bility of the theories, and the uncertainty of the practice of medicine. This uncertainty of the latter, and insta- bility of the former, can be readily accounted for, it is because most theorists, depend more upon speculative no- tions, than the sure lessons of experience; and regulate their practice rather by theoretical rules, than by the ascertained effects of remedies. This rigid adherence to theoretical rules, in some countries, is carried to its utmost limits. We saw an account, not long since that the physicians of Spain, were required to adhere to the prevalent theory, in their practice, at the expense of both life and character. When a physician in that country, is called on to attend a patient, he is compelled to prescribe according to the favorite theory of the country, although every day's ex- perience convinces him, that certain death must result from such prescription, lie must move in the old path, and not turn either to the right or left, even to save the life of his patient. Should he, following the light of experience and the dictates of judgment, give a prescrip- tion deffering from that laic1 down in the prevailing the- ory of the day, and happen to lose his patient, a loss of his own life and character, is the unavoidable fate he must meet with; and if he succeeds in raising his patient, his life is at the mercy of the violated law. But if his prescriptions are according to the rules of the prevalent theory^, he is pronounced a good doctor, although he should lose ninety-nine patients in every hundred. Dr. Cullrn's theory, supposed that all morbid or diseased action in the body, originated in some change in the state of the solids, produced by the nervous sys- tem. To correct these variations, was the primary ob- ject, at which his practice or prescription aimed, in the restoration of health. A desire to classify diseases after the manner of natural history, led him to load his sys- tem with all the absurdities of nosology;—-to bewilder OF DISEASE. 11? (he mind, confound the reason, and paralize the efforts of the practitioner, with the intolerable folly of two thousand names of disease, with their symptoms, types and stag-si Disease is but the departure of the system from a healthy action;—does it not bear absurdity on its very front, to talk of two thousand departures? Tnere is truly, something very imposing in the classic lore, and scivotific arragements exhibited; but what signifies volumes of such learned lumber, where the mat.er of fact !•« Uc'lai.dii.guiany imprrfeclions, iiisepaial.le from human s>stii»is. opened the fori.tain of line medical sciime, from which issues a clear sticiiin, hearing on its bosom a pub nt balm for the I-1 a ling of most of the maladies «f mat; viz: that no 'medicine should be used but such as acts in harmony with the laws of Jife. This appears to be a principle in the healing ait, that no theorist bel'oie him thought exported to Chi- na, where it readily brought its weight in silver, whichfc i* about sixteen dollors per ponnd. At one time, it is said that it was sold in that country for eight times that ANTISPASMODICS. 135 amount, or one handred and twenty-eight dollars per pound! This extravagant priee shows the great de- mand there was for it, and the high estimate they placed upon it. Rafinesque says, that Ginseng, is the Chinese name fer this plant, which in their language, signifies, "man's health," indicating their high opinion of its medical virtue. The Chinese physicians, says Rafinesque, give the following ennumeration of the medical virtues of the Ginseng: "It warms the. stomach and bowel:;; relieves the colic; removes the obstruction of the breast; sus- tains both body and mind, under excessive labor, by preventing weariness and dejection; quenches thirst, assuages hunger; prevents dropsy, sharpens the appetite; assists digestion; keeps away unpleasant dreams and fright; strengthen. ',' ; judgment; cures nervous, asth- matical, and hysterical affections; -itii. .-vc* ah disorders arising from debility or weakness." This is the high character the Chinese faculty, give this plant, although they have used it for two thousand years;—it is certain- ly tinctured with the extravagance of superstition. Dr. Gunn thinks the American faculty, have tested its rem- edial virtues with more consumate skill, and has blotted it out of the list of remedies, he however allows it to be a "pleasant bitter." He, with the faculty at his head, seems to undervaluelits virtues, perhaps they wore the dim spectacles of inattention, when they tested its med- ical virtues. Dr Thomson says, it may be successfully used as a nervine, in all cases of nervous affection, either alone, or in combination with other articles of this class. Dr. Greenway and Dr. Cutler, say that they have found it useful in convulsions, nervous affections, palsy, virtigo and dysentery. The root should be dug in the fall, and when dry, reduced to a powder. Dose from a half to a whole tea- spoonful in hot water. 136 ANTISPASMODICS. TELA ARANEH. COBWEB, SPIDER'S-WEB. "We introduce this article rather to gratify the read- er's curiosity, than to recommend it as a remedy for any of his maladies; for we suppose that the reader can have no serious objection to be informed of the singular vir- tues that have been ascribed to the common cobweb, in different ages, by different physicians. We would just remark, that we do not use it, nor would we recommend its use;—it might happen however in sonie desperate cases, that some individual, may derive benefit from its use, when suc6 remedies as we would recommend, could not be obtained. An account of the medical properties of the cobweb, was published as early as the year 1644, in which some active remedial virtues were ascribed to it. For a long time it has b^n i :nked amongst the quack remedies for the ague. Lately it has attracted tbe attention of some •f the "faculty." It is said "to be almost a specie for il e intermittent fever; and in one c*ko of ' .gutoni . .„.;sr:;'!: , afford ■ •■..";iraocu'ii:;. ly relicl, by allaying the invi^;r.n, after the usual remedies had failed to produce that ef- fect. One case ofits remarkable efficacy in that distres- sing complaint, the asthma, is recorded. A patient who had been so badly afflicted with that most afflictive complaint, for six years, that, he had not enjoyed one nights rest in that time, experienced so much relief on taking one dose, that he slept a good night's sleep. By some physicians it is recommended -;.s being a valuable remedy in spasmodic complaints, generally procuring tranquilizing sleep. In one instance when administer- ed to an old, infirm asthmatic, it produced an effect resembling that of nitrous oxide gas; (commonly called exhilarating gas;) though its effects were of much iong-j, er duration, lasting nearly all r.irht, increasing both the energy and the action of the muscular powers, and the ANTISPASMODICS. Iff nilarity of his spirits. The patient sung, skipped, aad danced abont the room until nearly day-break, when he fell into a quiet sleep; and after waking up he found himself considerably relieved of his disorder, without experiencing any bad effect from his night's carousal. K* CLASS, NO. II. ANTISEPTICS. Antiseptics are a class of medicines employed to prevent mortification from taking place, or to remove it after it has taken place, The vegetable kingdom fur- nishes many valuable articles of this class, far more ac- tive and efficient than any thing in the mineral kingdom; for this reason botanical practitioners, have often suc- ceeded in caring mortifications that were pronounced incurable by gentlemen of the faculty. On account of the activity and efficiency of their mtiseptics, botanical physicians have but little use for surgical operations in amputating a mortifying limb; for if the mortification is not too far spread through the system, so as to destroy the life of the patient, even should the mortifying limb he cut off, the botanical practitioner finds in his list of antiseptics, articles of sufficient remedial virtue, to save his patient without maiming him with the loss of a leg or an arm. BAPTISIA TINCTORIA. WILD INDIGO, HORSEFLY-WEED, INDIGO BROOM. This plant grows mostly on poor soils and high hills. It. has a large, irregular, woody root with many small finer*, blackish outside and yellowish within. It has a smooth round stem, growing from two to three feet high; mach branched at top; both stem and branches while growing are of a yellowish green color with black spots. The leaves grow out alternate; they are small, somewhat ANTISEPTICS, it* heart-shaped, broadest towards the outer end. The blossoms are of a yellow color, and are succeeded by an oblong pod, of a bluish or blackish hue, which color the whole plant assumes as it matures, and when dry, it is quite black. The taste of the roof is unpleasant, ac- rid and nauseous. Both the plant and root of the Wild Indigo, is used for medical purposes, applied externally or taken inter- nally. It is regarded as a valuable antiseptic, in mor- tifications, and putrid complaints. Some practitioners regard it as the most powerful preventative of mortifica- tion known. Externally It may be applied either in poultice, fomentation, wash or ointment, to all ulcers tending to putrescency or mortification;—it is;highly re- commended for the putrid, ulcerous sore throat. In all cases where this article is used externally to prevent mortification, a weak decoction or tea of it, should be taken internally, as it will greatly aid in effecting a speedy and certain cure. If the tea is taken in too large quantities, it will prove both emetic and cathartic; and it can not be recommended for either of these purposes, as its operation is too severe. For internal use, an ounce of the green root may be steeped in a pint of wa- ter;—dose half a tea-spoonful once in fire or six hours. If this should operate too actively on the bowels, add about half the quantity of dewberry or bayberry root, and that will regulate its operation. RUMEX ACETOSELLA. SHEEP SORREL, WOOD SORREL. Thr sorrel is a well known plant, growing in tha woods, and shady 'places ia every part of the country. Ita leaves have a pleasant, though extremely acid taste. The leaves of the sorrel, when bruised and applied to scrofulous ulcers, have effected some remarkable cures. $40 AHTtSlPTICI. The sorrel plaster, has lately obtained great eelebrity, as an efficient remedy for cancerous ulcers. So many remarkable cures of cancers, have been effected by thif simple article, that this extremely painful and dangeroui disease, is, in some degree, disarmed of its former Xer* rors. The following is the mode of preparing the Sorrel plaster:—Take any quantity of the Sorrel, bruise it well in a mortar, and then press out the juice en a pewter or glass plate; set it in the sun, till it becomes of a proper Consistence to form a plaster; put it np in an earthen or glass vessel to preserve it for use. The best method of applying this plaster, is to epread it thinly on a piece of bladder, leather or cloth of tho proper size to cover the sore. These plasters, at pro- per intervals, must be removed, cleansing the cancer with soap suds at each removal. Under the head, cancer, in the treatment of disease, the reader will find more said of the efficacy of this salve, accompanied with some examples of remarkable cures. PHYTOLACCA MCANDRIA. POKE, PIGEON-BEBRY, GARGET ROOT. The Poke is found ia great abundance throughout the United States, mostly growing in rich lands. Ita rootic large, generally branching, covered with a verjr * thin, brownish bark, and lasts more thad one year. Sev- eral stems spring up from the same root, growing very large, at first green, afterwards turning purple. A poultiee made of the roasted root hac often been advantageously applied to swellings, ulcers and rheu- matic joints. A plaster prepared by drying the expres- sed juice of the berries in the sun, has been recommend- ed by some, as a good remedy for cancers. It is said, that a valuable cancer plaster, is prepared ANTISEPTICS. 141 from thejuice of the berries. Gather the berries when ripe, express thejuice, and then put it on plates in the sun until it becomes the proper consistence for a salve. This salve has acquired some reputation as a remedy for cancerous ulcers. The juice of the ripe berries, added to brandy enough to preserve it, taken in small doses three or four times a day, bathing the affected part with the same, has proved a successful treatment Cor some severe cases of rheumatism. Take equal parts of the expressed juice of ripe poke berries, and of a strong decoction or tea of the rattle weed rjot, adding brandy enough to preserve it; and you will have a mixture that has cured some mo9t inveterate cases of rheumatism, after all other remedies, usuafly employ- ed, had failed. This last remedy rarely fails to effect a cure, when perserved in properly. The mode of us- ing it is, take it in small doses, varying from a tea-spoon- ful according to the age or constitution of the patient, repeated three or four times a day; and bathing the af- fected part with the same. - Some practitioners recommend the ointment made of the roots,, for sores, indolent u1 ■■-■<">, itcn ard tl like The oiui...;'nt is made ay takir very strong decoction of the roots, strain u, WINTER BERRY, BLACK ALDER. This shrub usually grows in swampy or wet lands, near ponds and streams. It commonly grows in ejus- t tersof from five to twenty in a bunch, from ten to twen- ty feet high. Its bark is of a dark ash color, spotted with white. Leaves alternate, sparse or scattered, edg- es indented with sharp teeth. Its flowers are small, white, succeeded by irregular bunches of berries, which * 142 ANTISEPTICS. are of a beautiful red, when ripe, and remain suspended on the branches until winter, exhibiting a beautiful con- trast with decaying nature. A decoction of the bark is highly spoken of, as an an- tiseptic, tonic, and vermifuge. For eruptions of the skin, foul ulcers, and the like, a strong decoction of the bark is esteemed useful, applied externally as a wash, and taken internally as a drink. Dose, half a tea-cup- ful at a time, repeated as often as necessary. The de- coction of,the bark, is pronounced an excellent remedy for old chronic complaints of the bowels. The bark steeped in spirits, forms an excellent strengthening ton- ic, useful in most cases of debility. PYROLA ROTUNDIFOLIA. WILD LETTUCE. The Wild Lettuce, is an ever-green plant, growing on pine plains, and mountainous lands. Its leaves are small, round and smooth, resembling the round leaved garden lettuce. A strong decoction of this plant, taken internally, and used externally as a. fomentation or wash, is good for diseases of the skin, and for ulcers. PYROLA UMBELLATA. RHEUMATIC-WEED, PIPSISEWA, PRIN- CE'S PINE, WINTER-GREEN. This plant is found in all the States, but is most a- frundant in the Eastern and Middle States, growing in dry sandy plains, and mountainous lands. Its root is woody creeping, sending up stems at different distances. Its lna.ve.fi srrow^in irregular whorls, of a dark green. ^f ANTISEPTICS. 143 long, narrow, wedge-shaped, with a notched or indented edge, and a smooth, shining surface. Flowers from three to six in number, purple and white, growing on the top of the stem, succeeded by brown seeds resem- bling allspice. A decoction made of the tops and roots of this plant, is esteemed as valuabje for scrofula, cancerous ulcers, rheumatism &c.—used externally for bathing or washing the affected parts, and taken internally in closes of half a tea-cupful, repeated frequently through the day. It is alsc regarded as a good diuretic, relieving diseases of the urinary organs, dropsy &c. It is considered a strengthening medicine in fever and nervous debility. PLANTAGO MAJOR. PLANTAIN, GREAT PLANTAIN. This common, well known plant, has long been es- teemed as a popular remedy for poisonous bites aad etings. Tradition furnishes us with an anecdote about a battle between a toad and spider, as being the lucky cir- cumstance, that lead to the discovery of its remedial vir- tues in curing poisonous bites. The tea taken intern- ally; and either the expressed juice, or the bruised leaves, applied externally is the mode of treating poisonous bites, or stings. The same treatment has often proved suc- cessful, for seres, tumors, wounds, bruises, and the like. The expressed juice is good for sore eyes; and the de- coction is valuable for bowel complaints, and bloody Brine. * 144 ANTISEPTICS. RUMEX CRISPINS; YELLOW DOCK, CURLED DOCK, NARROW DOCK. The root of this plant is perennial, fusiform or spin- dle-shaped, yellow, having few fibers. Its leaves are mostly radical, that is, grows from the root, long, nar- row, waved, and curled on the edge. The bruised roots made into a poultice, has been suc- cessfully employed for healing bad ulcers; reducing hard tumors; curing the itch, eruptions on the skin, and the like, using at the same time, a tea made of the bruis- ed roots. Both the roots and seeds have been success- fully employed in curing dysentery:—it is slightly pur gative, and is an excellent alterant and corrector of the jiuids. MYRRHA. MYRRH, GUM MYRRH. The article known in this country by this name, is the concrete juice of a shrub mostly found in East In- dia. The best Myrrh is of a light brown color, partly transparent, of a bitter, slightly pungent taste, and a strong aromatic smell. Myrrh forms a part of some of the most useful com- pounds used in the healing art. It is esteemed a most useful article in all malignant, putrid and pestilential disorders, applied both externally and internally, la short, it can not be used much amiss in any complaint. The method Of preparing, using and compounding in ^ rations ways, will be shown among the compound*. ANTISEPTICS. 145 ULMUS ALBUS. SLIPPERY ELM, WHITE ELM. America produces no tree Superior to the Slippery Elm, for medical purposes. For old sores, ulcers, burns, wounds, bruises, &c, few things are superior to a poul- tice made of the inner bark of a young Slippery Elm tree. Says an eminent physician, "Those surgeons in the army, during the late war, who dressed the wounds of the soldiers with the Slippery Elm poultice, seldom met with any mortifications among their patients." This poultice rarely fails to arrest mortification. A tea, or mucilaginous jelly, made by boiling the inner bark, well pounded, when drank freely, is a certain and valuable remedy in all bowel complaints. The celebrated Dr. Gant, private physician to president Jefferson, who was so universally celebrated for his unequalled success in curing the dysentery, acknowledged that a great part of his success in treating that painful disorder, was owing to his free use of the Elm tea or mucilage. The mucil- i age or tea of the Elm, as above described, is found to be an excellent article for consumptions and coughs. LAURUS SASSAFRAS. SASSAFRAS. The sassafras is well known, and grows in great a- bnndance, in the Western country. The bark has a fragrant smell, and a spicy, agreeable flayor. The flavor and odor, reside in a volatile oil, which may be obtained by distillation, and is known by the name ef the oil of sassafras. The root, bark and flowers, make a very pleasant, and wholesome tea; and is regarded as an ex- cellent article to cleanse and purify the blood, or remove humors from the skin, especially when drank in mode- ls 446 antiseptics. ration; for if drank'in to great quantities, it will induce debility, by thinning the blood to much. The bark of the root, bruised and made into a poultice with corn meal or wheat bran, has been found an active remedy for mortifying sores, ulcers, and the like. The oil of sassafras has likewise been brought in notice as a good antiseptic;—it is applied to the surface of the in- flamed or swelled part, by bathing or rubbing. It has also been successfully used as a remedy for rheumatic pains;—bathe the part affected with the oil*,—then cover up in bed and promote perspiration by drinking freely of diaphoretic tea;—if the patient do not sweat freely, let some artificial means be resorted to, that will produce a copious perspiration. The pith of sassafras, mashed and steeped in clean, , cold water, forms an excellent remedy for inflamed sore eyes. The bark, leaves and pith, bruised and steeped in cold spring water, yield a mucilage that is reputed highly useful in dysentery, scurvy, scrofula or king's evil, &c The oil of sassafras has lately acquired con- siderable reputation as a discutient;—it has frequently removed wens, simply, by being repeatedly rubbed on them. SMIL AX SARSAPARILLA. SARSAPARILLA. This vice is a native of Spanish West Indies, and was taken thence into Europe, above two hundred and sixty years ago. It was also imported into the United States, until found to be also a native of this country. Itis a small running vine, of a dark browncolor out side, and a pale white within;—it is very bitter to the taste. The imported root is not qnite so large as that growing in America; and is of a darker color, and much wfin* kled on the outside. ' ANTISEPTICS. 147 The estimate placed upon the remedial virtues of the sarsaparilla, by the faculty, has, by no means, been uni- form. For some time after it was first introduced into the catalogue of remedies by the Spanish faculty, it was regarded as a specific for that most filthy, and disgrace- ful of all diseases, the venereal; but it afterwards sunk into disrepute, whether from the want of virtue in the plant, or from the want of attention in the practitioner, or from the want of knowledge how to treat the com- plaint, we shall not stop to determine. Many eminent physicians of the present day, regard the root of the sarsaparilla as a valuable' article in the treatment of the venereal. It is considered use- ful in curiug all disease of the skin, and cleansing the blood. It is found to be a useful remedy in the treat- ment of scrofulous sores, gout, rheumatism, aud diseas- <■ es induced by \\ie use ef mercury. It is aa exce^Jent remedy for weakness of the stomach, as it gives tone and strength to the bowels, and the digestive organs. Where the system has been injured by the use of mer-'« cury, or where any infection lurks in it, connected with the [venereal, it has been found an excellent, remedy. The root is better than the vine: take one ous.ee of the root split up fine, to a quart of water; boil clown to a pint. Of this, the patient ought to drink, from a pint t» a quart, a day. TRILLIUM LATIFOLIUM. BETH-ROOT, INDIAN BALM. There are different species of this valuable plant; but they bear a general resemblance, in appearasce, and their medical qualities are so much alike, that they have been indiscriminately used for the same purposes. The root of the Indian Balm, is perennial, short, thick, in some degree, resembling the Indian turnip; it 148 ANTISEPTICS. is wrinkled, of a brown color, giving out many small fibers. Its stem is erect, smoth, and grows from four to eight inches high; found, mostly in meadows. Leaves are oval three iua whorl growing at the top of the stem; and one terminal flower, rising above the leaves; color varying according to the species, red, white, purple; bell shaped, succeeded by a small berry that contains the seed. A poultice made of this root,forms a valuable pppli- catiiji: to tumors, scrofulous and putrid ulcers, mortifica- tions, and the like. A decoction of this root is regard- ed, as one of the best remedies for excessive female e- , vacuattons, or flooding. It is highly, esteemed, and much u»3tl nr.iong the Indians for this purpose. Tae tSeth-rooi; is useful in all kinds of hemorrhage, ^asthma,"„o:ighs.. diarrhea, dysentery, &c. Thepulver- i'zeu.root may be given ia tea-spoonful doses in hot wa- ter; or it may be combined with other medicines. This plant is a good astringent, as well as antiseptic. BEAR'S FOOT. ¥- * This valuable plant, grows in the southern and south- western pavts of the United States. lis roots are blackish outside, and whitish within, resembling ia size and shape, a smu.il sweet pqtatoe, growing several from one common head, from which!] head, spring up the stalks, generally several together rising five or six feet high. Leaves are about the size of a man's hand, but greatly resemble a bear's foot, in shape, whence it has received its common name. By those who have had oppertunity of testing the medical virtues of this plant, it is highly prized as being a specific for the cure of the white swelling. The following is the usual mode of preparing and applying this valuable article: Take the desired quantity o£ the root, beatit up fine, boil it in any kind of oil orsoftgrease> ANTISEPTICS. 149 bear's oil, or sweet oil is the best, strain out the oil when sufficiently boiled to extract all the virtue of the reot. With this ointment, bathe the swelled part two or three t mes a day; & after each bathing, cover the swelling with flannel, running a warm smoothing-iron lightly over the place for a few minutes. This process not only increas- es the effect of the ointment, by facilitcting its absorp- tion; but it also relaxes the parts, and stimulates the languid vessels to a more vigorous action, which greatly assists in throwing off disease. This method of treating white swellings, has been employed several years with uniform success; and has effected cures, in some remarkably bad cases, after all the usual remedies had failed. For many years, the individual who discovered this mode of curing the white swelling, profited by concealing the remedy, and mo- nopolising the practice. This ointment affords, generally, a speedy relief to the ear-ach, and deafness. This ointment will be found a valuable remedy for the rheumatism, by applying it to the affected part as above described, and at the some time, drinking the saturated tincture of the roots. ™. VERBASCUM. MULLEN. The mullen is too well known to need description.— The leaves boiled in sweet milk, is said to be a valua- ble remedy for the bowel complaint. It has been often emyloyed with great success, either in the form of fomentation, or in poultice, to relieve the piles, and other painful swellings. Dry and pulverize the leaves apply this powder to proud or fungous flesh, and it will destroy it. L* 150 ANTISEPTICS. ERYTHRONIUM FLAVUM. ADDERTONGUE, RATTLESNAKE VIOLET, SNAKELEAF, DOGTOOTH VIOLET, YELLOW SNOWDROP. The root of this plant does not die in winter, grows deep in the ground, is bulbous or onion-shaped, brown out-side and white inside, with many fibers issuing from the base of the bulb like the onion has. Leaves grow out on the stem near the ground, giving them the appear- ance of being radical; but one the first year, two after- wards, smooth, shining, long, narrow and pointed, spot- ted, green and purple, giving them a singular, though beautiful appearance. Its flower is yellow, nodding, supported on a smooth, shining stem, at some distance above the leaves. This plant is regarded as being antiseptic and emetic. It is not often used as an emetic. It is valued most for its active and efficient powers to cure the scrofula. Many very bad Gases of this disease, have been success- fully treated in the following manner: Take the fresh roots and leaves, stew them in milk, and apply them as a'poultice to the sores, drinking an infusion at the same time. Such treatment, says a physician, who has often tried it, rarely fails to effect an immediate cure. NYMPHA ODORATA. WHITE POND LILY, TOAD LILY. This valuable plant is always found growing in the water, generally in the edges of ponds; hence it has its commou name pond lily. Its root is perennial, very long, blackish, hairy, full of knots, running horizontal, and is nearly as thick as a man's wrist. Its leaves are very large, round, cleft from the edge to the stem; each ANTISEPTICS. 151 lobe of the leaf terminates in a short, accute point; their upper surface is smooth, glossy, without veins, and the lower surface is reddish, with radiating nerves. Flow- ers large, white giving out a sweet, pleasant odor; open- ing to the sun in the morning and closing at night. The root of this plant is regarded as a very valuable article of medicine, whether administered internally, or applied externally. A poultice made by boiling the root in sweet milk is good to reduce tumors, allay inflam- mations, and heal ulcers, &c. An application of the bruised leaves are found to be useful for the same pur- pose. The decoction, and tincture, made of the root, or either of them, is a valuable astringent tonic, used with advan- tage inj diarrhea, dysentery, and all cases of debility. The fresh juice of the roots combined with lemon juice, is said to be an excellent discutient to remove freckles, pimples, or blotches from the skin. PINU3 BALSAMEA. CANADA BALBAM, BALSAM OF FIR, ^ HEMLOCK FIR. The Fir tree is very common in the nothern climates. It is also found as far *•> . !i as the mountains, that di- vide Tennessee from North Carolina, growing only on the highest mountains. The article known by the name*of Canada Balsam or Balsam of Fir, is the 'Kju'-i resin that exudes from this tree, which is collet ted u»c •»« It :al use. It is of a light color, transparent, vnllar>vnaul'ji,' and very viscid or te- nacious. Taken in doses of half a tea-spoonful at a time, it is very successfully employed in ;--»y ( vmplaints of the breast and lung?, p:\riicul irly, when accompanied with pain, soreness or cough; it ^rca;;thens the system, looc- 152 ANTISEPTICS. ens the bowels, cleanses and heals internal ulcers, and removes disorders of the urinary passage; aud not un- frequently has been found valuable in curing the gleet, as well as the preceding stages of the venerea] complaint. In the treatment of the complaint, known amongst wo- men as the flour albus or whites, it will be found a use- ful article. As an external application it will he found usefnl for ulcers, sores, wounds, and the like; and it forms an ex- cellent ingredient in all fhealing salves. "We know of nothing that will heal up afresh wound quicker than an application of this balsam to it when tied up: of this we speak with all that confidence, that experience can give, in repeated successful trials of its virtue. PINUS CANADENSIS. HEMLOCK TREE. Do not be scared reader, this is not the cicuta of the faculty, nor the hellibore of the ancients. It is a very innocent, and at the same time, a very usefnl article; and \ is perhaps, much better known by most of you by the fa- miliar name of Spruce Pine. A fomentation of the Hemlock will be found a very A successful application to swelled testicles, caused by the ^ mumps; and is equally good applied to the swelled ! breasts of females produced by the same cause. The ''i leaves and boughs, have acquired great celebriety for v producing perspiration, by drinking the tea and sitting over the steam of it. The inner bark is the part used for tea generally; and it will be found a good astringent,' j The oil and essence, are good, as a stimulant tonic, useful in colds, &c. The oil forms a valuable ingre- dient in bathing drops. ANTISEPTICS. 453 CARBO LIGNL CHARCOAL OF WOOD. Charcoal is not only an essential article in the arts, but is also a valuable article in medicine. It is not only incapable of putrefying or rotting like wood; but il"pes- sesses, an a high degree, the peculiar property of pre- venting'putrefaction. A poultice made of prepared charcoal and yeast, is* ^ one of the most powerftdwntiseptics known in the,com- v pass of medicine. It, would be fonnd equally good>to arrest internal mortification, were it not extremely diffi- cult to get it' pulverized fine enough not to irritate the tender surface of the bowels. ■' Common charcoal can be prepared for medical use, in the following, or some similar manner: Take pulverised * charcoal, inclose it in a close iron vessel heat it to red- ■ ness, and keep up the heat until it ceases to blaze^ or emit any sr?oke: then let it cool, preserving it from the air, bottle it up in close bottles for use. Hit be expos-: ed to the air it will absorb fixed air, which will render it unfit for use; or at least impair its-efficacy. Tainted meat may be restored to its natural state by charcoal, either by rolling it repeatedly.in fresh portions of pulverized charcoal, or by boiling the meat a sharf. time in renewed portions of it. For this urpose commit charcoal will answer, though not so well as tbatjprspar- ed, as above described. *% *__________•••• ' ACIDUM ACETOSUM. ■% ACETOUS ACID, VINEGAR. Vinegar was the first artificial acid that man learned to produce. It was known to the ancients, and much used by them, many years before they knew any other, except those which existready formed in different veget- ables. 154 ANTISEPTICS. The process by which this common, and useful acid is formed, is termed the acetous fermentation; i. e. it is the product of the saccharine matter, or sweet vegetable juices fermented, such as cider, wine, &c. All vinegar contains mucilaginous impurities, which, on exposure to the air,are apt to become turbid, and ropy, and will finally spoil it. This inconvenience may be remedied by boiling the vinegar in open bottles, for one hour, placed in a kettle or pot of boiling water; after which, it may be kept corked for use. Vinegar is possessed of very strong antiseptic powers; and for this reason it is successfully employed to correct the putrid tendency of the fluids of the body in putrid and pestilential fevers. It is frequently employed with success to settle the stomach in cases of nausea or vom- iting. The deleterious effects of narcotic poisons, have •ome times been obviated by this article. Vinegar saturated with common table salt, and mix- ed with equal portions of warm water, has been recom- mended by some successful practitioners, as a valuable remedy for dysentery.—Dose two table-spoonsful, re- Treated frequently, until relief be obtained. The same mixture is a valuable application, by way of fomenta- tion, to sprains, bruises, inflammations, swellings, and the like. Inhaling the vapor of vinegar into the lnngs, in all diseases of tjiose organs will be found useful; relief from the sore throat may be obtained in the same way. Few things are better to diffuse through rooms of the sick^ in putrid and pestilential disorders, to correct the putrid-1 ity of the air, and render it more wholesome both toHh§ jpatients and attendants, than the vapor of vinegar* ANTISEPTICS. 155 CEREVISIiE FERMENTUM. YEAST, BARM, BREWER'S FOAM. This article has deservedly acquired considerable celebrity, in the hands of some distinguished practition- ers, for its efjjcacy in curing the putrid fever, and the malignant, ulcerous sore throat. Recipe for making: Thicken two quarts of water with four spoonsful of rye or wheat flour; boil for half an hour, aad sweeten with half a pound brown sugar; put it into a jug and shake it well together, and then let it stand one day near the fire to ferment, leaving the jug unstopped: then pour off the thin liquor, that has collected on the top, and cork up the remainder for use. There are dif- ferent methods of preparing yeast; but we think the '^ above as good as any, and easy done. Dose two table- spoonsful every three hours. Dr. Cartwright, states that he had tried this treat- ment, on above fifty patients in the putrid fever, with- out ever loosing one. All of them experiencing imme- diate relief, recovered quickly. Yeast combined with charcoal, forms a valuable poul- tice for dangerous ulcers, and parts threatened" with fortification. See charcoal. ^ CLASS, NO. III. ASTRINGENTS. Astringents are a class of medicines, that are em- ployed to correct looseness and debility. This is a class of medicines that are very abundant and very use- ful: few medicines requiring to be more generally used. So great indeed, is their influence on the system, that they alone have checked, and removed fevers, and even many other complaints in their iuci pient or forming stages. This fact evinces the correctness of employing them as an ingredient in all diaphoretic compounds. Their free use during recovery from disease, has a tendency to prevent relapses. Astringent tonics, are the proper remedies for floodings, and hemorrhages of every des- cription; for all relaxed states of the system, and pro- fuse evacuations ef almost every kind. Astringents must be used sparingly, or omited alto- gether in some cases; as, in obstinate costiveness, in burning fever attended with a great and constant dry- ness of the mouth, particularly if this dryness is increas- ed by using astringent remedies. AGRIMONIA EUPATORIA. AGRIMONY, COCKLEBUR, STICKWORT. Agrimony has a perennial root; a round hairy stem, growiag from one to two feet high: its leaves are alter- nate, rough, ragged, hairy and unequal, lower ones the largest. Blossoms yellow, growing on a long terminal •pike, whieh is merely a continuation of the main stem, 158 astringents. producing a small, green, bristly bur, which in the fall of the year, sticks to clothes thatcomes in contact with it. A decoction of the root of Agrimony, is a mild astrin- gent tonic, useful in bowel complaints, fevers, &c. The expressed juice of the bruised plant, or a strong infusion of the roots, sweetened with honey, is an excellent medicine for jaundice, scurvy, and habitual diarrhoea or looseness. Dose of the it.fusion, a half pint; of the juice, two table-spoosful, three times a day. The herb has sometimes been successfully applied to fresh wounds. AMARANTIIUS SANGUINEOUS. AJVTARA? TH, PRINCE'S FEATHER. In some parts of the country, the Amaranth is much- cultivated in gardens, for its beautiful red appearance; it rises to the height of from three to five feet. The whole plant, more or less exhibits a red appearance, but the blossoms are a bright red, the leaves dark. The Amaranth ranks among our best astringents; but , it is most esteemed as a remedy in profuse menstruation, andhasoften cured, when other remedies of the astrin- gent kind have failed. Dose, oue gill of the decoction of the leaves, repeated every hour until the desired ef- fect is produced, -y, * ALISMA PLANTAGO. WATER PLANTAIN. The root of the Water Plantain, is perennial. Its leaves are of a light green color, and very much resem- ble the common plantain. It is found mostly in wetti«h soils, or in the margin of stagnant waters. astringents. L"9 The root of the water plaptain is considered r.n excel- lent astringent, usefal in must cases wherii thi-* class of medicines are needed; highly prized in the treaitnent of bowel campl-aints, after the bowels have been cleansed with a gentle purgative. The Wyandot ludivis estnem the plantain poultice very highly, as a useful external application for old sores-:, * wounds, bruises and the like, even when tending to mortification. Their method of preparing the poultice isas follows: Take the roots, washthe,n clean, and boil them till soft;—mash them, and apply to the affected part, having first washed K with the water in.which the roots were boiled. When the case is..bad, they renew the poultice two or three times a day.' This treatment, is said (o remove inflammation, reduce swellings, cleanse and heal, foul and inveterate ulcers. COMPTONIA ASPLENIFOLIA. $ SWEET-FERN, FERN-GALS, FEUN-BtJfeH, ♦SPLEEN-WORT. ■'-. This shrub is found,throughout, the United States, growing mostly on mountains and sandy plains. "1 'he who'o plant possesses a strong, spi^y scent, easily ;»''r- ceived by rubbing the leaver between the Angara. Roots are long, run.'iinghorhvjr.til;—-i'.jeJiush. .iiuch branched, growing from one to four feet high, clothed with ;»-any leaves about half in inch-broad, and from three to live inchea long, jagged br indented .on each edge. Flow- ers appear b;-i"ore the leaves, and. are_ succeeded by a round, but-like pod containing tiie seeds. Sweet 1 i in is b#th astringent and tonic, and is ad- vantageously used in diarrhea a«d dysentery, either in children or adult*. It is an excellent articla for loose- ness of the bowels among childivn, as it may be, render- ed so pleasant, by the addition, pi cream and sugar, that 160 ASTRINGENTS. they rarely refuse to take it. The decoction is some- times used in inflammations, rheumatism and asthma, both as a drink, and fomentation. DELPHINIUM CONSOLID1UM. LARK SPUR. A plant cultivated in gardens, and so well known that we forbear describing it. Some good practitioners re- commend the decoction of the ilowers as a certain, and speedy cure for cholera morbus. Take enough of the flowers to make the decoction very strong; then sweet- en and take a tea-cupful at a dose, until relief is obtained. ERIGERON PHILADELPIIICUM. FROST-WEED, COCASH, SKEVISH. ^ The Frost-weed is found in every state in the Union, 2 growing in fields, which it somei'ir^is entirely over-runs; w seldom found in the woods or mountains. The root is yellowish, composed of many branching fibers. Some- times two or more stems spring up from the same root, t from one to three 'feet high, branching near the top. Flowers are numerous, of a yellowish white, sometimus 1 purplish or blue, and of a downy appearance. Leaves « oblong, very small at the top of the plant, and largest nearest the ground. This plant continues in bloom, until the autumnal frosts, which circumstance, has giv- en rise to one of its names, Frost-weed.' This plant is astringent, diuretic, and sudorific in a high degree. There are two other species or kinds of this valuable plant, whose medical properties are the same, and they are indiscriminately used;—distinguish- ASTRINGENTS. • 161 ed by their botanic or technical names, but not by their common; they are Erigeron Canadense, and Erigeron Heterophyllum. The medical powers of these plants are very active, and require cautious use. May be employed, fresh or dry, indecoction, infusion, tincture, extract or oil. Thej oil is considered one of the most efficient styptics in medicine. Rafinesque says the diseases relieved or cured by this article, are, dropsy, suppression of urine,'inflamation of the kidneys, gravel, gout, suppressed menstruation, coughs, hemorrhagies, dimness of sight, &c. It it said that the oil applied to a cut or wound, and drinking a little of the decoction or infnsion at the same time, will instantly stop the bleeding. Perhaps n.> article can be used, with more success in all diseases of the'bladder or kidneys, than some prep- eratiou of this plant. GEUM VIRCNTANUM EVAN HOOT, CURE-ALL, CHOCOLATE ROOT, THROAT ROOT. r Most of the Eastern, Yvestern, and Middle States produce this plan!; scarce in the Southern. Its root is small, brown, crooked, running horizontal in the ground, and sends up a round, hairy, erect stem, which grows from one t:> two feet high, bearing a few terminal, white flowers on the top. The root of this plant is the part used for medical purposes; and may be employed either, in .tincture, powders, decoction or infusion. It is both astringent and tonic; and is regarded as a valuable article for bleed- ing at the lungs, diarrhea, dysentery, ceiic, sore throat, dyspepsy consumption, &c. Dr. Jones recommends it as an excellent article to restore health and vigor to 162 ' astringents. the most enfeebled, and shattered constitutions. His modeof using it, was to boil the root in sweet milk or water, (milkis the best,) and sweeten it with honey, or sugar. Of this decoction, drink one pint a day. There are several species, of this plant, all of which may be regarded as valuable medicines, for the above mentioned purposes. HAMAMELIUS V1RGINIANA. WITCH-HAZEL, WINTER BLOOM, SPOT- ] TED ALDER. r This shrub is found in most parts of the United States, growing on hills, mountains, and stoney banks, near streams. It grows from ten to twenty feet high; bark smoth, gray, variegated, with brown spots. Leaves large, smooth, oval or roundish and alternate. The bark and leaves are slightly bitter, and a decoc- tion of them is; very astringert, and forms a good styp- tic. The leaves are the highest esteemed, as a medi- cine. A decoctiou of them may be uesfully employed for any internal hemorrhages, and for bowel complaints. A snuff made of the leaves is good to stop bleeding at the nose; and may be advantageously applied to wounds ; to check the effusion of blood. A poultice made of the bark and leaves, is a good applicatan for painful tumors, '>< and inflammations. It is au efficacious article to remove inflammation from sore eyes. This is also, a g< od arti- cle for women at certain periods, which will be seen ia its proper place. r ASTniNesKTS. 163 OROBANCHE VIRGINIANA. 1SEECH DROPS, CANCER-ROOT, BRCGM RAPE. This singular plant is found growing in every state * from Maine to Georgia, generally uucSrr the shade of the beech, and frequently upon fhe roots rf that tree; hence the name of beech drops. Its root is bulbous, yellowish and brown, covered with a igat of short, crook- ed fibers. Its stem rises frnm fen to fifteen inches, is much branched, covered with *\ > ', scattered scales, instead of leaves, of which this plant i- -destitute. Flow- ers grow out just above the scales, all along the branch- es, ft Every part of this plant is highly astringent, and pos- sesses a nauseous, bitterish taste. I inn been celebra- ted as a remedy for sore mouth, dysentery, &c; but its principal reputation, with some practitioners, is its val- ue for cancerous affections. It is said this formed a part of the celebrated cancer powder of Dr. H. Martin, who acquired considerable reputation, for his success- ful treatment of this painful, loathsome, fatal scourge of the human race. The powder of this root applied to obstinate ulcers, has proved of great advantage, and produced some admirable cures, drinking, at the same time, a decoction of the root and phot. It b.s also been found a useful application to St. Aulhony'a Fire, via: drinking the decoction and washing with it. This treat- ment gives immediate raliefto gallings or excoriation of the skin. SWEET GUM TREE. This tree grows in great abundance in many places In the United States, generally, in low grounds, and rich ■ottom lands. The inner bark, and rosin or gum of this 164 astringents* tree, are the parts used for medical purposes. They are highly astringent. In diarrhea, dysentery, or flux, the following treatment has seldom failed of giving re- lief: Take the'inner bark, boil it in new milk, and of thi3, decoction, give a tea-cupful every hour until relief is obtained, having first cleansed the stomach and bow- els with a mild cathartic. The efficacy of this remedy was fully tested by many of the soldiers during the late war, under very unfavorable circumstances; yet it prov- ed to be, the safest, and most efficient remedy they could find. The rosin or gum mixed with a little lard, is said to la an excellent remedy for the/itch. NUTMEG TREE. The article known among us by the name of nutmeg is the fruit »f a tree growing in the Molucca Islands. The hull or shell, and involucre of the nutmeg is called mace, and possesses, though in an inferior degree, all the properties of the nutmeg. This article is a good astringent and nervine; it is also a pleasant aromatic ?tui stomachic. It is useful for infants a filleted with flatulence or colic. It is a good article applied to t!:-c navel cord, when first bound up, after it is cut off, [;:umoting a rapid healing of the part. S1YR1CA CERIFERA. BAYBERUY, CANDLEBERRY, WAX MYRTLE. Bayberry is a shrub, growing from two to twelve feet high; and is found in most parts of the Union; ii however, grows 1 .:rg:r in the South than in the North. astringents. 165 This shrub is covered with a grayish bark. Its topis much branched;—leaves are oblong, wedge-shaped, broadest at the outer end, sometimes toothed. This bush bears numerous green or grayish berries from which is collected a substance called bayberry tallow, of which candles are frequently made; hence its name, Candleherry. The bark of the root forms a powerful astringent ton- ic; and one of the most useful articles in materia medica, of the astringent kind, being one of those articles that can^iardly be used amiss, where articles of this class are indicated. Given in large doses when the stomach is foul it opelates as an emetic. Used as a snuff, it fre- quently relieves the headache. The inner bark applied in che form of a poultice to scrofulous sores, the patient drinking a strong decoction of the bark of the root at the same time, is said by some to have wrought wonders in the way of cures. Dose of the powdered bark, from * half to a whole tea-spoonful at a time. POTENTILLA CANADENSIS, OR REPTANS. CINQUEFOIL, FITEFINGER. A trailing vine, thatgrows on pp.sturegrounds, and is something similar to the strawberry. Each stalk, as its name imports, bears but five leaves, which grow ia a bunch together, of equal size, and bear a yellow flower: The root is astringent;—boiled in new milk, a hand- ful to a quart, is recommended as a good remedy for dys- entery, and bowel complaints generally. It is a mild check to the immoderate flow of the menses. Dr. Smith states that he has experienced its value in fevers, particularly, when there was ?,reat debility, las- situde, and night sweats; it seldom failed to give relief from all these bad symptoms. 166 astringents. PRUNUS CERASUS WILD CHERRY, J3LACK CHERRY. Ti-ib bark of this common and well known tree is bitter, astringent and tonic; and sometimes expels worms. Useful in many cases where astringents asid tonics, are needed. The bark of the root is the most powerful, and possesses some antiseptic powers. The decoction of the bark of the root may be advantageously applied a* a wash to foul and mortifying ulcers; be cautious about taking too much internally. RUBUS STRIGOSU3. RED RABPEERRY. Our country produces several species of the raspber-s ry, alt good for medical purposes, but none so m'D'&h es- teemed as the red raspberry. The stem grows from three to six feet hu h, unbranched, and thick set with .. stjjff hairs. The leaves are pale green on the upper, and almost white on the under sideftheir shape is some- what siinilar to the common .' ' ch raspberry. Tiie leave- of the red raspb-iry, are highly esteemed •as au astringent. A dococUon of them is useful in bow- el complaints, for children, and is good to wash sora •nipples, to moisten poultices, for scalds and burns. tbe bleeding stopped; asd in , i,a few days the • wound was healed. Had it "not been for this valuable plant, belt v. een the wound y protracted bilious, and bowel complaints, whose 172 astringents. stomachs, had become so irritated that they would re- tain neither food nor medicine long enough to do much good, and were restored to health by bathing in a strong decoction of the oak bark twice a day. The decoction of this bark combining the active prop- erties of an astringent, tonic and antiseptic, renders it an excellent bath, used about milk warm, in the treatment of the small pox, particularly, the confluent kind. This mode, has lately been successfully tried in several cases, after they had been pronounced incurable, giving them, at the'same-time, proper remedies internally, which the reader can see under the head of Small Pox, in our treatment of disease. This treatment, it is true, black- ens the skin a little; but this temporary misfortune, is certainly out-weighed, by the benefits resulting from the use of this bath. It promotes a mure ran-id restoration of health; and preveute tl^e skin from being so badly disfigured by the.disease. ACHILLEA MILLEFOLIUM' ' ; YARROW.^ • M» Yarrow grows in dry pastures and along the sidis of fences. It is also cultivated in gardens, in many sec- tions of the country;' its leaves are pointed; its flowers White, tinged with a little purple beneath. The Yarrow is a good a^nhgenf; a decoction of the leaves in doses of a tea-cupful three or four times a day, is a useful article for tiie treatment of bowel com-. plaints, as dysentery, diarrhea &c. It is esteemed as good to restrain or check any kind of hemorrhage, such as bloody piles, bleeding from the bowels, spitting blood, bloody urine, and an immoderate flow of the menses. The leaves and top pounded and applied to a bruise, gives relief in a short time. A plaster made by drying •' the expressed juice on a plate, until it hardens to a astringents. 173 salve, has been successfully employed for curing can- cerous ulcers; the^ patient drinking the decoction at the same time. NEVER W$T. This is a plant, said to be much used and highly es- teemed by the Indians. We do not know th*e Indian name for it. This singular plant is found iu the south- ern countries, growing in the water, particularly, in s4ow\, running spring branches. The stem grows to the surface of the water, let it be what depth it may, before its leaf comes out, which always lies on the surface of the water; and is from six inches to a foot long, and two or three inches wide; its color is a light green, and its surface is remarkably smooth and glossy, as if covered with oil, so that water will not wet it;—hence its name,, Never Wet. The whole leaf is very tender, thick and fleshy: bruised and applied as a poultice, it'is an excel-, lent remedy for burns, bruises ulcers, and the like. CONSOLIDA. COMFREY. Of this plant, there are two kinds, the wild and garden comfrey. The wild grows about two feet high, and is found mostly in moist situations near springs; the leaves are large, resembling the water, dock; flowers of a pale blue color; roots long, rather thicker than a man's finger, mucilaginous, black externally, and w^hite within. A handful of the roots boiled in milk, and given in doses of a tea-cupful, three or four times a clay is a pop- ular remedy for clysentery, bowel complaints, and flour lbufc or whites. It is a good remedy for strictures or burning in making water. Used as a common drink, N* 174 ASTRINGENTS. in clap or gonorrhea, it certainly has a salutary effect. An infusion in cold water, is highly esteemed as a com- mon drink for pregnant women, who are troubled with the heart-burn. But few better remedies are found for strains, bruises and .the like, than a poultice made of the pounded roots wet with vinegar. LYNN TREE. The Lynn is found growing in all parts of America, mostly in rich bottoms. Wood soft, white and juicy;— the brak and twigs, are the parts employed for medical purposes. The inside bark bruised and infused in wa- ter, yields a rich, well tasted jelly, but little inferior to the slippery elm bark. In flux, dysentery, diarrhea, it is a valuable remedy. It is also a good article for heart- burn or heat in the stomach, and weak bowels in preg- naut wom&n, giving immediate relief. The poultice is nearly as good for sores, burns, tumors, ulcers and the like, as tj^e elm poultice. AMYRIS GILEDENSIS. BALM OF GILEAD. Balm of Gilead is a native of Asia, in Arabia and Ca- naan. That growing near Engedi in Gilead, was an- ciently esteemed the best; hence this tree received the name of the Balm oj Gilead; and was esteemed as pos- sessing remedial virtues for almost every disease. . On this account the gum or balsam of this tree became a profitable article of trade among the ancients. There is a species of this tree growing in America; but it cannot stand the cold climate of^ the Northern States. It is mostly cultivated as an ornament for a ASTRINGENTS. 175 yard, as it makes a beautiful shade tree;—yet it is more valuable for its medical qualities. A tincture of the buds is esteemed a good remedy for bowel complaints, particularly, among children; it is also said to be an excellent remedy, for chronic rheumatism, particularly, foraged and debilitated persons. Gout and old venereal complaints, have often been successfully treated with the same article. For rheumatism, the tinc- ture must be applied to the affected part, the patient drink- ing some at the same time. The buds stewed in the suet of the deer or sheep,'> make a salve, that is found to be a most valuable rem- edy for healing wounds or ulcers; also for tetter, scald- head, burns, &c. Debilitated persons may drink an in- fusion of the buds with great advantage. CLASS, NO. IV. . ANTHELMINTICS. Anthelmintics are medicines employed to destroy or'remove worms. Children are frequently troubled with an excess of worms in the alimentary canal, when any disorder affects their system. Vegetable materia medica is not withont some valuable articles of this class. CHEXOr(;DIUi\ly.ANTHELMMINTICU%[. JERUSALElFoAK, STINK WEED. This plant is found in every state in the Union, and is too well known,.to require apy description. This article has been long used both in %E irope and*' America, as a medicine to ex;:el worms. The oil has been used for.this purpose, so::;, Limes with great success, at other times with little if any. The root boiled with sweet milk, then sweetened with honey, lias been recom- mended by some practitioners, as an infallible remedy for worms. Dose a tea-spoonful three or four times a day;—remember to give some grails purgative^, to move the bowels, after taking this sii\r> three or four times. The ripe seeds, or leaves may be used with success in ;I' like manner. DOLICHOS PRURIENS. COWHAGE, CO WITCH. The Cowhage is an exotic plant, growing in hot cli- mates. It produces a pod about fonr inches long* round, and about the thickness of one's finger. Thes& * 178 anthelmintics. pods are thickly covered with hairs which when ripe, may be scraped off and mixed with molasses until it becomes as thick as honey. This is represented by those who have used it, as being one of the best vermifuges, act- ing, mechanically upon the worms, penetrating and de- stroying them, without producing the Jeast inconveni- ence to the patient;—a cathartic must follow to carry off the worms. A decoction of the roots and pods is regarded as an excellent diuretic, surpassed by but^few things in the compass of medicine: accounted a certain Remedy for the dropsy. • f; MELlA AZEDAfiACH, .^ 'fas CHINA TREE. ? • ^His^ree is a native of China, and was brought yrom.that country to America; and is much used in the £ ■"'South as a common yarcf iree^for which purpose it an- swers admirably, being a most beautiful tree, and form- ing a dense shade. The decoction pf the bark of the root sweetened with honey^ and administered, a table-spoonful every hour,* till it operates, is said to be a powerful worm medicine; seldom failing^ expel them. It not only acts'as a ver- mifuge to remove the wor ins, but it has a salutary effect yi abating and removing, what is called the worm fever. The pulp of the fruit stewed in lard is regarded as an excellent remedy for the scald-head, tetter, and the MKe. ANTHELMINTICS. 179 SPIGELIA MARILAND1CA. CAROLINA PINK. The root of this plant is branched and very fibrous. Its stem is smooth ancj erect, bearing long, smooth, oval leaves, outer points acnte. Its flowers are large, termin- al, of a'bright red outside, yellow within. Abundant in the South. . small seeds. Found growing mostly in moist, though not swampy lands. ■*■ Indian practitioners first discovered the medical yir- DIAPHORETICS. 189 tues of this root. They prepare a strong decoction of the roots, and drink it freely in fevers, pleurisys, and all cases where they wish to produce a copious perspi- ration. A decoction of the roots, taken in doses of a wine -glass- ful three times a day,isanexcellent article to purify the blood and cleanse the system of vitiated humors. The tincture is made by infusing a handful of the roots in a quart of spirits. ■-----------------&-i BUTTON SNA&E ROOT. Found mostly in the Southern Stales, growing in poor pine lands; the root is bulbous, sending out numerous fibers, of a pungent, nitrous taste. Its leaves are lung, narrow, pointed, and indented or saw-edged. Stem twoor three feet high, bearing in autumn, prickly", glob- ular'flowers, of an ash color, which are thought to bear * some resemblance to buttons of an old fashion; hence its name button snake-root. . A decoction of this root is a most powerful sudori5c; but for foul ulcers, and cases of gangreene or tendency* to mortification, it is a superior remedy; employed in the form of a poultice, by boiling the root soft, and drink- ing the tea at the same time. The pulverized root is a good sialagogue; the fresh root chewed has the saints fiffect. SQUIRREL EAR, EDGE LEAF. Mostly found in the Southern States, growing on barren, pine lands. By some, it is considered a species of the sage. Stem rises from one to three feet high; and its leaves both in color and shape resemble the squirrel's ear, although larger; they also present their edge to the sun, instead of their surface like other leaves do. Flow- ers white and fuzzy. 190 DIAPHORETICS. The expressed juice is an efficient antidote to the poi- son of a snake bite. It is said, that a wine-glassful of thejuice, rescued an individual from death, who had been bitten by a rattle snake, after he was so far gone as to be incapable of speaking. HEART LEAVES This Very common plant, has a pleasant smell, and a pungent taste, not very disagreeable. It is a pleasant diaphoretic, and stimulant. An infusion of the leaves and roots, taken in doses of a tea-cupful, three times a day, is useful to relieve hysterical or nervous debility, and strengthen women of sexual weakness. It has also been used with great ad- Tantage, by young women whose periodical courses had not been properly regulated; and likewise, by old wo- men whose monthly courses were about leaving them according to the laws of the human constitution. A *ea made of the whole herb, drank warm, in large quan- tities, is serviceable in typhus fevers, and in chronic ague and fever, especially, if taken just before you feel the shake coming on, and continued untill you are in a profuse perspiration. It is also successfully employed in colds and coughs. SAPONARIA OFFICINALIS. SOAP-WORT. Soap-wort grows in moist swamps and meadows,— abundant on the Ohio river. It rises about a foot high; the leaves are pointed, and have three ribs; its flowers are large, of a pale pink color, and very numerous. A decoction of this plant, made by boiling a handful DIAPHORETICS. 194 of the leaves and top, in three pints of water, down to a quart, is a gentle diaphoretic. It has acquired great celebrity for its efficacy in curing the jaundice, and re- moving obstructions of the liver; and it has also been employed with succeess in the treatment of the venereal. Dose, a tea-cupful three or four times a day. An iufusion of this plant in warm water will remove dirt off of the skin, it is said, equal to soap and water; and in fact, where it grows plentifully, it is often sub- stituted for soap-suds in washing clothes^ hence its name seap-wort. SHELL BARK HICKORY. This tree generally grows in strong or good soil; and is found in most parts of the United States, except in sandy soils where pine abounds. The ross or outside bark of this tree, makes one of the best diaphoretics, or sweating medicines, for ordi- nary purposes, that we have. A decoction of the dry, outside bark, not only acts as a diaphoretic in producing perspiration, but it also corrects the bile, and invigor- ates the stomach; hence the free use of this simple arti- cle, in the first stage of the fever, will throw it off entire- ly. It is also an excellent article to remove a cold; and in short, it may be advantageously employed m any case where diaphoretics are needed. From repeate* trials of its virtue, we have no hesitancy in recommend- ing it to the public. CLASS, NO. VI. DIURETICS. This class of medicines, exert an influence upon the urinary organs, producing an increased discharge of the urine. They are valuable in the treatment of the drop- sy, and all disorders of the urinary organs which pre- vent the secretion of the proper quantity of urine. APIUM PETROSELINIUM. PARSLEY. This well known plant is mostly cultivated in our Ti- gardens' for culinary purposes; but it also possess- es important medical properties. Parsley is considered a good diuretic; and has been employedwithsomesuccess,inallordinary cases of sup- pressed urine, inflammation of the kidneys and bladder, dropsy, and the like. Dr, Chapman avers, that he cured a case of ascites ** or dropsy of the abdomen, even after the patient had been twice tapped, by a free use of of the decoction of this plant, v ^ ARCTIUM LAPPA BURDOCK, CLOTBUR This plant grows in every part of the country and is well known. It has often been employed with great success as a DIURETICS. 193 diuretic, promoting an increased discharge of urine; it is erennial, hard, rough, knotty and fibrous. From the root springs up around, straight, erect stem, from one and a half, to two and a half feet high, dividing into sev- eral braaches at the top, on which grow the flowers and seeds. It has but few leaves, not more than two or three pairs on a stem; they grow out opposite or in pairs, aud are broad, large and thin. The rich-weed is diuretic, tonic, stimulant, carmini- tive; and is highly prized as an external application, in the form of poultice, to sores,'painful parts, swellings, poisons, headache, &c, drinking a tea of the leaves at the same time. The plant may be used fresh or dry; and i3 a useful medicine for suppression of urine, drop- sy,'indigestion, colic, cramp, and head-ache, when pro- duced by a disordered stomach. CONVOLVULUS PANDURATUS. WILD POTATOE, MAN ROOT, BIND- WEED, KUSSANDER. The wild potatoe has a perennial root, which grows very large, sometimes more than three inches in diame- - ter, and two or three feet long, branched at the bottom, exhibiting a rough appearance, having fiissures or grooves running lengthwise.—the root is of a yellow color, con- taining a milic-like juice. Its stem is a climbing vine, •running from three to twelve feet long, and is of a pur- ''p.lish color. Its leaves are alternate, somewhat fiddle- shaped, of a deep green on the upper, and pale on the under side. Flowers are white or purplish, resembling the morning-glory. The wild potatoe is found mostly iu open grounds, and in sandy, poor or loose soils. The root of the wild potatoe may be used either in powder, decoction, extract or sirup. It is diuretic, ex- pectorant and cathartic; and is useful in gravel, dropsy, iupprsssion of urine, coughs, asthma, consumption, &c. 196 DIURETICS. The extract of this root is considered a very valuaWa cathartic, equal to rhubarb or scammony. CUCURBJTA PEPO. PUMPKIN. It would be supurfluous to describe any thing so gen- erally known as the pumpkin. A decoction of the seeds has been highly recommended as a diuretic; and has of- ten been employed with great success in curing com- plaints for which diuretics are recommended. The oil of pumpkin seeds, however is much better than the de- coction. Dr. Smith, who, has made great use of it, says, "It is perhaps, without exception, the most cer- tain and most efficient diuretic we possess" giving imme- diate relief to spasms of the urinary passage, and scald- ing of the urine. Of the oil, he administered from six to twelve drops, three or four times a day, or oftener, if the case required. ERYNGIUM YUCEFOLIUM. CORN SNAKE ROOT, RATTLE-SNAKE'S MASTER. The corn snake root, generally grows in great plen- ty in the prairies of the west. Its root is perennial, near- ly bulbous, about aa inch in length, the lower end de- ', cayed, giving off many fibers. From the root rises a round, smooth stem, about two feet high, bearing on its top, a large ball, which is covered with a white bloom, fc Leaves are scattered, long, resembling the blades of corn, having little spines or prickles on the edges, and one at the extreme point. DIURETICS. 197 The root is extremely pungent to the taste, passess- ing most powerful medical properties. The corn snake root is diuretic, stimulant, expecto- rant, and antiseptid, being an active remedy for the bite of snakes, or any other poisonous bites or stings. The mode of treating a poisonous bite or sting, is to bruise a portion of the root and apply it to the bite, and drink some af the decoction, or chew some of the root and swallow the juice. This it is said, is a certain and speedy cure. When this root is employed in the treatment of drop- sy, gravel, &c. the tea of it should be combined with a decoction of the columbo root, or some bitter tonic; or if prefered, the patient may take them alternately, drinking the first day of the snake root, and the next of the tonic. Some practitioners recommend this last mode, as being the best. GALIUM APARINE. OOOSE GRASS, CLIVERS, CLEAVERS. Goose-Grass generally grows in moist places, from two to three feet high, having a slender, square stem, with many joints, and dividing into branches at top;- it is rough with sharp teeth or prickles; from each joint grows out six small leaves. Its Flowers are small and white. A strong infusion of this plant in cold water, drank freely is said to be very useful for dropsy, gravelly com- plaints, and all obstructions of the uriae. Dr. Smith states that he has found it an excellent and speedy rem- edy for suppressions of the urine, and gravelly com- plaints. The extract is a powerful discutient. • p* 198 DIUERTICI JEFFERSONIA ODORATA. TWIN LEAF. Twin leaf has a small perennial root, full of fibers It has many leaves, which grow on long petioles or foot- stalks divided into two equal parts; hence the common name Twin Leaf. The scape or flower stalk produces but one single, white flower. The Indians employ this plant as a diuretic in sup- pression of urine, dropsy, &c. It is also used among the whites as a successful external application to sore eyes, ulcers, and the like. The mode of using it, is either in tea, tincture or sirup. The medical proper- ties of this article, are certainly worthy of farther in- vestigation, as its seasible qualities indicate activo properties. HUMULU8, LUPULIS- HOPS; HOP VINE. This article is too well known to need any descrip- tion. It possesses some narcotic power, as is clearly percieved by its administration being generally follow- ed by a gentle sleep. Its narcotic effects,jhowever, dif- fer very materially from those of opium, as it does not induce that languor and debility, which always follow the use of opium. The hop is diuretic, and has been recommended with. satisfactory testamonials, as a remedy for inflamation of the kidneys, and gravelly complaints. A strong infu- sion of the hops, it is said, proves a certain solvent of the stone out of the body. It has been asserted by high and respectable authority, that it seldom fails to alle- viate the pain, and increase the secretion of urine, when taken internally. As it has been ascertained that the infusion of hops DIURETICS. 199 will dissolve the calculus or stone out of the body, it is thought, that it might be successfully employed by in- jecting it into the bladder, and bring it in iramediato contact with the calculus or stone. For this purpose introduce a catheter and draw off the water; then fill a bladder with water, about milk warm, and tie the neck around the end of the catheter, and injectit into the blad- der to wash it out; and then let it pass off through the catheter. In the same way, inject an infusion oftha - hop blood-warm, and let it stay a half an hour, if the patient can bear it, then let it pass off. If the hop in- fusion produce irritation, add a little flax-seed tea, or slippery elm tea. This course persisted in, it is thought, will dissolve and remove the stone in the worst cases of gravel; and surely it is much safer, and less painful, than the dreadful operation of cutting it out! Hops make a valuable external application, for pains. particularly, for the spasmodic kind. It is also a good anodyne application to cancers and other painful ulcers. JUNIPERUS COMMUNIS. JUNIPER TREE, OR BUSH. The Juniper is an ever-green push, growing on dry> barren commons, and hilly grounds; and is found both in the United States and Europe. And it is worthy of re- mark, that no grass or herbage will grow under this shrub. A strong decoction of the tops and berries, in dosee of a tea-cupful three or four times a day, has long been esteemed as good for dropsy, sc,urvy and gravel or dif- ficulty of urine, The oil of Juniper, made from the berries, possesses the same properties, in a high degree, and is the article that gives gin its peculiar flavor, and its diuretic property. 200 DIURETICS. LEONTODON TARAXACUM. DANDELION. This well known, and valuable plant, grows in mead* tiws, pastures, along road sides, and on the banks of ditches. We present the reader with an extract from the "Med* laal Botanist,77 on the remedial virtues of this plant, which wc esteem an authority, entitled to respectful con- sideration. "Diuretic—Producing an increased secretion of urine, aud serviceable in many of the nephritic affections; and aided by this article, nature employs the emuncto- ries of the venal organs to carry off the more serous part of the blood, which in these diseases is very considerable; thus reducing excess of action in any particular organ." "Tonic—It is a valuable strengthening medicine in all cases of debility, but especially, such as are connect- ed with much nervous irritability, where tonics are gen- erally inadmissible. To the dyspeptic, (especially if nervous,) I would say try it perseveringly." "Diaphoretic—Promoting an increased exhalation from the external surface, and sympathetically influ- encing almost every function in the animal economy— directly relieving congestion by equalizing excitement and circulations-applicable to almost every form of fe- brile and inflammatory action." "Antispasmodic expectorant.—In pulmonary dis- eases, I have found the dandelion an invaluable reme- dy. I believe I will venture one prediction; if ever one article cures a confirmed consumption, it will probably prove to be this. Possessed of such active, and exten- sive medical properties, which may be so managed in its exhibition, as to prodnce almost any effect, to any de- sired extent, on any organ or set of organs in the ani- mal machine,—what may we not expect from it? In asthma and catarrhal coughs, let those who persevere in its use, judge for themselves." diuretics. 