ACCIDENTS, . 
-HV J 
AND 
HOW TO SAVE LIFE WHEN THEY OCCUR; 
WITH A COMPLETE TKEATISE ON 
POISONS AND THEIR ANTIDOTES, 
DESCRIBING THE SYMPTOMS AND TREAT- 
MENT IN EACH CASE. 
TO WHICH 13 ADDED A CHAPTER ON 
CALISTHENICS THE CARE OF HEALTH. 
HANd, Mcnally & co., 
148 to 154 Monroe Street, Chicago. 
323 Broadway, New York. 
1866. Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1886, by 
RAND, McNALLY & COMPANY, 
In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. C. INTRODUCTORY REMARKS. 
The life of man is beset with perils. Natural and moral 
laws, the violation of which is attended with swift and cer- 
tain punishment, limit him on every hand; but in his igno- 
rance and selfishness he is constantly disobeying them ; and, 
even without culpability on his own part, each individual of 
the human family is so thoroughly dependent upon all the rest, 
that the carelessness or guilt of others places him in constant 
danger, and furthermore the action of physical laws, beyond 
human foresight or control, subject him to possible accident 
at every moment of his existence. 
This book is intended to furnish in a condensed form a 
knowledge of the physiological effects of accidents, and the 
proper methods of averting or lessening the peril and pain 
attendant upon them. 
The term “accident” is used here in a broad sense, to cover 
cases of ordinary emergency, even though they be not usually 
included by medical authorities under that title : thus, croup, 
dysentery, etc., while not, strictly speaking, accidents, often 
arise in the suddenness of their attack to all the gravity of 
such, and demand prompt attention. 
From the very nature of accidents, physicians are not 
usually upon the spot at the time of their occurrence; nor will 
such cases usually admit of delay, promptness frequently 
meaning life, and delay death ; so that a familiar knowledge 
of the methods and simpler remedies of medical science, in 
many instances contained among the staples of the household, 
may be the means of saving many precious lives, or of avert- 
ing great unnecessary suffering. 
5 6 
ACCIDENTS. 
As inventions multiply, and daily life becomes more com- 
plex, accidents increase in number and frequency. On the 
railway and steamship, with their thousand chances of peril ; 
on the drive or in the street, crowded with busy traffic ; in 
the workshop, factory and mine, with their sharp tools, 
whirling machinery, and explosive adjuncts; in the house- 
hold and field, where poisonous substances and vicious ani- 
mals are not uncommon ; in every phase and walk of life, 
accidents threaten us momentarily, and homely skill and com- 
mon sense may be at any instant demanded of the unpro- 
fessional bystander. In all such exigencies this little book is 
intended to supply information that a sensible person can put 
into practice, without previous preparation. 
Of course, in any case, a physician should be summoned 
at once, but pending his arrival, the instructions contained in 
the following pages should be put immediately into practice, 
as upon such action may depend the continuance of the 
noblest of the works of God—a human life. Promptness is 
everything, for collapse often follows rapidly upon the origi- 
nal injury, and a minute may do or undo the work of death. 
“ An ounce of prevention ” being “worth a pound of cure,” 
it has been thought eminently fitting to add at the end of this 
volume a brief section on personal hygiene, under the general 
title of “ Calisthenics and the Care of Health.” This section 
comprises a brief resum6 of the various matters which must 
have attention, if health is to be preserved, and added thereto 
a fully illustrated section on gymnastics, including exercises 
with Indian Clubs and Dumb Bells, and the Calisthenic mo- 
tions, properly so called. With these additions, the book will 
be found available not only toward ameliorating the perils of 
ill health, but in preventing disease, by assisting the reader to 
attain the highest degree of manhood, “ A sound mind in a 
sound body.” POISONING. 
Poisoning may arise from one of three causes subjective to 
the individual, viz.: ignorance, mistake and suicidal intention. 
In any case, the treatment at first must be directed toward get- 
ting rid of the poison before it takes effect, and the remedy 
should be given with all possible speed. 
First—Administer a prompt emetic. Some poisons, by their 
irritating effect on the lining membrane of the stomach, natur- 
ally produce vomiting, so that with a little encouragement 
from an emetic, all material of whatever kind will be ejected. 
Other substances do not produce vomiting, and the quickest 
methods for bringing it about should be employed. These are 
generally draughts of warm water and salt or mustard, tick- 
ling the back part of the throat with a feather, ipecac, etc., 
and the treatment should be persistently carried on until the 
stomach has been excited to completely evacuate itself. Other 
poisons, as opium, may paralyze the stomach and render it un- 
able to evacuate itself ; then, the only resource is the stomach- 
pump. This instrument requires experience to properly adjust 
it, and, under circumstances conducive to hurry and excite- 
ment, in unskilled hands it may work considerable damage. 
An inexperienced operator would be as likely to introduce it 
into the windpipe as into the gullet; besides, many poisons, as 
corrosive sublimate, soften the mucous membrane of the throat, 
gullet and stomach, and render it liable to be pierced by the 
descending tube. However, if the pump must be used, employ 
no force in adjusting it, and keep the tube pressed back against 
the posterior wall of the gullet, where it should slide down 
smoothly into its proper place. As a general rule this instru- 
7 8 
ACCIDENTS. 
ment is not at hand, and the poorest remedy, at once employed, 
is far better than the best, applied late. 
The method of stopping the effects, and curing them, varies 
in each particular case with the nature of the poison, and 
must, therefore, be treated of in connection with the particular 
poison taken. 
Arsenic. 
This drug is an irritant, and, when introduced into the 
stomach, produces vomiting, which should he encouraged 
with ipecac, salt and water, and mustard mixed in water. 
Symptoms.—Vomiting and purging, with discharges of 
bloody matters; difficult breathing; low, small and quick 
pulse; extremities cold, and thirst intense. If the poison has 
an opportunity to complete its work, convulsions and death 
follow. 
Treatment.—Large quantities of chalk, or magnesia, 
mixed with water, sugar and linseed oil, or chalk and sweet 
oil, should be frequently swallowed, for the purpose of coating 
the lining membrane of the stomach, and protecting it against 
the attack of the poison. Meanwhile, as the best known anti 
dote to arsenic is the hydrated sesquioxide of iron, no time 
should be lost in securing some from the nearest drug store, or 
making a supply. As it is effective only when fresh, the 
latter is probably the better course. For this purpose procure 
several ounces of the Tersulphate of Iron, or, if the druggist 
does not have that, the Persulphate of Iron will answer as 
well. Place it in a glass and pour on it ammonia, soda, or 
magnesia. The last, being also an antidote, is best for the 
purpose. Strain the liquid through a handkerchief, or other 
cloth, and administer a tablespoonful, or more, of the pasty 
substance which remains on the cloth. This constitutes the 
Hydrated Sesquioxide of Iron, and is a specific antidote. 
If but a small quantity of the poison has been taken, or if COPPER. 
9 
action shall have been sufficiently prompt, the violent symp- 
toms will soon subside, when broth and some light diet may 
be taken. The inflammation in the stomach and bowels 
should be treated like any other inflammation ; but permanent 
paralytic results, or chronic inflammation of the stomach and 
bowels, may follow. 
Paris Green.—This salt of arsenic is very largely used as a 
poison for killing potato bugs and other insects infesting 
plants, and many accidents have occurred through such use. 
It is, in its effects, identical with white arsenic, and the treat- 
ment is the same. 
Test.—A simple test for arsenic is to throw some of the 
suspected matter on a hot iron, and, if fumes arise with an 
odor similar to that of garlic, it may be concluded that arsenic 
is present. 
Copper. 
Copper is a metallic poison, and sometimes finds its way 
into the stomach through the improper use of cooking utensils. 
If poorly tinned, or untinned copper vessels are left with 
grease or acid standing in them, the very poisonous acetate of 
copper, known as “verdigris,” or another salt, the sulphate of 
copper, known as “blue vitriol,” is formed; and if this vessel 
be used for cooking, without being thoroughly cleansed, 
whatever of poisonous matter remains in it, is taken into the 
stomach with the food. 
This is an accident, so avoidable, that it renders one through 
whose negligence it may occur, very culpable indeed. 
Also, quite a common practice prevails of putting copper 
coin into a jar with vinegar pickles, in order to heighten their 
color, and not infrequently do persons after eating these 
pickles complain of indigestion; however, it is not the pickles, 
but the copper that offends. 
Symptoms.—The symptoms of copper poisoning are intense 10 
ACCIDENTS. 
pains in the stomach, and vomiting, the substance of the dis- 
charge from the stomach having a bluish, or greenish color 
and a coppery taste. If it happen the victim of copper poison- 
ing be constitutionally weak, or the dose large, the case 
becomes serious. 
Treatment.—After satisfactory results have been obtained 
from the action of an emetic, or the stomach pump has been 
used, mix the whites of six eggs in a quart of water, and 
administer a vrine-glass full of the mixture every three or four 
minutes. This mixture exhausted, resort to a cathartic, and 
the application of cloths steeped in hot water over the stomach 
to allay the inflammation. The true nature of inflammation 
is not known, but its presence is indicated by heat, swelling 
and redness of the affected parts, a copious flow of blood to, 
and congestion of, contiguous regions; the object of treatment 
is to relieve congestion. 
“Blue Vitriol” (Copper Bisulphide, Sulphate of 
Copper).—This familiar salt of copper enters into many dis- 
infecting fluids, and poisoning by it sometimes occurs. The 
symptoms and treatment are the same as for poisoning by the 
other salts of copper. 
Mercury. 
The metal, mercury, both in its elementary state of “ quick- 
silver,” and in its various chemical combinations, is a very 
useful remedy for which the medical profession have been un- 
able to find a substitute. Chronic poisoning by the drug, me- 
dicinally used, is not unusual, as it is commonly intentional; 
though, occurring under the eye of the physician, it is not a 
matter of serious moment, and is controllable by him. Ointments 
and unguents of mercury, however, in the familiar forms of 
“ blue ointment ” and “red ointment” are sometimes employed 
without prescription, by persons affected with vermin or certain MERCURY. 
11 
diseases for which it is known to be a specific, while blue mass 
and calomel are popular cathartics, and their use sometimes 
gives rise to symptoms of poisoning. The metal is also used 
largely in the arts, as in gilding, mirror-making, etc., and as it 
gives off fumes at ordinary temperatures, and is entirely vola- 
tilized by a comparatively low heat, it is readily inhaled by 
those who manipulate it. From such sources, serious cases of 
poisoning have occurred. 
Symptoms.—The general symptoms of mercurial poisoning 
are nervous disturbances, as headache, loss of memory, trem- 
bling, partial loss of control over the muscles, disorders of sen- 
sation, convulsions, and finally insanity. Persons accustomed 
to handle the metal or its salts in their occupations should be 
suspicious of symptoms of this class. The more intense effects 
produced by mercurial fumes are a copious flow of saliva with 
great soreness of the gums, sometimes followed by loss of the 
teeth, decay of the bones, and failure of the intellect. Before 
these extreme points have been reached, however, the symp- 
toms of “ mercurialization ” become very marked. These are, 
tenderness of the gums to touch, first detected in closing the 
teeth smartly, swelling of the glands in the throat and neck 
and under the jaw, soreness of the muscles (usually known as 
‘1 stiff ness of the joints”), offensiveness of the breath, and a 
characteristic blue or dark slate-colored line along the margin 
of the teeth where they meet the gums. These are the symp- 
toms commonly known as Salivation. 
Treatment.—In cases of chronic mercurialization, stop the 
supply of the poison. Give nutritious food, regular exercise 
and five to ten grain doses of potassium iodide three times 
daily. 
Corrosive Sublimate.—This mercurial salt (the bichloride) 
is an intensely corrosive poison, which produces bloody dis- 
charges from the stomach, small, quick pulse, thirst, and diffi- 12 
ACCIDENTS. 
cult breathing. It is used extensively as a vermin and insect 
poison, and accidents often accompany its use. 
Fortunately the antidote is always at hand, being the white 
of egg. Vomiting should be induced by taking large draughts 
of sugar and warm water, and by tickling the back part of the 
throat. Meanwhile, having mixed the whites of a dozen eggs 
in a quart of water, administer a wine-glass full every two or 
three minutes. 
Red Precipitate.—The Red Oxide of Mercury is used in 
a mercurial ointment, and also as a poison for vermin and 
other pests, and may be swTallowTed inadvertently. The symp- 
toms and treatment are the same as for the foregoing. 
Lead. 
The human body is susceptible to poisoning from this sub- 
stance through the lungs, by inhaling fumes from it; through 
the skin, by absorption ; and through the stomach by swal- 
lowing. Lead plays an important part in the arts, and as a 
medicine ; it is the basis of all colors in paints, and in certain 
combinations is an excellent curative agent if applied directly 
to an inflamed portion of the mucous membrane. 
The channels through which lead may find its way into the 
system are numerous; thus it may be drunk in water coming 
through lead pipes, or contained in a leaden cistern ; it may 
be eaten in preserved articles, especially fruit put up in sol- 
dered cans ; it often afflicts painters, being absorbed through 
the skin ; it is sometimes absorbed from the air of newly 
painted rooms, etc., etc. When lead is taken gradually in 
this way it accumulates in the system, and finally produces 
chronic lead poisoning, manifested in the terrible forms of 
“lead colic,” and the no less distressing symptoms of “lead 
palsy,” which first shows itself in the muscles of extension, 
especially in the wrist. It is this peculiarity which results in ZINC 
13 
what is known as “ wrist-drop,” in which the hand hangs pend- 
ant whenever the arm is extended, palm downward 
Treatment.—The indicated treatment is first to cut off the 
supply of poison,—find out the source, and remove it. Aperi- 
ent carbonated drinks should then be taken regularly, the 
bowels kept free and open with mild saline cathartics, and 
doses of from five to ten grains of potassium iodide dissolved in 
a tablespoonful of water, administered three times a day, until 
the symptoms disappear. 
Sugar of Lead.—Many lotions, and nearly all “ eye- 
waters,” contain large proportions of the acetate of lead, so 
that acute poisoning by this salt is not uncommon. In cases 
of this kind, or, in fact of any acute lead poisoning, no time 
should be lost in getting rid of the poison, and administering 
the antidotes. The symptoms are acute pains in the stomach 
and bowels with extreme nausea and vomiting. Upon the 
introduction of alum or the carbonates of soda and potash in 
copious draughts of warm water into the stomach, these 
symptoms will abate; but in case vomiting is not produced 
. by these agents, give a scruple of the sulphate of zinc (or 
white vitriol), which will form a harmless salt with the lead, 
and destroy the activity of the poison, which may then be got 
rid of by emetics and cathartics. 
Zinc: Chloride of Zinc—Acetate of Zinc—Sul- 
phate of Zinc. 
The soluble zinc salts, when taken in large doses, act as 
feebly caustic, irritant poisons. This is more particularly true 
of the chloride, which enters into some popular disinfectants. 
The Symptoms of chloride of zinc poisoning are burning 
and constriction in the throat, burning in the stomach, nausea, 
strong metallic taste in the mouth, vomiting, marked depres- 14 
ACCIDENTS. 
sion of the pulse, coldness of the skin, profuse cold perspira- 
tion, cramps, and occasionally other nervous symptoms. The 
mind remains clear. 
Treatment.—As in all cases with irritant poisons, prompt- 
ness is of the utmost importance. The antidotes are soap and 
water, baking soda in water (one tablespoonful to the pint), 
lime Avater, tannin, strong tea, or decoction of tan-bark, fol- 
loAved by mucilaginous drinks, whites of eggs or milk, to 
soothe the inflamed membranes. Stimulants may be advisable 
later. 
Antimony—Tartar Emetic. 
Tartar emetic, a compound salt of antimony and potash, is 
not so commonly used as at one time, in medicine; but it is 
still familiar enough in modern practice to make it desir- 
able to know the symptoms of its effects, and the antidote 
thereto. 
Symptoms.—As the drug takes its name from its powerful 
emetic effects, one of the most prominent symptoms attending 
its use in large quantities, is, of course, persistent vomiting; 
purging follows, and, if violent, the discharges finally come to 
bear a close resemblance to the ‘ ‘ rice water ” excreta of cholera. 
The face grows pale, and the entire skin,—after sometimes a 
temporary rise in temperature,—becomes icy cold ; the pulse 
is feeble and irregular, and there is great nervous and muscular 
prostration. Severer symptoms, consequent on still larger 
doses, such as intense pain at the pit of the stomach, a shrunken 
and anxious look in the features, coldness of the breath, loss 
of the voice, and cramps, are superadded to the symptoms 
already defined, making a case which, in the absence of other 
knowledge, might be readily mistaken for Asiatic cholera. 
Treatment.—The stomach will be most likely to empty 
itself, and after this has been accomplished, emesis should not SILVER—PHOSPHORUS. 
15 
be pushed further. Strong tea, decoction of tan-bark, rhatany, 
rhubarb root, catechu, or, best of all, tannin should be given 
at once. Warmth to the feet, hands, spine and pit of the 
stomach, and small doses of diluted brandy, may also be 
advisable. 
Silver: Nitrate of Silver—Lunar Caustic. 
In the application of lunar caustic to ulcers in the throat, it 
rarely happens that a piece is broken off and swallowed. As 
silver in any quantity is a corrosive poison to the stomach, such 
an accident, or the swallowing of the silver salts under any 
circumstances, should be followed by the 
Antidote, which is ordinary table salt. Dissolve the salt 
in warm water, and administer enough to provoke vomiting. 
Phosphorus. 
Phosphorus is the chief constituent of ordinary “sulphur- 
match ” heads, as well as many vermin-destroyers; and it is 
from these forms of phosphorus that poisoning is most likely to 
be met with. Once in a while, individuals bent on self- 
destruction, ignorant of the horrible effects of phosphorus 
poisoning, will take rat poison or match-heads, and die a death 
of lingering agony therefrom. 
The Symptoms of poisoning by stick-phosphorus, or match- 
heads, are slower in developing than when vermin-paste or other 
fatty mixtures of phosphorus have been chosen. The first 
effect is uneasiness of the stomach, a burning sensation and 
nausea, followed by vomiting. In the matter thrown up 
from the stomach, the odor of phosphorus may be 
detected, and it is usually luminous in the dark. 
There is considerable pain and tenderness to the touch about 
the region of the stomach, which, with the vomiting, generally 16 
ACCIDENTS. 
continues for several days, when the matter vomited comes to 
contain particles resembling “coffee-grounds,” constituting the 
so-called “black vomit.” There may be constipation, diarrhea 
or dysentery, and the matter thrown off by the bowels may or 
may not be phosphorescent in the dark. The eye usually be- 
comes jaundiced as the poisoning progresses. Hemorrhage is 
common from all the mucous surfaces. Restlessness and 
afterward stupor are common, and sometimes violent delirium, 
insensibility in the hands and feet, succeeded by their paralysis, 
lead up to the final convulsions which frequently close the sad 
drama. The length of time elapsing between the administration 
of the poisou and the termination of its effects in death, varies 
from forty-eight hours to three or more weeks,—a couple of 
weeks being the most ordinary period. 
The Treatment of a case of phosphorus poisoning gives 
very slight promise of success, for the drug is peculiarly fatal 
in its effects. There is, however, a fair hope of averting its 
ravages, if the antidotes be given early enough, before the 
graver symptoms commence to manifest themselves. This is 
especially true when the poison lias been administered in the 
solid form (stick phosphorus or match-heads). In such case the 
waxy particles may remain imbedded in the mucous lining of 
the gullet or stomach, or may lie undissolved for some time in 
the alimentary canal, the rapidity of solution depending a 
great deal upon the quantity of oil or fat present. This ex- 
plains, also, the fact that phosphorus dissolved in oil acts 
more promptly than the free poison. On the discovery being 
made that phosphorus lias been swallowed, its chemical anti- 
dote, sulphate of copper (bliie vitriol) should be taken in large 
quantities, so that it may perform freely its double mission as 
an antidote and an emetic. After the stomach has been by 
this means thoroughly emptied, purging should be induced by 
hydrated magnesia. Subsequently, small doses of the copper IODINE—STRYCHNINE. 
17 
sulphate may be given repeatedly; but, if it can be procured, 
the Acid French Oil of Turpentine is an extremely reliable 
antidote. The ordinary rectified oil, or spirits of turpentine, is 
useless, but it is probable that the American crude oil should 
be found effective. Anyway, it is worth trying, and should be 
given in great quantities, as rapidly as possible, using an 
emulsion made with gum. All oil and fat must be carefully 
avoided, as they aid in the absorption of the poison. To 
counteract depression, opium will be required; and even direct 
transfusion of blood may be advisable, though, of course, 
everything except the primary treatment pertains to the 
physician in charge. 
Iodine. 
Iodine being one of the most familiar of our medicines, acci- 
dents are likely to happen in its use. 
Symptoms.—The yellow stain made by the preparations of 
iodine is well known, and may be recognized about the lips or 
clothing, when this poison has been swallowed. Internally it 
causes a sensation of burning in the stomach, and of heat in 
the throat. Its pungent metallic taste is also characteristic. 
Treatment.—Starch is the antidote for iodine, and it may 
be given in the form of ordinary starch and water, or flour and 
water, or arrowroot,—whichever may be handiest. Vomiting 
should then be induced by means of warm water, with the 
addition of mustard, or the use of the finger or a feather in the 
throat, if necessary. The iodide of starch is intensely blue, 
and consequently the matter ejected from the stomach will be 
of that color. Milk may be given afterward, until the symp- 
toms of inflammation disappear. 
S try chnine—Strychnia. 
When this poison is introduced into the blood it throws the 
victim into convulsions by its effects upon the nervous system. 18 
ACCIDENTS. 
The time elapsing between the swallowing of the poison and 
the commencement of convulsions depends on the form in 
which the poison has been taken. If swallowed in solution, it 
soon begins its deadly work on the spinal cord; when taken 
with food, a longer, time is required for it to act, since the 
juices of the stomach must free it from its admixture. In a 
case of poisoning from strychnine, for an emetic to do any 
good, it must be given instantly, as the subsequent convulsions 
prevent swallowing. 
The Symptoms are marked. The countenance becomes pale, 
the muscles rigid, the heart’s action quick and stiff. During 
the paroxysms, which last for some time, respiration is sus- 
pended, and the muscles are drawn into great knots all over 
the body. 
Treatment.—Remove all tight clothing from around the 
patient’s body, and lay him on his back in a cool, quiet place; 
fit a paper cone down over his face, and in the top of it place 
a sponge or handkerchief saturated with chloroform. Having 
so perfected these arrangements that the air he breathes will be 
charged with chloroform, persevere in keeping him under its 
influence until, when the treatment is discontinued, the spas- 
modic symptoms do not return. It will be several weeks 
before the patient is able to move about, if the dose has been 
large, and he will probably be under the necessity of taking 
some tonic containing phosphates of iron, quinine, and strych- 
nine. N. B.—In the absence of chloroform, use opium, mor- 
phine, ether, amyl nitrite, chloral, or any other narcotic, till it 
can be procured. 
This is a familiar garden flower, the entire plant of which Is 
poisonous. It is used somewhat extensively in medicine, 
though less than formerly, a tincture from the leaves of plants 
Digitalis (Foxglove). BELLADONNA. 
19 
of the second year’s growth being generally employed. Over- 
doses are sometimes taken by error, and as digitalis is classed 
among cumulative poisons (i. e., those in which small doses 
accumulate in the system, without effect, until the toxic quan- 
tity has been reached, and then suddenly exert their full effect), 
its action and antidotes should be known. 
Symptoms.—An excessive dose may be followed immediately 
by vomiting, pain in the bowels and purging. In this case, 
the grass-green color of the matter thrown off in either way, 
is said to be characteristic. But often some time elapses after 
the poison has been taken before it manifests itself. The most 
prominent symptom of digitalis poisoning is intense depression 
of the heart’s action, the pulse becoming irregular and almost 
imperceptible; patients frequently sleep for a time, and waken 
in delirium or convulsions; the pupils are dilated and the sight 
becomes confused or is entirely lost. Toward the end, faint- 
ing is constant, and death usually results suddenly from stop- 
page of the heart, induced by slight exertion, such as an effort 
to sit up in bed. Digitalis is an uncertain, and therefore a 
dangerous drug. 
Treatment.—If vomiting be absent, emetics, as warm 
mustard water, ipecac, tickling of the throat, etc., and if these 
fail, the stomach pump should be promptly resorted to. At 
any cost, get rid of the poison. Tannin, or tea (which contains 
tannin), paregoric or laudanum, wdne, and plenty of strong 
coffee are recommended. The patient must be kept lying, 
and under no circumstances be allowed to rise or to sit up 
in bed. 
The deadly nightshade is by no means a rare plant in this 
country, but may be found growing in almost any deserted 
garden and about fallow land or the woodland borders in 
Belladonna (Deadly Nightshade)— Atropia. 20 
ACCIDENTS. 
almost any part of the Eastern States, where it has become 
naturalized from the gardens. It is quite a goodly-sized plant, 
growing sometimes to the height of two feet and over, and 
bears a purplish fruit, somewhat resembling a black cherry 
in appearance. Besides the fact that children sometimes poison 
themselves through eating this fruit, persons gathering tonic 
herbs not infrequently include by mistake specimens of this 
deadly plant, with disastrous consequences. The root and 
leaves of the plant are used in medicine, as well as the active 
principle, atropia or atropina. 
Symptoms.—One of the most familiar properties of bella- 
donna is its power to dilate the pupil of the eye, which it does 
through paralysis of the nerves of the iris, and this charac- 
teristic may be used in diagnosing a case of poisoning. If a 
drop of the suspected matter (whether the original substance, 
matter from the stomach, or the urine of the patient) be placed 
in the eye of the family pet, cither dog or cat, enlargement of 
the pupil will at once decide the nature of the poison. In the 
poisoned person, dilatation of the pupil is also a prominent 
system, the expansion being sometimes so marked as to com- 
pletely hide the iris. The limbs become heavy, and the entire 
body is seized with tremors of weakness. Dryness of the mu- 
cous membrane in the nose, mouth, throat and larynx, and 
sometimes a peculiar bluish appearance of the lips are ob- 
served. Watery purging is common, and the action of the kid- 
neys is stimulated, while the drug may always be found in 
the urine. The pulse, at first increased in rate, soon falls be- 
low normal. The depth and number of respirations are also 
increased. In persons of light complexion and delicate skin, a 
diffused redness of the skin, somewhat resembling the rash of 
scarletina, frequently follows the administration of even an 
ordinary full dose of atropia. The chief point to remember, 
however, is the fact that the urine of a person or animal under STRAMONIUM—ALCOHOL. 
