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: 
Prop. GEO. P. WOOD, 31. D., 
31. A. FROST, 31. D., 
E. II. RUDDOCK, 31. 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. II. 
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 RIGITTS RESERVED. VOL. II. DIVISION FIRST. 
FOOD IN HEALTH AND DISEASE. 
REGULATION OF DIET. 
The subject of food is one of deep and constant con- 
cern both to the healthy and the sick; not merely for 
the gratification of the taste, or even the satisfaction of 
the appetite, but also for the maintenance of life. In 
health, diet may be left very much to the inclination or 
taste of the individual, both with respect to quality and 
quantity; for unless the appetite be perverted and 
depraved by rich sauces and high seasonings, it is on 
the whole the best guide. Still, judgment must be exer- 
cised, otherwise in respect to eating and drinking, man 
will degenerate into a mere animal. In disease, on the 
other hand, the appetite fails to guide, and intelligence 
and judgment are more required for the selection and 
rejection of the different articles of diet; much more so, 
because the regulation of both quantity and quality 
acquires greater importance than when a person is in 
health. The taste of an invalid is so perverted that he 
may reject what is most suitable, and desire what would 
frequently prove injurious; and his appetite is so pre- 
carious that it is not to be trusted to regulate the appro- 
priate quantity. Hence the severity of the disease 6 
REGULATION OF DIET. 
might be increased, and the life of the patient imperiled, 
if taste and appetite guided in the selection and taking 
of food, instead of intelligent knowledge of the prop- 
erties of different foods, and judicious experience in 
their administration. 
In not a few disorders an acquaintance with dietetics 
is as essential to the proper treatment of the patient as 
a knowledge of materia medica; for the action of a 
medicine may be counteracted by unsuitable diet. It is 
of great importance to know what variations in food are 
permissible, for an invalid soon tires of the same food. 
Tea and toast may be palatable for a time, but “ What 
else may I eat ? ” is soon the inquiry he ruefully puts. 
Experience shows too, that there is considerable igno- 
rance of the best methods of preparing the food that is 
suitable to the patient. In the present day it is deemed 
desirable to lay down for the guidance of mistresses 
and servants the principles of cooking, and to form 
classes and give public lessons in cookery. But these 
are for the food of the table, not for that of the sick- 
room. The latter requires more care in selection, more 
special attention in preparation, more delicacy in serv- 
ing, than the former. For instance, how much good 
meat has been wasted, and how many patients have 
been troubled, because a cook, instead of making good 
beef-tea, only made a soup! 
Dietetic Rules Important—Good health can be 
maintained, and when disturbed can be restored, only 
by the adoption of such rules of diet and regimen, as 
will ensure a due supply of healthy blood to the system. 
The waste that is constantly going on in pursuing the 
common duties of life must be repaired, and if the qual- 
ity of the blood be deteriorated in disease it must be 
improved. But the blood is what the food makes it. As 
the supply of food, then, is increased or decreased, or its DIETETIC RULES. 
7 
quality altered, so the baxxl is affected and the health is 
maintained or lowered. Hence the importance of attend- 
ing to dietetic rules. In consequence of the infractions of 
these rules many diseases arise. The badly cooked, 
poor food of the working classes is often innutritious; 
hence they suffer from various disorders, the best cure 
for which is not medicine, but sufficient, suitable and 
properly prepared food. Any one who has been much 
among the poor, visitors who have tended the sick, prac- 
titioners who prescribe in dispensaries, know full well 
how important a part deficiency or sufficiency of appro- 
priate diet plays, in the condition of those to whom they 
minister. 
The digestibility of food and its subsequent assimila- 
tion depend, as we know, as much upon the mode of its 
preparation as upon the condition of the person who eats 
it. If this is true of the “ healthy,” it is more intensely 
true of the “ sick.” Not unfrequently a change in the 
method in which food is cooked, is the simple means 
whereby it may be rendered acceptable, and easily 
digested by the individual, who had previously suffered 
from taking it. Such change may make all the differ- 
ence for the relief of some functional disorder of the 
bowels. In chronic diseases of the digestive organs, in 
which the appetite may be unimpaired or even inordin- 
ately increased, attention to some dietetic regulations is 
of great importance; for in such cases there is consider- 
able danger lest the boundaries of prudence should be 
overstepped, in yielding to the urgent claims of appetite, 
demanding excessive or unsuitable food. 
It is impossible to lay down regulations for the rational 
and methodical use of food in health and disease; for in 
this as in other matters, cases must be individualized. 
Sex, age, employment, condition of life, physical form, 
idiosyncrasies, circumstances—all are elements in the 8 
KEGULATIOX OF DIET. 
solution of tlie problem, “ What to eat and wliat to avoid.” 
The father must consider the wants of the family, the 
mother the special needs of a frail child, the physician 
the peculiar requirements of his patient, in making 
arrangements for suitable dieting: no precise rules— 
hard and fast lines—can be laid down. General princi- 
ples alone can be enunciated: known scientific facts 
can be promulgated: well tried common experience can 
be recorded: then, out of the materials thus supplied, 
the most fitting for each case must be selected with intel- 
ligence and judgment. Even when a selection is thus 
made, it unfortunately too frequently happens that in- 
structions are not observed. Ignorance, prejudice and 
carelessness interpose and frustrate the fulfilment of 
good intentions and judicious advice. Nevertheless, 
health is maintained and, where impaired, is often 
restored in spite of these drawbacks. Still, one cannot 
but reflect that robust health would be more common, 
recovery more rapid and mortality more diminished if 
dietetic rules were universally observed. 
Violation of Instructions Wrong—There is a 
neglect, and even a positive violation of instructions to 
which we must here enter our emphatic protest. A 
physician prescribes certain food just as he prescribes 
certain medicine. But while the medicine may be 
honestly given, the food is withheld or other food is 
substituted. The patient and the friends of the patient 
often deceive the physician with reference to diet, and 
deem the original transgression and the subsequent 
deception quite pardonable offences, which it is unneces- 
sary to confess. The consequence is that the recovery of 
the patient is retarded, and the physician and his treat- 
ment are disgraced. There are always occurring infrac- 
tions of dietetic instructions, of which nothing is known 
unless the aggravation of the disease is so obvious as to 
lead to disclosure of the indiscretion. VIOLATION OF INSTKUCTIONS. 
9 
The impossibility of prescribing fixed regulations for 
diet will also be evident, from a consideration of the 
circumstance that some persons can take what others are 
obliged to reject. In fact, there is truth in the saying, 
“What is one man’s meat is another man’s poison.” 
Even when there is a similar derangement of the diges- 
tive organs, some persons can eat with impunity wliat 
others must eschew. Some of the least digestible articles 
of food, such as fried fish, cabbage, cheese, fats, etc., can 
be eaten by some dyspeptics, while others cannot par- 
take of them without suffering severely. 
In considering the kinds and proportions of food to be 
eaten, it should be remembered that even healthy per- 
sons do not always assimilate all the elements possible, 
for some escape digestion and pass out of the system 
with the waste, and allowance must be made for this. 
Food which requires some strength of digestive function 
may be thrown away upon an old person whose limited 
secretions may not dissolve it, and who may therefore 
be only insufficiently nourished by it, while the same 
food could be easily and advantageously appropriated 
by a young person. On the other hand, some easily 
digested diet which would be suitable and sufficient 
for an old man would be unsuitable and insufficient for 
an active youth. The employments of life also necessi- 
tate variations in kind and quantity. Even appetite is 
not an infallible guide. Work that demands physical 
exercise, and that calling for mental exercise, out-door 
and in-door work, demand difference in diets. The 
nursing-mother requires more food and of a different 
kind from that taken by the quiet housewife of sixty 
years of age. The patient suffering from chronic 
unhealthy discharges, must meet that drain upon the 
system. Morbid conditions and functional derangements 
of different organs, though insufficient to be regarded as 10 
EEGTTLATIOX OF DIET. 
an “ illness,” or to keep a person from ordinary work, 
require consideration in regimen. The good cheer which 
includes a considerable quantity of nitrogenous aliment 
is prejudicial to a gouty subject,but beneficial to a man 
who takes much exercise in the open air. The bread, 
which is “the staff of life,” must be withheld from the 
diabetic. So that no dietetic rules can be laid down to 
suit all cases either in health or in sickness. 
Fixed Rules Impossible—When the body is in a 
feverish state, the mouth dry, the thirst great and the 
pulse accelerated, very little gastric juice is secreted. 
In such a case, it is obviously improper to take food 
which requires the solvent of the gastric juice for its 
digestion. It may contain the essence of nourishment, 
the very best food cooked in the very best manner, but 
utterly useless in the stomach, irritating to it and there- 
fore injurious. In the feverish state, rump-steak is conse- 
quently very unsuitable diet—more unsuitable if helped 
down with onion-sauce and condiments, and bathed with 
a glass of beer. No nourishment is derived from it; it 
should therefore be avoided till feverish symptoms have 
passed away and the stomach has regained its tone, how- 
ever palatable the steak may be, or however anxious 
friends may be to strengthen the patient. At the com- 
mencement of fever there is loathing of everything but 
cold water. After a while the feverish symptoms abate, 
then toast or barley-water is agreeable ; then luscious 
fruits are desired and relished, the sugar they contain 
.passing into the system through the mucous membranes 
without digestion and making no demand on the powers 
of the stomach. Subsequently, the gastric and intesti- 
nal juices are sufficiently secreted to digest farinaceous 
food: by degrees the patient is able to satisfy his natural 
appetite, convalescence becomes more rapid, and by and 
by rnmp-steak may come to table again. All this is 
dietetic regimen. RELATION OF FOOD TO NUTRIMENT. 
11 
In brief, the regulation of diet is of importance to both 
the healthy and the sick; but definite rules cannot be 
laid down by which the diet may be regulated : each one 
must judge for himself, or must be guided by the judg- 
ment of others—a judgment which we hope may be 
intelligently formed, and directed by a perusal of the 
following pages. 
RELATION OF FOOD TO NUTRIMENT. 
Food has been defined as a substance which, when in- 
troduced into the body, supplies material which renews 
some structure or maintains some vital process. Medi- 
cine modifies some vital action, but does not supply the 
material which sustains such action. A supply of suita- 
ble food is therefore essential during the medical treat- 
ment of disease ; for medicine alone will not, and is not 
designed to, sustain life. Neither, on the other hand, 
will changes of food so modify vital action when it is 
disordered as to render the administration of medicine 
superfluous. Nevertheless it must be allowed that diet 
does play an important part in promoting recovery from 
disease, and that some kinds of food do stimulate vital 
action in a degree far beyond the actual amount of nutri- 
tive material they supply. 
Elements of Food—The body requires, for the main- 
tenance of its existence, for its growth and for the per- 
formance of its functions, a variety of kinds and a 
variety of forms of food ; but as its constituent elements 
are limited in number, the chemical composition of 
the food need not include a great variety of factors. 
Carbon, hydrogen, oyxgen and nitrogen exist in far 12 
RELATION OF FOOD TO NUTRIMENT. 
larger quantity than any other elements; sulphur and 
phosphorus are also present; hut other constituents 
exist in only exceedingly small quantities. Food should, 
therefore, supply all these requirements in different 
combinations if the body is to be maintained in health. 
It is not, however, necessary that one kind of food 
should yield every kind of material required in the 
structure of the body, for then that one would be suffi- 
cient; but it is essential that it contain some of the 
material required; and it is also essential that, by a 
combination of different foods, all the material required 
is supplied. Some foods are undoubtedly more valuable 
than others, either because they supply a large quantity 
of nutriment in a small compass, or because it is in such 
a state that it can be easily assimilated. These are of 
course to be preferred when the functions of the body 
are deranged by disease. 
Food is required by the body for two chief purposes, 
viz.—to produce and maintain the various tissues while 
they are fulfilling their divers vital functions, and to 
generate heat, without which life would cease. That the 
maintenance of the tissues is of great importance, is evi- 
dent from the decay of life which is invariably associated 
with the wasting of the tissues. That the generation of 
heat is essential, is evident from the fact that while 
waste of tissues may go on for a long period before 
death occurs, the removal or lessening of heat is soon 
followed by the termination of life. When the body is 
in a state of disease, we have therefore to meet these 
two principal requirements—the maintenance of tissue 
and the maintenance of heat. Now, in accordance with 
these requirements, there are foods which are assimilated 
by particular tissues, and go to maintain them, called in 
general terms “ flesli-formers: ” others sustain the vital 
heat, and are known as “ lieat-formers: ” others again 
both nourish tissue and supply heat. ANIMAL AND VEGETABLE PRODUCTS. 
13 
Animal and Vegetable Products — Food is de- 
rived from all natural sources—from earth, water and air; 
from solids, liquids and gases ; from substances living 
and organic, or inanimate and inorganic. The food thus 
variously derived is converted, by the action of vital 
forces, into those compounds which the body can assimi- 
late and change into a part of itself. But before it can 
be so assimilated in the human body, the greater part of 
it must become organic. Chemical elements uncombined 
are of no service as food. They must be built up into 
some living organism to be of service. Hence our food 
generally consists of animal and vegetable products, the 
animal having been also previously derived from the 
vegetable. Indeed, all our foods are primarily derived 
from the vegetable kingdom; for no animal has the phy- 
siological power of combining mineral elements so as to 
form them into food. But the vegetable assimilates 
inorganic materials under the influence of light, storing 
up in itself various elements, in different combina- 
tions, essential to the formation and nutriment of vege- 
table and animal structures. So, without taking much 
inorganic matter directly into the system, we obtain 
what is necessary through its presence in the organic. 
In popular language, what is taken into the system 
is termed “food” and “drink;” the former including 
solid, the latter liquid matter. But, convenient as these 
designations may be, they do not accurately represent 
the facts of the case. Milk, for instance, is very rich in 
solids; while nine-tenths of the component parts of tur- 
nips consist of water. A better classification, therefore, 
is to arrange all food, whether liquid or solid, into or- 
ganic and inorganic portions—the organic comprising 
those elements which are combined and produced only 
through the agency of some living structure, whether 
vegetable or animal, and the inorganic those which ar& 14 
RELATION OF FOOD TO NUTRIMENT. 
derived directly from the mineral kingdom. Water and 
salt are inorganic. 
In view of their chemical composition, organic foods 
are generally classified as nitrogenous and non-nitro- 
genous. The nitrogenous consist of carbon, oxygen, 
hydrogen and nitrogen, in different proportions, with 
generally the addition of sulphur and phosphorus. The 
non-nitrogenous consist of only the first three ingre- 
dients. 
Nitrogenous Food—It will be observed that the 
presence or absence of nitrogen constitutes the chief 
difference between these classes; and as it enters very 
largely into the composition of the body, an abundant 
supply of it is essential. Some may suppose that, 
as this is an important constituent of the atmosphere— 
four-fifths of which are nitrogen—it might be imbibed 
from the air; but it is not. It is derived from the food, 
and must be introduced into the system in combination 
with other organic elements. 
Among nitrogenous foods, the flesh or muscular tissue 
of animals contains the elements which are required for 
forming flesh and generating heat. Hence life could be 
maintained for a considerable time on animal food alone. 
Bread, among vegetable foods, also contains nearly all 
the elements required for nutrition. 
Nitrogenous foods must all undergo the process of 
digestion before they can be assimilated and form part 
of the body. This process is really one of comminution 
and liquefaction. The food is reduced to a finely di- 
vided state by the action of the teeth, the muscles of 
the mouth and the saliva: when it reaches the stomach 
it is further disintegrated by the action of the gastric 
juice, with which it is brought into contact by the motion 
of this organ. Thence it passes out in a state of fluidity, 
as a very soluble and diffusible product, called chyme, N0X-XITR0GEX0US FOOD. 
15 
and easily transmitted to the blood-vessels. The food 
has now lost its characteristic properties, but bow the 
change has been wrought it is not easy to determine. 
Should any portion of the food, however, pass from the 
stomach undissolved, it is subjected to a supplementary 
digestive process in the bowel. The intestinal fluid and 
the pancreatic juice act as solvents; and the bile 
(though it does not appear to possess any solvent power) 
is incorporated with the food, which is now in a con- 
dition ready for absorption and for application to its 
proper use. Under meat-diet there is a more copious 
secretion of gastric juice: under vegetable the saliva is 
more abundant: showing that there is provision in the 
system for variation in the food, and that uniformity in 
food is immaterial. 
The primary use of nitrogenous food is to develop and 
renew the various tissues ; its secondary use is to facili- 
tate the absorption of non-nitrogenous food. Wherever 
there is life, nitrogenous food must be present to sustain 
it: non-nitrogenous food contributes to its support: 
without the former the latter would be useless : the for- 
mer being present, the latter is a very valuable auxiliary. 
ISTitrogenous food is the main tissue-former, but it also 
to some extent produces force. Non-nitrogenous food 
produces force, but it also in some measure contributes 
to the formation of tissue. Indeed, the best materials 
for the production of working power as well as heat, are 
the non-nitrogenous principles ; and of these the fats are 
more effective than others. 
Non-nitrogenous Food — Non-nitrogenous food 
comprises (1) fats, (2) starch and sugar, (3) alcohol and 
vegetable acids. 
Fat is found in both animal and vegetable products. 
It undergoes little change in the mouth and stomach; 
but, by the action of the pancreatic j nice in the small 16 
KELATIOX OF FOOD TO NUTRIMENT. 
intestine, it is digested and reduced to a minute state of 
subdivision, ready for absorption through small pro- 
jecting filaments into the lacteal system, by which it is 
conveyed into the general circulation of the blood. It 
is by this means deposited in the various tissues, fills 
up interstices between muscles, bones and vessels, gives 
regularity to the form of the body, assists in the reten- 
tion of the heat of the body, and forms a reserve of force- 
producing material, to be utilized when required. It 
holds the highest place as a lieat-former, for by its oxy- 
dation heat is generated in the system. It also appears 
to facilitate the assimilation of other forms of food; and 
there is a prevalent opinion that, if it is not supplied in 
sufficient quantity, scrofulous disorders are developed. 
Starch cannot be assimilated without change: when 
raw, it passes out of the system unaltered. If it is 
boiled, the granules burst, and the particles are ready 
for conversion into sugar. This conversion would take 
place in the mouth, under the influence of saliva, if the 
food remained there for a sufficient length of time. But 
it is usually swallowed at once; and when it reaches the 
stomach the gastric juice arrests the action of the saliva. 
It then passes on in a semi-fluid state to the small intes- 
tine, where the digestion really takes place. The intes- 
tinal secretion and the pancreatic juice act energetically 
on the starch, soften and break up the granules, and 
convert the particles into sugar. 
Sugar is so easily diffused that it requires no prelim- 
inary digestive process to prepare it for assimilation. 
It passes without change into the circulation. If, how- 
ever, it is supplied in excess of the requirements of the 
system, when it reaches the stomach it undergoes lactic- 
acid fermentation, and thus occasions the acidity from 
which some dyspeptics suffer. When not in excess, the 
sugar is carried on to the liver, where it undergoes cer- ALCOHOL. 
17 
tain changes which lead ns to conclude that it contrib- 
utes to the production of fat, but not to the production 
of force. 
Alcohol—Alcohol is very rapidly diffused through 
the system. Some portion of what is taken is evaporated 
through the lungs and expired with the breath: some is 
eliminated by the liver and kidneys ; and the rest re- 
mains for a long time diffused through non-excreting 
organs, where it is transmuted into new compounds. Its. 
actual dietetic position is scarcely determined, although 
many researches have been made, and much has been 
written on the subject. The most recent researches, 
however, appear to show that alcohol yields no nutri- 
ment, but that it acts merely as a stimulant, with vari- 
able advantage or injury to the constitution. It contains 
no nitrogen, and has therefore none of the qualities of 
tissue-forming foods; nor is it capable of being trans- 
formed into them; hence it is not a food in the sense of 
being a constructive agent in building up the body. It 
is very doubtful whether it produces fatty matter, except 
by an indirect and injudicious interference with natural 
processes; though there is reason to suppose that it 
lessens to some extent the elimination of fat already 
existing. If there be any fattening, it is not confined 
to the external development of fat, but it extends to a, 
degeneration through the minute structures of the vital 
organs, including the heart, inducing what is termed 
its “fatty degeneration.” Alcohol does not produce 
warmth, nor sustain it; the glow which is felt is decep- 
tive ; for that is due to congestion, like the warmth of 
inflammation; hence the serious error of taking it iu 
cold weather, when the alcohol and cold act in combina- 
tion, producing congestion of the lungs and other vital 
organs, and often leading to fatal consequences. Nor 
does alcohol give and sustain strength: there is muscu- 18 
RELATION OP FOOD TO NUTRIMENT. 
lar excitement, wMcli is mistaken for muscular power, 
produced at the expense of the tissue and drawing upon 
its reserve of force: there is, in fact, nervous stimulus, 
"but muscular enfeelblement. There are unquestionably 
occasions when it is necessary to produce the stimulus, 
even at the cost of subsequent reaction and debility; 
when, for instance, an enfeebled or fainting heart is 
temporarily relieved by that relaxation of the arterial 
vessels which the diffusion of alcohol through the blood 
induces ; or when the flagging circulation of approaching 
death needs to be quickened that life may be maintained. 
But the impression that this spirit gives permanent 
strength for sustained work is as erroneous as it is com- 
mon. When alcohol is taken in very moderate quantity 
it increases the activity of the circulation, causing the 
heart to beat more rapidly, the pulse to become faster 
and fuller, and the arteries and arterioles to dilate (thus 
producing a characteristic flushing of the face); it in- 
creases the secretion of urine, stimulates the appetite, 
aids digestion, excites the nervous system, and exhil- 
arates the intellectual and emotional faculties. But the 
price to be paid for all this may be too high, and the 
habitual use of even a moderate quantity may lead 
slowly but surely to degenerative changes. Those who 
drink alcohol, with any of its various admixtures, are in 
a greater or less degree injured by it—especially the 
young and “full-blooded.” 
Taken in large quantities, the immediate effect of 
alcohol is depressing and narcotic. It produces paralysis 
of the minute arterioles of the circulatory system, so 
that they lose some of their contractility, and become 
dilated with the flowing blood. This is seen in flushing 
of the face. But all the internal organs are similarly 
affected, so that there is general vascular engorgement 
.and consequent derangement and exhaustion. Simulta- IMMODERATE DRINKING. 
19 
neously, in consequence of its affinity for water, it alters 
the condition of the blood, causing arrest of chemical 
changes and alterations in the composition and forms of 
the corpuscles. Then there follows an affection of the 
spinal cord, involving enfeeblement of nervous stimulus 
and a corresponding deficiency of control over certain 
muscles. A tottering gait is an indication of this. The 
brain-centres are then affected, and the controlling influ- 
ence of the will and judgment are lost, and the emotions 
and instincts are not held in due subordination. This 
is followed by complete collapse of the nervous functions, 
the senses becoming all benumbed and consciousness 
lost. 
Immoderate Drinking-—The ultimate effect of 
immoderate drinking is complete degeneration, and this 
degeneration is certainly not confined to those who are 
notoriously intemperate, or may be designated drunk- 
ards. "Women, accustomed to take wine in quantities 
which they would not deem immoderate, and who would 
be shocked at the imputation that they were taking too 
much, have proved unfortunately that they have really 
taken to excess. The appetite is impaired, digestion is 
arrested, dyspepsia follows, sleeplessness is produced, 
muscular power, especially of the legs, is enfeebled, the 
organic tissues suffer direct deterioration in their struct- 
ure, and a diseased state is set up in the internal organs. 
The heart is enlarged, its relative parts being thrown out 
of proportion, its orifices dilated, its valves stretched, its 
filamentous cords dilated and its walls thickened. The 
liver also undergoes structural changes: it becomes 
enlarged by the production of albuminoid and fatty 
deposit, or by the increase of connective tissue, and 
finally there supervenes contraction, atrophy of the 
-canals and cells, forming that gnarled condition known 
.as “ gin-drinker’s liver.” The kidney is deteriorated by 20 
RELATION OF FOOD TO NUTRIMENT. 
fatty modifications, and its functions are impeded. The* 
minute vessels of the lungs are relaxed and easily con- 
gested, and the molecular constitution of their tissue is 
altered; hence chronic bronchitis is common among 
those who take much alcohol; while consumption, often 
unsuspected, but of a most fatal form, carries off hard, 
drinkers in the prime of life. Other organic changes; 
also take place, the crystalline lens and retina of the' 
eye are injured and the sight is impaired, an excess of 
salts is produced in the urine, and gravel and stone are- 
deposited ; indeed, there is not an organ that is unaffected.. 
The brain and spinal cord and the whole nervous system, 
suffer, giving rise to serious derangements, which mani- 
fest themselves in the worst forms of nervous disease,, 
such as loss of memory and speech, epilepsy, paralysis 
or insanity. And these derangements, it should be- 
remembered, are more or less transmitted to degenerate- 
offspring. Of the moral effects we say nothing here,, 
although we cannot be oblivious to them. 
Water undergoes no chemical change in the system,, 
and produces no force ; yet it is indispensable as a com- 
ponent part of food, for it facilitates the chemical changes 
which take place in the food. 
The other inorganic principles which are necessary to- 
a healthy condition of the body are compounds of lime,, 
potash, magnesia, soda and iron ; together with phos- 
phoric acid, carbonic acid, chlorine and sulphuric acid. 
Lime and phosphoric acid are of most importance. 
Requirements Vary—The amount of food required 
varies with different individuals ; very much depends on 
age, sex, climate, season of the year, physical and men- 
tal exertion. All vital processes, including the assimila- 
tion of food, are most rapid in early life, and least rapid 
in old age. In childhood and youth there is also the 
necessity for making provision for the growth of all parts. ANIMAL FOOD. 
21 
-of the body, as well as the rapid discharge of functions. 
Man requires more nitrogenous food than woman. The 
vital processes are also most active in spring, least so at 
the end of summer; more energetic in cold climates than 
in hot, in highlands than in valleys. Exertion always 
stimulates these processes. 
ANIMAL FOOD. 
The structure of animal food is identical with that of 
"the human body; hence nothing is required in addition 
to it in order to maintain life. Its chief characteristic 
is that it contains a large proportion of nitrogenous 
material; but with it there is usually mingled, either 
naturally or artificially, so much fat or other non-nitro- 
genous material that it is adapted both for the formation 
of tissue and for the production of heat and other force. 
Undue importance is given by some persons to animal 
food, as if that alone really nourished the system, and 
supplied what is required for work and recovery of 
strength. No doubt it appeases hunger more thoroughly 
than vegetable diet, and satisfies longer, because it is 
digested in the stomach, and that organ gives signs of 
repletion and retains this kind of food for a longer time 
than vegetable food. Animal food is also easily cooked, 
and appears to be more easily digested than vegetable; 
it increases the amount of fibrin, phosphates and other 
salts, and the number of red corpuscles in the blood; 
it produces firmness of muscle, it increases the urinary 
secretion both in quantity and in amount of effete nitro- 
genous matter, necessitating the consumption of an 
increased quantity of fluid. Vegetable food has a ten- 22 
ANIMAL FOOD. 
dency to increase the deposition of fat. Mr. Banting 
found that by lessening the amount of vegetable diet he 
was enabled to reduce his corpulence: this result might 
be due not only to diminution of the fat-producing 
elements, but also to the increased oxydation through 
the lungs induced by the excess of nitrogenous mate- 
rials. Physiological considerations and experience teach 
us that a mixed diet as a general rule is best adapted to 
the requirements of the body. 
Animal food comprises (1) the different parts of ani- 
mals, (2) eggs, (3) milk and its products. 
Comparative Values of Flesh—The flesh of young 
animals is more tender that that of old, but it is not so 
easily digested. The flesh of middle-aged animals is 
more nutritive, and has a fuller flavor than that of young. 
The flesh of old animals, though nutritive, is often very 
tough. Young and quickly fed animals have more1 
water and fat in their flesh, whilst older and well fed 
animals have flesh of a firmer touch and fuller flavor, 
and are richer in nitrogen. The former may be more del- 
icate, the latter are more nutritious ; animals of middle 
age, therefore, afford the most digestible and fullest 
flavored food. The larger the animal the coarser the 
meat. The flesh of the female is more finely grained 
and delicate than that of the male. Animals that have 
been deprived of their reproductive organs are larger,, 
fatter, more tender, and form better food than those that 
have not. During the breeding season flesh is unsuita- 
ble for food. The flesh of wild animals has less fat 
than that of well fed, domestic animals, but it has more1 
flavor. The character and flavor of the meat are much 
affected by the food eaten. The fat of cattle fed on oil- 
cake is yellow: the flesh of sheep fed on turnips has a 
flavor of the vegetable: that of mountain sheep is', 
affected by the fragrant herbage on which they graze. GOOD MEAT. 
23 
Violent exercise just before death makes flesh more ten- 
der than if the animal had been still. The removal of 
blood in slaughter, while it involves waste of nutritive 
material, improves the flavor of the flesh, and renders it 
more easy of preservation. Hanging the meat improves 
its tenderness. But the best meat may be rendered un- 
wholesome by decomposition. Low-priced meat may be 
obtained which is very dear; for the animal may have 
suffered from disease, and thus become unfit for human 
food. Animals that have been saturated by powerful 
medicines are also unfit for food; indeed, serious effects 
have been known to be suffered by those who have 
eaten the flesh of cattle so treated. 
Good Meat—Good meat, according to Dr. Letheby, 
has the following characteristics : 
1. It is neither of a pale-pink color nor of a deep-pur- 
ple tint; for the former is a sign of disease, and the lat- 
ter indicates that the animal has not been slaughtered, 
but had died with the blood in it, or had suffered from 
acute fever. 
2. It has a marbled appearance, from the ramifica- 
tions of little veins of fat among the muscles. 
3. It should be firm and elastic to the touch, and 
should scarcely moisten the fingers—bad meat being wet 
and sodden and flabby, with the fat looking like jelly or 
wet parchment. 
4. It should have little or no odor, and the odor should 
not be disagreeable, for diseased meat has a sickly, 
cadaverous smell, and sometimes a smell of physic. 
This is very apparent when the meat is chopped up 
and drenched with warm water. 
5. It should not run to water or become very wet on 
standing for a day or so, but should, on the contrary, 
dry upon the surface. 
6. When dried at a temperature of 212° or there- 24 
ANIMAL FOOD. 
about, it should not lose more than from seventy to sev- 
enty-four per cent, of its weight; whereas had meat will 
often lose as much as eighty per cent. 
7. It should not shrink or waste much in cooking. 
Salted meat is objectionable on several grounds. Its 
•common use when fresh meat can be obtained is there- 
fore undesirable, and it is unsuitable for invalids. It is 
deficient in nutritive value and natural flavor by the 
extraction of a considerable quantity of the juices of 
the meat. It is deficient in tenderness, and therefore to 
some extent insoluble by the digestive secretions. It also 
acts prejudicially on the system, by the introduction of 
an excessive quantity of salt and saltpetre. 
Beef and mutton are the principal fresh meats. The 
former is of a firmer and closer texture than the latter, 
contains more red-blood juices, has a fuller and richer 
flavor, containing more iron, is more satisfying and 
more strengthening, and makes greater demands upon 
the digestive powers. Yet it is a common article, not 
only at the ordinary dinner-table, but even in the sick- 
room. In many cases of illness, if properly cooked, it 
may be eaten with impunity, but in typhoid fever, and 
other diseases where the bowels are inflamed and tender, 
it produces, in its ordinary form, either as steak or as a 
cut from a joint, injurious effects. Even in the form of 
beef-tea it often increases the irritation, keeps up the 
fever and aggravates the diarrhea; consequently in such 
cases it should, for the most part, be excluded from the 
diet-list. As beef requires considerable effort on the 
part of the stomach to convert it into chyme, it is contra- 
indicated in acute maladies until convalescence has com- 
menced, when by allowing the patient to extract the 
juice at first, and then swallow a few shreds of the meat, 
daily increasing the amount swallowed, the digestive 
organs will be finally won back to their normal condition GOOD MEATS. 
25 
and capability. Nevertheless, there is a form in which 
beef has been most beneficial. Administered in a raw 
state, when finely divided and reduced to a pulp, it is 
very useful in some derangements of the stomach. Al- 
though not very palatable at first, a taste for it is soon 
acquired. In this form it has proved very valuable in 
cholera-infantum and dysentery, when everything else 
failed. It should be prepared by scraping with a spoon, 
and seasoning with a little salt. 
Mutton or mutton-broth is much to be preferred for 
delicate persons. Mutton-broth has less nutritive value 
than the broth of beef, but having a delicate flavor it is 
preferred by many persons. It is, however, too rich in 
fat to be easily digested, unless a large portion of that 
substance be first removed. Lean mutton, then, should 
be selected for making broth ; the scrag of the neck is a 
suitable joint. When a patient is so far convalescent as 
to require solids, a mutton-chop, properly cooked, is 
generally most suitable. Broiling should be preferred to 
frying, and to cook mutton-chops nicely a clear fire is 
absolutely necessary. The chops should be sprinkled 
with salt and pepper, and placed over the fire for six or 
seven minutes. They should not be pricked, but should 
be frequently turned to insure their being thoroughly 
cooked. 
Veal and lamb are more gelatinous, less stimulating, 
less nutritious and less easily digested than beef and 
mutton. But the character of the flesh varies very much 
in delicacy, nutritive value and digestibility, according 
to the mode in which the animal has been killed. Veal- 
broth is generally prepared from the fleshy part of the 
knuckle. It is not very palatable; and as it does not 
contain the nutritious qualities of beef-tea or mutton- 
broth, it is scarcely advisable to introduce it into the 
sick-room, except for the sake of occasional variety. 26 
ANIMAL FOOD. 
The lean of a lamb-chop cut from the loin is often a 
morsel which tempts the flagging appetite. 
Pork, on account of its fatness, is not so easy of diges- 
tion as other meats. Bacon and ham, however, do not so 
easily disagree with the stomach; and in this respect 
they occupy an exceptional position in relation to fat 
meats and cured meats. Fat bacon, taken with any 
substances that are rich in nitrogen, is very nourishing. 
It increases the nutritive value of eggs, poultry, peas and 
beans. All pork should be most thoroughly cooked, 
because it is more frequently diseased than any other 
kind of meat, and the disease, being due to the presence 
of parasites, is particularly injurious to man. Bucking 
pig is a great delicacy, but of small nutritive value, and 
unsuitable for invalids. 
Venison is lean, dark-colored and savory, having more 
the character of game than of butcher’s meat. It is very 
easily digested, and is therefore suitable to the dyspeptic 
and convalescent: its rich flavor may, however, consti- 
tute an objection to it, and if it has been kept too long 
before being cooked, it is very apt to produce diarrhea. 
Gelatine, which forms the basis of soup, is the nitro- 
genous principle of bones. They contain a considerable 
quantity of nutritive matter ; but for its extraction they 
should be broken into small pieces and boiled for many 
hours. Although investigators have found that gelatine 
fails to nourish animals when given by itself, it is now a 
well established fact that, in combination with other 
substances, it can be turned to account in the system as 
a force-producing element. In the form of jelly, with or 
without wine, when not tough, it is readily digested, and 
serves to allay the feeling of emptiness and hunger when 
more nutritious food cannot be well taken. Being 
demulcent, and possessing no irritating qualities, it. 
proves very useful in inflammatory affections of the; GELATINE. 
27 
"bowels. As it is soothing and grateful, it may be allowed 
where diarrhea is not to be feared. In the preparation 
of gelatine-jelly it is very essential to soak the gelatine,, 
as procured in the shops, in cold water for some time. 
Liver of the calf, lamb or pig, when fried, is rich and 
savory, but is not suitable for those whose digestive pow- 
ers are feeble. Kidney, lungs and heart are as nutritious 
as lean meat, but are also unsuitable for invalids. Tripe, 
when gently boiled for about an hour, is a food of some- 
what delicate and agreeable flavor, and of very easy mas- 
tication and digestion, but from its fatness is rather rich. 
The ease and rapidity with which it is digested, and the 
considerable nutriment which it affords, seem to render 
it most suitable for the sick, but in practice it is found 
that the absence of decided flavor, its unsatisfying char- 
acter and the unusual nature of the food prevent its 
selection by the sick generally. Sweetbread is easily 
digested, and when simply cooked is not unsuitable for 
the convalescent, but when richly cooked will disagree 
with the dyspeptic and invalid. The head of the ox or 
sheep, boiled for eight or nine hours to extract the nutri- 
ment, makes excellent soup. Ox-tails are commonly 
employed for the same purpose. The tongue of all 
animals, especially of the ox, is a great delicacy, but 
from its being fat and eaten salted, is not adapted to 
weak stomachs. Sheep's legs, as a bridge from soup to 
meat, are excellent when well boiled. Sheep's brains are 
highly commended as a means of conveying phosphates. 
Preserved meat is not so nourishing as the same amount 
of properl}' cooked fresh meat, on account of the over- 
cooking demanded by the process. It has the recom- 
mendation, however, of being much cheaper than fresh 
meat. It may be rendered more palatable by being 
minced and warmed or stewed with vegetables, but to 
prevent further loss of nutritive properties it is best 
eaten cold. 28 
ANIMAL FOOD. 
Extract of neat should consist of the concentrated 
essence of the juice of flesh; but a good deal that is sold 
as such is solidified soup, with the addition of gelatine. 
Good extract is slightly acid, of a pale, yellowish-brown 
color, with an agreeable, meat-like odor. It should be 
perfectly soluble in cold water, and should not contain 
albumen, fat or gelatine. It possesses more the character 
of a vital restorative than a nutritious food. It is deficient 
in albumen, and, as in the case of soup and beef-tea, its 
nutritive power must be assisted by vegetables and 
other substances which are rich in nitrogenous matter. 
Biscuits are now made combining the extract with a 
proper proportion of flour. The extract may often prove 
a fair temporary substitute for beef-tea when there is not 
time or convenience to make the latter, but it must not 
supersede it in the sick-room. When taken during 
fatigue it has been found to be remarkably restorative, 
increasing the power of the heart, and removing the sense 
of fatigue following exertion. Mixed with wine, Dr. 
Parkes states it has been employed with great success 
in rousing men in collapse from wounds. It was the 
means of saving the lives of many wounded men in the 
Austrian army in 1859, and in the war between the 
Northern and Southern States. It would, therefore, be 
useful after surgical operations. 
Birds occupy an important place among the sources 
of food, especially in the diet of the sick-room. Their 
flesh consists of delicate muscular tissue, without any 
admixture of fat, being in some cases white, in others 
dark-colored. The juices are deficient in red blood, and 
have a more delicate flavor than those of adult animals. 
One can truly affirm that there is no bird, or part of a 
bird, which may not be eaten with safety by man. 
Poultry, such as fowl, turkey and Guinea-fowl, is 
white-fleshed, has a delicate flavor, and is tender and GAME. 
29 
easily digested. As the flesh is milder and less stimu- 
lating than that of ordinary meat, it is well adapted to 
those whose powers of digestion are enfeebled. But it 
is not very nourishing; it contains too little fat, and. 
needs pork or bacon to supplement this deficiency. 
Sexless birds, as the capon and pullet, grow larger, fat- 
ten better, and are more tender and delicate than ordi- 
nary poultry. Ducks and geese are not so well adapted 
as poultry for the sick-room, for their flesh is harder, 
richer and more highly flavored. 
Game—Pheasant, partridge, grouse, icoodcock, snipe 
and quail—has a delicate flavor, which improves 
keeping (fuller and stronger than that of domesticated 
birds), is strengthening, tender and easily digested. It 
is thus tempting to the appetite, and is well adapted to 
a weak stomach. It therefore forms a valuable diet for 
the sick-room, and can be taken when other meat and 
poultry are rejected. But the darker flesh of game- 
requires culinary management to render it digestible. 
Wild-fowl, with its close, firm flesh and strong flavor,, 
is not adapted for dyspeptics and invalids. 
Pigeon and smaller birds are usually tender and rel- 
ishing, and may be eaten with safety by the conva- 
lescent. 
Fish is very valuable as food if eaten as soon as pos- 
sible after capture. There is a prejudice against it from, 
the belief that it has no nutritive value, but this proba- 
bly arises from the fact that it does not easily satisfy 
hunger, and is quickly digested, so that the appetite soon 
returns. It is, nevertheless, highly nutritious. Fish- 
eaters, says Dr. Davy, are “ especially strong, healthy 
and prolific. In no other class than in that of fishers, 
do we see larger families, handsomer women and more- 
robust and active men.” Fish, especially white fish, is 
less stimulating than meat, contains little fat, is easily 30 
ANIMAL FOOD. 
TROUT-POOL. 
digested, and therefore forms the most suitable aliment 
for invalids, dyspeptics and those who suffer from 
brain-fag. Indeed, in consequence of tlie large propor- 
tion of nitrogenous matter in tlie composition of fish, 
abounding as it does in brain and nerve-making elements, 
it is especially adapted to all those upon whom there are 
great demands for nervous energy, and is therefore use- 
ful in some cases of nervous exhaustion. 
The quality of all fish is superior before spawning- 
time, for it is then “ in season young fish can always 
be eaten. Fish caught from the deep seas are better FISH 
31 
than those from shallow bays. Fresli-water fisli from 
deep, clear water, with a stony bottom, are better than 
those from muddy shallows. “What herring,” says Dr. 
Davy, “is equal to that of Loch-Fyne? what haddock 
equal to that of the Bay of Dublin ? Of fresh-water fish 
what a contrast there is between the lake-trout and the 
brook-trout! the one well fed, well flavored, of the color 
of salmon; the other small, colorless and insipid. What 
a contrast between either of these and the trout of bog- 
water ! the latter black, soft, ill-formed and ill-tasted. 
What a contrast, again, between the trout inhabiting a 
stream in a fertile limestone-district fed by springs, fluc- 
tuating little, and the indwellers of the mountain- 
stream of a primitive country, subject to great fluctua- 
tions—one day a raging torrent, in a brief space run out 
and all but dried up ! As with other animals, whether 
beast or bird, domestic or wild, much, we know, as to 
their quality, depends on their feed, its kind and quan- 
tity ; and so with fish.” 
A sign of the freshness of fish is its firmness and 
rigidity. For the invalid it should always be boiled or 
broiled in oil: the fat added in frying renders the fish 
less digestible. Dried, salted, smoked or pickled fish 
should not be seen in the sick-room. A little fresh fish, 
well boiled, served with bread and butter, without sauces 
and seasonings, may frequently tempt the fastidious, 
dainty appetite. 
Salmon stands preeminent as a delicacy, and more 
nearly resembles the meat of animals than that of other 
fish; fat is intermixed with the muscular fibre, and under- 
lies the skin, particularly of the abdomen; it is there- 
fore rich—too rich for invalids; otherwise the nutritive 
value of its flesh to those who can take it differs but 
little from that of the red-blood flesh of other animals. 
Mackerel. Herring, Pilchard, Sprat and Eel are also 32 
ANIMAL FOOD. 
fatty in their composition, and therefore less suitable- 
than white fish for those whose powers of digestion are 
feeble. Amongst white fish are Haddock, Whiting, Sole, 
Flounder, Cod, Turbot, Brill, etc., whose flesh contains 
little fat, except in the liver. Whiting, the chicken of 
fish, is the most delicate and easy of digestion. Sole 
possesses the same excellence, and deserves its popular- 
ity in the sick-room. Haddock is firmer, not so delicate 
nor so digestible. Flounder is tasteless, but also harm- 
less. Cod, is close, firm, tough, and indigestible by a 
weak stomach. Fried Cod is like veal-cutlet, but drier. 
Turbot has richer flavor, but does not stand high as food 
for invalids. Brill, though inferior in flavor, is safer as 
food ; the skin of both, when boiled, appears to be gela- 
tinous, but though preferable as a delicacy for the 
healthy, is not suitable for the weak. The most delicate 
of all fish is probably the Whitebait, except it be rivaled 
by the fresh Smelt; but the accessories are not good for 
invalids. 
Fish-broth contains nearly the same component parts 
as meat-broth, and in some countries fish-soups are as 
much esteemed as those of meat. 
Isinglass, obtained from the air-bladder of the stur- 
geon, is a valuable and nutritious vehicle for the admin- 
istration of other ingredients of food, surpassing gelatine 
in value. 
Sliell-fisli, with the exception of oysters, are less 
nutritive than other kinds of fish, less digestible, and 
more likely to disagree with weak stomachs than most 
kinds of animal food. In some persons they produce 
gastric irritation and disorders, and in others nettle-rash 
and similar eruptions. Indeed, so marked is this effect 
on some constitutions, that it is necessary to forbid shell- 
fish altogether. 
Lobster and Crab, though very agreeable to many OYSTEES. 
33 
persons, are not suitable for those whose digestive 
organs are weak, and consequently should not be intro- 
duced into the sick-room. Indeed, some persons in ordi- 
nary health cannot take them, because they are not- 
easily digested, even when stimulants of the gastric 
juice are added in the form of vinegar and pepper. 
Prawns and Shrimps belong to the same family as the 
lobster, and are somewhat more readily digested, but 
they are not suitable for invalids. 
Turtle-soup is luxurious and rich, and, in small quan- 
tities at a time, is often very restorative to invalids. 
Oysters are nutritious, and readily digested even by 
delicate stomachs. From recent researches it appears 
that they contain sufficient pepsin to be 
By invalids they should be taken without the hard 
muscle by which the fish is attached to the shell; they 
should also be taken raw, and masticated before they 
are swallowed. To eat them with vinegar is to commit 
a dietetic mistake. It is a good plan to keep them alive 
for a day or two by placing them in a shallow dish of 
clear brine, feeding them with meal and changing the 
water, so that they may lie bare for a while, and then 
be flushed again twice a day, in imitation of the tide- 
They should only be eaten from September to May. As 
a means of conveying phosphates they are invaluable- 
Fresh oysters are most grateful in chronic dyspepsia, 
where nausea is present, in the case of consumptives, 
for the trouble of morning sickness, in chronic diarrhea; 
they can be eaten with advantage by the nursing-mother, 
who will in this way not only strengthen her own system, 
but also that of the child at her breast. Convalescents 
from fever will find in the oyster a food both delicate and 
nourishing. 
Oyster-stew, prepared plain or with milk, and oyster- 
essence made by slowly simmering oysters in their liquor 34 
ANIMAL FOOD. 
or a little water until they swell, seasoning with salt, 
straining the liquor, and serving with dry toast or plain 
"biscuits, are excellent methods of giving oysters. 
Mussels and all other shell-fish, except oysters, are not 
suitable for invalids. 
The flesh of Rabbit has some resemblance in general 
and nutritive character to that of poultry. It is some- 
what loose in texture, without decided flavor, and is 
digested with ease. It may be eaten by the convalescent 
with due caution against unsuitable accessories and con- 
diments. 
The flesh of the Hare is of harder texture, of fuller 
flavor and more stimulating nature than that of the rab- 
bit. It is most nutritious; but as it is not very easily 
digested, it is a food for the healthy rather than for the 
sick. 
Eggs, if the shell be included, contain everything that 
is necessary for the formation and maintenance of the 
body. This food does not, however, exist, as in milk, in 
a state of perfect solution, but in a semi-liquid form; 
'consequently some digestion is necessary before it can 
T)e assimilated. The white of the egg consists chiefly of 
albumen, without fat, and in a condition which admits 
of easy absorption, the ease being increased if it be 
shaken or beaten up with water. The yolk contains all 
the fat of the egg, held in suspension by some portion of 
albumen, and is therefore richer than the white. Raw 
and ] ightly boiled eggs are readily digested. It has 
been found that the yolk is more digestible when hard- 
boiled, while the white is least so. If the albumen be 
coagulated by the heat of cooking it becomes heavy and 
difficult of digestion, and sometimes produces constipa- 
tion or irritation of the bowels. It should therefore be 
particularly avoided by dyspeptics, and by persons 
recovering from illness, before the full powers of diges- ARTIFICIAL FIBRIN. 
35 
lion have "been regained. If the insoluble portions of 
hard-boiled eggs are delayed in the stomach and intes- 
tines, they putrefy, and the sulphuretted hydrogen and 
ammonia evolved become irritating to the intestinal 
canal. But fresh, uncooked eggs are almost -wholly free 
from these objections. A fresh, raw egg, thoroughly 
stirred into about half a pint of milk, formsv to most 
persons, a palatable and nourishing article of diet. One 
great advantage this preparation has over other food is 
that all the component parts are retained in their natural 
state, are more completely dissolved, and consequently 
make less demands upon weak digestive powers, than 
when the egg is eaten in its solidified form. If patients 
object to the taste of raw eggs, a little sugar may be 
added; or if this be not sufficient, some simple flavoring 
extract may be used. Wine or spirits are often employed 
but they are usually objectionable, and should be dis- 
pensed with if possible. 
Eggs seem to be particularly useful in lung-diseases, 
and in cases of exhaustive cough seem to act as palli- 
atives. 
Artificial Fibrin, so called, has been found avail- 
able when no other food could be taken. It is thus 
prepared: The white of an egg is poured into cold water 
and allowed to remain for twelve or more hours, during 
which time it undergoes a chemical change, becoming 
solid and insoluble, assuming an opaque, snow-white 
appearance. This and the liquid in which it is immersed 
are heated to the boiling-point, and the fibrin is ready 
for use. It is very easy to digest, and to many is quite 
a delicacy. It is said that the stomach will retain this 
in many cases when everything else is promptly rejected; 
its presence creating a craving for more food, and thus 
promoting instead of diminishing digestion. 
Egg, with milk and sugar, forms a plain custard, 
which is often allowable and very grateful. 36 
AXIMAL FOOD. 
Eggs undergo change "by being kept. The porous shell 
allows the evaporation of water and the infiltration of 
air; certain organic changes also occur when the shell is 
rendered non-porous. To test the freshness of an egg, an 
ounce of salt may be added to ten ounces or half a pint 
of water: in this solution a fresh egg will just sink: one 
that has been kept for several days will float. A bad 
egg is often sufficiently light to float in pure water. 
Fresh eggs may also be known by holding them up to 
the light, when they will appear clear: if stale they will 
appear cloudy. Fresh eggs are most translucent in the 
centre, stale ones at the end. In order to preserve the 
freshness of eggs, various plans have been adopted ta 
render the shells non-porous, or to exclude air; such as 
boiling them for half a minute, keeping them in lime- 
water, bran or salt, or covering them with a coating of 
wax, oil, butter, gum or varnish; but with only variable 
success. No musty egg is good for food, even when put 
into puddings ; it should be banished from the house if 
there be the slightest smell of old straw about it. 
Duck's eggs are larger and have a stronger flavor than 
hen’s eggs: the solid matter and the oil in a duck’s egg- 
exceed those of a hen’s by as much as one-fourth. They 
are not often introduced into the sick-room, but there is 
no reason why they should be excluded if the flavor be 
agreeable to the patient. 
Milk—Pure milk contains in solution, like eggs, all 
the elements required for the growth and sustenance of 
the body. This is especially true in relation to a child. 
