WBA 7419 184^ \ r ARMY MEDICAL LIBRARY FOUNDED 1836 WASHINGTON, D.C THE PEOPLE'S DOCTOR, r CONTAINING THE TREATMENT AND CURE OF THE PRINCIPAL OF THE HUMAN SYSTEM, IN PLAIN AND SIMPLE LANGUAGE: INCLUDING THE HISTORY AND VARIOUS MODES OF TREATMENT OF THE CHOLERA. REVISED By II- P. GATCIIELL, M. D., EDITOR OP THE " PEOPLE'S BOOK OF HEALTH AND WEALTH." TO WHICH IS ADDED, FACTS IN DOMESTIC MATTEKS: BEING A COMPLETE FAMILY BOOK. 0,'+^ ^ CINCINNATI: PUBLISHED BY E. SHEPARD, SECOND-ST., BET. SYCAMORE AND BROADWAY. 1849. P4/9 A GLOSSARY, OR EXPLANATION OF MEDICAL TERMS. Alteratives. Medicines which re-establish health without producing any sensible evacuation. Antiphlogistic. Medicines or diet which oppose inflammation. Antiseptics. Medicines which prevent and stop the progress of putrefaction. Antispasmodics. Medicines which allay spasmodic affections. Aperients. Medicines which gently open the bowels. Apyrexia. Without fever. Ascites. Dropsy of the belly. Carminatives. A term given to those sub- stances which allay pain and dispel flatu- lency in the primae via;. Cathartics. Medicines Which increase the number of alvine evacuations. Chlorosis. The green sickness. Coryia. An increased discharge of mucus from the nose. Crisis. The sudden changes of symptoms in acute febrile diseases indicating recov- ery or death. Cystitis. Inflammation of the bladder. Diabetes. An immoderate flow of urine. Diagnosis. The discrimination of diseases. Diaphoretics. Medicines which promote perspiration. Diarrhoea. A purging. Diluents. Remedies which dilute the blood. Dysenteria. Flux. Emetics. Medicines which excite vomiting. Emollients. Substances which relax the living animal fibre, without producing that effect from any mechanical action. Epidemic. A contagious disease is so termed from its attacking many people at the same season and in tne same place. Epiphora. Involuntary flow Of tears. Expectorants. Medicines which increase $ the discharge of mucus from the lungs. > Gangrene. A mortification. 5 Oastritis. Inflammation of the stomach, j Hematuria, liloody urine. ( Hepatitis. Inflammation of the liver. V Hydrocephalus. Water in the head. > Lumbricus. From its slipperiness. Mania. Raving or furious madness. Melancholia. Melancholy madness. Menorrhagia. An immoderate flow of tha menses. Miliaria. Miliary fever. Jfarcotics. Medicines which ease pain and procure sleep. Opisthotonos. A tonic spasm of the mus- cles, in which the body is drawn back ward. Paralysis. The palsy. Paroxysm. A periodical exacerbation or fit of a disease. Pertussis. The hooping cough. Petechia. Flea bites. Phrenitis. Inflammation of the brain or its membranes. Phthisis. Pulmonary consumption. Prognosis. The judgment of the event of a disease by particular signs or symptoms. Quartan. A fourth day ague. Quotidian. A daily ague. Rachitis. The rickets. Refrigerants. Medicines which allay the heat of the body or blood. Scarlatina. The scarlet fever. Scirrhus. An indolent hard tumor. Scorbutus. Scurvy. Scrofula. The king's evil. Sedatives. Those medicines which dimin- ish animal energy, without destroying life. Stimulants. Medicines which rouse the animal energy. Subsultus tendinum. An involuntary move- ment or leaping of the tendons. Sincope. A fainting fit. Synocha. Inflammatory fever. Synochus. A mixed fever. Tertian. A third day's ague. Tonics. Medicines which increase the tone of the muscular fibre. Typhus. A species of continued fever. Vermicularis. Long and slender like a worm. Volvulus. A twisting of the guts. Vomica. An abscess of the lungs. Entered, according to act of Congress, in the year 1849, by E. SHEPARD, In the Clerk's Office of the United States District Court of Ohio. INTRODUCTION. It often happens, particularly in the country, that it is impossible to obtain Medical advice and assistance in cases of sickness, at the time when they are most needed, which , when the symptoms of disease first present themselves: and again, in simple cases, Physicians are not needed, if the head of the family has that knowledge, which it is the object of this Book to convey. The People's Doctor has been compiled for the pur- pose of furnishing Families with the means of promptly treating the common diseases to which all are liable, and particular pains have been taken to use plain and simple language in a brief and comprehensive manner. Almost every complaint will he found to be described, and the proper mode of treatment given. It will be observed, among the most attractive features of the work, that it notices, among others, slight matters, which often, by ne- glect, lead to serious diseases. The author is aware that he is treating on a subject m which health, and even life itself, is concerned, and there- fore has guarded against any recommendations which would be likely to do harm. He would, however, observe that the doses recommended are generally for an adult male. For a child, or a delicate female, or even for a very feeble male, the doses prescribed should be diminished. Thus, a child of twelve years should, in general, take only 387521 IV PREFACE. half as much as a young man of twenty-one; a lad of six years, about half as much as one of twelve; one of three years, about half as much as one of six; one of one year, about half as much as one of three. Particular medicines, such as castor oil and calomel, are exceptions to the above rule—a larger proportion of these medicines being required for children. Good judgment must be used in following any general directions for the Cure of Diseases, and in all cases that seem to require powerful medicines, or are alarming in their symptoms, medical advice should always be obtained at the earliest convenience. The Cholera is a disease with which we are liable to be visited at any time, and at very short warning. It has taken its place among the prevailing pestilences of the world, and there is no reason to suppose that we shall be free from it for an age. Various modes of treatment are, therefore, given, all of which have been proved to be good and to have succeeded; and it is next to suicidal for any family not to have at hand some plan to be resorted to in case of emergency. It is believed, that, on examination, any unbiased mind will acknowledge the usefulness and importance of the work. It is, therefore, presented to the public with the hope and belief that it will be the means of alleviating suffering, and, if its contents are properly studied, will do much good. Cincinnati, March 20, 1849. INDEX. Page. Asthma, Seat "Worms, Apoplexy, Burns,.......................... 7 Ague, How to Bleed, Bleeding from the Nose,..................... 8 Bleeding Lungs, Bilious Fever, Bronchitis, Boils,................... 9 Bruises, Pimples, Baldness, Burn or Scald, How to Sweeten Breath, Brown's Mixture,.......................................... 10 Catarrh or Cold, Colic, Cramp in the Stomach, Croup, Cholera Morbus, 11 Costiveness, Chillblains, Cancer, Cough,.......................... 12 To Eradicate Corns, Chapped Hands, Sore Lips,................... 13 To Improve the Complexion, Cure for Consumption, Charcoal, Cuts,. 14 Consumption,................................-................ 15 Dysentery or Flux,............................................. 18 Diarrhoea, Dropsy of the Belly and Chest,........................ 19 Dropsy of the Knee,........................................... 20 Approved Dentifrice,........................................... 21 Russian Method of Curing Drunkenness,......................... 21 Erysipelas. Ear Ache, Epilepsy or Fits,........................... 22 Inflammation of the Eyes,...................................... 23 To Cure a Bruise in the Eye, Eggs as a Remedy, Fever and Ague,.... 24 Fistula, Yellow Fever,.......................................... 25 Typhus Fever, Scarlet Fever, To Fumigate Foul Rooms,............ 26 Face Ache, Cure for Felon, Freckles, Frost Bites, Gout,............. 27 Gravel, Piles,.................................................. 28 Hair..........................................................29 Head Ache, Heart Burn, Hiccough,............................... 30 Hints for Health, Hoarseness, To Get a Ring off a Finger, Hydropho- bia, Hysterics,............................................ 31 Quinsy or Inflammation of the Throat, Inflammation of the Liver,... 32 Inflammation of the Intestines,.................................. 33 Inflammation of the Lungs,..................................... 34 Insects, Jaundice,.............................................. 35 Jaw Ache, Bronchitis, Leeching,................................. 36 Linen Good for Colds, Liquorice Lozenges, Loose Clothing, Dyspepsia, 37 Measles,...................................................... 38 Menorrhagia (Immoderate Flow of the Menses),................... 40 Mumps, Musketo Bites, Nettle Rash,.............................42 Nervous, or Slow Fever......................................... 43 Neuralgia, or Tic Douloureux,..................................44 VI INDEX. Nightmare or Frightful Dreams, Night Sweats, Clysters or Injections,. 45 Opening a Tumor or Abscess, Opodeldoc, Painter's Colic,........... 46 Unripe Persimmons, Pleurisy, Putrid Sore Throat.................. 48 Ringworms, Rhumatism,....................................... 49 Runround on the Finger, Rupture or Hernia,...................... 52 Scrofula, or King's Evil, Small-pox or Variola,..................... 53 Sea Sickness, Snake Bites, Sore Throat, Stomach,..................57 St. Vitus's Dance, Summer Complaint,...........................58 Madam Noufer's Cure for the Tape Worm,........................ 59 Tetanus or Locked Jaw,........................................ 60 Thrush or Aptha,.............................................. 50 Tooth Ache,............................................... gg Tooth Powder, 63 Varicella or Chicken-pox,................................... 54 Worm Colic,............................................ ^ 54 Wasp Sting, Warts, Wet Clothes, Wounds,........................ 66 THE CHOLERA. Its Origin and History,........................... 67 Its Causes, Its Symptoms, Its Treatment and Cure,................. 68 Andrew Jackson Davis's Prescription, Dr. Buchanan's Prescription,.. 69 Arabian Doctors' Prescription,............................. ' 7Q London Board of Health's Prescriptions,................... ' 71 Treatment by Rectified Oil of Turpentine,................*.'..[ '' 72 PART SECOND. FACTS IN DOMESTIC MATTERS. iTfy-ir":...............75, Spices, Ac.,.............. 88 Effects of Heat,............... 77 Confectionery, .... ..... 89 Evaporation,................. 78 Making Tea,....... ........ 89 Uf!?r>...................... 79 Coffee.°..................... on Fires,.......................75 Effects of Heat,.............. * 77 : Evaporation,................. 78 | l0lh?&V:.................. 81 Tobacco,...... ........... 22 2^fe::::::::::^ |Pmtt-...................... 83 0I«aning....""'"......... Si Segar......................8fTi«DrSSing Room,: ::::::••• H fc*::::::::::::::::::::::: g SSZM3E*.......•' •"« KLi;::::::::;:- g Klhf *"da-**"::::::::: S! ....... °n inK'......... .............. 96 THE PEOPLE'S MEDICAL BOOK. A ASTHMA, OR SPASMS OP THE LUNGS. Tobacco, or skunk's cabbage, smoked in a pipe, are the most Bafe and simple remedies. The leaves and pods of Lobelia or Indian Tobacco, put in a quart bottle and covered with spirits, make a very beneficial tincture, which may be taken by the tea- spoonful every three quarters of an hour till relieved. ASCARIDES, OR SEAT "WORMS. Dissolve a tea-spoonful of table salt in half a tea-cupful of warm water, and inject it into the bowels—or dissolve a tea- spoonful of alo»s in two table-spoonfuls of brandy or vinegar, and take it in the morning and evening. APOPLEXY, Or falling down without sense in a total prostration. This is caused by a sudden rush of blood to the head, excessive heat, passion, heavy meals; about a pint of blood should be taken im- mediatelv, all tightness of the dress removed, the patient should be placed on a bed, with the head and shoulders raised, after which a dose of salts should be given: all severer treatment should be left to a physician. ALUM AND CHILDREN VS. FERE. We commend the following to the attention of parents just now, when we scarcely open a paper but a melancholy statement of "'a child burnt" attracts our observation: « The danger and difficulty can be avoided very easily by the use of alum. , . , " When clothing is washed it should be rinsed out of alum water—the solution should be tolerably strong. If the clothing which has been newly washed should require starch, the alum may be put in starch water. 8 THE PEOPLE'S MEDICAL BOOK. " Alum should be used on all occasions; it renders the cloth- ing fire-proof. All clothing about a house or steamboat, made of cotton, should be impregnated with alum. For instance, bed and window curtains, &c. Such articles generally having much fringing about them. " This hint, if attended to, will prove a perfect safety to cloth ing from fire." AGUE. When the fit is on, take a new laid egg, in a glass of brandy, and go to bed immediately. This very simple recipe has cured a great many, after more celebrated preparations have proved unsuccessful. B BLEEDING, HOW TO DO IT. If this operation is necessary, and a practical bleeder is not at hand, let the person who is to perform it tie a bandage around the arm about half way between the shoulder and elbow; this should never be so tightly drawn as to stop the pulsation at the wrist; the operator should select the most prominent vein at the bend of the arm, and observe that there is no pulsation near it, or he may strike an artery instead of a vein, and thereby en- danger the life of the patient; after this, should he not have a lancet, he may open the vein with the point of any small, sharp instrument; when a sufficient quantity of blood is drawn, the bandage should be gradually loosened, the wound pinched to- gether with the thumb and finger, a small piece of lint or linen placed over it, and secured by a bandage passed over and under the arm, drawn above and below the elbow in the figure of an eight, and pinned tightly over the wound. BLEEDING PROM THE NOSE. The patient's head and body should be kept up, inclining slightly backward, the dress kept open, iced water or vinegar ap- plied to the back of the neck, and to the lower parts, and the head kept perfectly still—if the bleeding is very profuse let him draw a small portion of alum dissolved in water into the nos- trils ; if this should fail, the patient should be bled at the arm and have a plug or roll of linen covered with powdered alum' or wet with a solution of alum and water, and jrently introduced into the nostril. THE PEOPLE'S MEDICAL BOOK. 9 BLEEDING AT THE LUNGS, OR SPITTING OF BLOOD. Take a table-spoonful of table salt at intervals till relieved; if violent and obstinate, take about three grains of sugar of lead, with about two of opium; let the diet be as cold and light as possible, such as the broth of rice or barley, when it is perfectly cool, and if the bleeding continues consult a physician as speed- ily as possible. BILIOUS FEVER The approach of this disease is indicated by a full, hard and quick pulse, hot skin, white tongue, sickness of the stomach, and pain in the head. The patient should be bled till the pulse is reduced, and take from ten to fifteen grains of calomel, followed by a Seidlitz powder: the bowels should still be kept open by salts and senna, and the patient take no other nourishment than rice or barley, and cold lemonade. BRONCHITIS, Or soreness in the lower part of the throat, and in the breast. Take a dose of senna and salts, apply a plaster of Burgundy pitch to the breast, and use light diet; rub the throat with a coarse cloth, and avoid exposure and heavy exercise of the lungs. If the Burgundy pitch is not at hand, the ordinary pitch, melted and spread on a piece of muslin or sheepskin, may an- swer. Croton oil, it is said, will entirely remove this complaint. A minister who had been laid aside from his pastoral office by the bronchitis, for three years, has entirely recovered his voice by the application of croton oil to the surface of the throat, against the organ affected. One drop, daily rubbed over the surface, produced a singular, but powerful eruption of the skin, which, as it progressed, restored his voice to its full tone and vigor. BOILS. Take frequent purges of salts; a poultice of soap and sugar is frequently used, and is active in drawing the boil to a head; but this preparation is generally too severe; a mush poultice, or one of bread and milk is generally the best: to this, if the pain is severe, a little sweet oil and a tea-spoonful of laudanum may be added; if the boil does not break it should be opened with a lancet; it should then be healed by a plaster of simple cerate, a compound of bees-wax and lard. 10 THE PEOPLE'S MEDICAL BOOK. BRUISES. Bruises are too often neglected, from the fact that the extent of the injury is seldom visible. Soak a piece of bread in vine- gar, then mash it into a poultice, add a few drops of laudanum, and apply it to the part: bruised wormwood and vinegar is also an effective application. Keep applying fresh poultices, and bathe the part with laudanum, sweet oil and vinegar. BLOTCHES ON THE SKIN, PIMPLES, &C. Take repeated doses of salts, or sulphur and cream of tartar; keep the person pure by frequent warm baths, avoid all stimu- lating drinks, poisonous drugs and powders for the face, and use a light diet; if all this should fail, use the syrup of Sarsa- parilla. BALDNESS, If not from old age, may be cured by frequent shaving of the part, rubbing it repeatedly with a stiff brush, applying sweet oil, or beef's marrow, and wearing a cap over it made of beef's bladder. BURN OR SCALD. If on the hand, tie it up in a bag of flour; if on the face or neck, shake flour from a dredge, and continue to do so till all the heat is drawn out. By this method the fire may be ex- tracted without breaking the skin, and the sore will be quite healed, and the skin drop off dry. BREATH, HOW TO SWEETEN. Take two ounces of terra japonica and half an ounce of sugar- candy, both in powder. Grind one drachm of the best amber- gris with ten grains of pure musk, and dissolve a quarter of an ounce of clean gum tragacanth in two ounces of orange-flower water. Mix all together, so as to form a paste, which roll into pieces of the thickness of a straw. Cut these into pieces, and lay them in clean paper. This is an excellent perfume for those whose breath is in any way disagreeable. BROWN'S MIXTURE. Take three cents' worth of liquorice, two cents' worth of rock- candy, and three cents' worth of gum arabic, put them in a ves- sel, with a pint of water ; simmer them till nearly dissolved then add three cents' worth of paregoric, and a like quantity of' anti- monial wine. Let it cool, and sip whenever the cough is trouble- some. It is pleasant and infallible. THE PEOPLE'S MEDICAL BOOK. 11 c CATARRH, OR COLD. This is attended with a cough, copious