21 
the influence of belladonna will dilate the pupil of another 
person or animal. 
Treatment.—Empty the stomach by means of sulphate of 
zinc or sulphate of copper, and follow this with a ten-drop 
dose of the compound solution of iodine in a tablespoonful or 
more of water. Opiates should then be administered, in con- 
junction with cold applications to the head, and if failing 
strength calls for stimulants, brandy or other alcoholic drinks 
should be used. During the entire course of treatment the 
body should be kept strictly in a recumbent position, with the 
head depressed, so that the blood may flow easily toward the 
brain. Hot coffee may be employed both to antagonize the 
action of the poison, and for its stimulant virtues. 
Stramonium (Jamestown or “ Jimson” Weed). 
This is a very common and familiar weed, growing rank in 
every conceivable position, where the accumulation of dirt 
and rubbish favor it. Its leaves are used in preparing home- 
made ointments for various purposes, and are also smoked for 
asthma and kindred spasmodic disorders of the respiratory 
tract. It has been eaten by mistake for other herbs, and poi- 
soning has followed. 
The Symptoms produced by it are identical with those from 
belladonna, described on page 20, and the treatment is also the 
same. 
Alcohol—Excessive Intoxication. 
Suspended animation sometimes results from an excessive 
use of intoxicating beverages. Wine, beer, brandy, and 
whisky all contain constituent elements which, taken alone, or 
in combination with some other substance, pass unaltered into 
the various tissues of the human body, producing local and 22 
ACCIDENTS. 
constitutional effects. Alcohol enters the stomach as alcohol, 
and although it courses through the most delicate organism 
in the amimal creation,—through the organ of mind and 
thought,—its chemical nature is unchanged. 
Alcohol acts as a stimulant, because these organs are ex- 
cited by contact with it, and increase their activities in order 
to rid themselves of it. 
Upon the introduction of alcohol into the circulation, the 
nervous centres seem to be exalted, and since the extra force is 
not imparted to them by the alcohol, the energy is expended, 
which should be reserved for the performance of the normal 
functions of the nervous sjrstem. This causes the nerve cen- 
tres to suffer a depression corresponding to their previous ex- 
altation. On this principle, alcohol in large quantities may so 
far exhaust the vital forces of the body as to render them 
unable to sustain life. 
Treatment.—In case of a purple, bloated face, the patient 
should be cupped, and the usual methods for promoting cir- 
culation and warmth employed. Keep him in motion. In an 
extreme case, where respiration has stopped, induce it artifici- 
ally, and administer copious draughts of hot coffee. Aromatic 
spirits of ammonia, or even ordinary spirits of ammonia, is also 
a useful corrective and stimulant in such cases. 
Delirium Tremens. 
Delirium Tremens is a species of delirium, induced by alco- 
holism, and is characterized by nervous twitching of the mus- 
cles, and a constant motion of the eyes, mouth and head. The 
hands move in harmony with the agitation of the whole body, 
the patient is restless, sleepless, and temporarily insane. The 
stomach is deranged, and the bowels are disturbed. Horrid 
visions float before the patient’s eyes ; he' feels himself falling OPIUM. 
23 
from a lofty height ; anon, he is in the presence of foul, loath- 
some, crawling things, which haunt and menace him ; and 
again, sometimes he fancies that his character is being ruined 
by some fiend or scandal-monger. 
This condition will naturally wear off in a day or two, and 
aside from the completely exhausted state in which it leaves 
the nervous system, no radically ill effects are experienced. 
But in cases where the attacks have been frequent and violent, 
sometimes natural sleep flies forever, fever grows intense, and 
feeble convulsions end in death. 
Treatment.—The very first end for attainment is to get 
the patient to sleep, and thereby re-enforce his strength. If a 
prolonged debauch has led him to neglect food and nourish- 
ment, prepare some light diet, and give it in small quantities, 
and therewith, if necessary, a small quantity of brandy and 
water, or a little ammonia. Meanwhile, if his bowels be de- 
ranged, proceed to regulate them, and sleep may follow. In 
case these simple remedies fail to induce sleep, the physician 
will administer the proper opiate. 
Poisoning from tliis historic drug is of very common occur- 
rence, from design, because it is known to produce stupor, in- 
sensibility, and death; and through mistake, because it is used 
extensively as a medicine, and is a common article of com- 
merce. 
Symptoms.—Soon after swallowing a large dose of opium, 
the patient feels a stupor gradually taking possession of him, 
which will not yield to his most determined efforts in com- 
bating it; and, unless some counteracting remedy is promptly 
and successfully given, the symptoms, growing more violent, 
will terminate in death from asphyxia. Of course, if opium 
has been resorted to with suicidal intent, so long as conscious- 
Opium. 24 
ACCIDENTS. 
ness remains, the unfortunate may resist all efforts to save him; 
in such an emergency, the proper course of action must be 
determined from the circumstances. 
Treatment.—To opium there is no known antidote. The 
plain, invariable rule is to give a prompt emetic. Ten grains 
of sulphate of copper, or a scruple of sulphate of zinc, will 
serve the purpose well; but if these are not readily obtainable, 
give three tablespoonfuls of mustard, in a quart of water, or 
use an equal amount of common salt, in place of the mustard. 
Keep the patient moving about, by every possible means 
arousing him to exertion; and, all hope of removing the poison 
being gone, administer a cathartic. In case this effort to 
evacuate the stomach and bowels proves eminently successful 
(otherwise it would be a fatal mistake), administer some acid 
drink, as a glass of lemonade, or vinegar and water, followed by 
a cup of hot, strong coffee, without sugar or cream, every half 
hour, gradually diminishing the size and frequency of the dose. 
Finally, after the effects of the drug have been entirely con- 
quered, let the patient sleep. 
Mokphine.—Ovid appropriately named this sleep-producing 
drug “morphia,” after Morpheus, the god of sleep. It consti- 
tutes about ten per cent, of all opium, of which it is the active 
principle. Its extensive use as a sedative, legitimately and 
with suicidal intent, and its close resemblance to quinine and 
other harmless drugs, are the explanation of the poisoning so 
often resulting from morphine. 
Symptoms.—Since the nature of this drug is exactly the 
same as that of opium, their physiological effects on the 
system are identical, and hence the treatment must be the 
same. 
Laudanum.—“Laudanum” varies in composition and 
strength, from the plain tincture of opium, to the acetate or 
“black drop.” The active principle is the same as that of HYDROCYANIC ACID. 
25 
opium, from which it is made, and treatment, therefore, 
identical. 
Paiiegoric.—This is the camphorated tincture of opium, 
and is so weak as to be seldom taken in poisonous doses, except 
by feeble children. The “ soothing syrups ” belong to the same 
class. Treatment as above. 
Hydrocyanic Acid—Prussic Acid—Cyanide of 
Potassium—Cyanide of Silver. 
Prussic acid is the deadliest poison with which mortals are 
likely to come in contact, and the cyanides of silver and potas- 
sium, which owe their virulence to the acid in their composi- 
tion, are not less deadly. With the acid itself, not many 
people shall ever have to do; but the cyanide of silver is ex- 
tensively used by photographers, and the cyanide of potassium 
is sometimes employed, deadly as it is, in the household for 
removing stains from linen ; so that prussic-acid poisoning is 
not merely a theoretical possibility. The peculiar flavor of 
cherry-laurel water, oil of bitter almonds, peach-kernels, etc., 
is due to this same poison, and their use may give rise to 
serious symptoms,—in fact, the writer, in his childhood, at one 
time very nearly succumbed to the effects of a number of 
peach-kernels, which he had eaten. 
The Symptoms of poisoning by either the acid or its salts,— 
the cyanides,—are, in the vast majority of cases, instantaneous 
collapse and death , so that the only thing left to do is to 
detect, if possible, the bitter almond odor, and decide the 
cause of death. The milder forms of the poison produce 
extreme weaknesa, sickness at the stomach, and intense nerv- 
ous depression. 
Treatment.—Ammonia, well diluted, followed by oxide of 
iron, should be given at once, and artificial respiration should 
be practiced, if necessary. Afterward, some warm stimu- 26 
ACCIDENTS. 
lant, as brandy and water. Perfect quiet and rest are recom- 
mended. 
This familiar “weed” is used as a luxury, in one or another 
of its forms, by every known nation on the earth, and the 
effects of acute poisoning by it are a matter of personal expe- 
rience with nearly every smoker. 
The Symptoms are those produced by a powerful motor, 
depressant and nauseating emetic, comprising a feeling of 
anxiety, depression and uneasiness, succeeded by horrible 
nausea, purging, great weakness and trembling, and profuse 
perspiration. From this point the effects of smoking usually 
wane and disappear; but, if a fatal dose of the poison has been 
swallowed, there is burning pain in the stomach, and the 
symptoms already described grow in intensity. The body is 
bathed in perspiration, and becomes perceptibly cold ; the 
pupils are contracted, and lose their sensibility to light; 
trembling increases in power and persistence, and spasms, 
sometimes succeeded by convulsions, lead up to the final death 
from collapse. 
The Treatment indicated, where a large dose of tobacco 
has been swallowed, is to empty the stomach by means of 
sulphate of zinc, or any other emetic which may be conven- 
ient, or with the stomach pump. Then give tannin,—either 
the acid itself, or something which contains it, as strong tea, 
decoction of hemlock bark, etc.,—followed bjr iodide of potas- 
sium in ten-grain doses, or five-drop doses of the compound 
solution of iodine well diluted with water. To stimulate the 
depressed circulation, brandy and ten-drop doses of ammonia 
are advisable. In desperate cases, subcutaneous injections of 
strychnia and artificial respiration may save life. 
For relieving ordinary tobacco sickness there is nothing 
superior to fifteen-drop doses of the aromatic spirits of ammonia. 
Tobacco. POKE BERRIES—ACONITE. 
27 
Poke Berries—Poke Root—Phytolacca. 
This plant, botanically known as Phytolacca Bacca, is a very 
familiar wayside and woodland plant, the purple berries of 
which are used by country school children for making “red 
ink,” while the tender stalks, as they come up in the spring, are 
eaten as The entire plant, especially when mature, 
is poisonous, and it is probably because the active principle is 
removed in boiling, that its effects are not oftener felt. It is a 
homely, but efficient remedy in cases of inflamed breasts, for 
which purpose it is used with great success by old women and 
some country practitioners. The berries are sometimes eaten 
by children, and overdoses of the root decoction are taken now 
and then. 
The Symptoms of its effects are characteristic; they are 
great and gradually-increasing, agonizing nausea, followed by 
long-delayed vomiting. This vomiting, which does not occur 
for an hour after the dose has been taken, is accompanied by 
extreme depression. The pulse and breathing are slowed, 
and convulsions, such as accompany lock-jaw, occur in some 
cases. 
Treatment.—As soon as it is ascertained that poke has been 
taken, empty the stomach by means of water and mustard, the 
ringer, or other emetic, and endeavor to counteract its depressant 
effects by liquor, fifteen-drop doses of ether, or, still better, 
Hoffman’s anodyne; give one-grain doses of opium, or lialf- 
teaspoonful doses of ordinary laudanum, or half an ounce of 
paregoric. Strychnia and digitalis may be considered appli- 
cable by the physician. 
Aconite (Monkshood—Wolfsbane). 
This excessively poisonous plant is, on account of its beauti- 
ful blue flowers, somewhat of a garden favorite. Its leaves 28 
ACCIDENTS. 
and roots are used to a certain extent in medicine, and in 
homoeopathic practice its various “potencies” are very popu- 
lar. Some persons are extremely sensitive to its effects, and as 
all homoeopathic doses are not “ infinitessimal,” symptoms of 
poisoning might follow a liberal use of “ aconitum,” a favor- 
ite globule among women and children for cold in the head. 
In Europe, where it grows wild, it is now and then mistaken 
for horseradish, and the same accident has happened, but more 
rarely, in this country. Poisoning by aconite occurs more 
frequently, however, from the erroneous internal adminis- 
tration of certain liniments, of which this drug forms an 
important constituent, and which are intended for external 
use only. 
Symptoms.—Aconite is an irritant poison, with an exceed- 
ingly acrid and pungent taste. When a fatal dose has been 
taken, the symptoms usually follow in from five to thirty min- 
utes. They are, in common order of development, a sense of 
irritation and constriction of the throat, tingling of the mouth, 
lips and the general surface of the skin, as from the prickling of 
innumerable chestnut burrs; at the same time, a feeling of 
intense weakness and weariness is developed, together with 
dimness of sight, dilatation of the pupils, difficult and very 
shallow breathing, great heat of skin, profuse perspiration, and 
slowing of the pulse. Death results from paralysis of the 
nerve centres. 
Treatment.—Administer anything containing tannin, as a 
solution of tannin itself, a decoction of oak bark, or plenty of 
strong black tea. Empty the stomach by an emetic of mustard 
or sulphate of zinc (white vitriol), or with a stomach pump. 
Follow this with milk and sweet or other oil. As in digitalis 
poisoning (page 18), the patient must be kept strictly in a re- 
cumbent position, and where there is danger of collapse, 
brandy and water, whisky or gin may be administered by ARNICA-HEMLOCK. 
29 
injection, or by the mouth, together with warm applications to 
the hands, feet and spine, and over the stomach. 
Arnica. 
A tincture of arnica flowers is one of the commonest of our 
household remedies. It goes generally under the name 
“ Arnica,” and is used for every manner of surface application. 
Yet, though enjoying great popularity, it is of doubtful service, 
and has been known to do considerable damage to the skin 
and adjacent tissues. Internally it acts locally as an irritant 
and systemically as an arterial excitant, with opposite effects 
of depression immediately following. 
Symptoms.—Arnica, when first swallowed, leaves in the 
throat and mouth an acrid burning sensation, with an aug 
mented flow of saliva. In the stomach, it produces burning 
pain, with nausea and vomiting, accompanied by diarrheea 
similar to that of cholera. After a brief period of increase in 
circulation, respiration and temperature, great depression of 
the entire system follows. Violent headache, dilated pupils 
and paralysis of the muscles accompany this stage, which ends 
in death from collapse. 
The Treatment naturally indicated is to produce vomiting 
at once, by means of sulphate of copper or other emetic, fol- 
lowed by such arterial and nervous stimulants as ammonia, 
alcoholic liquors, camphor, etc., giving opium to quiet local 
pain and allay inflammation. 
This historic poison, which is said to have caused the death 
of Socrates and Phocion, comes from a plant indigenous to 
Europe, which has become naturalized with us. It is known 
botanically as Conium Maculatum, from the spotted appearance 
of its stalks. Conium is an umbelliferous plant growing luxu- 
Hemlock—Comum—Conine. 30 
ACCIDENTS. 
riantly in waste places, by the road-side, and especially near old 
settlements. It is herbaceous, rising from three to six feet high, 
and having a branching hollow stem, smooth and shining, and 
marked with brownish-purple spots. The lower leaves are 
tripinnate in form, and over a foot in length, and shining, 
while the upper leaves are bipinnate and smaller; both are dark 
green above, and paler underneath. The fruit is roundish 
ovate, and being quite small, is usually mistaken for a seed. 
Children sometimes eat it. The plant flowers in July, bear- 
ing domes of small white flowers, and at this time the whole 
plant emits strongly its characteristic mouse like odor. Long 
inhalation of this odor has produced symptoms of poisoning. 
Conia is the alkaloid extracted from the plant, and is used me- 
dicinally. It emits the powerful odor of mice which dis- 
tinguishes the plant. Some animals are poisoned by hemlock, 
but horses, sheep and goats eat it with impunity. 
The Symptoms are similar to those produced by other de- 
pressant narcotic poisons. Weakness of the limbs, and a sense 
of extreme weariness, drooping of the eyelids, double or dis- 
turbed vision, drowsiness of the mind, and dizziness next ensue. 
Utterance is also affected, but the mental faculties are gener. 
ally unimpaired. If the dose has been fatal, paralysis of the 
extremities, commencing with the legs, follows; there is a feel- 
ing of numbness in the feet, respiration slackens, and death 
results from asphyxia—convulsions, due to the carbonic acid 
in the blood, usually terminating the case. 
Treatment.—The general outline of treatment should be 
similar to that recommended for hydrocyanic acid (page 25), 
both being in the group known as “motor-depressants,” or 
“ depresso-motors.” Give tannin, strong tea, decoction of tan- 
bark or something containing tannic acid, aqua ammonia', 
diluted with six times its bulk of water, or if that be not at 
hand, a few drops of lye in plenty of water. Empty the ACIDS—CARBOLIC ACID. 
31 
stomach by tickling the throat, and follow with strong coffee 
and exercise, as with opium. Other stimulation, as cold spong- 
ing of the chest and small doses of brandy, may be advisable. 
Corrosive Acids :—Nitric—Muriatic or Hydro- 
chloric—Sulphuric. 
Every now and then one or another of these terribly corro- 
sive acids is swallowed by mistake, and the gravest conse- 
quences are sure to follow, unless the action of the chemical 
be instantly checked. Neither of these acids is, strictly speak- 
ing, a poison, but in their concentrated form they corrode, 
discolor, and destroy the tissues with which they come in con- 
tact, and are more fatal than many actual poisons. 
Symptoms.—Nitric acid stains the skin and tissues yellow, 
while sulphuric acid blackens them. The physical symptoms 
are intense burning agony in the mouth, throat and stomach, 
with the general distressful effects of other corrosive poisons. 
The Treatment must be instantaneous; give, whichever 
chances to be handiest, chalk and water, lime water, magnesia, 
soap, soda (washing or baking), diluted lye, or, in the absence 
of anything else, calcimine knocked from the wall and 
pounded up in water. These combine, chemically, with the 
acid and neutralize it. They should be followed by eggs, 
milk and oil, to protect the tissues. The depressant effects 
should be counteracted by opium or morphia, injections of 
beef-tea and brandy, and even injection, directly into the 
vein, of ammonia, may be necessary to avert collapse. 
This substance, in solution, bears a close resemblance to alco- 
hol, and the uses to which it may be put are so manifold, that 
it is quite an article of commerce. Carbolic acid, in aqueous 
Carbolic Acid. 32 
ACCIDENTS. 
solution, is an effective agent in uniting with animal sub- 
stances and preserving them from decomposition, and in re- 
moving the offensive odor from putrefying material. In weak 
solution, it is a good liniment for bruises. Since it is put to 
such general use this acid is liable to be inadvertently swal- 
lowed. 
Symptoms.—Wherever strong carbolic acid comes in contact 
with the mucous membrane, it cooks and softens this tissue 
until it presents a grayish-white appearance. The symptoms 
are severe pain and burning in the throat and stomach, swell- 
ing of the tongue, dizziness, and, finally, convulsions. 
Treatment.—Olive and castor oil should be given in large 
doses with frequent and copious drinks of sweet milk. Sweet 
oil and castor oil not being at hand, any other bland oil will 
serve, until the doctor’s arrival. 
This chemical, though little used in medicine, is nevertheless 
familiar to most house-wives under the names of “salt of 
lemon” and “salt of sorrel,” and though accidents with it are 
uncommon, they do sometimes occur. The best precaution 
against all manner of poisons, is to taste everything in the form 
of medicine before swallowing of it. This simple rule, strictly 
kept, would prevent a great many sad casualties. Oxalic acid 
may be recognized by the sour taste it possesses in common 
with other acids, and if a liquid supposed to be alkaline, prove 
acid, it should be investigated. 
The Symptoms in oxalic acid poisoning, as with other cor- 
rosive acids, are burning of the throat and stomach, copious 
and sometimes bloody vomiting, accompanied by extreme 
general debility, very nearly paralytic in its depressant effects, 
with a feeble, almost imperceptible, pulse. A large dose will 
produce death in half an hour. 
Oxalic Acid. LYE—HARTSHORN . 
33 
Treatment.—The chemical antidotes for all acids are the 
alkalies. Therefore, magnesia, chalk, lime, washing or bak- 
ing soda, or ammonia diluted with water, should be given every 
three or four minutes. The magnesia is preferable, as its 
promptness of action does away with the necessity of an 
emetic. However, vomiting had better be induced in any case, 
as it is well to err on the side of safety. 
Lye—Caustic Soda—Caustic Potash, 
Strong lye is sometimes swallowed by children, and its 
equivalents, the caustics named, have caused death. Its local 
action is similar to that of hartshorn, described below, only 
much more severe and decided, including the entire mouth, 
throat and stomach in its corrosive action. Bloody vomit and 
evacuations, cold sweat and hiccup, precede death. 
The Treatment is to give vinegar, lemon-juice or oil im- 
mediately. The first two convert the caustic into acetate of 
potash or soda (as the case may be), and the latter produces 
soap. Follow this with an emetic of mustard water if neces- 
sary, and, after the stomach has been emptied, give sweet oil 
and mucilaginous drinks. Care must be taken afterward to 
allay inflammation of the injured mucous membrane. 
Hartshorn—Ammonia—Aqua Ammonias—Spirits of 
Ammonia. 
Taken without dilation, this is a violent caustic poison ; 
acting first, on its way to the stomach, upon the mucous 
lining of the mouth, tongue and throat, which it inflames and 
swells excessively. From the stomach it finds its way quickly 
into the circulation, increasing the heart’s action, and raising 
the whole arterial system to a febrile pitch. 
Treatment.—When a dose of ammonia has been swal- 34 
ACCIDENTS. 
lowed, vinegar should follow it as closely as possible, suc- 
ceeded by sweet oil, and drinks of flaxseed tea, mucilage, or 
other familiar demulcents. To allay the arterial excitement, 
a cold bath may be advisable. 
Cantharides—Spanish Fly—Fly-Blister. 
The tincture of cantharides, as well as the powdered fly, is 
sometimes administered on account of its supposed excitant 
powers, and has occasionally produced unexpected poisoning 
as a result. It is also a popular agent for “raising a blister.” 
Symptoms.—The odor of cantharides is sickening, fetid and 
distinctive, and may be detected on the breath soon after an 
overdose has been taken, or in the matter thrown up from the 
stomach. The ingestion of a poisonous dose is soon followed 
by a sense of constriction in the throat, with difficulty of swal- 
lowing, and at the same time there is a profuse discharge of 
saliva. These symptoms are followed or accompanied by 
intense pains in the stomach, vomiting of blood, streaked mu- 
cus, having the glairy appearance of white of eggs, tender- 
ness over the abdomen, and tenesmus followed by the discharge 
of mucus and bloody stools. There is also pain and tender- 
ness about the small of the back, with swelling and pain of the 
genito-urinary tract and organs (the characteristic effects 
looked for in the administration of the drug), with painful 
and often bloody urination. Generally, there are also 
trembling and local or general convulsions, stupor, insensi- 
bility and final collapse. 
Treatment.—As there is no known chemical or physiolog- 
ical antidote, safety consists in getting rid of the poison and 
alleviating its local effects. Give prompt emetics, as sulphate 
of zinc, sulphate of copper or mustard water; or else use the 
stomach pump. At all odds, empty the stomach. Follow 
this by mucilaginous substances, as flaxseed tea. Milk, sugar MAD-DOG BITE. 
35 
and water, and sweet oil are also recommended, though oil of 
any kind facilitates the absorption of cantharides, and should 
only be used in the absence of anything better, or after the 
stomach has been thoroughly emptied. Opium will be desira- 
ble to allay inflammation, and ten to fifteen-drop doses of 
camphor may relieve strangury, when it occurs. 
There is no doubt that Spanish fly possesses the properties 
popularly ascribed to it, but it is doubtful whether anything 
short of a poisonous dose will produce these effects. Those 
who would not hesitate on account of moral scruples to 
employ it, may be deterred by consideration of the danger 
incurred. 
Mad-Dog Bite (Hydrophobia). 
That most horrible and deadly disease, hydrophobia, has been 
known for ages, and among all races of mankind. It is the 
effect of a specific poison introduced into the blood from an 
animal or person afflicted with the disease; usually by the bite 
of a mad dog. It can not arise spontaneous^7, and can not be 
taken from the bite of an animal not mad. In cases where the 
disease fully develops, it is almost always fatal, so that the 
only possible home treatment must be preventive. As dogs 
are common household companions, it is important to know 
the various sets of symptoms of madness in them. Following 
is a rcsum<3 of the famous instructions issued by the Council 
of Hygiene of Bordeaux, which are thorough : 
“ 1. A short time after the disease has been contracted, the 
dog becomes agitated and restless, and turns continually in his 
kennel. If unchained, he roams about restlessly and aimlessly, 
seems to be sucking something ; then stands motionless as if 
waiting; he starts, snaps at the air as.if catching a fly, and 
dashes himself, barking and howling, against the wall. The ACCIDENTS.' 
36 
voice of his master recalls him, and he obeys, but slowly, with 
hesitation and seeming regret. 
“ 2. He does not try to bite, is gentle, even affectionate, and 
eats and drinks ; but he gnaws his litter, the ends of the cur- 
tains, the padding of cushions, bed coverlids, carpets, and 
anything which happens to be in his reach. 
“ 3. From the movement of his paws along the sides of his 
open mouth, one might suppose him trying to free his throat of 
a bone. 
“ 4. His voice is changed so markedly that it is 'impossible 
to overlook it. 
“ 5. He becomes surly, and begins to fight -with other dogs.” 
But the symptoms are very varied in different cases, and a 
change in the habits or manners of a pet dog should always be 
looked on with suspicion, and the animal should be chained 
for a time. 
The probability of hydrophobia being communicated to per- 
sons bitten by a rabid animal, varies with the location of the 
bite. If it be in a part unprotected by clothing, inoculation is 
almost certain ; in other parts, the chances depend on the 
thickness of the clothing, which wipes the virus from the 
teeth. The bite of a mad wolf is deadly, as the animal nearly 
always clutches at the bare face or throat. 
Symptoms.—When the history of a case of madness can be 
traced, there is, of course, little difficulty in recognizing it ; 
but in the absence of such knowledge it may, in its earlier 
stages, be confounded with less fatal diseases. However, as it 
is fatal when developed, an error would be of little importance 
save to the attendants. 
All the prominent features of the disease are due to excite- 
ment of the nervous centres. The patient is irritable and in 
nervous terror. The muscles of the throat are contracted by MAD-DOG BITE. 
