[Collegiate Residence of Prof. E. IFytnan, Upper Alton, III. 
A HEALTHY HHMR ENCYCLOPEDIA 
OF 
HEALTH® HOME; 
A Domestic Guide to Health, Wealth and Happiness; 
Thorough and Exhaustive, and Adapted to the Easy 
Apprehension of all Classes. 
Edited by I. N. REED. 
MEDICAL CONTRIBUTORS l 
Prof. GEO. P. WOOD, M. D., 
M. A. FROST, M. D., 
E. n. RUDDOCK, M. D., 
Author of “A Text Book of Modern Medicine and Surgery;’* “Consumption 
and Tuberculosis of the Lungs;’* “Essentials of Diet;’’ “The Yade 
Mecum;” “The Lady’s Manual;’’ “The Pocket Manual;’’ “The 
Stepping Stone;” “Diseases of Infants and Children;” etc. 
IN TWO VOLUMES. 
VOL. I. 
NEW YORK AND ST. LOUIS: 
I. N. REED & CO., Publishers. 
1880. Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1880, by 
I. N. REED, 
In the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. 
ALL BIGHTS RESERVED. LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. 
1. Frontispiece. Page. 
2. Drowning, Inspiration - 73 
3. “ Expiration 73 
4. Applying Adhesive Plaster to Wounds 101 
5. Swedish Movement Cure, First Movement. 151 
6. “ “ “ Second “ 150 
7. “ “ “ Third “ 152 
8. “ “ “ Fourth “ 153 
9. “ “ “ Fifth “ ...154 
10. “ “ “ Sixth “ 155 
11. “ “ “ Seventh “ 156 
12. “ “ “ Eighth “ 157 
13. “ “ “ Ninth “ 158 
14 “ “ “ Tenth “ 158 
15. “ “ “ Eleventh “ 159 
li». Abdominal Supporter 672 
17. A Model Location 818 
18. School Palace No. 1... 833 
ID. “ “ 2 834 
20. Agrimony 841 
21. Aconite 841 
2 . American Hellebore 841 
23 Arnica 841 
24. Boneset 842 
25. Boldo Leaves 842 
2b. Blue Cohosh 842 
27 Black Cohosh 842 
28 Bayberry 843 
' Belladonna 843 
3 Bitter-Sweet 843 
5 Blue Flag 843 
32 Blood-Root 844 
33 Balmouy 844 
34. Bitter-Root 844 
3.*. Berberis Aquifolium 844 4 
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. 
Page. 
36. Blue Gum 845 
37. Beth Root , 845 
38. Burdock 845 
39. Barberry 845 
40. Black-Root 846 
41. Bugle-Weed 846 
42. Cotton-Plant 846 
43. Canada Fleabane 846 
44. Christmas Rose 847 
45. Columbo-Root 847 
46. Cascara Sagrada 847 
47. Colchicum 847 
48. Cheese-Weed 848 
49. Cleavers 848 
50. Dogwood 848 
51. Dogtooth Violet 848 
52. Dog-Fennel 849 
53. Elecampane 849 
54. Dandelion 849 
55. Fox-Glove 849 
56. Gold-Thread 850 
57. Grindelia Robusta 850 
58. Geranium 850 
59. Grindelia Squarrosa 850 
60. Ground Ivy 851 
61. Golden Seal - 851 
62. Indian Arrow 851 
63. Indian Turnip 851 
64. Jamaica Dogwood 852 
65. Lobelia 852 
66. Jaborandi 852 
67. Laurel 852 
68. Lady’s Slipper 853 
69. Marsh-Mallow 853 
70. Mandrake * 853 
71. Prickly Ash 853 
72. Plantain 854 
73. Poke 854 
74. Peppermint 854 
75. Pleurisy-Root 854 
76. Pennyroyal 855 
77. Queen of the Meadow 855 
78. Rose-Willow 855 
79. Red Lobelia 855 
80. Spearmint 856 
81. Stone-Root 856 
82. Spikenard 856 5 
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. 
Page. 
83. Solomon’s Seal 856 
84. Scull-Cap 857 
85. Sarsaparilla 857 
86. Sumach 857 
87. Stramonium 857 
88. Tag-Alder 858 
89. Virginia Snake-Root 858 
90. Vervain 858 
91. White Pond-Lily 858 
92. Wild Indigo 859 
93. Worm-Seed 859 
94. Wild Yam 859 
95. Unicorn-Root 859 
96. Xanthium Spinosum 860 
97. Yerba Reuma 860 
98. Yellow Jessamine 860 
99. Yerba Santa 860 PREFACE. 
These volumes contain useful and practical information on every sub- 
ject that touches the physical well-being, comfort and happiness of man, 
from infancy to age. The general knowledge they impart, and the useful 
instruction they give, for the preservation and restoration of health, com- 
fort, happiness and beauty, are worth more to any family or individual 
than all the strong, drastic medicines in the world; leaving out of view 
the consideration that they will enable the readers of this book to dispense, 
in a great measure, with the costly services and nauseous drugs of the 
apothecary. 
In the divisions on diseases, accidents and emergencies will be found 
\ 
the various food and home-remedies which have latterly been so exten- 
sively employed in different parts of Europe, and which have never before 
been given to the public in this country; and with these again are com- 
bined many new remedies, of a like character, of our own country, of 
great practical value, which have recently come into use and won their 
way to the favorable regard of all classes. 
The remedies for all diseases will be further found, on actual inspec- 
tion or trial, as easy of access as they are safe to the life and health of 
those who use them. For the most part they lie at hand, in the house of 
almost every man, and are here given in such number and variety, and 
with such plain and precise directions for their use, as to make the owner 
of this book, if he chooses to be so, almost a stranger to the apothecary. 
In these days of steam and lightning and other vast and rapid me- 
chanical powers, every hour and moment of time has its money-value; 8 
PREFACE. 
and this truth has governed the construction of the present work, in which 
everything will be found pointed, condensed and shorn of all superfluous 
verbiage. Here is no demand for learning and hard study. Here are no 
difficult terms and abstruse professional formulas. Everything is trans- 
lated into the familiar, spoken language of the country, so that the average 
reader can consult this work, and avail himself of its priceless help, as 
quickly and as easily as the accomplished scholar. 
This book will also meet the wants of the adherents of the va- 
rious schools of practice; and with the sufficient and systematic treatment 
of these, the reader will find something new and practical on the diseases 
and training of domestic animals. DIVISION FIRST. 
LOCAL HYGIENE. 
HEALTHY AND UNHEALTHY RESIDENCES. 
Upon the wise decision of “Where to build,” or 
“Where to live,” in order to avoid disease, depend, to 
a greater or less extent, the health, the consequent hap- 
piness, and eventual success in life, of every man. To 
the truth of this, there are thousands who can testify. 
It is demonstrably true, that the difference of a few 
hundred feet, of a dozen rods, sometimes, in locating a 
dwelling for a family, is precisely the difference between 
its almost complete destruction, in a few years, by 
disease and death, and its increase, its prosperity, its 
health and happiness. Large sums of money are ex- 
pended in erecting dwellings, that prove to be castles 
only of infection and disease. 
Fillings of certain soils are causes of disease; and 
dwellings, that are erected over them, become impreg- 
nated with the deleterious and poisonous gas, that ascends 
from them. A dry atmosphere and soil, as that of some 
of the Pacific States, may be an exception to the state- 
ment. 
During the official investigations as to the cause of 10 
HEALTHY AND UNHEALTHY RESIDENCES. 
so much sickness and death at the National Hotel, in 
Washington City, some years ago, it was shown that 
there was no unusual sickness in any of the houses across 
the street, and that the causes of the disease were under 
the building itself. 
This proves the statement before made, that the 
difference of a few feet, in the locality of two buildings, is 
the difference, sometimes, between life and death. Hence, 
it is a matter of most vital importance to every one who 
contemplates erecting a dwelling, to obtain such informa- 
tion as will enable him to ascertain why certain localities 
are prejudicial to health. 
Malaria or Miasm—It is this subtle agent that 
brings disease and death to hundreds of thousands every 
year. It is the principal cause of nearly every epidemic 
disease, such as fever and ague, dysentery, diarrhea, 
cholera, bilious, conjestive and yellow fevers, etc. But 
it is gratifying to know that its nature is now, in part, 
comprehended, as also some of the laws by which it is 
regulated; and that, by wisely directed efforts, this 
Samson may be shorn of his locks, and the great 
destroyer may either be avoided, or rendered compara- 
tively powerless. 
Residences, as Affected by Malaria—Some time 
since, a paper, published in New Orleans, stated, “ The 
yellow fever has broken out in the city, under every 
conceivable variety of circumstances; when the streets 
were clean, and when they were filthy; when the river 
was high, and when it was low; after a prolonged drought, 
and in the midst of daily torrents ; when the heat was 
excessive, and when the air was spring-like and pleasant; 
when excavations and disturbances of the soil had been 
frequent, and when scarcely a pavement had been laid or 
a building erected. Almost the only fixed and undeni- FOLIAGE OF TREES COUNTERACTS MALARIA. 
11 
able fact connected with the disease is, that its prevalence 
is simultaneous with the heats of summer, and that frost 
is its deadly enemy.” 
From these facts, then, we may draw two important 
conclusions in reference to malaria, viz., that heat and 
moisture are essential to the production of this disease; 
and that it cannot exist when there is severe frost. 
It is known that some thirty or forty years ago 
Louisville, Kentucky, was one of the most pestilential 
spots in the habitable West. But by a wise system of 
draining and filling it is now" a healthy and beautiful 
city. 
The Foliage of Trees will Counteract Malaria 
—Growing hedges or trees, between a malarious locality 
and a dwelling, counteracts the miasmatic influences of 
the former. The leaves seem to absorb and feed upon 
the malaria; but for the better protection of health, there 
should be a space of 150 feet, or more, between the trees, 
or hedge, and the house. The thicker and broader and 
higher the hedge, and the nearer the leaves to the ground, 
the better; for it is there malaria seems to exist in its great- 
est malignity. It is seldom concentrated enough at the 
height of ten feet to be materially hurtful. 
Residences in Time of Plagues—In the cities 
of the Old World, in the time of the plagues and pesti- 
lences, the inhabitants had a custom of living in the 
upper stories of their dwellings wdiile the disease wras 
raging. They would not even come down to obtain mar- 
keting, but wmuld let down baskets by ropes to the 
country people, for the provisions they wished to purchase. 
They failed to discover wrhy the country people could 
come to town with impunity, while they themselves were 
only safe from disease when they lived in the upper 
stories of their dwellings. 12 
HEALTHY AND UNHEALTHY RESIDENCES. 
The philosophy of this affair is this: malaria is con- 
densed by cold, made heavy and falls to the earth, hov- 
ering, as it were, within a foot of its surface ; hence it is 
not breathed unless a person lies on the ground. 
On the other hand, heat so rarefies the malaria as to 
make it comparatively harmless. 
The coldness of night condenses and renders the 
malaria heavy, and, therefore, it is thrown to the sur- 
face of the ground, while the heat of the day rarefies it, 
and sends it upward to the clouds again. From these 
facts it is readily perceived why country people, going 
to town, as they did in the day-time, could do so with 
comparative safety. 
Not more than half a century ago, the yellow fever 
and other deadly diseases prevailed in Charleston, South 
Carolina, and it was known at the time to be almost 
certain death, except to the acclimated, or to the very 
hardy, to sleep in the city a single night. Yet the mer- 
chants came to town at mid-day, under the blistering 
summer sun, with perfect impunity. 
Location of Bed-Chambers—From June to Oc- 
tober, people should sleep in the upper stories of their 
dwellings. And the rooms should be so situated that the 
rays of the sun can be admitted into them sometime during 
the day. There is an Italian adage, to the effect that, 
“ Where the sun does not enter, the doctor does.” 
When Malaria Does its Destructive Work— 
Malaria is most pernicious about sunset and sunrise, because 
the cooling of the atmosphere, at the close of the 
day, causes it to become condensed above, and therefore 
heavy, and fall to the earth; while, after sundown, it 
has settled so near to the earth as to be below the 
mouth and nostrils ; hence it is not breathed. When the 
sun begins to rise in the morning, the malaria grows HOW TO RENDER MALARIA HARMLESS. 
13 
warm and begins to ascend; but after breakfast it is so 
high as to be above the point at which it can be breathed; 
and besides, it is so rareiied—so attenuated—as to be in- 
nocuous or harmless. Therefore, the practical truth 
follows, that malaria exerts its most baleful influence on 
human health about sunrise and sunset; hence, of all the 
hours of the twenty-four, these are the most hurtful in 
which to be out of doors; and for the same reason, the 
hours of midday and midnight are the most healthful to 
be in the open air in malarious seasons; that is, from 
June to October, north of the thirty-fifth degree of north 
latitude. 
How to Render Malaria Harmless—But, un- 
fortunately, the cool of the early morning and the late 
afternoon are the most pleasant times, in the twenty-four 
hours, for field-work, and the industrious farmer will be 
exceedingly loth to spend these hours in-doors. There 
is, however, an almost infallible preventive of any ill 
effects arising from such an exposure to miasm, or 
malaria, about sunrise or sunset; and it ought to be 
made known throughout the country. Farmers whose 
houses are already built in malarial districts, such as in 
low, “made” lands, near stagnant water, or in the 
neighborhood of sluggish streams, may exempt them- 
selves, almost altogether, from the whole class of malarial 
diseases, such as diarrhea, dysentery, chills and fever, 
of nearly every grade, by eating a warm breakfast 
before they attempt to go out in the morning, and by 
taking their suppers just before sunset. The philosophy 
of the matter is, that a hot or hearty meal so excites the 
circulation, and so invigorates the whole frame, that the 
latter acquires the power of resisting the disease-engender- 
ing influences of malaria. The Creoles, in portions of 
Louisiana where vegetation is rank, as in swamps, upon 14 
HEALTHY AND UNHEALTHY RESIDENCES. 
which the summer’s sun beams with great power for 
many hours during the day, are proverbially exempt 
from fevers, as are others, who adopt their habits—that 
is, have their breakfast, or at least a cup of hot coffee, 
with milk, on rising, or brought to their bed-side before 
they rise. 
The value of this practice is known and appreciated 
in many other portions of the South. 
Malarious Locations not Sickly at all Times— 
It may be practically, in some cases, useful, to know 
that in one year a house on the banks of a sluggish 
stream, or mill-pond, may be visited with sickness; the 
next year it may be exempt, because it is a very cold 
summer; the third year it will escape, because it was a 
very hot summer; the fourth year it is a very healthful 
habitation, because of a very wet summer. The causes 
of these variations are briefly as follows: 
1. Malaria cannot rise through water, and the wet 
summer kept the bed of the pond or stream covered. 
2. There can be no malaria without dampness, and 
the hot summer dried the bed of the pond to dust. 
3. The cold summer did not give the degree of 
heat necessary to the generation of malaria. There is 
another effectual prevention against malarious diseases. 
As has been stated, heat rarefies malaria, rendering it 
comparatively harmless ; therefore, in order to accomplish 
this result, let a brisk fire be kept, for an hour, in the 
sitting room, at sunrise and sunset, from July to Octo- 
ber, and the family repair to this room, and remain 
there until after breakfast, and as long at sunset. This 
done, it would save an immense amount of suffering 
from Chills and Fever, and other malarious diseases. 
Where to Build—To those who are aide to choose 
their habitations we offer a few suggestions. The subject WHERE TO BUILD. 
15 
is especially important to delicate families, and to per- 
sons predisposed to consumption; it also deserves the 
attention of those who are healthy, and desire to main- 
tain that condition unimpaired in themselves and their 
children. We advise, if possible, a country residence, and 
the selection of a house so constructed as to secure dry- 
ness of the foundation walls and roof. The site should 
be dry—a gentle slope, a gravel soil—and the frontage 
generally southerly or easterly; the bedrooms, especially 
those appropriated to cases of sickness, should have this 
aspect. It should also be a site from which there is 
thorough drainage, but towards which there is none. If 
the house is not upon a slope, the artificial drainage 
must be perfect. In towns and crowded places, in which 
the accumulation of decomposing and decomposed animal 
and vegetable matter is great, artificial channels or drains 
must be so constructed that all noxious matters and vapors 
may be rapidly removed and carried to a distance, before 
they can impregnate the atmosphere and water. Every 
dwelling, to be wholesome, should be accessible to the 
free passage of currents of air, and provided with an 
unlimited supply of good water. In the choice of a site 
for a house, a locality should be avoided in which the 
water is impregnated with lead, iron, or other mineral 
substances, or in proximity to stagnant waters ; the ground 
should be above the level of the mist or vapor which 
rises after sunset in marshy and other districts. In short, 
the fundamental condition of healthy dwelling-places is— 
perfect purity of air and water; this must take prece- 
dence of all other considerations. The cause of the spread 
and fatality of the plagues of the middle ages was neg- 
lect of the conditions necessary to secure pure air and 
cleanliness. 
Surroundings—Other points of subordinate impor- 16 
HEALTHY AND UNHEALTHY RESIDENCES. 
tance may be glanced at. The house should not be too 
closely surrounded by trees, or in immediate proximity 
to thick woods, as they both attract and retain moisture, 
while they exclude much sunlight, and prevent the free 
circulation of air, and thus render the climate cold and 
damp. A cheerful situation, at the same time commanding 
the view of green trees, hedges, shrubs, etc., has a bene- 
ficial tendency. If compelled to live in a town, the house 
should face a park, square, or other open place, or at 
least be situate in a wide, airy street, with a favorable 
aspect. Lastly, a house should contain adequate bath 
arrangements, or at least provision for free, personal 
ablutions. 
Some who read these pages may not have it in their 
power to carry out these hints fully, but be compelled 
to live where their occupations, families, or means deter- 
mine ; nevertheless, even such may be benefited by these 
suggestions; for, although they cannot secure perfection 
in a house or situation, they may aim at an approxima- 
tion to it. 
It is true that many of our readers may be pre- 
vented, by circumstances, from selecting the kind of 
house which would most conduce to their own health and 
that of their families, but all can avoid many serious 
dangers, arising from badly located or unhealthy dwell- 
ings, if these are clearly pointed out to them. 
Air and Water—Concerning the importance of pure 
air and pure water, too much can hardly be said; and 
in selecting or building a house, it is impossible to exer- 
cise too great care against the presence of soil, situation 
or method of construction, which does not meet 
these conditions of health. In city houses, of course, 
the great danger is in the foul air which escapes from the 
sewers, through the often empty waste-pipes, the openings COUNTRY DANGERS. 
17 
of which are seldom properly closed by the plumber, and 
still more seldom receive proper attention from all the 
members of the family. And yet, it has been well ascer- 
tained that, than this, there is no more fruitful cause of 
diphtheria, and of many other diseases not less dangerous 
and deadly. When the house is built on what is called 
“made-ground,” that is, where earth, rubbish, manure, 
and a mixture of all other impurities, have been carted 
and emptied into sink-holes and cess-pools, until they 
were hlled to the level of the neighboring streets, which 
is the case with about half the dwellings in graded towns 
and cities, of course, these impurities rise, penetrate and 
poison the amosphere and the very walls of such a house 
for years. 
Country Dangers—In country houses, on the 
other hand, the air is generally pure; but the danger 
arises from sinking wells and cisterns in too close prox- 
imity to barn-yards, pig-styes, privies, etc., whence all 
impurities sipe, through the loose soils, into the water- 
supply of the family, too often impregnating it with a 
fatal poison. It is now well known that typhoid fever, 
diarrhea and dysentery arise and prevail in particular 
neighborhoods from this sole cause. Country villages, in 
which, as it would seem, almost necessarily, their wells 
and cisterns are in dangerous proximity to the deposits 
of every species of excrement, are particularly liable to 
these epidemic scourges. For this, the only remedy is 
in building-lots so large that the stables and privies may 
be removed to a safe distance beyond the water-drainage 
of the wells and cisterns. Care, in this respect, would 
save, annually, many thousands of lives. 
It goes, almost without saying, then, that, in build- 
ing or selecting a house, for your family residence, you 
should have the necessary cess-pit as far from it as con- 18 
HEALTHY AND UNHEALTHY RESIDENCES. 
venience will permit; taking care, of course, that it is 
not so near the deposits of your neighbor’s filth, as to 
render it liable to a similar danger. The well or cistern 
© 
should never be sunk within a distance of five times its 
own depth from any deposit of impurity. 
Dampness—Even the smallest and poorest dwell- 
ings should have a cellar, which is well ventilated and 
kept as free from moisture as possible. Dampness pro- 
motes the growth of moulds, and is a powerful means of 
inducing and propagating disease. “The constant con- 
dition,” says a learned physician, “according to all my 
observation, of diphtheria, is structural dampness of 
houses.” He continues, “Remember, always, that if 
cholera, cholera infantum, diarrhea or dysentery appear 
in your family without obvious cause, the chances are at 
least two to one, that there is something wrong with the 
water-supply, or the milk-supply, or the drainage of your 
house." 
The bedrooms of a dwelling should be large, airy 
and supplied with abundance of fresh air. The immed- 
iate removal of soiled linen and all excrements, either 
liquid or solid, should be strictly enforced. These things 
are particularly important, with children, because their 
lungs, stomach, etc., are much more susceptible than 
those of adults. It is well to observe, for the guidance 
of those who may read these pages, that many of the 
dark-green paper-hangings are composed largely of arsenic, 
and that the exhalations, from walls hung in this style, 
are highly dangerous. 
It is unnecessary to repeat, that every new house, 
or newly plastered house, should be allowed ample time 
to dry, before it is occupied. 
It may be said with some show of reason that it is 
absurd to talk to, or to write for, a man as to his house . DAMPNESS. 
19 
and its surroundings, who lives in a tumble-down cottage 
at the outskirts of a low-lying village, or occupies a 
tenement among the foul courts and alleys that exist in 
parts of our populous towns and cities. Dirt and disease 
usually accompany each other, and under some circum- 
stances the extinction of the one, and the diminution of 
the other, is said to be a physical impossibility. If, 
however, a man’s house be his castle in any sort of way, 
he may and can accomplish something within, though he 
may have, in cities and towns, little or no control over 
the surroundings. 
Other Matters—The air of the living and sleep- 
ing rooms can be kept comparatively, if not positively, 
pure by leaving a window sash partially open, and by 
keeping the chimney-shaft constantly clear, whether there 
be a fire in the grate or fire-place, or not. Water is 
usually plentiful, and there need be no practical difficulty 
in keeping floors clean. They should be washed on a 
dry day, and all the windows, as well as the door, freely 
opened during and after the operation. The expenditure 
of a very few nickels will buy sufficient limewash to coat 
walls and ceilings at frequent intervals, say as often as 
every six months. Whether the closet or privy is shared 
with others or not, it will be an advantage to see that 
it is not blocked, that it is washed regularly, that floor 
and seat are kept clean, that its walls are limewashed at 
least as often as those of the house within, and that, if 
any window exist, it is kept open as constantly as possible. 
With this, as indeed with all other windows, it is a good 
plan to nail a piece of wood along the top edge of the 
window slanting inwards, so that, when the top sash is 
open, the air from without is directed upwards, and so 
a draught is prevented. The ash-heap is a source of 
nuisance. Foul smells may, however, be, in great measure, 20 
HEALTHY AND UNHEALTHY RESIDENCES. 
avoided if nothing but ashes are thrown into ash-piles 
in a town. Potato parings, cabbage stalks, and other 
vegetable refuse should be burnt. 
Water—It is frequently difficult to secure water fit 
for cooking and drinking purposes, even if the supply be 
fairly abundant, because the cisterns, casks, etc., in 
which the day’s supply is collected, are very badly built, 
or very badly kept. Whether the supply be stored in 
cistern or tank, or any other receptacle, see that it is 
emptied and thoroughly scrubbed at least once a quarter. 
If it can be limewashed at the same time, so much the 
better. Remember the necessity of keeping these water 
receptacles covered, so as to prevent, as far as possible, 
the thousand and one impurities that exist in the air of 
towns from finding their way into, and polluting the water 
after it has reached the receptacle from the main pipe. If 
the drinking-water has any taste or smell, or is at all 
thick in appearance, boil it always before drinking. If a 
filter be needed, buy two pounds of animal charcoal, and 
clean it by pouring on to it some boiling water. Dr. 
Parkes’ cottage filters may then be thus prepared. He 
says, ‘‘Get a common earthenware flower-pot, and cover 
the hole with a bit of zinc gauze, or of clean-washed 
flannel, which requires changing from time to time; then 
put into the pot about three inches of gravel, and above 
that the same amount of white sand washed very clean. 
Four inches of charcoal constitute the last layer, and the 
water should be poured in at the top, and be received 
from the hole at the bottom into a large vessel. 
The charcoal will, from time to time, become clogged, 
and must then be cleaned by heating over the fire in a 
shovel. The sand and gravel should also be cleaned or 
renewed from time to time.” This very simple and 
cheap filter, kept in constant use, and the boiling of all BEDROOMS. 
21 
suspicious water, will render us tolerably safe from 
water-propagated diseases, among which typhoid fever, 
cholera, and dysentery are pre-eminent. 
If the washing is done at home, great efforts should 
be made to accomplish it when the head of the house is 
away at his business, and the children are at school. 
The work is at all times specially disagreeable to those 
not immediately engaged in it, and the damp air result- 
ing from the hanging up of clothes to dry in an inhabited 
room is bad and unhealthy for the occupants in every 
way. 
Bedrooms—In proportion as bedrooms are limited 
in size, so must the importance of keeping that space as 
clear as possible be carefully considered. All bed- 
hangings, curtains, and clothes, occupy spaces that had 
better be filled with air, make the room itself musty, 
and help to collect and store up dust and dirt, as well 
as fleas and other still more objectionable bisects. Hence, 
if one is compelled to live in a crowded locality, with 
little room-space, health will be best maintained by doing 
with as few hanging things as possible. Plain bedsteads 
and straw mattresses, with no bed-curtains and very little 
carpet, should be used. In fact, the bedroom should 
contain nothing that is not absolutely necessary. It 
should be remembered that, in the matter of space, if 
there are but two rooms, it is better, as a rule, to make 
a bedroom of the larger, though the reverse is generally 
done. If, instead of gas, a coal or other kind of oil 
lamp be used, it should be borne in mind that the com- 
moner kinds of oil, i.e., those that smell disagreeably, 
are not only extravagant but unhealthy. On the score of 
health, as well as of comfort, lamps of all kinds should 
be kept very clean. 
Bad Habits—In rural districts, the surroundings 22 
HEALTHY AND UNHEALTHY RESIDENCES. 
of the habitation, however humble it may be, have to be 
considered, as well as the house itself. And here it is 
astonishing how much is often done by the occupier (unin- 
tentionally, or rather carelessly) to render the immediate 
vicinity of his dwelling-place unwholesome and favorable 
to the development of disease. In how many cases, in 
villages and around detached houses, is it the prevailing 
custom to throw all slops and refuse immediately outside 
the back door, so that a heap of decomposing organic 
matter and a pool of dirty water collect and remain 
from one year’s end to the other? The children play 
about and inhale the unwholesome vapors; the pigs, fowls, 
ducks, and geese take their pickings at leisure; and the 
doorstep is a disagreeable, and often a dangerous spot, 
although, by the way, few of those interested appear to 
be aware of the fact. To avoid this evil, a fair-sized 
tub should be provided, into which all slop-water should 
be thrown, and when the tub is full, its contents should 
be scattered over the garden, where it will assist fertili- 
zation. 
Provision should be made for the exclusion of wet, 
and for the entrance of fresh air into the privy-pit 
during all seasons of the year; also for the prevention 
of soakage from it into the ground; and the contents 
should be regularly removed at frequent intervals, and 
used as suggested. Comfort as well as health is promoted 
by insisting upon habits of cleanliness and decency in the 
use of such places, for their condition in many hamlets, 
and about solitary farmhouses, is often excessively dis- 
gusting. Earth-closets have been successfully adopted in 
many districts, and if they are carefully superintended, 
and only fine dry earth is chosen, they may be confident- 
ly recommended. 
Insufficient Water—Manv in rural districts are BASEMENTS. 
23 
dependent solely on small streams in the neighborhood, 
which dry up in the summer, and are in numerous cases 
fouled by privies, slop-water, or other varieties of 
sewage. The water of ponds is sometimes used, and 
many houses have a shallow well near the house, and 
often at a lower level, so that sewage, slop-water, 
and other refuse soak into it. These things should be 
remedied by properly constructed cisterns. If it is 
absolutely necessary to keep water for any number of 
hours in the house, do not let it remain in the bucket, 
but keep for the purpose, a large glazed earthenware jar 
with a cover, or a covered stone jar, and clean it out 
thoroughly at frequent intervals. It is better not to use 
any sort of metallic pails for drawing the water, but to 
keep to the old wooden bucket, and great care should 
be taken that this bucket is not used for any other 
purpose than that of drawing water from the well. 
Basements—A large proportion of houses still 
exist in this country that have no proper basement, but 
are built simply on the ground. As a natural conse- 
quence, when damp exists, the floorings rot, the walls 
are often more or less wet and sometimes dripping with 
water, and ague and diarrhea, rheumatism, etc., are the 
results. If, therefore, the cottage has no proper foun- 
dation, use all possible means to obtain a clear space 
between the earth beneath and the flooring of the rooms 
above. If the earth cannot be scooped out from below, 
raise the floor a few inches, and leave openings in the 
walls here and there, so that this space under the floor 
may have free communication with the outer air. By 
adopting this simple plan, the woodwork will be pre- 
served, the house kept dry from beneath, and much 
sickness saved. The openings should be protected by 
some sort of grating, and had better be opposite each 24 
HEALTHY AND UNHEALTHY RESIDENCES. 
other. But any apertures, however rough, are better 
than none at all. 
The foregoing remarks are intended only for the use 
of those compelled to live in tenements in towns, or in 
rented houses in country districts. And, in such cases, 
it cannot be expected that the tenant will have much 
power or control over the construction of, or arrange- 
ments around, his dwelling-place. But even under these 
circumstances, individual energy and forethought may 
accomplish a great deal. 
Soil—Soil is both an air-carrier and a water-carrier, 
and it contains a great variety of solid matters. As 
regards air, carbonic acid gas is found in all porous 
soils, arising chiefly from the oxydation of organic matter. 
Gases of all kinds will find their way through the soil. 
Houses act as suckers to the ground on which they are 
built, because the air inside is warmer than the external 
atmosphere, and so sewer-gas, coal-gas, and indeed any 
other gaseous matter, may be drawn from the earth 
below into our habitations, and take the place of pure 
air. Foul air from cesspools has been sucked into houses 
from a great distance. The late Dr. Parkes attributed 
to emanations from the soil attacks of cholera, dysentery, 
paroxysmal fevers, typhoid, and various forms of remit- 
tent fever. 
The amount of surface as well as of so-called ground 
water in the soil is of importance. Nearly all land has 
a current of water flowing under it, at a varying depth, 
and it may be stated broadly that the greater the depth 
of this ground water, the more healthy is the site. But 
as a matter of health, it is of greater consequence to 
attend to the surface water. Surface water collects chiefly 
on clay soils, or is stopped by a clay stratum, and rises, 
causing a moist surface. Inquiries instituted in England 25 
SOIL. 
by the medical officer of the Privy Council, and con- 
ducted by Dr. Buchanan, went to prove that the preva- 
lence of pulmonary consumption is in proportion to the 
dampness of the soil. Who shall say after this result 
that consumption is not a preventable disease? 
The sum of the matter as to soils, then, is this. Un- 
less in California, or some other equally dry climate, 
avoid “made ground” always if possible, but if this 
cannot be done, take care that the ground has been 
“made” at least two years, and the longer the better. 
When it is not a question of made ground, endeavor to 
choose a site with as little tendency to retain surface 
water as possible, with a deep run of ground-water. 
These conditions, of course, indicate an avoidance of all 
clay soils, which are invariably damp and unwholesome, 
and of alluvial soils also, which, though porous, are 
mostly wet, and as a consequence more or less malarious. 
Gravel, the looser limestone formations, chalk, and, in 
some cases, loose sand with permeable sub-soil, are, in a 
sanitary sense, the best soils for residence locations. If, 
as will frequently happen, clay cannot bo avoided, it is 
specially necessary to insist upon good trenching round 
the house, an impervious drainage system with steep 
grades, and foundations built up with cement or 
concrete. 
It must not be forgotten, however, that the best soils 
may be speedily fouled by imperfect drainage. A loose 
brick, careless laying of pipe sewers, insufficient cement- 
ing, and, in fact, any sort of bad workmanship under the 
house, will, in much less time than is generally imagined, 
so foul the surface soil around the house that the ground 
may be aptly compared to a big sponge saturated with 
sewage. It may be remarked as regards the power of 
retaining heat that (according to Schuebler), sand with 26 
HEALTHY AND UNHEALTHY RESIDENCES. 
some lime (speaking comparatively) retains the most, and 
fine chalk the least heat. 
Situation—Few of our readers may be in a position 
to choose the situation of their dwelling-place, but some 
hints may be useful, even if all cannot be acted upon. 
In a rural or suburban district it is frequently possible 
to secure a detached house. The slope of a hill is, 
perhaps, the very best situation, with trees in the im- 
mediate vicinity, but not close up to the house walls. 
The principal rooms should face south and east, or, as 
the next alternative soutli and west, care being taken that 
any neighboring houses built above the level of your own 
do not drain into your domain. In semi-detached houses, 
it is necessary to keep an eye on the sanitary arrange- 
ments of our neighbor, and it will be well if, in such 
matters, you can arrange to work together. As, however, 
sloping ground cannot be always secured, it is advisable 
that a house built on level or comparatively level ground 
should not, especially if low-lying, be situated close to a 
watercourse of any sort, for moist air is, as a matter of 
course, to be avoided. For purposes of health, flat 
grounds can hardly, under any circumstances, be over- 
drained. It is well to shun the close neighborhood of 
factories or mills, which even in rural districts often, 
and in many cases unavoidably, assist the pollution of 
the atmosphere as well as of the water in their vicinity. 
Above all things, in choosing a site, ascertain, first of 
all, that the supply of water is both good and abundant. 
In city districts, particularly those that are densely pop- 
ulated, sanitary arrangements with neighbors are difficult, 
if not impracticable. Avoid, under all circumstances, 
houses that are built back to back, and avoid unfinished 
suburbs, because the lighting, paving, drainage, and other 
matters are usually incomplete, and often dangerous. CONSTRUCTION. 
27 
Open spaces should, under any circumstances, always 
exist at the back, and it is hardly necessary to remark 
that the shorter continuous rows of houses are the better. 
A garden, whether in town or country, is of course 
always advantageous. We may sum up the question of 
situation by saying, get as much air and light as pos- 
sible, with an abundant supply of good water. 
Construction—The external walls of houses are 
comparatively seldom built with requisite care, and an old 
enemy, damp, speedily attacks us. If there be an op- 
portunity of looking after the building of the house, see 
that the foundations, and some feet beyond them, are 
laid in concrete. The basement story should be isolated 
from the surrounding ground by an open space, and, in 
order to prevent the admission of underground damp, a 
thin outer wall should be built, reaching the ground level, 
and leaving a space between it and the main wall. The 
porous nature of bricks is very great, and Pettenkofer, 
one of the most distinguished German hygienists, has 
demonstrated the possibility of blowing out a candle 
through a nine-inch brick wall. 
Walls should be built double, with an interspace, 
strengthened occasionally by cross-ties of bricks. This 
will prevent to a great extent the bad results that follow 
from a driving rain, but it is always well to cover the 
outer walls with plaster or slate. It is very important 
to put ventilating bricks at frequent intervals just below 
the level of every floor, so that the joists and other wood- 
work of both floor and ceiling shall be preserved from 
damp rot by continuous ventilation from without. 
The style of architecture need not be discussed here, 
but it is necessary to remind the reader of the following 
points: 1. That light (and therefore plenty of window 
space) is essential to health; 2. That windows should, for 28 
HEALTHY AND UNHEALTHY KESIDENCES. 
purposes of ventilation as well as cheerfulness, reach al- 
most to the top of the room, should face the south, 
southeast, or west, and open top and bottom; 3. That 
no sleeping room should exist in the basement. These 
are all important points in house construction. But to 
plan and build in a sanitary sense successfully, drainage, 
water-supply, and ventilation, must be all considered 
separately and collectively. The chief error of house- 
building (as of ship-building), even in the present day, 
consists in the fact, that the house is built first, and 
rendered fit for habitation afterwards; that is to say, 
drains are put in here, ventilating shafts there, and outlet 
or inlet pipes anywhere, the result being, as a rule, by 
no means satisfactory. The size of bed-rooms must of 
course be governed by circumstances. Make them as 
large as practicable, but remember that each person 
should have, for purposes of health, at least 500 cubic 
feet of air, and as much more as can be given. 
Danger of New Houses—One of the many errors 
which people who build houses are apt to commit is that 
of living in them, or rather dying in them, before they 
are sufficiently dry for occupation. It not unfrequently 
happens that a man, disgusted with the defective sanitary 
arrangements of the generality of houses, ancient and 
modern, builds a dwelling for himself and his family, 
constructed with all the latest improvements, and in his 
extreme anxiety to commence a career of longevity rushes 
into it before the workmen are out of it, and while the 
walls are still saturated with moisture. The consequences 
are, as might have been expected: in addition to the 
architect’s charges, the rash owner is called upon to pay 
within the first few months a further bill to the doctor, 
and too often to the undertaker also. A house agent, 
not long ago, being asked why the house agency business DANGER OF NEW HOUSES. 
29 
was so commonly combined with that of the undertaker, 
grimly replied that the two “went together;” and, on 
being asked for a further explanation, stated that he had 
found, as an almost invariable rule, that when, as a 
house agent, he found a tenant for a newly-built house, 
he was applied to as an undertaker on behalf of that 
tenant or some member of his family within a twelve- 
month from the date of occupation. He added, that he 
himself (the house agent) would be sorry to live in any 
house “that had not been baked by six summer suns.” 
Whether this amount of baking is absolutely required is 
a question for doctors and architects to decide; but 
there can be no doubt whatever that a want of caution 
in this respect leads occasionally to the most lamentable 
consequences. An instance in point will be found in the 
case of Peabody’s Buildings, mentioned in the annual 
report of the medical officer of health for Southwark, 
England, lately printed. It seems that these buildings 
have a death-rate of 23£ in 1,000 persons living, or 1 
in 43. In other metropolitan model buildings the death- 
rate only averages 17 per 1,000. The less favorable 
state of health prevailing in Peabody’s Buildings is 
attributed to their being too soon occupied after construc- 
tion, many of the ground lloors having been found to be 
still very damp some months after the buildings were 
inhabited. 
We have purposely made these introductory observa- 
tions as practical as they are brief. While it is true that 
not many of us can control the situation and all the 
surroundings of our dwellings, yet we can all do some- 
thing, and surely we are bound to do all that we can, 
towards mitigating, if we cannot utterly remove, those 
baleful influences of disease and death by which so many 
families, in this country, are surrounded. DIVISION SECOND. 
ACCIDENTS AND EMERGENCIES. 
SNAKE BITES. 
Deadly snakes are generally distinguishable by the 
thinness of the neck, immediately behind the head, and 
by their having only two teeth in the upper jaw. 
Remedies—The first object to be attempted is 
arrest of thfe circulation of the poison. A handkerchief, 
rope, or anything else to serve the purpose, should be 
tied tightly round the limb, between the wound and the 
heart. While this is being done, if possible a second 
person should extract the poison as suggested in the next 
paragraph. 
2. The wound should be sucked with all the force the 
patient can command; or if unable to do it himself, an 
attendant should do it for him. No danger attaches to 
the person thus sucking the wound so long as the poison 
does not come in contact with any abraded or raw surface 
of the mouth, or other part of the body. 
3. Alcohol, in any of its forms, brandy, whisky, gin, 
etc., should be drunk largely by the patient. Let him 
drink it freely, a gill or more at a time, once in fifteen 
to twenty minutes (or small doses oftener), until some REMEDIES. 
31 
symptoms of intoxication are experienced. It is remark- 
able how much alcohol a patient suffering from the 
poison of the rattlesnake will bear. A little girl of ten 
years, who had been bitten by a rattlesnake, took over 
three quarts of good strong whisky in less than a day, 
when but slight symptoms of intoxication were produced. 
She recovered from these symptoms in a few hours, and 
suffered no more from the poison of the serpent. In- 
stances of cures with whisky are numerous. 
4. Salaratus, moistened and bound on the bite; then 
dissolve more, and keep the parts wet with it for a few 
hours. Also take a tablespoonful of salaratus-water 
every hour, internally, until five or six doses have been 
taken. This has not, as yet, been known to fail to cure 
the bite of snakes. If any considerable time has elapsed 
after the bite, and before the application has been made, 
a small incision of the flesh should be made with a knife 
across the wound, in order, the more readily, to admit 
the solution into the wound. 
5. Lard is also a superior remedy. Bind it on the 
wound; take a tablespoonful every half hour, in a 
liquid state, until six or eight doses have been taken. 
6. Black Snakeroot (S article) is employed by the 
Indians as a certain cure for snake-bites. It is to be 
taken freely in decoction, and, at the same time, the 
parts are to be bathed with it. 
7. The juice of the fresh leaves of the Plantain if 
taken in teaspoonful doses every hour, and the leaves 
bruised and applied to the wound will not only cure 
snake-bites, but those of spiders, and other poisonous 
insects. 
8. Soft Clay Mud, applied to the wound, is another 
good remedy, and has been known to cure. 
Snake-Bitten Cattle—Cattle or horses are usually 32 
SNAKE BITES. 
bitten in the feet. When this is the case, all that is 
necessary to do is, to drive them into a mud-hole and 
keep them there for a few hours. If upon the nose, 
bind the mud upon the place in such a manner as not to 
interfere with their breathing;. 
© 
Tarantulas and Scorpions—Bites of these are 
to be treated the same as snake-bites. Salaratus is 
especially good for them. 
Carbolic acid, applied locally, and administered 
internally, is recommended in cases of poisoned wounds ; 
and according to the following experiments of P. 
O’Connell D’Oyle, assistant-surgeon R. N., would seem 
to offer the most favorable prospect of success: 
“During the Niger expedition of 1868,” writes the 
above named gentleman, “being in medical charge of 
H. M. S. Investigator, and having to pass through a 
hostile country, where poisoned arrows and spears were 
the principal offensive weapons, I procured several freshly- 
poisoned arrows, and taking some fowls, I stripped the 
feathers from their thighs, and ran the heads of the 
arrows through their most fleshy part. The arrow was 
allowed to remain in the wound rather more than one 
minute—in some instances as long as ninety seconds. 
As I withdrew the arrow I poured liquefied, undiluted 
carbolic acid into the wound, taking especial care to 
make it come into contact with every portion of it. A 
small bandage was now applied over the wound, and the 
fowls isolated. On one-half of the fowls inoculated no 
carbolic acid was used, and I found every one of these 
die in a space of time varying from one to twelve 
minutes. On the other hand, those I used the acid with 
lived, and seemed not to suffer from the effects of the 
poison, although a great deal of discoloration was visible 
around the wound for several days. This gradually 
disappeared.” STING OF INSECTS. 
33 
STING OF INSECTS. 
To Alleviate the Pain Occasioned by the 
Sting of Gnats—The disagreeable itching, occasioned by 
the sting of these insects, may be removed by spirits of 
ammonia, or immediately rubbing and washing the part 
affected with salt water. 
At night, to rub with fuller’s earth and water, 
lessens the inflammation. 
Spider-Bite—Catnip or plantain leaf, bruised and 
applied to the wound, is a prompt and effectual remedy, 
for the cure of the bite of spiders and other insects. 
Teaspoonful doses of the juice of the latter, repeated 
every hour, should be taken at the same time. 
Mosquitoes—These may be prevented from 
troubling in the night, by taking the precaution of rub- 
bing a little soap on the hands before going to rest. 
This is said to be a certain remedy. Honey is also good, 
but from its sticky nature is more disagreeable than the 
soap. Dilute carbolic acid is, however, the most sure 
protection from insect irritation. The hands, face, and 
other exposed parts, should be washed with a -weak 
solution once or twice daily. The application of lemon 
juice will also afford relief. 
Flea-Bites—It is said that indigo, moistened and 
applied, will give immediate relief in the bites of these 
little pests; or, wet the “bluing sack” and apply it. 
Soda, moistened and applied, is also good. 
Sting of a Nettle—Rub the part affected with 
balm, rosemary, mint, or any other aromatic herb, and 
the smart will soon cease. Sage-leaves are also efficacious. 
Bee, Hornet, etc.—1. When this occurs from 
a bee, wasp, hornet, or other insect, bathe and bind on the 
parts, a strong solution of equal parts of salt and baking 34 
LOCK-JAW. 
powder or saleratus. This will immediately arrest the 
swelling, and relieve the pain. 
2. The common onion is another remedy for the 
same purpose. A piece is to be cut off, and at once 
placed on the wound. Dr. Hill uses no other remedy 
than this for stings, etc.; if the pieces of onion are 
changed every few minutes, the pain, he says, diminishes 
immediately. 
3. Two or three folds of woolen flannel, dipped in 
hot lard, will very promptly remove the pain and swell- 
ing occasioned by the bite of these insects. 
If the above remedies are not at hand, make a thin 
mortar of clay-earth, and apply. 
Accessory Measures—If a wasp or other stinging- 
insect be the cause of the trouble, examination must be 
made for the sting, as this is often left in the wound ; if 
present, it must be carefully extracted by the fingers or 
by a pair of fine-pointed forceps. If the sting has enter- 
ed the skin perpendicularly, the pressure of a small key 
may be used; the center of the hole should be placed 
over the wound, enclosing it, and sufficient pressure 
should be used, when, probably, the sting will be squeezed 
out. The wound should then be well sucked to extract 
the venom. 
LOCK-JAW. 
Sometimes this disease arises without any previous 
injury, more especially in warm climates, and near the 
sea. Robust, vigorous, middle-aged men are more liable 
to it than others. REMEDIES. 
35 
In the majority of cases lock-jaw comes in conse- 
quence of stabs and punctures in tendinous parts, and 
about the fingers and toes; and this frequently when the 
wound heals kindly. 
Symptoms—The muscles of the lower jaw become 
contracted and hard: at length the patient cannot open 
the mouth at all. A difficulty of swallowing succeeds, 
resembling hydrophobia. The muscles of the neck and 
back, and, indeed, of the whole body, become succes- 
sively affected with violent spasms. The symptoms are 
sometimes rapid, at others slow in their progress. If the 
patient survives the fourth day, there is a chance of his 
recovery. 
Remedies—1. Moisten a paper of fine-cut tobacco, 
and apply to the stomach. If plug tobacco is used, it 
should be first softened by warm water, before it is 
applied. It relaxes the muscles, produces vomiting, and 
thus relieves the patient. This simple remedy has saved 
many patients, when they were considered beyond the 
hope of recovery. It is regarded as infallible. 
2. The speedy application of the spirits of turpen- 
tine, to the face and neck and along the spine, will often 
give great relief. Also, pour a small quantity of warm 
turpentine into the wound. This will serve to relieve the 
spasms, and thereby cure the patient. 
3. Many Eclectic physicians regard the tinctures of 
lobelia and Cayenne pepper combined as one of the safest 
and best remedies in use for the cure of lock-jaw. Equal 
parts of them are to be given, in doses of a half tea- 
spoonful each. Repeat every fifteen minutes, until relax- 
ation is produced. • 
As the jaws are set, and the teeth closed, the best 
way of getting the medicine down, is to hold the cheek, 
at the corner of the mouth, loose from the teeth, and 36 
LOCK-JAW. 
then pour the medicine from a spoon, between the teeth 
and cheek, and it will immediately lind its way to the 
throat, and afford relief. 
Accessory Treatment—The patient should be kept 
in a dark room, free from noise or excitement, and his 
strength must be sustained by strong tea or broth of 
meats, administering them by injection if he cannot 
swallow. The injured part must have a discharge kept 
up from it; and, in obstinate cases, means should be used 
to keep up a moderate degree of perspiration. 
To Prevent Lock-jaw—1. Pour some turpentine 
into a tin cup, and hold it over a lighted candle, or the 
fire, until it boils. It boils at so low a temperature, 
that it will not burn when applied to the skin. Make a 
swab, by wrapping soft muslin or linen round a stick. 
Dip this in the turpentine, and apply it to the wound, 
rubbing it in carefully for some time. Apply it as warm 
as can be borne. 
2. The following is another very effective means 
for the same purpose: Make a strong lye, from ashes, 
and apply as warm as can be borne. This will prevent 
it even when there are strong symptoms of its approach. 
When the wound is upon a limb, immerse it in the lye ; 
if upon the body, apply it by means of flannel cloths. 
This remedy has even been known to cure cases of lock- 
jaw. A captain of a vessel was cured of a severe attack 
of lock-jaw, by bathing the part in lye as hot as could 
be borne. 
Nail in the Foot—To obtain relief from the terrible ef- 
fects which sometimes take place from running a nail into the 
foot, take peach leaves, bruise them and apply to the wound. 
Confine them in their place by a bandage, and the cure is 
accomplished. Renew the application twice a day, if neces- 
sary ; but one application is generally sufficient. Both men 37 
BURNS AND SCALDS. 
and animals have been cured in a few hours, when they 
were apparently on the point of having the lock-jaw. 
BURNS AND SCALDS. 
Remedies—1. A liniment, composed of equal parts 
of lime-water and linseed oil, is a superior application for 
burns. The lime-water alone is excellent. 2. Dissolve two 
ounces of alum in one pint of hot water, saturate cotton 
cloths with this solution, and keep the burn well wrapped 
in them. The pain will quickly cease, and the process of 
healing will soon commence. 3. Some consider hot water 
the best application for a burn. Apply several thicknesses 
of old linen or muslin, wet with hot water. Let it be satu- 
rated afresh every fifteen minutes, without lifting the cloth 
from the surface of the burn, or exposing it to the cold air, 
until the painful burning sensation ceases. Then let it simply 
be kept moist or wet, until the part is well. Care should be 
taken, from the time of the first application, not to let the 
affected part be, for one moment, exposed to the air. 4. The 
following are each good remedies: Tea leaves, steeped 
and applied ; the white of an egg, applied by means of a 
brush, or wisp of old muslin. As soon as the first layer dries, 
another should be put on. 5. Common table salt is another 
good application, when the skin is not broken. 6. A lather 
of soap, from the shaving cup, applied by a brush, is often 
followed by immediate relief. 
When the clothing of persons catches fire, throw them 
on the ground and roll them in a carpet-rug or bed-quilt 
to extinguish the flame. If these articles are not at hand, 
then take your coat and use it instead. Begin the wrap- 
ping at the neck and shoulders, so as to keep the flame, 38 
KEROSENE OIL FOR BURNS. 
as much as possible, from the face and throat. For an 
extensive burn or scald, there is, perhaps, no better 
remedy than pure hogs’ lard. If you have not the 
pure article, it can be prepared in the following manner: 
Take a cupful of the best lard and put it in a vessel 
of hot water, boil a few moments, stirring at the same 
time, until all the salt and alum that were put in to 
bleach it have been washed out. Then allow it to cool 
until the floating lard hardens; then collect it and put 
it in a bowl, which, in turn, is placed in a vessel of 
hot water on the stove, and kept there until the water 
in the bowl has been driven off. The bowl of lard is 
heated by surrounding water to prevent cooling. It can 
then be put away in suitable vessels, until required for 
use. Apply once a day. 
Kerosene Oil for Burns—This remedy is now be- 
ing extensively used for this purpose, and producing 
the best of results, though there are occasional cases 
where the texture of the skin of the individual is such 
that this remedy is not well adapted to him; yet this 
seldom occurs. * 
A New and Favorite Remedy—Cosmoline is a new 
and important remedy for burns and scalds. In severe 
cases, the following method of procedure should be 
adopted: To a quart of warm water, add a paper of 
cooking soda. Wring out of this old cotton cloths, and 
apply to the burnt or scalded surface. Continue their 
application for two or three hours, frequently changing 
the outside cloths. This will soon relieve the pain. After 
having used this as above directed, take pieces of old 
linen or cotton, and, after first wringing them out of 
warm water, spread on them the cosmoline, with a knife, 
until the cloths are entirely covered with it, and applv 
to the burnt surface, the other applications being re- FAINTING-FIT. 
39 
moved, and cover all again with damp cloths of several 
thicknesses. Or, what would probably be better, after 
covering the cosmoline with one thickness of cloth, wrap 
the entire dressing with raw cotton, to exclude the air. 
The cotton should be kept on until the parts are healed. 
If the weather is very warm, the cosmoline dressing 
should be renewed twice a day; otherwise, every other 
day will be sufficient. This remedy is reputed to be 
unsurpassed for the cure of burns and scalds. 
The above are among the better remedies, commonly 
employed for the cure of burns and scalds. We present 
a large number of them, from the fact that it often 
happens that one remedy is at hand and ready for use, 
whilst the others cannot be procured without difficulty, 
or the loss of much valuable time. See p. 454, vol. ii. 
FAINTING-FIT. 
This is a loss of volition and muscular power, with 
partial or complete loss of consciousness, due to defec- 
tive nervous power. 
Causes—Debility, from constitutional tendencies, or 
from loss of blood, or other animal fluids; emotional 
disturbances—fright, sudden joy or grief, hysteria, etc. 
Many persons faint on seeing blood, or a wound. 
Treatment—Always immediately place the patient 
in a horizontal position, with his head as low as, or even 
lower than, the body. If you leave the patient sitting 
up, or even with a pillow under his head, he may die. 
If he is sitting in a chair, a good plan is to always 
tip him right over back in his chair, on the floor. 
Usually, by the time his head reaches the floor, he will 40 
VOMITING SICKNESS. 
be revived. Remove everything tight from around the 
neck and body. Sprinkle a handful of cold water over 
the face, neck, and chest, wipe it off, rub the limbs with 
your hands, and slap the surface of the skin with the open 
hands. Let the patient smell of camphor, and give a 
drop of it in a few drops of water. Admit fresh air freely. 
In choking, and fainting of every kind, the immer- 
sion of the feet in warm water will restore the patient. 
Some people manifest a strong disposition to faint. 
In such cases, a few drops of the spirits of camphor, will 
give very speedy relief. 
In lifting or moving a person when in a fainting 
condition, always keep the head lower than the body. 
VOMITING SICKNESS (Vomitus). 
Causes—Improper food, or too large a quantity; a 
disordered condition of the digestive functions ; pregnancy ; 
disease or irritation in other organs, as the brain, kidneys, 
uterus, etc.; cancer or ulcer of the stomach ; mechanical 
obstruction of any part of the intestinal canal; morbid 
states of the blood. It also occurs in most of the 
eruptive fevers. 
Remedies—1. Ordinary cases of vomiting can be 
cured, by giving the patient cinnamon-bark tea, every five 
or ten minutes. 
2. Bruise peach leaves and add cold water to them. 
Give this occasionally as a drink. Frequently one draught 
is sufficient to check the vomiting. 
3. Severe vomiting is often checked by placing a 
mustard-poultice over the pit of the stomach. 
4. When no other remedy is at hand, prepare the POISON VINE, OAK AND SUMACH. 
41 
following: Take a quantity of oat or corn meal, parch 
it perfectly brown, then make coffee of it, and give to 
the patient to drink, every few minutes. Obstinate vom- 
iting will usually yield to this. It is especially valuable 
in cholera morbus. 
5. The following is well adapted to the more in- 
veterate cases of this difficulty: Take lime, slacked or 
unslacked, one-half ounce; white sugar, two ounces; 
water, one-half pint. Mix and let stand two hours. Pour 
off the clear liquor, and to this add two-thirds, teacupful 
of milk. This will be kept on the stomach when nothing 
else will be retained. 
It should be given, in tablespoonful doses, every 
twenty or thirty minutes. It should be remembered, that 
the addition of a teaspoonful of cooking soda to every 
quart of milk, not only prevents it from becoming sour, 
but renders it much more digestible. 
6. For vomiting, in “Morning Sickness,” see the 
article under that head. 
Accessory Means—Small pieces of ice placed on 
the tongue are very grateful, and tend to allay the sick- 
ness. The diet should be simple, nourishing, and non- 
irritating. Beef tea is, probably, most suitable, and may 
be given every one to three hours, in small quantities, 
till other food can be borne. In many cases soda-water 
and milk, in equal proportions, given in small quantities, 
freshly mixed, can be retained and digested. The stomach 
will often retain bland liquid diet when it would reject 
any other. 
POISON VINE, POISON OAK, AND POISON 
SUMACH. 
Remedies—1. Mix a small quantity of starch with 42 
KEMEDIES. 
glycerine, sufficient to form a thick paste, and apply to 
the poisoned parts. One application is generally sufficient 
to effect a cure. If not, it may be repeated on the fol- 
lowing morning. I have never known this to fail to 
effect a speedy cure. Before this application is made, 
bathe the parts in very hot water, just near enough the 
boiling point not to scald the flesh. 
2. But, as this remedy may not always be at hand, 
I will give others: Baking soda, or common washing 
soda, will remove this difficulty. Add sufficient water to 
it to form a paste, and apply thoroughly once' or twice 
a day to the part poisoned. It will usually kill it in 
from two to four days. 
3. An application of Blue Vitriol is recommended 
as an effective remedy. It is made by adding one-half 
teaspoonful of the vitriol, to two-thirds of a teacupful 
of water. 
4. Sweet oil is regarded as an antidote to this, as 
well as most other vegetable and animal poisons. Though 
it may not act so promptly as some others, yet it may 
be relied on. It is to be taken freely, two to four table- 
spoonfuls, every two hours during the day, until a pint 
has been taken ; and, at the same time, apply it externally, 
and cover the parts with thin muslin. 
5. The following is from Prof. Bundy, of Oakland, 
Cal., in which State poisoning is a very frequent occur- 
ance from poison oak: “Take, of the fluid extract of 
Grindelia Bobusta, 2 drachms; glycerine, 2 ounces. Mix. 
Apply to the affected part, three or four times daily. 
This is a new remedy, and is a specific for the poison 
oak poisoning; in fact, so much so, that no other treat- 
ment need be mentioned; but, as it may not always be 
obtainable, I will give another: A strong solution of 
borax, frequently applied, is, perhaps, next equal in 
efficacy to the Grindelia.” CRAMPS IN THE STOMACH. 
43 
CRAMP IN THE STOMACH. 
Symptoms—Severe, pinching, gnawing, or con- 
tractive pains in the stomach, generally occurring after 
taking food. 
Causes — Highly-seasoned or indigestible food; 
stimulants, coffee, and tobacco ; long fasting; exposure to 
cold or damp, etc. It is usually but a symptom of indiges- 
tion. 
Remedies—1. Most forms of this difficulty can 
be effectually cured in a few minutes, by very simple 
means: Take a teacupful of hot water, and add to it a 
heaping tablespoonful of sugar. Drink it as hot as pos- 
sible. In some cases it may be necessary to repeat the 
dose in twenty or thirty minutes ; but it is seldom that 
more than one will be needed. A strong decoction of 
prickly ash berries, when they can be procured, will usu- 
ally afford relief. 
2. Another means is to place a mustard poultice on 
the stomach, and let it remain until considerable redness is 
produced. Then follow tins’with a hot fomentation of hops 
or tansy. 
3. If a patient is so situated, at any time, where no 
remedies can be procured, he should immediately apply fric- 
tion over the stomach. This rubbing should be continued until 
a high degree of heat is produced, and it will often afford 
effectual relief. 
4. Very popular remedies, in the country, are mint 
tea, essence of peppermint, or a weak tea of Cayenne pep- 
per. 
Accessory Treatment—In severe cases, two or three 
folds of flannel, wrung out of hot water, and applied as hot 
as can be borne; in mild cases, warmed dry flannels. 
The patient should shun all articles which excite attacks 44 
POISONS AND THEIR ANTIDOTES. 
of the disease, and live on plain, easily digested food, spend 
his time in the fresh air and sunlight, and take regular, ac- 
tive exercise. 
POISONS AND THEIR ANTIDOTES. 
When poison has been taken, the first thing to be done 
is to excite vomiting. Then some remedy may be given 
which will neutralize or destroy the action of the poison. 
Vomiting can generally be produced by drinking a large 
quantity of tepid water, and then tickling the throat with 
the finger or a feather. If this fails, a teaspoonful of pow- 
dered mustard in a glass of warm water may be given, or 
half a teaspoonful of ipecac, or twenty grains of sulphate of 
zinc, or blue vitriol, may be given. Generally the tepid 
water and tickling the throat will be sufficient, if the patient 
drinks rapidly all he can. Where a stomach-pump is at 
hand, employ it in the first instance. 
Poisons which Occasion Vomiting—As a gen- 
eral rule, after poisons that cause vomiting, pain in the 
bowels, and purging, give chalk, magnesia, fresh milk, 
the whites of eggs, sweet oil, or any other oil or butter. 
After poisons that produce sleepiness or delirium, give 
emetics and stimulants, such as camphor and strong 
coffee, and keep the patient awake. When it is not 
known what the poison is, give magnesia, chalk or char- 
coal, equal parts, mixed in warm water; also, sweet oil. 
Arsenic—When a person has taken arsenic, he soon 
perceives a burning heat and a violent pricking pain in 
his stomach and bowels, an intolerable thirst, and an 
inclination to vomit. The tongue and throat feel rough 
and dry; and, if proper help be not soon administered, 
the patient is seized with great anxiety, hiccoughing, CORROSIVE SUBLIMATE, LUNAR CAUSTIC, ETC. 
45 
faintings, and coldness of the extremities. To these suc- 
ceed black vomits, fetid stools, with a mortification of 
the stomach and intestines, which are the immediate fore- 
runners of death. 
Antidotes—1. Excite vomiting as soon as possible, 
by any of the above measures, also give warm milk, 
equal parts of sweet oil or the white of eggs. Either of 
the above articles, or any two of them, should be given 
as soon as possible, in connection with the measures to 
excite vomiting, and should be repeated occasionally 
afterward. 
2. Another good antidote is to take a rusty piece 
of iron, wash the rust off, and give it to the patient. 
Tartar-Emetic (Antimony)—Give tannic acid; or 
a strong decoction of green tea ; or of oak bark. It will 
not be necessary to give the mustard, or any other 
emetic, as the antimony will produce sufficient vomiting. 
Promote vomiting by giving freely of warm water and 
sugar, etc. 
Antimony—Give the same antidotes as for tartar 
emetic, as it is the same drug. 
Corrosive Sublimate, Verdigris and Lunar 
Caustic—Among the symptoms from taking verdigris, 
lunar caustic and corrosive sublimate, will be noticed the 
following: The tongue becomes dry and parched, while 
if there is not severe vomiting there will be fruitless 
efforts to vomit. There will be frequent black stools 
which will usually be bloody. The breathing difficult, 
while the headache is intense. 
Verdigris ( Copper)—Poisoning by copper is rare, 
yet occasionally a case is met with where it is accidental, 
as by getting the verdigris off of old copper. The symp- 
toms are headache, cutting pain in the bowels, cramps in 
the legs and thighs, the pulse being small, quick and 
feeble. 46 
POISONS AND THEIR ANTIDOTES. 
The Corrosive Sublimate—Mix the whites of a 
dozen eggs, with two pints of cold water, and give a 
glassful of the mixture every two minutes till the stomach 
can contain no more. If there are not eggs enough at 
hand, make up the deficiency with milk. Flour, infixed 
with water, is a good remedy. Use the stomach-pump, 
if it is at hand. 
Lunar Caustic—Used in hair dyes and indelible 
ink. The antidote for this violent poison is common salt, 
which acts promptly and efficiently. A strong brine should 
be swallowed as soon as possible, and afterward milk and 
castor or sweet oil. 
Nitrate of Silver—This is the lunar caustic, the 
same as the above. 
Strychnine—The first symptoms are a feeling of 
weight and weakness in the limbs, with unnatural rigidity 
or slight spasms, when motion is attempted. When its 
effects are fully developed, there is frequently recurring 
spasms, the entire body being convulsed, and the person 
suffering intense pain. These continue to increase in 
frequency and intensity, until it would seem impossible 
for the sufferer to live, and, finally, death ends his 
misery. 
Antidotes—Give freely of any fatty matter, sweet 
oil, lard, lard-oil, etc., a pint at a time, and have it 
vomited each time by passing the finger down the throat. 
After repeating this two or three times, give equal parts 
of tincture of camphor and gelseminum, in teakpoonful 
doses, every half hour. 
Matches—Children sometimes eat phosphorus from 
the ends of matches, and are poisoned. For antidotes, see 
“Phosphorus.” 
Oil of Savin—This substance in large doses inflames 
the stomach and bowels. Give olive oil in tablespoonful 
doses, and empty the stomach with emetics. 47 
SPANISH FLIES, POTATO FLIES, ETC. 
Iodine and Iodide of Potassium—Give starch or 
wheat flour, mixed with water. 
Sugar of Lead—Excite vomiting with ground mus- 
tard and give epsom salts or diluted sulphuric acid. Castor 
oil is good ; also give milk freely. 
Shell Fish—Clams, muscles, etc., are sometimes 
poisonous. Excite vomiting, give powdered charcoal or 
strong coffee without milk or sugar. 
Alcohol—The effects of poisonous doses of alcohol 
may be counteracted by showering the head and body with 
cold water, when the body is hot. Also cause vomiting as 
soon as possible. 
Belladonna (Black Henbane), Hyoscyamus, Strar 
monium ( Comum), Hemlock—These are all narcotics, 
and when accidentally taken in poisonous doses, the treat- 
ment is the same as for poison by opium. Strong coffee 
is said to counteract the effects of these articles. 
Spanish Flies, Potato Flies—Symptoms are acrid 
taste, burning heat in the throat, stomach and bowels, 
bloody vomitings, colic, purging, retention of urine, con- 
vulsions, death. Take large draughts of olive oil, thin 
gruel, milk, starch injections, linseed tea, laudanum, and 
comphorated water. 
Aconite—Give an emetic of ground mustard or sul- 
phate of zinc, or use the stomach-pump, instantly, and 
then give stimulants, as brandy, gin, whisky, rum, etc. 
Nitre—Give the same antidotes as for saltpetre, as 
it is precisely the same substance. 
Liquor of Potassa, Nitrate of Potassa (Salt- 
petre), Carbonate of Potassa (Pearlash), Salts of 
Tartar—Linseed, castor, and sweet oil, also almonds and 
melted lard, destroy the caustic effects of these poisons. 
Mucilaginous drinks may be given. 
Ammonia—Spirits of hartshorn, or ammonia, is a 48 
POISONS AND THEIR ANTIDOTES. 
well-known strong irritant. When taken, give at once 
table vinegar, by the teaspoonful, till the pain lessens. 
Lemon-juice will also answer. Olive oil will afterwards 
be beneficial. Emetics should not be given. 
Opium—The symptoms of poisoning by opium, or 
any of its preparations, are unnatural stupor and disposi- 
tion to sleep, with a very marked apathetic countenance. 
The person does not like to be disturbed, and would rather 
die than live. When he cannot be aroused by shaking 
or dashing cold water in the face, there is danger, and 
especially if the breathing is stertorous or snoring. 
1. When an overdose of opium, or any of its pre- 
parations, has been swallowed, the stomach should be 
evacuated as speedily as possible. To effect this, a tea- 
spoonful of ground mustard seed, or as much tartar 
emetic as can be held on a five-eent piece, or as much 
ipecacuanha as can be held on a twenty-five cent piece, 
should be mixed in a tumblerful of warm water, and one- 
half given at once, and the remainder in twenty minutes, 
if the first has not, in the meantime, operated. In the 
interval, copious draughts of warm water, or sugar and 
warm water, should be drunk. 
2. The use of the stomach-pump, in these cases, is 
of the greatest importance, and should, if possible, be re- 
sorted to without delay. After most of the poison has 
been evacuated from the stomach, a strong infusion of 
coffee ought to be given; or some one of the vegetable 
acids, such as vinegar or lemon-juice, should be admin- 
istered. 
3. The patient should be kept in motion, and salu- 
tary effects will often be produced by dashing a bucketful 
of cold water on the head. Artificial respiration (see 
“Drowning” ) ought to be established, and kept up for some 
time. If the extremities are cold, apply warmth and PRUSSIC ACID, ETC. 
49 
friction to them. After the poison has been evacuated 
from the stomach, stimulants, as warm wine and water, 
may be given, to keep up and sustain vital action. 
Phosphorus—First excite vomiting ; then give milk 
and magnesia, followed by slippery-elm tea, flax-seed 
tea, gum-Arabic water, etc. Avoid all oils and oily 
drinks. 
Citric Acid, Acetic Acid, Tartaric Acid—For 
these poisons, give the same as for the above, hydro- 
chloric acid. 
Carbolic Acid—Oil, glycerine, milk, flour and water, 
white of eggs, magnesia, and flax-seed tea, may be used. 
Prussic Acid—This is the most deadly of all known 
poisons. One drop of the pure acid will cause immediate 
death. Give water of ammonia or hartshorn, one part 
diluted with six parts of water, freely. Let the patient 
smell camphor or ammonia. And shower the head and 
spine with cold water. 
In poisoning by any of the above acids, after they 
have been neutralized by their appropriate antidotes, the 
following mucilaginous drinks should always be admin- 
istered : Flax-seed, gum-Arabic and slippery-elm. 
Lye—The remedy is vinegar, or oil. Vinegar will 
convert the lye into acetate of potash, and any of the 
oils will unite with it, and form soap; and neither the 
acetate of potash, nor soap, will materially injure the 
stomach. 
Saltpetre—Induce vomiting by lukewarm water, 
and by tickling the throat with a feather; but avoid 
irritating the stomach with the ordinary emetics. Give 
flax-seed tea or gum-water. 
Ergot, Black Hellebore, Veratrum (American 
Hellebore), Fox-glove, Gelseminum (Yellow Jessa- 
mine)—Evacuate the stomach with a stomach-pump, or 50 
POISONS AND THEIR ANTIDOTES. 
an emetic composed of four or five grains of tartar- 
emetic, fifteen or twenty grains of sulphate of zinc, or 
large doses of mustard, repeated every quarter of an hour 
until the full effect is produced. 
Sweet milk is also an antidote to this poison, and 
should be given freely. It is said to be a specific. 
NuxVomica (Zlo^w^on)—This is strychnine. 
Remedies, the same as the above. 
Mercury—The same antidotes should be used for 
this, as those employed for corrosive sublimate; which 
see. 
Oxalic Acid, Sulphuric Acid ( Oil of Vitriol), 
Nitric Acid (Aqua Fortis)i Hydrochloric Acid—The 
symptoms of the above poisons are, acute pain in the 
throat, stomach and bowels, with an acrid taste and frequent 
vomiting, together with copious stools more or less bloody, 
and sometimes difficulty of breathing. The pulse is irreg- 
ular, and, while the thirst is excessive, drinking increases 
the pain. 
Oxalic Acid—Give powdered chalk mixed with water, 
or magnesia, and excite vomiting by drinking freely of 
warm water. Do not give saleratus or potash in any 
form. A mixture of lime-water and sweet oil is very 
valuable. 
Oil of Vitriol (Sulphuric Acid)—In case of pois- 
oning from acid, give immediately soapsuds, wood-ashes 
mixed with water, carbonate of magnesia, chalk, or lime- 
water, and let the patient drink freely of milk. Oil is 
also useful. 
Nitric Acid (Aqua Fortis)—Give freely of calcined 
magnesia in a little water; or chalk; strong soap and 
water is an efficient remedy, and is always on hand. If 
nothing better at hand, give freely of a mixture of wood- 
ashes and sweet milk. 51 
HYDROCHLORIC ACID, ETC. 
Hydrochloric Acid (Muriatic Acid)—Soda, lime, 
potash, magnesia, are antidotes to this poison. As soon 
as the acid is neutralized, give flax-seed, gum-Arabic, oi 
slippery elm. 
Creosote (Oil of Smoke), Oil of Tar, Oil of 
Turpentine—Starch, wheat-flour mixed with water, 
whites of eggs, milk, and mucilaginous drinks, are excel- 
lent antidotes; or the stomach may be evacuated, with 
an emetic or a stomach-pump. 
The Compounds of Arsenic, Yellow Sulphuret 
of Arsenic, Red Sulphuret of Arsenic, King’s 
Yellow, Fly-Powder, Arsenical Paste, Arsenical 
Soap, Scheele’s Green, Paris-Green—Give oils or 
fats, lard, melted butter, or milk, then induce vomiting 
with white vitriol; fine powdered iron rust, or magnesia, 
may be given every five or ten minutes. Mucilaginous 
drinks should be given as soon as the stomach is evacuated, 
such as, gum-Arabic, flax-seed, or slippery elm. 
Tobacco—The oil of tobacco is a violent poison, 
and the leaf, when swallowed, causes sickness and often 
vomiting. This should be encouraged with warm water, 
after which twenty-drop doses of spirits of ammonia, in 
a tablespoonful of water, should be given. 
Sulphate of Zinc, and Chloride of Zinc—The 
symptoms are, astringent taste, sensation of choking, 
nausea, vomiting, purging, pain and burning in the throat 
and stomach, difficult breathing, pallor and coldness of 
the surface, pinched face, cramps of the extremities, 
but, with the exception of the chloride, seldom death. 
For the first, give copious draughts of milk, and white 
of eggs and water, mucilage, and olive oil. Relieve 
urgent symptoms by fomentations, and after the vomiting, 
give castor-oil. 
2. For the chloride, in addition to the above, give 52 
APOPLEXY. 
soda, warm water, in frequent draughts, with the ad- 
dition of friction and warmth. 
White Vitriol—This is the same as the above 
(Sulphate of Zinc). 
Oil of Bitter Almonds—Give ten to twenty drops 
of ammonia; or it may be inhaled. Apply cold water to 
the head. This oil is speedily fatal. 
Bead and its Compounds, Acetate of Lead 
(Sugar of Lead), White Lead, Red Lead, Litharge 
—The symptoms are, sugary, astringent, metallic taste, 
tightness of the throat, colicky pains, violent vomiting, 
hiccough, convulsions, and death. Epsom, or Glauber's 
salts, plaster of Paris, or phosphate of soda. An emetic 
of sulphate of zinc (24 grs. to £ pt. of water); apply 
fomentations if necessary; and a castor-oil mixture with 
laudanum. 
APOPLEXY (Apoplexia). 
This disease is characterized by the abrupt loss,, 
more or less complete, of consciousness, from extrava- 
sation of blood (hemorrhage) within the cranium or 
head. 
Varieties—1. Congestive apoplexy is an over- 
loaded condition of the vessels of the brain. 2. Hemor- 
rhagic or sanguineous apoplexy is the most frequent, and 
consists in the rupture of a vessel, and extravasation of 
blood in the substance of the brain, or outside the 
nervous masses. The symptoms are usually sudden, and 
its development most rapid. 
Modes of Attack and Warnings—Apoplexy may 
come on suddenly or gradually. The patient may be 
suddenly struck—falling, at once bereft of motion and SYMPTOMS. 
53 
consciousness. Such a case is termed 'primary apoplexy. 
More frequently, however, apoplexy is indicated by well- 
marked premonitions, which are, chiefly, headache; gid- 
diness, particularly on stooping; fullness and pulsation of 
the blood-vessels of the head; epistaxis; retinal hemor- 
rhage ; sleepiness, with heavy or snoring breathing; 
transient blindness; considerable difference in the sizes 
of the pupils of the eye ; deafness or noises in the ears ; 
momentary loss of consciousness, with or without in- 
distinctness of speech or incoherent talking; flashes, 
motes, etc., before the eyes; vomiting, numbness, or 
tingling in the hands or feet.; unsteady gait; partial 
paralysis, sometimes involving the muscles of the face, 
sometimes those of a limb4 the patient becomes comatose, 
and drowsiness gradually increases to perfect coma or 
stupor. This is called ingravescent apoplexy, because 
the symptoms become worse gradually, and it is far 
more serious than a primary case, because we have evi- 
dence that the cause of the symptoms is still in oper- 
ation, and because such a case is always hemorrhagic, 
and the brain has undergone organic and permanent 
changes. On the other hand, a primary case may be a 
congestive variety, and the condition may pass off without 
any permanently injurious result. 
Symptoms—These vary according to the seat and 
amount of the hemorrhage, and are sometimes so vague 
that cerebral hemorrhage can only be suspected. Pain 
in the head, giddiness, faintness, sickness, laboring pulse, 
succeeded by some reaction, may only be present. In 
the early stage of an ingravescent case, before the patient 
becomes comatose, there is great depression in the cir- 
culation from the shock to the nervous system ; the sur- 
face is cold, pale, and clammy, and the pulse frequent, 
small, and weak. As stupor comes on, the pulse becomes 54 
APOPLEXY. 
full, slow, and labored (passes slowly under the fingers); 
the surface warm, sometimes preternaturally so, and per- 
spiring; the countenance has a peculiar bloated appear- 
ance, and is often congested; the pupils are insensible to 
light, and usually dilated, although one or both may be 
contracted; the breathing is stertorous from paralysis of 
the soft palate; the urine is retained from inaction of 
the bladder; and the bowels are sluggish. 
One or several of the above symptoms may, however, 
occur as the consequence of indigestion. Vomiting and 
headache are more important as indications when they 
come on suddenly without any obvious cause, and not 
on first rising in the morning, and the vomiting, or 
efforts at vomiting, are continued beyond the emptying 
of the stomach. 
This complaint may be distinguished from palsy by 
the difficult and loud breathing, profound sleep, and the 
entire suspension of voluntary motion; and when to 
these we add the absence of convulsions, it will be dis- 
tinguished from epilepsy; and from intoxication, by the 
impossibility of arousing the patient by shouting or any 
other means. 
Apoplexy chiefly attacks individuals of advanced age ; 
and it has been observed, that persons of a corpulent 
habit, and those having a short neck and large head, and 
who lead an inactive and sedentary life, or make use of 
full, rich diet, are more liable to it than those of differ- 
ent habits. 
This disease is generally supposed to arise from com- 
pression of the brain, caused by an effusion of either 
blood or serum within the head or cranium, which has 
given birth to the two distinctive names of serous and 
sanguineous apoplexy. 
But the main cause of apoplexy, doubtless, is disease REMEDIES. 
55 
of blood-vessels ; hence the increasing liability to it with 
advancing age. The gradual degeneration or ossification 
of arteries common to old age renders them inelastic, and 
as the blood is forced on them by the action of the heart, 
they give way. Hemorrhage within the cranium is some- 
times caused by the bursting of aneurisms involving the 
arteries of the brain. The idea that increased pressure 
on the blood-vessels of the brain, as during exertion or 
rapid movement of the body, is an originating cause of 
apoplexy, is incorrect; there must be actual degeneration 
of the arteries, the process probably of years, before they 
can give way. The predisposing cause of apoplexy is 
general bodily unsoundness, which may be especially due 
to granular disease of the kidney, or enlargement of the 
left ventricle of the heart. Apoplexy is almost always 
the local expression of a general constitutional failure: 
hence it is classed as a constitutional disease. 
Remedies—The patient should be immediately re- 
moved to a pleasant, airy, and cool place, and placed in 
a recumbent position, to favor a return of blood from the 
brain. All compression should be removed from the neck, 
and all tight bandages or ligatures. The feet and legs 
must be immediately immersed in very warm water, in 
which lye or ashes has been added. This simple process 
is attended with the most extraordinary effects. I have 
never known it fail to exert a salutary and decided good 
effect. The feet and legs should remain in the water 
fifteen or twenty minutes, and friction be then applied to 
them. The whole surface must also be bathed with a 
mild tincture of Cayenne pepper, applied very warm. If 
the tincture is not at hand, put dry Cayenne on a flannel 
cloth, and rub the patient’s body with it. 
Administer an injection, composed of half a pint of 
soapsuds, with half a tablespoonful of salt added. The 56 
APOPLEXY. 
patient should be covered warmly, in order to excite per- 
spiration. Hot bricks, covered with cloths wet with vin- 
egar, may be applied to the extremities, to assist in 
recalling the blood back to its original channels. 
A mustard-piaster should also be immediately applied 
between the shoulders. 
It is stated, by some medical authors, that common 
salt is one of the best remedies known in apoplexy. It 
is to be applied wet to the head and temples, until suf- 
ficient sensibility returns, to admit of swallowing, when 
salt water, given internally, will completely restore the 
patient. 
In the treatment of this disease, it is well to apply 
tight ligatures around the limbs, to prevent the blood from 
returning rapidly in the veins. The ligatures should be 
gradually removed when the patient recovers his con- 
sciousness. 
As a constitutional remedy in the treatment of this 
disease, the compound syrup of stillingia, with iodide of 
potash, should be taken daily. To half a pint of the 
syrup, add twenty grains of the potash, and take a tea- 
spoonful every morning. This can be found at the drug- 
stores. 
After a Fit—Should the patient recover from the fit, 
great and unremitting care must be observed to prevent an- 
other attack. The diet should be light, but nourishing; 
milk, light puddings, cooked vegetables, fish, etc., are ex- 
tremely valuable ; a full animal diet should not be allowed 
till all fear of a relapse is passed; and stimulants should 
almost invariably be avoided. Moderate exercise of the 
muscles is a remedial agent of high value ; it tends to pro- 
mote a more active circulation through the entire system, 
and, consequently, to diminish the pressure on blood-vessels 
which a little extra force might cause to give way. If active PREVENTIVE AND ACCESSORY MEASURES. 
57 
exercise cannot be taken, frictions performed by a second 
person, by means of towels or flesh-brushes, over the surface 
of the body and the extremities are necessary. The causes 
of the disease should as far as possible be avoided or modi- 
fied. 
Preventive and Accessory Measures—Undeviat- 
ing temperance in eating and drinking. Physical and 
mental exertion and excesses of every nature; fits of 
passion or excitement; sudden changes of temperature, 
over-heated rooms, warm baths, wet feet, etc,, must be 
uniformly avoided. Errors in diet, exposure to a hot sun, 
violent emotions, etc., may excite the gravest symptoms 
in persons predisposed to apoplexy. 
The neck should be free from all tight cravats ; the feet 
should be kept warm ; exposures to cold, and especially to 
cold feet, are dangerous. Sour stomach should always be 
cured, if possible, as soon as known to exist. The hours of 
sleep should be regulated not to exceed eight or nine, and the 
bed should be a hard mattress. Whenever there is gid- 
diness of the head, cold water, poured on the head and 
along the spinal column, will be found a very salutary 
measure. Pure air in the the rooms is indispensable. 
Direct exposure to the sun's rays should be invariably 
shunned. Sudden turning of the head, to look upward or 
sideways, should also be carefully avoided, as well as strain- 
ning at stool. For at least two hours previous to retiring to 
bed, no food must be allowed to enter the stomach. Indeed, 
without the most rigid attention to the rules of hygiene 
generally, it will be a very difficult matter to prevent an 
an attack of apoplexy in those predisposed to it. 58 
CONGESTIVE CHILLS. 
CONGESTIVE CHILES. 
These are only an aggravated form of common chills 
and fever, and are sometimes called “ Sinking Chills.” 
In this form of the disease, the chill is very much 
lengthened, and there is great pain in the head, a feeble 
pulse, vertigo, a sense of weight and oppression of the 
chest. The hot stage comes on slowly, and is imper- 
fect, the pulse being frequent, small and tense, the coun- 
tenance anxious, the skin hardly warm, perhaps an internal 
heat complained of, and little or no thirst. The per- 
spiration in the sweating stage is copious and fetid. 
As the disease advances, stupor comes on; the 
patient lies upon his back, with tendency to slip down to 
the foot of the bed ; the breathing becomes more diffi- 
cult; the pulse is small, weak and fluttering, or is inter- 
mittent, and at last can not be felt at the extremities ; 
a cold, clammy perspiration, sometimes fetid, covers the 
body; the face assumes a leaden, deathly hue; the 
bps are contracted over the teeth, and the patient dies. 
Death usually happens during the cold stage, and more 
commonly in the third paroxysm. 
In describing the symptoms of this disease, a medical 
writer remarks, “It commences with a sensation of lan- 
quor, weariness, disinclination to exercise, and a want of 
appetite. The chill comes on with a shrunken condition 
of the extremities, and is not always clearly felt by the 
patient, and is followed by paroxysms of fever of greater 
or less intensity. Not unfrequently the patient may lie 
able to move about for some days, but eventually be- 
comes prostrated by an increase in the severity of all the 
symptoms. The stomach becomes greatly irritated, and 
the bowels very torpid. The cold stage frequently con- 
tinues for five or six hours, during which the patient 
suffers excessively from the irritable condition of the REMEDIES. 
59 
stomach. The tongue varies in its appearance, being 
coated from a pale-brown to black, but commonly moist; 
the pulse is weak, and but little increased in frequency 
above natural. Usually, the attacks manifest themselves 
every other day with great severity, a light chill being 
experienced, however, every day. A sensation of burn- 
ing is frequently felt by the patient, who will desire to 
be placed where he may have the cool air to pass over 
him, and this will be the case when the parts in which 
the burning is felt are very much below the ordinary 
temperature of the body; which will also be the case 
with the surface of the limbs and body generally.” 
Remedies—The chief object of treatment, during 
the chill, is to produce reaction, or to bring warmth to 
the patient. For this purpose, give the patient, immed- 
iately, a vapor bath, as dircted in Volume II of this 
work, or, ’surround him with bottles of hot water, hot 
bricks, or stones, enveloped in wet cloths. Make a 
strong tea of ginger, red pepper, or black pepper, and 
give it freely. If these measures do not cut short the 
chill, give the patient live grains of quinine, and repeat 
the dose every half hour, until the chill is overcome, and 
reaction takes place, continuing, at the same time, the 
above applications. 
In the second place, during the hot stage, promote 
perspiration ; which is to be done by giving cooling 
drinks, and removing gradually the clothing, etc., which 
greatly oppresses the patient at this time. 
In the third, or sweating stage, the patient should lie 
wiped dry after it is over, the clothing changed, and 
sleep permitted. During the intermission, take equal 
parts of the black-snake root, generally called Virginia 
snake-root, and wormwood, which grows in every garden, 
made into a tea: it is used with great success in curing 60 
FITS—INFANTILE CONVULSIONS. 
this disease. Dose, a wineglassful three times a day. 
The following preparation is used with the most success- 
ful results: Take two nutmegs, and burn or char them 
over a flame; pulverize them, then add an equal quantity 
by weight, of dried or burnt alum, and divide the mixture 
into six powders. Administer one powder every time the 
chili comes on; frequently, the first dose will effect the 
cure. For further treatment of this disease, the reader 
is referred to the article on “ Fever and Ague,” as the 
remedies used in this and that disease, are adapted, the 
one to the other. 
Accessory Treatment—People subject to this 
affection, as well as to the ordinary chills and fever, 
should avoid the damp air of the morning and evening, 
also, exposure to a hot sun; during damp seasons, fires 
should be kept in the sitting and sleeping rooms. The 
diet, during the hot and sweating stage, should be very 
light. During the intermission, and for some time after 
a cure has been effected, the diet should consist of 
nutritious food, as boiled rice, bread and butter, beef- 
tea, chicken-broth, toast-water, and plain bread-pudding. 
All high-seasoned, stimulating, or indigestible food, must 
be carefully avoided. 
FITS—INFANTILE CONVULSIONS. 
Symptoms—In simple cases there is slight twitching 
of the muscles of the face, rolling of the eyes, and some 
difficulty or irregularity of breathing, which soon pass off 
spontaneously. Severe cases are marked by sudden loss 
of sensibility, violent movements of the arms, legs, and 
head; turning of the eyes so that the white is visible, 
and the pupils almost invisible; pallor or redness of the CAUSES. 
61 
face; lividity of the lips; clenching of the hands, the 
thumb being under the lingers; and bending of the great 
toes upon the soles of the feet. The fit may last for 
one or two minutes, when it passes off either altogether, 
or to recur after a longer or shorter interval. The 
slighter attacks are common to new-born infants. 
Causes—The irritation of dentition (teething), or 
of indigestion, worms, etc.; a blow or fall; fright; 
disease of the brain; impure supply of blood to the 
hrain, as in the eruptive fevers; feeble action of the 
heart; deficient supply of blood from defective nourish- 
ment ; suppressed eruptions; powerful mental emotions; 
worry, over-heating, or indigestion in the nursing mother. 
More remote causes may be general ill-health of the 
parents, too early or too late marriage, and inherited 
taint of constitution. 
Remedies—Commence the treatment by making 
warm applications to the lower part of the body, and 
lower extremities, or put the lower half of the body into 
warm water. If the head is hot and the face red, 
sprinkle the head for a few moments with cold water, 
especially if the disease has been caused by teething. “If 
the attack has been caused by eating green fruit, or other 
indigestible food, let him drink freely of warm water— 
then tickle the throat with a feather, so as to cause 
vomiting; even if vomiting does not ensue, the warm 
water may benefit the patient. In all cases where the 
bowels are costive, or you have the least reason to sup- 
pose the attack is caused by irritation of the stomach 
and bowels, or by worms, give a free injection of warm 
water, and repeat it in one hour, if the bowels do not move 
freely.” (Ellis.) The gums should be looked to, and 
if they appear swollen, or much inflamed and painful, 
lanced. The most severe convulsions cease immediately 62 
BLACK EYE. 
after this operation. It sometimes happens that after a 
convulsion, the child becomes unable to urinate; for 
which he may be placed in a warm bath, and kept there 
for ten minutes, and then onions, pounded and slightly 
warmed, must be placed over the region of the bladder, 
and parsley root,' or pumpkin-seed tea, administered freely. 
When a nursing-mother becomes overheated, or 
violently excited, her blood and milk are thereby poisoned. 
Under such circumstances, the milk should be withdrawn, 
and the brain and blood allowed to cool, before nursing 
again, or serious, or even fatal results may ensue. 
Put one drop of the spirits of camphor into two 
teaspoonfuls of sweetened water, and give a teaspoonful 
at a dose, and repeat occasionally. This generally affords 
speedy relief. Essence of peppermint, is also a good 
remedy, used in doses of two or three drops, in sweet- 
ened water. Or, if the essence is not at hand, give a 
weak infusion of the herb. 
Preventive—When there is a tendency to convul- 
sions, as shown by a foul tongue and breath, disordered 
evacuations, with screaming, restlessness, etc., the addition 
of lime-water to the child’s milk (a tablespoonful to a 
feeding-bottle of milk) often acts as a preventive. 
BLACK EYE. 
1. Immediately after the eye has been struck, with 
force enough to make it black, apply a cloth, wet with 
water, as hot as you can bear. Keep on applying the 
water for fifteen or twenty minutes, and the coagulated blood 
will become thin and pass off into its natural channels, and 
leave the eve clear of blackness. A bruise on any other 
part of the body may be treated likewise. 63 
BLEEDING FROM THE LUNGS. 
2. Tincture of arnica is an excellent application to 
remove the soreness of the parts, and restore them to 
their natural condition. 
3. An application of brandy is another good remedy 
to check the tendency to discoloration. 
4. The application of raw beef is another very su- 
perior means for removing the discoloration, and also for 
checking the tendency to it, and relieving the pain. 
HEMORRHAGE OR BLEEDING FROM THE 
LUNGS. 
This disease is usually preceded by a sensation of 
weight, fullness, tightness, soreness, heat and oppression, 
over a part or the whole of the chest, and flushing of the 
cheeks, and sometimes even chills and fever. A dry cough 
often precedes the attack. 
The following table will enable the reader to deter- 
mine whether the discharge of blood is from the lumrs or 
stomach: 
FROM THE STOMACH. 
1. The blood is of a 
dark color. 
2. The blood is vom- 
ited. 
3. The blood is often 
mixed with food, and is not 
frothy. 
4. Is preceded by nau- 
sea and stomach distress. 
5. Blood is generally 
passed with the evacuations 
from the bowels. 
FROM THE LUNGS. 
1. The blood is of a 
bright-red color. 
2. The blood is gener- 
ally coughed up. 
3. The blood is gener- 
ally frothy and mixed with 
spittle. 
4. Is often preceded bv 
pain in the chest and difficult 
breathing. 
5. Blood is not found 
in the stools. 64 
BLEEDING FROM THE LUNGS. 
A patient may spit blood without its coming from the 
lungs; it may descend from the back part of the nostrils 
into the throat, or it may come from the throat itself, 
and even from the mouth. 
Patients may have a single attack and never have a 
return. Hemorrhage 'from the lungs may be caused by 
severe exertion in speaking, coughing, violent muscular 
exertion, tight lacing, very cold or hot air, and diseases 
of the heart. It is frequently caused by tubercles in the 
lungs. 
Remedies—One of the best remedies for bleeding 
from the lungs is salt. Half a teaspoonful should be taken 
dry, and repeated every twenty or thirty minutes. This, 
in most all mild cases, will be found sufficient, as an in- 
ternal remedy. 
In cases of bleeding from the lungs, the most perfect 
quiet must be enjoined, and the patient prohibited from 
talking, and suppress cough as much as possible ; he must 
be placed on the bed with the head and shoulders raised. 
But few persons should be in the room, which should 
be well ventilated and cool. If the feet are cold, a hot 
mustard foot-bath is very useful, and the warmth subse- 
quently continued with a jug of hot water. 
A strong decoction, or tea, made of the leaves of the 
bugle-weed (Lycopus Virginicus), is one of the best 
remedies known for bleeding of the lungs. As much 
as a pint a day should be drunk cold for several days, to 
prevent a return of the bleeding. 
A tincture, made of equal parts of black cohosh root 
( Cimicifuga Racemosa), and blood-root (Sanguinaria 
Canadensis), is also a valuable remedy, especially if there 
is any liability to consumption. It may be taken in tea- 
spoonful doses every three hours. 
The following remedies have been used with success: BLEEDING FROM THE STOMACH. 
65 
Alum, which when pulverized, may be given in doses of 
two grains—or as much as will lie on the point of a pen- 
knife, every thirty or forty minutes ; turpentine, ten to 
fifteen drops of which may be taken at a dose, once an 
hour; oil of Canada fleahane (Erigeron Canadensis), 
in doses of three to five drops every half-hour, is relied 
on by many; ipecac, the tincture, in doses of fifteen to 
twenty drops, every twenty or thirty minutes ; the com- 
mon stinging nettle ( Urtica Dioica), of which drink a 
strong infusion or tea; or, what is still better, take fre- 
quent doses of the juice of its leaves. 
Accessory Treatment—When persons of an en- 
feebled condition are attacked with bleeding from the 
lungs, they must take a mild, nourishing diet, consisting 
principally of milk, eggs, oysters, gruel, panada, strong 
beef- tea, etc. ; they should exercise moderately in the open 
air, increasing the exercise as they gain in strength. Such 
patients should avoid all animal food, all liquors, tea and 
coffee, and every article of diet that is indigestible ; oranges, 
lemons, ripe, acid fruits are very good, and all drinks 
should be taken cold. 
BLEEDINGS FROM THE STOMACH, OR VOM- 
ITING OF BLOOD. 
Vomiting of blood is generally preceded by pains in 
the stomach, sickness and nausea, and is accompanied with 
great anxiety and frequent fainting-fits. 
This disease is sometimes periodical; in which case 
it is less dangerous. It often proceeds from an obstruc- 
tion of the menses in women, and sometimes from the 
stoppage of the hemorrhoidal flux in men. It may be 66 
BLEEDING FROM THE STOMACH. 
occasioned by any thing that greatly stimulates or wounds 
the stomach, as strong vomits or purges, acrid poisons, 
sharp or hard substances taken into the stomach. It is 
often the effect of obstructions in the liver, the spleen, 
or some of the other organs. It may likewise proceed 
from external violence, as blows or bruises, or from 
any of the causes which produce inflammation. 
Remedies—The patient should be confined to the 
bed; small pieces of ice should be swallowed. If the 
bleeding is excessive there should be entire rest of the 
stomach and nourishment should be given by injection. 
Among the most suitable for this purpose is strong beef- 
tea and milk. 
From one-half to a teacupful may be used at each 
injection, four times a day. 
After the injection firm pressure should be made upon 
the anus with a napkin under the hand, until all efforts 
to expel it cease. It sometimes happens that vomiting of 
blood takes the place of the menstrual flow. If this is 
the case it should not be immediately arrested, but kept 
within proper limits. The swallowing of ice, and hot foot- 
baths, are advantageous. 
One-half a teaspoonful of common table-salt, repeated 
every twenty to thirty minutes, is an excellent remedy, 
and is usually all that will be required in mild cases. A 
mouthful of vinegar, swallowed occasionally, will often 
answer the same purpose. With some patients, it may be 
necessary to dilute it with water before using. 
Spirits of turpentine and alum are other remedies, 
that have been used with success in this affection. In 
severe cases, give half a teaspoonful of the former, at a 
dose, and as much of the latter, when pulverized, and 
repeat once an hour, gradually diminishing the dose and 
the frequency, as the bleeding abates. ACCESSORY TREATMENT. 
67 
A tea, made of the witch-hazel (Hamamelis Virginica ), 
when administered in obstinate cases, affords speedy relief. 
This bark, or the liquid preparations of it, can be obtained 
at all drug-stores. 
Among the professional remedies, Mousel’s solution 
of subsulphate of iron is, perhaps, the best known to 
check hemorrhages. In these cases ten drops of the 
solution should be given in ice or cold water, and after 
the first two or three drops, can be given frequently, from 
ten to thirty minutes apart, if the bleeding does not 
cease. 
If the hemorrhage occurs in the course of scarlet 
fever, typhus, etc., vinegar, citric acid, lemonade, sul- 
phuric acid diluted, yeast, chloride of soda, and chloride 
of lime in solution, etc., together with means to strengthen 
the system. 
Accessory Treatment—It is also important in 
hemorrhage from the stomach that the organ should have 
perfect rest. As long as any tendency to hemorrhage con- 
tinues, the patient should remain in bed, and take nothing 
by the mouth except sips of iced water. Food, beef-tea, 
etc., should be introduced by the rectum. 
Should faintness occur, no alarm need be excited, 
because it is often nature’s method of arresting: the 
bleeding. After the hemorrhage, the patient must still 
be kept cool and quiet, and the diet be light and unstim- 
ulating, while the posture of the body should be such as 
to favor the return of blood from the bleeding- organs. 
Should the faintness persist, iced champagne is often an 
excellent restorative, and is not likely to induce vomiting. 
During the discharge, gruel, rice or barley-water, 
may be allowed, but after its arrest, the diet must be 
more nutritious, as beef-tea, toast-bread, custards, soft- 
boiled eggs, oysters, oysteivsoup, etc. 68 
FROST-BITE. 
FROST-BITE. 
When a person has exposed his hands or other parts 
of the body to severe cold, so that they are frozen or 
frost-bitten, he should avoid suddenly approaching a fire, 
as it might cause a violent and painful inflammation, and 
even mortification. The parts should be rubbed with ice 
or snow, or immersed in cold water; or cloths, folded in 
several thicknesses and frequently wet with cold water, 
may be applied to them. After this course has been 
pursued until the frost is abstracted, the part should be 
bathed with strong alum-water. 
Roast-beef steak is a very superior application to 
parts that have been frost-bitten. 
Coal-oil has, latterly, been used extensively for this 
purpose. 
“The most effectual remedy,” says a medical author,. 
“I have ever known, and it is generally effectual in all 
cases, if persevered in, is rabbit’s fat. Anoint the part 
well once or twice a day with it, especially at night, and 
bathe it in well by holding the part to the fire. During the 
day, wear a piece of fresh rabbit’s skin next the affected 
part, with the flesh-side next the foot. If there is much 
swelling, with inflammation, poultice at night with rotten 
apples; or with elm and ginger. But in all ordinary 
cases, the use of the rabbit’s fat and skin will be 
sufficient. They will generally effect a permanent cure. 
Bathing the parts at night in cold water will also be 
found serviceable. ’ ’ 
When the extremities are frozen, says an intelligent 
writer, and even when quite black, it is the custom in 
Russia to rub the parts with warm goose-grease ; repeating 
the application so often as to keep them always covered 
with the grease. This method, continues he, has been BLEEDING OF THE NOSE. 
69 
found to restore their life and circulation with great effect. 
The oil or grease of common fowls will probably answer 
as good a purpose. 
To relieve itching, to which the feet are subject, in 
such cases, bathe them in alum-water, and then warm 
them by the fire. One or two applications will afford 
relief. 
BLEEDING OF THE NOSE. 
In simple cases, when the discharge is trifling, no 
treatment is necessary; that suggested below is for cases 
in which the bleeding is excessive, long-continued, oft- 
recurring, or in which it arises from a debilitated state 
of the constitution. 
Remedies—The application of cold water or ice to 
the forehead, neck, or back, raising the arms above the 
head, and holding them so for a short time, or pressing 
horizontally on the cheek-bone with the fingers, just above 
the bleeding nostril, and so compressing the blood-vessel, 
generally arrests the hemorrhage promptly. 
In obstinate cases, blow a little gum-Arabic powder 
up the nostrils through a quill, which will immediately 
stop the discharge. 
The following are other means, that may be employed 
for this purpose, and often with success: Apply a piece 
of cold iron to the back of the neck; plug the nose 
with lint saturated with a strong solution of alum, or a 
strong tea of crane’s bill; or the powdered leaves of the 
witch-hazel, used as a snuff. The two latter remedies 
will afford relief when all other means have failed. 
In full-blooded persons, with redness of face, and 70 
SUN-STROKE. 
subject to headache and dizziness, bleeding from the nose 
may be salutary, and necessary to ward off apoplexy, and 
should not be too suddenly stopped. 
SUN-STROKE. 
Symptoms—Most cases are preceded by pain in the 
head; wandering of the thoughts, or an inability to 
think at all; disturbed vision ; irritability of temper ; 
sense of pain or weight at the pit of the stomach; in- 
ability to breathe with the usual ease and satisfaction. 
Very soon the patient feels unable to command his limbs, 
and sinks down in a state of more or less complete 
unconsciousness. 
Remedies—The old practice of putting cold water 
on the head is bad and should be abandoned. 
A better method is to make hot applications. If hot 
water cannot be obtained at first, bathe the head 'with 
tepid water, and, with the hands moistened, rub the 
extremities, the neck, and the whole length of the spine, 
rubbing in a downward direction to draw blood from the 
head. As soon as boiling water can be obtained, put a 
dry blanket around the body, then wring flannels from 
the hot water and apply them quickly to the region of 
the stomach, liver, bowels, and spine over the blanket; 
also immerse the feet in hot water, or wrap them in hot 
flannels as far as the body. Re-wring the flannels once 
every five or eight minutes for half an hour or more, 
then remove them and apply cool water in the same way, 
either by wet towels or by sponging with cool water; 
dry well and rub the surface lightly and briskly with the 
hand until a glow is produced. As soon as the patient 71 
DEOWNING. 
can swallow, give hot water to drink, plenty of it, with 
occasional bits of ice, or sips of cold water. 
Prevention—During the heated term, as it is 
called, all use whatever of malt, fermented, or distilled 
drinks should be abandoned. Wear a hat that permits 
the air to pass through, and have the top lined with 
one thickness of flannel, or keep a silk handkerchief in 
the crown. Persons who feel the symptoms above named 
should immediately get in the shade, and bathe the 
head in cold water. 
Everything in any way calculated to impair the 
strength should be avoided. Sleep is a most wonderful 
restorer of strength, and the want of it is often caused 
by a badly assorted late meal of the evening before. 
Defective ventilation leads to a condition of affairs 
favorable to the malady under consideration. 
Drinking large quanties of cold water, merely because 
it is cold, should be avoided, particularly before, during, 
and after meals. 
Loosely fitting garments should be worn, and baths 
should be regularly taken. 
DROWNING (Asphyxia). 
When a drowned man is taken from the water, he 
should be first turned on his face, to allow the escape of 
water from his mouth and throat. The finger of an at- 
tendant, slightly curved, should be thrust backward, to 
depress the tongue, to favor the escape of a small quantity 
of water, or mucus, often collected at the base of the 
tongue. 
The barbarous practice of rolling a person over a 72 
DROWNING. 
barrel, or hanging him head downwards, to permit the 
escape of water from the lungs, has almost ceased, in 
view of the fact, now generally known, that no water can 
get into the lungs. 
The body should be stripped of the clothing, dried, 
and, when possible, placed on a bed previously warmed, 
the head, neck and shoulders raised a very little, if any; 
frictions with the dry hands used to the extremities, and 
heated flannels kept applied to the rest of the body. 
The point to be aimed at first, is, the restoration of 
breathing. One of two methods is usually employed to 
effect this purpose, the one known as “ Sylvester's Ready 
Method,” which is embraced in the following rules: 
Rule 1. To Maintain a Free Entrance of Air 
into the Windpipe—Cleanse the mouth and nostrils 
from dirt, saliva, etc. ; open the mouth; draw forward 
the patient’s tongue, and keep it forward; an elastic 
band, over the tongue and under the chin, will answer 
this purpose. Remove all tight clothing from the neck 
and chest. 
Rule 2. To Adjust the Patient’s Posture—Place 
the patient on his back, on a flat surface, inclined a little 
from the feet upwards; raise and support the head and 
shoulders on a small, firm cushion or folded article of 
dress, placed under the shoulder-blades. 
Rule 3. To Imitate the Movements of Breath- 
ing (see engravings)—The operator, standing or kneeling 
behind, and at the head of the patient, should grasp the 
patient’s arms, just above the elbows, and draw them 
gently and steadily upwards till they meet above the head 
(this is for the purpose of inspiration, or drawing the air 
into the lungs), and keep the arms in that position for 
two seconds. 
He should then turn them down, and press them DROWNING. 
73 
I. INSPIRATION. 
II. EXPIRATION. 
Illustration of the position of the body during the employment of 
this Method of inducing Respiration, or Breathing. 
gently and firmly for two seconds against the sides 
of the chest (this is with the object of pressing air out 
of the lungs—expiration). 
If an assistant compress with both hands, flat, the 
lower part of the ribs and diaphragm, when the patient’s 
arms are turned down, the expiration will be facilitated. 
The operator and assistant must carefully act together. 74 
DROWNING. 
As the process of artificial respiration is laborious, 
the best qualified assistants should be selected to take 
turns with the operator; but changing places must be 
rapid, that not a single respiratory movement may be 
missed. 
Repeat these measures alternately, deliberately, and 
perseveringly, fifteen times in a minute, until a spon- 
taneous effort to respire is perceived, immediately upon 
which cease to imitate the movements of breathing, and 
proceed to induce “Circulation and Warmth,” according 
to Rule 5. . v 
Should a warm bath be procurable, the body may 
be placed in it up to the neck, continuing to imitate 
the movements of breathing. Raise the body in twenty 
seconds to a sitting position, and dash cold water against 
the chest and face, and pass ammonia under the nose. 
The patient should not be kept in a warm bath longer 
than five or six minutes. 
Rule 4. To Excite Inspiration—During the em- 
ployment of the above method, excite the nostrils with 
snuff or smelling-salts, or tickle the throat with a feather. 
Rub the chest and face briskly, and dash cold and hot 
water alternately on them. 
The efforts to restore life must be persevered in until 
the pulse and breathing have ceased for at least an hour, 
for well-attested instances of resuscitation are on record, 
after several hours of suspended animation. 
Another method of effecting artificial respiration, is 
by the operator inflating from his own chest; but as he 
is able to drive in much more air than is absolutely nec- 
essary, its impurity is of no great consequence. An as- 
sistant must empty the patient’s lungs, by compression of 
the chest, between the insufflations. 75 
TO INDUCE CIRCULATION AND WARMTH. 
Rule 5. To Induce Circulation and Warmth— 
Wrap the patient in dry blankets and commence rubbing 
the limbs upwards, firmly and energetically. The friction 
must be continued under the blankets or over the dry 
clothing. 
Promote the warmth of the body by the application 
of hot flannels, bottles or bladders of hot water, heated 
bricks, etc., to the pit of the stomach, the armpits, between 
the thighs, and to the soles of the feet. Warm clothing 
may generally be obtained from bystanders. 
On the restoration of life, when the power of swal- 
lowing has returned, a teaspoonful of warm water, small 
quantities of warm wine, warm brandy and water, 
or coffee, should be given. In some cases, an enema of 
beef-tea and brandy is to be preferred to administration 
by the mouth. The patient should be put into a warm 
bed, in a room well ventilated, and encouraged to sleep. 
Great care is requisite to maintain the restored vital 
actions, and at the same time to prevent undue ex- 
citement. 
The second “ Ready Method,” as it is called, is that 
of Marshall Hall. 
The person whose breathing is to be restored is 
placed flat on the face, gentle pressure is then made on 
the back, the pressure removed, the body turned on its 
side, or a little beyond that. The body is then turned 
again on the face, gentle pressure again used to the back, 
then turned on the side. This should be done about six- 
teen times in a minute. 
Both of these methods have the same object in view; 
either may be exclusively used, or one may be alternated 
with the other. Most physicians express a preference 
for the first described (‘ ‘ Ready Method of Silvester’ ’). 
Both of these procedures might be practiced, in advance, 76 
APPARENT DEATH FROM HANGING. 
by the reader, because such practice might be more easily 
remembered than a concise rule. 
Accidents in Water—If thrown into the water, 
and you are not able to swim, draw the breath in well, 
and keep the mouth shut. Do not throw the arms up ; 
but yield quietly to the water, hold the head well up, and 
stretch out the hands only below the water. To throw 
the hands or feet up, will pitch the head down, and 
cause the whole person to go immediately under water. 
APPARENT DEATH FROM HANGING. 
Persons found hanging are to be cut down instantly, 
and the same means employed to re-establish breathing as 
in cases of drowning. It may help to restore the breath- 
ing, to bathe the forehead and face with vinegar, or tinc- 
ture of camphor, and to pass hartshorn frequently under 
the nostrils. 
APPARENT DEATH FROM NOXIOUS VAPORS. 
When persons become insensible from breathing foul 
air, gases, etc., in a well or other place, let them be 
immediately exposed to the open air, and cold water be 
sprinkled upon the face, and strong vinegar be rubbed about 
the nostrils. As soon as they can swallow, give lemonade, 
or a few drops of sulphuric acid, dropped into a tumblerful 
of water, and slightly sweetened. A stimulating injection 
may be given, prepared as follows : 
Caster oil, 1 gill; pulv. Cayenne, 10 grs. ; molasses, 1 
gill; table-salt, 1 teaspoonful; warm water, 1 pint. Mix. 
No well, vat, or old cellar of any kind, should ever be 77 
COMMON BUKNING GAS. 
entered without first lowering down into it a lighted candle. 
If the flame is extinguished, or burns dimly, indicating the 
presence of carbonic acid gas, no one, under any circum- 
stances, should be permitted to enter without removing this 
foul air. Buckets of water dashed down into the well, or 
masses of lighted shavings give enough movement to the 
carbonic acid gas to dislodge it. Freshly slaked lime also 
rapidly absorbs it. 
COMMON BURNING GAS. 
Persons retiring at night often leave the gas ‘ * turned 
down,” and the flame becomes extinguished. Enough gas 
often escapes to give trouble to the sleeper unless the room 
is well ventilated. Persons have been known to “ blow it 
out,” and suffocation has followed. 
Treat as for poison of other gases above described. 
APPARENT DEATH FROM BURNING CHAR- 
COAL. 
Some persons attempt to warm their sleeping rooms 
with a portable furnace, or open pan filled with burning coals. 
This is very wrong, as such coals, while burning, throw off 
large quantities of carbonic acid gas, a deadly poison. This 
being heavier than atmospheric air, falls to the bottom of 
the room, and for a time may do no damage ; but, if there 
be no chimney draught, or window, it will rise above the 
heads of those in the room, and bring on asphyxia and 
death. 
Let such cases be treated the same as that of ‘ ‘ noxious 78 
APPARENT DEATH FROM LIGHTNING. 
vapors and gases,” with the additional measure of attempt- 
ing to excite breathing, as in the case of persons apparently 
dead from drowning. 
APPARENT DEATH FROM LIGHTNING. 
In such case, the same means for recovery should be 
used as in apparent death from drowning. Or, the patient 
may be placed in a current of fresh air, and cold water 
dashed upon the face and breast, and warm friction be ap- 
plied, if the body be cold. 
Artificial respiration should be kept up until the parts 
of the brain and nervous system in charge of this duty shall 
have recovered sufficiently to attend to it; as recoveries 
after an hour of supposed death are on record. 
Some stimulant, as the spirits of ammonia, may be used. 
Twenty drops, in a tablespoonful of water, every few min- 
utes, may be given ; or a teaspoonful of brandy. If a bat- 
tery can be procured, pass a current of electricity from the 
base of the back part of the head down the spine, and to the 
extremities of the limbs, every two minutes ; but discontinue 
as soon as signs of life appear. 
Give repeatedly small injections of warm milk, and after 
a little while, add to the injections chicken broth or beef 
tea. When the patient begins to breathe, give a few drops 
of warm milk every few minutes, and as he revives increase 
to a teaspoonful every ten minutes. As he still revives and 
asks for more food, give toasted bread and water, in spoon- 
ful doses ; and next a little broth or beef tea. Be careful 
APPARENT DEATH FROM STARVATION. FREEZING. 
79 
not to give too much. Let him eat often, but only a little 
at a time.—\_Gunn. 
FREEZING. 
Treatment—In case of an individual being apparently 
dead from freezing, he should be rubbed with snow, or 
ice-cold water; this should be done in a room without a 
fire; if breathing appears to have ceased, the case may 
be hopeless, but an effort may be made to restore it by 
adopting “the Marshall Hall method” (see drowning). 
After some time the body may be wiped dry, and flannels 
may then take the place of the snow or cold water ; a little 
weak warm wine, or brandy and water, may be given from 
time to time. An injection of warm water may be used af- 
ter the other means have been used for some time, and, as 
vitality seems to improve, give injections of weak coffee ; 
beef-tea should be given, at first in small quantities, but re- 
peating it or the stimulants as they can be borne without 
exciting fever. Do not apply heat or have a fire in the room. 
It is dangerous to your patient. 
SHOCK. 
Mild forms of shock are often, by the non-professional, 
confounded with fainting. As far as they extend, the 
symptoms of an ordinary attack of fainting are similar to 
those of shock. 
Treatment—Place the patient flat on his back with 
the head raised over an inch or two. Stimulants are required. 
The aromatic character of brandy enables it to be retained by 
the stomach when whisky and other forms of alcohol are re- 80 
CONCUSSION OF THE BRAIN. 
jected. Give a teaspoonful in a tablespoonful of water 
every two or three minutes, until six or eight have been 
taken. If the temperature of the body is raised by it, and 
there seems a revival of the action of the heart, enough 
brandy has been given. Ten drops of the spirits of ammo- 
nia, in a teaspoonful of water may be given every couple of 
minutes, until four or five doses have been taken. Flan- 
nels, wrung out of hot water, or bottles of hot water properly 
wrapped up, should be applied to the extremities and to 
the “pit of the stomach.” 
CONCUSSION OF THE BRAIN. 
This is an interruption to the functions of the brain, 
from a blow, or other mechanical injury of the head; it 
may vary in degree, from a slight stun to extinction 
of life. 
Symptoms—Insensibility; pale face ; small or im- 
perceptible pulse ; snoring breathing; cold extremities ; 
etc. By shaking the patient, or calling his name loudly 
in his ears (which, however, should never be done), he 
may give a surly answer, and soon become insensible 
again. After a time, longer or shorter, according to the 
severity of the injury, reaction conies on, and conscious- 
ness returns, often with vomiting. At first the reaction 
may be imperfect ; it is often several days, or even 
weeks, before the poAver of the mind is restored. 
Remedies—Moisten the tongue with a few drops 
of the tincture of arnica, by means of a feather or quill, 
and repeat the dose every hour, for several times. 
The patient should be placed in a warm bed, Avith 
his head at first moderately Ioav, and warmth applied 
to his extremities and arm-pits. On no account should FOREIGN BODIES IN THE THROAT. 
81 
he be induced to eat or drink; he must also be kept 
very quiet, and no attempt made to arouse him. When 
reaction comes on, the head and shoulders should be 
raised a little, and cold evaporating lotions applied, keep- 
ing the patient at the same time in a cool, quiet room, 
with the light modified, and noise and conversation shut 
out. He must be under care for two or three weeks, 
lest some insidious inflammation should arise within the 
head. 
FOREIGN BODIES IN THE THROAT. 
When a person is choking, few would think of run- 
ning off to consult a book; still, as it is desirable to have 
a clear idea of what should be done, under the circum- 
stances, directions are given, as every person should have 
some general knowledge how to act, in case of emergency, 
and should acquire that information by reading during 
leisure moments. 
Foreign bodies, becoming fixed in the throat or gullet, 
as sometimes happens when eating, may cause death. 
Efforts are made to cough, and the sense of choking is 
experienced with all its distressing accompaniments, in 
the form of distorted countenance and great fright. 
Treatment—The patient should be made to sit 
down, when the finger of the operator should be pushed 
as far down the throat as possible, to endeavor to reach 
and dislodge the substance. A surgical bent forceps may 
help in its removal. If this cannot be accomplished, the 
piece of meat, or whatever it may be, should be pushed 
down into the stomach by means of a small bit of sponge 
tied to the end of a piece of whalebone, or some similar 
instrument. Surgical cuttlers have these probangs, as they 82 
TREATMENT. 
are called, constantly in stock. A riding whip, a piece 
of cane or whalebone, cut at the moment out of an um- 
brella, have been, before now, made available in cases of 
choking, by wrapping it with silk and then oiling it. 
When a fish-bone is stuck in the throat, it 
may at times be got rid of by eating a piece of 
bread. Fish-hooks have been swallowed by children. It 
has been proposed, in the event of such an accident, to 
drill a hole in a bullet, pass it over the line, in order that 
the weight of the descending ball ma}'' dislodge the hook, 
which can then be withdrawn, the bullet protecting the soft 
part. Were I called in to such a case, I should much pre- 
fer using the common probang, making a hole in the 
sponge for the line to pass through, then, guiding it by 
that, force out tlie hook, or shielding the end of the pro- 
bang, to which a silver ring is ordinarily attached, with a 
piece of sponge ; use that end, which would be better able 
to make force if necessary. 
Tying a number of threads of silk to a piece of whale- 
bone, so as to form loops, may make an instrument that 
would be useful for withdrawing any rough body. 
Feathers have been swallowed when attempting to 
tickle the throat, so as to induce vomiting, and have been 
withdrawn from the oesophagus by such an instrument. 
Where glass has been swallowed, it has been recom- 
mended to fasten a piece of tallow-candle to a string, 
swallow it, and then withdraw it. Where other means 
fail, and the operation is required, it may sometimes be 
in the power of the surgeon to reach the part by cutting, 
and so remove the cause of danger. 
Where a piece of meat, or other substance, is lodged 
in the throat, and where no surgeon or no probang can 
be got, or if got, cannot be used from nervousness on 
the part of those present, the best course to adopt, is FOREIGN BODIES IN THE NOSE. 
83 
that recommended some years ago by the late Dr. Mar- 
shall Hall. 
Pressure being made on the abdomen, to prevent 
the descent of the diaphragm, a forcible blow should be 
made by the flat hand on the thorax (chest). The effect 
of this is to induce an effort similar to that of expiration; 
the larynx being closed, oesophageal vomiting takes place, 
and the morsel is dislodged. 
If this plan fail, not an instant being lost, the pressure 
should be kept up on the abdomen, the finger should be 
introduced into the throat, and the same smart, forcible 
blow made on the thorax, as before. 
A little boy eating some fowl in haste, attempted to 
swallow too large a morsel and was choked; I ran to 
him, placed him between my knees, one knee (the right) 
pressing firmly on the stomach, the other on the back. 
I then placed one hand (the left) on the back part of 
the thorax, whilst I gave a firm blow with the other on 
the sternum. In an instant, I had the joy of seeing the 
morsel of chicken expelled with force to a considerable 
distance, and all was safe. 
In the absence of anything else, he recommends to 
get some cotton or linen made into a firm scroll and 
greased; he also suggests a thin, bent tallow-candle. 
EOREIGN BODIES IN THE NOSE. 
Children, sometimes, in play, introduce things into 
their noses. If peas, beans, or any other substances, be 
thrust in, no time should be lost in getting them out, 
otherwise, as they enlarge, they become more firmly fixed. 
Hard substances, which remain unchanged by moisture, 
are of less consequence, and may remain some days with- 84 
FOREIGN SUBSTANCES IN THE EYES. 
out causing much inconvenience, and often drop out of 
themselves. 
The effect of a pinch of snuff may be tried, as a 
means of dislodging them; keeping the mouth and the 
opposite nostril closed, and then forcing air through the 
other, may also be tried. 
These means failing, a bent wire or scoop may be 
used; in some cases it becomes necessary to push the 
foreign body back into the throat. These cases, how- 
ever, must be treated by a medical man, where any 
such course is necessary. Where inflammation is pro- 
duced, by the substance itself, or the attempts to remove 
it, arnica should be given, and the nostrils washed as 
far as they can be reached, with arnica lotion. 
FOREIGN SUBSTANCES IN THE EYES. 
When the substance is beneath the lower lid, draw the 
lid down, and ask the patient to look up, then with the 
head of a pin covered with a soft silk or cambric hand- 
kerchief, remove the substance. If it is beneath the upper 
lid, take a knitting needle in one hand, place the end 
across the upper lid about half an inch from its edge, 
take hold of the eyelashes with the fingers of the other 
hand, and gently raise the edge of the lid while you press 
the pencil or needle downward, so as to turn the lid in- 
side out over the pencil, when an assistant can readily re- 
move it. Small particles of steel are sometimes driven 
into the ball; they can be removed with the sharp point 
of a needle or knife, but when practicable apply to a 
physician or surgeon to remove. 
Mortar or lime is rapidly destructive. If seen imme- 
diately, the eye should be washed with a tepid solution FOREIGN SUBSTANCES IN THE EAR. 
85 
of one part vinegar and eight of water. The lids should 
be everted, as above directed, and every particle of lime 
removed. Grains of gunpowder may be removed with plain 
tepid water. 
When the foreign body is removed, a weak solution 
of arnica should be applied to the eye, by means of lint 
or soft linen, and covered to prevent evaporation. 
Instead of using the vinegar and water, as above di- 
rected, sweet oil is equal, if not superior. It should be 
at once dropped or rubbed into the eye. After the par- 
ticles of lime have been removed as carefully as possible, 
the eye should be opened in water, as well as syringed 
with water. 
Another method of removing substances from the eye, 
immediately after the accident has occurred, is to catch the 
lashes of the upper lid between the finger and thumb, then 
draw the lid gently outwards and downwards as far as it 
will go, then let it return to its place. In doing this the 
lower row of lashes sweeps out the inner surface of the 
upper eyelid, and in this mannner removes anything that 
may adhere to it. Any person can do this for himself. 
FOREIGN SUBSTANCES IN THE EAR. 
When a solid substance gets into the ear, and you have 
uo forceps, and can not extract it without, call in a physician 
immediately. 
To remove foreign substances from the ear it is better, 
where it is possible to do so, to use a small syringe and tepid 
water, than the forceps. If an insect gets into the ear, 
deluge it with sweet oil—with a syringe, if you have it. If 
you have not the sweet oil, use lard oil, or melted lard. 86 
HYDROPHOBIA. 
HYDROPHOBIA (Rabies). 
This is a disease resulting from the bite of a rabid dog, 
or from its licking an abraded portion of the skin, the chief 
characteristics of which are severe constriction about the 
throat; spasmodic action of the diaphragm ; a peculiar dif- 
ficulty of swallowing, and consequent dread of fluids ; anxi- 
ety and restlessness; followed by exhaustion, delirium and 
death. 
Symptoms of Rabies in the Dog—According to 
Youatt, the earliest are, sullenness, and frequent shifting of 
posture ; loss of appetite ; lapping his own urine ; disposition 
to lick cold surfaces, to eat straws, excrementitious matter, and 
other rubbish ; and fighting with his paws at-the corners of his 
mouth. A very early and constant symptom is change of 
voice, every sound uttered being more or less changed. 
The amount of ferocity varies; some show extreme 
fondness ; while others bark and rush to the end of their 
chain to meet an imaginary foe ; or, if loose, rush out, bit- 
ing every one they meet. There is no dread of water, as 
in human beings, but, on the contrary, great thirst; and 
the saliva becomes viscid, and adheres to the mouth. In 
the last stages of the disease, the eyes become dull; the 
hind legs, and afterwards the muscles of the jaw, are para- 
lyzed ; and the animal dies exhausted, in from four to six 
days. 
Symptoms in Man—These are not manifested till 
a period after receiving the infection, varying from a few 
weeks to one or two years ; the wound having probably 
healed, and the scar presenting no remarkable appearance. 
Twitching and itching sensaitons are sometimes felt in the 
vicinity of the wound prior to an attack. Sometimes there 
is stiffness, or numbness, or partial palsy; or the wound 
may be red and swollen; there is an indistinct feeling of un- REMEDIES. 
87 
easiness and anxiety, with giddiness, chills, heats and a gen- 
eral feeling of being unwell. The special symptoms are 
arranged under three heads ; consisting 1, of a spasmodic 
affection of the muscles of the throat and chest: the 
act of swallowing commonly exciting convulsions, makes 
the patient afraid to repeat the attempt; hence the horror 
of all liquids which is so remarkable a feature of the dis- 
ease. 2, An extreme degree of sensibility of the surface of the 
body. 3, Mental agitation and terror frequently mark the 
disease throughout. To these symptoms we may add, ex- 
treme thirst; the secretion of a remarkably viscid saliva, 
the effort to swallow which brings on the convulsive fits ; 
the convulsions increase in frequency and violence; the 
lips and cheeks become livid, and perpetually quiver; till, 
at length, one fit lasts long enough to exhaust the re- 
maining strength. 
Cause—A bite from an animal already affected with 
hydrophobia. It is asserted and generally believed in In- 
dia, that rabies never originated in dogs, but can always 
be traced to a mad jackal or wolf entering a village or 
town, and biting the dogs. Close confinement, want of 
fresh water, unwholesome food, etc., may have some in- 
fluence in developing the malady. 
Remedies—1. The following treatment has proved 
effectual in hydrophobia: At the time of the paroxysm, 
divest the patient of all clothing, and bandage the eyes. 
Put him into a bath-tub in the following manner: Place 
a thermometer in your bath-tub, and when you have pre- 
pared the water at a temperature of sixty-five degrees 
Fahrenheit, plunge him into it without regard to his re- 
monstances. Repeat the bath whenever the paroxysms re- 
turn. It is important that the patient should neither see 
nor hear the water, nor know of the proposed bath; for 
this disease is aggravated by either. One of the secrets 88 
HYDROPHOBIA. 
of the cure is the suddenness and unexpectedness to the 
patient of the application. 
2. A Syrian missionary gives the following, as the 
most celebrated remedy used in that country, for the cure 
of hydrophobia : Add about three handfuls of stramonium 
(jimson) leaves to one quart of water; reduce to a pint 
by boiling; strain, und give the whole to the patient at 
one dose, as soon as possible after the bite. It will seem 
to produce most violent madness, but it will be of short 
duration. After which, there will follow profuse perspira- 
tion, and, in twenty-four hours, the patient is cured. This 
missionary, R. P. Legrand, reports many cases in which 
this remedy had been employed, in that country, and, in 
each of which, it had been successful. 
German Remedy—A German forest keeper, eighty- 
two years old, not wishing to carry to the grave with him 
an important secret, lately made known a recipe he has 
used for fifty years, and which, he says, has saved several 
men and a large number of animals from a horrible death 
by hydrophobia. Bathe the bite as soon as possible with 
warm vinegar and water, and, when this has dried, a few 
drops of muriatic acid poured upon the wound will destroy 
the poison of the saliva and relieve the patient from all 
present or future danger.—\_Dr. Caswell. 
Curious Method of Treating Hydrophobia in 
Mexico—‘ ‘ The person under the influence of the disease 
must be well secured, that he may do no mischief to 
himself or others. Soak a rennet in a little more than 
a half-tumbler of water for about five minutes; when 
this has been done, add of pulverized savadilla (Indian 
barley) as much as may be taken up by the thumb and 
three fingers. Mix it thoroughly, and give it to the patient 
(that is, force it down his throat in the interval between 
the paroxysms). The patient is then to be put into the SPKAINS. 
89 
sun, if possible, or placed near the fire, and well warmed. 
If the first dose tranquilizes him after a short interval, 
no more is to be given; but if he continue furious, an- 
other dose must be administered, which will infallibly quiet 
him. A profound sleep will succeed, which will last 
twenty-four or forty-eight hours (according to the strength 
of the patient’s constitution), at the expiration of which 
time he will be attacked with severe purging and vomiting, 
which will continue until the poison be entirely ejected. 
He will then be restored to his senses, will ask for food, 
and be perfectly cured.” 
If a person is supposed to have been bitten by a mad 
dog, or other rabid animal, he should use, for his daily 
drink, in place of tea, coffee or water, the following: A 
tea, made of equal parts of dried black-snake root and 
dried sage. This tea may be sweetened to the taste of 
the patient, but it is supposed to be better to be drunk 
without sugar. Continue this beverage for one whole 
year, and let the patient take his food free from salt, or, 
at least, in very small quantities. If this course be steadily 
pursued, as directed, it is almost certain, that, at the 
expiration of the time indicated, the system of the patient 
will not contain a particle of poisonous material introduced 
by the bite of the animal. 
SPRAINS. 
Sprains are simply the effects of over-doing, or strain- 
ing the muscles or ligaments, tendons or cords, pro- 
ducing swelling, soreness, pain, and disabling the joint for 
use. One of the very best means for the relief of sprains 
is a thorough application of beef-brine to the part, by 90 
BRUISES. 
bathing, and wrapping the part in cloths saturated with 
the brine. 
The plantain leaf, mixed with vinegar, is a prompt 
and effectual application. It is to be thoroughly bruised, 
and a small quantity of vinegar added, and applied in the 
form of a poultice, and occasionally renewed. This has 
been known to relieve a person in twenty-four hours, in 
whom the difficulty had resisted the efforts of the medical 
attendant for weeks in succession, and during which time 
the patient had been unable to walk, or place his foot on 
the floor, without experiencing the most intense pain. 
The following is another, that is reputed effective: 
‘ ‘ Mix a little turpentine with flour and the yolk of an 
egg, and apply it as a plaster. This cures in a desperate 
case.” 
The tincture of arnica is a very popular, and likewise 
efficacious remedy, in this affection. It should be applied 
several times a day, by first diluting it with equal parts 
of water. 
BRUISES. 
Under this head we include all injuries from blows 
and falls, which are of so serious a character as to require 
medical aid. Apply a cloth, wrung out of very warm 
water, and renew it often until the pain ceases. The moist- 
ure and heat liquefy the blood and send it back to its 
proper channel. Use hot water, or very warm water, but 
not cold. It should be applied as soon as possible, and 
as hot as it can be borne. It is excellent to prevent 
stiffness. If the bruise is on the hand or foot, it will do 
to put it into the water and keep it there for some length 
of time, but it will be better to apply it with a cloth as CRAMP IN THE LEGS. 
91 
above, only be sure and apply it often enough to keep it 
hot. This will also prevent any discoloration of the parts. 
Common table .salt is a most admirable remedy for 
bruises. Saturate cloths with a, strong solution of it, and 
apply. 
Petroleum (the crude article) is said to be unsurpassed 
for removing the soreness of bruises and wounds, and for 
promoting the healing process. 
Tincture of arnica is the usual remedy for bruises,, 
and is a very effective application. It should be prepared 
for use by adding two teaspoonfuls to half a teacupful of 
water, and the bandages, or other dressings, kept saturated 
with the solution. 
When no other remedies are at hand, apply raw beef. 
In ordinary cases, no other* application will be needed. 
See page 453, vol. ii. 
CRAMP IN THE LEGS. 
Symptoms—Sudden contraction of the muscles of the 
calf of the leg, frequently the result of indigestion. 
Remedies—1. Make a strong tea, of the high cran- 
berry bush bark, and drink one-third of a teacupful, and 
it will stop the cramp in twenty minutes. 
2. Another good remedy is the bark of the root of 
the black haw ( Viburnum, Prunifolium), which should be 
prepared and taken as the first. Persons who are troubled 
with cramping, should obtain either of the above remedies 
(the former being the better), and take it for a week or 
two, night and morning, and their trouble will seldom re- 
turn. There are no remedies employed that compare with 
it in the cure of this affliction; and if physicians would 
come down to these simple medicines, their success would 92 
COMMON OK FLATULENT COLIC. 
be far greater in the treatment of this difficulty, and, we 
might add, in most other diseases. These remedies act 
equally in the cramps attendant upon pregnancy, and per- 
fect confidence can be placed in their action, for this pur- 
pose. 
The following is a good means for relieving this diffi- 
culty : Press the foot firmly against some hard substance, 
as the wall, the floor, or bedstead. Sometimes, immediate 
relief is obtained by rubbing the limb downwards with 
spirits of camphor, or the tincture of Cayenne pepper. 
When the cramp is in the calf of the leg, draw up 
the foot strongly towards the shin-bone, and in a few 
seconds the cramps will pass off. When they are in the 
thigh or arm, tie a cord around the limb just above the 
cramped part, and then rub this part. 
Immersing the parts in hot water is another good plan 
for obtaining relief. 
COMMON OR FLATULENT COLIC. 
Symptoms—Severe twisting, griping pain in the ab- 
domen chiefly around the navel, relieved by pressure so 
that the patient doubles himself up, lies on his stomach, or 
rolls on the floor, writhing in agony. The bowels are 
generally constipated, but there is a frequent desire to 
relieve them, although little passes but wind; there is no 
fever, nor is the pulse even quickened, unless after a time 
it become so from anxiety. The paroxysms of pain are 
owing to the efforts of the bowel above to force down- 
wards the mass of accumulated gas or fasces, while the 
lower portion is contracted. 
Colic is sometimes mistaken for inflammation of the REMEDIES. 
93 
bowels, and for rupture; but it may be distinguished as 
follows: In colic there is no fever, no acceleration of the 
pulse, no serious apprehensive anxiety, the pain is relieved 
by pressure, and there are intervals of almost complete re- 
lief. Inflammation of the bowels, oil the other hand, is at- 
tended with fever and extreme tenderness of the abdomen, 
causing the patient to avoid any movement which would bring 
into action the abdominal muscles, so that he breathes by 
the chest alone ; and although there are paroxysms of se- 
vere pain, there are no complete intermissions. Colic may 
be distinguished from rupture by the tumor which exists 
in the latter disease, but which is absent in the former. 
Causes—Errors of diet, such as eating a mass of 
heterogeneous, acrid, indigestible food, or acid fruits; 
Cold, from wet feet or suppressed perspiration; worms ; 
constipation, etc. It may also arise from stricture of the 
intestines. 
Remedies—In most forms of this disease, we 
doubt if there is any remedy equal to sugar and hot 
water. We have known it to cure the most violent cases 
as if by magic. One dose seldom fails to give immediate 
relief, either in common or cramp-colic. 
1. To one teacupful of hot water, add one table- 
spoonful of sugar, and drink as hot as can be borne. 
This remedy, as powerful as it is simple, may well 
banish from the couch of helpless infancy and childhood 
the soothing-syrups, cordials, paragories, and all the other 
deadly opiates with which it is customary to dose those 
innocent sufferers, as it will surely save their parents from 
many sleepless nights of pain and anxiety. For infants 
and little children, a very small amount of it only will 
be necessary. Brown sugar should be used, in preference 
to white, when it is at hand. 
2. Dr. Beach says, “A person had been several 94 
COMMON OR FLATULENT COLIC. 
days in great pain with this disease, constipation, etc. 
Four physicians were in attendance, but all their endeavors 
to alleviate the pain were of no avail; another physician 
was sent for, who immediately ordered tobacco injections, 
which afforded relief and shortly cured him. Take tobacco, 
a teaspoonful; boiling water, one pint; inject.” 
3. The application of hot dry salt, in a small bag, 
or folded in a towel, will often give relief. This is always 
to be had, it is soon heated and has this great advan- 
tage over hot fomentations, that it does not leave the 
patient wet after his pain is relieved. By keeping two 
napkins in use, the salt for the one may be heated while 
the other is applied. In all cases of colic the heat 
gives relief almost from the first application, and is 
by far preferable to any mode of applying heat, whether 
dry or wet. 
4. In many cases, salt, taken internally, will afford 
speedy relief, if used at the commencement of the attack. 
Dose, one-half to a teaspoonful dissolved in a teacupful 
of cold water. 
Spearmint, or peppermint tea, is also very good in 
this disease, if taken freely. See page 455, vol. ii. 
Cramp-Colic—The wild yam, taken as directed in 
“Bilious Colic,” is a very prompt remedy, and reputed 
to be a specific in cramp colic. 
This is only a more intense form of the common 
colic, and the same remedies are adapted to both forms 
of the disease. 
The doses given in this disease, as well as all others, 
mentioned in this book, are intended for- adults. For 
children, see “Table of Doses for Children.” 
Accessory Means—Hot flannels over the abdomen ; 
or a copious injection of warm water, is often followed 
by immediate relief. Food of a flatulent character, painters’ colic. 
95 
especially vegetables, and every kind that has been found 
to disagree with the patient, should be avoided. Persons 
subject to colic may be benefited by wearing a piece of 
flannel around the abdomen, and having the feet well 
protected from damp. 
Painters’ or Lead Colic—Lead miners, plumbers, 
manufacturers of white lead, and painters, are subject to 
this affection. Persons using water which has passed 
through or stood in lead pipes or cisterns, are liable to 
attacks of it. Many of the symptoms are similar to those 
of other forms of colic; but the pain generally com- 
mences less abruptly, and is at first dull and afterward 
increases and extends to the back and sides. The stools 
are usually hard, dry and knotty, but sometimes there 
is diarrhea. 
Remedies—1. It is well, sometimes, to put the 
patient into warm water, for half an hour, in order to 
relax the muscular system, and overcome the spasms of 
the bowels. 
2. A decoction of ground ivy (Nepita Glechoma), 
used freely, is stated not only to ward off the disease, 
but to cure it when once developed. 
3. Malic acid, will also be found a very useful 
agent, in preventing and removing this painful disease. 
It can be procured at drug-stores, and it also exists 
plentifully in the juice of currents, barberries, and 
other fruits. 
4. Iodide of potash, one-half an ounce; water and 
simple syrup, of each two ounces. Mix. Dose, one 
teaspoonful every three hours. If it is desired to use 
other remedies than those specified above, those recom- 
mended for bilious colic may be employed. (See “ Ac- 
cessory Measures,” under common or flatulent colic, which 
are applicable to this disease). 96 
BILIOUS COLIC. 
BILIOUS COLIC. 
This disease is characterized by severe colic pains, which 
are often attended by vomiting of yellow and green bile. An 
attack is often preceded by nausea, yellowness of the skin 
and eyes, and uneasiness in the right side. There is occa- 
sionally partial paralysis of some portion of the upper and 
lower limbs. The disease may be caused by improper food, 
or exposure to cool nights in warm weather, or over-eating. 
In all cases, examine the abdomen carefully, and see 
if you can find a rupture, which will be mahifested by a 
tumor or swelling, usually situated either at the navel or 
in the region of the groin. A warm bath is one of the 
best measures in every form of colic. Cloths, wrung from 
hot water and applied over the bowels, often afford some 
relief. In all cases where the bowTels are costive, or in any 
case where there is no diarrhea, injections of warm water 
will be found useful. Also let the patient drink freely 
of warm water, sweetened, especially if there is nausea 
and vomiting. 
Remedies—1. A strong tea of the wild yam (Dios- 
corea Villosa), given in tablespoonful doses, every ten min- 
utes, will cure almost any case of bilious colic. It is regarded 
as a never-failing remedy. If the medicine is vomited, 
repeat the dose. In a few hours relief will be obtained. 
The active principle of this plant, called Dioscorein, 
may be given in five-grain doses. Or the fluid extracts, in one- 
half teaspoonful doses, where the root cannot be obtained. 
This remedy is said to be equally good for cramp-colic. 
2. The American or wild ipecac has the reputation 
of being a prompt cure for this disease. Dose, ten to 
fifteen grains, or as much of the powder as will lie on a 
ten-cent piece, every half-hour. 
3. If you have neither of the above remedies at hand, WOUNDS. 
97 
mix two tablespoonfuls of corn-meal in a tumblerful of 
water, and drink at two draughts. It very frequently gives 
relief. 
4. Two tablespoonfuls of ground mustard in a tumbler 
of hot water, drinking at the same time large draughts of 
warm water until vomiting is freely produced, is often 
very efficacious 
Dr. M. Curtis says he has never found anything to 
equal the following, in effecting speedy relief and soothing 
the patient, when he seems to be almost in the agonies of 
death: 
5. Half a pint of soapsuds (Castile soap), one table- 
spoonful castor oil, half a pint of water, a small handful of 
poppy leaves. Mix. After standing a short time, strain 
and use as an injection. 
6. Dr. Lane recommends the following as affording 
effectual relief in this affection, in a very large proportion 
of cases, without any medicine: “Lie on the back, with 
the head the lowest, and rub the bowels towards the head, 
at the same time bearing down upon them.” See “Acces- 
sory Measures,” under common or flatulent colic. 
WOUNDS. 
Incised Wounds—Incised wounds are those that 
are made with sharp, cutting instruments 
How to Check the Flow of Blood—If the blood, 
flowing from a wound, is dark-colored and does not flow 
in jets, but in a steady stream, it can generally be checked 
by applying cold water and exposing the cut surface to 
the cold air. If the vessels from which it flows are small, 
or when an artery of the arm is cut, elevating the wounded 98 
WOUNDS. 
limb above the head will tend to arrest the flow of blood. 
In a wound of a lower limb, raise the foot, so that it 
shall be higher than the hip, until the bleeding ceases. 
If these measures do not soon relieve, or if large 
veins are wounded, Dr. Ellis gives the following valuable 
directions for their management: ‘ ‘ Compress the veins 
with the ends of the fingers, or by a compress, bound to 
the part by a bandage, or held by the hand. It is never 
well to heap on a large quantity of rags or cloths, for 
they only absorb the blood; a few thicknesses, with 
steady compression, are far more efficacious. If the blood 
is of a bright color, and flows in jets, it show's that an 
artery has been wounded, and that there is more danger 
of serious hemorrhage. If the artery is small, by com- 
pressing it firmly with the end of a finger for a few 
moments, the bleeding will often cease. If it is larger, 
but not very large, and a surgeon or physician is not at 
hand, it may be compressed by the finger until a small 
pair of forceps can be obtained, with which the bleeding 
vessel may be seized, and either twisted around once or 
twice, or drawn out and tied with a strong thread. 
After making compression with the fingers, as de- 
scribed, take a piece of cloth or handkerchief, twist it 
cornerwise, and tie a hard knot midway between the 
two ends. This knot should be placed over the artery, 
between the wound and the heart, and the ends carried 
around the limb and loosely tied. A stick, five or six 
inches long, should be placed under the handkerchief, 
which should be twisted until the knot has made sufficient 
compression on the artery to allow the removal of the 
fingers without a return of bleeding. Continue the com- 
pression until a surgeon or physician can be called. 
If the end of the bleeding vessel can be seen, it may 
be directly compressed with the finger, in connection with HOW TO DRESS WOUNDS. 
99 
the compression below. If the wound is low down in the 
neck, the only chance may be to press into the wound 
upon the bleeding vessel. If an artery in the arm is 
wounded, the main artery may be compressed near the 
arm-pit, or lower on the inside of the arm; or a hand- 
kerchief may be tied around the arm above the wound, 
and always above the elbow, even if the wound is below,- 
and, with a stick, the handkerchief may be twisted until 
it stops the flow of blood. It will the more readily do 
this if a compress of cloth or of a stick, or stone, half as 
large as a hen’s egg, is placed under the handkerchief, 
over the course of the artery, on the inner side of the arm. 
How to dress Wounds—Having arrested the hemor- 
rhage, the next point is to see that the wound is free from 
all foreign substances, such as dirt or bits of clothing; also, 
as far as practicable, from clots of blood. After the hem- 
orrhage has ceased, the wound may be washed out with tepid 
water, but if there is still some oozing of blood, cold water 
may be used. 
Fig. 4. The manner in which strips of adhesive plaster are applied 
to wounds. 
If it is very large, one or more stitches may be required, 100 
WOUNDS. 
which can be made with a common needle and coarse linen 
or silk thread, if a surgeon or physician can not be ob- 
tained within an hour or two. Narrow strips of adhesive plas- 
ter should be used to draw the edges of the wound accurately 
together, as indicated in the above cut. 
At the end of four days the stitches should be cut on one 
side close to where they enter the skin, and by taking hold 
of the knots they should be drawn out. If an artery has 
been ligatured, one end of the ligature should be left hang- 
ing out of the wound when it is first dressed, so that it can 
be withdrawn when it becomes loose. Over the adhesive 
plaster may be put a few folds of cotton, and a bandage 
around the whole, if the parts are adapted to a bandage. 
The strips of adhesive plaster should not be removed until 
the wound is well, which will usually require the best part 
of a week, before it will be safe to remove the dressing en- 
tirely, or exercise the part. Nature effects the cure; all 
that art can do is to furnish favorable conditions. Exces- 
sive inflammation sometimes occurs, although rarely, espe- 
cially in cut-wounds ; but when it does, if not soon re- 
lieved, it will prevent healing. In such a case cold, and 
if that does not relieve, warm applications—simple cloths 
wrung from cold or warm water, or a bread-and-milk poul- 
tice—are all that are necessary. But where there is not 
much inflammation, no applications are necessary, more than 
the first dressings of straps and bandages; and often the 
latter may be dispensed with. 
But in order for wounds to thus heal in four or five 
days, they must not be tampered with before being dressed ; 
they must be dressed within a very few hours—within one 
or two, if possible—after being received, and be let alone 
after they are dressed until the parts have time to heal. 
But a good deal of ignorance prevails with many, which 
is the cause of much mischief and unnecessary suffering. NATURE HER OWN HEAEER. 
101 
Every man and woman, almost, has a cure-all for cuts 
and wounds ; one applies soap and sugar, another whisky, 
another salt, and another some quack plaster, ointment or 
liniment. With not a few, tobacco is a sovereign remedy. 
Not long since, I was called to dress a finger, which had 
been nearly severed, and found the wound stuffed full of 
this poisonous and filthy weed: the result was, the young 
man lost his finger. All such applications, when made to the 
surface of a wound, cause an unnatural irritation, and it 
is always very difficult to heal a wound, by first intention, 
after they have been once applied; and it is generally im- 
possible to avoid suppuration, and consequently much un- 
necessary suffering, loss of time and deformity. But as 
wounds generally get well in spite of bad treatment, the 
nostrum used gains credit through the ignorance of the 
user. No application, then, should generally be made 
to the kind of wounds we are now considering, except 
such as are necessary to keep the two surfaces of the 
wound accurately together; and often all that is needed 
for this puipose, especially about the extremities, are a 
bandage, and a small compress, or two, of cloth or cot- 
ton. Where these are not sufficient, adhesive plasters, 
and occasionally stitches, arc needed, as directed above. 
No irritating applications should ever be made to the 
raw surface of a fresh cut, as it not only causes severe 
suffering, but it also serves to lessen the chance for a speedy 
cure. The application of salt, spirits of turpentine, and 
like stimulating substances, to cut surfaces, in the lower 
order of animals, is cruel in the extreme. The oil of 
turpentine may sometimes be applied to the hair around 
the wound, when it is difficult to confine dressings to the 
parts, to keep the flics away, but care should always be 
taken that it does not enter the wound. 
Nature her own Healer—The union of the di- 102 
WOUNDS. 
vided parts is effected by the action of the divided blood- 
vessels, and not by salves and ointments. The only object 
of dressing is to keep the parts together, and protect the 
wound from air and impurities. Nature, in all cases of inju- 
ries, performs her own cure. Such simple wounds do not 
generally require a second dressing, and should not be opened 
until the incisions are healed. 
These remarks apply, of course, to a simple, incised 
wound, when union takes place at once, or with but little 
suppuration (making of pus). This cannot always be se- 
cured, from suppuration of the sides of the wound after 
the dressing has been applied, or an unfavorable condi- 
tion, as it is said, of the blood. In such a case the blood 
or pus must be removed once a day, as a rule, the sur- 
faces of the wound kept together, as much as possible, 
by adhesive strips, until a junction is effected. Do not 
use too much soap and water, as the only object of 
them is to better and more easily remove the foreign mat- 
ters (blood and pus), which, if retained, act as irritants; 
but not to remove the healing material poured out by 
nature for joining the separated surfaces. 
Razor-Cuts—In shaving the face, cuts are some- 
times made which bleed to a troublesome extent. A 
crystal of common alum should always be kept with the 
apparatus, the bleeding absorbed by a fold of the towel, 
and then, before the blood can accumulate, thrust into 
the incision the edge of the crystal, holding it there a few 
minutes. If the bleeding continues, it is because the alum 
does not reach the divided vessel, and the wound should 
be wiped out until it can. 
Fainting from Foss of Blood—If the patient faints 
from the loss of blood, lay him .on his back, with his 
head low, and give him a spoonful of brandy and water, 
or a drop or two of camphor, and dash cold water in 
his face. 103 
CONTUSED AND LACEKATED WOUNDS. 
Or the patient may take five or ten drops of 
the spirits of ammonia in a little water. The dose may 
be repeated in ten or fifteen minutes, until the patient is 
sufficiently recovered. 
CONTUSED AND LACERATED WOUNDS. 
These are produced by cudgels, bullets, or whatever 
else of a blunt nature, tears asunder the muscular fibres, 
leaving uneven surfaces. 
These wounds need careful cleaning and removal of 
clots. The general treatment may be the same as for 
“Incised Wounds.” As soon as any alarming bleeding 
has been checked by the application of ice or cold water 
to the blood-vessels, or, if necessary, by pressure upon 
them, bring the edges of the wound together by strips of 
adhesive plaster; remembering, in applying them to a 
contused wound, that there must necessarily be inflam- 
mation of the bruised parts, with consequent discharges. 
After sloughing has begun poultices are often of use in 
favoring the process. 
To prevent inflammation the applications should be 
cool, or even cold. If the parts are much bruised or 
swollen, apply cloths wet in cold water, or what is better, 
a solution which contains a teaspoonful of calendula to 
half a pint of water. 
But if the wound becomes inflamed, warm applica- 
tions do better—simply cloths from warm water, or a warm 
bread-and-milk poultice. After the inflammation is re- 
lieved, the more simple the dressings the better, for nature 
heals the wound, and the danger is that the applications 
which are made may do harm. 104 
PUNCTURED WOUNDS. 
PUNCTURED WOUNDS. 
These are made by a sharp-pointed instrument, as by 
a dagger, bayonet, scissors, etc. Punctured wounds are 
not only dangerous on account of their depth, injury of 
blood-vessels, nerves, or vital parts, but they also fre- 
quently give rise to extensive inflammation. Immense 
agitation of the nervous system, even to lock-jaw, follows. 
If very deep, they should not be allowed to heal at 
the surface very speedily, and consequently should not be 
closed up with adhesive plaster. They are very apt to 
become inflamed, if allowed to heal by the first intention 
at the surface. 
Once a day, or oftener if the wound is discharging, 
it should have the dressing changed, to insure neatness 
and escape of pus. 
Under the head of “ Punctured Wounds,” may be 
mentioned those produced by a thorn, splinters of wood, 
or a piece of metal. In all cases, if it is a splinter or 
thorn, it should be taken out; not by poking at it with 
a needle, which adds to the irritation, but by making an 
incision or cut along its course, so as to expose it enough 
to get a sufficient hold of it. If the splinter is under the 
finger nail, and cannot be pulled out, the nail immediately 
above should be scraped as thin as possible with a 
piece of glass, and then the thin nail overlying should be 
split with the blade of a knife, or an incision made on 
each side of the splinter, the tongue of nail between the 
incisions removed, when it can be taken out. 
When the finger, hand or toe, has been pricked, 
particularly by anything foul, as a rusty knife or nail, 
the opening does not permit the escape of the retained 
foreign particles, inflammation results, and lock-jaw super- 
venes in many cases. REMEDIES. 
105 
Whenever such wounds are received, an incision should 
be made into the puncture, thereby providing a suitable 
escape for the blood, pus, etc. This can be done by 
almost any one. 
In washing clothing, an entire needle is sometimes 
forced beneath the skin. Do not attempt to get it out, 
but hold the part quiet until a physician or surgeon can be 
procured. The slightest movement often places it beyond 
detection. When this happens, there is no occasion to be 
alarmed, as the needle passes in between the muscles, and 
cannot even be felt as painful. It does no harm there, 
as inflammation almost never results. 
Remedies—In case of pain, swelling or inflamma- 
tion occurring in the part, in consequence of the presence 
of a splinter of wood or bone, that has not been, and 
cannot well be, removed, apply a poultice of bread and 
milk, or of flax or linseed meal, in order to promote 
suppuration, or the formation of “matter.” When this 
takes place, and is discharged, the splinter will commonly 
be discharged with it. 
Calendula Lotion—The tincture of marigold ( Cal- 
endula ), diluted with water, forms an excellent lotion, or 
wash, to arrest bleeding and check suppuration. WThen 
it is necessary or proper to accomplish these objects, the 
lotion is often employed with great benefit. It is also a 
very useful agent to effect the healing of cuts and bruises. 
The lotion is prepared by adding a teaspoonful of the 
tincture to half a teacupful of water. 
Petroleum—When this is applied to wounds, it 
will remove soreness and tend to heal them rapidly. 
Arnica Lotion—This should be prepared by adding 
two teaspoonfuls of the tincture to a half-teacupful of 
water. 
After the wound is dressed, the bandage may be kept 
wet with this lotion. 106 
GUNSHOT WOUNDS. 
In case of internal wounds, give the patient one or 
two drops of the tincture, in a little water, every four 
hours. 
Arnica lotion is useful and efficacious in wounds and 
bruises, especially when the skin remains unbroken, and 
nun' be freely applied. 
Dressing of Wounds—Wounds should never be 
uncovered, for the purpose of being dressed, until every- 
thing that is required during the process is close at hand. 
Old dressings that have become fast to the surface 
of a wound should never be pulled off sharply, but should 
be previously loosened by bathing with warm water. 
Discharges should be cleaned away from the edges of 
a wound, and from the surrounding parts, but the sur- 
face of the wound itself should be left undisturbed. 
A soft surgical sponge should be used, or else cotton 
or tow soaked in water: when, as in burns, the wound 
is extensive, but a part of it should be uncovered at 
once. 
GUNSHOT WOUNDS. 
After cleansing the wound, inflammation must be kept 
down by cooling applications, elm-poultices, etc. Treat- 
ment for these should be the same as named for punctured 
wounds. Be careful never to enlarge a gunshot wound 
by the introduction of tents, or cutting them. 
DETECTION OF FRACTURE (Broken Bone). 
A few words on the immediate management of cases 
of broken bones seem necessary, as a surgeon is not always 
just at hand, and it is necessary to be prepared to act till 
surgical attendance can be had. SYMPTOMS, ETC. 
107 
Symptoms—A fractured bone may generally be 
detected by having felt or heard it snap; by some defor- 
mity, such as bending or shortening; by the fact that if 
the upper end of the bone is held firmly by the hand, the 
lower part may be moved independently; also by a grat- 
ing noise which may be heard, if the broken ends are 
rubbed against each other. Further, there will be pain, 
loss of power of the broken part, and other symptoms. 
Fracture is said to be simple when there is no wound of 
the skin communicating with it; compound when there is 
such a wound. 
Causes—Mechanical violence is the most frequent; 
but muscular contraction is sometimes a cause. Old age, 
some diseases, excessive drugging with mercury, and pro- 
longed disuse of a limb, render bones liable to fracture from 
trifling causes. 
Immediate Treatment—A broken leg should be 
fastened to the whole one, by a handkerchief at the ankle 
and above and below the knee, before the patient is re- 
moved. 
The patient must be moved gently, and special care 
taken to prevent the broken bone from being forced through 
the flesh and skin. He should be placed on a stretcher 
or litter, and taken to his home, or to a hospital. A 
litter may be made, of a couple of poles and a horse-blanket 
or sack; even a door or hurdle may serve the purpose. 
Placing him on this, and carrying him by two men, is 
much better than removal in a cart or carriage. It is im- 
portant not to he in a hurry, as an injury is often greatly 
aggravated by carelessness or too hurried measures. When 
a surgeon is within a moderate distance, after making the 
patient as comfortable as possible, it is better to wait a 
little, so that he may superintend the moving. 
The patient being placed in the most comfortable 108 
FRACTURED COLLAR-BONE. 
position possible, the injured parts should be well bathed 
with arnica. This may be applied by means of a sponge 
or piece of soft linen rag. Should the fracture, however, 
be a compound one with disposition to bleed, calendula 
lotion should be used instead of arnica. 
FRACTURED COLLAR-BONE. 
In fracture of the clavicle, or collar-bone, a pad should 
be placed in the arm-pit, so as to raise the shoulder up- 
wards and outwards. The knee of the operator being 
pressed against the back, admits of the shoulders being 
drawn backwards; this will allow the broken ends of the 
bones to come together; bandaging will then be required 
to keep the parts in this position. The shoulders can be 
kept backwards by a bandage, going round each shoulder 
and crossing on the back. Another, or part of the same 
bandage, will keep the arm to the side, while a handker- 
chief from the neck will form a sling that will raise the 
arm. 
Fractured Jaw—Fracture of the lower jaw may 
generally be detected by inequality of the teeth, and by 
the crepitus, or grating. In some cases it may be hidden 
by the swelling, considerable difficulty being experienced 
in making a diagnosis, or detecting the injury. 
The parts should be carefully adjusted, and kept in 
their place ‘by a piece of pasteboard softened in hot water. 
A piece of calico, about four inches wide and a yard and 
a half long, should be torn from each end longitudinally, 
leaving about seven or eight inches in the middle untorn. 
Another longitudinal tear should be made in the centre of 
this, sufficient to let the chin slip in. Two ends should FRACTURED RIBS. 
109 
be tied on the top of the head, and the other two brought 
round to the back of the head; this keeps the jaws in 
contact. A thin piece of cork should be placed between 
the molar or back teeth ; the patient should remain in bed, 
with the head bending towards the chest. Sometimes the 
teeth require to be fastened together by strong thread. 
Fractured Ribs—Fractures of these bones may be 
recognized by the detection of crepitation, or grating, felt 
during inspiration ; also by feeling along the bone with the 
fingers, till they pass over the fracture, when the differ- 
ence between that part and the sound portion becomes per- 
ceptible. It must, however, be recollected that in fat per- 
sons these sources of information may fail; the pain, how- 
ever, will direct attention to the seat of the injury, and 
create a suspicion of what has happened. These accidents 
are apt to happen when many persons are squeezed to- 
gether from the pressure of a crowd. 
The usual course, when a fracture is known to exist, 
and where it can be borne, which in some cases cannot 
be done, is to put a broad bandage or towel round the 
ribs, tightly applied, and supported over the shoulders by 
straps. The arms are kept to the side and perfect rest 
enjoined. In addition to the treatment by arnica inter- 
nally, use arnica lotion externally, as directed under that 
head. 
Detection of Dislocation—Our attention is called 
to the accident that has happened, by the deformity of 
the joint, or the diminution of the power of movement. The 
limb is found to be shortened or lengthened; it often 
happens that the ligaments are torn. Dislocation may 
occur with fracture, and is at times mistaken for fracture. 
It may, however, be recognized by the absence of crepi- 
tation (the grating described under the head of fractures), 
the diminution of the power of movement, the elongation 110 
FRACTURED COLLAR-BONE. 
of the limb, which is most frequent in dislocations (in 
fracture the limb being shortened, and further, by the 
remedial process of making extension), if the head of the 
bone is restored to its place ; the improved condition be- 
ing evident. 
Result of Neglected Dislocation—If a disloca- 
tion is allowed to remain unreduced, a sort of false joint 
is formed, new tissues being created to serve the purpose 
of those no longer in use. Imperfect movement and de- 
formity result. 
Treatment—No time should be lost in attempting 
to reduce the dislocation, the very state of faintness in- 
duced by the injury being often of great service to the 
operator in enabling him to replace the bone with ease, 
while the delay of a few hours is likely to make the 
operation in every way much more difficult. The body of 
the patient is to be held firmly, so that the socket of the 
joint from which the bone has been dislodged may be 
maintained in a fixed position. The dislocated portion is 
then to be drawn or extended, in such a manner that the 
head of the bone may be returned back into its natural 
cavity by the action of the muscles. 
A sudden pull or jerk may sometimes reduce a recent 
dislocation; those of longer standing are much more 
troublesome to manage. 
In those cases where the cavity of a joint communi- 
cates with the open air, especially when further complicated 
with fracture, amputation may be called for. Medical 
assistance should be obtained as soon as possible. 
Arnica in solution should be given every three hours, 
and arnica-lotion applied externally, the parts being en- 
veloped in linen, wetted with the lotion. See “Arnica- 
Lotion.” DIVISION THIRD. 
GENERAL DISEASES. 
ASTHMA. 
Asthma is a spasmodic disease, characterized by parox- 
ysms of difficult breathing, with great wheezing, and a dread- 
ful sense of constriction across the chest; each paroxysm 
terminates by the expectoration of a more or less abundant 
quantity of mucus. 
Symptoms—A paroxysm generally occurs in the 
night, particularly from midnight to early morning; the 
patient wakes suddenly with a sense of suffocation, springs 
up in bed, and assumes various postures; or he even 
rushes to the open window, where he leans forward on 
his arms, employing all the muscles of the neck, back, 
and chest to assist respiration; and, wheezing loudly, 
from the great obstruction to the entrance and exit of air, 
labors for breath like one struggling for life. The coun- 
tenance bears evidence of great distress ; the eyes pro- 
trude ; the skin is cold and clammy ; the pulse small and 
feeble; the perspiration stands in large drops on the 
forehead, or runs down the face; and he often looks 
imploringly, sometimes impatiently, at his medical attend- 112 
ASTHMA. 
ant for relief from his misery. At length, after an un- 
certain time, one to three hours or longer, there comes a 
remission; cough ensues, with expectoration of mucus, 
and the paroxysm ceases, permitting the sufferer to fall 
into the long-desired slumber. 
The attacks are unattended with fever, but are gen- 
erally preceded by some disturbance of the digestive 
organs. They are often periodic and sudden, and attended 
with distressing anxiety. 
Causes—Irritation of the nerves of respiration, result- 
ing in most cases from deranged digestion, from the inti- 
mate nervous connection existing between the digestive 
and the respiratory organs; it may also be produced by 
changes in the moisture of the atmosphere, or, again, 
by the introduction of some poisonous but subtle material 
floating in the atmosphere, and brought by inspiration into 
contact with the lungs, such as the minute particles, or 
the mere odor, which passes off from powdered ipecac or 
hay; the vapor of sulphur, sulphurous acid gas, or 
chlorine. Asthma is often associated with the gouty or 
rheumatic constitution. Excessive exertion and mental 
emotion frequently bring on a paroxysm. After it has 
once occurred, asthma is easily reproduced by indigestion, 
especially after late dinners or suppers. A frequent 
repetition of the fits leads to a dilated state of the air- 
passages and air-cells of the lungs, dilation of the right 
cavities of the heart, and the general displacement of that 
organ which uniformly exists in persons who have long 
suffered from this disease. The disease may also be 
hereditary. 
Remedies—1. Persons who are subject to the 
asthma usually know when a fit is coming on. The 
warning of an approaching attack should receive prompt 
attention. Soak the feet in warm water, and endeavor to REMEDIES. 
113 
get up a perspiration by drinking warm herb-tea. By 
immediate attention, a lit may frequently be averted. As 
soon as you get your feet out of the bath, wipe them dry, 
and put on good, warm, woolen stockings, or socks, and 
commence walking about the room. Breathe slowly, and 
take long breaths. The great probability is, that, if this 
does not keep off the attack entirely, it will, at least, make 
it less severe. 
2. Smoking the leaves of the blue gum (Eucalyptus), 
four or live times a day, has proved an effective remedy 
in this disease, and performed some remarkable cures. 
3. Another remedy, that has been used with success 
and produced unexpected cures in desperate cases, is the 
Lemon. The patient should eat two or three of them 
daily. 
4. The tincture of lobelia is also a remedy of much 
importance in this disease. It should be taken in doses of 
one-half to one teaspoonful every half-hour or hour, until 
relief is obtained, or sickness or vomiting is produced. 
5. Take saltpetre, dissolve it in water, and wet a 
piece of brown paper in this solution. Let the paper dry, 
and then wet it with origanum oil. Cut the paper into 
long strips, convenient for use. When you feel a fit of 
asthma coming on, burn a few of these strips, and hold 
them so that you can inhale the smoke. Take long breaths 
during this time. Even while the lit is on, great relief will 
be obtained in this way. 
6. Saltpetre used in the following manner is also very 
efficacious : 
Soak some blotting-paper in a strong solution of it; 
dry it, take a piece about the size of your hand, and on 
going to bed, light it, and lay it upon a plate in your bed- 
room. By doing so, persons, however badly afflicted with 
asthma, will find that they can sleep almost as well as 
when in health. 114 
ABSCESSES. 
7. Mix two ounces of the best honey with one ounce 
of castor oil, and take a teaspoonful, night and morning. 
This has often proved very efficacious. 
8. To prevent lamps from being pernicious to asth- 
matic persons, let a sponge, three inches in diameter, be 
moistened with water, and suspended by a string exactly over 
the flame of the lamp, at the distance of a few inches; 
this substance will absorb all the smoke emitted during the 
night; after which, it should be rinsed in warm water, by 
which means it will be again rendered fit for use. 
9. Great relief is often promptly obtained by smoking 
the leaves of the thorn apple, or jimson weed. Or a 
quantity of the leaves may be thrown into a vessel contain- 
ing hot water. Then let the patient breathe into his lungs 
the fumes that arise from the water. 