discharges of mucus from the nose, hoarseness, and pain in the head. Take a purge of senna, manna, and salts; drink freely of flaxseed tea, slightly acidulated with lemon; and take about twenty drops of antimo- nial wine three times a day. If there is pain in the breast, the pitch plaster is very beneficial: a tea made of a tea-spoonful of cayenne pepper is also very good. If it is attended with much cough, make a mixture of an ounce of syrup squills, two drachms of antimonial wine, half an ounce of paregoric, with a half pint of water, and take two tea-spoonfuls every quarter of an hour till relieved. CHOLIC. A tea-spoonful of lavender, or essence of peppermint, with about twenty drops of laudanum. In ordinary cases, if severe, apply a mustard plaster over the lower part of the bowels or ab- domen. Keep it on till the skin is perfectly red, and take a dose of castor oil, with about fifteen drops of laudanum in it. CRAMP IN THE STOMACH. A sharp, violent darting and drawing pain in the stomach. Apply hot bricks to the stomach and soles of the feet, and give a tea-spoonful of ether, with from thirty to sixty drops of laud- anum, or paregoric. CROup. Give an emetic instantly, antimonial wine, from ten to fifteen drops, according to the age of the child; or five grains of ipe- cacuanha, and put the infant in a warm bath—about eight or ten drops of syrup of squills, or five of Coxe's hive syrup may be given, till vomiting takes place-. If the throat is much swollen, a few leeches may be applied; but at this stage, a phy- sician should be consulted, if possible. CHOLERA, CURE FOR. Drink* plentifully of rice water, made very strong, with much sucar, and a little laudanum in it. The effect is quick and cer- tain Out of one hundred and forty of the crew of the French frigate Arethusa, afflicted with Cholera, by taking the above, alAmt one recovered. CHOLERA MORBUS. Apply hot bricks or bottles filled with hot water to the feet, lay flannel cloths soaked in brandy or spirits of hartshorn over 12 THE PEOPLE'S MEDICAL BOOK. the stomach, take large draughts of rice or barley water, or cam- omile tea, and fromthirty to seventy drops of laudanum or pare- goric in peppermint. After the attack is completely subdued, a small dose of castor oil with about ten drops of laudanum should be taken. COSTIVENESS, OR TIGHTNESS OF THE BOWELS. Take light animal food, such as mutton, &c, eat mush and molasses once a day, take regular and moderate exercise, chew a small piece of rhubarb daily, and make an effort once a day to evacuate. CHILBLAINS, OR FROST BITTEN. Soak the parts frequently in a solution of chloride of lime, and apply chicken fat or pig's foot oil to them. CANCER. This is a small, hard, veiny tumor, attended with sharp burn- ing pains. To avoid the necessity of the surgeon's knife, it de- mands careful attention at its earliest stage. Bathe the part with a solution of the best brandy and common salt, apply mush poultice twice or thrice a day; or on the first appearance of the tumor, touch it slightly with lunar caustic two or three times a day. A wash of strong lye made from hickory ashes has been found efficacious. Keep the surface covered from the cold air, use very light diet, and relieve the pain by laudanum or pare- goric in large doses. Colonel Ussey, of the Parish of Be Soto, informs the editor of the Caddo Gazette, that he has fully tested a remedy for this very troublesome disease, recommended to him by a Spanish woman, a native of the country. The remedy is this: Take an egg and break it, then pour out the white, retaining the yolk in the shell; put in salt, and mix with the yolk as long as it will receive it; stir them together until a salve is formed ; put a portion of this on a sticking plaster, and apply it to the cancer about twice a day. He nas made the experiment in two in- stances in his own family with complete success. COUGH, TO PREVENT COMING ON. According to a writer in Le Gazette Medicale, a person's cough may be stopped by rubbing pretty smartly with the point of the finger the edge of the lips, the eye-lids, or the tip of the nose, when the first desire to cough is felt. THE PEOPLE'S MEDICAL BOOK. 13 COUGHING, TO STOP A FIT OF. A correspondent of the London Medical Gazette states, that to close the nostrils with the thumb and finger during expira- tion, leaving them free during inspiration^ will relieve a fit of coughing in a short time. COUGH, DRAUGHT FOR A. Beat a fresh laid egg, and mix it with a quarter of a pint of new milk warmed, a large spoonful of capillaire, the same of rose-water, and a little nutmeg scraped. Do not warm it after the egg is put in. Take it the first and last thing. CORNS, TO ERADICATE. Every one knows that the surface of the body is covered, above the true skin, by the cuticle, or scarf skin. This is a thin membrane, save when it is exposed to pressure and rubbing (friction). In this case it becomes much thickened and hard- ened, as on the soles of the feet and on the palms of the hands. And it is not unworthy of remark, that the induration is in di- rect proportion to the exigency of nature; but there is a mor- bid induration when the pressure exceeds, or is applied where it is not necessary. In this case, the distinguished name of corns has been applied to the diseased parts. Every one who has seen a poultice applied, may remark, that it has the effect of softening—generally of detaching the cuticle. Now, let a poultice, of such size and consistency as will preserve its moisture around the part, be applied to the offending corn at bed time. On the following morning the greater part of the indurated cuticle (the corn) may be removed by the fingers. A little spermaceti ointment may be used during the following day, or the part may be entirely neglected. It may, in some cases, be necessary to repeat this process once or twice, and the cure will be safe, easy, and certain. CHAPPED HANDS. After washing, drop a few drops of honey, and rub the hands together till the stickiness is entirely removed. CHAPPED OR SORE LIPS May be healed by the frequent application of honey-water, and protecting them from the influence of cold air. 14 THE PEOPLE'S MEDICAL BOOK. COMPLEXION, TO IMPROVE THE. Take bitter almonds whitened, one part; rose-water, sixteen parts; mix and strain, then add five grains of bichloride of mer- cury to every eight-ounce vial of the mixture, and scent with rose or violet, to suit the fancy. CONSUMPTION, A CURE FOR. Mr. Adam Mott gives the following statement in the Maine Farmer: "A friend of mine, who resides in Industry, in this State, told me that his wife was sick of what the doctors call Consumption. She was visited by five physicians, who gave her over. She was very sick—was unable to sit up—had a very severe cough—and grew no better, ' but rather worse.' She failed very fast. She recollected that she had before received benefit from the use of St. John's wort. Her husband procured some of it. It was steeped, and she made it her constant drink. For four or five days there appeared to be but little alteration; but after this she grew better very fast. Her health was so much improved, that, in the course of six or eight weeks, she was able to resume her customary occupation—she commenced weaving, and wove about forty yards of cloth. During this time, she made con- stant use of St. John's wort tea. What has been done may again be done. It helped her—it may help others. " The tea may be made as you would make peppermint or any herb tea to drink—by merely steeping the herb in water. The herb may be gathered any time after it is large enough • but the best time for gathering it is in the seventh month. A supply may then doubtless be found in almost every hay mow where there is any hay. I much approve of this simple remedy." CHARCOAL, TO PREVENT THE HiL EFFECTS OF. Set an uncovered vessel filled with boiling water over the pan containing the charcoal, the vapor of which will counteract the deleterious fumes, and, while it keeps boiling, will make the charcoal as safe as any other fuel. CUTS. All that is necessary to be done for trifling cuts, is to wash the blood out clean with cold water, and bring the edges of tC wound together as closely as possible, and apply some straps of adhesive plaster. Shoemaker's wax spread upon strips /„„ will make very good ones Bleeding may usually be stopned bv pressure ; but if not, apply a cobweb, or cuff-ball PP by THE PEOPLE'S MEDICAL BOOK. 15 CONSUMPTION. The tubercular consumption, which is by far the most com- mon kind, may be divided into three stages or periods. In the first stage, the disease is slowly developed, ordinarily without being noticed. In this period, it is very important to recognize it, but the physician is not often consulted so early. The first symptoms are a short dry cough, the breathings being more eas- ily hurried by bodily motion—the patient becoming languid, in- dolent, dyspeptic, and gradually loses strength. At length, from some fresh exciting cause, the cough becomes more con- siderable, and is particularly troublesome during the night; breathing is more anxious; sense of straitness and oppression across the chest is experienced; an expectoration takes place, at first of frothy mucus, which afterward becomes copious, viscid, and opaque. These symptoms may be gradually progressing for months. The emaciation and weakness go on increasing. A pain arises in some part of the breast, at first unsettled, but af- terward fixed in one or both sides; it is increased by coughing, and sometimes becomes so acute as to prevent the patient lying upon the affected side. The disease now passes to a second period, in which it is easily recognized. Purulent matter, resembling that made by a com- mon ulcer, is coughed up. To distinguish whether it be such, or only mucus, mix some that is raised in the morning, in salt water: if mucus, or common phlegm, it swims and holds togeth- er ; if pus, it sinks, and, on stirring, separates into particles. Purulent matter is also opaque, has a greenish color, and is sweet to the patient's taste. Hectic fever takes place, known by a flushing of the face, by a hard, quick, and frequent pulse, beat- ing more than one hundred in a minute, and by high colored urine. The hectic has an exacerbation or increase twice in the day: the first time about noon, which is inconsiderable, and soon suffers a remission; the other in the evening, which gradually increases until after midnight. Each of these fever fits is pre- ceded by chills, and terminates in profuse perspiration. In the morning, the patient is better, and thinks himself well. The cough and difficult breathing now go on increasing, and often- times there is a hoarseness or shrillness of the voice. After this stage is well established, by the appearance of the above symp- toms, the patient may die in six or eight weeks. He is, however, able to get about, and when the expectoration of pus is first es- tablished, the appetite, that was lost in the first stage of the complaint, returns. During the fever fits, a circumscribed red- 10 THE PEOPLE'S MEDICAL BOOK. ness appears on each cheek; but, at other times, the face is pale and countenance dejected. . The third period is that of general exhaustion. I he counte- nance is peculiar, and easily recognized by all. The cough be- comes more hard and difficult, especially in the morning, when it often produces vomiting ; emaciation is extreme; diarrhoea comes on, and generally alternates with melting sweats ; the legs swell, and little ulcers appear in the throat. Still the appetite often remains entire, and the patient flatters himself with hopes of speedy recovery, and is forming plans of interest or amuse- ment, when death puts a period to his existence. Spitting of blood sometimes induces the disease, or is the first symptom noticed. In other cases, it occurs in the course of the disease, and sometimes terminates it. Particular constitutions are more liable to consumption, as where an hereditary predisposition exists, or particular formation of body, marked by long neck, prominent shoulders, and narrow chest. The remote causes are, constitutional irritability of the lungs ; sedentary life; a scrofulous habit, indicated by a clear skin, fair hair, delicate, rosy complexion, large veins, thick up- per lip, weak voice, and great sensibility. The more immediate or exciting causes are, preceding disease—as spitting of blood, pneumonia, catarrh, scrofula, venereal disease, fistula, violent and depressing passions of the mind, intemperance, profuse evacua- tions (as diarrhoea), or a large ulcer. The cure should be accomplished early in the disease, and be- fore the hectic fever commences, or pus is expectorated. The treatment during this period should be regulated by the cause: if it be catarrh, pneumonia, spitting of blood, &c, attend to the directions given for the cure of those diseases. The following are among the most approved remedies in the early stage of consumption: 1. Small bleedings, repeated when sympibms of inflammation run high. 2. A nourishing, easily digested, unstimulating diet—as milk, animal jellies, &c. The patient can best determine by his own experience what kind will be most agreeable and beneficial. 3. Mild laxatives, whenever there is the least tendency to costiveness. J 4. Blisters on the chest, to counteract the inflammation of the lungs. They should be large, and kept constantly running 5. Emetics every second or third day. The least debilitating is sulphate of copper or blue vitriol, in a dose of eight grains dissolved in a gill of water. A vomiting is excited as soon as it THE PEOPLE'S MEDICAL BOOK. IT is swallowed, on which, the patient should drink a pint of warm tea. 6. Expectorants—the best are such as nauseate and produce gentle perspiration, as squills, ipecac, antimony, &c, to the use of which should be subjoined mucilaginous drinks, as flaxseed* tea, barley-water, decoction of mallows, &c. 7. Anodynes, particularly opium. This may be given in com- bination with the expectorants, as in Pectoral Mixture and Do- ver's Powders—the former in a dose of a table-spoonful, and of the latter fifteen grains, on going to bed. 8. Exercise, especially on horseback. Long journeys are most serviceable. 9. Flannel worn next to the skin. 10. A sea voyage. Were I to speak of the effects of a sea voyage, from my own observation, I should say it is very benefi- cial while the vessel is at sea, partly from the uniform tempera- ture of the air, but more from the motion of the vessel. Change of residence to a warm climate is often recommended. In two or three years' Mediterranean service, however, nothing occurred within my observation, to favor the opinion, that the climate of the sea would be beneficial: on the contrary, among our sailors, consumptions were more frequent there than I have ever known them to be in other climates. In the frigate United States there were eighteen deaths in one year, twelve in the Guerriere, and eleven in the Constellation. And what is still more in point, every case I met with, in ships or on shore, was far more rapid in its progress, than I have ever known consumption to be in New England. Several other remedies have acquired great celebrity, in every stage of consumption—as digitalis, the fumes of pitch inhaled, and a new medicine called hydrocyanic acid. The first and last of these are, in certain cases, worthy of a trial; but, as it would be difficult, in a book like this, to make intelligible those particular cases, and all those circumstances to be regarded in the use of said remedies, I must recommend to the patient to consult a physician before he makes a trial of them. If spitting of blood from the lungs occurs at an early period, there is with it a tendency to inflammation. This must be pre- vented by measures of the most active kind. If the constitu tion does not positively forbid it, general bleeding should be em- ployed, especially if the pulse be quick, although the patient mav be feeble, since the weakness induced by spitting blood is not occasioned by the quantity that is lost. Blistering should then be employed. The patient should be confined to a mild 18 THE PEOPLE'S MEDICAL BOOK. diet and quietude, and should avoid speaking, coughing, &c. The bowels are to be moved with cooling laxatives, as Glau- ber's or Epsom salts, and the patient kept in a uniform tem- perature, of from sixty to sixty-five degrees, and take half a grain of opium in the evening. After the above evacuations have been made, astringents and refrigerants will be proper ■ and when spitting of blood occurs in the latter stages of consump- tion, these are principally to be relied on. The astringents are elixir vitriol and alum—the former in doses of twenty-five drops in a gill of water, every three hours; the latter in doses of six grains. As a refrigerant, common salt is a very effectual remedy, and should be given when spitting of blood has com- menced, in doses of two or three tea-spoonfuls. In the latter stages of consumption, nothing more can be done than to palliate distressing symptoms. For the cough, take Pectoral Mixture and opium pills. D DYSENTERY, OR FLUX. This is distinguished from diarrhoea, or common looseness of the bowels, by its being attended with a griping, bloody stools TuJT' 7? ^ lhVrt6r °f this ^s known a moderate quantity of fresh ripe blackberries to effect a cure of this com- plaintm several instances. Blackberry syrup is often success- erallv ^ ?£ W1.th about twenty drops of laudanum, is gen- dron{ nf 1 ' f^ m ^TS °r S^rs, followed by about twenty oveTthfhn ?nUm, /f ver\0,bstinate, Wly a mustard plaster over the bowels, and take a table-spoonful of the following mix- KLeoeIhrLh°U; \nV ^^ 2n***** <* *he tincture of f half nf ,• & halfounces/ chalk mixture, two ounces and Thelink shoulTb/^''^ ab?utthirt? droPsof la^anum. itv and tlJ 1 weakened with port wine of the best quai- nt gruel 6t C0US1St °f Chicken Water> *<" ™ter, or arrow tertfdtr!