201 "Aperient.—Moderately purgative; and is perhaps one of the best articles we can resort to with any expec- tation of a radical cure in cases of constipation from biliary obstructions, or deficient peristaltic aetion. To increase its cathartic effects, add some of the common blue flag." "Alterative.—In no one point, do I esteem the dandelion more valuable than in this, especially on the biliary system.— I consider it much better adapted to chronic than acute forms of disease." My common form of employing it, is the expressed juice of the herb, top and root, obtained anytime in the spring or summer; or a decoction of the roots obtained in autumn." From the above account it appears that the medical properties of the dandelion may be augmented, and its specific effects rendered more active by combining with it other articles, whose peculiar action on the system is known to be suchl.as will facilitate the production of th% desired effect. The juiee of the stem removes freeklas. L1NUM USITATISSIMUM. FLAX.—FLAX-SEED. Flax is cultivated extensively in many parts of ths United States, for domestic purposes. This valuable article, so far as we can learn, came first from Egypt. Flax-seed tea is both diuretic and expectorant; and is a valuable drink for persons afflicted with violent coughs, colds, difficulty or burning in making water. The flax-seed sirup is a most valuable medicine for dis- eases of the breast and lungs, taken in doses, for adults, a tabk-spoonful every hour, if the cough be troublesome The sirup is made by adding a pint of honey to a quart tG& DIURETICS. of strong tea, and simmering slowly, over a gentle fire, for an hour, taking off the scum as it rises. Bruised flax-seed forms a most excellent emollient poultice. LOBELIA SYPHILITICA. BLUE LOBELIA, BLUE CARDINAL FLOWER, H1GHBELIA. Blue Lobelia is found in most of the Western and South-western States growing in wettish lands. Its root is perennial, white, full of fibers, containing a milky juce; and sends up an erect stem, somewhat angled, hairy towards the top, growing from one to three feet high, terminating in a spike of densely clus- tered, large, pale blue blossoms. Its leaves are large, -i milky, diminishing in size towards the top, finely in- ' dented on the edges with unequal teeth. The root is the part used for medicine, and is said to be diuretic, cathartic, sudorific, emetic and anti-siph- ilitic. Dr. Chapman says, that it is often successfully used as a remedy for the dropsy. The pulverized root taken in doses of a tea spoonful in water, has been, by good authority highly recomended as a certain remedy for diarrhea, and dysentery. Highbelia is seldom used as an emetic, not being much esteemed for that purpose. ; SPEARMINT. £ Spearmint grows generally on the banks of streams, H and in wet lands. It has a a strong, aromatic smell and a warm, rough, bitter taste. This plant, may be used * either in decoction, oil, or essence; and is quite useful to relieve sickness at the stomach, check vomiting, or *' expel wind from the stomach. DIURETICS. 206 Dr. Beach directs to take the green spearmint, bruise it, and add enough of the fourth proof Holland gia to make a saturated tincture, which he says, makes a remarkably efficacious remedy for suppressions of urine, gravelly affections, &c. Dose, a wine glass-ful taken as often as the patient v* can bear it. Cotton wet with this tincture makes a valuable application to the piles, giving immediate relief. RHUS GLABRUM. SUMACH. Sumach is a shrub well known in the United States, There are two kinds the black and white, both good though some practitioners prefer the white, others recom- mend the black. The bark of the white sumach is more an a9h color than that of the black: the root of the black sumach is of a darker color than the other is. Sumach is diuretic, antiseptic, cathartic, tonic, dia- phoretic, and astringent. The bark, leaves and berries, may be used in decoction: the bark of the root is purga- tive. A strong decoction of this article is good to promote the discharge of urine, relieving the difficulties of the kidneys, strengthening the urinary organs, and healing .ulcerations of the bladder. Dr. Torrey considers the bark of the root, one of the best antiseptics he is acquainted with. He says that corro- ding ulcers, which defied every common application, immediately yielded to the sovereign remedial powers of the sumach poultice, washing the ulcer often with a Btrong decoction of the bark of the root. This treat- ment is said'to be equally efficaious in scrofula or king7* evil. A decoction of the berries is said to be a valuable tonic in chronic fever and ague. The sumaeh poultice is made by boiling the bark of the root in new or sweet milk until it is very strong, then strain out the bark, 204 DIURETIC and thicken the decoction with rye flower, or if if cannot be had, with meal. Sumach ointment is one of the best remedies, we ever tried, for sore and swelled breasts. Take the inside bark of the root of the black sumach J' and stew it in lard or fresh butter, until all the strength is extracted; then ap- ply the ointment to the affected part, and instant relief geSterally ensues. The following prescription, it is said, rarely fails to cure the venereal of the most stubborn character; instances of its efficacy could be produced, that would stager incre- dulity itself.—Take of the inside bark of pine, swamp elm, and sumach root, equal portions of each, and make a strong decoction, which is to be taken in half pint closes three times a day, keeping the bowels open by cathartics or injections. If the disorder has broken out in ulcers, they must be washed repeatedly with the same decoction. This treatment is recommended by respectable prac- titioners as being paiticularly well adapted to patients of weak habits and to those, who have frequently been the victims of this loathsome, distressing disease. SAMBUCUS NIGER. ELDER, SWEET ELDER. The common elder grows so plentifully, and is so well known in this country, that we deem any description of it superfluous. The bark, flowers, and berries, are useu as medicine, and are diuretic, cathartic, and emetic. A saturated tincture of tke inner bark is highly re- commended as a remedy for the dropsy by those prac- titioners who have tried it. The tincture is made by digesting two hands-ful of the inner green bark of the common elder, in a half ga Ion of wine, twenty four hours; it is then ready for use. Dose, one gill twice a day; and increase the quantity if the stomach will bear DIURETICS. 205 it, until relief is obtained. This tincture is a certain diuretic, producing an increased discharge of the urine. A decoction of the flowers, is a mild purgative ano- dyne, very useful for complaints among children. An ointment made by stewing the inside bark in lard or fresh butter, is a valuable application to burns, and most eruptions of the skin. The boiled bark has often been successfully applied to the cheek for the tooth-ache. SPIRE A ULMARIA. ({UEEN-OF-THE-MEADOW, GRAVEL ROOT. This plant has a long, fibrous, white or brownish co- lored root, which remains in the ground all winter. Several stems grow out from the same root, to the height of four and even six feet, round, smooth, jointed, of a purple color around each joint, bearing many, pale red- dish blossoms in terminal corymbs. Its leaves grow in whorls, at the joints, large, and indented or jagged; from three to five in a whorl. Found growing mostly in wettish ground, and sometimes, though rarely, on high, dry land. The root of this plant is a most powerful diuretic, use- ful in all diseases of the urinary organs, dropsy, gout, rheumatism, a- -1 female obstructions. A strong decoc- tion of the root, w»ici> is the plan of using it, is consid- ered by some eminent practitioners, as an unfailing rem- edy for gravelly complaints; and that it dissolves the calculus or stone, and carries it off with the urine. It is no doubt, a very valuable medicine, in complaints of this kind, whether it will dissolve the stone or not; and it is well known that it is a good remedy foi the pecu- liar weakness of females. .to local and diffusible; the latter produce a universal excitement throughout the system, in a short time after exhibition; yet their effect is gener- ally transient:—local, are those which are employed to excite action in some particular organ or organs. Those which produce permanent, and enduring effects are called tonics. AMOMUM ZINGIBER. GINGER, RACE, WHITE, BLACK GINGER. The article known in this country by this name, is the root of a perennial shrub, which is a native produc- tion of the East Indies; but is now cultivated extensive- ly in the West Indies. Race is a term applied to the root to distinguish it from that which is ground or pul- verized. The white ginger denotes that which is wash- ed and scraped before drying; and the black, denotes that which is washed merely, without having the exter- nal, dark bark scraped off the root. Ginger is a warm, stimulating aromatic, and is a most valuable article in the practice of medicine, being combined advantageously with many other articles, and is an important part of the diaphoretic powders. S 2S0 stimulants. For medicinal purposes you will do well to purchase the sound root, as that which is brought on in the pul- verized state, is often prepared from unsaleable, worm- eaten roots, and is besides, frequently adulterated with other articles. Dose, from half to a whole tea-spoonful, of the pow- dered root, in warm water sweetened. Externally it is very valuable in stimulating poultices. ARUM TRIPHYLLUM. INDIAN TURNIP, WILD TURNIP, WAKE ROBIN. The Indian Turnip is found in most states in the Union, growing mostly in shady, rich soil, but it is some- times found in open poor soil. It has a perennial root, which in its shape, bears a great resemblaace to the com- mon turnip, though it is smaller; externally it is dark and wrinkled; internally it is white. Stalk grows six or eight inches high, of a purple color, bearing three leaves, and one flower of the same color of the leaves, succeeded by a roundish cluster of red berries. In its fresh or green state, the Indian turnip has a powerfully acrid, biting taste; and is stimulant, carmin- ative, expectorant and diaphoretic. When dry it loos- es much of its intolerable pungency, together with much of its virtue. A conserve made by grating the green root, and com- bining it with three times its quantity of honey, or loaf sugar, and taken in doses of a tea-spoonful three times a day, is reputed as valuable for coughs, particularly, for hooping cough. In the dry state, this article may be profitably combined with other articles in forming expecr torant compounds. Professor Barton relates an instance, in which a de coction of the root made of new milk, drank three c four times a day, effectually cured the consumption. STIMULANTS. 231 In ointment made by simmering the fresh root in hog's lard, and one eighth part of wax is said to be a valuable application for scald head, and scrofulous sores. ASARUM CANADENSIS. WILD GINGER, COLTS-FOOT, HEART SNAKE-ROOT. Wild Ginger is fonnd in most states, but most abun- dant in the South, growing generally in rich, shady wood-lands, often in a moist soil; Its root runs horizon- tally in the ground, is perennial, round, fleshy, jointed, having many fibers, and of a brown color outside. Its leaves are radical, round, hairy, supported on long foot- stalks, veined, two from a root, and in shape, somewhat resembling a colt's foot. Flowers, only one to a root, growing out so close to the ground between the foot-stalks, as to be scarcely perceivable. The root of this plant is a warming stimulant* useful to promote perspiration, and diffuse a stimulus, through- out the system; aud on this account is valuable for colds^ coughs, and female obstructions. It may be used in decoction, tincture, or sirup, taken in small doses oft repeated; for if taken in large doses, it operates as an emetic. Some distinguished physicians, say that a free use of the decoction, is an excellent article in nervous fevers, and jail cramps. A snuff made of the dried leaves, finely pulverized, and snuffed, is verry valuable in diseases of the head and «yes. 232 STIMULANTS. ASCLEPIAS TUBEROSA, PLEURISY ROOT, BUTTERFLY WrEED, FLUX ROOT, &c. Pleurisy root is a beautiful plant, abounding in most parts of the United States; but it is most abundant * in the South, flourishing best in sandy or gravelly soil, along fences, and in old uncultivated fields. It has a large, white, crooked, branching, perennial root; stems woolly or hairy, branched, several from the same root, sometimes erect, though mostly decumbent, hence ita technical name is sometimes, "Asclepias Decumbens;?* its leaves are promiscuous, very hairy, pale on the un- der side, thick or fleshy, and of aw oblong shape. Its flowers grow in terminal, corymbose umbels, and are of a most beautiful, briili; tit, orange color, easily distin- guished from all the flowers, that adorn the fields; they appear in July and August. Few articles in materia medica, are of more general utility than the pleurisy root, a« it may be profitably combined with almost any other article, and is seldom administered without exerting a salutary effect. For difficulty of breathing, or shortness of breath, and in most disordars of the lungs it is most excellent. By some it is regarded as almost a specific for the pleurisy, hence its name pleurisy root; but whether it be a spe- cific or not f>r this complaint, it is without doubt, a most exeellent remedy for that most painful, and often fatal disorder. It also acts as a mild purge, and is peculiarly appli- cable in the treatment of bowel coraplainis among chil- dren. Its use in a strong decoction, often gives imme- diate relief to pain in the breast, stomach, and intes- tines, promoting perspiration, and assisting digestion. The root may be used either in decoction, or powder; of the pulverised root, a tea-spoonful or more may be used at a dose, repeated as often as circumstances may re- quire. If you wish to promote copious perspiration stimulants. 23£ without raising the internal heat, perhaps no article ia isateria medica is better adapted to your purpose. From its value as a carminative or medicine to remove flatulent colic, it is sometimes called wind-root. CAPSICUM ANNUUM. CAYENNE PEPPER, RED PEPPER. Cayenne is a native of tropical climates, but is now cultivated in both temperate and tropical climes. Of this article there are several species, not necessary tobu distinguished; that growing in Africa is considered the best of all, and is generally called the African Cayenne. Without doubt cayenne is one of the most pure, and powerful stimulants in the compass of medicine. Ac- cording to the best accounts, Makatrick, an English or Scotch physician, was the first who used this article' for medicinal purposes. It has *ince become a very impor- tant article in the botanical practice; and its medical propeties have been more fully developed by Dr. Thom- son. It is very extensively employed both externally and internally, forming apart of many of the most val- uable compounds. Cayenne is one of the most permanent, unfailing stim- ulants, operating upon the living machine in a most ac- tive manner, in perfect harmony with the laws of animal life. Externally applied, cayenneis a valuable article for what is termed passive infiamations and indolent tilcers. Among the compounds, the reader will learn more particularly, its extensive, and varied use9. S* 284 stimulants. CROCUS SATIVU3. SAFFRON. Saffron is cultivated in the gardens both in Eu- rope and America. It has a pleasant, pungent smell, and a fine, aromatic, bitter taste;, and when chewed, it imparts a deep yellow color to the spittle, or saliva. An infusion of this article is reputed a good remedy for various complaints among children, such as redgum, jaundice, and all eruptive-diseases, in general. Com- bined with nervines and tonics, it is very useful in hys- terical and hypochondriacal affections. Exhibited in small doses, saffron exhilarates the spirits, producing a most lively flow of animated feeling; but if taken too freely,-it produces immoderate mirth, with many other effects similar to those resulting from the inordinate use of ardent spirits. LAURUS CAMPHORA. CAMPHOR TREE. The article known in this country as gum camphor, is the product of the camphor or camphire tree, which is a native of Japan, and grows in great abundance, and to a considerable size in the forests of that country. The roots, trunk, and branches, all contain the gum, which exists in distinct grains through the wood, and is separated from it by a process called sublimation, which is something similar to distillation. It may be re- marked however, thatcamphor is a proximate principle of vegetable matter, and exists in greater or less quan- tities, in all aromatic plants. The tincture of camphor is a very common family medicine, useful as a stimulant in sickness and fainting, fcc. and as an anodyne, in head-ache, colic, &c. Applied externally in the form of a linament, it is use STIMULANTS. 235 ful to reduce swellings, and to relieve pains, bruises^ sprains, &c. This article forms an ingredient in opodel- doc. , LAURUS CINAMOMUM. CINNAMON TREE. The cinnamon tree is a native of the isle of Ceylon^ in the East Indies; but it is now cultivated in many of the West India islands. This tree, or rather bush, grows about ten feet high, and is very bu3hy. Its leave* resemble the laurel, and, when chewed, have the hot taste, and aronatic smell of cloves. Cinnamon of the shops, is the inner, bark of this tree. The bark is a useful and pleasanta,romatic, very grate- ful to the taste, and strengthening to the stomach. It is stimulant, stomachic ,carminative and tonic; and is valu- able combined with bitters, and diaphoretic powders, &c. The oil is a very powerful stimulant; and it is said, that a little of it put in a hollow tooth will give relief to the* tooth-ache. LIATRSS SPICATA. COLIC ROOT, BUTTON SNAKE-ROOT, , BACK ACHE ROOT. This plant has* ro!imote the discharge of the,uri|fe, when its retention Jjias'-arisen from the want of due action in the bladder. Eiiiier the ointment or the poultice is good to disperse cold, - indolent tumors, Cotton or ".wool wet with thejuice c A yariic, an$ put in the ear, mil renew-'. s edihree or four times a day, Las' often proved efficacious in removing, deafness. ' Iii making the garlic poultice, you must mix equal <} * parts of bruised garlic, and crumbs cf bread moistened $ with- strong vinegar; for the garlic,alone, will draw a, 1 bitter. Ti^'S poultice applied to the feet in the low J stageuf acute disorders, and nervous fever, is good to -j| rais^.the pulse, relieve the I.(ad, and increase a general organic action Persons afflicted with hysterical and. ,< hypochondriacal, affections would find it beneficial to use a tincture of garlic. .' SEVEN-BARK. 4 Seven-bark is a ehrub growing'jnoeiiy in the South*! ern States, in low, wet, thin soils, generally about eighth or ten feet high. It is covered with several coats of " thin bark, of a brownish yellow color, which always have the appearance of peeling or scaling off: its Ifiaves are large, and rough:—flowers are large, of a beautiful 1 white, appearing in June and July. The leaves, and bark, have a very acrid, pungent taste, not very dissimilar to that of the prickley ash. This article is stimulant and antiseptic; its chief celeb- STIMULANTS. 243 rity however, so far as its virtues are known, is derived from its efficacy in healing indolent ulcers, reducing tu- mors and swellings, and relieving sprains, bruises, and the like. For this purpose the inner bark and leaves are bruised and applied in form of a poultice. PYRUS CYDONIA. QUINCE TREE. Both the expressed juice of the ripe quince, and the sirup, are employed with great success to increase the tone of the stomach, relieve it of nausea, aud to check vomiting. The seeds Of the quiuce make a fine mucil- age, to which add a little sugar and nutmeg, and tfie compound is a most excellent drink in the dysentery, or feowel complaints ef children. The ripe, quince steep- ed in. spirits sweetened with sugar, or equal parts of juice of the ripe fruit and French brandy or protf spirits, •weetened with sugar, forms a most admirable cordial and stomachic. Preserves of an excellent quality are made of the ripe quince. A very pleasant domestic wine is made of the quince, by taking the cider or expressed juice of the quince, and adding two pounds of sugar to each gallon of the juice. ACORUS CALIMUS. CALIMUS, SWEET FLAG, Calimus grows mostly in low marshy places, and in shallow water. It has long, sword-shaped leaves, re- sembling those of the flag, but they are narrower, and of a brighter green. Its root has a strong aromatic smell, and a warm pungent taste. The flavor is improved by drying the root. Calimus possesses stimulant and stom- achic virtues; grated into water and given to children, fct frequently relieves them from flatulent colic, 244 STIMULANTS. IRIS PSEUDACORUS. BLUE FLAG. The blue flag generally grows in low situations. Its leaves are of a deeper green than those of the yellow or water flag. It flowers in July; its flowers are blue. ' The root of^he blue flag is one of the most permanent stimulants in the compass of medicine; and is generally useful where*'articles of this class are needed. A tinc- ture of this*root has often been administered with great success as a remedy for rheumatism. When employed for this purpose, use it as freely as you can bear its in- toxicating effects; and perseverance in its use, will gene- rally be crownded with success. ' Some practitioners recommend the pulverized root, », given in closes of a tea-spoonful, as a good vermifuge, or medicine to expel wor:ns. Dr. Ewell recommends thejuice of the fresh root in doses of a tea-spoonful di- luted with water as an active cathartic. Of this how- ever, we have no knowledge' having never tried it foA* that purpose. The root of the yellow or water flag, mixed with the food of hogs that have beea bitten by a mad dog, has been effectual in saving them, whilst others bitten at the same time, and not fed in the same way, have rui\ mad.. CLASS, NO. IX. TONICS. Tonics are aclass of medicines that increase the ton3 or strength of the organic system, and invigorate the living power. Nature's kind Author has very liberal- ly furnished the Vegetable kingdom with active articles of this class. A class .of'medicines designed to giv•; vigor to the muscles, improvement to'the appetite, and tone of.the digestive powers* .must he of extensive, utili- ty; and we .would remark that Tonics may be distin-J gnished into two kinds, viz: Astringent Tonics, and Bitter Tonics: the former are peculiarly appropriate for the treatment of dysentery, diarrhea, &c: the latter/ to invigorate the system*generally. ALETE1S/ ALBA. STAR*ROOT, unicorn. Star root grows in meadows, and on hilj sides. It has a hard, rough, wrinkled,'perennial root, of a dirty dark color, fujjlof little holes, having many small, black- ish fibers; theeuadex or main root, is about the thicknes \ of the little finger;—the end often dead or rotten. Leave; « ilical, pale, ever-green, smooth, lanceolate or spear- shaped, and in the winter, they lie flat on the ground. The scape or flower stalk rises from eight to eighteen inches high, upright, naked, terminating in a spike or tassel of white flowers. *> * Star root is considered a most excellent tonic and general streugthener of the system. According to the testimony of Dr. Rogers, it is a valuable article in the f* 246 tonics. treatment of jaundice, rheumatism, stranguary, and flat- ulent colic. Pregnant women liable to miscarry, find great advantage in the use of this root, as it is consider- ed one of the best articles to prevent abortion. For sup- pressed menstruation, some reputable practitioners es- teem this rootas a valuable remedy. Unicorn root is considered an important article for coughs, consumptions, and complaints of the lungs; because it njpt only strengthens the system, but also pro- motes expectoration and perspiration. Some patients, ' however, cannot make a constant use of this article, on 'the account of its making the,mouth sore. When this is the case, the patient must use some other expectorant at intervals^ and by this means he may avoid suffering any 'tiling from soreness of the mouth, and also enjoy the bene- fit of the active remedial virtues of the star root. Dose, half a tea-spoonful of the powdered root, two or three times a day:—large doses produce unpleasant symptoms. ALNUS SERRULATA. WjL TAG ALDER, BLACK ALDER. , Tac; alder is a perennial shrub; found mostly ia low, wet soils, and along streams. It generally grows from iix to twelve feet high, several in a cluster; feaves are large, rather obtuse, of a dark green color. This shrub bears tags or cones a little smilar to those of witch- hazle, from which it derives the name of tag alder. The tag alder is an excellent tonic; and is found to be a cheap, safe, and valuable article of family medicine. A decoction of either the bark, leaves, or tags, may be used; and if drank freely, is valuable for all eruptions or diseases of the skin, and particularly for boils. A free use of this decoction, is good for women troubled with bearing-down pains, either before or after child- birth, removing the canker, and relieving the paiqs. Cloths kept wet with the decoction, and applied to TONICS. 247 hot swellings afford much relief, and generally scatter them. Among the Indians a poultice made of the leaves, tags or inside bark, has the reputation of being an excel- lent remedy for strains, and swellings; relieving the former, and discussing or scattering the latter. ANETHUM FCENICULUM. . ' FENNEL, SWEET FENNEL. ^ Fennel is a perennial plant, a spontaneous product * oi"Italy, and the United States. It is too well known to need any description whatever. The seeds of the^ fennel are a pleasant aromatic tonic; and as such arer useful in bitters, aud in a variety of other compounds,N either as a medicd a^ent, or to improve the taste ofothr er articles. r. From the seeds, a fine, aromatic oil is obtained, by dislillatida,^which, administered iu doses of from three to twcvlve.'drops, is esteemed a good remedy, among chil- dren for flatulent colic. Where the oil can not be had, take the pulverized seed , in doses of half to a whole f tea-spoonful, with a little sugar and spirits aided to it, which will nearly answer the same purple: this also promotes the cutaneous tianspiration, and increases the discharge of urine. <<$* ANGUSTURA BARK! Angustura bark is an imported article, whiej has long had the reputation of being a valuable tonic, said to be in many respects superior to the Peruvian b.-.rk, The first importation of this bark was in the year 1788; from the island Dominico; and was by some distinguish- ed naturalists, supposed to be the bark of some species *of the magnolia. But as all importations of this article _*_:________.:_____________________________________ 248 TOKICSi was by» or through the Spaniards, it was conjectured that the tree from which this bark was obtained, was also a native of South America. The truth of this conjecture, hits been confirmed by the late travels of the distinguish- ed botanist Humboldt, in that country. He found the tree to be a new genus, belonging to the first order of the fifth class of Linne's system; and in his "PlantjE iEo.ui- noctiales, he has described it under the name of Bon- plandia Trifoliata. This article derives its name An- . gustura,,from' the Spanish word Angostura, which is the vulgar najpe of the town of St. Ttiomas, near the Straits of Orinoco, at which place this bark forms a considera- ble article of commerce. Thii bark varies in appearance, according a9 it has been taken from larger or smaller branches. The outer surface is wrinkled, and of a greyish color; the inner sur- face of a dark brown. The powdered bark is of a yel- low color; its taste, intently bitter, and slightly aromat- ic, leaving ia. the throat and fauces, a strong sensation of beat, and pungency. As aa aromatic bitter, this bark has been found both tonic and stimulaut, giving tqne tp the digestive^rgans, increasing the appetite for food, removeing flatulency and acidity arising from dyspepsia, and is reputed one of the best articles for diarrhea cir dysentery, proceeding from weakness of the bowels; and does not oppress the stomach, as the Peruvian bark generally does. Dose, half a tea-spoonful of the powder; but the tincture is the J best, as it yields its virtues to proof spirits better than any other menstruum. ANTHEMIS CC-TULA. DOG FENNEL, MAY WEED, WILD CHAMO- MILE. May weed is a well known plant, abounding in ev- ery country; and is regarded as a species of chamomile. >* TONICS. 249 This is a very valuable medicine. It is tonic, sudorif- ic, diuretic, emetic and anodyne; and has been advantage- ously used in colds, fevers, rheumatism, hygterics, epi- lepsy, dropsy, and asthma. A decoction, or tea of this plant, taken in small doses, as warm as can be drank ia a most active sudorific, promoting a copious perspira- tion. A flannel clo|,h, wet in a strong decoction of this weed, and applied to the neck and breast of a child.af- flicted with croup, will greatly assist the epe'ration of internal remedies, and immediately subdue thv. disorder. An external application ofthe'uruised plant, will some times draw a blister, unless weakened by, making a poultice of it with meal. In this form, or in fomenta- tions the may weed is applied in the: treatment of r*;ieu- inatissr;, paius, hruises, and l.he like: the patient taking some suitable internal remedy at tbe same time. [See j-heumat^Ta.] OftUerHk-ey oTUib snicfc in ibe-treel--"* meat of inflammatory rheumatism, the writer \i&& th&be-^ of testimony , baviag experienced personal relief, frosa^ that paiuful disorder, by the u&e of this article. apocynum androsjbmifolium. BITTER ROOT, WANDERING MILK-WEED, BITTER DOG'S-BANE, HONEY-BLOQM. This root lives iu the ground all winter, and is abeut the size of the little finger, branching and running hor- izontally under the surface of the earth in various di- rections, for some distance, of a dark red, and sometimes nearly black, and when broken, exudes a milky sub- stance. From the root and its branches spring up sev- eral, smooth stalks, covered with a tough fibrous bark like the hemp, growing from two to four feet high, branching towards the top, the side exposed to the sun has a red appearance. Leaves are ovate, acute at the point, entire, and growing out opposite. Flowers white^ 350 TONICS. and bearing some resemblance to that of the buck-wheats —flowers are succeeded by the poo's containing the seeds, which are of a dark red color, growing in pairs, resem- bling the pod of a cabbage, though some larger, always hanging down, containing besides the seeds, a cotton- like substance. The root of this plant is intensely bitter, and a pow- erful tonic; it is also cathartic and cmeticjif taken too freely. A.s a laxative, bitter tonic, this article is highly useful in the practice of the healing art. Some of the ^Southern tribes of Indians, ii is said, consider this ar- ticle a specific for the venereal disorder; and it is much used by them for that purpose, with great success. A decoction of this root is recommended as an excellent wash for the scald head; and for ulcers. Dr. Thomson reputes this article as one of the best correctors of the '*nc, ""'A regulator of the ciibry system, with which hi* extensive experience had made him acquainted. A free ase of the tea'of this root, so as not to produce violent vomiting, at the forming stage of a fever generally breaks. j^ and throws it off entirely. ARAL1A RACEMOSA. SPIKENARD, WILD LIQUORICE. Of the spikenard there appear to be two classes, and ^ distinguished, by their botanic or technical names, as Aralia Racemosa,nndJSTardu8lndica. They, howev- er, may be used indiscriminately. Spikenard has a per- ennial root of a brownish yellow color, dividing from the caudex or head in to several branches or distinct roots, about the size of a email finger. Sometimes but one stem, aud sometimes more than one rising from the same root, from twe to three feet high, of a reddish brown, ?■ branched towards the top. Leaves are biternate, con- sisting of nine folioles or small leaves. Flowers of a yel$ TONICS. 251 lowish white, growing in umbels. Berries are small. and bear some resemblance to the elder berry. **, Both roots and berries are used medicinally; ancfmay be employed either in tea or sirup: it is tonic, astringent, diaphoretic, antiseptic, and expectorant. This arl|i&e is useful for coughs, phthisics, female weakness and dis- eases of the lungs. For this last complaint,•Dr.-SheL.'-'-w* ton, a reputable physician, ranks the spike'ifard sirup as one of the best remedies, jyith which hj^pfexpeiience for ten'or twelve "years, extensive practice^ bad made him acquainted, lie makes the sirup by boiling.jthe roots linjjpf all the ^virtue is obtained from them, then strain^he decoction, put it over a slow fire, and reduce it to the consistence of a thin sit ;:p, sweeten it with hon- ey, and set it by until it.ferments. Of this sirup he cM-' rects the patient to take three tea-cupsful a day. A poul-£ tice made of the roots, or a plaster made of the sirup bei'ore.the* honey is added, is esteemed as useful for wounds and ulcers. ARISTOLOCHIA SERPENT ARIA. ^.. .. VIRGINIA SNAKE ROOT, SNAKE WEED, *?■ SNAGREL.' V* . Virginia snake-root, grows very abundant in the Alleghany and Cumberland:mountains; but is also found in most states in the Union, delighting mostly in shady places. ; * This plant has a small, light, bu'ihy root, consisting of a number of fibers matted together, issuing from one common head; it is brown outside* and yellowish with- in, turning darker on drying. It has a round, slender, crooked and jointed stem, growing from six to ten inches high, bearing from three to seven leaves, which are long, and heart-shaped at the base. The root has an aromatic smpll like that of valerian^ 252 tonics. but more agreeable; and a warm, pungent taste. Its general action on the system, is tonic, stimulant, diapho- retic, diuretic, and antiseptic. In pleurisy, rheumatism and remittent fevers, it has been used with advantage. Jn typhus and putrid diseases, it is valuable as a tonic to support the vital power; and excite gentle diaphore- sis; also valued as a gargle in putrid, sore throat. It may be used alone in. tincture, or compounded with oth- er artieles.for bitters; or it may very profitably be com- bined with diaphoretic powders. BARBERIS CANADENSIS. BARBERRY. The barberry is a small tree or shrub, covered with an ash-colored bark, under which there is another, of a deep yellow; this bush grows from four to eight feet high, having long, bending branches, covered with small spots, with some occasional thorns. Leaves are crowded, un- equal, smooth, and glossy. Flowers are small, yellow, and pendulous or noddiug. Barberry grows mostly on mountains, hills and amongst rocks, in barren, slaty or chalky soils: found in New England; very rare in the Western country. .> The leaves, and outer bark, have an astringent, acrid taste; but the inner bark is a good bitter, laxative tonic; t useful in jaundice, and putrid fevers, and may be em- f ployed either alone, or in combination with other tonics. The berries contain a red juice, very acrid; this juic*e is an excellent addition to the drink of patients in fluxes,r^ and malignant fevers, for abating fever, quenching thirst, raising the tone and strength of the system, and preven- ting putrefaction. From them an excellent sirup or per- serve is made, which may be employed with advantage, in the same diseases. \ Ionics-. 253 CELASTRUS SCANDENS. BITTER-SWEET, STAFF VINE. Bitter-sweet is treated of by Dr. Cox, and some "others under the name of Solanum Dulcamara; but from the best information We have had an opportunity of ob- taining, this name belongs to a plant quite different from the one now under consideration. The woody night- shade is the platit, that bears this name; it is true, Dr. Cox makes the woody nightshade, and the bitter-sweet, one and the same thing; but we incline to the opinion that the Dr. was betrayed into a mistake. The bitter sweet is a woody vine, climbing trees from ten to thirty feet; and when nothing is within its reach toeutwine itself upon, it runs along the ground. When a small sapling happens to stand near one of those vines, it often climbs it in a most beautiful, spiral form; and is then frequently cutoff, and converted into a walk- ing stick; it is from this, that it receives the name of staff-vine. Theroots are large, long, and of an orange red color: leaves are long and pointed; of a light green color: berries hang in bunches, turning red in the fall. The bark of the root is tonic, diaphoretic, diuretic, and antiseptic, A tea of it, has acquired the reputation of being a most valuable article to remove obstructions of the liver and spleen, and also to increase the secretion of urine. As an external application in poultice or ointment, it is good for hard tumors, indurated swellings of every description; also for swellings in the breasts of females, and in the udders of cows, it is most excellent.. Dr. Smith, author of the "Botanic Physician," says that this article, increases all the secretions and excre- tions, particularly sweat, urine, and stool, while at the same time, it operates in a most happy manner as aton- ic. It is a good discutient, detergent, and resolvent; and may be employed both externally, and internally. It is peculiarly beneficial in all real liver complaints, and in all cutaneous diseases; also in rheumatism, sclr U 254 tonics. rous swellings, ill conditioned ulcers, scrofula, whites, jaundice and obstructed menses. Cancers of the breast have been cured by the application of the juice over the cancer, and the green leaves over the breast. For internal use, boil two ounces of the bark of the root in a quart of water; of this, take a gill three times a day. For .fevers, and dropsical swellings this article will be found useful. CIlKLONA GLABRA. SNAKE HEAD, BALMONY, TURTLE-HEAD. This plant has a parennial root: its stem is sometimes erect, often decumbent, angular or square: flowers ter- minal, of different colors, in the different varieties of this plant, as white, spotted with red, and purplish; and of a most uncommon shape, resembling the head of a snake with its mouth open. Its leaves are opposite, and bear some distant resemblance to mint leaves, of a dark green, when fresh, turning quite black on drying; and have an intensely bitter taste. The snake-head is a very powerful bilter,tQmc> and one of the best things to promote the appetite, and strength- en the digestive organs, that we are acquainted with, among the simple articles of materia medici. The leaves are considered the best part, and may be used either in powder, decoction, or tincture in winej and is useful for fevers, jaundice, eruptive diseases, biles, sores and piles. Dr. Smith says that there are but few if p.ny articles superior to it, as a vermifuge or medicine to expel worms, rarely failing to produce the desired ef- fect. Rafinesque says that this plant is an active purge. toKics. 255 CONVALLARIA MULTIFLORA. SOLOMON'S SEAL. The leaves of this plant are ribbed, oval-oblong, of & dark green color, alternate, and clasping the stem. Its flowers are numerous, hanging along the side of the stalk, axillary to the leaves. The roots of Solomon's Seal, are a mild tonic, and a healing restorative, useful for weakly females, in whites, and immoderate flow of the menses; also for general de- bility and diseases of the lungs. This plant may be used either in tea, sirup, or cordial. From the roots, is obtained a mucilage, said to be val- uable for inflammation, and piles, used externally. COPTIS TRIFOLIA. GOLD-THREAD, MOUTH-ROOT. Gold-thread lias a perennial, creeping, fibrous root, of a bright yellow color. Its leaves are ever-green, grow- ing on long, slender petioles or foot-stalks, three togeth- er? The flowers are white and yellow, growing on a separate scape or stem. Northern latitudes alone, are congenial to the growth of this plant, where it is found in mossy swamps and bogs of ever-green woods; also found on the rocks of the White mountains, in Newfound- land, and Labrador. Gold-thread is ranked among the best bitter tonics; and materia mediea_ean boast of few, if any, superior to it, in promoting digestion, and strengthening the sys- tem; and it is useful in all cases of debility. It has ac- quired considerable reputation for its efficacy in remov- ing canker, and curing sore mouth; hence it is sometimes called mouth root. The roots alone, of this plant, are used for medicinal purposes, and are employed either in powder or in tincture, in doses of a tea-spoonful three times a day. 256 TONICS CORNUS FLORIDA, DOG-WOOD, BOX-WOOD, BOX-TREE. Dog-wood is found in every part of the Union; and is so well known that we deem any description whatev- er, as wholly unnecessary. The inner bark either ef the trunk or roots may be used: that of the roots is con- sidered best. Dog- wood bark is tonic, astringent, anti- septic, and stimulant; 4and may be used in powder or infusion. By many reputable physicians, it is esteem- ed equal, or even superior to the chincona or Peruvian bark, particularly in intermittent, remittent and typhus fevers. The bark ought to be dried before it is used, as it is apt to affect the bowels in the fresh state. A decoction of the flowers is said to be good for colic. For the disease among horses called yellow water, the decoction of the dogtwood bark is a most excellent remedy. Let the horse haVe nothing else to drink, but the dog-wood tea^ntil a cure is effected. CORNtlS HERCULES.- HEAL-ALL, AGUE BARK, BURNING BUSK, This is a shrub growing from ten to twenty feet highj and is covered with a smooth, dark gray colored bark, interspersed with large, white, irregular shaped spots. Branches shoot up at very acute angles, and there are generally three together. The extreme portions of tha branches, which constitute the growth of the proceed- ing year, are of a dark green color with dark spots. Leaves are petiolate, opposite, oblong, acute, serrulate, deep green on the upper, and light on the under side. Flowers are small, deep red inside, inclining to gray outside. Berries, which ripen in the fall, are of a bright? fiery red color, which has procured for this ahrubi the name of burning bush. TONICS. 257 The part employed for anedicine, is the bark of the root; and the proper time for gathering, is when it peels easiest. This bark when dry, is of a brown color out- side, and white inside, beitig rough, wrinkled much, resembling in its appearance, the dried root of the'spike- nard. It has a peculiar, warm, pungent, bitter taste. This bark is tonic, expectorant, and stimulant; and isjuseful in most cases of debility. By some, it is, high- ly recommended in the intermittent fever,, or fever and 4 ague. Some years ago, the tincture of thrs bark, under the cover of an unmeaning, unintelligible mine, was sold at a high price, as a nostrum for the consumption; aod it still has some reputation in that complaint.' This article may be used either in powder, or tincture; of the powder from one fourth to a half tea spoonful, three times a day, or a table-spoonful, same number of times a day, of the tincture, is the'proper dose. EUPATORIUM PERFOLIATUM. BONESET, THOROUGHSTEM, THOROUGH- WORT, CROSS-WORT, INDIAN-SAGE. Boneset is found in swamps, marshes, and wet mead- ows, throughout the United States. It has a perennial, crooked, fibrous root, running horizontal, sending up many stems, from two to four feet high, hairy, of.a pale or grayish green color, branched towards the top. Leaves opposite,' and so formed as to have the appear- ance of being penetrated by the stem through the cen- ter, where they are broadest, and gradually tapering to a point; the whole leaf has a rough, woolly appearance. Flowers are of a dirty white color, growing in dense ter- minal corymbs. The medical properties of this plant are various and active: it is tonic, sudorific, antiseptic, diuretic, stimu- lant, Vcathartic, and emetic. Large doses of the warm decoction, operate as an emetic; and in smaller doses U* 258 tonics. it acts as a powerful tonic, strengthening,the stomach. The warm infusion, given in doses sufficiently large to create nausea, produces an increased discharge from the skin; and is found to be a most excellent remedy for catarrh or violent colds. In all intermittent and remit- tent fevers, it is esteemed as more beneficial than the Peruvian bark; for if the Peruvian bark be administer- ed when there is any fever on its effects are dangerous; but the boHeset may be given when there is considerable fever, with the most salutary effect, as its active sudori- fic powers always tend to diminish the fever. A free use of .the warm infusion of this plant in the incipient stages of the fever, generally throws it off, giving entire relief, It is also said to be good for the bites of snakes and poisonous insects; and obstinate constipation of the bowels. For this last purpose, give a tea-cupful of the cold infusion every half hour until it produces purging. The warm infusion is an excellent article for coughs, asthma, hysterical complaints. For dropsy, this article has been used with some success. The leaves are the part used, and may be used in sirup, as well as in infu- sion; the sirup is less disagreeable to the taste than tho infusion. EUPATORIUM PiLOSUM. WILD HOARHOUND. Wild hoarhound is a native of the Southern States, where it grows in great abundance; and has obtained great reputation as a domestic remedy for the prevailing fevers of that climate. Dr. Thatcher's materia medica, contains the first au- thentic account, of this plant. It operates as a tonic, diaphoretic, diuretic and mild cathartic. As a tonic, it is much used on the Southern sea-board, and is esteem ed as superior to the Peruvian bark, in the cure of fivers.' The usual mode of employing it is in the form o sion, which is made of the dried leaves, one oiin in,; infu- e to a tonics. 259 quart of water, and taken in doses of a half a tea-cupful, more or less according to the constitution, every two hours. The wild hoarhound may be advantageously used in all cases where laxative tonics are needed, either alone or combined with other tonics. FlcASERA VERTICILLATA. COLU'.i t ;0 ROOT, MEADOW £llIDE, INDIAN LETTUCE. This valuable plant grows in the Western, Southern, and S„uth-western states; aud is in some planes very abundant, in others rare. Its root is triennial, that is lasting three years; it is rough, spindle-shaped, yellow, running horizontal, sometimes to the length of two feet. Its stem uses from five to ten. feet high, erect, smooth, with few branches, except near the top, where they form a handsome pyramid, crowned with numerous flowers of a yellowish white color. Some of the leaves are rad- ical, forming a star, spreading out on the ground; the remainder of them grow in whorls around the stem, from four to eight in a whorl, each whorl, as it is nigher the top, contains smaller leaves. . The columbo root in its fresh state, is both cathartic and emetic; but when dry, it is an excellent bitter tonic and antiseptic. Useful in fevers, colics, indigestion, debility, diarrhea, &c. For gangrene or mortification, used internally and applied externally in poultice, it is a good remedy. A tea-spoonful 3f the powder taken in hot water, generally relieves the oppression of an over loaded stomach, so common with the dyspeptic and oth- er weak patients. Taken in cold water it is not so^apt to nauseate, and in many cases is equally good. The tincture is a valuable family medicine, useful to strength- en the digestive organs, and increase the appetite. 260 tonics. GENTJANA PERFOLIATUM. GENTIAN, YELLOW GENTIAN'. Gentian grows mostly in dry, oak and hickory lands, though sometimes found in other kinds of land. It has around, long, tapering, perennial root, of a darkish- brown, or-light color: its taste is pungently bitter, leav- ing1 a biting, warm impression on the, tongue, and in the mouth. Stems**are many round, erect, hairy, two or three feej, hjgh. Leaves are opposite, lower ernes con- nate aride ?>;!.«e\. which means thai the, two leaves grow together fib as tohave the appearance of being but one, with the stem passing through the center. -Flowers from two to six in number, growing at the base of the leaves, of a reddish color; and are succeeded by large, yellow, berries, crowned with four or five leaflets, which are the calyx of the flower. The gentian root is tonic, stimulant, and cathartic. Usefui in mostcases of debility, and in intermittent fevers; and in all cases where laxative bitter tonics are needed, this article may be employed. In large doses,, it operates as a purge. This article is regarded as a most valua- ble ingredient in bitters, whether the object be to increase the appetite, or give tone to the system. It may also be taken alone, in infusion, in closes of a tea-cupful three or four times a day. It is said to be an excellent rem- edy for dyspepsy; and will prevent food from souring on the sfomach, enabling the stomach to bear and digest diet, that before produced oppression and dejection of spirits. HYDRASTUS CANADENSIS.'%*, GOLDEN SEAL, YELLOW ROOT, INDIAN PAINT. Golden seal, has a rough, crooked, wrinklecLjknob^ by, perennial root, of a bright yellow color, with many tonics. 261 long fibers. Stem round, straight, growing from eight to fourteen inches high, bearing commonly, two rough leaves at the top, bearing some resemblance to the leaves* of the sugar maple; it has but one flower, which is suc- ceeded by a red, fleshy berry, containing many seeds. Golden seal is a most excellent bitter tonic; and may be used with great advantage during recovery from fe- vers, or in most cases of debility and loss of appetite. It is a most excellent article in dyspepsy, or any other complaint, to remove the disagreeable sensatiou of full- ness and depression arising from indigestible food. A tea-spoonful of the powdered root infused in hot water sweetened, may be taken at a dose, or if you prefer it, you may combine it with other tonics. Some respectable physicians bear testimony to,the effi- cacy of a decoction of the golden seal, as a remedy for sor eyes, and also for other local inflammations, exter- nally applied as a wash or fomentation. LIRIODENDRON TULIPIFERA. YELLOW POPLAR, TULIP TREE, WHITE- WOOD. This noble, and beautiful tree, is one of the stately ornaments of our own native forests, where it sometimes attains a great size. The bark both of the root and trunk of this tree, has long borne considerable reputation as a bitter tonic. It is a strong bitter, and is somewhat aromatic, astringent, and anthelmintic. The bark of the root is the best; and has been found very valuable in dyspepsy, hysterics, dysentery, and for worms. In some sections of country, it has become a popular remedy for worm complaints. The pulverized bark may be given in half or whole tea- spoonful doses. The best time to gather the bark ot the root, is the latter part of winter, or the early part of spring. 262 TONICS; MENISPERMUM CANADENSIS; YELLOW PARILLA, VINE MAPLE, This vine grows mostly in rich moist lands, in creeks and river bottoms. It has a long, yellow, woody, per- ennial root, with but few fibers. Its stem is a woody vine, small, dark green, running from three {o nine feet high, twining around whatever happens to be near it. It has only a few scattering leaves, which are deeply •^indented, and in shape resembles the maple leaf. The root is the part employed as medicine; and it is an excellent laxative bitter tonic; and has been found very useful in all cases of debility, giving tone to the stomach, and vigor to the nervous system. Some prac- titioners, repute this root as a valuable medicine for worms. Dose,,a tea-spoonful of the powdered root, in hot water sweetened;---for cildren, half that quantity? and if very young, a fourth. , POPULUS TREMULUS.- < QUIVER LEAF, QUAKING ASP, POPLAR. This tree is very common inmany. parts of the Uni- * ted States, growing sometimes large enough for saw- logs. The leaves are round, smooth on the surface, .. and jagged on the edges;ngrowing on petioles, or foot "" stalks, which are flattened transversely with the surface, of the leaves, by which the least motion of the air af- fects them, keeping them almost in continued agitation/ j when the air is not strong enough to move any other leaf; hence it has obtained the name of quaking asp. # The bark of this tree, is the part used for medicine; and is one of the best bitter tonics. It may be used ei- ther in powder, decoction, or tincture; and is reputed valuable for diarrhea, obstruction of urine, indigestion, faintness at the stomach; consumption, and also for tonics. 263 worms. This bark may be compounded with other tonics, or it may be used alone:—dose, a tea-spoonful of the pulverized bark. TANACETUM VULGARE. TANSY. Common tansy is a perennial plant, sometimes grow- ing wild by the road sides, and about farms; but itia mostly cultivated in gardens, both for culinary and medical purposes. It flowers in June and July. Tansy is a warm bitter, accompanied with a strong flavoi, not very disagreeable. Some physicians give this plant the credit of being a most excellent remedy for hysterical affections, particularly those produced from a deficiency, or suppression of uterine purgations. The leaves, and especially the seeds, have been reputed as a valuable medicine for worms. An infusion of tansy has been highly recommended as a preventative of the re- turn of the gout. XAN.TIIORIZA AP1FOLIA. YELLOW-WCOD, PARSLEY LEAVED YEL- LOW V» 00 D. Yellow-wood is a small shrub, a native of the South- ern States; and we have lately learned, that it is also found in great abundance, along the Ohio river. It grows from two to three feet high, with smooth bark, about the size of a large goose quill; the wood a bright yellow. The leaves are crowded together on the top of the stem, aud deeply indented with acute teeth. Flowers of a dark purple color, on drooping racemes or spikes. From the root, which is sometimes near a foot long, and about the thickness of the little finger, spring up many scions or suckers. 264 tonics. The bark of the root is the part used for medicine; and it is a pure bitter tonic. Its medicinal virtues are similar to those of the celebrated columbo root. Dose, from half to a whole tea-spoonful of the powder in warm water; useful in almost all cases where bitter tonics are needed. SAMSON SNAKE-ROOT. This is a native of the Southern States. We are not acquainted with it; nor have we a very correct ac- count of it at hand. The roots are supposed to bear some fancied resemblance to worms or snakes; hence, it has received the name of snake root. Its stem rises from six to twelve inches high, round, jointed; its leaves are opposite, smooth, long, narrow and few: flowers grow on the top of the stein or branches, are tubular, or cy- lindrical, and of a reddish purple color. ^ The root, which is the part used for medicinal pur- poses, is said to be a most valuable bitter tonic, wheth- er used alone, or combined with other tonics. It hag been recommended by those who have used it, as an ex- * cellent remedy for the dyspepsy, and for weakness of the back and hips, as well as local weakness in other parts of the system. ANGELICA. Angelica grows in rich loose woodlands, and in hedges; flowering in June and July. It is sometimes cultivated in gardens. Every part of this plant, but especially the root, par- takes of an aromatic virtue: and is useful in flatulent eolic. Combined with dog-wood bark, it forms a good '«*' tonic for intermittent fevers. A strong decoction of the root, combined with a decoction of red-oak bark,, makes one of the best antiseptic washes or gargles for relaxed and spongy gums, and for ulcerated sore throat, that ma- teria medica embraces. tonics. 265 cucumis AGROTIS. WILD CUCUMBER. This tree is a native of the American forest, where it sometimes in fertile soils, attains the height of eighty ,. or ninety feet; and it is frequently kjuouu by the name of magnolia. It has beautiful, large,oval leaves; and produces large fruit, bearing some resemblance to the cucumber, from three to six inches long, ai.d nearly all the way of a size, which is generally about an inch in diameter, and contains large seeds. About the end of summer and beginning of autumn, it ripens, turning a beautifulred color. It has a bitter aromatic taste, and tinctured in good spirits, makes a valuable bitter, to in- crease the tone of the stomach: the bark of the tree or roots, answers the same purpose; aHo said to be good for persons of dyspeptic habits. Make this tincture pretty strong and use it freely three or four times a day, and it will be found a good remedy foi chronic rheuma- tism; particularly for persons of phlegmatic or weakly habits. VERATRUM LUTEUM. IRONWEED. This weed grows mostly in low flats, and meadow grounds; but appears to f.^iirish best in marly soils, where crawfish delight to w» ;k% It is a large, tough, hard weed, growing from foi■ ' \ BALM. '*' ' •'* Balm is a perennial p»lant, which is a native of France jj and Switzerland; but is cultivated 'in many gardens both in Europe America. Its smell is pleasant, some- . what like the lemon; and its taste is rather a weak, roughish, aromatc It is gently stimulant and tonic. , An infusion taken ni^htand morning, with alittle honey and vinegar, is very good for old colds. The infusion is said to be good ia hysterical and nervous we vkness, tonics. 269 also in fevers, of the nervous type; and in intermmittent fever, drink as much as you can hold, hot as you can bear it, just at the approach of the chill. Said a good old daughter of Erin, who had seen sev- enty winters, "I gin ne'er had need o' any apothecary dru^s in a' my life." On being asked how she had pre- served her health so long. She replied in a hasty, agitated manner, Och deare! the bom, the bom: gin I e'er fafathe laste squeamish, or doncy, I apply till the bom. An' hod I a wee bit o' the stuff on the great wa- ter, the sa seek wad na com^ in a league o' me." This old lady certainly had a very exalted, and extravagant idea of the virtue of the balm. DRAGON'S CLAW. This herbgenerally grows on mountains and hill-sides: the leaves are radical, growing in a cluster from the top of the root, about six or seven inches high, and are spear-shaped. Its flowers are yellow, and the root black, about the size of cloves, very tender, bearing some resemblance to the claws of the animal, whose name it bears. Wheu this root is pulverised and ex- posed to the air it will liquify. The root is tonic and diaphoretic; and has some rep- utation as a remedy for catarrhs or colds, pleurisy, St. Anthony's Fire; and it is also esteemed as useful in bil- ious, and other febrile diseases. Dose, a tea-spoonful of the powdered root every hour, or a tea cupful of the decoction the same number of times. CHINCOPIN. Chincopin is a well known shrub, very abundant in many parts of the United States; it is sometimes called 270 TONICS. dwarf chestnut, as it bears its fruit inclosed in burs, like the chestnut does. The inner bark of this shrub is a good tonic; useful to impart tone to the stoma h, and strength to the sys- tem. But like the Peruvian bark, it must not be ad- ministered to patients when there is considerable fever on, as its sudorific powers are too feeble to diminish fe- brile and inflammatory action, while its tonic and stim- ulant powers tend to increase . such action. Those ton- ics which possess active sudorific powers may be advan- tageously given when there is febrile and inflammatory action, as their sudorific powers allay such action while their tonic powers strengthen the system. CENTAURY. This beautiful plant is a native of the United States. Its root is composed of a few thick, yellowish fibers. The stalk is smooth, s quare, and branched, rising from twelve to eighteen inches high. Leaves are oppo- site, oval, and pointed. Flowers are numerous, termin- al, of a beautiful, pale rose color; and are in full bloom in the month of July. Every part of this plant is a pure, strong bitter, high- ly reconmended for its tonic and strengthening powers. It is a most excellent tonic for weak stomachs; and for this purpose should be used in decoction, three or four tea-cupsful a day; always taken when it is cool. As a tonic in fevers it has been much used, and has con- siderable celebrity. Combined with calamus or angel- ica root, it forms a most valuable tonic for relaxations of the stomach, and general debility of the system. COCHLEARIA ARMORACEA. HORSE RADISH. Horse radish is cultivated in our gardens for culi- nary purposes. It is stimulant and tonic, and promotes TONICS. 271 the discharge of urine, and perspiration. It is useful in dropsy, palsy, scurvy, and chronic rheumatism. The root sliced in small pieces so as to be swallowed with- out chewing, and put in vinegar, is said to be good for scurvy. Of this preparation, take two table-spoonsful a day of the horse radish, with as much vinegar. For dropsy the root may be prepared as above, and taken in Holland gin, in doses as above directed, or it may be taken in substance alone two table-spoonsful a da\; and for rheumatism, the same way. The root scraped mil ap- plied in form of poultice, acts powerfully as a local stimulant. The sliced root steeped in vinegar, is used by many persons as a condiment with their meat to provoke the appetite and promote digestion, which is certainly use- ful for persons of sedentary habits, and those of feeble digestive powers. Some respectable physicians recom- mend this same preparation as an efficacious discutient to remove freckles, by taking some internally, and wash- ing with the same externally. Ring and tetter worm, by this same treatment, have been completely cured. CITRUS MELICA. LEMON TREE. The lemon tree is a native of tropical regions; but is now cultivated in the Southern States, where it sustains high reputation for its gentle tonic powers, and its cool- ing antiseptic properties, correcting the putrid tendency of animal food in summer. The antiseptic properties of the lemon acid, has long since secured it a distinguished place among the reme- dies for scurvy. Dr. Cutbush, a distinguished, marine surgeon, says, from the very commencement of our navy, it has been used on board our ships with the greatest suc- cess, both in preventing and curing disease. The fresh fruit ib generally preferred. Lemonade, or lemon juice diluted with water and 272 TONICS. sweetened with sugar, proves a most grateful bever- age in bileous and nervous fevers. Saturated with com- mon fable salt, it is said to be useful in dysentery, re- mittent fever, and putrid sore throat. This mixture is recommended as a most efficacious remedy for diabetes, if so, this fatal disease will be disarmed of some of its terrors; for hitherto it has been an unmanageable disease.. and in all my acquaintance, from my earliest recollec- tion to the present hour, I have never known a case of it cured by any gentleman of the faculty. Lemon acid is a common remedy against the narcotic, poisonous ef- fects of opium, or other narcotic vegetables. MENYANTHES TRIFOLIATA. MARSH TREFOIL, BUCK BEAN. This plant is a native both of Europe and America; and generally grows in spongy, boggy soils. The root runs horizontally in the earth to a considerable distance, and is regularly intersected with joints, at the distance of half an inch from each other. Stalks are long, bear- ing each three leaves. Flowers are white, and tinged with red. The root has long maintained a place in ma- teria medica as a powerful bitter tonic. When taken in small doses of about a quarter of a tea-spoonful of the powdered root, it imparts vigor to the stomach, and pro- motes digestion. A decoction of this root is good for cutaneous diseases of the herpetic, or cancerous kind. Some respectable physicians say it is good for the gout; the celebrated Boerhaave being relieved him- self from this painful disorder, by drinking thejuice of this plant mixed with whey. CITRUS ARANTIUM. ORANGE TREE. The orange tree is a beautiful ever-green, and though a native of tropical regions, is now successfully culti- tonics. 273 vated in the Southern states. Of the orange there ap- pears to be several varieties, but they may be mostly referred to the bitter or Seville orange, and the sweet or China orange. The orange acid is deservedly es- teemed for its usefulness in quenching thirst, and dimin- ishing heat in febrile diseases. The acid of the rind is said to he a good stomachic, promoting the appetite warming the habit, and strengthening the tone of the vis- "" cera; and from its tendency to prevent the putrefactioa of animal food, it must continue to be a useful article es- pecially in Southern latitudes. Orange acid is said to be one of the best antiscorbutics, and highly useful in the genuine scorbutus or sea-scurvy. It is likewise es- teemed a good antiseptic; useful to prevent mortification in inflammatory fevers. A poultice of the roasted pulp of oranges, has great reputation, we understand, in soma of the Wat India Islands, as a valuable application te> fetid sores. The oruug-peel is considerably warmer than t'iit of the le:n »n, and contains more essential oil; and it is to this circumstance we must look for the reason why the flavor of the former h less perishable than that of the-latter. .Oranp wine is highly estemed by some of the plan- ters, as x pleasant, useful summer beverage; and thefol- lowin^ is t!ia recipe far making it:—Take ten gallons of water,, and to it add thirty p-.muds of sugar; 'boil tbem twenty minutes, skimming constantly; then take it off, and when cooled to about blood heat, add thejuice and outer rm.Is of eighty oranges, rasping, or sheering tha rinds very fine; then put it in a proper vessel, leaving; U open three days; after that, cork it up six months, when it will be ready for use. PUNICA GRANATUM. POMEGRANATE. Ths pomegranate is a shrub or low tree, growing wild fn Italy and other countries in the south of Europe. It 274 tonics* is sometimes cultivated in the gardens of this country^ but the fruit rarely comes to perfection. The fruit is pleasant, and possesses in some degree, the properties of allying heat, and quenching thirst, like other subacid, summer fruits. The rind is a strong astringent, and boiled in sweet milk and drank freely, has been used ,. with great success in dysentery, diarrhea, and other diseases requiring astringent medicine. The flowers, which are of a beautiful red color, resembling a dried rose, possess the virtues of the rind, though less po\T« •rful. $ ARALIA SPINOSA. PRICKL1T-ASH, PRICKLY ELDER. Prickly-ash is a perennial shrub, which grows most- ly ia rich, wettish lands, to the height of ten or fifteen feet. The bark is af an a»h color, and the leaves bear aome resemblance to those of the elder. The stem and branches are defended by sharp prickly spines. The bark and berries have a warm, pungent taste, and are slightly tonic. Its chief celebrity however, is deriv- ed fro::s its efficiency as a remedy for chronic rheuma- tism. Many physicians place great reliance on this article in rheumatic complaints. It is mostly adminis- tered in decoction, which is made by boiling an ounce of the bark in a quart of water; and of this chink a pint a day, diluted with water to lessen its pungency, and render it more palatable. The same treatment is said to be effectual in old ven^ ereal disorders, giving entire relief to the. noctur aal pains, and disposing the ulcers to heal. A tincture of the ber^ ries, is good to prevent the aching of decayed teeth; it is also said to be good for flatulent colics; and for rheu-* matism, in persons of cold phlegmatic habits, it is beU ter than the decoction, tonics. 275 CORIANDER. ;*">v- Coriander is an annual, umbelliferous plant, which grows spontaneously in the south of Europe. In this country it is cultivated in our gardens both for medical, and culinary purposes. Ia doses of a tea-spoonful, the coriander seeds have been found useful for indigestion and flatulence arising from indigestion. The seeds have a warm aromatic flavor; and form an excellent ingredient in hitters, both as a medical agent)* and as a corrector of the bad taste of other articles. SALIX. WILLOW. Of the willow, there are several varieties, as the red, white, smooth, great-leaved, and crack-willow, that botanical writers have noticed; and all of them possess properties that are in many respects similar. Stone, James, White, Wilkinson, Cullen, and Cut- ler, have recommended the bark of it, as a tonic, that maybe advantageously employed as a substitute for the ehincona or Peruvian bark, in fever and ague. Dose, a half tea-cupful three or four times a day. BETULA LENTA. BLACK BIRCH This tree is so well known, that any description of it would be superfluous. Both the smell and taste of the bark resembles that of the winter-green. It is deemed a good tonic; and is very useful to restore the tone and strength of the bowels after a dysentery. The form of using it, is a decoction of the bark, drank freely. It is also said to be useful to promote the discharge of urine, and remove female obstructions. CLASS, NO. X. CATHARTICS. Cathartics are a class of medicines, which by quick- ening the peristaltic motion, increase the frequency of the stools. Of this diss of medicines, there are two kinds, which are distinguished by their degrees of activ- ity. Those which operate mildly are called laxatives, and those which operate more violently or actively, are called purgatives, the harshest of which are called dras- tic purges. We shall place all the articles, both lax- atives and purgatives, under the general head of cathar- tics. Of the propriety of using this class of medicines, and the indications to lie answered by their use, we shall have occasion to treat in another place. AMYGDALUS PERSICA. PEACH TREE. The peach tree, not only affords us an excellent, and delicious fruit; but also furnishes us with.some valua- n ble medicine. Medical virtues ef great value are to be found in the bark, leaves, blossoms, kernels, and gum. A tea of either the bark, leaves, or flowers, is esteem- ed an excellent purgative of the milder class, and may be safely administered to young or old; and is useful in colics, bowel complaints, worms, fevers, and in short in all cases where mild purgatives are needed. Of a strong tea or decoction, a tea-spoonful may begive'n to children every half hour until it operates; to grown persons give „ it in larger quantities. This article also operates as a tonic and diaphoretic; and is reckoned one of the best simple remedies is the compass of medicine for bloody W 278 CATHARTICS. urine; and it is supposed that it might be found beneficial in other complaints of the urinary organs. A free use of the tea of the peach tree leaves, or bark, for two or three days, at the commencement of a fever, has frequent- ly been known to thi ow it off entirely; but if the patient will also drink pretty freely of a tea of diaphoretic |;ow- ders, and aid the the perspiration by the application of j a warm rock to the feet, there will be little danger q/ his breaking the fever in its forming stage. The kernels taken'friim the peach stone, is a very useful and powerful tonic in cases of extreme debility, , and may be advantageously combined with other articles, and administered in the form of cordial or sirup. Where the patient prefers it, he may in most cases, use the sirup instead of the tea:—the simp is made by boiling in a strong tea of the leives or bark, r.eaily an equal quan- it tity of mela? ^ or honey, over a slow fne. Dr. Suit* of New York says, "Peach pits tinctured 1 in brandy, L. proportion of four Dunnes to a quart, form a powerful tonic useful in most cases of debility, and is remaikably efficacious in curing the whites." Of (his : tincture, the dose is a tea-spoonful three or four times a day. The gum which exudes from.the peach tree, is said by ' respectable physicians, to be superior in many respects i to the Gum Arabic. .' CASSIA MARILANDICA. AMERICAN SENNA, LOCUST PLANT. American senna is found in most states in the Union, ' growing generally in rich soils, and near streams. It 4 has a crooked, woody, fibrous, black, perennial root. % j From the root, rise several stems, which are round, up~ right, nearly smooth, growing from three to six feet high. Its leaves are alternate, large, and composed of many ■mall leaflets growing in pairs on one central stem or CATHARTICS. 279 petiole. Flowers are of a bright yellow, forming a sparse cluster at the top of the stem. The fruit consists of long pods, a little'swelled at the seeds, or resembling in some slight degree, the fruit of the locust, though not near so broad. » The American senna is calhirtic, "Operating'' say* Rafinesque, "with mildness and certainty, at the dose of an ounce in decoction." Thacher says, "A half aa ounce of the leaves in half a pint of^hot water is the prop- er dose for an adult." E.tlier the leaves or pods may be used. cy «f the case may require, until it operates; and for-town persons the dove is much larger, which tiie judgement of the one who administers it must determine, according to the idiosyncrasy of the patient, whether he be hard to operate on, or whether he be otherwise. This sirup has considerable celebrity among, and is much used by the "Botanic pracfitions," in a great variety of cases, where they deem it proper to evacuate the bowels by means of a purge. LEPTANORIA ALBA. BLACK-ROOT, BRINTON-ROOT, BOWMAN- ROOT. *Brinton-root is genearlly found growing in wettish lands, near streams, and open glades or plains. It has a dark colored, perennial root which grows from a lon», woody caudex or head. Several round, hairy, stems spring up from the same root, growing from tweto four feet high, and branching towards the top, branches bear* CATHARTICS. 