10. Grindelia Robusta for the Cure of Asthma 
—This is a new remedy for the cure of this disease, and is 
very highly extolled. Dr. Cleland, of Kewanna, Ind., in 
reference to it, says, “I cannot speak in too high praise 
of Grindelia Hobusta, in asthma.” Dose of the fluid 
extract, fifteen to thirty drops, three times a day. 
See page 453, vol. ii. 
ABSCESSES. 
Under this head, there are but two forms which should 
come within the scope of a work intended for families, 
and these are boils and carbuncles. Other abscesses, such 
as those of the liver, ear, tonsils, lungs, kidneys, etc., 
should come under the care of the surgeon. BOLLS. 
115 
BOILS. 
Remedies—1. They may be prevented from com- 
ing to a head by gently rubbing them, every three 
or four hours, with the tips of the fingers, moistened 
with spirits of camphor, and then covering the spot with 
fiannel soaked in camphorated oil, which is prepared by 
adding one teaspoonful of spirits of camphor to one table- 
spoonful of sweet oil. 
2. They may likewise be prevented, or “scattered,” 
by keeping applied to them a cloth, constantly wet with 
spirits of turpentine, or tincture of arnica. These efforts 
to prevent, or “scatter,” a boil, should only be made when 
it first makes its appearance. 
3. To prevent the tendency to boils, when they 
return, crop after crop, there is nothing superior to lime- 
water. Take a wineglassful (or four tablespoonfuls) three 
times a day, for three or four weeks. This will entirely 
check the tendency to their return. The method of pre- 
paring limewater will be found amongst the recipes in 
another part of this book. 
4. The following is a very effective application for 
a boil: Make a poultice, of equal parts of wheat-flour 
and ginger, and apply. It will soon “draw” the boil to 
a head. If those who are being troubled with boils, will 
drink a tea made from a handful of burdock-seed, no 
more will appear. If the seed cannot be obtained, use 
the root. 
5. Very strong sassafras-tea is an admirable remedy 
for the same purpose. 
6. The following will immediately cure, in nine cases 
out of ten, both boils and felons: Stir into the white of 
an egg from one-half to one teaspoonful of Spanish flies. 
Apply on brown paper, the size of a half-dollar piece, over 116 
BOILS 
the painful spot, and bind it on with a thin cloth or hand- 
kerchief ; after which, apply a cloth, folded several thick- 
nesses, saturated with hot vinegar and salt, and keep this 
applied continually. This brings all the particles of pus 
to the inner surface of the skin, when it can be removed. 
7. When boils are not “scattered” or dispersed, they 
should be brought to a “head” as speedily as possible. 
To effect this purpose, poultices must be applied. The 
kind of poultice is immaterial, for the reason that it is 
the heat and the moisture that cause it to “ ripen.” Flax- 
seed meal, bread-and-milk, or soap-and-sugar are among 
the best, and are made by wetting and heating, and are 
to be kept on as warm as can be borne. When the boil 
comes to a head, it may be opened or left to itself to 
break. 
Carbuncle—It generally occurs on the posterior por- 
tions of the neck or back, where vitality is less active. 
Symptoms—It first appears as a hot, hard swelling, 
harder than a boil, accompanied by a burning, dull, throbbing 
sensation. As the red swelling gradually increases, the skin 
covering it assumes a purple or brownish-red tint, and, in 
a few days, softens, suppuration taking place at several 
points. The matter is thin, watery, and scantily discharged ; 
but if pressure be applied, a thick, glutinous fluid may be 
squeezed out. If large, and especially if seated on the 
head, there is violent fever, delirium, and great and even 
fatal prostration may result. 
Carbuncle differs from a boil in its greater size; its 
broad, flat shape; in usually appearing singly; in giving 
wav and discharging from several openings; and in the 
dusky redness of the inflamed skin. 
Causes—A disordered condition of the blood, usually 
met with in a debilitated state of the constitution, as the re- 
sult of chronic, exhausting diseases, or severe, acute mala- EEMEDIES. 
117 
dies; great alteration in habits or diet; long-continued fa- 
tigue, etc. 
Remedies—1. Poppy-leaves, when they can be ob- 
tained, make a very excellent poultice. It is prepared by 
adding a little fax-seed meal to these leaves, after they have 
been steeped. The poultice may be used several times by 
heating again, and it will be as good as at first. 
Carbuncles are very slow in coming to a head, and they 
often have several openings. When fully ripe, they should 
be freely opened by caustic, or cutting deep into them, in 
two directions, in the form of a cross, after which the poul- 
tice should be continued until the core comes out. 
2. Another good poultice is made as follows : Take 
equal parts of pulverized linseed and slippery-eZwz bark, add 
a sufficient quantity of rain-water, and simmer until the lin- 
seed becomes soapy, and a mass of proper consistence is 
formed. When it is cool, to every half-pint of the mass, 
add a wineglassful of good yeast, and let it be well mixed ; 
apply it to the carbuncle tepid, and renew before it becomes 
dry. This will be found to have a very salutary effect upon 
the sore, to lessen the pain, swelling and inflammation, while 
at the same time, it has a tendency to promote suppuration, 
or mattering. 
If the poultice last mentioned should, in any respect, 
disagree with the patient, as it may possibly do, in the first 
stages of the complaint, it may be omitted, and one made 
by boiling the bark from the root of sassafras, and mix- 
ing the elm-bark with this decoction. It makes an excel- 
lent poultice for this and other kinds of inflammation. 
3. Mix together one ounce of sulphur and two ounces 
each, of alum and gunpowder, and a teaspoonful of vin- 
egar, and apply to the part, repeating it every two hours, 
until favorable indications are produced, when it may be 
repeated three times a day. 118 
ITCHING OF THE ANUS. 
ITCHING OF THE ANUS. 
Causes—This difficulty may be caused by piles ; in that 
case there is generally swelling and soreness; for its relief 
consult the section on “Piles.” When it is caused by pin- 
worms, there is generally a creeping and tingling sensation, 
and on examination the worms often can be seen, and they 
are frequently found on the passages from the bowels. 
This itching around the anus is likewise caused by a 
very fine eruption of pimples ; they may be scarcely per- 
ceptible. It is frequently complicated with an excoriated, 
or fissured, or broken condition of the structure of the 
anus. 
Freqqently, itching of the anus is only a symptom of 
derangement of the liver, or of some portion of the digestive 
apparatus. The primary cause must, therefore, be ob- 
viated. 
Remedies—1. Washing the parts twice a day with 
a strong solution of alum-water, is an admirable remedy 
for relieving and curing this difficulty. 
2. Another means of alleviating this affection is to 
take four tablespoonfuls of glycerine, and two teaspoonfuls 
of tar, and simmer together for a short time, and apply 
twice a day. 
3. In very aggravated cases, a strong solution of 
tannin applied, is very efficacious. 
4. Some forms of this difficulty have been cured by 
using, as a wash, a decoction of smart-weed. 
If the itching originates from worms, the reader is re- 
ferred to the article on that subject. 119 
INFLAMMATION OF THE BRONCHIAL TUBES 
BRONCHITIS, OR INFLAMMATION OF THE 
BRONCHIAL TUBES. 
Symptoms—The acute bronchitis generally com- 
mences, like a common cold or catarrh, with lassitude, 
chilliness, slight cough, oppression and tightness of the 
chest, with some fever. As the disease increases, these 
symptoms increase, great anxiety of the countenance; res- 
piration more laborious, attended with a wheezing or rat- 
tling sound, as if the air were forced through a narrow 
aperture clogged with a viscid fluid. It is generally at- 
tended with hoarseness ; respiration is more difficult in the 
recumbent than in the erect position. At first the cough 
is dry, but afterward a copious secretion of viscid trans- 
parent mucus, resembling the white of eggs, soon oc- 
curs, and with it considerable abatement of the violence 
of the cough ensues. But when the inflammation is about 
terminating without suppuration, the matter expectorated 
loses its transparency, and becomes mixed with yellowish, 
white or greenish masses, which are scanty at first, but 
continue to increase more and more, until at last they 
compose the whole of the expectoration. There is a severe 
pain in the forehead, which is aggravated by coughing. 
When the secretion of mucus in the bronchia is very 
copious, and breathing is much obstructed, considerable 
drowsiness occurs. The tongue is white, and covered with 
transparent mucus ; the skin is dry, and its temperature 
generally but very little above the natural standard. 
This disease consists in an inflammation of the lining 
membrane of the bronchial tubes, or air passages. Persons 
who are in the habit of speaking much, or singing, are 
very liable to it, especially in cold weather, or in change- 
able climates. It may be either acute or chronic. The 
causes are the same as those of inflammation of the lungs, 120 
INFLAMMATION OF THE BRONCHIAL TUBES. 
and, where there is a predisposition to it, long or loud 
speaking or singing may bring on an attaek. 
Remedies—1. A decoction of the seeds of the com- 
mon sunflower gives great relief, in a great majority of the 
ordinary cases of bronchitis, and many permanent cures have 
Deen made by this remedy alone. To effect a cure from its 
use, requires time and patience. It will be found a pleas- 
ant and reliable remedy. It has been prepared in the fol- 
lowing form, and in some cases it acts better than when 
given alone: Bruise any quantity of the seeds, and add 
strained honey enough to cover them. Simmer for one 
hour, strain, and, when cold, add one teaspoonful of the 
tincture of bloodroot to each teacupful of the honey. Dose, 
a teaspoonful, four or five times daily. This is not excelled 
for any form of bronchitis, and has been the means of 
curing many cases. 
2. Another excellent preparation is the following: 
Take three ounces, each, of Yerba Santa and Grindelia 
Robusta. Put into a pint and a half of water, and steep 
to one pint; strain, and, while hot, add one pound of 
white sugar. Dose, one teaspoonful, four or five times 
daily. Those who have tested this new remedy pronounce 
it prompt and effective. Where the crude drugs cannot 
be obtained, use the fluid extract, of each, four table- 
spoonfuls ; syrup made from sugar, eight tablespoonfuls. 
Mix. Dose, one teaspoonful, four or five times daily. 
This and the foregoing, are new remedies and among the 
best in general use, for the cure of this disease. 
3. Take: 
Flax seed 1 teaspoonful. 
Slippery elm 1 ounce. 
Thoroughwort - 1 ounce. 
Licorice 1 stick. 
Water 1 quart. REMEDIES. 
121 
Simmer slowly over the lire, until the strength is extracted. 
Strain, and add one pint of the best vinegar, and half a 
pound of loaf or white sugar; after which, simmer them all 
well together, and, when cold, bottle tightly. Dose, one 
tablespoonful, two or three times a day. It is not only 
valuable for bronchitis, but for all difficulties of the throat 
and lungs. Many lives may be saved every year, by this 
cheap and simple remedy, as well as thousands of dollars, 
which would otherwise be spent in the purchase of nostrums 
which are both dangerous and useless. 
4. Prof. I. J. M. Goss says, “ Firwein has proven 
very successful. In chronic bronchitis and consumption, it 
has proven one of the best of remedies, palliating the 
cough, toning up the digestive and assimilating systems, 
and thus preventing undue waste of tissue.” 
Several physicians report cases of chronic bronchitis 
cured by firwein. 
Dr. Todd, of Jefferson Medical College, Chicago, Illi- 
nois, says, “ I have made trial of the new remedy, ‘ firwein,’ 
in several cases of sub-acute and chronic bronchitis, both 
uncomplicated and complicated with asthma and emphy- 
sema, and the majority were entirely cured by its use.” 
Dr. S. R. Nissley, of Pemberton, Ohio, reports a case of 
laryngitis, of six years standing, with complete loss of 
voice on exposure to cold, cured by firwein in a short 
time. Dr. James H. Ethridge, associate editor of the 
Chicago Journal and Examiner, Chicago, Illinois, reports 
a case of bronchial catarrh, of seven months’ standing, 
cured by this new remedy. It will be seen from the above 
reports, of the limited use that has been made of this new 
remedy, that it is proving very successful in lung and 
throat affections ; in fact, it is proving more efficient than 
any remedy yet discovered. The dose is from one to two 
teaspoonfuls three or four times a day. 122 
INFLAMMATION OF THE BRONCHIAL TUBES. 
5. Dr. Hall gives the following : “ Put a teaspoonful 
of powdered ipecac-root in a vial, pour upon it two table- 
spoonfuls of any kind of spirits, shake it well daily for 
several days ; it can be used in ten minutes after the first- 
snaki ng ; let it settle, and take from ten to twenty or more 
drops on a lump of loaf sugar, or in a little water, or as it 
is ; take enough to cause some nausea. 
This tincture of ipecac should be well stoppered ; it 
is the safest, simplest and best remedy ever known for a 
troublesome, dry, hacking cough of any kind; it has no 
after ill effects, is of little bulk, can be carried in the 
vest-pocket, and may be always relied upon to loosen 
phlegm, if there is any phlegm to loosen, and anything 
can loosen it.” 
Accessory Measures—The patient should be kept 
in a warm atmosphere (65 to 70 degrees), which should be 
moistened by steam or evaporation of water from shallow 
dishes placed near the bed ; or water in a kettle may be 
kept boiling on the fire, so as to moisten the air by its jet of 
steam sent into the room. Ventilation of the apartment, 
however, should not be neglected. 
Hot linseed-meal poultices applied to the chest and back 
are beneficial, as they relieve congestion. 
Diet—During an attack, give gum-water, barley-gruel, 
beef-tea, jelly, etc. Cold water, in frequent draughts, 
favors the healthy action of the skin, and is the most 
appropriate beverage. In feeble children, exhaustion is 
liable to come on, requiring nutritious support. During 
convalescence, undue exposures must be guarded against, 
until the constitution has been strengthened and inured by 
warm bathing, gradually reduced to cold as the reactive 
power of the child permits. The sleeping apartment should 
be large, not occupied bv more than one other person, 
should be well ventilated, and properly aired every day. BILIOUSNESS. 
123 
The diet should be nutritious, and easy of digestion, 
avoiding acids and greasy food. 
“ Have your meals at regular hours. If you have 
three meals a day on week-days, you should have three 
meals on Sunday, and at the same hour in the day. Eat 
enough to satisfy hunger, but not too much for supper. 
A neglect or failure to eat dinner for the sake of Sunday 
politeness may cause you many hours of suffering”.— 
[Dr. Caswell, See page 453, vol. ii. 
BILIOUSNESS. 
People who are in the habit of taking cathartics or 
emetics, when the period arrives for their usual “cleaning 
out,” are generally sure to be troubled with biliousness. 
Symptoms—There is more less fulless, sensation of 
a load or other symptoms of uneasiness, in the region of 
the stomach. There is languor, dull headache or sleepi- 
ness, and sometimes slight yellowness of the eyes and 
skin. 
Caution—Shun emetics and cathartics, especially blue- 
pills and mercurials, for you can never be cured while 
continuing to take such medicines ; for although they may 
afford temporary relief, they never fail to do harm in 
the end. 
Remedies—1. Take, daily, the juice of two small 
lemons or one large one. Use no other medicine, and 
you will find your difficulty will abate much sooner than 
if you take active, or strong medicine. This is a new and 
invaluable remedy for this difficulty. 
2. “ One-half teaspoonful of salaratus, or of bicar- 
bonate of potash, in a tumblerful of cider, taken morning 
and evening, is a very good remedy.”—[Z>r. Warren. 124 
BLOODY UK1NE. 
3. A tea, made of the bark or berries of the black 
alder, is also very good. 
Accessory Treatment—Much exercise should be 
taken, to excite a healthy action of the digestive organs. 
It will be absolutely necessary to abstain from all kinds 
of greasy meat, sweet articles, pastry, and rancid butter ; 
likewise coffee and chocolate, both of which increase these 
affections. 
BROODY URINE. 
Causes—This difficulty frequently occurs from falls, 
bruises, or some violent exertion, such as hard riding and 
jumping; but it often takes place in consequence of a small 
stone being lodged either in the ureter or kidney, which, by 
its size or irregularity, wounds the surface of the part it 
comes in contact with ; in which case, the blood discharged 
is most usually clotted, and deposits a sediment of a 
brown color. 
A discharge of blood by urine, when proceeding from 
the kidney or ureter, is commonly attended with an acute 
pain and sense of weight in the back, and some difficulty 
in passing water; the urine which comes away first being 
muddy and high colored, but afterwards becoming trans- 
parent, and of a natural appearance. When the blood 
proceeds immediately from the bladder, it is usually 
accompanied with a sense of heat and pain in the lower 
part of the abdomen. 
This complaint is distinguished from the high-colored, 
red urine, attendant upon many diseases, by the deposit 
of clotted blood, and by its staining linen of a red color. 
Remedies—1. The principal remedy, in this com- 
plaint, is the marshmallow. A strong decoction is to be OFFENSIVE BREATH. 
125 
made of the leaves, buttons or roots, and drunk freely. 
Usually, no other remedy is needed in the treatment of 
this disease. 
2. When the above cannot be procured, the next best 
is the peach. Use a decoction of the leaves, or, when they 
cannot be had, use the bark. 
3. Another excellent remedy is the yarrow. Drink 
of it freely twice a day. 
4. When ulceration is the cause of blood appearing 
in the urine (which is known by its being attended with a 
discharge of matter), add five drops of the oil of turpentine 
to a teacupful of marshmallow tea, and take twice a day. 
If this cannot be had, another remedy, which is almost as 
effective, is the buchu, which can be obtained at all drug- 
stores. Steep a handful of the leaves in a pint of water, 
after which add a tablespoonful of gum-Arabic. Of this, 
take a tablespoouful twice a day. When bloody urine is 
occasioned by the mechanical action of a stone in the 
bladder, or in the ureters, or kidneys, employ the treat- 
ment recommended for those complaints. In all cases 
stimulants, such as liquors, tobacco, tea, coffee, etc., 
should be avoided. 
OFFENSIVE BREATH 
May be caused by a deranged stomach, abuse of mer- 
cury, decayed teeth, diseased gums, or want of cleanli- 
ness. 
Remedies—1. One or two teaspoonfuls of powdered 
charcoal, taken three times a day, will relieve this difficulty 
in many cases. 126 
HAIR AND BALDNESS. 
2. The following preparation will at once sweeten the 
breath. It acts as a disinfectant, and will not injure the 
stomach, but it will be benefited by the preparation : To 
eight or ten drops of the saturated solution of the chloride 
of soda, add one-half teacupful of water. Take it every 
morning before breakfast. If the offensive breath arises 
from defective teeth, add one-half teaspoonful of the chlo- 
ride to half a tumblerful of water, and rinse the mouth with 
the solution. 
Offensive breath is often due to an unhealthy condition 
of the stomach, or to decayed teeth. Remove these diffi- 
culties, and the breath will again become sweet. 
HAIR AND BALDNESS. 
The hair often falls off the head at so early an age as 
to indicate, clearly, that it is the effect of disease. 
Causes—Excessive action of the brain, such as intense 
study, great mental anxiety, etc., producing unnatural heat 
of the brain-surfaces, thus causing the hair to drop off. 
Sexual excesses are also said to produce the same effect. 
Remedies—People are often led to try many so- 
called specifics, to prevent the hair falling off, but they are 
generally either useless or worse. Doubtless, there are many 
thousands of pounds of hogs’ fat sold every year as bears’ 
grease, etc., to cause the hair to grow abundantly and pre- 
vent its falling off. Washing the head often with cold 
water and combing it with a fine comb, together with regu- 
lar and temperate habits, are the best preservatives and 
restoratives of the hair. 
The head should be as thoroughly washed as any other 
part of the person, and that weekly. When the hair is very REMEDIES. 
127 
thick and long, its roots can be washed without wetting its 
entire length. This is important for ladies and those chil- 
dren who are improperly allowed to wear the hair long. 
The outside of the head has more to do with its inside than 
many people suppose. A muddy and confused mind is often 
the effect of external dirt and neglect. The natural per- 
spiration is thereby suppressed, and serious evils are some- 
times the result. Warm caps and hoods should seldom, if 
ever, be worn. The head should be dressed as lightly as 
is consistent with comfort. Neuralgia and inflammation of 
the brain are very often the simple consequence of following 
absurd and unnatural fashions in the dressing of the head. 
Look at one of these “martyrs of fashion!” Her 
head is loaded with hair, natural and artificial, and covered, 
under this load, with foreign mixtures, in the shape of hair- 
oils, perfumes, etc., while over all this is the bonnet, with 
a veil attached and drawn closely over the face, to shut out 
the life-giving air from the poor starved lungs. 
A very common cause of injury to the hair-glands is 
the practice, among families as well as barbers, of using the 
combs and brushes of others. A comb or brush for the 
head should no more be used in common, by two or more 
persons, than a brush for the teeth. Many diseases of the 
hair and scalp originate in this way, as well as from the 
habit of wearing the hats, bonnets or head-dresses of others. 
Parents, who take an interest in everything which conduces 
to the welfare of their children, should be careful that each 
is supplied with its own comb and hair-brush, and that these 
are never interchanged. 
The following is one of the best remedies in general use 
for baldness. It has produced a luxuriant growth of hair 
for persons who have been bald for many years, and will 
nearly always restore it, if the hair-follicles are not dead: 
Tincture of Spanish fly ( Cantharides), one ounce; ar- 128 
HAIR AXD UALDXESS. 
omatic spirits of ammonia, one ounce; oil of rosemary, one 
drachm; alcohol and water, of each, two tablespoonfuls. 
Mix. With a sponge, rub this mixture well over the scalp, 
so that it will come in contact with the roots of the hair. 
The use of it may have to be persevered in for six months 
or a year, and should be applied twice a week. 
Hair Invigorator—Wash the head once a day with 
strong sage tea... It will promptly check the falling out 
of the hair. If the use of this be continued for a sufficient 
length of time, it will make the hair thick and strong. 
Girls’ Hair—This should be kept cut short until 
they are twelve years of age, allowing it to curl if naturally 
inclined to do so, but should never be tortured into 
wisps and kinks by hot irons, or other violent means. 
As it becomes longer, in after life, it should be twisted, 
very lightly, into a loose coil, and the ends, if tied, should 
be fastened loosely with a ribbon. Nothing but pure, soft 
water should ever be applied to the hair of children. 
Men’s Hair—This, when it begins to fall out, may 
sometimes be saved by keeping it cut very short. Brush 
it well when quite dry, then wash with warm soapsuds, 
rubbed well into the scalp. Next, wipe the whole hair with 
a soft towel. Then, in the same manner, rub into the 
scalp a little bay-rum or pure brandy. This should be 
done twice a month. The scalp should be brushed well 
two or three times a week. 
Oiling the Hair—The more hair is oiled, the more 
it will be required; and it will only serve to keep a 
layer of grease and dust all over the scalp, which will 
prevent the air getting to the roots of the hair, and thus 
destroy its vitality. Nothing should be allowed to touch 
the hair of children, except soft, pure water; and, if it 
were regularly cut, every six weeks, from three years of 
age to fourteen, and the scalp kept clean, as above di- HAIR INDICATIVE OF CHARACTER. 
129 
rected, the growth of the hair would be so strengthened 
that girls of twenty would have healthy, glossy and 
abundant hair of their own, instead of having to rely, for 
this natural ornament, upon the artificial contrivances of 
the hair-dresser. 
Hair-Oils—These are nearly all made of hogs’ lard, 
as the chief ingredient. The least objectionable prepara- 
tion is made of common castor-oil, two tablespoonfuls, in 
a pint of alcohol. No better hair-oil than this can be 
made. It may be scented or colored, but the pure prep- 
aration is best. 
Some prefer a glycerine hair-dressing; which is made 
by dissolving three tablespoonfuls of glycerine in nine of 
rain-water. 
One of the most harmless washes, to cleanse the 
scalp effectively, is powdered borax. Put two even tea- 
spoonfuls into a teacupful of warm water; then wet the 
whole scalp with warm water, hold the face over a basin, 
keep the eyes shut, dip the ends of the fingers into the 
borax-water, and rub it well into the scalp. After having 
rubbed the whole scalp into a lather, wash it off with 
fresh water, and then wipe dry with a soft towel; but 
do not comb until the hair is quite dry. 
HAIR INDICATIVE OF CHARACTER. 
The character of persons is sometimes intimated by 
the color of their hair. 
The bilious temperament, black hair and dark skin 
are generally found associated. These imply strength of 
character and sensuality. 130 
HAIR INDICATIVE OF CHARACTER. 
Fine hair and dark skin show purity, goodness and 
strong mind. 
Stiff, straight and abundant black hair and beard are 
usually combined with strong, unyielding, straight-forward 
and rather bluff character. 
Fine, brown hair indicates exquisite sensibility, with 
a strong will for what is good and right, when un- 
perverted. 
If the hair is straight and lies flat on the head, the 
temperament is melancholy, but you may safely rely on 
that person, be it man or woman. 
If the hair is coarse, black and sticks up, there is 
not much sociability, and much that is stubborn, sour 
and harsh, in the character. 
Coarse, red hair indicates much fire and energy, with 
unusual strength and firmness. 
Auburn hair, with a florid face, gives purity, intensity, 
and great capacity for enjoyment or suffering. 
Fine, silky, pliable, easily dressed hair indicates deli- 
cacy, sensibility and goodness. 
Hasty, impetuous and rash people have crisp, curly 
hair, but if it is straight and smooth, even and glossy, 
there are a warm heart, a clear head and superior talents. 
"White hair, as a general rule, indicates a good, easy, 
lazy fellow. 
The hair, naturally parting in the middle and falling 
on either side, indicates womanly refinement, purity and 
delicacy. When the hair extends and lies on the forehead 
in rings, it indicates a frank, open, genial nature. 
The light-haired races are the thinkers, the poets and 
the artists of the world. 
Dark-brown hair combines the two, and is the most 
desirable. BUNION. 
131 
To sum up: 
Black hair indicates physical strength. 
White hair, mental vigor. 
Red hair, a fiery temperament, passion and devotion. 
Wavy hair, a pliable, yielding, accommodating dis- 
position. 
Straight, stuck-up hair, stubbornness and fidelity. 
Very smooth, coarse-lying hair is “Oily Gammon.” 
BUNION (Bunion). 
An enlargement of the living membrane of the great 
or little toe, chiefly the former, with more or less deformity 
of the joint. 
Cause—The pressure of narrow-pointed boots or shoes, 
throwing the great toe over or under the contiguous toes ; 
in this way a sharp angle is made on the inner side of the 
joint of the great toe, on which the bunion is formed. 
Symptoms—Pain, redness, and swelling of the part, 
which soon subside on removal of the cause. Should, 
however, undue pressure be continued, the symptoms in- 
crease until pressure becomes unendurable. 
Remedies—The direction of the toe must be changed 
by wearing properly shaped boots, made with the inner 
side of the sole straight from the toe to the heel. If irri- 
tation be accidentally excited in the part, a warm foot-bath 
should be used, or, in very severe cases, a bran poultice to 
soften the parts. Then a piece of lint, saturated with 
melted lard, applied, and moistened from time to time 
with the same. At the same time remove the pressure 
caused by the shoe or boot, and a cure will soon be ef- 
fected. A poultice of slippery elm or flax-seed is very good. 
In other respects, treat them the same as a common corn. 132 
BACKACHE. 
BACKACHE, OR WEAK BACK. 
This is due to over-taxing the muscles and nerves of 
the back, remaining long in a stooping posture, over-lift- 
ing, and sometimes, through sympathy from a kidney diffi- 
culty. I have received the thanks of hundreds for the re- 
lief they have obtained from this difficulty by the use of 
the following plaster: 
Gum galbanum 2 ounces. 
Rosin 1 ounce. 
Powdered camphor-gum £ ounce. 
Opium, powdered 8 scruples. 
Alcoholic extract of belladonna 2 drachms. 
Place the galbanum and the rosin together in a dish 
on the fire, and heat slowly until melted; then add the 
belladonna, and constantly stir it to prevent burning, which 
must, on no account, be permitted, as it destroys the plas- 
ter. When these are well mixed, stir in the opium and 
camphor, and immediately remove the dish from the fire, 
continually stirring the contents until they become cool and 
well hardened, when they are ready for use. Cut a piece 
of tanned sheep-skin, six by eight inches, warm the plas- 
ter, so that it will spread; and, with a table-knife, spread 
it on the skin thinly, leaving half an inch of the border 
untouched by the plaster, so that it will not stick to the 
clothing. All who use this remedy will be sure to confess 
that it is the king of all plasters for backache, or “lame 
back.” 
A strong tea, made of what is called Devil’s Bit, or 
button snake-root, is likewise very useful for giving relief 
in affections of this kind. Dose, half a teacupful three 
times a day. This malady most usually originates from 
the whites, falling of the womb, or some derangement of 
the kidneys or spine. When it is produced from any of CONSUMPTION. 
133 
these causes, the treatment must, of course, be directed 
to their removal. Sometimes it is owing to excessive sex- 
ual intercourse, and the weakness will only disappear, when 
the patient becomes more temperate in this particular. 
Weak Back—1. Burgundy pitch, makes a superior 
strengthening plaster for a weak back. It should be made 
exceedingly large, and worn as long as it will stick. 
2. Add about one-half of a beef’s gall to a pint of 
alcohol, and bathe the back with the solution frequently. 
It often acts like a charm. 
Avoid tight dresses and use of corsets. 
3. Take, of hemlock-gum, add one-fourth the quantity 
of white turpentine, and dissolve. 
This forms an excellent strengthening and stimulating 
plaster. It is also employed in chronic rheumatism, weak- 
ness in the back, etc. 
CONSUMPTION (Phthisis Pulmonalis). 
Causes—The causes which produce this malady are 
very numerous. The following are the most general : 
Hereditary disposition, and narrow chest; scrofula, a 
state of the system indicated by a weak voice, and great 
sensibility; certain diseases, such as venereal, the small- 
pox, and measles ; particular employments, exposing arti- 
ficers to dust, or to the fumes of metals or minerals under 
a confined and unwholesome air ; violent passions, exertions 
or affections of the mind, as grief, disappointment, anxiety 
or close application to study, without using proper exercise ; 
frequent and excessive debaucheries, late watching, and 
drinking freely of strong liquors ; great evacuations, as di- 
arrhea, diabetes, excessive venery, leucorrhea, immod- 134 
CONSUMPTION. 
erate discharge of the menstrual flow, and the continuing 
to suckle too long under a debilitated state; and, lastly, 
exposure to cold, either by too sudden a change of apparel, 
keeping on wet clothes, lying in damp beds, or exposing 
the body too suddenly to cool air when heated by exer- 
cise ; in short, by anything that gives a considerable check 
to the perspiration. The more immediate or occasional 
causes are, bleeding of the lungs, inflammation of the lungs, 
catarrh, asthma and tubercles, the last of which are by far 
the most general. 
Intemperance in living, and folly of dress, contribute 
to cause this disease. Thin dress, tight lacing till a female 
can hardly stoop or breathe ; one minute in a heated ball- 
room or crowd, in perspiration—the next in extreme cold 
air ; a cough follows, and next the hasty consumption. 
Another cause of this malady is, the confined and 
sedentary habits of males and females in cellars, factories, 
etc. The air inhaled is impure, and the chest contracted 
by the employment of corsets; the stomach, lungs, or 
liver soon become disordered. 
Symptoms—The early indications are often obscure, 
and may appear at any age, but most frequently between 
twenty and thirty. The chief symptoms are impaired 
digestion, loss of appetite, red or furred tongue, thirst, 
nausea, vomiting, and, in rare cases, pain in the stomach; 
more or less cough, chiefly in the morning; hoarseness or 
weakness of voice ; irregular pains in the chest; difficult 
breathing on slight exertion ; debility, languor and palpi- 
tation; persistently accelerated pulse; heightened tempera- 
ture; night sweats; and progressive emaciation. 
Cough is a prominent symptom. In the early stage 
it is dry, short and irritative, and most troublesome in 
the morning, or after exertion; the expectoration is usu- 
ally small in quantity, and consists of ropy mucus; CONSUMPTION. 
135 
the cough may continue for months without aggravation 
or the appearance of any other symptom. In a more ad- 
vanced stage, cough recurs during the day, and especially 
after slight exertion, being caused by the necessity for 
getting rid of the inflammatory products and disintegrated 
lung-tissue, which then begin to accumulate. The mere 
existence of a cough, by no means proves that consump- 
tion is present, as it may arise from diseases of other 
organs than the lungs ; neither does the absence of cough 
prove the non-existence of the disease. 
Bleeding of the lungs frequently, but not invariably, 
occurs; it is a suspicious symptom, and often gives the 
patient the first intimation of danger; its occurrence either 
before or soon after the commencement of a cough always 
renders consumption probable, especially if the patient has 
received no injury of the chest, and has no disease of the 
heart, or of the uterine system. “But in the very great 
majority of cases/’ writes Niemeyer, “in which the first 
attack of haemoptysis has not been preceded by cough, 
dyspnoea, or other symptoms of pulmonary disorder, the 
lungs are free, and by no means the seat of tubercular 
deposit, at the commencement of the bleeding.” The 
same author further remarks, “ That bronchial hemorrhage 
is by no means so rare an event where there is no grave 
disease of the lungs, is shown, moreover, by the tolerably 
numerous cases in which persons, after suffering one or 
more attacks of bleeding of the1 lungs, regain their health 
completely, and, indeed, often live to an advanced age, 
and after death present no discoverable traces of extinct 
tuberculosis in the lungs.” 
Hectic fever, at length, makes its appearance, and 
its coincidence with the symptoms already mentioned con- 
firms our diagnosis of consumption. The patient is feverish 
and flushed in the evening, and in the morning is found 136 
CONSUMPTION. 
drenched with perspiration. The pulse is small and weak, 
uniformly too high, but greatly accelerated towards even- 
ing, reaching 120 beats in the minute, or more; “the 
beat being performed with a jerk, as if the result of irri- 
tation upon a weakened heart.” The bowels are relaxed, 
especially in advanced stages of the disease, the diarrhea 
aggravating the effects of the sweating, and consequently 
the exhaustion is greater; the tongue is furred white or 
brown in the center, but unnaturally red around the tip 
and edges, and, immediately preceding the final break-up, 
is covered with the eruption of thrush. The urine deposits 
red, brick-dust or pink sediment, consisting of the urates 
of soda and ammonia; the skin is clammy, except during 
the evening increase of fever, when it is burning hot; the 
complexion is clear, the eyes are bright and sparkling, 
and there is marked emaciation, especially as death ap- 
proaches. 
Curability of the Disease—It is supposed by most 
people that consumption is incurable, and nothing is more 
common than, when an individual is attacked with this 
disease, to consign him to the grave. But we should not 
be too hasty in arriving at such a conclusion. We have 
many well-authenticated instances on record where con- 
sumption has been cured, either spontaneously or by 
proper remedial agents. 
Indeed it is beyond dispute, that the lungs recover 
from disease the same as any other organ, though less 
frequently, provided the powers of nature are sufficient to 
bring about a healthy action; all which shows the propriety 
of pursuing a rational and judicious course of treatment; 
besides, it is our duty to alleviate disease when we cannot 
cure, and which can always be done, even in the worst 
stages of this formidable malady. The fact, that cicatrices, 
or scars, have been discovered in the lungs of persons on REMEDIES. 
137 
post-mortem examination, who had been cured of con- 
sumption, and who subsequently died of some other com- 
plaint, proves beyond dispute that the disease is curable. 
Remedies—1. Elecampane, when used persever- 
ingly, has frequently arrested this disease in its first stages, 
by taking one-half to a teacupful of the decoction, or tea, 
twice a day. At the same time strict attention must be 
given to the laws of health. Many persons, while under- 
going medical treatment for consumption, as well as other 
diseases, pay no regard to these laws, trust all to medi- 
cine, and nothing to the general measures for the promo- 
tion of health. Hence, their medical treatment avails but 
little; and thus, oftentimes, they are prone to turn away 
in disgust or despair, at the failure of medicine to cure 
or relieve them, while one of the chief causes of failure may 
be their own carelessness or ignorance. 
2. A London physician gives the following simple, 
yet somewhat singular remedy, which, he says, has been 
very successfully used in curing consumption in that city : 
Boil one-half dozen lemons soft—not too soft—roll them 
to press out the juice; sweeten until palatable; drink the 
whole during the day. Should they cause looseness of the 
bowels, or pain, reduce the number of lemons. Recovery 
is soon perceived to begin by the strength returning. 
Every patient should be apprised of the fact that many 
lives have been destroyed, in this disease, by taking strong 
medicine. 
3. Taking half a pint of new milk, and one table- 
spoonful of the expressed juice of green hoarhound, each 
morning, has worked wonders in giving tone to the gen- 
eral health, relieving the soreness of the lungs, and often 
eradicating the disease, in its incipient stages. 
4. In the first stages of this disease, there is per- 
haps no remedy that will excel hypophosphites of lime 138 
CONSUMPTION. 
and soda. It is a food, as well as a medicine, and is one of 
the greatest vital restoratives we have. Take, of each of 
these, two teaspoonfuls ; thick syrup, made of white sugar, 
one-third pint; water, two-thirds pint. Mix. When dis- 
solved, it is ready for use. Dose, one teaspoonful, three times 
a day. As a food-remedy associated with it, sweet cream 
stands first, and cod-liver oil next. One or the other of 
these should be given with the hypophosphites. Three or 
four tablespoonfuls of good sweet cream should be taken 
during each meal. The cod-liver oil (none but the pure 
article should be employed) should be given only once a 
day, and in doses of from one-half to one teaspoonful. 
As to cough remedies, for confirmed consumption, they 
are only beneficial so far as they quiet and allay irrita- 
tion, and by this means give rest and comfort. And, for 
this purpose, perhaps there is no cough-remedy superior 
to the first one given under the head of ‘ ‘ Colds and 
Coughs,” which see. 
5. The chlorate of potash is highly extolled in this 
disease. Dissolve one teaspoonful of it in four tablespoon- 
fuls of water; of this give two teaspoonfuls three times a 
day. 
This is to be used only every other or second day. 
Prof. Palmer says he has used this remedy in a great 
many cases with complete success. 
The respective advocates of this remedy and the hy- 
pophosphites claim for each a superiority over the other. 
But much depends on the temperament, condition, etc., of 
the patient, as to which is the better remedy for any in- 
dividual case. 
6. Take, of dandelion root 2 ounces. 
Hops 1 ounce. 
Spikenard root i pound. 
Outer and inner portions of tamarack bark. ... £ peck. PURSUITS, ETC. 
139 
Boil, in about six quarts of water, until the strength 
is obtained. Strain and boil down to near two quarts ; 
and, while warm, add one pound of honey, and one pint 
of the best brandy. Dose, from two to three tablespoon- 
fuls, three times a day, before meals. 
It is said, by some practitioners, that with the use of 
this syrup, “As long as there is life, there is hope.” 
Pursuits for Consumptives—You require the 
purest and dryest atmosphere. Therefore, go North, 
rather than South. Then travel, hunt, fish, and eat freely 
of the game. Take a friend with you, for society, or to 
lean upon in your troubles. Have potatoes and corn-meal 
with you; which last you can mix with water and bake 
on a board before the fire ; and then say that, with roast 
venison, broiled fish, roast-potatoes and johnny-cake, you 
cannot make out a well-flavored, healthy and hearty meal! 
Your appetite will surprise yourself. 
Do not wait, to leave home, until after you have 
vainly tried everything else and are just ready for the 
grave ; for then you need only the nursing-care of friends 
and a quiet place in which to die; but start out as soon 
as you become aware that the disease has fastened upon 
your lungs ; and then you may not unreasonably expect 
a cure. Be sure you have the means with you to avoid 
getting wet in rains. Often wash and rub the whole sur- 
face of your body, wearing flannel next the skin, and 
clothing according to weather and sex; for there is no 
good reason why females should not pursue substantially 
the same course. 
For those who have families whom they cannot leave, 
gardening or out-door amusement of any sort, will be a 
good substitute for travel. “Throw physic to the dogs.” 
Take no nostrums, and shun even the prescriptions of 
regular doctors. Wear your clothing perfectly loose ; sit,, 140 
CONSUMPTION. 
stand and walk erect, and even lie with the shoulders 
thrown back; banish despondency—“laugh and grow 
fat;” and be regular in eating and sleeping, and in all 
your habits. 
It is well, in the first stages of this disease, to practice 
the taking of long breaths; that is, take as much air 
into your lungs as they will contain, and hold it there as 
long as possible. Be sure the air is pure, and, if cold, 
this will do you the more good. Keep the mouth closed, 
so as to force yourself to breathe only through the nose. 
Have only a little fire in your sleeping-room, and that 
rather to expel the damp and malaria than to warm it. 
Exercise in the open air and bright sunshine, avoiding 
only the noontide heats in summer. Let the sun shine 
freely into all your rooms. Eat freely any ripe fruit which 
agrees with you, and use neither tea nor coffee. Be sure 
that you obtain your regular and sufficient portion of sleep 
every day: if you are unavoidably kept up beyond your 
regular hour at night, make up next morning, without 
regard to domestic or business calls or claims. Wash the 
teeth and mouth thoroughly, every night and morning. 
Always eat something before going out in the morn- 
ing and avoid all damp hours and places. 
If bleeding of the lungs occurs, rest, with perfect 
quiet, and gallic acid, in ten grain doses, will generally 
check it speedily. Ice, slowly dissolved in the mouth, 
mil be useful, though salt is generally the popular remedy. 
See “Bleeding of the Lungs.” The night-sweats may be 
checked by elixir vitriol, ten drops in a wineglass of water, 
or by bathing the body with alum, dissolved in whisky. 
The free use of sage-tea will generally produce the same 
effect. Its efficacy is usually increased when equal parts 
of white-weed are added to it. 
Beef-tea is very useful ; it is easy of digestion, and ACCESSORY TREATMENT, ETC. 
141 
rarely proves unacceptable. Milk, given in regular quan- 
tities, not so much at once as to embarrass the digestive 
powers, is of immense value. Koumiss, made by ferment- 
ing milk, is claimed, by some, to be the real cure, if that 
be possible, of this disease. 
Accessory Treatment—To describe in detail the 
general treatment of consumptive patients were to write a 
treatise on hygiene; we shall. therefore only mention 
several of the most important points. 
Nutritious Food—The diet should be nourishing, 
digestible, and sufficiently abundant; including animal 
food; fish, especially oysters; good home-made bread, 
not less than one day old; puddings of arrowroot, rice, 
sago, or tapioca, with milk; various kinds of green veg- 
etables and mealy potatoes; together with good milky 
eggs raw or beaten up with a little milk, may be used. 
Pork, veal, and fish not having scales, should generally be 
avoided; also pastry and all articles that give rise to 
irritability of the stomach, nausea, eructations, or any 
other symptoms of indigestion. 
Cod-liver oil must be considered as an item of food, 
and a very important one ; and if properly administered 
may be expected to be productive of the happiest results. 
If, as is occasionally the case, cod-liver oil disagree with 
the stomach, the author has found cream of great value 
as a substitute, though it is inferior. To favor its diges- 
tion, a teaspoonful of French brandy, or a tablespoonful 
of cold, strong, black tea, may be mixed with it. 
Clothing—This should be sufficiently warm to main- 
tain a vigorous cutaneous circulation; the extremities 
especially should be kept warm, to obviate congestion in 
the chest or abdomen. Flannel should be worn both in 
summer and winter; in the former it neutralizes any 
variation of temperature, and prevents sudden cooling by 142 
CONSUMPTION. 
evaporation of the perspiration; in the latter it prevents 
loss of the vital warmth of the body. In winter, the 
addition of a chamois-leather vest may be worn over the 
flannel. The notion that delicate children may be hardened 
by habitually exposing them to atmospheric changes, when 
but imperfectly clad, is erroneous in all cases; and in 
the instance of children of tuberculous predisposition often 
leads to the worst results. 
Bathing and Friction of the Skin—Except in con- 
firmed cases, bathing is generally beneficial; even sea- 
bathing may be often recommended. But on no account 
should the patient bathe when exhausted by fatigue, or 
when the body is cooling after perspiration. When sea- 
bathing is not admissible, sponging the chest and back with 
water to which sea-salt has been added, can generally be 
borne and enjoyed ; and when it is followed by a general 
glow, it is a most valuable aid in promoting the capillary 
circulation. Under all circumstances, vigorous friction 
should immediately follow the bath, as reaction is thus 
rendered more complete. In cases in which patients are 
prevented from taking exercise, friction by means of bath- 
sheets or flesh-gloves is the more indispensable. Bathing 
must be regarded as injurious if after a brief immersion 
the surface remains cold, numb and pale, in spite of the 
use of good friction. In such eases, warm salt-baths are 
recommended. 
If possible, exercise should be so taken as to bring 
all the muscles into moderate and agreeable action, and 
with the body in an erect posture. Walking-exercise 
secures these conditions to a certain extent; but riding 
on horseback has the advantage of permitting the patient 
to breathe a large amount of fresh air, while it does not 
occasion fatigue or great difficulty of breathing. Rowing, 
gymnastic exercises, and especially the cr'oss-bar swing THE SWING. 
143 
(see article on “ Swing ”), are valuable aids when prac- 
ticed according to the patient’s strength. But excessive 
exertion, either of the mind or body, should be avoided. 
See page 456, vol. ii. 
THE SWING AS A CURE OF CONSUMPTION. 
“ I wish to say a few words ‘ to whom it may concern,’ 
on the use of the swing—one of the gymnastic exercises 
—as a preventive and cure of pulmonary disease. I mean 
the suspending of the body by the hands by means of a 
strong rope or chain fastened to a beam at one end, and 
at the other a stick three feet long convenient to grasp with 
the hands. The rope should be fastened to the center of 
the stick, which should hang six or eight inches above the 
head. Let a person grasp this stick, with the hands two 
or three feet apart, and swing very moderately at first— 
perhaps only bear the weight, if very weak—and grad- 
ually increase, as the muscles gain strength from the ex- 
ercise, until it may be freely used from three to five times 
daily. The connection of the arms with the body (with 
the exception of the clavicle with the sternum or breast 
bone) being a muscular attachment to the ribs, the effect 
of this exercise is to elevate the ribs and enlarge the 
chest; and, as nature allows no vacuum, the lungs expand 
to fill the cavity, increasing the volume of air—the natural 
purifier of the blood—and preventing congestion or the 
deposit of tuberculous matter. I have prescribed the above 
for all cases of hemorrhage of the lungs and threatened 
consumption, for thirty-five years, and have been able to 
increase the measure of the chest from two to four inches 
within a few months, and always with good results. But 144 
CLIMATE ON CONSUMPTION. 
especially as a preventive I would recommend this exercise. 
Let those who love life cultivate a well-formed, capacious 
chest. The student, the merchant, the sedentary, the 
young of both sexes—ay, all should have a swing upon 
which to stretch Themselves daily; and I am morally 
certain that if this were to be practiced by the rising 
generation, in a dress allowing a free and full develop- 
ment of the body, thousands, yes, tens of thousands, 
would be saved from the ravages of that opprobrium 
medicorum, consumption.” Lawson Long, M. D 
CLIMATE ON CONSUMPTION. 
An opposition of sentiment prevails among physicians 
and others as to whether consumptive patients are more 
benefited by a southern or a northern climate ; some as- 
serting the former, others, the latter opinion. Without 
assuming to determine this matter definitively, we will say 
that there is much depending on collateral considerations 
or circumstances, such as the patient’s tendency or pre- 
disposition to dyspepsia, affections of the bowels, liver and 
spleen. Liver complaints are generally the bane of a 
southern climate, and a sallow eomplection is the inherit- 
ance of the people. If such be the condition of the na- 
tive—the acclimated inhabitants—what a forlorn hope must 
that climate be to him who, broken down by the stern sever- 
ity of a northern latitude, and trembling and languishing on 
the brink of a consumptive’s grave, seeks to recuperate his 
wasted energies, and overcome, perhaps, his inherited 
tendency to consumption and bilious disorders, by a resi- 
dence in a climate which tends to produce such diseases. 
In many instances, the greatest benefits derived from DEATH RATE. 
145 
traveling, either north or south, consist in the exercise in- 
volved, the agreeable sensation produced by the motion of 
cars and steamboats, the ever-varying change of sights and 
sounds —these are what open anew the springs of life. 
Especially should all journeys for health be taken, if 
possible, with an object in view. Let the patient start 
with the view of seeing the Mammoth Cave of Kentucky, 
the prairies of the West, the great lakes of the North, 
the falls of Niagara, the Yosemite Valley in California, 
anything which he is willing to make exertion to see, and 
that he is sure he will rejoice in beholding. 
In an article on consumption and cancer, the late Dr. 
Hall gives the following: 
© © 
“In proof that'consumption and cancer go together, 
it is found that both diseases are more frequent near the 
sea, diminishing as we go westward. 
“Also both diseases are more frequent north, and di- 
minish in frequency as we go southward. This statement 
must be modified, from the consideration that the census 
returns and mortuary reports are more exact north and 
east. The rate of deaths from consumption is as follows : 
Going West, percent. 
Massachusetts 25 
New York 20 
Ohio 16 
Indiana 14 
Illinois 11 
Missouri 9 
Kansas 8 
Colorado 8 
Utah 6 
California 14 
From West to South, per cent. 
Michigan 16 
Indiana 14 
Kentucky 14 
Tennessee 12 
Alabama 6 
/ The above statements confirm the fact that the sea 
and lake shore localities favor consumption ; the raw, damp 
atmosphere and chilly winds give colds, and drive the blood 146 
CLIMATE OX CONSUMPTION. 
from the skin inwards upon the lungs ; these same condi- 
tions tend to develop cancer by their impairing effect on 
the general health. Practical use can be made of the fol- 
lowing 
Table, showing the percentage of deaths from consumption, 
as compared with the total number of deaths from all 
causes, in each State and Territory: 
Alabama 6 
Arkansas 5 
California 14 
Colorado 8 
Connecticut 20 
Dakota 12 
Delaware 26 
District of Columbia 20 
Florida 6 
Georgia 5 
Illinois 11 
Indiana 14 
Iowa 12 
Kansas 8 
Kentucky 14 
Louisiana . 8 
Maine 25 
Maryland 16 
Massachusetts 25 
Michigan 16 
Minnesota 14 
Mississippi 6 
Missouri 9 
Montana 9 
Nebraska 9 
New Hampshire 25 
New Jersey 20 
New Mexico 3 
New York 20 
North Carolina 8 
Ohio 16 
Oregon 12 
Pennsylvania 16 
Rhode Island 25 
South Carolina 5 
Tennessee 12 
Texas 5 
Utah 6 
Vermont 25 
Virginia 12 
Washington Territory.. . . 16 
West Virginia 16 
Wisconsin 14 
Consumptives, it would seem, should go away from 
the northern sea-shores and lake situations, and retire 
to inland places, protected from bleak, cutting winds; 
the same remarks are applicable to cancer. But, after 
all, both cancer and consumption can be indefinitely 
postponed, as to fatal results, by keeping up a high state 
of general health. PERCENTAGE OF DEATHS. 
147 
PERCENTAGE OF DEATHS. 
The following table shows the percentage of deaths 
to population in the United States from all causes, as 
given by the national census of 1870: 
Oregon 0.69 
Alabama 1.08 
Arizona 2.61 
Arkansas 1.26 
California 1.61 
Colorado 0.94 
Connecticut 1.26 
Dakota 0.71 
Delaware 1.25 
District of Columbia. .. 1.53 
Florida 1.21 
Georgia 1.15 
Idaho 0.33 
Illinois 1.33 
Indiana 1.05 
Iowa 0.81 
Kansas 1.25 
Kentucky 1.09 
Louisiana 2.00 
Maine 1.23 
Maryland 1.24 
Massachusetts 1.77 
Michigan 0.94 
Minnesota 0.80 
Mississippi 1.1J 
Missouri 1.63 
Montana 0.90 
Nebraska 0.31 
Nevada 1.45 
New Hampshire 1.35 
New Jersey 1.17 
New Mexico 1.28 
New York 1.58 
North Carolina 0.98 
Ohio 1.11 
Pennsylvania 1.49 
Rhode Island 1.26 
South Carolina 1.05 
Tennessee 1.13 
Texas 1.37 
Utah 1.03 
Vermont 1.07 
Virginia 1.24 
Washington Territory. .0.93 
West Virginia 0.91 
Wisconsin 0.94 
Wyoming 0.81 
SWEDISH MOVEMENT-CURE FOR CON- 
SUMPTION. 
We herewith append directions for the employment 
of the “ Swedish Movement-Cure for Consumption,” 
which is extensively employed, and becoming popular in 
some parts of the country. 148 
SWEDISH MOVEMENT-CURE. 
HISTORY OF THE CURE. 
The value of bodily movements for the purposes of 
physical development and the cure of diseases has been 
appreciated from a very early period. Numerous medical 
authorities, of great eminence and learning, both in ancient 
and modern times, have advocated the use of special 
movements, in order to correct special diseased conditions. 
They were, however, but imperfectly understood, and little 
practiced, until the time of Peter Henry Ling, of Stock- 
holm, Sweden, who, while suffering from gout in his arm, 
conceived the idea that it might be relieved by exercise. 
With this object in view, he took lessons in fencing, and 
was gratified by the cure of his disease. The success of 
this experiment induced him to think that other maladies 
could also be cured by suitable combinations of move- 
ments. The realization of this idea now became the grand 
object of his life; he devoted himself to its study with 
untiring energy, and succeeded in demonstrating that ex- 
ercise is not only useful to preserve health, but that it is, 
when properly understood, a potent remedy for disease. 
He opened up a new field for physical investigation, 
hitherto almost unknown even to the most learned physi- 
cians and physiologists. To him, therefore, belongs the 
credit of having discovered the value of medical move- 
ments ; of having arranged them into a complete scientific 
system, indicating how they should be prescribed, and 
rendered highly curative in various chronic affections. 
Since the time of Professor Ling, institutions, founded 
on the principles he inculcated, have extended throughout 
Europe. During the last few years, Ling’s system has 
been introduced into the United States. Still, the progress 
of this art has not been commensurate with its great value, 
mainly because of the opposition with which it has had to DIRECTIONS FOR TREATMENT. 
149 
contend through popular and professional ignorance. 
Nevertheless, this system of curative movements is now 
regarded by those members of the profession who are 
acquainted with its merits as being a legitimate mode of 
practice, applicable to many forms of chronic disease and 
cases of deformity. In fact, wherever it is introduced, it 
always takes a very high rank as a healing agent. 
Directions Concerning the Application of the 
Treatment—1. An invalid proposing to employ the 
following medical treatment must secure an operator suf- 
ficiently intelligent to understand what is to be done, and 
with adequate strength to do it. 
2. The movements should be applied at an interval 
of not less than one hour and a half after a meal. 
3. The morning is the best time; then the system 
has more recuperative power than in the after-part of 
the day. 
4. A period of rest from both mental and physical 
toil is desirable before receiving movements, otherwise their 
beneficial effect will be much less marked. 
5. After the reception of a passive movement the 
patient will rest two or three minutes, and four or five 
minutes after an active one. This is necessary to guard 
against fatigue, as well as to allow the specific effect of 
each movement time to be developed. 
6. The invalid should not indulge in either reading 
or exciting conversation while receiving treatment. 
7. The dress should be worn quite loose at all 
times, but particularly so while receiving treatment, 
so as to permit the unrestrained action of the respir- 
atory organs. 
8. After treatment, patients generally feel an incli- 
nation to sleep, which should be indulged in. They will 
awake greatly refreshed. 150 
SWEDISH MOVEMENT-CURE. 
9. The peculiarly curative effect of the movements 
here prescribed for consumption depends largely on the 
order in which they are applied. This must be strictly 
adhered to, beginning with the first and continuing on to 
the last, except in the case of very feeble persons, when 
the movements numbers six and eight should be omitted 
for the first week or ten days. By this time the circula- 
tion towards the skin and extremities will have become 
established. These movements may then be used. 
10. Previous to beginning treatment, the patient 
should measure his chest accurately, observing what the 
circumference is when expiration is complete, and also its 
size during complete inspiration. Preserve the dimensions 
for future reference. 
First Movement—Fulling the Arms. 
The patient may either recline on a lounge constructed 
for the purpose, with an assistant operating at the same 
time on each arm, or he may sit erect on an ordinary 
chair, with his arms hanging passively by his side. The 
operator will then place his extended hands on each side 
of the arm, and roll the tissues thereof quickly to and fro, 
at the same time gradually slide his hands downward, DIRECTIONS EOR TREATMENT. 
151 
keeping up the friction until the whole arm, from shoulder 
to wrist, has been operated on. This should be repeated 
on each arm six or eight times, always beginning at the 
shoulder and proceeding downward to the hand. 
Effect—The blood in the capillaries is pressed into 
the minutest ramifications of these vessels in greatly aug- 
mented quantities, and gently urged onward into the veins, 
through which it must pass to the heart, and lastly to the 
lungs for aeration. As soon as the pressure is removed the 
capillaries are refilled with fresh blood from the arteries 
supplying the part; the blood-circulation thus secured in 
the part subjected to the fulling is so perfect that the 
patient will feel the whole limb, to the finger-ends, tingling 
with the vital current. At the same time, waste matters 
are made to pass by endosmosis into the venous circula- 
tion to be removed from the body. The nutritive materials 
contained in the blood are brought to the parts that are also 
placed in the best possible condition to assimilate them. 
Second Movement—Vibration of the Leg. 
The patient reclines in a perfectly easy position. The 
operator, who is seated before him, supports the leg, ex- 
tended at full length, by grasping the heel; with the other 
hand, he rapidly shakes the toe back and forth. A quick, 
vibratory motion is thus communicated to the leg. 152 
SWEDISH MOVEMEXT-CUKE. 
Effect—This movement causes attrition of the ele- 
mentary fibres and cells of the muscular and other tissues, 
brings together waste matters seeking union, by which 
their ultimate removal from the body is facilitated, and 
increases the blood-circulation and nutrition of the parts 
subjected to the movement. 
Third Movement—Fulling the Thighs. 
The patient is seated as represented in the cut. The 
operator will place both hands on the thigh, at the groin, 
making as firm pressure as the patient can comfortably 
bear, and give the parts a rolling motion back and forth, 
gradually sliding down the hands until the knee is reached; 
begin again at the groin ; repeat six or eight times on 
each thigh. 
Effect—Same as that caused by movement No. 1. 
Fourth Movement—Rotation of the Foot. 
The patient is placed in a reclined sitting position; 
his leg is extended, the calf resting on both knees of 
the operator, who fixes the patient’s leg by grasping it with 
one hand, while he applies the open palm of the other to 
the toe of the boot, the heel of which should project over 
the operator’s knee, so as to allow it to move with perfect DIRECTIONS FOR TREATMENT. 
153 
freedom. The operator will then cause the point of the 
boot to describe a circle as large as possible, without strain- 
ing the ankle-joint, first from left to right, then from right 
to left, ten or twelve times each way. Continue the move- 
ment three to live minutes on each foot. 
Effect—This movement is actively derivative. Each 
time the toe describes a circle, all the muscles below the knee 
are alternately passively stretched and relaxed. Now, 
muscular contraction always increases the demand for blood 
in the acting muscles. When all the remainder of the 
body except the parts being acted on are at rest, the 
system is then able to respond more promptly and effect- 
ually to the call for blood at that particular point, there 
being, at that moment, no urgent demand for it elsewhere, 
the vital current is thus made to flow downward to the 
feet. The cold, clammy extremities of consumptives are 
thus readily warmed, although their temperature would 
not have been increased by as much walking as the in- 
valid had strength to take. 
The perfect circulation thus induced also has the re- 
markable effect of relieving the disagreeable burning in 
the of the feet ’when it exists, reducing it to a 
genial permanent warmth. 154 
SWEDISH UOVEMENT-CURE. 
When receiving this manipulation the patient should 
lie on his back, having the knees and shoulders slightly 
raised. In this position, the abdominal muscles, being 
slightly relaxed, are in the best condition to permit the 
digestive organs to be influenced by the movement. After 
the patient becomes accustomed to the treatment, and the 
abdominal tenderness that often exists at first has been 
removed, the arms may be placed over the head and the 
limbs extended. The operator places the palms of both 
hands on the abdomen, and, pressing firmly, will roll it 
from side to side, always being careful to make the pressure 
from below upward and inward. 
Effect—Under this treatment the muscles forming 
the walls of the abdomen acquire strength ; the abdominal 
contents will be lifted up and supported in their proper 
position; the alimentary tube invigorated, and its vermi- 
cular motions increased; congestion removed from the 
mucous membrane lining the digestive organs ; constipa- 
tion relieved; the digestion and absorption of food pro- 
moted, and the appetite -improved. 
Fifth Movement—Kneading the Bowels. 
Sixth Movement—Angling the Arms. 
All the preceding operations, it will be observed, are 
passive; their application involves no exertion on the part DIRECTIONS FOR TREATMENT 
155 
of the patient. This, however, is an active movement. 
The main objects aimed at by the former are to relieve 
pulmonary congestion and secure a perfect blood-circula- 
tion generally ; these are always the first indications in the 
treatment of consumption. After the excess of blood ob- 
structing the lungs and other internal organs has been 
made to flow towards the surface, imparting a general 
warmth to the skin and extremities, the second indication, 
viz., to develope the respiratory capacity, claims our at- 
tention. This is generally effected by active movements, 
the present one being admirably adapted to that pur- 
pose. 
The patient may either sit erect, as in the cut, on an 
ordinary low-backed arm-chair, or he may recline on a 
lounge, having the shoulders elevated at an angle of about 
twenty-five degrees. The patient will then place his hands 
at his shoulders, with the arms (dose to the side. The 
operator, who stands behind him, will now grasp his hands, 
and slowly and steadily draw them out at full length, the 
patient meanwhile resisting firmly, without putting forth 156 
SWEDISH MOVEMENT-CURE. 
all his strength. After waiting a moment, the patient will 
draw down his arm to the commencing position, while the 
operator resists. This should be repeated two to six times 
up and down, according to the strength of the invalid. 
Effect—All the respiratory muscles on the anterior 
part of the body are gently but effectually stretched, the 
circulation in them improved, and their strength increased; 
rigidity of the thoracic walls is overcome; the chest vigor- 
ously but safely expanded; the air is made to penetrate 
and inflate collapsed portions of the lung, and dislodge the 
pus and mucus with which such portions are obstructed. 
Seventh Movement—Drawing the Shoulders Backward, 
The patient will sit erect oil a stool, his arms hanging 
passively by his side. The operator will then place his knee, 
protected by a cushion, on the middle of the patient’s back, 
at the lower border of the shoulder-blades, and grasping 
the patient’s arms near the shoulder, draw them slowly and 
firmly backward, at the same time pressing steadily for- 
ward with his knee. 
Effect—With due caution, this movement may be DIRECTIONS FOR TREATMENT. 
157 
applied to the most delicate invalid. It safely but power- 
fully expands the chest and invigorates the respiratory 
muscles. The effect on the patient’s feelings is most grate- 
ful ; it affords the consumptive an immediate sense of re- 
lief ; he feels as if a load had been lifted from his chest. 
Eighth Movement—Arm-Pumping. 
The patient reclines on a couch, with the shoulders 
slightly raised; his arms are extended parallel to each 
other, and at right angles with his body. The operator, 
standing behind the patient, will now grasp his arms at 
the wrist, and draw them backwards and downwards until 
they are parallel with his body, the patient meanwhile 
resisting firmly and steadily. After resting a moment, 
the operator will then resist while the patient returns the 
arms to the commencing position. 
Effect—The same as in movement No. 6, but much 
more powerful. 
Ninth Movement—Percussion on the Back. 
When receiving this manipulation, the patient should 
bend forward and lean his arms on some firm object. 158 
SWEDISH MOVEMENT CURE 
The operator will then apply from fifty to one hundred 
light, rapid blows, with the open palm, over the whole 
back. After the invalid becomes accustomed to the per- 
cussion, it may be applied somewhat more heavily. 
Effect—This operation sends a succession of waves 
through the lungs, which have the important effect of ex- 
panding the shrunken air-cells, causing contraction of the 
pulmonary capillary blood-vessels, removing congestion, 
and dislodging the pus and mucus obstructing the air-cells 
and bronchial tubes. 
Tenth Movement—Fulling the Back DIRECTIONS FOR TREATMENT. 
159 
The patient lies in the prone position, as shown in the 
accompanying cut. The operator places the pulp of his 
fingers on a part of the skin and causes it to vibrate to 
and fro on the tissues beneath for a few seconds, when 
the hands should be shifted to an adjoining portion of the 
integument, and the vibration repeated until the whole of 
the back has been operated on. 
Effect—This operation is most grateful to the patient ; 
it exercises a decidedly soothing effect on the nervous sys- 
tem generally, through the influence exerted on the spinal 
cord, besides exciting an agreeable warmth in the parts, 
due to improved blood-circulation. 
Eleventh Movement—Fulling the Posterior Part of the Lower 
Extremities. 
The patient lies in the same position as in No. 10. 
The operator will apply to the whole posterior aspect of 
the limb the treatment described in No. 3. 
Effect—This is analogous to that produced in move- 
ments Nos. 1 and 3. 
The Movement-Cure presents to the consumptive in- 
valids two very encouraging features : First, They do not 
require to wait weary months hoping for improvement. 
In many cases, this is quite apparent during the first week 160 
SWEDISH MOVEMENT-CURE. 
or ten days; and even those who are so far advanced 
that they do not ultimately recover, rarely fail to be 
decidedly benefited in twelve or fifteen days. After a 
few applications of a prescription of movements, the skin 
and extremities become warm and more free from fever- 
ishness ; the sufferer is conscious that his breath pene- 
trates into and expands every portion of his lungs. If a 
tendency to hemorrhage exists it is checked, the cough 
gradualty abates, and the matters expectorated lose their 
thick, yellow character, and assume the appearance of 
ordinary mucus; the sleep becomes sounder and more 
refreshing, night-sweats no longer occur, the appetite im- 
proves, strength increases, flesh is gained, and despondency 
is supplanted by hope and courage. Second, When a 
consumptive gets well by the Movement-Cure, he has 
good reason to hope that his recovery will be permanent, 
because the treatment is directed not merely to the 
removal or modification of symptoms, but to the 
correction of the constitutional vice from which the disease 
originates. 
Accessory Treatment—The consumptive invalid 
must have pure, fresh air to breathe night and day. His 
sleeping apartment should be ventilated so that the air 
inside, during the whole night, is as pure as the atmos- 
phere out of doors. In the absence of scientific arrange- 
ments for ventilation, this may be accomplished by letting 
down the windows from the top to admit the air, and 
having an open grate or other aperture to permit its 
escape. In winter, the foul air is effectually removed by 
having an open coal-fire burning all night. A steady 
current of air is thus produced from all parts of the 
room towards the fire, thence up the chimney. The in- 
valid’s bed should be so placed that he will not be ILLUSTRATIVE CASES. 
161 
directly exposed to any draught caused by the effort to 
secure ventilation. 
Flannels should be worn summer and winter. The 
underclothing worn by day should not be slept in at night; 
they should be put off on retiring, and hung up where 
they will be well aired. 
The diet of the consumptive should be simple and 
nutritious. No strict rules can or ought to be laid down. 
He should partake freely of any good solid food that best 
agrees with him. 
A tepid bath should be taken twice a week in a warm 
room during the winter, and three or four times a week 
in summer. The chest should be bathed with cold 
water every morning, and thoroughly rubbed with a 
coarse towel. 
Movements are not intended to take the place of 
ordinary exercise, such as riding on horseback or in a 
carriage, or walking. These may be indulged in with 
moderation, care being taken never to continue them long 
enough to induce fatigue, nor with sufficient violence to 
increase the frequency of the pulse.—[Swedish Movement 
Cure; Published by 3. P. Wells & Co., New York. 
ILLUSTRATIVE CASES. 
Case 1—Mr. K. J. had been gradually declining in 
health for about three and a half years. A cough had 
existed during the whole of that period, which had become 
very severe when he applied for treatment. Every morn- 
ing on awaking he raised quantities of thick, yellowish 
matter, and continued to do so at intervals throughout 
the day. He had little appetite; lost flesh and strength 162 
ILLUSTRATIVE CASES. 
steadily. His breath was so shortened that he found it 
impossible to go up an ordinary pair of stairs. Hectic 
fever and copious night-sweats had existed for months. 
His chest measured only 38£ inches; during health its 
circumference had been fully 41 inches, and its walls were 
quite rigid. A physical examination showed that tubercles 
were extensively deposited in the apices and upper lobes 
of both lungs, and that the process of softening had made 
considerable progress. During the three and a half years 
which his disease had existed, it had advanced only into 
the second stage. Two week’s treatment produced an 
appreciable improvement, which increased, day by day, 
until, at the end of two months, he was so well that 
further treatment was deemed unnecessary. The physical 
signs of the presence of tubercular deposit in the lungs, 
although not entirely removed, were greatly ameliorated ; 
the air now penetrated into and dilated the parts of the 
lungs that had been the seat of active disease. During 
the two years that have since elapsed, his disease has 
manifested no tendency to return. Although not quite so 
strong as in his best days, he is actively engaged in 
business, which he was previously obliged to abandon on 
account of failing health. 
Case 2—Miss N. had previously lost two sisters by 
consumption. Her health had been failing for more than 
a year. At the time she resorted to the Movement-Cure 
she exhibited all the symptoms of the first stage. There 
existed unquestionable physical evidence of the presence 
of tubercles in the apex of the left lung; but there was 
no softening, the right lung was healthy throughout. 
Before she had received the movements a week, she re- 
ported herself better. She was under treatment less 
than two months, when not only had every symptom 
entirelv disappeared, but the physical signs indicating the ILLUSTRATIVE CASES. 
163 
presence of tubercles in the lungs were removed; the 
high-pitched, harsh, breathing sound at lirst heard had 
given place to the low-pitched, breezy, respiratory murmur 
of perfect health. She continues to the present day 
enjoying robust health. 
Case 3—Miss W. had declined in health for about 
fourteen months, when she was advised to try the treat- 
ment by the Swedish movements. She had nausea, vom- 
iting, loss of appetite, shortness of breath, night-sweats, 
slept badly, had a severe cough, pain in the chest, and 
she had raised blood very frequently, in small quantities, 
during the last ten months. Considerable tubercular de- 
posit existed at the apex of the left lung, but there was 
no evidence of softening. This lady made marked pro- 
gress during the first ten days. Less than two months 
daily treatment sufficed to remove every symptom of con- 
sumption. Her periods had stopped, but were restored 
to a perfectly natural condition. Since then her health 
has been entirely satisfactory. 
Case 4—Mr. B., a gentleman sixty years of age, had 
first raised blood about seven years ago. Since that time 
he was sometimes better and at other times worse ; on the 
whole, however, he declined from year to year. He was 
frequently and strongly urged by a friend of his to try 
the Movement-Cure, which he very reluctantly agreed to 
do, having long ago lost all faith in medical men and their 
capacity to cure his difficulty. When he began treatment 
he was worse than he had ever been; yet, after two 
months’ daily attendance, he was so well as to be able 
to undertake long journeys on business, although he had 
previously been afraid to leave the town in which he re- 
sided, lest he would not be «able to return. The results, 
in his case, were very satisfactory to himself and his 
friends. He frequently declares his astonishment how any 164 
COLDS AND COUGHS. 
treatment, of apparently so simple a character, can possess 
such curative power in so grave a disease as consump- 
tion. 
Many cases similar to the foregoing could be cited, 
but these are sufficient to illustrate the points on which 
I wish to throw light concerning the curability of con- 
sumption. 
For a more extended description of this method of 
cure, the reader is referred to a valuable little book en- 
titled, “Prevention and Cure of Consumption,” by the 
Swedish Movement-Cure, published by S. R. Wells & 
Co., 737 Broadway, N. Y. 
COLDS AND COUGHS. 
Most persons affect to despise colds; and as long as 
they can walk about, scorn to be confined by what they 
call a common cold. Hence it is that colds destroy such 
numbers of mankind. Like an enemy despised, they gather 
strength from delay, till at length they become incura- 
ble. 
Cause—The application of cold to the body giving a 
check to perspiration, is the general cause of these com- 
plaints. 
Prevention—Persons liable to coughs, from any 
little exposure to cold, should wear flannel next to the 
skin, but particularly over the chest; they should adapt 
their clothing to the vicissitudes of the weather, and be 
cautious how they expose themselves too quickly to the ex- 
ternal air when heated by exercise or by crowded rooms. REMEDIES. 
165 
Bathing is a useful preventive, and may often be employed 
as a curative means. 
Remedies—1. An ordinary cold can be readily 
cured by soaking the feet in as hot mustard-water as can 
well be borne. Wipe them dry, and retire to bed. At 
the same time, take three drops of the spirits of camphor, 
and a tablespoonful of sugar in two tablespoonfuls of hot 
water. 
2. The following has the reputation of being one of 
the best remedies in use, by those who have employed it, 
for coughs and colds. It has promptly cured many cases 
which were supposed to be in the first stage of consump- 
tion : 
Two tablespoonfuls of flax-seed, 
One tablespoonful of dry hoarhound, 
One quart of water. 
Boil for twenty or twenty-five minutes ; strain, and 
add an ordinary-sized lemon (sliced), one stick of lico- 
rice, and an ounce of gum-Arabic. Boil fifteen or twenty 
minutes, and strain while hot. Dose, for a child, one 
teaspoonful; for an adult, one tablespoonful, and to be 
taken four or five times a day. This remedy will also 
cure common hoarseness. If the lemon cannot be pro- 
cured, use a tablespoonful of good vinegar in its stead. 
3. To one pint of water, add two teaspoonfuls of 
flax-seed; boil moderately for twenty minutes; then add 
the juice of one-half a lemon ; sweeten to the taste, and 
drink the whole quantity, in divided doses, during the 
day. This is a favorite remedy with some people for the 
cure of colds. 
4. Express, while warm, the juice from two care- 
fully roasted lemons, and add two or three tablespoon- 
fuls of brown sugar. Take a tablespoonful when the cough 166 
COLDS AND COUGHS. 
is troublesome. You will find this to be as effective as 
it is pleasant to take. 
5. Take equal parts of good vinegar and water; to 
a teacupful of this mixture, add as much capsicum (Cay- 
enne pepper) as will lie on the point of a pen-knife; 
sweeten with honey or sugar. A teacupful will allay a 
cough; a dose taken at bed-time will generally enable the 
patient to rest well during the night. It may be taken 
whenever the cough is troublesome. 
6. A medical writer says, “The best remedy I ever 
used for a cough is, equal parts of the tincture of black 
cohosh, blood-root, lobelia, and syrup of squills, taken 
in teaspoonful doses, three times a day.” 
7. For coughs and colds, of long standing, the Yerba 
Santa is an excellent remedy. It usually grows in moun- 
tainous sections of country, and especially on the Pacific 
Coast. It is now commonly kept in drug-stores. A tea 
is to be made of the leaves, and drunk freely, five or 
six times a day. The Spanish people regard this as the 
king of remedies in this disease, and believe that it will 
cure when all others fail. 
Salt for Coughs—In many cases of troublesome 
coughs, if the patient will take a “pinch” of salt on re- 
tiring at night, it will measurably relieve the difficulty, 
and procure rest and sleep. 
Cold in the Head, or Influenza—Smelling harts- 
horn frequently during the day will often relieve cold in 
head. 
Take equal parts of good vinegar and water, and to 
a teacupful of this mixture add one teaspoonful of best 
African Cayenne; sweeten with honey or sugar. Pose, 
one tablespoonful, which will allay the cough very speedily. 
A dose taken at bed-time will generally enable the patient 
to rest well all night; if, however, the cough becomes CHOLERA MORBUS. 
167 
troublesome at any time before morning, another spoon- 
ful will allay it. See page 454, vol. ii. 
CHOLERA MORBUS. 
Cholera morbus is a violent purging and vomiting, 
attended with gripes, and a constant desire to go to stool. 
It comes on suddenly, and is most common in autumn. 
There is hardly any disease that kills more quickly than 
this, when proper means are not used in due time for 
removing it. 
Causes—It is occasioned by a redundancy and putrid 
acrimony of the bile, cold, food that easily turns rancid 
or sour on the stomach, as butter, fat pork, sweetmeats, 
cucumbers, melons, cherries, etc. It is sometimes the 
effect of strong acrid purges or vomits, or of poisonous 
substances taken into the stomach. It may likewise pro- 
ceed from violent passions or affections of the mind, as 
fear, anger, etc. 
Symptoms—It is generally preceded by heart-burn, 
sour belchings and flatulencies, with pain of the stomach 
and intestines, To these succeed excessive vomiting and 
purging of green, yellow, or blackish-colored bile, with 
a distention of the stomach, and violent griping pains. 
There is likewise a great thirst, with a very quick, unequal 
pulse, and often a fixed, acute pain about the region of 
the navel. As the disease advances, the pulse often 
sinks so low as to become quite imperceptible, the ex- 
tremities grow cold or cramped, and are often covered 
with a clammy sweat; the urine is obstructed, and there 168 
CHOLERA MORBUS. 
is a palpitation of the heart. Violent hiccoughing, faint- 
ing and convulsions, are the signs of approaching death. 
Remedies—1. Take ground black pepper, one table- 
spoonful, and as much table-salt; one-half tumblerful of 
warm water, and as much good vinegar. Dose, one table- 
spoonful, every few minutes, until the whole is taken. 
This may be relied on in curing cholera morbus, and, 
also, genuine cholera, if taken at the commencement. 
The first dose may be vomited. If this is the case, repeat 
the dose. The vomiting will seldom return. In the 
mixture, use cider vinegar, if it can be procured, and stir 
it well, each time, before using. 
2. Pulverized chalk is said to be a cure for this 
disease, if taken in tablespoonful doses. What is called 
prepared chalk should be used, if at hand, as it is much 
preferable to the other. It may be procured at drug- 
stores. 
3. The following old remedy has been very highly 
praised, for the treatment of cholera morbus : 
Take, of Rhubarb (pulverized) 2 scruples. 
Saleratus do 2 scruples. 
Peppermint (plant) 2 scruples. 
Add a half pint of boiling water, and sweeten with 
loaf sugar. Dose, one tablespoonful every half hour, hour, 
or two hours, according to the urgency of the symptoms. 
This is one among the most valuable preparations, for 
not only cholera morbus, but for cholera, cholera infantum, 
diarrhea and dysentery. It is the celebrated “ Neutralizing 
Mixture.” 
4. A good and often effectual remedy in cholera 
morbus, is simply to make a weak lye, about as strong 
as common tea, from hard wood ashes, and take a wine- 169 
ACCESSORY MEANS. 
glassful of it every two or three hours. It also is a sure 
regulator of the bowels. 
© 
Iu the American practice we find the following very 
highly recommended: Take of the best Turkey rhubarb, 
bruised or pulverized, half a drachm, saleratus half a drachm, 
peppermint plant half a drachm; grind all together in a 
mortar, and put the powder in a tea-cup, with loaf-sugar 
enough to sweeten; then add half a pint of boiling 
water. Dose, one tablespoonful every half hour, or as 
often as vomiting and purging takes place. The effects 
of this medicine are truly surprising, it being seldom that 
a patient will vomit up more than one dose of it, if he 
vomits at all. 
Accessory Means—Hot bricks may be applied to 
the feet, and they should be bathed in warm lye-water. 
The patient should take freely of mint tea, slippery elm, 
and other mucilaginous drinks. Cold water poured upon 
bread toasted very brown or black, makes a very grateful 
and medicinal drink. Indian or oatmeal gruel also has 
a very excellent effect upon the bowels in this disease; 
it acts as a soothing or emollient poultice to the stomach 
and intestines, while at the same time it affords nour- 
ishment. 
During convalescence the patient should be careful in 
his diet; using light, digestible, nourishing food. He 
should keep himself warm, guard against exposures to 
cold and damp, and avoid all kinds of intemperance. 
Oatmeal, made into a cake with water, baked, then 
biowned and made into a coffee, is very useful in allaying 
the distress and vomiting 
© 170 
CHAFING. 
CHAFING. 
Remedies—1. Simple cerate is one of the best 
applications used, for this troublesome complaint, applied 
once or twice a day. Every mother, with a young babe, 
should constantly keep the cerate in the house, for such 
cases. It is made of white wax and lard, but can be 
found already prepared at all drug-stores. 
2. Another good remedy is alum-water, where chafing 
is caused by walking. The wash may also be used as a 
preventive. It should be applied at night by means of a 
soft linen or cotton cloth. A piece of alum, the size of 
a hazel-nut, dissolved in one-half a teacupful of water, is 
about the right strength. The pulverized article is more 
convenient for use. 
3. The following is a speedy cure in all cases of 
this kind: Nitrate of silver, 5 grains ; distilled or soft 
water, 4 tablespoonfuls. Use one to two teaspoonfuls at 
a time. Care must be exercised in its use, for it will 
permanently stain white clothing. Before using this prep- 
aration, cleanse the parts with Castile-soap and water. 
Some follow the use of this remedy with lycopodium 
powder, which is a good plan. Fuller's earth is also a 
good remedy, dusted on the parts. To be had at drug- 
stores. 
Accessory Measures—An admirable means, for 
this difficulty, is to wash the parts with cold or tepid 
water, and carefully dry them, two or three times a day. 
As a preventive, grown people may wear cotton between 
the parts which rub together. 171 
CORNS 
CORNS. 
Remedies—The following are among the best means 
for removing corns. But it should be borne in mind that 
a process that will remove them, in one individual case, may 
fail to effect the same purpose in another. 
1. Apply spirits of turpentine, several times a day, 
by means of raw cotton, bound on the corn. This will 
often be sufficient to remove it, in a few days, without pain. 
If this application should fail, pare the corn to the quick, 
and apply the turpentine as before. 
2. Coal-oil, applied as above, is a very effective 
remedy in many cases. 
3. Bind securely, at night, a piece of lemon on the 
corn. Frequently, on the following morning, the corn may 
be removed by a penknife. In some cases, several applica- 
tions of the lemon may be necessary. 
4. A very superior remedy for corns, is to spread 
adhesive plaster on a small piece of soft leather or buck- 
skin, with a circular hole corresponding to the size of the 
corn. Thus, by removing the pressure and friction, the 
corn will disappear. 
5. Place the feet for half an hour, for two or three 
nights successively, in a strong solution of common soda. 
The alkali dissolves the cuticle, and the corn falls out 
spontaneously, leaving a small excavation, which soon fills 
up. This is an almost certain remedy. 
Soft Corns—A piece of cotton, applied fresh every 
morning, gives no inconvenience, and is cleanly and 
efficacious. 
The following remedial means has been found very 
effective, and has the advantage also of being exceedingly 
simple: Place, between the toes, a small piece of news- 
paper, folded several thicknesses. Change it every mom- 172 
CHOLERA. 
ing, before putting on the shoe, and wear it through the 
day. At night, remove this piece and substitute another 
prepared in the same way, thus wearing the folded paper, 
night and day, for four or five days, or a week. The 
paper prevents friction and chafing and also removes direct 
pressure on the corn; after which, nature effects the 
cure. 
Castile soap, placed between the toes, is said to 
be both a cure and a preventive of soft corns. 
CHOLERA. 
Cholera, a miasmatic disease, propagated through the 
air, and communicable from one person to another, is 
usually ushered in by premonitory painless diarrhea, and 
accompanied by sudden prostration, tremors, dizziness, 
spasm of the bowels and limbs, faintness, profuse serous 
(rice water) or bloody discharges, vomiting, burning heat 
at the stomach, coldness and dampness of the whole sur- 
face of the body, cold tongue and breath, unquenchable 
thirst, feeble, rapid pulse, extreme restlessness, oppressed 
breathing, albuminous or suppressed urine, blueness of the 
body, sunken and appalling countenance, peculiar odor 
from the body, collapse, and finally, unless reaction comes 
on, death. 
Cause—Physicians are not yet agreed as to the 
exact character of the cause, but are unanimous in re- 
garding the disease as a most serious one. Instances of 
death taking place in two, three, four, or more hours, 
are extremely common. The experience gained during 
former visitations of cholera teaches us that it seizes the 
poor in a far greater proportion than the rich, that the EXTERNAL APPLICATIONS, ETC. 
173 
most potent conditions favorable to its spread are poverty, 
overcrowding, filth, intemperance and impure water ; and 
that as we prevent the accumulation of filth, foul air, and 
other causes of general disease, and supply the people 
with wholesome food and pure water, so we render in- 
operative the powerful agencies by which this dreaded dis- 
ease chiefly spreads. 
External Applications—At the commencement of 
the disease, cover the patient up warm, and apply warm 
flannels or bottles of hot water, or a warm brick, to the feet; 
but if the patient is in the stage of collapse, and the sur- 
face is bathed with a profuse cold perspiration, do not apply 
external heat, as it will only make him uncomfortable, 
and increase the exhausting perspiration. In this stage, 
rub the surface, especially the extremities, freely with the 
dry hand, or a dry warm piece of flannel, or a coarse towel 
—the bare hand is the best. 
Remedies—At the commencement of the attack, if 
there are great weakness, or chilly sensations, copious 
sweats, and feeble pulse, disordered vision or dizziness, 
give a drop of spirits of camphor in a te&spoonful of water, 
every five or ten minutes, until such symptoms are relieved ; 
at the same time cover the patient in bed, and apply hot, dry 
flannels to his feet, so as to get him into a gentle perspira- 
tion if possible. This course will often check the disease 
in an hour or two. 
Should this not succeed, and the patient continue to 
become rapidly worse, give the following immediately: 
‘ ‘ One tablespoonful of ground black pepper and as much 
table-salt, four tablespoonfuls of good cider vinegar, 
added to a tumbler of hot water. This is one of the best 
cholera medicines in general use. The whole to be taken 
during five or ten minutes, in tablespoonful doses. No 174 
CHOLERA. 
one need have any fear of this disease with this remedy 
at hand.”—[Dr. Jordon. 
The following is Dr. Ure’s celebrated remedy for 
cholera: 
“ Tincture of kino 1 ounce. 
Tincture of opium 4 drachms. 
Common starch 1 ounce. 
Tepid water 3 wineglassfuls. 
Mix. Inject slowly into the bowels. 
This injection mixture should be of about the thick- 
ness of thin gruel. If it should come away, it should be 
repeated immediately. If the injection be properly admin- 
istered, and in sufficient quantity, it will stop the discharge 
from the bowels in fifteen minutes, and nothing will pass 
them for several days. The patient is then safe. 
A weak mixture of chloroform, spirits of camphor and 
turpentine, may also be taken by the mouth. It is the 
only internal remedy that I have ever seen amount to 
much. Says the Doctor, “If the above injection cannot 
be quickly obtained, a preparation of starch-water, con- 
taining a solution of alum or laudanum, forms a cheap, 
convenient and effective injection. This is a never-failing 
cure.” 
General Directions—Absolute rest in the recumbent 
posture, from the very commencement of the diarrhea. A 
hopeful and cheerful state of mind should be fostered: a 
presentiment of death being unfavorable. 
The sick-room should be warm but well ventilated. 
The return to ordinary diet should be slow. Evacuations, 
bedding, and clothing should be disinfected. See Section 
on “ Nursing.” 
Preventive Treatment—When cholera is epidemic, 
camphor should be taken once or twice a day, in doses of 
two or three drops on sugar. The simple diarrhea which SANITARY AND HYGIENIC MEASURES. 
175 
often precedes malignant cholera should be promptly met. 
Sanitary ancl Hygienic Measures—The follow- 
ing excellent advice has been given, and should be adopted, 
on the earliest indication of cholera : 
The house should be well aired, especially the sleep- 
ing apartments, which should be kept dry and clean. 
All effluvia arising from decayed animal or vegetable 
substances ought to be got rid of ; consequently, cesspools 
and dust-holes should he cleaned out, and water-closets and 
drains made perfect. Disinfectants should be liberally 
used. 
All exposure to cold and wet should be avoided, and 
on no account should any one sit in damp clothes, partic- 
ularly in damp shoes and stockings. Care should he taken 
to avoid chills or checking perspiration. Clothing must 
be sufficient to keep the body in a comfortable and even 
temperature. 
Habits of personal cleanliness and regular exercise in 
the open air should be cultivated; also regularity in the 
periods of repose and refreshment; anxiety of mind and 
late hours should be avoided. 
The diet should be wholesome, and adapted to each 
individual habit. Every one should, however, he more 
than ordinarily careful to abstain from any article of 
food (whether animal or vegetable) which may have dis- 
ordered his digestion upon former occasions, no matter 
how nutritious and digestible to the generality, and to 
avoid all manner of excess in eating and drinking. 
Raw vegetables, sour and unripe fruits, cucumbers, 
salads, pickles, etc., should not be allowed. 
Wholesome varieties of ripe fruits, whether in their 
natural or cooked state, and vegetables plainly cooked, may 
be taken in moderation, by those with whom they agree. 
During the active stage of the disease, nothing but 176 
CHOLERA. 
the most simple drinks, such as rice-water, arrow-root, 
corn-starch and toast-water, should be allowed, and even of 
such liquids only small quantities at a time. 
When the vomiting and purging cease, the above drinks 
may be made thicker and more nourishing, and when the 
appetite seems to demand it, thin puddings of arrow-root, 
rice, or corn-starch may be allowed, and after a day or two 
more, toast, cracker and meat. Food in substance, like 
toast, rice, or meat, should never be given more than three 
times a day, to a patient while recovering from this or any 
other disease, as the stomach needs seasons of rest. 
Take, of rhubarb (pulverized) 2 scruples. 
Salaratus do. 2 scruples. 
Peppermint plant do. 2 scruples. 
Add boiling water \ pint. 
Sweeten with loaf sugar. Dose, one tablespoonful, 
every 30 or 60 minutes, according to the urgency of the 
symptoms. Its operation and action appear to be specific 
or almost infallible, for not only cholera, but also cholera- 
morbus and cholera-infantum. 
Preventive and Curative—From hard wood-ashes, 
make a weak lye, about as strong as common tea. Take 
half a wineglassful after each meal. This has been used 
with complete success, as a preventive, for many years, when 
the cholera has been prevalent, and also successfully used 
in checking it in the first stages of the disease. The dose, 
in such cases, is to be repeated often. It is also a sure 
regulator of the bowels. 177 
CHILBLAINS. 
CHILBLAIN, OR FROST-BITE. 
Chilblains are painful, inflammatory swellings, of a 
deep purple or leaden color, to which the Angers, toes, 
heels and other extreme parts of the body are subject on 
being exposed to a severe degree of cold. The pain is 
not constant, but rather pungent and shooting at particular 
times, and an insupportable itching attends. In some in- 
stances, the skin remains entire ; but in others it breaks 
and discharges a thin fluid. When the degree of cold has 
been very great, or the application long-continued, the 
parts affected are apt to mortify and slough off, leaving 
a foul, ill-conditioned ulcer behind. Children and old 
people are more liable to be troubled with chilblains than 
persons of middle age ; and such as are of a scrofulous 
habit are very apt to suffer severely from them. 
The best mode of preventing these affections is, to 
avoid any exposure to wet or cold; therefore, those who 
are subject to them should be cautious, on the approach 
of winter, to keep warmly clothed. 
Remedies—1. Apply, morning and evening, a strong 
solution of alum-water, as hot as it can be borne. It will 
effectually cure chilblains. 
2. They may also be cured by bathing and rubbing 
the parts, once or twice a day, for twenty or thirty min- 
utes, in lye of wood-ashes. Use as hot as can be borne. 
3. Take lime and make a white-wash mixture—a 
foot-tubful of it—and as warm as you can conveniently 
bear it. When the chilblains begin their nightly itching, 
plunge the feet into it. The relief will be instantaneous. 
At the end of thirty minutes take them out. They will 
be 'free from pain. Rub them briskly and there will come 
off rolls of dead skin. Anoint the feet with mutton-tallow ; 
then put on a pair of cotton socks, and go to bed. Re- 178 
CHAPPED HANDS, ETC. 
peat the application two or three times, and you need not 
suffer from frozen feet, longer than it will take you to 
get the white-wash ready on each recurrence of frost- 
bite. 
4. Another means of curing chilblains, if they are 
not in the advanced stages, is the following: Each night, 
wash the feet in cold water (soft water is much the best if 
it can be had). After wiping dry, warm them before the 
fire, and at the same time, rub them well with the hands. 
In cases where chilblains ulcerate and slough, consti- 
tutional treatment will be demanded ; and for this pur- 
pose, give a syrup, made of black cohosh, one ounce, in 
one pint of water. Boil to one-lialf pint, strain, and, 
while hot, add one-fourth pound of loaf sugar. When 
cool, add enough spirits—say two tablespoonfuls of whisky 
—to keep the mixture from souring. Dose, one table- 
spoonful, three times daily. 
CHAPPED HANDS, DIPS AND FACE. 
Remedies—1. These may often be healed by the 
frequent application of honey-water, and protecting them 
from the influence of cold air. 
2. Camphor-ice is very useful and effective for the 
same purpose. This is prepared as follows : Melt slowly, an 
ounce of camphor and one of fresh mutton-tallow ; stir well. 
This may be applied two or three times a day. This is 
the same article found at the drug-stores, and sold at such 
expensive rates. 
3. Put six or seven drops of glycerine into the water 
before washing the hands, or drop three or four drops in 
the palm of the hand after washing off the soap and dirt, CATALEPTIC FITS. 
179 
rub all over the hands and wrists, then dry them thorough- 
ly, and a cure will soon be effected. 
4. Wash the hands with warm water, wipe them dry, 
then grease them with mutton-tallow. Do this before 
going to bed, and put on a pair of gloves, to avoid greas- 
ing the bed-clothes. Practice this for a few days. It will 
cure the hands and make them soft, white and smooth. 
5. Washing them in vinegar is also excellent for this 
purpose. See page 455, vol. ii. 
CATALEPTIC FITS. 
Symptoms—This disease is characterized by a greater 
or less loss of consciousness, with rigidity, sometimes of 
all the muscles of the body, and sometimes of only a 
part. The limbs are not usually so stiff that they cannot 
be bent, but the peculiarity is that they retain the position 
in which they are placed, however awkward it may be. The 
paroxysm may last but a few minutes, or it may continue 
for "hours or days. This disease resembles hysterics, in 
many respects, and arises from similar causes. 
Remedies—Catalepsy requires no treatment during 
the paroxysm, unless there are certain symptoms demand- 
it, such as flow of blood to the head, palpitation of the 
heart and feeble pulse. Generally, it is better to let the pa- 
tient alone until the fit passes off naturally. 
1. The juice of the plantain-leaf is reputed to be a 
cure for catalepsy. Dose, one teaspoonful, twice a day 
2. The shower-bath, exercise in the open air, and a 
nutritious, easily-digested diet should be directed. Sea- 
bathing, if practicable, is of great importance. 
3. If a person fall in a fit, let him remain on the 180 
CATAKACT. 
ground, provided his face be pale ; for, should it be fainting, 
or temporary suspension of the heart’s action, you may 
cause death by raising him upright; but if the face be red, 
or dark-colored, raise him to a sitting posture, and sprinkle 
cold water on his head immediately. 
CATARACT. 
This is an obstruction of the pupil of the eye, by 
some substance, which either diminishes the sight, or de- 
stroys it altogether, and can generally be distinguished by 
a change in color within the pupil of the eye. 
Remedies—If the specks are soft and thin, they 
may sometimes be taken off by gentle caustics, such as vitriol 
or the juice of calandine. 
This disease is very difficult to cure, and often requires 
the treatment of a skilled occulist. 
Accessory Treatment—All close or continued ex- 
ertion of the eyes must be abandoned; reading and fine 
needle-work must be avoided; exercise in the open air 
must be taken daily; the feet should be bathed in warm 
water every night; and the head dipped in cold or tepid 
water every morning. 
CHICKEN-POX. 
The eruption is often the first symptom noticed, in 
other cases a fever, with some headache, precedes the 
eruption for from a few hours to one or at most two CANCER. 
181 
days, and goes off when the eruption appears. The 
eruption may be numerous or but few. Small, irregular- 
shaped, transparent vesicles make their appearance on a 
slightly red surface, and rapidly enlarge to an eighth of 
an inch in diameter, sometimes even larger. There is 
more or less itching, causing the child to scratch. At the 
end of three or four days, they begin to dry up, forming 
small brown crusts, which fall off at the end of eight or 
ten days. Scratching the vesicles or blisters sometimes 
causes the formation of large scabs which may leave 
pits. 
Remedies—It is not considered that any danger 
ever attends this complaint; but should the fever run 
high, let the patient take, of the tincture of aconite, two 
drops, in a tumblerful of water, well stirred together. 
Of this, use two teaspoonfuls every two or three hours. 
If he has much thirst, let him drink freely of cold water, 
and abstain from the use of all kinds of hot teas and 
slops, that patients with chicken-pox or measles usually 
have poured down their throats. 
Accessory Treatment—Attention to diet as in 
simple fever, especially if the digestive organs are im- 
paired. Milk-diet is best. Exposure to cold should 
be avoided, especially in cold weather, but the room should 
be kept well ventilated. The child should be prevented 
from scratching the skin when the scales are formed. 
CANCER (Carcinomas). 
A cancer is an ulcer of the very worst kind, with an 
uneven surface, and ragged and painful edges, which spreads 
in a very rapid manner, discharges a thin, acrimonious mat- 182 
CAXCER. 
ter, that excoriates the neighboring integuments, and usually 
has a very fetid smell, and which is generally preceded by 
a hard or scirrhous swelling of the part, if glandular. The 
disease is most commonly conlined to glands, and particu- 
larly the breasts, now and then to be met with in the 
womb, the face, and other parts. 
The cancerous sore is extremely irregular; on its sur- 
face are seen various prominences and excavations, from 
one or more of which a hemorrhage is frequently ob- 
served to proceed. It is attended with a peculiarly burn- 
ing and lancinating pain, which is generally intermittent. 
The edges are thick, indurated, and often exqusitely pain- 
ful, and acute pains are very frequently felt darting 
through the tumor. The odor of the discharge is fre- 
quently so intolerably offensive that it is difficult to inhale 
it long, and of a very excoriating or scalding nature. 
There is a species of cancer called no li me tangere, 
which means, touch me not. It appears on the surface, 
generally the face, and is very small and slow in its pro- 
gress, and rough, scaly, and itchy. It will continue for 
a great many years without much injury, or perhaps 
danger. Cancers of the female breast proceed to a more 
speedy termination, particularly when they have submitted 
to empirical treatment by the knife; there are few excep- 
tions. 
Remedies—1. The juice of the full-grown leaves 
of the poke-root, allowed to thicken by evaporation in 
the sun, and then made into a thick plaster, with gun- 
powder, and applied once a day, has effectually cured 
many cancers. 
2. Sheep-sorrel has been a celebrated remedy for 
the cure of cancer. It is used in the form of a plaster 
made by expressing the juice of the green herb, evaporat- 
ing it in the sun, to the consistency of a salve, and ap- REMEDIES. 
183 
plying it twice a day. This juice should be placed in a 
pewter plate to evaporate, as oxalic acid combines with the 
lead in the pewter, which is necessary in forming the 
compound. 
3. Cranberries are reputed a very efficacious remedy 
in this disease. They are to be first mashed in a mortar, 
then spread on a cloth and applied to the cancer, chang- 
ing the poultice three times a day. In two or three days 
it may become sore, drawing out pustules that fill like 
small-pox. This process must be renewed until the whole 
is drawn away, and the cancer becomes soft, and de- 
creases in size, and finally disappears. 
Dr. Elisha Smith, formerly president of the New 
York Association of Botanic Physicians, says, 
“ If the cancer has become open, and ulceration com- 
menced, apply the flesh of fresh-killed chickens. This 
will extract the fever and acrimonious poison astonish- 
ingly, and become in the course of two or three hours, 
perfectly rotten and corrupted with it. They should then 
be changed for a fresh application. This method should 
be continued till the poison and life of the cancer are ex- 
tracted, when the whole substance of the tumor will be- 
come a dead mass, and may be taken out with ease, and 
without pain. If it is not convenient to obtain chickens’ 
flesh to apply continually, it may be alternated with 
poultices of charcoal and yeast, which also extract pu- 
tridity. The flesh of any animal is good, but I consider 
chickens preferable. ’ ’ 
The following recipe is by the renowned Dr. Gilbert, 
a name justly and widely celebrated in the cure of this 
species of affection: Take, of strong apple vinegar, one- 
half gallon ; verdigris, one-half pound ; honey, one pint; 
place in a copper-kettle with four or five bars of pewter- 
solder ; boil very slowly, or simmer over a moderate fire, 184 
CANCER. 
until reduced to one-half the quantity. Keep in a well- 
closed glass-vessel, as exposure to the air decomposes it. 
First wash the ulcer with Castile-soapsuds, and if any 
proud flesh or unhealthy granulation appears, apply veg- 
etable caustic, or any other caustic best suited to the 
case. Then moisten lint with the above, and fill the ulcer 
with it. Over this, place a piece of folded muslin, large 
enough to cover all the inflamed parts, and bandage. Keep 
the whole constantly moistened with the preparation, never 
allowing it to become dry. The ulcer may be dressed as 
required, from one to three times a day. 
Few things contribute more to the healing of foul, 
sordid ulcers of any kind than keeping them thoroughly 
clean. This ought never to be neglected. The best ap- 
plication for this purpose seems to be the carrot-poultice. 
The root of the common carrot may be grated, and 
moistened with as much water as will bring it to the con- 
sistence of a poultice. This must be applied to the sore, 
and renewed twice a day. It generally cleans the sore, 
eases the pain, and takes away the disagreeable smell, 
which are objects of no small importance in such a dreadful 
disorder. 
Wort, or an infusion of malt, has been recommended 
not only as a proper drink, but as a powerful medicine, 
in this disease. It must be frequently made fresh, and 
the patient may take it at pleasure. Two or three pints 
of it may be drunk every day for a considerable time. No 
benefit can be expected from any medicine in this disease 
unless it be persisted in for a long time. 
Dr. S. Thomson’s Cancer Plaster—Take of the 
heads of red clover sufficient to fill a two-gallon brass- 
kettle, and boil them in soft water for one hour; then 
remove these from the kettle, pressing the liquor out from 
them, and fill the kettle again with fresh heads, which CANKER 
185 
must be boiled in like manner in the same liquor, adding 
as much more water as may be necessary. After boiling 
these about an hour, the liquor must be strained off and 
the clover-heads pressed as before to get it all out. Then 
return it into the kettle and boil or simmer down to the 
consistence of thick tar. Very great care must be taken 
in boiling it down to prevent its burning; as by burning, 
not only the burnt part is destroyed, but the remainder is 
in some measure deprived of its medical properties. 
When used it it should be spread upon a piece of blad- 
der, suet-skin, thin cloth or strong paper. 
If the cancer is discharging, change and renew the 
plaster at least twice a day. 
This has proved successful in curing many cancers. 
CANKER OF THE MOUTH (Cancrum Oris). 
Symptoms—This disease is characterized by the 
membrane covering the sides of the tongue and inside 
of the cheeks becoming red and inflamed, and afterwards 
covered with large ulcers. The tongue becomes swollen; 
there is a profuse secretion of saliva, or spittle, the breath 
is offensive, and swallowing difficult. 
Remedies—1. Use the following wash: Take one 
gill of yeast, and two of milk, and sweeten with molasses. 
Use three times a day, and at the same time take a 
wineglassful of it, internally, twice a day. This will be 
found very effective. 
2. In severe cases, the following is a very good 
treatment: To a teacupful of sage-tea, sweetened with 
honey or loaf sugar, add fifteen drops of the tincture of 186 
COLD FEET. 
iron. Mix well together, and, with a little soft lint, touch 
the ulcerated parts three or four times a day. 
o. Strong beef-tea, raw eggs, beaten together with 
milk, are generally necessary. 
When, in young infants, it is desired to wash the 
mouth with the swab, great care and caution should be 
employed in its use. A little soft lint on the end of a 
quill, and wet with the solution, should be lightly applied 
to the ulcers. 
4. The golden seal ( Yellow Puccoon) is a very pop- 
ular remedy in the treatment. A strong tea of it is to 
be used as a gargle or wash, three or four times a day. 
5. When the ulcers are on the outside of the lips or 
cheek, apply a poultice of charcoal and yeast; or use 
carbolic acid and water, in the proportion of one teaspoon- 
ful to half a pint of water. In mild cases, apply three 
times a day; in severe cases, use every three or four 
hours. 
Accessory Treatment—First of all, the child re- 
quires fresh air and sunlight, and next suitable food, milk 
thickened with coarse flour, a thin pudding made of the 
same, beef-tea, mashed potatoes, and, subsequently, beef 
or mutton. See page 454, vol. ii 
HABITUAL, COLD FEET. 
Some people are often troubled with cold feet, caused 
by dampness from perspiration. In such cases, do not 
wear cork insoles, as some do, for they become saturated, 
and hold the moisture. 
Remedies—1. The best plan is to cut a piece of REMEDIES. 
187 
thick cloth, the size of the foot, and baste upon it half 
an inch in thickness of curled hair. Wear it inside of the 
stocking or sock. It should be removed at night, and 
placed by the fire to dry until morning. The hair creates 
a warmth, and, at the same time, conducts the dampness 
to the cloth. Cold and damp feet should be avoided, as 
they are a prolific source of disease. 
2. A tincture, of the berries of prickly ash, will 
often relieve this difficulty, taken in doses of from one to 
two teaspoonfuls, two or three times a day. 
3. Another good plan, is to wear two pairs of socks, 
of different material. One of woolen, and the other of 
cotton or silk. 
4. The following is recommended as a means of 
preventing cold feet: Get two copper and zinc plates, to 
correspond to the size of the shoe or boot you wear. 
The end of one is to be lapped upon, or interlinked with, 
the other, about half or three-quarters of an inch. This 
lapping is to be in the hollow of the foot. Zinc and 
copper, like many other metals, when thus intimately 
associated with each other, generate an electric fluid, 
which, it is said, will re-establish the equilibrium of heat 
throughout the body. These plates may be purchased at 
surgical and optical instrument stores. 
5. Rub the feet with gum-camphor and red pepper, 
equal quantities, finely pulverized. 
6. Brandy and mustard-seed is also another good 
remedy for cold feet, if used in bathing them, just before 
retiring. 
Some feet are kept more comfortably warm with 
woolen socks, others with cotton, others again with two 
thin pairs ; as that which is best adapted to one is not 
always to another. 188 
COLD FEET. 
Accessory Measures—If you are subject to cold 
feet, immerse them morning and evening in cold water, 
rub with a rough towel, and run about your room till 
they burn. In one month, usually, you will be entirely 
relieved. But in some cases, nothing external or internal 
can cure cold feet, if the stomach does not promptly 
digest its food. A cheerful spirit, simple food, with ap- 
propriate out-door exercise—these constitute the true 
medicine for cold feet in such cases. 
Whenever the feet are cold, go direct, if possible, to 
the fire. The quickest and best way to warm them is to 
draw off the stockings and hold them to the fire, rubbing 
the soles and between the toes until perfectly dry. This 
should be done by all men who are out of doors most of 
the day, first washing them, then wearing another pair of 
socks for the remainder of the evening. 
It is a bad practice and most hurtful to sit around 
the fire for a whole evening in the same boots and shoes 
worn during the day ; besides it makes disagreeable-smelling 
feet, because the perspiration condenses, is mixed with 
the dirt that accumulates while walking, and then there are 
decomposition and a noisome smell. 
Cause of Fevers—Every one knows that fevers are 
often occasioned by the application of cold to the feet, 
which drives the blood from the extremities and throws it 
upon some organ, or retains such agents as ought to be 
eliminated, in consequence of which fever takes place. 
Now, it must be evident that there is no better method 
of preventing these consequences than by recalling the blood 
to the feet and surface, thereby preventing and removing 
fever, by bathing the feet in warm water, to which a small 
quantity of lye has been added. 
I am persuaded that bathing the feet immediately 189 
CONSTIPATION, OR COSTIVENESS. 
after exposure to wet or cold, in nine cases out of 
ten, aided by drinking freely of warm catnip or other 
tea, and then covering warm in bed, will prevent an 
attack of fever. 
CONSTIPATION, OR COSTIVENESS. 
Constipation and Purgatives—While we admit 
that constipation is not desirable, and may almost invari- 
ably be avoided by such measures as are pointed out 
further on, yet a tendency thereto is not so prejudicial 
as many persons suppose; indeed, persons thus predis- 
posed are generally long-lived, unless they commit suicide 
by purgative medicines; while those who are subject to 
frequent attacks of diarrhea are soon debilitated. A daily 
action of the bowels is no doubt desirable in most cases, 
but by no means invariably so. An evacuation may take 
place daily, or every second day, or even every third day, 
in persons who are equally healthy, no invariable rule 
applying to all persons. The most erroneous and dan- 
gerous idea on this subject is that extremely popular one— 
that mild purgatives contribute to health, not only during 
sickness, but also occasionally in health, inasmuch as im- 
purities are thereby expelled from the body. The fallacy 
of this may be easily demonstrated: Let purgatives be 
taken for a week, and however good may have been the 
health previously, at the termination of this period very 
much “impurity” will be discharged, especially after 
taking jalap and calomel. 
Purgation produced by drugs is an unnatural condi- 
tion, and although temporary relief often follows the use 190 
CONSTIPATION, OR COSTIVENESS. 
of aperients, they tend to disorganize the parts on which 
their force is chiefly expended. The intestinal canal is not 
a smooth, hard tube, through which can be forced what- 
ever it contains without injury; it is part of a living 
organism, and needs no force to propel its contents on 
their way; nor can such force be applied with impunity. 
Not only does the frequent use of purgatives over-stimu- 
late the liver and pancreas, but also and especially the 
numerous secretory glands which cover the extensive sur- 
face of the intestinal canal, forcing them to pour out 
their contents in such excessive quantities as permanently 
to weaken and impair their functions, and so produce a 
state of general debility. The normal action of the 
stomach and intestinal canal being thus suspended, nausea, 
vomiting, griping, and even fainting are produced. The 
brain and vital energies are disturbed, occasioning lowness 
of spirits with melancholy, alternating with mental excite- 
ment and peculiar irritability of temper. 
An important end will be gained when persons can 
be led to regard constipation as a mere result of 
other causes—a want of balance in the general system; 
and when general and remedial measures shall be directed 
to the correcting of this condition as the adequate means 
of curing constipation. 
Constipation in Old Age—Daily evacuation, which 
is the rule in youth and middle life, is often an excess 
in advanced life, when three or four times a week are suf- 
ficient. It is desirable that this physiological fact should 
be known, as old persons often trouble themselves need- 
lessly on this point. If constipation give rise to any in- 
convenience in the aged, it is best met by articles of 
diet. 
Symptoms—Headache ; feverishness ; pressure or 
distension in the stomach and bowels ; urging and repeated REMEDIES. 
191 
Dut fruitless efforts to evacuate the contents of the bowels, 
or complete torpor without desire; pulsation or pain in 
the abdomen; piles and varicose veins; uneasy breathing, 
disturbed sleep; depression of mind, etc. If constipation 
be persistent, it may be attended with vomiting. 
Causes—In most instances, constipation depends upon 
some faulty habit in the patient, the regulation of which 
will probably in every case suffice to remove this condition. 
The following are a few of the faults in question : Seden- 
tary habits ; smoking tobacco ; drinking too much beer, port 
wine, or tea; dissipation; the exclusive use of superfine 
flour; taking food too dry and too destitute of succulent 
vegetables ; neglect in attending to the calls of nature to 
relieve the bowels; loss of tone in the mucous lining of 
the bowels from the use of purgatives. Sometimes con- 
stipation is the result of disease in other parts—disease 
of the liver, brain or spinal cord, or their membranes. 
Here, again, the remedy must be directed to the cure of 
the disease, if that be possible, rather than to the simple 
removal of one of the symptoms to which it gives rise. 
Remedies—1. A new remedy has recently been 
introduced to the medical profession, for constipation, 
which is pronounced by many practitioners superior to 
anything yet employed. In fact, some regard it as a spe- 
cific. It is the cascara sagrada, or chitim bark (Rhamnus 
Purchiana.) Steep one ounce of the bark in half a pint 
of water for twenty minutes. Dose, one teaspoonful two 
or three times a day. Of the fluid extract, the dose is 
ten to fifteen drops, three times a day. If it should act 
as a cathartic, reduce the dose, or take less frequently. 
2. The follow remedies are given on the recommen- 
dation of late medical authors: “To a four-ounce vial 
of soft water, add ten drops of the tincture of nux 
vomica; shake well together. Of this take a teaspoonful 192 
CURE FOR COSTIVENESS. 
on retiring at night. Half an hour before breakfast, on 
the following morning, have ready and take this addi- 
tional remedy. Flowers of sulphur, one teaspoonful; sim- 
ple syrup, four tablespoonfuls ; mix well. Dose, one tea- 
spoonful. Continue these medieines daily, taking the nux 
vomica at night, and the sulphur in the morning, for 
several weeks, if so long a time be necessary. These 
remedies have been known, not only to relieve, but also 
to permanently cure many obstinate cases of constipation, 
when used in connection with proper dietetic habits.” 
3. A fresh egg, beat in a gill of water and drunk on 
rising in the morning, and at each meal, for a week or 
ten days, has cured obstinate cases. It might be increased 
to two or three at a time, as the stomach will bear. 
CURE FOR COSTIVENESS WITHOUT MEDI- 
CINE. 
Never postpone, to either pleasure, business or con- 
venience, the call of nature, but obey her tirst and faintest 
intimation. This neglect is what produces, originally, 
the costive habit, and brings on the long train of diseases 
and ailments which follow in its course. The bowels 
should be evacuated every day, without fail, except in 
some extraordinary cases of illness. The best time for 
this is probably after supper, at night; for the reasons, 
first, that this is more likely than any other hour of the 
day to afford the necessary quiet and leisure ; and, sec- 
ondly, because any tendency to piles, which may be pro- 
duced by straining at stool may then be followed and DIET AND ACCESSORY TREATMENT. 
193 
overcome by a night of rest, instead of being aggravated 
by a day of labor. We would, therefore, advise every 
one to select this hour, in preference to any other of the 
twenty-four, for this purpose. But, whatever hour you 
select, the all-important point is, that it should be lixed 
and changeless, like “the laws of the Medes and Per- 
sians.” No ordinary exigency of domestic, business or 
society claims should keep you from this appointment. 
It is a solemn and holy tryst with Nature, which you 
break at your peril; for Nature is like a coy mistress, 
and cannot easily be induced to meet you again after you 
have once disappointed her. 
It may be well for those who lead a sedentary life, 
and who have been, for a long time, troubled with costive- 
ness, to eat freely of Graham-bread and apple-sauce, es- 
pecially at breakfast. Meat, hot biscuits and coffee should 
be taken sparingly, and never for supper. 
A tablespoouful of corn-meal, stirred into a glass of 
water and taken before breakfast, for several consecutive 
mornings, will aid in the cure of obstinate cases, and help 
them to the re-establishment of natural habits. Nearly all 
fresh and ripe fruits are also favorable. Above all, let it 
be remembered, that the chief difficulty is in making up 
one’s own mind, firmly and decidedly, to pursue the course 
directed. This done, no one will long be troubled with 
the curse of costiveness. 
Do not fail to read the article on “Costiveness,” in 
the second volume of this work. 
Diet and Accessory Treatment—The most im- 
portant measure, without which remedies will he of little 
use, is to make an attempt, to have a passage at a regular 
hour every day, or every other day, and never neglect this 
duty. 
Meals should be taken with regularity, animal food 194 
CURE FOR COSTIVENESS. 
eaten sparingly, but vegetables and ripe fruits freely. Coarse 
oatmeal porridge, with molasses, may be taken for breakfast, 
and brown bread should always be preferred to white. If 
brown bread be not eaten exclusively, a little should be 
taken with nearly every meal; its effects will thus be more 
uniformly exerted through the alimentary canal than if only 
taken occasionally. W ater is an extremely valuable adjunct, 
both as a beverage and for external use. For tea and cof- 
fee, cocoa from the nibs may be substituted with great ad- 
vantage. Spirituous liquors, highly-seasoned food, and late 
suppers, should be strictly avoided. 
Walking-exercise in the country, with the mind unen- 
cumbered, is useful, particularly in the morning ; but it should 
not be carried to the point of inducing fatigue or much per- 
spiration. Friction over the abdomen, by towels, horse- 
hair gloves, or the hands, is frequently of great utility; 
it tends to rouse the paralyzed action of the bowels, and 
to dispel accumulations of flatulence. 
Injections—In obstinate, protracted constipation, at- 
tended with feverishness and hardness, or fullness of the 
bowels, and when it is ascertained that the lower bowel is 
obstructed with fecal matter, too large or too hard for dis- 
charge, and the means before suggested have not proved at 
once effectual, the enema, or injection may be used as an 
almost certain means of obtaining temporary relief. The 
injection should consist of about a pint of tepid water, which 
should be carefully and slowly injected up the rectum by 
means of a syringe. Unirritating in its operation, and act- 
ing directly on the seat qf obstruction, an injection is far pre- 
ferable to deranging the whole alimentary tract with strong 
drugs, which excite violent action only to reduce it to a state 
of greater debility and torpor than existed before. CATARRH. 
195 
A very neat and effective means for an injection is, 
to take a piece of Castile-soap, and, after shaving it 
with a knife, into a proper shape and size, having it 
pointed at one end, introduce it into the rectum and re- 
tain it there for a minute or two. The result is gener- 
ally a speedy action of the bowels. 
Similar prompt results will be obtained by using a 
piece of writing paper. Take a square piece and roll it 
from one of the corners, so that one extremity shall be 
much smaller than the other, and pointed. Use this the 
same as the soap. It is a neat, safe and effective means 
to move the bowels of infants, and always at hand. 
Costiveness in children generally disappears as soon 
as the child is weaned, and he begins to run around, un- 
less the bowels have been weakened by cathartics or laxa- 
tives. 
CATARRH, OR INFLUENZA. 
This disease sometimes prevails epidemically, and to 
this form it is that medical writers apply the term influ- 
enza ; whilst cases that occur incidentally, are called catarrh, 
or cold. When it prevails epidemically, it undoubtedly 
depends upon the state of the atmosphere ; though in some 
cases it has been attributed to contagion. 
In general, it comes on with a dull pain or sense of 
weight in the forehead, sometimes preceded by a slight 
chill, a redness of the eyes, and a fullness and heat in 
the nostrils, which is soon followed by a discharge of thin 196 
CATARRH. 
acrid fluid from the nose, together with a soreness in the 
wind-pipe, hoarseness, frequent sneezing, dry cough, loss 
of appetite, and general lassitude; towards evening the 
pulse becomes considerably quickened, and a slight fever 
arises. 
In the progress of the disorder, the cough is attended 
by an expectoration of mucus, which at first is thin, white, 
and thrown off with some difficulty ; but becoming gradually 
thicker and of a yellow color, it is at length brought up 
with more ease and less coughing. 
Influenza is seldom attended with fatal consequences, 
excepting with very young children, persons who are old 
and feeble, or those who are of a consumptive habit; but 
usually terminates in a few days, if not too much neg- 
lected, either by an increased expectoration or a sponta- 
neous sweat. It, however, in some instances, lays the foun- 
dation for pulmonary consumption, or produces a tendency 
to asthma, or dropsy of the chest. Occasionally it becomes 
habitual, and is. accompanied with difficulty of breathing, 
especially in winter. 
The description which we have given, only applies 
to the worst forms of this disease, from which it may be 
traced, by imperceptible gradations, down to cases which do 
do not interfere with a person’s ordinary business. 
Remedies—1. The following new remedy has been 
recently introduced to the medical profession, and is re- 
garded, by many, as excelling anything yet published, for 
the catarrh: 
Yerba reuma 2 ounces. 
Alcohol 1 gill- 
Water 2 gills. 
First mix the water and alcohol, then add the herb. 
Let stand five days, then strain and express the juice. 
Put one tablespoonful into two of water, and it is ready .REMEDIES. 
197 
for use. If there is any discharge from the nose, first 
snuff some water to cleanse the parts. Then pour one 
teaspoonful of the liquid into the hand, and snuff it into 
one of the nostrils, while pressing on the other with the 
finger; after which, repeat the same with a second tea- 
spoonful in the other nostril. Employ this medicine in 
this way, four or five times a day. If there is any 
offensive smell existing, add five drops of carbolic acid to 
each of the above tablespoonfuls, and two of water. 
If the herb cannot be obtained, the fluid extract 
usually can; and of this, take one part, added to two 
of water, and use as above. 
Patients must remember, that it often requires months 
to cure this disease ; therefore, perseverance must be their 
motto. 
2. Experience has demonstrated that common table- 
salt is one among the few remedies that will cure 
catarrh, when perseveringly used. We know of more 
cases of it, that have been cured by this remedy, than 
by any other means. It having been used so much longer, 
for the treatment of this disease, than yerba reuma, the 
aggregate of its results is only the better known on 
that account. Make a strong solution, and snuff it up the 
nostrils, retaining it there for a minute or two, by holding 
the nose with the fingers, and immediately repeat the 
same operation. And recollect to always employ only one 
nostril at a time, as directed with the above medicine. 
The salt should be used, in this manner, at least three 
times a day. 
3. The following is also an excellent remedy : Make 
a moderately strong tea, of the inner bark of the common 
hemlock. To each half-pint of this, add one teaspoonful 
of salt. This should be warmed and snuffed, from the 
palm of the hand, three or four times daily. Use water 198 
DROPSY. 
in the same way first, to cleanse the parts of the dis- 
charges. At the same time, it would be well for the patient 
to use the following as an inhalation : 
4. Chloroform 1 ounce. 
Iodine 10 grains. 
Mix. Inhale three or four times daily, until, each time, 
it makes you feel a little dizzy. 
5. A remedy that has been used recently, in Paris, 
with success, in this disease, is spirits of ammonia. It is 
applied by inhaling it through the nose. 
DROPSY. 
Dropsy is a watery accumulation in the areolar tissue, 
more or less general throughout the body. 
It is of two distinct varieties; for, besides its occur- 
rence in the meshes of the loose tissue beneath the skin, 
it may take place as a local dropsy in any of the natural 
cavities or sacs of the body, and is named according to 
the parts involved. If the accumulation occur in the 
ventricles of the brain, it is called hydrocephalus; if in 
the membrane that lines the surface of the lungs, hydro- 
thorax; if in the membrane of the heart, hydropericar- 
dium; if in the membrane of the intestine, ascites. 
According to Murchison, there are three forms of 
dropsy—partial dropsy, dropsy at first partial but after- 
wards becoming general, and dropsy which is general 
from the first. 1. Partial dropsy is always due to exces- 
sive venous repletion ; and this over-distension of the small 
veins is the result of some mechanical impediment to the 
venous circulation. Dropsy due to obstructed portal cir- CHARACTERISTICS. 
199 
culation may be recognized by the following clinical 
characters. It begins in the abdomen ; difficult breathing 
follows, but does not precede the ascites; there is a 
tendency to vomiting, diarrhea and piles. Further, the 
spleen becomes enlarged, and there are varicose veins on 
the right side of the abdomen. 2. Dropsy at lirst partial 
but afterwards becoming general, commences in the feet 
and extends upwards ; and this is also due to excessive 
venous repletion, from obstructed venous circulation. 3. 
Dropsy invading all parts of the body at once is due to 
diminished exhalation in one part, leading to compensatory 
exhalation in another. This is almost invariably renal, 
and albumen is present in the urine. Here dropsy results 
from diminished exhalation of water from the kidneys, 
and is consequently chiefly met with in those forms of 
kidney-disease in which the tubes are blocked up by diseased 
or inflammatory products. 
Character of the Swellings—Dropsical swellings 
are soft, inelastic, diffused, and leave for some time the 
indentation made by the pressure of a finger. In chronic 
cases, and when the swelling is very great, the skin be- 
comes smooth, glassy, and of a dull-red or purple color; 
and where the skin is less elastic, it becomes livid or 
blackish, and troublesome, even gangrenous; or sloughs 
may form. 
The most common attack of this disease is the dropsy 
of the abdomen, called ascites, which is easily distin- 
guished by a sense of weight or swelling of the abdomen, 
with a gradual accumulation of water; the weight being 
felt on the side on which the patient generally lies. 
Dropsy is usually the effect of other diseases. It 
sometimes arises from pressure upon the blood-vessels, as 
in pregnancy and tumors. It is especially produced by 200 
DKOPSY. 
intemperance ; for drunkenness more frequently produces 
this disease than any other cause. 
In treating dropsy, of whatever organ, it is necessary 
to use such remedies as will act on the kidneys and skin, 
and excite them to increased activity. The result of this 
activity is, to diminish the fluids which have collected in 
one or another part of the body, and remain there un- 
absorbed, and cause them to be taken up by the kidneys, 
or thrown off by the skin, and thus carried out of the 
system through the natural outlets. Any remedy that 
accomplishes this object effectively, cures dropsy occurring 
in any part of the body; so that, in general, dropsy of 
the bowels, chest, etc., may be treated by similar rem- 
edies, with the reasonable expectation of securing similar 
beneficial results. 
Remedies—1. The common elder, which grows in 
all parts of the country, has become a very popular remedy 
for this disease. It is very simple, yet it has cured 
many cases. 
It is made by boiling three handfuls of the inner 
bark in a quart of milk and water to 1 pint; half 
of which is to be taken morning and night, every day 
until cured. 
2. Take two drachms of the leaves of the fox-glove 
{Digitalis), and steep it for twenty minutes in a pint of 
water, and give one teaspoonful of the tea thus made, 
every three hours ; and, if the case is severe, it may be 
given every two hours. The remedy acts powerfully upon 
the absorbents, and also carries off, through the kidneys, 
large quantities of water ; at the same time, it strengthens 
the action of the heart and otherwise stimulates the cir- 
culation generally. Digitalis is generally cultivated in 
flower-gardens, and can be obtained at all drug-stores. 
It is a powerful medicine, and should be used with care; REMEDIES. 
201 
but this should not interfere with its use, for it is harm- 
less when properly employed. In this disease, as in many 
others, it is seldom equaled in effecting a cure. It is 
almost a specific in dropsy of the chest, and valuable in 
all dropsical affections. It may be had at the drug-stores, 
either in its crude form—that is, the leaves—or it can be 
obtained in the form of a tincture. The tincture, however, 
is not as reliable as the infusion made as above directed, 
but will answer the purpose. The dose of the tincture 
would be, five drops three or four times daily. 
3. The common rag-weed is another excellent remedy. 
In one case, where the patient seemed almost at the point 
of death, immediately after giving the rag-weed the water 
was carried off, the distressing and threatening symptoms 
passed quickly away, and the patient needed no other 
medicine, but made a speedy recovery. Prepare by making 
a strong decoction of the weed, and then add a table- 
spoonful of fox-glove (Digitalis) tea to a pint of the 
decoction. Take four or five tumblerfuls a day, according 
to the apparent necessity. 
4. “The grape vine,” says a medical author, “is 
found to be one among the most valuable medicines known 
for the dropsy. It is prepared by taking the inner bark 
of the vine and burning it to ashes. The dose is a tea- 
spoonful added to a wineglassful of Catawba or Madeira 
wine, three times a day. Increase it to two teaspoonfuls 
when it can be borne on the stomach. The bowels are 
to be kept open with some mild purgative. The vapor- 
bath should be used at least once a day.” 
5. It is said that the checkerberry (Mitchella Raepens ) 
has recently been discovered to be a remarkable cure for 
the dropsy. It is made into a decoction, and drunk freely, 
every two or three hours during the day. This herb is 202 
DROPSY. 
also known by the names of Winter-Clover and Squaw- 
Vine. 
Very recently, the winter-green has attained a very 
high reputation in the treatment of this disease, especially, 
dropsy following scarlet fever and measles. Prof. Goss, 
author of the “New Materia Medica,” says, “ If I had 
to depend upon one single remedy in this disease, I be- 
lieve I would as soon risk this one, as any other in the 
entire Materia Medica.” 
Accessory Treatment™! dry, soft and moder- 
ately warm atmosphere is generally most suitable; and 
if the dropsy be at all owing to climatic influences, or to 
any local disease, a change of residence is necessary. 
A damp climate or soil is particularly unfavorable. In 
acute dropsy the diet should be similar to that in acute 
fever ; in chronic dropsy patients require nourishing diet, 
but on account of the extreme feebleness commonly 
present, only easily digestible food should be taken. To 
allay the burning thirst often experienced, cold water is 
the best beverage ; but any other that the patient desires, 
if not positively injurious, may be taken. Water may be 
said to be a real restorative, for it increases the amount 
of fluids excreted to an extent greater than its own bulk; 
it also tends to improve the appetite and strengthen the 
pulse, while it diminishes the dropsical collections. It 
will thus be seen that the common notion that drinking 
water increases dropsy is quite erroneous. 
Warm baths for promoting perspiration, small doses 
of Hollands, tapping, and other palliative measures 
may sometimes be necessary, but the propriety of such 
means can only be decided by the circumstances of each 
individual case. DIPHTHERIA. 
203 
DIPHTHERIA. 
Causes—Impure air, from imperfect drainage, living 
too near manure-deposits, slaughter-houses, or where 
animal substances are in a state of decomposition. It 
commonly occurs as an epidemic, and a solitary case may 
prove a focus for spreading the disease. The severity of 
the attack seems to depend as much on the health of the 
patient as on the character of the infecting source. 
Symptoms—Diphtheria is divisible into two forms, 
simple and malignant. In the simple variety, happily the 
most common, the symptoms are at first so mild as to 
excite little complaint beyond slight difficulty of swallowing, 
or pain in the throat, burning skin, pains in the limbs, etc. 
Malignant diphtheria is ushered in with severe fever, 
rigors, vomiting, or purging, sudden, great prostration 
and restlessness, anxious countenance, etc., pointing to 
some overwhelming disease, under which the system is 
laboring. The skin is hot, the face flushed, the throat 
sore, and the mucous membrane of the throat bright-red; 
the tonsils are swollen, and grey or white patches of 
deposit appear on them, small at first, but gradually en- 
larging, so that one patch merges into another, forming 
a false membrane in the throat, rendering swallowing and 
even breathing difficult. In some cases, the false mem- 
brane has been detached, and after extreme efforts ejected, 
presenting nearly an exact mould of the throat. The ex- 
udation of diphtheria may be distinguished from a slough 
by its easily crumbling, by the facility with which it can 
often be detached, and by the surface thus exposed being 
red, but not ulcerated. The false membrane looks like 
dirty wash-leather ; and between it and the true membrane 
an offensive bloody discharge exudes, imparting to the 
patient’s breath a most repulsive odor. The glands of the 204 
DIPHTHERIA. 
neck are always enlarged, sometimes pain is felt in the 
ear, and there is generally stiffness of the neck ; the in- 
flammation is liable to extend rapidly, in consequence of 
the continuity of the lining membrane of the throat with 
the mouth, nose, windpipe, and even the air-tubes of the 
lungs. If the disease progress, the patient passes into a 
stupor, and the difficulty of swallowing or breathing in- 
creases, till the false membrane is forcibly ejected, or the 
patient dies from suffocation, the exudation blocking up 
the air-tubes; or, more frequently, he sinks from ex- 
haustion, similar to that observed in typhoid fever. 
Dangerous Symptoms—Increased fetor of the 
breath, a quick, feeble, or very slow pulse; persistent 
vomiting; drowsiness and delirium ; bleeding from the 
nose; extension of the disease to the lining of the nose ; 
difficult breathing; suppressed urine ; increase of tem- 
perature. 
Distinguishing Characteristics—This disease may 
be known from quinsy, by the manner in which the 
patient swallows. In quinsy, the patient usually shuts 
the eyes, leans the head forward, and swallows quickly; 
while, in diphtheria, the face and chin are raised, the eyes 
are usually wide open and staring, and the act of swal- 
lowing is performed slowly. The act of swallowing, in 
quinsy and sore throat, seems to cause severe pain; while, 
in diphtheria, swallowing does not seem so much painful 
as difficult. 
Diphtheria may be readily known from croup, from 
the fact that it is not attended with cough; while a 
peculiar cough is one of the characteristic symptoms of 
croup. In diphtheria, the nose seems to be stopped up, 
or discharges a watery fluid, which gives to the voice a 
sort of nasal character, not met with in croup, or any 
other form of sore throat. REMEDIES. 
205 
Remedies—1. The simple remedy of kerosene oil 
has cured many severe cases of diphtheria, and it may yet 
prove to be unparalleled for the cure of this disease. It 
is used in form of a gargle, and, at the same time, the 
patient should take from two to ten drops, according to 
age, every two hours ; and it may be employed as a lini- 
ment to the throat and neck. 
2. The black-snake root, otherwise called black co- 
hosh ( Cimicifuga Racemosa), is a valuable remedy in this 
disease. It is used both locally as a gargle, and taken 
internally. 
As a gargle, one teaspoonful of the tincture is added 
to four tablespoonfuls of water, and used every hour while 
awake, for twenty-four hours, or until the progress of the 
disease is arrested; after which the intervals may be ex- 
tended to two or three hours, according to the necessity 
of the case. 
This remedy has been used with the most gratifying 
results in the treatment and cure of this disease. 
3. I have met with the greatest success and beneficial 
results, by dissolving a quantity of the permanganate of 
potash in water. As much of the potash as would equal 
in size a kernel of wheat, in half a teacupful of water. 
Dose, for a small child, half a teaspoonful, every three or 
four hours. Double the dose for an adult. 
4. To one gill of soft water, add one teaspoonful 
of dilute sulphuric acid, and of this give a teaspoonful 
every three hours, and in severe cases every one or two 
hours. For infants at the breast, double the amount of 
water used, and halve the dose. This is a celebrated Aus- 
tralian remedy, and was published by the authority of the 
government there for the use of the people. 
5. A simple and successful treatment of diphtheria 
may be found in the use of lemon-juice. Gargle the throat 206 
DIPHTHERIA. 
with it, at the same time swallowing a portion of the same. 
A French physician claims that he saved his own life by this 
pleasant remedy. 
A medicine which cures one person, will not always pro- 
duce the same effect in another ; it, therefore, becomes neces- 
sary to resort to various remedies. Hence, in this disease, 
we give a number of them, and the best now in general use. 
6. When malignant or putrid symptoms appear at any 
time in the disease, a gargle of one teaspoonful of chloride 
of lime, to half a pint of water, will be found very servicea- 
ble. 
Local Treatment—At the commencement, a large, 
thick, hot poultice may be applied around the throat; but 
in advanced, severe cases, external applications are inadmis- 
sible, as they rather tend to increase the swelling and extend 
the disease. The inside of the throat may be steamed with 
the vapor of water and acetic acid, or a wineglassful of strong 
vinegar to a pint of boiling water. 
Fumigation by Burning Sulphur—In the recent 
report of a Royal Commission on Diphtheria in Victoria, the 
value of sulphurous acid, administered in the gaseous form, 
is dwelt upon with great force, and we reproduce the recom- 
mendations here under the conviction that the result's of this 
treatment will be highly satisfactory. The fumigation of 
patients is recommended to be carried out much in the same 
manner as that of fumigating infected clothes and rooms. 
If thoroughly and properly used, the Commission thinks 
it will bring diphtheria into the catalogue of zymotic dis- 
eases, the treatment of which is thoroughly under the con- 
trol of the profession. But in adopting it there must be 
no half-measures. By keeping the apartment filled with 
fumes of burning sulphur, which are more trustworthy 
than the spray of sulphurous acid, all risk of imperfect 
instruments is avoided, and it can be used with thorough 207 
BATHS, DIET, ETC. 
effect in the case of children, without the desperate strug- 
gles and depressing effects which are so much deprecated by 
practitioners. The report strongly recommends every 
householder in Victoria to keep a supply of crude sulphur 
in the house, as its fumes are the most powerful disinfect- 
ant we possess ; and in diseases of the throat and air-pas- 
sages threatening diphtheria, it is a remedy which may be 
used on every occasion with the utmost benefit till medical 
aid can be obtained. Its extreme simplicity is a great re- 
commendation, for all that is required is to sprinkle a small 
quantity of sulphur on a piece of burning wood, or a few 
live coals in a room, all the apertures of which are closed 
up, till the room is filled with the fumes. 
Warm Vapor—The temperature of the room should 
be maintained at about 68° Fahr., and the atmosphere 
made moist by the steam from a kettle, with a long spout, 
constantly boiling on the fire. 
Warm Baths—These are valuable accessories. The 
skin is hot and dry, the urine is often suppressed, the bow- 
els confined, and thus the poison is retained in the system. 
Warm baths, and drinking freely of cold water, often re- 
store the functions of the skin, the bladder and the bow- 
els. 
Diet, Etc.—The strength of the patient must be 
sustained, from the very commencement of the disease, 
by nourishment, and he must be urged to swallow it in 
spite of the pain which it occasions. Eggs beaten up in 
milk, or in brandy with water and sugar ; beef-tea slightly 
thickened with rice or pearl-barley; arrow-root or sago, 
with port or sherry. Sudden, extreme prostration requires 
wine or brandy. One teaspoonful to four of water, given 
in teaspoonful doses, every ten or fifteen minutes. 
Children who persistently refuse to swallow must have 208 
DirUTHERlA. 
nutritive injections, in bad cases. The injections should 
be repeated every two to four hours, and consist of 
about one ounce or two tablespoonfuls at a time. 
In cases where the patient is so low that he cannot 
swallow, beef-tea and Avine, a tablespoonful of each, should 
be injected into the bowels every two hours, for a child 
six A'ears old; milk, or mutton-broth, may be occasionally 
substituted for the beef-tea; and even where the patient 
can swallow, but does not take enough nourishment to 
sustain him, these injections should be used. 
If vomiting occur, sucking small pieces of ice will tend 
to allay it. Ice also affords comfort to the patient, and 
favors the action of the kidneys. 
Convalescence—Much caution and patience are re- 
quired during convalescence, as relapses are prone to occur. 
Nourishing diet, rest, and change of air are of great util- 
ity. Nothing does so much good as a thorough change of 
air. 
Preventive Measures—The cess-pools should be 
emptied, and if too small or defective, new ones built. 
The house, water-closets, and local drainage should be 
thoroughly examined, and imperfections rectified; also, 
if necessary, chloride of zinc or of lime constantly kept 
therein, and thrown down the drains. All dust-holes and 
accumulations of refuse should be cleared away ; a plentiful 
supply of water kept in the house, and every room reg- 
ularly well cleaned, whitewashed, and thoroughly ventilated. 
See “ Preventive Measures,” under “ Scarlet Fever,” sec- 
tion 2, which is applicable to diphtheria. 
The great debility accompanying this disease precludes 
the possibility of the patient taking warm baths, except 
at the first stage. Sponging with acetic acid or vinegar 209 
DYSPEPSIA. 
(one part) and hot water (six parts) twice or three times 
a day is preferable. See page 456, vol. ii. 
DYSPEPSIA, OR INDIGESTION. 
Causes—Irregularities in diet, such as indulgence in 
the luxuries of the table, partaking of rich, highly- 
seasoned, heavy, fat, sour or bad food ; eating too quickly; 
imperfect mastication of food; eating too frequently, or, 
on the other hand, too long abstinence from food; the use 
of warm and relaxing drinks, green tea, coffee, tobacco, 
wine and alcoholic beverages ; too little out-of-door ex- 
ercise ; excessive bodily or mental exertion ; late hours ; 
exposure to cold and damp, etc. Business and family 
anxieties are frequent causes of dyspepsia, and their opera- 
tion is very general and extended, implicating not only the 
mucous coats of the stomach, but the liver, the bowels, and 
often the whole nervous system. “The battle of life” 
is too often fought, not only with much wear and tear, 
but with almost overwhelming anxieties and disappoint- 
ments ; and the digestive organs are often the first to 
suffer from depression of the mind. In this respect, the 
cause is often put for the effect, the common remark being 
that depression of spirits accompanies indigestion ; but it 
is more true to say that indigestion accompanies depressed 
spirits. When the mind is depressed by disappointment 
or anxiety, there is a corresponding depression of the 
nervous energies, and so the stomach, in common with 
other organs, loses vital energy. 
Hence, in the treatment of dyspepsia, the use of 
medicines and the observance of hygienic rules and habits 210 
DYSPEPSIA. 
must ever go hand in hand ; for the former, however cor- 
rectly prescribed, will alone be unavailing. 
Symptoms—These vary greatly, both in character 
and in intensity, but there is commonly one or more of 
the following: Impaired appetite, flatulence, nausea, and 
eructations which often bring up bitter or acid fluids; 
furred tongue, often flabby, large or indented at the 
sides ; foul taste or breath, heart-burn, pain, sensation of 
weight, and inconvenience or fullness after a meal; 
irregular action of the bowels, headache, diminished 
mental energy and alertness, dejection of spirits, palpi- 
tation of the heart or great vessels ; and various affec- 
tions in other organs. 
Remedies—1. A new remedy, now employed for 
dyspepsia, and one that is, perhaps, more highly extolled 
for the cure of this disease, where it is known, than any 
other in this country, is what is known as the chitim 
bark, or cascara sagrada (Rhamnus Purshiana). Steep one 
ounce of the bark in one-half a pint of water, for about 
twenty minutes. Dose, one tablespoonful, two or three 
times a day. Of the fluid extract, the dose is ten to 
fifteen drops, three times a day, in a little water. This 
preparation has already performed many remarkable cures. 
2. Dr. Whitaker, of California, gives the following 
comparatively new remedy for this distressing complaint, 
and says lie has cured, by the use of it, many of the 
worst cases, and that it acts almost like a charm in most 
forms of this disease. As yet, he has not known it to fail, 
when taken as directed : 
Essence of peppermint 1 teaspoonful. 
Saleratus 1 even teaspoonful. 
Water J tumblerful. 
Mix. GENERAL HABITS. 
211 
Dose, two teaspoonfuls twenty or thirty minutes be- 
fore each meal, and on retiring at night. 
3. Golden seal may be ranked among the effectual 
remedies for some forms of dyspepsia. Dose of the tinc- 
ture, one teaspoonful, every night and morning. 
4. The following is a good remedy: Take one-half 
teaspoonful, each, of cooking-soda and the inner peeling 
of the gizzard of a chicken or turkey, dried and pulver- 
ized. Use it immediately after each meal. This is an 
old remedy, but those who are not acquainted with the 
virtue and curative power of this preparation, will be 
surprised at its prompt efficacy when they once make 
use of it. 
5. Take a piece of rennet the size of the hand, 
and put it into a little warm water, and let it soak over 
night; and of this liquid take two tablespoonfuls, twice 
daily. Occasionally renew the rennet. This remedy has 
often proved efficacious, and is highly recommended by 
some practitioners. 
Other remedies might be added, but the above are 
some of the best in general use. 
Dyspeptic patients should carefully examine the di- 
rections given in the following pages, for a cure will 
often depend on a compliance with these instructions. 
Additional information may be obtained from the ar- 
ticle entitled, “ Diet for Dyspepsia,” in second volume. 
General Habits—Mental or bodily occupations should 
not be renewed immediately after a full meal; nor should 
food be taken without a few minutes pause, after exhaus- 
tive fatigue. Violent muscular or mental exertions arrest 
digestion by engaging the nervous energies in other direc- 
tions. The weary man—whether weary from the sweat of 
the brow or the sweat of the brain—should rest before 
he eats ; and if the cause of fatigue has been in opera- 212 
DYSPEPSIA. 
tion till the time of rest approaches, solid food may then 
be productive of the most serious results.—\_Ellis. 
The following is a cure for dyspepsia without medi- 
cine : 
It is plain inference that, as wrong diet often brings 
on this disease, a right regimen will cure it. You need 
not, in this case, take any medicine at all. The first tiling 
to be observed is, plenty of gentle, healthful, out-door 
exercise; then, eat your meals at precisely the same hour 
every day, and eat nothing between meals. Use no to- 
bacco, tea, coffee, spirituous or malt liquors. Avoid, as 
far as possible, all that might occasion anxiety or trouble. 
Your diet need not be unnaturally low—only do not 
eat food too highly seasoned, or overload the stomach ; 
and especially shun hot bread or biscuit. A moderate 
quantity of simple food, well chewed, is what you need. 
Take plenty of time at your meals ; never eat in a hurry, 
and never eat so much that you will not feel hungry at 
your next meal-time. The doctor may tell you to eat 
little and often; but this is just what does the mischief. 
Do not mind him, but follow nature; that is, follow all 
your innodent habits, which are all you can know of na- 
ture. Do not suffer him to put you out of the track of 
life-long custom, so that you may fall an easy victim to his 
medicines. Should you chance not to be hungy at meal- 
time, just miss a meaL It will do you no harm. If you 
are thirsty, drink warm milk or water,' or both, mixed 
and sweetened to your taste. You will find this more 
satisfying than cold drinks. 
For the sensation of heat in the stomach, common to 
dyspeptics, squeeze a piece of flannel out of cold water, 
and lay it, still quite wet, over the stomach, with a dry 
cloth over that, to prevent wetting the clothes. This may 
be used at any time, day or night; though the best time 213 
ACCESSORY TREATMENT. 
is at night, on going to bed, and then you can lay it aside 
in the morning; but, oil taking it off, bathe the part, 
wipe dry, and then rub it briskly with the hand. 
As to food, be governed by your own experience, 
and eat only such as digests easily. Close each meal witli 
two or three teaspoonfuls of wheat-bran moistened and made 
agreeable to your taste by the addition of a little cream 
and sugar. You will soon become quite fond of it, and 
regard it as the pleasantest part of your meal. This re- 
commendation is very important and valuable. We have 
known it to cure, perfectly, cases of dyspepsia of more 
than twenty years’ standing, which had resisted all the 
agencies of medicine, administered by the most accom- 
plished physicians. It is regarded, by those who have 
tried it, as simply infallible. You must remember, how- 
ever, should you eat, as a guest, at any other table than 
your own, always to carry your bran with you, and use it at 
the conclusion of your meal. These directions carefully 
observed, and you will soon cease to be a dyspeptic, without 
ever taking a single dose of medicine. 
Accessory Treatment—Dr. Ellis, in his Domestic 
Medical Work, recommends the following excellent acces- 
sory measures : “As in this disease the gastric juice is either 
lessened in quantity or deteriorated in quality, which allows 
the food to be decomposed instead of being digested, it 
is all-important that the patient abstain from drinking much 
at his meals. He may gratify his thirst at other periods. 
We can only expect to permanently cure this or any other 
chronic disease, by removing the cause; therefore, the 
reader will do well to consult the chapters on the use and 
and abuse of the digestive organs, the conditions requi- 
site for physical development and preservation, excessive 
labor and amusements. The patient should avoid all sub- 
stances which are of difficult digestion, or which disagree 214 
DYSPEPSIA. 
with him, and he must not be constantly trying different 
articles of food. As a general rule, he should avoid all 
vegetables, with the exception of well-boiled rice, Irish 
and sweet potatoes, and these should be cooked dry and 
mealy. Sweet peaches and ripe blackberries may be used 
with moderation. Good fresh milk can generally be taken, 
unless it disagrees with the patient. Sweet cream and good 
fresh butter, cold, may be used moderately with stale 
brown bread, rice, or potatoes. Also tender mutton, 
beef, venison, turkeys, chickens, partridges, and some of 
the smaller birds, if kept some time before being cooked, 
may be used; and even soft boiled-eggs are often allow- 
able. Salt may be used moderately, but all other condi- 
ments should be avoided. Among the above articles the 
patient will find all he needs, and he must confine him- 
self strictly to the above list, and above all things 
shun the use of stimulating drinks, for if they afford 
temporary relief, they are sure to weaken the stomach 
still more. Milk and hot water, only moderately sweet- 
ened, weak cocoa, and at most, weak black tea, are the 
best drinks. He should eat at regular hours, never more 
frequently than three times a day, and eat slowly, and 
masticate or chew his food well.” We therefore warn 
the busy, the solitary, or, on the other hand, those per- 
sons who talk too much during meal-time of the danger 
of neglecting to chew their food properly. As a rule, 
animal food is easier of digestion than vegetable, and it 
is well known that a weak stomach is much more liable to 
flatulence and other symptoms of indigestion, after 
vegetable food than after animal. Indeed, the teeth 
of man partake of an intermediate character, as 
he is no doubt intended to subsist both on animal and 
vegetable food ; so that a due admixture of both is probably 
more easily digested than a more or less exclusive use of DIABETES. 
215 
either. It is important to remember that starch is not a 
nitrogenous or flesh-forming substance. Foods, therefore, 
the chief constituent of which is starch, as potatoes, rice, 
sago, etc., should be eaten only as additions to food con- 
taining; a large amount of nitrogenous material. 
Further, it is especially necessary that the dyspeptic 
should select tender and perfectly fresh animal food, and 
have it cooked so as to retain all its natural juices. Hard, 
dried, cured meats—ham, tongue, sausages, and the like— 
are especially to be avoided. In the same category we 
may place veal, pork, twice-cooked meats, salmon, lob- 
sters, crabs, salads, cucumbers, raw vegetables, cheese, 
new-baked bread, coffee, and all other substances known 
to disagree with the patient. The last remark is important; 
for if pain or discomfort follow any kind of food or drink, 
it should be regarded as a warning to avoid it afterwards. 
The patient should not fail to examine the articles 
on “ Condiments,” and on “ Tea and Coffee.” 
See page 456, vol. ii. 
DIABETES (Excessive Flow of Urine). 
This disease is indicated by excessive discharges of 
sweet urine of a pale-yellowish or greenish-yellow color. 
The first symptom usually is the frequency of the calls 
to pass urine, with an increased quantity of it. Some- 
times the patient discovers that it is sweetish to the taste. 
The patient soon begins to be troubled with great thirst, 
the appetite often becomes craving, the mouth dry and 
parched. There is a sensation of sinking, with faintness 216 
DIABETES. 
at the pit of the stomach, and. other dyspeptic symptoms. 
The quantity of urine discharged usually varies from ten 
to twenty, and sometimes from thirty to fifty pints or more 
in twenty-four hours, and tins often for weeks or months 
together. Add a little yeast to some of the urine and 
set it down in a warm place, and if there is sugar present 
it will begin to ferment within twenty-four hours ; whereas, 
healthy urine will not go through the same process. This 
disease is very slow in its progress, sometimes lasting for 
many years. 
Remedies—1. An infusion of equal parts of cham- 
omile flowers and sage, drunk twice a day, in wineglass 
doses, will prove effective in many cases of this disease. 
2. A new and simple remedy has recently been in- 
troduced for the cure of this disease, which is composed 
of alum and milk. Its use has been attended with the 
best results, often curing in the short space of a week or 
ten days. It is prepared by adding two pints of milk to 
one and one-half drachms of alum. Dose, one gill, three 
times a day. 
Skim-Milk Treatment—Several cases have been 
reported in the medical journals, of diabetes in which the 
quantity of urine was steadily and greatly diminished, and 
the specific gravity correspondingly reduced, by restricting 
the patient to six pints of skimmed milk per day. This 
treatment is cheap, and patients can adopt it without in- 
terfering with their usual occupations. Mr. H, May 
(Birmingham) gave five pints of milk a day to a diabetic 
patient, and in six weeks the specific gravity fell from 
1*040 to 1*017; the patient at the same time became 
stout, and stronger than she had been for years. Dr. 
Donkin has also successfully prescribed it; but he insists 
that “ skim-milk loses its curative power altogether, and 
becomes valueless as a remedy in diabetes, when admin- TREATMENT. 
217 
istered in combination with solid animal or other nitroge- 
nous food. By the skim-milk treatment,” he says, “ I 
mean the administration of skim-milk properly prepared, 
in quantities measured and limited to the requirements of 
individual cases, given at regular intervals in definite doses, 
and to the exclusion of all other food for a longer or 
shorter period. This system of treatment, in short, must 
be pursued in a strictly methodical manner, and according 
to rule; and if this is not done, success must not be 
expected.” lie gives seven to ten pints, according to cir- 
cumstances, divided into meals taken at regular intervals. 
Two or three pints may be made into curd, daily, by the 
essence of rennet. Dropsy has also been very successfully 
treated with milk-diet in India. Hence, we may presume 
that skim-milk has some physiological effect on the kidney 
and its secretions. After the skim-milk has been taken 
for about six weeks, almost every variety of animal food 
may be taken once, twice, or thrice daily, and bran-biscuits, 
gluten-bread, diabetic bread, may be added by degrees 
to the diet. 
3. A professor in a medical college in California 
writes, “ The best remedy we have used, in this part of the 
country, for diabetes, is the water hoarhound; called 
bugleweed; botanieally, it is the Lycopus Virginicus. 
The best way to prepare it is, to make a tincture of it, 
as follows: Gather the herb while in blossom, and care- 
fully dry it in the shade. When dry, pulverize between 
the hands, and put it into a suitable bottle. To each 
eight ounces of the herb, add two-thirds of a pint of 
alcohol, and one-third of a pint of water. Let it stand 
ten days, and it will be ready for use. 
“ The dose is, one teaspoonful, four or five times a 
day; and, as the disease is a stubborn one to cure, it 
will have to be persevered in for some time.” The herb 218 
DIABETES. 
answers a good purpose when steeped and drunk as a tea. 
In this form, it is often as efficacious as the tincture. It 
can be found in all drug-stores. 
“ The treatment next in favor,” continues the Doctor, 
“ is the use of the bird’s knot grass, known also, as door- 
yard grass, chickweed, etc., and found in nearly every 
door-yard. Botanically, it is the Polygonum Aviculare. 
This should be prepared as the bugleweed, and taken 
freely, and continued as above.” 
Accessory Treatment—Amylaceous food (such as 
contains starch), and every substance containing sugar, or 
that is readily convertible into it, should be avoided. 
Potatoes and fine flour in every form should be omitted. 
The most nutritious food should be preferred, and the 
greater proportion consumed in the fresh state. Fat meat, 
fish, oysters, eggs, milk, good soups thickened with finely 
powdered bran, cocoa prepared from the nibs, lettuce 
with oil, vinegar, etc., may be taken, if they agree, and be 
varied to suit the patient. The action of all articles must 
be watched, and anything that occasions indigestion avoided. 
As a substitute for ordinary bread, bran-bread or bran- 
cakes, or ground almond-powder made into bread or 
biscuits, with eggs, are recommended. “Diabetic bread” 
made of the following ingredients bears a closer resem- 
blance to ordinary brown-bread than any previously sug- 
gested, and is often found more palatable. To eight parts 
of gluten add two parts of bran nearly free from starch, 
and a small quantity of butter. It is more nutritious 
than any other, and prevents or corrects constipation. 
The excessive thirst of diabetic patients may be gratified, 
as fluids aid in the elimination of the sugar in the blood, 
and patients become greatly depressed if they are not 
allowed to drink as much water as they desire. Warm 
baths, the use of flannel, and a warm climate are valuable DANDRUFF. 
219 
accessories in the cure of diabetes. Dr. Bouchardat recom- 
mends “ laborious bodily exercise, especially gymnastics,” 
observing that profuse perspiration on farinaceous food 
lessened sugar in the urine. It is difficult, if not impos- 
sible, to cure this disease in a person who is in the daily 
habit of using intoxicating liquors. 
DANDRUFF. 
Remedies—Wear the hair short, and let the head 
covering be as light and well ventilated as possible. Avoid 
applications of all kinds of grease, or dyes. Wash the 
head every two or three days with cold water, and follow 
each washing by vigorous rubbing with the balls of the 
fingers. The better the general health, the less tendency 
there is to the accumulation of dandruff. 
1. Take a teaspoonful of refined, powdered borax. 
Dissolve it in one-half a tumblerful of water, and, before 
using, brush the head well. Then, wet the brush with this 
solution and apply to the head. Follow this practice every 
day or two, and in the period of a week, you will accom- 
plish your desired object, with the head and the hair 
entirely renovated. 
2. Glycerine, one ounce ; borax, three teaspoonfuls ; 
water, one pint. Mix. Use the same as the above. 
3. Carbolic acid, diluted and perfumed, makes one 
of the best hair-washes, and its occasional use tends to 
remove dandruff. 220 
DELIRIUM TREMENS. 
DELIRIUM TREMENS. 
The suspension of the habitual use of alcoholic or 
fermented liquors is the cause of this disease, and it is 
more liable to occur with steady drinkers, than with those 
who only take an occasional “ spree.” 
Symptoms—Trembling of the tongue, when the 
patient attempts to protrude it, and twitching of the cords 
in his wrists, are among the first. He appears frightened, 
and begins to see the most frightful or disgusting objects ; 
such as serpents, rats, toads and other loathsome reptiles 
and vermin, crawling over his head, his person, or about 
his room; and he hunts them among his bed-clothes. 
He is always afraid. Robbers, officers or creditors are 
after him. He imagines that he hears them, conspiring 
against him. He sees knives and fire-arms pointed at him, 
strives to escape from his tormentors, and is liable to 
injure himself or others, in striving to protect himself 
or escape. 
Treatment—To prevent the full development of the 
disease, or cure it after it has been developed, in most 
cases, give the patient moderate but regular doses of 
brandy, and then withdraw the stimulant as the disease 
abates. A tablespoonful of brandy, in water, once in two 
hours, will, in many cases, be sufficient; but if the 
patient has been a hard drinker, he may require two table- 
spoonfuls, once in two hours, or even, in some severe cases, 
more frequently; and the brandy should be continued 
until the patient falls into a quiet sleep. When he awakes, 
it need not be repeated unless symptoms of the disease 
return, and it should never be continued longer than is 
absolutely necessary to relieve the visions and sleeplessness. 
For debility, give no stimulants, but only beef-tea, chicken- 
broth, mutton and beef. DELIRIUM TREMENS. 
221 
The treatment above indicated, and generally adopt- 
ed by the medical profession is, first, to allay the 
paroxysms and calm the nervous system by giving brandy 
and other spirits. But it is somewhat questionable 
whether this is the better course to pursue. 
The redness of the face, and the pulsation of the 
arteries and heart, indicate determination of blood to the 
head; therefore, the first course to pursue, is to equalize 
the circulation by bathing the feet and legs in warm lye- 
water, and then apply mustard-plasters to the bottoms of 
the feet, and nape of the neck, and give the most nutri- 
tive food that can be obtained. 
A successful plan is that of giving highly nutricious 
food, and procuring sleep by giving large doses of chloral. 
The first dose, say thirty grains, should be followed, un- 
less the patient sleeps, by a repetition of the remedy in 
one or two hours, but in smaller doses, say twenty grains. 
When sleep is induced, if prolonged, the patient 
may be aroused at the end of eight or ten hours, and 
made to take some nourishment. 
1. Large doses of the tincture of foxglove (Digitalis) 
an even teaspoonful, given at once, and repeated every 
two or three hours, have been useful in severe cases. 
2. It is said that a strong decoction of wormwood, 
taken freely, has been highly successful, in some Puri- 
tanical Hospitals, perhaps for the purpose of exciting the 
intense disgust of the patients for all kinds of spirituous 
liquors. We would suggest the addition of a little gall, 
as an additional means of securing the above purpose. 222 
DYSENTERY. 
DYSENTERY, OR BLOOD FLUX. 
There is a difference between this disease and diar- 
rhea. In the latter complaint, the discharges are more 
copious, thin and watery, than in the former. 
Dysentery usually commences with severe pains in 
the bowels, with frequent inclinations to go to stool, 
which is small in quantity and sometimes mixed with 
blood. There is generally a peculiar sensation of bear- 
ing down while at stool, as if the whole bowels were 
falling out, and accompanied with considerable pain. 
Sometimes chills and fever precede the symptoms, in 
other cases they either accompany them or soon follow, 
if the attack is at all severe. Griping pains in the 
abdomen, followed by discharges from the bowels, are 
the first prominent symptoms. 
Causes—This disease may be caused by unripe and 
acid fruits, indigestible food, cathartics, exposure to cold 
night-air after a hot day, and sudden changes of tem- 
perature. 
Remedies—1. Purchase at the drug store, or dig 
a handful of the bark of the root of the common willow. 
Make a tea of it, and drink one-half to one-fourth of a 
teacupful, three times a day. 
It is one of the best remedies in use for this dis- 
ease. 
2. Take butter, after being churned, without being 
salted or washed; clarify it over the fire like honey. 
Skim off all the milky particles when melted. Let the 
patient (if an adult) take two tablespoonfuls of the 
clarified remainder, two or three times a day. For the 
proper dose for a child, see “Table of Doses for 
Children.” 
This is a very effective remedy, and many families TO CUKE WITHOUT MEDICINE. 
223 
who have employed it, say they have never known it to 
fail to effect a cure. 
3. In many obstinate cases, the following remedy 
has acted almost like a charm : 
Try the tallow from fresh mutton-suet, and give a 
tablespoonful three times a day. Frequently, two or 
three doses are sufficient to effect a cure, and it is es- 
pecially good when there is much irritation of the 
bowels. 
4. The following is a favorite remedy with many 
people: To one-half a pint of water, add one table- 
spoonful of salt and two of vinegar. Dose, a wine- 
glassful every one or two hours. For children, the pro- 
portions should be one-fourth the amount of salt and 
vinegar. 
5. Take a large handful of garden-chickweed (knot- 
grass), bruise it well, and simmer it in milk for two hours ; 
strain. Of this give a tablespoonful, every hour or two. 
A little salt added, will increase its efficacy. 
To Cure Dysentery Without Medicine—Some 
people have the idea that the patient should eat all he 
can, to keep up the strength; but this is quite wrong. 
There is the greatest danger in too much eating. If you 
would cure the disease, without leaving any bad 
effect in the system, eat but little or, which is bet- 
ter, eat nothing at all for a few days, and when you com- 
mence eating again, eat only a little at a time, and not 
oftener than at regular meal-times. Should it become ne- 
cessary to take anything to keep up the strength, while 
the disease is on you, you may take a little flax-seed tea, 
or slippery-elm tea, or something else of a simple and 
light nature. 
Take a warm sitting-bath every day. After coming 
out of the water, dry the skin by wiping the whole sur- 224 
DYSENTERY. 
face with a towel. Then let some strong, healthy person rub 
the surface with his bare hands. Finally, cover the bowels 
with cotton, on which has been sprinkled a little gum-cam- 
phor. The stomach and bowels, feet and legs should be kept 
warm by external applications. Renew warm flannels 
often enough to keep the bowels, stomach and extremi- 
ties warm. Lie in bed most of the time, and do not be- 
come excited about anything. This treatment will usually 
effect a cure in a few days. 
When the disease becomes chronic, it takes a little 
longer to cure it. Eat sparingly, of wholesome food. 
Make a tea, of cloves and flax-seed, and occasionally sip it. 
Give an injection of tepid water after each passage; or, 
perhaps, it may be better to give an injection of slippery- 
elm tea, instead of water. 
Accessory Treatment—The patient should main- 
tain a recumbent posture in bed, in a well-ventilated apart- 
ment, and, in severe cases, use the bed-pan instead of 
getting up. Local applications afford great relief. If the 
pains are very severe, large, hot poultices, or flannels wrung 
out of hot water, should be applied over the abdomen, a 
second hot flannel being ready when the first is removed. 
Great benefit often results from injections, if there be not 
too much inflammation to admit of the introduction of the 
enema tube ; they may be administered after each evacua- 
tion, if they prove beneficial. The first two or three in- 
jections may consist of from half a pint to a pint of tepid 
water, the temperature being afterwards gradually reduced. 
Mucilaginous injections are also frequently of service. The 
drink should consist of cold water, toast-water, gum- 
water, barley-water, etc. ; the diet should be restricted to 
soda-water and milk, arrow-root, cocoa, broths, grape-juice 
and other liquid forms of food—all cold. Animal food and 
stimulants should be avoided ; when recovery has considerably DIARRHEA. 
225 
advanced, and in chronic cases, beef-tea and other animal 
broths may be taken. See page 456, vol. ii. 
Preventive Measures—Besides avoidance of the 
conditions pointed out under “Causes,” it is necessary 
promptly to remove, disinfect and bury the evacuations 
from a dysenteric patient, and to adopt the “Accessory” 
and “Precautionary Measures” pointed out under “Typhoid 
Fever.” 
DIARRHEA. 
Causes—Overeating may occasion diarrhea, by the 
mere quantity of the food introduced, but these results 
more commonly follow the mixture of various kinds of 
food and drink in one meal. 
Such are, especially, sour, unripe, or decaying fruits 
or vegetables; badly cooked food; fatty and rich food; 
various kinds of shell-fish ; putrid or diseased animal food. 
Impure water is a fruitful cause of diarrhea. Water 
contaminated with sewage or sewage gases, or with de- 
composing animal matter, is almost certain to occasion 
diarrhea. 
The heat of summer, the hot days but chilly nights 
and mornings of autumn, are frequent exciting causes of 
diarrhea; so is the application of cold to the perspiring 
body, or the sudden checking of perspiration. Hot 
weather is a frequent exciting cause of diarrhea, termed, 
on this account, summer-complaint. 
The depressing influences of fear or anxiety, or the 
violent excitement of anger are frequeut exciting causes. 226 
DIARRHEA. 
Symptoms—Nausea, flatulence, griping pain in the 
bowels; followed by loose actions, which may vary as 
regards consistence—being fluid or watery ; in their nature— 
slimy, bilious or bloody; and in their odor and color. 
Furred tongue, foul breath and acrid eructations are gen- 
erally superadded. The circulation, breathing and other 
functions are usually unaffected. In summer-diarrhea, the 
discharges are chiefly bilious, and there are often violent 
pains in the abdomen, cramps in the legs and great pros- 
tration. 
Remedies—1. Parch a pint of rice until it is per- 
fectly brown; then make a tea of it, and drink a teacup- 
ful at once, and the remaining part during the next six 
supceeding hours. This is an old, but generally prompt 
and effective remedy. 
2. Dr. Benjamin Clark states that in the East In- 
dies warm milk is regarded by many as a specific, which 
means an almost certain cure. One pint of warm, fresh, 
sweet milk, every four hours, will often check the most 
violent diarrhea, stomach-ache, dysentery and cholera. A 
gentlemen states he has tried it as often perhaps as fifty 
times in his own case, with unvarying success in from six 
to twelve hours. One man seemed to be dying from di- 
arrhea of eight months’ standing; in three weeks he 
was a hale, hearty man. 