Indeed, it may be regarded as the typical alimentary 
substance; for it combines nitrogenous, fatty, sacchar- 
ine and mineral matters, and water, in such proportions 
as are required by the animal economy, and in such a 
state of mixture and liquefaction as to be easily assim- 
ilated. In fact, it requires no digestion; and it is this- MILK. 
37 
■excellence which renders milk a most important and con- 
venient article under many circumstances. It is already 
digested and prepared for absorption. In cases of fever, 
pure milk as the main article of diet is far superior to 
anything else, especially in typhoid and other fevers 
involving disturbance of the stomach and bowels. Beef- 
tea, which is commonly used, is often irritating; but 
milk, on the contrary, is soothing, cooling, and at the 
same time nourishing and strengthening. In chronic 
disorders of the stomach and bowels, a milk-diet is a 
most valuable accessory to medical treatment. It allows 
the stomach to have almost absolute rest, which in many 
cases is all that is required. And this quiescent condi- 
tion can be prolonged almost indefinitely, since an adult 
can be sustained for days or even weeks on milk alone. 
It should, however, be observed that milk would not be 
;suitable diet for adults in health, as the nitrogenous 
matter is in considerable excess in proportion to the 
carbonaceous. It is suited to young persons who have 
to grow, and who in order to grow must appropriate an 
excess of what is nitrogenous to form a daily addition 
fo the body. On the other hand, it is not so suitable for 
full-grown persons, who have not so much to form tissue 
as to develop heat or other force by the combustion of 
carbon. 
It must not be overlooked, that the several elements 
■or constituents of milk vary in quantity and proportion 
in different animals, and under different circumstances in 
the same animal. 
Woman’s milk is, of course, the standard. Cow’s 
milk more nearly approximates to it than that of any 
other animal, and hence is most generally used. Cow’s 
milk contains considerably more casein, or curd, less 
sugar, and a little more butter than woman’s milk ; con- 
sequently when the former is substituted for the latter it 38 
ANIMAL FOOD. 
should be largely diluted with water and receive a little 
sugar. Goat’s milk is richer than cow’s; sheep’s milk 
still richer. Ass’s or mare’s milk is much poorer, but 
much sweeter. Indeed, so large is the proportion of 
sugar of milk in the last that it is fermented and con- 
verted into a spirituous liquor, known by the name of 
koumiss, and successfully administered in many cases of 
consumption, chronic bronchitis and chronic diarrhea. 
Cow’s milk varies very much in quality. After calving 
takes place the first fluid secreted differs considerably 
from ordinary milk, and is termed colostrum; conse- 
quently cow’s milk, for three or four weeks after calving,, 
is not entirely pure and not well adapted for food: it has 
a somewhat sickly smell, and often acts as a purgative.. 
The milk of the Alderney-cow is characterized by its 
richness in butter, that of the long horns by its richness 
in curd. The product of young cows is preferable to 
that of old ones, and as a food for infants the age of the 
secretion should be less than that of the baby ; that is to 
say, a cow with a calf two months old may do very well 
to feed a child of four months. The milk first drawn 
from the cow contains less cream than that which is last 
drawn; indeed (especially if some time has elapsed 
between the times of milking), the amount of cream in 
the latter may be two or three times as much as in the 
former. The milk of the afternoon is richer both in curd 
and butter than that of the morning. The food on which 
the cow is fed considerably affects the quality of the 
milk : poor diet impoverishes it: strong vegetables, such 
as turnips, cabbages and onions, flavor it: decayed 
leaves make it disagreeable: poisonous plants render it 
injurious : nothing is equal to the fresh pasture of coun- 
try-fields for securing good milk. 
Its quality may be tested by the amount of cream it 
produces, by its weight, and by its specific gravity. MILK. 
39 
The larger the proportion of cream, the better the milk. 
A.quart of new milk, cooled, should weigh about 2 lbs., 
2-j oz., if it is of fair average quality. The addition of 
water or an excess of cream lowers the specific gravity. 
But whether or not the milk be diluted with water, it is 
not unfrequently rendered unwholesome by being put 
into vessels that have not been cleansed by thorough 
washing-out with soda. On stale milk, even in minute 
quantities, a small blue fungus, or mould, very speedily 
forms, which soon spreads to fresh milk and causes it to 
turn sour; hence colic, diarrhea and thrush are occa- 
sioned in those who partake of it. 
Fifteen grains of bicarbonate of soda to a quart of 
milk prevents it from turning sour, and also renders it 
more digestible. 
Milk, though nourishing, does not agree with every 
one. If diluted with one-third lime-water, it will rarely 
cause biliousness or indigestion, and if taken regularly 
will so strengthen the system as to banish these disor- 
ders. It may be taken with acid of some kind when it 
does not easily digest. The idea that milk must not be 
eaten with pickles is not an intelligent one, as milk cur- 
dles as soon as it is swallowed. When milk is consti- 
pating, a little salt sprinkled in each glassful will avert 
the difficulty. When it has an opposite effect, a few 
drops of brandy in each tumblerful of milk will 
obviate purgation. It is a mistake to drink milk 
between meals: it will destroy the appetite. After 
finishing a meal a tumblerful of pure milk may be 
drunk, and a pint with a biscuit makes a light sup- 
per. In cases of fever, in exhausted conditions depen- 
dent on loss of blood, and in summer-diarrhea and 
other inflammatory affections of the alimentary tract,, 
it may be given scalded with excellent results: it is 
a sheet anchor in typhoid fever. Owing to outbreaks 40 
ANIMAL FOOD. 
of fever which were traced to infected milk, many 
persons adopted the precaution of boiling all milk 
before using it, and thus the disease-germs which it 
may have contained were rendered innocuous. This 
is a good plan for persons resident in towns. But 
when used as a substitute for mother’s milk, cow’s milk 
should not be boiled, but only raised to the temperature 
of breast-milk by the addition of warm water. 
Cream is composed of the fatty constituent of milk, 
which, on account of its lightness, rises to the surface 
when the milk is allowed to stand. It forms the basis of 
butter. It can often be taken freely when nothing else 
will remain on the stomach, notwithstanding the abun- 
dance of fatty matter. It should always be fresh, and 
may be diluted with water or given pure if desired. 
Clotted cream is produced by heating milk just to the 
point of simmering, which causes a scum to form with 
the fatty matter and give it more consistence. 
Skim-milk is that from which the cream has been re- 
moved, and being consequently less rich than ordinary 
milk, it can frequently be taken by invalids when the 
latter cannot. 
Butter-millc is what is left after the extraction of but- 
ter. It of course contains less fatty matter than skim- 
milk, but it retains the nitrogenous, saccharine and 
saline matter, and is therefore very nourishing and use- 
ful as an article of diet. Unless very fresh it is generally 
a little acid. It is one of the most refreshing summer- 
drinks that can be taken, and is almost always allow- 
able in sickness, especially in fevers with gastric symp- 
toms. It appears to produce a gentle activity of the 
liver and kidneys, particularly of the latter organs. 
Curds are the casein and fat of milk combined by 
coagulation of the milk. They form the basis of cheese. 
The addition of an acid to the milk sets free the casein, CONDENSED MILK. 
41 
-which is held in solution "by an alkali and causes coagu- 
lation. 
Whey is the residuary liquid after the curd has "been 
removed, containing little of the casein and fat, "but all 
the sugar and salts of milk. The casein and fat "being 
absent, there is no fear of curdling in the stomach, and 
thus causing pain or diarrhea. "Whey can, therefore, be 
taken by many persons with whom milk disagrees. It is 
not very valuable as nutriment, but it is very digestible, 
is easily absorbed, and is a refreshing drink in the sick- 
room, especially in inflammatory disorders. A slight 
flavor of nutmeg makes it very palatable. There is a 
prevailing opinion that whey causes sweat; hence wine- 
whey, alum-whey, tamarind-whey, etc., when the milk 
has been curdled by these substances, are recommended. 
The method of preparation is given hereafter. 
In Switzerland whey is supposed to have medicinal 
virtues, particularly for the relief of chronic disorders of 
the abdominal organs. 
Condensed milk is milk preserved by the evapora- 
tion of a large proportion of its water, and the addi- 
tion of cane-sugar. It is sold in hermetically sealed 
tins, in which it can be kept for several years : when the 
tins are opened it is found in the form of syrup, which 
will remain good for several days. It is very useful for 
the diet of invalids, in the making of light puddings, or 
other food into which milk largely enters. It requires 
the addition of a considerable quantity of soft water 
{three parts water to one part milk) to replace what has 
been evaporated. Being already sweetened, it needs no 
addition of sugar. Its sweetness renders it very agreea- 
ble to infants, who take it readily, grow plump, and 
apparently thrive well upon it. 
Koumiss, which is fermented mare’s or cow’s milk, 
has been found very useful in some cases of consump- 42 
ANIMAL FOOD. 
tion. The Russian plan of making it is as follows : Two 
teacnpfuls of wheat-flour are mixed with one spoonful of 
honey, one of good "beer-yeast, and sufficient milk to 
form a not too thin paste: the whole is put in a moderately 
warm place to ferment. When fermentation takes place 
the ferment is put in a linen bag, and hung in ajar or keg 
containing sixteen pounds of fresh mare’s or cow’s milk, 
covered and allowed to stand till the milk has acquired 
a pleasant acidulous taste (about 1G to 24 hours, accord- 
ing to the temperature). The butter and cheese-particles 
which float about are now skimmed off, the liquid is 
poured into another keg and shaken for one hour, after 
which time it is poured into bottles, corked and put into 
the cellar. A “ cure ” requires the product of twelve to 
fifteen pounds of milk daily ; the best season for it is from 
May to July. The koumiss is taken early in the morn- 
ing, every hour (a teacupful to a tumblerful at a time),, 
and plenty of exercise must follow. 
Butter is the fatty portion of milk, obtained by 
churning the cream or the entire milk. This operation 
causes the rupture of the envelopes of the fat globules, 
which then coalesce and become incorporated into a 
solid mass. Milk yields on an average 5j per cent, of 
butter. Milk requires a temperature of 60°. When the 
butter is formed it should be worked and washed with 
water to remove the casein, fatty acids, and other 
ingredients which would prevent its keeping sweet and 
fresh. Salt is added to preserve it. If syrup be added 
instead of salt, or sugar with which is mixed a little salt, 
butter is said to keep better. The exclusion of air also 
preserves it, and simply covering it with water renewed 
every day will keep it fresh for a week. But a better 
plan is that of M. Breon, who adds water slightly acid- 
ulated with acetic or tartar1' c acid, and places the whole 
in a closely fitting vessel. CHEESE 
43 
When pure and fresh, butter is more easily assimilated 
by delicate stomachs than most other fats. It is also 
the form of separate fat which is less frequently disliked 
by consumptive people and invalids generally; but it 
should not be too bountifully supplied. Butter that has 
become stale or rancid, or been exposed to heat (as for 
buttered toast), is very likely to disagree with dyspeptics 
and other invalids, and cause diarrhea. Indeed, as a 
rule, all kinds of decomposing fats disagree with the 
stomach. There are ready means of detection through 
the senses of sight, taste and smell, when butter is adul- 
terated. Pure butter should be of a uniform rich yellow 
appearance: when a streaky look is imparted by quickly 
passing over it a clean knife the presence of adulterants is 
always to be suspected. When melted it should yield a 
clear-looking oil, with but slight deposit of water or 
other substances. When placed on the tongue it melts 
quickly and leaves the tongue perfectly smooth; while, 
on the contrary, there will be a sense of roughness, a 
granular taste and the peculiar flavor of the adulterant, 
as the results of this test when butter is adulterated. 
The odor of butter is very persistent, and therefore does 
not so well mark its purity or the reverse. 
Cheese is the nitrogenous portion (casein) of milk, with 
a proportion of fatty matter, obtained by coagulation 
into curd by means of rennet or vinegar. The curd is 
subjected to pressure in a mould, of the future form of 
the cheese, in order to remove the whey. When suffi- 
cient consistence has been secured the cheese is exposed 
in a cool, airy situation to dry and ripen. During this 
process both casein and butter undergo change, volatile, 
fatty acids are produced, flavor is developed, and in 
some cases fungi are formed. The rich and soft quality 
of the cheese depends on the amount of fatty matter in 
the milk from which the cheese is made: the richer 44 
ANIMAL FOOD. 
clieeses are formed by the addition of an extra quantity 
of cream: the poorer cheeses are made from skim-milk. 
Poor, close cheeses keep the best. 
As cheese is rich in nitrogenous matter, it stands very 
high in the scale of nutritious food; one pound being 
equivalent to three and a half pounds of lean beef. 
Taken with bread or other vegetable diet, it is very 
nutritive to persons of active habits. As a relish or 
condiment it stimulates digestion. But on the whole it 
is not very digestible, and therefore not suitable for 
persons of sedentary habits or for invalids, especially at 
bedtime. The close, poor cheeses are less easily assim- 
ilated than the soft, brittle and strongly flavored, but 
they may be rendered wholesome by being cut in very 
thin slices and buttered. Toasted cheese is also digest- 
ible by a healthy stomach, if it is new and lightly cooked 
with cream and butter; but as ordinarily prepared it is 
one of the most indigestible articles that can be eaten. 
Gream-clieese is fresh curd moderately pressed ; it must 
be eaten fresh, as it will not bear keeping long. It is 
more digestible than ordinary cheese, because it is softer 
and may be readily masticated, and because it has a less 
proportion of casein. To many invalids it will prove a 
pleasant variation with other diet. 
Lard, which is derived from the loose fat of the pig, is 
a very pure fat; but it is so tasteless as to be seldom 
eaten except in pastry, or as the medium in which sub- 
stances may be fried. 
Dripping, derived from roasting joints, if not burnt, 
is one of the most nutritious forms of fat, and very 
agreeable. Its flavor depends on the degree to which 
the flesh is roasted. It may sometimes prove a welcome 
alternative to butter in the sick-room. Salt should be 
eaten with it. But it must be taken in moderation, and 
its action watched, or it will disorder the stomach and 
heighten fever. VEGETABLE FOOD. 
45 
VEGETABLE FOOD. 
Vegetable products enter largely into the food of 
man. Even the more common articles of food in this 
class present considerable variety. They are consumed 
in the form of seeds, roots, leaves, herbs and prepara- 
tions of different kinds. 
Farinaceous seeds form the largest portion of our vege- 
table food, and are the most extensively used: they are 
of great nutritive value, of easy digestion, plentifully 
yielded and universally grown. 
Cereals hold the first place. The general composition 
of all of them is very similar, but on account of the 
differences that exist in the proportions of their com- 
ponent elements they have different nutritive values. 
Even the various kinds of wheat are not exactly alike, 
especially in the relative proportions of nitrogenous, 
matter and starch. On an average, wheat contains more 
nitrogenous matter than other grains. Oats come nearest 
to wheat in this respect, and are of equal value to many 
wheats ; they also contain a large proportion of fats and 
salts. Maize is rich in fatty matter, moderately so in 
nitrogenous, but poor in salts. Rice is very rich in 
starch, but poor in other constituents. 
Wheat—The constituents of wheat more nearly cor- 
respond with the requirements of the human system 
under ordinary circumstances than any other grain; and 
life and health can be maintained on wheat alone for an 
indefinite period, provided there be an adequate supply 
of good water and air. Hence it is one of the most 
widely cultivated of the cereals. 
As it is ordinarily used, however, it is deprived of 46 
VEGETABLE FOOD. 
much of its nutritive value; for the portion which con- 
tains the largest amount of nitrogenous matter is re- 
moved in order to meet the demand for whiteness in the 
bread. Each grain, after being thrashed out of the 
straw and winnowed from the husks, is composed of a 
hard, thin, outer coat, or bran, a soft, brittle, intermedi- 
ate layer of cells, and a central white substance chiefly 
composed of starch. The outer coat is woody, indiges- 
tible, useless for nutrition and irritating to the alimentary 
canal. In some cases it may therefore be advisable to 
retain it, to act mechanically to stimulate the action of 
the intestines in constipation ; but when used by persons 
who take active exercise it is too stimulating, for it 
causes the food to pass hurriedly through the canal 
before the process of disintegration and assimilation is 
completed. For invalids, and persons whose digestive 
organs are in a state of susceptibility, it is too irritating. 
The inner coat is of most value. It is usually removed 
with the outer coat in dressing the flour. But it is the 
richest part of the grain in nitrogenous matter, fats and 
salts; the part which contains food for muscles, bones 
and brains; and the more thoroughly this is removed, 
the finer the flour is dressed, the whiter the bread pro- 
duced, the less valuable is the bread for nutrition. The 
central, white material of the grain is chiefly composed 
of starch, but it comprises also a proportion of the more 
nourishing elements, though the proportion is so small 
that the utility of the grain is sacrificed to the appear- 
ance of the bread. Many writers—notably Liebig— 
have pointed out the waste of nutritive material, and the 
unwisdom of preferring white bread to that which con- 
tains the nitrogenous portion. Pavy, however, reminds 
us that bread is not our only food; that what is rejected 
in the bread is taken in other forms ; and that through 
animal diet we receive the very elements which have BREAD. 
47 
"been eliminated from tlie flour. Certainly to most per- 
sons the white bread is more palatable, and presents a 
more pleasing appearance, than the more nutritious 
bread, but the taste is probably a matter of habit. If it 
were not that it gave a dark color and a soft consistence 
to bread, a very important, soluble, nitrogenous matter, 
called cerealine, might be utilized by soaking the bran 
in warm water for some time and using the water in the 
preparation of the dough for bread. It would be better 
to sacrifice the appearance and cultivate another taste, 
if thereby more nutriment could be obtained. Young 
and growing children are great but unconscious sufferers 
from the common custom. Many are weak from mal- 
nutrition, grow up with defective teeth and bones, weak 
tissues, inadequate muscular development, and are 
susceptible to diseases which they have not constitu- 
tional strength enough to combat and resist. 
Bread made with sea-water is said to increase the 
appetite and stimulate digestion. It is pleasant to eat and 
exercises a beneficial influence in dyspepsia, consump- 
tion and scrofula. It has also been found conducive to 
health on board ship during long voyages. 
Stale bread is preferable to new, especially where 
there is any weakness of the digestive organs, for the 
softness of new bread renders it less easy of mastication 
and insalivation, more clammy and cohesive, and there- 
fore less penetrable by the gastric juice. In the stomach 
it often ferments afresh, and even in persons of good 
digestion produces heartburn. Stale bread is firm and 
more brittle under the action of the teeth, and more 
easily penetrated by the digestive juices than new bread. 
It is generally the most digestible one or two days after 
it has been baked. The best bread grows stale most 
slowly. 
Aerated bread, made by forcing pure carbonic acid 48 
VEGETABLE FOOD. 
into tlie dough, keeps "better than other kinds, is free’ 
from remains of yeast, does not induce the fermentative 
changes in the stomach, which cause dyspepsia, flatu- 
lence and heartburn, and is more likely to "be wholesome- 
than ordinary "baker’s bread. 
Sour bread and mouldy bread are unwholesome and 
may produce injurious and even fatal consequences. 
As bread is poor in fat and salts (when only white flour 
is used), the common practice of eating butter, bacon, 
dripping or other fat with it is, therefore, more than the 
gratification of a taste, it is a physiological necessity. 
Toasting bread greatly increases its digestibility, pro- 
vided the process be properly carried out. To cut the 
bread into slices so thick that while the sides are ren- 
dered crisp the interior becomes spongy, and then to- 
soak the whole with butter, is to render toast very 
indigestible. The slice should be toasted brown, not 
burnt, so that it may be crisp and firm throughout. It 
then constitutes the best form in which starchy food can 
be given ; for much of the starch is changed into glucose 
by the heat, and in wrheat-bread there is some little 
gluten, which partly supplies the place of albumen. If 
toast is buttered, the butter should be applied as the 
toast is eaten, so that it may not become soaked with 
butter. By some it is much enjoyed without butter, and 
is then more readily digested. Toast-ioater, when prop- 
erly prepared, forms an almost indispensable article in 
the sick-room. If good, stale bread or biscuits are nicely 
toasted, not burnt, and then placed in a dish or jug,, 
and hot water poured on and allowed to cool, the drink 
will often prove more palatable than water alone. 
Tusks, tops and bottoms, and pulled bread are forms 
of toast. Busks are made of flour, butter, milk, eggs 
and sugar, baked and dried. Pulled bread consists of 
the interior only of a new loaf from which the crust is. BREAD 
49 
stripped, dried and browned in a quick oven, and con- 
stitutes a suitable form of bread for those whose diges- 
tion is weak. 
Biscuits and rusks, on account of having been dried, 
are not likely to become mouldy and unwholesome. 
Biscuits have this further recommendation, that as they 
contain little water, they are, bulk for bulk, more nutri- 
tious than bread, three-quarters of a pound being about 
equal to a pound of bread. Those made without butter 
are sometimes not easily digested, and patients soon 
tire of them from lack of variety. 
Wheaten biscuits, either sweet or plain, are made of 
whole wheat finely ground for the purpose, and are most 
suitable for those who suffer from dyspepsia and consti- 
pation. They are not cloying and indigestible, like 
brown bread new, nor dry and husky, like brown bread 
stale, but are sweet and agreeable to the palate. They 
may be used either at tea and breakfast or with meat at 
dinner, as the consumer pleases, and in such quantities 
as may be requisite. 
Biscuit-powder, made from captain’s, or ship-biscuits, 
which consist of flour and water only, and prepared with 
milk, can be sometimes taken by invalids who cannot, 
bear solid food. It is also suitable for infants. 
Cracknels are light and easily digested. 
Sponge-cakes are also light, and often tempting. They 
may be soaked in hot milk; as also may rusks and 
cracknels. 
Muffins and crumpets are very indigestible. 
Gingerbread, when dry, crisp and light, is acceptable 
to many dyspeptics. 
Macaroni and vermicelli are very nutritious, but not 
easily digested on account of the closeness of their tex- 
ture. 
Semolina is made from the inner part of the wheat- 50 
VEGETABLE FOOD. 
grain, is nourishing and digestible, and is useful for 
puddings, or to thicken soups, broth or milk. 
Oatmeal—Oats, when ground, form a flour which is 
not so white as wheaten flour, and when made into bread 
has a peculiar taste, half sweet, half bitter. The Scotch 
oatmeal is coarser than the American, and is generally 
preferred for its flavor and for its nutritive qualities. On 
account of the large proportion of fats and salts con- 
tained in them, oats form a very nutritious food. When 
deprived of their covering, oats are known as groats or 
grits; when crushed, they are sold as Emden groats — 
the form best adapted for gruel. Groats and milk fur- 
nish perfect nourishment, even for an adult. Oatcake- 
bread, in large, thin flakes, is a common article of diet 
in Scotland, and in some parts of the north of England. 
Porridge is a hasty pudding of boiled oatmeal. The 
oatmeal should be mixed, at first very thin, in boiling 
water or milk ; while boiling, the meal should be sprin- 
kled slowly on the surface and stirred in ; when enough 
is added, the whole should simmer for half an hour or 
longer, with an occasional stir. If, however, the oatmeal 
be imperfectly boiled, as when prepared in haste or 
intentionally unboiled, it is extremely indigestible, and 
produces obstinate water-brash and flatulence; but if 
well boiled, and eaten slowly so as to become thoroughly 
mixed with saliva, it is most wholesome. Gruel is a sim- 
ilar preparation, taken in a more liquid form. It should 
be boiled until every particle of the meal is cooked. It 
may be made witli milk instead of water, or part water 
and part milk, and is generally better if strained, as the 
straining removes the irritating husks of the grain. 
Gruel appears to have been a favorite morning-beverage 
some two hundred years ago, for water-gruel was adver- 
tised as always ready at the Marine coffee-house in Bir- 
bhin Lane, Cornhill, every morning from six to eleven BAELEY. 
51 
•o’clock, where as much as four to five gallons were drunk 
daily. This is a more innocent “ pick-me-up ” than that 
which finds favor with our city-men of the present day. 
In the north of Germany oatmeal-soup mixed with fruit 
is a favorite dish, the fruit greatly augmenting the 
nutritious value of the oatmeal. In Ireland oatmeal is 
mixed with Indian corn-meal, and then stirred into "boil- 
ing water, forming a compound called stirabout; whey 
and milk are often used instead of water. The mixture 
should be well boiled to avoid flatulence. 
In Scotland the oatmeal-husks (called seeds) are some- 
times steeped in water for a few days, until they become 
rather sour, like stale brewers’ grains. When after- 
wards squeezed out they produce a liquid which, when 
boiled to the consistence of gruel, or thickened with a 
little oatmeal, makes the food which the Scotch call 
flummery, or sowans, and the Welsh sucan. It is usually 
eaten with milk. If it be boiled still more, until it 
becomes as thick as jelly, it forms what the Welsh call 
budrum, or brwchan. 
Oatmeal in all its forms is somewhat laxative, and 
often causes irritation of the bowels, especially if not 
sufficiently cooked. There are some persons who cannot 
take it on account of the acidity and eructation which 
it causes. 
Barley is not so much employed as it used to be in 
the form of bread. When it is made up, some wheaten 
flour is mixed with the meal to make it less compact and 
heavy, more spongy and light. It is, however, less 
palatable than wheaten bread, less digestible, and is 
scarcely suitable for weak and disordered stomachs. 
The best way of using barley-flour is to take it in the 
form of gruel or stirabout, made by gradually sprinkling 
or stirring the meal into boiling water. The nutritive 
value of barley-meal is somewhat inferior to that of 52 
VEGETABLE FOOD. 
wlieaten flour; but as the meal is cheaper than flour it, 
is more economical to use it: in fact, it is almost the 
cheapest article of diet. 
Scotch barley is the grain deprived of its husks. Pearl- 
barley is also the grain deprived of its husks, and 
rounded and polished by attrition. Both are employed, 
to give consistence to broth. Patent barley is pearl- 
barley ground into Hour. Barley-water is made from 
pearl-barley, and forms a slightly nutritive, bland and 
demulcent drink for invalids. It is made by taking 
about two ounces of pearl-barley which has been well 
washed in cold water, and boiling it in a pint and a half' 
of water for half an hour. 
Malt is barley changed in process of manufacture, so 
that a peculiar, active, nitrogenous principle, called 
diastase, is developed, which has the power of convert- 
ing starch into dextrine and sugar. An infusion of malt 
is made by boiling four tablespoonfuls of ground malt in 
a pint of water for ten minutes. The liquid is poured 
off, diluted one-half with milk or given pure. It is very 
agreeable and nutritious, and is often beneficial in some 
cases of cholera-infan turn, when other things are rejected. 
Malt is one of the ingredients in Liebig’s Food for 
Infants. 
Rye is more like wheat than other cereals, in its fitness 
for making bread ; but it is not so nutritious as wheaten 
bread, while its color and acidity render it distasteful to 
those who can obtain the flour of wheat. It possesses 
laxative properities. 
Indian Corn, or maize, is not adapted for the manu- 
facture of bread on account of its deficiency in gluten,, 
unless wheat or rye-flour be mixed with it. The meal is 
cooked by either baking it in cakes or by stirring it into 
boiling water or boiling milk as with oatmeal, by which 
a thick porridge is made. It is thus commonly used in. RICE. 
53 
Ireland, with a flavoring of salt, butter or molasses. It 
is not agreeable to the taste of most persons, as it pos- 
sesses some degree of harshness; this may, however, be 
removed by the application of a weak solution of caus- 
tic soda. But this treatment renders it less nutritious 
by the removal of some portion of the nitrogenous 
elements. Thus prepared, it is sold as corn-flour, 
Oswego and maizena. The large proportion of fatty 
matter, nevertheless, renders it very nutritious. 
Rice is said to be the food of nearly one-third of the 
human race. The best comes from Carolina. It is use- 
ful as an article of diet, whether whole or ground into 
flour. It, however, requires the addition of some fat to 
make up for its deficiency in this ingredient. It should 
be thoroughly cooked, whether the grains be ground or 
remain whole. In India, rice is never prepared alone, 
but always with the addition of a certain pulse which 
abounds in albuminates ; ghee (butter clarified by boil- 
ing) is also largely consumed with it. Boiled or baked 
with milk and egg, as rice-pudding, it forms a substan- 
tial meal, and is especially suitable for invalids, as it 
does not make great demand on the digestive powers. 
Rice boiled five or six hours forms, on cooling, and after 
the water has been strained off, a jelly which is soluble 
in warm milk, and makes a pleasant change of diet. 
Rice-water is made by washing an ounce of good rice in 
cold water, then steeping it for three hours in a quart of 
water kept at a tepid heat, and afterwards boiling it 
slowly for an hour. 
Rice-water is very useful as a drink in all irritable 
states of the alimentary tract, as in dysentery and diar- 
rhea. Indeed, it has been known to arrest the latter 
without the employment of any medicinal measures. 
Vegetable Food—Passing now to the products of 
the garden, Dr. Chambers has classified them according 54 
VEGETABLE FOOD- 
to the chief purposes they subserve in the animal econ- 
omy. The place of each plant in the class indicates its. 
average value: for instance, the potato stands first in 
value for its starch, cabbage as an anti-scorbutic. The 
classification is useful as indicating what should be 
eaten or avoided in certain diseased states of the system. 
1. Starchy and Sugary Plants — Potatoes, yams,, 
chestnuts, beans, peas, Jerusalem artichokes, carrots, 
parsnips, beets, salsafy, turnips. Each of these is a 
force-giver, but each may be unsuitable for food in some 
disordered conditions. 
2. Stimulants—Asparagus, wild onions, artichokes,, 
strong onions, garlic, aromatic herbs, mustard, cress, and 
a few other pungent salad materials. These cause 
increased secretion of saliva and gastric juice, and thus 
promote the digestion of a larger quantity of food than 
could be otherwise dissolved. 
3. Anti-scorbutics — Cabbages, tomatoes, and salad 
materials in general. These products contribute valuable 
saline materials to the blood; but they should be quite' 
fresh, or they will cause indigestion, and scrupulously 
clean, otherwise they will be the instruments of intro- 
ducing the eggs of worms into the system. 
4. Diluents—Cabbages, spinach, turnip-tops, winter- 
greens, cauliflower, sorrel, nettle-tops, or any leaves, 
sufficiently palatable to eat and soft to swallow, and 
which are green when boiled. The chief use of these dilu- 
ents—or perhaps they might as appropriately be called 
disintegrants—appears to be, not to contribute actual 
nutriment, but, by being mixed up in the stomach 
wuth nitrogenous food, to render it more thoroughly open 
to the action of the digestive secretions, and more easily 
available for absorption by the intestinal glands. Like- 
gelatine, though apparently not nutritious in themselves,, 
they make other things nutritious. 55 
NUTS. 
Peas are consumed while yet young, without their 
pods, and form a very delicate and nutritious vegetable 
if they are so young that the skins crack in boiling and 
are quite tender. Unbroken skins become harder the 
longer they are boiled, and are very indigestible. Old 
peas should be treated as dried peas—soaked, stewed and 
crushed—if they are to be rendered palatable and 
digestible. Dried peas, split peas, without skins, if well 
boiled, are excellent food for healthy persons. Peas- 
bannocks, or cakes made from the meal, are a favorite 
food, with fat and milk, in the southeast of Scotland; 
and in England peas, with fat bacon or butter, have been 
eaten for generations. 
Nuts—The walnut contains oil; so also does the 
Hazel-nut, whether the variety be the filbert, cob-nut or 
Barcelona-nut; the Brazil-nut is very rich in oil; the 
cocoanut contains about 70 per cent, of a fixed fat, 
which is extracted and used under the name of cocoanut 
oil or butter. All these nuts are highly nutritious on 
account of the albumen and casein they contain, but 
they are not easily digested on account of the large 
proportion of fat. They should be taken in extreme 
moderation, at a time when the stomach has had some 
rest, and can employ its powers for their digestion. 
They should be very thoroughly masticated, so that the 
saliva may act freely throughout the mass; they may 
then be taken by those whose digestion is good, but 
must be avoided by invalids. Under exposure to air the 
constituent oil is liable to turn rancid. 
Almonds are of two kinds. The bitter almond con- 
tains elements which, when brought into contact with 
water, develops poisonous products, and consequently, 
when employed for flavoring puddings, cakes and 
liqueurs, has proved injurious, and even fatal. The 
sweet almond is not injurious. On account of its irri- 56 
VEGETABLE FOOD. 
tating qualities tlie skin should be removed by soaking 
the almond in warm water before the kernel is eaten; 
this may then be taken b}7- those whose digestion is good. 
If it be baked for a little while it may be easily broken 
and pulverized, and thus rendered more digestible. Dr. 
Pavy has suggested that biscuits be made of almond- 
flour for use in diabetes, and indeed, where they can be 
borne, in all cases of defective nutrition, on account of 
its richness in nitrogenous and fatty elements. 
Starch is also an important alimentary product, 
found only in the vegetable kingdom; but there it is 
very extensively distributed. As an article of diet it 
is useful in the formation of fat and force ; but is devoid 
of nitrogen. It has this recommendation, that it allays 
the sense of emptiness and hunger when other food can- 
not be taken. But the granules are covered with a hard 
envelope which renders them difficult of digestion, 
unless the envelope be burst by the action of heat. If 
then they be eaten uncooked, they pass through the 
canal without yielding up their nutritive properties. If, 
however, they be boiled, the envelopes are ruptured, and 
the contents are easily transformed, either by the saliva 
or the intestinal juices, into sugar, and are thus easily 
assimilated through the mucous membranes. All pre- 
parations of starch should therefore be cooked before 
they are eaten, by stirring them into boiling water or 
boiling milk, and then letting them simmer for a few 
minutes. If they be prepared with milk instead of 
water, wine should not be added. 
Sago, prepared from the pith of a species of palm, is 
useful for thickening soups, and making light puddings, 
which with the addition of milk form a light and easily 
digested diet for the invalid. 
Tapioca, prepared from the root of the cassava, is 
similarly employed and similarly used. POTATOES. 
57 
Tapioca-jelly makes an allowable and pleasant dish. 
'The tapioca should be soaked in cold water for several 
hours, and then cooked until perfectly clear, adding 
more water if necessary. When done, sweeten to taste 
and flavor with vanilla, lemon or wine, and when cold 
eat plain or with cream. 
Arrow-root possesses little nutritive value and little 
sustaining power: its chief merit is that it is bland and 
easily taken; but some other alimentary substance 
should be added to it. The true arrow-roots (Bermuda, 
Jamaica and West-Indian) are to be preferred for the 
sick-room, for they will often remain on the stomach of 
an invalid when the others will be rejected. 
Potatoes—We come now to a class of vegetable pro- 
ducts containing a large proportion of water, which 
makes them succulent: of these the potato takes the 
lead in importance and dietetic value. 
Potatoes are an agreeable and wholesome article of 
food, easily cultivated, easily kept, easily cooked, not 
always easily digested, but of the taste for which one is 
not soon tired. They also have the recommendation of 
being anti-scorbutic. In this quality cabbages take the 
first place, and all succulent vegetables share, but pota- 
toes have been proved repeatedly to produce a most 
beneficial effect in the prevention and cure of scurvy. 
The proportion of starchy constituents is large, and of 
nitrogenous elements small, so that it is desirable to eat 
with them some other food to supply the deficiency in 
nitrogen, such as meat, fish, bacon, buttermilk, etc., in 
order that a fully nutritious diet may be supplied. 
When cooked the heat employed coagulates the albu- 
men, the starch-granules absorb the watery particles, 
swell and burst their cells, and thus the mass is broken 
down into a loose, floury or mealy condition. If, how- 
ever, the absortion is incomplete and the rupture of cells 58 
VEGETABLE FOOD. 
imperfect, the mass remains coherent, firm and waxy.. 
In the former state the potato may he easily digested, 
in the latter it is difficult of digestion. Young potatoes 
being close and firm are very indigestible, but old, waxy 
potatoes are more so. 
Preparation for the Table—The best method of 
cooking potatoes, certainly from September to June, is 
by steaming them in the skin; by this process heat 
penetrates everywhere, and there is no loss of material 
and salts. For this purpose, a saucepan, one-fourth full 
of boiling water, is required, into which a closely fitting 
steamer is placed, containing the potatoes, the latter 
being so packed as to allow a free passage for the steam. 
If the potatoes are boiled, the skins should not be pre- 
viously removed, or a large amount of salts will pass 
out. The addition of common table-salt to the water is 
advantageous, for it helps to retain the natural salts. 
The boiling should be thorough, otherwise the starchy 
grains are undigested. From twenty-five to thirty-five 
minutes is the time usually required, according to the 
kind of potato boiled. Potatoes should be served up 
immediately they are cooked, and not, as is too fre- 
quently the case, placed over the fire at half-past eleven 
or twelve for a one-o’clock dinner. Towards the end of 
the season, old potatoes are improved by being peeled 
overnight and put into cold water, by which process 
they regain, in a measure, their natural color and con- 
sistency. Potatoes are rendered more digestible by being 
finely mashed, and mixed with a little red gravy as it 
runs from the cut surface of a joint. 
Roasted potatoes are more nutritious than boiled. 
Potato-soup is rendered more nutritious by the addition 
of peas, and potato-food by being mixed with cheese and 
curds. 
Potatoes are spoiled by germination or growing, and CHOICE OF POTATOES. 
59 
by frost: severe frost almost invariably kills them, so 
that when the thaw comes the process of putrefaction 
immediately sets in. , 
Choice of Potatoes—They should be large and firm 
to the touch, should present no evidence of disease or 
fungi, should not have been exposed to frost, neither 
should they be germinating or growing; for then the 
starch is undergoing a saccharine change. Further, when 
cooked they should not be close, watery or waxy, but 
floury or mealy. 
The Jerusalem-artichoke is somewhat similar to the 
potato, but does not become mealy when boiled. It is 
devoid of starch, but contains a considerable proportion 
of sugar; it therefore does not become brittle, but is 
sweeter than the potato. It is not largely used as an 
article of diet, though it has the recommendation that 
it can be kept in the ground through the winter, and dug 
up when required, without injury from frost. It is not 
very nutritious, nor very digestible; it should therefore 
only be eaten as an occasional change on account of the 
flavor. 
Carrots make a pleasant change in one’s vegetable 
fare, but are apt in some cases to produce flatulence. 
The less they have of the central, yellow part, and the 
more of the outer, red part, the better. Carrot-pap, pre- 
pared from the juice of the root without the indigestible 
fibre, has been recommended for scrofulous children and 
adult dyspeptics. 
The parsnip possesses the same general characters as 
the carrot. Being sweet, it is well adapted for children’s 
use, but should be avoided when old and stringy. 
The turnip contains a very large proportion of water 
(91 per cent, according to Dr. Letheby), and hence is of 
little nutritive value, and is more difficult of digestion 
than carrots or parsnips. Young turnip-tops gathered 
in the spring are wholesome. 60 
VEGETABLE FOOD. 
Radishes are somewhat like the turnip, hut being 
usually eaten raw, are often indigestible. 
Greens—We now turn to another class of vegetables. 
The leaves, shoots and stems of some plants are valuable 
for food, chiefly on account of the salts they contain, and 
because they give variety to the diet. They should gen- 
erally be grown quickly, in order that woody fibre may 
be less abundantly formed, and without much light, that 
the characteristic properties may not be unduly devel- 
oped. Green vegetables are always more or less relaxing. 
They are consequently useful when the bowels are con- 
stipated, and must be altogether avoided when diarrhea 
or dysentery is present. They possess a high anti-scor- 
butic value. In all cases they should be eaten as fresh 
as possible, for with every hour’s delay after they have 
ceased to grow they become less digestible. When 
sprinkled with water after they have been kept, they 
may look well, but never regain their early freshness; 
hence they often ferment in the stomach and cause flat- 
ulence. 
Cabbages, cauliflower, etc., are of the same general 
character; but as the proportion of water in their compo- 
sition is very large, they are not very nutritive. More- 
over they are not easy of digestion, and therefore not 
suitable for dyspeptics, while the large proportion of 
sulphur they contain causes disagreeable flatulence. 
Cabbage, however, is a most valuable anti-scorbutic, but 
if fermentation has begun its virtue is destroyed. Bleed- 
ing of the gums and land-scurvy are benefited by it. 
The best sorts of cabbage are the old, white garden- 
variety and the summer cauliflower. They should be soft 
but crisp before being cooked. 
Spinach is wholesome, and somewhat laxative. 
Rhubarb is eaten as a fruit rather than as a vegetable, 
but must be cooked in order to render it eatable. As it GKEENS. 
61 
contains oxalate of lime, it should be avoided by those 
who are subject to gravel. 
Celery is sweet and mild when cultivated, but on ac- 
count of the quantity of woody fibre in its composition 
is indigestible when eaten raw. If so eaten, it should be 
with a light lunch of bread and cheese, not after a full 
meal. Stewed in beef-gravy it makes a delicious and 
wholesome soup. 
The green artichoke, which is the flower-head of a 
species of thistle gathered before the flower expands, is 
a delicate vegetable, and when boiled till it is quite soft, 
may be eaten freely by invalids. 
The asparagus is a young shoot gathered before it 
expands. It should be eaten as soon as possible after 
being cut, and is then most wholesome. The greenest 
heads are to be preferred, as they contain the largest 
amount of the peculiar principles of the plant. There 
need be no fear that they will prove inj urious to the kid- 
neys, as some persons suppose. Slight cases of rheu- 
matism have been cured by eating freely of this plant, 
and chronic cases of rheumatic gout and gravel much 
relieved. 
Onions are very wholesome vegetables, whether eaten 
raw or stewed, or roasted; they are too strong, however, 
for invalids when they have not been cooked, as they 
possess strongly irritant and stimulating properties. 
They are sufficiently mild and sweet for ordinary diet, 
especially if they are boiled in two or three waters. 
Onions act as anti-scorbutics, and to some as a laxative. 
Leeks should be white, and have little smell; they are 
then soft and good, and very digestible. 
Lettuce is agreeable, cooling and digestible as a salad; 
the juice is mildly sleep-inducing. 
Water-cress and mustard form wholesome salad. 
Cucumber, eaten raw and quite fresh, may be taken 62 
VEGETABLE FOOD. 
with bread and cheese as a light lunch, but should not 
follow a more substantial meal, for it is indigestible, 
and apt to disagree with many persons. Stewed, it is 
light and wholesome. 
Squashes and ypumjpkins contain much water but little 
nutriment: they are easily digested. 
Mushrooms, which are generally eaten after being 
stewed, sometimes disagree with those who take them; 
nevertheless to most persons they are not injurious, 
though by dyspeptics they are best avoided, for some- 
times they cause colic, vomiting and purging. Forced 
mushrooms are sometimes tough and indigestible: those 
grown in open pastures are by far the best. It is not 
always easy to distinguish mushrooms from poisonous 
fungi, so that some caution is desirable in gathering 
and preparing them for food. 
A meadow mushroom should peel easily, and it should 
be of a clean, pink color inside, like a baby’s hand, and 
have a frill or “ curtain ” (as botanists call it), attached 
to the stalk. When the gills are brown they are grow- 
ing old and dry, and losing their nutritive qualities. 
Vegetable broths, made of any of the ordinary market- 
vegetables in season by boiling and straining, are useful 
as substitutes for animal foods when the latter are not 
allowed. Out-of-season, dried vegetables may some- 
times answer the purpose. In preparation of these, and 
in all other cookery for the sick, as far as possible, non- 
metallic surfaces only should be allowed to come in 
contact with the materials employed. A simple method 
is to put them into an ordinary basin or bowl, placing 
this in a saucepan of water and covering the basin with 
a saucer. The water in the saucepan is made to boil, 
and thereby the food is duly cooked. 
Fruits are agreeable and refreshing, but as their pro- 
portion of water is high and of nitrogenous matter low, FKUITS. 
63 
they are of little nutritive value. When taken in mod- 
eration they are very counteracting the 
unhealthy condition which attends a diet of dried and 
salted provisions, and promoting a somewhat relaxed 
state of the bowels. Fruit should not he taken, as 
it usually is, after a substantial dinner. It is best eaten 
in the morning as a lunch, with stale bread and a little 
water. When consumed in large quantities fruit is 
injurious; particularly if it be unripe or over-ripe—in 
the former case by the action of the fruit-acids, in the 
latter by fermentation and decomposition. Fruit is very 
beneficial to gouty and rheumatic subjects, because the 
alkaline vegetable salts become decomposed in the sys- 
tem and diminish the acidity of the urine. But patients 
should avoid acid fruits, if there is diarrhea present to 
contra-indicate their use. The seeds of all fruits and 
vegetables, if swallowed, prove more or less irritating to 
the intestines, and in inflamed or ulcerated conditions 
may do irreparable mischief. 
Apples when raw are not easily digested; when cooked 
are light, digestible and wholesome. Boasted apples 
are somewhat laxative, and may be eaten to counteract 
constipation. The skin and core should be rejected. 
Pears when ripe are more digestible than apples, but 
as they decay sooner, they are more likely to produce 
derangement of the bowels. If they are sound, juicy 
and soluble, they may generally be taken without 
danger. 
The orange is one of the most agreeable and useful 
fruits for the sick-room; it is exceedingly grateful and 
refreshing, and is less likely to cause disorder than most 
ether fruits. A heavy orange, with a fine thin rind, is 
usually the most juicy and the best adapted for the 
invalid. Old oranges, with many seeds in them, are 
not so valuable. 64 
VEGETABLE FOOD. 
The lemon is too acid to "be eaten alone, except that 
its juice is grateful, refreshing and "beneficial in rheu- 
matic affections; hut in the form of lemonade it makes a 
cooling and wholesome drink for all occasions. Lemon- 
juice is very valuable as an anti-scorbutic; so also is 
lime-juice. Lemon is elsewhere recommended as an 
addition to tea. 
Plums are less wholesome than most other fruits, 
though this objection to them is lessened by cooking 
them. They produce colic and diarrhea, and are em- 
ployed occasionally to promote relaxation in cases of 
constipation of the bowels. Cherries also, when unripe 
or over-ripe, disorder the bowels. 
Peaches, nectarines and apricots are luscious fruits, 
when quite ripe, yielding a delicious pulp for the refresh- 
ment of the invalid; the skin should be rejected. 
Grapes are most refreshing, wholesome and nutritious 
in the sick-room, -when ripe and not decayed, the skins 
and seeds being rejected. They may be safely taken, 
and if eaten freely are somewhat diuretic and laxative. 
Raisins, which are dried grapes, contain more sugar 
and less acid than ripe grapes; they are consequently 
more nutritious, but are less cooling to the parched 
mouth of a feverish patient. If eaten too freely, espe- 
cially if the skins or seeds be swallowed, they are apt to 
disorder the stomach. Muscatels are the best, because 
they have been allowed to dry on the vine. The quality 
of raisins is determined by their softness and plump- 
ness, and the absence of mites. If these be present, the 
quantity of sugar, which constitutes the value of the 
fruit, is lessened, and instead thereof we have feculent 
remains and carbonic acid. Currants are also dried 
grapes, and are so indigestible that they generally pass 
through the alimentary canal without any change ; this 
is because the waxy, water-proof skins are usually 
unbroken. GUM. 
65 
Gooseberries and currants (red, "black and white) are 
wholesome, cooling, useful fruits; refreshing and laxa- 
tive in the sick-room; but together with raspberries are 
generally interdicted in acute diseases. The cranberry 
barberry, bilberry, and elder-berry are too acid to be 
eaten raw; the first three are made into preserves, the 
last into wine. 
The strawberry is one of the most delicate, luscious and 
refreshing of summer fruits, and may as a rule be taken 
by invalids excepts when diarrhea is present. The rasp- 
berry too is agreeable and wholesome. So also is the 
blackberry when in fine condition. The mulberry is 
more acid, and very grateful to fever patients; but the 
juice only should be taken. 
The melon is a rich, delicious fruit, but not unfre- 
quently disagrees with those whose digestive powers are 
weak. The pine-apple should not be eaten by invalids; 
the pulp should be rejected if the juice be taken. 
The fig is sweet and nourishing: its pulp may be eaten 
by invalids, but if eaten too freely will irritate and dis- 
order the bowels : the skin is rather indigestible. Tama- 
rinds are cooling and laxative, and when mixed with 
milk to produce tamarind-whey, form an agreeable drink 
in fevers. 
Of olives the so-called Spanish are the best, being soft,- 
pulpy and oily. Olive-oil is regarded by M. St. Cyr as 
the most digestible of fatty foods, even more so than fresh 
butter; it should, however, be thoroughly good, pale, 
clear and free from rancid smell, to justify this estimate. 
Lucca-oil with its nutty odor is the best. 
Gum is the solidified juice which exudes through the 
bark of trees. Gum-Arabic, which flows from the acacia, 
in Arabia, Egypt, etc., is what is usually employed in the 
preparation of drinks. In its preparation clear gum 
should be selected, washed in cold water, and then 66 
VEGETABLE FOOD. 
slowly dissolved in cold water. When made of the pow- 
dered article or with hot water the flavor is less agreeable. 
When flavored with a little sugar it is a refreshing and 
nourishing "beverage for invalids. Mucilage differs from 
gum-water in containing a larger proportion of the gum. 
It is admirably adapted for use in inflammation of the 
mucous membranes generally, as in catarrh, bronchitis, 
etc. 
Sugar is an important alimentary product, chiefly 
found in the vegetable kingdom. It also exists in the 
animal economy, and is there known as the sugar of 
milk. The vegetable sugar exists in two varieties — 
cane-sugar and grape-sugar. Cane-sugar is very sweet, 
and crystalizes easily; and though usually extracted 
from the cane, is also obtained from the beet, and is 
found in other vegetable forms. Grape-sugar, or glucose, 
is inferior in sweetness and crystallizing power, and 
abounds in grapes and other fruits and vegetables. It 
may also be obtained by chemical change from cane- 
sugar, starch, gum, etc. It is chiefly used to adulterate 
cane-sugar. Sugar is valuable from a dietetic point of 
view, not only as rendering more palatable many articles 
of food, but also as productive of fat and force. As it is 
readily dissolved and diffused, it requires no preliminary 
digestion in order that it may be absorbed through the 
mucous membranes. In ordinary cases it does not, there- 
fore, occasion any gastric derangement; but when taken 
in excess, or by some dyspeptics, it is liable to undergo 
acid fermentation, and occasion acidity and flatulence. 
Sugar-of-milk, however, does not undergo this change. 
Coarse, brown sugar always contains dirt, sand, and 
occasionally mites; indeed, from handling it grocers get 
psoriasis palmarum, or grocer’s itch, a very troublesome 
skin-affection. Loaf-sugar and sugar-candy are the most 
free from adulteration. It should be borne in mind that COXDIMEXTS. 
67 
•sweetened food is apt soon to cloy the appetite of inva- 
lids, and that attention mnst be directed to what is sav- 
ory to secure agreeable change. 
Molasses is the uncrystallized residue drained from 
refined and raw sugar. 
Golden syrup is molasses purified by being reboiled 
and filtered through animal charcoal. If largely taken, 
these products are laxative. They are appropriately 
taken with all kinds of farinaceous food, such as bread- 
pudding, porridge, etc. 
Honey is a concentrated sugar mixed with odorous, 
coloring, gummy and waxy matters, gathered from flow- 
ers by the bee for its own consumption, but undergoing 
some modification by the secretions of the insect. It is 
of the same dietetic value as sugar, is slightly laxative, 
and is often used in the sick-room as a demulcent and 
•emollient. 
