•>-%* «* V ". * : .-*- • &V; •«^^riv " wBfèm #:#^"4 ' ■ ??%' - ^jStf.V CSstfO KwLSft v. j&& !r^,*TlS3& ?;w. « ■*.• ^%^ -,* $ '£« afe VT .*^ V W k* $>< ^ .'Vi* *V.*."'•■*=*■ t-vkvdur-y c& GongTrèss 11 ARMY MEDICAI. LIBRARY WASHINGTON Founded 1836 Section „„.'..0„l___^_._. Form 113c. W. D.. S. G. O. ero 3—10543 Ulevised June 13, 1936) ^r ■ '.1 '&'&'■* J9w*MtLj A ^W?l t\ - ^v ^cl/ ^f~ w ;(?.'J9ùt*À!'*-++t> 7* ,-*• u---**"■ I •* • WMGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE, OR SYSTEM OF axpmiBoviKB ipiBA^^a^a CONTAINING THE IMPROVT.MENTS SUGGESTED BY AH EXPERIENCE OF FORTY YEARS. BY ISAAC WRIGHT OF TENNESSEE. Printed at the Office of Henderson, Johnaton, éf €», HADISONVILLE, TEN1V. 3. r. grant, Printer. ^10N 6Eff£/>*, !Q (£rEntered according to act of Congress in the year 1833, by bo&tor Isaac Wright, in the clerk's office of the District Court of the Unite4 SHates for the District of East Tennessee. WM. C. MYNATT, Clerk of the District of East Tennessee, USTO) IBS» Anger,....... 2 Air,........51 Ague and Fever, - - - - 67 Abscesses,.....- 230 Appetite, want of, - - - 157 Apoplexy, - - - - - - 155 Asthma, -■-.-.. - - 154 Appendix --•_..-- - 267 Bum, for a,.....231 Broken bones,.....237 Bruises and sprains, - - - 233 Blood letting, - - - - 229 Bitesof poisonous animals, - 175 musketoes,' - - - - 175 BloodyFlux, ----- 133 Bilious Colie, - -,--- 113 Bleeding at the nose, - - - - 125 Consumption,.....87 Ulothi ng, - '......50 Childbed, management of, - 216 Children, diseases of, - - - 187 management of, - 184 Convulsions,.....192 Cholera Infantum, - - - - 189 Cachexy,.....- 146 Cough, whooping, - - - - 194 Croup, spasraodic or inflamat'y, 188 chronic, - - - - 187 Clap, or Gonorrhoca, - - - 177 Cramp, ------- 65 Costiveness,......156 Cholera Morbus, - - - - 117 Chicken Pox, ----- 85 Colie, --- - - - 111 Cleanliness, ------ 57 Ck)ugh, ------- 156 Cold, - -......107 Chalybeate pili, - - - - 263 Caustic vegitable, - - - - 263 Dislocations,.....234 ofthethigh, - - 237 '.oftheelbow, - 236 of the shoulder, 238 of the ribs, - - 23ò of the neck, - - 23f> ofthejaw, - - 234 Dropsy, - - - - .-------22tì of the brain, - - - &04 Dispepsy,.......13t5 Dysentery, - - - - .-. - 131 Diabetes, ------ - 121 Diarhoea, ------ 118 Diseases, knowledge of, - - 60 Ear ache, ------- 248 Eruptions of children, - - 1911 Erysipelas,.....- - 198 Eye,.......- ÌT2 Epilepsy,.....- 162 Exercise, ------ 52 Fistula in Ano, ----- 224 Felon, ------- 17.") Fingers, bitten,.....174 Flatulencies, ----- 168 Fear,........24 Food, - -..... is Fevérs in general, - - - - 64 prevention of, - - - 6'J inflammatory, - - - 6n Nervous, - - - - 74 Scarlet, ----- 7J) _ Miliary, - - - - 80 Bilious,.....82 Gleet, ------- 179 Gout,........142 Gravel, or suppression or diffi- culty of urine, - - - - 123 Grief, .......29 Glossary, ------- 273 Hernia or Ruptures, - - - 225 Hydrocephalus, - - - - - 194 Hydrophobia,.....176 Hypochondriac affections, - - 171 Hysteric Fits,.....169 Hicup,........164 INDEX. Head-ache, -.---- 134 lieart-bum,......158 [ntcmperanec, ----- 40 Itch, - - - ----- - 247 hicubus. or Night Mare, - -166 fnflainmation of liver, - - 115 bladder, - - 115 kidneys, - 113 intestines, - 110 stomach, - 109 lungs, - - - 85 diaphragm, - 98 ■brain, -' - - 102 ■.laundicc, ------ 141 Lega, cutting ofjj (see mortiri- cation,) enlar«ed without ulcera, 222 l,abor, - '-......208 LockcdjauV ----- 160 fiivcr, inllamtnation of, - - - 11» Love,......- - 5 Morlilication,.....238 .\1"uh!.s, siippression of, - - 218 Miunp.-,.......105 Modc.ilv or diflidtnce, - - 30 Mcasles, ------- 98 Matc-ira Medica,. - - - - 251 Night Mure, (see incubus.) Xosc, stoppage of, - - - - 199 bleeding at, - - - 125 Perspiration,......45 Kregnancy, ------ 205 Pins, swallowing of, - - - 177 Pox,.....- - - 182 Poisons,......- - 1^3 Polsv. ----_---. 159 Piles, bleeding and blind, - - 126 Palate, falling of, - - - - 10G PJourisy,.......94 bastard, - - - - 97 Pulso. ------ - - 41 Passicns, of the, - - - - 1 Uuinsy,.......148 Ruptures, (see Hernia.) Rickets,.......195 Rheumatism, ----- IH Religion,.......31 Shoulder, dislocation of - - 236 Sprains, (see bruises,) St. Anthony's Fire, - - - 100 Sealdhead, .....196 St. Vitus' Dance, - - - - 19u Seminai weakuess.k - - - .180 Spirits, low,......169 Swoonings, -.'•-"■'-• - - - 167 Scrofula, - - '<■- : - -, - 151 Sorethroat, - - -'■•- - - 150 putrid, - - - - 150 Sudden changes, &c. - - - 46 Scuivy, ----- - - 147 Spitting blood, ----- 128 Stomach, inflammatìon of, - 138 Sleep, ------- 57 Stool, evacuation by, - - - 42 Sore Eves, ,-.: ------ 104 Thrush", - ■**■•-. - -. - - 197 Teething, - ' - •- - • - ,-- 190 Telanus, (see loeked javv,) Tooth ache, - - - - - -, 135 Ulcers, indolent, - - - - 221 sloughing, - - - - 221 fungous, - - - - 220 in swelled limbs, - - 220 inflamed, - - - y 219 Urine, ----- --.' "- 43 obstruction of, - - 181 bloody,.....130 incontinence of, - - 123 Vomiting, -------20 blood, - - - - 12') Vegetable Unguent, - - - 263 Venereal diseases, - - - 17'< Wounds, ------- 231 Wen, - - -.....231 White swelling,.....241 scorbutic, - 245 Woinen, diseases of, - - - 201 Worms ----,-- HO in children, - - - 192 Whitlow, - - - v - - - 17->. ■:*■ A TA~&EE ÙJF &&MES EOM TME YJiniOUS .M&ES, MEDICINE8. ADULT. f'm 20 to 15. f'm 15 TO 1(1 FU* M 10 TO 5 FHOM 5 TO 3 FROM 3 TO 2 FROM 2 IO 1 UNDER ONE. F'm. To. F'm.To. F'm. To. F'vi. To. F'm. To. F '#/! . To. F '///. To. ' F in To. Antimonial wine,. o 4 drs. o 3 drs. 1 3 drs. 1 2 drs. i 2 drs.. ì li drs. ì ] dr. j i drs. Gum Aloes, G 20 grs. 3 15 grs. 2 10 grs. 1 H grs. 1 G grs. i 4 grs. > 3 grs. 1 gr. Balsam Capai vi, 20 S-,0 drps. IG 50 drps. 9 30 drps. 8 25 drps. 0 20 drops 4 15 drops 3 9 drops 1 ;> drops Black snake root, 10 20 grs. 10 18 grs. 8 15 grs. G (' grs. 3 ogrs. 1 3 grs. 1 2 grs. i lgr. Barks Peruvian, * 2 drs. A li drs. i li drs. * 1 dr. Lo 40 grs. 9 30 " 6 20 grs. b 15 grs. Calomel, 10 20 grs. 5 15 grs. 4 9 grs. 3 8 grs. 6 " 5 " 2 4 grs. 1 3 grs. Camphor, Cream Tartar, 4 4 20 " 10 drs. 4 4 15 " 1 drs. •j 3 14 " G drs. 2 2 8 " 4 drs. 2 2 6 " 3 drs. ì 3 " 2 drs. 1 2 drs. 4 j lA " 1 dr. 4 10 " 3 8 " 3 7 " 24 6 " 2 5 " 2 4 " ì 1 là " Ess. peppermint, Hartshorn spts. 10 30 drps 10 20 drps. 8 15 drps. 6 12 drps. 4 9 drops 3 10 drops 2 8 drops 1 4 drops 30 60 " 20 40 " 15 30 " 9 20 " 8 16 " 4 ì) " 2 8 " 1 5 «' Ipecacuanha, Laudanum, In 30 grs. 12 25 grs. 9 20 grs. 8 15 grs. b 12 grs. 0 9 grs. 4 8 grs. 1 4 grs. 20 50 drps. 15 30 drps. 12 25 drps. 10 20 drps. 8 16 drops 5 12 drops 3 6 drops 3 droga Opium, Paregoric Elixir, •i 1 2 grs. 4 drs. i 1 le grs. 3 drs. 1 i gr. 2 drs. 30 50 drps. 20 40 drops 20 30 " 5 15 drop» 1 5 drops. Sugar of L*>:d, Salts, Sulphur Flour, 1 4 6 gre. IGdrs. 1 4 3 grs. 10 drs. i 3 3 grs. 8 drs. i 2 2 grs. 5 drs. 2 2 gre. 4 drs. i 1 2 grs. 3 drs. i 1 1 gr. 2-drs. .1 1 dr.. 2 6 " 2 5 " 1 3 « 1 2 " i. 2 " 20 30 grs. 10 20 grs. i 5 15 grs.. Tartar Emetic, 2 6 grs. 2 5 grs. 2 4 grs. li 3 grs. 1 2 grs. i 1 " 4 1 " ! i i " EXPLANATION OF WEIGIITS AND 31E ASPRI jtf. gO grains m 3 scruplcs ' H drachms ' ike one scrii pie, ì C A tea spoonful ìs equal to 60 drops or one drachm. A table spoonful ìs th» i one drachm,f ^ measure of half an oimce. A large wine glass ìs equal to two ounce;*. 1 cu . one oiuiro, ( } grains ol" < 'al omel is the bulk of a garden pea, 1;> grains of. Ipecac. js inc- 16 ouncr» ' one pint bulk ofa voi )i!.io:i rherry. 4 grains ni '!' artar i? t \e 1 >ulk "I n s mn]l poa. BEBSCATION. TO THE EJIDIE&* While many have inscribed their works to the ridi andpowerful, tothe honored and the illustrious, be it ray bumbler,less ambitiousbut delightfal task, to dedi- cate this effort of my old age to diffuse medicai knowl- edge and alleviate the severity of disease, to the fairest, dearest portion of creatiou; to those who contribute so inucli to our comfort, who are entrusted vviththe care of the rising generation, who gtve children their earliest notions, can instil into their minds the proper princi- ples, and helpthem to forni those habitsby which they may avoid what is noxious, preserve themselves from the contagion of disease, and go far toward securing to themselves the blessings of long life and continued health. If the present publication shall aid them in these benevolentobjects, shall contribute, by the infor- mation it contains, to their comfort or that of their re- lations: ifit shall remove a prejudice, lightena burden, or assist in easing them of a single pang, theauthor wili feeì himself amply rewarded for his labors and lucu- brations, for his unremitted enthusiasm in the studyof the human system, and his continued efforts to apply for thealleviation of pain, the removal of disease and the restoration of health, the most salutary andefficacioui combinations of medicine. Isaac Wright. INTRODUCTION. In preseutiug my ; ■other to himself; he who was turned loose to the J>east^ cspaped, but Clitus was murdered, for he was exposecjto the unrestrained and imgovernable ferocity af,an angry mnu. If X was desired"(says he,) to. describe cruelty and revenge, I would draw a tigerbathed m blood ant} ready to.leap at its prey, as emblematicof those horrìd pasj-ions." Many ins.tances of cruelty are recorded in history. Amestris, queen of Persia, having learned that the king Xemes, ber husband, was attached. to his brother's daiughter, had adopted, thongh withòut foun- datioiPthe opinion that ber mother "was^privy to. the aflaiiv and encouraged t]|e amour. This suspicion e^> * dtedm liei* a higher animosity agallisi the paypnt than tìie girl and the" queen determinici to revenge". It was tkéVastom that on the Jcitigs birth'day, a re'quesl; of whalever nature, when. made -4iy the queen must be J granted, and she waitecl, impatiently the return of that auniversary: and when it carne, she desired the* death '+'4 WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. •• c$f the mother, who. was innocent of any crime and jgnorant of the king's attachment. Xemes endeavored to save the life of his sister, but $ìe queen was inexorable and not only demanded ber death, but gratified ber rancorous hatred by the indulg- ere of the most re morsele ss cruelty. As soon as the unhappy victim was delivered overto her wrath, by ber cmnmaud her lips, nose and breast were cut off and cast tìut to dogs, and the mangled sufferer was compelled to look on while these parts of her own fraine were con- soni ed by the voracious animals. When Cicero, the great Roman orator suffered de- Ga*pitation, his head was brought to Anthony, whose wife Fulvia took it, stabbed it several times, then tore oat the tongue, and with the malice of a fiend pierced ìt with her bodkin. To show the e vii effects of, this passion, we need only allude to the thousand barbari- tws committed during the French revolution under the nume of patriotism, through the indulgenceof anger, degenerating into cruelty and whetted by the continued gratiflcation of its ferocious and insatiable appetite. v JL O \ E • In peace love tunes the shepherd's reed, Inwar he mounts the"\varrior's steed; In halls in gay attire is seen. In hamlets, dances on the green; Love rules the court, the camp the grove, And men bèlow and saints above, For love is heaven and heaven is love. Love is among our most delightful sensations. It is tlie tie that links together man and. woman, and unites them in. mutuai good offices and endearments. It sof- tens ano cheers and refines and prepares for the endur- ance of trouble, and for enjoying the blessings of life. frhe poet has with his usuai enthusiasm described the happiness of successful love. He spoke from experi- A* G WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. '' If heaven a draught of heavenry pleasure spare, One cordial in tliis melancholy vale, 'Tis when a youthful, loving, modest pair, In other's arms brer.the out the tender tale, Beneath t!ie milk white thorn that scents the evcning gale- Opposition to the schemes of lovers often produces disease. A physician whose name was S----visited the family of a widow for several weeks. When the old lady discovered that his object was to court ber daughter, being opposed to the match, she debarred him from the privilege of coming to ber house. Me had however, visited it often enough togain the affectìons of the girl. Deprived of his company and conversatiou, and abandoned to ber own ili fancies, she was soon seized with a fever. The widow called in another phy- sician, the usuai remedies were prescribed, and the accustomed attention paid; but "who can minister to a mind diseased?'" Instead of improving her malady, became more inveterate; she grew worse and worse^, andfìnalìy ber life was despairedof. As soon as this report reached the ears of Doctor S----, he repairedto the house. He entreated that he might see the girl, and assured the mother he could cure ber. With greai reluctance, and after considerarle persuasion, he wa# admitted. He entered into conversatimi with the youua; lady, told her not to despair, that good fortune would attend their mutuai affection and perseverance; that he» mother*s objections would at last yield to their wisheis and they would yet be married with her approbation,— After raising her spirits and reviving her hopes, he retila ed. On the next day he returned and enquired how sIbb was: her mother informed him she was better. "Did'ni Iteli you, (said he) thatI could cure Jicr." He w*vb then permitted to visit her daily until her health was restored. He was, after that event, forbid to enter the house. But they had been prudent enough to anticipate this prohibition, and to provide for it. Their inteiw course was stili continued, but clandestinely. A friend was sometimes procured to band her a letter. Tho old lady however, was astute in detecting these contriv- WRTGIIT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. 7 ances, and often caught them at their tricks. Some acquaintance who was familiar at the house, having been entrusted with an amatory epistle, was informed by the old lady pf thè means resorted to to keep up a commu- nication between them. She vented her maledictioua unsparingly on those who would thus interfere. Her friend concurred in ali her denunciations, and said thai if he were to undertake acommission of that kind, he would actopenly and above board. After the lapse of a short time he offered the girl a book; the old .lady suspeeted the stratagem, took the volume in ber own band, opened it and found theletter it contained. Slip then upbraided bini with his duplicity, and reprobated his conduct in the strongest terms. He nothing daunted, smiled at her impatience, vexation and reproaches, and .told her that in love as well as in war, ali stratagems were fair; and that in ali affairs of the heart, the majority would favor the courfcier v.ho hadsucceeded in gaining the affections of his intended spouse. When other expedients failed, the lover would come to consultthe old lady in some diificulty in his practice. She was in truth a woman of sense, and had some medicai skill. The doctor often consulted her, and often fbllowed her advice. This flattered and gratified her, and soinetimes he thus gained an interview with the daughter. At length, amid ali their diffìculties, they had"con- cluded to bring theaffiairto a connubial termination. As . it was respectful to ask the concUrrence of the mother, her consent was desired. She told the Doctor, she was stili unwilling, and that if he expected to get any prop- erty with Polly, he would find himself mistaken, as althou conviction, and the most dangerous consequences to the intérests of the monarch of France. The police soon apprehended the author, stripped him, searched his ciothes, bis house, his furniture and beds, but the manuscript could not be fouhd. He wras offered his price for the production, but he denied that ■ he had ever written any thing against the emperor. Bnt the ofiìccrs were not to be deceived. At length it v. as mentioned that a few days before the arrest of the Hol- iander, an intimate friend carne to visit him; that they entertained the sanie opinions of the emperor, and that in àì\ probability the manuscript had been confided to him.—This bini was^sufiicient. It was eagerly en- quired "where is this man to" be found?" He lives in £he environs of Prague in Bohemia. His name is Schustler—what is his rank of life?—he is only a priv- ate citizen, but ridi; a manof about forty, a little above the common size, but well shaped; he has been a wid- ower about two years, and has an only child, a daugh- ter, about four years old. What are his pursuits and WRiGIITS FAMILY MEDICINE. 9 his pr^donfinant passions?—he is fond of study, antVof tlie fin* arts,.aijd particularìy attàched to w'oai&n. > "if lie is remarlcaViy fond of tlie ladies, I àm sure of him,77 said de'M.----, the agent of thè Freuch em- peror, -with esultatimi-. J)e,M---— iinmediately return- ed to Paris. Nothing could" he mpre, deskable, and nothing more easy t6 a wi<|ower, in the Vigor ©f life, and sìrongly attaché** to the.fair sex, tlian-ta introduce,' bini ttf theacqiifiintancc of a young antf beautiful wo- maiij-poss-eaBsed of the' most ' fascinatine • chmrms and acGmiiplishmpifts* Kis phm was .«juickly. cbnceived, '. -*and his measurcs immediate] y takeu. ;■ * • Among the hymplis of -Paris, tìiere lived a young and beautiM woniaiì. In" earVy yquth ~she had lost < ber pàrentsf who were «ver,y .flpspectable. They left «v'her in/pòsfce'ssion of a. foTt'uiie, whicli, had ber dcsires been moderate, would bave been arnply gufficient to l ipivesatislìed tiiemi^ Eut 'an -unrestrained passion for "t^j. expehsrve luXury; and an excèssive love of play, -pro- duced ■herjuln.. Nature had lavished o'n this female ,.- ail ber boujjtìes; ber -atìractions, w hjether o£ person or m.' • 'taaje. o% talenta, were. perfectly irrcsistible. What • àdded'grfcatly to ber atjtractions, was ber seeming un- consciousKcss_ of possessing them. To ber personal cha^ms vand sedoctivc manners, was superaclded an intimate knaw.ledec of ali.the ihtrisues of. hisrli lif^and ■ «refiued society. Her extravaganee had rèduced her to a" state of dependenCe? she was therefore appliedto on tMs occasion'ta proceed to Prague, entrap the amerous Dutchinan, and if possible,'procure the desired manu- script., As the pari'to be aeted.ro/Epiired superior skill • and adrqjtness^Jje-wàs promised a large salary and a liberal"reward, should s^& seciireihe inibrmation. No persoti in the wcrld could have Been found better iltted for this ijtìdertadang * thàu this young woman.— Besides her other accomplishments, she possessed a perfect knowledge of the German language, which she spoke with* great ease and flueiicy. 10 WRIGHT'S FAMILY' MEDICINE. - -After receiving her instructions from de M----■? she took a passportin the name of Bridget Adelaide Saul- nier, representing herself to be a young widow travet- ling into Germany for her health. - Her secret instructions .were as follo ws:^— "You wiirimmédiately proceed to Prague» in Bobe- mia. On you* arrivai you will secretly obtain a knowl- ' e%e of the residence of M.r Schùstler, and ali the '- infprmation in your power respecting him.- Under the" *►... pretext of enjoying a*pnre airnecessary to your licalth, you will exprsss a wish to liverin the country,, .and take t . your measurcs so as to òbtain lodgings as near as pos* •.' SffUe to «ìs residence. To ellect this object, you" m&y _ * pursue any ceurse in your power—spare .no expense. •* . The management oi the re'st is.leffc to your piva sagacity » and discTetion."" '-Jfh-. . .*. .^ Oh her arrivai "a£ Prague, Mademoiselle 13----s had no difficulty in obtaining ali the in for marioli she wìshed » for,.and. iinmediately purehased a'ITouse near the resi- dence of M. Schùstler. - ; >•*• V. Scarc"ely w-as tlieìpvely spy established in the ncigh- borhood, bfefore an qpportunity -ocenrred to .co-mmence „ A beroperations.. Amongst otber thinqs, «he Jound out T ■>-■ that he was in the habit of going very often to Prague," and she took her measures accordingly. ...Her donici - ticsxonsisted of one man and a womàn. She bought, for her own usej two beautiful horses!, .and few riders . were more dexterous, pr more skilful than herself, inali" the arés of horscmanship. One day when she knew.that M. Schùstler was gone * to town, she mounted her borse, and accompanied by berservant, set out with thè view of meeting bei* neight bor, as he «should be returning home. As she' descried him at a distànce, pretending to be overcome with the beat of the weather, she alighted and reclined on the grassy turf by the road side, with the bridle of her borse dangling on her arni, and her veil artfully drawn over her face. As if alarméd at the noise of the ap- proaching carriage; she suddeniy sprang up like one WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. 11 terrified by some unexpected danger. Her horse wafe actually afrighted, and started back some paces, when thegallant M. Schùstler, alarmed for the lady, tbrew himself from his carriage and ran tó her assistane^. At this moment the fair enchantress withdrew her veil, and display ed to'the wonderiug eyes of the German the most captivating charms. At the sight 'of so much beauty, he gazed in sileni admiration.- For some mo>- ments he was unable to speak. At lengfh recoverinff from,his jsurprise,—"Pardon me madam,"(said he) if I have undesignedly disturbed your repose,-I should r&- gret the accident must sincereìy, had it not offered mfe the opportnnity of befoolding your charms, tlìa'n which, heaven itself has ne ver produced any thing more lovely. "What you cali disturbing my repose,a"(said the fas- cinating beau tv) is of no consequence. As to the verv 7civil expressions you hàve been pleased to use, pernii* ine to observe, that you are stili youn'g, and that I very werfVknow how'to estimate them. As she said this, she very gracefully remounted her horse. The German, afraid of losing sight of her, sèized the reins, and exclaimed: "Why will you be so cruel, as thus suddenly to deprive me of the pleasure of gazing on your charms? If my intrusion is disagreeable to you, I will instantly withdraw; but if you are not reluctant to oblige me, have the goodness to inform me whois the angel whom I have the Iunior of addressing.77 i<;The reni gentleman, (she replied,) can never per- mit himself, in any way, to offend an unprotected gemale. It is very naturai you should wish to know who I am. Know then sir, thatl ani a French widow, who have occupied for the last two days a mansion in this neigborhood.77 "Whatj madam! are you then the purchaserof Moni». I----'s house?'7 "Yes sir, that is the name of the person from whoiji I bought it.77 "Thank heaven! we are near neighbors. From my 12 WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. • window Ican enjoy the view of your residence. How unfortunate madam, that I bave not yet had the happi- ness to visit you!77 . ■ . "In trulli sir, (§he replied, with a fasciuating smile,) the l'oss. of time is not a matter of rcgret to eitlier.of us, for my house is hardly yet furnished." But I will can- didly rcOnfess that, as in a country residence, nothing is so desirable as respectable society and good neigh- bors, I am gratified by the hope^ of becoming better. acquainted with you.77 She then saluted ber enraptuB- ed victim with an enchanting smile, "and disappeared; ' 31. Schùstler was in a transport of joy.' J-\g was half frainic with the excess òf pleasuré*this aceident had afforded him, and his confìdént anticipatiPns of the future happiness he should enjoy hi the society of .tlie lovely Saulnier. Early the next day, he paid a visit to his captiva^ing* neighbor. On seèing him leave his house, she placed herself at her piano, resolved to màke use. of évfcry stratagem, and ali the means of seduction to secure lier prey. "Madam, (said he, on entering,) yesterday I wjfs charmed with your beauty, and now the delightful tones which I bear thrill me with ecstacy.77 "Searcely four and twenty hours have passed, (con- tinued M. Schùstler,) since I first 4ieheld you; and if any cause whatever should compel me to relinquish .the favorable sentiments with which you have inspired me, I hardly know whether I should have fortitude enough to surviye the disappointment.77 As he said this, madame Saulnier, who was resting on her piano, experienced a feeling whkh was undefina- ble; for^ tillnow, her heart had been a stranger to sudi emotions. In her perturbatici!, she knew not. how to reply. The language she had bearci, and the unaffected sincerity with which it was uttered, produced an agita- tion in her bosom which it had never befbre felt. Her eyes were instantly fixed on Mons. Schùstler. Never had she seen a man whom she so much admired. WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. 13 Her heart already confessed him the most engaginc and the most accomplished of his sex. "Come sir, (said she, in the tone of captivatins; sweèt'néss,) you shall remain and breakfast with me— you bave delighted me to an excess, amounting almost topain. How much do I regret that our acquaintance had not been formed at an earlier period.77 During breakfast the conversation turned on the de- lights of friendship. On taking his leave, M. Schùs- tler said to her, "if you are not displeased with the acquaintance of one who feels for you morethan a com- mon interest, I will presume, madam, to solicit the happiness of receiving you at my house at this hour to-morrow.77 "Your invitàtion sir, is so flattering, and its manner so persuasive, that I canhot refuse to accept it.77 Left alone, madame Saulnier began to examine the state of her heart, as regarded her new lover. She often saidto herself, as she has since acknowledged,— iiI carne hither atreacherous seducer, and lo I am myself seduced." The change she underwent in consequence of her new attachment was as sincere and permanent as it was sudden. She became asbamed of the part she had been bribed to act, and of the odious coinmis- sion with which she was charged. "I will not consent to be the instrument of decervi ng thrs generous and noble minded man. I will to-morrow disclose to him ivho I am, and what I have.èeen." She was received by MonS. Schùstler as if she had been an angel seni from heaven. fehe had filly resolv- ed to open ner whole heart to her amiahie neij,hhor in the eveniug, but when the moment arriva;, her re solution failed. For two months, did the lovers remain in ibis perplexing state of uncertainty. At length the impor- tunity of M. Schùstler produced an enclaircissement. Eight days after, she received the hand of M. Schùs- tler at the aitar. The commission With which she had been charged by the French government remained as yet unexecuted* She spoke of the author of the manu- B 14 WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. script, and of his arrest, as a circumstance which had come to her knowledge by mere accident. "What! (said herhusband,) have you then heard of myfriend7s misfortune? I too was exposed to the most im- minent danger by that cursed business. It was to mejie confided the fatai manuscript only a few days befqce his arrest, but on the first intimation of his ceizure I committed it to the flames.77 His wife made no further enquiries—she iinmediately wrote tothe principal agent concerned in her mission, acquainting him with the circumstances, and assuring him that his imperiai majesty might make himseHVperr fectly easy in regard to this affair—she had ascertained that the memorial had been destroyed, and the empe- ror had nothing to fear. Love when unsuccessful sometimes degenerate into disease. Among the light minded, frivolotis and fa»- ^ tidious, those who have but little solidity and soberness, lively fancy, stroug passions, and long indulged super- ciliousness and pride, disappointment brings on a temporary insanityf sometimes it manifests itself by despondency, sighing, incapability of sleeping, perpet- uai loquacity or habitual taciturnity concerning the beloved object; or by a prcference for retirement and solitary meditation. An "eternai attachment77 in fash- ionable life tlirough the instability and levity of the "beau monde,77 does not- commonly last longer than three weeks. Love is frequently indicated by increas- ed attention to dress and neatness; by awkward- ness in the company, or blushing at the mentìon of the beloved object. The diseases produced by "hope deferred,77 by the despondency of disappoint- ment are fever, indigestiou, hysterics, hypochondriasm and distraction. Desparation sometimes adopts the ex- pedient of suicide, but the remedy is worse than the disease. {'Let the aspirina youth beware of love, Of the smoothglance beware; for 'tis too late Whenon his heart thetorrent eoftness poUrs.' Then wisdom prostrate lies, and fading fame WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. lo Diesolves in air away; while the fond soul Wrapt in gay visions of unrealbliss, •' - Stili paints the illusive form; the kindlinggrace; The enticing smile, the modest seeming eye, Beneath whose beauteous beams, belying heaven, Lurke eearchless cunnijig, cruelty, and death; And stili false-warbling in his cheated ear, " Her syren voice enchanting draws him on To guileful^ shores and meads of fataLjoy ! It is related by Plato that EmpèdOcles was present fi the dissection of one who died of love. His heart - -Was combust, bis liyer smoky, bis lungs dried up, inso- ;* much that he verily believes his soul was roastedthrough the vehemency of bis love. Parents are often gupty of - great. cruelty* in forcing their children io marry for money. We will give an example. A young lady and gentleman had, from the purest motives, entered into a matrimoniai engagement. He had an ampie oompetency to snjjiport them. But her mother, who had ielt the*severities and inconveni- encies of poverty, regarded riches as the supreme object of desire. About this time her kinsman, a young man from a different. state, with the reputation of being rich, carne to visit the old lady. Her daughtef, besides pos- sessing good sense and agreeable manners, was adorned with the finest form and the most attractive face. As a novelist would say, she was bewitchingly handsome.— Her appearance enraptured the stranger. As soon as this circumstance reached the mother7s ears, ber love of wealth superceded every ^ther consideration. She was anxious for an infraction of the first contract, that she might marry her daughter to the new and opulent suitor. Her utmost influence was exercised, but the daughter resisted her importunity, and pleaded her primal engagement, and her affectìons being placed on another. When their kinsman was obout to return home, the old lady went with him a day7s journey, and com- pelled her daughter to accompany them. She was stili determined to accomplish her intention, and to forni the desired connection with her opulent relation. The daughter was forced on the floor that the ceremony 16 WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. might be performed; when askedif she would take this man for her husband, she said no, and declared her ftttachment to another whom she was bound to by agreement and affection. Notwithstandiiig her strenu- oos opposition, she was somehow married to this man of fortune. She went home with him, always professing that she loved ber former paramour and him alone.— They lived unhappily. He was jealous; she was discontented. Contrary to her mother7s expectation„ she found her husband to be as poor as he was mean spirited. She liverd in penury, pined away in discon- tent, and in a few years died of melancholy and des- pair. Her first wooer was surprised and shocked at her irresolution and instability—sunk under his disap- pointment---lived a life of despondency, and was brought to an early and premature grave. In the selection of a companion for life, good habits, good temper,.good sense ahd good character should be estimated more than wealth or beauty. Men are more apt to be fascinated by personal appearance than woinen; neitjher ought a sound constitution, if we would properly appreciate health and comfort, to be en- tirely disregarded. It is better in this respect to imitate Judge Breckenridge, and marry a country girl, who can with agility and ease spring over a fence, who is pos- sessed of a good constitution, native sprightliness, sense and ingenuity, than to form a connubial connection with a wealthy city lady, whois weakly, debilitated, nerv- ous, knows not wbat it is to be in health or spirits, and who is an encumberance and burden on her husband for life. We do not, therefore, entirely approve the old woman's advice to her son: "Any wife may turn out ili, But, Ned, the money never will." We would suppose that the cash might be spent. But we deem money alone an inadequate consideration for a matrimoniai engagement; yet there are those who, by their practice, seem to think differently, and for their WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICETE. 17 benefit, we will offer the following poetical apblogy, believing that in sucli contrasts prudence will not over- look the means of comfortable subsistence and support. Away with your witchcraft o' beauties alarms, The slender bit beauty yott grasp in your arms; O gie me the lass that has'acres o' charms, O gie me the la^s wi' the weel stockit farms.' Your beauty's a flower, in- the morning that blows, And withers the faster, the faeter it grows; But the rapturous charms of the. bonnie green knowes, Ilk spring' tbe^re new deckit wi' bonie white yowes. And e'en when the beauty your bosom'has West, ■ - The brightcc-t of beauty may cloy when poesest; ** But the swet3t yellow darli'ngs wi' Geordie imprest, :*The logger ye hae them, the m&ir they're carestr Nptwithstanding the humor of the poet, marrying fo» money is an offence againstnature, and shows a narrow, contemptible, groyelling soul. Sucn matrimoniai con- nections are generaìly nnproductive of comfort and safr- fsfactipn. AiFeetion founded on reason, and cemented by mutuai concession and habitual kindness, is the only bond of union that can secure happiness.^ Mere pei*- sonai beauty, however admired, constitutes but a small ehare of the stock of connubial felicity. Homely peo- {de have not only loved each other ardently, but have ived together with the most uninterruptedharmony and Ratisfaction. Indeed I am inclined to think young per- Bons are prone to ridicule, with too much severity, as iff it were a crime, coarsenesfi(*of feature. Anecdotes of thjs sort are very current. A gentleman seeing another whose face was rather oif a homely cast, said to him, "Mr----, you oughttotake eaffron constantly, for if the ugliness shold strike in, ifc would inevitably kili you'.77 We have heard another anecdote of a similar character. A gentleman ridingup to a tavern, was accosted by eome loitering son of Bacchus with the qùestion, "stran- ger, dont your face ache mightily?77 "No, whatmakes fou ask so foolish a qùestion?77 "0 it looked so ugly thought it must hurt you.77 B* 18 WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. Such are the prejudices existing against homeliness of features; a prejudice which phylosophy and reason have hitherto in vain nnited to extirpate. "Rcst mortai, ere you take a wife, Contrive your pile to last for life; Since beauty scarce endures a day, And youth so swiftly flies away; On sense and truth your passion found, By dècency cementèd round; Let prudence with good nature strive, To keep esteem and love alive. Then come old age when e'er it will, Your friendship shall continue stili; And thus a mutuai gentle tire, Shall never but whh life expire." That there are bad husbands and bad wives, we suppose will be admitted, and none will deny that it requires no talents to torment. As to makiiig either menor.wonien faultless, we bave oneobjection to it, it is not founded in truth. We believe many a man who is in every other respect clever, who pays ali his debts, performs the common duties of society with perfect reg- ularity, and is distinguished by his good sense, his lib- erality and his public spint, indulges ali his evil pas- sions at home and among his family. Many a wife too makes her house too uncomfortable and hot for her hus- band by exercising her tongue too freely, the only weapon which we are assured by Washington Irving, grows sharper by use. There lived in London sbpeevish and morose a hus- band, that his wife, though of the most amiable and obliging disposition, could never please him. He made it his Constant practice to contradict every thingshe said, and to be out of humor at every thing she did. If she brought him white bread to table, he would have brown, if she cut crust he would have crumb. In short, there was no such thing as pleasing him, and her life was one continued scene of noise and anxiety. One day after dinner he went to market, bought a brace of pike, and cominghome, delivered them to the WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. fij maid with orders that they should be dressed for sup- per. The cook brought the fish directly to her mistress^ who asked her what sauce her husband had directed. Sauce, madam, replies the girl, he never said a word about sauce, but ordered them to be ready by seven o7clock and then went out. O fie! girl, says the mis» tress, how could you be so careless as not to ask him? We shall ali be undone. If we wait till he comes home for fresh orders, the kitchen will be too hot to hold us. Should I boil them he will have them roast- ed; in short, whatever v. ay I dress them, he will be dissatisfied; I shall have words enough and perhaps the marks of his conjugal affection to show for months. Well madam, says the maid, take my foolish advice for once. The pike are fine fish, cut them in large piéces; dress some one way and some another. This pian was approved and executed withòut delay. At this instant the painter carne in with her husband7s head which he had been employed to alter. She taking it from him, called to the maid, here Ruth, says she, put this head by, and do not let your master see it until after supper, for if it should not be right he will not eat a morse! of fish. Scarce Avere ali things adjusted when in comes Mynheer Morose. Well wife, cries he, is supper ready? Ali ready, my dear, said she, in an obliging manner and with ali imaginable cheerfulness. What have you got? said he, the fish you brought home this afternoon, she replied. Well, and how have you dressed them pray? To please you I liope, sad she, I have boiled them, my dear. Then eat them yourself quoth he, I will have none of your boiled fish, not I. How then would you have them my dear, says the wife. Fried said he. Away she flies, and brings him in a moment a piate of fried fish. He picks a mouthful or two, and begins to open. Take your fried fish yourself—I will have somestewed. There then, said she, bringinghim another piate, there is some stewed for you, my dear. 20 WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. I will have none stewed now I think of it, let your maid eat them, I will have some roasted. Then have them roasted, if you please child, said she, there they ^are for you. This will not do, Imust have some broil- ed. Once more I am prepared for you, there they are broiled. Our capricious gentleman, finding that there was noroomfor complaint, rrew outrageous and threw" theplates about the house—he v/ould have none of hei broiled dabs, not he. In the nata of goodness what wbuld you have my dear, said the wif?. Notknowing what else to say, he answers a fooFs head* upon this sheran for his own head which the painter had brought home, and Jhrowingit down on the table, why there ili is, said she, if you will haveit. There was something in ali this so droll and so appropriate to the purpose> that the morose husband, nettled as he was, could not forbear laughing; and taking the whole mattcr into consideration, he acknowledged that} bis wife bad al- ways endeavored to please him, and therefore he deter- mined to alter his conduct for the future; and he ève? afterwards behaved towards ber with prudence and dis- cretiou, and treated her with decency and good man» ners. Whenever I see a new marrièd couple more than or- dinarilyfond beforefaces, I amtaught to considerthemas tfying to impose upon the company, or themselves, eithe? bating eacli otber hcartily, or consuming that stock of love in the beginning of their coursè, which should Berve them through thsir whole journey. Neither side should expéct those instances of kindness which are inconsistent with true freedom or happiness to bcstow. Love, when founded in the heart, w ili show itself in a thousand unpremeditated sallies of fondness; bui every cool deliberate exhibition of the passion only ajgues little understanding or great insincerity. Choang was thefondest husband, and Hansithemosi ^ndearing wife in ali the kingdom of Horea; they were a pattern of conjugal bliss; the inhabitants of the coun- try around saw, and euvied their felicity; wherever WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. 21 Choang carne, Hansi was sure to follow; and in ali thepleasuresof Hansi Choang was admitted a partner. They walked band in hand wherever they appeared, ghowing every mark of mutuai satisfaction, embracing, kissing, their mouths wereforever joined, and to speak in the language of anatomy, it was with them one per- petuai anastomosis. Their love was so great, that it was thought nothing could interrupt their mutuai peace; when an accident happened, which, in some measure, diminished the husband7 s assurance of bis wife7s fidelity; for love so refined as hisy was subject to a thousand little disqui- etudes. Happening to go one day alone among the tombs that lay at some distance from his house, he there perceived a lady dressed in the deepest mourning, (being clothed ali over in wbite,) fanning the wet clay that was raised over one of the graves with a large fan which she held in her hand. Choang, who was early taught wisdom, in the school of Lao, was unable to assign a cause for her present employment ,and coming up civilly demanded the reason. Alas! replied the lady, her eyes bathed in tears; howis itpossible to survive the loss of my hus- band who lies burried in this grave; he was the best of men, thetenderestof husbands; with his dying breath he bid me never marry again until the earth over his grave should be dry; and bere you see me steadily resolved to obey his will, and erideavoring to dry it with my fan. I have employed two whole days in fulfilling his commands, and am determined not to marry till they are punctually obeyed, even though his grave should take up four days in drying. Choang who was struck with the widow7s beauty, could not, however, avoid smiling at her baste to be married; but concealing the cause of his miith, civilly invited her home, adding that he had a wife who might be capable of givingher some cons.olation. As soon as he and his guest returned, he imparted to Hansi in private, what he had seen, and could not avoid ex- 22 WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. pressing his uneasiness, that such might be his own case, ifhisdearest wife should one day liappen tosurvive him. It is impossiblc to describe Hansi's resentment at so unkind a suspicion. As her passion for him was not tìnly great, but extremely delicate, she employed tearsjj anger, frowns and exclamations, to elude his suspicions; the widow herself was inveighed against; and Hansi declared she was resolved never tosleep under the same roof with a wretch, who, like her, could be guilty of such barfaced inconstancy. The night was cold and stormy; however, the stranger was pbliged to.seek ano- ther lodging,for Choang was not disposed. to resisi, and Hansi would have her away. The widow had scarcely been gone an hour, when an old disciple of Clioang7s wìioin he had not seen for many years, came to pay him a visit. He was received with the utmost ceremony, placed in the most honora- bleseatat supper, and the wine began to circuiate with great fieedom. Choang and Hansi exhibited open marks of mutuai tenderness, and unfeigned reconcilia- tion; nothing could equal their apparent happiness; so fond an husband, so obedient a wife, few could behold withòutregretting their own infelicity. When lo! their happiness was at once disturbed by a most fatai acci- dent. Choang fell lifeless inanapoplectic fit upon the floor. Every metbod was used, bue in vain, for bis recovery. Hansi was at first inconsolable for bis death: after some hours, however, she found spirits to read his last will. The ensuing day she began to moralize and talk wisdom; the next day she was able to comfort the young disciple; and on the third, to shor- ten a long story, they both agreed to be married. There was now no longer mourning in the apartments; the body of Choang was now thrust into an old coffin, and placed in one of the meanest rooms, there to lie unattended until the time prescribed by lawfor his inter- ment. In the mean time Hansi and the young disciple were arrayed in the most magnificent habits; the bride wore inhernose a jewel of immense price, and hep WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. 23 lover was dressed in ali the finery of his former master, together with a pah» of artificial whiskers that reached down to his toes. The hour of their nuptials was arrived; the whole family sympathized with their ap- proaching happiness; the apartments were brightened Up with lights that diffused the most exquisite perfume, and a lustre more bright than noon day. The lady expected her youthful lover in an inner apartment with impatience; when his servant approaching with terrò* in his countenance, informed her that his master was fallen into a iit, which would certainlybe mortai, uuless the heart of a man lately dead, could be obtained, and applied to bis breast. She scarcely waited to bear the endof his story, when, tucking up her clothes, she ran with a mattock inher hand tothe coffìn where Choang lay, resolving to apply the heart of her dead husband as a cure for the living. She therefore struck the lid with the utmost violence. In a few blows the coffìn flew open, when the body, which, to ali appearauce had been dead, began to move. Terrified at the sight, Hansi dropped the mattock, and Choang walked out, astonishcd at his own situation, his wife7s unusual mag- nificense, and her more amazing surprise. He went among the apartments, unable to conceive the cause of òf so much splendor. He was not long in suspense, before his domestics informed him of every transaction sincc he first became insensible. He could scarcely be- lieve what they told him, and went in pursuit of Hansi herself, in order to receive more certain information, or to reproach herinfidelity. But she prevented his re- proaches: he found her weltering in blood, for she had stabbed herself to the heart, being unable to survive hei shame and disappointment. Choang being a phplosopher, was too wise to make any loud lamentations; he thought it best to bear his loss with serenity; so mending up the old coffìn where he had lain himself, he placed his faithful spouse in his room; and unwilling that so many nuptial prepara- tions should be expended in vain, he the same night married the widow with a large fan. 24 WRIGHT'S FAMILY TEDICINE. As they were both apprised of the foibles of each other before hand, they knew how to excuse them afte* marriage. They lived together for many years in great tranquility, and not expectingrapture, made a shift to find contentment. FEAR, The love of life, though given to render us cautious in the preservation of ourselves, sometimes degenerates into unmanly fear, and instead of warding off anticipa- ted evils, brings onthe very calamities which are so much dreaded. The timid are more liable to the assaults of disease than the resolute and bold. Indeed, death itself often results from the indulgence of unreasonable fear. The practice of frightening children and grown persons is often productive of the most deleterious con- sequences. Nurses sometimes are guilty of sitting up bugbears to alarm the children placed under their care. An instance occurred a few years ago that. should not be forgotten. A nurse who wanted to enjoy herself in the absence of hermistress, set the child up in a bed and placing a scarecrow atthe foot of it, retired to par- ticìpate in her own amusements and pleasures. When the mother returned home, sbefound her child sitting up in the bed, pale, cold, stiff and lifeless. It had been frightened to death. A young woman had boasted of her resolution and bravery, and that she could not be intimidated. She had been somctime ab,road; on ber return home, though in finespirits, she complained of weariness, said she would retire to rest, and in the morning she would be fit to enjoy the society of her friends und relations. Her brother h d fixed a skeleton in he bed, so that wlien she opened the curtains, it fell up m ber. He waitedin an adjoining apartment to learn the elfect of bis trick. She shrieked aloud: he ru died into her WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICENE. ^ room, to cheer and strengthen and comfort ber, but found the'foam issuing from her mouth, and that her affri^ht- ed spirit had taken its final flight. We have heard of a soldier, whose fear brought on a fever in one of bis limbs that had been blistered, mor- tified, and he died. Fear is said to operate on the hair and make it rise; sometimes it turns it gray, and some- times causes it to come out. The fear of death, when persona are sick, often gives the disease a fatai termina- tion. Such should recollectan observation, in which wedo notdoubt there is great truth, "that it isless dis- tressihg to die than totliink on dèath.77 We believe many individuala jn this life sulfer more agony from a painful disease, than they do when finally arrested by the king of terrors. How is the patient tormented when a cancer seizeshimin the breast and eats into his vitals! He cndures manydeaths. Fear is worn off by habit. The soldier who has been engaged in numerous conflicts, is propoliionably freedfrontterror._ Oceupation prevents the mind from succumbìng to the fantsies of anunrea- sonable timidity. Child resi are often afraid in the dark. By proper treatment, by enco.Urageinent and due in- struction, their unfounded fears may be overcome.— Persuasioni and argument should be used rather than force, and'thus the suggestions of fancy may be gradu- ally subdued. Fear sometimes conquers the obstinacy of disease. A person who was afaicted with rheuma* tism, lying in bed and unable, as he believcd, to rise or walk, lias been kuown, upon an alarm that the house was on fire, spring from bis bed, fly to thè window and climb down with the greatest alacrity and activity.— Fear also, where itis overwhelming, sometimes produ- ces a total inability to act. A woman having dreampt that she was consumed in the conflagratìon of the house where she then lodged, was so confounded and confused with the alarm of fire when she was awakened from her repose, that through excessi ve fear she swooned away, and was thus literally burnt up, although every other individuai in the house escaped. Thus by excitingher «3 WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. fears, her dream became the means of its own fulnl- ment and verification. Fear, as we have said, may be often mitigated by instruction. In this way, children learn the futility of the goblin stori es with which their infant ears are filled by their nurses. The dread and diffidence of public speaking has sometimes, we are assured, been overcome by swallowing a dose of laud- anum. Peter the Great, cured his fear of water by frequently plunging into it, and thus by perseverance, conquered his native repugnance to that element.— Wine, tea or spirits are recommended as tendingto re- mo ve the speli. Vinegar, spirits of hartshorn or laven- der drops, applied to the nostrils are said to be salutary in dispelling a sudden terror. One passion may be counteracted by another. Fear of life may be over- come by the dread of disgrace, or the love of honor.— Fear may be alleviated or banished by remembering the brilliant achievments of a brave man. Patriotism would warm at the sight of a field of batti e where a victory was obtained. In our country Peter Francisco has long been justly celebrated for bis personal pròwess and gigantic strength. Accident threw him in the way of a straggling party of Tarleton7s troops. One of them demanded his watchand silver shoe buckles. He refused to give them up, and when the British soldier stooped down to takethem, Francisco, being unarmed, seized the hilt of bis sword as it stuek up, drew it out and dispatched him at a blow. He killed two more who were near, and kept the restai arespectful distance. By these evidences of his bravery, and by the suspi- cion he excited that American troops Avere at hand to afford him assistance. The contemplatoli of the daunt- less intrepidity of so gallant a soldier is well fitted to dispel fear from the mind of the most timid warrior, and awaken in him a sense of honor and the love of grory. We hope we shall be pardoned for relating another instance of American intrepidity. About the year 1782, six or seven Wiandot Indiana cros-sed over to the south WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. 27 of the Ohio river, fiftymiles below Pittsburg. They had been in the habit of makiiig these incursions and retreating and recrossing the river before they could be overtaken. On this occasion they found some old man in one of the houses they were plundering, and had killed. A party consistìng of six or eight was raised to pursue, and among* them were two broth- ers, Adam and Andrew Poe, bofch active aud.athletic men. The party foilowed on ali night, and in the morn- ing discovered as they approached the river, signs of the Indians. By an uncommonly large track, they as- certainedaprincipal warriorinthe tribé of extraordinary size and-strength, was one of the company. The white men pursued in a body witli the exception of Andrew Poe, who fearing a surprise, separateci himself from his associates and took up the bank of the river, intend- ing to fall suddenly ou the savages.. He had not pro- ceeded far before he discovered their rafts. He went partly down the bank that .he might descry who couiposed the party. He found that the large Indian and a small one were alone together, holding their rifles in their hands. He took aim at the large one, but his gun snapped. The Indians turned at the sound. Poe was too near to retreat. He had not time to make ready and take aim again. He sprung suddenly upon them. caught the large Indian by the clothes on bis breast and the small one round his neck. They ali fell to- gether, but the white man was uppermost. While he was endeavoring to hold down the large Indian, the small one slipped his neck out of Poe7s grasp and ran to the raft for a tomahawk, and by many mock blows endeavored to deceive bis adversary. Poe7s unremft- ting vigilance, however, saved him. He averted his head by a sudden movement, and received on his wrist the meditated wound, which crippled, though it did not entirely disable his hand. In this criticai move- ment, by a violent exertion he broke doose from the iarge Indian, snatched up a rifle and dispatched the small one as he was coming up the third time with hi» 2» WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. .' * « • ■* » tomahawk. Tlie large Indian now gathcred Poe by the shoulder and leg, and hurled him in the air, along the shore. Poe iinmediately arose; a ìiew and more desparate struggle ensued. They rolled into the water, aud ea'ch endeavored to drown the otber. Poe at lcngth grasped the Indian by the tuft oi'hair onhis head, and held it under the water. Fate seemed now to bave given thevictory to the white man. The Indian pre- tended to be drowning. Poe relaxed his grasp, and the savage instantly sprung upon bis feet and renewed tlie contest. They were earried by the stream into deep water, and had, for thèpreservatioh of their lives, to separate and swini for the shore. The Indian being thè most expert in water, reached the land first. He seized arifle,(whichhappenednot tobe loaded,)toshoot his antagonist, but Poe, seeing his danger, remained in the river, intendingto evade the nullet by diving. At tliis perilous juncture, Andrew Poe arrived. Hearingóf bis brother's criticai situation,he left his party, who,with the loss of three men had killed ali the Indians but one. Supposing Adam in the w-atcr, with liis wrist bléedfng, tu be a savage, one of the white party, not far in the rear of Andrew, fired at him and wounded him in the shouldrer. Adam called out to his brother to Itili the large Indian, but his guu had been discharged and not reloaded. The contest was now betu een the Indian and Andrew, which should ìoad first. The Indian, having put inpowder, and hurryingto force down the ball, drew out his ramrod with such violence, as to throwit some yards into the water. While he ran to pick itup, Andrew gained an advantage and shot the savage as he was raising his gun to take the deadly aim, Thus was this struggle fortunately terminated. WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. 29 GRIEF. Grief is an appendage of mortality; when indulged to excess, it is injurious to health. It spreads a gloom Over the spirits, weakens the appetite, promotes indiges- tion, relaxes the nerves and depresses and debilitates the whole system. It often ruins the constitution, and the unrestrained indulgence of violent, lasting grief, is as unwise as it is pernicious. It is a querulous dissat- isfaction with the order of nature, with the pian upon which Providence governs the world. To moderate our grief, to bear our misfortunes with firmness and for- titude, and accommòdate ourselves to our mortai condi- tion, evinces more magnanimity and wisdom than con- tinuai gloom and lamentation. It is more consónant with the dictates of reason and common sense, and pro- motive at the same time of health and happiness.---- Cheerfulness is essential to preserve the naturai vigor of the body. Thus those who live to an old age are mostgenerally blessed with great hilarity of disposition and equanimity of temper. To those who are prone to grieve excessively, we would recommend for their imitation, the example of the sorrowing widower of Rhode Island. If they cannot reach his coinplacency of temper, yet the endeavor to equal it may assist them in conquering their excessive despondency. His clergyman having called to condole with him in his grief, andto impress upon him the sin- fulness of murmuring, was answered by the afflicted mourner in these words "I am quite resingned, says he, I bave brought myself to entu*esubinission to the will af Providence in the death ofmy wife, I have no mur- murings, no fault to find at thestroke—onthe whole, Ibelievelam glad of it.77 Affliction, it should also beremembered, is the school in which the virtues areacquired, in which great char- acters are matured. It isa kind of gymnasuim wherein men are trained for hardier exertions and severer con- flicts. The warrior, however he may be applauded in C* m WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. the "fulltide of successful experiment,77 is never greater than when he rises superior to the calamitics and dis- tresses which beset him. And more true greatness, Cato exiled feels, Than Cesar with a Senate at his heels. Xenophon, the Grecian commander, gained immortai honor by conducting successfully the retreat of the tenthousand. Marshal Ney was no less conspicuous in the disastrous campaign against Russia. By his "prowess after the retreat from Moscow, although en- during the greatest personal suffering from a malignant dysentery, he preserved, during several weeks, a divis- ion of^Jhirty thousand men, with a traili of tenthousand sick and wounded, against an army of one hundred and fifty thousand Russians and Cossacks, by aseriesof the most consumate manceuvres that ève rwere concei'ved and executed since the study of military tactics has engross- ed the genius of man, so that when he joined those who had escaped with the emperor J^onaparte, bis reappear- ance was regarded as next to a miricle, himself and his corps having been givenup forlost.77 In cases of grief unreasonably indulged, physicians would recommend doses of opium as affording tempora- ry relief. Tears alleviate the pains of despondency and woe. Company and the conversation of friends, are often highly consolatory. Attention to business, reading amusing books; occupation of any kind will soon mitigate the pangs of a too lively sensibility.— Phliosophy and reflection on our situationin this world, and that sooner or later we must ali pass "that bourue from whence no traveller returns,77 are well suited to reconcile us to the inevitable separations which must occur in this life. WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. 