^^ t^^J^^ fb dySen" consistency of thick cream, and drink, fc T A to beJo^Sj THE PEOPLE'S MEDICAL BOOK. 10 several times in the course of the day, or as often as you are thirsty; and it is not very likely you will need to try it on the second day. We have not only used it in our case, but we have recommended it to our friends in many instances, and we never knew it to fail of effecting a speedy cure, even in the worst stages of dysentery. It is a simple remedy, and costs nothing. DIARRHCBA, LAX, OR LOOSENESS OF THE BOWELS. This is most frequently brought on by the eating of too much vegetable food, green fruit, &c, or a cold. It is nqt unfrequently an effort of nature to carry off sqme offensive matter, and should not be checked too suddenly. If occasioned by bad fruit, &c, take a dose of magnesia, and drink freely of boneset tea. If from cold, take a dose of castor oil, with about twenty or twenty- five drops of laudanum, bathe the feet in warm water, drink the tea, as above, and promote perspiration. If obstinate, pursue the same treatment as in similar stages of dysentery, using the same drinks and diet. Wear woolen -stockings and flannel. It may be useful to know the value of burnt rheubarb in Di- arrhoea. It has been used with the same pleasing effects for more than twenty years. After one or twp doses, the pains quickly subside, and the bowels return to their natural state. The manner of preparing it, is to burn rheubarb powder in an iron pot, stirring it until it blackens; then smother it in a cov- ered jar. It looses two-thirds of its weight by incineration. It is nearly tasteless. In no case has it failed where given. It inay be given in port wine, milk and water. DROPSY OF THE BELLY. This may be known by a swelling or enlargement of the belly, a watery rattling when touched, and hardly an$ spanty urine. It is a most obstinate disease to cure, except in the early stage and the early part of life. Steaming and warm baths, such as promote free perspiration, are beneficial It has been frequently cured by taking five grains of calomel with two of gamboge, ev- ery two days. An ounce and a half of cream of tartar, taken in a little water, daily, has been found a valuable remedy. Wear thick flannel, drink no more fluids than are absolutely necessary, and use light and digestible animal food, avoiding salted meats, &c, all such as create a thirst. DROPSY OP THE CHEST. This disease manifests itself by oppression on the breast, short and difficult breathing, cough, palpitation of the heart, and ipa,- oo THE PEOPLE'S MEDICAL BOOK. bility to lie down in the ordinary posture, accompanied with a sense of suffocation. This, like the above, is very difficult to cure. Frequent emetics of about twenty grains of ipecacuanha with one of antimony, or about twenty drops of spirits of tur- pentine, twice a day, to promote the flow of urine—in jreneral the same treatment and diet as in dropsy in the belly, is pursued. DROPSY AT THE KNEE. A swollen and baggy appearance of the flesh about the knee. Apply the steam of vinegar, chamomile, or fly blister. DYSPEPSIA, OR INDIGESTION. _ Want of appetite, flatulence or belching of wind, pain and sickness of the stomach, vomiting, disconsolate state of mind disturbed sleep, debility, frightful dreams, &c. There have been as many remedies recommended for this disease, as there are symptoms of its existence; but frhe following are known as the most effective: Early rising, and moderate exercise in the pure open air, singing, reading, or speaking aloud. Boiled mutton or chicken and bran bread should be the principal diet, and a very small portion of this at a time. Port wine may be mode- rately taken. Take a Seidlitz Powder about twice a week- chew a small portion of rheubarb daily-spiced rheubarb is al'*"* ^cific purpo e £Wi^tt ^^ncetS SJ =rfb^ o. IN ever pick the ears'. 4 Never wet the hair, nor wash the head with cold wnf. a most pernicious practice! Water- A THE PEOPLE'S MEDICAL BOOK. 21 5. Never bathe, nor use a shower bath, without carefully pro- tecting the head and ears. Even then, I question its propriety. 6. Never attempt to stop a discharge from the ears, but under proper advice; for it may be that the drum of your ear may ba open, and then the employment of a stimulating or astringent injection will risk even fatal consequences. 7. Never apply, or suffer to be applied, anything to the outer passages of the ear, which causes heat or pain. Such applica- tions may prove of temporary benefit; but when the stimulus has subsided, you will be left worse than before. 8. Be strict in diet. Stomach derangements are a most pro- lific source of deafness. 9. Never expose yourself to wet or windy weather. 10. Never consult an aurist who is not an educated and diplo- matized surgeon, who does not admit that deafness is an infirm- ity often difficult of removal, and very often incurable. It is said, that mixing sulphuric ether and ammonia, and al- lowing it to stand fourteen days, a solution is formed, which, if properly applied to the internal ear, will remove, in almpst every case, this hitherto considered incurable affection. DENTIFRICE, APPROVED, A distinguished Chemist recommends the fpllowing compound, as a safe and excellent dentifrice, viz.: of white sugar and pow- dered charcoal, each one ounce; of Peruvian bark, half an ounce; of cream of tartar, one drachm and a half; and of ca- nella, twenty-four grains—well rubbed together into an impal- pable powder. He describes it as strengthening to the gums and cleansing to the teeth, and as destroying the disagreeable odor in the breath, which so often arises from decaying teeth As a preventive of tooth-ache, we have heard washing the mouth and teeth twice a day with salt and water strongly recommended by gentlemen who have experienced much benefit from it. DRUNKENNESS, RUSSIAN METHOD OF CURING-. The following singular means of curing habitual drunkenness is employed by a Russian physician, Dr. Schreiber, of Brzese- Litewski It consists in confining the drunkard in a room and furnishing him, at discretion, with brandy diluted with two-thirds of water, as much wine, beer, and coffee as he desires, but con- taining one-third of brandy. All the food-the bread, meat, &o, afe steeped in brandy and water. The poor wight is con- dually drunk and dort. On the fifth day ol this regimen, ho 03 THE PEOPLE'S MEDICAL BOOK. has an extreme disgust for brandy. He earnestly requests other diet, but his desires must not be yielded to, until the poor wretch no longer desires to eat or drink. He is then certainly cured of his penchant for drunkenness. He acquires such a disgust for brandy, that he is ready to vomit at the sight of it. ERYSD7ELAS, OR ST. ANTHONY'S FIRE An itching and burning of the face, ears, &c, followed by a redness of the skin, which finally breaks out in watery pimples, which extend sometimes entirely over the body. The system must be reduced by salts and other cooling purgatives. Take from six to ten grains of calomel in the same amount of jalap. The elixir of vitriol is frequently beneficial. This should be ac- companied with the use of Dover's powders, chamomile and boneset tea, and external applications, as powdering the body over with scorched rye meal, sugar of lead, water, &c. The fol- lowing preparation, as a cooling mixture, is of great value in af- fections of this nature: One ounce and a half of Glauber salts, twelve grains of nitre, three grains of tartar emetic in one pint of water. Take from one to three table-spoonfuls every two hours. The food should be light, such as barley, tapioca, pana- do, &e, and the person kept as clean as possible. EAR ACHE. This is generally caused by a severe cold in the head, by keep- ing the head too long under the water in bathing, or by expos- ure to a current of cold and damp air. Syringe the ear with warm water, and fill it with a mixture of laudanum and sweet oil, and cover the part with flannel. When this does not afford relief or a cure, apply a blister immediately back of the ear, an$ steam the ear with hot water or vinegar, by means of a jug or bottle, and cool the system by a dose of salts. If matter forms in the ear, apply poultices, keeping the parts washed clean by castile soap and warm water. Oil of sweet almonds, two drachms, and oil of amber, four drops. Apply four drops of this mixture, when in pain, to the part affected. EPILEPSY, OR FITS. The patient is suddenly thrown down in violent convulsions clenching the hands, grinding the teeth, distorting the limb§ THE PEOPLE'S MEDICAL BOOK. 583 and the whole body. The first effort should be to protect the patient from bruises or other injury, during the paroxysms. Af- ter these have subsided, place the body on a bed, with the head and shoulders elevated. If there is a quick and strong throb- bing at the temple, take about twelve ounces of blood. In cases where the fit is felt creeping on, with a chilly sensation, about one of the limbs, wind a string around it, and let the pa- tient draw it tight when the cold feeling comes on, by twisting a Btick, which should be worn about the person, attached to the string. Persons subject to this affection, should carefully guard against passion, great excitement, and intemperance, and get bled whenever they feel much fullness in the blood vessels. A one-grain pill of the oxide of zinc taken twice a day, and contin- ued in for a long period, increasing the doses until four or five pills are taken daily, has frequently effected a cure. Take the roots of comfrey, sassafras, burdock, elecampane, and horse radish, of each a large handful, and the tops and buds of hoarhound and raspberry, each one handful. Put these in- gredients into a new earthern pot, which holds two gallons; fill it with soft water ; let it simmer over hot ashes for eight hours ; strain the decoction; and put it in bottles for use. Dose for an adult, a gill, four times a day for a week, before both the full and change of the moon. This preparation has been tried, and proved effectual when all other means have failed. EYES, INFLAMMATION OF. There are two descriptions of this—a disease of the eye ball, and of the eye lid. The inflammation of the eye ball begins with an itching and burning, and a feeling as if sand or dust had been thrown in them. The white turns red, or blood shot. In all severe cases, if leeches can be obtained, apply three or four near the eye every morning, till the inflammation subsides. This treatment should be accompanied by the following purga- tive every fourth day. Ten grains of calomel, with twenty grains of jalap, or an ounce of salts. For the heat of the eye, apply frequently a soft linen rag, dipped at first in warm water, afterward in cold water. If the inflammation continues, dissolve four grains of white vitriol with the same quantity of sugar of lead in four ounces of pure water, or six ounces of rose water. Jf the pain and itching be great, add about two drachms of laudanum to the mixture, and bathe the eyes. Abstain from all gross and stimulating food and drinks. Keep the eye slightly povered, or remain in a dark room. If this fails, blisters be- 24 THE PEOPLE'S MEDICAL BOOK. hind the ears should follow. In milder cases of opthalmia, a moderate purgative is sufficient, using the rose water, or the above mentioned washes. If particles of dirt, gravel, or other matter, fly into the eyes, they may be removed by wrapping a piece of wire with lint, and brushing' under the lids, or injec- tions of warm milk. Ulcers at the root of the eye lashes should be touched with citron ointment or with alum water, by means of a hair pencil. EYE, TO CURE A BRUISE IN. Take conserve of red roses, and also a rotten apple, put them in a fold of thin cambric, apply it to the eye, and it will draw the bruise out. EGGS AS A REMEDY. The white of an egg is said to be a specific for fish bones sticking in the throat. It is to be swallowed raw, and will carry down a bone very easily and certainly. There is another fact touching eggs, which it will do very well to remember. When, as sometimes by accident, corrosive sublimate is swallowed, the white of one or two eggs, taken immediately, will neutralize the poison, and change the effect to that of a dose of calomel. F FEVER AND AGUE. The character and symptoms of this disease are too well known to require description. The first step at a cure, is to empty the stomach and bowels. An emetic, consisting of twenty grains of ipecac, with one of tartar emetic, should be given imme- diately, with large draughts of warm water, or chamomile tea; and to insure the operation on the bowels, take about three grains of calomel. After this, soak the feet in warm water, take about from forty to sixty drops of laudanum, a large draught of chamomile tea, get into bed and cover yourself up with blankets. This treatment usually breaks the disease. If the inflammatory symptoms continue, blood may be taken, saline purgatives given, and the sulphate of quinia administered, or the great remedy, Peruvian Bark, in about two drachms every three hours- if the stomach will not bear this quantity, give half of it at a time and in half the time. In the cold stages, or chills, use warm drinks, apply bottles filled with hot water to the soles of the feet, and make use of every means to bring on perspiration During the fever stage, spirits of nitre may be given in doses of THE PEOPLE'S MEDICAL BOOK. 35 a tea-spoonful, twice or three times a day. After the disease is broken, use a nourishing diet, such as mutton and chicken soup—eat moderately of the meat, and drink moderately of wines and tonic bitters. FISTULA. An ulcer or abscess in the fundament. It is marked by tu- mors, which give much pain, particularly on going to stool, at which time a yellowish matter is discharged. This fact will dis- tinguish it from piles. Use a light diet, such as mush, rice, and small doses of castor oil. Apply about fifty leeches to the part, and a bread and milk poultice. If this does not break the tu- mor, and remove all obstruction, an operation must be performed. FEVER, YELLOW. Commences with brief chills and flushes of heat, succeeded by a violent head ache, pains in the back, weakness, prostration, sickness, and distressing feeling at the stomach. The eyes soon acquire a yellowish hue, which gradually spreads over the entire face. Its first appearance on the skin is under the ears. The great distinguishing and alarming symptom is a constant vom- iting, which, at the third or fourth day, terminates in what is called the black vomit. During the spontaneous vomiting, which occurs in the early stage, the patient should drink freely of cham- omile tea, then administer a cathartic—the most effectual of which is about twenty grains of calomel, which can be taken in any syrup, or mixed with crumbs of bread. If the patient is young and of free habit, and has a hard, tremulous pulse, Dr. Rush recommends taking a small quantity of blood in the first twenty-four hours. Cold water, applied externally, is a power- ful remedy, and very frequently arrests the disease at its com- mencement. It may be dashed over the patient from a bucket, if his skin be hot, or cold application may be applied by a sponge or towel, to parts where the skin is particularly heated. Peru- vian bark has been found very efficacious, if it can be kept on the stomach, which may be quieted by the Seidlitz Powder, or the following effervescing mixture, which is highly recommended, and may be given every two hours, adding ten drops of lauda- num to each dose: Dissolve a half tea-spoonful of salts of tartar in two table-spooonfuls of lemon juice, and drink it in its foam- ing or effervescing state. If this should fail to allay the vomit- ing apply a blister to the stomach immediately. The bark should be given to the patient in the following form: Take one ounce of powdered Peruvian bark, put it into a tin pot, pour a 2 96 THE PEOPLE'S MEDICAL BOOK. pint and a half of water on it, and let it boil for ten minutes. Give, if the stomach will bear it, a table-spoonful with three drops of peppermint, every half hour; should the stomach re- tain this, the quantity may be increased with ten drops of elixir of vitriol added to it; if the stomach rejects bark in every form, it should be given in glysters of a half pint every two hours; if this succeeds, throw the patient into a perspiration, if possi- ble. A powder, consisting of one grain of calomel, camphor, and opium, will very often produce this effect, and give relief to the patient. To take inflammation from the vital parts, apply plasters to the legs, and poultices to the soles of the feet—drink lemonade, toast water, or orange juice, and eat only of gruel, sago, or panado. FEVER TYPHUS. It cannot be too widely known, that nitrous acid gas possesses the property of destroying the contagion of the typhus fever and certainly preventing its spread. By the following simple method, the gas may be procured at a trifling expense: Place a little saltpeter in a saucer, and pour on it as much oil of vitriol as will just cover it. A copious discharge of acid gas will in- stantly take place, the quantity of which may be regulated by lessening or increasing the quantity of the ingredients. FEVER SCARLET, A REMEDY FOR. A respectable citizen, who has seen the remedy alluded to tried with success, has requested us to publish the following re- cipe for_ the cure of Scarlet Fever. Administer Yeast.