3. A strong decoction of checkerberry, is said to be 
a soveriegn remedy in this disease. Dose, half a teacup- 
ful two or three times a day. 
4. Browned or parched rhubarb, made into a tea, and 
drunk freely, is likewise a good remedy. 
5. Another excellent one, for a watery or very loose 
discharge from the bowels, is to take, for an adult, a 
teaspoonful of starch, every one or two hours. Usually 
one to three doses will be sufficient to cure the disease. DIET, ETC. 
227 
6. The following is the old celebrated neutralizing 
mixture for all bowel difficulties : 
Take, of 
Rhubarb (pulverized) 2 scruples. 
Salaratus do 2 scruples. 
Peppermint plant do 2 scruples. 
Add half a pint of hot water, sweeten with sugar. Dose, 
one to two teaspoonfuls, every two to three hours, according 
to the urgency of the symptoms. Its operation and action ap- 
pear to be specific or almost infallible. When loose evacua- 
tions from the bowels afford relief, they should not be inter- 
ferred with, for they may be nature’s mode of curing disease. 
The evacuations following the too free indulgence of the table, 
or those of children during teething, are of this class. 
Diet—The diet may consist of barley-water, rice- 
water, gum-Arabic water, infusion of elm-bark, Iceland 
moss, sago with boiled milk, and toast-water. Well-boiled 
rice, flavored with powdered cinnamon, is one of the most 
digestible aliments, and is, therefore, very good. Fats, 
all acids, juicy vegetables and unripe fruits must be pro- 
hibited. Ale, porter a,id beer must not be used. As soon 
as the appetite returns, the tender part of the sirloin of 
beef, or boiled mutton, or chicken will be more readily di- 
gested than strong soups, which are exceedingly improper. 
Chronic Diarrhea—Simple Diarrhea remaining un- 
cured for sometime becomes chronic. In such cases the 
remedies must be of a soothing and tonic character. At 
the same time attention must be paid to the liver and 
skin, for both will be found more or less out of order. 
See “Liver Complaint.” 
Remedies—1. Take, for an adult, one drop of the 
oil of spearmint, three times a day. This is a new remedy, 
and seldom equaled. If the above quantity is not effect- 228 
DEAFNESS. 
ive, add another drop. Ordinarily, two or three doses 
will be sufficient. 
2. An infusion of the persimmon (Gum-Tree) 
bark, is esteemed a valuable remedy for chronic diarrhea. 
Dose, a tablespoonful three times a day. A syrup of 
the unripe fruit is reputed to be equal, if not superior to 
the bark for this purpose, employed in similar doses. 
A decoction of blackberry-root is also an admirable 
remedy in this complaint; it is both tonic and astringent, 
and may be relied on. 
Make a tea of butter-weed (Erigeron Canadense) by 
boiling two or three handfuls of it in sweet milk. 
Sweeten with white sugar, and drink one-half a teacupful 
or more, three times a day, and you have one of the 
surest remedies known in this disease. 
The butter-weed is known by the various names of 
Canada Jleabane, colt’s tail, pride-weed and horse-weed. 
See page 456, vol. ii. 
DEA F.N ESS. 
This affection may be owing to inflammation of the 
internal ear, to a relaxed condition of the drum of the 
ear, to paralysis of the nerve of hearing, or, to a collec- 
tion of wax in the ear. in the majority of cases, though, 
it is difficult to correctly determine the cause of the 
deafness. 
Remedies—1. Where there is want of secretion, or 
dryness of the ear, take, of glycerine, two teaspoonfuls; 
sweet oil, one teaspoonful. Mix. First cleanse the ear 
carefully, but thoroughly, with Castile-soap and water. 
When it is well dried, moisten the entire cavity of the REMEDIES. 
229 
ear with the above mixture, using a small feather for this 
purpose, repeating it every other day, and, about once a 
week, cleansing it as at first. If there seems to be a 
secretion of wax in excess, cleanse the ear as before, and 
apply the following : Glycerine, two teaspoonfuls ; strong 
infusion, or tea, of white-oak bark, one teaspoonful. Mix. 
Apply the same as the first, every other day. Deafness 
may be produced by cold. When this is the case, drink 
freely of smart-weed tea, or pleurisy-root tea, for a few 
days. 
2. Stew garlic in sweet-oil, strongly press, and strain. 
A few drops, each day, should be put into the ear from 
a warm teaspoon, and stop the ear with cotton or wool. 
You will find this remedy unsurpassed in this form of 
deafness, originating from cold. 
3. Put into the ear a few drops, once daily, of the fol- 
lowing mixture : Harlem oil, fifteen drops ; glycerine, one 
teaspoonful. Mix. It is often very effective. 
4. Another means, which sometimes succeeds, is to 
close the mouth tightly, and grasp the nose with the 
thumb and finger, take a full breath, and blow as hard 
as possible, allowing no air to escape, except what passes 
from the throat to the ear through the Eustachian tubes. 
This will often relieve the deafriess resulting from a cold. 
Other forms of this disease should come under the care of 
an accomplished aurist. 
5. Take, of carbonate of potash, five grains; gly- 
cerine, one-half ounce; water, one ounce. Mix. First, 
carefully syringe the ear, with Castile-soap and water; 
then put three or four drops of the above mixture into 
the ear, once or twice daily. This remedy has cured 
hundreds of cases of deafness, caused by catarrh—the 
result of cold. 230 
AFFECTIONS OF THE EAR. 
5. Prof. J. H. Bundy, of the California Medical 
College, recommends the following : 
Take, of sassafras-oil, five drops; sweet oil, half an 
ounce. Mix, and drop into the ear, once or twice a day. 
He says, “ This seldom if ever fails.” 
Dr. Thomas says, the following method has been 
employed, in some cases of severe and long-continued 
deafness, with great success and efficacy: 
‘ ‘ The mode of using it is to fill the mouth with the 
smoke of the strongest tobacco, instantly closing the mouth 
and nose, and then for the person to make all possible 
effort, as if he meant to force the smoke through his nose, 
which must be prevented by holding the nostrils very 
tight: this forces the smoke through the Eustachian tube 
© © 
into the ear. These efforts are to be repeated until one 
or both ears give a seeming crack, immediately on which 
the hearing returns.” 
This process is simple and cheap, and probably with- 
out hazard ; and, therefore, may be tried by any one who 
chooses to do so. 
GENERAL HINTS ON AFFECTIONS OF THE 
EAR. 
Wet or Damp Ears—A frequent cause of disease 
of the ear is the practice of leaving the head and ears of 
children imperfectly dry after washing. It is the more 
necessary to guard against this danger if there already 
exist any discharge from the ear. After bathing, the 
greatest care should be taken to dry the hair and ears 
thoroughly. As a further precaution, a piece of fine linen EPILEPTIC FITS. 
231 
or blotting-paper should be twisted into a coil, and gently 
introduced into the cavity of the ear, to absorb any re- 
maining moisture. 
Boxing the Ears—Parents, governesses, and others 
who have the care of children* should be aware of an 
accident very liable to occur from blows on the head, or 
boxing the ears ; namely, rupture of the membrana tym- 
panic a membrane which closes the bottom of the meatus, 
and is stretched something like the parchment of a drum. 
The accident may be recognized by a sense of shock in 
the ear, deafness, and a slight discharge of blood from 
the orifice ; and if examined by an ear speculum, the rent 
may be seen. There should be complete rest for several 
days, and a weak arnica-lotion used. 
EPILEPTIC FITS (Epilepsia). 
This disease is a sudden deprivation of all the senses, 
wherein the patient falls suddenly down and is affected 
with violent convulsive motions. Children, especially those 
who are delicately brought up, are most subject to it. It 
more frequently attacks men than women, and is very 
difficult to cure. When the epilepsy attacks children, 
there is reason to hope it may go off about the time of 
puberty; when it attacks any person after twenty years 
of age, the cure is difficult; but when after forty, a cure 
is hardly to be expected. If the fit continues only for a 
short space and returns seldom, there is reason to hope ; 
but if it continues long and returns frequently, the pros- 
pect is bad. It is a very unfavorable symptom when the 
patient is seized with the fits in his sleep. 232 
EPILEPTIC FITS. 
Causes—The epilepsy is sometimes hereditary. It 
may likewise proceed from frights of the mother when 
with child; from blows, bruises or wounds on the head; 
a collection of water, blood or serous humors in the 
brain ; a polypus ; tumors or concretions within the skull; 
excessive drinking; intense study; excess of venery; 
worms ; teething ; suppression of customary evacuations ; 
too great emptiness or repletion; violent passions or 
affections of the mind, as fear, joy, etc. ; hysteric affec- 
tions ; contagion received into the body, as the infection 
of the small pox, measles, etc. 
Symptoms—An epileptic fit is generally preceded 
by unusual weariness, pain of the head, dullness, giddi- 
ness, noise in the ears, dimness of sight, palpitation of 
the heart, disturbed sleep, difficult breathing ; the bowels 
are inflated with wind, the urine is in great quantity but 
thin, the complexion is pale, the extremities are cold, and 
the patient often feels, as it were, a stream of cold air 
ascending towards his head. 
In the fit, the patient generally makes an unusual 
noise; his thumbs are drawn in toward the palms of the 
hands; his eyes are distorted ; he starts and foams at 
the mouth; his extremities are bent and twisted various 
ways; he often discharges his semen, urine and feces in- 
voluntarily, and is quite destitute of all sense and reason. 
After the fit is over, his senses gradually return, and he 
complains of a kind of stupor, weariness and pain of his 
head, but has no remembrance of what happened to him 
during the fit. 
The fits are sometimes excited by violent affections 
of the mind, a debauch of liquor, excessive heat, cold, 
or the like. 
This disease, from the difficulty of investigating its 
causes and its strange symptoms, was formally attributed REMEDIES. 
233 
to the wrath of the gods, or the agency of evil spirits. 
In modern times it has often, by the vulgar, been im- 
puted to witchcraft or fascination. It depends, however, 
as much upon natural causes as any other malady; and 
its cure may often be effected by persisting in the use 
of proper means. 
Remedies—1. The ice-plant is a great remedy for 
the treatment of this kind of fits, especially in children. 
It may be given in powder, in doses of one-half to a 
teaspoonful, night and morning, in some warm lierb-tea, 
such as sage or pennyroyal, if convenient. Or the decoc- 
tion may be employed in teaspoonful doses. 
2. This disease has frequently been cured by the 
patient’s using almost an exclusive milk-diet. 
3. Dr. Henry states that several miserable patients have 
been radically cured of epileptic fits by the following pre- 
scription, in three or four weeks: Take one pound of 
fresh, green leaves of stramonium, pound them, press out 
the juice, put it in a pewter plate, and place in the sun 
to evaporate ; stir frequently, until the extract is fit for 
pills ; then give a small-sized pill of it night and morning. 
The dose may be increased to three times a day. 
4. I have found that fine salt has a very salutary 
effect in epilepsy. As soon as there are any premonitory 
symptoms, give a teaspoonful in a little water, and, if 
practicable, repeat in fifteen or twenty minutes; it pre- 
vents or shortens the fit. 
5. As soon as a person is taken with a fit of 
epilepsy, his face should be loosely covered with black 
silk, tying it over the head and neck, and covering the 
face with but one thickness. This novel method of cure 
Avas first adopted in Paris, with marked success, in that it 
rendered the fits gradually lighter, until at length they 234 
EPILEPTIC FITS. 
ceased altogether, and the patient remained permanently 
cured. 
Thus it often happens that a simple device or treat- 
ment, is far more efficacious and curative than the 
poisonous medicines so often administered by learned 
doctors. 
It will cost but a slight effort to give the above 
remedy a trial. 
Accessory Treatment—The patient’s tongue should 
be put back into his mouth, and a cork or linen pad fixed be- 
tween his molar teeth; he should be laid on a couch or 
rug, fresh air freely admitted around him, his head slightly 
raised, and all ligatures relaxed that interfere -with circu- 
lation and breathing. Throwing cold water on the face 
does no good; and restraint should not be exercised be- 
yond what is absolutely necessary. In epilepsy preceded 
by the aura, a firm ligature applied above the part where 
the sensation is felt is said to prevent the attack. After 
the fit, the patient should be allowed to pass undisturbed 
the period of sleep which follows. Hygienic treatment, 
especially such as the causes of the disease suggest, is of 
great importance. Under this head we would prominently 
mention sponging the body, and especially the head, every 
morning with cold water, quickly followed by rapid and 
thorough drying. Shower-baths do not usually agree, and 
bathing in the open sea is obviously dangerous. All 
violent emotions, excesses of every kind, and especially 
the precocious development or the unnatural excitation 
of the sexual instinct, must be strictly interdicted or pre- 
vented. 
Regular out-of-door exercise is beneficial, but it 
should never be carried too far, as fatigue often excites 
an attack. Epileptic patients require much rest and fre- 
quent change ; boys and girls should not on any account 235 
ENLARGED VEINS. 
sit at lessons for three or four consecutive hours. Studies 
and open-air recreations should be pleasantly blended. 
Should fright, disappointment, anxiety, or other mental 
influences tend to keep up the disease, a thorough change 
is necessary, including change of residence, companions 
and habits. “ All ambitious intellectual exertion, es- 
pecially rapid and discursive reading and writing against 
time, should be absolutely prohibited. But moderate em- 
ployment of the thoughts, especially on familiar and inter- 
esting hobbies, is useful in preventing that stagnation or 
concentration of the mind upon itself wdiich is so hurt- 
ful in all chronic complaints. Further, the mind re- 
quires exercise for its healthy growth. The diet should 
be almost exclusively vegetable, and taken regularly, in 
moderate quantities. As the appetite is often voracious, 
it should be judiciously controlled. 
ENLARGED, OR VARICOSE VEINS (Varices). 
Symptoms—The affected veins are dilated, tortuous, 
knotted, of a dull, leaden or purplish-blue color, with 
much discoloration of the parts, and some swelling 
of the limb. If a great many small cutaneous veins 
are alone affected, they present the appearance of a 
close network. The enlarged veins and local swelling 
diminish after taking the horizontal posture. 
Causes—Generally, conditions which induce more or 
less permanent distention or enlargement of the veins. 
Strains, or over-exertion of a part, may cause an afflux 
of blood into them and lead to their distention; stand- 
ing occupations favor the gravitation of blood to the 236 
ENLARGED VEINS. 
lower extremities; and further, the length of a vein may 
lead to its undue distention in consequence of the long 
column of blood it contains. Obstacles to the return of 
venous blood are such as tight garters or stays, a -tumor, 
or the pregnant womb. 
Remedies—1. The witch-hazel (llammamelis Vir- 
ginica), administered internally, and applied externally as 
a lotion, a compress, covered with oil-silk, and a well-ap- 
plied bandage, is often specific. Lotion: One part of 
the strong tincture, to six parts of water. For internal 
administration, five drops of the tincture are added to a 
tumblerful of water, and well mixed. Dose, one tea- 
spoonful, every two to four hours, according to the 
severity of the symptoms. This is one of the best 
curative means in this difficulty. 
2. For the engorged or feeble state of the veins, 
use a wash of alum-water, or an infusion of white-oak 
bark. When both can be procured, use them combined. 
Varicose Ulcers—Their treatment is the same as 
that of ulcers generally, with the exception of the following 
directions: Should a vein burst, excessive hemorrhage 
may suddenly take place, inducing fainting, or even death. 
The patient should be immediately placed flat on the floor, 
and the leg raised, when the hemorrhage generally ceases. 
A compress and bandage should then be applied to prevent 
subsequent bleeding. Excoriations or tender spots about 
varicose veins should have early attention, to obviate the 
formation of ulcers. 
The suppuration or discharge, in this as in other 
complaints, may be checked by drinking freely of cliamo- 
mile-tea. The power to control suppuration has been 
discovered as belonging to chamomile-flowers. 
Accessory Treatment—Moderate compression by 
accurately fitting bandages or laced stockings, so as to afford ERYSIPELAS. 
237 
that support to the blood which the valves can no longer 
give, and to prevent increased distention. The pressure 
should be very gentle and uniform, and be applied in the 
morning, before the patient puts his feet to the floor, and 
maintained until he retires to bed. Should only a small 
portion of a vein be enlarged, a piece of strapping-plaster 
may afford the requisite support. Prolonged exercise or 
standing should be abstained from, and after taking 
moderate exercise, the limb should be raised, and main- 
tained in a horizontal posture. Standing is more unfavor- 
able than walking. The leg should be well washed, and 
rubbed quite dry, every morning. 
In place of the laced stocking, mentioned above, the 
following may be employed : 
A strip of muslin, two or three inches wide, and long 
enough to wrap the foot and leg from the toes to the 
knee, or to a point above the swelling, may be used as a 
bandage, or means of. compression. Begin at the toes, 
and wind round the foot and leg, as tightly as can be 
worn without discomfort, allowing the edges of the layers 
to overlap each other a little. This should be removed 
twice a day, that the ulcers may be washed and dressed. 
ERYSIPELAS (St. Anthony’s Fire). 
Causes—Exposure to cold; impaired digestion; 
wounds, particularly from dissecting and surgical instru- 
ments ; badly ventilated and over-crowded apartments; 
certain conditions of the atmosphere ; and a morbid state 
of the blood from disease, the.habitual use of stimulants, 238 
ERYSIPELAS. 
etc., and consequent debility. The tendency of this disease 
to attack different parts simultaneously furnishes evidence 
of its origin in a bad condition of the blood. The chief 
exciting cause of erysipelas is a recent wound, and the 
predisposing cause is inattention to the laws of health, 
combined perhaps with a personal or family tendency to the 
disease. An incautious use of arnica we have repeatedly 
known to occasion an attack. 
Symptoms—Erysipelas, is known by a spreading, in- 
flammatory redness of the skin, with considerable puffy 
swelling, tenderness, burning, painful tingling and tension. 
The color varies from a faint-red to a dark-red or purplish 
color, becoming white under pressure, but resuming its 
former color on the removal of the pressure. An attack 
is usually ushered in with shivering, languor, headache, 
nausea, bilious vomiting, and the ordinary symptoms 
of inflammatory fever, accompanied or followed by in- 
flammation of the part affected. When erysipelas attacks 
the face, it nearly always commences at the side of the nose 
near the angle of the eye. 
Remedies—Applications, externally used, should 
always be put on warm, whatever form the disease may 
assume. This may be done by poultices, or cloths wrung 
out of hot water. Cold applications should never be made, 
as they interfere with the free circulation of the blood, 
and the nutrition of the part, and they always increase, 
rather than diminish, the Extent and severity of the 
disease. 
1. To one gill of brandy, add the juice of two 
lemons. Keep the affected parts well moistened with this 
until the inflammation is allayed. This is a prompt and 
an effectual cure for almost every case of erysipelas, if 
taken in time. 
2. Ordinary white beans are a sovereign remedy for REMEDIES, ETC. 
239 
erysipelas, and, for many patients, are all that is required 
to effect a cure. They are applied in the form of a soft 
poultice, by first boiling them. Poultices of all kinds, for 
this disease, should be kept constantly applied and frequently 
changed. 
3. A simple poultice made of cranberries, pounded 
fine, and applied in a raw state, has proved an effective 
remedy. 
4. Dr. M. Curtis gives the following simple applica- 
tion: Mix corn-meal with bay-rum; apply in the form 
of a large poultice, and change as often as it becomes dry. 
Continue the use of this application until the disease is 
relieved. He says, “This is-the best remedy I have found 
in my practice.” 
Diet—The diet should be light, nothing more than 
gruel, rice, toasted bread and cracker, until the fever lias 
abated and there is a return of appetite, when it may be 
gradually made more nourishing. In a malignant attack, 
if the vital forces seem to be giving way, it may be ne- 
cessary to resort to beef-tea or mutton-broth. 
Sweets, as preserves, candies, etc., raw fruits and 
vegetables, fish, veal-broths, lemonade or other causes of 
acidity, should not be used. Milk is an improper article 
in all erysipelatous cases, owing to the existing disposition 
of the stomach to acidity. 240 
sour: EYES. 
SORE EYES, OR INFLAMMATION OF THE 
EYES. 
The most common causes of sore eyes are external 
injuries, such as blows, bruises or other wounds on or 
about the eye; foreign bodies getting under the eye-lids; 
some of the eye-lashes growing too near the inner edges 
of the lids, or the ends turning inward and irritating the 
eye; exposure to cold; intemperance in drinking, reading 
or performing any kind of work requiring close attention 
of the eyes by candle-light. It also occasionally takes 
place from contagion, and often prevails as an epidemic. 
Inflammation of the eyes often comes on with a sen- 
sation as if sand had got into the eye. In some instances 
this complaint proceeds no further, but gradually goes off. 
But at other times it is followed by heat, redness and 
pricking, with darting pains. 
Remedies—1. The juice of the common grape-vine, 
used as an eye-water, two or three times a day, is one of 
the best remedies in use for some forms of sore eyes. 
2. Chronic Sore Eyes—The vialva, or cheese-weed, 
is very effectual, and has often cured when all other means 
had failed. The green herb is to be pounded thoroughly, 
and then applied in the form of a poultice. 
3. Take three tablespoonfuls of fresh lard and one 
of white precipitate ; rub them into a salve. Apply it on 
the outside of the lid of the eye, three times a day. This 
lias cured, even after the lashes had disappeared in conse- 
quence of the disease. 
4. A poultice, of slippery-elm bark, as many people 
know, is an admirable remedy in this complaint. Use 
the fresh bark when it can be obtained. 
5. Some of our grandmothers have recommended the 
following, and it often proves as good as it is simple: SORE EYES OF INFANTS. 
241 
When the eyes are inflamed and weak, break and pour 
out an egg, fresh from the shell, and the last drops from 
the shell drop into the eye, and repeat three times a 
day. In two or three days, the inflammation will subside, 
and the eyes will become strong. 
6. Weak salt-water has produced some surprising 
and unexpected cures of chronic sore-eyes, and this, too, 
in cases which had resisted months of treatment of various 
remedies. It is to he used as an eye-water, or wash, four 
or five times a day. 
Sore Eyes of Newly Born Infants—It is ofien 
the case, that newly born babes have sore eyes, about the 
third, sixth or seventh day after birth. For cases of this 
kind, take green tea, one-half teaspoonful; water, one- 
half teacupful; boil for four or five minutes. Strain. 
Bathe the eyes with this mixture two or three times a 
day. A drop or two may be put into the eyes after each 
bathing. 
In diseases of the eye, as well as in many others, it 
is often necessary to administer a variety of remedies. 
For what will cure one case, will not always do as much 
for another. 
A very useful remedy, for infants especially, is tepid 
milk and water, equal parts. Apply to the eyes with a 
soft linen or cotton cloth, four or five times a day. 
The following is given on the authority of Dr. Beach: 
“ I have cured blindness of one or two years’ standing, 
when the disease has depended on inflammation. I have 
merely ordered the feet to be bathed every night, or every 
other night, for a great length of time, and this treatment 
has recalled the blood from the head to the feet and sur- 
face, which, of course, lessens the pain and inflammation 
of the head.” 
Chronic Inflammation of the Bids—Mr. Camp- 242 
SORE EYES. 
bell, of Mississippi, sends us the following chapter in his 
domestic experience, which we give precisely as he furn- 
ished it to us, without the alteration of a word or phrase: 
“ My little boy, ten years of age, had been troubled 
from infancy with a scrofulous inflammation of the lids of 
the eyes, which, besides being very painful, seriously im- 
paired his sight. The lashes all fell out, and the margins 
of the lids were swollen and constantly covered with ul- 
cerous sores. I had in vain placed him for years under 
the care of the most eminent physicians; he continually 
grew worse. There was finally recommended to me an 
‘ old woman’s ’ remedy, which I tried, and which has 
wrought a perfect cure. I send it to you for the benefit 
of any other similar sufferer: 
“Put a peck of poke-root in ten galllons of water, 
and boil down to one gallon. Then strain out the pulp, 
add nine gallons more of water, and again boil down to 
one gallon. Place in a cellar, or any other cool place, 
where it is not likely to sour, and give, of this decoction, 
one-third teacupful, morning and night. Before the medi- 
cine is exhausted, the cure will be effected, if it works in 
other cases as in mine. Of course, the evaporation by 
boiling of the nineteen gallons of water, is for the simple 
purpose of neutralizing, or weakening, the poisonous prop- 
erties of the poke-root.” 
To Remove Films From the Eye—When films 
first begin to form on the eye, they can generally be re- 
moved by hen’s oil. Apply it, three times, a day to the film, 
with a camel’s hair pencil. Then hold away the lids for 
a short time, with the thumb and forefinger. But you 
will have a still surer and better preparation by bruis- 
ing and stewing a quantity of wintergreen leaves in the 
hen’s oil, enough to make it strong of the wintergreen; 
then strain before applying. 243 
TO REMOVE FILMS. 
The following is also highly recommended: To one- 
half pint of lime-water, add one-fourth ounce of verdi- 
gris ; steep for an hour; strain and bottle tightly for use. 
Touch the film over the pupil, or speck, with a brush, 
as before directed. Sometimes it will require two months 
to effect the cure. See page 460, vol. ii. DIVISION FOURTH. 
GENERAL DISEASES CONTINUED—FEVERS. 
TYPHUS, OR NERVOUS FEVER. 
The slow or nervous fever is distinguished from other 
kinds of fever by its effects on the nervous system. It is 
a peculiar form of fever, which may be spread by conta- 
gion, characterized by a torpid state of the brain or great 
lethargy, with great prostration of muscular power, and 
more or less delirium. It principally attacks those of a 
weakly constitution, and is generated in jails, hospitals, 
prison-ships and ill-ventilated apartments of the poor, and 
in damp, dirty cellars, cities and large towns. In a number 
of persons exposed to the contagion of typhus, some, 
although rarely, are attacked on the third or fourth day; 
others on the thirteenth; and some not under three 
months ; but the most common period of an attack after 
an exposure is, from the end of the first week to the 
middle of the third. 
Causes—Typhus fever may be produced by what- 
ever depresses the spirits or impoverishes the blood; by 
certain passions, watching, intense study, the use of poor 
diet or unripe fruits of any description. It may likewise CAUSES, ETC. 
245 
be produced by bleeding, mercury, and other minerals; 
by moist, close or impure air. Hence it is more prevalent 
in wet weather, and proves most fatal to those who live 
in small, filthy houses, narrow and dirty streets, hospitals, 
jails, and manufacturing or large towns. It generally at- 
tacks those who have been frequently bled and have taken 
mercury, and those who lead an irregular and licentious 
life, or whose constitutions have been broken from any 
cause whatever. It is occasioned by sudden transition 
from heat to cold, getting the feet or clothes wet, lying 
upon the damp ground, great fatigue or bodily exercise. 
These are all predisposing causes ; but the most frequent 
of all is infection or contagion communicated through the 
medium of an impure or heated air, by concentrated 
noxious effluvia arising from the body of a person laboring 
under the disease ; and although it may not be contagious 
in the commencement, or under proper regulations, yet it 
may become so from the want of ventilation, treatment, 
etc. Other fevers, as before intimated, sometimes degen- 
erate into typhus. This fever occurs sometimes in warm 
climates, but more generally in those that are cold and 
temperate ; often in cold, wet autumns. 
Symptoms—Typhus fever usually commences with 
a great degree of mildness in all its symptoms. It is 
generally preceded by slight indisposition for several days, 
succeeded by rigors or chills, debility, sighing and op- 
pression in breathing, with nausea and loss of appetite; 
with a certain unpleasant, uneasy sensation in the pit of 
the stomach. The countenance is pale and dejected, the 
eyes are dull and heavy, and there are often tremor of 
the extremities and a sense of weariness, both mental and 
corporeal. Towards evening there is some increase of 
these symptoms. In the course of a few days, as the 
disease progresses, there are oppression in the chest, pain 246 
TYPHUS FEVER. 
in the head, giddiness, confusion of intellect and great 
depression of nervous energy. There is sometimes a 
sinking or fainting, particularly when the patient attempts 
to sit up ; the tongue is dry, at first white, and afterwards 
coated with a dark-brown fur ; also the teeth are incrusted 
with the same, yet the patient seldom complains of thirst. 
There is a small, low, frequent and irregular pulse; a 
cold, unnatural and clammy perspiration breaks out upon 
the backs of the hands-, while the inside of them is hot; 
the skin is dry and constricted, and all the excretions 
diminish ; the bowels are usually costive ; intellects grow 
more confused; the patient becomes fretful, restless and 
watchful; the countenance more anxious and dejected; 
urine scanty and high-colored, or is pale and watery; 
sometimes there are catarrhal symptoms, with a short, 
dry cough; there is pain in the back, loins and extrem- 
ities, with a sense of soreness over the whole body ; sleep 
disturbed and unrefreshing; the functions of the brain 
become more and more disordered ; there is more or less 
deafness; delirium increases; indeed, body and mind 
seem, as it were, almost paralyzed. The patient has a 
great aversion to exercise, as well as to conversation. 
This stage of excitement generally continues about a week, 
when it terminates in a stage of prostration or great de- 
bility. The inflammatory symptoms subside, and a great 
weakness and sinking ensue. The body emaciates rapidly, 
and if the disease is suffered to progress, it daily assumes 
more formidable and unfavorable symptoms; there are 
fluttering and a very weak and intermitting pulse, with 
startings of the tendons, hiccoughs, etc. There are also, 
in violent cases, some eruptions on the surface, a peculiar 
hollow sound of the voice, and a swelling and tenderness 
of the bowels. The latter stages of fever are also attended 
with diarrhea, the discharges being very fetid, watery and SYMPTOMS. 
247 
acrid. There is also, generally, so much lethargy that 
it is with difficulty the patient can be aroused. 
There is, sometimes, one very prominent symptom in 
this complaint: this is, a very unequal circulation of the 
blood. It is common for the temperature of one part of 
the body to be about natural, while another part is un- 
natural. Again, it is very remarkable that, in the middle 
and latter stages of the complaint, the whole force of the 
disease is apparently withdrawn from every other part, 
except the nervous system. 
This fever frequently continues for some weeks, and 
terminates in such a state of prostration as to prove fatal; 
or, it degenerates into a malignant type; but when it 
terminates favorably, it generally subsides about the four- 
teenth or fifteenth day, by diarrhea, or by perspiration, 
diffused over the whole body. It often, however, con- 
tinues thirty or forty days, and finally subsides without 
any evident crisis. 
The symptoms of typhus fever may be summed up 
in a few paragraphs : 
1. Great prostration of strength. 
2. Great alteration in the blood and other fluids of 
the system. 
3. A morbid state of the digestive organs, occurring 
as secondary symptoms and not as primary. 
4. Agitation, anxiety, loss of sleep and delirium; 
spasms in various parts of the body ; respiration hurried, 
sometimes with cough and bloody expectorations; lips 
dry and parched; gums red and dry and covered with 
mucus; teeth crusted; tongue generally swelled and 
stiff ; great lethargy ; quick, small and irregular pulse ; 
thirst, nausea and vomiting. The passages from the bowels 
are very unhealthy and have a bad odor; there is flat- 
ulence and sometimes swelling of the abdomen. 248 
TYPHUS FEWER. 
Remedies—It is a question whether typhus can 
ever be cut short, or the definite course of the disease 
altered by the administration of remedies. Some con- 
tend that it may be broken up in the first stage; others 
believe that the disease must have its course. However, 
our experience amply proves that in the great majority 
of cases the violence of the symptoms can be held in 
check, the patient’s comfort greatly promoted and conva- 
lescence hastened, by judicious treatment. 
1. The oil of turpentine has long been a favorite 
form of treatment, in this disease, particularly when the 
tongue is dry and the abdomen is swollen by the pres- 
ence of gas. A good mode of administering it is, to 
add one teaspoonful to a half-teacupful of gum-Arabic 
water, and of this give one teaspoonful every four hours. 
It should be sweetened with loaf or white sugar. 
2. When nervous symptoms appear, give the fol- 
lowing : Infuse, one ounce each of camomile-flowers and 
lady’s slipper, in one pint of water, and give to the 
patient two teaspoonfuls every three or four hours. 
3. The best results are claimed, and would appear 
to follow, in the latter stages, from the use of some of 
the mineral acids, as elixir-vitriol. Add ten drops of 
this to half a tumblerful of water, and of this give one 
teaspoonful at a dose, and repeat every four hours. 
When putrid symptoms appear, such as foul breath 
and fetid discharges, offensive perspiration and general 
sinking of the vital powers, give a tablespoonful of yeast, 
every hour or two, throughout the day. 
If, from any cause, the yeast is not given, charcoal 
may be used in an infusion, made by steeping three 
ounces of elm-bark and half an ounce of wild-indigo 
root, in four pints of water. Of this, two tablespoonfuls, 
with a teaspoonful of the charcoal added, are a dose. ACCESSORY TREATMENT. 
249 
Yeast is a valuable remedy in this disease. Two 
tablespoonfuls, given to a patient every three hours, 
afforded immediate relief, and he recovered very quickly. 
The same thing was given to over thirty others, and re- 
stored them all. 
Accessory Treatment—A most powerful and valu- 
able remedy is, bathing in cold water. The earlier it is 
used the better; but, in advanced stages, sponging the 
body will be safer. Both modes are refreshing to the 
patient, and generally cause an abatement of fever. 
Bathing with cold water may be practiced at any hour of 
the day, when there is no sense of chilliness, or when the 
heat of the body is unnaturally great. 
During the cold stage, while there is much sense of 
chilliness, or if there is much perspiration, avoid the cold 
bath, for it is dangerous. In some cases, where the deli- 
cacy of the system forbids the use of cold water, a tepid 
bath may be substituted. Affections of the brain, 
attended by stupor and delirium, will be generally re- 
lieved by often bathing the temples with cold vinegar 
and water. 
Should there be any unusual coldness in the lower 
extremities, the warm bath should be used immediately, 
or some warm external applications, in order to restore 
the circulation. The bath will be improved, in such cases, 
by throwing in salt freely, and the patient should remain 
in it till his skin becomes warm. After this, he should 
be well rubbed dry, and warmed flannels and bottles of 
hot water should be applied to his feet, legs and under 
the arm-pits. 
When sleep has been disturbed by a disordered ner- 
vous system, or jerking of the nerves, three grains of 
camphor, dissolved in a wineglassful of water, is an 
admirable remedy. This dose may be given every two 250 
TYPHUS FEVER. 
hours, until the spirits are composed and sleep induced. 
If the patient has diarrhea, lime-water is a good 
remedy. 
The points of greatest importance may be briefly summed 
up as follows: The patient should be placed in a large, or 
at least in a well-ventilated room, so as to secure a con- 
tinuous and ample supply of fresh air. Cases occurring 
in close, crowded rooms, in which this prime hygienic con- 
dition cannot be secured, should be removed to a suitable 
place. There should be frequent changes of personal and 
bed-linen, and changes of posture to avoid congestion and 
bed-sores. Directly there is the least indication of a bed- 
sore, the part should be coated over with a layer of flexi- 
ble collodion. Food or beverages should be given in small 
quantities at regular and frequent intervals, including water, 
milk-and-water, tea, broth and beef-tea. It is extremely 
important that, from the first, nourishment should be given 
regularly and persistently. The tendency to death is by 
asthenia, or weakness; and, keeping that in mind, the pa- 
tient should be frequently supplied with small quantities 
of very nutritious food. In some cases in which the pa- 
tients obstinately refuse all food, or are unable to swal- 
low, life is often saved by nutritious or stimulating in- 
jections. Quiet should be secured in noisy streets, by 
stuffing the ears with cotton-wool; cleanliness ; sponging the 
whole surface of the body and carefully drying at least 
once a day; and intelligent and unremitting watching. 
There are some simple remedies, in this disease, that doubt- 
less do good, but the destruction of human life that has 
taken place in consequence of strong medicine administered, 
makes it apparent that it would have been better had none 
been given. 
Proper Nursing is the “saving ordinance” in typhus 
fever; but it is not such nursing as is usually given to pa- DIET, ETC. 
251 
tients by the would-be nurses who assume the manage- 
ment of them. Then let the nurse be one who is true, 
well-tried, and who properly understands the business. 
Diet—The diet, when the fever begins, to decline, 
should be nutritious. The first precaution is to separate 
the sick from the healthy, and thus cut off the intercourse 
between them. Purify both beds and the clothes from every 
particle of filth; the chambers must be often fumigated 
with good, sharp vinegar, or the burning of tar. 
On the first appearance of typhus, or any infectious 
disorder, great cleanliness should be observed, the rooms 
should be freely ventilated, and the floors washed fre- 
quently with strong soapsuds, and wiped as dry as possi- 
ble. 
As a purifier, the chloride of lime is among the best, 
and may be bought at any drug-store. 
Preventives—As disinfectants, fresh air, efficient 
ventilation, and cleanliness are of paramount importance. 
Use as additional means for avoiding contagion, but by no 
means as substitutes, white-washing with quick-lime, wash- 
ing the wood-work with soap and water, repapering in- 
fected rooms, cleansing the linen in water to which chlo- 
ride of lime has been added, and the use of carbolic acid 
in the water employed in sponging the patient—five drops 
of pure acid to a quart of water. Without cleanliness 
and fresh air, vinegar, camphor and other so-called pre- 
ventives are useless, and only disguise noxious vapors. 
Persons in attendance on the sick should especially avoid 
the breath and exhalations which arise on turning down the 
bed-clothes, as there is reason to believe that the poison of 
typhus is mainly thrown off by the lungs and the skin. 252 
TYPHOID FEVER. 
TYPHOID FEVER. 
This fever generally commences more gradually, is 
slower in progress and longer in duration than typhus. In 
the former, the bowels are constipated; but in the latter 
there is disposition to diarrhea, with soreness in the bowels 
on the left side of the abdomen; though these are not 
always present. Diarrhea may precede the fever symp- 
toms, begin with them, or set in during the latter stage 
of the disease. The common duration of typhoid fever is 
about ten days, though it may last fourteen, or linger 
through four or five weeks. 
Symptoms—This disease often comes on with a chill, 
followed by fever, though it sometimes comes on so grad- 
ually and insidiously that it is hard to fix the exact time 
of its beginning. The patient feels weary, has a slight 
headache, soreness of the limbs, and is generally indisposed 
to muscular exertion. The body is hot, and the extrem- 
ities cool. If the attack is severe, there are painful head- 
ache, deafness, delirium, cold extremities, burning heat of 
the body, frequent and small pulse and, during the later 
stages, dry tongue, filthy matter on the teeth, offensive 
breath and twitching of the tendons. There is the same ten- 
dency to hemorrhage as in typhus fever. Inflammation of 
the air-passages often occasions a troublesome cough ; and 
a similar irritation of the stomach causes vomiting. For 
the symptoms which indicate a fatal tendency, see “Ty- 
phus Fever.” 
Causes—The predisposing causes of this fever are 
all things which greatly depress the vital powers of the 
system; and we might say, truly, that no one can have 
it in its primary form, unless he is of naturally feeble 
vitality, or under the influence of some cause that produces 
depression at the time of exposure. If any cause, acting CAUSES. 
253 
upon the system, is very intense, the disease may be rapidly 
developed. Animal matter, in a state of decomposition, is 
the exciting cause. Prof. Liebig says, “An animal sub- 
stance, in the act of decomposition, or a substance generated 
from the component parts of a living body by disease, commu- 
cates its own condition to all parts of the system capable of 
entering into the same state, if no cause exists in these parts 
by which the change is counteracted or destroyed.” 
This fever may be epidemic, and the condition of the 
atmosphere, as to moisture and temperature, will determine 
the rate of its propagation. That the disease is contagious, 
in certain conditions, few will deny. From a person in low, 
typhoid fever, there is constantly given off, both in the ex- 
cretions and from the lungs, matter in a state of decom- 
position ; and if proper attention be not paid to ventila- 
tion and cleanliness, this matter will give rise to the same 
form of fever in all who come within their reach and are 
predisposed to disease. 
There are still other causes, such as surface-wells 
which are supplied with water filtered through cess-pools 
or adjacent church-yards, the nitrates of the soil imparting 
to the water deceptive, sparkling and pleasant qualities; 
the connecting of drinking-water cisterns with the water- 
closet pipe, or the sewer by a water-pipe, which also 
serves as an air-shaft by which the sewer gases rise into, 
and are dissolved by, the water which we are about to 
drink; the pollution of the air of our houses by sewage 
products through openings delusively “trapped,” but 
which pour their gases slowly into our chambers, which, 
by the rarefaction of the atmosphere, in winter especially, 
suck them in with great force. Extra fires and lights in 
the winter season, when outer doors and windows are 
closed, form a sort of pump, lessening the pressure upon 
the water-traps or the house-drain, and bring up the 254 
TYPHIOD FEVER. 
products of decomposition from the sewers. We too 
readily take for granted that the traps are air-tight and do 
not allow the gases to find ingress to our apartments. 
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN TYPHUS AND 
TYPHOID FEVER. 
TYPHUS. 
1. Comes on quickly, after 
incubating about nine days. 
2. The eruption is of a 
mulberry color, comes out in 
a single crop about the fourth 
or fifth day, and lasts until 
the termination of the dis- 
ease. The spots generally 
appear first on the extrem- 
ities. 
3. The brain is chiefly af- 
fected, and the bowels are 
often but little so ; the ab- 
domen is natural, and the 
evacuations dark, but never 
bloody. (These symptoms 
are occasionally reversed.) 
4. There is a dusky blush 
on the face, neck and shoul- 
ders, injected eyes and con- 
tracted pupils. 
5. Relapses are of rare oc- 
currence. 
3. Typhus arises from des- 
titution and overcrowding, 
TYPHOID. 
1. Commences slowly and 
insidiously, the period of in- 
cubation lasting about thir- 
teen days. 
2. The eruption consists 
of rose-colored spots, few in 
number, situated generally 
about the abdomen; comes 
in successive crops which in 
their turn fade and disappear. 
3. The bowels are chiefly 
affected, the evacuations be- 
ing ochre-colored and watery, 
with congestion of the intes- 
tinal mucous membrane, 
sometimes hemorrhage, or 
even ulceration, and the ab- 
domen is tumid. 
4. The expression is bright, 
the hectic blush is limited to 
the cheeks, and the pupils 
are dilated. 
5. Relapses frequently oc- 
cur, especially in certain ep- 
idemics. REMEDIES 
255 
with defective ventilation, 
and spreads by contagion. 
6. Typhoid arises from 
bad drainage and poisoned 
drinking-water—as from a 
drain leaking into a well— 
decomposing animal matter, 
etc., often with deficient rain- 
fall, certain electrical condi- 
tions, or an insufficient sup- 
ply of ozone. 
Remedies—Wild indigo (Baptism Tinctoria) has 
given excellent results in this disease ; and it is especially 
effective when there is foulness of the tongue. Infuse 
the bark of the root, for half an hour, in warm water, 
and give one tablespoonful every four hours. Of the 
tincture, five drops may be added to four tablespoonfuls 
of water, and given in teaspoonful doses, every two 
hours. 
In speaking of this remedy, Prof. J. M. Scudder, one 
of the leading lights of the United States, in the Ec- 
lectic Medical School, says, “It will cure typhoid fev- 
er, typhoid dysentery, typhoid pneumonia, typhoid sore 
throat, typho-malarial fever, or, indeed, typhoid any- 
thing 
Yeast has been employed in this disease, and with 
good success. It is prepared for use in the following 
manner: To half a pint, add one teacupful of mucilage, 
made by putting one teaspoonful of gum-Arabic or of flax- 
seed in a teacupful of water, together with thirty or forty 
drops of the spirits of camphor. Mix well, and give in 
tablespoonful doses, every four hours. This will arrest 
the tendency to putrefaction, or disease of the contents 
of the bowels, and the consequent symptoms of black 
tongue, and of small putrid spots on the surface of the 256 
TYPHOID FEVER. 
skill—these being more effectually removed by it than by 
any other means. 
As to purgatives, they are seldom required, and should 
there be accumulations in the bowels, it will be the better 
plan to remove them by injections; for, from the great 
tendency to diarrhea, from the use of physic, it will be 
safer to risk the drawbacks which may arise from intestinal 
accumulations than to cause purgation. 
For the diarrhea, which is apt to supervene in typhoid 
fever, the juice of ripe blackberries, given in doses of three 
or four tablespoonfuls, every three or four hours, is very 
effective. 
For the pain and swelling of the abdomen, fomen- 
tations of hops, lobelia or tansy should be applied over 
the abdomen, frequently renewing them, not permitting 
them to remain on when cool, and they should not be 
made so wet as to dampen the bed. Oil of turpentine 
added to them, a teaspoonful or two, will be found very 
advantageous in many instances. These fomentations must 
be continued until pressure can be made upon the parts 
without causing pain or tenderness, or until'the stage of 
prostration comes on, when they must be dispensed with. 
The patient should never be allowed to stool or urinate 
in the erect position, as long as there is any inflammation 
or pain or tension of the bowels; a bed-pan must be made 
use of for these purposes. 
Accessory Treatment—Medicine has slain its thou- 
sands in this disease ; but there are some simple remedies 
that, when properly administered, are effective; yet the 
great dependence should be in the accessory treatment, and 
in proper nursing. 
The patient should, if possible, be placed in a large, 
well-ventilated apartment, provided with a window, door 
and fireplace, so contrived as to allow of an uninter- ACCESSORY TREATMENT. 
257 
rupted admission of fresh air and the escape of tainted 
air. A blazing tire also assists ventilation. The room 
should be divested of carpets, bed-hangings and all un- 
necessary furniture. A second bed or convenient couch 
should be provided, so that, by removing the patient to 
it for a few hours every day, the fever-atmosphere 
around his body may be changed. The light from the 
window may be subdued, and noise, and unnecessary 
talking forbidden. 
The patient should be but little disturbed, and enjoy 
complete physical and mental rest during the whole course 
of the disease. 
The body and bed-linen, including the blankets, 
should be changed daily, and all matters discharged from 
the patient immediately removed. The mouth should be 
frequently wiped out with a soft, wet towel, to remove the 
impurities which gather there in severe forms of fever. 
The water may contain a little of perfumed carbolic acid. 
The patient’s body should be sponged over as completely 
as possible at suitable intervals with tepid or cold water, 
as may be most agreeable to his feelings, and quickly 
dried with a soft towel. If necessary, the sponging 
may be done piece by piece, to avoid fatigue. Carbolic 
acid may be added to the water, three or four drops of 
the pure acid to a quart of water. Sponging the whole sur- 
face of the body with cold or tepid water should never be 
omitted in fever; it reduces the excessive heat, soothes 
the uneasy sensations, and is indispensable in maintain- 
ing: that cleanliness which is so desirable in the sick-room. 
Water thus applied acts as a tonic, giving tone to the 
relaxed capillaries, in which the morbid action goes on. 
Frequent washing with soap and water also tends to pre- 
vent bed-sores, by keeping the skin in a healthy condi- 
tion. If bed-sores have formed, they should be protected 258 
TYPHOID FEVER. 
by arnica or calendula-plaster, which may be had at drug- 
stores. 
As soon as it is determined that the patient has the 
typhoid fever, the hair should be shingled. 
During the early course of the fever, the wet pack 
is an invaluable application, and tends to give a mild 
character to the disease, when properly administered. 
Beverages—At the commencement of the fever, pure 
water, toast-and-water, gum-water slightly sweetened 
(one ounce of gum-Arabic, half an ounce of loaf-sugar, 
one pint of hot water), barley-water, lemonade or soda- 
water, is nearly all that is necessary. Cold water is an 
agent of supreme importance. It lowers the excessive 
temperature and proves a valuable adjunct to the medi- 
cines prescribed. 
Patients are often unable to swallow or relish nourish- 
ment in consequence of the dry and shrivelled state of the 
tongue, when it will be found necessary to soften the 
mucous lining by putting a little lemon-juice and water, 
or other acceptable fluid, into the mouth a few minutes 
before food is taken. 
A sheet is wrung out of cold water and placed on 
the bed. The patient is then laid on the sheet, with a 
proper support for his head. Each side of the sheet is 
then brought over the patient and tucked under the op- 
posite side. The legs are well wrapped in, and the 
patient is well covered with blankets. lie may remain 
in the pack from ten minutes to an hour. The pack 
may be repeated several times a day, the frequency be- 
ing determined by the rise of temperature. When taken 
from the pack, the patient is to be wiped dry. 
An agreeable but less effectual plan is, cool spong- 
ing and having the cloths dipped in cold water and laid 
upon portions of the body. DIET. 
259 
When there is any tendency to collapse, wet baths 
should not be given. There can be no doubt of a 
greatly diminished mortality by the use of cold baths, the 
disease pursuing a milder course under their use. 
If, in the use of water, the circulation becomes 
feeble, the skin blue or the extremities cold, bottles of 
hot water should be placed to the feet. 
Diet—In either typhoid or typhus fever, where there 
is no irritation of the mucous membrane of the stomach 
and bowels, manifested by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, 
and pain and tenderness, on pressure, over the stomach 
and bowels, the patient may be allowed to eat, from the 
commencement of the attack, regularly but moderately, 
of light food. If he has taken this from the beginning, 
then, when the stage of great prostration comes, he may, 
if able, be permitted to chew a little beef-steak and 
swallow the juice, or to take, in small quantities, beef-tea; 
which is made by putting the beef into a bottle, placing 
the bottle in boiling water, and keeping it there until the 
heat extracts the juice, which makes the tea, and which 
may be seasoned to the patient’s taste. But, if the pros- 
tration is not very great, it is better, perhaps, not to resort 
to animal nourishment until the fever has entirely subsi- 
ded. In all cases where there are nausea and vomiting, 
with diarrhea, and tenderness over the right side of the 
lower abdomen, no nourishment should be taken except in 
a liquid form, and that of the lightest articles of food, 
such as rice-water, toast-water, etc. Solid or animal food 
should not be given, in such cases, until the fever has 
passed off for three or four days, and the patient has a 
good appetite. This stage of nourishment should be 
reached gradually, by making the liquid diet, every day, 
a little more substantial. You will lose nothing by being 
so careful, as the patient will improve steadily, and even 260 
TYPHOID FEVER. 
rapidly, after the fever leaves him, without solid food. Fatal 
relapses often follow, when animal or other substantial 
food is given too soon, and sufficient variety and sustenance 
can be obtained without any such dangerous risk. 
Of course, as far as possible, the patient should have 
around him only those who are needed to take care of 
him. 
In reference to milk, Dr. Hall says, “In typhoid 
fever it promotes sleep, checks diarrhea, cools the body, 
nourishes the system, wards off delirium and prepares the 
way for cure. It will remain on the stomach sometimes 
when nothing else will.” 
Fruit, as a general rule, should not be given in this 
disease. 
Purifying the Atmosphere of the Room—The 
generation of ozone (active oxygen) constantly in the 
sick-room, is very beneficial. This is best done by a 
mixture of two parts of permanganate of potash and three 
parts strong sulphuric acid in a broad, open vessel. An 
invigorating quality is imparted to the atmosphere of the 
room, and is especially beneficial when, for any reason, the 
room cannot be freely open. Dry scales of iodine, in a 
chip-basket, hung over the bed, and placed in saucers in 
different parts of the room, are valuable in removing any 
unpleasant odor in the atmosphere. 
Disinfectants—An available disinfectant is carbolic 
acid; a few drops may be put on wetted cloths which 
are hung up in the room. The floor may be occasionally 
sprinkled with Labarraque’s Solution (chlorinated soda). 
Coffee, dried and pulverized, then a little of it 
sprinkled upon a hot shovel, will, in a few minutes, clear 
a room of all impure effluvia, and especially of an animal 
character. 
To purify the air from noxious effluvia in sick-rooms, FOOD, ETC. 
261 
not of a contagious character, simply slice three or four 
onions, place them upon a plate upon the floor, changing 
them three or four times in the twenty-four hours. 
Moderation in Food—A distinguished physician 
observes, “Food should only be allowed in great moder- 
ation, and never to the capacity of the appetite, till the 
tongue is quite clean and moist, and the temperature, 
pulse and skin have become natural. In typhoid fever, 
and in other conditions in which the bowels have been 
inflamed, this caution is especially necessary during con- 
valescence. Solid food should not be given till the tem- 
perature of the patient in the morning and evening has 
remained, at least for two days, at about the natural 
point—98-99° F.” 
To determine the temperature of the body, place the 
bulb of the thermometer in the armpit, in the groin, or 
in the mouth. 
The tongue may be moist and clean, and the appetite 
vigorous, but the ulcers yet unhealed. If the ther- 
mometer shows an evening temperature of about 101 ° 
F., with a morning temperature one or two degrees lower, 
solid meat might be sufficient to induce fresh irritation 
of the unhealed ulcer, fatal hemorrhage, or perforation. 
Not until the evening temperature has remained, for at 
least two successive days, below 99° F., can we be cer- 
tain that the ulcers have healed, and that solid food may 
be allowed without risk. 
Change of Air—The salutary influence of change 
of climate and scene to persons who have suffered from 
a serious attack of fever can scarcely be over-estimated; 
and if the place or climate be intelligently chosen, the 
happiest results may be anticipated. After recovery from 
a serious attack of fever, the whole man becomes changed, 
and there seems to be a renewal of youth. Nothing 262 
TYPHOID FEVER. 
gives such a beneficial direction to this change, or rend- 
ers it so perfect, as a temporary removal to a suitable 
climate and locality. We fully endorse Dr. Aitken’s 
statement, N~o man can be considered as Jit for work 
for three or four months after an attack of severe 
typhoid fever. 
Precautionary Measures—To check the con- 
tagion : All discharges from fever-patients should be re- 
ceived on their issue from the body into vessels contain- 
ing a concentrated solution of chloride of zinc. All 
tainted bed or body-linen should immediately on its re- 
moval be placed in water strongly impregnated with the 
same a«;ent. The water-closet should be flooded several 
times a day with a strong solution of chloride of zinc; 
and some chloride of lime should also be placed there, 
to serve as a source of chlorine in the gaseous form. 
So long as fever lasts, the water-closets should only be 
used as receptacles for the discharges from the sick, and 
disinfected as directed above. 
Prevention—Architects and builders should pro- 
vide for the ventilation of every house-sewer, by a pipe 
running up sufficiently high, so as to prevent injury to 
the occupants of the upper stories. Where the waste- 
pipe communicates with the drains, sewer-emanations are 
absorbed by the water in the cistern, and foul air admit- 
ted into the dwelling. 
The ventilation of sewers thus becomes a matter of 
great importance, for, on account of the lightness of sew- 
age-gas, dangerous results have been shown to arise where 
sewers and drains are merely trapped, if provision has not 
been made for its escape at the highest outside elevation. 
In some cases the sewers and house-drains have been found 
in good order and properly trapped; the water, also, was 
pure; the source of mischief being in the absence of out- PREVENTION. 
263 
side ventilation for the house-drains. It cannot be too 
forcibly impressed upon architects and builders that sewage- 
traps are useless when the gas has reached a certain pres- 
sure, for it will force them. But with proper outside 
ventilation the communicating house-drains can never store 
in them as much sewer-gas as will suffice to force a prop- 
erly made trap. 
As to the regular flushing of drains which has been 
recommended, Mr. Chadwick writes, “ Those who talk of 
drains or sewers being good which require to be regularly 
flushed do not know what good drainage is. Good tubu- 
lar sewers or drains should be so constructed in size, form 
and inclination as to run off water, and thus to be self- 
cleansing, and to be always clear of deposit.” 
There is an important fact connected with drainage 
pointed out very clearly and forcibly by Mr. Chadwick 
to the Council of the Society of Arts, viz., that fresh, 
human excretions are innocuous or harmless. Noxious de- 
composition begins in about four days in the sewer-tank. 
Then it is, and there it is, in the distant tank or 
sewer of deposit, that danger arises. Stagnant sewage 
is putrid, and kills fish; whereas fresh sewage from self- 
cleansing drains and sewers discharged into rivers, feeds 
them and augments their numbers. Hence the most ef- 
fectual course is not to combat with the gasses when pro- 
duced, but to prevent their production—to prevent the 
poison-pits and the need of the various materials and ser- 
vices for guarding against them. 264 
REMITTENT FEVER. 
REMITTENT, OR BILIOUS FEVER. 
By remittent is understood a fever that abates, but 
does not go off entirely before a fresh attack ensues; or, 
in other words, where one paroxysm succeeds the other 
so quickly that the patient is never without some degree 
of fever. 
This fever is principally i induced, by the effluvia aris- 
ing from marshes and stagnant waters. In warm climates, 
where great heat and moisture rapidly succeed each other, 
remittent fevers often appear under a highly aggravated 
form. It appears most apt to attack persons of a relaxed 
habit, those who undergo great fatigue, breathe an impure 
air, and make use of poor and unwholesome diet. 
Remittent fever generally comes on with a sense of 
languor, attended by sighing, yawning, and alternate fits 
of heat and cold. The patient then experiences severe 
pains in the head and back, intense heat over the whole 
body, with thirst; the tongue is white; the eyes and skin 
often appear yellow; nausea and vomiting of bilious mat- 
ter ; with a frequent, small pulse. 
After the continuance of these symptoms for a while, 
the fever abates or goes imperfectly off by a gentle mois- 
ture diffused partially over the body, but returns again 
in a few hours. 
It often, however, appears in a more aggravated form. 
The fever runs much higher, the face is greatly flushed, 
the thirst excessive, the tongue is covered with a dark- 
brown fur, breathing is laborious; the pulse is quick and 
tremulous. After a while another short or imperfect re- 
mission takes place, but the symptoms again return with 
redoubled violence, and at length destroy the patient. 
Remedies—1. A very important and highly successful 
plan of treatment, in this disease, and one which will REMEDIES, ETC. 
265 
often promptly arrest it in its first stage, is the following : 
Take a common-sized tumbler two-thirds full of cold water, 
and add to it ten drops of the tincture of aconite-root; 
give a teaspoonful every half-hour when the fever is high- 
est, and every hour during the remission. 
If this plan is persevered in for a few days, it will not, 
ordinarily, fail to give complete satisfaction and cure the 
disease. 
2. From half to a wineglassful of a decoction of the 
root of iron weed, taken three or four times a day, is said 
by Dr. Gunn to be almost a certain cure for bilious fever. 
3. To prevent bilious fever from assuming the typhoid 
form, take a tablespoonful of prepared (willow) charcoal 
three times a day. It may be found in all drug-stores. 
4. The following is also effective for the same pur- 
pose: Take, of the tincture of wild indigo (Baptisia Tinc- 
toria), ten drops, in a tumbler two-thirds full of soft water ; 
stir well. Dose, two teaspoonfuls every three or four hours 
for several days in succession. 
5. Columbo root, as a tea, in this disease, is very 
valuable ; it checks the vomiting so frequently an attendant 
upon this complaint. 
Accessory Treatment—’Quiet is essential, and any 
excess of noise, heat or strong light should be removed 
or avoided, as these tend to increase the fever. The body- 
linen, and that of the bed, should be frequently changed; 
the chamber should be ventilated daily, and sprinkled with 
vinegar, or purified by the use of other disinfecting agents ; 
and the discharges from the bowels of the patient should 
always be immediately removed. The chamber of a seri- 
ously sick person should be kept entirely free from visitors. 
The physician, nurse and family are the only persons who 
should ever be allowed to enter there. Neglect of this 266 
REMITTENT FEVER. 
requisition has often brought discredit upon a physician, 
and death to his patient. 
During convalescence, great prudence must be observed 
in the diet and exercise. The food should be light and 
nutritious and small in quantity. Both mental and physi- 
cal exertion must be moderate, though gentle exercise in 
the open air may be taken as soon as strength will per- 
mit. 
Bathing the Surface—Those who are unacquainted 
with the effects of bathing the surface cannot appreciate 
its value, and it therefore must by no means be neg- 
lected. 
Rain or spring-water may be used for this purpose, 
to which sufficient lye has been added to render it mucil- 
aginous, or slightly caustic to the tongue. When the heat 
is very great, this may be applied over the whole surface. 
In general, it is best to apply it tepid or moderately warm, 
but in some cases it proves more serviceable to apply it 
quite cold. The manner of using it should be as follows: 
Place the vessel containing the liquid by the side of the pa- 
tient’s bed, then let an assistant or the nurse raise the clothes 
from the body with one hand, and with a piece of flannel 
or sponge, dipped in the liquid, thoroughly rub first one 
side of the surface, from the neck to the feet, with the other. 
The patient must then be turned upon the opposite side, 
and bathed in the same manner. This process is invariably 
attended with a salutary effect. It may be repeated as 
often as the heat of the system becomes very considerable, 
until a remission or partial remission takes place. This 
process removes the slimy, viscid and perspirable matter 
which is thrown upon the surface, and which assists in 
obstructing the pores of the skin. It removes the tension 
and spasm of the capillaries by its relaxing properties. It TREATMENT. 
267 
likewise diminishes the preternatural heat by the evapora- 
tion which takes place. 
This effusion has been found productive of the most 
decided good effects in remittent fevers. This should be 
employed at the height of the paroxysm, when the sensa- 
tions of heat are violent, the headache severe, and the skin 
dry. The effects to be observed from the effusion are, 
an alleviation of the violent symptoms, a tendency to quiet 
sleep is soon induced, the skin becomes moist, and a dist inct 
remission follows. 
Various drinks may be given possessing diluent and 
diaphoretic properties, such as infusions of balm, slippery- 
elm baric, mint and catnip; but few articles in the whole 
materia medica are of more essential benefit than cold 
water. The parched lips, dry mouth, intolerable thirst and 
the great heat of the system, all call loudly for the use 
of this universal diluent liquid. It may be taken freely 
at all times, except when chills are present. Should it, 
however, produce any uneasiness or fullness of the stomach, 
it must be taken in smaller quantities, and repeated oftener. 
There are an infinite number of cases on record where 
the free use of w'ater internally and externally have cured 
fevers in their forming, and even advanced stages. 
Dr. A. Atkinson states that a physician, who had 
practiced physic in Louisiana for forty years, informed 
him that he had found the mucilage or tea of slippery-elm 
baric a very superior remedy for the fevers peculiar to 
that country (such as bilious and other) ; that he had used 
little or nothing else for many years; and they generally 
recovered. He thought no person would die of fever who 
could procure slippery elm. When we reflect that these dis- 
eases irritate, and often ulcerate, the mucous coat of the 
intestines, we must see the utility of administering this 268 
REMITTENT FEVER. 
cooling and soothing drink. Nothing so soon reduces inflam- 
mation externally, and why not internally? 
Lemonade may also be freely drunk as a change, ex- 
cept when stimulating medicines are given to produce per- 
spiration. In such cases it ought not to be taken, except 
when very warm. 
Tonics—I have often given tonics in fevers when 
there was some little remission, but have seen little or no 
benefit from them. There is one article, however, that 
may be given with benefit, which combines tonic and dia- 
phoretic properties: Take Virginia snake-root, and add 
boiling water; to be given occasionally through the day ; 
an infusion of boneset may also be given. 
Having spoken of the general treatment of remittent 
fever, I shall now speak of particular symptoms. 
Headache—There is usually great pain in the head, 
to relieve which the feet must be frequently bathed in 
warm water, and the following plaster applied to them: 
Take Indian meal and mustard, equal parts ; add vinegar 
sufficient to form a plaster or paste. 
If the pain and heat of the head be great, apply the 
following lotion: Take spirits, vinegar and rain-water, 
equal parts ; to a pint of which add a teaspoonful of salt. 
Let this be repeatedly applied to the head, nearly cold. 
It is necssary to apply a cap or handkerchief over the head, 
to prevent a too speedy evaporation. 
Sickness at the Stomach—This symptom is very 
common, and extremely distressing; to allay which give 
an infusion of spearmint. Sometimes the peppermint given 
in the same manner proves even more serviceable. The 
same articles bruised and mixed with a small quantity of 
vinegar, and applied over the pit or region of the stomach, 
have proved very effectual. 
Should not this allay the vomiting, give the neutral- 269 
SCARLET FEVER. 
izing mixture; or a little saleratus may be dissolved in cold 
water, and given. 
Local Pains and Congestion—When any particu- 
lar part or organ is very much affected, apply a fomen- 
tation of bitter herbs. Should these not remove the irri- 
tation, a mustard-plaster may be applied; a little Indian 
meal to be added, to prevent the flesh from becoming ex- 
coriated. 
Canker—If there are ulcerous spots in the mouth, or 
the throat is sore, let it be gargled with a decoction made 
of sage and hyssop, sweetened with honey, to which add 
a little powdered borax. 
Cough—Should there be a cough, demulcent and 
mucilaginous medicines must be given, a decoction of 
koarhound sweetened with honey, and such as are men- 
tioned under the head of “ Coughs.” 
SCARLET FEVER. 
Children are far more liable to contract this complaint 
than adults, as very few of the latter will have the dis- 
ease when exposed. The interval between the exposure 
and the attack varies from two or three days to three 
weeks. Patients may have the disease without exposure 
to those who are sick with it, especially when it is pre- 
vailing in the neighborhood. 
General Symptoms—Scarlet fever usually com- 
mences suddenly, with the ordinary forerunners of fever— 
chills and shiverings, succeeded by hot skin, nausea, some- 270 
SCAELET FEVER. 
times vomiting, rapid pulse, thirst, frontal headache and 
sore-throat. The last-named symptom—sore throat—is 
generally the earliest complained of by the patient. In 
about forty-eight hours after the occurrence of these 
symptoms, the characteristic rash is perceptible, first on 
the breast, from whence it gradually extends to the neck, 
face, trunk, over the great joints and limbs, till the whole 
body is covered with it. The eruption is bright scarlet, 
and consists of innumerable red points or spots, which 
have been compared to a boiled lobster-shell. These spots 
either run together, and diffuse themselves uniformly over 
the skin, or else appear in large, irregular patches in 
different parts of the body. The color of the skin dis- 
disappears on pressure, but returns on its removal. The 
appearance of the tongue is characteristic: it is first 
coated, the tip and edges are red, the pimples are red 
and raised; afterwards the tongue becomes clean and 
raw-looking. A diffused redness, sometimes of a dark 
claret-color, covers the mouth, etc., which disappears as 
the febrile symptoms and rash subside. On about the 
fifth day the rash generally begins to decline, and entirely 
disappears by about the eighth or ninth day, leaving the 
patient in a weak condition. The subsequent process of 
peeling off of the cuticle is variable in its duration; it 
takes place in the form of scurf, from the face and trunk; 
but from the hands and feet large flakes are separated, 
sometimes coming away entire like a glove or slipper. 
Remedies—1. A very safe and remarkably sure 
remedy, in scarlet fever, is uncooked, old, fat bacon, 
with low diet and cooling drink, as hereafter given. The 
whole surface of the body should be rubbed with the 
bacon twice a day. In severe cases, bind thin slices of 
it on the neck, breast and soles of the feet. Before the 
first application of the bacon is made, wash the whole REMEDIES. 
271 
surface of the body with tepid water. Of the numerous 
cases, in which this remedy has been employed in this 
disease, I know of but a single case in which it has 
failed. 
2. Dr. Stevens asserts, that he has used the “Cay- 
enne gargle,” in about four hundred cases of scarlet 
fever, with almost uniform success. Now, if this were 
used, in connection with the foregoing remedy, this 
dreaded disease would be effectually mastered. This gargle 
is prepared as follows: One teaspoonful of Cayenne 
pepper, two teaspoonfuls of salt, and half a pint of boil- 
ing water; strain, and add half a pint of good vinegar. 
When cold, give a teaspoonful every hour to an adult, 
reducing the dose in proportion to age. Frequently 
gargle the throat with the same mixture. 
3. The following remedy is published by the Academy 
of Medicine of Paris, and pronounced a never-failing cure 
for this disease. This is the prescription: 
“Take, of 
Sulphate of zinc 1 grain. 
Fox-glove (Digitalis) 1 grain. 
Sugar £ teaspoonful. 
Mix with two tablespoonfuls of water. When mixed, 
add four ounces (eight tablespoonfuls) of water, and take 
a tablespoonful every hour. The disease will disappear 
in twelve hours. For a child, smaller doses, according to 
age.” (See “ Table of Doses for Children.” ) With this 
treatment, we have known the disease to disappear in less 
than twenty-four hours, and have not known a single failure 
in effecting a speedy cure. It is likewise effective in 
small-pox. 
4. The following is from Dr. W. Field, of Wilming- 
ton, Delaware, who says that he has had much experience 
in the cure of scarlet fever, of the most malignant type, 272 
SCARLET FEVER. 
and that it will cure a large majority of cases of this dis- 
ease without calling a physician: For adults, give one 
tablespoonful of brewers’ yeast in three tablespoonfuls of 
sweetened water, three times a day; and, if the throat is 
much swollen, gargle with yeast and apply it to the throat, 
as a poultice, mixed with Indian meal. Use plenty of cat- 
nip tea, to keep the eruption out, for several days. 
At any time, during the treatment of scarlet fever, 
should the putrid sjnnptoms continue (the throat remain- 
ing of a dark-purple color), gargle it frequently with yeast. 
It must be mixed with milk and a little honey added. 
If suppression of urine occurs, give a strong tea or 
infusion of spearmint, with a little spirits of nitre, and 
apply hops and vinegar, simmered together, over the region 
of the bladder. 
Mortification—The face and inside of the mouth 
often mortify in scarlet fever, particularly after the use 
of mercury. When this is the ease, apply a yeast-poultice 
over the part, and let the mouth be gargled with it; or 
apply it to the parts in the best manner possible. 
Dr. Ludlam says, “ I find diluted acetic acid—one 
part of the acid to twelve parts of water—the best wash 
for the mouth and throat. It tends to remove the de- 
posits which form on the mucous membrane, and is emi- 
nently antiseptic. ’ ’ 
Accessory Treatment—The patient should be 
placed in a separate room which can be so ventilated as 
to secure a copious and continual supply of fresh air; 
for the one means above all others which mitigates the 
virulence and infectiveness of scarlet fever is ventilation. 
The room should be as free from furniture as possible. 
Curtains, carpets and woolen stuffs should be removed. A 
fire is necessary in cold weather. Condy’s fluid or car- 
bolic acid should be freely used about the room. The door ACCESSORY TREATMENT. 
273 
of the sick-chamber should be open as little as possible. 
A fire in all seasons—as small as may be in summer—and 
an open window ensure the most efficient ventilation. Two 
or three vessels with Condy’s fluid placed about the room, 
and a small sheet sprinkled freely with acetic acid, diluted 
with twelve parts of water, and hung upon a clothes-horse, 
are my favorite modes of disinfecting. Sponging the 
surface of the body with tepid water, piece by piece, 
moderates the great heat and allays restlessness, quiets 
delirium, lowers the pulse and favors sleep. Sponging 
with diluted acetic acid—one part of the acid to six parts 
of hot water—is preferable, or equal parts of vinegar and 
water. I use it as warm as the patient can bear it three 
times a day, and mop, but not quite dry, the skin with 
a soft towel after each application. When this operation 
is carefully and persistently done from the moment the 
nature of the illness is recognized, and continued until 
convalescence is established, there is no desquamation or 
peeling off of the cuticle. 
The above baths are to be employed in the first stages, 
after which the bacon, as before stated. 
A wet bandage to the throat, when it is affected, is 
a sovereign remedy, and seldom fails to relieve. It should 
be fastened both at the back of the neck and at the top of 
the head, so as to protect the glands near the angles of the 
jaws. Inhalation of steam from hot water is useful when 
the throat is sore and painful. The wet pack, especially 
at the commencement, is often most valuable, and it may 
be repeated several times, at a few hours’ interval, as long 
as severe febrile symptoms continue; but it requires to 
be administered by an experienced person. When the 
eruption is slow in coming out, or is suddenly suppressed, 
the child should have a hot bath, or be packed in a 
blanket wrung out of hot water. During convalescence, 274 
SCARLET FEVER. 
warm clothing, including flannel, is necessary; and sub- 
sequently a change of air, if possible to the seaside. The 
patient must not, however, go out too early, as secondary 
symptoms are of frequent occurrence from neglect of this 
precaution. 
Diet—During the whole course of the fever, milk, 
either alone or with plain or soda-water, thin gruel, sago, 
arrow-root, yolk of egg beaten up with cold milk, grapes, 
oranges and cooked fruits, should be the staple diet. 
The drink may consist of cold water, gum-water, barley- 
water, weak lemonade, etc., in small quantities, as fre- 
quently as desired. As soon as the fever subsides, the 
patient may gradually and cautiously return to more sub- 
stantial food. Stimulants are rarely necessary. Liebig’s 
extract of beef, beef-tea, etc., found on another page, 
may be given regularly in frequent, small doses. 
The patient should invariably remain in bed; the 
room should be well ventilated, and at the same time the 
patient should be protected from direct currents of air. 
If possible it should be an upper room, as the poison 
rises, but does not descend. The clothes of the patient, 
the sheets, blankets and personal linen, as well as the 
air of the room, should be frequently changed. The light 
of the apartment should be modified to prevent injury to 
the susceptible eyes. 
Beverages—Cold water, gum-water, barley-water, 
weak lemonade, etc., in small quantities, as frequently as 
desired. Drinking cold water, toast-water, or soda-water 
exerts a favorable influence on the kidneys, and tends to 
prevent subsequent diseases in those organs. To the 
same end sucking and swallowing small pieces of ice are 
both useful and grateful. 
Roasted apples, grapes, strawberries, and other 
ripe fruits in season, toast, gruel, etc. ; gradually re PREVENTIVE MEASURES. 
275 
turning, as the disease declines, to food of a more sub- 
stantial kind. The fever being of short duration, extract 
of meat should be given freely. In scarlet fever, give all 
the milk the patient will take; it keeps up the strength, 
and does good in other ways. 
Preventive Measures—1. To be adopted by the 
unaffected: During the prevalence of scarlatina, a dose of 
belladonna should be given, morning and night, to children 
who have not had the disease. To three tablespoonfuls 
of water, add five drops of the tincture, and of this give 
one teaspoonful at a dose. To small infants, half this 
quantity. Should the disease occur, notwithstanding this 
treatment, its severity will be much mitigated. The author 
has great faith in the virtue of belladonna thus used, both 
as the result of his own experiences, and from the testi- 
monies of numerous correspondents. 
2. To be adopted by the attendants upon the invalid: 
The attendant should have as little intercourse with the 
other members of the household as possible. She should 
wear over her ordinary clothes a dress of calico, which 
she can readily take off before she leaves the sick-cham- 
ber. She should also dip her hands into a disinfectant 
after touching the patient, and especially before quitting 
the room. Condy’s fluid or chloride of lime—one table- 
spoonful of either to about a gallon of water—is usually 
employed for this purpose. All excretions from the inva- 
lid should be disinfected with the chloride of lime solu- 
tion, and disposed of at once. All wearing-apparel that 
has been used by the patient should, on its removal, be 
immediately placed in a vessel containing a sufficient quan- 
tity of either of the above disinfectants, and be put out 
of doors as soon as possible, and afterwards boiled in the 
disinfectant. Woolen clothes, bedding, etc., that do not 
admit of being boiled, should either be burnt or fumigated 276 
BRAIN-FEVER. 
with sulphurous acid for two or three hours. Ttm sick- 
chamber itself, when the patient is permitted to leave it, 
should be disinfected in a similar manner. The operation 
of fumigating with sulphurous acid is exceedingly simple. 
All that is required is to sprinkle a small quantity of sul- 
phur on a piece of burning wood, or a few live coals, in 
a room all the apertures of which are closed up, till the 
room is filled with the fumes. The next best thing is to 
burn a little coffee in the room every day. 
BRAIN-FEVER. 
Causes—This disease is often occasioned by night- 
watching, especially when joined with hard study. It may 
likewise proceed from hard drinking, anger, grief or anxi- 
ety. It is often occasioned by the stoppage of usual 
evacuations, as the bleeding piles in men, the customary 
discharges of women, etc. Such as imprudently expose 
themselves to the heat of the sun, especially by sleeping 
without doors in the hot season with their heads uncov- 
ered, are often suddenly seized with inflammation of the 
brain, so as to awake quite delirious. 
Symptoms—The symptoms which usually precede 
brain-fever are pain in the head, redness of the eyes, a 
violent flushing of the face, disturbed sleep or a total want 
of it, great dryness of the skin, costiveness, a retention of 
the urine, a small dropping of blood from the nose, singing 
in the ears and extreme sensibility of the nervous system. 
When the inflammation is formed, the symptoms in 277 
REMEDIES. 
general are similar to those of the inflammatory fever. 
The pulse, indeed, is often weak, irregular and trembling, 
but sometimes it is hard and contracted. A remarkable 
quickness of hearing is a common symptom of this disease, 
but that seldom continues long. Another usual symptom 
is a great throbbing or pulsation of the arteries in the neck 
and temples. 
A constant trembling and starting of the tendons is 
an unfavorable symptom, as are also a suppression of urine, 
a total want of sleep, a constant spitting, a grinding of 
the teeth, which last may be considered as a kind of con- 
vulsion. 
The favorable symptoms are a free perspiration, or 
sweating, a copious discharge of blood from the nose, the 
bleeding piles, a plentiful discharge of urine which lets 
fall a copious sediment. Sometimes the disease is carried 
off by a looseness, and in women by an excessive flow of 
the menses. 
Remedies—In the early stages of this disease, when 
attended with a high fever and full pulse, the diet should 
be light; nothing more than gruel, rice, and at most 
toast, cracker and milk-and-water. If convulsions occur 
during the early stage when the fever is high, showering 
the head with a small stream of cold water, holding the 
head over a tub, and putting the lower extremities into 
warm water, will often relieve the symptoms. Continue 
the showering for a few minutes, or until the extremities 
and head become cool, unless the convulsions cease sooner; 
then omit it until there is heat of the head and extrem- 
ities, when it may be repeated. It may require to be ap- 
plied several times in the course of the first forty-eight 
hours; or what is better after the convulsions have 
ceased, and in cases where there are no convulsions, wring 
a towel from cold water, and envelop the entire head with 278 
BRAIN-FEVER. 
it, excepting the face, and put over the whole three or four 
thicknesses of dry flannel, and pin so as to exclude the cold 
air; wet the towel once in six hours. This application 
often affords very great relief. If it fails, sponging the 
head with warm water generally has a beneficial effect. 
If the bowels are constipated, free injections of 
warm water once in twenty-four or forty-eight hours may 
be used. 
Efforts should be made to restore the blood to the 
extremities, and thus divert it from the brain. Bathe the 
feet in the warm alkaline bath, made by adding a little 
saleratus, or lye, or ashes, to warm water. This should 
be done two or three times a day; and have either hot 
bricks or drafts, of the leaves of common cabbage, 
skunk-cabbage, or horse-radish, wilted by the fire, applied 
to them. 
The patient may be allowed to drink lemonade, water 
made acid with cream of tartar, and also spearmint-tea, 
with a little sweet spirits of nitre in it. The latter will act 
as a diuretic, which will prove of much advantage. 
The room must be cool, free from noise, and kept 
dark. Callers and visitors, no matter how kind their in- 
tentions and desires may be, must positively be kept out of 
the sick-room. Their presence always makes the disease 
worse. 
When convalescence takes place, it must be remem- 
bered that the patient is not out of danger for several 
weeks. Too full a meal, over-exercise, or even slight ex- 
citement of the mind, may cause a relapse. 
1. During the progress of the disease, the following 
is often efficacious : 
Tincture of aconite 10 drops. 
Tincture of yellow jessamine 10 drops. 
Water 1 teacupful. FEVER AND AGUE. 
279 
Mix. 
Dose, one teaspoonful every hour, until the acute 
symptoms abate, when it should be given less frequently. 
2. Take, of 
Castor oil 1 tablespoonful. 
Strong Castile-soapsuds \ pint. 
Poppy-leaves 1 handful. 
Water (warm) % pint. 
Mix thoroughly, and strain. 
Use as an injection. When patients are in the most 
intense agonies, in this disease, this remedy will often 
afford the most prompt relief. 
In extreme cases of this disease, applications of ice 
to the head have been made with great benefit. There 
have been instances in which its use, from forty-eight to sixty 
hours, have been followed by the recovery of the patient. 
But this remedy should be employed under the direction 
of a skilful physician, or by those only who are ex- 
perienced in its use. 
FEVER AND AGUE, OR CHIDES AND 
FEVER (Intermittent Fever). 
Causes—Marsh-miasma, or the effluvia arising from 
stagnant water or marshy ground, when acted upon by 
heat, are most frequently the exciting causes of this fever. 
In marshes the putrefaction of vegetable and animal matter 
is always going forward ; and hence it has been generally 
conjectured, that vegetable or animal putrefaction imparted 280 
FEVER AND AGUE. 
a peculiar quality to the watery particles of the effluvia 
arising thence. It has been ascertained that marsh-miasma, 
when much diluted with watery exhalation, as in summers 
where an unusual quantity of rain has fallen, are nearly 
inert; but when arising from stagnant waters of a 
concentrated foulness, in consequence of great drought 
and heat in the latter end of summer and the early 
part of autumn, they act with great violence and 
malignity. 
This disease may also be occasioned by debility, 
however induced, by a poor, watery diet, damp houses, 
evening dews, lying upon the damp ground, watching, 
fatigue, depressing passions of the mind, etc. 
When the inhabitants of a high country remove to a 
low one, they are generally seized with intermittent 
fevers, and to such the disease is most apt to prove fatal. 
In a word, whatever relaxes the solids, diminishes the 
perspiration, or obstructs the circulation in the capillary or 
small vessels, disposes the body to ague. 
Symptoms—This disease may be divided into three 
stages, viz., 1. The cold stage. 2. The hot stage. 3. 
The sweating stage. 
Cold Stage—An intermitting fever generally begins 
with pain of the head and loins, weariness of the limbs, 
coldness of the extremities, stretching, yawning, with 
sometimes great sickness and vomiting ; to which succeed 
shivering and violent shaking; respiration is short, fre- 
quent and anxious. 
Hot Stage—After a longer or shorter continuance 
of shivering, the heat of the body gradually returns; 
irregularly at first, and by transient Hushes ; soon, how- 
ever, succeeded bv a steady, dry and burning heat, con- 
siderably augmenting above the natural standard. The 
skin, which before was pale and constricted, becomes now SYMPTOMS, ETC. 
281 
swollen, tense and red, and is remarkably sensible to the 
touch. The sensibility, diminished in the cold stages, is 
now preternaturally acute; pains attack the head, and 
{lying pains are felt over various parts of the body. The 
pulse is quick, strong and hard; the tongue white, the 
thirst is great, and the urine is high-colored. 
Sweating Stage—A moisture is at length observed 
to break out upon the face and neck, which soon becomes 
universal and uniform. The heat falls to its ordinary 
standard ; the pulse diminishes in frequency, and becomes 
full and free ; the urine deposits a sediment; the bowels 
are no longer confined ; respiration is free and full; all 
the functions are restored to their natural order. 
The title of intermittent, or chill and fever, is applied 
to that kind of fever which consists of a succession of 
paroxysms or periods of fever, between each of which 
there is a distinct and perfect intermission from fever- 
symptoms ; whereas, on the other hand, by remittent 
fever is understood, that form of fever that abates, but 
does not go off entirely before a fresh attack follows ; or, 
in other words, where one paroxysm succeeds the other 
so quickly that the patient is never without some degree 
of fever. It is probable, however, that these two forms 
of fever are one and the same disease, differing only in 
degree or intensity of the symptoms. 
Remedies—1. A tincture, made from the gum-plant, 
or gum-weed ( Grindelia Squarrosa), is, in most forms of 
this disease, a sure cure. Take, of the tincture four table- 
spoonfuls ; glycerine, four tablespoonfuls. Mix. Dose, 
one teaspoonful, four times a day. 
This tincture can be found in most drug-stores, and is 
prepared in the following manner : 282 
FEVER AN!) AGUE. 
Take, of 
Gum-plant 4 ounces. 
Alcohol % pint. 
Water \ pint. 
Mix. 
Let it stand for a few days, shaking it occasionally. 
In chronic forms, especially, of this disease, this remedy 
is, perhaps, unsurpassed. 
2. In the states where the iron-wood grows, it is re- 
puted by many to be an excellent cure. It is used in strong 
decoction or tea, made by chipping the heart of the tree 
and steeping it. Dose, one-half teacupful three or four 
times daily. 
3. Sometimes a simple remedy is very effective in 
curing chills and fever. Lemon-juice, for instance, will 
often cure without any other medicine; but its curative 
properties are greatly increased, it is said, when used with 
coffee. The juice of one lemon is to be added to a tea- 
cupful of coffee, and drunk at one draught, without milk 
or sugar. The dose should be taken twice a day. 
4. A decoction of the root of the iron-weed, taken 
in doses of one-half wineglassful, or more, three times a 
day, is an excellent remedy. 
5. A strong tea made from the dog-wood, sometimes 
called box-wood (Cornus Florida), will, it is said, cure 
fever and ague, especially after it has become chronic. It 
is harmless and may be drunk freely, and should be contin- 
ued for some time. 
Intermittent fever, or ague and fever, is usually de- 
scribed as having three stages: the cold stage, the hot 
stage, and the stage of perspiration or sweating. When 
it is desired to give quinine in this fever, it should be given 
only when the following symptoms are present: The three 
stages just mentioned, should be well marked and distinct; REMEDIES. 
283 
in other words, well separated from each other, and one 
follow the other in regular order. There should be a pale, 
jaundiced color of the face, the tongue coated yellow, 
appetite diminished or entirely destroyed. When this is 
the general condition of the patient, quinine will be of ser- 
vice to him. It should be administered during the interval 
between the paroxysms, and when he is entirely free from 
fever. 
If the fever comes on every other day, the quinine 
should be taken on the well day, or during the time the 
patient is feeling the best. If it comes oil at stated times 
every day, this medicine should not be taken until the fever 
has entirely passed off, and the sweating stage has fairly 
commenced. When the proper time has arrived, and you 
desire to take the quinine, get it ready in the following 
manner: Put ten grains of it into a tumbler containing 
five tablespoonfuls of water. To this add five drops of 
elixir vitriol (sulphuric acid) ; stir well together. You 
will now have a clear solution, looking almost like spring- 
water. If you know you are to be free from fever all 
day, commence in the morning e&rly, and take one table- 
spoonful, and one every four hours, until the whole quan- 
tity is taken. If your chills come on at a certain time 
every day, say at six o’clock in the morning, and last 
two hours, or until eight, and then the fever sets in and 
lasts until twelve or one o’clock, in the afternoon, when it 
subsides, and a free perspiration or sweating breaks out— 
then begin to take your quinine. You are to have it pre- 
pared as above described. Take a tablespoonful every two 
hours, until you have taken four doses. You will have one 
tablespoonful left. Do not take this until four or five 
o’clock the next morning; thus taking the last of the qui- 
nine at least an hour before you expect your chills would 284 
FEVER AND AGUE. 
come on again. Ordinarily this will be sufficient treatment 
to break any paroxysm of ague and fever. Usually it is 
best to take, for several days afterwards, a bitter drink 
of some kind, such as boneset tea, or a decoction of wild 
cherry-bark. Or, take a tablespoonful of Peruvian bark, 
and throw it into a pint of hot water. Cover the dish 
and let it stand near the fire. In two hours it will be 
ready for use. You can take a wineglassful of either of 
these preparations once or twice daily. 
Accessory Treatment—Removal to a healthy local- 
ity is one of the first and most essential points, and is 
often immediately attended by marked improvement. If 
compelled to remain in an aguish district, patients should 
not go out of doors in the evening, or too early in the 
morning—at least, not before taking breakfast; they should 
sleep in the loftiest part of the house. Sunlight and air 
should be freely admitted during the middle of the day, 
but night-air carefully excluded. Fatigue should be avoided ; 
also sitting or standing in a current of air. 
Diet—On the days in which the fits occur, the 
food should be light, taken in small quantities, and great 
dietetic precautions observed until the paroxysms entirely 
disappear. Gruel, arrow-root, tapioca, sago, or corn-flour; 
mutton or chicken-broth, or tender meat, may be taken 
in the intervals between the fits. Cold water, ad libitum. 
Prevention of Chills and Fever—In a section of 
country where people are subject to this disease, and where 
they are compelled to be out of doors early in the morn- 
ing and late in the evening, a hot meal, or at least a cup 
of hot drink and a slice of bread, should be taken before 
leaving the house, and it will ward off this disease. See 
article in the first division of this book, entitled “Malaria,” 
for an additional preventive. 
In these malarious sections of country, men should 285 
SPOTTED FEVER. 
wear their beards. Immunity may also be secured to a 
great extent by keeping the mouth shut, and breathing only 
through the nostrils. 
Flannel worn next the skin will keep the body warm, 
and protect it from the influences of sudden changes. 
Du mb-Ague (Sun-Pain)—Dr. Bayes has clearly 
shown that what Dr. Golding Bird describes, in his work 
on “Urinary Deposits,” as dumb-ague with its “sallow 
aspect, depressed health, and visceral engorgment,” is now 
known to be no ague at all, but is, in reality, slow quinine 
or arsenical poisoning. The overdosing with quinine or 
arsenic—not the ague—is “the poison which remains in 
the system, and is continuing its work.” 
Symptoms—There is a severe pain in one side of 
the head, or extending over the whole of it, and which 
is not only periodic in its attacks, but is frequently pre- 
ceded by slight chills, or sensation of cold, with more or 
less depression of spirits. Sometimes the pain will be in 
the face, in one or more teeth, in the chest, or any other 
part of the body, and may be determined by its period- 
icity, slight chills, etc. See p. 455, vol. ii. 
SPOTTED FEVER (Typhus Petcehiolis). 
Symptoms—Some patients are seized with violent 
pains in the stomach, head, joints and limbs; and fre- 
quently the pain is confined to a single point; often to 
a single toe or finger. Some have a violent ague and 
shaking, and yet are not sensible of cold ; and some have 
no heat. Some are taken suddenly, totally blind or impen- 286 
SPOTTED FEVER. 
etrably deaf; others are not affected at all in those organs. 
A palsy of a member is not infrequent, and a strange 
numbness is felt in the nose and face of some, which 
leads them to be rubbing their face, and that for hours. 
Some have raving or furious delirium, others a playful 
or hysteric alienation of mind, while others are more 
shrewd than before. Some are conscious of their sinking, 
yet seem not to mind it. Some fall into a snoring, 
lethargic sleep, from which nothing will rouse them. Some 
are so painfully sensitive as to complain of the slightest 
touch or motion, while others feel not the pricks of 
needles, nor even the contact of living coals. 
The pulse is commonly feeble, frequent, irregular, 
and often interrupted. In some cases it seems inflated, 
yet will disappear upon the slightest pressure. Some- 
times, when the pulse is gone in the wrist, the arteries 
of the neck will be seen beating with seemingly impatient 
and fretful motion. 
Bleedings are frequent from different parts of the 
body, and often fatal. Purple spots appear in some, from 
oozing of blood from the relaxed vessels of the true skin, 
yet without sufficient force to penetrate or elevate the scarf- 
skin, and spreading to various sizes, from a point to that 
of a twenty-five cent piece ; and assuming different hues, 
from scarlet to black. In this disease, however, there are 
often no spots or fever at all, and the patient is in many 
cases dead before fever could form. 
From the onset a clay-like coldness comes over the 
whole system, and all efforts to restore genial warmth are 
frequently unavailing. The tongue is in some cases clear 
and moist, in others dry, in others bloodless ; in the pro- 
gress of the disease it commonly turns brown or black. 
The swallowing is often difficult, from canker in the throat 
or from palsy of the parts. Nausea and vomiting com- 287 
REMEDIES. 
monly harass the patient from first to last; yet the con- 
tents of the stomach are not at all vitiated. The bowels 
seldom suffer at all. A horrid sensation of cold is felt 
in the stomach, as if ice was melting there; this symptom, 
as well as that of puking, is greatly aggravated by drinking 
cold water or any weak beverage. Patients who inquire for 
water cannot distinguish it from brandy. 
Remedies—We would advise that a good physician 
should be immediately sent for, though frequently it will 
not do to wait for his arrival. The treatment must be 
pursued vigorously, as, with such symptoms as we have 
described, no time is to be lost. 
Put a mustard-plaster over the back of the neck, 
lengthways downwards; rub the body well, rapidly and 
persistently, with red pepper and brandy, keep hot bottles 
to the feet if cold; do all that is possible to keep the 
whole skin soft and warm. 
It is always necessary, in this disease, to promote 
free perspiration. To accomplish this purpose, the fol- 
lowing remedy, which acts most promptly and certainly, 
is highly recommended; it is the tincture of jaborandi. 
It may be given in doses of from fifteen to thirty drops, 
every two or four hours, according to the severity of the 
disease. 
When the disease runs slower, treat it as a typhus 
fever; after this, move the bowels, bathe the feet thor- 
oughly in mustard and water, and give freely an infusion 
of pleurisy-root and boneset. Sponge frequently with 
vinegar and water. 288 
YELLOW FEVER. 
YELLOW FEVER. 
Symptoms—Premonitory symptoms, such as loss of 
appetite, debility, aching in the back and limbs, etc., may 
or may not precede the attack, but cannot be said to in- 
dicate it, as they precede many other diseases, and are 
often followed by no serious illness. An attack of yellow 
fever frequently comes on in the night, as often without, 
as with, chills or chilliness. Severe pains in the back and 
limbs do, however, usually characterize the early stage of 
this disease. The skin becomes dry and hot, the pulse 
rapid, the breathing hurried, the face flushed, the eyes 
red and watery, and a white fur appears upon the tongue, 
which is usually moist at the beginning. There are, some- 
times, sore throat, nausea and vomiting, from the com- 
mencement ; but usually, these stomach-symptoms rare 
not fully developed till after a period of from twelve to 
twenty-four hours, when they become very prominent. 
There is soreness in the stomach, on pressure, and a 
feeling of weight and oppression, with burning pain. 
The stomach becomes irritable, not only throwing up 
everything that is swallowed, but also, when undisturbed 
by food or medicine, throwing up its own secretions, with 
great pain and distress, owing to the tenderness of that 
organ. The patient craves cold drinks, the bowels are 
costive, and the head and eyes ache; the mind is often 
disturbed, and, not uncommonly, even to the point of 
delirium, which is occasionally violent. On the other 
hand, in some instances, there appears a profound stupor. 
The fevorous symptoms continue, with little or no change, 
for a period varying from a few hours to three days, and 
sometimes longer. As a general rule, the more severe 
the attack, the shorter will be the duration of the fever. 
In mild cases, when the fever abates, the patient YELLOW FEVER. 
289 
may readily recover; but we may know that the great 
struggle is yet to come, when, during this apparent calm, 
there is increased tenderness in the stomach, on pressure, 
and the eyes and skin begin to turn of a yellow or 
orange color, generally extending over the body, and the 
urine has a yellowish tinge. In symptoms, the pulse 
may even be slower than natural, and, in the most cases, 
there may be heaviness or stupor. 
This period of seeming abatement may last only a 
short time, or may continue for twenty-four hours, and 
is followed by prostration. The pulse again becomes 
quick, and, in severe cases, irregular and feeble; the 
circulation returning slowly to any portion of the skin 
where a pressure has been made. The fingers and toes 
assume a dark, purplish hue. The skin appears like 
bronze. The tongue is either brown and dryish in the 
center, or smooth, red and chapped. The teeth are some- 
times covered with offensive crusts of dried mucus. The 
stomach again becomes so irritable that everything swal- 
lowed is thrown up, and ultimately new matter is vomited, 
consisting of brown or blackish particles, in a colorless 
fluid, which finally becomes black and opaque. This 
stage of the disease is popularly known as that of the 
“black vomit.” These symptoms have occurred, in bad 
cases, as early as the first day. The urine is commonly 
more natural than in the febrile stage, but is sometimes 
retained, or not even secreted. There is often oozing of 
blood from the nose, gums, tongue and throat, and it is 
often discharged by the stomach or bowels, or by the 
urine, and dark spots appear on the surface of the body, 
caused by the clotting of the blood under the skin. The 
bowels often discharge large quantities of black matter, 
similar to that thrown from the stomach. The patient 
does not care whether he lives or dies ; the pulse grows 290 
YELLOW FEVER. 
feebler, the breathing slow and sighing and broken by 
occasional hiccough; the skin grows cold and clammy; 
the body emits an offensive odor; a muttering delirium 
sets in; the eyes sink, the pulse ceases, and the face 
collapses. Death comes sometimes quietly, but often in 
convulsions. 
Instead of following the fatal course just described, 
the symptoms may react after the period of abatement. 
Then a secondary fever sets in, of different degrees of 
violence; but this may always be taken as a sign that 
the vital energies are not yet exhausted. This fever may 
end, more or less speedily, in health; or it may soon 
end in complete exhaustion; or it may take a typhoid 
form, and last two, three, or even four weeks. If the 
patient dies, it is usually on the fourth, fifth or sixth 
day ; but death may come as early as the third, or not 
until the ninth or tenth day, and in typhoid cases even 
much later. 
Such are the usual course and symptoms of this 
fever; but it is subject to great variations, as it is often 
complicated with typhus and remittent fevers. Although 
much speculation has been indulged, and many theories 
advanced, almost nothing is certainly known of its cause. 
It is epidemic, and, perhaps, to a limited extent, con- 
tagious. 
Remedies—A remedy for this disease, used with 
great success in Mexico, is given by a medical writer from 
that country, as follows: “A tumblerful of olive-oil, well 
mixed with the juice of three limes and a tablespoonful of 
fine salt. Give one-third of this quantity at the first dose ; 
afterwards, give a tablespoonful every two hours. If this 
should act too violently or too frequently on the bowels, 
increase the interval between the doses, even to four or six 
hours.” REMEDIES. 
291 
He further says, that he has seen it used in hun- 
dreds of cases, many of them the most desperate he ever 
saw, and that he never knew it fail to produce a cure in a 
solitary instance. It sometimes cause the patient to vomit; 
in such cases it should be repeated until the stomach will 
retain it. When the limes cannot be procured, use two 
lemons instead. 
During the epidemic of 1878, in the Southern States, 
where the following treatment was employed, excellent re- 
sults were obtained : The bowels were kept open and the 
kidneys active, by the use of the hyposulphite of soda. An 
ounce of this salt was dissolved in eight ounces of water 
and a tablespoonful given every four hours. The patient 
was kept well covered with blankets, and a gentle sweat- 
ing encouraged by the use of orange-leaf or horse-mint 
tea. Besides this, keeping the patient in bed during the 
stage of calm and giving liquid nourishment and stimu- 
lants and small doses of quinine, constitute the treatment. 
An almost universal fatality was reduced to a fatality of 
one in ten in whites, two in fifteen in mulattos, and one in 
thirty-six in negroes. Getting up, or eating solid food of 
any kind during the disease, which patients desire to do 
during the stage of calm, is almost always fatal. 
Salicylic Acid Remedy—In an epidemic in Savan- 
nah, this acid was used in a single dose of a drachm and 
a half in capsules, or rubbed up with sugar ; if the stomach 
rejected it, twice the quantity (three drachms) was given 
by injections into the bowels. Out of one hundred and 
seventy-nine patients only four died. The disease during 
that epidemic was of intermittent and remittent type. 
A medical writer, in speaking of the treatment of yel- 
low fever, observes, “Having had opportunities of see- 
ins: much of this disease in Havana and on the coast of 
Spain, as well as up the Mediterranean, where it prevails 292 
YELLOW FEVER. 
extensively, I will give you the treatment generally adopted 
by the Spanish physicians. It consists in the use of mild 
and cooling laxatives, such as supertartrate of potassa, or 
cream of tartar, and drinks of tamarind-water, lemonade and 
sub-acid drinks, with tea made from orange-flowers, and, in 
the cold stage, a mustard-bath.” 
Accessory Treatment—The importance of cleanli- 
ness in so serious a contagious disease will be apparent. 
Discharges of the patient, and all soiled articles, should be 
quickly disinfected and removed, and the air of the apart- 
ment kept as fresh and untainted as possible. During the 
chill, a hot mustard foot-bath, repeated in a short time, if 
necessary, often gives ease. 
Some care must be employed in the use of a purgative, 
which is seldom indicated on account of the great irritability 
of the stomach and bowels, and which may be increased to 
an ungovernable extent by the imprudent administration of 
a purgative. Should, however, evident accumulations exist 
in the bowels, a copious injection of warm soapsuds is good 
to relieve the lower bowel. 
During the febrile stage, while the skin is hot and dry, 
the whole surface of the body should be thoroughly bathed 
every hour or two with warm, weak lye-water, to which 
a small portion of whisky has been added, using friction 
in drying. In many cases, especially when the skin is very 
hot, frequent bathing of the surface with cold water, or 
with the above weak lye, cold, will be found more grate- 
ful, and more beneficial in abating the fever, than when 
warm fluids are employed. These bathings should be sus- 
pended whenever the fever diminishes, and renewed as soon 
as it returns. 
An infusion of peach-tree bark may be employed to 
check irritation of the stomach, and warm diaphoretic teas 
to produce sweating. DIET AND TREATMENT. 
293 
Those who live where yellow fever is prevalent, should 
eat ail orange every day, and drink freely of lemonade; and 
by all means get plenty of sleep. 
i>iet—The diet in this stage should he a few water- 
biscuits, soaked in weak, black tea. In the second stage, 
rice, milk and arrow-root, may be added to the diet. In the 
prostration of the third stage, ice-cream or champagne, beef- 
tea and wine-whey may be necessary. 
During the whole course of the fever, the patient must 
remain in bed, comfortably, but not oppressively, covered. 
When the heat of the skin is moderated, friction with hot 
linseed or sweet oil, or with dry mustard is useful. 
See, also, the sections on typhoid fever, under which 
will be found nearly all the information necessary in “acces- 
sory treatment.” 
Preventive Treatment—On this subject Prof. King 
gives the following : 
“When this disease is prevalent in a community peo- 
ple should remove at once to a healthy district, if they are 
able ; if not, they should not expose themselves to the night- 
air, nor to the early morning-air, and at no time should they 
venture into the out-door air on an empty stomach, nor 
when the system is laboring under fatigue or any depress- 
ing influence whatever; sudden changes of temperature 
should be avoided, as well as intemperance, or other ex- 
cesses ; exercise should be moderate, and never in the sun ; 
food should be nourishing and easily digestible, but not 
stimulating; bowels and kidneys should be kept regular, 
but not overtasked; body should be kept clean by daily 
bathing; sleep should be taken in the highest room in the 
house; and the house should be thoroughly cleansed from 
garret to cellar. The clothing should be comfortable, not 
too warm nor too cool.” 
We have necessarily been brief in the treatment of this 294 
AGUE-CAKE. 
disease, from the fact that professional aid is always called 
to patients afflicted with this malady. 
ENLARGED SPLEEX, OR AGUE-CAKE. 
Causes—This disease may be caused by great mus- 
cular exertion, by fever, and also by the malaria, or 
poison which causes ague. It is quite common in connec- 
tion with chills and fever. 
Symptoms—This disease is characterized by a sharp, 
or chill pain beneath the lower left ribs, with more or 
less tenderness on external pressure. In some instances 
there is very little pain, simply a feeling of weight or 
fullness, which is worse when the patient lies on the af- 
fected side. The attack is generally accompanied Avith 
chills and fever, and sometimes there are nausea and 
vomiting, cough, difficulty of breathing and hiccough. The 
spleen often becomes enlarged so as to be felt beneath 
the lower left ribs. 
Remedies—1. The Indian cup-plant, called, also, 
ragged-cup and rosin-weed, is a remedy that seldom fails 
to cure this disease. Dose, a wineglassful two or three 
times a day. 
2. The following is also used for the same purpose, 
and is regarded as infallible: Tincture of gum-plant 
(Grindelia, Squarrosa) and glycerine, each, two 
Mix. Dose, a teaspoonful, four times a day. 
3. The following is a good plaster for this disease: 
The volk of two eggs thickened with salt,, and applied. AGUE IN THE FACE. 
295 
The Bear’s Foot (Polymnia Uvedalia) is a new 
remedy for removing enlarged spleen. A strong tincture 
is made, by adding eight ounces of the bear’s foot to 
one pint of alcohol. Dose, from ten to thirty drops. 
Accessory Treatment—Apply Cayenne pepper 
( Capsicum Annuum), mixed and simmered with spirits, to 
the part. 
Should this not relieve the pain and mitigate the 
symptoms, a mustard-plaster may be applied to the side 
or over the region of the spleen. 
The diet of the patient must be nourishing but easy 
of digestion, avoiding tea, coffee, milk, alcoholic stimu- 
lants, acids and all fats. Ripe fruits and dried fruits, 
stewed, will be found serviceable. Moderate exercise, 
regularly taken in the open air, should always be had 
when the weather will permit; otherwise, it must be 
pursued within doors. Cold, damp, and sudden exposures, 
are causes of relapse, to be carefully avoided as much 
as possible. 
The body and limbs should be bathed every day or 
two with a warm, weak lye-water, and in drying, a 
coarse towel should be used with friction; a spirit-vapor 
bath should also be taken every week or two. 
AGUE IN THE FACE. 
This disease has a common origin with ague in gen- 
eral, though many causes, as cold, damp air, etc., may 
be sufficient to bring on an attack. The remedies that 296 
TO REMOVE FRECKLES. 
may be employed for its removal are the same as those 
used to cure any other form of ague. Hence, the reader 
is referred to the general remedies under ague and fever, 
for the proper treatment of ague in the face. 
It is confined mostly to weak, nervous persons, and 
those of weak and delicate constitutions. It usually affects 
some one locality or spot of the face or head—most fre- 
quently one side of the face—rendering the place extremely 
sore and sensitive to the touch. A very slight touch, even 
that of a handkerchief, will often be more painful than a 
hard pressure of the hand. The skin often becomes red 
and swollen. The eyes also become weak and watery, some- 
times red, and usually very sensitive to light. The pain 
is also apt to be periodical. 
Remedies—A few local remedies, as the following, 
may be used: If the swelling of the face be very great, 
apply a lye-poultice. Or, dip a piece of cotton or lint in 
the tincture of red pepper (Capsicum), made warm, and 
place it between the cheek and the teeth. A free dis- 
charge of saliva follows, which usually affords immediate 
relief. 
TO REMOVE FRECKLES. 
1. Apply to the freckles, twice a day, equal parts 
of lemon-juice and glycerine; this will remove them in 
many instances. 
2. Another is to take one-half teacupful of rain- 
water and two teaspoonfuls of powdered borax, and with 297 
FELON. 
this wash the parts twice a day. This is a never-failing 
remedy for removing freckles of people possessing certain 
textures of skin. 
3. With others, the following is equally as effective: 
Two teaspoonfuls of lemon-juice, one of powdered borax 
and one of sugar ; mix, and let stand a day or two. Then 
apply once or twice a day. 
4. It is reported, by some medical authors, that the 
milky juice of the stem of the dandelion will remove freckles. 
It should be applied twice a day. 
FELON, OR WHITLOW (Paronychia). 
A felon is an inflammation of the fingers, thumb or 
hand, exceedingly painful and very much disposed to sup- 
purate or form matter. The toes are also sometimes the 
seat of the disease. The pain commences deep, with prick- 
ing, throbbing and inflammation. It proceeds very slowly 
to suppuration, and often affects the bone and sinews. 
Remedies—1. Take equal parts of brown soap and 
unslaked lime; mix with whisky until a salve is formed. 
Bind a large quantity on the felon, and in from eighteen 
to twenty-four hours it will draw the matter to the sur- 
face, when it can be removed. 
2. It is unnecessary for any one to have a felon, if the 
white of an egg and salt be applied in time. They should 
be mixed and used in the form of a poultice, at the com- 
mencement, and they will disperse or “scatter” it. 
3. Here is another fine remedy. As soon as the 298 
FISTULA IN ANO. 
part begins to swell, apply the tincture of lobelia, and 
wrap it with a cloth saturated with the tincture, and the 
felon will soon be dispersed. 
4. Take a pint of common wood-aslies, and over 
them pour one quart of boiling water. Stir it well, and let 
it stand on the stove for about ten minutes, and when well 
settled, pour off the clear liquor, and while hot as can 
be borne, immerse the affected part in it, and keep it 
there for half an hour or more, and repeat the process 
every hour until the soreness subsides. If applied in time 
it will “scatter” the felon. 
For ordinary drawing purposes, in place of a poultice, 
sliced lemon is a very superior article. 
5. Wrap the finger with woolen yarn or any other 
elastic cord, beginning at the end and continuing till past 
the point where the felon is coming. The string should 
be wound as tightly as can comfortably be borne. This 
should be done when the felon first appears, and it is 
simply an infallible preventive. 
6. Place the hand sufficiently deep in a bowl of 
kerosene oil to completely cover the affected part. It is 
said that it will almost immediately stop the pain, and that 
a few applications will kill the felon. 
FISTULA IN ANO. 
A Fistula in ano is a narrow, pipe-like track, lined by an 
imperfect mucous membrane, secreting pus, having a nar- 
row, callous opening, situate within a short distance of 
the verge of the anus. CAUSES, ETC. 
299 
Causes—The causes of fistula are numerous; such 
as costiveness and relaxation of the bowels, derangement 
of the liver and alimentary canal, sedentary habits, high 
living, plethora, bruises, piles, etc. It is often connected 
with, and probably produces, a pulmonary disease. 
Symptoms—The fistula in ano usually commences 
with swelling near the rectum, attended with great pain, 
hardness and acute inflammation; the tumor advances 
slowly to suppuration, and matter is formed. 
In some cases, however, the disease proceeds till an 
opening is formed, with very little pain—so much so, that the 
patient is ignorant of the time when it formed ; but more 
generally the pain is very severe, swelling great, and sup- 
puration very extensive; and in consequence of the 
pressure upon the neck of the bladder, or urethra, there is 
a suppression of urine. 
Remedies—The treatment of fistula depends upon 
the stage in which we are called to prescribe. A very 
different course is required in a state of inflammation 
from that of suppuration or abscess. I shall first treat 
of the means to be employed in its incipient, forming, or 
inflammatory stage. First, moderate excessive inflamma- 
tion ; second, diminish painful or urgent symptoms; 
third, promote suppuration, if the swelling cannot be dis- 
cussed or “scattered;” to accomplish which the discu- 
tient ointment (the mode of preparing Avhich is found 
under the head of “ Recipes”) may be first applied to the 
swelling; immediately after which let it be steamed or 
fomented with bitter herbs, tansy, wormwood, hoarhound, 
catnip and hops, a handful of each: add water, and boil 
until the strength is extracted. Put the whole into a 
small or suitable-sized vessel, and add about half a pint 
of soft soap. Place a narrow piece of board over the 
vessel or tub, and let the patient sit over it fifteen or 300 
FISTULA IN ANO. 
twenty minutes, with a blanket thrown around him to 
retain the steam. The process of steaming must be re- 
peated morning and night, or as often as the pain be- 
comes severe. 
This operation in almost every case, immediately re- 
lieves the patient; even when the parts are so tender 
that they cannot bear the weight of the bed-clothes, it so 
much diminishes the irritability and soreness, that the 
patient can afterward bear considerable pressure upon the 
swelling. In a word, it usually affords relief in the most 
painful stage of the disease; it not only allays the 
pain, but promotes either resolution or suppuration. 
As soon as the patient has been thus steamed, apply 
a poultice made of equal parts of powdered linseed and 
elm-bark, mixed to form a proper consistence; let this 
be applied tepid; about a tablespoonful of sweet oil may 
be added, which is cooling, emollient, and prevents it 
from adhering to the skin. It will be necessary to renew 
this poultice morning and night. I have, in many cases, 
found a tye-poultice excellent, where the other did not 
agree with the patient. Every time either poultice is ap- 
plied, let the discutient ointment be rubbed on the 
swelling. 
It will be necessary, for the sake of convenience, as 
well as to secure the dressings, to use a bandage made 
by passing a piece of linen, of a suitable width, just above 
the hips, and fastened on the right or left side of the 
abdomen with tapes or buttons; a piece fastened to this 
behind, and brought between the legs, and secured to the 
bandage around the body; likewise in front, or before, 
in the same manner. This will effectually secure the poul- 
tice and the other dressings. 
With this treatment the inflammation will gradually 
subside, and matter or an abscess will form, which is REMEDIES. 
301 
usually very large and extensive. This may be known by 
a subsidence of the pain, redness, and the tumor becom- 
ing softer, yielding readily upon pressure. Where the 
patient is willing to wait, let the abscess burst spon- 
taneously or by the aid of the poultice, in which case 
there appears to be less callus or hardness remaining, and 
the sinus is not so liable to close. 
Having, then, arrived at a stage of the disease in 
which suppuration has taken place, there must be a vari- 
ation in the treatment. I mean after the matter has been 
well evacuated from the abscess, and the pain, swelling 
and inflammatory symptoms have subsided; for, until 
this has taken place, the same treatment must be con- 
tinued, especially the poultice. 
It sometimes happens that even a real, fistulous ab- 
scess will heal up after a short time, but generally there 
remains an indurated tumor, in the center of which there 
is a small hole, orifice or sinus, from which the matter 
discharges, and which, extending a greater or less distance 
from the verge of the anus, communicates with it lower 
or higher up, or at a greater or less distance from the 
end of the bowel or anus. 
The act of keeping open the fistula may be accom- 
plished by introducing a suitable-sized tent, made of the 
ravelings of linen or thread; or a piece of twine will 
answer. It should be made small or pointed at one end, 
similar to a probe, and drawn through beeswax, or some 
plaster of a proper consistence, in order to stiffen it; 
and then it is to be introduced as far up the sinus as 
possible, and a very small portion left out; after which 
a little lint should be placed on the end of it, and a 
plaster of the black salve applied. (The mode of preparing 
this salve is found under the head of “Recipes.”) On 
this a compress should be placed, and secured by the 302 
FISTULA IN ANO. 
bandage, as before-mentioned. The tent should be grad- 
ually enlarged, to till the opening. Generally, when first 
introduced, they are required to be exceedingly small, and 
can be introduced only a very short distance ; but the orifice 
becomes more open, and in a short time larger ones can 
be used, and they will penetrate to the whole depth of 
the ulcer; nor will they excite any pain, as many might 
suppose; for the matter soon renders them soft after 
their introduction. It is not sufficient to introduce these 
tents without any application upon them. It is necessary 
to make use of some stimulating agents; and for this 
purpose I employ, with decided benefit, an alkali, or 
preparation of potash. Let lye, made of hickory ashes, 
be boiled down until it is perfectly dry; then be re- 
moved from the vessel, pulverized, and kept from the 
air. A few grains of this must he put upon the tent 
every time it is introduced, which should be morning and 
night. It soon alters the nature of the discharge, ren- 
dering it more healthy, the fistula less irritable, and also 
subdues the inflammatory state of the system. It excites 
sharp pain for a few minutes ; but, instead of operating 
like common caustics, causing greater inflammation, it 
removes it. The carbonate of potash will answer the 
purpose, but I think does not act so kindly as the prep- 
aration just mentioned. In the next place, the syringe 
must be resorted to, to aid in curing the complaint; and 
we may commence by injecting into the sinus a solution 
of the article just named. About one drachm of the 
alkali may be dissolved in eight ounces of rain-water, 
and injected once a day, the strength of it gradually in- 
creased, as the patient can bear it. Weak lye answers 
very well, the strength of which may be gradually in- 
creased, as required ; there is no danger in using it very 
concentrated, for the cure is expedited in proportion to REMEDIES. 
303 
its strength; but we must be governed by the feelings 
of the patient, which will not permit its being used too 
strong, as it might cause too much pain. This liquid 
should be injected once or twice a day. Soon after a 
fistulous abscess breaks, the parts are too irritable to bear 
the use of the syringe; a little time should be allowed 
for the soreness to subside; and I often commence with 
the use of injections, consisting of Castile-soap and water. 
The fistula may be washed twice a day with salt and 
water. This course must be pursued as long as the fistula 
continues to grow better; although such is the insidious 
nature of the complaint, that, after the painful symptoms 
have subsided, the patient is unable to decide whether he 
is improving or not, although the callous or hardened 
edges of the fistula are daily diminishing. 
The best and only sure criterion to ascertain whether 
the morbid or diseased organization has been removed, is 
the quantity of matter discharged when no dressings are 
applied ; and, therefore, when the fistula becomes pitted, 
or depressed around the edges, and the hardness in a meas- 
ure gone, a trial may be made to heal it by omitting the 
use of the tents and the syringe. The plaster or salve 
should only be applied, which will enable the practitioner 
to decide whether the discharge arises from the fistula itself, 
or whether it arises from the stimulating properties of the 
agents or medicines made use of ; for I may say, in a word, 
that the principle of cure depends upon the act of making and 
keeping up a permanent issue or drain upon the fistula, until 
the morbid nature of it is so destroyed that the edges of the 
sinus or opening may agglutinate and heal. Tn general, how- 
ever, after these applications have been used a sufficient 
length of time, the discharge of matter will gradually di- 
minish, and the fistula will close in spite of the stimulus 
arising from the dressings. 304 
FISTULA IX ANO. 
It is always best to wait, before dressing the fistula, 
till there has been an evacuation from the bowels, provi- 
ded this generally takes place daily, and in the morning, 
as the applications are sometimes disturbed by the pas- 
sages. 
The parts should first always be well washed and 
cleansed with soap and water, to which a little spirits should 
be added. 
It is better for the practitioner to attend personally to 
the dressings, if practicable, as this will facilitate the cure; 
but it may be committed to the wife, husband or a friend ; 
and, although a cure is invariably made, yet it is often 
much more protracted. 
In making objections to my practice, some have asked, 
how can my application be made to a fistula when it 
runs very crooked or obliquely, or perhaps passes off lat- 
erally into the flesh? In answer to which I have to observe, 
that I know not that any such case occurs. At any rate, 
I have never yet seen a fistula in which I could not in- 
troduce the medicine to the very extent or bottom of it, 
either by the use of the syringe, or by some of the other 
means recommended. But should this not be the case, if 
the applications do not penetrate to the bottom, provided 
a cure is performed, the modus operandi of the agents em- 
ployed is of little moment. It is sufficient for us to know 
that they have the desired effect. 
This mode of treating fistula in ano, in particular, has 
excited much attention, and has induced some physicians 
who have had the most indubitable evidence of its efficacy 
and superiority to publish it to the world. 
As an,alterative remedy for the blood, some practi- 
tioners recommend very highly, during the treatment, the 
free use of centaury plant and burdock-seed, or either one 
of them, made into a strong decoction. PROLAPSUS ANI. 
305 
Accessory Means—The early opening of any swell- 
ing which indicates the presence of an abscess in the vi- 
cinity of the anus. A poultice before and after the inci- 
sion may be necessary. Subsequently, frequent washings 
with tepid water; the sitz-bath and frequent injections of 
tepid water, afford comfort to the patient, prevent the ex- 
tension of the disease, and favor a radical cure. Nour- 
ishing, digestible diet, abundance of fresh air, and gener- 
ally good hygienic conditions, are necessary to increase 
the reparative powers of the system. 
‘ ‘ Fissure of the anus is a very troublesome com- 
plaint, frequently being very obstinate in its character, 
and affecting the general health. It may be known by 
fissures or cracks around the anus, of various lengths, 
which are very irritable and painful, and discharge a thin 
fluid. The edges of these cracks gradually become hard. 
The treatment will be similar to that for fistula in ano; 
apply fomentations to relieve the tenderness of the part, 
after which sprinkle the vegetable caustic along the cracks, 
and cover with an ointment spread on lint, made of ex- 
tract of belladonna one drachm, rubbed well with melted 
spermaceti, seven drachms.”—\JProf, King, 
PROLAPSUS ANI—FALLING OF THE BOWEL. 
This is a protrusion of the mucous lining of the rec- 
tum through the anal orifice, after the action of the bowel, 
which goes back of itself, or is easily replaced. In severe 806 
TKOLAPSUS AX I. 
cases, the protrusion takes place from walking, riding or 
even too long standing, and can only be replaced with 
difficulty. In complicated cases, a portion of the muscu- 
lar structures of the rectum is protruded with the mucous 
membrane. 
Causes—Long-continued constipation or diarrhea; 
purgatives; straining excited by the irritation of worms, 
or of stone in the bladder; laxity and delicacy of consti- 
tution. Although not confined to them, it is most frequent 
in children. 
Treatment—To return the protruded portion of the 
mucous membrane, let the child lie on 'his face, with the 
hips elevated higher than the shoulders, oil a soft piece of 
muslin three or four inches square with sweet oil, cream 
or lard, place it over the protruded part, hold it lightly 
but smoothly over the tumor with the fingers of one hand, 
and pass the forefinger of the other hand directly into the 
centre of the tumor, in the direction of the anus, carrying 
the muslin before the finger through the anus, until the 
entire protruded part has been returned; then hold the 
finger there for a moment or two, and afterward gently 
withdraw it, together with the muslin. Sometimes simply 
pressing the flesh on each side, over the tumor, with the 
hips elevated, will cause the bowel to return; this can be 
tried first. Patients who are much troubled with this dif- 
culty, should be required to have their evacuations in a 
position half-way between sitting and standing, and should 
avoid straining. 
There are cases, when these protruded parts, or tumors, 
are too much swollen, or too tender to be handled for the 
purpose of returning them. In such cases, no farther at- 
tempts must be made until means have been made use of 
to reduce the. inflammation. Astringent washes may first 
be tried, if the pain and swelling be not too great. Take 307 
TKEATMENT. 
white-oak hark, bruise and make a strong decoction, and 
to every pint add a teaspoonful of pulverized alum; let 
the part be frequently washed with this. 
After these have been applied, should it still continue 
irreducible, apply the slippery-elm hark poultice, to be se- 
cured by a bandage. This will soon lessen the inflamma- 
tion so that the intestine can be replaced. 
If it proceeds from a relaxed state of the bowels, 
medicines must be given for that complaint. The diet 
should be such as to keep the bowels in a soluble state, 
as rye or brown bread, mush or hasty pudding and molas- 
ses. 
In managing difficulties of this kind, be careful that 
some ignorant pretender does not—as has happened—ap- 
ply the ligature or the knife, and cut off the tumor, in- 
stead of returning it into the body. 
The treatment, in order to cure the difficulty, must 
consist mainly of astringent applications and injections. 
Therefore, after returning the bowel, inject into the 
rectum a strong decoction of oak-bark or geranium-root, 
and then apply a compress, first wetting it also with the 
decoction, and have the injection retained as long as it can 
be borne. Powdered alum may be dissolved in the de- 
coction, a tablespoonful to a pint of the liquid ; and in case 
of much soreness or any ulceration, a teaspoonful of cop- 
peras. Cold water injections occasionally, will also be good, 
if there is inflammation. 
Care should be exercised to keep the bowels relaxed 
by proper food, fruit, etc., and by careful attention at the 
time of having an operation of the bowels. In severe 
cases, it becomes necessary to retain the bowel in place 
by a pad or compress, held on by a bandage. 308 
ACHING AND SORENESS OF THE FEET. 
ACHING AND SORENESS OF THE FEET-EX- 
HAUSTION OF THE MUSCLES. 
Remedies—If the feet be swollen or blistered, or the 
ankles ache after walking, a warm foot-bath may be used, 
to which a teaspoonful of the strong tincture of arnica 
has been added; the relief afforded is often immediate 
and permanent. If the hands or wrists ache from exces- 
sive or unaccustomed exertion, they may be bathed in about 
a pint of water to which twenty or thirty drops of arnica 
have been added. If necessary, in one or two hours the 
application may be repeated. In muscular fatigue from 
long-continued or severe exertion, affecting the hips, 
thighs, etc., a hip-bath, to which a drachm of the strong 
tincture of arnica has been added, is an excellent remedy. 
Whatever kind of bath is used, and to whatever part ap- 
plied, it should be warm if used in the evening or soon 
after exertion, but cold or tepid in the morning. 
If at any time the arnica cannot be had, use the water 
alone, for it is excellent. Salt and water are used with 
much advantage to the feet after long walking. 
When suffering from fatigue, a light repast only should 
be taken; a full heavy meal might occasion serious em- 
barrassment to the digestive organs, as they equally suffer 
from the general weariness. 
Wet Feet—When the feet become casually wet, the 
shoes and stockings should be at once removed, the feet 
bathed in tepid water, and thoroughly dried by considerable 
friction with a coarse towel. This will prevent colds, coughs 
and often more serious diseases. 
Blistered Feet—Frequent application of water is 
excellent in these difficulties; and, as for medical appli- 
cations, there is, perhaps, nothing better than the follow- 
ing : Take of Burgundy pitch, two ounces ; beeswax, half OFFENSIVE FEET. 
309 
an ounce ; olive oil, a tablespoonful; melt together and 
strain. This, applied to the soles of the feet, affords prompt 
and permanent relief. 
To Prevent the 111 Effects of Fatigue—This is 
accomplished by the simple application of very warm 
water. 
PERSPIRATION OF THE FEET. 
Remedies—Washing the feet, once a day in alum- 
water will, in many cases, effectually cure their excessive 
perspiration. When they perspire profusely during the 
day, the stockings or socks should be removed several 
times a day, and dry ones put on. This practice will 
conduce more to health than might generally be antici- 
pated. 
TENDER FEET AND OFFENSIVE ODOR. 
Remedies—Washing the feet in alum-water will 
harden them. It tends, also, to remove the offensive odor 
to which some feet are subject. Or, wash them in a strong 
decoction of oak-bark. It will have the effect to remove 
the cause that produces the bad odor, and also to harden 310 
GRAVEL. 
the soles of the feet. Simply bathing the feet once a day 
in pure water is another admirable means for the same 
purpose, and should be done in such cases every day, for 
the promotion of health, if there should be no other in- 
ducement. 
Persons subject to fetid perspiration from the feet, 
will derive great relief from the use of a strong 
solution of common soda, as a bath, frequently. Where 
a genial glow of warmth does not promptly follow the 
bath and friction in any case, a little bay-rum or whisky 
should be applied, and the friction continued until the ef- 
fect is produced. 
Cold Feet—The majority of people pay little atten- 
tion to the cleanliness of the feet, and yet any square inch 
of the sole of the foot demands cleanliness, perfect clean- 
liness, more than any square foot of surface of the body, 
as far as health is concerned, because the “pores” are 
much larger there than anywhere else; so large, indeed, 
that they may be called “sluices” for carrying away 
the impurities of the system. Hence the bottom of the feet 
should be well washed and well rubbed every day.—[Hall. 
GRAVEL—STONE IN THE BLADDER. 
Causes—The materials which form gravel and stone 
are undoubtedly contained in what we eat and drink. 
They contain sand enough, either in a native state or 
combined in other substances, to form those hard and 
gritty bodies which we call gravel or stone. When the GRAVEL. 
311 
system is healthy, these ingredients are carried off by the 
proper secretions of the body; but when there is debility 
of any organ, more especially of the kidneys, they become 
incapable of expelling such sandy substances, and these 
consequently lodge in the kidneys, urinary passages or 
bladder. They generally pass off without occasioning 
much disturbance or disease ; but when there is an excess 
of urine or other acid these particles unite chemically 
until they form a stone. This stone, if deposited in the 
kidneys or urinary passages, may give rise to inflamma- 
tion of these organs ; or, if lodged in the bladder, it may 
occasion all the symptoms of stone. 
Symptoms—A fine gravel is sometimes dis- 
charged with the urine, causing much pain and irritation, 
and earthy substances not unfrequently form in the 
kidneys, from the urine, pass to the bladder, and are 
either discharged in the urine, or remain to become the 
nucleus of stone. Sometimes, before the stone leaves the 
kidneys, it becomes too large to pass easily to the bladder, 
and if it is rough, its passage causes great irritation and 
the most terrible spasmodic pains. The attack usually 
begins suddenly, and during apparent health. A severe 
pain is felt in the region of the kidney, shooting to the 
groin, testicle or thigh, and extending down the abdomen, 
from the kidney to the bladder, in the direction of the 
passage. Sometimes, the greatest pain is felt about the 
hip. It comes in severe paroxysms, is often accompanied 
by nausea and vomiting, and sometimes by a small and 
feeble pulse, pale complexion and profuse sweat. Frequent 
inclination to pass urine, is another symptom which is 
commonly present. The patient often changes his posi- 
tion, without obtaining the relief which he wishes. Finally, 
the stones passes into the bladder, and he feels immediate 
relief. The symptoms return, of course, as often as a 312 
GRAVEL. 
stone passes from the kidneys to the bladder; or they 
may abate for some time, before the stone has passed, 
and return again. 
Remedies—1. The common garden-beet is an infallible 
remedy in almost any form of this disease. It should be 
prepared as follows: Boil a quantity, as if preparing 
them for the table; then boil the juice to nearly a syrup. 
Of this, drink from one-half to a teacupful, three times 
a day. The worst cases have been cured by this remedy, 
when all other means had failed. It possesses the power 
of dissolving stone in the bladder. 
2. To one quart of soft water, add three teaspoon- 
fuls of powdered borax, and six teaspoonfuls of cream 
of tartar; when dissolved, give from two to three table- 
spoonfuls, four or live times a day. This remedy has 
cured very grave cases of gravel in a few days, that had 
resisted medical treatment for months. 
3. Prepare and take, three times a day, an infusion 
of bird-knot grass, in doses of three or four tablespoon- 
fuls. This was a favorite remedy with the celebrated Dr. 
Warren, who regarded it as a sure cure for the different 
forms of this disease, and who states that he has cured 
a large number of cases with it. 
4. Goose-grass, or cleavers (Galium Aparine), is 
said to be a solvent of stftne in the bladder. It should 
be prepared by infusing the leaves slowly for two or 
three hours, in hot (but not boiling) water. Dose, half 
a teacupful three times a day. 
5. The juice of red onions is said also to be a cure 
for this disease. Half a teacupful is to be drunk morn- 
ing and evening, for four or live days. 
Accessory Treatment—For spasms, or severe par- 
oxysms of pain, caused by the passage of stone or gravel 
from the kidneys to the bladder, if convenient, put the URIC-ACID GRAVEL. 
313 
patient into a warm bath; if not, wring a sheet out of 
warm water and wrap it around the body, from below the 
arms to the hips, and put over the sheet dry flannel; 
wet the sheet often. If this does not afford relief, and 
the patient is an adult and the pains severe, give twenty- 
five drops of laudanum or one-sixth of a grain of mor- 
phine, and repeat at the end of an hour, if there is no 
relief. A third may be given, if necessary, at the end of 
two hours. Remedies may sometimes relieve, but not 
often; or the stone may pass, and relief follow. Keep 
watch of the urine for the stone, as it is important that 
it should pass as soon as possible after entering the 
bladder, or it may become a gathering point for stone. 
If it fails to pass, the patient should drink freely of 
slippery-elm tea or gum-Arabic water, retain the urine 
until the bladder is distended, and then pass it in a full 
stream, while standing, with the legs apart and the body 
bending forward, which helps the passage. The pain is 
caused by the stoppage of the urine, while the stone is 
passing. 
Uric-Acid Gravel—This form of gravel is fre- 
quently characterized by uric acid being passed in the 
urine, in the shape of fine sand, and sometimes, even, in 
large crystals. The urine of the person is highly colored 
after it becomes cool; somewhat of the color of brown 
sherry. There will be found, in it, red, yellow or dirty- 
white deposits, which adhere to the sides of the vessel. 
Take, of dwarf-elder bark, marshmallow root, trailing 
arbutus, and queen-of-the-meadow root, each, one ounce. 
Put them in a quart of boiling water. Then add two pints 
of good Holland gin; steep them in a closely-covered 
vessel, for four hours, over a gentle fire; strain, and 
sweeten to the taste with honey. Dose, a wineglassful 
three times a day, until a complete cure is effected. This 314 
GIDDINESS. 
is, doubtless, one of the best remedies yet offered to the 
public, for the cure of this kind of gravel. 
In fits of gravel in the kidneys, in which there is no 
stone in the bladder, the following will generally be 
effective : Put one pound of quicklime in one and a half 
gallons of water; of this, drink from one and a half to 
two pints during the day. After using this water, nearly 
the same amount of water may be added a second time to 
the lime, without renewing it. 
GIDDINESS—DIZZINESS (Vertigo). 
Symptoms—The patient is suddenly seized with a 
sense of swimming in the head; everything appears to 
him to turn round; he staggers, and is in danger of 
falling down. This complaint is attended with very little 
danger where it arises from hysterics, or any nervous dis- 
order ; but when it arises from plethora, or an unnatural 
quantity of blood in the head, there is danger of 
apoplexy. 
This complaint often proceeds from difficult or ob- 
structed menstruation. 
Treatment—It will be necessary, first, to ascertain 
the cause of the complaint. If it is symptomatic of some 
other disorder, that must first be removed, in order to 
cure it. If it comes from dyspepsia, eat lightly; if from 
costiveness, use coarse food and fruits. (See “Costive- 
ness.”) Avoid coffee, ardent spirits and late suppers, 315 
GOITER. 
and take much exercise. Keep the feet warm, and the 
head cool. 
GOITER, OR SWELLED IOECK. 
A tumor on the fore-part of the neck, formed by an 
enlargement of the thyroid gland. The progress of the 
swelling is extremely gradual, and, in general, the skin 
long retains its natural appearance. It is at first soft; 
but as it advances in size it acquires a great degree of 
hardness; the face is subject to frequent flushing; the 
patient complains of frequent headaches, and likewise of 
pains shooting through the body of the tumor. It is often, 
accompanied with hysteric affections. 
Causes—The inhabitants of Derbyshire, and other 
mountainous parts of England, and those of the Alps and 
adjacent mountains on the continent, are peculiarly subject 
to this disorder. Among the latter it is known by the 
name of goitre, and its origin is ascribed to the use of 
snow-water. It is considered a scrofulous affection of 
the gland. 
Remedies—1. The seeds of the common nettle are a 
sovereign remedy, and will cure almost any case of goiter. 
Dose, from twelve to fifteen seeds, three times a day. 
2. There has recently been reported, a number of 
cases of this disease, cured by means of mechanical pres- 
sure. For this purpose an elastic band, or rubber, of from 
one and a half to two and a half inches in width, is passed 
around the neck and over the swelling, and gradually 316 
GOUT. 
tightened, but only to a degree that will neither render 
it uncomfortable nor cause any fullness of the head. 
3. “ Collodion,” says a recent medical writer, “ is the 
best remedy ever used for ‘ big-neck,’ or goiter. It should 
be freely applied to the part, and the skin kept completely 
under its action. It cures mainly by the pressure it pro- 
duces upon the tumor.” 
Formerly, burnt sponge was administered internally for the cure of 
big-neck. It has been satisfactorily ascertained, however, that the only 
virtue in the sponge consists in the iodine which it contains, and latterly 
this remedy has been mainly relied upon for removing goiter. It is used 
externally. It is best to begin with the ordinary tincture of iodine of the 
shops, which may be painted over all the enlarged surface with a small 
brush or sponge—applied twice a day; continue until the surface be- 
comes tender or blistered, when the tincture should be laid aside for an 
ointment of iodine, slightly weaker than such as is prepared in the shops; 
this may be prepared by adding one pint of sweet lard to two pints of 
ointment of iodine, full strength. The ointment in this strength should 
be rubbed in twice a day. In the meantime, a removal to a dry, bracing 
atmosphere, and the use of pure water will contribute to the cure.—[Dr. 
Howard. 
GOUT. 
Causes—There is no disease which shows the imper- 
fection of medicine, or sets the advantages of temperance 
and exercise in a stronger light than this. Few who pay 
a proper regard to these are troubled with the gout. This 
points out the true source from whence that malady originally 
sprang, viz., excess and idleness. It likewise shows us that 
the only safe and efficacious method of cure, or rather SYMPTOMS. 
317 
of prevention, must depend, not upon medicine, but on 
temperance and activity. 
Though idleness and intemperance are the principal 
causes of the gout, yet many other things may contribute 
to bring on the disorder in those who are not, and to in- 
duce a paroxysm in those who are subject to it, as intense 
study, too free a use of acid liquors, night-watching, 
grief or uneasiness of mind, an obstruction or defect 
of any of the customary discharges, as the menses, sweating 
of the feet, perspiration, etc. 
Symptoms—A fit of the gout is generally preceded 
by indigestion, drowsiness, wind, a slight headache, sick- 
ness, and sometimes vomiting. The patient complains of 
weariness and dejection of spirits, and has often a pain in 
the limbs, with a sensation as if wind or cold water were 
passing down the thigh. The appetite is often remarkably 
keen a day or two before the fit, and there is a slight 
pain in passing urine, and sometimes an involuntary shedding 
of tears. 
The regular gout generally makes its attack in the 
spring or beginning of winter, in the following manner: 
About two or three in the morning, the patient is seized 
with a pain in his great toe, sometimes in the heel, and 
at other times in the ankle or calf of the leg. This pain 
is accompanied with a sensation as if cold water were poured 
upon the part, which is succeeded by a shivering, with some 
degree of fever. Afterwards the pain increases, and fixing 
among the small bones of the foot, the patient feels all the 
different kinds of torture, as if the part were stretched, 
burnt, squeezed, gnawed, or torn in pieces, etc. The part 
at length becomes so exquisitely sensitive that the patient 
cannot bear to have it touched, or even suffer any person 
to walk across the room. 
The patient is generally in exquisite torture for twenty- 318 
GOUT 
four hours from the time of the coming on of the fit; he 
then becomes easier, the part begins to swell, appears 
red, and is covered with a little moisture. Towards 
morning he drops asleep, and generally falls into a 
gentle, breathing sweat. This ter mi nates the first paroxysm, 
a number of which constitutes a fit of the gout; which is 
longer or shorter, according to the patient’s age, strength, 
the season of the year, and the disposition of the body 
to this disease. 
The patient is always worse towards night and easier 
in the morning. The paroxysms, however, generally grow 
milder every day, till at length the disease is carried off 
by perspiration, by the urine and the other evacuations. 
In some patients, this happens in a few days; in 
others, it requires weeks; in some, months to finish 
the attack. 
Remedies—For temporary relief in an attack of 
gout, there is perhaps nothing better than bathing, or 
holding the part affected in cold water. Warm water, 
in which there is dissolved a quantity of saleratus, is also 
highly recommended. In some cases salt and water may 
be used, and are very beneficial. When bathing does not 
effect the purpose and satisfy the patient, a poultice of 
jimson-leaves, bruised and simmered awhile in weak lye 
and thickened with wheat-bran or powdered elm-bark, and 
applied warm, answers an excellent purpose. The principal 
thing to be done to effect a cure, is to change the diet, 
take plenty of vigorous exercise and abstain from all 
spirituous liquors. 
Coffee has recently been recommended for gout. Dr. 
Deveran says he had gout for twenty-five years, and coffee 
cured him. 
Should the pain, swelling and heat be great, the foot REMEDIES. 
319 
or part affected may be steamed over bitter herbs. This 
generally affords the most sudden relief. 
Colchicum—This remedy bears a Homoeopathic re- 
lation to gout, and is best administered in comparatively 
large and frequently repeated doses, as follows: Twenty 
drops of the strong tincture to a tumblerful of water, 
giving a dessertspoonful every twenty, thirty or sixty 
minutes, according to the intensity of the pain, and until 
it subsides. Colchicum is a drug used both in the new 
and in the old school of medicine, with this difference: 
that all the good effects of the remedy are secured by 
the small doses of the former, without any of the injury 
the large doses of the latter entail. The following ex- 
tracts from an author of each school will be read with 
interest: There is one drug which has an undoubted in- 
fluence in controlling gouty inflammation, and its action in 
articular gout (gout of the joints) appears as marked as 
that of cinchona hark in the cure of ague; this remedy is 
colchicum. 
Colchicum, as before stated, has a direct, controlling 
power over the joint-disease, and I cannot call to mind 
a single instance in which its influence was not well 
marked. 
Tn adopting this as the remedy for the gouty parox- 
ysms, Homoeopathy may do something towards removing 
those inconveniences which beset its administration in the 
old school. Probably all the bad effects which result from 
Allopathic doses may be averted by a reduction of the 
dose. Should the pain recur in the same, or attack other 
joints, colchicum should be resumed. 
Accessory Measures—During an attack of gout, 
the affected limb should be raised, so as to favor the free 
return of blood to the heart; the application of flannels 
wrung out of hot water, hot bread-and-water poultices, 320 
CHliONIC GOUT. 
after immersion in hot water, often do good ; or the acetic- 
acid lotion, before recommended, may be used. In acute 
attacks the patient should be restricted to farinaceous diet— 
arrow-root, tapioca, sago, bread, etc., and milk; water, or 
toast-and-water, ad libitum. As the fever-symptoms de- 
cline, a more generous diet may be gradually allowed; at 
the same time the patient should resume daily, moderate, 
out-of-door exercise as early as he is able. 
Healthy action of the skin should be promoted by 
bathing, warm clothing, bath-brushes, etc., for much ex- 
crementitious matter is got rid of in this manner. Fric- 
tion over the whole surface of the body is extremely useful 
when exercise cannot be taken. The patient should be well 
rubbed, with a flesh-brush or with the hands, twice a day. 
CHRONIC GOUT. 
This is a persistent constitutional affection, character- 
ized by stiffness and swelling of various joints, with de- 
posits of urate of soda. 
Symptoms—The deposits in the joints constitute the 
distinguishing feature; chronic stiffness and swelling of 
various joints, with pain are considered as cases of chronic 
rheumatism or gout. 
Treatment of Gouty Deposits—The following 
simple method Dr. Broadbent has found effectual: Wrap 
the hands in linen or flannel dripping with water, warm 
or cold, and enclose them in a water-proof bag all night. 
This very speedily removes inflammatory stiffness, and, GANGLION. 
321 
little by little, the concretions of urate of soda soften, fre- 
quently disappearing entirely. Dr. Broadbent has, in other 
cases, applied alkaline solutions, and water acidulated with 
nitric acid to one hand, while water alone has been applied 
to the other, and has come to the conclusion that water 
is the agent in the process of removal. Urate of soda 
is soluble in a sufficient quantity of water. When once 
deposited round the joints it is extra-vascular, and not read- 
ily acted on through the blood, but water being absorbed by 
the skin effects its solution, when dissolved it is carried 
away. 
GANGLION, OR WEEPING SINEW. 
A ganglion is a small swelling, composed of toughish 
sacs, formed on one or more of the tendons of the back 
of the wrists, rarely larger than a child’s marble, generally 
smaller, attended with weakness, but free from pain. 
Causes—Excessive action of the tendon, or of the 
extensor muscle leading to the tendon to which the gang- 
lion is attached. Mr. Skey states that he has treated 
many eases in the persons of violin-players, in whom the 
malady has been confined to the left hand, the right, or 
bow-hand, being free ; he states also that ganglions are 
often seen in pianists who practice many hours daily. But 
they are not confined exclusively to this class of persons. 
Remedies—The best plan is to adapt and bind a 
piece of lead upon the tumor, so as to make firm and con- 
tinued compression. This may be aided by stimulating 322 
GLEET 
liniments, being careful not to produce too much irritation 
in the tumor. Sometimes this difficulty has been cured 
by painting the tumor with tincture of iodine, twice a day, 
and covering it with oiled silk, and then firmly compress- 
ing it with a bandage. It usually requires several months 
to effect a cure. In those cases where the above means 
fails, after having been perseveringly tried, it will need 
the aid of the surgeon to remove the swelling by the knife. 
An English author says that the method he recom- 
mends to be first adopted, is the internal and external use 
of benzoic acid. Dissolve half a teaspoonful in a pint of 
water, and take a tablespoonful of this three times a day. 
For external use, take benzoic acid, five grains ; glycerine- 
cerate, one ounce. This is to be well rubbed into the part, 
morning and night. 
GLEET, GONORRHEA (Clap). 
This is inflammation of the urethra, or external 
urinary passage, and is generally occasioned by an im- 
pure connection; although a disease of a similar character 
may arise from having connection with a healthy woman 
during menstruation; and it is sometimes produced by 
leucorrhea in the female. Where the disease is contagious, 
the symptoms follow exposure in from two or three days, 
to as many weeks, though in most instances the time is 
about one week. 
Symptoms.—The first sign is a tickling or itching TREATMENT. 
323 
sensation at the mouth of the urinary passage, soon fol- 
lowed by a frequent inclination to make water. In a 
short time, swelling and redness appear, and the passage 
of urine becomes painful. As the case progresses, a 
yellowish-white discharge appears, becomes sometimes 
greenish or ‘bloody, and often quite copious. Severe 
scalding or burning pains attend the passage of the urine, 
which is scanty, and comes in a small stream. The in- 
flammation ascends the urethra, and sometimes reaches 
the bladder. The passage is swollen and feels hard, and 
the patient is sometimes troubled, especially at night, with 
painful erections; the organ being prevented from becom- 
ing entirely erect by the inflammation. More or less 
headache, fever and restlessness generally attend the 
disease. 
Under good treatment, the acute symptoms usually 
begin to abate in a few days ; though they may last a 
week or ten days, if proper care is not used. It is often 
cured in from a few days to six weeks; but in scrofulous 
constitutions, or where it has been improperly treated, 
the discharge becomes chronic, and is called gleet. Some- 
times the testicles become swollen and inflamed, and the 
passages closed; the case is then serious. 
Females do not suffer, as a rule, as severely as 
males, though, should the inflammation extend up the 
vagina to the uterus, or womb, it may be very severe. 
Preparatory Treatment—Sexual intercourse should 
never be indulged until the patient is entirely cured. 
He should use no animal food, alcoholic or fermented 
liquors, coffee, green tea, spices, or other stimulating con- 
diments ; and the stiller he keeps the more certain will 
be the cure; as exercise aggravates the disease. 
In the beginning, wrap the penis in a cotton or 
linen cloth, wrung out of cold water, surrounding the wet 324 
GLEET. 
cloth with several thicknesses of dry flannel: wet the cloth, 
at least, every five or six hours. If the symptoms do 
not improve, at the end of five or six days, use warm 
instead of cold water, and change oftener—at least once 
every hour, and oftener is better. 
Remedies—1. Take a piece of saltpetre, of the 
size of an ordinary white bean (three or four grains), 
dissolve in two tablespoonfuls of water, and take at a 
dose, repeating it three times daily. Recent cases will be 
cured in a week; old cases, in two or three weeks. 
This simple but effective remedy was first introduced to the 
medical profession by Dr. Henry, of London, and has 
since been used with great success, in the cure of this 
disease. 
2. The following remedy will radically cure any case 
of gonorrhea, not complicated with syphilis, or pox. It 
is the Indian hemp (Cannabis /Sativa). It can be pro- 
cured at the drug-stores. Begin with five drops of the 
tincture, night and morning, and, in severe cases, or in 
those that have been mismanaged, this dose may be grad- 
ually increased to fifteen drops, night and morning. 
3. Of the fluid extract of yerba reuma (Frankenia 
Graiidifolia), take four tablespoonfuls, and the same 
amount of water. Mix. Inject into the penis, with a 
syringe, a teaspoonful of this mixture, three or four times 
a day, and at the same time, let the patient grasp the 
head of the organ between the thumb and finger, so as to 
hold the injected liquid within the penis, for two or three 
minutes. In case of a female, she should use a table- 
spoonful of the injection, the parts being previously well 
cleansed with warm water, by means of a syringe, in order 
to free them from all discharges. This remedy is effectual 
in any stage of the disease. 325 
HEME DIES. 
There are, indeed, but few cases of gonorrhea which 
this new remedy, the yerba reuma, will fail to cure. In 
fact, so potent is its control of this disease that a pro- 
fessor in the California Medical College, in speaking of 
it, says, “It will cure ninety-nine cases in a hundred, if 
perseveringly used.” 
4. Swamp milk-weed (Asdepias Incarnata) is also 
used successfully by many practitioners. It grows in damp 
soils, throughout the United States, bearing red flowers, 
from June to August. When the plant is wounded, it pours 
out a milky juice. It is also known by the names, white 
Indian-hemp, swamp silk-weed, etc. The dose of the tinct- 
ure is two teaspoonfuls, three times a day, before each 
meal. 
5. In the report of the medical statistics of the United 
States Army, Assistant Surgeon Hammond, in his report 
on the diseases of Socorro, New Mexico, mentions a new 
remedy for gonorrhea—the Exhedra Occidentalis—called 
by the natives popilote. Take two'ounces of the branches, 
cut into small pieces, and simmer in a pint of hot water, 
in a close vessel for two hours, and then strain. A pint 
of the infusion may be drunk during the day. It acts 
with surprising promptness, and is an efficient and valuable 
medicine. The shrub is an evergreen, and grows in great 
profusion throughout the country. 
The foregoing are some of the best remedies, in the 
domain of medical therapeutics, for the cure of this mala- 
dy. With these, any one may successfully combat this dis- 
ease, without the aid of a physician. 
Should, however, any person be so situated, at any 
time, that he cannot readily obtain these remedies, the fol- 
lowing are often very effective: 
6. Drink freely of a strong tea, made of the tops and 
roots of the malva, or cheese-weed, three or four times a 326 
GLEET. 
day. This is said to be a great remedy among the Spanish 
people for the cure of this disease. 
7. Take five-drop doses of a strong tincture of gol- 
den seal, three times a day. It is also used as an injection. 
Or, a strong decoction of the root may be used in place 
of the tincture. 
This remedy is effective in the first stages of this dis • 
ease. 
8. The celebrated Dr. Peterson’s prescription is the 
following: 
Liquid chloride of zinc, from twenty-four to thirty-six 
drops ; soft water, eight tablespoonfuls. Two injections a 
day will generally be sufficient to effect a radical cure of 
gonorrhea ; the first injections are almost always followed by 
more or less swelling of the head of the penis, but this should 
not prevent the patient from continuing their use. 
Chordee and Scalding of the Urine—These are 
often accompanying and very distressing affections. For 
their relief or mitigation, the patient should use, in con- 
nection with the above remedies, the tincture of Spanish 
flies ( Cantharides ) in doses of one drop in a teaspoonful 
of water, three or four times a day. At the same time 
the diseased organ should be frequently bathed in cold or 
warm water. Sometimes the one, and sometimes the other, 
will be most effective in relieving the painful erections and 
chordee. 
In the treatment of gonorrhea with any remedies, it 
is to be particularly noted, and carefully remembered, 
that, unless the directions given under “Preparatory Treat- 
mentmentioned above, are strictly complied with and 
diligently carried out, a cure is not and cannot be guar- 
anteed. Cases have been known in which a cure had 
been almost effected, when a single cup of coffee, un- 327 
PREVENTION. 
wisely taken, brought on a return of the discharge, and 
the other symptoms were as severe as at the first. 
Dr. Thomas Evans, of London, uses very frequent 
and very weak injections of the sulphate of zinc, one 
grain to the ounce (two tablespoonfuls) of water, to be 
still further reduced if pain is felt. They are simple, 
but efficacious. He repeats them every half-hour during 
the day. Slight cases are cured in twenty-four hours; 
severe cases in three or four days. 
Alum-injections are exclusively used by Dr. H. Col- 
lis in all stages of gonorrhea. “ In the most acute 
form, the patient,” he says, “is directed to pour a small 
jug of cold water on the organ, and immediately inject 
a syringeful of alum,-solution, one-half grain to an ounce 
of water (two tablespoonfuls). The first day, the injec- 
tion is to be repeated every half-hour ; at night, as often 
as the patient wakes. In old cases, the injection may be 
increased to one drachm of alum in eight ounces (half a 
pint) of water, three or four times a day.” 
It will be a satisfaction to the unfortunate victims of 
this malady to know that there are simple remedies, such 
as the above, that will cure this disease in from one to 
four days, in the cases of females as well males. 
Prevention of the Disease — There are various 
measures that have been devised to prevent this disease, 
the chief of which are the following: Before the sexual 
act apply sweet oil thoroughly to the parts. If, at the 
same time, a small portion of it be injected into the pe- 
nis, there will not be the slightest danger of contracting 
the disease, provided the parts are well washed with soap 
and water immediately afterwards. 
The following are also very effective, for the same 
purpose: Use a wash of whisky or brandy, or a mixture 328 
GLEET. 
of vinegar and water. In the absence of these, washing 
with soap and water is ordinarily efficacious. 
Or, wash with strong alum-water, and on the fol- 
lowing morning take two or three drops of turpentine. 
When traveling, never sit on a privy-seat so as to 
allow it to come in contact with the skin. Spread a paper 
over it, by all means: If you have no paper use your 
handkerchief, and afterwards burn it. 
Sometimes matter forms in the eyes, and a handker- 
chief is used; that handkerchief can impart the disease 
to the eyes of another, or to a chapped lip ; sometimes 
the scalp is affected with ulcerous formations of the same 
kind; hence, never touch the handkerchief or comb or 
hairbrush of a stranger, any more than you would touch 
a carrion. 
Hence, also, the keepers of all good hotels never 
put a guest in a bed on sheets which have been used by 
another; for this, and other reasons, good housekeepers 
are very careful to have the sheets washed, even after a 
single night’s use by a guest; by some, however, it is 
not thought necessary to have sheets washed oftener than 
once a month; and a dozen persons in succession may 
sleep on them; hence, such hospitality does not cost 
much trouble. 
Hints to Wives—It may not be inappropriate here, 
to mention the fact, in the language of Dr. Hall, that, 
“When husbands are driven, as they sometimes are, by 
trifling excuses on the part of the wife, to obtain supplies 
elsewhere, these abominations may be brought home to 
them, and are brought home to them in multitudes of 
instances, to be infected themselves, and to have those 
infected with the degrading taint of blood, who are born 
to them. A city physician has reason to believe, that 
three divorces out of four, of this character, can be 329 
GUM-BOIL. 
traced to the fault of the wife; she pleads her husband’s 
infidelity; the courts release her, for they look at the 
husband’s dereliction, and are not authorized to go far- 
ther back and inquire what led him to infidelity to the 
marriage-vow; if they did, they would find it in the 
conduct of a petted, spoiled, childish wife, taking her 
little revenges in interposing obstacles to accommodations, 
in spite sometimes, in mere waywardness often. In other 
cases, where the husband is too honorable, too high- 
minded to commit a wrong himself because one has been 
committed by another, he may hold fast his integrity, 
notwithstanding the deleterious effects, but the charm is 
broken, the sun has gone behind a cloud, and happiness 
never dwells again in that household. These are sugges- 
tions not only for wives, but for mothers, to be made 
use of at a proper time, and thus enable their daughters 
to escape, and escape easily, the early stranding of the 
domestic ship.” See page 462, vol. ii. 
GUM-BOIL (Abscessus Alveolaris). 
This is a small abscess commencing in the socket of 
a tooth, and bursting through the gum or even through 
the cheek. 
Causes—Usually, the irritation from a decayed 
tooth. A cold may excite inflammation of the covering 
of the teeth, the diseased products of which are thus 
discharged. 
Symptoms—Pain in a tooth, spreading over a por- 330 
HICCOUGH. 
tion of the jaw, with heat, throbbing, swelling, and the 
formation of an abscess. This may heal by resolution ; 
or it may burst into the mouth, or even penetrate the 
cheek. The sufferings are sometimes great, worse at 
night, and incessant till swelling has taken place, when 
they usually abate. There is frequently some fever. 
Accessory Treatment—The application of a roast- 
ed fig, as hot as can be borne, to the inflamed gum, 
will speedily give relief. If the swelling be very exten- 
sive, and there are signs of the abscess coming through 
the cheek, a poultice of linseed-meal should be applied till 
suppuration is established, and continued for a short time 
afterwards. In some cases prompt relief may be obtained 
by lancing the swelling as soon as its existence is ascer- 
tained. Extraction of the decayed tooth is often necessary. 
HICCOUGH (Singultus). 
The hiccough is a spasmodic or convulsive affection 
of the stomach and midriff, arising from any cause that 
irritates their nervous fibres. 
It may proceed from excess in eating or drinking; 
from a hurt of the stomach ; poisons ; inflammations or hard 
tumors of the stomach, intestines, bladder, midriff, or the 
rest of the viscera. In gangrenes, acute and malignant 
fevers, a hiccough is often the forerunner of death. 
Remedies—1. A little sweetened spirits of campor 
will generally remove this difficulty. Often a drink of SICK HEADACHE. 
331 
cold water or a glass of cold soda-water, or ice-cream, 
will accomplish the same purpose. 
2. It may be relieved generally by a sudden fright 
or surprise, or any sudden application of cold; also by 
drinking cold water slowly, eating a small piece of ice, 
taking a pinch of snuff, or anything that excites coughing. 
Or, take one teaspoonful of common vinegar. 
3. When it is caused by a sour stomach, lime-water, 
in wineglassful-doses, or soda, or magnesia, will control 
most cases. There are cases though, in which almost every 
means fails, and one trial after another will have to be made 
in order to suppress it. In low forms of fever, it is a bad 
symptom, and must be looked upon with dread. 
The simplest remedy for hiccoughs in infants, is to 
apply the child to the breast for a few moments. If this 
does not stop them a little anise-seed tea will usually cure 
SICK HEADACHE. 
This has received its name from the constant nausea, or 
sickness of the stomach, which attends the pain in the 
head. 
Symptoms—This headache is apt to begin in the 
morning, on waking from a deep sleep, or after sleep- 
ing in a close room, and when some irregularity of diet 
has been committed on the several preceding days. At 
first there is an oppressive feeling in the head, which grad- 
ually increases into a severe, heavy pain in the temples, 
frequently attended by a sense of fullness and tenderness 332 
SICK HEADACHE. 
in one eye, and extending across the forehead. There is 
apt to be an unpleasant taste in the mouth, offensive breath 
and the tongue covered with a yellowish-white fur, accom- 
panied with nausea and vomiting. Attacks of sick head- 
ache may occur every few days, or at much longer inter- 
vals. In case of females, it frequently occurs at the men- 
strual epoch, or period, and sometimes accompanies men- 
strual irregularities. 
Causes—This disease is frequently occasioned by de- 
ranged or unhealthy conditions of the stomach or liver, 
brought on by excessive eating, drinking, debaucheries, etc. 
There are various forms of headache which are only symp- 
toms of other diseases. In these cases, therefore, the proper 
method to be pursued, is first to remove them. When 
this is accomplished the headache will cease. 
Remedies—1. In this disease, if the tongue be coated 
white, begin the treatment by adding one-lialf teaspoonful 
of cooking-soda to a tumbler of cold water, and when dis- 
solved, drink one-fourth of it every hour until it is all taken. 
Or, taking one teaspoonful of powdered charcoal, every two 
hours, will answer the same purpose, and often a better 
one than the soda. This will overcome the acidity, and 
prepare the stomach for curative treatment. After two 
doses of either of the above have been taken, take one- 
half teaspoonful of guarana, in a little water, every hour, 
until two or three doses have been taken. The first dose 
often stops the headache in thirty minutes ; after which 
about one-fourth of a teaspoonful should be taken once, 
daily, for two or three weeks, to prevent a return; and if, 
during the time, the tongue becomes coated white, the soda 
or charcoal should be taken once a day until it is changed. 
This is a new remedy for this disease and may be pro- 
cured at almost all drug-stores. 
The elixir is more pleasant to take than that in the form REMEDIES. 
333 
of a powder. Dose, half a teaspoonful or over every hour, 
until three or four doses are taken, after which take it 
once a day. 
This is a sure remedy for almost any case of sick 
headache. This disease was formerly considered incurable 
in most instances, but now, with this new remedy, one may 
expect a cure. 
2. When there are strong symptoms of sick head- 
ache, commence drinking lemon-water, prepared in the fol- 
lowing manner: To two gills of tepid water, add one tea- 
spoonful of the oil or juice of lemon, and drink this quan- 
tity every fifteen minutes, for one hour. Persons of strong 
constitution may add more of the acid, or drink half as 
much more water. This will produce a very salutary ef- 
fect, and check the attack, or relieve it very materially. 
More than one-fourth of the female portion of mankind 
have experienced sick headache, in a greater or less degree, 
ever since saleratus was introduced and used as an mere- 
© 
dient in the making of bread and pastries. Therefore, the 
more nearly it is dispensed with, the less of this affection 
there will be, as well as some other maladies. 
3. When headache results from food taken, a draught 
of warm chamomile-tea, will generally afford relief. If 
the sickness continue, soda and water, with a little ginger, 
may do well, or a mustard-poultice upon the stomach may 
be required. 
4. When there is acidity of the stomach, two tea- 
spoonfuls of finely powdered charcoal, in one-half a tea- 
cupful of water, will generally relieve in a very short 
time. 
5. Some forms of headache are readily cured by the 
magnetic powers of another person, or by certain manipula- 
tions with which most people are familiar, namely, both 
of the hands are to be placed on the head of the patient. 334 
NERVOUS SICK HEADACHE. 
then carry them down to the shoulders, slanting them 
away from the body; then, on returning them to the top 
of the head, let them pass at a greater distance from the 
body than when they passed down, and successively re- 
peat for a short time. Toothache has also been cured 
in the same way. 
6. Another very excellent means of relieving the head 
is to plunge the feet into a bath of hot water, into which 
a quantity of mustard or ashes has been thrown, and re- 
tain them there for twenty or thirty minutes. 
7. Drink from one-third to one-half a teacupful of 
hot water—hot as can be borne—every twenty or twenty- 
five minutes. 
This is a favorite remedy for relieving sick headache, 
with some ladies. 
8. An efficient means for the cure of this distress- 
ing affection is the sulphate of nickel. For the use of 
this medicine the reader is referred to the title, “Nervous 
Sick headache.” 
9. That headache arising from difficult or suppressed 
menstruation, by bathing the feet in warm water and using 
a hip or warm bath, will often be removed without any 
other medicine. See page 460, vol. ii. 
NERVOUS SICK HEADACHE. 
Causes Predisposing —A peculiar nervous tem- 
perament, which is oftep hereditary and runs in families. 
The excessive use of tea or coffee is also in some cases SYMPTOMS AND REMEDIES. 
335 
a predisposing cause; also unhealthy occupations, sew- 
age-gases, malaria, the employment of arsenic in wall- 
papers, or in articles of dress, a sedentary, monotonous 
life, with the use of alcoholic beverages, and probably 
other varying causes. Whatever produces a powerful im- 
pression on the nervous system of a person thus predis- 
posed may develop an attack; as fright, loud noises, 
exposure to a hot sun, a strong wind, or extremes of 
temperature. Moreover, mental or bodily fatigue, worry, 
the pressure of business or family anxieties, deprivation 
of sleep or food, prolonged nursing, and other causes of 
nervous exhaustion, are invariably succeeded by nervous 
headache. True sick headache, then, may occur in the 
most abstemious persons, and is not at all necessarily 
connected with a disordered digestion. 
Symptoms—They usually commence on rising in 
the morning, the patient being pale, dark- around the 
eyes, with contracted pupils, and looking and feeling ex- 
tremely ill. Giddiness, swimming in the head, throbbing 
of the temples, and stupefying or agonizing, deeply 
seated headache, often limited to one spot on the side of 
the head, on the forehead, or over the eyes, and increased 
by movement, noise, strong light, and any kind of mental 
disturbance. The gastric symptoms — clammy mouth, 
nausea and vomiting, or more generally straining to vomit 
—are secondary rather than primary, having no neces- 
sary connection with any impropriety of diet. 
Remedies—1. A permanent cure of this disease 
has often been effected by abandoning the use of all excit- 
ing drinks, such as tea, coffee, and spirituous liquors, 
and substituting the lemon-water, which is prescribed on 
another page for sick headache. When the pain is se- 
vere, a compress of warm water, placed upon the stom- 336 
NERVOUS SICK HEADACHE. 
ach and abdomen, and frequently changed, will gener- 
ally relieve it. 
2. When there are strong symptoms of an attack 
of nervous headache, drink freely, for three or four 
hours, of a strong decoction of scull-cap. This will often 
effect a cure. 
3. The following is a new remedy, and one that is 
reported to be of superior efficacy in headache. In fact, 
it is regarded as a specific in the cure of this disease. 
It is the sulphate of nickel, and may be procured at the 
drug-stores. One grain of it is to be rubbed, or tritu- 
rated, in a mortar with nine grains of the sugar of milk. 
If this cannot be obtained, use loaf-sugar. When these 
are well ground together, the medicine is ready for use. 
The dose is one or two grains. One dose is often suffi- 
cient to relieve the paroxysm. If it does not, it may be 
repeated every one or two hours, until the pain ceases. 
Cases of frequently-recurring headache, or headache com- 
ing on after certain intervals, are reported, which were 
promptly and permanently cured by this medicine. 
4. A very excellent remedy for this affection, es- 
pecially when occurring at the monthly period, is the 
tincture of black cohosh ( Cimicifuga liacemosa). Add ten 
drops to half a tumbler of water, and take a dessert- 
spoonful every half-hour, or hour, until relief is obtain- 
ed. 
5. I frequently prescribe the milk-weed, in nervous 
headache, and find it the promptest remedy I ever ad- 
ministered. This plant is also known as bitter-root (Apo- 
cynum Androscemifolium). The dose of the fluid extract, 
is ten to twenty drops (of the saturated tincture, fif- 
teen to twenty-five drops) repeated every three or four 
hours.—[Prof. Goss. 
Accessory Treatment—The patient should lie PREVENTIVE TREATMENT. 
337 
down in a quiet room, with a subdued light, and be kept 
from every kind of disturbance, so that, if possible, 
sleep may afford relief. Rest and sleep are the most 
natural restorers. Hot tea or coffee, which acts on the 
nervous system, often gives immediate relief, though the 
excessive use of these beverages predisposes to subse- 
quent attacks. If pressure relieve, the wet bandage should 
be tightly bound round the head. Dr. Wilks says, “This 
is an admirable means of procuring temporary relief.” 
During an attack, unless it is prolonged, entire absti- 
nence from food is necessary; at least, only the slightest 
nourishment—milk and lime-water, plain soup, etc.—should 
be given; copious draughts of hot water taken early, often 
mitigate or shorten an attack. See page 457, vol. ii. 