Manna is the solidified juice of some species of ash, 
containing a peculiar saccharine principle — sweet, odor- 
less, crystallizable, white — but differing from sugar in 
that it does not undergo alcoholic fermentation when 
brought into contact with yeast. It is chiefly used as a 
mild and safe laxative, but it is also nutritive. 
Condiments—Such condiments as vinegar, salt and 
pepper make food more tempting to the palate and 
stimulate a flagging appetite, and usually create an un- 
natural one. The excessive use of them promotes indi- 
gestion, and are of but little value, salt excepted. The 
constant presence of this mineral in the secretions, and 
the necessity for it in due proportions in the blood, indi- 
cate the importance of a proper supply with the food. 
This is evident in the instinctive desire of animals, and 
in our own craving for it when it is not supplied in suffi- 
cient quantity. It is essential to the maintenance of 
health, and must not be forgotten in the diet of the 
invalid. 68 
LIQUIDS, 
LIQUIDS. 
Water—There is no beverage so wholesome, or, to 
the nnperverted taste, so agreeable, as pure water, the 
natural drink of man, which may always be taken in 
moderation when thirst is present. In some form or 
other it is essential to life. Water is requisite in many 
functions of the animal economy ; for example, it favors 
digestion by promoting the solution of our food, and 
acts as a vehicle to convey the more dense and less fluid 
substances from the stomach to their destination in the 
body. It gives fluidity to the blood, holding in suspen- 
sion, or solution the red globules, fibrin, albumen, and 
all the various substances which enter into the differ- 
ent structures; for the whole body is formed from the 
blood. Not only the soft parts of the body, but even 
the very materials of the bones, have at one time flowed 
in the current of the blood. Water enters into the com- 
position of the tissues of the body, lubricates those 
tissues, and forms a necessary part of our bodily struct- 
ure. It equalizes the temperature of the body by evap- 
oration, and regulates the chemical changes resulting 
from nutrition and decay. It is the vehicle for the 
removal of effete products from the body; increased 
water-drinking causes increased flow of urine, and 
thereby facilitates the excretion of solid particles. In 
this way some of the impurities which cause gout,, 
gravel, etc., may be eliminated. To prove how essential 
water is for the development and maintenance of the 
animal body, we may here state that a calculation has 
been made which shows that a human body, weighing; LIQUIDS. 
69 
154 lbs., contains 111 lbs. of water. A man of adult age, 
average size and ordinary employment, requires from 
three to four pints of liquid to drink in the twenty-four 
hours. Such facts suggest the necessity for obtaining 
water pure, and taking it unpolluted by animal and 
mineral ingredients. Notwithstanding, where strict 
chemical 'purity and an unlimited supply of water can- 
not both be secured, the latter should be regarded as of 
the greater importance. 
It has been supposed that water should not be taken 
with meals, lest it should lessen the digestive power of 
the gastric juice by diluting it. But this is an error. 
The probability is that as fluid is rapidly absorbed, what 
is taken at the meal facilitates the secretion of the 
gastric juice at the time it is required. An excessive 
quantity might prove prejudicial. But where persons 
are exposed to great heat, and are obliged to work with 
violent exercise, large quantities must be taken; and 
then nothing is better than simple water, the purer and 
softer the better, unless a little oatmeal be added. 
Water is the same substance, from whatever source 
it is derived, whether from seas, lakes or rivers. When 
allusion is made to differences between waters, it is 
really to various bodies mingled with the water. Thus 
a water-analysis really means an analysis of the foreign 
bodies held in suspension by the water. These foreign 
matters are exceedingly small in all drinking-waters, 
but in sea-water there is about one part of solid 
substance to thirty parts of water. In common waters 
there are only about 16 to 20 grains in 70,000 grains, or 
a gallon of water. Common salt is dissolved in three 
or four times its quantity of water; but carbonate of 
lime is not dissolved in less than 20,000 times its quan- 
tity. Salt occurs more or less in every drinking water, 
.and is undoubtedly wholesome ; but inasmuch as sewage 70 
LIQUIDS, 
is highly charged with salt, any water in which there is 
an excess is to "be regarded with very great suspicion. 
Many of the worst wells in cities have "been resorted to 
"by the public and highly valued on account of their 
slight flavor of salt; the water was, however, prejudicial 
to health. Thirty grains of salt to a gallon of water’ 
improve it considerably for drinking purposes. The 
excellencies of water are purity, softness, the presence 
of air and carbonic acid to give freshness, and of salt to 
make it tasteless, and to prevent its ready contamination 
by lead. 
Water is sometimes soft and sometimes hard, accord- 
ing to the appearance or non-appearance of soap-bubbles 
when washing. Generally speaking, the difference 
depends upon the carbonate of lime held in solution; 
until this is exhausted soap-bubbles or lather cannot be 
produced. There are degrees of hardness; thus a water 
is said to have six degrees when a gallon consumes as 
much soap as will combine with six grains of carbonate 
of lime. Hardness is due to the presence of magnesia 
as well as lime. Carbonate of lime in small proportion 
in drinking-water is not injurious to most persons. 
Indeed, there is evidence to show that it is assimilated, 
and aids in the formation of the phosphate of lime in 
bones; it is therefore useful for rickety children. Hard 
waters, however, are not only unpleasant in use and 
harsh to the skin, but have a tendency to dry up the 
mucous membranes just as they do the skin; hence 
they may arrest the digestion and cause gout, stone, 
gravel and goiter in districts where they are habitually 
taken. Persons may thus suffer from drinking the waters 
of a district; and on the other hand, if they have been 
accustomed to use a water which contains a large pro- 
portion of carbonate of lime, they may lose their health 
by drinking soft water. Attention should therefore be- LIQUIDS 
71 
paid to the quality of the water of a district by persons 
selecting a residence: they may go where the water 
would be prejudicial because it is too hard, or because 
it is too soft; and they may relieve their ailments 
simply by removing to a neighborhood where they can 
drink a different water. 
Water now and then containes some metal—such as 
iron, lead and copper. It ought not to be drunk if 
there be more than one-tenth of a grain of iron or cop- 
per in a gallon of water. A very minute proportion of 
lead is inj urious. 
Rain-water is soft, and naturally contains the smallest 
amount of solid impurity; but unless carefully col- 
lected in specially clean vessels in the open country, 
and then covered, it is likely to become impure. If, 
however, the atmosphere be impregnated with smoke 
from crowded dwellings or fumes from chemical and 
other factories, it cannot be relied on for purity. If, 
however, it fall through a pure atmosphere it may be 
contaminated with what has accumulated on housetops 
and in water-pipes; and if collected from the roofs of 
houses and stored in underground tanks it is often pol- 
luted to a dangerous extent. It is therefore rarely in a. 
tit state for drinking, though it may be very useful for 
domestic purposes. Its freedom from earthy salts,, 
moreover, renders it liable to contamination from leaden 
pipes if it should be brought through them. But so 
beneficial are its effects upon the skin, that an exclu- 
sive use of rain-water for washing would greatly modify, 
if not entirely remove many skin-diseases. 
Spring-water is rain-water which has percolated 
through the earth, and acquired saline elements from 
the soil through which it has passed. Chalybeate and 
other mineral waters are thus charged, and to such a 
degree as to render them unsuitable for ordinary drink- 72 
LIQUIDS 
ing or culinary purposes. They should he taken only 
when prescribed as medical agents. 
It is a fallacy to suppose that surface-well water is 
purer than that obtained from deep wells, because it is 
more sparkling and often cooler and clearer. The spark- 
ling of these waters is due to the presence of carbonic- 
acid gas, and that acid is derived from the decomposition 
of animal and vegetable substances. 
Well-water is collected spring-water. If the well be 
deep, and there is no leakage into it from some higher 
layer of soil, or from some neighboring decaying animal 
or vegetable matters, it usually affords a safe and whole- 
some drink. Some of the purest water is obtained from 
deep wells, bored through the earth and clay down to the 
chalk. Of the different varieties of drinkable water, the 
best for dietetic purposes are deep spring and well- 
waters. Superficial well-water, however clear, bright 
and tasteless, should be regarded with suspicion, for it 
is frequently saturated with leakage or soakage from 
privies, drains or cesspools, often covered up and 
unknown. Water collected from uncultivated land and 
allowed to subside in reservoirs, or filtered through 
sand, constitutes good water for domestic purposes; but 
water collected from the surface or drains of cultivated 
land is always more or less polluted with organic mat- 
ter, even after subsidence in lakes or reservoirs, and 
hence is not good for drinking-purposes, unless it be 
thoroughly filtered before being used. 
River-water is partly rain-water and partly spring- 
water, subject to impurity from the soil, and from decay- 
ing vegetable and animal matters, and therefore only 
useful to a limited extent. The flow of the stream and 
the absorbing influence of vegetation tend to purify the 
water by oxydation. 
Distilled water is pure, but insipid from its lack of air; LIQUIDS. 
73 
its softness makes it easily susceptible to the action of 
lead; but it is excellent for making tea or other infusions. 
Water may be impure from an excess of saline ingre- 
dients, from the presence of organic impurities, or from 
contamination with lead. The chief danger to health is 
from organic impurity. Cholera and typhoid fever have 
been traced to drinking impure water. Lead contami- 
nates pure water; but if there be a moderate quantity of 
earthy salts in the water, they form an insoluble incrus- 
tation in the pipes, which is protective. 
It is most important that the receptacles for water — 
tanks and cisterns — should be carefully examined and 
thoroughly cleansed at regular seasons, especially after 
a time of drought and before the approach of winter. 
Much mischief is often done and disease induced, by 
allowing cisterns to fill up after they have been dry or 
the water in them low; the quantity of sediment and 
filth is frequently very great, and if not carefully 
removed becomes mingled with every fresh influx of 
water, and thus diphtheria, typhoid fever and other 
blood-diseases may be set up. The deleterious conse- 
quences that ensue from neglect of this duty are often 
alarming, although the source of the evil be unsuspected. 
Boiling water removes some of the salts from hard water, 
and destroys the activity of any organic impurities. 
Filtration, especially through charcoal, also purifies the 
water by removing organic matters; but a filter, to be 
effective, must be frequently cleansed. The most ready 
test of the presence of organic matter is to put a drop of 
Condy’s ozonized water into a tumbler of the water to be 
tested: if the tint does not remain the water is impure. 
Water maybe administered to patients at any temper- 
ature that may be desired, but if very cold the quantity 
should be very small, for in some diseases it is unde- 
sirable to lower the temperature of the internal organs. 74 
LIQUIDS. 
If the stomach is in such an irritable state that no liquid' 
can he tolerated, the thirst may he partially allayed by 
sucking small pieces of ice; hut where ice is substituted 
for water its use must he constant, because ice tends to 
increase thirst rather than allay it; hence the desire for 
drink is imperfectly satisfied; so that where water can 
he borne ice should not he given. Moreover, the reac- 
tionary effects of its continued use are not beneficial. 
When ice cannot he procured, water may he cooled in a 
porous water-jar. 
Ice is a valuable medical agent, and is now exten- 
sively used both internally and externally, chiefly to 
check hemorrhage, to moderate inflammation, and to 
soothe uneasy sensations in febrile and other disorders. 
In inflammation of the brain or its membranes, and in 
the severe headache of the early stages of acute fevers, it 
is most useful, applied in small pieces, enclosed in a 
bladder or India-rubber bag, in the form of a cap fitted 
to the head 
To relieve the severe pain and vomiting in cases of 
ulcer or cancer of the stomach, a bag containing small 
fragments of ice should be laid on the stomach. 
In inflammation of the tonsils, the sore-throat of 
scarlatina and other eruptive fevers, and in diptheria, the 
use of ice relieves pain and arrests inflammation. Ice 
also modifies the secretions from the throat, and so 
obviates frequent painful efforts to detach the mucus 
from the crypts and follicles of the tonsils. For these 
purposes small pieces should be sucked repeatedly. 
In hemorrhages, ice is extremely valuable. In bleed- 
ing from the mouth, throat or nostrils, ice applied 
directly to the bleeding vessels or to the surface forms 
an efficient means of relief. When hemorrhage comes 
from the stomach or lungs ice should be repeatedly 
swallowed in small pieces, for so taken it will help to 
contract the leaking blood-vessels. 75 
TEA. 
The use of ice internally should he avoided after the 
fatigue brought on by long-continued or violent exercise: 
it is then too lowering to the system; and instead of allow- 
ing a patient to cool gradually it gives a sudden check 
to animal heat and to perspiration. Drinking iced water 
under these conditions is even still more hurtful to 
the system. 
“ To allay local inflammation or check hemorrhages 
from the surface, ice broken into small pieces should be 
enclosed in' a bladder or thin India-rubber bag. When 
one-third tilled, the air should be squeezed out of the 
bag, which should then be tied at its mouth on an 
inserted cork, so large and long as to bear the tight 
pressure of the twine. The bag may then be made into 
almost any shape, and fitted to the irregularities of the 
body.”—[Ringer. 
Ice is forbidden in conditions such as the following: 
Old age, especially in feeble patients; apoplexy and 
insensibility in persons with a feeble pulse ; advanced 
stages of disease; extreme feebleness. In such cases the 
great sedative power of ice might overwhelm the patient, 
and stop the action of the enfeebled heart. It is also 
advisable to avoid too great a shock to the system in 
any case. 
Tea is a very favorite beverage, but it affords no direct 
nutriment; the sugar and cream or milk usually taken 
with it yield the nutritious elements. Though yielding 
no absolute aliment it retards the waste of tissues. 
When consumed in large quantities, tea acts preju- 
dicially on the nervous system. It then promotes 
nervous agitation, muscular tremors, prostration and 
palpitation: it may also cause nausea, derangement of 
the stomach and abdominal pains. Green tea, even 
when genuine, is stronger than black, possesses more 
active properties, and is therefore to be used with more 76 
LIQUIDS. 
caution. Botli kinds, when adulterated, are more or less 
injurious. 
Tea is hurtful, 1. To those of spare hahit and the 
under-fed. 2. To the young who are provided with the 
full amount of vital activity. 3. To those who perspire 
too freely. 4. Early in the day, for it is then apt to 
increase tissue-waste. 5. To nervous or hysterical sub- 
jects, or to those whose hearts’ action is very weak. 
On the other hand, it is frequently not injurious, 1. 
For the over-fed and sedentary, for they require increased 
vital action. 2. For the old, whose vital activity is de- 
ficient. 3. For those who have a non-perspiring skin. 
4. During the after part of the day when the system is 
full of partly digested food, for then the process of 
digestion requires to be quickened. 5. During excessive 
heat, in order to relax the skin and relieve internal con- 
gestion. 6. For those whose nervous systems are firmly 
braced up. 
As commonly prepared, tea is often the cause of much 
dyspepsia, particularly when drunk in excessive quan- 
tities, or too frequently; that is, as a rule, more than 
once a day. In some nervous and gastric disorders, tea 
and other hot beverages are better discontinued, at least 
for a time. In this way intractable cases have often 
been cured. Dyspeptics, suffering from flatulent indi- 
gestion, should take tea in very moderate quantities 
only, as an excess of fluid increases the gaseous disten- 
tion of the abdomen. Feeble patients often drink tea at 
every meal, and much ill health is the consequence. 
When tea causes loss of appetite, palpitatiou of the 
heart, mental excitement or sleeplessness, obviously its 
use should be relinquished. Tea should never be given 
to children, even though largely diluted. The com- 
mon practice of adding a small quantity to milk-and- 
water begets a relish for it, leading to its use at an age TEA. 
77 
when the nervous and muscular systems require no such 
aid. 
Tea taken with animal food—“ tea-dinners,” or “ meat- 
teas,” as they are called—is more liable to produce 
indigestion than when the meal consists chiefly of bread 
and butter. 
In the preparation of tea three principles are extracted: 
one aromatic (oil), another nitrogenous (theine), the other 
astringent and bitter (tannin). The last, the cause of 
gastric disorder, is only given off after prolonged infu- 
sion ; whereas the aromatic oil and theine are completely 
extracted in about two minutes. Hence to make tea, 
especially for the dyspeptic, it should be made by pour- 
ing boiling water (not water that has boiled) on the 
leaves, and allowing it to stand for two minutes. It may 
then be poured off into a heated teapot, so as to separate 
it from the leaves. Thus prepared, tea is not so likely 
to cause flatulence; but it is less economic than the 
ordinary method, much more tea being required to give 
flavor. If the tea be good the infusion will be fragrant,, 
not very deep in color, not harsh or bitter to the taste. 
The leaves should not be boiled, otherwise the peculiar,, 
volatile, aromatic principle is dissipated; nor, for the 
same reason, should the infusion stand long: in this- 
case also too much roughness and bitterness are added 
to the flavor by the extraction of tannin. This tannin, 
though it makes the tea look strong, is worse than use- 
less, inasmuch as it renders the food taken with the tea 
insoluble and indigestible. The finest teas color the 
water the least. In an ordinary infusion the first cup of 
tea is also the best, having more of the choice flavor and 
aroma, and less of the astringency and color. River- 
water makes the best tea: soft water is to be preferred 
to hard; but soda should not be used, for it only extracts 
the astringent tannin. The water should only boil once,, 78 
LIQUIDS. 
immediately before using it, and not for hours, as is 
sometimes the case: the teapot should be quite dry, as 
well as hot, when the leaves are put into it, and the 
infusion, as before stated, not allowed to exceed two 
minutes. 
Teapots that retain the heat are better than those that 
allow it to pass off readily; hence black earthenware 
teapots should not be used: white glazed earthenware 
or porcelain, are suitable; but brightly polished silver 
teapots are the best, for they radiate much less 
than any other material. 
The Chinese drink their tea without any admixture; 
the Russians add lemon-juice: the English, sugar and 
cream or milk. 
The use of sugar in tea—Except in small quantity, 
dea should be given up by persons who have a tendency 
to become corpulent. According to some tastes, the 
flavor of tea is improved by substituting lemon for cream 
or milk—pouring out the hot tea over a slice of lemon 
cut with the rind upon it. Besides being more palatable, 
the lemon-juice more effectually allays thirst, and is 
especially valuable at those seasons of the year when 
fruits and fresh vegetables are not generally to be 
obtained. 
“ The best tea is that which is pleasantest to the taste 
of the educated customer, and which contains most of 
the characteristic sedative principles. The sedative prin- 
ciples in the leaf consist of an essential oil, which may 
be smelt strongest in the finest teas, weakest in the 
inferior sorts, entirely absent in fictitious teas, and of the 
alkaloid theine, which may be demonstrated by heating 
.some tea, dry, in a silver pot, when the salt will appear 
as a white bloom on the metal. If there is any bouquet 
at all, or any theine at all, in the specimen examined, it 
is worth something. COFFEE. 
79 
“ The shortest way to test the comparative value of 
•different specimens is to put a teaspoonful of each in one 
of the little china teapots or cups with covers, here used 
as ornaments, hut originally intended for this very pur- 
pose, which has been previously made quite hot; shake 
the tea about in the hot pot a few seconds and then pour 
on, quite boiling, a small half-cup of water on each. 
Cover them up quickly and let them stand by the fire 
about a minute. Taste them immediately, without milk 
or sugar, and choose that which has most aroma.”—[Dr. 
Chambers. 
Coffee contains the same principle as tea, and hence 
has an analogous influence on the system. It is, how- 
ever, more heating and stimulating, heavier and more 
oppressive to the digestive organs, and decidedly 
increases the force and frequency of the pulse. Its 
effect upon the mental faculties, quickening their ener- 
gies and causing wakefulness, is not so marked as in the 
use of tea. It, however, relieves hunger and fatigue, and 
thus enables soldiers on heavy marches to undergo ardu- 
ous exertion: it appears to have a staying power, lessen- 
ing the amount of waste, and thus economizing other 
food. It is laxative to some and constipating to others, 
and is serviceable in warming the body in cold weather: 
it is also cooling in warm weather by stimulating the 
action of the skin, though not so much so as tea. It has 
been found beneficial to those weary from traveling in 
the heat and suffering from want of food, also in diarrhea 
from overwork with anxiety. If taken in excess it pro- 
duces feverishness, palpitation, anxiety, deranged vision, 
headache, wakefulness and nervous excitement. It is 
employed as a therapeutic by the new school of medi- 
cine. It thus relieves headache, soothes nervous excita- 
bility, and when given strong counteracts the effect of 
alcohol and of opium. 80 
LIQUIDS. 
For ordinary dietetic purposes it is advantageous to 
make both an infusion and a decoction. The infusion, 
made by pouring boiling water on the recently ground 
coffee, extracts the volatile aromatic principle : the sub- 
sequent boiling of what has been infused extracts the 
remaining ingredients : this decoction, free from grounds, 
when poured in a boiling state over the freshly ground 
coffee, takes up the aroma: a decoction can be made of 
the grounds from which the aromatic principle has thus 
been removed. Soft water acts as an extractive better 
than hard. A most important point in making good 
coffee is to use a sufficient quantity of the powder. The 
minimum that should be allowed is oz. to a pint 
of water. The cafe noir of the French contains a larger 
proportion than this. Cafe an lait consists of a decoc- 
tion of strong coffee, to which an equal quantity of hot 
milk is added. It is especially necessary to remember 
that the full qualities of coffee are not obtained if water 
is used at a temperature lower than that of the boiling- 
point. The particles of ground coffee are often found 
suspended in the liquid, and isinglass or white of egg is 
sometimes used to refine it. Nothing, however, is 
required beyond pouring a cupful out and returning it 
to the pot to effect the necessary clearing. 
The addition of boiling milk, in the proportion of one- 
fourth part, adds greatly to the flavor and virtue of the 
coffee. Lastly, when coffee is taken daily, an enameled 
saucepan should be used for this purpose exclusively. 
In the choice of coffee, the best is from Guatemala 
(said to be from Mocha), in the form of small, round 
beans. In the preparation of it, the best plan is to pur- 
chase the beans whole, with the aroma still clinging to 
them, roast them, grind them and add chicory to taste. 
When made, the coffee should not be kept boiling or the 
aromatic oil will be lost. After securing a proper qual- COCOA. 
81 
ity of coffee-beans, the next very important object is to 
know that the process of roasting, on which the agree- 
able flavor of coffee very much depends, has been prop- 
erly done. If roasted too little, the oil and burnt-smell 
constituents are not developed ; or, on the other hand, if 
done too much, they may be destroyed. Dr. E. Lank- 
ester states that coffee-beans, when roasted, may have 
three degrees of sliade—reddish-brown, chestnut-brown, 
and dark-brown ; and when a full-flavored coffee is pre- 
ferred, probably the darkest is the best. After roasting, 
coffee should not be kept long before it is ground. 
This is usually done in a coffee-mill; or it is pounded in 
a mortar. In either case the mill or mortar should be 
used for no other purpose, as coffee has a marked ten- 
dency to absorb other odors, and thus to acquire a flavor 
not its own. 
Lastly, when ground it should be used as soon as pos- 
sible, for in this state it rapidly gives off its volatile oil. 
The best method for keeping it for a short time is in a. 
clean, accurately stoppered bottle. Lead or tinfoil cov- 
ering does not so effectually retain the virtues of the 
ground coffee. 
Chicory yields a drink closely allied in flavor and 
color to coffee, and is largely used in Europe. In this 
country it is mixed with coffee, which in the judgment, 
of many persons is thus improved. It contains na 
alkaloid and has no nutritive value. 
Cocoa is distinguished from tea and coffee by the 
large amont of nutriment it contains ; indeed, it may be 
regarded as a food rather than as a refreshing beverage. 
Of albuminous matters it contains about twenty per 
cent., and of fatty matters about fifty per cent., before it 
has been subjected to the process of manufacture. The 
essential principle also contains much nitrogen. The 
fat—known as cocoa butter—has this excellence, that it 82 
DIET FOR DYSPEPSIA, ETC. 
does not become rancid after exposure to air. But the 
large proportion in which this exists renders cocoa heavy 
and oppressive to a weak stomach, and thus unsuitable 
to the dyspeptic or bilious. Its very high nutritive 
power, however, strongly recommends it for general use. 
The large amount of fat and albumen it contains 
renders it a most valuable article of diet, alike for 
strengthening the frame in a state of debility, and sus- 
taining it under prolonged or excessive exertion. During 
nursing it is most useful, tending, probably more than 
any other beverage, to maintain an excellent supply of 
mother’s milk. The combination of nourishing properties 
which cocoa contains has led to its being compared to 
milk. Humboldt states that cocoa and maize-cakes are 
used by travellers in South Africa, and that the large 
amount of agreeable nourishment in small bulk enables 
them to carry easily several days’ supplies. 
“ Cocoa nibs ” contain the largest amount of nutriment, 
and are the most free from adulteration of all the forms 
of cocoa prepared for the market. 
DIET FOR DYSPEPSIA, ETC. 
Dyspepsia and indigestion are general terms em- 
ployed to designate various disordered states of the 
digestive organs, and particularly of the stomach. 
Deficient acidity of the gastric juice constitutes one 
form of indigestion. If the acid be insufficient in quan- 
tity, the digestive function is but imperfectly performed, 
or is arrested entirely. 
Excessive acidity is another form. In this, useless 
acids have been developed by chemical changes in the OVERLOADING THE STOMACH. 
83 
food. Hence we have some of the sour eructations 
which frequently characterize indigestion. 
Excessive secretion of mucus also interferes with 
healthy digestion, for it acts as a ferment, and occasions 
the production of useless acids. 
Torpidity of the gastric glands retards the digestive 
process. In such cases, the irritation of the food and 
the stimulus of saliva are insufficient to excite the 
secretive action of the glands, hence the gastric juice is 
not poured out for action on the food. Persons who 
suffer from this form of indigestion frequently resort to 
spiced and seasoned dishes and condiments, to stimulate 
the action of the glands: on the other hand, this very 
torpidity is induced by the needless use of such gastric 
stimulants. 
These different forms of indigestion occasion imperfect 
ehymification (the transformation of food into chyme), 
or afford opportunity for fermentation of the food; 
for when the vital functions are in abeyance, chemical 
affinities assert their force and produce morbid changes. 
Hence arise the various symptoms of dyspepsia. 
Then duodenal indigestion, due to derangement of the 
small intestine, occasions imperfect chylification (the 
transformation of chyme into chyle). 
The various unnatural conditions thus included under 
the common term dyspepsia, or indigestion, obviously 
require different medicinal and dietetic treatment. This 
is also manifest from a consideration of the dietetic 
errors which are generally the proximate causes of 
indigestion. 
Overloading the Stomach—This may occur in 
three ways—by excessive quantity, excessive variety 
and different digestibility of food. The quantity may 
be so large that it may be difficult for the stomach to 
deal with it: the variety may be so great that what 84 
DIET FOR DYSPEPSIA, ETC. 
should be digested in the small intestine impedes the 
action of the gastric juice on that which it is specially- 
designed to solve; and the digestibility of different foods 
may be such that after the more digestible food has 
passed out, some remains in the stomach, an incubus to 
its exhausted powers. With reference to these cases it 
should be remembered that the quantity of gastric juice 
secreted is limited, and only suffices for the digestion of 
a moderate quantity of food; that different kinds of 
food—nitrogenous, starchy and oleaginous—require the 
exercise of different digestive functions ; and that differ- 
ent articles also require different periods of time for 
their digestion, some being liquefied in an hour and a half, 
others requiring six or more hours before they are fit 
for assimilation. The capacity of the stomach is not 
unlimited, either in size or in function, hence it may be 
easily overloaded, and its powers so impeded as to cause 
indigestion. For as soon as the bulk of a meal is 
digested, it begins at once to pass out of the stomach 
into the intestine, the other articles going with it 
whether digested or not; it is therefore obvious that if 
two descriptions of food are eaten at one time, a portion 
of the less digestible will pass along with the other into 
the small intestines and produce distention, irritation 
and other inconveniences. Nothing is more common, for 
instance, than for well-to-do persons to eat a hearty meal 
of fish, flesh, game and pastry, to finish off with raw 
salad, dressed with oil and eaten with cheese, to say 
nothing of dessert consisting of dried fruits, almonds 
and nuts, washed down with sips of different wines! 
In such a case easily digested and indigestible articles 
mingled together, overload the stomach, and half- 
digested materials pass out with the principal portion 
of the ineal, causing disorders which involve discomfort, 
if not injury. Indeed, it may be remarked, once for all, COOLING THE STOMACH. 
85 
that though the human stomach is wonderfully accom- 
modating, retribution is sure to come at last, though 
perhaps not in the shape of immediate pain or uneasi- 
ness in the digestive organs themselves. Many of the 
complaints incident to persons in comfortable circum- 
stances, though affecting other organs besides the 
stomach, such as gout, rheumatism, neuralgia, various 
affections of the skin, etc., can be distinctly traced to 
imperfect digestion or assimilation of food, though 
unattended with direct symptoms of dyspepsia. 
2. Cooling' the Stomach — The natural tempera- 
ture of the stomach is 98°. The maintenance of this 
temperature is essential to the discharge of its functions, 
and to those chemical changes which attend digestion. 
Whatever lowers it interferes with the secretion of gastric 
juice, and if the depression amounts to 15° or more, 
completely stops it. If the secretion be thus arrested, 
it is not resumed until by the exertion of nervous energy 
(so much waste) the temperature has again risen to 98°; 
and it has been found by experiment that after the 
stomach has been cooled, say 30°, it requires thirty 
minutes for the recovery of the temperature, after all the 
water has been absorbed. Hence we may infer the mis- 
chievous consequences of drinking large quantities of 
cold water or cold beer during a meal, to say nothing of 
the fashionable custom of eating ices at the termination 
of dinner. Digestion is thereby immediately arrested, 
and the food either remains an inert mass in the stomach, 
or, in weakly individuals and those suffering from dys- 
pepsia, begins to ferment and disengage acids and gases. 
3. Stimulating the Stomach — The use of strong 
stimulants, especially alcoholic drinks, also arrests the 
secretion of gastric juice, and seems to produce inflam- 
mation of the mucous lining of the organ. As a general 
rule, any quantity of stimulants, whether in the shape of 86 
DIET FOR DYSPEPSIA, ETC. 
condiments, strong wine or spirits, delays and protracts 
tlie process of digestion, instead of assisting it, as is gen- 
erally supposed. The reason of this is pretty obvious; 
for these matters in some cases cause congestion of the 
glands, which lessens or arrests their secreting power: 
in other cases they interfere with the solvent chemical 
action of the gastric j uice, if they do not actually decom- 
pose it; and if they be taken in any quantity they seem 
to act as a sort of pickle or preservative to the food, and 
prevent its solution. 
4. Eating Too Soon after a Previous Meal— 
The quantity of gastric juice secreted being only suffi- 
cient to digest the first meal, none can be supplied for 
the second, which also begins to pass out of the 
stomach undigested and mixed with the first, necessarily 
occasioning more or less disturbance in the intestinal 
part of the process. The stomach also, in common with 
other organs of the body, needs an interval of repose for 
the recovery of nervous energy. The error of eating too 
frequently is very common, especially among those who 
take luncheon three or four hours after breakfast, and 
dine again after an equally short interval. 
5. Exertion after a Meal—The well known experi- 
ment of feeding two dogs, and allowing the one to rest 
while the other was encouraged to hunt a hare, when it 
was found at the end of two hours that the first had 
fully digested its food, while in the other digestion had 
scarcely begun, is an illustration of the harm of too 
active exercise immediately after a meal. Even healthy 
people are apt to disturb their digestion by returning to 
business, or taking exercise of any kind shortly after 
eating; and dyspeptics should rest at least two hours 
after dinner. Nor is it prudent to exert the brain in any 
way after eating; for the diversion of nervous energy 
from the stomach to the brain deprives the former of EATING LATE SUPPERS. 
87 
what it needs at that time, and, if the liahit he persisted 
in, is sure to he followed by discomfort and indigestion. 
Indeed, so important is it that nervous energy should he 
concentrated on the process of digestion, that it is unwise 
by reading newspapers and magazines during meals to 
divert attention from the food, and prevent its being 
thoroughly masticated and insalivated. 
6. Eating Late Suppers — Meals should not be 
taken shortly before retiring to rest. The gastric diges- 
tion is almost completely suspended during sleep; and 
even the intestinal digestion is but imperfectly per- 
formed. Hence the food remains in the duodenum, and 
by pressing on the great ascending vein {vena cava) is 
apt to produce nightmare or irregular action of the 
heart, and to disturb the secretion of bile, pancreatic 
juice, etc. For late diners supper is entirely super- 
fluous : for early diners no substantial meal should be 
taken within three hours of bedtime. 
Dietetic errors such as these evidently require some- 
thing besides the administration of medicines: they 
require reformation of habits. Obviously, the evils at- 
tending overloading the stomach are to be corrected by 
some measure of abstinence from food, or from that form 
of food which more particularly distresses the digestive 
organs. 
The quantity eaten should be always rather under than 
over what the appetite seems to require, for the appetite 
is apt to become morbid. Franklin’s rule to leave off 
with an appetite is a good one. By so doing, in ten min- 
utes the appetite will be gone, because the food taken 
has already begun to be appropriated by the body. The 
best rule is to carefully observe the sensations after eat- 
ing a hearty meal: if, within-three or four hours there is 
a feeling of fulness and distention, accompanied with 
feverishness or irritation, it is clear that too much has 88 
DIET FOIl DYSPEPSIA, ETC. 
been eaten, and tlie quantity should be diminished till it 
can be comfortably digested. Dyspeptics should also 
not mix various articles of food at the same meal, but 
rather vary the diet from day to day. Many substances 
will be tolerated by the stomach if eaten alone or with 
bread only, which would occasion distress and disturb- 
ance if mixed with other articles more or less digestible 
in themselves. Persons with weak digestive powers 
.should be careful not to overload the stomach when 
traveling, or otherwise exerting themselves more than 
usual. Many railway travelers, stimulated by the nerv- 
ous excitement of traveling, or for want of occupation, 
eat a great deal on their journey. It is an error to sup- 
pose that the system requires more support when on a 
journey or a voyage. Food is then really less necessary 
than when there is active exercise. Hence the extra 
quantity of food and stimulant taken has the effect of 
increasing the disturbance and irritation which naturally 
arise from fatigue and excitement. In fact, the nervous 
energy is on these occasions diverted from the stomach, 
rendering the digestion less perfect than usual. 
Those who suffer from weak digestion should accustom 
themselves to drink very little at their meals, especially 
of any cold fluid. The time to drink is from two to three 
hours after a meal, when the cold fluid restores the tone 
of the stomach, and assists the digested food in passing 
out of it to undergo the duodenal digestion. The use of 
strong stimulants should also be abandoned. For young 
and healthy persons condiments are quite unnecessary. 
They may afford some enjoyment as matters of taste, 
but if they occasion dyspepsia they are surely much 
better avoided. 
As to alcoholic stimulants, they have been seriously 
misused. To children, young persons and those in per- 
fect health, they are as a rule worse than useless; and 
ardent spirits are most decidedly injurious. 89 
DIET FOR DYSPEPSIA, ETC. 
Healthy persons as well as dyspeptics should accus- 
tom themselves to do without stimulants, in 
the rare cases when they are thought to he necessary by 
their medical adviser; and then, like other medicines, 
they should be the best and purest of their kind. If 
persons have been long accustomed to alcoholic drinks, 
the sudden and total discontinuance of their use may in 
some instances prove prejudicial; but as a rule this is 
not the case, the proof of this being found in the free- 
dom from any unfavorable effects when paupers or 
criminals have been deprived of their customary por- 
tions, to say nothing of the testimony of reclaimed 
drunkards who have become total abstainers. 
Now with regard to the nature of the food for dyspep- 
tics, this is of less importance than the quantity. Still 
it is by no means unimportant. It should be as simple 
as possible at each meal, and varied from day to day; 
and, as Hr. Parkes suggests, when variety in the kind of 
food cannot be secured, variety in the method of cooking 
and serving it will attain the same object. Of course, 
all articles must be avoided which possess any distinctly 
medicinal properties, or are known to disagree with the 
individual. Still it must not be supposed that every- 
thing that has disagreed will always disagree, and must 
therefore be utterly and forever excluded from the 
dietary. Some persons, acting on this erroneous suppo- 
sition, have reduced their diet to a repulsive monotony, 
and have no relish for their food. Some make the great 
mistake of excluding solids, and take nothing but 
liquids. Solids are necessary to stimulate the action of 
the stomach, in which liquid will remain undigested; 
and the organ should be encouraged, by hopeful attempts 
at variety, to appropriate articles in addition to those 
which have hitherto been taken. To many persons not 
a little comfort will be gained by taking animal and 90 
DIET FOR DYSPEPSIA, ETC. 
vegetable food separately, as in France; i. e., taking 
meat at one meal, vegetables at another. Vegetables 
are less likely to cause flatulence if taken alone than if 
combined with flesh. But whatever the kind, it cannot 
be too simple nor too plainly dressed. 
Of meats, mutton is usually found to be most suitable 
for those whose digestion is weak, and will often be more 
easily assimilated than beef. Roasted meats are better 
than boiled. Meat should not be over-dressed, nor baked 
in a close oven, nor cooked a second time. All fat 
should be rejected. Boiled chicken, venison, and lightly 
boiled eggs are most digestible. Then come roast fowl, 
lean turkey, partridge and pheasant, Guinea-fowl, pig- 
eons, followed by lamb, oysters and boiled white fish 
(except cod). The last may be rendered more digestible 
and tasty by a few drops of lemon-juice. Rich and oily 
fishes, and those of firm texture, should not be ventured 
upon. Of all kinds of fresh meat, that which is broiled 
is the most wholesome, nutritious and easy of digestion. 
The lean of a tender rump-steak, about an inch and a 
half thick, and broiled over a quick fire from five to ten 
minutes without being cut or pricked so as to let the 
gravy out; or a loin-chop, stripped of all skin and fat, 
and broiled over a quick fire from five to eight minutes, 
will prove a tempting and nourishing morsel. The usual 
joints of fresh meat, especially the juicy, lean portions, 
come next in digestibility : if they be taken the dyspeptic 
has a sufficient range. Greasy meats, such as pork, 
duck, goose, fatted turkey and salted or preserved 
meats, are to be avoided. Soups, and other liquid food, 
are only slowly acted upon by the stomach; and if the 
diet consist chiefly of them, they seldom fail to produce 
dyspepsia, and should therefore be avoided or thick- 
ened with bread, rice or pearl-barley, in order that there 
may be something solid to stimulate the muscular coat 
of the stomach. 91 
DIET EOE DYSPEPSIA, ETC. 
With regard to vegetables, they are more slowly 
digested than animal and farinaceous, or flour-food, and 
are therefore more likely to undergo fermentation in 
feelble stomachs, and thus occasion acidity and llatulence. 
They should therefore "be taken with caution and dis- 
crimination ; still they should not "be altogether omitted 
from the dietary, or disease in some form will ensue. 
Potatoes should he old and mealy, not young nor waxy: 
peas and beans must be very young and soft. Spinach 
can generally be taken: of cauliflower only the head is 
eatable. Cabbages of all kinds are usually objection- 
able, especially where there is a tendency to flatulence. 
Rice and other farinaceous articles, either in the form of 
porridges or light puddings, are generally found to agree 
with weak stomachs; but starchy and saccharine mat- 
ters, in certain debilitated states of the digestive organs, 
appear to be transformed into lactic acid, and to occasion 
acid eructations (belchings); oatmeal is in this respect 
the greatest offender, rice the least. Roasted apples with 
a little cream and a very little sugar may serve for des- 
sert ; but raw fruit should never be eaten at the close of 
a substantial meal. Between such meals, or as a sepa- 
rate meal, ripe fruits in season, such as oranges, straw- 
berries, raspberries, currants, grapes, peaches, nectarines, 
apples or other freshly gathered fruit, will be found to 
agree with most persons, if eaten in moderation, and if 
skins and seeds be studiously rejected; indeed, if taken 
with a slice of stale bread they will often aid digestion. 
Plums uncooked should seldom be eaten by persons sub- 
ject to indigestion, but when cooked the pulp is not 
objectionable. Dried fruits, whether cooked or uncooked, 
such as Normandy-pippins, figs, French plums and mus- 
catel raisins, may be taken in moderation if skins and 
seeds be rejected; oily fruits, such as nuts of all kinds 
and olives, are objectionable. 92 
DIET EOR DYSPEPSIA, ETC. 
All kinds of "bread should he stale or toasted dry. 
Hot-huttered toast, made spongy and fat, must he 
rejected; so also must hot rolls, muffins, crumpets, and 
likewise new or fatty cakes; hread-puddihgs are safe, 
plain, not sweet; water-hiscuits are far better than fancy 
sorts ; pastry, puddings and rich cakes are condemned. 
Cheese should not he taken after dinner; hut if new 
-cheese, cut into thin slices, toasted and hasted while 
toasting with cream, he served on a hot-water plate, so 
that it does not become hard and tough, it will prove a 
nutritious and tasty morsel. The most innocent and 
useful beverage is good, pure, filtered water; the softer 
the better if it he pure. The temperature at which it 
may he drunk should he proportionate to the tempera- 
ture of the body and its susceptibility to heat and cold. 
To fermented and alcoholic drinks reference has been 
already made. Cocoa, made from “nibs,” is the best 
kind of drink for breakfast; one small cup of black tea, 
infused only two minutes and a half, with a slice of 
lemon and a little crystallized sugar in it instead of 
cream or milk, is sufficient in the evening. New milk is 
not easily digested by some persons; but there are 
others who can take it better than skim-milk, whether 
boiled or unboiled; milk is, however, better not boiled 
as a rule. Butter is sometimes too rich, but good, fresh 
farm-butter is not often found to disagree; of all fatty 
substances it is the most easily assimilated; to some very 
salt, and to all rancid, butter is objectionable. Fruit, 
fresh or preserved, jellies or marmalade, often prove a 
good substitute for butter. Eggs are usually not only 
wholesome, but easily digested if they are lightly 
boiled. 
In all cases of dyspepsia the cooking cannot be too 
simple. Dishes fried in butter, rich sauces and savory 
-compounds are quite out of place. The appetite should 93 
BREAKFAST. 
not be thus tempted; the natural flavor of the food* 
so cooked as to make it readily soluble and digest- 
ible, and served attractively, should present sufficient 
temptation. The food should be eaten, and the meal 
nearly completed before the patient drinks; indeed the 
principal meal of the day is better taken without any 
liquid. A more objectionable practice than that of 
drinking with solid food is the too common habit of 
drinking before the meal. Food should never be taken 
hot: to scald either tongue or stomach is to injure two 
useful organs. 
The following dietaries are recommended for persons 
suffering from flatulent dyspepsia: 
Breakfast—Half a pint of milk, with or without 
soda-water; one egg lightly boiled; dry, cold toast, 
bread and butter, with beefsteak or mutton chops. 
Dinner—Roast or boiled mutton or beef, better taken 
warm; roast or boiled fowl or game, without any sauces; 
any kind of fish except salmon, without sauces; any 
kind of vegetable except potatoes; a small quantity of 
stale, brown or white bread; salt to be taken freely, all 
other condiments to be avoided; fruit stewed with plenty 
of sugar, if more sugar be added subsequently it does 
not sweeten the fruit so well; rice-preserves in small 
quantities ; cheese to be avoided. 
Supper—One small cup of weak, black tea, or of 
cocoa freed from fat; dry, cold toast, crust of brown 
bread or oat-cake. A small slice of cold roast or boiled 
mutton or beef. This dietary is so ample as to include 
what may be selected from, rather than what may 
be wisely indulged in. Self-restraint rather than self- 
indulgence must be the universal rule with dyspeptics 
who wish to be free from the inconveniences of in 
digestion. 94 
DIET FOE SCEOFULA. 
DIET FOR SCROFULA. 
The most important predisposing cause of scrofula is 
undoubtedly hereditary constitution, and there are 
observations which seem to indicate that it is most fre- 
quently inherited from the mother. The practical con- 
clusion from this is that the mother ought not to suckle 
her child if slie come of a scrofulous family. If, on the 
other hand, she be healthy, and the child inherit the 
scrofulous tendency from the father, she should set her- 
self to provide the most nourishing diet she can from her 
own breast, and as long as possible. Everything that 
will nourish her, and through her the child, until the 
molar teeth appear, should be perseveringly taken, and 
everything that will disagree with her and through her 
the child must be studiously avoided. 
When the teeth appear, and more solid food than milk 
becomes appropriate, the diet should be of a light and 
digestible character. A larger proportion of animal 
food than is usually given to little children should be 
allowed. Cod-liver oil, as a supplemental article of diet, 
is an agent possessing such remarkable and well-known 
properties of arresting general or local emaciation as 
not to require further recommendation. It may be given 
in childhood to arrest the development of scrofulous 
symptoms, and throughout future years either to arrest 
or to correct them. It may be given in any case in which 
there is wasting without acute febrile symptoms, in tea- 
spoonful-doses, two or three times a day, commencing 
even with half a teaspoonful if it be found to disagree, 
or if there be reluctance to take a larger dose. This, or DIET FOR CONSUMPTION—CHILDREN. 
95 
olive-oil, may also be advantageously employed for 
inunction over the chest, abdomen and back. Beef, mut- 
ton, venison and fowls are the best kinds of animal ft od; 
to these should be added preparations of eggs and milk, a 
due quantity of bread, mealy potatoes, rice and other 
farinaceous ingredients, as more suited to this class of 
patients than very watery and succulent vegetables. 
Every thing that favors the production of acidity; too 
much fruit; very salt, sweet, fat or highly seasoned food 
should be avoided. No food, not even cod-liver oil, 
should be so given as to excite disgust. The variety to 
stimulate the appetite should however be in methods of 
simple cookery, rather in the selection of what is tasty 
but innutritious. Alcohol may be of some service when 
prescribed as a medicine, but only under the watchful 
observation of a medical man. 
DIET FOR CONSUMPTION—CHILDREN. 
The diet of the children of consumptive parents is of 
such importance that it should engage attention from the 
earliest period of life. If the mother be delicate and 
predisposed to consumption, a wet-nurse of a thoroughly 
healthy constitution should, if possible, be provided. If 
a consumptive mother nurse her infant, she is in danger 
of bringing into activity the tubercular disease in herself; 
while the child is but imperfectly nourished, and derives, 
with the supply of milk, an element of danger additional 
to that which it inherited from birth. The infant should 
be restricted to healthy breast-milk until the eye-teeth 
are cut, after which slight additions of farinaceous or 96 
DIET EOR CONSUMPTION—CHILDREN. 
flour-food may be allowed once or twice daily, and tho 
cliild weaned at about nine months. If a wet-nurse can- 
not be obtained, the nourishment should bear the closest 
possible resemblance to the mother’s milk, and the best 
substitute for this is cow’s milk modified by the addition 
of water and sugar-of-milk, for the milk of the cow con- 
tains more oil {cream), but less sugar than that of woman. 
It is prepared for use as follows : Dissolve one ounce of 
the sugar-of-milk in three-quarters of a pint of boiling 
water. Warm to the temperature of breast-milk, when 
wanted, and mix with an equal quantity of fresh cow’s 
milk, and let the infant be fed with this preparation 
from the feeding-bottle in the usual way. After feeding, 
always wash the bottle with a weak solution of soda, 
and put the teat into cold water, letting it remain there 
until wanted again. 
It is of course necessary to use cow’s milk of good 
quality, always to administer the food freshly mixed, at 
a uniform temperature, namely, that of breast-milk, and 
for the first month not oftener than every two hours and 
a half during the day, and every four hours during the 
night. On no account should the babe be allowed to 
sleep with the tube of the bottle in its mouth, or to suck 
as often and as long as it likes. (See also “Diet in 
Infancy.”) 
About the eighth or ninth month, when the teeth 
usually begin to appear, a gradual change of diet is 
necessary. This should consist chiefly of farinaceous 
preparations, the best of which is, Neare's Farinaceous 
Food, if obtainable; afterwards sop made with bread 
which contains no alum, bread-and-milk, light puddings, 
oatmeal-porridge, and a little mutton-broth, beef-tea, or 
bread soaked in a little gravy as it escapes when cutting 
up a joint of meat. Feeding with a spoon, by favoring 
admixture of saliva with the starchy particles, will pro- DIET FOR CONSUMPTION—ADULTS. 
97 
bably insure a more perfect digestion of food. Till the- 
molar teeth appear, however, all preparations of animal 
food should be avoided. After weaning great care should 
be taken, and every kind of food avoided that causes 
irritation or diarrhea. Children should be fed regularly, 
be taught to masticate thoroughly, and not allowed to 
take too active exercise immediately after meals. Even 
thus early, should there be any symptoms of innutrition, 
a small dose (ten to fifteen drops) of cod-liver oil may be 
advantageously given. 
ADULTS. 
For older persons the diet should be digestible, nour- 
ishing, varied, and sufficiently abundant to meet the 
requirements of each case. As a general rule it should 
include animal food as fat as can be digested, once or 
twice a day; oysters and other wholesome kinds of fish, 
especially those varieties which are richest in phos- 
phorus ; good home-made bread, not less than one day 
old; puddings of arrow-root, rice, sago, tapioca, etc., 
taken, if preferred, with stewed fruit; various kinds of 
green vegetables, and mealy potatoes, oatmeal and milk;; 
good milk is a priceless article of diet; raw eggs, swak 
lowed whole or beaten up with a little cold milk, are* 
strongly recommended; but fresh pork, sausages, veal, 
fish not having scales, pastry, and all articles that give 
rise to irritability of the stomach, nausea, heartburn, 
eructations or any other symptoms of indigestion, 
should be avoided. If the patient is benefited by its 
use, he may take a moderate allowance of beer or wine. 98 
DIET FOR CONSUMPTION—ADULTS. 
Burgundy, claret or liock, diluted with, water, may in 
some cases be given with good results. 
Great discrimination should be observed with regard 
to stimulants; if they Hush the face or accelerate the 
pulse they should on no account be allowed. Malt 
liquors are more suitable than strong wine or spirits. 
The English extract of malt affords palatable fat-forming 
material of an unstimulating nature. 
The following dietary is suggested. In the morning 
take, in case of acidity or other forms of indigestion, two 
tablespoonfuls of lime-water with milk; or if there be 
much debility, a dessertspoonful of rum may be substi- 
tuted for the lime-water; or the lime-water and the rum 
may be alternated as required. 
Breakfast. Bread and butter, and a lightly boiled 
egg; or cold boiled or hot broiled bacon, or broiled fish 
and a cup of cocoa or black tea. 
Dinner. A*slice of roast mutton or beef, rich in fat; 
or a portion of a fowl, or other light meat, with vege- 
tables ; and tapioca, rice or other milk-pudding. A glass 
of malt liquor may be allowed if it do not, as before 
stated, increase the pulse, flush the face or make the 
patient feel sleepy and heavy. At about 6, a cup of 
good cocoa, with a sandwich or bread-and-butter. White 
fish, fowl or other light meat may sometimes be added. 