28» ing on their tops a spike or tassel of white, crowded flowers. Leaves long, narrow, pointed, and their edges indented with unequal teeth, growing in whorls of four or five to a joint. Practitioners,, who profess to be well acquainted with the black-root, give it a high recommendation as an effi- cient purge, operating with mildness and certainty, with- out producing that depression of the living powers, which so commonly results from the operation of purga- tive medicines. In typhus and bilious fevers, it is re- puted the most appropriate purge to carry oft' the tary, morbid matter, from ihe intestines, which this root ef- fects without destroying the tone of the bowels, or leav- ing behind it the deleterious, poisonous sting, that so of- ten remains after the use of calomel, which has been so generally relied on, and so fatally employed by gentle- men of the faculty. The dose is a heaping tea-spoon- ful of the powdered root in a gill of boiling water, re- peated in three hours if it do not operate in that time: it may be sweetened if desired by the patient. This root is also a diaphoretic, tonic, and antiseptic, which properties added to its cathartic powers render it so valuable to evacuate the bowels in fevers. Dr. Smith says that his father "used the brinton-root to cure the pleurisy with amazing speed." Writh the famous Indian Doctor Hough, this root was a favorite medicine. His own words on this subject, shall represent his ideas: "It is the mildest and most efficacious purge in fevers, and in disorders ef the stomach or bowels, to destroy viscious humors in the blood, to remove costiveness, or to cool fevers.". ,• With the Wyandot Indians, we understand, this root is held in great estimation, as a mild, efficient, healing; purge. W* £92 CATHARTICS. PODOPHYLLUM PELTATUM. MAY-APPLE, MANDRAKE. The may-apple is a well-known plant, growing in shady, moist lands; and is found in most paits of the United States. It has a long, round, perennial root, ruuning horizontal in the ground, jointed, with fibrous roots issuing at each joint. Stem erect, smooth, ronnd, from eight to sixteen inches high, each branch bearing a single*, large leaf. Flowers large, white, only one to each stem, growing from the forks of the stem. By some the root of the may apple is considered poi- sonous, and consequently unfit for medicine: others, professing to speak from" experience, represent it, as a most valuable medii ine. We have never tried it, and therefore, are not furnished with data from personal ex- perience, to say which of them is right. One thing, pretty generally agreed on among medical writers, is that in small doses of from halfto a whole tea-spoonful, it is a safe, and certain purge; but in large doses it is a very active, drastic purge, not fit to be used, and often injurious to weakly persons. For incontinence of urine, Dr. Lobstein recommend* it as an unfailing remedy; for dropsy, and pleurisy, it is also said to be good. Some of the*Cherokee Indians, recommend a few drops of thejuice put into the ear, as a valuable remedy for deafness. The Wyandot Indians roast the may-apple root, and employ it in that way, which they say destroys its poison, if it contain any, and renders it less drastic as a purge. The celebrated Indian doctor Hough, recommends the powdered root as a valuable escharotic to cleanse foul and ill conditioned ulcers, disposing them to heal np, by removing the morbid matter, destroying the proud flesh, without injuring the sound, and promoting the exfoliation of carious or rotten bones. He directs the powder to be sprinkfcd on the affected part once in from two to five days. CATHARTICS- 283 The same application has often proved efficacious in curing the poll-evil among horses. RHAMNUS CATHARTICUS. BUCK-THORN. Buck-thorn is a shrub growing in woods and about hedges, and attains the height of ten or fifteen feet; it flowers in June, and its fruit ripens in September. The berries have a faint, disagreeable smell, and a nauseous bitter taste. Gentlemen of the faculty, have long es- teemed them as a cathartic,, and ascribed to them con- siderable efficacy in dropsy and rheumatism. This ar- ticle, we understand forms an ingredient in Dr. Reed's celebrated antibilious pill. We can not recommend this article for a purge, unless in combination with other ar- ticles, that would moderate** its effects:—given alone, they produce griping, sickness, and dryness of the mouth and throat, leaving a thirst of a long continuance. Used in decoction as a wash, the bark of this shrub is said to be tonic, and antiseptic;—useful it is said, to reduce inveterate inflammation of the eyes, and for curing the itch, as it cleanses the skin, and relieves the burning, heat without repelling the humors. RHEUM PALMATUM^ RHUBARB. Rhubarr is a native of some parts of Asia, and of the East Indies; but is now cultivated both in Europe and America, for medicinal purposes. The root now need in the shops, is imported from Russia, Turkey, and the East Indies; but that which is cultivated in our own •ountry, is said to be equal to the best imported, and supe- rior to the majority of that which is imported. The rbu- 284 CATHARTICS. barb root is not fit for use, or at least ought not to be used, until it is from six to ten years of age. The prbp- er time to take up the root is early in the spring before the leaves spring up, or late in the fall, after they have decayed. When taken up, the roots should be washed clean, and the small fibers together with the external rind pared off; after which they must be carefully hung up in a dry place, no two touching each other, lest they mould, until completely dried, which will require from six to twelve months. For many purposes rhubarb is a valuable, mild purge, not only evacuating the bowels, but its tonic powers ex- ert the happiest influence upon the tone of the stomach and bowels, and it is on this account, that it is so val- uable in bowel complaints. This root should not be used in costive habits, as it has a tendency to leave the bowels in a costive state, after its operation. The bad taste of this article may be corrected by adding a little \ cinnamon to it. Dose, from one to two tea-spoonsful of >\ the pulverized root. SESAMUM ORIENTALE. BENNE PLANT, OILY GRAIN. This valuable plant is a native product of Africa; bufc of late years, the seeds have been introduced into South Carolina and Georgia, by the African negroes, where it has become well known, and highly prized, under the " iiame..of itenne; and in the West Indies it is known by the name of Vangloc. It has a large, herbaceous, four "! cornered stalk, rising from two to four feet high, send- ing out a few, short side branches. Leaves are opposite, ublong, oval, and a little hairy, Flowers are small, of a dirty white color, succeeded by the seeds, which ripen in the fall. The seeds yield a greater proportion of oil than any ether known vegetable. One hundred pouids ef the CATHARTICS. 2*5, seeds, will yield ninety pounds of oil, equal to, and by many, deemed superior to the best Florence oil. This oil will keep many years without contracting any rancid smell or taste; and is found to be an agreeable subtitute for all the purposes of salad oil. The oil, it is said, is a good, mild, cathartic medicine, much more pleasant than castor oil; and we also understand, this oil burm well in the lamp. An infusion of the leaves, affords an excellent mucil- aginous drink, which we have repeatedly .seen given to children, for dysentery, diarrhea, r.nd cholera infan- tum, with the. greatest success. When the case is an obstinate one, administer an injection of the infusion, as well as make the patient dritik-freely of it at the same time. FLUX WEED, WITCH WEED. Tiits is a smill weed growing from six inches to a foot hip. Ir- hi*.a stiff leaf, full of little, prickles or spines^all around t!ie edges;—the seeds are black, con- tained insaiill prickly biirrs. Theseeds are the part used for iredichie; and they are gently laxative and an- odyne. They are prepared for use by boiling a half tea-cupful 'of-them in a quart of new milk; and of this decoction, give a gill every .half hour, until relief is ob- tained. For dysentery, diarrhea, and bowel complaints generally, this preparation, is said to be a most excel- lent remedy, giving immediate relief. ——r—r * SUMPER-VIVUM. HOUSELEEK. This is the weed that grows on the roofs of old ho* •es, and on old walls:—it flowers in July. An infusion of the leaves, has some celebrity as a eaol- 286 CATHARTICS. ing laxative.,' The juice of this plant, mixed with ho- ney, is recommended by some successful practitioners, as being a valuable remedy for the complaint ameng children, called the thrush. Stewed with cream, this plant, has been much employed by country people, as acme for corns, fresh burns, the stings of wasps, or bees, and for external inflamation. ALOE PERFOLIATA. ALOE, OR ALOES, The article known in the shops of this country, by the n.v.ae of Aloes, or Socoturine Aloes, is the resinous product of a plant growing in the Island Socotora hi the IndLvn Ocean. Of this plant, botanical writers reckon three species, or kinds, which they distinguish by the names of Socotorine, Hepatic, ami Cabilline; the first tWk) are considered the best for medical use. Tiie Socotorine aloes has a dark yellowish red col- or, a glossy, clear surface, ami is in some degree pellu- cid ; tiac.ure unequal; easily pulverized, auci when re- duced to powder, it is of a bright golden color. It9 taste is bitter and, disagreeable, though accompanied with a flavor in some degree aromatic. There are two meth- ods of preparing it from the platy't:—One is to cut off the leaves close to the stem, and ha)ng them up, so as to let thejuice drop out, which is afterwards dried in the sun. The other method is to express the juice, of the leaves, and then boil and skim it, after which it is preserved in skins, and dried in the sun in August.r± The Hepatio-nloes, is so called, because it is said to have a more direct and specific action on the hepar or liver, than the other kinds have. Of this, there are two- kin s; one from the East Indies, the other from Barba- does. The Hepatic aloes has a strong disagreeable smell, and an intensely bitter nauseous taste, accompanied with little, if any, of the aromatic flavor of the Socotorine, CATHARTICS. 287 Aloes is a mild cathartic, and tonic; useful in many cases. It is a very safe, innocent cathartic, said to be serviceable to persons of sedentary habits, where the stomach is oppressed and weakened, and the bowels in- active. The Hepatic aloes is recommended as a" most excellent corrector of the biliary systtm. Sorae phy- sicians recoinmeucUt as being good to expel worms. MORUS NIGRA. MULBERRY THEE. The mulberry tree is too well known to need descrip- tion. Some botanical writers undertake to amese us with conjectural accounts 'about the original introduction of the mulberry into our country, from the forests of Persia. But we think that the mulberry must be a na- tive growth of our own forest;—its great abundance in the American forest, is difficult to reconcile with any other idea. This tree bears a very pleasant fruit, which in com" mou with many other fruits possesses the property of quenching thirst, abating heat, and opening the bowels as a gentle laxative. A sirup made of the juice of the ripe fruit, has some reputation as a gargle or wash for mitigating inflamma- tions of the throat, and ulcers of the mouth. The inner bark of the root of the common black mul- berry tree, in doses of from half to a whole tea-spoonful of the powder, operates as an excellent purgative; or an equal part of a strong decoction of the bark, and of me- lasses made into a sirup, in doses of a wine-glassful not only proves an excellent purgative; but has been em- ployed with great success to expel worms, particularly the tape-Worm. Considerable quantities of these berries, are used in some cider countries in making a delicious beverage 388 CATHARTICS. called mulberry cider. This drink is made by select- ing the ripest mulberries, expressing the juice, and add* ing it to cider in sufficient quantities to impart to it a perceptible flavor. Tiiis mixed liquor has a very pleas- ant taste, and a deep red coler, similar to that of tha finest port wine, which properties are undiminished by age. A pleasant vinous liquor, called ii;u!biry wine, may be made from the fruit of this tree, when it is prop- 2y prepared and fermeuled. WHITE BRYONY, Low wettish meadow lands and swamp?, are mosl congenial to the growth of this plant. Hoots are large, and white. Sleais often entwine themselves about *''■. bushes, and shoot out to a great extent. Leaves are Jarge, pointed, irregularly toothed, gradually diminish- ing in size towards the top. Flowers are of a yellow green color, succeded by a red berry. A strong decoction of the root strained, and then sim- mered slowly by the fire, until it becomes the consistence ef honey, is reputed a good cathartic. Dose, from one to three tea-spoonsful. CLASS, NO. XI. EMETICS. EviKTfes are acla«s of medicines emplmed it» excite Vomiting, for the purpose of demising «l»e hmimIi of its noxious contents. Such a indidie. il im.*i le sdmil- «d, is indispensable in the | radife of iln- l«;iliig »rU At another place the. ieadrr will find more said on this indication, in the treatment of disease. LOBELIA INFLATA. LOBELIA, EMETIC HERO, &r. No article in botanical materia medica. su-Mins high- er reputation for it- med>t-m;tl viritie*, than i.i India in- flata does amongst those be-t acquainted with itvopera- tion, and efleets and it is ecually In.e. fl -.i n.. article lias received more unqualified reprobation, and unmerit- ed reproach from the enemies of the botanic -\-lem, arid those havingthe least knowledge, of its medicinal virtues. We need not be long at a loss for a reason to account for the unblushing mUrepre^entations of the ; rrpvriies and effects, bestowed upon this article by the tunnies of the botanic system of practice, when ve teTect that this is one of the important m titles, whoec acMve end efficient remedial virtues l> ive conlnhutMj no Mnal! de- gree oi'support to that system of fr; < lit <. which they have labored so seduloudy, but vainly to put down. Lobelia inflata is a biennial plant, that i-, it requires two years, from the time it f>rst comes op, before i< ^nics to perfection, and produces its seed. Slem mrt. milky, branched, growing ffo.n one to two p.nd a half feei high. Leaves alternate, milky, oblong, acute, terrale and s>cs- X 290 EMETICS. sile. Flowers small, pale blue, and scattered along the branches. Seed vessel a small, oblong, roundish pod^ Seeds many, very small, and brown. Ttfe first year this plant only throws out a few, radical, roundish leaves, which lay close to the ground:—the second year, it produces the stem, branches «ifld seeds. Lobelia is a common plant, in many parts of the United States, growing mostly in old fields, and open lands, rarely in the woods. This plant often grows in stubble fields, if left upcultivated the next year after the crop is taken off. rAVhen any part of this plant is broken, a milky, acrid juice exudes from the wound, of a most pen- etrating, diffusible nature. This juice applied to the eye produces a most powerful effect; and hence it is call- ed eye blight. Materia medica knows no article superior to Lobelia inflata as an active, efficient emetic; and indeed, all the experience we have had in the use of emetics tends to confirm the opinion, maintained by botanic practitioners generally, that it Ijas no equal in the class of emetics for inactivity and efficacy in throwing off the noxious contents of Hie stomach, subduing and removing morbid action from the system, and restoring at once a healthy action. * In the American HispensaUiry, now before us, this article is represented as an emetic, often inducing a most profuse perspiration, immediately after beingreceiv- ed into .the stomach; and that its effects are much the same as common emetics. In this the author of that worths grossly mistaken, clearly showing his ignorance of its use and efi'ects as an emetic; for all those who have mut h^xperience in its use, bear a united testimony, that it differs materially in its effects, from any other emetic with vvhich they have any acquaintance. It not only operates as an emetic in ejecting the contents of the stomach; but, that it throws only the noxious contents oft* of the stomach; that it extends its effects to every part of the system, checking, subduing, and removing morbid action; that its searching, quickning power ex- tends to every part of the system clearing out obstrue1- EMETICS. 291 lions, and laying hold of whatever part is unfriendly to health. It has been repeatedly stated by physicians re- putable both for skill, and veracity, that when the stom ach contains'tio noxious matter, and the system is not affected with any diseased action, that lobelia will not act as an emetic, and is harmless as water. When this article ceases to operate^* an emfctic it does not, in-gen? t era], leave the patient so much prostrated in strengtlT as most emetics doY. Its active effects often prfiikce symptoms, while operating, that alarm those not much acquainted with it; fiat in no instance have we ever known its administration to be followed by anyv lasting * bad effects, and this is the testimony borne by all phy- sicians acquainted with its use; for it lias been given to the child of one day old, and to the man.of four score years. In every instance, it has.been found most pow- erful and efficieut in removing disease;/ but j>er(jjctly in- nocent in its effects. A distinguished physTHan of a neighboring state, who by the by, is one of the old facu.- ty, avers that1 he knows from experience that it is an excellent medicine, and that the statements of some racd- ical gentlemjfcwho declare it to be a poison, are untrue, and unworthy of credit, and propagated only for the sake of opposition.^ f- "'^ The' tincture of lSbelia, made by digcsting:tae leaves either greener dry, or the pulverized seeds, ten days . in good proof spi II , in a sun heat, comes nearer being a specific for that most distressing complaint, the astn- ma or phthisic, than any other article.known inth^com- pass of remedies. Multiplied* testimonials pigut be adduced on this point, from Uiosefwho have experienced its remedial powers. This is ott| of the best articles for the croup th'ttltaow of, having used it in that com- plaint, in all casfes, with the most astonishing success. No remedy, in the bounds of medicine/so tar as we are acquainted, is equal to this plant, as an antido.e or poisons, whether taken inwardly, or received externa ly by poisonous bites and stings; and for that most terrible and fatal disorder, the hydrophobia or bite of the mad 292 fcMKTtCS. dog, it his been fiMiid a certain and speedy remedy. Its virtue a* a remedy for the hilt* of a Miake has long been kiio*ii anni; the In lians. Tli« fo lowing cir- cu in stance, atte-ied h\ t*o men wi li whom we ate per- stxriliy acq i-tinted. led lo hie di-rovny of it- remedial virtu.- f »»• ine lute i.f a -inki: Sexer.tl years *inr.e, two men were ir.»yelin^ tnrougo tiie. Ciieiokee country, and wune^'d in-.r tbe r »ad -ide, a bUde between a black jiua'ie, and ,i rattlesnake; .-*::e a little at tile e ive*, and their return to the. battle, wit.i apparently ieii"Wed vigor. Tiiis, they saw it do iwo''or three tini •-•. Th*y then concluded to pt I »i;> tii/ p lit, and Whit to *re the re»u t. It was Uot I nig u nil toe blark snake received from the poison- ous ft igs of its deadly antagonist, a fresh wound,— with speed it ran to -eel* its infallible antidote. On missiu ; it, t ie i;> n/Jug re,»tiie thrust its no/e into the. £iv»'iu I wjience the roo's were drawn, in search of a frag- ment of the .root: but .finding noiiev it ran to and fro in eager senrjii for another plant of the same kii»d; and finding nnne, it. died in a few minutes, seemingly in great a;nuy. T.i's meident satisfied these men that the plant.-.which 1 hey had pulled up was an antidote for the b'te of 1 r tttle sjike; and as they knew nothiu..' about the ul lit, t iey el.\* T > theu gr - it snisfactio 1, on their arrival at linn*, they i'mi I pie..ity of the same plant, and although they *ne v \rUnt n.'diral virtues. A'ter Dr. Thomson's. boo ;s be* m to cire.nl ate in tiiat coiiulry, these men as* cert tin•• d. lint the jilint they prized so higlry as an an- tido e fir p lis mn is bites, was unfiling more nor less. than lobeli 1. M ich m ov mi; lit be added in relation to the virtues. ofihi-' pan: bit is every thing necessary to be known- will lie f»iu I iu^is a,),irn|)i'i He place in the treatment f diseisi**, we deem it quaecessary lo repeat it here, a% EMETICS. 293 we are anxious to prevent our work from swelling to too costly a size. The best time for gathering this plant is in the latter part of the season when it has arrived at maturity, which will be known by the leaves and pods beginning to turn yellow, at which time the seeds are ripe, they being the most active part of the whole plant. When you gather it, be careful to keep it clean, and spread it thin- ly over a dry chamber or loft until it dries, taking care to let it have plenty of air, unless in rainy weather and at night the clamp air should be excluded as much aa possible to prevent it from moulding. It may be remark- ed in relation to lobelia, that it may be used in any stage of its growth, from the time it first comes up, until it matures, there being but little if any difference in its vir- tue at any period of its growth. This article may be used either in tincture, or in an infusion in warm water,—not hot water, for if hoi enough to scald, it destroys the virtue of it. In general it will be found a good plan to give this article in small doses repeated every five or ten minutes, until it operates. Of the powdered leaves, it generally requires one tea- spoonful, and sometimes more:—of the tincture, from one to two table spoonsful, to operate as an emetic. VERBENA HAST AT A VERVAIN, VERVINE. Vervine is so common, and well known in the coun- tries where it grows, that we forbear giving any specific description of it. It generally grows in uncultivated fields, in open waste land?, and along the road sides. Of this plant there are reckoned three varieties distin- guished, by the names of white, red, and blue vervine, known by the color of their blossoms. Practitioners, who profess to be acquainted with the properties of this plant, recommend it as a good emetic, X* 294 EMETICS. ranking, says Dr. Thomson, next to the emetic herb> in virtue and efficacj; and may be used either alone or combined with thorough-stem. He also states, that it has been employed with considerable success in the treat- mentof consumption; and several cases have been cured by its use after the doctors had given them over as in- curable. It is likewise an excellent sudorific; valuable in decoction, for colds, and obstructions of any kind. Vervine may be used in a decoction of the dry herb; or in powder like the lobelia. If given in the early Stage of fever, it seldom fails to throw it off entirely. < ASARUM. ASARABACCA. Asarabacca is a perennial. plant, growing in low lands, and in moist, shady (■iuuitions. It produces only two very obtuse leaves which rise from the root, and divide from one stem, 'laci root is fibrous, of a grayish brown color externally, and wliite internally. Both the leaves and roots have a nauseous bitter lusie, with a strong, though not a very disagreeable smell. The pulverized root in doses of a half tabh -f poonful or more operates both as a cathartic and emetic. Ad- ministered in infusion, a handful to a quart id boiling water, is said to he valuablef<>i'hooping-cough, in doses of a table-spoonful every half hour, or oftener, until it vomits; and in doses of a lea cupful three times a day, it has been successfully employed to remove obstruction of the menses, or monthly courses. The root of this^lantfinely pulverized, h highly es- teemed as a steniutory; and is regarded as one of the most powerful of all vegetabla en bines. Snuffed up the nose, in the quantity of a grain or two, it produc es a co- pious discharge of mucus and a plentiful flow of saliva or spittle. Genffroy recommends it as an excellent rem- edy for stubborn disorders of the head, proceeding from EMETICS. 293 collections of viscid, tenacious matter, for palsies, and for soporific distempers. He states that he has known a paralysis of the mouth and tongue cured by one dose. INDIAN FEVER ROOT. This plant has a dark colored, perennial root, run- ninghorizontahsendingoffniany fibers', and has a strong, rich taste. Several steuns rise from one root, which are round faintly striped, Covered with short, scarcely per- ceptible h lie or clown, and grow from two to three feet high.—Leaves are scattered, supported on long foot- stalks, which sheath the stem, and like it, are covered with down, which b'comes hard and rough, as the plant attains maturity.—Flowers are large, and yellow. A strong decoctiou of the root, when drank freely, operates as ati emetic, and gentle apperienf; and pro- motes a free perspiration. Among some tribes of In- dians, it is much used in the cure of fevers; and it is said, that in their hands it seldom failed tq effect a speedy cure. It is to this circumstance that it is indebted for its present name. There is no room to doubt its usefulness in colds, and fevers; and from what little is known of its virtues, it promises to become an important article in materia medica. GILLENIA TRIFOLIATA. GILLEXIA. Gillevta grows generally in light soils, and ia Woody, or shady places.—R.mis branched, and kontty: —stems several from the same root, erect, slender, •mouth, of "a reddish tinge, considerably branched; Leaves are alternate, and slightly looihed. The flowers are few and scattered. 196 emetics. A decoction made by boiling the root in water has a beautiful red color, and an intensely bitter taste. This plant has long been known, and ranked among the em- etics. Professor Bigelow, states that it possesses prop- erties in some degree analagous to those of ipecacuanha. Dose, from half, to a whole tea-spoonfnl of the pow- dered root, .taken in four equal portions, one every fif- teen miuutes until it operates. IPECACUANHA. Ipecacuanha is a native product of South America, and this word in the Spanish language signifies emetic root. The word Ipecacuanha is applied in Spanish America, to various plants that possess emetic proper- ties to any considerable degree; hence, that confusion and contradiction, which have so long prevailed con- cerning the plant from which the officinal Ipecacuanha of the shops is prepared, may be accounted for; and this also accounts for the several varieties found in the shops under the same name. The best kind, sometimes called the Peruvian Ipeca- cuanha, is a small, wrinkled, ash-colored root, bent and contorted into a great variety of figures, full of wrinkles and deep circular fissures, extending quite down to a ■mall, white, woody fiber that runs in the middle of each root. The bark is compact, brittle; the fracture smooth and resinous: it has but little smell, and a bitterish, •ubacrid taste, covering the tongue with a kind of mu- cilage. Ipecacuanha is ranked, by many experienced physi- cians, among the safe and valuable emetics. Adminis- tered in small doses, it stimulates the stomach, increas- es the appetite, and facilitates digestion; in a little larg- er doses it operates by stool; and in still larger doses it operates as an emetic, by inverting the peristaltic motion of the stomach and duodenum. It is also said to ope- EMETICS. 29? rate as an antispasmodic, diaphoretic, and expectorant: it is reputed as valuable to check hemorrhages, both of the lungs and womb. __ O This article has some celebrity for its efficacy in check-. ing tiie narcotic effects of apium; and is reputed as an antidote for poisons. The deooc'tion administered'by,injection, has lately acquired cousiderabli^celebrity for its efficacy iu dysen- tery aticj internal piles. Ipecacuanha is administered in substance, in powder, in ,closes of a tea-spoonful, or more if required, to pro- duce vomiting. It is by uo means a dangerous article, if you should happen to take a little too much, &j> it is ejected from, the stomach when it operates. The pow- der may be taken either in warm water or in wine. Vom- iting i» promoted by drinking freely of warm teas. AMERICAN IPECACUANHA. Tins plant is said to be excl lively a native of thft United States; and is found mostly in the Southern,. and Western States, growing mostly in loose, moint, and sandv soils, ind frequently in beds of almost pure sand. The application of. this na ce to several plants, that possess nearly the same me.dieul. virtues, has-pro- duced,a't least in some parts of the country, some confu- sion, and contradiction in relation to this plant, as well as the foreign Ipecacuanha; and this difficulty is increas- ed by that variety of shape anil color, which the leaver of the genuine American Ipecacuanha, assumes in dif- ferent situations. Tiie plant here introduced under the name of American Ipecacuanha, has a large, long, white, or yellowish colored, perennial root, which sends off towards the upper part, many smaller roots, a- bout the size of small quills. Stems are of a reddish- color, and sometimes of a pale green, or yellowish hue. Leaves are opposite, oval, and sometimes pointed.. 298 EMETICS. Fowers appear in the month of May before the leaves get their growth:—the flowers are succeeded by trian- gular capsules or seed vessels, containing only three seeds in each capsule. This plant is recommended by several distinguished physicians as being superior to the foreign article, and possesses much the same medicinal- properties. The root alone is to be used, but being more active than the imported Ipecacuanha, it requires only about half tho quantity for a dose. INDIAN PHYSIC. Some writers make no distinction between this plast, and the American Ipecacuanha; but they are certainly wo distinct species. It grows mostly in shady woods, aad on the sides of rich hills and mountains, from Can- ada to Louisiana. Its root is perennial, composed of several, long, slender, brown colored branches issuing from one common caudex or head, and_running some distance under ground. Stems round, branched towards the top,-'and commonly of a reddish colar. Leaves are tf a deep green, long and pointed—flowers nearly white. "*■ The root is the part used, and is esteemed among the Indians as a valuable emetic. It is said to possess many •f the properties of the Ipecacuanha. Given in small doses it is both sudorific and tonic. Dose lor an emetic, i* from one to tv/o tea-spoonsful of the powdered root. DIRECTIONS, rOR SELECTING, GATHERING, AND PRESERVING MEDICINES. Experience has sometime since taught me that it is- M»t only necessary to know what vegetables are good HIRECTI0N8, &c. 2&9 tot medicines, and what are the medicinal virtues of each; but that a judicious selection, a careful preserva- tion, and gathering them at the proper period, are mat- ters of the utmost importance in securing the full benefit of their virtues. Inattention to this subject, may bring results of a most serious nature, such as selling or using articles that are damaged, or those of inferior medical powers;—the protracted suffering'/and perhaps the death of the patient, is too often the mischevious consequence of such criminal negligence. Such carelessness has frequently brought valuable medicines into disrepute; because their virtues were impaired, by not being gath- ered at the proper time, or cured and perserved iu the proper manner. 1. lie careful to separate and reject every thing from the medicinal article, you may be gathering, that doe* not belong to it; for waut of observing this rule, poisq|£ ous, or at least extraneous substances are sometimes gathered with the medicines. 2. JLannual roots, that is. such as grow from the seed every year, must be gathered just before the flowers put out, as they ;vre then in the highest state of perfection. 3. Biennial roots, that is, those vvhich grow up fro$i the seed the first year, live through the winter, attain maturity, bear seed and die, the second year, ought eith- er to be gathered in the fall of the first year, or early in the spring of the second. Triennial roots should be gathered in tl.e fall of their second year, or in the spring of their third. Perennial roots should be collected either in the fall after the tops and leaves begin to die, or in the spring before they commence growing. Recollect, that roots gathered out of their proper season, sustain a loss of their medical virtues, and are inferior in every respect to those collected at the proper time. When you have collected such roots as you want for medical purposes, you must then wash them clean, care- fully separating, and rejecting every worm-eaten, or unsound piece; nor must you let them stay long in the water, as that will macerate them, and diminish thaw SOO DIRECTIONS, &C. virtue. After they are washed, you must Ihen spread them out in a-dry, jilace, taking care to |,rescue them from getting wet with rain or dew ; for if Mifli n d lo get Wet with either rain or dew, their virtues vill be im- paired for every such wetting. Wiicn piifictly dry, jiack them awn) in jars, boxes, or barrels, and put them ina dry, airy room, free from any damp. 4 Herbs and leaves intruded for medic in*', ought generally to be colli cl« d about tie time of llowt i ing, as they are then at their greatest peiferlioii. S«-i:ir plants, howe\er, when jou v\i>h lo save the Med* hlso, may be gathered, ju^t as the leaves Ingin to change their color from green to yellow, as the m eil i* II « u • •§-••-. This is the proper time to gaih r the » no tic l;« i b en lolelir. II« rb> and leaves mii-t be dried in the srine way, and wiih the same precautions as the r« ot«, and preserved In the same manner, after fining. G.iHier tl.i in in dry weather, when not wet with eithtrclew » r i-aiu. Care* fully sej aiale, and reject all that are wit;.end, ii jureel, or imperfect. 5. Harks intended for medicinal purposes. (Might to be githered sillier in the spring or fall; and taKen from young, thrifty frees. Shave ofiihe loss, ormitsiili, leav- ing only the inside living bark, which y mi must care- fully dry, and preserve as directed f« i looi* nud plants. 6 Flowers must be gathered when in peilVnioii, in dry weather w hen clear of dew or any moUiine; and then dried and preserved as directed lm olio i articles. 7. After the root*, herbs, &c. are nicely cured, as abo^e directed, you must spread ihem in ihe hot mhi un- til brittle; aud then you can reduce tin m to a fine pow- der in a mortar, and sift them thiMigh a line sieve. This being done, they should he |»it>abounds in every country; we pre- sumethereis but little clanger of becoming too well ac- quainted with the valuable medicines our country pro- duces. .:h,. ABSORBENTS. 0& ANTACIDS. METSfrciNESpf this ctass arc employed for the purpose of neutralizing, or'correcting tiie aciclity.of the stomach. Many persons are ? filleted,.with a sourness of the stom- ach, who are apparently itrci'ther respects, in good health; but this pnpfeasantcoi.ipl'ahit, ic more especially an at- tendant on the dyspepsy or indigestion; it is often met with in other cci::[.!a.mts, '■ Whenever sourness or acid- ity of the stomach exists, it will be proper to use some antacid to correct 'the ncidityj and itis then generally profitable to use some tonic for the purpose of increasing; the tone of the digestive organs. Hi. NEUTRALIZING DRINK. Take of, Ashes of good, sound wood, 8 table-spoonsful, Chalk, 1 table-spoonful, Boiling water, 1 pint. Pour the boiling water on the ashes and chalk, and immediately cover the vessel with something to exclude the air. This precaution will deprive the ley, of that sharp, biting taste it always acquires when left uncov- ered or exposed to the atmosphere. This preparation may be taken in doses of about a half a gill, more or less, DISPENSATORY. 303 as the case may require; and is valuable in most cases of acidity, but will be found especially useful, when taking an emetic, if the stomach be sour. „,. .*JS ABSORBENT, AND APERIENT MIXTURE. * Take of, ^ : Chalk prepared, 2 table-spoonsful, Gum Arabic powdered, 1 table-spoonful, Rhubarb powdered,,* 2 tea-«poousful, Loaf-sugar, ""'' Stable-spoonsful, Water, >:< ..''.„ ■ ■ < ' t teji jpt'ul. This mixture not ,only c'orrect3*lhe; acidity of the stomach, but is moderately aperient, and thus carries off the offensive matter from the system. Bcue for adults, a table-spoonful, every two or three hours. From the American practice, we transcribe the follow- ing valuable recipe: NEUTRALIZING MIXTURE, OR PHYSIC, * Take of, llhubarb pulverized, 2 scruples, Salaeratus, do. 2 " Peppermint plant, do. JJ " Boiling water, % half pint, Brandy, 1 table-spoonful, Sweeten with loaf-sugar. •sl This is a most valuable preparation for eholera mor- bus, cholera infantum, or summer complaint among chil- dren, &c. "Its operation and action'appear to be a spe- cific, or almost infalliable". Dose for adults, a table- spoonful;—for children, a tea-spoonful, every hour. 304 DISPENSATORY. NEUTRALIZING SIRUP. Take of, Rhubarb pulverized, 2 ©z. Salav.-atus, *do. 2 oz. Goldenseal, * do. 1 *>z. Garden rue, do. 1 oz. Lady's slipper, do. 1 oz. Pcpnenriin' plant, do. 1 oz. Loaf sugar, If lbs. Add five quarts boiling water,-—simme/down to four, —-wnen settled pour off, after which, add the whites of six eggs, well heaten—then put it to ugei,:le boil, skim- ming off |he foam;—Jien settle, and strain, afier which, add one^fint'map-horsLie tincture, and \ oz. oil of pep- permi.it, and bottle for use. Use.—Tbii is a valuable family medicine: and I have used it with success for acidity or sourness of the stomach; a:..d for such complaints as proceed from *» sourstowj.cn, as c, :>len :j(ir;:ijs, cholera' iufanluui, dy-v .ww, rutic, si luiess of the stomach, &c. Dose, for adults, from one to two table-spoonsful. ANODYNES. -These are medicines that relieve pain r;id procure sleep. JThe articles useful for this purpose are, Decoction of colic root;-—tea of rattle weed;—decoc- tion o; the" Indian anodyne root;—tincture of camphor. These articles may*be used alone, or combined with other* of iike properties. See these articles under tin ir respective heads in materia medica. ANODYNE POWDERS. Take of, Witch hazel leaves dry, 6 oz. Sumach leaves do.. 4oz. DISPENSATORY. 365 Lady's Slipper root, 8 oz. Ginger root pared, 6 oz. Cinnamon bark, 3 oz. Sweet Fennel seed, v 2 oz. African Cayenne, 1 oz. Cloves, ^.. *oz. All finely pulverized, sifted, and well mixed. These powders are valuable for menstrual derange- ments, for bearing down, pains, and for affections of the kidneys, bladder, and^womb; and especially during pregnancy, and in labor, they are a most excellent cor- rector, promoter, and alleviator. 7 Dose, a half gill of the warm decoction, made by pouring a half pint of boiling water on a table-spoonful of the powder, and simmering slowly in a tin vessel ten or twelve minxes. This close may be repeated every twenty or thirty miautes if the urgency of the symptoms demand it, until relief be obtained. ANOTHER FORMULA. Take of, Red Raspberry leaves h 4 oz. India". Vnodyuerqot, Tincture of Lady's Slipper, * do- Y* 306 DISPENSATORY. Colic drops, 1 pint? Essence of Anise, I do. Essence of Peppermint, I do. Mix, and shake well together. This tincture is good for pains of every description,. particularly ili the stomach, bowels, or head; also for cholera morbus, diarrhea, dysentery, &c. Dose, from one to three tea-spoonsful, repeated every fifteen minutes until relief be obtained. Under their proper heads, the reader will find the method of preparing the several ingredients, which form the above compound. ANTHELMINTICS OR VERMIFUGES. These are medicines employed to destroy or expel worms. The most valuable simple articles are, male or sweet fern, butter-nut sirup, Carolina pink root, China tree, winterberry, wild cherry, cowhage, asafetida, Jerusalem oak; all of which you can find described un- der their proper heads, in materia medica, together with the method of administering, and the quantity for a dose. WORM POWDERS, Take of, Poplar bark of the root, 4 oz. Bitter root, 4oz. Wild cherry bark of the root, 4 oz. Black Alder bark of the root, 4 oz. Cedar berries, 4 0z. Pulverize all the ingredients and mix them well to- gether. Dose, one tea-spoonful taken in melasses or honey, three times a day for three days in succession, on aa empty stomach. Useful for worms. DisPENSATent. 307 ANOTHER FORMULA. Take of, Yellow Gentian root,- ,v 2 ozv Peach tree, inner bark of the rent, 2 oz. Spearmint plant, 2 oz. Skunk cabbage balls, 2 oz. Indian hemp root, *2 oz. Pulverize, and mix all the articles together. Dose, the same as the above;—use the same. WORM DROPS. Take of, Diaphoretic tincture, 1 gill? Tincture of aloes, 1 " Mix together, and it is ready for use. Dose, one tea- spoonful, repeated as often as the case requires, at least three times a day. ANTHELMINTIC TINCTURE. Take of, Wild cherry bark of the root, 1 oz. Poplar bark of the root, 1 oz. Dog-wood bark of the root, 1 oz. Bitter root, 1 oz. Cedar berries, 1 oz. Alcohol, * quart. Pulverize all the solid articles, and put them in the alcohol,—digest seven days in a sun heat, shaking it well once or twice a day. Dose, from a tea-spoonful to a table-spoonful, three times a day. Good to destroy worms. 808 dispensatory. VERMIFUGE OIL. Take of, Castor oil, ^ 4 oz Anise oil, 1 oz Worm seed oil, 1 oz Oil of Hemlock, 1 oz Mix, and shake them well together; repeat the shak- ing every time it is used. Dose, for an adult a tea- spoonful, three times a day, giving a purge of butter-nut sirup every other day. ANTI-EMETICS. Antiemetics are medicines employed to allay the ir- ritation of the stomach and check vomiting. Medicines of tiiis kind may be used in all cases of spontaneous vomiting, and where an emetic is likely to operate too long; for if not checked it will exhaust the strength of the patient, and prostrate the powers of the living ma- chine. When spontaneous vomiting proceeds from a foul stomach, you must not undertake to stop it until you have first cleansed the stomach with an emetic, ANTIEMETIC INFUSION. Take of, Wild Hoarhound plant, 1 oz. Peppermint, - 1 0z. Spearmint, 1 0z. Bruise the plants well, and then steep thenr thirty minutes in a pint of cold water; after which, pre*s out the infusion, and add a gill of good vinegar, when ii will be ready for use. Dose, a half gill, repeated eicvy fif- teen or twenty minutes. dispensatory. 309 ANTI-EMETIC DROPS. Take of, Good vinegar, 1 pint, Oil of Peppermint, '* | oz. Cayenne pepper, foz. Table-salt, _ 2 oz. Mix, and bottle for use: Dose, from a half to a table- spoonful every fifteen or twenty minutes, until vomiting^-' is checked. TINCTURE OF SPEARMINT/ ** Take of, Spearmint, fresh plant bruised, 3 oz. I oaf sugar, 4 oz. Freiii-u brandy 1 pint. Shake it woil and let it digest some time:---Dose, from a half to a whole table-spoonful, repeated every fii- teen c* twe.iy minates until vomiting cease. . /ROMATIC ANTI-EMETIC TINCTURE. Take of, An is '.seeds, 4 oz. Cinnj.mun bark, 2 oz. Gini, t root pared, 2 oz. Sassafras bark of the root, 2 oz. Peppermint plant, , 2 oz. Ginseng root, 4 oz. Lady's Slipper, H lbs. Alcohol, ,4 quarts. Pulverize all t!;e solid articles, and put them in the alcohol:—digest seven days in hot sun heat, shaking it well two or three times a day. Dose, from one to three; tea-spoonsful, repeated every fifteen or twenty minutes* 310 DISPENSATORY. until vomiting is checked. This preparation is good to stop vomiting where it is attended with spasms in the stomach. MINT TEA. Take of, Spearmint, 1 oz. v Hot water, 1 pint. Infuse fifteen minutes, and strain out the tea. Dose, one table-spoonful for a child a year old, give more or less, as it is older or younger. This tea is excellent to relieve nasea or retching to vomit, when produced by^. worms. MINT FOMENTATION. Take of fresh peppermint, any convenient quantity, and stew it in spirits;—apply it as a poultice to the pit of the stomach, warm as can be borne. , This frequently has succeeded in checking vomiting, when there was such irritability of the stomach that the usual remedies failed. •—A. Pr. i> ANTISPASMODICS. Medicines of this class are used to relieve spasms or cramps:—Nervines aet on the same principle, though less powerful; we shall therefore give both in the same class. For simple articles of this class, see antispasmod- ics in materia medica. ANTISPASMODIC TINCTURE. Take of, Tincture of blue Cohosh, i pint, Tincture of Cayenne, 1 « DISPENSATOBV, 311 Tincture of Lobelia seeds, 1 pint, Tincture^of Lady's Slipper, 1 " Shake all well together, and bottlejfor use. Dose, froin^ half a tea-spoonful to a table-spoonful, repeated every five or ten .minutes as often as circumstances re- quire. This tincture is a most valuable remedy for fits, ■spasms, and the like. It may also be used in all violent attacks of djsease, and in cases of suspended animation, whether from drowning, hanging, or any other cause. Incases of the accidental or intentional introduction of* poisonous substances into the stomach, this tincture should be used as an emetic, as it wilL not only prevent the poison from cramping the stomach, or any other part of the system, so as to produce dangerous consequences, but will also operate as a speedy emetic. The simple tinctures of which this is composed, ought to be made as strong as the different articles will make them. ■ * ANOTHER FORMULA. Take of, Gayenne pepper, 2 oz. Lobelia seeds, 2 oz. Lady's Slipper, 2 oz. Diaphoretic tincture, 1 quart. Pulverize all the solid articles, then add them to the diaphoretic tincture, and let them digest eight or ten days in a sun heat, shaking it well once or twice a day. This tincture may be administered in the same way as the one above, and is useful for the same purposes. COMPOUND ANTISPASMODIC TINCTURE. Take of, Lady's Slipper root, * 1°' Scull-cap plant, ^ oz' Fit-root plant, 8 0%* 312 DISPENSATORY. Anise seeds, : . "8 °z. "White Ginger, * S oz. Sassafras bark of the root, 4 oz. Cinnamon bark, <. * 4 c,z. Skunk Cabbage root, 4 oz. Ginwengroot, + 4 oil Cayenne pepper, 2 oz. « Alcohol, I 6 quarts. :'•'.■ ... k Pulverize all the solid ingredients, arid then digest them in the ajcohel ten diiys in a sun heat, shaking it well two or three times a day; then filter through brown paper. -^Djfrse, $rom one to three tea-spoonsful; Useful in spasmodic and nervous affections. This last is not so well adapted to violent cases, as the two that go before. The following articles in this class are usual- ly termed nervines, and are useful to allay^r.ervous ir- ritation in all oidinary cases; but in violent cases the antispasmodics should be used. One c;f the best nerve powders is the Yellow Lady's Slipper, in doses of a half or whole tea-spoonful in warm water. NERVINE POWDERS. Take of, BlueCoSiosh, 4 oz. Nutmeg, 2 oz. Ginseng, f 2 oz. Yellow Lady's Slipper, 8 oz. Pulverize all the ingredients, and mix them well to- gether. Dose, a tea-spoonful in warm water. NERVINE TINCTURE. Take of, Nervine powders, . . 4 oz. Alcohol,1 1 pint. DISPENSATORY- 313 Digest seven days in a sun heat, shakirig it well two w three times a day; then pour off the tincture, either straining or filtering it. Dose, from one to three tea- spoonsful, repeated ever^ten or fifteen minutes until re- lief is obtained. COMPOUND NERVINE TINCTURE. Take of, Lady's Slipper root, 6 oz. Sassafras bark of the root, 4 oz. Liquorice root, 4 oz. Gum Camphor, j i oz. Oil of Anise, 1 oz. Mountain Dittany, 4 oz. Alcohol, 3 pints. Pulverize all the solid ingredients, and digest eight •or ten days in a sun heat, shaking it well every day. Dose* from one to three tea-spoonsful, repeated every fifteen minutes, until relieved. This tincture is highly valuable to relieve pains, colics, &c; and very valuable for children. NERVE POWDERS. Take of, Lady's Slipper root, 4 oz. Cayenne, 5 oz. Pulverize, and mix well together:—Dose, one tea- spoonful in warm water. This preparation is perhaps one of the best nervines for common use. TINCTURE OF LADY'S SLIPPER. Take of, Lady's Slipper root, 4 ox. Alcohol, * F»fc Z 314 DISPENSATORY* Pulverize the root, and digest in the alcohol, ten day» in a sun heat,, shaking it every day; then strain or filter, and bottle for use. Dose, from a tea-spoonful to a table- spoonful, repeated at discretion, as often as circum- stances require. ' This tincture is a most excellent rem- edy for all ordinary cases of nervous affections; arid is rarely administered in such cases without producing the desired effect. * , 4 ANTISEPTICS. Medicine* of this clltss are used to prevent, or to ^ .stop mortification, after it has commenced. Antiseptics botlvinclude, and operate as stimulants and tonics, and produce their happy effect by restoring tone and action to the diseased organs. They may be used both inter- nally and externally at the same time, in all cases where the mortified part is so situated as to admit of external applications. This double use of remedies is a most , valuable improvement in the practice of the healing ar^ which was scarcely known, and seldom persued, pre- vious to the introduction of the botanic practice. This mode of practict, connected with the superior antiseptic virtues of the* botanic remedies, has secured a^ success Vamdhg the botanic practitionersj in the treatment of mor- tifying sores, and ulcers, that was previously unknown in the annals of medicine. The simple articles which ■ we recommend the reader qan fin^ in the class of an- tiseptics %a materia medica, with a description of the , method of preparing and using them.—[See page 138.] ANTISEPTIC TINCTURE Take of, Gum Myrrh, Gum Camphor, Balsam of Fir, lib, 1 oz. 2oz. DISPENSATORY. 31. • Cayenne pepper, Oil of Sassafras, Nutmeg, French brandy, r 1 oz. 2 oz. 2 oz. 1 gallon. Pulverize the solid articles very fine, then add the brandy, putting all into a $tone jug.—Set the jug into a kettle of water, and let it boil,from five to ten minutes, leaving thejug open, and stirring its contents. This done, digest six or.eightdays in a hot sun heat, shaking it once or twice a: day:—strain or filter, and bottle up for use. This tincture is a most powerful antiseptic, and is a very valuable wash uyjcleaqse old, foul ulcers, and dispose them to heal. Dose internally from a tea- spoonful to a" table-spoonful. This is a most excellent* family medicine, useful for dysentery, mortification, &c; also for pains in the stomach, colic, head-ache, worms, &c.—seldom comes amiss in any complaint. -,■--■• The drugs of the antiseptic tincture, used as a poul- tice, and kept moist with the tincture, or with bathing drops, is most excellent for pains, bruises, strains, aryl the like;4"?nd also for the white swelling in its first* rising, I have found ita most efficient remedy; and when applied in time it has never failed in my hands to putit back, and prevent its rising. ANTISEPTIC INFUSION. Take of* White Sumach, bark of the root, 4 oz. Sassafras, bark of the root, 4 oz. Slippery Elm, inner bark, 4 oz. Pulverize all the ingredients, and mix them well to- gether. Infuse one ounce of these powders in a pint of hot water; then add one table-spoonful of the antiseptic tincture. This is also a good antiseptic wash, although not so powerful as the one above; for inflammation of 316 DISPENSATORY. bowels, it is a,good remedy, administered by injection. Dose internally, a half tea-cupful or more, repeated as ctrciimstancesrequire. ANTISEPTIC DECOCTION. * Take of, Red-root, 1 oz. * Solomon's Seal root, 2 oz. Sweet milk, / 1 quart. Pulverize the solid articles, then add the milk, and simmer down to three half pints. This decoction ad- ministered in doses of a*'gill, repeated every twenty or, thirty minutes, is an excellent remedy for inflammation of the bowels, giving at the same time an injection of it, repeated in thirty minutes, if the obstinacy of the case require it. To the hands of the Indian doctor Mitchel, it proved a most efficient remedy for the flux, checking the violence of the symptoms, in the worst cases of even the bloody flux, in a few minutes, and effecting a perfect cure in a few days. 4OTISEPTIC ANTI-EMETIC. Take of, Charcoal prepared, 2 oz. Vinegar best quality, 1 pint. Puliserize the charcoal fine as possible, then add the vinegar. This preparation is valuable for inflammation of the stomach, and to check vomiting produced by an inflammation of that organ. Dose from one to four table-spoonsful, repeated as often as the case may re- quire:—always shake it up before using>. DISPENSATORY. 317 ASTRINGENT TONICS. Medicines of this class afee indispensable in the prac- tice of the healing art. They are of very general use, there being 'iut few cases.in.which they may not be prof- itably us d. In obstinate costiveness, and in anient fe- vers attendei with constant dryness of tfce mouth, par- ticularly if t!;3 dryness be increased by their use, this class of remedies must not be employed. In such cases employ the* laxative bitter tonics, and cayenne, or some sialagogue^o respire the proper moisture to the mouth. Astringent tonirs have a powerful influence over the system; and their free use in the recovery from disease, has great tendency to preventjrelapses. Compounds of this class are peculiarly adapted to the treatment of dysentery, diarrhea, and all looseness,, of the bnwe!*; also flooding*, and hemorrhages of every description; likewise ulcers, canker, and all, relaxed states of the system. ^ The simple articles belonging to this class, are bay- berry, beth root, black birch, c;nnamon, cohosh, dew- berry, dogwood, evan root, blackberry, red raspberry, Witch hnz-'l, sumach, pond lilly, &c. all of vvhich you can find in materia medica, with a description of the method of administering, and the quantity for a dose. ASTRINGENT TONIC POWDERS. Take of, * BayberVy, bark of the root, 4 oz. Hemlock, inner bark, 4 oz. Birth root, 4 oz. Sumach, bark of the root, 4 oz. Dewberry root, 4 oz. Pulverize all the articles finely, and mix them well to- gether. Of this powder, infuse one ounce in three half pints of hot water; and of this infusion, the dose is a Z* 318 DISPENSATORY. gill with from half to a whole tea-spoonful of cayenne added. Inordinary cases, this dose repeated three times a day will answer; but in flooding, dysentery, flux, &c. t should be repeated every hour or two, as the violence of the symptoms may require. ANOTHER FOJ Take of, >.,. ^ Witch hazel, 8 oz. 'Red rai|$rberry, ^ Jf 8 oz. Persimmon, inner bark, < a^rfi 8 oz. van root, £ ' ♦•! 8 oz. Sumach leaves, ' 8 pz. Reduce all the Articlesto a fine powder, and mix them well together. Prepare, and use this in the same way, as the one ahoye described. ANOTHER FOUMULA. Take of, * # 3J7|^e oak> *nner bark, 6 oz. Beech drops root, 4 oz. Hickory, inner bark, 4 0z. • Blackberry root, 3oz. Dog-wood, inner bark, N 3 0z. ) Reduce all the articles to a fine powder, and mix them . thoroughly. This preparation is very astringent, and is useful in violent cases where astringent tonics are re- quired. It may be prepared, and administered in the same manner that the two foregoing are. ASTRINGENT TONIC CORDIAL. Take of, Wild cherry, bark of the root, 4 oz. Blackberry, bark of the root, 4 0z! Yellow poplar, bark of the roet, 4 oz*. DISPENSATORY. 319 GathSfred fresh and bruised, then add enough water l to make a strong tea: strain off and for each quart of the tea, a,d 1 one pound, of loat sugar, and one fourth of an onnc#of nutmeg finely pulverized, and and one gill of antiseptic tincture. Pose, a half a wine-glassful three or four ti Mies a day, or oftener if the violence of the symp- toms re']'lire it.^-. This'cordial is useful for bowel, con>- plaint.vsrich as dysentery, diarrhea, fltc.; but its astrin- gent qW'iiy is'so powerful as to reo-iire soma caution in'using'it.' UecoHecHhat in all. bo-.vd complaints, you must first give jjt puTge *r an injection, to carry off * the acrid tBrit»tingvmatter from the bowels, before any astringent is given. v ANTIDY9ENTERIC DECOCTION. 'Take of, . » f, Agrimony root, 4 oz. _ k. Wiltchery, bark'of the root, 4 oz ~ Barberry root, 2 oz. Pulverize all the ingredients; and add one "gallon of water; .boil down to three quarte, then strain, and add three gills of French brandy, or of it cannot be had, same quantity of proof spirits. Dose, a half a gill three or four times a'day. Uuse.—The same as the foregoing articles. SIRUP FOR DYSENTERY. Take of rhubarb and wild cherry bark, a handful, and add four table spoonsful of sugar; simmer a while. Dose, a table-sp6onful every fifteen minutes until the pain ceases. Make it fresh every day and add a little brandy. A work, entitled the "Indian Physician," from which this is taken, pronounces it an infallible remedy for the dysentery, saying that it has never failed in thirty vears trial. 320 D1SPENSAT0BV. From the "American Practice," we extract the fol- lowing valuable recipe, wlijeh has great reputation for its efficacy-in curing bowel complaints. BLACKBERRY SIRUP; Take of blackberry, bark of the root, cleaned or wash- edfadd n suitable quantit^of water, then boil two honrs. Pour pfi'4he liquid, and add more water; and thus con- tinue to boilt and pour off', until all the strength is ex- tracted; then strain, adding all the boilings together. Simmer dawn H t va quarts; strain again, then add four pounds loaf SngTr, aid when cool, add half a pint of best French brandy. ,. i)ose; a t;:l>!e- pooiirul three times a day fasting. If this does not arrest the disease in a day or two, gradual- ly increase the*lo«5e, as the stomach can bear it. This sirup is vejw valuable for all bowel complaints, but par- ticularly wire of the chronic form; and has in some instances effected cures, when every other means had failed. It appears to possess specifie virtues, different from every other vegetable. ASTRINGENT TONIC SIRUP. Take of, Witch hazel leaves, 4 oz. Golden seal root, 4 oz. ' White sumach, 4 oz. Red raspberry leaves, 4 oz. Pulverize all the articles, then add one gallon of wa- » ter, and boil down to two quarts; strain off the decoc- tion, and add three pounds of loaf sugar; then simmer uBtil all the sugar is dissolved, after which add a half pint of the antiseptic tincture, heretofore described, and bottle up for use. Dose, a half a gill, three or four times a day. This is an excellent medicine for dysentery, DISPENSATORY. 321 diarrhea, &c., particul/irly^ood for these complaints among children. "* BITTER TONICS. Medicines of this class are generally employed for the purpose of assisting the organs in recovering a healthy, vigorous tone, and enabling the living power to exercise a proper influence over them. They are therefore very properly .resorted t*> after the force of the disease i« overcome by other remedies; because their peculiar,-beneficial effect upon the system is that of a restorative Experience has taught, however, that the beneficial resulls.oF this class-of medicines is, in most cases mere.is m3, by combiaing with them a portion of some astringent tonic. ' * The simple articles of this class are very numerous. Some of tire best and mOst common only, will we men- tion at thU place. .They are, balmony, bitter root, barberry, hitter sweet,*!)Kick root, honeset, columboroot, golden leal, gum-myrrh, poplar bark, rich-weed, sam- son snike rnofy spikenard, hoarho'und, yellow parilla.. All of them may be found und-.-r their proper heads i» materia, medica, with a description of the method of pre* paring and using them. BITTER TOXIC POWD,ERS. Take of, Golden seal root, Coin mho root, Barberry, bark of the root, Poplar bark, Sumach, bark of the root. Hemlock bark, Prickly ash bark, Cloves, Cayenne pepper, Loaf sugar, 8 oz. 8 oz. 8 oz. 8 oz. 8 oz. 8 oz. 4 oz. 2 oz.'" 2 oz. 4 lb. 322 DISPENSATOBY. All the articles must be finely pulverized, sifted or belted, and well mixed together. Dose/pne tea-spoon- ful, either' in hot or cold water, repeated two or three timets a day. ANOTHER FORMULA. Take of, Balmony leaves, 8 oz. Caraway seeds, 8 oz. Black birch bark, * 8 oz;' Quiver-leaf bark, » ■$' 6 oz.'..-, Gentian, bark of the root, 4 oz. Pipsisewa, 4 oz. Cinnamon bark, 4 oz. Cloves, 2 oz. Capsicum, 2 oz. Loaf sugar, 3 lbs. „This compound is to be prepared, and administered in the same way, that the foregoing one is. ANOTHER FORMULA. Take of, Barberry, bark of the root, 12 oz. Golden seal, 8 oz. Poplar bark. 8 oz. African cayenne, 1 oz. Cloves, 1 oz, Loaf sugar, 2 lbs. o be prepared, and used as the fore going. ANOTHER FORMULA Take of, Tansey, 4 oz. Centaury, 4 oz. Wild hoarhound, 4 oz. Garden rue, 4 oz. Balmony, 4 oz. payeune, 1 oz. DISPENSATORY. 323 Cinnamqnjiark, 2 oz. Loaf sugar, 1| lbs. Prepared, and used as the foregoing. WINE BITTERS. Take of, either of the above compounds three ounces, and put them into a quart of wine. Dose, from one to two table-spoonsful,?threeor four times a day. These bitters are valuable for persons laboring under debility, and for feeble digestive powers. ANOTHER FORMULA. Take of, Golden seal, 1 oz. White wood bark, • 1 oz. Bitter root, 1 oz. Cayenne pepper, I oz. Pulverize all the solid ingredients, and add two quarts of wine. Dose, from a table-spoonful to a wine-glass- ful, three times a day. Useful in all cases where bitter tonics are indicated.—"American Practice." HOT BITTERS. Take of, Poplar bark, 8 oz- Hemlock bark, 6 oz- Bayberry, bark of the root, 4 oz. Goldenseal, . 8 oz- Columbo root, 4 oz. Prickly as bark, J 07" Blue flag root, * oz/ Capsicum, z.0Z" Cloves, _ ?. ' re 8 lbs, Lpaf sugar, 324 DISPENSATORY Finely pulverize all the ingredients, and' mix them We'll together. Of this compound take two ounces, and of brown sugar the same; put them in a quart of French brandy or proof spirits;—digest three or four days, shaking it several times a day, when it will be fit for use. Dose, two tea-spoonsful in a gill of hot water sweetened. This preparation removes colds, improves the appetite, quenches thirst, relieves cough, and cures colic. ANTIDYSPEPTIC TONIC POWDERS. Take of, Hemlock bark, 4 oz. Golden seal, 8 oz. Samson snake root, 6 oz. Bayberry, bark of the root, 4 oz. Poplar bark, 4 oz. Columbo root, 6 oz. Black root, 12 oz. Capsicum, 1 oz. Cloves, 1 oz. Loaf sugar, 3 lbs. Finely pulverize all the ingredients, sift or bolt, and mix all well together. Dose, a large tea-spoonful in hot water, three or four times a day. Perhaps a better method, is to take one ounce of the powder, and to it, add three gills of gin or Lisbon wine, one gill of water,1 and two ounces of loaf sugar;—bottle up for use shaking every time before using. This preparation is good for dyspepsy, liver complaints, and the like; operating also as a gentle aperient. LAXATIVE BITTER TONIC. Take of, Bayberry root, 4 oa. Golden seal, 4 0». Poplar bark, 4 0z. DISPENSATORY.' 325 Bitter root> 4 oz. Cayenne, 1 oz, Cloves, 1 oz. Loaf sugar, 1 lb. Pulverize all the ingredients finely, sift or bolt, and mix them well together. Dose, a tea-spoonful in a gill ■of hot water, three or four times a day. The medical virtues of this compound are much the same as the one above, except its aperient or laxative powers are a littlu stronger. , RESTORATIVE TONIC CORDIAL, Take of, Bayberry root, 8 oz. Golden seat root,] « 6 oz. Lady's slipper, 6 oz. Peach kernels, 4 oz. Pulverize all the articles well, then add two gallons of water, and boil down to one; then strain, and add four pounds loaf sugar, and two quarts of French or peach brandy, when it may be bottled up for use. Dose, a half a gill three times a day. This compound is a most excellent restorative, useful in all cases of debility, and for patients recovering from fevers or other complaints that have induced debility: it is also good in dysentery and diarrhea. TONIC SIRUP, Take of, Rattle root, 4 oz. Prickly ash berries, 4 oz. Spikenard root, 4 oz. Hoarhound plant, 4 oz. Bayberry root, 6 oz. Golden seal, 6 oz. 3A 326 , DISPENSATORY. ■■fl; Poplar bark, 8 pz. Bittern root, , .8^z- Lady's slipper, .8 oz. Skunk cabbage root,. 4 oz. Peach kernels, S oz. Capsicum 1 oz. Pulverize all the ingredients, add three gallons of water, and boil down to six quarts; then strain -off, and add four, quarts of good honey, two quarts'of French- brandy, and bottle up for use. Dose, from '>ne to four table-spoonsful three or four times a day. This sirup^ is valuable for Coughs, consumptions, and aM complaints™ of the breast, attended with debility. J • " ANTIDYSPEPTIC SIRUP- Take of, Golden seal, 8 oz. , Bayberry, bark of the root,, 8 oz. Poplar bark, ^ 8,oz. Wild cherry bark, 8 oz. Bitter root, 8 oz. Spikenard, 8 oz. .Star root, 8 oz. Lady's slipper, , 1 8 oz. Black root, ' - 8 oz. Seneka snake root, 8 oz. Hoarhouii'd, • 8 oz. Hemlock hark, . 8 oz. Elecampane, 8 oz. "Pulverise all the ingredients, and tnen boil tliem in six gallons of water down.to three; strain off the decocr tion and add two gallons of honey; four ounces of pearl- ash, and the whites of a dozen eggs well beaten togeth er; then put it to-agentle boil, skimming off the foam as it rise,s;..stifv.a or filter, and then add one gallon of the aniisenTc tincture. t)os^, from one to two table- spooiisful'threeVimes a day. " Good for the dyspepsy. t P< --- D1JSPBN5AT0UY. 327 ,_±j. BATHING DROPS. •'■JW TiiEsifaTe stimulating wiishcs, applied'to painful par:.*, tumor*, swellings, &c, to*aiirin re;r.ovin*'local cibstruciiou, by stimulating thalan^uid or inactive orjam into actio . They should, whenever the^cuse will ad- :mi, be applied with friction or rubbing. BATHING DROPS. '.'Tnkeof, iii-apiros etic tincture, 1 quart. Gum camphor, „ 1 oz. Oil-of Hemlock, 1 oz. Dissolve the camphor in the tincture, and then add the oil, and it. is reacfy for use. Useful for bruises, s;;r>':ns,'pains, rheumatism, and the like. , ANOTHER FOMULA. Ta!;e of, Gam lyrrh, 4 oz. Capsicum, 2 oz. Btlm of Gilead buds, 2 oz. Oil of sassafras, . 2 oz. , Alcohol, 2" quarts. Pulverize the solid articles? then acid the oil and alco- hol;—digest ten days in a hot sun heat, shaking it two 'or three times every day. ,:"%,. Inother. formula . ta*oof, ._: ^ Antispasmodic tincture, 1 pint, Oil of Hemlock, 1 oz- Oil of cedar, 1 oz« Gum camphor, * oz* Mix, and shake well before using. These drops are 328 DISPENSATORY. perhaps better for common use than either of the fore- going, as they are not so apt to fill up the pores of the skin, when it is rubbed on; this is also good for tetter- worm. ANTISEPTIC BATHING DROPS. Take of, Antiseptic tincture, 1 pint, Oil of sassafras, 1 oz. Oil of fir, 1 oz. Gum camphor, 1 oz. Mix and bottle for use, shaking every time before us- ing. These drops are valuable to prevent mortification; also good for bruises, inflammations, spasms, swelled joints, &c. RHEUMATIC BATHING DROPS. Take of, African cayenne, best quality, 4 oz. Alcohol, 1 quart. Simmer down to a pint, in a tin vessel and add, Oil of hemlock, 1 oz. Oil of cedar, 1 oz. Oil of golden rod, 1 oz. Shake up before using. These drops are very pow- erful, and are used only in obstinate cases. Useful for rheumatic pains, and indurated swellings, &c. CATHARTICS. Cathartics, although necessary, and useful in the treatment of some diseases, require some caution in their use, as their indiscriminate use, has been attended with pernicious consequences. Within the last few year1. DISPENSATORY. * 329 their pernicious effects have become more apparent, and more generally acknowledged by distinguished physi- cians than at any former period. There are not many cases where any thing more active than the laxative bit- ter tonic is needed; but when cathartics are indicated, the mildest preparations that will answer ought to be used, as there is no other indication in the treatment of disease, whose fulfilment, has as great a tendency to pros- trate the system, and impair the energy of the living power. For the simple articles of this class, see "cathartics" in materia medica, where you will find them described, with the method of preparing and. using them. REED'S ANTIBILIOUS PILLS. Take of, Gamboge, 2 oz. Blood root, ■■■>, 2 oz. Lobelia seeds^ 1 oz. Cayenne, 2 drachms, Rhubarb, 4 drachms, Pearlash, 1 drachm. "All made fine, sifted, and mixed. Bring to a pro- per consistence for making into pills, by adding sirup, of buck thorn or butter-nut. After making, roll them in pulverized golden seal." Dr. Reed says, "These pills may be used either as a puke or a purge. Take one every hour till they purge; take four at a time, and they will puke, sweat, and pro- duce a free discharge of urine." CATHARTIC PILLS. Take of, Black root, 6 oz« Blood root, 4 oz- 2 A* 330 DISPENSAT0R5T.- BiUerroot, 4 oz. Lobelia seeds, 2 oz. Gamboge, 4 oz. Cayenne, 1 oz. Pulverize all the ingredients finely, sift or bolt, and mix them well together. Bring them to a proper consis- tence to form into pills, by adding melasses. When made into pills, roll them in finely pulverized bayberry. Dose, from three to five. ANOTHER FORMULA. Take of, Aloes, 4 oz, Blood root^ 4 oz. Gamboge, 4 oz. Lobelia seeds, 2 oz. Capsicum, \ oz. ".<«* Prepared, and used in the same Way, as the foregoing, HULL'S BILIOUS PHYSIC. Take of, Aloes, 8 oz. IVIace 1 oz. Myrrh, 1 oz. Cinnamon, 1 oz. Cloves, 1 oz. S ffroo, 1 oz. Ginger, 1 oz. Garden sun-flower, 4 oz. Pulverize all the articles separately, and then mix them together. Dose, a table-spoonful in warm water. This compound has acquired considerable celebrity for its efficacy in curing the bilious colic. DISPENSATORY. 331 HEPATIC PILLS. Take equal portions of the inner bark of butter-nut and common elder; boil them in a suitable quantity of water until all the strength is extracted; strain off, and boil down to the consistence of melasses, taking care not to burn or scorch it; then add enough ofblack root, and hepatic aloes, in equal portions, with a small portion of* cayenne to make it a proper consistence to make into ♦> pills. Dose, from two to five;—Useful for complaint^** of the liver. BUTTERNUT SIRUP. Take any desired quantity of the fresh bruised inner bark of the butternut, and boil it fifteen minutes in a suit- able quantity of water; then pour off the decoction, and add a fresh portion of water and boil again;—pour off and add the two boilings together. For each gallon of the decoction add the whites of six eggs well beaten; put it to boil again, carefully skimming off, and pour it into a tin vessel, and put the vessel in a kettle of water, and boil it down to the consistence of melasses; add to each gallon two quarts of melasses, and one quart of diapho- retic tincture; then bottle up for use. Dose, from one to two table-spoonsful;—'useful in most cases where cathartics are indicated. CATHARTIC TINCTURE. Take of, Bitter root, Flower de luce, green root. Proof spirits, Pulverize the solid articles, and add the spirits- digest sixor eight days. Dose, from one to two table- spoonsful. Useful to prevent puking, and operate on 4 oz. 2 oz. 1 quart. i 332 DISPENSATORY. the bowels, in what is called the milk sick; also valua- ble for the ague. BUNNELL'S ANT1BILIOUS PILLS. Take of, ?tfandrake root, 8 oz. Gamboge, 8 oz. 4 Blood root, 4 oz. *** Lobelia seeds, 4 oz. Pulverize all the articles finely, sift or bolt, and mix them thoroughly. Bring the powders to a proper con- sistence to form pills by adding melasses. Dose, from two t^five. These pills are useful in diarrhea, dysentery, rheu- matism,jaundice, female obstructions, &c. For chron- ic complaints the dose should be increased so as to operate as a brisk purges about once every third day, and on the intermediate days two a day will be enough; but if purg- ing the patient weakens him much it is an indication that you should not repeat the purge. PURGATIVE SIRUP. Take of, Wnite walnut, inner bark of the root, 2 lbs. Common elder, bark of the root, 1 lb. Dog-wood, bark of the root, 1 lb. Boi! all these together in water, until the strength is extracted; strain the decoction, and put it into a tin ves- sel, which you must set in a kettle of water, and boil it- down to the consistence of melasse.-.; then for e.ach quart add a half pint of melasses, and a half pint of the diapho-f J retic tincture: bottle up for use. Dose, from one to two ■ table-spoonsful. This is a very active purge; and must be used with some caution. It generally gives imme- diate relief to cramp, bilious colics, and for worms, par- ticularly for the tape worm, it is good. DISPENSATORY. 333 CARMINATIVES. Medicines of this class are employed to expel wind from the stomach, and give relief in flatulent colics. The simple articles recommended, and used for this pur- pose, are, colic root, rich weed, asafetida, blue cohosh, star root, white ginger, chamomile, evan root, catnip, oil of peppermint, oil of spicebush berries, oil of cinnamon. CARMINATIVE TINCTURE. Take of, Colic root,. 2 oz. White ginger, 2 oz. Blue cohosh, 2 oz. Lady's slipper, 2 oz. Si;i root, 2 oz. Cloves, 1 oz. Oil of peppermint,. 