Preventive Treatment—The causes which predis- 
pose to, or excite the paroxysm must be avoided and 
the tone of the general health improved. For this, the 
knowledge and tact of the physician are necessary. Tea 
and coffee, although they sometimes give relief during a 
paroxysm, render the nervous system increasingly suscep- 
tible to the attacks, and we have known several patients 
enjoy complete immunity from the attacks by abandoning 
these beverages. The general regulation of the diet, the 
adoption of out-of-door recreation, and the general hygienic 
measures will prevent, or very much relieve, this affection. 
In some, when attacks’ frequently recur, change of occupa- 
tion, scene and climate, are necessary to break up the ten- 
dency. The climate selected should be dry and bracing, 
and walking or horseback-exercise taken daily. 338 
PALPITATION OF THE HEART. 
PALPITATION OF THE HEART 
Often arises from mental emotions, nervousness, indiges- 
tion or debility; though frequently produced by disease 
of the heart, or some other organ of the body. 
Treatment—When the palpitation is owing to dis- 
ease of the heart, relief is all that can be expected, 
unless the disease be cured; and the same may be said, 
when it is owing to dyspepsia or other affections. 
Remedies—1. A glass of soda-water will often give 
immediate relief. It is simple, yet is entirely effective. 
It should be prepared with a little soda and citric or 
tartaric acid, and drunk while “foaming.” These articles 
should be dissolved in separate glasses. Sweeten the acid, 
if desired, and then pour together. 
2. In a majority of cases, perhaps, a fit of palpita- 
tion may be arrested by the person lying down on a bed, 
on his back, and filling the lungs with air, so as to expand 
the chest as much as possible. A few full inhalations, 
allowing the breath to escape gradually, will generally be 
sufficient to quiet the palpitation. 
Some medical writers say, “For the immediate relief 
of palpitation of the heart, there is nothing that will com- 
pare with the tincture of cactus grandiflorus, given in 
three drop doses, every three hours. Where the cactus 
cannot be obtained, the following has always served a 
good purpose: Take a handful of peach-leaves or twigs, 
bruise them well, and cover them with cold water. Take 
this in tablespoonful doses, every two or three hours. 
The bark of the wild cherry, prepared in the same way, 
acts, in this affection, precisely like the peach, and may 
be used in its stead. 
Accessory Treatment—The patient must avoid 
mental excitement, stimulants, coffee, sleeping-draughts, NETTLE-BASH. 
339 
indigestible food, etc. Pure air; cold water, used inter- 
nally and externally; regular, moderate exercise in the 
open air, short of inducing fatigue ; a contented and tran- 
quil disposition, with light and nourishing diet, are 
excellent auxiliaries in the treatment of this affection. 
The excessive use of tea is one of the common causes 
of irregularities of the heart's action, in weak or nervous 
women; in some persons, palpitation follows tobacco- 
smoking, as it may also result from the administration of 
other injurious agents. In such cases, of course, a cure 
can only be expected after the discontinuance of the 
noxious substance. 
NETTLE-RASH, OR HIVES. 
This is an eruption of little solid eminences, round- 
ish or oblong, pale in the centre and red at the circum- 
ference, attended with smarting and itching, as though the 
parts had been stung by nettles — hence the popular 
name. 
Symptoms — Towards evening, or when getting 
warm in bed, the patient feels an intolerable itching on 
the neck, arms or body, and on scratching soon discov- 
ers large wheals (the eruption rapidly enlarging under 
the irritation of scratching), which burn, tingle or smart, 
and prove the source of great discomfort. 
Causes — The acute form, as seen in children, is 
generally due to indigestion or eating particular articles 340 
HEART-DISEASE. 
of food, as bitter almonds, shell-fish, oatmeal, etc. It 
may also be induced by a chill, or changes in the 
weather. 
Remedies — 1. A tincture of the common nettle, 
taken in five-drop doses four or five times a day, will 
cure any case of nettle-rash'; a strong decoction of the 
herb is almost equal to the tincture. 
2. Rub the parts with buckwheat-flour, and it will 
allay the itching, and the hives will generally disappear 
soon. Common wheat-flour will often answer the same 
purpose. 
3. As an internal remedy, sassafras-tea, drunk freely, 
often is beneficial in promoting perspiration, and thus aids 
in quieting the irritation of the skin, and relieving the pa- 
tient. Saffron tea is also employed for a similar purpose. 
In this, as well as in all other skin-diseases, the greatest 
caution should be exercised in employing, externally, any- 
thing moist, especially cold objects, as they are danger- 
ous, tending to “drive in” the rash, and induce serious 
internal disorders. If any other external applications than 
those mentioned above are used, bathe the part in hot 
mustard-water, or in hot vinegar and water. 
HEART-DISEASE (Angina Pectoris). 
Definition—Sudden, severe paroxysms of pain, or 
spasm of an enfeebled or diseased heart, with a con- 
stricted, burning sensation and intense anxiety, chiefly SYMPTOMS, ETC. 
341 
occurring in elderly persons, or past the middle period 
of life. 
Symptoms—The patient is seized with a sudden, 
dreadful pain, which centres in the heart, and extends 
over more or less of the anterior portion of the chest, 
up the shoulder and down the arm. There is an agoniz- 
ing sense of anxiety, faintness, fear of instant death, pal- 
pitation and difficulty of breathing, so that if walking, he 
is compelled to stop and to fix on the first object that 
offers support, and so remains, pale and covered with a 
clammy perspiration. The paroxysms may terminate in a 
few minutes, or last for hours, and are liable to recur 
with increased severity, till at length one proves fatal. 
Causes—Disease of the heart, or obstruction of the 
arteries of the heart, in consequence of which the mus- 
cular fibres of the heart become impaired. Under such 
conditions a paroxysm may be brought on by over-exer- 
tion, flatulent distention of the stomach, mental excite- 
ment, or even a frightful dream. 
Life is too frequently one round of perpetual excite- 
ment, business-haste or competition, and railway-speed 
pursuit of pleasure or gain. The demands thus made on 
the ever-active organ lessen its nutrition, impair its struc- 
ture and imperil its action. 
Remedies — If the disease is symptomatic of some 
other, as dropsy of the chest or indigestion, then give 
medicines accordingly. If it be a primary affection, direct 
the treatment to the organs affected. Abstain from every 
exciting cause, as anger, over-exertion, everything of a 
heating nature, etc. A rigid course of diet is necessary. 
Upon an attack of the disease, take half a teaspoonful 
of capsicum in a little sweetened water; this will probably 
afford immediate relief. Two or four grains of extract 
of henbane inav be given, to relieve the paroxysms, and 342 
HEART-DISEASE. 
also a teaspoonful of salt and water. With a view of 
preventing the recurrence of the disorder, the patient 
should carefully guard against passion, or other emotions 
of the mind; use a light diet, avoiding everything of a 
heating nature; and take care never to overload the stom- 
ach, nor use any kind of exercise immediately after eat- 
ing. Besides these precautions, he should endeavor to 
counteract obesity, which has been considered as a pre- 
disposing cause; and this is to be effected most safely 
by a vegetable diet and moderate exercise at proper times. 
A highly important remedy, in the treatment of this 
disease, is the Cactus Grandijlorus, which is regarded as 
a specific. In functional diseases of the heart it gives 
prompt relief, and regularly continued, in small doses, 
finally effects a complete cure. But it cannot be depended 
upon in organic affections of the heart. The dose of the 
strong tincture is one to five drops, every one, two or 
three hours, according to the urgency of the symptoms. 
In that state of nervous irritation called “nervousness,” 
it exerts a very kindly influence, quieting nervous sensibility, 
lessening the pain and procuring rest. 
In this disease, Prof. E. M. Hale says, “The gar- 
den-nightshade (Solarium Nigrum) often acts admirably.” 
The dose is from half a drop to a drop, every two or 
three hours. If a half-drop dose is desired, put one drop 
into two teaspoonfuls of water, and stir well together, 
and, of this mixture, give a teaspoonful for a dose. The 
tincture of foxglove (Digitalis) is a standard remedy in 
this disease. Add five drops to ten teaspoonfuls of water; 
mix well, and give in teaspoonful doses, every two or 
four hours, according to the severity of the attack. Where 
there is severe pain and an intermittent pulse, the action 
of this remedy may be relied on, if its use be persisted 
in for several days. CAUTIONS. 
343 
Dr. Anstie, in Reynolds's System of Medicine, recom- 
mends sulphuric ether in the purely nervous form of 
Angina Pectoris, and mentions a case under his care, 
which, he is sure, would have long since ended fatally, 
in one of the agonizing attacks of spasmodic heart-pain, 
but for the discovery that by taking a spoonful of ether im- 
mediately on its commencement, the patient can greatly 
mitigate the attack, and has continued to do so with un- 
diminished effect for the last three years. 
Organic affections of the heart may be greatly re- 
lieved, and life considerably prolonged, by judicious 
treatment. Professional judgment and experience are, how- 
ever, specially necessary. For affections of the heart, 
consequent on over-exertion and insufficient rest, arnica 
is an excellent remedy, given in two or three-drop 
doses on sugar, three times a day, and in severe cases, 
every one or two hours. 
Cautions in Regard to the use of the Cold Bath 
—It should never be taken very cold by persons with 
disease of the heart, nor by those suffering from active 
inflammation of any of the organs of the body. In skin- 
diseases it is usually inadmissible, particularly in those 
where a sudden driving-in of the irruption may cause 
internal affections. Persons very much debilitated, or those 
who do not possess sufficient powers of reaction, must 
employ it with great caution, if at all. In infancy and 
old age, it is of less benefit than in youth and middle 
life.—\Napley. 
The patient must not use tobacco when troubled 
with this disease, or any affection of the heart, if he 
wishes to recover. Nor should he use tea or coffee. The 
diet should be light, easily digested and nourishing, but 
plain. 344 
INFLAMMATION OF THE HEART. 
INFLAMMATION OF THE HEART (Pericarditis). 
This is an inflammation of that membranous bag; which 
surrounds the heart, the use of which is to secrete and 
contain the vapor of the pericardium, which lubricates 
the heart, and thus preserves it from becoming fast to 
the pericardium. 
Symptoms—Pain in the region of the heart, suffo- 
cating weight, violent palpitation, breathing by starts, 
difficulty of breathing, increased by motion or exercise. 
Pressure also aggravates the symptoms. Pulse frequent 
and bounding; the countenance has a peculiarly pale and 
haggard appearance. 
Remedies—1. In the treatment of this affection, 
aconite is a remedy of prime importance, as often, by 
the use of it alone, the disease is not only arrested, but 
brought to a speedy and happy termination. It should 
be administered as follows: Tincture of aconite-root, 
five drops to a tumbler of water, and stir well. Dose, 
two teaspoonfuls every half-hour, until the pain and heat 
abate, and the skin is covered with more or less moisture, 
when the intervals should be extended to four or six 
hours; and to maintain its impression, these doses should 
be continued for three or four days, or until the inflam- 
matory symptoms have subsided. If the pulse is irregu- 
lar or intermittent, weak and rapid, making one hundred 
and thirty to one hundred and forty beats in a minute, 
the tincture of foxglove should be given in alternation 
with the aconite. The foxglove must be prepared for ad- 
ministration by putting ten drops of the tincture with ten 
teaspoonfuls of water, and giving a teaspoonful of the 
mixture for a dose, alternately with a teaspoonful of 
the aconite—first one, then the other—every two hours. 
This method, persistently kept up, with the other measures REMEDIES. 
345 
directed to promote the comfort of the patient, will, in 
most cases, be amply sufficient to relieve him, and cure the 
disease. 
2. The foxglove (Digitalis) and the American helle- 
Veratrum Viride ), are two most important medicines, 
and possess great power over the action of the heart, re- 
ducing the force and frequency of the pulse, abating in- 
flammation of the heart and its membranes, calming nervous 
agitation and promoting rest. But these medicines should 
not be mixed together; neither is it necessary that they 
should be. Each should be taken separately, as it is 
only by this means that the power of the medicine can 
be determined, and its effects or curative influence judged 
of. The tincture is perhaps the best preparation of them. 
Dose of the foxglove, five drops, three times a day. Of 
the hellebore, three to six drops, every four hours, until 
the pulse-beats are seventy-five or eighty in a minute. 
Of these two medicines, the American hellebore is 
probably the more efficient, in a majority of cases. 
We have treated this disease very briefly, owing to 
the fact that the serious nature of the malady induces 
people affected with it to put themselves under profes- 
sional treatment. 
Accessory Treatment—At the commencement of 
an attack, apply over the heart a towel wrung from hot 
water, and over that four or five thicknesses of dry flan- 
nel ; confine the whole to its place by a bandage around 
the body, and renew often. 
The patient should be kept quiet, not permitting him 
to be annoyed by anything; the temperature of his room 
should be rather cool and comfortable; the diet should 
be simple and not stimulating, principally fluids and vegeta- 
ble infusions. The period of convalescence must be 346 
HAY-ASTHMA HAY-FEVER. 
closely watched, both to avoid a relapse and to ascer- 
tain if any chronic difficulty is about to ensue. 
HAY-ASTHMA—HAY-FEVER—SUMMER- 
CATARRH. 
This is a specific disease, affecting predisposed per- 
sons only, and affecting them in the same way, and at 
about the same period, every or nearly every year, and 
caused by the emanations from certain flowering plants, 
including the grasses. The term hay-fever is not suffi- 
ciently inclusive, for the odors from hay, although sufficient 
in many cases, less frequently produce the affection than 
the various flowering plants. It partakes somewhat of 
the nature of ague, certain emanations and atmospheric 
conditions depressing the nervous system. 
Symptoms— They are those of an ordinary catarrh, 
to which those of asthma are superadded. There are 
itching of the forehead, nose, eyes and ears; much gen- 
eral irritability and lassitude, sneezing, profuse discharge 
from the nose, tightness of the chest, difficult breathing 
and cough, pricking sensations in the throat, general de- 
pression, etc. Exposure to the emanations from powder- 
ed ipecacuanha give rise to similar symptoms in many 
persons. 
Dr. Bayes recommends sabadilla, one drop two or 
three times a day, in water, and the administration of the 
drug by olfaction, or smelling, several times daily; and 
he adds, “ By this means I have cured many severe 
cases.” ENLARGEMENT OF THE HEART. 
347 
Inhalation—The remedy used internally should also 
be administered by inhalation, either by simple olfaction, 
or, still better, in the form of vapor; this is produced 
by means of an ordinary perfume, or spray-producer. 
Inhalation should always be employed during an at- 
tack. 
Accessory Treatment—Removal to the coast, with 
a barren surrounding country, or to any part where flow- 
ering plants and grass do not grow, or hay is not stored, 
offers the surest protection. The symptoms are mitigated 
by protection from bright sunlight, and by such means 
as tend to promote the general circulation. Cold or tepid 
bathing and the cold shower-bath are also recommended 
under different conditions. In one reported case, two or 
three minutes’ swim in the sea removed the symptoms as 
if by magic. 
Remedies—•Use a weak tea of red clover-blossoms 
and leaves. Drink a teacupful of it three times a day, 
from the commencement of the attack to its close, or for 
several weeks, if necessary. This will often relieve, if it 
does not cut short the disease. 
ENLARGEMENT OF THE HEART. 
Causes—Any over-stimulant which produces a di- 
minution of its power and a softening of its structure, 
may occasion this disease. Intoxicating liquors, violent 
and long-continued muscular exertion, mental depression 
or excitement, sexual excesses, masturbation, rheumatic 348 
ENLARGEMENT OF THE HEART. 
and syphilitic affections, and intense mental application 
with no bodily exercise, are potent causes. 
Symptoms—Shortness of breath, palpitation of the 
heart, and a feeling of uneasiness in that region, are com- 
mon. Frequently, headache, giddiness, ringing in the 
ears, flashes of light, flushed and swelled face, nose- 
bleeding and a very hard and strong pulse, are accompa- 
nying symptoms. Eventually the stomach, liver and lungs 
become implicated. The skin is dry, the urine deficient 
and high-colored, the skin and extremities purple and 
swollen. This is followed by cough, and the patient is 
forced to remain in an upright or sitting posture, and 
leaning forward, because of the difficulty of breathing. 
Death may occur suddenly, or the vital powers gradually 
fail, insensibility come on, and the patient die in this 
way. 
Remedies — 1. Sheep-laurel ( Halmia Angustifolia ) is 
a remedy of great power and efficacy in the treatment of 
this disease, though, in large doses, it produces vertigo, 
dimness of sight, great depression of the action of the 
heart, cold extremities, and sometimes fatal results. But 
if it is cautiously used, and discontinued for a few days 
when these symptoms occur, it is a valuable medicine, and 
will afford the patient great relief. The best form of 
administration is the strong tincture, given in doses of 
five to ten drops every three hours. If a decoction or 
tea, of the leaves, is used, the dose will be one or two 
teaspoonfuls, repeated as often as the tincture. 
2. Take, of the tincture of black cohosh and skull- 
cap, each, four tablespoonfuls. Mix. Dose, twenty 
drops three times a day. It has proved efficacious in this 
disease. 
3. In simple palpitation, uncomplicated with organic 
disease, and existing only as a symptom of general nervous HEART-BURN. 
349 
debility, there is no remedy that so certainly and promptly 
removes the palpitation, and gives tone and energy to the 
heart, as the Cactus Grandiflorus, ordinarily called the 
cactus plant. It is better to use it in the form of the 
tincture, one to five drops of which may be given every 
one to four hours, according to the severity of the symp- 
toms. 
Accessory Measures—The diet must be light, 
and intoxicating or stimulating drinks must be avoided, 
and likewise all mental or bodily exertion, as well as ex- 
citements or depressions of the mind. Cheerful company 
is of great service ; and whatever will produce moderate 
laughter and pleasantness of feeling should be encour- 
aged. Sometimes, an electro-magnetic current passed 
through the heart, of moderate strength, will be found 
beneficial. 
It is not necessary to dwell at length on the treat- 
ment of this disease, as professional aid is usually called 
when this affection is known to exist. 
HEART-BURN. 
This complaint most commonly arises in consequence 
of dyspepsia, though it oftentimes occurs with individuals 
who are otherwise enjoying good health. 
The cause of this complaint is evidently either a de- 
bility or inactivity of the stomach, or a vitiated secretion 
of the juices or fluids which are concerned in the diges- 
tive process. Hence, eating anything hard to digest, or 350 
HEART-BURN 
that is inclined to ferment, will usually produce the heart- 
burn in those liable to it. 
Persons who are subject to the heart-burn should 
also be careful about their diet; rejecting such articles 
as they find are apt to become sour in the stomach. 
Animal food and shell-fish, when they can be procured, 
not being liable to ferment, ought to form a large pro- 
portion of the food of individuals who are afflicted with 
this troublesome complaint; whilst vegetables, as much 
as convenient, should be avoided. 
Experiment has also proved the fact, that the saliva 
jswallowed along with our food greatly prevents its fer- 
mentation ; wherefore persons liable to the heart-burn 
should be very careful in well chewing their food before 
swallowing it. 
Remedies—1. A teaspoonful of powdered willow 
charcoal, found at all drug-stores, taken two or three 
times a day, in milk or water, before meals, is good to 
remove this difficulty. It lias also been known to cure 
dyspepsia. 
2. Prepared chalk, also found at drug-stores, is like- 
wise said to be a good remedy for acidity of the stom- 
ach. Also, calcined magnesia, one-half teaspoonful three 
times a day is used for the same purpose. 
3. Lime-water, or soda, or magnesia, is sometimes 
employed to correct acidity of the stomach. Their ef- 
fects are, however, only temporary. But, if it is desired, 
one of them may be used for this purpose. Take a 
piece as large as a pea, of the lime or soda, and put it 
into a tumbler half full of water, and take a small 
swallow several times a day. 
Of the magnesia, use a piece the size of a common 
hickory-nut, in the same amount of water. 
There are, frequently, persons who derive no benefit HOARSENESS. 
351 
from taking these alkalies, especially pregnant females. 
For such persons, acids, such as lemon-juice or citric- 
acid, will prove effective. For immediate relief, vinegar 
is a valuable remedy. It should be of the best quality. 
Take twenty to thirty drops, in a little water, every two 
or three hours, according to the necessity of the case. 
HOARSENESS. 
Remedies—1. Take a piece of borax, the size 
of two or three peas, in the mouth, and let it dissolve 
gradually. Repeat this once in three or four hours. It 
will generally be found to afford relief, in ordinary 
cases of hoarseness. 
2. Mix equal parts of grated horse-radish and syrup. 
Of the syrup thus formed, take a teaspoonful, together 
with a little of the horse-radish, five or six times a day. 
This will cure hoarseness occurring from cold. Chewing 
a piece, the size of the little finger, will be attended 
with the same results. 
3. Or, for a sudden hoarseness, mix one teaspoonful 
of sweet spirits of nitre in a wineglassful of water. This 
may be taken two or three times a day. , 
4. Boil a large handful of wheat-bran in a quart 
of water; strain, sweeten with honey, and sip of it fre- 
quently. This is likewise an excellent remedy in some 
forms of this difficulty. * 352 
INFLAMMATION OF THE ABDOMEN. 
INFLAMMATION OF THE LINING MEM- 
BRANE OF THE ABDOMEN (Peritonitis). 
Causes—Mechanical violence, as a kick, operations, 
etc. ; sudden and excessive changes of temperature; errors 
of diet; frequent intoxication, the disease termed gin-colic 
being really chronic peritonitis. Inflammation of the 
peritoneum is often secondary to enteritis, hepatitis, per- 
foration of the intestine or stomach, and obstruction of 
the bowel. 
Symptoms—It is preceded by chills, with increased 
heat of surface, thirst, full, strong and frequent pulse, 
flushed face, red eyes, dry tongue with red edges, dry 
skin, restlessness, short, quick breathing, and sometimes, 
nausea and vomiting. The only endurable position of the 
patient, is to lie flat upon the back, with the feet drawn 
up. When the disease is advancing towards a fatal termin- 
ation, the abdomen becomes greatly swrelled and hard, 
having a tight, drum-head feeling, to the hand; the pulse 
is rapid and feeble; the countenance is full of anxiety, 
and is pinched and ghastly; and a cold sweat breaks out. 
Remedies—1. In the treatment of this very painful 
and inflammatory affection, there is, perhaps, no remedy 
of superior efficacy and value, in arresting the progress 
of the disease, and effecting a final cure, than the tinc- 
ture of the root of aconite. Ten drops of it, in ten 
tablespoonfuls of water, and well mixed, is the manner 
of preparing the medicine for use. Of this, give to an 
adult a tablespoonful every hour or half-hour, until the 
acute symptoms abate. Then the medicine should be 
continued, at intervals of four or six hours. 
At the commencement of the treatment, a fomenta- 
tion of equal parts of the tincture of aconite and brandy, 
heated as hot as can be borne, and cloths wrung out of ACCESSORY MEASURES. 
353 
it, and applied to the whole surface of the abdomen, 
being changed so as to keep it constantly hot, is an im- 
portant measure, and should not be neglected, as it 
materially aids the internal use of the drug in effecting 
the resolution of the inflammation, by relieving the capil- 
lary engorgements of the vessels of the inflamed parts, 
equalizing the circulation, and producing copious perspira- 
tion. 
2. When the abdomen is distended, very painful 
to the touch, pulse full, hard and tense, from 100 to 
110 beats in a minute; tongue coated white, bowels cos- 
tive, face flushed and glowing, patient becomes absorbed 
in reveries, or is absent-minded, the tongue and lips look 
dry ; or if a tendency to diarrhea or involuntary discharge 
from the bowels develop itself, belladonna should be 
employed. Put five drops of the tincture into twelve ta- 
blespoonfuls of water, and give the patient a teaspoonful 
at a time for a dose, every four hours; or, it may be 
given, in alternation with the aconite, every two hours ; 
that is, first one, then the other, every two hours. 
Accessory Measures—The daily bath is especially 
necessary, particularly the warm, alkaline sponge-bath, 
made by adding saleratus, soda or soap to the water, 
with vigorous friction. In some cases, a wet towel, laid 
upon the bowels over night, and well covered with flan- 
nels, will afford relief. 
Diet—During an attack of acute inflammation of the 
bowels, nothing but rice-water, arrow-root, corn-starch, 
toast-water or weak gruel should be allowed. 354 
INFLAMMATION OF THE LIVER. 
INFLAMMATION <“>F THE LIVER—LIVER COM- 
PLAINT (Hepatitis). 
Causes—The causes are all those producing inflam- 
mation, tumors in the liver, injuries from external vio- 
lence, mercury, hot climate, obstructing the liver-ducts; 
anything that suddenly cools the liver after it has been 
much heated; drinking largely of wines and spirituous 
liquors, eating hot, spicy aliment, violent exercise, expos- 
ure of the heated body to the cold air, etc. 
Those who have exposed themselves to the destruc- 
tive habit of drinking to excess, are particularly liable to 
diseases of the liver. 
Symptoms—The acute species of this complaint 
conies on with a pain in the right side, extending up to 
the shoulder, which is much increased by pressing upon 
the part, and is accompanied with a dry, short and fre- 
quent cough, oppression of breathing, and difficulty of 
lying on the left side; together with nausea and sick- 
ness, and often with a vomiting of bilious matter; tongue 
coated. The urine is of a deep, saffron color, and small 
in quantity; there is loss of appetite, great thirst and 
costiveness, with a strong, hard and frequent pulse, and 
when the disease has continued for some days, the skin 
and eyes become tinged with a deep yellow. 
The chronic species is usually accompanied with a 
morbid complexion, loss of appetite and flesh, costive- 
ness, indigestion, flatulency, pains in the stomach, a yel- 
low tinge of the skin and eyes, clay-colored stools, high- 
colored urine, depositing a red sediment and ropy mucus ; 
an obtuse pain in the region of the liver, extending to 
the shoulder, and not unfrequently with a considerable 
degree of asthma. REMEDIES. 
355 
The symptoms are, a dull pain in the right side and 
top of the shoulder, the stomach sometimes disordered, 
yellow tinge of the skin, and often a swelling over the 
region of the liver. 
There is usually in this complaint cough, 
with slight expectoration, headache, lowness of spirits or 
despondency, debility or weakness, flatulence, morbid sen- 
sibility, great irritability, jaundice, gall-stones, emacia- 
tions, stools clay-colored, tongue coated, costiveness and 
indigestion, urine pink-colored, countenance sallow. 
Remedies—1. The leptandrin is a popular rem- 
edy, with many physicians, in the treatment of this dis- 
ease. It is prepared from the root of the herb called 
black root. It is administered in doses of one grain, once 
a day. When the root of the herb is used, as it may 
be when it can be obtained, make it into a decoction 
or tea, and take two tablespoonfuls twice a day. 
This drug is said to be a complete substitute for 
blue mass. 
2. The dandelion has been used very successfully 
in this complaint. A medical writer says, “ In my own 
practice, more than fifty cases have been cured either by 
the simple extract of the herb and root, or by taking a 
teacupful of a strong decoction of it twice a day. In 
almost every instance I have succeeded in restoring those 
who have used this plant.” 
3. The following is an excellent remedy in chronic 
liver complaint: A decoction, of equal parts of chittim 
bark (Cascara Sagrada) and Oregon grape-root (Ber- 
beris Aquifolium), used twice a day, in tablespoonful 
doses. The fluid extracts of these articles can be ob- 
tained at drug-stores, and are equally as effective. Take 
two tablespoonfuls of each, and the same quantity of 
syrup. Mix. Dose, one teaspoonful, twice a day. This 356 
INFLAMMATION OF THE LIVER. 
is a new remedy, but has already gained much celebrity, 
in the treatment of this complaint, and is regarded as 
well nigh infallible. 
Accessory Treatment—During an attack of this 
disease, the diet should consist of rice-water, gruel, 
toast-water, etc. Let fomentations be applied warm to 
the side, or over the region of the liver. Should they 
not take off the tension and afford relief, apply Cayenne 
pepper and brandy, simmered a few minutes together. 
These may be applied often, and as warm as the person can 
bear. In this disease vomiting is a very common symptom ; 
to allay which, give a little saleratus, in peppermint-water 
or tea, as often as the vomiting returns. This will 
allay the irritability of the stomach. Should not these 
applications mitigate the symptoms, apply the following 
plaster to the side: Take mustard, red or Cayenne pep- 
per, equal parts; Indian meal, a tablespoonful; vinegar, 
sufficient to form a plaster or poultice of suitable con- 
sistence. Apply warm to the side, and continue it as 
long as the patient can bear. Blisters should be dis- 
pensed with, their effect always proving very troublesome 
and not unfrequently serious. In this disease the ques- 
tion is, in reality, not one of medicine, but of diet and 
regimen. Medicine may certainly be required, but not 
by any means to the extent it is so often used. Those 
persons who are habitually liable to a diseased state of 
the liver ought most strictly to regulate their diet, 
avoiding coffee, strong tea and all stimulants. Take 
moderate exercise every day; use a good diet, but such 
as is easy of digestion, and not disposed to cause acid 
stomach or costiveness; bathe the surface of the body 
every day with a weak lye-water, and in drying, use suf- 
ficient friction to produce a gentle glow of heat. 357 
INFLAMMATION OF THE STOMACH. 
The reader should not fail to examine the article on 
** Tea and Coffee.” 
INFLAMMATION OF THE STOMACH (Gas- 
tritis). 
Acute inflammation of the stomach, except as a result 
of poisoning by some irritant, is a rare disease. 
Symptoms—Burning pain increased by pressure; 
persistent thirst for cold drinks, with inability to retain 
either food or drink; constant nausea, coated tongue 
and foul taste; difficult breathing, faintness, prostration, 
anxiety, etc. 
Chronic gastritis is indicated by dull pain and op- 
pression soon after a meal, and sometimes vomiting of 
acid or mucus. The tongue is coated or red at the edges, 
and the patient often complains of heart-burn, flatulence, 
thirst, burning of the hands or feet, confined bowels, 
and high-colored urine. It usually accompanies affections 
of the liver, heart and kidneys, and is frequent in 
drunkards. 
Causes—Indigestion ; cold draughts, damp, wet, etc.; 
cold drinks when over-heated, mechanical injuries, poi- 
sons—arsenic, vegetable acids, caustic alkalies, etc. 
Remedies—In this disease you must rely chiefly on 
external applications. 
1. Apply a large mustard-plaster over the stomach, 
until the skin becomes very red; then remove it and 
apply to the stomach flannel cloths dipped in a hot in- 358 
INFLAMMATION OF TIIE STOMACH. 
fusion of hops, boiled in vinegar and water, or in hot 
water alone. This should be continued for hours. Bathe 
the feet and legs in hot lye-water, and apply hot bricks 
to the patient in bed. 
2. Give, in small quantities at a time, cold mucil- 
aginous drinks, as gum-Arabic water, or an infusion of 
slippery elm, or marshmallow, and a little lemonade. 
If this treatment is promptly pursued, it will effectually 
arrest this disease in its earlier stages. 
Purchase at the drug-store or gather a large handful 
of stramonium-leaves, and apply to the stomach as a 
fomentation, and about every half-hour take a swallow 
of as warm water as can be borne, and you have one of 
the best and safest remedies known in this disease. 
3. If the above remedy cannot be readily procured, 
another valuable one is, to apply a fomentation of peach- 
leaves, alone or in combination with hops, steeped in vine- 
gar and water, and, at the same time, take a tablespoon- 
ful every hour, of an infusion of the peach-leaves, until 
the pain and heat subside, after which it may be taken 
less frequently. 
In this disease, the tincture of the root of aconite 
is a remedy of the greatest importance. Five drops 
should be added to a tumblerful of water, and well 
mixed. Of this mixture, give two teaspoonfuls for a dose, 
and repeat every half-hour or hour, until a decided im- 
pression is made on the disease, which will be manifested 
by a diminution of the pain, heat and tenderness, when 
it should be given once every three or four hours, until 
the inflammatory symptoms have entirely subsided. No 
cathartics should be given in inflammation of the stomach. 
Accessory Treatment—In acute cases, small pieces 
of ice may be swallowed, and during the severity of the 
symptoms the patient should be fed by nutritious injec- CHRONIC FORM. 
359 
tions. During convalescence, the patient must only grad- 
ually return to solid kinds of food. On recovery, the 
stomach remains for some time feeble, and without due 
care is liable to dyspepsia. 
At first, barley-water, toast-water, rice-water, etc., 
may be given ; and when the inflammation is entirely over- 
come, arrow-root, milk, chicken-broth, beef-tea, soft- 
boiled egg, etc., gradually accustoming the stomach to 
its usual diet. 
Chronic Form—In the treatment of the chronic 
form of this disease, first regulate the patient’s diet. 
While the more urgent inflammatory symptoms are pres- 
ent, gum-Arabic water,1 rice-water, arrow-root, toast and 
tea, and other mild, easily-digested articles of food may 
be used. If there is no fever, and not much debility, a more 
nutritious diet may be used, as boiled rice, stale bread, 
crackers, mush and milk and gruels. Milk is an excel- 
lent thing, and cases have been cured by living on bread 
and milk alone. The addition of a little lime-water makes 
it still better. Alcoholic and stimulating drinks, coffee 
and the like, are to be avoided. 
The medical treatment, of this form of the complaint 
should be mainly conducted by the use of the tincture of 
aconite. One or two drops, in tumblerful of water, 
mixed well together, and a dessertspoonful taken every 
three, six or eight hours will, in most cases, be sufficient 
to complete the cure. Should there be, however, much 
pain or tenderness, an irritating plaster may be worn on 
the sore part of the stomach. Bathe the whole surface 
of the body, daily, and rub it well with a coarse towel. 
For an irritating plaster, the “Poor Man’s Plaster,” 
or the “ Burgundy-Pitch Plaster,” maybe employed, either 
of which may be procured at any drug-store. 360 
ITCH SEMINAL EMISSIONS. 
ITCH (Scabies Acari). 
The itch is evidently confined to the skin, and rarely 
affects the general system, however great its irritation. It 
arises usually from infection, communicated by coming in 
immediate contact with the body of a person already af- 
fected, or by wearing the same clothes, or lying in the 
same bed; but it is sometimes produced by unwholesome 
food, bad air and a neglect of cleanliness. 
The itch shows itself in small pimples about the fin- 
gers, wrists, hams and waist, which, after a short time, 
become so many pustules, and are attended with such an 
itching as to occasion a constant desire to scratch. When 
they break, the acrid fluid which they contain falls on the 
neighboring parts, and thereby spreads the disease over 
almost the whole body, if proper remedies are not used 
to check its progress. 
Remedies—Two to four applications of petroleum 
will cure the itch. Also benzine, applied once or twice, 
and a warm bath taken an hour afterwards will, it is said, 
effect the same purpose. 
The following is a popular remedy for this affection: 
Gunpowder, half an ounce; strong vinegar, half a pint; 
grind the gunpowder fine and mix the two together. Ap- 
ply thoroughly once a day. 
SEMINAL EMISSIONS. 
Causes—The chief of these are self-pollution and 
sexual excesses. An excited state of the seminal vesicles 
is the effect of such habits, and they expel their contents REMEDIES. 
361 
during sleep, weakening and depressing the patient. If 
the discharge only occurs once in a week or two, it is of 
no special consequence; and if the mind is habitually en- 
gaged in congenial and healthful employments, nature will 
soon work a cure; but, should it take place as often as 
every night, or even once in two or three nights, meas- 
ures should at once be taken to effect a cure. This, it 
should be remembered, neither quacks nor their nostrums 
can accomplish. Their object is deception and gain, and 
all their advertising is framed to excite the fears of the 
patient and get his money. 
Remedies—If any one will observe the following 
directions, he will soon be cured: First, let him keep his 
thoughts pure and shun stimulants, of every kind; sec- 
ondly, let him banish all fears concerning the result of 
his disease, as nearly all pure, unmarried men are 
occasionally troubled in this way; thirdly, let his em- 
ployments—especially those of the mind—be regular and 
absorbing; fourthly, let him spend his leisure in the so- 
ciety of virtuous women. Finally, the body should be 
bathed every few days with soap and water, and the sur- 
face afterwards rubbed into a glow. Pouring cold water 
on the back of the head and down the spine is good and 
may be practiced daily. The labor or exercise should be 
moderate, the bed hard and lightly covered, and the pa- 
tient should lie always on his side—the right side is the 
best. 
Impotency—Thoroughly bathe the private parts in 
very cold water, at night, on retiring, and also in the 
morning, on rising. The bathing should be repeated in 
this manner until the impotency is entirely removed, and 
the natural use of the organ can be secured. Sometimes 
this will be accomplished within forty-eight hours. But, 362 
SEMINAL EMISSIONS. 
if necessary, it should be persevered in for weeks or 
months. 
The functions of these organs are restored by the 
use of the star-root (Helonias Dioica). Take one-half a 
teacupful of the infusion two or three times a day. If 
the powder be used, take twenty or thirty grains. This 
will soon relieve the inactivity, and give the usual tone, 
vigor and healthy action. This herb is also called blaz- 
ing-star and unicorn-root. When the organs are healthy, 
and it is desired to arouse their activity, at any time, 
use the vanilla, the same that is employed to flavor syr- 
ups, ice-cream, etc. It is thought, by some, that the in- 
fusion is the preferable preparation. It is prepared by 
taking one-half ounce of the powdered bean to one pint 
of boiling water, in doses of two or three tablespoon- 
fuls, three times a day. 
The concrete, resinous juice of hemp, called churrus, 
which is found in the drug-stores, it is said, will increase 
the sexual passions. But it is so weak, as generally to 
require ten to twenty grains to affect the system. 
The dose, of the good article, is half a grain to a 
grain. In large doses, it produces delirium. It is nar- 
cotic, and may be used in place of opium. 
The following is a new remedy: It is the damiana 
(Turneria Afrodisiaca). Dose, of the fluid extract, one- 
half to one teaspoonful. Of the solid extract, from three 
to six grains. Of the sugar-coated pills, one to two 
pills. Many cases of total or partial impotence have 
been cured by the use of this drug, where the usual 
remedies have given no relief. INFLAMMATION OF THE BOWELS. 
363 
INFLAMMATION OF THE BOWELS (Enteritis). 
This is an inflammation of the mucous membrane 
lining the intestines. It is characterized by fever, fixed 
pains in the abdomen, costiveness and vomiting. 
Causes—An inflammation of the intestines is occa- 
sioned by long-continued costiveness, or hardened, feculent 
matter lodged in some part of the tube ; by the strangu- 
lation of a protruded portion of the gut in a rupture; 
by preceding colic; eating unripe fruits or great quantity of 
nuts, and by hard tumors of the intestines or strictures; 
but the most frequent cause is exposure to cold; particu- 
larly when applied to the lower extremities or bowels, 
and occasionally by cold drink swallowed when the body 
is much heated by exercise. 
Symptoms—This dangerous and painful disease is 
characterized by acute pain in the bowels, which is much 
increased on pressure, and shoots round the navel in a 
twisting manner; there are obstinate costiveness, tension 
of the abdomen, and the vomiting generally bilious, or 
dark and fetid; the urine is high-colored, the pulse 
quick, hard and contracted, with some degree of febrile 
heat, thirst and great depression or loss of strength. 
The patient is constantly belching up wind, and, in pro- 
tracted cases, he even discharges excrement by the mouth, 
the motion of the intestines becoming inverted from there 
being no passage downward. 
Remedies—1. Keep applied to the bowels, a warm 
fomentation of jimson-leaves (Stramonium), prepared 
with equal parts of strong vinegar and water. This, with 
proper diet and nursing, is sufficient to cure the disease 
in all ordinary cases. In any case where the stramonium- 
leaves cannot be had, hops and hoarhound are good, and 
should be used in their stead. 364 
INFLAMMATION OF THE BOWELS. 
2. In no case should cathartics be given, in thia 
complaint. On the contrary, the bowels should be kept 
from moving, and every means brought to bear that 
will relieve them of excitement and irritation. No alarm 
need be experienced, if there is no action of the bowels 
even for a week or more. Many times, when patients, 
affected with this disease, have been doing well, they 
have, on very short notice, been killed by a cathartic in 
the hands of a maniac of a professional man, or other- 
wise, who is never satisfied unless the bowels of his 
patients are continually moving. 
3. The following has also been used with good success : 
To half a tumbler of water, add five drops of the tincture 
of the root of aconite. Mix. Give a dessertspoonful every 
half-hour or hour until the most painful symptoms have 
subsided, when the intervals should be extended to three 
or four hours. This is a remedy of great value in the 
treatment of this disease, and, if its use be persevered 
in it will, in the majority of cases, arrest the progress of 
the affection, and cure the patient. The fomentation re- 
commended under peritonitis will also be of great value 
in this form of inflammation. 
4. If mortification should be apprehended, apply 
over the bowels a poultice made of a decoction of the wild 
indigo (Baptist a Tinctoria) root or leaves, and give a lit- 
tle of the tea, or infusion of the same internally; say, 
two tablespoonfuls every four hours. Or, apply a yeast- 
poultice, and at the same time take a tablespoonful of it 
every three or four hours. These are among the best 
agents known to check the tendency to mortification 
Accessory Treatment—During an acute attack, if 
the disease is attended with fever, soreness in the bow- 
els and diarrhea, the patient should retain the horizontal 
position, and eat neither food in substance nor animal INFLAMMATION OF THE BLADDEK. 
365 
food, but simply use rice-water, arrow-root, barle/-wa- 
ter, toast-water, and the top or thin part of oatmeal or 
corn-meal gruel. As the disease abates and the appetite 
returns, make the above drinks thicker, and very cau- 
tiously return to a more nutritious diet. In chronic 
cases, milk may be added to the above articles. A warm 
bath daily, especially in chronic cases, will be found of 
great service. 
INFLAMMATION OF THE BLADDER (Cistitis). 
Causes—It is occasioned by an improper use of acid 
medicines (such as Cantharides), inflammation extending 
along the urinary channel, permanent or spasmodic stric- 
ture, local irritation from the lodgment of a stone, har- 
dened feces, or a diseased state of the prostate gland, 
and mechanical injury, as well as by all the usual causes 
of inflammation. 
Symptoms—Where this disease exists, an acute, 
burning pain, and some degree of tension at the bottom 
of the abdomen, with a constant desire to make water, a 
difficulty in voiding it, or total stoppage, a frequent in- 
clination to go to stool, much uneasiness and heat, a 
general febrile disposition, a frequent and hard pulse, 
sickness and vomiting, not unfrequently attend. 
It sometimes becomes chronic, and is very afflicting. 
There is a frequent desire to urinate, and a discharge of 
mucus or blood. 
Remedies—1. In this disease it is seldom necessary 366 
INFLAMMATION OF THE BLADDER. 
that any remedy should be administered, except a tea, 
made of the pods or hulls of the common bean. It is 
to be drunk freely three to six times a day, from which 
a speedy cure may be expected. This result is another 
demonstration of what has often been stated, that nature 
has provided us with simple remedies, in abundance, for 
all the diseases to which we are subject. 
2. A decoction of the marshmallow should be drunk 
constantly; it is a sovereign remedy in diseases of the 
urinary organs, and may be relied upon as a specific in 
this. It is not unfrequently as efficacious as the above 
remedy. 
3. In severer eases, apply a mustard-plaster over 
the region of the bladder. A decoction of burdock and 
mullen is also good as a drink. 
4. Parsley-tea, with a little sweet spirits of nitre, 
is also used with good effect. 
Accessory Treatment—For the relief of pain, 
hot fomentations of hops, and, in acute cases, rest in the 
horizontal posture. The warm hip-bath, the abdominal 
compress and mucilaginous drinks, favor recovery. 
Washing out the bladder is often useful; but only small 
quantities of tepid water—one to two ounces—should be 
introduced at a time ; as far as possible, too, the water 
should be introduced like the continued percolation into 
it of the urine from the kidneys by the ureters, or the 
sensitive organs will be offended and injured. JAUNDICE. 
367 
JAUNDICE (Morbus Regius). 
The above terms are used to express conditions in which 
many of the tissues and fluids of the body become yellow, 
especially the whites of the eyes and the connective tissues 
of the body. Jaundice is often a symptom of some acute 
or chronic affection of the liver, rather than a disease in 
itself. 
Causes—The immediate cause of the jaundice is an ob- 
struction of the bile. The remote or occasional causes are, 
the bites of poisonous animals, as the viper, mad dog, etc. ; 
the bilious or hysteric colic; violent passions, as grief, 
anger, etc. Strong purges or vomits will likewise occasion 
the jaundice. Sometimes it proceeds from an obstinate 
ague, or from that disease being prematurely stopped by 
astringent medicines. Pregnant women are very subject 
to it. It is likewise a symptom in several kinds of fevers. 
Catching cold or the stoppage of customary evacuations, 
as the menses, the bleeding piles, issues, etc., will occa- 
sion the jaundice. 
Symptoms—Yellow tinge, first of the whites of the 
eyes, then of the roots of the nails, and next the face and 
neck, and finally the trunk and extremities. The urine 
becomes yellow-colored or deep-brown, and stains the linen ; 
the stools whitish or drab-colored; there is constipation; 
lassitude ; anxiety ; pain in the stomach ; bitter taste ; and, 
generally, fever-symptoms. Sometimes, especially in chil- 
dren, the bowels are relaxed from the food not being prop- 
erly digested and occasioning irritation. There are also, 
usually, depression of spirits, prostration of strength and 
slowness of the pulse. 
Remedies—1. Take a small quantity of soot, tied 
in a bag, the size of a hen’s egg. Let it lie in a glass 
of water over night. In the morning remove the bag and 368 
JAUNDICE. 
add to the water one egg, well beaten, and take at a dose. 
Repeat each morning, until a cure is effected, which will 
be accomplished in a short time. With this remedy in 
your hands, in this disease, you can bid adieu to your 
doctors, with their calomel and blue mass, their pukes 
and purges, and all the rest of their killing and health- 
destroying poisons. 
2. The Fringe-Tree a Cure for Jaundice— 
Prof. I. J. M. Goss says, in his “Materia Medica,” “ Some 
thirty-two years ago, I had been very badly salivated for 
an attack of simple bilious or intermittent fever, by my 
preceptor, and it resulted in an attack of jaundice, for 
which I was again salivated several times, with the result 
of an increase of the jaundice. I now gave up to die, for 
I had tried six or eight of the best physicians of Georgia. 
Their remedies were the same, mercurials, which only in- 
creased the disease. So I had, after trying mercury for four 
or five months, given up in despair. About this time I was 
induced by a fellow-student to try the ‘ old woman’s rem- 
edy,’ Chionanthus (‘Old Man’s Gray Beard,’ as they 
called it), which grew plentifully upon the sandy land near 
Augusta, Georgia, where I was then attending lectures ; and 
as the faculty had utterly failed to cure, or even benefit me, 
I concluded to try it. 
“I procured a small quantity, and made a tincture in gin, 
and took a tablespoonful before each meal. In a few days 
my appetite began to improve, and my skin very rapidly 
cleared, and in some ten days my jaundice was gone; my 
skin was clear of bilious hue, and I felt like another man. 
* * * * I subsequently met with many cases of jaun- 
dice, and found the remedy so prompt to remove it, 
that I published my experience in the Eclectic Medical 
Journal, of Philadelphia, since which time I have used it 
in a great many cases with success. I now use a saturated ACCESSORY TREATMENT, ETC. 
369 
tincture, made by adding eight ounces to one pint of alco- 
hol (96 ° ). Dose, one drachm, three times a day.” 
This shrub is known by various names, as Old Man’s 
Beard, Fringe-Tree, White-Ash, Chionanthus Virginica. 
3. Another good remedy is the following: Take, 
of the twigs of the peach-tree, or the fresh leaves, a large 
handful, bruise them, and just cover with cold water. Of 
this drink, take a fourth of a teacupful, three or four times 
daily. This has cured a geat many cases of jaundice, and 
is easily obtained. Physicians, who have made use of this 
remedy, speak of it in the highest terms. 
Accessory Treatment—Flannel squeezed and ap- 
plied, after immersion in hot water, or a hot hip-bath re- 
lieves pain. Jaundice from inactivity and chronic conges- 
tion of the liver requires change of air and scene, traveling, 
daily walking or horseback-exercise, and regular and tem- 
perate habits. 
Gall-Stones—A not uncommon impediment to the 
flow of bile is the impaction of a gall-stone in the natu- 
ral channels of the bile. A gall-stone consists of bile in 
a crystalline form. The pain attending the passage of 
gall-stones is very severe, commences suddenly, is con- 
stant for a time, and terminates suddenly, and is thus 
distinguished from colic, and by the pains being of a 
more local character, and in the region of the gall-duct. 
The pain occurs in paroxysms and is felt a little to 
the right of the stomach, beneath the lower ribs, and may 
shoot through to the back. There are sometimes nausea 
and vomiting, anxiety, great restlessness, faintness and 
great prostration, with pale skin, small and frequent 
pulse. Several paroxysms may occur in an hour, and 
the attack usually lasts from a few hours to several days, 
until the stone enters the intestine, when the sufferings 370 
bright’s disease. 
are immediately relieved, and the stone passes off with 
the discharges. 
Remedies—1. Take one gill of pure, sweet oil, be- 
fore retiring at night, and, on the following morning, a 
dose of seidlitz powders, and another every hour until 
an action of the bowels is obtained. In three or four 
days, repeat the oil and powder in the same manner as 
before. Usually, a few doses will be sufficient. 
Two or three doses have been known to expel forty 
to sixty gall-stones. 
2. Night and morning, at the time of taking the 
medicine, the bowels, over the region of the liver, should 
be thoroughly rubbed for some length of time. 
Accessories—Persons liable to gall-stones should 
eat no wheat-bread, because there is so much lime in 
wheat, as also in the water, but should drink milk, rain 
or snow-water, or distilled water, and eat rice, sago, 
fruits, berries and lean meats and vegetables, for these 
have no lime in them. 
BRIGHT’S DISEASE OF KIDNEYS (Nephritis). 
Symptoms—Dropsy of the upper as well as lower 
parts of the body—the hands and feet, as well as the 
face, being puffy and swollen; febrile symptoms—a dry, 
harsh skin ; quick, hard pulse ; thirst, and of ten-sickness, 
from sympathy of the stomach with the kidneys. 
There is frequent desire to pass water, which is 
scanty, highly colored or smoky-looking, albuminous and 
of high specific gravity. CAUSES, ETC. 
371 
Causes—The effects of fever, especially scarlet fe- 
ver, exposure to wet and cold, the action of irritating 
drugs, alcohol, etc. 
In the chronic form there is debility, general impair- 
ment of the health and pallor of the surface, coming on 
insiduously, with pain in the loins and frequent desire to 
pass water, particularly at night, the urinary secretion 
being at first increased in quantity. The patient’s face 
becomes pallid, pasty and swollen, so that his features 
are flattened, and there is loss of appetite, acid eructa- 
tions, nausea and frequent sickness, which nothing in his 
diet can account for. 
Remedies—1. In many instances unfermented cid- 
er, taken three times a day, has been very efficacious 
in this disease. The malic acid of the cider exerts a sal- 
utary influence on the diseased kidneys. 
2. An infusion of equal parts of peach-leaves and 
queen-of-the-meadow, taken freely, two or three times 
a day, is likewise a very valuable remedy. In this, 
as in other diseases, the less strong and powerful medi- 
cine the patient takes, “the better off he will be.” 
Dr. Schmidt says he has obtained the most brilliant 
result by an exclusive milk-diet, when all other treat- 
ment had failed. An adult will sometimes take as much 
as a gallon in the twenty-four hours. It may be given 
cold or tepid, and from half a pint to a pint at a time. 
A preponderance of vegetable food, which makes less de- 
mand upon the secretory function of the kidneys than 
nitrogenous products, is likely to facilitate the success of 
remedial measures. 
Accessory Treatment—In the acute disease, warm 
baths or vapor baths should be had recourse to early, to 
promote the functions of the skin, lessen the dropsy, and 
to carry off from the blood deleterious matters, which 372 
KIDNEY-DISEASE. 
may be retained in it by inaction of the kidneys. Vapor 
baths are preferable to warm baths, because they can be 
used at a higher temperature. The action of the bath 
may be much prolonged, and the bath, in consequence, 
rendered more efficacious, in the following manner: The 
patient is enveloped to the neck in a sheet wrung out 
of warm water, and three or four dry blankets are 
closely folded over it. He should be afterwards quickly 
dried, and wrapped up in blankets. If there be much 
debility, warm baths should be employed with discretion. 
Further, to favor the free action of the skin, warm cloth- 
ing—flannel and woolen garments—should be added, and 
chills and draughts guarded against. In chronic or 
convalescent cases, a healthy residence is necessary, in- 
cluding a sandy soil and mild, dry air, so that out-of- 
door exercise may be taken. Patients with symptoms of 
Bright’s disease should be encouraged to take abundance 
of open-air exercise as long as strength permits, chills 
and fatigue being guarded against. Bathing or cold spong- 
ing, and friction with a sheet or bath towel, tend to ar- 
rest the disease and invigorate the health. By such 
means, patients suffering from chronic disease of the kid- 
neys may live for years, enjoying the pleasures and ful- 
filling the duties of life. 
KIDNEY-DISEASE, OR INFLAMMATION OF 
THE KIDNEYS. 
Disease of the kidneys may be distinguished from 
colic and other similar affections, by the pain being seat- 
ed far back, and by the urine being of a deep-red color. 373 
REMEDIES. 
voided frequently, and in small quantity at a time; and 
it may be known from rheumatism by the pain not being 
much increased by motion. 
From the inflammation attending the gravel or stone, 
this complaint may be known by the fever which attends 
it from the first, and by the absence of some of the 
symptoms attending the gravel, such as numbness of the 
thigh, drawing up of the testicle, etc. 
The causes which give rise to disease of the kidneys 
are, external bruises, strains of the back, acrid substances 
conveyed to the kidneys in the blood, violent and severe 
exercise, either in riding or walking, and exposure to 
cold. 
This disease is attended with a sharp pain on the 
affected side, with much difliculty in passing urine; the 
bowels are costive, the skin is hot, the patient feels great 
uneasiness when he attempts to walk or sit upright, he 
lies with most ease on the affected side. 
Remission of the pain and fever, followed by a 
copious discharge of high-colored mucous urine, universal 
sweating, or a flow of blood from the hemorrhoidal veins, 
passed in the stools, are favorable symptoms. 
Remedies—1. Take half a teacupful, three times 
a day, of a tea made of sheep-sorrel. It may be relied 
on as prompt and effectual, when the accessory measures 
hereafter given are, at the same time, complied with. 
2. Another excellent means for the relief of this 
disease, is to take essence of peppermint, in half tea- 
spoonful doses, with a little water, three times a day. 
This remedy alone has often cured inveterate cases of 
kidney-disease, that had baffled medical skill for months 
in succession. 
3. The following comes to us from the Pacific Coast, 374 
KIDNEY-DISEASE. 
highly recommended: A tea made of sycamore-bark, given 
in doses of two or three tablespoonfuls, three times a day. 
4. Take, of 
Marshmallow 3 ounces. 
Queen of the meadow 3 ounces. 
Add four quarts of water, and boil to one ; then add 
two ounces of gum-Arabic and half an ounce of pulverized 
nitre. 
Dose, a teacupful four or five times a day. 
This is an excellent remedy in inflammation of the kid- 
ney. It is also useful in the treatment of inflammation of 
the bladder, bloody urine and other urinary diseases. 
Accessory Treatment—To relieve the pain, hot 
fomentations of hops and stramonium-leaves, or of hops 
and tansy, may be applied over the region of the kidney, 
and these should be renewed frequently. In very violent 
cases, cupping over the part has been found efficacious. 
Mustard may be applied along the lower half of the spinal 
column, previous to the use of the fomentations. The hot 
sitz-bath will be found very advantageous ; or seat the pa- 
tient in a tub of hot water, put his feet in a bucket of hot 
mustard-water, with a blanket drawn close around him, 
including his feet. 
In addition to these measures, mucilaginous diuretic 
infusions must be freely drunk after the more active in- 
flammation has been subdued, as an infusion of marsh- 
mallow-root and peach-leaves or flax-seed, which will be 
found to have an excellent influence in lessening the in- 
flammation. Other diuretics will be found of efficacy, as 
infusion of cleavers, or elder-blows. 
The above treatment should be persevered in daily, 
until the inflammation is subdued, or begins to subside. 
The patient should be kept quiet and free from ex- 
citement ; his diet, during the inflammatory stage, should MORTIFICATION. 
375 
consist only of mucilaginous drinks, as infusion of flax- 
seed, gum-Arabic water. And great care must be taken, 
during convalescence, not to allow at too early a period a 
more stimulating food. 
In the treatment of this disease, emetics and cathartics 
should not be employed; for in this, as well as many 
other diseases, patients are often vomited and purged into 
eternity. 
MORTIFICATION. 
Symptoms—If it supervene on inflammation, there 
will be acute and constant pain, great anxiety, often de- 
lirium, followed by a sudden cessation of all inflammatory 
symptoms. The part before tense now becomes flaccid, 
of a livid color, losing its heat and sensibility. Blisters 
are formed, under which appear brown spots. The parts 
soon become black and acquire a fetid smell. If the event 
proves favorable, the mortified portion is completely sur- 
rounded by a white line, about which pus (matter) is 
formed. The dead part now loosens and sloughs out,leav- 
ing a suppurating ulcer. If, on the contrary, the termi- 
nation be fatal, the mortification rapidly extends ; great 
constitutional irritation arises; the pulse becomes small, 
rapid and irregular; there is a fixed flush on the counte- 
nance, with great anxiety and prostration of strength ; and 
death soon ensues. 
Mortification is sometimes produced without previous 
inflammation, by blood-vessels choked by pressure, long- 376 
MORTIFICATION. 
continued cold, long-continued pressure, violent bruises, 
debility, etc. 
Treatment—When inflammation has been properly 
treated, it will seldom or never terminate in mortification. 
But, when called to treat it, our object should be to arrest 
and prevent any further extension of it by means both local 
and constitutional. If it be connected with, or dependent 
on, inflammation, means must be taken to subdue that in- 
flammation. If debility of the .system has been a predis- 
posing cause, it must be remedied by a more wholesome 
regimen, and the strength of the patient be supported by 
stimulants and nutritious diet. Tonics also should be ad- 
ministered, and a glass of yeast three or four times during 
the day. 
Local Applications—When blisters or vesicles ap- 
pear upon the part, showing a disposition to gangrene, or 
when sloughing actually takes place, the following poultice 
will separate the living from the dead parts, and put a 
speedy check to it: Take yeast, a sufficient quantity ; stir 
in slippery-ehn bark, to form a poultice of the proper con- 
sistence; apply tepid, and often renew. This will correct 
the fetor of the parts, and assist the powers of nature to 
separate the mortified from the living flesh. I have not 
known this application to fail in a single instance, except in 
one case of dry mortification, from which a person seldom 
recovers. 
The mortified limb must be bathed three times a day 
in warm, weak lye, one hour each time. The application of 
a lye-poultice has proved a sovereign remedy in mortification, 
as well as in lock-jaw. It is not only well calculated to pre- 
vent, but to cure it when it has taken place. After having been 
applied a short time, it has often separated and detached 
large portions of mortified flesh, and brought about a healthy 377 
REMEDIES. 
action. The elm-bark should be mixed in leeched, warm lye, 
and applied tepid. 
Dr. Ferris, who was noted for a successful method of 
treating mortification, made use of the following poultice: 
Scraped carrots and spikenard-root, bruised ; boil till soft; 
stir in a small quantity of Indian or oatmeal, and apply 
warm. I have used this poultice but little, and, therefore, 
cannot speak with much certainty of its effects ; but in one 
very difficult and critical case of inflammation, bordering 
on gangrene, it changed the character of it, and was at- 
tended with a good effect. 
Remedies—1. A variety of articles is used as external 
applications in cases of mortification of wounded or 
ulcerated parts. A poultice of charcoal and yeast, or of 
the bark of sassafras pounded fine, or smart-weed bruised, 
boiled and thickened with corn-meal, with the addition of 
a small quantity of Cayenne to either poultice, will be 
found very valuable remedies to prevent or check morti- 
fication. A poultice made of the bruised root of the wild 
indigo, boiled and thickened with corn-meal, has also been 
highly recommended as an application to mortified parts. 
The addition of a little capsicum, it is very probable, 
would increase the antiseptic power of this poultice as 
well as the others ; though either would be highly val- 
uable without it. 
2. Dr. Beach highly recommends the use of an alkali- 
poultice, made by mixing the pulverized bark of slippery 
elm with weak lye, until of the proper consistence, and 
applying it moderately warm to the affected part. 
The poultices should be frequently renewed, and at 
each renewal the ulcer ought to be washed with soap- 
suds, then with a tea of witch-hazel leaves, white pond- 
lily, dewberry, or some other astringent article, and lastly, 378 
MELANCHOLY. 
with the compound tincture of myrrh; when a fresh 
poultice must be immediately applied. 
3. A tea of the wild indigo, taken internally, is 
highly recommended by Dr. Thacher, as being valuable in 
mortification, either internally or externally applied. He 
recommends the tea to be taken internally, at the same 
time that the poultice is applied externally. 
4. The free use of pyroligneous acid to the part, 
and a poultice, composed of pulverized alum, yeast and 
charcoal, will arrest nearly every case of gangrene and 
mortification. 
MELANCHOLY, OR HYPO (Hypochondriasis). 
This is a functional disorder of the nervous system, 
attended with exaggerated ideas or depressed feelings, but 
without actual disorder of the intellect. 
Causes—Hereditary influences are potent and com- 
mon ; a taint of insanity, or other grave, nervous disease, 
may be generally traced in near or remote ancestors. The 
development of the disease is usually in connection with 
the conditions of middle life, expecially indolence and 
luxury; or, on the other hand, with anxiety and conscious 
failure in efforts to provide for relations and dependents. 
Severe shocks of a moral or emotional nature may give 
rise to the malady. The patient’s complaints may, how- 
ever, be not merely fanciful, but due to actual disease. 
Organic diseases of the liver or stomach are especially 
likely to evoke the symptoms of this disease, or they 
may arise, or be excited into new action, by a concurrent 379 
TREATMENT. 
morbid process. The statements and symptoms of a hypo- 
chondriac should therefore be carefully examined. 
Symptoms—The patient imagines himself, without 
sufficient ground, the subject of some serious disease, and 
is often haunted with the dread of insanity or of death. 
Frequently, at first, the patient considers himself dyspeptic 
from the fact that he is troubled with flatulence, has a 
furred tongue, foul breath, irregular appetite and gen- 
erally obstinate constipation. After a time he complains 
of a gnawing or burning pain, of uneasiness at the pit of 
the stomach, or of more serious disease. He has great 
hope of getting rid of his malady, and strong faith, not- 
withstanding repeated failures, in treatment. Afterwards, 
from attention being directed to particular organs, func- 
tional disturbances arise—flushes, palpitation, suppression 
of bile or bilious diarrhea ; symptoms which tend to con- 
firm the belief that organic disease exists. 
Treatment—Of all the remedies for this disease, 
that which is most important is, active employment out 
of doors. The human body was made for motion. The 
open, fresh air is very important to restore the system to 
a sound condition. Temperance, both in eating and 
drinking, will do much for this class of patients. Amuse- 
ments are very important. Lively company, cheerful and 
witty conversation, with mirth and laughter, are to be 
sought for; so are hunting, fishing, riding and traveling. 
Never allow these patients to be alone, and to have time 
to brood over their misery. See that they go early to 
bed, and rise betimes in the morning. The warm bath, the 
cold shower or sponge-bath, with brisk friction, are not, 
on any account, to be omitted. The diet should be light, 
nutritious and generous ; but fats, acids, liquors and coffee 
must be forbidden. Tf there be costiveness, let the patient 
eat cracked wheat. A bowl of motherwort-tea, with half 380 
MILK-SICKNESS. 
a teaspoonful of spirits of camphor in it, will do well in 
fits of fainting, when there is a sensation of dying. 
MILK-SICKNESS. 
This complaint is supposed to arise from some poison 
eaten by cows, which is communicated to the milk and but- 
ter. When this is taken into the stomach, the annexed 
symptoms follow: Sometimes languor and lassitude are 
felt for some days previous to the attack of this disease, 
with putrid tongue and very offensive breath; at other 
times it comes on suddenly, with severe vomiting, thirst, 
burning at the pit of the stomach, obstinate costiveness, 
etc. The cattle that eat it quiver, stagger and die within 
a few hours. It often proves fatal to man and beast. 
Remedies—1. To check the obstinate vomiting, 
which is a common symptom of this complaint, give the 
patient one-tenth to one-fourth grain doses of ipecac, 
drv, on the tongue, repeating every half-hour or hour. 
This remedy will almost invariably relieve him of this 
distressing symptom, so that his stomach will be able to 
retain other remedies, which it may be necessary to ad- 
minister. 
When ipecac is not at hand, or cannot be obtained, 
other measures must be adopted. 
2. Add bruised peach-leaves to cold water, and take 
it as a drink, in small quantities. 
3. The following is another good preparation : Lime, 
slaked or unslaked, one-half an ounce; water, half a 
pint. Mix, and let stand two hours. Pour off the clear REMEDIES. 
381 
liquor, and to this add two-thirds of a teacupful of milk. 
This will be kept on the stomach when everything else is 
rejected. Dose, a tablespoonful every twenty or thirty 
minutes. 
4. A mustard-plaster may be applied to the stomach, 
and perspiration promoted. Should vomiting continue, a 
teaspoonful of salt can be given every two hours, in equal 
parts of hot water and vinegar; toasted-bread water and 
mint-tea are good. Dr. Jones highly recommends smart- 
weed tea. 
5. In this disease obstinate constipation prevails, 
which should be removed by injections of a tea of the 
butternut-bark or twigs, or of castor-oil, or hogs’ lard 
and warm water, occasionally adding about the fourth of 
a teaspoonful of Cayenne, and administering in large 
quantity, as by this means the hardened feces, contained 
in the rectum, will be more readily dissolved and carried 
out of the system. There will also be an advantage, on 
this account, in retaining the injections until several of 
them are administered. 
Charcoal has of late been highly extolled as a rem- 
edy in costiveness, and is said to open the bowels when 
other remedies fail. 
6. It is believed that the following mixture, given 
in two-teaspoonful doses, every time the nausea and burn- 
ing sensation are felt, is the most effectual remedy yet 
used : 
Take, of 
Rhubarb (pulverized) 2 scruples. 
Salaratus do 2 “ 
Peppermint-plant do 2 “ 
Add half a pint of boiling water, and sweeten with 
loaf or white sugar. 
Accessory Measures—The stomach should not bn 382 
MILK-SICKNESS. 
overloaded with any food or drink whatever during the 
treatment. If diet be required, it should be of the mild- 
est and least irritating nature, as thin Indian-meal gruel, 
barley-water, toast-water, rice-water, etc. DIVISION FIFTH. 
General Diseases Continued-Nervous, Etc. 
NERVOUS DISEASES. 
Of all diseases incident to mankind, those of the 
nervous kind are the most complicated and difficult to 
cure. A volume would not be sufficient to point out their 
various symptoms. They imitate almost every disease, 
and are seldom alike in two different persons, or even in 
the same person at different times. Proteus-like, they are 
continually changing shape, and upon every fresh attack 
the patient thinks he feels symptoms which he never ex- 
perienced before. Nor do they only affect the body; the 
mind likewise suffers, and is often thereby rendered ex- 
tremely weak and peevish. The low spirits, timorousness, 
melancholy and fickleness of temper, which generally at- 
tend nervous disorders, induce many people to believe 
that they are entirely diseases of the mind ; but this change 
of temper is rather a consequence than the cause of ner- 
vous diseases. 
Causes—Everything that tends to relax or weaken 
the body disposes it to nervous diseases; as indolence, 
excessive venery, drinking too much tea or other weak, 384 
NERVOUS DISEASES. 
watery liquors, frequent bleeding, purging, vomiting, etc. 
Whatever injures the digestion, or prevents the proper 
assimilation of the aliment, has likewise this effect; as 
long fasting, excess in eating or drinking, the use of windy 
or gaseous, crude or unwholesome aliments, an unfavorable 
posture of the body, etc. 
Nervous disorders often proceed from affections of the 
mind ; as grief, disappointments, anxiety, intense study, 
etc. Indeed, few studious persons are entirely free from 
them. Nor is this at all to be wondered at; intense 
* 
thinking not only preys upon the spirits, but prevents the 
person from taking proper exercise, by which means the 
digestion is impaired, the nourishment prevented, the solids 
relaxed, and the whole mass of fluids vitiated. Grief and 
disappointment likewise produce the same effects. I have 
known more nervous patients who dated the commence- 
ment of their disorders from the loss of a husband, a 
favorite child, or from some disappointment in life, than 
from any other cause. In a word, whatever weakens the 
body or depresses the spirits may occasion nervous disor- 
ders ; as unwholesome air, want of sleep, great fatigue, 
disagreeable apprehensions, vexation, etc. 
Symptoms—We shall only mention some of the 
most general symptoms of these disorders, as it would be 
both a useless and impracticable task to point out the 
whole. They generally begin with windy inflations or dis- 
tensions of the stomach and intestines ; the appetite and 
digestion are usually bad, yet sometimes there is an uncom- 
mon craving for food and a quick digestion. The food 
often turns sour on the stomach, and the patient is troubled 
with vomiting of clear water, tough phlegm, or a blackish- 
colored liquor resembling the grounds of coffee. Excru- 
ciating pains are often felt about the navel, attended with 
a rumbling or murmuring noise in the bowels ; the bowels SYMPTOMS. 
385 
are sometimes loose, but more commonly bound, which oc- 
casions a retention of wind and great uneasiness. 
The urine is sometimes in small quantity, at other 
times very copious and quite clear. There is a great 
straitness of the breast, with difficulty of breathing, violent 
palpitations of the heart, sudden flushings of heat in 
various parts of the body; at other times a sense of cold, 
as if water were poured on them, flying pains in the arms 
and limbs, pains in the hack and abdomen, resembling 
those occasioned by gravel, the pulse very variable, some- 
times uncommonly slow and at other times very quick; 
yawning, the hiccough, frequent sighings, and a sense of 
suffocation, as if from a ball or a lump in the throat; 
alternate fits of crying and convulsive laughing; the 
sleep is unsound and seldom refreshing, and the patient 
is often troubled with the nightmare. 
As the disease increases, the patient is molested with 
headaches, cramps, and fixed pains in various parts of the 
body; the eyes are clouded and often affected with pain 
and dryness; there is a noise in the ears and often a 
dullness of hearing; in short, the whole animal functions 
are impaired. The mind is disturbed on the most trivial 
occasions, and is hurried into the most perverse commo- 
tions, inquietudes, terror, sadness, auger, diffidence, etc. 
The patient is apt to entertain wild imaginations and ex- 
travagant fancies, the’ memory becomes weak, and the 
reason fails. 
Nothing is more characteristic of this disease than a 
constant dread of death. This renders those unhappy 
persons who labor under it peevish, fickle, impatient, and 
apt to run from one physician to another, which is one 
reason why they seldom reap any benefit from medicine, 
as they have not sufficient resolution to persist in any one 
course till it has time to produce its proper effects. They 386 
NERVOUS DISEASES. 
are likewise apt to imagine that they labor under diseases 
from which they are quite free, and are very angry if any 
one attempts to set them right or laugh them out of their 
ridiculous notions. 
Diet, Treatment, Etc.—Persons afflicted with ner- 
vous diseases ought never to fast long. Their food should 
be solid and nourishing, but of easy digestion. Fat meats 
and heavy sauces are hurtful. All excess should be care- 
fully avoided. They ought never to eat more at a time 
than they can easily digest; but if they feel themselves 
weak and faint between meals, they ought to eat a bit of 
bread and butter and drink a glass of water. Heavy 
suppers are to be avoided. Everything that is gaseous or 
hard of digestion must be avoided. All weak and warm 
liquors are hurtful, as tea, coffee, punch, etc. People may 
find a temporary relief in the use of these, but they 
always increase the malady, as they weaken the stomach 
and hurt digestion. Above all things, drams are to be 
avoided. Whatever immediate ease the patient may feel 
from the use of ardent spirits, they are sure to aggravate 
the malady, and prove certain poisons at last. These 
cautions are the more necessary, as most nervous people 
are peculiarly fond of tea and ardent spirits; to the use 
of which many of them fall victims. 
Exercise in nervous disorders is superior to all med- 
icines. Riding on horseback is generally esteemed the 
best, as it gives motion to the whole body without 
fatiguing it. I have known some patients, howrever, with 
whom walking agreed better, and others who were most 
benefited by riding in a carriage. Every one ought to use 
that which he finds most beneficial. Long sea-voyages have 
an excellent effect; and to those who can afford to take 
them, and have sufficient resolution, we would by all means 
recommend this course. Even change of place and the MEDICINES. 
387 
sight of new objects, by diverting the mind, have a great 
tendency to remove these complaints. For this reason, a 
long journey or a voyage is of much more advantage than 
short journeys near home. 
A cool and dry air is proper, as it braces and invig- 
orates the whole body. Nothing tends more to relax and 
enervate than hot air, especially that which is rendered so 
by great fires or stoves in small apartments. But when the 
stomach or bowels are weak, the body ought to be well 
guarded against cold, especially in winter, by wearing a 
thin flannel-waistcoat next the skin. This will keep up an 
equal perspiration, and defend the alimentary canal from 
impressions to which it would otherwise be subject, upon 
every sudden change from warm to cold weather. Rub- 
bing the body frequently with a flesh-brush or a coarse 
linen cloth is likewise beneficial, as it promotes the cir- 
culation, perspiration, etc. Persons who have weak nerves 
ought to rise early and take exercise before breakfast, as 
lying too long in bed cannot fail to relax the solids. 
They ought likewise to be diverted, and to be kept as 
easy and cheerful as possible, as nothing hurts the ner- 
vous system or weakens the digestive powers more than 
fear, grief or anxiety. 
Medicines—Though nervous diseases are seldom 
radically cured, yet their symptoms may be alleviated, and 
the patient’s life rendered, at least, more comfortable, by 
proper medicines. 
When the patient is costive, see article on “Consti- 
pation.” All strong and violent purgatives are to be 
avoided, as aloes, jalap, etc. 
When digestion is bad or the stomach relaxed and 
weak, an infusion of the Peruvian bark may be used with 
advantage. 
Another very valuable remedy, for this difficulty, is to 388 
NERVOUS DISEASES. 
make a tea of equal parts of chamomile-flowers and lady’s 
slipper, and drink it twice a day, for a considerable length 
of time. 
Few things tend more to strengthen the nervous system 
than bathing. This practice, if duly persisted in, will pro- 
duce very extraordinary effects. But when the liver or 
other viscera are obstructed, or otherwise unsound, the 
cold bath is improper. The best seasons for it are sum- 
mer and autumn. It will be sufficient, especially for per- 
sons of a spare habit, to go into the cold bath three or 
four times a week. If the patient be weakened by it, or 
feels chilly for a long time after coming out, it is im- 
proper. 
In patients afflicted with flatulence or wind, I have 
always observed the greatest benefit from the elixir of 
vitriol. It may be taken in the quantity of fifteen, twenty 
or thirty drops, twice or thrice a day, in a glass of water. 
This expels wind, strengthens the stomach and promotes 
digestion. * 
Opiates are greatly extolled in these maladies ; but as 
they only palliate the symptoms, and generally afterwards 
increase the disease, we would advise people to be ex- 
tremely sparing in the use of them, lest habit render them 
at last absolutely necessary. 
It would be an easy matter to enumerate many medi- 
cines which have been extolled for relieving nervous dis- 
orders ; but whoever wishes for a thorough cure must ex- 
pect it from regimen alone. We shall therefore omit men- 
tioning more medicines, and again recommend the strictest 
attention to diet, air, exercise and amusements. NEURALGIA. 
389 
NEURALGIA. 
Symptoms—This is a disease of the nervous system, 
and the symptoms consist of severe paroxysms of pain, of 
a purely nervous character. The pain is generally very 
severe, more or less darting, and sometimes burning, tear- 
ing, aching and beating. In some cases, it causes the pa- 
tient to start suddenly, and spasmodic twitchings of the 
muscles are not uncommon. Sometimes there is tenderness 
of the part, on pressure, especially on slight pressure, 
while hard pressure often affords partial relief; friction 
of the hand frequently relieves, when even strong pres- 
sure seems to increase the pain. The paroxysms may come 
and go suddenly or gradually, and may return several times 
a day, or only at long intervals, and may soon cease entirely, 
or continue to the end of life. The disease is not con- 
fined to any particular part of the body. Perhaps it most 
frequently attacks the head and face, and may be confined 
to one small spot, or extend over half of either. When 
extending over half the face, for example, the line of divi- 
sion between the well and diseased parts is defined with 
wonderful accuracy. When it is in the nerves of the jaws 
and teeth, it causes one of the most distressing and unen- 
durable forms of toothache. The eyes, temples, heart, spine 
and stomach are not unfrequently attacked, and it fre- 
quently shifts from one to another. 
Causes—Very little is known of the causes of neu- 
ralgia, but it would seem that it may be brought on by 
whatever tends to impair or lower the vitality of the sys- 
tem, such as exposure to cold or damp, excessive fatigue, 
intemperance in stimulants, excesses of every kind, especi- 
ally sexual excesses and abuses, idleness and the want of 
pure air and sunlight. Among other assigned causes are, 390 
NEURALGIA. 
decay of teeth, malaria, sleeplessness, anxiety, insufficient 
nourishment, and, it is said, also, to be hereditary. 
It is important, for those who are afflicted with neu- 
ralgia, to be prepared with a list of the best remedies, all 
of which we have given, and, with their judicious use, 
people will not long suffer with this distressing malady. 
Remedies—1. Take half a teaspoonful of sal 
ammonia and four tablespoonfuls of camphor-water. Mix. 
And, of this, give one teaspoonful for a dose. Repeat 
several times, at intervals of ten minutes, if the pain be 
not relieved at once, and very speedy relief will be af- 
forded, as many neuralgic patients can attest. 
In one instance, the sufferer, a lady, had been sub- 
ject to intense pain for nearly a fortnight, her physician 
not being able to afford her relief. When this remedy 
was administered, it cured her in a few minutes. Cam- 
phor-water may be prepared by adding one teaspoonful 
of the strong spirits of camphor to half a teacupful of 
water, and stirring well together. 
2. The following is a new remedy, and one that is 
reputed to be of superior efficacy in the cure of neural- 
gia. In fact, it is regarded as an effectual cure in this 
disease. It is the sulphate of nickel. Have the druggist 
prepare it for you, by rubbing one grain of it in a mor- 
tar, with nine grains of sugar of milk. If this cannot 
be obtained, use loaf-sugar. When these are well ground 
together, the medicine is ready for use. One dose is 
often sufficient to relieve the severest paroxysm of pain. 
If it should not do so, it may be repeated every one or two 
hours, until the pain ceases. The dose is one or two 
grains. 
Prof. Hale also reports, “ Many very grave cases of 
neuralgia cured by it. I have used it in several very 
old cases of neuralgia, and have been utterly aston- REMEDIES, ETC. 
391 
ished to see how readily it relieves that most excruciating 
malady, especially if it is of a periodical character.” 
3. The following is the celebrated German remedy 
for neuralgia; it can scarcely be extolled too highly: 
Bruise the leaves of the common field-thistle, and 
use as a poultice to the parts affected. Drink, also, a 
wineglassful of a tea, made from the leaves of the same, 
three times a day. 
4. Blue-Gum Remedy—Apply a fomentation of the 
leaves of the blue gum (Eucalyptus). It will generally 
give relief to the most distressing cases; and, it is said, 
on the Pacific Coast, where it grows abundantly, that the 
persevering use of it, together with a tablespoonful of the tea 
made of the same, and taken twice a day, will often re- 
sult in a radical cure of this disease. 
5. Salt Remedy—Prof. J. H. Bundy says, 
Take one quart of water and half a pint of salt. Acid the salt 
to the water, while boiling. Apply warm constantly. I cured a lady, 
says the doctor, of neuralgia of the hip, of seventeen years’ stand- 
ing, after all other treatment had failed. I now use it more frequently 
and successfully than any other remedy, in the medical management of 
neuralgia. 
Sciatica—Sciatic neuralgia is, perhaps, the severest 
form of the disease, and often stubborn to cure. Apply 
an electric current from the hip to the toes, for thirty 
minutes. With many persons, it will afford prompt re- 
lief. 
In sciatica, the large nerve of the hip is the seat of 
the disease. 
Accessory Treatment—When the pain is exces- 
sively severe, and does not yield promptly to internal rem- 
edies, an aconite-lotion may be tried, and is often quickly 
successful. It is prepared by adding about a dozen drops 
of the strong tincture of aconite to four tablespoonfuls 
of water, and may be applied hot or cold, as found most 392 
NEURALGIA 
agreeable to the patient, by means of two or three folds of 
linen. Or belladonna may be used in the same way. Painting 
the course of the nerve with the pure tincture of aconite 
or belladonna is often even more prompt in its action. 
Chloroform-liniment is also recommended as a local 
remedy. 
It is all-important that the patient change his man- 
ner of living, so as to conform strictly to the laws of 
health; otherwise remedies will do little more than pal- 
liate his sufferings. The great essentials for health and 
life are sunlight, pure air, regular, active exercise, and 
plain, wholesome food and drink, free from stimulants and 
stimulating condiments. Patients who persist in shunning 
the light of the sun and active exercise, and live in the 
conlined air of over-heated rooms, and eat superfine flour - 
bread, need not expect to be cured of neuralgia. Indi- 
viduals afflicted with this disease should consult the ar- 
ticle on “ Condiments,” and also that on “ Bread and its 
Preparation,” from which valuable information may be 
obtained. 
The following, in reference to diet, is given by a dis- 
tinguished English author: 
The diet is an important part of the treatment, and should be as 
nutritive and abundant as the condition of the digestive organs will 
permit. It is especially necessary that animal fats should enter largely 
into the diet, and any aversion to them on the part of the patient, or 
inability to digest them, should be overcome; well-directed efforts of 
this nature are nearly always successful. The particular form of fat 
is not important, and that variety may be adopted which can be best 
tolerated. God-liver oil, butter, cream, or even olive-oil, should be 
used in quantities as large as the digestive organs can bear. In some 
way or other, fat must undoubtedly be applied to the nutrition of the 
nervous system if it is to be maintained in its organic integrity, since 
fat is one of the most important, if not the most important, of its or- 
ganic ingredients. * * * To Dr. Radcliffe, belongs the merit 
of having been chiefly instrumental in bringing forward this therapeu- NIGHTMARE. 
393 
tical fact in this country, and it is one which X have had repeated oc- 
casions to verify. See page 458, vol. ii. 
NIGHTMARE. 
In this disease the patient, in time of sleep, imagines 
he feels an uncommon oppression or weight about his breast 
or stomach, which he can by no means shake off. He 
groans, and sometimes cries out, though oftener he attempts 
to speak in vain. Sometimes he imagines himself engaged 
with an enemy, and, in danger of beng killed, attempts 
to run away, but finds he cannot. Sometimes he fancies 
himself in a house that is on fire, or that he is in danger 
of bein'; drowned in a river. He often thinks he is fallino; 
over a precipice, and the dread of being dashed to pieces 
suddenly awakes him. 
This disorder has been supposed to proceed from too 
much blood ; from a stagnation of blood in the brain, lungs, 
etc. But it is rather a nervous affection, and arises chiefly 
from indigestion. Hence we find that persons of weak 
nerves, who lead a sedentary life, and live full, are most 
commonly afflicted with the nightmare. Nothing tends more 
to produce it than heavy suppers, especially when eaten 
late, or the patient goes to bed soon after. Wind is like- 
wise a very frequent cause of this disease ; for which reason 
those who are afflicted with it ought to avoid all flatulent 
food. Deep thought, anxiety, or anything that oppresses 
the mind, ought also to be avoided. 
Treatment—Persons may free themselves from this 394 
POLYPUS. 
difficulty by removing acidity of the stomach. They should 
not use food that is difficult of digestion, and should not 
eat late and heavy suppers; take regular exercise daily, 
keep lively company, and be temperate. These are im- 
portant measures and should be attended to. They should 
not lie on the back, and should have some one remain near 
them, so that they can be immediately awakened on their 
moaning; for the sooner a person is roused from a parox- 
ysm of nightmare, the better. Where persons are subject 
to nightmare, from flatulency and acidity of the stomach, 
the following, taken before retiring at night, will usually 
prevent an attack: Essence of peppermint, five drops; 
baking soda, one-fourth teaspoonful; mix, and take at a 
draught. 
POLYPUS. 
Polypus is generally located either in the nose, ear, 
throat, womb or rectum. 
When it is located in the nose, there is a nasal 
sound in the voice; the patient acquires the habit of 
keeping his mouth open to facilitate breathing; there is 
difficulty of swallowing liquids ; the nose is enlarged ex- 
ternally on the affected side, and on looking up the nostril 
the polypus may be seen. In consequence of the stuffy 
symptoms which a polypus occasions, it may at first be 
mistaken for a cold in the head. But on the nose being 
violently blown, the polypus descends and appears near 
the orifice, causing the obstruction to return, contrary to 
the usual result of such an operation. REMEDIES. 
395 
Remedies—1. For this difficulty, let the patient 
procure, at the drug-store, about two teaspoonfuls of 
powdered blood-root, and snuff a little up the nostril con- 
taining the polypus, several times a day. 
If taken in the early stages, when the growth is but 
small, polypus may be easily cured in this way, and with 
but little pain or inconvenience. 
If it cannot be sufficiently applied to the tumor by 
snuffing, it must be applied in some other way. The 
powder must be freely applied to the fungous growth in 
the nose. It may be applied with a rag wrapped on a 
probe of any kind, by wetting the rag and then dipping 
it into the powder. 
2. Where the tumor is quite large, and this method 
does not prove effectual, it may be necessary to introduce 
a pair of forceps, seize the tumor as far up as possible, 
and compress so hard as to disorganize it; or turning 
the forceps to twist it off, and afterward apply the powder 
to prevent a re-growth. , 
3. It is said that powdered poke-root has been used 
with similar results to that of blood-root. 
4. Another method of removing polypus is by tying 
a string, or ligature, around its neck, which will cause it 
to fall off in a short time. 
The womb is sometimes affected with polypus, giving 
rise to frequent discharges of blood, and when large, oc- 
casioning bearing-down sensations, a fetid, vaginal dis- 
charge, and a gradual failure of the general health. In 
such cases, the female should at once apply for aid; and 
none but a medical man should treat the case. 396 
NIGHT-SWEATS. 
NIGHT-SWEATS. 
Remedies—1. When the herb called five-finger ( Po- 
tentilla Canadensis), which grows plentifully in most parts 
of the country, is employed, it is seldom that any other 
remedy is needed. It is effective and prompt in its action, 
in this difficulty. 
It is to be taken freely, in decoction, either boiled 
in water or in milk. 
2. The elixir of vitriol is an excellent remedy for 
night-sweats. Fifteen drops, three times a day, should be 
taken in a little water. 
3. The juice of the lemon is another cure for this 
difficulty. Take the juice of two, of ordinary size, in 
divided doses, during the day. 
4. Sage-tea is an old, yet a popular remedy, for 
night-sweats. It should be taken cold, twice a day. 
5. The body should be sponged at the hour of re- 
tiring, with vinegar and water, alum dissolved in whisky, or 
some similar astringent wash. 
6. The night-sweats of consumption are often mod- 
ified and sometimes removed by rubbing hog’s lard into 
the skin every night, if sleeping in the same woolen 
night-shirt, which becomes impregnated with the oil. 
PALSY (Paralysis). 
Palsy is a disease principally affecting the nervous 
system, characterized by a loss or diminution of motion or 
feeling, or of both, in one or more parts of the body. 397 
CAUSES, ETC. 
When one entire side of the body, from the head down- 
ward, is affected, it is distinguished among professional 
men by the name of Hemiplegia. If the lower half of 
the body be attacked by the disease, it is named Para- 
plegia ; and, when confined to a particular limb or set of 
muscles, it is called a paralysis. 
Causes—This complaint may arise in consequence of 
an attack of apoplexy, or by anything which prevents the 
passage of the nervous power or influence, from the brain 
to the organs of motion; and also by pressure on the 
nerves, in consequence of dislocations or fractures of the 
bones, wounds or other external injuries. It is also caused 
by the handling or using of white lead, as in painting; by 
the poisonous fumes of metals, and by whatever has a 
tendency to relax, weaken or enervate the body; hence 
those who lead a sedentary, luxurious and irregular life, 
or such as are engaged in intense studies or labor un- 
der great distress or anxiety of mind, are subject to 
palsy. 
Symptoms —Palsy usually comes on with a sudden 
and immediate loss of the motion and sensibility of the 
parts; but in a few instances it is preceded by a numb- 
ness, coldness and paleness, and sometimes by slight con- 
vulsive twitches. When the head is much affected, the 
eye and mouth are drawn on one side, the memory and 
judgment much impaired, and the speech is indistinct and 
incoherent. If the disease affects the extremities, and 
has been of long duration, it not only produces a loss of 
motion and sensibility, but likewise a considerable flaccid- 
ity and wasting away in the muscles of the parts af- 
fected. 
The attack of it is sometimes unexpected, but more 
commonly, it is preceded for several days, or even weeks, 
by one or more of those symptoms formerly described as 398 
PALSY 
the forerunners of apoplexy ; sueh as giddiness, drowsiness, 
numbness, dimness of sight, failure of the powers of mind, 
forgetfulness, transient delirium or indistinctness of artic- 
ulation. For the most part, the paralytic seizure is sud- 
den ; but occasionally the approaches of the disease are 
made more slowly; a linger, a hand or an arm, the mus- 
cles of the tongue, of the mouth or of the eyelids, being 
first affected. 
Remedies—1. It will generally be necessary to 
make use of injections, for the bowels are usually much 
constipated, and sometimes the lower portion of the body 
is so paralyzed that purgatives will not act upon them. 
Take a tablespoonful of common salt, a gill of lard or 
sweet oil, and a pint of boiling water. As soon as cool 
enough, use half of it, by means of a large syringe, and 
the balance after the first has passed away. This will 
induce evacuation, if anything will. 
2. In recent cases, keep the parts affected well 
covered with flannels, and use a great amount of friction 
with the hand. And also rub them three times a day, 
with a stimulant made of salt and Cayenne, infused in 
vinegar. 
3. The Indian hemp (Apocynum Cannabinum) is 
an excellent remedy in all paralytic affections. The best 
way to use it, is in the form of decoction. One ounce 
of the powdered or bruised (dry) root may be steeped 
for an hour in one pint of water, and the patient take 
two tablespoonfuls three times a day. It is also used in 
extract, the dose of which is three grains, once a day. 
4. Electricity is a remedy almost universally employ- 
ed in the cure of palsy, and often with the happiest 
effect. It ought, however, to be used with care, applying 
it only in slight shocks, often repeated. It is also recom- ACCESSORY TREATMENT. 
399 
mended not to apply it to the head; as it is supposed that 
danger might arise from its application to that part. 
Galvanism has likewise been employed and highly 
extolled in the treatment of this complaint. 
5. Nux vomica is a medicine that often exerts great 
power, and has a positive curative influence on many 
forms of paralysis, and, in recent cases, produces very 
prompt results in the more chronic forms of this disease. 
However, its use may have to be persevered in for some time, 
with such other auxiliary measures as may, from time to 
time, be necessary or appropriate; but it may be relied 
upon as an efficient means to restore the patient to his 
former condition of health. It should be used in the 
form of the tincture, five drops of which should be added 
to an eight-ounce bottle of water. Shake the contents 
well together, and it is ready for use. Dose, two tea- 
spoonfuls, morning and evening. When improvement 
begins to appear, the medicine should be limited to once 
a day; then to every other day, and thus gradually dis- 
continued, until the patient has entirely recovered. 
Accessory Treatment—Electricity or Galvanism, 
as above stated, judiciously employed after the acute in- 
flammatory symptoms have subsided, is an agent of great 
value. The cold douche, bathing with salt-water, or, if 
the patient be capable of the effort, sea-bathing, tends to 
promote the nutrition of the spinal marrow. 
If the paralysis has been of some standing, and all pain, dizziness 
or irritation in the head has been removed, regular exercise of the part 
paralyzed becomes not less important than medicine. Let an assistant, 
two or three times a day, for a few moments, bend and extend the 
paralyzed limb or part, in every direction, and, if the muscles are con- 
tracted, gradually stretch them out; also, with the open hand, slap re- 
peatedly the palsied part or limb, over its entire surface. After thus 
exercising the part for a few days, the patient, by an effort of his will, 
may try to assist in moving the weak part or limb, but he should never 
attempt to move it except when the assistant is moving it, until he 400 
FALLING OF THE PALATE. 
feels that he has gained sufficient control over the part to be able to 
move it readily, without assistance. As soon as the patient is able to 
move the part without assistance, let him exercise it regularly himself, 
two or three times a day, but never to the extent of fatigue, or until 
there is increased feeling of weakness. His assistant may continue to 
rub and slap the part; and, as strength returns, he may offer a little 
resistance to the movements of the patient, and this may be cautiously 
increased until the part becomes strong.—[Z>r. Ellis. 
FAILING OF THE PALATE (Uvula). 
Remedies—1. In cases of falling of the palate, 
use freely a strong decoction of white-oak bark, as a 
gargle. A little alum may be dissolved in it, to make it 
still more astringent. Or use, for the same purpose, a 
mixture of Cayenne pepper and vinegar, as sharp as can 
well be borne. This last is generally quite effectual. 
2. In the first stages of this difficulty, the applica- 
tion of cold water is sometimes of great benefit. Envelop 
the throat with a napkin, dampened with cold water, and 
envelop this again with twice the thickness of dry cloths. 
This generally removes the trouble in a short space of 
time. 
3. Another means of relief, in this difficulty, is a 
strong tea, made of crane’s bill, employed as a gargle, 
several times a day. 
In many cases, a lengthened palate may be reduced 
to its natural size by means of astringent gargles and 
other things mentioned above, but it will generally return, 
again and again, upon the appearance of any fresh cold ; PILES 
401 
and, therefore, the most certain cure is to cut it off. To 
do this, take hold of it with a pair of common forceps, 
and, having stretched it down a little, clip it off above 
the forceps with a pair of curved scissors; or straight 
scissors may answer the purpose. Nearly the whole of it 
should generally be removed. To take off only a part of 
it, leaves a stump, which is often more objectionable than 
the whole organ. Its removal never injures the speech in 
the least. 
PILES (Hemorrhoids). 
Causes—The predisposing causes are, sedentary and 
indolent habits; luxurious living, especially the use of 
highly seasoned food, wines and spirits; tight lacing; 
pregnancy; confined bowels ; and diseases of the liver. 
Residence in moist, warm and relaxing climate; soft, 
warm beds or cushions, and over-excitement of the sexual 
organs, may also be classed among predisposing causes. 
The exciting causes include anything which irritates the lower 
bowel, such as straining at stool, hard riding, and the use 
of strong purgatives, especially aloes and rhubarb. 
Symptoms—A sensation of fullness, heat, and per- 
haps itching is felt about the anus. The swelling increases 
until small tumors form, which are sore and painful. These 
may be external and visible or internal, and are often of 
a bluish color, and when inflamed they are very sore and 
painful to the touch. There is frequently a discharge of 
blood, especially from internal piles, and such discharges 
often return repeatedly until a habit is established, and 402 
PILES 
there is a feeling of fullness before and relief after such 
discharges. 
Piles that do not bleed are called blind; this variety 
is apt to take on inflammation, when they become full, ap- 
pear ready to burst, and are so very sensitive that the 
patient can scarcely sit, walk or lie. 
Remedies—1. In the early stages of this disease, 
the stone-root ( Collinsonia Canadensis) is an effectual and 
prompt remedy, and will often, cure in the more advanced 
stages. Dose, of the fluid extract, from twenty to thirty 
drops; of the tincture, the same, three times a day. 
These preparations can be procured at all drug-stores, and 
may be taken in a little honey or syrup. 
This is a new remedy, but has proven an effectual 
and reliable one. 
2. The Celebrated Black-Currant Remedy— 
Give the patient freely, three times a day, a decoction 
made in the winter, from the root of the black-currant; 
iu the summer from the twigs. This remedy was first 
published in Europe by an aged physician, after retiring 
from practice, as the most successful remedy used in that 
country, for bleeding piles. 
3. Dr. D. W. Raymond, of Cincinnati, says, “Equal 
parts, by weight, of tannin and glycerine, will cure the 
piles, and that very speedily, by anointing them with it 
once, and, in severe cases, twice a day.” 
4. The following is an old remedy, but a popular 
one with some medical authors : Give, morning and even- 
ing, eight to ten drojis of the oil of Canada fleabane 
(JErigeron Canadensis), on a little sugar. When the piles 
are down, mix one part of this oil with four parts of 
castor-oil, and anoint them twice a day. This herb is 
known by the various names of Canada fleabane, horse- 
weed, butter-weed and pride-weed. IiEMEDIES. 
403 
5. The following is a sovereign remedy, and is 
among those that are labeled “infallible,” for the cure 
of either blind or bleeding piles, when perseveringly used. 
Take a quantity of the inner bark of the white oak ; boil 
until the strength is obtained. Then boil again until a 
thick extract is made. To half a pint of this, add half 
a pint of the lard extracted from the oldest bacon that 
can be procured. Simmer them together until they are 
thoroughly blended. Then apply by the finger, introduced 
into the rectum, every night, until a cure is effected. 
6. Dr. Hammond, of California, gives the simple 
remedy of common table-salt, as one that is unsurpassed 
for bleeding piles. (See “ Medical Uses of Salt.”) 
7. In very obstinate cases, where other means have 
failed, the following may be used: Wash the parts four 
times a day with a very strong solution of alum and 
water; before they become dry, dust on powdered alum. 
E. Underhill found this to cure in several cases. Also, 
take a sufficient quantity of garden parsley and boil in 
sweet milk until reduced to a pulpy consistence; then 
strain, add lard, and boil to an ointment, which may be 
rubbed on the part affected. This has been known to have 
cured many. 
8. Sometimes, when they have been neglected or im- 
properly treated, they become so seated and enlarged that 
it is necessary to remove the tumors. Should this hap- 
pen, or should not the above means be sufficient to re- 
move the complaint, a piece of silk or thread may be 
passed round the largest tumor (after having been drawn 
down) and tied as tight as the patient can bear; and the 
knot may be occasionally drawn a little closer. This will 
stop the circulation in the tumor or tumors, and in about 
a week they will be separated and a radical cure ef- 
fected. 404 
PILES 
I have removed pile-tumors by ligature, the knife and 
caustic, and have found the following treatment superior 
to the other methods: Take a piece or roll of caustic 
potash and cover it with paper or muslin, except the end, 
and carefully touch the tumor every day with it; keep 
the liquid, as it dissolves, from running down on the 
surrounding parts ; after which apply an elm-poultice, with 
yeast. It usually bleeds some and leaves it black, and 
soon sloughs off. I have cured some very obstinate cases 
in this manner. I discovered this from analogy, or its 
effects on other flesh. 
Accessory Treatment—Patients should avoid cof- 
fee, pepper, spices, stimulating, highly seasoned or indi- 
gestible food of every kind, and the habitual use of beer, 
wine and spirits. Light animal food, a liberal quantity 
of well-cooked vegetables, ripe and wholesome fruits, and 
brown-bread form the most suitable diet. During an at- 
tack of piles, animal food should be sparingly used. 
Over-eating or drinking causes engorgement of the portal 
vein, and piles are the common result. The application of 
this remark is self-evident. 
If a patient expects a permanent cure of this disease, 
he must shun the causes which have produced it, or he 
can never obtain anything more than palliative relief from 
the best remedies. 
Sedentary habits and much standing, on the one 
hand, and extreme fatigue on the other, are prejudical; 
as is also the use of cushions and feather-beds. The pain 
attending blind piles may be relieved by washing in cold 
or tepid water, whichever is found more agreeable. 
Bleeding piles may be relieved by drinking half a tumbler- 
ful of cold water, and then lying down for an hour. 
The horizontal position should be maintained as much as ACCESSORY TREATMENT. 
405 
possible, that being most favorable to recovery. When 
piles protrude, the use of petroleum-soap is recommended. 
Great relief and permanent benefit will also follow 
an ocasional injection of about a pint of tepid water up 
the lower bowel. This acts beneficially, by constricting 
the blood-vessels, softening the feces before evacuation, 
and by giving tone to the relaxed structures. Injections 
of water are also of service after each evacuation, when 
any feculent matter remains; at the same time the ap- 
plication of water exercises a more favorable influence on 
the blood-vessels and nerves of the bowels. As a rule, 
tepid injections are most suitable for patients of a full 
habit of body, and cool ones for those of relaxed con- 
stitutions. 
When piles are excessively sensitive or painful, the 
patient should sit over the steam of hot water, keep his 
bed or recline during a great part of the day on a couch. 
Strict cleanliness is also essential. The parts should be 
frequently washed with soap and cold water; or, when 
the tumors are inflamed and ’painful, with tepid water. 
A piece of sponge and tepid water should in such cases 
be substituted for paper. A warm or vapor-bath may 
be occasionally used at night, when the liver is inactive 
and the skin dry and harsh. It should be followed in the 
morning with a cold bath, or the body should be rapidly 
rubbed, first with a wet, cold towel, and then with a dry 
one. 
Lie with the face downward, and sustain the weight 
of the body by the elbows and toes, resting on a sofa or 
bed, for a few moments, and then slowly raise the hips 
and lower them five or six times ; this tends to relieve 
the congestion of the veins about the anus, and if re- 
peated two or three times a day, is an excellent form 406 
PLEURISY. 
of exercise, not only for the piles, but also for falling of 
the bowels, as well as for falling of the womb. 
The patient should carefully examine the article on 
“ Condiments,” See page 459, vol. ii. 
PLEURISY (Pleuritis). 
The true pleurisy is an inflammation of that mem- 
brane called the pleura, which lines the inside of the 
breast. 
Causes—The pleurisy may be occasioned by what- 
ever obstructs the perspiration, as cold, drinking cold 
liquors when the body is hot, sleeping without doors on 
the damp ground, wet clothes, plunging the body into cold 
water, or exposing it to the cold air when covered with 
sweat. It may likewise be occasioned by drinking strong 
liquors, by the stoppage of usual evacuations, as old 
ulcers, issues, sweating of the feet or hands, the sudden 
striking in of any eruption, as the itch, the measles or 
the small-pox. Keeping the body too warm by means of 
fire, clothes, etc., renders it more liable to this disease. 
Pleurisy may likewise be occasioned by violent exercise. 
Symptoms—Pleurisy usually commences with chilly 
sensations, followed by heat and thirst. After a few 
hours the patient is seized with a sharp, acute pain in 
one side, which gradually extends toward the shoulder- 
blade, and toward the fore-part of the breast; the pain 
usually increases, and sometimes becomes very violent. REMEDIES. 
407 
It may or may not be attended with coughing and expecto- 
ration. The matter that is coughed up is generally more 
or less mixed with blood. 
Remedies—1. In ninety-nine cases out of a hun- 
dred, the pain can be relieved in a very short period of 
time, and the pleurisy entirely cured in twenty-four 
hours, by the following means : Take a piece of lime about 
the size of an orange, wrap a moistened cloth around it, 
and cover this with several thicknesses of dry muslin or 
cloth. Place one, thus prepared, on each side of the pa- 
tient, and by both thighs; they will soon induce copious 
perspiration, which is the object sought. 
2. If the lime is not at hand, use the vapor-bath 
sweat, by placing a pan, half or two-thirds full of hot 
water, under a chair, with the patient on it, having a 
comfort around him; then put into it occasionally a 
hot stone or brick, and continue until a free perspira- 
tion is produced, and held for from fifteen to twenty 
minutes, according to the severity of the case. After- 
wards, keep constantly on the affected side a fomenta- 
tion of hops or catnip, as hot as can be borne, and renew 
it as fast as it becomes even tepid. With this, the treat- 
ment is complete. 
When it is convenient the spirit-vapor bath, as given 
in the “ Hydropathic Division,” in the second volume, is 
perhaps preferable to either of the above means of pro- 
ducing perspiration. 
3. Dr. Buchan, Professor in the Royal College of 
Physicians, of Edinburgh, Scotland, says that he regards 
the Seneca snake-root as an infallible remedy in the cure 
of pleurisy. Add one ounce of the root to one and a 
half pints of water. Boil to one pint. Dose, two table- 
spoonfuls, three times a day. If it should cause any sick- 408 
PRICKLY HEAT. 
ness of the stomach, lessen the dose, or add one-half a 
tablespoonful of pulverized cinnamon to each dose. 
This is comparatively a new remedy to the public, 
but one that can always be relied on. 
4. The pleurisy-root is a very popular remedy in 
this disease, and is regarded as almost a specific. The 
warm tea is to be taken freely. 
A new remedy, known as the Jaborandi, is a prompt 
agent for the relief of pleurisy. It is one of the great- 
est sweating medicines known. Dose, of the fluid extract, 
half a teaspoonful every hour, until free perspiration is 
induced, which usually affords relief very soon. 
Accessory Treatment — Applications of heat, in 
the form of poultices, flannel wrung out of hot water, 
etc., applied to the painful part, will often afford imme- 
diate relief. Dr. Roberts, of University College, treats 
pleurisy by strapping the affected side firmly with broad 
pieces of common plaster, placed obliquely to the direc- 
tion of the ribs, so as to secure rest. Many cases, it is 
said, have been cured very quickly simply by this means. 
Bleeding in every form should be avoided. Perfect 
quiet in a bolstered posture should be secured. The diet 
should be light, gruel, arrow-root, broth; frequent sips 
of cold water will allay thirst. 
PRICKLY HEAT. 
Prickly heat occurs chiefly in hot climates, attacking 
the parts covered by the clothes, accompanied by a peculiar 
tingling and pricking; the pimples are of a vivid-red BLOTCHES AND PIMPLES. 
409 
color, about the size of a pin’s head, but there is no redness 
of the skin generally. 
A tepid bath may be employed daily for the relief 
of the itching and burning, and after the skin has been well 
dried, the seat of the eruption may be smeared over with 
olive-oil or cold cream. In chronic cases, the surface of 
the eruption may be moistened with water, and then rubbed 
over lightly with glycerine once or twice a day. Patients 
affected with this disease should use very little salt. 
BLOTCHES AND PIMPLES—FLESH-WORMS— 
ERUPTIONS ON THE FACE (Acne). 
These are common names of very frequent eruptions, 
consisting of small pimples, often containing matter, oc- 
curring chiefly on the face. 
Causes—Intemperate use of spirituous liquors, ex- 
cessive indulgence in eating, neglect of cleanliness, sexual 
abuse, cold, menstrual irregularities, physiological changes 
(as puberty), the use of cosmetics, and chronic inflamma- 
tion of the stomach and bowels, are the chief causes of 
this difficulty. 
The Worm-Pimple, with Black Points—These 
are very unsightly, giving the skin an oily, greasy and 
dirty appearance. Their origin is to be traced to the ob- 
struction of the glands placed immediately under the skin, 
from which a minute pipe carries off the perspiration. 
This moisture, not getting free egress, thickens and closes 
the pores ; it then catches the dust and other impurities, 410 
BLOTCHES AND PIMPLES. 
and soon becomes black. If squeezed violently between 
the nails, this thickened matter will be driven out, in the 
form of a yellowish-white worm, with a black head, which 
is nothing more than the extraneous matter just men- 
tioned. 
They should be thoroughly pressed out of every 
pore, or there they will remain, and no cosmetic will 
dislodge them. 
Remedies—1. To one teacupful of warm water, 
add a tablespoonful of borax, and apply with a soft cloth 
or sponge, night and morning. This will often remove 
them and render the skin smooth. 
2. In cases where this fails, put a teaspoonful, each, 
of powdered borax and sugar, in the juice of a lemon, 
and apply this as above. 
3. Another simple means, which is often effective, 
is to wash with tepid wTater, using light friction with a 
soft towel; after which, apply a little cold cream, and 
repeat twice a day. 
There being different forms of these pimples, of a 
different origin, it will be necessary to resort to different 
means for their removal. Among which, the following 
have been used with success : 
4. Take one ounce of bitter almonds and one ounce 
of barley-llour; mix them with honey until they form a 
smooth paste, and anoint the skin at night. Gentle fric- 
tion, either with the hand or with a soft glove, is also 
good. 
5. When the eruptions are red, they are caused by 
a small insect working under the skin. A very excellent 
remedy in this case is to take sulphur, and after the 
usual vTashing in the morning, apply it on the face dry, 
and rub it thoroughly with the fingers. Then wipe it off 
with a dry cloth. PROUD FLESH. 
411 
Accessory Treatment—Hygienic measures and the 
correction of faulty habits are of the first importance in 
this difficulty. Indigestion, menstrual derangement, de- 
bility, or any other constitutional or local affection should 
be corrected. 
Daily out-of-door exercise is favorable to the cure. 
Soft-water baths are of great value in this affection, al- 
though on first commencing them they may appear to 
aggravate the disease. The parts should be frequently 
washed or douched with hot water. This difficulty, accor- 
ding to Dr. Ringer, is efficiently treated, by washing the 
face or other part affected, with hot water and plenty of 
soap, several times a day. If by this treatment the skin 
becomes rough, red and painful, it should be well rubbed 
with glycerine and starch after each washing. All cos- 
metics, paints, etc., must be avoided. Vigorously brush- 
ing the nodules with a tooth-brush and soft-soap is said 
to be exceedingly efficacious. The patient should live 
temperately and abstemiously, avoiding all stimulants, tea, 
coffee and liquors, and using but very little animal food. 
The bowels should be kept regular, and the surface of 
the body should be bathed with a weak alkaline solution 
daily, composed of water and soda, or saleratus; or, in 
their absence, soap may be employed. As articles of 
diet, uncooked fruits and vegetables are recommended. 
PROUD FLESH. 
Remedies—1. Burnt alum is an old but good 
remedy. Sprinkle it on freely, twice daily. Many use 
sugar, in place of alum, and think it equally good. 412 
PNEUMONIA. 
2. Boil half a pound of bitter-sweet root in a pint 
and a half of water, for an hour. Strain, and add two 
tablespoonfuls of lard. Then boil until the remainder of 
the water is evaporated, and you have an ointment that 
will remove proud flesh in twenty-four hours. It will 
also cleanse any ulcer or sore of all foul matter that is 
offensive. Besides, it is excellent for healing purposes. 
3. The clear carbolic acid is unsurpassed for re- 
moving proud flesh. It not only distroys it, but stimu- 
lates a healthy action of the part, and promotes granu- 
lation, through which process the wound is healed. It 
should be applied on cotton, saturating a portion large 
enough to cover the part, and leaving it on for an hour 
or two. Renew and apply it until the proud flesh is 
completely destroyed. Powdered blood-root is also very 
highly recommended for the same purpose. 
PNEUMONIA-INFLAMMATION OF 
THE LUNGS. 
This disease consists of inflammation of the air-cells 
and the substance of the lungs. There is almost always 
more or less inflammation of the bronchial tubes, and 
sometimes of the pleura, or lining membrane of the 
lungs. 
Causes—Severe or long-continued exertion or over- 
fatigue, either alone or combined with cold. Brief ex- 
posure to cold, however intense, is rarely sufficient to 
excite this inflammation; it is rather a prolonged and 
deep-reaching cause of cold that can produce this effect. SYMPTOMS, ETC. 
413 
If a person gets thoroughly wet and remains long in wet 
clothes, or lies out on damp ground, or is a sentinel, 
standing or slowly pacing for hours in a cold wind, the 
chill goes to the heart, as it were, and paralyzes the 
deep circulation, and pneumonia is likely to be the result. 
Symptoms—Pneumonia generally comes on insidi- 
ously, with restlessness and feverish disturbance, and 
sometimes has made great progress before the true charac- 
ter of the disease has been discovered. There is deep- 
seated, dull pain beneath the breast-bone or shoulder- 
blade ; a great feeling of illness; frequent, short cough, 
with expectoration of viscid matter of a green, yellow or 
pale color, sometimes tinged with blood, which forms 
such tenacious masses that inversion of the vessel con- 
taining them will not detach them. Profuse green expec- 
toration is a serious symptom. The breathing is hurried 
and difficult; the skin hot, especially in the regions of 
the ribs and armpits ; there is no moisture in the nostrils, 
which “flap,” and the eyes are tearless ; there exists great 
thirst; interrupted, hesitating speech ; the pulse is variable, 
being sometimes rapid and full, at other times hard and 
wiry, or quick and weak; the urine is scanty, red and 
sometimes scalding; and the patient lies either on the af- 
fected side or on his back. If the disease is unchecked, 
the face often exhibits patches of redness and lividity; 
the blood-vessels of the neck become swollen and turgid; 
the pulse weak, irregular or thready; and the patient 
may sink, either from exhaustion or from obstruction of 
the lungs. 
Remedies—1. You may commence by letting the 
patient sit for half an hour with his feet and legs in 
warm water, and drink some warm sweating-teas, as 
pennyroyal or sage. 
2. It may be well, occasionally, to apply a fomen- 414 
PNEUMONIA. 
tation of herbs over the chest and lungs, as warm as can 
be borne, such as hoarhound, catnip, tansy and the like. 
3. A large mustard-draft may be placed over the 
chest and region of the lungs, and kept on as long as 
the patient can bear it—an hour if possible, and at the 
same time apply others to the bottoms of the feet. 
4. In place of the above treatment, a mush-poultice 
is often substituted with excellent effect. This should be 
put in very thin muslin bags, and placed over the whole 
chest; and, for a child, the chest and back should be 
enveloped with it. Close attention should be given to the 
poultice and not allow it to become cool or dry. When 
it begins to be so, a fresh one should immediately be 
substituted. 
5. In milder cases, the fever may often be reduced 
by bathing the whole surface of the body with a weak 
alkaline wash, which softens and relaxes the skin and 
promotes perspiration. This process may also be advan- 
tageously resorted to in worse cases. The alkaline wash 
always has a tendency to reduce the heat of fever, and is 
very grateful to the patient. 
6. For internal treatment, in the first or active stage 
of this complaint, the patient should take very small doses 
of the tincture of the root of aconite, as the following: 
Five drops are to be added to a tumblerful of water, and 
mixed well with a spoon. Then, while the fever is high, 
with severe pain in the chest, rapid breathing, with or 
without thirst, give the patient, if an adult, two teaspoon- 
fuls of this solution, every half-hour or hour, until there 
is an abatement of the symptoms, and he begins to sweat. 
The medicine should then be taken at intervals of four 
hours, and continued until all signs of fever, pain and 
difficult breathing have subsided. 
7. Another good remedy for this disease is the ACCESSORY MEASURES. 
415 
pleurisy-root (Asclepias Tuberosa). Use a strong tea, 
made of the root. It is harmless, and may be drunk freely, 
every two or three hours. 
If the bowels are costive, give an injection, occa- 
sionally, of tepid water or tepid milk and water. Should 
this fail to produce the desired effect, administer a mild 
physic. 
8. The Jaborandi is now used in the first stages of 
this affection. It is a new remedy, but is gaining much 
notoriety, on account of the signal cures it has performed. 
This herb is prepared in different forms, but the one most 
commonly employed is the fluid extract. Of this, give 
thirty drops for the first dose. Afterwards, fifteen to 
twenty drops, every four hours, until free perspiration is 
produced. If much pain and fever are present, on the 
following day, repeat as before, and continue each suc- 
ceeding day, until complete relief is obtained. 
Accessory Measures—The diet should be light, as 
barley-water, mucilage of elm, lemonade, orange-juice, 
Indian-mcal gruel, roasted apples, panada, etc. The 
patient should be kept as still as possible during the dis- 
ease, and not be permitted to speak more than is neces- 
sary in order to make known his wants; and the sick 
chamber should be kept well ventilated and at a proper 
temperature. Great care should be taken during conva- 
lescence to prevent a relapse, which is very apt to occur 
on very slight causes, and may lead to consumption. If, 
during convalescence or afterwards, a troublesome cough 
remains, the following should be given: One teacupful 
of good cider-vinegar, one-fourth of an ounce of balsam 
of tolu, the same quantity of gum-Arabic, and three table- 
spoonfuls of refined sugar. Dissolve them over a slow 
fire. Molasses or honey may be substituted for the 416 
QUINSY. 
sugar. The dose is a teaspoonful, three or four times a 
day, or whenever the cough is severe. 
The patient should be bathed or sponged with water, 
at such a temperature as is most agreeable to him, once 
a day; and when there is much fever, at least twice a 
day. At the same time, care should be exercised not to 
permit any chilly sensations to be experienced, and to dry 
well with abundance of friction 
In this disease, it is admitted, by medical men, that 
a majority of the more severe cases prove fatal; whereas, 
the reverse should be the rule—a majority should recover. 
They doubtless would, were it not for the excessive dosing 
and drugging which, in this disease, as in many others, 
is yearly sweeping its thousands and tens of thousands to 
a premature grave, who might, otherwise, have lived to a 
ripe old age. We therefore beseech you, when you sum- 
mon medical aid, let it be a physician who, you know, 
gives but little medicine. 
QUINSY—INFLAMMATION OF THE THROAT. 
This is a disease of the tonsils and mucous membrane 
of the throat. It is most common among young per- 
sons. 
Causes—The most common causes are, a sudden 
cold, checking of the perspiration, wet feet, damp beds 
and moist, cold air. 
Symptoms—The more common symptoms are, sore REMEDIES. 
417 
throat, with pain in swallowing, redness and swelling 
in one or both of the tonsils, dry throat, foul tongue, 
hoarseness, difficulty in breathing, and more or less fever. 
As the disease advances, the throat swells, and swallow- 
ing and breathing become more difficult; the dryness of 
the throat and the thirst increase, the tongue swells, and 
is covered with a dark, crusty coat; the pulse is full and 
hard, and very frequent; hearing becomes impaired, and 
sometimes the throat swells to such an extent that swal- 
lowing is almost impossible, and the patient is threatened 
with suffocation. The disease generally yields gradually, 
and goes away, but sometimes it ends in suppuration ; that 
is, gathers and breaks. 
Remedies—1. A good method of treatment is to 
boil, for twenty minutes, a handful of hops or sage, in 
two pints of water and half a pint of vinegar. Inhale 
the vapor into the throat and lungs, as warm as it can 
be borne, by means of a teapot or an inhaler. Tf the 
throat is much swollen, simmer a small quantity of sage 
in a little lard, and give the patient from a teaspoonful 
to a tablespoonful, three or four times a day, as warm 
as he can bear it. At the same time, mix some of this 
with a large onion-poultice, and apply to the throat, and 
frequently renew. If this is perseveringly used, it will 
•give timely relief. But if you send for your doctor, and 
he prescribes, as many of them do, the patient will be 
vomited and purged, and kept sick for a week, even if 
the disease did not make him so. 
2. The following is another mode of treatment, 
used by many, and highly recommended: In mild cases, 
a strong tea of witch-hazel leaves and golden seal, with a 
little Cayenne in each dose, occasionally repeated, will 
generally remove it. In worse cases, the throat should 
be gargled with the same article, at the same time keep- 418 
QUINSY. 
mg the neck warm by the application of a flannel cloth 
or woolen cravat. The front part of the neck, or throat, 
may also be bathed with pepper and vinegar, and the pa- 
tient should inhale the vapor of vinegar and water, which 
may be applied by an inhaler, or by putting the vinegar 
and water, hot, into a coffeepot, and then dropping a 
small red-hot stone into it, closing the lid, and holding 
the spout near the face of the patient, who should inhale 
the steam as hot as he can bear it. This process ought 
to be often performed, particularly where there are much 
pain and difficulty of breathing. 
Should the disease increase, and exhibit symptoms of 
suppuration, so as to threaten suffocation, the tongue 
must be pressed down with the finger or handle of a spoon, 
and the swelling punctured with a gum-lancet. 
M. Yelpau, of Paris, highly extols the use of alum 
for a gargle in quinsy and all kinds of sore throat: Take 
alum, one ounce ; barley-water, four ounces; apply a lit- 
tle of the alum, fine, on the parts inflamed, with a little 
stick or brush, or the finger. Many cases have been suc- 
cessfully cured by this simple treatment. 
A gargle made of weak lye has been found remark- 
ably efficacious where other means have proved useless, 
particularly where persons have been subject to the quinsy, 
and when it assumes a chronic character. 
Accessory Treatment—During the course of the 
disease, the feet should be frequently bathed in warm, 
weak lye-water; and the body should also be bathed with 
the same twice a day, especially when there are high- 
fever symptoms. 
After the disease has been cured, relapses must be 
guarded against, by avoiding exposures to cold, and by 
wearing flannel about the neck for several days afterward. 
Those who are subject to this disease may prevent its ACUTE RHEUMATISM. 
419 
attacking them by daily sponging the throat and neck 
with cold water, using a light but nutritious diet. 
No animal food, or food in substance, should be 
allowed, until the inflammation is subdued—simply rice- 
water, gruel, arrow-root, etc. 
ACUTE RHEUMATISM (Rheumatismus Acutis). 
Symptoms—Acute rheumatism is usually ushered in 
with feverish disturbances, followed by the local attack of 
inflammation about one or more of the larger joints—the 
shoulder, elbow, knee, ankle or the covering of the valves 
of the heart, etc. Exposed joints appear to be more prone 
to attacks than those that are covered, the larger more 
frequently than the smaller, and the small joints of the 
hands more frequently than those of the feet. Sprained 
or otherwise injured joints are particularly liable to suffer. 
The fever often precedes the local inflammation one or 
two days ; sometimes they occur simultaneously, while in 
others the inflammation of the joints precedes the fever. 
The affected joints are swollen, tense, surrounded by 
a rose-colored blush and acutely painful; pain is a more 
constant symptom than swelling, and swelling than redness. 
The pain has many degrees of intensity, is generally in- 
termittent, abates somewhat in the day, but is aggravated 
at night, and in all cases is increased by pressure, so that 
even the touch of the medical attendant or nurse, or the 
weight of the bed-clothes can scracely be borne. Often 
the patient remains fixed, as it were, in one posture, from 
which he cannot or dare not move. The skin is hot, but 420 
ACUTE RHEUMATISM. 
covered with a sour, offensive sweat, and so highly acid 
as to redden litmus paper. The perspirations, although un- 
attended by immediate relief, are nature’s mode of elimi- 
nation ; for the pains are always aggravated, and the con- 
stitutional symptoms intensified, if they become suppressed. 
It is only when the perspirations lose their peculiarly sour 
character that they become useless. The urine, in acute 
rheumatism, is scanty, often resembling porter in color, 
of high specific gravity, and deposits, on cooling, deep- 
colored sediments. The pulse is round and full, varying 
from 90° to 120® ; the tongue loaded with a yellowish- 
white mucus ; the head is but slightly affected. The usual 
absence of headache or delirium distinguishes acute rheuma- 
tism from the continued fevers. Intense thirst is a com- 
mon feature, the appetite is hard to please, and the diges- 
tive functions are seriously impaired. 
Rheumatism is usually erratic; it often suddenly quits 
one joint to appear in another, and then in another ; after- 
wards traveling back, perhaps to its original seat, the de- 
velopment of inflammation in one joint being often accom- 
panied by its rapid subsidence in another, this alternation 
occurring many times during an attack. 
Causes—The predisposing cause is some morbid 
product in the blood, a product probably of unhealthy 
assimilation. This morbid matter with which the blood 
is loaded constitutes that predisposing cause without 
which, it is probable, the disease would never occur. 
Hereditary predisposition exists undoubtedly in many per- 
sons. The suppression of an eruption or rash, as measles, 
or the sudden stoppage of dysentery, may also act as a 
predisposing cause. 
The exciting causes are exposure to cold and wet, 
especially evaporation from wet or damp clothes, causing 
chill. This is, no doubt, an explanation why the disease REMEDIES. 
421 
is most common among the poorer classes of society, 
who cannot protect themselves so effectually as their 
wealthier brethren. The cold probably excites an attack 
of acute rheumatism, by arresting the secretory functions 
of the skin, by means of which, in health, morbid sub- 
stances in the blood are often removed; now, however, 
the functions of the skin being deranged, unhealthy prin- 
ciples accumulate in the blood, and rheumatism results. 
Mere cold, however, is not so much a cause of rheuma- 
tism as extreme atmospheric changes. Hence, it is found 
that it does not prevail most, abstractedly, in the coldest 
regions of the globe, but rather in those climates, and 
during those seasons, which are damp and changeable. 
Remedies—1. In the early stages of this disease, 
obtain the Jaborandi, the fluid-extract of which can be 
procured, usually, at the drug-stores. Of this give, to an 
adult, thirty drops for the first dose. After which, give 
fifteen drops every two hours, until free perspiration is 
induced. The first dose may be sufficient, but if is it not, 
repeat on each succeeding day, until relief is obtained. 
This is a new remedy, but the success which is attending 
its use justifies the belief that it may, ere long, become 
one of the foremost in the treatment of this affection. 
2. The simple remedy of lemon-juice ha's produced 
some surprising and unexpected cures of rheumatism. 
Take the juice of half a lemon before each meal, and 
before retiring, each night. It may be diluted with water 
before taking, or used in the form of strong lemonade, 
and, at the same time, apply the juice twice a day exter- 
nally. 
When the lemon-juice disagrees, either of the two 
following formulas may be substituted: Lemon-juice 
(strained or filtered) and molasses, equal parts; powdered 
sugar-candy, sufficient ; mix intimately ; dose, a tablespoon- 422 
ACUTE RHEUMATISM. 
ful three or four times a (lay. A correspondent of the 
Medical Circular vouches for the relief he has experienced 
in the liberal use of lime or lemon-juice, while laboring 
under the paroxysms of rheumatism. By repeated indul- 
gence in the above simple acid, for the space of three 
• days, avoiding all stimulating liquids, the most confirmed 
rheumatism will, he says, relax, and the tone of the 
muscular and nervous system will be restored to its 
usual character. As before stated, there is, perhaps, no 
article obtained from the vegetable kingdom, that is more 
valuable in medicine, than the lemon. 
3. The jimson-weed (Stramonium) is an article of 
great efficacy in all rheumatic affections. Prof. John King, 
of Cincinnati, says, 
“ The best application that I have ever used, is the 
fresh leaves of stramonium, bruised, moistened with a little 
water, and applied over the parts, renewing it three or 
four times a day. In some very violent cases in which 
1 have employed this agent, the pain has ceased in fifteen 
minutes from its application, but its use requires to be con- 
tinued for a considerable time, else the pain will return. 
In the absence of the recent leaves, an inspissated juice of 
them may be used.” 
4. A standard remedy, of many physicians, is tincture 
of black cohosh, two tablespoonfuls ; tincture of the root 
of aconite, thirty drops. Put these into six tablespoonfuls 
of simple svrup. Dose, a teaspoonful, every three hours. 
5. The Willow a Cure for Rheumatism—8ali- 
cin, the active principle of the willow, is a very superior 
remedy for this disease. In reference to it, Dr. J. II. 
Haley, of San Francisco, says that it is one of the most 
valuable remedies we have for rheumatism, when given in 
ten-grain doses, three times a day. It may be had at all 
drug-stores CIIROXIC RHEUMATISM. 
423 
Accessory Measures—In inflammatory rheumatism, 
meat in any form, solid or fluid, is injurious; the patient 
must be put upon preparations of rice, potatoes, bread, 
arrow-root, gruel, vegetable or meatless soups and jellies. 
All fats, acids, and all stimulants, especially liquors 
of all kinds, whether cider, malt or spirituous, must posi- 
tively be avoided. The surface of the body must be rubbed 
once a day vdth a coarse towel, using sufficient friction to 
cause an agreeable glow of heat, and the patient should 
use moderate exercise without fatigue. 
See page 459, vol. ii. 
CHRONIC RHEUMATISM (Rheumatismus 
Uongus). 
This sometimes follows the acute form of rheumatism; 
at other times it is a separate constitutional affection, com- 
ing on quite independently of any previous attack. It is 
generally very obstinate, prone to recur, and is often worse 
at night. In time, the affected limbs lose their power of 
motion, and lameness results, the knee-joint being often 
affected; sometimes there is emaciation of the muscles ; 
sometimes permanent contraction of a limb, or bony stiffness 
of the joint. There is but little fever, no perspiration and 
less swelling than in acute rheumatism. 
This form of the disease is the result of the uncured 
acute form. It may be limited to one part of the body, 
or extend to several ; it may be fixed, or shifting. 
Remedies—1. Take four tablespoonfuls of kerosene 
oil, and two of neat’s foot oil. Mix, and apply freely 
twice a day. At each application, warm the parts thor- 424 
CHRONIC RHEUMATISM. 
oughly by the lire. As an external remedy, this is gain- 
ing much notoriety, as many cases of diseased and swollen 
limbs have been cured with it in two or three weeks, where 
the patient had been unable to walk for months. 
2. The following remedy having been sent across the 
continent several times, to those who were afflicted with 
rheumatism, is evidence of the esteem in which it is held: 
Take, of 
Oil of cedar 1 ounce. 
Hartshorn 1 
Spirits of camphor 1 
Spirits of turpentine 1 
Tincture of capsicum 1 “ 
Alcohol 1 pint. 
Mix. Apply twice a day. If the parts are tender, 
use a feather. This remedy has met with uniform success ; 
in fact, we have never known it to fail. 
3. The following new remedy has recently been pub- 
lished, as an effectual cure for rheumatism, and we give 
it space here: “ Take the garden-celery, cut it into small 
pieces, and boil in water until soft. Of this liquid, let 
the patient drink freely, three or four times a day. And 
it is recommended, at the same time, to use it as an 
article of diet, prepared as follows : Put new milk, with 
a little Hour and nutmeg, into a saucepan with the boiled 
celery, serve it warm with pieces of toast, and the painful 
ailment will soon yield. Such is the declaration of a phy- 
sician who has again and again tried the experiment, and 
with uniform success.” 
4. A French author gives the following, as one of 
the best remedies used in the hospitals of Paris : 
One ounce of powdered gum-guaiac; one ounce, 
each, of poke-root and black cohosh, and one quart of old ACCESSORY TREATMENT, ETC. 
425 
rye-whisky. Mix, and let stand two or three days. Dose, 
one tablespoonful three times a day. 
Electricity and Magnetism—These are agencies 
of great value, in the treatment of this, as well as many 
other chronic diseases. It is generally the best plan to 
begin with currents of the weakest power, and gradually 
increase their strength, so long as the applications cause 
no pain. 
This treatment may likewise be used in connection 
with the above general plan of medication. 
Accessory Treatment—Patients who are much af- 
flicted with this complaint should, if possible, reside in a 
warm, dry climate. At any rate, such patients should 
wear flannel or other warm clothing, and guard against 
atmospheric changes. The feet should be protected from 
cold and damp. Wet compresses, covered with dry 
flannel, over the affected joints, are always useful. Some- 
times warm baths, especially of salt-water, vapor or hot 
air, are most useful. 
Exercise should be, taken daily, but never carried to 
fatigue, and the diet should be light and nutritious, 
avoiding acids, fats and liquors. 
Great advantage is to be derived from the local 
treatment of the joints. When they are much swollen and 
painful, much ease may be given by wrapping them up in 
a quantity of soft, carded cotton or wool, over which wrap, 
if you can get it, a piece of oiled silk, so as to keep it air- 
tight. After keeping this covering on for twelve or twenty- 
four hours, you will find that it is saturated with moisture 
that is strongly acid. If this treatment is continued, it 
will give you great relief. It is also serviceable in gout, 
which is a twin sister of rheumatism. 
Crick in the Neck, or Stiff Neck—This is one 
form of rheumatism and treated the same as this disease. 426 
CJIKOMC RHEUMATISM. 
Sciatica—When rheumatism attacks the sheath of 
the sciatic nerve, or great nerve of the hip, it is called 
Sciatica. 
Lumbago—When it attacks the sheaths of the fleshy 
mass of the lumbar muscles, on one or both sides of the 
loins, it is called Lumbago. 
The treatment for sciatica and lumbago is the same 
as that for chronic rheumatism. 
Lumbago of a virulent form has been permanently 
cured by giving one drop of the spirit of Venice-turpen- 
tine, on a lump of loaf-sugar twice a day. 
Accessory Treatment—Liniments medicated with 
the same remedy as administered internally, or even simple 
olive-oil, rubbed into the affected parts, are very useful. 
The friction should be performed in a warm room, and 
currents of air guarded against. A wet compress, simple 
or medicated, greatly assists the cure. In this and other 
varieties of muscular rheumatism, rest and warmth are of 
great importance. The application of the common flat- 
iron, as hot as can be borne, with flannel between the 
skin and iron, is very valuable. In lumbago, nothing is 
so instantaneously beneficial as strapping the back from 
the level of the “seat” upwards, in layers that overlap 
each other, with strips of adhesive plaster, or warm plaster. 
A pad of flannel or of unbleached cotton-wool, wrapped 
across the loins, next the skin, is very comforting. Where 
persons are very liable to lumbago, from slight exposure 
to cold or damp, wearing a skein of silk around the waist 
is an excellent preventive. Generous, nutritive diet is 
desirable. Lemon-juice is a grateful and remedial bev- 
erage . 
For Contracted Joints—1. A very peculiar rem- 
edy has been used with good success in this difficulty. It 
is the angle-worm or fish-worm oil, prepared in the fol- 427 
RUPTURE. 
lowing manner: A quantity of the worms should be placed 
in a bottle, closely corked, and hung in the sun. The 
heat will melt the worms and convert them into an oil. 
It is said to be very penetrating, powerful and effective, 
in causing the relaxation of contracted muscles. It may be 
applied once or twice a day. 
2. Another singular domestic remedy for lameness, 
resulting in a contraction of the muscles of any part, is 
thus described by a late English surgeon: 
Take the yolk of a fresh egg, and let it be beaten with a spoon to the 
greatest thinness; then add water by spoonfuls, agitating the mixture 
continually, that the egg and water may be well incorporated. The liquor 
may be applied cold, or only milk-warm, to the parts contracted, by a gen- 
tle friction for a few minutes, three or four times a day. This remedy 
has been repeatedly tried by different practitioners, and with happy suc- 
cess. 
RUPTURE. 
This is an unnatural protrusion of some portion of 
the contents of the abdomen, generally dependent upon a 
laxity of the parts. It is produced in children by cry- 
ing, coughing, vomiting and other like causes; and in 
grown persons, by blows, violent exertions of strength, 
strains, etc. It has been observed that ruptures were 
most frequent amongst the inhabitants of those countries 
where oil is much used as an article of diet. 
A rupture is a kind of sack or tumor, protruding 
from the abdomen, in various situations, but most usually 
in the groin, scrotum, the upper and fore-part of the 
thigh, the navel, and at various points on the surface of 
the abdomen. 428 
KUPTUKE. 
Ruptures sometimes prove fatal before the cause of 
the difficulty is known. Therefore, whenever sickness at 
the stomach, vomiting, obstinate pain and costiveness of 
the bowels give reason to suspect a rupture, all those 
places where they usually appear should be carefully ex- 
amined ; as, by neglecting this inquiry, the case may be- 
come incurable, or the individual may even die before the 
cause of the difficulty shall become known. 
When, through neglect of precaution, the bowel 
“ comes down,” and will not return, the rupture is said 
to be “strangulated.” 
Remedies—1. The patient may be put into a 
warm bath up to his neck, and kept there till he feels 
very faint; he may then attempt, according to his own 
usual method, to put the rupture up, by pressing it gently, 
if it be in the groin, or by lifting it up, if in the purse, 
and gently squeezing it toward the belly, but no violence 
must be used, or the gut will burst. 
No time should be lost in trying to push the tumor 
back into the abdomen, gentle force being exerted chiefly 
upwards and outwards, as the patient lies with the hips 
raised, and the thigh on the ruptured side flexed. A co- 
pious injection of tepid water, the author has known to 
be successful in cases which assumed a serious aspect, the 
escape of the water from the bowel being rapidly followed 
by return of the rupture. But if not successful, the pa- 
tient should be laid on a a board, so placed as to form 
a steep, inclined plane, so that the patient’s feet and hips 
are very much higher than his head; he should be firmly 
held in this posture by an assistant, when, by pressure on 
the swelling, and often without any, the bowels will fall 
towards the chest, drawing with them the constricted 
portion. 
Some surgeons have of late strongly recommended REMEDIES. 
429 
attempting reduction of a rupture by reversing the posi- 
tion of the body; in other words, by holding the patient 
head downward or nearly so ; and they state that in many 
instances this method has succeeded. 
A gurgling sound will be the signal of success. 
2. When the above means fails, a poultice of slip- 
pery elm, is frequently effectual in reducing the inflam- 
mation. It should be applied tepid, and frequently 
changed. 
3. Or, the following is considered preferable; a 
poultice, made of lobelia and stramonium-leaves, equal 
parts of each, or of either one of these, if the other cannot 
be obtained, may be applied to the inflamed rupture, and 
frequently changed, so that it shall be constantly warm. 
After this has been employed for a sufficient length of 
time, the attempt may be again made to reduce the her- 
nia, proceeding in the manner that has previously been 
advised. 
4. Should all these endeavors prove ineffectual, in- 
jections of the smoke of tobacco must be tried. These 
have been often known to succeed where every other 
method failed. 
After returning the hernia, a truss should be em- 
ployed, the pad of which should be of an oval shape, to 
exert a sufficient amount of pressure to prevent the sub- 
sequent protrusion. A truss should be worn constantly 
during the day-time, and applied before rising from bed. 
The skin of the part on which it presses should be washed 
daily, and for the first few weeks, bathed with Cologne-iva- 
ter, or spirit-and-water, to prevent excoriation and the 
formation of boils. 
If the rupture resist the measures just recommended, 
the best surgeon within reach should be immediately sent 430 
RUPTURE. 
for, as an operation may be necessary to save the life of 
the patient. 
5. The constant application of a solution of alum 
in a strong decoction of oak-bark—two drachms to a pint 
—has been recommended by some surgeons for the radi- 
cal cure of rupture in the groin. It is applied by means 
of soft linen, which should be wetted as soon as it be- 
comes dry. The compress should, for some time, be 
kept on the part, by a bandage or truss, with easy 
springs. 
Accessory Measures—Persons who have a rupture 
ought carefully to avoid all violent exercise, carrying great 
weights, leaping, running and the like. They should 
likewise avoid windy aliment and strong liquors, and 
should carefully guard against catching cold. 
Those who can afford it, should have two trusses of 
the same size and strength, so that if one gets out of 
order the other may take its place while it is being re- 
paired ; for an hour’s absence of the truss might occa- 
sion a mischief which it would require months to repair. 
Persons having rupture must be very careful to keep 
themselves free from costiveness ; for straining at stool 
is highly injurious. 
Ruptured Navel of Infants— Should there be 
any signs of a protrusion, at birth or soon after, a cir- 
cular piece of cork should be applied, somewhat convex 
on both sides, covered with soft leather, and secured by 
a moderately tight-fitting bandage around the abdomen. 
A flat piece of sheet-lead or ivory, protected with soft 
leather, with the convex surface over the aperture, may 
be substituted for the cork. If the pad slips off the 
part, it should be secured by cross-pieces of adhesive 
plaster. If the pad is nicely applied, and continued for 
one or two months, a radical cure may be expected. RICKETS. 
431 
RICKETS—SPINAL CURVATURE. 
Causes—These are to be found in the bad hygienic 
conditions productive of so many of the diseases of child- 
hood ; especially close, old, damp rooms, overcrowding, 
want of cleanliness and insufficient supply of good food. 
The ill health of the mother during gestation, particularly 
if she suffered from leucorrhea, is a frequent cause. Pro- 
longed nursing, when the milk becomes thin and watery, 
is another prominent cause of the malady. 
In the following passage, Dr. Jenner shows how im- 
proper feeding and •physicking produce rickets : 
“For the first two or three days after birth, their 
tender stomachs are deranged by brown sugar and butter, 
castor-oil, gruel and starch-water; as soon as the mother’s 
milk flows, they are, when awake, kept constantly at the 
breast. And well for them if they are not again and 
again castor-oiled, and even treated with mercurials. 
“After the first month, bread and water, sweetened with 
brown sugar, are given several times a day, and during the 
night the child is, when not too soundly asleep, constantly 
at the breast. As soon as the little ill-used creature can sit 
erect on its mother’s arm, it has at parents’ meal-times ‘ a 
little of what we have’—meat, potatoes, herring, fried liver, 
bacon, pork, and even cheese daily, and cakes, raw fruits, 
and trash of the most unwholesome quality, as special 
treats, or provocatives to eat, when its stomach rejects its 
ordinary diet. Then, instead of being weaned when from 
twelve to fourteen months old, the child is kept at the 
breast when the milk is worse than useless, to the injury of 
the mother’s health, and to the damage of its after brothers 
and sisters, in the hopes that thus keeping it at the breast 
may retard the next pregnancy. The children are sacrificed 
that the passions of the parents may not be restrained.” 432 
RICKETS. 
Symptoms—When a child reaches the tenth month 
without any appearance of a tooth, or if at eighteen months 
old he is unable to walk, rickets may be strongly sus- 
pected. The most noticeable symptom of this disease is 
profuse perspiration of the head, neck, and upper portion 
of the trunk immediately the child falls asleep, the per- 
spiration standing upon the forehead in beads, or making 
the pillow wet. The patient desires to lie cool, and kicks 
off the bed-clothes, both in summer and winter. The 
child is late in walking, the bones of the legs are curved, 
and the joint-ends enlarged, especially of the wrists and 
ankles. The head becomes flat and more square than nat- 
ural, and the little patient desires to lie still and be un- 
disturbed by playthings or company. The appetite is often 
voracious, and the food passes rapidly, and almost un- 
changed, through the intestinal track; there is much strain- 
ing, and the stools are of variable consistency and ex- 
tremely offensive. The flesh wastes away, and there is 
much muscular weakness ; the child is drowsy in the day- 
time, but restless and uneasy in the night. 
In severe cases, not merely the leg-bones, but also 
the spine becomes curved, and the pelvis loses its proper 
shape; the face is small and triangular, the chin being 
small, out of all proportion with the forehead, the teeth 
project and fall out, or soon decay, and the first and second 
teeth are generally delayed. 
The chest also becomes narrow and prominent, and 
the abdomen large and distended. 
Remedies—1. The herb called buck-horn brake 
(Osmunda Regalis) is said to be almost a certain cure 
for the rickets, and doubtless is so, when employed in the 
beginning of the complaint. One root, infused in one 
and a half pints of hot water, for half an hour, will con- REMEDIES, ETC. 
433 
vert the whole into almost a thick jelly. The dose of this, 
is a wineglassful, to be repeated three times a day. It 
may be sweetened, and flavored with a little cinnamon or 
nutmeg. The root of this herb should be gathered in the 
latter part of summer, though it can generally be found 
at the dru«;-stores. 
2. Among the professional remedies employed in the 
treatment of this disease, perhaps there is none more 
effective and popular than the following: Take half a 
teaspoonful of syrup of the hypophosphites three times a 
day, for three weeks, then substitute for it the hypo- 
phosphite of lime, in two-grain doses, in sweetened water, 
for two weeks, then omit this and return to the syrup, 
and so continue alternating. Both these articles can be pro- 
cured at any drug-store. 
For ultimate success, in the cure of rickets, too 
much importance cannot be attached to the measures laid 
down under the head of “Accessory Treatment;” for 
success will depend, to a great extent, upon a compliance 
with them. 
Accessory Treatment—Country air, dry and brac- 
ing ; abundance of sunlight, and out-of-door exercise. 
These wonderfully promote the cure, by imparting tone 
to the digestive organs, energy to the nervous system, 
and, in short, invigorating the whole constitution. Patients 
not able to walk should sit or recline in the open air, 
warmly clad, during portions of the day; this will aid 
recovery far more than passing the chief part of the day 
in the confined air of a sick-room. Well-ventilated rooms 
and strict cleanliness are also necessary. Further, tepid 
or cold bathing, every morning, especially in salt-water, 
followed by friction down the back for five or ten 
minutes. In the evening, the friction should be repeated. 
Diet—Nourishing food, which should be well masti- 434 
KICKETS. 
cated, is of great importance. It should include milk, 
meat, animal broths, brown bread, etc. Malt or barley- 
food is especially suitable for rickety children. If finely 
ground, the sediment from the husk need not be removed 
from the prepared food, as it is very nutritious, and rich 
in bone-forming materials. Boil four tablespoonfuls of 
ground malt in a pint of water for ten minutes. Pour off 
the liquid, and add an equal quantity of new milk. This 
food is very agreeable to children, and highly nutritious. 
If mechanical support be necessary for curvatures of 
the lower limbs, simple, straight, wmoden splints, kept in 
place by a good bandage, are the best. But weakly chil- 
dren should be first treated by the administration of cod- 
liver oil, and other remedies we have prescribed, and 
splints applied when the child’s condition is improved, 
should they still appear necessary. As just stated, cod- 
liver oil is an important remedy, but it should only be 
given in small doses, ten to twenty drops at first, and 
the quantity gradually increased to a teaspoonful. Small 
pieces of ice put into each dose render the oil almost 
tasteless. During its administration the evacuations should 
be examined, for the appearance and odor of the oil in 
them are signs that the quantity should be reduced. In 
the employment of cod-liver oil, none but a pure article 
should be used. RINGWORM. 
435 
RINGWORM. 
When the disease exists on the head, the hair is dry 
shriveled and brittle. But it is most easily detected by 
the presence of short, broken-off hairs, which appear as 
if they had been nibbled close to the scalp. In fact, these 
patches of stubble are the readiest sign by which to de- 
termine when the disease is cured. If the hair is arrow- 
ing naturally and free from scurf, where the disease 
existed, it may be presumed that there is no further 
danger of contagion; but so long as there are the short, 
broken-off hairs, there is room for doubt about the cure. 
Where the disease exists on the body, it has the appear- 
ance of red, scurfy, circular patches. 
Remedies—1. Castor-oil seldom fails to effectually 
cure ringworm, when the parts are anointed with it twice 
a day. 
2. Take a small quantity of tobacco, and, after 
boiling it well, add to the liquor a small quantity of 
vinegar and strong lye, and wash the eruption with this, 
two or three times a day. It will never fail to cure. 
3. Other remedies that are efficacious are often em- 
ployed ; such as washing the head every morning with 
soap and water; and make a solution of soda and vinegar, 
by adding a teaspoonful of the former to a teacupful of 
the latter, and apply every night. Or, use thoroughly, 
applications of borax and water. 
Accessories—Strict cleanliness of person ; friction ; 
an occasional tepid bath ; if the skin become irritable it 
may be occasionally washed in bran-water—a handful of 
bran boiled in a quart of water. 
To prevent contagion, the affected child should be 
kept apart from all others; his towels, brushes, etc., 
should on no account be used by any one else. 436 
SHINGLES. 
SHINGLES (Herpes Zoster). 
Symptoms—Sickness and headache sometimes pre- 
cede an attack; but, in most cases, the earliest symptoms 
are, heat, itching and tingling on some parts of the body, 
and the person is found to be covered with small, red 
patches of irregular shape, near together, upon each of 
which are seen numerous pimples. These enlarge, in the 
course of twenty-four hours, to the size of small pearls, 
are perfectly transparent, and filled with a clear liquid. 
The clusters of pimples are of various sizes, from 
one to three inches in diameter, and surrounded by a narrow 
red ring. Other clusters come, in three or four days, if 
the disease is not checked, and extend round the body, 
or over the shoulder. 
As the patches subside, the blisters partially run to- 
gether, and change to a blackish color, terminating in 
thin, dark scabs. These fall off in about twelve or four- 
teen days, the skin where they were appears red and 
tender, and the largest of the scabs leave pits behind. 
Remedies—1. But little treatment is necessary in 
most of cases. The patient should be bathed daily, and 
the foot-bath should be used when there are feverish 
symptoms. 
2. If the bowels are costive, give an injection of 
warm water. 
3. Should there be much irritation at the point of 
eruption or pimples, dust it with scorched flour, or wet it 
with sweet cream. 
In ordinary cases, no other remedy will be required. 
4. In severe or aggravated cases, the following treat- 
ment will be necessary, in order to effect a cure. Give, 
freely, a tea, of burdock and sassafras, or either when 
the othef cannot be had. And for the external treatment SLEEPLESSNESS. 
437 
the crusts or scabs should first be removed, by soaking 
with oil and then washing with soap and warm water, or 
poulticing if this does not When they are all off, 
cover the part with a cloth ,,A with tar-water, made by 
stewing a teacupful of tar in a quart of boiling water. 
The yerba reuma has recently been discovered to be 
an infallible remedy in this disease. 
The most obstinate cases readily yield to its treat- 
ment. The fluid extract, or a strong decoction of the 
herb, is to be applied to the parts twice a day. 
SLEEPLESSNESS, 
Apart from disease, may arise from an overloaded stom- 
ach, over-excitement or cold feet. 
Treatment—How to get sleep, is to many persons 
a matter of high importance. Nervous persons who are 
troubled with wakefulness, usually have a strong tenden- 
cy of blood to the brain, with cold extremities. Let such 
rise and chafe the body and extremities with a brush or 
towel, or rub smartly with the hands to promote circu- 
lation and withdraw the excessive amount of blood from 
the brain, and they will sleep in a few moments. A cold 
bath or a sponge-bath and rubbing, or a good run, or 
a rapid walk in the open air, or, it is said, going up 
and down stairs a few times just before retiring, will 
aid in equalizing circulation and promoting sleep. 
Where there is no disease, either of body or mind, 
to which the want of sleep can be imputed, the person 438 
SLEEPLESSNESS 
should keep himself in as cheerful a mood as possible, 
and should, if his strength permits, rise early and exer- 
cise so as to fatigue himself moderately. Studious men 
ought to avoid late readings, and, on going to bed, en- 
deavor to abstract the mind from all business. In some 
cases of restlessness, sleep may be procured by the per- 
son getting up and walking about the room for a few 
minutes. By such means sleep is sometimes induced, 
when previously it had been solicited in vain. 
In protracted cases of wakefulness, the patient should 
be made fully to understand the danger he is in, and to 
lend his entire concurrence to the efforts for his relief. 
Mental labor should be given up ; overwork of any kind 
must be abandoned; articles liable to keep up the trouble 
must be forbidden, such as tobacco, coffee and tea. 
Remedies—An admirable remedy for this difficulty, 
is to use a pillow stuffed with hops, or one containing a 
portion of them. Sleep with the head towards the north. 
Instances are common where the patient suffers from an 
empty stomach, and a quantity of easily digested food will 
satisfy the craving and promote a sound, refreshing 
slumber. Again, cold to the head or hot foot-baths, with 
or without mustard, or a warm bath, will relieve the 
patient promptly. The patient should examine his sur- 
roundings, as to whether any cause exists, such as im- 
proper position in bed; the best is always where the head 
and shoulders are above the level. For the relief of this 
symptom, except where it is the result of pain, medicines 
should be employed with caution. 
An easy mind, a good digestion and sufficient exer- 
cise, are the grand conducives to sound sleep. Never 
sleep with the head covered. Children should sleep alone 
as much as possible, if we would give them vigorous 
lungs, sound bodies and sound minds. Fat persons REMEDIES, ETC. 
439 
should sleep little and exercise much. Too much sleep 
weakens the nerves, disorders the brain, produces peevish- 
ness, leads to apoplexy, palsy, excites palpitations, and 
relaxes the system by over-perspiration in bed. Hearty 
suppers, strong tea and coffee, also disturb the sleep. 
“The Harbinger of Health” gives the following: 
“Chronic wakefulness may be greatly controlled by eating 
plentifully of onion-soup from twice to thrice per week. 
All sedatives, anodynes and somnolent medicines, such as 
opium, morphine, laudanum, tobacco, etc., are at variance 
with natural repose. The loving and harmonious are in- 
variably the sweetest sleepers; but the stoutest slumberers 
are they who work much and think little.” 
How to go to Sleep—When a fit of wakefulness 
comes on in the night, a medical journal gives the sub- 
joined good advice: “Sit down in an easy position, re- 
laxing all the muscles of the body, and let the head 
drop forward upon the breast as low as it will fall with- 
out forcing it: Sit quietly this way for a few minutes, 
freeing all the will-power of the body, and a restful, 
drowsy feeling will ensue, which will, if not disturbed, 
lead to refreshing sleep. If the sleepless fit comes on 
in the night, one can simply sit up in the position des- 
cribed. Stiffness of any part of the body must be avoid- 
ed, and it is well to bend the body forward after lying 
down, rather than to keep it straight or thrown back 
upon the pillow. The writer suffered several years from 
sleeplessness caused by severe pain and nervousness, and 
was taught the above by a physician of great experience 
and ability, and found through it complete relief. Many 
persons similarly afflicted, within the writer’s knowledge, 
have tried it, and always with good results.” 
Bad Dreams—Do not gratify your appetite with 
too many kinds of food. When a child, you were in- 440 
STAMMERING. 
jured by affectionate expressions in the shape of candy, 
raisins, nuts and rich cake. These are worm-generating; 
7 O O 
“evil spirits” that now beset you in dreams. Sleep with 
your head toward the North Pole hereafter, and always 
go to sleep on your right side. Eat or drink nothing 
after seven o’clock, p.m. 
STAMMERING, OR STUTTERING. 
Many theories have been proposed regarding the 
nature of this impediment, and the fair inference seems 
to be that it may arise from a variety of causes. In 
many cases it is undoubtedly the result of imitation; in 
others, again, there appears to be some defect from birth, 
often so obscure as to defy scrutiny. Whatever excites 
the emotions, as in anger, or other sudden passion, in- 
creases the difficulty. 
A very important remedial means, upon which too 
much stress cannot be laid, is to study carefully the 
mechanism of the articulation of the difficult letters, and 
to practice their pronunciation repeatedly, slowly and an- 
alytically. The patient should commence by practicing such 
sentences as contain but a few difficult sounds, and from 
these .pass on progressively to such as are more and more 
difficult. It is well in these exercises for the patient to 
have a judicious friend or guide, who should aim to so 
direct him that he will continually increase in confidence 
in his own power of articulation ; and this is best done by 
gradually leading him, from that which he finds and knows REMEDIES. 
441 
he can do, to that which he fears he cannot. Mr. Jour- 
dant, a French writer, gives the following directions : “The 
chief difficulty experienced by the stammerer consists in 
detaining the air in the chest, and in allowing it to escape 
only very slowly and gradually. To effect this object the 
following rules are to be carefully observed : First of all, to 
make a healthy inspiration, as in the healthy case ; then to 
make a very slight pause ; then to begin to talk, taking espe- 
cial care to keep the chest continually somewhat dilated and 
the abdomen slightly protruded, giving out all the while as 
little air from the chest as possible ; and, lastly, before re- 
commencing the same series of movements, to expel the air 
that remains behind by a powerful expiration. It requires 
some practice by the patient, and careful observance to 
their order, but if these simple rules are strictly attended 
to, it will be found that no stammering can take place,, 
even if the person tries to do so.” 
1. We will name several other excellent means of 
curing this impediment of speech: When there is no mal- 
formation of the organs of speech, let the person read 
aloud for one or two hours ; and let him persevere in this 
course for at least three or four months, unless he has 
overcome this defect in less time. 
2. Take a little piece of hard wood, just large enough 
to hold the teeth from a quarter to half an inch apart. 
Hold it firmly between the teeth, and read or speak 
slowly, for a few minutes at a time. Do this several times 
a day, and continue the practice for some length of time. 
Sometimes speak in a loud, full voice, and again almost 
or quite in a whisper. 
3. Another, is simply to practice reading aloud a 
short time, each day, and at the same time, after the pro- 
nunciation of each word, to tap the book with the finger. 
The individual should not confine himself to one 442 
SMALL POX. 
method, but practice the different ones, above given, at 
different times ; and, by the use of these, he will be able to 
•overcome this embarrassing difficulty. 
SMAELi POX (Variola). 
This disease is too well known to need a particular 
■description. It is always caused, or communicated by con- 
tagion ; that is, caught from others who have it. 
About twelve days usually intervene, between the ex- 
posure and the commencement of the disease. Sometimes 
the attack may be two or three days earlier or later. 
There are two forms of small pox: the confluent, where 
the pocks are so thick as to run together, and the distinct, 
where they are separate ; then we have varioloid, or small 
pox modified by vaccination or constitutional predisposition. 
Exposure to varioloid may give rise to either varioloid or 
small pox, and exposure to small pox may cause either 
confluent or distinct small pox, or varioloid ; all depending 
on the susceptibility of the individual exposed. 
Symptoms—As in most other fevers, the following 
symptoms appear in the first stage : Chilliness, heat, head- 
ache, sometimes delirium ; a thickly furred, white tongue; 
a deep flush upon the face ; a hard, frequent pulse ; a 
feeling of bruised pain all over the body, but especially 
in the back and loins; more or less pain or tenderness at 
the pit of the stomach, and vomiting. The pain in the 
loins and the vomiting are the most characteristic of the 
premonitory symptoms, and are seldom absent. When REMEDIES. 
443 
these are excessive and continuous, they are the forerun- 
ners of a severe form of the disease. On the third or 
fourth day the eruption, often so minute as to escape ob- 
servation, appears in the form of red spots, or small hard 
pimples, which feel like shot in the skin. It appears first 
on the face, neck and wrists, then on the body, and finally 
on the lower extremities. If examined, the eruption may 
be seen upon the palate, and is often formed on the lining 
membrane of the wind-pipe, giving rise to sore throat, sali- 
vation, cough, painful epectoration and hoarseness. The 
pimples gradually increase in size until about the eighth 
day from the commencement of the fever; the contents, 
at first watery and transparent, change to yellowish mat- 
ter as the pimples become ripened into pustules. The 
pustules are depressed in the centre, and surrounded for 
a short distance by a rose-red appearance. During the 
time the pustules are filling up there is swelling of the 
eyelids and face, sometimes to such a degree as to oblit- 
erate the features. A peculiar, disagreeable odor now 
begins to emanate from the patient, which is so charac- 
teristic that the disease at this stage might be known b}r 
this alone. On the first appearance of the eruption the 
fever subsides; but in the confluent form, when it is at 
its height, a fresh attack sets in, which, to distinguish it 
from the precursory fever, is called the secondary fever. 
Remedies—Before the eruption, as we have no 
positive means of determining that it is small pox, we 
should treat it the same as any other fever. The patient 
should not be kept too warm, neither should heating rem- 
edies be employed to cause determination to the skin. If 
there is much restlessness, sleeplessness and delirium, the 
head may be sponged and feet bathed in hot water. 
If such course is pursued, few severe confluent cases 
will be met with. All heating and irritant applications 444 
SMALL rox. 
to the skin, and internal remedies calculated to produce 
determination to the surface, will increase the eruption 
and aggravate the disease. 
If there is sickness at the stomach, there is nothing; 
better to allay it, perhaps, than frequent sips of warm 
spearmint or peppermint-tea, with a little saleratus dis- 
solved in it. 
When the eruption makes its appearance, we continue 
the same treatment. The sponge-bath, twice daily, should 
be used, and continued until maturation is complete ; Castile- 
soap and warm water are the best that can be used. Those 
who have never adopted this plan would be surprised to 
see the influence that is exerted upon the system by keep- 
ing the skin thoroughly cleansed. To prevent the eyes 
from becoming injured by the disease, they should be 
frequently washed with rose-water, or mucilage of slip- 
pery elm, more especially when the fluid from the pus- 
tules flows into them. And the nostrils may be kept 
free by passing a well-oiled camel’s hair pencil into them 
several times a day. 
1. The following remedy is published by the Acad- 
emy of Medicine, of Paris, and is pronounced a never-failing 
cure for this disease. Hundreds of cases have already been 
successfully treated with it, and no failures yet reported. It 
is so prompt that within twelve hours after its use has been 
commenced the disease will have abated, and the patient be 
convalescent: 
Take, of 
Sulphate of zinc 1 grain. 
Fox-glove (Digitalis) 1 “ 
Sugar £ teaspoonful. 
Mix with two tablespoonfuls of water, after which add 
four ounces (eight tablespoonfuls) of water, and take a KEMEDIES. 
445 
tablespoonful every hour. For a child, smaller doses, 
according to age. See “ Table of Doses for Children.” 
2. We have a remedy from London which rivals all 
others for its simplicity, and coming, as it does, highly re- 
commended, we apprehend it has accomplished all that is 
claimed for it. The following is the mode of preparing 
and using it: “ Dissolve one ounce of cream of tartar in a 
pint of boiling water. Of this, when cold give half a gill, 
for the first dose, to an adult. After this is taken, divide the 
remaining quantity into such doses as, taken three times 
a day, the whole will last three days. 
“This remedy has already restored thousands of cases, 
and will effectually cure this disease in four or five days, 
leaving no pit-marks and no blindness, as is sometimes the 
case when otherwise treated, and always prevents the tedi- 
ous lingering of convalescence. It can be taken at any time, 
being preventive as well as curative. The use of it is so ef- 
fectual that, were it popularly employed, it would dispense 
with the unnatural law that requires vaccination and the 
eostly staff of vaccinators.” 
3. A remedy, now in use in some parts of Europe, 
and also in China, and said to be the most successful one 
employed in those countries and perfectly effectual, is to 
apply to the chest an ointment made by combining tartar- 
emetic and croton-oil with lard. This application should 
be made when the fever is at its height and just before the 
eruption appears. This causes the whole of the eruption to 
appear on this part of the body, and thus relieves the inter- 
nal organs and the face, on which there will be no pit- 
ting. 
4. A few years since, the herb called the Indian cup, 
or pitcher-plant ( Sarracenici Purpura), was much praised 
for its supposed remarkable powers in small pox. But its 446 
small rox. 
subsequent use is said not to have met with the great suc- 
cess that had been claimed by its sanguine advocates. 
The root of the plant is the part employed. The dose, 
when reduced to powder, is about a dessertspoonful, sim- 
mered in a pint of water down to half a pint; this is usu- 
ally divided into two doses, to be taken during the day. 
Sugar should not be used with it. 
Accessory Treatment—The patient should be kept 
cool and the sheets and linen frequently changed, ample 
provision being made both for the uninterrupted admission 
of fresh air and the free escape of tainted air. The bad 
ventilation of a small room, too high a temperature and hot 
cordials interrupt the tendency to recovery. In cold weather 
a fire should be kept burning in the apartment and the pa- 
tient have an extra blanket, but the windows kept open. 
If the weather is mild, the patient is better treated entirely 
in the open air. If, at any time, the eruption should re- 
cede or “ strike in,” put the patient in a warm bath. 
Dr. A. Collie, Resident Medical Officer of the Homerton 
Hospital, writes, 
“Nothing is of so much importance as pure air, and 
that in unlimited quantities. In this hospital we have kept 
our windows open constantly, by night and by day, through- 
out the months of February, March, April, etc. ; and this 
has been attended with the very best results; for our 
mortality is the lowest of all the small-pox hospitals in 
London, and we were receiving our patients from the same 
sources, and some time before this epidemic reached its 
height.” 
During the entire course of the disease, especially 
when the skin becomes hot, painful or irritable, the 
whole surface may be sponged with warm water, to which 
a spoonful of perfumed carbolic acid has been added, and 
well dried with a soft towel. This generally affords great ACCESSORY TREATMENT, ETC. 
447 
relief. The use of 'perfumed carbolic acid, in the above 
manner, and the infusion of its vapor in the air of the apart- 
ment tend to mitigate small pox, and to deprive it of its con- 
tagious character. Frequently changing the posture of the 
patient in bed, so as to avoid constant pressure on the 
back, prevents bed-sores. After the pustules burst, powdered 
starch or Hour should be freely applied, to absorb the matter. 
Cleanliness, frequent tepid washings, and an occasional warm 
bath, are especially necessary during the last stage of the 
disease. 
To prevent pitting, the pustules should be frequently 
smeared over with olive-oil, cold cream, or a mixture of 
one-third of glycerine with two-thirds of water. A still 
better mixture is one of cream and flour, in such propor- 
tions as will make a thick paste. This should be freely 
painted over the face and neck, and renewed when neces- 
sary. By this means the action of light on the pustules or 
blisters (which, so to speak, photographs them on the skin), 
may be prevented, as well as the consequent pitting; at 
the same time we alia}7 the irritation which accompanies the 
state of maturation. The hands of children should be muf- 
fled and lightly secured, to prevent scratching, which might 
lead to ulceration. Adults may wear loose gloves. This 
precaution is especially necessary while the patient is asleep, 
and acts unconsciously. 
Diet—Tea and dry toast, raw eggs beaten up with 
cold milk, beef-tea, etc. ; grapes, roasted npples and whole- 
some ripe fruits in season. For drink, cold water is gen- 
erally preferred, and any objection to it by nurses or 
friends should be firmly resisted; in addition, milk di- 
luted with about one-third or one-half soda-water, lemon- 
ade, raspberry-vinegar water, currant-jelly water and bar- 
ley-water. 
Disinfection—The only absolutely safe method to 448 
SIMPLE SORE THROAT. 
adopt with infected clothing and bedding is to burn them. 
If this be objected to, they should be either baked or 
boiled at a temperature of 212 ° . Rooms should be dis- 
infected by fumigation with burning sulphur, with all 
apertures closed. The walls should then be divested of 
their paper or color or white-wash; the floor thoroughly 
scrubbed and washed over with a solution of lime or zinc ; 
walls and ceilings well limewashed; and afterwards, the 
doors and windows kept open for several days. 
Varioloid—This is a form of small pox, modified 
by the vaccination. It is to be treated the same 
as a case of genuine small pox, only that the treatment 
should be graduated according to the mildness or severity 
of the symptoms. Sometimes the disease is very mild, re- 
quiring scarcely any treatment; at other times it approaches 
very nearly to a genuine case of small pox, and requires a 
full course of treatment. 
SIMPLE SORE THROAT (Dolor Faucium). 
This is a soreness of the throat alone, uncomplica- 
ted by ulceration, quinsy or syphilis. 