31 RELIGION AND SUPERSTITION. Religion is a subject with which a physician, as such, has but little to do. But whenever it has a ten- dency to produce disease, his advice and aid may be- come necessary. Leaving, therefore, to -the divines the inculcation of pious doctrines and duties, I hope I shall he excused for attempting to make a distinction be- tween religion and superstition. An elegant writerhas under the representatión of a dream, delineated their true character. "Methought I was in the midst of a very enlertain- ing company, and extremely delighted in attending to a lively conversation, when on a sudden I perceived one of the most shocking fignres imagination canframe, ad- vancing towards me. She was dressed in black, ber skin was contracted into a thousand wrinkles, her eyes deep sunk in her head, and her complexion pale and ' livid as the countenance of death. Her looks were filled with terror and unrelenting severity, and her hands armed with whips and scorpions. As soon asjjshe came near with a horrid frown and a voice that chilled my very blood, she bid me follow her. I obey ed, and she led me through rugged paths, beset with briars and thorus, into a deep solitary valley. Wherever shepass- ed the fading verdue withered beneath ber steps: her pestilential breath infected the air with malignant vap- ours, obscured the lustrile of the sun, and involved the fair face of heaven in universal gloom. In the midst of this tremendous scene, my execrable guide addressed me: " 'Retire withme, rash and unthinking mortai, from the vaio illurements of a deceitful world, and learn that pleasure was not de&igned the portion of human life.— Man was boni to be wretehed; this is the condition of ali below the stars, and whoever endeavors to oppose it, acts in contradiction to the will of heaven. Fly then from the fatai enchantments of youth and social delight, 88 WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. and here consecrate the solitary hours to lamentatioìl and woe. Misery is the duty of ali sublunary beingsy and every enjoyraent is an offence to the Deity, who 1» to be worshipped only by the mortification of every aense of pleasure and the everlasting exercise of sigila andtears.7 "This melancholy picture of life quite sunk my spir- its, and seemed to ànnihilate every principle of Joy with- in me. In this sad situation, Iespied on one hand of me a deep muddy rivér, whose heavy waves rolled on in slow, sullen murmurs. Here I determined toplnnge, and was just on the brink, when I found myself sud- denly drawn back. I turued about and was surprised by the sight of the loveliest object I had everbeheld.— The most engaging charms of youth and beauty appear- ed in ali ber form; effulgent glories sparkled in her eyes, and their awful splendors were softened by the gentlest looks of compassion and peace. At her ap- proach the frightful spectre, who had before tormented me, vanished, and with her ali the horrors she had caused. The gloomy clouds brightened into cheerful sunshine, the groves recovered their verdure, and the whole region looked gay and blooming as the garden of Eden. I was quite transporteci at this unexpected change, and reviving pleasure began to glad my thoughts", when with a look of inexpressible sweetness^ my beauteous deliverer thus uttered her divine instruc- tions:— " bleman: but what say you to my fourth query. Do you know what I belle ve? .' O yes, said the miller, you believe that I am the schoolmaster, is it not so? I certainly do, said the nobleman; but you are mistakcn sir, replico1 the othcr, for I ani the miller of the village; so sa^ying, he made a low bow to his honor and dcparted. , < ..' MODaST.Y, Moùesty is to females an ornament that brisrhtens their virtues and beauty, and gives them a more seduc- tive attraction. It prevents the intrusions of rudeness, maintains delicacy of character, promOtes refinement and increases the pleasures of society. But when mod- esty degenerate» into bashfulness, it produces painful and distressing cpnsequences. i, The misfortunes of a bashful man often accumulate upon him in proportion to his diffìdenee, as the following tale narrated by the sufferer himself will fully show. My father Avas poor, but having a fondness forlearn- ing, determined to send me to college, and give me a good education. Being very diffident, I was retired in my,habits, and did not associate much with the students, and retained, notwithstanding my education, my rustie babits. After obtaining my diploma, I returned home. t 9 WRIGHTS FAMILY MEDICELE. 37 In a short time my father died, and a ridi uncle, worth thirty thousand pounds, who botb bequeathedto me their propcrty. This changed my condition I purchased an estate in the country in a fashionable neighborhood, and my company, considerine my un- couth manners, was wonderfully courted by the sur- i-oundmg families, especially by those who had mar- nageable daughters. After many pressing solicitations, and many excuses and refusals onmy part, I at len^tli determined to conquer my timidity and accept an iifvi- tation to dme with a gentleman whose open, easy man- ners, left me no room to doubt of a cordial welcome. Sir Thomas Farenheit is a baronet worth two thousand pounds a year, living near me whose estate joined mine. He has a wife, two sons and fivc daughters ali grown, uumarried, and dependent on their father. At my first entrance, as I was ushered into the libra- ry room, I summoned up ali my fortitude and made my bow to lady Farenheit; but unfortunately in bringing back my left foot, I trod on the gouty toe of Sir Thom- as, who had followed dose at my heels to be my nom- enclator to the family. This incident filled me with confusion; the baronefs politeness, however soon disi- pated my concern. The cheerfulness of herladyship, and familiar chat of the girls, insensibly led me to throw off my reserve, and I ventured to join the conversation. Seeing in the library a Xenophon in sixteen volumes which, (as I 'iad never before heard of such a thing) greatly excited my curiosity, Iroseup hastily to examine what it could be. Laying my hand on the first volume, I pulled it brcibly; but lo! instead of books, a board, which by eather and gilding had been made to look like sixteen volumes, carne tumbling down and pitched upon a large ink stand on the table under it. In vain did Sir Thom- as assure me there was no harm done. I saw the ink streaming on the Turkey carpet and attempted to stop its progress with my cambric handkerchief. In the height of this confusion it was announced to us that D 38 WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. dinner was ready. My face was burning like a fire brand frora my recent disastcr. I advanced into tlie diningroom, was seated as desired betwixt Mrs. Far- enheit and her eldest daughter, and was just beginning to be comfortably cool, when an unlooked for accident rekindled my blushes. I was requested to carve a fowl; through my awkwardness, hurry and trepidation, when I attempted to stick my fork init, it bounced out of the piate and fell on the floor. I should have utterly sunk under this misfortune, but the old gentleman, to relieve me, remarked it would be well to kill the chick- ens before they were brought to the tabi e. I now sat down, endeavoring to recover myself. Having set my piate of soup too near the edge of the table, in bowing to Miss Dinah, who politely complimented the pattern of my vest, I tumbled the whole scalding contents into my lap. In spite of an immediate supply of napkins to wipe thesurface of my clothes, my black breeches were notstout enough to save me from the effects of this sud- den fomentation, and for some minutes my legs and thighs seemed stewing in a boiling cauldron. But I firmly bore my pain insilence and sat with my lower extremities parboiled amidst the stifled giggling of the ladies and servants. I will not relate the blunders I committed during the first course in helping others to the various dishes around me, now oversetting a sauce boat, knocking down a salt seller, or tumbling a turky into a lady7s lap; let me rather hasten to the second course "where fresh disasters overwhelmed me quite.77 I had a piece of ridi sweet pudding'on my fork, when Miss Louisa begged to trouble me for a pigeon that stood near me; in my baste, scarce knowing what I did. I whipped the pudding into my mouth, hot as a burning coal. It was impossible to conceal my agony; my eyes were starti ng from their sockets. At last, in spite of shame and resolution, I was obliged to drop the cause of torment on my piate. Sir Thomas and the ladies ali compassionated my misfortune, and eacli advised a dif* WRlGHT^S FAMILY MEDICINE. 39 ferent application» One recommended oil, another wa- ter, but ali agreed that wine was best for drawing out the fire; and a glass of sherry was brought me from the side board, which I snatched up with eagerness; but oh! how shall I teli the sequel? Whether the butler by accident mistook, or purposely designed to drive me mad, he gave me the strongest brandy, with which I filled my mouth, almost flayed and blistered; totally unused to every kind of ardent spirits, with my tongue, throat and palate, as raw as beef, what could I do? I could not swallow it, and clapping my hands upon my mouth, the cursed liquor squirted through my nose and fingerslike a fountain over ali the dishes; and I was crushed by bursts of laughter from ali quarters. In vain did Sir Thomas reprimand the servants, and lady Farenheit cllide her daughters; for the measure Of my shame, and their diversion wajsnptyetcompleted. To i-die ve me from the intollérable state of perspiration which this accident had caused, withòut considering what I did, I wipped my face with the ili fated hand- kerchief which was stili wet from the consequences of the fall of Xenophon, and covered ali my features with streaks of ink in every direction. The baronet himself could notsupport this shock, but joined his lady in the general laugh. In an agony of confusion, I sprung from the table in despair, but my misfortunes were not yet ended; for a rentin the table cloth caught on a but- ton of my coat, and I drew dishes, provisions and what- ever else was on the table after me. Knowingthat mis- fortunes alone awaited me, I extricated my button, seized my hat, rushed out of the house, sprung on my borse and raised a cantei*. Unfortunately as I was mov- ing down the lane at a rapid rate, I discovered two dogs dose by the road side fighting with great fury. My horse scared, and in spite of ali my efforts, tossed me with great violence into a large muddy pomi hard by. My hat flew off in the water, and raising with considerabledifnculty, ali bemuddied and bespat- tered, I had to wade through the pond to regainmy hat, 40 WRIGHT'S FAMILX MEDICINE After liiad extricated myself from this catastrophe, I found to my sorrow that my horse had made bis escape, and thus with my clpthes wet and muddy, my charac- ter ruined, mortified by the irretrievable disgraces and misfortunes which had befallen me, I plodded on home, determiued not again to trust myself in the company of the ladies, and to make no further eflbrts at gè utility. INTEMPERANCJG. Tms subject has reeently atiracted so much ■ atten- tion and called forth so much declamatory reprobation, that nothing uew remains tobe said. Temperance and exercise are theparents or preservers of health. What- ever disturbs the state of the solids and .fluida/ disor- ders the animai economy and occasions diseases. Mod- eration in eating as well as in drinking, must be observ- èdby ali who wisìi to arri ve at old àgè~ aiuPenjòy thè* vigor of health. t It would be easy to speak at length of the multiplied evils which walk in the traili of habitual intoxication; but as I do not find Solomon erroneous, I will barely take the liberty of quoting his animadversions on this subject. "Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? Avho hath contensions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds withòut cause? who hath redness of eyes? "They that tarry long at the wine; they that' go to seek mixed red wine. "Look not thou upon wine when it is red, when it giveth its color in the cup, when it moveth aright. At the last it biteth like a serpent and stingeth like an ad- der. Thine eye shall behold strange women and thine heart shall^ utter perverse things. Yea, thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the midst of the sea, or as he that ìietn upon the'top of the mast. They have -+^ken me, shalt thou say and I was not sick; they «---- 1 T felt it not; when shall I awake? have beaten me anu ^ - I will seek ityet again.7' THE PUL.SE, The physician derives great information as to the condition of his patient from knowing how his blood circulates. This is ascertained by feeling the pulse. The heart by contracting and expanding, and sending the blood through the arteries produces th« beating of the pulse, which gives information as to the state of the body. But experience is necessary ere the practitioner can unerringly determine by this criterion the condition of the patient. A few general direction» may assist the inexperienced to form correct conclu- sions. The pulse beats with different degrees of celeri- ty in person of different ages and temperaments.---- Children under the ageof seven years have a quicker pulse than when theybecome older. In infancy it varie» from ninety to one hundred and twenty in a minute. In adults, a healfchy pulse is from sixty five to èighty. It i.« quicker in women than men. The velocity of the pulse is also augmented by stimulus, by aplentiful meal, by exercise, or even by any mental agitation. In person» of a hysteric disposition, it is often raised to great cel- erity by trifling occurrenees. It beats quicker in the sanguine than in the melancholy, in the young and vig- orous than in the old and declining. If the pulse appears weak from being strongly pressed, the blood will recor- er and strjke more fully; if it is really so, it will more glowly regain its former force. Good health is indicated by a strong, firra, regular pulse; a tendency to disease is manifested, if the pulse strikes like a streached cord; If at the same time it is augmented in frequency, it shows the presence of inflam- matory action. A pulse that beats with apparent but notreal firmness,is sometimes mistaken for a hard pulse, If its pulsations are sharp but transient and not strong, and its relaxations rapid, it is sometimes called the throbbing pulse, and where there is much inward irri- D* 42 WRIGHTS FAMILY MEDICINE. tation, it often continues. A small pulse is so denomina- ted from the lightness of its percussions. By a com- pression of the brain, the pulse sometimes sinks as low as fifty or sixty. Cousiderable irritatiou exists in the system, and danger is to be appehended when the pulse rìses to 90 or 108 in a minute. In fevers it is frequently as high as 120 in a minute. A pulse that interniits its operations, itis an evidence of debility and is ominous of diesase; sometimes it is attributable toanorganic affection: sometimes to full- ness of the stomach and intestines, and frequèntly to mental agitatimi. In fevers a pulse softer, fuller, & slight- ly slo wer, is a favorable sy mptom; but the contrary, when it is quick, weak,irregular and occasonally intermitting. EVACUATIONS BY STOOL- Evacuatìons atproper times are promotiveof health. When costiveness prevails,. it depraves the humors: when the bowels are aftiicted with preternatural laxity, sufòicient nourishment is not given to the body. Either extremc should be avoided; and the health of the sys- tem, will in general bepreserved by a punctilious regard to diet, exercise, and sleep. Where these are proper- ly attended to, a reasonahle hope may be entertained, that the constitution will be preserved in unimpaired vigor. Irregularity in eating and drinking, crowding the stomach with a variety of ridi food, and a multiplicity of liquors must necessarily affect the- state of the body and bring on disease. Excesses of any kind, wheth- er indulging the appetite, too liberally, or restraining it too rigidly, will be hurtful. Luxurious living often results in dysenteries; and too strenuous an abstinence in coustipation of the bowels. Both should be avoided. The operations of nature cannot generally be redu- cedtoa mathematica! precision. What evacuation» WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. 43 are necessary to health we need not pretend accurately to determine; but we may say, that long continued cos- tivenéss, tho7 it may produce no immediate injuries, is tobe dreaded and avoided, as it will in time be inevi- tably dangerous. Where, however it prevails, it is far safer to remove it by exercise than by medicine. A fre- quent resort to. draga, debilitates the intestines, weak- ens the powers of concoction and destroys the constitu- tion. Diet also, will often remove costivenéss. The person who is subject to it should eat nothing of an astringent or inflammatory tendency, and should not be too warmly clothed. On the contrary those who are liable to attacks of dysentery, should eat food of a strengtheuing nature, such as wheat bread, eggs, cheese, and rice boiled in milk. They should drink red-port, or claret wine, or brandy and water in which toasted bread has been boiled. iPerspiration should be promoted, as habitual laxity proceeds sometimes from the imperfect evacua- timi of thefluids through the pores of the skin; thefeet should be kept warm and flannel worn next the skin. URINE. Physicians have long since determined that so many things vary the appearance of urine, as to render any opinion formed from inspecting it of but little valile*. Hence the quackery as well as absurdity of water doc- tors, who pretend to judge of diseases by their skill in uroscopy. The quantity of urine is also very mudi dependent on the different kinds of nourishment receiv- ed. Diseases are sometimes prevented and sometimes cured by a free discharge of urine ; every obstruction, tlierefore, to so salutary an evacuation ought to be shun- ned with the most sedulous caution. Its secretion and escape are diminished by habitual indolence, by sleep- ing on warm soft bed&y fey eating dry and heating food, 44 WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. and drinking astringent and stimulatingliquors. Where iymptoms of the gravel appear or the urine is suspect- ed to be defìcient in quantity, the means and processe» which tend to lessen its accumulation should be evitated. The urine, where it is not duly discharged is imbi- bed again into the fluids. By remaining too longin the bladder, it has a tendency to thicken and coagulate and in time to form stones and gravel; a disease of the most troublesome and painful kind, and to the attacks of which the indolent and luxurious are much more expo- aed than the active and temperate. The undue retention of the urine has brought on in^ curable disorders. False delicacy ought never to be encouraged where it interferes with life or health. It is said Judge Haywood, so long the ornament of the bar and the bench in Tennessee, owed his death to thÌ9 cause. The straining and extra distension of this uri- nary membrane weakens its activity, renders it parilytic and unable to perform its functions by retaining or prop- erly expelling the urine. The calls of nature ought to be promptly regarded; delays are often dangerous. We have heard of a yoùng lady who, by procrastina' tion, in a similar emergency, lost her lite. She refused to obey the invitation of nature. The distention of her bladder was so great that it burst, and she died ini* mediately. Delicacy, we think, should not be earried to quite so great an extreme; life and health ought io be a little more justly appreciatéd. Urine may also be too abundant. It may be increas- ed by liberal potations of weak watery liquors, by the too free diglutitipnof alkaline salts, by stimulating the kidnies or by diluting the blood. Hence originate bodily debility and emaciation. WRIGHT5S FAMILY MEDICINE. - 45 PERSPIRATION. Perspiration is one of the means taken by nature to relieve the body of its superfluous humors. While this operation is earried on perfectly, the body is not apt to be seized with disease; when it is obstructed, the frame does not long remain sound and free from malady. Because we often perspire withòut knowing it or attending lo it, we are less prone to observe when it is obstructed. Many maladies are remembered to bave originated in colds which have not met witli timely attention. The mutability of the weat'ter and sudden changes in the air occasiort colds. Sudi sudden alteratious in the temperature of the atmosphere are ftequent in our climatc. They sensibly affect perspiration and cause r""T1-v,a.fì:i:ìo, Hfn.cs and fevers. If you would avoid the evils of iliesVatCÌ:I""^l l1.™! !lu'"Hn ch™£?« ;:; t!:é air> if you would fortify your body against the caprices of the weather, accustoin yourselSxs daily to breathing the open air; do not suffer yourselves to become deli- cate and sickly by confinement within a warm room and thereby augment your liability to rheumatic attacks, colds, coughs and diseases of the breast. Wet clothes are also unwholesome, and should never be worn when it can he avoided. Their moisture hin- ders perspiration^ is absorbed into the system, and occasions disorders in the most robust constitutions. Wet clothes should be changcd as soon as possible for dry ones; where this cannot be done, exercise should be taken continually, until they become dry. Fatai effeets are often experienced by those who are so indis- preetas to sleep in wet clothes. Wet feet should also be avoided. When wet clothes are put off, it is pru- dentandAvill sometimes prevent the catching of a cold to wash the feet in whiskey and dry them before the fire. Night air often occasions colds. In summertime eyening dews and cool nocturnal breezes are almost too 46 WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. pleasant tó be resisted. Nevertheless, this pleasure, iì indulged in, must be enjoyed at the risk of health ; in marshy countries, the perii is stili more imminent, and often causes feversj quinsies, and otber afflictive and disastrous disorders. Damp beds are highly perniciousj they obstruct perspiration, fili the system with cold, ori- ginate the most dangerous diseases, and seriously affect the stoutest constitutions. Where beds bave not been tised for a considerable length of time, the linen should be well aired and rendered perfectly dry, so as to obvi^ ate any evil consequences. Deliberately to place a trav- eller or a friend in a damp bed, is a practice that de- serves severe censure, as itis oftèn the cause of diseases that terminate fataìly. Damp houses are also danger- ous. Hence the impropriety of moving immediately into new habitations as soon as they are fìnished before the plastering is dry; while the smeli of paints com- bines with the dampness to render it insalubrious,— ^£OUìuìg ìuoms and sitting in them before they are dry, will nsually be attended with the sanie baleful conse- quences. SUDDEN CHANGES FROM HEAT TO COLD. Sudden changes from he at to cold preduce cistii:c- tions in perspiration. Exercise will beat the system, augment the circulation of the blood and increase per- spiration; the sudden exposure to cool airat such times is aptto produce colds and coughs. As it is difficult always to avoid becoming too hot, care should be taken to cool gradually. Laborers should, when they bave finished their work, put on their clothes, select a dry and comfortable place to rest their wearied limbs, and gleep where they will be unexposed either to the beat of the sun or the coldness of night air. Drinking cold water when too warm is extremely deleterious. Many persons have thus in summer time WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. 47 lost their lives. Thirst when great is a very painful sensation, and itrequires considerable fortitude to resisi effectuallyj its solicitations. Every one knows the im- prudence of permitting a horse to drink liberally of cold water when in a high state of perspiration, or af- ter violent exercise. The consequences, where the animai is inunediately dismissed from service, or return- edto the stali, are highly injurious and often fatai.— Why should we not be equally careful óf our own health as of the comfort of our beasts? The thirst may be allayed withòut drinking large quantitics of cold fluid. Eating an appiè, chewing acid plants, holding water in the mouth until it becomes warm, and then ejecting it, and taking another draught, will assist more in quenching the intensity of tlie thirst than filling the stomach with large quantitie6 of coldìiquor. A few mouthfuls of bread eaten with a few sups of water will also mitigate the paroxism of thirst. Where too much water has been drunk when a person is too warm, a glass of brandy and exercise will aid in preventing its deleterious effects. The ordinary consequences of sudi imprudence is the contraction of yiolent colds, fevers, quinsies, and sometimes a total «toppage of the vital functions, terminating in imme- diate death. It will be judicious also when in a state of high perspiration, to avoid eating too liberally of raw fruits and sallads. The practice of sitting in warm rooms, drinking hot liquors, and then rushing out into the cold air, is often the cause of colds, coughs and inflammations. When a room is hot, it is injudicious to open a window and sit exposed to the gelid breezes. One part of the body is cooled too quickly,while the rest remains surrounded by the heated atmosphere. It is better to move out in the open air than to remain in this situation. Where room» are ventilated, no person ought to suffer the cool wind to blow directly upon them. Houses will be rendered unhealthy by keepingthem too warm. It softens and debilitates the constitution, makes it more sensible to 18 WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. the cold air; and less capable of resisting its injurious influences; besides, the atmosphere when too much heated, losesits elasticity, and isless fit for respiratibh. The lungs become weakened by breathing it, and more exposed to consumptions and otber diseases. Finally, for the preservation of health, too strict and punctilious aregularity should not be observed. Oc- casionai deviations will by no means be insalubrious.— Customary food should not be refused. So much irreg- ularity may be indulged as will not render a single deviation from a certain routine in living, strange, m- convenient or dangerous. Food should be taken according to appetite two or three times a day. Amuse- Inents which please the fancy and exercise the body should notbe neglected. Themiud should bekept en- - gaged; some nseful employment should be industriously followed; cheerfulness and hilarity of disposition cul- tivated; and by these means, the best provision will be made for preserving a sound mind in a healthful and vigororus body. FOOD. ATTENTiONto food is essential to health. It would, however, be impossible to specify within the limits as- signed tous, the eff'ects of every kind of diet, or to designate the quantity or kind of food which will be most beneficiai to different constitutions. A few general di- rections is ali that can be expected. Diet may not only change the constitution, but it has been known to cure diseases, and it has this advantage over medicine, that it is not disagreeable to take.__ To prescribe a precise quantity would be improper, as different constitutions require different proportions of sustenance. The best direction is to be moderate as to quantity, and let the food beplain and simple; and it is generally allowed that eating of a single dish at a meal is more healthy than indulging in a great variety. Food WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. 49 may be kept until it becomes unwholesome. The ten- dency of animai substance is to deterioration and pu- trefaction ; when this process has commenced, they become offensive „tp the smeli and injurious to the consti- tution. It is a suggestion of reason and common sense, a#it was an injunction on the Jews, to eat nothing that is infected or dies of disease. . Our health is often affected by the health of the ani- mais we eat; for fowls or beasts whose habits are gross, who eat voraciously, and do not take exercise, are more difficultof digestion than those that are fattened either not so speedily or under more favorable circum- stances. For good air and exercise are necessary to the per feet concoction of food, and the purity of the juices. Every unwholesome practice ought to be avoid- ed. Cattlé ought to be driven hard, .and killed while they are iu a fever of heat. . Thearts which have been used by butchers to give their meat an appearance of uncommon fatness, or to make it weigh well in conse- quence of the blood remaining in it, ought to be severe- ly reprobated. Too much animai food, withòut an ihtermixture of vegetables, is apt to taint the system with scurvy. Hence seamen, from living long on salted provisions are often visited with this malady. Milk and vegetable diet in such cases are highly salutary. In regard to food, experience must be consulted.— For what is agreeable to one palate and constitution is injurious to another. A diet composed of a proper mixture of vegetable and animai substances, will probably be found most nutricious and salurbious. A watery aliment relaxes and debilitates the frame; where the sustenence is too dry, it makes the solids stiff, and the humors viscid. Ridi sauces, high seasoned pro- visions, where a variety of ingredients are intermingled tempt to voracity, to overload the stomach, and tend to produce dispepsy. The liquid portionof our food should be speciali^ regarded. Pure water isof the utmost importance ito health, and is withòut any peculiar color, taste, òr E 50 WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICEVE. smeli. Where it is saturated with other substances, it communicates diseases, and is sometimes impregnated with poisonous qualities. Water may be purified by fìltration, by adding alum pulverized in the proportion of one ounce to twelve gallons. Vinegar, acids and powdered charcoal are also efficacious in preventing or checking putridity. Boiling or distillingis also recom- mended. Excess even in drinking water weakens the constitu- tion. As to tea and coffee, different sentiments have been entertained by different physicians. Where they are used with moderation, not made too strong, and in reasonable portions, they seldom doharm. Butwhera they are drunk in large quantities, very strong, and up- on an empty stomach, it is not at ali wonderful if they should affect the nerves and produce wakèfulness.— Coffee has been known to remove a pain in the head, to vivify the spirits and promote digestion. Tea likewis» is stimulating, and where drank excessively will be in- jurious. Chocolate is wholesome and very nourisbing, though it sometimes disagrees with those who are debih- tated. Cider, when properly made, when clear and pure, is both a pleasant and salutary beverage. If it il stili fermenting, has not been made out of sound fruii, or has not been properly managed, it is not so desira- ble. When good, it is vèry healthy; it correct9 th» bile in the human system, and not only prevents, but sometimes cures diseases. We have known an instane» of its settling a weak stomach, disipating the bile and restoring health and strength when ali other medicine» in the apothecary7s shop had failed. Experience evinces that flesh gives more strength and nourishment than vegetables; it is also more healthy, and is sometimes recommended in cases of dispepsy a» easy of digestion. Our system requires, in order to its maintenance In the greatest vigor a salutary admixture of wholesome flesh, with a due portion of vegetable sustcnance,— Young animals, as their flesh is tender and delicious to WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. 51 the palate, afford the best and most nutricious food.— Regard must always be paid to circumstances. In winter the appetite may be more freely indulged. In tfummer stricter lemperance, and a lighter diet are re- quired. The laborer needs more substantial aliment, and in larger quantities than the idler. Severe exercise can only be sustained by strong and substantial diet. Persons whose constitutions are weak, ought to avoid eating food that is diflicult of concoction. Their ali- ment should be nutricious, and they should be scrupu- lously careful in taking a sufficiency of exercise. Tho«8 that are full of blood, and those that are inclined toobe- sity should not indulge in ridi food. They should abstain from fat meat; they should not drink ridi wine*. They should live on bread and vegetables, and satisfy their thirst from the limpid stream. Fat persons should live principally on coffee, tea and light diet; take con- siderale exercise and little sleep. Animai food is most congenial to the stomach of those who are troub- led with acidities; acid vegetables are most proper for those who are harrassed with alkaline eructations. Too much uniformity in diet is not desirable, as it might render the least deviation dangerous. Nature has provided a great variety of aliment, and health is promoted by occasional'changes. To eat slowly is a good rule. By'this mode the food is duly prepàred by inastication, and the stomach is gradually distended. In youth as well as old age, the diet ought to be light and nourishing; in the vigor of life more substantial food may be used for the refiction of the body. AH extremes are to be deprecated. Long fasting should be avoided; and after the pains of starvation, a full meal is apt to be attended with serious perii. Regularity in ineals, and moderation in eating, are well calculated to prolong health. Experience will discover to individu- ala what best agrees with them, and custem will often reconcile the §tomach withòut injury to what in itself may not be entirely salutary. WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. 53 EXERCISE. Exercise is essential to the. preservation of health. The farmer who labors for bis support isgenerally bles- sed with a sound constitution, a great portionof health & happiness. Industry tlierefore, while it furnishes sus- tenance and affords occupation, promotes the necessary secretions and invigorates the trame. Hence the agri- culturist lives to a good old age in the enjoyment of his mental and corporeal faculties. In younger years, while the vigor of health 'remains miiinpaired, no rules are necessary to preserve the har- dy frame, except that extraordinary labors and inglori- ous dangers should not be needlessly braved. The strong need not to. be nursed with the arts of sickly and de- bilitating effentinacy. The laboreroften endures the in- clemency of winter, the sultry heat of summer, and exposure to raìn and storms withòut sensible inconveni- ence. "He shall not be afraid for the terror by night, noi for the arrow that flietli by day, for the pestilence that. walketh in darkness, nor for the destruction that wasteth at noon.77 His habitual industry and temper- ate meals, give him a robustness and strength that pro- tect him from every casuality of life. The love of industry is a native instinct implanted in children and young persons. It is a principle be- stowed for the promotion and preservation of health. Exercise strengthens and confirms the solids and pro- motes digestion. Those who neglect it, must .expecf to feel the langUors of relaxation, general debility, dispep- sy and disease. Inactivity is the cause of glandular obstructions. Exertion will commonly prevent this malady, and sometimes cure it. Health is seldom in- jured where thekidnies, liver and other glands perforai their respective offices; and in obstructions of this kind exercise is the surest remedy, though it w.Ul not always remove the complaint. WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICLNE. 53 Ali those who are the victims of indolence must expect to labor under the inconvenience of weak nerves. Open air and continued activijy brace and strengthen theten- dons and give health. Ease and affluence bring on nervous disorders which poverty and labor will dissi- pate. Those who are valitudinary must take exercise if they would become sound; those who are in the pps- session of health must, if they Would preserve it, lead a life of activity. Exertion is necessary to perspira- tion and perspiration to corporeal sanity. It is a wise provision of Providence, that mankind are,compelled to labor for sustenance; their health is prolonged and their happiness increased by it. Those whose circumstances donot require them to toil daily for aliving, should nevertheless, take so much exercise as will give to their bodies durability and strength.— Hunting and the chase are very amusihg and healthful sports. To those who do not relish diversions so la- borious and fatiguing, fishing or gardening may be more pleasing. A morning walk at ali times, except in wet and foggy weather, is exhilirating and bracing. Rid- ing is also a very salubrious amusement. Every one in taking exercise should consult his own taste; for un- less the mind is gratified, the body will be but little benefitted. Thecustom of sleeping late in the morning is very unhealthy. Lying in bed until eight or nine o7clock is customary among the inhabita,nts of towns. Besides the wasteof tiine occasjoned by it, they lose the benefìt of the bracing energies of tlie pure morning air. Ex- ercise then is most salutary when the body has been refreshed by "tired nature7s sweet restorer balmy sleep.77 Those who spend their mornings in active diversions, walking in the open air or ridiug, will find their spirits cheered, their body strengthened and their appetite ren- ovated. Where exercise cannot be taken in the open air, it should not be dispensed with, but active amuse- ments within doors should be substituted. Those E* 54 WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. ' ' i ■ y • . • diversions should be preferred which most employ the whole frame. Riding on this account is found by many to be very healthy; but people should ascertain what best agrees with their constitution and adhere to it— Exercise should never be prolonged until it prodnces fatk;ue, for then it is injurious and weakens the body. The lazy are troubled with despondency, pains in the stomach, dispepsy and fiatulencies, and instead of applyittg to exercise for relief, they are in general but too fond of seeking by medicine the removal of their complaints. The indisposition to motion auguients by indulgence. Nature unvitiated cannot easily be res- trained from activity and exertion; but habit conquers these strong propensities, and inmanybecomes so wed- ded to ease that they cannot be persuaded to take exer- cise, to free them from low spirits, dispepsy, the gout, or more terrible and almost incurable maladies. Mi*. Jefferson recomménds hunting and riding, and to bis young friends to take a great deal of exercise, and on foot. Health is the first requisite after morality. Indo- lence, besides its deleterious consquences to the human frame, introduces its victims into the paths of vice; for- the mind must be employed, and if not engaged in use- firl occupations, it will bemeditatiiig mischief, anticipat- ing chimerical evils, afllicting itself with imaginary dis- eases or disseminating miseries among mankind. Idle- ness is theinlet to ali vice, while industry wards off temptation, occupies the mind agreeably and usefully, diffuses contentment, is the best protector of virtue and conservator of health and longévity. AIR. Health, activity and cheerfuTness are owing princi- pally to wholesome air. The atmosphere is contamina- ted by impure substances; itbecomessaturated with their noxious qualities, and in this condition communicates contagion to the human frame. The influence of the WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. ' 55 air being less palpable often inflicts an injury before it is suspected. Air may be too moist or too dry. Where it is too moist it weakens the eìasticity of the solids, re- laxes the constitution, and incline» thè body to agues and dropsies. When it is too dry, the lungs become righi and with difficility perform their operations; and fevers and inflammations may be anticipateli. The air is corrupted by breathing; hence towns and cities are not so healthy as the country. It is also filled with smoke, sulphur and other noisome" exhalations; hence the fataiity of cholera in large cities, and hence where pains are taken topurify the atmosphere, by re- movingfilili of every Sort, alid cleansing the strecte, the attacks of this pertilenee are less severe and destretive. The free circulation of air also depurates it. Jails, from the confined state of the air within them, are often the cause of disease.t Not only are the prisoners attacked with fé ver, but the infection is communicated to the ad- jacent inhabitants. Houses are often rendered unhealthy by being too dose and tight. They should be opened every day and ventilateti. Bad .air is also generateli by celiar»,.mines and wells. Its noxious qualities frequently prove im- mediately destructive. There was an instance lately of fóurout of live men perishingby imprudently ven- turing into a cave in East Tennessee. Their light» went out and their death followed; the fifth individuai was rescued at the imminent perii of three other men who had the intrepidity tó venture in and saVe him.— Bed rooms also should be well ventilateti,. Corrupted air should be avoided bj those in delicate health*. It is pecuiiarly deleterious to those who are suffering from asthma andeonsumptions. It is injurious to themelancholy and desponding; to the nervous and hysterical. Those who are in any way dis^ased, will find it importantif possible, to breathe a pure atmos- phere. Itis more beneficiai than medicine. It reno- vates the constitution and sustains health when ali other means have failed. 56 WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. A high situation, where the air has free circulatiOn> purified by continuai breezes, and so far removed from towns or cities as to be uncontaminated with their contagipus atmosphere, is most favorable to the restora- tion of health when lost,or to preserve it in its full vigor. Low damp situations, near marshes, lakes, or stagnant pools are unwholesome. Standing water corrupts the air by its putrid exhalations, and produces the most vio- lent and destructive diseases. Wherever persons are compelled to'reside in low marshy countries, generous diet, the strictest attention to cleanliness and the seiec- tionof the driest situation to be found, are among the best means of palliatihg the attacks of disease. Theroomsof the sick should not be kept too hot, fresh air should be admitted. The most judicious pian is to open a window in an adjoining apartment, and thus introduce gradually and imperceptibly the pure element into.the room of the valetudinary. Sprinkling the floor with juice of lemon, vinegar or any vegetable acid will also purify the air. Limekilns generate an atmosphere thatit is extremely dangerous to breathe. As respiratimi corrupts the air, it might be supposed that in time the atmosphere would ali become contamiiia- ted. But the Author of ali things has provided for its renovation. It has been discovered that trees and plantsinday time generate a pure air, or correct what is impure. Thus by an ad.mirable provision of wisdom, animai» and the vegetatde'ldngdom mutually produce the air necessary to the nourishment and-support of the other. Air when not too, dry nor too moist, suppo.rts the frame in health, and diffuses contentment and cheerful- ness over the mind. The constitution also suits itsejf to the air to which it has been accustomed, and breathes it with impunity, although it may be in itself impure.— Suchis the force of custom. Sudden changes are tliere- fore injurious. But the infected air of a city may with safety be exchanged for the salutary atmosphere of th» country 4 WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICELE. 57 CLEANLINESS. Cleanliness is a great preservative of health. It dears the skin of impurities and promotes perspiration. Cleanliness will sometimes cure cutaneous diseases.— It prevents the communication of infection. In towns it should be the object of public attention, as many dis- eases owe their origin as well as virulency to the neglect of it. The multiplied ablutions enjoined on the Jews, though intendetl to represent inward puri- ty, were well calculated to preserve health and prevent the communication of disease. Cleanliness, though not a virtue in itself, àpproaches that character. It is necessary to decency.—It affords personal satisfaction and comfort, and is one means of rendering a man acceptable in society. Frequent bath- ing braces the body and vivifies the spirits, and with- òut cleanliness neither health nor respectabilty can be long maintained. Cleanliness, as it is an evidence of gentility, so it is an appendage to it. Itis regarded as necessary by the higher ranks of society, and is an ornament to every class. As it is praiseworthy among those who enjoy health, it is stili more important to those who are afflicted. In towns and cities it must be regarded to prevent the diffusion of contagion, or the containination of the atmosphere. It should be observ- ed with thegreatest scrupulosity and appreciated almost as a virtue. SLEEP, The human frame is curiously constructed. It needa continuai reparation. When wearied it sinks down to repose and is refreshed; as an exhausted stream is re- cruited by shutting the flood gate until the water accu- mulates, or as a time piece that has run down, must bc- wound up to prevent it from stopping. w WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICLNE. Different persons requre different periods of repose.. The young may take as much sleep as they please.— Six or seven hours, (and none should exceed eight,) have been considered a sufficient time for rest to those who have attained maturity. Too mudi sleep, like every indulgence when itbecomes excessive js in- jurious, it relaxes the nerves, debilitates the body and lethargises the mind. The fashionable mode of living in cities is well cal- culated to wear out life speedily. The night was given tous that we might rest. Thosetherefore who turn night into day counteract nature, and must in time experience the baneful consequences of their bad habits. Besides the excesses which are so common in cities, setting up UH two o7clock and sleeping until ten in the morning are enough to min the best constitution. Sleep may be rendered more refreshing by taking exercise regu- larly every day; by abstaining from strong tea and cof- fee, by èatirig a light supper and going to bed with a cheerful, contented mind. Exercise may be so severe as to hinder sleep, but tha active and laborious seldom complain of suffeffng wea- risome nights, orof disturbed, agitating and nnrefresh- ingxepese. The industrious, while they are blessed with an appetite that gives the highestzestto their food, enjoy the luxuryof sweet, sound and renovating sleep. "Weariness can snore upon the flint.77 Distress of mind is a great preventative of repose; the young, the gay and the happy "may steep their senses in the for- getfulness of sleep, but heflies from wretchedness and iìghts on lids unsullied with a tear.77 Uneasy rest, frightful dreams, the night mare and apoplexies are the consequences of sleeping iinmedi- ately after eating a hearty substantial meal. Walking and talking in sleep are diseases; some- times moderate exercise, vegetable diet,mild purgatives, and blood letting will be found efficacious remedies; and sometimes a change of air, a dose of laudanum or a gla»8 or two or wine. WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICENE. 59 Bed rooms should be large and well aired every dar. Too much clothes overload and beat the body and ener- vate the system. Feather beds are in summer time not 80 healthy as cooler modes of sleeping. The weak and debilitateti may indulge in longer periods of reposa than the healthy and robust. Bonaparte, it is said,limi- ted himself to four bours in his young years; Curran- to six and a half,and Alfred, the great to six. Different constitutions require different degrees of rest, and as children need nine or ten hours, those who dp not let their hours of repose exceed eight, cannot perhaps be justly charged with excessive indulgence. CLOTHING. Glothing should be suited to the climate. It should not be too warm in summer, nor too cold in winter. It is prudent to put on warm clothes early in the fall, at the commencement of cold weather, and to continue to wear. them until late in the spring. By adopting tliis method the catching of colds would in a great measure be prevented. The dress ought not to be too tight and confinhig, and every attempt to give a good form by clothing is not only foolish in itself but absolutely pernicious. It often injures the health, and deforms the body. Tight lacing obstructs the motion of the bowels and stomach, the free play of the lungs and heart, and retards tho wheels of life in the performance of their vital fune- tions. The effects of perseverance in this destructive prao- tice are deformity,bad health,coughs,faintingfits,imi iges- tion&consumptions. Indeed instances have occurred of those who have drawn themselves so tight as to drop down dead and never resuscitate. Young persons need not be so warmly clothed as those who have passed the meridian of life. The weakly and those who are approaching the borderà of 00 WRIGHTS FAMILY MEDICENE. old age, will find it advantageous to wear flannel. It promotes perspiration, prevents injuries arising from sudden changes of air and tends to hinder the diffusion of contagion as wéll asto restore to health the weak and valetudinary. Tight garters and bandages obstruct the circulation of the blood and hinder the part so bound from receiv- ing its due portion of nourishment. Tying the neck handkerchief too tight is stili more dangerous,obstruct- ing the progress of the blood from the brain, and pro- ducing head ache, vertigo and apoplexy. THE KNOWLEDGE OF DISEASES. The knowledge of diseases is necessary to their cure. Some physiciàns pretend tobeguidedbyexperience,and others by reasoning alone in their prescriptions. The union of observaiion with the deductions of theory will probably be found to lead to the safest conclusions. A medicai education should beunited with experience, Those who have been accustomed to wait on the sick, acquire considerable skill in discovering the symptoms of diseases, and in applying the appropiate medicines. Experience alone should not be depended on, be- cause the longest life may be spent withòut having an opportunity to examine ali the different diseases and ascertain their symptoms. The memory is also defect- ive. Theory too needs to be illuminated by experience. How but by examination can we learn the structure of the humaa body? When a foundation is laid by facts, why may not reason be useful in medicai as well as other enquries? The union tlierefore, of experience and observation with the deductions of reason and the suggestions of sdentine theory affords the best security against the intrusions of error. Byreadingthe work» and observations of others, we may, in some measure, be said to add their experience and wisdom to our own, and thus to enlarge and enrich our resources. WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. 61 Reading and study however, should not make ns disparage or lightly esteem the benefits of experience. Every disease is to be known by its peculiar symptoms-, and the sagacityof the physician will beexercised in dis- criminating by their appearances the different maladies to which we are exposed. The symptoms of one dis- ease often bear a near affinity and resemblance to ano- ther, and cali forth the exercise of experience and sagacity to distinguish to what malady they belong.— I$y marking these characteristic symptoms, the difficul- ty of determining on diseases will be diminished, and the physician may attack them with comparative cer- tainty of success. Regard should alwaysbepaid to the age, sex and constitution of the patient, as well as his temper and manner of life. There is great dissimilarity in the nerves and fluids in youth and old age. Of course diseases in patients who have just entered upon life, and those who have reached the borders of the grave require different treatment. Females have diseases pe- culiar to themselves, their system is more tender and irritable and demands greater caution. Some constitutions are peculiar, and require a peculiar treatment. It would be injudicious to treat the hardy and robust in the same manner as the tender, delicate and sickly. Diseases may also be aggravated by pecu- liarity of temperament. Mental maladies will paralize the beneficiai operations of medicine and protraci the continuance of disorders. Grief, solicitude, fear and fretfulness not only distress the mind, but prey on the body. On such occasions it is desirable and necessary to mollify these mental asperities, to soothe and tranquil- ize, to divert and animate and cheer. After quiet has been restored to the mind, medicines, if requisite, will have their accustomed effect. The climate, diet and mode of living should also be regarded. The same diseases do not attack those who dwell in high and low countries, nor have they equal violence in the salu- brious mountainious regions as in marshy situations.— 62 WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. The temperate and abstemious escape many maladies to which the luxurious and dissipateti are exposed.— The simplicity of country life and activity of agricul- tural employment is more favorable to health than the impure air and sedentary accupations of a city. Some businesses dispose to particular diseases; the patient's manner of life and employment should be known, as it would be unwise togive the same medicines to the sed- entary and laborious, even when attacked with the samo disease. Enquiry should also be made as to the nature of the malady, whether its duration has been long or short;— whether it is accidental or constitutional; whether it originates from a sudden change of diet or mode of liv- ing, or from any other cause. The state of the body should also be ascertained, and how the animai fune» tions are performed, to what disease the patient is most liable, and whether he entertains a particular horror for any particular medicine. Diet also must not be neglected. It will often acconv» plish as much as medicine. Very erroneous opinion» prevail with respect to food. Many individuals gorge their friends when sick with delicious andrich provis* ions. This is wrong. It overloads the stomach, ab ready weakened by disease, and tends to give vigor to the malady, and to strengthen and confimi every unfa- vorabìe symptom. Abstinence itself is no bad medicine and will be eftectual in removingslight attacks. Inpleurisies, peripneumonies and other inflammatory fevers, thin gruels, watery infusiorts of mucilamatory plants will be highly beneficiai, and sometimes accom- plish more than the best medicines. In slow nervous or putriti fevers, unattended with inflammatory symp- toms, where (he patient needs to be strengthened, he will derive great benefit from cordials, nutricious food and generous wine. Those who are troubled with low spirits ajul pypochondria may substitute with advan* tigeto fuemselves, substantial aliment and generou» liquors f ir cordial and carminative medicines. Vege- WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. 63 table food is a sovereign remedy in scorbutic affectìons. Even the cousumption may be retarded in the rapidity of' its ravages by \ milk diet. The benefits to be derived from fresh air is by no means to be contemned. The prejudices against it are beginning to subside. In ali cases of fever attendetl with preternatural heat and excessive action in the blood vessels, it is highly to be commended and in many oth- er diseases, it is unquestionably salutary in its tendency. Exercise is also important; it often cures in consump- tions and glandular obstructions Avhen medicines are in- effectual. The cólti bath fs also, when the solids are relaxed beiti in cOnsiderable esteem as a remedy. Cleanliness also contributes not only to the preserva- tion, but likwisc to the restoration of health. It often mitigates the severity of affliction, and is necessary for the comfort of the patient as well as his liberation from the contagious influence of disease. PREVENTION OF FEVERS. To obviate the attack of disease is preferable to cur- ing it. By taking proper precautions, the causes of fever may be guariteti against orremoved. On vis'iting a warmer climate, if sickness be preva- lent, precautionary measures should be adopted. The system should be cleansed by drinking molasses and water, or by taking every other night for a short period a purgative medicine. If the habit is plethoric, a few ounces may be taken, and every unnecessary exposure to the heatof the Sun or theinsalubrity of the night air will be highly imprudent. At the sanie time the strict- est temperance should be observed. Disease may also be brought on by cold bathing when very warm, by ex- cessive drinking or by the sudden obstroction of a copious perspriration. G4 WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICENE. In warm climates, cold moist air is unhealthy; its evil effects may be neutralized by good fires, and by accom- modating the dress to the suddenLmutations of the atmosphere. Cleanliness, at ali times praiseworthy, is essentially laudable in warm countries as a preventative j of inveterate and fatai diseases. Wearing flannel next the body has also been muck applauded as preserving the skin soft, promoting gentìc perspiration, as absorbing excessive moisture in die day time, and at night preventing the evil effects of cold damp air. Good wine is also in warm climates beneficiai in pre- serving health. It stimulates circulation, promotes secretions and excretious and invigorates the body. Temperanceboth in eating and drinking is alsocondu- sive to health, and should be religiously observed. A glassof the infusion of columbo, or camomile or colti water on an empty stomach will assist the digestion of the weak and debilitated. FEVERS IN GENERAL.. Fevers are among the maladies which often attack the human race, and with a fatality proportioned to their frequency. An impure atmosphere, excesses of any kind, irregularities in living, strong excitement of the passions and exposure touncommon heat or extraordin- ary cold marsh effiuvia are among the causes to which fevers have been attributed. These diseases are distin- guished by a variety of symptoms, as accelerated pulse, augmented beat, disinclination to eat, a general relaxa- tion and imbecility of the whole frame, languor, list- lessness and weariness. The accession of a sudden fever i» preceded by a disagreeablefeeling of unusual chil- liness, an indifference to food, a ponderosity about the heart & nausea of the stomach. Sometimes a pain in the head is felt. Feveris not perhaps strictly a disease, WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE 65 but syraptomatic of one, as smoke is a sure prognostic of the existence of fire. Nature has so formed our bodies that they will instinctively endeavor to throw off every impediment to health, every nauseous matter that would injure and infect and destroy. It is judicious therefore to watch her efforts, and assist them. Where symptoms of fever appetir, a little care in keeping with- in doors, avoiding exposure, drinking worm and saluti- ferious teas, and washing the extremities in hot water, bave warded off the danger and prevented an attack. ^ormerly, whenever fever appeared, it was usuai to smother the patient in a warm room and prevent the approach of healthy air. Time however, has detected these errors; and a pure atmosphere, as it is essential to the preservation of the naturai vigor of the body un- impaired, is now deeraed necessary torestore and resus- dtate, and is freely admitted into the chamber of the diseased. Hence too in thepresent day, when the uneasy eensation of thirst is intense,it is deemetl proper to assuagc itby water and diluted drinks. The lascitude of tlie patient and his indisposition to activity point out the need and importance of rest to aiti the constitution in its exertions to overcome the disease. How often has the life of the way worn traveller assailed by fever qn his journey, beenperiled and sometimes destroyed by his solicitudetoreach his own habitation. Other precautions are to be observed. The mind of the patient must, if possible be kept serene and tranquil, undìsturbetl by anxiety, and unagitated by momentary excitement or the ebullitions of passion.