37 
spasm, and the lower limbs are sometimes paralyzed. The 
slightest touch or sound, as a draught of air blowing on the 
face, the crawling over the skin of a fly or other insect, the 
touch of water, a sudden sound, or the sound of liquids 
poured from one vessel into another, are usually enough 
bring on a frightful paroxysm, during which the patient 
■writhes in agony, struggling for breath. A strangling sensa- 
tion is very common, and the foam and tough, sticky mucus, 
which is constantly forming in the throat, causes constant 
hawking, spitting, and efforts to extract it with the fingers. 
Hallucinations of sight and hearing are not unusual. The 
period at which death occurs, after the symptoms appear, 
varies from one day to eight, but it is most usual on the second 
or third day, feebler persons yielding earlier, and the stronger 
ones making a more tenacious fight, death finally occurring 
from exhaustion. 
Treatment.—As before stated, the treatment must be prevent- 
ive. Heretofore there has been no reliable method even for such 
treatment, but the apparent success of M. Pasteur’s plan of inoc- 
ulation gives good grounds for the hope that at last the dread 
enemy may be at least forestalled. It is probable that a hospital 
for the treatment of liydrophobiac patients on this plan will be 
established in America at an early date, but pending this, the 
best course for persons bitten by rabid animals, is to set out at 
once for Paris, aud place themselves under the personal care 
of that eminent French expert. 
There are, however, a few immediate precautions which have 
been used from time immemorial against the disease, and these 
should be resorted to in any case. They are : 
1. In case of a bite in any part of a limb, put a ligature, com- 
press or tourniquet around the injured member above the wound, 
between it and the heart. The manner of applying such compress 
is shown on page 55. It may be formed of a strap, string, rope, 38 
ACCIDENTS. 
handkerchief, or an elastic belt; a suspender will serve the 
purpose well in an emergency. This is done to prevent the 
spread of the virus by absorption, through the circulation, and 
should be promptly resorted to. 
2. Cut out the injured part with a sharp knife—not spar- 
ingly, but so as to remove every bit of flesh that has come in 
contact with the teeth. 
3. “ Cup ” the wound. “ Cups ” are not as common now as 
formerly, but an excellent substitute can be made from a wide- 
mouthed bottle or similar vessel. Saturate a small quantity 
of cotton or paper with alcohol or benzine, set it afire and 
drop it into the bottle (being careful to cork and remove the 
vessel containing benzine before appljdng the match). As soon 
as the flame begins to die out, invert the bottle quickly over 
the wound, holding it tightly against the skin, to prevent the 
admission of air. This will draw blood from the exposed 
vessels. 
4. In the absence of any such means, the wound should be 
sucked; only in this event there must be no sore or cut about 
the mouth or lips of the person performing the operation. 
5. Cauterize the wound thoroughly with a red-hot poker; 
or, if lunar caustic be at hand, it may be used instead. 
G. Start at once for a hydrophobic hospital. 
After the specific symptoms manifest themselves, the best 
known treatment is to keep the patient under the influence of 
chloroform until death ensues. One or two cases of cure have 
been reported, however, from the hypodermic injection of 
curara, which should be tried, as well as morphine, amyl 
nitrite and the alcoholic tincture of nitro-glycerine,—the first 
hypodermically, the second by inhalation, and the last through 
the stomach. 
In case of bite, unless the animal be unmistakably mad, by SNAKE BITE. 
39 
no means kill it, but keep it confined and watch it for a couple 
of weeks. If it remain in good health during that period, 
the bitten person may regard himself as safe. 
The danger connected with snake bite arises from the intro- 
duction of a poison into the system, which is so rapidly and 
thoroughly distributed throughout the whole body that its 
ultimate effects can be counteracted only by constitutional 
treatment. The teeth of venomous snakes are situated in the 
front part of the upper jaw, and are of a hook-shaped form, 
and when the snake sinks its fang into flesh, it does so by 
striking with its body lifted up, or springing from a coiled 
position. There is a flue groove on the under surface of a 
serpent’s fang, which traverses its whole length, and is con- 
nected at its base with a small venom-secreting sac or duct. 
When the tooth is driven into the flesh, this duct ejects its 
poisonous fluid down the grooved channel of the fang into the 
wound, and the venom is instantly caught up by the circula- 
tion. The wounded part swells to enormous proportions, and 
assumes various hues, while the patient passes from nausea 
and vomiting to delirium and unconsciousness. If death does 
not ensue from these first effects, it is likely to follow from the 
intense fever and inflammation which are necessary accom- 
paniments of the gangrenous condition of the inoculated parts. 
Treatment in this, as in other cases of poisoning, must be 
promptly applied. If possible, the wound should be sucked 
vigorously to withdraw the poison, and circulation in the 
region shut off with bandages, as shown on page 55. In rare 
instances this will be a sufficient means of preventing poison 
from doing its work on the system ; but from the circum- 
stances under which an accident of this kind usually occurs, 
and the consternation caused by a realization of the fact that 
Snake Bite. 40 
ACCIDENTS. 
human life is endangered, the victim and his friends are slow 
to act, and the effect of the poison is counteracted, if at all, by 
a combination of local and constitutional treatments. Acetic 
acid may coagulate the poison, if quickly introduced into the 
wound ; but it is rarely at hand when the accident occurs. In 
all instances, large and frequent drinks of brandy or whisky, 
together with the free application of coal-oil to the wound, 
will prove an effectual remedy. Bandage the wound wdth 
some material, such as flannel, which will absorb and hold oil, 
and keep it thoroughly soaked with coal-oil; give the patient 
all the liquor he can drink, and all will have been done for the 
time being that the practiced physician could do. The pop- 
ular belief is that if the patient can be intoxicated, his life will 
be placed out of danger. 
Poisoning by Decayed Meat, Etc. 
Certain changes, not well understood, occurring in animal 
substances when they ferment, sometimes render them ex- 
tremely poisonous. Sausages, meat-pies, cheese and fish have 
been the source, on different occasions, of serious poisonings. 
The Symptoms are nausea and headache ; and in fish poison- 
ing, dizziness and nettle-rash are generally present; vomiting 
usually occurs, followed, in rare cases, by collapse. 
The Treatment indicated is obviously to give emetics, as 
alum or mustard-water, and afterward a dose of Epsom salts, 
followed by any saline drink, as Vichy water, seltzer, etc. 
Despite the current belief that the bites of certain arachnidoe, 
as the tarantula and other spiders, are venomous, experience 
proves that they are harmless. But stinging insects always 
inflict a poisonous wound. The instrument of a stinging insect 
Poisonous Insects. POISON OAK. 
41 
consists of two fine, sharp darts, surrounded by a tubular 
sheath, which are connected at their bases with a special venom 
sack, and when the sting is inserted into the flesh, these venom 
glands inject their poison down the grooved darts, and thus 
inoculate the victim. 
Symptoms.—Experiences with bees are so common that 
the symptoms of their sting need not be described. 
Treatment.—In moderate cases, a local irritation, which may 
be arrested by salt or hartshorn, is all that the wounded one 
suffers. But if a dizzy faintness be the outcome, opiates and 
cordials must be given. It may happen that a bee, or wasp, is 
swallowed in taking a drink of water hurriedly, or in the dark, 
and from the moment the sting enters the throat, the fauces 
swell so rapidly that the patient is in immediate danger of suf- 
focation. A gargle of hot water and salt should be used pend- 
ing the arrival of a physicia 
Poison Oak—Poison Ivy—Poison Sumach. 
While the common sumach and several of its immediate 
family are perfectly innocent, there are two that possess 
quite virulent properties. They are the Rhus Toxicodendron, 
‘‘poison ivy/’ or “poison oak,” and the Rhus Venenata, or 
“swamp sumach.” Some persons are extremely susceptible 
to the peculiar action of these plants, contact, and, in the 
most sensitive, mere proximity to them producing great irrita- 
tion, swelling and final vesiculation, the symptoms resembling 
very strongly in their development those due to erysipelas. 
The Rhus Toxicodendron occurs in two forms, one climbing 
by the aid of rootlets over tree trunks, etc., and the other 
growing erect from the surface. It is to the climbing variety 
that popular nomenclature has given the title “ poison ivy,” 
while the other is known as the “poison oak.” The latter 42 
ACCIDENTS. 
varies in height from a few inches to several feet, and often 
spreads over large areas. 
The Rhus Toxicodendron differs from the other sumachs, and 
from the somewhat similar Virginia creeper, in its having but 
three leaflets, of broad, oval shape, and bright green color. 
These leaflets have smooth edges, not serrated like the Vir- 
ginia creeper. 
Rhus Venenata, or “swamp sumach,” is much the most 
virulent species. It resembles the safe species closer than does 
Rhus Toxicodendron, yet is easily distinguishable. It grows, 
as a rule, only in swampy regions, and its leaf-stalks bear but 
from three to six pairs of leaflets, while the common species 
bear from eight to twenty pairs. These, like the poison ivy, 
are smooth-edged, while the safe species have serrated leaflets. 
The stem is smooth, and from eight to fifteen feet high. The 
plant is of graceful form and attractive appearance. Its stem 
and branches are ashen gray in color, though recent shoots 
and leaf-stems are of a fine crimson or purple hue. The leaves 
are light green in color, with purple veins. The flowers are of 
a greenish white hue. Those of the safe species form thick, 
pompon-like clusters, while these are much more open, and, 
in this respect, approach the poison ivy and the Virginia 
creeper. The fruit is of a greenish white, not red, as in the 
common sumachs. It may be easily distinguished from the 
safe species by these characteristics. The small number of 
leaflets is a safe guide. It is most nearly approached by the 
dwarf sumach, but this is common on dry ground, and can be 
easily distinguished by its winged or bordered petiole. 
Treatment.—Mr. Charles Morris, of Philadelphia, who has 
studied the subject closely, uses, as a sovereign remedy, fre- 
quent bathing of the affected parts in water as hot as can be 
borne. If used immediately after exposure, it may prevent the 
eruption appearing. If later, it allays the itching, and grad- SUFFOCATION BY GAS. 
43 
ually dries up the swellings, though they are very stubborn 
after they have once appeared. But an application every few 
hours keeps down the intolerable itching, which is the most 
annoying feature of sumach poisoning. In addition to this, 
the ordinary astringent ointments are useful, as is also that 
sovereign lotion, “lead-water and laudanum.” Mr. Morris 
adds to these a preventive prescription of “wide-open eyes.” 
It may be said, in addition to the above, the climbing variety 
of the Rhus Toxicodendron affects damp and shady situations, 
..while the ground variety grows freely in dry and partly 
shaded places, as on the edges of woods, along neglected and 
weed-grown fences, etc. The latter form is the less virulent. 
Foul Air.—In cellars, wells, and tanks, as well as in mines, 
there is frequently found a poisonous gas known as carbonic- 
acid ; and when it is desirable to enter such a place, a mere 
suspicion of foul air should be sufficient to cause an examina- 
tion to be made. 
Remember, that a man can not live in an atmosphere where 
a candle will not burn; flame is supported by oxygen, and so is 
human life; therefore, the lowering of an unprotected light is 
a sufficient test for the presence of foul air. If the flame 
flickers and goes out, by no means enter the place. 
In case a person on entering such a place becomes uncon- 
scious, another should be lowered by means of one rope, while 
he carries the end of another in his hand. This second rope 
he should fasten around the unconscious person, and both 
should be hauled out with all possible speed. 
The methods of restoration are the same as those used in case 
of drowning (page 47). Carbonic-acid gas, being heavier than 
the atmosphere, can be removed from any place where it is pent 
up, by the use of a pump. If no pump is at hand, quick- 
Suffocation by Gas. 44 
ACCIDENTS. 
lime, scattered about in large quantities, will accomplish the 
purpose. Fire is worse than useless, as it only adds to the 
amount of gas, instead of decreasing it. 
Coal and Illuminating Gas.—The fumes from charcoal 
are sometimes inhaled with suicidal intent; and ordinary coal gas 
is now and then breathed, unintentionally, either from a leaky 
stove, or from a gas jet ignorantly or accidentally extinguished. 
The small quantity of gas which escapes into the room from a 
common coal stove will be ordinarily carried off without dam- 
age, by ventilation; but when from any cause the supply be- 
comes excessive, as happens frequently at night, when the stove 
is left open and the doors and windows closed, the result is occa- 
sionally fatal. Under similar circumstances, it happens once 
in a while, that uninformed persons blow out the gas on retiring, 
and become victims of their mistake. 
In either case unconsciousness ensues, dependent on two 
causes,—exclusion of oxygen from the lungs and introduction 
of excessive quantities of carbon into the blood. Illuminating 
gas is merely coal gas from which the denser constituents have 
been removed, but in poisonous qualities they are practically 
identical, consisting in the case of the former principally of 
“ carbonic oxide ” (or carbon monoxide), and in the latter of 
carbon monoxide in company with carbon dioxiode (“carbonic 
acid ”), produced by the partial combustion of the first men- 
t ioned gas. Bot li act mechanically by excluding oxygen from the 
lungs, and the former at least, physiologically, in its qualities 
as an actual blood poison. The unoxygenated blood is black- 
ened by their agency and the nerve centres are all paralyzed 
by their noxious effects. Carbonic acid is the resultant product 
of burning charcoal, and is the “ choke-damp ” found in mines 
aud old wells (as mentioned on another page), while it is also 
the cause of poisoning to persons sleeping near limekilns. 
The Symptoms of suffocation by gas, in the absence of direct SUFFOCATION BY GAS. 
45 
evidence in the atmosphere or surroundings, are not readily 
distinguishable from those produced by suffocation, strang- 
ling, or drowning, the physiological causes of death in all of 
these cases being closely allied. The suffocating person at 
first makes a struggle for breath, all the muscles of respiration 
acting vigorously, though it may be in sleep; the skin and 
other vascular portions of the body become livid, with excess 
of dark-colored blood; convulsions take place, followed by 
insensibility and death. Or, especially where carbon monoxide 
is present, as it usually is under ordinary circumstances of this 
nature, paralysis of all the nerve centres may occur at an early 
stage, thus making convulsions impossible. The after-appear- 
ance of one dead from this cause is very like that ascribed 
elsewhere to the drowned and the suffocated, and the surround- 
ings will generally enable one to decide the source of the 
disaster. 
The Treatment of persons asphyxiated with gas is precisely 
that prescribed for the drowned (see page 47), artificial respira- 
tion vigorously and persistently maintained, with the additional 
precaution of stimulating the cutaneous nerves. Thus, besides 
the use of mechanical means to induce breathing, the face 
should be vigorously fanned, and if the body be warm, a 
douche of cold water applied to the back of the neck and 
shoulders; if the body be cold, it should be immersed in a hot 
bath, or at least warm plates should be applied to the spinal 
column, pit of the stomach, hands and feet; after respiration 
is completely established, it may be necessary to bleed the 
patient, in order to relieve the congestion in the brain, but 
this should be left, of course, to a surgeon. In addition to 
the above.mentioned remedies, copious draughts of vinegar.and 
water are prescribed by some authorities for cases of coal-gas 
poisoning, while one-drop doses of the tincture of aconite may 
be tried on the victims of carbonic acid. 46 
ACCIDENTS. 
Table of the Principal Poisons and their Antidotes. 
For arsenic, “ white precipi- j 
tate,” “ratsbane” or Paris green. 
i Emetics followed by free use of hydra- 
>- ted sesqui-oxide of iron, chalk or mag- 
1 nesia and castor oil. 
For lead-poisoning, corrosive | 
sublimate, red precipitate, ver- ! 
milion, saltpetre, white vitriol, [ 
blue vitriol, chloride of zinc. J 
Emetics followed by copious draught* 
- of sweet milk and white of egg, sweet oil 
and mucilaginous drinks. 
For lye-poisoning, strong am- 
monia, caustic soda, or caustic 
potash. 
1 Free doses of vinegar or lemon juice, 
| oil or warm lard with white of egg, fol- 
[ lowed by mustard or ipecac in warm 
1 water. 
For nitrate of silver or lunar j 
caustic. 
i Moderate use of strong solution of 
>- common salt, vomiting followed by 
I plenty of sweet milk. 
For nux vomica, strychnia, 1 
and its salts. { 
An emetic, followed by tannic acid 
and chloroform. 
For carbolic acid or creosote. }- Olive or castor oil freely administered. 
For oxalic acid, sulphuric, | 
nitric or muriatic acid. 
i Soda, chalk, lime, calcimine, ammo- 
>• nia or other alkali, followed by oil and 
i emulsions. 
1 
For opium, laudanum, mor- 1 
phia, aconite, belladonna, digi- ] 
tabs, stramonium, etc. 
Emetics, cold applications to shock 
the nervous system, strong coffee. With 
' opium and opiates, keep patient con- 
[ st-antly moving; with the rest, maintain 
recumbent position, head low, to induce 
flow of blood to the brain. 
For sugar of lead poisoning. J 
1 Alum and carbonates of soda or pot- 
i- ash in plenty of water, followed by 
| sulphate of zinc, to induce vomiting. 
For tartar emetic (antimony). ] 
J 
Strong tea. or tannin in water; warmth 
to hands, feet, spine and pit of atom- 
‘ ach, followed by small doses of diluted 
I brandy. 
For phosphorus, vermin paste, 
match heads, etc. 
Blue vitriol in large quantities to 
[ empty stomach, hydrated magnesia to 
[ purge, and French oil of turpentine, or, 
experimentally, the American crude oil. 
For iodine. 
1- Starch, followed by an emetic. 
For alcohol. 
1 Cupping, exercise, hot coffee, and aro- 
f matic spirits of ammonia. 
For prussic acid, oil of bitter 
ahnonas, cherry laurel, cya- 
nides, etc. 
1 AminoDia (diluted), followed by ox- 
>• ide of iron; artificial respiration, if 
I necessary, and stimulants. CASUALTIES. 
Drowning. 
In drowning, hanging and suffocation, unattended with 
poisoning by noxious fumes, the direct cause of death is the 
same,—exclusion of air from the lungs, and consequent 
asphyxia. By the contraction of the intercostal muscles and 
the inwardly arched diaphragm, the space in the chest is en- 
larged; and, according to a natural law, the air rushes in from 
without, filling the innumerable air-cells in the sponge-like 
structure of the lungs. As explained in the chapter on Suffo- 
cation by Gas, the air in the lungs comes into intimate con- 
tact with the blood which is distributed through the pulmo- 
nary capillaries surrounding the air-cells, and the result of this 
contact is a chemical change in the constitution of both blood 
and air. The venous blood in the lungs is purified by the 
absorption of oxygen from the air, and re-enters the heart to 
be sent out again, loaded with nourishment for the wasted 
tissues of the body. In absorbing oxygen, the blood also 
gives off carbon, which is expelled from the lungs in the breath 
of expiration by the natural elasticity of the chest walls, 
which comes into play as soon as the relaxation of the inter- 
costals and diaphragm permit it to act. This entire round of 
movement, comprising inspiration and expiration, with its 
accompanying physiological phenomena, is called respiration. 
The oxygenation of the blood being the first essential of life in 
man and the higher animals, it is evident that the stoppage 
of respiration must be followed by disastrous results. Still, 
the mere ceasing of respiration does not place the subject 
beyond hope, provided the respiratory centi'es can be induced 
47 48 
ACCIDENTS. 
to resume their suspended duty; and it is to this end that all 
efforts at resuscitation of the drowned should be directed. 
A drowning person at first sinks to the depth of a few feet 
in the water, and then rises to the surface, making a violent 
effort to clear the throat. This effort, combined with cries 
for help and frantic straggles to keep afloat, soon exhausts 
the muscles and fills the lungs with water. The body sinks a 
second time, and again rises to the surface, the struggles con- 
tinuing, though less violently. Upon the third appearance, 
the quantity of water in the stomach and lungs is sufficient to 
increase the specific gravity of the body, so that it sinks to 
remain beneath the water several days. During this time, the 
decomposition of animal tissue gives rise to the formation of 
gases in the body, which render it lighter than a correspond- 
ing bulk of water, and it then rises and floats upon the surface. 
The body of a supposed drowned person, recovered shortly 
after the accident, presents characteristic appearances. It is 
livid in spots, cold, the tongue is swollen in the mouth, bluish 
foam issues from mouth and nostrils, the finger nails are torn 
at the extremities, with sand and mud embedded beneath them, 
and the .half-opened upper lids of the eyes are livid in hue. 
■ On dissection, all the internal organs of one dead from drown- 
ing are found to be badly congested, with the lungs and 
stomach full of water. Drowning may be complicated with 
fracture, produced by collision with some hard substance as 
the body descends into the water, and sometimes there are 
contusions and dislocations. However, when a body is found 
in the water, it must be determined from its appearance 
whether or not death has been due to drowning; and if the torn 
fingers are clinched on sand and weeds, if the skin is rough, 
if the body is striped with livid patches, and is not yet green 
from putrefaction, prudence would dictate that work be im- 
mediately commenced. DROWNING. 
49 
Treatment.—Hastily making a roll from clothing, blankets 
or anything which may be to hand,—a log will do in want of 
Fig. 1 . 
'‘something softer,—place the body over it, face downward, 
and press upon the back to expel the water from the lungs and 
stomach. The position is shown in Fig. 1. 
Fig. 2. 
The object of this manipulation having been accomplished, 
remove all clothing from the upper half of the trunk, turn 50 
ACCIDENTS. 
the body on its back, place the roll beneath the shoulders so as 
to elevate the chest about four or six inches, and, taking a 
position at the victim’s head, grasp the arms firmly, just above 
the elbows, flex the arms and press with the elbows against the 
chest, somewhat forward, so that, while the arm presses against 
the side, the elbow may be pressing against the front of the 
chest, as shown in Fig. 2. 
After about two seconds,—counting deliberately “ one—two,” 
—unflexing the elbows, draw the arms slowly but forcibly 
to full length over the head, and hold them in this position 
Fig. 3. 
while counting, as before, “ one—two." This movement will 
be understood from Fig. 3. 
Bring the arms back to the side, flex the elbows again, and 
press against the belly and chest, as in the first movement 
(Fig. 2). 
The first of these movements compresses the wall of the 
chest, while the second, by stretching the muscles attached to 
the arms and ribs, lifts the latter and so expands the chest, thus 
imitating natural respiration. This manipulation should be 
persevered in at the rate of about fifteen times per minute, DROWNING. 
51 
until a spontaneous effort at breathing is induced, or until all 
hope of resuscitation is lost. 
The method above described may be varied occasionally by 
another, illustrated in Fig. 4, which has proven efficient in 
many cases. 
In this method the body is laid face upward, with the roll 
under the back. The hands are raised above the head, and tied 
loosely together with a handkerchief, or something that will 
Fig. 4. 
not abrade the skin. The operator then takes his position over 
the body, looking towards the head, and placing his hands 
against the chest, at about the position of the lower end of the 
“breastbone,” leans forward and applies a heavy pressure 
thereon, by throwing a portion of the weight of his body upon 
his hands. From this position he raises himself gradually to 
the upright position (as shown by the unshaded portion of the 
illustration), and allows the chest to expand again by its own 
elasticity. A pressure of thirty pounds may be safely used 52 
ACCIDENTS. 
in this way. Still another method is recommended by some 
authorities, as follows: 
Place the body on its breast, supported firmly by any article 
at hand, then turning it on its side and a little more than 
half-way over, suddenly throw it back to its original position, 
face downward. This movement imitates breathing, and 
should be performed perseveringly, efficiently, and cautiously 
once every four or five seconds, occasionally varying the 
side. By either of these methods, the operator may be grati- 
fied with favorable results in a few moments, but it may 
take an hour. 
Additional means may also be used for the preliminary 
expulsion of water and mucus from the lungs : thus, it is well 
for an assistant to grasp the tongue, using a handkerchief to 
hold it, and draw it forward, so as to open a clear passage from 
the throat, and instead of laying the body over a support, it 
may be lifted by means of the operator’s hands clasped beneath 
its abdomen, in which position it is given a sharp jerk. 
When signs of natural breathing appear, let the rescuer turn 
his attention to starting the circulation of the blood. Try 
friction; rub the body and limbs with rough towels or cloth; 
commence with pressure at the extremities, and traverse the 
limbs toward the heart, keeping up the pressure; apply hot 
bricks and warm blankets to the stomach, arm-pits and loins. 
When power to swallow has returned, some stimulant may 
be given in small quantities until the various vital organs 
begin the performance of their proper functions. Coffee, 
brandy and wine may be administered with excellent effect. 
It should ever be remembered, that the work is a very diffi- 
cult one, requiring energy and determination; many persons 
have been revived who stubbornly resisted treatment for two 
or three hours. 
Repose and nutritious food will be necessary for some days SUFFOCATION—CHOKING. 
53 
after recovery, as the system suffers a profound shock from 
asphyxiation. 
Suffocation. 
Suffocation, in its physiological effects, is the same as drown- 
ing. It consists in shutting out free air from the lungs, or 
stifling them with noxious gases. 
Treatment.—In suffocation the same methods for instituting 
respiration and inducing warmth may be employed as in the 
case of drowning, accompanied by a periodical sprinkling of 
the body with cold water and a moderate use of stimulants. 
Choking. 
The spasmodic effort on the part of the muscles of the 
throat to throw out a substance which is too large to pass into 
the oesophagus, or which has entered the windpipe, is known 
as choking. 
If far enough up, the object may be caught between the fin- 
gers and withdrawn, but if it has passed beyond reach of the 
fingers, some instrument, like a piece of whalebone, should 
be used to push it down into the gullet. A sudden blow on the 
back, or tickling the back of the throat with a feather, may 
produce involuntary gasping, and dislodge the intruding sub- 
stance. In case unconsciousness follow close upon the ap- 
plication of these remedies, some irritating substance should be 
held to the nostrils, while the methods for artificial respiration 
are employed. 
The windpipe is situated, with reference to the food passages, 
so that some particle of solid or fluid material may escape from 
its proper channel into the respiratory tube, exciting a distress- 
ful cough, spasmodic contraction of the muscles of the upper 
part of the windpipe, and impeding respiration. Under such 
circumstances no direct aid can be given the sufferer, except to 54 
ACCIDENTS. 
keep him quiet. Voluntary suspension of respiration, or tak- 
ing a drink of cold water, may allow the muscles to recover 
from their state of spasm. However, nature herself has pro- 
vided these irritable muscles for the very purpose of estab- 
lishing a guard over the air passages, and, through a wise 
economy the fits of coughing are likely to expel the invading 
substance ; but if these provisions of nature are inefficient, it 
is generally necessary to give air free access to the lungs by 
making an opening in the neck with the knife—an operation 
known as tracheotomy, which only an experienced surgeon 
can perform. 