2 dr'hms, Alcohol, 1 quart. Reduce all the solid ingredients to a fine powder, then add the oil and alcohol: djgest ten clays in a hot sun heat, shaking two or three times every day; then strain or filter, and bottle up for use.. Dose, from half to a whole table-spoonful, on sugar. This tincture is val- uable for flatulent colics, pains in the stomach or bowels. CARMINATIVE DECOCTION. Take of, Peppermint plant,. , . 4 oz. Chamomile plant, ' 4 oz. May weed plant, J 4 oz. Columboroot, V . 4 oz* Pennyroyal plant, , * °7" Catnip plant, 4 oz- Lady's slipper root, 4 oz* f 3<$4 mspbnsatobV. ^ Evan root, 4 oz. Rich weed, 4 oz. Pulverize all the ingredients, and pat them info two gallons of water; b»U doVi to three quarts;—then strain out the decoction, and add one quart of diaphoret- ic tinqture. Dose, from a tea-spoonful to a table-spoon- ful, re'p :ited as circumstances may require until relief be obtained. , This decoct ion is'good for flatulent colics, pjiins in the stomach, and bowels.' COLIC DROPS . 'T*keof, White ginger, 2 oz. iCiiui'imon, 2 oz. Ciove3, 2 oz. Colic root, 2 oz. Slav root, . 2 oz. Gumramphor, 1 oz. Oil of peppermint, \ oz. Oil of lavender, A \ oz. Alcohol, 3 piuts. Finely pulverize all the solid articles, and then add the oils, and alcohol: digest eight or ten days in a hot sun heat, shaking it several times a day; then strain or filter, and bottle up for use. Dose, from one to two tea-spoonsful, repeated if circumstances require. Use- ful for the same purposes, that the two foregoing are. COLIC MIXTURE. Take of, Oil of aiiise, • 2 drachms, Oil of lavender, 2 " Oil of peppermint, 2 " Oil of cinnamon, Diaphoretic tincture, 1| pints,. Tincture of Lady's .slipper,. i a. 2. dispensatory.' 335 Mix, and bottle for use. Dose, from a half to a tea- spoonful. Good for flatulence, colic, pajns at the stom- ach and bowels: also good to relieve faintness, and sick- ness at the stomach. HYSTERIC DROPS'. Take of, Tincture of Lady's slipper, 4 oz. Tmcture of lobelia,. 4 oz.* Diaphoretic drops, 4 oz. Gum camphor, \ oz- Asafetida, ... b> \ oz- Oil of peppermint, l.-oz. Oil of anise, • ^ i oz« Mix, and bottle for use, shaking it every time before using. Dose, from a tea-spoonful to a table-spoonful. Useful for colic, pains at the stomach, and for hysterics, it is particularly valuable. NERVOUS COLIC DROPS. Take of, Dewberry brier root, i »»■ Burdock root, * J1'- , Lad\'s slipper root, 1 lb- White ash, inner bark, 1 lb. Sassafras, bark of the root, * jj>- Wild cherry, inner bark, 1 lb- Bruise all the articles, and put them into three gal- lons of water; boil down to one gallon; then strain through a flannel cloth, aud add one quart of diaphore - ic tincture. Dose, from one to four table spoonsful, three times a day, or oftener if necessary. 1 nw pre- paration is good for nervous colic, mght-niare, dysen- tery, &c; also good to cleanse the blood. 3S6 dispensatory. AROMATIC, CORDIALS, AND ESSENCES. These are pleasant drinks, often very grateful to sick: and this is their principal use, not being employed as active medical agents. ESSENCE OF ANISE. Take of, Oil of anise, • 2 oz. Alcohol, • % pint. ESSENCE OF PEPPERMINT. Take of, Oil of peppermint, 4 oz. Alcohol, 1 quart. ESSENCE OF CINNAMON. Take of, Oil of cinnamon, 3 oz. Alcohol, 1| pints. Other essences maybe made by observing the samerule. AROMATIC CORDIALS. Take of, Loaf sugar, ± ]0> Boiling water, 1 quart, Essence of peppermint, 4 oz. French or peach brandy, 1 pint. Let the sugar dissolve in the water, before you add the essence and spirit; then mix, and shake well together. dispensatory. 337 ANOTHER FORMULA. Take of, Loaf sugar, 1 lb. Essence of anise, 4 oz. Brandy, 1 pint, Boiling water, i quart. Cordials may be made with any of the essences, by observing the same proportions. COMPOUND AROMATIC CORDIAL. Take of, Tansey, 4 oz. Rue, 4 oz. Peach kernels pulverized, 4 oz. Boiling water, 4 quarts, Simmer down to three quarts; then strain off the de- coction, and add two pounds loaf sugar, eight ounces of the essence of peppermint, and four ounces of the es- sence of anise:—shake well together, and bottle for use. Dose, from one to three table-spoonsful, repeated as cir- cumstances may require. This preparation is good to improve the appetite in weak patieuts, and to promote recovery from fevers, after the disease has been remov- ed by proper remedies. DIAPHORETICS AND SUDORIFICS. Medicines of this class are employed to promote ppr- spiration: articles that produce copious perspiration are distinguished by the name of sudorifics. We shall, however, not notice this distinction, as both operate on the flame principle. This is a very important class of med- icines in the healing art, as no complaint in which there is morbid action, can be successfully treated without it. 2B 338 dispensatory. The compounds' given under this head are useful for colds, obstructions, and in the first attacks of any com- plaint, as they not only tend to promote perspiration, and thereby discharge the morbid matter, and clear out obstruction, but they also give tone and firmness to the muscular fibers, and strengthen and sustain the living power. It will be found useful to employ some diapho- retic during the time of administering an emetic, as their use during that operation not only renders it more easy and efficient, but prevents that prostration of the living power, which always follows that operation, where di- aphoretics are not used. Our diaphoretic powders may be employed in all cases where the "composition pow- ders" of Dr. Thomson, would be useful; and we hope it will not be considered disrespectful to that great med- ical reformer, if we say our composition is as good as the one he recommends, and perhaps a little better. For the simple articles of this class, the readar is refer- red to the class of diaphoretics in materia medica, where he will find them described, together with the method of administering, and the quantity for a dose. DIAPHORETIC POWDERS. Take of, Sumach, bark of the root, 1 lb. Butterfly root, 1 lb. Hemlock, inner bark, 1 lb. Bayberry. 1 lb. White ginger, 1 lb. Caraway 6eeds, lib. Seneka snake root, 1 lb. Cloves, 4 oz. African cayenne. 4 oz. Reduce all the articles to a fine powder, and bolt or sift theiu through a fine sieve, and then mix them thor- ough! y. Dose, one tea-spoonful in rot water; the pa- dispensatory. 339 tient may have it sweetened, if preferred in that way. For children give less according to the rule found in this book at the close of the compounds. For the sake of those who may not find it con- venient to get all the articles in one compound, we shall give several good formulas; and then you may use the one you find best, or the one for which you can find the^, ingredients most readily. [ANOTHER FORMULA. Take of, Bayberry, bark of the root, lib. Sumach, bark of the root, 1 lb. White ginger, 1 lb. Hemlock bark, 1 lb. Cayenne, 2 oz. Cloves, 2 oz. 'Fnely pulverized, bolted or sifted, and mixed as above. Dose, a tea-spoonful, in hot water, sweetened, ifprefered. ANOTHER FORMULA. Take of, Black snake root, 8 oz. Colic root, 8 oz. Bayberry, bark of the root, 1 lb. Ginger, pared, 1 lb. Hemjock bark, 1 lb. Cloves, 2 oz. Capsicum, 2 oz. Prepared and administered as above. ANOTHER FORMULA. Take of, Bayberry, bark of the root, 12 oz. Ginger, 8 oz' Hemlock bark, 4 oz. Cloves, ± oz* Cayenne, x oz- ^40 dispensatory. Prepared and administered as the first recipe directs. ANOTHER FORMULA. Take of, African cayenne, 4 oz. Cloves, 4 oz. Sassafras, bark of the root. 8 oz. Colic root, 8 oz. Witch hazel leaves, 8 oz. Sumach leaves, 8 oz. Ginger, 8 oz. Bayberry, 8 oz. Hemlock bark, 8 oz. > Lady's slipper, 8 oz. Golden seal, 8 oz. Red raspberry leaves, , 6 oz. White sumach, bark of the root, 8 oz. Reduce all the ingredients to a fine powder, bolt or sift, and mix thoroughly. Dose, a heaping tea-spoon- ful in a gill of hot water, drank as hot as can be borne. This compound not only promotes perspiration, but it is an excellent remedy for dysentery, diarrhea, &c. It may be remarked that all the compounds under this head are good for these complaints, but this is more particu- larly valuable. SUDORIFIC POWDERS. Take of, Bayberry, bark of the root, 1 lb. Lady's slipper root, 1 ]D> White ginger, t \[}[ Hemlock bark, 1 10# Cayenne, 8 oz' Cloves, 8 oz Reduce all the articles tea fine powder, and bolt or sift them through a fine seive. Dose, a tea-spoonful in hot water, drank as warm as can be borne. dispensatory. 84$ ANOTHER FORMULA. Take of, Seneka snake root, 8*oz. Hemlock bark, 8 oz. White ginger, 8 oz. Butterfly root, 8 oz. Bayberry, bark of the root, 8oz. Sassafras, bark of the root, 8oz. Cloves, 8 oz. Cayenne. 8 oz. Rattle root, 8oz. Lady's slipper root 1 lb. Prepared, and administered as the one above. This compound, and the one above, are the proper ones to use when copious perspiration is to be produced, or when the patient is in the vapor bath. ANOTHER FORMULA. Take of, Hemlock, inner bark, 4 oz'. Sassafras, bark of the root, 4 oz. Lady's slipper, 4 oz. May weed, 4 oz. Ginger, pared, 2 oz. Cayenne, 1 oz. Prepared, and administered as the foregoing formulas. This compound will be found a very useful one to use during the operation of an emetic. It will facilitate both the operation, and good effect of an emetic. SWEATING POWDERS. Take of, Hemlock, inner bark, 4 oz. Shell-bark hickory, ross or outside bark, 4 oz. Ginger, 4 oz. Sumach, bark of the root,- 4 oz.. 2 B* 342 dispensatory. Sassafras, bark of the root, 4 oz. Cayenne, 1 oz. Cloves, 1 oz. Reduce all the ingredients to a fine powder, and mix them thoroughly. This compound will be found a very good one £0 produce a free perspiration. DIAPHORETIC TINCTURE. Take of, Gum myrrh, lib. Peach kernels, 2 oz. Blue flag, green root, 1 oz. African cayenne, 1 oz. Alcohol, 4 quarts. Pulverize all the solid ingredients, and add them to the alcohol:—the blue flag root being fresh, can only be bruised. Digest eight or ten days in a hot sun heat, shaking it two or three times a day. This tincture is not only valuable for its diaphoretic properties; but it is also good for colds, pains in the stomach, colic, head- ache, dysentery, diarrhea, internal inflammation, or mortifications, &c. Dose, from one to four tea-spoons- ful, repeated at discretion. ANOTHER FORMULA. Take of, Gum myrrh, 8 oz. Nutmeg, \ oz. Cayenne, f oz. \ Alcohol, 2 quarts. ** Reduce all the articles to a fine powder, and add them to the alcohol. Digest ten days, shaking it two or three times every day. Dose, from a tea-spoonful to a table- spoonful, repeated as often as circumstances require. Useful for the same purposes that the foregoing one is; dispensatory.. 343 and it may be added, that few articles of medicine, can be found of more general utility for family use, than the two above described tinctures. Where the bathing drops, described in this work are not at hand, either of these tinctures, make a valuable substitute, both in easing pain, or arresting mortification. DIAPHORETIC DROPS. Take of, Gum m\rrb, 8 oz. Blue flag root, fresh, 4 oz. Capsicum, 2 oz. Alcohol, 2 pints. Reduce the myrrh, and capsicum to a fine powder, and bruise the blue flag root well; then put them into the alcohol, and digest ten days in a hot sun heat, shaking it often, then strain or filter, and bottle up for use. Dose, from one to three tea-spoonsful, repeated as often as the case may require. This preparation is stronger than either of the foregoing, and is to be used in the more obstinate cases, where the others prove too weak. DIURETICS. Articlks of this class are employed to promote an in- creased discharge of urine, and are valuable in the treat- ment of dropsy, gravel, stranguary, &c. The simple articles recommended, for these complaints, may be found under the head of Diuretics in materia medica, to which we refer the reader for a description of them, to- gether with the method of preparing and using them. DIURETIC POWDERS. Take of, Golden rod, Queen of the meadow, 4 oz. 4 oz.. 344 dispensatory. Spearmint, 4 oz. Dwarf elder bark 4 oz. Bitter root, 4 oz. Burdock root, 4 oz. Egg shells, browned,- 2 oz. Reduce all these articles to a fine powder, and sift them through a very fine sieve; and then bottle them up to preserve them from the air. Dose, a tea-spoonful in hot water, or in a tea of water-melon seeds, three times a day. Useful to relieve suppressions of urine, and increase its discharge; also good to carry off the dropsical fluid from the body. ANOTHER FORMULA. Take of, Wild potatoe, 6 oz. 'Parsley, 6 oz. Horse radish, 4 oz. Yellow parilla, 4 oz. Agrimony, 4 oz. Sweet elder, 6 oz. Milk weed, 4 oz. To be prepared and used in same manner that the one above is; and is useful for the same purposes. DIURETIC BEER. Take of, Juice of elder berries,, 1 quart. Sweet cider, 1 quart, Honey, 1 pint, Yeast, 1 gin? Pour all these articles together, and shake them un- til thoroughly mixed; let it stand until it ferments, tben< add 4 oz. of the essence of golden rod, 4 oz. of the es- dispensatory. 315* sence of winter-green, 4 oz. of the essence of juniper berries, and one pint of Holland gin.—Mix all well to- gether, and bottle up for use. Dose, from one to two table-spoonsful, three times per day. Useful in drop- sies, gravel, suppression of urine, &c. DIURETIC SIRUP. Take of, i,,,.yL • Black snake root, ; 12 oz. Horse radish root, 12 oz. Elder bark, 12 oz. . Golden rod, 12 oz. Ashes of summer grape-vine root, 8 oz. Pulverize the solid ingredients, then add two gallons of cider;—boil down to one, then strain on* the decoction, and add one quart of melasses, and one quart of Hoi- la«d gin. Shake it well together, and bottle up for use.. Dose, from half a gill to a whole one, two" or three times a day. ANOTHER FORMULA. Take of, Sour-wood leaves, 12 lbs. Wild cherry leaves, 6 lbs. Black suake root, 1 lb. Add water enough to cover all the articles, and boil them until the strength is extracted; then strain and boil down to two gallons; then add two quarts of melasses, and one quart of Holland gin; mix well; simmer a few minutes, and bottle up for use. Dose, one gill three times per day, increasing as the patientcan bear it. Use- ful for dropsy, suppressions of urine, yaws, pleurisy, and tie like;'it U also a good tonic to use in recoveries from fever and ague. 346 dispensatory. DIURETIC CORDIAL. Take of, Burdock root, 8 oz. Horse radish, 8 oz. Parsley, 8 oz. Water-melon seeds, 8 oz. Spearmint, 8 oz. Yellow parilla, root, 8 oz. Queeu of the meadow, 8 oz. Juniper berries, 8 oz. Elder bark, 8 oz. Bruise all the ingredients well, then add four gallons of water and boil down to two; strain off the decoction, and add, one gallon of melasses, one half gallon of Hol- land gin, two ounces of the essence of golden rod, two oz. essence of anise. Mix, and shake well together, and bottle up for use. Dose, half a gjU twice a day, increasing in a few days to three times per day. ASPARAGUS INFUSION. Steep the bruised roots of asparagus in cold water, and drink of it frequently through the course of the day. This simple as it may appear, if continued a few days, is an effectual remedy for stranguary.—[I. S.~] Take of, TINCTURE FOR GRAVEL. Juice of red onions, 1 pint, Juice of horse-mint plant, 1 pint, Holland gin, 1 pint. This is a most valuable remedy for gravel, often ef- fing a cure when other celebrated remedies have fail' ; and it always gives relief, even in those obstinate ^es, where it can, not effect a thorough cure.. dispensatory. 347 HYDRAGOGUE TINCTURE, Take of, Bark of sweet elder, lib. Good wine, 1 gallon Simmer one hour; strain and bottle up for use. Dose, a wine-glassful three or four times a day. This tinc- ture is usefully administered is dropsical affections, par- ticularly iu abdominal dropsy, or ascites. It has cur- ed many without any other ingredient.—\A. Practice.] DIURETIC DECOCTION. Take of, Golden rod plant, lib. Wild potatoe, 1 lb. Elder bark, 1 lb. Cider, 6 quarts. Bruise, or pulverize the solid ingredients, and then put them into the cider, and boil down to fonr quarts, strain, and bottle up for use. Dose, one gill, three times per day, increasing the dose after the first day or two, both in quantity and frequency. This decoction is a good diuretic, and is valuable in the treatment of gravel, dropsy, suppressions of urine, &c. ANOTHER FORMULA. ,Take of, . Rushes, the fresh plant, 1 lb. Water-melon seeds, \\h. Bruise both articles, and make a strong decoction in water, or cider. Dose, a half pint, three or four times a day. This is a powerful diuretic, and will be found very valuable in gravel, and in dropsical complaints. From the American Practice we transcribe the fol- lowing valuable recipe. 348 DISPENSATORY. ANOTHER FORMULA. Take of, Queen of the meadow roots, 2 pz. Milk weed, 2oz. Juniper berries, 2oz. Dwarf elder bark, 2oz. Spearmint, Wild carrot seeds, 2oz. 2 oz. Bruise all the articles well in a mortar, and make a strong decoction. Dose, a half pint, to be taken often through the day. Useful for gravel, dropsy, and sup- pressions of urine. . ANOTHER FORMULA. Take of, Roots of summer grape-vine, 8 oz. Roots of horse radiJh, 8 oz. , Roots of parsley, 8 oz. Smart weed, 8 oz. Water-melon seeds, 8 oz. Pumpkin seeds, 4 oz. Bruise all these articles well in a mortar, and then add four gallons of water; boil down to one: then strain, and add one quart of honey, and one quart of Holland gin. Dose, a gill, three times a day. Excellent for gravel, dropsy and the like. HEPATIC DIURETIC POWDERS. Take of, Hepatic alejcs, 2 oz. Egg-shells, dried brown, 4 oz. Spearmint plant, C oz. Reduce all these articles to a fine powder, and sift them through a fine seive or piece of nii-lin, mixing them thoioughly. Dose, from a tea to a l a hie-spoonful,-11 two or three times a day. This preparaiu.ii acts tffi- eiently in expelling the water from oropsical | atients, dispensatory. 349 and preventing the return of the disorder, after the drop- sical fluid has been expelled from the body. This med- icine is also a most valuable corrector of the biliary system; and as a remedy for that debilitated, and bloat- ed state of the system, that often follows the fever and ague, gravel, and some other complaints, it has but few equals, in the compass of remedies. EMETICS. Emetics are employed for the purpose of ejecting the contents of the stomach when they become morbid or noxious. The propriety of administering them in the treatment of disease, was discovered by the most satis- factory indications, in the infancy of the "healing art.7' More unanimity of sentiment, among medical writers of all ages, and of all schools, has obtained on this point, than on any other indication in the treatment of diseased some, however^, have approved of a recourse to it, often- er than others.. All physiologists, since the days of John Hunter, have admitted that the stomach is the cen- ter of sympathy to the whole system; and consequent- ly if the contents of the stomach become vitiated, they must prove hurtful to the whole system; and if suffered to remain in thai organ, in a morbid state, they must prove a fruitful Source of disease: and not only so, but no patient can be Restored to health, whilst his stomach is burdened with Vioxious matter. Should we attempt to remove this noxious matter from the stomach by means of cathartics, it will be exposed in its passage through the duodenum, and other parts of the intestinal canal, to the action of the ilacteals, which will invariably take up a portion of this morbid matter as it passes, and pour it into th- blood vessels, which will distribute it to all parts of the systems and thus a new.source of irritation, to the already diseased system, would be created. This would at once corrupt the vital stream, and poison the 2 C 350 dispensatory. whole mass of fluids, which must rapidly weaken the living power, and give disease a deeper, firmer hold on the system. But if we employ a proper emetic to eject the noxious contents of the stomach, none of these ob- jections lie against its use. The simple articles employed as emetics, the reader will find in materia medica under the head "emetics'*" to which place he is referred for a description of the method of preparing and using them. EMETIC WINE. Take of, Lobelia, dry plant pulverized, 8 oz. Maderia wine, 1 quart. Digest ten days in a hot sun heat, shaking two or three times a day. Dose, from a tea to arable-spoonful, repeated every ten or fifteen minutes, until vomiting be produced. EMETIC TINCTURE, ) Take of, / Lobelia, green herb bruised, j 8 oz. Alcohol, / i quart, Digest five or six days in a sun heat, shaking it every day. Dose, from a tea to a table-spoonful, repeated every ten or fifteen minutes until vomiting is produced. TINCTURE OF LOBELIA SEEDS. Take of, j Lobelia seeds, pulverized, I 5 oz. Alcohol, I i pint. Digest ten days in a sun heat, shaking it well every day. This is the strongest and most active preparation DISPENSATORY. 351 of the*lobelia. Dose, from a tea to a table-spoonful, re- peated every ten or fifteen minutes until vomiting is pro- duced. This preparation is intended only for grown persons, where active remedies are required. SIMPLE EMETIC POWDERS. Take of the pulverized lobelia, a tea-spoonful, repeated every ten or fifteen minutes until vomiting is produced. These powders must be taken in a warm tea of diaphoretic powders. Be careful not to put the powdered lobelia in the tea when it is hot enough to scald, or it will destroy all the virtue of the lobelia. When taking an emetic of any of the above prepara- tions of lobelia, the patient should drink freely of a tea of diaphoretic powders, pennyroyal, sassafras, or even w;'.i\ii water. This not only facilitates the operation of the emetic, but promotes its good effect, and aids in sustaining the living power;—this remark is particular- ly applicable to the use of the diaphoretic tea. Lobelia in any of its preparations, operates in a very salutary manner as an emetic, throwing off of the stom- ach whatever is noxious or morbid, and seldom anylflf thing else. And although its activity as an emetic, and its efficiency ia checking and subduing morbid action in the system, very often alarm persons not well acquaint- ed with its operation and effects, yet the sure lesson of experience authorizes us to say that it is a safe emetic, and one of the best in the compass of medicine. If the patient will drink copiously of the tea of diaphoretic powders during the time of his taking an emetic of lobe- lia, it does not produce that prostration of strength that usually follows the operation of mineral emetics. And it should be the practice of every physician to husband with nicest economy, the strength of his patients, to re- ject scrupulously, the use of such medicines as have a direct tendency to weaken the power of life; and to em. 352 DISPENSATORY. ploy only such as have a direct tendency to restore at? once a healthful action to the enfeebled, or obstructed organs of the Body. There are many articles of food thaf will satisfy hunger, although they may be neither very wholesome, or nourishing to the body; and so there are many articles of medicine that operate with safety as emetics, but will not all have the same salutary effect upon the system. No emetic, we have ever tried has an effect so powerful, and salutary in checking and sub- duing diseased action of every kind and removing ob- structions in any part of the system, as lobelia has. COMPOUND EMETIC POWDERS. Take of, Lobelia seeds, 6 oz. Sea ash, inner bark, 1 oz. Reduce both articles to a fine powder, and sift them through a very fine seive or piece of muslin, and mix thoroughly. Dose, a tea-spoonful, taken in warm water or tea, about milk warm, repeated every ten or fifteen r minutes, until vomiting is produced. This is a very safe, and valuable emetic. ANOTHER FORMULA. Take of, . Lobelia seeds, Cayenne, Lady's slipper root, Pulverize all the articles, and sift through a fine sieve,.» and then mix them well together. Dose, a heaping tea- spoonful, repeated every ten or fifteen minutes until vom- iting be produced. These powders are also to betaken in warm tea, or water as the above. This preparation is better adapted for persons liable to a cramp in the stoniu^h. 4 oz. 1 oz. 1 oz. DISPENSATORY. 3 • COMPOUND EMETIC TINCTURE. Take of, Lobelia seeds, 4 oz. Sea ash, inner bark, 1 oz. Lady's slipper root, 1 oz. Cayenne, 1 oz. Diaphoretic tincture, 1 quart. Pulverize all the solid ingredients, sift them through a fine sieve; then add the diaphoretic tincture:—Digest eight or ten days shaking it w ell every day. Dose, from a tea to a table-spoonful, repeated every five minutes, if the case be urgent, until vomiting be produced. This is to be used in cases of violent attacks of disease, or when poisons have been taken into the stomach, and in short, whenever active emetics are required. Shake it up every time before using. ANOTHER FORMULA.] Take of, Lobelia seeds, 4 oz. Cayenne, 1 oz. Lady's slipper, 1 oz. Pearl-ash, 1 oz. Diaphoretic tincture, 1 quart. Reduce all the solid articles to a fine powder, sift through a fine sieve; then add the tincture. Digest eight or ten days, snaking it well every day. Dose, from a tea to a table-spoonful, repeated every ten or fifteen minutes, until vomiting be produced. This pre- paration is a valuable emetic where the patient has a sour stomach. Shake well before using. ESCHAROTICS OR CAUSTICS. Eschabotics are articles that will corrode or des- rcy both the sound and unsound parts of the body. We, 2C* is 554 DISPENSATORY., however, disapprove entirely of the application of sub- stances of this kind to any but diseased, or fungous parts; and to these but seldom: it will therefore be unnecessary to give many receipts under this head. Mandrake, or may-apple root,, well dried and pulver- ized, is a good article to remove or destroy fungus or proud flesh, by sprinkling a little on once every two days. Soot is also good to remove proud flesh from wounds; ulcers, &c.—said to be much better than burnt alum. Mix a sufficient quantity of fine salt with the yolk of an egg to make it about the consistence of salve; and apply this to the affected part. VEGETABLE CAUSTIC : Take a quantity of ash-bark, while green, and burn it into ashes on a clean hearth. When the ashes have cooled, put them into a clean vessel of water; and boil them until they make a strong lye. Let the ashes set- tle and pour off the lye carefully; put it into a well scou- red pot, and boil it until reduced to the consistence of melases: then increase the heat until the vessel becomes nearly red hot, and keep it so until it begins to become dry; then take it off and stir it briskly until it crumbles. After it has become nearly cool, bottle up, and cork it with a bunch of tow or cotton. This preparation is an excellent caustic. ANOTHER. Make a strong lye of hickory, or oak ashes; put it into an iron kettle, and evaporate till dry;—pulverize and preserve it in closed vessels. Use,— This caustic is highly useful in the treatment dispensatory; 353 of fistulas, and indolent ulcers of every character. It removes fungous flesh without exciting any inflammation, and acts but little except on spongy or soft flesh. It is useful in cancers and in every case where a caustic is re- quired.—[American Practice.] EXPECTORANTS. Medicines of this class are employed for the purpose of loosening, and promoting the discharge of mucus, phlegm, &c. from the throat and lungs. For the sim- ple articles of this class, see "Expectorants"'\n materia medica. EXPECTORANT POWDERS. Take of, Lung-wort, 8 oz. Skunk cabbage root,, 4 oz. Star root, 4 oz. Rattle root, 4 oz. Lobelia seeds, < 4 oz. Cayenne, 2 oz. Finely pulverize all the ingredients, and bolt or sift them through a fine piece of muslin; and then mix them well together. Dose, from half to a tea-spoonful, taken in melasses or honey, two or three times per day. Use- ful in coughs, promoting a discharge of the phlegm or mucus from the throat and lungs. ANOTHER FORMULA. Tafce of, • Star root, 4 oz- Bitter root, * oz. Skunk cabbage root, ^ oz" Bayberry, bark of the root, J °Z' Indian turnip, 4 oz> 356 dispensatory. Lobelia seeds, 4 oz. Cayenne, 2 oz. Prepared and used as the above:—dose and use the same. ANOTHER FORMULA. Take of, Hoarhound, dry plant, 2 oz. Sage dry, 2 oz. Indian turnip, 2 oz. Columboroot, 2 oz. Elecampane, 2 oz. Lobelia seeds, 2 oz. Cayenne, 1 oz.. Method of preparing and using, the same as the above: —dose and use the same. ANOTHER FORMULA. Take of, Butterfly root, 4 oz. Bayberry, bark of the root, 4 oz. Bitter root, 2 oz. Lady's slipper, 2 oz. Capsicum, 1 oz. Prepared and used as the foregoing:—dose and use the same. COUGH DROPS. The simple tincture of lobelia, is for most cases, very valuable for coughs, taken in doses of a tea-spoonful; and for asthmatic complaints we have never found its equal. COMPOUND COUGH DROPS, Take of, Tincture of lobelia; 1 pint, DISPENSATORY. 357 Diaphoretic tincture, i a Tincture of lady's slipper, 1 s-\\\t Mix, and shake it well together. Dose, a tea-spoon- ful, repeated every hour or two if necessary. Useful for coughs, phthisics, &c. EXPECTORANT SIRUP. *■■■'■ Take of, Star root, 8 oz. Spikenard root, 8 oz. Lung-wort, 8 oz. Elecampane, 8 oz., Colt's-foot, roots and tops, 8 oz. Rattle root, 8 oz. Bitter root, 8 oz. Bruise all the articles well, and boil them in three gallons of water, down to six quarts; strain off the de- coction, ami aidd four quarts of good honey and two quarts diaphoretic tiucture and bottle up for use. Dose, a table-spoonful three limes a clay. Useful for coughs, consumptions, and all complaints of the lungs. ANOTHER FORMULA. Take of, Lung-wort, 8 oz.. Spikenard root, 8 oz. Caraway seeds, 8 oz. Hoarhound, 8 oz. Liquorice rpot, 8oz. Cayenne, 2 oz. Bruise all the articles, and boil them in two gallons of water, clown to one; strain off the decoction; then add four pounds brown sugar and two quarts of French* brandy; simmer until the sugar is dissolved, aud then bottle up for use. Dose, from a half to a table-spoon- 358 DISPENSATORY. f il three times a day. Useful for coughs, consumptions, and complaints of the lungs generally. ANOTHER FORMULA. Take of, Best vinegar, 1 gill Good honey, 1 " Pure water, 1 " Fresh butter, 2 oz. Cayenne, c 1 oz. Mix all the ingredients together, and simmer a few minutes, and it is ready for use. Dose, one table-spoon- ful, taken warm, three times per day, or oftener if neces- sary. Valuable for coughs;—if taken just before going to bed, it generally relieves a troublesome cough, secu- ring a good nights rest:—if not, repeat the dose. ANOTHER FORMULA. Take of, Pleurisy root, 4 oz. Stsr root, 4 oz# Lung-wort, 4 0z. Elecampane, 4 0z. Spikenard, 4 oz# BayJberry root, 4 0z. Umbil root, 4 oz# .Liquorice root, 4 oz. Capsicum, 2 oz. Bruise all the articles, and boil them in three gallons of water down to one; strain off the decoction, and add four'pounds brown sugar, and one quart of the tincture of lobelia, then bottle up for use. Dose, from one to four tea-spoonsful, three times per day. Useful for coughs, phthisics, and complaints of the lungs generally/ DISPENSATORY. 359 HONEY Take of, Common beets, Spikenard roots, Hoarhound, plant, Elecampane, Add water enough to boil them until the strength is extracted; strain off the decoction, and when cool add honey enough to make a good sirup. Dose, a spoonful several times a day. Useful for coughs, consumptions, &e.—[J. S.~\ ONION SIRUP. Take any desired quantity of onions, and roast them in the fire; then peel off the outside, press out thejuice, and sweeten with honey, melasses, or sugar. This sirup is excellent for colds, coughs, and complaints of the Jungs generally. Dose, from a tea to a table-spoon- ful, repeated at pleasure.—\id.~] EYE WATERS. These are washes employed to remove inflammation from, or to heal sore eyes. EYE WATER. Take of, Witch hazel leaves, 1 oz. Golden seal, 1 oz. White sumach, bark of the root, 1 oz. Lady's slipper, 1 oz. Pulverize all the ingredients, and boil them in a quart of water down to one pint; strain off the decoction, and SIRUP. lib. 1 lb. lib. lib. 360 DISPENSATORY. add one gill of the tincture of lobelia, and bottle up for use. This may be applied to sore or iBflamed eyes, either by wetting the end of the finger with it and touch- ing it to the eye, or by dropping one drop in each eye. TONIC EYE WATER. Take of, ! Tincture of lobelia, 1 oz. Decoction of golden seal, 1 oz. Docoction of sumach, bark of the root, 1 oz. ixed, and shaken well together, and applied as e directed. CHRONIC EYE WATER. Take of, Gum myrrh, 1 oz. Lady's slipper, 1 oz. Lobelia seeds, 1 oz. Camphor, 1 drachm, Cloves, 1 drachm, Loaf sugar, 4 oz. Alcohol, 1 pint. Pulverize all the solid articles finely, and digest them in the alcohol ten days in a sun heat. When this tinc- ture is used, put a small portion of it in an equal quanti- ty of new milk, and apply it to the eye, as above directed. INFUSION FOR SORE EYES. Take of, Pith of sassafras, \ oz. Pure water, 1 gill. Infuse i wo or three hours, and it will be ready for use. Wash the ryes with this infusion several times a day. This wa^* \s particularly useful for inflammatory sore eyes. t DISPENSATORY. 361 INJECTIONS OR CLYSTERS. Although the propriety of employing injections in the treatment of disease, appears to have been discover- ed in the infancy of the "healing art;" yet their great virtue seems generally to be but imperfectly appreciated by the gentlemen of the Faculty. And in most cases, where they have recommended their use, comparatively small benefit has been derived from them, being usually composed of inert materials. The prevailing opinion heretofore, with a few exceptions, has been that injec- tions, were only indicated in obstinately costive states of the intestines; and it was generally deemed a matter of small importance of what materials they were com- posed. But experiments of the most satisfactory kind, have shown by the most indubitable results, that medi- cated injections, may be employed with the greatest suc- cess in most obstinate, or violent complaints. In ob- stinate costive habits, aud in fevers, particularly those of the typhoid type, the necessary evacuation of excre^ mentitious matter from the intestines, can be procured, by the use of properly medicated injections, with a much greater salutary effect, than by the employment of inju- rious laxatives, or debilitating purgatives. In inflam- mations, or mortifications either of the bowels or of the womb, no method of administering medicine can so read- ily and effectually, give entire relief, as administering the proper medicines by injections; and we doubt not that hundreds have lingered long, and perhaps died, for want of a few injections. In cases of suspended animation, either from drowning or any other cause, warm, stimulating injections have a most powerful and salutary effect, in connection with other means, to res- tore animation, as the intestines are known to be more susceptible of impression than any other organ within the immediate reach of medicine. Clysters or injections are perfectly safe in all caeee» and if properly prepared, will have a good effect in all violent complaints; and it may be added that so irapor- 2D 362 DISPENSATORY. tant and valuable are they, that it would be better to uge them a dozen times, When not needed, as to neglect them once when they are. When the patient can not swal- low, or can not retain on the stomach, either food or medicine, which is sometimes the case, both food and medicine, may be administered by injections. Where injections are employed to give nourishment to the sys- tem, they should be composed of rich broths or nourish- ing soups; and the patient should retain them as long as possible, that the absorbents may take up the nutri- tious particles. Any medicine, that would be proper to give by the mouth, may be given by injection, when the patient cannot swallow it. A pewter syringe is perhaps the most convenient in- strument forgiving an injection, though a bladder and a quill, may be substituted. Every family would do well to furnish themselves with a syringe. .The use of the syringe is so readily understood, when seen, that we deem it unecessary to give any directions about the method of using one. STIMULATING INJECTION. Take of, Diaphoretic powders, 2 drachm?, Diaphoretic tincture, 4 drachms, Hot water, , 1 pint. Pour the hot water on the powders, let it stand a few minutes, until the strength is extracted, and the powders settled; pour it off gently, leaving the grounds, then add the tincture, and when about milk warm, it is ready to be administered. Useful to stimulate the bowels when inactive; and is a valuable clyster to take when the pa- tient is ready to go into the vapor bath: a valuable aux- iliary to promote perspiration. DISPENSATORY. 363 STIMULATING TONIC CLYSTER. Take of, ;% Golden seal, %:' 2 drachms, Bayberry, 2 drachms, Diaphoretic tincture, 4 drachms, Hot water, 1 pint. x Prepared for administering as the foregoing one; and may be used for the same purpose:—it is however, bet- ter calculated to give tone and strength to the intestines, when relaxed and enfeebled;—also has some efficacy in checking inflammation of the bowels. ANTISEPTIC CLYSTER. Take of, Slippery elm, inner bark, 2 oz. Antiseptic tincture, I oz. Hot water, 1 pint- Steep the bark in the hot water until it becomes near- ly cool enough to administer, then pour off the water, ■ and add the tincture. This clyster is excellent for dys- entery % diarrhea, flux, &c; also valuable to arrest in- flammation of the bowels. ANOTHER FORMULA. Take of, Sumach, inner bark of the root, 2 drachms, Bavberry, bark of the root, 2 drachms, Lady's slipper, 2 drachms, Diaphoretic tincture, 4 drachms, Hot water, * Pint- Pulverize the solid ingredients, and steep them in the hot water until the strength is extracted; owv oil gently, and add the tincture. Valuable for the same purpose as the one above; also good to relieve spasms in the intestines. 364 DISPENSATORY* ANOTHER FORMUI A. Take of, Charcoal, prepared, t oz. Yeast, 2 oz. Sweet milk, 1 pint Mix, and shake well together; make the whole mass about milk warm, and it is ready to administer. Val- uable to prevent, or remove inflammations or mortifica- tions of the bowels. LAXATIVE CLYSTER. Take of, Diaphoretic powders, Butternut sirup, Diaphoretic tincture, Hot water, I oz. 1 oz. 1 oz. 1 pint. Steep the powders in the water until the strength, is extracted; pour off, and add the sirup and tincture. ALKALINE CLYSTER Take of, Bayberry, I oz. Pearl ash, | oz. Hot water, 1 pin This is an excellent clyster for fevers, particularly the nervous fever; also when the intestinal canal ben comes coated with mucus, or with any acrid matter. ASTRINGENT CLYSTER. Take of, Bayberry, J oz. Hemlock bark, | oz. DISPENSATORY. 365 Diaphoretic tincture, § oz. Hot water, * pint. Pulverize the solid ingredients, and then steep them in the hot water; pour off and add the tincture. LINIMENTS AND OINTMENTS. These are medicated preparations, of a softer and thinner consistence than salves, that are applied exter- nally, by frictions, and embrocations. Valuable pre- parations of this kind may be made to any desirable ex- tent; but we shall only give a few that we consider most valuable. OINTMENT FOR SCALDS OR BURNS. Take of, Spirits of turpentine, 1 oz. Sweet oil, * oz- Linseed oil, * oz- Pearl-ash water, A oz* Mix, and apply this ointment to a scald or burn, and w ill take out the fire, and remove inflammation. RELAXING OINTMENT, Take of, Plantain leaves, * oz- Black sumach, bark of the root, 2 oz. Stew thesn articles in hog's lard or fresh butter. This makes a m>M excellent ointme.it Tor hard or inflamed swellings. \ t « »erhaps one of the h^t simple remedies, we know of < • Mieve a caked and inflamed breast, 2D 366 DISPENSATORY. NERVE OINTMENT. Take of, May weed flowers, 4 oz. Catnip, 4oz- Smart weed,. 4 oz. Worm wood, 4 oz. Bear's foot root, 4 oz. Black sumach, bark of the root, 4 oz. Cayenne, 2 oz. Bruise all the ingredients well, then add three pounds of bear's oil if to be had, if not, any soft animal oil;— simmer three hours over a slow fire; then strain, and press out the oil. Valuable for sprains, bruises, tumors, hard swellings, and the like. DISCUTIENT OINTMENT. Take of, Smart weed, 8 oz. May weed,flovers, 8 oz. Hog's lard, lib. Bruise the solid articles well, and then add the lard, and simmer two or three hours; strain, and press out the oil. This ointment is useful for tumors, hard swel- lings, wens, and risings of almost every kind. WELL'S SCROFULOUS OINTMENT. Take of, Tobacco, best quality,., 1 oz. White ash moss, 4 oz. Soot, 4 oz. Hog's lard, 4 oz. Tir, 4 oz. Antispasmodic drops, 2 oz* DISPENSATORY^ 367 Boil the tobacco, moss, and soot, in two gallons down to one; then strain, and boil down to one quart; then add the lard and tar, and simmer over a fire of coals, down to a pint and a half, and then add the antispas- modic tincture, and stir till cool. This ointment is ap- plied to scrofulous ulcers, scald head, itch, and all dis- eases of the skin. GREEN OINTMENT. Take of, Tansey, Catnip, Hops, Worm-wood, i oz. 1 oz. 1 oz. 1 oz. Hoarhound, 1 oz. Bruise them and put them into a kettle; cover over with spirits and lard, and let it stand two weeks; then simmer a while and strain. Add of white turpentine, one tenth as much as the whole mass. This ointment is cooling, resolvent, relaxing and emollient. It is very useful in sprains, contusions, swellings, dislocations, contracted sinews, kc—[American Practice.} ITCH OINTMENT. Take of, Diaphoretic tincture, 4 oz. Spirits of turpentine, I oz- Balsam of fir, i oz- Sweet oil, 2 oz. Gum camphor, £ oz» Mix, and shake well together:—Useful for the itch, ITCH OINTMENT. Take of, Sweet gum wax, 2 0Zi 368 DISPENSATORY. Sweet oil, 4 oz. Balsam of fir, 1 oz. t Melt all the ingredients together, and it is^fit for use. ANOTHER FORMULA. Take of, Expressed juice of narrow dock,. 4 oz. Fresh butter, 4 oz. Simmer a few minutes and it is ready for use. VOLATILE LINIMENT. Take of. Sweet oil, 1 oz. Spirits of hartshorn, ± oz. Shake them well together. Moisten a piece of flan- nel with this liniment, and apply it to the throat, in the Inflammatory quinsy, renewing it every four or five hours, is a most efficacious remedy for that complaint, seldom failing to effect a cure.—[Botanic Physician.'] POULTICES OR CATAPLASMS. These are pulpy, or mucilaginous compounds appli- ed externally to tumors, ulcers, and inflamed parts; and are employed either to disperse tumors, promote sup- puration, or reduce inflammation. ANTISEPTIC POULTICE. Take of, Sweet milk, 1 pint, *****' Water, % « DISPENSATORY. 369 Cayenne, pulverized, 1 oz. Pearl-ash, 1 oz. Bayberry, pulverized, 2 oz. Put all the articles into an iron vessel; boil a few minutes, stirring it well at the same time. Then take equal parts of finely pulverized charcoal of hickory wood, and corn meal, and stir in until it becomes a prop- er consistence for a poultice. Spread it o:i a cloth, and when cool, wet it with the antiseptic tincture; then apply it'to the affected part, keeping the cloth wet with cold spring water, and keeping the patient in a gentle perspiration at.the same time. This poultice, with this treatment, is one of the most powerful antiseptic poultices, we have ever tried, and seldom fails to arrest mortifica- tions, of the most obstinate kind. DRUG POULTICE. Take the drugs of the antiseptic tincture, spread thera on a piece of cloth, wetting the poultice with bathing drops; apply it to the affected part, keeping it wet with cold spring water as fast as it dries, and renew the poul- tice once or twice a day* This poultice is valuable for strains, bruises, rheumatic pains, indolent ulcers, and risings of every kind, particularly the white swelling, if applied before matter is formed, it will put it back; but if matter is formed it will draw it to a head without much pain, and perform a cure without suffering the bone to become affected. ANTISEPTIC POULTICE. Take of, Wliite sumach, bark of the rout, Sassafras, bark of the root, Slippery elm, inner bark, Ginger, 4 oz. 4 oz. 4 oz. 2 oz. 370 DISPENSATORY. Pulverize all the ingredients, and mix them well to1' gether; boil it in sweet milk to the proper consistence for a poultice. Valuable for most kinds of foul ulcers, and it possesses the power of resisting mortification iu in si high degree. ASTRINGENT ELM POULTICE. Make a strong tea of hemlock bark, with a small por-* tion of ginger in it; then thicken with equal parts of elm bark, and crackers, both finely pulverized. This poul- tice will be found a valuable antiseptic, and is useful in most cases where such arc required. SUMACH POULTICE. Take of the inner bark of the root, of the white su- mach, finely pulverized, and boil it in sweet milk to the consistence of a poultice. This is a valuable poultice for wounds,'inflamed swellings, particularly inflamma- tions, and swellings iu the female breast, also good for those inflammations, and swellings, which affect the bone. CARROT POULTICE, Take of, Boiled carrots, well mashed, 1 lb. Flour, 1 oz. Butter, | oz. Mix them with as much warm water as to form a pulp. This will be found ayaluable application to ul- cerated sores and swellings, scrofulous sores of an irri- table kind, and many other inveterate ulcers.—American Practice. DISPENSATORY. 371 YEAST POULTICE, Take one pint of yeast, and thicken it with equal parts of charcoal and elm bark, both well pulverized. Val- uable for ulcers in a gangrenous or mortified condition. ALKALINE POULTICE. Take of lye, rather weak, heat it and thicken it with elm bark well pulverized. This poultice is valuable for inflammation of the breast, and other parts, for fel- ons, white swellings, wounds, fistulas, lock-jaw, &c. -[■a. p.] DISCUTIENT POULTICE. Make a strong tea of white oak bark, and thicken it with corn meal to the consistence of a poultice; apply it hot as it can be borne, and change it every two hours. —[E. Stedman.] PLASTERS AND SALVES. Plasters are applications made to weak, diseased •r ulcerated parts, designed to increase the tone and ^ac- tivity of the vessels and organs in the affected part, and thus promote a cure. Salves are applications made to ulcers, wounds, &c, to soothe and mollify the injured vessels, and the inflamed parts, and dispose them to heal by restoring a healthy action to the parts. ADHESIVE AND STRENGTHENING PLASTER. Take of, White turpentine, » lb, 372 DISPENSATORY. BeeVwaXj 8 oz. Balsam of fir, 8 oz. Diaphoretic tincture, 8 oz. Put all the articles into an earthen vessel, and simmer over a slow fire until the liquid is all evaporated. ANOTHER FORMULA. Take of, Turpentine, 1 lb. Mutton tallow, 8 oz. Salt butter, 8 oz. Balsam of fir, 8 oz. Bee's-wax, 8 oz. Camphor, 1 oz. Put all into an earthen vessel, and simmer until they become of a proper consistence for a plaster. These plasters are valuable for deep wounds, or cuts, as they will confine the edges together, which will greatly facil- itate their healing. Where the wound or ulcer is en- tirely covered by a plaster, small holes should be made through it, to permit the matter to escape. ANOTHER FORMULA. Take of, White resin, 3 lbs. Bee's-wax, 4 oz. Burgundy pitch, 4 oz. Mutton tallow, 4 oz. Melt all these articles together, and then add, Sweet oil, \ oz. Camphor, \ oz. West India rum, 1 gill, Oil of sassafras, \ oz. DISPENSATORY. 373 When the latter articles have been incorporated with the former, let the whole be poured into a vessel of water, and worked in the hands till cold. In some seasons,. and climates a little more resin, or a little more sweet •oil, is required, to make it of the right consistence. Useful for rheumatism, wounds, cuts, ulcers, &c.—[A. Practice.'] CANCER PLASTER. Take of, Red clover blossoms, 6 lbs. Poke leaves, 1 lb. Narrow dock, roots, and tops, 1 lb. Boil in water until the strength is extracted; strain and press out the liquid thoroughly; boil the decoction, ^taking great care to pre 'ent it from scorching, until it becomes of a proper consistence for a plaster. Valua- ble for cancerous ulcers. POKE CANCER PLASTER. Take any desired quantity of ripe poke berries, and press out the juice and dry ijt on pewter or glass plates, in the sun, until it becomes the consistence of a salve. Spread it on a piece of bladder or muslin, and apply it to the cancer. Tins plaster is reputed as an efficient remedy for ulcers of "the concerous kind. SORREL SALVE OR PLASTER. Take a quantity of the common sheep sorrel; bruise, and press out thejuice, and dry it on glass or pewter plates, in the sun, until it becomes of the proper consis- tence for a salve. Applied in the same way as the a- bove; and useful for the same purpose; it is, however, 2E 371 DISPENSATORY* a more powerful remedy. One or two plasters of this kind, has often performed a cure of what had been re^ garded as an obstinate cancer. CANCER BALSAM. Take of, Balsam of fir, 4 oz. Poke-berry plaster, 4 oz. Sorrel salve, 4 oz. Salt butter, 4 oz. Melt all together, and when cool, apply as above di< reeled:—use the same. HEALING SALVE. Take of, Balsam of fir, 1 lb. Salt butter, 1 lb. Mutton tallow, 1 lb. Bee's-wax, lib. Turpentine, 2 lbs Melt, and mix all well together, simmering over a fire of coals, in an iron vessel, one hour. Valuable for sores, wounds, ulcers, &c. disposing them to heal, by aiding the diseased or injured part to assume a healthy action. ANOTHER FORMULA. Take of, Sweet gum wax, 4 oz. Fresh butter, 4 oz. Balsam of fir, 4 oz. Bee's-wax^ 4 oz. Melt, and mix all well together by simmering over a fire of coals, one hour; strain through a strong cloth, and let it cool for use,—Use the same as the above. Dispensatory. 375 SUMACH SALVE. take of, White sumach, bark of the root, 2 lbs. Bear's foot root, 2 lbs. Bruise and boil until the strength is extracted; then strain off the decoction, and add one pound of mutton tallow, and one pound of fresh butter; then simmer down to a proper consistence for a salve. GREEN SALVE. Take of, Turpentine, h lb- Bay berry tallow, i lb. Dissolve together, and form info a salve; add sweet oil if necessary. Valuable for scrofulous ulcers.—[A. Practice.'] YELLOW SALVE. Take one half bushel of the roots of the Wild Indigo, and boil them until the strength is all extracted; strain the decoction, and again boil it skimming off what may rise to the top; add five pounds fresh butter, one pound/^.,. and a half of bee's-wax, and three fourths of a pounb^ of mutton tallow: then simmer until all the water is e- vaporated; s'rain through a strong cloth. This salve is useful for all kinds of ulcers;—it is cleansing, detergeniu and discutient.—[A. P.] FELON SALVE. Take of, Castile soap, Balsam of fir, 1 oz. 1 oz. 376 DISPENSATORY.. Table salt, 1' oz. Spirits of turpentine,, \ oz. Dissolve and mix together, and it is ready for use. This salve applied to the affected part, is good for felons, renewing it as often as it becomes dry. If this salve be applied before the matter forms it will prevent its for- mation; but if not applied until it forms, it will stop its progress, you must however, let the matter out, then the ulcer will heal. STYPTICS. These are articles applied to wounds, and other bleeding surfaces to stop the flow of blood. In the class of^astringents' in materia medica, the reader will find several articles valuable for this purpose. The follow- ing list contains the most valuable styptics, that are readily obtained, with which we are acquainted. Ckane'^ bill, dried and pulverized, and applied to the bleeding surface is a most powerful styptic; or it may be prepared and applied as directed in materia med- ica;—-see p^Vge 170. 'Sassafras leaves, chewed fine, and applied to the bleeding surface, is also said to be very valuable to stop. bleeding. V^-Bayjberry, finely pulverized, and applied to the bleed- Jag surface, I know Lorn experience to be excellent. May-apple root, tlried and pulverized, is recom- "•rvended by some, as bein/; good. Soot applied to a fresh cut is also said to be valuable to stop the flow of blood. *: *White oak, inner bark, dried and pulverized, is good for the same purpose. Red oak bark, used iu the same way, is also good. Burnt bone, pulverized, and applied to a cut or bleed* ing surface, has been recommended.by many as valuable. A decoction of hickory barb", of that kind termed dispensatory. 377 pignut, is highly recommended by Dr. Hough, and some others. MISCELLANEOUS RECIPES. Under this head, we shall present the reader with valuable recipes, for most complaints, most of which we have selectee! from various respectable authorities. VOLATILE EPITHEM, OR PLASTER. Take equal weights of common turpentine, and spirit of sal-amoniac, [hartshorn,] stir the turpentine in a mor- tar, and drop in the spirit gradually, till the whole is reduced into a white mass This composition is useful to invite the blood, and other humors to the external parts; as in palsy, and atrophy, or to any weak part.— [ Richard Carter of Ky.] CURE FOR CANCER. Get the young growth of red or black oak, and burn it on a clean hearth;—make a strong lye of the ashes, and after it is settled and strained, boil it down to a sub- limate, and apply a plaster of it to suit the cancer. This plaster must not stay on more than five minutes at a time. When the pain, produced by the application /of the plaster has subsided, tike off the plaster, cleanse out the bloml with asporig". and apply the second, third, and so ou until you judge it to be killed. Then cleanse it, and sprinkle'a little burnt alum on it, and fill up the sore, and apply a poultice made thus: Boil the inside bark of slipiif r'y elm in water, and thicken it with milk and flour. Renew this poultice three or four times per day, unti1 t'-.e cancer comes out by the roots. If the 2 E* 378 DISPENSATORY. cancer bleeds, apply some styptic to stop it. When the cancer has been taken out by the roots, jnake a mild salve of bee's-wax, sheep suet, and rosin and apply it once a day, continuing the same poultice above describ- ed, once a day also, until it heals.—[Idem.] RHEUMATIC TINCTURE. Take of, Bear's foot root, 4 oz. Gumguiacum, 2 oz. Rattle root, 2 oz. Juice of poke berries, 4 oz. French brandy, 2 quarts. Pulverize all the solid ingredients, and digest them ten days in the brandy, shaking it every day. Dose, one table-spoonful three times per day. Valuable for rheumatic complaints. RHEUMATIC DECOCTION. Take of,' Virginia snake root, 1 0z. White [line bark, 2 oz„ Burdock seeds, 2 oz. Prickly ash bark, 2 oz. ^Pulverize all the articles, and add a half gallon of water; boil down to three pints. Dose, a half pint, two or three times a day. This forms an excellent decoction in chronic rheumatism.—[American Practice.] $. CURE FOR BALDNESS. Take of, Lobelia seeds, 8 oz# French or peach brandy, 1 pint, Sweet oil, 1 a DISPENSATORY. 379 Put the pulverized seeds in a bottle, and then add the brandy and oil. Let it stand four or five days and it will be ready for use. Bathe the head once a day with this liquid and it will prevent the loos of hair; and in some instances it has restored it when lost.. CARMINATIVE DECOCTION. Take of, Dewberry brier roots, 4 oz. Burdock roots, 4 oz. Wild cherry, inner bark, 4 oz. Sassafras, inner bark, 4 oz. White ash, tops, 4 oz. Bruise all these articles well, and boil them in a gal- lon and a half of water down to three quarts; then add one pint of brandy, and one ounce of the oil of pepper- mint. Dose, a half gill three times per day. Valuable to cleanse and renew the blood; also good for nervous colic, night mare, dyspepsy, &c. FOR FITS. Take of, Mistletoe, of white oak, 4 oz. Star roots, 4 oz. , Rum, 1 e. Dose, a wine-glassful four times a clay, for a few dayS, then let the patient use some tonic medicines, a day or two, and again resume the use of the other. This is a most excellent remedy for dropsy. MIXTURE FOR CHOLERA. Take of, African cayenne, 1 oz. .;■ Xa/itJioxylon, 1 oz. Race ginger, 2 oz. Golden seal, 1 oz. ■Lany's slipper, 1 oz>. Hemlock bark, 1 oz. V Bayberry, loz. Pulverize all the articles, and put them in a small bag; Boil them in one gallon of water down to two quarts" then add, Orleans melasses, 1 gallon, ^DISPENSATORY. 3S3 Good 4th proof rum, | do. Tincture of myrrh, 3 pints. Mix well and bottle up for use.—Dose, one table- spoonful three or four times per day, or oftener, if cir- cumstances require it. Valuable for bowel complaints, as dysentery, diarrhea, &c. and if properly used in time is almost a certain preventative of the spasmodic chole- ra.— [Hixson.] FOR DEAFNESS. Take of, Peach kernels, pulverized, 1 oz. Fresh butter, 8 oz. Garlic, two small pieces. Stew all together slowly, stirring it well until it be- comes a pure oil; then strain off the oil. Drop a few drops of this oil in your ear, three or four times per day, for three or four weeks, keeping your ear well stopped with black wool, moistened with the same. This generally gives relief, where the deafness is not produced by some material defect in the organ. Persons quite deaf have been cured by this treatment. FOR CONVULSIONS. Take of, Angelica, 1 oz. Sassafras, bark of the root, 4 oz. Russian caster, 1 oz. Cinnamon bark, 1 oz. Jamaica rum, 1 quart Pulverize the solid articles, and put all into an oven covering it very close, and simmer it on embers, down one half. Dose, a table-spoonful three times a day. This course, continued for some length of time, the pa- tient living on light, nourishing diet, and avoiding ex- 384 DISPENSATORY. 4 posure in any way either to heat or cold, or fatigue, generally succeeds in effecting an entire cure of convul- sive fits. The patient should continue taking the med- icine for some time after the fits disappear, in order to guard against their return. CHOLERA SIRUP. Take of, Blue cohosh, 1 lb. Lad.}'s slipper, 1 lb. Golden seal, 1 lb. Bayberry, *• 1 lb. Hemlock bark, 1 lb. Cayenne, 4 oz. Finely pulverize all the articles, and boil them in four gallons of water down to six quarts, strain oft' the decoc- tion, and add of, Loaf sugar, 6 lbs. Antispasmodic tincture, 1 gallon. Mix well together, and bottle up for use. Dose, a table-spoonful, three or four times per day, or oftener if the case require. This sirup is good for dysentery, di- arrhea, &c; and in the early stages of the spasmodic cholera, if uved freely it, rarely fails to arrest its pro- gress, and effect an immediate cure. ANOTHER FORMULA. Take of, White sumach, 1 lb. Bayberry, 1 lb. Golden seal, 1 lb. Butternut, inner, green bark, 1 lb. Hemlock, inner bark, 1 lb. Lady's slipper root, lib. Cayenne, 2 oz. Pearlash, 2 oz. DISPENSATORY. 385 Pulverize all the ingredients, and boil them in four gallons of water down to one; then strain, and add four ■quarts melasses, and four quarts of antiseptic tincture, and bottle up lor use. Dose, from one to two table- spoonsful, two or three times a da}, or oftener if the nr gency of the case should require it. This sirup is val- uable for the same that the above one is recommended. TINCTURE OF MYRRH. Take of, Gum myrrh, 12 oz. Cayenne, . \ oz. Alcohol, 2 quarts. Pulverize all the solid articles, and digest them in the alcohol ten days in a sun heat; shaking and stirring it well every day; then let it settle, and pour off, and hot- tie up for use. Dose, from one to two tea-spoonsful, repeated as often as the case requires. This tincture h not of such general utility as a family medicine, as the one we have described, under the name of Diaphoretic tincture; yet there are some cases where it is better than the other, being a more powerful medicine to resist pu- trescency. FOR WHOOPING COUGH. Take of, Sweet oil, 1 gM> Honey, i Pint> Vinegar, i Pint* Simmer all together one half hour. Dose, a tea-spoon- ful or two, repeated as often as circumstances require. This preparation1 gives relief in the whooping cough. 2F 336 DISPENSATORY. FOR INFLUENZA. Take of, African cayenne, Good vinegar, Water, Honey or sugar, i oz. k piulf i piut, |lb. Mix, and simmer together fifteen minutes.—Dose, one table-spoonful, which will generally relieve the cough: if it becomes troublesome%gain repeat the dose, -h FOR DROPSY, GRAVEL, &c. Take of, Elder, bark of the root, 1 peck, Wild cherry, inner bark, 1 peck, Sassafras,' bark of the root, 2 pecks, Horse-radish roots, 4 pecks, Sarsaparilla, 4 pecks, ■Dog-wood, bar: of the root, 2 pecks, J)iy9j and finely pulverize all the articles; put them ' into a tiarrel, and add twenty gallons of boiling water; let it si:-nnd where it will keep warm until it works well,* .and settles;—pour off and strain; then boil down in an irou pot to. ten gallons;—keep it warm until it works, 4then boil dov. nfo five gallons—keep it warm till it works as above; boil down to one gallon, and let it work again.# By this time, this decoction has become very acid, and is valuable, for consumption, dropsy, gravel, epilepsy, palsy, fevers, pleurisy, and poison. Dose, a half table- spoonful to a table*spoonful. The use of this medicine daily, in the time of the prevalence of an epidemic, is a powerful security against its attack:—it is also a securi- ty against injury from the change of climate.—[if. C ,of Ky. dispensatory. 387 LAXATIVE TONIC. Take of, Rhubarb, pulverized, 2 oz. Sugar, 2 oz. Whiskey, 1 pint, Cinnamon, pulverized, 1 oz. This article is valuable for summer complaints among children, administered in small doses, often repeated. EMMENAGOGUE TINCTURE, Take of, Vervine roots, 1 lb. Sweet modley, lib. Camomile flowers, 1 oz. Elecampane roots, 4 oz. Brandy, 3 quarts. Pulverize all the solid articles, and digest them ten days in a hot sun heat, and it is ready for use. Dose, from half to a table-spoonful three times a day. This medicine is valuable to remove obstructions of the mens- es; but it is more particularly reputed for its efficacy in relieving after pains, child-bed fever, nervous colic, &c, -[«■ &] ' ____ FOR WHITE SWELLINGS. Take of, Water oak, inner bark, 4 oz. White pine, inner bark, 8 oz. Persimmon, inner bark, 6 oz. Sour dock roots, 6 oz- Elder, bark of the roots, 6 oz. Dewberry brier roots, 4 oz. Red oak, inner bark, 4 oz- Take all these articles in a green state, bruise them well, and boil them in water until the strength is extract- 388 DISBENSATORY. ed; then strai»,and*boil down slowly to the consistence- of tar. This-makes a salve both cleansing and healing, /or cancers, ulcers, sore legs,, white swellings, catarrhs, &c. If the ulcer to which you wishto apply this salve be hollow, dilute a little of it with water, and syringe •rio it, and also apply a plaster ofit externally.—[if. C] FOR CONTRACTED JOINTS. Take of, Bitter sweet, bark of the roots, 4 oz. Cayenne, 4 oz. Jamestown leaves, - 4 oz. Tansey, 4 oz. Camomile flowers, 2 oz. Horse radish roots, 8 oz. Pulverize, or bruise all these articles, and boil them in,water until their strength is extracted; strain the de- coction into a clean iron vessel,4 and add one quart ot rum, or proof whiskey, one pound of fresh butter, [un- salted,] a quart of red fishing worms, a pint of neat-foot oil, and a spoonful of saltpetre. Stew all together slow- ly until it becomes an oil; then bottle up in well stop- ped bottles. This ointment is valuable for rheumatic or sciatic pains, and to give elasticity to the muscles, sinews, &c. in cases of chronic contractions, and. stiff joints. RHEUMATIC OINTMENT. Take of, .»■ Mustard seed, * 4 oz. Cayenne, 4 oz. Sassafras, bark of the root, 4 oz. Camomile, flowers, 4 oz. Pulverize alt these, articles, .and boil them in wate; DISPENSATORY, 389 until the strength is extracted; strain the decoction into a clean iron vessel, and add of, Sweet oil, <' \ pint, Proof spirits, § pint, Fresh butter, 4 oz. Simmer these down slowly to an oil, and then add a half ounce of pennyroyal oil, stirring them all well to-, gether. This ointment is valuable for rheumatism, and' Sfor pains, generally; also for pleurisy, spasms, broken bones, and pains occasioned by mercury. It should be rubbed on warm, before a fire. RHEUMATIC LIQUID. Take of, Prickly ash bark, 4 oz. Unicorn root, 4 oz. Blood root, 4 oz. Sea ash bark, 4 oz. Bitter sweet, bark of the root, 6 oz. Rattle root, , 6 oz. Burdock roots, 6 oz. Bear's foot roots, 6 oz. French or peach brandy. 1 gallon. Pulverize all the solid articles, and digest them ten days in the brandy, in a hot sun heat; then filter and bottle up for use. Dose, one table-spoonful, three times per day. This is a valuable medicine to take internal- ly for rheumatism, while using externally some proper application, whether^ cataplasm, plaster, salve, or oint- ment. RHEUMATIC OINTMENT. Take of, Smart weed, 2 lbs. Skunk cabbage leaves,- 2- *bs- 2F* 390 DISPENSATORY* Cayenne, 4 oz. May weed, flowers, 8 oz. Hog's lard, 2 lbs. Bruise the solid articles, and stew them in the lard until the strength of the articles is extracted; then strain and press out the oil, and it is ready for use. Bathe the affected part twice a day, rubbing it in wtll at each bathing, then cover the part with a warm piece of flannel. ANOTHER FOR THE SAME. Take of, Bear's.foot roots, 2 lbs. Elder^ bark of the root, 2 lbs. Black sumach, bark of the root, 2 lbs. Young pine roots, 2 lbs. Cayenne, 8 oz. Pulverize or bruise all the articles, and boil them in water until the strength is extracted; strain the decoc- tion into a clean iron vessel, and then add, a quart of dog's oil, a pint of unsalted butter, a pint of red fishing worms, a pint of turky buzzard's oil, and an ounce asa- foetida;—stew all these slowly down to an oil, then let it cool, and add a vial of opodeldoc, and two ounces of the oil of hemlock; then stir all well together. This ointment has been successfully used for palsy, gout, rheumatism, stiff joints, deadnes or stiffness in the limbs, white swellings, pleurisy, &c. Rub this ointment on before the fire, bathing it in well, and then cover the af- fected part with warm flannel. Some people may affect a smile at some of the articles recommended in this re- cipe; but we were of the opinion that whatever is truly valuable to conquer disease, and secure health, ought to be known and used.—[if. C] VERMIFUGE POULTICE. Wormwood finely pulverized and made into a poul- tice with beefs gall, and applied externally to the na- vel of wormy children, will expel the worms. DISPENSATORY. 391 ANTISEPTIC POULTICE. Take two pounds of cat-tail flag roots; bruise them well, and boil them in two gallons of water down to one, then thicken with wheat bran to a proper consis- tence for a poultice. This poultice is good for bruises, strains, risings, and inflamed or mortifying parts. Pu- trid fevers, that seemed to defy the power of the usual remedies, readily yielded to proper internal remedies, by wrapping the patient up in the above poultice, made large enough to cover the whole body, and renewing it two or three times a day. ** CLEANSING BEER. Take equal parts of burdock, sarsapariila, and spike- nard roots, as much as can be boiled in six quarts of wa- ter; boil it down to two quarts; strain off, and when a little cooled, add a pint of melasses, or half a pound of sugar, with yeast enough to work or ferment it. As goon as the fermentation commences, begin to drink, and C3ntinue drinking freely until it is all drank; con- tinue making it fresh and drinking every day, until health is restored. This is a good article for purifying the blood, and may be used in all cases of vitiated humors. —[E. Stedman.] DOSES OF MEDICINE. The quantity of medicine to be taken at a dose, in this work is generally calculated for adults, unless otherwise stated. We add the following rule for graduating the dose for children. For a youth of 15 years old, the dose is about * of an adult's dose. For one of 10 years old, the dose is about I the dose ef a grown person. 392 dispensatory. For one ef 5 years old, about * the dose of a grown person. For one of 2 years old, about one sixth the quantity. For one of 1 year old, about one tenth the quantity. These doses however, will often have to be either en- larged or lessened according to the constitution of the patient, and the effects produced. The gieat object should be to give enough to produce the desired effect; and yet not to give more than is necessary. WEIGHTS AND MEASURES/ It will perhaps be necessary that we give a table of weights, and measures for the benefit of some of our readers. WEIGHTS. 20 grains, make 1 scruple, 3 scruples, " 1 drachm, 8 drachms, " 1 ounce. In general, one tea-spoonful of powdered roots, or barks, will make 20 grains or one scruple; some, how- ever, will make more, and some less, as some are spe- cifically heavier than others. WEIGHT OF FLUIDS. 1 fluid drachm, measures about a tea-spoonful. 3 fluid drachms, measure about a desert-spoonful. ' 5 fluid drachms, measure about a table-spoonful. 8 fluid drachms, or one ounce, is one fourth of a gilk' 4 fluid ounces, make a gill. 16 fluid ounces, make one pint. FLUID MEASURE 4 gills,-make 1 pint, 2 pints, '[ 1 quart? DISPENSATORY. 393' 4 quarts, " i gallon. Should any one wish to be exact about the quantities in compounding or administering medicines, he can pur- chase a graduated glass for measuring fluids, and small scales for weighing.solids. PART III. CONTAINING, A DESCRIPTION OF THE SYMPTOMS OF DISEASE, AND THE METHOD OF TREATMENT In giving a description of the symptoms of disease, or the various aspects under which it makes its appear- ance, we shall labor to do it in both a concise and com- prehensive manner, confining ourselves principally to those complaints which are most common iu our coun- try, and peculiar to our climate, leaving foreign diseases to the care of foreign physicians. Every family ought to be instructed in the method of curing their own mal- adies; and for this purpose we have endeavored to sim- plify the "healing art," so that any family, possess- ing an ordinary share of common sense, may become their own physician in most cases of disease, without the hazard of making the hold of disease stronger, or the power of life weaker. This security arises princi- pally from the safety, and efficacy of the remedies here- in recommended, and the simplicity of the method of preparing and administering them. As the term "course of medicine" will frequently oc- cur in the following part of this work, we shall here describe it in full. COURSE OF MEDICINE. Carrying a patient through a course of medicine, in- cludes the application of the *vapor bath9 to promote a fr*e 396 VAPOR BATH. perspiration; the administering of an emetic to cleanse the stomach; injections to evacuate the contents of the bowels, or the administering a cathartic to answer the same purpose. As the efficacy of each of ihese parts of the course of medicine, is more or less affected by the mauner in which it is done, we shall here describe each one under its proper head. VAPOR BATH. Practitioners have devised various methods for apply- ing the vapor bath; but we have recommended the fol- lowing simple method, because the means of effecting it are to be had in every family. First kindle up a good fire, into which throw six or eight rocks, and let them heat nearly to redness. Have a kettle of boiling water; and before the patient enters the bath, let him take two or three doses of some warm- ing or diaphoretic tea. A tea of diaphoretic powders is perhaps the best, which may be prepared thus; on a tea-spoonful of the powders pour about a third of a tea- cupful of boiling water, and when cooled enough to drink, take it at a dose; but if the diaphoretic powders are not at hand, any warm aromatic tea may be substituted, such as ginger, pepper, pennyroyal, mint, balm, &c. About a fourth of a tea-spoonful of cayenne, should be added to each dose of tea. This being done, proceed to ap- ply the vapor bath. If the patient is able to stand du- ring the process, the most convenient mode of applying it, is to strip him and wrap him in a blanket, letting the blanket reach the floor. Then put a pot or oven under the blanket, near the patient with one of the hot stones in it; then pour the hot water out of the kettle on the rock until it is about half covered. This will produce a lively steam, which being confined by the blanket, rises up about the patient, producing a free perspiration. When the rock becomes too cool to raise a lively steam, VAPOR BATH. 397 >turn it over, and when the other side becomes too cool, take it out, and supply its place with another hot rock; and when that one becomes too cool to keep up a lively steam, remove it also, and supply its place with another; thus continue until the patient has been long enough in the bath, which is usually, from ten to twenty minutes. But if he is not able to stand, let him sit in a chair, having his clothes off and a blanket or coverlet around him as above. In this case it will be best to have two ovens with rocks in them, one immediately before the patient and the other behind his chair, letting the blan- ket extend over each, and managing the rocks in both so as to keep up a lively steam, in the manner above directed. If the weather be cold, the patient should have his feet on a warm board, or what would be better in a vessel of warm water. It will be necessary when applying the vapor bath in this way, to place a chair, with the top leaning over toward the patient, immedi- ately before him, so as to support the blanket and keep it from laying immediately on the vessel containing the water: or if preferred, you may use a couple of small poles for this purpose, by tyiug the uper ends of them to the tops of the posts of the chair on which the patient is to sit. If at any time you should happen to make the steam too hot, temper it by raising the lower edge of the blanket, and letting in the cool air. Let the patient have a drink of cool water at any time he may desire it during the process of steaming. If the patient should become feeble or faint, before he has been long enough in the bath, give him a sup of cold water, and if that does not relieve him, pour a little on his head, or dash it in his face and bosom. Let the patient drink plenti- fully of the warm teas recommended above, during the whole time he is in the bath, as well as that directed be- fore he enters it; the observance of this direction is ne- cessary both to the greater efficacy of the bath, as well as to its greater safety, being less apt to make the patient sick, if the internal heat be kept up higher than the ex- ternal. 