—To an adult give two table-spoonfuls, and to a child of two or three years of age, one spoonful, to be taken once in two hours • by gargling the throat with yeast, when it is sore, immediate relief is afforded. ^ Bathe the patient with lye water with a sponge all over and it will have the most salutary effect. FOUL ROOMS, TO FUMIGATE. To one table-spoonful of common salt and a little powdered manganese in a glass cup, add, at three or four different times a quarter of a wine glass of vitriolic acid. At every addition of the acid, the vapor will come in contact with the mali/nant miasmata, and destroy them. mangnant A room may be purified from offensive smells of anv kind Tw a few spoonfuls of chloride of lime dissolved in water A good THE PEOPLE'S MEDICAL BOOK. 2* sized saucer, or some similar vessel, is large enough for all com- mon purposes. The article is cheap, and is invaluable in the apartment of an invalid. FACE ACHE. This common affection, so often supposed to be excited by a diseased tooth, although the latter fails to be detected—a rheu- matic, chronic kind of pain, wholly different from that of tic- douloureux, is often speedily curable by muriate of ammonia. This" salt should be given in doses of twenty grains dissolved in water, three or four times daily. About four doses will be sufficient to test the potency of the remedy. At other times the oxide of potassium, in five or six grain doses, is quickly ef- fective toward a cure. The efficiency of the latter remedy ren- ders it probable that the affection is of the nature of periosteal inflammation. FELON, EFFECTUAL CURE FOR. Bathe the part affected in ashes and water: take the yolk of an egg, six drops of the spirits of turpentine, a few beet leaves cut fine, a small quantity of hard soap ; add one tea-spoonful of burnt salt, and one of Indian meal. It never fails to effect a cure, if applied in season. FRECKLES ON THE FACE To disperse freckles, take two ounces of lemon juice, half a drachm of powdered borax, and one drachm of sugar, mix them and let them stand a few days in a glass bottle, till the liquor is fit for use; then rub it on the hands and face occasionally. FROST BITES. Spirits of turpentine, applied at once, is a cure for frost bites. G GOUT. A stiffness of the small joints, accompanied by a painful swelling of the parts, which have a red or purple hue ; it is gen- erally caused by excessive indulgence in rich or highly seasoned food, and insufficient exercise. Bleed occasionally in the first stages; take as much exercise as possible in pure air; drink pure water, and eat no gross food; let boiled lamb be the chief diet; keep the body open with light purgatives. If the com- 2g THE PEOPLE'S MEDICAL BOOK. plaint flies into the head or stomach, put mustard poultices to the feet and legs, bleed freely, and give active purges, such as salts and calomel. GRAVEL. This is known by a heavy, bearing down pain, in the small of the back, urine scanty and highly colored, sometimes tinged with blood; nausea, or sickness at the stomach ; it is generally caused by any immoderate exercise of the parts, such as riding, jumping, &c, by gravel in the kidneys, cold, dissipation, &c. Bleed from the arm according to the violence of the symptoms; oily cathartics, such as castor oil, sweet oil, &c; put the patient in a warm bath—give about twenty-two grains of the uva ursi, with fifty or sixty drops of laudanum three times a day; give large draughts of flax-seed tea; if the pain is very great, give a tea-spoonful of laudanum in a glyster; the patient's back should be bathed with flannels dipped in hot water. Persons liable to this disease should avoid malt liquors, soused, pickled, or acidulated food. H HEMORRHOIDS, OR PILES, Are painful swellings at the lower extremity of the intestine, or fundament, either internal or external. The internal are most painful, especially while at stool. When external, they vary much in size, being sometimes as large as a nutmeg. Fre- quently they break and discharge blood, which relieves the pain: the swelling, however, does not then entirely disappear, and soon increases again to its former size. This complaint may proceed from habitual costiveness, plethora, hard riding on horseback, strong aloetic purges, or sitting on damp ground. As costive- ness is the most frequent cause of piles, this must be obviated by mild laxatives, and none appears to be more efficacious than the use of the flowers of sulphur combined with an equal quan- tity of cream of tartar, mixed in molasses, in a dose of a table- spoonful every evening. Another excellent internal remedy is Balsam of Copaiva twelve drops, given twice in twenty-four hours, dropped on sugar or in a glass of water. Aloetic purga- tives should be avoided. As an application to the tumors, various ointments and washes are recommended, among which are the following : Sulphur and hog's lard, equal parts, well mixed ; nut-galls and hog's lard equal parts; mercurial ointment, or fresh butter; also tar water' THE PEOPLE'S MEDICAL BOOK. 30 alum water, decoction of oak or Peruvian bark, lead water. A favorite application with many sailors is wet oakum. If the piles continue after the above treatment, and are very painful, apply leeches to the part; or, if they are not to be had, make a small puncture in the tumors with a lancet, and after discharg- ing their contents, apply warm poultices to the part. When the bleeding piles return periodically, once in three or four weeks, the discharge may be considered salutary, an<3 should not therefore be stopped, unless it becomes so excessive as to weaken the patient, in which case the decoction of bark may be taken in doses of three table-spoonfuls every two hours, adding to each twenty drops of elixir vitriol. Alum or lead water, added to a decoction of oak or Peruvian bark, is to be applied to the part, and injected in small quantity into the in- testine, by means of a small syringe. In some instances a fal- ling down of the intestine will be a troublesome attendant on the piles, in which case the intestine must be immediately re- placed after every evacuation, by pressing gently upon the part with the fingers until it is reduced; and its return must be pre- vented by astringent applications, as alum dissolved in vinegar, decoction of bark, &c. All the known causes, particularly cos- tiveness, both during the disease and afterward, must be stu- diously avoided. HAH?. An excellent way of improving the hair: Once in three days take some rich unskimmed milk that has been turned sour by set- ting in the sun. Stir it up. to mix through it the cream that has collected on the surface, ^\^ash the hair with it, rubbing it well into the roots. Let it remain on about a quarter of an hour; then wash it off with white soap and warm water; rinsing it af- terward with fresh water either warm or cold, according to the season. This is an Asiatic process; and if continued every third day, never fails to render the hair thick, soft and glossy. To increase the growth of hair, and prevent baldness, take 4 ounces of castor oil, 8 ounces of good Jamaica rum, 30 drops oil of lavender, or 10 drops of oil of rose ; annoint occasionally the head, shaking well the bottle previously. Hartshorn, beat small, and mixed with oil, being rubbed upon „he head of persons who have lost their hair, will cause it to grow again as at first. To prevent the hair falling off, wash the head once a day with good old Jamaica rum. 30 THE PEOPLE'S MEDICAL BOOK. Mix equal parts of olive oil and spirits of rosemary, and add a few drops of the oil of nutmeg. If the hair be rubbed every night with a little of this liniment, and the proportion be very gradually augmented, it will answer every purpose of increasing the growth of the hair, much more effectually than can bo attained by any of the boasting empirical preparations which are imposed on the credulous purchaser. HEAD ACHE. The symptoms are too well known: the most common causes are foul stomach, indigestion, a bilious state of the system, in- temperance, and a determination of blood to the head. Where a head ache is symptomatic of some other disease, it will readily cease on the removal thereof, as in the case of fever. When foul stomach or the presence of indigestible substances is ap- prehended, take a gentle emetic, and if costiveness exist, remove it by some mild laxative. If too great a determination of blood to the head be suspected, bleed and subsist on a low diet; or soak the feet in hot water, containing a quart of wood ashes. If the head ache be rheumatic, apply blisters to the extremities, or to the back of the neck, and move the bowels by the common aloetic pills. In case of slight head ache, it may be sufficient to bathe the feet in warm water, and wet the head with ether or spirit. It is said that three or four drops of nitric acid, dissolved in cold water and drank, is a sure remedy for sick head ache when it arises from a want of acid in the stomach. HEART BURN. The symptoms are well known: it is generally caused by in- digestion, or acid upon the stomach. Take a dose of magnesia, or Seidlitz powder: the bitter tonics, sold by different apotheca- ries, are efficacious; in obstinate cases, a blister or mustard poultice should be applied to the stomach ; the bowels should be kept open daily, and the patient should subsist on light animal food. HICCUPS. Spasms of the Stomach. The symptoms are universally known; they may often be removed by large draughts of cold water; loud singing or speaking, or a sudden fright or surprize will also cure them; if they are very obstinate, and the patient is not otherwise affected, a blister should be applied to the stomach; when they attack a patient who has been long con- THE PEOPLE'S MEDICAL BOOK. 31 fined by a serious illness, they generally denote the approach of death. HINTS FOR HEALTH. If the blood has stagnated, take exercise, and if you still feel chilly, a glass of good old country ale will be worth a thousand drams. Brown bread is the best occasional food at breakfast that can be taken ; nature never intended that glorious husk, which envelops the wheaten grain, to be thrown where Macbeth wisely recommends physic to be sent. Laugh as loudly as you can, and as frequently as possible. Depression of spirits, be- sides its immediate effect on the nervous system, deranges the respiration, and mars the proper oxygenation and circulation of the blood, causing diminished vitality, and leading to consump- tion. Avoid all articles of food when decomposed; a love for putrid game is the vilest instance of morbid tastes. HOARSENESS. One drachm of freshly scraped horse-radish root, to be infused with four ounces of water, in a close vessel, for two hours, and made into a syrup, with double its weight in vinegar, is an ap- proved remedy for hoarseness; a tea-spoonful has often proved effectual; a few tea-spoonfuls, it is said, have never been known to fail in removing hoarseness. HOW TO GET A TIGHT RING OFF A FINGER. Thread a needle, flat in the eye, with a strong thread ; pass the head of the needle, with care, under the ring, and pull the thread through a few inches toward the hand; wrap the long end of the thread thickly round the finger regularly, all down to the nail, to reduce its size. Then lay hold of the short end of the thread, and unwind it. The thread pressing against the ring will gradually remove it from the finger. This never-fail- ing method will remove the tightest ring without difficulty, how- ever much swelled the finger may be. HYDROPHOBIA, CURE FOR. Three pints of vinegar—one in the morning, one at noon, and one at night. HYSTERICS, METHOD OF PREVENTING. Carraway seeds, finely pounded, with a small proportion of ginger and salt, spread upon bread and butter, and eaten every day, especially early in the morning and at night, before going 32 THE PEOPLE'S MEDICAL BOOK. to bed, are successfully used in Germany as a domestic remedy against hysterics. I INFLAMMATION OF THE THROAT, OR QUINSY. The throat, internally, is red and swollen. There is generally some fever, a constant flow of viscid spittle, and pain m swal- lowing. When the inflammation is not subdued within five or six days from the first attack, a tumor containing matter will appear in the throat, and break. The usual cause of this in- flammation is sudden cold, occasioned by omitting some part of the covering usually worn about the neck, by sleeping in a damp bed, or wearing wet clothes. If the symptoms be severe, bleed freely, and administer a dose of salts. Bathe the feet in warm water, with salt or ashes in it. Wear flannel around the neck ; or, mash roasted potatoes and apply them in a stocking, as warm as the patient can bear. Gargle the throat, every ten minutes, with a mixture of warm vinegar and water sweetened; or, with warm vinegar containing table-salt dissolved; or, with sage tea and honey, with a piece of borax about the size of a hickory-nut to a pint. If this treatment fail to reduce the in- flammation within the first forty-eight hours, the bleeding and purging are to be repeated, and a blister applied to the throat. Abstain from solid food and stimulants. If matter form, the difficulty of swallowing will be increased, and the patient in some danger of suffocation. In this case, the suppuration must be hastened by inhaling the steam of warm water, from the nose of a tea-pot, and the application around the throat. Those who have had this disease once, are more liable to subsequent at- tacks. In slight cases of sore throat, it may be sufficient to wear flannel around the throat, soaked frequently in a liniment made of hartshorn, sweet oil and laudanum. INFLAMMATION OF THE LIVER. Pain in the right side, under the short ribs, which is increased by pressure ; sometimes it extends to the chest, then resembling pleurisy, and often there is pain in the right shoulder; irregu- lar state of the bowels ; inability of lying on the left side • dry cough. The inflammation, if not reduced by the seventh or tenth day, usually ends in the formation of matter. In the for- mer case, a bilious looseness ensues; if an abcess form it may THE PEOPLE'S MEDICAL BOOK. 33 break inwardly into the chest or abdomen, or outwardly through the skin. Every exertion should be made to reduce the inflammation as early as possible. Bleed and purge freely; apply a large blister over the liver or part affected with soreness; and abstain from solid food and stimulants. If an abscess form and break, the patient's strength must be supported by bark and wine. If the abscess point outwardly, and threaten to break through the skin, the part should be poulticed. INFLAMMATION OF THE LIVER, CHRONIC. The attack of this is generally so gradual, and the symptoms at its commencement so obscure, as to pass long unnoticed. There is dejection of mind ; a loss of appetite ; rumbling in the bowels ; sense of weight and distention in the stomach ; obsti- nate costiveness ; clay-colored stools ; jaundice ; and oftentimes an enlargement of the liver that can be felt. Induce a slight spitting with mercury, applied by friction, and given internally ; thus, a calomel pill, or a grain of calomel, every night and morn- ing, and rub mercurial ointment, of the size of a nutmeg, on the inside of the thighs, every evening. Apply to the part a plas- ter of mercury or of pitch, of the size of the hand and thick- ness of a dollar. INFLAMMATION OF THE INTESTINES. Severe pain in the abdomen, increased upon pressure, and shooting, in a twisting manner^ round the navel; hardness of the abdomen; obstinate costiveness. There is sometimes vom- iting or straining at stool, according as the inflammation hap- pens in the superior or inferior portion of the intestines. The pulse is quick, hard and contracted, and the urine high-colored and there are other symptoms of fever, with great prostration ot strength. n „ . , Causes: all those inducing inflammation of the stomach,, also, strangulated hernia, colic, long continued costiveness^ It is distinguishable from colic by being accompanied with fever, and by increase of pain from pressure. The indications of cure arei~~To reduce the inflammation by bleeding once or twice from the arm. by a large blister laid over the belly, by the warm bath, and by total abstinence from stimulating articles of diet or med- 1CT'To move the bowels by gentle purges, as castor oil, salts, or cream of tartar: and by glysters of salt water. 34 THE PEOPLE'S MEDICAL BOOK. INFLAMMATION OF THE LUNGS, OR PLEURISY. Pleurisy, pneumonia, peripneumonia and lung fever, are names given to inflammations of the lungs themselves, or of the mem- brane that covers them and lines the cavity of the chest. It is, however, improbable that either the lungs or this membrane are ever inflamed to a great degree separately, the disease of one being generally more or less extended to the other. On this account, and because the symptoms and treatment of the two diseases are nearly the same, they are both included here under the head of Pleurisy. It commonly commences with the usual symptoms of fever, accompanied or succeeded by a sense of weight, and afterward pain in the chest. This begins in one side, ordinarily about the sixth or seventh rib, from which it shoots toward the breast-bone and shoulder-blade. The breath- ing is short and diffioult, and the pain is increased on drawing in the breath. There is constant inclination to cough, but every effort is interrupted by the pain it occasions; in consequence of which, viscid mucus collects in the air passages, and causes a sojrt of wheezing called rattles. The disease begins to subside from the fourth to the seventh day; if not so soon as the latter period, the case may be con- sidered dangerous. The abatement of the inflammation is marked by an amelioration of all the distressing symptoms, and a copious expectoration. The great remedies in pleurisy are bleeding, blistering and purging. In severe cases its rapid course and fatal tendency require that these should be employed with promptness and en- ergy. Blood is to be drawn from a large orifice in the arm, till the patient is relieved of his pain and difficult breathing, provided the quantity for this be short of two pints. If the first bleed- ing fail to relieve, or if, after relieving, the pain and difficult breathing return, the operation should, after twelve hours be repeated. Move the bowels as early as convenient, by a mild laxative, as salts, one ounce. ' Immediately after the first bleeding, apply a large blister upon the side, near the seat of the pain ° to Them thG f°et ^ Wam Saltwatei-> and aPPly warm poultices Take very freely of warm barley-water, or flaxseed tea mnd« agreeable with sugar. ' made If the above fail to relieve the pain and other svmnf. within the first thirty-six hours, move the bowels agSnfy The THE PEOPLE'S MEDICAL BOOK. 35 cooling mixture, taking two table-spoonfuls every hour, till it operates. Another blister may be applied to the chest, and the bleeding repeated even a third time. As soon as the pain is relieved and expectoration has commenced, give Dover's powders ten grains, or pectoral mixture, a table-spoonful, every three hours, and continue the warm drinks. Preserve a constant warmth of the skin by keeping in bed, and a uniform temperature of the apartment. During conva- lescence the patient may subsist on a generous diet, and use wine. INSECTS, Taken into the stomach may generally be destroyed by a small quantity of vinegar, to which salt may be added. For in- sects that may get into the ear, use a little salad oil. JAUNDICE. The symptoms are, loss of appetite, aversion to exercise, yel- lowness of the eyes, and subsequently of the whole skin. The urine is highly colored, and tinges the linen yellow ; the stools are white, or of a clay color. The patient complains of a bitter taste, nausea and sickness at the stomach. Generally there is costiveness, which, however, is occasionally interrupted by diar- rhoea. Frequently a sense of uneasiness and darting pain is felt under the short ribs of the right side, and at the pit of the The immediate cause is an obstruction to the passage of bile from the liver into the intestines, on account of which it is thrown back into the circulation and diffused over the body, im- parting to it the yellow color above mentioned. This obstruc- tion may proceed : 1. From the lodgment of a stone m the gall- duct This variety of jaundice may be known from the others, bv occasional acute pains under the short ribs of the right side. 2 It may proceed from indurated mucus lodged in the passage of the gall-duct. This variety follows a sedentary habit, debili- ty a long continued mercurial course for the venereal disease, and is generally unattended by pain. 3. The obstruction may proceed from enlargement of the liver, as in what is called the louecake, which often succeeds the intermittent or remittent fcveJ or from that chronic inflammation of the liver, which is occasioncd by hard drinking. In this variety of jaundice, the 30 THE PEOPLE'S MEDICAL BOOK. enlargement of the liver can be felt, which distinguishes it from other varieties. In the first variety, if pain and inflammation exist in consid- erable degree, bleed, and bathe the part with warm water; in addition to which, employ the remedies recommended in the second variety. In the second variety, administer an emetic every other morn- ing, and, if it fail to move the bowels, give on the intervening days a mild cathartic, as, calomel, six grains; jalap, ten grains; mixed in syrup or other convenient vehicle, and repeat the dose every three hours, till it operates; or, calomel pills, three or four, with castor oil, a table-spoonful; or, calomel alone, twenty grains. The warm bath, by its relaxing powers, proves very useful in jaundice, and should be employed frequently. Exer- cise of the jolting kind, as running, dancing, jumping a rope, is very serviceable. To those who reside on shore, riding on horseback is an invaluable remedy. In the third variety, where the liver is enlarged, mercury should be employed, as recommended under the head of Chronic Affection of the Liver. The diet should be light and nourishing. JAW ACHE. _ Take a dose of salts, and apply a warm poultice of hops and vinegar to the part. Steaming the part with the vapor of vine- gar, keeping the body covered at the same time with blankets. till a perspiration comes on, is also very effectual. L LARYNGEAL PHTHISIS AND BRONCHITIS. Dr. Mott, of New York, has come out in favor of the use of tobacco ; he says it is a preventive, or perhaps a cure, for laryn- geal phthisis and bronchitis. If that is the case, there will be less difficulty m answering the question why the clergymen fifty years since were not troubled with bronchial complaints as much as they now are as we believe in olden time few clergymen ne- glected the weed. aJ LESCHIKG. The manner of applying leeches is too well known to ream™ a description. Success is rendered more certain by previous^ drymo- them, or allowing them to creep over a dry cloth til part also to attract them, may be moistened with cream sn«7, or blood. » 6U6arj THE PEOPLE'S MEDICAL BOOK. 37 LINEN GOOD FOR COLDS. Persons with catarrh in the eyes or nose, will experience more relief on applying a linen or cambric handkerchief to the face, than from one made of cotton: because the linen, conducting readily, absorbs the heat and diminishes the inflammation, while the cotton, repulsing to the heat, increases the temperature and the pain. LIQUORICE LOZENGES. 