Wounds. 
This general term comprises all injuries to the body, and in- 
cludes cuts, stabs, breaks, bruises and lacerations. The 
and immediate danger which, in most instances, accompanies 
a wound, is that consequent upon too great a loss of blood, 
and, naturally, the initial step in treatment should be an effort 
to check the hemorrhage. 
If the blood be of a dark, purplish color, it is from a severed 
or mangled vein, and, since it flows from the extremities 
toward the heart through its venous channels, a flow of this 
kind is obstructed by a pressure on the flesh over the vein, be- 
low the wound. But if the blood be of a bright red color, it is 
arterial, and must be quickly stopped. This is done by ap- 
plying a pressure bandage of some strong material—a handker- 
chief, for instance—around the limb, above the wound. Under 
the bandage insert a stick, or ruler, and twist it around several 
times, so that the flesh may be tightly compressed against the 
arterial tissue, thus closing the channel. This will at least 
check the flow of blood until skilled aid can be secured to tie 
the artery. 
The surgical instrument known as the tourniquet, is merely 
an improvement on this rough and ready device. To render WOUNDS 
55 
it more effective, a pad or roll of hard cloth may be placed di- 
rectly over the injured artery, so that when the handkerchief 
is twisted the pressure may be 
strongest at that point. The man- 
ner of application to the arm is 
shown in Fig. 5. 
In case a pad is not to be easily 
had, it is well to tie a hard knot 
Fig. 5. 
in the handkerchief and adjust it 
over the vessel, as shown in the 
case of a wounded femoral artery- 
in Fig. 6. 
As anyone may be called upon to 
save life by stopping hemorrhage, 
it will be well to know the situa- 
tions of some of the arteries most 
liable to injury, and to remember that pressure at the right 
place will stop the flow of blood by closing the vessel. For 
Fig. 6. 56 
ACCIDENTS. 
this purpose the unaided hands may be used in an emergency, 
and until their strength is exhausted there is nothing better. 
It should be also remembered that when the blood ceases to 
flow in spurts, the artery is under control. 
The femoral artery lies 
on the inner side of the 
thigh, and may be reached 
by the thumbs, as shown 
in Fig. 7. In wounds to 
any part of the limb, 
pressure on .this artery 
will generally control the 
bleeding to a marked ex- 
tent. The hands of one 
person may be thus em- 
ployed while another is 
preparing the handker- 
chief compress. 
The principal artery of the arm lies 
under the inner edge of the biceps muscle, 
and may be pressed against the bone by 
the fingers, when the arm is grasped as 
shown in Fig. 8. 
In this way bleeding from a wound in al- 
most any portion of the arm may be checked. 
In applying the handkerchief, the knot or 
pad should, of course, lie over the point 
indicated, that is, over the brachial artery. 
This latter vessel, before entering the arm, passes directly 
over the first rib, and under the clavicle or “ collar-bone,” and 
in this section of its length is known as the sub-clavian artery. 
In case of an injury to it anywhere above the point indicated 
in the illustration just referred to, it can be forced down WOUNDS. 
57 
against the first rib by inserting the thumb or fingers behind 
the collar-bone, using considerable strength, the head of the 
patient being in- 
clined toward the 
injured side, so as 
to relax the muscles. 
Meanwhile a by- 
stander may wrap 
both the ring and 
wards of a large 
door-key with cloth, 
so as to prevent in- 
jury to either the 
skin of the patient 
or the hand of the 
attendant, and the 
key may then take 
the place of the 
fingers, as is also 
shown in Fig. 8. 
Fig. 9 shows the 
proper positions for 
compressing the 
right and left facial 
arteries, where they 
pass through their 
respective notches, 
over the edge of the 
lower jaw; the right - 
temporal, just in 
front of the top of 
the ear, where it 
Fig. 8. 
Fig. 9. 58 
ACCIDENTS. 
may be felt beating, and the right sub-cla vian, the thumb being 
used for pressure in the case shown. The facials supply the 
entire face with blood, and obstinate bleeding from the nose or 
wounds in the face can be controlled by 
closing them. The temporals supply the 
scalp with blood, and it may be found 
necessary to compress them in wounds to 
this portion of the head. 
The hand is fed by the ulnar and radial 
arteries, the beatings of which make in the 
wrist respectively the deep and superficial 
pulses. As they join to form an arch in the 
palm of the hand, both should be con- 
stricted in case of injury to the latter. The 
manner of procedure is shown in Fig. 10. 
The many strong tendons, and the close- 
ness of the bones at this point, will prevent the use of any sort 
of home-made tourniquet. 
Cuts. 
Cuts are the most common of all the injuries which men 
sustain, and, consequently, every family should keep on hand 
a supply of needles, thread and bandages, as well as a small 
roll of adhesive plaster. In an ordinary wound of this kind 
a slight pressure over the channel supplying the blood, together 
with cold water applied to the wound, will stop the bleeding. 
But if the injury be very severe, it may be necessary to apply 
a bandage. 
Nature will unite divided surfaces, provided the parts are 
firmly pressed together, and will begin at once to reconstruct 
mangled flesh. Hence, in a cut, where the edges are smooth, 
the parts must be pressed together and retained as nearly as 
possible in their original position, by means of adhesive plaster 
or stitches, or both. 
Fig. 10. 8TABS—LACERATED FLESF 
59 
Stabs. 
A wound made by thrusting a dagger or other oblong in- 
strument into the flesh, is best treated, if an artery has not 
been severed, by applying lint scraped from a linen cloth, 
which serves as an obstruction, allowing and assisting coagula- 
tion. Meanwhile cold water should be applied to the parts 
adjoining the wound. 
Lacerated Flesh. 
It frequently happens that parts of flesh are torn away, and 
a large, gaping wound of quivering flesh is filled with sand, 
dirt or other foreign substances, according to the nature of the 
accident; all of which must be removed, and soft cloths, sat- 
urated with pure cold water, laid in the gash. 
Do not hesitate to use freely a soft sponge and make a vig- 
orous effort to press the parts into their original position, or as 
nearly so as the nature of the wound will permit, and hold 
them in place with strips of adhesive plaster. If the adhesive 
plaster is insufficient, take a few stitches, varying in number 
with the size of the wound. It may happen that a part of 
the instrument with which the wound has been made, remains 
buried deeply in a dangerous locality. Abstain from the ex- 
cessive use of force in trying to extract it and await the arrival 
of a surgeon who may withdraw the weapon by such means as 
his skill and knowledge furnish. Apply bandages rather 
loosely over the injured parts, and tightly over the sound ; 
this being accomplished, you have done all that anyone could 
do for the moment. 
Wound Becomes Feverish. 
Soreness and pain are necessary to the healing of a wound, 
and should cause no alarm whatever; but, if heat, swelling, 
and redness indicate that fever has set in, application of cold 60 
ACCIDENTS. 
water, discontinued when the symptoms cease, should soon 
reduce the flesh to a healing condition; and if this does not 
prove effectual on a short trial, give the patient a dose of salts, 
order low diet, and the desired results will follow. 
Beware of stimulants and nostrums; remember that all the 
remedies known to the practice of medicine are merely aids 
to nature, the most simple of them being often the most 
powerful. 
Fracture with Flesh Wound. 
Fracture, complicated with flesh wounds, such as is caused 
by a violent blow on the head, or a gash which lays bare a 
broken bone, constitutes a very aggravated case, and requires 
scientific skill in its proper treatment. However, the extra- 
neous matter should all be removed by the aid of a soft sponge 
and tweezers, and the flow of blood checked. And in connec- 
tion with these measures, employ such remedies to alleviate 
the sufferer’s pain as common sense approves and the circum- 
stances afford. 
Gunshot Wound. 
An injury of this description may range all the way from 
a simple flesh wound to the mangling of some vital organ, 
and be so formidable that scientific skill is required in its suc- 
cessful treatment. However, if there is an alarming flow of 
blood, it should be checked by applying a strong bandage 
tightly over the injured point. 
Gunshot wounds should be treated from the first with ref- 
erence to the blood-poisoning and lock-jaw frequently follow- 
ing them. 
In the city of Chicago, on the 15th of July, 1885, eight cases 
of death from lock-jaw, growing out of gunshot wounds re- 
ceived on the Fourth, were reported, and the number of similar 
cases which did not receive public notice was probably large. BLEEDING AT THE NOSE. 
61 
This trouble possesses no alarming features, but is frequently 
a source of great inconvenience. 
Treatment.—Quietude, the recumbent position, application 
of cold water to the face, neck, and back, or throwing cold 
water and vinegar into the nostril with a syringe will often 
succeed. 
The temperament of the patient determines the nature of 
nose-bleeding. It may arise from a plethoric habit of body, 
being then beneficial; or, it may proceed from a debilitated 
state of health, when it is manifestly hurtful. 
Bleeding at the Nose. 
1. If the wound be situated on one of the extremities, 
wrap a strip of dense, strong fabric around the injured mem- 
ber, and inserting a stick or ruler between the bandage and the 
flesh, twist it around several times. 
2. In a lacerated wound, with small streams of blood issu- 
ing from several points, lint, cold water, and ice dipped into 
the wound, together with slight pressure over the region from 
which the blood issues, will be sufficient. 
3. Should a large vein or an artery be severed in a locality 
where a pressure bandage can not be applied, find out by 
experiment at what point a pressure with the finger will 
cut off the supply of blood, and continue to apply such 
pressure until skilled hands have tied the severed vessel. 
For instance, a wound in the temple, which indicates an 
injury to the temporal artery, should lead the operator to 
press on each side of it separately, until he has located the 
artery. 
4. Simple, superficial cuts require nothing more than cold 
water and lint, the patient remaining absolutely quiet. 
General Rules for Checking' a Flow of Blood. 62 
ACCIDENTS. 
Dislocation. 
The extremities of all bones are covered or cushioned with 
elastic tissues which prevent violent concussions at the joints 
when the body or limb makes a change in position. On the 
ends of both bones meeting at a joint, there are tendons and liga- 
ments which give the limb a certain degree of freedom ; but, 
when it moves beyond the limit imposed by these tissues, it 
will not return to its proper position. This is known as dis- 
location. 
The most ordinary and simple dislocations are those of the 
fingers, and may be reduced by an unskilled operator with less 
Fig. 11. 
pain than would be suffered should the reduction be deferred 
till the arrival of a surgeon. 
Treatment.—Give the patient some stimulant, and immerse 
the limb in hot wTater. Seize the extremity of the dislocated 
member with one hand, placing the other hand above the dis- 
location, then by a strong, hard jerk, throw the bones into 
their proper positions. 
In more obstinate cases, greater force more gradually applied 
may be necessary ; and for this purpose, nothing is better than 
the simple device originated by Dr. Levis, of Philadelphia. 
It consists, as clearly shown in Fig. 12, of a flat piece of 
wood, about two inches in width, with holes on the edges at SPRAINS. 
63 
one end, for the passage of tape, and a projection at the other 
for winding and fastening the free ends of the tape. The 
manner of application may be readily understood from the 
engraving. 
Fig. 12. 
Still another method is that called the “clove-hitch,” origi- 
nated by Sir Astley Cooper. In Fig. 13, the “clove-hitch” 
is shown as applied in reducing a dislocation of the thumb. 
When this device is used, a piece of buckskin or wet cloth 
should be wrapped around the finger to prevent abrasion of 
Fig. 13. 
the skin by the cord. In connection with the direct force 
applied by either of these methods, the thumb and fingers of 
one hand, or those of an assistant, should be employed in push- 
ing the protruding ends of the bones, each in its proper direc- 
tion, into position. Patience is required in the operator. 
Sprains. 
A sprain is tire result of strain on the tendons and ligaments 
of a joint, severe enough to injure them but not to displace 64 
ACCIDENTS. 
the articulation. All sprains are of this nature, except, per- 
haps, those affecting the back, and all require about the same 
treatment. Strain in the back is noted as an exception, 
because this form of sprain is frequently complicated with in- 
jury to the spinal nerves or some internal organ. 
A fall from a height, a weight thrown heavily on the body, 
too severe an effort at lifting, or a sudden wrench to the frame, 
may strain the fibrous structures of the spinal column. Sucli 
an injury is accompanied by soreness and weakness in the 
loins, and blood in the urine, which denotes an injury to the 
kidneys. 
Treatment.—Give a purgative till it acts moderately, and apply 
fomentations of warm water to the locality of the pain, after 
so surrounding them with oilcloth as to protect the bed-cloth- 
ing. In severe cases apply thick cloths saturated with tincture 
of arnica, or paint the part frequently with iodine. When the 
patient has recovered sufficiently to be able to sit up in bed, 
continue to apply tincture of iodine or other stimulating ab- 
sorbent, and no lasting ill-effects are likely7- to follow. Sprains 
in other regions require absolute rest and the application of 
any liniment at hand. 
Aside from tlie concussion, fractures and dislocations, re- 
sulting from an accident to a train, there is a form of injury so 
frequently attending wrecks, that it is regarded as peculiar to 
them, and is called the “ railway spine.” 
A combination of circumstances, as the velocity of the mov- 
ing train, the momentum acquired by the person, and the 
anxiety naturally felt upon realizing that one has been injured, 
powerfully shocks the nervous system, and this, in combina- 
tion with the actual physical shock received, results in the ob- 
scure disorder just named. 
Railway Accidents. RAILWAY ACCIDENTS. 
65 
The visible effects of a concussion of the spine are always 
obscure, and the severer pains are usually tardy in making 
their appearance, even though the final outcome may be very 
serious. 
The inflammation which afterward sets up in the spinal 
chord and surrounding tissues is always disproportionate 
to the supposed force of the blow, or wrench on the spine, 
and the disease develops slowly. At the time of the accident 
the injured man experiences a feeling of general soreness, 
but no acute pains. The power of motion is not interfered 
with, and the destined sufferer goes home unaware of the 
agony that awaits him. Soon he undergoes quite a change, 
which destroys serenity of mind, produces sleeplessness, and 
is accompanied by a feeling of stiffness in the loins and back. 
New complications are daily unfolded ; the special senses be- 
come impaired, temper is ungovernable, and hope overshad- 
owed. The patient finds his aptitude for business gradually 
disappearing, and, with mental faculties weakened, he sinks 
into a miserable immobility. Partial or entire paralysis 
with defective nutrition render the extremities cold and 
apparently lifeless. One characteristic of the nervous system 
is that, once impaired, it never regains its former health 
and strength. Partial recovery from injury to the spine may 
be attained, but complete restoration never. All that can 
be done for such a patient is to compel absolute mental and 
physical rest, and build up the general health to the utmost 
possible extent. There is a train of secondary disorders follow- 
ing upon broken-down health, the advance of which may be 
checked by such remedies as tend to stimulate the vital organs 
into normal activity ; to this end treatment should be directed. 
On boarding a car it is wise, on the whole, to get as near the 
centre of the train as convenient, in order to be removed from 
the vicinity of collisions at either end. 66 
ACCIDENTS. 
Runaways. 
The circumstances attending an accident of this class are so 
varied that nothing but a few general instructions can be given 
as pertinent. While you are in the vehicle, sit perfectly still, 
guard your arms and feet against any entanglements whatever, 
and keep yourself in readiness for the probable overturn. 
Jumping about and screaming, besides adding to the horse’s 
terror, render you liable to be caught in some part of the 
vehicle, and to have a limb torn from the body, or to receive 
an internal lesion. 
There is one important direction to be followed, which pre- 
supposes great strength of will and presence of mind: that is, 
sit with the muscles in an easy and relaxed condition. An 
infant or intoxicated adult may fall and escape with a bruise, 
where a sober adult would suffer a fracture or dislocation. 
The cause for this is found in the condition of the muscles; in 
the first case, they are relaxed and easy; in the second, con- 
tracted, firm, and deprived of that flexibility which is found 
preeminently in children. Never attempt to jump from a 
vehicle, unless it is opened behind, and you can slip down and 
run a short distance, holding on, to break your fall. If you 
jump when on level road, the violence of your fall will be 
increased, and your injuries, consequently, more likely to 
prove fatal. Let prudence, and not unreasoning terror direct 
your actions. 
Burns. 
A burn is a condition of the flesh brought about by contact 
with some heated or burning substance, and is always attended 
by serious and very frequently fatal results. Heated metals, 
gas and stones, not in a state of ignition, have the same physio- 
logical effects on animal flesh, when brought in close proximity 
to it, as ignited oil, coal or gas have when in contact with it. BURNS. 
67 
Treatment.—Whenever you discover that a person’s clothing 
is on fire, seize a quilt, mat, rug or anything convenient, and 
clasp it tightly around the burning garment. To effect this 
the recumbent position is most favorable, therefore the unfor- 
tunate should be thrown upon the floor, where rugs or carpets 
are usually to be found ready for instant application by roll- 
ing them around the sufferer. 
This will extinguish the blaze, and limit the severity 
of the injuries. Having laid the patient down in a com- 
fortable position, skillfully remove the clothing, employ- 
ing great caution, and using a knife or scissors, if neces- 
sary, in order to preclude the possibility of tearing away 
the flesh with it. Should the two adhere, separate them 
by saturating the clothing with warm water. The skin 
serves as a protection to the vital and tender parts be- 
neath, and its removal would be a very serious aggra- 
vation. 
In any burn, serious or superficial, some coating material 
should be spread over the injured surface, such as sweet oil 
or molasses, thickened with flour. Molasses and flour, as a 
general thing, are easily obtained, and are accessible to all, and 
when the burn has been denuded of clothing, pour syrup over 
it, and sprinkle it with flour. Sweet oil poured on a cloth 
will serve the same purpose. At any rate, those in attend- 
ance should employ the means most readily at hand to shut 
off free air. 
Carbonate of soda, sprinkled on the burned parts, and 
dampened with water, is an excellent curative agent in burns 
or scalds, and, whereas, an ulcer might reasonably be expected 
to result, carbonate of soda, applied shortly after the burn, will 
allay the pain, and prevent a sore. 
Intense pain and exhaustion following, the patient should 
be given some stimulant. 68 
ACCIDENTS. 
Scald. 
Flesh coming in contact with heated oil, water, gas, steam, 
or other fluids, is reduced to an unhealthy condition known 
as scald. 
The heat of the fluid, the sensibility of the parts, the length 
of the application, and the extent of surface involved, de- 
termine the severity of the injury. In ordinary, mild cases of 
scalding, the skin is marked by redness and slight swelling, 
and, if a blister has not been produced, the burning sensation 
may be relieved by the application of cold water. In an ex- 
tensive scald the free use of ice and cold water will afford re- 
lief. Scald and burn are very different in this respect, since 
burns require a warm treatment and scalds a cold one. Mix 
salt or saltpetre with the cold water and, with a view to in- 
creasing the cold still more, add an evaporative substance to 
the solution, applying it freely. 
When blisters “raise,” cut them open and apply vaseline 
with floss silk or absorbent cotton around the wound. 
Bruise. 
Flesh is said to be bruised when the smaller blood vessels 
are mangled so that the blood escapes from its proper channels 
into the cellular tissue of the true skin. This condition of the 
flesh, its appearance and the attendant sensations, are familiar 
to almost every one. The normal color and condition are 
gradually restored to the parts through the agency of little ves- 
sels known as absorbents. 
Treatment enters for the purpose of preventing the effusion 
of blood into the cellular tissue. To this end cold water ap- 
plication serves admirably, aided by the elevation, if possible, 
of the injured parts above the level of the body. Of course, 
if the bruised flesh be situated over a bone, the effusion of MASHED NAILS. 
69 
blood is slow ; elsewhere it is slow or rapid, as the injury is 
limited or extensive. When the bruise reaches its maximum 
density of color, the object of treatment should be to hasten 
the absorption of the clotted blood, and to reduce the swelling. 
Tincture of iodine will assist absorption, and puncturing the 
large dark-brown blisters may permit the blood to escape 
externally. 
Mashed Nails. 
In case a finger or toe nail be bruised or mashed, keen pain 
is occasioned by the collection of blood between the nail and 
the underlying flesh, producing pressure. The part of the 
nail involved in the injury dies, and a newly formed nail grad- 
ually pushes it off from the finger. In some cases the nail 
joint may be injured, and give rise to the formation of pus, 
with considerable inflammation, but the process of building 
goes on without interruption, and nature soon supplies the 
finger with a new nail. 
Treatment.—If the injured member be plunged into very 
hot water the nail will become pliable and adapt itself to the 
new condition of things, thus alleviating agony to some extent. 
A small hole may be bored in the nail with a pointed instru- 
ment, so adroitly as not to cause pain, yet so successfully as to 
relieve pressure on the sensitive tissues. Free applications of 
arnica or iodine will have an excellent effect. 
Mashed Toe or Finger. 
Bone is enslieathed in an integument known as the perios- 
teum,, and when it is involved in an injury, the periosteum be- 
comes intensely inflamed. In a short time purulent matter is 
formed under and around it, which requires immediate 
attention. 
A free incision will afford the pus a ready means of escape, 70 
ACCIDENTS. 
and the sufferer instant relief. But if it be left unlanced, the 
surrounding parts will also become purulent. Early applica- 
tion of the bistoury or lancet is, therefore, recommended. 
Fish Bone in the Throat. 
This is an accident attended by great pain, and some degree 
of danger. In the action of swTallowTing, just as the throat 
closes, if a fish bone chance to be present, it will probably be 
forced into one of the fleshy walls of the throat, and severe 
inflammation will ensue. 
Treatment.—Press the tongue down with a spoon-handle so 
as to command a full view of the throat, and with a pair of 
tweezers remove the offending bone. Should this attempt be 
ineffectual, the patient may swallow some thick fluid in such 
large quantities that the bone shall be carried dowTnwTard. The 
wiiites of several eggs, sw'allowed singly, are almost sure to 
dislodge and remove the bone; but, if these fail, a surgeon 
should be sent for at once, as the knife may be the only resource 
for affording relief. 
Wheat-beard in the Throat. 
Iii harvesting tlieir wheat, farmers are compelled to come 
in contact with the long spears of beard which surround the 
head of grain. This spear is armed with small projections, 
which serve like the barb on a fish-hook, to hold it in its place 
when inserted. The harvester frequently gets one of these 
fastened in his throat, from drinking water in the fields, or in 
throwing the grain against his chest in the act of binding the 
sheaves, and the result is that it becomes embedded in the 
fleshy parts of the gullet, and swelling follows. The inflam- 
mation is sometimes so great that the air-passages are closed, 
and death results. FOREIGN BODY IN THE EYE. 
71 
Treatment.—Unfortunately, when an accident of this kind 
occurs, men are farthest removed from the means of relief. 
However, a paddle may be whittled from wood and with it 
the tongue may be depressed, and a view obtained of the 
throat; then the ends of a crooked twig may be beveled off and 
the stick, being broken in the middle, furnishes a pair of rude 
forceps, which will serve their purpose well enough; press the 
tongue down till a fair view is obtained of the throat and use 
the wooden tweezers to extract the irritating awn or beard 
of wheat. 
Foreign Body in the Eye. 
Very few persons are unacquainted with the tormenting 
pain excited by a hair or other object in contact with the 
eyeball. 
Always bear in mind that the lining membrane of the 
eyelids and the surface of the eyeballs are very sensitive, 
and are provided for their protection with secretions which 
possess a dissolving power sufficient to render an ordinary 
intruding object harmless. For this reason that vigorous 
rubbing so often practiced should be refrained from, since 
by moving the object around, it is made to scratch these 
tender tissues. 
Treatment. —When any foreign body enters the eye, close it 
instantly, and keep it still until you have an opportunity to 
ask the assistance of some one; then have the upper lid folded 
over a pencil and the exposed surfaces closely searched; if the 
body be invisible, catch the everted lid by the lashes, and 
drawing it down over the lower lid, suddenly release it, and it 
will resume its natural position. Unsuccessful in this attempt, 
you may be pretty well assured that the object has become 
lodged in the tissues, and will require the assistance of a skilled 
operator to remove it. 72 
ACCIDENTS. 
Foreign Body in the Nose, 
Accidents of this kind occur through the ignorance of 
children, greatly to the alarm of mothers. 
Treatment.—If the substance is inclined to swell wrhen moist- 
ened, any effort to remove it should be hasty. Let the lungs 
be completely inflated, and, obstructing the outward passage 
of air through the uninjured nostril, make a violent effort to 
expel the air through the injured one. A blow on the back, 
and the introduction of snuff or pepper into the nose, may pro- 
duce sneezing or hard breathing, which, wit h the mouth and 
sound nostril closed, may force the object out. Failure in 
these efforts should lead to a direct attempt to hook the 
object out with a crooked hairpin, or an effort to grasp it 
with the tweezers. Meanwhile have the doctor summoned 
at once. 
Foreign Body in the Ear. 
Adults sometimes suffer from insects entering the ear during 
sleep, while children become victims to their own innocence 
by poking small foreign bodies into it. 
Treatment.—Instead of rashly pushing and poking the 
object, try some method for producing a pressure behind it. 
The external opening of the ear terminates on the inside in 
tender tissues wThich are injured by rough contact with any 
hard or pointed instrument; hence, if the offending object be 
an insect, lay the head down on the uninjured ear, and pour 
sweet oil into the tube-like opening formed by catching the 
the edges of the ear, and drawing them up from the head. In 
a short time, you will be gratified by seeing the insect come 
floating to the top. 
In case the object be a pea, pebble or anything of similar 
nature, turn the head with the injured ear downward, and, FISH HOOK IN THE FLESH. 
73 
inserting a syringe, evacuate it forcibly. This will throw 
the water behind the object, moving it downward and 
outward. 
Fish Hook in the Flesh. 
The pain attendant upon an accident of this kind often 
induces the sufferer to wriggle the hook about until an open- 
ing is made in the flesh, large enough to admit of its extrac- 
tion. The better plan is to push the hook rather in the di- 
rection in which it started, until it penetrates the surface of 
the flesh. An incision with some sharp-pointed instrument 
may be necessary; force the hook forward until it emerges 
from the bottom of the incision, then, with clippers or a file 
break off the flat handle of the hook, and catching the remain- 
der by the point, pull it through the flesh. 
Needle, Thorn or Splinter in the Flesh. 