2G 398 VAPOR BATH. After the patient has been long enough in the steam or vapor bath, he should be hastily washed all over, and rubbed with a towel or cloth to cleanse the skin of the feculent matter that has been thrown on the surface of the skiu by transpiration; or the skin may be cleansed by wetting a cloth in vinegar and rubbing the body well all over with it:—in diseases, where putrescency is very prevalent, this last method is generally the best. This being done, the patient must be put immediately in a warm bed; and the perspiration must be kept up by giving him warm teas to drink; and by putting a warm rock wrapped in wet cloths to his feet. Ifthepatientbeunabletostandorsit,inthevaporbatb, it may be applied to him while in bed. To do this you must place the bed-clothes over the patient in such a manner as to let the vapor pass freely about the body of the patient, and then convey the vapor from the oven under the clothes. With proper care and attention, the patient may be sweated very well in this way; but it is neither as convenient, nor as valuable as the above described methods of standing or sitting. A person may also be sweated by placing warm rocks or bricks about him in the bed; and drinking freely of some diaphoretic teas. When a patient is sweated in this way, the rocks should always be wrapped in wet cloths to make the vapor moist; for a dry steam or vapor is not so valuable for sweating, as a moist one. Remember that in all cases, when you sweat a person to make him drink free- ly of some diaphoretic or sweating tea; for it is impor- tant to keep up the internal heat higher than the external, not only for the sake of keeping the patient from be<- coming faint or sick, but also for the sake of securing the greater benefit from the process. You would do well to mix a little of the diaphoretic tincture with the teas given to the patient during the process of receiving the vapor bath, or he may drink the tincture alone. Children may receive the benefit of the vapor bath by being held in the lap of some grown person, and let the blanket be around them both, giving them some warming TAP0R BATH. 399 teas to drink as above directed for adults. The person holding the child must judge of the temperature of the vapor; for you must recollect that a child can not bear as warm a bath as a grown person can. Although the value of the vapor bath, both in preven- ting disease, and in restoring health, was early known, and often recommended; yet their use had been much neglected in most countries, until their value was but lit- tle known. Dr. Thomson, the great reformer in the practice of medicine, has revived their use in the United States; and now, many are astonished, that a means so simple, safe, and efficient,, should be so little used by those who seemed to claim the exclusive right to cure men's diseases. Its neglect, however, is attributable to the fact, that the proud dignity of affected learning, can never deign to stoop down to the use of a means so simple that every patient can understand its use:—that would be rending the veil of mysticism, which learn- ing has ever contrived to throw around the 'healing art.' We have heretofore shown that disease proceeds from obstruction; that when the secretions and excretions do not progress with healthful activity, a diminution of the living power must be the necessary consequence; and that when perspiration is obstructed, or even retarded, the wheels of life become clogged with useless, morbid matter, which always proves a fruitful source of irrita- tion to the organs. As a necessary consequence, the fluids become thicker and more viscid. This prevents their circulation with the requisite facility through the capillary vessels; and this increases the load and op- pression, under which the struggling energies of life, are already laboring. This causes pain, soreness of the flesh, head-ache, lassitude, debility, aversion to mus- cular motion or exertion, &c: the surface of the muscles, and all the internal viscera, are not sufficiently moisten- ed with the fluids which soften and lubricate their sur- faces, as they are in a healthy state of the system. But the use of the vapor bath, acts as a stimulus, adding vigor to the living power; and attenuates or thins the various 400 VAPOR BATH; fluids, promoting the secretions and excretions, thus* the useless, worn out, morbid matter is thrown off, and all the functions assume their usual activity; and ;t healthy vigor regains its empire over the frail system. The testimony of many eminent men, and the practice of the Russians, and some other Europeans, might be adduced to show the efficacy and value of the vapor bath, in subduing disease and promoting health; but we deem it unnecessary at this place. The vapor bath may be advantageously used in most violent cases of disease; in all cases of cold and obstruc- \ tion; in all cases of fall and bruises it is a most certain remedy; incases of suspended animation it may be em- ployed with great advantage, by beginning with a very gentle steam, and pouring in diaphoretics to raise the internal heat; and minding to keep the internal heat the highest. Severe attacks of disease may be broken at 1 once by the proper use of the vapor bath. In general, the vapor bath should be followed by the- '. cold bath, wich is given by dashing on the shoulders about a half gallon of water; and then rubbing off the patient with a towel and putting him immediately in r„ warm bed. This part of the process does not feel Very , pleasant; but experience abundantly confirms its utility ..jj, It braces and strengthens the system; and if clone ex-" pertly does not check the perspiration. The use of the ' .. vapor bath is a great; preventative of siskness when so- a managed as not to let the person take cold after it by . cooling off too quick. If used once a week in low, f-ick- - ly countries, during the sickly season, ,and during the prevalence of an epidemic it would keep the system in ; such a healthy pure state, by throwing off the seeds of ^ disease, that there would be but little danger of an at- tack. The planters of the Southern states, who gener- ' ally have large families, would do well to have some '[ convenient place for receiving the vapor bath prepared, and then but little time would be lost in employing this ,' powerful means of preventing disease. The Russians Irave long employed the vapor bath with great success, i ADMINISTERING AN EMETIC. 401 as a preventative of disease. They always take the cold bath immediately after the vapor bath; then rub themselves dry, and go about their business. No pur- suasion whatever, could induce them to discontinue a practice from which they derive so much benefit; viz: security from the attacks of disease, and a healthy, vig- orous constitution. ADMINISTERING AN EMETIC. After the patient has come out of the vapor bath, and is placed in a warm bed it is then the proper time to ad- minister an emetic, if you intend taking him through a course of medicine. For emetics, we refer* the reader to that class, both in materia medica, and in the dispens- atory; but the lobelia in some of its preparations, is the article we would recomend as the best emetic. The pulverized seeds are commonly preferred, as being the most active. The necessary quantity to produce fall vomiting, varies in different individuals, and even for the same individual at different times. In most cases, however, you may begin by administering a half a tea- spoonful of the pulverized seeds in a half gill of warm water, or iu some diaphoretic tea, adding a tea-spoonful of cayenne, and a tea-spoonful of lady's slipper. After this is swallowed, drink freely of the tea of diaphoretic powders, or of a tea made of pennyroyal, mint, &c. or some warm aromatic tea. Repeat this dose every tea or fifteen minutes, increasing the quantity of lobelia each time, until vomiting be produced. In the class of eme- tics among the compounds, the reader can find directions how to prepare emetics; and if he should prefer them, he may use any one that is there recommended, for the purpose therein mentioned. Should the patient have a sour stomach, he ought to take an emetic of the kind recommnded in the dispensatory for that purpose; if he does not, the ordinary emetic will work slow and diffi- cult. The emetic should be. worked off by drinking, 2G* 402 ADMINISTERING INJECTIONS AND CATHARTICS. freely of some warm tea$ gruel, or even warm water:— this not only renders the operation easier, but more ef- fective also. The pulverized leaves and pods, may be given in the same manner as the seeds; but the dose must be-some- what larger. Begin with a heaping tea-spoonful, and repeat the dose every ten or fifteen minutes, increasing it every time, until vomiting be produced. Worked off as above directed. We deem it superfluous to add any- thing more on this subject, at this place, as- we have had occasion to speak of it, both in materia medica, and in the dispensatory. ADMINISTERING AN INJECTION Sometimes it is deemed expedient to administer an injection, after the patient comes out of the vapor bath, before administering an emetic; but in general, the prop- er time to do it, is after the emetic has operated. So much has been said about the preparation of injections, tinder the proper head in the dispensatory, that it would be entirely unnecessary to add any thing further at this place; and as to the method of administering, almost any old man or woman in the country knows enough about it to render a particular description of it unnecessary, so we shall refer the reader to the head injections, page 361, for any further information he may want on the subject. ADMINISTERING A CATHARTIC. Many practitioners deem it proper to give a cathartic to the patient in time to be done operatiug before, he en- ters the vapor bath. In some cases, as dropsies, liver complaints, jaundice &c, this course may be proper; but in most cases if a motion of the bowels be required, an injection will not only operate quicker, but will have THE COLD BATH. 403 a move salutary effect. It only requires a little experi- ence, on the subject to convince any one, that generally speaking, injections have a more salutary effect than ca- thartics; yet in'the face of these facts many practitioners, administer cathartics instead of injections. We pre- sume it is because the one is less troublesome than the other, and less an oS'ence against modesty; but should we stand ou punctilios when* the health and life of the patient is at stake! especially when no exposure is ne- cessary, and nothing to do, but what the friends of the patient can do. But if a cathartic be administered to open the bowels, and evacuate their contents, the patient, especially if feeble, shoild drink freely of some nourishing soup, broth, porridge or gruel, to sustain the powers of life, and prevent that exhaustion which most cathartics are apt to produce. As to the quantity and kind to be used, we refer the reader to what has been said on this sub- ject, both in materia metiica, and in the dispensatory. THE COLD BATH. Having mentioned the use of the cold bath in Our re- marks on the vapor bath, it would perhaps be improper tt) pass the subject without any further notice. The cold bath may be advantageously employed either topically or generally; and is applied either by pouring water on the body or some part of it, or by immersing the body in water and coming out immediately, and rubbingthe skin dry with a towel or coarse piece of cloth. The cold bath, properly applied, is a very considerable tonic and bracer of the system, tranquilizing nervous irritability, exhilirating the spirits and increasing the tone of all the organs. This is what renders its use after the vapor bath so advantageous. Many persons unacquainted with the effects of the cold bath, view its use after the vapor bath with great astonishment and even horror. 404 THE PULST!. But they may be assured that when expertly and prop- erly applied, it braces and strengthens the relaxed or- gans, restoring them to their proper tone, and operates as a preventative of taking cold. Topical bathing,, which means pouring cold water on some particular part of the body, is often used with great advantage in cases of head-ache, rheumatism, sprains, local inflammations, burns or scalds; in this last manfcioned case, it is gener- ally an eisy and infallible remedy, when properly man- aged;—for the proper management, see tburns ana* scalds" in the treatment. When a person uses the cold bath ia any form, either general or topical, and does not feel, immediately after being rubbed dry with a coarse towel, a pleasant glow and increase of heat, in the part bathed, it is an indication that the use of the cold bath will not benefit him; and its further use ought not to be continued, as injury instead of benefit would be likely to result from its use, under such circumstances. The want of room, will compel us to omit any more remarks on the method of employing the cold bath, or the bene- fits resulting from its use, at this place. TIIE PULSE. This is perhaps, the proper place to introduce a few remarks on the pulse, showing in some degree, how a knowledge of it, may assist in judging of the nature of the disease. By the pulse is meant the beating or throb- bing of an artery, which is occasioned by the motion of the heart in propelling the blood through them. In a healthy person, when not agitated in any way, this mo- tion is very regular; and amounts to more than four thousand motions in an hour. When the artery runs near the surface, as at the wrist, temple, fcc, its motions are very perceptible. The pulse indifferent persons varies, yet the usual standard of a healthy indication by the pulse, is from sixty-five to eighty stroke* in minuter REMARKS ON FEVER IN GENERAL. 405 —in children the motion is quicker; in aged persons it is slower and weaker. Exercise, or any of the enli- vening passions, as joy, hope, &c, increase the motion of the pulse; and fatigue, or any of the depressing pas- sions, as fear, grief, &c.rthe wantoffood, frequent stools, &c, diminish the motion of the pulse. In feeling the pulse, allowance must be made for these things. 1. When the artery resists the pressure of your fin- ger, feels full, and swells boldly under the pressure, it is called full, strong, tense pulse:—if slow and flutter- ing, it is called a weak irregular pulse. 2. When the artery feels like a tight drawn string, giv- ing considerable resistance to the pressure of your finger, *■" it is termed a hard, corded pulse. 3. When the pulse is soft and intermitting, it indicates great weakness of the system and a languid circulation. 4. Oppression of the stomach and bowels, or an agi- tation of the mind, often produces an intermitting pulse. A vibrating pulse, with quick, weak pulsations, indicata a dangerous state of disease; and is generally accompa- nied with difficult breathing, and a heavy languor of the eye. These remarks, connected with what will be said in the description of the symptoms of disease, are deem- ed sufficient to enable any one, so far as the pulse can , give any indications, to judge of the nature and stage of* the disease. REMARKS ON"'FEVER IN GENERAL. Fever and febrile diseases, from an early period down to the present day, have been the fruitful theme of j speculation. Theory has been piled on theory, nroposing to point out its causes both remote and proximate, and to explain its ffature:—system after system has been of- fered, proposing to cure it; yet febrile diseases continue to be the great outlet of human life, and are generally iu the hands of the 'faculty' as fatal as they were in the <&ys of Sydenham, Galen or Oullen. Says, Dr. Ho- 40G REMARKS on fever in general. sack, an eminent physician of the old school, "Eight out of nine of all who die, are cut off by febrile complaints." A convincing proof this, that however learnedly phi- losophy has endeavored to point out the proximate cause, that has still escaped detection; and however, ingenious- ly learning has prescribed her remedies, these remedies have still proved uncertain and ineffective in a great de- gree. Learned theories appear to have been the fatal ignis fatuus, that has so long mislead and bewildered the scientific and talented men that have turned their attention to the science of medicine. It was this that in- troduced systems of practice so contradictory, and so much at variance with the results of sound experience. We deem the general remarks, made in the first part of this work, in relation to the theory, and causes of disease, both predisposing and proximate, as being all that is necessary in a work of this kind; for it is not so much a knowledge of the theory of disease that people want, as a knowledge of a safe, certain, and effective means of curing it. Many who envied the success of the Thomsonian principles of practice, have labored very hard, both pub- lically and privately to turn Dr. Thomsons^ theory of disease in general, and that of fever in particular into ridicule; yet their puerile witticisms have neither made the Thomsonian practice unsuccessful, nor their own successful:—a few doses of envions, sarcastic witticisms, may do a well man to laugh at, but they utterly fail to relieve a sick man of his maladies. We do not entirely agree with Dr. Thomson in his theory of fever; yet we must acknowledge that his theory, whether correct or incorrect, does not materially affect the correctness and efficacy of his practice. He, as we have before remark- ed, first matured his practice; and then formed a theory, as he thought, agreeably to the prominent features of that practice. Aud if he should not have been as suc- cessful in theorizing, as he was in healing, it could have but little practical influence upon his system, as he had first discovered a safe, and efficient method of curing, AGUE AND FEVER, OR INTERMITTENT FEVER. 407 disease. And on viewing the almost universal efficacy of theThomsonian remedies inhis own hands, and his un- rivaled success in "battling death in its thousand forms," we are constrained to acknowledge the introduction of his system of practice, is one of the most important events of the age; and may be considered the greatest medical improvement ever offered to the world. As highly as we esteem Dr. Thomson as a medical reformer; yet we do not pretend that he has brought his system to the acme of perfection; for that would be more than could be expected from any reformer. He has however, as we think, discovered the true fountain of medical knowl- edge, whence the pure streams of the healing practice flow. It is our object in the present work to dig away a little of the rubbish, and try to clean out the channel a little wider, that these may flow a little clearer, and a lit- tle freer, and thus more people may partake of their healing virtues. AGUE AND FEVER, OR INTERMITTENT FEVER. Low marshy counteries and situations, particularly in warm climates, are frequently visited with this com- plaint. Its attacks are most common in the fall; .though it sometimes occurs at other seasons particularly in the spring. Agues are generally distinguished by names expres- sive of the periods of intermission between the fits. Those returning every twenty four hours, are called quotidians; those returning every other day, are called tertians; and those returning every third day, are termed quar- tans. Any thing that diminishes the living power, may bring on an attack of this disease, as breathing a noxious or vitiated atmosphere; great fatigue; living on diet not sufficiently nourishing; intemperance; grief; great anx- iety; exposure to cold; sleeping in low damp rooms, 408 AGUE AND FEVER, OR INTERMITTENT FEVER. or on damp beds; wearing damp clothes; long watching or the loss of sleep. Each paroxism of this fever is divided into three dif- ferent stages distinguished as the cold, the hot, and the sweating stage. The cold stage commonly commences with a feeling of languor, debility or weakness; an aver- sion to motion, and to food; frequent stretching and yawning. The face and extremeties become pale; the features shrunk; the skin over the whole body appears constricted or shriveled; and finally a cold chill comes on accompanied by a shivering or a shaking, which lasts ten or fifteen minutes, and sometimes longer; sensibili- ty becomes greatly impaired; the pulse small, frequent and often irregular; and the urine almost colorless. When the chill goes off, the second or hot stage comes on, with a sense of heat over the whole body, accompan- nied with rednesgof the face, a dry skin, increased thirst, pain in the head, throbbing in the temples, anxiety and restlessness; the respiration becomes fuller and freer, but is still frequent; the tongue furred; the pulse more regular, hard, and full; and frequently a delirium takes place, if the attack be severe, and {he blood determines to the head. In the commencement of the third stage, the intense heat begins to subside, and a moisture breaks out on the forehead, gradually extending over the whole body. As the perspiration increases^ the heat abates, the thirst diminishes, breathing becomes free and full, and most of the functionaries resume their ordinary state, and operation; but the patient is left in a weak and wearied condition. It may be remarked that the symptoms sometimes differ from those here laid down, evincing a more malignant form of the attack; and sometimes a milder one."1 These remarks, however, are deemed suf- ficient to distinguish this form of fever from any other. TREATMENT. Should the complaint be of a mild form, and the pa- tient be free from any other disease, commence by giving VGUE AND FEVER, OR INTERMITTENT FEVER. 409 a dose of the sudorific powders, three or four times a day, adding a tea-spoonful of the tincture of myrrh to each dose; also give a dose of the laxative bitters three times a day. This will tend to promote both the secre- tions and excretions, which will aid the different organs to regain a healthy action. At night, place at the feet, a warm rock, wrapped first in a wet cloth, with a dry one on the outside of it, giving at the sametime, a large dose of sudorific powders, with a tea-spoonful of diaphoretic tincture to promote perspiration, and increase the tone of the nervous system. Should this treatment fail, or should the attack be a severe one, employ a course of medicineimmediately. I generally commence the course of medicine, just before the chill and shake comes on; and I have never yet failed to effect an immediate cure. If the attack be a very severe one, it may require several courses of medicine to subdue itentirtly; but always take the patient through a course of medicine, as often as you do employ it, just before the paroxysm or fit comes on. In the intervals between the courses of medicine, let the patient use three or four times a day, a dose com- posed of equal parts of the astringent and bitter tonic, which will strengthen both the appetite and the system. You must exercise some discretion whether it be neces- sary to use the course of medicine every time, just be- fore, the chill comes on, or every other time. If the pa- tient can bear it. and the attack be violent, it will be (be speediest way to subdue the disease to carry him through. a course every time, just before the paroxysm comes o i; and if you happen to hit the right time in commencing the course, the patient will esraoe the fit that day, at least It have found itsoin every case that has come under my care. Should the patient complain of great pain in the head, accompanied with restlessness and anxiety, bathe the head with cold vinegar, or even cold water, and occasionally administer closes of m-rve powders. If this does not give relief, you must appl v the drug poul- tice to the feet; or if you can not get that, apply a poul- tice of mustard seeds, or you may apply wilted bur- 2H 410 BILIOUS OR REMITTENT FEVER. , dock or cabbage leaves. Keep up a gentle perspiration, and keep the bowels open by gentle aperients, or by lax- atives if necessary. BILIOUS OR REMITTENT FEVER. ? This fever is distinguished by the name of remittent, because its pnroxysms abate, but do not go entirely otF before afresh one ensues; and it has received the popu- lar name of bilious fever, because in most cases there appears to be an increased secretion of bile. Fevers of this kind are most commonly met with along streams, in the vicinity of marshes, and near stagnant waters. In warm climates where great heat and moisture rap- idly succeed each other, remittent fevers of a very ma- lignant character often make their appearance, and some- times prevail as an epidemic. Persons of relaxed hab- its, those who undergo great fatigue, breath an impure air, and use unwholesome diet, are most liable to the at- tacks of this disease. This fever is most prevalent in the latter part of the summer, and in the fall; but it of- ten makes its appearance in the spring. An attack of this fever is generally accompanied with the following symptoms;—A sense of heaviness ajid lan- guor, anxiety, pains in the head and back, a sense of heat over the whole body, with alternate chill*; the thirst becomes great; breathing difficult; the spirits de- jected; the tongue furred; the eyes and skin often appear yellow; the pulse is small and frequent. The situation, and constitution of the patient, season of the year, &c. vary the symptoms so much that it is nearly impossible to give a certain detail of them; but what is above said is deemed sufficient to enable a person of ordinary dis- cernment, to ascertain the presence of this kind of fever. TREATMENT. In mild attacks of this disease, when you feel the first approach of the symptoms, take immediate meas- BILIOUS OR REMITTENT FEVER. 411 ores to break the disease, and throw it off entirely. This can generally be done, by drinking freely of some diaphoretic tea, and coveringup in the bed, and apply- ing a warm rock to the feet to raise a copious perspira- tion; but if the stomach be foul, take an emetic also. * This course, if pursued in time, will rarely fail to save you of a spell of the fever. But if it should fail, meas- ures more active must be pursued. ^ Give the patient two or three doses of sudorific pow- ders, repeated at intervals of ten or fifteen minutes, to each of which you must add a tea-spoonful of the dia- phoretic tincture. While taking this, let the patient be placed in a warm bed, and have a warm rock placed at his feet to promote a free perspiration; and then give him an emetic of lobelia, making him drink plentifully of some diaphoretic tea to work it off, and promote per- spiration; then give a dose of the butternut sirup. If the fever is high and the skin very hot, wet the face, arms and legs' with vinegar, or even with cold water; and it someUmes becomes necessary to wet the whole body thus, still continuing the doses of the sudorific powders. The object of this course is to reduce the ex- ternal heat, and get the internal heat the highest; and there is then but little difficulty to subdue the disease. Simple as this means may appear, it has t3 my own knowledge a most powerful efficacy. There are but few attacks, of this kind of fever, that will not yield to this treatment. After the fever is broke, give the patient a dose, composed of equal portions of the astringent and bitter tonic powders, two or three times a day, for the purpose of restoring both the strength and appetite. Keep the bowels regulated with injections, or with doses of the butternut sirup. In cases that have run on so long without resort to the proper remedies, or in cases where the attack is so severe, that the above course will not subdue it, an im- mediate resort must be had to a full course of medicine. After it, give the astringent and bitter tonic powders, above recommended, two or three times a day: and if 412 INFLAMMATORY FEVER. the stools have a dark appearance, and a very disagree- able smell, give a purge of the butternut sirup* to cleanse the bowels. The patient would do well to drink a warm infusion of the slippery elm bark, during the op- eration of the sirup. Should there be any indication of a derangement of the biliary system, you should admin- ister something to regulate it, as the hepatic tincture, or powders, or some of the articles recommended, as correctors of the bile. This course of medicine must be repeated until the disease be subdued; and then con- tinue the use of the above recommended tonic powders until the strength of the patient be restored. Should there be any symptoms of the presence of nervous irrita- . ." tion, it may be allyed by a dose or two of the nerve pow- ders. If the patient complain of great pain in the head, it may be treated as recomended in the intermittent fever. Let the patient ^sard against a relapse, by cautiously avoiding fatigue, and exposure of any kind. Enough .. nourishing diet should be taken to sustain the living power; but let the patient guard against taking too much, as the craving of the appetite in a state of convalescence is by no means a criterion of the proper quantity. INFLAMMATORY FEVER. Inflammatory fever most commonly makes its attacks / upon the young and vigorous, who live sumptuously, ^ aud are of full habits. It ma;f be produced by exposure ! to cold, or by cooling off too suddenly when over heat- ed; by high living; by a free use of ardent spirits; by indulging the depressing passions; by obstruction of the * perspiration, or by the retention of the customary evac- uations. An attack of this fever is characterized by a sejise of lassitude and inactivity, with a wearied, restless feeling, succeeded by a chillness and pains in the head, back, and often in the whole body: the face becomes red; the INFLAMMATORY FEVER. 413 pulse quick, full and hard; the skin dry, and very hot; the thirst insatiable; the breathing difficult; nausea at the stomach; the eyes inflamed; the tongue furred on the top, and of a scarlet color on the sides; the urine is red, and voided in small quantities; and the bowels cos- tive. If .this disease be not checked immediately, h is often attended with fatal consequences. When the fe- ver runs very high producing delirium, attended with laborious breathing, a flushed, turged face, redeyes in- tolerant of the light, starting of the tendons, hickups cold clnmy sweats, and an involuntary discharge of tha urine, it is considered a very dangerous stage of the dis- ease, hardly curable. TREATMENT. In attacks of this fever, no time should be lost in re- sorting to efficient remedies for subduing it at once. This in general may be done effectually by the following treatmeut: Begin immediately to administer doses of the sudorific powders, at intervals of ten or fifteen min- utes, as the stomach can bear, and to each dose add a tea-spoonful of the antiseptic tincture. After two or three doses of the sudorific powders has been given, pre- pare the patient for the vapor bath, and take him through a full course of medicine. If the patient be able to sit up, strip him and put him on the chair as directed to ap- ply the vapor bath, having a vessel of water, warm as he can bear it to put his feet in:—this water would be better if a little red or white oak bark had been boiled in it, or even a small handful of salt may be. thrown in it. If the fever be very high, you will greatly promote the success of your treatment by reducing the fever or ex- ternal heat quite below the internal heat. This may be clone by wetting the face, arms, brest, and even the whole body, with cold vinegar, or if not to be had, with cold water iu which a little salt had been dissolved. Continue this wetting until the heat or fever isquite cool-- ed, minding to make the patient drink, plentifully of the 2-H* 414 NERVO-US, PUTRID, OR TYPHUS FEVER. sudorific or diaphoretic teas during the whole processs.' This being done apply the vapor bath, and carry the patient through a full course of medicine, using in the course an antiseptic injection. Repeat this course every day until tho fever is subdued, minding to keep up a gentle perspiration after the patient comes out of the bath; and administering three or four doses a day of the pstringent and bitter tonics to sustain the strength of your patient. When the fever is subdued by this course, continue the use of the astringent and bitter tonic, until the patient regains his strength. Keep the bowels reg^ ulated by injections or cathartics. With this kind of treatment, taken in time and pursued persev eringly, there is but little danger of loosing the patient:—with this treatment, I have never lost a patient in this fever. Great care must be taken to avoid exposure of any kind; and guard against overloading the stomach, lest you tike a relapse. NERVOUS, PUTRID, OR TYPHUS FEVER. A fever of this type, in its milder forms is often called nervous fever; and after a short continuance, symptoms of putrefaction occur, from which it has received the name , of putrid fever; and lastly, it is often called typhus fever, from the great debility which characterizes it. Whatever causes tend to pioduce general debility, , predispose a person to an attack of this fever. Other I causes also have their influence in predisposing to an at- ' tack Of this fever, as a close, humid state of the atmos-j^J| phere; want of attention to cleanliness, and proper ven- \ tilation; effluvia arising from putrid marshes, and de- caying animal and vegetable substances; living on im- proper diet, &c. On the first approach of this complaint* the person is seized with languor, dejection of spirits, loss of muscu- lar strength, universal weariness and soreness, pains in .the head, buck and limbs, accompanied with chills; the NERVOUS, PUTRID, OR TYpHUS FEVER, 41 £ eyes appear full, heavy, yellowish, and often inflamed? the tongue is dry and parched; the respiration is gen-' erally laborious, and interrupted with sighing; the breath hot and offensive; the pulse is usually small, hard, quick, and occasionally fluttering and unequal; the temporal arteries throb violently, the urine is pale; the bowels costive; sometimes great heat and pain are felt at the pit of the stomach, with a vomiting of bilious matter. If the disease be not immediately checked, it advances rapidly, and the violence of the symptoms in-- crease. The motion of the pulse becomes much more frequent; the debility much greater; the skin very dry and hot; the thirst excessive; the tongue, mouth, lips and teeth are covered with a dark, sticky fur; the breath exceedingly offensive; delirium, with symptoms of pu- trefaction ensue; the urine deposites a black, foetid sed- iment; the stools are dark, offensive, and pass off in- sensibly; bleeding from the gums, nostrils, mouth, and other parts takes place; livid spots appear on the skin; the pulse grows very feeble and intermits; the extreme- ies grow cold; hickups ensue, and death soon closes this painful scene. TREATMENT. When attacked with this disease, no time must be lost, until you resort to efficient means to break it, and throw it off entirely. Indeed this should be your policy in all fevers; but it is especially necessary in this. Several eminent physicians of the old school have recommended the cold bath in the early stages of this complaint; but experience, has taught a better method of employing it than ever they knew, or recommended. Early unci strict attentention must be paid to the state of the bowels. It would be proper to commence imme- diately giving the patient a dose of the tea of sudorific powders, which must be repeated every ten or fifteen . minutes until he has been carried through a course of- medicine. When the patient has taken the second dose of this tea,,administer the stiraulating4onic injection, and 416 NERVOUS, PUTRID, OR TYPHUS FEVER; as soou as it has operated, prepare the patient for re=»- ceiving the vapor bath. If the fever be very high, and the skin very hot, reduce the external heat by washing the face, neck, arms, legs, breast, and even the whole body if necessary, with a weak lye, pearlash water, or vinegar. Then carry the patient through a full course of medicine, giving in the course the alkaline clyster or injection, (see pige 364,) and a cathartic of the black root, (see page 280.) If this course does not break the fever the first time, which it generally does, if attended to in time, you must repeat it every day until it does sub- due the disease. Between the courses, administer three or four doses a day of the astringent and bitter tonic powders to sustain the strength and restore the appetite >f the patient. Keep the patient iu a gentle perspiration by the use of diaphoretics, and by keeping a warm rock at the feet. If the bowels become costive, and the' stools continue foetid, give the antiseptic injection. If the fe- > ver rises, and the skin becomes dry aud hot between the * courses of medicine, cool it down with weak lye, or pearlash water or with vinegar, giving the patient a good dose of the sudorific powders before you commence, and one or two during the process. Attend strictly to the state of the bowels, and whilst the foetid, tary dis- charges continue, give a cathartic of the black root; and if any symptoms of inflammation appear, use the anti- septic injection. A persevering use of the above course will generally produce a speedy en re. I have had one severe attack of this disease myself;( and. from experience know that if attended to in this way it may be cured im- mediately. Guard against any exposure, or any thing. else likely to produce a relapse. Keep the room or a-" partment of the patient clean, and his clothes, as well as bed clwhes must be often changed. Hemust have a plenty of fresh air; but must not be exposed to any cur- rent of ir. Continue the use of the bitter and astringent tunic u. til perfectly restored. SCARLET FEVER. 417 SCARLET FEVER. Children, and young persons are mostly subject to at- tacks of this disease; yet it sometimes attacks persons of all ages. Scarlet fever often prevails as an epidem- ic in the fall and winter; but it sometimes makes its ap- pearance in any season of the year. This fever does not always assume the same charac- ter. This diversity of character and symptoms, proba- bly, depends upon the dissimilarity of constitution iu the persons attacked; upon the different states of the at- mosphere; upon the different seasons of the year, when the attack is made; and upon the difference in the mode of life, habits, &c, of the persons attacked with this com- plaint. Like other fevers, this commences with languor, las- situde, chills, heat, dry skin, thirst, nausea, and some- times vomiting; the pulse is weak and quick, varying from a hundred to a hundred and twenty strokes in a minute. If the disease is suffered to progress, in two or „ three days, numerous spots of a vivid red or scarlet col- or, make their appearance about the face and neck; and a similar efflorescence appears over the surface of the whole body in tiie course of twenty hours after this. In the evening the fever is highest, and the spots brightest: This is the description of the disease in its milder form; but in its more'malignant form, there is soreness of throat; inflammation and ulceration of the tonsils; frequent, » laborious breathing, and a quick, small, depressed pulse. In this stage of the disease a universal efflorescence or redness spreads over the whole body, with appearance of swelling. When there is a tendency to putrefaction, the pulse becomes small, indistinct, and irregular; the tongue, teeth, and lips are covered with a black fur or incrustation; the cheeks a livid color; the breath foetid; and to these symptoms may be added, great prostsntion of strength, accompanied with deafness and delirium. This last stage of the disease, is ponsidered very dan- gerous. 418 SCARLET FEVER. TREATMENT. In mild attacks, and in the early stages of this com- plaint, the disease may be thrown off in general, by drinking freely of some diaphoretic teas, and promoting a free perspiration by placing a hot rock to the feet, and giving an injection to evacuate the contents of the bow- els; and then give some good tonic to strengthen the sys- tem and restore the digestive powers. It is stated on the authority of Dr. Currie of Eugland, that the simple affusion of cold water, at the commence- ment and during the hot stage of this fever, will com- pletely subdue the disease, and prevent the efflorescence or red spots from making their appearance. His meth- od was to strip the patient and dash four or five gallons of cold water on him, repeating it as often as the fever returned. He avers that he had tried this method of treating patients on upwards of one hundred and fifty with a success that both surprized and gratified him. We think the efficacy of his cold bath would be greatly * increased by giving his patient a few copious draughts of sudorific powders to promote the perspiration; for mind you, if the patient should not sweat after the fever is cooled down externally, the treatment will fail of suc- cess. In all bad cases of this disease, there is nothing so effective as carrying your patient'through a full course k of medicine, and repeating it until the disease is subdu- ed, and minding to keep up the perspiration between the courses, which ought to be done in all cases; and you must also use the astringent and bitter tonic pow- ders to keep up the strength, and restore the appetite^ These powders must not only be used between the cours- es, but continued until the strength of the patient be restored. If soreness of the throat takes place, you must treat it as directed for putrid sore throat. Keep the bowels regulated by injections;—they are much safer in this fever than cathartics are. Avoid any exposure likely to bring on a relapse. YELLOW FEVER. 419 YELLOW FEVER. This fever in its present malignant form is not a dis- ease of very ancieet origin. The first notice we have of it in the annals of disease, it made its appearance in the year 1647, in the island Barbadoes, one of the West India isles. This fatal scourge of humanity commits its ravages mostly in hot climates, or in the hottest season in temperate climates. An attack of this disease, is sometimes preceded by a defect of appetite, perverted taste in the mouth, flatulence, heat in the stomach, giddiness, or pain in the head, de- jection of spirits, languor, debility, and costiveness. At other times, its attack is sudden, without any pre- vious indisposition, with a chill, pain in the head and limbs, succeeded by flushings of the face, redness of the eyes, pains in theeye-balls, great prostration of strength, and excessive thirst. The tongue becomes coated with adark colored, tenacious fur; the spittle viscid; the skin hot and dry: the pulse small, quick and hard; the urine high colored, and voided in small quantities. As the disease advances, the eyes and face generally become yellow, which hi a short time extends to the chest; the stomach is irritable, throwing up a dark colored matter lesembling coffee grounds, called the black vomit. When the disease is suffered to reach this stage, the pa- tient rarely recovers, although iu the intervals between his vomiting, he feels so much at ease that he fancies himself speedily recovering. Sometimes,- however, the black vomit does not take place; but the patient sinks into a comatose or sleepy state, and dies without a strug- gle. At other times, putrid symptoms of a very violent character occur, before death closes the scene of suffer- ing. TREATMENT. Prompt and efficient treatment should be resorted to in the early stages, or first attack of this disease; for al- though, the botanic practice has demonstrated the supe- 420 YELLOW FEVER. rior efficacy of its remedies, even in the advanced stages of this disease, yet the better policy is to subdue the disease at once. First cleanse the intestines with the all aiine injection, or with a dose of the black root, though the injection is the safest; for in .violent attacks, and advanced stages, cathartics are not as good as proper- ly prepared clysters. Next give the patient the su- dorific or diaphoretic teas to drink as directed to do when preparing him for a course of medicine. If the fever be high, and the skin dry, you must allay the heat, and soften the skin, with the alkaline wash, by beginning at the face and neck, then the arms, chest, and even the whole body must be washed, if necessary to allay the -heat. This wash may be prepared by making a weak lye, 01 by dissolving a little pearlash in water; or if you choose you may wash with vinegar. As soon as this is done, carry the patient through a full course of medicine, using in the course the stimulating tonic clyster. Re- peat tin- course every day, until the disease be subdued, if the first course should not subdue it;—mind to keep up a perspiration between the courses, by giving repeat- ed do*es of some diaphoretic tea, and keeping a warm rock to the feet. You must also give the patient, threa doses a day of the astringent and laxative bitter tonic powders, aud continue their daily use until the patient is completely restored. Keep the bowels cleansed by l'*\ injections, or if there is no great prostration of strength, -i you may give a cathartic of the black root, or butternut j sirup. j Keep the patients room well cleansed, and well ven- tilated, though you must not suffer him to be exposed to^|| a direct current of air:—change his clothes, and those of ttie bed frequently, with the necessary precaution to prevent hi* taking cold. The room may be disinfected by being frequently sprinkled with good vinegar or with the ti ik Mire of camphor. During recovery use caution against eating too much j at a time; and avoid any exposure likely to bring on a relapse. ASTHMA OR PHTHISIC. 421 ASTHMA OR PHTHISIC. This complaint is a spasmodic affection of the lungs, which mostly comes on-by paroxysms or fits. It is at- tended with a short, difficult, frequent respiration, with a peculiar wheezing; there is also a stricture or tight- ness across the breast, which produces a peculiarly un- pleasant sensation. Some have so light an attack of this disease, that they experience but little difficulty from it except when they take cold. Others are never entire- ly clear of its symptoms. Those who are afflicted with this complaint, experience an increase of the symptoms in the evening, and during the early part of the night. Towards morning the symptoms suffer some abatement; sometimes enough to let the patient get some sleep, but the patient cannot lie down, without increasing the diffi- culty of breathing, and suffering a sensation similar to suffocation. This complaint is so easily known, that we deem it unnecessary to add any thing more on the symptoms. TREATMENT. This distressing complaint has long been numbered with those that could only be mitigated, and not cured; but the introduction of the botanic practice has stripped this disorder of its wheezing terrors, and offered the af- flicted asthmatic a relief from this suffocating torture. In the whole compass of medicine there are but two articles yet discovered, that are very useful in this complaint; or deserve any thing like the character of being specifics for it; and these are botanic remedies. The tincture of lobelia, given in doses of a tea-spoon- ful twice a day, or the pulverized lobelia given in doses/ $ of from half to a whole tea-spoonful, once a day, has been found almost a specific for this disorder. In some cases, the pulverized root of skunk cabbage, administer- ed in doses of a half or a whole tea-spoonful mixed with honey or melasses, and repeated as the symptoms may require, often gives relief, in some kinds of asthma when 422 APOPLEXY. the tincture does not effect a cure It acts both as an exuectoranf, and antispasmodic, which give., it a pecu- liar advantage in some cases of this complaint; yet in most cases, the tincture of lobelu is the surest remedy. In severe cases of long standing, it will be necessary in addition to the above, to carry the Patient through sev- eral courses of medicine, at least one a week until a cure is effected. It will be necessary for the patient to make a daily use of some diaphoretic tea during the whole time he is using other remedies. He will facilitate the restoration of health and vigor, by using the astringent and bitter laxative tonic powders; and if his bowels in incline to be costive, give him the stimulating tonic clys- ter occasionally to keep them regular. APOPLEXY. Apoplexy is characterized by a sudden deprivation of sense, and cessation of voluntary motion, whilst the heart and lungs continue their regular action. Of this disease, pathologists reckon two kinds, distinguished by the names of the serous and sanguineous apoplexy: the former aruesfrom a compression of the brain, caus- ed by the effusion of the serum; the latter, from a com- pression of the hr-in, caused by the effusion of the blood upon that organ. Pe mis of advanceu" age, a corpulent habit, short ne. k aud I irge head, who«lead an inactive, sedentary hfe, « r liw ou full, rich diet, are more liable to an attack of ?s.popl xy th;tii those of the oppo-iti- hab- its. The came* which predispose to an attack of this disease, are intense study, indulgence of violent.pn^sions, weiring a tight neck cloth, luxurious diet, hard drink- ing, large doses uf opium, excess of venery, suddenly obstructed perspiration, suppression of urine, and the, ordinary discharges. Sanguineous apoplexy sometimes comes on with gid- diness, dimness of sight, drowsiness, loss of memory, Al'OPLfc-XY. 423 and faultering of the tongue; but most commonly when the person is taken, he suddenly falls down; the face becomes red and swelled; the veins.ot the head appear full; the eye-lids are half closed, and the eyes fixed and prominent; the pulse is generally full, and the breathing, difficult; attended with slight convuh ive motions, and grinding of the teeth, ia some instances. If |he tit con- tinues lo :g, the pulse becomes weak, slow and languid; the breathing grows shorter and shorter, until it ceases, and death closes;the scene. Serous apoplexy is gener: ally less severe, and more gradual in its1 attack; the symptoms however,'are similar, except that their violence is greater in the former than in the latter. TREATMENT. The annals of medicine present us with various and contradictory modes of treatment, which hav^been pre- scribed and pursued for the cure of this disease; but most methods in which depletion forms a part of the treatment, have failed to effect a cure, although tempo- rary relief has sometimes been obtained; yet such treat- ment seldom obviates a return of the fit, which is then more apt to be fatal. * . When attacked with apoplexy, remove every thing from about the neck of the patient, that has any tenden- cy to comoress it, or prevent a free return of the blood to the head.' Place the body ia an erect posture with the feet hanging down. Let no time be lost in administer-. ing a stimulating tonic injection, which must be repeat- ed if necessary at short intervals until the bowels are evacuated. Whilst this is doing, iet preparations be made for^pplying the vapor bath to the feet and legs; begin wi h^a moderate steam, and raise it gradually un- til the patient sweats profusely, wetting the head and temples of the patienffluring the whole process with cold water or vinegar. If possible, the patient should drink of some sudorific or diaphoretic tea, as in ordmarff cas- es of receiving the Vanor bath: As soon as the patient 424 boils, Ulcers, &c< is taken out of the vapor bath, put him in a warm bed, with the head elevated, and keep up a gentle per- spiration. Apply the garlic or mustard poultice to the feet to produce a revulsion from the head; if you have n not either of these articles'at h;.nd, cutopenalive chick- en., and apply one half to ench foo;, vvhich must stay something like an hour. Shi ..'Id it be necessary, re- peat this Course of treataient; b it in general, the patient will be relieved witiiout a repetition, if he di ?iot die in the^severitv of the first attack. WV n the patient begins to recover) from the violence of the fit, you may g;ve him alfbse of the biiter toni: ...xative powders, which ought to be repeated,two or jS.'t-ee times a day for sever- al days; and he y uiuld 4)»' -tie a tea-spoonful of the pulverized mistletoe ofy MV akin as much honey three times a day. J3y contiu liug '- is course, for a week or ten. days, a return of■>«•' iU,'i:« general, may be prevent- ed, unlc s the indirlu " , ou.:! again subject himself to thSinfluence of tueexciting causes, which first produc- ed the. at tack. BOlLii, ULCERS, &c. When a collection of pur or matter, is formed in any cavity or part of the body, Mich as ?.;»iis, and swellings preceded by inflammation, it is distinguished by the name of abscess. An inflammation which terminates hi an ubscess, gen- erally comes ou with an increased beat in the purl, at- tended with itching, dryness and redness, whieh symp- toms are soon succeeded by a s^aall tumor or sv i-iling, accompanied with *hodticg, throbbing pains through the inflamed part, if the ri :?■=?: be large, and the inflamma- tion run high, feveri ; ^ms supervene; ^ the pulse becomes fill, hai\*. *:.. t i :$s he s"kin dry and hotf and the thirst greatly iu*re?i.>f-J I nil animations of this- kind terminal? eitheijJte ret udon, suppuration, adhe- sion, or gangrene. J^ *-,«£, By the yew rian ma'fKr'r ill, Jnennt, i-o*- mattering boils, ulcers, &c. 425 «f the swelling, the cessation of the inflammation, and the part becoming sound without suppuration. Suppuration implies the formation of pus or matter in the inflamed part. Adhesion implies the growing together of the inflam- ed parts. * Gangrene is the incipient or first stage of mortification. The formation of pus is indicated by an abatement of the feverish symptoms; a diminution of the acute pain,. which is followed by a heavy, dull, cold, and uneasy sensation in the affected part; and if the matter is near the surface, a softness and whiteness is perceivable in the most elevated part of the tumor, whilst the other parts appear more red. But when the matter is more deeply seated, its formation is not discoverable by these last symptoms. In most cases of this kind, when there is a sudden abatement of the inflammatory symptoms, succeeded by repeated chills, with a dull, heavy, cold sensation in the affected part, it may be regarded as an evidence of the formation of matter, and its ripeness for opening. If the tumor be not opened when the matter is formed, and ripe for opening, the patient is apt to be attacked with emaciation, night sweats, and other hec- tic symptoms. The symptoms indicating the termination of an inflam- mation in gangrene are, a sudden diminution of pain and fever; the affected part becomes livid or green; the cuticle becomes detached from the true skin, under which is effused a dirty or turbid water. TREATMENT. It would be proper, in tic first stigeof an mflamma- tion, to attempt a cure by producing a resolution of the inflamed tumor or swelling. Bathing the part with a strong wash of pepper and vinegar, or with bathing drops, will generally effect this. Sometimes the appli- cation of rold water has the desired effect; but the su- rest remedy is the drug poultice. The application of 2 1* 426 BOILS, ULCBttS, AC. this poultice will either produce an ;mmei,;ate resolution* •of the tumor, or if the inflammation v: u»* progressed (too far before the'poultice is applied, it will in a short time, bring it to a head, and produce suppuration.— The application of the common cabbage leaves, or those of the skunk cabbage to the part frequence arrests in- flammation and produces a resolution of cue tumor.— Cold poultices kept wet with cold water or vinegar often have the same desired effect. The great object in disorders of this kind is to re- move the obstructed or diseased action in the inflamed part, and restore to it, a healthy action. Nothing that we have ever witnessed in the practice of medicine, has so powerful a teudency to clear out obstructions, and ^remove vitiated humors from the system, as repeated courses ci" medicine; their use should never be neglected, when the other remedies fail, or when the symptoms in- dicated the presence of much morbid matter in the sys- tem. ' Should the patient's stomach not be foul; the em- etic may be omitted after the first course, using only some stroag diaphoretic tea, and the vapor bath. When a tumor has progressed too far to be term- inated by resolution, and shows a disposition to sup- ..purate, poultices should applied to hasten the suppu- ration, or as people commonly phrase it,—"bring it to a head." When ripe, the tumor should be opened for the discharge of the matter. If no pain nor symptoms of inflammation remain after the discharge of the mat- ter you may apply some salve to heal up the place:—see c dispensatory, pages, 374, & 375. But if inflamma- tory symptoms still prevail, apply the poultice, and bth- lM er remedies above described for reducing inflammation. 1 Bear in miud that it will be proper in this, as well as ■[> all olher disorders, when the general health is impared, r to use the bitter and astringent tonic powders, or the tonic $ cardial, or something to restore a healthful vigor to the system. Many cases of inflamed tumors, such as the ordinary boil &c, are too unimportant at any stage to re- ■ . BLBEDING FROM THE NOSE. 427 ♦quire much attention. In general, nothing more is ne- cessary than the application of some poultice or plaster to "bring them to ahead;" then open them and dis- charge the pus, and they will soon heal up, without giv- ing the patient much trouble. Should the inflammation exhibit syptoms that indicate a termination in gangrene or mortification, you must treat it as directed under that head—see mortification. BLEEDING FROM THE NOSE. In general bleeding at the nose is of little conse- quence, when it occurs in young persons; but whenii occurs with these of more advanced age, flows freely, and returns frequently, it indicates too great a fullness of the vessels of the head, and is often followed by an attack of apoplexy or palsy; it is therefore, iu such cases, regarded as a symptom of dangerous consequen- ces. When bleeding at the nose occurs in the course of any putrid complaint, it is viewed as indicating a fatal termination. % The blood-vessel in the nose, are expanded on the internal surface of the nostrils in the the form of a net , work, and are covered only with a thin tegument or skin. On this account, the pressure of too great a quan- tity of blood to the vessels of the head, those of the .nose are easily ruptured, or any kind of violence .^bout the nose is apt to rupture them, and cause a discharge of blood from the nose. Some persons, owing to a peculiar weakness in the vessels in this part, are liable to frequent hemorrhages' from th« nose; but i\ is not apt to be followed by any bad consequence, unless it should bleed too much. Young persons of sanguine, plethorichabit are most subject to bleeding at the nose; females are less subject to it than males. Great heat, violent exertion, external violence, particular postures of the body, and every thing that determines too great a flow of the blood to the heaiji" may be considered as exciting causes of bleeding at the nose. 428 BLEEDING FROM THE LUNGS. When bleeding at the nose happens to persons in good health, especially if they are of a full plethoric habit, it need notbe suddenly cheeked, unless it is likely to bleed too much. But when it occurs in more advanced life, or returns too frequently, or continues till the patient be- comes feeble and faint, no time should be lost until some attempt is made to put a stop to it. TREATMENT. When the bleeding is produced by too great a termin- ation of the blood to the head, place the patient in an erect posture, bind to his feet the garlic or mustard poultice, or any poultice that will tend to produce a re- vulsion of the blood from the head;—then apply the vapor bath to the lower extremities only, and wet the head, face, and neck with cold water. This tends to render the circulation freer in the 1 wer extremities, & draw the blood from the head. If this treatment should not stop the bleedifig, you must use in connection with it some of the remedies recommended in ordinary cases of bleeding at the nose. In most common cases, a snuff made of witch hazle leaves finely pulverized, and inhaled into the nostril from which the blood flows, usually stops the bleeding; Cr a snuff made of any astringent article, that will not pro- duce sneezing, will generally answer the desired pur- pose. Washing the nose with some astringent tea, or holding it up the nose, will generally have a very happy effect in stopping the hemorrhage. For this purpose a strong ooze of oak bark would be valuable:—both the tea, and ooze when used thus should be cold. BLEEDING FROM THE LUNGS. i This complaint maybe brought on by any violent ex- ertion, as running, loud speaking or singing, blowing on wind instruments; it may also be caused by wounds, inflammation of the lungs, weakness of its vessels,, hard BLEEDING FROM THE LUNGS. 429 coughing, &c. A hemorrhage from the lnngs is not al- ways to be considered as a primary affection, but is fre- quently a symptom atterident on some other complaint^ When* a slight sptting of blood occurs in pleurisy, in-< flammation of the lungs, and in most cases of fever, it is generally regarded as the presage of a favorable termin- ation. Spitting blood, which is the common name for this complaint, is sometimes preceded by a sense of weight and oppression at the chest, a dry tickling cough, accompanied with a slight difficulty of breathing, and a hard, jerking pulse. At other times, it is preceded by shiverings, coldness of the extremities, pains in the back and loins, flatulency, costivness, and lassitude. The blood which is spit up is generally thin and florid, mix- ed with a small quantity of frothy mucus which is brought up by coughing. Where there are no symptoms of consumption, or where it leaves no cough, difficulty of breathing,, or oth-. er troublesome affection of the lungs behind, spitting blood is not considered dangerous, unless the hemorrhage becomes great; but when it occurs in persons of a weak, delicate habit, it is generally difficult to cure. TREATMENT. Hemorrhages from the lungs, can generally be cured by makiug a free use of thesudoric powders, aud using other means necessary to promote perspiration; and by using three or four times a day, some astringent tonic tea, such as the witch-hazel, or birth-root. If there be any considerable cough, the patieut should use some ex- pectorant to promote expectoration and make the cough lest .•severe: see expectorants, page 355. If it should be necessary, an occasional resort to the course of medi- cine, in addition to the above, will facilitate a cure. When the complaint is removed, it would be proper to continue the use of the astringent and bitter tonic pow- ders until the patient is out of the danger of a relapse. 430 BRTJISE9. BLEEDING FROM THE STOMACH. ' Bleeding from the stomach is commonly called vomit- in.; hV;iJ. Thio complaint may be produced by any thin; ;ta*: i jnv.o the stomach that wounds it, or that will stimu-^a it%xces . -'y; or it may be caused by blows, bruises', .6r any 01: n-, use that v» 'II excite inflammation in'the s-Loroaci-i. V r.&aing blood is seldom so profuse as to t!-ii'3a:ea the p-xtient with immediate destruction. The ni'inripv J.'darker arising from this complaint, is the gr^aT •' **y which repeat (I ktta^&s of it induce, and tli;: ' d ,,■-.,:, <>k' Viood in the. intestines, wbicii would l>. »af the chest, cough, decrease of urine; a swelling of the abdomen takes place, which increases gradually, until the whole abdomen becomes tenesly swelled. As the wafer accumulates, the breathing be- comes more difficult: the countenance palid and bloated; the thirst immoderate; the urine scanty, high colored, and depositing a brick colored sediment. Hydrothorax, or dropsy of the chest, frequently comes on with a sense of uneasiness at the lower end of the breast bone, and difficulty of:bi bathing, which is much increased by any exertion, or by Hying clown. A cough supervenes, atfir?t Iry, u?te~w~r^ attended with an ex- pectoration of a thin mucu.s. As he disease advances the complexion becomes sallow, the feet and legs swell, the urine diminishes, tiie thirst increases; at length the breathing becomes very di iri — *t; the urine high colored; depositing a red sediment; there is also great anxiety. starting in the sleep, nod fequent palpitations of tW heart. The face aud extremities now become cold; the pulse feeble, and irregular; a numbness extends from the heart towards one and sometimes both shoulders; the difficulty of breathing continues to increase until the action of the lungs is entirely stopped by the oppression 442 DROPSY. cf the water, when death ends the patient's bodily suf- ferings, and mortal existence tegether. TREATMENT. Anasarca or dropsy ofcellular membrane, sometimes cal- led general dropsy, if taken in its early stages, and treated perseveringly, can generally be cured. Ascites or abdo- minal dropsy can generally be relieved, yet it is difficult to be cured. Sometimes all three of these forms of drop- sy are combined in one general attack on the citadel of life; the case is then a desperate one. The great objects to be aimed at in the treatment of dropsy, are the dislodgment of the dropsical fluid, ami the restoration of a healthy tone and vigor to the system.; that secretions may be corrected, and carried on in tin natural way, and thus the future accumulation of the dropsical fluid may be prevented. To answer the first intention, viz: flu- dislodgment of the water, nothing that has ever yet been tried, is equal to repeated courses of medicine connected with the daily use of diuretics: to answer the second, viz: the restora- tion of a healthy tone to the system, use the bitter tonic rendered laxative with the black root, instead of the bit- ter root, combined with an equal portion of the astrin- gent tonic. This tonic ought to be used three or four times a day between each course of medicine. The va- por bath ought to be perseveringly used every day, for experience has fully proved that no other treatment yet tried, is equal to it in dislodging water. The emetic may be omitted every other day in the course of medicine; but you must not omit any thing else here recommended. Particular attention must be paid to the state of the bow- els;—they must be kept regular. The course here re- commended by being persveringly followed has proved highly successful in anasarcous dropsy; but dropsy in the chest, and dropsy of the belly are much more diffi- cult of cure, as from the situation of the dropsical fluid, it is more difficult to be dislodged. DROPSY. 443 An operation called tapping has frequently been re- sorted to in ascites or dropsy of the abdomen, for the purpose of drawing off the water; but even then a cure is not always certain. Tapping is performed by an in- strument called a trocar, which is about three or four inches long, and is sometimes flat; n;l sometimes round. The blade of the trocar is covered by a silver tuba of the proper size to let the trocar pass through it. When the operation is performed, the patient may either sit on a chair, or lie on the side of a bed. A long cloth or towel must pass round the upper part of the ab- domen, and be secured behind by an assistant; the use of this is to press the fluid downwards, and give support to the diaphragm:—tapping without this precaution is apt to produce fainting. Apply the point of the trocar, previously smeared with oil, to the abdomen about one inch and a half be- low the navel in the linea alba, and then steadily push the instrument with the right hand, having the fingers so placed on the case as to prevent the point from enter- ing too far, when it'enters the cavity of the abdomen. Its entrance is readily perveived by the cessation of re- sistance, when the operator must desist from pushing the instrument any farther. While the point of the in- strument is eutering the operator generally gives it a half rotary motion, turning it a little one way and then the other. This makes room for the point of the tube to en- ter so as to convey off the water; and as the water flows, the towel or cloth around the abdomen, must still be drawn proportionally closer. Should the tube become stopped by lymph or the caul, the obstruction must be removed by a blunt probe, which in the absence of a me- talic one, may be made of a tough piece of hickory wood. When the wafrer is evacuated, close the orifice, cov- ering it with a pad of lint, and apply a tight bandage around the abdomen so as to give it a sufficient compres- ion. Having thus dislodged the water, your next object should be to prevent its accumulation. The best means 441 HYDROCELE—COLIC. to effect this, that we have ever known to be tried, is repeated applications of the vapor bath, occasionally giving a full course of medicine, together with the tonics and diuretics, used as recommended for anasarcous drop- sy. Continue this course perseveringly; for sometimes the patient has to be tapped two or three times before the complaint can be entirely conquered. HYDROCELE. This complaint may be regarded as a species of drop- sy; it is a collection of water in the scrotum to which it is entirely confined. The scrotum is sometimes enlarg- ed to a very great size. It has a soft inelastic feel re- taining the impression of the fingers like other dropsical swellings. The countenance assumes a yellowish palid appearance; the appetite fails; the urine diminishes; the legs swell; the stools have the appearance of mucus. This complaint is mostly connected with some other dis- order. TREATMENT, The treatment should be much the same as for ana- sarcous dropsy. You must however bathe the part al- ternately with the antiseptic tincture, and with the tinc- ture of lobelia. When this treatment does not carry off the water, a slight puncture must be made with the point of a lancet so as to let the water flow off. Then treat the patient as directed after tapping iu abdominal drop- sy, until a cure is effected. COLIC. This complaint is a violent pain in the bowels, origin- ating from a constriction of the muscles in the parts where the pain is seated; and is often attended with colic* 445 costiveness and vomiting* Causes which predispose to an attack of colic, are, flatulence, indigestible food, re- dundency of bile, costiveness, colds, worms, poisons; sudden check of perspiration, drinking too freely of acids; intermittents improperly cured, &c. Colic has been distinguished into different kinds, as flatulent, bilious, • o nervous or hysteric, &c. In flatulent colic there is a distention of the stomach; an inclination to vomit, and belch wind, attended with pain, soreness, and griping of the bowels, with cold- ness of the extremities. In bilious colic there is an acute pain about the na- vel; costiveness, and vomiting of a bilious matter; loss of appetite, and a bitter taste in the mouth. In the ner- vous or hysteric colic there is severe spasms; sickness at the stomach; costiveness, and dejection of the spirits. TREATMENT. In all cases of colic, where costiveness prevails, ad- minister some laxative clyster immediately, and repeat it at short intervals, as often as necessary, until the con- tents of the bowels are completely evacuated. Give at the same time some of the preparations recommended for colic, (see pages, 333, 334, and 335.) If this should not give relief, carry the patient through a full course of medicine; and keep up the perspiration for some time, giving him diaphoretic tea, nerve powders, and tonic powders to restore tone to the bowels, and Strength to the system. In some cases the stimulating tonic clyster has a most happy effect;—the proper time to give it is during the course of medicine. Kepeat the course if necessary though it is seldom necessary, for in most cases, the first gives entire relief. 2K 446 CRAMP, TETANUS, OR LOCK-JAW, CRAMP, TETANUS, OR LOCK-JAW.- These painful spasmodic affections, are too well- known to require any particular description of their dis- tinguishing symptoms; and as they require a similai treatment, we shall range them under one head, and proceed to give the treatment for such spasmodic affec- tions. TREATMENT. Persons liable to repeated attack of spasms, or fits, as they are sometimes called, would do well to use some preventatives. For this puipose they would derive ben- efit from the use of the astringent and bitter tonic pow ders, with an occasional resort to the vapor, and cold bath, to which they may add the fit powders, page 379. On the first approach of an attack, take a large tea- spoonful of the nerve powders, to which you may add a half tea-spoonful of cavenne. If this gives no relief, re- sort immediately to the antispasmodic tincture in large doses repeated as often as the urgency of the symptoms require. The bowels should be well evacuated by m jections; and if you find it necessary, carry the patient through a course of medicine. Sometime's it has a salutary effect to bathe the part af- fected with spasms, either with oil cf sassafras, bathing drops, or with cayenne and vinegar. Where the cramp or lock-jaw has originated from som« wound or bruise, the injured part must be treated as di- rected under the proper head; for you will find itextreme- ly difficult to remove an effect, while the producing cause remains. Neglect on this point, has rendered the lock-jaw quite a formidable disease, and pretty gen- erally secured it the name of an incurableone. Wfeii the injury has been neglected until the spasms have come on, the jaws set, and the teeth closed;—first make the proper application to the injured part, and then pull open the lips at one corner of the mouth, and pour in a good dose of the antispasmodic tincture, (see page EPILEPSY. 