— Food too, u.ntil the fever is subdued, is prejiidicial, aud will but strengthen the malady, withòut yielding to the patient the desired nourishment and support. Stili moreegregious is the folly at such a time, of filling the stomach with diet highly seasoned, with stimulatingcor- dials & wine or inflammatory liquors. Where howev- er, tèe patient is inclined to despondency or his strength is greatly impaired, efforts ought to be made to restore nature, and stimulating medicines ought to be Y* GÓ** WRIGHTS FAMILY MEDICINE. employed, and the mind rendered contented, and quiet by presenting the hopes and anticipations aftbrtled in his case, and sudi other consolations as ingenuity, ex- pediency and candormay suggest. r l As nature tends to free us from disease, so she often indicate» the cure. Hence the propriety of attendins to her monitions; what the patient ardently desires wifl often be found to be the salutary medicine that will ex- pel from his system the poison that is wasting it,redeem him from present suffering, restore his exliausted'enér- gies aud renavate his health. But prudence ought to be exercised, as it will no doubt often be impolitic, and sometimes dangerous to indulge every whim of a sickly imagination. When the patient is freed from the fever aud convalescent, he should be careful .to be very tem- perate in his diet, and not even to satisfy the cravings of his appetite, as indulgences of this kind bave brought on a relapse, which has resisted the efficacy of medicine, dissappointed the fond hopes of anxious fricnds, and brought theimprudent sufferer prematurely. and prècipitantly with sorrow down to the grave.---- Where the restraint upon the appetite isrigidly enforc- ed, the fever can generally be broke and the patient relieved in four or five days. In inflammatory fever the action of the heart is e*- ciicd and accelerated, and the blocd assumes a livelier bue and becomes firmer and more compact. There is another sort of fever, where the head and' nerves are affected, where the energy of the heart is weakened and the whole system is pppressed and debilitateA— Injury to the body sometimes produces fever which4s more or le~s violent according to the degree of locai in- jury inflicted. When the part then affected is restoréd to sanity, the fever will most generally be destroyetl. As low marshy countries are most frequehtly visited v, ith fever, the impure air produced by stagnant water and the rottingof animai and vegetable substance*», are thoughtoTtén to originate this species of disease. How- ever various and minute our remarks on the causes and WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. 67 symptoms by which this complicated malady may be described, mudi will stili depend on the dictates of ex- perience, the perspicacity of the tliserningarid the sug- gestione of reason and common sense. THE AGUE AND FEVER. ' This fever is als,o called an intermittent. This dis- ease proceeds from the effluvia of stagnant water, from eating too mudi fruit or trashy food,' from exposure to evening dews, sleeping on damp ground, watching, in- dulging depressing passions or drinking spirituous ìi- quors intemperately. A predisposition to this malady is given by whatever debilitates the solids,obstructs per- spiration, impoverishesthe bioodor impedes the circula- tion. The symptoms are a pain in the head, weakness, weariness, coldness in the extremities, shiverings and shakings. By degrees the ague subsides and the fever succeeds, the burning beat now becomes as violent as the sensation of cold had been intense. Aftcrwards a sweat break» on the patient and thus the paroxism eiids. TREATMENT. The usuai course is to cleanse the stomach with a dose of salts.of senna §* manna or calomel or an emetic. If the pulgebe full & hard, manifesting an inflammatory tenden- cv.'>bleeding will he requisite. After the system has been thoroughly purified, the Peruvian bark is the cus- tomary medicine, and its effects are highly salutary% If the bowels are swelled, that symptom should be alhvja- ted or removed before the bark is administered. My treatment is togive an emetic of tartar, follo wep* by fèn grains òf calomel. After these medicines ope- rate a strong decoction of dog wood bark should be .prepaYed, of which the patient should drink freely, on 68 WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. the days and mornings previous to the attack. When the disease becomes protracted and refuses to yield to any other treatment, I have cured with the tincture of wild ipecacuanha. The tincture is prepared by taking as much of the roots asyou can hold in your doublé hand, whether dried or green; bruise it, put it in a bottle and add a quart of whiskey. Of this the patient should drink three or four times a day as mudi as bis stomach will bear, and continue it until he obtains re- lief, cleansing the stomach according as above directed. INFLAMMATORY FEVER. This fever most ftequently attacks the young and vlgorous, who live freely, are full of blood and whose tendons are strong and elastic. Its attacks are most frequently in the spring and fall. This fever may be caused by repletion, by over heating the body, by drinking liberally when beateti of cold liquors, by ex- posure, sleeping in the sun, high living, partaking too freely of ardent spirits, the indulgence of strong pas- eions, sudden obstructions of perspiration, the retention of customary evacuations or repulsion of eruptions. A feeling of nneasiness followed by chilliness ushers in this complaint, pains in the head and back, a florrid countenance, a full pulse, restlessness, great beat and insatiable thirst are also among the symptoms.. The skin is dry, difficultyof breathing is felt with nausea of stomach, the tongue is black, the eyes inflamed. The disease is always considered particularly dangerous when attended with dilerium, laborious respirationf starting of the tendons, hickup, cold clammy sweats , and an involuntary discharge of urine. Delay in this disease is often attended with fatai effects, and relief should be sought before the strength of the patient is exhausied. WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. 69 In this disease it will be necessary to abstain from substantial diet, and to drink principally diluted liquors, water gruel, clear whey, rice water, arrow root, balm tea and appiè tea. This may be ascidulated with.lem- on juice, or jelly of currants. Orange whey, made by boiling an orange sliced in milk and water, until the curii separates, may also be drank. Cream of tartar or vinegar may be substituted for the orange, while boiling a few spoonfuls of white wine may be added. A palatable drink may be made by boiling an ounce of iamarinds with two ounces of stoned raisins and two or three fìgs in three pints of water until it is reduced to a quart. This is to be used in case of costivenéss.— These liquids may be drunk a little warm. Care must be taken not to over load the stomauh of the pa- tient. They should be used more moderately at first and with more freedom afterwards, to aid in removing the disease. The patient7s room should be kept of a proper tem- perature, and not allowed to become too warm. Fresh air should be admitted into his chamber, but so cau- tiously as not to run any risk of giving him cold. His bed should not be too heavily clothed. Too much cov- ering is oppressive, augments the fever, wearies the pa- tient and will not aid in producing perspiration. The food in this malady as we have before hinted, mustbe light and in small quantities. Panada, or light bread boiled in water, with a little salt and sugar atjded to render it agreeable', may be allowed. Roast- ed apples with a little sugar or toasted bread with jelly of currants may also be eaten. If the patient is strong enough to endure it, sitting up a little every day will be beneficiai. It will hinder the blood from posting with such rapidity to the head, and diminish the fever and delirium. Butthepatient7s strength ought not to be exhausted in this way, nor should this posture be assumed when he is inclined to perspiration. He should then He down in his bed. 70 WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. Vinegar, juice of lemon, or vinegar and rose water, with nitre dissolved in it may be sprinkled in bis cham- ber. It will have a refreshing and reviving eftect, par- ticularly in warm weather. A decoction of figs in bar- ley water, or a mixture of water and honey with a little vinegar mav be used to wash the patient7s mouth: and if bis head'is affected, his feet and hands should be bathed repeatedly in luke warm water. The minti of the sufferer should* be, kept easy and cheerful. Every thing that disturbs, should be prohib- itcd; company, noise or even too mudi light. His nur- ses should be few, his wishes consulted, bis capriccs gratified where they are not. positively hurtful, and every exertion made to satisfy him. TREATMENT. In fevers, where the pulso is full, hard and quick, bleeding willbe necessary, and it should be performed as soon as the inflammatory symptoms are discovered. The quantity of blood should be proportined to the strength of the patient and the virulence of the attack. If, after the first act of phle])otomy has been performed. the pulse-hecomes fuller and more frequent, it is an indication that the bleeding was proper. In such cases the practice of some physicians is to bleed two, three or four times at the distance of twelve, sixteen or twenty four hours from eacli other. But I bave never found this necessary. When the fever is high and the heat great, a drink may be made of forty drops of the dulcitìed spirits of nitre, two ounccs.of common water, an ounce of rose water and half an ounce of syrujt or a piece of loaf sugar, and may he given to the patient every three or four hours when the fever is high, to al- lay its paroxisms; when its violence is moderateti, tliis draughtneed not be administered oftener than once in five or six hours. When the fever.rages, and the head is affected with great pain or delirium, the application of leeches to WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICENE. 71 thetempleshas been advised, where from the state of the pulse the use of the lancet is forbidden. I bave usually preferred laying cioths,' steeped in vinegar and water on the forehead or temples. This application often alleviates the pain considerably. If the patient inclines to puke, this indication of nature should be aidetl by giving luke warm water or camomile tea. If constipation of bowels prevails, it may be relieved by administeringdaily a clyster of milk and water with a little salt and a spoonful of sweet oil or fresh butter. If the patient should stili be costive, a tea spoonful of cream of tartar or magnesia alba may be thrown into his drink. He may also eat boiled prunes, roasted apples and tamarinds. Where the head is mudi affected and depletion has been sufficiently pursued,aperient and diaphoretic med- icines, a dose of calomel, of senna and manna or of ealts may be given. Cathartics will be beneficiai to the head, and should berepeated every day or two while the feverish action continues. Sweating medicines are generally very salutary in continued fever. The efficacy of the warm bath may be trietl. Sometimes washing the feet in---.---water moderately beateti, drinking liberally of balm, ground ivy or flax seed tea with a little nitre added, and cover- ing up in bed will have the desired eftect. Diaphoretics.it is said,should not be resorted to until phlebo'o ny and aperient medicines have in a great de- gree reduced the arterial action ami general excitement; and in this species of fever, perspiration ought to be solicited rather by simple measures, than by violent means. The object is to abate heat, intenerate the skin, remove delirium and solicit repose; but even when they bring on sweating in fevers, stimulating, heating and inflammatory medicines are too often injurious.— Perspiration also when confined to the upper parts of the body may be rather michievous than beneficiai. 72 WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. Artificial heat is sometime employed to produce per- spiration. Hot bricks, dipped in water or vinegar, and environed with flannel may be put to the feet, to the arm pits or between the thighs of the patient while lying in bed, are well calculated to bringon a copious perspiration. The warm bath is also used for this purpose. In regulating its heat the individuai'» feeling should be consulted. It ought to impart to him an agreeable sensation of warmth. These application», though usually successful, are not uniformly so. In the scarlet and nervous fever, they wo' be improper, would increase the heat, agravate 4 symptoms and fail to excite sweating. In these diseases, the efficacy of the cold bath should be tried. Sometimes during the course of this malady, diffi- culty of breathing is felt, or severe pains in the head, or stupor or delirium. A blister on the part affected is the proper remedy, and will most probably give speedy relief. When the pulse is sinking and the extremetie» cold, blisters on the legs and stimulating pouliices on the soles of the feet and palms of the hands will be highly serviceable. These applications restore the circu- lation, lessen morbid accumulations and induce sleep.-*- Purgatives often dissipate the milder symptoms of con- gestion, and where they have been employed, blister» are often subsequently indispensible. In this disease the want of sleep sometimes bring» on delirium. Refreshing repose is frequently obtained by giving the padent a strong tea made of hops, or even by placing a pillo w of this herb under his head,* or by administering the camphorated powders of julep. Cam- phor is particularly recommended as inspiring calmnesi and serenity, and affording temporary ease. Hemorrhages are of frequent occurrence, and can bt restrained but with diffculty. Where the pulse is full and hard, and the head ache has been violent, the usuai prescription is bleeding, or if it happen at the dose of the fever and is accompanieed with faintness, antisep- tics are generally employed. Palpitations of heart, WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. 73 arising from a superfluity of blood, and manifested by a flushed countenance is also a troublesome symptòm. The lancet is the usuai remedy, or If it proceed» from the state of the bowels and stomach, evacuants may be j used with efficacy. Sometimes it originates from de- À bility and shows that stimulants are necessary. Where the fever is kept up by debility solely, barks may be given; andif it does not increase the heat, if the patient breathes easily and sleeps w eli, it is evi- dence that it is the proper medicine; but if the effects are injurious, if restlessness and difficulty of respira- tion ensue its administration, it must be discontinued. If in about ten or twelve days the pulse moderates, the tongue becomes moist, and the sedimcnt from the urine has a retlish cast, it prognosticates a favorable ter- mination of the attack. Bui if at this period the pa- tient7 s whole system appears frustrateti, if his pulse sinks, his spirits flag, his respiration attended with dif- ficulty, stupor, trembling andtwiching of the nerves, a ~v fatai result is to be fearetl. In sudi a case, blister» to . the head, ancles or inside of the legs and thighs will - be necessary, and cataplasms of vinegar, mustard and ** wheat bread should be applied to the soles of the feet, and cordials to revive and support the patient should be given, such as negus, sago gruel with wine in it, or strong wine whey. When the patient begins to recover, he should ob- serve the strictest regimen in order to prevent a relapse. The food 'should be sparing and not too nutrì cious. Many by negligence in this respect forfeit their lives. -The patient should carefully avoid the too frefì indulgence of his appetité'in eating or drinking, should mot fatigue himself by taking too much exercise or spcn ding too much time in company. His stomach may be strengthened by an infusion of bark in cold water. The mind should be kept easy, and business and study should be intermitted until the recovery is complete. After the patient's strength is pretty well restoredj a genite mxative will be beneficiai 74 WRIGHT'S-FAMILY MEDICENE. Those who follow laborious employments should not return to their occupations until their spirits are recruitr ed and their health perfectly restored. NERVOUS FEVER. Fevers of this description bave increased much of late years, owing to a variety of excesses, but chiefly*' tothe great change in our manners of living. Causes. Nervous fevers are frequently brought on by grief, fear, loss of sleep or intense study. Unripe fruits, damp unwholesome air or living on poor diet of- ten produce this malady. It is most common in rainy seasons, and most fatai to those who live in low houses, and where a proper attention to cleanliness is wanting. Persons who lead a life of dissipation are most fre- quently liable toit. Salivations also or excessive use of other strong medicines may bring it on. Damp clothes, great fatigue, great irregularities in diet.—Too little ag well as too much food may produce it. Nothing tenda so mudi to preserve the botly in a healthful state as a reg- olar diet and a good conscience, nor is any thing- more calculated to bring on diseases of every kind than ir- regularities and continued dissipation. Symptoms. Great weariness, loss of appetite, low spirits, frequent sighing, a great depression of minti are the first symptoms—then succeeds a dryness of the tongue, quick, low pulse, chili» and fevers alternately, frequently patient7s desire to drink water, but often in the beginning of the disease they do not compiafh of mudi thirst. Next the patient is affected with pain in the headj giddiness. sickness of the stomach, quick pulse, diffi- culty of breathing, oppression of the breast, slight aberrations of the mind. Regimen. Keep the patient cool and quiet, the stili er the better, motion fatigues and noise alarms him. m • * WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. 75 His minti ought to be soothed and comforted, a good nurse alvvays valuable, isparticularly so in this com- plaint. Diet. The patient must not be kept too low, his strength must be preserved by a nourishing diet, and * his spirits recruited by a generous use of cordials, to r "* this end his panada, gruel or what ever he takes, ought tohave a portion of wine mixedwithit. Wine whey, dried appiè tea orlemonade is a very pleasant and ap- propriate drink. Great care mustbe taken notto overload the patient, either with liquors or clothes. His food must be light, and though taken in small quantities, may be adminis- tered often, as the great object is to keep up the strength of the patient until after the crisis of the disease ìias passed. Where there is much sickness of the stomach it will be advisable to give the patient a gentle vomit. This will cleans the stomach, promote perspiration and rouse the dormantfaculties of the patient. The material matter is to regulate the symptoms so as to prevent them from going to either extreme. In in- flammatory fevers, where the blood is thick and the circalation quick, bleeding may sometimes be necessary, but nervous fevers require cordials and something to strengthen decaying nature, bleeding in general is highly iinproper; but if the inflammatory symptoms run high the lancet caustiously used will be of the greatest u- tility. Blistering is very beneficiai and may be used always with advantage. A blister applied to the back of the neck where the patient is delirious, is of great service, and ought to be repeated while the insensibility contin- ue», or indeed until ali danger is over. Blistering is of great use in this disease. Where the patient7s habit of body requires it, an in- jection may be given of milkrand water with a little flugar, to which may be adtled a spoonful of common table salt. A repetition will be necessary if the first has not the desired effect, Two stools a day will 76* WRÌGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. * not be too many unless they weaken the patient. Should an opposite state of the bowels reqnireit, the dsease may be checked by giving small quantities of laudanum. If any eruption should be visible betwecn theseventh* and tenth days, great carg should be taken notto repel it. Generally between the seventh and twelfth days, a change takes place. If the tongue becomes moist, a gentle perspiration ensues, a suppuration in the ears or a breaking out about the mouth or uose, these are ali favoroble symptoms. But where there is great diarrhcea, clammy sweats, fainting, trembling of the limbs, starting, delirium, fail- ure of sight, deafness, coltlness of the extremities, and the tongue stili continues foul, there is great reason to apprehend a fatai result. Barks are given with a very good effect in this dis- ease. In the commencement of this disease an emeticj suc- ceeded on the following day by a cathartic, has some- times arrestcd the disease. An infusion of Seneka snake root to promote a gentle moisture, may be given. Recent experiments have shown yeast to be a very effectual remedy to prevent putrifaction. Add two ta- ble spoonfuls of it to a quart of beer or porter, and take about a gill every hour or two. Charcoal is also employed sometimes for the same purpose, or combined Avith yeast. After cleansing the bowels effectualljg, pouriug cold water on the patient, in the early stage of the disease will be highly salutary. At a more advanc- ed iieriod, sprinkling or washing the Tiody with a sponge will be most advisable. But the cold water must not be so applied when the patient is chilly or in a perspiration. In pouring water on the patient, or spong- ing him, care should be taken to weary him as little as possible. The effusion of luke warm water, where the application of cold water is from any circumstance for- bidden, may be employed with beneficiai results. It . WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. 77 diminiskes beat, produces a cooling cffect and gi^es re- pose to the patient. But it is not so permanently salu- tary as the cold bath. | Where the debility is great in an advanced stage of 'the disease, cordials will be essential. Wine at the rate ofa quart a day and water gru din the sanie propor- tion may he, given, taking every night an uniatedraught, and.Jteeping the body open by gentle laxativeclysiers', or a few grains of calomel and a cold bath of sali; water. Tonics and cordials should be freely used to sustain the patients strength; he should be supported by nour- ishing diet; bis. comfort consulted, by strict attenti on to cleanliness and by giving the benefit of a pure at- mosphere. The Peruvian bark may be administeredin large dose»; its efficacy may be augmented by com- bining one ounce of it with two drachms of snake ropt. The bark may also he.conjoined with camphor in the proportion of one ounce'of the former with a scru- ple of the lattei*. Bathing in a strong decoction of red or black oak bark often produces beneficiai effects. Among tonics, nitric acid diluted i$ doses of a wine gìass full every two or three hours, or ten or twelve drops of muriitiC acid, guarded with fi ve drops of laud- anum in an infusion of coluinbo, snake root or bark, re peate d e Very four hours, and grati ually increased to cighteen or twenty drops has-been highly commended. Wine is the cordial most to be tlepended on, and it ought to be given in large quantities according to the nature of the symptoms, the age and constitution of the patient and continued until the powers of nature are roused. Good cidcr, or cogniac, peach brandy, rum or ■'whiskey.may also beused to-stimolate the system and .remove debility. - The indiscriminate administration of stimulants is often hurtful. In the first stage of the disease they are ipproper. £ After sufficient evacuations have been made, stimulanfo may be given, at first cautiously and moderately until the effect is ascertained, and to be con- tinued only if they prove beueficial. Drunkards must 78 WRIGHT'S FAMILY. MEDICINE. be allowed stimulants in greater quantities than those who live abstemiously; Where tlie head is affected with stupor and delirium, bathingit in vinegar and water, and the feetaccasionally in warm water, will sometimes afford relief. Where there is great depression of spirits, the pulse small and the extreroitie» colti, mulled wine, hot toddy or ginger tea swcetened, with a little spirits addetl should he giv- en; and blisters and sinapisms should be applied to stimulate anew sinking nature, awaken it to action and restore it to its wonted tone. Vinegar and spirits' of equal quantities may be appli- ed to the body and extremities to remove or relieve profuse perspiration; they should be lightly covered; air freely admitted into their chambers, and their drinks of a cooling quality, sharpened with • elixar vitriol or juice of lemon. Large dos.es of camphor and volatile sai ani moni ac with conila.s are indispeusible, where starti ng and hickups app.ear. The urine is soppresseti sometimes by the inflamma- tion of the kidnieg;., the'remedies are calomel, mild ca- thar.tics, demulceni drinks, and the warm bath. Where the kidneys through debility bave lost their tone, res- toration must be sought from strengthening medicines and stimulants. Cloths wet in spirits, or vinegar and spirits should be placed over the region of the bladder. The catheter must be used io draw off the water when it has accumulated and is giving pain and produeing swelling. Where the bowels are kept open, the réten- tion of the urine seldoms occurs. Where sleep is wanted opium may be given, ajpillow of hops placed under the patient7s head, or the campho- rated julep, or portei.and water will generally produce the desired result. é Where the mouth breaks out, it should be wasjied with a solution of alum in water. Where viscid mailer collects round the tee th and on the tongue, it should bewip-, ed away withaclothdippedinsalt and water or vinegar. Wine we have said should in this disease be giveo WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. 70 freely. But as the patient recovers and becomes able to take other nourishment, panada or arrow root, the quantity of vinous stimulants should be by degree'sles- senetl. If the appetite does not return when the patient be- comes convalescent, nothing will be requisite to restore it but taking the tonic medicine or chalybeate pili. SCARL.ET FEVER. The skin of patient» in this disease is flushed and reti like scarlet. It is most frequent in the fall, though it may occur at any season of the year. It is most apt to attack children and yóung persons; though some- times it invades whole families. Shiverings and coltine».» are its premonitory symp- toms. The skin is covered with red spots which con- tinue a few days and then disappear; when in a short Urne, the scarf skin peals olì'; sometimes this disease is of a severe and more malignant cast. With the coltl- ness is associateti sickness, debility and great oppres- sion. The throat becomes.sore, attendetl with great fever and puking. The action of the pulse is acceìera- ted, though languiti; the respiration difficult; the tongue foul and the skiu feverish. Where the attack is mild, the patient may recover by avoiding exposure, abstaining from strong diet, ardent spirits and cordials, and partaking freely of diluting drinks, sharpened with vegetable or minerai acids. If the fever is violent, the bowels should be kept in alax- ative. state by erabllient dysters, or cream of tartar and nitre united in the proportion of two drachms of the for* mer and ten grains of the latter taken two or three times a day. When the patient is affected with stupor and epileptic fits, his neck should be blistered, his feet and legs bathed in warm water, a dose of syrup of poppies should be given every night until the pa- 80 WRIGHT'S FAMILY-MEDTClNi:. tient is convalesceut; and if the. pulse he full and hard, bleeding will be proper. When the symptoms are violent; an emetic in the first instane© will be bene fidai. It raav be repeated tlie next day and succcetled by a mild purgative. Aftcrwards bark and wine or milk toddy may be given to renovate the patient7» strength. In this disease, colti water maybeapplied to the body repeatedly. to overcome the^ieat, and it is par- ticularìy beneficiai for thatpurpose. This disease has sometimes a tendency to putrescencc, and then it must be treated as if it were the nervous fever attended with sore throat. The principal object is to drive the disease to the surface and keep it there. This I do, after clea$sittg the bowels, by gi^ ing night and morning the chalybea^ pili, and through the day a little sulphur. ' The patient should also drink hysop, sage or pennyroyal tea mode- rately warm. Flannel wet with spirits (brandy and hon- ey) shotlldbekept to the neck, aud the patient should inhale the steam of vinegar from the spout of a coffee pot. If the persoti affected is small, throw a blankét over him so as to form an ardi, and pour the vinegar on a hot rock, so that the child may innate it. The pa- tient^ drink should be warm and bis diet ligh^ The pùstnle» which break out in this fever/ and from which it takes it» name, are either reti or white, and àppear to be about tlie size of millet seetl. It at- tacks the indolent and phìcgniatir, the young andaged. But it is not a;:t to aiììict those in the maturity oT life. Sometimes it U an originai disease, sometimes symptomatic of another. Càuses. Excessive grief, excessive watching, great anxiety, exorbitant evacuations, poor diet, drinking im- pure water, eating imripe fruits or spoiled \ rovisioiis1 WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICENE. 81 may cause the miliary fever, as well as the suppression of customary discharges. »■■ Symptoms. This fever, when an originai disease, cornaiences with slight shivering, followed by heat, de- bility, low pulse, oppression of the breast, restlessness, delirium and tremor of thè hands, with a burning in the palms. Regimen. To promote the graduai eruption of the pustules and prevent their sudden disappearance is a main object. The patient should be kept neither too warm nor too cold; his room of a proper temperature, his diet nourishing but not stimulating, and his mind serene and cheer fui. His aliment should be principally panada with a little wine, weak chicken broth, roasted apples or cooling, ripe fruits. If the patient is pretty strong, he may drink water gruel or balm tea; if he is depressed and low spirited, he may drink wine whey or negus ascidulated with the juice of lemon or orange. Where the fever éhows symptoms of putridity, cordials combined with acids may be given; or if the tendency to putrifaction be great, barks should be administered. Medicine. The following prescription has been recommendeil as eminently successful: a clyster of rain water and butter withòut salt; for ordinary drink, a quart of spring water, half a pint of wine, the juice of lemon and six ounces of white sugar boiled till a scum arose. Food and drink, properly regulated, generally render but little medicine necessary. When the spirits are depressed, and the eruption is slow in making its appearance, cordials may be given to stimulate, and blisters applied. Barks and wine united with acids may be given to prevent putrescence. Pure air, abundant exercise and wholesome food are tlie best preventatives. Women in a state of gesta- tion should guard against costivenéss, and take as much exercise as they are able to endure. Bleeding in this disease is often injurious, & WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICENE. BILIOUS FEVER. This fever takes its name from the predominance of bile in the system. Bilious attacks are most frequent in the lattei* part of summer and in the fall. In low countries where great rains are followed by incessant heat, it is most apt to prevail. The first symptoms are coldness and shivering, pains in the back and head, despondency, nausea at the stomach, loss of strength, giddiuess and difficulty of respiration. After the cold fit, considerable heat will be felt. The pains in the head and back increase in violence, and the sickness of stomach produces vomiting. After this the drynes» of the skin disappears and is succeeded by moisture. Then the symptoms lose their violence or entirely vanish, and the patient fondly anticipates the-suddden rcstora- iipn of his health. TREATMENT. Remove the cause of the disease, and you renovate the patients health. An emetic is an appropriate reme- dy. But where it may be improper from the irritabili- ty of the stomach or the tendency to inflammation, salta or calomel or senna and manna may be used. If the patient be of a full habit, bis pulse quick, bis counte- nance reddened, with a burning heat at the stomach, bleeding will be rcquired and must be reiterated until the inflammatory symptoms abate. The bowels must be thoroughly cleansed ; nor will this be accomplished by one or two purges; but this course must be continued until the bilious matter is abvi. ated, and the alimentary canal completely evacuated, and this may be easily known, for when it is done the faaces will resumé their naturai color. Mild laxatives should then be used to keep the body open; but in dan- gerous cases, the medicine nrincipally to he depended on is calomel. To displace offending matter from the WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE 83 larger bowels, injections of warm soapsuds, or mola»- ses and water, tinctured with a little vinegar, may be used. Medicines that promote perspiration may also be regarded as prpper as mendererus7s spirit, and Do- vers powder. The warm bath once a day is often attended with the most beneficiai consequences ; but it must be regu- lated by its effects onthe feelings of the patient. In warm climates or seasons, the affusion of cold water is preferred or rubbing the body with a sponge dipped in vinegar and water. After the inflammation has subsided, if the patient become giddy, languid and oppressed with debility, bark and wine should be administered withliberality.—• But if this system is adopted before the offending bil- ious matter has been entirely obviated, it will aggravata the symptoms and probably be productive of dditeriou» consequences. Columbo root is a good medicine to check the vomit- ing and strengthen the patient. Every two or three hours, a wine glass full of the infusion or ten or twelve grains of the powder of columbo may be given with other aperient medicines. A spoonful of new milk, or of milk and lime water, administered every hour or a spoonful of sweet oil and mplasses often stop the incli- nation to vomit. Porter by the wine glassful moderate- ly weakened with water has producetl the most auspi- cious results. The warm bath and blisters, a glass or two of porter or the camphorated julep or a dose of laudanum will generally procure sleep, where the inflammatory symp- toms have subsided. Emollient glysters with twenty or thirty drops of laudanum will generally alleviate pain in the bowels. Where the delirium is not relieved by colti application», a blister on the head and sinapisms on the extremitie* will be beneficiai; wine should also be given. When the feet and hantls are colti, they should be wrapped in flannels wet in hot spirits or spirits of camphor. To 84 WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. remove night sweats, moderate exercise should be ta- ken in the open air and strengthening medicines. In the commencement of this disease, my usuai prac- tice is if there is much sickness of stomach to give an emetic. After ithas operated nine or ten grains of cal- omel should be taken. In seven or eight hours salta or castor oil should be administered io assist the operatiOH ^ of the calomel. This course will most commonly afford relief, if adopted in time. After the bowels and stom- adi have been cleansed, the patient should take such | medicines as promote perspiration, as hysop tea, or a ' weak decoction of snake root. A tea made of common ragweed will excite sweating when nothing else will. If after this the patients fever should stili rise, he should be bledin the arm and the cathartics should be contin- ued, until the patient is relieved of the fever. At this time extreme care should be taken about the patients food. Water-gruel should be his diet and drink, not only while the fever is on him, but for fi ve or six days after it has left him. If he eats any thing stronger, the fever will cértainly return with increased violence and at the hazard of thepatient's life. In this disease physicians sometimes pursue the de- pleting pian so extensively and with so much rapitf[ty that when the patient is relieved of fever, he is redneed to the most extreme debility; and to resuscitate and res- tore him is a matter of grèat difficulty. In such cases I give the chalybeate medicine in a pili ..' of the size of a summer grape three times a day, at morning, noon and night. This medicine acts as a stimulus and a tonic, and in my hantls has raised up patients when ali other means had failed. I will give a single case. In the fall of 18—1 was called to see Mrs. Boyd of Kuoxville. Her life, from an attack of bilious fever was despaired of by her friends and physicians. It is unnecessary to go into a detail of symptoms : suffice it to say she was reduced to to a state of extreme and dangerous debility. By pur- jl suing the course above prescribed, the flickering lamp j WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. 85 of life was re vi veti and strengthened, and her health completely restored. THE CHICKEN FOX, Is an infectious disease, that visits a person but once during life, and is seldom very troublesome. An eruption of red pimples soon appears; a suppuration takes place, the pustules dry and the disease disap- pears. Medicne. But little medicine is necessary in this disease. Let the patient be kept cool, allowed to drink weak diluting liquors, balm tea, barley water, gruel, and to satisfy the cravings of his appetite with light food. If there is consitierable fever, a cooling cathartic may be given, and afterwards antimonial powders or mix- tures may be administered. In treating this disease, the object is to keep the eruption on the surface. After cleansing the bowels, I administer the chalybeate pili night and morning, and a little sulphur during the day; let the patient drink sage or hysop tea, and treat it much in the same way as scar- let fever. INFL,AMJIATION OF THE LUNGS. An inflammation of the lungs is sometimes an origin- ai disease, and sometimes derived from other maladies. Itis occasionedby the causes which bring on thepleuri- sy, by violent exercise, wearing wet clothes, obstructed perspiration and ardent spirits. In an inflammation of the lungs, the symptoms re- semble those of pleurisy; but the pain is not so severe, and the pulse is not so quick and hard, while there is greater difficulty of respiration and greater oppression 86 WRIGHTS FA3HLY MEDICINE. of the breast. A dull pain is felt internally along the breast bone, or between the shou.ders, augmented by breathing; great soiicitude near the heart, weariness and inquietude, loss of sleep and want of appetite, whi e a yellowish scurf overspreads the tongue. The veins in the neck are also dilated, the face inflated whiie a dark red discoioration pievahs about the eyes and cheeks. TREATMENT. An inflammatory attack upon an organ, so necessary to existence as the ìungs, is a,ways dangerous, and require speedy relief. The diet should be extraordina- ri y s.ender and thin. Infusione of fennel roots in warm water with milk decoctionsof barley,& ommon whey are most proper bothfor drink and nutriment. The steam of warm water isaiso recomraended as a "kind of internai fomentatimi, and a help to attenuate the impacted hu- mors.77 If the boweis are in a laxative state, if the patient thereby is not debilitated, no effprt shou.d be made to alter their condition; but evacuations should be promoted by emollient clysters. B eeding and purging are generally necessary;• but if the patient spit freely, they may not be required. The quantity of blood tak- en at the commencement of the disease should be large. The evacuating pian should be adopted early, but it shou d not be perseyered in too long. The solution of gum ammoniac, with oxymel of squills will promote expectoration; and it is from a free discharge of spittle thai relief is principally to be expected. When the antiplogestic method of treatment does not succeed, a suppuràtion i» formed, more or less dangerous ac- Gording to its situation. If it occupies the pleura, it may break outwardly and the pus wi.l be discharged withòut danger. Whereit occurs within the lungs, the matter must be ejected by expectoration. Where it floats between the pleura and the lungs, it is said an incision must be made between the ribs to liberate the confined pus. The same remedies and treatment are WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. 81 employed in this disease as in pleurisy. Inflammation of thè lungs is called by the doctors peripneumony. * The patient7s bowels should be opened by calomel or other purgative». Blood should be taken from the arm, and a b ister àppied over the pain. The decoc- tion of seneka snake root or butterfly root, should be freely used. If the patientshould'notbe relieved, (as often happens,) and sink into a state of general debility, I then give the chalybeate pili night and morning. The patient should also take every morning a new laid egg, beat up in as much o d whiskey as will cook it; fi 1 up the glass with sweet mdk warm from. the cow. This preparatimi actsas a stimulus andan expectorant, and atthe same time òourishes the patient. His drink should be buttermilk whey. In th s way I cured Dr. Gii espy of Mary ville when his life was despaired of by bis friends, and his lungs pronounced by [,]s phy. sicians in a state of mortification. On examination I told him his lungs were not mortified, aud I could cure him. He now enjoys good health. —sr- X? '■'■ >•*■.- CONSUMPTION. Consumption is a wasting away of the body. Tu- bercles are formed on the lungs; these suppurate, break and discharge matter. Inflammations of the lunga sometimes terminate in an abscess and result in con- sumption. It is also occasioned by the scurvy, scrofu- la, or king7s evil, measles, venerial disease, the asthma and sma 1 pox. It originates from various causes; un- wholesome air, violent passion», or severe application to abstruse studies, extraordiuary evacuations, as suck- ling children too long, or excessive discharge of men- strual flux, the fluor albus, intemperate indulgence of venery, sweating,[diabetes and diarrhses, the sudden ob- structions or stoppage of habitual discharge», as menses, sweating of the feet, the bleeding piles, issues, ulcers, 88 WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. bleeding at the nose or eruptions, injuries inflicted on the lungs, sudden transition from a warm to a cold cli- mate, frequent and excessive dissipationj late watching and strong drinks. Mechanics who lean forward on.the stomach often die of consumption; this disease also at- tacks those who exert themselves too violently in vocal music, bui moderate use of the voice either in speaking or singing is salutary, and strengthens the lungs. Cold is also often the cause of this disease; damp beds, wet clothes, night air, wet feet and the common exposures by which colds are caught, should be carefully avoid- ed. Aliments of a saline, aromatic and sharp quality, often inflame the blood and cause consumption. This disease is sometimes hereditary and sometimes proceeds from a scrofulous habit. It is also believed to be infec- tious; for those who occupy the same bed with persons affected with this disease are apt to be afflicted with it. It is, therefore, unwise to sleep with such as are sink- ing under a consumption, as it cannot benefit the diseas- ed, and may contaminate those who are in'good health. In this disease, a slight fever makes its inccption; the palms of the jaands are dry atìd burning, the skin is arid, the face éccasionallyredens and flushes, a slight uneasiness troubles the breast, the head aches, one side is visited with continued pain. The appetite is .api to be bad, the thirst great, the pulse often soft, small and quick, but sometimes full and rather hard. A premonitory syraptom is an inclination to puke after eating. A cough and spitting up of corrupt mat- ter are almost invariable concomitants of this disease. As it advances, the patient becomes emaciated byhectic fever and sweatings. A looseness seizes him accompa- nied with excessive discharges of urine. His fingers become small and tapering, and bis nails bént inwards. Finally the swelling of the extremities, the total pros- tration of strength.; the sinkìng of the eyes and the dif- ficulty of deglutition fore-token the approaching final struggle. Those of tali and slender form are most lia- ble to this disease; the young and those whose complex- WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE 89 ions are florrid, whose breast» are narrow and shoul- ders high. This disorder is most api to,attack persoas between the ages of twelve and thirty five; it may also assail women between forty five and fifty, or when.the catamena ceases. .When the change of voice takes place, and the youth enters the incipient stage of nian- hood, & the girl of womanhood, consideratole debility is experienced, and sometimes infemàles it is formidable and accompanied with a slight cough. This is a criti- cai period when a little carelessness may be productive of serious consequences, and may bring on an attack of this ever-to-be-dreàded and too often fatai disease. Regimen. In this malady great benefit is derivable from pure air; exercise and attentimi to diet. Riding is always recommended, and is often followed by the most salutary consequences. A, journey, as it enter- tains the mind with a varietyof objects, while it exer- cises the body, is the most beneficiai mode of riding.— Care should be taken to avoid fatigueand catching cold. Where the patient is too weak to take exercise on horse back, he may ride in aearriage. Sailing or swinging is also recommended. A sea voyage often effects a cure. Visiting a warm climate is often attended with many advantages. The food should be of a cooling nature and principàlly milk, fruits of every kind, rice, milk, sago, buttermilk, arrow root and vegetables.— Those who have been accustomed to animai food, may be indulged once a day with a little flesh or rather soùp made of veal, lamb or chickens; and if they have been habituated to strong liquors, may be allowed a little wine diluted with water, and gradually made weaker and weaker until they can totally abstain from it. But this must be considered a preparatory measure, and should soon be succeeded by a diet of milk and vegeta- bles. Great dependence is to be placed on diet, air and exercise. . If the patient7s strength is exhaosted in an advanced state of the disease, a more nourishing diet will be prop- er. Strong soups,jellies, oysters, meat with wine or por- 90 WRIG HT'S FAMILY MEDICLNE. ter will be nourishingand restorative.. Food, however, should, in sudi a state be taken frequently and in small quantities. While in this condition, horehound tea, an infusion of the inner bark of wild cherry tree, tar pili» and elixir vitriol are said to be very beneficiai.— The bowels shou!d be kept open either by the d et or mild laxatives, the mirid shmldbe kept as cheerful and vivacious as possible. TREATMENT. In the first stage of consumption, bl sters should be applied to the breast,4to alleviate the cough. Issues al- so afford a temporary relief. Emetics have been found frequently beneficiai in appeasing the cough, remov-,ng the diffi uìty of resp riti m and issisting expectoration, Nitre may be taken ad vantageous^y. Medicines which diminish acrimony and lessen the violence of the cough are generally used on these occasions. Gum Arabie is sometimes heldinthe mouth to afford a transient relief. Mercury has sometimes been emp'oyed in this mala- dy, but where it has not originateti from a venereal cause, it is generally injurious and hastens the approximation # of the fatai crisi».* Fox g ove, wh'i-h produces a s'ovv- ness of pulse, has had its day of celebrity and may be used beneBcially in alleviating the fever. It can be best taken in tincture, beginning with a dose of ten drops and increasing gradually, so as not to exceed sixty drops, or to produce sickness. Liverwort has also been extolled as a specifiq in this disease, appeasing the cough, facilitating expectoration, allaying the fever^ quieting tlie system withòut inducing constipation of the bowels and strengthening the digestive power». Boil one ounce of liverwort in a quart of water for fifteen minutes over a slow fire—add two drachms of siiceli liquorice about five minutes before it is taken off. A tea cupful of this decoction may be drunk four times a day. Orboil two drachms of this herbinapmt off milk or calcolate, and use it for break- WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. 91 fast and supper. Indian turnip is also considered a useful remedy in this disease. It promotes discharges from the lungs. In the inflammatory stage, oily and balsamic medi- cines are improper. They augment the heat of the blodd, cloy the appetite, relax the soliti» and injure the patient. Where thedepleting system has been suffì- ciently pursued, in catarrhal affection or lingering cough», they may be given with advantage; also when the object is to promote expectoration where it is stop- ped by debility. In different state» of the lungs, which should always be specially regarded, substances of very different natures must be administered to facilitate expectoration. It may be restrained by a contraction or spasm of the lungs, the displacing of which will yield the greatest alleviation. WJiere the discharge from the lungs is excessive, and proceeds from debility, it. may be cheeked, and the heaviness in the breast miti- gated by direct stimulation. Vegetable balsam- were once supposed to be very emV cienfc in.healing wounds and ulcers. Gum-myrrh ex- hibited in doses of twenty or thirty grains thrice a day, uniteti with an equal quantity of nitre has been mudi applauded for its salutary effects.; To heal the ulcers in the lungs, the inhalation of dif- ferent articles in the form of vapors has been recom- mended. Warm watery v por, with vinegar occasion- ai^ addedmay be useful whereit does not |rovoke or increase the e ugh; but i ore stimulati; g fumes are to be dreaded as hurtful, unless thesj ìtting isdifficult and defìcient. Suiphurca^ther to resolvethe viscidity and tenacity of the matter, when improved by other sub- stances has been recommended^ Half a drachm of hemiock, digested for two or three days in an ounce of aether forms a saturated tincture. Two or three spoon- fuls of this are to be (laced near the mouth,. and breath- ed unti it is dissi, ated, and this exj.er ment may be reiterated several times a day. The same end is at- tempted to be atiained by smoking stramonium and Uh U2 WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. bacco. Tar fumìgations have also been exiolied. Put tne tar onheated iron or a stove until the air is sufficient- ly saturated with its effluvia, and this operation may be tried three or four times every day. Where a cure is not anticipated, a physician may mitigate thesufferings of the patient and prolong hisjlife. When visited with those colliquative sweats which greatly weaken the strength aud lessen the chance of recovery. Tonics, sudi as elixir vitriol or the infu- sion of bark should be administered. The bowels should be kept gently open;, if a weakening dysentery appears, its violence ought be stopped or restrained. The cough often proyes troublesome, every thing of a demulcent and sedative kind, which is useful in a cold, may be considered salutary. After the inflamma- tory symptoms have been overcome, opium is regarded as one of the most valuable. Where it disagrees with the stomach or constitution, preparations of lettuce bave been found àn.elncient substitute. Opiates diminish pain, and promote serenity and cheerfulness in the midst of the desolations of this mtractable malady. Several species of this disease are mentioned; a nerv- ous consumption, whiclris the graduai, emaciation and decay of the whole body. The irritable, the drunk- ard, and those who breathe unwholesome air, are most exposed to its ravages. A cure can only be hoped from light, nourishing diet, a sunlciency of exercise in the open air, and bracing and strengthening bitters, the bark, of gentian root, cammomile, and horehound infuse^ in water or wine, and drank in small quantities frequently. Consumptìons are sometimes symptomatic, or proceed from other maladies. In accomplishing a cure, thie ori- ginai disease as well as its consequent must be regard- ed. Where a consumption is derived from excessive evacuations, it may be removed by checking them, and the strength of the sufferér renovatedby moderate exer- cise, nutricious food and generous cordials. Where giving suck too long is the cause of the phthisical affec- tìons, the health may be restored by weaning the child. WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. Sobriety and a liberal share of exercise in the open air, are the best preventatives against the ravages of this malady. Unwholesome air should always be avoided, as well as dissipation and every kind of ex- press. Besides, prevention is far wiser andfsurer than any remedy that has yet been deviseli to compel the stern and s:orv murderer to desist from his fell and in- human purpose when he has once commenced a serious attack. -Having now given the usuai prescriptions, I will mention my own peculiar treatment. I am opposed to the practice of bleeding in the commencement of the consumption. The disease itself proceeds from debili- ty, which produces obstructed perspiration, and na- ture not being able to relieve the lungs from the matter thrown upon them, acts as an irritant and occasions coughing and diarrhce. Wherever disease exists, the removal of the cause is the first step towards a cure.— If there is an obstruction of nature7s granii highway, indueed by debility or exposure, would a judicioui practitioner give aid to the disease and waste the ener- gies of the patient by taking blood? The office of the physician is to arresi the progress of disease and nour- ish the debilitateti frame. In proportion to the vital fluid you abstract, you impair the strength of the pa- tient, and open a road for the incursions of the encmy. But common sense will take the side of nature by at- tending to her imperious demands, opening her aven- ues and helping ber to remove the offending cause brought on by debility and obstruction. In this disease I give the chalybeate pili night and morning. This is both a stimulating and a tonic medi- cine. The patient should also drink my beer for the consumption. The diet should be light and nourishing. Buttermilk and rye mush is very good. A glass of sweet milk drank every morning warm from the cow, is highly benfìcial,as also are half done eggs. This is my treatment, and those acquainted with my practice will not deny my success, and that my prescriptions and I 94 WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICENE. medicine cure when the most potent means usually em- ployed have failed. I will barely refer to a well known case. Mr. David Campbell, a merchant of Knoxville, had been lahorjng for a considerable lime untleran attack of pulmonary consumption. He had the medicai attendance of a ekilful andeminent physician; but the disease seemed to be continuing its ravages, and the patient to be rapiòV ly declining. His stomach had become disordered, and ali the tonics in the apothecary7s shops could not restore its energies. In short, he was pronounced in- curable. It was said he was at the point of death, and eould not live beyond a few days. 1 pursued the course above prescribed. The chalybeate pili at once gave tone to bis stomach, and to the astonishment of hi» friends, he recovered and now enjoys good health. THE PliEURISY. The pleurisy is an inflammation which affects- th« inside of the breast. An acute pain is felfe in the side, which extends to the back, throat 01 shoulders, but is mainly seated in the fleshy part of the breast. It il attendetl with a high fever, with a hard quick pulse, and a severe pain when drawing in the breatb. This disease generally commences with a chilliness and shivering; beat, thirst, pain.and restlessness succeed, and then the virlent pain in oneof the sides. A sudden obstruction of perspiration often originate» the pleurisy, as by exposure to cold, sleeping on damp ground, wearing wet clothes or plunging the body when warm into cold water. It may also arise from violent exercise, or theimprudentuse of ardent spirits. The body by being kept too warm, is debilitated and render- ed more liable to be afflicted with this disease. In this malady, it is proper to endeavor to diminish thè force of circulation, to relax the vessels, dilute the WRIGHTS FAMILY MEDICINE. «5 humors, and promote expectoration. The aliment in >tbis tlisease must be cool andslender. It must not be difficult of digestion, oryield much nutriment, orbeofa heating nature. Eggs, butter, cheese and milk are ab- eolutelyprohibited. In fact, abstinence is strongly re- conimentled in this disease, by the circumstance that nourishment in proportion to its strength, will increase the fever. Barley water, matleby boiling an ounce -óf barley ' in three pints of water down to two, with honey or jelly of currants intermingled, or toast and water, or flax eeed tea will be very proper when taken a little warm, frequently and in small quantities. When nourishment is reqired it should be arrow root, panada or sago.— After the violence of the disease has passed away, great care must be exercised to prevent a relapse. Besides strict attentino to diet, which should be spare; expos- ure to colti should be avoided, exercise in moderation should not be neglected, and his breast shielded from the incieli::encies of the weather by wearing. flannel.— When the patient begins to recover, wine and bark or tlie columbo will aiti the concoctive powers of the stom- ach and strengthen the system. While the patient is enduring the exacerbation» of this tlisease, he should be kept cool, tranquil and easy. His feet and hands may be suffused in luke warm wa- ter. Sitting up in the'bed for a short period will miti- gate the pain in the head. TREATMENT. When the fever is accompanied with a violent pain in the side, and quick hard pulse, bleeding will be re- quisite, and the sooner it is performed the better. A large portion, if taken at the commencement of the dis- ease, if the patient7s strength will admit of it, will be more beneficiai than frequent bleedingsof smaller quan- tities. Twelve or fourteen ounces of blood may be taken from a man as soon as it is known that he is at- Otì WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. tacked with pleurisy, and a less quantity from ayoung- er or more delicate person. After bleeding has been performed. a cooling purge, castor oil, senna and man na, or a dose Of salts should be given. If the stitch in the side contiuues, and the violent symptoms are un- abated, a second or third bleeding may be requisite.— After the violence of the pain subsides, the pulse be- come softer and the patient expectorates freely, a repe- tìtion of bleeding i» unnecessary. Cupping, or the application of leeches to the part affected has a saluta- ry effect. After bleeding has softened the violence of the symp- toms, a blister may be placed over the pained part—it will take off the spasm, and by produing a free dis- charge, remove the cause of the disease. The patient, while the blister is on,may drink freely of balm, ground ivy or flax seed tea, barley or lice water with a little juice of lemon add ed; or of the Arabie emulsion. A clysterof water gruelor barley water wherein a haudful of mallows or other emollient vegetable has been boiled, may be administered,if the patientis costive. Sharp, oily or mucilagenious medicines will aid spitting. For this purpose addto six ounces of the pec- toral decoction an ounce of oxymel or vinegar of squills and let two table spoonfuls be given every two hours. Should the sqills be disagreeable, the oily emulsion may be substituted, or two ounces of the oil of olive» or of sweet almonds, and the same quantity of syrup of vitriol may be mixedwithas much powdered su^ar candy as will make an electuary of the consistence of honey. A tea spoonful of this may be taken when the cough is troblesome. Small doses of purified nitre and camphor will aid in producing perspiration, and allaying the fervent beat of the skin. Let two grains of nitre be mhged in a portar with five or six grains of camphor—divide it into six portions, and let one part be given'every five or six hours in some kind of drink. WRIGHT'S FAMILY iMEDICINE. 