The second layer, or true skin, is everywhere provided 
with a network of nerves, so that no object, however small, 
can penetrate it without producing considerable pain. Gen- 
erally, the most prominent feature of such a wound is the dis- 
comfort rather than the extent of the injury. 
Treatment.—In case a needle become deeply imbedded in the 
flesh, an incision should be made with the knife, which will 
expose the offending article to the tweezers or forceps. In 
certain localities, the flesh can be grasped with the needle, 
lengthwise between the thumb and forefinger; pressure on the 
head of the needle will then force it out, point foremost. A 
thorn, unless broken off in the flesh, can be easily caught and 
withdrawn. If in such a position that the occasion demands 
the knife and tweezers, and relief can be afforded in no other 
way, they should be at once employed, otherwise the flesh ad- 
jacent to the thorn will fester. 74 
ACCIDENTS. 
Splinter in the flesh is of very common occurrence, and 
affords no cause for alarm, unless so serious that lock-jaw is 
threatened. Persons engaged in handling undressed wood, 
building fires, or working around mills, are liable to get splin- 
ters imbedded between the fipger-nail and the flesh beneath, 
to which it is attached; and, if allowed to remain, a serious 
inflammation will take place, ending, probably, in the loss of 
the injured finger; as the knife will have to be used sooner or 
later, it is economy to use it in the beginning. Splinters em- 
bedded in the flesh elsewhere will have the same general fea- 
tures and treatment as thorns. 
Finger Rings Embedded in the Flesh. 
A comfortably fitting ring may be retained on a growing 
finger until the joint becomes too large to admit of remov- 
ing the ornament, or force may have been required in put- 
ting the ring on, and some violent use being made of the 
hand, a swelling results which shuts off the return of blood 
from the finger’s extremity, and the flesh crovrds up around 
and, sometimes, over the ring. Mortification must inevitably 
set in, unless the ring be removed. To release the ring from 
this confinement, wrap the finger with a small, strong twine, 
commencing at the extremity of the digit, and proceed wrap- 
ping it round and round until close to the ring, then, with 
some flat, blunt instrument, slip the string beneath the ring, 
commence to unwrap it, and the ring will gradually move 
to the finger’s end. Where the pain is too keen, or the 
swelling so great as to threaten laceration from the ring’s 
edges, or the wrapping method proves a failure, procure 
a file or saw, insert something under the ring to prevent 
wounding the flesh, and proceed to saw or file the band 
apart. COLD—FROST BITE—FREEZING. 
75 
Cold—Frost Bite—Freezing. 
Frost bite is of very common occurrence in our Northern 
States, and death from exposure to cold is by no means rare. 
A few general remarks on the subject may prove serviceable : 
1. Freezing to death is comparatively painless, and re- 
sults from lowering of the bodily temperature, producing a 
congealed state of the blood. 
2. When riding or walking through a very cold atmos- 
phere, if a disposition to sleep manifests itself, do not yield ; 
it is death. 
3. A covering of snow is better than exposure to the 
open winds, if you are overcome by the cold. 
After an undue exposure to the cold, it is frequently dis- 
covered that the nose and ear, a toe or a finger has been 
“nipped.” The physical condition of the injured part is 
simply this : the blood is frozen in the capillaries, and an 
application of heat will cause them to expand and burst the 
flesh adjoining, rendering the part sore and subject to mor- 
tification. 
Treatment.—Do not expose the frozen part to the heat of 
a fire-place, or even that of a warm room, but endeavor to start 
circulation by friction, allowing the temperature to rise very 
gradually. There is a story frequently related of the Nor- 
wegians, that it is their custom, when passing one another, 
to stoop down, gather a handful of snow, and begin rubbing 
each other on the nose or face. Experience has taught them 
the best remedy, and wisdom on our part would lead us to 
adopt their method. Rub the frosted parts vigorously with 
snow or very cold water till the proper healthy color returns 
to them. This may not be a very light task if the case be 
severe, and the rubbing may require hours of perseverance. 
Let the subject move about rapidly, or engage in any exer- 76 
ACCIDENTS, 
cise tending to produce animal heat. When the parts have 
softened and regained their color, apply lard or sweet oil 
to the skin; then, after protecting the patient with heavy 
wraps, and having enveloped the frozen parts in flannel, 
administer a moderate dose of brandy and direct him to 
take a rapid wralk during an hour or two, and the normal 
condition will return, leaving no ill effects. 
Sunburn. 
Soreness of the surface, produced by heat or wind, is called 
“sunburn.” At first the skin smarts and becomes red, but, 
upon a cessation of the exposure for a time, it assumes its 
natural condition. However, if the exposure continue, the 
redness may disappear, and pigment be deposited in the tissues 
from the blood; the skin is then said to be “ tanned;” so that 
in persons habitually subject to such exposures we find a 
swarthy skin. 
It often happens that boys in bathing, and persons whose 
skin is tender, are exposed to a degree of heat to which they 
are unaccustomed, and the red skin frequently becomes puffed 
up into very painful blisters, while the entire surface that has 
been exposed is raw and swollen. 
Treatment.—Again we go to the kitchen for a remedy. 
Apply sweet cream to the raw and blistered places; keep the 
patient quiet, protect the body from contact with rough sur- 
faces, and should the healing skin become hard and dry, 
anoint it with any bland oil or ointment, and nature will do 
the rest. 
Anyone unused to the open air should, during the first 
few days of exposure wear some light covering over the sur- 
faces unprotected by the clothing, until the tender integument 
has had an opportunity to adjust itself to the new order of 
things. SUNSTROKE 
77 
Sunstroke. 
Sunstroke does not necessarily arise from undue exposure 
to the sun’s rays, but may proceed from heat which is either 
actually too excessive, or which is encountered -when the vital 
forces of the body are near the point of exhaustion. 
Symptoms.—The breath becomes heavy and hot, pulse low, 
head feverish, and total unconsciousness follows. The blood, 
being collected in the brain and internal organs, leaves the 
extremities in a chilly state. 
Treatment.—If a house be near by, carry the patient to it ; 
if not, select some cool place under a neighboring tree, and 
stretch the unconscious man out at full length, with the head 
slightly elevated above the level of the body; apply ice to the 
head. 
City and country people alike should observe certain pre- 
cautions against attacks of this description, and so avoid the 
danger. A dry, hard skin will not admit of the proper radia- 
tion of heat from the body, and, consequently, the danger of 
becoming overheated is augmented by such conditions. This 
state of body, favorable to an attack of prostration from 
heat, may be produced by loss of sleep, lack of. proper nour- 
ishment, poor ventilation, uncleanliness of habit, fatigue or 
intemperance. Plainly, then, where these particulars are prop- 
erly attended to, the skin will remain moist and pliable, and 
the liability to sunstroke will be appreciably diminished. GENERAL DISORDERS. 
Falling Fits—Epilepsy. 
This is certainly one of the most terrible diseases attendant 
on humanity. Occurring in infancy, the afflicted one may 
outgrow the disease, but the probability is that it will become 
constitutional and incurable. The “fit” consists of convul- 
sions and paroxyms, occurring at uncertain periods, and ac- 
companied by a suspension of sensibility, consciousness and 
voluntary motion. It may come suddenly, or it may have 
premonitory symptoms which warn the unfortunate of the 
approaching paroxysm. When the fit is well under way, the 
eyeballs protrude, foam issues from the mouth, and the whole 
countenance becomes livid, swollen and frightfully distorted. 
At times the convulsions are so violent that only the presence of 
some one who may interfere prevents the patient from pound- 
ing his head or chewing his tongue. Epilepsy may arise from 
disease of the spinal marrow, from irritation of the stomach and 
intestines, from excessive loss of blood, or continued overwork, 
and is invited also by a free indulgence in alcoholic beverages, 
as well—it is averred—as by the excessive use of calomel. 
The Treatment is very simple: Place the patient in the mid- 
dle of the bed, so that he may not bruise his flesh or fracture 
his bones, elevate the head slightly above the level of the body, 
loosen all tight clothing, insert some pliable material, as a 
piece of cork or rubber, between his jaws, to prevent chewing 
the tongue, and, after a short period of sleep, consciousness 
will return. 
The most important consideration for the epileptic is his 
diet, which should be light, plain, simple and nutritious. All 
his actions should be guided by moderation. Temperance is 
78 FAINTING. 
79 
demanded in eating and exercise, and especially should such a 
person avoid crowded, heated rooms, excitement, and any use 
whatever of intoxicating liquors. He should pay attention to 
keeping his feet warm and his head cool, and should sleep in 
a room well ventilated, with head and shoulders slightly ele- 
vated. Regulating these particulars may not cure the disease, 
but will lessen the severity as well as the frequency of its 
attacks. 
Fainting. 
Fainting is unconsciousness, produced by feeble and im- 
perfect action of the heart and lungs. It is distinguished from 
the great variety of other “fits” by low and feeble pulse, 
slight respiration, and the conspicuous absence of convulsions. 
It often occasions considerable apprehension among bystand- 
ers to see a person faint, but the correct remembrance of these 
characteristics may obviate this unnecessary fear. The patient 
suddenly, or, it may be, after some forerunning symptoms, 
sinks into unconsciousness. In a few minutes, or perhaps an 
hour, the eyes open languidly, the lips more and the patient 
speaks in a subdued and languid tone, gradually recovering 
strength and buoyancy ; though recovery is sometimes pre- 
ceded by violent headache. 
Treatment.—The treatment should be directed toward rally- 
ing the circulation. This may be effected by placing the 
patient in a horizontal position, dashing cold water in the face, 
and applying mustard to the soles of the feet, and camphor to 
the nostrils. When the subject begins to revive, it may be 
well to administer a small drink of water and spirits, mixed in 
equal parts. Persons predisposed to fainting should follow 
closely the laws of hygiene and general health. If excess in 
diet, overwhelming emotions, loss of blood, long fasting and 
fatigue be all avoided, fainting, even though it proceed 
some constitutional weakness, will be less frequent. 80 
ACCIDENTS. 
Hysterics. 
Hysteria is an obscure disease, depending mainly upon nerv- 
ous sjunpatliy, and is by some physicians regarded as purely 
imaginary. But, however trivial may be its real cause, it is 
no less an actual disease, demanding treatment. Its occur- 
rence is dependent upon a variety of inherent causes, princi- 
pally those resulting in a low nervous tone. It is more common 
in unmarried than in married women, being most frequent 
in young women under thirty-five years of age ; the attacks 
occurring generally during the duration of feminine “periods.” 
Suppression of these is a common exciting cause, as are also 
sudden violent emotions of any sort whatever. 
• Symptoms.—The precursive symptoms are various in differ- 
ent individuals: yawning, dejection, palpitation of the heart, 
sudden causeless bursts of tears, etc., may be present; but they 
may be entirely absent. When the paroxysm develops, there is 
nearly always a sense as of a ball in the throat, accompanied 
usually by flatulence, and a copious discharge of pale urine. 
Contortions of the body, alternate fits of laughter, crjung and 
screaming follow, and finally the attack passes off without 
damage. 
The Treatment should be preventive. For one known to be 
subject to hysterics, nutritious food, plenty of exercise and 
cheerful surroundings are absolutely necessary, as careful 
hygiene will almost certainly correct the hysteric tendency. 
On the occurrence of an attack, place the patient in bed, 
loosen all the clothing,—especially the corsets,—slap the chest 
with the end of a towel wet with cold water, and see to it 
that fresh air is freely admitted to the room. The manner 
should be firm, but not brutal. Iron, quassia, sea-bathing, 
and in winter a strip of strengthening plaster along the spine 
are recommended as excellent in subsequent treatment. DIPHTHERIA—MUMPS. 
81 
This disease, as an epidemic, appears to be gradually de- 
veloping into more serious and virulent proportions than it 
formerly attained. It seems to have no relation whatever to 
the climate or condition of the atmosphere. It appears as 
frequently in the warm as it does in the cold countries, and is 
dangerous because the subject is not likely to detect radical 
symptoms before the malady has obtained a firm hold. The 
patient becomes feverish and displays a tendency to hoarse- 
ness. The glands just beneath the jaw-bone become enlarged, 
and the neck grows stiff. Such symptoms should arouse sus- 
picion, and incite an investigation. Holding the root of the 
tongue down with a spoon, carefully examine the throat in 
search for little white spots in the mucous membrane about 
the fauces, and, if the spots be present, you may be assured 
that the disease is under headway and the patient can be 
saved, if saved at all, only by the most efficient and prompt 
measures ; hence, the family physician should be summoned at 
once.- 
Females are more inclined to diphtheria than males, and 
children are more likely to be afflicted than adults ; but, in 
every case, the weak are more severely attacked than the 
strong. Diphtheria, in its epidemic form at least, is now 
classed among the zymotic, or germ, diseases. 
Mumps. 
This contagious disease, most common among children, 
begins with soreness, stiffness and swelling in one or both sides 
of the neck, combined with swelling of the parotid gland. 
These symptoms increase in severity for four or five days, and 
sometimes keep up a soreness and difficulty in swallowing for 
weeks. There are often a dry skin, quick pulse, constipated 
bowels and scanty, highly-colored urine. 
Diphtheria. 82 
ACCIDENTS. 
Treatment.—It is very important that the face and neck be 
kept warm. Avoid catching cold, and regulate the stomach . 
and bowels; because, when aggravated, this disease is com- 
municated to other glands, and assumes there a serious form. 
Rest and quiet, with a good condition of the general health, 
will throw off this disease without further inconvenience. 
In a changeable climate, where the temperature is 'constantly- 
swinging from one extreme to another, this trouble is one of 
the most frequent and alarming among children. The princi- 
pal danger, in cases of this kind, arises from the liability of 
the mucous lining of the fauces to grow so rapidly as to close 
the air passages in the throat, and so suffocate the patient. 
Symptoms.—The symptoms of croup are a short, dry cough, 
accompanied by hoarseness, which increases in severity until 
the breathing becomes very difficult and labored, requiring all 
the child’s strength to sustain respiration. Now, these symp- 
toms may be indications of simple sore throat; but croup is 
marked by a hoarse, peculiarly rasping cough (the distinctive 
cough, which has been aptly called the “barking” of croup, 
from its resemblance to the growling and barking of a dog). 
It needs to be heard but once to be remembered always. 
Treatment.—Summon the family physician, and, pending 
his arrival, put into practice these directions : 
Apply a mustard draught to the feet and throat of the 
patient until the flesh is fairly reddened, and administer some 
drink to produce vomiting. To this end, give warm water 
with salt in solution, or a dose of ipecac, or, better still, alum 
and water, repeating the dose every three hours, so as to keep 
the patient on the point of vomiting. Should this fail to 
afford free breathing, give one teaspoonful of molasses and 
yinegar every half-hour. This old-fashioned, homely remedy 
Croup. BLEEDING FROM THE LUNGS. 
83 
has been very successfully used in numberless instances. In 
most cases, however, alum water will be found effective. 
Bleeding from the Lungs. 
Hemorrhage, or bleeding from the lungs, is a very common 
occurrence in the middle latitudes of the United States, and 
may be caused by hereditary predisposition to consumption, 
long continued abuse of the lungs by breathing noxious airs, 
or the settling of a cold upon them. 
The blood coming from the lungs is of a frothy consistency 
and scarlet color, and is thrown out by an effort at cough- 
ing, rather than by vomiting. When the hemorrhage comes 
on, the air passages in the throat become clogged up with 
blood, and the sufferer is threatened with choking; it is, there- 
fore, very desirable to know of some simple remedy which 
may tide the unfortunate over the first attack. 
Treatment.—Mix a drop of paregoric with a teaspoonful of 
vinegar in a small quantity of cold water, and administer a dose 
of this size every half-hour, until relief is obtained. The pa- 
tient should be consulted as to his comfort when propped 
up in bed, and'should not be allowed to exert himself men- 
tally or physically. The chest may be sponged witli 
vinegar and water, and nourishing diet should be given in 
as large quantities as the sufferer can well digest. Such 
symptoms, however, should give rise to grave apprehensions, 
and no time should be lost in placing the subject under the 
care of an experienced physician. 
Hives. 
This disorder consists in raised patches or welts, accompa- 
nied by redness of the parts, itching and a feeling of depression. 
They frequently appear in a few moments, and depart as 
quickly, leaving no traces of their existence. Hives do not 84 
ACCIDENTS. 
produce fatal results, but the uncomfortable itching and burn- 
ing which they create makes it desirable to know how one may 
escape the torment. 
Some individuals are free from such afflictions, while others 
are so unfortunately constituted that any local irritation or 
slight internal disturbance is sufficient to bring out the hives 
iD great numbers. The internal causes which suffice to pro- 
duce them are various, and vary in different persons. The 
commonest fruits, as raspberries and strawberries, which are 
eaten with great freedom by all classes of people will, in some 
individuals, bring out hives. Sudden checking of perspira- 
tion may produce the same results. This disease, as well as 
all others which demand our attention on account of their 
frequency rather than llieir seriousness, must be treated with 
reference to the special cause; and persons of ordinary ob- 
servation can tell, each in his or her individual case, just what 
the exciting cause may be. 
Treatment.—As a general thing, the bowels should be freely 
evacuated and regulated, and thereafter mild laxatives and 
stimulants may afford relief, as soon as they have had time to 
act. Epsom salts and bismuth will serve the purpose well. 
The smarting may be so severe that the patient resorts to 
scratching, which, instead of affording ease, merely increases 
the irritation. In such case, make an application of vinegar, 
whisky, bay rum or soda, mixed in equal parts with water, to 
the smarting surfaces. 
A bath in water containing bicarbonate of soda may arrest 
the irritation, and should be regulated, as regards temperature 
and strength, to suit the feelings of the patient. 
Boils. 
Notwithstanding the great advances that have been made 
in medical science, the cause of these distressingly familiar BOILS 
85 
eruptions is not certainly known. All the knowledge we have 
on the subject merely teaches us that an unhealthy state of the 
blood is likely to produce them, and that the best way to 
avoid them is to observe carefully the general rules of hygiene. 
Fortunately, however, though distressful, an eruption of boils 
is in no way serious, and, were it not for the discomfort and 
inconvenience attendant upon them, would not be worth 
notice. 
The boil starts in a small pimple, which gradually increases 
from the proportions of a slight lump in the flesh until it has 
attained its maximum size. The lump consists of healthy pus, 
which is thick and viscid, and sometimes deeply imbedded in 
the flesh, in which case a poultice will serve to soften the 
lumpy matter, rendering it unhealthy and hastening its dis- 
charge. 
A thin slice of fat meat put in contact with the boil for 
about twelve hours will cause a yellow spot to appear on the 
surface, which may be safely punctured, when pressure on 
the sides of the boil will expel its contents. Should the boil 
be situated on the nose, so that fat meat can not be con- 
veniently applied during the day, fasten it on at night with 
strips of adhesive plaster, and over them place a piece of 
woolen cloth or oiled silk to protect the bedclothing. 
Boils are sometimes erroneously regarded as beneficial; 
whereas, they are an unhealthy sign and should lead the 
person afflicted with them to correct his manner of living, and 
improve the state of his blood. For the latter purpose the 
compound syrup of sarsaparilla is a time-honored and elegant 
agent which, if it renders but little real service, is at least 
harmless and agreeable. The original boil is usually merely 
the harbinger of an army of invasion, and the malady, unless 
abated, will run its course. The boil itself may be poulticed 
with flaxseed, or bread and milk, with laudanum, if painful. 86 
ACCIDENTS. 
Lancing is recommended, as soon as a “head” appears, 
though as this merely prevents a couple of days of additional 
suffering, it is not necessary, should the patient dread the 
knife. It is asserted that if the initial pimple be lanced 
exactly through its middle, a boil will not form. The pain of 
such an operation may be entirely avoided by freezing the 
spot for a few minutes with ice and salt, so as to render it 
insensible. Some physicians recommend ten grains of quinine 
daily for a week, for breaking up a course of boils. It some- 
times appears to be effective, but often fails. 
Carbuncles are little more than confluent boils, though the 
copiousness of their discharges and the intensity of the inflam- 
mation induced by them renders them of more serious import. 
They usually make their appearance at the side or back of the 
neck, and are more extensive, more ill-conditioned, and larger 
than simple boils, besides being almost always solitary. The 
carbuncle comes in the form of a pimple, which soon de- 
velops a tumor larger at its base. This tumor finds an outlet 
for its pus through several openings, discharging finally a 
membranous “core.” When the carbuncle has reached its 
maximum size it is sometimes as large as an orange, pre- 
senting a rough, red, honey-combed appearance. 
Old persons are more liable to carbuncle than young people, 
because an outbreak of this nature indicates general debility. 
The Treatment should have in view the strengthening of 
the system. Stimulants, as wine and ammonia, should be 
judiciously given with raw eggs, beef tea, cream, mutton 
chops, etc. The necessary incisions must be made by the 
surgeon. 
Pimples—Flesh Worms—Acne. 
Very few persons escape annoyance from simple acne or 
pimples, at some time during life. The frequency of their FELON 
87 
occurrence and tlieir extent varies in different individuals and 
may proceed from very different causes, and, though the 
trouble is rarely manifested in so flagrant a form as to require 
medical assistance, those who are even mildly afflicted would 
willingly sacrifice much in order to be rid of so disagreeable 
and noticeable a disease. 
A small, red spot appears, singly or in a group with others, 
becomes yellow, emits a white plug on being squeezed, com- 
pletes its history, and disappears in a few days. 
The white plug is neither a worm itself, nor does it result 
from the presence of a worm in the flesh,—though one or more 
microscopic creatures of this sort may be found in it. 
One cause of pimples in adults, is the free use of wines, 
liquors, ale and beer ; and, in younger persons, rich diet may 
produce the same ugly effect. But causes deeper and more 
difficult of removal may be found in disordered kidneys, liver, 
or other internal organs; and, when originating in any of 
these ways, skin eruptions are merely the symptoms of a more 
serious disorder and will disappear when the inciting disease 
is cured. 
In most cases, acne seems determined to run its course, and 
the most that can be done is to correct the habits of eating, 
drinking, bathing and sleeping, and to build up the general 
health. Mere local applications can do no good, since the 
pimples proceed from deeper sources. 
Felon—Whitlow—Paronychia. 
This most painful malady oftener attacks women than men, 
and is especially common among laundry women. It is rare 
among persons under about the age of fifteen, and is seldom 
seen among the wealthier classes. It is possible to bring about 
a felon by a bruise upon the finger (such as may be made by 
the head of a pin), but the common cause is maceration in and 88 
ACCIDENTS. 
changes from hot to cold water—conditions to which wash- 
w'omen and scrub-women are constantly subject. 
The Symptoms are at first, tenderness, a dark red or mottled 
color, swelling and tension; and finally, extreme throbbing 
and pulsating pain, which increases greatly in severity when 
the hand is pendant, so that the blood naturally falls to the 
extremity. Ordinarily the felon is more painful than danger- 
ous, but -when it chances to have its origin near the bone, it 
may destroy it, and even invade the joints. This is most pos- 
sible when the tip of the finger is attacked. 
Treatment.—All medication, such as poulticing, anointing, 
and the application of lotions, is but useless waste of time. 
The surgeon’s knife should be used as early as possible, for it 
will be required sooner or later, and the more promptly it can 
be applied, the less danger is there from the disease, and the 
more agony is spared to the unfortunate victim. 
Headache. 
Headache is an affliction -which visits people of all classes 
and ages. It arises from such a variety of causes, that to lay 
down a specific treatment is impossible. Each case must be 
treated with reference to its particular cause. 
Pain in the head may he but the symptom of a disease lo- 
cated in some other region of the body, that is to say, it may 
be purely sympathetic, but in a majority of cases it results 
from some form of indigestion. If the patient be afflicted with 
a feeling of general debility and worthlessness, a dose of pills 
may remove the surplus bile and cause the pain to pass away 
in its company. Diversion may afford temporary relief to 
nervous headache, but sleep alone can restore a healthy feeling. 
When headache is caused by a disordered and flatulent stom- 
ach, an emetic, composed of mustard and water, may produce 
signal beneficent results. In this, as in other affections which HEARTBURN—STITCH. 
89 
may be due to a variety of causes, each must study his own 
case, and, having determined the cause, remove it. Should 
the source be too deeply seated for removal, let the habits be 
properly regulated, and the attacks may be thereby diminished 
in frequency and severity. 
Heartburn. 
In many stomachs, when empty, we find a peculiar fluid 
poured out in large quantities. It is sometimes acid and some- 
times alkaline, and is the product of inflammation in the lining 
membrane of the stomach. This fluid may be vomited, or 
may be passed away gradually with the other contents of the 
stomach. 
Treatment.—It is a good thing, when afflicted with heartburn, 
to discontinue the use of pastry and soup, or the drinking of 
large quantities of fluid at meal times. The final treatment de- 
pends on whether the fluid be acid or alkaline, which can be 
determined only by experiment. If soda, taken in small quan- 
tities after meals, does not relieve the distress, one may rest 
assured that the fluid is an alkali and requires an acid treat- 
ment. Proceed, after eating, to squeeze ten drops of lemon- 
juice into a small quantity of water, and swallow it. The hab- 
its of daily life should be made to conform to the laws of health, 
or local treatment will prove futile. 
Stitch, or Pain in the Side. 
This trouble generally results from some derangement of the 
stomach and digestive organs, or from inflammation of the 
lining membrane of the chest (the pleura), and since it results 
from different causes, the treatment must, of course, be varied 
in accordance. Any form of labor which produces irritation 
of the pleura (and its soundness can be ascertained by inflating 
the lungs to their utmost capacity), must be stopped in order 90 
ACCIDENTS. 
to effect a cure. If, on the other hand, the pain results from 
indigestion, the stomach and bowels must be regulated. 
Languor and general debility often accompany the stitch, and 
demand a treatment which will renovate the whole system. 
Neuralgia. 
Neuralgia is the name given to a very distressing pain, the 
source or origin of which is in the immediate vicinity of a 
nerve and is always referred to the neighboring nerve centre. 
It is a noticeable fact that severe pain does not accompany the 
severing of a nerve (not even from cutting the brain matter), 
but at times a slight pressure in the region of a nerve-trunk 
may cause unbearable torture. 
Neuralgia in the face and head, generally arising from a 
cold, is the most familiar form of the disease. However, neu- 
ralgic pains may also manifest themselves in the limbs, on the 
body, or in the vicinity of some vital organ — thus, we have 
neuralgia of the stomach, intestines, and heart. 