1. Take extract of liquorice, one pound; powdered white sugar, two pounds. Mix with mucilage made with rose-water. 2. Take lump sugar, one hundred parts; liquorice, one hun- dred and fifty parts ; powdered starch, forty parts ; mucilage, to mix. LOOSE CLOTHING. Loose clothing is much warmer than that which fits tight, be- cause the quantity of imperfectly conducting air thus confined around the body resists the escape of animal heat. LOW SPIRITS. Dyspepsia; sense of heat and pain in the chest; languor; listlessness ; want of resolution and activity; disposition to se- riousness, sadness, and timidity as to future events; an appre- hension of the worst and most unhappy state of them, and, therefore, upon slight grounds, a dread of great evil. Particu- lar attention to health ; and, upon any unusual feeling, a fear of imminent danger, and even death itself. In respect to all these feelings and apprehensions, the most obstinate belief and per- suasion. . , Treatment—I. To restore the energy of the bram and ner- vous system; and to obviate the morbid association of ideas, by which the disease is characterized. 2 To remove the dyspepsia and other concomitant symptoms. The first indication can alone be accomplished by diverting the attention of the patient from his own feelings by change of scene • engaging his attention by new and interesting objects; convivial society; various amusements and rural sports; mode- rate and regular exercise; gaining his confidence; condoling with him, rather than ridiculing his foibles; and persuading him of a gradual recovery from his ideal illness, by some inno- cent medicaments regularly administered. The second by: , . . 1. The treatment laid down for the cure of dyspepsia. 38 THE PEOPLE'S 3IEDICAL BOOK. 2. Chalybeate mineral waters. 3. Tonics and antispasmodics; particularly Peruvian bari and assafoetida. 4. Warm and cold bathing. 5. The mineral waters recommended for dyspepsia. 6. Light nutritive diet; as common drink, wine and watei should be substituted for malt liquors. The violent pain in the head and stomach, to which hypochon driacs are subject, may be relieved by ether, musk and opium, separately or combined. M MEASLES. Of the Benign.—Cough; hoarseness ; difficulty of breathing, sneezing; sense of weight in the head ; nausea or vomiting ■, dullness of the eyes ; drowsiness; epiphora; itching of the face. On the fourth day, small red points or papulae appear, first on the face, and afterward successively on the lower part of the body. They are generally in clusters ; do not rise into visible pimples, but by the touch are found to be a little prominent. On the fifth, or sixth day, the vivid red is changed to a brown- ish hue; and in a day or two more the eruption entirely disap- pears, with a mealy desquamation of the cuticle. The febrile symptoms are not diminished upon the appear- ance of the eruption, but rather increase, and become attended with much anxiety and oppression, and symptoms of pneumo- nia. At the period of desquamation of the papulae, a diarrhoea frequently conies on, and continues for some time. The symptoms which distinguish the eruptive fever of measles from variola and other diseases, are the dry cough and hoarse- ness ; the heaviness of the head and drowsiness ; sneezing ; the appearance of the eyes, which are red, swelled, itchy, very sen- sible to light, and frequently loaded with tears. Cause—specific contagion. Treatm.ent.-The first thing to be attempted is, to diminish the inflammatory action, and relieve urgent symptoms: 1. By abstinence from animal food, and all things that in- crease blood and inflammation. 2 By placing the patient in a moderately cool atmosphere the temperature of which should be regulated in a great mZl' ure by his own feelings, carefully guarding against fny sudden THE PEOPLE'S MEDICAL BOOK. 30 3. By the common diaphoretics and refrigerants; more es- pecially the saline ones. 4. By the occasional exhibition of saline aperients. 5. When the febrile symptoms run high, and more especially when symptoms of local inflammation are present, recourse must be had to general and local bleeding. Practitioners differ much with respect to the time at which blood-letting may be employed with the most advantage. Dr. Morton thinks it requisite as soon as the eruption is completed. Sydenham recommends it after the eruption has disappeared. Dr. Mead judiciously observes, that our practice in this respect should be regulated by the degree of the accompanying pneu- monic symptoms, without attending to the particular period of the disorder, or the state of the eruption ; and this is the gen- erally approved practice of the present day. Where the inflammatory symptoms become urgent, with much anxiety, pain, and oppression at the chest, general bleeding can- not be dispensed with, unless there be a septic tendency in the system. Topical bleeding under less urgent symptoms may suffice. 6. By the application of blisters to the chest, in cases where the fever is violent, with delirium or pneumonic inflammation. 1. If the disease be accompanied by inflammation of the lungs, general and topical blood-letting must be enforced, with occasional purges and nauseating diaphoretics, as recommended for the cure of pneumonia. 2. Hoarseness, cough, and inflammation of the throat, will be palliated by barley-water, with gum Arabic; thin arrow-root; orgeat and water ; the compound decoction of barley, or capil- laire and water, taken in very small quantities and frequently, not cold, but with the chill removed. The addition of a little nitre, or of a small quantity of lemon-juice will render them more palatable. Inhaling the steam of warm water is also useful. Mild opiates are occasionally useful against these symptoms, after the febrile action is abated; but when given before, they neither procure rest, nor an abatement of the cough. Take milk of almonds, five ounces; nitrate of potash, fifteen grains; syrup of white poppies, half an ounce. Mix. Let the patient take a moderate spoonful when the cough is urgent. _ An opiate, given at bed timd, should always be combined with a saline diaphoretic. 3 When diarrhoea does not take place toward the resolution of the disease, a calomel purge or two should be administered. 40 THE PEOPLE'S MEDICAL BOOK.__________ 4. Where the diarrhoea is excessive, astringents and opium 3T6 HGCGSStLrV. Take chalk mixture, six ounces. Let the patient take two large spoonfuls after each liquid stool. Take aromatic confection, one scruple; chalk mixture, twelve drachms ; powder of ipecacuanha, one grain. Make a draught to be taken every four hours. Take aromatic confection, ono scruple; extract of logwood, ten grains; chalk mixture, twelve drachms. Make a draught to be taken every four hours. To either of the above, five drops of laudanum may be added. Should the diarrhoea continue, and threaten great exhaustion, recourse must be had to the opiate confection, astringent clys- ters, and the more powerful astringent remedies recommended against diarrhoea. 5. If the symptoms manifest a tendency to a malignant form of disease, they must be treated as directed in typhus. When the eruption of measles disappears before the proper period, and convulsions, or great anxiety, or delirium, take place, the course will be to restore the eruption to the skin. To effect this, recourse must immediately be had to the warm bath, blis- ters to the chest and feet, the administration of warm dilute wine, camphor and ether, or antimony. Take of antimonial powder, six grains; make a powder to be taken every three, or four, or six hours. Take nitrous ether, two drachms ; water of acetate of ammo- nia, six drachms; spearmint, five ounces; syrup of saffron, three drachms. Mix. Let the patient take two large spoonfuls frequently. Of the malignant.—This form of the disease is accompanied with typhus fever, and the symptoms of putrescency that are enumerated under the head of typhus. The eruption appears more early; and all the symptoms above described are in an aggravated form. The fauces often assume the same appearance as in cynanche maligna, probably from a combination of the two diseases. The treatment of malignant measles is similar to that of ty- phus fever ; it requires the exhibition of mineral acids, cinchona, and red port wine. Delirium, pneumonic symptoms, couch &c. must be treated as before recommended. MENORRHAGIA, Or immoderate flow of the menses. A flow of the menses is to be considered as immoderate, when it either returns more fre- THE PEOPLE'S MEDICAL BOOK. 41 quently than is natural, continues longer than ordinary, or is more abundant than is usual with the same person at other times. It may be the effect of two different and opposite states of the system : plethora, with inordinate arterial vigor ; and gene- ral relaxation, or debility. Symptoms.—An immoderate flow of the menses, arising from plethora, is usually preceded by rigors, acute pain's in the head and loins, thirst, turgid flushed countenance, universal heat, and a strong, hard pulse ; on the contrary, where the symptoms of debility are prevalent in the system, the pulse is small and feeble, the face pallid, the respiration small and hurried on the slightest effort; the general appearance of the patient indicates a laxity of every muscular fibre; the pains of the back and loins are rather aching than acute. The causes which predispose to the disease, are plethora; a laxity or debility of the organ, arising from frequent child-bear- ing , difficult and tedious labors, or repeated miscarriages; a sedentary and inactive life, indulging much in grief and despon- dency ; living upon a poor, low diet; drinking freely of warm, enervating liquors, such as tea and coffee; and living in warm chambers. The exciting causes of menorrhagia are, violent exercise, more especially in dancing; strokes or concussions on the belly; strains ; passions of the mind; violent straining at stool; ex- cess in venery, particularly during menstruation ; the applica- tion of wet and cold to the feet; organic affections of the uterus, such as schirrus, polypus, &c. Menorrhagia, when it is the effect of plethora, rarely proves fatal; but when it occurs in habits much reduced by previous disease, or is produced by a laxity of the vessels of the organ, is profuse, long-continued, or of frequent recurrence ; if the lips, nails, and other parts, be pale; if the extremities become cold, and with these symptoms the patient fall into syncope, especially if there be any convulsions of the limbs, the danger is very great. When it arises from an organic affection of the part, which is frequently the case after the age of forty-five, it is usu- ally incurable. The cure of menorrhagia consists in: 1. Strictly confining the patient to an horizontal posture; es- pecially avoiding every exertion both of body and mind. 2. Keeping the body gently open with laxative medicines that have but little stimulus. Take tartrate of potash, half an ounce; best manna, six drachms ; boiling water, six ounces ; compound tincture of lav- 2* 4« THE PEOPLE'S MEDICAL BOOK. ender, half an ounce. Make a mixture, of which let the patient take three spoonfuls when necessary. Take sulphate of magnesia, three drachms; cold water, ten ounces. Make an injection. 3. Administering draughts of acidulated cold liquors fre- quently, as infusion of roses, lemonade, and the like. _ 4. The internal use of styptics, especially cerussa acetata, as directed against haemoptysis. 5. When symptoms of debility are present, tonics, astrin- gents : cinchona, cascarilla, kino, quercus, and wine. 6. The constant application of astringents to the vagina and hypogastric region; especially ice, very cold water, vinegar and MUMPS. m This is a well-known specific contagion peculiar to children- it commences with a slight inflammatory fever, pain in the head and ears, and swelling of the head and neck, or the parotid and maxillary glands, appearing externally, at which time the pa- tient experiences great difficulty in breathing and swallowing ■ sometimes a part of the inflammation extends to the breasts of the female, and the testes of the male, and in the recession delirium will not unfrequently follow. The general treatment recommended in this disease is the same as in that of inflamma- tory sore throat; the same gargles and plasters are useful If the disease occurs in cold weather, the head should be kept bound up with a linen bandage, moderately tight, with flannel next to the swollen parts; should violent fever or delirium take place, put blisters to the head, mustard plasters to the feet, and fomen- tations to the parts affected. The ordinary emetics are very beneficial in the early stages. J MUSKETO BITES. tipDof voir fif S°da f1?icllin8 P°wdcr) ™ water, and with the PcoLyie^^Tt^V? ^^ le«ing it dry: the cure hundTetof bitl P°°nfUl °f thG S°luti0n is ■»**«* fi» • N NETTLE RASH. An eruption resembling that produced bv tl10 «,*• • ties ; whence its name. These Httle^eleva^o s of e^o^ °f *? stantaneously, especially if the skin be rubbed or^cratcteT and THE PEOPLE'S MEDICAL BOOK. 43 seldom stay many hours, sometimes not many minutes, in the same place ; but vanish, and again make their appearance in another part of the skin. The parts affected with the eruption are often considerably swelled. In some persons they last a few days only, in others many months, appearing and disappear- ing at intervals. Long weals sometimes are observed, as if the part had been struck with a whip. The little eminences always appear solid, not having any cavity, or head containing either water, or any other liquor. Intolerable itching is their invaria- ble concomitant. They generally disappear in the day time, and in the evening again break forth, accompanied with slight symptoms of fever. They terminate in a desquamation of the cuticle. Cause.—Mechanical irritation. Treatment.—Use frequent cooling purges ; small doses of cal- omel ; sudorifics ; light diet. NERVOUS FEVER, OR SLOW FEVER. It commences slowly and imperceptibly, with general languor, dejection of mind, loss of appetite, alternate chills and flushes, dullness and confusion of thought. In a day or two there is a giddiness and pain in the head, with aching pains over the whole body; nausea; frequent, weak, and often intermitting pulse. At first the tongue is moist, but afterward becomes dry, brown and tremulous; there is little thirst, and the urine is pale and watery. As the disease advances, the heat and other symptoms of inflammation increase ; the urine becomes high-colored ; some- times diarrhoea and immoderate sweating ensue ; there is a low, muttering delirium, a starting and twitching of the tendons; sometimes a coldness of the extremities, convulsions and death. Causes.—"Weak and delicate habit of body; poor living; warmth of climate; depressing passions of the mind, as grief, fear, anxiety ; excessive venery ; intemperance. It may be known from putrid or malignant fever, by the at- tack being more gradual, and the symptoms milder. from in- flammatory fever, by the smallncss and weakness of the pulse, and by its more mild accession. About the seventh, fourteenth, or twenty-first day from the attack, the disease usually abates, and the patient from that timT^LI-7ommence this by cleansing the stomach and bowels with a mild emetic and cathartic, combined as follows^ Take ipecac twenty grains, and calomel, five; mix hem, and giy^the "dose' in any^conve'nient vehicle. If this fail to move 44 THE PEOPLE'S MEDICAL BOOK. the bowels once or twice, take some other mild purgative, and repeat it as often as there is the least tendency to costiveness If the disease be not arrested by this treatment within the first three days, apply blisters to the legs, and poultices to the soles of the feet. If, after this, there should be much stupor, shave and blister the head. The patient may take wine in sago, barley-water, or gruel. He may also take chicken-broth, beef-tea, or other light animal food, but in such quantities only as his stomach craves, and as will be likely to agree with him. The pulp of an orange, or roasted apples, will be both cooling and agreeable to the stomach. For common drink, he may take toast-water, lemonade, wine and water, cider, or soda water. One of the best remedies in the early stage of the disease, after the stomach and bowels have been moved by medicine, is cold affusions. The cold water should be dashed on from a pitcher or bucket, wherever the heat of the skin is above the natural standard. If this heat, however, be confined to particu- lar parts of the body, the cold water may be applied to them alone, with a sponge or wet cloth. The Quinia mixture has also been found a very good agent for the cure of this fever. The patient should be kept as quiet as possible, and, with a view to promote perspiration and induce sleep, may take every evening a Dover's powder, and have warm poultices renewed to his feet. During the day time, administer the following drops: Take spirits of niter and antimonial wine, equal parts ; mix them, and give two tea-spoonfuls every three hours, in toast-water. NEURALGIA, OR TIC DOULOUREUX. This complaint is tolerably well known by peculiar violent and changing pains in the head and face, which dart from one part to another, accompanied sometimes by a twitching of the the muscles ; the patient for a time suffers extreme agony. If the affection is in the head, it not unfrequently causes a tran- sient delirium; the parts are excessively painful from the slight- est touch, and the patient can scarcely apply his finger or hand near the situation of the pain. Treatment.