Cause—Catarrh; the sore throat being a simple 
extension of the catarrhal affection. This disease should 
not be neglected, as it is apt, in some persons, to degen- 
erate into a troublesome form. 
Remedies—1. On a small handful of the leaves of 
the common sage, pour a pint of boiling water; let the REMEDIES. 
449 
infusion stand half an hour. Add vinegar enough to make 
it moderately acid, and honey to the taste. Use it as a 
gargle, several times a day. This- seldom fails to cure 
the disease. 
2. In some forms of sore throat, a gargle of strong 
soda-water is a certain cure. It is to be used freely. 
In others, there is no better remedy than lemon-juice. 
At the time of gargling the throat, swallow a small por- 
tion. 
3. Powdered borax, mixed with honey, is an excel- 
lent remedy for inside sores of the mouths of children. 
If a little of the mixture be dissolved in warm water, 
it will form when cold an efficacious gargle for an ulcer- 
ted sore throat. 
4. As an external remedy for curing sore throat, 
camphor-gum, combined with kerosene-oil, is a famous 
one. The gum is to be dissolved in the oil, and then 
applied several times during the day. 
5. The inhalation of steam, by placing the head over 
a vessel of boiling water, gives great relief. When the 
swelling is great, apply a poultice of hops or flax-seed. 
6. In case of an ordinary sore throat, when no 
other remedy is at hand, use a gargle of salt and water, 
with a little vinegar, and it will be found to produce a 
very salutary effect. When the palate is relaxed and the 
throat ulcerated, gargle with strong alum-water. 
7. In children that cannot be made to gargle, a good 
plan is to blow finely pulverized alum or borax into the 
throat, through a quill or a folded paper or a tube of any 
kind. 
8. Loss of voice may require the application of 
ffiectricity, or blistering of the back of the neck. Singers 
and others find great relief by allowing a piece of borax 450 
SPINAL DISEASE. 
to dissolve slowly in the mouth, swallowing the solution 
as it forms. 
Accessory Treatment—Frequent draughts of cold 
water, and the application of the throat-compress. Steam- 
ing the throat as directed under “ Inhalation,” on another 
page, is soothing, and often curative, but it should be 
done at bedtime, when the patient has not again to be 
exposed to external air. See page 461, vol. ii. 
SPINAL DISEASE. 
Causes—The most powerful and frequent predis- 
posing cause is hereditary tendency, especially when hys- 
teria, epilepsy or insanity exists in the family. What 
is termed a nervous constitution underlies nearly every 
case of spinal disease. Impoverished blood, sexual de- 
rangements, sterility and absence or non-exercise of the 
maternal instincts, are also predisposing causes. Neglect 
of physical exercises, sexual excesses, self-abuse, are 
powerful and prominent factors of this affection. In 
short, everything that tends to exhaust vital power, and, 
consequently produce a nervous condition, must be ac- 
counted a cause. The exciting causes are—shock, or grief ; 
injury to the spine, as by railway accidents, blows, falls, 
etc. To the latter, men are, of course, equally liable; 
but the nervous system of women is more impressible, so 
that the immediate shock is more severely felt, and its 
consequences are more likely to be deep and lasting. For 
a like reason, various kinds of rough exercise that keep SYMPTOMS, ETC. 
451 
the spinal muscles on the stretch—jumping, traveling over 
rough roads, horseback-exercise, etc.—may act as pow- 
erful exciting causes. 
Symptoms—The initiatory are, generally, headache, 
limited to one spot or to one side, or to the brow or 
cheek, with sleeplessness, distressing dreams or nightmare, 
nausea or vomiting, cold hands and feet, and alternate 
chills and flushes. All the symptoms are intensified by 
exertion, bodily or mental, and the patient evinces an 
almost constant desire to lie down. The symptoms differ 
according to the part affected, the most characteristic one 
beiim local tenderness. 
© 
Spinal Irritation and other Diseases—Spinal 
irritation may simulate or co-exist with hysteria; but to 
the skilled observer there are distinguishing features. In 
hysteria the soles of the feet, and the skin generally, 
are commonly insensible to tickling; in spinal disease, on 
the contrary, irritability is intensified. Patients do not 
complain of such extreme depression of strength as in 
hysteria, but are chiefly weak when in pain. This affec- 
tion may be distinguished from actual disease of the 
spine by observing that the tenderness though excessive 
is superficial, and the patient complains more when the 
skin is touched than when the vertebrae are pressed. There 
is also the absence of impaired nutrition, wasting, and 
other signs of constitutional disturbance. 
Further, in diseases of the spinal cord, as a rule, the 
spine is not tender to pressure ; whereas in spinal irritation 
such tenderness is perhaps the most marked symptom. 
The personal and family history, and the cause of the 
derangement, will aid in distinguishing the disease. 
Preparatory Treatment—The patient should give 
up sewing, writing, or any other occupation which has caused 
this trouble: also avoid sitting, except in a strictly erect 452 
SPINAL DISEASE. 
position, so that the weight of the head may be sustained 
by the bones of the spine, and not by the ligaments and 
muscles. Traveling, walking in the open-air, as far as the 
strength will admit, or some active, useful employment 
which shall invigorate the general system, is indispensable. 
The patient had better spend most of the time in reclining or 
lying down, so as to relax the spine, when he is not 
taking active exercise. 
If already confined to the bed, he must be exercised in 
the horizontal position until able to take active exercise. An 
attendant should repeatedly bend and extend the fingers, 
then the wrists, arms and shoulders, in every possible 
direction. The feet and legs should be exercised in a 
similar way, allowing the patient to rest at intervals, if 
he becomes fatigued. Then place one hand on each side 
of the body, a few inches below the arms, and shake it 
gently from side to side. Next, turn the head in every 
possible direction, so as to exercise the muscles of the 
neck; and finally, strike gently with the open hand over 
the chest, abdomen and back, but very lightly, if at all, 
over the tender part. Go over the entire body in this 
way, at least once in twenty-four hours, continuing the 
exercise a little longer every day, and as soon as the 
patient feels able, let him resist, slightly at first, the 
various motions given him by the assistant. He will soon 
be able to ride out, and at last to walk out and take 
exercise for himself. Remove all blinds and curtains from 
the windows during the day, aiid have the room, if pos- 
sible, on the south side of the house, so that the sun 
can shine into it freely. The more sunlight and fresh 
air, the earlier will be the recovery. He should have 
nourishing diet, but no tea, coffee or stimulants. 
Remedies—1. A measure, which is of incalculable 
importance in spinal deformity, is to carry a weight on SALT-RHEUM. 
453 
the head for half ail hour at a time, and several times a 
day. The weight compels the person, instinctively, to 
assume a position as nearly perpendicular as possible. 
2. The electro-magnetic battery is often highly suc- 
cessful, when applied in connection with the other 
measures here given. 
3. When the disease is the result of an injury, add 
live drops of the tincture of arnica to a tumblerful of water, 
well mixed, and of this, give two teaspoonfuls, morning 
and evening. At the same time, put twenty drops of the 
tincture into half a pint of water, and use it as an ex- 
ternal application three times a day, over the tender parts 
of the spine. 
4. The whole surface may be bathed daily with 
salt and water; and, indeed, in all other cases where the 
bones are affected. 
5. A wet compress over the tender spot will also 
afford relief. Sometimes a belladonna-plaster gives much 
comfort. 
For unmarried females, after the severe symptoms 
have been modified by treatment, it is of supreme im- 
portance that some occupation, undertaken in a business- 
like way, should be provided. 
SALT-RHEUM, OR TETTER. 
This is a troublesome, inveterate eruption, appearing 
on different parts of the body, usually the hands. Very 
small eruptions or vesicles appear, which break and dis- 
charge a thin, corrosive fluid, that causes a very great 454 
SALT-KHEUM. 
degree of irritation, or itching; afterward scabs often form 
upon the part affected, which, though they be rubbed off 
or dry away, will reappear after awhile. 
It is attended with more or less inflammation and 
swelling; and such is the degree of itching sometimes at- 
tending it, that the patient is obliged to scratch contin- 
ually, to obtain the least relief. The whole hands or parts 
occasionally become excoriated, stiff, and almost immov- 
able. It seems to be located principally underneath the 
skin ; although from its disappearing in one part, and then 
appearing in another, it is evident that the disease is 
located in the blood. 
Remedies—1. This is a disease of which many 
suffer through long years. Notwithstanding, there are 
simple remedies, that will effectually cure it. One of 
these is petroleum. This is the crude substance from 
which kerosene-oil is manufactured. Apply it three times 
a day, and, at the same time, take a decoction, of equal 
parts of burdock and sarsaparilla. Dose, a wineglassful, 
twice a day. 
2. Green walnuts are another remedy, which is said 
to be an almost certain cure, when perseveringly used. 
They are prepared for use by slicing them, and then add- 
ing sufficient, of equal parts of alcohol and water, to cover 
them. After standing for a week or ten days, apply to the 
affected parts twice a day. 
3. Take twenty drops of the fluid extract of the 
Oregon grape-root (Berberis Aquifolium), three times a 
day. At the same time, apply externally the following 
preparation: Two teaspoonfuls of finely powTdered gun- 
powder, and four tablespoonfuls of vinegar. Mix. Apply 
twice daily. This extract can nowr be obtained in almost 
any drug-store. This is a new remedy, and has not, as 
yet, been known to fail in the cure of this disease. STY OX THE EYELID. 
455 
Accessory Treatment—Warm baths ; preparations 
of glycerine, if the skin be much cracked, or occasional 
poultices if it be very hard. The application of equal 
parts of carbolic acid and oil often proves most useful. 
It should be preceded by a warm bath. Nourishing diet, 
frequently including small quantities of unboiled vegeta- 
bles ; for growing persons, cod-liver oil, except when stale 
fish is the cause. Patients who have been overtaxed in 
mind or body should have rest and change. The daily 
habit of bathing or sponging should be adopted, and will, 
to a large extent, prevent relapses. Warm or tepid soft- 
water baths, with the use of pure soap, at bedtime, softens 
the scales, and promotes the healthy functions of the skin. 
Free out-of-door exercise is also most useful. 
STY ON THE EYELID. 
This is a small boil, situated on the eyelid. 
On the first appearance of it, put two teaspoonfuls 
of black tea in a small sack, moisten with hot water, 
bind it on the eye while warm, and retain it there over 
night. If applied in time, one application is sufficient to 
remove the sty. Sometimes, the second or third appli- 
cation may be necessary. If the tea is moistened with 
the warm water two or three times during the night, it 
will have better effect. 
It is a very good plan, and often very effective in 
the beginning of a sty, to moisten it in the morning, on 456 
MERCURIAL DISEASE AND SALIVATION. 
awaking, with a little spittle, and repeat it several times 
during the day. 
If the above is found insufficient, use the tincture of 
belladonna, ten drops; soft water, two tablespoonfuls. 
Mix them well together, and apply to the sty, with lint 
or a piece of soft linen cloth. 
The following is also highly recommended for this 
affection. Put about two teaspoonfuls of common baking 
soda into a small sack. Moisten it slightly, and apjfly it 
during the night. 
If styes should follow one another in succession, make 
a strong tea, of burdock-seeds or ground century-plant, 
and take a tablespoonful, three or four times a day. 
Accessory Treatment—Fomentations with hot 
water, and if there is much inflammation, a bread-and- 
water poultice, applied over it at night. If the sty is 
tedious in breaking, it may be opened with a lancet or 
punctured with a needle, and the matter gently pressed 
out. If dependent on general debility, a strict observance 
of the laws of health is necessary to restore the consti- 
tutional vigor. 
MERCURIAL, DISEASE AND SALIVATION. 
The symptoms of this disease are too well known to 
need description. I may remark, however, that there are 
soreness of the gums and mouth, looseness of the teeth, 
swelling and sometimes protrusion and inflammation of the 
tongue, constant and profuse discharge of saliva or spittle, REMEDIES. 
457 
wasting, etc. If those who give this poison to cure dis- 
ease are not woful quacks, then I do not understand the 
meaning of the term “quackery.” 
Remedies—When the probationer is called to the 
patient, if he is still using mercury in any form, he must 
order it to he immediately discontinued. 
1. Two parts of sulphur to one part of cream of 
tartar, mixed in a little molasses, so as to form it into a. 
kind of paste. Half a teaspoonful of this should be taken 
two or three times a day, or sufficient to operate slightly 
on the bowels. Sulphur should be used freely in the mouth, 
so that it may come in contact with the parts affected. 
In addition to this, if there is ulceration of the gums or 
mouth, sprinkle occasionally a little powdered red chalk 
on and into the sores. 
2. Take, of 
Alum 1 teaspoonful. 
Brandy 4 tablespoonfuls. 
Water 1 teacupful. 
Mix, and wash the mouth with this every three or four 
hours. This is a valuable cooling and healing gargle. 
3. A strong decoction of golden seal is likewise an- 
other. 
4. Sage-tea is also very useful, and should be em- 
ployed for the same purpose, when the others are not at 
hand. 
5. The greatest suffering is experienced in consequence 
of taking cold after the use of it; when this happens, let 
perspiration be promoted. When the mercurial rheumatism 
is produced, and the joints are stiff, an infusion of burdock- 
seed is very good. A little sulphur may be mixed with 
Venice-turpentine, spread upon linen, and laid upon the 
parts affected; after which, let a strengthening plaster be 458 
MERCURIAL DISEASE AND SALIVATION. 
applied; but it is exceedingly difficult to remove the con- 
sequences attending such lamentable mal-practice. 
The patient should live on a good, nourishing diet, 
and take gentle exercise in the open air when the weather 
is dry; but, by all means, avoid any sudden and violent 
exertions of strength, as fatal consequences have been known 
to result from such causes. 
6. The following course of treatment is recommended 
by Dr. H. Howard: 
‘ ‘ When we have reason to suspect that an individual 
is suffering from the effects of mercury retained in the 
system, we should resort to steaming in the most thorough 
manner. Nothing but the highest heat which can be borne 
will be sufficient to drive this dangerous substance from 
the body. 
“ In general, the same taste will be experienced in the 
mouth whilst undergoing a process for expelling mercury, 
that occurred when the system was first under its influence ; 
and in some instances salivation has ensued, and even purg- 
ing. 
“ The face often becomes swelled whilst in the vapor- 
bath, to relieve which, the patient should cover his head 
so as to admit the hot steam to his face, and keep it ex- 
posed to the vapor as long as he can bear it; which pro- 
cess must be repeated until the swelling is gone. Or, after 
the steaming, when the patient is in bed, take a red-hot 
stone or brick, and cool it just so as not to burn, then 
‘wrap it up in a cloth wet with vinegar and water, with a 
dry one outside of this, and place it near the face, cov- 
ering the head and inhaling the steam as hot as it can be 
borne. 
“ The steaming should be often repeated, the patient at 
the same time taking freely of Cayenne ; and a bitter tonic, 
made very warm with it, must be taken frequently during SCURVY. 
459 
the day. If costiveness prevail, the bitter-root or yellow 
parilla-root must be added to the bitter tonic. Sarsapa- 
rilla may also be used as a common drink.” 
A good means of taking a vapor-bath may be found 
under the head of “ Spirit-Vapor Bath,” which see. 
7. Sumach—An infusion of the bark of this root 
is said, by Dr. Fahnestock, to be almost a specific for 
mercurial salivation. 
8. The following are each good washes for this af- 
fection : A strong infusion of golden seal, common green 
tea or wash the mouth with sulphur-water. 
SCURVY (Stomacace) 
This disease prevails chiefly in cold, northern coun- 
tries ; especially in low, damp situations, near large 
marshes or great quantities of stagnating water. Seden- 
tary people of a dull, melancliolly disposition, are most 
subject to it. It proves often fatal to sailors on long 
voyages, particularly in ships that are not properly ven- 
tilated, have many people on board, or where cleanliness 
is neglected. 
Causes—The scurvy is occasioned by cold, moist 
air; by the long use of salted or smoke-dried provisions, 
or of any kind of food that is hard of digestion and 
affords little nourishment. It may also proceed from the 
suppression of customary evacuations, as the menses, the 
hemorrhoidal flux, etc. It is sometimes owing to a hered- 
itary taint, in which case a very small cause will excite 
the latent disorder. Grief, fear and other depressing 460 
SCURVY 
passions, have a great tendency both to excite and aggra- 
vate this disease. It may likewise proceed from neglect 
of cleanliness, bad clothing, the want of proper exercise,, 
confined air and unwholesome food. 
Symptoms—This disease may be known by unusual 
weariness, heaviness and difficulty of breathing, especially 
after motion ; rottenness of the gums, which are apt to 
bleed on the slightest touch; a disagreeable breath ; fre- 
quent bleeding at the nose; cracking of the joints; diffi- 
culty of walking; sometimes a swelling and sometimes a 
falling away of the legs, on which there are livid, yellow 
or violet-colored spots ; the face is generally of a pale or 
leaden color. As the disease advances, other symptoms 
come; as decayed teeth, foul, obstinate ulcers, pains in 
various parts, especially about the breast, dry, scaly erup- 
tions all over the body, etc. At last, a wasting or hectic 
fever comes on, and the miserable patient is often carried 
off by dysentery, diarrhea, dropsy, palsy or mortification 
of the bowels. 
Remedies—In the treatment of scurvy very little 
medicine is required, except for overcoming the urgent 
symptoms. A proper change of diet is the best curative 
measure that can be adopted. 
1. As for medicines, should there be obstinate con- 
stipation, some cream of tartar may be taken; or a dose 
of castor-oil may be given in some lemon-juice or a weak 
solution of citric acid. If diarrhea be present, an infu- 
sion of blackberry-root, or geranium should be given. 
2. “I have often seen,” savs a writer, “very extra- 
ordinary effects, in the land-scurvy, from a milk-diet. 
This preparation of nature is a mixture of animal and 
vegetable properties, which, of all others, is the most fit 
for restoring a decayed constitution,” The most proper 
drink in the scurvy is whey or buttermilk; when these REMEDIES. 
461 
•cannot be had, sound cider or spruce-beer may be used. 
A decoction of the tops of the spruce-fir is likewise good; 
it may be drunk in the quantity of a pint twice a day; 
tar-water may be used for the same purpose, or decoc- 
tions of any of the mild, mucilaginous vegetables, as sar- 
saparilla, marshmallow-roots, etc. Infusions of the bitter 
plants, as tansy or century, are likewise beneficial. 
3. Obstinate and foul ulcers should be wrashed with 
lemon-juice, and dressed with a poultice of yeast, or 
and elm-bark. A poultice of cranberries will bo found 
excellent. 
4. If the skin becomes affected with spots, scabs 
or scales, wash the whole surface once a day with a water 
made acid with vinegar, or a little muriatic acid. 
5. For spongy gums, apply a solution of alum. 
6. The plant called the narrow dock is excellent for 
scurvy. 
There is no doubt that this article possesses, in a 
high degree, the power of curing this disease. If the 
fresh roots can be procured, a small handful of them may 
be sliced up and steeped in a quart of water, of which 
the patient may drink from a fourth to a half teacupful 
several times a day; and if the dried root is used, one 
teaspoonful of the powder may be steeped in half a tea- 
cupful of hot water, and taken as a dose three or four times 
a day. 
The common burdock has also been advantageously 
used in cases of scurvy, and if the narrow dock cannot 
be procured, this might be substituted for it. The medic- 
inal powers of the smooth or broad-leaved dock, which so 
nearly resembles the narrow kind, is said by some to be 
fully equal to the latter, in the cure of diseases of the 
Akin, for which it is so celebrated; and in the absence 462 
SCURVY 
of the narrow, the broad-leaved dock may be used in- 
stead of it. 
7. Perhaps the best curative agent, in this disease, 
is the juice of the lemon. Take a tablespoonful, three 
times a day. When the lemons cannot be obtained, the 
oil or the syrup of lemons may be substituted in their 
place. 
If there is reason to believe that the disease proceeds 
from a sedentary life or depressing passions, as grief, 
fear, etc., the patient must daily take as much exercise 
in the open air as he can bear. When the scurvy has 
been brought on by a long use of salted provisions, the 
proper medicine is a diet consisting chiefly of fresh veg- 
etables of all kinds ; the use of these, with milk, herbs, 
fresh bread and fresh beer or cider, will seldom fail to 
remove the scurvy of this kind, if taken before it is too 
far advanced; but, to have this effect, they must be 
persisted in for a considerable time. When fresh vege- 
tables cannot be obtained, pickled or preserved ones may 
be used ; and where these are wanting, recourse must be 
had to vegetable acids. All the patient’s food and drink 
should, in this case; be sharpened with cream of tartar, 
vinegar or the muriatic acid. These things, however, will 
more certainly prevent than cure the scurvy, for which 
reason sea-faring people, especially on long voyages, ought 
to lay in plenty of them. 
The patient should be cautioned against any sudden 
movement or exertion, as these have frequently been fol- 
lowed by immediate death ; but as strength returns, mod- 
erate exercise will prove of advantage. st. virus’s dance. 
463 
ST. VITUS’S DANCE (Chorea). 
This is a disease characterized by convulsive move- 
ments of the limbs, occasioning ludicrous gesticulations, 
and arising from involuntary action of the muscles. It 
has been wittily termed ‘ ‘ Insanity of the voluntary mus- 
cles.” 
Causes—Fright, irritation from teething or worms, self- 
pollution, deranged uterine functions, hysteria and descent 
from nervous, hysterical women. A frequent cause is “conta- 
gion of the eye”—that is, the patients seeing others suffering 
from the d‘ nse are liable to contract it. Thus stammer- 
ing and stuttering, local manifestations of St. Vitus’s 
Dance, are frequently the result of seeing or imitating 
others having the same defect. 
General Measures—The most important part of 
the treatment consists in the use of moral influences, es- 
pecially when the disease does not occur from any appre- 
ciable cause. There must be removal from too sympathiz- 
ing friends ; the patient being placed under the care of a 
kind but firm guardian. 
He must be encouraged to exercise his will in the con- 
trol of the muscles ; if the hands be affected, he should be 
required to carry crockery or other fragile articles ; or if 
the lower limbs, to walk on short stilts, etc. ; if the mus- 
cles of speech be implicated, inducing stammering or stut- 
tering, the best way is for the person to humble himself 
to the infant state, and be taught anew the use of lan- 
guage from those ingenious instructors who teach the deaf 
© © © 
and dumb, and systematically learn to shape slowly and 
deliberately his mouth into the form requisite for definite 
enunciation. By practicing thus at leisure, and before a 
looking-glass, he may gain great control over the articulat- 
in']!; muscles. 464 
ST. VITUS’S DAXCE. 
The patient must not be allowed to associate with others 
similarly affected; nor should his disease be enlarged upon 
in his presence; his attention should rather be diverted 
from it as much as possible. 
Benedict declares that out of twenty cases treated by 
him with the constant Galvanic current, not one has failed 
to recover. 
When the constitution is feeble, the best hygienic meas- 
ures must be adopted. 
Forcible control of the muscles only aggravates the 
disease. 
Remedies—1. The following infusion is a specific 
in this disease. I know not of a single case in which it 
has failed to effect a cure: Take, of scullcap (Scutellaria 
Lateriflora'), one ounce; boiling water, one quart; strain, 
and sweeten with loaf-sugar. Let the patient drink freely 
of this through the day; and this should be drunk alter- 
nately with a tea made of the lady’s slipper, when it can 
be obtained. 
If the foregoing remedy cannot be readily got, then 
obtain at the drug-stores, or gather a quantity of the herb 
known as the Fever-Few (Pyrentlirum Parthenium), and 
make a strong infusion of it. Then take a teacupful, twice 
a day, and you will find it effective. It will seldom be 
necessary to employ any other medicine. 
Accessory Treatment—All causes of irritation must 
be carefully avoided, and the patient should take suitable 
out-door exercise, be furnished with pleasant company and 
something to occupy the mind. In some cases the disease 
results from sexual excitation and onanism. This should 
be looked into, and if reasonable evidence exists, means 
should be employed to stop it. 
The body must be bathed every day, with friction in 
drying. The diet must be nourishing and of easy diges- 465 
PUTRID SORE THROAT. 
tion, avoiding all fats and sour things. If a child, it should 
be taken from school, and not excited in any other way. 
When worms are suspected to be the cause of the disease, 
they must be removed; or any other cause, when known, 
must first be cured before attempting any other treat- 
ment. 
PUTRID SORE THROAT (Cynanche Maligna). 
This disease generally affects the glands of the throat, 
while the common quinsy affects the mucous membrane. 
In the putrid sore throat there are also cankers, sores and 
ulcers in the throat, together with great debility of the 
system. In the inflammatory sore throat, there is always 
great difficulty of swallowing; whereas, in the other these 
symptoms are not present. 
Causes—The cause of this disease is specific con- 
tagion ; it is often communicated by infection ; when it 
is not, it most generally arises from cold, in habits pre- 
disposed to the disease. Whatever tends to produce putrid 
or malignant fevers may occasion the putrid, ulcerous sore 
throat; as neglect of cleanliness, unwholesome air, damaged 
provisions, etc. 
Symptoms—Some consider this disease the same as 
scarlet fever; but, although very similar, there appears in 
some respects a marked difference. The symptoms of this 
complaint are chills, fever, stiffness of the neck, soreness 
and inflammation of the throat. Ash-colored spots appear 466 
PUTRID SOKE THROAT. 
upon the inflamed parts, which produce deep ulcerations. 
The breathing and speaking are attended with a peculiar 
noise and hoarseness. It is ushered in with sickness, vom- 
iting, looseness and great anxiety. The pulse in general 
is small, quick and fluttering. The countenance is often 
full and bloated, sometimes pale and sunk, and the breath 
\ 
is intolerably offensive. The ulcers become livid or black, 
and sometimes gangrene to a considerable degree takes, 
place. Putrid symptoms now appear, under which the 
patient sometimes sinks in a few days. At the close of 
the disease hemorrhage from the mouth, nose and other 
parts takes place. 
Remedies—1. Take one-half a pint of good vin- 
egar, and as much water, one tablespoonful of salt, and 
one teaspoonful of Cayenne-pepper. Simmer them to- 
gether for ten minutes ; when cold, strain, and give, at 
a dose, one teaspoonful every hour, until favorable symp- 
toms appear; after which, repeat the dose every two or 
three hours. When this remedy is employed in the first 
stages of the disease, frequently no other will be re- 
quired. 
2. A plaster, made by melting rosin and adding to 
it equal parts, each, of honey and powdered camphor, 
spread upon a piece of flannel, and worn around the throat 
for several days, is effective. 
3. Take sumach-berries, or the bark of the root, 
white-oak bark and blackberry-root, of each a handful; 
make a strong decoction ; add to a pint, a lump of alum 
nearly as large as a walnut, and, when cool, strain and 
use it as a gargle, and apply it to the ulcers frequently. 
It is an infallible remedy. 
4. When there are putrid symptoms, such as offen- 
sive breath, pale countenance, livid lips, cold extremities 467 
SEA-SICKNESS. 
and sinking of the vital energies, give the patient, if an 
adult, a tablespoonful of yeast, frequently repeated. 
5. Lime-water makes a very efficacious gargle, in 
this difficulty. It should be used every one or two hours, 
prepared as follows: Pour, upon a quarter of a pound 
of fresh unslaked lime, two quarts of hot water. After 
standing several hours, carefully pour off the clear liquid, 
without shaking up the lime. 
6. A gargle of wild-indigo (Babtisia Tinctoria) is 
usually very prompt in arresting putrid sore throat. It is 
an herb that grows very plentifully in almost all parts of 
the United States, and it may be had at all drug-stores. 
Accessory Treatment—A light and airy room is 
very important in this disease. The patient may wash 
the mouth and gargle the throat with a tea, made by 
pouring boiling water on dried apples. The diet, in all 
cases of inflammation of the throat, must be light, consist- 
ing of rice-water, arrow-root, thin gruel, soft-boiled rice 
or soft toast, if the patient can swallow it without diffi- 
culty; to which may be added in malignant cases, espe- 
cially when there is great prostration of strength, milk, 
thin custard and beef-tea ; as the patient recovers, mutton- 
broth, and even beef or mutton, if the patient can chew 
and swallow them. The diet must very gradually be made 
more nutritious. 
SEA-SICKNESS (Nausea Marina). 
This affection, though very distressing, is not serious ; 
it is caused by the motion of the vessel. The seat of the 
affection is in the brain, and the sickness probably arises 468 
SEA-SICKNESS. 
from a deficient amount of blood supplied to that organ. 
The retching or heavings, and vomiting frequently recur, 
with intervals of extreme physical prostration, a sinking 
sensation at the pit of the stomach, vertigo or dizziness, 
headache, etc. The symptoms, especially the vertigo, are 
most severe in the upright posture, and are at once relieved 
by a strictly horizontal one. 
Treatment—Petroleum should be taken on going 
on board; a drop or two on a small piece of sugar, re- 
peated every two or three hours. From personal experi- 
ence in two voyages across the Atlantic, we recommend 
this as the best remedy for sea-sickness. Chloral hydrate 
in doses of twenty grains, will often enable the worst 
sailor to make a short sea-passage in perfect comfort. 
Remedies—The essence of peppermint, with many 
persons, is a perfect specific for sea-sickness, particularly 
after free vomiting has occurred. To one teacupful of 
hot water add a teaspoonful of the essence; sweeten, and 
take a swallow of this occasionally, and the symptoms 
will soon be allayed and the patient relieved. If this 
drink can be made warm each time, it is probably more 
effective. > 
Prevention—For several days before embarking, in- 
digestible food or any irregularity in diet should be 
avoided. At the same time, one of the preventive reme- 
dies may be taken. Dr. Marsden informs the author that 
he has found those medicines most efficacious which, taken 
a day or two before going on board, improve the diges- 
tion. During the early part of the passage, unless the 
weather be very fine, the patient should remain in his 
berth in a horizontal posture, and take chiefly liquid food— 
beef-tea, chicken-broth, etc. Good draughts of warm 
water, in the author’s experience, more often relieve than 
anything else. Warmth to the stomach and feet tends SCROFULA. 
469 
very much to prevent sea-sickness. Anything to amuse, 
and divert the attention from the waving posture, is 
useful. 
Another measure of prevention is to pass a broad belt 
round the body and place within it, on the region of the 
stomach, a pad stuffed with wool or horse-hair; this, 
when tightly braced, restrains the involuntary motion of 
the stomach, occasioned by the lurching of the vessel. 
During sickness, very weak, cold brandy and water 
will be found the best means of allaying the heat and irri- 
tation. 
A medical writer gives the following experience, and 
mode of treatment, while aboard a vessel at sea: 
A lady and two daughters, very ill indeed, attracted my attention. 
I approached them with a kind suggestion to give relief. It was accepted. 
Ladies, I said, if you will each drink a tumbler of tepid fresh water at my 
hands I undertake to promise you rapid relief. The water was drunk; 
the stomach shortly after responded by ejecting the liquid. No more 
vomiting occurred, and the ladies laid down quiet, but exhausted, from 
previous retching. An hour passed; I visited my ladies again, pleasant 
smiles, return of healthy color, and gratitude rewarded me. I proceeded 
further. A young married couple were victims of sea-sickness also. I 
proposed the same treatment with the same results. I went a little 
further with the gentleman; shortly after relieving the stomach with 
the warm water, I requested him to take a glass of cold water; the 
effect was magic. He felt quite well. Though we had five hours’ steam- 
ing still to get through before arriving at Southampton, I had the sat- 
isfaction of seeing my patients relieved permanently. 
SCROFULA, OR KING’S EVIL. 
This disease chiefly affects the glands, and consists of 
small kernels under the skin of the neck, and under the 
jaw, where they remain for a long time, often gathering and 470 
SCROFULA. 
breaking. The eyelids are often attacked with this disease, 
when they thicken, become inflamed and discharge a thick 
mucus. 
As to the causes of scrofula, there can be no doubt 
that hereditary predisposition goes before all others. In 
children, the glands of the neck and chest are the most 
usual seat of scrofulous disease. In adults, the lumrs most 
generally suffer. 
Causes—Want of pure air, unhealthy occupations 
and deficient supply, or an improper quality of food, may 
serve as causes of this disease. 
Two other potent causes of scrofula have been pointed 
out by Dr. Piddock; they are hereditary predispositions, 
occasioned by tobacco-smoking on the part of the father, 
and the existence of leucorrlieal discharge on that of the 
mother. To both of these we would draw special at- 
tention. 
Indulgence in tobacco-smoking, more especially when 
the habit becomes frequent and inveterate, or where it has 
been acquired early in life, is a fruitful cause. The pale, 
sallow complexion, the frequently disordered digestive func- 
tions, and the debilitated or consumptive frames of many 
young fathers, in the present day, attest the pernicious ten- 
dency of the habit in question. 
Symptoms—This disease affects the glands chiefly, 
and Consists of small kernels, under the skin of the neck 
and under the jaw, where they remain for a long time, 
often gathering and breaking. The eyelids are often at- 
tacked, when they thicken and become inflamed, discharg- 
ing a thick mucus. In children, the glands of the neck 
and chest are the most usual seat of scrofulous disease, 
though it sometimes settles in one of the joints of the 
hip, producing what is known as coxalgia, or hip-disease. REMEDIES. 
471 
In adults, the lungs generally suffer, and this local affec- 
tion is called tuberculous consumption. 
Remedies—1. The Oregon grape-root (Herberts 
Aquifolium) is a new, yet a sovereign remedy for this 
disease, and it is seldom any other will be needed. Use 
the fluid extract, which is now kept in almost every drug- 
store, and manufactured by Parke, Davis & Co., at De- 
troit. Dose, twenty drops, twice a day. 
2. Take a handful of walnut-leaves, bruise and steep 
in a pint of water. Strain and sweeten. A grown person 
should take about one-third of this quantity during each 
day. 
No visible effect may be noticed for two or three 
weeks, but afterwards tl*e curative effects will rapidly 
follow. 
“When this remedy is persevered in,” says Dr. Ne- 
grier, a distinguished French physician, “it will certain- 
ly effect a cure.” 
3. A preparation obtained from the action of aqua- 
fortis on copper coin, is exceedingly efficacious in this 
disease. 
4. In reference to it, Dr. Hall says, “A few 
years ago, a distinguished western millionaire wrote of a 
favorite remedy for scrofulous ulcers, ‘I have never 
heard of a case where it did not effect a speedy cure, 
and it can in no case do any injury. In several instances 
where it has been applied to old sores, it has also speedily 
effected perfect cures.’ Put one ounce of aquafortis in 
a bowl or saucer; drop in it two copper cents—it will 
effervesce—leave the cents in; when the effervescence 
ceases, add two ounces of strong vinegar. The fluid will 
be of a dark-green color. It should and will smart. If 
too severe, put in a little rain-water. Apply it to the 
sore morning and evening, by a soft brush or rag. Be- 472 
SCROFULA. 
fore applying it, wash the sore with water. Its first ap- 
plication known to me was a poor girl sent to our city 
from Memphis to have her leg cut off, as it was feared 
she might not live long enough to have it cut off in that 
hot climate. She was refused admittance to the poor- 
house, and was lying on the sidewalk, as she could not 
even stand up. From her knee to her foot one-third of 
the flesh was gone, and all the skin except a strip about 
two inches wide. She was laid on a bed, and the remedy 
placed on a chair by it. She could rise up and apply it. 
In a few days she declared it was getting well. It was 
supposed it was a relief from the pain only, but when 
examined, fresh flesh was found growing, and skin over 
it. She was soon running about and would work, which 
delayed the entire cure, leaving a small sore, which was 
in a few months entirely healed. A young girl, with 
scrofula in her neck, having a large open hole, and 
deemed incurable came, and in one month after, was en- 
tirely cured. I have never known a case where it did 
not effect a cure.” 
5. When scrofulous tumors have not yet discharged 
any matter, they should be dispersed, or “ scattered ” by 
the following means: 
A poultice of yellow dock or burdock-leaves, pounded 
and made into a plaster, with some corn-meal and vine- 
gar. 
Or, a poultice of stramonium, or jimson -leaves and 
poke-leaves, equal parts, may be pounded together, and 
applied over the tumors, changing them twice a day. 
After ulcers have formed, it is best to heal them as soon as 
possible. For this purpose, wash them two or three times 
a day with Castile-soapsuds, to which a small quantity of 
whisky has been added, and then apply one of the fol- 
lowing ointments : REMEDIES. 
473 
Take sweet cream, scrape some fresh carrots in it, 
and beat them together; strain off the cream by squeezing 
it in a coarse cloth. 
Take, of sweet-oil and linseed-oil, each one ounce, 
boil them in a tin vessel until they will scorch a feather, 
then gradually sprinkle in an ounce of red lead, stirring 
it all the time. As soon as the mixture is black, or dark, 
remove from the fire, set the vessel in some cold water, 
stirring all the time. When it is nearly cold, add gradually 
half an ounce of finely powdered camphor, stirring the 
whole together thoroughly. Apply twice a day. 
If the tumors are much inflamed, apply a poultice 
of bran and slippery-elm bark. Linseed-meal and slip- 
pery elm are very good. Apply cold, and renew when dry. 
The poultice is almost sovereign when the tumors burst, 
if it is mixed with the pulverized bark of the root of bay- 
berry and a little sweet oil. First, cleanse the tumor well 
with soap and water; then apply the poultice. The ex- 
tract of clover is very good for this purpose. It is made 
by boiling the flowers in water, then strain and reduce it 
to their extract by boiling. 
Moderate exercise in the open air is most essential; 
and in carrying out this suggestion, the patient should en- 
deavor to take exercise with the mind agreeably occupied, 
rather than follow it as an irksome task. Moderate gym- 
nastic exercises are beneficial; but profuse perspiration 
should be avoided. 
The food of scrofulous patients should always be of 
the most nutritious character, light and digestible. Beef, 
mutton, venison and fowls, are the best kinds of animal 
food; to these should be added preparations of eggs and 
milk, a due quantity of bread, mealy potatoes, rice and 
other farinaceous principles, as more suited to this class, 
of patients than succulent and watery vegetables. 474 
SOKE THKOAT. 
Cod-liver oil, as a supplemental article of diet, is ail agent 
possessing such remarkable and well-known properties of 
arresting general or local emaciation, as not to require fur- 
ther recommendation here. It may be given in almost 
any case in which a patient is losing flesh, in teaspoonful 
doses, two or three times a day, commencing even with 
half a teaspoonful, if it be found at first to disagree. 
Bathing, both in fresh and salt water, is invaluable, 
as a means of promoting a healthy action of the skin, and 
of imparting tone to the whole system 
Clothing should be adapted to the season, and should 
be warm without being oppressive. The extremities espe- 
cially should be kept warm. As a general rule, flannel 
should be worn, but only during the day; in winter it af- 
fords direct warmth, and in summer it tends to neutral- 
ize the effects of sudden changes of temperature. The 
linen should be frequently changed, always observing that 
it is put on perfectly dry. 
The patient should constantly hear in mind that in or- 
der to effect a cure, he should take daily exercise in the open 
air. 
SORE THROAT OF PUBLIC SPEAKERS— 
CLERGYMENS SORE THOAT 
(Laryngitis). 
Symptoms—The patient first complains of an uneasy 
sensation in the upper part of the throat, with a frequent 
disposition to swallow, as if something existed there which CAUSES, ETC. 
475 
could thus be removed. If proper treatment be not adopted, 
the voice soon undergoes a change; it becomes feeble and 
hoarse, and sometimes, especially towards the evening, 
there is complete loss of voice. The patient complains 
of pain in the upper part of the wind-pipe, and makes fre- 
quent efforts to clear the throat of phlegm by coughing and 
spitting. On looking into the throat, the parts are found 
to have an unhealthy appearance, being raw and granular, 
and the mucous glands tilled with a yellowish substance; 
a viscid mucous secretion may also be seen adhering to the 
palate and adjacent parts. 
Causes—This condition is probably most often induced 
by the exercise of the organ of voice when in an inflamed 
state. An extension of the affection is almost certain to 
result from exercising the voice during an attack of sore 
throat or hoarseness, as the muscles of the wind-pipe lose 
their nutrition through extension of the morbid materials 
from the inflamed mucous membrane. The disease may 
also result from an immoderate or irregular exercise of 
the voice, or it may follow inflammatory disease of the 
bronchial tubes or lungs, by much exercise of the voice 
before recovery has taken place. It is also occasioned by 
an unnatural style or tone of reading or speaking, as with 
preachers and military officers. 
The affections designated by the above names, being 
of a similar nature, and requiring similar treatment, are 
included in this caption. 
Remedies—1. In the milder forms of this disease, 
the inhalation of the vapor of vinegar, and frequently 
gargling the throat with a mixture of vinegar, rain-water 
and salt, together with an absolute rest of the voice, will 
be found sufficient to remove all symptoms of the disease. 
In the winter season, the feet should be well warmed, for 
half an hour or an hour, previously to retiring at night, 476 
SORE THROAT. 
and this should be repeated every night through cold and 
changeable weather. 
2. In severe cases, take equal parts of oil of turpen- 
tine and olive-oil. Mix, and apply twice a day. 
3. The active principle of the stone-root ( Collinsonia 
Canadenis), called Collinsonin, prepared by druggists, is 
an efficacious agent in this affection. Dose, one or two 
grains, three times a day. This acts very promptly, and 
is, perhaps, the best in use for this difficulty. 
4. The Mullein is also a very excellent remedy. The 
Medical and Sugical Reporter says, 
“In that form of disease in which there is dryness 
of the wind-pipe, with a constant desire to clear the throat, 
attended with little expectoration, and considerable pain in 
the part affected, the mullein smoked through a pipe acts 
like a charm and affords instant relief. It seems to act 
as an anodyne in allaying irritation, while it promotes ex- 
pectoration, and removes that gelatinous mucus which gathers 
in the wind-pipe, and, at the same time, by some unknown 
power, completely changes the nature of the disease, and, if 
persevered in, will produce a radical cure.” 
5. When the palate is found elongated, a portion of 
it may be cut off by a surgeon, without any danger, and 
this should always be done to lessen the irritation caused 
by it; and should the tonsils be enlarged, they should like- 
wise be properly excised by a surgeon. 
Accessory Treatment—1. Rest. The most im- 
portant is to exercise a sore or inflamed organ as little ns 
possible. The treatment of an inflamed wind-pipe, like 
that of an inflamed joint, should include a state of almost 
complete rest. As a preventive remedy in the case of 
clergymen, we would strongly urge the general adoption 
of Monday, as a day of out-of-door recreation and cessa- 
tion from all work, and thus compensate for the great SYPHILIS. 
477 
mental and physical expenditure involved in the discharge 
of the duties of the earnest minister of the gospel on the 
Sunday. 
2, The Throat-Compress—When this is applied 
the patient should retire, and he will generally have the 
satisfaction of finding his throat-difficulty much relieved in 
the morning. In more obstinate cases, the compress should 
be worn in the day-time, re-wetting it as often as neces- 
sary. When discontinued, the throat and chest should be 
bathed with cold water, followed by drying and friction. 
However often repeated, the compress never relaxes the 
throat. 
3. Cultivation of the Beard — The beard and 
moustache should be permitted to grow, as they afford an 
excellent protection to the throat, especially in the case of 
barristers, clergymen, public singers and others subjected 
to the undue or irregular exercise of the organ of voice. 
SYPHILIS, OB POX. 
Causes—This disease is most frequently caused by 
impure sexual intercourse; though, should either of the 
parents be affected with the disease, the child may in- 
herit it. If a child has syphilitic disease of the face, it 
may communicate it to the nurse. Or, should the nurse 
have syphilitic disease of the nipples, breast or face, the 
child may contract it. It may also be communicated by 
contact with the syphilitic virus in water-closets. 
Symptoms—These are of three kinds or orders. 478 
SYPIIILIS. 
Physicians term them primary, secondary and tertiaiy. 
The first appear within a few days after one has been ex- 
posed—say, from two to ten—in the form of sores on the 
penis or scrotum ; and sometimes there appears, at the same 
period or a little later, a swelling in the groin. This may 
form matter, break and discharge, and makes a sore, like 
the others very hard to heal. Or, it may pass away with- 
out breaking, or even-' heal quickly and kindly, following 
a gathering and discharge. In the female, these sores may 
be on the outside parts, or within the vagina and water- 
passage, or on the womb. These sores are sometimes 
light and transient; but where they indicate the coming-on 
of the secondary stage of the disease, they are hard, deep, 
red, angry and malignant. In people of bad health or 
habits, the sore sloughs and spreads rapidly, and looks 
dark and livid. The injudicious use of mercury produces 
similar effects on persons of the strongest health and most 
regulated habits. 
Second Stage—This is indicated by the appearance, 
on various parts of the person, such as the tongue, lips, 
throat and wind-pipe, of ulcerous sores, mattering about 
the roots of the finger-nails, and inflammation of the 
colored part of the eye. Sometimes there are pains, like 
those of rheumatism. Syphilitic sores are of various kinds, 
and are generally long-continued, of a brassy or copperish 
color, often scaly, and very likely to poison the surround- 
ing flesh, producing tubercles, of a brown color, sur- 
rounded by a dark-red circle, and likely to pass into of- 
fensive ulcers. These external appearances are sometimes, 
however, simulated by other diseases. 
Third Stage—This is simply a more advanced pe- 
riod of the disease, attested by a general aggravation of 
the symptoms. The skin-affections seem deeper seated, 
and portions of the bones become enlarged. They be- REMEDIES. 
479 
come inflamed, decay and die; especially those of the 
nose, palate and shins. It is generally several years, be- 
fore these symptoms appear. When deep-seated pains in 
the bones follow the earlier symptoms, we may conclude 
them syphilitic, and that the disease is still going on. 
Primary syphilis is certainly contagious. As to the 
later stages, the authorities differ on this point; though 
we are inclined to the opinion that it is not. But we 
ought to say that, in order to communic: c syphilis, it is, 
in general, necessary that actual contact should take place. 
During the continuance of the primary symptoms, the 
disease is liable to be transmitted to offspring, and, in 
many cases, the secondary form also. 
Remedies—1. The plant called stillingia, or yaw- 
root, will cure almost any case of this disease. Dose, of 
the decoction, from a half to a wineglassful, three times 
a day; of the tincture, one teaspoonful. The compound 
syrup is a good preparation to take, and may be had at 
any drug-store; the dose of this is a teaspoonful, three 
times a day. 
2. For many years past, when an ulcer remains unbroken and 
in the pustular form, in which condition it is not acted upon by the 
oxygen of the atmosphere, I have been in the habit of rupturing the 
pimple with a needle, and then at once applying a few drops of nitric 
or muriatic acid. I do not believe that absorption of the syphilitic 
virus, to any dangerous extent, takes place until after the exposure of 
the open ulcer to the atmosphere. In some few cases, the acid causes 
pain for a short time, but in most instances the pain is slight. I have 
treated some hundreds of cases in the above manner, and have not yet 
heard of any return of the disease in constitutional form.—[Prof. King. 
3. Ricord, the great French authority on this subject, 
has introduced a new treatment for syphilis with iron. One 
part of the potassio-tartrate of iron is dissolved in six 
parts of water, and two teaspoonfuls are given three times 
a day. The same solution is applied to the external sore 480 
SYPHILIS. 
or chancre. This author says that no secondary symptoms 
have been known to occur after this treatment. 
4. Take, of compound syrup of stillingia, two fluid 
ounces ; a strong tincture of sheep-laurel, two fluid ounces ; 
strong tincture of poke-root, two ounces. Mix. Dose, 
one teaspoonful, three times a day. This remedy has 
cured many bad cases in from four to six weeks, and is 
the favorite treatment of some eminent physicians. 
5. The black oxide of mercurius is a never-failing: 
remedy for the cure of recent, uncomplicated syphilis, 
when employed in the manner specified below. The second 
decimal attenuation of this medicine is that which is em- 
ployed, and will usually have to be procured at a Homoeo- 
pathic drug-store. Of this, take one-half a grain, morn- 
ing and evening, either dry, on the tongue, or in a little 
water. Frequently, the first signs of cure are manifest at 
the end of twenty-four hours, and often, a radical and 
permanent cure is effected in seven days, and always in 
from seven to twenty-one days. 
In old or chronic forms of syphilis, or in those that 
have been mismanaged by previous unskilful and unscien- 
tific medical treatment, no physician can, or should promise 
a cure in any specified time. In such cases, it may re- 
quire months to eradicate the poison from the system. 
Persons affected with this form of the disease cannot, 
and ought not, to expect that a speedy cure can be made. 
On the contrary, much time and patience of their own, 
together with proper attention to diet and due diligence 
to avoid exposures—as extremes of heat and cold, damp- 
ness, fatigue, etc.—will be necessary. All sexual indul- 
gences are strictly to be prohibited, and a rigid temperance 
in all other things absolutely maintained. 
External Treatment for Chancre—The best 
agents for its destruction are the following: Nitric acid, 481 
REMEDIES. 
carbolic acid and the tincture of iron. The chancre should 
be carefully wiped out, with dry lint or cotton, until it is 
well cleaned of the discharge that accompanies it. When 
this is done, take a small piece of wood, like a match, 
and dip it into the remedy to be used (I always prefer 
the carbolic acid), and with this carefully but thoroughly 
touch every portion of the chancre, re-dipping the stick 
several times at each treatment. Now, moisten a little 
cotton or lint with glycerine, and lay it over the chancre 
as a dressing. It should be treated in this way only once 
a day, for four or five days, or until the chancre is de- 
stroyed ; but the glycerine-dressing should be applied, or 
changed, two or three times daily. If the patient should 
use the nitric acid or the tincture of iron, he should ap- 
ply it in precisely the same manner. In case he should 
use the nitric acid, he should always remember to im- 
mediately wash the ulcer with equal parts of vinegar and 
water, in order to neutralize the acid. 
Bubo—As soon as a chancre makes its appearance, 
the groins should be carefully watched. If any soreness 
or swelling takes place in that locality, a bubo should at 
once be suspected. Use, immediately, the following, over 
the sore or tender spot: Tincture of iodine, one ounce; 
glycerine, half an ounce. Apply twice a day, with a 
camel’s hair brush, or some other convenient implement. 
After this, apply a poke-root poultice, made by roasting 
the fresh root in hot ashes until it becomes soft, then 
mashing it. If this root cannot bo had, use a poultice of 
elm-bark and stramonium-leaves. Should the bubo con- 
tinue to increase in size, and pass on to' suppuration, or, 
in other words, to form matter, it should be opened with 
caustic potash, and injected, once a day, wTith Castile- 
soapsuds and spirits, followed by an injection of the tinc- 
ture of the muriate iron. 482 
SECONDARY SYPHILIS. 
SECONDARY SYPHILIS. 
Remedies—1. In this disease, a new remedy has 
recently been introduced to the medical profession which, 
in consequence of the marked success attending its use, 
is taking a position in its treatment that is accorded to 
but few other drugs. It is the Oregon grape-root (Ber- 
beris Aquifolium). The fluid extract of this root can be 
procured at the drug-stores. Take, of this, one table- 
spoonful ; four of simple syrup; and as much water. 
Mix. The dose is one tablcspoonful, morning and even- 
ing. 
Some practitioners consider it advisable to combine 
iodide of potash with this remedy. In this case, four 
grains may be added to the whole of the above prepara- 
tion, and taken as before. 
2. The plant, called the turkey or squirrel-corn 
( Corydalis Formosa), is regarded by Eclectic physicians 
as very nearly a specific for the cure of syphilis. As a 
blood-purifier, in this disease, it has, probably, no supe- 
rior. Dose, of the tincture, one teaspoonful; of the ex- 
tract, which is a fine powder, from one-half to a grain, 
three times a day, until cured. 
3. Take one pint of the syrup of sarsaparilla, two 
fluid ounces of the strong tincture of poke-root, and one 
drachm of iodide of potash. Mix. Of this, take one 
teaspoonful, three times a day. 
This is popular with the Ncw-School physicians ; yet 
it may require weeks, and even months, to effect a cure, 
as it usually does in this form of the disease. But it 
will hardly fail, eventually, to succeed, when persever- 
ingly used. 
4. In secondary syphilis, Prof. E. M. Hale, author INGROWING TOE-NAIL. 
483 
of “ New Remedies,” has used the pleurisy-root (Asclepias 
Tuberosa) with uniform success. Dose of the tincture, 
thirty drops to a teaspoonful, three times a day. It is a 
harmless drug. 
Syphilitic Rheumatism—This is rheumatism of 
the long and flat bones, between the joints. The remedy 
for this is ten or fifteen grains of the iodide of potassium, 
three times a day, until the symptoms have disappeared, 
and to be taken again should they return. It is believed 
that this will cure where cure is possible. 
Prevention—The means of preventing syphilis are 
the same as that given under “ Gonorrhea;” which see. 
Accessory Treatment—The diet of the patient 
should be nutritious and easy of digestion, avoiding acids, 
all greasy food, alcoholic drinks and much exercise. Ex- 
posures to cold must be carefully avoided. Persons free 
from syphilis should not sleep in the same bed with those 
who have it; and, both in gonorrhea and syphilis, patients 
should be particular not to get any matter upon the fin- 
gers or towels, lest it come in contact with the eyes, and 
occasion loss of sight. 
INGROWING TOE-NAIL. 
This is a very troublesome and often painful affection. 
The edges or sides of the nail are disposed to turn down 
and grow into the flesh, giving rise to inflammation, ulcera- 
tion and often great pain and suffering. 
We 5rive several modes of treatment for this difficulty, 484 
INGROAVING TOE-XAIL. 
all of which are effective. The patient may select from 
them that which is most suitable to his condition. 
Treatment—It may be remedied by softening it in 
warm water, then paring it thin on the upper surface, and 
cutting it down as far as may be at the middle part of 
the extremity, avoiding cutting the 'parts which tend to grow 
in. By these means the growth is diverted from the sides ; 
since a nail-will grow most where it is cut most. 
2. The foot must be well bathed in warm lye-water 
at least once a day, and a slipperv-elm-bark poultice applied 
immediately afterwards ; this will diminish excessive inflam- 
mation, and render the patient more comfortable. But, 
in order to effect a radical cure, it will be necessary, im- 
mediately after the foot has been immersed in the lye- 
water for twenty or thirty minutes, to press down as far 
as possible, without exciting too much pain, pledgets of 
lint between the nail and flesh, until the nail is brought 
upon a level with the contiguous parts; and after this 
has been done, if the inflammation has measurably sub- 
sided, let a narrow bandage be bound over this, in order 
to secure the dressings. 
I find it best to apply sufficient lint to elevate it above 
the nail and flesh. 
The elm-bark poultice should be changed twice a day. 
At each subsequent dressing, cut off as much of the nail 
as is raised out of the tender flesh, with the point of a 
knife. Continue to do this until the whole of the offend- 
ing portion is cut away. 
3. The following is good treatment, and many think, 
superior to any other: Wash the toe in warm water, and 
dry the parts with cotton. Then gently press cotton be- 
tween the toe-nail and the flesh, and extend it between 
the skin and the nail. Next, wet a piece of nitrate of TOOTHACHE. 
485 
silver and rub it hard upon the nail, close to the cotton, not 
allowing it to touch the tender flesh ; then put on a thin 
layer of cotton, and, in two or three hours, a poultice 
around the toe. In two days that part of the nail which 
has been touched with the nitrate will be black, and, where 
it was well applied, will be separated from the parts un- 
derneath, and may be taken off without pain. 
If the nail is very thick, scrape off the black and 
deadened part after two days, and apply the nitrate again. 
This treatment is a vast improvement on the old and cruel 
practice of tearing off the live nail. 
Dr. Finch says, “Neither of the cutting operations 
is at all necessary for the complete and rapid cure of in- 
growing toe-nail. If a small, thin, flat piece of silver- 
plate be bent at one edge into a slight, deep groove, and, 
after the toe has been poulticed twenty-four hours, slipped 
beneath the edge of the nail, so as to protect the flesh 
from its pressure, and the rest of the plate bent round the 
side and front of the toe, being kept in position with a small 
portion of resin-plaster passed round the toe, a speedy 
and almost painless cure will take place ; and the patient, 
after the first day, has the additional advantage of being 
able to walk. I have followed this method in numerous 
cases with uniform success.” 
TOOTHACHE (Odontalgia). 
Causes—Decay is the most common predisposing cause ; 
sudden changes of temperature, derangements of the diges- 
tive organs, pregnancy and general bad health, are the 486 
TOOTHACHE. 
most frequent exciting causes. When the cavity of a tooth 
has been exposed by decay, the pulp is extremely liable to 
pain from contact with food, liquids or atmospheric air; 
and if the health be much impaired or the central pulp 
greatly irritated, acute inflammation, with extreme pain may 
result. 
Neuralgic toothache occurs in paroxysms, which come 
and go suddenly. 
Remedies—1. Apply strong alum-water and salt 
to the tooth, by means of a lock of cotton. One or two 
applications seldom fail to cure. See “Medical Uses of 
Salt.” 
2. Bathing the gums with oil of sassafras, at the 
same time moistening a piece of cotton with it and plugging 
the tooth, will speedily cure some forms of toothache. 
3. Others will be relieved by putting two or three 
drops of the oil of cloves on cotton or lint, and placing 
it in the hollow of the tooth. This will cure without de- 
stroying the tooth or injuring the gums. 
4. Pains of the face and jaw, when not the conse- 
quence of decayed teeth, may be relieved by holding hot 
water, brandy or the diluted tincture of Cayenne-pepper 
in the mouth. 
5. Toothache, as it originates from different causes, 
requires, as a matter of necessity, the application of dif- 
ferent remedies. In addition to the above, the following 
may often be used with success : The application of some- 
thing warm to the part, as a hot brick or rock, wrapped 
in a wet cloth, or holding the head over a steam having 
it covered with a blanket; bathing the face or jaw with 
pepper and vinegar, or applying to the face a paper wet 
with vinegar and sprinkled with Cayenne; or holding 
heating substances in the mouth, or chewing a small piece 
of the bark of logwood, will be found of great benefit. REMEDIES, ETC. 
487 
The same plan may be pursued in cases of ague, or pain 
in the face and jaw. 
Electricity frequently gives speedy relief. Using a 
constant current of eight or ten elements, the negative 
pole is applied to the cheek near the aching tooth, and the 
positive pole to the back of the neck. 
Spongy Gums and Tartar on the Teeth—Take, of 
Borax 1 drachm. 
Strong tincture of camphor 1 teaspoonful. 
Soft water 8 tablespoonfuls. 
Mix. Wash the teeth and gums with it twice a week, 
using a soft tooth-brush. 
This is a line remedy for spongy gums, and also in 
cases where there is a tendency to their wasting away 
from the teeth. It will clean the teeth of all tartar, give 
health and renewed vigor to the gums and sweeten the 
breath. 
Filling Decayed Teeth—If the decayed portion be 
recent and slight, it should be removed, and the cavity 
filled with a suitable material by a skilful dentist. If the 
patient be suffering from toothache, the pain should be 
relieved before filling. When it is not practicable to have 
a tooth filled by a professional dentist, its cavity should 
be cleaned and filled with white wax which, by excluding 
the atmospheric air and the irritation of food, retards the 
progress of decay. But a better and more durable filling 
for non-professionals is the prepared gutta-percha which, 
if carefully introduced, after thoroughly cleaning out the 
affected tooth, may preserve it for years. Dr. Ringer 
recommends a jelly, made of equal parts of collodion and 
carbolic acid, to be used as a filling for hollow teeth. 
Extraction of Teeth—In a few cases the only 
remedy for toothache is extraction; this is especially the 
case if the decay has proceeded so far as to blacken the 488 
TOOTHACHE. 
tooth, rendering it loose and useless for mastication, in- 
jurious to neighboring teeth and a cause of offensive 
breath. On the other hand, probably in ninety-five cases 
out of a hundred, considerable experience justifies us in 
stating that the most distressing cases of toothache are 
promptly cured. Our advice therefore is—never extract 
a tooth, merely because it aches, or has begun to decay. 
Skilful treatment is usually sufficient to remove the pain ; 
and, subsequently, local and general measures may prevent 
a recurrence of the trouble. 
Means of Preservation—The function of the teeth 
is so important that their preservation is a matter of the 
highest moment. The first teeth determine the nature of 
© 
the second set, and persons suffer lamentably from early 
neglect. Proximate decay might be prevenfed, in five 
cases out of ten, by simply passing a thread between an 
infant’s teeth, twice a week, from the time of their 
eruption. Professional inspection should also be sought 
before symptoms of decay present themselves, and 
while there is still hope that the dentist may fulfil what 
should be regarded as his mission, that of saving the 
teeth. Cleanliness, with respect to the teeth, is all-im- 
portant for infants and children, as well as adults. The 
teeth should be kept clean by rinsing the mouth with 
pure cold water, and brushing the teeth with a moder- 
ately soft brush every morning; and, if possible, after 
every meal, especially when animal food has been taken; 
and contact with all disorganizing agents avoided. The 
idea that frequent brushing the teeth is liable to lacerate 
the gums and separate them from the teeth is erroneous, 
for it is one of the best methods of restoring them to a 
healthy condition when they are spongy and liable to 
bleed. But when a tendency to decay of the teeth or in- 
flammatory action of the gums exists, a dilute solution of ENLARGEMENT OF THE TONSILS. 
489 
carbolic acid, myrrh or other dentifrice, should be regu- 
larly and continuously used. The habit of taking very 
hot substances into the mouth should be avoided, as the 
expansive power of heat may rupture the enamel, which 
in turn becomes the nucleus of decay. On the other 
hand, the habit of subjecting the teeth to the opposite 
extreme of temperature, as by sucking ice, etc., is also to 
be avoided. Chewing or smoking tobacco, and the habitual 
use of strong drinks, tend to destroy the teeth. 
To Kill the Nerve of a Tooth—Clean the cavity 
of the tooth, then apply, by means of cotton, carbolic 
acid; then cover this, or rather plug the tooth, with bees- 
wax ; after thirty or forty minutes remove, and the nerve 
will be effectually destroyed. Be careful not to let the 
carbolic acid touch the mouth or gums, 
ENLARGEMENT OP THE TONSILS (Hypertro- 
phy Tonsilaris). 
Enlargements of the tonsils may be of two kinds: 
1. The common abscess, occurring in inflammatory 
sore throat. 
2. A chronic swelling, generally the consequence of 
previous inflammation of the gland in a scrofulous person. 
They often become so large as to impede both respiration 
and swallowing. 
© 
Remedies—1. Take two tablespoonfuls of molas- 
ses and four of water, and two teaspoonfuls of No. six. 
Mix. Sip a little in the throat, and, at the same time, 490 
TUMORS. 
swallow a small portion. This tends to keep up a flow 
of saliva from the parts, and thus relieve their swollen 
condition and stimulates to renewed, healthy action. 
The tonsils, if practicable, should be frequently touched 
with common lye, by means of a piece of sponge or muslin 
fastened to a probe or stick. The feet must be frequently 
bathed, and exposure to wet and cold avoided. 
2. In chronic enlargement of the tonsils, the appli- 
cation of dilute tincture of iodine, as a paint, is very use- 
ful. 
3. The most sure and effectual mode of cure is, 
after the inflammation has subsided, to remove a portion 
of the tonsils. This will put an end to the attacks at 
once. The operation is neither painful nor dangerous. 
Any physician can do it in a few moments. 
TUMORS. 
Tumors are swellings of various kinds, may be de- 
veloped on any part of the body, and owe their origin 
to some unhealthy action. 
There are several varieties of tumor, as scrofulous, 
cancerous, polypus, etc., some of which have been treated 
upon under the heads of scrofula, cancer and polypus. 
At this place we shall confine ourselves to fatty tumors, 
which are more commonly met with in the region of the 
head. 
The fatty tumor, also known as the adipose, usually REMEDIES. 
491 
presents a soft, inelastic appearance, without any pain or 
discoloration of the skin. It commences very small, but 
slowly attains to a very large size, its bulk being the only 
inconvenience to the patient. 
Kennedies—±. These tumors may often be removed 
by the application of caustic potash. Care should be ex- 
ercised when applied over the tumor, to prevent it from 
running over the surrounding parts. Afterwards, apply 
a slippery-elm bark and yeast-poultice, to promote suppura- 
tion. After a few days sloughing will commence, and 
the contents of the tumor will be discharged. 
2. But the best plan, in most cases, is to remove the 
tumors by the knife, because the operation is less painful 
and tedious. 
3. Tumors may be removed, when they are pendu- 
lous, by passing a silk or linen thread around the base, 
and then fastening it to a short piece of metal or wood, 
and daily drawing it tight enough to stop the circulation. 
Tumors of great magnitude may be taken off in this man- 
ner ; and there is an advantage in removing them in this 
way, in consequence of no hemorrhage attending the 
operation. Besides, the patient has less dread of it than 
excision by the knife. For tumors called wens, see 
“ Wens.” 492 
HARDENED SWELLING OF THE ABDOMEN. 
HARDENED SWELLING OF THE ABDOMEN 
(Tympanites). 
The symptoms are, elastic distension of the abdomen, 
not readily yielding to pressure and sounding like a drum, 
with costiveness and emaciation, but no fluctuation. 
In the beginning we observe difficulty of breathing 
and hollow rumbling of the bowels. Thirst and loss of 
appetite, pain in the loins, with frequency of pulse suc- 
ceed, and wasting follows. 
The persons most liable to this disease are chiefly 
those of relaxed and irritable habit, such as have been 
debilitated by profuse evacuations, intermittents or typhus 
fever; patients who have recently suffered by spasmodic 
and inflammatory affections of the bowels, and particularly 
women after child-birth. 
It is sometimes occasioned by dropsy and morbid af- 
fections of the liver; at other times by stone in the gall 
or bladder ; frequently by worms ; and in one most curious 
case, reported by Van Swieten, it arose from hemorrhagic 
effort after suppression of the menses and the hemorhoidal 
flux. 
It may likewise be induced by poisons, when they 
occasion flatulence and spasmodic constriction of the bow- 
els. 
There is evidently a preternatural distension of the 
intestines by air, producing loss of tone in the muscular 
fibres of the part distended; and, from what has been 
suggested on the process of digestion, it must appear that 
the accumulation of this air or gas in the stomach or the 
bowels is to be attributed to some defect either in quan- 
tity or quality of the several fluids, the saliva, pancreatic 
juice and bile, which are mixed with the aliment to assist 
in the reduction of it into chyle, and to restrain the pro- ULCERS. 
493 
gress of fermentation in the feces while they are passing 
the intestines. But this alone cannot be the proximate 
cause of the tympanites; for with this must be united 
spasmodic stricture in some part of the intestines, which 
prevents the escape of wind, and this spasmodic stricture 
must be occasioned by some irritation in the system. 
Remedies—To a pint of a strong infusion of spear- 
mint or peppermint, add one-lialf teaspoonful of ginger. 
Inject as much of this liquid into the bowels each time as 
possible, and repeat it two or three times a day, accord- 
ing to the symptoms; the patient should endeavor to re- 
tain it for some time, unless it produces an immediate 
discharge of gas. In connection with this, the abdomen 
of the patient should be slowly rubbed downward with 
the hand of an attendant, for several hours in succession, 
or until the swelling has disappeared making as much pres- 
sure as can be borne. 
To allay the thirst, give either spearmint, horsemint 
or ginger. Sometimes the wind may be drawn off by in- 
serting in the rectum a long, gum-elastic tube. 
During the disease, the diet should be light, digestible 
and of a nutritious character; all food which will cause 
acidity or flatulence should be avoided. 
ULCERS. 
An ulcer is an injury done to flesh from various 
causes, and from which issues matter, with more or less 
pain and inflammation. It may arise from any source tha; 494 
ULCERS. 
occasions inflammation or corrupts the fluids ; as fever, scrof- 
ula, the venereal disease, retention of acrid humors, cold, 
injuries, etc. It is divided into many different kinds; but 
this is unnecessary for practical purposes. 
Treatment—Confine with a bandage a compress of 
cloth so that it shall press firmly upon the portion of the 
cavity from which the pus or matter comes farthest from 
the external opening, so as to bring the two sides of the 
cavity in contact and allow them to heal; leave the open- 
ing free. 
If ulcers are irritable and painful, apply soft rags or 
cotton wet in warm water. If they are indolent or inac- 
tive, apply cloths wet in cold water, and several folds of 
dry flannel over them—change once in six hours. If the 
ulcer seems to be doing well and the matter is thick and 
healthy, apply a soft cloth with mutton-tallow spread upon 
its surface; do not remove it more frequently than once 
in twenty-four hours, unless the discharge is very great, 
and then do not wash off the matter from the surface of 
the sore, as it is nature’s dressing. 
If the ulcer is foul and the discharge from it smells 
badly, use carbolic acid and water, equal parts of each. 
Wash the ulcer with it once or twice a day. 
If the ulcer is on one of the lower extremities, the 
cure will be expedited by keeping the limb in a horizontal 
position. 
When an ulcer is in a healthy condition, the healing 
process can often be hastened by drawing the edges to- 
wards each other by the means of straps of adhesive 
plaster, so as to lessen the extent of surface to be healed 
over. 
In addition to the above treatment, bandages are more 
or less necessary in all ulcers on the legs, unless absolute 
rest, with the elevation of the foot above the level of the REMEDIES. 
495 
hips, can be enforced. Laced stockings or elastic stock- 
ings are convenient substitutes for the bandage, and are 
more easily applied. In the treatment of ulcers on the 
leg, as, indeed, on every other part, undeviating cleanli- 
ness is essential. The uncleanly habits of many persons, 
who allow their feet and legs to remain unwashed for 
weeks together, induce an imperfect vitality of the skin, 
which favors the formation of ulcers, and renders them 
disagreeable and obstinate in their results. Washing the 
lower extremities daily is one of the most potent means of 
preventing and curing the disease, and restoring the lost 
vitality of the parts. 
As much open-air exercise should be taken daily as is 
consistent with the patient’s strength ; but he should not 
stand much, nor sit with his legs hanging down. 
Remedies—The foregoing is the more recent mode 
© © 
of treating ulcers, and, perhaps, in most cases, the best. 
The following is that which has heretofore been more 
commonly employed: 
1. To ulcers which are irritable, tender and painful, 
apply a carrot-poultice, prepared as follows: Scrape the 
root fine and cover with boiling water; thicken with a 
little corn-meal; renew once a day, or oftener where there 
is much discharge. 
2. The bitter-sweet, as prepared under the title of 
“Proud Flesh,*’ which see, is an excellent remedy for 
ulcers. 
3. When neither of the above can readily be pro- 
cured, the parsnip should be used. In many cases it is 
not excelled. It is prepared by first boiling and then 
making it into a poultice. 
4. Walnut-leaves are very good, where they can be 
had, and are very highly recommended by all who have 
employed them. A quantity of them is to be boiled, with 496 
ULCEUS. 
a small portion of sugar added. Cloths are then to be 
dipped into the liquid and applied to the ulcer, and 
changed as often as they become dry. 
5. When ulcers are foul and emit a disagreeable 
smell, mix a small portion of yeast with the poultices 
which are employed. 
6. Fomentations of hops and poppy-leaves are excel- 
lent. Sometimes dry applications will be found to have a 
better effect than moist; such as sprinkling on common 
flour or pulverized chalk. These may be used for a few 
days, in alternation with poultices and fomentations. Do 
not bandage tightly. 
7. Indolent ulcers, which are almost insensible to the 
touch, hard, and the discharge thick and of yellowish color, 
should be treated differently from those of an irritable 
character. They should first be stimulated, in order to 
excite a healthy granulation. For this purpose wash, at 
each time of dressing, with Castile-soapsuds, in which a 
little brandy or other spirits has been added, and carefully 
dry. Then sprinkle over its surface finely powdered blood- 
root. 
8. One of the best preparations for these ulcers is 
wild-indigo root. It is prepared by making a strong de- 
coction and thickening it with powdered elm-bark, or, in 
the absence of the bark, use corn-meal or starch. If 
there should be a tendency to mortification, sprinkle the 
preparation with powdered charcoal, and add a portion of 
yeast. 
If any fungus, or proud flesh appear, sprinkle on the 
part burnt alum or powdered blood-root. See article on 
“Proud Flesh.” 
9. In addition to these local measures, it will fre- 
quently be necessary to use some internal treatment, in 
ulcers of an inveterate character. For this purpose, the FEVER-SORES. 
497 
compound syrup of stillingia is very good. It can be pro- 
cured at all drug-stores. Also, burdock, yellow-dock or 
sarsaparilla is useful for the same purpose. Dose, two 
teaspoonfuls, in a little water, twice a day. 
Accessory Treatment—The diet should be nutri- 
tious and easy of digestion; fats, acids and liquors must 
be avoided. 
Healthy ulcers secrete pus or matter, of the color 
and consistence of cream; these should not be molested 
with frequent washings. 
FEVER-SORES. 
Remedies—1. The so-called fever-sores are treated 
as other ulcers. A good remedy for their cure is the 
leaves of the chickweed (Stellaria Medlia). Their ap- 
plication should he renewed twice a day. 
2. Another very excellent preparation, for the cure 
of the same, as well as for healing other sores, is the 
red-clover blossoms. They are to be made into a decoc- 
tion, and then reduced by boiling to a thick paste, and 
applied to the ulcer on a cloth. 
3. Apply fresh-scraped turnip to the ulcer, twice a 
day. It should be renewed oftener in cases where it be- 
comes very offensive. 
This simple remedy has cured cases of ten and fifteen 
years’ standing. 
Fever-Blisters—Touch the blister with a piece of 
saltpetre, three or four times a day. This will prevent the 498 
HIGH-COLOIIED AND SCALDING URINE 
formation of a sore. One day’s use will ordinarily 
suffice. 
HIGH-COLORED AND SCALDING URINE. 
Causes—It may arise from various causes ; from in- 
flammation of the kidneys, womb, alcoholic drinks, luxu- 
rious diet, excessive venery, etc. 
Remedies—This may be readily relieved by drink- 
ing freely, every one or two hours, of a tea of goose-grass 
( Cleavers) ; or, of a tea made of marshmallow-root. A 
tea made of pumpkin-seed or watermelon-seed is often 
a speedy cure. Any of these teas may be sweetened with 
sugar or honey. 
In some cases, the pain may become so severe that, 
in order to relieve it, sitz-baths should be resorted to. 
In such cases, the bath should be taken as hot as the 
patient can bear, and he should remain in it for twenty or 
thirty minutes. 
The drinks employed should be flax-seed or slippery- 
elm water. 499 
RETENTION OF URINE. 
RETENTION OF URINE (Retentio Urinae). 
This is an obstruction to the discharge of the urine. 
Retention is liable to be confounded with suppression 
of urine ; but in the latter condition the kidneys are the 
seat of the disease, and do not secrete the urine ; in re- 
tention, the urine is secreted, but the fault is in the blad- 
der, its sphincter, or in the course of the urethra, in which 
there may be some cause of obstruction, as stricture, dis- 
eased prostate, etc. Suppression may be easily distin- 
guished from retention, for in the latter disease the blad- 
der is distended with urine, and may be felt at the bot- 
tom of the abdomen; while, in suppression, the bladder 
is empty and can scarcely be felt. If it be deemed 
necessary to introduce the catheter, the diagnosis will be 
confirmed; in retention the bladder will be found full, 
but in suppression empty. 
Causes—Retention of urine may be owing to a 
paralysis of the bladder; mechanical obstruction at the 
neck of the bladder, or in the urethral canal; inflamma- 
tion of the neck of the bladder; injuries to the blad- 
der ; irritation of the parts from gravel, or from cantha- 
rides taken internally, or absorbed from a blister; tumors 
or enlarged prostate glands. 
Remedies—1. In all ordinary cases of this dis- 
ease, egg-shells are a potent remedy and cure that may 
be relied on. They are to be parched and pulverized, 
then given, in teaspoonful-doses, every hour, 
2. Marshmallow-root is a very popular remedy for 
retention of urine. When it cannot be had, use parsley. 
A tea of these plants is to be drunk freely every hour 
or two. Relief is usually obtained in a few hours. 
3. In some cases of this disease, warm water, in- 
jected into the urethra with a syringe, acts like a charm. 500 
RETENTION OF URINE. 
A copious flow of urine is produced, with subsequent nat- 
ural discharges at their usual intervals. 
4. The old remedy of our grandmothers—a tea, of 
watermelon or pumpkin-seeds—should have a place, with 
the others, in the treatment of this disease ; for, many 
times, it is at hand when no other is, and is often prompt 
and effective, and will preclude the use of any other. 
5. There may occur sometimes very inveterate cases, 
or those that have been neglected, that will require the 
use of the instrument called the catheter, to draw off 
the water from the bladder until a cure can be effected. 
This will necessitate the attendance of a physician for its 
accomplishment. 
6. In no case should a patient be allowed to go 
longer than twenty-four hours without a passage of urine, 
and if he takes much drink or fluids and perspires but 
little, twelve or eighteen hours is as long as it is safe to 
allow him to go without drawing off his urine by the 
means of a catheter. Any physician can perform this 
operation. 
Accessory Treatment—External applications— 
warm baths, hot fomentations—bland drinks and injec- 
tions by the rectum, greatly aid the medicines in restor- 
ing the functions of the parts, if there be not incurable 
organic disease. The diet should be sparing, and, in some 
severe cases, restricted to barley-water, gum-water or 
other diluents. 
Not unfrequently the administration of a warm bath 
or hot sacks of hops and vinegar; placed over the region 
of the bladder and changed every few minutes, is at- 
tended with speedy relief. This is especially the case 
with children. SUPPRESSION OE URINE. 
501 
SUPPRESSION OF URINE. 
From different causes the urine is liable to be sup- 
pressed, either partially or wholly, causing great distress. 
It may proceed from gravel, inflammation of the bladder, 
prostate gland, urethra, cold, etc. There are swelling, 
pain and inflammation of the bladder, with great difficulty 
of voiding urine, or a complete suppression. 
The patient becomes dull and torpid, at length sleepy 
and perhaps delirious, and at the end of four or five days, 
in cases of entire suppression, stupor, and perhaps con- 
vulsions and death occur, if the disease is not relieved. 
If a small quantity of urine is secreted, the patient may 
live for Aveeks, and either recover or die from coma, as in 
the cases of complete suppression. 
When there is suppression of urine there is generally 
little or no inclination to urinate, and no sensation of 
fullness in the region of the bladder, nor is there any 
fullness in the lower part of the abdomen; and if the 
catheter is introduced, as it always should be, no urine 
is obtained. 
Remedies—1. Spirits of turpentine will produce a 
speedy cure of this disease, when administered in its 
early stages. Dose, three or four drops, every two hours, 
on sugar. 
2. The common remedy among many practitioners, 
is a tea of marshmallow-root; and they rely on it with 
implicit confidence. It is to be drunk freely, every half- 
hour or hour. 
3. Another, which is relied on with much confidence 
in more aggravated cases, is the following: Take a wine- 
glassful of the best Holland gin ; add to it a tumbler of 
spearmint-tea and two teaspoonfuls of spirits of nitre; 
sweeten with honey and drink the whole during the space 502 
VACCINATION. 
of two hours. The same portion should be repeated every 
two hours until relief is afforded. 
4. Light attacks of this disease readily yield to large 
draughts of warm lemonade. 
5. The following are each good remedies in different 
forms of suppression of urine: A strong tea, of the com- 
mon parsley-root, taken freely. 
6. Drink a tea, made of watermelon or pumpkin- 
seeds, every thirty to sixty minutes. 
7. Or, one made of the buds or bark of the syca- 
more-tree. The latter has been the means of curing many 
difficult cases of this disease. 
Accessory Treatment—Place hot fomentations, as 
hops and vinegar, tansy or hoarhound, on the loins ; or, 
instead of these, in some cases, the warm sitz-bath. 
Injecting sweet oil, or even warm milk and water, 
frequently up the urethra, will often afford relief, espe- 
cially if the suppression has been occasioned by a small 
piece of gravel which has stuck in the canal. Injecting 
tepid water into the bladder itself, in similar cases, by a 
syringe, will also afford great relief. 
If there is fever, or pain and uneasiness in the small 
of the back, consult “ Inflammation of the Kidneys.” 
VACCINATION—COW-POX. 
This disease is not natural to man, but to the cow. 
It is similar to small pox; and when artificially intro- 
duced into the human system is as nearly as possible, 
without being absolutely, protective against small pox. TREATMENT. 
503 
In vaccinating, it is generally not a good practice to 
use matter passed from arm to arm; as serious conse- 
quences are apt, sometimes, to follow. Other diseases, 
besides the vaccine disease, can pass by inoculation into 
the system. Of the diseases which may be thus commu- 
nicated, we may mention certain forms of skin-affections ; 
as the itch, scrofula and syphilis. It is, therefore, highly 
important that the matter employed should be perfectly 
pure. For this purpose, it should be obtained from the 
cow. The matter is first to be inoculated into the bag of 
the cow. This forms a pustule or scab, and is free from 
all taint or impurities whatsoever, and should be used in 
all cases where it is desired to vaccinate a person for 
the prevention of small pox. This matter, thus obtained, 
can be found in the principal drug-stores and at the 
offices of some physicians, or can now be had from any 
one of a number of vaccine farms at the most trifling 
expense. 
Vaccine should be administered by a careful and 
skilful practitioner, who should exercise his judgment so 
as to determine when the constitution of the child is in 
the strongest and most healthy state for this purpose. 
Care should be taken to protect the arms from fric- 
tion, that the sores may not be irritated and the scabs 
torn off. Occasionally, a poultice is necessary if inflamma- 
tion or suppuration is excessive; or the application of 
finely powdered starch or corn-meal. 
The resident surgeon of a hospital states that in the 
course of his large experience he found that, when small 
pox attacked persons who had not been vaccinated, it killed 
36 per cent, of them—that is, one in every three 
died; but that when vaccination had been performed, 
the death-rate of those attacked by the disease fell to one 
in fifteen. He also found that the protective power of 504 
WATEE-BKASH. 
vaccination was in proportion to the way in which it had 
been done ; thus, one permanent cicatrix, or scar, after 
the operation, gives a mortality from the disease of nearly 
eight in the hundred; two scars, of rather more than four 
per cent. ; three scars, less than two per cent. ; and if 
four scars, not one in a hundred dies when attacked by 
the disease. This is a most important practical point to 
remember; if only one indifferent cicatrix remains after 
the operation, such persons, taking small pox in after life, 
die at the rate of twelve in the one hundred; but if four 
or more cicatrices remain, only one in two hundred will die 
of small pox. 
Re-vaccination should take place at the age of puberty ; 
the great systematic changes which occur at this time of 
life rendering it generally necessary. Persons at this 
period, especially if they are about to change their place 
of abode, should be examined, and if they have only one 
scar, or if that is imperfect, or if there is no scar at all, 
they should be re-vaccinated. For “we have re-vaccinated 
all the nurses and servants who had not had small pox, 
on their coming to live .at the hospital, and not one of them 
has contracted small pox during their stay here.” 
WATER-BRASH (Pyrosis). 
Symptoms—Eructations of an acid or tasteless, 
watery fluid, sometimes in considerable quantities. It 
seems to arise from closure of the oesophagus by muscular REMEDIES. 
505 
spasm, so that the trickling saliva is prevented from 
passing into the stomach, and ascends into the mouth 
without any effort. It is often accompanied with pain, 
and is sometimes a symptom of organic disease of the 
stomach or liver, but is commonly due to chronic gastric 
catarrh. 
When arising from indigestion it is generally due to 
the too exclusive use of a vegetable diet, or to other in- 
digestible food; it is of common occurrence amongst 
the poorly fed. 
In obstinate cases of this disease the most brilliant 
results often follow Krukenburg’s prescription, namely, 
“When the patient is hungry, let him eat buttermilk; 
and when he is thirsty, let him drink buttermilk.” 
Fresh milk is not so well borne, as it curdles in the 
stomach. 
Remedies—1. Common tqjile-salt is a valuable 
remedy in this difficulty. Less than one-half a teaspoonful 
should be dissolved in water, and the dose repeated twice 
a day. 
2. Ten drops of the water of ammonia will quiet the 
distress and check the discharge. 
3. For the purpose of breaking up the discharge, 
give one grain of sub-nitrate of bismuth, one hour before 
each meal, and on retiring at night. 
When water-brash is caused by indigestible food, add 
five drops of the tincture of nux vomica to a tumblerful 
of water. Mix well. Dose, two teaspoonfuls three times 
a day, on an empty stomach. 
Accessary Treatment—The diet should consist of 
easily digested, nutritious food—soups, broths, lean meat, 
potatoes and Graham-bread—if it agrees with the patient- 
Pork, or any fat meat, should not be used. 506 
WARTS 
WARTS. 
Remedies—1. Dissolve as much common washing- 
soda as the water will take up ; wash the warts with this 
for a minute or two, and let them dry without wiping. 
Keep the water in a bottle, and repeat the washing often. 
It will remove the largest warts. 
2. Caustic is an effectual though troublesome ap- 
plication. The juice of the common annual spurge-plant 
is as efficacious a remedy; as is the bark of the willow 
tree, burnt to ashes, mixed with vinegar and applied to 
the warts. The juice of the marigold is another remedy. 
3. Steep in vinegar the inner rind of a lemon for 
twenty-four hours, and apply it to the wart. The lemon 
must not remain on more than three hours, and should 
be applied fresh every day. To apply acetic acid with a 
camel’s hair brush is still better. Either is regarded as a 
certain cure for warts. 
WORMS (Entozoa). 
The three most common varieties of worms are, the 
thread-worm (pin-worm or maw-worm), the round-worm 
and the tape-worm. The first two are more common, the 
tape-worm being very rare in children under three years 
of age. 
Thread-worms are from half to three-quarters of an 
inch in length, white and thread-like, moving rapidly. 
They inhabit the rectum chiefly, and cause great irrita- 
tion. SYMPTOMS, ETC. 
507 
The term “maw-worm” is sometimes applied to them, 
from the irritation caused in the stomach by a reflex action. 
They do not exist in infants fed at the breast, unless other 
food, especially starch-food, is also given, but are often 
met with in older children, and occasionally in adults. 
The symptoms to which this variety gives rise are, itching 
or irritation about the anus, especially troublesome in the 
evening, depraved or irregular appetite, offensive breath, 
picking of the nose, straining at stool, disturbed sleep 
and more or less general restlessness. The local irritation 
excited may be very considerable, extend to contiguous 
parts and occasion a mucous or bloody discharge from 
the vagina, and even operate as a cause of masturbation. 
The same result may occur from direct migration of the 
worms from the anal to the vaginal or urethral orifice. 
The frequent but ineffectual desire to go to stool may 
occasion straining and falling of the bowel ; effects which 
may continue after the expulsion of the worms. When 
the presence of thread-worms is suspected, they may often 
be found on examination of the stools, or crawling about 
the radiating folds of the anus after the patient gets warm 
in bed. 
The round-worm is very similar to the common earth- 
worm, but of a paler color, sometimes almost white. It 
is of variable length, from six to fifteen inches, inhabits 
ehiefly the small intestines, where it feeds on the chyle, 
but not infrequently passes .into the stomach and is vom- 
ited, or downwards into the great bowel and is ejected 
with the evacuations. It has been seen in the gall-blad- 
der duct; has visited the wind-pipe ; and has been found 
in the air-passages, causing death by strangulation. When 
existing in large numbers, the worms cause much irrita- 
tion, and are occasionally passed in bunches or balls rolled 
together. It seldom exists alone, and is said to be most 508 
WORMS 
common in ill-fed children between the ages of three and 
ten years. The chief symptoms are, pains and swelling 
of the abdomen, depraved appetite, fetid breath, slimy stools, 
straining, itching of the anus, and sometimes chronic diar- 
rhea, most troublesome at night, with offensive, scanty, thin 
stools, much straining, and often falling out of the bowel. 
Nervous symptoms are also common; pallid countenance, 
dilated pupils, dizziness, disturbed sleep with grinding of 
the teeth, convulsions, faintness, etc. These symptoms 
may, however, be due, in part at least, to the general func- 
tional derangement which favors the production of the 
worm and not alone to direct irritation. 
The tape-worm is white, jointed, flattened, varies in 
length from a few feet to many yards, has its abiding-place 
in the small intestines, and usually exists alone. It has 
been said that if a joint of it be left in the bowel, it will 
become a perfect worm. The symptoms produced bjr the 
tape-worm are not often well marked, and it is usually 
unsuspected till joints are passed in the evacuations; fre- 
quently, however, there are sensations of weight or gnaw- 
ing in the abdomen, often with enlargement about the 
navel. The appetite is usually excessive, but at the same 
time the nutritive functions are so imperfect that there 
is considerable and progressive wasting. There are often 
itching of the nose and anus, lassitude, and sometimes 
cramps in the extremities. 
General Symptoms—The existence of worms is 
usually preceded and accompanied by an unhealthy con- 
dition of the mucous lining of the intestines, in which a 
large quantity of tenacious, slimy mucus is secreted, which 
interferes with the various processes concerned in digestion, 
and at the same time forms a suitable nest for intestinal 
worms, in which they develop rapidly in proportion to the 
quantity of mucus secreted. Intestinal worms require SYMPTOMS. 
509 
thick mucus both for their bed and nourishment. The 
clear recognition of this fact is of great importance; for 
when the alimentary canal is brought into a healthy con- 
dition there is no home for worms, and they soon cease 
to infest the patient. 
This condition of the bowels is associated with a 
coated tongue, varying in degree according to the extent 
of the mucus secreted, with remarkable distinctness of 
the pimples at the sides of the tongue. These pim- 
ples are seen as large, round or more commonly oval 
spots, seldom elevated, and varying in color from pale- 
red to deep crimson; the depth of color being in pro- 
portion to the degree of irritability of the digestive or- 
gans. If vomiting and diarrhea supervene, their color 
becomes bright-red, and they then project slightly above 
the surface, peering through the thick coating of yellow 
fur with which the tongue, in such cases, is usually covered. 
Although the appearnce of the tongue thus described is not 
diagnostic of worms, yet it indicates a condition of the 
digestive organs in which worms are very likely to be found, 
and when it is noticed, worms should always be inquired 
for. When the tongue is seen to have a slightly slimy 
look, especially about the center, to be covered with a 
thin coating of greyish, transparent fur, and to have the 
pimples at the sides large, oval, not elevated, but pink- 
ish-red and usually distinct, worms are seldom absent. 
As a result of this condition of the intestines, the 
function of nutrition becomes impaired and the patient 
loses flesh, while the abdomen becomes hard and swollen. 
The face is puffy and pale, the skin greyish, with a lead- 
colored semicircle under the eyelids ; the pupils are dilated ; 
there are itching of the nose and anus and occasional strain- 
ing ; tlie bowels may be confined, with constant, ineffectual 
efforts, or there may be attacks of diarrhea, with great 510 
WORMS 
straining, the motions being dark, slimy and offensive; 
the breath is disagreeable, especially in the morning, and 
there is sometimes dribbling of saliva during sleep. The 
appetite is varied, often ravenous, and sometimes the child 
refuses food altogether. Discharges of mucus are not in- 
frequent from the rectum, and also in girls from the va- 
gina. Sometimes the urine is passed with difficulty or pain, 
it being usually whitish or milky. 
Other disordered conditions of a nervous character are 
restlessness, starting during sleep, grinding of the teeth, 
a dry, short, irritative or spasmodic cough, sighing, hic- 
cough, and in children of a refined, nervous temperament, 
convulsions. 
The only certain proof of the presence of worms is 
the detection of the creatures themselves, or their eggs, in 
the stools or matters vomited. Even when thus known to 
exist, the symptoms for which advice is sought may not 
be due to the worms. In such a ease an injection or pur- 
gative will expel them, but the symptoms will still per- 
sist. 
Causes—Our knowledge of the means by which these 
worms get access to the intestinal canal is as yet imper- 
fect. The thread-worm effects an entrance into the 
human body, with vegetable food or water, whilst in an 
immature condition. Unfiltered, impure water is no doubt 
the medium by which the round-worm is introduced. The 
revelations of the microscope prove that water often con- 
tains animalcules or their eggs which, though extremely 
minute, may give rise in the human intestine to a thing 
of life. They may also come from eating imperfectly 
washed vegetables, raw or under-cooked meat, etc. Flesh 
infested with the cysticercus or the trichina, is the ordi- 
nary source from which the tape-worm is derived. Pigs 
are very liable to be so infested, and in rabbits it is ex- CAUSES, ETC. 
511 
ceedingly common, very few of these animals being found 
altogether free from this parasite. 
The theory of the spontaneous generation of intestinal 
worms is opposed to the investigations of the most scien- 
tific naturalists of the present day. Food in a semi- 
assimilated condition, with the presence of mucus in the 
intestines, forms a nest favorable to the development of 
these parasites; but there has been no evidence of a 
single example of spontaneous development even of the 
simplest form of living beings, except through the instru- 
mentality of a previously existing principle. The micro- 
scope shows that these parasites have male and female 
organs, and produce fertile eggs in abundance. The eggs 
of course require for their development certain favorable 
conditions, but these conditions are not the cause of their 
production. 
The unhealthy condition of the lining of the digestive 
tube that prevails in this disease is highly favorable to the 
development of worms. 
Worms Infectious—Thread-worms often migrate 
from the rectum into the vagina of little girls, preferring 
the night for this purpose ; they may even migrate from 
the child affected to others sleeping in the same bed. The 
female worm is the greater traveller, and one pregnant 
worm, escaping from its place of development into an- 
other intestinal canal, is capable of infecting it. In this 
manner worms are infectious, and an entire family, where 
parents and children occupy the same bed, as they too 
often do among the poorer classes, become infested with 
thread-worms. 
Injections—These are useful as means for expelling 
thread-worms, as they inhabit the rectum and lower 
bowel; half a pint of water, in which a teaspoonful of 
common salt has been dissolved, once or twice repeated, 512 
WORMS. 
will generally suffice. The injection should be copious, 
administered in the evening at bed-time, and when the 
bowel is empty, so that the salt-water may find ready ac- 
cess to the various ramifications of the bowel where the 
parasites hide. Afterwards, a simple cold or tepid injec- 
tion should be used regularly two or three times a week 
for one or two months, to wash away the slime and 
mucus in which the eggs exist. But the medicinal and 
general treatment can only be relied upon for improving 
the health and preventing their re-formation. Garlic-in- 
jections have been found very efficacious. Sweet oil is a 
less disagreeable injection, and often rids the patient of the 
worms in about ten days. 
The Long, Round Worm—1. Almost any child 
can be cured of worms without taking any medi- 
cine whatever, by the mouth, by the use of linseed-oil, 
employed as an injection. Use a teaspoonful in a little 
warm water, and repeat once in two days. Ten days are 
sufficient to rid the child of the worms. 
2. Take, of 
Spearmint | ounce. 
Hot water 1 pint. 
Infuse fifteen minutes and strain. This tea is said to 
be one of the most powerful vermifuges in the vegetable 
kingdom. 
Dose, for an adult, two tablespoonfuls ; for a child 
one year old, one teaspoonful, three times a day. 
3. Among the various other remedies employed for 
expelling worms, the following are the best: 
Give a child four to ten drops, according to age, of 
the oil of worm-seed (Jerusalem Oak), in syrup or on 
sugar, twice a day, for three or four days, followed by 
a brisk purgative. If the seeds of the herb are used, REMEDIES. 
513 
pulverize them. Mix with honey or syrup, equal parts, 
and give a teaspoonful as before. 
4. Many people employ the “pink and senna”— 
the old remedy—the recollection of which is associated 
with their childhood-days. Take of pink-root, one ounce ; 
senna and manna, of each, half an ounce. Steep in a 
quart of boiling water. Dose, from a teaspoonful to two 
tablespoonfuls, according to age, once a day; and, if the 
case seems to be urgent, twice a day. Dose, of the pow- 
dered root of the pink, for an adult, one to two tea- 
spoonfuls ; for children, five to twenty grains, according 
to age. See “ Table of Doses for Children.” 
5. The santonine (the active principle of the worm- 
seed) is now regarded as a specific, and may be relied on 
for the expulsion of worms. Dose, one-half grain, for 
three nights in succession, followed, on the fourth morn- 
ing, with a teaspoonful of castor-oil for a child, and a 
tablespoonful for an adult. This preparation can be pro- 
cured at all drug-stores. 
6. Giving, twice a day, injections of a decoction of 
cabbage-leaves, has recently been recommended as effica- 
cious in both the round and tape-worm. 
Tape-Worm—1. The pomegranate has proven a cer- 
tain and reliable remedy for the expulsion of this kind of 
worm. Take, of the bark of the root, two ounces ; water, 
two pints ; boil to one and a half pints. Dose, half a gill, 
every hour. Four or five doses are generally sufficient 
to expel the worm. 
2. Pumpkin-Seed Remedy—Take half a pint of the 
seeds to a pint and a half of water ; steep to a pint. Drink 
during the day, and repeat two or three days in succession, 
if need be, and then follow with a cathartic. 
Some practitioners regard this as the most successful 
remedy yet employed for expelling the tape-worm. It 514 
WORMS. 
should be remembered that all remedies for this species of 
worm should be taken in the morning, and on an empty 
stomach, and that but little food should be taken until the 
medicine operates on the bowels. 
3. Male-Fern Remedy—This is a very potent 
remedy for the treatment of tape-worm, and it is said that 
it can always be relied on. Give fifteen or twenty drops 
of the oil at night, and the same in the morning. Two 
or three hours after the second dose, give an active ca- 
thartic. Castor-oil and turpentine will answer; two table- 
spoonfuls of the former and one teaspoonful of the latter. 
If the worm is dead, it will pass away without any un- 
pleasant symptoms. Should the medicine fail in expelling 
the worm, the doses, somewhat increased, are to be re- 
peated. 
If the powdered root is given, the dose is two tea- 
spoonfuls, in the same way as the oil. 
4. The sweet fern is said to be equally as effective 
in expelling these worms as the male fern. Drink a pint 
of the decoction each day, or take one or two tablespoon- 
fuls of the powder, to be followed on the fifth day with a 
purge. 
Accessory Treatment—The propagation of the 
most common varieties of worms—the round and thread- 
worm—may be prevented by the simple application of 
lard or oil around the anus of the patient. It has been 
observed that light and air are necessary to the propa- 
gation of some varieties of intestinal worms in horses 
and other animals, and Mr. Haserick states that the fe- 
male holds on or grasps the mucous membrane within 
the sphincter ani, and then discharges its eggs around the 
anus ; in a few hours these are hatched and make their 
way into the rectum. He has found the application of 
lard around the anus destroys the eggs, and that by re- DIET, ETC. 
515 
newing the application two or three times a day for a 
week, the surface is completely protected, and the egg 
has no nest for development; consequently, as the worm 
is short-lived, in the space of eight days the animal is 
free from these parasites. Encouraged by his success 
with animals, this gentleman recommends similar measures 
in the case of children, and with the prospect of equal 
success. Dr. Woodvine, of Boston, confirms Mr. Hase- 
rick’s theory. “After many attempts,” he states, “I 
succeeded, on the 15th, 16th and 17th of January, 1869, 
in satisfying myself that the method by which the thread- 
worm propagates its species is by depositing the egg out- 
side the sphincter ani and around the edge of the anus, 
where, in the space of a few hours, the worms are hatched, 
and make their way into the rectum. In order to ascer- 
tain if the eggs are thus deposited, I directed the parents 
of the child afflicted with the worms, a few minutes after 
a paroxysm of itching and pricking pain in the rectum 
had subsided, to take a piece of damp, black silk, and, 
wiping the anus of the child with it, fold it, and send it 
to me. To the naked eye nothing appeared on the silk 
more than a little mucus. This I placed in a microscopic 
cell, and under a one-fifth objective found that, on sev- 
eral occasions, I had succeeded in obtaining large numbers 
of the eggs, thus confirming the observation of Mr. 
Haserick.” 
Dr. Hills and Dr. Grosvenor have advised this treat- 
ment in many cases, with the best result in every in- 
stance. 
Diet, etc.—To correct the excessive and morbid 
intestinal secretion, considerable changes of diet are sen- 
erally necessary. The food should be taken only at reg- 
ular hours, and be selected with special reference to its 
digestibility ; it may include properly cooked animal food—• 516 
WORMS. 
mutton, beef, fowl—also white fish. Cakes, pastry, sweet- 
meats, sweet-made dishes, potatoes, butter, veal and pork 
in any form, must be forbidden. Salt, as a condiment, 
may be taken with the food 
The following scale of diet is recommended by Dr. 
Eustace Smith for a child over two years of age, to be 
given in four separate meals in the course of the day: 
First Meal—Fresh miUc diluted with a third part of lime-water; 
a small slice of toast, or of dry, stale bread. 
Second Meal—A small mutton-chop, or a slice of roast-beef or 
mutton, without fat; dry toast or stale bread. 
Third Meal—A cup of beef-tea or mutton-broth, free from grease; 
the yolk of a lightly boiled egg; dry toast. 
Fourth Meal (if necessary)—The same as the first. It is not 
always easy to persuade children to submit readily to the deprivation 
of starchy food, for which, and especially for potatoes, there is often 
in these cases a great craving. So long, however, as the slimy appear- 
ance of the tongue, before described, continues to be observed, the 
above diet should, if possible, be adhered to. When potatoes are once 
more allowed, they must be well boiled, and should be afterwards 
carefully mashed with a spoon. Steaming is generally the best method 
of cooking potatoes. Gravy may be poured over them before they are 
eaten. In cases where the appetite is lost, and there is disgust for 
food, children often show an especial reluctance to take meat, which 
it is very difficult to overcome. A small bird, as a lark or a snipe, 
will, however, often tempt them, for their fancy is pleased by the idea 
of eating a whole bird, and this means frequently succeeds when all 
others fail. 
The above scale of diet need not be literally followed in the case 
of all children troubled with worms, but may be varied according to 
circumstances. In general, three meals are better than four; but 
whichever arrangement is adopted, no food should be allowed between 
the meals. 
General Measures—The general hygienic manage- 
ment of children should be conformed to the best prin- 
ciples : children should be quickly bathed in the morn- 
ing, and afterwards rubbed with a large towel or a sheet 
till the whole skin is in a glow. An occasional warm 
bath at night is advantageous by aiding the healthy ac- GENERAL MEASURES. 
517 
tion of the skin. Open-air exercise should be taken 
daily, and when improvement has taken place, change of 
air to the coast or to a bracing country is desirable, if 
only for a short time. Change of air tends to perfect 
and render permanent the treatment recommended. 
Prevention of Worms—1. Open waters should 
be avoided, either for drink or for use in the prepara- 
tion of food, into which the carcasses of dogs are some- 
times thrown, or into which worm-eggs may be washed 
by rain or other agencies, or to which even dogs or other 
animals have access. All suspected water should be pre- 
viously boiled, distilled or well filtered. 2. Decomposing 
pieces of meat should be destroyed by fire; if thrown to dogs 
or allowed to accumulate on the ground, or even buried, 
worms are propagated and human health and life endan- 
gered. 3. Raw or underdone meat, especially ham, ba- 
con, sausages, etc., should be carefully avoided. 
Constipation must not exist. With it, a cure of 
worms will in many instances bo impossible. 
When a child is troubled with worms, the food may 
contain an extra quantity of salt, but this excess is to be 
discontinued when it is rid of the worms. 
Worm-troubles are not so common as generally sup- 
posed. Almost every irritation or abnormal condition of 
a child is attributed by the parents and others to the 
presence of worms, and the little sufferer is often made 
worse by the use of medicines. 
In no case, however, ought the child to be purged 
and medicated for worms unless it is quite positive that 
such are present. Rarely do they exist without some evi- 
dence being shown in the discharges; hence these should 
be carefully examined. 
Large sums of money are annually spent, in the way 518 
WEN 
of doctors’ bills and for patent worm-medicines, which 
are usually worse than thrown away. 
Worms, in young children, are frequently owing to 
the general deficiency of salt in their food. Abundance 
of vinegar will always be found there, but frequently no 
salt or a mere trifle. Experience has fully demonstrated 
that, when the food is “ sweetened ” with salt, and only 
a little sugar is added, to give it taste, the best of results 
are effected, preventing worms as well as many other dis- 
orders of children. 
WEN, OR SEBACEOUS TUMOR. 
This is a tumor composed of suety or fatty mhtter, 
and enclosed in a sac beneath the skin, occurring from 
obstruction of the secretory ducts. 
These tumors occur on various parts of the surface 
of the body, are smooth, non-elastic, pendulous and 
movable : they slowly increase without pain, often to a 
very great size ; attain their greatest development in warm 
climates. 
Remedies—1. Take the yolks of eggs; beat up, 
and add as much fine salt as the number you have will 
dissolve, and apply it, as a plaster, to the wen, every 
twelve hours. It cures, it is said, without pain or any 
other inconvenience. 
2. “Dissolve copperas in water to make it strong; 
now take a pin, needle or sharp knife, and prick or cut 
the wen in about a dozen places, just sufficient to cause 519 
WHITE SWELLING. 
it to bleed; then wet it thoroughly with the copperas- 
water, once daily. 
“ This, followed for four weeks, cured a man residing 
within four miles of this city, who had six or eight 
of them, some of them on the head as large as a hen’s 
egg.”—[Dr. Chase. 
The usual method, however, of disposing of wens, is 
to have them cut out by a surgeon. 
Kernels, or Small Glandular Swellings—Mix 
a little turpentine with Cayenne, and place it upon any 
hard tumor or kernel. This will “scatter,” or disperse 
it. Tincture of camphor will also effect the same purpose. 
A cloth is to be applied and kept saturated with it. 
WHITE SWELLING—HIP-DISEASE 
This is a very inveterate and painful disease, and is 
usually seated on some of the joints of the body; princi- 
pally the hip, knee, ankle and elbow. As the name im- 
plies, the skin remains white, even in great inflammation. 
Sometimes it is rather mild in its character, at other times 
exceedingly painful; and the seat of the pain is in the 
periosteum or covering of the bone, which in most cases 
becomes diseased and scales off. It is peculiar to children 
and those of scrofulous habits. 
Causes—A taint of the blood, cold, injuries, etc. 
Symptoms—In the commencement, there is a very 
severe pain felt deep in the joint, and, when the child or 
person moves, the pain becomes intolerable. As it pro- 520 
WHITE SWELLING. 
gresses there is swelling, but no redness ; a shining white- 
ness, with hardness or callus. It slowly increases till the 
swelling is very considerable and the distress great, and 
suppuration ensues. There is a discharge of matter from 
a number of openings. The limb wastes, becomes bent, 
and when in the hip, osseous matter tills up the joint 
and slowly dislocates the head of the bone, either causing 
permanent dislocation or stiffness; fleshy excrescences 
shoot out from the ulcers, showing that the bone is affected, 
and in the process of time there are generally small pieces 
of bone detached. The patient is very thin and pale, with 
much constitutional disturbance, hectic fever, etc. 
Remedies—The bear’s foot is regarded as a sure 
remedy for the cure of white swelling. 
“The root is boiled in any kind of oil or soft grease 
and made into an ointment, with which the swelled parts 
are to be bathed two or three times a day, and after each 
bathing place a flannel cloth over the swelling, when, 
having a flat-iron heated to a suitable temperature, it should 
be ironed by passing the iron quickly over the flannel for 
a short time. The ironing not only facilitates the absorp- 
tion of the ointment, but also relaxes the parts and stimu- 
lates the languid vessels to more vigorous action, thus 
assisting in the removal of the disease. 
“ This method of removing white swelling was kept a 
secret and employed with uniform success by a woman for 
several years. It has effected cures in many instances, 
after all other means had been tried in vain. One case is 
related, of a very severe character, in which*the swelling 
had extended from the hip to the ankle, that was cured 
with this remedy in one month.”—[_Dr. Howard. 
For a description of this plant, see “Bear’s Foot,” 
under “Medical Plants.” 
A valuable internal remedy for this disease is the 521 
YAWS 
compound syrup of stillingia (which can be had at all 
drug-stores), to which should be added ten grains of iodide 
of potash to the pint; after which give one tablespoonful 
three times a day. 
If the disease progresses, gathers and breaks, poultices 
of elm-bark and others of an emollient nature are to be used. 
It may be dressed as others ulcers. See “ Ulcers,” treated 
on another page. 
The pain arising from this disease may be instantly 
eased thus : Take the white of an egg and beat it up with 
two tablespoonfuls of water; rub the part affected fre- 
quently, but gently, with the finger. 
For stiff joints and contracted sinews, put a handful 
of chamomile-flowers in a bottle, add sufficient sweet oil to 
cover them, and place in the sun three or four days. 
Apply this to the affected part three or four times a day,, 
and dry it in by means of a hot iron. 
YAWS (Framboesia). 
Yaws is a disease peculiar to the negroes, and is said 
to be imported from Africa. It is propagated by conta- 
gion. It occasionally attacks white people, but they are 
not so liable to it as the blacks. Like the small pox, it 
only affects the person once during life. 
This disease appears first in the form of small pim- 
ples on different parts of the body, generally on the face, 
neck and arms. These pustules gradually enlarge, and 522 
YAWS 
terminate in small blisters, sometimes half an inch in 
diameter, and discharge a thin, whitish fluid, which grad- 
ually forms into a scab. 
Accompanying the appearance of the eruption, there 
are always more or less headache, pains in the limbs, 
general debility, loss of appetite, and sometimes chills 
alternating with fever. The period during which the erup- 
tion lasts may vary from a few weeks to several months, 
new crops of pustules appearing often as fast as the pre- 
vious ones have disappeared. Sometimes, from some of 
the larger pustules, red fungous excrescences will appear, 
resembling red raspberries. 
Remedies—During the first, or the eruptive stage 
of this disease, bathe the surface of the body with warm 
saleratus or lye-water, once a day, and give freely of 
catnip, sage or pennyroyal-tea. If the patient is costive, 
give injections of warm water. It will also be well to 
put the patient in a warm bath about every other day, 
for half an hour at a time. lie should also take exercise 
every day, but avoid exposure to cold. The diet should be 
light and purely vegetable. 
When the scabs begin to form, give a half-teacupful of 
strong tea, made of equal parts of burdock-root and sas- 
safras, three times a day; or, if these cannot be had, give 
a tea of yellow parilla and yaw (Stillingia), or any two 
of them. The dandelion-root makes a good tea for this 
purpose. 
If ulcers remain, wash them, once or twice a dajq 
and dress with some good healing salve. (See “ Salves,” 
under the head of “ Recipes.”) 
If there are much inflammation and soreness apply, 
at night, an elm-bark poultice. If ulcers form on the 
bottoms of the feet, bathe them often in warm water, 
and treat them as common ulcers, which see. REMEDIES. 
523 
This treatment will usually be sufficient to cure any 
disease of this character. Prof. King gives the following 
course of treatment: 
“In the second stage, when the eruptions begin to 
dry off, give the compound syrup of sarsaparilla or the 
compound syrup of stillingia, in doses of two teaspoonfuls 
three times a day; and this should be continued until 
all the scabs fall off. Should a foul ulcer remain, it may 
frequently be washed with the tincture of muriate of iron. 
The soles of the feet are apt to confine the discharge, 
when the yaws attack this part, thereby producing exten- 
sive ulceration of the feet. The best application in such 
cases is, a dressing of the red-oxide-of-lead plaster, with 
a poultice of elm and poppy-leaves. Any hard swellings 
which remain on the feet may be removed by bathing the 
feet in warm water until the swellings become soft, and 
then touching them with caustic potash, to produce a 
sore, and then dressing it with an elm-poultice, to which 
yeast may be added.” DIVISION SIXTH. 
DISEASES OF WOMEN. 
MENSTRUATION. 
Puberty is the period in which the general develop- 
ment and growth of the female have so far advanced as to 
render her capable of bearing children. 
External Signs of Puberty—At the approach of 
puberty a striking change is effected in the general sys- 
tem. The pelvis, although far from being yet mature, 
enlarges and takes on its distinctive sexual character; the 
breasts become rounded and full, and establish their con- 
nection and sympathy with the womb; the chest, throat, 
arms, and indeed the whole body, acquire the form of a 
more mature development; the hair grows more luxuri- 
antly ; the skin becomes fresh and blooming, the voice 
full and mellow; and the whole figure acquires that 
elegance of symmetry, the complexion that bloom of health 
and beauty, and each feature and action that play of in- 
tellect and emotion, and that indescribable gracefulness of 
action, which are to be found in woman alone. 
This combination of attractions which marks the 
epoch of puberty is no doubt designed to subserve the MATERNAL INSTRUCTION. 
525 
purpose of alluring the opposite sex, and so securing the 
great object for which the female was created—the re- 
production of the species. 
Corresponding with the external changes coincident 
with puberty are internal ones, occurring especially in the 
ovaries and womb, which now become fully developed, both 
as to size and activity. In short, the woman has now, as a 
rule, acquired the power to conceive. 
The mind, too, at this period grows rapidly; the 
mental capacity enlarges, the imagination becomes more 
vivid, and the nervous system exhibits a heightened sen- 
sibility. 
Maternal Instruction—As puberty advances, no 
mother should neglect to teach her daughter to expect 
the change which is about to take place, so that the first 
appearance of the menstrual flow may neither be arrested 
by the alarm naturally felt at something hitherto inexpe- 
rienced or unknown, nor by the dangerous applications 
to which in her ignorance she may otherwise secretly re- 
sort. Some young women view the development of this 
function with such disgust that they expose themselves 
carelessly or purposely during the period to cold and 
wet, or use cold baths or other means of suppression, 
and thus finally bring on disordered menstruation and 
permanent ill health. Many such cases have occurred 
within our own experience. 526 
THE FUNCTION OF MENSTRUATION. 
THE FUNCTION OF MENSTRUATION. 
The menstrual function, which is variously termed 
menses, periods, catamenia or courses, is one of the most 
important functions of the female organization, and con- 
stitutes a real monthly crisis. It consists of an exudation 
of sanguineous fluid, chiefly from the body of the womb, 
the average quantity being from four to six ounces at each 
period, and is attended by a congested state of the womb, 
ovaries and contiguous organs. The course of the menses 
recurs, in the majority of instances, every twenty-eighth 
day, the very day on which it had appeared four weeks 
previously. The duration of a menstrual period varies 
in different persons, the most common and normal being 
about four days 
The menstrual fluid is eliminated from the uterine 
vessels, and is considered by some as a true secretion, and 
by others as a discharge of pure blood. The latter opinion 
is the correct one, for it is blood, and not a mere secretion, 
although prevented from coagulating by being blended with 
the acid secretion of the womb and vagina. 
Purposes of Menstruation—Two ends seem to be 
especially secured by this function: 1st, the relief of the 
general system, by the discharge of the superabundant 
blood which, during pregnancy, is appropriated to the for- 
mation and growth of the foetus. 2nd, a vicarious satis- 
faction of the sexual instinct, thus shielding female chastity. 
The modern doctine, however, is that menstruation takes 
place when the ovum, not having been impregnated, un- 
dergoes degeneration, and is cast off with an escape of 
blood from the congested womb in sufficient quantity to 
relieve the congestion. 
First Menstruation—In this country the most com- 
mon time for the occurrence of the first menstruation is HINTS. 
527 
from the fourteenth to the sixteenth year, although the 
is liable to considerable variations. In hot climates 
O 
it commences at an earlier, and in cold climates at a more 
advanced age. The occurrence of menstruation in this 
country one or two, or even three years earlier than the 
fourteenth year, or as much later than the sixteenth, is 
not sufficiently uncommon to justify any medical inter- 
ference when the health is otherwise good. Menstruation 
commences earlier in cities and large towns than in the 
country. It also occurs in the daughters of the rich—who 
have every comfort and luxury, everything which ener- 
vates and relaxes, or excites—at least nine months before 
it does in those of the industrious classes of the commu- 
nity in the most comfortable circumstances, and full four- 
teenth months, on the average, before it appears in the 
poorest classes. 
It is satisfactorily established that in every country 
and climate the period of the first menstruation may be 
retarded, in very many cases, much beyond the average 
age, often without producing ill-health or other inconve- 
nience. Probably the most successful mode of managing 
young ladies is to bring them as far toward the perfec- 
tion of womanhood as possible before the appearance of 
the menses, at least until the fourteenth or fifteenth year. 
With this object in view, the following suggestions are of- 
fered : 
Hints for Preventing too early Menstruation— 
The use of hot baths, especially with the addition of mus- 
tard, should be avoided; also indulgence in the use of hot, 
spiced and stimulating food and drinks ; living in overheated 
or badly ventilated rooms ; excessive dancing, novel-reading, 
too much sitting and late hours ; such habits and indul- 
gences tend to occasion precocious, frequent, copious or 
irregular menstruation. 528 
THE FUNCTION OF MENSTRUATION. 
The education, including the general habits of our 
present social condition, too frequently gives such a pres- 
sure of training, that the successive stages of life are hur- 
ried through, and the tastes and peculiarities of one period 
are anticipated in that which should precede it. Thus, 
mere boys in age and physical development become young 
men, and girls young ladies before they leave school. Such 
is the precociousness which the habits and fashions of the 
present generation engender. 
On the other hand, regular, healthy occupation of both 
the body and the mind; the daily use of baths, or spong- 
ing over the entire surface of the body; free exercise in the 
open air; cool, well ventilated rooms ; plain, digestible diet, 
and abstinence from hot tea, coffee and alcoholic stimulants, 
tend to the healthy and highest development of the female 
form and constitution. 
Sudden Menstruation—It is not always, however, 
that this function advances gradually and in harmony with 
the changes described. Menstruation may occur for the 
first time prematurely, and be caused by a severe fall, vio- 
lent jumping, great mental emotion, etc. In such cases 
there may be a considerable flow, amounting in some instan- 
ces to absolute flooding, and lasting for several days. It 
is important that these facts should be known by mothers, 
so that in sudden and extreme instances they may maintain 
their own composure and inspire it in others. 
Remedies—If it results from mental emotions, add 
three drops of the tincture of aconite-root to half a 
tumblerful of water, and give a teaspoonful every two 
hours. If occasioned by injury or severe physical ex- 
ertion, arnica in the same quantity, and in the same 
doses, together with rest in the lying posture, light cover- 
ing, a cool and well ventilated apartment, and cool drinks, 
will often be sufficient to modify the discharge; but if 529 
REMEDIES. 
they do not, they will at least suitably precede the appli- 
cation ox the more detailed treatment suggested under “Ex- 
cessive Menstruation. ’ ’ 
In other cases, the occurrence of the menses may be 
long delayed, and the delay attended with excessive languor, 
drowsiness, periodic sickness, fretfulness, irritability or fre- 
quent change of temper, violent pain in the head or along 
the spine and in the region of the bowels, a feeling of 
weight or fullness in the pelvic region, with bearing-down 
or dragging sensation, tenderness or heat; these may alter- 
nate with feverish reaction, with nervous symptoms, or even 
with spasms. The local symptoms and their periodicity are 
the most characteristic. 
In some females, the establishment of menstruation 
may be accompanied by derangements of the venous, di- 
gestive or lymphatic systems ; and unless successfully treated 
at this period, these disturbances may be present, in a 
greater or less degree, during every subsequent recurrence 
of the menstrual discharge. 
If the menstrual function, as it is also termed, be well 
and healthily established, new impulses will be given to 
every nerve and organ, and the system acquire superior 
forces for resisting influences adverse to health. But care- 
lessness or constitutional delicacy may render this period 
extremely dangerous in the propagation of new forms of 
disease, or in the development of any latent germs of dis- 
order which have existed from birth. Hence, the first ap- 
pearance of the menses should be looked for with some 
care and anxiety on the part of the mother or guardian, 
and when it is long retarded, the general health disturbed, 
and the remedies suggested in this work appear inoperative 
in aiding the desired change, professional advice should be 
sought without delay. False delicacy and improper treat- 
ment have needlessly undermined the health of thousands. 530 
DELAY OF THE FIRST MENSTRUATION. 
DELAY OF THE FIRST MENSTRUATION 
(Amenorrhea). 
The term Amenorrhea is used to describe absence of 
the menstrual discharge, and is usually considered under 
three divisions, namely, 1, Emansio mensium, a delay of 
the menses, although the person has attained the proper 
age; 2, Suppressio mensium, in which they have ap- 
peared, but as the consequence of cold or some other 
cause are arrested ; and, 3, Eetentio mensium, in which 
they accumulate in the uterus and vagina, from what 
is technically termed imperforate hymen; or more 
frequently, from occlusion of the vagina by the healing 
of ulcers, the consequence of sloughing after difficult 
labors. This condition usually requires surgical measures 
for its relief. 
This section is devoted to the first form, or Delayed 
menstruation. As before stated, the period at which the 
“change” first takes place varies in different constitu- 
tions, climates, and under different circumstances, and no 
active medicinal means should be used so long as the health 
continues good. Emmenagogues, or forcing medicines, 
and other expedients, must he entirely and imperatively 
avoided. 
Symptoms—When all the external signs of woman- 
hood have appeared and menstruation does not occur, 
but there are aching, fullness and heaviness of the head, 
bleeding from the nose, palpitation of the heart, short- 
ness of breath on slight exertion, weariness of the limbs, 
pains in the small of the back, in the lower part of the 
bowels and down the inside of the thighs—these may be 
regarded as so many indications that nature is seeking to 
establish this important function, and justify the adminis- CAUSES. 
531 
tration of one or more of the following medicines accord- 
ing to the indications present. 
Causes—It is important, first of all, that the cause 
should, if possible, he definitely ascertained. Delay of 
the menses, giving rise to the symptoms just noted, rarely 
occurs in healthy and vigorous persons, but usually fol- 
lows as a consequence of original delicacy of constitution, 
or of some long-standing affection. The very common 
notion that a patient suffers because she does not men- 
struate is very fallacious ; for, except in retention of the 
menses, the patient does not suffer from an accumulation ; 
the delay is due to a defective condition of the general 
health. Hence the impropriety of giving forcing medi- 
cines, which is frequently done, often to the permanent 
injury of the as yet imperfectly developed organs. We 
have known instances of extreme periodic suffering, con- 
tinued for many years, traceable to this cause. In many 
cases, too, it will be found that the disturbances supposed 
to be due to delayed menstruation really arise from the 
patient having taken too little, or innutritious food, or 
from her habits having been too sedentary or artificial, or 
from too little out-of-door air and exercise ; or, in brief, 
from her being subjected to influences inimical to her 
general good-health, during a critical period of her physical 
development. 
Tardy menstruation is especially significant in those 
girls who are predisposed to any form of consumption. 
In this class of persons it implies a depraved habit of 
body in which the menses may not appear at all, or in 
which a flow of blood is very apt to take place from one 
or another of the mucous surfaces, more especially from 
those which line the respiratory passages. If the young 
girl who has not menstruated, although she may be four- 
teen or fifteen years of age, has a cough or difficulty of 532 
DELAY OF THE FIRST MENSTRUATION 
breathing, a sore throat, hoarseness or pain in her side, 
it should be taken as a symptom of ill health, and meas- 
ures immediately instituted for its relief. The quaint old 
rule should, however, not be lost sight of: “She is not 
sick because she does not menstruate, but she does not men- 
struate because she is sick.” 
The mother should, for some months at least, keep 
an account of dates and other particulars, and prevent all 
unusual exposure for a few days before the expected flow, 
such as to night-air, damp linen, thin dresses, wet feet, 
balls and evening entertainments. When the function has 
once become healthily established, it is satisfactory to know 
that extreme precautions need no longer be observed. 
Accessory Treatment—The feet should be kept 
warm and dry, and comfort rather than fashion should 
determine the entire clothing arrangements. Delayed men- 
struation is often the consequence of exposure to cold or 
defective circulation in the surface, which warm clothing; 
would obviate. It is especially necessary that the abdo- 
men be kept warm ; the necessity for wearing drawers to 
protect it from cold, must therefore be obvious. Too 
studious and sedentary habits should be corrected; ex- 
ercise taken out of doors, particularly in the morning, 
including walking, running and the games of skipping- 
rope, trundling the hoop, etc., as they are powerful aux- 
iliaries in obtaining health of body and vigor of mind. 
These exercises are likely to be yet more efficacious if 
practised in the country, on a dry, sandy soil and in pure 
and bracing air. If pleasant company can be added to 
the charms afforded by diversity of scene, the advantages 
will be still greater. All these means should be aided by 
a carefully selected, nourishing diet, taken at regular hours, 
three times a day, consisting of easily digestible food, in 
due proportions, from the animal and vegetable kingdoms. ACCESSORY TREATMENT, ETC. 
533 
All made dishes, high seasoning, spices, etc., should be 
especially avoided; also, except in great moderation, the 
use of tea and coffee. 
The Sitz-Batli—In delayed menstruation this is a 
powerful means of stimulating the menstrual function, but 
is not advisable when the patient is very feeble, or when 
there is reason to suspect constitutional disease as the 
cause of the dormant function. 
The patient should sit in a hip-bath containing water 
sufficient to cover the hips, the legs and feet being not 
immersed, but kept warm by means of flannel wraps, or 
a hot foot-bottle or bath; the shoulders also being 
covered. The bath should be taken at bed-time, and last 
from five to fifteen minutes, gradually increasing the time 
as the patient can bear it. On leaving the bath, the 
patient should be well rubbed with a bath-sheet or large 
towel till warm, and instantly retire to bed. If chilly, a 
hot-water bottle may be applied to the feet. But should 
she remain uncomfortable, the bath should be discontinued 
or given for a very short period. In suitable cases it may 
be continued every night for a week or two. 
Want of Menstruation and General Ill-Health 
—It is most important, as may be inferred from pre- 
ceding observations, to recognize the connection, as cause 
and effect, between general deranged health and the ab- 
sence of menstruation. The function of menstruation, like 
the other functions of the body, is best performed when 
the system is in health. Now health is not promoted by 
redundancy or excessive action, any more than by debility 
or enfeebled action ; consequently, the administration of 
stimulants will rarely hasten the menstrual function, even 
in cases of debility, unless attention be paid to the restora- 
tion of the general health of the patient. 
Caution—Here let it it be observed, once for all, 534 
SUPPRESSION OF TIIE MENSES. 
that the attempt to remedy any defect in menstruation by 
pills which are procured with such fatal facility at drug- 
gists’ shops, or by any so-called emmenagogues, deserves 
the strongest reprehension. The practice is fraught with 
life-long danger to the system, and is therefore to be 
emphatically condemned. Unless it be abandoned, the 
patient must be prepared for an ultimate increase in the 
very sufferings from which she thus vainly seeks relief. 
Marriage and Menstruation—A suggestion may 
here be offered concerning cases in which the menses have 
been delayed years beyond the usual period, and for 
which marriage has been recommended as a cure. 
Under certain conditions, this step is sometimes success- 
ful, such cases having occurred within the author’s ob- 
servation. But before such a course is adopted, a pro- 
fessional opinion, carefully formed, should be taken; for 
should the general health be at fault, as is often the case, 
or the sexual organs be imperfectly developed, disappoint- 
ment will inevitably follow. 
SUPPRESSION OF THE MENSES (Amenorrhea). 
When the menstrual flow has fairly been established 
as part of the economy, it is yet liable to be suppressed. 
It is necessary to distinguish between suppression of the 
menses and retention of the menses. The former indi- 
cates that the arrest of the flow is because the fluid has 
not been formed in the cavity of the womb; the latter, 535 
CAUSES, ETC. 
that, although it is formed, there is some obstruction to 
its escape. 
Causes—Suppression may arise from a physiological 
cause, such as pregnancy; frequently, however, it is the 
consequence of weakness from sedentary, in-door occupa- 
tions, combined with want of fresh air and sufficient rest; 
excessive loss of blood ; chronic and acute diseases ; sexual 
excesses and mechanical obstructions ; or it may occur sud- 
denly during the flow, from exposure to cold and damp, 
such as getting the feet wet, sitting on the ground, eating- 
ices, violent emotions—anger, terror, fright, etc.—or from 
any other cause which abruptly shocks the system. Sup- 
pression, for two or three periods, without pregnancy, 
sometimes occurs after marriage, simply as the consequence 
of excessive excitement. Wearing thin-soled shoes is a 
fruitful source of the decay of female beauty and the de- 
cline of female health. 
Another prolific cause of this difficulty, as well as 
many other diseases of females, is tight wearing-apparel, 
which is scarcely second, in its injurious effects, to that 
arch-enemy of health, intemperance. This is the one cause 
of the insignificantly small and compressed waists, which 
the perverted taste of this wicked and unregenerate age re- 
gards as the beau ideal of female beauty, the personification 
of grace and the perfection of feminine loveliness. What 
an exhibition of human folly and idiotic blindness ! What 
a marvel of inconsistency and presumption, is the vain at- 
tempt of woman to render more beautiful and attractive, 
that “form divine,” the conception of which received its 
immaculate impress when the “ morning stars sang together, 
and all the sons of God shouted for joy.” 
Remedies—For this difficulty, there are three reme- 
dies, either of which is readily obtained, and will, usually, 
give prompt relief. They are the vervain-root, the garden- 536 
SUPPRESSION OF THE MENSES. 
beet and the black cohosh. The first, the vervain, is found 
growing plentifully almost everywhere, or may be pro- 
cured at any drug-store. Half a teacupful of the decoc- 
tion of it is to be drunk, three or four times a day. When 
the patient is subject to this difficulty, she should commence 
its use a few days before the time the menses are expected 
to return. When a decoction of the root of the cohosh 
is used, it is employed in like manner as to dose, etc., as 
the vervain. The tincture is given in doses of a teaspoon- 
ful, three times a day. The beet is used in tincture, the 
dose of which is a teaspoonful, three times a day. Either 
of the above remedies is efficacious, and patients can use 
the one which is the most convenient for them to obtain. 
Almost every lady is familiar with the ordinary means 
employed in relieving suppression of the menses ; namely, 
bathing the feet in hot water, and drinking freely of tea 
made of pennyroyal, tansy, etc. 
Take, of 
Grated horse-radish £ teacupful. 
Good gin. 1 pint. 
Mix, and give for a dose, from one-half to a tablespoon- 
ful, twice a day, and this difficulty will very soon be re- 
lieved. 
Borax is now used in the treatment of this complaint. 
It is a new remedy and a successful one. It also facilitates 
labor in child-birth. The dose is from one-fourth to half 
a teaspoonful, three times a day. 
When this difficulty originates from cold, “there is 
nothing,” says Dr. Bundy, “that I have ever used, that 
equals the hair-capped moss, known also as birds’ wheat. 
A strong infusion of it is to be freely and frequently 
taken. In some cases the continuation of this and smart- 
weed, in equal parts, answers a better purpose than if 
<riven alone. These infusions should be drunk as warm 
O PAINFUL MENSTRUATION. 
537 
as possible, and the feet placed in warm water for thirty 
minutes, at bed-time.” 
Accessory Means—The cause of the suppression 
and the co-existing impairment of the general health, 
should be carefully inquired into, and, if possible, re- 
moved. All physical or mental depression, undue excite- 
ment, night-air, late hours, highly seasoned and stimu- 
latino; food and drink, should be avoided. The meals 
should be taken with regularity, and under pleasant and 
cheerful influences, the stomach never overloaded, the food 
simple, nourishing, not too great a variety at one meal, 
and only such as has been uniformly found easy of 
digestion. The drink should be milk-and-water, cocoa, 
black tea in moderation and pure water. Green tea, coffee 
and other stimulating drinks should be omitted, unless 
prescribed by a competent authority. Out-of-door exercise, 
useful employment and agreeble company or books—in 
short, every means should be adopted that is calculated to 
give constitutional vigor. While hoping for a return of 
the menstrual discharge, the exercise of patience is some- 
times necessary, as the general health is often greatly im- 
proved before this crowning evidence of cure is obtained. 
See page 458, vol. ii. 
PAINFUL, MENSTRUATION (Dysmenorrhea). 
Causes—These are chiefly as follows : A congested 
condition of the secretory vessels of the uterus, disease 
of the ovaries, inveterate constipation, and a contracted 
canal of the neck of the womb. In obstinate eonstipa- 538 
PAINFUL MENSTRUATION. 
tion, the rectum may become so distended with impacted 
fuecal matter, as by its pressure on the neck of the womb 
to render the escape of the menstrual fluid difficult and 
painful. Ovarian irritation, sometimes induced by self- 
abuse, is not an infrequent cause. Persons of a neuralgic, 
hysteric or rheumatic tendency, generally suffer much 
pain at the menstrual period. 
Symptoms—Severe bearing-down pains in the uterine 
region, resembling the pains of labor, and occurring in 
paroxysms; aching in the small of the back, loins, 
pelvis, and sometimes extending to the limbs; headache, 
flushed cheeks, hurried breathing, palpitation; cutting 
and pressing pains in the abdomen. The pain sometimes 
precedes the flow several hours, or even days, and con- 
tinues for a longer or shorter period, and may cease or 
continue when the discharge is established. At other 
times the pain continues till a membranous substance is 
expelled, when a healthy discharge may take place, or it 
may entirely cease. In some cases, the breasts, the coun- 
terparts of the female generative organs, become extremely 
sensitive and painful. Patients subject to this affection 
are generally troubled with confined bowels, frequent head- 
aches, from congestion in the inter-monthly period, and are 
often sterile from abortion which occurs at the men- 
strual cycle. 
Remedies—In many cases of this difficulty a spirit- 
vapor bath affords almost instant relief. Directions for 
preparing and using this bath will be found under the 
head of “Bathing.” 
In mild cases, the warm hip-bath, as given in the 
Accessory Measures, in this article, will be found equally 
effective. 
Another efficacious means is, when the menstrual pains 
are severe, or your body is more than usually weak, put 539 
ACCESSORY MEASURES. 
across the small of your back, over the kidneys and 
reaching to the loins, a girdle of flax-seed poultice, well 
sprinkled with pulverized camphor. 
A new remedy, for this difficulty, is the high cran- 
berry ( Viburnum Opulus), which comes to us very highly 
recommended, and we apprehend that it will accomplish 
all that is claimed for it. A tincture of the bark is to 
be taken, in three or four-drop doses, twice a day, com- 
mencing a week previously to the expected period. When 
the pain sets in, give it every two hours. It is equally 
useful for the severe false pains which sometimes precede 
labor. It is of great value for after-pains, and a dose 
should be given after every pain. 
For the method of preparing tinctures, see “Tinc- 
tures,” on another page. 
A tea, of the bark, may be as effective as the tinc- 
ture, but it has not been so thoroughly tested. 
Take, of 
Grated horse-radish £ teacupful. 
Good gin 1 pint. 
Mix. Dose, from one-half to a tablespoonful, three times 
a day. Ladies who have used this remedy assert that 
they have never found anything equal to it. 
This is equally valuable for suppressed menstruation. 
Accessory Measures—Attention must be directed 
to those general rules for the recovery of health which 
are prominently dwelt upon in this book, and form the 
basis of the correct treatment of disease of every nature. 
Daily, active exercise in the open air; regular and early 
hours; plain, wholesome diet; abstinence from wine, 
coffee and green tea; and the avoidance of influences 
that disturb the mind and temper, are important accesso- 
ries in the treatment. 
During the intervals between menstruation, the cold 540 
PAINFUL MENSTRUATION. 
or warm bath should be used, the one the patient finds 
to be best adapted to her. During the periods, the bath 
should be tepid, and, in any case, vigorous friction should 
follow. All sexual intercourse must be avoided for two 
or three days, at least, preceding the appearance of each 
menstrual period, and every unnatural habit that may have 
been insidiously acquired must be utterly abandoned. As 
palliatives during the period, hot bottles, or flannels wrung 
out of hot water, and applied to the lower part of the abdo- 
men, or warm hip-baths, in which the patient may re- 
main for twenty or thirty minutes, or an enema of as 
hot water as the patient can comfortably bear, generally 
give effectual relief to the distressing aching and weari- 
ness that at times accompany the monthly function. Rest, 
both just before and during the period, is also an impor- 
tant addition to the successful treatment of this complaint. 
Attention must be given to the dress. No other cause is 
so powerful in the production of this difficulty, as the 
pressure of stays and skirt-strings and the dragging 
weight of the skirts on the abdomen. By these means, 
the womb is displaced and the spine is weakened. Tight 
clothing is destroying the health, and carrying to a pre- 
mature grave, thousands and tens of thousands, annually. 
The following directions, in this affection, are highly 
recommended by some medical authors : 
For painful menstruation and low circulation, we 
prescribe magnetic manipulations. If you cannot avail 
yourself of this treatment, then, as a substitute, wear a 
fur garment below your waist, enveloping the entire ab- 
domen and the hips, which should be put on and worn 
constantly about three days before the flow commences, 
and taken off two or three days subsequent to the cessa- 
tion. If your feet and body are painfully cold, after 
retiring for the night, your best remedy is very long, fur 11EME DIES. 
541 
stockings, and mittens of the same, with neatly fitting 
wristlets. Wear these only at night. Fur soles within 
your shoes during the day, or moccasins. Lamb-skins, 
with wool next to your body, will answer in place of 
certain kinds of fur. The fur should always be worn with 
the fiesh-side inward. 
When the painful menstruation is caused by a wrong position 
of the womb, this must first be cured before it can be removed. When 
it is owing to a narrowing of the neck of the womb, this must be over- 
come by the careful employment of bougies. These can be procured at 
all drug-stores. Or, instead of bougies, tents of various sizes may be 
made, of twine, or silk-cord, etc., and, after dipping them in the fol- 
lowing preparation, be introduced into the canal of the neck of the womb, 
and be retained there by plugging up the vagina with soft pieces of 
old muslin, etc. 
1. Take of extract of belladonna ten grains, powdered borax 
forty grains, wax half an ounce; melt the wax, rub in the extract 
and borax, and when cool dip in the tent; when cold, but soft so as 
not to stick to the fingers, smooth it by passing the fingers over it. 
In the introduction of these tents great care must be observed, 
and if they cause any unpleasant symptoms they must be removed, and 
not be introduced again until all such symptoms have passed away. An 
intelligent female is just as capable of introducing these tents as a phy- 
sician, if she only will attempt it. They should vary in size from that 
of a knitting-needle to that of a goose-quill, and about au inch and a half 
in length, always beginning with the smallest first, and in every five or 
ten days increasing the size. A piece of soft wood may be whittled down 
to the size of the little finger, and a hole be made in one end in which 
to fit the tent. Pass one or two fingers of the left hand up to the mouth 
of the womb, and then, with the other hand, by means of the stick, and 
using the fingers of the left hand as a guide, carry the tent to the mouth 
of the womb, and slowly pass it in. A piece of thread may be previ- 
ously fastened to the lower end of the tent, by which to remove it, when 
necessary, from the womb.—[Pro/. King. 542 
EXCESSIVE MENSTRUATION. 
EXCESSIVE, OR PROFUSE MENSTRUATION 
(Menu orrhagia). 
Causes—Whatever produces too great a determina- 
tion of blood to the womb, may cause this disease; as 
too much exercise, strains, injuries, violent passions of the 
mind, check of perspiration, abortion, difficult or tedious 
labors, and debility arising from any cause, such as drink- 
ing freely of warm, enervating drinks, tea and coffee, 
want of exercise and too frequent sexual indulgence. 
Symptoms—An immoderate flow of the menses is 
often preceded by headache, giddiness, shortness of breath, 
and is afterward attended with pains in the back and 
loins, some degree of thirst, universal heat, and a frequent, 
strong, hard pulse; other times paleness of visage, chill- 
iness, unusual fatigue in exercise, a hurried respiration on 
the slightest effort, pains in the back on remaining any 
length of time in an erect posture, and coldness of the ex- 
tremities, together with loss of appetite, indigestion, and a 
long train of nervous complaints. 
It is difficult to determine, except approximately, the 
quantity of discharge that should occur at each monthly 
period; but it varies considerably according to constitu- 
tion, temperament, habits and climate. Robust, plethoric 
females, who eat abundantly and drink wine, can bear a 
comparatively large discharge without inconvenience: 
whilst delicate patients, of relaxed constitution, would 
quickly suffer seriously from excessive discharges. The 
monthly loss, however, should never be such as to occa- 
sion debility and general ill-health. There is a deep- 
rooted and most dangerous notion current that, however 
great the discharge may be, if it occur regularly, it is in 
perfect accordance with the economy of nature. When 
a medical man directs a parent’s attention to the debilitv REMEDIES. 
543 
and ill-health following an habitually too copious flow, he 
frequently receives the answer, “ She is always so.” The 
fact of a girl being always so is the very reason for 
adopting such measures as may, if possible, prevent her 
ever being so. 
Remedies—1. The prince’s feather, or amaranth, 
cultivated in gardens for its beautiful red color, is a cel- 
ebrated remedy for this difficulty, and has often cured 
when all others had failed. The leaves are made into a 
decoction and drunk freely. 
2. Another good preparation, for this purpose, is to 
take equal parts of alum and nitre, say a teaspoonful 
of each, divided into six equal parts, and taken every two 
to four hours. A decoction of blackberry-root, is like- 
wise good. 
3. In very mild cases, the tincture of cinnamon, 
given in teaspoonful-doses every hour or two, in a wine- 
glass full of sweetened water, will give relief. 
4. A strong infusion of sumach-berries, taken in 
doses of two or three tablespoonfuls, every three hours, 
is an effective remedy, and unsurpassed for this diffi- 
culty. 
Accessory Treatment—The patient should spare 
herself, and maintain the lying posture a good deal for a 
few days before, and especially during the discharge; 
household duties, particularly lifting or reaching anything 
high, should be avoided; also warm beverages, even of 
black tea, and excessive eating and the use of stimulating 
food and beverages. Cold water is the most suitable 
drink; injections of cold, or even iced water up the 
bowel are useful, especially if the patient is costive or 
troubled with piles ; cool vaginal injections, with a female 
syringe, or the application of hot-water spinal bags to the 
small of the back for half an hour at a time, tend to 544 
EXCESSIVE MENSTRUATION. 
relieve a congested state of the womb. In very severe 
cases, cold, wet cloths suddenly applied over the abdomen 
so as to produce a shock, light covering and the horizontal 
posture, are absolutely necessary; the hips should be 
as high or higher than the shoulders, so as to relieve 
the uterus of the column of blood, and the patient be 
kept cool, quiet and free from excitement. So long 
as the tendency to this disease continues, every kind 
of excitement should be restricted or avoided alto- 
gether. 
Plugging the Yagina—Sometimes it maybe neces- 
sary to plug the vagina. A sponge or handkerchief will 
do ; but common cotton wadding, with the backing on it, 
makes the best plug. Whatever is used should be freely 
smeared with glycerine, and have attached to it a piece 
of tape or twine to facilitate removal. Care should be 
taken to till up and distend the vagina with the plug, 
otherwise the object of using it will be defeated by the 
oozing out of the blood at the sides. The plug should not 
remain more than twenty-four hours ; if necessary it may 
be replaced by another. 
The following are new remedies, and are effectual: 
Take one part of charcoal, well powdered, and six parts 
of powdered white sugar; that is, in the proportion of 
one teaspoonful of charcoal to six of sugar, and rub them 
thoroughly together. In the absence of a druggist’s 
mortar in which to prepare or rub them, spend twenty 
or thirty minutes in grinding and mixing them together, 
with a case knife, on a table or some smooth surface. 
Then, of this, divide one teaspoonful into four equal 
parts, and give one of these parts for a dose, and repeat 
every hour. 
The other new remedy, is a powder called bebeerine, CESSATION OF THE MENSES. 
545 
which will have to be procured at the drug-stores. Dose, 
•one-half a grain every three hours. 
CESSATION OF THE MENSES—CHANGE OF 
EIFE—CRITICAL AGE. 
The cessation of the menses commonly occurs in this 
country between the fortieth and fiftieth years, generally 
about the forty-fifth; but, like the first appearance, its 
termination varies in different women, and is in subordi- 
nation to the temperament, constitution, climate and 
habits of the individual. There is usually some relation 
between the periods of the first and last menstruation, for 
the cessation occurs at a late period when the first appear- 
ance was wanting in precociousness. 
Symptoms—Whilst the change is in progress, there 
is commonly more or less functional disturbance of the 
general health, the nervous system especially manifesting 
various changes, such as vertigo; syncope; headache; 
flushes of heat; urinary difficulties; pains in the back, 
extending down the thighs, with creeping sensations, heat 
in the lower part of the abdomen, occasional swelling of 
the extremities, itchings of the private parts, mental 
irritability, restlessness, culminating sometimes, especially 
in patients of a decidedly nervous temperament, in more 
profound nervous disorder. 
Sometimes menstruation ceases abruptly. The monthly 
period may be arrested by cold, fright or some illness. 
Earlier in life the suppression Avould have been followed 
by a return of menstruation after the removal of the 546 
CESSATION OF THE MENSES. 
cause ; but now nature adopts this opportunity to terminate 
the function. 
Gradual termination is, however, the more frequent, 
and is attended with the least disturbance of health. In 
gradual extinction, one period is missed, and then there 
is a return ; a longer time elapses, and there is, perhaps, 
an excessive flow ; afterwards some months may pass away 
without any reappearance ; then there may be a scanty 
discharge, followed, perhaps, by flooding, and at last the 
discharge becomes so scanty and so slightly colored as 
scarcely to attract notice, and then finally disappears. 
The reproductive powers cease with the termination of 
the function. 
At this critical period there is not infrequently enlarge- 
ment of the abdomen, which, though it may occur at earlier 
periods of life, is due to causes peculiar to this. It may 
arise from a highly sensitive and enfeebled state of the 
stomach consequent on sympathy with the deranged func- 
tions of the womb. Hence there is indigestion, which 
does not prove amenable to ordinary remedies, but must 
be treated in view of the primary cause. Food and 
wind accumulate, causing painful distention of the abdo- 
men, and attended with loss of appetite, depression of 
spirits, constipation, drowsiness and general weakness. 
Scanty or excessive discharge is also an accompaniment. 
Fibrous tumors of the womb are not uncommon, and by 
their mechanical pressure may cause painful defecation, 
constipation, piles, diarrhea, frequent and painful urina- 
tion and varicose veins. 
The general opinion that the change of life is a 
perilous period for patients who enter it in a state of 
disease is, we believe, correct; more especially if any 
womb or constitutional affection exists, for this is gen- CAUSES, ETC. 
547 
erally aggravated, the change prolonged, and the cessa- 
tion retarded. 
Causes of Disordered Function—Previous dis- 
ease of the womb; exhausting labors ; anxieties arising 
from the rearing of a family, etc. ; these trials tend to 
depress the forces, so that when the final efforts which 
close the sexual life have to be made, the nervous system 
gives way in one shape or another, and various aberra- 
tions ensue. 
The old notion that menstruation acts as a purifying 
process is no doubt, to some extent, correct; hence when 
this function ceases the blood is liable to become charged 
with deleterious products. This is further liable to be 
aggravated by the fact that at the ‘ ‘ change ’ ’ the nervous 
distribution is reversed, and indigestion results from dis- 
ordered or obstructed secretion or excretion. Too little 
open-air exercise increases the evil by favoring torpor of 
the lungs, the bowels, the liver, the kidneys; and the skin 
acting imperfectly, permits the products of waste tissues 
and of mal-assimilated food to accumulate in the blood. 
Remedies—To control excessive flooding, there is 
no remedy equal to the fluid extract of the New England 
hemlock (Pinus Canadensis), given in twenty-drop doses, 
every half-hour or hour, until the hemorrhage ceases. 
This remedy can be had at all drug-stores. 
Accessory Treatment—A light and nourishing, but 
not an extra diet should be allowed; wine and matt 
liquors are generally unsuitable; for an accustomed dis- 
charge is about to cease or has already ceased, and the 
system is liable to oppression, and the patients to com- 
plaints of weakness; but this weakness is generally sen- 
sational rather than real. If, to remove the languor and 
inactivity present, stimulants and generous diet be al- 
lowed, some important organs will most likely suffer. 548 
REPRODUCTION. 
Small quantities of spirits are sometimes prescribed to 
remove the distressing sensations commonly felt in this 
period, and are generally tak6n by the patient with great 
satisfaction; but their good effects are only temporary, 
while their continued use is often most mischievous. Veal, 
pork, salt-meat, pastry and made dishes should be 
avoided; vegetables in season, well cooked, with beef, 
mutton, white fish or fresh game may be taken in moder- 
ation once a day. Cocoa or cold water forms the best 
drink for breakfast, and one small cup of tea for the 
evening meal. The sleeping-room should be cool and 
well ventilated, and the patient should sleep on a mat- 
tress. The changes of the weather should be guarded 
against by appropriate dress, and exercise taken daily in 
the open air. 
REPRODUCTION. 
Marriage—The question of the marriage of unsuit- 
able persons, or of marriage at an unsuitable age, is often 
either disregarded or viewed from too narrow a stand-point, 
as if it only concerned the individuals forming the alli- 
ance. Our responsibility, however, imposes on us the 
duty of enforcing the truth that the health, happiness 
and material greatness of future generations are involved 
in such marriages. No one but a physician, who sees 
human nature in all, even in its darkest aspects, can fully 
appreciate the subject, or accurately trace its workings in 
society. The several points, here only briefly alluded to, 
are of pressing importance, and should be seriously pon- MARRIAGEABLE AGE. 
549 
dered, in all their bearings, by persons contemplating 
marriage, and by parents and guardians. 
Marriageable Age—From twenty to twenty-five 
years of age may be stated as the most suitable time of life 
for contracting marriage on the part of women. Although 
the function of menstruation commences from the four- 
teenth to the sixteenth year, yet the female constitution 
is not sufficiently formed and matured till twenty or 
twenty-one years of age to permit of marriage without 
risk of injury to health and comfort. Some exceptions 
to this may exist in persons who have acquired at about 
nineteen that physical and mental perfection which the 
majority of persons in this country only attain some 
years later. On the other hand, too late marriages fre- 
quently entail much discomfort, and the children of such 
parents are often sickly and die prematurely. But these 
points are more fully and separately considered further 
on. 
Precocious Marriage—Physiology clearly teaches 
that both animals and plants must acquire full develop- 
ment before they are capable of reproducing their spe- 
cies in the highest and most vigorous condition. Too 
early marriage often results in arrest of development, a 
shattered constitution, and generally impaired health in 
the mother; such marriages are also generally less fer- 
tile, and the children who are the product of them are 
weak, puny, and have an increased rate of mortality. 
Further, premature marriage, by anticipating the demands 
of nature, increases the sufferings and dangers of child- 
birth. Anatomical facts may also be briefly cited to con- 
firm the correctness of our conclusions. The perfect 
ossifiation of the pelvic bones, and their complete union 
to one another, do not usually take place till after twenty 
years of age ; nor is it till about this period that the pel- 550 
REPRODUCTION. 
vis has fully assumed the form, shape and distinctive 
sexual features so admirably suited for the functions of 
child-bearing. It is well known that the pelvis of the 
two sexes differs but little till puberty; but at that peri- 
od the female pelvis begins to assume its striking char- 
acteristics ; its cavity becomes capacious and broad in both 
its diameters, and the inlet and outlet also enlarge. 
These and other characters, so necessary for maternity, 
are not fully developed till after that maturity of growth, 
the process of years, which only fairly commences about 
the time of puberty. “ When I am consulted,” writes 
the celebrated M. Joulin, “as to the propriety of a mar- 
riage for subjects who are too young, I am accustomed 
to respond to the parents that they should not marry 
their daughter until for a year at least after her stature 
had ceased to increase. This is the epoch that I tix for 
nubility.” The early exercise of the sexual functions of 
the lower animals does not disprove our argument. The 
life of the sheep, for example* is much briefer, its 
office much more material, and its sexual propensities are 
therefore manifested at a much earlier age. 
Marriage, moreover, if suitable and happy, length- 
ens life. The relative influence of marriage and celi- 
bacy on the duration of life has been ascertained. And 
the result is that the mortality is considerably less, 
both among men and women, in the married state, than 
among the unmarried and widowed. This opinion has in- 
deed been controverted; and it has been affirmed that 
longevity, instead of being a consequence of marriage, is 
simply a co-relation of it; that they are concomitant re- 
sults of the same cause ; viz., constitutional vigor. Where 
the reproductive instincts are strong the surplus vital en- 
ergy is great, and the organization is likely to last. This DISPROPORTION" ATE AGES, ETC. 
551 
may be true, but we nevertheless think that well assorted 
marriage lengthens life. 
In thus recording our matured opinion on this sub- 
ject, we may be excused detailing, in a domestic work, the 
varied kinds of evidence on which it is based. Let the 
inquiring mind look around, and somewhat beneath the 
surface of society, carefully examining what will thus 
come to view, and proof will be ample and varied that 
deferment of marriage many years beyond the period in- 
dicated is not always consistent with physical and moral 
well-being. 
Disproportionate Ages—A considerable dispropor- 
tion between the ages of the husband and wife is to be avoid- 
ed. When circumstances are favorable to such an arrange- 
ment, there should not be more than five to eight years’ 
difference between the ages of the man and the woman, 
though there are exceptions to this rule, the husband being 
the senior. 
Ill Health a Contra-Indication—A little reflec- 
tion will convince any one of the disastrous consequences 
likely to spring from the marriage of unhealthy persons. 
The fact cannot be disputed, though appreciable with 
difficulty, that the natural and special dispositions of the 
individual descend to him in a certain measure from his 
origin, and that parents transmit to their children such 
and such moral propensities, just as they do such and 
such physical temperament, or such and such features. 
Hereditary transmission enters into the moral as well as 
into, the physical order of the world. Disease, then, as 
well as peculiarities of character, may be transmitted 
from parents to children. This is no mere theoretical 
statement, but a truth based on practical observations a 
hundred times verified ; and it should convey a most im- 
pressive lesson. If, for example, the consumptive young 552 
REPROI) UCTIOX. 
woman marries, she becomes a mother—for the consump- 
tive are generally prolific—and indelibly imprints her in- 
firmity on her offspring, while she exposes herself to the 
perils of childbirth, a hundred-fold heightened in such a 
disease. The observant medical practitioner only, who can 
trace effects to their causes, can gauge the suffering and 
bitter disappointment which result from such marriages, 
and should be consulted before marriages are arranged. 
It will be obvious that unless the fountain whence much 
physical evil flows—hereditary taint—be itself purified, 
nothing can effectually check the progress of maladies 
universally prevalent, and destructive to happiness, health 
and longevity. So long as a reproducing agent is con- 
stantly at work, imprinting at the time of impregnation 
the elements of disease on countless numbers of children, 
nothing can prevent the multiplication of the evils conse- 
quent on diseases and premature death. 
Conception—Impregnation depends on the union of 
certain elements furnished during sexual intercourse, and 
which are alike indispensable. And it needs but a super- 
ficial acquaintance with human history to know that the 
future being, in its physical and intellectual powers, dur- 
ing the whole of life, is to a great extent determined by the 
actual condition of the sperm-cell and the germ-cell fur- 
nished by the parents. Education and hygienic connec- 
tion, it is true, may improve an imperfectly organized 
embryo; but the fact remains, and its general recognition 
is of great importance, that the qualities of the germs 
furnished at the period of impregnation will cling to the 
individual during the entire period of natural life. The 
practical lesson to be gathered from this fact is, that 
sexual connection, at least whenever conception is a possi- 
ble result, should only take place under favorable condi- 
tions. There should be at the time the most perfect CONCEPTION. 
553 
health; also freedom from bodily fatigue, mental ex- 
citement or depression, and the disturbing influence of 
active digestion, as after a full meal. The essential con- 
ditions, then, necessary for the production of healthy and 
beautiful children are, good health on both the paternal 
and maternal sides, and the observance of correct rules, 
a few of which only are referred to in this work. Dr. 
Huf eland, an eminent German writer, says, “In my opin- 
ion, it is of the utmost importance that this moment (the 
moment of sexual union) should be confined to a period 
when the sensation of collected powers, ardent passion 
and a mind cheerful and free from care, invite to it on 
both sides.” 
It is held that the time most favorable to concep- 
tion is that following the cessation of the menstrual dis- 
charge. Women have then a much greater aptitude to 
conceive. Everything seems admirably prepared at this 
period for the reproduction of the species. The explan- 
nation of this may be here briefly summarized. At 
every menstrual period an ovum or egg is matured and 
expelled from its Graafian vesicle, and a woman is only 
liable to impregnation on its meeting and blending with 
the necessary fecundating principle of the man. The 
time occupied by the passage of the ovum from the 
ovary to the uterus or womb is not accurately known, 
but varies from five or six to eight or more days, dif- 
fering probably in different persons and in different con- 
ditions of health. When the passage of the ovum or 
egg is completed, the liability to pregnancy is supposed to 
cease till after the next menstruation. An entirely different 
doctrine, however, to that above enunciated is now begin- 
ning to prevail, and we will now briefly state the new, 
and probably correct, doctrine. Modern research tends to 
prove that a developing ovum or growing embryo does- 554 
REPRODUCTION 
not belong to a menstrual period just past, but rather to 
one immediately prevented by fecundation. In short, 
menstruation is now considered to be a degenerative pro- 
cess, a kind of fatty metamorphosis or change of form 
similar to that which takes place at the end of pregnan- 
cy, and its occurrence proves that the ovum has already 
perished. Hence, according to this doctrine, the time 
most favorable to conception is the few days preceding the 
monthly period. 
Maternal Impressions—Some doubt has been ex- 
pressed as to whether impressions made upon the mother, 
by fright or otherwise, affect the unborn child. Argu- 
ments have been employed to show, on physiological 
grounds, that the fetus cannot be influenced. But facts 
are stronger than arguments. We might quote numerous 
instances, some from our own experience, in which most 
unquestionably congenital deformity could be accounted 
for only by impressions received by the mother during preg- 
nancy. Any strong, striking impressions, not necessarily the 
result of fright or terror, may affect the child. We therefore 
counsel those who are pregnant so to fortify their con- 
stitutions by good habits that they may escape the nerv- 
ous condition which is susceptible to impressions, to avoid 
whatever may expose them to the risk of being struck 
with what is disagreeable and repulsive, and to surround 
themselves with pleasant associations and objects of grace 
and beauty. If a child unborn is affected by what is 
repulsive, it may also be susceptible to what is attractive. 
All persons cannot choose their circumstances and associ- 
ations, nor can all avoid the risk of meeting with what 
is disagreeable: “no caution guards us from surprise.” 
But it is possible to all to avoid what is enervating, and 
to adopt what is strengthening to the constitution. 555 
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF PREGNANCY. 
LONGINGS. 
Many believe that a great desire for any special article of food 
■during pregnancy, will have the effect, if not procured, of making a 
mark on the child. The best plan is to have all reasonable desires grat- 
ified as soon as possible. It is the duty of the husband to do all that 
is in his power to meet his wife’s wishes; to make her as comfortable 
as possible. If this requires sacrifices of time and means, let them be 
made promptly and cheerfully; made, too, in love and affection, and 
in generous sympathy. 
Any shock, mental or physical, experienced by the expectant 
mother, may leave an impression—physical, mental or moral—on the 
unborn babe; hence reasonable precautions should be taken to prevent 
them, to avoid places and times and circumstances which might be cal- 
culated to occasion them, and instead, secure surroundings which are in 
every way encouraging, pleasurable, elevating and delightful.—[Hall. 
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF PREGNANCY. 
The signs of pregnancy vary considerably in different 
ladies, both as to their nature and the periods of their 
occurrence. The inquiry as to the existence of pregnancy 
is often one of great importance and anxiety, and we 
therefore place before the reader the most characteristic 
signs and symptoms to which this condition gives rise. 
In estimating the conclusiveness of these signs reference 
must be had to their number and importance, the previ- 
ous condition of the lady, and any accidental causes 
which may have been in operation to produce unnatural 
changes. Only four of the following signs can be con- 
sidered as certain, and these only when clearly made out; 
they are—the sounds of the fetal heart, the movements 
of the child felt by another, fluctuation and ballottement. 
The other signs are probable ones; probability, however, 556 
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF PREGNANCY. 
almost rising into certainty in some cases and at certain 
periods of gestation. 
1. Absence of Menstruation—One of the first 
circumstances which leads a lady to think herself preg- 
nant is the arrest of the usual monthly discharge. If the 
suppression of the menses occur in a healthy female, 
who had before been regular, and who has not' been ex- 
posed to cold or wet, or any other accidental cause likely 
to influence the menses, and especially if at the second 
or third period the menses are still absent, pregnancy 
may be suspected. This sign will be much more conclu- 
sive if there are superadded to it other symptoms indica- 
tive of pregnancy, such as those described further on. 
But although this is one of the earliest signs of preg- 
nancy, still no certain conclusion can be arrived at from 
it, inasmuch as the menstrual function may be suppressed 
from causes altogether distinct from pregnancy—moun- 
tain-air, an entire change of habits, a sea-voyage, etc.; 
or conception may occur prior to the establishment of 
menstruation, or immediately after ceasing to nurse, and 
before the function has had time to recur. Again, the 
menstrual discharge may be suspended as the result of 
disease, and conception may take place before that function 
is re-established. 
It therefore follows that, though the absence of men- 
struation is of considerable value as evidence of preg- 
nancy, it cannot, in itself, be regarded as an absolute 
sign. 
2. Morning-Sickness—Generally, in from two to 
six weeks, sometimes immediately after conception, ladies 
suffer more or less from nausea, and sometimes vomiting, 
on first taking the erect posture, probably from the uterine 
vessels being then more congested, and hence termed 
if/onmiy-siekness. Occasionally these symptoms are so 557 
ENLARGEMENT OF THE BREASTS. 
severe and persistent as to impair very seriously the health 
of the patient; on the other hand, some patients do not ex- 
perience sickness at all. 
In consequence of its intimate nervous connections 
with all parts of the body, the stomach often acts sym- 
pathetically in comparatively trifling derangements. Cere- 
bral excitement, nervous irritation, affections of the bowels, 
kidneys, liver, etc., are all capable of exciting abnormal 
action in the stomach resembling that which attends preg- 
nancy. As an isolated sign of pregnancy, therefore, this 
is one of but limited importance; it may be absent alto- 
gether, occur at unusual times, or take unusual forms; 
but when it is combined with other symptoms described 
in this chapter, occurs in the usual order of time, and 
there is no apparent cause for it, such as indigestion, and 
the tongue is clean, and the appetite and general health 
continue good in spite of the nausea, it furnishes an im- 
portant link in that chain of evidence which indicates the 
pregnant condition. 
The treatment of this condition is described further 
on. 
3. Enlargement of the Breasts—The examina- 
tion of the breasts furnishes an experienced observer, ac- 
quainted with the general anatomy of the glands, with 
valuable data on which to found an opinion touching the 
existence of pregnancy. Generally, in about six or eight 
weeks after conception, often earlier, there occurs a sen- 
sation of fullness, with throbbing and tingling pain in the 
breasts, accompanied by their enlargement. They become 
larger, firmer, and feel knotty, and after a time a milky 
fluid may be secreted. But these symptoms cannot alone 
be relied upon as evidence of pregnancy, since irritation 
of the utero-genital apparatus, suppressed menstruation, 
uterine tumors, or even, in some females, the appearance 558 
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF PREGNANCY. 
of the monthly discharge, may give rise to them. A 
temporary enlargement, simply consequent on marriage, 
is sometimes observable, without the occurrence of con- 
ception. Enlargement of the breasts may also be due to 
fatty deposit; but in this case other parts of the body 
will present evidence of a proportional increase of the 
fatty material. The true character of the enlargement is 
easily recognizable by the touch of the experienced finger; 
that from fatty enlargement is soft and uniform, but that 
from pregnancy is hard and knotty, and the lobules of 
the gland may be felt beneath the skin, arranged in a 
regular manner around the nipple. Enlargement from 
chronic disease is perhaps less likely to lead to an erro- 
neous conclusion, as one breast only is involved, and 
that but partially so. ' 
4. Darkening’ of the Areola around the Nip- 
ple—In the virgin state, the color of the nipple and 
areola is usually but a shade deeper than that of the skin 
generally; but in about six or eight weeks after concep- 
tion, the delicate, pink-colored circle around the nipples 
becomes several shades darker, the circle increasing in 
extent and in depth of color as pregnancy progresses. 
This change is so strongly marked in primiparse, or in 
pregnancy of the first child, as to afford a good sign of 
gestation. It is, however, rendered of less general value 
from the fact that after the first pregnancy the dark 
color becomes permanent, and is but little modified by 
subsequent ones. Concurrently with the altered color of 
the areola, the nipples and surrounding integuments be- 
come swollen, puffy and more moist, secreting a fluid 
which stains the linen ; and the veins beneath the skin 
become more visible. Prominent points or glandular fol- 
licles, varying in number from twelve to twenty, project 
from the sixteenth to the eighth part of an inch, imme- MILK IN THE BREASTS, ETC. 
559 
diately around the base of the nipple. These changes,, 
which are often well marked, are not, however, always 
so. The darkening of the areola is less marked in women 
of light complexion; and something resembling it, as 
also enlargement of the mammary gland, is said to be 
present when the uterus or womb is distended from other 
causes than pregnancy. 
Alterations in the size and appearance of the breasts, 
the two signs just referred to, afford to the educated 
hand and eye of the practitioner valuable evidence: they 
have also this additional importance, that an examination 
of them is easily obtainable, and for various reasons, more 
readily conceded than one involving the vagina and ab- 
domen. 
5. Milk in the Breasts—This sign, considered 
very conclusive of pregnancy, is often unreliable. Women 
who have borne children, sometimes continue to secrete 
milk for a long time—even for years; in such cases, 
therefore, this sign is of little value. Milk in the breasts 
also occurs in other conditions of the system besides 
pregnancy, and even in females who have never borne 
children. 
6. Enlargement of the Abdomen—After impreg- 
nation, an increased afflux of blood occurs towards the 
womb, the tissues of which gradually expand, imparting a 
feeling of weight, fullness and sensitiveness in the utero- 
genital organs. 