67 ,(The decoction of seqeka snake root is a veryefficient medicine in this disease; two or three table spoonfiife may be taken three or four times a day, after bleeding and other evacuations have been tried. If it, should produce nausea; it mày he taken more sparingly, or cinnamon water inay\be. addetl to the decoction. The above is the treatment of other physicians. My mode is different. I do not bleed in the first instance. After opening the bowels by calomel or. other purge, I make my patient drink plentifully of a decoction of bui- terfiy or pleurisy root, together with a decoction of sen- eka snake root and a little opium. If the patient has a soft pulse, I do not bleed. It is the forerunner of a sweat, which, if it is kept up, as it may be by drinking copiously of the above decoction, will give relief. On the contrary if, after givingthe drink plentifully, aliarti pulse.s'hould be produced, blood should he taken copi- ously from the arai, and a blister placed over the pain. Sometimes, notwithstanding the patient has been un- der the best medicai treatment, abscesses will form. When this is the fact, an incision thro7 the skin must be made with a lancet, then put in a little vegetable cau ■ «tic and let it alone untilthe.abscess is fit to beopened. The incision should then be made a little deeper' and caustic applied until an opening is made through the breast. In this way I bave given relief to four person», the only cases of the kind I have ever had. The pa- tientshould; be made to drink of the decoction of pleu- . risy root, and when he becomes languid and restles», he should be resuscitateti with laudanum. THE BASfÀRD P'JLEUMISY. A dry cough, a quick pulse and uneasiness when lying on the side aflected are the symptoms usually attendant on this disease. It is a rheumatic inflammation 98 WRIGHTS FAMDLY MEDICINE. of the muscles lying between the ribs, or of the breast or abdoraen. It is attended with external soreness. It will often pass away by drinking diluting liquors, keep- ing Witftn for three or four days, and a strict adherence to a cooling diet. Where these means are unsuccessful, the disease will require bleeding, blistering, the use of uitrous or other cooling medicines, or the decoction of seneka snake root. INFLAMMATION OF THE EIAPHRAGW, Is accompanied with an acute fever and severe paia in the midriff. The patient is restless, has a dry còugh, a hickup and sometimes a delirium. Hispaiua are increased by breathing, sneezing, eating, &c. A convulsive laugh is not an uncommon symptom. A suppuration must be prevented. That treatment is the same as in pleurisy. Emollient clysters are exceeding- ìy beneficiai. MEASLES, Tms disease affects a person but once in life, and is rontagious. Themeasles are most prevalent in the winter and spring. They attack people of ali age». but especially children. They are most severe on those of plethoric or full habit, or those inclined to th« scrofola. Symptoms. Hoarseness, dry cough, sneezing; the eruption of small red spots about the fourth day, and in three or four days more, "end in mealy disquama- tipn," or scale off' and disappèar. After bleeding, the blood has on it an inflammatory scurf or crust. The eyes and eye lìds are somewhat inflamed and suffused with tears. Before the eruption, the patient, if growa, \ WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. 90 usually feels a general uneasiness, chilliness, shivering and paio in the head; but children experience likewise heaviness, soreness of throat, sickness and vomitiug.—- The characteristic symptoms are said to be heaviness about the eyes, swelling, inflammation, a defluxion of «harp tears, and an accute percipiency of sensation, so that they cannot bear the light; considerable heat and fever, a dry cough, great oppression, and sometimes retching to vomii, with violent pains in the loins, a retch- ing to vomii and sometimes a losseness; at other time» great sweating, white font tongue, great thirst and high fever. - Regimen. The diet should be light and the drink diluting, Balm tea, barley water, clarified whey, flax eeed tea and mucilageuious liquors with jellies, as ar- row.root and sago will be most suitable. These may be sweetened with honey, if thepatientbecostive, or a little manna may be added. Great danger is incurred in this disease by catching cold. The eruption» dis- appear, and fatai consequences ensue. TREATMENT. Bleeding is commonly necessary. It relieves the .fever whea high, alleviates the difficulty of breathing, and the oppression of the breast. Where the patient Las an inclinatimi to vomit, it should be promoted by drinking camomile tea or luke warm water. Bathing the feet and legs in water moderately warm has a ten- dency to mitigate the fever and drive out the pustules. The steam of warm water inhaled by the patient will afford relief when the cough ìs troublesome, the throat dry and respiration difficult. The patient7» bowels should bekept open by a cathartic, and where Hip dis- ease is mild, this will generally be sufficient. Where the fever is violent, attended with a difficulty of breath- ing,wbleeding will be necessary, a blister may be appli- ed to the breast, and give also a dose of antimonial wine. 100 WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. After a person has recovered from this disease, they are frequently àttacked with consumption or diarrhce or an inflammation of the eyes. The judicious admin- istration of emetics and cathartics, with venesection or bleeding in the early stage of this malady is well cal- culated to guard against these dangerous consequences. This disease is divided into two kinds, inflammatory and malignant, and must be treated as cases of fever and sore throat, where there is a tendency to putrifac- tion. ST. ANTHONY'» FIRE, OR ERYSIPELAS. St. Anthony'»- Fire is caused by indulging violent passions, such as fear or anger; by exposing tlie body when heated suddenly to colti air; by excessive drink- ing, by the obstruction of naturai discharges or the stoppageof artificial evacuations. Sv.vptoms. Thirst, loss of strength, shivering, pain in the head and back, restlessness, a quick pulse, inihv mation of the part affected; considerable lever and drowsiness, and the appearance of pustules. It may attack persons ofany age; butis most apt to seize upott young people. and preguant Avomen. It app e ars most frequently on the legs or face. Regimen. The diet should be cooling 4111! stender, panada, orchicken spup, with cooling herhs, and fruits. The drink should. berice or barley water, acidulated with*taraarinds or the juice of lemous or common whey, or if the patient be wealc and his pulse Ioav, negus anil drinks pf a cordial nature may be allowed; an$for food sago gruel with a little wine and nourishing soups frequently taken and in small quantities. The patient * WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. 101 should be kept neither too cool nor too warm. Flesh, iisb, and strong drink should be avoided. TREATMENT. Flour or stàrch, or cabbage leaves, deprived of their stam'and softened in boiling water, may be applied to the part affected. Cloths wet'with vinegar and water, with a little camphorated spirits will sometimes miti- gate the pains of the patient (see also my mode of treatment of erysipelas, under the head of diseases of infanta.)* When the disease is mild, keep the patient neither too warm, nor too colti; give hjm a tea made of peàch tree leaves ito drink, or cream of tartar and sul- phur to keep the bowels ppen. If the fever be high and the pulse hard bleeding will be necessary. The feet should be bathed in warm water. Sharp smapisms or poultices may be applied tó the extremities and a blister between the shoulders.. A drink may be given the patient four times a day, of the following ingredi- ents. Put two drachms of cream of tartar and half a drachm of nitre into his ordinary drink. If a mortificatian is likely to ensue, bark poultices should be applied and often rèrtewed, or cloths dipped in camphoratedspirits. Should the swelling'suddenly subside, the color of the inflammation change, the pulse beconie weak, and the patient feel .great oppression and anxiety; sinapisms should be put io the feet and warm toddy should be •taken freely to strike out the pustules ; and in such a 'flease the treatment prescribed in the nervous fever will be proper. Those, who are subject io frequent attacks of this tlisease, should keep their temper, noi indulge in vio- lent passions, drink cold water, avoid nourishing food, and live principally on milk and cooling fruits; take care to keep the bowels in a soluble state. They may also drink beer and buttermilk. 8C2 WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. INFLAMMATION OF THE BRAIN Inflammation of the brain is often superinduced by- night Avatching, hard stutly, frequentinebriety, by vio- lent passion, by imprudent exposure to the sun, ston- page of customary discharges or the sudden and im- prudent repulsion of erruptive maladies. Symptoms. "\Vhile the disease is forming, a pain is feltin the head, the eyes are red, inflamed and un- able to bear the light; the face flushes, the patient is incapante of sleep or his restis distaibetl and troubled; the skin dry; the bowels costive; the urine suppfessed; delirium; picking the clothes and an extreme suscepti- bility of the whole nervous éystem. The pulse i» al- so disordered, imbecile, irregular and tremulous or strong and hard; the arteries of the templcs and neck usually throb and beat violentlyl The patient is some times remarkable for a suìlen taciturnity, and some times for his outrageous contluct under the influence of sudden delirium. Unfavorable symptoms are starting of the nenes, total deprivatimi of sleep; retention of urine,continual spitting and grinding the teeth. A copi- ous perspiration, discharge of blood from the uose, a a dysentery, or plentifili evacuation of urine are con- sidered favorable indicatioiìs. Regimen. The patient should be soothed and qui- eied and humored as far as possible. Even when he wants things hurtful he should noi be readily denied but some excuse should be offered for postponing tlie gratification of his wishes iinmediately. ContradictiOn will ruffle and irritate and mayr increase his malady.— He should be kept in a dark room and perniitted to lireathe fresh cool air. His diet should be light,as pan- ada, gruel acidulated with juice of lemons or jelly of currents, ripe fruits, preserves, &c. His drink should be cooling and diluent as colti water, whey, a decoction of barley and tamarinds, or tamarinds and water. WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. 108 i TREATMENT. The patient should be bled copiously in the com- mencement of this disease. Calomel should then be given, and it should be succeeded by a large cooling cathartic. If the patient be weak and not very able to bear the lancet, leaches to the tempie will extract the blood more gradually and with equal efficacy, or cupa may be used io the back of the head, foréheatl and tem- pie». The head may be cooled by cloths filled with ice, or wet with vinegar and water laid on it. Also where the malady proves intractable and unyielding, the head may be 'shaved and blistered. The feet may be bathed in warm water orsiuapisms applied to them. Nitre should be thrpwn liberally into bis drink. Stim- ulating clysters or active purges should be employed to evacuate the intestines. To counteract the tendency of the blood to the head, the patient should be kept as nearly as possible in an erect posture. Blisters may also for the same purposebe applied between tlie shoul- ders. Where s tu por or unsteadiness of minti contin- ue», after the violence of the disease is removed, it will be best alleviateti by moderate exercise and the total abstiuence from ali mental occupation. Occasionai relief has sometimes been obtained from the camphor, bark with valerian, other tonic medicines, cold bathing and keeping the in testine»' geutly open. Whenever any customary evacuation has been stopped, whether naturai or artificìal, the most effectual exertions and means should be employed to restore it. The princi- pal object in this disease is to diminish the quantum of blood in the brain and rctard its ascent to the head. 104 WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. INFLAMMATION OF THE EYES, OR SORE EYES. Inflammation of the eyes originate» from injuries io the eye or parts adjacent, from dust or sand getting under the eyelids. Sudden transitions from darkness to a very brilliant. tlazzling light, looking steadfastly on the sun, riding in the snow when the sun is shining on it; nightwatching, reading or writing by candle-light; acrid fumes of nietals, frequent intoxication by spirit- uous liquors, a venereal taint, or a scrofulous or gouty habit. It may also proceed from other diseases or a bad habit of body. TREATMENT. External applications will effect a. cure where the disease is mild and moderate. The eyes may be wash- ed in simple rose water, eight grains of white vitriol dissolved in a gill of spring Avater, or a lotion made of the pith of small sassafras twigs. When the disease is violent, the patient should be bled, a blister may he applied to the back of bis neck, and the intestines should be evacuated by purging. The heat in the eyes may be allayed by the application of cloths, frequently Avetted with cold water, to the eyes. After the inflam- mation has subsided, they may be washed with cold AVa- ter, or water and brandy. Take twenty grains of sugar of lead and as much white vitro!, dissolAre them in half a pint of spring water. After it has settled pour off the clear liquor. This makes a good lotion; the eyes may be repeatedly washed with it during the day, and two or three folds of linen moistened with it may be applied to the eyes during the night. When the inflammation is distillate, modera practitioners have recommended the application of a blister over the eyes and adjacent parts, carefully laying a fine linen rag, or two or three folds of gauze over theeyestoprevent any injury to the eye ball. WRIGHT'S, FAMILY MEDICELE. 105 Alum curii-is a beneficiai application when the^ eyes are weak. The alum may be dissolved in water, tlie ratio one dradim to half a pint; the white of an egg may be also added. Few things are better than bathing the face and eyes every morning in cold water. In difficult and violent cases of this disease, the eye sometimes adheres to the upper eyelid. The lid should be càrefully raised and' cautiously separateti with a round edged scalpel. An ointment made of half a drachm of white vitriol with as much clean fresh hog's lard, may be applied successfully in inveterate cases.— Mercurial ointment is also sometimes recommended.— The ointments shoultl be softened by a gentle heat, ap- plied by means pf a fine carnei hair pendi in the eve- ning and kepi on during the night. &■ solution of vit- riol, fifteen grains to an ounce of water, may be applied two or three times a day to cicatrize ulcers, carefullv washing aAvay the redundant fluid with a little colti water. Laudanum is also sometimes applied Avith ben- eficiai results. Spots on the eyes are sometimes removed by blowing finely powdered Avhite sugar into the eye.t* An equal quantity of white vitriol is Sometimes added to it.— Sometimes calomel is blown into the eye for the same purpose. Persons Avho bave weak eyes should remain in a dark room, or cover the eye with a piece of green silk so as to exclude from it ali light. '* MUMPS. This disease is believed to be contagious. Symptoms. Itcommences with a moderate fever, a stiffness of the neck and swelling under the lowerjaw, on one or both sides. The patient shoultl confine him- self to the house, and be defended from cold by wear- ing flannel over the part affected. His diet should be spare and his drink diluting. Sometimes the swelling 106 WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICENE. « about the lower jaw subsides, and tumors affect the testicles of men and thebreasts of Avomen. In these cases the bowels should be kept open by a gentle ca- thartic, and every precaution used to avoid cajdiinsf cold; the ^patient shoultl be b!ed; purges and copling drinks shoultl he given, and cloths with lead Avater and cold vinegar and water should be applied to the tumi- fied part. Cold poulticesof Ijght bread and milk, or flax seed are alsO recommended. The sAvelled testi- eie should also be tied up or supported by a handker- chief or bas:. As long as the disease i» confined to the throat, but little danger is to be apprehended.- Ai before obsérv- ed, cold is tpbeguarded against. Flannel should be worn round thè neck, which should be anointed with a little fresh butter. If the disease falls into the testicles of men, or the breasts of women, the parts should be sweated over pine top» boiled in water, and afterAvards annointed with fresh butter. The bowels should be kept open by gentle laxatives. * FAL.LING OF THE PALATE, • * The falling of the palate is attended with a tickling inthe.thioat, and sorenessof the tongue. It proceeds generarTy from a foul stomach. TREATMENT. Take of sage tea half a pint, vinegar and honey two ounces of each and half adrachm of alum, and wash the throat with it. Alum water will answer the sam» purpose. Apply salt and pepper to the elongated pal- ate by means of the handle of a spoon. If ali these measures fail, give an emetic. * WRIGHTS FAMILY MEDICEE. * . 107 COLD. Colds are causedby sudden obstructions of perspi- ration, and are often attended with a slight degreeof fever. The hosé is stopped 'up, the breast oppressed, pain in the head is felt, and great lassitude of body.— Where the colti is slight, no particular regimen need be pbserved; where it is more severe, the patient should nbstain from strong diet and spirituous liquors, and subsist on light food, such as chicken soup, panada or ^eL ;: '■':■*. ^< TREATMENT. v A drink of cold water when going to bed, sometimes affords relief. -A common prescription is bathing the feet in moderately Avarm Water, wiping them dry and retiring to bed. Great care shoultl be exercised tp avoid taking fresh cold. A glass of good spring water in which ha» been d'ssoWedien or fifteen grains of ni- tre, may be drunk every'lioui- òr two with beneficiai consequences. If it increase» the cough, it may ^be discontinued. Àn emetic seldb ì'i fair» to re move the complaint. Where.the attack is violent, the patient may beh" ed, and bis bowels should! be kectjn a laxa- tive state by some eoo,ing..a;jer;cnt medicine. 'An in- 'fusAon of sencka snake root may be taken to induce perspiration and diluent drinks, balm tea, ground ivy tea, flax seed or Avine Avhey. Where the.head is par- ticular1; y affected.,,sieaming'it over hot water is some- times recommended. This is done by surrounding the head with a piece of flannel and letting it extend down over tlievessel cÒntaining the* warm water, so as to con- vey the steam tp the head. Where there is considera- ble painin thè forehead, a b'ister on the back of the neck will 'commonly afford relief. If the nose is mudi stuffed, grease it with a little tallow,. or Avash it fre- quently with a mucilage of thepithof sassafrasorgum l(fe WRTGHTS FAMILY MEDICENE. Arabie. Small portion» of nitre dissolved in the mouth and swallowed avìII relieve a slight inflammation of the throat. Onions roasted are also sometimes applied to the feet and neck. To mitigate a cough, where it is distressirfg, drinking flax seed tea or barley Avater, or take a tea spoonful of a mixture of equal portion» of sweetoil and honey, or Avhen going to bed ten or fifteen drops of laudanum, or a tea spoonful of paregoric will usually allay the cough and give ease. Where the complaint has been long continued, inhaling the vapor of warm water impregnated with vinegar or camphor has often been employed to arrest its progress. The steam may be conveyed to the mouth by means of a tunnel, or the spout of a tea or coffee pot. Often after the cold is relieA7ed, a soreness remain». A table spoonful of the infusion of seneka snake- root, with one fourth honey, taken every two or three hours, is well calculated to relieve it. The throat may also be Washed frequently with it. Colds often by neglect and inattention,- produce seri- ous consequences; sometimes they terminate in quinsey, consumption or rheurnatism; it is the part of wisdom, therefore to atiendto them carefully, and have them re- moAreil speedily, so that health and life be preserved. * COUGH*: ;■ Is produced by various causes. '^When it is the effect of another tlisease, it. can only be removed hy eradicaiing the originai malady. Where it originatés from the stomach, vomits and purgatives should be giv- en. After cleansing this organ, it should be stimulated and strengthenetl. $Hiere it proceeds from the lungs, a bnrgundy pitch plaster may be applied between the shoulders. Calo: mei in small doses may be given, and a tea spoonful every two or three hours of a mixture made by pouring WKJGirPS FAMILY MEDICINE % m two drachms of nitric acid into ajbout eigìit oundetf of water. Wcnien when in the batter stage», of r-regnancy art. often troubled with a. cough. It maybe cured or allt- viated by moderate bleeding» aud purging. . • A cough muy sometimes be removed by t'he-warir bath, and sometimes by the cold bath àhd taking barks. moderate exercise and nourishing diet. If a glow oi Trai mth does not succeed the effusionof cold water, it ought to be di*<.vntiiiued. If the barjc stop» perspira- tion, it also i» injuiioùs. Calomel combined with squUls in small doses is a very eiluclual remedy i'i ob- atinatecougha. The tinct-irc of tolu sweetenéd vvitii honey is a \cry useful medicine. A tea spuentr! .of it may be taken two or three tflres'a day. vT:iny:t- ter in ay also be drunk with beneficiai resilits,' or tar uniteti with bark and made intCpillijmn v be admkpih' tered-six times a day, with'./ salutary consequences.— Old peuple who are oppresseti Avi|h coughs • ,ay 4\y solve ten or fifteen grains of gum animouiac it: idnger tea, or mipt water aud drink it, *- * ---■- • ' ' V INFiiAMlLlTION OF THE STOMACH.' Inflammation of the stomach may proceed from obstructed perspiration, from aeriti gubsiances, stroru; poisons or emetics taken into the stomach, or drinking colti liquors when the body i» beateti. It may also originate from external injuries, or hard antl indi- gestible subitanee» received into the stomach. Symptoms. Great restlessness and anxiety, a fixed pain and burning heat in the stomach, Avhich is always augmented bv takins; anv kind of food or drink into t'ob stomach;. nausea, sickness, vomiting and great thirst. Tii2 pulse is intermitting and quick,^couvuìsions are sometimes felt, and coldness of the e^uei ities anta claniiny sAA^eats indicate a fatai iesiut, J* HO WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE- ' Regimex. The patient's food must be light, tliitl, not too cool, nor too warm and easy of digestion. Light toasted bread dissolved in boiling water, or weak chick- eu soup avìII he most suitable. His drinks may be bar- ley water^or mucilage of gum Arabie. Ali accrimoni- ous stimulating food should be avoided. TREATMENT. Copious bleeding is absolutely necessary: bathing in warm Avater as long as the patient can bear it, will be beneficiai. When taken out he should be wiped dry, a blister should be applied to the stomach. The boAv- els should also be kept gerìtly open Avith mild glysters of water gruel or weak soup with the addition of a lit-, tie salt petre and sugarci* sweet oil. Inflammation of the stomach sometimes occurs in putrid diseases. It is discovered by inflammatory ap- pearances on the inside of the mouth. When the fauce« and mouth are so affected in fevers, it is to be feared that it reaches the stomach; especially if that organ kshows unusual susceptibility accompanied with fr«- quent1 vomiting. Thè progress of the disease will be arrested by giving a tea spoonful of the spirits of turpentine in a little water. This medicine is well cal- culated to prevent grangrene and mortification, and must be given more or less frequently according to the urgency of the symptoms. Inflammation of the Intestines. In this disease, the symptoms somewhat resembk those in inflammation of the stomach. The pain is somewhatlower down, and if possible, more acute, and the puking more violent. The abdomen swells, cos- tivenéss prevails, soreness about the navel, extreme Aveakness, a weak fluttering pulse, a pale countenance aud fetid breath. WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. Ili Regimèn. The diet should be exceedingly light, and in small quantities. His drink should be weak and diluting. The patient's mind should be soothedand placated, avoitling exposure to cold and every cause of irritation. After the malady is conquered, he should stili be absiemious in his food, eat nothing difficult of digestion or calculated to produce flatulence. TREATMENT. The danger of mortification is great; relief must be given soon, or every effort will be vain. The treatment should pretty much resemble that of inflammation of thè stomach. The patient should be bled freely; laxative clysters may be given repeatedly; the AVarm bath may be resorted to and a blister laid on the belly. Cupping over the part particularly affected is sometimes ajdopt- ed. Very little medicine can be at^ninistered by mouth in this disease; but emollient clysters will, in some meas- ure, answer the same purpose. A table spoonful of ol- ive oil maybe given with safety. After the exacerba- tion of the disease has subsided, calomel or castor oil, not rancid; may be administered. Laudanum may be used in injections. Sometimes the colie is combined with this malady. Cloths, in which pounded ice has been wrapped, or which have been wet with cold wa- ter laid on the part affected, or a pailful of cold Avater thrown over the belly, has sometimes been effectual in removing the spasm. COLIC This disease is attended* with costivenéss and an acute pain in the bowels. The part affected appears to be painfully stretched. There are different kinds of colie, as the flatulent, the bilious bysteiùcand nervoue. ■l'i WRIGI1TS FAMILY MP:i»iClNL. 'O^bsss. Indigestihle aliment, unripe fruHs, meatti dimenìi óf di*estion,fermenting-liquors, windy vep?- tabl'es, acrid: bile, costivenéss, drinking acids, offa ì' dis- eases inqàjppuTy or imperfectly cured, obstructed per- sjiiratioiuar.c. TREATMENT. Wfien this disease projeetK fromfl.'itulcnce, as ma;y be ascertained from the rumbling of the Bowels, the wanderinc; of the vapor to diilercu^parts, and the ease vpetienced IVom the cjeclion of Avind; a glass' of good spiiit^or ad* si of luudaiium,' will at thé|conimeuce- uierft give immediate relief 3* eepiug the feet in Avanr. watar,$or ruKMifg 4kem ì;ì::Ì the legs with warm cloihc is'^óficn an eHectual i;-ìnedyÌ!i flatulent colie, 13'.;t ir, o*hey spcies of thisuli^ease, liquor, hot medicines aw; tl^se that disperse wind Should. Jffe avoided as perni io is, [iutl sometimes Alai.* In full habits,■ bleeding is advisable to'prevent. fili- infia min a f iort; calUartù'-;, calore:1!, salts or se.ma-and manna should he administered, assisted by stimulating gllsters^ The Avarm balli* may be tried, or ilanuel Avr*n^ out of ){<)>.water, shoultl bi applied to the part aJTected. Tobacco glysters may also be given, and in :*.ses of tlilìfi-.'ultyj iUJbli-ter on the belly will be highly salutary. Where aTTpiese application» fail, opium and caloiiie! in large-doses should be administered. Sb. grains of opium aud twenty of .-aloinel bave been giv- en at once, and succeeded by one thirtl of that dose every tAVo hours until it operateti; and by thi.' directed to stand on the floor., and to have apail of Ava- tèr thrown on his feet, and ibis remedy is also reported to have been often successful. To stop vomiting in this disease. au infu^ion of columbo may b<; giverr, fiannels.. Wrung out of spirits in v/hich garden m:nt or peppei mini has been boiled, and appliod to. the, pìt of LVj WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE 113 stomach will sometime relieve. When the feet are cold, Avarni applications should be made to them, and a blister may be laid onthe backof the neck. An ano- dye injection may also be administered; and if the first is ineffectual or discharged immediately, it may be repeated until it produces the desired effect. 0$t—,------ :ir BILIOUS COLIC. Tìie main design is to open the bowels. This I do by giviug large doses of castor oil and laudanum com- bined. When this is not to be had, I make a strong decoction of white walnutbark and give itto the patient to drink and at the same time use it as an injection. Those who have once had the bilious colie, are aftcr- wards often liable to its ravages. Such may be reliev- ed from its attacks by taking the^tincture of gum guià- cum, a large spoonful three timès a day for severa! months. AfterAvards they need no more fear its retura or the violence of itsassaults. INFIiAMMATION OF THE KIDNEY. This malady may be producedby wound» or bruis- es of the kidneys, by calculons concretions lodged in them, by active diuretic medicines, by hard exercise, by lying too soft or top much on the back, by spasms in theurinary vessels or by exposure to cold. Symptoms. Some degree of fever, a severe paia about the small of the back; a numbnefes and stuppr along the thigh ; the urine pale or reddish, voided gen- erally in small quantities and with difficulty; endeavorà./ to vomit or atleast nausea; great uneasiness when'. attempting to walk or sit. The pain in this tlisease is eeated farther back than in the colie. The difficulty of orine is another distinguishing symptom. 114 WRIGHT'S FAMILY AD3DICINE. Rbgimen. The diet should be thin and light r as panada, custards, arrow root, sago, milk^nfce Avater, flax seed tea. Thepatientshquld be kept quiet and easy, and free from cold Avhile any appearances of inflamma- tion contìnue, When the patient begins to recover; moderate exercise in the open air will be prò per and advantageous. Ali stimulating food should bè avoid- ed. ? |. TREATMENT. In'this disease, the hoAvels should be kèptopen; the patient. jihould be bled freely; cloths digpedrin a hot decoction of canfpntfle, Or hot Avater sliould be applied as.near as may be, to the part.affectéd. Emolient clys- ters may also he iYetpientJy administered and diluling ' Imuérs, thin gruel, orftaxseeij tea^ Avith small quantities ofvnitre. • A decoction of peach tree leaves is often use- ful in this complaint. f Come degree of inflammation on the small of the back iuternally,' may?aid in reliev-ipg t^è internai'pain. < It may be exciiedb^the, application of ilaunel tlippedin hartshorn or tincture of Spanish flies. After the. symptoms'haA'e someAvhat abatetl, lau* danum.may.1ie used Avith advan.tagc.- Where abscesses bave been formed, twenty. or thirty .drops of balsam copaivi tAvice a day. for teli or fifteen days should be used. Barks also will be^propcr. ' Chalybeale Avaters; sudi as Lee's springs, avLÌ also be found highly benefi- ciai. • My remedy iato boli a doublé haiitffulof sooi in ^avo quarts of'Avater down tóhalf that quantity, stralli it. and Jet it stand. 11 uni to ashes upland grape vine and as ofi.2ii as he drinks.of the soot Avater, throw in a little of the aslies,'.so as not io make it jdisagree with the patients stomacai. The bowels should be;kept open by giving an equal misture.of sulphur and cream of tartar : the' p*atìe'nt should use onions in bis diet. a WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICELE. 115 INFLAMMATION OF THE. 'BLADDER Is known by a sìiarp pain at the bottom of the belly, and sometimes by a considerable uneasiness in the lower part bf the back. It is» aitended with a difficulty of Aoiding urine, a great desire to make it, and a frequent incliiiation to go to stpol., Itmay,be occasioiied by pb- structions in the urethra, by suppression of urine, by the formation of calculous .coneretions or by externàl violence. - ■•. TREATMENT., ' Where the urine is retained entirely, it will be pru- dent to abstain as much as possible from drinking.— Gumarabic kept ih the mouth, will protect the inflamed parts and not be otherwise injuripius. This disease is to be treated very mudi as in an inflaramatipn of the kidneys. A catheter must be sometimes employed to draw off the Avater, but it shoultl be 'used with great paution and care. Strong diuretic medicines often aug- ment the danger. Mild applications are the safest and most beneficiai. To soi'ten the inflammation, Avatep moderately warm may be throAvn by a syringe up into the bladder. For the same purpose, a tea of slippery eira bark, Avhen cool, and a weak preparation of sugar of lead, dissolved in cold water, may be used. INFLAMMATION OF THE OVER. Inflammation in this part of the system is occasiona edby snddenly cooling the liver after it has been con- siderably heated, by drinking strong liquors, by spicy • aliments, calculous obstructions to the course of the bile, by excessive obesity and by hépatic tumors. Symptoms; A painful tension on the right side un- der the false ribs, some degreé of fever, a sense of weight or fullness, difficulty of respiration, thirst, loath- 116 WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE "mg of food, and a yelloAvish color oì the'skin and eye». When the inflammation is acute, the pain is more severe. andascends to the shoulder; when the inflammation is du;ofqic, the symptoms" are less defined and ci ear, and such as are common to other diseases, as windiness and frequent eructations; a failure of appetite, uneasiness ìnthe region of the liver, an obscure fever, languor, wafcefulness and oppression. As the disease advances, the countenance.becomes livid and the eyes of a dull white; emaciation of body follows and a hoarse dry cough. Finally jaundice, dropsical symptoms and com- plicated ailments, overAvhelm the sinking patient.} Regimen. The food should be light, thin,aqd easy of digestion, fresh beef or fowls or yeal; the drink should be cooling and diluting. TREATMENT. In this diseas, at the beginning, bleeding copiously is necessary; the bowels should be kepi open by a genti*, purgative, and a blister may he applied to the part a"f- fected to divide the inflammation. In chronic inflammatfons, the most judicious prac- tice seems to be, to charge the system with mercury, after moderate evacuations by bleeding ànd purging.— Two or three drachms of Mercurial ointment' may for this purpose be rubbetl on the part affected, or on the internai part of the legs and thighs every morning and evening, or one or two pills may be taken night and morning, continuing the mode adopted until it produces spitting, or what the physicians cali ptyalism, or over- comes the disease. After the abatement of the fever, the chlybeate pili or bark and seneka snake root may be administered.—- When the patient is mudi debilitated, or of scorbutk habit, one or two drachms of nitric acid, diluted in a quart of water may be giveu to the patient at first in small doses, and gradually increased. This medicin» should not be discontinued until it affects the mouth. WRIGHTS FAMTLY MEDICELE. IH Where obstructions are formed in the spleen orindu- rations, the course above prescribed should be pursued. CHOLERA MORBUS, OR VOMIT1NG AND PURGING. This disease has recently prevailed abundantly in our country, It is attributed to various causes, to a redundant acrimony of bile; eating food that becomes rancid in the stomach, as cold fruits, bacon, cucumbers, metons, cherries or old butter; taking strong, acrid purges, or emetics or poisons. It is also sometimes occasioned by violent affections of the mind, or by ob- structed perspiration. Its commencement is preceded by heart burning, sour eructations, fiatulencies and pain in the intestines. Then comes on excessive puk ing and purging of green or yellow orblackish colored bile. Violent griping pains are fdt; the stomachi» greatly distended; the pulse quick and unequal; the thirst extraordinary, and often an acute pain about the navel. Violent hickuping, fainting and convulsions are indications of approaching death. TREATMENT. Give a large dose of calomel; after it has operated, give seven or eight drops of spirits of camphor on white sugar, then at night, to procure sleep, a tea spoon- ful of paregoric. Apply alsoto the belly flannel dip- pedin camphorated spirits, or a poultice of mustardand vinegar, or a blister of Spanish flies. Hot water or ehicken soup may also be drunk with advantagé.— Where there are no indications of cramp in the stom- ach, an emetic will often arrest its progress. If the patient is full of blood, the lancét should be used. If acrid bile is thrown up, an emetic of salt and water K L20 WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. VOMITING. Vomiting may be caused by the transfer of other diseases to the stomach, by the sudden stoppage of cus- tomary discharges, by the*acri mony of food, by debili- ty of stomach, the colie, a rupture, worms ora fit of the gravel or poison taken internally. It may be occasion- ed by pregnancy, riding in the stage, by violent pas- aions or by a strong and vivid conception of disagreea- ble objects. Often itproceeds from a foul stomach. TREATMENT. Where indigestion is the cause, the vomiting should be aided by drinking Avarm Avater or thin gruel, or by a dose of ipecacuanha, worked off with camomile tea. Where vomiting is produced by the stoppage of some habitual evacuation, endeavors ought to be used to re- r*ew and restore it. If that cannot be done, the object may be attained by bleeding, purging, blistering bathing the feet in warm water and similar applica- tion». When pregnancy is the cause, it may be mitigateli by bleeding occasionally, and keeping the body in a laxà- tive state. Vomiting with women in this condition most frequently occurs when they rise in the morning, and may proceed from their sudden change of position, as well as the emptiness of their stomach. A cup of cof- fee drank by them in bed, will be a preventative. Preg- uant women should avoid the tAvo extremes of hunger and repletion, eat often and but little at a time, so that their stomach may never be over loaded, weakness may be prevented and their health promoted. If vomiting originates fromimbecility of stomach,bitters, bark infused in brandy or wine, with a small portion of rhubarb to prevent costivenéss will be salutary. Fif- teen or twenty drops of vitriol taken in a glass of wine, La a good remedy. WRIGHTS FAMILY MEDICENE. 18! Alkaline purgative», as a tea spoonful of magnesia alba in a dish of tea three or four times a day, is well suited to keep the bowels open and correct acidities where they produce puking. Where the violence of the passions is the cause of this malady, evacuations are injurious; the minti should be kepi easy and cheerful, and gentle cordials adminis- tered, as negus, brandy and water into which a fèv< drops of laudanum has been throAvn. When the stomach is spasmodically affected, mush »nd castor oil may be itsed, also cimiamoli or mini tea, or wine with" spiceries boiled in it. A drachm of the salt of tartar dissoh'ed in an ounce and a half of lemon juice, mingling with itan ounce of peppermint .water, and an ounce of cinnamon water is unusually effi- cacious in stopping a vomiting. This draught may be swallowed every ìavo hours, and should be taken befon- the effervescence ceases. Cupping over the region in also often an eftectual remedy. Immediate exercise, a» it will be apt to renew the vomiting after it has been stopped, should be avoided Tlie diet should be easy of digestion, and solid food will generally be found to be preferable. . THE DIABETES. TtfE^liabetes, Oran excessive discharge of urine in a disease that frequently attacks hard drinkers, those who have been engaged in seA^ere and extraordinary la- bors, or those whose constitutions have been injured, and who are on thè decline of life. It is a consequence of fevers, excessive evacuations, or great fatigue, of using strong stimolati ng medicines, tincture of canthari- des or spirits of turpentine, or of drinking minerai waters in large quantities. It is sometimes• caii9ed by the relaxation of the organs that secrete the? urine, or by; thekidneys being too highly stimuìated. K* I *7-) ■ ■ ' * ■ - '■" ■■■ SvproMs. An excessive discharge of urine, ex- ceeding in quantity ali the liquitl food taken by the patient. He is continualy tbirsty and feverish. He becomes weak, his appetite decline», bis body Avastes away and sinks down to a state of extreme emaciation and debility. His bowels are full of heat, ami a swel- ling appears not unfrequeutly in the loins and feet.— The urine is of a faintisb sweet taste and a pleasant smeli. Regi 11 t.N. The food should be mostly soliti. Vin- egar, juice of lemon and acids should be used to quench the thirst. Oysters are said to be good. Lime water, in Avhich oak bark has been soaked is recommen- ded as a salutary drink. The patient's bed should be hard and not too warm. The flesh brusii shoukl be us- ed, and flannel worn to promote perspiration. A plas- ter on the back will bave astrengthening tendency.. TREATMENT. Tlie usuai mode of treatment has been io endeavor to give tone to the kidneys, and to produce sweating or a» the physicians cali it, deternline the fluid.» to the skin. Medicines that increase perspiration are cer- tainly proper. Opium combined with ipecacuanha, or antimonials, removal to a milder and more beneficent climate, and the use of the warm bath bave sometimes produced a cure. Purgatives should be employed no further than io keep the bowels open. Astringénts that pass off by the urine as uva ursi, or mild stimulants which operate on thekidneys, as capivi, may correct the laxity ot the organs, where that is the cause of the dis- ease. The following prescription has been sometimes known to cure.—Take the root of red dogwood, wash it clean, peal off the outside bark, scrape of 'the in side bark as much a» a doublé handful; saw up as much pf the root a» will make a handful; put these in a jag with half a gallon of spring water, add two third» of an ounce of aloe»—let it stand twenty four hour» or WRIGHT'S FAMILY M ,SDiC i \ ri. 123 two days—drink of it as often as } ou can, so as not to turn the stomach. INCONTINiSNO^ ÒF UUINE. This disease is an involuntary discharge of urine, which passe»off in drops, but there is no augmentalion of quantity. It originate» fYoni a relaxation of the «phiucter uf the bladder, from injuries by blows, bruis- ce or preternatural labors. It may be a consequence of palsy or fever, or of taecoutinued use of strong diuretics. TREATMENT. A large blisteronthe lower part of the back bone avìII give relief where the disease is the effeet of a relaxation of the sphincter of the bladder. Astringent and stirali- lating medicine» will ofien mitigate it. In obstinatG case» the colti bath and the chalybeate pili, or other ionie medicines, as columbo, bark, steel, lime water and nitric acid may be used beneficially. Throwing cold water on the genitals is also sometimes practised. Ten or tAvelve drops of cantharitles every three or four hours is said tobe an excelìent remedy. Half a pint of alum whey, made pretty strong, and taken every night and morning has sometimes been commended.— Small doses of rhubarb occasionally will prevent cos- tivenéss, and prove beneficiai. Suppression or Hifficulty of Urine, OR GRAVEL AND STONE. The suppression of urine may originate from hard taeces in the ree tu m, pregnancy, inflammation of the bladder or kidney», a contraction of the neck the of blad- -der, etones lodged in the urinary passages, tinctur* of 134 WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. cantharides taken in too large dose», extcrnal violence t or injury. TREATMENT. In ali obstructions of the urine) fomentation» and evacuations are to be commended. Bleeding is neces- ! 8ary,e9pecially if there are any appearance» of topical in- flammation. It diminishes the force of circulation, lessens the fever, relaxes the solids and removes the, spasm which may bave caused the obstruction. The ' body should be kept open by emollient clysters and gentle purgatives. Fomentations cousisting of warm water, or a decoction of camómile fioAvers should be used. Cloths dipped in either of them may be applied to the part affected. Barley water, flax seed tea, a de- ( coction of parsley roots, or marsh mallows, or water • ^ melon seeds, or mucilage of gum Arabie is often bene- ficiai. A cure is sometimes effected by giving one of the camphorated powders every three or foiir hours in ' the patient's drink. Opiates, when not given in the height of the fever are highly beneficiai. A starch glyster with laudanum, is often given. Laxatives and diuretics that are of a coolirig nature, and do not stimulate, are used ad vanta- , geoosly. The follówing mixture is also recommended I as highly salutary.—Takean Ounce of the sweet spirits of nitre, two drachms of laudanum, two of antimonial wine, give half a table spoonful in some kind of drink every hour. Where other means faiì, calomel in small doses, or mercurial ointment applied to the inside of the thighs until it slightly affeets the system, sometimes produce» a radicai cure. A discharge of urine is sometime ef- fected by throwing cold water on the legs and thighs, or walking on the wet floor; To' relieve a suppression of the urine Avhere it is occasioned by a partial palsy, & large doses of spirits of turpentine may be given, and stimulan.ts-.and a blister applied to the loins. WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. 125 Where the suppression proceeds from gravel, and when sudi is the case, it will be attended with j ain in the loins, sickness of stomach, and sometimes a dis- charge of bloody urine, an infusion of peach leaves sweetened with honey will give relief. In faci, it is said the Constant use of honey will prevent the forma- tura of the stone, and dissolve it after it has began to form. ..Five grains of the ava ursi Avith half a grain Of opium three times a day, or small doses of caustip - ' alkali, or soap lees in mucilagenious drinks, are pow~ erfully remediai in calculous obstructions. But as the nature of this latter medicine is acrid, care must be taken not to make it too strnng for the stomach, and to disguise its acrimony in lubricating liquors. To draw off the water, a catheter must sometimes be used. This with femalesis easy; with males it is a mat- ter of gréat difficulty. The man should lie on hi» backj the ©perator standing on the patient's left band, taking the penis, reclining toAvards the navel, in his left hand, introduce the catheter, thoroughly oiled, with its con- cave part towards the belly, into the,urethra, and thus gradually and gently.moving it until it passes into the bladder. But the catheter should not be used, where the blad- der is inflamed, where a tumor of the prostate grand, or stone obstruets the passage, or where the utere9 is remarkably prominent or retroverted. Where difficulty of urine is caused by blisters, the blistered part should be washed with warm milk and water, or smeared with sweetoil. A poultice of raw onions on the bottoni of the belly will often relieve a suppression of urine in children. BEEEDING AT THE NOSE. This discharge is is often salutary; in fevers, where the blood inclines to ascend to the head; in the ver- 120 WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. f tigo, the head ache or a phrenzy, or epilepsy, in the i gout, or reheumatism or inflammation of the liver and | spleen. " In any disease where bleeding is necessary> a discharge of blood ansAvers the purpose better. When the bleeding at the nose relievcs any bad symptom, it ought not to be stopped. When the discharge i» ex- cessive and Aveakening, the patient should sit up nearly erect, immerse his head in cold water, or apply cloths (; dippedin water and vinegar to his head and the back I of his neck. He may also drink cold Avater sharpened »■ Avith acids. His legs and hands may be immerseli in ■* warm water. Dry ìint, orlint dipped in alum water, V or spirits of wine, or blue vitriol dissolved in water.; or , , if these are iuconvenient, in brandy, may be put up the nostrils. A.dose of salts may also be given to evacu- ■< atethe bowels; and a draught of water, into which ten jjj or twenty grains of nitre has been thrown, may be taken M every hour or two.' Charcoal snuffed up the nose, ap- plied by a pledget of lint first wet and tlieh dippedin it j avìII also be beneficiai. Exercise immediately after the Vi blood has been stopped, avìII be apt to bring on the bleeding afresh. The terits should not be renioved, butahould be permitted to fall off* of their OAvn accord. Immersing thegenitals in cold Avater avìII generally stop a bleeding of the nose. Where the bleeding proceeds from an excess of blood, it may be corrected by a vegetable diet; but where it originale» in relaxation and imbecility, the aliment shoultl be ridi and nourishing. Barks and wine may also be used to rehovate tlie strength. Bleeding and BMnd Pìles. The piles are tumors at thelower part of the rectum; when they do not bleed, they are said to be blind. In the latter case they are often very painful. WRIGHT'S FAMDLY MEDICINE Thecauses are excess of blood, aloetic purges, high seasoned food, drinking sweet wine, neglect of cus- tomary evacuations, mudi riding, great costivenéss, violent passions or setting on damp ground. In many diseases, as gout, asthma, hypochondrical complaints, colie», inflammatory fevers and rheumatism, a flux oi" blood from the anus is peculiarly beneficiai. TREATMENT. In the management of this disease, regard must be paid to the constitution of the patient A discharge which mightbe excessive and injurious to one person, may be moderate and salutary to another. Danger is only to be apprehended when it is so abuntlant as to de- bilitate, injure digestion, and retarti the performance of the functions necessary to life. The food should be cooling and nutricious, bread, milk, and vegetables that are qotstimulating. The body should be kept gently open; this may be done by flour of brimstone, cream of tartar or molasses and water. Alineiì cloth, dipped in warm spirits of Avine, in powdered charcoal, or in a strong.solution of white vitriol or alum may be applied frequently to the fundament. An ointment made of tAA o parts of poAvdered gali» aRd eight parts of hog's lard mixed, avìII be a good topical application. Bark, nitric acid, elixir vitriol, tincture of steel, or the chaly- beatepill may be used to restore toneto the vessels.— clotl.s dipped in oìÌAre oil and bandaged on, oranoipting the part with the oil will relieve the pain. Srteamiug the part over Avarm water getie«aly gi.ves an immediate intermission to suft'erlng. A. tea spoonful of balsam capaiva taken night and morning will sometimes cure.— Mercurial ointment may be rubbed on the part affected for the sanie purpose. The piles when painful, may be opened with a lancét; the operation is easy and not dangerous. A pound of elecampane root, half a pound of black pepper and a pound and a half of fennelseeds mixed together Avith honey, will, it is said, perevent 128 WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. ; the piles from turnirig to the fistola. A glyster night \1 and morning may be used, coinposed of two drachms of y the tincture of.steel, the same quantity of laudanum and four ounces of barley water or thinstarch. Those who are liable to this disease may prevent its recunence by avoiuing costivenéss, and washing the part usually affected, frequently in colti water. The bowel should he ha.lied incolti Avater, and then anoin- ted with fresh butter, that has had no saltili it, and the flour of sulphur. SPITTING BLOOD. This disease generally attacks those of a slender form, loosefiber, with long necks and straight breast». Itmay bccaused by weak lungs, amalcohformationofthe breast, extraordinary wrestling, excessive speaking, singing or drinking. It may also be occasioned by injuries done to the lungs, by stoppage of customary evacuations, schirrous concretions, or obstructions to the circulation of the blood in the lungs. A violent cold may also produce it, or breathing air that is too warm and weak properly to expand the lungs, or it may proceed from a full habit of body. Symptoms. A sense of weight, oppression of the breast, dry tickling cough, hoarseness and difficulty of respiration, shivering, lassitude, costivenéss, flatulence, coltlness of the extremities, pain in the back and loins are among the symptoms+that usher in spitting of blood or hamoptoe. This disease is not formidable when it assails the Healthy; but is to be dreaded by the weak and delicate. Where there is a tumor in the lungs, it is difficult to be cured, and when the disease arise» from an ulcer, it is often fatai. Regimen. The patient should be kept cool and easy; ali excitement avoided, and loud talking. Hi» diet should be cooling and slender, a» panada, ricc WRIGHT'S FAMTLY MEDICINE. 129 boiled in milk, and soups. The patient may drink milk and water/whey, buttermilk, water gruel, flax seed tea, barley or rice water, sharpened with the iuice of lemma or elixir vitriol. AH stimulating liquore Should be avoided, and eyery thing taken should be quite cold. TREATMENT. The boAvèls should be kept open by laxative food, as roasted apples; if the diet should noi be sufficient to accomphsh that object, a mild purgative may occasion- ally be administered. If the disease does not proceed from contraction of the chest by debility, bleeding copi- ously avìII he necessary. Ten grains of nitre may be given in colti Avater every hour. The tincture of fox giove in smal doses is considered useful. A blister may be applied to the back or breast where there is a continued pain. This disease may he checked by tak- ing two spoonfuls of table salt dissolved in water, eve- ry two hours, or oftener. The same remedies must be nsed to aUeviate the cough, as in the common cases of cold. VOMITING BLOOD. Vomiting blood always demands serious attention. A forerunner of it is pain in the stomach, sickness, nau- sea; itis attendetl with considerable distress, and fre- quent faintings. It is occasioned by obstructed mense», by the»^toppage of the hemorrfioidal flux, by wounds inflicted on the stomach, by swallowirig hard substan- ces, by. taking strong emetics or cathartics, or acrid poisons. It may also be a consequence of obstructions in the liver, spleen, or other viscera, as well as of ex- ternal violence. X 130 WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE Women subject to hysterics, often puke blood; but \ in them it is not a dangerous symptom. TREATMENT. Emollient clysters should be given to keep the body open, and prevent the extravasated blood from remain- » ing in the system, as by putrifying, it might be the cause of a malignant fever. Cathartics should not he given until the vomiting has been stopped, and the irri- tation of the stomach has somewhat subsided. The diet and drink should be cooling, and in moderate quantities. A good remedy atsometimes is cold water, ascidulated with weak spirits of vitriol, or clysters- of cold water with forty or fifty drops of laudanum in each. If the patienfs strength will admit, where there are apearances of inflammation, bleeding will be prop- er, as also opiates in small doses, as five drops of laud- anum two or three times a day. After the puking has ceased, mild purgatives will be requisite to remove the acrimonious blood lodged in the intestines. BLOODY URINE. When blood is voided withòut pain, it flows from thekidneys; if it is emitted with heat and pain, of a dark color and in small quantities, it comes from the bladder. Where a rough stone, descending fronithe kidneys to the bladder, wounds the passages, it will be accompanied with a sharp pain and a difficulty of making water. An acute pain and a previous stoppage of urine occurs, where the coats of the bladder are wounded, and bloody urine is the consequence. Bloody urine may be produced from violent exertions, blow», carrying great bur.lens, from ulcers in the bladder, and sharp diuretic medicines. WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICELE. 131 TREATMENT. This disease is generally attended with danger; sometimes it is rather a salutary evacuation; but if il weaken the patient, medicai means should be used to prevent it from producing some permanent malady, sudi as the consumption or dropsy. Where the symptoms are of an inflammatory nature, bleeding will be salutary. The body also should be kept open by cathartic medicines, or emollient clysters. If this malady occurs in other diseases, bark and acids should be liberally used to effect a cure. Where there are evidences of an ulcer in the bladder or kid- neys, the food should be cooling* and the drink healing aud balsamic. DYSENTERY. This disease may be occasioned by damp beds, wet clothes, unwholesome diet, impure air, obstructed per- spiration and strong purges. It occurs most frequent- ly in marshy countries. Symptoms. A violent pain in the bowels; frothy, greasy stools, often streaked with blood; a Constant in- clination to go to stool. It commonly commences with chiliness, loss of strength, a quick pulse, great thirst and inclination to vomii. TREATMENT. Evacuate the bowels with calomel or castor oil, and if there are any symptoms of fever, bleed. After the boAvels are thoroughly cleansed, sudorific medicines should be given, and if the stools have not assumed a naturai appearance on the next day, keep the intestine» open by small doses of cathartics. Where the irritabili- !32 WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICENE ty of the stomach is not great, and there are no obstrdfc- tions in the liver, an emetic in weak constitutions, in the commencement of the disease is a good remedy.— A scruple pf1 calomel with five or six grains of ipeca- cuanha, or agrain of tartar emetic, and in a few hours afterwards ariose of salts or castor oil has sometimes been sucessful in stoppina; the career of this disease; when followèd by a plentiful exhibition of arrow root, the use of the warm bath, ami after the abatement of the inflammatory symptoms, an opiate atbed time. A spoonful of neAv milk and lime Avater every two or three hours may be given where ascidity, sour belching» and flatulency prevali. To reiìeve pains in the bÒAvets and the teasinginclination to go to stool, frequent injec- tions of flax seed tea, with a table spoonful of lauda- num may be used. Where there is danger of an inflammation, the Avarm bath may be resorteifto, or the application of fomeuta- tions to the belly. A blister also Avillthen be necessary. Charcoal, columbo and bark and wine should be ad- ministered, \vhere there i» fear of putridity, and for a •)urge rhubarl». Common salt disolved in vinegar or lemon juice has been considered an efficious medicine. Relief is some- ( times found from bathing the patient eA'ery night and morning in a decoction of oak bark impregnated with spirits. The following medicine has been highly coramended a» aspecificin this disease, Avhere thereis no fever. Take three drachms of Avhite vitriol, two drachms of alum, half an ounce of spirit of lavender, and a pint of ,' boiling water. When mixed, a table spoonful every morning is a dose for an adult;- an opiate should also be administered at bed time. In reference to the abové solution, the quantity of alum may be dìminished when evacuations are necessary, or the alum may be increascd and the vitriol lessened, when great astrin- gency i» required. ■* WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. 