Water-cresses, lettuce, etc., may often be allowed with 
great advantage. Also a small basin of toast and milk, 
oatmeal-porridge or other easily digestible farinaceous 
food, may be taken. 
Baw-beef juice, if suitably administered, is a valuable 
adjunct to the food of the consumptive. Half the quan- 
tity produced, according to the receipt given elsewhere, 
may be allowed for breakfast instead of the egg or meat 
in the above dietary; and the other half at dinner, or 
instead of cocoa at “ tea,” according to the appetite and 
power of the patient. DIET FOR CONSUMPTION—ADULTS. 
99 
Beef-pulp has also been given to consumptive patients 
with great advantage. 
The importance of selecting digestible food is evident 
from the fact that tubercles do not arise except during 
a period of imperfect nourishment. By whatever means 
we can promote nutrition, in the same ratio the advance 
of consumption is prevented or retarded ; an important 
sign of improvement being an increase in the patient’s 
weight. The system is invulnerable to consumption so 
long as it is well nourished by a healthy digestive 
apparatus. 
“ It is clear, therefore,” writes Dr. Chambers, “ that it 
is the tendency to tubercle, and not the existing tuber- 
cle, which we have to fear and to guard against; and 
that for the successful treatment of consumption we 
must withdraw our minds from the morbid anatomy of 
the locality to the fatal propensity of the constitution. 
I know you are disposed to turn first to the lungs. But 
if we inquire into the histories of those who have lived 
long with vomicae (abscesses) or tubercles, they are by 
by no means found to have taken special care of their 
chests—they have not coddled or lived indoors, in even 
temperatures, hanging their lives on to their thermom- 
eters for fear of coughs; they have gone on with their 
professions or business or work ; they have not ‘ laid a 
knife to their throat,’ but have eaten and drunk like 
other people, and have enjoyed the gratification of their 
appetites. A patient of mine,” continues the doctor, 
“ over fifty, with copious pyoptysis (spitting of purulent 
matter) and condensed lungs (of probably a tubercular 
nature) from his youth, has kept hounds, broken his 
bones like other Nimrods, contested county elections, 
sat in Parliament, enjoyed his champagne and other 
good things, but never allows any doctoring of his 
-chest” 100 
DIET FOR CONSUMPTION—ADULTS. 
“ Leave the respiratory organs alone, and direct your 
thoughts to the organs of nutrition—the stomach and 
bowels, which will receive with thankfulness, and return 
with interest, any care yon bestow upon them. It is 
truly by aid of the digestive viscera alone that consump- 
tion can be curable. Medicines addressed to other parts 
may be indirectly useful sometimes, but they more 
commonly impede the recovery ; whereas aid judiciously 
given in this quarter is always beneficial, and usually 
successful. Your aim should be to get the greatest 
possible amount of albuminous food fully digested and 
applied to the purpose of the renewal of the body, at 
the same time that the renewing agencies are brought to 
their highest state of efficiency. In this way a healthy 
cell-renewal takes the place of that morbid, imperfect 
cell-renewal which appears in the shape of tubercular 
matter.”—[.Lectures chiejiy Clinical. 
Fatty matter, in quantities as large as can be assimi- 
lated, has been strongly recommended. The late Sir 
James Simpson observed the healthy appearance and 
freedom from scrofula and consumption of the operatives 
of woolen factories, consequent on the oil which in the 
course of their daily labor finds access to the skin. It 
was also seen that the work-people improved in appear- 
ance when they engaged in the more oily processes, and 
often lost flesh and strength after leaving them. So 
impressed was Dr. Simpson with the value of oil in the 
prevention of consumption that he laid down rules for 
its application by inunction. He recommended a bland, 
inodorous olive-oil to be applied warm to the whole- 
cutaneous surface, with a considerable amount of fric- 
tion, which renders absorption greater. 
Cod-liver Oil may be considered as an item of food, 
and its power in checking emaciation and improving the 
healthy tone of the muscular structures is now too well COD-LIVER OIL. 
101 
known to require commendation. Perhaps some of its 
usefulness depends on the iodine and phosphorus con- 
tained in the oil, thus forming a natural compound of 
food and medicine. It may he advantageously given in 
scrofulous affections and troublesome cough, especially 
if occurring in a family in which consumption has been 
fatal. 
The best time to administer the oil is with, or directly 
after, food. If there be any difficulty in retaining the 
oil, it may be given just as the patient lies down to 
sleep. Tasty accessories will often disguise the flavor 
of the oil, so as to prevent nausea. But when there 
exists an insuperable repugnance to the internal use of 
the oil, injections containing it may be tried; or it may 
be introduced into the system by inunction, or rubbing 
it into the skin, or by applying chamois-leather soaked 
in it, to the chest, sides or between the shoulders. 
Besides cod-liver oil, there are other animal fats and 
oils which, if they can be taken and assimilated, are cer- 
tain to be followed with good results : such as rich milk, 
cream, butter, liome-fed, fat bacon, and other substances 
rich in fatty matter. Suet boiled in milk is one of the 
best substitutes for the oil, and to some persons is not 
repugnant. Cream is often of great value; to prevent 
its oppressing the stomach, a teaspoonful of cold, strong, 
black tea may be mixed with it. Cream is, however, 
probably inferior to cod-liver oil, and has not the same 
anti-tubercular effect, for the iodine which is present in 
the former is absent from the latter. These varieties are 
mentioned so that in the event of a change being desired, 
one may be substituted for another, as circumstances 
indicate. 
Cod-liver oil should be regarded as food rather than 
medicine, although the minute amount of iodine and 
phosphorus it contains may account for some of its cura- 102 
DIET FOR CONSUMPTION"—ADULTS. 
tive virtues. It is specially valuable in the various forms, 
of scrofula, and in all diseases which require fatty sub- 
stances as food and iodine as a remedy. 
In the treatment of consumption it stands preeminent 
above other remedies by almost universal consent; for 
when given in suitable cases it checks emaciation and 
strengthens the muscular structures. 
The value of cod-liver oil is often very marked in the 
sequel of many acute diseases or inflammations occur- 
ring in middle-aged and in old persons, in whom the 
reparative powers are less active than in children; also 
in the after-effects of acute fevers in children who have 
suffered, previously to such attacks, from impoverished 
health. Scrofula, rickets, St. Vitus’s dance, etc., are gen- 
erally much benefited by the administration of cod-liver 
oil. Chronic rheumatism and gout, chronic bronchitis, 
chronic skin-diseases, and the degenerative diseases of 
the aged, are all more or less modified by the employ- 
ment of this agent. 
Cod-liver oil should, however, not be administered 
indiscriminately. It is generally inadmissible during 
the persistence of acute febrile symptoms, congestion, 
bleeding of the lungs or any active form of disease; 
digestion being then impaired and the mucous mem- 
brane irritable, the oil is only likely to increase the dis- 
order ; not till the disease subsides, the pulse falls and 
the hectic ceases, can it be of value. The sphere of cod- 
liver oil is to supply animal heat, to fatten the system 
and arrest tissue-waste: this is best accomplished when 
active morbid processes and local irritation have sub- 
sided, for then the system is in a condition to appropriate 
a larger amount of nourishment. Some caution is also 
necessary to be observed in the administration of oil to 
obviate nausea or eructations. Such effects generally 
result from the quantity or quality of the oil. The- DIET FOR CONSUMPTION—ADULTS. 
103 
large quantity of oil taken in some cases occasions dis- 
order of the digestive mucous membrane, or causes it 
to pass off with the evacuations. The appearance of any 
oil unchanged in the evacuations is a sign that the 
quantity given is too large to be digested. We generally 
recommend it, at first, in teaspoonful doses, twice a day, 
with, or immediately after, food; if the stomach be in- 
tolerant of it, a teaspoonful, or for young children ten 
or twelve drops, once a day. If there be still difficulty 
in retaining the oil, we prescribe it just as the patient is 
lying down to sleep. In cases of extreme irritability of 
the stomach, cod-liver oil may be introduced into the 
system by inunction or rubbing the skin with the oil. 
The disagreeable effects of oil, and the repugnance 
felt towards it have often been caused by inferior and 
unpalatable kinds. It should be as free from smell, 
taste and color as possible, thus showing its careful and 
recent preparation. Freshness is of great importance to 
its dietetic efficacy. Probably the best method of ren- 
dering the oil palatable is to have it made up in bread, 
as it is then scarcely tasted. The proper proportion is 
two to four tablespoonfuls of the oil to one pound of 
dough. Patients to whom we have recommended this 
method of taking the oil assure us that while pleasant 
and digestible, it is as efficacious taken in this as in any 
other way. 
Coffee or milk forms a good vehicle for the oil. Some 
find the taste removed by eating herring, sardine or 
anchovy with it. The juice of half an orange may be 
squeezed into a wineglass, the requisite quantity of oil 
poured on the top, and the juice of the other half-orange 
carefully squeezed on the top of the oil. Orange and. 
ginger-wine or claret are also vehicles for cod-liver oil. 
The oil should be poured upon the wine, so that it does 
not touch the glass, but floats as a large globule; in this 104 
DIET FOR RHEUMATISM. 
way it may he swallowed untasted. A few morsels of 
agreeable food should then he eaten. Small pieces of 
ice in each dose of oil also render it almost tasteless. 
Another plan to obviate taste and nausea is to take a 
pinch of salt immediately before and after the oil. 
Sometimes heating the oil is a good plan, as it renders 
it more fluid and less liable to disagree with the patient. 
It is also beneficial to omit taking it for a day or two 
occasionally. The glass should be carefully washed 
after use, and the oil kept in a cool place. Be caref ul 
that none tut a pure article is used. 
DIET FOR RHEUMATISM. 
In acute rheumatism the maintenance of a steady, 
equable temperature is of far greater importance than 
purity of air, or even strict attention to diet. Still the 
eating of nitrogenous, restorative food really retards 
recovery, and if resumed too soon during convales- 
cence will cause relapse. It may he annoying to the 
patient to he refused the meat to which he has heen 
accustomed and for which he longs, hut the annoyance 
must he home as the less of two evils. For if meat 
he taken in any form, solid or liquid, it becomes con- 
verted into lactic acid, the excess of which is by many 
supposed to he diagnostic of rheumatism. At any rate, 
the acidity in the perspiration and urine, which is char- 
acteristic of this disorder, is markedly increased. And 
the more fleshy and red the meat, the worse it is for the 
patient. A non-nitrogenous diet, except in broken- 
down, debilitated constitutions, or where serious nervous DIET EOR RHEUMATISM. 
105 
or heart complications exist, has been found very suc- 
cessful in rheumatic fever. But while this diet dimin- 
ishes the formation of acid and lessens cardiac power, 
thus rendering the pulse smaller and softer, this second 
etfect renders extreme caution necessary in its adoption, 
when either heart or brain is seriously affected. 
Dr. Parkes has given biscuits made in the following 
manner, with very good results, and with satisfaction to 
the patients : “ Butter was melted in a jug placed in a 
warm-water bath, and the liquid oil was poured off. 
Arrow-root cakes were made with a portion of this 
butter, and a little sugar was added.” Sweetened 
arrow-root or other farinaceous jellies are also accept- 
able. 
Farinaceous (flour) food is not so readily and abun- 
dantly converted into the offending acid; this, therefore, 
constitutes the only appropriate diet. During the fever 
it should be restricted to water, milk and soda-water in 
equal quantities, barley-water, gruel, arrow-root, rice, 
corn-flour, panada arid other preparations of bread, oat- 
meal-porridge, mashed potatoes, etc. The cases which 
recover most speedily and satisfactorily are those where 
the patient has been kept almost at starvation-point; 
where whatever the appetite, whatever the clamor for 
animal food, nothing is given but “ spoon-food.” Even 
when the pain is gone, and all that appears to be 
requisite is the recovery of flesh and strength, nothing 
is gained by a speedy return to ordinary diet; in fact, 
relapse is rendered probable by its adoption. Mutton- 
broth, beef-tea, and other liquid or semi-liquid prepara- 
tions, and next light puddings, preparations of bread, 
white fish and fowl must for a time constitute the transi- 
tional diet. Malt liquors in acute rheumatism, sweet 
wines and much sugar should always be avoided. But 
alcoholic stimulants may be needed in depression from 106 
DIET FOR GOUT. 
severe heart implication. Lemon-juice may he taken 
freely. 
In chronic rheumatism the diet should he generous, 
hut easy of digestion, as attacks are often occasioned hy 
disorders of the stomach. Beer and strong or sweet 
wines must he avoided. Cod-liver oil should he given to 
nourish and warm the system. 
We may add that a sufferer from chronic rheumatism 
should wear red flannel next the skin, or over a cotton 
garment, the thickness of the flannel being regulated hy 
the weather, and should have plenty of rest and bask in 
the sun. 
DIET FOR GOUT. 
Cullen has remarked that gout seldom attacks persons 
employed in constant physical labor, or those who live 
chiefly on vegetable diet. Subsequent observation has 
confirmed the truth of this remark. It appears to be 
probable that gout is occasioned by an accumulation of 
imperfectly changed nitrogenous matter, due either to an 
excessive nitrogenous supply, or to a defective trans- 
forming capacity, or to an arrest of transformation by 
alcoholic drinks, or to an imperfect transformation of 
some material in the alcoholic drink. For there is found 
to be an accumulation of oxydizable materials which are 
not naturally assimilated. Hence they remain in the 
system in the form of uric acid, which is convertible into 
urate of soda, the characteristic deposit of gout. At any 
rate, experience shows that in some subjects the dis- 
order attends a highly nitrogenized diet, sendentary DIET FOE GOUT. 
107 
habits, immoral self-indulgence, and a free indulgence in 
the heavier kinds of wine and beer. Even intellectual 
pursuits, by working the brain without exercise of the 
limbs, contribute to the development of gout. There 
is, therefore, perhaps, no disease in which properly 
chosen and well regulated diet and hygiene are of greater 
importance. 
Those, then, who inherit a predisposition to this dis- 
order, or who exhibit premonitory symptoms, or who 
have actually suffered from it, should abstain from rich 
living. The children of gouty parents should be accus- 
tomed to eat a large proportion of vegetables, so as to 
acquire a taste for them, and be habituated to the diges- 
tion of them. Oatmeal-porridge for breakfast, butter- 
milk for drink, and a very moderate proportion of meat 
at any time, should form their diet while growing. When 
years of maturity are reached the diet should be simple,, 
that temptation to excess may be avoided; limited in 
nitrogenous material; consisting largely of vegetables, 
especially if the habits of life be inactive. Meat should 
be eaten only once a day; soles, whiting and cod, 
mutton, tender beef, fowl and game, are suitable. 
Salmon, veal, pork, cheese, and highly seasoned or made 
dishes, pastry, greasy or twice-cooked meat, raw vegeta- 
bles, articles which cause eructation or belching, or other 
symptoms of dyspepsia, and anything likely to lead the 
patient to eat more than is strictly moderate, must be 
avoided. The gouty person should be even more abste- 
mious with regard to drink than to food, altogether 
avoiding sweet beer, strong and sweet wines. Port is to 
be particularly eschewed. The lighter wines, such as 
dry sherry, claret, Burgundy, hock or dry champagne, 
may be taken by some persons in moderation; but if 
the gouty predisposition is established even these will 
bring on a paroxysm. Stout, porter and old ales are 108 
DIET FOB GKAVEL AND STONE. 
almost as injurious as port. The lighter beers act in the 
same manner as the lighter wines. 
DIET FOB GRAVED AND STONE. 
Patients having a predisposition to the formation of 
stone, especially if they have passed gravel with their 
urine, require medical treatment and careful supervision 
to correct the tendency to such formations. But in addi- 
tion to the employment of medicines, attention to diet 
will he of considerable service. A reference to the varie- 
ties of stone, and what produces it, will indicate those 
ingredients of food that should be avoided. 
Uric acid forms the nucleus of most urinary concre- 
tions, and many entirely consist of it. The small red 
grains, like Cayenne pepper, called red gravel, and the 
brown lumps of stone are due to the excess of this acid. 
It exists in a normal condition of the urine, but is only 
deposited when excessive. This excess is closely related 
to the constitutional disposition of gout. Indeed, the 
uric-acid condition often alternates in the same individu- 
als with gout; even in generations this may be observed, 
gout manifesting itself in one, gravel in the second, and 
gout again in the third. This is the most common 
variety of stone, and may occur at any age. The great 
object, then, in treating this disease must be the correc- 
tion of the constitutional disposition and the prevention 
of the deposit of uric acid, where this tendency is known 
to exist. Where gout is known to exist in a family, and 
gravel is at any time observed in the urine, preven- 
tive measures should at once be taken, without waiting DIET FOR GRAVEL AXD STOXE. 
109 
for the actual presence of those symptoms which only 
occur at late periods of the disease. All then that has 
"been said in other parts of this work, on the dietetic 
treatment of rheumatism and gout, may in all cases he 
appropriately considered with reference to stone. Indeed 
the strict observance of precautionary regimen is the 
more urgent in this case, inasmuch as stone is more pain- 
ful and dangerous than either gout or rheumatism. 
Phosphatic salts exist in the urine when in a healthy 
condition, hut are then held in solution. Should the 
urine, however, he deprived of its normal acidity by in- 
flammation of the bladder or kidneys, due to an anamiic 
or broken down state of the constitution, phosphatie 
gravel may be deposited. It may also form a concre- 
tion around some irritating substance in the bladder, as 
a uric-acid stone. This form occurs chiefly in the aged. 
Oxalate of lime never occurs in healthy urine, it is 
always a morbid product. Properly speaking, there is 
no gravel or sediment; the particles of oxalate float as 
crystals in the urine, or subside if it be allowed to stand, 
but not in large quantity. When observed in children 
this form of gravel occurs in those that have been 
brought up in the country, but have been underfed, are 
pale, feeble, and suffer from disturbed sleep, acidity, etc. 
It seems to be occasioned by their eating too large a 
quantity of acid fruits and bad vegetables, such as 
rhubarb, sorrel or tomatoes, and drinking hard, unboiled 
water. It does not appear to be necessary that the food 
taken should contain oxalic acid, for by fermentation 
other organic acids taken into the system may be con- 
verted into the oxalic. When the oxalate is found in 
the urine of adults, it appears to be consequent on feeble 
powers of assimilation and exhaustion of the nervous 
system from over-work, anxiety or excesses ; on frequent 
attacks of gout, or on exposure to damp, cold, want of 
fresh air, and a low, unvaried diet. 110 
DIET EOR GRAVEL AND STONE. 
In the treatment of these different forms of the dis- 
ease, it is olbvions that first and foremost all avoidable 
causes must he removed; high living, alcoholic liquors, 
insufficient exercise on the one hand, over-work, anxiety 
and excesses of all kinds on the other. Occasional 
abstinence from animal food for a time is advantageous, 
except when the oxalic constitutional disposition exists ; 
then it is necessary to allow a generous animal diet of 
simply dressed an£ plain, nourishing meat. Restriction 
must be placed upon (1) sugar, in whatever form or com- 
bination this substance is presented ; (2) fatty matters 
—-butter, cream and fat meat, whether simply cooked or 
in the form of pastry ; (3) alcoholic beverages, especially 
in the form of sherry, port and the stronger wines, strong 
beer, champagne, etc. Tea and coffee must also be taken 
in moderation. Abstinence from these substances is 
recommended on the ground that the labor of the liver 
will thus be greatly lightened, and correspondingly the 
vicarious work of the kidneys will be diminished. 
Succulent vegetables and fruits when cooked should be 
preferred. Lemon-juice is corrective. But rhubarb, 
sorrel, apples, pears, and other acid raw fruit and vege- 
tables should be avoided. Water-cresses and lettuces 
are the least objectionable, because they correct any 
scorbutic tendency of the blood, and act as sedatives to 
the urinary organs. Milk-diet and frequent draughts 
of pure, soft water are also recommended. Filtered rain, 
or distilled water, rendered alkaline by soda or caustic 
potash, has a great solvent power, and may be taken to 
the extent of one or two pints daily. Indeed, removal to 
a locality where pure soft water can be procured is often 
alone curative. 
The explanation of this value of water-treatment is 
that from drinking but little lluid the urine becomes con- 
centrated and acid, and thus irritates the mucous mem- DIET FOR DYSEXTERY. 
111 
brane; while drinking more water the urine is diluted. 
And not only is there a real and substantial benefit 
through the diminution which the water effects as a dilu- 
ent in the irritating qualities of the urine, but a still 
greater benefit is realized in the flushing and cooling of 
the congested liver. It is quite open to question, whether 
the alkaline waters that are frequently recommended do 
not confer benefit as diluents rather than as medicaments. 
At any rate, we know that the free drinking of pure, soft 
water is of priceless advantage. 
DIET FOR DYSENTERY. 
In dysentery, diarrhea, inflammation of the bowels 
and typhoid fever, it is essential that scrupulous atten- 
tion be paid to the diet. By maintaining the recumbent 
posture and abstinence from all but the simplest food, 
the bowels are kept at rest, and opportunity is afforded 
for soothing inflammatory symptoms. The food selected 
should consist only of articles which are known to exert 
the least stimulant and irritant action on the mucous 
membrane and muscular fibres. Such are cold water, 
toast-water, gum-water, barley-water, milk, soda-water 
and milk, isinglass, rice, arrow-root and cocoa; then 
come broths, ripe grapes, and other liquid forms of food; 
all to be given cold or cool. When recovery has con- 
siderably advanced, stale bread, eggs, white fish (partic- 
ularly sole and whiting), white-fleshed poultry, fresh 
game and tender meat may be taken in the order recited. 
But the return to solid food must be gradual. Acid 
fruits, succulent vegetables, salted, dried and smoked 
meats must be avoided; a mealy potato may be allowed 112 
DIET FOR CHOLERA. 
with caution. In chronic cases beef-tea and other animal 
broths may be taken; milk and soda-water, or milk and 
lime-water should be given according to the requirements 
of the case. Frequently, too, a change to a dry, mild, 
equable climate is necessary. 
DIET FOR CHOLERA. 
During Prevalence—Whenever cholera is epidemic 
it behooves all persons to be very careful of their health, 
to be scrupulous about sanitary and hygienic matters, 
and to take only wholesome and suitable food. Every 
one should abstain from any article of food (whether 
animal or vegetable) which may have previously disor- 
dered his stomach, no matter how nutritious, digestible 
or safe to others; and avoid all manner of excess in 
eating and drinking. A light, unstimulating diet should 
be taken, but food difficult of digestion eschewed—such 
as pickled salmon, lobsters, raw vegetables, sour and 
unripe fruits, cucumber, salads, pickles, etc. 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. Water for 
all domestic purposes should be boiled and allowed to 
cool; drinking-water ought to be filtered as well as 
boiled, as it is quite possible it may hold in solution the 
material poison of cholera, which would be destroyed by 
boiling and filtering. Late suppers are unsafe, for if a 
person is overtaken by the disease in the middle of the 
night with a full stomach, the case is generally a serious* 
one. 
During Attack—In every case of cholera, complete DIET FOR COXSTIPATIOX. 
113 
abstinence from even the very lightest kind of aliment- 
should be inexorably enforced from the moment that the 
nature of the disease is ascertained till convalescence 
has become decided; in the observance of this rule con- 
sists the very essence of successful treatment. The plan 
of complete abstinence from food has not invariably been 
adopted by all ranks of the medical profession; and this 
may account to some extent for the excessive mortality 
from cholera during some epidemics. Relapse,'•with 
alarming effects, has followed from the administration of 
a little beef-tea or brandy and water, or milk and water. 
Yv’lien favorable reaction has begun, brandy, beef-tea, 
arrow-root or other “nourishment,” instead of stimula- 
ting the patient back to health, will only arrest reaction 
and send him back to death. It is egregious folly to 
attempt to force the exhausted alimentary organs to- 
perform a physical impossibility, viz., prematurely digest 
food. None is required, and stimulants are worse than 
useless. Ice may be given freely, to be dissolved in the 
mouth or swallowed; iced water is also refreshing; 
enemas of warm milk often repeated are beneficial. 
When the favorable symptoms are decided, farinaceous 
preparations may be given, but only in small quantities. 
In due time broths and soups may follow, but great care 
must be taken not to arrest recovery by injudicious 
feeding. 
DIET FOR CONSTIPATION. 
By constipation is meant the condition due to a collec- 
tion or impaction of excrement in the rectum—the 
residum of the various processes concerned in the nour- 
ishment of the body—occasioning irregularity in the 
evacuations from the bowels, increase in their consistence 114 
DIET FOR CONSTIPATION. 
and often a sense of fullness and tension in tlie bowels 
and surrounding parts. It is that which is consequent 
on the imperfect discharge of intestinal function, which 
attends derangement of the whole system, and not of 
the intestinal canal alone. 
In very many cases costiveness depends on some 
faulty habit in the patient, the regulation of which will 
probably suffice to remove the inconvenience. Sedentary 
habits, drinking too much astringent wine, such as port 
or Burgundy, or black tea, dissipation, the exclusive use 
of white bread, taking food tpo dry and destitute of 
succulent vegetables, neglect of the calls of nature and 
the habitual use of aperient medicine, are faults which 
induce constipation. If these be corrected the disorder 
will generally disappear. But more precise information 
may be given with regard to food; for costiveness may 
to a great extent be treated by j udicious dieting of the 
patient. 
All superfluous food that has the property of solidi- 
fying the excretions and arresting evacuation must be 
Telinquished. Meals should be taken with regularity 
three times a day, animal food eaten sparingly, but 
succulent, juicy vegetables and ripe fruits freely. As a 
rule, persons eat too much and too often. If the stomach 
be overloaded the food will be imperfectly digested; 
there will consequently be a larger quantity of feces, 
,and thus the bowels will be overloaded also. Franklin’s 
Tule, “ to leave ofF with an appetite,” is a good one. By 
doing this, in ten minutes the appetite will have departed. 
Coarse, Scotch oatmeal-porridge, made in the Scotch 
way, by adding the meal gradually to the water till 
thick enough, and eaten with molasses, should form part 
of the breakfast. Brown bread should be preferred to 
white. It should not be eaten new; it may be taken for 
.a fortnight at a time, and then temporarily changed for DIET FOR CONSTIPATION. 
115 
white bread known to be free from alum. If brown 
bread be not eaten exclusively, a little should be taken 
with every meal; its effects will thus be more uniformly 
distributed through the alimentary canal than if only 
taken occasionally. White bread, when eaten, should 
be stale; hot rolls, muffins, crumpets, tea-cakes and 
spongy, buttered toast are not allowable. Bread and 
potatoes, and indeed all farinaceous food, requires do be 
thoroughly masticated and mixed with saliva, as, cor- 
rectly speaking, digestion begins in the mouth. Of 
meats, beef and mutton, chicken and game, may be 
eaten in moderation. Bacon is the most soothing of fats 
to the digestive canal, and may be eaten freely. This, 
or two teaspoonfuls of salad oil taken at bed-time, will 
prevent that drying and hardening of the contents of 
the bowels which causes impaction and consequent 
inconvenience. Pork and veal are most indigestible 
meats; also boiled salt meats, wild duck and goose. 
Green vegetables, such as spinach, turnips, greens, 
green artichoke and asparagus, also the heads of cauli- 
flower, may be eaten freely. Lettuce, water-cress and 
dandelion are also useful, eaten raw. Care must be 
taken that potatoes are thoroughly boiled and mealy, 
while new, hard, waxy ones must be avoided altogether. 
Roast-apples, stewed pippins and stewed prunes are 
much better than pastry. Figs can be eaten, if moist 
and fresh, or in a pudding. Rhubarb, gooseberries and 
other ripe fruits in season, or preserved, may be taken 
freely. Condiments, pickles, melted butter, highly 
seasoned sauces, woody vegetables, such as celery, and 
cheese must be avoided by all costive subjects. Curds 
and whey are perhaps suitable when the gastric juice is 
deficient, as the previous conversion of milk into curds 
relieves the stomach of its first digestive process. For 
tea and coffee, cocoa made from the nibs may be substi- 116 
DIET IX WOKM-AFEECTIOXS. 
tuted with great advantage. Pure, soft water is a very 
valuable accessory, both as a drink and for use by 
enema. A tumbler of water taken while dressing is 
serviceable, or some may prefer a drink of weak clove- 
water the first thing in the morning—a tumblerful of 
water made spicy by pouring boiling water overnight on 
a few cloves, and letting it stand till morning. 
DIET IN WORM-AFFECTIONS. 
It should be distinctly understood that these parasites 
are not found when the alimentary canal is in a healthy 
condition; they require thick mucus for their home and 
nourishment, and unless this be secreted they cannot 
exist. There can be little doubt that their presence 
occasions excessive secretion, but there must be a pre- 
vious secretion in which they are developed. In scrof- 
ulous constitutions there is a tendency to this exces- 
sive secretion. Food in a partly digested state alsn 
favors their development. When worms are known to 
exist, measures should not only be taken for their expul- 
sion, but also for the correction of that unhealthy 
condition of the alimentary canal which favors their 
existence. Injections expel them, but only medicinal 
and hygienic treatment can be relied on for improving 
the patient’s health, and preventing the reappearance of 
the parasite. Open waters should not be drunk or used 
in the preparation of food without being previously 
boiled or filtered; raw or underdone meat, especially 
pork, ham, bacon or sausages, should be avoided; fruits 
and vegetables, such as lettuce, water-cress, etc., eaten 
raw should be first washed in salt and water and then DIET IX WORM-AFFECTIONS. 
117 
fresh water and examined; for by eating raw, unwashed 
vegetables the eggs of worms find entrance into the 
body. Cooks and butchers are more liable to be affected, 
with tapeworm than other persons; and in countries 
where uncooked flesh, fowl or fish is consumed, intes- 
tinal worms abound. 
To correct the excessive and morbid intestinal secre- 
tion considerable changes of diet are also generally 
necessary. The food should be taken only at regular 
hours, and selected with special reference to its diges- 
tibility. It may include properly cooked animal food 
— mutton, beef, fowl and white fish. Cakes, pastry, 
sweetmeats, sweet-made dishes, new, waxy, half-cooked 
potatoes, butter, veal and pork must be forbidden. Salt, 
as a condiment, should be taken freely with the food, 
but salted meats should be avoided. 
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 milk 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. 
t; 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 a slimy appear- 
ance of the evacuations continues to be observed, the 
above diet should, if possible, be adhered to. When 118 
DIET FOR DIABETES. 
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 fre- 
quently 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.” 
DIET FOR DIABETES. 
The "best treatment of this dire disease is at present 
open to question; but it is agreed on all hands that it 
involves very careful attention to diet. For the most re- 
markable and at the same time the most important 
pathological character of diabetes is the misappropria- 
tion of food required for the nourishment of the body, 
by converting it in a very direct manner into a form of 
sugar, which is excreted in the urine. It therefore 
becomes essential to deal both with the diseased condi- 
tion of the secreting organs, most probably the liver, 
and with the character of the food from which the sugar 
is secreted. If the food be such that it cannot be con- diet FOE DIABETES. 
119 
verted into sugar "by the diseased glands, organically 
diseased or functionally disordered, it is obvious that, 
great gain is effected, not only by the suppression of a. 
symptom, but also in the correction of a condition ; for 
the urine being less saccharine, the blood is less saccha- 
rine, less impoverished, less unfitted for the purposes of 
nutrition. 
For the dietetic treatment of diabetes we give the 
preference to Dr. Donkin’s method. As soon as the 
actual existence of the disorder is known, an exclusive 
regimen of skim-milk is prescribed. And it must he 
exclusive so long as any traces of sugar are found in the 
urine. All cream must be very carefully removed* 
Beginning with four to six pints on the first day, the 
quantity must be increased gradually to from eight to 
twelve pints daily, according to the age, sex, size and 
condition of the patient. In no instance should twelve 
pints he exceeded; and if more than seven or eight be 
given, the remainder should be taken at separate meals 
in the form of curd produced by essence of rennet. The 
skim-milk may be taken cold, or at about 100°, but it 
must not he hoiled. The daily allowance must be divided 
into regular meals. The curative power of this skim- 
milk diet is altogether lost if anything be added to it. 
The abstinence thus imposed is unquestionably very 
trying to the patient, but it is the condition on which his 
life is lengthened. For his encouragement it may be 
recorded that Dr. Donkin affirms from his ample expe- 
rience that, provided there are no complications, great 
relief, if not cure, may be expected from this treatment.. 
As a general rule, it will remove the sugar from the 
urine, and completely remove the disease in from twelve- 
days to five or six weeks, if only the hydrocarbons of 
the food are changed into sugar, and in some cases if 
the albuminates are also thus converted. If this stage 120 
DIET FOR DIABETES. 
is somewhat far advanced, and the disease is of long 
standing and attended with much emaciation, it will "be 
.arrested in its course and held in check, though not ab- 
solutely cured. It should, however, be remarked, that if 
after the expiration of a week there is no reduction of 
the specific gravity and sugar of the urine, the disease 
is not amenable to skim-milk or any other kind of treat- 
ment. On the other hand, if the symptoms are amelior- 
ated, and the patient gains strength, there is much 
encouragement to proceed; and when the treatment has 
been successful, the skim-milk diet should be rigorously 
continued from a fortnight to six weeks after the disap- 
pearance of sugar from the urine, that convalescence 
may be confirmed. 
Great stress must also be laid on the careful selection 
of ingredients in the transitional diet, to be adopted 
when the exclusiveness of skim-milk diet may be les- 
sened, and some approach to ordinary fare may be 
permitted. Skim-milk and curds must still be staple 
articles ; but, in additition, one or two moderate meals of 
lightly cooked, lean chop or steak, or of roast-mutton or 
beef, with green, non-starcliy vegetables, are allowed. 
The vegetables which Dr. Donkin thinks may be per- 
mitted are spinach, lettuce, mustard and cress, the tops 
of radishes, greens, turnip-greens, French beans and 
scarlet runners in a very young condition before seed is 
formed. These are simply not forbidden as highly per- 
nicious : whether it is judicious to take them is another 
matter. Beef-tea and mutton-broth, from which the fat 
has been removed after cooling, and without barley or 
vegetables, except the green leaves of the leek, may also 
be taken in moderate quantity once daily. Should the 
progress be favorable and the urine continue to be free 
from sugar, the following fish may be allowed at the 
principal meal, which should be early in the day: cod, DIET FOE DIABETES. 
121 
whiting and haddock. Their livers, however, must be 
avoided, as also must oysters, salmon, salmon-trout, her- 
rings and other oily fish. In fact, all fatty or oily 
substances, and all vegetable articles of food and drink 
containing starch and sugar must be avoided with the 
most scrupulous care, for relapse at this stage will fre- 
quently prove serious if not intractable. The chief 
articles of food prohibited are fat, oils, bacon, pork, 
butter, cream, milk, cheese and yolk of eggs, white or 
brown bread, pastry, Hour in every form and any quan- 
tity, macaroni, vermicelli, rice, sago, tapioca, arrow-root, 
peas, pea-meal, beans, bean-meal, Indian corn-flour, 
potatoes, full-grown French beans and scarlet runners, 
turnips, carrots, parsnips, artichokes, cauliflower, cab- 
bages, asparagus, cucumber, squash, and all kinds of 
fruit in any form, except olives in pickle. All saccharine 
drinks must also be avoided, including ale, beer, stout, 
porter, wines ; if alcoholic drinks be necessary, the dia- 
betic may have the very best pale French brandy, or 
finest Scotch whisky, or good claret or Carlowitz, but 
they are generally objectionable. Cocoa free from fat 
and sugar, tea or coffee without sugar, may be allowed 
for breakfast. The period during which it will be neces- 
sary to adhere to this transitional diet varies very much. 
A more permanent dietary is developed out of the 
transitional by the addition of a much greater variety of 
animal and vegetable food. But pork, bacon and cheese, 
bread, pastry, and substances into which flour enters, all 
starchy products, and sugar in every form must still be 
most carefully avoided. Again and again does Dr. 
Donkin repeat the caution that indulgence in prohibited 
articles, at least before a long and indefinable period has 
elapsed after convalescence, will most certainly be fol- 
lowed by a return of the disease, which then becomes 
more intractable than on its first invasion. 122 
DIET E0JS DIABETES. 
Dr. Pavy does not approve of an exclusive skim-milk 
diet, but in his work “ On the Nature and Treatment of 
Diabetes,” he gives the following dietary : 
Patients may eat meat of all kinds except liver, 
ham, bacon or other smoked, salted, dried or cured 
meats. Poultry, game, shell-fish and fish of all kinds, 
fresh, salted or cured. Animal soups not thickened, 
beef-tea and broths. 
The almond, bran or gluten-substitute for ordinary 
bread; eggs dressed in any way, cheese, cream-cheese, but- 
ter, cream, greens, spinach, turnip-tops, turnips, French 
beans, cauliflower, cabbage, asparagus, squash, mush- 
rooms, water-cress, mustard and cress, cucumber, lettuce, 
radishes, celery, vinegar, oil, pickles, jelly, flavored but 
not sweetened, savory j elly, blanc-mange made with cream 
and not milk, custard made without sugar, nuts of any 
description, except chestnuts and olives. 
Must avoid eating—Sugar in any form, wheaten 
bread and ordinary biscuits of all kinds, rice, arrow- 
root, sago, tapioca, macaroni, vermicelli, potatoes, carrots, 
parsnips, beets, peas, onions, pastry and puddings of 
all kinds ; fruit of all kinds, fresh and preserved. 
May drink—Tea, coffee, cocoa from nibs, dry sherry, 
claret, dry sauterne, Burgundy, chablis, hock, brandy 
and spirits that have not been sweetened, soda-water, 
Burton bitter ale, all in moderate quantity. 
Must avoid drinking—Milk, except sparingly, stout, 
ales mild and old, porter and stout, cider, all sweet 
wines, sparkling wines, port-wine, unless sparingly, 
liqueurs. 
Dr. Chambers, however, quotes with approval the 
following list of eatables compiled by M. Bouchardat, 
Professor of Hygiene in the University of Paris, who has 
studied the subject of Diabetes ; and adds, “ The list has 
not been improved by any subsequent writers on the 
subject.” DIET FOR DIABETES. 
123 
Injurious—Sugar, bread of any kind, or pastry, rice, 
maize and other starchy grains, potatoes, arrow-root, 
tapioca, among root products; sago among piths ; among 
manufactured starches, macaroni and vermicelli; of 
vegetable seeds, peas and beans of all sorts, and chest- 
nuts ; radishes, turnips, beets, carrots; all preserved 
fruits, apples and pears ; honey, milk, beer, cider, sweet 
and sparkling wines, lemonades, and such like sweetened 
acid drinks. 
Permissible—Meat of all kinds, brown or white, boiled,, 
roast or grilled, and seasoned with any sauce pleasing to 
the palate, provided there be no flour or sugar in it; all 
sorts of fish, shell-fish and lobsters, eggs, cream and 
cheese, spinach, lettuce, sorrel, asparagus, hop-tops, 
artichokes, French beans, cabbage (the last very good 
with pickled pork or bacon). 
Salads of cress, corn-salad, dandelion, lettuce, with a* 
full allowance of oil, and hard-boiled eggs. 
Fresh vegetable gluten, i. <?., dough with the starch 
washed out, may be made into an agreeable dish, with 
cheese and butter. The wearing hunger may be much 
appeased by chewing cocoa-beans. 
Fresh beef-tea is a capital quencher of thirst, also 
coffee with cream. 
We have given these dietaries at length, because there 
is no disorder of the system more dependent on dietetic 
treatment than diabetes. As we have intimated, our 
preference is for the course prescribed by Dr. Donkin, in 
following which we have found success when other treat- 
ment has failed. 
As will be observed, the most serious privation is 
consequent on the prohibition of bread. It is most diffi- 
cult to deny this to the patient, and yet it is pre-eminently 
injurious on account of its starchy composition. In 
order to meet the craving for it various substitutes have 124 
DIET FOR DIABETES. 
been provided. M! Bouchardat liad contrived a bread 
made of gluten, but it was so little attractive to the eye 
and pleasant to the taste that few persons have cared to 
take it; they prefer to go without bread altogether. Dr. 
Pavy’s almond-biscuits are a far nicer substitute. The 
almond is baked for a short time, and thereby rendered 
brittle, so that it may be easily ground to powder. The 
flour thus obtained is prepared with eggs so as to form 
cake or biscuits. Dr. Chambers expresses the opinion 
that it is not wise to enforce a diet which is really intol- 
erable to the patient; he would conciliate the stomach, 
appetite and fancy into taking the greatest amount of 
animal food and oleaginous matter; and if the patient 
ate the heartier for having a biscuit, or crust, or glass of 
porter, or even a forbidden vegetable with his meals, he 
would deem it better to give him his way than to tempt 
him to break through all rules altogether by playing the 
truant. We, however, cannot approve of such conces- 
sions ; we should recommend total abstinence from 
all forbidden articles as the surest way of avoiding 
temptation; we should strengthen the resolve to save 
life at all costs of self-denial, and prove the truth of the 
ancient saying, “All that a man hath will he give for 
his life.” 
Dr. Charteris has adduced some evidence to show that 
dieting is of less importance than the maintenance of 
the temperature of the lungs by preventing the access of 
cold external air. The temperature is maintained by 
wearing a respirator alone during the day, and covering 
respirator and nostrils with a knitted woollen cloth dur- 
ing the night. The following dietary is allowed: 
Breakfast: eggs, fish, one pint of tea, and biscuits. 
Dinner: steak, cabbage, biscuits. Supper : tea, milk, 
biscuits. Three pints of milk during the day are also 
allowed. The biscuits must contain as little starch as 
possible in their composition. DIET EOR BKIGHT’S DISEASE. 
125 
A few hints may he given in connection with dietetic 
treatment. Patients shouid eat slowly and masticate 
their food thoroughly, take their meals frequently and 
moderately ; for the digestive organs partake of the gen- 
eral weakness of the system, and cannot fulfil their 
functions so readily as when in health. Their powers 
should, therefore, not he taxed hy quick and excessive 
eating. 
The hody should he kept warm hy flannel next the 
skin; gentle exercise in the open air should he fre- 
quently taken in fine weather ; the tendency to constipa- 
tion should he counteracted hy the use of suitable medi- 
cines. 
DIET FOR BRIGHT’S DISEASE, OR CHRONIC 
ALBUMINURIA. 
The function of the kidneys is to eliminate from the 
hlood products that are useless, in the changes and 
assimilation of food, and materials that have become 
effete in the disintegration of the tissues, i. e., the waste 
matters of the hody that do not pass through the intes- 
tinal canal or the skin. If these were allowed to remain 
in the hlood they would poison it and produce death. 
When eliminated they constitute urea and pass off in 
the urine; when retained they cause uremic poisoning. 
If the kidneys are in an unhealthy condition, as in 
Bright’s Disease, the urea is not eliminated. Now the 
amount of urinary matter to he thus eliminated obvi- 
ously depends very largely on the nature of the food. 
Fatty, starchy and saccharine matters throw no work 
upon the kidneys; their products, carbonic acid and 126 
DIET FOR BRIGHT’S DISEASE. 
water, pass off through, the lungs and skin. On the 
other hand nitrogenous food undergoes such a change in 
the system as to lead to the production of urea, and thus 
throws much work upon the kidneys. An animal diet 
which is the richest in nitrogenous matter yields double 
the amount of urea voided from a vegetable diet. The 
inference from this is that when the kidneys are diseased 
the less they have to do the better, and consequently the 
less should be the. amount of nitrogenous food. Hence 
in Bright’s disease only very digestible animal food 
should be taken, and that only in small quantities, 
while vegetable food should preponderate. Now, al- 
though there is considerable difficulty in persuading 
those who are thus suffering to persist in a systematic 
milk-diet, yet it offers the best chance for arresting the 
disorder. Schmidt says he has obtained the most bril- 
liant results from an exclusively milk-diet when all 
other treatment failed. It may be given cold or tepid, 
and from half a pint to a pint at a time. An adult will 
sometimes take as much as a gallon in the twenty-four 
hours. But in addition to a limitation of the nitrogen- 
ous supply which will be converted into urea, it is 
important to facilitate the removal of what exists in the 
blood as the result of disintegration of tissues. This 
effete matter fouls the blood. Hence the necessity for a 
copious use of water and watery drinks, which flow out 
readily by the kidneys, carrying with them such of the 
waste as may be soluble in water. This dilution will 
relieve the kidneys. The drinking of water is also the 
best means of preventing and relieving the dropsy which 
usually attends this disease. Alcoholic drinks are 
decidedly harmful. Alcohol is removed from the system 
by the kidneys ; if then the ordinary means of excretion 
be ineffective the alcohol remains and produces insensi- 
bility, and if it be partially eliminated, excessive labor DIET FOR SCURVY AND PURPURA. 
127 
is needlessly and injuriously thrown upon the diseased 
glands. For Bright’s disease, then, the most suitable 
diet is a preponderance of vegetables, abundance of 
water, abstinence from alcohol. 
DIET FOR SCURVY AND PURPURA. 
Scurvy and purpura (though the latter is called land- 
scurvy) are not the same disease, but analogous. Both 
are characterized by morbid conditions of the blood and 
capillary vessels, which cause effusions of blood of 
greater or less extent just beneath the skin and in other 
parts, and are followed by other symptoms. Both are 
amenable to dietetic treatment in conjunction with suit- 
able medicinal remedies. Scurvy gradually supervenes 
on the continued use of a dietary deficient in vegetable 
acids. Its occurrence is greatly aided by general defici- 
ency and limited range of food, exposure to cold and 
wet, and mental and moral depression. It has been 
deemed to be inseparable from long voyages, but has 
been proved to be preventable and curable by means to 
be found in every inhabited country. It is very preva- 
lent in Iceland, especially on the western coast, where 
the inhabitants depend chiefly on fishing, and where the 
pastures are limited in extent and inferior in produce. 
The corrective is obvious, viz., the supply of those arti- 
cles of food, fresh vegetables, milk and good diet gener- 
ally, which contain ingredients the absence of which has 
led to the diseased condition. Cabbage is perhaps the 
most valuable anti-scorbutic we possess. In slight cases 
of scurvy or purpura, where bleeding from the veins is 128 
DIET FOR SCURVY AND PURPURA. 
almost the only symptom, it is very successful both in 
producing a cure and in preventing other members of the 
family from suffering from it. The vegetable should be 
fresh: if it has been kept, and then wetted to freshen it 
up again, it is not nearly so efficacious, and if fermenta- 
tion has taken place it is positively injurious. The con- 
current testimony of many observers shows that the 
potato is very efficient in preventing scurvy; eight to 
twelve ounces a day are sufficient for this purpose. 
Oranges, lemons, limes, lettuce, onions, water-cress, mus- 
tard and cress, dandelion, grapes, may likewise be used 
as preventives. Vinegar, good lemon-juice and other 
vegetable acids are also excellent anti-scorbutics. In 
severe cases, citrates, tartrates, lactates, and malates of 
potash should be used as drinks and added to the food. 
An ample supply of those acids, as well as of preserved 
vegetables, should be provided for ships which are 
engaged in war, or have to make prolonged sojourn 
where fresh vegetables cannot be obtained. The legal 
supplementary allowance in emigrant vessels is eight, 
ounces of preserved potato, three ounces of other pre- 
served vegetables (carrots, turnips, onions, celery and 
mint), besides pickles, and three ounces of lemon-juice 
for each person weekly, and this is found to be sufficient 
to prevent the occurrence of the disease. The commence- 
ment of the administration of lemon or lime-juice should 
not be delayed beyond fourteen days after putting out 
to sea. DIET FOR FEVERS AND INFLAMMATIONS. 
129 
DIET FOR FEVERS AND INFLAMMATIONS. 
There was once an adage in vogue—stuff a cold and 
starve a fever. That was when the feverish nature of a 
cold was not understood, and when the importance of 
sustaining the constitution when in a feverish or in- 
flamed state was not recognized. The feeding of fevers 
is now generally acknowledged to he an important aux- 
iliary in the treatment of them. Indeed, the celebrated 
Dr. Graves said that he desired no higher praise after 
his death than that he fed fevers. In this, however, there 
is nothing new, for the value of nutrition for those who 
were suffering from them was observed in the earliest 
times. Hippocrates was so decided in his opinion on 
this subject that in his treatise on the management of 
acute diseases he lays stress on the administration of 
wine and barley-gruel, and describes how the latter is 
to be prepared. The time of dietetic revival is, however, 
but recent; for until the last generation it was' consid- 
ered necessary to starve out the devouring flame of fever 
or inflammation by refraining from feeding it; French 
physicians going to the extreme, by depriving invalids of 
food altogether. The reaction began when Dr. Graves 
maintained that to feed a fever was essential to its cure. 
Still, it must not be supposed that food is to be indis- 
criminately or outrageously given. The great art of 
daily nourishing fever-patients consists in giving a 
frequent, almost continuous supply of liquid nutriment, 
containing very soluble aliments in a dilute form. 
Stress must be laid on almost every one of these terms. 
The supply of food must be f requent, almost continuous ; 130 
DIET FOE FEVERS AND INFLAMMATIONS. 
it must be liquid, requiring no effort of mastication, 
making as little demand as possible on the digestive 
functions; the aliments it contains must be of a concen- 
trated character, of pure and highly nutritive quality, 
and yet in a dilute form, in such a condition as to be 
very soluble by the digestive secretions, and easily 
assimilated by the vessels and glands. Such a supply 
excludes solid food, and large quantities of food at a 
time. 
Preeminent in the treatment of fevers is the free 
allowance of pure cold water. The patient craves it, 
and he may take it in frequently repeated mouthfuls, as 
it is nature calling loudly for a simple and cooling fluid. 
Milk is the most suitable food. It is what has been pro- 
vided for the weakest organism, and contains all that is 
required for nourishment. It is the sheet-anchor in 
typhoid fever. If half a quarter of a pint be given every 
hour, or a quarter of a pint, or even more, every two 
hours, a fair amount of nutriment will be imbibed. The 
administration of milk will, however, require watching, 
in case the acidity of the stomach should cause the for- 
mation and ejection of cheesy lumps. To avert this 
result, a little lime-water or soda-water may be added to 
the milk. Whey will be found refreshing and grateful; 
and sour buttermilk is not to be despised. Beef-juice or 
jelly, mutton-broth or beef-tea, with as small a quantity 
of the meat-fibre as possible, may take the place of milk 
in many instances. If these are regularly and freely 
given, the danger of starvation is averted, the emaciation 
which attends convalescence is lessened, and the occur- 
rence of serious secondary disorders is rendered less 
probable. In all cases it is extremely important that, 
from the first, small quantities of very nutritious food 
should be given regularly and persistently. 
Barley-water, water slightly sweetened, toast-water, DIET FOE EEYEES AND INFLAMMATIONS. 