—If the pain is situated in the face, attended bv more or less swelling, and the patient has any teeth in a far state of decay, the immediate extraction of the teeth will most probably effect a cure; if the teeth be nor affected, apply a ^ija. THE PEOPLE'S MEDICAL BOOK. 45 ter to the cheek; or bind the face up in a flannel, well soaked in sweet oil and laudanum ; a leaf of tobacco dipped in water and bound to the part for a short time, has effected a cure; if in the head, leeches and blisters should be used; although cold saline applications have been tried with advantage. Neuralgia is a most obstinate and painful malady, and Mr. Dupie of the French Medical College, has been more fortunate than any other physician in effecting a permanent cure ; his principal remedy is as follows : Take eight grains of sulphate of quinine, two ounces of syrup of rhubarb, two and a half ounces of water of orange flower, and ten drops of sulphuric ether. To relieve the pain, from twenty to thirty drops of laudanum may be taken. NIGHTMARE, OR FRIGHTFUL DREAMS. Although this affection is not noticed in the medical books, it is, nevertheless, a most distressing malady, which requires medi- cal treatment. A person subject to nightmare should be re- stricted to a very light, digestable diet, such as mutton, chicken, &c; keep the body well open, and eat no gross food or rich pies; eat a very light and early supper; take plenty of exer- cise • avoid the reading or discussion of any horrid or affecting subjects or stories ; on going to bed, keep the neck, chest and limbs entirely free from any ligature, bandage, or pressure ; and on the morning after an attack of nightmare, take a dose of Epsom salts. NIGHT SWEATS. These are the consequence of some debility of the system, or decline of constitution ; they are very prostrating to the powers If they do not proceed from decline or consumption, plentiful draughts of cold chamomile tea, with generous and nourishing diet, will cure them. o ON CLYSTERS, OR INJECTIONS. These may be administered with a pipe or tube inserted into the neck S a bladder. The fluid to be injected being in re- duced into the bladder, through an opening made in the side S^J *^ toK biath, while the bladder 46 THE PEOPLE'S MEDICAL, BOOK. is gradually pressed from the top to the tube, till all the liquid is injected. OPENING A TUMOR OR ABSCESS. The opening should be made in the most prominent part, and if it be on a limb, the incision is to be made lengthwise, and not across the limb. The part should be covered with plaster, to exclude air. OPODELDOC, OR CAMPHORATED SOAP LINEVIENT. _ Take common white soap, three ounces ; camphor, one ounce; oil of rosemary, oil of origanum, each half an ounce; alcohol one pint; cut the soap fine, and with a gentle heat dissolve it in the alcohol, in which the other articles have been previously dis- solved. Pour into wide-mouthed vials or jars, to cool. If liquid opodeldoc is preferred, two ounces of castile soap, in place of three ounces of common soap. N. B.—Troy ounces are designated. If not practicable to have the articles weighed by that standard, bear in mind that the Troy ounce is nearly equal to one and one-ninth ounce Avordupois. Opodeldoc, made according to the above recipes, is altogether superior to that usually sold in vials, at exhorbitant prices. PAINTER'S COLIC. Pains and spasms in the belly and intestines ; eructations or belching, frequent inclinations to go to stool, &c. It very fre- quently terminates in a palsy in the wrists and extremities, and in other parts of the body. Cause.—The use of lead in certain trades. stoniaf°M0Vn ieVe?*e* d?s,es> is often effectual in producing stools. Mercury, united with opium, is very beneficial by ex citing salivation. Rub the belly with brandy and camphor mixed and relieve the pain by doses of laudanum of from forty to eighty drops. Bleeding is recommended in violent 2 The following prescriptions are recommended bv Dr TT„ 1st. Takeof calomel, half a grain; prepared sSph^T^ tnnony hah a gram ; conserve of roses, five grains maktf -n" to be taken three times a day. ' ake a P*U THE PEOPLE'S MEDICAL BOOK. 4» 2nd. Take sulphate of alum and potash, one half scruple; infusion of roses, twelve drachms; syrup of roses, one drachm. Make a draught, to be taken three times a day. Preventive Treatment.—To prevent the diseases which arise from the use of lead in certain trades, the treatment is ex- tremely simple, requiring the workmen to submit to the follow- ing precautions: They are to take two baths of soap and water every week, occasionally adding a little sulphur, and are care- fully to wash the uncovered parts of the body with soap and water at every interval between their working hours. They are to drink one or two glasses of lemonade, made with sulphuric acid, every day, according to the greater or lesser quantity of dust, or poisonous vapor with which the surrounding atmosphere may be charged. At the same time, they should be more care- ful than the followers of any other trade to abstain from the use of spirituous liquors. The efficacy of this preventive treat- ment is easily explained by the fact, that the mineral poispn ab- sorbed is thus converted into an insoluble, and, therefore, innox- ious, salt (sulphate of lead), and the saturnine particles deposit- ed on the surface of the body are taken away. PERSIMMONS, UNRIPE, Are said to have the effect of arresting cholera infantum and common diarrhoea. A simple infusion suffices to be adminis- tered, when astringent remedies are indicated. Dr. Mettairer, of Virginia, says it acts like a charm, when other astringents fail. A syrup of the same, or a tincture, can, of course, be easily prepared, and would answer the same purpose. PLEURISY. The proper pleurisy we have noticed under the head of In- flammation of the Lungs. There is a well-known complaint which improperly bears the name of pleurisy, which commences with painful darts or stitches in the side, frequently below the ribs and often attended with fever. When the latter is the case', immediate bleeding, leeching, the mustard poultice or a blister, are efficacious. This stitch in the side is frequently oc- casioned by a portion of wind being confined about that region, and a patient fancies he has a pleurisy. A dose of castor oil and a nibbing of the part with a coarse towel, or with spirits of hartshorn and sweet oil, have very frequent y cured this. This description of pleurisy, if pleurisy it may be termed, is yerymmon in cities,^ the mon&s of March and November; 48 THE PEOPLE'S MEDICAL BOOK. at "which season person of delicate habit should wear real flan- nel about the chest, and avoid exposure to dampness. PUTRID SORE THROAT. It commences with cold shiverings, sickness and vomiting heat and restlessness, great debility, flushed face, hoarseness and sore throat. Upon inspection, the internal surface appears of a fiery red color, which soon becomes darker, and is inter- spersed with specks, of some shade between a light ash and a dark brown. There is considerable fever, which increases every evening; a small and irregular pulse, and oftentimes diarrhoea. About the second or third day, large scarlet-colored patches or stains appear upon the neck and face, and afterward over the whole body. After continuing about four days, they depart with a scaling of the skin. In bad cases, the ulcers in the throat corrode deeper and deeper, debility increases to complete exhaustion, and the parts mortify. The patient expires usually before the seventh, often as early as the third or fourth, day. _ This disease is epidemic, often spreading through 'a whole village. Long exposure to a humid atmosphere and a debili- tated habit predispose to an attack. This kind of sore throat may be distinguished from quinsy, or common sore throat, by the eruption or specks above mentioned, by the weak, fluttering pulse, general debility, and by the scarlet spots that appear on the skin. Each of these diseases, however, often partakes so much of the character of the other, that it is not always easy to distinguish them. It may be known from croup by the absence of a croaking hoarseness, and by the presence of visible inflam- mation and the specks above mentioned. The putrid sore throat prevails mostly among children. In the treatment of putrid sore throat, bleeding and active purging would be apt to increase the debility which is already very great. The stomach and bowels must however be cleansed • for winch purpose take ipecac; twenty-five grains of calomel or some other purgative in small quantity. The principal indica- tions of cure then are: y 1. To counteract the putrid tendency that prevails 2. To wash off frequently the acrid matter from the throat and, lastly, to obviate debility. ' To correct the putrid tendency, Peruvian bark, mineral ic\<\* and Cayenne pepper, are among the most valuable remeZ' They may be taken m the following manner: Take powd " f the bark, two table-spoonfuls; Cayenne pepper, one table s"" ful; to which add three gills of boiling water, and after hliY^' THE PEOPLE'S MEDICAL BOOK. 49 it in a covered vessel ten minutes, add one gill of vinegar. Ad- minister three table-spoonfuls every two hours. Or, take de- coction of bark, two table-spoonfuls; tincture of bark, two tea- spoonfuls ; elixir vitriol, fifteen drops; mixed, every two hours. To cleanse the throat, use gargles of salt dissolved in vine- gar ; or, elixir vitriol, a tea-spoonful to half a pint of warm water, sweetened, every ten minutes. Inhale the steam of warm vinegar and water, from the nose of a tea-pot. Breathe the air made by burning niter, thus : close the patient's room, and upon a chafing dish of coals, throw powder of niter, half an ounce — which will fill the room with a thick white cloud, that will last for some time. This process may be frequently repeated in the course of the day. If any particular symptom of an alarming nature arise du- ring the progress of the disease, as diarrhoea, bleeding, &c, it must be checked immediately. For diarrhoea administer opium and brandy, or powder of kino, thirty grains. Bleeding is also to be treated with astringents both locally and generally, as di- rected under the heads of different kinds of bleeding. R RINGWORMS. Get the comb of a church bell, that is, the grease which is applied to make it work easy, and which with the metal forms a kind of verdigris; mix it with unsalted lard, and apply a fresh plaster twice a day. It is not superstition that dictates the use of a church bell above any other, but the peculiar^ combination of metal employed for that purpose produces a different kind of verdigris. This remedy was long kept a profound secret, and many cures effected at an enormous charge. It has been equally efficacious as freely and openly communicated. Ringworms may be, in most cases, simply cured by scratching around the outer surface with the point of a sharp pin. I he disease will not pass the line if the skin is thus cut. RHEUMATISM. There are two kinds: acute, which is inflammatory and of short duration; and of chronic which is of long duration, and 'XS- %Skeumatism.-Thej commence with slight feve^ry^oon followed by an inflammation, sharp pain, and so THE PEOPLE'S MEDICAL BOOK. swelling in the neighborhood of one or more of the large joints; and this pain increases when the patient becomes warm in bed. It is variable, shifts, from joint to joint, and leaves the part it occupied swollen, red, and tender to the touch. The joints most subject to this disease are, the hip, loins, back and shoulder. The pulse is full and hard, the tongue has a slight whiteness, the urine is high-colored, the blood, when drawn from a vein, exhibits a light colored crust on its surface, costiveness prevails, and sometimes there is profuse sweating without relief. Cause.—Obstructed perspiration, occasioned by wearing wet clothes, lying in damp linen or damp rooms, or by bein» ex- posed to cold air, while heated by exercise. Sailors are particu- larly liable to this complaint, on account of their frequent calls upon deck in rainy weather, and sleeping in Wet clothes. Often it attacks sailors on their approach from a warm to a cold cli- mate. Treatment.—This is to be commenced by blood-letting and purging. The quantity of blood to be taken from an adult may be between one and two pints, according to the strength of his constitution and the violence of the attack- and if the symptoms continue unabated, the operation may be repeated on the following day. As a cathartic, give a dose of salts or of castor oil; or flowers of sulphur and cream of tartar half an ounce of each, mixed with molasses. When the bowels have been moved, take Dover's powder, fifteen grains every four hours, and drink freely of warm herb-tea and toast-water, or barley-water and gruel. Another remedy of great value in ™,t^Tatls,.n> %?11(T1 aDd °pium'tw0 Srains of the f^" times a di Wn ' "^ ^ '^ thrCe °f f0Ur When fever has subsided and the pain is confined to one part, a™t^LPr°VeUfU\ Wfm Wntati™s tend ratlJr t ^Xo^^^*by '"^ ~» v^S^^^S^^ *™ yWdod, the patient ening medicines.g *' and the USe of wlQe ™* strength- attendTS^ creases in proportion to the coldness of the weather ^^ ^ also prevent the men's sleeping on damp beds* or-inwet'a S THE PEOPLE'S MEDICAL BOOK. 51 If woolen shirts are best for sailors in all climates, they are more particularly so in approaching from a warm to a cold one. Chronic Rheumatism.—It may be either a consequence and termination of the acute rheumatism, or it may be independent of it. In the first case the parts which were affected with in- flammation are left weak, stiff, in some instances swelled, *and the pain, before movable, is now usually confined to particular parts : sometimes, however, it still shifts from joint to joint, but is unattended by any inflammation or fever. When not the consequence of acute rheumatism, it is most commonly met with in people at the decline of life. The pains are felt in the large joints, which are increased upon motion, and relieved by arti- ficial warmth; the part affected is pale and cold, even when the other parts of the body are warm. Treatment.—This must differ from that which is recommended in acute rheumatism. General bleeding as well as much purg- ing, will be inadmissible. The part affected may be rubbed sev- eral times a day with volatile liniment, or with spirits of cam- phor, and the part rolled in flannel. In long continued and obstinate rheumatic affections, leeches applied to the part will be serviceable, as also blisters kept constantly running. A valua- ble application to the part is a plaster of common pitch, spread as thick as a dollar on soft leather, and sprinkled over with tar- tar emetic, five grains to a surface as large as the hand. These local applications must be accompanied with such in- ternal medicines as are best adapted to stimulate and warm the system and alleviate pain. Gum guaiacum is one of the most powerful general stimulants, and may be taken in doses of fit- teen grains of the powder, mixed with sugar, molasses, or gruel, every three hours. Or take the tincture of guaiacum from two to four tea-spoonfuls, in wine or gruel. Mustard and horse-rad- ish may be used freely. . The diet should be rich and stimulating; flannel worn next to the skin; and exposure to cold night-air, wearing damp clothes, and wetting the feet should be carefully ™de ™te Do not give these pills to children; but give instead, in sugar and water one drop oi tincture of opium for each year of their age; under twelve years of age, gave one grain of calomel; but if above that age, the quantity must be increased. ° ^ J This is a very powerful medicine, and is recommended only because the disease does not admit of delay in the use of effective remedies. If these pills should be rejected by the stomach, you must repeat them until they are retained. J In two hours afterward, take the medicine in the following prescription, which, from its adaptation to the cholera, may be termed The Anti-cholera Powder: Take Prepared chalk, 1 ounce, Aromatic confection, \% drachm, Powder of gum Arabic, 2 drachms— Take a tea-spoonful for a dose, in a wine-glassful of milk and water, to which add a tea-spoonful of compound tincture of rhubarb, and ten drops of laudanum. This dose should be repeated every time the bowels act. In the case of children, the quantity should be reduced, and the lauda- num omitted. The patient should lie down in bed, and avoid exertion as much as pos- sible. Care should be taken to keep the feet warm, by a plentiful supply of Warm flannels, and by bottles of hot water. An embrocation of heated spirits of wine should be rubbed over the feet and legs, and large mustard poultices placed on the stomach and bowels. There is no necessity to deny the use of cold water, for which there will be a violent thirst; indeed, some recoveries are said to have followed simply from drinking cold water. Should the patient advance to the blue stage, the most powerful means must be employed; but from their character, they can be safely used only by a properly qualified medical practitioner. The design of these direc- tions is not to intrust the life of the sufferer to unskillful hands; and they are given in the firm conviction that, if carefully followed, they will as- sist to save great numbers from the advanced and more dangerous stages of the disease. Report of a case of Cholera treated successfully by Rectified Oil of Tur- pentine, administered internally as a Specific. By Richard Beown, Esq., Surgeon, Ccbham, Surrey, 'November, 1848. October 26th.—A. F-----, aged fourteen, having suffered from severe bowel complaint, presented all the svmptoms of cholera in the stage of collapse. The bowels acted incessantly, and anything taken into tne stomach was immediately rejected; the pain around the umbilicus was in- tense, attended with severe cramps of the legs; *e Pulse exeeedinglvsmnj and scarcely perceptible; tongue coated in the center, and flabby; the sur- »S» THE PEOPLE'S MEDICAL BOOK. face of the body much below the natural standard; the countenance of a blue cast, and expressive of the greatest anxiety; so decided, indeed was the symptom, that I considered the case almost without hope. .But 1 had determined to treat the first case of cholera that occurred in my practice with rectified oil of turpentine, given internally, the active principle of which—camphogen—possesses stimulating, diuretic, diaphoretic, sedative, anti-spasmodic, anti-putrescent properties. I administered immediately one drachm of it, combined with mucilage and aromatics, directing it to be repeated every two hours, and ordered the patient to be kept warm, and to take meal broth with an excess of salt. A tea-spoonful of brandy, or more, would be a good adjunct to each dose of the medicine, should it produce nausea or vomiting. In the evening of the same day I found all the symptoms mitigated; the purging and vomiting had ceased, the pulse was raised, the surface of the body warm and perspiring, the pain around the umbilicus diminished, and the cramps were less violent, but the countenance still bore the appearance of great anxiety. The turpentine mixture to be continued every four hours. 