The gradual enlargement of the womb furnishes a 
tolerably accurate guide to the period of pregnancy, by 
the height which it attains in the abdomen. In about 
two months the intestines are somewhat elevated, and by 
the end of the third month the enlargement may be per- 
ceived; at the fourth month, the womb rises out of the 
pelvis in the form of a hard, round tumor, and then 560 
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF PREGNANCY 
gradually rises, and enlarges the whole abdomen. It 
reaches the umbilicus (navel) at the sixth month, and is 
highest at the ninth, when it reaches the ensiform cartilage, 
and impedes the descent of the diaphragm; during the 
last month it sinks a little, probably from some diminu- 
tion of liquor amnii. 
The sensation conveyed to the hand by the pregnant 
uterus is very different from that of the abdomen dis- 
tended by fluid, flatus, etc. ; the former being firm, 
elastic, defined ; the movements of the fetus may be felt 
by the practiced hand; but in the latter there is an ab- 
sence of firmness and elasticity, and the tumor is not de- 
fined. On reaching the umbilicus, the uterus pushes it for- 
ward, so that in about the sixth month it is more prominent 
than natural, and afterwards it protrudes somewhat from 
the surrounding skin. 
Enlargement of the abdomen, as a sign of pregnancy, 
is liable to variation; it may be distended by tympanitis 
or fecal accumulations in the intestines, or by ovarian 
dropsy; or the uterus may be enlarged by air, fluid or 
worms. In many cases the abdomen even becomes flat- 
ter at first, from the sinking of the impregnated uterus 
in the pelvis, attended perhaps with a slight retraction of 
the navel. 
7. Quickening—In popular language, this term is 
applied to the mother’s perception of the first movements 
of the fetus, on the incorrect assumption that it was not 
alive from the very moment of conception. Quickening 
may be briefly explained thus: As soon as the uterus 
has become too large to remain in the pelvis, it rises 
into the abdomen, sometimes suddenly, causing faintness 
and sickness; after this, the movements of the child, 
pressing directly upon the sensitive walls of the abdomen, 
are felt. If any doubt exists as to the date of concep- FLUCTUATION, ETC. 
561 
tion, four months and a half from the date of quicken- 
ing may be reckoned as a tolerably safe guide to the time 
of labor. 
This sign of pregnancy is by no means a reliable one, 
unless the movements are certainly felt by another person, 
as the patient may be deceived by wind in the intestines, 
or by the force of her own imagination; for women 
who think themselves pregnant often assert that they 
plainly feel the motions of the child, persisting in such 
statement until the lapse of time convinces them of their 
error. On the other hand, cases occasionally occur in which 
no sensation of the motion of the child is perceived 
by the mother from the beginning to the close of preg- 
nancy. 
8. Fluctuation—As early as the second or third 
month, pregnancy can often be diagnosed with certainty 
by this test. The tactus eruditus, or educated touch, 
possessed by the practiced physician alone, is essential to 
make the test available. Holding the uterus steady with 
the left hand, an examination with two fingers of the 
right discovers the os uteri, or mouth of the womb, 
closed, the womb more or less enlarged, and by pressure 
or percussion a sense of fluctuation or perceptible move- 
ment of fluid is communicated. The fluctuation is a most 
important sign, giving reliable evidence in a majority of 
cases. After the second month the fluctuation is more 
perceptible, but it maybe recognized by the sixth or seventh 
week by a careful examination. 
9. Ballottement—At the expiration of a few 
weeks the uterus or womb will be found lower than 
usual, heavier, and its mouth more circular and closed; 
but afterwards it becomes higher, more difficult to be 
reached, and its neck shortened. If the woman be placed 
on her knees, and an impulse given to the finger, ballotte- 562 
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF PREGNANCY. 
merit, or the floating of the child, may be felt, for it 
rises a moment in the liquor amnii, or fluid in which the 
fetus floats, and then, by its own gravity, sinks again 
on the finger. The most favorable period for this test is 
between the fifth and sixth months. Before the fifth 
month the fetus is too light, and after the sixth month 
it is too closely packed to admit of this test. Ballottement 
is very conclusive of pregnancy, and especially when cor- 
roborated by other signs, but determines nothing as to the 
life of the fetus. 
10. Kiesteine in the Urine—By keeping the 
urine of a pregnant woman a few days, a whitish scum, 
of a fatty or curdy appearance, forms on the surface, 
and then gradually breaks up again from decomposition, 
emitting a strong odor as of decaying cheese. Kiesteine 
is a mucilaginous principle, and probably exists in the 
urine from the first month of pregnancy until delivery, 
and arises from the excess of nutriment formed in the 
blood of the mother for the child. 
11. Sounds of the Fetal Heart—By applying 
the stethoscope to the lower portion of the abdomen of 
either side, usually on the left, about midway between 
the umbilicus and the anterior superior spinous process 
of the ilium, the fetal heart may be heard at twice the 
rate of the mother’s. The sound has been compared to 
the muffled ticking of a watch, and the earliest time it 
can be heard is the beginning of the fifth month. When 
the pulsations of the fetal heart are heard, they are the 
most positive of all the signs of pregnancy. At the same 
time, the pulsations may be inaudible, and yet the woman 
may be enceinte (pregnant), as . the fetus may have 
died, or the pulsations may be rendered inaudible only 
for a time. 
12. Other Signs of Pregnancy, which we can SEX OF THE CHILD. 
563 
here only enumerate, are—sharpness of the features; ir- 
ritability of temper; and, frequently, toothache and other 
nervous complaints. Lastly, a frequent desire to pass 
water, especially in the night, is another early and valu- 
able sign. 
From the foregoing statements the reader will per- 
ceive that the diagnosis of pregnancy, especially in the 
early months, is far from being certain; the evidence is 
cumulative, no one sign being alone trustworthy, proba- 
bility rising in proportion to the accumulation of the 
signs. Errors in the diagnosis of pregnancy usually arise 
from the attention of the observer being restricted to one 
or two signs only, and omitting to inquire for other cor- 
roborative ones. 
The Sex of the Child Before Birth—The inter- 
esting fact that the sex of the child can in a large pro- 
portion of cases be ascertained during gestation has re- 
cently been made known (August, 1873). When the fetal 
pulsations reach one hundred and forty-four per minute, 
the child is probably a female, but when they are one 
hundred and twenty-four per minute, probably a male. 
Any little variation from one hundred and twenty-four 
upwards, and from one hundred and forty-four down- 
wards, will not alter the diagnosis, provided auscultation 
be practiced towards the end of pregnancy. Steinbach 
was correct in forty-five out of fifty-seven cases which 
he examined; while Frankenhauser was right in all the 
fifty cases which he examined with a view to determine 
the sex of the fetus in utero. 
General Habits During Pregnancy—1. Diet. 
The diet should be simple, nutritious and easy of di- 
gestion ; it should be thoroughly masticated, and but lit- 
tle fluid should be drunk at meal-times, especially cold, 
since cold retards digestion. It is an error to suppose 564 
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF PREGNANCY. 
that women require more nourishment in pregnancy than 
at other times ; and large quantities of rich food, taken 
in the belief that it will contribute to the sustenance of 
the child, cannot but be productive of baneful conse- 
quences. Spices, spiced meat, sausage and all high- 
ly seasoned food and late suppers, must be refrained 
from. Plainly cooked animal food (once a day), well 
boiled vegetables, ripe fruits, and such articles as rice, 
tapioca, arrow-root, will, if taken in moderation, rarely 
disagree with the stomach. Pie-crusts, smoked hams, 
salted meats generally, rich sauces and every article that 
has been known to occasion indigestion, must be rejected. 
All substances that have a tendency to produce a costive 
state of the bowels should be especially avoided, and un- 
less some reason exists to the contrary, brown bread 
should be eaten in preference to white. Stimulating 
drinks—wines, ardent spirits, ale, porter, strong tea and 
coffee—are, generally, hurtful both to the mother and the 
fetus, or child. 
2. Dress—Under this head, the origin of the wrnrd 
enceinte, used to signify the pregnant condition, is highly 
suggestive. It was the custom of the Roman women to 
wear a light girdle or cincture round their waists; but on 
the occurrence of pregnancy this restraint was removed. 
Hence a woman so circumstanced was said to be incincta 
(unbound), and thus the term enceinte has been adopted 
to indicate pregnancy. 
It would seem scarcely necessary to make any re- 
marks upon the dress to be worn, were it not that some 
females, considerably advanced in pregnancy, often lace 
tightly for the sake of attending public entertainments, or 
of diverting notice from their condition. At no time 
should stays be worn, for the simple reason that they are 
never required. But they should especially be avoided dur- EXERCISE. 
565 
mg pregnancy, since a continual and forcible compres- 
sion of the abdomen, while nature is at work to‘ secure its 
gradual enlargement in order to accommodate the growth 
of the fetus, must be attended with serious injury to the 
health of both mother and child. During gestation, or preg- 
nancy the uterus increases on an average from two to four- 
teen inches in diameter. It will be obvious, therefore, how 
vain as well as criminal must be any effort to contract it, 
and thus to conceal its enlargement. Palpitation of the 
heart, indigestion, disease of the liver and costiveness; 
difficulty of breathing, spitting of blood and persistent 
coughs ; enlarged veins in the legs, swellings in the lower 
limbs, disorders of the womb, deformity of the offspring 
and numerous other affections have their origin in tight- 
lacing; and, finally, if the child be born alive and mould- 
ed aright, and the mother escape her self-created perils, 
it may be questioned if compressed breasts and nipples 
can afford the requisite nourishment for the child. 
The dress should be arranged, both as to material 
and quantity, with the view to comfort and to the season. 
There must be no pressure on any part; even the garters 
should be loosely worn. The feet and abdomen should 
be kept warm, since habitual coldness of these parts pre- 
disposes to colic, headache and miscarriage. 
3. Exercise—Exercise is a most important means of 
retaining good health during gestation, of securing a 
natural delivery, and of favoring the health of the infant. 
Walking in the open air is a most useful kind; for this 
calls into action more of the muscles of the body than 
does any other exercise suited to this condition. Walk- 
ing-exercise is even more necessary in the winter than in 
the summer, and produces a much healthier and more 
lasting warmth than sitting before a fire. It should, if 
possible, be taken in the morning before dinner, and be 566 
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF PREGNANCY. 
of such a character as to interest the mind as well as to 
strengthen the body. This will operate most favorably as 
a preventive of a host of the morbid conditions and feel- 
ings which are apt to attend this state. Care must 
however be taken to avoid such a degree of exercise as 
may induce positive fatigue; such as too long walks, 
going out in slippery weather, dancing, lifting heavy 
weights, and all kinds of violent motion, which are liable 
to cause hemorrhage, miscarriage and bearing down of 
the worn!). The passive exercise of riding in a carriage 
falls short of the object in view ; and on the other hand, 
riding on horseback exceeds it, besides the danger of 
fright and accident to which the incipient mother is then 
liable. In very wet or windy weather or when it is 
impracticable to walk out, she should select a large and 
well ventilated room, so that the air she breathes may 
be pure. 
It will be plain from the tenor of these general re- 
marks, that lassitude and languor should be striven 
against and overcome. On this account the pernicious 
habit of sleeping after dinner should not be contracted. 
Too little sleep is, perhaps, even a less evil than too 
much. And hence, ladies who pass the interval, or a 
good part of it, between dinner and tea, on the couch or 
the bed, generally suffer from debility which ends in 
proneness to disease. 
4. General Hints—Theaters, balls or exciting, 
brilliantly lighted public meetings should not be attended; 
early habits should be formed; all excessive mental emo- 
tions, as grief, despondency, anger and the like, are to 
be guarded against; the cold or tepid bath should be 
used daily, following it with vigorous friction; the mind 
should be kept tranquil, remembering that parturition is 
not necessarily attended by great suffering, or imminent DISORDERS OF PREGNANCY, 
567 
danger; these being, in most instances, the penalty inflicted 
on those who disregard the hints laid down here. 
DISORDERS OF PREGNANCY. 
In a natural state of social life pregnancy would be 
a condition comparatively exempt from suffering. In con- 
sequence, however, of disorders induced by artificial 
habits, the excessive use of drugs, constitutional diseases 
or accidental causes, this condition is too often accom- 
panied by departures from health, some of which we 
shall describe in the following pages, together with the 
best means for their prevention and removal. 
Melancholy, Fear, etc.—Fear, anger, joy, grief 
and other emotional disturbances, operate powerfully upon 
the heightened susceptibility of the pregnant state, and, 
unless moderated or removed, may affect both the mother 
and child unfavorably. A morbid dread, causing the 
sufferer to view events through a darkened and distorted 
medium, is liable to produce trembling of the body, 
weakness of the limbs, alarming dreams, nightmare, 
nervous irritability, leading her to despair of life, and 
even to wish that it were extinct. Injudicious friends 
often aggravate this morbid state by recounting accidents 
and unpropitious results of pregnancy which probably 
never occurred. Such thoughtlessness cannot be too 
strongly condemned. The statements are almost always 
untrue, but they may appear so real to the patient as to 
operate powerfully on her mind, and thus produce the 
most serious results. 
Treatment—Useful occupation combined with suit- 568 
DISORDERS OF PREGNANCY. 
able out-door recreation or games, cheerful company or 
books, change of air and scene or easy journeys to favor- 
ite or novel places of interest. 
Fainting and Hysterical Fits—These arc not fre- 
quent accompaniments of pregnancy, except at the period 
of quickening and in weakly and delicate females. The 
fits are far from being serious, except when associated 
with organic disease of the heart. If they occur towards 
the end of pregnancy, they may render convalescence 
after child-birth more tedious than it would otherwise be. 
They are also unpleasant occurrences at the time of 
labor. 
Symptoms—These differ from epileptic fits, as there 
is no choking noise in the throat, or biting of the tongue. 
There is a sensation of languor, with disposition to yawn ; 
things appear to turn round, the sight becomes dim, the 
face pale, and there is buzzing or ringing in the ears; 
the patient sighs and becomes partially insensible. 
Causes—Heightened impressionability of the nervous 
system from debilitating causes, as neuralgia, prolonged 
sleeplessness, diarrhea or other discharges, anger or 
fright. Tight dresses, crowded and badly ventilated 
sitting-rooms, churches, theaters, ball-rooms, etc., are fre- 
quent exciting causes. When fainting occurs soon after 
labor, it may arise from hemorrhage, and requires prompt 
and skilful treatment. (See “Flooding after Delivery.”) 
During an hysteric fit, cold water may be sprinkled 
on the face. For a simple fainting fit, the patient 
should be laid down, with the head and shoulders 
slightly raised, abundance of air admitted to the room, 
and quiet maintained. Camphor, cologne-water, salts of 
ammonia, etc., may be applied to the nostrils. If the 
extremities are cold, artificial warmth may be necessary. 
The exciting cause must, as far as possible, be removed; 569 
TREATMENT. 
when this is a tight dress, or a too hot or badly ventilated 
room, removal of the cause is generally sufficient; if faint- 
ing arises from constitutional conditions, professional treat- 
ment is necessary. 
In ordinary cases the patient, upon the first feeling 
of faintness, ought to be laid down without a pillow, and her 
dress thoroughly loosened, and the windows should be 
opened. It is scarcely necessary to say that there should 
be as few attendants as possible. This symptom indicates 
a change required in the habits of life to simpler, plainer, 
more natural ones; in brief, proper exercise and proper 
diet are required here as well as in nearly all other cases. 
A change of air may prove beneficial when the patient is 
subject to attacks of fainting. 
Attacks of hysterics can be temporarily cured by the 
use of small doses of assafcetida (size of a pea), taken as 
often as required. Tincture of valerian is also an excel- 
lent medicine. A dose of the latter is from forty to eighty 
drops. 
How to Avoid Hysteria—It is commonly sup- 
posed that a woman during pregnancy must not be sub- 
jected to long or severe mental effort. This is all a 
mistake. Let her work with her brain as steadily and as 
long as she chooses, so that she balances this labor by 
ample rest, recreation and exercise in the open air. If a 
woman begins to feel her mind over-taxed and her nerves 
overstrained, she should not lay the facts to too much 
mental study and work, but to too little physical exercise 
and rest. There is most danger from hysteria to those who 
have not sufficient employment for the mind—whose hands 
and brains are alike idle. It is a well known though not 
sufficiently considered fact, that hysterical symptoms are to 
be more frequently met with among women of leisure than 570 
MORNING-SICKNESS. 
among those who perform either hard physical or mental 
labor. 
MORNING - SICKNESS, OR VOMITING DUR- 
ING PREGNANCY. 
In the early months of pregnancy, most women ex- 
perience more or less of this; occasionally nausea or 
vomiting, or both, are very troublesome and persistent 
symptoms, and give rise to serious concern as to the 
patient’s health, especially in the first pregnancy of del- 
icate women. 
Symptoms—The first intimation of it generally oc- 
curs on rising from bed. Before getting up, the patient 
may feel as well as usual, but while dressing will be 
overtaken by nausea, followed by retching, and perhaps 
by vomiting. Or it may not occur until some little time 
after leaving the apartment, or not till after breakfast, 
which may be eaten with zest. In some cases, sickness 
is not felt till the evening, when its habitual return indicates 
one of the forms of displacement (falling or retroversion) 
of the womb incident to pregnancy. Morning-sickness may 
begin almost immediately after conception, of which it is 
often one of the earliest symptoms ; but more frequently 
it does not commence until after the lapse of two or three 
weeks, and then continues more or less constantly and 
severely for three or four weeks, and in some instances till 
near the time of quickening, or even until confinement. In 
some rare instances it does not occur before the last weeks 
of pregnancy, and is then apt to be severe ; in other CAUSES, ETC. 
571 
cases it is altogether absent during the whole period of 
gestation. 
•O 
Causes—The increased action of the nerve-force em- 
ployed in digestion to furnish material for enlarged growth, 
carried to so high a degree as to disturb the equilibrium of 
the digestive and assimilative forces. It is most common 
among the wealthy and inactive. Moderate morning-sick- 
ness is no doubt salutary, by diminishing that tendency to 
plethora or too great fullness in the system which often 
attends pregnancy. Uterine displacements are known to 
produce morning-sickness, and it is more than possible that 
the slight falling of the womb which is incident to the first 
months of gestation may help to account for it. When 
.sickness is invariably brought on or intensified during the 
latter part of the day or in the evening, after the patient 
has been upon her feet, it is due to displacement or fall- 
ing of the womb; this is proved by the prompt relief 
that follows the replacement of the organ on the patient. 
Obstinate and long-continued nausea or vomiting is gen- 
erally caused by congestion, ulceration or displacement, 
or it may arise from hyperesthesia of the nervous system 
and require professional treatment. Nausea and sickness 
occurring towards night are more serious and obstinate, for 
the reasons already mentioned. 
Treatment—The simpler modes of treatment are— 
cheerfulness, mental composure, moderate out-of-door ex- 
ercise and early hours. The regulation of the diet is 
also important, a change in the hours of eating to those 
in which the stomach is least likely to be disordered, 
especially avoiding over-eating. Cold food will sometimes 
be retained when hot is rejected. In some cases two or 
three teaspoonfuls of beef-tea, frequently repeated, or 
soda-water and milk, or when these cannot be borne, 
small pieces of ice may be sucked. In extreme cases, it 572 
MORNING-SIGKNESS. 
may be necessary to give up the attempt of feeding by the 
mouth, and to depend upon injections by the rectum for a 
day or two. 
Raw Beef in the Vomiting of Pregnancy—Dr. 
J. S. Bailey and Dr. J. Kitchen have recently recorded 
several cases, in which raw beef has been retained after 
every other kind of food had been rejected. It was 
chopped fine, with a little Cayenne pepper and salt 
sprinkled over it, and given in teaspoonful-doses at in- 
tervals of three hours. Although the idea of eating raw 
beef was repulsive, upon tasting it, it was not found 
disagreeable. 
A few minutes before rising in the morning, take a 
cup of tea or coffee and a slice of bread and butter. This 
seldom fails to prevent morning-sickness. 
Or an infusion of peach-tree bark, in doses of a tea- 
spoonful every half-hour during the forenoon, will answer 
a good purpose, as will an infusion of spearmint taken 
cold. One of the most certain remedies is nux vomica. 
Add from two to three drops to eight tablespoonfuls of 
water, and give a teaspoonful as often as necessary. A 
flannel bandage wrung out of cold vinegar and applied 
around the waist, with a dry one over it, is the best 
external application. 
The following appropriate remarks on this subject 
are by Mrs. Duffey, in her valuable book entitled, “What 
Women Should Know:” “A few years since I read an 
article in a health-journal in regard to the proper diet 
of a pregnant woman, the substance of which article has 
since been embodied in a little volume by Dr. M. L. 
Holbrook, entitled, ‘Parturition without Pain.’ A partial 
trial of the diet prescribed in this book has convinced me 
that, if its requirements were fully complied with, the result 
might be that pregnancy and child-bed, if not entirely de- REMEDIES. 
573 
void of suffering, would be a hundred-fold less to be dreaded 
than now. I advise every woman to get this bqok and read 
it for herself. I have not space for a repetition of all the 
directions concerning diet, but the substance of it is, to 
avoid all meats unless it be the flesh of young animals, such 
as lamb, veal or chicken; to.avoid also all articles made 
of wheaten flour, and substitute farina and rice in their 
place; to live principally on vegetables, and to indulge 
unsparingly in acid and sub-acid fruits. To comply fully 
with all the exactions of the volume referred to would 
require time, trouble and expense beyond the ability of 
most women. But vegetables and fruit are always to be 
had, and if one meal in the day is made entirely of 
fruit, it will save much distress. 
“Fruit in the Place of Medicine—I have found, 
in my own experience, a most simple remedy (used in con- 
junction with the exercise I have already recommended) 
for the sickness accompanying pregnancy, which always 
on previous occasions was severe in the extreme. If I 
did not eat, I suffered terribly from hunger; if I did 
eat, I suffered still more terribly from a sickness which 
kept me on the verge of vomiting, yet never relieved me 
in that manner. Thus I constantly fluctuated between 
nausea and semi-starvation. There was always, day and 
night, a bad taste in my mouth which sensibly affected 
the flavor of everything I ate. My remedy was no more 
troublesome or expensive than this: immediately after 
each meal—at which I was careful that no inappropriate 
article was used—I ate a single tart apple or orange, 
which at once quelled all symptoms of nausea or heart- 
burn, took awTay the unpleasant taste, and left me as 
free from distress as under ordinary circumstances, and 
with a hearty, healthy appetite to enjoy my next meal. 
Let me add, that my inclination led me to prefer a 574 
MOIINING-SICKXESS. 
vegetable diet, and to avoid, as far as possible, meat,, 
bread, pastry and sweets. 
“Let women suffering from “morning-sickness” try 
the acid fruit—apples, oranges or even lemons, if their 
sourness is not unpleasant. If a single apple or orange 
after each meal does not suffice, let them try two; let 
them eat ten if that number is necessary to conquer the 
distress. The principle is a correct one, and relief is 
certain. Let fruit be eaten at all hours of the day—be- 
fore meals and after, on going to bed at night and upon 
getting up in the morning. If berries are in season, let 
them be eaten abundantly in their natural state—that is, 
without sugar. If the sickness still continues, omit a 
meal now and then, and substitute fruit in its stead. By 
a persistence in this course, not only will nausea be con- 
quered, but an easy confinement guaranteed. 
“Reasons for the Exercise and Diet Prescribed 
—As already stated, exercise will conduce to vigorous and 
regular action of all the organs of the body, and will 
avert biliousness and plethora. A diminution of the 
quantity of food will lead still farther away from a ple- 
thoric condition. Avoidance of meat, pastry and articles 
of a like character, will produce a like result in regard 
to biliousness. Bread is omitted from the diet, because 
wheat-flour—even bolted flour—contains a large propor- 
tion of phosphates or bone-making materials, the use of 
which will tend to harden the bony structure of the em- 
bryo (child) in too great a degree, and render parturition 
exceedingly painful. Vegetables furnish all necessary 
nourishment, and fruit, especially that of a sub-acid char- 
acter, will correct any remaining tendencies of the stom- 
ach to biliousness or heartburn. It will also dissolve 
whatever bone-making material the food of the woman 
may contain, and the result will be that the bones of the HEARTBURN, WATERBRASH AND ACIDITY. 
575 
unborn child will remain gristly and soft, yielding easily 
to pressure at the hour of birth, and rendering that hour 
far safer and more free from suffering to the mother 
without detriment to the babe itself.” 
HEARTBURN, WATERBRASH AND ACIDITY. 
These complaints often occur during gestation, and 
may be generally traced to taking more food than the 
stomach can digest, frequently from the mistaken idea 
that the patient now requires more food than at any 
other time. 
Treatment—An orange, a tart apple or a tumbler 
of not too sweet lemonade, will probably bring immediate 
relief. Vitriolic or citric acid may be also used with 
benefit. Lime-water and milk will bring relief when the 
heartburn is moderate. A few blanched almonds or 
roasted ground-nuts have been found in mild cases to 
bring relief. So also has an infusion of peach-tree bark. 
The diet should be restricted, avoiding a. too exclusive 
use of vegetables ; all pastry, fatty kinds of food, stews, 
twice-cooked meats, hot-buttered toast, new bread, raw 
or half-cooked vegetables, and everything that is rich and 
indigestible, must be forbidden. Bread prepared by 
Dauglish’s process, termed aerated bread, is best for 
patients troubled with heartburn. Plain biscuits are also 
useful. Drink should be taken sparingly with the meals. 576 
SLEEPLESSNESS SWELLING OE THE EXTREMITIES. 
SLEEPLESSNESS. 
Sleeplessness is a prominent and annoying symptom 
in some women in all stages of pregnancy. 
Treatment—When the sleeplessness occurs in the 
•early part of the night the patient should sponge her face 
and neck with hot water, or, if this fail, she should 
apply a cold-water compress to the nape of the neck, 
just before going to bed. Similar measures may be 
adopted if the sleeplessness manifests itself in the early 
morning. 
SWELLING OF THE EXTREMITIES. 
In advanced pregnancy women often suffer from a 
puffy swelling of the ankles, and sometimes of the thighs, 
or even of the external genital parts. Change of posture 
has great influence upon the swelling of the legs; in 
the morning it is but slightly perceptible, but during the 
day it increases, and towards night it is at its greatest 
degree. 
Treatment—The recumbent posture will often lessen 
the inconvenience; and when the patient sits she should 
do so as much as possible with the legs raised. Stand- 
ing is more unfavorable than a moderate decree of walk- 
ing-exercise. 
Cramps, swelled feet and varicose or bursting veins 
may all be avoided by a light and appropriate diet 
and abundance of exercise, which will tend to keep down 
the weight of the fetus, so that it shall not become 
burdensome. SALIVATION COLIC. 
577 
SALIVATION (Ptyalism). 
A profuse flow of saliva occasionally takes the place 
of morning-sickness, and is generally most troublesome 
in the earlier months of gestation; it is sometimes the 
earliest si<ni of that condition. 
O 
Symptoms—In the morning the patient finds her 
mouth and throat filled with tenacious mucus of saliva, 
which is ejected in roundish masses. When salivation is 
excessive it is a cause of exhaustion. 
Treatment—Chlorate of potash or alum-gargles 
are often beneficial. As a mere palliative, holding a 
small piece of gum-Arabic in the mouth is recommended. 
The chewing of coffee has been known to cure when all 
other remedies have failed. 
This salivation is almost invariably accompanied by, 
and is the result of, constipation and heartburn; there- 
fore whatever removes these latter will in all likelihood 
cure the salivation. If it is severe, a physician had better 
be consulted, who may possibly suggest some means of 
relief. The same course of treatment pursued in heart- 
burn, frequent rinsing the mouth with lime-water, and the 
use of solid food alone, will bring relief in ordinary 
cases. This symptom usually passes away about the fifth 
or sixth month. 
COLIC. 
Spasm, from flatulent distention of the bowels, is 
apt to occur during pregnancy, owing to cold or im- 
proper diet. It generally affects the large intestines. 578 
CRAMPS. 
Treatment—During the violent pains of colic, hot 
applications are useful, but a warm bath is objectionable 
for colic during pregnancy. A pint or a joint and a half 
of tepid water, boldly injected up the bowel by an 
enema-syringe, with a long pipe, and repeated if neces- 
sary, is almost invariably and immediately successful, 
especially when the wind is in the lower part of the ab- 
domen. Indigestible food should be avoided, especially 
pastry and uncooked or unripe fruits, and no food should 
be taken within at least three hours of going to bed. 
Persons liable to colic should wear a piece of flannel 
around the abdomen in cold or changeable weather, and 
keep the feet warm and dry. Daily exercise in the 
open air should be taken, and worry and excessive mental 
fatigue avoided. See page 92. 
CRAMPS . 
Pregnant women are liable to cramps or irregular 
pains in the abdomen, loins, calves of the legs and feet, 
especially about the fourth and fifth months, and towards 
the end of gestation or pregnancy, which are due to 
changes in the uterine and abdominal structures from the 
growth of the fetus. 
Remedies—Brisk friction to the legs morning and 
evening, and also while the cramps are on, will often 
afford much relief. At all times the feet and legs should 
be kept dry and warm. 
To spring immediately to the feet, and bear the 
weight of the body on them, is another admirable remedy 
for cramps of the legs. See page 43. TOOTHACHE HEADACHE. 
579 
TOOTHACHE, OR FACE-ACHE. 
The toothache of pregnancy is & neuralgia, from which 
some ladies begin to suffer soon after conception, and even 
recognize their condition by this sympton. It is, however, 
liable to happen at any period during pregnancy. The pain 
may attack one or more decayed teeth, or not quite sound, 
or it may extend along the jaw without affecting any 
tooth in particular. It is sometimes so intense as to 
render the patient temporarily delirious. Extraction of 
teeth is seldom advisable. A qualified dentist, indeed* 
usually refuses to remove them for this cause, where 
it exists alone. Besides, patients of refined nervoua 
sensibility, or who have a tendency to miscarriage, are in 
danger of abortion from the fear or shock of extraction. 
Treatment—One of the best remedies for tooth- 
ache is a piece of cotton saturated with oil of cloves and 
placed in the cavity of the tooth. This will generally 
give immediate relief. Avoidance of cold and damp, 
improvement of the general health, especially of the 
digestive organs, should be promoted, by the use of 
wholesome food, pure air, out-of-door exercise, bathing 
and regular early habits. See page 485. 
HEADACHE, DIZZINESS, ETC. 
These are sometimes most distressing concomitants 
of pregnancy. There may be acute congestion, with 
throbbing, dimness of sight, confusion of ideas, and 
great heat of the head and face, with dizziness, intol- 
erance of light and sound, etc. Or the face may be 580 
PAIN IN THE BREASTS. 
pale, cool, and the eyes heavy and languid. There may 
be also a feeling of weight on the top of the head or 
back of the neck, palpitation, nervous tremblings, a dis- 
position to fall forward, variable or diminished appetite, 
gastric derangements, etc. 
Treatment—In congestive headache the feet should 
be kept warm, and when cold, hot applications should be 
made to them. In headache from gastric derangements, 
free vomiting often gives relief; to promote which, if 
necessary, a tumblerful of warm water with a teaspoonful 
of mustard mixed in it may be taken. In neuralgic head- 
ache, dry, hot flannels around the head, or a handker- 
chief tied tightly, is often palliative. If the feet are cold, a 
hot brick or bottle should be applied. 
Preventive Treatment—Early hours, to obviate as 
far as possible the use of artificial light, heated rooms, 
etc. ; the bath, with plenty of friction, in a well ventilated 
room every morning; regular, daily, open-air recreation; 
domestic duties and anxieties should only be permitted to 
exercise a moderate influence, the patient aiming to live 
a tranquil and agreeable life ; regularity or moderation in 
eating and drinking, avoiding eating in a hurry, taking 
suppers, stimulating food and drinks, especially spirits, 
strong tea, coffee, etc. The regular function of the bow- 
els should be promoted by observing the directions in the 
section on “ Constipation.” See page 331. 
PAIN IN THE BREASTS. 
Some ladies are troubled with a pricking or acute 
pain in one or both breasts ; the pain may become ex- 
ceedingly troublesome, constant, or occur in paroxysms ; INCONTINENCE OF URINE. 
581 
generally there is no fever, although excessive suffering 
may cause sleeplessness and want of appetite; like 
face-ache and headache, this is generally of a neuralgic 
character. 
Causes—Sympathetic irritation in the breasts, 
through pregnancy, which determines a flow of blood to 
those organs; compression of the breasts with stays, etc. 
It is especially liable to occur in women who have suffered 
from painful menstruation. As a symptom, pain or tension 
of the breasts may result from tumor in the womb, ovarian 
dropsy, etc., as well as from pregnancy. 
Remedies—Take one part of hamamelis ( Witch- 
Hazel) and ten of olive-oil. Mix, and rub the breast fre- 
quently with it; it will afford speedy relief. Another good 
application for this purpose is to take one part of chlo- 
roform and twenty parts of glycerine and use as above. 
Another good preparation, is to bathe the breast with one 
part of camphor and three parts of water, mixed. Tight- 
fitting dresses should be avoided. 
INCONTINENCE OF URINE. 
The bladder is frequently affected during pregnancy; 
in the early months by the descent of the womb, causing 
a frequent and painful desire to urinate, which, if not 
immediately yielded to, may result in' an involuntary 
discharge, especially when the patient has a cough. In 
many cases this condition is very distressing; the con- 
stant discharge excoriates the parts more or less, so that 
the patient can only move about with pain; whilst at 582 
RETENTION OF URINE. 
the same time an offensive, urinous odor is exhaled from 
the person. 
Treatment—The bladder should be trained to retain 
water during the day, though evacuation should not be too 
long postponed. All salt, acid and pungent articles of 
food, malt liquors, spirits, tea and coffee, should be 
avoided. Meat should be eaten with moderation; fruits, 
especially uncooked, taken sparingly ; flatulent food (that 
causing wind on the stomach) should not be used. Nothing 
hot should be taken in the latter part of the day. Cold 
water (soft is preferable), toast and water, mucilaginous 
drinks, milk and water, and cocoa, are the most suitable 
beverages. Abstinence from fluids is not desirable, as 
rather tending to increase the acridity of the urine, which 
may be lessened by mucilaginous drinks. Local cold ablu- 
tions are strengthening. 
RETENTION OF URINE. 
This, the opposite condition to incontinence, may 
arise from pressure of the distended uterus or womb, or 
from displacement of the neck of the womb causing ob- 
struction of the urethra. It requires prompt attention, as 
the pressure of the over-distended bladder upon the uterus 
may occasion serious inconvenience. 
Treatment—The patient should make regular efforts 
to pass water; and if she fail in her endeavors, a single 
introduction of the catheter (instrument for drawing off 
the water) will generally remove the difficulty. Often, 
however, the use of the catheter is entirely superseded by 
the following measures. The sudden application of a PILES 
583 
towel to the abdomen, after immersion in cold water, 
often causes an immediate contraction of the bladder, and 
consequent discharge of urine. Sometimes the alternate 
application of a hot and cold towel is speedily successful. 
Even plunging the hands into a full basin of very cold 
water, and moving them about, is generally followed by 
an immediate discharge of urine. Fomentations and in- 
jections of water up the bowel or vagina afford great 
relief, and often supersede the use of the catheter. The 
diet must be sparing, and, in severe cases, restricted to 
gruel and demulcent drinks—barley-water, gum-water, 
linseed-tea, or simple cold water. Tea and coffee should 
be taken very sparingly, or altogether omitted for a time. 
A change of the drinking-water is often advisable, espe- 
cially if pure, soft water can be obtained. Acids and too 
much salt should be avoided. 
PILES (Hemorrhoids). 
Piles is really a varicose condition of the veins of 
the rectum, and is one of the most frequent diseases of 
pregnancy. It is by no means peculiar to that condition; 
but some women are troubled then who do not suffer at 
any other time. External piles seldom give rise to hemor- 
rhage to any great extent, while internal piles often bleed 
profusely. 
Causes—The chief cause is pressure of the enlarged 
womb upon the vessels of the pelvis, obstructing the 
circulation; minor causes are mechanical pressure of 
the contents of the bowels in constipation, acrid diar- 
rhea, etc. 584 
PILES 
Treatment—External piles should be returned as 
quickly as possible by gently pressing them within the 
anus; then the patient should lie down for a short time 
to favor their retention; afterwards, the application of 
cotton or a cold compress will afford comfort and tend 
to prevent the descent of the piles. In internal piles, 
half a pint to a pint of water injected up the bowel in 
the morning has often a most salutary effect; it con- 
stricts the blood-vessels and softens the feces before the 
accustomed evacuation. Hard, costive motions and strain- 
ing should always be prevented during piles, by injections 
of tepid water. An India-rubber syringe, with an ivory 
tube, should be used, it being much more efficient, and 
less liable to injure the parts, than glass. If the tumors 
are too painful to permit of injections, the parts should 
be washed tyitli tepid water; if they are much swollen 
and extremely tender, the patient should sit over the 
steam of hot water, or foment the parts with moderately 
warm water. When the inflammatory symptoms have sub- 
sided, washing the parts with cold water, and cold injec- 
tions, do much good. See page 401 for remedies. 
The Abdominal Compress—This is made of three 
or four thicknesses of coarse linen cloth, from six to 
nine inches wide, to fit the individual, so as to cover the 
whole abdomen, including the liver and spleen, and extend 
down to the pubes. It should be wrung out of cold water, 
covered with oil-silk or india-rubber cloth, to prevent 
evaporation, and secured by three broad tapes around the 
hips and waist. The compress should fit as closely as 
possible so as to avoid displacement, otherwise air enters 
between it and the skin, and cold instead of a moist 
heat is produced. The best time for wearing it is during 
the night; and when taken off in the morning the part 
which has been covered should be sponged with water and DIARRHEA. 
585 
vigorously rubbed with a towel. The wet compress may 
sometimes be worn day and night, and renewed every 
twelve or twenty-four hours. It is of great utility in 
dyspepsia, chronic constipation and piles. Many of the 
Homoeopathic chemists sell bandages for this purpose. 
Cold sitz-baths are not always admissible in piles, as 
they increase local congestion by the reaction they occa- 
sion, and should not be used except by medical advice. 
Diet—In piles this should be moderate, unstimulating 
and easy of digestion. Coffee, peppers, spices, the exces- 
sive use of animal food and all stimulating beverages, 
should be avoided. A liberal quantity of well cooked 
vegetables and ripe fruits is recommended. Bread made 
from unbolted flour is sometimes inadmissible. On this 
subject, Dr. Baikie makes the following remarks: “Bread 
from unbolted flour is both wholesome and nourishing for 
those accustomed to it from infancy; and to persons suf- 
fering from simple constipation, without piles, its occasion- 
al use instead of physic is most desirable. But in all cases 
of piles, when the mucous membrane of the intestines and 
rectum is irritable, the mechanical action of the scales 
of bran is most injurious, and sure to produce aggra- 
vation.” 
DIARRHEA. 
Diarrhea is not so frequent in pregnancy as consti- 
pation, but is generally more prejudicial. If very severe 
and long-continued, it is apt to induce abortion. 
Causes—Nervous irritation, induced by pregnancy; 
cold, to which pregnant ladies are very liable ; insufficient 
or defective dress; disease of the mucous membrane of 586 
CONSTIPATION. 
the bowels. Diarrhea sometimes follows conception so 
closely that the patient has her attention first drawn by 
it to her condition, and it may return regularly every 
month, as though it came in the place of menstruation. 
Treatment—In cases of protracted diarrhea, the 
surface should be kept warm with flannel; a flannel bandage 
around the abdomen often gives great relief. Night-air, 
late hours, stimulants and excesses of every kind should 
be avoided. Food should be light, and, in acute cases, 
taken cool or cold, and only in small quantities at a 
time. Fluid food is most suitable, especially milk and 
lime-water or milk and soda-water. Restricting a patient 
solely to this diet for two or three days, or even longer, 
is often alone sufficient to cure all sorts of diarrhea not 
dependent on a permanent chronic cause ; and even where 
there is such a cause, much temporary benefit is gained. 
It need scarcely be stated that a fluid diet like the above 
is advantageous in diarrhea, because it is highly nutritive, 
and because it does not require a perfect condition of 
the intestinal mucous membrane to digest and absorb it. 
Constipation is a frequent attendant on pregnancy, 
especially in ladies who live in towns and lead a seden- 
tary life. Although constipation is generally less injurious 
than a too relaxed state of the bowels, it may occasion 
many inconveniences, and should be remedied as far as 
possible by such means as the following: 
Causes—Constipation in pregnancy is generally re- 
ferred to the pressure of the enlarged womb upon the 
CONSTIPATION. TREATMENT. 
587 
bowels ; but it is often due to torpor of the bowels, con- 
sequent on the increased action of the womb diverting 
nervous and vascular forces from adjacent organs. Neg- 
lect of sufficient out-door exercise and indolent habits, 
for which pregnancy is supposed to be a justification, 
may also give rise to constipation. 
Treatment—Daily out-of-door exercise ; a tumbler- 
ful of fresh spring-water taken either on going to bed or 
on rising; the sparing use of animal food; the free use 
of vegetables, ripe or preserved fruits, brown bread, oat- 
meal-porridge, etc. ; also the hip-bath. When the bowels 
remain for many days unmoved, and there is uneasiness 
in consequence, an enema or injection of tepid water or 
soapsuds, may be had recourse to. In using the enema 
several points should be carefully observed—that the 
rectum-tube be well greased, that the instrument be 
emptied of air before insertion, that the injection proceed 
slowly, that if pain be occasioned the injection be suspen- 
ded till it is gone and then renewed, and that the slow 
injection be continued till there is an urgent desire to 
evacuate or go to stool. A wash-basin full of water 
may be required; a small quantity may suffice. If only a 
small quantity can be retained, and no result follow, the 
injection should be repeated after a little while. The 
wet compress for the abdomen, described under the head 
of “Piles,” is also a most valuable adjunct. In some 
cases a small suppository of soap will ensure a comfort- 
able action of the bowels in an hour. A suppository 
made of a small piece of soap, of molasses candy or of 
tallow, pushed a little way up the anus into the rectum, 
will also probably give immediate relief. See Page 189. 588 
WEIGHT IN THE ABDOMEN AFTER LABOR. 
SENSATION OF WEIGHT IN THE ABDOMEN. 
Iii the latter months of pregnancy, there is some- 
times a very unpleasant sensation of weight and feeling 
as if the lower parts would give way. In these cases, 
have a bandage adjusted to the lower part of the body, 
draw it comfortably tight, and suspend it from the 
shoulders with a pair of elastic suspenders; it will in 
many cases relieve all the trouble, and the person will 
feel an agreeable sense of lightness and comfort. 
Under no circumstances should the skirts be sus- 
pended from the hips, as is frequently the case. Let all 
the clothing be loose, especially such as fastens around 
the waist, and suspend the skirts by straps from the 
shoulders. 
Corsets and tight lacing are always objectionable, but 
here they should be entirely avoided from the very first. 
Why any sane person should wish to bandage the chest 
and prevent free inspiration, is more than we can account 
for. If women will wear them at other times, let them 
be banished during pregnancy, if they value their own 
health or care for the well-being of the child. 
CAUSES OF A BAD GETTING-UP AFTER 
LABOR. 
It is no uncommon thing for a patient otherwise 
healthy to have “a bad getting-up after labor ”—that is, 
to be a longer time than usual in recovering the general 
condition, which in some cases is not attained for years. 
There is general debility, manifesting itself in various REMEDIES. 
589 
ways, notwithstanding a fair amount of rest, food and 
stimulants; inability to stand or walk a few steps with- 
out feeling ready to drop ; bearing-down and discomfort 
in the pelvis ; abundant vaginal discharge, perhaps bloody, 
or muco-purulent, which continues three or four weeks 
after the birth of the child, and when the lochia ought 
to have ceased. The most frequent causes are, enlarge- 
ment, prolapse or displacement of the womb, from taking 
the erect posture and resuming domestic duties too soon 
after confinement or abortion; defective uterine involu- 
tion, which is the main cause of the displacements that 
so frequently follow childbirth, and the first step to 
many uterine affections; ulceration or bruising of the 
uterus or its orifices by a severe or protracted labor, or 
from too violent removal of the placenta; inflammation 
of the womb, and a typhoid condition due to absorption 
of a portion of the placenta which is allowed to remain 
and decompose in the womb. The administration of pur- 
gatives and opiates is also a cause of a bad getting-up 
after labor. The old practice of starvation during the 
first few days after delivery is another cause. When, 
therefore, at the end of four or five weeks after partu- 
rition, or childbirth, notwithstanding fair nursing, good 
food and stimulants if necessary, the patient continues 
weak, unable to walk, and suffers from headache and 
red, mattery or fetid discharge, professional advice should 
be sought, as grave consequences may result from neglect. 
A physical examination is generally necessary to discover 
the true source of the mischief. The wife should sleep 
away from her husband. A cold-water abdominal ban- 
dage, tightly applied, will prove palliative. See “Puer- 
peral Fever,” “The Lochia,” etc. 590 
THE WOMB. 
INVOLUTION AND SUB-INVOLUTION OF THE 
WOMB. 
Involution is that contractive change which takes 
place in the womb after the removal of the fetus by abor- 
tion or delivery, by which it resumes its ordinary size and 
attains to its usual compactness of tissue. 
Sub-involution is the arrest or retardation of that 
change; so that the womb remains enlarged and heavy, 
causing considerable distress and suffering. 
Pathology—The virgin womb is about a couple of 
inches in length and about an ounce in weight. During 
pregnancy, and according to the growth of the child, it 
becomes developed in size and increased in weight. Im- 
mediately before the expulsion of a full-grown child, the 
womb is about fourteen inches long, and weighs at least 
twenty-five ounces. Immediately after the expulsion, the 
size and weight are very considerably reduced; the size 
is less than half what it was before, and the weight is 
similarly diminished. This change is effected by the con- 
traction of the muscular fibres of the uterus, which begins 
directly after the termination of the labor, which checks 
the supply, and arrests the circulation of blood through 
the organ. With more or less pain the contraction still 
steadily proceeds. Meanwhile fatty degeneration and dis- 
integration of tissue and absorption aid in the restoration 
of the organ to its normal state. This, if the process go 
on with regularity and without interruption, will be attained 
in the course of five or six weeks, when the compactness of 
tissue will be regained, and the uterus will measure 
about three inches in length, and weigh about two 
ounces. This wonderful contractive and absorptive change 
is termed involution; if it be incomplete the womb CAUSES. 
591 
is said to be in a state of imperfect involution, or 
sub-involution. 
Causes—It may readily be supposed that this process 
is subject to very easy arrest, and that this arrest may be 
induced by a variety of causes. A very common cause is 
the debility of the patient, whose weakness is so great that 
the uterine contractions are not sufficiently prompt, power- 
ful and continuous to check the increased supply of blood 
to the organ when it is no longer required, and thus to 
lessen the nutrition which was very necessary before the 
child was born, but causes enlargement when the womb is 
empty. Another very common cause is the too early re- 
sumption of ordinary employments. Even vigorous, 
healthy, muscular women, who feel quite well, and some- 
what resent the necessity for retaining the recumbent 
posture, often “get about” too soon. The change of 
the muscular structure of the womb plainly indicates that 
rest in bed should be taken for at least a fortnight, and 
that for several weeks after that there should be frequent 
recumbency, and a very careful return to active exercise. 
There is some little danger in the present day, when there 
is such desire and call for activity, lest in abandoning 
some of the old-fashioned, stifling and weakening customs 
of a “ confinement,” the physical necessity for lying down 
should be ignored. In dispensary practice, where the 
patients are drawn from the poorer class, who, without at- 
tendance and with the claims of a family, are unable or un- 
willing to submit to restraint after confinement, by far the 
commonest form of uterine disease is sub-involution of the 
uterus, with its attendant evils of displacement and chronic 
catarrhal conditions of the mucous membrane. Other causes 
of the evil are inflammation within the pelvis, in any of 
its varieties; too early return to marital intercourse 
and too frequent sexual indulgence, whereby the womb 592 
THE WOMB. 
and its appendages are too soon and too much excited. 
It should also be observed that if the process of involu- 
tion be arrested, the return of the menses will have a 
tendency to confirm the arrest, and by the monthly con- 
gestion, causing increase of size and weight, to produce 
permanent enlargement. 
There is one error which we are here solicitous to 
correct, namely, the supposition that it is not so necessary 
to retain the recumbent posture after abortion as after 
delivery at full term. Now involution is as natural and 
necessary a process in the one case as in the other; and 
sub-involution may follow abortion, even in the early 
months of pregnancy, as well as at full term; indeed, 
it is thought to be much more likely to occur in the for- 
mer case than in the latter. This is probably because 
the womb has not reached that normal condition which 
provides for the contraction of its muscular fibres. 
Symptoms—A feeling of weight, with more or less 
bearing-down of the womb, and a tendency to excessive 
and too frequent menstruation, the severity of the symp- 
toms being in proportion to the extent of the enlarge- 
ment. But the excessive menstruation is the most trou- 
blesome, distressing and alarming effect and symptom of 
sub-involution. This is explained by the fact that the 
relaxed state of the muscular tissue favors the exudation 
of blood, and that there is an undue amount of blood in 
the congested uterine veins. The profuse flow is not 
always immediate: even months may elapse before it oc- 
curs ; but after a while it is experienced, and examina- 
tion proves that there is enlargement of the uterus due 
to sub-involution. In the intervals between the periods 
there is frequently profuse leucorrhea; and other at- 
tendant symptoms are, debility, great pain in the back, 
irritability of the bladder and straining. LACTATION, OR NURSING. 
593 
Treatment—The various causes that have been in 
operation to produce the condition, as already enume- 
rated, must be avoided. Rest, in the recumbent posture, 
is indispensable. Temporary separation from the hus- 
band’s bed generally leads to great improvement, and if 
combined with other measures and continued long enough, 
may lead to complete restoration. In many cases the 
health of both husband and wife needs careful supervis- 
ion. See also the preceding article, and that on “Pro- 
fuse Menstruation.” 
LACTATION, OR NURSING. 
The Function of the Breasts—The doctrine can- 
not be too strongly enforced that every healthy mother 
should nurse her own offspring. The reasons for this may 
be inferred from the constitution of the female organiza- 
tion, and from the fact that no preparation of food can 
ever form any but an approximation to the mother’s milk. 
After the birth of the child, nature continues to secrete 
an excess of nutrient matter; but this excess is transferred 
from the uterine system to the breasts, where it is secreted 
in the form of milk for the nourishment of the young off- 
spring. 
Pretexts for Non-Nursing—Many ladies seek for 
professional sanction to wean their infants after a few 
weeks’ nursing, and some even to shirk the duty entirely. 
The demands made by the toilet, the pleasures of the 
table, fashionable society, late hours or other forms of 
dissipation, render nursing inconvenient and distasteful. 594 
LACTATION, OR NURSING. 
The disposition to evade this great natural duty should be 
strenuously opposed; it deprives a mother of one of the 
most pleasurable and soothing duties of maternity, and it 
robs the infant of its inalienable right to breast-milk, 
laden with all the riches of its mother’s affection, while 
exposing it to the dangers of artificial substitutes. 
Care of the Breasts—Much inconvenience and suf- 
fering may be obviated by paying proper attention to the 
breasts during pregnancy. For two or three of the last 
months they should be specially bathed with cold water 
every morning, and left perfectly dry. If the breasts are 
painful, hard and much distended, two thicknesses of old 
linen wrung out of cold water may be placed over them 
and covered with oiled silk. A kind of sling should then 
be formed by means of a handkerchief or band secured at 
the back of the neck, and so arranged as to support the 
breast. Only a sparing quantity of fluids should be per- 
mitted. 
Diet for the Nursing-Mother—A lady does not 
require extra good living when nursing, but discrimination 
in the selection of her food is necessary. If she eats 
slowly, she may eat sufficient to satisfy hunger, but it is 
important that she should not overload the stomach, or 
partake of indigestible food which would occasion intestinal 
derangement, to the injury of the infant as well as herself. 
The meal-hours should be regular and late dinners or sup- 
pers avoided. 
To prove that the kind of food taken by the mother 
powerfully influences the quality of the breast-milk, it is 
only necessary to cite the well known fact that the quality 
of cow’s milk is mainly determined by the food on which 
the animal lives. Thus, a cow fed on turnips produces 
milk and butter having the flavor of turnips; showing 
that the milk partakes of the qualities of the food on 595 
TREATMENT. 
which she feeds. The same holds good in regard to the 
human species, and proves the impropriety of a nursing- 
mother being allowed to eat anything unwholesome or 
indigestible. 
Experience has taught mothers that if they eat any- 
thing acid, and partake freely of fruits and vegetables, 
the milk brings on colic in the infant and causes diarrhea. 
Mothers who nurse their infants must therefore often 
practice self-denial in eating and drinking for the sake 
of their offspring. 
It is not intended to suggest by these remarks that 
a nursing woman should be excessively particular as to 
her food. Animal food, varied from day to day—beef, 
mutton, chicken, game and fish, and any kind of vege- 
tables that has not been found to disagree with herself 
or her infant may be eaten ; but such kinds of meat as 
goose, duck, salted beef, shell-fish, rich or highly season- 
ed dishes, pastry, etc., should not be taken. Greens, 
cabbage, fruit and any other articles of food which the 
mother has found to disagree with herself or child, must 
also be avoided. Milk and water, barley-water, toast and 
water, or even cold water in small sips, is best to appease 
the thirst to which the nursing, mother is sometimes sub- 
ject ; but beer or wine tends rather to increase thirst. 
Violent Exercise and Mental Depression De- 
teriorate the Milk—Women who are nursing are liable 
to fits of depression. The best remedy is a short, plea- 
sant walk, or a drive in the country. Healthy exercise 
in the fresh air admirably promotes cheerfulness and 
serenity of spirits. On no account should wine or stim- 
ulants be resorted to, for they only raise the spirits for 
a short time, and cause increased subsequent depression, 
to remove which fresh and augmented supplies of stimu- 
lants would be required. The society of cheerful friends is 596 
LACTATION. 
often a useful stimulus; but visiting must be done within 
prudent limits, or it will weary and harass the mother, and 
diminish or deteriorate the supply of breast-milk. 
Regimen of Wet-nurses—The regimen and diet 
of wet-nurses should be as nearly as possible like those 
they have been previously accustomed to. A woman accus- 
tomed to active duties and frugal diet is certain to suffer 
in her health if she suddenly relapses into a life of in- 
door idleness, and has a too abundant supply of food, 
and takes such beverages as ale, stout or wine. A wet- 
nurse taken from industrial pursuits should continue to 
perform, at least, light duties, or take a large amount 
of regular out-of-door exercise. The use of stimulants is 
injurious, and if taken to cause a good supply of milk 
will result in disappointment, and bring on indigestion 
and a host of evils from which the infant is sure to 
suffer. If the child does not steadily grow and increase 
in weight the nurse should be changed. 
If there be a choice of nurses of otherwise equal 
capacity, preference may be given to one of dark com- 
plexion, for it has been found that the milk of the bru- 
nette is richer in each of the organic constituents than 
that of the blonde. 
In the interest of healthy women employed as wet- 
nurses, we state here that a syphilitic infant ought not 
to be nourished from their breasts. The nurse who 
suckles such a child incurs enormous risk for many an 
unsuspecting woman has acquired syphilis from her nurs- 
ling. Artificial lactation, if properly carried out, may, 
in such a case, be an excellent substitute for the breast. STATED HOURS FOR NURSING. 
597 
STATED HOURS FOR NURSING. 
A habit very generally prevails, on the part of the 
mother, of giving the infant the breast too frequently; 
a habit prejudicial alike to the mother and the child. It 
may be laid down as a rule, that for the first month the 
infant should be suckled about every two hours and a 
half during the day, and every three or four hours 
during the night; the intervals should be gradually length- 
ened until about the third month, when it should have 
the breast only every three hours during the day, and 
about every four or five hours at night. Even during 
the earliest period of infancy, the child -will acquire reg- 
ular habits in this respect, by judicious management on 
the part of the mother. By giving the breast only at 
regular, stated times, the mother will be able to obtain 
proper rest and hours of uninterrupted sleep, which can 
scarcely be enjoyed by those who have fallen into the 
bad habit of permitting the infant to be at the breast 
during a considerable part of every night, or of offering 
it to the child whenever it cries or manifests any uneasi- 
ness. 
PROLONGED NURSING. 
The process of lactation forms a great drain on the 
constitution, and although healthy women, under favora- 
ble circumstances, suckle their children for a considerable 
time without sustaining injurious effects, still in delicate 
persons, or under unfavorable hygienic conditions, nursing, 598 
PROLONGED NURSING. 
even within the otherwise healthy term, may be productive 
of permanently serious results. 
Some mothers derive the greatest pleasure from nurs- 
ing their children, and never seem quite ready or willing 
to wean them. In addition to the pleasure of suckling, 
there is often another powerful motive to postpone wean- 
ing as long as possible. Generally, the function of men- 
struation is suspended, and it is well known that the nurs- 
ing-mother who does not menstruate is not likely to con- 
ceive. Hence we often find lactation continued for twelve 
or eighteen months, with the view of avoiding pregnancy. 
This expedient we have frequently found to be adopted, 
especially by poor dispensary patients. But inasmuch as 
nursing does not always shield from pregnancy, and as the 
health is generally injured by prolonged nursing, it should 
be avoided. 
The period when nursing becomes hurtful varies con- 
siderably in different cases, from a few weeks after the 
birth of the child to twelve or eighteen months. 
When to Wean—The symptoms which indicate that 
lactation is injuriously affecting the mother are, aching 
pain in the back, or a dragging sensation when the child 
is in the act of nursing, accompanied or followed by a 
feeling of exhaustion, sinking and emptiness ; general weari- 
ness and fatigue; want of, unrefreshing or disturbed sleep ; 
headache at the top of the head, the painful spot being 
often perceptibly hotter to the touch than other parts ; 
dimness of vision; noises in the ear; loss of appetite ; 
difficulty of breathing and palpitation after exertion or 
ascending stairs. If the nursing is persisted in, the patient 
becomes pale, thin and weak; other indications of debility 
follow—night-sweats ; swelling of the ankles ; nervousness 
and extreme depression of spirits; the melancholy being 
often of a religious character. In short, we may have the LABOR. 
599 
early symptoms of puerperal mania, and it is important 
that these symptoms should be quickly detected, and when 
they are amenable to treatment. 
Accessory Means—Weaning should be commenced 
immediately ; nothing short of this will, in general, be of any 
real utility. An attempt to force the supply of milk by large 
and frequent quantities of beer, wine or spirits, will be un- 
successful and injurious. Should the infant be four or six 
weeks old, it may be weaned with a fair chance of doing tol- 
erably well. Indeed, cases now and then occur in which the 
function of lactation cannot be continued even so long as a 
month. In slight cases, however, and when the infant is but a 
few weeks old, the mother should have a good supply of plain, 
nourishing food, with cocoa and good milk, to the exclu- 
sion of tea, coffee, etc. The use of cocoa is often pro- 
ductive of the best results by augmenting the secretion 
of milk. If, notwithstanding the use of these means, a 
proper supply of milk is not yielded, and the health and 
strength of the patient do not improve, all attempts at 
nursing should be at once abandoned. 
LABOR. 
Calculation of the Time of Labor—The follow- 
ing table will be especially valuable to the newly married 
lady, who, through delicacy, might hesitate to seek advice 
on this important and interesting subject. Much time may 
be saved, often great anxiety avoided and timely medical 
and other attendants secured, by ability to approximate 
in reckoning to the hour of solicitude and hope. 
The period of pregnancy, from conception till confine- 600 
LABOR 
ment, is calculated at ten lunar months, or forty weeks, 
which amount to 280 days. It is sometimes reckoned at 
nine calendar months, that is 273 days, or 39 weeks; 
probably, however, forty weeks is the safer reckoning. 
Gestation is occasionally protracted beyond 280 days. 
Cases are recorded in which labor has been delayed 10, 
20 or even 30 days beyond the usual period, but such 
cases are very rare. When the date of conception is known, 
the reckoning begins from that day. If that be not known, 
then the calculation must commence from the last monthly 
period. If the time of the last monthly course cannot be 
remembered, then that of quickening, or when the move- 
ments of the child are first perceived, must be made use 
of. 
Ladies who make use of the annexed table should 
remember that the period of pregnancy is slightly altered 
by the age of the parties concerned ; the fact being clearly 
proved that the younger the husband and wife, the shorter 
the term of utero-gestation ; and vice versa, as age increases,, 
the term of gestation is proportionately lengthened. 
Dr. Clay states that he once witnessed a curious ex- 
periment bearing on this subject, on the eggs of domestic 
fowls. Pullet-eggs can be easily distinguished from those 
of hens of three or more years old. A certain number of 
them were placed under a young hen, and an equal number 
of eggs from older fowls under an old hen. The result 
was, that every chick had escaped its shell from under the 
young hen at least twenty-four hours, some even as much 
as thirty-six, sooner than those of the old hen. This dif- 
ference is very remarkable in so short a period of incuba- 
tion. He infers from this and other circumstances that the 
duration of the gestative period is far more definite than 
has hitherto been supposed, and that where the circum- 
stances are similar, the result as to the length of term is LABOR. 
601 
very nearly the same. In maintaining that utero-gestation 
is definite and regulated by age, the age is not to be cal- 
culated by that of the mother alone, but by the combined 
ages of both parents. 
The annexed table and many of the subjects treated 
of in this division of the book are entirely new and have 
never as yet been treated of in any books published in this 
country, and will be of the utmost importance and practical 
utility to every mother, especially young mothers and new- 
ly married women. 
There is a vast amount of counsel and advice imparted 
here, as Avell as many simple remedies given, for which 
women do not always want to go to a physician. Besides, 
through delicacy and modesty, they often let many of 
such afflictions run too long, and, in an economical point 
of view, it is important, for there is always more or less 
information necessary and desired on these subjects, for 
which people do not always like to incur the expense of 
calling a physician or counselling with one ; and, again, in 
these articles they have, as a general rule, more complete 
and full instructions than a physician would take the time 
to give them. 
[see table on opposite page.] 602 
LABOR. 
CALENDAR, BY WHICH ANY PREGNANT WOMAN MAY CALCU- 
LATE ALMOST THE EXACT TIME OF HER DELIVERY, 
GIVING THE THREE PERIODS OF GESTATION. 
Concep. 
Quick. 
Labor. 
Concep. 
Quick. 
Labor. 
Jan. 
1 
May 
20 
Oct. 
8 
Feb. 22 
July 
11 
Nov. 
29 
2 
21 
9 
.. 23 
12 
• . 
30 
3 
22 
10 
.. 24 
13 
Dec. 
1 
4 
23 
11 
.. 25 
14 
2 
5 
24 
12 
.. 26 
15 
3 
6 
25 
13 
.. 27 
16 
4 
7 
26 
14 
.. 28 
17 
5 
8 
27 
15 
March 1 
18 
6 
9 
28 
16 
.. 2 
19 
7 
10 
29 
17 
.. 3 
20 
8 
11 
30 
18 
.. 4 
21 
9 
12 
31 
19 
.. 5 
22 
10 
13 
June 
1 
20 
.. 6 
23 
11 
14 
2 
21 
.. 7 
24 
12 
15 
3 
22 
.. 8 
25 
13 
16 
4 
23 
.. 9 
26 
14 
17 
5 
24 
.. 10 
27 
15 
18 
6 
25 
.. 11 
28 
16 
19 
7 
26 
.. 12 
29 
17 
20 
8 
27 
.. 13 
30 
18 
21 
9 
28 
.. 14 
31 
19 
22 
10 
29 
.. 15 
Aug. 
1 
20 
23 
11 
30 
.. 16 
2 
21 
24 
12 
31 
.. 17 
3 
22 
25 
13 
Nov. 
1 
.. 18 
4 
23 
26 
14 
2 
.. 19 
5 
24 
27 
15 
3 
.. 2) 
6 
25 
28 
16 
4 
.. 21 
7 
26 
29 
17 
5 
.. 22 
8 
27 
30 
18 
6 
.. 23 
9 
28 
31 
19 
7 
.. 24 
10 
29 
Feb. 
1 
20 
8 
.. 25 
11 
30 
2 
21 
9 
.. 26 
12 
31 
3 
22 
10 
.. 27 
13 
Jan. 
1 
4 
23 
11 
.. 28 
14 
2 
5 
24 
12 
.. 29 
15 
3 
6 
25 
13 
.. 30 
16 
4 
7 
26 
14 
.. 31 
17 
5 
8 
27 
15 
April 1 
18 
6 
9 
28 
16 
2 
19 
7 
10 
29 
17 
.. 3 
20 
8 
11 
30 
18 
.. 4 
21 
9 
12 
July 
1 
19 
5 
22 
10 
13 
2 
20 
.. 6 
23 
11 
14 
3 
21 
.. 7 
24 
12 
15 
4 
22 
.. 8 
25 
13 
16 
5 
23 
.. 9 
26 
14 
17 
6 
24 
.. 10 
27 
15 
18 
7 
25 
! .. 11 
28 
16 
19 
8 
26 
12 
29 
17 
20 
9 
27 
.. 13 
30 
i 
18 
21 
10 
28 
.. 14 
• • 
31 
l .. 
19 LABOR. 
603 
Concep. 
Quick. 
Labor. 
Concep. 
Quick. 
Labor. 
April 15 
Sept. 1 
Jan. 20 
June 10 
Oct. 27 
Mar 17 
.. 16 
.. 2 
.. 21 
.. 11 
.. 28 
.. 18 
.. 17 
.. 3 
.. 22 
.. 12 
.. 29 
.. 19 
.. 18 
.. 4 
.. 23 
.. 13 
.. 30 
.. 20 
.. 19 
.. 5 
.. 24 
.. 14 
.. 31 
.. 21 
.. 20 
.. 6 
.. 25 
.. 15 
Nov. 1 
.. 22 
.. 21 
.. 7 
.. 26 
.. 16 
.. 2 
.. 23 
.. 22 
.. 8 
.. 27 
.. 17 
.. 3 
.. 24 
.. 23 
9 
.. 28 
.. 18 
.. 4 
• • 25 
.. 24 
.. 10 
.. 29 
.. 19 
.. 5 
.. 26 
.. 25 
.. 11 
.. 30 
.. 20 
6 
.. 27 
26 
.. 12 
.. 31 
.. 21 
. .. 7 
.. 28 
•• 27 
.. 13 
Feb. 1 
.. 22 
.. 8 
.. 29 
.. 28 
.. 14 
2 
.. 23 
.. 9 
.. 30 
.. 29 
.. 15 
3 
.. 24 
.. 10 
• • 31 
30 
.. 16 
.. 4 
.. 25 
.. 11 
April 1 
May 1 
.. 17 
.. 5 
.. 26 
.. 12 
.. 2 
2 
.. 18 
6 
.. 27 
.. 13 
.. 3 
.. 3 
«. 19 
.. 7 
.. 28 
.. 14 
.. 4 
.. 4 
.. 20 
.. 8 
.. 29 
.. 15 
.. 5 
5 
.. 21 
.. 9 
.. 30 
.. 16 
6 
.. 6 
.. 22 
.. 10 
July 1 
.. 17 
.. 7 
.. 7 
.. 23 
.. 11 
.. 2 
.. 18 
.. 8 
8 
.. 24 
.. 12 
3 
.. 19 
.. 9 
.. 9 
.. 25 
.. 13 
.. 4 
.. 20 
.. 10 
.. 10 
.. 26 
.. 14 
.. 5 
.. 21 
.. 11 
.. 11 
.. 27 
.. 15 
.. 6 
.. 22 
.. 12 
.. 12 
.. 28 
.. 16 
.. 7 
.. 23 
.. 13 
.. 13 
.. 29 
.. 17 
8 
.. 24 
.. 14 
.. 14 
.. 30 
.. 18 
.. 9 
.. 25 
.. 15 
.. 15 
Oct. 1 
.. 19 
.. 10 
.. 26 
.. 16 
.. 16 
.. 2 
.. 20 
.. 11 
.. 27 
.. 17 
.. 17 
.. 3 
.. 21 
.. 12 
.. 28 
.. 18 
.. 18 
.. 4 
-. 22 
.. 13 
.. 29 
.. 19 
.. 19 
5 
.. 23 
.. 14 
.. 30 
.. 20 
.. 2) 
6 
.. 24 
.. 15 
Dec. 1 
.. 21 
.. 21 
.. 7 
.. 25 
.. 16 
2 
.. 22 
.. 22 
.. 8 
.. 26 
.. 17 
.. 3 
.. 23 
.. 23 
.. 9 
.. 27 
.. 18 
.. 4 
.. 24 
.. 21 
.. 10 
.. 28 
.. 19 
.. 5 
• • 25 
.. 25 
.. 11 
March 1 
.. 20 
.. 6 
.. 26 
.. 26 
.. 12 
.. 2 
.. 21 
.. 7 
.. 27 
.. 27 
.. 13 
.. 3 
.. 22 
.. 8 
.. 28 
.. 28 
.. 14 
.. 4 
.. 23 
9 
.. 29 
.. 29 
.. 15 
.. 5 
.. 24 
.. 10 
.. 30 
.. 30 
.. 16 
6 
.. 25 
.. 11 
May 1 
.. 31 
.. 17 
.. 7 
.. 26 
.. 12 
2 
June 1 
.. 18 
.. 8 
.. 27 
.. 13 
.. 3 
.. 2 
.. 19 
.. 9 
.. 28 
.. 14 
.. 4 
.. 3 
.. 20 
.. 10 
.. 29 
.. 15 
.. 5 
.. 4 
.. 21 
.. 11 
.. 30 
.. 16 
.. 6 
.. 5 
.. 22 
.. 12 
.. 31 
.. 17 
.. 7 
.. 6 
.. 23 
.. 13 
Aug. 1 
.. 18 
.. 8 
.. 7 
.. 21 
.. 14 
.. 2 
.. 19 
.. 9 
.. 8 
.. 25 
.. 15 
.. 3 
.. 20 
.. 10 
9 
.. 26 
.. 16 
.. 4 
.. 21 
.. 11 604 
LABOR. 
Concep. 
Quick. 
Labor. 
Concep. 
Quick. 
Labor. 
Aug. 5 
Dec. 22 
May 12 
Sept. 30 
yeb. 16 
July 7 
.. 6 
.. 23 
.. 13 
Oct. 1 
.. 17 
.. 8 
.. 7 
.. 24 
.. 14 
.. 2 
.. 18 
.. 9 
... 8 
.. 25 
.. 15 
.. 3 
.. 19 
.. 10 
.. 9 
.. 26 
.. 16 
.. 4 
.. 20 
.. 11 
.. 10 
.. 27 
.. 17 
5 
.. 21 
.. 12 
.. 11 
.. 28 
.. 18 
6 
.. 22 
.. 13 
.. 12 
.. 29 
.. 19 
.. 7 
.. 23 
.. 14 
.. 13 
.. 30 
.. 20 
.. 8 
.. 24 
.. 15 
.. 14 
.. 31 
.. 21 
.. 9 
.. 25 
.. 16 
.. 15 
Jan. 1 
.. 22 
.. 10 
.. 26 
.. 17 
.. 16 
.. 2 
.. 23 
.. 11 
.. 27 
.. 18 
.. 17 
.. 3 
.. 24 
.. 12 
.. 28 
.. 19 
.. 18 
.. 4 
.. 25 
.. 13 
Mar. 1 
.. 20 
.. 19 
.. 5 
.. 26 
.. 14 
.. 2 
.. 21 
.. 20 
.. 6 
.. 27 
.. 15 
.. 3 
.. 22 
.. 21 
.. 7 
.. 28 
.. 16 
.. 4 
.. 23 
.. 22 
.. 8 
.. 29 
.. 17 
.. 5 
.. 24 
.. 23 
.. 9 
.. 30 
.. 18 
6 
.. 25 
.. 24 
.. 10 
.. 31 
.. 19 
.. 7 
.. 26 
.. 25 
.. 11 
June L 
.. 20 
.. 8 
.. 27 
.. 26 
.. 12 
.. 2 
.. 21 
9 
.. 28 
.. 27 
.. 13 
.. 3 
.. 22 
.. 10 
.. 29 
.. 28 
.. 14 
.. 4 
.. 23 
.. 11 
.. 30 
.. 29 
.. 15 
.. 5 
.. 24 
.. 12 
.. 31 
.. 30 
.. 16 
.. 6 
.. 25 
.. 13 
Aug. 1 
.. 31 
.. 17 
.. 7 
.. 26 
.. 14 
.. 2 
Sept. 1 
.. 18 
.. 8 
•• 27 
.. 15 
.. 3 
2 
.. 19 
9 
.. 28 
.. 16 
4 
.. 3 
.. 20 
.. 10 
.. 29 
.. 17 
.. 5 
.. 4 
.. 21 
.. 11 
30 
.. 18 
.. 6 
.. 5 
.. 22 
.. 12 
.. 31 
.. 19 
.. 7 
6 
.. 23 
.. 13 
Nov. 1 
.. 20 
.. 8 
.. 7 
.. 24 
.. 14 
.. 2 
.. 21 
9 
.. 8 
.. 25 
.. 15 
.. 3 
.. 22 
.. 10 
.. 9 
.. 26 
.. 16 
.. 4 
.. 23 
.. 11 
.. 10 
.. 27 
.. 17 
5 
.. 24 
.. 12 
.. 11 
.. 28 
.. 18 
.. 6 
.. 25 
.. 13 
.. 12 
.. 29 
.. 19 
.. 7 
.. 26 
.. 14 
.. 13 
.. 30 
.. 20 
.. 8 
.. 27 
.. 15 
.. 14 
.. 31 
.. 21 
9 
.. 28 
.. 16 
.. 15 
Feb. 1 
.. 22 
.. 10 
.. 29 
.. 17 
.. 16 
2 
..23 
.. 11 
.. 30 
.. 18 
.. 17 
.. 3 
.. 24 
.. 12 
.. 31 
.. 29 
.. 18 
.. 4 
.. 25 
.. 13 
April 1 
.. 20 
.. 19 
.. 5 
.. 26 
.. 14 
.. 2 
.. 21 
.. 20 
.. 6 
.. 27 
.. 15 
.. 3 
.. 22 
.. 21 
.. 7 
.. 28 
.. 16 
.. 4 
.. 23 
.. 22 
.. 8 
.. 29 
.. 17 
.. 5 
.. 24 
.. 23 
.. 9 
.. 30 
.. 18 
.. 6 
.. 25 
.. 24 
.. 10 
July 1 
.. 19 
.. 7 
.. 26 
25 
.. 11 
.. 2 
.. 20 
.. 8 
.. 27 
.. 26 
.. 12 
.. 3 
.. 21 
.. 9 
.. 28 
.. 27 
.. 13 
.. 4 
.. 22 
.. 10 
.. 29 
.. 28 
.. 14 
.. 5 
.. 23 
.. 11 
.. 30 
.. 29 
.. 15 
.. 6 
.. 24 
.. 12 
.. 31 LABOR. 
605 
Concep. 
Quick. 
Labor. 
Concep. 
Quick. 
Labor. 
Nov. 
25 
April 
13 
Sept. 
1 
Dec. 
14 
May 
2 
Sept 
20 
26 
14 
2 
15 
3 
21 
27 
15 
3 
16 
4 
22 
28 
16 
4 
17 
5 
23 
29 
17 
5 
18 
6 
24 
30 
18 
6 
19 
7 
25 
Dec. 
1 
. . 
19 
7 
20 
8 
26 
2 
20 
8 
21 
9 
27 
3 
21 
9 
22 
10 
28 
4 
22 
10 
23 
11 
29 
5 
23 
11 
24 
12 
30 
6 
. , 
24 
12 
25 
13 
Oct. 
1 
7 
25 
13 
26 
14 
2 
8 
26 
14 
27 
15 
3 
9 
27 
15 
28 
16 
4 
10 
. . 
28 
16 
29 
17 
5 
11 
29 
17 
30 
18 
6 
'12 
. , 
30 
18 
31 
19 
7 
13 
May 
1 
•• 
19 606 
DIFFICULT LABOR PREPARATIONS FOR LABOR. 
DIFFICUIiT LABOR. 
Influence of Artificial Habits—Many of the suf- 
ferings attendant upon parturition, or labor, arise from 
those habits of life which it is the object of this article 
to expose and to guard against, such as—diet of an im- 
proper quality or quantity; the use of stimulating bever- 
ages ; want of sufficient pure air and healthy exercise; 
tight lacing; late hours; and other injurious habits. 
Healthy women, of regular habits, accustomed to out- 
of-door exercise, and whose general mode of life is na- 
tural, are freed from the long train of miseries which are 
the too frequent concomitants of child-bearing. 
Obstructive Causes—At the same time causes of 
difficult labor may exist of a more remote nature, and 
less directly referable to the habits of the patient. Such 
are—contraction and deformity of the bones of the pelvis, 
from rickets, or from a similar disease in adult life; ob- 
struction from tumors, dropsy, the large size of the child, 
or from a hydrocephalic head; wrong presentation, etc. 
The management of these cases requires professional 
knowledge and skill. 
Simpler causes of difficult or tedious labors are—a 
distended bladder; accumulation in the lower bowel; or 
indigestion from a too full meal, or from food that dis- 
agrees, taken just before labor sets in. Prompt treat- 
ment suffices at once to remove these obstacles to the 
progress of labor. 
PREPARATIONS FOR LABOR. 
The Monthly Nurse—She should be a middle-aged, 
married woman, or a widow; of temperate, kind and 607 
PREPARATIONS. 
cleanly habits; and free from any defect of sight or 
hearing. In every respect she should be subordinate to 
the medical attendant, and faithfully carry out his direc- 
tions, both as to the mother and infant, for he alone is 
responsible. 
The Lying-in Room—If practicable, a spacious, 
well ventilated room, having a southern aspect, should be 
selected. Provision should exist both for the admission 
of fresh air and the escape of tainted air. Renewal of 
the air is generally best secured by occasionally leaving 
the door ajar, having the fireplace open, and the top sash 
of the window more or less down, according to the sea- 
son. Fresh air wonderfully helps a lady to go through 
the process of parturition. In cold weather a fire may 
be kept in the room, but neither the mother nor infant 
should be exposed to its direct influence. 
Who Should be in the Lying-in Room—In addi- 
tion to the medical man and the nurse, one or two female 
friends may likewise be present in the chamber; they 
should be prudent, cheerful persons. Remarks calculated 
to depress the patient, especially any referring to unfa- 
vorable labors, are strictly improper. If convenient, the 
mother of the patient may be in the house, or within a 
short distance, the knowledge of such fact tending to 
comfort the patient. But she should not be in the lying- 
in chamber, as maternal anxiety is occasionally very em- 
barrassing there. There are, however, exceptions to this 
rule. 
Minor Preparations—All articles of clothing nec- 
essary for the mother and infant should be well aired, 
ready for immediate use, and so arranged that they may 
be found in an instant. A litte fresh, unsalted lard ; about 
twelve inches’ length of nice twine, or four or five threads ; 
a pair of blunt-ended scissors; a few patent or safety 608 
PREPARATIONS FOR LABOR. 
pins ; and the binder or bandage. Also a piece of water- 
proof sheeting, or strong oiled silk, or even a common 
oil-cloth table-cover, should be placed under the blanket 
and sheet over the right side of the bed, to protect it 
from being injured by the discharges. 
Attention to the Bowels—Attention to the action 
of the bowels is necessary. Generally the bowels are 
somewhat relaxed—a wise provision of nature, for by 
thoroughly emptying the bowel more space is gained for 
the birth of the child. Should, however, the bowels be 
confined, an injection of from one to two pints of tepid 
water will be sufficient to empty the intestines, and is far 
preferable to the common but reprehensible practice of 
taking castor-oil, or any other aperient drug. Ample ex- 
perience leads us emphatically to denounce the practice 
of giving purgatives, as both unnecessary and hurtful. A 
good injection of water as soon as labor has set in, es- 
pecially when the lady is costive, will not only facilitate 
the birth of the child, but obviate the unpleasant occur- 
rence of an escape of feces during parturition. If there 
is a considerable collection of hardened feces, a warm 
soap-and-water injection may be necessary. 
The Bladder—During labor, a lady should never 
neglect to pass water as often as necessary. The prox- 
imity of the bladder to the womb renders it most unde- 
sirable that the former should be distended with urine, 
as nature requires the utmost available space for the 
passage of the child. Besides, the powerful action of the 
womb at the commencement of labor may, if the bladder 
is distended with urine, press it down into the vagina, 
thus injuring the bladder and retarding labor. This 
caution is especially necessary in first labors, when, from 
a refined sensibility, ladies are apt to suffer much in- 
convenience from inattention to this point. If the bladder SYMPTOMS AXT> STAGES OF LABOR. 
609 
is full, and there is inability to pass water, the measures 
suggested in the section on “Retention of Urine” should 
be adopted, or, better, the doctor should be informed of 
the fact. The importance of attention to the state of 
the bladder during and immediately after labor can 
scarcely be over-rated. 
Position of the Patient—During the precursory 
stage of labor she should not confine herself to bed—not 
even to her own bedroom, unless she desires it—but walk 
about a little; a certain amount of unrest leads her 
from place to place, and it would be most undesirable to 
confine her to her bed. A change of position is a good 
preventive or remedy for cramp of the legs and thighs, 
which occasionally comes on, more especially when she is 
restricted to one position. 
SYMPTOMS Amy STAGES OF LABOR. 
Symptoms of Labor—The earliest is a diminution 
of the waist, from sinking of the child lower down in 
the abdomen. This subsidence of the womb gives the 
lady a feeling of lightness and comfort; pressure on the 
chest being removed, she breathes more freely and is 
better able to take exercise. But occasionally this alter- 
ation in the position of the womb leads to irritability of 
the bladder by its pressure on that organ, giving rise to 
a frequent desire to urinate. After this symptom has 
existed for a few days, or even in some cases only a few 
hours, the more immediate symptoms of labor occur; 610 
SYMPTOMS AND STAGES OF LABOR. 
these are—agitation, dejection of spirits, flying pains, 
frequent inclination to relieve the bladder and the bowels, 
relaxation of the external parts, and a slight discharge of 
mucus tinged with red, technically called the “ show.” 
This latter is the most certain indication that labor has 
really commenced. 
At this stage, sometimes shivering and sickness come 
on; but as they are not unfavorable symptoms, they re- 
quire no particular treatment, certainly not brandy, for 
their removal. 
Stages of Labor—Labor has been divided into three 
stages. The first, in which the uterus alone acts, com- 
mences with uterine contractions, the pains being of a 
grinding character; the os uteri (mouth of the womb) 
gradually dilates until it is sufficiently capacious to admit 
the passage of the head of the child. In this stage it is 
not necessary for the lady to confine herself to bed ; she is 
better walking about the room, occasionally lying down 
when a pain comes on. She should not on any 
account bear down, as some ignorant nurses advise; 
for before the mouth of the womb is sufficiently di- 
lated, the child could not be born, except by rupture of 
the womb. 
The second stage of labor is indicated by the pains, 
being of a forcing, bearing-down nature; the abdominal 
muscles and the diaphragm assist the action of the womb, 
acting in an involuntary and reflex manner; this stage 
terminates with the birth of the child. In this stage the 
lady should remain on the bed. Even now she should make 
no voluntary efforts to bear down, especially in the absence 
of pain ; she should keep her eyes closed, to prevent in- 
jury to them during the irresistible straining which attends 
the expulsive pains. LENGTH OF LABOR. 
611 
The third stage includes the expulsion of the after- 
birth, which generally takes place in about fifteen or 
twenty minutes, or it may be a little longer, after the birth 
of the child. 
Length of Labor—It has been laid down as a 
general rule, that a first labor continues six hours, and 
a subsequent one three hours. This calculation dates 
from the commencement of actual labor; if the premon- 
itory flying-pains are included, the time would probably 
be doubled. The first labor of a lady who marries be- 
yond the age of thirty usually occupies a longer time 
than one who marries a few years earlier. 
Tedious Labor—Here we may remark that tedious 
labors are, as a rule, natural, and by no means neces- 
sarily dangerous ; on the contrary, a lady usually makes 
a more rapid and perfect recovery after a slow than after 
a quick labor. Sometimes the largeness of head of the 
child, or the narrowness of the outlet of the mother, is 
a cause of tedious labor; in such cases the head has 
literally to be moulded to the proper proportions before 
it can be born, and this process necessarily causes delay. 
But, except in preternatural cases, which must be con- 
ducted according to the knowledge and skill of the pro- 
fessional man, medicinal or manual interference is rarely 
necessary; time, patience and good management only 
being required to bring a natural labor to a successful 
issue. 
Some time since, we attended a lady in her confine- 
ment, whose previous labors Avere so difficult and tedious 
that the medical man engaged had always found it nec- 
essary to call in the aid of a second professional attendant. 
On being summoned to the labor we administered, soon 
after arrival, three grains of Caulophyllum (Blue Cohosh) 
(lx trit.), which acted most satisfactorily; the pains 612 
HOW TO ACT IN THE ABSENCE OF A PHYSICIAN. 
became regular and effective, the labor was soon com- 
pleted, and our attendance did not extend over two hours. 
Her previous labors always lasted twenty-four to thirty- 
six hours. To show how satisfactory in all respects was 
the present labor, the husband insisted on giving the 
writer a double fee, as in preceding labors he had been 
called upon to do by the attendance of a second medical 
man. 
Accessory Means—When the pains are flagging, 
friction, with moderate, well directed pressure over the ab- 
domen often stimulates the womb to increased activity. 
The pressure should be exerted until the placenta is 
detached. 
HOW TO ACT IN THE ABSENCE OF A MEDI- 
CAL, MAN. 
Some labors are managed entirely by nurses who have 
had some preliminary training, but ladies generally prefer 
a qualified medical man, in whose care, firmness and supe- 
rior ability they have greater confidence. Inasmuch, how- 
ever, as labor sometimes comes on earlier than was antici- 
pated, or its stages are gone through so rapidly as not to 
give sufficient time for the attendance of a medical man, 
c> 
it is desirable to know how to act till he arrives. Calm- 
ness, judgment, self-possession and attention to the follow- 
ing points, are generally all that is necessary in ordinary 
cases for the safety and comfort of the lady and infant, 
at least until the arrival of the doctor. 
Birth before the Doctor’s Arrival—If, when the (513 
TREATMENT. 
head is born, the face get black, the exit of the shoulders 
should be aided by slight traction, by means of the index 
finger inserted in the axilla (arm-pit) ; but on no account 
should the head be pulled, for dislocation of the neck 
might result. After this the remaining exit of the body 
and nates should not be hurried. 
When the child is born, the nurse should at once re- 
move it out of the way of the mother’s discharges, place 
it where it has room to breathe, and see that the mouth 
is not covered with clothes. The mouth should also be 
examined, and any mucus in it removed. At the same 
time it is very important to notice whether a coil of the 
funis (navel-string) be tight round the infant’s neck; and 
if so, to instantly liberate it to prevent strangulation. If 
there are two or three coils, they should be loosened a 
little to allow the child to breathe. 
To Tie the Umbilical Cord—The ligature—a piece 
of twine or four or five threads—should be placed about two 
inches from the body of the infant, and tied firmly by a 
double knot round the umbilical cord ; two or three inches 
further from the body of the child a second ligature has 
to be similarly applied, and the cord then cut between the 
two ligatures with a pair of blunt-pointed scissors. The 
cord should not be ligatured or tied till the child has given 
signs of life by its cries or vigorous breathing, or until all 
pulsation in the cord has ceased. 
The Placenta—The umbilical cord having been liga- 
tured and divided, no attempt should be made, by pulling 
at it or otherwise, to remove the placenta (after-birth). 
The only justifiable interference is firm pressure and occa- 
sional frictioii over the region of the womb, which tends 
to encourage contraction of that organ, by which means 
detachment and expulsion of the placenta is effected. We 
may judge whether the placenta is detached by examin- 614 
HOW TO ACT IN THE ABSENCE OF A PHYSICIAN. 
ing over the lower part of the abdomen; and if the womb 
is felt contracting and hard like a cricket-ball, the placenta 
is detached. 
There is one very decided way of knowing when the 
placenta or after-birth is detached; it is as follows: 
Grasp the cord in the hand and squeeze it; if pulsation 
is felt, separation is not complete. For this purpose 
one finger is not enough : the thrill is best felt through 
all. If the placenta be not expelled, it is in the vagina 
(passage to the womb) ; two fingers may then be passed 
up to the insertion of the cord, where the placenta may 
be grasped and brought awajr steadily and evenly, with 
a spiral or twisting movement, but without using force. 
The spiral movement tends to overcome the pressure of 
the atmosphere, and also winds the membranes into a 
kind ot rope so that they are less likely to be torn. It 
is by no means necessary to wait for a griping pain or 
two to effect the expulsion of the after-birth. Indeed, 
the removal is better effected before the griping pains 
come on. 
Application of the Binder—The binder may be 
made of strong linen or sheeting, about twelve inches 
wide and a yard and a half long, so as to include the 
whole of the abdomen and overlap a little. It should 
be applied moderately firm, secured by patent or safety 
pins, and readjusted as soon as it becomes loose. The 
binder is useful in two respects: it favors contraction of 
the womb, and thus tends to obviate hemorrhage; it also 
aids the return of the abdomen to its former size, and 
prevents the condition called “pendulous belly.” The 
binder should be kept on for a week or ten days. It is 
only proper to add that medical men are not agreed as 
to the necessity of the binder, for while some always 
apply it, others discard it entirely. As, however, it can 615 
AFTER LABOR. 
scarcely do harm if properly applied, and may prevent 
hemorrhage or uterine displacement, we recommend its 
application before the patient is left. 
Immediately after Labor—The first few hours 
after the birth of the child should be essentially hours 
of repose. For an hour, at least, the patient should 
maintain the same posture as during labor, and be no 
more disturbed than is necessary to apply the binder, 
remove the soiled napkins, and render her as comfortable 
as the circumstances will permit. She may not on any 
account make the slightest exertion herself, or hemorrhage 
is very liable to occur. One or two hours after labor 
the tendency to hemorrhage is much reduced. A cup of 
hot tea, or a little warm arrow-root or gruel may be 
given her, but, except in extreme cases, or under the 
advice of a medical man, no brandy or other stimulant 
should be permitted. If the patient desires to urinate 
soon after labor, she should do so in a lying posture, 
but on no account sit up for that purpose, as dangerous 
hemorrhage might thus be occasioned. By good manage- 
ment and quietude for two or three hours, a little sound 
and refreshing sleep is usually obtained, and her exhaust- 
ed energies are soon renewed. After this, should no 
untoward circumstance forbid, she may be changed and 
placed in bed, preserving the horizontal posture. As 
soon as the infant is dressed and the mother made com- 
fortable, the child should be presented to the breast. 
By this means the nipple is most likely to assume the 
proper form, the flow of milk is facilitated, and the 
activity thus excited in the breasts tends, by reflex action, 
to promote vigorous uterine contraction, and considerably 
reduces the danger of secondary hemorrhage. As suggested 
in the article on “Flooding,” the nurse should examine 
the napkins very frequently at first, to ascertain if there 616 
MANAGEMENT AFTER DELIVERY. 
be any undue hemorrhage. The labor being thus com- 
pleted, the window-blind should be let down, noise shut 
out, conversation forbidden and everything done to induce 
the patient to sleep, at the same time making due pro- 
vision for good ventilation. As soon as the child is 
washed and dressed, the nurse only should remain in 
the room. 
Arnica—In order to anticipate and prevent soreness- 
as much as possible, it is well to administer arnica in- 
ternally, especially when the labor has been a hard and 
protracted one. To be given every hour or two for three or 
four times. When the after-birth has been expelled, arnica 
may also be applied externally to the parts by wetting a 
napkin with arnica-lotion (twenty drops of the tincture 
to a tumblerful of water), renewing the application as often 
as may be required. If the patient be liable to erysip- 
elas, hamamelis ( Witch-Hazel) lotion should be used in 
preference. 
MANAGEMENT AFTER DELIVERY. 
Diet—Errors on this point have arisen from partu- 
rition having been regarded as a disease, rather than a 
physiological condition. Labor is a process of health, 
and under ordinary, favorable circumstances there is no 
fever or febrile reaction, or any danger of inflammation; 
why then should a lady be restricted to gruel or low diet 
for a wTeek? Indeed, under a low diet inflammatory 
symptoms are liable to be called into existence, and bad 
matters are more readily absorbed by the uterine vessels. FLOODING. 
617 
A good diet is the best preventive against inflammation. 
The diet we invariably give is nourishing, digestible, 
solid food from the very commencement; and we ■ have 
never seen any untoward results. On the contrary, many 
ladies formerly under the care of doctors who gave only 
a slop-diet, have expressed to us their thankfulness for 
the earlier and more complete restoration to their former 
condition, and their exemption from debility and other 
evils inseparable from a low diet. When a patient is 
delivered in the night or early morning, and there are no 
unfavorable symptoms, we allow a mutton-chop for din- 
ner on the first day ; for other meals, well-made oatmeal- 
porridge, cocoa or tea, cold-buttered toast or bread and 
butter, a breakfast-cupful of arrow-root or gruel, light 
farinaceous puddings, etc. 
A too exclusive use of gruel and other slops is apt 
to distend the stomach, produce constipation and retard 
the necessary changes in the womb. 
FLOODING. 
This is one of the most frequent, and at the same* 
time the most serious of the accidents which complicate 
the expulsion of the after-birth. The hemorrhao-e <rener- 
ally comes on with a rush a few minutes after the child 
is born, and before the placenta is expelled; occasionally 
it does not come on for several hours, or in rare cases even 
for several davs. 
Symptoms—The blood usually appears externally, 
which the physician or nurse instantly recognzies, and is- 618 
FLOODING. 
sometimes so sudden and abundant as to place the lady 
in great danger; at other times the discharge is confined 
to the cavity of the womb, where it may escape detec- 
tion, or be only recognized when it is difficult or impos- 
sible to remedy it. Paleness of the face, small pulse, 
dimness of vision, noise in the head and fainting are 
symptoms which accompany dangerous hemorrhage, whether 
the discharge be internal or external. 
Kemedies—1. Take oil of cinnamon, one teaspoonful; 
alcohol, four tablespoonfuls. Mix. Dose, half a tea- 
spoonful, every fifteen to sixty minutes, according to the 
urgency of the symptoms. Essence of cinnamon, as ob- 
tained at drug-stores, may be substituted for the oil, and 
in like doses. This will almost invariably arrest the flow. 
In the absence of this remedy, use equal parts of alum 
and nutmeg, as much as will lie on a ten-cent piece, and 
repeat the dose as above. 
2. If the feet are cold apply hot irons to them, but 
keep the body cool. In very severe cases, when it is of 
great importance to check the discharge speedily, 
plug the vagina with soft, cotton cloth, or an old silk 
handkerchief or linen, with which it must be well closed, 
keeping them in this situation by means of a compress and 
bandage. In the course of six or seven hours, this plug- 
must be removed ; but in no case must it remain in the 
vagina longer than twenty-four hours. It must be recol- 
lected that it is exceedingly improper to employ the plug, 
except during the first five months of pregnancy; if 
used after this period, it will give rise to what is called 
a “concealed hemorrhage,” in which the flooding con- 
tinues, but does not appear externally, owing to the 
presence of the plug, which obstructs its flow. 
3. When the foregoing remedies are not at hand, 
add one-fourth of an ounce of alum to a pint of warm milk, ACCESSORY TREATMENT, ETC. 
619 
and take a tablespoonful every half-hour or hour, as the 
necessity of the case may demand. 
4. Take one part of charcoal, well powdered, and 
six parts of powdered white sugar; that is, in the propor- 
tion of one teaspoonful of charcoal to six of sugar, and rub 
them together thoroughly. In the absence of a druggist’s 
mortar, in which to prepare or rub them, spend twenty or 
thirty minutes in grinding and mixing them together with 
a case-knife, on a table or some smooth surface. Then, 
of this, divide one teaspoonful into four equal parts, and 
give one of these parts for a dose, and repeat every hour. 
This is a new remedy for flooding, and so simple that it 
might be rejected on that account. Yet it is invaluable 
for this purpose, as its use will amply demonstrate. 
5. Another new remedy is a powder, called bebee- 
rine, which will have to be procured at the drug-stores. 
Dose, one-half a grain three times a day. 
Prof. I. J. M. Goss says, “ It acts with more prompt- 
ness than any other article in the the Materia Medica.” 
6. In the absence of the above remedies, use a tea, 
of witch-hazel or of beth-root, or of both combined, when 
they can be procured. They are old remedies, but never- 
theless very good ones. 
Accessory Treatment—As soon as the hemor- 
rhage occurs, seize upon the soft womb through the walls 
of the abdomen, and constantly press upon it and knead 
it, as it were, for a long time, or until it feels like a ball. 
Knead and press deeply upon the parts just above the 
bone at the lower part of the belly, whether the womb can 
be distinguished at first or not. At the same time nap- 
kins, saturated with cold water, should be placed on the 
external parts. Small lumps of ice, when they are obtain- 
able, may be introduced into the vagina or pushed up the 
rectum, to arrest hemorrhage; at the same time, small 620 
FLOODING. 
pieces of ice, in considerable quantities, should be fre- 
quently swallowed. The internal and external employment 
of ice in this manner will rarely fail to effect early and 
vigorous contraction of the womb. The patient should 
remain quite still, the hips being a little elevated, and the 
pillow removed from her head. The application of the 
child to the breast is also useful, as it tends to excite 
uterine contraction. The patient should be lightly covered, 
the room kept cool and a free circulation of air promoted. 
If the discharge has been alarming, and the patient appears 
on the point of death, she should have brandy, but slightly 
diluted with water, in small quantities, at frequent inter- 
vals. In this form it is the best stimulus to the heart, 
and less likely to excite sickness. Beef-tea or Liebig's 
extract of meat should be given in small, but in frequent 
quantities. 
After flooding, the patient is generally inclined to 
sleep. This tendency should not be interrupted too soon, 
as it wonderfully recruits the exhausted powers. The pa- 
tient must not, however, be left alone, and frequent ex- 
aminations should be made by the attendant. If the pa- 
tient sleeps, do not awake her unless symptoms of flood- 
ing come on, as suspected by the bloodless appearance of 
the face and indistinct, rapid pulse. The room should be 
kept dark, not too warm, and fresh air should be ad- 
mitted, being careful not to have it pass over or upon 
the patient. Visitors, whisperings or loud talking, etc., 
must, on no account, be allowed; the patient should be 
kept still, free from noise and not allowed to talk or make 
the least exertion. At first, the diet should consist of 
light, nutritious fluids, as cold gruel, cold, boiled milk, 
chicken-broth, arrow-root, beef-tea, custard, calf’s foot jelly, 
cold drinks, such as lemonade, cream of tatar or tamarinds 
and water, or cold water, or a few drops of elixir vitriol AFTER-PAINS. 
621 
in a tumblerful of water. If the woman is of a weakly con- 
stitution, teas or infusions of cinnamon, or any other 
spices may be given with great benefit. 
Preventive Means—After delivery, the patient 
should remain in silence and enjoy the most absolute re- 
pose of mind and body for at least half an hour or an 
hour. A clean and well aired napkin should be applied 
to the vagina as soon after delivery as possible, and the 
nurse strictly enjoined to examine it at least every few 
minutes at first. In this way any excessive discharge will 
be easily detected. As before remarked, after the lapse 
of one or two hours, the danger of hemorrhage is much 
reduced. 
Never be alarmed, as alarm increases the patient’s 
danger. Act coolly and deliberately, as there is very rarely 
any danger if the directions in this article are strictly 
followed. 
AFTER - PAINS. 
Except after a first labor, women generally suffer 
from after-pains, the nature and intensity of which are 
much influenced by the character of the labor, and the 
constitutional peculiarities of the patient. After-pains 
are liable to increase with each succeeding labor, and 
unless proper treatment is adopted, the pains may be very 
excessive and prevent sleep. Much, however, may be 
done both in the way of preventing them and of mod- 
erating their violence. 
Cause—Uterine contraction—After the birth of the 
child, and the detachment and expulsion of the after- 622 
AFTER-PAINS. 
birth, muscular contractions are still necessary to close the 
now empty womb, and to reduce that organ to its natural 
size in the unimpregnated state. This is termed involu- 
tion. After-pains are said to be often troublesome in 
women who have taken chloroform during labor. This, 
however, may be due to the severity of the pains, or the 
pains may seem greater because they were mitigated 
during labor. In the latter case, Dr. Ludlam recom- 
mends five drops of chloroform to be added to half a tum- 
blerful of water, and a teaspoonful to be administered as 
often as the pains recur. 
Remedies—1. Take a piece of the pith of prickly 
ash, of the size of the little finger. Steep it in half a 
pint of water for a few minutes, and give as soon as 
possible. This is said to produce immediate relief. 
2. After-pains may usually be relieved by applying 
warm fomentations to the abdomen, composed of hops 
and vinegar. 
3. A tea, made of the bark of the root of the 
black haw, is excellent and will relieve promptly. 
4. In pains following protracted, hard labor, arnica 
is very effective. Add twenty drops of the strong tinc- 
ture to a teacupful of warm water. Saturate a napkin 
with the lotion, and apply it warm to the lower part of 
the abdomen, and cover with dry flannel to prevent too 
rapid evaporation. 
5. Also a tea, made of the liigli-cranberry bark, 
will generally control, or relieve them sufficiently. 
6. A tea, made of equal parts of pleurisy-root and 
red-raspberry leaves, is often very effectual to remove 
this difficulty. 
7. Hop-tea is also useful and will often afford relief 
and thus answer the purpose. ABORTION 
623 
Various remedies are given for this affection, so that, 
if one of them is not at hand, another one may be. 
ABORTION (Miscarriage). 
When the expulsion of the fetus occurs in the early 
months of pregnancy it is termed abortion, or miscar- 
riage ; after about the seventh month, premature birth. 
In the former—abortion or miscarriage—the child is not 
viable (capable of an independent existence), in the 
latter—premature birth—it is. When abortion has once 
occurred, a predisposition to it is engendered in subsequent 
pregnancies, and especially at about the corresponding 
period; consequently, indiscretions and excesses are more 
likely to be fatal to natural delivery at this particular 
time than at any other. Abortion must be regarded as 
a serious evil; it not only deprives the mother of the 
product of her pregnancy, but often places her health, 
and even life in peril. 
Symptoms—Slight symptoms of miscarriage—A 
feeling of indisposition to exertion, depression, weakness 
and uneasiness at the bottom of the back and at the 
lower part of the abdomen, and other symptoms resem- 
bling those which often precede menstruation. 
Symptoms directly threatening miscarriage—Slight 
and increasing discharge of blood; cutting pains in the 
loins and abdomen, recurring in paroxysms, and with 
increasing intensity. 
Miscarriage—Pains, at first slight and irregular, 
now become severe, and recur at regular intervals, with 624 
AEOUTIOX. 
bearing-down, watery discharges and expulsion of the 
fetus. 
Causes—The predisposing causes are—feebleness of 
constitution; too slight an attachment of the embryo to 
the womb during the early part of pregnancy; profuse 
menstruation ; too great rigidity of the walls of the womb, 
which opposes the due expansion of the organ; a relaxed 
condition of the uterus or of .its neck; long-continued 
leucorrhea; excessive sexual indulgence; acute diseases, 
particularly those of the uterus and abdominal viscera; 
exposure to malignant forms of disease—small-pox, scar- 
latina, diphtheria, etc. ; want of sufficient healthy exercise; 
late hours, as in nursing the sick, especially if combined 
with anxiety and unrelieved by daily recreation in the 
open air. 
The most frequent exciting causes are the following: 
Over-reaching, as in hanging a picture; falls and blows ; 
taking a false step in going up or down stairs; lifting 
heavy weights; long walks; horseback-exercise, or riding 
in carriages over rough roads; climbing steep or difficult 
steps; dancing; excessive use of the sewing-machine; late 
hours; tight garments, especially such as exert undue 
compression upon the abdomen; indigestible food; acute 
diseases and inflammatory affections of the womb or adja- 
cent organs ; purgatives, especially such as operate direct- 
ly upon the uterus; violent mental emotions, as care, 
anger, grief, fright, etc. Also all circumstances which 
immediately or remotely excite abnormal contractions of 
the uterus. 
The causes just enumerated are not usually followed 
by miscarriage; indeed, muscular efforts, moderately and 
regularly performed, are favorable to gestation. The dan- 
ger arises in women who ordinarily take but little exer- 
eise, either in or out of doors, but who under excitement REMEDIES. 
625 
or the stimulus of unusual circumstances, do an amount 
or kind of work and perform feats which result in the 
mischief under consideration. Abortion, again, is more 
likely to arise from the above causes when a predisposi- 
tion to it already exists, more especially at the end of 
the third month, or at the period corresponding to that 
at which it previously occurred. But the most powerful 
exciting cause is the recurrence of the time when, but 
for pregnancy, menstruation would have taken place, for 
at this period abortion is a hundred times more likely to 
occur than at any other time. To those who have abor- 
ted, therefore, the return of what would have been the 
monthly period is always a critical event. 
Remedies—Any excessive flooding may be arrested 
by the application of wet cloths to the parts and over 
the lower part of the bowels ; cold water or vinegar and 
water may be used. Internally, a mixture of five grains 
of powdered alum and one grain of grated nutmeg, may 
be given for a dose, repeating it every thirty or sixty 
minutes. The oil of fireweed is also valuable, and may 
be given in doses of five drops with sugar, repeating them 
every twenty minutes, or at longer intervals, depending 
upon the urgency of the case. In many cases of an ap- 
proaching abortion, but little more will be demanded than 
a state of quietness in the horizontal posture, having the 
hips elevated higher than the head and using cold 
lemonade. 
Should the symptoms still continue, notwithstanding 
these measures, make a large mustard-plaster, using one 
teaspoonful of ground mustard to three of flour, or any- 
thing suitable to mix it with; and of this, make the 
plaster with vinegar or water, and apply it across the 
back, just above the hips. Keep it on for hours, and 626 
ABORTION. 
change it every three or four hours. This will not blister,, 
but simply keep the part stimulated and warm. 
The best known remedy is the black haw ( Viburnum 
Prunifolium), made into a tea by steeping the bark of 
the root, and taking two teaspoonfuls every half-hour or 
hour, until the danger is passed. It can now be obtained 
at most drug-stores, in fluid extract, the dose being one- 
half teaspoonful, every one or two hours. This will 
check nineteen out of twenty cases of threatened abor- 
tion, as hereafter given, and carry them safely to the full 
term. 
When the flooding is very profuse, and there is no 
doubt that the fetus will be expelled, the vagina may 
be plugged with pieces of linen or muslin, and well 
closed up, keeping them in this situation by means of a 
compress and bandage. In the course of six hours this 
plug must be removed ; but it must not remain in the vagina 
longer than twenty-four hours. By this method, the flow 
of blood will frequently be checked. But it must be re- 
collected, that it is exceedingly improper to employ the 
plug, except during the first five months of pregnancy ; 
if used after this period, it will give rise to what is 
called a “concealed hemorrhage,” in which the flooding 
continues, but does not appear externally, owing to the 
presence of the plug, which obstructs its flow. 
Let all drinks be cold, and keep the room also cool. 
As a drink, give fifteen drops of elixir of vitriol, in a 
little water, five or six times daily, or lemonade; the 
first being the best. Keep on the mustard until all danger 
of abortion has ceased, which may be known by the 
flowing and pains having ceased. It requires from two to 
ten days to bring about the desired result. 
The tincture of cinnamon, in this difficulty, is very 
valuable, to aid in checking the flow, and the tendency to 627 
ACCESSORY TREATMENT. 
miscarriage. It should be given in half-teaspoonful doses, 
every ten or twenty minutes, according to the profusion 
of the discharge, each dose of which may be given in 
about half a wineglassful of water, sweetened with loaf- 
sugar. 
Use the black haw in cases of threatened abortion. 
A decoction of the bark of the root should be used in 
doses of one or two tablespoonfuls (according to strength) 
two or three times a day. Some women are subject to 
miscarriage about the third or fourth month. Where this 
is the case, the use of this remedy should commence two 
or three weeks previous to the expected time, and should 
be continued for several weeks beyond. The decoction is 
also good to relieve after-pains during confinement. 
The star-root (Ilelonias Dioica), sometimes called 
unicorn root, or blazing star, has been employed in 
threatened abortion with remarkably good success. The 
root is the part used. Dose, half a teacupful of the in- 
fusion, every hour. In urgent cases, it may be repeated 
oftener. If the powder is used, give fifteen to twenty 
grains at a dose, and repeat as above, until three or four 
doses are taken. 
Points to be remembered: Keep perfectly quiet ; 
never get out of bed, nor even sit up in bed, when there 
is flowing; do not be in too much haste to walk about 
your room ; and do not try to lift any heavy articles, 
such as kettles, etc., for several weeks after you leave 
your bed. 
Accessory Treatment—Immediately after a pa- 
tient has had the least “ show,” she should lie down in a 
cool, well ventilated room, on a sofa or hair-mattress, 
and maintain that position till all symptoms of miscarriage 
have disappeared. Merely resting the legs and feet is quite 
insufficient. In cases, however, in which miscarriage is 628 
ABOKTION. 
only apprehended, it is not necessary to restrict the patient 
wholly to the recumbent posture; gentle and moderate 
out of door exercise is necessary, as entire rest weakens 
the constitution and augments any existing predisposition. 
Sexual intercourse must be avoided; also coffee, tea and 
other kinds of hot drink that occasion flushings, excite- 
ment, etc. ; also the circumstances tending to produce 
abortion, as detailed under “Causes.” 
After Miscarriage—When miscarriage has actually 
occurred, the immediate after-treatment should be the same 
as pointed out under “Labor.” The patient should be 
kept in bed, and in every respect the same care observed 
as if she had gone through labor in due course. If the 
patient leaves her bed and goes about household duties 
before the womb has had sufficient rest and time to return 
to its unimpregnated size, displacement, falling of the 
womb and subsequent abortions are likely to occur. 
Abortion and miscarriage, more frequently than natural 
parturition, are followed by defective uterine involution; 
and this is because the menstrual discharge is brought on 
too soon by the resumption of the duties and pleasures of 
life. The uncontracted womb is thus likely to become 
permanently over-sensitive and congested, and this condi- 
tion may merge into inflammation in weakly constituted 
women. 
General Preventive Measures—Every attention 
should be directed towards maintaining as vigorous a state 
of constitution as possible. The diet should be good and 
liberal, but within the limits indicated in the article on 
“ General Habits During Pregnancy.” Open-air exercise 
should be taken for two or three hours a day, if it can be 
borne without fatigue. For the bed, a hair-mattress over 
a feather-bed is the most suitable; and cold or tepid 
sponging should be practiced twice or thrice a week. GATHERED BREASTS. 
629 
Sometimes a hip-bath should be conjoined with the spong- 
ing. The patient should sit in the bath, about half tilled 
with water, for three or four minutes. Whilst in the 
bath, the water should be dashed over the stomach and 
back, with the hand or by means of a sponge. After the 
bath, the body should be rubbed with a large towel or 
sheet until reaction is thoroughly established. When there 
are threatenings of miscarriage, the patient must strictly 
confine herself to the recumbent posture, even for weeks, 
should it be necessary; and, especially after miscarriage 
has taken place, must she retain that posture, as if preg- 
nancy had gone on to full term. The uterus must have 
a period of rest, which is as necessary after miscarriage 
as after an ordinary labor. Especial care and rest are 
necessary whenever the monthly period comes round. If 
this last precaution were fully acted upon, it would suffice 
to break what is termed the habit of aborting. In some 
cases abortion can only be prevented by a separation of the 
husband and Avife for some months, during which time efforts 
should be made to reduce the uterus to its natural size 
and condition. Together with rest of the body here re- 
commended, a quiet and tranquil state of mind should, as 
far as possible, be maintained. 
GATHERED, OR INFLAMED BREASTS—AGUE 
IN THE BREAST. 
Causes—Exposure to cold, by not covering the breasts 
during nursing; sitting up in bed, uncovered, to nurse 
the child; too small, depressed or sore nipples, so that 
the breast becomes distended with milk, favoring inflam- 630 
GATHERED BREASTS. 
mation and suppuration; efforts of the child to suck when 
there is no milk in the breast; strong emotions ; mechanical 
injuries ; too prolonged nursing, the abscess not appearing 
until a late period—the tenth to the twelfth month. Too 
sudden weaning, by allowing a large accumulation of 
milk in the breasts, and deranging the general health by 
the abruptness of the new condition of things, is also an 
exciting cause. Tight-fitting stays, by compressing the 
glands, keep the breasts too hot, and derange the circula- 
tion in them, and act as predisposing causes. 
Symptoms—When the inflammation occurs in the 
tissue behind the breast, and on which it is placed, the 
pain is severe, throbbing, deep-seated, and increased by 
moving the arm and shoulder; the breast becomes swol- 
len, red and more prominent, being pushed forward by 
the abscess behind. Sometimes, but less frequently, the 
breast itself is involved, when the pain becomes very 
acute and cutting, the swelling very considerable, and 
there is much constitutional disturbance—quick, full pulse, 
hot skin, thirst, headache, sleeplessness, etc. This variety 
of gathered breast is preceded by rigors (shivering fits), 
followed by heat, and the case should be immediately 
placed under the care of a medical man, who may 
only then be able to arrest the further progress of the 
disease. 
Remedies—Use, externally, the tops of poke-root, 
by first bruising and heating them, and apply in the form 
of a poultice. When it becomes dry, renew by a 
fresh one. It will relieve any case of swelled breasts. 
It is equally as good for “broken breasts.” The root, 
when roasted and applied, is as good, for this purpose, 
as the tops. In chronic cases, bathe the breasts with the 
tincture of this plant. This may be obtained at any REMEDIES. 
631 
drug-store. Also, take the same internally, in five-drop 
doses, three times a day, until relieved. 
2. Another good application is, to rub together thor- 
oughly, camphor-gum and a little alcohol. To a tea- 
spoonful of this, add a tablespoonful cf sweet oil, and 
apply freely. This is not only valuable for swelled breast, 
but also for any kind of swelling, bruise or pain. 
3. A very excellent application to a hard, tender 
and inflamed breast, is a cold solution of sal-ammoniac 
in vinegar, adding as much of this as the vinegar will 
■dissolve. Apply on cloths, covering them with flannel. 
4. Take, of 
Hard soap 2 ounces. 
Common salt 2 ounces. 
New milk £ pint. 
After shaving the soap fine, put the whole of the ingre- 
dients in a vessel, and simmer them slowly over the fire 
for a few minutes, and, while hot, stir in a tablespoonful 
of corn-meal, and continue to simmer it until it is of the 
proper consistence to spread on a cloth. The whole 
quantity should be used for one poultice, and should cover 
the whole breast. After being spread, the surface of the 
poultice should be greased and then applied to the breast 
as hot as can be borne. 
Should these measures fail, at any time, to discuss or 
remove the swelling, and matter form, the suppuration mav 
be hastened by an elm-poultice, or a bread-and-milk poul- 
tice, placed over the breast and renewed frequently. Or, 
if it can be obtained, fresh poke-root may be roasted until it 
is soft, then mashed, mixed with an equal quantity of pow- 
dered lobelia, and sufficient hot water added, which may be 
applied over the breast, renewing it three time a day. When 
the suppuration is completed, the severe pain will be ma- 
terially diminished by opening the abscess with a probe or 632 
GATHERED BREASTS. 
lancet. The ulcer may be treated upon the same princi- 
ple as explained under “Ulcers.” 
Accessory Treatment—Two or three hours after 
labor—sooner if there is much hemorrhage—the infant 
should be applied to the breast, but only about once in 
every four hours, until the supply of milk is uniformly 
secreted. The breasts should be supported by a broad 
handkerchief, or a net-work supporter, or by strips of 
adhesive plaster, nicely and uniformly applied, as their 
weight aggravates the patient’s sufferings greatly; strips 
of plaster are also used to effect uniform compression of 
the glands, and thereby diminish their secretion. A lin- 
seed-poultice should be applied to the part; this will allay 
the pain, by relieving tension and causing perspiration. 
The camphorated oil or spirits of camphor, followed 
by dry heat—as of an iron passed close to the breast—and 
then enveloping the breast in cotton should be used con- 
tinuously, and renewed every twelve hours, as long as ne- 
cessary. A solution of camphor and glycerine, applied over 
the gland by means of a flannel compress, is also a useful 
application. In extensive engorgement and induration, an 
opening is necessary, and should be made in the 
lowest situation as soon as matter is discovered. If the 
matter be not removed as soon as it can be felt, it will 
be diffused in various directions through the breast. 
It is important to remember that this difficulty is a 
symptom which strongly points to constitutional feebleness, 
indicating the necessity for pure air, sunlight, suitable bath- 
ing and nourishing diet—lightly dressed eggs, tender, lean 
meat, oatmeal and brown bread. By eating the latter, the 
patient has the advantage of the phosphorus which is con- 
tained in the covering of the grain, but much of which is 
lost by the dressings which fine flour undergoes. The 633 
CHILD-BED FEVER. 
mind must be kept free from domestic worry and all kinds 
of care. 
The preventive treatment consists in relieving the breasts 
as soon as they are filled ; in keeping the patient warm, and 
in good diet. 
Swelled Breasts of Infants — It often happens 
that the breasts of a child will become caked and swollen. 
I have never had to resort to any other treatment than 
the following: With strong spirits of camphor, wet a 
piece of brown paper, fold it together and lay it upon 
the breast or breasts, as the case may be. In forty-eight 
hours the cake and swelling will be gone. 
CHILD-BED FEVER—MILK-FEVER (Puerperal 
Fever). 
Causes—Instrumental or difficult labors ; fetid lochia; 
decomposing fragments of retained placenta; violent emo- 
tional disturbances ; contagion, or personal transmission of 
the poison from one patient to another by doctors and 
nurses. Other animal poisons, as that from erysipelas, 
scarlatina, typhus, and from the post-mortem or dissecting- 
room, are capable of exciting puerperal fever, as conveyed 
by the persons and dresses of the attendants of the patients, 
even after the exercise of great caution. The disease de- 
rives great importance both from its extreme danger and 
its frightfully contagious character. 
Symptoms—This usually occurs shortly after delivery. 
There are pricking sensations in the breasts, which gradu- 
ally swell and harden, accompanied by febrile action in 634 
CHILD-BED FEVER 
the system; and in some cases pains in the head, scanty 
urine, constipation, etc. 
In puerperal fever there are, in addition to the above, 
rigors (shivering fits), pain and great tenderness over the 
region of the womb; suppression of the milk (if it has 
been secreted at all) ; also suppressed or scanty and fetid 
lochial discharge; there are severe pains in the head, 
flushed face, glistening eyes and sometimes delirium; 
distention of the abdomen; and, unless the disease is checked, 
typhoid or malignant symptoms rapidly supervene. This 
fever commonly occurs within a few days after childbirth ; 
and it is remarkable that in most cases the patient loses 
all interest in the infant, and even expresses dislike to it 
and the husband. 
Remedies—To control the fever and inflammation, 
give the following: Tincture of aconite, one teaspoonful; 
water, one-half pint; mix. Dose, a teaspoonful every hour, 
as long as there is any fever or inflammation. The bowels 
to be constantly fomented with hops and vinegar, or stra- 
monium-leaves, or bags of hot tansy or smart-weed. To 
allay vomiting, use peppermint, anise or spearmint-water; 
or, perhaps, a draught of soda or seidlitz-water, with 
lemon-juice. A mustard-poultice, over the region of the 
stomach, will frequently be of service. Strong coffee, 
without sugar or milk, will, in some cases act almost like 
a charm. 
The tincture of the muriate of iron, in doses of ten 
or twenty drops in a wineglassful of water, repeated every 
hour, will generally be found superior to every other rem- 
edy ; especially if the disease be associated with erysipe- 
las. 
If the inflammation and soreness do not soon subside 
with this treatment, apply a poultice of hops and charcoal, 
and give plenty of hop-yeast and charcoal internally. ACCESSORY TREATMENT. 
635 
Accessory Treatment—Frequent small draughts 
of cold water should be given; this relieves the thirst and 
promotes perspiration. Barley, milk or strong beef-tea, be- 
tween the doses of medicine, will help keep up the patient’s 
strength. Hot water will relieve vomiting, but better still 
is a grain of sulpho-carbonate of soda dissolved in half a 
glassful of water; a teaspoonful every few hours. Per- 
fect rest and quiet, with absence of all appearance of ex- 
citement or alarm in the attendant, are imperatively ne- 
cessary. Occasional sponging of the body with tepid 
water is soothing, and if there is much abdominal swell- 
ing and tenderness, a dry, heated bran-poultice, in a 
bag, is the best local application. Repeated fomentations 
and bathing and injections of the vagina are valuable; 
indeed, if the parts were sponged with very warm water, 
three or four times a day, there would be fewer cases of 
this fever. The napkins should be frequently examined, 
and all foul discharge effectually cleansed away, and the 
room disinfected with carbolic acid. Indeed, when the 
discharges are offensive, it is well to inject up the vagina 
some warm water, to which a few drops of carbolic acid 
have been added. Dr. Mcleod states that he saved his 
own wife from a fatal termination of puerperal fever, 
after the physicians had expressed the opinion that she 
could not recover, by the injection cf three drachms of 
Condy’s fluid in a wash-basinful of water at 64 ° ; 
followed by a similar operation on the following day with 
two drachms of the fluid. The temperature of the room 
should be maintained at about 68 ° , the ventilation thor- 
ough. The nursing of the child should be discontinued 
with the first active symptoms of fever. 
When the tongue is coated brown or yellow, acid 
drinks should be allowed, as cider, lemonade, vinegar and 
water, tomato-juice sweetened, apple-water. 636 
GREEN SICKNESS. 
In evacuating the bowels or bladder, the patient should 
not be allowed to sit up, but must use a bed-pan or old 
cloths. Injections every day will be found beneficial by 
keeping the bowels open. 
GREEN SICKNESS (Chlorosis). 
This is a condition of general debility affecting young 
women at about the age of puberty, due probably to ner- 
vous causes. There is deficiency of the red corpuscles of the 
blood, which gives the skin a pale, yellowish or greenish 
and almost transparent hue. The temperature of the 
body is diminished, and morbidly sensitive to cold. There 
is generally delayed, suppressed or imperfectly performed 
menstrual function. 
Symptoms—In addition to those given in the pre- 
ceding paragraph, the following conditions are always 
more or less prominent: loss of appetite, the patient 
often subsisting upon an incredibly small quantity of 
food ; or the appetite is perverted, and such articles craved 
for as chalk, coal, cinders, etc. In other cases the appe- 
tite becomes fitful, or the patient eats simply as a duty. 
Most patients complain of obstinate constipation, or this 
condition may be alternated with relaxation. Sometimes 
the breath is offensive, or there may be ulceration of the 
stomach and persistent vomiting or even bleeding from 
the stomach. Such patients become listless and melancholy. 
They lose interest in society and in the general events 
of life, preferring solitude and quiet repose. There is 
frequently paroxysmal, often regularly periodic headache, 
chiefly affecting one temple. CAUSES, ETC. 
637 
Causes—Among the hygienic conditions the most 
favorable to the production of chlorosis are—confinement 
in badly ventilated or imperfectly lighted or shaded rooms 
—underground kitchens and back rooms, shut in by high 
walls excluding the direct rays of the sun and a free 
circulation of air—and deprivation of open-air exercise 
and recreation. Long-continued grief, unrequited love, 
anxiety, fright or fatigue ; masturbation ; uterine or ova- 
rian disease ; innutritious food—bread and butter forming 
the staple diet, the relish for animal food of every kind 
almost completely ceases. Mothers should not hesitate 
to find out whether the disease may not be induced by 
secret habits; great delicacy and caution are required in 
endeavoring to obtain certainty concerning this all-impor- 
tant subject. 
Accessory Means—Good nourishing food, including 
milk and milk diet, brown bread, animal broths, oysters, 
cod-fish and juicy varieties of meat. Frequent exercise 
in the open air and sunshine, avoiding fatigue; horseback- 
exercise is particularly advantageous ; bathing, particularly 
in sea-water, is much to be commended. Persons unac- 
customed to bathe or extremely sensitive ones should 
commence with tepid water and the temperature be 
gradually lowered till a cold bath can be advantageously 
borne. 
Chlorotic patients are notoriously fond of ease, and 
desire to remain in a state of muscular inactivity; but 
this desire must no more be yielded to than that of 
travelers to the soporific effects of intense cold. They 
should therefore be urged and forced to exert themselves 
so that the blood may circulate more rapidly, and thus 
absorb that due quantity of oxygen which is necessary 
to impart to it those vital properties which excite all the 
organs to perform their proper functions. 638 
MILIARY FEVER. 
It is also important, as quoted on a previous page, 
that girls should be unobtrusively watched, and not allow- 
ed, if possible, to remain alone. 
MILIARY FEVER. 
Causes—This disease in child-bed women is some- 
times the effect of great costiveness during pregnancy ; it 
may likewise be occasioned by their excessive use of 
green, unripe fruits, and other unwholesome things, in 
which pregnant women are apt to indulge. But its must 
general cause is indolence. 
Symptoms—When this is a primary disease, it 
makes its attack, like most other eruptive fevers, with a 
slight shivering, which is succeeded by heat, loss of 
strength, faintishness, sighing, a low, quick pulse, diffi- 
culty of breathing, with great anxiety and oppression of 
the breast. The patient is restless and sometimes deli- 
rious ; the tongue appears white, and the hands shake, 
with often a burning heat in the palms; and in child-bed 
women the milk generally goes away, and the other dis- 
charges stop. 
The patient feels an itching or pricking pain under 
the skin, after which innumerable small pustules of a red 
or white color begin to appear. Upon this the symptoms 
generally abate, the pulse becomes more full and soft, 
the skin grows moister, and the sweat, as the disease 
advances, begins to have a peculiar fetid smell; the great 
load on the breast and oppression of the spirits generally 
go off, and the customary evacuations gradually return. 
Sometimes the pustules appear and vanish by turns. TREATMENT. 
639 
When that is the case, there is always danger; but when 
they go in all of a sudden and do not appear again, the 
danger is very great. 
Regimen—In all eruptive fevers, of whatever kind, 
the chief point is to prevent the sudden disappearing of 
the pustules and to promote their maturation. For this 
purpose the patient must be kept in such a temperature 
as neither to push out the eruption too fast, nor to cause 
it to retreat prematurely. The diet and drink ought 
therefore to be in a moderate degree nourishing and 
cordial, but neither strong nor heating. The patient’s 
chamber ought neither to be kept too hot nor cold. 
The food must be weak chicken-broth with bread, 
panada, sago or groat-gruel, etc., with a few grains of 
salt and a little sugar. 
Good apples roasted or boiled, with other ripe fruits of 
an opening, cooling nature, may be eaten. 
The drink must be suited to the state of the pa- 
tient’s strength and spirits. If these be pretty high, the 
drink ought to be weak; as water-gruel, balm-tea, or the 
following decoction: Take two ounces of the shavings of 
hartshorn, and the same quantity of sarsaparilla, boil 
them in two quarts of water. To the strained decoction 
add a little white sugar, and let the patient take it for 
his ordinary drink. 
When the patient’s spirits are low, and the eruption 
does not rise sufficiently, his drink must be a little more 
generous ; as wine whey, or small negus, sharpened with 
the juice of orange or lemon, and made stronger or weaker 
as circumstances may require. 
Sometimes the miliary fever approaches towards a 
putrid nature, in which case the patient’s strength must 
he supported with generous cordials, joined with acids; 
and if the degree of putrescency be great, the Peruvian 640 
HYSTERICS. 
bark must be administered. If the head be much affected, 
use warm water injections. 
This disease is of rare occurrence, and it is of such 
a nature that it seldom requires anything more than good 
nursing. 
HYSTERICS (Hysteria). 
This affection generally occurs in females between 
the ages of twelve and forty-live, and it is more frequent 
at the menstrual periods than at other times. The pres- 
ent cruel method of bringing up young ladies fav.ors 
the development of the disease by rendering the whole 
system delicate and nervous. They are deprived to a 
great extent of the all-important necessaries of life—sun- 
light, pure air, active labor and exercise. Hot rooms, 
unnatural confinement in schools, crowding the intellect 
to the neglect of the body, solitary vice and novel-read- 
ing are among the many causes of this disease; also dis- 
appointments in love, domestic troubles, strong mental 
emotions and an irregular or vicious life. It is often 
connected with, if not caused by, spinal irritation; also 
by diseases and derangements of the womb. 
Symptoms—This disease attacks in paroxysms or 
fits. These are sometimes preceded by dejection of 
spirits, anxiety of mind, effusion of tears, difficulty of 
breathing, sickness at the stomach and palpitations at 
the heart; but more usually a pain is felt on the left side 
with a sense of distension, advancing upward till it reach- 
es the stomach, and thence to the throat; it occasions, 641 
TREATMENT. 
by its pressure, a sensation as if a ball was lodged there. 
The disease having arrived at this height, the patient ap- 
pears to be threatened with suffocation, becomes faint 
and is affected with stupor and insensibility; while at the 
same time the trunk of the body is turned to and fro, 
the limbs are variously agitated, wild and irregular actions 
take place in the alternate tits of laughter, crying and 
screaming; incoherent expressions are uttered, a temporary 
delirium prevails and a frothy saliva is discharged from 
the mouth. The spasms at length abating, the woman 
recovers the exercise of sense and motion without any 
recollection of what has taken place during the tit. In 
some cases there is little or no convulsive movement, and 
the person lies for some time seemingly in a state of 
profound sleep, without either sense or motion. 
However dreadful and alarming an hysteric tit may 
appear, still it is seldom accompanied with danger; and 
the disease never terminates fatally, unless it changes in- 
to epilepsy or mania, or the patient is in a very weak 
and reduced state. 
Treatment—During a tit a patient’s dress should 
be loosened, so that the circulation and respiration may 
be embarrassed as little as possible; cold water should 
be sprinkled, or rather dashed, over the face, the body 
laid in a recumbent position with the head elevated, and 
a current of air admitted into the apartment. The at- 
tendants may be employed in rubbing the temples, abdo- 
men and extremities. It is usual for five or six persons 
to clinch the patient during an hysteric fit, and confine 
her to the bed or in a certain position, but this practice 
should be avoided. It is best to use only force sufficient 
to keep the patient from Injuring herself or her atten- 
dants. When she suddenly rises and springs from the 
bed, allow as much latitude, liberty and motion to the 642 
HYSTERICS. 
body and limbs as possible. If the patient shows a dis- 
position to roll upon the floor, let her roll. When called 
to treat the disease during the paroxysm or fit, it will 
be of the first and greatest importance to immerse the 
feet and legs in very warm water. 
Remedies—Camphor is an invaluable remedy during 
an hysterical paroxysm and often terminates a fit imme- 
diately, especially if there is general coldness of the sur- 
face. Two drops on a piece of loaf-sugar may be given 
every few minutes, for two or three times during the fit: 
or a vial of the strong tincture may be applied to the 
nose. 
Peppermint is frequently useful in some cases, to re- 
lieve flatulence and gently excite the nerves of the stom- 
ach. It may be used either in the form of the essence 
or a tea made of the fresh or dried herb. 
Asafoetida is a celebrated remedy in this complaint. 
Women generally have an aversion to it on'that account. 
It is a good agent, however, and a pill of it about the 
size of a small pea may be taken once or twice a day. 
Valerian may be used, and is often productive of 
beneficial effects. The tincture, procurable at drug-stores, 
may be given in doses of one or two teaspoonfuls two 
or three times a day; or one or two wineglassfuls of an 
infusion of the root. 
Hysterical Retention of Urine—Dr. J. W. Cur- 
ran recommends a simple and prompt remedy for this 
distressing symptom, viz., plunging the hands in a wash- 
basin full of the coldest water, and moving them 
about in it, as if in the act of washing. In every instance 
in which this expedient was tried it was immediately suc- 
cessful ; it may, therefore, be recommended for general 
adoption as more convenient than a warm hip-bath, and 
infinitely more desirable than the use of the catheter. The ACCESSORY TREATMENT. 
643 
latter, as a rule, is both unnecessary and improper in such 
cases of retention. As confirmatory of this, any person 
may notice that the plunging of the hands into cold 
water, when urine has accumulated to any extent in the 
bladder, is rapidly followed with an irresistible desire to 
urinate, although the desire to do so had not been pre- 
viously felt. 
Accessory Treatment—After the patient’s clothes 
are loosened, and an abundant supply of fresh air is se- 
cured, an attempt may be made to arrest the hysteric 
convulsions by a method suggested by Dr. Hare, viz., 
that of forcibly preventing the patient from breathing for 
a certain time, by holding the mouth and nose. The 
effect of such constraint is to make the patient, when 
allowed to do so, “ draw a long breath,” this vigorous 
inspiration being usually followed by a relaxation of all 
spasm and a disappearance of the fit. Prolonged attacks 
are notably benefited by this plan of treatment; in brief 
ones there is neither time nor need for it. “A calm 
manner,” says Dr. Reynolds, “the absence of all appear- 
ance of alarm, and of either scolding or distressing sym- 
pathy—all of which things the apparently unconscious 
patient observes much more accurately than do her 
frightened friends—will sometimes bring a fit to a speedy 
end.” 
Between the Paroxysms—Besides regular, out-of- 
door, walking exercise, cheerful society, conversation and 
recreation, physical and mental occupation of a useful 
nature should be strictly enjoined. Healthy, useful em- 
ployment should become a uniform habit, and the patient 
be led to feel that life is not a mere holiday to be passed 
in frivolity and idleness, but a highly important period 
of existence to be spent in usefulness and enjoyment. 
Absence of occupation favors that meditative mood in 644 
INFLAMMATION OF THE LABIA. 
which hysterical patients are liable to fall, and renders 
cure difficult. 
Removal from Home Influences—Nothing, per- 
haps, interposes greater obstacles to recovery than the 
misplaced tenderness, anxiety and sympathy of friends, 
and the constant recurrence* of influences which tend to 
perpetuate the disease; so that sending the patient from 
home, away from her accustomed habits and associations, 
under the care of kind but judicious friends, offers a favor- 
able chance of recovery. 
Disuse of Stimulants—The daily consumption of 
alcoholic beverages for the debility and other symptoms 
of hysteria is a delusion, and should be strenuously op- 
posed. In hysteria, wine is a mocker. It yields but the 
semblance of strength, and instead of benefiting, it 
tends to confirm and perpetuate the worst symptoms of the 
complaint. 
General Cautions—Crowded, badly ventilated and 
too brilliantly lighted churches, theatrical exhibitions, 
novel-reading, tight stays and late hours in retiring at 
night and rising in the morning, should be resolutely for- 
bidden. The diet, rest, study, recreation, as well as the 
various bodily functions, should receive intelligent and 
uniform attention. When speaking to a sufferer about her 
disorder, it is well to avoid the term “ Hysteria,” and to 
assure her that it is curable and not dangerous. 
INFLAMMATION OF THE LABIA. 
It is not uncommon for the lips of the vagina or 
passage to the womb to become inflamed, red, swollen 
and hot; and if the inflammation is not subdued, an ab- G45 
ITCIIIXO OF THE PRIVATE PARTS. 
scess is apt to form. This affection may be caused by 
the rupture of the hymen, difficult labor, exposure, or it 
may occur without apparent cause. 
Wash the parts three or four times a day, with a wTeak 
solution of arnica; half a teaspoonful of the tincture, to a 
teacupful of water, is about the right strength. 
At the same time, give one drop of it on sugar, three 
times a day, or oftener in severe cases. 
ITCHING OF THE PRIVATE PARTS (Pruritus 
Vulvae). 
Symptoms—Itching of these parts is. often one of 
the most distressing ailments to which pregnant women are 
liable. Sometimes this affection is accompanied by sexual 
excitement, or it may have a periodic character. It is not 
limited to pregnancy, and sometimes troubles the unmar- 
ried of all ages ; it is most common, however, during ges- 
tation, and at the change of life. 
Causes—Acrid fluids from the glands of the vulvse 
or vagina; any conditions leading to congestion of the 
generative organs, as inactive habits, too much sitting, 
especially if combined with too high living or the use of 
stimulants; at times it is owing to an aphthous form of 
inflammation of the mucous membrane of the vagina, and 
may co-exist with the sore mouth Avhich sometimes accom- 
panies pregnancv or nursing. Worms may occasion the 
irritation. A want of proper cleanliness also is, no doubt, 
an occasional cause. Taking opium, or hydrate of chlo- 646 
THE LOCHIA. 
ral, has caused it. Disorders of the digestive organs— 
constipation, piles, etc., are frequently associated with this 
condition. It is especially liable to occur in ladies who 
have suffered from leucorrhea or urinary troubles. 
Remedies—This generally indicates some disease of 
the womb or of the mucous membrane of the vagina, or 
of the external parts, or of the bladder. When this is 
the case, the malady cannot be cured without removing 
the disease of which it is a symptom. When it is brought 
on by masturbation, as it sometimes is, this habit must 
be broken off before a cure can be affected. Local treat- 
ment is generally necessary. Frequent and thorough ablu- 
tions of the external parts with tepid or cold water are 
very desirable for the comfort of the patient, and at the 
same time conducive to her recovery. A wash of Castile- 
soap and warm water is often very useful. The hip-bath, 
used several times daily, during an attack, and persevered 
in afterwards once a day, will be found very efficient in 
aiding the cure, and in preventing this troublesome af- 
fection. Temporary relief may be obtained by a solution 
of borax in water, applied two or three time a day to the 
parts. A tablespoonful of Cologne-water mixed in a tea- 
cupful of warm water, and applied directly by means of 
cloths saturated with the mixture, is another valuable ap- 
plication. 
THE LOCHIA (Cleansing). 
This is a healthy discharge which takes place after 
delivery, and in color and appearance at first resembles 
the menstrual discharge. Gradually, however, it becomes 647 
PREVENTIVES. 
lighter, yellowish, and before its final cessation of a green- 
ish or whitish hue. In a majority of cases the red color 
changes in about a week to the yellowish shade. It varies 
considerably in different women, being in some thin and 
scanty, and continuing only a few days; and in others is 
so profuse as almost to amount to flooding, and lasting for 
weeks. The latter is most common in patients who have 
been troubled with too copious menstruation, who have 
borne many children, and who have indulged in the pleas- 
ures of the table. In some cases, too, this discharge has a 
disagreeable odor. 
In suppression of the lochia, flannels wrung out of 
hot water should be applied to the external parts, and 
frequently renewed, a second flannel being ready when the 
first is removed. Also, if necessary, injections of warm 
infusion of camomile-flowers, and apply vinegar and water 
to the lower part of the bowels. A little salt and water 
is also very good. When the discharge is bright, or con- 
tinues too long, the patient should retain the horizontal 
posture, be kept quiet and fed with suitable diet. 
Preventives—After a confinement, ablution of the 
parts, by means of a soft sponge and warm water, at least 
twice in every twenty-four hours, the parts being immedi- 
ately but thoroughly dried, is essential for the health and 
comfort of the patient, and to prevent the discharge from 
becoming offensive. The napkins should be frequently 
changed, and always applied warm, as the application of 
cold might be followed by an arrest of the lochial dis- 
charge. There is no objection in ordinary cases to the 
patient’s sitting up in the chair the day after delivery, 
while the bed is made. The daily use of the chair favors 
the discharge of putrid, coagulated blood, and in severe 
cases injections may be employed to aid the evacuation. 
After the first day the patient may also wash herself, 648 
THE FLOW OF MILK. 
the exertion being helpful rather than otherwise. If 
the lochia be offensive, the chair should be used more 
frequently. 
When the discharges are very offensive and putrid, 
add a little carbolic acid to the water which is used for 
the injection; say, one tablespoonful to a pint of water. 
TO CHECK THE FLOW OF MILK. 
Remedies—1. Use the camphorated-soap plaster, 
made as follows: Half a gill of soap ; one fourth of an 
ounce of camphor. Pulverize the camphor-gum by adding 
a little alcohol or other good spirits. Mix it well with 
the soap and spread thinly on a soft linen cloth, and 
wear one piece on each breast for a day or two, or for 
as much of this time as the plaster can be borne with- 
out making the breasts sore. 
2. A wash of borax or of alum is also good for 
this purpose. 
3. Apply a plaster made of powdered skunk-cabbage 
and lard. This is useful to check the flow of milk in 
the breasts in ordinary cases, and likewise in those of in- 
flammation. 
TO PRODUCE A. FBOW OF MILK AFTER 
IT HAS BEEN CHECKED. 
Take, of buckwheat-flour and buttermilk, sufficient to 
make a stiff batter, as for pan-cakes, and keep constantly THE FLOW OF MILK. 
649 
applied to the breast or breasts, as a poultice, for twenty- 
four or forty-eight hours. This will bring on a flow 
where the milk has been drb- p for days. 
Method for Promoting* the Flow of Milk—In 
all cases where the flow of milk is tardy, the following 
plan for accelerating it will be found to be available and 
safe. Take a decanter and fill it with boiling water; 
when it is thoroughly hot, suddenly empty it and place 
it on the breast with the nipple in the neck of the bottle. 
The gradual cooling of the decanter will create a vacuum 
the nipple will be gently pressed into it without pain, and 
the atmospheric pressure on the breast will, in almost 
every instance, cause the milk immediately to flow. The 
experiment may safely be repeated after a short interval 
if it does not happen to be successful at first. Care 
must be taken to protect the breast by covering the 
mouth of the decanter with leather or thick flannel. A 
hole made in the center of this will keep the nipple in 
its proper place. 
Insufficient Supply of Milk—When there is a 
lack of milk for the child, the cause may be traced to 
imperfection in the mother’s health and measures should,, 
if possible, be adopted to correct this, so that after a 
subsequent labor she may be able to furnish the infant 
with sufficient milk. 
The external application of the castor-oil plant (Rid- 
nus Communis) has been used by some physicians with 
great success. A strong decoction is applied hot by 
means of soft rags, and retained until the milk is secre- 
ted copiously. 
Accessory Means—Warmth always favors the se- 
cretion of milk. The diet is important and should be 
nutritious and digestible. Good cocoa is very useful, 
improving the quality and increasing the quantity of the 650 
ESCAPE OF MILK. 
mother’s milk, and we have known it to succeed after 
other means had failed. During the whole period of nurs- 
ing this nourishing beverage will be found highly condu- 
cive to the health of both mother and child. When the 
quantity of milk cannot be increased to meet the require- 
ments of the child, mixed nursing must be adopted. It 
is important that the mother should suckle her baby 
during the day and have it fed by the bottle at night. 
This arrangement permits the mother to enjoy a good 
night’s sleep, which in itself favors the secretion of milk. 
INVOLUNTARY ESCAPE OF MILK. 
Cause—Deficient tone in the milk ducts, which 
often co-exists with loss of tone in the general constitu- 
tion. 
Remedies—Lotions of borax or alum are recom- 
mended as applications to the breasts. 
Accessory Means—The breasts should be sponged 
with equal parts of cold vinegar and water (or one part 
of strong acetic acid to twelve parts of cold water), morn- 
ing and evening, and rapidly and carefully dried with 
a soft towel afterwards. To keep the dress from getting 
soiled, nipple-glasses or rubber shells may be worn ; but 
they should never be used unless absolutely necessary, 
as they are apt to keep up, instead of to diminish, the 
flow of milk. NURSING SORE MOUTH. 
651 
NURSING SORE MOUTH. 
This is an affection from which nursing women oc- 
casionally suffer. It consists of inflammation of the lining 
of the mouth, which is covered with very small ulcers ; 
these cause stinging and burning sensations, and a cheese- 
like matter exudes from them. A profuse flow of saliva 
is also frequently present. Now and then it proves an in- 
tractable disorder. 
Remedies—Make a solution, of borax and water, 
of the following proportions: To one pint of water, add 
a lump of borax the size of a nutmeg, and when dis- 
solved, gargle the throat and thoroughly wash the mouth 
with it, three times a day, and in severe cases, every 
three hours. At the same time, take the following prep- 
aration : One drachm of iodide of potash and eight table- 
spoonfuls of Avater, enclosed in a suitable bottle, and of 
this give one teaspoonful tAvice a day. One bottle will 
generally be sufficient to cure the disease. 
A tea, of golden seal, makes another effective Avash 
for the mouth and throat. It should be used three or 
four times a day, and in an aggravated case much 
oftener. 
In very severe cases of this affection the child should 
be Aveaned, as it is almost impossible to effect a cure 
while it continues to nurse. If it has the disease also, 
the same remedies may be given it, in properly reduced 
quantities. 
Accessory Treatment—Acidulated drinks—lemon- 
ade, etc.—are very valuable. Vegetable and animal food 
in due proportion, Avith Avholcsome ripe fruits, oranges, 
grapes, roasted apples, etc. Fruits containing vegetable 
acids are often alone curative, and are usually very grateful 652 
MILK-LEG. 
to patients. Weaning, travel, change of climate, etc., may 
be necessary in exceptional cases. 
MILK-REG (Phlegmasia Dolens). 
A short time after child-birth this disease sometimes 
appears. It usually attacks one leg, and may extend to 
the other, and the whole system may become affected. 
The limb appears firm, glossy, elastic, swollen and painful. 
The attack is generally preceded by a chill, succeeded by 
fever. The limb is stiff, heavy, and is irritated by motion; 
is tender; the skin is not discolored, but has an increase 
of heat. After a period of about two weeks these symp- 
toms subside, leaving the limb stiff, benumbed, heavy and 
weak, and very liable to remain more or less so for a 
great length of time. It may arise from a suppression 
of the lochial discharge or the milk, or from cold. 
Remedies—1. The whole of the limb should be 
wrapped in a flannel bandage, but it should not be un- 
comfortably tight. It must be re-applied when it becomes 
loose. The simple remedy of salt and vinegar is of su- 
perior efficacy in this disease. The whole limb should 
frequently be bathed in a strong solution of it. 
Sometimes cold applications will answer a better 
purpose than warm ones. When fresh stramonium-leaves 
can be had, bruised, moistened with hot water, and placed 
over the whole limb, they will be found to exert an almost 
immediate relief. 
2. The tincture of arnica is another remedy, which 
has been found effectual after the subsidence of the more SORE NIPPLES. 
653 
painful It should be given in doses of from 
five to ten drops, three times a day. 
If ulcers should form, by the breaking of the skin, 
they should be washed with a decoction of smart-weed, 
and dressed with black salve, which may be found in the 
list of “Salves.” Another good one, for the same purpose, 
is made of bitter-sweet and lard. 
3. The tincture of aconite-root is an excellent rem- 
edy, in the early stages of this complaint. Five drops, 
stirred in a tumblerful of water, and given in dessert- 
spoonful doses, every four hours, will tend greatly to 
mitigate the sufferings of the patient, promote perspira- 
tion, afford rest and facilitate recovery. 
Accessory Treatment—The patient must be placed 
upon her back, with the swelled limb upon pillows or 
bolster, raised so that the foq£ will be a little higher than 
the hips, and then charged not to put her foot down on 
the floor until she has very nearly recovered. 
SORE NIPPLES. 
Before confinement, it is Avell to wash the nipples 
several times a day with cold water or weak brandy and 
water, and after delivery, do not allow the child to re- 
main long at the breast, and never, for a single moment, 
after the breast is empty. Apply the child to the breast 
as soon after delivery as the mother is rested, and do not 
wait for the filling of the breasts, when nursing will be 
more difficult. 
Sore and Depressed Nipples—During pregnancy 654 
SORE NIPPLES. 
an examination should be made to ascertain whether the 
nipples are of the proper size and shape, for in many 
instances they are deficient, or have been so thoroughly 
compressed by tight clothes that, after confinement, nip- 
ples can hardly be said to exist. 
Treatment—A very simple and efficient measure to 
elongate the nipple, is tie a piece of woolen thread or 
yarn two or three times around its base, after having 
pulled it gently out with the fingers. It should he tied 
sufficiently tight to keep the nipple prominent, but not 
enough to interrupt the circulation. The woolen threads 
may be worn several weeks without inconvenience. The 
daily application of the pump to the breast, taking the 
nipple within its chamber and exhausting the air by 
withdrawing the piston, elongates the nipple. The nipple 
should be retained within the chamber for about fifteen 
minutes each time. After the use of the pump, an appli- 
cation of arnicated water or of diluted glycerine should 
he made to the nipple and surrounding part, to prevent 
excoriations. The same result may be secured by suction, 
twice a day, by the nurse. An imperfectly developed 
nipple may be much improved by this method, if intelli- 
gently carried out. The measures adopted to elongate 
the nipple should he commenced two or three months be- 
fore labor, and, if necessary continued, in a modified form, 
during the commencement of nursing. 
O O 
In some cases, if the preparatory treatment just sug- 
gested he adopted, sore nipples will be prevented. But 
where there is a tendency to excoriation and soreness, as 
in ladies of fine, sensitive skin, the nipples and the breasts 
around should he bathed several times daily with a lotion 
made 1 >y adding twenty drops of the tincture of arnica 
to a tumblerful of water. We can testify to the entire 
success of this application in a very large number of cases REMEDIES. 
655 
we have treated. The lotion should be applied after each 
time of suckling, and the nipple moistened with saliva or 
mucilage before again allowing the child to suck. 
Remedies—One among the best and most effective 
applications for sore nipples is, a teaspoonful, each, of 
glycerine and tannin, and apply after every nursing of the 
child. % 
Another excellent application is, a teaspoonful of 
borax dissolved in half a teacupful of water, and. apply 
as above. Alum-water is also used for the same purpose, 
and, when no other remedy is at hand, strong, green tea 
may be used, which is good. 
The oil of eggs is very efficacious. This cured one very 
bad case, when some of the above applications failed. 
The oil is procured by boiling the egg hard and pressing 
it out between two pewter plates. 
The mother should always remember that after using 
any of the above washes, the nipple should be thoroughly 
washed with tepid water or tepid milk and water, before 
the child is again allowed to nurse. 
Accessory and Preventive Means—Small com- 
presses wrung out of cold water, are very useful, especially if 
the nipples are sore, hot and burning. In order to prevent 
sore nipples, they should be washed over gently with tepid 
water immediately after the child has been nursed, tenderly 
dried by means of soft linen or a fine towel, and then 
dusted with superfine wheat-flour or finely powdered 
starch. As before recommended, the entire breast should 
receive daily morning ablution, with water—cold, if tl;e 
patient can bear it, but if not, tepid may be used for 
several times, gradually reducing it to cold. The infant 
should only be allowed to suck at stated periods—say every 
third or fourth hour, as previously directed. The habit 
of permitting the infant to have the nipple almost con- 656 
STERILITY. 
stantly in the mouth very frequently leads to tenderness 
and soreness. The child’s mouth should be examined to 
see if it is suffering from thrush. 
STERILITY, OR BARRENNESS. 
There is perhaps no condition in the life of a married 
woman that’ more frequently gives rise to domestic un- 
happiness than that of sterility. If she be sterile, she 
will fail to secure the great purpose of marriage—to 
“multiply and replenish the earth.” From circumstances 
that frequently come before us, we regard the subject as 
one of sufficient importance to justify the appropriation of 
a section to its consideration. 
Causes—To determine in many cases the causes of 
sterility, considerable medical knowledge is necessary, and, 
in particular, the anatomy and physiology of the gener- 
ative organs. The application of such knowledge not un- 
frequently enables its possessor to detect and remove causes 
of sterility long in existence that would otherwise have 
escaped observation. 
The causes of sterility may be local, affecting some 
portion of the generative apparatus; or constitutional, the 
sexual functions suffering in common with those of the 
body generally. 
Local—The local causes are very varied, and we can 
only mention a few of the more prominent. Such are— 
an imperforate hymen, or one only so slightly perforate 
that effectual intercourse is prevented ; narrowness or par- 
tial closure of the vagina, either as a natural defect or LEUCORRHEA. 
657 
as the consequence of difficult labors ; tumors or polypi 
in the uterus or vagina; closure or partial closure of the 
neck of the womb, after being torn, as a consequence of 
difficult labor; the improper use of caustics or aphrodi- 
siacs : inflammation of the ovaries; adhesion or closing 
of the fallopian tubes ; displacements or flexions of the 
womb; leucorrhea; a wrong posture during and imme- 
diately after the sexual act; ill-timed or too frequent 
sexual intercourse; previous incomplete or fraudulent 
sexual intercourse; masturbation; ulceration of the 
womb, etc. 
Leucorrhea—This discharge may exert considerable 
influence by diminishing susceptibility to fecundation. 
Functional alteration of the mucous membrane of the 
vagina and uterus, causing considerable excess in its acid 
or alkaline characters, may render the male secretion in- 
operative, by the destruction of its spermatozoa, the vital- 
izing element of the seminal fluid. When leucorrhea, how- 
over, exists to an extent sufficient to cause sterility, its 
influence on the general health becomes more or less ap- 
parent. 
Membranous menstruation may be a cause of barren- 
ness in this wise: conception may take place, but at the 
return of the menstrual epoch the patient experiences an 
abortion by the throwing-off of the lining membrane of the 
womb (which should form the outer membrane of the 
fetus), and with it the ovum, or egg, is expelled. The 
cure of sterility from this cause can only be accomplished 
by the correction of the tendency of the lining of the 
womb to exfoliate (fall off). 
Constitutional—The constitutional causes include 
those in which the general physical powers are exhausted, 
ns the consequences of acute or chronic disease ; obesity 
(excessive fat) ; severe, protracted or unaccustomed ex- 658 
STERILITY. 
ertion; too close application to business or excessive ex- 
ertion of the brain, thus absorbing an undue amount of 
nervous power, which otherwise would be more equally 
diffused for the efficient discharge of the general functions 
of the body. In this way the generative system may be 
impaired by the divergence of the nervous influence which 
its healthy functions demand. Under constitutional causes 
may be classed very early and very late marriages, which 
show a large proportion of cases of sterility. 
Luxurious Living1—Indolent and luxurious habits, 
excessive indulgence in the pleasures of the table, and 
especially the free use of wine, are frequent causes of 
sterility. The industrious and frugal portions of the 
community are, it is well known, far more prolific than 
the higher ranks of society. In his work on the law of 
population, Mr. Sadler incontrovertibly proves that the 
fecundity of the human race is diminished by the indolent 
and luxurious mode of life prevalent among the rich, 
whilst it is augmented by the industrious habits and spare 
diet of the poor ; * * * the proportionate infecundity 
of the two being, in general terms, as six to one. Ex- 
cessive eating may cause sterility by leading to excessive 
accumulation of fat. There is an intimate connection be- 
tween the sexual and the nutritive functions ; and thus 
ladies, when the child-bearing period has passed, often be- 
come corpulent. 
Irritability—Defective, or, on the other hand, ex- 
cessive nervous irritability, may operate as an obstacle to 
impregnation. Deficient sensitiveness may render the per- 
son so incapable of responding to the sexual act as to 
hinder fecundation ; or, the activity of the structures may 
be in such excess that their vitality is destroyed, as it 
were, by their own vehemence. 
Emotional Causes—We may also notice what may 659 
TREATMENT. 
be termed emotional causes of sterility ; and although these 
are probably less influential than many of the other varie- 
ties, they are still sufficient to operate prejudicially to 
conception. They embrace the agreeable stimulus of 
various senses, such as those of touch, sight and hearing, 
to an extent proportionate to individual temperament. 
There should be the most perfect harmony and congeniality 
of taste, temper and disposition between the husband and 
the wife, the one responding to the other, without any sense 
of discord or feeling of repugnance. 
Influence of Temperature—We know well that 
vaginal injections of cold water or of hot water, employed 
directly after intercourse, generally prevent conception. 
A case is related of a lady, many years sterile, who was 
in the habit of using an injection of cold water after 
sexual connection. On one occasion she accidentally used 
simply warm water instead, and conception resulted there- 
from. A similar case occurred in the author’s practice h 
the last few months. M. Coste has ascertained by exper- 
iments that the spermatozoa of mammalia are destroyed by 
cold water, whereas the admixture of warm water with 
the seminal fluid rather favored their vitality. Many 
facts have come under our own notice illustrative of the 
great influence of temperature on conception. 
Treatment—In the treatment of sterility an inves- 
tigation of the cause, which is the first step towards the 
cure, should be made, so that if possible it may be re- 
moved. Sterility from malformation of the parts is 
generally incurable. On the other hand, numerous cases 
are exceedingly simple in their nature, and quite amen- 
able to treatment. A temporary separation, or a change 
of diet, habits or climate, sometimes leads to successful 
results. The horticulturist, by transplantation to a con- 
genial soil and climate and supplying it with altered and 660 
STERILITY. 
suitable conditions, makes a tree, which had heretofore 
yielded leaves only, produce blossoms and fruit. So equal 
care and skill in the application of physiological laws 
and hygienic conditions may be expected to reward the 
efforts of the physician to make the human species in- 
crease and multiply. 
It is very certain that high living prevents concep- 
tion. We seldom find a barren woman among the labor- 
ing poor, while nothing is more common among the rich 
and affluent. The inhabitants of every country are pro- 
lific in proportion to their poverty, and it would be an 
easy matter to adduce many instances of women who, by 
being reduced to live entirely upon milk and a vegetable 
diet, have conceived and brought forth children though 
they never had any before. 
Dr. Cheyne avers that want of children is as often 
the fault of the male as of the female, and strongly 
recommends a milk and vegetable diet to the former as 
well as the latter; adding, that his friend Dr. Taylor, 
whom he calls the milk-doctor of Croydon, had brought 
sundry opulent families in his neighborhood, who had con- 
tinued some years after marriage without progeny, to 
have several fine children, by keeping both parents for a 
considerable time to a milk and vegetable diet. 
An English author gives the following in reference 
to the removal of barrenness: “A careful selection of 
the food will aid in the removal of the sterile condition. 
Whatever is nutritive should be preferred; food that con- 
tains a large proportion of phosphorus ; fish, especially shell- 
fish if it can be well digested, will increase the nerve- 
power and aid in procreation. But, perhaps this may be 
better adapted to the more moderate class of livers.” 
Another fruitful cause of barrenness is the deplora- 
ble and sometimes criminal practice of using various 661 
LEUCORRHEA. 
means to prevent conception during the early years of 
married life. In consequence of this and the designs of 
nature having, been often interfered with, barrenness is 
at length induced, and the female now, perhaps, desirous 
of becoming: a mother finds, when all too late, that her 
powers of procreation have been destroyed and she 
mourns in vain her early pride and folly. 
LEUCORRHEA—WHITES (Fluor Albus). 
The term leucorrhea literally means a white discharge— 
the white as opposed to a bloody one—though it is not un- 
frequently of a light cream-color, or yellow, or greenish, 
and includes a great variety of discharges. It is a catarrh 
of the vagina, neck or uterus, the result of inflammation 
or irritation. In a healthy condition the mucous lining, 
and the various glands which stud the vaginal orifice, se- 
crete a fluid just sufficient to lubricate the opposed sur- 
faces, and for other physiological purposes. In unhealthy 
conditions this secretion becomes increased in quantity, of 
an altered character, and varies in color and consistence; 
this is termed leucorrhea. 
This disease or symptom may occur at any period 
of life, but is most common after puberty, and previously 
to the cessation of the menses, when so many causes are 
in operation to induce free determination of the blood to 
the utero-genital organs. 
It has been observed that leucorrheal discharge in 
the mother is a potent cause of scrofula in the child. 
The fetus is insufficiently nourished, hence the scrofulous 662 
LEUCORRHEA. 
symptoms soon show themselves in the form of convul- 
sions, water on the brain or mesenteric disease ; or, if the 
age of puberty be reached, in consumption. 
Symptoms—Generally, a profuse mucous discharge 
from the utero-vaginal lining membranes, of a white, cream, 
yellow or greenish color; thin and watery, or of the con- 
sistency of starch or gelatine ; and it may be inodorous 
or fetid. When the discharge proceeds from the vagina, 
it is generally a light, ereamy-looking fluid; in ulceration 
of the mouth of the womb, it is profuse and semi-purulent. 
That poured out by the cervical glands is a copious, tena- 
cious, albuminous fluid; from the lining of the interior of 
of the womb the discharge is of an alkaline reaction, co- 
pious, and generally immediately precedes menstruation. 
In severe cases, the whole system becomes injuriously af- 
fected ; the face is pale or sallow; the functions of diges- 
tion are impaired; there are dull pains in the loins and 
abdomen ; cold extremities ; palpitation and difficult breath- 
ing after exertion; debility and loss of energy; partial or 
entire suppression of the menstrual flow. Sometimes the 
discharge is evidently in the place of menstruation. Slight 
cases of leucorrhea may exist for years without giving rise 
to any very marked symptoms. 
Causes—These may be constitutional or local. Any- 
thinsr which debilitates the constitution is liable to be ac- 
O 
companied by a leucorrheal discharge ; thus it is frequently 
associated with profuse menstruation, prolonged nursing 
and other excessive discharges ; falling of the womb ; cold ; 
congestion ; scrofulous constitution ; defective health gener- 
ally ; a warm climate; the use of purgative drugs ; an in- 
active and luxurious life, etc. In short, leucorrhea is likely, 
sooner or later, to accompany any disease that enfeebles 
the health. Leucorrhea is very common in the rich, indo- 
lent, luxurious and dissipated, and in those who live in REMEDIES. 
663 
■crowded cities; it is less frequent in those of industrious 
and regular habits, and in persons living in the country, es- 
pecially if the soil be dry. 
Local causes are, excessive sexual intercourse ; mas- 
turbation; polypi, or other abnormal growths of the ute- 
rus ; want of cleanliness, etc. Lastly, leucorrhea not in- 
frequently results from irritation or disease in an adjacent 
part, thread-worms in the rectum, piles, stone or catarrh 
of the bladder, or the introduction of any irritating sub- 
stance into the vaginal passage. 
Remedies—1. Mild cases of this disease can be 
cured with injections of tepid water, three times a day. 
If moderately cold water feels the best to the patient, 
employ it in place of the tepid. 
2. Two new remedies have been introduced, within 
the past two years, which are specifics in this disease, 
and perhaps can be relied on in any case, as they have 
not yet been known to fail. One is the yerba reuma ; 
take, of the fluid extract of this plant, two tablespoon- 
fuls, and six of water. Mix, and of this inject one 
tablespoonful into the vagina, three times a day. The 
tincture may be employed in place of the fluid extract; 
in which case, use the same quantity, with water, as the 
above. 
3. The other remedy is the Oregon grape-root 
(Berberis Aquifolium) ; of which, take two tablespoon- 
fuls of the fluid extract and the same amount of syrup. 
Mix. Dose, one teaspoonful before each meal, and before 
retiring at night. 
These remedies can be procured at all drug-stores. 
4. A treatment that has gained much favor with 
the ladies, lately, and which has been the means of curing 
many inveterate cases, is to take one gill of claret-wine, 
three-fourths of a pint of water and one-half an ounce of 664 
LEUCORRHEA. 
tannin. Mix. Of this, use two tablespoonfuls, as an in- 
jection, three times a day. When claret-wine cannot be 
obtained, use port-wine. 
5. Alum-water is very highly extolled in leucorrhea. 
It has produced some surprising and unexpected cures, in 
severe chronic cases. One practitioner has remarked that, 
“It is the best remedy I ever used in this complaint.” 
One teaspoonful of pulverized alum is to be dissolved in 
two-thirds of a pint of water, and used as an injection, 
twice a day. At the same time, the hip-bath, with salt 
added, is to be used at least twice a day. 
6. Other remedies, which have been highly com- 
mended are, injections of common tea; of a decoction 
of golden seal; of white-oak bark (with poppy-leaves 
added, when they can be obtained) ; also, the white pond- 
lily, made into a decoction or tea. 
7. In a work by Dr. Elisha Smith, of New York, 
we find the following remarks: “ Peach-pits tinctured in 
brandy, in proportion of four ounces to a quart, form a 
powerful tonic, and it is remarkably efficacious in curing 
the whites. A teaspoonful of this preparation may be 
taken three or four times a day.” 
In using any of the above remedies or injections, 
first wash the parts by using simple water freety, then, 
lying down, introduce the tube high up in the vagina, 
and throw in the medicated injection. This should be 
retained for five or ten minutes, in order to obtain its 
full advantage. A great many women, when directed to 
use an injection, do it so imperfectly, and use so small a 
quantity, that no good results from it. 
Injections should be tepid, in all cases, unless mod- 
erately cold water is more pleasant to the patient. Ladies, 
suffering with this disease, should positively abstain from 665 
ACCESSORY TREATMENT. 
the use of tea and coffee, spices and all condiments, 
spirituous liquors, and from sexual intercourse. 
Accessory Treatment—There are several condi- 
tions which are absolutely essential to the successful treat- 
ment of “whites,” the most important of which are the 
following: Rest, in the horizontal posture, is sometimes 
necessary in the treatment of this, as it is of most other 
uterine disorders. Active exercise aggravates an existing 
leucorrhea, just as it does congestion or inflammation of 
the womb. At the same time, moderate exercise in the 
open air, especially in the intervals between the attacks, 
short of inducing fatigue, is essential for the mainten- 
ance of the general health. Other accessories of impor- 
tance are—a diet chosen with the view to its nourishing 
properties, and to its ready assimilation; avoidance of 
indulgence in the pleasures of the table, exciting specta- 
cles, crowded balls and parties, etc. ; and, lastly, fre- 
quent injections of water and daily washings, including 
the hip-bath, are necessary, in order to insure the most 
perfect cleanliness of the genital organs. 
The importance of this last point cannot be too 
strongly stated, for without a due attention to cleanliness- 
all other efforts may prove futile. The leucorrheal secre- 
tion is at best exceedingly irritating, but when it is per- 
mitted to accumulate and remain for a long time in con- 
tact with the mucous membrane, it becomes partially 
decomposed, fetid and highly pernicious to the healthy 
condition of the parts. On this account the frequent and 
thorough use of local applications of tepid or cool water 
should be strictly carried out. The use of the syringe, 
having the vaginal tube attached, is necessary efficiently to 
carry out this part of the treatment. For delicate ladies 
Ave recommend 
The Vaginal or Uterine Douche—In order to 666 
INFANTILE LEUCORRHEA. 
insure a continuous stream of water on the lower portion 
of the womb, and on the vaginal mucous surfaces, with- 
out any manual effort on the part of the patient, a self- 
acting douche has been constructed. It consists of 
a Japanned metal reservoir, fitted with six feet of 
tubing, with vaginal pipe and ivory nipple, in a mahogany 
oase. 