447 ■310 and .811,) and that will soon find its way to the root of the tongue, and will in a short time give.the pa- tient the use of his jaws;—the dose repeated as occasion may require, soon gives entire relief. EPILEPSY. Epilepsy is characterized by a sudden deprivation of sense, accompanied with convulsive motions of the whole body; and usually there is a degree of stupor and weakness remaining after the paroxysm or fit has gone off. Causes which may produce epileptic fits are, injuries done to the head by external violence, collections of wa- ter in the brain, tumors, concretions, violentaffections of the nervous system, sudden frights, fits of pkssion, acute pains, worms, teething, poisons, &c. These tits usually approach -.vithoutgivingthe individ- ual attacked much if any previous uotice. At times however, an ajjproaoh of a oaru.xysm is indicated by a dull heavy pain in the head, dimness of sight, noise in the ears, palpitations id' i !''s 'he patient gradually re- covers;'out he feels languid, aud exhausted, not retain- ing the smallest recolection of any thing that passed du- ring the fit. Should these fits oe or in persons of mature age, or recur frequently, and Ia>t hug, they are generally diffi- cult of cure;—the same may-be said of thein when they 448 EPILEPSY. occur as a hereditary complaint, which is sometimes the case. TREATMENT. When the general health of the patient is bad, your first attention should be directed' to its restoration. Employ repeated courses of medicine to clear out ob- structions, and throw offall morbid matter from the sys- tem; and employ the astringent and bitter tonic to re- store the tone and vigor of the system. When epilepsy is caused by worms, teething, injuries of the head, &c, these exciting causes must be remov- ed by the proper treatment. Having taken these meas- ures for the restoration of a healthful action to the sys- • tem, so far as possible, your next effort should be to pre- vent the recurrence of the fits, and if possible, break the chain of convulsive action. If the patient is sensible of the approach of the par- oxysm, let him drink freely of the nervine tincture and one or two doses of the antispasmodic tincture, to break its violence, or perhaps it may prevent its coming on at that time. If you can once break the chain, or evena- bate the violence of the fit, you may take courage, and ply the remedies perseveringly, for that isva favorable symptom th^t tiie enemy is beaming to yield; While the fit iisi ion,-give the patient an injection of catnip, witeb hazel, birth-root, fit-root, or spleen-wort tea, into which ' vyon^hould put a tea-spoonful of the antispasmodic tinc- .ture; and a half or whole tea-spoonful of this tincture . ahould be given occasionally at the mouth.. This will have a tendency to shorten the fit. and break the habit to which the system has become subject; and this will aid in destroying the connectien of the disease. Persevere in the above course, using the tonics three or four times a day until all danger of a return of the fit is past. You will also find the chocolate root a valuable; restorative of the constitution; see page 161. palsy. 449 PALSY. This disease is characterized by a deadness or want of feeling, and a loss of the power of motion in the part affected. The left side is more apt to be attacked by this complaint than the right. The causes which predispose to an attack of palsy, are, attacks of apoplexy; any injuries that obstruct the nervous fluid from passing from the brain to the organs of motbn, injuries of the spinal marrow; obstruction of necessary evacuations; intemperance; excessive venery; handling a great quantity of white lead; intense study, and great distress or anxiety of the mind. An attack of this complaint in advanced age, is gen- erally very difficult to cure; and when it arises from ap- oplexy, or injuries of the spinal marrow, it is generally incurable. TREATMENT. Palsy, although regarded as highly dangerous, and often fatal, is sometimes curable: this fact should stim- ulate you to make an immediate and persevering appli- cation of the remedies. It is important to take the com- plaint in its first onset. Lose no time until a dose of the nervine tincture, and one of the antispasmodic tinc- ture be given, which should be repeated a few times, at short interv$lj, In the mean time, an injection of the stimulating toBJLc.kind, should be administered, and the affected part, and particularly, the back bone, should be well bathed with the strongest cayenne and vinegar, or with bathing drops, applied with much friction, and of- ten repeated. This being done, cafigw the patient through a course of medicine, giving in the the healing salve, page, 374, will be found a valuable application to wounds. If the incision or cut be very large it will perhaps be necessary to confine the edges together by a few stitches, or by the application of an adhesive plaster. Seepage, 372. When a small artery is wounded, which may be read- ily known, for the blood from an artery does not flow in a continued stream but by spurts, you must employ some means to stop the bleeding. This is usually done by medicines called styptics; see class of styptics, page, 376, and article crane's bill, 170; but the bleeding is of- ten stopped by elevating the wounded part above the heart or head, binding it up tightly, and keeping it wet with cold water. When large arteries are wounded and the bleeding can not be stopped by styptics, you must stop the flow of blood as much as you can by pressure ou the ends of the wounded artery, until some skillful person can be got,,who can take up the ends of the artery and secure them. If a wound inflames, reduce the inflammation as di- rected under that head. After the first dressing, large wounds may be treated as simple ulcers. Some healing salve is all that will be necessary, unless inflammation CORNS—CARBUNCLES. 459 take place. These directions are deemed sufficient to enable any reader of ordinary intelligence to treat almost any wound successful. CORNS. These afflicting companions are horny excrescences growing generally about the joints of the toes, and some- times on the sides and bottoms of the feet. They ori- ginate from wearing tight shoes, and are generally very painful, as well as troublesome to cure. ., TREATMENT. Many things have been recommended and tried for the removal of these painful excrescences, but all avail little, unless the pressure of the shoes is removed. The surest method of performing a cure, with which we are acquainted, is to make a leather cover for the toe or part on which the corn grows, and cut a hole in this leather, answering in size and position to the corn;—this will protect the corn from the pressure of the shoe. The foot should now be stripped, and the corn soaked in warm water until soft, then shave off the horny part, though not so close as to make it sore, anoint the part with nerve ointment, or the discutient ointment, wrap it with suet skin, and put on the leather cover to protect the part from the pressure of the shoe. This treatment seldom fails to effect a cure. Balsam of fir or opodel- doc, may be substituted for the nerve ointment, or the discutient ointment. CARBUNCLES. Carbuncles are painful, burning tumors, much inclin- ed to mortify, and difficult to cure. They most com- monly commence with a small pimple, rising above the 460 CANCER. skin, and exhibiting an appearance in their progress sim- ilar in some degree to the common boil, and usually contain a bloody water. Sometimes they commence with the formation of a hard substance in some fleshy part, with a violent throbbing pain, and burning heat. On their first appearance their color is red; but as they progress, they assume a dark, and even a putrid appear- ance. TREATMENT. Open the tumor and press out its irritating contents. You should now apply the drug poultice, page, 369, if one is to be had. This poultice will promote suppura- tion, and losen the core so that it can be taken out, quick- er than any other we know of;—it will also prevent mor- tification. The tumor should occasionally be washed with some astringent tonic decoction. When the tumor has suppurated and the inflammation is removed, you may apply some healing salve and heal it up. As tu- mors of this kind have a great tendency to terminate in mortification, the patient should take some medicines in- ternally to guard against such a result. For this pur- pose, he will derive benefit in drinking daily four or five doses of the diaphoretic powders, adding to each close a half a table spoonful of the diaphoretic tincture; and in addition to these, he should take two or three doses of the laxative bitter tonic each day to keep the bowels reg- ular, and sustain the tone of the system. Should mor- tification actually occur, treat it as directed under that head. CANCER. The term cancer has been applied to all eating, spread- ingulcers of a virulent kind. Of the concerous ulcer, there appears to be several kinds; but the medical profession have reserved the .term cancer for the most incurable kind, asserting that an ulQer, that can be readily cured, l> ,: cancel 461 .-si- at once "affords the most convincing proof .of its not be- ing the genuine cancer, whose obstinate, violent, un- yielding character is fully exhibited in the fact of the defeated skill, and baffled efforts of the whole medical profession, in attempting their cure from the days of Hippocrates to the times in which we live." A cancer usually commences with a small inflamed pimple of a bluish color, which as it progresses, becoms- a sore of the worst kind, with hard, uneven or ragged edges, often spreading rapidly, discharging a thin acri- monious, and extremely foetid matter, that excoriates the skin around the sore. On a close examination of the ulcer, two whitish lines crossing from the center to the edge of the sore, are usually discoverable. Cancers are usually seated in some gland, but are sometimes seated in some other part, as the hand face, &c. As the swelling increases in size and hardness, it is usually attended with darting, twinging,^*or lancina- ting pains, and with a swelling of the veins in the vicin- ity of the part. After the ulceration commences, in its progress it often produces considerable hemorrhages from the erosion of the blood vessels. TREATMENT. Whenever a tumor makes its appearance, accompani- ed with manifest symptoms of its being of the cancerous kind, you should immediately adopt the most efficient means of throwing oft'all morbid matter from the system, and of restoring a healthy, vigorous tone to the organs.^. No treatment with which we have had any acquaintance,"*;; so readily, and effectually, attains this desirable end, as '*'- the course of medicine, repeated as often as the case may require, and using with it the tonic powders three or four times a day. While this course is pursued for the general health of the system, the tumor should also receive some atten- tion. Some of the cancer plasters recommended page,, 31(3, should be applied and renewed every day. Tak- 2L* 462 CANCER* ing an early start, and pursuing this course persevering- ly, you will seldAm fail to effect a cure before it ulcere tes;. but if it should ulcerate, notwithstanding this treatment, or is in this state before medical means are resorted to, do not give up the case as utterly hopeless, though you will find it much more difficult to cure. Employ the course of medicine perseveringly, together with astrin- gentand bitter tonics, in connection with which you should use a tea of the pipsisewa and narrow dock, (see these articles in materia medica.) This will have a tendency to cleanse the system of morbid matter to purify the blood, and change the cancerous habit of the fluids, as well as to promote a vigorous healthy action in the organs. If the ulcer be much inflamed, apply some of the cleansing and antiseptic poultices recommended in this work, or some similar poultice; see pages, 369 and 370. The poultice should be frequently renewed, and the tu- mor well washed with a decoction of the sour dock, wild lettuce, or pipsisewa, or some astringent, cleansing article. When you have pursued this course until the- inflammation is removed, apply the cancer balsam, or some of the cancer plasters, renewing the plaster every day, and washing the tumor at each time, with the above recommended decoction, and continue this until a cure is effected. Recollect that few things contribute more to the heal- ing of foul ulcers than keeping them well cleansed of the acrid, irritating matter: this should always receive par- ticular attention. For this purpose you will find the carrot poultice excellent. It must further be recollect- ed that the cancer is of a nature too obstinate, to yield immediately; and that a thorough, radical cure can on- ly be effected by producing a total change of the cancer- ous habit or tendency of the fluids, which always re- quires the persevering use of remedies for some time. For removing the luxuriant granulations of spongy flesh, commonly called "proud flesh," from the ulcer, some caustic has commonly been employed, though it must be confessed, not always with succesjs; nay its ef- ULCERS. 46£ feet has often been deleterious. A much safer, and it is said, a much more efficient remedy has been discovered, for we have never tried it, but have been assured by practitioners entitled to credit, that it is a certain remedy; yet it must be admitted, that medical science, which de- lights in farfetched, classic names for her caustics, and poisons, may effect a smile, and curl her lip with a sneer at remedies so unscientific, and ones not requiring the aid of chemistry, nor the skill of the apothecary to pre- pare them. The flesh of chickens, fresh killed, and ap- plied whilst yet warm with recent life, will extract the poisonous, acrid matter from the ulcer in an astonishing manner, and will require to be changed in an hour or two, as in that time it will become perfectly rotten and corrupted. The skin of a cat has the same salutary effect; and fishing worms applied alive are not inforior to either, but like the others require to be renewed in the course of an hour, as they will be perfectly rotten in that time. Continue this application until the poison and life of the cancer are extracted, when the whole af- fected part of the tumor will become a dead mass, and may easily be removed, and without pain. Healing salves may now be applied to heal up the sore. ULCERS. By ulcer is commonly understood an old running sore, and it is in this sense that we here use this term, with- out regarding the unessential, scholastic distinctions of Nosology. Some are deeply seated in the flesh, and others follow slight wounds;—these latter usually heal in a short time, with proper attention. TREATMENT. In general, it will be necessary to apply some cleans- ing, antiseptic poultice, as the carrot or elm poultice,oe 464 SCROFULA OR KING?S EVIL. some similar one, to reduce the inflammation and cleanse the ulcer. When the inflammation is entirely removed, and the ulcer well cleansed, you may then apply some of the healing salves to soothe the injured part, and pro- mote its healing more rapidly. If the ulcer be a large, or obstinate one, or the general health of the patient be much impaired it will be highly serviceable to employ the course of medicine, the tonics, and the decoction of the pipsisewa, wild lettuce, and the dock as directed in the treatment of the foregoing disease. Under their proper heads, you will find several poul- tices and plasters described which will be valuable ap- plications, for removing inflammation from the worst of ulcers. The poultices should be often renewed, and the ulcer should be washed at each renewal either with the decoction of the sour dock; dewberry brier root, or some astringent tonic article. This simple treatment, generally effects a cure of almost any kind of ulcer. When the edges of the ulcer are callous, some stimulat- ing applications will be necessary, to increase the sens* ibility of the part, and the operation of the common applications;—washing occasionally with the tincture of lobelia will be found a most valuable treatment to ef- fect this object. SCROFULA, OR KING'S EVIL. Scrofula commonly makes its appearance in small, round tumors under the skin, usually affecting those glands called the conglobate glands, in various parts of the body. These tumors commonly arise on the sides of the neck, near the ear, or under the chin; though they sometimes appear about the joints of the elbows, ankles, lingers and toes; rarely in other parts of the body. Young persons are most liable to become the victims of this disease; its attacks on those who have attained maturity are rarely to be found. Children of lax fibers, with smooth, soft skin, fair hair, and delicate complexion SCROFULA OR KINGfs EVIL. 465* are more liable to attacks of this complaint than those of a different character. Scrofula is more prevalent in those countries where the atmosphere is cold and moist, and the atmospherical vicissitudes frequent and great. As the scrofulous tumors grow larger, the skin which covers them, becomes of a purple or livid hue, with in- flammatory symptoms. At length they break into one or more holes from which is discharged a white matter somewhat resembling curdled milk. This disease some- times continues for years; and not unfrequently exhib- its the body beset with tumors in all stages from their for- mation to those which are discharging matter. Instances sometimes occur in which the bones, at the bottom of deep ulcers, become affected, which may gen- erally be known by the black fcetied discharges from the tumor, which is sometimes accompanied with pieces of bone. TREATMENT. The existence of this complaint in any individual, is a plain indication of a corrupt, morbid state of the fluids in the body. It must therefore be obvious, that the prob- er mode of treatment will be first to correct and purify the fluids, this will prevent the formation of other tu- mors, and aid the other remedies in effecting a cure of those already formed. The common course of medicine repeated as often as the obstinacy of the case may re- quire; and the daily use of the laxative bitter tonic, taken two or three times each day, and combined with a small portion of the astringent tonic, will throw off the morbid matter, correct the fluids, and impart a healthy vigor to the system. Whilst using the proper means to purify the state of the fluids, particular attention ought also to be paid to the treatment of the tumors or ulcers. The application of the drug poultice to a tumor in its. forming state, will either terminate it by resolution, or bring it to a head, and promote a discharge of healthy pus. When a tumor has commenced running, the car- roc or elm poultice, or any other cleansing, antiseptic 466 FELONS. poultice should be applied to it to reduce the inflamma- tion; and at each renewal of the poultice, the ulcer should be washed with some stimulating tonic washes to pro- mote the cleansing of the part, and stimulate the lan- .guid vessels to a healthy action. For this purpose eith- er the decoction of the dewberry brier root, the sour dock, the wild lettuce, witch hazel, or bayberry will answer. It is sometimes necessary first to wash the sore with mild soap suds, and then with one of the above named decoctions, to which it is often an advantage, if the ul- cer be much inflamed, to add a little of the diaphoretic or antiseptic tincture. When the ulcer is deep seated, you should syringe the decoction into the bottom of it. When this treatment has removed thelnflammation, and cjbanged the.discharges of matter to a more healthy ap- pearance, you may then discontinue the use of the poul- tice, and apply some healing salve. The patient should continue the use of the tonic until an entire cure is ef- fected;—his diet should be light, and nourishing. This course persevered in will generally conquer the most i stubborn cases of scrofula; but if it is suffered to run on a great length of time without resorting to some efficient course of treatment, it becomes exceedingly difficult to cure, FELONS. Felons are inflamed, suppurative swellings, which ap- pear about the joints of the fingers, attended with the most exquisite, torturing pain. Felons are supposed generally to originate from injuries that affect the perios- j teum or membrane which covers the bone. The dis- .fa ease appears to be seated between the periosteum and the bone itself; and if it is not arrested the bone often becomes rotten, when a portion of the finger, and some- times the whole of it', must be lost. And instances are on record iniwhich the corresponding bones on the back of the hand were so much affected by the extension of FELONS. 667 the disorder, that they too were lost; and in some instan- ces the whole hand has been involved in the infection so much that between it and the doctors' steel, the hap- less patient lost his hand. There are two or three oth- er kinds of this disorder, commonly called whitlows; but we deem it unnecessary to point out the discrimina- ting peculiarities of each, as one general treatment is re- quired for the whole of them. TREATMENT. Numerous remedies have been recommended and em- ployed, for alleviating and curing this intolerablypain- ful disease, such as holding the affected finger in boiling tallow, boiling lye, burning with caustic, and burning with red hot iron, &c. &c. All these remedies, to a man in health, bear the appearance rather of so many methods of torture, than so many means of relief; but to the suffering patient, whose agonies are so intolerable, they wear no terrors, while they offer the prospect of relief. We are highly gratified that it is in our power to of- fer the public a new remedy for this torturing malady; and from the repeated trials we have made of its efficacy, we have no hesitancy in recommending it, as being the safest and most efficient remedy with which we have been acquainted, or ever known tried, if it is applied in time. When ever you discover the approach of a felon or whitlow of any kind, make an immediate application of the drug poultice; (see page, 369;) and keep it moist, as often as it dries, with the antiseptic or diaphoretic tincture, or if these are not at hand, you may moisten it with spirits;—in the course of ten hours the poultice should be renewed. This poultice if applied in time, will not fail one time in ten to effect an immediate cure by putting it back; but if the poultice is applied too late to put it back, which may be known by its not relieving the pain, you must immediately lay open the part with 468 NEURALGIA, OR PAINFUL AFFECTION OF THE FACE. a lancet, making the incision to the bone, then apply the drug poultice, and it will soon remove all pain and all infection from the bone. When the infection is re- moved from the bone, which generally can be done by one application, you may then apply the elm, sumach, or carrot poultice until the inflammation is removed, then apply some healing salve to heal the sore. It is a matter of great importance, in all cases of felons, where they cannot be put back, to lay them open imme- diately to give vent to the matter as ic is formed at the bone. This gives instant relief to the pain; and in many cases, it will not be necessary to apply the drug poul- tice after it is opened; but if there is any symptoms of ihe bone's being affected, you should forthwith apply the drug poultice, and that will obviate any danger of loosing any of the bones of the finger. NEURALGIA, OR PAINFUL AFFECTION OF THE FACE. This complaint is of the chronic character, and fortu- nately for the human family, it is of rare occurrence, for it is one of the most painful chronic complaints to which the human body is subject. The pain is generally seated in the nerves over the cheek-bone, in the ala or wing of the nose, upper lip, teeth, gums, forehead, tem- ples, corner of the eye, &c. This disorder usually comes on with acute, shooting pains, attended with convulsive twitching of the muscles in the part. Its attacks are quite sudden, the pain darts along the course of the nerves, and occurs in paroxysms of agonizing torture. The like affection of the nerves sometimes occurs in other parts of the body, as in the breast, foot, uterus, &c. TREATMENT. Physicians have long made it an object of attentive research, to discover some efficient remedy for this most INCUBUS OR NIGHTMAR. 469 afflictive disorder. If such remedy has yet been discov- ered, it is in the botanic school. One of the usual rem- edies resorted to by the advocates of steel and calomel, is the dividing of the nerve between the painful part, and the brain;—this sometimes gives relief, but it often only shifts the attack to some other part, while the principal benefit, in such cases, derived from it, is a cicatrix dis- figuring the patient, which is often rendered more ghast- ly by the contraction of the divided nerve. On the first attack, take repeated doses of the nerve powders either in tea or tincture, with occasional doses of the antispasmodic tincture. The nainful part should also be bathed with equal parts of bathing drops, and antispasmodic tincture. This treatment generally gives relief; but a return of the pain must be guarded against by employing a few courses of medicine, and the using of the bitter laxative tonic powders combined with a small portion of the astringent tonic powders to correct the secretions, remove the obstructions^ allay the mor- bid irritation, and give a healthy tone to the system. INCUBUS OR NIGHTMAR. Nightraar occurs only during sleep; and comes on with a sense of weight and oppression at the chest, often accompanied with some distressing dream. During the presence of the attack, all the efforts of the patient to speak, or to move are ineffectual. Sometimes the op- pression and anxiety are so extremely great, that the patient labors under serious apprehensions of suffocating; nor are such apprehensions entirely removed when the person is awakened. A few cases have been reported in which this complaint proved fatal. Persons of a nervous temperament, of weak digestive powers, and costive habits, are most liable to attacks of this disease. Grief, anxiety, intense thought, late hours, and heavy suppers, are predisposing or exciting causes, 2M 470 PALPITATION OF THE HEART. of this disorder, Nightmar appears to be a spasmodic constriction of the diaphragm, and muscles of the chest. TREATMENT. Where this complaint appears to proceed from weak digestive powers, the tonic cordial, or some tonic rem- edy must be resorted to for the purpose of removing this difficulty; and if costiveness prevail, means must be em- ployed for its removal. (See treatment for costivness.) The use of the nerve powders, or tincture, and the bitter tonic just before going to bed will generally obviate an attack of this disease. Taking proper exercise, avoiding indigestable food, not indulging in hearty suppers just before going to bed, and preserving a cheerful, tranquil state of mind are parts of the regimen that must not be overlooked. PALPITATION OF THE HEART. This complaint is characterized by a violent, irregu- lar action of the heart. During an attack, the motions of the heart are generally performed with greater force and frequency than usual in a healthy state, so that they may be felt with the hand, and can often be perceived by the eye. This complaint sometimes originates from a local, organic disease of the heart, or some of the large vessels in its vicinity; in this case, the palpitation of the heart may be regard as a dangerous symptom. But when it is symptomatic of the hysterics or some other nervous affection, which is generally the case, it easily yields to remedies. TREATMENT. Persons subject to attacks of this disease, should care- fully avoid all causes likely to produce an attack of it, VERTIGO OR GIDDINESS—DEAFNESS. 471 such as fits of passion, sudden surprise, violent exertion, or great bodily fatigue. A few doses of the nerve powders, or their tincture, and the daily use of some good tonic three or four times per day, will generally relieve the symptoms of this un- pleasaut complaint. One or two pills of asafetida, of ordinary size, may often be employed with great advan- tage. If the general health of the patient be bad, a course of tonics, connected with an occasional course of medicine, will be highly necessary, and very beneficial. VERTIGO OR GIDDINESS. This complaint is usually termed swimming of the^K.v head amongst the common people. In this complaint, every thing appears to be swimming round; the patient staggers, and feels himself in danger of falling down.' Vertigo may originate from a foul stomach, dyspepsy, hypochondriasis, hysterics, and an over determination of blood to the head. TREATMENT. But little clanger attends this complaint unless it pro- ^ ceed from an over determination of blood to the head. ^ Where it originates from this cause, means should be immediately used to produce a revulsion of the blood from the head, and thereby relieve the brain by restor- ing a regular action in the circulation. To effect this, employ the means recommended for that purpose under the head of apoplexy. Where it proceeds from the oth- er causes, the difficulty will disappear on the removal ofthe exciting causes; the proper treatment for which, you can find under their respective heads. DEAFNESS. Sometimes this complaint depends upon an original. defect in the structure of the ear:-—in this case it is in- 472 DEAFNESS. curable. Deafness or defective hearing may be occa- sioned by any thing that weakens or injures the auditory nerve; by loud noises near the ear, as.the firing of a cannon; by bad colds affecting the head; by inflamma- tion, or ulceration of the membrane of the ear; by hard wax interrupting the sound; or by too great moisture in the ear. It is sometimes caused by other diseases, such as fever, syphilis. TREATxMENT. When deafness is occasioned by hard wax sticking; in the ear, drop a few drops of neat-foot oil, or the oil for deafness, page, 383, into the ear; keeping the ear k stopped with wool moistened with the same. If this ft^does not remove the wax, a little antispasmodic tincture 5?^ may be dropped in the ear. When the wax is loosened ■r by this means it should be removed from the ear, either by carefully picking it out, or by washing it out with mild soap suds. Deafness occasioned by to much moisture in the ear, indicates a derangement in the secretions of the organs,. which may be corrected by the use of a few courses of medicine connected with the use of the tonics to restore tone and eaergy to the organic system. The ears should at the same time, be washed out with some astringent decoction, which should first be used about milk warm to cleanse the ear, and then cold to brace and strength- en its.internal surface. Dr. Thomas says tobacco smoke has been used with great success, even in cases of long continued deafness. "The method of using it is to fill the mouth with the .smoke of the strongest tobacco, instantly closing the mouth and nose, and the person makes an effort as if he meant to force the smoke through his nose which is pre- vented by holding the nostrils very tight; tbis forces the smoke through the Eustachian tube into the ear. These efforts must be repeated until one or both of the ears give a seeming crack, after which the hearing im- mediately returns." HE AD-ACHE. • 473 HE AD-ACHE. This complaint is characterized by a pain in the head; —sometimes the pain is general; at others, it is confined to some part of the head. When this complaint is ac- companied with sickness at the stomach, it is generally called sick head-ache, and often, the nervous head-ache. Head-ache may be produced by foulness of thestomach; costivness, obstruction in the vessels of the head, long exposure to the direct rays of the sun, want of rest, sourness of the stomach, intense study, laying too long in bed, and by too great a determination of the blood to the head. Headache is often found as an attendant symptom of some other disease, such as fevers, hysterics, hypochondriasis,^. This complaint always indicates ^^ a debilitated, or deranged state of the nervous system. TREATEENT, When th'i9 complaint is an attendant symptom of some other disease, it generally disappears on the removal of the other disease, which it accompanied. If it origin- ate from a determination of too great a quantity of blood to the head, which may usually be known by the attack being sudden, very acute, and attended with giddiness, ringing noise in the ears, and sometimes with a loss of speech, it denotes an attack of palsy or apoplexy, which must be treated to produce a revulsion from the brain, as directed underthe head of apoplexy, which see. Head-ache arising from a sour stomaeh, is generally relieved by taking something to neutralize the acid and remove it from the stomach. For this purpose, use some of the articles recommended in the class of antacids pages, 302 and 303; and then follow their use with some good tonic to increase the tone of the digestive or- gans. (See tonics, pages, 317 to 326.) If a foul stom- ach be the cause, take an emetic to cleanse the stomach; and then a few closes of the nerve powders will be useful: attention_should be paid to the bowels, keeping them regular. 2*M 474 HEART-BURN. When head-ache arises from costiveness, the remov- al of that complaint as directed under the head costive' ness, will generally secure you immediate relief from the Jiead-ache. The bowels should be kept regular by tie Ifitter, laxative tonic, or any of the laxative articles to prevent a return of the complaint. The course of medicine will be found useful in all cases, which are too obstinate to yield to the above treatment. HEARTBURN. Heart-burn is characterized by an uneasy, burning sensation about the pit of the stomach, attended with yeour eructations, flatulence, nausea, and sometimes vom- iting. This unpleasant complaint arises from a debility or inactivity of the stomach, or from a vitiated secretion of the fluids concerned in the process of digestion. TREATMENT.. Ilelief may immediately be obtained by using some of the antacid preparations, pages, 302 and 303, as these medicines will correct and remove the acidity of the stomach. But if you want to eradicate the complaint, and effect a thorough cure, measures must be adopted to increase the tone and energy of the digestive organs, and secure a healthy secretion of the gastric and other juices concerned in the digestive process. In most cases, the bitter tonic powders, the tonic cor- dial, or some tonic restorative, (see class of tonics, both iu the materia medica and in the dispensatory,) connec- ted with the antacids, will, if continued some time, using three or four doses a day, effect the desired object. But if the case be a very obstinate one, a course of medicine or two will greatly aid the other remedies, and promote the cure, The patient would do well to use the neutral- izing sirup a week or two after the disorder is conquer- .hickup 475 ed, particularly, if he has been subject to attacks of the heart-burn. Using this sirup not only removes all ac- rid matter from the stomach, but it will secure a healthy tone arid action in that organ. Bathing the region of the stomach with bathing drops, diaphoretic tincture, or some stimulating wash, often proves serviceable in the treatment of this complaint. Attention to diet will like- wise be necessary; for all articles that ferment, or be- come sour on the stomach should be carefully rejected. All food should be well chewed before it is swallowed; this mixes a greater portion of saliva with it, which not only prevents its fermentation, but aids in its digestion. HICKUP. This is a convulsive or spasmodic affection of the stomach or diaphragm, supposed to arise from some pe- culiar irritation of the nervous fibers. Hickups are sometimes very troublesome, but not often a dangerous complaint, unless it is a symptomatic attendant of some othe'r disease; for when hickups occur at the close of acute diseases or after mortification takes place, the symp- tom may be regarded as the forerunner of death. TREATMENT. Most cases of hickups may be cured by a few drinks of the blue cofiosh, page, 129. The nerve powders eith- er in tea or tincture, will likewise be found very good. When this disease is produced by acidity of the stom- ach, remove that, as directed in the treatment of the foregoing complaint, and the hickups will generally dis- appear; and then the use of some tonic will prevent their return. If the disease arises from a weak stomach op- pressed with unwholesome or indigestible food, the wine bitters, page, 323, or some good tonic, either simple or compound, will remove the difficulty. Sometimes a 476 TOOTH-ACHE. table-spoonful of good strong vinegar,/ taken at small swallows has the desired effect. The application of something warm and stimulating to the region of the stomach has been found valuable; and in obstinate cas- es, the course of medicine has been resorted to with great success. A sudden fright or alarm often removes the disease instantly, without any medical aid. TOOTH-ACHE. This most excruciating and distressing complaint may arise from a decay of a tooth and a consequent injury of the nerve or marrow of the tooth; from a sympathetic nervous affection from some other diseased part of the system; from cold; obstruction of some evacuation; and from a rheumatic affection. A disordered state of the bowels and stomach some times gives rise to the tooth- ache of the severest and most excruciating kind. TREATMENT. ■ If the tooth be hollow, and much decayed, the best plan will be to extract it, and prevent others from being affected with caries or decay in consequence of their vi- cinity to it; but if you-do not wish to have the tooth pul- led, put a little bunch of lint or cotton in the hollow, which has been steeped in the oil of summer savory, or oil of cloves. If there is pain in the jaw, or if the ex- citement about the teeth and jaws be considerable, stove the head as directed at page, 222. Bathing the cheek with pepper and vinegar, or bathing drops; applying a piece of brown paper wet with vinegar and sprinkled with cayenne, and holding in the mouth equal parts of the diaphoretic and antispasmodic tinctures, or chewing a small piece of the bark of Xanthoxylon or tooth-ache tree, will generally procure relief. When the tooth-ache is merely the result of a syrapa-. EAR-ACHE. 477 +- ' thetic nervous affection, or proceeds from a foul stomach, costiveness or obstructed evacuations, you must clear out the obstruction, and cleanse the stomach arid bowels; after which a few doses of the nervine tincture will al- lay the nervous irritation, and ease the pain. Where the whole jaw is affected, the application of a poultice of the may-weed, or of mustard, or even of red pepper sometimes gives relief. EAR-ACHE. This complaint is characterized by a throbbing pain in the ear, which is sometimes not very severe, attended with little inconvenience, and ceases without a resort to medical aid. At other times, it is more violent, attend- ed with excruciating, throbbing pains, and in some in- stances with delirium and convulsions: if not relieved, suppuration will take place, which is apt to injure, if not destroy the hearing. Ear-ache or ,inflammation of the ear, generally pro- ceeds from cold,* or from those causes in general, which produce other inflammations, TREATMENT. • In mild forms of this complaint, relief may generally be procured by wetting a little Wool or cotton with the diaphoretic tincture, and putting it in the ear. Lard in which onions have been slowly fried so as not to scorch them, dropped in the ear, and then a little wool moisten- ed in the same and put in the ear will be found an ex- cellent remedy. If the patient has-a bad cold, he should drink some diaphoretic teas, and promote a free perspi- ratjpn by covering up in bed and placing a hot rock, wrapped first in wet cloths, and then a dry one, at his feet, and if necessary one or two may be placed at other parts of the body. This will relieve him of his cold, and bis ear ache too, if he will be careful in cooling off, not 478 ,■ itch. ^ . '. to expose himself so as to catch a fresh cold. An occa- sional drink of diaphoretic tea while cooling off, will be a good preventative of taking cold. \ Sometimes it is necessary in severe cases to drop a litt.e of the aatispasmodic tincture in the ear, and then place a hot rock wrapped in cloths to the side of the head. If the inflammation of the ear runs high, threat- ning to suppurate, stove, the head over good vinegar, directing the steam to the ear by means of a pipe; this will have a powerful tendency to reduce the inflamma- tion. An antiseptic poultice applied to the ear, first putting a little wool in the ear, wet with the diaphoretic tincture, will also be good to remove the inflammation. Ear-ache is sometimes produced by insects getting in the ear. They may be destroyed by dropping a little of the spirits of camphor,.or diaphoretic tincture in the ear; and then syringe warm water into the ear, holding that side of the head downwards so that the water can run out freely, and thus the dead insect may easily be removed. ITCH. This filthy disease is entirely a cutaneous one, and seldom affects the general health or constitution of the patient, unless permitted to run on a long time without due regard to cleanliness. It may be produced by a want of cleanliness, or by the infection caught from others that have it. Its first appearance is made about the fitlgers in small pimples, which soon extends to the wrists, arms, legs and waist. These pimples soon assume a'yellow appearance attend- ed with great itching and consequent desire to scratch, which is much increased by becoming warm. Scratch- ing breaks the pustules and communicates the matter to other parts of the body, and often makes the breaking out general. CHICKEN POX. TREATMENT. This unpleasant, filthy disease is neither dangerous nor difficult to cure, unless improperly treated; for some unfortunate patients attempting to cure themselves with mercurial ointment, have,, by catching a little cold, been salivated, and so badly affected in the bones and joints, that they have passed their miserable days, as the vic- tims of an incurable disease. The itch may be readily cured by drinking the cleans- ing beer, page, 391, or some good tea to cleanse the blood of impurities, such as burdock, narrow dock, sas- safras, and the like, and washing with a strong decoc- tion of the buckthorn, rattle weed, or narrow dock; or by rubbing with the itch ointment, pages, 367—8, or with the oil of spice berries, juice of poke leaves, or with an ointment made of the fresh root of elecampane stew- ed in lard or fresh butter. Where the general health of the patient is bad in con- nection with the itch, he should, in addition to the a- bove remedies, be carried through a few courses of med- icine, and use some of the bitter tonics for the restora- tion of the generaThealth. CHICKEN POX. This complaint is characterized by an eruption on the skin bearing some resemblance to the small pox of a favorable kind, and usually preceded by a slight fever. This disease, like the small pox, measles, and some other eruptive disorders, is said to affect the same per- son but once; and are apposed to depend upon what doctors call a specific contagion. Sometimes the eruption is preceded by a chillness, which is succeeded by flushings and heat, pains in the head and back, thirst, restlessness, and a quick pulse; —at other times scarcely any symptoms except a slight fever precede the appearance of the pustules. About the third day they become filled with a watery humor, 480 MEASLES. which is never converted into yellow matter or pus, as is the case in small pox; and about the fith Hay they usually dry away, leaving a crust or scab over each pus- tule, which however, seldom leaves a scar when^it comes off, which takes place in a short time. TREATMENT. In general, but little will be necessary but drinking some diaphoretic tea to promote perspiration, and keep the enrption from striking in, and producing sickness. A similar treatment will answer for the swine pox, which is considered a species of the chicken pox, and differing only in the size of the pustules; those of the swine pox being the largest. Keep the patient's bow- els open; give him diluent drinks, and light nourishing diet. MEASLES. This like the foregoing disease is supposed to depend upon a specific contagion, and rarely attacks a person more than once. An attack of measles is mostly accompanied with dull- ness, and shivering, which is succeeded by heat, thirst, pains in the head and loins, stupor aud heaviness, red- ness of the face.and eyes, swelling of the eye-lids, nau- sea and sometimes vomiting; there is also a dry cough, with hoarseness, hurried breathing, frequent sneezing, and a discharge of an acrid mucus from the nose. Be- tween the third and fifteenth day, though generally a- bout the third or fourth day, small red spots make their appearanec about the face, neck and breast, and in a day or two more, they spread over the whole body. The spots do not rise in pimples, but may be perceived by the touch to be a little rough. On the appearance of the eruption, the cough, hoarseness, difficulty of breath- ing, watering of the eyes, and discharges from the nose MEASLES. 481 are aggravated; nor does the fever abate, as is the case in the small pox, when the eruption appears; but is of- ' ten increased* until the eruption begins to go away, MeasTes is generally regarded as an inflammatory, infectious fever. This disease and the scarlet fever re- semble so much that it is difficult to distinguish them; fortunately'however, in the botanic practice, it will not be a very fatal mistake if you should be unable to dis- tinguish the one from the other; for the treatment laid down for scarlet fever, will cure the measles. In scar- let fever the redness is more equally diffused than in the measles. The eruption in scarlet fever does not rise enough above the skin to be perceptible to the touch, but in the measles it does: in the latter the cough is more se- vere, the eyes more inflamed and watery, and the eye-'%' lids more swelled, than in the former. Measles, when improperly treated, are dangerous, and are often succeeded as a consequence of bad treat- ment, or of catching cold, by immediate death, or by. some other disease, as consumption, chronic diarrhea, dropsy, &c TREATMENT. In all ordinary attacks of the measles, when the pa- tient in other respects, is in health, drink freely of the tea of diaphoretic powders, or a tea of any of the articles iu the class of diaphoretics; and keep the bowels loose . by injections, or mild cathartics. This will generally cause the measles to strike out; and if the patient will observe the above or some similar treatment, and avoid exposure to cold, there will be but little danger. But if there is an aggravation of the symptoms, and the eruption does not make its appearance, you must ad- minister frequent doses of the sudorific powders, or if these are not at hand red pepper tea will answer; and place hot rocks wrapped in wet cloths about the patient, so as to produce a free perspiration, and bring out the eruption. Should this treatment fail to bring out the . measles, or shouM the patient catch cold and cause them 2N 482 NETTLE-RASH. to strike in, as it is commonly phrased, you will find it the surest, and speediest way to carry the patient through a course or two of medicine, which never fails, unless the patient is already dying, to bring out the eruption, and mitigate the symptoms. Sustain the strength of your patient by the bitter laxative tonic, and with warm nourishing diets; and keep out the eruption by the use of the sudorific or diaphoretic powders. Sometimes a spontaneous vomiting occurs in this com- plaint, which generally may be checked by giving an emetic of the lobelia, to remove all the acrid contents of the stsmach; but if this should fail to stop it, employ some of the antiemetics, see page, 308. If diarrhea oc- cur, treat it as directed for that disorder; and if soreness of the throat or inflammation of the lungs take place, treat them as directed for these complaints. NETTLE-RASH. This is a cutaneous, eruptive disease, and makes its appearance in lumps or whelks, which are whitish in the center, and red round the edges, similar to those pro- duced by the stinging of nettles; hence its common name nettle-rash: in the technical language of the schools it is called urticuria. At first this complaint is attended with great itching, loss of appetite, nausea, sometimes vomiting, slight fever with unpleasant chilly sensations. This complaint is generally attended with little.danger, if the eruption be kept out, and may very readily be cured. TREATMENT. Give the laxative bitter tonic in sufficient quantity to keep the bowels open, and some good diaphoretic teas to keep out the eruption; if you take some tea to cleanse the blood, you will greatly facilitate a cure. If the pa- tient inclines to vomit, give him first, some antacid to ERYSIPELAS, Or ST. ANTHONY'S FIRE. 483 neutralize the acid in the stomach, and then give an e- metic. Should the complaint prove obstinate, treat as directed in severe cases of measles. Diets should be nourishing and easy of digestion. Avoid exposure to cold. ERYSIPELAS, OR ST. ANTHONY'S FIRE. All persons are liable to attacks of this disease; but females are more liable than males. It is generally re- garded as an inflammation seated in the skin, mostly ap- pearing on the face, legs and feet; though all parts of the body are liable to its attacks. In warm climates it bears a much more inflammatory character than in colder oneitfh; the voice is hoarse, and the thirst very great, though the patient can- not venture to drink. He spits at the by-standers and apparently has a desire to bite those he can come at;— ^ but still he has the sense to beg that they would keep from him for fear of an accident of that kind; he rages and foams at the mouth. After these symptoms contin- ue three or four days, the pulse sinks, cold clammy sweats come on, breathing fails, convulsions ensue and thus the tragic scene ends. We deem it proper at this place, to give the symptoms HYDROPHOBIA OR BITE OF A MAD DOG. 545 of hydrophobia in dogs, as every one ought to be able to judge whether a dog is affected with this disease, as deleterious consequences may ensue from a want of this knowledge. When a dog becomes affected with this complaint, he first appears duller than usual, seeking solitary places, as if endeavoring to hide himself; he seldom barks, but makes a murmuring Hoise, and refuses both food and drink. He still knows and respects his master, but when strangers come in sight he often flies at them; his head and tail hang down, and he walks as if over-pow- ered by sleep. A bite at this period, although danger- ous, is not so apt to bring on hydrophobia as one at a later period of the disease. As the complaint progress- es, the symptoms become more aggravated; the breath- ing becomes quick and heavy; the tongue hangs out, and the mouth foams. Sometimes his movements are very slow, and at others, he runs, starting suddenly, but his movement is not always straight forward. At length he forgets his master; his eyes become dull, watery, and red; he often falls down through weakness, and then rises when a fit comes on, attempting to fly at other ani- mals, especially dogs, and becomes quite furious. The living power becomes exhausted, and the poor, misera- ble creature dies between the third and sixth day after the attack. The length of time intervening between the bite of the rabid animal, and the commencement of the hydro- phobic symptoms varies considerably in different ani- mals. In dogs it is generally from five to fifteen clays; and in man it varies from one to six weeks, and some- times even as many months. A few instances are re- corded in which several years elapsed betweeu the bite, and the attack of the disease. TREATMENT. Dr. Good, an eminent physician of the old school, in remarking upon the treatment of this dreadful malady 2S* 516 HYDROPHOBIA OR BITE OF A MAD DOC. says, "Our curative practice is unfortunately all afloat, and we have neither helm to steer by, nor compass to direct our course. There is indend, no disease for which so many remedies have been devised, and none in which the mortifying character of vanity of vanities has been so strikingly written upon all of them." So much for what the ingenious Dr. Good says on the subject. Ex- perience has not only convinced Dr. Good, but many others, that all the remedies, and various modes of treat- ment recommended by different authors of the faculty, whether stimulating or depleting, relaxing or exciting, burning or cutting, all fail in their hands to cure a confirmed case of hydrophobia:—a mere tissue of error and unprofitable experiment. And as the faculty have never been able to cure a single case of confirmed hydro- phobi a, with their own treatment, and as they claim the exclusive privilege of carryingthe keys ofmedical knowl- edge, thinking that "they are the men and that wisdom will die with them," they very naturally draw the conclusion, that no valuable remedy for any of the mal- adies of suffering humanity, could ever be discovered out of the halls ofmedical science. The case being thus prejudged, they scoff at the idea of curing the hydropho- bia, and to keep their scoffing in countenance, they will allow no case to be genuine hydrophobia, however clear- ly the distinguishing symptoms of this fatal malady may develop themselves, unless it prove itself to be such by terminating in death. In 1831 a case was brought to a couple of the faculty in Cincinnati, which after due examination of the symp- toms they pronounced to be a genuine case of hydropho- bia and frankly acknowledging their inability to do any thing for the patient, dismissed him. A botanic prac- titioner took the case in hand, and although he found it a remarkably obstinate one, yet he finally succeeded in effecting a thorough cure. What now must the gentle- men of the faculty do to keep the people in the belief that hydrophobia is incurable? Why they turn about and proclaim to the world that it must be a mistake, the HYDROPHOBIA OR BITE OF A MAD DOG. 547 case could not be genuine hydrophobia, unless it termin- ate in death*.! The faculty certainly require a very se- vere test of the botanic doctors to prove their ability to cure hydrophobia; viz: the case must first prove itself to be genuine by terminating in death!—this may do the advocates of poison; for they can treat the case as suc- cessfully after the patient is dead, as they generally do while living; but a botanic doctor finds he can do much the best while the patient is alive! Well, the public have one consolation, if the faculty will not allow the botanic doctors the honor of curing hydrophobia, until the case proves itself to be genuine by terminating in death, a genuine case of hydrophobia will rarely ever occur if the treatment here subjoined, be perseveringly persued, and that will answer as well as if the learned faculty would condescend to allow them the credit of curing the disease. Dr. Thomson's maxim was, that an ounce of preven- tative was better than a pound of cure; and certainly there can be no case in which the importance of realiz- ing this truth should be more attentively regarded than iu this. Acting on this principle, you should commence the treatment of the case immediately on receiving the bite of any animal supposed to be affected with canine madness. The wound should be well washed with the saturated tincture of lobelia, and if the teeth of the ani- mal have penetrated deeply into the flesh, employ a small syringe to force the tincture into the wound in order to wash it out to the very bottom. This washing must be repeated several times a day until the place heal up en- tirely. In the mean time the patient should be taken through a full course of medicine every other day, and take the vapor bath alone on the intervening days, in connection with which the patient should take three times a clay as much of the tincture of lobelia as his stomach can bear so as not to puke him. It would be proper to continue this course of treatment several days, perhaps eight or ten;—the longer it is continued the less danger there is of an attack the hydrophobia. 548 HYDROPHOBIA OR BITE OF A MAD DOG. Where symtoms of hydrophobia have actually made their appearance, you must then employ full and repeat- ed doses of the antispasmodic tincture and in connection with it the nervine tincture, on these place your princi- pal reliance for relieving the spasms. Courses of med- icine must be used from once to twice a day. This course must be vigorously persevered in, being particu- lar to administer enough of the antispasmodic tincture to break the force of the spasms:—free vomiting and pro- fuse perspiration, are important. In general when you first commence the courses of medicine the patient will vomit up a great quantity of remarkably tough mucous or phlegm, being so tough that it will rope two feet long without breaking. This must come oft* of the stomach and no emetic ever yet tried can master this tough phlegm like the lobelia. Some of our friends of calomel and tartar emetic will probably try to persuade you, as they have done others, that puking up this phlegm, is puking the liver; but do not be alarmed at their assertions, for if your liver has got into your stomach, it is in the wrong place, and as there is a bad chance to get it put back to the right place, you may as well puke it up and be done with it—a ljver that runs about and gets into the stom- ach is not worth having! Some few years ago, we read an accout of a doctor in France who had been so unfortunate as to catch the hy- drophobic infection from wiping his hands on a towel that had been used to wipe the froth from the mouth of a person that was in the last stages of this disease. On his hand there happened to be a sore which readily im- bibed the hydrophobic poison from the froth on the towel. In the course of a few days he felt the approach of the symptoms of this fatal malady. A few more day9 ex- hibited the appalling fact that he really had the hydro- phobia. Regarding the disease as perfectly incurable, and thinking that death was unavoidable, he determined to anticipate the stroke of death by this dreadful disease, and slip off this mortal coil in some easier way. Accord- ingly he determined to raise a high steam, in a house SMALL POX. 549 built for the purpose of receiving the vapor bath in, and then get in head and all, and smother himself to death in this way. The doctor was soon thrown into a profuse perspiration, and finding so much relief in the symptoms, it occurred to him that the vapor bath might prove the means of curing him of this malady hitherto fatal to all who were affected with it; and accordingly, when he judged that he had staid in the bath long enough he came out. He repeated the vapor bath daily until a perfect cure was effected. The same physician cured seventy-nine out of eighty patients by the same treat- ment, before he published his discovery. His account stated that the patient he had lost, was not killed by the disease, but by his indiscretion in the treatment, that the patient being a child, he did not consider that it could not bear the same temperature in the vapor bath that a grown person could, and that the child died through the excessive temperature of the bath. SMALL POX. Small pox is commonly divided into two species dis- tinguished as the distinct and confluent. When the pus- tules are separate and distinct, it is known by the for- mer appellation; and when they run into each other or coalesce, it is known by the latter. . This complaint in large cities, and in densely popu- lated countries, has proved a most fatal scourge, and formed one of the great out-lets of human life. As no account of this disease is found among the writings of the ancient Greek and Roman physicians, it is supposed that the disease was unknown to them, and that it is a disease of later origin. The earliest account of it that is met with is in the works of Arabian physicians; and from that country it passed into Europe, spreading ter- ror and dealing death wherever it went, unrestrained by any medical means employed to check it. Small pox is contagious; though like the measles, 550 SMALL POX. and some other eruptive diseases, it rarely, if ever at- tacks the same person but once. Some individuals ap- pear to be unsusceptible to the infection of this disease, although exposed to it often through life. An attack of distinct small pox is ushered in with restless, uneasy sensations, and great dislike to motion, accompanied with chills and heat, succeeded by vomit- ing, soreness of the throat, pain in the head, and small of the back, with great thirst, stupor, a quick pulse, and in very young children convulsions resembling epileptic fits frequently occur. About the third or fourth day, the eruption appears on the face, neck, and breast, in small, red spots, which feel hard in the skin when pres- sed with the finger; in the course of two or three days more the whole body becomes spotted, though the erup- tion on the face is generally greater than on any other part. Between the fifth and seventh day, the pustules begin to swell, grow hot and painful, assuming a florid red color around the basis. About this period the spit- tle becomes viscid, and is increased in quantity; the throat swells, and is attended with difficulty of swallow- ing and hoarseness. The pustules, are generally completely formed, and in their full state by the eighth or ninth day; and at this pe- riod, they contain a whitish fluid matter. The face is now swelled, which extending to the eye-lids, often en- larges them so as to close the eyes. By the eleventh day, the matter contained in the pustules is changed from a white to an opake yellow, and a dark speck appears on the top of each. About this time, the swelling of the face subsides, and a swelling of the hands and feet en- sue; and what is called the secondary fever, now makes its appearance. After this, the pustules become rough, break, and discharge their contents, which drying on the surface, form small scales or scabs over each pus- tule. When these fall off, which takes place in a few days, they leave the part of a dark brown color; and if the pustules were large, or long in drying up, deep pits or marks will be left in the skin. SMALL POX. 551 The confluent small pox differs from the distinct both in its symptoms and progress. In the former, the erup- tive fever often shows itself at an early period, and ex- hibits a tendency to the typhoid form, attended with considerable stupor, and sometimes delirium. Irregu- larity attends the eruption, both in its appearance, and in the succession of its stages. An efflorescence usually appears on the face about the second day, from which the pustules emerge in the form of small, red pimples; these, in a short time run into each other, and form clus- ters, and are filled with a brown, acrid fluid, and the in- termediate spaces between the clusters appear pale and flaccid. The swelling appears ealier, and is generally greater than in the other form of this disease; and the fever does not cease upon the appearance of the erup- tion. In some cases the most aggravated symptoms of malignant typhous ensue; the eruptions assume a livid appearance, with purple spots between them; blood is discharged from the different out-lets of the body, and the struggling powers of life fall in the conflict before the conquering foe, between the eighth and seventeenth day, unless medicinal aid is seasonably brought to bear, and its active, efficient powers properly directed against the advance of the disease. TREATMENT. On the very first approach of the symptoms, it will be proper to commence active operation, not only for the sake of rendering the success of the treatment morecer- tain, but also to prevent, as much as possible, the dis- figuring of the patient. Commence your treatment by relieving the bowels with injections, and then carry the patient through a full course of medicine, and in the course, you may give a gentle cathartic. In about eight or ten hours after this, a laxative injection should be given. This course must be repeated every twenty-four hours until the dis- ease is conquered. Between the courses of medicine 552 COW POX OR VACCINATION. the perspiration should be kept up by the use of diapho- retics; this will obviate any danger of taking cold, and keep the eruption out. He should from the first, take daily two er three doses of the infusion of rattle root. The patient may use some good tonic after the force of the disease is broken, to restore tone and vigor to the sys- tem. It is however, often necessary to administer tonics during the treatment to sustain the strength of the patient, and keep up the tone of the digestive organs. You must not starve your patient, but give him enough of light nourishing food to sustain the living power, for it is as- certained by experience that the danger of a fatal ter- mination of the disease, is always proportioned to the diminished energy of the system. If the throat become sore treat it as directed under the proper head. If the fever is very high, before the vapor bath is ap- plied, make the patient drink freely of the sudorific pow- ders to raise the internal heat, and let down the exter- nal heat by rubbing the patient all over with a flannel cloth wet with antiseptic tincture; this may be done every time the fever rises. If the antiseptic tincture is not at hand, pepper and vinegar will answer. A portion of the antispasmodic tincture should be taken in each eme- tic; and indeed, some practitioners use it alone for the emetic in bad cases. Keep the bowels regulated by in- jections, and be sure you avoid cooling cathartics. This course, perseveringly employed nototily is more sneedy and certain to,effect a cure in this disease than any plan of treatment ever tried by the faculty; but what is further worthy of consideration, patients cured in this way are but little if any, marked by the disease, COW POX OR VACCINATION. About fifty years ago vaccination as a preventative of small pox began to attract considerable attention iu the county of Dorset in England. It had been long ob- COW POX OR VACCINATION. 553 served that cows were subject to an eruption on their tits and udders, which was occasionally communicated to the hands of those who milked them, giving rise to a few ulcerations, accompanied with slight fever. In the course of time it was observed that those who had gone through this vaccine disease, were not afterward subject to the small pox either naturally, or by inoculation. This dis- covery, though not made in the temple ofmedical science, nor inthe walks of literature, was hailed as very valuable; because the discovery was not published to the world by those who made it, but Dr. Jenner, one of the facul- ty, was permitted to have that honor:—an honor, which has carried his name into all countries, and enroled it amongst those who have done something to perpetuate their memory; for had it not been for this circumstance, the otherwise humble name of Dr. Jenner would never have reached the Americrn shores, and the present age would scarcely have known that such a man ever lived. After it become known that having the cow pox ex- empted the individual from any danger of an attack of the small pox, experiments were made by inoculating with matter from the human subject, instead of the cow; and it was discovered that this not only answered the desired purpose, but produced a milder disease. The vaccine matter may be communicated to an indi- vidual by making a small scratch with a pin or point of a lancet, just so as to start the blood, and then putting a small quantity of the matter in it: the proper place is on the arm above the elbow. ni . The matter with which we inoculate should be taken before the ninth day; for after that it is too inactive to be depended upon. If the matter be good, it is transpa- rent, but if it has become opake, it will not answer, and should not be used. If there be any eruptive disease on the skin, it will prevent the good effect of the inocu- * Generally on the third day, a small inflamed spot ap- pears, and produces a small tumor where the matter was inserted. About the eighth day the pustule is complete- 2T 554 MERCURIAL DISEASE. ly formed, and a slight pain is felt in the arm pit, attend- ed with slight fever, and increase of pulse. These symp- toms, in a day or two disappear spontaneously; there being no medicinal aid required. MERCURIAL DISEASE. Mercury in some form or other, is administered by hundreds of the practitioners of the mineral school, as if it were a specific for most diseases; and particularly in all cases, where they do not know what to give, mer- curial preparations are the alpha and omega. To all this, there could be no manner of objection, if it were a salutary medicine, and was not attended with such de- leterious, and fatal consequences. In describing the pernicious effects of mercurial preparations, we will sub- stitute for our remarks, quotations from the writings of gentlemen of the faculty themselves, who have used these preparations, and witnessed the result, and certainly their testimony on the subject is worthy of credit; for as they themselves have recommended the use of it in some cases, because their materia medica, abounding in poisonous articles, furnished them no substitute, that was less pernicious; and consequently, no motive can be ascribed to them for misrepresenting their effects, unless it would be to make the case out better than it deserves. "Among the numerous poisons that have been used for the cure or alleviation of disease, there are few which possess more active, and of course more dangerous pow- ers, than mercury." Again the same author says, "When the effects of mercury upon the human body are accurately investigated, and duly considered, it cannot fail to appear, that infinite injury must acrue from its use in many cases." Says another author, "Even the simplest, and mildest forms of that mineral exert a most extensive influence ever the human frame, and are so deleterious, that even in the smallest doses, sometimes MERCURIAL DISEASE. 555 extensive injuries ensue." "Mercurial preparations, are, probabiy, more extensively used than almost any other article of materia medica; and hence mankind have suffered more from its destructive powers than any or even all other poisonous drugs that have disgraced the science of medicine." "Mercury has left the fearful monuments of its destructive character, in every city, town, village and hamlet in the United States; and in fact, in every civilized country, where fashion and folly have been allowed to triumph over the dictates of com- mon sense." "Mercury proves hurtful to the stomach and intestines, when given in any form, or joined to the best correctors." It "often produces pains like those of rheumatism, and nodes of a scrofulous nature." "An- other common consequence of the use of small doses of mercury, is an excessive bowel complaint. In many individuals a permanent irritability of the stomach, and intestinal canal has followed." "Among other ill effects of mercury, it tends to produce tremors and paralysis, and not unfrequently, incurable, mania. I have my- self," continues the same author, "frequently seen from this cause a kind of approximation to these maladies, that embittered life to such a degree, with a shocking depression of spirits, and other nervous agitations with which it was accompanied, that it is highly probable that many of the suicides which disgrace our country, have been occasioned by the intolerable feelings that re- sult from such a state of the nervous system." "To the truth of these remarks every unprejudiced physician, who has been in extensive practice, mustbeartestimony." "Delicate individuals, especially females, often ex- perience after a course of mercury, various modifications of disordered feelings, communicating the idea of ima- ginary diseases, which unfit them for the duties or life, and render existence a burden. Among the anomalous complaints arising from this cause, may be enumerated, impaired or capricious appetite for food, with all the or- dinary symptoms of indigestion, particularly retchings in the morning, and flatulency; disturbed sleep, with 556 MERCURIAL DISEASE. frightful dreams; impaired vision; frequent pains in dif- ferent parts of the body; occasionally such sudden fail- ure of strength, as if just dying, and at other times vio- lent palpitations of the heart, accompanied with difficul- ty of breathing." "So extensively, indeed, have mercurial medicines spread their ravages amongst mankind, that it has be- come an important part of the physician's study, to learn to designate and remove the maladies which are caused by them." "The suffering, and misery, and waste of human life, that have been produced by the use of such medicine, loudly calls for those acquainted with it, to remain no longer silent spectators of its mighty ravages, sweeping its thousands anually from the stage of useful- ness, anil the theatre of life." These are only a few of many quotations, .we could introduce from the writings of experienced physicians, showing the effects of mercurial preparations. In addi- tion to these affections, we would remark that the gen- eral and characteristic symptoms of what is termed tho mercurial disease, are, great depression of strength; a sense qf anxiety about the phecordia; irregular action about the heart; frequent sighing; trembling, either par- tial or universal; a small, quick, and sometimes inter- mitting pulse; occasional vomiting; a pale contracted countenance; and a sense of coldness. In conclusion, we would remark that a great majority of the cases of liver complaint and dyspepsy, which arc so common of late years, may be traced to the use of mercurial preparations; and it is no uncommon thing these clays, when a'chronic complaint is met with, to hear the patient say, "I was salivated, and have had bad health ever since." TREATMENT. Although the most eminent physicians of the old school have witnessed and lamented the effects of mer- cury, and still persisted in administering it; yet they have frankly acknowledged themselves unable to des- MERCURIAL DISEASE. 