27th.—Continues to improve; much of the anxiety of countenance had vanished, but the pain in the belly and cramps of the legs still remain, although much relieved. I desired the mixture to be taken at intervals of six hours, and ordered two grains of calomel, as the bowels had not acted. 28th.—Much better; no pain in the belly nor cramps in the legs, and does not feel sick from the turpentine, which can be easily detected in the urine, in the evacuation, which is semifluid, and in the skin also. The patient says she smells of turpentine. Discontinued the medicine. 29th.—The patient is up, and although exceedingly weak, there is no trace of any alarming symptom remaining. The bowels have acted, and the evacuation is more healthy. A mild tonic and alterative plan of treat- ment was all that was necessary to restore the patient to her usual health, and she is now well. In some observations on this case, Mr. Brown remarks: Turpentine hitherto has been employed as an auxiliary, applied externally to the ab- domen, and occasionally administered as an enema, or by the mouth ; but I have not observed one instance in which this remedy has been resorted to alone, and in the light of a specific in the treatment of cholera. It was with this view, however, I prescribed it, and in sufficient quantity to in- sure its full effect, and the result is such as to urge me to recommend a fair trial of it, as the sheet-anchor; for its power of arresting the morbid changes of the blood in this disease is without a doubt in my mind. \ FACTS IN DOMESTIC MATTERS. FIRES. Coke and charcoal fires are free from smoke, because the moisture has been previously dissipated; this moisture produ- cing the smoke of coal fires. Too much coal on a fire causes a chimney to smoke, because, when the heat begins to operate on the coal, gas is extricated; this gas carrying some of the grosser particles along with it, a heavy smoke is thrown out, which will not rise in the chimney, but by its own gravity is forced back into the room; on which the warm air of the apartment being lighter than what comes in, instantly ascends toward the ceiling, and the lower part be- comes cool. But if a portion of the fuel is taken off, then the small quantity of active caloric, or heat, acts with greater force on the unconsumed coal, brings out its latent or inactive heat more rapidly, thereby producing a quicker decomposition of the gases; by the increasing combustion the smoke becomes thin- ner and lighter ; and though it. carries up more caloric with it proportionally than before, yet the quantity of radiant heat is greater, and the temperature of the apartment is more equal- ized. * Some chimneys smoke, because the wind is too much let in at the mouth of the shaft, or the smoke_ is stifled below; or there is too little room in the vent, particularly where several open into the same funnel. The situation of the house may likewise affect them, especially if backed by higher buildings. is ^Z^^l Tfi^ftnt S^itp sml Stit does notproduce^^tdr ^nt^ ^^I^of^o^^^, of wasteful radi, tion.—Arnolt. 76 FACTS IN DOMESTIC MATTERS. Water thrown on a brisk and flaming fire apparently in- creases the combustion, because the water is converted into steam, which expanding and mixing with the flame, causes it to spread out into a much larger volume than it otherwise would have occupied.—Arnolt. Sunshine extinguishes a fire, because the rays engage the oxy- gen which had hitherto supported the fire. A fire burns briskly and clearly in cold weather, because the air, being more dense, affords more nourishment to the fire. It is wasteful to wet small coal, because the moisture, in be- ing evaporated, carries off with it, as latent, and therefore use- less, a considerable proportion of what'the combustion produces. It is a very common prejudice, that the wetting of coal, by making it last longer, effects a great saving; but, in truth, it restrains the combustion, and for a time makes a bad fire; it also wastes the heat. A poker laid across a dull fire will revive it, because the poker receives and concentrates the heat, and causes a draught through the fire. Flour of sulphur thrown into a fire-place extinguishes a chim- ney when on fire, because, by its combustion, it effects the de- composition of the atmospheric air, which is, consequently anni- hilated. Certain furnaces ppnsume their own smoke, because the smoke or flame of fresh fuel, on its way to the chimney, passes through, over, or among, fuel, which having already been converted into coke or charcoal, had ceased to smoke; by which expedient the grosser parts of the flame or smoke are consumed, or converted into pure flame free from smoke. Strong flames are often seen at the chimney-top of foundery furnaces, because the heat of the furnaces is so great that the smoke burns on reaching the oxygen of the atmosphere. +wiSJ?dent ,thav COa? is derived fr°m vegetation, because there are few coals but that present more or less of'a woody texture: to be traced from the bitumenized wood, which still bears though approaching in its nature to coal, the trunk the branches and even the very leaves of trees, through all the va- £i,1I?e m°St C°^Ct ** ^> the oldest FACTS IN DOMESTIC MATTERS. 77 Charcoal is sometimes found among coal, because the slate which covers the coal layers takes fire in consequence of its containing sulphur in such minute division, as readily to attract oxygen and inflame; thus converting vegetable remains into charcoal. Charcoal and coke are obtained in closed vessels, because the wood and coal from which they are obtained, if similarly heated in the air, would burn or combine With the oxygen of the air; but heated in a vessel or place which excludes the air, they merely give out their more volatile parts. Fatal accidents often happen frdm the burning of charcoal in chambers, because of the abdndance of carbonic acid gas extri- cated during the combustion. Lone shalltiw stove-grates are uneconomical, because the body of the coal is not soon heated, and requires to be oftener replen- ished, to keep up the fire. The extreme heat of stoves for heating rooms ^ pernicious to health, because if the temperature be thus raised much.higher.than 300° Fahrenheit, the animal and vegetable matter which is found mechanically mixed at all times with the air wil be de- composed, and certain elastic vapors and fluids produced of a deXTous quality and peculiar smell. The matter here alluded to is very visible to the naked eye in a sunbeam let into a daik room. Flint and steel when struck together produce a shower of spar " becanse small portions of one 0* both arc *ucoff by the violence of the collision, ma state of win* heat and ^ ESuc gun powder, or to light tinder. EFFECTS OF HEAT. melt or rise in the wick. Those parts of ^a^;™^^^ posed to the snn are often W?». ™, colors beeanse the ozy- •£X^K™ iu^"£? in the dve of the cartas 78 FACTS IN DOMESTIC MATTERS. will be rendered aeriform by the rays of the sun, and will go off in the state of oxygen gas. Meat screens are lined with tin, because the polished metal reflects the heat upon the roasting meat, and thus expedites the cooking, independently of the screen itself protecting the joint from currents of air. On this account screens, entirely of tin, are calculated for expeditious cookery. Thin glass tumblers are less liable to be broken by boiling water than thick ones, because the heat pervades the thin ves- sels almost instantly, and with impunity, whereas thicker ones do not allow a ready passage of heat. A glass stopper, sticking fast in the neck of a bottle, may be released by surrounding the neck with a cloth taken out of hot water, or by immersing the bottle up to the neck, because the binding ring is thus heated and expanded sooner than the stop- per, and so becomes slack or loose upon it. Straw or flannel prevents the freezing of water in pipes during winter, because it is a slow conducting screen or covering, and thus prevents heat passing out of the pipe. By the same means the heat is retained in steam pipes. Some houses have double windows, because the air inclosed between the two windows greatly prevents the escape of heat which is produced within the house in winter. Thus, air is an imperfect conductor of heat. Houses which have double win- dows are likewise more quiet than others, from the air being also a bad conductor of sound. EVAPORATION. A decanter of cold water, when brought into a warm room, ia speedily covered with dew, because the temperature of the de- canter is lower than that of the air immediately around it, The dew may be wiped off again and again, but will be constantly re- produced till the temperatures are equal. Upon this principle, the most convenient sort of hygrometer, or instrument for meas- uring the quantity of vapor in the atmosphere, is constructed. Profuse perspiration is cooling to laboring men, and all evap- oration is productive of cold, because of the necessity of a large quantity of caloric being combined with the fluids, to convert them into vapor or gas. FACTS IN DOMESTIC MATTERS. 79 Persons take cold by sitting in wet clothes, because they sud- denly lose a large portion of heat, which is carried off from the body by the evaporation of the water from the clothes. In hot countries, persons continually throw water on curtains which there form the sides of the apartments, because the evap- oration of the water absorbs a vast deal of heat, and makes the apartments cool and refreshing WATER. Lime is most generally contained in natural waters, because there are few springs which, during some part of their subter- ranean course, do not come in contact with calcareous earth, and there is no substance which appears so readily soluble in a variety of menstrua. The presence of lime uncombmed m any natural waters is, however, conjectural. Ice and snow waters are of superior purity, because they con- tain no gas or air, or saline substances, such having been ex- pelled during freezing. The taste of common water is pleasing and refreshing, be- cause of the gases (carbonic acid and common air) which it con- tains. The best water exhibits the greatest number of air bubbles, when poured into a glass, because it contains the greatest quan- tity of carbonic acid gas, in addition to its proportion of atmos- pheric air. Air bubbles in a glass of water dilate as they rise from the bottom to the surface, because the pressure of the liquor be- comes less and less upon them. Some water is hard because it containJ-J™"^ ^ S&T in t^ tbtand £aT of°sKr, being snfficiU to couver lit into the hardest water that is commonly met w.th.- Brande. Sfr^lm^on earthy impurity ; when drunk, ,t „ flat, from the absence of air.-i™» because it is said to whiten ill-colored flour, and to harden and whiten bread made from flour which has been malted. By fraudulent persons it is used as an adulteration : for a large quantity of it added to the cWh enables it to absorb, conceal, and retain much more water than it otherwise would. Bread made from such dough will come FACTS IN DOMESTIC MATTERS. 83 —*. out from the oven much heavier than it ought, and the additional weight will#be merely water. Two adhering loaves of such bread will generally separate unevenly, one taking more from the other than its share.—Donovan. MEAT AND SOUPS. Meat is preserved by drying, because all bodies, to ferment, must be more or less moist. Thus, a piece of meat, with all its natural juices, will soon putrify; whereas bodies completely dry cannot be made to undergo any kind of fermentation. Smoked provisions keep better than those which are dried, because of the impregnation of pyroligneous acid which the former receive from the smoke ; turf smoke being generally em- ployed ; and turf, by distillation in close vessels, affording pyro- ligneous acid.—Donovan. Charcoal prevents meat, (fee, from becoming tainted,, because it absorbs the different gases of putrefaction, and condenses them in its pores, without any alteration of their properties or its own. . Baking is the least advantageous of all modes of cookery, be- cause meat thus dressed loses about one-third of its weight, and the nourishing juices are then, in great measure, dried up. Beef in boiling loses twenty-six pounds in the hundred; in roasting it loses nearly one-third. SPIRITS. Spirits are heaviest in winter, because they expand and be- come lighter by means of heat, in a greater proportion than water. Strong spirit, when mixed with water, has a milky appear- ance, because of the precipitation of the oil in the spirit. New spirit is better stored in wood than in glass or earthen vessels, because wood mellows the raw flavor of the spirit, which glass or earthenware never improves. All spirit has a " whisky smell," because of a small quantity of fixed oil, from the barley which it contains. Irish and Scotch whisky has a smoky flavor, because turf is used in drying the malt from which it is distilled. 84 FACTS IN DOMESTIC MATTERS. ____________________________ ------ —^~- Some brandy is of darker color than other, because of the addition of burnt sugar, or from some matter dissolved away from the timber of the cask which contains it. Pure brandy, like any other pure spirit, has no color. French brandy is only exported in oak casks, because when exported in chestnut casks, although shipped of a strength above proof, it has, when it arrived in Holland or Germany, been found considerably under proof. A piece of potash dissolving in spirits of wine, proves it to be adulterated, because so strong is the attraction of the basis of potash for oxygen, that it thus discovers and decomposes the smallest quantity of water in the spirit. Workmen employed in cellars and distilleries appear habitu- ally intoxicated, because the vapor of alcohol, copiously inhaled in their lungs, produces the same effects as if it had been swal- lowed. This kind of intoxication is, however, transitory, and disappears when the person is brought into the open air. VINEGAR Vinegar is best made from wine, because it contains less glu- tinous and mucilaginous matter than that prepared from malt or sugar. " Mothering " is produced in vinegar, because of the vegeta- ble gluten it contains which then begins to putrefy. In making vinegar the casks should be only half filled, be- cause a large surface of the liquor may be exposed to the atmos- phere, from whence the oxygen is to be derived to acidify it. Vinegar is boiled for pickling, because the heat coagulates the impurities, which, when cooled, may be separated by straining. FISH. Salmon and other fish are preserved in summer by being packed up in boxes with ice. Because, although, at a certain not very elevated temperature, dead animal substances putrefy, when nearly their whole substance rises again to form part of the atmosphere, still, at or below the temperature of freezing water, they remain unaltered for any length of time. Many shellfish are imagined to be poisonous, because most Bhell-fish are indigestible, and from the indisposition Caused oc- FACTS IN DOMESTIC MATTERS. 83 casionally by eating them, has arisen the idea of their being poisonous. FRUIT. Grapes should hang on the vine until they are perfectly ripe, because unripe bunches never get any riper after they are gath- ered. Grapes should be eaten soon after they are gathered, because, unlike other fruits, grapes dp pot improve in flavor after gath- ering. An apple, when cut, first appears white, and after a time brownish, because a fermentation arises from the rest of the fruit absorbing the oxygen of-the atmosphere ; the apple having previously been, by its tough skin, protected from the contact of the air.—Donovan. Raspberries should be eaten from the bush, because their flavor is the most fleeting of all fruit. Even a few hours will diminish it, and on the bush the flavor does not continue above two or three days after the fruit is ripe. If kept for two or three days when gathered, the flavor is almost entirely gone. Chestnuts are best preserved through winter in sand, because if there be any maggots in the chestnuts, they will come out, and work up through the sand to get air. Fern is preferable to straw for the bed between the layers of fruit, because it does not impart that musty flavor which is so often produced by the straw. The autumnal fruits, as plums, pears, &c, are more crude and indigestible than those of summer, because, in part, of the state of the constitution. Thus, at the commencement of summer, the system is more nerved and braced by the atmosphere of win- ter and spring, and by the drier food which necessity obliges us to take at those seasons; so that the cooling fruits of summer are wholesome from their opening the bowels, &c. But it is not wonderful that a continuance of watery and innutritious food, like fruit, should, toward the autumn produce debility in constitutions partly predisposed to it, by the continual and re- laxing heat of the summer months. VEGETABLES. Juicy vegetables should be kept in heaps in damp places, be- cause theyare then preserved moist; but if spread out, the air soon causes them to shrivel. 86 FACTS IN DOMESTIC MATTERS. Kitchen vegetables, as peas, French beans, &c, are sometimes difficult to boil soft, because of the great quantity of gypsum im- bibed during their growth, and not on account of the coolness of the season, or rains, as has been generally supposed: to cor- rect this throw a small quantity of subcarbonate of soda in the saucepan with the vegetables, the carbonic acid of which will seize upon the lime in the gypsum, and thus free the vegetables from its influence. Potatoes and similar roots should be stored with the earth adhering to them, because they are thus kept damp, whereas by removing the earth, the little fibres by which it is retained are wounded, and the evaporating surface is increased. Potatoes are the most nourishing of all vegetables, because of the quantity of starch they contain. Salop, tapioca, and sago, chiefly consist of starch, and are proportionally nutritious. Frost-bitten potatoes are sweet, because of the spontaneous conversion of the starch they contain into sugar. Potatoes are unfit for cooking when they begin to spring, be- cause their eeula or starch then becomes sweet. Mealy potatoes are more nutritious than those which are waxy, because of the greater quantity of starch which they contain. Thus, a microscope shows a potato to be almost entirely com- posed of cells, which are sometimes filled, and sometimes con- tain clusters of beautiful little oval grains. Now, these little grains remain unchanged in cold water, but when it is heated to about the degree that melts wax, they dissolve in it, and the whole becomes a jelly and occupies a larger space than it did in the form of grains. When a potato is boiled, then each of the cells becomes full of jelly, and if there be not a great quantity i of starch in the cells it will not burst. But if the number of grains or their size be very great, the potato is broken on all sides by the expansion of the little masses of jelly, and meali- ness is produced. Many persons become sleepy after eating lettuce, because it contains a milky juice, which, like opium, is narcotic. Water-cresses should be carefully picked in washing, because a dangerous plant grows mixed with them in springs and streams, which, when not m flower, much resembles the cresses Water- cresses are, however, of a deeper green, and sometimes spotted FACTS IN DOMESTIC MATTERS. 