13$ Regimen. Sago, panada, gruel, arrow root, or rautton soup should constitute the food during the vio- lence of this disease, and cooling drinks, as rice water, flax seed tea, ormucilage of gum Arabie or sassafras. When the patient has been weakened in the progress of the disease, or is young or old, more nourishing diet may be allowed him. Ripe fruits and milk have alone been known sometimes toeffect a complete cure. The air of the room should be frequently purified by ventilation and by fumigating it Avith vinegar. Cleanliness should be especially regarded. The foeces should be speedily removed; offensive odors avoided, and the cloihing and bedding frequently changed. Those who haAre been cured of this disease are liable to a relapse; to avoid which, they should abstain from fermented liquors, except a glass of good wine, from soliti food, as fish and flesh, and live principaljy on milk and vegetables. When a patient becomes con- convalescent, gentle exercise and pure air will. greatly aid in re-establishing his health. Riding on borse bade or in a carriage, avìII be found highly beneficiai. BXOODY FLUX, A few grains of calomel should be given; after a;t interval of six or seven hours, a dose of castor oil with twenty drops of laudanum. As soou as it has ceased to operate, adecoctionof pleurisy rootshouldbe used. If the patient become bilious, a few grains of calomel should again be administered, followed by castor oil and laudanum. The pleurisy tea should also be continued. If the disease should not yield to this treatment, a blis- ter should be applied over the belly. L* . H WRIGHT'S FAMILY CEDICENE HEAD ACHE. The head ache may he occasioned by an obstruction of the free circulalion of the blood. It may proceed from stoppage of the customary evacuations, from cold- nvss of the extremities, from foul stomach. Sometimes it may be caused by the retrocessiou of some other dis- vile, by indigesto!!, or by inanition.. A A'ioìent fixed head ache wiiì occasion great imbeciìity, take away appetite, hinder sleep and produce vertigo, convulsions, grakiug, a noise Lì the ears and tlimness in the sight.— !t i-4 often symptomatic of fevers, and accompanioa ijysteric and hypochondriac complaints. TREATMENT. An emetic avìil be the proper remedy, if the head' udì e is produced by foulnes of stomach, and afterAvards columbo should be taken three times a day. Bleeding md cathartic medicine» Avi 1 be proper where the per- son is of full habit of body. Where the pain return» periodically, and proceeds from debility, it may be cur- ed' by first giving a purgo antl then usiug freely bark and inake root twice or three tinic^ every day. Bathing Lhe feet in warm water at bed time, a blister on the back of the neck, and seneka snake root tea, to excile per- spiratiou will be the proper treatment Avhere the head ache 16 caused by rheumatism. Where the head ache comes on periodically, large doses of 'audamim imme- diately before its expected attack, may prevent its re- turn. Where it is attended with colti skin, a cloth which has been imbued with ether placed immediately over the pain, will afford relief. Cayenne peper mixed with snuif has also been recommended in nervous head aches. Persons who are subject to paroxisms of this kind of head ache sometimes find relief by drinking large quantities of wine, from a pint to a quart at a time. Whiskey also made into a very strong glass of Avario WRIGHTS FAMILY MEDICINE. 133 tody,in the proportion oftwo thirds spiritandone third warm Avater, and drank in considerable quantities, has been known in violent cases, to afford relief. An emet- ic hoAvever, would probably be the most speedy reme- dy. Where the extremities are colti, circulation may be promoted by bathing the feet in warm water, and applying to them. mustard. Wearing flannel next the skin will be beneficiai, and aid in promoting perspiration. Vinegar and cold water applied to the head is sometimes found to bc salutary. Add of lemon, it is said, avìII relieve this complaint. Where this disease is OAvingto an excess of blood, bleeding will be necessary. Attacks of the head ache may be prevented by wash- ing the head every morning incolti water, by keeping the boAvels in a soluble state, the feet Avarm, lying with the head high, and by observing abstemiousness in eating TOOTH ACME In no disease, may it Avitb more truth be said, that prevention is better than cure. The teeth shou ti be kept clean. They shoultl be washed with a tooth brush dipped in moderately Avarm water and char eoa! or oth- er good tooth poAvder. The tooth pick shou'ti be con- stantly used, and tlie mouth ahvr.y» rincetl Avith water after eating. Those avIio wish to preserve their teeth, must never drink tea or coffee scading hot, nor Avater excessively colti. By ncg'ecting this precaution, thousands ruin their teeth, and bring upon themselves the exeruciating pains of the tooth ache. TREATMENT. The only infallib'e cure is extraction. If the tooth is but partially defective, it may sometimes be p ugged. 133 WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. and thus by excluding the air, preserved and made* useful for many years. A fine poAvder of pumice stone has also been recommentled to he used occasionally to remove the tartar. The gums, if uusound, may be fre- quently pierced with a laucet. The following powder avìII not only preserve the teeth and prevent them from aching, except where they are already decayed, but it» effects upon the gum» are highly salutary. Take an equal portion of arroAV root and Peruvian bark, and add to it of gum myrrh in the proportion of one ounce to a pound. The teeth shoultl be rubbed with this poAV- der every morning. It should then be Avashed off Avith water. The general Avay of using it is to Avet the brusii, fili it with powder and apply it to the teethj then rinse the mouth Avith water. Great iujury is often? done by rubbing the teeth Avith j any thing that i» too rough for them, and destroys the enamel, as well as by neglecting to Avash off the poAvder used, and other substances that after eating adhere to the teeth.. INDIGESTION OR DISPEPSY. Indigestion is produced by ir regalar living, exces- sive indulgence of appetite, by the too free use of spir- ituous liquors, by severe study, by colti, by chewing io- bacco or taking opium, and by grief or melancholy. Regi men. Much is to be expected in this disease by teraperance in eating, and abstinence from improper food. It is impracticable ta point onta diet that- will beprecisely suited to every variety of constitution. A few general directions are ali that can he expected. An- imai food is to be preferred, it should be well masticateti and taken in small quantities. A glass of good wine orof brandy and water after eating, will assist the pro- eess of digestion. The stomach and belly should also be frequently rubbed wiih a brusii to promote circula- tion. Each person should consult the peculiarities of WRIGHT3 FAMILY MEDICELE, 1S7 his constitution, and eat only what agrees with him.-— Some physicians have denounced coffee- as unhealthy, as undoubtedly it is, when made too strong, and drank in large quantities; yét Ave have hèard, and believe the report, that in one instancè it sùbdued the dyspepsy.__ After cleansingthe stomach, milk diet has been known by perseverale in usingit, to effect an entire cure.— The milk shoultl be neAV aud sAveet. a cracker may be eaten with it. But nothing will he more salutary than moderate ex- ercise early in the morning, in the open air. As it is well calculated to preserve health, it will be found equally efficacious in restoring it to those who are suffér- ing under the pangs of indigestiOn. Those who are troubled with dispepsy should avoid the extremes of inanition and repletion, and eat fre- quently and in-small quantities. Whenevcr the stomach ìs foul, an emetic will he necessary to cleanse it. After - Avartls nothing is better calculated to give strength to that organ, than the chalybeate pili. 'Columbo root has been highly recommentled. An infusion of it in miat water, ginger tea, wine or French brandy niay be ad- ministered thiee times a day; gìving occasionally a small tlose of the tincture of rhubarb. A wine glas» of lime water in an equal quantity of neAV milk, will ^e useful in correcting sourness of stomach. Decayed teeth frequently occasion or agravate in- digestion. In sudi case they should be extracted, or the mouth washed with charcoal, or a solution of alum, or the pò Avder composed of arrow root,bark & my rrh every morning & evening. A table spoonful of charcoal powder has also been given, two or three times a day with the best consequences,particularly when uniteti with a feAV grains of rhubarb and a doublé quantity of ginger. Costivenéss in this disease should be corrected by flour of sulphur or magnesia. Chewing rhubarb and swallowing tho §aliva are also recommentled. Violent cathartics should be particularly avoided, as they aggravate the disease. Where indigestion is caused by iudulging in frequent 138 WRIGHTS FAMILY MEDICINE. intoxicaiion, the patient can only hope for restoration to the blessings of health, by abstaining from his favor- ite beverage, paying due regard to temperance, taking cordial nourishment, a suflBcieney of exercise, and ton- ic medicines, such as elixir vitriol with bark, nitric acid or the chalybeate pili. Where the patient is troubled Avith a pain in the stomach, after cleansing the stomach with an emetic, give lime water or ten grains of the rust of steel three times a day, and let the bowels be kepi gently open.— Where a redundency of bile prevails, 1 emona de or a tea spoonful of the spirits of nitre, in a glass of the in- fusion of columbo, will give relief. Friction over the part affected with flannel or the flesh brusii is not to be neglected. A dose of aether or laudanum may be giv- en when other remedies fail, and if the patient be cos- ti ve, an injection may be administered. Tonic medi- cines will also be proper, as columbo, barks, &fc. The liver, by becoming languid is the cause of this disease. The bile is the stimulous of the bowels and stomach, and Avithout it they peristi. To remove the disease, bring on a healthy action of the liver. To do thi», give every other night one or two grains of calo- mei for ten or fifteen days, then the chalybeate pili of the size of a summer grape three times eArery twenty four hours. The drink should besoot tea, into which shold be sprinkled the ashes of a grape vine. Where the muscles of the abdomcn are hardened, warm fiannels should be applied, or the belly rubbed with them. The diet should be light. Milk is generally recommended. PAIN IN THE STOMACH. Pain in the stomach may be occasioned by indiges- tion, wind, acrimony of bile, by stoppage of usuai dis- charges,or by taking into the stomach acrid or poisonous WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. 139 substances. This malady often affects women in the decline of life. It also attacks the luxurious, the «ed- entary and the hypochondriac. When the pain is most violent, immediately after a meal, it is to be suspected that something has been eaten which disagrees with. the stomach; a change of diet, therefore, in ali proba- bility afford relief. When the complaint is not remov- ed by that means, a gentle emetic may be taken, suc- ceeded by a dose of rhubarb. Exercise, especially riding on horse back, often removes this malady. Where flatulency, and extraordinary distention of the stomach, cause the pain, windy nutriment should be avoided; a little toddy after eating will assist and strengthen the digestive powers. But care must be taken not to indulge injuriously in this pilatable.reme- dy, oi* to contract by it a bad habit. Active exercise is perhaps more to be depended on, and succeeds Avhen medicines have proved ineffectual and poAverless.— Reaping, mowing, digging or gardening are reconf- mended. Where it proceeds fiora swallowing poison- ous substances, a vomit should be given to discharge them; something soft and oily should also be taken to protect the stomach. If the pain is caused by the transfer of gouty mat- ter to the stomach, wine or brandy should be drunk in order to expel it. A much larger quantity may be taken withimpunity in this condition than when in perfect health. If it originates from the sudden stoppage of cus~ -' tomary discharges, bleed; if from Avorms, destroy or expel them; if from flatulency, take of equal parts of bark and rhubarb infused in brandy or wine, such a quantity as will keep the body gently open. Strong purgative medicines are injurious; they increase the languor and debility. 140 WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICEA WORMS. Worms are often ibuod in relaxed stomachs; they attack the sedentary and those who live on herbs and impure fruits. They occasion squeamishnesa, vomiting, bad breath, loathing of food or a voracious appetite, a dry cough, convulsions, epileptic fits and privation of speech. Symptoms. Paleness of cauntenance or a general flushing; itching of the nose ; starting; grinding the teeth in sleep; bad breath; sAvelled belly; extraordi- nary thirst; urinefrothy and whitish; griping; paini in the side; dry cough ; unequal pulse; palpitatipns of heart, drowsiness, swoonings; cold sweats and fits. TREATMENT. See the directions given for the repulsion of worma under that head, among the diseases of children. The folloAving receipt has had its celebrity for its poAver over the tape worm. Let the patient take tAvo or three drachms, accorlùng to hi» age, of male fern reduced to a powder, in some liquitl. Two hours afterwards let him take of calomel and resin of scammony ten grains of each, mix them Avith a little syrup, honey or molas- ees. The patient should then Avalk about, drinking oc- casionally a dish of weak green tea, ti.l the worm is passed. If the powder of fern produces nausea or sickness, it may be mitigated or removed by sucking the juice of an orange or lemon. I have cured the tape wrorm with thecha'ybeate pili. In another case I ap- plied tobacco leaves soaked in water to the belly. I then gave a lai gè dose of castor oil, and I sncceeded.— The tobacco shoultl not be kept in too long. The juice of ricein doses of a tea spoonful every morning for three or four days will generally dispel or destroy worms. The seeds of southern wood, or old man asit is called, is also a good vermifuge. A table WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICENE. -. 141 «poonful of the seeds may be boiled in a pint of milk, and give a spoonful every morning for a few days. JAUNDICE. This disorder turns the white of the eye, as well as the skin yelloAv; the urine is saffron colored, and will stain a white cloth. Causes. Obstruction of bile; purges or voraits, an obstinate ague, or the premature stoppage of itby as- tringent medicines. Remoter causes are the bites- of vipers or mad dogs or poisonous animals, and violent passions. Infants,. when the meconium is not suffi- cently purged off, and pregnant women are subject to it. Symptoms. Excessive weariness, great aversion to motiou, a dry skin, an itching pain over the body, the breathing diflìcult, oppression of the breast, heat in the nostrils, a bitter taste in the mouth, sickness at the stomach, flatulency and vomiting. Where the disease is simple, it is not dangerous; Avhere it besets the old ordebilitated, and Is complicated with other maladies, it often proves fatai. Regimen. The food should he light and cooling. Stewed prunes, boiled or roasted apples, preserved plums, boiled spinago, Aeal or chickeu soup Avith light bread are very proper. A cure has sometimes been effected by living on raw eggs, or sucking a raw egg every morning. . The drink may be buttermilk, Avhey SAveetened, or decoctions of cooling, opening vegeta- bles. Where there are no symptoms of inflammation, as much exercise as the patient can bear, will be benefi- ciai; walking, running, riding on horse back or in a carriagB, or a long journey bave great ristorative eflB- cacy. Such amusements as promote circulation and rheer.the spirits, may be indulged in Avith advantage. * M 142 WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE TREATMENT. Thè patient should first be bled. An emetic should then be given. Càstile soap may also be administered in sufficient quantities to keep the intestines open; or the salt of tartar may be taken in doses of twenty or thirty grains three or four times a day, dissolved io the infusion of columbo. The patient shoultl be bled more freely where there is pain about the region of the liver; a mercurial pili may be given night and morning, until a slight saliva- tian is produced. The warin bath should be used, and a blister may be laid over the pained part. Three or four spoonfuls of oliveoil maybe taken to alleviate the pain, or one or tAvo tea spoonfuls of ether, or thirty drops of laud- anum. Bags of hot salt may belaid on the right side, and after the obstructions are removed, the tone of the system may be restored by the use of columbo, nitric acid, dogwood or cherry tre e bark with porter and wine. THE GOUT. This disease springs from excess and idleness; and those who desire to escape its ravages should pay a etrict regard to temperance and exercise. Medicine has been able to do but little in the cure of this malady,. Symptoms. Indigestion, windiness, decay of ap- petite, coldness of the feet and legs, with frequent nuinbness and feeling ofcramp, generally afflici the pa- tient before he is seized with a fit of the gout. The day previous to the attack bis appetite is unusually vo- racious. The next day he is seized Avith a tormenting pain in the big toc or bali of the foot. Most commonly it fastens on the joints, sometimes on the knuckles, on «he lied of the foot, the anele or calf of the leg. The WRIGHT\S FAMILY MEDICINE. 143 pain is excruciating, as the part affected feels as if it Avas stretched, burnt, squeezed, lascerated or gnawed in pieces. Regimen. The aliment should be thin and cooling, and the drink diluting, if the patient be of a vigorous constitution; but if he bea weak and accustomed to lux- uiious living, a sudden change Avoultl at this time be improper; his diet should be generous and nourishing. TREATMENT. As high living brings on this disease, it would be most judicious in those who are predisposed to it, to lessen theluxury of diet, to avoid excess in drinking, to appie- date, as of the utmosi importance, temperance and sobriety, and make exercise a part of their religion.— When the constitution is debilitateti by indulgence, and predisposed to attacks of the gout, stimulating medi- cines aided by the chalybeate pili, rustof steel, bark or bitters, may ward off its assaults and prevent its rava- ges. Wherever there is fever in this disease, venesection orbleeding will be necessary. Cathartics, as cream of , tartar, sulphur, castor oil, senna, rhubarb or calomel should be given to keep the boAvels open; strong purges need not be feared in this. malady. In the inflammatory state of the tlisease, perspiration should be promoted by taking nitre in diluting liquors. The part affected may, with advantage, have a blister appled to it. After the inflammatory symptoms have abated, stimu- lants and tonics, the chalybeate medicine or pili, orbark and steel are considered most eftìcacious. Ether, laudanum and French brandy are often used benefi- cially, as well as teas made of calomus, red pepper, Virginia snake root or ginger. The stomach and bow- els also may be rubbed, or cloths wrung out of hot spirits applied to the pained part, and where the disor- der is seizing upon the head orother vital, siuapisms to 1U WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICELE. the feet, should be employed to draw it off. Where it attac'.-s the stomach, coniac brandy, or ether or lauda- num should be taken to ex] el it. Soft wool greased and cardetl and placed on the gouty part, is deemed an excellent external application. It sometimes relieves . where the inflammation is gre*t and the pain violent. But temperance and exercise are the best cures and preventatives. EHEUI^LITISM.. Rheumatism usually attacks the joints with. vio- lent pain, and is often accompanied Avith swelling and inflammation. It is distinguished into two kinds; Avhen attended with fever, it is called acute; when Avithout, it is denominateti chronic. Causes. Obstructed perspiration, .immoderate use of strong liquors, sudden transitipns from beat to cold, and avc ari ng wet clothes. Symptoms. The acute or inflammatory rheumatism is ushered in Avith lassitude, an aceelerated pulse^un- easiness, anxiety, shivering, thirst and flying pains.— At length the joints swell ànd inflame. TREATMENT. In acute rheumatism, repeatedbleedings avìII be neces- sary. The body should be kept open by emollient clysters or diluent liquorsy decoctions of tamarinds, barley or rice water, flax seed or balm tea with a little nitre dissolved iu each draught. Dover» powders may alsobe given to exciteperspiration; which when once brought on, should be continued, until the patient is re- lieved. Great care should alsobe used not to let him catch colti as the sweating spbsides. Boses of fox giove from ten to twenty drops every four hours are found very beneficiai. Letting blood is deemed salutary. WRIGHT'S FAJVULY MEDICENE. 145 Where the pain is violent, and the inflamniatiott continues, blistering over the part affected and bleeding will be beneficiai. After inflammation has subsided, the folloAving anodyne sudorific bolus may be used.— Take a graiu and a half of opium, ten grains ipecacu- anha and syrup enough to form a bolus, or laudanum . alone may be given. The bowels should be kept open. Where the disease has settled upon the joints, and they haveswelled, the parts affected should have appli- ed to them oil of sassafras, tincture of red pepper and inustard, spirits of turpentiue or opodeldoc. Friction should be employed, and flannel Avorn over the debili- tateti joint. Tincture of gpanish flies may be added to an equal quantity of opodeldoc. This may be used after the other remedies bave proved ineftectùal. A. table spoonful of the following tincture in a cup of tea two or three times a day may.be taken.—Digest for eight or ten days. three ounces of ginn guiac, and three ounces of vitriolated tartar in -powder, in a quart of spirits; then strain it. Where the patient is suspected of the scurvy, or much weakened, nitric acid or bark should be freely used. If he is supposed to be affected with a venerial y^ taint, or if mercury is in him, in consequence of cold, ^\ calomel should be taken in small doses, until the gum& are slightly touched. Sarsaparilla is a remedy^not to be contemned. Cures have sometimes been accom- plished by taking night and morning in milk or spirifc and water, a tea spoonful of flour of sulphur. A wine glassful of poke berry bounce, night and morning has also received high commenda^ion. Seneka snake root and mezereronintheformof a decoction, has been used ad- vantageously,-as well as spirits of turpentiue in chronic rheumatism in doses of from twenty to sixty drops, three times a day mixed with sugar and water, or incorprated by meltin0, in honey. But these stimulants will be injurious Avhere there is fever. When the joints areswelled and the motion ofthem difficult, the warm baili impregnaied Avith «alt; or 140 WRIGHTS FAMILY MUDICENE. pouring warm water on the part, or fomcnting it Avith a decoction of mullen.willbe useful. The warm spring» in Buncombe county have often cured this species of rheumatism in young people, and aftbrded great relief to the aged. They should always be resorted to, as they are unusually efficacious. Where they cannot be visited, the warm bath may be substituted. The lum- bago which assails the loins, is a species of acute rheu- matism, and should be treated accordingly; the blister however, instead of being placed on the lumbar region, should be laid on the inside of the thighs. The sciatic which operates on the hip joint, is of the chronic species of rheumatism, and should be treated like that disease. Colti bathing, as itoften cures the rheumatism, is also a good preventative, as well as wearing 'flannel next the skin. Persons who are afraid of this malady, should choose a dry situation, avoid exposure to the night air, wear dry clothes and noi suffer their feet to be wet.— The frequent use of the flesh brusii will also be advisa- ble. CACHEXY. The inhabitants of southern climates are most liable to this disease. It is generally known by the loss of strength, inabilityto take the least exercise withòut the greatest fatigue, by a shortness of breath, sometimes by a destitution of appetite, and sometimes by an extraor- dinary voracity*. The color leaves the cheek, and often the legs swell. TREATMENT. Persons afflicted with this disease, should in the summer remove to a high and healthy situation; a jnountaineous region is the best, where the water is fine WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICENE. 147 and the air solubrious. The chalybeate pili, a light diet and moderate exercise will relieve patients debilita- ted by this malady more effectually than ali the medi- cina! springs in the United States. Many such patients visit me during the summer months, from South Carolina, Georgia and Alabama, and I have seldom failed to give them relief. A sum- mer residence in East Tennessee, from the purity of the waters, and the solubrity of the atmosphere has of- ten proved highly salutary to persons laboring under this disorder, even Avithout taking any medicine. SCURVY, The scurvy is caused by cold moist air, by the long continued use of salted^ provisions, by the suppressiou of ordinary evacuations, by grief, fear or depressing passions; bad air, the clothing, unwholesome food. Symptoms. Unusual Aveariness, difficulty of respi- ration, pale, bloated countenance, rottenness of the gums, fetid breath, bleeding at the nose, swelling or falling away of the legs, obstinate ulcers, dry scaly eruptions over the body, particularly on the breast, dropsy of the legs, palpitation of the heart, faintings and finally mortification. TREATMENT. Fresh vegetables of the acid kind, as oranges, appiè», lemons, linies, tamarinds, scurvy grass, are the best remedies. Milk, with neAV bread, fresh beer or cider may also be used. The patient's food may be ascitiu- lated with cream of tarar, elixir of vitriol or vinegar. Dissolve three or four ounces of saltpetre in a quart of vinegar—tAVO or three spoonfuls of this solution may be taken two or three times a day. It may also be used to bathe a diseased limb. Soda water or nitric acid is 148 WRIGHT'S FAxUn.Y MEDICENE. also useful. If the bowels are inclined to be costive, they should be kepi open by cream of tartar or tama- rinds. Where the guins are fetid and ulcerated, the mouth should be washed with a decoction of red oak bark in which a little alum is dissolved. The gums should also be rubbed with a poAvder of charcoal finely puhrer- izcd, and bark; with this also ulcers may be dressed. Fresh vegetables, milk and ripe fruit should make the principal portion of the diet of the scorbutic patient. Purè air, and sufficient exercise are also important.— The minti Avhich is ordinarìly inclined to be melancboly and depression, should be stimulated, encouraged and cheerèd by agreeable amusements and pleasing exer- cise. The juice of a bitter.orange or lemon, frequently sucked, has beén known to cure a slight touch of the scurvy. I give the chalybeate pili, a tea made of elder bark, anà annoint Avith the vegetable ointment. Quìnsy, or Inflammation of the Throat, The causes of this disease are drinking colti water when over heated, taking off* the neck cloth and expos- ìng the throat to a northerly wind, speaking loud and long, wet feet, wearing Avet clothes, sleeping in a damp bed, any thing that obstructs the perspiration, eating acrid food, sharp substances sticking in the throat or breathing the caustic fumes of metals. Symptoys. The throat appears reti and swelled, swallowing is painful and difficult, the pulse is quick and hard. As the inflammation increases, it augments the pain and difficulty of sAvalloAving; the patient is in danger of suffocation, feels Constant nausea, and finally becomes unable to sAvalloAV and starves. WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. 149 TREATMENT. *■ lf thè attack is violent, the patient should immedi- ately take an emetic; he should also be bled freely and purgetl thoroughly. The steam of water taken into the throat by a fuunel or spout of a tea pot will be sal- utary. The common gargle, made of half a pint of sage tea, six drachms of nitre and three ounces of-hon- ey will be very beneficiai. After the inflammation has begun to abate, take half a pint of the infusion of oak bark, one ounce of honey and half a drachm of alum, mix them and wash the throat with the mixture. This is called the astringent gargle. Port wine or brandy and water may be employed for the same purposé. Where the attack is slight, external applications wil} some- times give relief Take half an ounce of camphor and two ounces of olive oil—modify the camphor with spir- its, and rub it in a mortai* with the oil until it is dis- solved. Wet a piece of flannel in this liniment, and apply it to the neck. The stimulating qualities of this ointment may be increased by a small portion of the tincture of cantharides. Leeches or blisters may also be deemed specially efficacious when applied to the neck. Onions also may be used in the sanie Avay. The decoction of snake root, or the antimonial mix- ture may be given to promote perspiration. Where the patient is unable to SAvallow on account of the size of the swelling in the throat, he must be supported by nourishing clysters of broth, gruel or milk. As soon as any uneasiness is felt in the throat, drink every two or three hours water, into which ten or fifteen grains of nitre has been thrown, bathe the feet in warm water, apply flannel dipped in the camphorated lini- ment to the throat, and in a short time, in ali probabili- ty, every disagreeable symptom will be mitigated or removed. The diet in this disease shoultl be light and cooling, sudi as barley, ricc water or flax seed tea sweet- ened so as to be palatable. N 150 WRIGHTS FAMTLY MEDICINE. SORE THROAT. Where soreness of throat is occasioned by inflam- mation, the steam of vinegar, drawn from the spout of a coffee pot, will give relief. Flannel should also be worn around the neck. But this mode will not be ben- eficiai where sore throat occurs in consumptive patients. In such cases, and wherever the inflammatory sore throat is bad, nothing short of a blister should be relied on. PUTRID SORE THROAT. Is contagious and occurs most frequently during a warm summer, or in the succeeding autumn. Children, females and the delicate are most liable to its assaults. It commences with gidiness, fits of shivering and heat; the pulse is quick but low and unequal; great debility and oppression are felt in the breast, with low spirits and puking or purging. The eyes are red and watery, the face sAvells, the tongue is white and moist, the throat swelled and of a crimson red ; ash colored spots soon appear, or one broad patch of a pale color, encircled with a deep red ; these soon ripen into ulcers. After a few days, crimson eruption breaks out on the neckf arms and breast, and sometimes over the whole body. TREATMENT. An emetic should be given immediately. Another may be given next day, and then a mild purge. Wine and bark or milk tody may then be given to recruit the patient. The throat should be washed with the com- mon or astringent gargle mentioned in the treatment of the quinsy. But when the tendency to putrifaction is great, the detergent gargle should be used. It is made WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. 151 by mixing half an ounce or an ounce of the tincture of myrrh Avith half a pint of the astringent gargle. Flannel moistened in spirits of camphor applied ex- ternally, avìII give relief. Blisters are improper. But the common and most effectual remedy in this country, is red pepper tea. Let it be pretty strong and strain it; to a half pint of the tea, add as much vinegar and a table spoonful of common salt. Take two spoonfuls of this every half hour. Apoultice may also be made of the tea and corn meal, to which add a little salt.— Let this be applied to the neck. The acrid matter should be washed from the inside of the throat, and to strengthen the patient, bark in ginger & tea, or the infùsion of seneka snake root should be giv- en in large doses. Wine may also be drunk at the rate of from one to three quarts every twenty four hours.— The patient may also be bathed in a strong dicoction of oak bark Avith one fourth part of whiskey added.— Glysters may also be given of this dicoction, or two drachms of Peruvian bark with a gill of thin gruel or barley water. This may be administered to children every two or three hours ; for those who are older, the injection should be increased in strength. The nourishment should be panada, gruel, sago, arrow root and as much wine as may rentier these pala- table. Ripe fruits are proper, and fermented liquors as cider and perry. Before these are taken, the throat should be cleansed, so that this acrid humor may not be swallowed. SCROFUEA, OR KING'S EVIE. Symptoms. Small tumors appeal* behind the ears or under the chin. The feet, hands, eyes, breast, ai-m pits and groins are liable to its attacks. These knots in time break and become ulcers, from which a thin watery humor is discharged. 15« WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. Reg-men. The food should be very low, light and easy of digestion, as good light bread, soup of the flesh of young aniinals, with an occasionai glass of wine.— The patient ought to take as much exercise as he can bear, in dry, open air; but it shoultl not be too cold. TREATMENT. Warm fomentations are injurious. Bathing in cold water, or the sea where it is convenient, and keeping the bowels open with salt and water will be highly sal- utary. A tea spoonful of salt dissolved in water should be taken every raorniug. Peruvian bark and steel al- ternately every two Aveeks, or nitric acid will be of great service. Muriate of lime in doses" of from ten to eight drops gradually increased, three or four times a day, diluted with Avater or tea is said to he a valuable remedy. The solution of arsenic may be given twice or thrice a day after suppuration has taken place.— Mix well together one pound of finely powdered bark and one ounce of Avhite lead pulverized : this powder applied toscrofulous ulcers, will act beneficially. Or let an ounce of sugar of lead be dissoh'ed in apintof water; keep on the ulcers linen cloths raoisted in this solution. The ulcers should also be washed with salt and water every morning. Before a tumor-break», it shpuld be annointed with fresh butter stewed to an oil twicp a day, bathing it in with a hot shovel. When the tumors break, apply to them a plaster of molassss stewed down to sudi a de- greé of thickness, that when spread they avìII not run, If the disease is attended ^itii general debility, the chalybeate medicine should be taken. Time and sim- ple means are the surest remedies. The cure cannot be humored. The diet and drink shoultl be of a light and cooling nature. Coki should be guarded against and exercise should be taken. In this simple manner I have cured casés that bave baftled regalar practice. When the lumps are first coming, relief may be obtnined WIHGHTS FAMILY MEDICINE. 153 by aunointing them with oil of fresh butter, and Avarm- ing it in with a hot shovel. T have given the practice of other physicians as well as my oavii. A CASE OF SCROFULA, AND A TRIAL. In 1810 Reuben Charles, of Blount county shoAved me his thigh. It had commenxed enlarging gradually, but withòut pain or soreness. For a time he experi- enced no inconvenieuce, but stiffness when he made an effort to move it. 1 told himliis disease, and that unless he got relief. his days Avould be but feAv. He was about thirty five years of age when he Avas attacked, ^ and had at ali times been more famed for bis gallantry than bis domesticvirtues. TAvelve months after I saw him he become a patient of a physician at Maryville, and submitted to' his unsuccessful prescriptions and treatment for one year Avhen I became his doctor. His diseased thigh was then tAvice as large a» the other, and covered with deep ulcers, discharging a thin bloody Avater. The smeli too was horrible. The Avhole sur- face of the thigh Avas purple and devoid of feeling, evincing eyidently a total want of healthy action. I told him, if I could bring about a healthy action I could cure him. AH the usuai stimulants had been tried in vaili. I told him my pian, and he consented to it, particu- larly as his limb had lost ali feeling. I introduced a syringe into the holes in his thigh and syringed it thor- oughly Avith boiling whiskey. I persued this course for three days, making the application once or hvice a day. At the end of that time the wounds became sen- sitive aud discharged a heaithy matter, the color of the thigh was changed from a purple to a shining red. A poultice of sAveet milk and flour applied to the wounds completed the cure in five Aveeks. Hi» diet Avas light. ' Some time afterwards I went to Maryville, and with- òut knowing wby, I was summoned to appear before a court then sitting for my trial. The charges against 154 WRIGHT'S FAMILY iAD2DICE\E. me were, that Ihad cured, and turnedloose on society a man avIio Avas constitutionally and practically a most consumate scoundrel. Lewdness, intemperance, pro- fanity and counterfeiting were among the catalogne of his enormities. To the charge made against me, I pled justification upon two grounds, that the disease having been pronounced incurable by the faculty, to discover a cure would be a greater benefit to society than ali the eAil Reuben Charles could perpetrate, that the cure was the result of experiment, and that a better subject could not be found than Reuben Charles. THE ASTHMA. The asthma when attended with spitting is calieri moist or humoral, when not, dry or nervous. It is gen- erally knoAvn by quick laborious respiration, accom- • panied with a wheezing noise. The fit commonly be- gins Avith listlessness, Avakefulness, hoarseness, cough, eructation of wind, heaviness about the breast and diffi- culty of breathing. Then follow heat, fever, pain in the head, palpitation of the heart, a Aveak pulse and bilious vomitings. Regimen. The diet should be light and easily diges- tione. Boiled meats, and. the flesh of young animals, light puddings, soup and ripe fruits are proper, but windy nutriment and strong liquors are pernicious.—■ The feet should be kept dry nnd Avarm, and flannel worn next the skin. The cold bath, tonic medicines and moderate exercise will, during the absence of the asth- ma, be remedies Avell suited to prevent its return. TREATMENT. Bleeding will be serviceable unless the patients ex- treme debility forbiti it. Pukes are found to be useful. An emetic taken immediately before a fit is expected, WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. 15* will generally postpone it, or entirely put it off. Laud- anum or ether may be given to mitigate the severity of the paroxism. Where mucus abounds, a little vinegar diluted ìvith cold water, will afford relief. A cup of strong coffee has sometimes easetl an asthmetic fit.— The Thorn appiè and skunk cabbage, are exceedingly beneficiai. Indian tobacco is said tobe a certain reme- dy. Fifteen drops of fox giove twice a day with a few drops of laudanum, bave also been highly commended. Costivenéss shoultl always be avoided. Where it is apprehended aloes and rhubarb may be administered to prevent it. In the moist asthma expectoration should be promoted. Syrup of squills or gumammi ni- ac may beexibited in rather large doses than usuai. Blisters on the back, and plasters of onions or garlicto the feet, are also useful auxiliaries. •Hpoplexy. OR APOPEECTIC FITS. The apoplexy is a sudden deprivation of sense and moiion while the heart and lungs stili continue in regu- lar action. Causes. Intense study, violent passion», wearing the neckcloth too tight; luxurious diet, suppession of urine; perspiration, suddenly obstructed; excess ofve- nery ; repulsion of any eruption or stoppage of ordinary discharges, plethora ; too large doses of opium, hard drinking. Regimen. The diet shoultl be low, and be consti- tuted mostly of flax-seed tea, rice or barley water, de- coction of tammarinds and liquorice, or common whey with cream of tartar dissolved in it. Symptoms. It is usually preceeded by giddiness and swimming of the head, loss of memory, nigljt mare, ir>c> w^iGirrs fa:.;e,v medicine. noise in the ears and drowsiness, a spontaneous effusion of tears and difficulty of breathing. Persons thus affected, and who fear a paroxism of apoplexy, should endeavor to anticipate it by spare diet, opening medi- cines and phlebotomy or the use of the lancét. In sanguine apoplexy, the countenance is red, the face swelléd, the blood vessels turgitl, the pulse strong, the eyes prominent and fixed, the breathing laborious and with a snorting noise, and the excrements and urine voided unconciously. In the serious apoplexy the symptoms are pretty much the same but not so violent. TREATMENT. Raise the patients head; place him Avhere he can breathecool air. If he is robust and of a plethoric habit, bleed copiously, to the amount of a quart at a time and if relief is not given the bleeding must be repeated. The temples may be cuppetl, and active cathartigs administered or if they cannot be taken, stimu- lating injections must be substituted. Depletion,is prop- er, when plethora is the cause. But when the persons attacked are old and feeble and their countenances pallied, they should be sparingly used; the patients head shoultl he raised and be turned every hour. Clysters shoultl be given and if the patient can swallow them, purges administered so as to evacu- ate the bowels speedily. The feet may be blistered and sometimes, it has been deemed necessary in order to rouse the torpid system, to sear the soles of the feet svitha hot iron. COSTIVENÉSS. Costivenéss may be caused by drinking astringent liquors, taking ìavo much exercise on horse back, by «ating còld insipid food, by the bile not descending, by r WRIGHT'S FAMDLY MEDICINE. 1Ì7 [ palsy, spasms, torpor or tumors of the intestine»*' Ex- traordinary costivenéss brings on pains of the head, colie and vomitings whatever promotes perspiration, as wearing flannel or keeping the body too warm will au"-- ment the constipation of the bowels. So will intense thought or sederitary habits. TREATMENT. To avoid costivenéss more reliànce should be placed on diet than medicine. Roasted or boiled apples, pears, raisins, butter, honey, sugar, and soup with leeks and corn bread wlil he found salutary. Butter- milk may be drunk. Cream, marrow, fat soup, olìves, almonds, figs, boiled honey and water and unrefined sugar are also recommeuded. Mol'sses will be found very useful as well as pleasant. The habit of taking ■ medicine constantly to remove rosthreness cannot betoo much deprecateti. It usually produces a total relaxation of the intestine», indigestion, decay of appetite, loss of strength and finally death. 'When medicine is ne- cessary, flour of sulphur and cream of tarter two or three times a week in moderate dose» are to be prefered to such injurious purgatives ,as aloes or jalap. Infu- sions of senna and manna, or half an ounce of soluble tartar dissolved in water gruel may be taken or about the size of a nutmeg of lenitive electuary tAvice or thrìce a day. WANT OF APPETITE. Want of appetite arises from foul stomach, depri- vation of good air, too little exercise, depressing pas- sions, strong soups, fat meats or indigestible food. O m WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE TREATMENT. Cleanse the stomach, take twenty or thirty drops of elixir vitriol two or three times a day in wine and water. Barks also may be used. The chalybeate pili or Leas springs will be beneficiai (see Dispepsy) Cheerful com- pany should be sought, exercise and amusement. Ev- ery thing of a depressing nature should be avoided as intense study, excessive heat and fatigue, strong liquors', tea, tobacco and opium. Moderate exercise regularly taken, will be highly beneficiai. THE HEART BURN. The heart burn is an extraordinary heat and uneasi- ness about the pit of the stomach, attended with ac- rimony, sour eructations, windiness, nausea and vom- iting. ^Causes. It may arise from imbecility of stomach, dispepsy, a superabundence of acid, or from acri- mony of food imperfectly digested.. TREATMENT. If weakness of stomach is the cause, a dose or two of rhubarb should be taken, and afterwards barks to give strength. Exercise in the open air should not be neglected.— Keep the bowels gently open and give occasionally the chalybeate pili. A tea spoonful of the salt of tartar or a table spoonful of magnesia in mint water or tea> or flax seed tea, cold, with a little liquorice dissolved in it, willremoAre for the time the uneasy sensation. Where costivenéss is prevented, lime water or ten grains of the rust of steel three times a day will eradicate the disease. Lemonade or a tea spoonful of the spirits of nitre in the infusioH of columbo will reliev* where a supera- WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. 159 bundance of bile is the cause of the complaint. Keep- ing the feet warm, or rubbing with flour of mustard or with tincture of caynne pepper has often been found efficacious. So has a blister on the pit of the stomach; especially whenit is kept runningfor a week. PAESY. Palsy is the loss of the power of motion in a partic- ular part of the body. A palsy of the heart or lungs must inevitably be fatai. Its danger is to be measured by the vitality and importance of the part attacked. Causes. Whatever pbstructs the exertion of the nervous power of any particular muscle; injnriesto the spinai marrow, the reception of poisons into the stom- ach, extreme frailty and old age are among the causes that prodnce.it; as also drukenness, pressure1 Upon the brainor nerves, colti damp air,, whatever relaxes the system, wounds of. the nerves and suppression of or- dinary evacuations. Symptoms. Giddiness, torpor, uneasiness in the head, failure of meraory, dulness of intellect; coldness, , tremor, creeping ano! pain in the part affected. Regimen. Where the constitution is debilitated the diet should be warm and nourishing, seasoned with spices and aromatics and the drink may be wine, ginger * tea mustard whey or brandy and water. Flannel should 1 be worn next the skin and exercise taken regularly, avoidingdamp cold air. In full habits the diet should be light and slender, * TREATMENT. Where it originates from the causes that produce apoplexy, and the habit is full, the boAvels should be l^ept open and the lancét used freely. A blister on the back of the neck and afterwards behind the ear will be 16*- WRIGHTS FAMILY MEDICINE. », necessary. After this pian bas- been pursued. until congestion is removed, stimulants should be given to rouse the debilitated parts into action. The same stimulating medicine should not be continued longer than ten days at a time. The bowels should bekepi in a laXath'é state. Where the tlisease arises from debility, stimulants exteriially and internally should be used. Doses of from tAventy to sixty drops of spirits of turpentine two or three times a day should be given. Horse ' radisi] scraped or mustard seed by the table spoonful may be taken three or four times a day. Volatile alkali in large doses is a valuable medicine. The flesh brusii shoultl be used, and flour of mustard or flannels sàtura- ted with oil of turpentine, volatile linement, oil of sas- afras, tincture of cantharides or of cayenne pepper.— Electricity has also been comraended and the application of nettles to the part affected. A seton in the neck avìII relieve giddiness. Salivation sometimes accom- plishes a cure of this malady. Where a curvature of the back bo.ne is the cause of the tlisease, a blister kept cófts.tantly over the affected part is the proper remedy. Exercise shoultl not be neglected; colti,.damp moist air should be avoided, flannel Avorn next the skin and if ali these means fail, a warmer climate should be sought. My mode of treat- ment ■ » to take ì alt enough to make a barre! of beer, add to it two quarts.of finely ground mustard seed brew ali together and let the patient duink freely of the beer. For an extcrnal application, stew red pepper in boga lard antl'ànoipt with it. TETANITS OK fjÒCKEB JAVV." '"' Cause». Wounds in uiffVrtn parts of the body oiten produce this di^ea-e. Running a splinter under the naii iato ;.anii or i'oot, or ìiyuries done to the head WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE.. 1G1 will sometimes oeca»ion this disease. Colti and mois- ture, exposure by sleeping on a damp paveraent or in damp ceilars. If frequently assails young infants. Symptoms. This tlisease comes on with an uneasy sensation at the IoAver part of the breast bone, with a rigidity in the back part of the neck and muscles, and astiffness of the lower-jaw. There is a pain also at the root of the tongue and a slight difficulty in swallowr, *^ ing. The muscles of the back and neck now become stiff, with a paùi along the spine. The muscles of the jaAv are stronly affected and rentier SAvalloAving difficult and sometimes impossible. These symtoms occur gen- erally on the second or thire day and are followed with convulsive spasms. Finally the Avhole system is affec- ted with covulsions and death closes the scene. TREATMENT. As soon as the disease makes its appearance, six or eight grains of opium or one or two table spoonfuls of laudanum should be ghren every ìavo hours ùntil the violence of the symptoms subsides ; then the dose should be gradually diminished. The efficacy of this medicine may be augmented by the Avarm bath. In the intervals between the doses of laudanum spirits or wine may be drunk freely. The medicines may be increased infrequency in proportion to the violence of the disease. Where the patient cannot SAvalloAv, opium, in quanti- ties fiVe or six times as large, may be administered. by injection. The thighs and. muscles particularlyaffected may be rubbed with mercury as salivation, when there is time, often cures. Thirty drops of tincture of can-*"*1' i , tharides every hour has also been. considered a good remedy. As soon as it produces difficulty of urine it must be discontinued and flax seed or marsh mallow tea should be swallowed freely. An injection com- posed of this tea combined with tAvo tea spoonfuls of laud- anum raay be administered occasionally. Ten drops of i j '$*laudanum with adequai quantity of arsenic andalargt 162 WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICENE tea spoonful of spirits given every half hoUr has often effected a cure. The dose may be diminished gradual- ly as the symptoms subside aud finally discontinued. Another remedy is to plunge the patient every three or four hours into cold water until the disease is eradica- ted. , When the violence of the spasm has abated, wine. bark and opiates should be given at bed time nutil the patient's health is restored. Injections are sometimes given of spirits of turpentine and infusion of tobaco. GJisters or purgatives should be employed to keep the bowels in a laxative state. If the malady proceeds frdm a contusionor injury, the Avound should be opened and filled Avith spanish flies, or turpentine or common salt and dressed with warm poultices. I give in this disease castor. oil and large doses of laudanum. The lock jaw isdiflìcultto be subdued unless it is attacked early. I once cured a son of Maj. Singleton of Blourit county by pouring boiling Avater on the wound until the nerve relaxed. EPIEEPSY. In epilepsy, the patient suddenly falls down depriv- ed of his senses, and is A'iolently convulsed. Children delicately raised are mostliableto it; but hopes may be entertained that they will be freed from this complaint when they attain the age of puberty. If it attacks persons avIio haAre passed the meridian of life, the chance of a cure is proportioaably diminished. Symptoms. Before the fit comes on, the patient in generally troubled with uneàsiness, dullness, giddiness, pain inthe head, disturbed sleep, palpitation of the heart, flatulence and difficulty of respiration. The patients complexion is pale, his extremities cold. In the fit, his thumbs are drawn inAvard, his eyes are distorted, he foams attbe mouth, big extremities un- WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICELE, # 168 dergo various contortions, his faeces and urine are in- volutìtarily discharged, and he loses ali sense and rea- son. After the fit has passed away, his senses return; but be remembers nothing that has transpired, and is afflipted with lassitude, stupor and pain in the head. Causes. It Avas formerly believed to be the effects of witchcràft, and those avIio are fond of believing in delusion may credit it. Violent affectìons of minti, a debauch of liquor, excessive heat or coki are more -adequate causes. Itis sometimes attributable to sud- den terror, evacuations, debility or long fasting. -. Regimen. The diet should be light and nourishing pure air should be sought, strong drink, food difficult of digestion and windy vegetables shoultl be avoided.— The mind should be kept. at ease and cheerful, and care should be taken to prevent the intrusion of violent and agitating passions. Exercise is of priraary impor- tance, but extremes of heat aud colti, .and'dangerous situations, precipices or riding deep waters should be eschewed. ;''*';' TREATMENT. The cure must depend'on the cause. When the patient is seized Avith a fit, a slip of wood or a spoon jhouldbe placed in his mouth to hinder him from biting his tongue. When an obstruction of the brain is fear- ed, bleeding and evacuating the system will be necessa- ry. If Giistomary discharges are stopped, they should berestored, or seatons substituted in their place. If wòrms are the cause, expel them by vermifuges; if teething, keep the bowels open by emollient clysters, bathe the feet in warm water and put a blister between f the shoulders; if spirituons liquors or indigestible sub- stances received into the stomach are the cause, give an emetic. If wèakhess or the irritability of the nervous system occasion epilepsy, thè nerves may be braced by bark, steel or the chalybeate pili, and these should be accompanied by narcotic bitters, as hops, liver wort and lettuce, guarding agamstaccuniulations in the head. 164 WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICEME. When an uneasy sensation is felt in the limbs or body, creeping upward, a ligature above the part so affected avìII prevent a fit. Sugar of «lead, in small do- ses of one fourth of a grain for a hall' grown person, and gradually augmented to tAvo grains or more, formed into pili» with bread, and given three times a day has been known to cure patients avIio had not attained the years of maturity. If this medicine disorders the.bow- els, it should be discontinued liutit they are restored. to a proper state by mild laxatives, the warm bath and" opium. If the lead be combined Avith the opium, it will then operate most beneficially. Onef>ui*th of a grain of lunar caustic, gradually in- creased to a grain, made into pills with'bread, .and giv- en twice a day has prò veti a very salutary remedy.— Four or five grains of the floAvers of zinc administered twice a day, and gradually increased when duly perse- vered in, bave proved permanenti y beneficiai. Electri- city has sometimes cured tlje epilepsy. Convulsion fits should bé treated in the same way as epilepsy. Chalybeate water» are sometimes benefi- ciai, and the colti bath is often highly advantageous. HICCUP. . * Hiccupisa convulsive affeetion of the stomành or diaphragm, arising from irritation of the nervous fibres. Causes. Exceess in eating or drinking, injuries to the stomachpr inflammation, repletion, worms debility watulence. TREATMENT. When flatulence or food difficult of digestion occa- sions hiccuping, a glass of wine or a dram of spirituous liquor will relieA-e it. A blister may alsobe applied to the stomach with good eiiect:v so may ether on a rag. WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICELE. * 165 Where this complaint arises from poison> milk and oil should be swallowéd plentifully. Where inflammation of the stomach is tìie cause, the patient should be bled, take frequently a few drops of the sweet spirits of nitre in wììie whey, and observe the cooling regimen* , t If it is caused by debility, ether, laudanum, harts- horn, or tincture of asafcètida will often give relief. A teaspoonfnl of vinegar sometimes will be effeetual.-r- Preserved damsons have also been recommended. Twenty drops of hartshorn with a tea spoonful of magnesia in mint tea, or a spoonful or two of milk and lime water will often remove acidity, and ten grains of rust of steel three times a day, will prevent its return. It ìs often arrested by a sudden alarm. I onte re- sorted to this expedient with success. A gentleman had applied to several physicians to cure him bf the hiccups, but their prescriptions had failed. Ile carne to me. I took some water, poured it into a phial, and put something into it to give it color. I gave him a spoon- ful or two; and after he had swallowéd it, I assiired him that I had made a dreadful, fatai mìsiake, had given him arsenic instead of the proper medicine, and that he would, ih spite of fate be a dead man in half an hour. After the alarm had operated sufficiently, I asked him what had become of bis hiccups, for they had disappeared. He replied they weregone; I then informed him of the trick, that he had taken only colored water, and that it was perfectly harmless. The cure was complete. THE CRAMP. The cramp is a painful and involuntary contraction. It sometime seizes the foot, or the calf of the leg, or stomach. P 166 WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICENE. Caues. Irritation, weakness, indigestion, acidity &c. • TREATMENT. A cramp in the stomach is dangerous, and require» immediate relief. An infusion of red pepper, a large dose of ether, or of laudanum should be givenimmedi- ately. The part should be rubbed with flannel or the flesh brush. Copious bleeding will relieve when other prescriptions fail. A pili composed of half a grain of opium, six grains of rhubarb and the same quantity of prepared chalk given every night, will, when followed next morning and noon by ten grains of rust of steel, remove the cramp in the stomach, if it proceeds from acidity. The cramp in the leg may be prevented by wearing stockings in the bed, and rubbing it with camphorated oil. Standing on the leg will remove the'cramp in the foot or leg. It is said carrying sulphur in the pocket will prevent the attacks of the cramp. Throwing cold water on the face suddenly will sometime removes the spasm. Where the irritating cause can be ascertained, the most certain remedy is to remove it. If it is owing to the gout, spirits should be drunk, and blisters appli- ed to the feet. Drinking hot water sweetened with brown sugar tea cupful after tea cupful will prevent the attack or alleviate the pain and give ease sooner than any other remedy. Anodynes may be used to remove irritability. Warm fomentations to the stomach are often beneficiai» NIGHT-MARE OR INCUBUS. The patient in sleep feels an oppression or weight about his stomach and breast. He groans, is in great distregs and dreads suffocation. He fancy» himself in WRIGHTS FAMILY MEDICINE. 167 some imminent danger, and tries to escape, but finds he cannot move; he imagines himself about to fall over a precipice, be drowned in a river or consumed in a burn- ing house. Causes. Indigestion, debility j repletion, late and heavy suppers, fiatulence, great fatigue, sleeping on the back, iuloxication. TREATMENT. • As the person afflicted generally moans, or manifests distress, he should be waked, às that brings immediate relief. Those who are subject.to this complaint should eat eàrly and light suppers, and take a glass of pepper- mint water after supper to assist digestion. Windy food should be avoided. A hard bed should be prefer- red. Where the complaint proceeds from debility, the chalybeate pili may be taken, or steel^ bark or colum- bo, may'be administered in ordinary doses. If it arises from a full habit, a spare diet will be proper, as well as venesection and purging. Severe study, anxiety and whatever will oppress the mind should be carefully avoided. It will be prudent in those who are frequent- ly troubled with this complaint, to have a companion to sleep with them, lest at some time the stagnation of blood should continue so long as to stop the functions of life and terminate in death. SWOONINOS. Swooning is caused by sudden transitions from heat to cold, by loss of blood, fasting, violent passion, breathing unwholesome air, or great exhaustion by fa- tigue. When any one falls into a swpon, throw water into his face, or sprinkle it with vinegar. Applying vinegar to the nose, and swallowing a little vinegar and water i» beneficiai. The patient's clothing should be 168 WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICENE. loosened. Fresh air should be freely admitted, and no one but the necessary attendants allowed to [come near him. The temples may be rubbed with brandy. Vol- atile spirts, salts, spirits of hartshorn, burnt feathers, or linen should be held to the nose. When exhaustion is the cause, wine jellies or spirituous liquors may be given to recussitate the patient. FEATUEENCIES OR WIND. Flatulence is occasioned by crude al menu by OA'er loading the stornagli, or by drinking fermenting liquors. Itis generally owingto the weakness of the bowels. TREATMENT. Expel the wind and give strength to the intestines,and the patient is cured. Juniper berries, roots of ginger, opium, and various other carminative medicines are • given, but often they disappoint the physician. Laud- anum in peppermint water, and tincture of castor or sweet spirits of nitre is deemed a good remedy. So is ether—give a table spoonfuFin two, table spoonfuls of water for a single dose, and increase it as the patient is able to bear it. External applications are sometimes davntageous. The. following liniment is often used.