131 
weak lemonade, grnel and extract of meat, are valuable 
variations of diet. When there is disrelish for food, or 
difficulty of swallowing arising from the arrest of the 
mucous secretions of the mouth and throat, the parched 
lips and tongue may he moistened by a little lemon- 
juice and water, or other agreeable fluid, a few min- 
utes before food is taken. Sometimes the mouth is 
so foul with slime that great attention is essential to 
keep it clean; and it may be necessary to wipe it out 
frequently with a soft rag, moist with a weak solution of 
permanganate of potash. The cleaner the mouth is kept 
the better, and it should be invariably cleansed before 
giving food. Sucking and swallowing small bits of ice 
is both grateful and useful. If prostration, feeble and 
irregular circulation, or complications indicate it, wine 
or brandy must be given, but the quantity of stimulants, 
and indeed of nourishment, must be regulated by the 
character of the pulse and the condition of the nervous 
system. Some allowance of alcohol is indicated when 
there is great prostration of strength, or trembling of the 
hands, or quivering of the voice, or low, muttering deli- 
rium when the patient is left quiet. It should always be 
borne in mind that alcoholic drinks are not food, afford 
no nutrition and cannot take the place of food. They 
are stimulating auxiliaries, but can never render nour- 
ishment unnecessary, and should never be administered 
except with the greatest care and discretion. Roast- 
apples, grapes, strawberries, oranges, pomegranates, 
lemons, and other ripe pulpy fruit in season may often 
be given, in the absence of diarrhea, provided all skins 
and seeds be rejected. They are cooling to the mouth, 
and pleasant to the taste. They are all more wholesome 
before other food than after. But at a certain stage of 
typhoid fever, fruits are not admissible, in consequence 
of the danger of extensive ulcerations, which are so 
common in this disease. 132 
DIET FOR FEVERS AFD INFLAMMATION'S. 
Fresh eggs are highly nutritious, and if taken raw or 
“beaten up with milk or water, are quickly assimilated. 
They may also be beaten up with a little wine, if stimu- 
lants are advisable. If, however, the eggs “be stale, or 
if the albumen be hardened by cooking, or if from the- 
state of the stomach the digestion be slow, eggs will do. 
more harm than good. Generally speaking, they had 
better be avoided till the gastric functions are restored, 
during convalescence. 
As a rule, the temperature of food in sickness should 
be as nearly as possible that of the natural heat of the 
body—about 98°. But in cases of fever or diarrhea, or 
where there is considerable nausea, the cooler it is the 
better. When there is inflammation of the stomach or 
bowels, or where vomiting is present, the food should 
invariably be in a liquid form, given quite cold, and only 
a few spoonfuls at a time. A very little pepsin may be: 
helpful in such cases. 
When there is considerable prostration, when the- 
patient cannot be raised without danger of fainting, or 
when he ought not to be moved from the recumbent 
posture at all, as in typhoid fever or cholera, the liquid 
food is best given by a china feeding-cup, and not by a 
spoon; for taking food by.literal spoonfuls is often a 
source of irritation to the sufferer, who prefers being left, 
alone and without food rather than troubled to take it 
in driblets. But the same vessel, or even another of the- 
same appearance, should not be used for both food and 
medicine. 
Sometimes it is necessary to give food otherwise than 
by the mouth, as at the height or latter end of acute 
fevers. Injections then become necessary, and life may 
often be sustained for some time by nutritive injections 
given by this means. Food must in such cases be blood- 
warm, diluted, and slowly injected as far as possible.. DIET FOR HEART-DISEASE. 
133 
If the injection be farinaceous, as barley-water or gruel, 
the addition of a little diastase (in the shape of malt 
•extract) will to some extent supply the deficiency of 
saliva. If it consist of broth or beef-tea, the addition of 
a little pepsin will supply the lack of gastric juice. Not 
more than a quarter of a pint should be given at a time. 
Diet for Fever-Patients—Barley-water; water- 
gruel ; rice-gruel; toast-water; wliite-wine whey; rennet- 
whey ; alum-whey ; lemonade ; linseed-tea ; arrow-root; 
egg-soup ; panada ; chicken-broth ; mutton-broth; beef- 
tea; malt tea; tea; biscuit and milk; bread-pudding; 
rice-pudding ; batter-pudding; mashed potato; enema. 
DIET FOR HEART-DISEASE. 
A diseased heart is a feeble heart, and its impulse is 
•slow ; hence the circulation of blood is sluggish, and the 
absorption of liquids through the mucous membranes 
is retarded. The consequence of this is that liquids are 
slowly absorbed by the stomach, and if any large quan- 
tity be taken at once, this occasions considerable 
inconvenience, and interferes with the digestion of solid 
food. The distention of the stomach also interferes with 
the action of the heart, already too slow and labored. 
In heart-disease, then, only a moderate amount of 
liquid should be taken at once. Dry diet is accom- 
panied by less discomfort. Soup should not be taken 
at the commencement of dinner; drink taken during 
the meal should only be sipped, and should not be 
oold. Between meals thirst should be quenched by 
sips. Dry diet is especially indicated if the sufferer be 134 
DIET FOK BALDNESS. 
corpulent, particularly if fat has accumulated about the 
chest. The diet should be nitrogenous and nourishing. 
If dropsy supervene, it will be necessary to aid the func- 
tions of the kidneys and skin by imbibing a considerable 
quantity of water; but as soon as the dropsical tendency 
is arrested, the dry diet should be resumed. 
DIET FOR BALDNESS. 
As the cause of this malady is undoubtedly exhausted 
nutrition, we must turn our attention to the restoration 
of the nutritive functions as the first step towards its 
cure. Abstinence from all stimulants is an important, 
feature in the diet, for if is a fact that reparative power, 
especially in baldness, is encouraged by total suspension 
of wine, beer, etc., good wholesome food taking their 
place. Fat is essential, it being the great nerve-restorer, 
besides supplying the scalp with the lacking material: 
it may be taken in the form of butter, cream, cheese (if 
it can be digested), cod-liver oil and milk; should 
the latter be found too heavy, it may be taken in the 
form of cafe au lait. Bacon for breafast is also useful, 
its value consisting in the quantity of fat which it con- 
tains in a compact form; and when broiled in slices, 
which secures thorough cooking, it rarely disagrees even 
with the most delicate stomach. The lean portions are 
of less value, and when too highly cured, bacon becomes 
less amenable to the gastric juices. 
Stimulation to the scalp is also useful. We approve of 
our American remedy only in part; namely, “Use 
brandy externally until the hair grows, and take it 
internally to clinch the roots.” DIET FOR DIPHTHERIA. 
135 
When hair begins to grow again after failure, it is soft 
and downy, like an infant’s; it is well, therefore, to 
strengthen it by shaving; hence Dr. Godfrey’s advice, 
“ It is a good plan to mow the cranial lawns once a fort- 
night, until stubble takes the place of down.” 
DIET FOR DIPHTHERIA. 
One of the characteristics of this disease is great pros- 
tration. To counteract this, the strength of the patient 
must he well sustained by nourishment from the very 
commencement. He must therefore be urged to swallow 
in spite of the pain which this act generally occasions. 
Eggs beaten up in milk ; beef-tea slightly thickened with 
rice or pearl-barley; arrow-root or sago, with port or 
sherry. A teaspoonful of pure glycerine every three or 
four hours, and as much wine as the patient can take 
short of intoxication is recommended by some physi- 
cians, who say it will do much to sustain strength. 
If vomiting occur, constantly sucking small pieces of 
ice tends to allay it. It also affords comfort to the 
patient by arresting the constant hawking up of mucus, 
which is usually abundantly secreted. As a diluent, the 
melted ice promotes the action of the kidneys. 
Children will sometimes persistently refuse to swallow 
because it gives them pain, and they cannot understand 
the necessity for bearing the pain in order to nourish 
the system. In such cases nutritive injections must be 
employed. About an ounce of fluid should be given at 
a time. The injections should be commenced (if neces- 
sary) as soon as the true character of the disease is 
known, and repeated every four hours. 136 
DIET FOE CORPULENCE, OR OBESITY. 
MET FOR CORPULENCE, OR OBESITY. 
Some years ago considerable interest was excited by 
the publication of a method of treatment by which Mr. 
Banting had succeeded in reducing his cumbersome cor- 
pulence to a condition of health, and his weight from 
202 lbs. to 156 lbs. There was nothing in this result 
that might not have been physiologically anticipated 
from the dietetic measures he adopted. But he brought 
into prominence the fact that such measures will prove 
most effective without medicinal aid. It has been judi- 
ciously pointed out by Dr. Pavy, that the reduction in 
weight is not only due to the changes made in the ele- 
mentary constituents of the diet taken, but also in its 
quantity; and that it is unsafe to adopt his scale with- 
out discrimination, for it barely comes up to what is 
regarded as “ hospital subsistence diet.” 
Mr. Banting states that his original dietary table com- 
prised ‘‘ bread and milk for breakfast, or a pint of tea 
with plenty of milk, sugar and buttered toast; meat, 
beer, much bread and pastry for dinner; the meal of tea 
similar to that of breakfast; and generally a fruit- 
tart or bread and milk for supper.” The chief feature 
of this is the exclusion of vegetables and alcoholic 
drinks. Subsequently he adopted the following scale: 
Breakfast at 9 a. m.; five to six ounces of either beef, 
mutton, kidneys, broiled fish, bacon or cold meat of any 
kind, except pork or veal; a large cup of tea or coffee 
(without milk or sugar), a little biscuit, or one ounce of 
dry toast; making together six ounces of solids and 
nine of liquids. DIET FOR CORPULENCE, OR OBESITY. 
137 
Dinner at 2 p. m.; five or six ounces of any fish except 
salmon, herrings or eels; any meat except pork or veal; 
any vegetable except potato, parsnips, beet, turnip or 
carrot; one ounce of dry toast; fruit out of a pudding not 
sweetened; any kind of poultry or game; and two or 
three glasses of good claret, sherry or Madeira; cham- 
pagne, port and beer forbidden; making together ten to 
twelve ounces of solids and ten of liquids. 
Tea at 6 p. m.; two or three ounces of cooked fruit, 
a rusk or two, and a cup of tea without milk or sugar; 
making two to four ounces of solids and nine of liquids. 
Supper at 9 p. m.; three or four ounces of meat or fish, 
similar to dinner; with a glass or two of claret or sherry 
and water; making four ounces of solids and seven of 
liquids. 
Sugar, says Mr. Banting, is the most active of all fat- 
forming foods ; for he has repeatedly observed that five 
ounces of sugar distributed over seven days (less than 
an ounce a day) augmented his weight nearly a pound 
by the end of that time. Other prohibited substances 
do not produce such obvious results; but he made it a 
rule to avoid all roots or vegetables grown under- 
ground, all fat, and all farinaceous matters, eating 
bread only when it was properly toasted. 
For athletic exercises it is often found necessary to 
Teduce the weight and size; and from the regimen 
adopted in training, some hints may be gathered for the 
guidance of those who are corpulent. For athletes the 
following dieting has been recommended : Breakfast at 
8; the lean of mutton or beef without fat; dry toast, bis- 
cuit or oat-cake; a tumbler of claret and water, or a 
large cup of tea without milk or sugar, or with a slice of 
lemon. Luncheon at 1; bread or biscuit, Dutch cheese, 
salads, roasted apples, radishes; after eating, a little 
water, claret and water, or unsweetened lemonade. 138 
DIET FOR CORPULENCE, OR OBESITY. 
Dinner at 5 or 6; fresh meat of any kind except pork 
and veal, and without fat or skin; green vegetables, but 
no potatoes, pastry or made dishes; a jelly, lemon-ice 
or roasted apple; claret and water dnring dinner, one 
glass of Madeira or sherry after it. 
For the reduction of general obesity the preceding 
dietaries may therefore be thus epitomized: 
Admissible—Lean meat, poultry, game, eggs, milk in 
moderation, green vegetables, turnips, succulent fruit, 
light wines, dry sherry and bitter ale, all in great mod- 
eration ; brown bread in moderation, wheaten bread in 
greater moderation, digestive biscuits, gluten-biscuits. 
Prohibited—Fat in every form, butter, cream, sugar 
and sweets of every kind, pastry and puddings, potatoes, 
carrots, parsnips, beets, rice, sago and other farinaceous 
articles, porter, stout and sweet ales, port and sweet 
wines. 
Exercise and baths are essential adjuncts to dietary 
treatment in the reduction of corpulence. But the neces- 
sity for carefulness in the diet is increased by the fact 
that a corpulent person cannot usually take exercise suf- 
ficient to walk off the diet. If violent exertion be ex- 
hausting, digestion is interfered with; and at the same 
time the fat that unavoidably exists in the meat is 
assimilated, so that the fatty tissue grows, while the 
muscular and nervous strength is diminished. Many 
stout persons are already active; and any considerable 
addition to their activity would add to their discomfort, 
and possibly prove injurious. Hence the necessity for 
strict attention to regimen. DIET FOR RICKETS. 
139 
DIET FOR RICKETS. 
Rickets is essentially a disease of mal-nutrition, and 
is not hereditary, as scrofula often is. It is a disease of 
early childhood, manifesting itself as early as the seventh 
to the eighteenth month, rarely after the twenty-fourth. 
Every organ of the body is implicated, although it is 
most manifest in the bones, which are deficient in lime- 
elements. They are therefore gelatinous, soft and yield- 
ing. This deficiency in the more substantial bony 
particles is caused by improper diet, and is only to be 
corrected by supplying what is proper. Rickets does 
not occur in children who are kept too long at the breast, 
but among those that are weaned too soon. It is not 
because they are supplied with milk, but because they 
are fed too soon on meat and vegetables. It is never so 
common as in babes that are weaned before the teeth are 
sufficiently forward, and fed on pap, potatoes, bacon 
and beef. It occurs far too commonly in the great cen- 
ters of population, where mothers are induced to neglect 
their children in order to go to work, and especially in 
large manufacturing towns, where they go to mills far 
too soon after babies are born. For rickety children 
nothing can take the place of milk—first the mother’s 
milk, if it be good; next comes milk diluted with water, 
and sweetened with sugar-of-milk; even skim-milk is 
better than none at all. And the milk may form a large 
proportion of the diet after the age of infancy is passed. 
Cod-liver oil, animal broths and fresh meat may then be 
given. The administration of a moderate quantity of 
finely scraped, raw beef, made into a palatable sand- 140 
DIET IX HYSTERIA. 
wich, salted and peppered, is much to be recommended. 
Malt or barley-food is specially suitable for rickety 
children. It may be prepared in the following manner: 
Four tablespoonfuls of ground malt should be boiled 
for ten minutes in a pint of water, the liquid poured off, 
and a pint of new milk added. The sediment from the 
husk, if finely ground need not be removed, as it is very 
nutritious and rich in bone-forming materials. Cod- 
liver oil has a specific action in this disease, but should 
only be given in small doses, ten to twenty drops at first, 
and the quantity gradually increased to a teaspoonful. 
During its administration the evacuations should be ex- 
amined, for the appearance and odor of the oil in them 
are signs that the quantity should be reduced. 
DIET IN HYSTERIA. 
In this disorder the diet should he a generous, varied 
and highly nitrogenous one. Fish or bacon may be 
taken for breakfast, which will be generally more accept- 
able and better relished if a cold bath or spinal douche 
has been taken on rising. For the other meals the diet 
should be as nutritive as the digestive organs will per- 
mit without causing disturbance. But the chief point to 
be noted here is the disuse of wine, beer and spirits. 
The daily consumption of alcoholic beverages, for the 
debility from which patients imagine they suffer, should 
be strenuously opposed, for this, instead of conferring 
benefit, only tends to confirm the worst symptom of the 
complaint. There is, further, danger to be apprehended 
lest the patient should in time learn to enjoy the pleas- DIET FOR DIARRHEA. 
141 
urable sensations yielded by alcohol so highly that in the 
end she becomes an inebriate. A feeling of exhaustion 
or faintness from defective or perverted nervous supplies 
may indeed be removed by stimulants, but the exhaus- 
tion quickly returns, and with it the temptation again to 
seek relief by the same means. It is most difficult to 
persuade the patient that the sensations of faintness or 
exhaustion are really aggravated by stimulants, and 
that if she will abstain from the delusive draught and 
adopt rational methods of cure, nerve-power will return, 
and with it appetite and other normal functions. 
“ The best way of breaking off the habit of yielding to 
the perverted sensation which so insidiously cries for 
alcohol,” writes Dr. Chambers, “is immediately and 
altogether to relinquish it. Terrible sometimes is the 
struggle, yet it is a bracing and ennobling conflict; 
whereas the long-continued daily annoyance of giving it 
up little by little is on the whole quite as painful, and is 
often enfeebling to the mind. Moreover, courage is like- 
lier to give way in a month than in a day.” 
DIET FOR DIARRHEA. 
In recent cases of diarrhea food should be given spar- 
ingly, consisting of light, non-irritating articles—gruel, 
rice, baked rice-pudding, arrow-root, arrow-root biscuits, 
Neave’s food prepared with an extra quantity of milk, 
and other farinaceous substances, which should be taken 
cool. The temperature of food is very important; cold 
milk and lime-water will often arrest infantile diarrhea, 
when warm milk would be useless. If severe sickness 
be superadded, all preparations of milk may have to be 142 
DIET FOR DIARRHEA. 
suspended for a few hours, and whey, veal-hroth, Mellin’s 
patent extract, water or harley-water substituted. Raw 
meat or juice sometimes acts favorably in diarrhea of 
young children. 
In chronic diarrhea the diet should be nutritious, but 
restricted to the most digestible kinds of food; mutton, 
chicken, pigeon, game and white fish are generally suit- 
able, if not over-cooked. Tender beef is not inadmissible 
in many cases. Pork, veal, and all tough portions of 
meat should be avoided. Starchy foods—arrow-root, 
sago, etc.—are insufficient for prolonged cases of diar- 
rhea, but are improved by a mixture with good milk. 
Old rice, well boiled in milk, taken directly it is pre- 
pared, forms excellent nourishment. Raw or half-cooked 
eggs, and good, sound, ripe grapes in moderation, may 
generally be taken. Mucilaginous drinks—barley-water, 
gum-water, linseed-tea, etc., are the most suitable. Beer 
never agrees. Milk and lime-water or scalded milk con- 
stitutes the best diet; in feverish conditions it may be 
iced; soda-water may be occasionally substituted for 
lime-water. Restricting a patient entirely to this diet 
is often alone sufficient to cure most cases of diarrhea, 
not dependent on any organic cause. Even in the latter 
case much temporary benefit is generally gained. The 
alkaline milk-diet may be taken in small meals at regu- 
lar intervals. 
As an important accessory to the above, the applica- 
tion of a moderately tightly fitting flannel bandage 
around the abdomen is very valuable. Rest in the 
recumbent posture is especially desirable in acute cases. DIET FOE DEOPSY. 
143 
DIET FOR DROPSY. 
In acute dropsy the diet should be similar to that in 
acute fever; in chronic dropsy patients require nourish- 
ing diet to meet the exhaustion that commonly exists, 
but on account of that extreme feebleness, easily digesti- 
ble food only 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, and may be taken ad libitum, 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 
popular notion that drinking water increases dropsy is 
entirely erroneous. 
DIET IN ECZEMA AND OTHER SKIN- 
DISEASES. 
Cod-liver oil is a dietetic medicine of great value in 
eczema, especially in tlie chronic stage, and when 
attended with emaciation. Children will often take it 
greedily in its natural state. It may be given with 
safety to the youngest infant; or it may be given in the 
form of cod-liver oil chocolate. The daily use of vegeta- 
ble food is a point that should be rigidly adhered to, 144 
DIET IH DISEASES OF THE LIVEE. 
especially such as is eaten uncooked—lettuce, celery, 
water-cresses, etc.; for vegetables contain potash-salts, 
which are needed by the blood, but are abstracted in 
the process of boiling. The juice of meat is very valua- 
ble ; it may be given alone as beef or mutton-tea, or 
mixed with other food. Salted and cured meats are 
decidedly objectionable, except fat bacon, which is 
recommended for breakfast. For infants the cod-liver 
oil is especially valuable ; also good milk in large quan- 
tity, chicken-broth, etc. This provision of fresh meat 
and vegetables, combined with the use of pure, soft water 
for bathing, will be found very helpful in the relief of 
all cutaneous disorders. 
DIET IN DISEASES OF THE LIVER. 
As diseases of the liver are very frequently occasioned 
Iby errors in diet, careful regimen fills a most important 
place in the treatment of the functional disorders of that 
organ. Temporary disturbance and chronic derange- 
ment alike call for limitation in the articles of food. 
The morbid condition which is indicated by jaundice, 
its yellow discolorations, lassitude and sense of weight 
and fullness, must be met as much by prohibitions of 
diet as by prescriptions of medicine. As the two lead- 
ing causes of diseases of the liver are too abundant,- 
highly seasoned, stimulating diet and the habitual use 
of alcoholic drinks, these should be persistently avoided. 
Excesses at the table, which cause the introduction into 
the system of a great variety of noxious matter's which 
clog the functional processes and overload the diges- diet IX DISEASES OF THE LIVER. 
145 
tive organs, must "be supplanted "by moderation and 
abstinence. Heavy meals, sweet and oily articles of 
diet, and alcoholic stimulants must not be allowed. A 
minimum quantity of albuminous food should be taken, 
in order that the quantity of uric acid may be lessened; 
and a minimum quantity of carbonaceous food, in order 
that the uric acid may be oxydized as much as possible. 
Great regularity should be observed in the hours of 
meals, and only light and nutritious food taken. When, 
acute symptoms are present, chicken-broth, beef-tea, 
toasted bread scalded with hot water and flavored with 
a little sugar, roasted apples, and cold water ad libitum, 
constitute the most suitable diet. All food, when a more 
varied regimen is admissible, should be properly cooked, 
and the quantity taken should be proportioned to the 
amount of physical work that has to be performed ; for 
one of the most common auxilaries of liver-disorders is 
deficiency of out-door exercise and the maintenance of 
sedentary habits. 
Those that are subject to diseases of the liver should 
studiously abstain from malt liquors, port-wine, cham- 
pagne, and other strong wines and spirits. Entire absti- 
nence will be attended with no serious results; there 
might be temporary inconvenience due to a craving for 
what had been habitual, which would be modified by a 
little coffee or tea, and -would be speedily overcome; but 
abstinence at that cost would act beneficially on the, 
functions of the liver. 146 
DIET IX IXEAXCY. 
DIET IN INFANCY. 
Infancy is not naturally a period of sickness; "but it is 
a time in which sickness is often induced by errors in 
diet. Indeed, there is no more fruitful source of suffer- 
ing and death at this period than unsuitable or excessive 
feeding. 
Milk is the natural food of infants, and nothing can 
altogether take its place. If the mother’s milk be with- 
held, unless the milk of another carefully selected mother 
be substituted, the child will suffer. This alone con- 
tains the elements suitable for the growth of the infant, 
and in such form and proportions as can be digested; 
for during the first period of infancy all the digestive 
functions are not in operation. There are no teeth for 
the mastication of food, there is no saliva to dissolve it 
and facilitate its assimilation; while the stomach and 
intestines are in such a susceptible and delicate state, 
that they are easily deranged even by the unsuitable 
food which may be eaten by the mother. There are 
thus physiological indications that the digestive capacity 
is limited, and that no other food is suitable besides that 
which the Creator has provided in the mother’s milk. 
When the teeth begin to appear and the maternal milk 
begins to fail, this may be supplemented by light farina- 
ceous diet. 
If the mother’s milk fail and a substitute cannot be 
provided, the milk of the cow should be used, as it 
approaches most nearly to woman’s milk in its constitu- 
ent elements. It is of course important that the milk 
should come from a cow or from a dairy where the cows DIET IX IXFAXCY. 
147 
are in a healthy condition and well cared for. It is a 
question whether or not milk should "be always obtained 
from one particular cow, though this is desirable. But it is 
essential for the health of the infant that the milk be 
supplied from cows fed on wholesome food. It is also 
essential that the cow has not very recently calved. 
And the fresher the milk the better ; for as the mother’s 
milk deteriorates by remaining in the breast after the 
draught comes on, so the cow’s milk is deteriorated by 
standing. New milk warm from the cow is the best for 
children at any age. 
"When given to the child the milk of the cow should 
be assimilated as nearly as possible to that of the 
mother. It should be diluted in the proportion of two- 
thirds of milk to one-tliird of soft, pure, tepid water, to 
each pint of which should have been previously added a 
drachm of sugar-of-milk (which being extracted from 
milk is far preferable to cane-sugar, and two grains of 
finely powdered phosphate of lime). If the milk has 
been skimmed, a large tablespoonful of cream should 
be added to each pint of milk; if not skimmed, the 
addition of two teaspoonfuls will suffice. After a time 
the proportion of water may be lessened. It is of impor- 
tance that after the child has been fed the bottle be 
washed with a weak solution of soda, and that the teat 
be put into cold water, there to remain till wanted. 
Condensed milk, i. e., milk from which much of the 
water has been Evaporated, and to which a large propor- 
tion of cane-sugar has been added, is now used to a large 
extent as a substitute for fresh milk. Its recommenda- 
tions are that it is cheap, and always ready to hand for 
the preparation of a meal. But it is doubtful if in such 
preparation sufficient water is usually added, if the milk 
is not too much sweetened, and if infants fed on it do 
not acquire a plumpness which is due to the increase of 148 
DIET IN’ INFANCY. 
fat rather than of flesh. It is hard to say that it ought 
not to he used, especially when there is difficulty in 
obtaining a supply of fresh and pure cow’s milk. In 
using it, it should he remembered that it is to he diluted 
not merely to the consistence of ordinary cow’s milk, 
hut to the substitute for woman’s milk. 
When dribbling commences and the teeth begin to* 
appear, the infant may be fed on bread-sop, sweetened 
with sugar of milk, bread-crusts which he can suck and 
gnaw, plain biscuits, biscuit-powder, parched flour and 
rusks, or Neave’s farinaceous food; but fancy-biscuits 
are objectionable. It is not till the glands secrete saliva 
that the child is able to digest starchy food. 
And it may be observed that not only is the maternal 
milk the very best diet that a mother can give to her 
child, but the best part of it is when “the draught 
comes in.” The reason for this is that it has just been 
secreted, and is therefore in the most refined and perfect 
condition. Every minute that it remains in the gland 
after secretion it deteriorates, for particles are separated 
which never reunite; and thus the assimilation by the 
child is less easy. 
A little mutton-broth, weak beef-tea or chicken-soup 
may be occasionally added. But these additions to 
milk-diet should be only gradually made. Premature 
weaning is to be most strongly deprecated; its advan- 
tages are superficial, its evils lasting. It has been shown 
by M. Guerin that too early weaning is the most fruitful 
cause of rickets. The child may appear to be well, his 
muscles firm; he may be active and desirous to walk; 
but the bones have not grown, the limbs yield and be- 
come distorted. The bow-legged children so common in 
manufacturing districts suffer thus in consequence of' 
neglect in infancy. 
There are circumstances, however, which justify early DIET IN IXFANCY. 
149 
weaning. If tlie mother be a feeble woman, if she be sub- 
ject to any acute disease or chronic affection, or if she 
show signs of suffering from continued lactation or nurs- 
ing—such as headache, dimness of sight, shortness of 
breath, palpitation or night-sweats, the maternal nursing 
should be discontinued. And the discontinuance may be 
desirable at the end of the sixth month, or even of the 
first or second; for persistence in nursing is then preju- 
dicial to both mother and child. 
But the period of weaning should under ordinary cir- 
cumstances be determined by the growth of the teeth 
and by the child’s age. Milk should be the predominant 
food till the eye-teeth are cut; it is then not difficult to 
resume a diet of milk altogether, if in connection with 
dentition, or teething, there be diarrhea, convulsions or 
other ailments. From seven to twenty months of age 
farinaceous matters (flour-foods) may be mixed in gradu- 
ally increasing quantities with the milk; but they should 
be well cooked first by being baked and then dissolved 
by boiling. 
Prof. Buckingham is of opinion (and we quite agree 
with him) that a healthy mother should nurse her child 
until the first sixteen teeth are cut; and that if she cannot 
nurse it so long, it should have no other diet but milk. 
He states that careful observation has confirmed him in 
this opinion, for although early deaths may be produced 
by other causes, the great majority of infants who die 
fall victims in their second summer, when the changes 
due to teething are going on, and their stomachs have 
been loaded with indigestible food. Up to three years 
old, the quantity of flours may be increased and given as 
puddings with a little egg. Bread and butter may also 
be given, and towards the end of that time a well-boiled, 
mealy potato with a little red gravy may be given for 
dinner. 150 
DIET IX IXFAXCY. 
But no child should "be allowed to touch animal food 
of any kind until its eye-teeth and first molars are devel- 
oped. The late Sir C. Clarke used to say that the frequent 
infraction of this rule was worth $50,000 a year to him; 
his practice lying chiefly among the children of the 
wealthier classes in England. After that age the quan- 
tity and quality of meat allowed should he carefully 
graduated according to the constitution of the child, 
those of a sanguine temperament requiring less animal 
and more farinaceous food, while the more robust and 
less sensitive need more solid nutriment. 
One of the greatest mistakes committed in feeding 
children consists in giving them too frequent meals, or 
allowing them to he continually eating, particularly in 
allowing them sweetmeats and other indigestible articles 
to be consumed between meals. After two years of 
age, an interval of four hours between meals is rarely 
more than enough, and to give biscuit, fruit-bread or 
sweetmeats in the meantime is just subtracting so much 
from the digestive powers of the stomach which, like 
every other organ, requires an interval of repose after 
action. 
And here we may add a very strong protest against tne 
practice of giving (even occasionally) alcoholic stimu- 
lants to infants and children. The ignorance which 
prompts some parents to give their children beer, wine 
and even spirits, is marvellous as it is culpable. Such 
drinks are quite unnecessary ; an immediate injury is 
inflicted on the child, and tastes and habits are formed 
which will prove baneful in after life. In proof that 
immediate injury is inflicted, the following fact may be 
cited: An ingenious surgeon tried the following experi- 
ment: he gave to two of his children, for a week 
alternately, to the one a full glass of sherry, and to the 
other a large orange. The effects that followed were DIET IX OLD AGE. 
151 
sufficient to prove the injurious tendency of various 
liquors. In the one the pulse was quickened, the heat 
increased, the secretions morbidly altered and the flow 
of bile diminished; while the other had every appear- 
ance that indicated high health. The same effects 
followed when the experiment was reversed, when the 
orange-girl took wine, and the wine-girl had an orange. 
The injury cannot be less decided when infants, with 
their delicate and susceptible organizations, sip the beer 
and wine their parents indulge in. 
DIET IN ODD AGE. 
With the decline of life there is a diminution of the 
activity of the secretions and of the assimilative func- 
tions. Disintegrated cell-tissue is hut tardily repaired, 
and the muscles become soft, flabby and pale from an 
insufficient supply of blood; there is therefore a diminu- 
tion of physical strength. The nervous functions are 
also only imperfectly performed. Hence it is necessary 
that there should be some modifications in the diet when 
a person has passed middle life. Very old people, and 
those who have lost their teeth, are in danger of swallow- 
ing food before it has been sufficiently broken up and 
moistened with saliva, thus giving rise to indigestion and 
imperfect assimilation. 
Indigestible and innutritious articles of diet should 
therefore be studiously avoided. The items which were 
harmless in the vigor of life are now harmful, and must 
be eschewed. Heavy puddings and pastry overload the 
stomach. Meat should be tender and nutritious, with 152 
DIET IX OLD AGE. 
the gravy in it; flesh firmer, of tougher fibre, and dried 
pieces should be left to younger consumers. Still there 
should be in flesh and vegetable sufficient solidity and 
tenacity to compel mastication, and thus promote the 
secretion of saliva and gastric juice. Soups and broths 
are nutritious, but they should not contain solid vegeta- 
bles, which might be swallowed without previous solution 
by the salivary secretion. 
If sleeplessness be troublesome, an egg, a sandwich 
-or a few biscuits, with a little warm wine and water or a 
glass of bitter ale, the last thing before going to bed, 
will be found serviceable. 
Attention should be paid to the teeth. These little 
organs of mastication perform a very important part in the 
preparatory process of digestion. Those that are sound 
should be preserved; those that are beginning to decay 
should receive the immediate care of the dentist. Artifi- 
cial teeth are very valuable substitutes for lost natural 
teeth; and when a set has been procured, they should be 
examined every few months by the dentist so that they 
may be fitted to the shrinking gums, and their grinding 
surfaces kept in apposition. The roughness of those 
surfaces also becomes worn down, and consequently the 
trituration of food is incomplete. Teeth should be 
obtained not merely to improve personal appearance, 
but also to promote mastication and healthy digestion. DIET FOR TRAVELERS 
153 
DIET FOR TRAVELERS. 
One of the common errors of ordinary travelers is that 
they eat and drink too much on their way. For want of 
occupation, and under the excitement of traveling, more 
is eaten than a healthy appetite really calls for, more 
than the stomach can properly digest, and more than the 
system actually needs. In the course of a long journey 
it is sometimes necessary to time the refreshments "by 
the stopping places at which they can he obtained; hut 
as nearly as possible the ordinary periods for taking 
meals should he observed. Sandwiches, or some other 
light repast, will allay the appetite, and will meet all the 
requirements of the system in a state of repose, and 
when no physical or mental demands are made upon it. 
Warm coffee or tea is much to he preferred as a beverage 
to beer or spirits; the warmth is grateful to the con- 
sumer in cold weather, and the perspiration induced is 
cooling in hot weather, care being taken in the latter 
case not to sit in a draught. The stimulating effect of 
alcoholic drinks is undesirable for the drinker; while 
the exhalations therefrom are obnoxious to other trav- 
elers. 
Invalid travelers are, however, more in danger of eat- 
ing too little than too much. They have to guard against 
the exhaustion of fatigue as well as to maintain the tone 
of a system already enfeebled. And they are often so 
injudicious as to tax their powers of endurance to the 
utmost by attempting too much in the course of a day. 
In traveling, say, to winter in Florida and other parts of 
the south, there is often eager haste to reach the end of 154 
DIET EOR TRAVELERS. 
the journey, involving needless and injurious fatigue. 
The day-journeys are often too long, the night-rest is 
often too short; and if the invalid travels by “ easy 
stages,” he is often guilty of the indiscretion of attempt- 
ing a little sight-seeing, which is incompatible with the 
conservation of strength which is really needed. Pre- 
mising that too much is not attempted, and that some 
friend relieves the invalid of all charge of luggage, 
tickets, etc., and secures prompt entrance into the wait- 
ing-rooms, we will point out what is desirable with refer- 
ence to food. Arrangement should be made before 
starting for an ample supply of what may be required 
by the invalid, and in such form and manner that it may 
be taken when the appetite calls for it. An invalid 
should not have to wait for what may happen to be at 
the next station, with its hurry and excitement. A 
basket should be tilled with essentials — a chicken, 
pheasant, ox-tongue, a plain cake, plain biscuits, butter, 
grapes and whatever the patient may and can take. 
Rolls can always be obtained at the hotels. The basket 
should also be replenished on the way. A little fore- 
thought will provide whatever is suitable, tasty, and 
easily handled in a railway train. The demands of 
appetite can thus be met when they are most keen, and 
the invalid is saved from irritation and exhaustion. 
Travelers by sea should prepare themselves a few 
days before the voyage for the new conditions to which 
they will be subject. Besides taking such medicines as 
may improve the digestion, over-repletion, irregularity 
in taking food, rich and indigestible diet, and everything 
likely to disagree should be avoided. During the early 
part of the voyage, unless the weather be very fine or 
the traveler be used to the sea, he should remain in his 
berth in a horizontal posture, and take chiefly liquid 
food, such as beef-tea, chicken-broth or such light diet. DIET IX MATERNITY. 
155 
Champagne—iced if possible—is the best beverage if it 
suit the stomach. Soda-water, with a small quantity of 
brandy, often suits well. Drinking a tumbler of tepid 
fresh icater facilitates sickness and thus brings prompt 
relief. When the sickness subsides and the appetite 
returns, a cup of good coffee without milk or sugar, 
with a plain biscuit or a small slice of toast, is often 
grateful. 
DIET IN MATERNITY. 
The expectant mother should make few changes in 
her diet, if it he simple, nutritious and easily digested. 
It is an error to suppose that she should eat and drink 
excessively. Quality is to he considered rather than 
quantity. Rich food does not nourish the infant, and 
may he productive of serious consequences. Whatever 
is taken should he thoroughly masticated, and accom- 
panied hy a little cold drink, as milk and soda-water. 
Animal food, plainly cooked, once a day, well hoiled 
vegetables, ripe fruit and farinaceous puddings, will 
afford sufficient variety, and at the same time not dis- 
agree with the stomach. Highly seasoned dishes, salted 
and smoked meat, pastry, rich sauces and much raw 
fruit are ohjectionahle. Strong tea and coffee, wines, 
heer, spirits and stimulants are usually injurious to 
mother and child. Everything that is likely to produce 
constipation should he avoided; while such food as 
small quantities of hrown bread, biscuits and cooked 
fruits are to he taken to maintain a healthy action of the 
bowels. 156 
DIET IN MATERNITY. 
The recent mother should be allowed to have as much 
good nutritious food as she desires, and can easily digest 
and assimilate. As soon after delivery as the appetite 
returns, substantial, nourishing diet may be given. If 
the appetite be poor (perhaps from exhaustion or want 
of fresh air, or want of exercise), it may be at once 
tempted by some simple but palatable food, without 
waiting for it to become stronger. A mutton-chop or the 
breast of a chicken, oatmeal-porridge, cold toast but- 
tered, bread and butter, light farinaceous puddings, 
gruel, cocoa, black tea, etc., may be given. Many women 
have suffered from low, inflammatory symptoms and 
serious womb disorders from a too exclusive use of slops 
(liquid food), the system being insufficiently strengthened 
to rally from the physical exhaustion attending partu- 
rition, or labor. It should be distinctly understood that 
wholesome food is the best preventive of inflammation. 
Too much liquid food is likely to produce flatulence, 
distention and constipation, and to retard those physio- 
logical changes which take place after parturition. 
The nursing-mother should abstain from whatever dis- 
agrees with herself or may be productive of discomfort 
to her infant. She should feed well, exercising discrim- 
ination in her choice of food, but not over-feed herself. 
Her meals should be regular, mastication complete, and 
natural appetite satisfied. If she be a small woman, and 
be habitually a small eater and have small children, she 
will not require so piuch as a larger and more robust 
mother. Highly seasoned or indigestible food, late din- 
ners or heavy suppers, strong wines and spirits, should 
be avoided. It is by no means necessary that a very 
sparse and limited diet should be adopted, but there 
should be a judicious abstinence from whatever would 
disagree with herself or deteriorate her milk. Some 
self-denial must be practised for the sake of the child, METHODS OF PREPARING FOOD. 
157 
yet such kinds of food as goose, duck, salted meats, 
shell-fish, rich dishes and pastry should not be taken; 
but good meat, fowl, game, farinaceous vegetables and 
puddings may be eaten. To provide good milk, nothing 
is better than cocoa, cow’s milk or milk and water; to 
satisfy thirst, barley-water, toast and wrater or plain 
water should be taken. But it is a great mistake to 
suppose that malt liquor or wine makes more or better 
milk. It adds nothing to the excellence of the secretion ; 
on the contrary, it detracts from it, for it makes it watery, 
and the acidity and bitterness of the liquid drunk is 
prejudicial to the child. If a small quantity has been 
habitually taken, its use may be continued but not ex- 
ceeded with the notion that the patient “ requires more 
support ” than is obtained from good joints, plain drinks, 
fresh air. 
METHODS OF PREPARING FOOD. 
The preparation of food by cooking subserves several 
very important purposes. It destroys some things that 
might prove injurious, destroying any parasitic germs that 
may exist. It renders food more pleasing to the sight 
more fragrant to the smell, more agreeable to the taste, 
and more digestible by the stomach. Flavor is devel- 
oped, and the cohesion of tissues is lessened, so that the 
digestive juices can act more freely upon them. Pre- 
vious beating and bruising of flesh facilitates the 
loosening process, and makes the meat more tender; 
hence the custom of beating chops and steaks. Warmth 
also aids digestion. 158 
METHODS OP PREPARING FOOD. 
Cleanliness is the very first principle of cooking; tact 
in arranging and setting off the food is no mean accom- 
plishment. In the preparation of food for the sick, 
greater care, if possible, should be exercised than in 
similar operations for the healthy. The slightest error 
in cooking may cause the loss of appetite at the very 
time when it is most needed. The fastidious taste 
and weakened stomach turn in disgust from what may 
be the most appropriate nourishment, often compelling 
doctor and nurse to seek some other which may be less 
suitable and less easily provided. Food prepared with- 
out the knowledge of a patient will generally be better 
relished than if he is first consulted as to what he will 
have, and how it is to be dressed. The cooking should 
be done at such a distance that no odor from it can come 
to the sick-room. The room itself is the last place in 
which food should be prepared if it can be done else- 
where. 
Roasting on a spit is by far the best method of pre- 
paring food for the table. To retain the nutritive juices, 
the joint should be placed close to a clear, strong fire 
for five minutes at first, and then removed to a greater 
distance until the last five minutes, when it should be 
brought near the fire again. The albumen and extrac- 
tive matters are thus hardened into a case, which keeps 
together the valuable fibrinous particles till they have 
undergone the desired changes by slow heat, while ob- 
jectionable oils generated by the charring of the surface 
are carried off. The dripping is wholesome for the 
healthy, but (especially if at all burnt) is indigestible 
if the stomach be at all weak. When the joint is 
thoroughly roasted, the retained gravy will flow out 
freely at the first incision, and the meat, while yet red, 
will have lost all purple color even to the bone. The 
time of roasting depends partly on the kind of meat, BEOILIXG. 
159 
partly on the size and weight of the joint. Beef, mut- 
ton and goose require a quarter of an hour for each 
pound; veal and pork require an additional five min- 
utes ; poultry and game require less than this propor- 
tion. Lamb, veal, pork, chicken and the flesh of all 
young animals is better roasted, because it contains a 
large proportion of albumen and gelatine in the tissues, 
which is partly lost in boiling. 
Broiling is roasting applied to small portions of 
meat. A beefsteak or mutton-chop should be done 
quickly on a gridiron over a clear, hot fire, free from 
smoke, so as to retain the juices; it should, therefore, 
not be pricked with a fork. Fish is best broiled. 
Baking meat at a high temperature is but an imper- 
fect method of roasting; imperfect, because it usually 
takes place in an oven, from which there is usually no 
escape for the volatile fatty acids which are generated. 
The meat, is, therefore, richer and stronger than when 
roasted before an open fire, and less adapted for weak 
digestion. If, however, the meat be enclosed in a thick 
pie-dish, a crust of some sort or a coat of clay (as Gip- 
sies, Indians, etc., cook their joints and fowls), it is 
delicious. No charring then takes place; but all the fat 
and gravy, which generally ooze out, assist in the cook- 
ing. The process still goes on after the dish is removed 
from the oven, if it is kept hot by being enveloped in 
thick flannel, or put in a “ Norwegian nest” or “ self-act- 
ing cooking-apparatus.” The “ nest ” is a box thickly 
padded inside with felt, so as to retain the heat in the 
enclosed vessel. It would often be very useful as an 
appurtenance of the sick-room. The “ Cornish pastry,” 
used in some parts of England, made of meat or fish, 
enveloped in a thick, solid crust, baked slowly, then 
packed in several layers of woolen material, will keep 
hot and delicious for several hours. Vegetables and fruit 160 
METHODS OF PEEPAKIHG FOOD. 
should he likewise slowly baked. Eggs should be only 
sparingly used in baked dishes, because their albumen, 
becomes more solid and indigestible with prolonged 
cooking. 
Frying is usually objectionable because the fat in 
which the meat is cooked produces an excess of volatile 
acids; moreover it is often burnt, and thus changed in 
character and rendered indigestible, causing iiatulence 
and heartburn. If, however, it be skilfully done, frying 
is a wholesome form of cooking food. The skill consists' 
in frying “ lightly,” quickly and evenly, and with con- 
stant motion, so that the oil is not allowed to burn. A 
perfectly clean frying-pan; a clear, smokeless fire ; good, 
pure, clean fat or clarified dripping, or a small quantity 
of oil, or genuine fresh butter, is essential. The fat 
should actually boil, the meat, fish and vegetables be 
turned about till they are lightly cooked without a scorch, 
then served hot with all the oil drained away; they are 
then nice and wholesome for most persons. 
Boiling—There is a vast difference between boiling 
meat which is to be eaten, and meat whose juices are to 
be extracted for soup. In the former case the juices have 
to be kept in, in the latter drawn out. Slow boiling of a 
joint makes excellent nourishing soup, but spoils the 
meat by extracting all the goodness. Quick boiling also 
spoils the joint by hardening all the fibres. It should 
be plunged into boiling water, and kept at boiling tem- 
perature for five or ten minutes ; cold water should then 
be added to reduce it to about 165° (which may be ascer- 
tained by putting any thermometer into the water) at 
which it should be maintained for the whole period of 
cooking. By the contraction and coagulation of albu- 
men caused by the first plunge, the internal juice is* 
prevented from escaping into the surrounding water, or 
from being diluted by its entrance through the pores.. STEWING. 
161 
Mutton and fish are best boiled in hard water, water to 
which salt has been added or sea-water. The scum which 
rises on the top of the water while meat is being boiled 
is always useless and unwholesome, and should be 
removed as completely as possible. Vegetables are best 
boiled; they should be thoroughly cooked, so as to 
become soft, then strained in a cullender, and served as 
free from water as possible. Cabbages and carrots can 
hardly be boiled too long. Soft water is essential for 
vegetables ; steaming them is a form of boiling them in 
soft water. 
Stewing occupies a middle position between roast- 
ing and boiling. The meat should be covered with cold 
water, then heated up and kept simmering, not boiling,, 
till thoroughly done. The nutritive materials are dif- 
fused through the solid and liquid, which are then 
served up together. Hashing is the same process with 
meat previously cooked. But hashed, or otherwise 
twice-cooked meat, is very unwholesome. 
There is another method of cooking, by which the 
meat is stewed in its own vapor alone. The meat is 
placed in a covered jar, the jar is put into water in a 
a saucepan, and the water is made to simmer, and when 
a sufficient time has elapsed, the meat is done, quite 
tender and well adapted to the invalid. 
Soups, Broths, Etc.—If it is desirable to extract 
the nutriment so that it may be given in the form of 
Moth, the meat should be finely chopped or minced, put 
into cold water, soaked for a short time, then gradually 
heated to a temperature just below boiling-point, at 
which it should be kept for half an hour or more. But 
if soup be wanted, the heating should go on to boiling- 
point, and be maintained there, in order that the gelatine 
may be extracted to solidify the soup. It should be care- 
fully observed that the minced meat should be put into 162 
METHODS OF PREPARING FOOD. 
cold water for a time, never into boiling water at first. 
The leanest meat is the best for soup-making; the least 
particle of fat is out of place in broth or soups, and in- 
deed renders it absolutely unwholesome as well as nau- 
seous. Bones which require long boiling, yield abundant 
gelatine. 
Salting meat makes it less nutritious, not by the addi- 
tion of salt, but by the removal of the fluids and salts 
by the brine. The dried flesh is difficult of solution by 
the'digestive secretions. Soaking in water softens it and 
removes the salt, but does not restore the nutritive value. 
The longer the salt remains in the tissues, the harder 
they become. Drying is less prejudicial to the meat; 
when the process is completed the meat becomes no worse 
until the decomposition sets in. Smoking imparts a flavor 
to dried meat which many prefer. Meat preserved in tins 
is too much cooked to be very digestible. It contains a 
good measure of nutritive elements, and is economical, 
but is not agreeable to every palate. It is best eaten only 
warmed up, not cooked again, and served with macaroni 
and vegetables. 
The utensils employed in the preparation of food 
ishould be kept scrupulously clean. Cooks do not seem 
to be aware how often their dishes are unpalatable, and 
therefore unwholesome, solely from being prepared in a 
vessel which has a disagreeable flavor remaining in it. 
Those lined with porcelain should always be used in pref- 
erence to those of plain iron or tin, which are not so easily 
cleaned, and are therefore likely to affect the flavor of 
the dishes. Still it must be admitted that they burn 
more easily, so that without close watching it is very 
difficult to boil milk in them. Soap is sometimes em- 
ployed in washing pots instead of soda; and it is deemed 
sufficient to wipe out a saucepan with a dish-cloth, when 
it should be scrubbed out with a hard brush or metal STEWING, 
163 
shavings. The grease of the soap and cloth adhere to 
the metal, and its rankness spoils the delicate flavor of 
something intended to tempt the appetite or satisfy the 
fastidious digestion of an invalid. Especially is it im- 
portant that anything with strong and persistent odor, 
such as onions and other condiments should be cleansed 
from vessels, knives, etc., before they are used for 
another purpose. Food is the only thing that should 
come unexpectedly to the patient; it is always more 
enjoyed when it is thought to come from a neighbor or 
friend. Great care should be taken that no unpleasant 
flavor adheres to the food, and especially should scorch- 
ing be avoided; volatile extracts or oils should not be 
employed for flavoring, the juice of stewed or preserved 
fruits is far preferable. 
In cooking animal food about one-fourth of the weight 
is usually lost by the process ; but the loss varies with 
the quality of the meat and the process employed. Dr. 
Letheby estimates the loss at the following percentages : 
BOILING. 
BAKING. 
BOASTING. 
Beef, generally 
20 
29 
31 
Mutton, generally 
20 
31 
35 
“ Legs 
20 
32 
33 
“ Shoulders 
24 
32 
34 
“ Loins 
30 
33 
36 
“ Necks 
32 
34 
Average 
23 
31 
34 
The loss arises principally from evaporation of water, 
the escape of fat and nutritive juice and the destructive 
action of heat. According to Dr. Letheby it is least in 
boiling, greatest in roasting, because in the former pro- 
cess there is no evaporation of water. This suggests 
that in the baking and roasting, endeavor should be 
made to prevent evaporation. Indeed, the perfection of 
cooking is to retain as much as possible of the constitu- 164 
METHODS OF PREPARING FOOD. 
ent elements of the meat, and this is accomplished in 
the different methods adopted by subjecting the meat at 
first to a strong, quick heat, which contracts the fibres, 
coagulates the albumen at the surface, and thus closes, 
up the pores by which the nutritious juices would 
escape. A lower and less rapidly acting heat will then 
suffice; for thereafter the cooking goes on through the 
agency of the natural moisture of the flesh. Converted 
into vapor by the heat, a kind of steaming takes place, 
so that whether in the oven, on the spit or in the midst 
of boiling water, the meat is in reality cooked by its 
own steam. When properly prepared, instead of being 
dried up or insipid, the meat will be full of its own 
juice, which will flow forth as rich gravy at the first cut. 
Liebig’s Extract of Meat—One small teaspoonful, 
dissolved in a pint of boiling water, forms a substitute 
for beef-tea when there is no time to make the tea, or 
convenience for making it properly. But to it should be 
added broth in which bones have been boiled, or some 
farinaceous substances, such as arrow-root, sago or tap- 
ioca, which have been thoroughly boiled. By itself the 
extract is more stimulating than nourishing, and is 
especially beneficial in cases of muscular exhaustion. 
It may prove useful in exhausting fevers or debility of 
the heart. Its stimulating effect is not followed by the 
reaction which attends alcoholic drinks. 