557 troy and remove its effects from the system. And some of them have said, that if could.not be done, unless some means could be employed that would promote its evac- uation through the proper emunctories or natural out- lets, by which other useless aud injurious matter is re- moved from the body. Fortunately for the world, and especially for the vic- tims of calomel and other mercurial preparations, the botanic physicians have found these very means. When you are satisfied that your patient is laboring under the effects of calomel or any of the preparations of mercury, you may commence your treatment by first opening the bowels with an injection, and then adminis- ter a full course of medicine, making the vapor bath hot as the patient can bear it. The course of medicine must be repeated until a cure is effected. In the courses.of medicine the emetic may be omitted every other time, but the patient must drink freely of the sudorific powders, made strong with cayenne. Between the courses the ,* patient must drink the diaphoretic powders, and avoid any exposure to wet or to sudden ciianges of temperature. He should take gentle exercise, eat a good nourishing diet, and take the bitter tonic twice a day. If there be nervous agitation or trembling' two or three closes of the nervine tincture or powders should be taken daily. You will soon be able to tell whether the patient is laboring under the effects of mercury, after you com mence this process, for if mercury is lurking in the system it will be roused up, and the same taste will be perceiv- ed in the mouth that was, when it was first taken, and in some instances where a great quantity had been taken, even symptoms of salivation will appear; but they will not continue long. In such cases the face often swells. When this occurs you mast either stove the head as di- rected page, 222, or take a long pipe in the mouth to inhale the fresh, air and cover the head with the body, when the vapor bath is applied, letting the pipe pass through an opening in the blanket; this will remove the swelling in one or two applications. 2T* 558 * VENEREAL DISEASE. VENEREAL DISEASE. At what time, and place, this disease bad its origin, ia now uuknown to the medical world, nor would a knowl- edge of this circumstance afford any aid in prescribing for the complaint; but about the year 1493, it first attract- ed attention in Europe, from which it quickly spread to every town, village and hamlet in their respective dis- tricts. The prevalence, of this disgraceful, and filthy disease, adds another proof to the truth of the maxims, "he that would be happy, must be virtuous; and he that would be healthy, must be temperate." The most usual means, by which this disease is con- tracted, is by illicit intercourse between the sexes; and hence disgrace is attached to it, and on this account many have been induced to conceal their situation, until, by endeavoring to hide their shame they have ruined their constitutions. Yet it sometimes happens, that this con- tagious complaint, is caught innocently: but the difficul- i ty"of proving innocence, almost always leaves a blight upon the character of the sufferer. The venereal disease shows itself under different forms, according as it happens to be a mere local affec- ^ lion, or one that affects the general constitution. When there is a discharge of matter from the organs of reneration the disease passes under the appellation of gonorrhoea or clap; and when ulcers beset the parts, they are termed chancres. When the general constitu- tion is affected, it may be known by the following symp- toms; the skin is interspersed with copper-colored spots, the tonsils, uvula, and palate become ulcerated; the eyes are affected with obstinate inflammation; nocturnal pains are experienced; the body is emaciated; the strength fails; and a small fever of the hectic kind ensues. This more fatal form of the disease, is called confirmed pox or lues; it generally ensues from the other form, when Buffered to run on without being properly treated. Be- tween these two forms of the disease, however, there of- ten arises a kind of intermediate affection, which is VENEREAL DISEASE. 559 owing to the absorption of the infectious matter, affecting the glands in one or both groins, they become inflamed, swelled, and indurated: this affection is called buboes. These several affections, or forms of the disease, it is now pretty generally believed, may be produced from the same virus or poison; and the variety of symptom's may be produced by circumstances, such as constitution, length of time the disease has run on, &c. We deem it unnecessary to occupy time and space to give a min- ute description of all the distinguishing symptoms of each of these forms of the disease, in all their different stages, as it would be of no great practical importance. TREATMENT. You will find but little difficulty in curing this disease, if you commence i'u time; but when it is suffered to run on until the general health of the system is affected, and consequently the constitution, impaired, much more diffi- culty will be met with in subduing, and thoroughly re- moving it from the system. As soon therefore, as an individual, discovers that this shameful disease has been contracted, which may be known by the appearance of the chancres, or ulcers about the organs of generation, the affected part should be well washed first with soap suds, and then with the tincture of lobelia. It is true, this application will not feel the most comfortable; but those who have been reckless enough to rush into this difficulty, must prepare their minds to bear whatever will be necessary to obtain relief. This washing should be punctually attend to at least two or three times a day. After each washing, it would be advisable to dress the ulcers with a salve made of unsalted butter, balsam of fir, and sweet gum wax. Wash the hands well each time after you are done dressing the sores, as bad ulcers have sometimes originated from the neglect of this whole- some precaution, after dressing venereal chancres. As an internal remedy we would recommend the sat- urated tincture of the cock-up-hat, or clap-weed, see 560 MILK SICK. page, 214. The common plan of using this is to tincture the root in gin, putting in enough of the root to make it very strong; of this tincture the patient should take a table-spoonful at a dose two or three times a day. Two or three doses of the bitter root should be taken daily to keep the bowels open. These two articles carry oft' the infection from the body principally by urine and by stools. Sarsaparilla, balsam of fir, and balsam copaiva, iiave been recommended in the early stages of this dis- ease; but the above simple course, will be found the most efficient and speedy method of cure. In gonorrhoea or clap, when there is discharges of mat- ter from the urinary passage, the same, internal reme- dies, above recommended, perseveiingly employed will generally effect a cure; be careful to keep the parts welt washed from the matter discharged. It is sometimes necessary to give injections of elm or flax-seed tea into the urinary passage, together with frequent washings of the external parts with cold water. When the disease has progressed, until the general health of the system is affected, it will be necessary to employ repeated courses of medicine in connection with the above described treatment; and this course properly persued, we have sever yet known to fail in effecting a cure. MILK SICK. The inhabitants of many parts of the western country *'9re subject to this dreadful, aud' often fatal malady. Some suppose that the poison is imparted tp the milk, by some poisonous vegetable, which was eaten by the cow; others contend that it is occasioned by the vapors which arise from poisouous minerals in the earth, aad settle on the grass and other vegetables eaten by the cat- tle. This latter opinion is strongly espoused, and ably advocated by Dr. Shelton. His arguments we quote for the satisfaction of those who may feel any curiosity on the subject. After stating that it was caused by va- MILK SICK. 56i pors from poisonous minerals, he says; "This fact is clearly proven by many circumstances: First, by the very appearance of the water, and rocks, particularly in the lower parts of Indiana, and other sections where it is very prevalent. Second, the very dogs are affected *with it from using the water. Third, it seldom makes its attack till in the summer or fall, after the waters are low, at which time, we know they contain the greatest propertion of mineral, or other impure substances; also that vegetable substances at this time become tough, and contain much less juice in proportion to the vapor which settles on them. Fourth, if it had been a vegetable which produced the milk sick, it would have been found long ago; for to my own knowledge, it has been deligeni- ly searched for in many places, by numerous people, and not found. Fifth, the scope of land on which it has been taken by the cattle, has frequently been ascer- tained to be small; and by enclosing it, the malady was prevented. In this case, if it had been a veget- able of any kind, its growth would have extended be- yond the enclosure in 30 or 40 years; for lam acqnaint- with a place in East Tennessee of nearly that age. A sixth proof is, that if the place remain unenclosed, cat- tle will always be liable to the complaint as long as there is vegetable matter enough of any kind, to induce them to feed on it." Both cattle and people may have the poison in them for week^, and even months before the disease shows itself. But when either are over-heated the poison im- mediately lays hold of the system, and the disease shows itself at once, except on cows giving milk, they rarely die with it as the poison is carried off in the milk. When the attack comes on the patient experiences a sense of lassitude, great exhaustion, and trembling from slight exertion; often a dizziness in the head, and a burn- ing at the stomach, accompanied with obstinate costive- ness, immoderate thirst, and with vomitiug; and in all cases the breath has a peculiar smell, which can readily be distinguished from any other poison. 562 MILK SICK. TREATMENT. As obstinate costiveness always attends this complaint, and as a permanent relief from the vomiting can notbe obtained, until the costiveness is relieved; some efficient remedies should at once be adopted for that purpose. The only means that can be relied on, is repeated injec- tions. In some instauces as many as forty have been given before the bowels were properly relieved; forbear in mind, that your work is not done, until they are thor- oughly relieved; and you must keep the bowels regular throughout the treatment by the same. The injections may be made of warm milk, castor oil, and weak pearl- ash water, or soap suds; or any good laxative injections may answer: for I am not aware that any peculiar in- dication is to be answered by the injections, except re- lieving the bowels of the hardened faeces. Dr. Wright, however, thought that injections made by beating up an old cock chicken, feathers and all, and making a tea of it, formed an injection that had a peculiarly beneficial effect in this complaint. We know that this is a good injection, but whether it is better than the one above re- commended, we have yet to learn. In the mean time to relive the stomach, you must take a handful of the American ipecac root, page, 297, some- times called wild ipecac, or Indian physic, beat it up and put it into a quart of whiskey. Of this tincture take a table-spoonful at a dose1, and repeat it every five or ten minutes until it operates freely and relieves the stom- , ach. In general the vowiting will stop when the ipecac has removed the poisonous contents of the stomach. The ipecac must be continued until your patient is re- lieved; for it appears to possess a specfic efficacy in this complaint. In this instance, Providence has furnished another proof that every country abounds with vegetable remedies for the complaint to which it is subject; for wherever you find a section of country subject to milk sick, there you will find the American ipecac in abun- dance. If the spontaneous vomiting does not stop after MINERAL POISONS. 5(& the ipecac has had its full effect it will be proper to use some antiemetic to check it, see page, 308. "Calomel, tartar emetic, and all such articles," says Dr. Shelton, "are death; because whenever administered in this com- plaint, they appear to exert a united and deadly influ- ence with the poison which is already in the system." POISONS. Poisons are of three kinds, usually distinguished ac- cording to the substance from which they are communi- cated, as animal, mineral, and vegetable. Animal poisons are communicated by the bites of poi- sonous reptiles, or the stings of poisonous insects. The principal mineral poisons are the different pre- parations of arsanic ,mercury, copper, antimony, zinc, tin, lead, &c; and the alkalies, and acids. The chief vegetable poisons are sicuta or hemlock, hen-bane, night-shade, thorn-apple, fox-glove, wolfs- bane, laurel, opium", and several fungi, as the toad-tool or mushrooms, &c. MINERAL POISONS. When either of the mineral poisons have been receiv- ed into the stomach, it soon produces a burning, prick- ing sensation in this organ, together with excruciating; pains in the intestines, followed by vomiting, great thirst, dryness and roughness in the mouth and throat, with great restlessness and anxiety. If proper remedies be not soon administered, inflammation takes place in the stomach and bowels, and this proceeds on rapidly to gangrene; the extremities grow cold; vomiting of black matter ensues, attended with hickups, and convulsions* and at last the sinking powers of life give up the struggle. 564 MINERAL POISONS. TREATMENT. Np other article in the compass of medicine has ex« Siibited so much power in removing poison from the sys- tem,, as lobelia. In cases where mineral poisons have been taken into the stomach, administer an emetic of lo- belia forthwith, in a quantity sufficient to produce imme- diate and active vomiting. Laxative injections should also be administered to relieve the bowels; and it would be proper to add two or three tea-spoonsful of the tinc- ture o\ lobelia to each clyster to arouse the bowels from torpor, and aid in producing vomiting. During the operation of the emetic the patient should drink free- ly of pennyroyal, or some warming teas to promote vom- iting, and wash out the stomach. After the stomach is well cleansed with the emetic, it would be proper to carry the patient through a course of medicine, which must be repeated every day until entire relief is obtained. As soon as the first emetic is done operating the patient should drink slippery elm tea, and eat some mutton or veal soup, and milk porridge, not only for nourishment, but also to sheathe and protect the bowels against t«ne action of any dregs of the poison that might remain after the first emetic. If the poison has laid some length of time in the stomach before rem- edies are applied, it will be best to give an emetic of the antispasmodic tincfure, administering it in doses of two or three tea-spoonsful, at short intervals, until vomiting is continued long enough to remove the urgent symptoms; *i then proceed with the course of medicince, and other parts of the treatment as above directed. Should symp- toms of inflammation either of the stomach, or bowels occur at any time, they must be removed as directed under these heads. After the disease is removed, use '-' both the bitter and astringent tonic to restore tone to the , organs, and promote the general health of the system, J Diet should be nourishing, and easy of digestion. ANIMAL POISONS. 565 ANIMAL POISONS. It will not be necessary to enumerate the symptoms, which follow the bite, or the sting of every different kind of venomous serpent, or poisonous insect: such a task would be accompanied with great labor, and yield but little profit in a practical point of view. The symptoms which follow the bite of a very poison- ous serpent, such as the rattle snake, are, swelling first of the bitten part, then extending over the whole body; wausea, and vomiting; a full, strong, agitated pulse; eyes suffused with blood^ severe pains shooting from the bit- ten part, which extort groans, and produce a chattering of the teeth; somotimes bloody sweats break out, and hemorrhages from the nose and ears take place, and in a 6hort time, death ensues. TREATMENT. When an individual is bitten by a venomous serpent, if the wound be on any of the extremeties, immediately tie a ligature around the limb between the wound and the body, which will have a tendency to prevent the free passage of the.poison into the system. Wash the wound immediately with the saturated tincture, of lobelia, in- jecting it to the very bottom of the wound. At the same time take a good dose of the tincture internally. The washing of the wound ought to be continued some time, and afterwards repeated every hour, until the violence of the symptoms are removed. If the symptoms have assumed an aggravated charac- ter before medical aid could be obtained, in addition to the external washing, you must employ the full course of medicine, which must be repeated as often as the symptoms require. There are many other things that have been recomr vended; but as none of them are as certain and efficient as the above, we will not trouble the reader with them. For the bites and stings of insects, washing the wound 2V 566 VEGETABLE POISONS. with the tincture of lobelia will be sufficient, unless the bite or sting be so venomous as to disturb the system by absorption of the poison; when that is the case, treat it as above recommended. Should suppuration ensue at the wound, treat it as di- 'rectecl for ulcers. The above simple course will cure the bite of the most poisonous animal; for the lobelia appears to possess the specific property of disarming the poison of its power. In many instances that might be enumerated, symptoms of the most threatning char- acter have been removed in thirty minutes by a thorough application of the above course. VEGETABLE POISONS. The symptoms produced by eating or swallowing veg- etable poison, are, wildness of the eyes, confusion of sight, giddiness, loss of memory, stupor, nausea, vomit- ing, distention of the stomach and bowels, costiveness, palpitations and convulsions. TREATMENT. The poisonous matter ought to be ejected from the stomach, as soon as possible, by an active emetic. Af- ter the emetic has operated, the application of the vapor bath will aid in throwing off the poison from the blood; __relieve the bowels by injections. When the poison is of the narcotic kind, it is sometimes difficult to give an emetic, that will stimulate the 6tomach enough to make it eject its contents; if the lobelia with a portion of the antispasmodic tincture added to it will not, ope- rate in a short time, give the same by injection, and if the first clyster merely operates on the bowels without producing emesis, repeat the injection until full vomiting is produced. When the poison is of the acid kind, you must give HYPOCHONDRIA.

nd intestines. Others iv< ommend wheat bran, as being still better to neutralize, absorb, and carry off tho«e jtcrid and viscid substances which are injurious to a healthy action of the intestines. As a remedy for habit* ual costiveness, wheat bran has some celebrity, hundreds having experienced its salutary effect. The bran is to be taken in substance, in any way you prefer; and the most proper time of taking it, is in the morning before breakfast; but in cases of great obstinacy, it is necessa- ry to take it two or three times a day. The quantity necessary to loosen the bowels, each patient will have to ascertain by experience; but generally one or two handsful at a time will be sufficient. After the above course has been adopted, it will be proper to take some good tonic, as the bitter tonic, tonic cordial, tonic tincture or wine bitters, for the purpose of restoring tone to the digestive organs. Perhaps the fol- lowing preparation, for a languid stomach and defective appetite, is inferior to nothing else:—take of columbo root two ouuces, shave it down fine and put it in a quart of maderia wine, then add one fourth of an ounce of gin- ger, and a half ounce of essence of peppermint; of this take three or four times through the day, taking also the neutralizing mixture twice a day. When the general health of the system is impaired, a few courses of med- icine will be necessary to the success of your treatment. Be careful to avoid any thing either in eating or drink- ing that will aggravate the symptoms of the disorder; and any habit, such as close study, constant sitting, late hours &c, that has a tendency to induce this complaint, must be discontinued, or no cure will be likely to be affected. --------------* CROUP. This disease is a violent inflammatory infection of the iucous membrane lining the trachea or wind-pipe, and croup. 575 in gome instances it extends to the lungs. The inflam- ed membrane throws out on the internal surface a kind of lymph that afterwards becomes inspissated, and there- by so impedes the passage of air into the lungs as to in. terfere considerably with respiration. The croup usually commences with hoaraness, and wheezing; a short, dry cough, and sometimes a rattling in the throat when asleep; great difficulty of breathing; the face is flushed, and the veins of the neck distended. With these symptoms, there is universal restlessness, and an aneasy sense of heat over the whole body, attend- ed with great thirst and a quick pulse. Some writers amuse us with an account of several kiuds of croup; but as no great practical advantage can be derived from such nice distinctions, we forbear to trouble the reader with them. Croup may be produced by any of the usual causes of inflammation; but exposure to cold in various ways, is the most common cause of this disease, TREATMENT, The croup is to be regarded as a dangerous complaint, rapidly hastening to a crisis, and sometimes terminating its career in a few hours: active measures should there- fore, be taken at once to subdue it at the very onset. Mild cases of courp can very often be successfully treated with repeated doses of the onion sirup, see page, 359; and by applying to the throat and breast a poul- tice of the onion,—see article onion page, 222, in ma- teria medica. Equal portions of strong vinegar and honey stewed in half that quantity of fresh butter, is al- so good; and many other articles have been recommend- ed, as valuable in mild attacks; but if the attack be se- vere, they generally fail. We would therefore recom- mend as the safer plan to adopt at once that treatment which rarely fails, even in the worst of cases, unless the patient be in a manner dying before the remedy is adopted. Coramenee by giving the child from half to a S76 pulmonary consumption. whole tea-spoonful of the saturated tincture of lobelia, repeated every five minutes until vomiting takes place; and if the child be very bad, it may be necessary to re- peat the dose a time or two, after vomiting commences, and continue the operation until the symptoms are re* moved. In the meantime, give the child some warming tea to drink to promote the operation of the emetic;—the more it drinks, the easier it vull operate, and the more its good effect will be promoted. The diaphoretic tea would be the best; butasitis difficult to get young chil- dren to take it, a tea of pennyroyal, peppermint or hys^ sop will answer. An injection administered as soon as the emetic is done operating, has a very salutary effect. When the emetic commences operating, a free perspira- tion immediately breaks out over the whole body, which should be kept up until the symptoms entirely disappear; and in truth the » application of the vapor bath is very valuable, aud in very bad cases, 1 would employ this im-? portant auxiliary to give success to my treatment. The above course perseveringly employed, rarely fails to effect a speedy cure. Many parents have been per- fectly astonished at its success, in cases where they bad no hopes of seeing their child live one hour, the little ^ sufferer has been perfectly relieved in half that time. When acidity prevails in the stomach; it will prevent the free operation of the emetic, unless you administer some absorbent to neutralize the acid; see class of ab- sorbents, page, 302;—the neutralizing mixture will per- haps be the most pleasant for a child to take, and from one to three tea-spoonsful of it will generally answer the desired purpose. PULMONARY CONSUMPTION. Phthisis or pulmonary consumption is marked by a ' general wasting of the body, attended with a cough,diffi- culty of breathing, fever 0/ the hectic kind and spitting of purulent matter. PULMONARY CONSUMPTION, 577 The symptoms which mark the commencement & pro%- gress, are, a slight fever, which the least exercise increas- es; a dryness and heat in the palms of the hands, more per- ceptible towards evening; increase of urine; dryness of the skin, as also of the feet in the morning; occasional flushing in one or both cheeks; hoarseness; either a slight, or an acute pain in the breast; head-ache; some- times a fixed pain in one side, at others shooting pains in both sides; deficiency of appetite; general indisposition to exercise, or motion of any kind. The first symptoms of the disease will vary in differ- ent cases; but the above it is presumed will be sufficient- ly characteristic to admonish you of its approach. As the disease advances the general health becomes impair- ed; the strength gradually decreases; the pulse is small- er, quicker, and softer; the breathing is more anxious from any little exposure to cold, and a sense of tightness and oppression at the chest are experienced; the cough next becomes more troublesome, particularly during the night; at first an expectoration of a frothy mucus takes place, which is generally most considerable in the morn- ing; afterwards this matter becomes more copious, vis- cid and opake; the urine becomes high colored, and de- posites a branny sediment; a hectic flush at times ap- pears on the cheeks; at other times they are pale; the countenance dejected; and the blood vessels on the mem- branes of the eyes assume a pearly white color. At length a purging comes on, and this frequently alternates with profuse, clammy sweats. General emaciation now takes place; the cheek bones are prominent;^ the eye* are hollow and languid; the whole countenance assum- ing a cadaverous appearance. Still however, the appe- tite often remains pretty good to the very last; and from this circumstance, hope flatters the patient with a pros- pect of recovery until death terminates his existence. No period of life from child hood to old ag is "xt>mpt from an attack of pulmonary consumpii.u.; but it* rav- ages are more extensive in person^ between ti: >;g«?.s of fifteen and forty. Young people uf a sieudtr, ri icate 2V 578 PULMONARY CONSUMPTION. habit, long neck, flat narrow chest and high shoulders, have that conforroatiouof body most predisposed to an attack of this disease. Consumption may also be pro- duced by exposure to sudden transitions from heat to cold; lying in a damp bed, wearing wet clothes; an in- flammation of the lungs proceeding from catarrh or cold, terminating in abscess, or causing tubercles. Certain other preceding diseases, may also bring on this disor- der, such as the rupture of a blood vessel in the lungs, small pox, measles, and venereal improperly treated; the depressing passions as grief, anxiety, &c; intemper- ance; profuse evacuations, as purging, diabetes, the whites, and an immoderate flow of the menses; contin- uing to suckle to long in a debilitated state. The fumes arising£rnm the poison of certain metals and minerals, and the dust to which certain artificers are exposed, as millers, stone cutlers, needle pointers, chimney sweep- ers &c, are likewise regarded as causes that occasion- ally give ris-e to consumption. Of* late years this disease has J)ecome much more com- mon than it formerly was; and this alarming increase of the prevalence of this fatal complaint, has mostly been attributed to the pernicious fashions and customs of our refined age. A late medical writer of some celebrity speaking on this subject says, "While the empire of fashion bears her arbitrary sway, and the followers ot pleasure are bound by the fascination of example, and the contagious influence of that spirit which insinuates itself into the bosom of each of its votaries, so long Mill the sage precepts of wisdom be unheeded, till the ema- ciated form, the glassy eye, the hectic glow, speak in language to strong to be unheard,^hat the disease has sapped the foundation of life, andihe \ awning grave stands ready to receive its devoted victim." Tfep devo- tees of fashion, however, continue their devotions at fol- ly's shrine, notwithstanding the admonition* "f reason, the ex alted stiains of piety, the forcible *?} • *'» < f elo- quence, and the warnings of the gha -Uj.' >/ of «m ease. Consumption is always to be .ton.>X .ered>* a danger- PULMONARY CONSUMPTION. 579 ous disease. An expectoration of purulent matter, a high degree of hectic fever; great debility and emaciation, profuse, unnatural sweats with purging; dropsical swel- lings of the legs, and the.thrush in the mouth, indicate a fatal termination of the disease. TREATMENT. Consumption is a complaint more difficult of cure, and more liable to relapse, than almost any other. It is no *** uncommon thing in this disease, to witness a regular im- provement of tlieipatient's health for a few days, giving birth to the fond hope that health would be perfectly res- tored; but a sudden relapse soon blasts these fond anti- * cipations. On this account, therefore, the strictest meas- ures must be adopted in the treatment of this disease, and the most guarded watchfulness, against any cause likely to produce relapse, must be observed. In the early stages of this complaint, it may sometimes be arrested by the use of the expectorant sirup, page, 357, and the bitter tonic. The expectorant powders v,r sirup should be taken two or three tim|s during the night, and the bitter tonic three or four times during the day. ..The patient should also take occasionally of the diaphoretic powders, and carefully avoid all exposure to damp, or cold. Some cases occur in whicJgUhe tinc- ture of lobelia, in tea-spoonful doses, used three or four times a clay in connection with the bitter tonic, and dia- phoretic powders, answers the purpQseJietter than the expectorant powders. The sku^f abb^ge used in tea- spoonful *doses instead of the expectorant powders is al- so valuable; and so is the tea, or tincture of rattle root. But as medicines can only produce a salutary effect upon the lungs by restoring a general healthy action to the system, the most successful method of battling this formidable disease, will be to attack it with repeated courses of medicine. No other process in the compass of the healing art, combines so much efficiency and safe- ty in clearing out obstruction, throwing off morbid mat- 580 ATROPHY. ter, equalizing the circulation, and restoring a general healthy action to the system, as the simple process of applying the vapor bath, in connection with the medi- cines that constitute what is called the course of medi- cine. The course of medicine should be lepeated, if tbe case be a bad one, every day for a while, using the em- etic in the course every other time; and after the lapse of a few days, employ the course of medicine every oth- er clay. Between the courses, the expectorants, tonic, and diaphoretic powders, should be used as above di- rected. The patient should bear in mind that one of the chief obstacles to his restoration to health will be his discon- tinuing the use of remedies, when his symptoms become more favorable, and before he is aware, he exposes him- self so as to bring on a relapse, even when he thought he was taking care of himself. Recollect that the lungs never rest, but are always in motion day and night, a- sleep or awake. The irritation of this constant action, as well as the influence of the atmosphere, necessarily retards the healing of the lungs; and consequently, a damp or unhealthy atmosphere, and any exertion that disturbs the ciruclation of the blood, and action of the lungs, must increase the irritation, and bring on a relapse. However averse the patient may be to it, the course of medicine must be resumed to, and repeated as above di- rected whenever a relapse occurs. Many a curable case of this complaint, no doubt, has been lost, because the patient would not obsevre strictly, the directions, both in taking medicine, and guarding against exposure. Gentle exercise in a salubrious atmophose, is very im- portant; and confined or unwholesome fair should be avoided; hence large towns, and cities,, are not a suita- ble place for consumptive patients. ATROPHY. This dangerous complaint is also called nervous con- sumption. It is characterized by an aversion to food, ATROPHY. 581 with a weak, impaired digestion, and by a wasting of the body, and sinking of strength, unattended either with a cough, difficulty of breathing, much fever, or oth> -j er hectic symptoms. The symptoms which mark this disease, in its com- mencement and progress, are, languor, loss of appetite, impaired digestion, depression of spirits, loss of strength as well as flesh; the face is pale and squalid, and the ( habit is disposed to dropsical swellings; the urine is generally high colored, and voided in small quantities; there is but iittle fever, and little difficulty of breathing, unless what arises from extreme debility. Sometime.* the belly becoms prominent, owing to the enlargement of the meseutric glands, which indicates a scrofulous habit. This species of consumption may be produced by eat- ing food destitute of a sufficient portion of nutriment, by weak digestive powers, too copious evacuations, too free indulgence of sensual gratification, intemperant use of spirituous liquors, unwholesome air, grief and anxiety of mind; by the decay of the powers of life from age or previous disease; by worms in the alimentary canal; and by an..enlargement of the liver, spleen, pancreas, or menseutric glands. TREATMENT. You must first ascertain the cause which produced this disease, and commence your treatment by removing it. If excessive evacuations, such as purging, profuse, menstruation, whites, &c, have induced the dis ease* these must be removed according to the directions given under f these several heads. AUhe same time, the patient'* strength should be recruited by generous, nourishing diet, gentle exercise, and by two or three closes daily ., of some good tonic; see class of tonics, for various re- cipes. If the disease originate from giving suck too long, or from excessive indulgence in sensual gratifications, or from intemperance, these must be desisted from and the strength lestored as above directed. When the dis- 2-V* 582 DISLOCATIONS, AND FRACTURES. ease is induced by affections of the liver, spleen, mesen- tery, &c, remove the cause by the means directed un- der these heads, and then restore the health by the a bove directed course. These directions we deem suffi- cient to enable any person of good judgment toman- age a case of nervous consumption, as the treatment has to be governed by the excitigg cause of the complaint. DISLOCATIONS, AND FRACTURED. It is no difficult matter for any person of judgment, to ascertain when a dislocation or fracture of a bone has taken place. Nor do we deem it necessary to give par- ticular directions for reducing a dislocated, or fractured hone; for almost any man of good common sense knows how to do this when the muscles are properly relaxed. The principal thing necessary on this subject will be to prepare the fractured or dislocated part for reduction, by properly relaxing the muscles of the part. We heartily concur with a distinguished physician of the old school, in saying that the world is indebted to Dr. Thomson for the simplest, and best method yet known to effect this. The plan recommended by Dr. Thomson possesses the double advantage both of pre- venting in a great degree the excruciating pain that usu- ally.attends the reduction of fractured bones, and dis- located joints, while at the same time, it is the most ef- ficient, and easiest plan that could be adopted. First administer a good dose of the nerve powers, to which add a half tea-spoonful of cayenne; this will tend to quiet the nerves, prevent fainting, and promote per- spiration. Then apply a large cloth wet in warm wa- ter, hot as it can be borne around the injured part, letting it extend some distance above and below it. Nov/ place a vessel under, and pour water on the wet cloth, hot as it can be borne: continue this fifteen or twenty minutes, then the cloth must be taken off, and the bone or bones, PROLAPSUS ANI—FALLING OF TIIE PALATE. 583 as the case may be, placed in their proper situation, by some skillful person. If it be a fractured bone, after it is set it should be splintered and bound up to keep it in its proper place; but if it be a joint out of place, nothing more will be necessary after it is reduced than to pour a little cold water on it to contract the muscles, and keep the bone in its proper position. To prevent swelling and inflammation, observe the directions given under these heads. PROLAPSUS ANI. This complaint, sometimes called falling of the funda- ment, is characterized by a falling or protruding of the rectum out of the anus. It is most commonly met with among children of a weak habit, and those afflicted with severe purgings. Grown persons of a peculiar weak- ness in the part, are also liable to be afflicted with pro- lapsus ani. TREATMENT. This complaint, though troublesome, is not dangerous; nor is it very difficult to cure. Wash the part protruded with some astringent tea, as red oak bark, bayberry, witch hazel brier root, or some- thing of the kind; and administer an injection of the same. The washing should be repeated frequently until a cure be effected. The patient should use daily two or three doses of the bitter and astringent tonic until the com- plaint is removed. FALLING OF THE PALATE. The falling down, or elongation of the palate is attend- ed with a sense of tickling in the fauces, and soreness at the root of the tongue. 584 FAINTING, OR SYNCOPE. TREATMENT. Avoid speaking, as much as possible, or any thing else that will irritate the part. Gargle the throat fre- quently with some astringent tonic article, and drink free- ly of the sudorific powders. A strong tea of red oak bark sweetened with honey makes an excellent gargle for this purpose. Dr. Ewel recommends the application of pepper and salt to the palate, by means of a spoon handle, when there is little or no inflammation. FAINTING, OR SYNCOPE. fainting is characterized by a decreased action of the heart and lungs, and sometimes by a total suspension of their action for a while. This temporary derangement of the motion of the wheels of life, may be caused by sudden, violent emo- tions of the mind, as joy, grief, fear, &c; by pungent, disagreeable odors; derangements of the stomach, and intestines; debility from disease, or from the loss of blood; aud by tight lacing. TREATMENT. Sprinkle the face and bosom with cold water, during the paroxysm or fainting fit. This in many instances is sufficient to restore the lost action of the heart and lungs. Holding heartshorn to the nostrils is both use- ful and proper;—camphor is frequently, used for the same purpose. Essence of peppermint or that of winter green, is perhaps much better than the above named ar- ticles. If these do not relieve the case, and set the vheels of life in motion again, forthwith administer a stimulating injection, if you can get nothing else, water about blood heat with a little salt and pepper in it will do; and if any means will rouse to animation, the stim- ulating injecti?n will. * SUSPENDED ANIMATION—DROWNING. 585 Where derangements of the stomach or bowels exist, they must receive proper attention according to the di- rections under these heads, when the patient has been roused to animation. When debility from previous disease, or from acci- dental loss of blood be the cause, after the patient has been restored to animation by the above means, restore tone and vigor to the system by the use of tonics, and a good, nourishing diet. SUSPENDED ANIMAMION. By this is meant a suspension of the animal functions, without the entire extinction of life, by some violent cause as drowning, hanging, or suffocation, extreme cold, or lightning. DROWNING. Dissections of drowned persons do not show that any of the organs essential to life are injured; it is therefore evident that suspension of life, in drowning is caused by the want of that stimulus which the living power derives from the air, according to the principle we have laid down in our remarks on the means of sustaining the liv- ing power, page 45. In drowned persons the right cav- ity of the heart, together with the veins leading to, and the arteries leading from it, are filled with blood, whilst every other part of the blood vessels are quite empty. Livid, and dark brown spots on the face, with great rigidity and coldness of the body; a flaccid state of the skin, and a glossy appearance of the eyes, are said to be an indication of the perfect extinction of life. Where these symptoms are not present, when a body is taken out of the water, every means for restoring animation should immediately be resorted to, for aught we know, 586 DROWNING. this may enable the now motionless machine to resume its motion, and perform its wonted functions. TREATMENT. On taking the body of a drowned person from the water, it should immediately be conveyed to the nearest house, in the most expedious manner that it can safely be <1one; for remember that delays increase the probability of a failure to resuscitate the patient. Care should be taken in carrying the body to the house, and in handling it afterward, not to let the head hang clown; but to keep it in the most natural position. As soon as possible strip off the wet clothes wipe the body dry with a flannel of woolen cloth, and wrap it in a blanket first warmed be* fore the fire. An injection ought now to be given, which' some of the attendants ought to prepare while others are stripping him, &c. The injection may be made of pennyroyal, or peppermint tea, or even of warm water, and to this must be added one fourth tea-spoonful of cayenne, or if not at hand, a pod of red pepper, or a half tea spoonful of black pepper may be used, also a tea- (spoonfisl of the tincture of lobelia, or its equivalent of the seeds or leaves, and a tea-spoonful of the diaphoret- ic tincture. This should be injected about blood heal, aud kept in the rectum some time, by applying a cloth to the fu,;danient if necessary. The injections must be repeated at intervals as often as the circumstances m*y require. While this is attended to, some of the atten- dants should make the necessary preparations for apply- ing the vapor bath, which should be applied as expedi- tiously as possible. Perhaps the most convenient meth- od will be to lay the patient on his hack in a bed, cover him with a blanket, which should be kept up from the body by means of half hoops; then seta pan of hot wa- ter under the blanket at the foot of the bed, into which put a warm rock, so as to raise only a very gentle steam; for bear in mind a hot steam would prove fatal by rais- ing the external heat too high. The steam may slowly' HANGING—SUFFOCATION. 587 and gradually be increased as the signs of returning life make their appearance. A dose of the antispasmodic tincture should now be administered, and repeated aa circumstances require: a half tea-spoonful will perhaps be about the proper dose. When the senses become restored, the patient should drink freely of the diaphoretic powders, and keep up the perspiration eight or ten hours. If at the end of this time, he should continue listless, dejected, and silent, carry him through a full course of medicine. After this replace him in bed, and keep up a gentle perspiration for some time;—nourishing food, and reviving cordials, will be necessary. HANGING. When the neck is not broken, the external appearances are very similar to those discoverable in a drowned per- son; and the means used for resuscitation may be the same. SUFFOCATION. * Under this head, are includeded all cases of susped- e*d animation, that are caused by breathing noxious gases, suoh as carbonic acid gas, usually called damps, which is often found in wells, cellars, vaults, &c, in sufficient quantities to destroy life; hydrogen, nitrogen, aud some other gases are also noxious. ^Then the air inhaled into the lungs is composed chief- ly or entirely of noxious gases, an immediate suspension of the animal functions is produced; but if the noxious gases are not inhaled in such great quantities, the ani- mal functions are not entirely suspended, though they are performed in a very feeble and imperfect manner. In cases of this kind, the symptoms, on first inhaling the gases, are, giddiness, head-ache, stupor, fainting*, numb- 588 TREEKING. ness, and sometimes convulsions. In a short time the face and neck swells; the eyes are protruded from their sockets; the tongue haugs out at one side of the month, and frequently the jaws are firmly closed upon it; the face is livid, and the lips blue; the abdojnen inflated; and the person appears to be in a deep sleep. TREATMENT. Where animation has been suspended by inhaling nox- ious gases, you may first commence by dashing cold wa- ter in the face and breast of the patient, and at the same time expose him to a free, pure air. A stimulating in- jection similar to that recommended in cases of suspend- ed animation from drowning, should be administered as soon as possible, and repeated as circumstances require. Hartshorn should be held near the nose; the face and temples should be bathed with pepper and vinegar, or with camphor. Some physicians recommend to in- flate the lungs as is done in trying to resuscitate a drowned person; and if oxygen gas can be had, to inflate with that. , .. A small,portion of the antispasmodic tincture should be added to the injections; and a half a tea-spoonful of it should be put in the mouth, wh'c'i will relieve the spams in the jaw; if one dose be not enough, repeat it. After the patient $s restored to animation, if he appear languid and listless, treat him as directed for drowned persons, where similar symptoms occur. FREEZING. When a person is exposed to extreme cold for a length of time, tne countenance becomes pale and shrivelled; the limbs grow stiff; the chilled blood ceases to flow, and the throbbing heart fails to beat. This suspension of animal power, is always preceded by an excessive FREEZING. 589 desire to sleep which the strongest resolution is incapa- ble of overcoming. TREATMENT. When the vital flame i.«» entirely extinct from freezing, I do not suppose any means can be employed to rekin- dle it; but while a small spark remains, although the patient be motionless, the proper means may reanimate him. We will„give the reader an example of the treatment of such a case which we think will sufficiently illustrate the method of treating such cases. Shortly after the close of the revolutionary war, when the settlers in Western Virginia were few, a little girl was sent to a neighbor's house, which was about three or four miles distant. The day was extremely cold} and shortly after she started, a piercingly cold north wind rose and met her in the face; this gave the cold a greater impression upon the system, and by the time she reached the house, she could neither speak nor move. Fortunately the horse stopped before the door, where he did not stand long until some of the inmates of the house discovered his almost lifeless burden. The good old lady of the house shrewdly suspecting the little girl to be past helping herself, soon run out to ascertain the fact. Upon discovering she had neither the power to speak or move, the good old matron soon raised all hands on the premises to take measures to reanimate the little girl. Forthwith she was put in a fine large spring, near the house, and was kept under the water, with the exception of her head, until the frost was thoroughly extracted, and the patient had recovered the use of her limbs. She was then taken out of the water, and uncer- emoniously stripped of her wet clothes, rubbed off in- stantly with a dry flannel cloth, wrapped in a warm blanket, carried to the house, and laid in a warm bed, after which, by drinking some warm teas, she soon felt perfectly relieved from all pain, and was able to ride. home the next day, This circumstance occurred in A- 2W 590 LIGHTNING. ^ gusta county Virginia, and had this plan of treatment been an inefficient one, this book would never have been written. We would, however, recommed, that after the patient is put to bed, diaphoretic teas should be adminis- tered, and other means used to raise a perspiration and free the system entirely from the effects of the cold; if this be done no foundation will be left for a consumption, or some other dangerous disease. An injection would be very serviceable, and should be administered. When a person gets his hands or feet frost-bitten, he should not go to the fire to warm them before the frost is abstracted, as that produces great pain, generally suc- ceeded by inflammation, which, in many cases has ter- \j minated in mortification. First hold the frostbitten limb in cold water, then in spring water, drinking at the same time some diaphoretic teas to keep up the intern- al heat, and prevent the blood from becoming cankered. After this is clone, wipe the frosted limb dry with a flan- nel cloth, then bathe it with bathing drops, applying them with brisk friction. Drink freely of the diaphoret- ic powders. Warm goose grease has been recommend- ed by some, as being the best application that can be made to a frost bitten limb:—it is applied by frequent, or rather, by nearly constant bathing, until life and cir- culation is restored to the part. LIGHTNING. The system appears to be exhausted of its stock of nervous power by a stroke of lightning, which is sup- posed to be the reason that the blood of a person so kill- ed, does not coagulate, nor his limbs become stiff. When the action of the electric fluid has been very great, a de- gree of disorganization takes place;—the appearance of the brain is altered, the membrane enclosing the brains is bursted, some of the blood vessels are ruptured; bleed- ing at the nose and mouth ensues; and the skin where RUPTURE, OR HERNIA. 591 the electric fluid passed along, is driven into ridges, which assume a dark or black color, and speedily run into putrefaction. In such cases, no effort to resuscitate the person will avail any thing; but where no such vio- lence has been sustained, means may be used; for some- times, individuals apparently dead, have been restored. TREATMENT. The extremely flaccid, soft and loose state of the mus- cles, as well as of the blood, which succeeds a stroke of lightning, indicates the propriety of using something that would tend to correct this state by restoring firm- ness, and tone to the relaxed muscular fibers. Dashing cold water by buckets-ful on the' patient, is said to an- swer this purpose. This treatment was recommended in the year 1818, l\y the Royal Humane Society. The water should be dashed on suddenly so as to operate like a shock; and should be repeated ten or fifteen times, in as many minutes. Continued frictions, and occasion- al inflations of the lungs should be practiced. Gentle shocks of electricity, when passed from the chest to the back, have been recommended as valuable to give firm- ness aud tone to the relaxed fibers. Some physicians recommend the rubbing o( the breast with a strong de- coction of pepper and vinegar; or applying to it, a few red pepper pods turned inside out, and steeped in vine- gar, so as to soften them. Dr. Good advises stimulants of the most active kind, to be given both by the mouth and by injections. RUPTURE, OR HERNIA. This is an unnatural protrusion of a portion of the contents of the abdomen, through the lacerated fibers or muscles of the part, where the swelling occurs. Acci- dents of this kind are most common to elderly persons, aud to children. In adults they may proceed from some 592 RUPTURE, OR HERNIA. violent, or sudden exertion, as jumping, wrestling, &c; and by straining to lift heavy weights, or by receiving some violent thrust about the abdomen, that lacerates the muscles and fibers of the part, without lacerating the skin. In children it sometimes proceeds from hard crying, coughing, vomiting, and the like. TREATMENT. On the first appearance of the rupture, means should immediately be employed to replace the protruding por- tion of the intestines, as there is danger of the parts be- coming inflamed, by which it is often so enlarged that it cannot be returned, and in some instances of this kind, mortification has ensued. Lay the patient on his back, raising his hips by means of pillows, or bed clothes folded up, so as to make them higher than his head. If the protruded part be not swell- ed, endeavor to return the intestine that protrudes, by a gentle pressure with the fingers, through the same open- ing at which it had come out. This operation requires more dexterity than force, so as not to injure the parts. If the patient has arrived at the years of discretion, be can manage it to more advantage himself than any one else. Bat if the part be swelled and inflamed, you must evac- uate the contents of the bowels by injections of flax-seed or catnip tea, or something of the kind with a tea-spoon- ful of the tincture of lobelia in each injection. Next ap- ply fomentations of bitter herbs, as hoarhound, catnip, wormwood, tansy, mayweed, bops, camomile, or marsh mallows, bathing it occasionally with the relaxing oint- ment, page 365, or with the green ointment, page, 367. Continue this operation until the constriction is relaxed, and the swelling so reduced, that the protrusion can be replaced. JVhen this has been accomplished, apply a truss to keep it to its place, which must be worn some length of time, to enable the ruptured walls of the abdo- men to close, and heal up sound. In the "American WORMS. 593 Practice," bathing the part under the truss three or four times a day with the extract or sirup of oak bark is high- ly recommended as promoting the cure. This extract is made by boiling the bark slowly, long enough to ex- tract all iU virtue; then strain off, and continue the boiling until the extract is reduced to the consistence of thick melasses. WORMS. Of the various kinds of worms, which infest the whole intestinal canal, systematic writers make three general classes. Those which inhabit the whole range of the intestinal canal, are ranged under the first class,—they are the teres or long round worm; the long thread worm, the long tape worm, the broad tape worm, and the fluke or flat two headed worm. Those which exclusively in- habit the lower part of the intestinal canal, belong to the second class;—they are the thread worm, mane worm, and the bot worm. The third class includes such as are not considered natives of the human body, but acci- dently enter the stomach, and intestines. They are the bair worm, the erratic leech, and the maggot worm. The symptoms indicating the presence of worms are so various, and contradictory, and so often resembling the symptoms of some other disease, such as croup, in- flammation of the brain, liver, &c; pleurisy, bloody flux, &c, that it would be impossible to give all the symp- toms. Some of the following symptoms, however, will generally be found present, when the health of the pa- tient is affected by worms:—swelling of the upper lip, pecking at the nose, grinding of the teeth; pains in the stomach, gripings, and looseness; foetid breath, starting and crying in the sleep; a peculiar paleness about the mouth; hardness and fullness of the belly; a short dry eough; nausea; fever, and sometimes, convulsions. Worms may exist in the alimentary canal a longtime without producing any unpleasant symptoms; but the 2 W* 594 worms. following causes may set them to woTk, when some of the above discribed symptoms will indicate their pres- ence and injurious effects upon the system:—Eating un-^ ripe fruits; sucking unwholesome milk; indigestible vegetable food; weak digestive powers; and a preter- natural quantity of mucus, or slimy matter in the stom- ach and intestines. TREATMENT. In the treatment of complaints of this kind, three ob- jects should be kept in view:—First, to cleanse the in- testinal canal of the morbid, mucus matter in them, which is supposed to be the element in which the worms revel; seconclly, destroying, and removing the worms by the use of those medicines called anthelmintics, or vermi- fuges; thirdly strengthening the system generally, and the intestines in particular. To accomplish the first object, cleanse the storaac.i with an emetic, and cleanse the intestines with a few dbses of the butter-nut sirup, which is ascertained to be not only one of the safest cathartics, but has been found to answer the purpose, desired in this case, most admi- rably. To accomplish the second object, various articles have been recommended, see class of anthelmintics both in materia medica, and in the dispensatory. These med- iciues, however, are of a more doubtful character; for any medicine that will-kill worms, has a direct tenden- cy to weaken the tone of the stomach, and intestines; and on this account, they have a considerable tendency to defeat the other intentions of a cure. The use of ton- ic medicines, answers the third indication in the treat- ment. A strong tea of poplar bark, used in connection with the butter nut sirup, very often effects a cure with- out any thing else. When this will answer, it is a very salutary medicine, as it possesses in connection with its anthelmintic properties, a tonic power. We have known it administered in some very bad cases, with the utmost Success, whilst in other cases we have witnessed its ex- HOOPING COUGH. 595 hibition attended with but little success. Other vermi- fuges may be used, at the discretion of the practitioner, whom we refer to the class of these articles, where he will find them described, together with the method of administering, and the quantity for a dose. Of late, charcoal has acquired considerable celebrity in the schools of Europe as a valuable medicine for worms. It is administered freely in substance, being a perfectly safe medicine. Spirits of turpentine used in connection with the but- ter-nut sirup has been successful in expelling the tape worm. In the general Index, under the word tape worm, the reader will find a reference to other articles, that are recommended as useful in expelling the tape worm. For a child, the dose of the spirits of turpentine is from a half to a whole tea-spoonful. After taking three or four doses of the turpentine, it should be followed by a dose of the butter-nut sirup. HOOPING COUGH. This complaint is mostly confined to children; and is characterized by a suffocative, convulsive cough, attend- ed with a deep, shrill sound, termed the whoop, from which it derives its name, hooping or whooping cough. At first, very little expectoration attends the cough, but it gradually becomes more copious. The matter ex- pectorated is always tough and viscid, and this is one cause of that peculiar difficulty, and great exertion, al- ways attending this cough, which is often so great that the face becomes bloated, and turns purple, the eyes swell and become prominent. TREATMENT. The indications to be answered in treating this com- plaint are to relieve the spasmodic irritation, and promote 596 WHITE SWELLING. the expectoration of the tough phlegm by loosening it* For the above purposes you may give first an emetic of the ticture of lobelia, which should be accompanied with a portion of the nervine tincture. The tincture of lobe- lia should be given twice a day in nauseating doses, and followed by the tincture of lady's slipper in ten or fifteen minutes. The proper time for exhibiting it, is in the morning, before breakfast, and at night, before going to bed. During the day the patient may drink frequently of the diaphoretic tea, which may be sweetened to make it more palatable. The pulverized skunk cabbage root, administered in doses of from a fourth to a half tea-spoonful, combined with honey, is valuable in this complaint, as it is both loosening to the cough, and quieting to the nerves. Tbe good effect of these remedies may be promoted by bath- ing the back, and stomach with pepper sauce, or with bathing drops. It should be applied frequently with gentle friction, along the back bone, breast bone, and over the region of the stomach. Relieve the bowels of costiveness by injections of catnip tea with the addition of a tea-spoonful of the diaphoretic tincture. In very bad cases, the course of medicine will be found valuable. The bitter tonic should be used to give tone to the sys- tem generally, as well as to the digestive organs. WHITE SWELLING. Of this most painful disease, different writers give various, and even contradictory occounts. This discre- pancy, probably, arises from overlooking the different varieties of the disease, which are distinguishable accord- ing to the seat of the disorder. The first species has its seat in the synovial membrane of tbe joints, which is the membrane enclosing the glands that secrete the unctious matter intended to lubricate the joints in their various motions. This species is called WHITE SWELLING. 597 I* the rheumatic kind, and is sometimes mistaken for chron- ic rheumatism. The second species is seated in the cartilage of thejoint. It usually commences with a sense ofstiffnes, the part enlarges, and the joint sometimes becomes perfectly stiff. When the cartilage ulcerates, the pain becomes excessive, a hectic fever ensues, and the unfortunate sufferer is gradually reduced to a state of extreme debility. The third species, which is the most common kind of white swelling, originates in the cells of the bones. This kind is frequently called the scrofulous kind. The bone ulcerates, abscesses form; the soft parts swell, and the limb^is puffy and elastic. The abscesses form along the bonerfollowingthe courses of the cellular membrane, forming those long, narrow, hollow tracks called sinuses:—soilietimes they extend to the heads of the bone, and invade the cartilages. In all tiie varieties of white swelling there is but little if any discoloration of the skin over the swelled part, from which circumstance it takes its name. As the dis- ease advances, the violence of the pain increases, and the swelling becomes more considerable, until it finally breaks, and discharges matter. TREATMENT. In all cases, when you discover that a white swelling is about to rise on any part, you should attempt its cure before suppuration takes place. By doing this, much time and money may be saved, and much pain prevent- ed. The drug poultice, page, 379. should be applied to the swelling as soon as you discover it coming; and it will not fail, one time in ten, to put it back, and per- forin a cure without suppuration, unless matter has com- menced forming at the bone before the poultice be appli- ed. But if matter has commenced forming at the bone, this poultice will draw it to a head much quicker, and with much less pain"than any thing else, with which we have any acquaintance. It also has a powerful tenden- cy to prevent the bone from being injured, which gen- 598 spasmodic cholera! erally happens in this complaint. The poultice should be wet as often as it dries, with whiskey or with bath- ing drops:—it is important to keep it moist. A local application of a medicated vapor bath has also been re- commended, which we would judge to be very valuable. Take of catnip, mullen, mayweed, and wormwood each a double handful, and boil them in four quarts of water, to which add one pint of soft soap. Then place the affected joint over the steams arising from this fifteen or twenty minutes, covering it with a blanket in such a manner as to confine the vapor to the diseased part alone. This local vapor bath should be applied once a day un- til the pain and swelling disappear. When a white swelling has run on until it breaks, the treatment then may be the same as that recommended for scrofula to which the reader is referred. SPASMODIC CHOLERA. This fearful disease had its origin in Asia, in the year 1816; and hence it is often called Asiatic cholera. Af- ter spreading devastation over many parts of the conti- nent of Asia, about twelve years, it visited various isles in the Chinese sea, and in 1829 entered Europe. Con- tinuing its destructive career, it traveled over many kingdoms of Europe, but little restraind by any means employed for that purpose. In 1832 it visited various points on the American continent, where it soon gave melancholy proofs that, its virulence was but little abated by a passage across the Atlantic. Weshall attend only to give thegeneral and wellmark- edsyjnptoms of the complaint, without noticingevery devi- ation from the ordinary course of the disease, or paying much attention to the distinctions of what are called dif- ferent stages of the disease, as they are more curious than valuable, being of but little importance in a prac- tical point of view. All that is needed is to be informed spasmodic-cholera. 599 of the symptoms that indicate the approach of an attack, and those showing when the disease has certainly at- tacked. An attack of this complaint is generally prec ded by frequent discharges from the bowels, followed by great exhaustion, sinking, and emptiness; sickn^s at the stomach aud vomiting, either precede or attend these symptoms. After a short time, giddiness or swimming of the head, ringing in the ears, faintness, and coldness of the skin occur, with a loss of the power of moving. About this time, a twitching in the muscles of the fingers and toes are felt, and these affections gradually extend to the trunk. The pulse from the first, is small, quick and weak; but on the commencement of the spasms, it suddenly sinks until quite imperceptible;—the skin, which from the first of the attack is below the natural heat, grows colder and colder as the disease advances; and is generally covered with a clammy moisture. The eyes sink in their orbits, and are surrounded with a dark or livid circle; the countenance assumes a cadaver- ous aspect, its peculiarly strange, and unnatural appear- ance is observed by all. The desire for cold water is generally great; the tongue is moist, cold, and whitish. A burning heat, and a distressing pain at the pit of the stomach are very common in this disease. After the first vomiting, and discharge by stools, however, severe these symptoms may be, the matter passed by stool is of a wa- tery consistence;—sometimes destitute of color, at others resembling muddy water; but most commonly they re- semble rice water. After a longer or shorter time the collapsed stage comes on, in some instances so suddenly as to prostrate the individual to the earth. This stage of the disease is of short duration, as the patient must quickly be re- lieved by medicine, or he wiU be cut off by death. TREATMENT. If properly attended in the early stages, this fatal scourge of nations, appears as easily managed, as any 600 spasmodic cholera. other complaint whose symptoms progress asfrapidly and as violently. Commence your treatment^* for the early sjage, by giving the cholera sirup, pa^,\384, in table-spoonful doses, repeated every twenty fir thirty minutes, if the violence of the symptoms require it. Proper means must at the same t me be usee* to promote a free perspiration, which must be kepTup without suf- fering any sudden check until the symptonlsKre entire- ly removed. In the mean time the stomach, and extrem- ities should be bathed with a strong decoction of pep- per and vinegar, or some other stimulating wash, ap- plied with much friction. If nausea and vomiting do not disappear by the use of the above remedies some of the antiemetics must be administered without delay. When a copious perspiration is once rmsed, you must keep the patient in bed, and keep up tie perspiration, from twelve to forty-eight hours, according to the vio- lence of the attack. By the above simple means, you will generally check the disease if taken in time; but as there is great danger of a relapse, it wilf be necessary to continue the use of the sirup for several days, three or four times a clay and gradually taper off from its use;—- avoid cold, clamp, night air, or any exertion. But if the above treatment prove unavailing, or if the collapsed stage has come on, in connection with the above course, you mast employ the antispasmodic tinc- ture freely; and injections with two'or three tea spoons- ful of the same in each, should be used. Preparations must be made for applying the vapor bath to the patient in bed; and some of the best stimulant diaphoreses* must be given internally; for if a free perspiration can be rais- ed, and kept up, you have gained an important object, and the free use of the above remedies will then gener- ally eflect a cure. Continue the perspiration, for twelve or twenty-four hours after the symptoms disappear. The same directions in the use of the sirup, &c.. must be observed, as were above given to prevent a relapse, you must, however, adapt the treatment to the greater debili- ty, and hazard of a relapse. '• FART IV. OF MIDWIFERY, AND THE DISEASES PECULIAR TO i S WOMEN AND CHILDREN. INTRODUCTORY REMARKS. -4 Women are not only liable to all the ordinary diseas- es to which men are exposed, but in consequence of their sexual organization, they are also subject to many dis- eases peculiar to themselves. The organic machine iu women is more complex than in men, and the functions performed . by these organs are easily deranged, from which diseases of an inveterate and dangerous character, often arise. And from the very nature of female diseases, and the indelicacy of explaining the nature of the symp- toms to doctors, these diseases-are often suffered to run on until health isainally destroyed. While modesty, and delicacy of feeling, the brightest gems that adorn the female character, are cherished in the female bosom, hundreds will patiently bear the agonies of disease, and brave the terrors of death, rather than make disclosures, and submit to exposure before strange men, at which every sentiment of delicacy recoils with the utmost ab- horrence. These sentiments of delicacy and modesty, are the bulwarks of female chastity tifad virtue;—break down the former, and we have no security for the pres- ervation of the latter. The practice of calling upon men in ordinary cases of child birth, is manifestly repugnant to every principle of virtue, and is unsparingly reproba- 2X 602 OF MIDWIFERY. ted by many of the most distinguished physcians, who have been an ornameut to the profession for the last cen- tury, as being a means of sacrificing delicacy and chas- tity; and has been kept in countenance only by a f rafty imposition practiced upon the credulity of women, and the feais ot their husbands. The All wise Creator never gave woman that virtuous sensibility, which constitutes one of her noblest charms, that its sacred rights should be wantonly trampled upon. We are apprised that some attempt to justify this practice, by sayiug that child-birtli is an extraordinary occasiort, and that it is the duty of women to conquer their feelings of false delicacy. We frankly confess that we have no partiality for such philosophy; for we can as readily believe that hunger is a false, deceptive sensation, and should therefore be overcome, as that this sense of delicacy, which Heaven has placed as the sentinel of virtue, should be so far gag- ged as not to express its abhorence at the interference of men in cases where necessity does not demand it, and where the laws of modesty, and sentiments of chastity absolutely forbid it. All needless familiarity between the sexes gradually weakens the sentiments of chastity, and destroys the feelings of delicacy and modesty:—this is not a mere whim of our own, but has been a matter of observation for maiiy years, by the discerning. Every friend of virtue ought therefore to contend for the prac- tice of midwifery to be restored to the, hands of the wo- men where it anciently was. Decency, delicacy, reason and virtue, all conspire to demand the restoration of this business to the women as it was in the beginning. No good reason can be shown to prove the impropriety of this; for women have the capacity to learn every thing necessary to the successful practice of midwifery. "Every day," says Ewell, "shows that the practice of midwifery requires no particular skill, no superior knowledge, no slight of hand, nothing beyond the most common sense andobservation to do all that is required, with perfect success." Women are endowed by nature with capacity to learn, and can therefore acquire all the OF MIDWIFERY. 