__ Take half an ounce of Bate's anodyne balsam, half an ounce of the oil of mace, and tAvo drachms of oil of mint—mix them together, and rub a spoonful once a day on the part. Peruvian bark, bitters, the chalybeate pili and exer- cise are the best means of strengthening the stomach and intestines. Costivenéss, as well as extreme laxity should be equally avoided. Exercise of the laborious or active and amusing kind, will be found more effica< cious in expelling fiatulencies than any medicine. WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. 16Ó EOW SPIRITS. Low spirits are a consequence of weakness, a re- laxed state of the stomach and intestine», or a suppres- sion of customary evacuations. They are also occasion- ed by anxiety, or grief or great distress of mind. They are augmented by gloom and solitude. TREATMENT. .The cold bath, exercise, generous diet and amuse- ments are the means best calculated to give relief. An infusion of bark with cinnamon or mustard, or steel joined with aromatics or the chalybeate pili will be found salutary where low spirita are caused by a relaxed state of the bowels. But greater dependence may be placed on riding and proper regulation of the diet.— When low spirits are occasioned by foul stomach, aloetic purges will be useful. If evacuations are suppressed, they must be restored or seatons substituted. Where grief or distress of mind is the cause, relief must be sought in travelling, company, amusement, wine and strong liquors moderately used, are not injurious. Eve- ry excess, whether of eating, drinking or venery must be carefully shunned. ,., , HISTERIC FITS. Symptoms. General ranguOr and coldness of the extremities; the face alternately pale and flushed, the pulse fluctuating, oppression, lowness of spirits, yawn- ing, stretching, anxièty. Aballrises from the lower partof the.abdomen into the stomach, producing infla- tion, sickness and vomiting; it then ascends into the throat and occasions a feeling and fear of suffocation. Then folloAV palpitation of the heart, quick breathing, giddines», dimness of sight, loss of hearing and con- J70 WRIGHTS FAMILY MEDICENE. vulsive motions of the extremities. An immediate fit of laughter introduces the hysteric paroxism, and a fit of crying ends it. In some patients, the head beats violently as if a nail were driven into it; in others, sharp pains attack the bladder, loinsand back, accom- panied with an extraordinary flow of limpid urine.— Different persons arevariously affected in this disease, and exhibit more pr fewer of the symptoms, according to tlie violence of the attack., Causes. Irritation of the nerves of the stomach, a sudden suppression of the menses, indigestion, grief, surprise, strong excitement and continued anxiety. J Regimen, A salutary effect is to be expected in sanguine constitutions from a persevering observance of a milk diet, A little good wine or spirits after dinner, should not be prohibited. Tea should be used spar- ingly. Riding on borse back will be found highly ben- eficiai. Moderate exercise will be of great assistance, as wellas vivacious company and agreeable amusemente, TREATMENT. The object in this complaint is to shprten the period of its stay, and prevent its recurrence. The longer the fits cantinué, the more obstinate becomes the malady, and the difficulty of cure prOportionably enhanced. Where the patient is of a ,full habit, he should be bled; but in persons of delicate constitutions venesection is unsafe, and inadmissible. Cool air should be admit- ted into the room. The face may besprinkled with water, Bathe the feet and legs in warm water, and rub them well with the hand. Glysters of gruel, with two tea spoonfuls of laudanum may he administered with beneficiai resultsr Burnt feathers, asafcetida or spirits of hartshorn should be held to the patienf s nose to rouse him. Hot bricks may be applied to the feet.— The legs, arms and belly may be rubbed strongly with a warm cloth; the bathing the feet in the warm water as above recommended, is a better remedy. A tea spoon* WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICENE. 171 fui of ether or tincture of asafcetida, or thirty or forty drops of laudanum may be given in a glass of cold wa- ter. It maybe repeated every two hours, or oftener if necessary. HYPOCHONDRIAC AFFECTÌONS. Causes. Intense study of obstrurse subjects, exces- sive grief, improper diet, indolence, suppression of cus- tomary evacuations, obstructions in the liver and spleen, the repulsion of customary diseases, imbecility of the brain or torpor of the nervous system. symptoms. Want of resolution, languor, sadness, timidity, apprehension of the worst consequences on ali occasions. These mental fantacies are accompanied with evidences of indigestion, histerical affectìons and morbid melancholy. TREATMENT. Nothing is more pernicious in this complaint than? inactivity; butserious studies must not be resumed.—r Cheerfulness and serenity should be cultivated; exer-^ cise should be regularly taken, and on no account pre* termitted. Riding on horse back, a voyage, or long: journey will be more useful than medicine. Entertainr ing books mayberead, and lively amusementspursued„- The warm bath will be found useful. After the sys^ tem has been in some measure renovated, the cold batto maybe tried advaiitageously, if obstructions in the bowels do not forbid it. The rust of steel or filings of iron in doses of ten grains three times a day may be' administered with the most salutary consequences. But for a tonic medicine we prefer the chalybeate pili.—\ Magnesia and lime water are also recommended. Regimen. Vegetables, on account of their tendency to produce fiatulence, are generally inadmissible. Light 172 WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICEME • ■•<►,,•.« animai food is the most congenial to the patient'» appc* tite and condition. Acids, malt liquors and wines gen- erally are injurious, with the exception of porter and Maderia. The digestive powers are assisted by a glass of good Maderia. Tea and coffee, indulged in modra* tion are beneficiai. Often this is a disease of the mind, and to it the rem- edy mustbe applied. Sometimes the patient believes a living insect is tormenting him in some part within, or that he is made of glass; noris any thing too ridicu- lous for a hypochondriac patient to believe. A man once came to me who thought he had swallowéd a frog. He had consulted se\eral physicians who ali told him he Avas mistaken in his notion. He at length came to me and told me bis sufferings. I listened patiently to his tale, lamented his misfortune and told him it was but too true that he had swallowéd a frog. He was de- lighted to finti a physician who had so much judgment as to agree with him, and was willing to do whatever I desired. I told him he must take a puke, and for the safetyof his eyes which were sometimes injured by vomiting, I Avould have to cover them with a handker- chief. To ali this he consented. I gave the puke, and got his wife to hold bis head, having instructed ber how to act her part. After he had had a violent fit of puk- ing, I slipped a frog into the vessel in which he Avas vomiting, and stepped out. My dear, exclained his wife, here is the frog. It is unnecessary to say the man got well. THE EYE. The eye is the tenderest partof the body, and liable to many diseases. It is hurt by viewing luminous bo- dies, by violent head ache, effluvia from acrid substan- ces, night Avatching, excessive study by Ile light, and the stoppage of customary evacuatioi WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. Ut Where the eyes are diseased and inflamed, the cooling regimen must be observed, and smoke and smoky houses, and ali glaring lights should be avoided. Issues and sea- tons are highly advantogeous. The body should be kept open. A pitch plaster between the shoulders is often beneficiai, and will ansAver in the place of a sea- ton. When the optic nerve is wasting away, or decaying, no cure need.be expected; but where the debility of the eye proceeds from a redundency of humor» flowing upon the nerve and compressirig it, relief may be had by drawing these off. The bowels should be kept open, and issues or blisters behind the ears or on the back of the neck are much to be relied on, as they have often restored sight after it has for sometime been lost. A cataract is an obstruction to tbe sight by an inter- position of some opake substance. When it is com- pletely formed, it must becouched or extracted. Dr. M'Intosh of Knoxville has performed, in several in- stances, this difficult operation with the happiest result, and has thus been the means of restoring sight to those, who but for his skill, might have long continued blind. Recent cataracts may be resolved, by frequent purges of calomel, keeping poultices of fresh hemiock tothe eye, and a blister constantly on the back of the neck. After violent diseases, .specks sometimes arise on the eye. The weeping eye is caused by a relaxation of the glandular parts of the organ. To remove the specks, the eye should be washed in Water in which white vitri- ol has been dissolved. Brandy and water will strength- en the weeping eye. POISONS. Where poisons have been s walloAved, they must either j be removed by evacuation, or their baleful effect neu- trilized. An emetic of blue or white vitriol, from five 174 WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDIChNE to twenty grains, should be given and r-epeated if neces- sary in fifteen or twenty minutes, aided Avith plentiful draughts of warm AAater. Lime juice or vinegar with water, may be given freely to relieve from the consequences of imprudently swai- lowing too large a dose of opium. If the patient lies in a state of stupefaction, the extremities should beblis- tered. Whipping the legs and arms with rods, and searing the soles of the feet with a hot iron have some- times been recommentled. The Avhites of eggs beat up in col ti water is a good antidote against poison, by cor- rosive sublimate or otber mercuria! preparations. .The whites of twelveor fifteen eggs may be beat up and put into a quart of water. Take a glassful every two or three minutes, so as to favor vomiting. Milk and mu- cilagenous drinks may be used in the same way. Where arsenic or afty metalic salt has been swallowéd, adrink constituted of equal parts of lime water and sugar and water should be swallowéd: BITTEJV FINGERS. When the biteis first received, it should be dressed with a mixture of laudanum and spirits of turpentine. Care should be taken not to catch cold in the wound, as patients often lose not only their fingers, but their lives by neglecting this precaution. After the above men- tioned mixture has been applied two or three times within twenty four hours, a poultice of sweet milk and flour should be kept to the wound until it is cured. If the patient should catch cold and his hand inflame, it is to be stovetl over a preparationof bitter herbs boil- ed in water. After this has been done the head should be wrapped up in a large lye poultice, which should be contiually applied until the swelling subsides, and re- lief is obtained. The patient should also drink plenti- fully of dogwood tea, and his diet should be light. . i WRIGHT'S FAMELY MEDICINE. 175 FEEON OR WHITLOW. Is a swelling of the finger, attended with inflamma- tion. It is usually confined to the last joint, under the nail, and is accompanied with a severe pain and burning heat. As soon as the nature of the cause of suffering is discovered, an incision with a lancét should be made to the bone; vegetable caustic should be inser- ted ia the bottom of the wound. After the smarting has ceased, apply a poultice of sweet milk and flour, and it will effect a cure. BITES OF MUSKETOES. The bitesof musketoesìn consequence of scratching often become painful. To allay ths itching and ting- ling, apply oil, vinegar, lime juice or camphorated spirits. BITES OF POISONOUS "ANI Jf AES. When a person has been bit by a rattle snake or a copperhead,or other venombus animai.Imiake an.iucis ion through the skin of the partwounded-ahontan indi long; after it is done bleeding. insert io the. wound tue vegetable caustic. After it has be*n applied once, or twice, a poultice of sweet milk and flour should be kept on the part. The patient should also drink as much of the following preparation as bis stomach can bear. Take as much rue as you can hold in botb hands, beat it fine, pour on it a pint of whiskey and the pre- paration is ready for use. Whenever a person is bit, a bandage shoultl betightly applied round the limh above the wound. These means shou d he employed as soon after the injury is received as possilble. 176 WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICEVE This is also my mode of treatment in cases of spider bites. Whenever a person is bitten, as before observed, a ligature should be applied above the wound to prevent the circulation of the poison, until the usuai remedies aretried. When a finger is bitten, cutting it off in- stantly, will eflectually prevent the evil effects of the poison. Sucking the wound immediately will extract the malignant infection and hinder any pernicious con- sequences; but those who have rotten teeth or a sore mouth should not venture on such an experiment. A good remedy against the bites of poisonous ani- mais, is a table spoonful of the plantain and horehound administered every hour or two. Another remedy is, dissolve six or eight grains of lunar caustic in three or four ounces of water; keep the parts affected moistened with it, and take some of it weaken ed in wardly. Relief may also be given by a plastér of quick lime and soap laid on the wound; and swallowingas much spirits, into which cayenne pepper has been thrown, ascan beretained in the stomach. A certain remedy against poisonous bites, is said to be caustic volatile alkali or eaudeluce. The wound should be kept constantly wet with rags wetted with either of these. A tea spoonful of the same medicine in a little water should be swallowéd by the patient every hour, or oftener if a necessity for it is indicated. HYDROPHOBIA- OR The Bile of a .Mad Bog. Whenever it'can be done, the part that is injured should be cut out imediately, and by this means the poi- son will be hinderetl from eutering into the system.— When this cannot be done, caustic should be applied WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICELE. 177 withòut deray, so as to change the nature of the wonnd, or the part affected may be washed, then burnt with a hot iron tìiore ex ten si vely than the wound itself, filled withmercury and kept open for some time. Mercury also should be employed inwardly and outwardly to produce salivation. Large doses of opium, it is said have pròved beneficiai. The caustic volatile alkali, may upon experiment be discovered to be an antidote to the bite of a mad dog as well as to that of poisonous sérpents. Emetic Aveed, scull cap and chick weed are deemed valuable remedies in hydrophobia. SWAEEOWINO PINS. Whfre this accident happens, the proper course is to give milk or milk mixed with raw eggs, and thus surround the pins with such a substance as will hinder the points from injuring either the stomach or intestines. Opening medicinesshould not be given. Pins, however seldom injure the stomach. VENERÉAE DISEASE. The venerea! disease is of twokmds; itis called the clap or gonorrhoea where it is a locai affection of the genital organs; and the pox where the whole system i» contaminated. GONORRHOEA. The gonorruoea is an involuntary discharge of infec- tious matter from the parts of generation. It is prece- ded by itching and uneasiness inthegenitals. Theinfec- tion generally makes its appearance within eight or ten day» after it is received. 178 WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. Symptoms. A discharge of matter, at first white, then yelloAV or greenish; painful erections, termed chor- ^ dee, which sometimes occasion a discharge of blood. E\acuating urine isalso attended with pain in the end of the penis. The inflammation gradually spreads, and hence follow difficulty of evacuating urine, swelled testicles, protuberances in the groin and thickening and contraction of the foreskin. The disease is milder in women; it makes its appearance simply by a disdiàrge Of mucus. They are more subject to excoriations than men; and inflammation extending into the urethra is at- tended with great pain. TREATMENT. Strong heating food should be avoided. The follow- ing injection may be used. Take of white vitriol and sugar of lead, eacli one scruple, mucilage of gum Ara- bie or common water half a pmt—mix them, aiid after it stands fifteen minutes, strain it off. It should be a little weakened, and an ordinary syfinge full should be thrown up six or eight times a day. It should be inject- ed immediate after making water. Where there is con- siderable inflammation, sweet oil may be injected to allay it. Flax seed tea,, barley water or mucilage of gum Arabie should be drunk freely. Repeated doses of tartar should be taken to obviate costivenéss. As- tringent injections, if too strong at first Occasion swelled testicles, strictures and enlargement of the prostate glands, and prolong the duration of the disease; but after the inflammatory state is removed, they may be used with safety, and will accelerate the cure. Fre- quent washing of the parts will be beneficiai, and the greatest cleanliues» should be observed. A dose of laudanum at bed time will lull the patient, and prevent him from experiencitìg the painful effects of the chordee, or bathe the offending member frequently in cold water. When a hormorrhage ensues, it may be removed by rest and immerseing the part in vinegar and WRIGHT'S FAMDLY MEDICENE. 170 Water, or injecting lead water of the common strength. A more modero method of cure is to give forty drops of balsam capivi, more or less accordingto circumstau- ces, morning, noon and night. The dose should be taken in wine or milk. Or if that should disagree with the stomach, take half an ounce of balsam capivi, an equal quantity of spirits of nitre, the white of an egg or powdered arabic and white sugar, each two drachms—mix them together; then add one drachm of laudanum and three ounces of water; of this mix- ture a table spoonful-three times a day, will accomplish a speedy cure, if ali heating articles of drink and diet are avoided. The testicles when swelled must be bandaged up and supported; blood letting, cathartics and diluent drinks must sometimes be resorted to to al- lay imflammation. Having gh7enthe mode commonly pursued by other physicians, I will now state my own method of treat- ment. Take of the. roots of Indian or wild hemp as much as you can hold in your two hand», put it in one gallonof water, boil it down to a quart, and into this put one grain of corrosive sublimate. Of this decoc- tion take three spoonfuls a day, one in the morning, one at noon and one at night. The patient should inject with the same decoction once a day. If the dose should make the patient too sick, he shoultl take less. GJ-EEET. The gleet is a Constant discharge of mucus matter after the inflammatory symptoms have subsided. Hard drinking, violent exercise or straining may be the cause. TREATMENT. Astringent injections may be used. Thirty or forty drops of balsam capivi may be. given three times a day; 180 WRIGHTS FAMILY MEDICINE. cold bathing is also proper, as well as other tonic reme- dies. Uva ursi has. often succeeded in curing. Tinc-. ture of cantharides has also brought relief. Balsam caphi and tincture of pantharides maybe combined.— At the commencement, not more than fifteen drops of the tincture should be given at a time. The quantity may be gradually increased. A cure has sometimes been accomplished byan injection of punch, of green tea, or of a decoction of red oak bark. Twenty grains of alum dissolved in half a pint of Avater ìs an effica- cous remedy. An injection of it may be thrown tip two or thee times a day, and not ottener. Where there is formed in the urethraan ulcer, which may be suspected," iì" on pressing the penis on a slight erection, one part is discoA'ered to be more susceptible than another, and it is the cause of gleet, an injection composedof one or two grains of corrosive snblimate in half a pint of water, is the most effectual remedy.— If a stricture be the cause, abouge should he introduc- ed. After usingit for three weeks,it should be discon- tinued and not resumed. If the running ceases shortly afterwards, acure is commonly effected. SEMINAE WEAKNESS. Seminai weakness is an involuntary discharge of semen. At first there is a partial erection, and the emission is attended with pleasure. Gradually the penis become weakened and the testicles bang low and need support. This kind of gleet may be a consequence of self-pol- lutlon, straining, hot glysters and the imprudent use of strong diuretics. WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. lai TREATMENT. Marriage is generally a certain cure. When the1-semen oozes away gradually, the best remedies are the cold bath and a pili, composed of balsam capivi and red peruvian bark, a» large as it can be conveniently swal- lowéd, and swallowéd every night when going to bed and every morning. The patient should also take suf- ficient exercise ; but be careful to do rtothing that would strain him. Costivenéss is injurious. There is noth^ ing better fitted to arouse the dormant energies of nature than the free use of fruit. The patient may in- dulge himself freely & liberally in eating sweet appiè» or such as are most agreeable to his palate^ The diet should not be too.strong. It ought to be light and nour- ishing. It is probable the chalybeate pili would be as effectual a restorative as any other. Eating the inner bark of slippery elm has sometimes resulted in a cure. The patient shoultl lie cool and on a hard bed. In winter time he should bathe his back in colti water just before going to bed and eat no meat or strong diet for sup- per. This disease is very different from the other gleet. Tincture of cantharides is positively injurious. OBSTRUCTION OF URINE. Obstruction of urine, a consequence of gonorrhoeais occasioned by tumors in the urethra or a contraction of the urihary canal. TREATMENT. When tumors cause this affection, mercurial pili» should be used night and morning and a decoction of sarsaparilla or mezereon. Warm bath and fomentations should be employed l *■ where a spasmodic contraction of the passage is the t cause Camphorated oil or ether and laudanum com- R 9 162 WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. bined in equal parts may be rubbed on the penis. If this givés no relief, the patient must be bled and take lau- danum, in large doses. V. POX. Pox is the name given to this disease wherè the poi- son is diffused thro' the Avhole system. It now mani- fests itself,by ulcers in the throat, buboes, chancres and blotcbesin various parts. It affect» the wholè system; even the bones are filled with rottenness, and unless relief is soon affbrded, death must shortly put an end to the patient's existence. TREATMENT. My treatment is the same as in gonorrhoea, only the sorcs are to be kept clean and anointed Avitli mercuria! ointment. I also give the practice of other physician». Mercury is the only -sovereign remedy. The patient should take a mercurial pili night and morning until a slight soreness is felt in the mouth and gunis. The sal- ivation, thus commenced if it can be continued for a few weeks will dispel the evil disease. If the mercu- ry affects the bowels, the dose must be lessened or given at greater intervals, or the mercurial ointment substitu- ted. If the action of the salivary glands is increased, the mercury should be dispensed with for a feAV days and a tea spoon full of flour of sulphur should be taken night and morning in a glass of milk or flaxseed tea. The mercury should be continued in small. doses ten or twelve days after the symptoms bave disappeared. In scrofulous habits, and when the blood is vitiated, nitric acid in doses of from one totwp drachms diluted. should be preferred. Where mercury is attendetl Avitli unfavorable symptom», other medicines may be used, jis nitric acid, tar Avater, decoetions of prirkly ash, meze- r % WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE: 183 reon, sarsaparilla and lobelia. Chancres, Avhich are, < small ulcers on thefore skin are best cured by the ap- plication of causile. When they are not of long stand- ing, Avashing with spirits and brandy, a solution of alkali, and applying dry lint with cleanliness, will sometimes effect a cure. Mercurial ointment should he rubbed on the buboes and on the inside of the thighs j or the calf of the leg to disperse them. Cloths wrung \ out of leatl water may be applied to the swelling to keep it cool. The boAvels should be kept in alaxative state and the pain mitigated by the use of opiates at bed time. When a suppuration is apprehended, the former plaiiAvill not answer, warm poultices of milk and bread should be applied and renovated until the swellings break. Afterwards a few poultices may be continued, to facilitate the discharge. Then the sore should be washed clean with soapsuds and dressed night and morning with basilicon spread on lint until the matter is discharged. It should then be dressed with rags dip- ped in a solution of alkali once or twice in twentyfour hours and, after ali the proud flesh has disappeared, it maybe annointed with Turner's healing ointment to cure it. Warts remaining after the expulsion of the venereal poison, may be cut off by ligatures or removed by thè application of caustic. Regimen. Where the patient is reduced or is indel- icate health, nourishing diet, wine, bark, &f tonic medi- ! cines are proper. In full habits the food should be light and cooling; cleanliness should be particularlyregar- ded and moderate exercise taken. Milk and water or soapsuds should be frequently applied tothe part affec- ted and the ulcers cleansed and dressed night and mor- ning. Prevention. After a suspicious connection, dis- charge the urine and wash the poluted member care- fully with soap suds or grog. Women shoultl Avash i the external parts and also inject a portion of the grog ! up the vagina. V 184 WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. MANAGEMENT OF CHILDREN. After the child is bora the first thin| to be done is to separate it from its mother. If the child do not breathe or gasp or cry, it should be ascertaiued wheth- er the face or mouth is covered with membrane» and that the navel string does not surround the neck so as to hinder breathing. The child should not in general be sepcrated from the mother until pulsation in the umbil- ical cord has ceasetl. After the heating in the cord can no longer be felt, it may be tied and cut. Two liga- tures are necessary; one of them about three or four fingers breadth from the navel ; the other, two indie» from the first, on that side next the placenta^ then cut the cord between them. The rigature» should be coni- posed of so many threads, that there may be no danger of dividing the navel string. Afterthe child is separateti from the parent, it should be washetl clean Avith soap and bike Avarili water. A small bit of rag should be wraped round the navel string and wound lightly round the belly. Then dress the child. In five or six days the cord next the belly drops off and leaves a tenderness, which ■ nurses usu- ally remove in two or three weeks. A split raisen applied morning antl évening under a singed rag hast- ens this process. When a complete separation of the cord dose not take place in a Aveek it usually hangs by a thread Avhich may be divided. The clothingof children shoultl be simple and suited to the season antl made to tie with tape as pins are dangerous. Tight rolling is to be depricated as it impedes the circulation of the blood and the action of the abdominal muscles. When a child i» stili borii, endeavor» should be used to revive it. The main object is to preserve it» warmth and produce breathing. Its vital beat may be letained by AATapping it up in flannel and steeping it up to the nerk in bike warm. * WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE ;185 water as soon as it can be obtained. To make it breàthe, the body mày berubbed with spirits, stimulants may be applied to the'face, the tempie», nostrils antl lips may be touched witli a feather dipped in vitrioìic ether or spirits of hartshorn; the solés of the feet and the but- tock may be slapped with the band; a little salt antl water or a tea spoonful of spirits with two or. three table spoonfuls of warm Avater may be injected; the lungs also should beinflated with air. If these means are successful, nothing further is requisite but keeping the infant warm and its face exppsed to the air. The body of an infant shoultl not be Wrapped too tight but kept free and easy that it may bé encouraged early to exercise and give strength to its limbs. It shoultl be alloAved to sleep as mudi as it will. Its clothes while in bed should he lighter than during the day as if oth- erAAise it will increase its liability to catch cold. In- fants bave generally good appetite» and if permitted avìII suck voraeiously, gorge themselves and injure the stomach. Purgingcìiildren as soon as they are bora is generally improper. If the child is easy after it is dressed, itmay be laid doAVn to sleep, and after a few hours put to its mother» breast. If ìt should suck, its mothers milk will be more salutary to the child than any medicine; will operate as a laxative and clean its bowels effectually The child may also be taught to suck by making an artificial teat filled Avith milk and Avater sweetened with white sugar. The greatest attention should he patti to cleanliness. For the first two wecks the child should be regularly washed every day in tepitl water and after that pérìod in cold Avater. The head should be washed first when cold Avater isused. But regard should be had to the constitution,for cold water is found by trial not to agree witli some children. The infant should al way s be carefullv dried and its limbs gently rubbed with dry soft linen. Sometimes a liU tle salt or brandy is thrown into the water to hinder any 186 WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. evil consequences from bathing the chjid in it. The clothes and linen of children should be Jeqehtly shifted and they should be kept dry, clean a&d comfortable. Exercise and air are evidently beneficiai to infants. How often is the weakly child restored to health by exercise and removal to a pure atmosphere? Riding them, when enfeebled by disease, is frequently found to be more salutary than taking medicine. Cribs are better fitted for children to sleep. in than cradles. Children should be weaned gradually. First they may he deprived. of milk early in the morning, and by degrees accustomed to take more food. They may then be hiuderetl from sucking during the night and thus be Aveaned slowly withòut injury to themselves ; as the change of diet will be so graduai as to produce' no disorders or inconvenience. While the child is young it should hot be frightened with hobgoblin stories ; nor shoultl it be unnecessarily provoked or irritateti. Now is the time to acquire an ascendancy over it, to check the first indications of obstinacy or ili temper, and to teach it obedience. Whenever a mother refuses a child any play thing or bau*ble it may desire, she should stili persist in her res- olution however it may cry antl fret. By perseverane^ and consistency the child will be taught submission ; and when it is older it will unhesitatingly, chéerfully obey the mandates of its parent. For whether children or groAvn persons are to be governed, the same firmness, consistency, reasonableness and perseverance must be exercised, or obstinacy, sulkiness and rebellion may be expected. How oftén do petted children come to an ^ evil end! The happiness or misery of the child often depends oir the treatment it receives from its parents and the lessons it learns in its early years. How impor- timi then is it to use such judgment and wisdom in rais- ing children, that, instead of being froAvard, fretful and malicious, they shall be cheérful, good liumored, lively antl honest, telling the truth antl avoitling evil habits and the indulgence of their untoward propensities. WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE, 187 "Train up a child in the way he should go ahd Wheii he is old he wUl not departfromit." . BISEASES OF INFANTS. Croup or the Bold Hives is a disease incident to chil- dren. It is of two kinds, chronic and inflammatory. CHRONIC CROUP. Children under ten years are most liable to be affect- ed with this disease. Its^attacks are most frequent in Avinter or spring, though it occurs at other seasons ; damp weather succeeded by sudden cold often produces it. The patient previousto.au attack. loses its vivacity and cheerfulness, becomes drowsy and inactive, exhibits slight symptoms of fever, a difficulty of breathing, with frequent coughing and a failure of appetite. The coughing increases in violence and agitates and exhausts the patient. The mucus apparently becomes thicker and coagulates andthreatens entirely toobstruct respiration^ The cough is distinguished by a peculiar croaking, troublesome shrill and distressing ; the face is flushed, the pulse generally quick, a Jiissing noise attends the breathing, which becomes more and more difficult and obstructed ; a ratling is also heard in the throat, and the agitation of the whole system portends a speedy dissolu- tion. ^;, TREATMENT. It is important that this disease should be attendetl to in its early stages. Tartar emetic is the usuai and prop- er remedy. It is then necessary to give calomel and two or three hours afterwards a dose of castar oil, so as to evacuate the bowels. In the inception of the disease we have knoAvn indigo, preparedof the usuai strength to blue clothes sweetened • 188 WRIGHT'S FAMILY MED-ICU*t! so as to Tender it palatable, given in doses of a table spoonful at a time and repeated at inte^gals of an hour as often as may he necessary, have the most salutary effect; it often èntierly changes the character of the cough and subdues antl eradicates the disease. The only danger tp be apprehended is, that indigo is sometimes settled with arsenic and retains some of its deleterious qualities, and should at first be used in more moderate dose» until it is ascertained to be per- fectly safe. INFLAMMATORY OR SPASMOBIC CROUP. The only difference betAveen this aud the preceding disease is that the child is attacked suddenly Avithout previous indispositioh and is not so much troubled with phlegra. The difficulty of breathing arises from a different cause,an inflammation and sudden con- traction of the muscles around the wintlpipe. The pulse is frequent and full. The face mauifests solici- iudeand distress; the croakingis heard in the coughing and voice ; the respiration is interruptpd antl laborious, the child become restléss, its system is debilitated, its extremities cold and dissolution quickly relives.the lit- tle sufferer of its complicated pains.: TREATMENT. Iti the commeucement of the disease, it will be proper to take an onion, split it. take out the heart,'^ fili the vacancy sO occasioned Avith ^brimstpne, ro.ast it, mash it up in a cloth,. squeeze out the juice and give from fifteen to twenty drops to the child every fifteen minutes until it is taken two or three times ; as soon as it has taken the first dose, the patient is to be placed in a warm bath and bled copiously. The object is to relax the spasmodie contractions òf the muscles which is WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICENE. m CTeafing that disease. Sometimes the child is attacked so suddenly that it can take no medicine, then put it imme- diately into a warm bath bleed it and as soon as it can receive it, give it tlie above prescribed mixture. When this treatment does not relieve, it will be necessary to make a poultice of dogfennel and lay it to its neck. This will act as an irritant. To make a poultice the dogfennel may he beaten and thus applied to the neck, or beat, put into water and boiled and corn meal stirred among it. A snuff plaster or tobacco leaves soaked in Avater and renewed wrhen they become dry will answer as a substitute. CHOLERA INFANTUM, OR Cholera of infants. The cholera of infants resemblesthe cholera in adult persons. It often proceed» from eating unAvholesome food, imripe fruit, from teething or a sudden change from beat to cold, it is most frequent in warm weather. Sometimes the purging is beneficiai and removes some offending matter, that if suffered to continue in the sys- tem Avoultl be highly injurious. When sudi i« the case, the purging ought not to be suddenly stopped. as it is the effort of nature to relieve herself. After stopping the vomiting, it often happens that the child falls into a state of general debility, and is far from being cured. The skin then becomes dry, nature ceases to perforai her operations by the pores of the skin, and the patient, after remaining in this condition, is again attacked with fits of vomiting, accompanied with high fever, and is thus gradually worn doAvnand exhausted. S 190 WRIGHT'S FAMD1Y MEDICINE. TREATMENT. When the child is first attacked, give it an emetic; if that does not relive, as soon as the child'.» strength will permit, give a dose of calomel, antl two or three hours afterwards, adoseof castor oil; this will produce temporary relief, and sometimes cure the patient with- òut the necessity of employing any further remedies. After cleansing the stomach, boil butterfly, or pleurisy root in sweet milk, antl let it drink as mudi of it as it will. This will strengthen the bowels antl stomach, and at the sanie time have a tendency to produce perspi- ration. Sometimes 1 substitute Bateman's drops for the butterfly root and milk. As often as the puking re- turns, the calomel antl oil is to beused as at first dircct- ed. Wearing flannel next the skin is recommended; it will be very beneficiai. Bathing the patient in a de- coction of oak bark may also be resorted to with atl- vantage. In some cases, removal to a parer atmosphere has proved highly salutary. TEETHJNG. Almost every mother is acquainted with the sufferings enduretl by children during the process of dentition.— About the age of six or seAren months teething commen- ces. The gums are inflamed and sAvell. The fore teeth generally come out first; then the dog teeth or ca- nine, and lastly the doublé teeth or grinders. About the sixth orseventh year a neAV, stronger antl more du- rable set make their appearance. The first are some- times called premasy or temporary; the next, seconda- ry or icrmanent teeth. The danger to Avhich children are exposed at this time arises from the pressure of the teeth upon the gum; irritation antl inflammation ensue; the child's whole frame is affected, its sleep isdisturbed, its gums SAvell, its boAvels arepained; it is truobled with * WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICENE. 191 fever, laborious antl obstructed respiration and conAail- sions. TREATMENT. If there has been a discharge from the bowels, and it has been too suddenly stopped, antl the child is threat- ened Avith convulsions. the boAvels may be opened by clysters, or by giving oil. If the gums are much sAvell- ed and painful, they may be relieved by the pareut cut- ting them through to the teeth Avith a pen knife or lan- cét, and this may be done Avithoutthe aid of askillful physician.' If the purging is excessive and debilita- ting, dysters of laudanum will be salutary, followed by occasionai doses of calomel, rhubarb and magnesia. Where there is debility but no purging of the bowels the cold bath will be useful. In cases of high fever, gentle laxatives may be given, and the Avarai bath may be resorted to with the mostbeneficial results. Two,three or four drops of spirits of hartshorn in a little water or other liquitl may be given every four hours until three or four dose» are taken. Larger doses would probably be' more effectual. When there is a great prostration of strength, it may be restored or renewed by wine and water. On the loss of appetite or uncommon debility of the stomaci), a dose of ipecacuanha may be used with advantage. A plaster of Burgundy pitch will some- times relieve a ticking cough and weakness and sore- ness of the eyes. Great care must be taken to su staili the child's strength by nourishiug diet, such as milk, rice milk, or milk and water; cordials. as wine whey, and where the Aveakness is stili augmented by nutritive clysters, Avholesome food and sufficient exercise in the open air will promote the general health of the child, and greatly facilitate dentition. 1;*J WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICENE. CONVULSIONE. Convulsions are a violent contraction of the muscles. Their approach is sometimes indicated by a slight con- tortion of the face. The cause of them is a great irri- tatiou, or extraordinary stimulation of the nerves.. They may be superinducedby a bad state of the bowels, by ìeething, by irritation of the stomach, by the approach of some eruptive contagion, or by inhaling an impure atmosphere. They are also sometimes occasioned by bandages, tight clothes, &c. They are often but symp- tomatic of another malady; but are sometimes an ori- ginai disease and proceed from the brain, antl often they are produccd by Avorio». Removing the cause will often effect a cure, though sometimes the consequences will stili remain. If the bowel- are disorderetì, they shoultl be cleased of their acrid contents; costivenéss should be niet by a clyster. and afterAvards à vomitmay be administered, antl occa- si Mal doses of magnesia alba given to prevent a se- • ond cpiistipation of the bowels. The •warm bath is al Avays beneficiai, the child should be steeped in it to the neck and retai ned in it for a few minute». Where ex- treme paleness and Aveakness are exhibited, a table spoonful of mustard or hartshorn may be thrown into the Avater. If convulsions arise from the sudden strik- jug in of any eruption,.as the measles or chicken pox^ the child must drink plentifully of warm ^eas, such a* pennyroyal or hyssop; and after the pustulès again ap- pear, the utmost care must be used to keep the child from catching cold, or exposing itself soas not to drive the disease back again. WORMS. Worms are of several kintls; as their effects. are much the same, we propose only to treat of thfi long round worm, which is mosti common, and of the tape? WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. 193 worm. A foetitl breath, squeamishness, laxity of the bowels, promineucy of the belly, faintings, loss of ap- petite or an extraordinary yoracity of food, convulsions, epileptic fits and even the privation of speech indicate the pre vai enee of Avorms. The itching of the nose, the SAvellihg of the upper lip, grinding of the teeth in sleep, pallor of epuntenance and emaciation of the whole frame are also considered as symptoms, also stupor òf appearance, griping of the bowels aud amplification of the pupil of the eyes, dizziness, sIoav fevers with occa- sionai exacerbations and an irregularity of pulse. TREATMENT. When a child is supposed to be troubled with worms,, before any alarmiug symptoms occur, it will be pru- dent to give a dose of calomel, and after an internai of five of six hours, let it be sneceeded by oil or salts.— Dried and scraped or pulverized Indian turnip mixed with honey should be given on an empty stomach for fiVe or six mornings before the full of the moon,t after which let the medicine be discontinued until the same period in the next mouth, Avhen it may be commenced and given as above directed. When the worms produce a choaking, give the child honey and it will experience. immediate, relief. Then let the Indian turnip be administered. Ihdigo to be giv- en as mentioned in the croup is also an excellent reme- dy. Pink root made into a tea and sAveetened is also highly apprèciated and may be used when the Indian turnip cannot beprocured. Disòrders are often attrib- uted Avithout foundation to worms; in sudi cases, these remedies wiU be ineffectual; but where Avorms are the real cause of tlisease, we have great confidence in the prescriptions here given. S* UU- WRIGHT'S FAMILY.' MEDICEA HYDROCEPH A L.U S OR Bropsu of the Brain. Is often produced by iujuries. done to the head, or fiora originai laxity and weakness-of the part affected, by protuberances within the skrill, or is the consequence of some other tlisease. This malady is distioguislied by a pain in the crown of the head and above the eyes. by sickness antl vomiting, aud an irregvilar and a weak, pulse,-heaviness, dullness and sometimes by delirium. Where the disease is approximating a fatai termination, the frequency of pulse increases, the pupil of the eyes enlarges, the face assumes a feverish hue, the patient becomes leUiargic antl sinks under his accumulated af- flictions.. TREATMENT. Thi» malady is but too often fatai in its consequences; nevertlieless, it has sometimes.been cured* It is highly inflammatory andrequires tpbe promptly mei, or iLwill subtlue the system.. When the fever is high, depletion bycopious bleedihg will he proper.. The quantity of blood as well as the repetitiou of the operation must be regulated by theurgencyof the case, and the violence of the symptom». Calomel and salts in large dose» should he administered. Cupping glasses should be psed, and blisters xm.the neek so as to reduce the febrile symptoms. After the inflammatory action has been subdued, torestore the system, givethe chalybeate pili; the quantity to be regulated by. ther age of the patient, (see chalybeate pili.) THE WHOOPING OR CHIN COUGH, Comes on generally with a coki; is known by its convulsive, str-aagulating nature, attended with vvhoopr WRIGHTS FAMILY MEDICINE. W5 ing, coniing on by fits, and often closing with vomiting. It is contagious and like the measles and small pox, it af- fects children but once. It makes its appearance witb a difficulty of respiration, a slight disposinoli to drinkr increased action of the pulse and other symptoms of fever. Fits of coughing generally cease Avhen a quantity of mucus is expectarated,. os the- contents of the stom- ach are evacuated.by vomiting. TREATMENT. Where the disease is mild, a laxativeto keep< the bowels open antl obviate irritatiou may be taken.— Where its fori»'is spasmodrc and its symptoms inflam- matory, hleadioi*: will he necessary in patients of full. habits, then clear the bowels, apply a blister to the breast and use an emetic aidetl by opium so as to pro- ra ote sAveating and expectoration. But we prefer the following remedy.—Dissolve a scruple of salts of tar- tar in a pint of water, add ten grains of cochineal, finely poAvdered, sweeten this with sugar—give an in- fant the fourth part of a table spoonful four times a day. To a child tAvo or three years old, half a. spoonful, antl toa child four years old or upwards, a spoonful. The relief will be immediate antl the cure effected generally in three or four days. A Burgundy pitch plaster on the back oron the pit of the stomach,.a flannel shirt next tlie skin antl change of air are also recommended.. The diet must be light and easy of digestion. RICKETS. This disaase originates from wcakness, and any cause that produces debility disposes to it. The head and abdomen are unnaturally enlarged;. the face is flush- ed and florrid, It sometimes affects the. bones whicli ♦ becorafi crooketl, unnatural and deformed.. The appe- 198 WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. tite is bad. the digestion imperfect and the solids re- laxed. TREATMENT. Exercise is the most effectual remedy. Much may be accomplished by nutricious diet and Avholesome air. Gentle vomits and cathartics shoultl be given to cleanse aud purify the system. It shoultl then be braced with tonics, a» bark, steel and columbo; but perhaps nothing' avìII so effectually invigorateand renew the constitution as the chalybeate pili. Bandages will also be useful in reducingor restraining the preternatural enlargement of the head. ST. VITUS' DANCE Isa species of convulsions. Its àpproaches are evinced by languPr and love of inaction, and long pro- tracted constipàtion of the bowels. Presentìy the face is convulsiva affected and the limbs twitch antl jirk and many strange gesticulations are èxhìbited. As costivenéss is too commonly the cause of this dis- ease, purgatives are usually necessary; if continued, the symptoms will gradually aliate, aud thè patient, strange as it may seem, will gain strength antl sììoav by his walk, countenance and appearance that he is recov- ering. Catharticsaremainlyto.be depended on; tho' sometimes tonics may be employed successfully. THE SCALD HEAD Is characterized by ulcers at the root of the hair, Avhence proceeds a Avhite scab, forming scales antl ex- ' WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. 197 haling an offensÌA*e smeli.. It is a contagion» complaint antl has hitherto been considered difficult to cure. TREATMENT. Shavc the head clean with a razor; wash it in strong soap suds, or if the disease is very bad, in a strong so- lution of vegetable caustic. Then make a tar cap and put it ali over the head. After it has remameli on for three or tour Aveeks, or until the smeli has become very offensive, the old cap ought to he removed and a new one substituted; antl this, if carel'ulìy done, may be accomplishcd withòut inmicting pain on the patient.— The tar ought to be prepared by heating it over the fire and reducingitto a pitch, so that the warmth of the head will not melt it and cause it to run. Let the caps be con- stantly reneAvetl when necessary; pcrseverance will in- evitably effect a complete cure, aud the hair will grow out again in ali its primitive, native beauty and luxuri- ance.' When general debility prevails, the child will be strengthened by taking the chalybeate pili. Persons Who do not wish to cut off their hair, may wash the head with a solution of sugar of lead and aa- noint it Avith my vegetable unguent. THE THRUSII, Appear» in white ulcers on the tongue, gums, mouth and throat, resembling particles of curdletl milk, but wjien the disease is violent, it is not confined to those parts, but affects the whole intestinal canal, antl excites irar-ings aiid ventosity. Small pimples first show themselves on the tongue, and gradually spread over the mouth, which becomes so tentler that the patient cannot receive either solid food or spirits or wine withòut great pungency and pain. 198 WRIGIITS FAMILY MEDICINE. TREATMENT. Take of persimmon bark antl biade haAV bark a small handful of each, a small handful of common sage, and a piece of tlirt the size of a hen egg out of the back wall of a chimney where a fire ha» been kept a consid- erable time, put them into a quart of Avater, boil it down to half a pint, pour it off antl add a piece of alum as large as a hazlenut. Wash the mouth two or three times a day Avith a rag dipped in this preparation and Avrapped round the mother's finger. This lotion is also highly salutary in ali cases of in- ternai ulcers of the mouth. Another cure.—Take equal quantities of browu sugar and powderèd borax mixed togeth and put a little at a time frequently in the child's mouth. ERYSIPELiAS, The Mosc^ o-r'tSt. JSnthouy's Fire. ■ It i» known by fever, accompanied with an inelina- tion to sleep aud sometimes a disordcr of the intellect or wandering mind. No part of the body is exempt from the attacks pf this disease. It appears on the toes, feet, thighs, shoulders, abtlomen neck antl face. The skin of the part affected thickens and look» purple or bluish. Infants of a few days old, as Avell as adults are subject to this disease. Where this eruption occu- pies the face, inflammation of the brain i» sometimes to be apprehended. Sometimes this disease isushered in with a sensation of coldness and shivering.' TREATMENT. Take a Cooling laxative, as salt» or senna; stew to- gether two ounces of mutton suet with one ounce of tar: and afterwards while warm add a table spoonful "J WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE 199 of spirits of turpentine. Annoint the part affected Avith this two.or three times a day. If the pimples assume a pale yelloAV cast instead of a brilliant red, the medi- cine is proving effectual; if not, more violent means must be adopted, and a blister must be applietl ali over the diseased part if about the face: if on the body, and its ravages are extreme, rub it with mercurial ointment, or the above prescribed mixture. Bleeding will also he necessary. Apply starch or flour to the part affect- ed; in slight attacks, it will he sufficient, giving at the same time a tea cupful of a strong decoction of peach tree leaves, every hour until it operates. STOPPAGE OF THE NOSE. Children sometimes push foi*eign substances, such as beans, cotton seeds or corn up their noses. If the sub- stance introduced be smooth, it will beeasy togetit out. Let some person take the child antl lay it on its back across bis knees, atthe sanie time holding its head firm- ly, and if the child should cry, it willbe in a better sit- uation for the success of the operation. While its mouth is open, let some one blow forcibly in it and the beau or foreign substance willfly out of its nose. If it is a cotton seed, it will atlhere to the mucus; it should therefore beloosenedby Avorking it about Avith an instru- ment, before you bloAV in the mouth. Wliere the nose is stopped up with mucus, rub it at bed time Avith sweet oil or fresh butter. This will soften the viscid fluid, and enable the child to breàthe rreely. ERUPTIONS OF CHILPREN. Children" are often troubled with eruptions. Parents shoultl know that a breaking out is not always injurious, but often beneficiai. It is the efforts of nature to re- 200 wRiGirrs family medicine. lieA'e herself from some humor, which if retaiued in thè system might resultili death. It is improper to inter- fere Avith it or disturb it unless it becomes troublesome to the child. The greatest care shoultl then be taken not to dry k up too soon. ' TREATMENT. Where it becomes necessary to cure it, Ave wòìild recommeiid the use of "the ointment for the eruptions of children" which Ave have shoAvn hoAvto make in the ap- pendix. The child should drink warm teas, sudi as sage, hyssop, or black or seneka snake root. When it becomes necessary to make * the external application» the ointment should be rubbed on once, and'a small quantity of the tea, half a tea cupful of the sage or hyssop or tAvo spoonfuls of the seneka snake róot may be drunk twice a day. IMSKB&SIBS (uff WCD3UBS!* Frequently women by too m'udì confinement, and very little exercise in the open air, bring on incurable diseases, and often aggravate'those that come within the power of medicine. They not only injure their consti- tutions, but what in the opinion of most people is a much more impòrtant matter, they deteriorate their beau- ty, both of form, complexion and face, and. doubtiess many defects in mind and disposition might be traced to the improper confinement of girls when gfowiog up. Another great defectin raising girls, is to sufferthem to spoil their health, hy unnecessarily binding their clothes too tight over the very seat of life. Let girls get their growth, and then the hazard is not so great, though it is always dangerous; I here allude to the un- natural custom of lacing girls so tight, that it would absolutely kill au ox; yet our most delicate females so begirt, appear to wonder that they do not enjoy good health. And Avbat is most shocking, some women are so un- ' feeling as to lace when more lives than their own depend onit, antl though it may appear a small matter, yet I bave no doubt that many women by this meaqs bring incurable diseases on their innocent and up.offending oftspring. A great ajteratioh takes place in a temale Avhen the time of life arrives that she puts off the child and be- comes a woman. A change takes place in her feeling», in her appearance and in her constitution, and frequent- ly her health is much improved, especially if the change which nature has ordained for women, occurs withòut accident or misfortune. This usually commences* at the age of fifteen and ceases at fifty. Great care should be taken to apprise girls of this matter, the necessity T 202 WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICELE there is for their taking consideraele exercise in,the open air, and.to avoid getting wet. Riding is of great service, and romping and playing in the open air. Con- finement at this period of life frequently brings on com- plaint» that are earried with them through after life. A lazy girl shoultl be made to stir about, and a melan- eholy one ought to bave her spirits animated by cheer- ful company—much moredepend» ongood management and care, than can be effected by the most active medi- dne. When a iemale arrives at this age, and there is no appearance of this change, and instead of it ber health dedines and ber spirits become depresseti, instead OT sbutiug her up and dósing her with disagreeable pilla antl nauseous drugs, she should take sufficient exer- cise, antl be entertained antl araused with lively compa- ny. Attention ought to bepaid to the diet. Ali uu- Avholesome food, green fruit,and the trash that girls aro irequently foolishly fonti of ought to be entirely pro- hibited. Nature requires only proper assistance, and thus aided will perforai her own work, withòut the aiti of lotion, potionor drugs, unless there is some radicai defect in the constitution. This complaint in women ordinarily gives warning of its approach. Sometimes a dull heavy pain in the head and eyes; generally dull pains in the loins, loss of appetite, paleness of countenance antl sometimes slight fever precede its appearance, When t^tm symptoms arefdt, it will be proper tositoA'er die steìrm of hot Avater and drink warm teas, antl to avoid wbaL*1' ; ever might prevent this necessary and healthy evacua- tion. Females ought tp pay particular attention to their diet at the time they are out of order. Fruit, milk, fish, ali food that is difficult of digestion ought to be avoided:— yet what may disagree with one, will very oftert not in- jure another. Every womau must exercise ber own judgmerit, (provided she hasany) in this matter. Cpjds are particularly hurtful at sudi times. More WRIGIITS FAMILY MEDICELE. 203 diseases originate in cold caught at sudi a period, than in any other way. This ought to put the sex on their guard, antl make them carefulhow they expose them- selves. Cleanliness, that always contributes so much to health, is here particularly desirable. Perhaps in no other case is it of more evident utility than in ali diseases of Avomen. Violent passions of any kind are to be avoided, for frequently incurable .complaint» are produced in femàles by a fit of anger or undue grief.— Whenever this fluxis obstructed, except in a state of pregnancy, proper means should be used to restore it, antl if exercise, compauy antl amusement fail, recourse must be had to medicine. When the cause is weaknes», strengthening medicine» must be used, steel dust, Peruvian bark, with other bitter or astringent metlicines, or the chalybeate pili. When the cause is a Aiscid state of the blood, bleed- ing, s par e diet and exercise are sufficient. When affections of the minti produce obstructions, removal from home, a journey antl change of air is of great service. A soothing, kind and affable behavior to females in this situation is of great importance. But where bardi language is used to a delicate female, and she is treated more like a slave than aconipauion, where her most reasonable wants are denied, and ali her at- te mpts to please are treated with.coldness andcontempt, and perhaps with open insult, let no one be surprised if she, under sudi circumstances should not enjoy good health. Husbands and parents are accountable for the bad effects that may be produced by such treatment. Often obstructions are occasioned by other diseases, when this is the case, instead of glving strong • forcing medicines, means shoultl be used to restore the patienfs health and strength. The chalybeate pili, with a light diet will generally be effectual. Pennyroyal tea, steaming over pine l^nots on which boiling Avater has been poured, dittany tea and tincture of gum guaicum are ari recommended. But there may be, and often is too ranch as well as 204 WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. too little of this discharge. When the discharge is too abundant, loss of color, want of appetite, aud bad digestion are some of the symptoms; and frequently it produces dropsy, consumption antl a variety of mala- dies. This frequently occurs about the age of forty Ave or fifty; sometimes it proceed» from a sedentary life, high living or full diet, the use of spirituous liquors, ex^jes- sivO fatigue, violent passions. The treatment must be yaried according to its cause. To restrain an overflowing of this nature, the patieni must be kept cool antl quiet, she must He in bed with her head very Ioav. Cloths dipped in vinegar orgpold water have often been used with a good effect.