General neuralgia is an affection of the nerves produced by 
exhaustion or exposure. If not referable to one of these 
causes it is periodic, and usually dependent upon some form 
of malaria. 
Treatment.—The cure for all forms of neuralgia is rest and 
nourishment. The acute symptoms may be allayed by quinine, 
given, first, in doses of five grains each, every five hours, and 
afterward gradually decreased in size and frequency. Judicious 
use of stimulants may have a salutary influence. 
If rest be disturbed by the pain, prescribe sedatives, and 
build up the general health by looking well to diet and exer- 
cise. 
Special forms of neuralgia, as that of the heart, require the 
attention of a physician. CRAMP—COLIC. 
91 
Cramp. 
Cramp is a spasmodic contraction of the muscles of the 
body, limbs and stomach, induced by sudden change of loca- 
tion or atmosphere, by taking large quantities of cold material 
inwardly when the stomach is very warm, or drinking warm 
liquids when the body is very cold. It occurs most frequently 
and fatally among swimmers. The muscles in the cramped 
parts escape the control of the will, and with great attendant 
agony, are drawn into hard knots. 
Treatment.—Wherever friction can be conveniently applied, 
heat will be generated by it, and the muscle again reduced to 
a natural condition; but, if the pains proceed from the con- 
traction of some muscle located internally, burnt brandy is an 
excellent remedy. 
A severe attack which will not yield to this simple treat- 
ment may be conquered by administering a small dose of 
laudanum or ether, best given under medical supervision. 
This trouble may result from a variety of causes, and is 
marked by a keen pain in the regions of the navel and lower 
bowel, accompanied by terrible griping, and a contraction of 
the muscles of the lower abdomen. Cold in the feet or bowels, 
the eating of large, indigestible vegetables, large draughts of 
cold beverages on an overheated stomach,—any of these may 
produce colic and call for mild treatment. 
Treatment.—Castor oil, given as soon as the symptoms of 
colic manifest themselves, has frequently afforded relief. At 
any rate, the irritating substances must be expelled from the 
alimentary canal before the pains will subside. All local 
remedies will be ineffectual, and consequently the purgative 
should be given in large doses until a copious evacuation is 
produced. 
Colic. 92 
ACCIDENTS. 
Diarrhoea. 
Diarrhoea is an affection that visits all climates, but is more 
extensive and severe in warm countries, and in hot seasons. It 
is very common in all parts of the United States, and arises 
from a variety of causes. Sudden change of temperature, 
exhaustion, exposure to extreme heat and malarial influences 
are all likely to produce diarrhoea in adults. There is one 
species of diarrhoea induced by inhalation of the effluvia from 
cesspools, swamps, frog-ponds, or from putrefying animal or 
vegetable material in any situation. And again, exposure to 
cold may sometimes drive the blood from the surface of the 
body to the internal organs, producing congestion in the bowels, 
with watery passages as a consequence. But the most com- 
mon form of diarrhoea arises from disordered or inefficient 
digestion. 
Food introduced into the stomach in excessive quantities 
may produce griping pains in the bowels and frequent stools. 
Ripe or unripe fruits, large quantities of vegetables and various 
substances slow of digestion, remaining long undissolved in 
the intestinal tract, act as mechanical irritants; as soon as they 
are removed the irritation ceases and the diarrhoea is cured. 
The disorder is usually accompanied by pain and a feeling 
of lassitude pervading the entire body. 
Treatment.—Whatever be the cause of the disturbance, the 
plain, simple rule is to order quiet, freedom from exertion and 
care against exposure to sudden changes of temperature, or 
(in warm weather) to the direct rays of the sun. It will be 
well to give a tablespoonful of “ salts,” a teaspoonful of castor 
oil, ora moderate dose of any other mild laxative. Following 
this by light doses of wine, or by brandy and ginger, with 
attention to the diet, will effect a cure in simple cases. If it do 
not yield to such treatment, the source of the disease is proba- 
bly deep-seated, and demands professional investigation. CHOLERA MORBUS—WORMS. 
93 
This disease is likely to make its appearance at night during 
warm weather, and is accompanied by severe cramps in the 
bowels, vomiting, and purging. As a general thing, all of 
these symptoms will disappear when the bowels and stomach 
have been freely emptied, but the physician should be sum- 
moned at once. 
Treatment.—The cause of the attack is generally known, 
being in most instances over-indulgence in fruits or untimely 
eating of vegetables, and the convenient remedies are rhubarb 
and an emetic ; and if these fail to produce the desired results, 
some stronger purgative should be given until it acts on the 
bowels. In conjunction with these, warm tea or coffee should 
be given to induce free perspiration, and then, if the patient 
crave food, light diet, succeeded by sleep, will bring about 
a complete recovery. 
Cholera Morbus. 
Worms. 
These intruding occupants of the human intestines are of 
three kinds: Round-worm, thread-worm and tape-worm. 
They are all supposed to be introduced into the body, in the 
embryonic state, with our food, and it is also supposed that 
excessive indulgence in fruit and sweetmeats, or saccharine 
substances of any kind, procures a favorable condition for 
their propagation. 
Round-Worm.—This species is the most common of the 
three, especially among children who are allowed to in- 
dulge their appetites for sweetmeats to the neglect of salt. 
The round-worm resembles the common “angle” or earth 
worm in shape, though it is not quite so pointed as the latter at 
the extremities, and is of a light, dirty, yellowish color. It in- 
fests the cavity of the smaller bowel, just beneath the stomach, 94 
ACCIDENTS 
and, consequently, sometimes finds its way through the 
stomach, and out at the mouth. 
Symptoms.—The symptoms are feverishness, uncertain appe- 
tite, tickling at the nose, and headache. (The second named 
symptom induces the typical “ picking of the nose.”) It is impos- 
sible for a parasite to exist in such a delicate organism as the 
human body without producing irritation of parts which are in 
sympathy with those disturbed by the worm; consequently, this 
irritation in the bowels, unless checked, will produce pains in 
the head, nausea, cough, vertigo, disturbed sleep, and some- 
times, in children, spasms. 
Treatment should be directed to checking the production of 
worms and to the expulsion from the bowels of those already in 
existence, by a combination of local and constitutional reme- 
dies. If the blood be normal, and the liver and stomach in a 
healthy-condition, a glassful of water, holding in solution an 
ounce of table salt, will often suffice, by acting on the bowels, 
to dislodge the intruders. The most approved treatment, how- 
ever, is wdth santonine and spigelia. For a child of seven, the 
dose is one grain of santonine, followed by a half-teaspoonful 
of the fluid extract of spigelia (pink-root). These remedies 
should be taken after a twelve-hours fast, and should be suc- 
ceeded by a good cathartic, as calomel (three grains), or rhu- 
barb (eight grains), or fluid extract of senna (one-half teaspoon- 
ful). The doses here prescribed may be varied to suit the age 
of the patient. 
Thread-Worm.—This annoying little parasite, known also 
as the ‘ ‘ pin-worm ” (scientific title, oxyuris), is about equal in 
size to a very small pin. It makes its habitat in the lower 
portion of the rectum, where it causes great annoyance by the 
intolerable itching its motions produce. 
The Treatment for these pests is simple : Give a dose of cas- 
tor oil, rhubarb, senna or magnesia; and as soon as possible WORMS 
95 
after purging is produced, administer an injection of strong 
salt-water or lime-water, or, far better still, of quassia infusion. 
Tape-Worm.—The Taenia Solium, or tape-worm, is a para- 
site which finds its way into the human intestine from raw 
meat which has been eaten. The principal source is beef, prob- 
ably in many cases the “chipped beef” which is usually eaten 
raw. This fact shows the desirability of cooking all foods, as 
they may become the vehicle of many forms of infection. The 
tape-worm is composed of numerous flat, white segments, and 
has the power of reconstructing all its segments from the head 
downward. It is, therefore, important, in seeking a cure, to 
remove the head segment of the worm. This may be recog- 
nized by its difference from the remaining segments of the 
body. It is long, and very narrow, bearing at its end the 
head, about the size of a pin’s head, and can not be mistaken. 
Symptoms are not always marked. Some patients have an 
insatiable appetite, pains, fever, languor and cramps. Others 
wTould not be aware of the worm’s existence, unless they should 
accidentally discover some of the segments passing from them. 
Treatment, as a rule, should be left to a physician, though 
two doses of the oil of turpentine, given at an interval of seven 
days, one ounce to an adult, and half an ounce to a child, is 
a treatment sometimes employed successfully. The favorite 
remedy against taenia, however, is pumpkin seed, combined 
with general treatment. A mild purgative, such as castor oil, 
is administered, and the subject is then fed on beef tea or 
mutton broth exclusively, for a couple of days. At the end 
of this period, an emulsion containing four ounces of the 
pumpkin seeds is given and followed by an active cathartic, 
as three compound cathartic pills, or five grains of calomel 
with ten grains of jalap. This will generally rid the intes- 
tines of their unwelcome guest. The oil of male fern, kousso 
and pomegranate bark are oftentimes substituted with success 96 
ACCIDENTS. 
for the pumpkin seeds. The result of the treatment, however, 
depends almost entirely upon the thoroughness of preparation ; 
the nearer a strict fast shall have been observed by the patient, 
the better are the chances of success. 
Piles or Hemorrhoids. 
Piles are malformations in the lower part of the rectum, and 
frequently cause intense pain by their enormous size and great 
irritability. They constitute growths of the vascular mucous 
lining of the lower rectum, and may be either venous or 
arterial in character. If arterial, when nipped by the con- 
traction of those muscles which close the external opening of 
the rectum, streams of bright arterial blood will issue from 
the hemorrhoid, and if the hemorrhage be profuse, faintness 
may result. There are two classes of hemorrhoids, known as 
internal and external, both arising from the same causes. Too 
little exercise, congestion of the liver, eating highly seasoned 
and rich food, and free indulgence in alcoholic drinks—each 
of these factors is sufficient, if long continued, to induce 
hemorrhoids. 
In a severe case of piles, great pain is experienced on attempting 
to evacuate the bowels. The round, hard hemorrhoidal lumps 
descending, obstruct the external opening of the intestine, and 
violence being likely to follow from the necessary exertion, it 
may result in fever, loss of blood, and incapacity for work. 
Piles may sometimes protrude so far that the sufferer will be 
unable to return them to their original place. From this, in- 
flammation, ending in mortification, may result, producing 
finally a sloughing away of these abnormal growths. But, in 
a majority of instances, the piles remain comparatively small 
and quiet, until some unwise indulgence brings on constipa- 
tion, when they become irritated and troublesome. 
Treatment.—First of all, the attention should be directed IN-GROWING TOE NAIL. 
97 
toward building up the general health, and removing those 
conditions which tend to develop the disease. The afflicted 
one had better bid farewell to wine and beer, and see to it 
that the stomach, liver and bowels perform their functions 
regularly and efficiently. Pastry and highly seasoned dishes 
had better give place to fruit and vegetables ; and, if necessary, 
some mild aperient may be taken before breakfast. Avoid 
riding in a jolting vehicle, or on horseback, but spend much 
time walking in the open air. 
The parts should be well bathed every morning with cold 
water, and thoroughly dried. And whenever a difficult evac- 
uation causes internal piles to protrude, apply to them some 
bland or slightly astringent ointment, and replace them gently 
in the rectum. Observance of the following rules may very 
appreciably diminish the trouble experienced from piles, and, 
in some instances, effect a cure: 
1. Keep the bowels open and regular. 
2. Abstain from riding on horseback, or a jolting vehicle. 
3. Take plenty of open air exercise, and be temperate in 
all things. 
In cases where the disease is very severe, surgical operations 
will be necessary in order to obtain relief, though a trial of 
stramonium ointment may well precede the more heroic 
measures. 
Owing to the peculiar shape of the toe, and the dense, un- 
yielding texture of its nail, pressure from a shoe often forces 
the edges of the latter into the flesh, causing great pain and 
inconvenience. 
Treatment.—To correct this malformation, soak the foot in 
water and soap for a quarter of an hour, until the nail becomes 
soft and pliable; then, with a sharp knife, carefully pare the 
cutting edges to the quick, and scrape the nail quite thin on its 
In-Growing Toe Nail. 98 
ACCIDENTS. 
upper surface. This will cause it to flatten out in growing, 
and to assume its proper shape. 
Corns. 
Corns are the production of poorly fitting shoes. The outer 
part of the skin being hard and knotty, a pressure upon it 
irritates the flesh beneath and causes soreness in the surround- 
ing parts. 
Treatment.—In the first place, secure a better fitting shoe. 
If the corn be removed and the offending shoe be retained, 
there will be merely a repetition of the case. But, having 
secured a shoe to fit the foot, the corn, when once removed, 
will not reappear. 
Treatment.—To remove a small corn, soak it in warm water, 
and scrape with a dull knife, or, in preference, use a file. In 
the case of a large, hard corn, cover it with fly-blister at night, 
fastening the fly-blister to the toe with adhesive plaster, and 
by morning the corn will be soft and dead, when it may be 
removed with little pain. Then apply ointment and protect 
the spot from pressure by means of “ corn-plasters.” 
Warts. 
The cause of these rough, protuberant growths on the skin, 
after ages of familiar experience, remains unknown. They 
are hypertrophies of the outer and true skins, and, conse- 
quently, are filled with blood vessels. They are harmless, 
though unsightly. 
Treatment.—For removing warts various means may be em- 
ployed : One is the knife ; another is acid, to gradually eat it 
away, and another—one of the most approved methods—is 
touching the wart once or twice a day with a point of lunar 
caustic, therewith gradually burning it away. Of the acids, 
nitric acts the most rapidly, while chromic gives the least pain. CALISTHENICS AND THE CARE 
OF HEALTH. 
A celebrated authority asserts that half the deaths which 
occur annually are due to preventable causes, and among such 
causes he includes violation of sanitary and physiological laws, 
whether due to ignorance or neglect, and indifference to the 
precautions necessary for insuring continued health. Acci- 
dents are often unpreventable, and, therefore, excusable, but 
ill-health, due to carelessness or the abuse of physical laws, 
admits of no defense excepting ignorance. In this chapter it 
is intended to give briefly some general hygienic directions 
which will enable one not willfully bent upon self-destruction 
to preserve the precious boon of health. 
Pure air, pure water, pure food and plenty of light are 
absolute essentials to health, and of similar importance are 
cleanliness of person, adequacy of clothing and plenty of 
exercise. These reqxiirements appear simple enough on first 
sight, but to the fact that they are not observed, are traceable, 
as we have before stated, fully half the deaths that occur 
daily. 
Surrounding's. 
Pure Air. 
The process of nutrition depends very largely upon the 
condition and distribution of blood ; and the condition of the 
blood, in turn, depends almost entirely upon the proper per- 
formance of their functions by the lungs. In the process of 
circulation, the blood is forced by contraction of the left ven- 
99 100 
HYGIENE. 
tricle of the heart, through the large arteries and their subdi- 
visions, into every organ and every portion of the body. This 
arterial blood, when it leaves the heart, is of a bright scarlet 
color, owing to a high state of oxydation. It contains all the 
essentials of nutrition for the various tissues, collected before- 
hand from the digestive, system. On its way through the 
body, it parts with its nutritive elements, and, by oxydation, 
takes up the waste products of the tissues, including the effete 
carbon, which, in the chemical process involved, becomes, by 
union with the oxygen of the blood, carbonic acid, or, more 
properly speaking, carbon-dioxide. All processes of chemical 
combination are attended with the production of heat; there- 
fore, in this process, the blood serves two purposes, namely,— 
the maintenance of animal heat, and the removal of waste prod- 
ucts. Having thus performed its dual mission, the blood, now 
becoming dark in hue, after passing through the capillary 
system, is collected from every portion of the anatomy by the 
venous system, and through the large veins returns to the 
right side of the heart. The contraction of the right ventricle, 
in its turn, sends this impure blood into the lungs, where it is 
spread out, as it were, in the thin capillaries surrounding the 
air-cells, and comes into practically direct contact with the air 
by which these cells are inflated at every breath. Here a re- 
markable change occurs : the dark venous blood, when forced 
into the lungs, is loaded with the deadly poison, carbonic acid, 
but upon exposure to the air, an exchange takes place, the 
blood absorbing oxygen and yielding up in return the carbonic 
acid, W’hicli is forced out of the air-cells in the breath. The 
revitalized red arterial blood now returns to the left side of the 
heart, to be once more sent forth upon its errand of nutrition 
and renovation. 
It can, then, be easily understood how important it is that 
the lungs should have plenty of pure air. When it is also PURE AIR. 
101 
known that carefully conducted experiments have fixed the 
amount of such air required for each person at 8,000 cubic feet 
per hour—occupying a space ten feet wide by ten feet high 
and thirty feet long—the insufficiency of air supply in many 
buildings and rooms shall have 
been demonstrated. Many per- 
sons, without understanding the 
cause, feel drowsed or stifled in 
ordinary churches, theatres, and 
other public halls, and the more 
delicate suffer from nausea, head- 
ache, and even fainting. When 
such effects become apparent, it is 
safe, in nine cases out of ten, to re- 
fer them to insufficiency of venti- 
lation. The remedy is pure air. 
Upon the foregoing grounds, 
we may freely assert that there 
is nothing which has a greater 
influence for good or bad upon 
the health than the air we breathe. 
Therefore, living and sleeping 
apartments should be well aired 
and well ventilated. People gen- 
erally are too much afraid of 
catching cold, not knowing that 
the depressing effects upon the 
circulation of a vitiated atmos- 
phere are most likely of all causes to predispose them to 
suffer in this way. But it must not be supposed that cold air 
is necessarily fresh air ; a continuous circulation of warm air 
through an apartment is infinitely better than cold air, stag- 
nant and unchanged. Every room in a house should be sub- 
Fig. 14. 102 
HYGIENE. 
ject to continuous ventilation, an end which is easily secured 
in the absence of better methods, by means of a board of a few 
inches in width, fitted snugly into the sash grooves at the bot- 
tom of the window, and beveled along its upper edge so that 
the sash will fit down tightly against it. The object of this 
is to keep the lower sash raised, and permit ingress and egress 
of air between the upper and lower sashes. This arrangement 
is shown in the accompanying figure, in which A represents 
the inserted board, while the arrow at B represents the direc- 
tion of the air current entering between the two sashes. 
Open fire-places are preferable to stoves, and stoves, in turn, 
to hot-air registers, for heating; but, in case the latter are used 
(and they are becoming every day more common), care should 
be taken that the cold air supply be drawn from a pure out- 
side source, and not from a musty, ill-ventilated cellar ; and 
moisture should be provided by keeping the water-well in the 
furnace always filled, or by means of porous jars of water fast- 
ened to the registers. The excessively dry air of modern 
dwelling houses is a fruitful source of bronchial and throat 
troubles, for if the superheated air can obtain moisture in no 
other way, it will rob the moist membranes of the body. Yet 
no matter how well ventilated a building may be, it is scarcely 
possible that its atmosphere should equal in purity the open 
air of heaven ; therefore, above all, plenty of outdoor exercise 
is recommended to every one. We are not all able to control 
the indoor conditions under which we must pass our daily 
lives, but there are none so poor and few so busy that a 
portion of the day can not be passed under the open sky; and 
one hour in such an atmosphere is worth many dollars in 
health to any one. A great number of persons, women es- 
pecially, who need it most, are prone to neglect their oppor- 
tunities in this direction ; and if they answer that weakness 
or lassitude prevents them, it may be asserted in return that PURE WATER. 
103 
these very symptoms prove almost certainly that such exercise 
is greatly needed, if only as a remedial agent. 
In conjunction with this active pursuit, as it might be 
called, of pure air, one must not, of course, neglect the state of 
the atmosphere which passively surrounds him in his daily 
life. If there are sources of contamination within doors, they 
must be removed ; and if nuisances exist without, they must be 
abated, for it should be remembered always that the germs of 
disease are falling about us at all times, and when they chance 
to fall upon “ good ground,” in a constitution weakened and 
impoverished by long continued subjection to unwholesome 
influences, they will strike root and bear a most plentiful har- 
vest. The principal safeguard against disease is the bodily 
power of resistance, to be maintained only amidst a healthful 
environment. 
Pure Water. 
The human body contains about 58% per cent, of free water 
in its structure, and a large additional amount of the elements 
of water in its ultimate composition (nearly 78 per cent, alto- 
gether). This plentiful fluid is the great menstruum and 
solvent of nature, and is absolutely essential to the processes of 
organic life. It is the liquid constituent of the blood and 
other fluids of the body, and by holding in suspension or solu- 
tion the various elements of nutrition, makes possible the 
assimilation of food by the tissues, while in its capacity as a 
solvent it also fulfills the duty of carrier in the work of excre- 
tion. A healthy average man takes directly into his system 
during the day, either by drinking or in its natural combina- 
tion with food, about six pounds of water, which replaces an 
equal amount excreted from the lungs, skin and other organs, 
and thus keeps up the natural balance. When the waste is 
excessive, as in profuse perspiration, the supply must be cor- 104 
HYGIENE. 
respondingly great, and the physical sensation of thirst is a 
warning that waste is exceeding supply. A man may live for 
many days without food, but five days is set down by authori. 
ties as the limit of possible existence without water. 
The universal solvent powers of water naturally suggest the 
probability of its dissolving and holding impurities, and this 
danger is, in fact, one of the most important problems with 
which the modern sanitary engineer has to deal. Indeed, it is 
impossible, except by distillation, to obtain chemically pure 
water. But it is not necessary, nor is it desirable, that for 
ordinary use water should be chemically pure. Certain sub- 
stances, as air and minute quantities of mineral matters, usu- 
ally held in solution by drinking water, tend to make it pala- 
table and to give it the peculiar property known as “fresh- 
ness,” in contradistinction to “ flatness.” Yet, as it takes to 
itself the harmless elements, so also it appropriates deleterious 
matters, and contaminated water is one of the most fruitful 
sources of disease. Frightful epidemics of cholera, typhoid 
fever and diphtheria have been traced with almost absolute 
certainty to the infection of the water supplies of the com- 
munities in which they have occurred, and through the same 
medium a single imported case of infectious disease has been 
disseminated throughout an entire community or district. 
Until within very recent years, popular knowledge has been 
very limited upon this special branch of sanitation, and even 
to-day phenomenal ignorance is by no means rare. People 
persist in digging their wells in valleys, and placing their 
stables and outhouses in the most favorable positions for drain- 
ing into the former; while for a graveyard, a hillside is sure to 
be picked out, though the water obtained all along the valley 
beneath it may be used for drinking and culinary purposes. 
In fact, one of the largest cities in the United States draws 
its water supply from a river that flows into its reservoir be- PURE WATER 
105 
tween two steep hills, both of which are occupied by immense 
cemeteries. It is not surprising that the death rate is high in 
this city. As a rule, water obtained from a wrell situated near 
a kitchen, a stable or an outhouse, is not fit for use, and that 
from the neighborhood of a cemetery is always to be suspected. 
In arranging a well or spring, care should be taken that the 
walls are well cemented so as to exclude surface drainage, and 
they should be protected also by some sort of covering, to keep 
out animals, insects, and accidental foreign matters. But 
where the water is suspected, it should be examined for impuri- 
ties, and if found to be infected, the cause should be looked 
into and removed, if possible, and if not, then every precau- 
tion should be taken to purify the water before using it. 
Among the means employed to this end may be mentioned 
boiling, which destroys many of the lower forms of infusorial 
life, at present lying under such grave suspicions as the chief 
source of infectious diseases ; sedimentation, that is, allowing 
the water to stand for a time so that matter held in suspension 
may settle to the bottom of the containing vessel, and finally, 
filtration, which, when effectively performed, removes all for- 
eign matters except those that are held in actual solution. Of 
these means of rectification, boiling, although the most popu- 
lar, is probably of itself the least .useful, as boiled water to be 
fitted for drinking, should be filtered and aerated ; besides, 
hot -water dissolves many impurities which are but little sub- 
ject to the action of cold water. 
Sedimentation is almost absolutely necessary in some cases, 
where drinking water holds in suspension large quantities of 
solid matter, vegetable, animal or mineral. Such water should 
be allowed to stand for a time in a crockery vessel, covered 
loosely with a cloth, or something which, while excluding dust, 
will admit air, and after the impurities have had time to settle 
to the bottom, the clear water should be syphoned or decanted 106 
HYGIENE 
off into another vessel. Wooden and metallic vessels are not 
recommended for holding water to be used in cooking or for 
drinking, as the material of the former absorbs impurities, and 
is seldom kept clean, while metal is too good a conductor of 
heat, and therefore likely to keep the contained water disagree- 
ably warm in summer, while there is also a chance of con- 
taminating the contained water with metallic salts, formed by 
chemical action between the mineral impurities of the water 
and the metal of the vessel. It is perhaps needless to remark 
that vessels intended to contain water to be used for drinking 
or cooking, should be kept scrupulously clean by means of fre- 
quent washing with soap and boiling water. 
Filtering is probably the most effective ready means we 
have for ridding water of suspended impurities, and can not 
be too highly recommended for use in cities and towns draw- 
ing their water supplies from surface sources. There is no 
means of mechanical purification which equals it, and the only 
step which can be made beyond it is the employment of chem- 
ical agents. There are many forms of filters in the market, 
some good and some worthless ; but it may be remarked at 
once that the best filter will prove worse than useless if it be 
not subjected to the same scrupulous care that is given to pots, 
pans and dishes ; or, in other words, it must be cleansed 
thoroughly and often. Among the simplest filtering sub- 
stances proper to be employed, sponge may be mentioned, 
which, if of fine grain, makes, when compressed somewhat, a 
very good rough and ready filter. It has also the advantage 
of being easily cleansable in hot water. Other substances in 
common use are gravel, sand and charcoal. The principal 
end served by the gravel is that it subdivides the water and 
retains a certain quantity of gelatinous vegetable substances 
which adhere to its surfaces. An illustration of this action is 
seen in the slippery stones at the bottom of any brook. It also PURE WATER. 
107 
assists aeration. The sand used for this purpose is generally 
clean, white, broken quartz, and its action is similar to that of 
gravel, as mentioned above. Charcoal, on the other hand, is a 
more active agent, and will even abstract the floating particles 
of color from dye waters, letting the liquid pass off clear and 
colorless. For this purpose animal or bone charcoal alone is 
available. It should be broken up into fine pieces and packed 
tightly, and it is safe to say that water which has been first 
boiled and then passed successively through sponge, gravel, 
sand and charcoal of this description will be as pure as any art 
outside of chemistry can make it. Filters on this plan are 
manufactured for sale, and among the many designs the least 
elaborate are the best. The most desirable form is a deep 
eartlien-ware or galvanized iron vessel, narrowing towards the 
bottom, and having successive perforated diaphragms, which 
can be lifted out at pleasure. The lowest diaphragm rests a 
few inches above the bottom of the vessel, and over this is 
packed a layer of animal charcoal about two inches in depth. 