87 with brown, the extremities of the leaves are more brown, and especially the last leaves, which are undulated at their edges. The dangerous plant (water parsnep) is of an uniform green, the end of its leaves are longer and narrower, conical at the ex- tremities and toothed at the edges. If examined in July, when the flowers are expanded, the two plants may be thoroughly dis- tinguished. Wholesome mushrooms differ from other fungi, because, when a fungus is pleasant in flavor, it is wholesome ; if, on the con- trary, it have an offensive smell, a bitter, astringent, or styptic taste, or is even of unpleasant flavor, it is unfit for food. Color, figure and texture cannot be relied on ; yet the pure yellow, gold color, bluish pale, dark or luster brown, wine red, or the violet, belong to many that are eatable; while the pale or sul- phur yellow, bright or blood red, and the greenish, are general- ly poisonous. The safe kinds have mostly a compact, brittle texture; the flesh is white; they grow more readily in open places than in damp or wood-shaded spots. In general, those may be suspected which grow in caverns, on animal matter pu- trefying, as well as those whose flesh is watery.—Brande. Seeds grow in sand, or on moistened flannel, because of the air, warmth, and water which they receive—the use of soil being quite secondary to the growth of seeds generally; although the soil at length becomes the proper means, by which alone the plant can arrive at perfection. PLANTS IN ROOMS. Plants will not flourish in close rooms, because they require fresh and constant supplies of oxygen, of which there is but comparatively little in the atmosphere of the room. Flowers in water, and living plants in pots, should not be kept in bedrooms, because the flowers and plants greatly injure the purity of the air during the night, by giving out large quan- tities of carbonic acid, similar to that which is separated from the lungs by breathing, which is highly noxious. There are in- stances of persons who have incautiously gone to sleep in a close room, in which there has been a large growing plant, having been found dead in the morning, as effectually suffocated as if there had been a charcoal stove in the room. A parlor window is not an eligible place for bulbous roots in glasses, because it is often too warm, brings on the plants too 88 FACTS IN DOMESTIC MATTERS. early, and causes them to be weakly. They should, however, be kept moderately warm, and near the light. SPICES, &C. Black differs from white pepper, although produced from the same plant, because the black is well garbled and clean, having stalks, bad grains, and other impurities taken out, and, when dry, assumes a dark appearance: divested of its external coat, by steeping the grains in water, and afterward drying them in the sun, rubbing between the hands, and winnowiDg—it is termed white pepper. Cloves appear like buds, because they are the flowers of a tree before their expansion. The fruit is a very different thing, and quite unknown in commerce. Pimento is called allspice, because the berries smell and taste like cloves, juniper berries, cinnamon, and pepper, or rather a mixture of them all. The leaves and bark of the allspice tree are full of aromatic inflammable particles, on account of which the growers are extremely cautious not to suffer any fire to he made near the walks, for if it once catch the trees, they consume with great rapidity. Arrow-root is so called, because the Indians use its juice as a remedy for wounds inflicted by poisonous arrows. It is also considered an excellent remedy for the stings of venomous in- sects. There are different qualities of arrow-root, because of the number of washings it has had for bleaching it. When well- washed with good water, it is nearly as white as the potato starch; but, by much washing, its glutinous quality is dimin- ished, and it is consequently rendered less nutritious. The second quality, which is equally pure, although not so white, affords the strongest jelly, and, therefore, as a food for children, should be preferred. Potato flour differs from arrow-root, because it is whiter, soft- er to the touch, and more shining to the sight, than arrow-root; and though, with boiling water, it forms a good jelly, in twelve hours it becomes nearly as thin as milk, and is apt to turn sour. Rice should be kept in large piles or quantities, because the heat will not then allow insects to live in the inside of the heap- FACTS IN DOMESTIC MATTERS. 89 consequently, the great wastage takes place at the outside sur- face. Keeping rice, therefore, for any length of time, either in small piles or in bags, is ruinous. CONFECTIONE RY. Fruits are preserved by simply putting them in bottles made air-tight, because the oxygen of the atmosphere, which causes all vegetable juices to ferment, is then excluded, except such oxygen as is inclosed within the bottle; this, from its contact with a fermentable substance, is changed into an equal bulk of carbonic acid gas, and all further action ceases. Eggs are used for clarifying syrup, because the albumen, or white of the egg, being coagulated in boiling, combines and rises in a scum with the dregs, when cold. The juice of the fruit of the ochra, according to Dr. Clarke, contains liquid albumen in such quantities, that it is employed in Dominica as a substitute for the white of eggs, in clarifying the juice of the sugar cane. Rich cakes keep good for a long time, because in making them, water is not used, which would soon turn sour; and sugar, of which they contain much, will not ferment unless }t be dissolved in water. Ginger beer is the most refreshing of all summer drinks, be- cause it retains its carbonic acid for a length of time in the glass ; and ginger has this remarkable property of occasioning a high, close, creamy head upon all effervescing liquors.—Don- ovan. MAKING TEA. The distinction in the appearance, qualities and value of tea is, because of the difference in the times of gathering, which takes place from one to four times in each year, according to the age of the plant: those leaves which are gathered earliest in the spring, make the strongest and most valuable tea, such as pekoe, souchong, &c; the inferior, such as congou and bohea, are of the latest gatherings; green or hyson can be made of any of the gatherings, by a different mode of drying. The first gathering of the leaves begins about the middle of April, and continues to the end of May; and the second lasts from midsummer to the end of July; the third takes place during the months-ot August and September. Fine green tea is called hyson, because it was first imported. into England by an East India merchant named Hyson. • 4* 90 FACTS IN DOMESTIC MATTERS. Tea is kept by the Chinese a year before it is used, that it may lose the narcotic principle which it possesses in its natu- ral state. A polished metal tea-pot is preferable to one of earthenware, because the earthen pot retains the heat only one eighth of the time that a silver or polished metal pot will; consequently, there will be a corresponding difference in their fitness for extracting the virtues of the tea. A silver, or metal tea-pot, when filled a second time, produces worse tea than the earthenware vessel, because the heat retained by the silver, or metal vessel, so far exhausts the herb, when the water is first poured in, as to leave very little soluble substance for a second infusion; whereas, the reduced temperature of the water in the earthenware pot, by extracting only a small portion at first, leaves some soluble matter for a second infusion. It is advisable to pour boiling water into the tea-pot, before the tea is " made," because the vessel, being previously warm, may abstract less heat from the'mixture, and thus admit a more powerful action. It is recommended to add only a small quan- tity of boiling water at first, because only the water in imme- diate contact with the herb can act upon it; and it cools very rapidly, especially in earthenware vessels: it is, therefore, clear, that the effect will be stronger where the heat is kept up by ad- ditions of boiling water, than where the vessel is filled at once, and the fluid suffered gradually to cool. A strong infusion of green tea is an effectual poison for flies, because of the prussic acid it contains. COFFEE. Coffee is so seldom well made, because, 1st, The berries are over-roasted, their proper color being that of cinnamon; 2d, The coffee is ground too fine; 3d, Not enough coffee is used; 4th, It is usually over-boiled, by which means the bitter princi- ple is extracted from the berries. TOBACCO. There is a distinction between strong and mild tobacco, be- cause of the operation of topping, or cutting off the flower to prevent the plant from running to seed. Thus, if mild tobacco be wanted, the plant is topped when it has from eighteen to twenty leaves; if it be done when there are fifteen leaves' FACTS IN DOMESTIC MATTERS. 91 the tobacco will be of moderate strength; and if there are only eleven or twelve, it will be remarkably strong. The Haytian word tobacco appears to be the only one that is the same in all the dialects of the old world. Smoking tobacco is an agreeable recreation, because the smoke, merely drawn into the mouth, without being inhaled into the lungs, acts powerfully on the nervous system, and produces the effects of a narcotic. The chewing of tobacco has a similar in- fluence. BUTTER, CHEESE, POULTRY, &C. Lime is important in the shells of birds' eggs, because the body of the egg contains neither phosphoric acid nor lime, both of which are requisite for the bones of the bird; it was neces- sary, therefore, that nature should provide means of furnishing both these substances, which it does at the expense of the shell; this becoming thinner and thinner during the whole time of in- cubation, till the living embryo has appropriated a sufficient quantity for the formation of its bones. Part of the albumen combines with the shell for this purpose, and another portion forms feathers. Fowls, if kept confined, lay their eggs without shells, because they cannot then get at any earth which contains the material requisite for the shell. Dr. Paris (in the Linnccan Transactions) shows that if the legs of hens be broken, they will lay their eggs without shells until the fracture is repaired; nature em- ploying all the lime in circulation for the purpose of re-uniting the bones. Eg<*s are preserved by rubbing them with butter, because the butte°closes the pores in the shell, by which the communication of the embryo with the external air takes place. The embryo is not, however, thus killed. Varnish has a similar effect. Reau- mur covered eggs with spirit varnish, and found them capable of producing chickens after two years, when the varnish was, carefully removed. CLOTHING. A flannel covering keeps a man warm in winter, and ice from melting in summer, because it both prevents the passage of heat from the man, and to the ice. It is advisable to wrap up the neck, face, &c. from the cold night air because the wrapping, especially if woollen, receives a Oi FACTS IN DOMESTIC MATTERS. portion of caloric or heat from the breath, at each expiration, which portion is communicated to the current of air rushing in- to the lungs at each inspiration. The sea air changes black hats, clothes, &c, to a rusty brown, because of the iron contained in the dye. Most, if not all, of the usual black colors, have iron for a basis, with galls, logwood or other substances containing gallic acid. Now, the sea air con- tains a proportion of the muriates over which it is wafted; and these coming into contact with anything dyed black, part with their muriatic acid, and form the brown or red oxide, called rust. The gallic acid, indeed, from its superior affinity, has the strong- est hold pp. the iron; but the incessant action of the sea air loaded with muriates, partially overcomes this, in the same way as any acid, even of inferior affinity to the gallic, when put upon black stuff, will turn it brown. Loose clothing is warmer than such as fits close, because the quantity of imperfectly conducting air thus confined around the b«dy, resists the escape of animal heat. *-Cotton is warmer than any other fibrous threads, because the fibres of cotton, when examined by the microscope, will be seen to be finely toothed: this explains the cause of their adhering together with greater facility than the fibres of other species which are destitute of teeth, and which cannot be spun into thread without an admixture of cotton. Oiled silk, or other air-tight covering, laid on a bed, preserves greater warmth than an additional blanket or more, because the oiled silk prevents the ventilation of the person by the slow passage of air, as through the texture of the blanket. Worsted differs from yarn, because separate threads of wool are more twisted for the worsted, of which stockings and stuffs are made than for the yarn of which blankets, carpets, &c, are made. _ A\ orsted was named from its being originally manufac- tured in great quantities, at Worsted in Norfolk, once a large town but now reduced to a village; the manufacture being re- moved to Norwich and its vicinity. & Linen is disadvantageous for wear next the skin, because it retains the matter of perspiration in its texture, and spSdily becomes imbued with it; it gives an unpleasant sensaTon 0f to°o ;apidl7 '^ 7 ^'^^^ WUh mQiStUrG' and C0*ducts ^at FACTS IN DOMESTIC MATTERS. 93 Woolen cloth is advantageous, because of the readiness with which it allows the perspiration to escape through its texture, its power of preserving warmth to the skin under all circum- stances, the difficulty of making it wet through, the slowness with which it conducts heat, and the softness, lightness, and pliancy of its texture. CLEANING. Alkalies are employed in making soap, because an alkali is the only article capable of enabling tallow or oil to combine with water, and to give soap its detergent quality. The tallow mod- erates the alkali, and prevents its injuring the hands of those who use it. The ancient Gauls and Germans were probably the inventors of soap, as we are told by Pliny that they made soap with the ashes of vegetables and tallow. A soap-boiler's shop, with soap in it, was discovered in the city of Pompeii, over- whelmed by Vesuvius, A. p. 79. Alkali is used in bleaching, because it loosens and carries off that particular substance in the cloth which occasions its brown color, and which is a kind of heavy oil. Muslins and cottons are thrown into pump water after being washed in soft, because of the astringent properties of the hard water, which gives the fibres a peculiar firmness, whilst the sott water would leave them lax. Pearl-ash and water remove grease spots, because the pearl- ash unites chemically with the grease, forming a species ot soap which easily washes out. Pipe-clay is used for scouring cloth, because pure clay, or al- umina,, has great affinity for greasy substances. Alum is used in dyeing, because it cleanses and opens the poreson ^surface 5 the substance to *t, 06 FACTS IN DOMESTIC MATTERS. the mirror being halfway between him and his apparent image, and cutting in half the cone of rays proceeding from his image to the eye.—Arnott. A gold fish in a glass globe often appears as two fishes, be- cause the fish is seen as well by light bent through the upper surface of the water, as by straight rays passing through the side of the glass. The shadow of a hand held between a candle and the wall appears gigantic, because the light-giving surface is then smaller than the opaque body, and the shadow is consequently larger than the body. INK. Galls and sulphate of iron are used in making ink, because the tannin and acid of the galls precipitate a fine black fecula from the sulphate of iron. Logwood and gum are used in making ink, because its color- ing matter is disposed to unite with the oxide of iron, and ren- ders it not only of a very dark color, but less capable of change from the action of acids, or of the air. Gum arabic, or any other pure gum, is of service, by retarding the precipitation of the fecula, by preventing the ink from spreading or sinking into the paper, and by affording it a kind of compact varnish or de- fense from the air, when dry.—Ribancourt. Vinegar is objectionable in ink, because the acid acts so strongly upon the pen that it very frequently requires mending. Ink should be kept in plosed vessels, because, if uncovered, it absorbs oxygen, and the color is injured; and its watery part evaporates, and leaves it unfit for use. One of the best substances for diluting ink, if it be, in the first instance, too thick for use, or afterward become so by evap- oration, is a strong decoction of coffee, which appears in no re- spect to promote the decomposition of ink, while it improves its polor, and gives it an additional luster.—Dr. Bostock. Ink, thpugh pale when first written with, afterward becomes black, because the galls will not immediately give a black color to the cppperas, but require exposure to atmospheric air so that {he kqn inay acquire more oxygen. ai ' sirs Published by E. SIIEPAKD, 2d St., Cincinnati. THE PEOPLE'S LAW BOOK: An Assistant to Business Men: designed particularly for the States of Ohio, Penn- sylvania, Kentucky, Tennessee, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Michigan, Iowa, and Louisiana, embracing the Laws relating to the Conveyance of Real Estate, and the Common Transactions of Life ; a large number of Forms^ for almost every kind of Agreement, Lease, Bond, Note, &c. By Charles S. Fomerot, of the Cincinnati Bar. To which is added the Standard Value of all Gold and Silver Coins, with One Hundred and thirty Engravings, giving exact representations of most of the specie of our own and other countries. ----------:-------< ■»_».»----------------- THE PEOPLE'S DOCTOR: Containing the Treatment and Cure of the Principal Diseases of the Human System, in plain and simple language, including the Origin, History, Symptoms, and the various most approved modes of Treatment of the Cholera. Revised by H. P. Gatch- e_l, M. D. 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