603 knowledge, that science can teach on the subject, and that is all tiiat a doctor can do; but women have other facilities for acquiring knowledge of the «u.-;i:;evs that a jj a doctor never can possess. And in addition to all these " considerations, women are endowed with other qualifi- cations by ntture, that render tl|em much more suitable to discharge the duties .of a midwife thati the males. "' The general habits and temper of men, render them too i.-■'tuatient in attendance on those tedious cases that Occur in childbirth; and her.ce say Drs. Denman, Buchan, .. ' aud Ewell, "Their hurry, their -spirit for acting, havo clone the sex more harm than' all the injudicious,, manage- I'letit of l/kI wives, of which they are so fond of talking." On tSe 'o'her hand, wumeu r,re furui-he.d with small luuids, and a pjore delicate sense oi" touch:—important ^'qualities for aa accoucher: they are also endowed with ua uuwe;:ried, persevering patience in attendance^ on the ^ sick; and their own experience qualifies them to sympa- thize with the sufferer, aud extend that c:c;K-ugemenfc and consolation, ■ which the* trying moment demands. Furnish woman'with tho. requisite knowledge, aud ia every r'espett she is'better jpi, liiOe;d To attend the'suffer- ing female-than any physic)an. ffl The Danish guvenimeiit, convinced of the im[ s p:ic- ty mill immoral tendency of the employment of men as * mid wives in the management Of caees of natural labor, lias established school* for the instruction of women fo^|^ this purpose;* arid sejteral^ of the Germ in_alai.es have followed the same exam pi;'.. We appeal teethe female community to put a stop to the practice of calling'on men ' '* ' \ imsucb cases; and we appeal to,all who may have any wish fopraciice midwifery to obtain books, amTqualify themselves to attend successfully, not only all natural • " cases^o/ lajbor, but also the difficult oiyei. It is in your power, by taking primer pa".us, to acquire as perfect a knowledge of the subject as any man can. Your good sense, your delicacy, aftd your virtuous feelings all ap- prove of the plan we reco'm mend. Then why not adopt it? Do not think that the subject is too difficult to un- * 604 OF MIDWIFERY. dertake; nor yet should you think it too indelicate. Nature's Author has assigned you certain functions to perform, every one knows that you must perform them. Certainly you can not think that there is as much indel- icacy, in privately acquiring the proper information to aid each other as there is in exposing yourselves to the hands and eyes of strange men! You must be apprised that those familiarities that are, and that must be taken by men in the discharge of the duties of an accoucher, naturally tend to obliterate that delicacy of sentiment, aud remove those salutary restraints, by which chastity of feeling is preserved, and immoral familiarities, and undue liberties prevented. Every exposure in submit- ting to the unnecessary examination of physiciausj is an indecency-that makes a direct attack upon the purity of virtue, and the ch^siity of sentiment, and in thousands of instances, has kindled criminal desires, and lead to* criminal practices when they were thought to be more innocently employed. £fo practice: that thus directly tends j$o sap the foundation^ of virtue, should be'eontin- ue«I, or countenanced I.y the customsfof any christian c o**i.:_«iity. flu? inte est, arid the duty of all, is to pre- serve ljftto'oraan delicacy of feeling, anil chastity of sen- lin&nfj^this'wi.U.- have: a, most powerful- end sakir.r^ ;iu8W*ice oyer.Hu characier of the age; for our daughters \vijl mure or less pa-tfV.Icte of'fhe prevailing, manners of jtj.be liuies. T.".-eyyv411 be chaste, and refined; or indel- 'icafe^^d unprincip}ed*'a#.^eir associates are. .Then ui.! 625 TREATMENT. The articles found in the class of antacids, will gen- erally be useful in relieving this distressing symptom; but perhaps none of them will be found superior to mag- nesia combined with a very small portion of rhubarb. When this complaint occurs in the latter stages of preg- nancy it is generally very obstinate to remove; but may be mitigated by the daily use of magnesia. Sometimes an emetic is necessary; in that case, we would recom- mend Chamber's emetic; (see Index for this article:) and after the operation of the emetic use the columbo root bitters. SECTION X. PAINS IN THE OS PUBIS. Some females iu advanced stages of pregnancy, ex- perience severe pains in the os pubis, or front bones of pelvis. These pains are produced by the continual pres- sure of the womb upon the os pubis, consequently the pains usually increase as the period of gestation advan- ces. Medical aid can do but little in removing this dif- ficulty, while the cause is still unremoved; but when the paine become very excruciating, something ought to be done to alleviate the pressure. This may be done by the application of a bandage around the lower part of the abdomen, and over the shoulders, so as to prevent the pressure upon the os pubis, or front bones. No dif- ficulty will be experienced from wearing the bandage, if it be of the proper width, and shape, so as to give equal support to each part. Let the patient apply the bandage when lying down, and this will make it about the proper length to prevent the pressure upon the bones of the pelvis. 2Z 626 RETENTION OF THE URINE. SECTION XI. COSTIVENESS AND PILES. Costivenes usually accompanies the first as well as the latter stages of pregnancy. This complaint, during the period of gestation, is produced principally, if not wholly by the pressure of the womb upon the rectum. When this disease is allowed to continue long, it not on- ly aggravates the symptoms of those diseases, which annoy the health during the period of gestation, but is the cause of someoftheni. Sometimes the piles of a very troublesome and painful character proceed from costiveness. As we have given the treatment of these complaints in the foregoing part of this work, we refer the reader to that part of the work. SECTION XII. RETENTION OF THE URINE. We have already treated of the suppression of the urine, in the former»pai t of this work, but in this case the difficulty is produced by the pressure of tbe womb upon the neck of the bladder or the urethra. Immedi- ate measures should be taken to remove the difficulty, otherwise the consequence will be dangerous if not fatal. The medicinal treatment will be the same as that given for suppression of urine, to which the reader is referred. It generally becomes necessary to employ a catheter to, evacuate the water. The catheter in common use is a small, flexible tube of gum elastic,—quite a simple in- strument, and the method of using it is equally simple. The bladder containing the uiine is situated immediate- ly behind the os pubis. The urinary canal is situated under the arch of the pubis, and is so short, and so lit- tle curved, that a strait instrument is preferred. The WA.NT OF SLEEP—PAINS IN THE RIGHT SIDE. 627 * patient should be placed on her back, the end of the ca- theter, being first well greased with lard or some soft oil, should be inserted in the entrance of the urinary passage, and then gently pushed backwards and upwara.i, m the direction it finds the least resistance. If the patient be not too sick, after the instrument is started, no per- son can manage it better than she can. There is no need of a physician to perform an operation s>o simple, a?s drawing off the urine by a catheter. SECTION XIII. WANT OF SLEEP. Many women, towards the latter stages of pregnancy, become restless, uneasy, and are much disturbed in their sleep. This difficulty seems to originate from an irrita- tion of the nervous system, and from involuntary, spas- modic contractions of the muscles. TREATMENT. Nothing perhaps can be used, that seems to have a more salutary effect upon this condition of the body, than repeated applications of the vapor bath, using in- ternally at the same time, the diaphoretic tea, and a tea made of equal portions of lady's slipper and the par- tridge berry. The anodyne powders, or drops may also used with advantage.- SECTION XIV. PAINS IN THE RIGHT SIDE. Towards the latter period of gestation, some women are attacked with a deep seated, dull pain in the right side, immediately over the region of the liver. The 6^8 ABORTION. v ■ rause is supposed by Dr. Dewees to be the pressure of the uterus upon the liver; and as it enlarges in the pro- gress uf gestation, the pressure becomes greater, and the pain more severe. From the very nature of the cause, butlittlerelief can rationally be expected from medicine. Laying on the left side, and bathing the right side with pepper and vin- egar or with bathing drops, affords some relief. Apply- ing a hot rock or brick at the side on going to bed, caus- es the substance applied iu bathing, to penetrate the bet-> ter, and remove local obstruction in the part. SECTION XV. ABORTION. During any period of gestation after the first month, through disease, or accidental injury, woman is liable to miscarry; but abortion most frequently occurs between the tenth and twentieth week. After one miscarriage, a woman is much more liable to abortion; and when a habit of miscarrying is formed there is difficulty in pre- venting it. Most causes of abortion can be guarded against, such as violent fits of passion, great uneasiness of mind, strong purges, excessive venery, external inju- ries, as falls, blows, bruises, &c. Generally abortion is preceded by softness or flaccid - ity of the breasts; pains in the back, loins and lower part of the belly; shiverings, palpitations of the hear!; a falling or shrinking of the belly; pains in the inside of the thighs, &c. When these symptoms, or the greater^ part of them occur in a pregnant condition, and especial-" ly if attended with flooding, a miscarriage may lie look- ed for, unless proper means be employed forthwith for its prevention. TREATMENT. As soon as the above symptoms make their appear-y ance, let the patient go to bed and keep herself as quiet # •i* ABORTION. 629 as possible. She should drink freely of the diaphoretic teas, made strong with cayenne, and take repeated dos- es of the anodyne powders or drops, and of the nervine tincture. Take immediate measures to check the flood- ing according to the directions given under that head. Persevere in this course, making free use of astringeut tonics, and cayenne, with an injection or two, made of the amaranth, thrown up the vagina; and in case this article cannot be had, any astringent tonic may be sub- stituted. 2Z* CHAPTER UK OF LABOR, DELIVERY, AC. Wte now approach a subject of deep and thrilling in- terest—one that awakes the deepest, and most latent sympathies in the human breast, calling into exercise the prompt exertions of skill in the accoucher, and the readiest, kindest acts of friendship and affection in the attendants:—it is the last and most critical process of the organs of generation in the production of the species. It is an operation purely natural, though it seldom takes place without a marked train of symptoms, some of which are local, being chiefly confined to the organs immedi- ately concerned; and others are general affecting the whole body. For the sake of perspicuity we shall di- vide this chapter also into sections, considering each subject iu a distinct section. SECTION I. SYMPTOMS OF LABOR. The painful hour of travail is preceded by various symptoms that indicate its approach; and is accompani- ed by others that mark its progress. And although these symptoms are marked by a considerable difference*, in different women, and even in the same women at dif« fereut times; yet so much similarity obtains, that they ure not very often mistaken. Usually the first satisfactory indication of the near approach of labor is the shrinking of the waist, which occurs sometimes a day or two before labor actually commences, and at others, only a few hours before that period. This symptom is either preceded, accowpani- NATURAL LABOR. 63i ed, or followed by shiverings or tremblings. At times this symptom is so violent as to produce alarm, though no bad consequence has ever resulted from it. This same shivering sensation frequently occurs immediately after delivery; but seems to be attended with no bad consequence. Another very common symptom of ap- proaching labor, is the secretion, and discharge of mu- cus from the vagina; though at times, the quantity is so small.as to be scarcely perceptible, and at other times,. it does not appear until labor commences. As this dis- charge appears to depend upon the relaxation of the soft parts through which the child has to pass; hence the greater the relaxation, the greater is the quantity dis- charged; and the easier will be the birth. About this time there is a disposition to void urine frequently, which should always be gratified, as it is important to keep the bladder as empty as possible; and if there be any difficulty in voiding it, the water should be drawn off by a catheter. The bowels should be emptied by by injections—as you value ease do not neglect this. The next symptom we shall notice is the pains which precede active labor; these commence in various ways, and in various parts; but most commonly they commence in the back, or bowels, sometimes extending forward around or through the abdomen, and down the thighs. At other times they extend upward to the stomach, and eveu to the head. These pains, in whatever part they oc- cur, are periodical; and the length of time thatintervenes between them is extremely various; butit grows shorter as actual la-.nr advances, increasing in severity as they do in frequency, until actual labar takes place. SECTION II. NATURAL LABOR. Differen writers have divided labor into a variety of classes frou three to seven; but as we deem these dis- tiuctions ui"«eces-ary, we shall employ only two, which ii 632 NATURAL LABOR. we distinguish as natural and preternatural labor. Nat* tiral labor is that in which the presentation is natural, in which nature does all that is necessary without the in- terference of art. This section then, will include sim- ply a description of the progress of labor, where no un- common difficulty occurs, which is supposed to embrace at least ninety-nine cases in a hundred, if nature be left free to act for herself, without being deranged by the officiousness of art. In a treatise on this subject, there are three distinct periods that demand our attention. 1st. The period required for the dilation of the mouth of the womb suf- ficient to admit the passage of the foetus. 2nd. The period in which the complete expulsion of the child from the womb is accomplished. 3d. The period required for the expulsion of the placenta or after-birth. The process of labor, is conducted by the natural pow- ers of the system; it is the effort of nature to relieve herself of her burden, being her last toil in this "her grandest work—the prodction of a new being." The organs concerned in the process of generation patiently bear, protect, and nourish the foetus until it has attained that maturity of age, and firmness of organs, that will enable it to bear the changes it must undergo in com- mencing a new mode of existence. This work nature generally performs with an accuracy that never deviates, • and a precision that never errs, unless the organs have j j been so oppressed or injured by accident or disease, as ■ ] to render them incapable of the regular discharge of their functions, in which case nature sometimes makes a pre- \l mature effort to relieve herself of the foetus, vvhich her injured organs are no longer capable of supporting and , fostering. This produces an abortion of which we have 4 already spoken, in the preceding chapter. " The commencement of actual labor is marked by pains in the back, and coliky sensations in the bowels. These pains are periodical, remaining but a short time, and af- ter a short interval returning again. When the pains are present, you will discover by applying the hand to Ii NATURAL LABOR. 633 the abdomen, that the womb becomes harder and round- er, and sinks lower in the pelvis. At each return of an effective pain, the mouth of the womb will open a little,. audits edges grow thinner; but in the absence of the pain, it again becomes thicks soft and round. About this stage of labor the patient is apt to be greatly dis- tressed with gloomy forebodings, dejection of spirits, loss of fortitude, sadness, and thoughts of death. These sensations appear to arise from a peculiar sensitiveness of the nervous system. This is the moment when wo- man needs every comfort and encouragement that can be given; and although human aid is of little avail, yet ev- ery rational means should be employed to bear up the spirit?, inspire courage, and prevent entire desponden- cy. xVs the pains increase in strength, they continue long- er, aud return more frequent:—the womb gradually be- comes more and more dilated, and the membranes en- closing the waters are protruded into the vagiua; but as the pain goes off, the bag of waters recede. By this time the patient often becomes cross, and impatient of control; and is dissatisfied with every body about her, frequent- ly demanding help. Most accoucbers to pacify the pa- tient get her upon the stool to make examination, and pretend to offer assistance. This is the time when much injury has been done. Every examination more or less irritatess the tender parts, and produces some degree of inflammation, whieh by drying up the juices that lubricate the parts, retards the progress of the labor. Such examinations often burst tfie membranes that con- tain the waters, and when clone at an early stage of la- bor, seldom fails to render it tedious. But as the labor progresses the mouth of the womb becomes finally so dilated, that it can not be distinguish- ed from the vagina; and this, according to most writers, terminates theMirst stage of labor. But there is, how- ever, no iutermission here—no abatement of the pains. They still go on increasing in severity and duration, with shorter intervals between them, though that inter- 634 NATURAL LABOR. Val is one of more ease and quiet than it was in the first stage. Her courage now returns, and her sadness anil dejection are dissipated; and intent only on the accom- plishment of her labor, she bears her misery with a pa- tience and fortitude to wliich she was a short time before an entire stranger. When the head of th&child settles ia the pelvis, the patient experiences a sensation, that im-' pels her to assist lier pains by a bearing down exertion, and bhe appears almost compelled to do so in spite of herself. Some writers strongly urge the necessity of advising the patient to refrain from this; but she appears lo do this by instinct and not reason,, and therefore she might as well be advised not to get hungry or sleepy. If it be a fact that this effort is induced by a sensation created in the parts concerned, over which she can exercise no control, we would reasonably infer that it was designed for a benefi- cial purpose, Surely the wise, and beneficent Creator, would not implaut ia woman, a sensation, that would instinctively impel her to do that which would be a se- rious injury in this critic.nl moment! This instinctive effort to assist nature U found among the savages of the forest, as well as among the civilized nations: it is found among animals, and in short it is found among all crea- tures that are viviparous. It is therefore, useless, if not injurious, to advise women in the last stages of labor, 11 ot to do that which nature requires, and instinct com- v i i pels them tollo. Each pain is ushered in by a general shivering sensa- tion, and the woman now seizes with her bauds any thing that comes in her reach, and places her feet against a chair, the bed-stead, or any thing that will bear pres- sure—she draws a long breath, and having all the fibers of the system prepared, she contracts the muscles of the abdomen with all her powers, whilst the diaphragm, and every muscle of the body conjointly act with the same energy. The neck and face swell, often becoming pur- ple or livid;—the jugular veins are enlarged, and the ar- teries throb violently; the eyes sparkle, and appear ready to burst from their sockets;—the pain ceases, ana NATURAL LABOR. 635 a short quiet ensues. Soon however, another pain re- turns, and is attended with the same symptoms. At length another painful effort more severe than any of the former, and for which, nature seems to have rallied alt her powers, brings the head almost to the point of pas- sing the external orifice; but at this moment of thrilling ing anxiety, when nature has almost overcome the last difficulty, and just ready to attain the object of so many exertions, when but a little more force was necessary to complete the labor,—in her last effort she seems to fail;—but once more she rallies, having paused lo collect her remaining energies, and. with another effort, in which every muscle performed its part, the head of the child is forced into the world—after a short pause, another pain completes the birth. The sud- den and great relief now experienced, awakes in the hearts of many women, an overwhelming bense of grati- tude, which is poured forth in passionate, ejeculatory strains of thankfulness to Him who has thus far sustain- ed them through the trying scene. The new born child cries, and all the sufferings, which the mother so cour- ageously endured for its sake are now forgotten in the joy she feels at its safe deliverance, and in the affection- ate interest she feels for its welfare. This sudden tran- sition from extreme suffering and anxiety, to the height of joy, and the manifestation of so much tenderness of affection in the person of a beloved wife, deeply affects the feeling husband, and greatly endears her to him, en- twining an additional coil of aftection around his heart. But we must drop this digression, for hurried on by the impulse of feeling, we had nearly forgotten that we had yet to describe the expulsion of the placenta or afterbirth. After the birtli of the child, there is generally a remis- sion of pain for sometime, varying from a few minutes to a few hours; though in most cases it is only a few minutes, until the pains return for the expusion of the after-birth, which completes the process of delivery. No forcing means should be used to promote the discharge of the placenta, as nature will in a little time do her own work. rJ 636 PRETERNATURAL LABOR, SECTION III. PRETERNATURAL LABOR. Preternatural or difficult labors, may arise from a de- formity of the pelvis, from an unusual or unnatural pre- sentation, &c. Presuming that the reader is acquainted with the general principles, of the healing art as laid down in this work, it will be unnecessary to point out what course of medical treatment must be pursued in any case of difficult labor, except where it arises from a de- formed pelvis or from wrong presentations. The diffi- culties arising from a deformed pelvis are so rare, that several eminent physicians have asserted that they have never met with a case of the kind in the United States; and aver that nature is always sufficient to accomplish the labor, without the aid of steel although the labor may be tedious. Dr. Gooch says that preternatural presentations are those of the feet, breech, and arm. Other writers add those of the knees and shoulder; but these are only mod- ifications of the arm and feet presentations. Those, who know how to manage the three first deviations from the natural presentation, can readily manage any modi- fications of these presentations. As soon as the membranes containing the waters, are ruptured, and the waters discharged, the midwife will have but little difficulty in ascertaining what part pre- sents; for every part that can present, has something to distinguish it from any other part. If the feet present, you should endeavor to get both of them; and the labor may be suffered to progress in the natural way. In or- der for tbe head to pass the upper strait of the pelvjs, the child should be turned so that the chin would be to the right or left side of the mother; and then any skillful midwife will find no difficulty in completing the delive- ry. When the breech presents, it is[in general, safest not to a»t^mpt to turn the child; for the efforts of nature will in general be sufficient for its expulsion; though the labor s usually tedious. g PRETERNATURAL LABOR. * 6371 When the shoulder or arm presents, a delivery in that position is impracticable, because the child lies a- cross the pelvis.. And if eiihtr of tlu-se [nvenla-tirns occur, it vvi 1 be nece^ary to torn the chile!.1 Tbe oroper time to attempt to turn it, wlii be ima;ediaiely •> the chil.i's hand is towards the mother's huk. thqa use the left hand, which must be passed ;.,p tl e !>. k patt of < '\ the w-o'.'ib. Use great precatio-t in inin.-dociug your hand, pacing up in the most gentle and gradi ai mannei. and wher« a pain conies on the operation niu.-t :. > .-'.<•;:■■■ ped till another interval of ease. Having rea< hert :t" Esti(,e; unless she is entirely exhau-trd. 3 A * SECTION IV. TWINS. Hitherto labor has been treated of only in cases where nature presented but one child; but it sometimes happens that two or more are presented at a birth. In general itisnot easy to ascertain with entire certainty whether there be more than one, until the birth of the first. Twins are always smaller than single childien; and on this ac- count their birth is usualy more easy and rapid than that of a single child. When the birth of the first has been comparatively easy and rapid, this generally awakes sus- picion that there is another; but the fact is easily ascer- tained after one is born, whether another is still there. In cases of twins, the second child is always born in a posi- tion directly contrary to the first; so when the presenta- tion of the first is head foremost, the second may be ex- pected feet or breech foremost. Sometimes after the birth of the first child, the pains cease for some hours, or even a day or two; but most commonly they are soon renewed, and the labor progress- es as if it were a single birth. If the pains do not re- turn for the expulsion of the second child in the course of an hour, you may give the patient a tea of red rasp- berry leaves; or witch hazel leaves, made pretty warm with cayenne. Rubbing the abdomen with the hand will also stimulate the womb to contract, and bring are- turn of the pains. When there are twins the nuvel cord of the first should be tied in two places, as the two after-births may be so intimately connected that a dangerous flooding may take place from the cord of the first. The after births, if there be two, will both be expelled at once after the birth of the last child. MANAGEMENT OF WOMEN DURING LABOR. 639 SECTION V. MANAGEMENT OF WOMEN DURING LABOR. Immediately on being called to deliver a woman, your first business should be to ascertain whether actual labor has commenced. For this purpose administer a few doses of" anodyne powiitTs, or of a tea of red raspjherry leaves, or witch hazel leaves, made strong with cayenne: —these articles a midwife should always have with her, as they are both valuable and saf<\ If the the pains be what are called false pains ibis will quiet the::; and if not, the labor will progress. You may further satisfy yourself, by carefully feeling the mouth of the womb at the time a pain is on, and if the labor be genuine, the mouth will dilate a little, and the edges will grow thin- ner. It frequently happens at the commencement of la- bor, that women are much r-icU'd with wild, scattering misery through the system, which causes much suffering, , and does little good towards effecting delivery. When this is the case, it is an evidence that the woman has taken cold. & that the system, is laboring under its effects. One of the'best things ever tried, .»o far as we know, is to give 11 e patient plenty of the diaphoretic powders, and place , never can d j any good, and may do ui i d.i h^wi We are apprise'! that it is very dillicult for trie nrdwife to satisfy either the patient or her friends, that no aid is needed,, and that none cm be rendered during tois period; for tjie pains , during the opening of the mouth oi' the, womb.are very distressing, being \vU\t are em.uauly called by wo r.en, grinding or cutting pains; &nd it is during this period that vvc.mrn su'IVr suclrg;eat anx eh, d^pre^^ion of spir- it?, hnp-itience, &c. Both the, worn in and her friends, think if siie had help., that delivery would soon be eiTec- ted; and if the tr; id wife doe*; not fake the. patient in hands, e.ll are i'« • iy to exclaim ag«*i:-t her. Unfortunately, too fii;.v have f.;r»itude and n--.\ .' enough to withstand the '•^treaties, u*u\ reproaches met with at this period of la- bor. Let the midwdV. impress upon the mhid of the pa- tient that all oiik-iousness'previous to the dilation of the mouth of the wo-.d), will instead o'aiding her, only re- late! the event she so impatiently expects. !oays-Dr. Bard, '•During this stage of labor no skill, or art of the * midwife; no exertion of the'wonau can in the least con- tribute to i.s^e.i the severity of"4he pains or shorten their duration. They pre intended by nature to accomplish this necessarv and important ohiect,—the comolete dila- tion of the mouth of tjie womb." Again the sa:v.e dis- tinguished author s.iys, " What terms shall I use to con- demn, as it deserves, the abominable practice of boring, MANAGEMENT OF WOMEN DURING LABOR. 641 scooping, and stretching the soft parts of the mother, under the preposterous idea of making room for the pas- sage of the child. It is impossible to censure this [wicked] conduct, this danger .jus practice too severely: —it is always wrong; and must unavoidably do great mischief. It will render an easy labor difficult, and painful—-one- which would have been short, tedious— and one, which, ii' left to nature, would : r.ninaie hap- pily, extremely dangerous. T may co-ject. ">«\ Hun-. ter, and some other dieti::guishewe . are costive it will be proper to give a dose of the but er nut sirup, or of rhubarb to aid the neutralizing mixture to cam off the acrid, offensive matter from the bowels This being done wash the child's mouth repeatedly with som a Iringent tea, such as bayberry, birth root bee h drops, pond lily, &c. These articles may be employed G60 YELLOW GUM, OR JAUNDICE—RED GUM. separately, or combined. The tea used for the wash should be sweetened with honey; and the child should, at each time, after the mouth is washed, be made to swallow some of the tea. SECTION V. j YELLOW GUM, OR JAUNDICE. This complaint is similar to the jaundice in adults. The skin is yellow, the eyes and urine are also tinged with the same color; the stools are white cr clay colored, and the bowels costive. TREATMENT. The impurted ipecacuanha, is recommended by some physicians as having quite a salutary-effect in this com; plaint. Take one fourth tea-spoonful of the pulverized ipecac, and draw it in a fourth of a tea-cupful of boiling water;^of this tea give about a half a tea spoonful every ten or fifteen minutes until vomiting is produced. After the operationjof the emetic give about a fourth of a tea- spoOnful of equal parts of yellow poplar bark and black root. This having operated as a purge, the quantity of the black root must be diminished about o.ie half; and then, tbe poplar bark and black root must be adminis- tered daily for a laxative tonic until a cure is effected. If the case be obstinate, the emetic must be repeated. Sweating the patient freelyrbas a salutary effect in this complaint. During the whole treatment give freely of the diaphoretic powders. SECTION VI. RED GUM. This- is a cutaneous disease, breaking out in pimples principally about the face and neck, and sometimes on the arms and legs. These pimples are generally of a red color? though they are sometimes yellow. TEETHING. 661 Nothing is required but to avoid cold, and keep the eruptiuu from striking in, as it is by no means danger- ous while kept out. Hut if the eruption strike in, the child soon appears greatly distressed in its bowels, crying constantly, and frequenilv, goes imo fits, unless relieved. To bring out theeiuption, you may adminis- ter fir>t a stimulating injection to relieve the bowels, then give s» me diaphoretics, to produce a free perspi- ration, and this will generally cause the eruption to strike out; but if if be slow, in addition to the above, you may give some of the tincture of lobtha, which will soon have the desired effect. SECTION VII. TEETHING. Teething, or cutting teeth as it i« familiarly called, although a natural function of the living, heathy sys- tem, is often attend*d wilh much suffering, and some- times much danger. The sy mpionis commonly atten- dant upon difficult, nod painful t« h< inc. are. ph>r*. and griping" of ihe bowels, frequent discharges of various colored Mools, as green, pale yellow, dark brown, or black; rough »"d d ffhnliv of breaihiur. fever, starlings during sleep, twitching or spasms, and sometimes con* vulsions. TREATMENT. Believe the eriping by giving the neutralizing mix- ture to coned and remove the acrid matter from the stomach and bowels It, perhaps, may be necessary to add a Utile bmter nut sirup to jrne more activity to the operation of the mulicne. The ii regularities of the bowels may be c orredeci by the use of astringent tonics, diaphoretic powders, and ihe slippery elm tea ^Where'tPt thing appears to be very difficult, and piin- 8C 662 CHOLERA INFANTUM. ful, it will be proper to make an incission immediately over the tooth with a lancet or sharp knife. This is easily done, and is attended with very little pain to the child; and the relief obtained is very great. CHOLERA INFANTUM. This complaint is generally characterized by a puk- ing aud purging. Sometimes in mild ;t«*acks it comes on with a simple looseness of the bowels accompanied with slight sickness at the stomach; but in some violent at- tacks, there is both vomiting and purging, often attend- ed with spasmodic irritation, similar to cnniera morbus > in adults. An attack of this complaint is followed by rapid emaciation; the skin on the forehead becomes tight, as if bound to the bone; the e\t*s a. e «unk; the cheeks fail in; the nose is sharp, and V.yj. lips are shriv- eled. > ^TREATMENT. In the first onset of thi* complaint, the free use of the neutralizing mixture will seldom fail to rem »ve aU tbe symptoms # Toe bowels should be relieved of the irri- tating contents by mp-rtiiiiix of slippery elm tea. If the stomach h not relieved b\ this, cleanse it wit ii an emet- ic; and if the vomiting does o it eea-e, employ some of the antiemetics t» ally Ihe irritation of the stomtch, and check the vomiting. After tni«, I lie u«p of i lit* diapho- retic powders, and the astringent ton c powders will generally complete the cure. GLOSSARY, OR EXPLANATION OF THE TECHNICAL TERMS, Abdomen, lower part of the belly. Abortion, expulsion of the foetus befor the seventh month, Abscess, a tumor containing matter. Absorbents, 1st. medicines that correct acidity, and dry up superfluous moisture: 2nd. Small, delicate vessels that absorb fluid substances, and convey them to the blood. Absorption, the act of sucking up substances. Accoucher, one whoossists at child-birth, a midwife. Acescent, tending to acidity. Acidulated, impregnated with acids. Acid, that which imparts a sharp or sour sensation. Acrid, burning, pungent, corrosive. Acme, full height, crisis of a disease. Acute, a term applied to a disease denoting violent symp- toms, hastening to a crisis. Adult, a person, full grown. •• • Afterbirth, tie soft, fleshy substance, that connects the fceus to the womb. ^ Ague cuke, enlargement of the spleen. Albumen, a proximate ingredient of animal substance, ■ coiagulable with heat, similar to the white of an egg. Alimeyit, food and drink; nourishment. Alimentary canal, Ihe stomach and intestines. Alcohol, rectified spirits of wine. ..> Alkali, any substance uniting with an acid, neutralizes, ' or destroys its acidity. Alternate, changed by turns: in botany, leaves and branches are said to he alternate, when they grow out singly on opposite sides of the stem, rising above each other in regular order. Alvine,i'piTraining to tbe belly, or intestines. Amenorrhea, an obstruction of the menses. i. 664 GLOSSARY. Amputation, the act of cutting off a limb. Anatomy* the dissection of organized bodies. Annual, yearly; every year. Anodyne, any medicine which eases pain. Antacid, that which destroys acidity. Anthelmintics, that which destroys or expels worms, Antibilious, that which removes or corrects the bile. Antidote, a medicine that destroys poison. Antidysenterie, that which prevents, or cures dysentery. Antiemetic, a remedy for vomiting. Antimorbific, that prevents, or cures morbid action. Antiphilogistic, counteracting inflammation. Antiscorbutic, preventing; or curing scurvy. Antiseptic, that which prevents or removes putrefaction. Antispasmodics, remedies,for spasms. Antisyphililic, that which prevents or cures the syphilis. Anus, the fundament. Aprient, opening. Aphthous, resemblingihe thrush. Aphtha, small, whitish ulcers in the mouth. Areola, the circle surrounding the nipple. Aorta, the great artery oftb^e body. -Artery, the canal conveying the blood from thejieart to all parte of the body. Aromatic, fragrant, spicy, pungent. Asthenic, Dr. Brown's title for diseases arising from debility. . Astringents, medicine that correct looseness and debility, render- ing the solids denser and firmer. Axis, in anatomy it means the second vertebra or joint of the neck* Axillary, in botany it means the an <^le formed by a branch with the stem, or by a leaf wj^fv the stem or branch. , j „ Axillary ghnds, are the glajnds situated in the armpits. Auricle, the name given to those parts of the heart which resem- ble small ears. Autocratcia, the healing power of nature. Attenuants, medicines for reducing the body. Belching, ejecting wind from the stomach. Biennial, a botanical term applied to thpse plantsAwhich form their roots and leaves the first year, and produce, , their fruit the second, and then die. Bile, the bitter, yellowish fluid secreted by the liver. Biternate, having three. GLOSSARY. 665 Bract, a small leaf. Botany, that part of natural history which relates to tbe vegetable kingdom. t Bulbous, a botanical term denoting a round, oblate shape like that of an onion. Bursa mucosa, the mucus bag that contains and secretes the fluid, vvhich lubricates the tendons, muscles and bones. Calculi, small gravel or stones. Caloric, tbe chemical term for the matter of heat. Calyx, a cup; the external coveiing of an unexpanded flower. Canker, small corroding ulcers. Cantharides, Spanish flies. Capillary vessels, very small blood vessels. Capsule, the part of the plant containing the seed. Carbon, oneof the elementary constituents of matter, the chemical name for purified charcoal. Carbonic acid gas, fixed air, compounded of carbon and oxygen. - Carminative, tiiat which expels wind from the stomach. Caries, rottenness. Cataplasm, a poultice, soft plaster. Cartilage, a wt i:e, elastic substance connectirgthe bones. Cat:irrh, a discharge from the glands about the head and throit. Cathartic, a purgative mejjfcjoe. Catheter, a sma:l tube, fnrwrawing off the urine, by be- ins introduced into the bladder. Caudex?& botanical terra denoting the main head or bod of a root. >k* Caui'.t'.'-■' burning applications. Cautery, the at t of burning with caustic or with hot iron. Cellular, coom ting of cells. C'er^r.';/, appeitaining to the brain. Certbrum. the brain. Ce.-pheflumSti**' part of the brain lying m the back part of ihr cavi'v of Ihe bead. Chancre, a v»nereal ulcer. 3C* 666 GLOSSARY. Choleric, easily irritated. Chronic, a term denoting a disease of long continuance. Chyle, a white milky fluid separated from the chyme by the lacteals. Chyme, food partially digested. Cliniral, pertaining to observations and practice at the bed side of the sick. Clyster, a liquid substance injected into the bowels. Colliquative, any excessive, debilitating discharge from the body.^ Coma, or comatose, inclining to sleep. Concrete, a collected, united mass. Connate, growing from one base, united together. Coagula, clots of blood. Conception, the impregnation of the womb. Constipation, great costiveness. Constriction, a drawing together, contraction. Contagious, caught by infection. Contusjm, a bruise. Cordate, having the shape of a heart. Corroborants, tonics. Corrosive, consuming, eating away. Convalesce ice, th,e state of returning health after sickness. Convulsion, a violent spasmodic affection, a fit. Corymb, a cluster of flowers at the top of a plant form- ing an even, expanded surface. Cranium, the skull. *-.. Crepitus, a crick ling sound. Cutaneous, belonging to the skin. ;: Cuticle, Mie outward skin. Cutis vera, the true skin, covered by the cuticle,., Cyme, or cyni, an aggregate flower, like the sunflower. Cymon*, he ii-oig cynics. Decarbonizing, depriving of carbon. Decoction, a ,!ieoaia»ioo by boiling. Decumbent, reu: t- by heat. Dun Hon. expanding, opening, enlarging. Pdaiaiion, the act ot expanding, or enlarging. .b'iuent, a solvent, that which thins or weakens a fluid. J)l~cui-:-"yiceous. .he botanical term for any pulpy fruit in- t1.«..->.og » d uoe. Duct, a small tube or vessel. Duodenum, the first portion of the small intestines. Dyspepsy. indigestion, bad dig -'ion. Eccymosis,* tumor caused by bloodletting. Efflorescence, redness of the skin around an eruption. Effluvia, ex oblation. Electuary, medicine mixed-with honey or melasses. Element, fir-t piinciple; an ingredient not susceptible of chemical divi-ion. Embryo, a pliv-iologiril term denoting tbe first germ of exigence i > "the wo :ii», before the several members arc dlstiiK llyvf'M»ied. Emetic, aiiH> '• The which ex'ites vomiting. E/nmenagog ie, that which promotes the flow of the men-, fees. 668 GLOSSARY. Emollient, that wnich softens and relaxes the solids. Empiric, a quack. Emunctory, an organ to secrete and carry off excremen- titious matter. Enamel, the outside covering of the teeth. Endimic a disease limited to a certain district. Enema, a clyster, an injection. Ephemera, a term applied to a fever that has but one paroxysm. Epidemic, a contagious disease attacking many people the same season. Epidermis, the thin membrane covering the true skin, the cuticle. Epithegm.'a. poultice. Epigastric region* that part of tjie abdomen immediate- ly over the stomach. Epispastics. applications to blister. Epistaxis. bleeding at the nose. Erosion, tne art of eat«ag away, consuming. Errkines, articles that excite sneezing, Eructation, the act of belching wind from the stomach. Eruption, a breaking out on the skin. Escharotic, caustic. Exacerbation, an increase of the febrile symptoms. Exantiemaiic, eruption and redness of thr. skin. Excoriate, to strip, wear or rub off the skin. Excretive, luviog the power to separate, and remove fl.iid m.ttler from the body. Excrement, the alvine foeies, or stools*, Excretory ducts, small vessels iu the glands, that per- form the excretive process?4 Exhalenls, small vessels that carry ofl'the wornout mat- ter. Exhibition, the act of administering medicine. Expectorants, medicines that promote the discharge of mucu< from the lungs. .*"!./« Extravasation, a lerm applied to fluids which are out of their p»-o: er vessels. Extremities, arms aud legs. GLOSSARY. 669 Fazces, excrements, stools. Farinaceous, mealy. Fauces, the back part of the mouth. Febrile, indicating fever, pertaining to fever. Febrifuge, that which removes fever. Fallopian tubes, two small tubes attached to the womb on opposite sides. Fibrous, consisting of small threads. Flaccid, soft, spongy, limber. Flatulency, windine-s, in the stomach and intestines. Foetus, the child enclosed in the womb. Fomentation, the application of flannels dipped in hot water. Flooding, an excessive flow of the menses. ^ Fontanel le, a vacancy in the cranium or skull of infants. Formula, a specified form; a prescription. Fiiction, the act of rubbing. Fracture, a broken bone. tumigatwn, the application of fumes or vapors. T. Lachryri al, prrtainii g to teais, or the L-jIaiida by which 'v they a re. secreted. Lacteals, the small vessels which absotb '.!:e ho «.i chyle. Lanceolate, oblong, shaped tike a lancet. Laxatives, a gentle cathartic. Legion, a wound; a hurt. Ligature, a bandage. Ligament, a *irong membrane connecting t'\ j..i.d-. Linea alba, the straight line from the piled id;*- e*«.mada through the navel to the puhc«. Lithotomy, the operation of coiling the stevse cut of the bladder. Lithontriptics, substances which will dissolve liac stoua or gravel Zw/;e% a division of (he lungs. Loins, small of ihe back. Local, belonging to a p-.:rt and' »>ot the whole. Lubricant ih».t which nyikv* the part to which it is ap- plied, smooth and slippery. Lumbar, peiianing to the loins. Lungi,', organ* ».f resp rajou. Lymph, ihe colorless fluid separated from the blood by Ihe ly mphtti' «. M'lxtication, chewing. , Materia medica. description of medicines. Meatus urinarius%the external orifice of the urethra. Meconium, lir-i •>limU of an infant. Menihm»p, a thin delicate skin. Mee'instineum. the membrane dividing the cavity of the che«t in tw o parts. Me>>s°*. m«o.tl.l\ courts. Me. stwation the act of discharging the menses. J" t)atmal. peiiain»ngio I lit- menses. M :>hitic. •• flin'Miiinr: noxious. Mu>>>ni puM-id exhalations. Jilf ^truum, any fluid used as a solvent. 672 GLOSSARY. Morbid, diseased, unhealthy. Mucilage, a glutinous, slimy substance. Mucus, the slimy fluid secreted by the mucous membrane. Muscles, the organs of motion. NarcotiGi.th&t which produces sleep by stupefaction. Nausea, inclination to vomit. Nervine, that which relieves disorders of tbe nerves. Nitrogen, an elementary gas, composing about four fifths of the atmosphere. Nosology, tbe classification of disease. (Esophagus, the tube which convey s the food to the stom- ach. Oblong, longer than broad. Obtuse, a dull heavy pain; oppoiite to acute. Organ, any part capable of performing some distinct op- eration. Oxygen gas, an elementary gas composing about one fifth of the atmosphere. Orifice, an opening. Pancreas, a soft gland, which secretes a kind of saliva, and p> 111*-* it into tbe duodenum to aid digestion. Paralytic, relating to palsy. *" *Par(fxysm, a periodical attack or fit of a disease. Pathology, the doctrine pf disease. Peduncle, the stem that supports the flower. Perennial, in botany, a plant that lives more than two year.-. Peristaltic, the motion of the intestines by which they exoel their contents. Perspiration, evacuation of fluid matter through the pores of the skin. Petioles, the foot stalks of a leaf. Pinnate, a compound leaf, composed of one stem and several small leaves on each side of it. Pessary, an instrument introduced into the vagina to sup- port the uterus. Plethora, a fullness of habit; fullness of the vessels. Physiology\ the science which treats of the phenomena of living beings. GLOSSARY. 67S Prolapsus a falling down. Pulsation the throbbing of the heart, or of an artery. Pleura, the membrane which lines the internal surface of the thorax. Pulmonary, pertaining to the lungs. Quartan, recurring every fourth day. Quotidian, recurring every day. Racemes, growing in clusters. . Radiating, spreading, or shooting in the form of rays. Radical, pertaing to the root. Rectum, that part of the intestines which reaches to the anus. Refrigerating, cooling. Respiration, the act of breathing. Retching, straining to vomit. Resolution, the dispersing of a tumor. Rigidity, sUffness; want of pliability. Rigor, a sense of dullness, with contraction of the skin. Rubefacient, an application that reddens the skin with- out blistering. Saliva; the fluid secreted( by the salival glands. Salivation, an unusual secretion of saliva, usually pro- duced by mercury. , Sanguiferous, conveying or carrying blood. Sciatica, a rheumatic affection of the hip joint. Secretion, the* act of separating substances from the blood. &< Sedative, that which moderates muscular action. Sensorium, the brain, because it is the seat of sensation. Sialdgogues, medicines which increase the secretion of saliva. Serrate, notched like a saw. Sinapism, a poultice of mustard vinegar and flour. Solvent, that which has the power.to dissolve. Spinal, pertaining to tbe back bone. Stimulants, medicines that excite action and energy in the system Stranguary, difficulty in voiding urine. Styptics, medicines that check the flow of blood. ^ t 3D 674 GLOSSARY. Sudorifics, medicines that produce sensible perspiration. Syphilis, the venereal disease. Tent, a roll of lint placed in the opening of an ulcer. Terminal, terminating, growing at the end of a stem. Tertain, a disease whose paroxysms return every other day. Technical, belonging to the arts. Tendon, the extremity of a muscle by which it is attach- ed to a bone. Thorax, the chest. fomcs'medicines that increase the tone or strength of .the system. Topical, confined to some particular part. Transpiration, the exhalation of fluids from the pores of the skin, or from the lungs. Tumor, a swelling. Typhoid, resembling typhus; weak, low. Triennial, lasting three yedrs. Tonsils, the glinels situated on each side of the fauces. Umbel, a flower resembling an umbrella. Umbeljierous. bearing umbels^, , Umbilical, pertaining to the navel. Ulcer, an ill conditioned, running sore. Urethra, the canal conveying the uine. Uterus, tie worn'). \ Uiula, the palate. Vagina, the canal leading to the womb. Veniilatimi} a free admission of air. # ' Ventricles;, t\.e cavities of^ the heajt which propel the blood into the arteries. Vermifuge, medicines that expel worms. Vertigo, giddiness of the head. Viscera, the entrails. v*r' Whorls, flowers or leaves grow tag round' a stem in «. ring. GENERAIi INDEX. Abdomen, division of, 18 Abortion, causes of, 628 ------article to prevent, 246 Abscess, 424 Absorbents or antacids, 302 ---------medical use of, ib. Absorbent & aperient mix- ture, 303 Acetous acid, 153 Addertongue, V 150 Adhesive plaster, use of, 371 After pains, 64 < -remedies for, 246, ot>5, Anise seed, use of, Anger, definition of, —-----effects of, restraint of, Animal heat, nature of, ------equilibrium of, ■------generation off- ----r— use of, •waste of, Anodynes, class of, .\nodyne,powder8,' —tin eta re, 236 103 104 105 51 52 53 57 58 204 304 305 162, Ague and fever, Ague bark, Ague cake, what, Agrimony, description of, Air, elements of, ----edccts of on the blood, 4£ ----how deoxygeuated, 8- ----'anecdotes, of, 80—(^7r .^Albumen, properties of, i •' -lubric^pes the joints, ifo 40/ 25C 5(fc is: , Annual roots, when gather-' $ -d, • 299 '^AntaciiK Alimentary canal, what, 23—4 Allspice tree, 2j>6 Alkaline clyster, , ?G4 Alkaline poultico, f-£?* Aloes, or aloe, three kinds,'^86 Alum root, Amaranth, American ipecacuanha American senna, Anasarca, see dropsy, Anatomy, definition of, ------Chesselden'sremarks,t6. ------use of, v 13—14 Angelica, use of, 264 Angustura bark, history of, 217 167 158 2.97 278 440 13 -intention of, ib. ^various recipes for, 310 Antiseptics, class of, 138 ------various recipes for, 314 -316 Antiseptic poultice, 368 \nt weptic clyster, 363 Aritiseptic'bathingdrops, ->28 Anthelmintics, class of, 177 ______various recipes for, 300-308 \poplcxy, two kinds, Arrow root, Arteries, use of, Askew, anecdote of, Ascites, see dropsy, 423 168 27—28 93 440 676 GENERAL INDEX. Astringents, class of, 157 Astringent poultice, 370 Astringent clyster^ 361 Aromatic cordials,. 336 Asparagus infusion, 346 Astringent tonics, class of, 317 ------various recipes for, 317—320 Asafetida plant,. t 120 Asarabaca, ' 294 Ash tree, * 266 Asthma, 421; remedies for, 131—291 »- Atrophy, 580; remedy for, 311 Auricles, what, 28 Avarice, description of, 110 ------effects of, 111 ------anecdotes of, 112 Back-ache, remedy for, 235 ------root, . 235 Baglivi's theory of life, 33 " Baldness, cure for, 378 *.«r■* "Balm, Irish anecdote of, 268 Balmonv, 254 Balm of Gilead, 171 Balsam offir, 151 Barberry, 252 Barks, time to gather, 300 Barm, 155 Bathing drop?, class of, 327 ------various recipes for, 327—328 Bayberry, 1.64 Bearberry, 168 Bear's-foot, 148 Beech drops, 163 Benne plunt, 5284 Beth root, 117 Biennial roots, time to gather, 299 Bile, secretion of, 22 ----- use of, . ib. Bind weed, 195 Bite of mad dog, 543 -articles goodfor, l32"r 207,214,291, Bite of reptiles, 565- remedies for, 291,215,197 249 249 253 323 321 Bitter dog's-bahe, Bitter root, Bitter-sweet, Bitters, Bitter tunics, class of, ------various 321—322 Black alder, Black alder, Black cherry, Black birch, Black berry, sirup, recipes for, 141 216 166 275 167 320 181 237 280 95i Black cohosh, Black p'epper, ''Black root, Bladder, use of, to ------inflammation of, 499 Bleeding, effects of, ■>• 37—39 Bleeding from the nose, 427 -------remedies for, 148, 170 Bleeding ofthe lungs, 428 Bleeding from the stomach, 430> ------remedies for, 172, 162, Blessed thistle,' 182 Ulood, circulation of, 27—28 ------decarbonizalion of 29 Blood vessels, two kinds of, 27 Bloody flux, see dysentery, ''Bloody urine, 432 ^t—remedies for, 172,277 Blood root, . 221 Blue berry, ' 129 Blue-Cardinal flower, 202 Blkfecohch, 129 Blue flag, 244 Blue lob. Ha, 202 Body division of, 17 ------intcguements of, ib. Boils, 456 GENERAL INDEX. 67T ------remedies for, 370, 374, 375 Bones, use of, 19 Boneset, 257 Bowel complaints, 452—453 -remedies for, 279, 303, -poultice, -salve, 167, 320, 158,277 Bowman roof, 280 Box tree, box wood, 256 Brain, location of, 19 ------office of, ib Breasts, form of, 26 ----office of, ib ------Inflamed, 649 Brewers foam, 155 Brinton root, 280 Broom r.ipe^ 163 Brown s theory cf life, 33 ------theory of Qiatase, 117 Broken bones, 5o2 Bruises, 430 -remedies for, 159, 173, Cundleberry, Canine madness*, Caraway, Carbuncles, Carminatives, class of, intention of, 377 373 164 543 240 459 333 ib. 243,315,327 Bubo s, Buck bean, Buckthorn, Burning bush, Burns and scalds, 550 272 283 256 45G 365 remedies for, 173,295, Bunnel's, pills, Burdock, Butterfly weed, Butternut, Button soake root, 189, Calimus, . Caloric, Tourtell's viewV, Camphor Ute, Canada balsam, Cancer, Cancer root, ------balsam, ----- plaster, 192 23,J 279 235 213 V33 234 151 460 163 374 373 ------various recipes for, 333—331 Carolina pink, 179 Carroi poullice, 370 Catarrh, or cold, 506 Cathartics, class of, 277 > ._-.„_—various recipes for, 323—331 Catmint, catnip, Caustics, class of, Cayenne, Celandine, Centaury, Chamomile, Charcoal, Chant res, Chamber's recipe for an e metic. Chcckcrberry,' Chesselden, remark of, .Chicken pox, ' Chincopin, China tree, Chocolate root. Cholera, spasmodic, 134 353 233 191 270 128 153 559 507 185 13 479 269 178 161 498 remedies for, 285, 384, 3W2 Chclura infantum, 662 ______remedies for, 303—304 Cholera morbus, 4«>J remedies for, 129, 160, 303,301 .------.nixture, "i8^ ------sirup, 384 Chorea or St. Vitus' dance, 527 „______remedy for, 132 678 GENERAL INDEX. Chremes, anecdote of, 66 Chronic eye water, 360 Chyle, use of, 23 Chyme, what, ib. Cinnamon tree, 235 Cinquefoil, 165 Clap, see venereal disease, 55ti Clapweed, 214 Cleanliness, 81 ------importance of, 81—82 Cleansing beer, » 391 Cleavers or clivers, 197 Clothing, use of, 78 ------proper kinds of, 79 Clotbur, i92 Clove tree, 183 Clysters, 361 Cobweb, , 136 Cocklebur, " 157 Cocash, 160 Cohosh or cohush, 129 Cock-up-hat, 214 Colds or catarrh, ] 506 Cold, effects of; 589 Cold bath, 4J3 Colic, 441 —-—remedies for, 130, 164, 1 S3,195,210,274,33: ' Colic and griping, - 658 —;---remedies for, 130, ^35, 303,304,334. Colic drops, * , 334 Colic root, 235 Colombo root, 259 Colts-foot, 231 Compound aromatic cordial, 337 Compound antispasmodic tinc- ture, ,311 Compound nervine tincture, 313 Conception, 618 Constipation see costiveness, Consumption, 576 ------remedies for, 161, 168, 181. 200,225,294, 356, 381 Contracted joints, cure for, 388 Convulsions, articles lor, 133, 208,239,311,379,383 TJordials and essences, 336 Cornaro, anecdote of, 67 Corns, 459 ------remedies for, 128,212 Cornsnake root, 196 Coriander, 275 Comfrey, 173 Costiveness, 450 remedies for, 363, 364 Costiveness and piles, 626 Coughs, remedies for, 131, 161, , W)$, 181, 184, 195, 212, 219, 226, 356 Cough drops, Course of medicine, Cowardice, what, Cowhage, cowitch, Cow pox, iX) Cramp, 446,-623 remedies for, 129,130,195, 356 395 98 177 231.311 Crane's bill, 169 Crazincss, see insanity. $rosswort, ■> * 257 Croul, * 574 —-Remedies for, 223,242,219, 291 Cuban's theory of disease, 116 ----absurdity of, , 117 '----failure.'of, ^ r ib. Cureall, 161 Curled dock, 144 Cutaneous transpiration, 48 Cuts, . 457 ^—remedies for, 152,161,171, 374,375,376 Gutting teeth, 661 Cutting almond, 206 Dandelbn, 200 Darwin's theory of life, 33 Oeafness, 471 GENERAL INDFX. 679 ----remedies for, 149,242,383 Deerberry, } 227 Decarbonization ofthe blood,29 Delirium, 539 Delivery, 630 ----treatment after, 644 ----diseases consequenton, 646 Dewberry, 167 Diabetes, 439 ----remedy for, 272 Diaphoretics, class of, 181 ----various recipes for, 337,343 Diarrhea, 452 ----remedies for, 151,158,161, 167,168, 173, 248, 305, 3 JO Difficulty of urine, 434 Digestion, process of, 23 Directions for gathering and preserving medicines, 298 Discutient ointment, 366 Dyspensatory, Disease,' -various theories of, 301 113 U5 ib, 122 1!^ —:—Blane's remark'on, ----causes of, -r—^distinctions of, Diseases common to the preg- > nant and un impregnated .slate, . -652 Diseases of children, ' 65/ ----peculiar tc the unirn- pregnated state, fc ——of the pregnant state, Diil<|eations, Dittany, sione mint, Diuretics, class of, ----various recipes for, 343 347 Division of the body, IT ----of the trunk, 18 Dock, yellow dock, 144 Dog fennel, 2-48 Dogtooth violet, 150 Dog wood, 256 Doses of medicine, 3911 608 618 5fc2 189 192 Dragon's claw, 269 Dropsy, 440 ----remedies for, 193 ,194 195, 197, 204, 344,* 383. Drowning, 585 Drunkenness, 542 Drug poultice, 369 Dysentery, 453 ----remedies for, 151, 158, 161, 167,168, 173, 248, 305, 306. Dyspepsy, 572 ----remedies for. 161, 248, 258, 264, 302,303, 304, 326. Dwarf bay, 238 Earache, 477 ----remedies for, 149 Edge leaf, 189 Elder, 204 Elecampane, 220 Elementary materials of the bo- dy, 15 Emetic Dr. Chamber's recipe for, 507 Emetics, class of, 289 ----various recipes for, 349,353 ----how to administer, 401 < Hmelic herb, 289 Kmptdocle's enumeration of the elements ofthe body, 15 . Eronnctories, office of, 47 Envy, definition of, 107 :----effects of, 108 Epilepsy, 447 ----lemedies for, 129, 132, 208 239,311,379, 383. Erysipelas, 483 Escharotics, 353 Efculapius anecdote of, 66 Essences, cordials &c. 336 ---various recipes for, ib. Evan root, 161 Evacuations, 77 Evaparation, effects »f, 59 Excretions, what, 4T —-by transpiration, »'*. ---by urine, 4& —by stooli, »*• £30 GENERAL INDEX. ------importance of, 49 Expectorants, class of, 219 ------various recipes for, 355, 357 Exercise, effects of, 73 ------necessity of, 74 ------the law ofthe Romans &. Athenians concerning, 74 Exhalents, office of, 47 Eye waters, recipes for, 359 584 articles good, for, 234, 336, 337, harts horn. Falling ofthe womb, ------ofthe palate, ------of the fundament, 'Fashion, effects of, Fear, definition of, ------modifications of, . ------effects on society, .------effects of on the sys- Fainting, tern, -three anecdotes of, 653 583 583 80 98 ib. ib. 99 100 466 375 247 159 ib. Felon, Felon salve, Fennel, Fernbush, Ferngale, Fever, general remarks on. 405 Fever, bilious or remittent, 410 ----remedies for, If'4, lfc 0,252, 254,258, 269, 272,295 Fever and ague, 407 ----remedies for, 187,190,203, 237, 257, 275 Fever, inflammatory, 412 ----remedies for, 193,200 Fever, nervous, typhus, and putrid, 414 ----remedies for, 155,190,231, 226,252,272,281,391 Fever, scarlet, 417 ----remedies for, 252,281 Fever, yellow or malignant, 419 Fever, childbed, 648 Fever, milk, 650 Fibrin, properties of, 16 Fit root, 132 "Five finger, 165 Fits, remedies for, 132, 208,239 311,279,383 Flax seed, 201 Flea bane, 215 Elooding, 646 ------remedies for, 148, 318 Flour albus, 652 ----remedies for, 151,173,205, 381 Flowers, time to gather, 300 Flux, 453 Flux root, 232 FJux weed, 285 Food and drink, 64 Fractures, 582 Freezing, 588 Frost weed, 160 Frostbite, 588 Gamboge, 279 Gang! one, see mortification. JGarget rout, 140 Garlic, _ 241 Gastric juice, use of, 23 ----solvent power of, ib. Gathering medicines, 298 Gelatin, properties oft 17 Gentian, 260 Giddiness,. 471 Gillenia, 295 Ginger, various kinds of, 229 Gcnscng, 134 Glands, use of, 21 ----composition of, ib ----different kinds of, ib Glossary, 663 Goldenseal, 260 Gold thread, ' 255 Gonorrhea, see veneral dis- ease. Goose grass, \¥l Gravel, or stone, 4511 GENEKAL INDEX. 681 ----remedies for, 161,178,193, 195,196, 197, 199, 205, 209, 210,224,346, 386 Gravel root, 205 Gout, 529 ----remedies for, 193,208,272 Green ointment, 367 ----salve, 375 Grief, nature & effects of, 101 Ground pine, 208 Gum myrrh, 144 Haller's theory of life, 33 Hanging, 587 Hatred, nature of, 106 ■-----effects of, ib. Head-ache, 473 ■----remedies for, 165,195,222, 225, 242 Hea'-all, 256 Healing'salve, 374 Health, value of, 63 ——preservation of, ib. Heart-burn, 474—624 ----remedies for, 174, 303,304 Heart leaves, 190 Heart, office of, 26 ----cavities of, ib. ----motion of, 'ib. ----seat of passion, remarks on as, 27 Heart snake root, 231 Hemlock fir, 151 Hemlock tree, 152 Hemorrhoids, 524 Herbs, time to gather, 300 Hepatic pills, 331 Hepatic diuretic powders, 348 Hernia, 591 Hickup, 475 ----remedy for, 129 Highbelia, 202 Hippocrates' theory of life, 33 Hoarhound, 220 Hoffman's theory of life, 33 Honey bloom, 249 3E Hoodwort, 131 Hoopingcough, 595 -^—remedies for, 212,225,230 385 Hope, nature of, 94 ----pleasures of, ib. ----effects of, 9-1—95 Hops,hopvihe, 198 Horsefly weed, 138 Horse mint, 209 Horse radish, 270 Hot bitters, 333 House leek, 2S5 Hull's bilious physic, 330 Hydragogue tincture, 347 Hydrocle, i 14 Hydrophobia, 543 ----remedies for, 132,207,291 Hydrothorax, 441 Hypochondria, 567 ----remedies for, 130,234,242 Hyssop, 222 Hysterics, 655 ----remedies for, 129,130,131, 133, 242, 335. Hysteric drops, 335 Iceplant, 132 Ideas of external objects, how acquired, 20 Immoderate sweating, 538 remedy for, 165. Imperforation ofthe hymen, 608 Incontinence of urine, Incubus or nightmar, Indian anodyne, balm, ----cup plant, ——fever root, ----lettuce, ----hemp, ----paint, ----physic, ----sage, ----sanicle, 434 469 m 147 187 295 259 212 26U 298 257 188 682 GENERAL INDEX. ----turnip, 230 Indigestion, see dyspepsy. Indigo broom, 138 Inflammation, general re- marks on, 495 ----articles useful for, are anti»eptic6 and diaphoret- ic* generally. Inflammation ofthe brain, 497 -------ofthe bladder, 499 ------of the eye; 500 -------ofthe intestines, 502 -------ofthe kidneys, 504 ------ofthe Uver, 509 -------ofthe lungs, 512 ------ofthe peritoneum, 506 -------ofthe spleen, 508 ------ofthe stomach, 505 -------of the throat, 514 Inflamed or sore breasts, 619 ------remedies for, 365, & 204 Inflammatory fever, 412 Influenza, 516 ____-remedies for, 388,381,359 Infusion for sore eyes, 360 Injections or clysters, 361 value of, ib- ----- recipes for, 362—64 ------how administered, 402 Insanity, 539 Integuments ofthe body, 17 Intermittent fever, 407 Intoxication,"' 542 Ipecacuanha, 296 Iron-weed, 265 Itch. 478 Joy, definition of, ----modifications nf, effects of, -remedies, 367,220,205, and 142. Itch ointment, 367 Jaundice, 491 ----remedies, 254,252, 246, 221,158,194,213. Jerusalem oak, 177 Joints, how lubricated, 16 Juniper tree, King's evil, Kidneys, position of, ----appearance of, office of, Knot root, Kussander, Labor, symptoms of, ------natural, ■preternatural 90 ib. 91 199 461 25 ib. ib. 194 195 630 631 636 • management of wo- men during, C39 -----medical treatment during, 643 -articles useful for, 129, 162,166,185,305. -treatment after, 644 80 23 133 160 226 45^ 324 364 Leaves, proper time to gath- er. 300 Lemon tree, 271 Lichen or lung wort, 225 Life or living power, 3£ ----various opinions of, 33 Lacing, effects of, Lacteals, use of, Lady s slipper, Lark spur, Lavender thrift, Lax, Laxative bitter tonic, clyster, —cause of organic action, but not of voluntary mo- tion. 35 ----waste of, 36 ----means of supplying that waste, 43 Life root, 209 Lightning, 590 Liniments, 366 Liquorice root, 210 GENERAL INDEX, 683 Liver use of, Liver complaints, see in- flammation ofthe liver. Lobelia, Lochial discharge, Locked jaw, Locust plant, Love, nature of, ----power of, -baffled, effects of, 22 289 648 446 278 96 ib. 97 Lues venerea, see venereal disease. Lungs, position of, 21 ----office of, 25 Lynn tree, 174 Madweed 131 Male fern, 179 Magendie's enumeration of the elements of t)ie body, 15 Malignant sore throat, 518 -----remedies for, 139, 161, 167, 252. Mallow, 2U Mammas or breasts, 26 ----office and form of, ib. Man a compound being, 15 ----elements of his body, ib. ----Empedocle's enumera- tion of, ib. Mandrake, 252 May apple, ib. Man root, 195 Maiden hair, 226 Marsh trefoil, 272 May weed, 284 Materia medica, 125 Materials, proximate, 16 Meadow pride, 259 Measles, 480 Mediastinum, 18 ----position of, 25 Medicines, when to gather and how to preseive, 300 Menstruation, 609 ----obstruction of, 611 ----remedies for, 387,221,215 193, 181. ----retention of, 614 ----profuse flow of, 615 ----remedies for, 14$ 172,168 ......cessation of, 616 Mercurial disease, 554 Mezereon, 238 Midwifery, general remarks on, 601 Milk sickness, 560 Milk weed, 193 Milk wort, 227 Mint fomentation, 310 Mirth, effects of, 93 Miscellaneous recipes, 377 Mistletoe, 239 Mocasiu flower, 133 Moor wort, 239 Motion of the body how pro- duced, 20 Moses'theory of life, 34 Mountain tea, 227 Mouth root, 255 Mother wort, 239 Mortification, 520 Mumps, . 523 Muscles, use of, 20 Mullen, 149 Mulberry tree, 287 Mustard, 267 Narrow dock, 144 Nausea and vomiting, 621 ----a nth metics, good for. Nephritic plant, " 200 Nettle, ib. Nettlerash, 482 Neuralgia, 468 Neutralizing drink, 302 ----mixture, 303- ----sirup, 304 Nervines, class of, 312 ----tincture, ib. 684 GENERAL INDEX. ----powders, Nerve powders, ----ointment, Nervous fever, Nervous colic drops, Nerves, origin of, ----two kinds of, ----office of, Never wet, Night mar, Oak, white, black, red, Oily grain, Ointments, &c. ----for scalds and burns, One berry, Onion, -sirup, 16. 313 366 414 335 20 ib. . ib 173 469 171 284 365 ib. 185 222 35^ reach tree, 277 Pennyroyal, 181 Peppermint, 185 Eepper, see cayenne. Perennial roots, time to gath- er, 299 Persimmon, 171 Perspiration, use of, 00 Peristaltic motion, 21 Phrensy,see madness. Phthisic, see asthma. Physiology, Pimento, Pimpernel, Piles,' r>;. Operation ofthe botanic rem- edies, 120 -----of the mineral do. 121 Org r>« ofthe body, 18 ----moving power of, 32 ——waste of the substance of, 46 ----means of supplying that waste, ib. Organs of sense, 20 Oxbalm, 191 Pain in ihe head, 624 ----in the os pubis, 625 ----in the right side 627 Palpitation of the heart 470, 623. Palsy, 449 P«*n<. reas, use of, 22 pappoose root 129 Partridge berry, 185 Parsley, 192 Parsley, leaved yellow wood, 263 Passions, definition of, 88 ----active foices ofthe soul, 89 ----the fire and storm of the moral world, ib. j.- ;sewa, prince's pine, Planhin, 30 236 207 524 142 143 Plasters and salves, various recipes for, Pleura, what, Pleurisy, remedies, 371 24 526 for, 252, 232, 227, 232 563 565 221,187. Pleurisy root, Poisoos, ----animal, ----remedies for,215,197, 190 —188,183,169,143. ----mineral, vesre table, 583 566 Poke, pigeon berry, 140 Pool root, 237 Poor Robin's plantain, 208 Pomegranate, 273 Poplar, 262 Poultices, 368 Preserving medicines, 298 Prickly ash, 274 Prickly elder, ib. Pic! 'y pear, 211 Prickly yellow wood, 186 Piince'e feather, 158 Pulse, indications from, 404 Pregnancy, 619 GENERAL INDEX. 685 -signs of, Pumpkin seed, Purgative sirup, Quaking asp, Queen ofthe meadow, Quince tree, Quiver leaf, Raleigh Sir Walter, anec dote of, Rattle snake root, Rattle snake's master, Rattle snake violet, Rattle weed, Red chick weed, Red gum, Red pepper, Red puccoon, Red raspberry, Reed's antibilious pills, Relaxing ointment, Remittent fever, see fever. Restorative tonic cordial, Retention ofthe urine, and 658. ----ofthe meconium, Rhubarb, Rheumatism, ----readies, 378,327,388, 268,389,205, 252 Rheumatic weed, -tincture, 620, Saffron, 196 Sage, 332 Salt rheum treated like ring- 262 worm & tetter, 205 Salves & plasters, 234 'J40 243 262 105 215 196 150 181 207 660 233 221 106 329 365 486 371 201 146 115 456 487 Sampson snake root, Sarsaparilla, Sassafras, Scalds and burns, Scald head, Scarlet fever, see fever. Scrofula, 461 Scrofulous ointment, 366 Scull cap, 131 Scurvy, 489 ----remedies for, 216,213,207 186 -----decoction, -----ointment, -----liquid, -----bathing drops, Rich leaf, rich weed, Ringworm, Rosin weed, Rue, Rupture, Rush, Rush's theory of disease, St. Anthony's fire, k ?St. Vitus' dance, Sea ash, Selecting medicines, Seeretion, what, ---different kinds of, Senckaenake root, 325 Senna, 626 ^"iv,,!tion, seat of, Si - se, organs of, 657 Sjven bark, 283 Shell bark hickory, 535 Sheep sorrel, Shingles, Silk weed, 142 Sirup for dysentejy, 378 Skerish, ib. Skevish, 388 Skunk cabbage, 389 Slippery Elm, 328 Sleep, necessity of, 1941 Small pox, 486 Smart weed, 266 Snake head, balmony, 180 Sn >ke leaf, 591 Snake weed, enagrel, 210 Sneeze or snuff weed, 118 Snow dro-i, 483 Soap wort, 527; Summon'* Seal, 298 22 23 215 278 19 20 242 J91 139 485 193 319 215 160 131 145 39 549 214 254 150 2.1 225 150 190 255 086 GENERAL INDEX. Somnambulism, 7u Somniloquism, ib. Sore & inflamed breasts, 619 Sore mouth and throat, 514 Sorrel salve, 373 Soul, not vitality, 31 ----powers of, 35 South Sea tea, 213 Spartan mothers' devotion, 81 -----surpassed by the dev- otees of Fashion, ib. Spasms, antispasmodics gen- erally u&efel for, Spearmint, 202 Spice wood, spice bush, 184 Spikenard, 250 Spinal marrow, what, 19 Spitting blood, 428 Spitting or salivation, 622 Spleen wort, 159, and 226 Spotted alder, 162 Sprains, 431 ----remedies, 327, 243, & 128 Squaw mint, 184 Squaw root, 129, & 181 Squaw vine, 185 Squirrel ear, 189 Staff vine, 253 Star root, 215 Starving, effects of, 39 Stick wort, 157 Stimulants, class of, 229 Stimulant injection, 362 -----tonic clyster, 363 Stink weed, 177 Stings of poisonous insect?, 565 Stone mint, 182 Stomach, position of, 23 -----office of, ib. Strawberry, 2lb Strengthening plaster, 371 Striped bloodworth, 169 Styptic?, class of, 376 Sadorifh s. recipes for, 337 -powders, Suffocation, Suspended animation, Sumach, poultice, -----salve, Sweating powders, Swelled leg, Sweet basil, Sweat root, Sweet elder, Sweet fennel, Sweet fern, Sweet flag, Sweet gum, Sweet liquorice, Tag alder, Tansy, Teething, Tetter, Thistle, Thomson's school, —.----theory of life, —'----theory of disease, skill of, how tested, Thorough stem, ----wort, Throat root, Thrush, Tincture for gravel, ----of spearmint, ----of lady's slipper, ----of lobelia seeds> Toad lily, Tonics, class of, —-^various recipes for, 317-26 Tonic ej'c cvater, 360 Tobacco, 216 Tooth ache, 470 Toothache tree, 1*0 Tourtell's theory of life, 33 Toi'ch-ni"-not, 194 Transput.on, cutaneous, 48 —■—pulmonary, 47 340 587 585 203 370 375 311 650 182 188 204 2-47 159 213 163 219 246 263 661 486 182 32 33 118 120 257 16. 161 659 346 309 313 350 150 215 GENERAL INDEX. 6BT Triennial roots, time to gather, 23.) TuK|||ree, 26 J Turtle head, 254 Twins, 033 Twin leaf, 198 Trphus fever, 414 Ulcers, 463 ----remedies, 143, 144, 151, 153 167,172, 250, 201, 233, Umbil, Unicorn, Ureter*, use of, Urine, accretion of, Vaccination, Valerian, Vapor bath, Venereal disease, ----remedies, 108. 174, 214, 2^8 204. Vena cava, use of, Ventricles, what, Vegetable poisons* Vegatable caustic, Vermifuges, class of, Vermifuge poultice, ——oil, Vertigo, Vervain, or vervine, Vinegar, Vino maple, Virginia snake r*ot, Volatile l'nament. ----opithegm, Wake robin, Wandering milk weed, Want of sleep, Waste of the living power, 3(5 Waste of the substance ef the organs, Water croaBes, Water plantain. Wax myrtle, Whites, or flour albus, White elm, White bryony, White hoarhound, WJiite snake root, White wood, 201 White walnut, 27o White swelling 59r -remidies, for, 339,370,387 133 24-*» 25 ib- 552 133 390 55'i ib. 5