A teaspoonful of Liebig’s extract in a pint of barley- 
water, with a pinch of salt and flavoring, is very nourish- 
ing. A teacupful of milk in addition will make it more- 
so. And a greater improvement is made when for the 
milk are substituted the whites of two eggs, beaten up 
with two tablespoonfuls of milk, and stirred in when the 
barley is sufficiently cool to be eaten. 
Beef-Tea—1. Half a pound (or a pound, according to 
the strength required) of rump-steak should be cut up BEEF-TEA. 
165 
into small pieces and put into a covered, enameled 
saucepan with one pint of cold water. Let this stand in 
a cool place for several hours, and let it then simmer 
gently for two hours. Skim well, and serve. If grease 
be specially repugnant, the last traces may be removed 
by lightly skimming the surface with pieces of white 
blotting-paper. If there be time, it is better to let the 
beef-tea get quite cold, and then remove the cake of fat. 
2. The same proportions of beef and water, placed in 
an earthen vessel, lightly covered, and allowed to stand in 
a saucepanful of hot water near the fire for several hours, 
is a plan much commended. 
3. Heat the meat and water gradually to the boiling- 
point, and then strain immediately. 
4. In order to make beef-tea, or any extract of meat, 
quickly, economically and of a certain required strength, 
Hr. Leared recommends the use of a receiver having an 
air-tight screw-cover, with safety-valve and a boiler, 
similar to a Papin’s digester. A small quantity of the 
beverage may be prepared as follows: One pound of 
beef, divested of fat, bone and gristle, and cut into very 
small pieces, should be put into the receiver, adding 
eight ounces of water, the cover screwed tightly on, and 
the receiver placed in the boiler, which has been filled 
with water. It should boil for three hours, when the 
receiver should be removed, and when sufficiently cool, 
the cover unscrewed. After squeezing the meat, now a 
tasteless mass, thirteen ounces of beef-tea, without any 
loss of aroma, and three times stronger than that pre- 
pared in the ordinary way, will be obtained. As 
experiments prove that one pound of beef will yield 
five ounces of meat-juice, the extract can be more or less 
concentrated by regulating the proportion of water. 
The preparation can be made in one-third of the time if 
salt be added to the water in the boiler. The extract of 166 
METHODS OF PREPARING FOOD. 
course becomes gelatinous, and consolidates on cooling, 
when bones or the sinewy parts of meat are used; but 
gelatine, contrary to the popularly received opinion, is 
comparatively unimportant in nutrition. 
5. Shred a pound of beef (with sausage-machine if pos- 
sible) ; place it in a jar and add a saltspoonful of salt, 
place the jar in a saucepan so large that it may be cov- 
ered with the lid. Mix exactly equal quantities of boiling 
and cold water; and of this put half a pint into the jar 
which contains the meat, and so much in the saucepan 
around the jar as to reach as high as the water inside 
the jar. Cover the saucepan with the lid and place it 
on the hearth, or where the heat of the water will be 
maintained; but not on the fire or stove, where it will 
be increased. Stir the meat every ten minutes or quarter 
of an hour; and in three quarters of an hour to an hour 
(if the meat has been minced in the machine) or longer, 
according to the fineness of the shredding, the first 
process of extraction will be completed; the jar should 
be taken out, the juice strained off through a hair-sieve 
or muslin, and set aside. The albumen, which coagu- 
lates at 135°, is thus secured. The meat left in the 
sieve should now be put into the saucepan with a quart 
of boiling water, covered, and slowly simmered for three 
hours; then boiled up and strained at once. The liquor 
strained off should be boiled down to half a pint, and 
when cooled down, mixed with the other half-pint 
set aside. The result is a pint of strong beef-tea, with 
all the soluble portion of the meat, and the albumen 
uncoagulated, ready for use. The fat may be removed 
while warm by white blotting-paper, or when cold in 
the solid cake. The beef-tea should be warmed up by 
placing what is required in a cup, and setting the cup in 
a basin of boiling water; but water should not be mixed 
with it (except to dilute it) nor should it be put on the BEEF-JUICE. 
167 
fire to boil. Flavoring may be added to taste. Color- 
ing may be given by putting a tbin slice of brown toast 
or a small piece of burnt onion in the saucepan, when 
the meat is set on to boil. 
The meat used in any preparation for invalids should 
be as fresh as possible, and should be divested before- 
hand of all fat or gristle. If this precaution be neglected,, 
a greasy taste is given to beef-tea, which cannot after- 
wards be completely removed. In re-warming beef-tea 
which has been left to cool, care must be taken to warm 
the tea up to the point at which it is to be served, and 
no higher; this is best done, not by putting it on the 
fire, but in a covered vessel placed in hot water. When 
once allowed to get cold, it never regains the agreeable 
flavor it possessed when fresh. 
Rice (whole or ground), pearl-barley, vermicelli, sago> 
or tapioca may often be advantageously added to thicken 
beef-tea. 
Beef-Juice—1. Take a pound of rump-steak or leg 
of beef, cut up into pieces the size of dice; put it into a 
pint of cold water, into which previously mix twenty 
drops of hydrochloric acid and half a teaspoonful of salt. 
Cover up and let it stand in a cool place for two hours. 
Strain off the liquor (pressing the meat), and gently sim- 
mer for ten minutes. A tablespoonful will give more 
nourishment to a patient than a cupful of ordinary beef- 
tea. In extreme cases it might be given without being 
cooked. Beef-juice combined with albumen (white of 
egg) yields much sustenance in typhoid fever. 
2. Shred the beef and put it into a jar {no water); tie 
up close, and put the jar into a saucepan of water, and 
let it simmer. Give the invalid one or two spoonfuls at 
a time; keep the jar in hot water. Make fresh when all 
goodness is extracted. 
Beef-Essence — This is prepared as follows: A 168 
METHODS OE PREPARING POOD. 
pound of lean beef, free from skin, bone and fat, should 
be cut up into small squares, put into a large earthen 
jar with cover, the edges cemented with flour-paste, or 
the cover tied down tight with several thicknesses of 
paper; tied up tightly in a cloth; put into a saucepan 
so that the top of the jar is not reached by the water, 
and boiled from one to two hours; the liquid essence 
should be poured off from the coagulated muscle, let 
stand till cold, and the fat skimmed off. This contains 
a large quantity of nutriment, is generally pleasant to 
the palate, and is particularly valuable in extreme 
.1exhaustion. A few teaspoonfuls may be given every one, 
two or four hours. 
Beef-Pulp—Instead of raw, minced beef, often recom- 
mended, scraped beef is far more easily digested, as it 
is free from sinews, and it is more palatable. It may be 
prepared as follows : Take a piece of steak cut like a 
little block, scrape the surface with a silver spoon until 
all the pulp is extracted, then cut a slice off the steak 
and scrape the newly cut surface again. One or two 
tablespoonfuls of the pulp may be given at a time to an 
adult. A desertspoonful may be given for one meal to 
ehildren, mixed with red-currant jelly, or spread as a 
sandwich between bread. In the latter case it requires a 
sprinkling of salt and some pepper. Pulp thus prepared 
has been taken with great benefit in dyspepsia, chronic 
diarrhea and weakness following a long illness. It has 
also been given to consumptive patients with great advan- 
tage. 
Mutton-Broth—1. This may be made in a similar 
manner to beef-tea, either plain or thickened. For this 
purpose, the best part of the sheep is the scrag-end of 
the neck, free from skin and fat, bruised and cut into 
small pieces. 
2. Mutton-broth may be made either plain or thickened, VEAL-BROTH, 
169 
according to tlie taste of the patient. Bermuda arrow- 
root is an agreeable ingredient for thickening. Take 
half a pound of the scrag-end of neck of mutton; strip 
off all fat and skin; bruise thoroughly the meat and 
bone together with a chopper ; then place the meat in a 
hollow dish, 'with just enough cold water (from a vessel 
previously containing a pint) to moisten the solid mat- 
ter ; add a teaspoonful of salt; cover over with a flat 
dish, and set aside for three-quarters of an hour; then 
remove the liquor and meat into a stewpan, and add the 
remainder of the water ; place the stewpan close to the 
fire, until the contents just simmer, when begin to skim 
by passing three sheets of clean white paper over the 
surface. Maintain the simmering heat for an hour and 
a half, and strain through a liair-sieve. 
Veal-broth—Veal-broth is barely palatable without 
the addition of a few vegetables. Take twelve ounces of 
good knuckle of veal, quite fresh ; strip off all skin and 
fat; bruise the meat and bone together with a chopper; 
place in a hollow dish, and add a teaspoonful of salt 
and just cold water enough to moisten the meat (from a 
vessel previously containing a quart); cover over, and 
set aside for twenty minutes; then add the remainder 
of the water (from the vessel just mentioned); put the 
whole into a stewpan close to the fire ; watch until it 
simmers, skim as directed for mutton-broth. Maintain 
the liquor at just simmering heat for an hour and a half, 
skimming cautiously; then pour off, strain through a 
hair-sieve, and prepare the vegetables. (If no vege- 
tables are to be used, cut up two very thin, crisp slices 
of dry toast into small pieces ; put them into a large 
breakfast-cup or small broth-basin, fill up with the hot 
liquor, add ten drops of lemon-juice, and serve.) 
Calf’s Foot Broth—Put a thoroughly cleaned calf’s 
foot with a little lemon peel in three pints of water; sim- 170 
METHODS OF PREPARING FOOD. 
mer for three hours; then "boil down to a pint and strain. 
Remove the fat when cold. For use, melt half a pint of 
the "broth; add an egg well beaten up with a little white, 
powdered sugar, not more than half an ounce of butter, 
and a little grated nutmeg; stir these in the broth till it 
thickens, and serve at once. It should not boil. 
Cliicken-brotli—Chicken-broth may be either served 
plain or thickened. If plain, it will always require a few 
slips of thin, crisp, dry toast to render it palatable ; for 
otherwise it is exceedingly insipid. Take a full-grown 
young chicken, picked, dressed, and skinned / cut in 
halves, and to one-lialf add half a pint of water; place 
in a hollow dish or basin ; cover over and set aside for 
twenty minutes; then add a teaspoonful of salt and a 
pint more water; place the whole in a clean saucepan 
near the lire; watch till it simmers, and immediately 
begin to skim as directed for mutton-broth. Maintain 
at a simmering heat for an hour and a half, skimming 
continually; pour off, and strain through a hair-sieve. 
Veal-soup—A knuckle of veal, two cow-heels, a 
glass of sherry, two quarts of water and twelve pepper- 
grains. Stew in a covered earthen jar for six hours. 
Do not open it till cold, then skim off the fat and strain. 
Serve very hot. 
Gravy-soup—Take a little carrot, turnip, onion and 
celery, with a clove and pepper : boil the whole gently, 
and strain, and for each half-pint of liquor add a table- 
spoonful of extract of meat, with a little salt. 
Barley-soup—One pound of shin of beef, four ounces 
of pearl-barley, one potato, salt and pepper to taste, one 
quart and a half of water. Put all the ingredients into a 
pan, and simmer gently for four hours. Strain, return 
the barley, and heat up as much as required. A small 
onion may be added if not objected to. 
Sardinian soup—Take two eggs, beat them up and BAKED SOUP. 
171 
put in a stewpan, add a quarter of a pint of cream, one 
ounce of fresh butter, salt and pepper to taste, and as 
much flour as will bring it to the consistency of dough. 
Make the mixture into balls the size and shape of a nut, 
fry in butter, and put them into any sort of broth or 
soup, to which they make a very nice addition. 
Baked soup—Cut a pound of lean beef into slices, 
add one ounce of rice, pepper and salt to taste, place in 
a jar with a pint and a half of water, cover closely and 
bake for four hours. If preferred, pearl-barley may be 
substituted for rice. 
Egg-soup—Over a slow fire beat up the yolks of two 
eggs, a piece of butter as large as a big walnut and 
sugar to taste, with one pint of water, the water being 
gradually added as the ingredients become intimately 
mixed. As soon as the preparation begins to boil, pour 
it backwards and forwards to and from the saucepan 
and jug, till it is quite smooth and frothy. 
Lentil-soup—Mix a tablespoonful of lentil-flour and 
a teaspoonful of corn-flour with a little milk, till as 
thick as cream. Boil three-quarters of a pint of milk, 
sweetened and flavored to taste; pour this slowly on the 
flour and milk, stirring meanwhile. Boil all together 
for ten minutes, still stirring A whipped egg after- 
wards added will improve the soup. Salt may be sub- 
stituted for sugar. This is a most nourishing albuminous 
food, and a good substitute for beef-tea. 
Eggs, Cream, and Extract of Beef—-Wash two 
ounces of the best pearl-sago until the water poured 
from it is clear; then stew the sago in half a pint of 
water until it is quite tender and very thick; mix with it 
half a pint of good boiling cream and the yolks of four 
fresh eggs, and mingle the whole carefully with one 
quart of good beef-tea, which should be boiling. This 
broth is very useful in cases of lingering convalescence 
after acute disease. 172 
METHODS OF PREPARING FOOD. 
Egg and Wine—1. Beat an egg with a fork till it 
froths, add a lump of sugar and two tahlespoonfuls of 
water; mix well, pour in a wineglassful of sherry and 
serve "before it gets flat. Half the quantity of "brandy or 
whisky may "be used instead of sherry. 
2. Beat one egg to a froth with a tahlespoonful of cold 
water; make a glass and a half of water and a glass of 
sherry hot, but not boiling ; pour this on the egg, stirring 
all the time; add sufficient sugar to sweeten. Put all 
into a lined saucepan, set it on a gentle fire, and stir it 
one way till it thickens, but do not let it boil. Serve in 
a glass, with crisp biscuits or “ fingers ” of toast. 
Egg-Pudding—Beat up one egg with a teaspoonful 
of flour and sufficient milk to fill a "basin rather larger 
than a teacup; tie the "basin and contents in a cloth, and 
"boil for twenty minutes. Milk, sugar or red gravy may 
"be added when served. 
Minced Fowl and Egg—Remove all skin and "bone 
from a cold roast-fowl, mince the flesh; put hones, 
skin and trimmings into a stewpan, with one small 
onion if agreeable to the patient, and half a pint of 
water: let this stew for an hour, then strain the liquor. 
Chop a hard boiled egg small and mix with the mince: 
salt and pepper to taste: three tablespoonfuls of new 
milk or cream, half an ounce of butter, one tablespoonful 
of flour and a teaspoonful of lemon-juice; to this add 
the gravy, let the whole just boil, and serve with toasted 
bread. 
Panada—Take the crumbs of a stale French roll, soak 
it in milk for half an hour, then squeeze the milk from 
it; have ready an equal quantity of cold cooked chicken 
or lean sirloin of beef, or loin of mutton scraped very 
fine with a knife; pound the bread-crumbs and meat 
together in a mortar; season to taste ; cook either with 
veal or chicken-broth, in a tin put in a warm oven, or 
poach like an egg. Serve on mashed potato. POTATO-SURPRISE. 
173 
Potato=Surprise—Scoop out the inside of a sound 
potato, leaving the skin attached on one side of the hole, 
as a lid. Mince up finely the lean of a juicy mutton- 
chop, with a little salt and pepper, put it in the potato, 
pin down the lid, and hake or roast. Before serving (in 
the skin) add a little hot gravy if the mince seems too 
dry. 
Stewed Eels—Wash and skin an eel, cut it in pieces 
two inches long, pepper and salt them and lay in a stew- 
pan, pour on them half a pint of strong stock and half a 
glass of port-wine, stew gently for half an hour, lift the 
pieces carefully on to a very hot dish and place by the 
fire, strain the gravy and have ready two tablespoonfuls 
of cream mixed with sufficient flour to thicken it, stir 
this into the gravy, boil for two minutes and then add 
a little Cayenne. Pour over the eels and serve. Some- 
times the addition of a little lemon-juice is gratifying to 
the palate. 
Fried Soles—Skin them, wash and wipe them 
dry, dip them in beaten egg, then strew over with 
bread-crumbs. Have ready a pan of fine olive-oil, and 
be sure it boils before you put in the soles; fry a light 
brown and then turn over once; lay them on napkins 
for the oil to drain off: serve with plain, melted butter. 
Broiled Soles—Skin them, wash and wipe dry, broil 
on a gridiron over a clear fire: a very little butter may 
be smeared over the surface to prevent it catching too 
quickly. Serve with melted butter. 
Stewed Oysters—Half a pint of oysters, half an 
ounce of butter, flour, one-tliird of a pint of cream, and 
salt to taste. Scald the oysters in their own liquor, take 
them out, and strain the liquor. Put the butter into a 
stewpan, dredge in sufficient flour to dry it up, add the 
oyster-liquor, and stir it with a wooden spoon over a 
sharp fire. When it boils, add the cream, oysters and 174 
METHODS OF PREPARING FOOD. 
seasoning, and simmer for one or two minutes, but not 
longer, or the oysters will harden. Serve on a hot dish, 
with toasted bread. A quarter of a pint of oysters, the 
other ingredients being in proportion, make a dish large 
enough for one person. 
Suet and Milk—1. Put a tablespoonful of shredded 
beef-suet into half a pint of fresh milk; warm it suffi- 
ciently to completely melt the suet, skim it, then pour it 
into a warm glass or cup, and drink before it cools. This 
recipe will be found valuable in cases where fat is essen- 
tial, for weakly children, neuralgic patients, and also 
in falling off of the hair. 
2. Chop an ounce of suet very fine, tie it loosely in a 
muslin bag, and boil it slowly in a quart of new milk; 
sweeten with white sugar. 
Suet and Barley-water—Chop an ounce of suet 
very fine, tie it loosely in a muslin-bag. Place this in a 
pint of thin barley-water, with a quarter of an ounce of 
isinglass or gelatine, and a little sugar; and boil all 
together for an hour, adding warm water occasionally as 
it boils away. Pour the barley-water on a dozen sweet 
almonds, pounded fine, and mix well. Then strain. 
Lime- water and Milk—Lime-water, two teaspoon- 
fuls to half a tumblerful of milk. Add a little sugar to 
taste. This compound will often be retained when the 
stomach rejects all other kinds of food. The same may 
be said of milk and soda-water in equal proportions. 
Artificial Ass’s and Goat’s Milk—Take half an 
ounce of gelatine, and dissolve it in half a pint of hot 
barley-water. Then add an ounce of refined sugar, and 
pour into the mixture a pint of good, new, cow’s milk. 
Milk, Rum, and Isinglass—Dissolve in a little hot 
water over the fire a pinch of the best isinglass; let it 
cool; mix with it in a tumbler a dessertspoonful of rum, 
and fill up the glass with warm new milk. TOAST. 
175 
Toast is rarely made well. Bread burnt on both 
surfaces, with the inside spongy, is unwholesome food. 
It should be of moderate thickness, slowly and thor- 
oughly baked through, nicely browned on the outside— 
in short, not toasted too fast. Such toast is wholesome 
to eat or to soak in water. 
Bread-crumb Pudding—Put a thin slice of bread 
into a cool oven, and when perfectly dry roll it till it 
becomes a tine dust. Beat up one new-laid egg with a 
desertspoonful of powdered loaf-sugar ; add three table- 
spoonfuls of new milk, put in the crumbs and beat the 
mixture well up for ten minutes. Put the pudding in a 
basin previously rubbed with butter; now tie a cloth 
tightly over, place it in boiling water, and boil for thirty 
minutes. 
Bread-Pudding—1. Part of a stale loaf of bread, 
boiled and served with butter and salt, or with pre- 
serves, affords a change of wholesome food. Bread- 
puddings made with eggs and milk, either boiled or 
baked, may be made according to the recipe used at 
Westminster Hospital: Bread, lb.; milk, j- pint; 
sugar, £ oz.; flour, £ oz.; 1 egg for every 2 lbs. Pud- 
dings made in the same way of stale sponge-cakes 
or rusks, diversify the diet. 
2. Pour half a pint of boiling milk on a French roll. 
Cover close and let it stand till it has soaked up all the 
milk. Tie up lightly in a cloth and boil for a quarter of 
an hour. Turn it out on a plate and sprinkle a little 
sugar-candy over it. The addition of burnt sugar or 
tincture of saffron will give it the orthodox yellow color. 
Macaroni—Wash two ounces of macaroni, boil it in 
a quarter of a pint of milk and the same quantity of 
good beef-gravy till quite tender. Drain, and put the 
macaroni on a very hot dish and place by the fire. Have 
Teady the yolk of an egg beaten with two tablespoonfuls 176 
METHODS OF PREPARING FOOD. 
of cream, and two tablespoonfuls of the liquor the 
macaroni was boiled in; add half an ounce of butter. 
Make this sufficiently hot to thicken, but do not allow it 
to boil; pour it over the macaroni, and strew over the 
whole a little finely grated cheese; or the macaroni 
may be served as an accompaniment to minced beef, 
without the cheese ; or it may be taken alone with some 
good gravy. 
Macaroni-Pudding — Three ounces of macaroni 
should be soaked for forty minutes in cold water, well 
mashed, then added to a pint of boiling milk. This 
should be stirred occasionally, while it simmers for half' 
an hour ; then two eggs added, beaten up with a desert- 
spoonful of sugar; also, if desired, a flavoring of 
lemon. This may then be baked in a pie-dish for 
twenty minutes. Vermicelli may be used instead of 
macaroni, but requires only twenty minutes’ soaking. 
Boiled Rice—Put one teacupful of rice into a sauce- 
pan with one-fourth of a cupful of w~ater, cover,* and. 
place it over a good fire; after an hour the water will be 
evaporated, and the rice cooked tender but dry, and 
with the grains distinct, not in a paste. Sufficient salt 
should be added in the first place, and care should b& 
taken not to disturb the rice when cooking. By add- 
ing a little butter and allowing the rice to dry a little- 
more, a more delicate dish is prepared. 
Ground-Rice Pudding—Boil half a pint of new 
milk with two ounces of loaf sugar; moisten two table- 
spoonfuls of ground rice with three of cold milk. "When 
this is well mixed, then stir the boiling milk into it 
put into a clean saucepan and stir over the fire for 
twelve minutes, and then let it get cold. Beat three- 
new-laid eggs, yolks and whites separately; stir the- 
yolks with the rice, and if allowed by the medical man, 
two tablespoonfuls of cream. Beat the whites to a stiff RICE-CREAM. 
177 
froth, add them and heat the mixture for five minutes - 
Rub a pie-dish with butter, pour in the mixture, and 
bake in a quick oven for some eighteen minutes, then 
serve at once. 
Rice-cream—To a pint of new milk add a quarter of 
a pound of ground rice, a lump of butter the size of a 
walnut, a little lemon-peel, and a tablespoonful of 
powdered sugar. Boil them together for five minutes, 
then add half an ounce of isinglass which has been dis- 
solved, and let the mixture cool. When cool add half a 
pint of good cream, whisked to a froth, mix all together, 
and set it for a time in a very cool place or on ice;, 
when used, turn it out of the basin into a dish, and 
pour fruit-juice round it, or some stewed apple or pear* 
may be served with it. 
Pearl-Barley—1. It should be boiled for four hours, 
so tied in a cloth that room is left for the grain to swell. 
Only so much water should be added from time to time 
as to feed the barley and supply the waste of evapora- 
tion, lest the goodness of the barley should be boiled 
out. It may be served with milk, or (if the patient can 
digest them) with preserves or butter. 
2. Put the barley with water in a stone-jar with a lid, 
place the jar in the oven, and let the contents boil gently 
until the barley is very soft; then strain. 
Gruel—1. A dessertspoonful of prepared groats or 
fine oatmeal to be moistened with a tablespoonful of 
cold water, and stirred till smooth; then add, by de- 
grees, three quarters of a pint of boiling water, and stir 
over the fire till it boils, then let it simmer for eight or 
ten minutes. A little salt or sugar and butter may be 
added according to the taste of the invalid. Boiling 
milk may be added instead of water; but it must be 
constantly stirred. 
2. Beat up an egg to a froth, add a wineglassful of 178 
METHODS OF PREPARING FOOD. 
sherry, flavor with a lump of sugar and a strip of lemon- 
peel, and have ready some gruel, very smooth and hot, 
stir in the wine and egg, and serve with crisp toast. 
Arrow-root may be made in the same way. 
Porridge—Always use coarsely ground, Scotch oat- 
meal. Mix two tablespoonfuls of it with a small tea- 
cupful of cold water till it is of uniform consistence. 
Then pour in a pint of boiling water, and keep boiling 
and stirring it for forty minutes. It is then fit for use, 
but may be kept simmering till wanted, if more boiling 
water be added as the other steams away. It should be 
served in a soup-plate quite hot; cold milk may be taken 
with it. Butter may also be added to taste, if not con- 
tra-indicated. Most Scotch people sprinkle the meal 
into boiling water. 
Arrow-root—Moisten two teaspoonfuls of arrow-root 
with two tablespoonfuls of cold milk. When it is quite 
smooth pour in half a pint of boiling milk; then place it 
in a bright saucepan, and stir over the fire for three or 
four minutes. Twto or three teaspoonfuls of powdered 
loaf-sugar may be added to sweeten it. Wine or brandy 
will frequently, be prescribed with arrow-root: it must of 
course be added in the proportions ordered. 
Sago—Put a dessertspoonful of sago into three-quar- 
ters of a pint of cold milk, and simmer gently, stirring 
frequently, for an hour and a quarter; skim as it ap- 
proaches boiling, and sweeten with a dessertspoonful of 
powdered loaf-sugar. 
Tapioca and Cod-Liver—Boil a quarter of a pound 
of tapioca till tender in two quarts of water; drain it 
in a cullender, then put it back in the pan; season with 
a little salt and pepper, add half a pint of milk, one 
pound of fresh cod-liver cut in eight pieces. Set the pan 
near the fire to simmer slowly for half an hour or a little 
more, till the liver is quite cooked. Press on it with a CARROT-PAP. 
179 
spoon, so as to get as much oil into the tapioca as pos- 
sible. After taking away the liver, mix the tapioca. If 
too thick add a little milk, then boil a few minutes, stir 
round; salt and pepper to taste. Tapioca thus cooked is 
nourishing and easily digested. 
Carrot-Pap—In Bednar’s” Kinder-Krankheiten ” the 
following formula occurs for carrot-pap, which is strongly- 
recommended for children suffering from scrofula, rickets 
and worms, and is also suitable for patients recovering 
from acute diseases, and for dyspeptics. 
An ounce of finely grated carrot should be put into 
half a pint of cold, soft water, and should stand twelve 
hours, being frequently stirred; it should then be 
strained through a sieve, and all the j nice pressed out. 
This juice is then to be thickened with grated bread or 
arrow-root, and to be set upon a slow fire. After boiling 
up once or twice it should be sweetened, and is then 
ready for use. 
The juice of the carrot combined with plain water, 
biscuits or crusts of bread, contains all the material that 
is necessary for the nourishment of weaned children or 
weakly persons—albumen, starch, gelatine, sugar, fat 
and salt, and finally even the phosphate of lime and 
phosphate of magnesia. In the preparation of this food 
the greatest cleanliness must be observed. The juice 
must be prepared fresh every day, and must, moreover, 
be carefully watched, lest fermentation ensue. The large 
and full-grown carrots are preferable to the young and 
small. 
Bread-Jelly—1. Take the crumb of a loaf, cover it 
with boiling water and allow it to soak for some hours. 
The water, containing all the noxious matters with which 
the bread may be adulterated, is then to be strained off 
completely and fresh added; place the mixture on the 
fire and allow it to boil for some time till it is perfectly 180 
METHODS OF PREPARING FOOD. 
smooth. The water is then to he pressed out, and the 
bread on cooling will form a thick jelly. Flavor with 
anything agreeable. A good food for infants at the time 
of weaning, also for children with acute diseases. 
2. Cut off the top of a five-cent loaf of bread. Cut 
the remaining part into thin slices, and toast them of a 
pale brown, very hard. Put the bread thus toasted into 
nearly three pints of water and boil very gently, until 
you find it well set, which you will know by holding a 
little in a spoon; strain it off very carefully, without 
breaking the bread, or the jelly will be thick. Sweeten 
to your taste. It never disagrees with and is very good 
for infants. 
Pearl-Barley Jelly—If pearl-barley be boiled for 
six hours, then strained off, the water on cooling will 
form a nutritive jelly, which dissolves readily in warm 
milk. It is very well adapted to infants. 
Nutritive Jelly—Isinglass, 1 oz.; gum-Arabic, \ 
oz.; white sugar-candy, 1 oz.; port-wine, 1 pint; nut- 
meg, grated. These should be put in a jar to stand 
twelve hours, covered tightly to prevent evaporation, 
then placed in a saucepan with sufficient water to sim- 
mer till the contents of the jar are quite melted; the 
whole should be stirred, then allowed to stand till cool.. 
A teaspoonful occasionally is very reviving. 
Orange or Wine-Jelly—A small packet of pre- 
pared gelatine should be soaked in one pint of cold 
water for an hour or more; three pints of boiling water 
should then be added with a pound and a half of sugarr 
the juice and grated rind of three or four oranges; the 
whole should be stirred together until the gelatine is 
dissolved and intermixed, strained through a clean 
cloth (jelly-bag), and allowed to cool. 
If wine-jelly be preferred, it may be made in the 
same manner, adding sherry, Madeira or other pure invalid’s jelly, 
181 
'wine instead of oranges, and proportionately lessening 
the quantity of water. 
Invalid’s Jelly—Soak twelve shanks of mutton in 
plenty of water for some hours, clean well, put them 
into a saucepan with one pound of lean "beef, a hunch 
of sweet herbs, pepper and salt to taste, one onion 
and a crust of "bread toasted brown; add three quarts 
of water and let them simmer gently for five hours. 
Strain the broth: when cold take off all the fat. 
Tapioca-Jelly—The tapioca should be soaked in 
cold water for several hours, and then cooked until per- 
fectly clear, adding more water if necessary. When 
done sweeten to taste, and flavor with vanilla, lemon or 
wine. When cold serve plain or with cream. 
Chicken-Jelly—Half a raw chicken, pounded with a 
mallet, bones and all together; cold water to cover it 
well; heat slowly in a covered vessel, and let it simmer 
until the meat is in white rags and the liquid reduced 
one-half; strain and press through a coarse cloth ; season 
to taste, return to the fire, and simmer five minutes longer; 
skim when cool. Give to the patient cold, with un- 
leavened wafers. 
Arrow-root Jelly—One cup of boiling water, two 
teaspoonfuls of Bermuda arrow-root, one teaspoonful of 
lemon-juice, two teaspoonfuls of white sugar. Wet the 
arrow-root in a little cold water and rub smooth; 
then stir into the hot water, which should be on the fire 
and actually boiling at the time, with the sugar already 
melted in it; stir until clear, boiling steadily all the 
time, and add the lemon. Wet a cup in cold water, 
and pour in the jelly to form. Eat cold with sugar and 
cream. 
Arrow-root-wine Jelly—One cup of boiling water, 
two teaspoonfuls of arrow-root, two teaspoonfuls of 
white sugar, one tablespoonful of brandy or three of wine. 182 
METHODS OF PREPARING FOOD. 
Proceed as with, preceding recipe. An excellent correc- 
tive for weak "bowels. 
Jelly-Water—One large teaspoonful of "blackberry- 
jelly, one tumbler of ice-water; beat up well. Excellent 
for fever patients, or those suffering from gastric irrita- 
tion. 
Iceland-Moss Jelly—One handful of moss well 
washed, one quart of boiling water, the juice of two 
lemons, one glass of wine, one quarter of a teaspoonful 
of cinnamon. Stir the moss (after soaking it an hour in 
a little cold water) into the boiling water, and simmer 
until it is dissolved; sweeten, flavor and strain into 
moulds. Good for colds, and very nourishing. 
Oatmeal-Tea—Pour a pint of boiling water on a 
tablespoonful of oatmeal, sweeten with honey and flavor 
with the rind of a lemon, cut very thin. Stir it up, and 
let it stand till cool and clear. It can be warmed for 
drinking if required. 
Barley-Water—Wash a tablespoonful of pearl-bar- 
ley in cold water; then pour off the water and add to 
the barley two or three lumps of sugar, the rind of one 
lemon, and the juice of half a lemon ; pour on the whole 
a quart of boiling water, and let it stand covered and 
warm for two or three hours; then strain it. Instead of 
lemon, currant-jelly, orange-juice or sliced licorice may 
be used to flavor. Barley-water is a valuable demulcent 
in colds, affections of the chest, etc. 
Gum-Water—One ounce of gum-Arabic, half an 
ounce of loaf-sugar, to one pint of cold water; should 
stand near the fire so as to be kept warm, and be occa- 
sionally stirred until the gum is all dissolved, and should 
then be allowed to cool, and will form an agreeable and 
nourishing drink in fevers. Lemon-peel or fruit-syrup 
may be added to flavor. 
Linseed-Tea—1. This is often a useful drink for MALT-TEA. 
183 
soothing irritation set np by the cough of consumption, 
bronchitis or pneumonia, and for the irritation of diar- 
rhea, dysentery, inflammation of the bowels. It is pre- 
pared by adding one ounce of bruised linseed and a 
half-ounce of sliced licorice-root, to two pints of boil- 
ing water, and boiling in a covered vessel near the fire 
for two or three hours ; it should then be strained through 
a piece of muslin, and one or two tablespoonfuls taken 
as often as necessary. Sliced lemon and sugar-candy 
will make it more palatable. 
2. Linseed one ounce, white sugar one ounce, licorice- 
root half an ounce, lemon-juice two tablespoonfuls. 
Pour on the ingredients two pints of boiling water, let 
them stand in a hot place for four hours, then strain. 
Malt-Tea—Boil three ounces of malt in a quart of 
water. In fever cases where the mouth is very dry. 
Rice-Water — The best Carolina-rice should be 
washed with cold water, then boiled in a good measure of 
water for ten minutes, the water strained off, and more- 
added ; and so on till the goodness is boiled out of the 
rice. The water is ready to drink when cold. Cream 
may be added if there be not high fever : a pinch of salt 
also, if desired, or flavoring as for barley-water. 
Toast-Water—1. This is not often well made. A 
slice of stale bread (crust is better) should be slowly- 
baked through (not burnt), then put in a jar with a 
quart of boiling water poured over it, and allowed to 
stand covered till cool. It may be flavored with lemon- 
peel. 
2. Toast slowly a thin piece of bread until it is ex- 
tremely brown and hard, but not black, put it in a jug 
of cold water, and cover it for an hour before using. 
White-Win© Whey—Put two pints of new milk in a 
saucepan, and stir it over a clear fire till it is nearly boil- 
ing ; then add a quarter of a pint of sherry, and simmer 184 
METHODS OF PREPAKIXG FOOD. 
for a quarter of an hour, skimming off the curd as it 
rises. Then add a tablespoonful more sherry, and skim 
again for a few minutes, till the whey is clear: sweeten 
with loaf-sugar, if required. 
Tamarind-Whey—Stir two tablespoonfuls of tamar- 
inds in a pint of milk whilst boiling; when the curds are 
formed, strain off. It is a cooling and slightly laxative 
drink. 
Whey may also be made by heating milk till it al- 
most boils, then adding the juice of an orange or lemon, 
or a couple of juicy apples cut in slices, or a large table- 
spoonful of vinegar, molasses or honey; or sufficient 
powdered alum or cream of tartar, or tartaric or citric 
acid, to cause curdling ; finally, straining and sweeten- 
ing to taste. 
Ieeland-Moss and Milk—Soak an ounce of Iceland- 
moss in half a pint of hot water for a quarter of an hour, 
strain, then boil the moss in a quart of water till it is re- 
duced to a pint; strain again, and boil the liquor (with- 
out the moss) down to a third of a pint. Mix this with 
half a pint of hot milk, sweeten and flavor to taste. 
Rice-Milk—If milk be plentiful, the rice may be 
boiled in milk; if not, boil it in water to plump and 
soften it, and when the water is wasted put in the 
milk; taking care that the rice in thickening does not 
stick to the saucepan. Season with sugar and a piece of 
cinnamon. A bit of lemon or orange-peel will give zest. 
Sago-Milk—Soak the grains in water for an hour 
before boiling, or boil first in water for two or three min- 
utes, which water pour off. Boil a large spoonful. in a 
quart of new milk; sweeten and season to taste. Ground 
rice may be prepared in the same way and smaller 
quantities used. 
Milk and Meal—Mix a large teaspoonful of either 
parched flour or corn-flour, or arrow-root or other farina- LEMONADE. 
185 
ceous food, as may “be indicated by special symptoms, 
in a little cold milk; heat a pint of milk, and when it is 
about to boil, add to it the farinaceous preparation and 
keep stirring while all boils together for five minutes. 
Sweeten with sugar, and flavor with lemon or nutmeg, 
according to taste. This is very useful when beef-tea, 
eggs and light puddings cannot be taken; the milk is 
more nutritious than when taken by itself, and is less 
liable to turn sour. 
The quanity of flour, etc., may be raised. The ordin- 
ary proportion is a large desertspoonful to half a pint 
of milk. 
Lemonade—Well rub two or three lumps of sugar 
on the rind of a lemon, squeeze out the juice, and add to 
it nearly a pint of cold or iced water; or better, 
one or two bottles of soda-water. 
2. A lemon should be cut into slices, and put into a 
jar with several pieces of loaf-sugar. A pint of boiling 
water added, covered, and allowed to cool. After strain- 
ing, it is fit for use. This beverage is recommended to 
allay thirst, irritation of the throat, etc. It may be made 
to effervesce by the addition of a very little carbonate 
of soda. 
3. Three pounds of loaf-sugar, pints of water, 2 ozs. 
of citric acid, 60 drops of essence of lemon-peel. Put 
the sugar into an enameled saucepan, and pour the 
water on it; just boil it. When half cold put in the 
citric acid and stir with a silver spoon, and add the 
essence of lemon-peel. A tablespoonful to a tumbler of 
water. When the lemonade is cold bottle it. 
Linseed-Lemonade—Four tablespoonfuls of whole 
linseed, one quart of boiling water, juice of two lemons. 
Pour the boiling water upon the linseed and steep three 
hours in a covered vessel; sweeten to taste; if too thick 
add cold water with the lemon-juice. It is admirable 
for colds. 186 
METHODS OE PREPARING FOOD. 
Nitric Lemonade—Twenty to thirty drops of dilute 
nitric acid should he added to eight ounces of pure cold 
water, and flavored with honey or loaf-sugar; from a 
teaspoonful to a tablespoonful, according to age, may be 
given two or three times daily. Nitric lemonade modi- 
fies sickness in hooping-cough, and is useful in some 
cases of bronchitis, consumption, coughs from relaxed 
palate, night-sweats, etc. 
Lgg-Nogg—The yolks of two eggs and half an ounce 
of sugar should be thoroughly rubbed together; then add 
four ounces of the best French brandy and four ounces 
of cinnamon water, and mix well. 
Flummery—To any quanity of oatmeal you like to 
infuse put double the weight of warm water; stir well, 
and let the mixture infuse for four or five days in a warm 
temperature; add more water, stir up and strain. Let 
the liquid stand till the starch falls down in a white sedi- 
ment, pour off the water, and mixing as much of the 
starch or sediment as is wanted with water to thin it, 
boil, stirring briskly for a quarter of an hour till a jelly 
is formed. It is eaten with milk, butter or cream, and 
by convalescents with wine or milk as prescribed. 
White Caudle—Mix two large tablespoonfuls of 
finely ground oatmeal in water two hours previously to 
using it, strain it from the grits and boil it, sweeten and 
add wine and seasoning to taste; nutmeg or lemon-juice 
answers best. 
Apple-Water—To juicy apples sliced, add a little 
sugar and lemon-peel; pour over them boiling water; 
strain when cold. 
Cream for Stewed Fruit—Boil an ounce and a 
half of isinglass in a pint and a half of water over a slow 
fire till there is only half a pint. Strain and sweeten, 
add a glass of sherry, and stir in half a pint of good 
cream; stir till cold. FRUIT-CREAM. 
187 
Fruit-Cream—Gooseberries, apples, rhubarb or any 
fresh fruit may be used. To every pint of pulp add one 
pint of milk or cream ; sugar to taste. Prepare the fruit 
as for stewing, put it into a jar with two tablespoonfnls 
of water and a little good, moist sugar. Set the jar in a 
saucepan of boiling -water, and let it boil until the fruit 
is soft enough to mash. Then beat it to a pulp and 
work this pulp through a cullender. To every pint stir 
in the above proportion of milk or cream ; if obtainable 
the latter is of course preferable. 
Cocoa from Nibs—To produce cocoa from nibs, one 
of the most wholesome and nutritious of beverages, the 
following method is recommended. For two persons, 
take of Fry’s No. 1 nibs a small teacupful, and soak 
them in one quart of water overnight; next morning boil 
briskly for two hours, then strain off, and use directly 
with boiling milk. It should not be re-warmed, as it 
loses its flavor, just as tea does when warmed up again. 
The best way of boiling it is in a block-tin, three-pints 
wine-muller, over a small gas-stove ; or, better still, the 
new French milk-saucepan, which consists of white ware 
fitted into an outside tin casing. The cocoa nibs, already 
soaked, as previously directed, should be put with a 
proper quantity of water into the white ware, the outside 
vessel being also filled with water, and boiled for two 
hours. 
Nutritious Coffee—Dissolve a little isinglass in 
water, then put half an ounce of freshly ground coffee 
into a saucepan with a pint of new milk, which should 
be nearly boiling before the coffee is added, boil both 
together for three minutes ; clear it by pouring some into 
a cup and dashing it back again, add the isinglass and 
leave it to settle for a few minutes. Beat up an egg and 
pour the coffee upon it; or, if preferred, drink it without 
the egg. 188 
METHODS OF PREPARING FOOD. 
Nutrient Enema—Take of beef-tea half a pint, and 
thicken it with a teaspoonful of tapioca. Reduce If ozs. 
of raw beef to a fine pulp, pass it through a fine cullen- 
der, and mix the whole with twenty grains of acid pepsin 
(Boudanlt’s poudre digestive), and four grains of diastase 
(or a dessertspoonful of malt-flour); where the latter is 
used the tapioca may be omitted. 
It should have a bright rose-tint, and exhale a rich, 
meaty odor. Not more than a quarter of a pint should 
be used at a time, and that slowly. 
Pending the arrival of the pepsin and the malt, the 
other portions of the liquid may be administered alone. 
Egg and Sugar-Enema—Beat up the yolks of two 
eggs with two wineglassfuls of hot water in which an 
ounce of lump-sugar has been dissolved. 
Oil and Sugar-Enema—Gradually rub up half an 
ounce of gum-Arabic with two tablespoonfuls of water; 
then gradually add and rub in two tablespoonfuls of 
olive-oil or cod-liver oil; then stir in a wineglassful of 
hot water in which an ounce of lump-sugar is dissolved. 
Panada—Slice the crumb of a loaf very thin, and 
soak or boil it gently in water. When soft, beat it up 
well and add sugar, and if allowed, wine; a little butter 
may also be added. Panada may also be made of 
chicken-broth instead of water and seasoned with a little 
mace, and is excellent for invalids. DIVISION SECOND. 
MEDICAL PLANTS, OR MATERIA MEDICA. 
PREFATORY. 
In this division we give directions for preparing and 
using all the medical plants now known, together with 
their botanical description, and with the addition of a 
large number that are new, and have not as yet been 
employed in medical practice. 
During the past ten years there have been more dis- 
coveries of medical plants, and greater progress made in 
applying them to the cure of disease, than during any 
previous similar period of time. We are, therefore, now 
enabled to give about one hundred more medical plants 
than have heretofore been offered to the public. If the 
acquisition and presentation to the public of new and 
important remedies is a matter of worth and merit, then 
we may justly claim a superior excellence for this depart- 
ment of the book, over anything heretofore presented. 
For our knowledge of many of the New Remediesy 
we are chiefly indebted to the publications of Parke, 
Davis & Co., of Detroit, Michigan, prominent among 
which are Cascara Sagrada, Grindelia Robusta, Grindelia, 
Squarosa, Yerba Reuma, Berberis Aquifolium, Rhus 
Aromatica, Jamaica Dogwood, Kava-Kava, and many 
others. Any further information with regard to these 
medicines may be obtained from the printed circulars of 
these parties. 190 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
ACONITE—Monk’s Hood (Aconitum Napellus). 
Part used — The whole plant. 
This is one of the most valuable 
remedies in the Materia Medica, in 
all cases of fever. It is an invalu- 
able remedy in neuralgia, nervous 
affections, inflammatory rheuma- 
tism, some forms of palsy, dropsy, 
etc.; being more frequently useful 
in the treatment of disease than any 
other drug in the whole list of reme- 
dies. The tincture is the prepara- 
tion of it most commonly employed, 
the dose of which is from half a 
drop to five drops every two to four 
hours. It is a poison and should never be given in large 
doses. 
The tincture, diluted with water and applied exter- 
nally, and, at the same time, administered internally, 
acts very promptly in quinsy, and other forms of 
inflammatory sore throat. 
Where found—It is a native of Europe, and culti- 
vated in gardens in this country, and found in all drug- 
stores. 
Aconite. ACETIC ACID. 
191 
ACETIC ACID (Acidum Aceticum). 
Its vapor, inhaled into the nostrils, is valuable in head- 
ache. It will cure warts and corns when applied to them. 
One pint, added to six of water, makes a valuable ar- 
ticle of vinegar. 
Description—It is a very sour liquid, clear and col- 
orless ; strong taste, and rather agreeable odor. 
ALOES (Aloe Perfoliata). 
Some of the principal diseases for which Aloes is em- 
ployed are constipation, suppressed menstruation, dys- 
pepsia, thread-worms, diseases of the liver and head- 
ache. Dose, in constipation, from one-half to two grains; 
for obstructed menstruation, five to ten grains twice a 
day. Dissolving the aloes in warm water, then using as 
an injection, will expel the thread-worm. Aloes should 
never be used in pregnancy, nor by any one afflicted with 
the piles. 
Description, and where found — A resin, ob- 
tained from a foreign tree, but found in drug-stores. 192 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
AGRIMONY, Cocklebur, Stickwort {Agrimonies 
Eupatoria). 
Part used—The entire 
plant. 
The leaves are very use- 
ful in jaundice and scur- 
vy. It is also recom- 
mended in fevers and 
asthma, taken in a strong 
decoction, sweetened with 
honey. A tea of the root 
and herb, has the reputa- 
tion of curing almost any 
case of scrofula by its free 
and persevering use. 
Description—This plant has a yellow blossom,, 
growing on a long terminal spike, which is a continua- 
tion of the main stem; producing a small green burr 
which sticks to clothing that comes in contact with it. It 
grows from one to two feet high. The leaves are ragged, 
hairy and unequal, and the lower ones are the largest. 
The root has a mild taste, and is astringent and tonic. 
This plant is found in most parts of the United States,, 
yet it is not what is generally known as the troublesome 
“ cocklebur.” 
Agrimony. ALUM. 
193 
ALUM {Alumen). 
A strong solution of alum is valuable as a gargle in 
sore throat, and falling of the palate. The solution in 
powder is useful for checking bleeding of the nose, and 
given with equal parts of molasses or honey in teaspoon- 
ful doses, repeated every ten or fifteen minutes, is an 
admirable remedy for croup. Dried or burnt alum 
sprinkled on proud flesh will remove it. It is prepared 
by being placed on a hot shovel, or any metalic sub- 
stance, and allowed to remain until the ebullition or 
boiling ceases, after which it is pulverized. A solution 
of alum is an excellent remedy in almost all cases of 
itching piles, applied twice a day. The solution is used 
also as a wash for preventing venereal diseases. As a 
remedy for the cure of falling of the womb, it has few 
equals. It is also very excellent in leucorrhea. In 
these diseases, it is to be employed as an injection. It is 
very astringent, and often used with success in diarrhea 
and dysentery, and also in night-sweats, given in doses 
of twelve or thirteen grains, or fourth of a teaspoonful, 
repeated every four hours. 
ALUM-ROOT (Heuchera Americana). 
Part used—The root. 
The decoction is useful in ulceration of the mouth 
and throat, and as an injection in bleeding piles and 
leucorrhea; it has also been given internally in dia^ 194 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
"betes. The powdered root is a good application to 
foul ulcers and wounds. The extract is used in diarrhea 
and dysentery. Dose of the decoction, a wineglassful 
three times a day. 
Description—It has a rose-colored or purplish- 
white flower. The root has a powerfully astringent 
taste, is knotty, and of a yellowish color. 
ALLSPICE {Myrtus Pimento). 
Allspice is an excellent and safe remedy for bowel 
It is very frequently combined with other 
preparations for this purpose. To two tablespoonfuls 
of it, add one of cinnamon bark, two teaspoonfuls of 
cloves and one pint of water, boil half an hour, and 
while hot, add three tablespoonfuls of sugar. It is to be 
given cold, in doses of from half, to a tablespoonful, 
according to age, every three or four hours. This rem- 
edy will seldom be found to be surpassed in the treat- 
ment of these diseases. For hoarseness, boil two table- 
spoonfuls of cloves for twenty or thirty minutes, in half 
a pint of water, use as a gargle frequently, and at the 
same time take a small portion of it internally. It is 
usually prompt and effectual. 
AMBER (Succinum). 
This is regarded as a fossil resin, the product of an 
extinct plant. There is an oil prepared from it, called 
the oil of amber, which has been successfully used in 
hooping-cough, and in painful menstruation; it is also AMERICAN SARSAPARILLA. 
195 
employed in kidney disease, and in hysterics. Dose, 
from five to ten drops, repeated every hour or oftener, 
when necessary. Amber is common to both this coun- 
try and Europe. It is a translucent, resin-like sub- 
stance, brittle and of a yellowish color, and may be 
had at any drug-store. 
AMERICAN SARSAPARILLA (Aralia 
Nudicaulis). 
Part used—The root. 
This is a substitute for the foreign sarsaparilla. It 
is a very valuable remedy in all constitutional diseases, 
as a blood purifier. In syphilis, scrofula, skin diseases, 
etc., it is used with success. Dose, of the decoction, 
or syrup, from two to four tablespoonfuls, three times a 
day. 
Description—Height, one to two feet; roots, large, 
long and soft, with sweetish, aromatic taste; bearing 
several bunches of yellowish-green flowers, followed by 
clusters of small berries resembling, to some extent, 
the common elder-berry. 
Where found—In rich soils and rocky lands. 196 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
AMERICAN HELEBORE, Swamp Helebore, 
Indian Poke (Veratrum Viride). 
Part used—The root. 
The tincture is a good 
remedy in erysipelas, and 
inflammatory rheumatism, 
neuralgia and gout. It is 
also used in active pneu- 
monia, bronchitis, pleurisy, 
and enlargement of the 
heart. But it should never 
be given in the latter 
stages of pneumonia. It 
has often cured convulsions 
in child-bed fever, and in 
such cases where the pulse 
is full and hard, it may be 
relied on as a positive remedy. Dose, one to two drops, 
every two or three hours. Large doses continued may 
produce dangerous consequences. In administering this 
medicine when the pulse begins to recede, the dose 
should be reduced, and the intervals between the doses 
prolonged. Thus given, it is a safe and prompt remedy 
in inflammatory diseases. Doses, for children, one- 
fourth to one-lialf a drop, according to age. 