On this the second diaphragm is placed, and a few inches of 
clean, fine sand packed down upon it. The third diaphragm 
comes next, covered with some six inches of gravel. Above 
this a deep pan is fitted, having in its centre a hole surrounded 
by a sort of cage into which a sponge is tightly packed. The 
whole is covered with a loose lid. The water, being poured 
into the upper pan, passes through the sponge to the gravel, 
which it percolates. Then, passing the diaphragm, it finds its 
way through the sand to the next diaphragm, and, finally, 
after passing through the charcoal and bottom diaphragm, it 
falls into the space beneath, from which it is drawn, as required, 
through a small faucet. The especially commendable points 
in this filter are cheapness, ease of cleaning and readiness 
of renewal. Other filters are made for attachment directly 
to the faucet. The head of water is usually so strong as to 108 
HYGIENE. 
force impurities through and render the effects of such devices 
null. One of the best forms of this style is globular in shape, 
with screw sockets at top and bottom, for attachment to the 
hydrant, and having a hole in the side, covered with a screw 
cap, for filling. Gauze coverings retain the filtering material 
in the globe. As it comes from the makers, the globe is filled 
with pulverized white quartz, w'hich, as before shown, is next 
to useless ; but this can be replaced by bone charcoal, or it can 
be packed with fine sponge, and in this way be made fairly 
efficient. It is reversible, and admits of having hot water run 
through it, and this, with the ease of renewing its contents, 
makes it a convenient filter. Still other forms are made of 
various materials—including porous stone—which it is un- 
necessary to enumerate, though the hint is worth dropping 
that strong, finely-woven “canton-flannel,” frequently re- 
newed, serves an excellent purpose as a filter. 
Having passed the household water through the three proc- 
esses of boiling, sedimentation and filtration, all that is possible 
has been done to free it from foreign matters in suspension. It 
frequently happens, however, that the impurities are held, not 
in suspension, but in solution. The medicinal properties of 
most mineral springs are due to such impurities, and the 
property of hardness so frequent in well and spring waters is 
owing principally to the carbonates of lime and magnesia, 
obtained from the earth. When these constituents are found 
in excess, they are a positive disadvantage. They can be 
removed by simply adding small quantities of fresh lime- 
water, or more easily, by boiling for half an hour, and then 
decanting. In either case, insoluble carbonates are precipitated, 
and may be separated by filtering or by decanting, as above 
explained. Where the impurities are of vegetable origin, tea 
leaves or some other astringent herb should be boiled with the 
water, as, by forming insoluble tannates, they greatly increase PURE FOOD. 
109 
the efficiency of the method. Alum is also a familiar efficient 
coagulant for vegetable impurities. 
It is no less important that the water used in cooking should 
be pure. This is a fact too often overlooked, and many people 
who are exceedingly particular about their drinking water 
never give a thought to the quality of that used in the kitchen. 
It is needless to do more than point out the absurdity of such 
inconsistency. Water used for the bath also should be pure, 
as the skin and, more especially, the mucous surfaces absorb 
certain deleterious matters readily; besides this, hard water 
curdles soap, rendering it useless. 
Finally, it should be remembered that water is not necessa- 
rily pure because it is clear; that if it smells bad, tastes bad, 
or looks bad, it should be suspected and carefully examined; 
and that among the first objects of suspicion in cases of simul- 
taneous disorder among a number of persons in the same 
locality, the water supply is to be considered ; and, if found 
impure, it must be corrected or its use abandoned. 
Pure Food. 
A soldier in the United States army is furnished daily the 
equivalent of 3.28 ounces of nitrogenous food (meat, etc.) and 
30.38 ounces of carbonaceous food (bread, potatoes, etc., cal- 
culated as starch), and this is considered a liberal average for a 
well-fed man the year round. The quantities of food actually 
consumed by individuals vary with temperament, season, state 
of health and conditions of daily life. 
For the sake of convenience the foods taken by humanity 
may be divided into the following four classes : Heat-makers, 
tissue-makers, thought makers, and frame-makers, of which 
the first supply the energy consumed in action; the second are 
metamorphosed by the vital processes into muscle and the 
other tissues; in the third division may be placed all those 110 
HYGIENE. 
substances which contribute to the formation of brain and nerve 
substance, the consumption of which takes place in thought, 
volition and the involuntary nervous functions ; to the last 
belong those mineral substances which contribute to the forma- 
tion of bone and the other passive elements of the body. To 
these a fifth division may be added comprising those substances 
Avhich, while not subject to any change during their passage 
through the animal system, serve to promote the digestive and 
secretive actions, and are a necessary constituent of food; 
among these may be cited, water, salt, etc. This class is 
sometimes enlarged to include liquors, coffee, tobacco, etc., 
the substances grouped under it being entitled “Indirect 
Aliment.” 
Among the foods we ordinarily consume, these elements are 
mixed in various proportions, one or another usually predom- 
inating, so as admit of division into natural classes, according 
to their chief constituents. 
Among heat-makers (including also the sources of fat, 
which might be justly termed “reserve heat,”) we class all 
starchy, sugary, and oily or fatty foods, as bread, the. vegeta- 
bles, most fruits, farinaceous preparations, etc. The second class 
—the tissue-makers—includes the various meats, and albumi- 
nous foods, as eggs, cheese, etc.; brain-foods are the aliments 
containing the phosphates, salt and oil in high percentages, 
as fish, the entire grain of cereals, eggs, etc. The frame-mak- 
ing elements are constituents of the other classes of food ; 
they are the mineral salts, especially lime, etc. When not 
contained in the food, they are generally found in the water 
consumed in a given locality. The last class, the indirect 
aliments, are used as promoters of digestion, and comprises 
water, salt, baking-soda, etc., and the various beverages and 
condiments. 
The complex human body—complex alike in its chemical PURE FOOD. 
111 
constituents, its organization and its processes—demands, for 
its maintenance in working order, food to replace the con- 
sumption, which is the constant result of work, active and 
passive. Every respiration, every heart-throb, every thought, 
every motion, consumes a certain amount of tissue, which 
must be replaced by food ; and unless the balance be main- 
tained, the body will gradually waste away, and finally vital 
action will cease in death. But special activity in a particular 
portion of the mechanism causes special waste in that portion, 
requiring an extra amount of nutrition to replace it. Thus the 
manual laborer, exercising his muscular system continuously, 
will consume a great quantity of muscular tissue, which must 
be replaced with tissue-making food. The editor, on the other 
hand, exerting his brain and nervous system at the expense of 
the other portions of his frame, will require an excessive sup- 
ply of what we have termed “ thought-food.” The appetite 
itself, which is merely the sensible expression of the system 
that aliment of a special kind is needed, is usually, unless 
vitiated by cultivation, a tolerably safe guide to the amount 
and sort of food desirable. Therefore, the workingman 
would starve on the diet of the editor, and vice versa, the 
editor would probably grow dyspeptic and dull upon the 
other’s generous fare. Moreover, as has been before said, tem- 
perament, climate and season have all a great deal to do with 
the quantity and l$|hd of food required. Thus, a nervous, 
excitable man will, other things being equal, probably require 
more food than a phlegmatic individual under similar circum- 
stances. In wintt r and cold climates, again, more fatty, or 
heat-making foods are required than in warm weather. This 
explains the appetite of the Esquimaux for train-oil and 
whales’ blubber. 
From the foregoing remarks it will be rightly concluded that 
food must be varied, both as to kind and quantity necessary 112 
HYGIENE. 
to maintain health under varying conditions. It may be added, 
also, that a mixed diet is preferable under any circumstances, 
so that, setting the prejudices of extremists to one side, we 
may safely say that meat, vegetables, starchy, albuminous and 
other foods should all have their places in the diet of a prop- 
erly fed man. It is most important, also, that the diet should 
be varied from day to day, and from week to week, and noth- 
ing so distinguishes a good cook as her ability'- to vary the bill 
of fare without making it elaborate, or, what is more common, 
indigestible. It is needless to say that the simplest food is the 
most wholesome, that pepper and the various other spices act 
merely as stimulants and should not be required in a healthy 
stomach, save to a very limited extent, and that the dainties 
of the cuisine, as lobster-salad, fried oysters, deviled crabs, 
apple-dumplings, rich pastry, etc., are to be eaten only on 
peril. It is the easiest thing in the world to avoid dyspepsia, 
but it is easy enough for one, so minded, to contract it. There 
is little excuse for loading the stomach with trash, as the taste 
for such stuff is deliberately acquired. 
Meats should be broiled, roasted, or boiled, the order of 
preference being the order mentioned—but never fried. It 
should be remembered, too, that boiling can be done for either 
of two purposes—to prepare the meat, or to make soup; but 
never for both. If the meat is intended to be eaten, the water 
should be brought to the boiling point before putting it in ; if 
soup is to be extracted, the water with the meat in it should 
be brought gradually to the boiling point. The soup in this 
case will contain all the nutriment of the meat, which will 
itself be as valueless as so much chips. Eggs should never be 
boiled “hard;” a soft-boiled egg is digested in 2% hours, 
while it requires 3% hours to digest a hard-boiled egg. Meat 
should never be eaten raw, not because of indigestibility, but 
because of the dangers of introducing into the system the PLENTY OF LIGHT. 
113 
embryos of parasites, as trichina, tape-worm, etc.; but it is 
just as great a mistake to overdo the matter of cooking. 
Food that is in any way damaged, tainted or contaminated, 
should under no circumstances be eaten ; and this injunction 
applies equally to game, vegetables, and all other kinds of 
edibles. As a rule, food that is not fit for the nose is doubly 
unfit for the stomach. 
Regularity in time of. eating is important, as the system 
naturally accommodates itself to any habit, and suffers from 
change. The habit of taking three meals per day is generally 
considered the best distribution, and for busy people it is 
preferable that the principal meal should be eaten after the 
business of the day is over, as more time can then be given to 
it ; “bolting of food” is the bug-bear of American hygienic 
writers, and there appears no way to get rid of it, except to 
remand the heavy meal to the evening, at home. 
Coffee, tobacco, tea and articles of this class are not injuri- 
ous, but rather beneficial to most persons, if taken in modera- 
tion. Alcohol, in its various forms, is certainly beneficial when 
used to a limited extent, but it is capable of such fearful dam. 
age, that it is not to be recommended in any shape, except on 
prescription. 
Finally, the rules of diet may be summed up briefly, as fol- 
lows : clean, fresh, wholesome food ; regularity in eating ; 
simplicity ; variety ; moderation, and deliberation. 
Plenty of Light. 
While the entire influence of clear sunlight upon the organic 
functions does not appear to be thoroughly understood, all 
hygienic writers agree that it is most important. It is certain 
that light aids and darkness retards development, a fact which 
has been proven by direct experiment, as well as by every-day 
experience. But beyond the direct physical action of light, 114 
HYGIENE. 
the presence of sunlight implies absence of shade and its at' 
tendant dampness, mould and corruption ; it means free cir- 
culation of air, and what is equally important, bright, cheery 
surroundings. The influence of these latter conditions upon 
the nervous system, and through that upon all the bodily 
functions, can not be overestimated. Every room in the house 
should be open to the direct sunlight, and no false economic 
ideas, touching the possible fading thereby of carpets or up- 
holstery, should interpose against it. There is an Italian 
proverb which signifies that the doctor always follows the 
darkness into a house ; and health can not be maintained with- 
out the assistance of the “all-creative principle” of light. 
There is a saying of a celebrated authority, which has be- 
come very popular in the profession, to the effect that “ Filth 
is the parent of disease”—a corollary to that other popular 
saying which places cleanliness next to godliness. But what- 
ever may be the relations existing between piety and purity, 
it may be stated as an axiom that dirt is procurer to death. 
War has, in the course of history, slain its thousands, but 
filth, in the propagation of plagues, epidemics and local 
scourges, has slain its tens of thousands—yes, its tens of 
millions. 
But, setting to one side the pernicious offices of accumulated 
filth as a destroyer of public health, and applying the argu- 
ment to the individual, there is nothing superior to cleanliness 
for keeping the body sound and the mind pure. Water is 
cheap and almost universal, and a daily bath, without cost, 
is within reach of two-thirds of the civilized human race : 
one could scarcely think of an investment likely to pay a 
higher rate of interest. 
The human skin acts as a sort of balance-wheel upon the 
Personal Cleanliness. PERSONAL CLEANLINESS. 
115 
system, and it is only when kept in the highest degree clean, 
that it can properly fulfill its offices. When the integument 
becomes thickened from accumulated epidermis, the terminal 
nerves lose their efficiency and the capillary circulation forgoes 
a great portion of its functional activity ; and when the pores 
become clogged with dirt, certain effete matters, which it is 
the natural duty of the skin to eliminate, are retained and 
forced back into the circulation, with poisonous effects upon 
the entire system. 
The bath serves several purposes : first, in cleansing away 
effete matter, the epidermic scales, the excretions from the 
glands, and the adherent dust and grime which settle upon 
the skin from outside sources. In this capacity it leaves the 
active surface of the skin open to the air, unclogged and in a 
condition to exercise to the fullest extent its proper functions. 
To this end 'the surfaces most exposed, as the hands, face, 
neck and ears should be cleansed with lukewarm water, aided 
by soap, at least twice daily ; and the parts most liberally sup- 
plied with glands, as the arm pits, groins, etc., should be 
cleansed every evening, also with the aid of soap. For the 
rest of the body, excepting the feet, which should be bathed 
daily, a semi-weekly bath at least should he provided, though 
daily ablutions are, in every respect commendable. Care 
should be taken in the selection of soap ; fine white castile, 
and next to that, the transparent soaps are freest from delete- 
rious matter and adulteration. Wash-rags, etc., should be es- 
chewed, and the soap applied directly with the hare hands 
which adjust themselves better to the folds and crevices of the 
surface. Fresh water should be used to remove the soap and 
debris from the skin, and thorough after-rubbing with dry 
towels is an essential part of the bath. 
The second object of bathing is to promote the functions of 
various elements of the skin, and to secure thereby a general 116 
HYGIENE. 
tonic stimulation of the body through the nervous and circula- 
tory systems. For this purpose the cold bath, ranging from 
70° down to 33° Fahrenheit, is employed. The first effect of 
cold water applied to the skin, is a shock on the cutaneous 
nerves. The capillaries contract, and the blood is driven from 
the surface. This is almost immediately followed by a reaction. 
The temporary “surprise” of the external nerves is inter- 
preted at the vaso-motor centres as a cry for help, and imme- 
diately, in response thereto, the pulse is quickened, the arteries 
are dilated, and the warm blood comes pouring in a stream to 
the surface. The skin flushes and glows with pleasurable 
heat, and the beneficial results of the cold bath have been 
accomplished. If, however, the bath be too long continued, a 
second depression follows ; the skin becomes blue and shriv- 
eled, the teeth chatter, and a feeling of great feebleness suc- 
ceeds. This may result in dangerous internal congestions, 
and it may be a long time before the system recovers from the 
effects of such depression. A bath should never be continued 
long enough for this state of exhaustion to supervene, but as 
soon as the glow which follows the first shock is felt subsiding, 
the bather should leave the water, and rub himself thoroughly 
dry with rough towels, adapted, of course, to the tenderness of 
his skin. The cold bath is applied in many ways, the mildest 
being the sponge bath, and the most violent, the shower or 
douche baths, and its effects are intensified by following a 
warm batli with an immersion in cold water. It may be set 
down as a rule that a warm bath, taken for ablutionary pur- 
poses, should always be followed by a cold affusion, so as to 
avoid the perils of cold from the relaxed state in which the 
former leaves the skin. No ordinarily healthy person need 
fear the effects of cold bathing as here recommended, and a 
daily bath of this sort is earnestly prescribed to all save those 
in very feeble condition. Probably the most suitable time for PERSONAL CLEANLINESS. 
117 
such bath is about three hours after breakfast, but as ladies 
only could find this a convenient hour, the season next to be 
preferred is in the evening, just before retiring, though great 
exhaustion of any kind should always forbid its employ- 
ment. But whatever hour be selected for the bath, it should 
never either immediately follow or immediately precede a 
meal; about three hours after eating is the proper period. 
The degree of temperature suited to each individual case may 
be ascertained by experiment, starting with 70°, and running 
lower day by day. Anything like extreme cold in the bath- 
ing water is prohibited to both the very young and the very 
old, depending somewhat, in the one case, upon the degree of 
development, and in the other, on the persistence of vigor. 
William Cullen Bryant is said to have continued his daily cold 
baths almost to the time of his death. 
The third use of the bath is as a direct medicinal agent, to 
which end it should generally be employed only under the 
advice of a regular (not hydropathic) physician. In this class 
are comprised all the mineral springs and special mechanical 
forms of bathing devices. To the above rule, however, an 
exception should be made in favor of sea-bathing, which is 
both hygienic and medicinal. There are f ew persons, excepting 
the most delicate, who do not feel the stimulant and invigor- 
ating effects of the combined shock, exercise, pleasurable ex- 
citement and tonic virtues of surf-bathing. There is scarcely 
anything imaginable which is more generally applicable in cases 
of ordinary ill-health or physical debilitation, and it can not 
be too generally or too enthusiastically recommended; and even 
for invalids and the extremely delicate, who are unable to 
resist the exposure and shock of the open sea, in-door bathing 
in sea-water, cold, tepid or hot, will frequently prcre of incal- 
culable benefit. 
The teeth should be cleansed after each meal; the head 118 
HYGIENE. 
should be brushed often to remove dandruff, and in every 
point it should be remembered that “cleanliness is next to 
godliness.” 
There are very few localities on the globe where some form 
of covering is not necessary to protect the body from heat, cold, 
or the attacks of insects. In cold climates, and even during 
the winters of our own temperate zone, clothing, to a certain 
extent, takes the place of food. This is explained by the fact 
that a certain proportion of our food is taken merely as fuel, 
for the purpose of maintaining the bodily temperature, and 
proper clothing, by preventing the waste of heat from the sur- 
face, lessens the amount of fuel required. Thus the poorly 
clad—-other things being equal—require more food than the 
well clad, and vice versa; so that it is economical to dress 
warmly. But clothing serves a further purpose of preventing 
the contraction of disease from exposure, and in this respect, 
should he carefully regulated to the season, and even to the 
daily variations of temperature. Still, it must he remembered 
that “ adequacy of clothing” does not necessarily mean quan- 
tity or weight alone of such covering ; it concerns also the 
substance and texture of the material. In this light, wool and 
silk are to be preferred for wear next to the skin, as they 
absorb moisture and are poor conductors of heat. Delicate 
and feeble persons should wear flannel all the year round, and 
even the more robust will discover that nothing so thoroughly 
excludes heat as flannel. In those occasional cases of super- 
sensitive skin, where the irritation caused by woolen goods is 
intolerable, a thin garment of silk, cotton or linen may be 
worn between the heavier flannel and the skin. 
One of the chief recommendations of flannel for clothing is 
its lightness in proportion to its qualities as a non-conductor of 
heat; which is, in fact, an important consideration in regard to 
Adequacy of Clothing. SLEEP. 
119 
the general clothing. Color also has a considerable bearing upon 
the heating capacity of clothing; black, because of its absorbive 
powers, being the warmest, and white the coolest color; and be- 
tween these two are ranged the colors, properly so-called, dark 
shades being the warmest and light shades coolest, in each case. 
It is for this reason that white linen and muslin are so grateful to 
the wearer in the heat of summer. In any case, the clothing 
should be changed as the season changes, and in winter, an 
overcoat should always be put on for going out of doors, and 
it should always be laid aside upon entering the house. Rub- 
ber clothing is growing very popular for wear in rainy weather, 
and if it be worn loose enough and be taken off promptly 
when the need for it ceases, is probably not harmful; at least, 
no more so than the alternative of a drenching would be. 
This leads to the injunction that wet clothes should always 
be exchanged for dry ones, at the very earliest opportunity. 
Many diseases might be avoided, many maladies cured, and 
the general health very considerably improved by a proper 
attention to the quantity, material and suitability, or—to sum 
all up in one term—the adequacy of clothing. 
Sleep. 
The poet Young aptly called sleep “tired nature’s sweet 
restorer,” and since liis day, a better definition has not been 
found. Sleep is the period of comparative repose, shared by 
all the vital functions, while the mind and nervous system 
prepare themselves for renewed activity, That a regularly 
recurring period of such recuperation is needed by the 
human race, requires no demonstration, and experience 
has shown the cycle of twenty-four hours to be the most 
desirable and effectual, while the existing conditions natur- 
ally indicate the night as the proper time for sleep. As to the 
duration of such rest, the average rule of eight hours is subject 120 
HYGIENE. 
to so many individual exceptions as to be practically valueless. 
Some persons find themselves satisfied physically with a very 
small proportion of sleep, while others, again, can maintain health 
of mind and body only with a liberal allowance of sleep. Among 
examples of the former class, Bismarck is reputed to find four 
hours out of the twenty-four amply sufficient to maintain him 
in his well-known condition of health and vigor. But, for the 
average individual, less than six hours will scarcely suffice, 
while more than eight hours will be needed in very few cases. 
This is a matter to be determined experimentally by each for 
himself, and once found, the period should be maintained as 
evenly as practicable. Persistent curtailment of rest must 
surely tell on the health, and beyond its mere physical effects, 
the gravest mental disorders are frequently traceable to con- 
tinued waking. Nature can not be cheated, but whenever she 
is robbed, calmly helps herself from whatever lies readiest to 
her hand to make up the deficit. In this connection, a lec- 
ture on the evils of balls and other forms of dissipation would 
be pertinent, but the subject is so familiar that further dis- 
cussion can serve no good purpose. This much may be 
said, however, that while the night time is best for sleeping, 
early rising is desirable for those alone who retire early; 
what is taken from the beginning must be added to the end 
of the night. 
Another point, which does not usually receive due attention, 
is the fact that not quantity alone, but quality as well, counts 
in summing up the value of sleep. Roughly stated, it may be 
put,—twice as sound, half as long; half as sound, twice as 
long. So that a deep sleeper might be more refreshed after a 
short repose, than a light sleeper after a long night’s rest. 
Upon the same principle, that concentrated repose is prefer- 
able, naps, “snoozes,” dozes, etc., should be eschewed by all 
excepting the very young, the very old and the very weakly; SLEEP. 
121 
six hours of continuous sleep are preferable to eight hours, 
scattered irregularly through the twenty-four. 
As to the means of inducing sleep, it may he said in general 
terms, that the best “night-cap” is made up of a quiet mind, 
weary muscles, and a healthy system; but as all these desid- 
erata are not possessed by every one, it may be well to say that 
attention should be diverted in the evening from the occupa- 
tion of the day. For the workingman, study may prove the 
needed relaxation, while for the editor or book-keeper, physi- 
cal exercise would be indicated. 
As stated in an earlier part of this work, pure air is an im- 
portant accompaniment to health, and it may be added that 
this applies specially to sleep ; for it is in this state that the 
system most readily receives, and is least able to resist the 
effects of poison and disease. For this reason the sleeping 
apartment should be thoroughly ventilated during the entire 
night, draughts being at the same time guarded against. A 
window left open in a room communicating with the bed-room 
is recommended as an excellent plan for securing the wished 
result. Excepting for very delicate persons, a cold sleeping 
apartment is not to be feared, if the bed covering be sufficient 
and of the proper material. In the latter respect, as with cloth- 
ing, lightness and non-conductiveness are the prime desiderata, 
and here once more flannel recommends itself. Cotton cover- 
lets are to be eschewed, as they are very heavy in proportion 
to their capacity for retaining heat. None of the clothing 
worn during the day-time should be retained during the 
night; but a loose night-robe should be worn instead. The 
latter should be wide at the neck, free to open on the 
bosom, and with wide sleeves, unencumbered with wrist- 
bands. The garment should have no belt, girdle, or waist-band, 
but should fall loose and free from the shoulders, the bottom of 
the skirt reaching some inches beyond the feet. The best 122 
HYGIENE. 
material, here again, is flannel for the winter and muslin or 
linen for summer wear. 
For persons who can not stand the exposure of disrobing in a 
cold room, it is advisable that they shall undress in an adjoin- 
ing heated room, and after warming the feet, proceed at once 
to bed. Still, warmth is not deleterious to the air of a sleeping 
chamber, if it be not coexistent, as is so often the case, with 
ill ventilation. If the atmosphere of a comfortably warmed 
apartment be kept at the same time pure, there are no grounds 
for objection to the heat itself. 
Coldness of the feet is a fruitful cause of sleeplessness. This 
disagreeable condition is but a symptom, and can not usually be 
cured by warm water bottles and the like, but demands heroic 
measures, which are simple, and nearly always successful. 
They are merely immersion of the feet at night in cold water, 
and subsequent friction with flesh-gloves or a rough Turkish 
towel. The reaction will cause the feet to glow delightfully. 
Sleeplessness is sometimes produced, and sometimes again, re- 
lieved, by tea, coffee, tobacco, etc. If the use of these be found 
to induce wakefulness, the quantities should be reduced or 
their use entirely suspended ; and again, strict attention should 
be paid to the diet in any case, as dyspepsia is more potent 
than Macbeth to “murder sleep.” But all narcotics, anodynes, 
or drugs of any sort, should be taken only on the prescription 
of a trustworthy practitioner. 
Too much sleep may be indulged in, and be followed by a 
train of evils, so that the sleeping habit should be guarded against 
as strenuously as insomnia. One can easily accustom himself to 
over-indulgence in this particular luxury, and is sure to become 
sluggish, stupid and torpid as a result. In this, as in every- 
thing else, moderation is the key to propriety. 
“ Joy and temperance and repose 
Slam the door on the doctor’s nose.” PHYSICAL EXERCISE. 
Nature is continually endeavoring to exercise economy in lier 
expenditures, and when an organ is not employed in fulfilling 
the purposes for which it was intended, she curtails to the ut- 
most her supplies of nutriment and heat. Thus it is that the 
unused brain becomes dull and stupid, and the ligated artery 
is absorbed ; and thus it is, also, that the unused muscle dwin- 
dles from lack of nutrition, loses tone and becomes totally un- 
prepared for any extra demands which may be made upon it. 