The reservoir has merely to be filled and suspended 
above the level of the hips, when a continuous stream is 
obtained, the force of which is easily regulated by a 
stopcock. The degree of pressure can be increased 
by a greater or less elevation of the tank. The cold 
douche should not be used when pregnancy is supposed 
to exist. 
INFANTILE LEUCORRHEA. 
This is catarrhal inflammation of the vulva, occurring 
-chiefly in scrofulous children. 
Symptoms—Irritation of the valvula or external 
organs, occasioning a frequent desire to rub the part, some- 
times slight pain in passing water, and a thin, colorless or 
thick, creamy discharge. In unhealthy children, of bad hy- 
gienic conditions, the leucorrhea may become copious and ir- 
ritating, giving rise to ulceration of the mucous membrane. 
The discharge is infectious, causing severe inflammation if 
brought in contact with the lining of the eye or other mu- 
cous surface. 
Causes—Sudden check of perspiration or exposure to 
-cold ; acrid urine ; neglect of cleanliness ; the use of infected 
sponges ; worms ; manual irritation by nurses, etc. Mr. 667 
ACCESSORY MEASURES. 
Cooper Forster relates a case in which a woman communi- 
cated an infectious discharge to two girls by washing them 
with her own sponge. 
Diagnosis—Girls of all ages are liable to a discharge 
from the vulva, quite independently of infectious matter. 
The remembrance of this fact may save much distress; for 
the occurrence of this discharge in children has often caused 
unfounded suspicions and anxiety. 
But the absence of swelling, heat and redness; the 
limitation of the discharge to the external parts and the 
integrity of the hymen, tend to prove that the affection 
has not been communicated. In infectious discharges the 
parts are inflamed and swollen, the inflammation extend- 
ing high up in the vagina, and passing of urine causes 
pain. 
For additional remedies and fuller details of symp- 
toms, the previous section should be consulted. 
Accessory Measures—The parts should be fre- 
quently washed with tepid or cold, soft water, carefully 
dried, and a little finely powdered starch or violet powder 
applied. When there is any ulceration, a lotion of calendula 
(marigold), or of hydrastis (golden seal), should be used. 
(Twenty drops of either to about half a pint of water.) 
The diet should be good and digestible, taken regularly in 
three meals daily, and properly varied. Fresh air is nec- 
essary, but without too much exercise at the first. Salt- 
baths, sea-air and cod-liver oil are often advantageous, and, 
in scrofulous children, essential. Impaired health being 
restored will often effect a cure of this difficulty. 668 
FALLING OF THE WOMB. 
FALLING OF THE WOMB. 
Sitting or rising up, soon after child-birth, and ca- 
thartics, do great harm to those who are predisposed to 
this disease. With them the horizontal position should be 
retained during an unusual length of time. They should 
also avoid tight dressing, lifting, over-exertion and long 
walks, at all times. Pessories and supporters are merely 
palliative, and often injure by weakening, relaxing and ir- 
ritating the parts and the abdominal and other muscles. 
They should rarely, if ever, be worn, as they never cure. 
For the cure of falling of the womb, we have space to allude 
to a few only of the movements which are useful. The 
patient may lie on her back, and while one assistant takes 
hold of her hands and another of her feet, they may slowly 
stretch her; and, if she is not too weak, she may resist. 
The same may be done while she is lying on her face, the 
assistant gradually raising her feet as she draws. This 
tends to raise the ribs, enlarge the abdominal cavity and 
cause a flow of blood to the extremities. Exercise the ex- 
tremities, also, as directed under the head of “ Leueorrhea.” 
Let the patient lie on her face, resting the entire weight of 
her body on her toes and elbows, and gradually raise and 
lower her hips several times. If the patient is too weak to 
do this, an assistant may support part of the weight, and 
thus assist her. These simple exercises, practiced for a 
short time, two or three times a day, are worth more for 
the radical cure of falling of the womb than all the sup- 
porters ever invented. Let the patient lie on her back, 
with her hips elevated and her knees drawn up ; then let 
an assistant repeatedly draw her knees apart, the patient 
resisting; then let the patient bring them together, the 
assistant resisting. Ali the above exercises are taken in 
the horizontal position, and tend to restore the womb to CAUSES, ETC. 
669 
its natural place, and to strengthen the muscles and parts 
which should retain it in its true position. Persevere in 
such exercises until cured. 
Causes—Probably the most frequent cause is getting- 
up too soon after child-birth, when the womb is larger 
than usual, and when also its perineal support below has 
been weakened by the process of parturition. Disloca- 
tion of the uterus may, however, take place at puberty, 
especially if menstruation begin at too early or too late 
a period, the increased weight of the congested organ 
predisposing to prolapsus. Occupations, such as those of 
laundresses, cooks, etc., are fruitful causes, especially if 
followed when the womb is relaxed or large. In other 
cases, one of the following causes may have been in op- 
eration : sexual excesses, injuries from falls, sudden strain- 
ing, jumping, over-lifting, etc. ; long-continued coughs ; ex- 
cessive vomiting ; chronic indigestion, constipation and piles ; 
tight lacing; a general relaxed condition of the system, 
either constitutional or the result of sedentary habits; too 
high living ; purgatives, etc. Thus it will be observed that 
the essential elements in prolapsus are, an enlarged, heavy 
womb, and relaxation of its natural supports, combined 
generally with too much standing. 
Symptoms—Bearing-down sensations in the vagina ; 
dragging and aching pains in the small of the back 
Co O O i- 
and around the loins and hips; frequent sensation as if 
something would escape from the vagina ; weariness, sore- 
ness and faintness, with indisposition to stand ; leucorrlieal 
discharge; often increased menstruation, and frequent 
desire, and sometimes inability, to pass water ; nervous- 
ness ; irritability of temper ; indigestion, constipation, etc. 
Remedies—1. Use the following injection twice 
a day : To one pint of tepid water, add one and a half 
teaspoonfuls of pulverized alum ; at the same time, use a salt- 670 
FALLING OF THE WOMB. 
water sponge-bath, morning and evening, to the lower part 
of the body, pelvis and thighs. This bath should be ac- 
companied with brisk friction and kneading the lower part 
of the bowels. 
These means increase the strength of these parts, 
and render them more able to support the womb. If 
this course be persevered in, and, at the same time, the 
patient confines herself to the recumbent posture on the 
bed, a cure in all recent cases will be effected, and fre- 
quently those also of a chronic form. 
It should be remembered that if the internal parts, 
as the vagina or the womb, are inflamed, these injec- 
tions must not be used until the inflammation is subdued, 
because they will make it worse. 
2. This difficulty can frequently be removed by the 
simple use of injections of tepid water, three or four 
times a day. 
3. The following is very useful for the same purpose : 
To one pint of warm water add twenty drops of tincture of 
aconite-root. Mix, and inject into the vagina three times 
a day. This, in severe cases, is a valuable means of re- 
ducing the inflammation and restoring the organ to its 
natural condition. 
4. Equal parts of peach-leaves, Solomon’s seal and 
hops, in an infusion, form an excellent injection for the 
same purpose. 
5. So, also, elm-bark and stramonium-leaves, 
6. For falling of the womb, one of our best agents 
is the unicorn-root, or star-root (Aletris Farinosa ). Dose, 
of the tea or decoction, half a teacupful three times a 
day. 
7. Electricity is a very excellent agent in the treat- 
ment of this disease, and, when coupled with the use of 
black cohosh and nux vomica, the most inveterate cases REMEDIES. 
671 
have been cured with it. These are to be taken in the 
following manner: Add five drops of nux vomica tinc- 
ture to a tumblerful of water. Mix well. Dose, two tea- 
spoonfuls at night. Then prepare the tincture of cohosh in 
the same manner, and take like doses every morning. 
For further remedies used in the removal of this dis- 
ease, the reader is referred to the treatment under “Leu- 
corrhea,” as the remedies employed in the latter affection 
are useful in the cure of falling of the womb. 
For the purpose of aiding a permanent cure, and re- 
lieving the unpleasant symptoms that attend the displace- 
ment of the womb, a properly adjusted perineal supporter 
will be found an excellent means. This consists of a 
well fitted abdominal bandage or jacket, made of drilling, 
lacing up in front like a corset; putting in whalebone in 
front and behind to keep it from wrinkling; sew on buttons 
before and behind, six inches apart, to attach the perineal 
bands, which may be made of drilling, but good, strong, elas- 
tic suspenders are better. Lace the bandage on, buttoning 
the suspenders on behind ; bring them between the thighs, 
and button them sufficiently tight in front. Immediately 
under the perineum, where these straps cross, a perineal 
pad is attached, which passes upward between the vagina 
before and the bowel behind, and furnishes a constant 
and efficient support. This pad may be made about two 
inches square, and half an inch thick, and covered With 
oil-cloth to protect it from the discharges. 
This description, together with the accompanying illus- 
tration of this supporter, will enable any lady to construct 
this useful appliance; 672 
FALLING OF THE WOMB 
Accessory Treatment—The horizontal posture, 
with the hips elevated, often suffices to cause the womb 
to return to its proper place, where it will remain if the 
patient can retain the recumbent posture. This posture 
should therefore be maintained as long as is consistent 
with the general health, especially during the monthly 
period. It is not, however, desirable or practicable for 
women to remain long in bed. Exercise is necessary for 
health, and the industrious portions of the community 
are compelled to work and walk daily. 
The use of appropriate baths, followed by general 
friction of the skin ; injections of water, or in some cases 
of astringent fluids, by means of a large-sized, gum-elastic 
vaginal tube, and attached to a proper syringe, so as to 
insure a good and continuous stream of water reaching 
up to the lower portion of the womb, and the daily use 
of the hip-bath, are remedial agents whose great value is 
authenticated by long practice. 
In severe forms of falling of the womb a good pes- 
sary, accurately adapted to the size of the vagina, may 
be used with advantage, if properly applied and not worn 
too long. Its injudicious use aggravates the mischief. A 
medical man should always be consulted in its use. INFLAMMATION OF THE WOMB. 
673 
Violent exercise, lifting heavy weights, scrubbing, 
ironing, straining at stool or sitting too long in a con- 
strained posture, must be avoided. Brown bread, vegeta- 
bles, etc., should be taken to prevent constipation. 
INFLAMMATION OF THE WOMB (Metritis). 
This affection may occur in any adult female, and is 
an occasional serious complication of pregnancy or of 
child-birth. The disease may be acute or chronic; the 
cervix is the part generally involved, and the ultimate 
tendency of inflammation of the deeper tissues of the womb 
is towards ulceration. 
Symptoms—An attack may commence with a chill, 
followed by febrile symptoms—full, jerking pulse, great 
thirst, nausea and vomiting, and sometimes diarrhea with 
straining; the bladder is irritable, and there is a feeling 
of throbbing in the vicinity of the womb, which is swollen 
and painful. The precise seat of pain depends upon what 
part, or whether the whole of the womb is involved. 
There are throbbings, irritability of the bladder and rec- 
tum, and the patient maintains the recumbent posture, as 
sitting aggravates the pains. Sometimes the disease as- 
sumes a typhoid character, and there are excessive prostra- 
tion and a dirty, yellow-coated, dry tongue. 
Causes—Exposure to cold; sitting or standing on 
damp grass, etc. ; suppression of the menses ; mechanical 
irritation, as from excessive coition, tumors, etc. 
Remedies—If the bowels are much constipated, 
give repeated injections of warm water, with a little salt 
and lard dissolved in it. 674 
INFLAMMATION OF THE WOMB. 
Apply, to the lower part of the bowels, hot fomen- 
tations of hops and vinegar, or some bitter herb. Or, 
apply a mush-poultice, made of corn-meal. They must 
be frequently changed, in order to keep the bowels con- 
tinually hot. The common smart-weed is an excellent 
article in this disease, used as a fomentation and fre- 
quently renewed. 
When there are irritating and offensive discharges 
from the vagina, cleanse these parts with injections of 
warm water; and, when they can be procured, make a 
tea of peach-leaves or of wild indigo. It should be used 
warm. 
In severe cases, add a teaspoonful of chloride of lime 
to a pint of water, and, after it is dissolved, use as an 
injection, two or three times a day, several injections at 
a time. The solution should be made tepid before using. 
If the urine is high-colored, give the patient, every 
two hours, a teaspoonful of sweet spirits of nitre, in a 
little spearmint-tea, or a little water. 
When the above is not at hand, either of the fol- 
lowing is good: a tea, made of marshmallow, mullein 
or pumpkin-seeds. 
For inflammation of the womb I have used the fol- 
lowing with excellent effect: 
Take the spirits of spearmint, made by bruising the 
green mint and adding best of Holland gin; add as much 
spirits of nitre; give freely. This has cured several 
cases. 
The dry mint may be added to the gin, and a tinc- 
ture thus made. 
Accessory Treatment—Rest, as complete as pos- 
sible, is very important. Food must be reduced to almost 
an entire abstinence, and no stimulants whatever must be 
taken. 675 
ULCERATION OF THE WOMB. 
The room must be well ventilated and kept still. 
The patient should lie upon the back, with her knees 
raised, so as to keep the clothes from pressing on her. 
The feet and hands should be kept warm. 
If the patient can sit up, the warm or tepid hip-bath, 
for twenty or thirty minutes at a time, will be found of 
much value. 
Professional advice is essential in serious cases. 
UL.CERATION OF THE WOMB. 
When excoriation or ulceration of the neck of the 
womb occurs, there are often pains, soreness and 
a sensation of rawness, with perhaps heat and smarting 
in that region. Pain in the right side of the abdomen, 
and pain in the back of the head, and in the back part 
of the top of the head, with a numb sensation, are com- 
mon symptoms which attend uterine congestion and ulcer- 
ation. Leucorrhea may exist without ulceration, or even 
much if any inflammation, but the latter affections rarely 
occur without causing more or less discharge. 
Remedies—1. In ordinary cases of this disease, a 
solution of alum will effect a cure, when used in the fol- 
lowing manner: Take two heaping teaspoonfuls of pow- 
dered alum; divide into six equal parts, and add one 
part of this to one pint of water—soft water when it can 
be procured—and use it as an injection at least twice a 
day. 
2. In severe cases, take two teaspoonfuls of alum 
and one teaspoonful of white vitriol; divide into six 676 
ULCERATION OF THE WOMB. 
equal parts, and use one of these parts in a pint of water. 
To be employed as an injection twice a day. 
3. This disease has been cured by simply applying 
powdered tannic acid or tannin to the ulcers. 
4. Oak-bark possesses similar medical properties to 
tannic acid, and is frequently employed in the place of it, 
by making a weak decoction and using as an injection, 
night and morning. 
O O 
5. Golden Seal ( Yellow Puccoon Root) has been 
efficaciously used in curing this disease. A decoction of 
it should be used as an injection, twice a day. 
Before any of these injections is employed, the pa- 
tient must use an injection of warm or cold water, 
whichever feels best; and in addition to this, we ought 
to say, that these water-injections must be used every 
two hours during the day, if a cure is expected, in case 
there is much discharge. 
The white pond-lily (JSTympheci Oderata) has proved 
more efficacious than any other remedy in this dis- 
ease, having completely cured it after all other available 
means had failed. 
It should be used locally, by injection of the infu- 
sion into the neck of the womb, and by taking it inter- 
nally. Dose, of the infusion, from one-half to a tea- 
cupful, two or three times a day; of the fluid extract, 
ten to fifteen drops, morning and evening. DIVISION SEVENTH. 
DISEASES OF CHILDREN. 
PARENTS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SICKNESS 
AND DEATH OF THEIR CHILDREN. 
It is a well-known fact that one-half of the children 
die during childhood, and nearly all this host of infant- 
humanity is consigned to a premature grave through the 
neglect and inexcusable ignorance of their parents. Except 
in hereditary cases, sickly and diseased children should bring 
the blush of shame to the cheek of the parent; even crimi- 
nal punishment is sometimes justly merited; for any one 
who will become a parent and be instrumental, through 
neglect and culpable ignorance, in causing the child to 
suffer, in its helpless infancy, the pains of disease, deserves 
criminal punishment. Let no one hold himself blameless 
or attempt to shield himself from the obloquy which should 
rest upon him for such dereliction of duty by pleading 
ignorance, for the sources of information are now too mani- 
fold and too easily attained to permit such a plea to be 
accepted. Every one may read and readily know how to 
obviate the ills to which his children are subject, or to 
bring timely alleviation ; and the idea that disease or prerna- 678 
TRAINING OF CHILDREN. 
ture death is a providential decree is a thing of the past— 
an exploded notion—and not worthy of being combated. 
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL, TRAINING OF 
CHILDREN. 
We educate and qualify men before they are sent 
forth to engage in the respective trades and professions. 
If it is important and desirable to have men well skilled 
in their avocations, is it not equally so to have woman 
qualified and prepared in her difficult persuit of managing 
and rearing children? Yet, it is a lamentable fact that 
the great proportion of women begin the exercise of these 
most difficult and intricate duties—the physical and mental 
training of tlieir children—with scarcely the slightest 
knowledge or preparation for the important cares devolv- 
ing upon them; and it is a source of regret that, when 
thus started, there are so many that continue to plod on 
as they began, and attain little more proficiency in knowl- 
edge on this subject than an unlettered and untutored 
savage ; justly earning that oft-repeated criticism that they 
are “ not fit to raise a puppy.” This want of qualification, 
this ignorance and neglect, are the prime causes of so much 
sickness, disease and death among children, and of so many 
intellectual dwarfs and imbeciles throughout the country, as 
well as such an army of ill-bred children and hoodlums. All 
experience has shown that no investment of time and money 
is more certain to bring a rich return than that devoted to 
the acquirement of a knowledge of the physical and men- 
tal training of children. Yet, we find families that are not DIRECTIONS IN REGARD TO CHILDREN. 
679 
in possession of a single book or scrap of literature on this 
subject, and we meet individuals, too, who say, “ We have 
raised children, and are still raising them, and therefore 
know all about these things.” To these we would reply 
that books are not written and information collected and 
imparted for those who know enough without reading any 
more, and are wise enough without any additional infor- 
mation. But mark well that, on observation, it will be found 
that those identical individuals are only bundles of self- 
conceit and monuments of stupidity, utterly incapable of 
rearing even one of the lower order of animals. 
SPECIAL DIRECTIONS TO MOTHERS IN RE* 
GARD TO CHILDREN. 
The following are a few very important rules that 
should be adopted by every mother in regard to children 
at meal-times and at bed-time : 
After the company and adults of the family have taken 
their meals, the mother should summon her children to the 
table, personally superintend their meals, and especially 
see that nothing is eaten or drunk that is indigestible or 
injurious. During this supervision she is enabled at the 
same time to teach them how to comport themselves prop- 
erly at the table. There are several injurious results flow- 
ing from the practice of taking children to the table with 
company. 
First, they are very liable to be given more or less 
unhealthy or illy adapted food in order to keep them 
quiet. 680 
DIRECTIONS IN REGARD TO CHILDREN. 
Secondly, they thereby become imperious and forward 
with a tendency to self-conceit. 
Thirdly, it fosters ill manners, for mothers are not 
inclined to teach their children mariners in the presence 
of company. We have heard it said, “But Mrs. 
takes her children to the table at all times and under all 
circumstances, and yet they are models of propriety and 
exemplary children.” Admitted ; but that is the exception 
and not the rule ; for where there is one of this kind, there 
are a dozen that are otherwise. 
Preparing Children for Bed—This should be done 
from six to seven o’clock; and, as they approach their 
teens, one hour later; and it should be promptly done, 
and with strict regularity. A most reprehensible practice, 
in this respect, is that of putting children to bed at six 
o’clock, one night, and the next at seven or eight. The 
preparation consists, mainly, in seeing that their feet are 
washed and thoroughly dried—in the summer, every night, 
in the winter every other night; their teeth cleansed every 
night with a brush, and their clothing changed, as no 
article of clothing should be worn at night that is worn 
during the day. 
And the mother, previous to her retiring, should 
visit the children’s beds or bedrooms, to see that they are 
properly covered, and that the doors and windows are suffi- 
ciently open for ventilation. 
These are no minor matters among the duties devolv- 
ing on mothers; and when they know and are yet neg- 
lectful of them, they are as deserving of being convicted 
of crime as the husband who fails to provide for the 
family. 
What Mothers Know—There are various sections 
in this book pertaining to children and their diseases, 
cases which should be read and re-read by every mother; CLOTHING FOR CHILDREN. 
681 
but this will doubtless not be the case, for the reason 
that a great majority apprehend that they know enough 
on this subject, without thus reading, from the fact that 
they “ have raised children,” or that their mothers have, 
and consequently they “ know more about it than the 
man who wrote the book.” Now, the facts are, they 
know just enough to destroy the lives of one-half their 
children, as it is a statistical fact, that one-half the 
children die during childhood; and, besides, many of the 
other half are more or less diseased or sickly. And this 
is the result, excepting in cases of contagious diseases, 
of this superior knowledge that they possess and exercise. 
The facts should excite a blush of shame. 
And, again, if there was as much knowledge pos- 
sessed on this subject as there might be, they would not 
be ignorant of the fact, that the information usually pre- 
sented in a medical book is not simply the knowledge 
and experience of one individual physician, but the com- 
bined wisdom of various ones, often of different countries 
and of different periods of time. Useful and practical 
directions in regard to management of children will be 
found in the “ Ninth Division ” of this book. 
CLOTHING OF CHILDREN. 
The underclothing of children should consist of 
white flannel, of the softest texture; and not only their 
bodies, but their limbs should be protected by the same 
material. But flannel, even of a fine quality, may, 
with many, be too irritating if worn next to the skin. 
In such cases let them wear fine linen or cotton under 682 
CLOTHING FOR CHILDREN. 
the flannel, to protect the skin. Another reason for the 
use of linen or cotton, next to the skin, is that flannel 
cannot be washed often without injury to its texture, and 
there is also danger that, as it does not show the dirt so 
quickly, it may be continued to be worn too long. Linen 
and cotton receive little harm from frequent washing. 
There are a few children who are so constituted that 
they cannot endure woolen clothing during the hot days 
of summer. You should therefore look well to this mat- 
ter ; remove such clothing during that time, and replace 
it by soft linen or cotton. There is another idea of im- 
portance that should be noticed here: that tight clothing 
should not be permitted to be worn by children of any 
age. Particular attention is called to this subject, and 
it should not be neglected. Besides, those tight hands, 
which are fastened around the bodies of young infants, 
are an outrage to humanity, and in direct conflict with 
the commonest principles of prudence, reason and good 
sense. All confinement produces distress, and when it is 
in the nature of compression is liable to induce de- 
formity, and other and still more serious derangements 
in health, even before the presence of the evil is sus- 
pected. A not unfrequent effect of this tight dressing 
is the production of hernia or rupture. If the bowels 
are pressed too tightly Nature, in her effort to find room 
for them, will press them out through the least protected 
part of the abdomen, as the navel or groin. Space should 
be allowed for the growth which is continually and rap- 
idly going on. To accomplish this purpose, every article 
of dress should be fastened with strings; and in tying 
these great care should be exercised not to draw them 
too tightly. They are much to be preferred to buttons 
or hooks and eyes. These last possess but one ad- 
vantage—that of putting it out of the power of the FASHION TO BE DISREGARDED. 
683 
hasty or negligent nurse to arrange the dress too tightly, 
as may be the case when strings are employed. The 
growth of the infant is very rapid during the first two 
years of its existence. It can then be easily under- 
stood that a few weeks may make considerable dif- 
ference as to size, so as to produce much pressure and 
consequent distress. It would seem a sufficient exhibition 
of vanity and folly for adult people to torture them- 
selves, and thereby to impair the natural beauty and sym- 
metry of the bodies that kind Nature had given them, 
ruin their health and shorten their days by girting them- 
selves in their dress to the size of dwarfs and the shape 
of wasps, without inflicting such punishment and entail- 
ing permanent injury on the young and helpless inno- 
cents. 
Fashion to be Disregarded—As regards fashion, 
in the dress of children, none other should be thought of 
than that dictated by convenience and comfort. The 
fashion of long clothes, such, for instance, as measure a 
yard or more, is both useless and expensive, besides en- 
cumbering, overweighing and restraining the free move- 
ment of the child. There need be no more length than 
is necessary to cover the feet, so that the cold will not 
draw underneath the clothes. As to the under clothing, 
it should not, during health, be changed oftener than once 
in two or three days; as frequent changes withdraw too 
much electricity from the system. The clothing of their 
beds should be well aired each day, in order to obviate 
any danger of engendering disease. The clothing for the 
body, particularly the flannels, should be aired before the 
fire previous to being put on. 
Cleanliness—A child should not be permitted to 
wear a diaper for one moment after it becomes wet, as it 
is both unhealthy and uncleanly. And do not think you 684 
CLOTHING FOR CHILDREN. 
have done your duty to your child when, at such a time, 
you have dried the diaper, and imagine it is then fit to 
be replaced. It should be used but once, until it is 
washed and made perfectly clean; otherwise, serious con- 
sequences may result. 
Use no pins as fastenings for the clothing of your 
•children, except the safety-pin. 
The Band, and Dressing the Navel—One of 
the most important parts of an infant’s clothing is a band 
to support the abdomen. This should be made of soft 
flannel, or of material that possesses some elasticity; that 
is, the power of stretching. It is especially intended to 
support the navel. The cord is usually divided, at birth, 
about three inches from the abdomen of the child, close 
to which it is securely tied. The separation of the re- 
maining portion is the work of nature, and is effected in 
the varying period of from five to fifteen days. In ordi- 
nary cases, as soon as the separation has taken place, a 
split raisin and a piece of singed linen should be applied 
to the part, and changed daily. It occasionally happens 
that after a few weeks the navel starts; in such a case, 
a common ball of sewing-cotton, half used, so that what 
remains is soft and yielding should be laid upon the navel, 
and confined by strips of strapping-plaster, placed cross- 
wise. If anything more serious appear, such as redness, 
ulceration, discharge, etc., medical advice is immediately 
necessary. We have stated that a band about the abdo- 
men of the infant is necessary for support. 
In putting it on, it must be remembered that there 
is a wide distinction between a tight band and a band 
only for support. The former is dangerous, while the 
latter is a necessity. 
“ If the cavity of the abdomen be diminished its con- 
tents are compressed, and when any action takes place TREATMENT. 
685 
that strains the parts there is no room for the necessary 
distention, and the weakest give way. The action of the 
bowels is impeded by compression, occasioning pain and 
constipation. Medical writers dwell upon the importance 
of the band, and decide that rupture is frequently the 
consequence of neglect or ignorance in regulating its use. 
It requires to be taken off and re-arranged morning and 
night, and a clean one put on every other day, as it gets 
wrinkled, and so unfitted for use. It is often wetted, and 
is then likely to create pain and disturbance of the bowels, 
for which reason the same band should not be worn both 
day and night. 
How Long to Retain the Band Upon an Infant 
—A month is a sufficiently long time for a healthy infant 
to wear its belly-band. If this band is taken off in cool 
or cold weather, flannel shirts should be put at once upon 
the child, so that it will feel no evil effects from its re- 
moval . 
With some children the band is necessary for many 
months; when it is discontinued the stay or waistcoat, 
usually worn as a sort of support to the rest of the cloth- 
ing, should reach two inches below the navel; it prevents 
an enlargement of the abdomen, and sustains the child in 
its attempt to sit up. 
Warm Clothing—Warmth is of prime importance 
for children of all ages, and especially so for newly born 
infants. Warm clothing should cover the whole body. 
But in hot weather it is of prime importance to keep chil- 
dren cool; for diarrhea and other summer-complaints may 
be thus to a great extent avoided. Excess of clothing, 
night or day, is to be guarded against. 
In this country, where changes of temperature are 
sudden and continual, judicious clothing is the only safe- 
guard ; summer-apparel cannot be safely adopted and laid 686 
CLOTHING FOR CHILDREN. 
aside at a given period, nor can the same dress be always 
worn at noon and in the evening. However warm the cloth- 
ing, infants should not be carried abroad in cold weather; 
their lungs cannot bear a low temperature, and there is no 
exercise to keep the blood equally distributed. Where 
ventilation is attended to, no other change of air is wanted 
but what may be obtained by moving from room to room. 
An infant usually falls asleep when carried abroad; cold 
increases the disposition to do so and renders it dangerous, 
while no good can be derived from the external air, since 
common prudence dictates that the whole person must be 
completely enveloped. If carried about a well-ventilated 
room, in a moderate temperature, the child breathes freely 
and without risk. No child can be taken into the open air 
in very cold weather with safety, until it is able to take 
so much exercise as shall keep the blood at the surface. 
Before this period, the quantity of necessary clothing im- 
pedes activity. This, with the state of the air, benumbs 
the limbs; the blood is driven from the surface and loads 
the lungs, stomach and brain, etc. ; the child returns home, 
is brought suddenly into a room with a tire, and probably 
close to the grate, for the sake of restoring warmth ; violent 
reaction follows; the harmony of the system is disturbed, 
and the functions sustain at least temporary injury. The 
daily repetition of the disturbance tries the strongest consti- 
tutions severely, and, where there is predisposition to dis- 
ease, active disorders follow. How much better to put a 
child into a swing, to toss him about, encourage him to 
use his voice, throw a ball along the floor and creep or 
run after it; all of which, and much more, may be done 
in a room properly warmed and ventilated.”—[Scudder. WASHING AND BATHING. 
687 
WASHING AND BATHING. 
Frequent bathing is not only conducive to health and 
cleanliness, but much suffering is often induced from the 
want of it; and in many diseases there is no remedy equal 
to the water-bath. Yet, not infrequently health is im- 
paired and lives lost in consequence of its injudicious use. 
There are mothers who plunge their children into the bath- 
tub daily, seemingly without regard to the dangerous con- 
sequences it is gradually producing—undermining their con- 
stitutions, and rapidly bringing them to premature graves, 
while their only reason for doing so may be that some of 
their neighbors or friends thus treat their children, and 
with apparant safety and advantage. 
The child who has a strong constitution may be able 
to endure and even thrive under the use of these daily 
bathings, but the majority of children cannot endure them. 
In regard to the question of the necessary frequency of 
baths, we would observe that they must be regulated by 
the effects produced; though a general and safe rule is 
twice a week in summer, and once in winter; and the baths 
should be of tepid water until you learn from experience 
from the effects observed that cold water is more health- 
ful, invigorating and agreeable to them. They should be 
given between nine and twelve o’clock in the day. 
PURE AIR. 
Above all things give your children abundance of 
pure air. There are more disease and death occasioned 
among children from breathing impure air in illy venti- 688 
OVERCROWDING SEEEP OF INFANTS 
lated rooms and filthy apartments than from any other 
one cause. The ventilation is more defective usually in 
bed-chambers, in which of all other rooms it is important 
that the air should be pure. Some people ignorantly sup- 
pose that, if they open the window on one side of the room, 
this is all that is necessary to give admission to air that 
this will produce an action of the atmosphere throughout 
the room ; that it will admit fresh air and permit the egress 
of the foul, at one and the same time, through the same 
opening. Such an idea is absurd. There should be an 
opening for the ingress, and another for the egress of the 
air, in order to keep it pure and healthy. The substitu- 
tion of fire-places for stoves would be a good acquisition 
to health. 
If parents could once be made fully to understand 
and realize the importance of pure and abundant air to the 
life, health, cheerfulness and happiness of their little ones, 
and how much of bad temper, peevishness, irritability and 
half-sickness in their children, of seemingly mysterious ori- 
gin, flow from the lack of this vital supply, we should soon 
see a change in this respect in all the houses of the land. 
Another fatal error is that of crowding too many per- 
sons into the same sleeping apartment. A large majority 
of sleeping rooms, as now constructed, should contain but 
one occupant, and many of these are only adapted to ani- 
mals of the lower orders, and not fit for human beings. 
SLEEP OF INFANTS. 
Regularity—They should be fed and put to bed at 
stated hours, as regularity is of the greatest importance 
ia all matters pertaining to children. NO ROCKING. 
689 
No Rocking—When the time for sleep arrives, in- 
fants should be placed directly in their cot awake; the 
unnecessary and objectionable habit of rocking or nursing 
them to sleep in the arms should never be formed. Neither 
should ordinary footsteps, speaking or other moderate 
sounds be avoided, but the infant should be accustomed 
to sleep under such conditions. 
Sleeping Medicines — All the so-called soothing 
remedies, syrups, cordials, spirits or sleeping-drops, should 
be strictly avoided ; containing, as they do, to a greater or 
less extent, opium, in some of its forms. These sleeping 
mixtures inflict an incalculable amount of mischief on 
health, and largely swell the list of deaths in childhood. 
Ventilation—Pure, fresh air is of extreme impor- 
tance to children during sleep. Nurseries should be as 
spacious and airy as possible. The practice of shutting 
bed-room doors is objectionable, if the children can be 
protected from draught. 
It seems hardly necessary to repeat the often-stated 
fact that a child of any age should never sleep with an 
adult. The mother should place her infant in a crib or 
bed, by the side of hers, and where she can easily reach 
it. Place it on its right side and make an occasional 
change of its position during the night, and do not fail 
to do this during the day as well as at night. These 
changes prevent cramping and rest the child. Infants arc 
often cruelly treated, in this respect, by the thoughtless 
and negligent. On laying an infant down it should be 
ascertained that the feet and hands are comfortably 
warm, that every part of the body is supported, and 
that the limbs are not in a position to be cramped. It 
is best not to take up a child the instant it wakes, par- 
ticularly if it has not long been asleep ; nor if it cries 
on being laid down. Change of posture, a drink of 690 
BEDS 
water, gentle rocking or slight patting on the back should 
be tried. Refreshment and change of diapers are need- 
ful at night, and these should be given very quietly. 
After the first three or four months the child, if suckled 
when the mother retires at night, will, if the manage- 
ment has been judicious, wake but once until morning, 
A child should never be kept awake when fatigued or 
tired, under the idea that it will rest better at night. 
Over-fatigue produces irritability, pain in the limbs, fret- 
fulness and restlessness. 
Beds—It is impossible to overestimate the impor- 
tance of good beds, well and properly cared for, in all 
those cases where health, on account of previous sickness 
and suffering, is an important or essential consideration. 
The duty of regularly and thoroughly airing children’s 
beds especially, as well as those of older people gener- 
ally, is habitually and very sadly neglected. Immediately 
on the child’s rising, every morning, the bed-clothing 
siould be thrown back and left in this condition for some 
time before the bed is made. 
CRADLE-BEDS. 
The clothing of these should be perfectly clean, and 
free from all offensive odor. It is a shame and disgrace, 
as well as an unkindness and cruelty to the child, to 
permit, as some do, the clothing of the cradle-bed to 
become saturated with urine, and but partially dried, 
again and again, until it emits a horrible stench, and 
the infant is allowed to constantly breathe this intolera- GENERAL MEASURES FOR THE CARE OF CHILDREN. 
691 
ble odor; and to add “insult to injury,” the poor babe 
is not unfrequently permitted to go to sleep wet and 
filthy, and remain in this condition for a whole night. 
With these facts before us, is it, we inquire, any wonder 
there is so much sickness among children? And can it 
not well be said that there would be many more pale, 
puny and sickly children had not many of these inherited 
hardy and poison-proof constitutions? 
GENERAL. MEASURES FOR THE CARE OF 
CHILDREN. 
Crying—Mothers and nurses should attend strictly 
to the plaintive cries of their infant. By so doing they 
mav be able to trace the first cause of illness, for an in- 
fant will never cry if it is in health and at ease. If it 
cries there is not much doubt that the nurse has been 
neglectful of her duty then and there, or at some pre- 
vious time. 
To permit an infant to ‘ ‘ scream and cry ’ ’ is more 
or less injurious, physically and mentally, and it should 
not be permitted. 
Gentle Treatment—Allow no harsh or impetuous 
treatment of young children, either by scolding or strik- 
ing them. And never provoke them to violent laughter, 
as it is likely to result in a fit or spasm; neither ought 
you to toss them in your arms over your head. Never 
expose the eyes of your child to the rays of the sun, or 
any other glaring light. 
Frightening Children—Never, if it is possible to 692 
GENERAL MEASURES FOR THE CARE OF CHILDREN. 
prevent it, permit your child to be frightened at any 
unusual noise or sight; and if, by accident or otherwise, it 
has been thus exposed, take care that there shall be no rep- 
etition of it, as the child becomes more susceptible to 
fright at each succeeding alarm. 
Ghost-Stories—Never be guilty of telling “ ghost- 
stories ” to your children, or allowing others to do so, nor 
of saying to them, for the purpose of deterring them 
from doing any act, that the “ Black Man will catch 
them.” 
Dark Rooms as Places of Punishment—Never 
send a child into a dark room, when it is afraid to go; 
besides being cruel, it is liable to produce serious results 
on the nervous system. A most reprehensible act, is to 
shut a child in a dark room or closet as a mode of pun- 
ishment for its faults. Deplorable and sometimes dan- 
gerous consequences have followed, involving even the life 
of 1he child. 
<6Hush Up”—Never be guilty of punishing a child 
for an offense, and then, at once, hush up its cryings and 
sobbings, which are the natural outbursts of its little heart. 
Day and. Night-Clothing—Never permit your child 
to wear any articles of clothing at night which it wears 
during the day, nor to sleep the second time between the 
same sheets if it is sick and feverish. 
Friction—When your child is young, rub its body 
night and morning, with your hand. Friction promotes 
the circulation of the blood, invigorates the skin and 
thereby strengthens the child. LONGINGS OF THE BABY CARE OF CHILDREN. 
693 
LONGINGS OF THE BABY. 
The following directions on this subject, from Mrs. 
Duffey, are exceedingly judicious ; and the case she gives, 
in illustration, is well in point : 
“ Let no young mother be persuaded to try her babe 
with one article of food after another in the belief that, 
because it happens to put out its tongue occasionally, it 
wants something which it must certainly have, if the right 
thing can be found. 
“ ‘ Why,’ said one excellent woman, ‘ I gave my 
babe a pickled bean to suck when he was only six weeks old, 
because he put out his tongue for it and wanted it.’ 
“ ‘ Well,’ I replied, ‘ I should judge from his pres- 
ent state of health that he had been fed upon pickled 
beans and things of a like appropriate character when he 
was a baby.’ 
“ There might have been a slight touch of cruelty in 
the answer, but my excuse must be that I was exasper- 
ated beyond my powers of patience. There was, besides, 
such an opportunity for a retort; as the man who, as a 
babe, had sucked pickled beans, was a confirmed dys- 
peptic, dating back his sufferings as far at least as 
memory would carry him, and had probably never known 
a day of perfect health in his life. 
CARE OF CHILDREN-. 
“Attention to the Bowels—A mother should care- 
fully attend to the condition of her babe’s bowels. The 
actions should be of a bright-yellow color, inclining to 694 
CROUP 
orange, and of the consistence of thick gruel. If they 
are slimy, curdled, green or too thin, it is an indica- 
tion that the mother must make some change in her 
own diet. 
“As soon as the babe is old enough to sit up with 
support, it should, the first thing after leaving the bed 
in the morning, be placed in an infant’s chair. This 
should be repeated several times during the day. The 
child will finally understand the purpose for which it is 
placed in the chair, and diapers can thenceforth be laid 
aside.” 
CROUP (Trachietis). 
Causes—This disease is caused by exposure to 
cold and damp weather, when the neck, shoulders and 
arms are not properly protected by clothing. Dr. Eber- 
lie says that during a practice of six years in a German 
settlement he saw but one case, and that occurred in a 
family where the American style of dress had been 
adopted. Hot rooms and the confinement of children in- 
doors are also fruitful causes of this affection. Thin 
shoes and stockings, especially with those kept in warm 
rooms, highly seasoned food and all stimulants tend to 
produce and aggravate it. 
Symptoms—Fretfulness, feverishness, cold in the 
head, slight hoarseness, increasing towards evening and 
in the early night. Sometimes, however, without a sin- 
gle warning symptom, the child startles us in the night 
with a hoarse, ringing cough, which cannot be so de- REMEDIES. 
695 
scribed as to be recognized, but which no one who has 
ever heard can fail to know again immediately. There 
seems to be a sense of suffocation evinced by a hurried, 
hoarse and hissing breathing, as if the air was drawn 
into the lungs and expelled through too small an open- 
ing in some instrument, which is the actual fact; for 
such an instrument is the accumulated phlegm in the 
windpipe. Great alarm, agitation and distress, with hot 
skin and frequent pulse, are common though not invari- 
able symptoms. These are all worse at night, and it 
frequently happens that the patient is quite comfortable 
during the day. If the disease is neglected or does-not 
yield to treatment, signs of prostration follow, the diffi- 
culty of breathing increases, seems to come on in par- 
oxysms, while the face assumes a livid hue. The pa- 
tient may die within twenty-four hours, or survive 
nine or ten days. When there is much fever and in- 
flammation the tendency to the formation of false mem- 
brane is very slight; whereas, in cases that seem mild 
at the beginning, the disease often passes to the mem- 
branous stage unsuspected. 
Spasmodic Croup is where there is a predomi- 
nance of spasmodic symptoms. In this form the child 
may go to bed perfectly well, and in one or two hours 
be awakened with perfectly formed croup, hoarse voice, 
ringing cough and threatened suffocation which, if not 
relieved, will continue through the night, increasing in 
severity, but having a remisssion through the day. If 
taken early it may be relieved before there has been 
time for the false membrane to form. 
Remedies—1. The blood-root is a very useful and 
valuable remedy in croup. It should be prepared for 
use in the following manner: Take two teaspoonfuls, 
finely pulverized, and one-half pint of equal parts of 696 
CROUP. 
vinegar and water; steep them for a few minutes, and 
give the patient from a teaspoonful to a tablespoonful, 
according to age, every fifteen to twenty minutes, until 
vomiting is produced. Some physicians recommend a 
teaspoonful of ipecac to be added, in order to increase 
its activity. 
2. Coal-oil is another very excellent remedy for 
croup. It may be employed externally to the throat and 
chest; and at the same time give, internally, from two 
to ten drops, according to age, and repeat the dose every 
half-hour, until relief is obtained. This remedy has 
cured many children who were supposed to be in the 
last stage of the disease. 
3. Onions, cut into thin slices, each sprinkled with 
a layer of sugar, soon yield a syrup ; a teaspoonful of 
this sometimes gives speedy relief. Repeat every ten or 
fifteen minutes. 
4. In the first stages of this disease onions are 
used very effectively in the following manner: Bruise 
them, uncooked, and apply in the form of a poultice to 
the chest and throat. At the same time give the pa- 
tient the following: Take a piece of fresh lard, the size 
of a butternut, thoroughly rub with sugar and divide 
into three parts, to be given at intervals of twenty min- 
utes. It will generally relieve any one of croup not yet 
past all aid. 
5. The old remedy of alum and molasses is a good 
one. Take two parts of molasses and one of alum. Mix 
thoroughly, and give a teaspoonful every fifteen minutes, 
until vomiting occurs. With some patients, honey is prefer- 
able to molasses. In ordinary cases of croup, this is a 
sure cure. 
Cox’s hive-syrup is a favorite remedy with many. It 
is to be given in doses of from ten to twenty drops, at 697 
ACCESSORY TREATMENT. 
intervals of fifteen to twenty minutes, according to the 
urgency of the case, until free vomiting is induced. 
Dr. K. V. Pierce says, “ The agent which I have found 
to manifest the most specific and remedial effect on this 
disease is an acetic syrup of blood-root, made by adding 
one teaspoonful of the crushed or powdered root to one 
gill of vinegar and four tablespoonfuls of white sugar. 
Heat this mixture to the boiling-point, strain and admin- 
ister, while warm, from one-fourth to one teaspoonful 
every half-hour or hour, regulating the interval between 
doses by the urgency of the case. It should be given 
sufficiently often to keep up slight nausea, but not so as 
to produce vomiting. The patient’s body should be fre- 
quently sponged with hot water, in which a sufficient quan- 
tity of salaratus or ordinary baking-soda has been dis- 
solved to render it quite strongly alkaline. The tincture 
or fluid extract of veratrum should be administered to 
control the inflammation. Five drops to twenty tea- 
spoonfuls of water, of which a teaspoonful may be given 
every hour, will be about the proper dose for a child one 
year old.” 
Very excellent results have often been secured by 
causing the child to inhale the vapor of slaking lime, as 
it acts to soften and loosen the membrane. This may be 
employed, with care, at any period of the disease. Water 
should be poured on a piece of quick-lime the size of an 
orange, and the child held so as to breathe freely the vapors 
arising from it. See page 455, vol. ii. 
Accessory Treatment—During the treatment, 
everything likely to excite or irritate the patient should 
be avoided. He may have a partial or complete warm 
bath ; his throat should be fomented by means of sponges 
or cloths squeezed out of hot water, and a compress or 
flannel applied to the part when not fomenting; the feet 698 
MUMPS. 
and general surface of the body kept warm, and the air 
of the apartment raised to about 65° Fahr., and this 
temperature uniformly maintained by day and night. The 
air should also be moist as well as warm. Steam may 
be inhaled, either alone or mixed with the remedy that is 
being administered. 
Diet and Regimen—During the attack, water is 
almost the only article admissible, and may be given in 
small, frequent quantities; when recovery sets in, milk 
and water, arrow-root, gruel, etc. In the case of delicate 
children, or when great weakness suddenly occurs during 
the course of the disease, it may be necessary to support 
the patient by essence of beef, wine and water, etc., which 
should be administered in small quantities, at regular and 
frequent intervals. In the case of an infant at the breast, 
the mother should adopt the dietetic suggestions elsewhere 
given. See “Diet for Nursing Mothers.” 
MUMPS (Parotides). 
This is an inflammatory swelling of the salivary glands 
beneath and in front of the ear, frequently with pain, 
soreness and difficulty in moving the jaws. The glands 
sometimes attain a very large size ; the enlargement gen- 
erally commences on one side, and as it diminishes shows 
itself on the other side. 
Causes—A specific morbid miasm, generated during 
peculiar conditions of the atmosphere, which spreads by 
contagion. It often occurs as an epidemic, particularly in 
cold, damp weather; is more incident to children after SYMPTOMS, ETC. 
699 
the fifth year than to adults ; and only occasionally attacks 
the same person twice. It is very infectious; children 
take it from their mates and playfellows. 
Symptoms—At first there is a feeling of stiffness 
and soreness on moving the jaw, and the child complains 
of the discomfort of eating; indeed, the pain caused by 
eating or even drinking is sometimes agonizing. The 
glands under the ear soon begin to swell, and they con- 
tinue to be sore and painful with more or less fever and 
headache, for about a week. There is little danger, although 
there are instances in which, from exposure to cold or from 
cold applications, the disease has been transmitted to the 
testicles in boys and to the breasts in girls. 
General Measures—Great care is requisite that the 
patient be not exposed to sudden changes of temperature, 
or to damp and cold weather during the continuance of 
the mumps, and for several days after the disease has 
abated. It is also best to avoid active exercise and all stim- 
ulating drinks, during the same period. 
Make no application over the swollen gland with the 
exception of a dry, warm handkerchief, a piece of flannel 
or of cotton batting. The diet should be light and free 
from stimulating condiments. No animal food should be 
allowed. 
Remedies—If, during the progress of the complaint 
or after it abates, the testicles, or the breasts of the female 
become swollen, painful and inflamed, use a poultice of 
beans, boiled soft and mashed; or one made of Indian 
meal or of slippery elm. When the pain and fever are 
severe, use tincture of aconite, five drops in half a tum- 
blerful of water and, after stirring well, take two tea- 
spoonfuls every three or four hours; or drink freely of 
warm infusions of catnip or sage. Usually, however, in 
ordinary cases of this disease, no medical treatment of any 700 
HOOPING-COUGH. 
kind is required. Good nursing, with attention to diet, is 
all that will be necessary. 
HOOPING-COUGH (Pertussis). 
This is a disease of infancy and childhood, and one 
attack generally insures immunity for the rest of life. 
Symptoms—Hooping-cough is generally preceded by 
a common cold, cough, feverishness, etc. After from 
seven to ten days of the catarrhal stage, the cough be- 
comes louder, more prolonged, and assumes the charac- 
teristic hoop. Each paroxysm consists of a number of 
sudden, violent and short expiratory efforts or coughs, 
which expel so large an amount of air from the lungs 
that the patient appears on the point of suffocation; these 
forcible efforts are followed by a deep-drawn inspiration, 
in which a rush of air through the partially closed glottis 
gives rise to the distinctive crowing or hooping noise. 
This hooping is the signal of the patient’s safety, for 
when suffocation does take place, it is before the crowing 
inspiration has been made. During the paroxysms the 
face becomes deeply red or black, and swells ; the eyes 
protrude and are suffused with tears, and the expression 
and appearance of the sufferer are such as apparently in- 
dicate imminent suffocation. 
The ropy kind of expectoration which follows the 
cough enables us to distinguish it from common cough, 
even before the hoop has been heard. Sometimes blood 
escapes from the nose, mouth and even from the ears, 
during the fits of coughing. REMEDIES. 
701 
Remedies—1. For alleviating and shortening the at- 
tack of this disease, give freely of a tea made of the 
leaves, stems and tops of red clover. 
2. A strong tea of chestnut-leaves is another admi- 
rable remedy for the same purpose; sweeten and give it 
five or six times a day, from day to day. The dry leaves 
may be found in drug-stores, but the green are the best 
when they can be procured. 
3. The following is highly recommended : To three 
tablespoonfuls of thin syrup or molasses, add as much 
good whisky and a teaspoonful of the essence of pepper- 
mint, and of this give from ten drops to a teaspoonful, 
according to age, two or three times a day. 
4. Some physicians think “there is nothing like as- 
afoetida.” The tincture may be given in five to ten-drop 
doses, three times a day. Or, the asafoetida may be dis- 
solved in a little whisky and given in like doses. 
5. Take a porous plaster, cut in two equal parts, 
place one-half over the lungs and the other half between 
the shoulders. It reduces the cough, promotes expecto- 
ration and so much relieves patients suffering with hoop- 
ing-cough that those who have used it recommend it in 
the highest terms. 
Accessory Treatment—It is necessary to treat chil- 
dren with great consideration, and to overlook many of their 
faults; as violent emotions or fits of anger add to the 
severity and frequency of the paroxysms. Infants must 
be constantly watched, taken up as soon as a fit comes on, 
and placed in a favorable posture. Friction with olive- 
oil or simple liniment, over the chest and along the spine, 
for ten or fifteen minutes, morning and night, in a com- 
fortably warm room without currents of air, is often of 
great efficacy. During fine, warm weather, the patient 
should be much in the open air, but damp, cold and ex- 702 
MEASLES. 
posure to draughts should be strictly avoided. In obsti- 
nate cases and in convalescence, change of air, if only 
for a short distance, proves very beneficial. If possible, 
mountain or sea-air or pure country-air should be chosen, 
as it acts favorably by removing irritation of the nervous 
system and completing restoration. 
The inhalation for a few minutes of the vapor which 
rises from lime used to purify gas has been found very 
beneficial in some cases. 
Diet—Light, digestible food only, in moderate quan- 
tities, frequently given; in the convulsive stage, it should 
be highly nutritious. Toast and water, barley-water or 
gum-water are grateful and soothing; but a too exclusive 
slop-diet often aggravates the vomiting. 
See page 457, vol. ii. 
ME ASLES. 
Mode of Propagation—It is propagated or commu- 
nicated, even after a considerable time lias elapsed, by in- 
fected clothing, bedding, furniture or wall-paper. Infec- 
tion only ceases when the peeling-off of the skin is quite 
complete, and when all the clothing and surroundings of 
the patient have been thoroughly disinfected. It is strong- 
est during the eruptive stage, and especially at the early 
part of this stage. 
Symptoms—After about ten to fourteen days, the 
period of incubation, the disease is ushered in with the 
symptoms of a catarrh—sneezing, running from the nose, 
red, swollen and watery eyes, a hoarse, harsh cough, languor 
and fever, which increase in intensity. About the fourth 
day of the illness, the eruption begins and appears in TREATMENT. 
703 
three successive crops on the face and neck, on the body, 
and lastly on the legs. It is in the form of small circu- 
lar spots, resembling flea-bites, which multiply and coalesce 
into blotches, slightly raised above the surrounding skin, 
so as to be felt, particularly on the face, which is often 
a good deal swollen. It is like raspberry in color, and 
turns white for an instant under pressure; a dark-purple 
is a bad sign. It is two or three days in coming out, 
and remains at least three days. The fever then abates, 
and a bran-like scurf is gradually thrown off the skin. As 
the rash declines, diarrhea sometimes occurs; this, unless 
very troublesome, should not be be interfered with, as it 
is often beneficial. 
Treatment—Very little medical treatment is required 
in mild cases of this disease. Cold drink ought to be 
used, not only during the fever, but while the eruption 
lasts; being one of nature’s best remedies, it should never 
be denied the patient, under any circumstances, as indeed 
the craving thirst most plainly indicates; and to withhold 
it greatly increases the suffering and aggravates the dis- 
ease. 
Flax-seed tea is good to allay the cough. The feet 
and hands may be bathed two or three times a day if 
they burn. 
When measles occurs before weaning, the infant may 
refuse to suck in consequence of the closure of the nasal 
passages ; resort must then be had to artificial feeding 
with the spoon. Cold water, gum-water, barley-water, 
etc., are the best drinks. No stimulants. As the fever 
abates milk-diet may be given, gradually returning to more 
nourishing food. Should the eruption be imperfectly de- 
veloped or strike in suddenly, the child should be put into 
a hot bath, or be packed in a blanket wrung out of hot water. 
The clothing should be frequently changed. A shawl or cur- 704 
EARACHE. 
tain should be so suspended as to protect the eyes. A little 
fire, except in the very height of summer, should be kept 
in the room. 
Take thrice a day some cracked wheat or boiled rice, 
with fruits, berries, bread and butter, sago, tapioca; keep 
comfortably warm; never by any possibility allow a feeling 
of chilliness or a draught of air; the room ought to be well 
ventilated; the most favorable circumstances for measles 
are a cool, well ventilated room and to keep warm in bed; 
for a chill or draught will strike the measles in, with lia- 
bility to all the bad results named. 
Great harm results in numberless cases from impa- 
tience to get out of doors ; after the rash has disappeared 
it is better to avoid leaving the house for at least a week. 
EARACHE. 
Earache, in some instances, is attended by an ex- 
cessive throbbing pain in the ear. The pain, however, 
is sometimes very mild, and goes of without the aid of 
medicine. 
But the more violent forms of this disease are at- 
tended with excruciating, throbbing pains, delirium and 
sometimes convulsions. 
Causes—An inflammation of the ear is commonly 
brought on by exposing the ear to a partial current of 
air. It may arise from cutting the hair of the head 
very short, particularly in cold weather, or any exposure. 
Remedies—1. The ear should be carefully exam- 
ined, to determine if there be any foreign bodies in it 
that may provoke the difficulty, the removal of which 705 
REMEDIES. 
will relieve at once. If nothing of this kind is discov- 
ered, we may know it to result from a cold, and pro- 
ceed as follows: Heat a brick or stone, wrap it in a 
wet towel and place to the ear, heating and sweating it 
freely. At the same time, put a few drops of equal 
parts of warm sweet-oil and glycerine into the ear. 
2. Take one teaspoonful each of the juice of 
grated onion and blood-beet. Mix and drop three or 
four drops in the ear warm, and use it often. If the 
pain is very great, moisten cotton with the same, and 
put it in the ear every ten minutes. It seldom fails 
to give instant relief. 
3. Take as much black-pepper as will lie on a 
five-cent piece, and put it in a small roll of cotton- 
batting. Wrap it tightly. Dip it into sweet oil and 
insert it into the ear, with a little cotton over it. Af- 
ter which bandage the head. Almost immediate relief 
will generally be experienced. 
4. Two parts of sweet-oil and one of the juice 
of garlic will very soon relieve this troublesome affec- 
tion. Apply by putting a few drops in a warm tea- 
spoon and dropping it into the ear. Then close it with 
cotton or wool. 
5. Another good remedy, or treatment, is to fill a 
clay-pipe with tobacco, light it and draw a thin cloth 
over the top of the bowl; now place the end of the 
stem in the ear as far as it will go without pain, and 
place the mouth on the pipe-bowl, and gently but 
thoroughly force the warm smoke into the ear, con- 
tinuing it for several minutes, and repeating as often as 
it is necessary. This nearly always gives immediate relief. 
6. Arnica is a specific for earache. A few drops— 
five or six—on cotton, previously moistened with warm 
water and put into the ear, will not fail to cure earache. 706 
EARACHE. 
If used in time it will subdue inflammation and prevent 
gathering in the ear, which is so distressing and so danger- 
ous to the hearing. 
Discharges from the Ear—If the ear gathers and 
discharges it should be kept clean by syringing, with warm 
water, from day to day. After each application of water 
use the sweet oil, as above directed. 
A great deal of injury is done by attentive mothers 
and nurses, who think the ears of children require to be 
cleaned out, by inserting into them the “twisted corner” of 
a towel. 
In young children, especially, the use of the syringe 
requires considerable care, on account of the tenderness of 
the parts ; it is therefore best not to employ it. 
The child should lie down on the side opposite the 
diseased ear, and this should be then filled with the lotion, 
by simply pouring it in. After it has remained for two 
or three minutes, the child may be turned and let it run 
out. White-oak-bark tea is a good lotion for this pur- 
pose, so is alum-water—one teaspoonful, powdered, 
to one pint of water. These lotions or washes should 
be used three or four times a day, in the manner pre- 
scribed, and attention given to the general health of the 
child. 
Humming or Buzzing in the Ears—This arises 
from congestion, or a too great amount of blood about 
the organs of hearing. When large amounts of quinine 
are taken, a troublesome ringing in the ears is the result; 
but it disappears in time. It is a result also of nervous 
debility, and there is no relief but in the removal of that 
difficulty. INCONTINENCE OF URINE. 
707 
INCONTINENCE OF URINE—WETTING THE 
BED (Enuresis). 
This is a frequent and troublesome affection of chil- 
dren ; not a disease in itself, but a symptom dependent 
upon causes often difficult to detect; it may consist of 
partial or complete loss of power to retain the urine. 
The most common form is wetting the bed; in rare cases 
the child may have an almost incessant urging to pass water 
which, if not responded to, results in a painless, involun- 
tary discharge. If the child be troubled with a cough, the 
inconvenience is much increased, as during each paroxysm 
the urine is apt to escape. The affection is most common 
in children from three or four to fourteen or sixteen years 
of age, and is most frequent at night. 
Causes—Irritation of the bladder from worms; 
scrofulous or syphilitic constitution; too large a quantity 
of warm fluids in the evening; food or drink causing an 
acid state of the urine, which irritates the mucous coats 
of the bladder; stone in the bladder; tumors, etc. 
Remedies — Lime-water or bicarbonate of soda 
(baking-soda), three grains, three times a day, with mild, 
bitter tonics, as a tea made of Peruvian bark, etc., may 
be employed ; and, at the same time, keep the bowels free 
and improve the digestion. 
The uva ursi is also used with good effect: Take a 
handful of the leaves, and pour half a pint of boiling 
water over them. Give half a teacupful three times a 
day. And for small children, give half that quantity, or 
less, according to age. 
It has recently been discovered that the tincture or 
decoction of the rush is one of the most important rem- 
edies known for incontinence of urine. Prof. Hale, of 
Chicago, reports various cases, three of which occurred 708 
INCONTINENCE OF URINE. 
in the same family, all promptly cured with it in the 
course of a week. Mothers, who are so frequently 
troubled by their children wetting the bed, will be gratified 
to learn this fact. The plant is common to all parts of 
the country. The tincture can be made by adding alcohol 
to the herb. See “Tinctures.” The decoction is made 
of the tops or stems. Dose of the tincture, ten drops, four 
times a day. It may be mixed in water. 
In those cases in which the incontinence is owing to 
irritation of the bladder, the cause of the irritation will 
have to be removed before any permanent benefit can be 
expected. Much relief, however, may be derived from 
the following pleasant remedy, and it will frequently ef- 
fect cures: Take of isinglass one roll; boil it in one 
pint of water until it is dissolved ; then strain, and add 
one pint of sweet milk; put it again over the fire and 
let it just boil; then sweeten with sugar and grate nut- 
meg upon it. An adult may take of this a tumblerful 
three or four times a day. 
The tincture of cantharides, one or two drops three 
times a day, will eventually relieve the difficulty. 
Accessory Treatment—As incontinence of urine 
is generally the result of disease, medical and general 
treatment, which must be entirely regulated by the cause, 
are necessary to correct the annoyance. All salt, sharp 
and sour articles of food, malt liquors, spirits, tea and 
coffee should be avoided. Meat may be eaten in moder- 
ate quantities, but only a small quantity of fruit, and 
no flatulent food. Nothing hot should be taken in the 
after part of the day. Simple water, milk and water 
and cocoa are the most suitable beverages. Cold water 
or mucilaginous drinks in moderation tend to diminish 
the acrid properties of the urine. The mother or nurse 
should be quite certain that the child fully empties its CHOLERA-INF ANTUM. 
709 
bladder before getting into bed, as a child very tired or 
sleepy is apt to shirk this. Until the cause is removed, 
the child should be taken up once or twice in the night 
to urinate. It should sleep on a hard mattress, with 
light clothing, and not be permitted to lie on its back ; 
this may be prevented by fixing an empty cotton-spool so 
that on turning on its back the spool may press into the 
muscles. At bedtime an occasional warm bath at 90 ° 
to 98 ° Fahr., or a warm sitz-bath, is often of great 
value in this disease, and greatly contributes to the suc- 
cess of the general treatment. Sponging the lower part of 
the back with hot water at bedtime is said to cure some 
cases of incontinence in children. Patients should take 
much open-air exercise and regular baths: the whole 
process, including drying with a large towel or sheet, 
should not occupy more than a few minutes. 
Children troubled with nocturnal incontinence should 
be prevented from falling into a morbidly profound 
sleep, as it is then that the discharge of urine occurs. 
Heavy sleep may be obviated by waking the patient 
about the second hour of sleep. 
Corporal punishment will work no cure. The fear 
of it increases the tendency to urinate in the case of 
nervous children. It should only be resorted to when 
incontinence is the result of an indolent habit of neg- 
lecting the natural desire. 
CHOLERA-INF ANTUM. 
This affection is common with children under three 
years of age. Vomiting and purging, more or less se- 
vere, are the prominent symptoms at the commencement 710 
CHOLERA-INFANTUM. 
of the disease. After a few days the vomiting may 
cease and the diarrhea continue. In very severe cases 
the patient may die within twenty-four or forty-eight 
hours, but milder cases may last for weeks. Rapid ema- 
ciation, sunken eyes and great debility soon result, and 
sleepiness, stupor and symptoms of disease of the brain 
are apt to ensue in severe cases. 
Remedies—1. After removing the skin from ripe 
tomatoes, add sugar until they are palatable. Give the 
patient one teaspoonful every half-hour or hour,, until 
relief is perceptible; after which repeat the dose every 
two oyf three hours, according to the urgency of the 
symptoms. It is seldom twenty-four hours will elapse 
before the remedy can be discontinued. 
2. Add one teaspoonful of unslaked lime to a pint 
of water, and of this give a teaspoonful three times a 
day. In severe cases it should be given every three or 
four hours. If this remedy is used in time it will check 
this disease without the use of any other medicine. 
3. Take, of 
Rhubarb (pulverized) 2 scruples. 
Salaratus do. 2 “ 
Peppermint plant (pulverized) 2 “ 
Add a half-pint of boiling water and sweeten with loaf- 
sugar. Dose, one teaspoonful every one, two or three 
hours, according to the urgency of the symptoms. Its 
operation and action appear to be specific, or almost in- 
fallible ; and not only for cholera-infantum, but all oth- 
er bowel-difficulties. 
A strong infusion of the knot-grass, or of chamo- 
mile, blackberry-root or raspberry-leaves will often re- 
lieve this affection. If the child is sick at the stomach 
drinks, especiallv cold water, should bo withheld until the 
stomach becomes quiet and the child ceases to vomit. A SCALD-HEAD. 
711 
good remedy to settle the stomach is peach-leaves or twigs, 
well bruised. Cover them with cold water. Of this, 
give the patient a teaspoonful every twenty minutes. 
This will often arrest the vomiting, and the patient, in a 
few hours, will be entirely relieved. 
SCALD-HEAD (Tinea Capitis). 
This disease consists in a chronic inflammation of the 
skin of the head, productive of a secretion of matter pe- 
culiar in its nature, and capable of propagating the com- 
plaint if applied to the head of a healthy subject. At 
first the eruption is confined to only a small portion of 
the head; but by degrees its acrimony is extended to 
the neighboring parts, and at length the whole of the 
scalp is beset with a scabby eruption. 
Children principally are affected with it. It may 
arise from uncleanliness, the want of a due proportion 
of wholesome, nutritive food, and possibly from bad 
nursing: at any rate these will very much aggravate 
the disease. In many instances it is propagated by 
contagion, either by using a comb imbued with the mat- 
ter from the head of a person laboring under it, or 
by putting on his hat or cap. 
Remedies—The head must be dressed every day 
in the following; manner: After washing clean with mild 
o o 
soapsuds, it must be then washed with lime-water, made 
by slaking a piece of lime, of the size of a hen’s egg, 
in a quart of water. In ordinary cases this will cure with- 
out additional remedies. 712 
SCALD-HEAD. 
In the season of the year when it can be obtained 
take green rye, when about eight to twelve inches high, 
and stew it into a salve with fresh cream. Apply this to 
the head every morning and evening till cured. Always 
wash the head with Castile-soapsuds, and dry it each time 
before using the salve. 
Simply sprinkling the head with powdered charcoal af- 
ter washing has proved highly efficacious in scald-head ; and 
drinking a tea of yellow-dock root, yellow parilla or 
sassafras, may be regarded as a valuable remedy. 
In inveterate cases use the following: First, oil the 
head once daily for two or three days ; then, with Castile 
soap and water, wash the head thoroughly and remove, as 
far as possible, every crust or scab ; and, when dry, cover 
every part of the head with common tar. Then wear an 
ordinary night-cap. The hair should be cut as close as pos- 
sible before putting on the oil. In three or four weeks the 
tar will nearly always peel off, leaving the head (scalp) 
smooth, clean and entirely free from the disease. No oth- 
er treatment will be necessary. 
Accessory Measures—Pure, soft water is an agent 
of great value, and in the first stages of this disease the 
only remedy required. Hard water is irritating, and when 
rain-water cannot be obtained, it may be softened by boil- 
ing and the addition of bran, flour or other mucilaginous 
material, which further abstracts the lime-salts. 
Great cleanliness is requisite. General baths and fric- 
tion, to promote the healthy action of the skin, are of 
great service. The water should be soft. For this purpose 
also, care should be taken not to spread the disease in 
washing. The diet should be wholesome and nutritive, 
avoiding salted meats and fish. SUMMER-COMPLAINT. 
713 
SUMMER-COMPLAINT, OR INFANTILE 
DIARRHEA. 
Causes—The circumstances which may develop an 
attack of summer-complaint are numerous, and their de- 
tection often necessitates much care, but as the cause gen- 
erally influences the treatment, it should always be investi- 
gated. The most fruitful source of this disease is im- 
proper food, especially farinaceous or flour and meal-food, 
which is often most unwisely given almost as soon as the abil- 
ity to swallow exists. The constant passage of these indi- 
gestible, starchy masses along the intestinal canal causes 
irritation to the sensitive mucous lining, which sooner or 
later expresses itself in diarrhea. Sour milk is a frequent 
cause, especially among the poor. So is an inferior quality 
of maternal milk, such as of women in whom the monthly 
period has returned, or whose milk is otherwise deprived 
of its nourishment. Sugar is also hurtful, particularly 
when given too freely in milk when the mother is unable 
to nurse. When the milk is unsuitable the stools first 
resemble chopped eggs, and afterwards bad eggs; and 
the child suffers much from wind and colic, emitting flat- 
ulence which smells like rotten eggs. Dr. Lade says “ He 
finds the milk of the cow, without the addition of sugar, 
preferable to the two together.” One of the earliest 
causes of this disorder, as the same gentleman points out, 
is the highly reprehensible practice of some nurses giving 
castor-oil or butter and sugar, soon after the baby is born. 
Foul air and contaminated water, the inevitable results of 
tilth and overcrowding, arc causes of an obstinate form 
of diarrhea. In fact, diarrhea and infantile mortality are 
largely augmented bv neglect of efficient sanitary meas- 
ures, especially the effluvia or emanations from drains or 714 
SUMMER-COMPLAINT. 
decaying vegetables and other refuse, which may pollute 
the air and food and set up irritation. 
Further, heat and other atmospheric conditions, espe- 
cially in summer and autumn, exercise a prejudicial in- 
fluence, and directly tend to develop or increase an attack 
of diarrhea. 
Symptoms—These vary extremely, even in recent 
and acute attacks, from a slight, painless increase in the 
quantity, frequency and altered consistence of the normal 
evacuations, to violent, painful and frequent purging; 
liquid evacuations, perhaps several times every hour, being 
ejected with spasmodic force. In the latter case the stools 
are green or spinach-like, resembling those produced by 
administration of mercury, but assume a yellow appear- 
ance during recovery. Frequently they contain the casein 
of undigested milk in the form of numerous white specks. 
In the more severe stage, they are sometimes streaked 
with blood and mixed with mucus. There are also gener- 
ally sickness, thirst and an interruption in the nutritive 
processes. Acute diarrhea rapidly reduces the firmness of 
the muscles, and, if the drain be severe, in two or three 
days there is a marked loss of flesh and strength. The 
eyes are sunken, the features pinched and livid, the pulse 
rapid, feeble and nearly imperceptible, and the extremi- 
ties cold and shrunken. On the other hand, after the 
cessation of an an acute attack, the lost flesh and vigor 
are quickly regained, and the child soon recovers its 
wonted color and spirits. 
Slight attacks may be left to themselves ; the relaxa- 
tion may be beneficial, effect its own cure and cease spon- 
taneously in a day or two. As soon, however, as it be- 
gins to pass the limits of health and act injuriously, rem- 
edial and corrective measures should be instituted; but by REMEDIES. 
715 
all means avoid Godfrey’s cordial, soothing-syrups and 
the so-called carminatives. 
Remedies—1. A tea made of the common rag- 
weed is a very effective remedy in this disease, and in 
many instances the only medicine needed. The tea or 
decoction should be given freely three times a day. 
2. Take equal parts of blackberry and raspberry- 
leaves and make a tea of them. Sweeten with white sugar 
and of this give the patient freely, four or five times a 
day. It is an old remedy, nevertheless a very good one. 
In case the leaves of both cannot be obtained, either one 
alone may be sufficient; or a tea of the root can be em- 
ployed when the leaves cannot be obtained. 
3. Lime-water has proved effective in this disease 
in cases where all other means had failed. It is prepared 
by adding one teaspoonful of unslaked lime to one pint of 
water. Give it in doses of one teaspoonful three times a day. 
4. Benne-leaves are highly recommended by many 
physicians for the bowel-complaints of children, as well 
as for the same complaint in adults. Soak two or three 
leaves of the fresh plant in a pint of cold water for a few 
hours; then use it for a drink. Children readily take it 
without discovering anything unpleasant about it. These 
leaves can be procured at drug-stores. 
The tincture of rhubarb, in doses of from ten to thirty 
drops, according to age of child, will be certain to afford 
relief in ordinary cases. 
If there is greenness about the stools, a little lime- 
water added to the infant’s food will correct the acidity 
of the stomach. 
5. Take, of 
Rhubarb, pulverized 
Saleratus, do 
Peppermint plant, pulverized 
equal parts. 716 
SUMM E R-COM PLAI NT. 
To a large teaspoonful acid half a pint of boiling water; 
when cool, strain and sweeten with loaf-sugar. 
Dose, one or two tablespoonfuls every quarter, half 
or one or two hours, according to symptoms. 
This is one of the most valuable preparations known 
for cholera-morbus, cholera-infantum or summer-complaint 
of children, diarrhea, dysentery, etc. Its operation and 
action appear to be specific, if not infallible. It is excel- 
lent for pregnant women, to allay sickness and regulate 
the bowels. 
The above is what is known as the “Neutralizing 
Mixture,or Cordial.” 
6. Another excellent remedy in the summer-complaint 
of children is the following: Take a handful of the leaves 
(green or dry) of spearmint: pour on one pint of 
hot water ; let it stand in a warm place for an hour; strain 
and add half a teaspoonful of bicarbonate or baking-soda. 
Dose, to an infant, one teaspoonful every three or four 
hours. 
To Prevent Summer-Complaint in Children— 
Let them drink freely of slippery-elm water. A little 
of the powdered bark, boiled in milk, is an excellent diet 
for children in summer-complaint. 
Chronic Form—1. Take one pound of the bark of 
the root of the blackberry, well cleansed, and a suitable 
quantity of water. Boil two or three hours. Strain. 
Add a pound or more of loaf-sugar, or enough to pre- 
serve the mixture from becoming sour. 
Dose, a tablespoonful three times a day, fasting. If 
it does not arrest the disease after taking it a few days, 
gradually increase the dose as the stomach can bear it. 
This is a very valuable syrup in bowel-complaints, 
particularly the chronic form. It will effect a cure when 717 
ACCESSORY TREATMENT. 
every other means fails. It appears to possess specific vir- 
tues, different from all other vegetables. 
2. An excellent remedy and useful for the same 
purposes, especially for children, may be made of the 
ripe blackberries. Take, say one quart of the berries; 
mash ; add one ounce of crushed cinnamon-bark; one ounce 
of cloves, crushed, and one pint of water ; simmer slowly for 
an hour or two, then strain ; add one-half pound of loaf- 
sugar ; simmer till there is but about one pint. Dose, 
for children, one to two teaspoonfuls, repeated after every 
discharge. 
3. Take a tumblerful of cold water and stir into it 
wheat-flour until it becomes about the consistency of thick 
cream, and then drink. A grown person should take this 
at once, and repeat three times a day ; but for a child, 
a tumblerful, or even less, would be enough, to be taken 
at different times during the day. It is said to be in- 
fallible. 
“A decoction of the sweet-gum bark (where that 
article can be had) is also an admirable remedy in this, 
as well as most forms of bowel-complaints. Take a 
handful of the inner bark (fresh from the tree is as good 
as the dry), boil in a quart of water down to a pint; it 
may be sweetened with white sugar, and a little brandy 
added ; take in doses of one or two tablespoonfuls to half 
a teacupful, according to age of the patient.”—[ Gunn. 
A decoction of geranium or crane’s bill may be given 
in doses of a fourth to a half-teacupful, and repeated 
three or four times during the day. For children, a very 
good plan is to boil the root in sweet milk, and sweeten 
with white sugar. This is a splendid remedy for the 
summer-complaint, and may be given freely. 
Accessory Treatments—In the first place, an at- 
tempt should be made to correct the discharge, even in 718 
TO PREVENT SUMMER-COMPLAINT. 
its mild form, by the removal of its cause. In the majority 
of cases we believe this will be found in the diet. Far- 
inaceous (flour and meal) food, which should not as a 
rule be given until after the teeth have appeared, is a 
common cause of bowel-difficulties. 
Should a substitute for the mother’s milk be neces- 
sary, the best is cow’s milk with the addition of sugar- 
of-milk, as recommended under the article entitled the 
“First Six Months.” 
Lime-water in some cases may be substituted for 
sugar-of-milk, and added in the proportion of a table- 
spoonful to a feeding-bottle which holds about one-third 
of a pint. In addition to its nutritive value, lime-water 
tends to keep the milk sweet. The temperature of food 
is also very important; it should be given cold, or even 
iced in feverish states. Cold milk and lime-water will 
often suffice to arrest an attack, when warm would be 
wholly useless. When sickness is superadded to the 
diarrhea, and is troublesome, all preparations of milk may 
have to be suspended for a few hours and whey, veal- 
brotli or barley-water substituted ; and this again followed 
by beef-tea, or other kind of animal broth. The appli- 
cation of a broad flannel bandage to the abdomen, par- 
ticularly during teething, is very serviceable and ex- 
pedites a cure. It should extend from the waist over 
the hips. 
The feet and abdomen should be kept warm. Clean- 
liness and fresh air aid recovery. Except in severe cases, 
children should be taken out of doors for short intervals, 
properly protected from atmospheric changes. 
Chronic infantile diarrhea is generally much milder 
than the acute, but none the less grave on that account. 
Indeed, the commencement is often so insidious that this 
serious derangement is overlooked till the loss of flesh ACCESSORY TREATMENT. 
719 
and strength is so far advanced as to force a conviction 
that some secret disease has been undermining the system. 
In this insidious form, fever is absent from the first; 
the evacuations may be three or four daily, about the 
color and consistence of putty, and accompanied with pain 
and straining. The discharges consist partly of undigested 
food, and when there is violent straining, of mucus and 
even blood from small vessels ruptured by the severity 
of the straining. The motions often smell sour and of- 
fensive, while the child looks dull and pale, but otherwise 
well. This form of diarrhea may continue for weeks, or 
even months ; the additional symptoms being loss of flesh, 
color and activity. At length more decided symptoms set 
in; the stools becoming watery, slimy, clay-colored or 
grass-green, having an increasingly offensive odor. At 
this stage variations are almost constant, often coincident 
with atmospheric changes. The emaciation advances; the 
food, eagerly taken, seems to pass through the child im- 
mediately in an undigested state ; the child lies listless and 
helpless or cries plaintively, and draws up its legs from the 
accumulation of gas in the abdomen. 
The skin is now dry and harsh, the features old and 
pinched, the bones projecting, and the child appears a 
mere skeleton, loosely covered with flaccid skin. The 
appetite becomes varied or is altogether absent; the 
stools become excessively frequent—fifteen or twenty in 
the twenty-four hours; thrush, soreness of the buttocks 
and death may shortly supervene. 
From the poverty and thinness of the blood the feet, 
fingers and eyelids may swell; or effusions may take 
place in the lungs. Eruptive fevers are very liable to 
occur, or convulsions or stupor may precede death. Should 
the stools, however, become more solid and colored with 
bile; should the patient also assume a more active, fretful 720 
TO PREVENT SUMMER-COMPLAINT. 
and tearful temperament, hopes of recovery may be en- 
tertained. Diminished fetor of the stools, constipation 
following the relaxation and increase of flesh and strength, 
are additional grounds for anticipating a favorable termina- 
tion of the disease. 
Causes—Chronic diarrhea is generally traceable to 
three sets of causes, viz., disregard of the laws of health, 
atmospheric influences and improperly treated acute 
disease. 
The younger the child, the more easily is it impressed 
by neglect of cleanliness, want of proper food, fresh air 
and sunlight; and the more essential to recovery is its 
removal from the influence of these causes. The repre- 
hensible practice of giving newly born infants castor-oil 
and sugar and butter by ignorant and old-fashioned nurses, 
is also a frequent cause of diarrhea, vomiting and indi- 
gestion. Chilling of the surface of the body is another 
frequent cause of chronic diarrhea. As this cause may be 
obviated, we would impress upon all mothers the necessity 
of protecting their children, especially if at all delicate, 
from the inclemencies of the weather. 
The acute disorders of which this form of diarrhea 
is a common result are—measles, small pox, scarlatina, 
inflammation of the lungs, typhoid fever, croup, bron- 
chitis and pleurisy. Inflammation of the large bowel, 
when the actions assume a dysenteric form, and ulcera- 
tion of the mucous membrane of the small intestines, are 
also causes. 
If the disease dates from a few days of the child’s 
birth, or if its commencement coincide with weaning or 
the use of unsuitable food, it is probably a simple catarrh 
of the bowels. In this species of chronic diarrhea the 
temperature is lower than in health. When derangement 
follows an acute disease, there is generally fever, pain in 721 
ACCESSORY TREATMENT. 
the abdomen, languor and frequently vomiting. These 
symptoms slowly subside, and leave the case one of chronic 
diarrhea, such as we have already described. 
Consumption of the bowels is one of the most for- 
midable causes of chronic diarrhea, and may always be 
suspected when, without the irritation of teething, there 
is a persistent elevation of temperature in the evening. 
When the diarrhea shows traces of blood and the abdo- 
men is very tender to pressure, ulceration of the mucous 
membrane of the intestine is probably present. 
The graver forms are those following inflammatory 
diseases, or when the stools are greenish matter, like 
chopped spinach, or brown, fetid, dirty fluid and mixed 
with purulent mucus and blood. Dry and rough tongue, 
thrush or dropsy are very unfavorable symptoms. Great 
tenderness of the abdomen on pressure is also of serious 
import. On the other hand, if the motions become thicker 
and more uniform (homogeneous), even though they con- 
tinue very offensive, a favorable result may be anticipated. 
Amongst the additional favorable signs may be included— 
continuance of the natural progress of dentition, or teeth- 
ing, the appearance of tears, and the occurrence of any 
eruption upon the child’s body, even although the diarrhea 
may not at the time have undergone any visible im- 
provement. 
Accessory Treatment—In the case of infants, 
milk and water, without sugar, is the best of all food ; 
but where it does not agree Neave’s food may be tried. 
In some few cases animal broths are efficacious. In older 
children, old rice, freshly cooked in milk, is excellent. 
Mutton, chicken, game, pigeon, white fish, etc., are gen- 
erally advantageous if not overdone. Raw eggs beaten 
up or eggs lightly boiled, and other nutritious kinds of 
food are necessary. Friction over the spine and whole 722 
SIMPLE VOMITING. 
body is necessary. An abdominal belt of flannel is often 
efficacious. As suggested under “ Causes,” children should 
be protected against atmospheric changes by warm clothing. 
Lastly, change of air is often necessary and promptly 
curative. If no other end be served, it may remove the 
little patient out of the range of some undetected and 
unthought-of cause of the disease, which exists in the 
air or water. 
SIMPLE VOMITING. 
The vomiting of infants may be divided conveniently 
for our purpose into two kinds, simple and chronic, the 
former being most common. 
When the milk is rejected immediately after nursing 
or feeding, the milk being curdled, it is of the simple 
variety, and is caused either by too frequent feeding or 
over-distention of the stomach. Vomiting of uncurdled 
milk indicates debility of the stomach, and requires a care- 
fully regulated diet, smaller quantities of food at a time, 
and at shorter intervals. 
Causes—Repletion ; improper or badly prepared food ; 
premature weaning; the use of starchy food before the 
child is able to digest it. Wet nurses unable fully to 
supply the wants of the suckling have been known to 
supplement the breast-milk by arrow-root, corn-flour and 
other indigestible food, to meet the deficiency. In such 
cases the use of the microscope reveals starch granules, 
and thus enables us to detect the cause of the derange- 
ment. Impure air, too little sunlight, want of cleanliness TREATMENT. 
723 
and other bad hygienic conditions are fertile sources of 
vomiting. The crowding of a whole family in one room, 
or the crowding of many children in a small, badly ven- 
tilated, ill-lighted and cold room is not an uncommon cause 
of the derangement. 
Treatment—A change of diet is generally necessary 
in hand-fed or weaned children, and a change of the 
mother’s diet or of her habits, in case of those who are 
fed by the breast. Suckling infants should be nursed at reg- 
ular periods, and not permitted to suck too long at one time, 
the amount permitted to be swallowed being regulated by 
the previous meal. If that has been rejected, the quan- 
tity at the next must be lessened. In some cases the child 
should have a wet nurse or be fed with sugar of milk, as 
elsewhere directed, or with cow’s milk and lime-water, 
given in such quantities as can be retained. In the case 
of older children much care is often necessary. When a 
disposition to sickness has been excited, the stomach will 
only bear small quantities of food at a time—very much 
smaller than are commonly given ; while warm food is some- 
times much better tolerated than cold. Small pieces of ice 
placed on the tongue tend to allay vomiting, and are usually 
very grateful to the little patient. After vomiting, it is bet- 
ter to make no attempt for an hour or two to give any kind 
of food or drink. After some rest, a teaspoonful of cold 
water may be given, and followed in ten or fifteen minutes 
by a very little cold milk and water, or whatever else may be 
suitable. Another point of considerable importance during 
sickness, is to avoid moving the child hastily or roughly in 
giving it food, or raising it more than is absolutely neces- 
sary out of the lying posture. 
After the child is a week or two old, during favorable 
weather, abundance of pure, open air and sunlight will im- 
prove the tone of the digestive organs. Even as soon 724 
CHRONIC VOMITING. 
as the infant is or two weeks old, it may be taken 
out of doors. Strict cleanliness is necessary, and the whole 
body should be sponged at least once a day in cold or 
tepid water. The child should be warmly clad, the feet 
especially being kept warm. 
CHRONIC VOMITING. 
Symptoms—Chronic vomiting generally comes on 
slowly and without fever, differing in these respects from 
common, simple vomiting, which is accompanied by heat 
of skin, thirst and a loaded tongue. At first the child 
vomits, at irregular intervals, curdled milk of a strong, 
sour smell, showing by its yellow or green tinge the pres- 
ence of bile. After a time the matters vomited look like 
clear water mixed with food. The belly is full, hard and 
tender; sour or fetid eructations occur, and the bowels 
are obstinately constipated. The child grows thin, pale 
and fretful. Occasionally diarrhea intervenes, then leaves 
the bowels as obstinate as ever; the stools being passed 
with great difficulty, and consisting of light-colored, hard, 
round lumps, covered with tough mucus. The tongue is 
now coated with dirty-yellow fur and dry ; the breath smells 
sour ; the lips are red and lack moisture ; the mouth is clam- 
my and parched, and the lips appear to project. 
This condition may continue for weeks or even months, 
slowly passing into the next stage, when vomiting occurs 
much more frequently, and is occasioned by the slightest 
movement. The milk is rejected uncurdled; emaciation 
progresses rapidly, the skin becomes harsh, dry and flac- CAUSES, ETC. 
725 
cid, the features pointed, and the knees are drawn up on 
the abdomen. 
The temparature sinks very low, the child lies with 
the eyes half-closed in a semi-stupor; thrush appears, and 
the worn-out sufferer sinks to rest. 
Causes—Too early weaning; the premature use of 
starchy kinds of food; and other conditions enumerated 
under “Chronic Diarrhea.” 
Treatment—Due care should be at once taken that 
the child is properly clothed and fed. The clothing should 
be sufficient to secure comfortable warmth. If it has 
been prematurely weaned and it is impossible to procure a 
suitable wet nurse, the child should have sugar-of-milk 
food, equal parts of fresh cow’s milk and water; or fresh 
whey and cream (one tablespoonful of cream, two of whey 
and two of hot Avater). In obstinate vomiting, the food 
should be given cold or cool. Much injury often results 
from careless nurses giving food too hot. The body of 
the child should be sponged twice a day with tepid water, 
and afterwards rubbed with olive-oil. The greatest clean- 
liness should be observed, and all vomited matters or 
soiled clothes removed immediately. 
In case of extreme prostration, cold beef-tea may be 
given in small quantities, frequently repeated. For this 
purpose the beef-tea may be prepared as follows: To a 
pint of cold water add a pinch of salt and one drop of 
muriatic acid; cut up fine eight or ten ounces of lean beef, 
and stir among the liquid. In an hour strain with gentle 
pressure through a fine cloth or hair-sieve. For children 
over twelve months old, the whites of one or two eggs 
may be thoroughly mixed with the liquor. 726 
RED-GUM, TOOTH-RASH. 
RED-GUM, TOOTH-RASH (Strophulus). 
Varieties—Strophulus may be red or white. Red- 
gum begins as red blotches, each slightly elevated in the 
center: the redness soon fades, and the central elevation 
enlarges and forms a flattened pimple. They occur on 
the face, neck, arms and may even extend over the whole 
body. White-gum consists of pearly, white, opaque pim- 
ples, smaller than the preceding—about the size of a pin’s 
head, usually on the face and arms. 
Cause—The appearance of this disease, as of nettle- 
rash, on the body of an infant is certain evidence of un- 
suitable diet, and of derangement of the digestive func- 
tions. It is also most frequent in children who are kept 
too much in hot rooms, and excluded from the fresh air. 
Remedies—1. Little or no medical treatment is 
required for this disease, which usually occurs a few days 
after birth. Should any seem necessary, the child may 
be given a weak infusion or tea of camomile, a half or a 
teaspoonful every three or four hours, until the difficulty 
is removed. 
2. Another simple and effective remedy is spearmint- 
tea ; a lump of baking-soda of the size of a common bean 
should be dissolved in a teacupful of it. Give a teaspoon- 
ful three or four times a day. 
Accessory Treatment—The regulation of the diet; 
abundance of fresh air; clothing sufficient to protect the 
body from cold, and at the same time permit of the free 
access of air to the skin; and daily use of the bath. 
Favorable hygienic conditions are necessary in every case, 
or medicine will prove inefficient. An argument in favor 
of these measures may be adduced from the fact that, 
since they have been more generally adopted, and children 
kept less artificially heated and more freely exposed to THRUSH. 
727 
fresh air, cases of strophulus and of nettle-rash have largely 
disappeared. 
THRUSH—SORE MOUTH (Aphthae). 
Causes—Unhealthy character of or insufficient breast- 
milk, unsuitable quality or quantity of food given to in- 
fants fed with the bottle or spoon, neglect of general 
cleanliness, bad drainage, etc. A scrofulous constitution 
may operate as a predisposing cause. The disease also oc- 
curs during the course of measles, typhoid fever and con- 
sumption ; it is then generally indicative of an early 
fatal termination. 
Symptoms—There is generally some fever; the 
child is fretful, often refuses the breast on account of pain 
experienced in sucking; there are usually vomiting and a 
thin, watery diarrhea, caused by deranged intestinal secre- 
tions. The local symptoms consist of innumerable white 
specks, like little bits of curd, which are sometimes so 
connected as to form a continuous, dirty, diphtheria- 
like covering over the tongue, gums, palate and inside 
of the cheeks and lips. In severe cases “cankers” line 
the whole interior of the mouth, and extend even to the 
throat and down the gullet. 
Remedies—Borax has a specific power over this 
affection, and will alone cure it if limited to the mouth. 
The mouth may also be washed with a weak solution of 
borax (one-half a teaspoonful to four tablespoonfuls of 
water) in which three or four drops of strong carbolic 
acid are mixed, by means of a soft brush. Or borax and 728 
THRUSH. 
glycerine may be used, half a drachm of the former to 
one ounce of the latter. The infant will swallow suffi- 
cient for a dose each time the solution is used. 
In using the borax alone, dissolve a piece as large 
as a pea in a teacupful„of .water ; wash the mouth three 
times a day with this solution, by means of a soft brush. 
Before using the lotion the mouth should be well cleansed 
with a piece of linen rag squeezed out of warm water; 
or powdered lump-sugar and borax, put dry in the 
mouth, is an excellent remedy; also, a tea of the berries 
of the sumach is considered good in this disease. 
The golden seal, used in the form of a decoction or 
tea, sweetened with honey, often answers a good purpose 
to wash or gargle the mouth, and frequently effects a 
cure. 
Also, a piece of alum, the size of a bean, dissolved 
in a half-teacupful of soft water and applied three or 
four times a day, is a useful and often effective remedy, 
especially in the milder forms of the disease. 
The blue-cohosh root, made into a decoction with 
golden seal and sweetened with honey, is highly spoken 
of by eminent physicians as a superior preparation for 
thrush. It should be applied to the ulcerated parts by 
means of soft lint moistened with the liquid. 
Says a physician, “Among the vegetable produc- 
tions of our country perhaps none excels the wild turnip, 
finely pulverized and rubbed into a paste with a little 
honey, which should be placed in small quantities on the 
infant’s tongue, and often repeated, to have it spread 
through the mouth.” 
The remedies given under “Canker-Sore Mouth”— 
which see—are applicable to this disease. 
Accessory Treatment—A point of first considera- 
tion is suitable diet. If thrush be distinctly traceable to. MILK-CRUST. 
729 
any disease in the mother which cannot be quickly cured, 
the infant should be at once provided with a wet nurse, 
or weaned and fed with sugar-of-m.Uk or cow’s milk 
diluted with water. 
Prevention—Every variety of starch-food is unsuit- 
able for an infant, and no food but breast-milk, sugar- 
of-milk or cow’s-milk diluted should be used. Cane- 
.sugar, which speedily ferments and is favorable to the 
development of the disease, is not to be allowed. Strict 
cleanliness is particularly necessary. After each meal 
the mouth should be washed, to prevent the accumulation 
of milk about the gums. This simple measure will often 
prevent the appearance of thrush. In like manner, the 
mother’s nipple should be cleansed each time after giving 
it to the infant. Well ventilated rooms and abundance 
of out-of-door air, every day, in suitable weather, will 
prove of extreme value, rendering the secretions more 
healthy and raising the tone of the general system. 
MILK-CRUST (Eczema). 
This is an inflammation of the skin, characterized by 
more or less superficial redness and closely packed vesi- 
cles, not larger than a pin’s head; these run together, 
hurst and exude a starch-like fluid, which dries up and 
forms thin, yellow crusts. The. discharge has the pro- 
perty, when dried, of stiffening linen, which distinguishes 
it from other skin diseases. 
Causes—Hereditary tendency; the sun’s rays ; heat; 
cold ; stockings dyed with analine ; improper food ; fric- 730 
MILK-CRUST. 
tion; irritation of clothes wet with urine; the local ap- 
plication of sugar, lime, coarse soap, soda or Croton-oil; 
poor health of the mother during nursing. It is also 
caused by her irregular and improper diet during the same 
time. When it occurs in early infancy, the navel is gen- 
erally its tirst site. 
Symptoms—The little patient is usually pale, thin, 
pasty-looking, feverish and has an indifferent appetite. 
This disease generally appears on the scalp, behind the 
ears, on the face, the fore-arms and the legs. Indeed, 
it affects all parts, but especially the scalp, ears, armpits 
and flexures of the joints. If the eruption be extensive, 
the constitutional symptoms—feverishness, wasting, etc.— 
will be more marked. In mild cases, the disease may be 
recognized by the skin feeling thick when raised between 
the thumb and finger. 
Pure, soft water is an agent of great value, and in 
many cases the only remedy needed. Hard water is irri- 
tating, and when rain-water cannot be obtained, it may 
be softened by boiling and the addition of bran, flour or 
other mucilaginous matters, which further abstract the 
lime-salts. The washing should be done so as not to 
spread the irritating discharge over unaffected surfaces, 
and afterwards well dried by pressure with a soft cloth, 
not by rubbing; petroleum-soap or transparent soap is 
recommended to be used in washing, taking care that in 
all scalp-diseases the hair should be kept cut very short 
all the time; remembering, too, that all poultices other 
than pure water keep the parts more filthy and retard 
recovery, and that all washes in the nature of astrin- 
gents, even although as simple as alum-water, oak-bark and 
common tea, tend directly to cause water on the brain, or 
some other internal ailment quite as fatal. 
Great cleanliness is requisite. General baths and COLD IX THE HEAD. 
731 
friction to promote the healthy action of the skin are of 
great service. The water used should be soft, hard water 
being irritating. Care should be taken not to spread the 
disease in washing. Vegetables, especially such as are 
eaten uncooked—lettuce, celery, water-cress, etc.—may 
be freely taken. Cod-liver oil is particularly recom- 
mended—half a teaspoonful or a teaspoonful twice daily 
after food. 
The diet should be wholesome and nutritive, avoiding 
salted meats and fish. 
COLD IN THE HEAD—SNUFFLES (Coryza). 
Causes—Exposure to draughts and cold, sudden 
changes of temperature, wet feet, inherited syphilis (in 
infants). 
Symptoms—Cold in the head usually comes on with 
slight shiverings, pain or a feeling of weight in the head, 
redness or itching of the eyes, obstruction of one or both 
nostrils. 
Treatment—In the very early stage camphor 
should be administered. To infants it may be given by 
inhalation. A drop or two of the tincture should be put 
into a teaspoon and held near to the nostrils for a min- 
ute or longer, and repeated every twenty minutes for 
three or four times. To older children it may be given 
on sugar. 
Snuffles in childran may generally be removed by 
rubbing the nose and forehead with some warm sweet oil, 732 
COLD IN THE HEAD. 
or by placing upon these parts cloths kept wet with warm 
water. 
In severe cases add five drops of spirits of cam- 
phor to one teaspoonful of sweet oil, and, after cleansing 
the nostrils with tepid water, rub the surface of the nose 
with this camphorated oil. The application of glycerine 
is also recommended for the same purpose. 
Accessory Treatment—The child should remain 
in a room the atmosphere of which is of a comfortable, 
uniform temperature. A warm bath, in severe cases, 
should be given on going to bed, and the child well 
wrapped in an extra blanket, so as to favor the free ac- 
tion of the skin ; this is still further promoted by drinking 
freely of cold water during and after the bath. In the 
case of infants their noses should be .frequently smeared 
with simple cerate, cold cream or tallow, to prevent the 
discharge from forming into hard crusts. In chronic, 
obstinate cases the interior of the nostrils may be syr- 
inged with a weak solution of carbolic acid. If suckling 
be difficult or impossible, the milk should be drawn and 
the infant fed with it by means of a spoon until the 
complaint is modified. 
Prevention—Children should be exposed to the 
open air daily, which tends to strengthen the body to re- 
sist atmospheric changes. They should be properly clothed, 
especially the lower limbs and abdomen. Lastly, infants 
should be taught, by laying them on their side, to use 
the nostrils for breathing in sleep instead of the mouth. 
This cannot be done too early, for the habit is difficult 
of acquirement if neglected till adult life. CRYING. 
733 
CRYING. 
Significance of Crying—The crying of an in- 
fant is expressive, and varies much in character. In 
brain-affections it is sharp, short and sudden. In dis- 
eases of the abdomen, exciting pain, it is prolonged. In 
inherited syphilis it is high-pitched and hoarse. In in- 
flammatory diseases of the larynx, it is hoarse, and may 
be whispering. In inflammatory diseases of the chest 
and in severe rickets, the child is usually quiet and un- 
willing to cry, on account of the action interfering with 
the respiratory functions. 
Causes—In many instances infantile crying and fret- 
fulness depend upon some mechanical cause—tight or 
creased clothing, wet napkins, the prick or scratch of a 
pin, improper or excessive feeding, etc. Crying is also 
the language by which its wants are expressed ; but it is 
a mistake to suppose that the child should be presented 
to the breast, or that it is hungry merely because it cries. 
The time that has elapsed since the previous nursing will 
determine the necessity or otherwise for feeding the child. 
Crying, however, is often due to colic, wind or other symp- 
toms of indigestion, in hand-fed children or in infants 
suckled by unsuitable wet nurses. For the proper investiga- 
tion of the cause of crying, the infant should be fully un- 
dressed in a room of a comfortable temperature. By 
this method the form and movements of the chest and 
abdomen; the state of the skin, whether hot or cool, 
moist or dry; the presence or absence of any eruption, 
and any other peculiarity present, may then be easily 
detected. 
Treatment—Hot flannel applied to the abdomen, 
or rubbing with the warmed hand ; placing the child on 
the knee with the stomach downwards and patting the 734 
DIRECTIONS FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF INFANTS. 
back gently, will often prove soothing. A warm bath is. 
sometimes very beneficial. 
GENERAL DIRECTIONS FOR THE MANAGE- 
MENT OF INFANTS. 
Before concluding we think it necessary to offer some 
general instructions on the mangement of early infancy, 
touching on points which may appear to be of only minor 
importance, but which have a most important bearing on 
the prevention of infantile disease and mortality. 
This is a subject that seldom receives the attention or 
merits. Through criminal ignorance or neglect of the laws 
of health pointed out in these volumes, three-fourths of the 
children in nearly every family are either more or less dis- 
eased, in some way, before they arrive at years of matur- 
ity, or are in their graves. 
The Newly Born Infant—In all those cases 
where an infant be born before the doctor’s arrival, it 
should receive the attentions pointed out in the article 
entitled “ How to Act in the Absence of a Medical Man.” 
If the child is healthy and strong, it will cry vigorously; 
for the transition from a condition of unconscious repose, 
in a bland fluid at a temperature of 98 ° Fahr., to the 
contact of rough clothes and a comparatively cold tem- 
perature, cannot be agreeable. The act of crying helps to 
All the lungs with air, and thus the functions of breathing 
and pulmonary circulation become established. 
The First Washing—As soon as breathing has fairly COVERING THE FACE. 
735 
commenced and the navel-string been tied, the infant 
should be enveloped in soft, warmed flannel, and, everything 
being ready beforehand, immediately washed, and as quickly 
as possible. Immediately, for the skin requires cleansing 
from the tenacious fluid which adheres to it at birth, 
in order that healthy transpiration may be established. 
A new-born child is often allowed to remain a Ions; time 
before it is washed, and even then it is not always washed 
quickly and skilfully, so that it shivers, and its skin be- 
comes blue before it is placed by its mother’s side. 
Before commencing the process of washing, the eyes 
should be carefully wiped with a piece of moist, soft 
linen ; then the rest of the body should be cleansed by 
means of a fine sponge, with warm water and a little soap, 
and carefully dried with a soft, warmed towel. If the 
coating-matter be considerable or very adhesive, a little 
fresh lard rubbed upon the skin previously to the appli- 
cation of the soap and water will render its entire removal 
an easy operation. As soon as the cleansing is completed, 
a little violet powder—finely powdered, scented starch— 
may be dusted lightly on the surface, especially in the 
creases of the joints. 
Covering the Face—The practice of covering the 
face, and particularly the mouth of the infant, immedi- 
ately after birth or at any other time, is very injurious, 
and no mother or nurse should be guilty of it. The child 
needs fresh air to breathe, as well as a grown person. 
Presenting the Infant to the Breast—As soon 
as the mother has somewhat recovered from the exhaustion 
of labor, the infant should be put to the breast. The ap- 
plication of the child to the maternal font at once often 
prevents or much diminishes the disturbances incident to 
the coming of the milk; it also tends to appease the wants 
of the infant, and enables it better to grasp the nipple 736 
DIRECTIONS FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF INFANTS. 
than when the breast is over-distended or hard with the 
milk; further, by its favoring contraction of the womb 
of the mother, the probability of secondary uterine hem- 
orrhage, and also the chance of what is called “Milk- 
Fever,” will be much lessened. 
Immediately after being dressed, the infant should be 
laid in its mother’s bosom and not, as is too often the 
case, placed by itself in a cradle, where it is in danger of 
being too cold. As a general rule, for the first few days 
it should sleep in the same bed with its mother, especially 
during cold weather: afterwards it should sleep in a cradle 
or cot. 
Milk in the Breasts the First Day—It is affirmed 
by some nurses that until the third day after labor the 
breasts contain no milk, and that a substitute—gruel or 
some other farinaceous preparation—is necessary. In the 
great majority of cases, milk, sufficient for all the require- 
ments of the infant, is present on the first day, and the 
only thing necessary to be done is to apply the child’s 
mouth to the nipple. Should there be no milk at the mo 
ment, the suction of the infant, which is the natural mam- 
mary stimulant, will hasten the secretion; while, as we 
have elsewhere stated, the suction promotes the necssary 
uterine contractions which are favorable to the mother. 
If, after repeated attempts, in eight or nine hours there 
be no breast-milk drawn, the child may have, until the 
secretion be fairly established, cow’s milk diluted with 
warm water (two-thirds milk to one-third warm water), 
with the addition of sugar. The milk should not be 
boiled, nor should the water added to it be too hot, for 
in either case the albumen is liable to be coagulated, and 
the milk rendered less digestible. The administration of 
any kind of farinaceous food, sugar, butter or gin to the OPEN-AIR EXERCISE. 
737 
new-born infant is not only unnecessary, but is likely to 
prove of incalculable mischief. 
Open-Air Exercise—Children require fresh air and 
sunlight as much as plants and flowers do ; and as the 
latter are colorless and imperfect if excluded from direct 
sunshine, so children who live in places where light does 
not abundantly enter are pale and feeble. In fine weather, 
an infant over a month old should be taken out at least 
twice a day; the only precaution necessary being that it 
should be sufficiently clothed. In warm, sunny weather, 
the more it is in the open air the better, if care be ob- 
served to protect the head from the hot sun. In short, 
a child should almost live out of doors during suitable 
weather. Plenty of exercise in the open air is necessary 
for the healthy development of the limbs and body gen- 
erally. Suitable athletic games and exercises should form 
a part of the early education of all children, and these 
games and exercises should take place in the open air, 
except during inclement weather, when they may be carried 
out in spacious, well ventilated rooms. 
Food—No point is of higher importance in the rear- 
ing of children than the proper management of their 
meals and meal-hours. Errors in feeding probably rank 
first among causes of infantile disease and death. 
Breast-Milk—The mother’s milk is the sustenance 
provided by nature for the infant, and as yielded by 
healthy mothers is superior to all artificial substitutes ; and 
suckling is the best method of feeding. 
No Additions—When the mother enjoys good health 
and has a sufficient quantity of milk, an infant requires 
and should have no other food but breast-milk until from 
the sixth to the ninth month. Even during the first day 
or two, the breast usually furnishes sufficient nourishment. 
The too common practice of giving butter and sugar, gruel 738 
DIRECTIONS FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF INFANTS. 
and various other articles to a new-born babe should he 
strictly interdicted as an uncalled-for act of cruelty. 
Should the formation of milk be unusually long delayed, 
a little new cow’s milk (unboiled), diluted with an equal 
quantity of warm water, with the addition of a little 
white sugar, may be given until the function of the breast 
becomes established. For the first five or six weeks the 
infant should be applied to the breast at regular intervals 
of two hours and a half during the day, and at longer 
intervals, if possible, during the night; but after the first 
two or three weeks it should be accustomed to remain 
without food from about 11 p. m. to 2 or three a. m. 
It is important, too, that the infant should suck from 
each breast alternately. Regular habits of feeding may 
be soon acquired; and it is a great mistake, and the 
cause of wind, colic and other disorders, to give the in- 
fant the breast whenever it cries, or to let it be always 
sucking. 
Diet for Nursing-Mothers—A nursing-mother or 
wet nurse does not require an extra or a rich diet, but 
discrimination in the selection of her food. To overload 
the stomach or to eat indigestible articles, would occasion 
digestive derangements, to the injury of the infant as well 
as herself. The meal-hours should be regular, and late 
meals avoided. The thirst to which nursing mothers are 
liable is best appeased by milk and water, barley-water, 
toast and water and similar beverages. 
A person of full, robust habit will require less nutri- 
ment, while a delicate person, of languid circulation, will 
need more animal food, milk, etc. 
“ It is necessary for a nurse who has a tendency to 
flatulency, or wind to avoid food apt to induce that 
ailment, not only on her own account, but that of her 
charge ; for this and other disordered functions tell upon REGIMEN OF WET NURSE. 
739 
an infant immediately, through the medium of the milk. 
Where a nurse is actually affected by flatulency, her taking 
a little powdered ginger or soda makes her milk agree better 
with the digestive powers of the child. 
“A mother who is also a nurse has a double-claim 
upon her and a double-motive to stimulate her in the 
observance of the laws which govern health. The im- 
mediate welfare of herself is indissolubly united with that 
of her child; every transgression on her part inflicts suf- 
fering on her infant, who is the helpless victim of her 
errors. And not only so : unhealthy, ailing children, bring 
great afflictions upon a family. In the case of affluent 
persons, they bring disappointed hopes, wounded pride 
and sorrowing affections. A father is naturally disposed 
to regard his offspring with pride, exultation and hope ; 
but can he do this when he sees ailing, fretful beings, in- 
capable of enjoying or benefiting by the advantages which 
his abundance and affection procure? In the case of poor 
people, the sorrowing affections are aggravated by the 
expense, the household discomfort entailed by illness, and 
the prospect of the sickly creatures around them being 
hereafter incapable of earning their maintenance at all, or 
of doing so under the pressure of bodily and mental 
suffering. The faults of the mother may inflict these dis- 
appointments and difficulties upon the father. Her respon- 
sibilities are therefore great and numerous.”—[Scudder. 
Regimen of Wet Nurse—The regimen and diet of 
a wet nurse should as nearly as possible resemble those 
she has been previously accustomed to. A woman of ac- 
tive duties and frugal diet is certain to suffer in her 
health if she suddenly relapses into a life of in-door 
idleness, and takes a too abundant supply of food and 
such beverages as ale or stout. A wet nurse taken from 
industrial pursuits should continue to perform at least 740 
DIRECTIONS FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF INFANTS. 
light duties, or take a large amount of regular, open-air 
exercise. The use of stimulants is injurious, and if taken 
to cause a good supply of milk, may result in disap- 
pointment cr debility, and bring on a host of evils from 
which the infant cannot escape. 
Should a nursing-mother or wet nurse begin to suffer 
from headache, dim sight, dizziness, shortness of breath, 
palpitation or night-sweats, it is evident that nursing ex- 
hausts her and should be discontinued. 
The diet of infants being of great moment to their 
well-being, we shall devote the following additional re- 
o7 o 
marks to the further consideration of the subject: 
Food for tlie First Six Months—Diet 1. We com- 
mence by stating emphatically that children who enjoy 
their inalienable right to maternal breast-milk, assuming 
this to be suitable in quality and sufficient in quantity, 
require no other food. The infant should be applied to 
the breast every two hours and a half during the day 
for about the first six weeks: afterwards only once in 
every three hours. But it should not be awakened 
from sleep to be fed. After about the first month it will 
not be necessary to give the breast at all between the 
hours of 11 p. m. and 2 or 3 a. m. The early com- 
mencement of this arrangement is very important, as it 
affords the opportunity for that regular, undisturbed re- 
pose, which contributes much to the well-being of both 
mother and child. 
Diet 2. For children brought up by hand, cow’s 
milk diluted with water, with the addition of sugar-of- 
milk, is the best substitute for breast-milk. One ounce 
of sugar-of-milk dissolved in three-quarters of a pint of 
boiling water, and mixed, as wanted, with an equal quan- 
tity of good, new cow’s milk, should be given from the DIET 
741 
feeding-bottle at the same intervals as recommended for 
maternal nursing. As soon as the meal is over, the tube 
should be removed from the child’s mouth. It should 
not be allowed to fall asleep with it in its mouth. The 
bottle and teat should be thoroughly washed after each 
meal, and the former always kept in a basin of cold 
water when not in use. A sweet feeding-bottle is of great 
importance. It is well to have two bottles, so that one 
can be cleansed while the other is in use. Neglect 
of scrupulous attention to the feeding-bottle is a frequent 
cause of indigestion and other disease. 
Diet 3. If, from poverty or scantiness of the breast- 
milk, a combination of nursing and feeding is necessary, 
the breast should be given twice a day. For the other 
meals the child should be fed on the diluted sugar-of-milk 
and unskimmed cow’s milk, as prescribed in the previous 
paragraph ; or the artificial diet may consist of new cow’s 
milk diluted with about one-third of warm water, so as to 
bring the temperature to that of breast-milk. This diet 
is infinitely preferable to any variety of starch-food and to 
the ill-selected additions to maternal milk often supplied at 
the fifth or sixth month. 
If the child does not thrive on this diet, he may, after 
three or four months, have milk in which a small quan- 
tity of gelatine and arrow-root have been boiled. 
Starch-Food Unsuitable—Starch is not necessary 
to the infant, for breast-milk contains none. Starch re- 
quires, before it can be digested and absorbed, to be con- 
verted into a soluble substance called dextrine, which can 
only be effected by the starch being ground up and mixed 
with saliva. But as the child has now no teeth, and much 
of the saliva dribbles away, starch-food passes into the 
stomach unmixed with its natural solvent, and therefore is 
insoluble and indigestible. It is easy then to understand 742 
STILL-BORN INFANTS. 
how an insoluble mass of boiled bread, gruel, arrow-root, 
baked flour, rice, biscuits, rusks or any other starch-food, 
passing through the stomach and scraping and scratching 
along the delicate, sensitive bowels, might readily produce 
all the ills to which infantile flesh is heir. 
Dr. Ellis says, “Among the most pernicious kinds of 
nourishment for a young infant, may be named those mis- 
erable compounds of flour and milk, cracker or bread and 
water, or oatmeal and water, which are fed to children 
under the names of pap, panada and water-gruel. The 
powers of the infant’s stomach are inadequate to digest 
properly these substances. 
“Let the infant’s stomach be once or twice filled dur- 
ing the twenty-four hours with gruel, or any of the ordin- 
ary preparations prepared by nurses for this purpose, and 
the chances will probably be as ten to one that acidity, 
vomiting, colic, griping and jaundice will supervene.” 
STILL-BORN INFANTS. 
Children are sometimes born apparently dead, and if 
means are not quickly adopted this condition may pass into 
one of real and permanent death. But so long as the heart 
continues to beat, even but feebly, there is a probability 
that well-directed efforts will be successful in exciting 
breathing. 
Ilules for the Treatment of the Still-Born— 
1. The first object is to clear the throat and nostrils of 
mucus. TREATMENT. 
743 
This is best done by the prone position, pressure along 
the back, etc. 
By seizing it, as it appears, by a piece of soft linen. 
2. The second object is to imitate Nature, and excite 
respiration ; 
The alternate hot and cold douche, or 
The alternate hot and cold bath, or 
Excitants applied to the skin, are the most effectual 
measures. 
3. The third, the all-important measure is, to imitate 
respiration by 
Alternate rotation, and pronation with pressure ; 
4. Next follows friction along the limbs upwards with 
flannel; 
5. The continuous warm bath, as distinguished from 
the sudden alternate hot and cold baths, is to be carefully 
avoided, as causing loss of time and the neglect of all- 
important remedies. 
Spirit and water applied externally to the chest may 
be used with advantage ; the inhalation of ammonia, as of- 
ten employed, is a questionable and rather dangerous pro- 
ceeding. The practitioner in attendance would, of course, 
use his own judgment on a point of this kind. Non-medi- 
cal readers are warned against the practice of holding 
smelling-salts (ammonia) too assiduously to the nostrils of 
any person insensible, or recovering from that state, as 
much mischief may be done; if used at all, the bottle 
should be from time to time passed backwards and forwards 
in front of the nostrils, increasing considerably the distance 
at which the bottle is held in the case of a young child. 
Taylor, in his work on Medical Jurisprudence, says, 
“ The vapor of strong ammonia is poisonous. It may de- 
stroy life by producing violent inflammation of the larynx, 
or by causing pneumonia. It is often injudiciously em- 
ploved to rouse persons from a fit. A case is on record 744 
STILL-BORN INFANTS. 
of an epileptic having died under all the symptoms of 
croup two days after the application of strong ammonia 
in this way to the nostrils.” 
Causes—Constitutional feebleness, so that the effort 
necessary to commence breathing cannot be made; ob- 
structed circulation during labor by pressure or twisting 
of the navel-string; too long-continued compression of the 
head ; tenacious mucus in the mouth and throat, preventing 
the entrance of air, etc. 
Treatment—The first efforts to promote breathing 
are to be made before the navel-string is di vided. Obstruc- 
tive mucus should be carefully wiped away from the 
mouth and throat, and the general surface exposed to cold 
air ; an attempt should then be made to excite the func- 
tion of breathing by blowing in the infant’s face, sprink- 
ling: cold water with some little force on the face or 
chest, or alternately cold and hot, and by giving several 
smart blows with the hand, or with the corner of a towel 
wetted with cold water, on the hips, back and chest. 
The back and limbs should be well rubbed, while the face 
is freely exposed to the air. 
The following is another capital method of exciting 
breathing: Close the infant’s nostrils by the finger and 
thumb, press the windpipe gently backwards, and then 
blow into the mouth, so as to drive the air into the lungs; 
afterwards press the ribs together, so that the lungs may 
expel the air. This process should take place about fif- 
teen times in one minute, and if persevered in is most 
likely to be successful in a short time. Meanwhile the 
body should lie on a flat surface, and be well rubbed with 
warm flannels, and the head not suffered during these 
efforts to fall on the chest. 
If these means are not successful, and pulsation has 
ceased in the navel-string, it should be divided as before DISORDERS OF TEETHING. 
745 
directed, and the infant plunged into a warm bath, 98° 
Fahr., or what is agreeable to the back of the hand. If 
the sudden plunge does not excite breathing, it will be no 
use keeping the infant in the bath beyond a minute or 
two, and Dr. Marshall Hall’s ready method may then be 
tried as follows: 
“ Place the infant on its face ; turn the body gently,, 
but completely, on the side and a little beyond, and then 
on the face, alternately; repeating these measures delib- 
erately, efficiently and perseveringly, fifteen times in the 
minute only,” 1 
DISORDERS OF TEETHING, OR DENTITION. 
To enable our readers to recognize the disorders of 
teething (in itself a natural process), we shall briefly 
sketch the progress of healthy teething. There are two 
sets of teeth : the first—the milk-teeth—appears during 
the first two years of life, and falls out about the 
seventh or eighth year. As the first set falls out it is 
replaced by the permanent, which is not completed till 
adult life. 
The milk-teeth generally appear in the following order r 
About the sixth month the two middle incisors of the 
lower jaw, followed in a few weeks by the corresponding 
incisors of the upper jaw; next appear the two outside 
incisors of the lower jaw; and soon after those of the 
upper; after another interval of perhaps about two 
months, the first four molars, then the eye-teeth, and 
lastly four other molars, completing, by about the second 746 
DISORDERS OF TEETHING. 
year, the teeth of the first set. Should there be any 
little deviation from this order, or should dentition 
be a little prolonged, no great importance need be at- 
tached to it. 
Causes—These are irregular feeding; excessive feed- 
ing; improper quality of food. Disordered teething often 
occurs with a change of diet from the mother’s milk to 
various articles which are unsuited to the age of the child. 
Other causes are—keeping the head too hot; too little 
out-of-door air, etc. By such means, the nervous system 
is disturbed, the stomach is disordered, and restlessness, 
•crying, colic and even convulsions follow. Inflammatory 
affections of the gums, or disproportion between the jaw 
and the number and form of the teeth, are also causes 
of suffering. Frequently, these causes may be avoided, 
and the sufferings of teething reduced very much, even in 
scrofulous constitutions. 
Not a few cases of disordered teething are referable 
to the mother. Worry, fits of anger, overheating, fatigue, 
etc., may so poison the blood of the mother that, unless 
the milk be first withdrawn and nursing suspended until 
physical and mental calm be restored, convulsions, fever, 
diarrhea or even sudden death may result. 
Symptoms—Cough, with wheezing breathing; rest- 
lessness, starting as if in fright, or interrupted sleep; 
sudden occurrence of febrile symptoms; hot, swollen or 
tender gums, and increased flow of saliva; various erup- 
tions on the head or body; derangement of the diges- 
tive organs—sickness, diarrhea or constipation ; and some- 
times spasms and convulsions. Diarrhea and other symp- 
toms of indigestion are most frequent in the summer and 
autumn, and when, therefore, children are most exposed 
to sudden changes. ACCESSORY TREATMENT. 
747 
To Regulate the Bowels of Teething Children 
—Take, of 
Turkey-rhubarb 2 teaspoonfuls. 
Spearmint 2 “ 
Baking soda 2 “ 
Pulverize the rhubarb and the spearmint, and mix all 
together. To a teaspoonful of this mixture, add one tea- 
cupful of boiling water; strain. Dose, one teaspoonful, 
night and morning. This is one of the best preparations 
in use, for regulating the bowels of teething children, 
and has been the means of saving the lives of many in- 
fants. 
Dancing the Gums—Medical authors unite in the 
important policy of lancing the gums in many cases of 
teething. If the teeth do not come through in two or 
three days after the operation, the lancing should be re- 
peated. It can be performed with a sharp pen-knife, if a 
lancet is not at hand. Discontinue the injurious habit of al- 
lowing a child to bite on a hard substance while teething, 
or rubbing the gums with a hard substance, for it bruises 
and makes them very painful and sore. When the gum 
is ready for lancing, that is, when it presents a whitish 
appearance on the top and the point of the tooth is visi- 
ble through the gum, take a piece of metal, sufficient to 
cover the top of the tooth—the handle of a knife will do— 
and press upon the gum, causing the tooth underneath to 
cut through. Some recommend this in place of lancing. If 
your child is healthy, it is not often necessary to lance 
the gums during teething, and when it is so, it may be 
only for the larger teeth. A child may use rubber-rings 
to bite on, but recollect always to wash them clean, and 
then let them stand over night and soak in pure water. 
Accessory Treatment—Regularity in the times of 
feeding and sleep; correction of any habits in the mother 748 
DISORDERS OF TEETHING. 
which may affect the child unfavorably; restriction to suit- 
able quantities of food at one time. Keeping the head 
cool and the feet warm, washing the child daily, using 
much friction with dry flannel, and allowing it to be much 
in the open air, tend to prevent determination of blood 
to the head. Purgatives are to be strictly avoided. Cos- 
tiveness in children is generally due to errors in diet; if 
obstinate, or if worms are present, injections of water may 
be used. 
Beef-Tea is often useful in disorders in children, es- 
pecially after weaning, when they have arrived at the age 
of twelve or eighteen months. It may be made in the fol- 
lowing way: Put half a pound (or a pound, according 
to the strength required) of rump-steak, cut up into small 
pieces, into a covered enameled saucepan with one pint 
of cold water. Let this stand in a cold or cool place for 
four or five hours, and then by the side of a fire till the 
temperature shall approach, but not reach the boiling 
point. It is then fit for use. 
The meat used should ba freshly slain, and divested be- 
forehand of all fat or gristle; otherwise a greasy taste is 
given to the beef-tea which cannot be afterwards removed 
by skimming. In rewarming beef-tea which has been left to 
cool, care must bo taken to warm it only up to the point 
at which it is to be served. On no account should it he 
allowed to boil. 
When children, from long use of it, become tired of 
beef-tea, it may be seasoned with some vegetable product— 
celery or celery-seeds, which should be strained off before 
using—when, possessing an entirely new flavor, it will gen- 
erally be eaten with zest. DECAY OF TEETII. 
749 
DECAY OF THE TEETH OF CHILDREN. 
The function of the teeth is so important that it is 
impossible to over-estimate the necessity of exercising due 
care in their management during the whole period of 
childhood. A good set of teeth is one of the best guar- 
antees a child can possess of good digestion and pro- 
longed health; and this blessing it is generally possible 
to attain by the exercise of early care. A large propor- 
tion of the patients who come under our observation, in- 
cluding persons of all ages, suffer from a more or less dete- 
riorated state of the teeth and gums. 
Causes—The early decay of the teeth is due, in a 
great measure, to preventable causes, the chief of which 
are the following: 
1. A Crowded State of the Teeth—In some chil- 
dren the jaws are so small or irregular that there is not 
sufficient room for proper development. The consequence 
is that they overlap, and, pressing against each other, 
damagre the enamel. Moreover, in this condition there is 
greater probability than in a normal condition that par- 
ticles of food will be retained in the mouth, producing 
decayed teeth. 
2. Insufficient Use of the Teeth—This is conse- 
quent on the kind of food taken, and on its preparation. 
The prevalent use of sops and of soft, new bread is pro- 
ductive of much evil. Nothing is more suitable for a child, 
with the incisors or front teeth cut, than a crust of stale 
bread, or a bone, on which to exercise and harden the 
teeth and gums. The result of insufficient use of the teeth 
is that the jaws are imperfectly developed, the gums be- 
come soft and spongy, the teeth grow irregularly, are 
easily loosened and drop out. For it is with the teeth as 
with all other organs and functions of the body, the less 750 
DECAY OF THE TEETH. 
they are employed for the purposes to which they are 
assigned, the more rapidly they become enfeebled and 
degenerate. Resistance gives strength. The resistance of 
tough food affords that healthy pressure which promotes 
circulation in the vessels, gives fixedness to the teeth, and 
necessitates the formation of that hard texture which wears 
well even when the enamel is gone. 
3. Constitutional Debility—Whatever enfeebles 
the general system enfeebles every part of it. If the stan- 
dard of health be lowered by disregard of hygienic meas- 
ures, or in any other manner, the teeth will suffer; they 
will decay for want of sufficient nutrition. 
Preventive Treatment—This may be inferred from 
the causes already mentioned. To prevent the crowding 
of the teeth, an experienced and skilful dentist should be 
consulted, who will remove superfluous teeth, selecting for 
extraction any that may be hopelessly decayed, or those 
which are most liable to early degeneracy, viz., the first 
permanent molars (double teeth). We have repeatedly 
advised this course, with the most satisfactory results. 
Personal appearance has been improved by the greater 
regularity of the teeth ; for the vacancies occasioned by 
removals have been quickly filled by the adjustment of the 
teeth to the vacant spaces. To prevent deterioration, we 
recommend a return to the primitive custom of eating 
whole-meal bread. It gives the healthy stimulus which 
the teeth and gums require ; it is more nutritious to the 
system; and it supplies in considerable quantity the silica 
and phosphates from which enamel and dentine are 
formed. We also advise parents to allow their children 
the vulgar gratification of nibbling a bone now and then. 
Sweets should only be allowed in moderation, for they 
injure the teeth; not, as is usually supposed, by direct 
chemical action, but by disturbing digestion and vitiating WEANING. 
751 
the secretions of the mouth. Very acid fruit acts both 
directly and indirectly upon the substance of the teeth; 
strong acids, some of the preparations of iron and hot 
drinks are also prejudicial. Cleanliness is essential to the 
prevention of decay. The bristles of the tooth-brush should 
be moderately soft and not too thickly set, and used at 
least once a day. Not only animal food, but particles of 
white bread originate degenerative changes, and should 
be removed. Tooth-powder is unnecessary except after 
the teeth have been neglected; it may then be required 
for a short time to remove carious incrustation. In 
any case the tooth-powder should not be harsh or 
medicated. Such as feels rough and gritty when 
rubbed between the thumb and finger should not be 
used, as it will scratch and injure the enamel. Brushing 
with simple water should be commenced directly the 
teeth appear, and nothing else is necessary in the case of 
children. 
WEANING. 
The proper period for weaning the child is gen- 
erally at the age of from twelve to fifteen months; but 
the time that the child is in good health and free from 
the irritation of teething should be chosen as the most 
appropriate, even if it is beyond fifteen months. Too hot 
weather or the prevalence of any intestinal epidemic may 
necessitate the deferment of weaning for a short time. If 
the mother is feeble and sickly, it is generally desirable 
to wean the infant when it is six months old, or even at 752 
WEANING. 
the end of the first or second month, if the mother pre- 
sents evidence of great suffering from lactation. 
The child should never be fed, except from the mother 
or nurse’s breast until it is at least six or eight months 
old, unless this natural fountain should be dry; and 
even then nothing but the milk of one cow should be 
given, unless a physician for some special purpose or oc- 
casion desires a substitute. People living in cities, how- 
ever, would do well to use condensed milk instead of the 
merchantable article, as the process of condensing is said 
to destroy those poisonous properties which are derived 
from the objectionable articles on which cows, in these 
localities, are so largely fed. As children get older, solid 
food may be substituted for milk; though, as a rule, young 
children should not be nourished too largely on animal diet. 
The first teething should at least be passed before this 
kind of food is allowed, as it produces irritability of the 
stomach, which is already much excited by the process of 
teething. 
“Until after the first dentition or teething is com- 
pleted,” remarks Dr. Condie, “ solid animal food, in our 
opinion, should form no portion of an infant’s diet; it is 
apt to increase the fever to which the system is already 
predisposed, and to augment that irritability of the digest- 
ive organs which is an almost invariable attendant to 
a greater or less extent upon the process of teeth- 
ing.” 
It sometimes happens that cow’s milk is slightly acid 
instead of alkaline, and this is apt to be the case where 
the cow has been milked for several months. It is 
well, therefore, especially in the case of weakly or 
sickly children, to test the milk which you give them, 
which may easily be done by means of blue litmus paper, 
obtainable at the drug-stores. Hold the end of a narrow PROCESS OF WEAXIXG. 
753 
strip of this paper in the fresh milk for a short time, 
and if it changes to a red color, the milk is acid and unfit 
for use. As a double-test, should it be desired, it may 
be stated that good milk will change red litmus paper to 
blue. Boiled milk is not as easily digested as that which 
is unboiled. It is better, if the child likes it, to feed it 
on milk directly from the cow. 
Process of Weaning—When weaning is decided 
upon, the mother should gradually diminish the allowance 
of the breast and increase the supply of suitable kinds of 
food. Too sudden weaning increases the risk of local 
mischief, and of a general derangement of her health. 
In some cases it is a good expedient for the mother either 
to send the child away, or leave it at home and to go 
away herself for a few days. As soon as the weaning 
is commenced, the mother should remain quiet for a little 
time, in order that the swollen breasts may not suffer 
from the motion of the arms or the pressure of the stays, 
and that the system may be free from excitement. She 
should take only light nourishment; refrain from food 
likely to induce thirst; drink as little as possible, and 
that of cold water; keep the breasts covered with some 
light, warm material, and avoid soups and other liquid 
kinds of food. 
Regularity of Feeding—Irregular and too frequent 
feeding of children kills thousands before they are two 
years old. Therefore, too much importance cannot be 
attached to this subject, and mothers should have regular 
hours at which give their children food. 
Food After Weaning—Children, until they are 
three or four years of age, should eat chiefly bread and 
milk, and other light diet, with only the broths of meat. 
It is better, under all circumstances, to discourage the 
use of meat, if the child is strong and healthy without it. 754 
WEANING. 
No highly seasoned food should be allowed. It is not sur- 
prising, when we remember what they eat, that so many 
children die, or grow up weak dyspeptics. Dr. Ellis 
says, 
“It is generally not well to give children meat until 
they are at least three or four years old; and, as a gen- 
eral rule, it is better during childhood and youth to dis- 
courage rather than encourage the inclination to eat meat, 
if the young person is strong and healthy without it. 
Children should never be allowed a great variety of food 
at the same meal, nor any which contains the least par- 
ticle of pepper or any other spice or condiment, except a 
moderate quantity of sugar or salt. Our cooks in this 
country are the most terrible enemies our children have 
to encounter, and when we look at the food of which 
the children of many thoughtless parents are permitted to 
eat, it is not surprising that so many die or grow up 
poor, puny men and women. They are often permitted 
to live almost entirely on articles and substances which 
should never enter the stomach of a child.” 
Early Weaning—Nursing one’s own children may 
be rendered improper by particular circumstances ; though, 
as a general rule, every mother should suckle her own 
child, and will do so, if she is able, unless she cares more 
for pleasure and fashion than for her offspring. 
However, should there be, in the mother, a strong 
predisposition to consumption, she would do well, both 
for herself and child, to secure the services of a compe- 
tent wet nurse, or even to substitute the milk of the cow 
for the human breast. The same is true of scrofula, 
cancer, etc., and it is obvious the mother should not suckle 
in severe illness of any kind. 
The return of the menses, or monthly flow, during 
the period of nursing, does not render it necessary to wean EARLY WEANING. 
755 
the child as a general rule ; and never so long as the milk 
agrees with it. The same is true if pregnancy should occur 
while the child is too young to wean, especially if the 
mother is strong and healthy; hut it is not well, perhaps, 
to continue the nursing longer than three or four, or at 
most five months in any case, after the commencement 
of pregnancy; though there is a difference of opinion 
among; authors as to whether nursing should be discon- 
tinued after the commencement of pregnancy. DIVISION EIGHTH. 
MISCELLANEOUS. 
HOW TO RECOGNIZE DISEASE (Diagnosis). 
Bodily Heat—Use of Thermometer—The direc- 
tions given in the following pages will enable any one to 
determine the nature and character of disease. 
A most admirable and potent means of ascertaining, 
by the thermometer, the character and malignity of dis- 
ease, has recently been discovered. 
In all cases of illness, to count the pulse and the respi- 
rations is not more important than to measure the heat. 
The thermometer aids in arriving at definite conclusions, 
and relieves of much mental anxiety, and in many 
cases gives a clue to the disease even before characteristic 
symptoms have made their appearance. In temperate re- 
gions the normal heat of the human body, at sheltered 
parts of its surface, is 98*4° Falir., or a few tenths 
more or less; and a persistent rising above 99-5°, or a 
depression below 97-3° Fahr., is a sign of some kind of 
disease. The maintenance of a natural temperature, within 
the limits above stated, gives a complete assurance of the 
absence of anything beyond local and trifling disturbances ; BODILY HEAT. 
757 
but any acute disease unnaturally elevates the tempera- 
ture or animal heat, and many diseases are thus indi- 
cated some time before they could be detected by any 
other means. 
The thermometer enables us to distinguish decisively 
between an inflammatory and a non-inflammatory disease ; 
it also helps us to determine the severity of the inflam- 
mation by the number of degrees to which the thermom- 
eter is raised. Hysterics, it is well known, often re- 
sembles inflammatory disease ; but the temperature of hys- 
terical persons is natural, whereas that of persons really 
suffering from inflammation is always raised. 
In acute fevers, the thermometer affords the best 
means of deciding in doubtful cases ; it is often the best 
corrective of a too hasty conclusion. Thus, in typhoid 
fever, the rise of temperature or its unnatural fall, often 
indicates what is about to happen one or two days before 
any change in the pulse, or other sign of mischief may 
be observed. 
In consumption, the thermometer affords us most 
valuable information. The symptoms and signs are often 
obscure, or their true cause may be doubtful; especially 
in the early stage of the disease, when treatment is likely 
to be of greatest avail. The importance of the aid of the 
thermometer in this case will be recognized by the fact 
that during the deposit of tubercle in the lungs, or in any 
organ of the body, the temperature of the patient is 
always raised from 98 °, the natural temperature, to 
102-3°, or even higher, the temperature increasing in 
proportion to the rapidity of the tubercular deposit. A 
persistent elevation of the general temperature of the body 
has often been found to exist for several weeks before 
loss of weight or physical, signs indicating tubercle in the 
lungs could be appreciated. Hence an elevated tempera- 758 
HOW TO RECOGNIZE DISEASE. 
ture not only affords us certain information as to the ex- 
istence of consumption, but the degree of that elevation 
enables us to estimate the extent and progress of the 
disease; for a persistent rise shows that the disease 
is progressing, or that unfavorable complications are 
setting in. 
In measles, the thermometer is almost the only 
means of learning at an early stage the invasion of 
pneumonia. 
In ague, several hours before the paroxysm, the tem- 
perature of the patient’s body rises considerably. 
In acute rheumatism, a temperature of 104 ° is always 
an alarming symptom, indicating grave complication, such 
as involvement of the valves of the heart. In short, a 
temperature of 104° to 105° in any disease indicates 
that its progress is not checked, and that complications are 
liable to arise. 
In all cases of convalescence, so long as the decrease 
of temperature proceeds regularly as measured by the 
thermometer, no relapses need be feared; on the other 
hand, delayed decrease of temperature in pneumonia, the 
persistence of a high evening-temperature in typhus or ty- 
phoid fever, or in the eruptive diseases, and the incomplete 
attainment of normal temperature in convalescence, are of 
great significance. They indicate incomplete recovery, 
approach of other diseases, unfavorable changes in the 
products of disease, or the continuance of other sources 
of disturbance requiring careful examination. The onset 
of even a slight elevation of temperature during conva- 
lescence is a warning to exercise careful watching over 
the patient, and especially for the maintenance of a due 
control over his diet and actions. 
These remarks might easily be extended, and illus- 
trations multiplied of the value of the thermometer as an BREATHING. 
759 
aid to diagnosis; but beyond recommending a small, 
straight instrument, with a correct scale, self-registering, 
and taking the observations regularly at the same hours 
daily throughout the disease, noting at the same time the 
pulse and the breathing, we have only space for the fol- 
lowing directions: 
The best way to “take a temperature” is to place 
the bulb of the thermometer under the tongue, by the 
side of the last molar—“ wisdom tooth”—and request the 
patient to close the lips around the stem. The time 
required to ascertain the temperature correctly is from 
three to five minutes. Another way is to place the bulb 
under the armpit; but the former plan is better when 
practicable. 
These observations should be taken regularly at the 
same hour each day. 
Breathing—Healthy inspiration is performed with 
great ease by a nearly equal elevation of the ribs and 
enlargement of the chest, and by descent of the diaphragm. 
Expiration is the natural return of the chest to its propor- 
tions during rest, which is produced by the pressure of 
the external air, the ascent of the diaphragm and con- 
traction of the abdominal muscles. An adult breathes 
about twenty times in a minute. Disease and exertion 
quicken the rate of breathing. 
Dyspnoea, or difficult breathing, may result from 
wasting diseases of the lung-substance; adventitious de- 
posits in those organs (these conditions necessarily les- 
sening the amount of breathing surface) ; formations of 
false membranes in the air-passages, as in diphtheria ; and 
inflammation and swelling of the tonsils or tongue—all of 
which conditions obstruct the entrance of air into the 
lungs, as does also asthma—which is a spasm of the 760 
HOW TO KECOGXIZE DISEASE. 
muscular coat of the air tubes—and thus cause difficult 
breathing. 
The Tongue—This organ affords important indica- 
tions : Dryness points to diminished secretion, and is 
common in acute and febrile diseases; moisture is gen- 
erally a favorable sign, particularly when it succeeds a 
dry or furred condition. An unnaturally red tongue is 
common in the course of the eruptive fevers; in gastric 
and bilious fevers, and in bad cases of indigestion, the 
redness is often limited to the edges and tip. The 
“strawberry” tongue is a symptom of scarlet fever; the 
fissured tongue, of typhus and typhoid fevers. When the 
tongue is livid or purple, there is defective oxygenation 
of the blood. The furred tongue is the most marked, 
and is common in inflammation and irritation of the 
mucous membranes, in diseases of the brain, in all vari- 
eties of fever, and in almost all acute and dangerous mal- 
adies. Some persons have usually a coated tongue on ris- 
ing, without any other symptom of disease. This is 
especially the case with tobacco-smokers. A uniformly 
white-coated tongue is not very unfavorable; a yellow 
coat is indicative of disordered action of the liver; a 
brown or black, of a low state of the vital powers and 
contamination of the blood. The gradual cleaning of 
the tongue, first from the tip and edges, shows a ten- 
dency to health, and indicates the cleaning of the whole 
intestinal tract; in less fortunate cases, as the tongue 
gets browner, dirtier and drier, each day, the nervous 
and muscular systems get weaker, and hope is gradually 
extinguished ; when the fur separates in patches, leaving a 
red, glossy surface, it is also unfavorable; when the 
crust is rapidly removed, leaving a raw or dark-col- 
ored appearance, the prognosis must still be unfavorable. 
The Skin—In health the skin imparts to the touch THE SKIN. 
761 
the sensation of an agreeable temperature, with just suf- 
ficient moisture to preserve its softness; it is also elastic, 
smooth and neither too tense nor loose. A harsh, dry, 
burning heat of the skin is indicative of fever, and must 
ever be regarded as unfavorable, especially in inflamma- 
tory conditions of internal organs. If this condition be 
followed by 'perspiration, coincident with general improve- 
ment, it is a favorable indication. Great relief is usually 
experienced on the occurrence of the sweating stage in 
ague, inflammatory fevers, etc. On the other hand, coin- 
pli cations may be feared if perspiration ensue without any 
amelioration of other symptoms. 
Partial or local perspirations indicate a deranged con- 
dition of the nervous system. If perspirations occur after 
trifling exertion, they point to excessive weakness. Night- 
sweats, of frequent occurence, not only show debility, but 
when preceded by chills and fever, indicate a hectic and 
consumptive state of the constitution. 
A bluish tint of the skin indicates structural disease 
of the heart. A yellow color points to biliary affections. 
A rich blush of the cheeks, especially if it be circum- 
scribed, and the surrounding parts pale, indicates an irri- 
table condition of the nervous system, or a diseased state 
of the lungs. 
The Urine—Healthy urine is of a brightish-yellow 
or amber color, a tint darker in the morning than in 
the afternoon, yielding a slight ammoniacal smell, devoid 
of unpleasant odor, and precipitating no deposit on stand-* 
ing, or only the merest trace of mucus, or of urates from 
a low temperature. In advanced age the urine becomes 
darker and slightly offensive ; it is darker in persons who 
lead a very active life; different varieties of food also 
produce a marked effect both on the color and odor of 
urine. The stream of urine should be round and large, 762 
HOW TO RECOGNIZE DISEASE. 
and it should be passed about four to six times in twenty- 
four hours, without any pain or straining. 
In disease, the urine presents many varieties, and 
furnishes valuable indications. Thus, it may be of a dark- 
yellow or saffron color, as in jaundice, or derangement 
of the liver; it may be red or high-colored and scanty, 
with quickened pulse, as in fever; it may be bloody or 
slimy, as in affections of the kidneys or bladder; it may 
be pale and copious, as in nervous and hysterical ail- 
ments ; it may be heavy, muddy or of a purple color, 
showing an unfavorable condition of the system ; or it 
may be dark or black, indicating putridity. The urine 
may be passed too copiously or scantily, with pain, with 
effort, or it may be retained with difficulty. There may 
be a frequent or uncontrollable desire to pass it, with 
burning or scalding pain ; or the pain may be only ex- 
perienced in passing the last few drops ; in either case 
local inflammation is indicated. 
In rheumatic fever, in gout, etc., the urine is abnor- 
mally acid; while, on the contrary, a loss of nervous 
power sometimes causes insufficient mucus to be secreted, 
so that, decomposition having taken place, the urine is 
found to be alkaline. Heat will produce a deposit in 
acid urine, but not so in alkaline, however large a pro- 
portion of albumen it may contain. 
When urine has to be examined, a little should be 
taken from the whole quantity that has been passed during 
twenty-four hours, as it varies greatly in its properties at 
different periods of the day, and after food. 
The Pulse—The pulse is produced partly by the 
forcible expulsion of blood from the heart, through the 
aorta (the great arterial trunk), and thence into the vari- 
ous arteries of the body, by each contraction of the left 
ventricle of the heart; and partly by the innate contrac- HEALTHY PULSE. 
763 
tility of the arterial walls. Its character will consequently 
be modified by the condition of the heart, the blood-vessels 
and the blood itself. 
In feeling the pulse, great gentleness should be ob- 
served, so as not to excite the action of the heart, which 
would defeat the object in view. The pulse may be ex- 
amined in any part where an artery is so close to the 
surface that its throb can be plainly felt; but in general 
the most convenient locality is at the wrist. While ex- 
amining the pulse, there must be no pressure exerted upon 
the artery in any part of its course, by tight sleeves, liga- 
tures, etc. The examiner should place three fingers just 
above the root of the thumb and the joint of the wrist, 
with his thumb on the opposite side, so as to be able to 
regulate the pressure at will. Its frequency may thus be 
measured by the second-hand of a watch. 
Healthy Pulse—The healthy pulse may be described 
as uniform, equal, moderately full and swelling slowly under 
the fingers; it is smaller and quicker in women and chil- 
dren. In old age the pulse becomes hard, owing to in- 
creased firmness or to structural change in the arterial 
coats. The average number of beats of the healthy pulse 
in the minute, at different ages, is as follows: At birth, 
140; during infancy, 120 to 130; in childhood, 100; in 
youth, 90 ; in adult age, 75; in old age, 65 to 70; de- 
crepitude, 75 to 80. 
The pulse is influenced, however, by the following and 
other conditions, which should be considered in estimating 
the character of the pulse as a diagnostic sign. It is faster 
in the female than the male, by from six to fourteen beats ; 
but this difference only occurs after about the eighth year. 
It is quickened by exertion or excitement; it is more fre- 
quent in the morning, and after taking food ; it beats faster 764 
HOW TO RECOGNIZE DISEASE. 
standing than sitting, and sitting than lying; but it is 
retarded by cold, sleep, fatigue, want of food, and by 
certain drugs, especially digitalis. 
Pulse in Disease—In estimating the differences of 
the pulse as signs of disease, allowances must be made 
for those sudden irregularities which are often observable 
under transient excitement or temporary depression, es- 
pecially of nervous persons. 
The Rapid Pulse, especially if strong, full and hard, 
indicates inflammation or fever; if small and very rapid, 
it points to a state of great debility, such as is often 
present in the last stage of typhoid fever. 
Jerking Pulse—Disease of the valves of the heart 
is indicated by what is called jerking pulse, which is marked 
by a quick and rather forcible beat, followed by a sudden, 
abrupt cessation, as if the direction of the wave of blood 
had been reversed. 
Intermittent Pulse—Inflammation or softening of 
the brain and apoplexy are indicated by what is called 
the intermittent pulse; and so are also typhoid fever and 
hernia, when they have proceeded to gangrene or morti- 
fleation. This character of pulse may be known by there 
being an occasional pulsation omitted. 
Full Pulse—What is called full pulse occurs in the 
early stage of acute diseases, and in general plethora ; 
while weak pulse denotes impoverished blood and an en- 
feebled condition of the system. MEDICAL USES OF SALT. 
765 
MEDICAL USES OF SALT. 
Catarrh—Experience has proven that salt is one of 
the few remedies that will cure catarrh, and that it 
stands at the head of the list of remedies, when it is 
properly and perseveringly used. A strong solution of it 
should be snuffed up the nostrils, retaining it there for a 
minute or two, by holding the nose with the fingers, and 
immediately repeat the operation; and do not attempt to 
pass the liquid into both nostrils at the same time, but 
snuff it into one nostril while the other is compressed by 
the finger. This operation should be repeated three times 
a day. 
Bleeding Piles—An eminent physician, of New 
York City, says that salt is the best remedy he has found, 
in his practice, for the cure of bleeding piles. He. has, 
he further says, “always been successful with it, in the 
treatment of this complaint.” It is to be used by in- 
jecting a strong solution two or three times a day. Some 
persons may employ it stronger than others. This is to 
be determined by the effect produced in each particular 
case. 
Sprains and Bruises—Keep applied a strong solu- 
tion of salt. Speedy relief will be obtained. There is 
no remedy superior to it for sprains. 
Felon—A poultice of salt and the white of an egg 
will cure it. No one need have a felon if this applica- 
tion is made in time, for it will always disperse or 
“scatter” it. 
Toothache—A solution of salt and water, mixed 
with an equal portion of the spirits of camphor, applied 
to the tooth by means of cotton, will cure most cases 
of toothache. Warm salt-water, held to the tooth, is 
very effective in some cases. 766 
MEDICAL USES OF SALT. 
IVeuralgia—A small sack of warm salt will often 
relieve this painful affection. The salt may also be ap- 
plied as follows : One quart of water; one-half pint of 
salt. Add the salt to the water while boiling, and apply 
warm constantly. A case of neuralgia of the hip, of 
seventeen years’ standing, was cured by this means. 
Chronic Sore Eyes—Salt has cured chronic sore 
eyes after all other efforts to relieve them had failed. Its 
value is increased, in some cases, by the addition of equal 
parts of sugar. Ordinarily, a wash for the eyes is pre- 
pared by dissolving one-half teaspoonful of salt in one- 
fourth teacupful of water. Bathe the eyes with this solu- 
tion, two or three times a day. A few drops should also 
be put into them. 
Burns—Moistened salt is said to be almost equal to 
any other remedy for burns. It will prevent them from 
blistering, if applied in time. 
Colic—In the violent internal pain termed colic, a 
teaspoonful of salt dissolved in half a teacupful of cold 
water, taken as soon as possible, is one of the most 
effectual and speedy remedies known. 
Croup—Salt is a most valuable remedy, and may 
be relied upon in croup. The dose is a teaspoonful, 
mixed with a tablespoonful of honey, and given freely. 
Disease of the Spleen—Prof. King says, “ Salt, 
perseveringly used, has effected many cures of chronic 
disease of the spleen. Dose, a teaspoonful, three times 
a day.” 
Cholera-Morbus—For this disease, it is one of the 
best remedies known. It is to be used by adding one 
tablespoonful to one-half a tumblerful of water and as 
much good vinegar, and one teaspoonful of ground black 
pepper. Dose, two teaspoonfuls, every twenty minutes. 
Fits and Convulsions—Salt is one of the best MEDICAL USES OF SALT. 
767 
remedies in these difficulties, especially in an apoplectic 
fit, where no time should be lost in pouring down salt- 
Avater, if sufficient sensibility remains to allow of swallow- 
ing ; if not, the head must be sponged with cold Avater 
until the senses return, Avhen salt will completely restore 
the patient. 
Fever and Ague—The celebrated Dr. Broke gives 
the following: “Take a handful of line, Avliite salt, roast 
it in a stove with moderate heat till it becomes of a 
brown color, like coffee. Dose, for an adult, one table- 
spoonful, dissolved in a glassful of tepid Avater, and to 
be taken on each morning folloAving the fever. To over- 
come the thirst that may folloAV, a small quantity of 
water should be taken through a straw. During the sue- 
© © 
ceeding forty-eight hours after taking the salt, the food 
should be chicken or beef-broth. During eighteen years 
in Avhich I liaAre employed this remedy, I have been uni- 
formly successful with it.” 
Cough—In many cases of troublesome coughs, if the 
patient will take a “pinch” of salt on retiring at night, 
it will measurably relieve the difficulty and procure rest 
and sleep. 
Bleeding of the Lungs and Stomach—For these 
affections it is unsurpassed, when properly administered. 
It should be given, in one-half teaspoonful doses, every 
twenty or thirty minutes, until the bleeding is checked, 
Avhen nature Avill heal the lesion. 
Diarrhea—Salt and cider-vinegar will cure obstinate 
cases of chronic diarrhea. See “Diarrhea.” 
Falls and Blows—When apparently dead, from 
these causes, the administration of salt-water Avill soon 
restore the patient. 
Worms—To one teacupful of tepid Avater, add one 
teaspoonful of salt. Use this quantity as an injection once 768 
MEDICAL USES OF SALT. 
a day, and, in four or five days, the person is entirely free 
from the pin, or thread-worm. 
Dyspepsia—Salt will cure some forms of this dis- 
ease, when taken in doses of one-fourth to one-half a 
teaspoonful, twice a day. 
Disordered Stomach—In many cases of this diffi- 
culty, one-half a teaspoonful of salt, dissolved in half a 
teacupful of water, will prove effectual, when taken twice 
a day—morning and evening. 
Painter’s Colic—Apply to the bowels a small sack 
of hot salt. It is better, however, to keep two in use ; 
for while one is applied, the other can be warmed, ahd 
ihus a constant succession sustained. Relief is frequently 
obtained with the first application. At the same time, take 
a half teaspoonful internally. 
Pain in the Stomach—A small draught of salt 
and water usually affords speedy relief for this difficulty. 
A case in point: A gentleman was attacked with a severe 
pain in the stomach. For this difficulty, he purposed 
taking a whisky or brandy-toddy, when he was advised, 
by a friend, to take some salt-water. He did so, and, 
to his astonishment, it afforded him complete relief. Be- 
sides the relief from the pain, in this case, were there not, 
dear reader, two specially good results that flowed from 
the use of this remedy? namely, the prevention of the 
demoralizing effect that is liable to result from the use 
of intoxicating liquors, and of the honor that might have 
accrued to King Alcohol as having relieved the patient. 
As regards the medicinal properties of this article, 
there is, perhaps, no natural production that possesses so 
'many curative properties. And if it were employed in 
connection with the other simple remedies given in this 
volume for the treatment of diseases, their successful use 
would demonstrate their superiority over poisonous drugs. YELLOW FEVER NEW REMEDY. 
769 
Observation and many years’ experience have fully 
convinced us that simple remedies and good nursing have 
accomplished better results than eminent physicians. 
And, indeed, if there were not a single physician on the 
face of the earth, there would be less sickness and fewer 
deaths than now take place. We should then depend 
more on the simples of nature than the dosing and 
drugging-system, which has occasioned, more than any 
one thing, so much degeneracy of the human body. 
Thousands daily die, victims to medicine, who might have 
lived to a good old age, had they trusted to nature and 
simple remedies. A no less distinguished physician and 
author than John Mason Good says, “ That medicine has 
destroyed more lives than war, pestilence and famine 
combined.** 
YERROW FEVER-NEW REMEDY. 
The following, it is said, has proved uniformly suc- 
cessful in the treatment of this dreaded disease, on the 
occasions of its recent visitations to different sections of 
this country: 
The great thing is an immediate hot-vapor bath for 
the whole person. This may be prepared in the poorest 
hovel in the following manner, first giving an emetic of 
mustard and warm water: 
Fill a wash-tub half-full of boiling water, throwing 
into it a pound of good ground mustard and a quart of 
good whisky or brandy. At the same time, prepare a 
foot-tub in the same way, except that the water in it shall 770 
YELLOW FEVER NEW REMEDY. 
be only as hot as can be borne. Place over the large tub 
a chair, and just as the patient is seated in it give him 
a lialf-teacupful of castor-oil. His feet, of course, are in 
the small tub and his body over the large one. Then 
cover him up, on every side, with blankets. Keep up 
the heat of the water in the largo tub by throwing into 
it, occasionally, red-hot bricks or irons, and go on in this 
way for from fifteen minutes to half an hour. In the 
meantime, from the first, give all the pulverized ice the 
patient can swallow, as long as he is in the bath. The 
oil will generally operate while he is in the bath. Keep 
this up for half an hour, unless the pains cease or the 
patient is too weak. Then place him in bed with the 
bath-blankets wrapped around him, and give him melon- 
seed tea for the kidneys, and a little dovers powders to 
induce sleep. He will sleep two or three hours ; and on 
waking, should the pains re-appear, apply mustard-plas- 
ters. Continue the moderate sweating and melon-seed tea 
for a few hours, until the fever is completely broken up, 
and then change the bed and body-linen. Then, nurse 
him carefully for two or three days, with light food, 
stimulants, keeping the pores and bowels open and the 
kidneys active, and you have a safe convalescent. This 
remedy, when timely and faithfully used, has never been 
known to fail. TABLE OF DOSES. 
771 
TABLE OF DOSES FOR CHILDREN. 
OF LIQUIDS. 
If the dose of a grown person is one teaspoonful, or 60 drops. 
A child’s, one year old and under, should be 3 “ 
“ from 2 to 4 years old, “ “ 5 “ 
“ “ 4 “ 8 “ “ “ “ 10 “ 
11 a 8 “ 13 “ “ “ “ 12 “ 
“ “ 13 “ 18 “ “ “ “ 20 “ 
“ “ 18 “ 21 “ “ “ “ 30 “ 
Andfrom about 21 “50 “ “ “ “ 60 “ 
“ “ “ 60 and upwards, about 30 “ 
When a teacupful, or twelve tablespoonfuls is a dose for an adult— 
A child’s, one year old and under, should be % tablespoonful. 
“ from 2 to 4 years old, “ “ 1 “ 
11 11 4 “ 8 “ “ “ “ 2 « 
“ “ 8 “ 13 “ “ “ “ “ 
(< 11 13 11 is “ <• 11 4 ~ “ 
“ “ 18 “ 21 “ “ “ “ teacupful. 
And from about 21 “ 60 “ “ “ “ 1 “ 
IN DRY MEASURE. 
If the dose for an adult is 1 drachm. 
That for a child 1 year old should be 3 grains. 
<< << u 2 “ “ “ 4 “ 
<< <( << 4 a n n --...10 11 
<< u << g << (< << 15 << 
<< t< u 43 << << <« .20 11 
u u it ig 11 u 11 30 << 
“ “ “ 21 and upwards 60 “ 
TABLES. 
FLUID MEASURES. 
4 Gills make 1 pint, pt. 
2 Pints 1 quart, qt. 
4 Quarts 1 gallon, gall. 
60 drops make 1 iluid drachm. 
8 drachms make 1 fluid ounce. 
16 ounces make 1 pint. 
A tablespoon contains..... ounce. 
A pint “ 16 ounces. 
A teacup “ 1 gill. 
A wineglass “ 2 ounces. 
A teaspoon “ 60 drops. 
Pour teaspoonfuls are equal to one tablespoonful. 
Three teaspoonfuls are equal to one dessert-spoonful. 772 
TABLE OF DOSES. 
DRY MEASURE. 
A tablespoon contains 4 drachms, or % ounce. 
A teaspoon “ 1 drachm. 
A teaspoon “ , 60 grains. 
A teacup “ 12 tablespoonfuls. 
A wineglass “ 4 “ 
apothecaries’ weight. 
20 Grains, or grs., make .1 scruple, scru., or 9 
3 Scruples 1 drachm, dr., or 3 
8 Drachms 1 ounce, oz., or § 
Medicines should always be weighed or measured. It is advisable 
to have a graduated glass measure for liquids, which can be purchased at 
any drug-store, which gives the drops, drachms and ounces. 
The following tables are employed by physicians and druggists: 
60 minims (mix) make one fluidrachm (f3j-)> or 60 drops. 
8 fluidrachms (f3viii) make one fluidounce (fgj.) 
16 fluidounces (fgxvi) make one pint (oct.j.) 
8 pints (oct.viii) make one gallon (cong.j.) 
For the “pint”—octarius, O. or Oot. is used; for the “gallon”— 
congius, Cong, is the abbreviation. aa> or ana, means “of each.” 
Drops (guttse) are frequently named or prescribed; in medicine, a drop 
(gtt)- 
The characters marked on weights and graduated measures are ex- 
plained as follows: 
gi one ounce. 
one fluid ounce, 
gss half an ounce. 
3j one drachm. 
f3j one fluid drachm. 
3ss half a drachm. 
Dj one scruple. 
9ss half a scruple. 
The marks and words used by physicians and aphothecaries may be a 
little more fully explained by the following table: 
stands for recipe, and means 
take. 
aa means of each, 
lb. means a pound. 
Cong, means a gallon. 
Decoct, means a decoction. 
Ft. means make. 
Garg. means a gargle. 
Gr. means a grain. 
Gtt. means a drop. 
M. means mix. 
Mist, means a mixture. 
Pit. means a pill. 
Pulv. means a powder. 
S. means write. 
ss. means a half. 
One centigramme is equal to % grain. 
Two centigrammes “ % grain. 
One demi-decigramme “ 1 grain. 
One decigramme “ 2 grains. 
One gramme 18 grains. 
One gramme and three decigrammes are equal to 1 scruple. 
Two grammes “ % drachm. 
Four grammes “ 1 drachm. 
One decigramme is equal to 2 drachms and 36 grains. 
Three decigrammes and two grammes are equal to 1 ounce. 
Demi-kilogramme “ 1 pound. 
Kilogramme “ 2 pounds. 
FRENCH DECIMAL WEIGHTS. IIOW TO PREPARE POULTICES. 
773 
HOW TO PREPARE POULTICES. 
Starch-Poultice-—Thicken starch with boiling water. When 
slightly cool, stir in a little larch 
Linseed or Flax-seed Poultices.—Boiling water should be 
poured into a heated bowl, and into this the seeds or meal quickly sprink- 
led with one hand, while the mixture is constantly stirred with a knife or 
spatula with the other, till a thin, smooth dough is formed. If the water 
be added to the meal, little knots are apt to collect. The dough should 
be quickly spread on warm linen already cut to the required shape, or put 
into a bag, and applied. Linseed-meal retains heat and moisture for a 
long time, but is liable to irritate delicate or* inflamed skin. 
Bread-Poultices-—Put slices of bread into a basin, pour over 
them boiling water, and place by the fire for a few minutes, when the 
water should be poured off, replaced by fresh-boiling water, and this 
again poured off, and the bread pressed, beaten with a fork, and made 
into a poultice. Bread-poultices are valuable for their bland, non-irrita- 
ting properties. 
Charcoal-Poultices-—Uniformly mix charcoal with bread- 
poultice, and just before the application of the poultice sprinkle the sur- 
face with a layer of charcoal. Or charcoal may be sprinkled on a wound 
or ulcer and a simple bread-poultice applied over it. Charcoal-poultices 
correct offensive smells from foul sores, and favor a healthier action. 
Carrot-Poultices-—Boil carrots quite soft, mash them with a 
fork, and apply in the ordinary way. They are said to make wounds 
cleaner and healthier. 
Poultices are chiefly useful in the following complaints: Pneumonia, 
pleurisy, bronchitis, pericarditis, peritonitis, acute rheumatism, lumbago, 
and to mature and facilitate the discharge of matter in abscesses, 
boils, etc. 
When used to mature abscesses or disperse inflammation, poultices 
should extend beyond the limits of the inflamed tissue; but after the dis- 
charge, the poultices should be very little larger than the opening through 
which the matter is escaping. If continued too long, large poultices 
sodden and irritate the parts, and may develop fresh boils around old 
ones. 
In pneumonia and all deep-seated inflammations, they should be re- 
newed as soon as they become cool, and the former one not disturbed till 
the fresh one is ready to replace it. In bronchitis and pneumonia, a 
jacket poultice, to go round the chest, with tapes to secure it in front and 
over each shoulder, is necessary to insure efficient and uniform action. 
To retain heat for a long time, poultices should be covered with oil- 
silk, or with a layer of cotton-batting. One of these methods is preferable 
to a very thick poultice, which might cause inconvenience or pain. 
In acute lumbago they must be applied thick, hot, large enough to 
cover the affected part, and be renewed immediately they become cool. 
After continuing this treatment for from one to three hours, the skin 
should be wiped dry and covered with flannel, and this again with oil-silk 
or cotton. Like the poultice, this last application promotes free secretion 
from the skin, to which the good results are mainly due. 
As a substitute for a poultice, Spongio-piline may sometimes be used. 
It is made of sponge and wool felted together in three layers, and coated 
on one of its surfaces with an impermeable substance. By moistening the 
soft inner surface with water, the warmth and moisture of the ordinary 
cataplasm or poultice are secured; or by sprinkling the same surface with 
lotions it may be made the vehicle for various medicinal substances. 
Spongio-piline is often valuable during the formation of abscesses or irri- 774 
HOW TO PREPARE POULTICES. 
table sores, and especially when required for persons pursuing their usual 
occupations. But for the relief of severe pain, a large, hot poultice is 
more soothing. Poultices should be continued till pain has subsided, or 
the sore begu n to granulate; afterwards a wet compress, covered with 
oil-silk, should be applied. 
Dry Dressings.—If the edges of vrounds be brought and kept to- 
gether, all foreign particles having been removed, they may often be al- 
lowed to heal without any assistance beyond the additional support and 
protection of rollers of lint. Blood, if already covering the part, is the 
best and most protective plaster. Layers of cotton and lint exclude air, 
moisture and infecting germs, and promote healthy action. Dry earth 
or clay, finely powdered and sifted, is recommended by Dr. Groves for 
putrid wounds or cancerous sores. 
Poke-root Poultice- —Place 
the fresh root in hot ashes, allow it 
to roast until soft, pound and ap- 
ply in the form of a poultice. This 
will discuss or “ scatter ” tumors, 
if applied in time; otherwise it 
Will hasten their suppuration. It 
should be renewed three times a 
day. 
In general, poultices are best ap- 
plied warm or tepid; they should 
not be suffered to get dry before 
renewed. 
Elm-Poultice- — Take elm- 
bark in powder, or fresh bark 
pounded; hot water, a sufficient 
quantity to form a poultice of the 
proper consistence; mix. This 
poultice is very valuable in all 
cases of burns, scalds, swrellings 
and ulcers, painful tumors, and 
wherever a soothing poultice is 
required. This pouitice is seldom 
equaled. 
Brown Sugar and Soap 
Poultice.—Mix equal parts of tiie 
sugar and soap; very valuable for 
boils. 
Discutient Poultice.—Make 
a very strong tea of white-oak bark, 
and thicken with corn-meal; apply 
it as hot as can be borne, and 
change it every two or three hours. 
This will discuss or “scatter” 
tumors or swellings. 
Hop-Poultice —Boil a handful 
of hops for a few minutes in a pint 
of water, in a covered vessel, 
squeeze out the juice and strain. 
The liquor is now to be put again 
on the fire and thickened with In- 
dian meal, and a small portion of 
lard is to be added while it is 
cooling. 
Lobelia-Poultice-—Powdered 
lobelia and ground slippery-elm 
bark, each, one ounce. Stir these 
into hot, weak ljTe, to make a poul- 
tice. For wounds, fistula, whitlow, 
boils, erysipelas and stings of in- 
sects. 
Lye, or Alkaline Poultice- 
Take, of lye, rather weak, warm it, 
and stir in of slippery-elm bark suf- 
ficient to form a poultice. 
This poultice is useful in inflam- 
mation of the breast and other 
parts, in felons, white swellings, 
lock-jaw, wounds, fistulas, etc. 
Yeast-Poultice. — Take, of 
milk, blood-warm, one pint; yeast, 
one gill. Stir in fine, slippery-elm 
bark, to form a poultice. 
Applied to gangrenous ulcers, it 
is more efficacious than any other; 
it sooner arrests mortification, 
used with proper auxiliaries. It is 
also very serviceable in other spe- 
cies of inflammation. 
Sumach-Poultice.—Take, of 
the bark of the roots of the common 
sumach; bruise it well, and boil in 
sweet milk or water for twenty 
minutes; then thicken with corn- 
meal. This is a highly valuable 
poultice for all kinds of foul ulcers, 
and especially those which affect 
the bones. 
Potato-Poultice. — Boil the 
common potato, mash or bruise 
soft, and then stir in the slippery- 
elm bark. 
This poultice has been used with 
success in inflammatory sore eyes 
of an acute character, when other 
means have failed. 
Mustard-Poultice-—A suffi- 
cient quantity of powdered mus- HOW TO PREPARE FOMENTATIONS. 
775 
tard should be taken to make a 
thin paste. This should be mixed 
with boiling water, with a small 
quantity of vinegar added, if a 
very strong poultice is required, 
and spread on brown paper or cloth, 
with apiece of thin muslin over it. 
A mustard poultice should gen- 
erally be kept on from ten to twen- 
ty minutes. If the skin is very 
irritable afterwards, a little flour 
should be sprinkled over it. This 
will remove the burning sensation. 
It is said that if the white of an 
egg is used to mix the mustard 
with, it will prevent it from blis- 
tering. 
Ginger-Poultice.—Wet flan- 
nel in hot vinegar and sprinkle on 
ground ginger—good for toothache. 