Description and where found—This is a peren- 
nial plant, growing in moist places, and having numer- 
ous yellowish-green flowers, from May to July. The 
roots should be collected in autumn. The tincture of 
the fresh root is the best preparation. 
American Helebore. AMKI£ICAX IVY. 
197 
AMERICAN IVY, False Grape, Virginia 
Creeper {Ampilopsis Quinquefolia). 
Parts used—Bark, leaves and twigs. 
This plant is esteemed a sovereign remedy for the 
dropsy. It has been used with good success in scrofula, 
diseases of the skin and bronchitis. Dose of the fluid 
extract, from fifteen to thirty drops three times a day; of 
the saturated tincture, from thirty to sixty drops; of the 
decoction, from one-half to a wineglassful. 
Description—A creeping vine, with rooting, climb- 
ing stems and pointed leaves; greenish or white flowers 
growing in clusters ; berries, dark-blue, acid and smaller 
than the common grape. 
Where found—This vine is found running along 
fences and climbing trees, ascending to the height of 
fifty feet or more. 
AMERICAN IPECAC, Wild Ipecac, Spurge. 
{Euphorbia Corollata). 
Part used—The root. 
This is said to he a speedy and certain remedy for bil- 
lions colic, taken every half-hour, in doses of ten to 
twelve grains, until relief is obtained. It has been effec- 
tively used in dropsy. Dose, five to ten grains, three 198 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
times a day. It is employed also in suppressed menses,, 
dyspepsia and fevers. 
Eupliorbin is the active principle of this plant, and 
is said to be a good remedy in arresting niglit-sweats, 
and valuable in lung-diseases, for which it is to be given 
in very small doses—about one-twentietli of a grain, 
four times daily. It is regarded as a prompt remedy in 
diabetes, when combined with helonine. Dose, as an 
emetic, five to eight grains ; as a cathartic, three to five 
grains. As an alterative and diaphoretic in diabetes, 
from one-fourth to one-half a grain. The American 
Ipecac is common to the United States, and found in all 
drug-stores. 
AMERICAN SENNA (Cassia Marilandica). 
Part used—The leaves. 
These are a safe and certain cathartic and may be sub- 
stituted for the foreign senna, in doses one-third larger 
than this. 
Description—This is a perennial plant, common to 
the United States, and growing in low, moist situations. 
ANGELICA (.Angelica Archangelica). 
Parts used—Tlie roots, stems and seeds. 
The tea of the root is very -useful for allaying nervous 
headache and relieving the pain caused hy flatulence, 
or wind in the stomach. It is also recommended for 
pains in the Ibreast and feeble digestion. The infusion 
may be drunk freely. 
Where found—Cultivated in gardens. ANISE-SEED. 
199 
ANISE-SEED (.Pimpinella Anisum). 
These are very efficacious in dyspepsia, and to expel 
wind from the stomach and relieve colicky pains and 
griping. A tea may he given, in doses of from one 
teaspoonful to a tablespoonful, and repeated often. 
For dyspepsia, the oil, dropped on sugar, is preferable 
to the tea. Dose, two or three drops. Of the essence, five 
to ten drops. 
Where found—Cultivated in gardens and found 
in all drug-stores. 
APPLE-TREE BARK (Pyrus Mdlus). 
The fluid, as well as the solid extract of this barkr 
possesses power to interrupt, or cut short the paroxysms 
of ague or other periodic forms of fever. It is not equal 
to the other harks employed for this purpose, yet it may 
often he used when they can not he obtained. Dose, of 
the tincture, from five to thirty drops, every two hours 
during the chill; of the fluid extract, about the same, or 
perhaps a little less. 200 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
ARNICA {Arnica Montana) 
Tincture of arnica is 
commonly employed for 
external purposes, as for 
wounds, bruises, sprains, 
etc. Add one teaspoon- 
ful to a tumbler of cold 
water, mix well, and occa- 
sionally apply this to the 
wound. It will be found 
one of the best remedies 
for this purpose. For in- 
ternal bruises, give the 
patient two or three drops 
of the tincture, every three 
hours, and continue as long as the symptoms seem to 
require it. It is often applied with success to rheuma- 
tism of the joints and pains of the feet, caused by 
walking. 
Arnica is a poison, and should, therefore, never be 
used in large doses. 
It is a foreign plant, but can be obtained at all drug- 
stores. 
Arnica. ARBOR VITAL 
201 
ARBOR VIT2E (Thuya Occidentalis). 
Fluid extract of the leaves. Dose, one-fourth to one 
fluid drachm. This drug seems to have given excellent 
results as a substitute for calisaya in the treatment of 
malarial diseases. Dr. Schoepf recommends it for inter- 
mittent and remittent fevers, coughs, scurvy and rheu- 
matism. Dr. Benedict found the saturated tincture in 
doses of a teaspoonful Q- fluid drachm of the fluid ex- 
tract) useful as an emmenagogue. Bandages soaked in 
the fluid extract (diluted) and applied to venereal excres- 
cences, will often remove them if frequently renewed. 
The same treatment will be of value for cancerous affec- 
tions. 
AREANTHE ELOXGATA (.Matica). 
Part used—The leaves. 
It is employed in catarrh, gonorrhea, excessive men- 
struation, catarrh of the bladder, leucorrhea, bleeding 
from the lungs and spitting of blood. For catarrh it 
is very superior, and regarded by some practitioners 
as almost an infallible remedy. The infusion is to 
be snuffed up the nostrils, and at the same time 
the tincture should be taken internally. For gonorrhea, 
excessive menstruation and catarrh of the bladder, the 
infusion is employed by injection, and usually with 
good success. It is a very prompt remedy in arresting 202 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
hemorrhage of the lungs, spitting of blood, and likewise 
for external wounds, in which case the under side of the 
leaf is to be applied to the wound, or the finely powdered 
leaves applied. Dose, of the tincture, one to two spoon- 
fuls three or four times a day; of the infusion, one 
tablespoonful of the fluid extract, twenty to thirty drops, 
three times a day. 
Where found—This is a foreign plant, but may be 
procured at drug-stores. 
ASAFCETIDA-PDANT (Ferula Asafcetida). 
Part used—The gum. 
When spasms and constipation have weakened the 
powers of life, and the functions are performed in a 
languid manner, asafcetida generally affords effectual 
relief, as it promotes digestion, enlivens the spirits 
and increases the natural motions of the intestines. 
Its action on the "bowels is quick and penetrating, 
affording great and speedy relief in hysterics and con- 
vulsions, and especially when the bowels are consti- 
pated. It has been used in hooping-cough and to expel 
worms. It may be employed by enema. Dose, one pill 
the size of a pea; of the tincture, ten to fifteen drops, 
and repeated as the circumstances of the case may 
appear to require. The tincture is found prepared in 
drug-stores, or can be made by dissolving an ounce of 
asafcetida in a gill of alcohol, and then filtering. 
The tincture, employed by enema, is reputed an effec- 
tive means of expelling the thread or pin-worm. 
Description and where found—This plant grows 
in the mountains of Persia. The resinous gum exudes 
from the roots after being cut. It is then dried in the sun. BAEL-FRUIT. 
203 
BAEL-FRUIT (Belce Fructus). 
It is a remedy that is very useful in diarrhea and dys- 
entery with debility of the mucous membrane, and other 
diseases of the bowels, which it relieves without produc- 
ing constipation. It is largely used in India, its native 
country, in acute and chronic cases of these diseases. 
Dose, of the fluid extract, one-half to one teaspoonful. 
BALM (Melissa Officinalis). 
Part used—The tops. 
A tea of this plant is useful in painful and obstructed 
menstruation, and is valuable in fevers, and as a cooling 
drink. 
The tea may be drunk freely, and especially in febrile 
diseases, as it causes perspiration and promotes the ac- 
tion of other diaphoretic medicines. 
Where found—Cultivated in gardens, and found in 
drug-stores. 
BALM OF GILEAD (.Populus Candicaus). 
Part used—The buds and bark. 
It is used, mainly, in affections of the lungs, coughs, 
and kidney-complaint, and also employed in scurvy, and 
is said to be a cure for piles. Dose of the tincture, from 204 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
two to four teaspoonfuls, three times a day. The tincture 
of the hark is said to he useful in rheumatism and gout. 
Description and where found—A tree growing in 
some parts of this country, from fifteen to thirty feet 
high, hearing huds that contain a balsamic gum, of a 
hitterish taste hut an agreeable odor. 
BALMONT, Snake-Head, Turtle-Head, Bitter 
Herb (Chelone Glabra). 
Part used—The tops. 
It is a valuable vermifuge, 
and is regarded by some phy- 
sicians as having no superior 
1 in expelling worms. One ounce 
of the dry herb should be made 
into an infusion, and drunk 
during the day, and may be 
followed by a suitable purge. 
A tea of the leaves is given for 
jaundice,piles, boils and sores. 
It is a bitter tonic, and one 
among the best medicines 
there are to promote the appe- 
tite. 
This forms the foundation of “ Kenedy's Medical Dis- 
covery.” Latterly, this plant is found to be a very suc- 
cessful remedy in the cure of extreme cases of dyspep- 
sia, and it is thought to be better when employed with 
sugar of milk. Dose of the saturated tincture, ten to 
thirty drops two or three times a day. 
Balmony. BALSAM OF PERU. 
205 
Description—It grows from two to’ four feet high, 
with a square stem; the flowers are generally white, 
though of different colors in different varieties, as white 
spotted with red, and purplish; and of a singular shape, 
resembling the head of a snake with its mouth open. 
The leaves are of a dark-green color, and intensely bitter. 
Where Found—It grows in low, wet situations, and 
on the banks of streams. 
BALSAM OF PERU. 
When this is made into an ointment with equal parts 
of tallow, it forms an excellent application for sore 
breasts, ring-worms and indolent ulcers. 
It is used in coughs and chronic diseases of the lungs, 
and is also valuable in leucorrliea, gonorrhea and gleet. 
It acts specially on the mucous membranes of the 
system, and, as such, it is successfully used in chronic 
mucous inflammation of the stomach and bowels. Dose, 
fifteen to thirty drops, three times a day. 
Description and. where found—This is a resinous 
juice obtained from a tree growing in South America. 
Found in all drug-stores. 
BALSAM OF FIR (.Pernis Balsamea). 
This balsam is in high repute in some sections of the 
country for diseases of the lungs and for coughs. It is 
very valuable for strengthening the nervous system and 
especially good for cleansing and healing internal ulcers- 206 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
It will cure thd whites and venereal complaints when 
taken in the first stages, and it will be found valuable, 
applied externally, for healing wounds and ulcers. Dose, 
internally, from twenty to thirty drops, two or three 
times a day. For coughs, five to ten drops three times a 
day, given on a little sugar. 
Where found—In the drug-stores, being the juicy or 
resinous exudation of the fir-tree, which grows very 
plentifully in most parts of the Northern States and on 
the Pacific Coast. 
BALSAM COPAIBA (Copaifera). 
This balsam is often a most effectual remedy in leu- 
corrhea or white sand a popular remedy in gonorrhea, 
being usually combined with such articles as sweet 
spirits of nitre, oil of almonds and spirits of turpentine 
in about equal parts, and taken in teaspoonful doses, 
three or four times a day. It is also employed in 
chronic dysentery, irritation of the bladder and bronchi- 
tis. Dose, twenty to forty drops, three times a day. It 
is an admirable remedy for croup, especially membra- 
nous croup. As an external application, it has been 
fouild very nseful in fistulous ulcers, also in indolent 
ulcers, chilblains, etc. It has often been used internally 
with beneficial results in chronic catarrh and painful 
piles. 
Where found—It is a resinous juice, obtained from 
a tree growing in South America and the West Indip, 
Islands. BALSAM OF TOLU. 
207 
BALSAM OF TOLU {Myrospermum Toluiferum). 
Incisions are made on this tree, from which the juice 
exudes, somewhat similar to the sap of the sugar-tree. 
Continued exposure of it to the atmosphere renders it 
hard and brittle, like rosin. Its medical properties are 
somewhat similar to that of balsam of Peru. 
It is employed in coughs, chronic catarrh, bronchitis, 
asthma, gleet and diseases of the lungs of long standing. 
It is generally combined with other medicines. The 
dose is from ten to twenty-five grains. 
Where found—Imported from South America, and 
found in drug-stores in this country. 
BARBERRY (Berberis Vulgaris). 
Parts used—Bark and berries. 
A tea of the bark mixed with 
hard cider, taken in doses of three 
or four tablespoonfuls three times 
a day, is an admirable remedy 
for the jaundice. The juice of 
the berries taken freely will gen- 
erally cure the bloody flux and 
the diarrhea, that often accom- 
pany the typhus fever. Attacks 
of putrid fever, attended with the 
diarrhea have been relieved and 
entirely cured by simply eating 
the berries and drinking the 
juice. The juice is also an admirable remedy for check- 
Barberrry. 208 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
ing the heat, quenching the thirst, keeping up the 
strength and preventing putrefaction in malignant 
fevers. 
Description and where found—The berries have 
a pleasant, acid taste and ripen in June. The bark of 
the shrub is of a yellow color, and bitter. It grows in 
various parts of the United States and is found in drug- 
stores. 
BAYBERRY (.Myrica Cerifera), 
For the typhoid 
dysentery, that is so 
prevalent at some 
seasons of the year, 
this is generally a 
successful remedy. 
Give a drachm of 
the powder, every 
three or four hours. 
Used as a snuff, it 
will cure polypus 
of the nose. It is 
successful in the 
treatment of jaun- 
dice and scrofula. In some sections of the country it 
has been used as a remedy in scarlet fever, with great 
success. And as a gargle in putrid sore tliroa/t, it is 
seldom surpassed. For dysentery and diarrhea, it is 
administered in the form of a decoction, in teacupful- 
doses, three .times a day. It will seldom be necessary 
Bayberry beau’s foot. 
209 
to resort to any other medicine. The decoction applied 
externally, for ulcers and sores, is very efficacious. 
Description and where found—Bayberry is one 
of the most valuable medical plants of our country. It 
is found growing in almost every state. Height, from four 
to twelve feet; flowers appear in May, followed by ber- 
ries, green at first, but in the fall they assume a dull- 
white color. The leaves are narrow, and tapering at the 
base; the upper part of the leaf is a glistening green. 
The stems are covered with a grayish bark, thickly 
branched at the top. 
BEAR’S FOOT (Polymnia Uvedalia). 
Parts used—The root and top. 
This is one of the most important remedies in user, 
for the treatment of white swelling. 
It had heen used with uniform success for years, 
during which time it was kept a secret. It lias effected 
cures, in many instances, after all other means had been 
tried in vain. The mode of preparing it is to boil the 
root in lard, and make it into an ointment, with which 
the swelled parts are to be anointed two or three times 
a day, and at each time cover them with flannel and 
heat the parts with an iron, in order to facilitate the 
absorption of the ointment. 
Dr. J. W. Pruitt has called attention to it as a remedy 
for enlarged spleen, and as an alterative in scrofula. It. 
is a good remedy in old, chronic cases of rheumatism, 
given internally and used as an ointment; it is also a 
good alterative. Use a saturated tincture, made by 210 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
adding eight ounces to one pint of alcohol (96°). Dose, 
from ten to thirty drops, every four hours. 
Description—Roots very abundant, large and long, 
enlarging as they proceed from the common head so as 
to resemble, in some degree, a small sweet-potato, black- 
ish outside and whitish within. Stems frequently sev- 
eral together, growing five or six feet high, bearing 
leaves the size of a man’s hand, and very much resem- 
bling in shape the foot of a bear, whence its common 
name. 
BEBEERINE, from the Bebuructra (Beburina 
Sulphas). 
It is in glittering scales of a brownish-yellow color. It 
possesses a direct effect upon the womb, and is invaluable 
for congestion of that organ giving rise to profuse hem- 
orrhage. It is said to act more promptly in checking 
•excessive flow of the menses than any article in the 
materia medica. It not only controls the hemorrhage, 
hut if taken in small doses in the interval, it prevents its 
recurrence. For this purpose two or three grains, in 
pills, may be given every two or three hours. As an 
antiperiodic it may be given in five-grain doses every 
two hours, until twenty to thirty grains have been taken. BEET. 
211 
BEET. 
For most forms of gravel the common garden-beet is 
an infallible remedy. It is prepared by boiling a quan- 
tity of the beets, as if preparing them for the table, and 
until the juice is thoroughly obtained. Then remove and 
boil this liquid down to almost a syrup, and drink freely 
of it four or five times a day. 
Beatin—This is the active medical principle of the 
beet. To be had at drug-stores. It is said that it will 
bring on menstruation, even in the most obstinate cases 
of suppression. It will act very mildly, but quite effi- 
ciently, and is one of those agents so positive that it may 
be relied on in all cases of these obstructions. 
The dose is from three to five grains, three or four 
times a day. The fluid extract of the beet is a convenient 
article, and so is the essential tincture, given in one to 
three-teaspoonful doses, three or four times a day. 
These preparations are regarded by some physicians as 
preferable to the beatin. 
BEECH-DROPS, Cancer-Root (Epiphagus 
Virginianus). 
Parts used—Tops, stems and roots. 
This plant has been successfully used in that terrible 
scourge of mankind, the cancer. Hence the name. An 
infusion of the tops and roots is to be used both inter- 212 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
nally and externally. Dose, a wineglassful three times 
a day. 
It is used with success when applied to obstinate 
ulcers, and will be found valuable in sore mouth, ery- 
sipelas, diarrhea, and especially in asthma. The decoc- 
tion or infusion may be taken very freely every one to 
three hours. Dose of the powder, twelve to fifteen 
grains. 
Description—This has more the appearance of a 
fungus-growth than a living plant. It appears in stems, 
eight to sixteen inches high, divided into numerous 
branches, having no leaves, but a few scales. The whole 
plant is of a yellowish, or light-brown color. The root 
has a bunch of short, crooked fibers at the bottom. 
Where found—Usually under beech-trees. 
BELLADONNA, Deadly Night Shade {Atropa 
Belladonna). 
Part used — The leaves. 
It is exceedingly valuable 
in nervous diseases, as well as 
many others. It is considered 
a preventive of scarlet fever 
by some practitioners, and is 
invaluable for this purpose. 
Give, of the extract, from one- 
eighth to one-half a grain, 
once or twice a day; of the 
powered leaves, one grain. 
Belladonna will be found a 
very useful remedy in neural- 
gia, spasms, convulsions, St. 
Vitus’s dance, hooping-cough, 
Belladonna. BENXE LEAVES. 
213 
rheumatism and all nervous affections. Dose of the 
extract, from one-eighth to one-half a grain; of the 
powdered leaves, one to two grains, once or twice a day. 
The symptoms should be carefully observed, and the 
medicine administered with caution, as it is a narcotic 
poison. 
Description—A native of Europe. It grows to the 
height of two to three feet, each bunch of roots sending 
up four or five stalks, which are of a purplish color, 
and covered with a sort of far ; leaves oval-shaped, soft, 
growing in pairs, and of a dull-green color. 
Where found—In drug-stores. 
BENNE LEAVES (Sesamum Indicum). 
Part used—The leaves. 
They are exceedingly good in bowel complaints, 
diarrhea and flux. The leaves form a nutritious, heal- 
ing mucilage, on being soaked in cold water, half a 
dozen leaves to one quart of water, then used as a 
drink. Whenever there is any predisposition or ten- 
dency to bowel-complaints, either in children or in 
adults, it will, at once, prevent its farther develop- 
ment. This mucilage is to be drunk in all forms of this 
disease. If its virtues were more generally known, it 
would be employed to a much greater extent than it is. 
It is easily administered to children, for it is not un- 
pleasant to the taste. 
Where found—Cultivated in gardens. 214 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
BETH-ROOT, Read-Leaf, Ground-Ivy, Cough- 
Root (Trillium Latifolium). 
Part used—The plant and 
root. 
An infusion of this and equal 
parts of blood-root is said by 
some physicians to be a certain 
cure for inflamed carbuncles 
and ulcers, applying at the same 
time a poultice of the former. 
The root is employed in vari- 
ous hemorrhages, such as bleed- 
ing from the kidneys, bladder 
and uterus, also spitting of blood, 
etc. It is good in coughs, asth- 
ma, diarrhea and niglit-sweats. 
The infusion is made by add- 
ing a pint of boiling water to a 
tablespoonful of the pow'der ; of this use freely. Dose 
of the powdered root, one teaspoonful, repeated often. 
Description—Height, six to twelve inches, three 
leaves at the top and one terminal flower, either white, 
red, purple or mixed color; the root is thick, wrinkled, 
somewhat like that of the ginseng. 
Where found—Growing in rich soils and bottom- 
lands. 
Beth-Root BEKBEELS AQUIFOLIUM 
215 
BERBERIS AQUIFOLIUM (Oregon Grape) 
This plant possesses extraor- 
dinary powers as a combined 
alterative and tonic. It is said 
to be an almost nnfailing rem- 
edy in syphilitic and scrofulous 
diseases, and salt-rheum. Dose 
of the fluid extract, from fifteen 
to thirty drops, three times a 
day. A decoction of the root 
may be drunk freely. 
Dr. R. Leonard, of Chicago, 
uses the following language 
in reference to this shrub, or 
plant, in the treatment of syph- 
ilis. During the past year, hav- 
ing considerable venereal practice, I have used berberis 
aquifolium for syphilis, almost to the exclusion of other 
internal remedies, with very gratifying results. Occa- 
sionally I have combined 5 gr. doses of iodide of potas- 
sium, and in nearly 100 cases have had the pleasure of 
seeing the disease disappear more promptly in every 
case than it ever did when I relied upon the old forms of 
treatment. 
Prof. Bundy, of the California Medical College, thus 
speaks of this plant: “ It was first brought to my notice 
by a gentleman who had been suffering for years 
from syphilis, and after using the root of this shrub for 
eleven months, every vestige of the disease had disap- 
Borberis Aquifolium. 216 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
appeared.” And he further says, “it will "break the 
chills, as certain as quinine.” 
Its power as an alterative is certainly marvelous, and 
not only as an alterative hut a tonic also. The root is 
the part used, and it is extremely hard and tough, and 
of a bright golden yellow in color, an intense but‘pleas- 
ant bitter. As a tonic, and a general tonic, I know of 
nothing that can excel it. 
It is a shrub from two to six feet high, bearing acid 
berries, containing from one to three seeds. Pa rke, Davis 
& Co’s preparations of this plant are regarded by physi- 
cians as superior to those found elsewhere. 
BITTER-ROOT, Milk-Weed (Aposynum Androscemi- 
folium). 
Part used—Bark of 
the root. 
This is a celebrated 
remedy among the In- 
dians, for the cure of 
venereal diseases, and is 
regarded as almost in- 
fallible. And it has 
been very effective in 
dyspepsia, and chronic 
affections of the liver. 
It usually acts promptly 
in constipation. Dose 
of the powder, twenty 
o thirty grains. If it causes too great action of the 
Bitter-Root. BITTER-SWEET. 
217 
"bowels, the dose should be lessened. A wash made by 
steeping the root in water is good for scald-head and 
ulcers. When used as an alterative, to act on the liver, 
or for dyspepsia, give ten grains, twice a day: of the 
extract, live to six grains. This remedy has latterly 
employed by some practitioners for nervous headache, 
for which it is said to be one of the most prompt and 
effectual remedies in use. It is also highly praised for 
rheumatic gout of the joints. Dose of the fluid extract, 
ten to twenty drops, repeated every three or four hours. 
Description—Height, from three to fdur feet: stalk, 
of a reddish color; flowers, white and in loose clusters. 
The root is usually larger than the stalk, running deep 
into the ground. It has a thick bark, which is the part 
used as a medicine, and is of a disagreeable, bitter taste. 
BITTER-SWEET, Woody Night-Shade (>Solarium 
Dulcamara). 
Parts used — Root 
and twigs. 
It is employed in jaun- 
dice,rheumatism, syphi- 
litic affections, scaly cu- 
taneous diseases, and in 
obstructed menstrua- 
tion. A very valuable 
syrup for scrofula is 
prepared from the twigs 
of bitter-sweet, stillin- 
gia and yellow-dock 
root, each equal quanti- 
ties. Made into an oint- 
ment with lard, it forms an excelle 
Bitter-Sweot. 218 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
painful tumors, and has been very efficacious when ap- 
plied to ulcers. 
Description—Stem shrubby, zigzag, climbing along 
trees, slender, vine-like, seldom exceeding seven or eight 
feet in length, with leaves of a dull-green color. When 
fresh these stems have an unpleasant odor, which they 
lose by drying. Their taste is at first bitter, afterwards 
slightly acrid and sweet: hence the name. It bears clus- 
ters of elegant purple blossoms. 
Where Found—It grows in hedges and thickets, es- 
pecially in meist situations. There is another vine 
called Bitter-sweet, a description of which will be found 
under “ Staff-Vine.” 
BLACK LOCUST (Bobina Pseudo-Acacia). 
Parts used—Bark of the root and the leaves. 
The bark is cathartic and the leaves emetic. Steep a 
half-ounce of the leaves in a half-pint of water. If this 
be given in doses of half a teaspoonful every fifteen min- 
utes, it will act as an efficient emetic. To one ounce of the 
root add a quart of water; boil down to nearly one pint: 
a tablespoonful of this given night and morning acts as 
a cathartic, and is frequently used as a substitute for 
butternut. BLACK SXAKE ROOT. 
219 
BLACKSNAKE ROOT—Saniele (Saniculct 
Marylandica). 
Part used—The root. 
The Indians regard this as a sovereign remedy for 
rattlesnake kites. They take a handful of the roots 
and boil them in about a pint of water, and drink 
it in divided doses in the course of a half-hour. At 
the same time they prepare a decoction of the leaves, 
and apply to the bitten parts. It is also valuable 
for the cure of hives, sore throat and croup. It lias 
been very successfully used in St. Vitus’s dance and 
intermittent fevers. Dose of the decoction, from half to 
a pint should be taken during the day; of the powdered 
root, from half to a teaspoonful three times a day, ac- 
cording to age. Blacksnake root is an excellent nervine; 
that is, it quiets and strengthens the nerves. 
Description and where found—It rises from one 
to three feet high, and is found in thick woodlands. 
The root is small, fibrous and black. The leaves grow 
at the top of the long, naked stem, and five in a whole 
general stem rise from the same root. The flower-stem 
rises higher than the leaf-stem, and bears a few white 
flowers. 
BLACKBERRY (Rubus Villosus). 
Parts used—The berries, leaves and roots. 
This plant is exceedingly valuable in chronic diarrhea, 
dysentery, cholera-infantnm and summer-complaints of 
children, and often cures when all other means fail. The 220 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
decoction of the root may be used freely, four or five 
times a day. The ripe fruit makes an excellent syrup. 
In preparing it add a little cinnamon, and after simmer- 
ing for a short time, add white or loaf-sugar ; while hot, 
strain; and, when cool, add a few tablespoonfuls of 
brandy. Dose, from one teaspoonful to two tablespoon- 
fuls, according to age, four or five times a day. Black- 
berry-jelly and jam are both valuable for all bowel-com- 
plaints. The decoction is exceedingly valuable as an 
enema, in falling of the womb, leucorrhea, gleet and 
hemorrhage of the womb. Water flavored with the 
syrup is a very salutary drink for patients during 
fevers, as well as in the convalescent stage. The red- 
raspberry leaves, and those of the dewberry, possess sim- 
ilar properties and are often preferred to the blackberry. 
BLACK HAW (Viburnum Prunifolium). 
Part used—Bark of the root. 
A decoction of this plant will generally cure chills 
and fever. It is almost an infallible remedy in cases 
of threatened abortion, and is, therefore, of especial 
value for women who are subject to miscarriage, act- 
ing, as it does, as a specific tonic on the womb. 
Tablespoonful doses of the decoction should be used 
three times a day. Its use for this purpose should 
be commenced two or three weeks before the expected 
recurrence of the misfortune, and continued for about 
two weeks beyond the period. It usually gives speedy 
relief in palpitation of the heart, and is a valuable 
agent in diarrhea and dysentery, and as a gargle in 
ulcers of the mouth and throat. When taken internally, BLACK-ROOT. 
221 
it will allay the severity of after-pains. Dose of the de- 
coction, a tablospoonful three or four times a day ; of the 
tincture, a teaspoonfnl. 
Description—It is a small tree, ten to twenty feet 
high, found in most of the States, hearing the fruit known 
as black haws, which are of a jet-black color, and hang- 
ing in bunches. They are a pleasant and agreeable fruit. 
BLACK-ROOT, Culver’s Physic, Bowman Root 
(.Leptandra Virginica).1 
Part used—The root. 
It is very highly celebrated as an efficient 
purgative medicine. It operates with mild- 
ness and certainty, without producing that 
depression of the powers of the system so 
common to other purgative medicines. In 
fevers, it removes the morbid matter from 
the bowels without weakening their tone, or 
leaving behind that poisonous sting so often 
remaining after the use of calomel. It is 
used very effectually in the cure of pleurisy 
and also in some forms of dyspepsia. As 
a cathartic in dysentery, it is one of the 
best medicines known, when given in mod- 
erate doses. It would be well to combine it with a little 
rhubarb in such cases. It should be given in decoction, 
in doses of three or four tablespoonfals, and repeated 
every three hours until it operates. Dose of the pow- 
.der, as a cathartic, twenty to forty grains. 
Leptandrin is the extract made from this root, and 
Black-Root. 222 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
may be used in all cases in its stead, and is generally 
preferable to it. It is regarded as a complete substitute 
for blue-mass in cases of liver complaints, without pro- 
ducing any of its injurious effects. It is almost a sure 
cure for bloody flux and dysentery. Dose, for a grown 
person, about one grain, and repeat in eiglit to twelve 
hours. Generally two or three doses will effect a cure 
for children, from one-fourth to three-fourths of a grain. 
Dose, as an alterative, for liver-complaint, one grain, 
once a day; as a cathartic, four to five grains. 
Description and where found—In rich soils, rising 
three to four feet high, smooth stalk, with four to seven 
leaves coming out opposite each other at different points 
on the stalk; when in bloom it has a number of long 
tassels on its top, resembling corn-tassels. It is found 
at the drug-stores. The old, dried, dead black-root 
should not be employed, for it is generally worthless, and 
when leptandrin is made from this article it is of no 
value. 
Simons’ Diver-Medicine — In dyspepsia and tor- 
pid and diseased liver, take one ounce of black-root, 
ten ounces of golden seal and two of senna, to a quart 
of water, and boil to a pint. Of this, from one to two 
tablespoonfuls may be given three or four times a day, 
and the quantity increased if it fails to operate gently, 
or diminished if it operate too much. The action on the 
bowels should not be more than perceptible. In this 
you have a remedy very far superior to Simons’ liver- 
medicine, so popular with the people. BLACK WILLOW. 
223 
BRACK WILLOW, Pussy-Willow (Salix Niger). 
Parts used—Bark of the roots and stems, the leaves 
and twigs. A tea made of a handful of the hark of 
the roots, and drunk freely, will cure almost any case 
of bloody-flux or dysentery. It is very effectual for 
chills and fever, and often used in dyspepsia and gen- 
eral debility. The bark, bruised or in powder, makes a 
very superior remedy in all cases of gangrene or morti- 
fication, to be applied in the form of a poultice, at the 
same time taking a small portion of the tea internally. 
This poultice is also very efficient for foul and indo- 
lent ulcers. When it becomes necessary to suppress 
sexual desire, the buds and twigs made into tea or 
decoction and drunk freely, will accomplish this pur- 
pose. The decoction of tho willow has cured the most 
inveterate cases of erysipelas ; and, as an application in 
this disease it is seldom surpassed. Dose of the decoc- 
tion, from two to three tablespoonfuls three times a day; 
of the powdered bark, one teaspoonful. 
Salicin in Rheumatism—Salicin is the active prin- 
ciple of the willow. In reference to its use in rheuma- 
tism, Dr. J. II. Haley, of San Francisco, says that it is 
one of the most valuable remedies we have for this dis- 
ease, when given in ten-grain doses, three times a day. 
It is often employed as a substitute for quinine, and can 
be had at all drug-stores. 
Description—Height, from five to twenty feet; has 
a dark, rough, outside bark, while the branches are 
of a light-yellow color. 
Where Found—Along the banks of water courses, 224 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
small streams and wet lands, in nearly all parts of 
the United States. Some authors make a distinction 
between the black and the pussy willow in this : that 
the former is of a darker color, and has longer branches 
than the latter. But as regards the practicability of this 
distinction, it is immaterial, as both varieties contain 
the same medical properties. 
Willow (Salix alba)—This species contains the same- 
medicinal properties as the black willow given above, 
which see. 
BLACK WALNUT (Juglans Nigra). 
Parts used—The bark, leaves and green nnts. 
A strong tincture of the leaves and nuts is highly ex- 
tolled as a remedy in the treatment of bilious and cramp 
colic. Dose, one to two teaspoonfuls every twenty or 
thirty minutes until relieved. 
An infusion of the leaves is a sovereign remedy in 
scrofula and many cases have been cured with it. Two 
handfuls of the leaves should be used to one quart of 
water, in preparing the infusion, and a gill of this, after 
being sweetened with sugar, should be drunk during 
each day. It may be necessary to continue using this 
for several months. 
The dry leaves may be used when the green cannot be 
had. A tincture of the nuts or leaves is said to be 
almost a certain cure for the tetter, applied externally, 
and at the same time a portion should be taken inter- 
nally. It is said that the rind of the walnut, applied to 
the parts, will cure the tetter. 
Where Found.—In almost all parts of the United 
States. BLACK COHOSH. 
225 
BRACK COHOSH, Squaw-Root, Blacksnake- 
Root, Rattle-Weed (Clmicifuga Racemosa). 
Part used—The root. 
This plant is regarded by some 
physicians as one of the best 
agents in use for hooping-cough. 
Two tablespoonfuls of the tincture, 
together with the same amount of 
the tincture of blood-root and lobe- 
lia, and syrup of squills, constitute 
one among the best cough-medi- 
cines in use. Dose, one teaspoon- 
ful every three or four hours. 
The tincture has been success- 
fully employed in St. Vitus’s dance, 
and in asthma and delirium trem- 
ens. It is likewise employed in 
neuralgia, consumption, acute rheumatism, scrofula and 
leucorrhea. It is especially valuable in female com- 
plaints. Dose of the tincture, twenty to sixty drops, 
three times a day ; of the fluid extract, from a half to two 
teaspoonfuls. 
Equal parts of the extract of high-cranberry bark and 
the fluid extract of black cohosh will promptly cure per- 
sons afflicted with cramps. It is used by the Indians a& 
an antidote for the bite of snakes, for which purpose it is 
bruised and applied to the wound ; and at the same time 
a little of the juice is to be taken internally. It is very 
highly extolled for the treatment of small-pox, and also 
for facilitating child-birth. 
Description—The root is black, with a large head* 
Black Cohosh. 226 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
and many long fibres ; stem from three to six feet high, 
terminating in a spike of white blossoms, which apjiear 
in June and July. 
Where found—In rich, open woods, particularly on 
rich hill-sides and adjoining fields. 
In nervous rheumatism there is, perhaps, no remedy 
more prompt in its action than black cohosh. Its elimi- 
nating tendencies make it an admirable remedy for 
scarlet fever and measles. The tincture should be made 
from the fresh root, or that which has recently been 
dried, two ounces to half-pint of alcohol (96°). The 
dose is from five to fifteen drops, four times a day. 
Macrotin—This is the concentrated active principle, 
and made from the root of this article. For the measles, 
scarlet fever and small-pox, it is one of the best prepa- 
rations known to keep the eruption to the surface, and 
also to determine or cause it to come to the surface of the 
skin. Dose, from one-half to one grain, two or three 
limes a day. 
BLESSED THISTLE, Holy Thistle (Centaurea 
Benedicta). 
Part used—The leaves. 
It is valuable, to strengthen the digestive organs in dys- 
pepsia and intermittent fevers. Dose, of the infusion, 
half a teacupful, three times a day. It should be taken 
cold. 
Dr. Leidbeck reports cases of enlargement of the 
liver, cured with this plant, and cases also of gall-stones, 
with jaundice. Dose, of the saturated tincture, from ten 
to fifteen drops, three times a day. 
Where Pound—In the drug-stores and growing in 
gardens. BLACK BIKCH. 
227 
BLACK BIRCII, Sweet Birch, Spice Birch 
(Belula Sent a). 
Part used—The bark. 
This is an excellent tonic, and, made into a syrup 
or tea, is one of the most valuable remedies there is, in 
restoring the strength and tone of the bowels, after 
dysentery. It should be drunk freely, four or five times 
a day. It will also remove female obstructions. 
BLACK ALDER, WIXTER-BERRY (.Prinos 
Verticillatus). 
Parts used—Bark of the root and stalk. 
The decoction has "been successfully used in jaundice, 
liver-complaint and intermittent fever, taken in wineglass- 
ful-doses, three times a day. A decoction of "black alder, 
made into a poultice with powdered elm-bark, is among 
the best preparations in use for foul ulcers and sores. 
Being a very superior remedy for purifying the blood 
and cleansing the system, it is often combined with other 
articles, as sarsaparilla, burdock or sassafras, to form 
an alterative syrup. An infusion of the bark of the root 
of black alder and golden seal is a successful remedy 
in some forms of dyspepsia. Of this infusion, take four 
ounces of the former and one of the latter, and, when 
mixed, take a wineglassful cold, before each meal, and 
one on going to bed at night. 
Description—It is a small shrub, of a crooked shape, 228 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
growing usually five or six feet high, with a bluish-gray- 
colored "bark. It has small white flowers, during the 
month of July, followed with small red "berries, in the 
fall and winter, about the size of a pea. 
Where Found—By the sides of marshy streams* 
ponds, in swamps and marshy woods. 
BROOD-ROOT, Red Puccoon, (Sanguinaria 
Canadensis). 
Part used—The root. 
The powdered root is a sov- 
ereign remedy for the croup. 
An infusion of the fresh root 
is used with great success 
in curing tetter, warts and 
ringworm. The powder 
will remove proud flesh. 
When used as a snuff, it 
has removed polypus of the 
nose. It is highly valuable 
in coughs, colds and dis- 
eases of the lungs, and it is 
said to have cured consump- 
tion in its incipent stages. 
It is very successfully used in diseases of the liver, when 
combined with equal parts of dandelion and mandrake. 
It is a highly valuable agent in scrofula, and in all cases 
of impure conditions of the blood. It is also useful in 
pneumonia or lung-fever and in jaundice. Dose of the 
tincture, from twenty drops to a teaspoonful, three times 
a day; of the powder, three to five grains ; as an altera- 
Blood-Root. BLUE ELAvL 
229 
tive, one to two grains, twice a day. It is an excellent 
snuff, in case of headache and cold in the head. The 
tincture has "been used with success in dyspepsia and 
dropsy of the chest. For tetter, warts, etc., a strong 
decoction should he used externally, while using the 
same internally. This herb is a stimulant, narcotic, and 
should never be taken in large doses. 
Description and where found—It is a perennial 
plant, and appears early in the spring, growing in 
rich soil, in groves and on hillsides; rises but a few 
inches high, with several smooth stems coming up 
together, and a large smooth leaf, with one white flower 
to each stem. The root is bulbous, as thick as the little 
Anger, and usually three or four inches long, red and 
full of juice of the same color. 
BLUE FLAG- (Iris Versicolor). 
Part used—The root. 
It has been employed with 
success in syphilis, scrofula, 
dropsy of the chest, chronic 
rheumatism, liver-complaint, 
diseases of the spleen, diseases 
of the kidneys and dyspepsia. 
It is a very good vermifuge, 
and is now regarded by some 
practitioners as one of the 
most positive remedies in sec- 
ondary syphilis. It is a val- 
uable remedy in all diseases 
of the blood. The tincture 
should be made of the fresh root bruised, four ounces to 
Blue Flag. 230 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
half a pint of alcohol (76°). Dose of the tincture, from 
fifteen to thirty drops ; of the extract, one to four grains, 
three times a day. The Blue Flag is a perennial plant, 
growing in wet lands and meadows and along the edges, 
of creeks, having blue and whitish flowers. 
BLUE COHOSH, (Caulophyllum Thalictroides), 
Part used—The root. 
This herb is espec- 
ially valuable in epilep- 
tic tits and ulceration 
of the mouth and throat. 
In the latter it may be 
used alone or in combi- 
nation with golden seal. 
It is regarded of especial 
service for rendering 
child-birth less painful 
and tedious, as it im- 
parts tone and vigor to 
the womb. A tea of it 
should be drunk for 
the last three or four weeks of pregnancy. A decoction 
is also used for colic, cramps, hysterics and rheumatism. 
The dose of the decoction is from half to two-thirds of a 
teacupful three times a day; of the tincture half to a tea- 
spoonful. 
Description and Where Found—This is a per- 
ennial plant, growing throughout the United States, in 
low, moist, rich land, attaining a height of two or three 
feet. It is divided at the top in two or three branches, 
-Blue Cohosh. BLUE GUM. 
231 
each branch supporting three leaves, in the center of 
which come out the flowers, which are small and of a 
yellowish green color. It is diuretic, emmenagogue, 
anti-spasmodic and an efficient parturient. It is said 
that there is nothing a woman can take during the 
labors of child-birth that will facilitate it more than a 
decoction of this plant. 
BLUE GUM, Health-Tree {Eucalyptus Globulus). 
It is a new remedy, and has 
proved to he an important acquisi- 
tion to the materia medica. Among 
the diseases in which it is employed 
are croup, diphtheria, asthma, 
piles, neuralgia, malarial diseases, 
catarrh, ulcers and sores. One 
physician reports that it has, in his 
hands, proved an effectual remedy 
in rheumatism. In the section of 
country where it grows it is a pop- 
ular remedy with the inhabitants 
for chills and bilious fever. The 
mode of using it in asthma is to 
smoke the leaves after being dried. 
For the piles, the parts are washed 
with a decoction of the leaves. Dose, of the tea of the 
leaves, from one-lialf to one teacupful three times a day. 
A favorite preparation is the fluid extract. Dose, from 
thirty drops to a teaspoonful, three times a day; of the 
solid extract, from three to ten grains; of the sugar- 
Blue Gam. 232 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
coated pills, from one to four, three times a day. In 
reference to the eucalyptus, Dr. A. B. Woodward observes, 
“As a local application for ulcers and wounds, it has 
no equal, and for suspicious leucorrheal discharges, it is 
one of the best articles ; say one to two drachms in one- 
half pint of tepid water, injecting it slowly; and for ton- 
ing up weakened and prolapsed uteri, there is no better 
remedy than eucalyptus; equal parts of fluid extract 
eucalyptus and spice-bush leaves and bark, used in the 
strength above mentioned.” 
This tree possesses, in a great measure, the power of 
destroying miasmatic influence in fever-stricken districts. 
Medical journals give account of pestilential fevers 
being entirely abated in different parts of Europe by 
the cultivation of groves of these trees. 
It is said that it possesses the singular property of 
absorbing an extraordinary amount of water from the 
soil, and when sown in marshy ground it will dry it up 
in a very short time. 
BLUE LOBELIA (.Lobelia Cardinalis). 
Part used—Tlie root. 
This herb is most valuable as a remedy in the 
treatment of diarrhea and dysentery. The dose is 
from a half to a teaspoonful of the pulverized root, 
taken in water and repeated if necessary. This is 
said by some who have used it to be a certain remedy 
in the above complaints. Some western physicians re- 
port it as a decided success in the cure of dropsy. It is 
used by many as a remedy in venereal diseases, and more 
especially in syphilis, which it not unfrequently cures. BOLDO-LEAVES. 
233 
In these cases, the patient should drink from a pint to 
a quart a day, of a strong decoction. It has a high rep- 
utation for the cure of cancer of the breast. The patient 
should take four tablespoonfuls of the decoction, three 
times a day, and the cancer should be poulticed with the 
powdered root, wet with this decoction. It should be 
made warm, and used as the wash in changing and re- 
newing the poultices. In all ulcers and wounds which 
have a tendency to terminate in gangrene and mortifi- 
cation, the application of this plant in decoction is one 
of our foremost remedies. 
Description—The roots are white, fibrous, and ten 
inches long; stem erect, hairy towards the top; from 
one to three feet high, terminating in a spike of large, 
pale-blue blossoms; leaves large, finely indented on the 
edge, with unequal teeth. 
Where found—Growing generally in wet or moist 
lands. 
BOEDO-EEAVES (.Penmus Boldo) 
The new South American 
tonic. In France this remedy 
has been especially employed 
in cases where there had ex- 
isted chronic torpor of the 
liver, and in cases of atony of 
various organs, where quinine 
could not he tolerated. Dr. 
Baremba recommends boldo in 
gonorrhea, rheumatism and 
dyspepsia. Dose, of the fluid 
extract, one to five drops, to be 
increased. 
Boldo-Leaves. 234 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
BONESET, Thorougliwort, Feverwort, Indian 
Sage, Ague-Weed (.Eupatorimn Perfoliatum). 
Parts used—Top 
and leaves. 
For "bilious colic> 
especially when it is 
attended with obsti- 
nate constipation, it 
is usually a speedy 
and reliable remedy. 
Give a teacupful of 
the cold infusion 
every half hour, un- 
til it acts on the 
bowels. It is said 
to be a valuable anti- 
dote for the bite of 
snakes ; and a tea of it, taken freely, is excellent for 
relieving colds. It is very efficacious in fevers, remit- 
tent, intermittent and typhoid. Many assert that they 
can break up almost any case of fever with it. But, 
perhaps, it is more effective and valuable in fever and 
ague than in any other fever. It has been used with 
success in dyspepsia and general debility. Dose of the 
infusion, from one-fourth to half a teacupful, three times 
a day; of the extract, two to four grains; in which form 
it is more pleasant to take. If taken warm, in 
large doses, it will produce vomiting; in small doses, 
perspiration ; taken cold, in large doses, it acts as a mild 
purgative, and in small doses, as a tonic. 
Description and where found—Boneset grows 
Boneset. BOEAGE. 
235 
very plentifully in almost all parts of the United States, 
in low, moist and damp lands; growing from two to five 
feet high. The leaves ares, so formed as to give the stem 
the appearance of penetrating them through the center 
and standing out crosswise. When in bloom, it has a 
large, bushy top of white flowers. 
BORAGE {Borago Officinalis). 
Parts used—The leaves and flowers. 
It is an excellent blood-purifier, and very mucli used 
in all putrid and malignant fevers. It is a diaphoretic 
or sweating agent, and is very useful in colds and rheu- 
matism. It is a valuable gargle for canker-sore mouth, 
and inflamed tonsils and throat. The gargle is im- 
proved by the addition of a little sage-tea and honey. 
It is of the utmost importance in melancholy, and a 
very grateful as well as useful and cooling beverage in 
fevers. The flowers or leaves or both may be used, and 
drunk freely. 
Description and where found—This plant com- 
monly grows in old fields and waste lands, bearing very 
beautiful blue flowers, and is often cultivated in gardens 
as an ornament. 
BORAX (Sodce Boras). 
Two parts of borax and one of cream of tartar, for 
some forms of gravel, is one of the best remedies known. 
They should be pulverized, and two ounces of the former, 
and one of the latter, be added to one and a half pints 236 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
of soft water. Dose, two tablespoonfuls, four or five 
times a day. 
If borax be taken in the early months of pregnancy, 
it is liable to produce abortion, and hence, it should be 
avoided at such times. 
BROMIDE OF AMMONIUM. 
Prof. Goss says, “ This article seems to exert a very 
kindly influence upon certain disorders of the nerve- 
centers. In that peculiar, irritable condition of the 
brain, originating from over-work, in which the patient 
cannot sleep, this is the remedy, par excellence.” It 
will be found efficient, also, in asthma. It acts promptly 
in epilepsy and convulsions of children. Dose, from five 
to twenty grains. 
BUCHU (Diosma Crenata). 
Part used—The leaves. 
This plant is mainly used for its favorable action 
on the urinary organs. It is a tonic. In inflamma- 
tion of the bladder, kidneys or urethra, or irritation 
of these organs, it will be a very useful remedy. 
It prevents the tendency to the formation of calculi 
(stone in the bladder). It is used in the treatment of 
catarrh of the bladder, and in dropsy. It possesses the 
peculiar power to remove from the cavities superfluous 
fluid, which makes it useful in all forms of dropsy. BUGLE WEED. 
237 
Prof. Wilson says, “ I have frequently used the tincture, 
or fluid extract, in chronic gonorrhea and gleet with 
most prompt success.” Dose of the fluid extract, ten to 
twenty drops, every four hours; of the powder, ten to 
fifteen grains, three times a day; of the infusion, half a 
teacupful. 
Description and where found—It is a foreign 
shrub, and found in drug-stores only, in this country. 
BUGLE WEED, Water Bugle, Water-Hoar- 
hound, Sweet Bugle (Lycopus Virginicus). 
Parts used—The leaves and stems. 
It has been very successfully used in 
checking hemorrhages, both from the 
lungs and stomach, and has the reputation 
of curing consumption in its first stages. 
It is employed in diabetes or excessive 
discharge of urine—has cured this com- 
plaint when all other means failed. It is 
also used in diseases of the heart, chronic 
diarrhea and dysentery. Dose of the 
infusion, one-fourth to half a teaspoonful 
three times a day; of the powdered leaves, 
from one to two teaspoonfuls (one to two 
drachms). 
Description—When fresh, it has a 
smell somewhat like turpentine, and a slightly bitter,, 
disagreeable taste. 
Where found—It is found growing near water- 
courses, swamps, etc. 
Bugieweed. 238 
aiEDICAL PLANTS. 
BUCKTHORN (.Rkamnus Catharticus). 
Parts used—The bark and the berries. 
The berries are an active cathartic, rather severe, and 
not much used for that purpose. The strong tincture of 
the bark is a valuable alterative in scrofula and skin- 
diseases. Pose, twenty drops, three times a day; of 
the fluid extract, from five to ten drops. It is a very 
positive remedy in skin-diseases, syphilitic affections, 
etc. 
Description—It is a large shrub, with dark-brown 
bark and yellowish wood; leaves smooth, notched and 
of a bright-green color; the flowers are small, of a green- 
ish color, and borne at the extremity of the branches of 
the former year; the berries are round and about as large 
as a pea, and, when ripe, are black and contain a green 
pulp, with four cells and as many seeds, which are 
smooth, convex on one side and flat on the other. It 
flowers in May and June, and ripens its fruit in Sep- 
tember. 
Where fouud—In most drug-stores. 
BUCKHORX-BRAKE ( Osmunda Regalis). 
Part used—Tlie root. 
It is mucilaginous and tonic. The mucilage mixed 
with brandy is a very common and usually success- 
ful remedy for sprains and weak back; to be applied 
externally, three times a day. It is said to be almost BUKDOCK. 