The tissues of the human body are very much in the position 
described by the scriptural parable, “ To him that hath shall be 
given, and from him that hath not shall be taken away even 
that he hath.” 
Ordinary exercise serves a -whole chain of purposes, extend- 
ing throughout the system. The first purpose is mechanical: 
while the blood is forced through the arterial system by con- 
traction, first of the heart and then of the arteries themselves, 
the venous circulation, taking place for the most part against 
gravity, is entirely different in character. The walls of the 
veins, though elastic to a certain extent, are not muscular, and 
so the flow of blood through them is passive. They are pro- 
vided at frequent intervals with valves opening toward the 
heart, to prevent the return of blood which has passed them. 
They are generally so situated as to be subject to pressure 
from the muscles, so that with each contraction of the latter 
a wave of blood is sent forward on its way to the heart, and 
when the muscle is in turn relaxed, the valves in the vein pre- 
vent the blood from flowing back. Thus, each contraction of 
123 124 
HYGIENE. 
a muscle in any part of the body aids the venous circulation. 
It is the lack of such assistance which gives rise to the venous 
congestions, so common in people that stand much without 
walking, as compositors, who are specially subject to varicose 
veins. It is a fact generally known that in persons of active 
habits the circulation is also active and full, and this high 
tone of circulation, it will be easily understood, increases 
the nutrition of local tissues, and so raises the tone of the 
whole system. Again, the circulation being fuller and 
more rapid, the blood has not, of course, so much chance 
to become loaded •with impurities, and therefore its quality 
throughout the body is materially improved—a state which 
aids all the bodily functions, respiration, digestion, assim- 
ilation, nervous energy, and reason, itself. In fact, there 
is nothing that comes nearer than exercise to being a real 
“ cure-all.” 
There are a thousand and one forms of exercise in common 
use for amusement, and an exercise which includes sociability 
and enjoyment has a great advantage over those of a grave 
and solitary nature. Of the former sort are rowing, riding, 
driving, “wheeling” in its various forms, tennis, and other 
out-door games. They are all, excepting the roughest and 
most dangerous, to be heartily recommended, as they combine 
all the useful elements of fresh air, high spirits and physical 
effort. Fencing, rowing and tennis are particularly com- 
mended to the weak-chested, with the proviso that all in-door 
exercises must be conducted in well-ventilated rooms. "W hik- 
ing is the most universally practiced of all the exercises, and 
he who has no other resource should religiously take his daily 
“constitutional” of from two to six miles. But in whatever 
form this useful aid to health may be taken, it should form 
as regularly a part of the day’s employment as eating or 
business. INDIAN CLUBS. 
125 
CALISTHENICS. 
This is a term formed from two Greek words—kalos, grace- 
ful, and sthenos, strength—and, as now used, signifies the 
exercise of the body for the promotion of strength and grace 
of movement. In this sense it may be made to include all 
exercises with Indian clubs, dumb-bells, etc. We will so use 
it, adding these exercises to the simple calisthenic movements 
without implements. 
Indian Clubs. 
An infinite number of movements, calling into play nearly 
all the muscles of the upper half of the body, can be per- 
formed with clubs. They should be grasped close to the 
ball on the end, with the thumb extended along the handle 
Fig.l. 
toward the swell of the club. The proper posture is erect 
and military, with the head thrown well back, chest well 
forward. Bring both clubs at once to shoulder arms. Extend 
both arms horizontally, so that the heavy end of the club falls 
on a line with the shoulder when the arm is fully extended. 
Fig.2i 
Fig.3. 126 
HYGIENE. 
Then swing the clubs upward and backward easily, letting 
them fall into position back of the arm, with the hands on a 
level with the ear. Raise the elbow and drop the hand back- 
ward over the shoulder. Then swing the clubs forward to the 
full reach of the arms, and then backward to full extent. 
Return with them till they are perpendicular over each 
shoulder, as in first position ; then extend them horizontally, 
as in the first movement, letting them come to rest with the 
Fig.4. 
'Fig.5. 
arms and clubs horizontal, and extended to their fullest reach. 
On these simple movements are built up most of the compli- 
cated club exercises. The motions may be performed with 
both clubs at once, one at a time, or one following the other. 
Figs. 1 to 5 illustrate various simple exercises with one and 
two clubs. These clubs yield a useful and graceful means 
of exercise, but they must be light or they will injure 
rather than benefit. Most of the clubs in use are too heavy 
for the user. “HEALTH PULL”—DUMB-BELLS. 
127 
The “ Health Pull.” 
Some years since there was introduced a valuable little ap- 
paratus under this title. It consists of a stout elastic tube, 
provided at each end with removable handles. The exercise 
consists in stretching the tube by drawing the handles apart, 
with the arms in every conceivable position. One of the 
handles may be removed, and then, after attaching the end of 
the implement to a hook in the wall, it can be used for a direct 
pull in various positions, or, still better, the apparatus can be 
used in pairs. The “pulls” in various positions behind the 
back are extremely useful in expanding the chest. 
Dumb-Bells. 
One of the most important things to be remembered in all 
calisthenic exercises is that it is the motion more than the 
weight of the implement that yields benefit, so that, in the 
beginning at least, light dumb-bells should be used. Some of 
the most valuable exercises known to athletes are performed 
empty handed. Fig. 6 illustrates the best forms for the bells. 
For tender hands, the handles may be made of wood, or, if of 
iron, should be covered with chamois leather. 
In the following directions we indicate some of the more 
valuable exercises, and show how to make the best use of the 
muscles in handling the bells. 
jFifr.G. 128 
HYGIENE. 
The rising and swinging of the hells take place from the 
standing position. Stoop, seize both bells, recover the upright 
position, and raise them above the head. Repeat this by low- 
ering the bells to the ground, bending the 
knees, and then rising to the upright 
position, as shown in Figs. 7 and 8. 
Fig. 7. 
Fig. 8- 
Fig.9. 
Moving the bells in horizontal and slanting planes forms the 
next exercise. It is better explained in the diagrams, Figs. 
9-12, than by any 
amount of verbal 
description. These 
Fig. 10. 
Fig.lt. 
Fig. IS, four positions show how the bells are successfully raised and 
swung in proper cadence and rotation. 
The circular movements follow, first with one 
and then with the 
DUMB-BELLS. 
129 
Fig. 13. 
Fig. 14. 
Fig. 16. 
other, and finally with both bells at once. These will be 
understood from Fig. 13. These movements are succeeded by 
various elbow exercises—the fore-arm thrown out or raised and 
Fig. 16. 
Fig. 17. 
Fig-18. 130 
HYGIENE. 
brought slowly back, the other arm swerving in like manner, 
and then both arms together. 
The spread arms and the head swing are seen in Figs. 14 
and 15. Care must be taken in all these move- __ 
ments to prevent the bells clashing or striking against each 
other. As a rule, the elbows should be close to the sides at 
the starting of each movement. 
The shoulder feats are shown in 
Figs. 16-19, each position of the body 
following in succession till we get the 
arms again extended in spread-eagle fashion, 
whence the exercises may be repeated. 
From the third position of the “shoulder 
feats,” Fig. 18, it is possible to swing the 
arms and clang the bells behind the back. 
This is a favorite and useful exercise, and 
after a little practice one may swing the 
arms and clap the palms together behind 
the back without the dumb-bells. 
Fig* 19. 
JFig.20. 
Fig. 21. 
Fig.22. SIMPLE CALISTHENICS. 
131 
The thrusting or striking motions are shown in Figs. 20-22. 
At starting, keep the elbows close to the sides, bend the right 
arm and hold the bell to th3 chest. At the same instant raise 
the left high above the head. Reverse the arms and repeat 
the motion, as shown. Repeat the exercise again and again 
till perfect. Here we have all the movements of the dumb-bell 
exercise that can be taught on paper. It does not seem, at first 
sight, that much can be taught, but if the diagrams be exam- 
ined carefully, and reading combined with practice, absolute 
knowledge will be acquired. 
Simple Calisthenics. 
As a 'preliminary course to regular gymnastics, pupils are 
generally practiced in the simple movements known as simple 
calisthenics, or movements without implements. These exer- 
cises are equally fitted for both sexes. 
In the first exercise, place the heels together, with the toes 
turned outward, keeping the body upright and the shoulders 
well back, the arms stretched out on a level with the shoulders, 
Tig..23. 
Tig. 24. 132 
Fig. 23. From this position, bring the tips of the fingers 
quickly in front of the chest, being careful to let the elbows 
remain on a line with the shoulders, Fig. 24. Then strike 
quickly and with vigor back to the original position, with 
the arms fully extended. A good deal of practice in this 
simple, but at the same time very useful, exercise, will be 
of value to the pupil before he proceeds any farther. 
In exercise 2, close the hands tightly and bring 
them well up to the chest, with the elbows close 
HYGIENE. 
to the body. Then strike forward vigorously, Fig. 25; back- 
ward, Fig. 26 ; upward, Fig. 27; downward, Fig. 28, and side- 
ways, as in Fig. 23, but with this difference, that the hands 
should be closed. The elbows should be quite close to the 
body in the forward, upward, and sideways movement; but 
they must be brought up, well away from the body, previous 
to the backward and downward movements. 
Exercise 3 is simple. The pupil must stand on his toes, with 
his heels together, and stretch the arms as far above the head 
as possible, Fig. 27, standing on the toes. While in this posi- 
Tig. 2<t. 
Tig.26. 
Tig. 27. SIMPLE CALISTHENICS. 
133 
tion, shut and open the hands rapidly, working them as if 
crushing something. 
Exercise 4.—Stretch the arms sideways, and keep them 
perfectly straight, with the body erect. From this position 
describe quickly a circle from the shoulders, keeping the 
palms of the hands facing all the time, as in Fig. 23. The 
circle should gradually become larger as the pupil gets more 
familiar with the exercise. 
Exercise 5.—Place the hands behind the back with the 
palms facing each 
other, and the tips of 
the fingers touching, 
with the thumbs point- 
ing outwards and 
Fig. 28. 
Fig. 29. 
Fig. 30. 
shoulders well back, Fig. 29. In this position walk several 
times round the room. 
Exercise 6.—Stretch the arms forward, with the tips of 
the fingers touching each other. Strike well back from 
this position, always keeping the arms on a level with the 
shoulders. 
Exercise 7.—Stretch the arms upward, with the palms of 
the hands facing each other, and keep the legs perfectly 
stiff. Then bend forward, and, with the knees still quite firm, 134 
HYGIENE. 
touch the ground with the tips of the fingers, Fig. 30. From 
this position swing backward to the back bend, Fig. 31. The 
one difficulty of this exercise is to keep the legs perfectly 
straight and firm. 
Fig.-Si. 
Fig.32. 
Exercise 8.—Stretch the arms upward, with the palms of the 
hands facing each other ; heels together, and toes pointing 
outward. Bend to the right from 
the hips from this position, and 
then to the left, Fig. 32. 
Fig.33. 
Fig.3l. SIMPLE CALISTHENICS. 
135 
Exercise 9.—Advance the right leg about eighteen inches 
and stretch the arms upward. Bend from this position to 
touch the ground with the tips of the fingers, Fig. 33; then 
bend backward, Fig. 34. Exactly the same movements should 
be repeated with the left leg advanced. 
Exercise 10.—Place the heels together with the toes out- 
ward, and stretch the arms upward with the palms of the 
hands facing each other. Then hollow the back and bend 
down from the hips, keeping the head well back and look- 
Fig.35. 
Fiy.36. 
J2Hg.Sr. 
ing up to the ceiling. Throughout the exercise the legs should 
be kept perfectly straight, Fig. 35. 
Exercise 11.—Place the heels together, with the toes outward 
and the hands on the hips. Then turn the body from the hips, 
first to the right and then to the left, Fig. 36. 
Exercise 12.—Separate the legs sideways and stretch the arms 
upward with the palms of the hands facing each other. Then 
bend forward and backward as described in Exercise 7. 
Exercise 13.—Place the heels together, with the toes out- 136 
HYGIENE. 
ward ; put the hands on the hips and keep the shoulders well 
back. Rise from the toes, Fig. 37; then sink down, separating 
the knees, Fig. 38 ; again raise the body from this position on 
the toes and return to the first position. Repeat the whole 
exercise several times quickly. 
Exercise 14 is very short, but far from easy. The heels must 
be placed close together with the toes pointing sideways ; the 
hands on the hips and the shoulders kept well back, Fig. 39. 
The pupil must then bend his legs as well as he can. 
Exercise 15 is also 
brief, but not very 
easy of accomplish- 
ment. The pupil, with hands on the hips, body upright, toes 
together and heels pointing sideways, Fig. 40, must straighten 
his legs as much as he can. 
Exercise 16.—Place the right heel to the left toe and bring 
the feet close together, Fig. 41. Then bend the legs, keeping 
the body erect and the head back all the time. 
Exercise 17.—The pupil stands with his legs quite straight, 
hands on the hips, heels together and toes pointing outward. 
He must then bend down forward from the hips and let the 
head go as far down as possible, Fig. 42. From this position, 
Tiff.38. 
Tiff.39. 
Tiff. 40. SIMPLE CALISTHENICS. 
137 
keeping the body bent, he must turn to the right side, Fig. 43, 
then from the right to the back position, Fig. 44, and from 
the back position to the left. Having gone 
through this several times, 
the exercise should be re- 
versed. Thus the pupil 
will from the forward bend turn to the left, then back, and 
from the back to the right. The body should be kept on the 
Fiy.il. 
Fiy.42 
Fig.43. 
move all the time. 
Fig .44. 
Fig.45. 
Fig AG. 
Exercise 18.—Body upright and hands on the hips. Raise the 
right knee as far as possible, Fig. 45, then strike out forward 138 
with vigor, letting the toe point well downward, Fig. 46; then 
bring the heels together again. This exercise shou’d be gone 
through quickly, the legs, after a little time, being reversed. 
Exercise 19.—Raise the left leg from the 
ground, but only slightly, pointing the toe down- 
ward. Then bend down on the right leg with- 
out allowing the left to touch the ground, Fig. 47. 
The pupil must indeed almost sit on his heel. 
From this position the body must be 
raised again, heels together. Do this 
with the right leg stiff. This exercise is 
by no means easy, and some consider- 
able practice will be needed before it 
can be perfectly performed. 
Exercise 20.—Body erect, shoulders back, hands on hips. 
The pupil must then trot on the spot—that is, raise the knees 
alternately well up to the chin rapidly, without going either 
forward or backward. 
HYGIENE. 
FUj.47. 
The exercises described above will not be found to be beyond the capacity 
of young ladies; but, on the contrary, will be of great value in giving flexi- 
bility and strength to the muscles. The beginner, whether male or female, 
should not attempt the whole twenty exercises. Eight or ten to start with 
will be quite sufficient. Practice will give increased strength and skill, and 
in a comparatively short time the pupil will be equal to the whole twenty. 
Above all things, the novice must beware of overwork. Nothing is so 
injurious. Practice should not be indulged in either just beforeor just after 
a meal; an hour or two before or after is the best time. 
Finally, in review of the entire subject, it may be said that 
with due attention to the hints contained in the second portion 
of this little book, the chances of needing the aid of the first part 
will be very much lessened. For, pure air, pure water, pure 
food, plenty of light, adequate clothing, personal cleanliness 
and physical exercise are the very best preventives in the world 
against the assaults of “plague, pestilence and sudden death.” INDEX. 
PAGE 
Accidents, railway 64 
Acids, corrosive, poisoning by 31 
Acid, carbolic, poisoning by 31 
Acid, hydrocyanic, poisoning by : 25 
Acid, hydrochloric, poisoning by 31 
Acid, muriatic, poisoning by 31 
Acid, nitric, poisoning by 31 
Acid, oxalic, poisoning by 32 
Acid, prussic, poisoning by 25 
Acid, sulphuric, poisoning by 31 
Acne, nature and treatment of 86 
Aconite poisoning 27 
Aconitum, possible poisoning by 28 
Adequacy of clothing 118 
Air, pure 99 
Alcohol poisoning 21 
Antidotes, table of, to the principal poisons 46 
Antimony and potassium, tartrate of, poisoning by 14 
Aqua ammonia poisoning 33 
Arnica poisoning 29 
Arsenic, poisoning by, symptoms and treatment of 8 
Arteries, to stop bleeding from 54 
Artery, brachial, to check hemorrhage from 56 
Artery, facial, to check hemorrhage from 57 
Artery, femoral, to check hemorrhage from 55 
Artery, radial, to check hemorrhage from 58 
Artery, sub-clavian, to check hemorrhage from 56 
Artery, temporal, to check hemorrhage from 57 
Artery, ulnar, to check hemorrhage from 58 
Artificial respiration 50 
Atropia poisoning 19 
Bath, cold, action and value of 116 
Bath, the, as a medicinal agent ... 117 
Bathing, purpose and value of 115 
Bathing, sea, value of 117 
Belladonna poisoning 19 
Bicycling, value of as an exercise 124 
Bleeding at the nose, treatment of 61 
Bleeding from the lungs, symptoms and treatment of 83 
Bleeding, rules for checking 61 
Blood, general rules for checking a flow of 61 
Blue vitriol poisoning 10 
Boiling a3 a means of purifying water 105 
Boils, nature and treatment of 84 
Bruise, treatment of 68 
Burns, treatment of . 66 
Calisthenic motions, without implements 131 
Calisthenics and the care of health 99 
Calisthenics, definition of the word 125 
Calisthenics, simple 131 
Cantharides poisoning 34 
Carbolic acid poisoning 31 
Carbonic acid gas, suffocation by 44 
139 140 
PAGE 
Carbonic oxide gas, suffocation by 44 
Casualties 47 
Caustic, lunar, poisoning by 15 
Caustic potash, poisoning by 33 
Caustic soda, poisoning by S3 
Chemical means of purifying water 108 
Choking 53 
Cholera morbus 93 
Cleanliness, personal 114 
Clothing, adequacy of 118 
Clothing, different materials for 118 
Coal gas, suffocation by 14 
Cold, effects of exposure to 75 
Cold feet, cure for 122 
Colic 91 
Compress bandages 55 
Conlne poisoning 29 
Conium poisoning 29 
Copper poisoning 10 
Copper, sulphate of, poisoning by 10 
Corns 98 
Corrosive acids, poisoning by 81 
Corrosive sublimate poisoning 11 
Cramp 91 
Croup, symptoms and treatment of 82 
Cuts, treatment of 58 
Cyanide of potassium poisoning 25 
Cyanide of silver poisoning 25 
Deadly nightshade, poisoning by 19 
Delirium tremens. - 22 
Diarrhma 92 
Diet, proper, character of 112 
Digitalis poisoning 18 
Diphtheria, symptoms and treatment of 81 
Dislocation of finger, treatment of 62 
Dislocation of thumb, treatment of 63 
Dislocation, treatment of 62 
Driving, value of as an exercise 124 
Drowned, the, resuscitation of 49 
Drowning 47 
Dumb-bells, exercises with 128 
Dumb-bells, forms and uses of 127 
Ear, foreign body in the 72 
Epilepsy, nature; symptoms and treatment of 78 
Exercise, kinds of, and their value 124 
Exercise, physical 123 
Eye, foreign body in the 71 
Eye water (acetate of lead), poisoning by 13 
Fainting, nature and treatment of 79 
Falling fits, nature, symptoms and treatment of 78 
Feet, cold, cure for 122 
Felon, nature and treatment of 87 
Fencing, value of as an exercise 121 
Feverish wound, treatment of 59 
Filtering water 106 
Filters, various kinds of 106 
Finger, dislocation of, treatment 62 
Finger ring embedded in the flesh 74 
Fish bone in the throat, treatment of 70 
Fish-hook in the flesh 73 
Fits, falling, nature, symptoms and treatment of 78 
Flesh wound, with fracture 60 
Fly blister (cantharides), poisoning with 34 
INDEX. INDEX. 
PAGB 
Food, classes of * • 109 
Food, dangers from unsuitable 113 
Food, pure.. 109 
Foreign body In the ear 72 
Foreign body in the eye . 71 
Foreign body In the nose 72 
Foul air, effects of 43 
Foxglove, poisoning by 18 
Fracture with flesh wound 60 
Freezing, treatment of 75 
Frost bite, treatment of 75 
Gas, coal, suffocation by 43 
Gas, illuminating, suffocation by 44 
General disorders 78 
Gunshot wound, treatment of 60 
Hartshorn poisoning 33 
Headache, nature and treatment of 88 
Health, care of 
Health pull, the 127 
Heartburn, nature and treatment of 89 
Hemlock poisoning 29 
Hemorrhage from the lungs, symptoms and treatment of 83 
Hemorrhoids 96 
Hives, nature and treatment of 83 
Hydrochloric acid poisoning 31 
Hydrocyanic acid poisoning 2a 
Hydrophobia 35 
Hydrophobia, symptoms of, in dogs 35 
Hygiene 99 
Hysterics, nature and treatment of 80 
Illuminating gas, suffocation by 44 
Indian clubs, exercises with 12a 
In growing toe nail 97 
Intoxication, excessive, symptoms and treatment of 21 
Introductory remarks 6 
Iodine poisoning 1< 
Ivy, poison 41 
Jamestown weed, poisoning by 21 
Jimson weed, poisoning by 21 
Lacerated flesh, treatment of »9 
Laudanum poisoning 24 
Lead, acetate of, poisoning by 13 
Lead, sugar of, poisoning by la 
Lead, sulphate of, poisoning by 13 
Lead poisoning 12 
Light, plenty of 113 
Light, value of to health 114 
Lunar caustic poisoning Is 
Lungs, hemorrhage from the, symptoms and treatment of 83 
Lye poisoning S3 
Mad-dogbite 35 
Mania a potu 22 
Mashed nails, treatment of 69 
Mashed toe or finger 69 
Match heads, poisoning by 15 
Meat, modes of preparation 112 
Meat, poisoning by decayed 40 
Mercury, poisoning with 10 
Mercury, bichloride 11 
Mercury, red oxide 12 
Monkshood, poisoning by 27 
Morphine poisoning 24 
Mumps, symptoms and treatment of 81 
141 142 
PA. (HE 
Muriatic acid poisoning 31 
Kail, toe, In-growing 91 
Kails, mashed, treatment of 69 
Keedle In the flesh 73 
Keuralgia, character and treatment of 90 
Kightshade. deadly, poisoning by 19 
Nitric acid poisoning 31 
Kose, bleeding at the, treatment of 61 
K ose, foreign body in the 72 
Nutrition, process and purposes of Ill 
Nux vomica poisoning 17 
Oak, poison 41 
Opium poisoning 23 
Oxalic acid poisoning 32 
Oxyuris 94 
Paregoric, poisoning by 25 
Paris green, poisoning by 9 
Paronychia, nature and treatment of 81 
Personal cleanliness 114 
Phosphorus poisoning 15 
Physical exercise 123 
Phytolacca (poke) poisoning — 27 
Piles. 96 
Pimples, nature and treatment of 86 
Pin-worm 94 
Plenty of light 113 
Poisoning 7 
Poisoning by decayed meat 40 
Poison ivy 41 
Poison oak 41 
Poison sumach 41 
Poisonous insects 40 
Poisons, table of the principal, and their antidotes 46 
Poke, poisoning by berries and plant 27 
Potash, caustic, poisoning by 33 
Potassium, cyanide of, poisoning by 25 
Prussic acid poisoning 25 
Pure air 99 
Pure food 109 
Pure water 103 
Railway accidents .. 64 
Railway spine 65 
Red precipitate poisoning 12 
Respiration, artificial , 50 
Review, closing remarks in 138 
Riding, value of as an exercise 124 
Ring, finger, embedded In the flesh 74 
Round-worm 93 
Rowing, value of as an exercise 124 
Runaway, conduct in cases of 66 
Salivation 11 
Scald, treatment of 68 
Sedimentation as a means of purifying -water.. 105 
Silver, cyanide of, poisoning by 25 
Silver, nitrate of, poisoning by 15 
Simple calisthenics 131 
Skin, functions of the 114 
Sleep, clothing for wear during 121 
Sleep, nature and purposes of 119 
Snakebite 39 
Soda, caustic, poisoning by 83 
Spanish fly, poisoning with S4 
Spine, railway 65 
INDEX. PAGE 
Spirits of ammonia poisoning ... 33 
Splinter in the flesh ; 73 
Sprains, treatment of . 64 
Stabs, treatment of 59 
Sting of bees and other insects 40 
Stitcli in the side, nature and treatment of 89 
Stramcnium poisoning 21 
Strychnia poisoning 17 
Strychnine poisoning 17 
Suffocation. , ... 53 
Suffocation by gas 43 
Sugar of lead poisoning 13 
Sulphuric acid poisoning 31 
Sumach, poison 41 
Sunburn, treatment of : 76 
Sunstroke, treatment of and precautions against 77 
Surroundings 99 
Tape-worm 95 
Tartar emetic, poisoning by 14 
Thorn in the flesh 73 
Thread-worm 94 
Thumb, dislocation of, treatment 63 
Tobacco poisoning 26 
Toe nail, in-growing 97 
Tourniquet, the : 54 
Ventilation 101 
Ventilation of sleeping apartments 121 
Verdigris poisoning 10 
Vermin-paste (phosphorus), poisoning by 15 
Vitriol, blue, poisoning by 10 
Vitriol, oil of (sulphuric acid), poisoning by 31 
Vitriol, white, poisoning by 13 
Walking, value of as an exercise 124 
Warts 98 
W’ater as a vehicle for disease 104 
Water, boiling to purify 105 
Wrater, chemical means for purifying 108 
Water, filtering to free from impurities—•. 106 
Water, pure 103 
Water, sedimentation of 105 
Wheat-beard in the throat 70 
Wheeling, value of as an exercise 124 
White vitriol, poisoning by 13 
Whitlow, nature and treatment of 87 
Wolfsbane, poisoning by 27 
Worm, pin 94 
Worm, round 93 
Worm, tape 95 
Worm, thread 94 
Worms 9S 
Worms in the flesh (so called), nature and treatment of 86 
Wound, becomes feverish 59 
Wound, gunshot, treatment of 60 
Wounds 54 
Zinc, chloride of, poisoning by 13 
Zinc, acetate of, poisoning by 13 
Zinc, sulphate of, poisoning by 13 
INDEX. 
143