Hot "Water-—In bruises, hot 
water is most efficacious, removing 
pain and totally preventing discol- 
oration and stiffness. It lias the 
same effect after a blow. It should 
be applied as quickly as possible, 
and as hot as it can be borne. 
Flour-and-Ginger Poultice. 
—Equal parts of flour and ginger 
should be applied in poultice; are 
excellent for “ drawing boils to a 
head.” 
Black-Willow Poultice. — 
Take the bark of the black-willow 
root (called pussy willow), pul- 
verized, a sufficient quantity; form 
it into a poultice by the addition of 
cream. 
This is the common poultice of 
the celebrated Dr. Bone, of New 
Jersey, who acquired great celeb- 
rity for the successful treatment of 
inflammation and ulcers. 
Onion-Poultice-—Made in the 
same way as the carrot-poultice. 
This is stimulating and induces 
indolent sores to maturate more 
freely. It is excellent for boils. 
Mush-Poultice-—Stir Indian 
meal, in small quantities, into 
water kept boiling until the whole 
has acquired the proper degree of 
consistence or thickness. 
Oat or Corn-Meal Poultioe. 
—Place hot water in a basin, and 
stir in the meal slowly, while it 
boils, till the poultice is of the 
right thickness; that is, till it will 
not run on the cloth on which it is 
spread. 
Stimulating Poultices are 
required for two purposes: either 
to hasten the separation of a dead 
part or slough or “core.” For 
the first of these objects, yeast, 
stale beer-grounds or molasses is 
used; for the second, mustard. 
HOW TO PREPARE FOMENTATIONS. 
Fomentations are employed for the purpose of lessening pain and 
inflammation, and for relaxing parts. They are usually composed of bit- 
ter herbs, steeped for a time in hot water or hot vinegar and water, and 
then placed in muslin cloth, and applied over the affected part as hot as 
can be borne. Care must be taken not to moisten the clothing of the 
patient or the bed. 
They are to be renewed often; the more severe the pain or inflamma- 
tion, the more frequently they should be renewed or changed. 
Hop-and-Vinegar Fomen- 
tation.—Valuable for pain in the 
head, bowels and other parts. 
Sb. Johnswort Fomenta- 
tion-—This will discuss or scatter 
caked breasts, tumors and swell- 
ings. 
Boneset Fomentation- — 
This is valuable for any painful or 
inflammatory part or swelling. 776 
HOW TO PREPARE DECOCTIONS AND INFUSIONS. 
Wild-Indigo Fomentation. 
—This is very valuable for dis- 
pelling tumors of the breast. 
Hemlock Fomentation.—A 
fomentation of the leaves of the 
hemlock will relieve the pain and 
swelling of the testicles caused by 
the transmission of the mumps to 
these parts. It may, likewise, be 
applied, with equal effect, to simi- 
lar swellings of the breasts of fe- 
males. 
Poke-Leaf Fomentation.— 
This will relieve painful piles. 
Smart-weed Fomentation. 
—This will prevent or remove the 
black and blue spots from bruises, 
especially those of the eye. 
Stramonium - Leaves Fo- 
mentation.—This is valuable for 
relieving inflammation of the stom- 
ach and bowels. 
Hops are also valuable for the 
same. 
Mullen-Leaf Fomentation. 
—This is useful for dispelling tu- 
mors. 
HOW TO PREPARE DECOCTIONS. 
Decoctions are certain prepara- 
tions of medicines and drinks, 
made by boiling substances in 
water for a considerable time. 
They should be kept covered 
during the process, and strained 
while hot. 
The usual proportions of vege- 
table substances, in preparing de- 
coctions, is one ounce of the root 
or plant used to a pint of water. 
Vegetables designed for decoc- 
tion should be cut into slices, or 
bruised into a coarse powder, that 
their strength may be more easily 
extracted. 
HOW TO PREPARE INFUSIONS. 
Infusions, or, as they are fre- 
quently called, teas, are prepared 
by putting a lufndful (from half an 
ounce to an ounce) of the herb, 
root or bark in a pint of boiling 
water (in some cases cold water 
may be employed). Porcelain or 
glass-vessels are preferred, for pre- 
paring them in, and they should be 
kept covered. There are some 
medicinal articles, whose virtues 
are injured or destroyed by boiling; 
consequently, such are made, when 
required for use, into infusions. 
In warm weather they should be 
made every day; in the winter* 
every other day. INJECTION HOW TO MAKE TINCTURES. 
777 
INJECTION OR CLYSTER (Enema). 
These are liquid preparations, to 
be introduced into the rectum, or 
lower bowel, by means of a syringe. 
A large syringe should always be 
used for adults, and a small one 
for infants and children. This ena- 
bles the practitioner or nurse, one 
of whom should always perform 
this simple operation, to throw up 
the injection to such an extent or 
distance as will be exceedingly effi- 
cacious. Sometimes the stomach 
is in such a state that medicine, 
especially cathartic medicine, can- 
not be given or retained in order to 
act on the bowels. In this case, 
the syringe is very useful. In gen- 
eral, injections should take the 
place of cathartics, and it is ex- 
tremely probable that people would 
have been in a much better condi- 
tion, physically, had there never 
been a cathartic administered; and 
this we deem a safe rule to follow, 
in all cases—that neither the one 
nor the other should ever be used 
except in cases of great urgency, 
or necessity, and their use discon- 
tinued as soon as possible. 
HOW TO MAKE TINCTURES. 
The preparations called tinc- 
tured are made by bruising the 
roots, leaves or barks used, to a 
coarse powder, and placing it in 
the proper amount of diluted alco- 
hol (equal parts of alcohol and 
water) or whisky, letting it stand 
from seven to fourteen days, 
shaking it several times each day. 
Tinctures are generally made by 
taking an ounce of the medicinal 
substance to one pint of spirits. DIVISION NINTH. 
INFORMATION FOR EVERYBODY. 
HOW TO BECOME FAT OR PLUMP. 
Activity of mind or body prevents fattening. Suf- 
ficient rest must be taken. Persons who desire to become 
plump and remain so should retire about 10 p. m., and 
should sleep until 6 or 7 a. m. A brain-worker needs 
more sleep than a muscle-worker. Pleasure or recreation, 
before going to bed at night, is desirable. A drink of 
water should be taken immediately on rising. It should 
be fresh water, and not that which has stood in lead pipes, 
or in a pail. It should not be too cold. The breakfast 
should be plain and substantial, the year round, especially 
in summer. Potatoes, meat or fried mush, or oat-meal 
porridge, bread and butter. The drink may be milk and 
water, sweetened. If tea or coffee is used they should 
be taken with plenty of milk. A drink of water may be 
taken an hour or two after a meal—it aids digestion. If 
any one becomes faint before dinner, let him eat a cracker 
and take a glass of water. The hearty meal of the day 
should not come later than five hours after breakfast. 
Soup should be taken at this meal. It helps digestion. 779 
HOW TO REDUCE EXCESSIVE FAT. 
There are certain Brahmins or Priests in Asia who are 
very corpulent. Their diet consists of vegetables, milk, 
sugar, sweet-meats and “gliee.” Dr. Fothergill states 
that a strict vegetable diet produces fat more certainly 
than other means. Condiments, spices and stimulants 
should not be taken, unless they are very mild. Much 
cold water, at meal-times, should be avoided. It chills 
the stomach. Every meal should be eaten slowly and 
with pleasant company, and a half-hour, at least, of rest 
taken afterward, if possible. If a full, hearty meal lies 
heavy on the stomach, as it often does, with dyspeptics, 
a drink of hot water, sweetened or salted to the taste, 
aids much to complete digestion. About 3 or 4 p. m., a 
drink of water should betaken. Supper should be light : 
bread and butter and tea, with some mild sauce, are very 
good. Children and old people should retire early. 
Another method of becoming plump is a free diet of 
oysters. They may be taken in any form, raw or cooked, 
but they should be eaten without vinegar or pepper. To 
sum up, then: to become plump, one must use plenty of 
water, starchy food, oysters, fats, vegetables, sweets, and 
take plenty of rest. 
HOW TO REDUCE EXCESSIVE FAT, OR COR- 
PULENCE (Obesity). 
This is excessive accumulation of fat under the skin 
and around the organs of the body, so as to exercise a 
prejudicial influence on the health, usefulness or comfort 
of the patient. It is not a favorable condition for re- 
sisting disease. 780 
HOAV TO REDUCE EXCESSIVE FAT. 
Treatment—The treatment of corpulence brought 
prominently before the public by Mr. Banting, in the 
simple story of his remarkable experience, proves that q, 
proper diet alone is sufficient to remove the condition, 
with its long train of evils, without the addition of nau- 
seous drugs or of those active exercises which it is in 
vain to instruct unwieldy patients to take. 
The chief feature in the Banting dietary is the ex- 
clusion of two elements—starch and sugar—from the or- 
dinary food of a well-to-do gentleman: Bread (except 
toasted, or the crust off a common loaf), potatoes, 
sweet roots, butter, sugar, cream, beer, port and champagne. 
These articles of food and drink contain starch or 
saccharine matter, and are the chief fat-producing ele- 
ments in our dietary, and to relinquish them is often the 
only means necessary to escape the thraldom of corpu- 
lence. In one year, on this diet, Mr. Banting reduced 
his weight 46 pounds, and his bulk about 12 inches; at 
the same time his numerous corporeal infirmities were 
greatly mitigated or altogether removed. Seven years 
afterward he wrote, 
“I can conscientiously assert that I never lived so 
Avell as under the neAV plan of dietary, which I should 
formerly have thought a dangerous, extravagant trespass 
upon health ; I am very much better, bodily and mentally, 
pleased to believe that I hold the reins of health and 
comfort in my own hands.” 
For the guidance of the corpulent, it may be said 
that the fat of meat, butter, cream, sugar and SAveets, 
pastry, puddings, farinaceous articles, as rice, sago, tapi- 
oca, etc., potatoes, carrots, parsnips, beets, sweet ales, 
porter, stout; port wine and all sweet Avines, should 
be avoided, or only taken to the most sparing extent. 
The articles alloAvable, and they should be taken to the ACCESSORY TREATMENT. 
781 
extent of satisfying a natural appetite, are lean meat, 
poultry, game, eggs, milk moderately, green vegetables, 
turnips and juicy fruits. Wheat-bread should be consumed 
sparingly; brown bread is, to some extent, better than 
white. 
A new remedy has recently been introduced, which is 
said to excel anything yet known, for reducing excessive 
fat without injury to the health. It is the Fucus Yesic- 
ulosus, of which the fluid extract is to be used in tea- 
spoonful doses, three or four times daily. This herb is 
also known as Sea-Wrack. 
Dr. Chapman writes of three cases, where Fucus re- 
duced the weight from about two hundred pounds to near 
one hundred and thirty pounds. 
Another remedy recommended for this purpose, is 
liquor potassa. The dose would be, to commence with, 
about half a teaspoonful, in a little water or milk, three 
times a day, gradually increased to a teaspoonful, and 
finally to about two teaspoonfuls. It should be taken 
about an hour after eating. 
Accessory Treatment—As to exercise, if the per- 
son is vigorous, the best thing ho can do is to walk as 
much as he can every day. The greater number of hours 
that can be devoted to this exercise every day, the quicker 
will be the diminution of the bulk of the body. Hiding 
on horseback is also good exercise for a person in this 
condition. All kinds of out-door exercise are conducive 
to the object sought to be accomplished. 
The bowels must not be suffered to become or re- 
main costive. 782 
DISEASES PRODUCED BY TIGHT CLOTHING. 
DISEASES PRODUCED BY TIGHT CLOTHING. 
Medical authorities agree on the following, as being 
a list of the principal diseases that are caused bv tight 
dressing: Apoplexy, headache, consumption, giddiness, 
jaundice, womb-diseases, cancer of the breast, asthma, 
spitting of blood, palpitation of the heart, water on the 
chest, cough, abscesses in the lungs, eruptions, dis- 
eases of the kidneys, bad digestion and loss of appe- 
tite. And to these consequences should be added that of 
bearing generally unhealthy and deformed children, a large 
proportion of which soon lind a premature grave, while 
others swell the list of the inmates of asylums and alms- 
houses. 
The only plea in defense of the course that has pro- 
duced this vast array of disease, misery and death, is the 
effort to enhance beauty. Will human beings ever learn 
that they cannot thwart nature? that, if they trespass on 
her rights in one respect, they are sooner or later destined 
to pay the penalty? and that naturally attired persons 
are those who more readily acquire and maintain true 
beauty? Every article of clothing worn by man, woman 
or child should he suspended from the shoulders. Not 
one article should be worn tighter than if it were natu- 
rally laid or placed around the body, without a particle 
of effort to stretch or draw it; and every article of 
clothing: which cannot thus be worn, had better be “ cast 
into the flames.” Many ladies maintain that they wear 
their clothing loosely. They may imagine that such is 
the case. Yet, at the same time, it is seldom that one 
can be found who is not sadly mistaken on this point, 
and who does not really wear her clothing unnaturally tight, 
while much of it is suspended in that most pernicious 
way—from the hips. DISEASES PRODUCED BY TIGHT CLOTHING. 
783 
There are some devotees of fashion who have con- 
ceived the idea that the beau ideal of beauty consists in the 
chest being compressed into a wasp-like waist, or an hour- 
glass shape. But it is gratifying to know that these 
giddy persons have but few admirers, except the dandy 
and the fop, who have but little to pride themselves on, 
except their fine linen and delicate hands. It can be justly 
said, that there are many evils in our midst, that are in- 
finitely less in magnitude, which are suppressed by law, 
and that this custom stands prominent, in its destructive 
effects, with those other arch-enemies of human health, 
whisky, tobacco and impure air. 
We have little doubt that this dreadful practice has 
done more, within the last hundred years, than war, pes- 
tilence and famine, toward the physical deterioration and 
destruction of our race. It is not impossible, even, that it 
is doing more harm than that giant-evil, intemperance, in 
all its loathsome and disgusting forms; because the evils 
of intemperance, as far as the perpetuation of the race is 
concerned, are in a great measure, confined to the victim 
himself. The children of drunken fathers have no natu- 
ral appetite for intoxicating liquors. If they acquire this 
depraved taste, it is through the criminal imprudence of 
those who bring them up. But in the case of the un- 
fortunate victims of tight dressing, all the sins of the 
mother are visited upon her helpless offspring, who, in 
turn, propagate disease and deformity until impotence en- 
sues and the family is extinct. 
We have no hesitation in saying, that the instances 
in which ladies, in this country, do not dress too tightly, 
are the rarest of all exceptions to an almost universal 
rule ; so rare, indeed, that few can be found at any age ; 
and it is doubtful if ten ladies, American-born, can be 
found, in any city of the United States, who are not now 784 
DISEASES PRODUCED BY TIGHT CLOTHING. 
distorting their natural proportions, undermining their 
health and laying the firm foundations of future disease 
and death, by wearing tight clothing. 
In fact, almost any lady may be made to convict her- 
self of this sin, and actually does so, in almost every 
conversation which she holds upon this subject. If ac- 
cused of wearing tight dresses, she will indignantly deny 
it. If asked if the dress she has on is comfortable, she 
will answer in the affirmative. Now, if we further in- 
quire, whether she feels better in it than in a loose dress, 
she will, at once, impulsively reply, “ Oh, yes ; for, in a 
loose dress, I feel the want of a support.” She is sim- 
ply like the rum-drinker without his accustomed dram ; 
that is, she has dressed tightly for so long a time that 
she has paralyzed the muscles of her body, and they no 
longer perform their natural office of supporting, so that 
she has to substitute cotton, linen and whalebone in their 
stead. If the practice is continued, deformity and dis- 
ease must, as a matter of course, soon result. The only 
remedy is, at once and forever, to abandon the stays and 
the liip-suspended skirts, and suffer the discomfort until 
such time as the muscles, by exercise, shall regain their 
natural activity and resume their proper functions. Any 
woman who will not do this may despair, at once, of health, 
beauty and long life for herself, and of strong and well- 
developed children. 
Deformity is not merely the occasional, but the in- 
evitable result of tight dressing. No woman can persevere 
in the practice and escape deformity ; as a surgical ex- 
amination, were they disposed to submit to it, would im- 
mediately show. When tight dresses have been applied 
to girls before the bones have attained solidity—a com- 
mon practice with almost .all young girls—a lateral or 
sideways curvature of the spine is the speedy effect. TO WIVES. 
785 
And nothing is done to counteract this evil—no ro- 
bust exercise—no health-giving work. Six hours a day 
in the school-room, two hours more for home-study, and 
as much as they please for novel-reading, thrumming the 
piano, embroidery, etc., make up the day of our young 
girls, from ten to sixteen years of age. Their parents 
do not require them to assist in domestic employments, 
because work is vulgar and unfashionable, and would soil 
the delicate whiteness and harden the soft texture of their 
pink and lily hands. 
We have noticed, of late, that the fashion of broad 
belts, not unlike the fancy surcingle of a horse, is becom- 
ing quite common with fashionably dressed ladies. The 
design of this odious custom is, of course, to attract the 
attention of all observers to the taper smallness of the 
fair waists which are thus engirdled. This, in turn, must 
lead to more violent and deadly compression of the seats 
of vital energy, which must be crushed in order that they 
may be admired. The natural and necessary result is, 
more deformity and disease. These effects are heart- 
sickening to contemplate. Adieu to beauty, symmetry 
and grace ! Our ladies seem resolved that they shall be 
banished from the earth. 
TO WIVES—INCONSTANCY OF HUSBANDS. 
The causes of disease are legitimate inquiries for a 
medical treatise. Domestic infelicity, standing promi- 
nently on the list, as a cause of the physical ills of hu- 
manity, demands some remarks on the subject. How to 786 
TO WIVES. 
continue the love the young wife has inspired, and how 
to maintain the regard and affection she has won, are 
very important inquiries for her. Though how sadly are 
they neglected! Wives are too prone to require love and 
admiration, when they are entirely regardless of the per- 
formance of those duties which inspire affection and es- 
teem. 
This fact should always he borne in mind: that 
love, affection and esteem are not matters of choice. We 
cannot control them any more than we can control the 
elements of the air. They come and go, according to 
merit. At any time, when the wife discovers that the af- 
fections of her husband are subsiding, she should closely 
examine her own course; for it is probable that the fault 
lies with her. Perhaps there is a perversion of those 
qualities on which were based his earlier love and esteem, 
which have been supplanted by those which are coarse, 
uncouth and repulsive. If she has practiced deception— 
suppressing her real disposition and character—as is some- 
times the case, from her earliest acquaintance with her 
husband until after marriage, when she permits her real 
disposition, in its irritability and grossness, to again ap- 
pear, it cannot but reasonably be expected that the hus- 
band’s regard and affection will rapidly subside. Merit 
attracts love and esteem, and these are repelled where it 
does not exist. For an individual to demand affection 
and admiration, when they are not due or merited, is re- 
quiring that which is an impossibility for human nature 
to render. As well require one to take gall, and demand 
that it be to him sweet and savory. One very prolific 
cause of the alienation of the affections of the husband 
is the immodest and obscene language and unlady-like 
deportment of the wife. Words and acts, which are re- 
garded as indelicate and unbecoming in the presence of LEWD MEN. 
787 
others, should be equally so in the presence of her hus- 
band alone. If there is one individual before whom proper 
actions and pure and choice language should be employed, 
that person should be the husband. Ladies not uufre- 
quently make the remark that, before marriage, their 
husbands were very zealous and attentive ; but long since 
this has changed. Very true. And how unmindful of 
the fact that, doubtless, their own demeanor has likewise 
changed ; that before marriage, perhaps, they were models 
of propriety and elegance ; but, having changed in these 
matters, a like change has been wrought in the husband. 
No woman should be unmindful of the fact that, 
in consequence of conventional rules and education, we are 
led to look for and expect more of the chaste and re- 
fined sentiments in woman than in man; therefore, that 
which is pardonable in him in this respect is not in her. 
Lewd Men—Vicious and lewd men have admitted 
that their first inconstancy to their married vows arose 
from their disgust at home ; and yet, perhaps, the same 
state of affairs existed with those to whom they fled; but 
ignorance of this fact was bliss to them. 
Unpleasant Home—If the home of the husband 
is one where he is accustomed to meet with reproaches 
and complaints, or if it is one of sullenness or gloom, he 
is liable to avoid it as much as possible, and seek else- 
where for solace and pleasure, that are denied him at his 
own house. If there is observed, at any time, a disposi- 
tion on the part of the husband to pass his leisure hours 
away from home, you may suspect that you have rendered 
your presence offensive and undesirable, and your sur- 
roundings disagreeable. In order to reverse this order of 
affairs, cultivate a more cheerful disposition, adopt habits 
of neatness and order in your household affairs, strict 
tidiness of person, and an inclination at all times to fa- 788 
TO WIVES. 
miliarize yourself with those subjects in which your hus- 
band is most interested, in order to be entertaining and 
better company for him. 
Health in the Home is another matter of prime 
importance. Healthy people are more attractive than the 
sick or feeble. And a sick-room is not a pleasant resort 
for husband or wife either. When sickness does unavoid- 
ably assail you, delegate to your nurse special supervision 
of your person and your room, and have all duties 
promptly and strictly attended to, and admit your husband 
to your bed-side only at times when affairs are properly 
arranged. 
In conclusion, we would say that those wives who in- 
corporate the foregoing suggestions into their domestic 
life will seldom have occasion to charge their husbands 
with infidelity to them. Besides, the health of both par- 
ties will thereby be very much promoted; for domestic 
infelicity invites disease. 
To Make Home Pleasant—Endeavor to make 
the home of your husband pleasant and alluring. Let it 
be to him a haven of rest, to which he may turn from 
the weary trials and vexations of business. Make it to 
him a repose from care; a shelter from the outside 
world ; a home, not for his person only, but for his heart; 
where he may find his greatest comfort. Should he be, 
at times, discouraged and dejected from the battles of life, 
soothe and comfort him. If his difficulties or ills make 
him petulant, make due allowance at these times for the 
frailties of human nature. As a wife, you should lend a 
helping hand in his struggles for the maintenance of the 
household ; as much can be done, in various little matters, 
to lighten his burden. TO HUSBANDS. 
789 
TO HUSBANDS—INFIDELITY OF WIVES. 
If a husband is indifferent as to his wife’s affection 
for him, let him become obscene in his language, coarse 
and uncouth in his maimers, and especially toward her, 
and he will soon accomplish the object of dampening the 
ardor of her love for him. And let there be coupled 
with this, the intemperate use of spirituous liquors, and 
he can scarcely fail to quench the last embers of her af- 
fection for him. The husband who is guilty of these in- 
discretions should not demand or expect the regard and 
love that are ordinarily due from the wife to the husband ; 
for they have been justly forfeited. If she is a sensi- 
tive, affectionate woman, she may regret the loss of affec- 
tion as much or more than he; and it may have caused 
her many an hour of sorrow and anguish of spirit. Nor 
is this all; if the husband is continually meeting his wife 
with reproaches, or allowing himself to be irritable in his 
intercourse with her, can he expect to be recompensed with 
fond affection? Scarcely, if his wife were an angel from 
the abodes of heaven. For the husband, through indolence 
and negligence, to fail to provide his wife and family with 
the necessary comforts of life, is another course that tends 
to alienate her affections. And should he, at any time, 
have reason to suspect her fidelity to him, he should care- 
fully scrutinize his own actions; for some one or all of 
the above causes may have been the chief factor in bring- 
ing about this deplorable condition of affairs. 
Every husband should extend towards his wife a cer- 
tain degree of liberality; let her have money to make her 
various little purchases, without always being compelled to 
call on him and make pressing solicitations for it; as this 
is very unpleasant for her, and not a desirable task for any 
one. Every reasonable and liberal husband should and 790 
MALE AND FEMALE CHILDREN AT WILL. 
will accord to his wife the same rights and privileges he 
exercises. He usually goes from home and returns at 
will, as business or pleasure may demand. And has he 
any natural rights in this respect which she does not pos- 
sess? If the. husband is animated by any of the true 
spirit of human kindness and liberality, he will no more 
ask or demand that the wife be eternally domiciled within 
the walls of home than he would thus himself consent 
to be immured. 
We tind a husband making investments at will, even 
to purchasing houses and lands, without consulting the 
wife. Should he not, then, accord to her the privilege 
of making her own little personal investments without 
incurring censure? We have not unfrequently observed 
cases in which, if the wife only made an investment of 
the most trifling article, even if it were but an item of 
literature, as a book or magazine, she subjected herself 
to reproach. Though the right course is,when it is not incon- 
venient, for wife and husband to consult in matters of 
contemplated purchases ; and this is especially the case 
when their means are limited, or pecuniary embarrass- 
ment exists. For further remarks on this subject, the 
husband’s attention is invited to the article addressed to 
wives, where he will find many observations that are like- 
wise applicable to himself. 
HOW TO PRODUCE MALE AND FEMALE 
CHILDREN AT WILL. 
“ Tliis subject, novel as it may appear to some, has 
been, for many centuries past, an object of meditation 
and study; and extensive experiments have been made MALE AND FEMALE CHILDREN AT WILL. 
791 
for a great number of years in several of the European 
States to hasten its progress; and foremost among these 
we find England, France and Belgium. Those experiments, 
at first made for the advancement of science only, have, 
of late years, become objects of speculation, and the 
knowledge of their results of very great value to the 
raisers of fine horses and cattle. We could not in so 
short a paper as this give the full history of those ex- 
periments ; a simple glance at the main points being, we 
deem it, sufficient to derive the necessary conclusions for 
the design of our theme. The governments of the states 
just mentioned have instituted establishments for the pur- 
pose of raising and improving horses, cattle and other 
animals, and men of science have deduced from close ob- 
servations, and results carefully recorded for many years, 
the following facts: 
“ 1. That the young obtained from a mare, cow or 
sheep, etc., when very young, was generally a male, when 
the male employed was of mature age, healthy and strong. 
“2. When the female is of mature age, strong, 
healthy and well fed, the young is more commonly female, 
when the male employed is young, weak or exhausted by 
too often repeated copulation. 
“ 3. That the young obtained from the same when 
at mature age, strong, healthy and well fed, was in nearly 
equal proportion, when the male employed was in a simi- 
lar condition. 
“ 4. That the young brought forth, when the female 
is old, are generally males, when the male employed is 
young and strong. 
“5. That the young obtained from females, when in 
prime, being well fed and young, were generally females, 
when the male was not in pride, or when ill fed, or ex- 
hausted Iw frequent copulation, or too old. 792 
MALE AND FEMALE CHILDREN AT WILL. 
“ 6. That the young obtained from the same, when 
ill fed and not in pride, were generally males, when the 
male was well fed, young, healthy, strong and in full heat. 
“7. That if the female was exhausted by labor, or 
forced exertion, the young would be generally male, should 
the male employed be kept in and well fed. 
“ 8. That the young would be female, should the 
female be kept at rest, and the male exhausted by labor 
or forced exertion. 
“9. To conclude—that the offspring would more 
generally be male or female, according to their respective 
physical and procreative abilities (age being taken into 
consideration). 
“From the preceding statements we derive the fol- 
lowing deductions: Man being an animal, having physical 
and procreative faculties analogous to those of the brutes, 
if a set of phenomena take place among these, the same 
must necessarily be produced in the human species, and 
if certain conditions of the physical body affect the off- 
spring, the same physical conditions must affect the off- 
spring in man. 
“ To get a male child, the husband should take good, 
substantial and somewhat stimulating food, moderate ex- 
ercise, pass his time pleasantly in the gay society of 
women, read lascivious novels, refrain from sexual pleas- 
ures for a time previous to the procreative connection 
with his wife. During the same time, the wife should 
live sparingly, particularly on vegetables, fatigue herself 
every day, take some medicines that reduce the sexual 
passion, and pass her time in the dry society of old 
women.” A common and convenient remedy for this 
purpose is lupulin, the yellow powder obtained by thresh- 
ing hops. It should be taken in doses of six to ten 
grains, two or three times a day. It can also be found THE APPETITES. 
793 
at drug-stores. Or use spirits of camphor in two-drop 
doses on sugar, three or four times a day; at the same 
time add half a teaspoonful of baking-soda to a teacup- 
ful of water, and drink it during the day. 
“ To have female children, the opposite should be 
observed; the woman should live in the abundance of 
all good things, in the ball-room, etc., but should restrain 
her passion and preserve its whole force for the desired 
time; the male or husband, on the contrary, should re- 
duce his physical abilities by actual labor, and at the 
same time reduce his procreative propensities by frequent,, 
copious cold ablutions.”—\Jolm E. Van Molle, A. M. 
THE APPETITES. 
Frequency of Sexual Intercourse—On this sub- 
ject the late Dr. Hall says: 
‘ ‘ Some require more drink than others ; some more 
food than others; one cannot be a law to another; each 
man must be a law to himself. His reason must be 
brought into requisition to enable him to decide as to the 
extent of his indulgence. Each man for himself is prac- 
tically interested in the question, How much must I eat? 
how much must I drink? These inquiries are constantly 
made of the physician, but it is utterly impossible to 
make a rule which would meet all cases ; for some work 
harder than others, and the more work, the more food ; 
the nearest we can get to it is, we must eat and drink 
until we are satisfied, until the sense of hunger and thirst 
is appeased ; if these are present to the extent of making. 794 
THE APPETITES. 
themselves felt, giving rise to a proper desire to eat and 
drink, then we have not had enough, and ought to have 
more. These statements have been made to give an idea 
of the analogies of things, in order to throw light upon 
that most important, personal, practical question which so 
nearly concerns the happiness and well-being of every 
married man, and which is so often proposed to the phy- 
sician, and would be proposed millions of times oftener 
did not certain feelings of delicacy prevent. Deficiencies 
and excesses in reproductive indulgences are productive 
of quite as much sin and sorrow and suffering as ex- 
cesses and deficiencies in eating and drinking. Many starve 
to death because they have not enough to eat, and cannot 
get it; millions more die prematurely because they glut- 
tonize. In a sense, man is always ready for the per- 
formance of the reproductive function if in vigorous 
health; not one in a million is otherwise, and when such 
a one is found, it is because he is deficient. Some women, 
not a few, have no such desires; on the contrary, there 
is an abiding aversion, approaching to disgust; multitudes 
more have them only for a short time after each men- 
strual flow. At the same time it is the wife’s duty to ac- 
quiesce whenever indulgence is desired ; and as indulgence 
involves no drain on her system, and when no inclination 
is present she can be passive, refusal becomes a crime, 
because one of two things will always happen, will in- 
evitably happen ; nothing but a miracle can prevent its 
happening in any one case : the man will go elsewhere, or 
his health, moral and physical, will suffer; and he cannot 
prevent either, any more than he could take wings and 
fly beyond the ocean. 
“ If a man is honorably faithful to his wife, and the 
reproductive functions are not performed to the extent of 
appeasing the appetite as to him, whether it is the result FREQUENCY OF SEXUAL INTERCOURSE. 
795 
of her unwillingness, or liis not being disposed to annoy; 
when, from any cause, real or imagined, it is so, he may 
maintain his integrity, he may honorably, from a high 
sense of principle and duty, and in consideration for his 
family, refuse outside gratifications, but nature will not 
be appeased for all that any more than a hungry man can 
be satisfied without food ; and this result follows : Nature 
is, in a sense, always manufacturing the reproductive sub- 
stance or semen, as she is always manufacturing bile 
or urine, and when the bladder is full it must be emptied; 
if not, inflammation takes place, and death follows within 
a week; if there is no discharge of this reproductive 
fluid voluntarily, by the will, nature sends dreams, and 
there is a spontaneous emptying and involuntary evacua- 
tion, and the bed is soiled, as in children. When this fluid 
is not disposed of in the way nature designed when mar- 
riage was instituted, it accumulates in the vessels made to 
receive it, over-distension follows, dreams are the result, 
and they evacuate; the name given to describe this is 
nocturnal emissions, and when this thing once becomes a 
habit of the system, it becomes as perfectly uncontrolla- 
ble as that of nocturnal urination in a child; it is a 
thing which takes place beyond any possible control, and 
can’t be helped in any other way than by not going to 
sleep. There are medicines which will arrest this manu- 
facture, but they endanger the destruction of the function, 
which would be just as much a crime as to cut off an 
arm or to destroy the sight. But these nocturnal emis- 
sions do not take place with impunity ; they grow, increase 
in frequency, bringing on such debilities of body as some- 
times destroy life, and so affecting the mind as sometimes 
to destroy it, making it idiotic ; not always inducing such 
sad results, not often inducing them, but the tendencies 
are in that direction; the constitution is always injured 796 
THE APPETITES. 
and the moral character always impaired. Hence, it 
clearly follows, that any woman who, for a mere whim, or 
sheer badness, is willing to risk results like these, is un- 
worthy of the sacred name of wife, and ought to be ‘ cast 
out,’ because her life is a living lie and an habitual per- 
jury, an accumulative crime, becoming more aggravated 
every day. 
“Observation has demonstrated the fact the world over 
that the majority of men will not always continue to hold 
fast their integrity in these cases; their reasoning is they 
have a right; if this right is refused from a mere whim 
or caprice, they will seek gratification elsewhere. 
“ But as many do wrong things unwittingly, and would 
promptly and gladly correct the wrong-doing the instant 
it is made palpable to them, the hope is that multitudes 
of married women, especially young wives, may escape the 
rock upon which the domestic bark has been so often 
dashed, by having presented to their minds a clear idea 
of how these things work in practical, actual life, and of 
the value of one short lesson. Interpose no obstacle 
unless there is a clear necessity for it. If a sense of 
duty and love does not impel such a course, let that of 
cold policy avail, for it will certainly avert a world of do- 
mestic woes. 
“There is another fact which is often overlooked; 
which is that, as a general rule, with men, an entire ab- 
stinence from sexual intercourse is attended with less dif- 
ficulty and discomfiture than an occasional participation. 
“A more delicate subject is still to be discussed ; it is 
that of frequency; and, although no one can be a guide 
for another, any more than in quantity of food, yet it is 
capable of a satisfactory and accurate solution in the light 
of nature and instinct.” 
“ If a man does not get enough food for the wants of FREQUENCY OF SEXUAL INTERCOURSE. 
797 
the system, he is made sensible of it by a certain feeling 
in the stomach; his attention is directed to the fact that 
he has a stomach; so in this other appetite, if not sat- 
isfied up to nature’s want and need, there is a constant 
reminder of this want, that there is a reproductive na- 
ture; when the propensity is fully fed, the mind goes off 
to something else. If a man is very hungry, his atten- 
tion is acutely and quickly attracted to everything eata- 
ble on the street; were he not hungry, he would pass 
wagon-loads without even the knowledge of their existence. 
“The man who has not had the desires of his nature 
met, is committing adultery in his heart at the meeting 
of every fair form, and he cannot help its being said of 
him, he ‘ looketh on a woman to lust after her.’ A 
man could not be a man were it otherwise, and it is ut- 
terly useless to blink the question. * * * * 
Hence it is that marriage is a great purifier of the 
thoughts and intents of the heart, as all conscientious 
persons well know who have passed from the single to 
the married state. Therefore it clearly follows that all 
these sins, all these demoralizations, are justly laid at the 
door of the unwilling wife. The whole subject merits 
the deliberate and serious and mature consideration of 
every intelligent, conscientious and pure-minded woman. 
The law allows divorce on the ascertainment of such mal- 
formation as clearly makes reproduction impossible, be- 
cause it is against nature; moral malformation is in ef- 
fect the same. Indifference is a moral deformity, let 
alone aversion to the act. 
“Besides all this, a woman of the class under considera- 
tion has married for a home, or for other unworthy reason, 
and not for love. She has perpetrated a deliberate fraud 
on her husband and on society, and has none of the 798 
THE APPETITES. 
rights of a wife; nor can she justly claim her husband’s 
respect or sympathies. Then there is a consideration 
which sinks her into deeper depths. She allows a man 
to spend his waking existence at his shop, his office, his 
store, or his manufactory, in labor and in toil, to support 
his household respectably, in comfort and abundance, to 
supply the means for dress, and for all the other calls inci- 
dent to social life ; while in return there is not accorded 
that consideration, and the exercise of those claims which 
of right belong to him; or if accorded, it is grudgingly, 
with the interposition of such obstacles, and the exhibi- 
tion of such indifference, such an unwillingness, and with 
such an ungracious manner, that the mind can come to 
no other conclusion than that there exists an intensity of 
selfishness, which degrades any human being who possesses 
it to the level of the meanest of the race. Of course 
there can be no love there. 
“ There are other circumstances which show that the 
all-pervading appetite has not been appeased. Not only 
the debilitating occurrences already alluded to : the ‘ look- 
ing after ’ others lustfully, but in the early morning, on 
waking, there is a uniform rigidity of the reproductive 
parts, which shows the yearning of the instinct for its 
natural feeding, as a hungry man thinks of richly spread 
tables, just as the waking dream of the morning is break- 
ing up the sleep of the night. 
“ There is still another and a fifth indication that na- 
ture has not had her satisfaction. When there is good 
bodily health, and the functions are vigorous and perfect, 
accompanied with honorable continence, there is in some 
cases, in the earliest part of married life, an instantaneous 
completion of the consummation even before an accom- 
plished introduction. 
“ These considerations fully answer the important ques- FREQUENCY OF SEXUAL INTERCOURSE. 
799 
tion as to the measure of frequency, and indicate a rule 
of conduct which can be clearly and satisfactorily applied 
to all, of whatever age, temperament, habit or constitu- 
tion. It is an unerring and perfectly safe principle of 
application in all possible cases, and to which, in healthy 
persons, there are no exceptions. To recapitulate: Mari- 
tal consummations are to be accomplished to the extent— 
“ First, of preventing the ‘looking on a woman to lust 
after her.’ 
“ Second, of preventing lascivious dreams. 
“Third, of preventing the early morning rigidities. 
“Fourth, of preventing the tendency of the mind to 
run off into evil and impure imaginings on the instant 
the attention is directed by sight or sound to anything 
which can bring to it thoughts on the great, controlling, 
prevalent subject. 
“Fifth, of preventing instantaneous consummation; 
and, 
“Sixth, of preventing great debility or any discomfort 
following the act. 
“The frequency should be diminished until no discom- 
fort whatever is experienced, even transient; just as in a 
dyspeptic condition of the stomach, a man should eat 
less and less each time, until no discomfort whatever is 
induced, and that is the proper measure for him ; if that 
limited amount is continued for awhile, the stomach be- 
comes stronger, and more can be indulged in, and more 
and more, until the person can eat as much as others 
without any inconvenience. But if in increasing the 
amount of food he does it too fast, and discomfort begins 
to show itself, he must at once diminish the amount to a 
satisfactory quantity. This is precisely the line of con- 
duct to be pursued as to the subject under discussion. 
“If weekly, or even annual consummations, are 800 
THE ArrETITES. 
followed by debilities, or exhaustion, or other indications 
of a strain on nature, then they are to be omitted, how- 
soever great the misfortune in any particular case; pitiful 
though it be, and commanding the sincerest sympathies 
of all generous minds. As in a man losing his fortune 
undeservedly, it is a hard case, but it cannot be helped.” 
The author of the foregoing article has offered some 
good suggestions, but failed to state some facts on the 
other side of the question, that are worthy of being re- 
counted in this connection: In the first place, every hus- 
band should consider that his wife possesses rights in 
this matter as well as himself, which it is his duty to 
respect. Were it otherwise, it is possible for men of 
strong sensual natures, who, of ten-times, place no curb 
on their appetites, to render the life of delicate women 
intolerable to the last degree. They should look well to 
it that they do not abuse their rights and privileges, and 
not allow, as is frequently the case, brutal instinct to 
govern in the sexual treatment of their wives. 
There are times and circumstances when the wife is 
justified in refusing the demands of the husband. 
These are during her monthly periods; for one 
month after confinement; for three months after mis- 
carriage, in order to avoid a recurrence of it; during 
convalescence from any ordinary sickness, while the wo- 
man is still weak and debilitated ; in case of any uterine 
difficulty which renders cohabitation painful and of course 
injurious, and when the husband is under the influence 
of liquor. 
During gestation or pregnancy, if the mental and 
physical well-being of the future child is considered, this 
intercourse will be sparingly indulged in. 
The space allotted to this article will not admit of 
detailing, at length, the rights belonging to women, or 801 
TO AVOID EXCESSIVE INDULGENCES. 
the better course to be pursued in case husbands fail 
to legitimately provide for them, and when they become 
brutal in their actions, vile and loathsome in their persons 
or dissipated in their habits. 
TO AVOID EXCESSIVE INDULGENCES. 
Married persons should adopt more generally the rule 
of sleeping in separate rooms, or at least in separate 
beds, as is the almost universal custom in Germany and 
Holland. This rule being adopted, several very important 
advantages would result in regard to health and comfort. 
Opportunity makes importunity. For example, if 
pastries are where they continually attract the attention of 
children, there is a want and a request for them ; but if 
out of sight, they would only be thought of when natural 
hunger came. So, if married persons slept in different 
rooms, the indulgences would only be specially thought of 
when there existed a natural, healthy appetite for the 
same ; and as food is the more enjoyable from the longer 
interval of fasting, so here. In this way troublesome 
temptations are escaped, and a rational temperance would 
be practiced without inconvenience. 
And it is wrell known, too, that if two persons, one 
sickly and the other healthy, occupy the same bed, one 
will become diseased without the sickly one becoming 
benefited. This is especially true when children sleep 
wTith old and feeble persons. Hence it is seldom the case 
that both the wife and husband are in perfect health, 802 
PREVENTION OF CONCEPTION. 
in all respects, at all times; at least one party would be 
saved from injury by sleeping alone. 
Abundant, sound, refreshing sleep is essential to the 
health and well-being of every one; how important to the 
toiling farmer, to the hard-worked mechanic, to a nursing- 
mother, and to the mental laborer, that their sleep should 
not be disturbed at night; though how easily this may 
occur from a cough, groan or by simply turning in bed; 
and yet how difficult, when thus aroused, to sleep again, 
very many know by repeated experience. 
But the space allotted to this article will not admit 
of the enumeration of all the evil effects that flow from 
two persons’ occupying the same bed. 
PREVENTION OF CONCEPTION. 
There are cases in which the deformity of a woman’s 
pelvis prevents her from giving birth to a living child, 
without endangering her life, or otherwise incurring great 
risks, by some disease that is dependent upon pregnancy. 
The grave question thence arises with her, How can co- 
habitation take place without jeopardizing her life and 
health? The following safe and almost universally 
effectual means may be adopted: Immediately after the 
sexual act she should use injections of as hot water as 
she can bear, or the other extreme, very cold water. To 
increase the efficiency of this, it is recommended by some 
that two or three teaspoonfuls of white sugar be added 
to each pint of water before using. Or, instead of the 
sugar, use half a teaspoonful of powdered borax, or as 
much of soda. INJURIOUS MODE OF PREVENTION. 
803 
The following is a good means for accomplishing the 
same purpose: Use a piece of soft sponge, of appropri- 
ate size, which is passed up to the womb before con- 
nection, and withdrawn afterward, a cord being attached 
to it for this purpose. It is better that it should be 
wet in vinegar one part and water three parts, before 
using. 
This is rendered more certain by employing an in- 
jection of due part vinegar to six parts of water. 
The injection of this proportion of water and vine- 
gar, used cold, will often answer the same purpose with- 
out any other means. 
The sac, called the Cundrum, is sometimes worn by 
the male, and is effective in preventing conception, but its 
use is very injurious and unsatisfactory. 
When, at any time, the period has arrived, and the 
lady is fearful that her courses will not make their ap- 
pearance, let her take a vapor bath in the following 
manner: Take bay rum, sufficient to burn ten or fifteen 
minutes, perhaps a gill or more, and put it into a sau- 
cer or other shallow dish. Set it on fire and place it 
under a cane-bottomed chair, covered with a towel to 
protect her from being burned. Then let her be seated 
in the chair, with a large shawl or quilt thrown over her 
shoulders, and remain in that position until the spirits 
have ceased to burn, and thus take a thorough rum-bath. 
On the following morning take half a teaspoonful of 
powdered borax. It is seldom that a repetition of this 
means will be necessary in order to insure the appear- 
ance of her menses. 
Injurious Mode of Prevention—A pernicious 
practice f*>r preventing conception is that of making with- 
drawals during the sexual act. Few things are equally 
as unsexing and inflammatory to the nervous system. 804 
PREVENTION OF CONCEPTION. 
Masturbation is no more so, because both exhaust one’s 
own magnetism, without either obtaining a supply from 
the other party. 
And again, withdrawals infuriate both. All who are 
sexually disappointed are compelled to hate those who 
disappoint them. In this, both are disappointed, and 
thereby each infuriates the other. 
Impotency and other diseased conditions of the ner- 
vous system are also liable to flow from this practice. 
The following table of the “ barren weeks ” will 
show to every lady the precise days in every month of 
the entire year in which she may safely indulge in sexual 
pleasures without danger of conception, and without find- 
ing it necessary to resort to any injurious or doubtful 
measures in order to avoid what, with many, would be an 
undoubted calamity. It is only necessary to observe that 
each one must begin to count from the date of the ac- 
tual cessation of her menstrual flow. TABLE. 
805 
TABLE. 
Mensis be- 
gins. 
Mensis 
ends. 
Barren Pe- 
riod begins. 
Barren Pe- 
riod ends. 
Fruitful Pe- 
riod begins. 
Fruitful Pe- 
riod ends. 
Jan-... 1 
Jan 
3 
Jan.. 
.16 
Jan.. 
.22 
Jan 
....23 
Feb 
....12 
“ .... 2 
H 
4 
it 
.17 
Il 
.23 
a 
....24 
il 
....13 
“ 3 
il 
5 
it 
.18 
it 
..24 
a 
.... 25 
4 4 
....14 
“ 4 
ti 
6 
it 
. 19 
n 
.25 
a 
....26 
il 
.... 15 
“ .... 5 
a 
7 
a 
.20 
ii 
.26 
a 
....27 
it 
....16 
“ 6 
a 
8 
a 
.21 
a 
.27 
a 
....28 
il 
....17 
“ .... 7 
it 
9 
a 
.22 
a 
.28 
«. 
....29 
il 
....18 
“ .... 8 
a 
10 
it 
.23 
a 
.29 
tt 
....30 
it 
....19 
“ .... 9 
tt 
11 
a 
.24 
tt 
.30 
a 
....31 
ii 
...20 
“ ....10 
a 
12 
it 
. 25 
ti 
.31 
Feb 
... 1 
a 
....21 
“ ....11 
it 
13 
a 
.26 
Feb.. 
. 1 
it 
.... 2 
a 
....22 
“ ....12 
a 
14 
a 
.27 
* i 
. 2 
it 
.... 3 
a 
....23 
“ ....13 
a 
15 
ii 
.28 
it 
. 3 
<• 
.... 4 
n 
....24 
“ ....14 
a 
16 
a 
.29 
a 
. 4 
it 
• • • • 5 
n 
.... 25 
“ ....15 
* i 
17 
a 
.30 
ti 
. 5 
»< 
.... 6 
n 
26 
“ ....16 
a 
18 
n 
(4 
. 6 
a 
.... 7 
it 
....27 
“ ....17 
a 
19 
Feb.. 
. 1 
it 
. 7 
a 
.... 8 
a 
....28 
“ ....18 
a 
20 
It 
. 2 
a 
. 8 
t i 
.... 9 
Mar 
.... 1 
“ 19 
a 
21 
a 
. 3 
it 
. 9 
4 t 
....10 
U 
2 
“ ....20 
a 
22 
ii 
. 4 
c. 
.10 
it 
....11 
a 
... 3 
“ ....21 
t 
23 
n 
. 5 
tt .. 
•11 
n 
.... 12 
it 
.... 4 
“ 22 
a 
24 
a 
. 6 
ti 
.12 
a 
....13 
a 
.... 5 
“ 23 
u 
25 
a 
. 7 
tt 
.13 
a 
....14 
it 
... 6 
“ ....24 
a 
26 
a 
. 8 
a 
.14 
a 
15 
a 
.... 7 
“ ... 25 
it 
27 
a 
. 9 
a 
.15 
a 
16 
a 
8 
“ 26 
it 
28 
a 
.10 
a 
.16 
a 
....17 
tt 
.... 9 
“ ....27 
a 
29 
a 
11 
a 
.17 
a 
....18 
a 
....10 
“ ....28 
a 
30 
a 
.12 
(4 
.18 
a 
....19 
a 
....11 
“ ....29 
a 
31 
a 
.13 
tt 
.19 
a 
....20 
a 
....12 
“ ....30 
Feb.... 
1 
n 
.1 + 
u 
.20 
a 
21 
n 
....13 
“ 31 
It 
2 
it 
.15 
n 
.21 
a 
22 
a 
....14 
Feb.... 1 
it 
3 
a 
..16 
a 
.22 
a 
....23 
tt 
....15 
“ .... 2 
it 
4 
a 
.17 
a 
.23 
a 
.... 24 
n 
16 
“ .... 3 
a 
s| 
a 
.18 
a 
.24 
a 
25 
n 
....17 
“ .... 4 
a 
6 
ii 
.19 
a 
.25 
a 
....26 
a 
....18 
“ .... 5 
u 
7 
%t 
.20 
a 
.26 
a 
....27 
n 
....19 
“ .... 6 
a 
8 
a 
.21 
a 
.27 
a 
....28 
ii 
....20 
“ 7 
4 i 
9 
a 
..22 
a 
.28 
Mar 
1 
il 
21 
“ .... 8 
it 
10 
a 
..23 
Mar.. 
. 1 
il 
2 
it 
....22 
“ ... 9 
it 
11 
a 
..24 
it 
. 2 
ti 
.... 3 
it 
....23 
“ ....10 
a 
12 
u 
..25 
a 
.. 3 
il 
.... 4 
it 
....24 
“ 11 
it 
13 
a 
..26 
a 
.. 4 
li 
.... 5 
a 
....25 
“ ....12 
a 
14 
a 
..27 
a 
• 5 
i i 
.... 6 
a 
26 
“ ....13 
4 i 
15 
a 
..28 
it 
.. 6 
i i 
.... 7 
a 
....27 
“ ....14 
a 
16 
Mar.. 
.. 1 
a 
.. 7 
il 
.... 8 
it 
....28 
“ ....15 
a 
17 
it 
.. 2 
tt 
.. 8 
it 
.... 9 
it 
....29 
“ ....16 
a 
18 
it 
.. 3 
a 
.. 9 
il 
....10 
it 
....30 
“ ....17 
n 
19 
» i 
.. 4 
a 
..10 
ii 
....11 
11 
• • • •31 
“ ....18 
it 
20 
a 
.. 5 
a 
..11 
il 
....12 
Apr 
.... i 
“ ....19 
a 
21 
a 
.. 6 
a 
..12 
li 
....13 
.... 2 
“ ....20 
a 
22 
a 
.. 7 
a 
..13 
It 
....14 
a 
.... 3 
“ ....21 
a 
23 
a 
.. 8 
a 
..14 
il 
....15 
a 
.... 4 
ii «>»> 
u 
24 
a 
.. 9 
a 
..15 
t 4 
....16 
it 
.... 5 806 
TABLE. 
Mensis be- 
gins. 
Mensis 
ends. 
Barren Pe- 
riod begins. 
Barren Pe- 
riod ends. 
Fruitful Pe- 
riod begins. 
Fruitful Pe- 
riod ends. 
Feb....23 
Feb.. .25 
Mar.... 10 
Mar 16 
Mar -.. 
.17 
Apr 6 
“ 24 
“ ....26 
“ ....11 
“ • --17 
44 
.18 
“ .... 7 
<• ....25 
“ 27 
“ ....12 
“ ....18 
44 
.19 
“ .... 8 
“ ....26 
“ ....28 
“ ....13 
“ ....19 
u 
.20 
« .... 9 
“ 27 
Mar.... 1 
“ ....14 
“ ....20 
u 
.21 
“ ....10 
“ ... 28 
“ .... 2 
“ ....15 
“ ....21 
u 
.22 
“ ....11 
Mar 1 
“ .... 3 
“ ....16 
“ 22 
a 
.23 
“ ....12 
“ .... 2 
“ .... 4 
“ ....17 
“ ....23 
a 
.24 
“ ....13 
“ .... 3 
“ .• . 5 
“ ....18 
“ 24 
.25 
“ ....14 
“ .... 4 
“ .... 6 
“ ....19 
“ ....25 
<4 
.26 
“ 15 
“ .... 5 
“ .... 7 
“ ....20 
“ ....26 
<4 
.27 
“ ....16 
“ .... 6 
“ .... 8 
“ ....21 
“ ....27 
44 
.28 
“ ....17 
“ .... 7 
“ .... 9 
“ ....22 
«* ....28 
.29 
“ ....18 
“ .... 8 
“ ....10 
“ ....23 
“ ....29 
u 
.30 
“ ....19 
“ .... 9 
“ ....11 
“ 24 
“ ....30 
«4 
.31 
“ 20 
“ 10 
“ ....12 
« ....25 
“ ....31 
Apr... 
. 1 
“ 21 
“ 11 
“ ....13 
“ ....26 
Apr.... 1 
a 
. 2 
“ 22 
“ ....12 
“ ....14 
“ 27 
“ 2 
u 
. 3 
“ ....23 
“ ....13 
“ ....15 
“ 28 
“ .... 3 
<< 
. 4 
“ 24 
“ ....14 
“ ....16 
“ 29 
“ .... 4 
a 
. 5 
“ ....25 
“ •• •• 15 
“ ....17 
“ ....30 
“ .... 5 
44 
. 6 
“ 26 
“ ....16 
“ ....18 
“ ....31 
“ .... 6, 
44 
. 7 
“ ....27 
“ 17 
“ ....19 
Apr 1 
“ .... 7 
44 
. 8 
. “ 28 
“ ....18 
“ ....20 
“ 2 
“ .... 8 
a 
. 9 
“ ....29 
“ 19 
“ 21 
“ .... 3 
“ .... 9 
a 
.10 
“ 30 
“ 20 
“ ....22 
“ .... 4 
“ ....10l 
u 
11 
May 1 
“ ....21 
“ 23 
“ .... 5 
“ ....llj 
u 
.12 
.... 2 
“ ....22 
“ ....24 
“ .... 6 
“ 12 
u 
.13 
“ .... 3 
“ ....23 
“ 25 
“ .... 7 
“ .... 13 
a 
.14 
“ .... 4 
“ ....24 
“ ....26 
“ .... 8 
“ ....14' 
u 
.15 
“ .... 5 
“ ....25 
“ ....27 
“ .... 9 
“ —15; 
•. • 
.16 
“ .... 6 
“ 26 
“ ....28 
“ ....10 
“ ....16 
<4 
.17 
“ .... 7 
“ ... 27 
“ ....29 
“ ....11 
“ .... 17 
<4 
.18 
“ 8 
“ ....28 
“ ....30 
“ ....12 
“ ....18 
44 
.19 
“ 9 
“ ....29 
“ ....31 
“ ....13 
“ .... 19 
44 
.20 
“ ....10 
“ ....30 
Apr 1 
“ ....14 
“ 20 
44 
.21 
“ ....11 
“ ....31 
“ .... 2 
“ 15 
“ ....21 
44 
.22 
“ ....12 
Apr 1 
“ .... 3 
“ 16 
“ ....22 
44 
.23 
“ 13 
“ .... 2 
“ .... 4 
“ ....17 
“ ....23 
44 
.24 
“ ....14 
“ .... 3 
“ .... 5 
“ .... 18 
“ ....24' 
44 
.25 
“ 15 
“ 4 
“ .... 6 
“ ....19 
“ ....25 
44 
26 
“ ....16 
“ .... 5 
“ .... 7 
“ ....20 
“ ....26 
44 
.27 
“ 17 
“ .... 6 
“ .... 8 
“ ....21 
“ ....27 
44 
.28 
“ 18 
“ .... 7 
“ .... 9 
“ ....22 
“ ....28 
4 i 
.29 
“ ....19 
“ .... 8 
“ ....10 
“ ....23 
“ 29 
44 
.30 
“ 20 
“ .... 9 
“ ....11 
“ ....24 
“ ....30 
May... 
. 1 
“ ....21 
“ ....10 
“ ....12 
« ....25 
May 1 
44 
. 2 
“ ....22 
“ ....11 
“ ....13 
“ 26 
<• 2 
44 
. 3 
“ ....23 
“ ....12 
“ ....14 
“ ....27 
“ 3 
44 
. 4 
“ ....24 
“ ....13 
“ ....15 
“ ....28 
“ .... 4 
44 
. 5 
“ ....25 
“ ....14 
“ ....16 
“ ....29 
“ .... 5 
44 
. 6 
“ ....26 
“ ....15 
“ ....17 
“ ....30 
“ .... 6 
44 
. 7 
“ ....27 
“ ....16 
“ ....18 
May.... 1 
“ .... 7 
<4 
. 8 
“ 28 
“ ....17 
“ ....19 
“ .... 2 
“ .... 8 
44 
. 9 
« ....29 
“ ... 18 
“ 20 
“ .... 3 
“ .... 9 
44 
.10 
“ ....SO TABLE 
807 
Mensis 
gins 
be- 
Mensis 
ends. 
Barren Pe- 
riod begins. 
j 
Barren Pe- 
riod ends. 
Fruitful Pe- 
riod begins. 
Fruitful Pe- 
riod ends. 
Apr - • 
.19 
Apr.. 
.21 
May.... 4 
May.. 
.10 
May.... 11 
May.. 
.31 
it 
.20 
it 
.22 
“ .... 5 
ii 
.ii 
“ 12 
June.. 
. 1 
a 
.21 
it 
.23 
“ .... 6 
tt 
.12 
“ ....13 
<< 
. 2 
a 
.22 
it 
.24 
“ .... 7 
ii 
.13 
“ ....14 
it 
. 3 
a 
.23 
tt 
.25 
“ .... 8 
ti 
..14 
“ ....15 
tt 
. 4 
i. 
.24 
tt 
26 
“ .... 9 
ii 
. 15 
“ ....16 
ft 
. 5 
a m ( 
.25 
a 
.27 
“ ....10 
ii 
.16 
“ ....17 
il 
. 6 
a 
.26 
u 
.28 
“ ....11 
ii 
.17 
“ ....18 
ii 
• 7 
tt 
.27 
11 ,. 
.29 
“ ....12 
il 
.18 
“ 19 
if 
. 8 
H l t 
.28 
it .. 
.30 
“ ....13 
ii 
.19 
“ 20 
ii 
. 9 
tt 
.29 
May. • 
. 1 
“ ....14 
tt 
.20 
“ ....21 
it 
.10 
a . ( 
• 30 
U ,, , 
. 2 
“ 15 
a 
.21 
“ ....22 
.11 
May... 
. 1 
it # . # 
. 3 
“ ....16 
n 
.22 
“ ....23 
it 
.12 
a # 
. 2 
it , , 
. 4 
“ ....17 
tt 
.23 
“ ....24 
it 
.13 
a # ( 
. 3 
a .,, 
. 5 
“ ....18 
tt 
.24 
“ 25 
it 
. 14 
<< 
. 4 
a # # # 
. 6 
“ ....19 
a 
.25 
“ ....26 
it • • 
•15 
u # ( 
. 5 
« .,, 
. 7 
“ 20 
a 
.26 
“ ....27 
it 
.16 
<i 
. 6 
a t#. 
. 8 
“ ....21 
tt 
.27 
“ ....28 
ii 
.17 
it 
. 7 
a # # # 
. 9 
“ ....22 
ti 
.28 
“ ....29 
ii 
.18 
a 
. 8 
tt t#f 
.10 
“ 23 
a 
.29 
“ ....30 
ii 
. 19 
tt 
. 9 
tt . t # 
11 
h ..,.24 
a 
.30 
“ ....31 
tt 
.20 
tt 
.10 
tt ... 
.12 
“ ....25 
t 
.31 
June 1 
ii 
.21 
tt 
.11 
u 
.13 
“ ....26 
June.. 
. 1 
“ .... 2 
. 22 
a 
.12 
11 ... 
.14 
“ 27 
tt 
. 2 
“ .... 3 
.23 
it 
.13 
tt 
.15 
“ ....28 
ii 
. 3 
“ .... 4 
it 
.24 
a 
.14 
t. ,,, 
.16 
“ ....29 
. 4 
“ .. . 5 
.25 
a 
.15 
a 
.17 
“ ....30 
ii 
. 5 
“ .... 6 
it 
.26 
a 
.16 
tt Iit 
.18 
“ ....31 
tt 
. 6 
“ .... 7 
it ft| 
27 
tt 
.17 
a ,,, 
.19 
June.... 1 
tt 
. 7 
“ .... 8 
a 
.28 
n 
.18 
tt 
.20 
“ .... 2 
tt 
. 8 
“ .... 9 
a 
.29 
a 
.19 
tt # # # 
.21 
“ .... 3 
ii 
. 9 
“ ....10 
tt 
.30 
tt 
.20 
a ... 
.22 
“ >.... 4 
tt 
.10 
“ ....11 
July... 
. 1 
a 
.21 
tt 
.23 
“ .... 5 
tt 
.11 
“ ....12 
K 
2 
tt 
.22 
tt 
.24 
“ .... 6 
it 
.12 
“ ....13 
ti 
. 3 
tt 
.23 
«i 
.25 
“ .... 7 
tt 
.13 
“ ....14 
ti 
, 4 
a 
.24 
u . . . 
.26 
“ .... 8 
it 
.14 
“ ....15 
it 
. 5 
n 
.25 
<4 
.27 
“ .... 9 
a 
.15 
“ ....16 
it 
. 6 
n 
.26 
it 
.28 
“ 10 
it 
.16 
“ ....17 
it 
. 7 
a 
.27 
ii 
.29 
“ ....11 
tt 
.17 
“ ....18 
ti 
. 8 
tt 
.28 
i< 
.20 
“ ....12 
tt 
.18 
“ ....19 
it 
. 9 
n 
.29 
ii 
.31 
“ 13 
a 
.19 
“ ....20 
a 
.10 
tt 
.30 
June -.. 
. 1 
“ ....14 
a 
.20 
“ ....21 
tt 
.11 
tt 
.31 
it 
. 2 
“ ....15 
a 
* 211 
“ ....22 
a 
.12 
June.. 
. 1 
tt 
.. 3 
“ ....16 
a 
.22 
“ ....23 
n 
.13 
.< 
i 2 
it 
. 4 
“ 17 
a 
.23 
“ ....24 
tt 
.14 
a 
. 3 
tt 
. 5 
“ ....18 
n 
.24 
“ ....25 
a 
.15 
tt 
. 4 
tt 
. 6 
« ....19 
a 
.25 
“ 26 
a 
. 16 
tt 
. 5 
a 
. 7 
“ 20 
tt 
.26 
“ 27 
a 
.17 
a 
. 6 
tt 
. 8 
“ ....21 
a 
.27 
“ ....28 
tt 
.18 
tt 
. 7 
tt 
. 9 
“ 22 
n 
.28 
“ 29 
n 
.19 
tt 
. 8 
tt 
.10 
“ 23 
tt 
.29 
“ ....30 
a 
20 
a 
. 9 
tt 
.11 
“ 24 
tt 
.30 
July.... 1 
a 
.21 
a 
.10 
a 
.12 
“ 25 
July.. 
. 1 
“ 2 
a 
. 22 
a 
.11 
tt 
.13 
“ 26 
<< . • 
• 2 
“ .... 3 
n 
.23 
a 
.12 
a 
.14 
11 ....27 
a 
3 
“ .... 4 
tt 
.24 808 
TABLE 
Mensis be- 
gins. 
Mensis 
ends. 
Barren Pe- 
riod begins. 
Barren Pe- 
riod ends. 
i 
Fruitful Pe- 
riod begins. 
Fruitful Pc 
riod ends. 
June 13 
June.... 15 
, June 28 
July.... 4 
July.... 5 
July 25 
“ ....14 
....16 
“ ... 29 
“ - 5 
“ .... 6 
“ 26 
“ ....15 
“ • • • 17 
“ ....30 
“ 6 
“ .... 7 
“ ....27 
“ 16 
“ ....18 
July 1 
“ .... 7 
“ .... 8 
“ ... 28 
“ ....17 
“ ....19 
“ 2 
“ .... 8 
“ .... 9 
“ ....29 
“ ....18 
“ ....20 
“ .... 3 
“ .... 9 
“ ....10 
“ ....30 
“ 19 
“ 21 
“ .... 4 
“ ....10 
“ ....11 
“ ....31 
“ ....20 
“ ....22 
“ .... 5 
“ ....11 
“ ....12 
Aug 1 
“ 21 
“ ....23 
“ .... 6 
“ 12 
“ ....13 
“ .... 2 
“ ....22 
“ ....24 
“ .... 7 
“ ....13 
“ 14 
“ .... 3 
“ ....23 
“ ....25 
“ 8 
“ ....14 
“ ....15 
“ .... 4 
“ ....24 
“ ....26 
“ .... 9 
“ ....15 
“ 16 
“ .... 5 
“ ....25 
“ ....27 
“ ....10 
“ ....16 
“ ....17 
“ .... 6 
“ 26 
“ ....28 
“ ....11 
“ 17 
“ ....18 
“ .... 7 
“ ....27 
“ 29 
“ ....12 
“ 18 
“ 19 
“ .... 8 
“ ....28 
“ ....30 
“ 13 
“ 19 
“ ....20 
“ 9 
“ ....29 
July 1 
“ ....14 
“ ....20 
“ 21 
“ 10 
“ ....30 
“ .... 2 
“ ....15 
“ 21 
“ ....22 
“ ....11 
July-... 1 
“ .... 3 
“ 16 
“ ...22 
“ 23 
“ ....12 
“ .... 2 
“ .... 4 
“ ....17 
“ ....23 
“ ....24 
“ ....13 
“ .... 3 
“ .... 5 
“ ....18 
“ 24 
“ ... 25 
“ ....14 
“ 4 
“ 6 
“ ....19 
“ 25 
“ 26 
“ ....15 
“ .... 5 
“ .... 7 
“ ....20 
“ 26 
“ ....27 
“ ....16 
.... 6 
“ .... 8, 
“ 21 
“ 27 
“ ....28 
“ ....17 
“ 7 
“ 9 
“ ... 22 
“ ....28 
“ ....29 
“ ....18 
“ .... 8 
“ ....10 
“ ....23 
“ ....29 
“ ....30 
“ ....19 
“ .... 9 
“ ••••11 
“ ....24 
“ ....30 
“ 31 
“ .. .20 
“ ....10 
“ ....12 
“ ....25 
“ 31 
Aug.... 1 
“ ....21 
“ ....11 
“ 13 
“ ....26 
Aug.... 1 
2 
“ 22 
“ ....12 
“ ....14 
“ 27 
“ 2 
“ .... 3 
“ ....23 
“ ....13 
“ 15 
“ ....28 
“ .... 3 
“ .... 4 
“ ....24 
“ ....14 
“ 16 
“ 29 
“ 4 
“ .... 5 
“ 25 
“ 15 
“ ....17 
“ ....30 
“ 5 
“ .... 6 
“ ....26 
“ ....16 
“ ....IS 
“ ....31 
“ .... 6 
7 
*• ....27 
“ ....17 
“ 19 
Aug.... 1 
“ ... 7 
“ .... 8 
“ ....28 
“ ....18 
“ ....20 
“ .... 2 
“ .... 8 
“ ... 9 
*• ....29 
“ ....19 
“ ....21 
“ .... 3 
“ .... 9 
“ ....10 
“ ....30 
“ ....20 
“ 22 
“ .... 4 
“ ....10 
“ ....11 
“ -...31 
“ ....21 
“ ....23 
“ .... 5 
“ ....11 
“ ....12 
Sept.... 1 
“ 22 
“ ....24 
“ 6 
“ 12 
“ ....13 
“ .... 2 
“ ....23 
“ 25 
“ .... 7 
“ ....13 
“ 14 
“ .... 3 
“ ....24 
“ 26 
“ .... 8 
“ ....14 
“ ....15 
“ .... 4 
“ ....25 
“ 27 
“ .... 9 
“ ....15 
“ ....16 
“ .... 5 
“ ....26 
“ ....28 
“ ....10 
“ ....16 
“ ....17 
“ ... 6 
“ ....27 
“ 29 
“ 11 
“ 17 
“ ....18 
“ .... 7 
“ ....28 
“ ....30 
“ ....12 
“ ....18 
“ ....19 
“ .... 8 
“ 29 
“ 31 
“ ....13 
“ 19 
“ 20 
“ .... 9 
“ ....30 
Aug.... 1 
“ ....14 
“ ....20 
“ ....21 
“ 10 
“ 31 
“ 2 
“ ....15 
“ 21 
“ 22 
....11 
Aug.... 1 
“ .... 3 
“ ....16 
“ 22 
“ ....23 
“ ....12 
“ 2 
“ .... 4 
“ ....17 
“ ....23 
“ ....24 
“ ....13 
“ .... 3 
“ .... 5 
“ ....18 
“ 24 
“ 25 
“ ....14 
“ .... 4 
“ .... 6 
“ 19 
“ 25 
“ ....26 
“ ....15 
“ .... 5 
“ .... 7 
“ 20 
“ 26 
“ ....27 
“ 16 
“ .... 6 
“ .... 8 
“ ....21 
“ ....27 
“ ....28 
“ ....17 TABLE 
809 
Mensis be- 
gins. 
Mensis 
ends. 
Barren Pe- 
riod begins. 
Barren Pe- 
riod ends. 
Fruitful Pe- 
riod begins. 
Fruitful Pe- 
riod ends. 
Aug.... 7 
Aug 9 
Aug 22 
Aug 28 
Aug 29 
Sept... 
.18 
“ .... 8 
“ ....10 
“ ....23 
“ ....29 
“ ....30 
ii 
.19 
“ .... 9 
“ ....11 
“ ....24 
“ ....30 
“ ....31 
tt m t 
.20 
“ 10 
“ ....12 
“ 25 
“ ....31 
Sept 1 
a 
.21 
“ ....11 
“ ....13 
“ ....26 
Sept.... 1 
“ .... 2 
a 
.22 
“ ....12 
“ ....14 
“ ....27 
“ 2 
“ .... 3 
a 
.23 
“ ....13 
“ 15 
“ ....28 
“ .... 3 
“ .... 4 
a 
.24 
“ 14 
“ ....16 
“ ....29 
“ .... 4 
“ .... 5 
a 
.25 
“ ....15 
“ ....17 
“ ....30 
“ .... 5 
“ .... 6 
a 
.26 
“ ....16 
“ ....18 
“ ....31 
“ .... 6 
“ .... 7 
n 
.27 
“ ....17 
“ ....19 
Sept.... 1 
“ .... 7 
“ .... 8 
n 
.28 
“ 18 
“ ....20 
“ 2 
“ .... 8 
“ .... 9 
ti 
.29 
“ 19 
“ ....21 
“ .... 3 
“ .... 9 
“ ....10 
a 
.30 
“ 20 
“ 22 
“ .... 4 
“ 10 
“ ....11 
Oct .. 
. 1 
“ ....21 
“ ....23 
“ .... 5 
“ ....11 
“ ....12 
it 
. 2 
“ ....22 
“ ....24 
“ .... 6 
“ 12 
“ ....13 
it 
. 3 
“ ....23 
“ ....25 
“ ... 7 
“ ....13 
“ ....14 
. 4 
“ ....24 
“ ....26 
« .... 8 
“ ....14 
“ ....15 
. 5 
“ ....25 
“ 27 
“ .... 9 
“ 15 
“ ....16 
%t 
. 6 
“ ....26 
“ ....28 
“ ....10 
“ ....16 
“ ....17 
it 
. 7 
“ ....27 
“ ....29 
“ ....11 
“ 17 
“ 18 
it 
. 8 
“ ....28 
“ ....30 
“ ....12 
“ 18 
“ ....19 
< i 
. 9 
“ ....29 
“ ....31 
“ ....13 
“ 19 
“ ....20 
it 
.10 
“ ....30 
Sept.... 1 
“ ....14 
“ ....20 
“ ....21 
tt 
.11 
“ ....31 
“ 2 
“ ....15 
“ ....21 
“ 22 
it 
.12 
Sept.... 1 
“ .... 3 
“ ....16 
“ ....22 
“ 23 
it 
.13 
“ .... 2 
“ .... 4 
“ ....17 
“ 23 
“ ....24 
it 
.14 
“ .... 3 
“ .... 5 
“ ....18 
“ ....24 
“ ....25 
it 
.15 
“ .... 4 
“ .... 6 
“ ....19 
“ ....25 
“ ....26 
ii 
.16 
“ .... 5 
“ .... 7 
“ ....20 
“ 26 
“ 27 
H 
• 17 
“ ... 6 
“ .... 8 
“ ....21 
“ ....27 
“ ....28 
ii 
• 18 
“ .... 7 
“ ... 9 
“ 22 
“ ....28 
“ 29 
ii 
.19 
“ .... 8 
“ 10 
“ ....23 
“ .... 29 
“ ....30 
a 
.20 
“ .... 9 
“ ....11 
“ 24 
“ 30 
Oct.... 1 
a 
• 21 
“ ....io 
“ ....12 
“ 25 
Oct.... 1! 
“ .... 2 
a 
.22' 
“ ....11 
“ 13 
“ 26 
“ .... 2; 
“ .... 3 
a 
.23J 
“ 12 
“ 14 
u ....27 
“ .... 3 
“ .... 4 
a 
• 24 
“ ....13 
“ ....15 
“ ... 28 
“ .... 4 
“ .... 5 
a 
•25 
“ ....14 
“ ....16 
“ ....29 
“ .... 5: 
“ .... 6 
n 
• 26 
“ ....15 
“ 17 
“ ....30 
“ .... 6| 
“ .... 7 
tt 
• 27 
“ ....16 
“ ....18 
Oct.... 1 
“ .... 7 
“ .... 8 
a 
• 28 
“ ....17 
“ 19 
“ .... 2 
“ .... 8 
“ .... 9 
a 
• 29 
“ ....18 
“ ....20 
“ .... 3 
“ 9 
“ ....10 
tt 
• 30 
“ 19 
“ ....21 
“ .... 4 
“ ....10 
“ ....11 
a 
• 31 
“ ....20 
“ ....22 
“ .... 5 
“ 11 
“ ....12 
Nov... 
• 1 
“ 21 
‘ ....23 
“ .... 6 
“ 12 
“ ....13 
ii 
. 2 
“ ....22 
“ ....24 
“ .... 7 
“ 13 
“ 14 
a 
. 3 
“ 23 
“ 25 
“ .... 8 
“ ....14 
“ ....15 
a 
. 4 
“ ....24 
“ 26 
“ .... 9 
“ ....151 
“ ....16 
a 
. 5 
“ ... 25 
“ 27 
“ 10 
“ ....16 
“ ....17 
a 
. 6 
“ 26 
“ ....28 
“ ....11 
“ 17 
“ ....18 
a 
. 7 
“ ....27 
“ ....29 
“ ....12 
“ ....18 
“ ....19 
a 
. 8 
“ ....28 
“ ....30 
“ ....13 
“ 19 
“ ....20 
a 
. 9 
“ ....29 
Oct.... 1 
“ ....14 
“ ....20 
“ ....21 
it 
.10 
“ ....30 
“ .... 2 
“ ....15 
“ ....21 
“ ....22 
tt 
.11 810 
TABLE. 
Mensis be- 
gins. 
Mensis 
ends. 
Barren Pe- 
riod begins. 
Barren Pe- 
riod ends. 
Fruitful Pe- 
riod begins. 
Fruitful Pe- 
riod ends. 
Oct.... 1 
Oct.... 3 
Oct.... 16 
Oct.... 22 
Oct.... 23 
Nov.... 12 
“ 2 
“ .... 4 
“ ....17 
“ 23 
“ ....24 
“ ....13 
“ 3 
“ .... 5 
“ ....18 
“ ....24 
“ ....25 
“ ....14 
“ .... 4 
“ .... 6 
“ ....19 
“ 25 
“ ... 26 
“ ....15 
“ .... 5 
“ .... 7 
“ ....20 
“ ....26 
“ ....27 
“ ....16 
“ .... 6 
“ .... 8 
“ 21 
“ ....27 
“ ....28 
“ ....17 
“ 7 
“ .... 9 
“ ....22 
“ ....28 
“ ....29 
“ ....18 
“ .... 8 
“ ....10 
“ ....23 
“ ....29 
“ ....30 
“ ....19 
“ .... 9 
“ 11 
“ ....24 
“ ....30 
“ ....31 
“ ....20 
“ ....10 
“ ....12 
“ ....25 
“ ....31 
Nov 1 
“ ....21 
“ ....11 
“ ....13 
“ 26 
Nov 1 
“ 2 
“ ....22 
“ ....12 
“ 14 
“ ....27 
“ .... 2 
“ .... 3 
“ ....23 
“ ....13 
“ ....15 
“ ....28 
“ .... 3 
“ .... 4 
“ ....24 
“ ....14 
“ ....16 
“ 29 
“ .... 4 
“ .... 5 
“ ....25 
“ ....15 
“ 17 
“ .... 30 
“ .... 5 
“ .... 6 
“ 26 
“ ....16 
“ 18 
“ ....31 
“ .... 6 
“ .... 7 
“ ....27 
“ ....17 
“ 19 
Nov.... 1 
“ .... 7 
“ .... 8 
“ 28 
“ ....18 
“ 20 
“ .... 2 
“ .... 8 
“ .... 9 
“ ....29 
“ ....19 
“ ....21 
“ .... 3 
“ .... 9 
“ 10 
“ ....30 
“ ....20 
“ ....22 
“ .... 4 
“ ....10 
“ ... 11 
Dec.... 1 
“ 21 
“ ....23 
“ .... 5 
“ ....11 
“ ....12 
“ .... 2 
“ -...22 
“ ....24 
“ 6 
“ 12 
“ ....13 
“ .... 3 
“ 23 
“ 25 
“ .... 7 
“ 13 
“ ....14 
“ 4 
“ ....24 
“ ....26 
“ .... 8 
“ 14 
“ ....15 
“ .... 5 
“ 25 
“ ....27 
“ .... 9 
“ ....15 
'• 16 
“ 6 
“ 26 
“ ....28 
“ ....10 
“ 16 
“ ....17 
“ .... 7 
“ ....27 
“ 29 
“ 11 
“ 17 
“ ....18 
“ •••• 8 
“ ....28 
“ ....30 
“ 12 
“ ....18 
“ 19 
“ .... 9 
“ ....29 
“ 31 
“ ....13 
“ ....19 
“ ....20 
“ ....10 
“ ....30 
Nov 1 
“ ....14 
“ ....20 
“ ....21 
“•....11 
“ ....31 
“ .... 2 
“ 15 
“ ....21 
“ 22 
“ 12 
Nov.... 1 
“ .... 3 
“ ....16 
“ 22 
“ ....23 
“ ....13 
“ .... 2 
“ 4 
“ ....17 
“ ....23 
“ ....24 
“ ....14 
“ .... 3 
“ 5 
“ ....18 
“ 24 
“ 25 
“ 15 
“ .... 4 
“ .... 6 
“ 19 
“ 25 
“ ....26 
“ 16 
“ .... 5 
“ .... 7 
“ ....20 
“ ....26 
“ ....27 
“ 17 
“ .... 6 
“ .... 8 
“ ....21 
“ ....27 
“ ....28 
“ ....18 
“ .... 7 
“ .... 9 
“ ....22 
“ ....28 
“ ....29 
“ 19 
“ .... 8 
“ ... 10 
“ 23 
u ....29 
“ ....30 
“ ... 20 
“ 9 
“ ....11 
“ ....24 
“ ....30 
Dec.... 1 
“ ....21 
“ • --10 
“ ....12 
“ ....25 
Dec ... 1 
‘ .... 2 
“ ....22 
“ ....11 
“ ....13 
“ ....26 
“ .... 2 
“ 3 
“ ....23 
“ ....12 
“ ....14 
“ ....27 
“ 3 
“ .... 4 
“ 24 
“ ....13 
“ 15 
“ ....28 
“ .... 4 
“ .... 5 
“ 25 
“ 14 
“ ....16 
“ ....2!) 
“ .... 5 
“ .... 6 
“ 26 
“ ••••15 
“ ....17 
“ ....30 
“ 6 
“ .... 7 
“ 27 
“ ....16 
“ ....18 
Dec 1 
“ .... 7 
“ .... 8 
“ 28, 
“ ....17 
“ 19 
.< .... 2 
“ .... 8 
“ .... 9 
“ ....29 
“ ....18 
“ ....20 
“ ... 3 
“ .... 9 
“ ]U 
“ ....30 
“ ....19 
“ ....21 
“ .... 4 
“ ....10 
“ ....11 
‘ ....31 
“ ....20 
“ ....22 
“ .... 5 
“ ....11 
“ la 
Jan lj 
“ ....21 
“ ....23 
“ 6 
“ ....12 
“ 13 
“ .... 2 
“ ....22 
“ .... 24 
“ .... 7 
“ ....13 
“ ....14 
“ .... 3 
“ 23 
“ ....25 
“ .... 8 
“ 14 
“ 15 
“ 4 
“ ....24 
....26 
“ 9 
“ ....15 
“ ....16 
“ .... 5 TABLE. 
811 
Mentis be- 
fiiii.s 
Mensis 
ends. 
Barren Pe- 
riod begins. 
Barren Pe- 
riod ends. 
Fruitful Pe- 
riod begins. 
Pruitful Pe- 
riod ends. 
Nov 25 
Nov 27 
Dec-... 10 
Dec 16 
Dec....17 
Jan.... 6 
“ 26i “ 28 
“ ....11 
“ 17 
“ 18 
“ .... 7 
“ 27 
“ 29 
“ ....12 
“ ....18 
“ 19 
“ .... 8 
“ 28 “ 30 
“ ....13 
“ ....19 
“ ....20 
“ .... 9 
“ 29 
Dec.... 1 
“ 14 
“ 20 
“ 21 
“ ....10 
“ so 
2 
“ ....15 
“ 21 
“ ....22 
“ 11 
Dec. ••• 1 
“ .... 3 
“ 16 
“ 22 
“ ....23 
“ 12 
«• .... 2 
“ 4 
“ 17 
“ 23 
“ 24 
“ ....13 
<< 3 
“ .... 5 
“ ....18 
“ 241 
“ 25 
“ ....14 
“ 4 
“ .... 6 
“ ....19 
“ ....25 
“ 26 
“ 15 
“ 5 
“ 7 
“ 20 
“ 26 
“ ....27 
“ ....16 
G 
“ .... 8 
“ ....21 
« 27] 
“ 28 
“ 17 
<< 7 
“ .... 9 
“ 22 
“ 28 
“ 29 
“ ....18 
“ 8 
“ ....10, 
“ ....23 
“ ....29 
“ ....30 
“ 19 
<< 9 
“ ....11 
“ 24 
“ 30 
“ 31 
“ 20 
10 
<< 12 
“ 25 
‘ 31 
Jan.... 1 
“ 21 
“ 11 
“ 13 
“ 26 
Jan.... 1 
“ 2 
“ ....22 
“ 12 
“ 14 
“ 27 
2 
“ 3 
“ ....23 
“ 13 
“ 15 
“ ....28 
•“ 3, 
“ .... 4 
“ 24 
“ 14 
“ 16! 
“ 29 
“ •••• * 
“ .. . 5 
“ 25 
“ 15 
“ 17 
....30 
“ .... 5 
“ .... 6 
“ ....26 
“ 16 
....18 
“ ....31 
“ -• « 
“ .... 7 
“ 27 
“ ....17 
“ 19 
Jan.... 1 
“ .... 7; 
“ .... 8 
“ ....28 
“ ....18 
“ 20 
‘‘ 2 
“ 8 
“ 9 
“ 29 
“ 19 
“ 21 
‘ 3 
“ .... 9 
“ ... 10 
“ 30 
“ ... 20 
“ ....22 
“ 4 
“ ....io 
“ 11 
“ ....31 
“ 21 
“ ....23 
“ 5 
“ ••••11 
“ ....12 
Feb.... 1 
“ 22 
“ ....24 
“ .... 6 
“ ....12 
“ ....13 
“ .... 2 
“ 23 
“ 25 
“ 7 
“ ....13 
“ ....14 
“ 3 
“ ....24 
“ ... 26 
“ .... 8 
“ 14 
“ ....15 
“ 4 
“ ....25 
“ ....27 
“ .... 9 
“ 15 
“ ....16 
“ .... 5 
“ 26 
“ 28 
“ ....10 
“ ....16 
“ 17 
“ 6 
“ 27 
“ ....29 
“ ....11 
“ 17 
“ 18 
“ .... 7 
“ ....28 
“ ....30 
“ ....12 
“ ....18 
“ ....19 
“ .... 8 
“ ....29 
“ ....31 
“ ....13 
“ ....19 
“ ....20 
“ .... 9 
“ ....30 
Jan.... 1 
“ ....14 
“ 20 
“ 21 
“ 10 
“ ....31 
“ 2 
“ ....15 
“ ....21 
“ ....22 
....11 812 
AIR. 
AIK . 
Sir Isaac Newton, it has been stated, only made one 
speech in Parliament; it was in the form of a request 
that some one in the gallery would open the window. It was 
a speech worthy of his philosophic mind, who had dis- 
covered some of the profoundest secrets of nature. A 
proper supply of pure, fresh air is essential to the preser- 
vation of life and health, as well as to the maintenance 
of cheerfulness of spirits and the consequent enjoyment 
of life. Although life may not be destroyed suddenly 
by breathing an impure atmosphere, still the vital ener- 
gies are thereby slowly but surely impaired; this is 
especially the case with growing children and persons suf- 
fering from disease. 
Impure Air—The impurities of the air may be 
ranked under two heads : gases and matters held in sus- 
pension. From the soil are wafted into the air particles 
of every chemical substance it contains. Near the dwell- 
ings of men particles of carbon, hairs, fibres of cotton 
and woolen fabrics, etc., abound. The vegetable world 
contributes seeds, spores, germs, pollen and light floating 
bodies. From the animal kingdom there are also germs 
and particles of worn-out tissues. The organic vapors 
arising from the decomposition of animal and vegetable 
products have hitherto baffled man’s attempts to discover 
their precise chemical constituents; a similar obscurity 
attaches also to the organic substances known as the 
specific virus of contagious diseases. These all deteriorate 
the air. 
.Air Spoiled by Breathing—In the process of 
breathing the air loses a third part of its oxygen, the 
life-giving principle, and receives in exchange carbonic- 
acid gas, a gas not only incapable of supporting life, but 813 
AIRY SLEEPING-ROOMS. 
actually destructive to it. Such is the change effected 
by a solitary act of breathing; and if this process goes 
on in an ill-ventilated room where several human beings 
are gathered together, the carbonic-acid gas accumulates, 
usurps the place of the oxygen consumed, and so ren- 
ders the air less and less fit for the renewal of life. 
Carbonic-acid gas cannot support combustion; hence a 
lighted candle partially or completely surrounded by it 
burns slowly or goes out; and so is it with human be- 
ings, when more or less completely enveloped in an at- 
mosphere charged with this gas ; all the functions of the 
body are tardily and imperfectly performed, the muscular 
tissues are enfeebled, the breathing becomes oppressed, 
the head aches, and in extreme cases life is extinguished 
amidst sufferings of the most distressing nature. The 
fact can scarcely be too strongly stated, that efficient ven- 
tilation cannot be secured unless sufficient space be made 
for the egress from the upper part of a room of the im- 
pure air, and provision in the lower part for moderate 
but sufficient access of fresh air from the surrounding 
atmosphere. In the greater number of dwelling-houses 
no direct provision at all has been made for this pur- 
pose, and the only ventilation obtained is due to the im- 
perfect fittings of the windows and doors. On the con- 
trary, the floors are covered with carpets, the windows and 
doors made as impervious as possible to the air, and in 
the ceiling no apertures exist for the escape of carbonic- 
acid gas. In this way all classes of the community suf- 
fer almost equally. 
Airy Sleeping-Rooms—The fact that carbonic- 
acid gas is inimical to health and life shows the impor- 
tance of making provision for its uninterrupted removal 
from our houses and places of assembly, and, above all, 
from our sitting-rooms and sleeping-rooms. Airy, well- 814 
AIR. 
ventilated sleeping-apartments should he ranked with the 
most important requirements of life, both in health and dis- 
ease. Bed-rooms, in which about one-third of human ex- 
istence is passed, are generally too small, crowded and 
badly ventilated. The doors, windows, and even chim- 
neys, are often closed, and every aperture carefully 
guarded so as to exclude fresh air. The consequence is, 
that long before morning dawns, the atmosphere of the 
whole apartment becomes highly injurious, from the con- 
sumption of its oxygen, the formation of carbonic acid, 
and the exhalations from the lungs and the relaxed skin. 
In an atmosphere thus loaded with effluvia the sleep is 
heavy and unrefreshirig, partaking more of the character 
of insensibility. There are some diseases in which the 
cause of death is simply the accumulation of carbonic acid 
gas in the blood ; and this condition obtains, in some degree, 
in a badly ventilated bed-room. If provision were made 
for the admission of fresh air and the escape of impure 
air, the sleep would be lighter, shorter and more invig- 
orating. In nearly every instance the door of the bed- 
room may be left open, and the upper part of the win- 
dow let down a few inches—a greater or less extent ac- 
cording to the state of the weather—with perfect safety. 
A current of air may be prevented from playing on the 
face of the occupant by placing the bed in a proper sit- 
uation, or by suspending a single curtain from the ceil- 
ing. During thick fogs or severe winds the apertures 
directly communicating with the external air may be 
closed, and ventilation secured from the adjoining landing. 
The importance of the subject is very correctly and 
strikingly put by a medical writer of the last century 
“If any person,” he remarks, “ will take the trouble to 
stand in the sun and look at his own shadow on a white 
plastered wall, he will easily perceive that his whole body 815 
AIRY SLEEPING-ROOMS. 
is a smoking mass of corruption, with a vapor exhaling 
from every part of it. This vapor is subtle, acrid and 
offensive to the smell; if retained in the body it be- 
comes morbid, but if re-absorbed highly deleterious. If 
a number of persons, therefore arc long confined in any 
close place not properly ventilated, so as to inspire and 
swallow with their spittle the vapors of each other, they 
must soon feel its bad effects.” Unpleasant as it is to 
dwell on such a subject, it is yet true that the exhala- 
tions from the human lungs and skin, if retained and 
undiluted with a continuous supply of oxygen (the active 
agent in all disinfectants), are the most repulsive with 
tvhich we can come in contact. We shun the approach 
of the dirty and the diseased; we hide from view matters 
which are offensive to the sight and the smell; we carefully 
eschew impurities in our food and drink, and even refuse 
the glass that has been raised to the lips of a friend. 
At the same time we resort to places of assembly, and 
draw into our mouths air loaded with effluvia from the 
lungs and skin and clothing of every individual in the 
promiscuous crowd ; exhalations offensive to a certain ex- 
tent from the most healthy individuals, but which, rising 
from a living mass of skin and lung in a state of dis- 
ease, and prevented by the walls and ceiling from escaping, 
are, when thus concentrated, in the highest degree dele- 
terious and loathsome. 
The great practical inference is, that the only means 
of preventing persons, from poisoning themselves and 
others is to insure their being constantly surrounded by 
fresh air; otherwise, low fevers may result, and such 
acute diseases as scarlatina, measles, small-pox, etc., may 
be excited in epidemic forms, often marked by malignant 
symptoms. The air of an apartment containing several 
human beings, if unchanged, not only becomes charged 816 
AIK. 
with carbonic-acid gas, but also, as before stated, im- 
pregnated with animal particles, which fly off from the 
skin and lungs, so minute as scarcely to be detected by 
the microscope, but capable of decomposition; and which 
taken by the breath into the lungs may be absorbed and 
develop the worst forms of scrofula and consumption. 
But if these particles are given off from persons affected 
with or recovering from small-pox, scarlet fever, hoop- 
ing-cough, typhus, etc., they will exert a still more inju- 
rious influence upon the health, and probably generate in 
others diseases like those from which they emanated. 
Ventilation of Schools—The sanitary arrange- 
ments of many schools are notoriously bad. The build- 
ings used for such purposes are often unsuitable, and the 
cubic and the window-space totally inadequate. This ap- 
plies often both to the school-rooms and the sleeping- 
rooms, which are over-crowded and badly ventilated, 
causing loss of appetite, headaches and general delicacy— 
effects often attributed to overwork, but in reality due 
to want of fresh air. Parents should always inspect the 
rooms, and ascertain their size, the position of the win- 
dows and fireplaces and other facilities for ventilation, 
with the average number of occupants. A rough test of 
the efficiency of the ventilation of a school-room may be 
arrived at by entering it after it has been occupied some 
two hours, and comparing the difference existing between 
the air of the room and that out of doors. 
Badly Ventilated Churches, etc.—It is impor- 
tant to bear in mind that the assembly in an ill-ventilated 
church, court of law, school-room, theatre, ball-room or 
evening party may include in its numbers some as yet un- 
safe convalescents from the diseases previously mentioned. 
The only security we can suggest is, as far as possible to 
avoid all places of public resort or private gatherings in SUNLIGHT. 
817 
which the most ample provision is not made for the ad- 
mission of fresh air, and for the uninterrupted escape of 
air spoiled by carbonic-acid gas or animal exhalations. In 
the section on small-pox it will be seen that in a recent 
epidemic the greatest success attended the treatment of 
patients absolutely in the open air in mild weather, and 
with the windows and doors constantly open, day and 
night, in the coldest months of the year. In the cure 
of general diseases, too, pure air exercises a very potent 
influence. Jackson, writing on the Peninsular war, states 
that more lives were destroyed by accumulating sick men 
in ill-ventilated apartments than in leaving them exposed 
to severe weather by the side of a hedge or common 
dyke; showing the priceless value of fresh air. 
SUNLIGHT. 
The cut on the following page illustrates the free and 
open style which should characterize a dwelling with ref- 
erence to the surrounding foliage. 
The importance of sunlight for physical development 
and preservation is not duly appreciated. Women and 
children, as well as men, in order to be healthy and well- 
developed, should spend a portion of each day where the 
solar rays can reach them directly; this being particularly 
necessary when there is a tendency to scrofula. Just as 
sprouts of potatoes in a dark cellar seek the light, and 
are colorless until they come under its influence, and as 
vegetation goes on but imperfectly in places where sun- 
light does not freely enter, so children and adults who 818 
SUNLIGHT. 
A Model Location. 
live almost entirely in dark kitchens, dingy alleys and 
badly lighted workshops are pale-cheeked and feeble. 
Houses are only fit to be occupied at night that have 
been purified by the solar rays during the day. 
It has been pointed out by Dr. Ellis that women and 
children in the huts and even the log-cabins, which con- 
tain only one or two rooms, remain healthy and strong; 
but that after the settler has built a house, and fur- 
nished it with blinds and curtains, the women and chil- 
dren become pale-faced, bloodless, nervous and sickly; 
the daughters begin to die from consumption, and the 
wives from the same, or from some of the diseases pecu- 
liar to women. At the same time the adult males, who- 
live chiefly out of doors, continue healthy. SUNLIGHT. 
819 
The value of sunlight for animal development may be 
illustrated by such facts as the following: In decaying 
organic solutions, animalcules' do not appear if light is 
excluded, but are readily organized when it is admitted. 
The tadpole, kept in the dark, does not pass on to de- 
velopment as a frog, but lives and dies a tadpole, and is 
incapable of propagating his species. In the deep and 
narrow valleys among the Alps, where the direct rays of 
the sun are but little felt, cretinism, or a state of idiocy, 
more or less complete, commonly accompanied by an 
enormous goiter, prevails, and is often hereditary. 
During the prevalence of certain epidemic dieases the 
inhabitants who occupy houses on the side of the street 
upon which the sun shines directly are less subject to the 
prevailing disease than those who live on the shaded side. 
In all cities visited by the cholera the greatest number of 
deaths took place in narrow streets, and on the sides of 
those having a northern exposure, where the salutary 
beams of the sun were excluded. 
Except in severe inflammatory diseases of the eyes 
or brain, the very common practice of darkening the sick- 
room is a highly prejudicial one. The restorative influ- 
ence of daylight is thus excluded, and also the grateful 
and natural succession of light and darkness; the two 
always making up the same period of twenty-four hours, 
which favors sleep at the appropriate time, and divests 
the period of sickness of the monotony and weariness of 
perpetual night* 
Sunlight constitutes an important factor in the devel- 
opment and preservation of the physical system. In con- 
firmation of this statement, we have only to refer to the fact 
that children who are kept in dark alleys, cellars, factories 
and mines, are frequently afflicted with rickets and various 820 
SUNLIGHT. 
deformities and swelling of the bones, and especially in the 
spine. This condition exists not only among the poor, who 
live in dark, damp places, but among the rich, who live in 
tine, dry, airy dwellings, and who keep their children a con- 
siderable portion of the time in doors, secluded from the 
sun’s light, and deprive them of active exercise. As vege- 
tables lose their healthy color and strength when deprived 
of sunlight, so also with children. Their muscles become 
soft and delicate ; the nervous system deranged ; the diges- 
tive organs enfeebled ; the blood watery and pale, and the 
skin loses its healthy, ruddy complexion, and has a pale, 
sickly hue. People who live in houses much shaded by 
trees are more subjected to certain forms of disease than 
those whose dwellings are freely exposed to the sun. 
Shade-trees should be at a little distance from the house, 
that they may afford a grateful retreat for the hot days, 
but they should never be so near the house as to shade 
the buildings or the windows. 
When the ladies of this country shall take as deep 
an interest in their own healthful development and the 
well-being of their children as they now do in the ele- 
gant gloom of their parlors, and will give free admittance 
to the life-giving light of the sun during the entire day, 
regardless of the fact that it may dim the bright colors 
of the carpets and hangings, thinking more of dissipating 
dampness, mould and the effluvia of human bodies—those 
fruitful causes of disease—than of preserving by dark- 
ness the seeming freshness of their furniture and apart- 
ments, we shall have fewer unhappy families; fewer 
mothers will wear their lives out in the servile care of 
puny and sickly children ; fewer husbands will find their 
severest toil in the nursing cares of their home, and be 
obliged to return to their business or labor in the morn- 821 
SUNLIGHT. 
ing more wearied than they left it on the previous even- 
ing : for some of the most fruitful causes of disease will 
have been removed. If any gentleman regards his wife 
and children as an incumbrance, of which he would gladly 
be rid, so the law did not hold him guilty of their 
“taking off,” let him build for them a stately house 
in a fashionable locally , . encourage them to follow 
the prevailing fashion of shrouding its apartments in un- 
natural gloom, and he will soon find himself a childless 
widower, lapped in the tender sympathies of his neigh- 
bors, instead of being punished as a murderer, which he 
ought to be. 
This is the chief reason, perhaps, why the wives 
and children of the poor are so much healthier, as a 
rule, than those of the rich. Living, as they are com- 
pelled to do, in a hut or cabin, with but one or two rooms 
and destitute of shutters and shades, the necessary daily 
sun-bath of their homes and persons imparts to them— 
unconsciously to themselves, and while they are, perhaps, 
complaining of the hard fortune which has denied to them 
the deadly luxuries of the rich—the very elixir of life and 
health. Houses are only fit for occupancy at night by 
being dried and purified by the rays of the sun during 
the day. 
It has been discovered by the authorities in St. Pe- 
tersburg, by many actual and comparative experiments, 
that the number of patients cured in rooms properly 
lighted was four times greater than of those confined in 
dark rooms. These results led, of course, .to a total 
change in the method of lighting the hospitals of all Rus- 
sia, and with the most beneficial effects. In all the cities 
visited by the cholera it was uniformly found that the 
greatest number of deaths took place in narrow streets, 822 
METHODS OF OBTAINING EXERCISE. 
and on the sides of those having a northern exposure, 
where the health-giving beams of the sun could not fall. 
We may add that a similar result has been observed by 
intelligent physicians, though never formally and statis- 
tically tabulated, in the crowded streets and alleys of our 
own cities during any season of prevailing pestilential or 
epidemic disease. In this respect it would seem that our 
free government might learn a profitable lesson, even 
from the kindly providence of Kussian despotism. 
METHODS OF OBTAINING EXERCISE. 
Exercise for Ladies and Others—As exercise is 
essential to the preservation of health and development, 
the proper method of taking it is an important subject 
of inquiry. 
Very little, and in many instances no provision has 
been made in our cities and towns in the way of proper 
play-grounds for children or adults; it, therefore, be- 
comes necessary to seek artificial methods for obtaining 
exercise. 
Being deprived of an opportunity for athletic sports 
and games, a competent teacher of physical exercise has 
become almost a necessity; and even more necessary than 
is a teacher for some of the branches taught in our 
schools. There are many who are not aware of the dif- 
ferent motions which the human body and its numerous 
organs are capable of making, and which the health of 
the various muscles and parts requires should be made to 
prevent diseases and deformity; hence the importance of 
such teachers. Nor is the necessity of such teachers con- 823 
THE EXERCISE THAT PRODUCES HEADACHE. 
fined to cities and villages; for the female portion of the 
population of our rural districts have, in great degree, 
neglected out-door amusements and exercise until disease 
and deformity are the result. 
Ordinarily it is not fashionable for young girls and 
ladies to engage in active, out-door sports, such as run- 
ning, playing ball, rambling over the fields, etc. ; and if 
young girls engage in such necessary sports, they are 
cruelly called romps and tom-boys—which are regarded 
as terms of reproach—as though girls have not as good 
a right to exercise, air, light, amusements, symmetry of 
form, consequent health and beauty as boys. In the eyes 
of some it is not fashionable for young ladies to engage 
in any of the out-door employments which give vigor and 
health to young men. 
There are but few who would wish to see them en- 
gage in the hardest manual labor, side by side with men. 
But we should like to see every farm provided with a 
large garden and orchard, and to see ladies spend more 
of their time in cultivation of berries, fruits, flowers and 
vegetables, in the open air, and less in useless fancy sew- 
ing ; and they would thus make their homes a paradise, 
where health, beauty and happiness abound, instead of a 
home of discontent, deformity and disease. 
Let such a change be wrought and it would cause 
the young men of our country to seek happiness amid the 
quiet and peace of the domestic circle, surrounded by a 
loving wife and happy children, instead of their being re- 
pelled by the fear of being yoked to extravagant, lazy, 
sickly wives, and by imaginary ghosts of starving, sickly 
and dying children. 
The Exercise that Produces Headache—When 
an occasional opportunity is given or taken for out-door 
exercise, if it is a little vigorous or prolonged, the sys- 824 
IMPOSITIONS BY MOTHERS. 
tem being unaccustomed, not inured to it, it is liable to 
produce temporary headache, neuralgia or some other 
slight ailment; hence mothers often ignorantly conceive 
the idea that out-door exercise is generally not compati- 
ble with the health of their delicate young misses ; and 
many of the mothers have even imbibed the notion, too, 
that such work is incompatible with their health also, when 
it is just what they need, if employed regularly. 
IMPOSITIONS BY MOTHERS. 
A most stupendous imposition perpetrated by moth- 
ers is that of sending their daughters into the world as 
wives without first teaching them the most necessary ac- 
complishments of domestic life, such as how to make 
their own clothing, how to cook and properly conduct 
household affairs. No one understands and appreciates 
or feels its blighting influences on his home so well as 
the deceived and defrauded husband, whose desire was to 
obtain a “help-mate,” and who believed the object of 
his choice would realize to him his utmost wishes. 
But now, alas ! marriage has unveiled the deception. 
If the silent execrations and maledictions that have been, 
heaped upon mothers-in-law for their dereliction of duty 
in this respect could be thundered in their ears, it might 
have the effect to arouse them to a sense of their duty, 
and perhaps induce some reform. And well it might; 
for the present method of many in rearing their daugh- 
ters is, to say the least, very reprehensible. 825 
VANITY IN CHILDREN. 
VANITY IN CHILDREN. 
This is a monster vice which thoughtless parents, in 
various ways, are cultivating and developing in their chil- 
dren, and to their irreparable injury. A writer from 
Saratoga thus discourses on this subject: 
“It is disgusting to see nurslings with ring; ~- 
bracelets, and so on upwards through all gradations or 
age. It is especially American, and we must suppose this 
fashion is borrowed from the Indians. * * * Their 
little embryo minds and hearts are already poisoned with 
coquetry and love of show. They have beaux (an expres- 
sion considered vulgar and nowhere used in Europe), re- 
ceive calls, boquets, make appointments ; rivalry and envy 
in their ugliest shape early take possession of their souls. 
For years I have observed this disease all over the coun- 
try, in all cities where I have seen society. Above all, 
it is painful to one’s feelings at the hotels and watering- 
places. When I see here, in the evenings, in the par- 
lors, rows of these little dolls and fops dressed, ribboned, 
jeweled, fanning themselves, monkey-like, in imitation of 
the elder part of society, I feel an almost irresistible 
itching in the fingers to pinch their mammas. Nurseries 
seem not to exist in America. In this respect the man- 
ner of bringing up children is far superior all over the 
continent of Europe. There children are kept children 
as long as possible, and all care of parents and families 
is bestowed to watch over the tender blossoms, and pre- 
serve them from the heating, unwholesome influences of 
parties and motley company.” 826 
A HINT TO MOTHERS. 
A HINT TO MOTHERS. 
How many times one hears a mother coax and urge 
her baby to say words when somehow he has made up his 
mind he won’t, or, if he has not made up his mind, the 
coaxing causes him to ! Ordinarily the baby says the one 
word of his vocabulary with readiness ; but this time the 
company before whom he is being displayed makes him 
bashful or diffident, and he does not say it when first 
asked. Then is the time for the mother to stop. If she 
urges him in such a case, when he is not inclined to talk, 
it will only induce a habit of setting his will in opposi- 
tion to hers; a habit that will “grow with his growth, 
and strengthen with his strength,” and will become ob- 
stinacy. Now, of course, she cannot reason with him; 
and there is no more moral wrong in his refusal than in 
refusing his milk when he is not hungry. But this, like 
all childhood, is seed-time. Much may be done almost 
from earliest infancy, by inducing, unconsciously to the 
child, habits of obedience, and preventing their opposites—* 
thus making the after-way far easier for both child and 
mother. A contest with a child can generally be prevented, 
and ought to be. Temporal and external obedience may 
be obtained by it, in some cases—though not always even 
that—but at what a fearful cost! Not only of suffering, 
but affection and confidence between child and parent 
are never the same with as without it, and “ breaking the 
will,” as it is called, instead of training it, is a dire mis- 
take. There can be no self-governing force, no stability 
of character, without a resolute, well-directed will. The 
young tree, you know, must be pruned—never broken. 
The colt must be trained by gentle firmness, not severity. 
And immortal souls and human hearts need no less care 
and watchfulness. IMPERFECT SYSTEM OF EDUCATION. 
827 
IMPERFECT SYSTEM OF EDUCATION. 
A proper development of the physical system should 
take place during childhood and early youth; otherwise 
the opportunity is, in a great measure, lost forever; and 
a comparatively puny and delicate body and a life-time of 
suffering and disappointed hopes are almost inevitable. 
Whereas, if the intellect is neglected during the same time, 
but a healthy body secured, the individual may not even know 
his letters at the age of sixteen or eighteen years, yet with 
industry a good practical education can be obtained. The 
following important facts are lost sight of, or not known 
or practiced by many parents and educators, namely: If 
we strive prematurely to develop the intellect of a child 
by undue application, an unnatural flow of blood is di- 
rected to the brain, to supply the unnatural activity 
and consequent waste which are going on in this organ; 
therefore, the rest of the body suffers from the fact that 
an excessive amount of blood has been diverted from its 
legitimate uses. Nor is this all ; for the premature de- 
velopment of a part of the system is necessarily but an 
imperfect development of even such part. For this reason 
we rarely ever hear of our precocious children in after 
life as distinguished men or women. It is a matter of no 
small surprise to many that such ‘ ‘ smart children ’ ’ do 
not attain a higher rank in after life. 
The secret lies in the fact before stated. How much 
more important is the physical education of the child than 
the intellectual! and we have but to look around us at 
the puny, pale-faced, deformed children to see how fear- 
fully this most important part of our education is neg- 
lected. And this is not only the case with young chil- 
dren, but the neglect likewise extends to older ones ; to 
the students in many of our higher institutions of learn- 828 
IMPERFECT SYSTEM OF EDUCATION. 
mg, in which many of the teachers are very censurable 
for permitting their studious pupils to engage too much 
of their time in study, and to have too many studies at 
the same time, to the neglect of physical culture. We are 
glad that in some few of our cities and towns men are be- 
coming awakened to the importance of this matter; as a 
change is greatly needed in our system of education, from 
the common school up ; for in its present condition it is 
productive of much disease, insanity and physical de- 
formity. 
It is melancholy, indeed, in our institutions of learn- 
ing to see so many puny-looking young men and women ; 
hollow chests, round shoulders and bending body are 
characteristics of our students, and premature old age and 
disease carry off but too many of our most gifted men 
and women. 
In some of our female institutions of learning: as 
high as thirty-seven per cent, of those who had been 
former attendants have died within two years after leav- 
ing: school. 
Students, as a general rule, are inclined to become 
listless and indolent; therefore, they should be required, 
as a matter of duty, to spend several hours during the 
middle of the day in a regular course of active, system- 
atic exercise and physical training, together with active 
amusements. A double advantage is thus derived; for 
being occupied a portion of the time during the day they 
will be compelled to spend their evenings at study, in- 
stead of amid scenes of dissipation and folly. 
No doubt our present system of education is very im- 
perfect, though the day of its radical amendment may be 
distant. The force of example and training seems, as yet, 
all-powerful. Teachers are educated to teach, and cannot IMPERFECT SYSTEM OF EDUCATION. 
829 
well help teaching as they are taught. The orthodoxy of 
education is of the most proscriptive sort. To differ, to 
innovate, to adapt instruction, either in kind or degree, to 
the capacity and mental bent of the pupil would be cer- 
tainly a perilous experiment, even could a teacher be found 
sufficiently bold and original to design and attempt such an 
experiment. No doubt he would be ostracised, both by the 
profession and the patron. We want our children educated 
in the good old way; their minds stretched upon the rack 
which cracked the mental sinews of their fathers and moth- 
ers ; their intellectual stature adapted to the proportions of 
the old Procrustean Bed ; their education to result in mental 
uniformity. Of course we all see that this is silly ; that it 
would be quite as reasonable to design and seek to compass 
for our children an equal measure of physical strength and 
avoirdupois ; that the higher mathematics, the dead lan- 
guages and many of the arts now attempted to be taught in 
the public schools are totally impracticable—not to say use- 
less—to the large majority of the pupils ; but we go on in the 
same old fashion. Every child must be classed and graded 
and put through the same mechanical drill. It is quite cer- 
tain that many are stultified and some ruined by the pro- 
cess. What difference ? It is the fashion. It is the ac- 
cepted theory of our age and country that all children 
should be educated and educated in the same way. Of 
course both these propositions are outrages upon common 
sense. The vast majority must be “ hewers of wood and 
drawers of waters;” laborers and common servants; and 
their partial or complete education—even were the latter 
practicable, which it is not—must defeat the ends of nature, 
and more or less deeply disorganize society. Such has been 
the effect hitherto ; it is patent to the observation of all men ; 
servants and laborers are growing scarcer, and idlers, vaga- 830 
GYMNASTIC EXERCISE. 
bonds, tramps, thieves and robbers are being multiplied year 
by year. This is the natural, and even necessary, effect of 
the system of popular education; the servant is made to 
feel himself as good as his master, and the laborer quite 
the social equal of his employer. What wonder that these 
scorn service and labor and prefer to live by their wits? 
Society is simply reaping in the present carnival of outrage 
and crime what it has sown. A little longer perseverance 
in the prevailing methods, and it needs no inspired preacher 
of righteousness to predict that the foundations of the pop- 
ular deep will be broken up, and the loftiest social emi- 
nences covered by an angry and destroying flood. 
GYMNASTIC EXERCISE. 
There are many who do not sufficiently appreciate 
the importance of such exercise and its bearing on the 
development of the physical organization. And, in order 
to judge of its favorable effects, it is necessary to wit- 
ness some of the results of such exercise—the vigor im- 
parted and the muscular development produced. Every 
city and village should be furnished with a gymnasium; 
and all, both male and female, old and young, who have 
no other form of exercise, should regularly resort to it. 
Many good people imagine that there is no necessity 
for gymnastic exercises, because they are a novelty, lately 
introduced, and never heard of in the times of our stout 
old fathers. Why, they think, should we forsake the 
customs of our ancestors in favor of this new-fangled 
theory of romps? Our children will do very well, if they GYMNASTIC EXERCISE. 
831 
are as strong and vigorous as their fathers and grand- 
fathers ; and they had none of these modern inventions 
to help them to grow into men of might and mould. 
But these honest souls do not reflect that times have 
changed, and that the people have changed with them. 
We have no longer the same people, the same customs, 
or the same country. Then we had no large cities, and sed- 
entary occupations were almost unknown. The men were 
farmers, herdsmen, hunters. The women toiled at the 
wheel, the loom, in active domestic service, and not un- 
frequently a-field with the men. Together they lived, 
for the most part, in the open country or in small vil- 
lages. A common necessity turned their daily life into 
a gymnasium. They ate sparingly; slept hardly. They 
had no money to spend for French cooks, and little time 
to waste in devising luxuries for their table. Factories,, 
spinning-jennies and power-looms were unknown. Labor- 
saving machines were not. Life meant labor for both 
man and woman. They were healthy then, almost as a 
matter of course. Their diet was simple, their drink 
pure and unstimulating, their habits natural and hardy. 
If “there were giants in those days,” as no doubt there 
were, they were hewed by the sharp chisel of circum- 
stance out of the hardest granite of our nature. If their 
hardness would shame the degenerate men and women of 
our day, there was and there is ample reason for all the 
difference, without credit to them or shame to us. They 
were simply the creatures of their time, as we are the 
creatures of our time, 
Now, both men and women have wealth, luxury and 
leisure almost without stint. Our largest employments are 
in the counting-room, at the desk, or at the compiler, 
translator or author’s table. The hardest workers are 832 
GYMNASTIC EXERCISE. 
brain-workers. The artisan, and even the farmer, is com- 
paratively without exercise ; he tends his machine or rides 
on his agricultural implement. The daily laborers, in the 
old, active sense of labor, are already in a minority, 
and that minority is growing smaller every day with the 
invention of new machinery and new applications of old 
machines. Our great cities shut up millions of people 
to lives of severest toil without any suitable or proper 
exercise. All the children of the wealthy, and many of 
those in moderate circumstances, are reared to do noth- 
ing useful or to wait through life for the turning up of 
some lucky chance. The employments of the women 
consist of fancy-work, novel-reading and society. They 
have no health, no vigor, no stamina. They are utterly 
unfit to be the wives and mothers which they are, or 
which they expect to become. Late hours, luxurious liv- 
ing, bad air and want of exercise have made of them the 
mere effigies of women. 
Our young men, boys, and even some of our modern 
girls, who are distinguished or disgraced by the epithet 
“fast,” a e addicted to the use of tobacco and other 
poisonous stimulants. And against the encroachments of 
these insidious destroyers they can set up no defensive 
bulwarks of strong health and vigorous constitution. 
They, therefore, succumb and fall easy and sudden vic- 
tims, where otherwise they might long resist and even 
overcome the enemy. 
All this may be remedied, in large part at least, by 
the establishment of public and free gymnasiums in every 
city and village of our land. These are the crying want 
of our day and time; more urgent and imperious by far 
than that necessity for the education of the masses, to 
meet which the states are now expending annually millions GYMNASTIC EXERCISE. 
833 
School Palace No. 1. 
of dollars in such school-palaces as are shown in the accom- 
panying illustrations. It is the obvious duty of the State to 
provide, first and above all, for the physical welfare and de- 
velopment of her citizens ; and this is her true interest, 
as well. To encourage her in this she has the good ex- 
ample of the best and strongest of the ancient states. 
The wisest governments of ancient and modern times 
have made this provision, for the plain reason that it 
was the chief constituent and reservoir of their own 
strength. More than anything else it fosters virtue. 
There is something naturally antagonistic between vice 
and vigor. Idleness und luxury, on the other hand, are 
the natural parents of all social evil. The whole brood 
of intemperate appetites and malignant passions are born 
of this couple. 
No doubt the public-school system of our later years 
is a wonderful step in the direction of paternal govern- 
ment. The world has never seen anything like it. It 
goes before all thought and all theory. It outstrips the School Palace No. 2 GYMNASTIC EXERCISE. 
835 
most radical speculation. It springs up like the product 
of magic in the silence and night of thought, and while 
the world’s mind is asleep. And, once in being, its 
growth is as marvellous as was its birth. Already it fills 
the towns and villages of the land: its commissioners are 
almost sovereign legislators: it has become one of the 
foremost factors in political combinations; and it threat- 
ens or promises (who is wise enough to select the term?) 
to overshadow all other interests in practical and pecuni- 
ary importance. Very soon the rural districts must de- 
mand their fair proportion of these magnificent invest- 
ments, and a few years hence we may see one of our 
palatial public school-houses on every inhabited section 
of the country. To teach in these institutions is already 
the most lucrative of all employments, in proportion to 
the culture and capacity required and employed; and it 
is becoming a close corporation, into which none may enter 
but those who have purchased the favor by money or 
toadyism, or made themselves free of the guild by pass- 
ing through its various grades to final graduation in the 
Normal. 
What will come of all this we do not undertake to 
say. At all events, it is a prodigy—and fast becoming, 
if it has not already become—an irresponsible and wholly 
self-acting and controlling prodigy, at which the people 
of this country will do well to look long and carefully. 
We have only referred to it in passing to demonstrate 
the propriety of that action of the government in estab- 
lishing those institutions for physical culture and develop- 
ment, for which we so warmly plead. The argument is 
level to any mind : If the State can do all this for the 
mental training of the children of the country, which is not 
always certain to result in making them better citizens— 
since intelligence is not necessarily conservative—surely 836 
GYMNASTIC EXERCISE. 
she may and ought to do something for that physical 
culture which, as all experience shows, is conservative 
and one of the prime factors of virtue. CONTENTS OF VOLUME II. 
Division I.—Food in Health and Disease. 
1. Regulation of Diet. 
Fixed Rules Impossible. 
2. Relation of Food to Nutriment. 
Elements of Food. 
Animal and Vegetable Products. 
3. Animal Food. 
Comparative Values of Flesh. 
Good Meat—Seven Characteristics. 
The Different Kinds of Meat Named and Described 
Birds. 
Game. 
Fish. 
Shell-fish. 
Eggs. 
Butter. 
Cheese. 
Milk 
4. Vegetable Food. 
Wheat. 
Bread. 
Oatmeal. 
Barley. 
Rye. 
Indian Corn. 
Rice. 
Vegetables. 
Nuts. 
Fruit. 
Sugar. 
Condiments. 
5. Liquids. 
Water. 
Ice. 
Tea. 
Coffee. 
Cocoa. 
6. Diet for Dyspepsia. 
7. Diet for Scrofula. 
8. Diet for Consumption. 
9. Diet for Rheumatism. 
10. Diet for Gout. 
11. Diet for Gravel and Stone. 838 
CONTENTS OF VOLUME II. 
12. Diet for Dysentery. 
13. Diet for Cholera. 
14. Diet for Constipation. 
15. Diet in Worm-affections. 
16. Diet for Diabetes. 
17. Diet for Bright’s Disease. 
18. Diet for Scurvy. 
19. Diet for Fevers and Inflammations. 
20. Diet for Heart-disease. 
21. Diet for Baldness. 
22. Diet for Diphtheria. 
23. Diet for Corpulence. 
24. Diet for Rickets. 
25. Diet for Hysteria. 
26. Diet for Diarrhea. 
27. Diet for Skin:d|seases. 
28. Diet for Diseases of the Liver. 
29. Diet in Infancy. 
30. Diet in Old Age. 
31. Diet for Travelers. 
32. Dlet in Maternity. 
33. Modes of Preparing Food. 
Division II.—Medical Plants or Materia Medica. 
Under this head are named and described, with many 
illustrations and directions for preparing and using, 
all the medical agents now known, with the addition 
of a large number—quite one hundred—that have not 
heretofore been given to the public. In this respect 
tnis volume will be superior to any other work yet 
published. . 
Division III.—Miscellaneous—Recipes, etc. 
1. Bread and its Compositions. , 
2. Animal Food. 
3. Animal Magnetism. 
Its Nature and Importance. 
How to Magnetize. 
Magnetism as a Curative Agent. 
Division IV.—1The Sick-room. 
1. Nursing. 
Division V.—Laws of Health of the Digestive Organs and Muscles. 
1. Digestive Organs. 
Quantify of Food. CONTENTS OF VOLUME ill 
839 
Quality of Food. 
Table Showing the Time of Digestion of Different 
Articles of Food. 
Manner of Taking Food. 
Condition of the System Before and After Taking 
Food. 
2. Muscles. 
Excessive Exercise. 
Rest. 
The Utmost Muscular Capacity. 
The Kind of Exercise. 
Mind and Muscle. 
I)ivision VI.—Hydropathy—Water-cure. 
Division VII.—Homoeopathy. 
Division VIII.—Domestic Animals. 
1. Diseases of the Horse. 
2. Training of the Horse. 
The Secret of Subduing Wild Horses and Other Wild 
Animals. 
To Break a Horse of Scaring. t 
How to Manage a Stubborn Horse, 
Haltering the Colt. 
Saddling. > 
Riding. ,• , 
Driving Wild and Vicious Horses. . 
To Cure Balky Horses. 
To Make a Horse'Lie Down. ' • —• 
To Make a Horse Stand without Hitching. 
To Break a Horse from Kicking. 
To Catch a Horse in a Pasture. 
To Test a Horse’s Eyes. 
To Break a Horse of Jumping. 
Horsemanship, etc., etc., etc. 
3. Diseases of Cattle. 
4. Diseases of Hogs. 
5. Diseases of Sheep. 
6. Diseases of Fowls. 
7. Apiary—Management of Bees, etc., etc. 
Division IX.—Home. 
1. Its Influence. 
2. Its Charm. 
3. Its Effects. 
4. Husband and Wife. 
5. Parents and Children. 
6. Dwelling-place. 
7. Health. 
8. Security. 840 
CONTENTS OF VOLUME II. 
The above is a mere outline of the contents of this volume, 
and necessarily fails to convey to the reader any adequate concep- 
tion of their importance and value. The first division, for exam- 
ple, is a perfectly exhaustive treatise, by a thoroughly scientific, 
able and accomplished mind, on the great subject of human food, 
and contains thousands of new thoughts and views, the product of 
their author’s wide and deep experience, which will be found most 
happily adapted to every condition of health and disease. The third 
division abounds with invaluable recipes and the most entertaining 
and instructive reading-matter, including so thorough an article on animal 
magnetism as has seldom seen the light in this country. In the fourth 
division are set forth the complete and proper management of the sick 
room and all the essentials of the best nursing. This special treatise is 
of immense practical value to every household. Division fifth is a full 
and masterly exposition of the conditions of health of the digestive ap- 
paratus and muscles, with the most important and practical application to 
individual health and habits. The sixth division explains and illustrates 
whatever is most valuable in the whole system of water-cure. Division 
seventh does the same thing with regard to homoeopathy. The eighth 
division, on domestic animals, is richly worth, to every farmer and stock- 
raiser, more than the price of the whole book. Indeed, more than this 
amount has been paid for some single items of information contained in it. 
And finally, in the article on Home, the reader will find the nature and 
essential conditions of a happy home fully set forth, in terms which will 
rouse him to the life-work of building and maintaining that most sacred 
of all divine institutions. 
Notk.—We wholesale our books to canvassing agents exclusively; 
therefore, do not send to us directly or call on us in the city, for we do 
not retail them or sell them through book-stores. ILLUSTRATIONS OF MEDICAL PLANTS, 
Agrimony (Ammonia Eupatoria). 
This plant now has the reputation of being 
a cure for almost auv case of scrofula. See 
page 192, Vol. II. 
Aconite (Aconitum Napellus). 
A cure for most forms of fever and 
neuralgia, and very efficacious iu 
many other diseases. See page 190, 
Vol. II. 
American Hellebore (Veratrum 
Viride). 
A cure for convulsions in child-bed and 
most other fevers, and efficacious in epi- 
leptic fits. See page 196, Vol. II. 
Arnica (Arnica Montana). 
Invaluable for wounds and bruises. 
See page 200. Vol. II. 842 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
Bonr.set (Eupatorium Perfoliatum). 
This is very efficacious in fevers, and will 
foreak up most cases of fever and ague. See 
page 234, Vol. II. 
Bolho Leaves (Pewwims Boldo). 
This is a new remedy, and highly 
recommended in the treatment of 
rheumatism, dyspepsia and gonor- 
rhea. See page 233, Vol. II. 
Black Cohosh (Cimidfuga 
Racemosa). 
This is an excellent agent for 
relieving hooping-cough, and also 
in St. Vitus’s dance. It stands in 
high repute for facilitating child- 
birth and as a cure for female 
disease. See page 225, Vol. II. 
Blue Cohosh ( Caulophyllurn Thalic- 
troides). 
This is of great service in child-birth, and 
also in epileptic fits. See page 230, Vol. II. MEDICAL PLANTS. 
843 
Bayberry (M'jrica Cerifera). 
For putrid sore throat this plant is 
unsurpassed ; and for polypus of the 
nose it is a prompt and successful 
remedy. Seepage 208, Vol. II. 
Belladonna (Atropn Belladonna). 
Valuable in various diseases and a spe- 
cific for nervous affections. It is also a 
preventive of scarlet fever. See pave 212, 
Vol. II. 
Bitter Sweet (Solanum Dulcamara). 
This is unsurpassed for ulcers and sores 
and valuable in other affections. See page 217, 
Vol. II. s 
Blue Flag (Iris Versicolor). 
This is now reputed to be one of 
the most positive cures in secondary 
syphilis. See page 229, Vol. II. 844 
MEDICAL PLANTS 
Blood-Root (Sangniuaria Canaden- 
sis) . 
An infallible remedy for croup and suc- 
cessfully used in liver-complaint. See 
page 223, Yol. II. 
Balmony (Chelone Glabra). 
A sure remedy for expelling worms 
and invaluable in dyspepsia. See page 
203, Yol. II. 
Bf.ebkris Aquifolium (Oregon 
Grape). 
The different preparations of this 
plant have been found unexcelled in the 
cure of salt rheum, syphilis and cancer, 
and one of the best blood-purifiers 
known. See page 215, Yol. II. 
Bitter Root (Apocynum Androscemi- 
folium). ] 
This is a valuable remedy for the cure of < 
venereal diseases and also for nervous : 
headache. See page 216, Yol. II. 1 MEDICAL PLANTS 
845 
Blue Gum (Eucalyptus Globulus.) 
A very excellent remedy for croup, 
rheumatism, diphtheria, etc. See page 
231, Vol. II. 
Bethroot (Trillium Latifolium). 
This plant is excellent for carbuncles. 
See page 213, Vol. II. 
Burdock (Arctium Lappa). 
A sovereign remedy for the cure 
of tetter, and for boils, and also to 
prevent their recurrence. See page 
239, Vol. II. 
Barberry (Berberis Vulgaris). 
An admirable remedy for the cure of jaun- 
dice. See page 207, Vol. II. 846 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
Black Boot (Leptnndra Virginica). 
Reputed a sure cure for bloody flux and 
a complete substitute for blue mass in 
liver-complaint. See page221, Vol. II. 
Bugle-weed (Lycopus Virginians'). 
A cure for diabetes and will check 
bleeding of the lungs, and cures con- 
sumption in its first stages. See page 
237, Vol. II. 
Canada Fleabane (Erigenor 
Canadense). 
Tiiis is a prompt and effectual 
remedy in flooding and excessive 
menstruation and in bleeding of 
the lungs. See page 245, Vol. II. 
Cotton Plant (Gossypium Herbacmm). 
This will promptly relieve suppressed men- 
struation, and is used by many for breaking 
chills and fever. See page 266, Vol. II. MEDICAL PLANTS 
847 
Christmas Rose (.Helleborus Niger). 
This is a celebrated remedy for the cure of 
dropsy of the brain. See page 256, Vol. II. 
Columbo Root (Frasera Car- 
oline)) sis) . 
A valuable remedy for the cure 
of gangrene and diseases of tiie 
stomach, etc. See page 262, Vol. II. 
Cascara Sagrada—Chittim Wood (Rham- 
nus Purshiana). 
One of the most efficacious remedies in use 
ior the cure of dyspepsia and constipation. See 
page 250, Vol. II. 
. Colciiicum (Colchicum Au- 
tumnale). 
This is a reliable remedy for most 
forms of rheumatism. See page 
259, Vol. II. 848 
MEDICAL PLANTS 
Cheese-weed (Malva). 
A favorite remedy with the Spanish 
people for the cure of venereal diseases 
and fevers. See page 255, Yol. II. 2.82 
Cleavers ( Galium Aparine). 
A speedy remedy for relieviug suppres- 
sion of the urine and for gravel. See page 
258, Yol. II. 
Dog-tooth Violet (Erythronium 
Americanum. 
This plant is unsurpassed for healing 
scrofulous ulcers. See page 277, Yol. II. 
Dogwood (Cornus Florida). 
A cure for fever and ague. See page 
275, Yol. II. MEDICAL PLANTS. 
849 
Elecampane (Inula Hel- 
enium). 
This is a celebrated remedy 
for tiie cure of coughs and 
consumption in its earlier 
stages. See page 278, Vol. II. 
Dog-fennel (Anthemis Cotula). 
Valuable in asthma and rheumatism. See page 
276, Vol. II. 
Dandelion (Taraxacum Dens Leonis). 
A superior remedy for the cure of liver- : 
complaint. See page 273, Vol. II. 
Foxglove (Digitalis Purpurea). 
• This is a valuable cure for some 
forms of heart-disease. See page 286. 
Vol. II. 850 
MEDICAL PLANTS 
Grixdelia Robusta (Tar- 
weed). 
This new remedy is unsurpassed 
for asthma, and likewise for ulcers 
and wounds. See page 299, Vol. II. 
Gold-thread (Coptis Trifolia). 
Sovereign for the cure of sore mouth. See 
page 292, Vol. II. 
r 0/iY 
Geranium (Geranium Maculatum). 
' An excellent cure for bleeding piles, 
and also for summer-complaint. See 
page 290, Yol. II. 
Grixdei.ia Squarrosa (Tar- 
weed') . 
This is a reliable remedy for fever and 
ague, and also for venereal diseases. See 
page 297, Vol. II MEDICAL PLANTS. 
851 
Golden Seal (Hydrastis Cana- 
densis). 
A cure for some forms of dyspep- 
sia and for sore mouth. See page 293, 
Vol. II. 
Ground Ivy (Glechoma Hederacea). 
This is a prompt cure for painters’ colic 
and superior for the relief of headache. See 
page 300, Vol. II. 
Indian Arrow, or Waiioo (Euonymus 
Atropurpureus). 
A cure for chills and fever, especially old 
and chronic cases. See page 312, Vol. II. 
Indian Turnip (Arum Triphyl- 
lum). 
Valuable for relieving coughs and 
colds and useful in various other af- 
fections. See page 315, Vol. II. 852 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
Jamaica Dogwood (Piscida Erythrinia). 
This is an efficient substitute for opium. See 
page 319, Vol. II. 
Lobelia (Lobelia Injlata'). 
An antidote to poison of nearly 
every kind. Cases of hydropho* 
bia have been cured with it. See 
page 324, Vol. II. 
Jaborandi (Pilocarpus Pennatifo- 
lias). 
Valuable agent for producing perspi- 
ration; will break up fevers, and has 
cured the worst ca=es of dropsy and 
bronchitis. See page 318, Vol. II. 
Laurel (Kalmin Latifolia). 
A valuable and efficient cure for syphilio. 
See page 331, Vol. II. MEDICAL PLANTS. 
853 
Lady’s Slipper (Cypripedium Lu~ 
teum). 
Valuable for nervous diseases and 
phoid fever. See page 323, Vol. II. 
Marshmallow (Althcea Officuialis). 
Used with good effect in diseases of the 
kidneys, bladder, etc. See page 334, Vol. II. 
Prickly Ash (Xanthoxy- 
lum Fraxineum). 
A cure for rheumatism, 
toothache,etc. Seepage 384, 
Vol II. 
Mandrake (Podophyllum Peltatum). 
A sovereign remedy for the cure of chronic liver- 
oomplaint, incontinence of urine, etc. See page 
3S6,.yol.II. 1 a 854 
MEDICAL PLANTS 
Plantain (Plantago Major). 
A certain cure for the hite of snakes. 
See page 360, Vol. II. 
Poke (Phytolacca Decandra), 
Ileputcd a cure tor cancer, and is a pop- 
ular remedy for rheumatism. See page 
362, Vol. II. 
Peppermint (.Mentha Piperita.) 
This will relieve sickness and vom- 
iting, and is a cure for sea-sickness. 
See page 364* Vol, II. 
Plettrisy Root (Asrlepias Tuberose'). 
A cure for pleurisy and pain in the breast. 
See page 359, Vol. If. MEDICAL PLANTS 
855 
Pennyroyal (iZedeoraa Pulegioides). 
Useful in colic in children, colds, etc. 
See page 355, Vol. IT. 
Queen of the Meadow (Eupato- 
rium Purpurem.) 
This will cure most forms of gravel 
and is highly extolled for sterility See 
page 369, Vol. II. 
Red Lobelia (Lobelia Syphilitica)- 
A cure for syphilis and cancer of the 
breast. See page 375, Vol. II. 
Rose-willow (Comus Sericea). 
An efficient remedy for vomiting in preg 
nancy. See page 378, Vol. II. 856 
MEDICAL PLANTS 
Stone Boot (Collinsonia Can- 
adensis) . 
A prompt cure for pome forms of 
piles and a specific for clergymen’s 
sore throat. See page 401, Vol. II. 
Spearmint (Mentha Viridh). 
An effectual remedy for the cure of chronic 
diarrhea. Seepage394.Vol.il. 
Solomon’s Seal 
( Convalaria Alul- 
tijlora). 
An effectual cure for 
erysipelas, and also for 
poison from poison-vine. 
See page 393, Vol. II. 
Spikenard ( A ralia Racem osa). 
A very popular remedy for female weakness, and for 
ulcers. See page 396, Vol. II. MEDICAL PLANTS. 
857 
SCULL-CAP {Scutellaria Lateriflora). 
Prompt and efficacious in St. Vitus’s 
dance, and in nervous headache. See page 
386, Vol. II. 
Sarsaparilla {Smilax Officina- 
l is). 
An efficient blood-purifier. See 
page 382, Vol.'ll. 
Sumach {Rhus Galbrum). 
A reliable remedy for falling of the 
womb and for leucorrhea. See page 408, 
Vol. II. 
Stramonium {Datura Stramonium) 
Valuable for curing inflammation of the 
stomach and for rheumatism. See page403> 
Vol. II. 858 
MEDICAL PLANTS 
Virginia Snakeroot (Aristo- 
lochia Serpentaria). 
Employed extensively in fevers 
and other diseases. See page 426, 
Vol. II. 
Tag-Alder (Alnus Serrulata). 
A sovereign remedy for the cure of boils, 
swellings and sprains. See page 412, Vol. II. 
Vervain (Verbena Hastata'). 
Regarded as one of the best 
remedies in use for the relief of 
suppressed or checked menses. 
See page 425, Vol. II. 
White Pond-lily (.Nymphcea Odorata). 
A cure for ulceration of the womb and leucor- 
rhea. See page 429, Vol. II. MEDICAL PLANTS 
859 
Wild Indigo (Bafitisia Tinctoria) • 
The most valuable remedy known for the cure 
of typhoid fever. It is said to cure any case of 
typhoid disease. See page 436, Vol. II. 
Wormseed (Chenopodium 
Anthelminticum). 
This will promptly expel 
worms. See page 441, Vol. II. 
Unicorn-root (Alettris Farinosa). 
Especially useful for restoring the ac- 
tivity of the sexual organs, giving them 
tone, vigor and healthy action. It will pre- 
vent threatened abortion. See page 421, 
Yol. II. 
Wild Yam (Discorea Villosa). 
A speedy cure for colic, especially bil- 
ious colic.' See page 437, Vol. II. 860 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
Xanthium Spinosum (Spiny Bui- 
rerd). 
A new remedy for the cure of hydro- 
phobia. See page 442, Vol. II. 
Yerba Reuma (Frankenia Grandt- 
folia). 
This new remedy is now regarded as 
infallible in catarrh, gonorrhea and leu- 
corrhea. See page 450, Vol II. 
Yellow Jessamine ( Gelseminum Sem- 
pervirens). 
Will relieve congestion of the brain and 
cure fever. See page 446, Yol. II. 
Yerba Santa (.Eriodyction Cali- 
fornicum). 
A new remedy for the cure of 
chronic coughs, bronchitis, etc. See 
page 449, Vol. II. INDEX. 
Abdomen, Feeling of weight in 588 
“ Hard swelling of 492 
‘ ‘ Inflammation of 352 
Abdominal compress 584 
Abortion - G23 
Abscesses 114 
Abscessus alveolaris 329 
Accidents and emergencies 30 
Acetate of lead, Poison of 52 
Acetic acid, Poison of 49 
Aching feet i 308 
Acne 409 
Aconite 841 
“ Poison of 47 
Acute rheumatism 419 
After-pains 621 
Agrimony . 841 
Ague 767 
“ cake 294 
“ in the breast , 629 
“ in the face 295 
Air 16 
“ Impure 812 
“ Pure G87 
“ spoiled by breathing 812 
Alcohol, Poison of - 47 
Amenorrhea 524, 530 
American hellebore 841 
“ “ Poison of 49 
Ammonia, Poison of 47 
Angina pectoris 340 
Ani, Prolapsus 305 
Ano, Fistula in 298 
Antidotes to poison 44, 51 
Page. 862 
INDEX. 
Page. 
Antimony 45 
Anus, Itching of the 118 
Apoplexy . 52 
Appetites, The 793 
Apthse 777 
Aquafortis, Poison of 50 
Arnica 841 
Arsenic, Compounds of 51 
“ Poison of 44 
“ Red sulphuret of 51 
“ Yellow sulphuret of 51 
Arsenical paste, Poison of 51 
“ soap, Poison of 51 
Asphyxia 71 
Asthma Ill 
“ Hay 346 
Babe, Longings of 693 
Backache 132 
Baldness 126 
Balmony 844 
Ballottement 561 
Band, The 684 
4 ‘ How long to retain the 685 
Barberry 845 
Barrenness 656 
Barren week, Table of 805 
Basements 23 
Bathing of infant 687 
Bayberry 843 
Beard, Cultivation of the 477 
Bed-chambers, Location of 12 
<( Size of 21 
Beds ("see p. 467, vol. ii) 690 
“ Cradle 690 
Beef-tea, How to make 748 
Belladonna 843 
“ Poison of 47 
Berberis aquifolium 844 
Bee, Sting of 33 
Beth-root 845 
Bilious fever 264 
Biliousness 123 
Binder, Application of 614 
Bitter-root 844 
Bitter-sweet 84S 
Black cohosh 842 
“ eye 62 INDEX. 
863 
Page. 
Black hellebore, Poison of 49 
“ henbane, “ u 47 
Black-root 840 
Bladder, Inflammation of 305 
“ Stone in 
Bleeding from the lungs C3, 700 
“ “ “ nose 69 
“ “ “ stomach 03, 65, 760 
“ piles 765 
Blood-root 844 
Blood, To check the flow of 97 
Bloody flux 222 
Blotches 
Blows 
Blue cohosh 842 
Blue flag 843 
“ gum 845 
Boil, Gum 320 
Boils 
Boldo-leaves 842 
Boneset 842 
Bowels, Inflammation of 363 
Brain, Concussion of 80 
“ fever 276 
Breasts, Ague in 629 
“ Care of 594 
“ Enlargement of 557 
“ Gathered 629 
“ Pain in 580 
Breathing 
Breath, Offensive 125 
Bright's disease 37O 
Broken bones, Detection of 106 
Bronchitis (see p. 469, vol. ii) 119 
Bruises (see p. 461, vol. ii) 90 
Bubo 480 
Bugle-weed 846 
Build, Where and how to 9? 14 
Bunion 
Burdock 845 
Burns 37, 7G6 
Burning charcoal, Apparent death from 77 
Canada fleabane 840 
Cancer (see p. 455, vol. ii) 
Cancrum oris 185 
Canker of the mouth 185 
•Carbolic acid, Poison of 49 864 
INDBX 
Page- 
Carbonate of potassa, Poison of 47 
Carbuncle 113. 
Carcinomas 
Catamenia 524 
Cataract 180* 
Cascara sagrada 847 
Catarrh 195, 765 
“ Summer - 346 
Cesspools * I7 
Chafing 1 "0 
Chancre * 
Change of life 545- 
Chaps of hands, lips and face (see p. 455, vol. ii) 178- 
Check the flow of blood • 97 
Cheeseweed 348 
Chicken-pox 130* 
Chilblains (see p. 469, vol. ii) 177 
Child-bed fever 633- 
Children, Care of 691, 693 
“ Clothing of 681 
“ Decay of teeth in 749' 
“ Diseases of 377 
“ IIow to produce male and female at will 790 
“ Sickness and death of 677 
“ Special directions regarding 679 
“ Training of 378 
“ Table of doses for 771 
“ Vanity in 325 
Chills and fever (see p. 455, vol. ii) 279 
“ Congestive 58- 
Chloride of zinc, Poison of 51 
Chlorosis 336 
Cholera (see p. 469, vol. ii) 172 
“ infantum 709 
“ morbus .167, 766- 
Chordee 
Chorea 
Christmas-rose 347 
Chronic gout 320 
“ rheumatism 423 
“ sore eyes 766 
“ vomiting 724 
Churches, Badly ventilated 816 
Cistitis 365 
Citric acid, Poison of 49 
Clap 322, 477 INDEX. 
865 
Cleansing 646 
Cleavers 848 
Clysters, How to prepare 777 
Colchicum 847 
Cold feet 186 
Cold in the head 731 
Colds 164 
Colic 577, 776, 92 
“ Bilious 96 
u Common or flatulent 92, 776, 577 
“ Cramp 94 
“ Painters’ 95,768 
Collar-bone, Fracture of 108 
Columbo-root ; 847 
Compress, Abdominal 584 
Conception 552 
“ To prevent 802 
Concussion of the brain A 80 
Conium, Poison of 47 
Constipation 189, 586 
Consumption 133 
“ Curability of 136 
“ Percentage of deaths from 145, 146, 147 
“ Swedish movement-cure of 147 
Consumptives, Climate for 144 
“ Pursuits of 139 
“ The swing a cure of 143 
Contents of vol. ii 837 
Contracted joints 426 
Convulsions 766 
“ Infantile 60 
Copper, Poison of 45 
Corns (see p. 455, vol. ii) 171 
Corpulence, How to reduce 779 
Corrosive sublimate, Poison of 45, 46 
Coryza 731 
Cosmoline ... 38 
Costiveness 189 
“ Cure without medicine 192 
Cotton-plant 846 
Cough 164, 767 
“ Hooping 700 
Courses 524 
Cow-pox ... 502 
Coxalgia 519 
Cradle-beds 690 
Page. 866 
INDEX. 
Page. 
Cramp in the legs 91» 578 
“ “ “ stomach 43 
Creosote, foison of 51 
Crick in the neck. 425 
Croup 694,7G6 
“ Membranous 695 
“ Spasmodic 695 
Crying 691, 733 
Cuts, 
Cynanche maligna 4G5 
Dandelion 649 
Dandruff fsee p. 4G8, vol. ii) 219 
Dangers, Country 47 
Deafness 928 
Deaths from consumption 145,146 
“ “ all causes 447 
Decay of teeth in children 749 
Decoctions, How to prepare 776 
Delirium tremens 220 
Delivery, Management after 616 
Dentition, Disorders of 745 
Diabetes 
Diagnosis 756 
Diarrhea 225, 585, 7G7 
“ Infantile 
Diet for nursing-mother 594 
Diphtheria 
Dirt and disease * 49 
Diseases, General 
“ IIow to recognize 756 
“ of children 677 
“ of the spleen 766 
Dislocation, Detection of 4°9 
“ Neglected 
Dismenorrhea 
Disordered stomach 
Dizziness ®^9 
Doctor, Absence of 
Dog-button, Poison of 50 
Dog-fennel 8^9 
Dog-tooth violet 848 
Dogwood 8^8 
Dolor Fancium 
Doses for adults and children 771 
Douche, The vaginal or uterine 6G5 
Dreams, Bad 9 
Dropsy 198 INDEX 
867 
Page. 
Drowning 71 
Dwellings, Construction of 27 
“ Dampness of 18 
“ Situation of 26 
Dysentery 222 
Dyspepsia (see p. 456, vol. ii) 200, 759, 7C8 
Earache 704 
Ear, Affections of 230 
“ Deafness of 228 
“ Discharges from 706 
“ Foreign bodies in 85 
“ Humming or buzzing of ...706 
Eczema 729 
Education, Imperfect system of 827 
Elecampane 849 
Emissions, Seminal 360 
Enemas, How to prepare 777 
Enlarged spleen 294 
“ veins 235 
Enteritis 363 
Entozoa 306 
Enuresis 707 
Epilepsy 231 
Ergot, Poison of 43 
Eruptions on the face 409 
Erysipelas 337 
Excessive indulgences, To avoid 801 
Exercise, Gymnastic • • • 830 
“ Methods for ladies 822 
Eye, Black 32 
“ Cataract on 180 
“ Foreign bodies in 84 
“ Sty on the lid 455 
Eyes, Sore 240, 766 
“ Inflammation of 240 
“ To remove films from 242 
Faceache 379 
Face, Ague in 233 
“ Eruptions on 409 
Eainting-fit 39 
“ from loss of blood 102 
Falling of the bowel * 305 
“ “ “ palate 400 
“ “ “ womb C6B 
Falls 707 
Eat, How to become 77B 
“ “ “ reduce excessive 773 868 
INDEX. 
Page. 
Feet, Aching... 308 
“ Cold 186 
“ Perspiration of (see p. 466, vol. ii) 309 
“ Tender 309 
Felon 297, 765 
Fetal heart, Sounds of 562 
Fever and ague (see p. 457, vol. ii) 279, 767 
“ Bilious 264 
“ Blisters 497 
“ Brain 276 
“ Child-bed. 633 
“ Differences between typhus and typhoid 254 
“ Hay 346 
“ Intermittent (see p. 464, vol. ii) 279 
“ Miliary - 838 
“ Milk 833 
“ Puerperal 833 
“ Remittent 264 
“ Scarlet 269 
“ sores 497 
“ Spotted 285 
“ Typhoid 252 
“ Typhus or nervous 244 
“ Yellow 288 
Filter, How to make 20 
Filth around the door 22 
Fistula in ano 2r8 
Fits 706 
“ Cataleptic 18G 
“ Epileptic (see p. 456, vol. ii) 231 
“ Infantile GG 
Fleas, Bites of 88 
Flesh, Proud 
Flesh-worms 
Flooding G1^ 
Fluor albus * ,GG1 
Flux, Bloody 222 
Fly-powder, Poison of 84 
Fomentations, Howto prepare 
Foot, Nail in 8G 
Foundations, The best 28 
Fox-glove 849 
“ Poison of 9 
Fracture, Detection of 106 
FiOl 
Framboesia 
Freckles, To remove (see p. 457, vol. ii) 296 
■ 7a 
Freezing INDEX. 
869 
Frost-bite 68,177 
Gall-stones 369 
Ganglion 321 
Gas, Poison from 77 
Gastritis 357 
Gathered breasts 629 
Gelseminum, Poison of 49 
Geranium 850 
Gestation, Calendar of 602 
Giddiness 314 
Gleet 322 
Gnats, Sting of 33 
Goiter 315 
Golden seal 851 
Gold-thread 850 
Gonorrhea 322 
Gout 316 
“ Chronic 320 
Gravel (see p. 457, vol. ii) 311 
“ Uric acid 213 
Green sickness 636 
Grindelia robusta • • 850 
“ squarrosa 850 
Ground-ivy - 851 
“ Made 9,17,25 
Gum-boil * 329 
Gums, Lancing the 747 
“ Spongy 487 
Gymnastic exercise 830 
Hair (see p. 465, vol. ii) 126 
“ Girls’ 128 
“ indicative of character 129 
“ Men’s 128 
“ Oiling 128 
“ oils 129 
Hands. Chapped (see p. 469, vol. ii) 178 
Hanging, Apparent death from 76 
Hay-asthma 346 
“ fever * 346 
Headache 331, 579 
Head, Flow of blood to (see p. 463, vol. ii). 
“ Scald 711 
Heartburn (see p. 453, vol ii) 349, 575 
Heart-disease 340 
“ Inflammation of - ...344 
“ Enlargement of 347 
“ Palpitation of 338 
Page. 870 
INDEX 
Heat, Bodily 756 
“ Prickly 408 
Hemlock, Poison of 47 
Hemorrhage 63 
Hemorrhoids 401, 583 
Hepatitis 354 
Hernia 427 
Hirpes zoster 436 
Hiccough 330 
Hiccup 330 
Hip-disease 519 
Hives 339 
Hoarseness 351 
Home, Unpleasant 787 
Hooping-cough 700 
Hornets, Sting of .... 33 
Houses, Construction of 27 
“ Dangers of new 28 
Husbands, Inconstancy of 785 
“ To 789 
Hydrochloric acid, Poison of 50, 51 
Hydrophobia 86 
Hygiene, Local 9 
Hyosciamus, Poison of 47 
Hypertrophy tousilaris 489 
Hypo 378 
Hypochondriasis 378 
Hysteria 640 
Impotency 362 
Inconstancy of husbands 785 
Incontinence of urine 581, 707 
Indian-arrow 851 
“ turnip 851 
Indigestion 209 
Infantile diarrhea .. 713 
“ leucorrlvea 666 
Infant, Newly born 734 
“ Stm-born 742 
“ Washing and bathing 687 
Infants, Management of 734 
“ Ruptured navel of 430 
“ Sleep of 688 
Infidelity of wives 789 
Inflammation of the abdomen 352 
“ “ “ bladder 365 
“ “ “ bowels 363 
“ “ “ brain 276 
Page. INDEX. 
871 
Page. 
Inflammation of the bronchial tubes 119 
“ “ “ eyes 240 
“ “ “ heart 344 
“ “ “ kidneys 372 
“ “ “ labia 644 
“ “ “ liver . 354 
“ “ “ lungs 412 
“ “ “ stomach 357 
“ “ “ throat 416 
“ “ “ womb 673 
Inflammatory rheumatism 419 
Influenza 166, 195 
Infusions, Howto prepare 776 
Injections, “ “ “ 777 
Insects, Sting of 33 
Intermittent fever. 279 
Involution 590 
Iodine and iodide of potassium, Poison of 47 
Itch 360 
Itching of the anus. « 118 
“ “ “ private parts 645 
Jaborandi 852 
Jamaica-dogwood 852 
Jaundice 367 
Joints, Stiff 426 
Kernels 519 
Kidneys, Bright’s disease of 370 
Kidney-disease (see p. 458, vol. ii) 372 
King’s evil 469 
“ yellow, Poison of.... 51 
Labia, Inflammation of 644 
Labor 599 
“ Bad getting up after 588 
“ Calculation of time of 599 
“ Calendar of 602 
“ Difficult 606 
“ Preparation for 606 
Lactation 593 
Lady’s slipper 853 
Lancing the gums 747 
Laryngitis 474 
Laurel 852 
Lead and its compounds 62 
“ Poison of 52 
Leg, Milk .....652 
Legs, Cramp in 91 
Leucorrliea 657, 661 872 
INDEX. 
Page. 
Leucorrhea, Infantile 666 
Lightning, Apparent death from 78 
Liquor of potassa, Poison of 47 
Litharge, Poison of 52 
Liver-complaint 354 
“ Inflammation of 354 
Lobelia 852 
Lochia, The * 646 
Lock-jaw 34 
“ To prevent 36 
Longing. 555 
Longings of the baby 693 
Lumbago 7.426 
Lunar caustic, Poison of 45, 46 
Lungs, Bleeding of 767 
“ Hemorrhage from 63 
“ Inflammation of 412 
Lye, Poison of 49 
Lying-in room 607 
“ Symptoms and stages of 609 
Mad-dog, Bite of 86 
Malaria 10 
“ How to render harmless 13 
“ Foliage of trees counteracts 11 
“ When destructive 12 
Mandrake 853 
Marriage 548 
“ Precocious 549 
“ Bight age for 549 
Marshmallow 853 
Matches, Poison of (see Phosphorus; 40 
Measles 702 
Medical man, How to act in absence of 612 
“ uses of salt 765 
Melancholy 378 
Membranous croup 695 
Men, Lewd 787 
Menorrhagia 542 
Menstruation 524, 526 
“ Cessation of 545 
11 Excessive or profuse 542 
“ First delay of 530 
“ Painful 537 
“ Suppression of 534 
Mercurial disease 456 
Mercury, Poison of 50 
Metritis 673 INDEX. 
873 
Page. 
Miasm 10 
Miliary fever 638- 
Milk-crust 729 
“ fever 633 
“ Involuutary escape of 650' 
“ leg 652 
“ sickness 380 
“ To check the flow of (see p. 458, vol. ii) 648 
“ To produce flow of 648 
“ What deteriorates 595 
Miscarriage 623 
Monthly sickness 524 
Morbus regius 367 
Morning-sickness 556, 570 
Mortification 375 
Mosquitos, Bites of (see p. 468, vol. ii) 33 
Mother, Nursing 594 
Mothers, A hint to 826 
“ Impositions by 824 
Mouth, Canker of 185 
“ Nursing sore 151 
Mumps 698 
Muriatic acid, Poison of 51 
Muscles, Exhaustion of 308 
Nail in the foot 36 
Nausea marina 467 
Navel of infants, Dressing of 684 
“ “ “ Rupture of, 430' 
Neck, Stiff 425 
“ Swelled. 315 
Nephritis 370 
Nervous diseases 383 
“ fever 244 
“ sick, headache 334 
Nettlerash 339- 
Nettle, Sting of 33 
Neuralgia 389, 766 
“ of the great nerve 426 
Nightmare 393 
Night-sweats 396 
Nipples, Sore 653 
Nitrate of potassa, Poison of 47 
“ “ silver, “ “ 46 
Nitre, Poison of 47 
Nitric acid, Poison of 50 
Nose, Foreign bodies in 83 
Noxious vapors, Apparent death from 76 874 
INDEX 
Nurse, Monthly 606 
Nurses, Wet 596 
Nursing 593 
“ mother 594, 595 
“ “ Diet for 738 
i “ Prolonged 597 
i 
* “ sore mouth 651 
“ Stated hours for 597 
Nux vomica, Poison of 50 
Oak, Poison 41 
Obesity, How to reduce 779 
Odontalgia 485 
Oil, Kerosene 38 
“ of bitter almonds, Poison of 52 
“ savin, Poison of 46 
“ of smoke, Poison of 51 
<i << << << 51 
“ “ turpentine, Poison of 51 
“ “ vitriol, “ “ 50 
Opium, Poison of 48 
Overcrowding 688 
Oxalic acid, Poison of 50 
Pain in the breasts 580 
“ “ “ stomach "68 
Pains, After 
Painters’ colic '68 
Palate, Palling of 
Palpitation of the heart * °38 
Palsy 396 
Paris green, Poison of 51 
907 
Paronychia 
Parotides 393 
Peabody’s buildings, Health of 39 
Pearlash, Poison of 47 
Pennyroyal 8o5 
OKA 
Peppermint 
Pericorditis °49 
Peritonitis 334 
Perspiration of the feet 366 
Pertussis 799 
Phlegmasia dolens 
Phosphorus, Poison of 49 
Phthisis 133 
“ pulmonalis lo3 
Piles 401> 683 
“ Bleeding 705 
Pimples 499 
Page. INDEX. 
875 
Placenta, The 613 
Plague, Residences in time of 11 
Plantain 854 
Pleurisy 406 
“ root 854 
Plump, How to become 778 
Pluritus 406 
Pneumonia 412 
Pock 477 
Poke 854 
Poison (see pp. 458, 459, vol. ii). 
Poisons and their antidotes 44 
“ which occasion vomiting 44 
Poison oak 41 
“ sumach 41 
“ vine 41 
Polypus 394 
Potato-flies, Poison of 47 
Poultices, How to prepare 774 
Pox 477 
“ Chicken 180 
“ Cow 502 
Pregnancy, Disorders of 567 
“ General habits during 563 
“ Signs and symptoms of 555 
Prickly ash -853 
“ heat 408 
Privates, Itching of 645 
Privies, How to keep 22 
Prolapsus ani f 305 
“ uteri 668 
Proud flesh 411 
Pruritis 645 
“ vulvse 695 
Prussic acid, Poison of 49 
Ptyalism 577 
Puberty, External signs of 524 
Puerperal fever * 633 
Pulse, The 762 
“ Pull 764 
“ Healthy 768 
“ Intermittent 764 
“ Jerking 764 
“ Rapid * 764 
Putrid sore throat 465 
Pyrosis 504 
Queen of the meadow 855 
Page. 876 
index 
Page. 
Quickening . 560 
Quinsy 416 
Babies 86 
Bed-gum 726 
“ lead 52 
“ lobelia 855 
“ sulphuret of arsenic, Poison of 51 
Bemittent fever 264 
Beproduction 548 
Eesidences, Healthy and unhealthy 9 
Eesuscitation, Hall’s ready method of 75 
“ Sylvester’s ready method of 72 
Betentis urinse 490 
Rheumatism (see p. 459, vol. ii) 410 
“ Chronic 423 
“ of the loins 426 
“ Syphilitic 483 
Eheumatismus acutis (see p. 468, vol. ii) 410 
“ longus 423 
Bibs, Fracture of *00 
Rickets *31 
Ringworm 
Rose-willow 355 
Rupture *27 
Salivation - *38> 577 
Salt for cough 166 
“ Medical uses of 765 
“ petre, Poison of *7> 49 
“ rheum (see p. 461, vol. ii) 453 
Salts of tartar, Poison of...* *7 
Sarsaparilla 857 
Scabies acara 3G0 
Scald-head 74* 
Scalding of the urine 326 
Scalds 37 
Scarlet fever 289 
Scheele’s green, Poison of 5* 
Schools, Ventilation of 816 
Sciatica 4^8 
Scorpion, Bites of 32 
Scrofula (see p. 460, vol. ii) 489 
Scull-cap 857 
Scurvy 459 
Sea-sickness 487 
Seminal emissions 360 
Sex of child before birth, How to tell 363 
Sexual intercourse, Frequency of 793 INDEX. 
877 
Page. 
Shell-fish, Poison of 47 
Shingles 436 
Shock 79 
Sick headache (see p. 457, vol. ii) 331 
“ “ Nervous 334 
Sickness, Green G3G 
“ Vomiting 40 
Simple vomiting 722 
Sinew, Weeping 321 
Singultus * 330 
Skin, The 7C0 
Sleeping-medicines GS9 
“ rooms, Airy 813 
Sleeplessness (see p. 4G2, vol. ii) 437, 57G 
Sleep of infants 688 
Small-pox 442 
Snake-bites 30 
“ of cattle • •• 31 
Snuffles 731 
Soil an air and water-carrier 24 
“ and consumption 24 
“ “ other diseases 24 
Solomon’s seal 856 
Sore eyes - 240 
“ “of new-born infants 241 
“ feet • 308 
“ mouth 727 
“ “ Nursing 651 
“ nipples 653 
“ throat (see p. 461, vol. ii) 448 
“ “ Clergyman’s 474 
“ “ Putrid (see p. 4G1, vol. ii) 4G5 
Spanish flies, Poison of 47 
Spasmodic croup 695 
Spearmint 856 
Spider-bites 33 
Spikenard. 856 
Spinal curvature 431 
“ disease 450 
“ irritation 451 
Spleen, Disease of 7GG 
“ Enlarged 294 
Spotted fever 285 
Sprains (see p. 459, vol. ii) 89, 765 
Stammering 440 
St. Anthony’s fire 237 
Starvation, Apparent death from 78 878 
INDEX. 
Page. 
Sterility 656 
Stiff joints 426 
“ neck 425 
Still-born infants 742 
Sting of bee 33 
“ “ gnats 33 
“ “ hornets 33 
“ “ insects 33 
“ “ nettle 33 
Stomace - *459 
Stomach, Bleeding of 767 
“ Cramp in 43 
“ Inflammation of 357 
“ Pain in 763 
Stone in the bladder 311 
“ root 856 
Stramonium 857 
“ Poison of 47 
Strychnine, “ “ 46, 50 
Strophulus 726 
Stuttering .. 440 
St. Vitus’s dance (see p. 460, vol. ii) 463 
Sty (see p. 460, vol. ii) 455 
Sub-involution 590 
Sugar of lead, Poison of 47, 52 
Sulphate of zinc, “ “ 51, 52 
Sulphuric acid, “ “ 50 
Sumach 857 
“ Poison of 41 
Summer-catarrh 346 
“ complaint (see p. 463, vol. ii) 713 
Sunlight 810 
Sunstroke 77 
Sweating feet 309 
Sweats, Night 396 
Swedish movement-cure 147 
“ “ Directions for 149 
“ “ History of 148 
“ “ Illustrations of 150 
“ “ Illustrative cases of 161 
Swelled breasts of infants 633 
“ neck 315 
Swelling of the extremities 576 
Syphilis.. 477 
“ Secondary 482 
Table of apothecaries’ weight 772 
“ “ characters and symbols 772 INDEX. 
879 
Page. 
Table of doses for children and adults 771 
“ “ dry measures 772 
“ “ fluid “ 771 
it tt French decimal weights 772 
“ “ the barren weeks . 805 
“ to calculate the time of labor 599 
Tag-alder 858 
Tape-worm (see p. 4G2, vol. ii) 513 
Tarantula, Bite of 32 
Tartar-emetic, Poison of 45 
Tartaric acid, Poison of.... 49 
Tartar on the teeth 487 
Teeth, Decay of in children 749 
“ Extraction of 487 
“ Filling (see p. 4GG, vol. ii) 487 
“ Preservation of 488 
“ To kill the nerve of 489 
Teething children, To regulate the bowels of 747 
“ Disorders of 745 
Tender feet 309 
Tetter (see p. 4G1, vol. ii) 453 
Thermometer, Use of 757 
This book, How sold 840 
Throat, Foreign bodies in 81 
“ Inflammation of 416 
“ Putrid sore 465 
“ Sore (see p. 4G9, vol. ii) 448 
Thrush 727 
Tinctures, IIow to prepare 778 
Tinea capitis 711 
Tight clothing, Diseases produced by 782 
Tobacco, Poison of 51 
Toe-nail, Ingrowing 483 
Tongue, The 7C0 
Tonsils, Enlargement of 489 
Toothache (see p. 4G1, vol. ii) 485, 579, 7G5 
Tooth-rash 
Tracliietis 694 
Tumors 
“ Sebaceous 
Tympanitis 
Typhoid fever 252 
Typhus “ 244 
“ petcehiolis 285 
Ulceration of the womb 675 
Ulcers (see p. 4G2, vol. ii) 493 
M Varicose 880 
INDEX. 
Page. 
Umbilical cord, To tie the 613 
Unicorn-root 359 
Urine, Bloody 124 
“ Excessive flow of 215 
“ Incontinence of (see p. 458, vol. ii) 581, 70T 
“ Kiestine in 562 
“ Retention of 499, 582, 642 
“ Scalding 326, 498 
“ Suppression of (see p. 468, vol. ii) 501 
“ The 761 
Uvula 400 
Vaccination 362 
Varices 235 
Varioloid 448 
Veins, Enlarged 235 
“ Varicose 235 
Ventilation 689 
“ of churches 316 
“ “ schools 316 
Veratrum, Poison of 49 
Verdigris, “ 45 
Vertigo 
Vervain 
Vine, Poison 
Virginia snakeroot 358 
Vomiting 40 
“ Chronic 724 
“ during pregnancy 370 
“ from poisons * 44 
“ Simple (see pp. 463, 464, vol. ii) 722 
Warts (see p. 465, vol. ii) 306 
Washing of infants 687 
Water *6, 20 
“ Accidents in 76 
“ brash (see p. 462, vol. ii) 504, 575 
“ IIow to keep pure 23 
“ Insufficient 22 
Weaning 
“ Early 754 
“ Right time for 398 
Weeping sinew °21 
Wen 
Wet-nurses, Regimen for 396, 7o9 
Wetting the bed 
White lead, Poison of 32 
“ pond lily 858 
Whites 661 INDEX. 
881 
White swelling (see p. 465, vol. ii) 519 
44 vitriol, Poison of 52 
Whitlow ’ 297 
Wild indigo 859 
“ yam 859 
Wives, Infidelity of 789 
“ To 785 
Womb, Falling of 068 
“ Inflammation of 673 
“ Involution and sub-involution of 590 
“ Ulceration of 675 
Women, Diseases of 524 
Worms (see p. 458, vol. ii) 506, 767 
“ Flesh 409 
“ Long round 512 
“ Tape 513 
Wormseed 859 
Wounds, Contused 103 
“ Dressing of 106 
“ Gunshot 106 
“ How to dress (illustration) 99 
“ Incised (see p. 465, vol. ii) 97 
“ Lacerated 103 
“ Punctured 104 
“ Razor 102 
“ To apply adhesive plaster to 101 
Xantliium spinosum 860 
Yaws 521 
Yellow fever 10, 288 
“ “ New remedjr for 769 
“ jessamine 860 
44 “ Poison of 49 
44 sulpliuret of arsenic, Poison of 51 
Yerba reuma 860 
4 4 santa 860 
Page. 
END OF VOLUME FIRST.