*" Swong decoctions of nettle roots or the greater comprey should Gè drunk not more than blood Avarm or colti, and if these are insufficient, stronger astringents must he resorted to, such as alum, elixir vitriol, Peruvian bark, and I have knowa as much of the common saltpetre as. would lieon the pint of a case knife, or about the size of a large pea dissolved in cold spring water and taken tivice a day to bave an excellent effect. The whites or fluor albus is a very common complaint with women. It is attendetl with a pale complexion, loss of appetite, and other signs of debility. It often proceeds from a relàxed state of the system, antl is pro- duced Hy the excessive use of tea antl coffee. Frequent- ly heavy colds, weak and Watery diet, will also bring it on. To remove this disease, the patient must, take as much exercise as she can bear withòut fatigue, and be prohibited from drinking coffee and tea. A milk diet alone often effects a cure, solid and nourish- ing food is recommended, but it should be easy of diges- tion. Strong broths are very often serviceabìe; the patient ought not to lie too long a bed. As a medicine, we would recommend barks, and in warm weather the cold bath. The shower bath is pteferable. When from maturity of years* the menses are about to cease to flow, is also a criticai period in the life of a WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. 205 woman. Those who survive this criticai season, often enjoy better health than during any previous period of their existence. Women ought then to attenti particular- ly to their diet and not neglect tokeep their boAvels in a regular state. Sometimes bleeding i» necessary, antl fre- quent dose» of salts to those that are of a full habit.— Often ulcerous sores break out on the legs antl ankles of women about this period of life, ali such sore» should be kept open or have artificial drains substituted in their steatl. Women who have such sores, aud dry them up, do it often at the risk of life. PREGNANCY. Pregnancy ìs not considered by a great many a dis- ease, butto others it produces thesorest, severestills that afllictthe temale race. Indeed some women endure death athousand times, antl many afemale has the curse pronouncetl on Ève fully verified in ber own case.— Sorrow marks her for her own from the time gestation commences until the period of her deliverance. Such is not the condition of ali, for some enjoy in this situa- tion anunusual portion of health; but these favoritesof heaven are like angels visit» few antl far between. Not many fatai diseases happen during pregnancy, and none except abortion that may be called dangerous.— This ought to be particularly guarded against, and as it is often brought on by imprudence, antl in this respect too much caution and vigilance cannot be exercised.— Every woman ìs in more or less danger of abortion when in a pregnant state. Where it occurs, it not only weakens the constitution, but renders a recurrence of the accident almost certain. What shall Ave say to Hiose who seek to procure it with pills antl drugs and herbs?—we would observe that they do it at the risk of life, and if they succeed and do not experience the ef- fects immediately, etili they will feel them in after life. T* 206 WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. Frequent repetitions of this practice end in dropsies and flooding together, with an innumerable multitude of painful antl distressing maladies. But abortions often happen from the death of the child, weakness of the mother, a relaxation of the system, great evacuations, violent exercise, raising heavy Aveights, reaching high, vomiting, fall», fevers, strokes on the abdomen, excess of blood, high living, violent passions or affection» of the minti. Abortion may hap- pen at auy period, but it is mosi common in the second or third mouth. Sometimes it occurs in the fourth and fifth antl sixth. When it happens in the first three months there is not so mudi danger as afterwards.— When after the seventh the child by propei care may be raised. Signs of approaching abortion are pain in the loins or bottoni of the abdomen, a slight shi\rering, palpita- tion of the heart, sickness of the stomach. The breast» fall and become soft, but the most certain sign is- the menstrual disellarle. To prevent a misfortune of this kind Avomen of Aveak and relaxed habits should use barks or columbo, keep the mind easy by cheerful company or any congenia] amusement, provided it be not exercise earried to ex- cess. Kiudness is absolutely requisite, and an indulg- ence should be given to every Avoman in this situation. Even their Avhimsical appetites ought to be humored in some measure. Women should endeavor to beas cheer- ful as they can, as nothing contribute» more to their comfort than a happy state of the minti. Let 110 foolish unnecessary care about their situation or their anticipa- ted confinement Aveigh like an incubus on ther miiids.-— Ali will be the better for the patieoce and fortitude Avith which' they bear up under it. Women of full habit ought to use a spare diet. To sudi bleeding is of great service. Their food ought to be of an opening nature. When any signs of abortion appear, the woman ought to be laid in bed on a matress, her mind should be WRIGITrs FAMILY MEDICENE ,207 quieted, soothed and coraforted. She ought to be kept moderately cool, her diet shoultl he light, bleeding is sometimes beneficiai, and a blister applied to the back. Sanguine robust Avomen avIio are liable to miscarry at a certain perititi of pregnancy, ought to he bled a few days before thè time arrives—Avearing a magnet is of sei-vice. Thuugli Ave commenti care to prevent abor- tion», Ave Avould Hot be understood as foibidding rea- sonable exercitation. Some Avomen, however, are so very delicate, (and they generally suffer the most) that it is absolutdy necessary for them to abstain from almost ali exercise during tliis distressing period. Pregnant Avomen generali suffer greatly from morn- ing sickness, cramps, false pains, tooth ache, heart burn, sometimes an afflicting cough, &c. &c. &c. Taking a gentle emetic is very good at first, and then soon after rising a warm cup of 'coffee. A cup of cham- omiìe, or peppermint tea, taken when first Avak- ing,and suffering the patient to lie stili for an hour, will sometimes alleviate the distressing sickness. For the heart burn, take of solution of ammonia, cal- cinetl magnesia, each one drachm, cinnamon water two ounces, common Avater six ounces. Take a table spoon- ful as often as necessary. When head ache ordrowsinéss prove troublesome to preguant women of robust habit, a.fe.Av ounces of blood should be taken from the arni. If she be of a Aveak or irritable habit, leeches ought to be applietl to the tem- pie». In both cases the bowels should be kept open by Epsom salts, or some other gentle laxative medicine. Pregnant women are often troubled with cramp ofthe legs antl thighs, this complaint may be speedily relieved by rubbing the part affected Avith the following liniment: mix together (by shaking in a phial) laudanum half an ounce, tincture of camphor one ounce, antl sulphuric ether half an ouiice. To avoid cramp in the stomach, proper attention should be paid to diet, Avhich should not be of ailatulent nature, or too hard of digestion.— Attention is likevvise to bepaidto the state ofthe bowels. SOS WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. False pains Many Avomen are afflicted, long before their confinemenl;, with pains so nearly resembling those of labor, that they are often mistaken for them. They are calletl false pains. They often affect the back, and come ou Avith regular intermissions, antl are most likely to occur in the night. They may be distinguigli • ed by being rather more irregular antl shifting than thoseof labor, or being more early attendetl with a pressing down. They are also usually accompanied w'ith griping or wind in the bowels, or some difficulty in raaking Avater. In such cases, confinement in a hor- rizontal position, bleeding if plethoric, laxative medi- cines if costive, antl giving small and frequent doses of some opiate, until the patient finds ease will be necessa- ry. They are sometimes produced by worms, which are removed by giving an injection of strong decoction of chamomile flowers, with salt, and using laxatives. Sometimes they affect the side principally, and are ac- companied Avitha great motion of the child. Rubbing: the part with anodyne liniment is recommended. LABOR. Labor may be generally expected in nine calendar months, that is about thirty nine or forty weeks. When a woman after a day of unusual ease, and more activi- ty than perhaps for months ha» been experienced, be- ginsto feel pains in her back, restlessness, and to per- ceive a greatalteration in her shape. Avhen these symp- toms occur near the expected time of ber confinement, she may then anticipate a speedy termination of her trouble. Let ber screw her courage to the sticking point, hope for the best, and ali wi l soon he over; let no one however, presume tohurry natura, bui wait patiently, and onlyassist its operations,.u'.i:I in naturai labor no- thing moreis necessary. In i slo'w 1 ibor, especially at the commencement, the time raigat be well employed in WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. 200 some gentle exercise about the house, and an active woman that keeps on her feetas long as she can, has a prospect of a mudi better time, yet women ought not to delay too long in sending for aid. When labor has actually commencedj the bed ought to be preparetl with a matress or straAV bed on the feather; a blanket or qnilt folded, and asheet spread over, antl the bed made as usuai. Afterwards a sheet in five or six folds is liadacross the.bed, antl these be- ing removed when the child is delivered, the woman finds herself clean and comfortable. A woman ought to bave every thing in readiness, the child,s clothe» and every artjclenecessary for the mother, onght to be previously prepared. A sensible Avoman should reflect that, although in a «Ioav labor she may be much afflicted with false pains, yet sudi sufferings are perhaps better for her, antl she is less liable to severe after pains. She must therefore exercise ber patience. In the first stage, if costi ve, a glyster or some gentle purge ìs atlvisable. AH heating drink» to excess at least, should he avoided. A Avoman ought to he kept quietanti cool. She may be allowed to sit, stand or lie in bed a»- is most agreeable to her own feelings. When the pains become frequent and strong, perhaps it is most prudentto remain in bed. ' Second stage. When the first stage is nearly coni- pleted, the Avoman should be placed on her left side in bed, Avith a folded pilloAv between her knees. The hearing down pains shoultl be the effect of na- ture alone, antl the mother has only to suffer in silence, and avoid ali foolish babling, which only wory attend- ants and retarti the final consumination so devoutly to be Avished for. Voluntary hearing down is alsoto be guard- ed against. These important cautions, cannot be too much insisted on, nor too strictly observed, as inatten- tion to these particular» very often makes labor difficult and painful, that would have otherwise been naturai and easy. At the time when the head of the child is only prevented from being bora by the softest barts of the &Q WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICENE eutlet of thebasin; for, if the delivery then behastened, these parts may be readily toni. The utmost attention of the practitioner is indispensably necessary to prevent so unfortunate au accident, in every case where, from tlie acute feelifigs of 'the patient, violent hearing down at that period cannot be resisted. When the child's head presses upon the perinaum, it shoultl besuppprted by gently pressing with the hollow of the band during the paio, to prevent its tearing. After the head of the child is excluded, the woman ahould be allowed to enjoy for a little time the tempora- ry relief she feels, and therefore the body ought not to be immediately taken out with force, as is often done; for, besides the injury which may be occasioned by not alloAving the patient a little rest, the extraction of the after-Virth will be thereby rendered difficult. > Tavo or three minutes may therefore be allowed to elapse before the body be ilrawn forward. If the patient have a rapid labor, antl the midwife is at a distance, she ought to be kept canstantly in bed, and refrain as much as possible from hearing doAvn. If the child should be bora before assistance is procured, the most experienced woman present should take the navel string between the finger and thumb, and so soon as she finds the pulsation in the cord stopped, tie a string firmly near the navel, and apply another ligature about three inches from the first, and cut the cord be- tween these; or if shebe afraid to do this, the child must lie besitle the mother till the midwife comes, taking care that the face be uncovered, to permit breathing. We will now suppose that the woman is just safe delivered of her child, and that a complete cessation of the regular pains has followed. She must now endeav- or to cairn that disturbance of the whole frame, which added to her anxiety of mind before delivery, had ex- cited a great degreé of heat and perspiration, especially ifit should have been her first labor, or one attended with some unusual difficulty. In thi» state she must not lot herself chili or cool too fast. WRIGHT'S FAMDLY MEDICINE. 211 It may perhaps, have been necessary to throw off th* bed clothes during the last hour or two; if so, they should immediately on the birth of the child, be lightly placed over her again. She may now moisteu her mouth with a cup of tea, grit gruel, or barley water, for either of which she will feel desirous, if she has not been frequently taking of one or the other during thi* lattei* part of her labor, but they must be given lipr with- òut Avine or brandy. If she feels herself disposed to sleep, she should indulge it; at ali events, she should keep herself cool and not encourage conversation. For it may be observed, tliat in general the mind of a wo- man neAvdy delivered of her first child, is so occupied Aviththe noA'elty, as Avellas the anxiety of ber situation, that ber attention is long kept alive, and therefore she can scarcely sleep, though exhausted by the fatigue of her labor. In the third stage the midwife must carefully attend to the degreé and force of contraction, which the womb is dsposed to take on immediately, or soon after the birth of the infant. The experienced practitioner will indeed bave a presentiment, even while itis coming into the worltl, of Avhat is like'ly to take place after- Avartls, from the manner in which the expulsion of tha infant is completed. This shoultl be effected slovvly, as we have already observed, because such a practice favors that kind of action of the Avomb necessary to detach the placenta. Premature and active endeavor» to loosenit must however, he avoided, if its separation should not readily take place, by the seasonable con- traction of the womb. Let the operations of nature be Avatched aud she will prove the surest guide, though in tliis partof the delivery she should never be Avholly depended on. We frequently finti, Avhen there has not been any sudden or hurried delivery of the infant, the after-birth is soon expelled withòut any assistance. The vessels which pass from the womb to the after birth would, Avhen this was separated, pour an increas- ed quantity of blood, did not the womb contract so 212 WRIGHT'S'FAMILY MEDICINE. mudi as to diminish their size antl campress their orifi- ces. This contraction bothexpels the after birth and prevents flooding. When, therefore, the after-birth is expelled, we bave no evidence of the existence of that state of the womb which ensures the safety of the mother.' A woman should, however, avoid expressing^ any impatience about this, as it might induce some practition- ers to use that despatch which. many have done, that the patient or h er friends might not insinuate that they were a long Avhile in bringing away- the after burthen. This kind of censure is too frequently passed iipon tlie just contluct of the midwife, from the improper preju- dice too often indulged in favor of a speedy delivery of the placenta. Women areapt to deem that praetitioner mdst skjlful who is theshortest time in finishing that part of ber labor. Fatai, therefore, have sometimes been the con- sequences of this ili judgetl management, particularly among the female practitioners. It is a mistaken idea, that in general some external mechanical force is necessary in order to expel the pla- centa. We cannot, therefore, approvethe modes occa- sionally recommended, ofeoughing, blowingon the back of the band, or makinggeneral pressure over the belly. with a vieAV of helping its. descent, by any kind of tight handages applietl to the abdomen, immediately after the birth of the child. There is a general action of the hand on the abdomen which the prtient herself may perforai, and by which theuterus is tenderly excited to contract, and the pla- centa of course tletached in the most favorable manner, that will be found more useful than a bandage, or any extraordinary exertiPn$ of the patient, for this purpose. But as this may not be necessary in every case, it must beleftto the judgment of the praetitioner to direct, with proper caution to be observed in the applications. We would further observe, that there can hardly ever be occasion for a woman to bear down during the WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE 213 delivery of the placenta. Indeed, on many occasions it must be carefully avoided, lest it shonld produce, or increase a disposition to the prolapsus uteri. The throes, which take place naturally, are caused by the contractions of the womb; and with them the praeti- tioner can generally, in due season safely bring it away. When the efforts of nature do not tend to disengage the secundines Avithin an hour after the birth of the in- fant, the interference of art ought to be submitted to.— For if it be not thrown off within a short time after the infant is bora, it becomes putrid, antl induces an alarraing fever, from which feAv women have' recoVered. Inassistingtheexpulsionof the after-birth, unless the praetitioner wait for the contraction of the womb, that part may be turned inside out. Thi» circumstance should be properly understood by ali those who happen to be out of reach of regular assistance; for the patienfs life, after an easy labor, may be destroyed by the rash- ness of an ignorant praetitioner. By explaining, how- ever, the cause of danger, those who areprevented from being under the care of persons of skill, may theréby escape those hazards to which they migth otherwise be exposed. The after birth is generai^ fixedto the bottoni of the womb, antl as the greater portion of the womb, at the full period of pregnancy, is not attached to the adjoin- ing parts, if the navel stringhe violently pulled before the after-birth be separated, the womb must be turned inside out, the òrdinary consequence of Avhich is fatai. When the grinding pains are felt, by which the contrac- tion of the womb is distinguished, the praetitioner should assist by pulling gently the navel string during a pain, and by endea^oring to bring down the after-birth through the basin, in such a manner that its progress may not be interrupted by any of the neighboring parts. Until the after birth is expelled, the patient and mid- wife should be attentive lest there be a great discharge, and if this occurs no time is to be lost in checking it.— Thi» is done by exciting the contraction of the womb, 214 WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICENE. by the application of cloths wet with cold water, to the lower partof the belly and tothe passage, or by pouring ing cold vvaterout of apitcher a height on the abdomen; and also by the jntroductiori of the band Of the midwife to stimolate the womb. Some do this witli the »oleob- P" ject of extrac ti ng the placenta or after-birth, consider- ing the retention of this the cause of flooding. But this opinion is wrong, and the mere extraction of > the pla- centa can only be good, so far as the introduction of the hand and the means used' to effect thisj serve to excite the action of the womb itself. „ We do nòtapprove a free antl indiscriminate use of greasy application, in the progresso!' labor. They are whplly unnecessary in thè first stage of.it, and in the lattei-part theyinterfere with the change.» Avhich then take place natuially, and produce that mucus seeretien by' Avhich the parts are most favorably lubricateti, for the easy'termination of ^he labor. -But after the com- plete removal of the placenta, it will be proper to apply a small quantity of pomatuin or fresh lard, to defend the-parts from the acrimony of the ensuing discharges. Twins.—It, has been supposed that when women have conceived tivins, there are certaiu symptoms before. delivery, by^vhich that circumstance can he ascertain- ed, but there are no sure indications of the existence of a plur&iity pf children, tilj after the birth of_one child; Avhen this takes place it is very easy to deter- mine whether any other remains. This may commonly be done Avithout having recourse lo thtvpainful and in- delicate means liiat bave been proposed and practised; for by feeling the state of the belly alone* a judiciou» practioner can be very seldom mistaken on such occa- sions.» s f When only one child has been originally contained in the womb, thatorgan soon after delivery, diminishes very mudi in size, Avhile the bowels, which are kept out of their naturai situation, in the bitter months of pregnancy, immediately get forward to the fore part of the belly, and render it suftand yielding. But when a WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICENE. 215 second child remains, the womb does not apparently diminish in size. The intestine» therefore remain be- hiud and atthe side», and the fore partof the belly has the same hardness as before delivery. It sometimes happen» that the pains advance rapidly, and the second infant comes soon after the birth of the first. In such cases, ali that the praetitioner has to do is to be assured that the second infant is in a proper p :sitiou, and to take care so to contluct the extraction of the after-births, that no alarming discharge may follow their expulsion. But when the labor-throes cease, or become triflingon the birth of the first infant, the object of the praetition- er should be neither to interfere before the woraau have recruited sufficiently from her fatigue, noi* to delay ex- tracting the second child so long thatthepassages should become contracted, or the after-b-rth of the first born be.separated. Inattention to this important rule has been the cause of the loss of many lives. -In more than a majority of cases, not more than an hour should be allowed to intervene between the birth of both children. Navel strino.—A portion of umbilical cord may be forced down, either naturally. or in consequence of mi» management. In the former Case, it will be felt through the membraaes at the beginning of labor; in the latter it does not come doAvn till after the water» are draineil off. Wlien the cord is felt originally through, the mem- brane», the patient should be kept very quiet, ami in one posture, till the circumstances preparatory to deliv- ery are completely accomplished, when the practioner, by turningthe infant, may probably beable to save its life. But when the early discharge of the water has occa- sioned the protusion of the corti, it is not ^Jways in the power of a praetitioner to obviate the threatning dan- ger, withòut exposing the. life of the patient to much hazard, which is a risk that ought never to be iucurred for the precarigus chance of saving the infant. 216 WRIGHT'S FAMDLY MEDICENE. MANAGEMExìIT OF CHIL.D-REB. A child-bed woman, as soon as ali the circurastauce» of her labor have been adjusted, may with propriety? consider herself as stili in a state of health, and as requiring little more than the common cautions, and good management on ali occasions necessary to preserve it. The first hours after delivery, provided some light nourishment has been taken, should be dedicateti to quiet and sleep, and no person should be allowed toen- ter the patient,s chambèr, except sudi as are absolutely necessary. The chamber door, antl even the Windows, if the weather be warm, should be opened, and "the room in every respect kept as clean and as free from any disagreeable smeli, as any other part of the house. Xhe patient should often be supplied with clean lin- en, well aired; for cleanliness and free pure air, are essential in this situation; and upon the strictest exam- ination, it appears that there never was miliary erup- tion produced withòut a sweat, nor puerperal fever withòut foul air. The beat of the room ought to be so tempered that the patient may be neither chilled with cold, nor yet suffer from sweat or burning. The strictest attention should he observedto have an evacuatimi tlaily by the use, if necessary, of mild laxa- tives, or by the exhibition of glysters composed of milk, oil and sugar, or of soap sutls. . It is a security against fevers and inflammations, and even forms one principal mode of relief where they occur. An equal regard shoultl also be paidto gètout of the bed as soon as they can with propriety, and to set up as long as pos- sible withòut fatigueing themselves. If the lochia do not flow so plentifully as may be expected, or if they entirely .stop, no regard need be paid to this circumstance, if the patient be otherwise a» well as can be wished. We not.only find this evacuation different in different women, but even in the 4 WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. • 217 same- women ia different lyiugs-iu, from which she irecuvers equally well. Mudi mischief is often dono by binding the belly too tight. ;. If there he any occasion for suppuri,, a thin nap- kiupined siigli ti y round the waist, is ali that is abso- jjutely necessary, and the sooner this is tlisusèd the better. •• But little change takes place in thebreasts, after the first months of pregnancy, until about the second tky after delivery. Then it i» usuai to feel a great sensa- tion' oi' fn Ines» in them, accompanied with a febrile irri- tatiou, which varie» in different Avomen, according to constitution antl management; but in ali is favo red by ,|temperance, a cool regimen, antl composure of mind. ■'Phe child shoultl always be putto the mother early. before the mjl v can have stagnated in them, or they can have aequi red any great degreé of harùness. It will be beneficiai both to mother antl child, if thisbe done a few .hours. after delivery; and this is most consistent ; withxthe operations of nature. > No degreé of fever in chiUhbed should be passed over unattended to, or be thonght lightly of. Even the mosiserious are often slight at their bcginning. -Neither should any locai pain, or tenderness, or fullness of the bowels beneglected,. lest they should arise from the in- cipient stage of some inflammation, which, if net check- ed at first by proper medicine» or suitable regimen. might in a short time put on <-otne alarming appeaunce. Let it be remembered, inai it in much easier to prevent aiseases, than io cure tlwm. •The ciet of lyLi.;-:n -women should be particnlaiiy Aatietured to. AH pioss ìaeatg which might cveiload %e Sitomach, or by heating ,the Avoman, prove a cause of ' fever, sftould be strici y proh>ib:ied. .Bùt every patient * ..after cU'd ben ri n > ouit'iL n ut tO* be ' half sb.r-t d, as i" some rccc>:nmsntL.--Proper rei'tard ih tìiì» reipeci d-onhl bepaid to het*habit, mnnoerof living and presentate. Too great-indulgence, it mr..-!;'alvrays be rcir.rmheved, ia more to b* drèadffd'tiiaa iop mv.ch rTjsliiicnce, thongh hot&f extreme» £iiould be*(fu Alty,avoided. jt■ ri, , u* ' ■ ■'!• • 21S WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICELE. The bad effects of confined or impure air are now most universally known.' Consequently, the propriety and necessityof having the bed curtain» always open, of preventing many visitors from crowding the room, of removiug as speedily as possible every thing that can contaminate, the air, and of atlmitting occasionally the fresh air, by opening tlie Avindows aud doors, must b» obvious. Women were formerly obliged to remain in bed for a certain number of days after delivery, by which they Avere mudi weakened and fatiglieli. In modera times the practice has passed from one extreme to another. This circumstance should surely beregutated accord- ing to the strength of the patient. When the womàh feels that she can undergothe fatigue of rising, which, in ordinary cases, happens about the second, third or fourth day, she ought to be taken out of bed, that iU may he properly adjusted. If she be made to sii up- right, she avìII suffer considerable uneasiness; and, at the same time, by the bulky womb, (for that organ does not resumé its naturai state till tAvo or three weeks after delivery,) pressing forcibly on the soft parts at the bot- toni of the basin, the foundation for a very trouble- some and disagreeable Complaint, viz: the falling down of the womb, must unavoidably be laid. She ought, therefore to be placed in a positìon, half sitting and half lying, when put of bed, as long as the womb continue» enlarged, by Avhich means these inconveniences will he avoided. SUPPRESSION'OF MENSES. Where suppression of menses takes place accompa-- nied with spasms, a large dose of castor oil with twen- ty five drops of laudanum shoultl be given, and the pa- tients feet shoultl be bathed in warm water. If there should be no spaSms, but the pain should be great, the WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICELE. 210 oil and laudanum should stili be taken. After the ope^- ration of the oil, if the patient's health should not im- prove, a spoonful of the folloAving tincture shoultl be taken three times a day, at morning, noon antl night:— Take as mudi of the bruised rtrots of wild ippecac a» you can hold in both hands, and steep it in a quart of whiskey.- The strictest attention should be paid to ex- ercise. A Ioav diet shoultl be invariably observed.— One ounce of aloes dissolved in a quart of whiskey, and taken as above prescribed, will also give relief. INFL.AMEB» -ULCERS. The surrounding parts are reti, sAvelled and very sen- sible tothe tonchy the blood pressed out quickly return» and the red color with it. The margin of the ulcer is ragged, the skin terminating in a sharp elevateti edge aromi it; the bottoni of the ulceri» made upof concavi- ties, and no distinct appearance of granulations is seeu, a white spongy substance existingin their room formed of coagulating lymph. The discharge from an inflamed ulcer is thin antl serous, and does not resemble healthy pus. The surfaGe of the sore is acutely sensible antl often bleeds avhen touched or irritated. , The pain in these case.» is great but not Constant; it comes on in the evening and lasts severa! hours. In doubtful cases it is safe to consider tlie ulcer as inflamed; and if the ili success of the remedies points out the error, no serious injury will be inflicted. A low diet, purging, and occasionally blood letting, remaining in a hoirizontal position, a poultice of linseed or bread and milk are the means commonly employed antl the other remedies for inflammation. I cure this disease by putting on a pitch plaster. It will give in- stantaneou» relief. It should remain on eight or tea days. Then the wound and the plaster should be cleans- ed, the plaster warmed and put on again. This treat- 2C0 WRIGHT'S FAMD1Y MEDICLNE. ment should be continued, antl the plaster rene vved when necessary, until a cure is effected. The pi ster should, be large antl not only cover the wound, but three or four inches round it. I bave never found bleeding necessary. TEE FUNGJ-OUS ULCER .4 ' • Is covered Avith large round granulations risingabove the leve! of thesurroundrng parts; they are soitìewhat transparent aud have no disposition to.heal. Their seusibility sometimes is great, antl they bleed from eve-^ ry accidental irritatiou, and sometimes they are less sus- ceptible than healthy granulations. TREATMENT. I remove the un even surface by touchingit with veg- etable#caustic. I then put on a tar plaster and draw it so tight thatit will serve as abandage. OF ULCERS IN EDE?,IATOUS. OR SWELLED. LEYL'S. An edematous limb differsonly from a dropsy in ex- tent. It proceetls from constitutional cause», or .from fractures, sprains or bruises. .Iti» commonly Coldy and of a pale color and retains a mark made by the- finger. An ulcer on sudi a limb is papi fui, inflamed Avith pnr- ple-granulations, and in sp.pts g angrenouo. Sometimes the ulcer is painful: .'■•ometimas L remain&stalionary and sometimes spreads in exient. TREATMENT. In these cases I annoint the part with ibc oil cf -fresh hutuèr, ap?)ly'.:a bandag'fMKbje%u;oin.rer-J, with tlie feet a little elevateti. WRIGHTS FAMILY MEDICONE. 221 THE SLOUGHING ULCER. The sloughing of an ulcer may depend on locai or geueral causes. Sometimes it proceeds from debility in the part affected; the granulations mortify and simigli off; sometimes it proceeds from want of strength in the constitution. Change of air or diet frequently produce «loughiug where ulcers have begun to lieal. The sloughing ulcer is generally attended with pain and fever. ■1 • TREATMENT. Tonics are usually given; bark, wine and a generous diet are recommended: opium to relieve the pain and locai applications of a moderately stimulatingkind such as a carrot poultice. But in this species of ulcer I keep the bowels open by giving sulphur, and wash the sore twice a day with a strong decoction made by boiling the bark of elder. INDOLENT ulcers. The etìges of the skin surrpunding indolent ulcers are thick, round and smooth. The granulations are glossy. The pus thin, watery, imperfectly formed and mixed with coagulatine lymph. The bottoni of the ulcer level. The skin appears as if it had been for sometime removed, antl as if no new action, had com- menced to fili up the cavity. TREATMENT. In the opinion of eminent physicians, the treatment of indolent ulcers isa matter of ac.knowledged difficul- ty and great importance. The tar plaster is my reme- *22 WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. dy.. If the wound commences discharging a yellow water, it is the best evidence of the correctness of the application, and where that is the case, it never fa'ls to give ease. After the plaster ha» remained on nine or ten days, it should be removed, the avouiu! washetl Avith a Aveak decoction of ivy leaves; antl the plaster after being cleansed and Avarmed should be re-applied. Af- ter' the plaster has remained on again for the same length of time, take itoff proceed a» before, put on a new plaster and so continue until the wòuud is well.— The practice of somedoctors is to change the nature^ of the ulcer by applying caustic, and having madera com- mon sore then to cure it. This mode has alfto been very successful. Where the plaster does not of itself suc- ceed, I liave frequently applied tlie caustic, and found it beneficiai. No exercise shoultl be taken, antl a low diet should be observed. Where the ulcer is deep and origiuates from a morbid derangement of the Avhole limb, caustic i» necessary; where the'woimd is shallow, the plaster will generali-effect a cure. A disagreeable scent i» often'the consequence of tliis application; but the patient should not be alarmcd, it is an evidence that the plaster is operatine!.; effectuaWy, and' avìII cure. It should thèrefcre remain on, and ori no account should it be removed until the expiration of the time prescribed, eight or ten day». ENLARGED XEGS WITHÒUT ULCERS. A morbid enlargement of one or both legs sometimes occurs withòut the patient knowing the cause. But the origin will generally be found to liave been a blow or some external violence. Often tlie enlargement pro- ceeds from fever settling in tlitì leg; aud it is more painful sometimes than at others. WRIGHT'S FAMH.Y MEDICENE. 223 .TREATMENT. Make an incision with a lancét on the out side ofthe les** apply the caustic two or three times a day* Then use the lancét and again the caustic until an opening is made into the bone. Theorifice should be so large that the. thunib may be easily ;turned within it. Tìien apply a tar or pitch plaster of sufficient size to cover the whole leg. In four or five tlàys the plaster should be taken off and cleansed, and the wound examinedand washed- witk weak" soapsuds or a Avea; decoction of wild ivy leaves. The.'..plaster. sbpuld then" be/put on again, and this {;rpcess continued until theieggets well. A'hemorrage is the only daiiger to be apprehended in opening enlarged legs. The greatest. care and cau- tionare therefore.tobe exercised in making incision», and Avhere there is a strong tendency to bleeding, the openiugshoultl'be made slovvly and gradually. The introdnetion OLrthe caastic wilL.generally stop thè hem- orrage, unless an artery shpuklbewounded. The use of causticin this case is pecuiiaily proper becaose it ha» a tendency to draw the infiaitimatiou by de'grees to one poliit, antl bring about a healthy snppuration.— Usually it avìII take six or seven day» tp open by the lancét and caustic an enlarged Jeg into the bone. A bahdage moderately tight from the aukle to the knee may be beneficiai,. It .should he puton before the ori- lice is entirely cured.up, and worn about a.year. But very often the !eg will get Avell and be entirely restored withòut applyìugthebandage. Iwil give one ii\stance outof many, of a cure aceomplished Uy myse f on this pian. A manby the name of Winter» had about seven- teen years before beenjtiit on the.leg by a rattle snake. Soon afterwards his leg began to en arge, and continu- ed to increase in size until I commenced operations upon it. Every spring about the time he first got the bite, his leg would pain him, and it had grown uutil it was twice as large asthe naturai size. There was no ulcer or avenue through Avhich nature could relieve herself 224 WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICENE. from the lurking malady. The leg had become hard and had lost the naturai feeling of flesh. I stated io him my belief that I could cure him, though he might die under my treatment. He said he would srtb- mit to any operation, as he felt confident if he ob- tained no relief that he must die in the ensuing spring. I pursued the course above prescribed, and had the good fortune to find it efficient. The leg was reduced to the usuai size; it became useful and strong and the man was restored to perfect health. FISTULA IN ANO. An inflammatory tumoris formed near the aaus, and attended with considerable pain and hardness. The swelling advances gradually to suppuratimi and matter is formed. Sometimes this disease is attended with lit- tle uneasiness, and sometimes with extreme pain. The fistula is frequently symptomatic of the pulmonary con- sumption, antl is sometimes formed from an erysipela- tous affection.- TREATMENT. If a physician is called in before a suppuration takes place, he usually endeavorsto prevent it by prescribing the remedies for inflammation; if afterwards, he com- mences operating with the lancét and the knife. I have succeeded in curing several cases by putting in the veg- etable caustic. This destroys the tube which is form- ed, and I have known it effect a cure when an operation had been performed and failed. WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE 225 RUPTURES OR HERNIA. The hernia or rupture is the proh-usion of a part of the bowels. It is frequently produced in children by excessive crying, or straining of any kind. In peonie who have passed the prime of life, or are in the full vigor of maturity, it commonly originates from extraor- dinary exertions of strength antl activity, sudi as lift- mg great burden», jumping or violent exercise. The body is predi»; osed to this malady by ridi oily provis- ìons, by inactivity and a general relaxatiou of the sys- tem. It 1» often discovered in the upper part of the thigh, in tlie gridìi or at the navel. A rupture occasions sickness, vomiting and costivenéss, and where tliese symptoms occur, a careful examiuation shoultl be made to see whether a hertija, has taken place. Such a mis- fortune has sometimes proved mortai ere the mischief was suspected. Children are most liable tothe rupture ofthe navel or umbilical hernia. Wlieti an infant is thus affected, it should be 1 iid in a horizontal pòsition, witli its head low, and the intestine returned by a'gentle pressure of the fin- r. After it is rep'aced, it may be retaiued in its proper situation by a small piece of clean, soft sponge fastened on with pieces of stcking plaster; a truss shoultl also be worn for a length of time, and the child kept easy antl in a good humor, and restrained a» faras possible fiora vioient exercise. TREATMENT. Put tvyo pounds of rattle root into six gallons of wa- ter, boil it down to one gallon, then thicken it with coro meal or flour, a -d apply it over the tumor. It will gire ease, take out the inflammation and produce relaxatioi so that the bowels may be returned by the hand. TJw> patient shoultl at ali times wear a truss to prevent ite protrusiou again. V WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. DROPSY. A watery humor coljects antl distends the part affect- ed. This accumulation is sometimes confined to a part, and sometimes extends over the 'whole body; thus we bear of dropsy in the abdomen or belly, in the breast antl in the brain. It is accompanied: with a failure of appetite, a deff'ciency of urine, excessive longing after Avater, sIoav fever, anhilàtion or difficulty of breathing, aud a morbid sensation of languor. It proceeds from hereditary predisposition, from drinking intoxicating liquors, from frequent antl copious phlebotomy, freni excessiA-e evacuations, the sudden stoppage of customa- ary discharges, from indurated tumefactions of the ab- domiual intestines, or fiora general debility. This dis- ease is most frequent in low, fiat, marshy countries.— Itmay be caused by Avatery or viscous diet. It mày he the effect of other maladies, as a scirrosity of the liver, tlie jaundice, a violent an$ long continued agii e, a dys- entery orconstipation. Irta feAV Avords, Avhatever hin- ders the due preparatimi of the blood or obstruets per- spiration, may be the cause of the dropsy. The anas,- arca as physicians cali it, or the col'ection of Avater un- der the skin, manifests itself by an occasionai swelling of the legs, which after a time becomes permauently enlarged by the tlisease, and pressure on the part.» af- fected leaves an indentation Avhich will remain for a short * period. The malady perceptibly increases. swells the scrotum, ascends into the body, and finally occupies the head and arms and bloats the face. Other symp- toms then occur, as difficulty. of breathing, a diminution of the customary quanti tity of urine, < costivenéss, ob- structed perspiration, sluggishness, lethargy or wasling feA7er and an annoying cough. Sometimes the water is formed first in the abdomen or belly, and tlhen it is calledby physicians ascites. This species of dropsy is considered difficult to be cured.— The combination of the swelling in the legs and in tho WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICELE. 237 abdomen is deemed by the faculty dangerous, antl al- most immedicable. Tapping is sometimes resorted to as a temporary relief, but I bave never found it perma- nantly beneficiai. A dropsyjn the head is sometimes calletl hydrocephalus. A cure may he more confidently anticipateti Avhere the malady has been of short duration, where the patient'.» constitution is young, vigorous and unbroken and an early resort has been had to medicine. The difficulty pf a perfect resteration to health is increased by the senility of the patient, by the irregularity of his life, by his sedentaiy habits or by the unsouudncss of bis lungs. liver or anyof the viscera. Where the patient has been long affiictetl, the calves of tlie legs aud fleshy parts of the thighs become hard aud Avithout feeling. I bave known sufterers who have been freed from the water and enabled to go about for some time, antl yet these parts, which bave been so affected aud deprived of feeling, avìII afterAvards morti- fy antl finally produce the death of the patient. , But in many instances I have succeeded in restoring health Avhere this hardness has appeared as before described. TREATMENT. In this disease I bave never had any difficulty in free- ing the patient of the water. This is done by giving night and morning the chalybeate pili of the size of a summer grape or a small refle ball, and by suffering the patient to drink nothing but water gruel, antl eat no- thing but pufctermilk and rye niush. The chalybeate pili acts as astimulps antl tonic, and also as a^ diaphoretic antl diuretie. The patient after taking this medicine four or five days will begin to sweat, andto djischarge the water by urinating. I bave known very large quantities of water to be thus earried off in a single night. As soon as the patient fintls him- self recovering, he avìII be seized Avith the most vora- cious and nngovernable appetite; antl if permitted to -« 228 WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICELE indulge it, if allowed to take any nourishment except water gruel and buttermilk antl rye musb, the fever will return, the water will no longer be discharged by sweat- ing and urine, and the patient will be as bad as at first. No cure can be accomplished unless the appetite is restrained Avithin the bounds prescribed; antl as far a» my experience goes, but few indivkluals affiicted with this disease will be found avIio will not risk their lives to gratify the violent solicitatiotjs of hunger.— Many have I known to break through ali restraìnts, to' eat and to die as the consequence. The danger is alvvays most criticai after the patient is freed from the water, and he avìII die, if the tlisease prove» fatai, of extreme debility. After the discharge of the fluid the chalybeate pLl is to be continued;* a de- coction of wild cherry bark shou ìd be taken, a wine glassful twice a day. Some additumal st mulus avìIì also be beneficiai. A a little Avine every day will give strength to the patient. But where the d sease is not of long standing antl inveterate, the pili itself will relieve. The hard parts of the legs may be bathed with Avarm spirtits. The drinks of the patient should ali be warm. Their clothes should be frequently changed,ahing tkera at the fire before they are put on. Exercise is aìso re- commended, but they shoultl venture cut onlv when the weather is good. Their rooms shoultl be kept warm and comfortable. The bowels and stomach should always be cleansed by a mild cathartic befpre thechaly- beate pili is given. *Decoction of wild cherry tree bark. -Taleeadouble banddful of the. inside wild cherry bark. Pour on it a gallon of boiling water. Let it rtand, and it is. fit for use. It should be kept in an earthen vossel. WRIGHFS FAMILY MEDICINE. 239 BLOOD LETTINO. Blood letting is a simple operation, easily performed. If you intenti to bleed in the arm, it should be tied moderately tight, about an indi above the elbow.— When the vein rise» it shoultl be pierccd obliquely, so a» not to touch or injurean artery. An artery has pul- sation in it; a Arein has none. Sometimes the heating of an artery can be feltthro' the veins; when sudi is the case, bleeding should not be performed exeept by a skillfnl operator. When you avìsIi to stop the bleeding, loosen the Figa- ture, and dose the orifice by placingyonr thumb on it, and pressing the sitles together. Apply then a few folds of soft ìinen over the orifice. Cover thi» with an- other larger piece of linen folded simi'ary and tie it on with a ribbon or tape, passing above and below the point of the elbovv. If the arm continues obstinately to bleed, the lips of the orifice shoultl be pressed together, and while held in this pòsition, colti water shoultl be poured on the arm or the orifice, washetl with vinegar. A piece of atlhe- sivc plaster will check the effusion of blood. Where you intenti bleeding in the foot, the ankle should be tied, and after opening a vein, the foot may he placed in warm water to accelerate the flow of blood. Where you have drawn as much booti as you wish, remove the Ugature, and tie up the wound, or apply to it a piece of court pi ister. If scarifiying is preferred, after making the wound and rarifying or exhausting the air in a cup, apply it over the scarified part. Raise one side of the cup when you have extracted a sufflciency of bloutl, and the air will be admitted. The wound should then be covored Avith cream or some mild ointment. Where there is a swelling about the orifice,, shifting the pòsition of the arm, will sometimes lessen or remove. it. If thi» should fail, àpply dressing» dipped in brandy y* m WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICENE. or a solution of sai ammoniac. It sometimes, thougus rarely happens, that this mode of treatment does not succeed, the tumor must then be opened, the clotted blood removed, and the injured part treated as a com- mon sore. ' i Where the introduction of the lancét ìs followed by a sharp pain running along the arm to its extremity, cloths wrung out of lead Avater should, Avithout delay, be applietl, and bleeding, cathartics and low diet should be adopted, to remove every inflammatory symptom. When this fails, the tentlon which has been pierced with the lancét, shoultl be divided, and large doses of laudanum given. Where an artery is wounded, as will beapparent by strong compression of the vein above andbelow the ori- fice, by the tremulou» motiou of the flowing blood and the difficulty of stopping the discharge, it shoultl be pressetl together and cooling regimen observed. Should this fail, the tumor must be extirpated and the end» of the vessel secured by a ligature until the parts reunite, and the circulation is forcetl into a. different channel. INFLAMMATIONS OR ABSCuSSES. Abscesses may either be dispersed or brought to ma- turity. TREATMENT. Where a rising is preceded by no indisposition, and is attended with only slight pain and inflammation, it may be proper to endeaAor to disperse it by bleeding and mild purgatives, and by applying cloths>wrung out of leatl water. When tumors arise in those who are of a bad habit of body, suppuration should be promoted by Avaria WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. 23T poultices of milk antl bread, or flax seed or mush and fat. When the sweliag becomes ripe, if it does not break it should be opened and dressed with fasilicon spread on lint night and morning until it ceases to dis- charge. If there is any appearance of pronti flesh, sprinkle red precipitate, or burnt alum or rhubarb over it, or touch it with caustic- Where the system is debili- tateti, barks, bathing and tenie remedies will be proper; in robust and gross constitutions, give a tea spoonful of supina* antl cream of tartar three times a day. FOU A BURN, Take equal quantities of rosili, spirits of turpentine aud hog's fat. Melt them together; apply this oint- ment. It will give immediate ease and cure in a few days. Mix tar and hog's fat, Jay it on the bum and cover it with cotton. Let it be aunointed two or three times a day. It will cure. TO CURE A WEN. Wasli^ it with common salt dissolved in water every day, and; it will be removed in a short time: Or make a strong brine of alum salt, simmer it over the fire.— When thus prepared, wet a piece of cloth in it every day, and apply it constantly for one monti), and th« grotuberaaoe will disappear. WOUNDS, When a wound is received, it should be examined^ *ndif any foreign substaoce remain9 in it, it should 232 WRIGHTS FAMILY MEDICINE. immediately, if practicable, be extracted and the wound cleansed. When through lo»s of blood or weakness, it would be imprudent at that time to dis- lodge theforeign body, it must remain and be taken out when the patient's strength is recruited. The effusion of blood may be restrained by pressure of the hand, or hy dossil» of Uni, until a ligature can be applied above the Avound. Where the hemorrhage i» ona limb, raising it perpentliculaily avìII often arrest the progress of the effusion. Where large arteries are wounded, a ligature is necessary, Make a cushionfive inches long, three broad and two thick, or roll up a hand- kerchief in a similar forni, lay it on the trunk of the artery above the wound, tie a cord or garter round the limb over the handkerchief, put a stick in the cord and twist it tight enough to stop the bleeding. Then pre- pare two or three waxed threads proportioned to the size of the vessels. Then having ascertained the exact situation of the artery, stick the point of a croo' ed nee- dle into the coatof the artery, draw it out a little and tie it fast. When a small artery is wounded, dividing it wi.l cause the effusion of biood to cease. Where other means prove ineffectual, tie the artery. Whenever a wound is slight, by drawing the divided parts togeter, it will generally beai in a few days.— When symptoms of debility appear, Turlingtons bal- sam or balsam of appiè should be applied to stimulate and produce areunion. The best means of bringing the lips of a wound togetherare by bandages and adhe- sÌAe plasters. Drawing the divided parts of a wound together by seAving will hasten the cure; lint on which some mild ointment has been spread, should be laid over it. When a wound is deep, it is not safe to keep. the lips quite dose. It should be filed witli soft lint which has been dipped witli oil antl fastened on by a ligature. The wound should not be dressed for two days, Avhen fresh lint shou'd be applietl. Where part of the first dressing -tickg, let it remain. Put in fresh lint which has been dipped in sweet oil. Tute WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICENE 23S will «often what adhered, and at the next dressing it will he removed witli ease. Afterward the wound maybe be dressed twice a day, or seldomer as discretion may diciate. BRUISES AND SPRAIN3. In slight bruises the part shoultl. he bathed or dipped in cold water.' Afterwards cloths which bave been sat- urateti with vinegar or lead water into wliich a little laudanum has been dropped, should he applied con- Btantly Avhile cold, antl supj lied by others as soon as they become warm. After the pain has in some degreé ceased antl the inflammation aliateti, the part may be washed antl rubbed Avith opodeldoc antl rovereti witfe broAvn paper, or you may api ly brovvn paper which ha» been well wetted Avith vinegar antl spirits. Where the injury is severe, bleeding will be necessary, cooling purgatives antl a light diet. When bruises liave been neg'ected, warm poultices of bitter herbs^ sprinHetl with a little fìnely powdered camphor will b&, beneficiai. After a sprain the patient often complains of weak- ness antl uneasiness, pouring cold water from a consid- erable height three times a day on the part affected, will OJttenrestore.it. Bandaging is sometimes beneficeal. If the coiitusion is violent, and a bone is injured, it often degenerate» into an ulcer, antl is cured Avith diffi- culty. Where the bone is hurt, the sore wil not heal until expoìiation takes place, tu* until the diseased bone is separateti and extracted.* This is easily accomplish- ed by tlie application of my vegetable caustic. It avìII separate the unsound firom the healthy bone, bring oa a bealthy suppuration and produce a speedy cure.. "~34 'WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICENE BISIéOCJÈTIOJYS. Dìsl-ocation isthe removal of a bone out of its natu- rai place. It is easily known by a bollow on one side and aprotuberance on the other, as Avella.» by the ina^ bility to move it, and the pain felt. Extension above will often restore a tlislocated bone to its proper situation. The limb should therefore be gradually extended from one side to the other, and moATed upward and downward, gradually and slovvly:" increasi ng the force until iti» returned to its place. In obstinate luxations, beeding copiously will be', useful. Even if the patient should be redueed to faint- uess, Avhile in that state the operator will stand a better chance of succeeding in replacing the ^dislocateti bone. When an iufiammation has ensued in conse- quence of the bone remaining luxated for a'considera- ble time, the patient should be bled, hi» bowels kept open with an occasionai catbartlc, and warm drink» ■sdiould be principaily used. After the inflammation ha» been overcomej attempts should be made to restore the bone to its proper situation. After the bone has been redueed, folds of linen Avet with vinegar or lead Avater should be constantly.apalied.to remove the inflamma- tion; bandages neither too tight nor too loose^ shoultl be used to re.tain the limb in its proper place. DISLOCATION OF THE JAW. YaAvning, blows, fall», chewing hard' substances or other casuality may produce disloca.tion of the low- er jaw. When this acetileni occurs, the jaw be- comes useless; ii cannot he* shut, chewing- cannot be performed, swallowing is a laborious operation, the chin is either twisted or hangs down, and speaking is both difficult and indistinct. Place the patient on a low stool, so that an assistant may hold his head firmly against his breast. The ope- WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE, 235 rator should then thrust his thuinbs, having previously wrapped them with linen cloths, into tlie patients mouth asfar back as he can, and applying his fingers to the outside of the jaw, endeavor to.bring itforwarda little antl then press it strongly dovviiAvartls and backwards so as to push the elapsed head» into their foruier cavities. DISLOQATION OF THE N£CK. When the neck is luxated, it swells, the patient'* countenance assumes a bjoated appearance, the chiù fall» on the breast antl the face is generally turned to- warils one side.. The operator, who desires to reduce this dislocatioii must- lay the patient on bis Ifack on the fluor, place him- self behind him lay hold of thè head with both hands, put bis knees against the patients shoulders, pulì, the head with considerable force, gently twisting it, if the face be turned to one side until be perceives the joint i» repi.aced. This may be discovered by the noise the bones make when going in, by the patient beginning to breathe and the head continuing in its naturai pòsition. After the reductiou of the neck the patient should be bled and rest a few days.. DISLOCATION OF THE RIBS. The ribs are not often luxated. When tlislocation happens either upward or downward, in order to replace it, lay the patient on his belly on a table antl endeavor to return the head pf the bone to its proper situation or suspend the arm of thedisordered side over a gate antl while the ribs are thus stretched asunder,push the heads of the displaced ribs into their- originai place of desti- natimi. When the ribs are forced* out of joint inward- ly, place the patient on hi» belly on a barrel, move the forepart of the rib towards the back, occasionally sha- kingit that by this means the dlsjointed' heads of the ribs may be replaced. , «r 233 WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. DISLOCATION OF THE SHOULDER. Evioexc^ s of a dislocation of the shoulder will be found Isa the depressimi or cavity on the top of the shoulder and the inability to move the arm: Avhep the dislocation is downward orforvvard the arm is lengthen- ed and a ball or protuberance is perteived rader the arm-pit. W ben it is backward, a tumefact omarises be- hind the shoulder, aud the arm is projected forward toAvard the breast. To reduce, a dislocation ofthe shoulder, seat the pa- tient on a Ioav stool, cause an a»sistant lo hold his body thatit may not give way, while anothercatchesthe arm a little above the elbow and gradually exteuds it. The operato!*, having put a handkerchief under, the patieht,s armanti had it tied behind h:s oavii neck, by this means, extends the arm suffieiently, liì'ts upthe headof the bone antl guide.» it with his hands, to the proper place. Some times, partii ularlv in voung jieif-uns, the aim may be extended with one hauti aud the bone diretteti villi the other into its propri* .-od et. The arm should alwaye be somewhat bent wi en the extension is made. A copious effusion of 'blood by the aid of the lancét, will in caj-es of difficulty facilitate tlie reductipn. DISLOCATION OF THE ELBOW. In the dislocation of the elbow, a tumor may be dis* covered on that side di' the,arm toAvard which the bone has been thrust, and the patient is unable to bend hifl arm. To leplace it two assistants are requisite, the one to catch the arm above, and the other below the elbow, and while extendingit with considerable force, the ope* rator direct» tiie bones' into their proper situations. The arm should then be beat and earried in a sling about the neck. Where the Avrist or fìnger are dislocateti, extend them in different direction», and direct the disjointed bone to it» proper location. a^ WRIGHT'S. FAMILY MEDICINE. 237 . J|DISLOCATION OF THE THIGH. ■Jte'dislocation of the thigh is either forward and dovH%rd, or backward. In the former case, the ^limife Nongated, and the kneeand foot turn out. In the laoer case, the leg is thrust upward, and shortened while nVe foot isintroverted, When the luxation occurs forward and downward, lay the patient on his back, fasten him with bandages or let him he held by assistants, * Fix slings a little above the knee, antl while by this means other abettors make the extension, let the operator push the head of the bone outward uiìtil it enters-iuto the socket. "Ti" the luxation be outAvard, lay the patient on his face, and while the limb is extended, push the bone inward, Where knees, ankles and toes are dislocated, to re- duce them, an extension shoultl be made in an opposite direction, while the operator returns the heads of the bones to their originai situations. Sometimes pulling the limb forcibly will reduce the dislocation; but by uniting skill antl dexterity with strength, luxated bone» will be most successfully replaced. BROKER BONES. Where a bone is broken, an experienced operator should be procured immediately to set it. In replac- ing afractured bone, but little extension is required; nor should tight bandages be used. They give pain but are not beneficiai. Where the leg or thigh is broken, the foot should be placed in a right direction with res- pect to the leg. The limb should then be streached out on a well made pillow, observing to straighteu it when it is disordered, but in such a manner as not to hurt the callus. Toretain it in its proper posture two or three spìints should be made of leather orpasteboard. They should be moistened and softened, and then ap W 238 WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICELE. ^'^ plied round the fractured limb, and fastened cAwlth tape or ribbon to keep it steady. Before they ar%ie(^ on, the pieces of leather or pasteboard should he^ftied with two or three folds of flannel with four or /yél pie- ce» of tape or ribbon, attached to the inside <|f |Jne of thesplints, by which both maybe tied on, an/fl after- wards loosened or tightened as may be required by the swelling of the limb. MORTIFICATION,- ■ *lnd cwtttng off JLegs, $re. Before a mortification Comes on, the part affected is in a high state of inflammation, a burning and exceed- ingly painful sensation is felt, and where a Avoutid is the cause, it becomes dry, and the flesh around it as- sumes a purple color. This stage is called gangrene, the next step is mortification. When gangrene èrisues, a strong lye poultice will generally arrest its progress. When this fails, I apply the steam Of wool', and con- inue the application .for hours until the patient becomes easy. The principal ingredient which ìuse to stop a nortìfication, first washing the wounds with a decoction of spikenartl, are avooI, bacon rinds and life everlast- ing, the steam of these conveyed to the wound and mortifying or mortified parts, will, when persevere- ingly applied, make the unsOuntl ilesh sìou'gh off', then nature will generate new flesh antl the patient will get well. But perhaps an example or two will illustrate more forcibly antl clearly my mode of treatment in ca- si) es of mortified wounds. In January 1812, a manby the name of Lambard in Blount county, was cutting off' a stooping tree; when about half cut doAvn, the tree split up antl knocked bini over, and after running up ten or fifteen feet, broke off. The but fell on his leg while down, mashed the bone, asd drove one piece six inches into the ground. The « WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. 239 accident happened in the morning; I was sent for" and got there in the evening. I found that the arteries Were not entirely destroyed, and stated my belief that I could save the leg. I gave him two spoonfuls of castor oil with fifteen drops of laudanum, and washed the leg in warm milk and water. After cleansing it in this Avay, I boil ed-------spikenard in water and made a dressing with which. 1 washetl the leg twice a day. After using this' decoction I applied a poultice of svveet milk antl flour to the lej5 until a mortification took place, an event which I was-anxiously auticipating. Knowing that sudi a mass of bruised lascerated flesh must sooner or latev die, I prepared myself for the oecurrence. On the morning of thefifth day he became restless; I euquired how he was, and he informed me.that his lei; felt as if itwas in the lire. l'had an oven filled with wool, bacon rinds and life everlasting, into it I threw red hot ireos. I had a tube three or tour feet long ex- tending from a hpìe in the oven- to the fractured leg, over which ì had made an ardi so as to.confine the steam to the wounded part. I continued this course, stili fììl- ing the oven with wool and throwing in hot iron», ali that day, ali the. subsequent night and until ten o'eloc!. next morning, when the patient said he felt as easy as he ever had done. in his life. The use of the steam Ava» then tliscontinued. The mortified flesh sloughed offin pieces as thickas a man'shand, until the whole of the dead k braiscd parts came off, which was nearly ali the flesh from the knee to the ankle. Ali the bone of the. leg wa« then taken out. , After the mortification was stopped, the.game treatment was pursued. The leg. was washed as at first with a decoction of spiknard tAvice a day, and a poultice of sweet milk and flour was applied until the cure was complete. ' The patient Ava» made to drink plentifully of dog wood tea, his diet was light antl his bowels kept open by dose» of castor oil or salts. The leg Was streached out straight and kept in an easy posture, so that it might be as long as the other when the new bone was formed. 210 WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. It soon became sound, antl was as useful to the pa- tient as if the accident had never happened. This is my treatment, antl in my hands it has never failed to arrest mortification, before it became general. I have never known a general mortification to he stop- ped. This may be recognized by the patient» becom- ingstupid or languiti and vomiting a dark bilious matter. This course perseveringly pursued, witli the aiti of a litile common sense, will, it is hoped, supercede the borriti practice of cutting off limbs whenever a black s;;ot appears onthem. A few years sincel happened at the house of a Mr, C-------of Blount county. He had by some means got his legfractured just above the ankle; the boneshot through the skin, antl bis footturned in almost at a rigbt angle. I asked if the object Avas to take off the man*» leg, and was informed, that Ava» the intention. I step- ped to the bed side and found the patien£ laboring under great nervous excitement. I turned to the gentlemen whohad assembled forthe purpose of amputating the limb, and told them that the patient was not hoav in a condition to endure the operation, andif theyproceeded to cut his leg off, he Avould certainly die. I then asked to look at the foot and found it in a high state of in- flammation, but not mortifying. I informed them that there was no necessity atpresenttoresorttoamputation, and that the man could be cured withòut it. They un- hesitatingly threw him on my hands, apparéntly glatlto clear their skirts of him. I washed the wound in a Aveak decoction of wild ivy; cut off the end of the pro- truding bone, put the foot in its proper place, and ap- plietl a poultice of sweet milk antl flour. The man antl his foot were in a few day» relieved of fever. He recovered and his leg became sound and strong. Where a bone is broken, amputation is unnecessary unless the arteries are destroyed; for if they are sound Avhen the dead or broken bone is removed, nature will Avith their aid generate new bone, and the limb will be- come as strong and useful as ever. Butif the arteries WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. 241 as well as the bones are destroyed or broken, ali hopes of renovation maybe given up. The case is desperate. WHITE SWEIXINGS» There are two kinds of this tlisease, the acute and scorno tic. The acute is the most common, and will first óccupy our attention. There is no disease to which the human family is liable that will, if not taken in time, infliet more severe antl lastins: miserv. It does not attack persons above the age of twenty-five years.— Children betAveen five and fifteen are most likely to ex- perience its violence and severity. No diversity of soil, nor salubrity of climate can ward off its assaults. Its ravages extendfrom the sea shore tothe mountains, and are most frequent iu the most temeprate and healthy atmosphere. Children of the finest constitution and of the greatest activity are most liable to its attacks. If the patient survives the severity of the first assault, he may for many years drag out a. painful and miserarle existence, his mascerated body filled with sores from the crowu of the head to the soleof the feet, and his suffer- ings so protracted, violent and agonizing, that Avhen he dies, as he will of a hectic fever, his friend», relations ànd even parents feel comfort in the thought that death has relieved him from his miserie», antl willingly con- sigli to the torab the mortai reinains of the unhappy victira. Cause». This disease is brought on by suddenly cooling the body after it has been over healed by vio- lent exercise, Itis often produced by working too hard, by running or juraping and then going immediately in- to* water, or lying doAvn on the cold ground and going to sleep. Sometimes the first symptom is a pain in the part infected, and itcontinues for several days before the patient is seized with the feA7er; atother times, the first notice of the dise_ase I» a violent attack^ as of the 212 WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. bilious fever, with loss of appetite and Constant craving of \\;ater. In a few days the disease locates itself and extreme pain is felt in the part affected ; but al- though every partof the human frame is liable to ite assaults, it most frequently fastens on the limbs. The part commences swelling, most" commonly, though not always, withòut changing its color; for sometimes the whole limb ishisjhlv inffamed. The patient finds no rest day nor night; the pain is augmented on every movement of the limb affected, which continue» to set- tlc for five or six Aveeks before it breaks. By'this time the patient is redueed to a skeleton by bis exeruciating ;iains. After the absces» breaks and commences run- ning, the sofferei* will gradually gain strength aniL be- gin to move about, although bis wound is stili running and the disease unconquered. I bave known patients to be thus afflicted for fifteen or twenty years, and then hy proper treatment to be restored to health. Abscesses are sometimes formed on children under the age of five yea'rs so near the bone as toinjure it, and produce ef- fects similarin their nature, and as_ deleteri ous in their cousequences as white swelling», nor i» the treatment of sudi a case dissimilar to the prescription in the or- dinary disease, TREATMENT. Though this disease has long baffled the skill of the most eminent physicians of the vvorld, its pathologyand treatment are but imperfectly untlerstood, and have as yet been imperfectly elucidated. It is well known that in the treatment of this malady, I have been uucora- monly fortunate. Hundreds of individuai» in different States of the Union who stand as my diploma» are liv- ing witnesses of the efficacy of my prescriptions. As an instrument in the hands of my creator, I have caused multitudes to "take up their beds and walk." Believing there was no charm in any name orassumption of char- acter, I endeavored to exercise the wit which God haa WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE 243 given me for beneficiai purpdses, and have uniformly tried to apply the principles of common sense and sountl reason to the practice of medicine, antl on this pian I bave overcome difficulties that to a superficial observer Avould bave appeared perfectly insurmountable. AVhen this disease begins witli a pain in the limb withòut fever, it may sometimes be relieAed by making an ointment of bog?s fat, or if it cannot be had, of fresh butter and reti pepper, antl rubbing the part affected twice a day, drying it in with a hot shovel or iron. If after doiii£ this the pain shoultl stili increase, antl the limb begin to swell aud puff*, an incision should be made Avitha lancét the Avhole length of the biade, nor is this operation mudi felt or dreaded, so great is the pain of the disease, on the contrary, it give» relief.* Place at the. bottoni of the wound a piece of vegetable caustic about the size of a pea; after Avaiting half an hour put in as ranch more in the same Avay; continue to do so three or four times every day until you get into "' the cavity, which always contains an oily fluid. The flesh also is always puffed up fiora the bone. After you have got to the bone, stop the use of the caustic, make a decoction, (not strong) of wild ivy leaves, and throw it inon the bone with asyringe three orfourtimes a day. After you begin to use the ivy decoction, ap- ply a poultice of sAveet milk and flour. , Under this treatment the Avound will soon commence a healthy sup- puration, and the patient will in a short time recover. As the physician is seldom called in until the tlisease has damaged the bone, if the sAvelling is not opeped in the early stage, the oily fluid spoken of will not be found; foritis soon changed into puss. Whenever the physician is called in, he must follow the direction» giv- en. If the bone is injured, it may be known by the appearance of the matter discharged. It will be cover- ed with fine specks or eyes, sudi as are often seen in *The operation is only to be performed by a physician, and great cara taken not to wound an artery. W-i WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. soup. If many of these are visible, the bone is un- questionably injured, antl a speedy cure is notto be ex- pected. Nature must work, and her operations must be Avatched and aided. After the abscess is opened and discharging a healthy matter, the system must be strengthencd and restored. The energy of the patient must be renovated before the cure of the Avound is un- dertaken. The chalybeate pili will be the proper med- icine. It should be taken occasionally until a cure is accom- plished. When the patient has gathered sufficient strength, Avhich he will not do under five or six uitmths, if the running stili ocntiuués, it will be an unerring in- dication that the bone is injured. The Avound must then be gradually opened by the application of caustic once or twice every day. To ascertain the condition of the wound, it is usuai to Avrap, a little tow or flax on a knitting ne'edle ar probe, antl with it examine the cavity to the bottoni. If there be any loose or injured bone, it will catch in the toAV or feel rough to the probe.— Having ascertained that there is loose or dead bone, open the wound with caustic as before directed. If you can feel the bone sensibly, catch it Avith a pah* of twee- zers, work it gradually and try to get it out. Some- times the piece is too large to he extracted at pnce, it should however be moved gently every day, caustic should be applietl to loosen it Avhere it is confined, and thus it may be ofien drawn out. Where the bone ia large and cannot be otherwise extracted, it will be ne- cessary to cut it in two. This I have often done with a small chisel, placing it on the loose bone and turning it backAvards and fonvards. This is to be done once or twice a day if the patient can bear it, nor will the chisel, as might be apprehended, inflict the slightest pain while cutting the loose bone, for the bone is dead, and tbis is the reason why it mustbe taken out. Do not work too long at a time lest you wory the patient, and be extremely careful not to let the chisel slip for fear of wounding a blood vessel. In this way I ha\-e WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. 245 by patient perseverance, and exercising the greatest care divided the leg, thigh and arm bones withòut giving the patient mudi pain. Where there is a probabìlìty tf getting hold of the end of the bone, there ìs seldom any need of eraployingthe chisel. If the patient i» first at- tacked with a high fever, give him a cooling* purge aridi bleed him, as a case of this kind is usually mere violent than where a pain is the first symptom. The physi- dan will then be enabled to ascertain where the disease is locateti, though sometimes the whole limbi»- so swollen and paìnfulthat it is difficult to determine whìeh- is the part most affected. He must exercise bis judgraent, antl when he has fixed on the place, make an .incision withòut hesitation, for eVery moment of delay,i» atten- ded Avith the risk' of an iujury being infltctett on the bone. In sudi a case the use of the ointment woultk be improper, as scattering the disease would be at* tended with the danger of driving it to some more vital part. THE SCORBUTIC OR SCROFULOUS WHITE: SWELLING. This kind of white sAvelling affects the joints par- ticularly. Sometimes it is attendetl with great pain, sometimes with considerable swelling; sometimes hard- ly an uneasy sensation is felt at its eommencement, and' an enlargement is almost imperceptible. In this disease' motion is disagreeable and painful; the joint being easiest Avhen relaxed is kept in a bent pòsition, and by this means a stiffness of the sinews is occasioned.— The pain becomes more violent antl the swelling increases as the disease progresses. The ends of the bones are also frequently, but not always enlarged. The tumefac- tion in time acquires an elasticity, which prevent» it from retaming any impression made by the hand or fin- ger. In different part» aroundthe joint a purulent mat- ter is collected, which upon breaking or being opened, is diseharged in considerable quantities. The bones 240 WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. are oftem found in a carious state, and pieces are dischar- ged at the openings. The constitution at length be- comes impaired, antl nightsweats and dysentery reduce the patient to the most extreme debility. Children are exemptfrom the ravages of this disease.. >. ' * '■ ''"TREATMENT. If the abscess has not broken it should be opened. Make an incision with a lancét,. antl insert caustic at the bottoni of thp wound, as directed in the other species of Avbite swelling, until an opening is made into the cavity. The greatest care should be taken, lest a mortifica1 tioii ensue. To prevent this fatai consequence weak iujcctions of(,the ivy decoction stoniti be thrown luto the wound twice a day. A poultice òf sweet milk and flour should then be applied, and renovated and renewed and continued until the matter discharged as- sumes a, healthy appearance The main phject is to produce ahealthy suppuraiion. As-soon as the wound is opened, the patient should take three times a day. a chalybeate pili as large as a common summer gra; e.— The diet should be light and nourishing, and the drink warm and strong, victuah\snch as bacon aud cabbage shoultl be avoided. The chalybeate pili or black, medi- cine is inténded to resterà the constitution, and it will generally haA'e that effect. . .Speedy rfelief is notto.be expected, and the generai heaith pf the patient must be renovated and confirmecl before a cure can be accom- plished; antlas this malady is one of the most trouble- some aiid difficult to mànage, considerable time will be consumed, care and pàtience, skill antl persevereancc must be exercised before the suif&Ver can be relieved.— I have never found amputatìon necessary, i,or have I ever lpst a patient by the mortification of the wound. ■'& VVRIGHTS FAMILY MEDICELE. 247 THE ITCH. The iteli is contagious antl easily eommunicated. It appears in the form of Avatery pustules about the wrists antl fingers. It then spreads over other parts of the body. Various i inds òf itch have been mentined by medicai author»; but from the same cause, and may be cured by the same medicine, ariti are only aggravated stages of the same tlisease; it will be' unnecessary t3 make any distinction. Cleanliness, pure air and wholesome food are said tò prevent it» appearance or to retard its progress, and sometimes go far towards effect- ing acure. TREATMENT. ' Sulphur applied externally and internally with purg- ing and bleeding whei'e the patient is of a full habit, is the treatment generally recommended by the faculty.— It will withòut doiibt have the desired effect. But we prefer as equàlly effectual, and better, as being unatten- ded Avith the slightest degreé of danger the "vegetable unguent," (which see how to make in the appendix.) On going to bed annoirtf witli it the parts affected for four or five nights. Then wash with soap and Avater, change the linen, also change your clothes, put clean Sheets andcoverlets on your bed, and be ca'reful neither to Avear any of the clothes, pi' sleep in any bed that contains the infection. It should be rehiarked that ma- ny diseases are mistaken for the iteli, and treated ac- cordingly. In such a case there is danger of doing in- jury by striking in an eruption that ought to bekept out; the medicine may also pioveineffectuaj. Another remedy. Take a handful of the Avood of bitter sweet, cut it.iip fine, put it in a tinnìpfui of ard, let it stew, when the strength is extracted, strain it and when it becomes settled, put in it half a tea spoon- ful of sulphur; annoint the sores every night, and it will 248 WRIGHTS FAMILY MEDICINE. cure effectually. The bitter SAveet is first sweet and then bitter to the taste, grows in the sides of ditche» and in swamps, climbing bushes Avith winding, woody brittle stalks. The flowers in clusters, are of a blue purple color, and appear in June and July, The bevries are red. THE EAR ACHE. This severe pain often proceeds front inflammation of the internai membrane of the ear, or from tjie intru- sion of insects or any extraneous substance. ., ».. -, TREATMENT. Stew black pepper in hog's lard; a few drops of this mixture applied internally to the ear as warm as it can be borii twice a day avìII often relieve. Four or five drops of spirits in which beeFs gali has been dissolved, poured into the ear three times a day will have the same effect. If the ear is going to beai, permanent ease need not be expected until it ripens antl breaks.— Fomentation over a decoction of bitter 'herbs, sudi as old man, catnip or horehound will often give temporary relief. After the herbs are boiled, put them into a jug or coffee pot; place the ear over the mouth orspout, and it will be fomentcd. If the inflammation be great, the patient should be bled and take cooling laxatives, salts, cream of tartar or senna. Sometimes tobacco smoke bloAvn into the ear, or li- quor or sAveet oil poured into the ear will destroy or drive out insects. In cases of còld», roast an onion, take out the heart, put it in the ear and tie it up, or Avarm milk and water injected, or laudanum dropped in will often give ease. Stéaming over hot water, laying a cloth over the vessel containing it, will generally af- ford relief. Camomile floAvers, dipped in hot water and WRIGHTS FAMILY MEDICWB. applied while very warm to the ear, with a cloth onìv rotervening is also practiced. Pulì a black horn bus; in two and Jet the drop which may then be seen, fall in- to the ear, it will cause the pain to cease and probably prevent it from aching in future. A poultice of roasted onions, or bread and milk will be proper when the inflammation cannot otherwise be dis- iipated. It should be continued and renovated until the nsing breaks, then wash it two or three times a day with «oap and water. Blisters behind the ear are also bene- %ial. MATERIA MEDICA. My hook would perhaps be incomplete, if it contained uo account of our medicinal plants. A feAV of the most proniinent of these productions of nature, which are useful to the physician,avìII be succinctly described. It ìs not my intention to SAvell the size of this hook, by enumerating and delineating ali the plants and medi- dne» which are employed by the disciplesof Esculapiujs. Those who Avish for more extensive and sdentine in- formation, avìII naturally resort to a complete system of materia medica. Alder black, or Virginia Winter b&rry—bear9 a red berry—grows in moist place», and sends up several slender stalks to the height of eight or ten feet. The bark is a tonic, and is used in substance or in strong decoction, like Peruvian bark in cases of debility. The inner bark as a poultice, with the decoction internally, has been celebrated for its efficacy in arresting the progress of mortification. Angelica—floAvers in June and July, antl grows in marshy ground. The root in a powder or tea is espe- dally beneficiai in flatulent cholics. It is also used with advantage in coujunction with other tonics in in- termittents and low stages of the fever. It is some- times combined with dog Avood hark» One tea spoonful of the former, with two of the latter makes a dose. Bind weed—^grows near running water in low sandy soil. It rpns along the ground like a grape vine, and has a root, large, hard and white, that sinks deep into ihe earth; its leaves are triangular; its fio wer» are beli «38 WRIGHT-8 FAMILY MEDICINE. shaped and whitish with a purple tinge. A» a purga- tive from a tea to a table spoonful of the powdered root oonstitutea a dose. To make a decoction of it, boil the eliced root in three pints of water to a quart. In thi» way in cases of gravel a tea cupful of it may be drunk three or four times a day. Bitter sweet—grows on the sides of ditche» and in moist hedges, climbing upon bushe» with winding, woody, brittle stalks. The flowers are of a blue pur- ple color cinti appear in clusters in June or July and always turn to the sun. The berries are red. It ì» sometimes used in the cure of the iteli. Black berry or dueberry.—The roots of these vines are astringent in their character. Two handful» of the roots in three pints of milk or water boiled to a quart and given in doses of a tea cupful every two or three hours will often cure an obstinate dysentary. Black snake root—grows in rich wood lands from «even to nine indie» high, the leaves are heart shaped and the floAvers of a purplish broAvn color. The root is composed of a number of strings or fibres, issu- ing from one head and matted together, of a brownish color on the outside and yelloAvish or pale within. It has an aromatic smeli and a warm, bitterish, pungent taste. It is useful in raising the pulse, promoting per- spiration and resistiug putrefaction. Blood root) or puccoon.—It is also called Red root, Indian paint and Tunneric. Its leaves somewhat like those of the Avhite oak, are roundish and deeply inden- ted ; its steras are naked, supporting single flowers and its blossoms white. It groAvs about a foot high in rich Avoodlands and flowers in Aprii. When the fresh root i» broken, its juice reseinbles blood. Bo.wman'& ?vwrf-^-grows in low ground» or meadow» WRIGHT'S-FAMILY MEDICINE. 2tt twoor three feethisdi. The root in doses of from thirtv to forty grams in powder for atlults, is a safe and effec- tual emetic. It is a tonic, diuretic, & a tliaphoretic. A tincture of it is good in cases when the mense» are ob- structed. ,. Boxwóod»—The bark of this tree possesses admira- ble tonic powers. It is very efficacious in case» of gan- grene and in diseases originatine from debilitv. Bar-dock—grows on the roadside, on rubbish & ditch bank» hearing purplish blossoms in July and August. A decoction of this roòt is esteéraed excellent in driving away boil», purifying the blood and promoting perspira- tion. This plant is perennial; the seetls are given as diuretics; the roots are sweetist with a slight acritude, and are considered aperient sudorific and diuretic. In gouty, venerea!, rheumatic antl scorbutic maladies they are used, aud are deemed safe in acute complaint». Butterfly weed or Pleurisy root—grows in a light san- tìy soil several stalks rising from one roòt about two feet in height spreatl considerably around. The stalks are round, the leaves irregular spear shaped, and on the underside covered Avith down. The umbels are of a bright orange. The flowers, conspicuous for size and britliancy, make their appearance in August antl July. Slender pods, containing seeds, are then formed. The root i» tapering, externally brownish, within coarse, white ariti streaked. This root possesses no inconsid-# erabìe degreé of medieinal virtue, and is of sovereign efficacy in pleurisy and affectìons of the lungs. Ithas also in an eminent degreé the power of protiucing a pro- fuse perspiration. It is extolled also for its virtue a» a tliaphoretic, a febrifuge and an expectorant, antl as an efficacious remedy in colds, catarrhs, pneumonic fevers and diseases of the breast. Ithas the peculiarity of sweating, Avithout heating the body. Bntternut—affbrds a fine cathartic medicine. The 'X* 2.H WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. inner bark is boiled for several hours, then strained antl boiled down to a consistence of honey. This is the best mode of preparing it; A pili of the ordinary size may be taken at lied time. It is admirable in remoAing costive habits. It is also efficacious in ali cases wheré aperient medicines are required. Button snake root—grows in poor pine land. The root is bulbous, with numerous fibr.es of a pungent nitroustaste; the leaves or blades long, narrow, pointed and saw-edged. A stalk shoots up in autumn, to the height of three feet, hearing globular prickly flowers of an ash color. This root is a powerful sudorific, it is also a superior medicine in cases of gangrene antl foni ulcers. It is boiled soft antl applied as a poultice. Camomile,—A tea made of the flowers is often used to warm and strengthen the stomach. It i» also em- ployed as a preventive to ague antl fever and bilione fever. A poultice of it is frequently applied to tumors. Cherry-tree wild.—The bark of tliis tree is a tonic and is sometimes substituted for the Peruvian bark. It is given in intermittents* It is perhaps most effica- cious when four parts of it are combined with-one part of Virginia snake root. CoWs foot—grows in: moist situations about eight inch- es in height, and produce» yellow flowers early in the Spring. Then appear the leaves which are large and roundish and of a bitter taste. The leaves pow- dered and used as sii uff removes giddiness ofthe head. A decoction of the leaves and flowers in the proportion of two handfuls to a quart of water is useful in drop- sical complaints and coughs. Comfrey—grows near spring» and in moist situations: it i» also cultivated. It is about two feet high ; its leaves are large, it» flowers pale blue, the roots long, WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE 2»5 muoilaginous andc externally black but white within. Boil a handful of the roots in milk, and give a tea cup- ful three or four times a day is a popular remedy for a dysentery. Itis also beneficiai in otl-er complaint». Columbo root—grows plentifully in the Avestern coun- try. It is a poAverful antiseptic and tonic. It is used advantageously in gangrene, cholera morbus and indi- gestion. An excellent bitter may be formed by steep- ing two or three ounces of the root in a quart of spirit. In dose» of a table spoonful, in mint Avater or orange peel, it moderates the retching of pregnant Avomen. Dozwood.—See Boxwood. Dock narrow—grows in fields and flowers about the middle of summer. The roots bruised have been appli- etl with efficacy in the cure of obstinate ulcers, and hard, caucerous tumors. A decoction of them will cure the iteli. The seeds will check a dysentery. The root. it is said, is mildly purgative. Elecampane—is found in stony pasture» antl by the road side. It grows three or four feet high. Its flow- ers are large and yellow and appear in July and August. The root has a pleasant aromat^c scent and a tenacious and partially acrid taste. Its .bitternes» gradually aug- raents antl becomes puugent. A strong decoction of the root is an excellent remedy for women Avho are troubled with floodings. As a medicine it is mildly stimulant. ; • Emetic weed or Indian Tobacco—grows in dry fields to the height of one or two feet, with brandi ed stems. It flowers in July and August. The blossoms are sol- itary antl of a pale blue color. The leaves are oblong and' have a very pungent taste. The leaves collected in August and dried', in doses of from ten to twenty grains coastitutean excellent emetic. S58 WRÌGHT>S. FAMILY MEDICINE. " Flax-seed.—Flax seed tea is beneficiai to those who are suffering from cold or coughs. A syrup may be made by simmering together a quart of the tea and a pint of honey, for an hour removing the skum as it rises.,, A tea-spoonful every hour or two often gives great relief when a cough is troublesome. Flux-root^—See Butterfly weed. .' fj • Ginseng—is generally found in rich soils and in the side» of mountains.' It flowers in July and its berries are black. The root is sweetish. Its leaves or root», by infusion are esteemetl salutary in cases of gravel and debility. The root chewed or steeped in wine and taken by the wine glassful twice a day, invigorates the human frame. Gitine,1 Pepper or Red Pepper—grows in gardens. It is apowerful stimulant, and is considered beneficiai in chronic rheumatism. A strong infusion of reti pep- per, one or two potls to half a pini of spirits, in dose» from half to a full wine glass is a fine medicine in cases of cramp in the stomach. Red pepper tea is also used Avhere the sore throat prevails. Hdlebore white—is produced in wet place» and lòw meadows. The stalk usually rises from two to four feet high and is hairy, upright, thick and strong. The leaves are ovai, rìbbed, large, plated and of a yellow- ish color. The flowers appear in June, July or Au- gust, are of a greenish color, and followed by three fiat pods. The seed are triangula'r. The root is short, about an inch thick, with numerous fibres attached to it, antl ordiuarily externally of a brown color. ' It is bit- ter antl nauseous to the taste and burns the mouth. The bark of the root colleeted in the spring, given in tlie form of a powder, begining with half a grain and gradually increasing the dose has been very beneficiai in disease» of the melancholic and maniaca! kind. WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. 057 Hemloék—grow» in shady places, in rich lands and iiear ditche». Its height is six or seven feet. Its leavee are large, of a dark green color on the upper and whi- tish green on the under side. The flowers are whitej the seeds greenish* flat on one side, very convex, and marked with furrows on the other side. The stalk ie marked with brown or red spot», is round, smooth and hollow. The root is white and fuugous within and long and yellowish withòut, and its leaves have a rank smeli. The medicinal virtues of this poisonous plant have been advantageously employed in cancerous ulcer», venereal sores and cutaneous affectìons. A grain or two of the powdered leaves constitutes a dose at first which may be gradually increased until it produces giddiness or sickness and trembling. Kore hound wild—grows amongrubbish and flowers from July to September. Its leaves have a bitter taste. It has been used with great success as a medicine. It frows abundantly in our country andi» generally known. t i» sometimes used as a substitute for peruvian bark. It is a tonic, a sudorific, a diuretic and a gentle purga- tive. It is commonly made into a tea in the proportion tif one ounce of the dried leaves to a quart of Avater.— It does not oppress the stomach and may sometimes be advantageously associated with Peruvian Bark. Horse radish—ìiRs a pungent smeli and sharp taste. It flowers in June; wheu dry, it is sweetish or insipid. Horse radish is a stimulous, exciting the solids and a*~ aisting the fluid secretions. It is useful hi scurviee, dropsies and chronic disorders. Hysop—an infusion of the leaves, sweetened is bene- ficiai in coughs antl disorders of the breast and lunga, attended Avith inttamraatory symptoms. Indian hemp—-groAvs about three feet high. Iti» found in wootls and in the vicinity of meadows. The 2*8 WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. branche» spring out about a foot above the ground; ite leaves are numerous, its flowers whitish, like buck wheat and With seed pods resembling a cucumber. Indian Physic—See Bowman's root. Indian Turnip.—This herb may be found in low rich land». It resembles the common turnip in form, has a very acrid taste when green, and must then never be given. When dry, it is sweet and pleasant. As muchof it pulverised as will He on a fourpence ha'pen- ny, mixed with honey should be given on an empty stomach to achilli from two to live years old, above that age, doublé the quantity is a dose. Jerusalem Oak or Worm-iìeed.—This plant ha» a strong smeli, an acrid tast and is much used for the expulsion of Avorms. It is oneof the ingredients com- posing the chalybeate pili. Mandrake or May Apple rises two or three feet high, grows on low grounds, has generally three leaves, broad at the base and terminating in a point; the flowers and appiè yellow. The root in doses from ten to tAventy grains in substance is an excellent purgative. For use, it.should be gathered in the fall. In too large a dose it is a poison. Mezereon, Spurge laurei, or Dwarf bay—grows in woods and shatly places, and ilowers in February or March. Its fruitis a berry, which contains a single seed. The leaves are spear-shaped and the flowers red and rosy. The bark of the root is used a» a medicine and has a sharp burning taste. It is useful in the vene- real disease in the last stage, in relieving nocturnai paius antl dissipating Arenereal nodes. Mustard.—The seeds of mustard have a tartness of fcaste and acrimoùious smeli. The black is stronger WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICENE. 259 thau the white mustard. An oil of insipid taste is made by pressing the seeds. Mustard is recommended as a medicine in cases of dispepsy. When infused in Avater and taken in considerable quantities, it operates as an emetic; in smaller doses, as an aperient and diu- retic. Itis frequently used when made into a siriapism with vinegar and bread crumb to produce topical excite- ment. A weak infusion of the seed has been success- ful in stopping puking. JWgAf Shade Deadly—is a poisonous plant with beau- tiful berries. Those who have imprudently eaten them are soon troubled with a dryness of mouth, a distress- ing thist, a tremorin the tung, a difficulty in sAvalìowing and ineffectual endeavors to vomit. The sight ofthe eye enlarges, the face swells and becomes darkly red, delirium and convulsion and inflammation of the intes- tines ensue; and unless the ' poison is arrested in its career, death will be the inevitable consequence. Vomi- ting is the mostspeedy and effectual remedy. Clysten and cathartics should be employed, and vinegar, honey, milk, and oil given liberally. This plant shoultl be used as a medicine in small quantities and with the greatest caution. It is a power- ful narcotic, assist» to produce sweating, increases urine and probably saliva. When it occasions dryness and tension of the throat, vertigo or temporary dimness of vision, it ought to he discontinued. The dose at first shoultl be very small, not exceeding where children are the patients a quarter or the eighth of a grain of the powdered leaves or root and a greater for grown per- sons. The dose may be slowly increased after it ha» been taken for some time. Onions—are efficacious in suppression of urine, in dropsies and in abscess of the liver. They are also frequently used in cases of croup and sore throat. The sraed imparted to the breath by onions may be obviated by eating a few leaves of parsley immeuiately afterward». 960 WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. Peach tree.—A tea made of the leaves or flowerij will operate as a cathartic. From a gill to a half pint every two or three hours will act on the bowels, stom- ach and skin. A syrup is sometimes made of itby boib ing slowly the juice of the leaves with an equal quanti- ty of molasses. It may then be administered in dose» of a table spoonful to children, and a wine-glassful to grown persons. A decoction may be made of it by boiling a handful of the dried leaves in a quart of water down to a pint and a half. In this way it is used in cases of voiding blood by urine, in affectìons of the kidneys or com- plaints of the gravel. Pepper red—see Guinea pepper. Pennyroyal.—An infusion made in the proportion of a handful to a quart of boiling water, has long been esteemed in obstructions of the menses or histeric com- plaints. A tea cupful three times a day is a dose. Peppermint—is an excellent remedy in flatulent col- ie», hysteric cases and vomiting. It is used also ia nausea, cholera, and griping. Persimmon—is sometimes used in cases of sore throat, of worms, and in intermittents. Pink root Carolina—abounds in the southern statet and is valuable as a destroyer of worms. To make an infusion put a handful in a quart of boiling water. A tea cupful night and morning is the usuai dose. Il ia also sometimes employed with efficacy in fevers. Plantain—ìs an antidote to the poisonous bites of •nakes, spiders and other venomous insects. The juice extracted from the plant, is given in doses of two table epoonfuls every hour or oftener, until the patient is re- lieved. The bruised leaves are frequently applied to the fresh wound». WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICKVE. 201 Pleurisi root—see Butterfly weed. *s * Poison oak.—This poison has in my opinion but few metlicinal virtues. When,a person has been poi- soned by this vine, I cure by stewing night shade in sweet cream and anoint the parts. Poplar sree.—The b'irk of this tree is aroraaticand a strong bitter. It is a tonic and employed some times in place of the Peruviau bark. It is used in intermittents, dysenteries and other disorders. Potatoe wild—:see Bind Aveetl. ■; Puccoon.—See blood root. Rue-As good to cure the bite of spiders. It is also given in case» of Avorms and will prevent convulsion» ili children. -Seneca Snake root.—-It giows about a foot high, the leaves pointed,. antl some what. ovai, the flowers are white, the?root some what resembles the tail of a snake. It is usecfrto promote perspiration. A decoction is made of it by putting a handful into a quart of boiling water. A -wine glassful every two or three hours is a dose for an adult. It is used also in obstructions ofthe menses. in croup, pleurisy and acute rheumatism. Sampson Snake root.—It groAVs to the height of from six to twelve inches aud bears on the top two or three pale blue flowers, the leaves are opposite antl sword shaped,the root matted,variously bent antl has an agree- able bitter taste. The root of this plant is a considera- ble tonic. It is used often beneficially in cases of dis- pepsy. It may be taken in the form of a tincture, de- coction or powder. It is also good for the flux. Spikenard—grows in low rich grounds antl among rocks three or four feet high. The leaves are numer- ous, on long branchesfrom a thick purplish stalk. The Y 262 WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. floAvers are very small; the berries of a siveet aromatic taste and resembling those of the eRlèr. The root» are long and about the thickness of a finger. Sumach common.—The berries or seed» Avhen ripe, are red and very acid. An infusion of them SAveetened with honey is a good gargle for a sore throat and for deansing the mouth in putrid fever. Scurvy grass.—LThi» plant bas a siugular smeli antl a bitter taste when green, especially after bruising it. Il communicates its pungency by distillatimi to water or whiskey. An oil may be made of it. It derives its name from its efficacy in curing the sea scurvy. It is a mild stimulant and diuretic. In scorbutìc affection» of the mouth antl in sore throat, it is usedas a gargle. White.walnut.—The bark is a valuable purgative. It is given in doses from ten to thirty grains antl is re- commended in cases of dysentery. In the expulsion of bile its activity is augmented by combipfhg it .with cal- omel. />■' Waysa.—This is the Indian name for'an herb \vhich is used in making vegetable caustic. Its leaf resembles the earof a eat, but is mudi larger. This herbis only to be found in rich IioUoavs in the mountains. It grows from five to six feet high, and comes up early in the spring; the leaves are directly opposite to each other and about five or six inches apart. The stalk is some Avhat filiteli and bear in the fall on its summit a dusterof seeds like that of tobacco. Its leaf has an acrid burning taste. -* MEDICINES. VEGETABLE UNGUENT. Take narrow dock, poke antl hellebore, of the roots of each half a pouud, beat them fine, put them into five gallons of water, boil it down to a pint, pour it off, then add two pounds of hogs lard, stew it down to a pint Let the oil then stand until it settles; add of common turpentine, and sweet gumwax, each a piece as large as a hen egg. Apply sufficient beat to melt in the two last ingredients and the unguent is ready for use. This unguent is an excellent medicine in most cuta- ueous diseases, and in the hands of the author, has ne- ver failed to cure the iteli. « ^^JHALYBEATE PILL. TaketAVo spoonfuls eachof elecampane, of butterfly or pleusisy root, steel dust and sulphur; one spoonful of jerusalem oak or wormseed, antl _three_qf seneca •iiàke root; and in thè samè proportions when a gTeater or less quantity is to be made. Pulverise them; sift them thro a fine cloth, and add a sufilciency of hon- ey to mix them. To an adultgive a pili of the size of a large summer, srape night and morning. After continuing in this way rour or five days, three pills may then be administered every twenty four hours, one in the morniug, one at midday and one at4)ed tiìne. VEGETABLE CAUSTIC. The materials of which this caustic is made, are dif- ficult to be procured. Take of scurvy grass, the twigs of wild ivy, and of anherb called by the Indians waysa: 264 WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. of each a doublé handful. These are to be gathered about the full of the moon antl ali burnt together to ashes. Then put the ashes into a clean pot with five gallona of water, boil it doAvn to half that quantity.— Take it off, let it settle, strain it thro, a piece of tow cloth. Put iton again in a clean vessel, antl boil it down until it evaporate» and you will have in the sediment an excellent caustic. When this herb cannot be found, burn of blue ash bark enough to make half a bushel of ashes, take of ivy twigs a doublé handful, bum it antl mix the- ashe» with those of the ash bark; put them into ten gallons of Avater, boil it about an hour; take it off, let it stand till it settles, then pour the Avater from the ashes ; boD it downto half the quantity, take it off', settle and strain it; put it in a clean pot and boil it until it evaporates. Then make with light- Avood, a brisk fire under the ves- seì; the sediment will melt and run like oil. Then take off the vessel and you have the caustic, Avhich I use in the performance of cures, and which is commonly called wet tire. ..„. :'' ■* J %' &■ AN OINTMENT FOR ERLTTIONS ON'£HILDREN. Take a pound of fresh unsalted butter, break into it six_nevv ogg^eimmer them over the fire until the butter is redueed tolialf the quantity .Then strain it, and aud toit while warm enough to dissolve them, of sweet gumwax and turpentine from the tree, each a piece a* large as a ben egg. BEER FOR CONSUMPTION. t Take of spikenard root—if green two pounds ; if dry, one pound; of seneka stiàke root two ounces, of wild cherry bark, of the root of devils-bit, each half a pound; òf the root' of wild sweet-potatoe, the root oT bur dock, and of the bark of white Avalnut, each half a pound; put these into ten gallons of water, boil it down to three. Pour it off the roots while hoiling into a cag or jug, and to this quantity add one quart of honey. Za WRIGHTS FAMILY MEDICENE. 205 a ,few day» it will ferment and be fit for use. Of thi* decoction'the patient may drink two orthree tea cupful* a day. This beer is to he* given to jiatients affected with the liver complaint or any kirid of consumption. It is useful in cases of debility of long standing. Thi» medicine acts as a tonic, a cathartic antl a stimulant. TheAvhite walnut is intended only to keep the bowels open. The patient will therefore judge antl put in more or less of it, as he finds its operation more or less pow- érful; if tlie patients bowels are easy operateti on, a less quantity is*to be taken. CHARCOAL, Is too ' Well known to need a particular description. It has recently* been employed as a medicine. It has been found to absorb ■ offensive matter in the stomach. It is used in cases of fever, dysentery, scrofula and Other atrophies. Its tendencyis to prevent putriti eruc- tations, to imbibethe matter that produces disagreeable tastes in the mouth, to-remove sickness where there is a dispositionUo vomit, or to stoppuking when ithas com- menced, to strengthen the stomach, increasve the desire for food, and aid in itsconeoction. It has also a slight proclivityto produce costivenéss. In external inflam- mations, rancid ulcers, and mortifications, poAvdered charcoal is highly beneficiai. It also has some repo- iation a» a tooth powdèri' It is sometimes called cario Ugni. DRESSINGS, FOR FRESH WOUNDS OR TO PREVENTBLEEDINC. Take the inside bark of wliité hickory, boil it in a sufficient quantity of Avaterto extract the strength; then strain it antl boil it again until the decoction becomes thick and adhesive: This preparation should be kept in readiness by eve- ry family. It is not only good to stop hemorrhages, but as a dressing for fresh wounds. y* 263 WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. A Dressingfor Gunshot wounda.—Take five pound» of fresh spikenard root, put it in six gallons of water; boil it down one half; take out the roots while hot; strain it and boil it down to a quart: To this add an equal quantity of rum, or old whiskey. Let the wountt be syringed with this tAvo or three times a day, and a poultice of sweet milk and flour be kept to it. JIP&ENBIX. ASSORBENTE Calcined Magnesia.—One or two tea spoonfuls U) he taken occasionally mixed in milk or mucilage of gum; arabic by adults. Prepared Chalk.—A tea spoonful to be taken in the same way as the magnesia. Lime Water.—A wine glassful with an equal quan- tity of new milk to be taken occasionally. Absorbent Mixture.—Take half an ounce of chalk prepared, two drachms of gum arabic powdered, two drachms of white sugar and four ounces of water. A table spoonful every two or three hours is a dose for groAvn persons. Absorbent and aperient mixture.^-Addone drachm of • rhubarb in powder, or half an ounce of the tincture of rhubarb to the above receipt ; or Take of prepared chalk and magnesia, each half an ounce, sugar twodrams: rub them well together; add two ounces of mucilage of gumarabic and four ounces of weak cinnamon tea. Mix them. Dose for children from one to two tea spoonfuls. DECOCTION OF SENEKA. Take ef seneka snake root, one ounce, water a pint and a half. Boil to a pint and then strain it. This decoction is used in the pleurisy, dropsy, rheu- matism and disorders of the skin. The dose is two 268 WRIGHT'S FAMILY MEDICINE. ounces three or four time» a day or oftener if the stom- ach will bear it. SEMTIVE ELECTUARY. Take eight ounces of senna in fine poAvder; four oun- ce» of coriander seed powdered; a pound of the pulp of tamarinds antl a pound of French prunes. Mix the pulp and powders together and with a sufficient quanti- ty of simple syrup, reduce the Avhole to an electuary. A tea spoonful of this electuary, taken two or thre« times a day is an agreeable laxative. Other- medicine* may be given init. EMITLSIONS. Emulsion» are proper vehicles for certain substances that cannot conveniehtly be taken in another form, They are also useful as medicines. Common Emulsion.—Take an ounce of sweet alra- onds, a drachm of bitter almonds, two pints of avater. Letthe almonds be blanched antl beat iip in a mortar, adding the water gradually so as to make an eniulsion,- Strain it. Arabic Emulsion.—Add tothe almonds of the com- mon emulsion, while beating it; two and a half ounces of mucilage of gura arabic. Where soft cooling liquors are necessary, these emul- sions may be used as an ordihary drink. Camphorated Emulsion.—Take half a drachm of camphor ; half a dozen sweet almonds, half an ounoe of white sugar; eight ounces of mint water. Grind the camphor antl almonds well together; add by littto and little the mint water;- the» strain the liquor & dis- solve the sugar in it. WRIGHT'S FAMDLY MEDICENE 239 A table spoonful of this emulsion every two or thre* hour» is the common dose. Emulsion of Gum Ammoniac—Take of gum am- aioniac two drachms; water eight ounces; grimi the gum with the water poured in gradually till it is dis- solved. This emulsion is used to promote expectoration. In obstinate coughs, tAvo ounces of the syrup of poppies may be added. Two table spoonful» three or tour times a day is a dose. Oily Emulsion.—Take six ounces of soft water. two drachnis of volatile aromatic spirit, an ounce of Florence oil; shake them well-together. and add half aui ounce of simple syrup. In colds or coughs of receut date this emulsion is valuable; but if the cough prove» obstinate, the pare- goric elixir shoultl be substituted for the volatile aro- matic spirit, and it will succeed better. A table spoon- ful every tAvo or three hours is a dose. E3IETICS, £jeA.%is to correct acidity and dry up superfluous raoisture. Abstcndous, low living. Accelerare, to quickea. Ace*centy having a ten-iency to acidity. Aciduloted, imptegnated with acids. Acme, full height. AcrimoMjf, com*.ive sharpness. Acute, tliis ten n i> applied to a medie tn*«, più» lo dr*:*»* Anodi/me. compò jj ng aud such as miti^itc Antùìotc. a iupUi^uj poisons. AsìtUogmatics, dr.un* AmitpklogéStic, oouut«racUng fiuuraUicm Antiscorbutic, ^ »od againsi scurvy. Amtueptics. medieim « to re» putridity or rottenness. Antispasmodica, tn-dicinea for curing spasm*. as laudamun iM ether. Anus, the fundanvm Apertemi, open in violent, and ; Apktkous, resembling tlie iliruM tends to a spe< dy tenni nation. Aduli, of full a j«, beyond puberty Afusion, pouring one thing on another. After-birth or placenta-coke, is the subitanee >y which th? child isconnocted •aìUi the mouW in the womb. Aguc-cake, enlargement of the spleen. Alcokol, redini d spirits of wine. Aliment, nourìsluncnt Alimentar^ ca.>al, or tube, the stomach and ntestines. Alkali, any su'istance which inin- gled with ac'd, prò luces fermen- ta tion. Éher*mte, char.ged by turas, oc ì like another. 7. Apktfut, small wltitiith ulcera ap pearing in tlie in »uUi. Arcolài, the cirrle winch Mr rounds tlie nipple into a passo- tu keep itopaa or enhrgc it. Bolus, a form of medicina m - mass l irger than pills [Calculoms, Gravelly. £71 iiiAtanjini. ( 'antkaridcs, Spanish flios. Capsule, a dry hollow Tessei con- tainin-; tho seed or fruit. Carious, rotten. ( 'nnninatires, medicines cxpcll- ing wind. Cataplasm, a poultice or soft •li-rcr. Catarrk, a disellarle from the li'-rul or throat. t 'aiharl'w. ,i purge. ( 'aiheter a pipe to draw otr urine. Caustica, burning applications. Caulrry, the act of burning with a liot iron or caustic. Cutancous, relating to the skin. C'ironie, a liugering discase. i 'ornatone, incliued to sleep. ( 'ornprcss, a hanaage. Constipation, eostiveness. ' | Contagia», offensive matter. CoiUusion, a bruise. Corroborante, tonics. <"orro.iire, sulistances that c< in- siline or eat away. />i biWy, weakuoss. l'trcnctìon, a preparation by Ik»ìI-' ing. Irglutition, the art of owallow in«». Deleterioui, poisonoin. deadly. Ih'lirìum, light-hoadedness. 1) monutcal, ha ne fui, hurtl'ul. Jh'mulccnt, sofìcning, sheathing. Ihntition, teethiiu' /hit i-^t'ftt, elcansìii;;. lìiaphoretU; promoting perspira- lUarrhoea, loosene.-s. fhiUkesis, disposinoti or habit ol' oily. Diicuticni, medirine thatha:.po\\- *'»r*p '. ìHiU'tì.'. ulnlevi r j>l< nuoto» ■.!;;* m'< r.'liou of .iriiiv*. /.-'/. •/•'«', slron-.' p'r^t s. /»•/■».-■>.•«, !,.];■;• si'-ui or bui di- the Eccumosis, a tumor. the of blood-letting. Efflorescente, eruption or redness round it. Efiuria, cxhalation. , Emaciation, wasting of flesh. Empiiic, a quack. Euipiricism—QtiickeTy. | Enamel, the outside covering al" ! the teeth. ! Endemie, a disease li'iiited to a ! certain district. Epidemie, contagion*. Equilibrium, equal weight. Eructation, a belch. I Exaccrbation, the incrcas" of a dispose. Excoriation, the lossof skin. Expectoration, a disellarlo frora | the breast. Extremities, anns and legs. Farces, cxcreninnts. Farinaceous, meallv. Frbrìfn^r, removini»fever. Fiatutent, windy. Flooding, un ovi rflow of tlie m-u scs. Foetus, the child in the wotnh. Fomentation, ;rirti.il bad ing by «p plving flaunels dipped in iiru:d> Fraclure, a broken Unir. Friclion, the act of mbb.ic Fungus, proud tlesli. Fiwiigation. a vapor rasied by bar- llìllg. (iangrene, a l'echio eircuìatioa. followed hy morlitìcatum. Gargle, a wash for the mouth o throat. (Hand, a seeretory organ. (ilutcnous, stieky, gluey. Grinding, or after pains, pains m dr alter labor. ìlxv'ie ferir, a s'■">■.♦. oe-'^m >: c' \ T. Ht ■■:iorrh\i£t\ a doelr-.r^e of M-;. QWSSART. rò Bmpatky rsiafinf to the liver. ffymaeswdruacat, low spinteti. Ubar, • thin watery humor. héacSky, debility, wcakness. Immersion, plungiag under water. Impostìmme, a collection of pura- lentmitter. hsmìtion, cmptines*. tndigtnous, native to» a country. Jnìgfs, ini\ui;es. taariavet, relieving costivenéss. léapigmied, redueed to a powder. ligàtwt, i. baadage. iJbed, divided or fipshiDod. Latina, a wash. Mastkation, eheurrag. Meoaéimm, the infants first stools. Membrane, a web certain parts. Afe**r«, monthly courses. Meustruation, meuscs. Wrptitic, suflbcaùng, noxious. Jf«Maaa, ì mo^iA exhalatious. ìfiuismatu.) i/<>r&tt,r disearg- Sciai res. cumposiag mtilicinuf. • I fruii the imis?, lungs, Slc. S.-iu-m, thv s.«cd. Sterile*, iu*Jicines priKiiiei-i? Serous, thin. wnti n torp/tr airi si -ep. Serrate /, notchod rki- a nw. \ansea, an inclination to vomit. i Simmpism, a poultice made uf Ani'. Verroaw. irritabìe. j mastini and rinegar. Anatrasi, a patentor otber medi- Slougk, ili- parts that *epm><* • ia-, i.'i composition of which, ■s kep' s H*ret by the proprictor. yF.lrmafu*. swelled. Opiates, in lioiocs thit pro;n »t« sleep. l'aruljti % rehting to pib\ Paroxirn, a fit or attack. Portarmi, m 'Jicines to cure ti* >J;o «ir habit ol body. Stimulmntt, irritative modici?*, r. Stmiguru, d'iuV uhy of mtUiag wj ter. >'. a Climi.ig. iWh'u.-.rl. belon^in/ lo alt*. vY.-.Vi*. r'iunit i* e.on duri d-r. iSr. .tu»».-. !•* I«rdr-i 276 Tr Tonte, bracing Topical, locai. Tumor, a swelling. Type, a mirk. Typhus, a g -niis ot it ver. I Icer, an ili conditioue l son Cn'nliraleord, the nìvalstriti?. Crrthra, the canal wìiich ejnveyi tlie urino. Ftemit. th*- womb. Uvula, the palate. Ftutiinc, relating to th'j mattar of th* cuw-pot. ValetudisMiruin, a sickly perso a. Ventilation, a free admission of air Virulent, pois mous. Vermifagr, wonn-Jis:^lli g roeaY cines. Vtrti^o, gnidines-i Ve. ilo Vla-H/f ti m ?rM n • ■ ì ■»•:•>?• C*«. • ••• •'<• '^•-r:^;ì" a •■•*&* Sfa r'fc ► jV. -«^^ni^,, ^ w . „•. i.4* «v-,; Vi: i'^v' '. •';' ^-£'%:;«e :\- OrV-..'; '-fv *_■ ' ' iéìbìi i ir