239 
a certain cure for the rickets, prepared as follows: 
Place two or three roots in a quart of hot water and 
infuse for half an hour, when it will become a thick 
mucilage or jelly, and of this give a wineglassful four 
or live times a day. It will also be found very valuable 
for the whites. It is very good in coughs and diarrhea. 
Where found—This herb grows in moist lands and 
is rather a beautiful fern, and should be gathered in the 
latter part of the summer. Found in all drug-stores. 
BURDOCK (Arctium Lappa). 
Parts used—The root and 
seeds. 
An infusion of the seeds, 
or of the roots, of bur- 
dock, drunk freely, is an excel- 
lent remedy to prevent a rep- 
etition of boils. It has been 
very effective in curing scurvy, 
scrofula, syphilis and dis- 
eases of the kidneys. A pint 
of the infusion may be drunk 
in the course of twenty-four 
hours. The pulverized seeds, 
taken in doses of two tea- 
spoonfuls, three times a day, 
has cured dyspepsia. It is valuable in rheumatism, 
dropsy and all diseases of the skin, or in any case 
when the blood is impure. The leaves will be found 
very useful, applied externally, in fevers, by bruising 
and applying to the forehead and bottoms of the feet. 
Burdock. 240 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
The seeds are a very valuable blood purifier, either 
when used alone or combined with sarsaparilla, in equal 
parts. This plant is used with good success in curing all 
forms of tetter, but especially dry tetter. And it is an 
admirable remedy for boils, sty on the eye and felons. 
Dose, of the tincture, from thirty to sixty drops, four 
times a day. 
Description and where found—Burdock is a well 
known plant, growing throughout the country, along 
roadsides, in old fields and around old buildings. Its 
height is from two to three feet, with very large leaves 
and purple fiowers; having burs which stick to clothing 
when it comes in contact with them. 
BUCKEYE-BARK Glabra). 
This is very useful in congestion of the liver and 
womb and hemorrhoids, habitual constipation and all 
diseases of the bowels. Dose of the infusion, one tea- 
spoonful ; of the tincture, ten to twenty drops; of the 
fluid extract, five drops, three times a day. 
BURGUNDY-PITCH. 
A pure article is difficult to obtain. It is an excellent 
application for tlie hooping-cough, applied in the form of 
a plaster over the chest and stomach. For rheumatic 
swellings and weak back, it is highly useful as a plaster, 
which should be spread on a large piece of soft leather, BUSH-IIOXEYSUCKLE. 
241 
and worn as long as it will stick. This plaster is often 
used with great advantage for pains in the chest. This 
pitch forms an ingredient in various plasters. 
Description—It is the concrete juice, hardened and. 
purified, that exudes from the Norway Pine. 
BUSH-HONEYSUCKLE (Diermlla Trifida). 
Parts used—The root, leaves and twigs. 
They have been employed with benefit in inflammation 
of the bladder, with gravelly deposits in the urine, disease 
of the kidneys and gonorrhea. The root has been recom- 
mended in syphilis, in the form of a decoction. The 
cold infusion may be drunk freely. Applied externally 
to parts that have been poisoned by the poison-vine, it 
relieves the itching. 
Where found—It grows in almost all parts of the 
country, and found in drug-stores. 
BUTTERNUT (,Juglans Cineria). 
Parts used—Bark, bark of the root and leaves. 
Some medical authors say, “ It is the best cathartic for 
dysentery, diarrhea and worms we ever employed, leav- 
ing the bowels in a better condition than almost any 
other medicine.” It is usually employed by adding water 
to a quantity of the bark and boiling it down until it is 
reduced to a thick, soft extract and then made into pills; 242 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
by mixing, if necessary, a little wheat-flour with it in 
order to render it of the proper consistence to be made 
into pills. 
Dose as a cathartic, three or four ordinary-sized pills: 
us a laxative in costiveness, one or two pills twice a day. 
If it is desired to use it in the form of a syrup, boil the 
bark until a syrup is formed, then sweeten to the taste. 
Dose, two or three tablespoonfuls every hour, until it 
operates on the bowels. 
Persons who were subject to the piles from constipa- 
tion have reported it effectual and at the same time re- 
lieving the constipation. In such cases it should be 
administered in small doses, so as to keep up a soft 
state of the stools. 
For tetter and other chronic skin-diseases it is reputed 
as an effectual cure. The tincture is to be applied ex- 
ternally, at the time of taking it internally. 
When the fluid extract is used, the dose is thirty drops. 
The use of large doses of this medicine should not be 
persisted in, as it is liable to produce inflammation. 
Juglandin—This is the active principle of the butter- 
nut. It is one of the most certain and efficient cathartics, 
but given in over-doses it is liable to produce griping. 
It is a mild and certain remedy in consumption, when 
combined with Apocynum (Bitter-Root). This combina- 
tion has proven an effectual remedy for expelling the 
thread or pin-worm. The dose is one-fourth to one-half 
a grain. 
Where found—Juglandin can be found at the prin- 
cipal drug-stores: the tree, in nearly all parts of the 
United States. BUTT0X-BUSH. 
243 
BUTTON-BtTSII (Cephalanthus Occidentalis). 
Part used—The "bark. 
Tliia is very useful in coughs, colds and diseases of 
the throat and lungs generally. Dose of the fluid extract, 
twenty to forty drops; of the infusion, one-fourth of a 
teacupful three times a day. 
BUTTOX-SXAKE ROOT, Backache Root, Devil’s 
Bit, Gray Feather (Liatris Sjpicata). 
Part used—The root. 
It forms an excellent gargle in sore throat, and is 
valuable in affections of the kidneys and pain in the 
hack. It is to he used freely in decoction, and is good 
in gleet and chronic leucorrliea. The dose of the decoc- 
tion i3 half a teacupful three times a day. In some parts 
of the country it is considered a sovereign remedy for 
snakebite, in which case the fresh root is bruised, 
moistened with water and applied to the wound, while 
the patient drinks freely of a strong decoction. Dose, of 
the decoction, one-half a teacupful, or more, three times 
a day. 
Description—Stem straight; height, from three to 
four feet; near the top there are buttons or flower-heads, 
half an inch or more in diameter, to which are attached 
the flowers, which are small, of a bright purple or bluish- 
red color. 
Where found—On open lands and prairie countries. 244 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
CAMPHOR {Camphora). 
It is nsed to allay nervous excitement and to induce 
sleep in wakefulness, and often in disease. In many 
cases it will cure headache, by taking a piece the size 
of a pea every half-hour. Its vapor will sometimes 
arrest the headache and will relieve faintness. It is of 
much utility in spasms, neuralgia, gout, rheumatism, 
typhoid fever and in all diseases of debility. 
The tincture is invaluable for external uses, such as 
pains, soreness of the flesh, sprains, chilblains, bruises, 
etc.'' It is made by adding one ounce of the gum to one 
pint of spirits. 
The spirits of camphor will check cholera in its first 
stages, when taken in drop-doses every five, ten or twenty 
minutes, according to the severity of the symptoms. 
Dose of the powder, from one to ten grains. 
Where found—This gum is imported from China 
and the East Indies. Found in all the drug-stores in this, 
country. 
CAJSTCER-ROOT (Orobanche Virginiana). 
Part used—The whole plant. 
This plant is nsed in the treatment of diarrhea, dysen- 
tery, bleeding of the lungs and nose. It has proved to be a 
very effective remedy for these purposes. Dose of the 
fluid extract, from ten to thirty drops, three times a day. CANADA FLEABANE. 
245 
CANADA FLEABANE, Colt’s Tail, Butter-Weed 
{Erigeron Canadense). 
Parts used—Thp flowers and 
leaves. 
The extract, or the syrup, is very 
successfully used for bleeding of the 
lungs and other internal hemor- 
rhages. The dose of the extract is a 
quarter to a half a teaspoonful (five 
to ten grains) repeated every five or 
ten minutes. In flooding and exces- 
sive menstruation it is a prompt and 
effectual remedy. Dose of the oil, 
from four to six drops, repeated every 
ten minutes. It is useful in dysen- 
tery, gravel and diabetes, given in 
infusion. Dose, a wineglassful four 
or five times a day. This, oil is now ranked as one 
of the leading remedies for the cure of piles. Dose, 
five to six drops three times a day, mixed with six 
parts of castor oil, and use as a local application two 
or three times a day. 
Description—Five to six feet high, with branching 
tops and bunches of small white flowers on the tops of 
the branches. 
Where found—This plant is common to almost all 
parts of the United States, growing in old fields and 
roadsides. It can be found in drug-stores. 
Canada Fleabane. 246 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
CARAWAY-SEEDS (Carum Carvi). 
These are valuable for flatulent colic: especially that 
occurring in children. They are ejnployed to stimulate 
the digestive organs, and to improve the taste of dis- 
agreeable medicines. The oil is more commonly used. 
Dose, from two to eight drops; of the powdered seeds, 
from ten to twenty grains (one-fourth to one-half tea- 
spoonful). 
Where found—A garden-plant, and sold in drug and 
grocery-stores. 
CATECHU (.Acacia Catechu). 
This is a very powerful astringent, and is commonly 
used for its astringency. It is employed in contracting 
of the palate when it "becomes elongated and is “ down.” 
It is successfully used to harden the gums when they 
become soft or spongy. For these purposes it should 
be applied in a strong solution. It is a good remedy for 
chronic diarrhea and watery discharges of the bowels. 
An infusion, snuffed up the nostrils, will generally stop 
bleeding of the nose. It is also useful in hemorrhages 
from the stomach, indolent ulcers, sore and cracked nip- 
ples, and in gleet. Dose of the tincture, a teaspoonful 
every three hours ; of the powder, two to five grains. 
Description and where found—Catechu is a dark- 
colored gum, obtained from a tree growing in the East 
Indies, and can be found in all drug-stores. It is readily 
dissolved in hot water or alcohol. CARDAMOM-SEEDS. 
247 
CARDAMOM-SEEDS (.Elettaria Cardamomum). 
They are chiefly used for wind-colic, either in infusion 
or tincture. They are also used with other medicines to 
render them more agreeable to the taste, and frequently 
chewed to destroy bad breath. Dose of the powdered 
seeds, from a fourth to one-lialf a teaspoonful. 
The oil is more commonly used, the dose of which is 
from two to six drops. 
It tends to promote the process of digestion, and 
strengthens the stomach. 
Where found—In drug-stores—a native of foreign 
countries. 
CASTOR-OIL (Oleum Iiicini). 
In consequence of the mildess of its action, this oil is 
regarded as a good cathartic for delicate persons. For 
those who are troubled with piles, rupture, inflammation 
of the bowels, chronic dysentery, it is better than active 
purgatives, for they are injurious in such cases. 
There are other cathartics that are better adapted for 
dyspeptics than castor-oil, as it is oppressive to the diges- 
tive powers. It should not, ordinarily, be given to little 
children, for it produces ruinous effects on those who 
have weak digestive organs. Dose, for an adult, from 
one to two tablespoonfuls. 
Description—This is an oil made from the seeds of 248 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
a large herb called lUcinus Communis—known as the 
castor-bean. It grows from six to eight feet high. It is 
a native of India, but is extensively cultivated in the 
United States. 
In regard to castor-oil, as before mentioned, every 
mother should be apprised of the fact that it is ruining 
the digestion of thousands of little children. No wonder 
that this country has gained the name of a land of dys- 
peptics. It should be borne in mind that, as a rule, the 
less purgatives you use in the family the better you are 
off. An untold amount of injury is done to the system 
by raking it with cathartic,medicines, most of which 
are more filthy and disgusting than the parts of the sys- 
tem upon which they are expected to act. 
CARPENTER’S SQUARE, Figwort, Square- 
Stalk (Scrophularia Nodosa). 
Part used—The root. 
The root is good in scrofula, liver-affections and 
dropsy, and is used with success in obstructed menses, 
and in restoring the locliial discharge when it lias too 
suddenly ceased. It is to be used in the form of a tea 
or infusion, three times a day. The leaves, either fresh 
and bruised, or if dry, softened with warm water, are 
very superior application for wounds, bruises, and old 
sores. It makes an excellent healing salve, stewed 
in lard, with a small portion of beeswax added. 
Description—This plant may easily be known by its 
square stalk. It grows from four to live feet high. It 
has an erect stalk, with branches coming out at the 
joints. The flowers are of a greenish-purple color. 
Where found—It is very common to most of the 
States, growing along roadsides and in open woods. CATXIP. 
249 
CATNIP (Nepeta Catarid). 
Parts used—Leaves and stems. 
A tea of this plant is a very valuable drink in fevers, 
to produce perspiration and induce sleep. It lias proved 
efficacious in nervous headache, painful and suppressed 
menstruation, and will generally relieve children of wind 
or flatulent colic. Equal parts of warm catnip-tea and 
saffron are excellent in scarlet fever and small-pox, also, 
in colds and hysterics. It will relieve painful swellings, 
when applied in the form of a poultice or fomentation. 
A supply should always be kept on hand in every family 
where there are children, for colic, colds, fevers, etc. In 
the latter, it will produce perspiration without increas- 
ing the heat of the system. The tea may be drunk 
freely. But, if taken in very large doses, when warm, it 
frequently acts as an emetic. The better way to use it 
for suppressed menstruation, is to express the j uice of 
the green herb, and take it in tablespoonful doses, three 
times a day. 
Where found—In drug-stores, and in all parts of 
the country. 
CEDRON-SEED (Simaba Cedron). 
This is used in Tbilious fever, ague, dyspepsia and all 
derangements of the digestive organs. Dose of the fluid 
extract, one to eight drops, three or four times daily; of 
the tincture, the same. 250 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
CAS CARA SAGRADA, Sliittim Bark (ffliamnusr 
PursMana). 
This drug has long been 
known to the Spanish res- 
idents of the Pacilic Coast 
as a sovereign remedy for 
habitual constipation and 
dyspepsia, and will prove 
one of the most valuable 
of recent additions to our 
materia medica. I n 
speaking of it, Alex. M. 
Cheek, M. D., Nashville, 
Tenn., says, “ I deem it 
the greatest known rem- 
edy for constipation we 
have at the present day.” 
C. G. Polk, M. D., Philadelphia, in speaking of it, says, 
“ Thus far the accumulated testimony goes a long way 
in demonstrating its efficacy in obstinate and habitual 
constipation. No agent heretofore employed has ever 
given the high degree of satisfaction that has been ex- 
pressed of this one.” The same meed of praise is like- 
wise given for its curative effects in dyspepsia. 
Dr. C. S. Wright says, “Of cascara sagrada my 
opinion is that it is the best remedy I ever used for con- 
stipation. I have used it in about one hundred cases of 
constipation, with invariably good results. What I wish 
to note particularly is in the constipation attendant upon 
Cascara CHAMOMILE. 
251 
cancer of the stomach. I have prescribed for two of 
these cases. One of them has been under my observa- 
tion nearly a year, and the cascara acts like a charm in 
relieving the bowels.” 
Dose, of the fluid extract, from ten to thirty drops, 
three times a day. 
CHAMOMILE {Anthemis JVbbiUs). 
Part used—The flowers. 
The cold infusion is a good hitter tonic, and taken two 
or three times a day is very valuable in dyspepsia and 
in all debilitated conditions of the stomach, and very 
useful in female weakness. The herb, bruised and 
moistened with vinegar, is an excellent application for 
sprains and bruises. 
Dose of the tea, from two to three tablespoonfuls, two 
or three times a day. The oil of this plant is a good 
remedy in cramp of the stomach, colic and in hysterics. 
Dose, from ten to fifteen drops, twice a day. 
Where found—Growing in gardens. 
CAYENNE PEPPER, Capsicum, Red Pepper 
(Capsicum Annuum). 
This is an important remedy in the cholera: when 
combined with equal parts of salt, say one-lialf ounce of 
each to one pint of good vinegar, given in tablespoonful 
doses, it will stop vomiting, in both cholera and cholera- 
morbus. 252 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
The “Cayenne gargle” is used with admirable success 
in scarlet fever. Dr. Stephens says that he employed it in 
nearly four hundred cases with surprising success. He 
asserts that the ulcers in the mouth soon began to heal and 
the vital powers assume a more healthy condition. It is 
to be prepared in the following manner: “ Two teaspoon- 
fuls of common Cayenne pepper, and two teaspoonfuls of 
fine salt; mix them together; pour upon them one-half pint 
of boiling water; strain, and add one-lialf pint of good 
vinegar; when cold, give from half to a tablespoonful to a 
grown person, every hour, and gargle the throat frequently 
with it.” See “ Table of Doses for Children ” in Yol. I. 
The cold infusion is very useful in colds, catarrh and 
hoarseness. 
Dr. Howard says he has found it to be effective in 
removing female obstructions. 
It is employed in fevers, inflammations, piles and liver- 
complaint. 
The tincture or infusion will be found efficacious as a 
gargle in chronic quinsy. It is often employed to very 
great advantage sprinkled on foul ulcers, or steeped in 
vinegar to bathe parts affected with rheumatic pains, as 
well as all inflamed parts. A weak tea is a very supe- 
rior wash for sore eyes, applied four or five times a day. 
When it is desired to produce perspiration, this is one 
among the best of agents. The warm tea should be given 
to the patient on retiring at night. Mixed with spirits of 
turpentine, and applied to kernels or tumors, it will 
disperse them. The tea, or powder, is an admirable rem- 
edy for checking hemorrhage of the womb. 
It is also valuable in aiding digestion in persons hav- 
ing dyspeptic stomachs. 
For colds, it may be used in the form of a tea, or a 
teaspoonful of Cayenne mixed with molasses, taken in 
broken doses, during a period of four to five hours. An CEXTAURY. 
253 
ordinary dose of the tincture is half a teaspoonful; of 
the powder, five to six grains. 
Description and where found—This is one of 
the species of red pepper. It is a foreign plant, and fre- 
quently found growing in gardens in this country, and at 
all drug-stores. 
CENTAURY, Rose-Pink, American Centaury 
(Chironia Angularis). 
Parts used—Leaves and flowers. 
It is very effectual in preventing fevers if taken daily 
in tlie form of bitters. 
A decoction of tlie leaves will expel worms. Dose, 
one or two tablespoonfuls, according to age, two or three 
times a day; repeat for several days. 
Centaury is tonic and restorative, and is esteemed very 
highly as a bitter tonic for strengthening the stomach. 
Where found—In meadows, moist lands and fields.. 
Description—Ileight, from one to two feet. The 
flowers, which appear in July and August, are of a 
beautiful rose-color, an inch or more in diameter and 
somewhat in the shape of a pink-blossom. 
CHARCOAL (Carlo). 
In many cases of lieadache, two teaspoonfuls of pul- 
verized charcoal, in half a teacupful of water, will 
effectually relieve the patient in a very short period of 
time, more especially when there is acidity of the stom- 254 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
ach. And in cases of costiveness many persons are 
cured by taking a tablespoonful three times a day. 
It is of great utility in arresting mortification of the 
bowels, taken in large doses. 
"When it is used to check mortification occurring in 
other parts of the system, apply it in the form of a poul- 
tice. It is very serviceable in bleeding from the stomach, 
in intermittent fever, dyspepsia and dysentery. It will 
usually regulate foul breath. Dose, from one to three 
teaspoonfuls, three times a day. In urgent cases it may 
be used every two or three hours. 
In nausea and vomiting, attending pregnancy, half to 
a teaspoonful, once or twice a day, will afford much 
relief. It is used with good effect in old sores, where 
there is an acrid and offensive discharge, mixed with 
flaxseed meal. It is also sprinkled over sloughing 
ulcers, to promote separation of the decaying parts. 
Mixed with corn-meal and wet with a strong ooze of oak- 
bark, it is a good application to parts in a state of gan- 
grene, or mortification. Charcoal, prepared from the 
young shoots of willow, is preferable for most medical 
purposes. This preparation can now be found in all 
drug-stores. 
CINNAMON (Laurus Cinnamomum). 
Part used—The "bark. 
For hemorrhages from the womb the tincture of the 
bark can, as a general rule, be relied on, given in tea- 
spoonful doses about every ten minutes. The oil is used 
in toothache. Moisten lint with the oil and insert into 
the cavity cf the tooth. Colicky pains of children are 
usually relieved by rubbing along the spine a heated CHEESE-WEED. 
255 
mixture of one part of the oil with four parts of olive- 
oil. A tea of cinnamon will geherally relieve ordinary 
colic and cramps or pain in the stomach. It is also 
excellent for checking vomiting and sickness of the 
stomach. Being an important astringent, it is an admir- 
able remedy in all bowel-complaints, as dysentery, 
diarrhea, cholera-infantum, etc., either alone or in com- 
bination with cloves, allspice or blackberry-root. Dose 
of the tea, two or three tablespoonfuls; of the tincture, 
from one to five drops. 
Deserij)tion—It is stimulant, astringent and carmin- 
ative. 
Where found—Cinnamon is the bark stripped from 
small limbs of the trees which grow in Ceylon, Borneo 
and China. 
CHEESE-WEED, Malice (.Malva). 
Parts used—The plant 
and the roots. 
A decoction of the roots 
and tops of this plant, 
taken freely, three times a 
day, is a very prompt and 
effectual remedy for the 
cure of water-brash. It is 
also accounted very effica- 
cious in fevers. In acute 
forms the decoction should 
be drunk every three or 
four hours, and at the same 
time bind the herb as a fo- 
mentation on the bottoms 
Cheese-Weed. 256 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
of the feet, and palms of the hands. The Spanish peo- 
ple assert that they can £c break np ” almost any case of 
fever with it. This is a good remedy among them, for the 
cnre of venereal diseases. The tea is to be drunk freely, 
four or live times a day. It is an excellent remedy for 
healing purposes. The better mode of preparing it for 
this purpose is to make a salve, by stewing it with fresh 
lard. 
Where found—In all parts of the country, growing 
in the greatest abundance. 
CHRISTMAS-ROSE, Black Hellebore (.Helleborus 
Niger). 
Part used — The 
root. 
This plant is chiefly- 
used. in the various 
forms of dropsy, es- 
pecially dropsy of the 
brain, in the cure of 
which it is a justly 
celebrated remedy. 
Dose, of the fluid ex- 
tract, three to five 
drops; of the essen- 
tial tincture, five to 
ten drops, three times 
a day. 
D e scrip tion—This 
plant flowers from December until March, hence its 
name, “ Christmas Rose.” It is an elegant plant, with 
Christmas-Rose. COLCHICUM. 
257 
large, concave flowers, white with a tinge of blush color 
which are finely contrasted with the ample, dark, shining 
foliage. The roots are perennial, creeping, very black 
externally, with numerous long, simple, perpendicular 
fibers. From this root we obtain a brownish, straw- 
yellow tincture. 
Where found—It grows on rocky and woody moun- 
tains and cultivated in gardens as an ornamental plant- 
COLCHICUM (Colchicum Autumnale). 
Parts used — The roots and 
seeds. 
In reference to this plant, I. J. 
M. Goss, says, “ In gout and rheu- 
matism, it is an old and reliable 
remedy. I now use the essential 
tincture made by adding six ounces 
of the seeds or the corms to one 
pint of alcohol (76°). Dose, from 
five to fifteen drops; the dose of 
the fluid extract, five to ten drops.” 
It is also employed in dropsy, pal- 
pitation of the heart and diseases 
of the blood. It should be used 
with caution, for in large doses it 
is a narcotic poison. 
Where found—At drug-stores. 
Colchicum. 258 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
CLEAVERS, Goosegrass (Galium Aparine). 
Part used—The whole 
herb. 
There are several spe- 
cies which contain similar 
medical properties and are 
used generally in the form 
of an infusion. 
It is an excellent and 
speedy remedy in suppres- 
sion of the urine and grav- 
elly complaints. It is made 
by adding three ounces of 
the herb to two pints of 
water and letting it stand 
three or four hours, when 
it may be freely drunk. 
It is regarded as a solvent of stone in the bladder and 
a very popular remedy in the treatment of gonorrhea. 
The cold infusion will remove freckles when it is 
drunk two or three times a day, for two or three months, 
and the parts frequently washed with it. 
The cold infusion has recently been used with decided 
success in treating children for incontinence of urine 
(wetting the bed). It should be drunk three times a 
day. 
Description and where found—This plant grows 
from two to four feet high: stem square, slender, having 
many joints; leaves pointed; flowers small and white. 
Grows in the woods and on the roadsides. 
Cleavers. CHIKETTA. 
259 
CHIRETTA (Gentiana Chirayta). 
Chiretta is recommended in dyspepsia, in the debility 
of convalescence and generally in cases where corrob- 
orative measures are indicated. It has been successfully 
employed in India, in the treatment of intermittents and 
remittents. Dose of the fluid extract, from fifteen to 
thirty drops. * 
COCA-LEAVES {Erythroxylon Coca). 
This is a powerful nerve-excitant, resembling tea and 
coffee, giving great vigor to the muscular system, sus- 
taining the human frame under extreme exertion and 
fatigue. It is of value in cases of despondency, debility 
and broken-down constitutions ; also for public speakers 
and young persons afFected with timidity in society. 
Dose, of the fluid extract, two to three teaspoonfuls ; of 
the solid extract, six to twelve grains; of the sugar- 
coated pills, two to three. 
COMFREY {Symphytum). 
Part used—The root. 
The root of this plant, bruised and made into a poultice, 
is an excellent application for bruises, painful swellings 
and sore breasts, etc. It is slightly astringent, and there- 260 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
fore very serviceable in diarrhea and dysentery. It is 
good in bronchitis, coughs, bleeding of the lungs and 
leucorrliea. 
A syrup made of equal parts of comfrey and elecam- 
pane-roots is a most valuable remedy for coughs, con- 
sumption and all affections of the lungs. 
It may be boiled in water or wine, or made into syrup. 
Dose, from half to a wineglassful, or more, three times 
a day. 
Where found—Growing in gardens and found in 
drug-stores. 
COBOCY1NTII, Bitter Cucumber, Bitter Apple 
(Cucumis Colocynlhis). 
Part used—The pulp. 
This is a very harsh medicine and is not much used 
now, except in the form of a compound extract, which 
may be obtained at drug-stores. It is employed in 
congestion of the brain and liver and often used as a 
cathartic, especially in dropsy. Dose, from five to eight 
grains. 
Where found—This is a foreign plant, but can be 
had at any drug-store. 
CLOVES (Eugenia Caryophyllata). 
The oil of cloves is used to cure the tootli-ache ; a little 
of which, may "be put on cotton or lint, and introduced 
into the cavity of the tooth. Boil, for a short time, two 
or three tablespoonfuls of cloves in half a pint of sweet CORIAKDER SEED. 
261 
milk, and give a tablespoonful of this as hot as can be 
borne, every fifteen to twenty minutes, and it will very 
promptly cure the cholera morbus. It is very useful for 
checking vomiting and for allaying nausea, and will 
relieve flatulent (wind) colic. It is also used to aid 
digestion. Also employed, with other medicines, to pre- 
vent them from griping, or from producing sickness of 
the stomach. It may be used freely in the form of an 
infusion. Dose of the powder, two or three grains; of 
the oil, one or two drops. 
CORIANDER SEED (Coriandrum Sativum). 
They are chiefly employed to improve the taste of 
other medicines, and sometimes as a stimulant, where a 
mild one is needed. It is carminative, and used for 
expelling wind from the stomach and bowels. 
The seeds are sometimes used for seasoning sausages, 
meats, etc. 
Description—It is a small, annual plant, growing 
from one to two feet high. The seeds, when dry, are 
very fragrant. 
CORN-SMUT (Ustilago Maidis). 
This is used as a substitute for ergot of rye, to increase 
the regularity and power of the pains in child-birth. It 
gives less pain to the mother, less danger to her in its 
administration, and also less danger to the child. It has 262 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
been pronounced superior to ergot in some kinds of hem- 
orrhages, and also very efficient in spermatorrhea 
and some forms of skin-diseases. Dose, ten to twenty 
drops. 
CQIAJMBO-BOOT, Yellow Gentian, Meadow- 
Pride, American Columbo (Rodix Columbcs). 
Part used—The root. 
It possesses tonic 
and is used in dyspepsia, chron- 
ic diarrhea and dysentery, con- 
valescence from exhausting dis- 
eases and muscular debility of 
children. Prof. Rafinesque says, 
“ It has cured a wide-spread gan- 
grene of the lower limbs, by 
internal use and external appli- 
cation. 
For the oppression caused by 
an overloaded stomach, so com- 
mon with dyspeptics and other 
weak patients, the powdered root 
is an admirable remedy. Dose, 
a teasjDoonful in water. Taken with cold water adds to 
its efficacy and prevents any tendency to nausea and 
vomiting. As a laxative, it is valuable, especially for 
children and the costive habits of pregnancy. 
It is often combined with wild cherry, golden seal, or 
bitter-root, for making restorative bitters. 
It may be used in powder in doses of twenty grains 
Columbo-Root. CORIS" SXAKEROOT. 
263 
to a teaspoonful, two or three times a day, and in infu- 
sion, in doses of a half to a wineglassful three times a 
day, as a tonic and stomachic. 
Description—Root, rough, spindle-shaped, and yel- 
low : sometimes growing to the depth of two feet. The 
stem is from five to ten feet high, smooth and with but 
few branches, except near the top, and has numerous 
yellowish-white flowers. 
Where found—Mostly in open woods, barrens and 
meadows. 
CORX SNAKEROOT, Rattlesnake’s Master, 
Bear-Grass {Agave Virginica). 
Part used—Tlie root. 
There are several species of this plant which possess 
similar medical properties. It is most celebrated for 
its speedy cure of the bite of snakes. It should be 
bruised or chewed and applied to the wound, and a por- 
tion of the juice swallowed at the same time.. A tea of 
the root forms an excellent gargle for sore throat. It 
is employed in leucorrheain the form of an injection. 
A decoction of the plant has effectually cured gonor- 
rhea. 
Dose of the decoction or tea, from one-fourth to half a 
teacupful, three times a day. 
It is also reputed a good remedy in gravel and dropsy. 
Some physicians regard this plant as a positive rem- 
edy for influenza or catarrh. 
Dose of the fluid extract, from twenty to thirty drops;. 
of the saturated tincture, thirty drops to one teaspoonful. 264 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
Description—It grows about two feet high, bearing 
on its top large balls covered with white bloom. The 
root is about two inches long, and bulbous. 
COLLODION. 
It is usually applied to abrasions of the skin, cuts, 
wounds, sore breasts, “ big neck,” burns, etc., over which 
it forms a film or thin scale, protecting the parts from 
the action of the atmosphere. A fine brush should be 
employed for the purpose of applying it, and if the first 
coating is not thick enough, additional layers can be 
applied as soon as the previous one has become dry. 
"When one becomes broken or worn off, renewed applica- 
tions should be made. 
Description and where found—It is a solution of 
gun-cotton in ether and should be kept in well stopped 
bottles; otherwise, it will become unfit for use. It is 
found in drug-stores. 
COLUMBO AFRICAN (Cocculus Palmatus). 
Part used—Tlie root. 
The infusion or tincture of this plant is excellent for 
weak digestion, dyspepsia and in weak and debilitated 
conditions of the system. It is an important ingredient 
in restorative bitters. It is said to be useful in chronic 
diarrhea and dysentery, and will usually control the 
vomiting of pregnancy. It is a good tonic in all cases COTO BAKK. 
265 
when such is needed. Dose of the bitters or infusion, 
from a half to a wineglassful twice a day; of the tinc- 
ture, one teaspoonful; of the powder, eight to fifteen 
grains. 
Where Found—This is a foreign plant, but is kept 
in drug-stores. 
GOTO BARK. 
Dr. Yon Guk, of Hamburg, says, “This is almost a 
specific for the cure of diarrhea in its various modifica- 
tions.” It is also recommended in dysentery, cholera 
morbus, colic, gastric catarrh, neuralgic toothache, gout 
and rheumatism. This new bark, from Bolivia, is said 
by Prof. Gietl, of Munich, to be a specific for diarrhea 
in its most diverse forms. He administers it in doses of 
0.5 gramme of the fine powder four or six times a day. 
Of the tincture, he usually gives ten minims every tw'o 
hours. In Bolivia, whence the plant was sent, it is re- 
garded as a remedy for the cure of rheumatism and gout. 
Dose of the fluid extract, from one to three drops, four 
to six times a day. 
COUCH-GRASS (Triticum Repens). 
Part used—The root. 
This is an efficacious remedy for irritation of the blad- 
der, where there is excessive pain and frequency in 
passing urine. It is very extensively used, both in this 
country and in Europe, for this purpose. Dose of the 266 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
fluid extract, from one to two teaspoonfuls in water, 
three times a day. This remedy is highly recommended 
by Dr. Thompson for lessening the frequency and pain 
of irritation in cases of excessive irritation of the blad- 
der from any cause. For this purpose great quantities 
have been consumed in the hospitals of Paris. 
COTTON-PLANT (Gossypium), 
Parts used—The bark of 
the roots and the seeds. 
The inner bark of the root 
is used with excellent effect 
to restore the menses when 
■hey are suppressed. For 
this purpose, add a quarter 
of a pound of the bark to 
one and a half quarts of 
water and reduce by boil- 
ing to one pint. This quan- 
tity should be taken in the 
course of the day. As a 
parturient—to fac i 1 i t a t e 
child-birth—it may be giv- 
en in doses of half a wineglassful every half-hour. In 
obstructed menstruation its use should be continued 
daily until the desired effect is produced. A strong 
decoction of the seeds is reputed to be an effectual cure 
for fever and ague. The bark of the root tinctured in 
sweet spirits of nitre is very effectual, both in painful 
and suppressed menstruation. 
Where found—In warm climates in all parts of the 
world. It produces the common cotton of commerce. 
Cotton-Plant. COWHAGE. 
267 
COWHAGE (Mucuna Pruriens). 
Part used—The hairs of the pods and the root. 
An infusion of the pods, ten to the quart of water, is 
accounted a certain remedy in dropsy and likewise for 
worms. For the latter purpose the pods are dipped into 
syrup or molasses and the hairs are scraped off and kept 
for use. The dose of this liquid is a tablespoonful for an 
adult and a teaspoonful for a child, night and morning, for 
several days, then followed by a cathartic. It acts like 
the filings of tin, that are used also to cut up the worms, 
especially the tapeworm. It is convenient to give with 
the oil of male fern. The cowhage may be given for the 
threadworm, a small, thread-like worm that inhabits the 
stomach and upper bowels and is very hard to dislodge 
from its position. Twelve hours after the medicine is 
taken, a mild purge should be given to carry them off. 
Description—The cowhage grows in hot climates, 
especially in the West Indies. It bears a pod about 
four inches long, round and about the thickness of one’s 
finger. These pods are thickly beset with stiff hairs, 
which, when applied to the skin, occasion an intolerable 
itching. 
COWSLIP, LUNGWORT (Caltha Palustris). 
Part used—The leaves. 
It is used for bleeding of the lungs and in all lung- 
affections. Also in dysentery and diarrhea. The infus- 
ion may be drunk freely. 
Where found—In wet, boggy lands and cultivated 
in gardens. 268 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
COW-PARSNIP, Wild Angelica, Masterwort 
(.Heracleum Lanatum). 
A strong decoction of this plant has often cured epi- 
leptic fits. It should he perseveringly used. The seeds 
are very useful in the treatment of dyspepsia and flatu- 
lence, or wind-colic, used in the form of an infusion. It 
is also reputed to he good in asthma and palsy. The 
dry root should always he used, as the green is said to 
contain certain poisonous properties. 
Description—Height, from three to four feet; stalk, 
hollow and covered with a sort of down. It hears large 
branches of white flowers; the leaves are jagged, large 
and hairy. The root is large, spindle-shaped, and has 
an unpleasant smell when fresh. 
Where found—Usually in moist soils and meadows. 
CRAWLEY, Coral Root, Dragon’s Claw 
(Corallorhiza Odo). 
Part used—The root. 
It is usually employed in low stages of fevers, as 
typhoid and inflammatory fevers, in doses of twenty to 
twenty-five grains, and repeated every two hours. It 
promotes perspiration without increasing the heat of 
the system or action of the heart. 
For cramps, this plant is perhaps unsurpassed. 
It is a most excellent remedy in the early stages of CK0T0X OIL. 
269 
child-bed fever. Some medical authors regard it as 
unsurpassed for after-pains, when combined with blue 
cohosh, and also for restoring suppressed lochial dis- 
charge. 
Description—Resembles the beech-drops; growing 
from ten to twenty inches high; leafless, with coral-like 
stalks; of a pale-yellow color, with a covering of a sort 
of sticky wool and scales, answering for leaves. 
Where found—Usually in rich woodlands, and 
about the roots of trees. 
CROTON OIL (Croton Tiglium). 
It is often used to produce irritation of the skin, in- 
stead of a blister-plaster. A few drops rubbed on the 
affected part will be sufficient to effect such a purpose. 
One drop will act on the bowels very actively and 
usually in less than an hour. It is useful in rheumatic 
and neuralgic affections, and in diseases of the throat, 
when one part of it is combined with four parts of olive- 
oil and applied externally to the affected parts, three or 
four times a day. The dose, internally, is from one to 
three drops, on sugar, and repeated every two or three 
hours, until it operates. It has been employed in coma 
or stupor, mania, dropsy, and in obstinate obstructions, 
of the bowels, as in cases of severe colic, when all 
other means have failed. It is well adapted to cases in 
which the patient is unable to swallow, as a drop on the 
tongue will be absorbed into the system, and produce the 
cathartic effect. 270 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
CUBEBS (Piper Cubeba). 
Parts used—The "berries and the oil. 
They are found useful in catarrh of the "bladder, 
whites, gleet, and are highly recommended "by some in 
gonorrhea. For this disease a teaspoonful of the pow- 
dered culbebs, with the same amount of "balsam of copai- 
ba, is often employed, given three times a day; but the 
cubebs are usually employed alone, in teaspoonful doses. 
When .the oil is used, a dose is from fifteen to twenty- 
five drops, three times a day; of the tincture, use one 
teaspoonful. 
Cubebs are also frequently employed in the treatment 
of colic, kidney-disease and pain in the bowels. They 
should never be used in cases of active inflammation. 
CUTTING- ALMOND {Parthenium Integrifolium). 
Part used—The root. 
It is useful in diseases of the kidneys, gravel, scalding 
of urine and affections of the bladder. The root is to 
be sliced into cold water, and of this drink about a pint 
in the course of the day. It is considered a good 
aromatic and stimulant bitter. 
Description—The stem rises from eighteen inches to 
two feet high, and generally there are several from the 
same root. They are round, very hard, and of a dark 
red color. Flowers grow at the extremities of the DAMIAN A 
271 
branches and are a kind of a white button. The root is 
very singular. It is blackish outside, and bluish-gray 
within. It starts out at first quite small, from a sort of 
head, soon increases in size and finally terminates 
abruptly, as though it had been cut off; from this larger 
part, other small roots go off, which increase in size and 
terminate in the same way. 
Where found—This plant is common to most of the 
States. 
DAMXA1NA (Turnera ApTirodisiaca). 
This is a Mexican drug, with strong aphrodisiac pow- 
ers, for which is claimed great efficacy in sexual debility, 
or lethargy of the sexual organs, whether the result of 
abuse or senility. Many cases of total or partial impo- 
tence have been cured by the use of this drug, where the 
usual remedies have given no relief. This plant is also 
employed in nervous diseases in general. Dose, of the 
fluid extract, from fifteen drops to a teaspoonful; of the 
solid extract, three to six grains ; of the sugar-coated 
pills, one to two. A writer from Mexico gives the fol- 
lowing : 
La Paz, Mexico, August 1, 1877. 
The drug is certainly wonderful in its action in many 
cases, and remarkable cures from its use have occurred 
under my observation. Practicing physicians tell me 
they have rarely known it to fail—if used properly, and 
country people—“ rancheros ”—seem to repose more 
faith in the efficacy of this drug than in the doctors 
themselves, and look upon it as a sort of panacea for 
all ills. Their method of preparing it for use, generally, 272 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
is very simple. They steep it and add sugar, making a 
not unpalatable beverage, which is often used at table as 
we use our tea and coffee. Having great faith in its 
efficacy in extraordinary occasions, they think it proper 
in ordinary ones as well, and will often tender a cup of 
it to a guest, with an assurance that it is good as a 
preventive as well as a curative. In fact, their faith in 
it seems to be unbounded. 
I take pleasure in giving this testimony, from a convic- 
tion resulting from careful observation, that “ damiana ” 
possesses tonic qualities that should be better known. 
Yours very respectfully, 
F. B. Elmer, late U. S. Consul. 
W. H. Myers, M. D., of Philadelphia, writes, “ In 
June last I received a circular from Lehn & Fink, of 
Hew York City, calling my attention to Parke, Davis & 
Co’s preparation of damiana. Since then I have given 
it quite an extensive trial in my private practice, and, 
as a result, I find that in cases of partial impotency or 
other sexual debility, its success is universal. In 
fact, it has produced favorable results in some cases 
that I deemed hopeless on account of their resisting 
entirely the action of the remedies usually specified in 
such cases. I therefore pronounce it the most effective 
and only remedy that in my hands produces a successful 
result in all cases. The only objection to its use is its 
liability to produce disorders of the digestive system, 
but by combining it with cinchona and sherry-wine it 
partially obviates that tendency. DAXDELIOX. 
273 
D AND ELIO X ( Taraxacum Dens Leonis). 
Part used—The root. 
It is employed in cases of 
dropsy, which are accompa- 
nied with indigestion, in nerv- 
ous dyspepsia, and in some 
forms of constipation. In liver 
complaint it is invaluable, 
also very useful in chills, dis- 
eases of the kidneys, spleen 
and skin. Dose of the decoc- 
tion, from two to three table- 
spoonfuls, three times a day; 
of the extract, live to twenty 
grains. 
The fresh root, gathered in Autumn, is the best.. 
Where found—This plant grows in open lands in all 
parts of the country. 
Description — It has bright-green leaves, deeply 
notched. The flowers are of a golden-yellow color, on 
flower-stems about six inches high, and it abounds in 
a milky juice while fresh. 
Dandelion. 
DEWBERRY {Rubus Trimalis). 
Part used—The root. 
It is similar in its properties and effects to the root of 
the common “blackberry, and employed in all bowel com- 274 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
plaints, as dysentery, diarrhea, cholera-infantum, etc. 
The infusion may be taken freely. 
Description—This is a species of the blackberry, 
having a small vine, which runs on the ground; leaves 
somewhat like the blackberry, and bearing a sweet, dark- 
red or black berry, very similar to that of the high black- 
berry. It is found growing in dry, gravelly ground, or 
.old, neglected fields. 
DWARF-ELDER (.Aralia Hispidd). 
Parts used—The "bark, root and flowers. 
It is employed in diseases of the urinary organs, such 
as gravel, suppression of the urine, kidney-affections 
and in dropsy. An infusion of the bark of the root is 
the best preparation. Dose, a wineglassful three times 
a day. 
Description and where found—It is a shrub, 
growing from one to two feet high, along roadsides and 
on rocky land. The berries hang in bunches, and when 
ripe are round in form and have a black color and an 
unpleasant taste. It is a species of the common elder. 
DITTANY, Monntain-Dittany, Mountain-Mint 
(Cunila Mariana). 
Part used—The whole plant. 
It is nervine stimulant and tonic. It is a popular 
remedy in many sections of the country for colds, fevers, 
headaches, hysterics, and in all cases in which it is DOGWOOD. 
275 
desired to excite perspiration. The warm tea is to be 
drunk freely. The Indians, it is said, employ it to heal 
wounds. 
Description—Height, from twelve to eighteen inches. 
It has a slender, smooth stem, of a yellowish or purplish 
color; "branches opposite, or nearly so; leaves small, 
smooth, deep-green on the upper, and "bluish-green on 
the under surface. 
Where found—Usually among rocks and on dry 
knobs. 
DOGWOOD (Cornus Florida). 
Parts used — Bark cf 
the tree and of the roots. 
It is a valuable tonic and 
somewhat astringent. It is 
an excellent remedy for 
fever and ague and useful 
in typhoid and periodical 
fevers. It is regarded as a 
good substitute for Peru- 
vian bark, from which quin- 
ine is made, and many use 
it in place of quinine in 
these diseases. Dose of 
the powdered bark, from 
half to a teaspoonful; of 
the extract, five to ten grains. 
Description—This is a small tree, and usually from 
fifteen to twenty feet high. The flowers have a beauti- 
ful, clear-white color, presenting a very fine appearance. 
Dogwood. 276 
MEDICAL PLANTS 
DOG-FENNEL, May Weed (Anthemis Cotula), 
Parts used — 
Flowers and tops. 
This is a valuable 
plant; very useful 
in colds, asthma, 
dropsy, fevers and 
rheumatism. Taken 
warm in small doses 
it produces copious 
perspiration. Exter- 
nally this herb com- 
bined with hops or 
smart-weed or with 
both makes a very 
valuable fomentation, applied hot to the abdomen in 
inflammation of the bowels. A cold infusion taken in 
doses of two wineglassfuls three times a day has often 
cured fever and ague. Those needing a tonic will find 
this to be a very valuable one. When taken in large 
doses it is emetio. 
Where found—This is a very common plant, grow- 
ing in all parts of the country. 
Dog-Fennel. DOGTOOTH YIOLET. 
277 
DOGTOOTH VIOLET, Yellow Snowdrop, Adder 
Tongue, Ratttesnake Violet (Erythronium 
Americanum). 
Parts used The 
leaves and root. 
This plant is unsurpass- 
ed for healing scrofulous 
ulcers. The fresh root, 
or the root and leaves 
combined, are to be boil- 
ed in sweet milk or cream 
and applied in the form 
of a poultice; at the same 
time a decoction is to be 
taken internally. 
Description—This is 
a small plant, having but 
two leaves (but one the 
first year), which are smooth, lance-shaped, about five 
inches long and covered with dark purple spots. From 
between the two leaves rises a stem, several inches in 
length, on which appears a single yellow flower. The 
root is covered outside with a sort of loose tunic, and a 
number of small fibrous roots issue from the bottom. 
Dogtooth. 
EVENING PRIMROSE ((Enothera Biennis). 
This is an efficient remedy as a nervine and sedative, 
to quiet nervous sensibility. Hence it is well adapted 278 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
to painful and neuralgic affections of the lungs, stomach, 
heart, liver, bowels and the womb; also in hooping-cough, 
spasmodic asthma, and cough of a nervous or spasmodic 
character. Prof. Davis has employed this plant in more 
than twenty cases of asthma, conjoined with irritability 
of the stomach, and reports its use as being very success- 
ful. Dose, from half to one teaspoonful of the fluid 
extract every four to six hours, or more frequently as the 
case may seem to require. 
ELECAMPANE (.Inule Ilelenium). 
Part used—The root. 
It is a celebrated remedy 
for the cure of coughs and in- 
cipient consumption, and has 
often been used with good 
success in the treatment of 
dyspepsia, torpor of the liver, 
asthma and obstructed men- 
struation. Externally it forms 
a good application for tetter 
and the itch. Dose, from half 
to a teacupful three or 
four times a day. It gently 
loosens the bowels, and pos- 
sesses the general properties 
of a strengthening and restora- 
tive medicine. It is sometimes used to expel worms. 
Descriptioil and where found—A very common 
plant, growing about houses and in cultivated grounds, 
producing large leaves and yellow blossoms. 
Elecampane. ELDER. 
279 
ELDER (Sambucus Canadensis). 
Parts used—Inner bark of the stalk, the root, flowers 
and berries. 
The bark, infused in wine, is very efficacious in dropsy. 
A tea of the flowers is good in all bowel complaints of 
children and in liver affections, and is a good blood 
purifier; hence useful in eruptive diseases, erysipelas, 
syphilis and scrofula. A salve formed by stewing the 
fresh bark in lard is excellent in burns, cuts, sores, etc. 
Where found — In waste places, thickets, along; 
fences, on uncultivated lands. 
Description—Height, from eight to ten feet; flower- 
ing in May and June; the flowers small, white, covering 
the whole top of the bush, and of a fragrant smell. The 
berries are small, very numerous, hang in large bunches,, 
juicy, sweetish, slightly acid, and of a dark-purple or 
black color when ripe. The stock contains a large 
spongy pith. 
EGG {Ovum). 
The egg is nutritions and slightly laxative, and will, 
on account of its easy digestibility, be found useful in 
dyspepsia, consumption and other diseases, where lax 
food is required. Equal parts of the white of egg and 
salt will always disperse a felon, if applied in time. The 
lining membrane of the shell is used sometimes for the 
same purpose. When taken raw, they are an excellent 280 
MEDICAL PLAXTS. 
remedy for jaundice; one should be taken before each 
meal. White of egg is very valuable as an antidote for 
poisons. The yolk, boiled hard and compressed, yields 
a fixed oil that has been found useful as an application 
to sore breasts. 
The white of an egg has been found one of the most effi- 
cacious remedies for burns. Seven or eight successive ap- 
plications of this substance soothe pain and effectually 
exclude the burn from the air. This simple remedy 
seems preferable to collodion, or even cotton. Extraor- 
dinary stories are told of the healing properties of a new 
oil which is easily made from the yolks of liens’ eggs. 
The eggs are first boiled hard, and the yolks are then re- 
moved, crushed and placed over a fir.e, where they are 
carefully stirred until the whole substance is just on the 
point of catching fire, when the oil separates and may 
be poured off. It is in general use among the colonists 
of South Russia as a means of curing cuts, bruises and 
scratches. 
EVAN-ROOT, Throat-Root, Chocolate-Root 
(Geum Virginianum). 
Part used—The root. 
The root of this plant is very useful in dyspepsia and 
in "bleeding at the lungs, consumption, diarrhea, dysen- 
tery, colic, sore throat, etc. Said by Dr. Jones to 
restore to health the most feeble and shattered constitu- 
tions. The root is used boiled in milk, or in water, 
sweetened, and makes a palatable drink, or in powder. 
The dose is a pint of the decoction, daily, or two or ELIXIB IODO, 
281 
three teaspoonfuls of the powder mixed with honey or 
syrup. 
Description—Height about three feet, stem round, 
hairy, and surmounted by a few white flowers. The root 
small, brown, horizontal and crooked. 
ELIXIR IODO, Bromide of Calcium. 
This preparation is highly praised, on account of its 
curative effects in scrofula and all kindred diseases. As 
a blood-purifier, it is said to stand unrivaled. The dose 
is one teaspoonful, three times a day. 
FENNEL-SEED (.Feniculum). 
This makes an excellent infusion for colic, cramps of 
the stomach and griping. It is often combined with 
other medicines to render them more agreeable. Dose 
of the infusion, from one-fourth to a teacupful; of the 
powdered seed, from ten to twenty grains. 
Where found—In gardens and drug-store. 
PERN ROOT, Female Fern, Rock-Brake, Poly- 
pody (.Polypodium Vulgare). 
Parts used—Roots and tops. 
A strong decoction will expel worms, but especially 
celebrated for its prompt action in relieving patients 282 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
afflicted with the tape-worm. A syrup made of this 
plant is very efficacious in pulmonary diseases. Com- 
bined with liverwort it is said to have restored patients 
severely afflicted with diseases of the lungs. 
Where found—Very common on rocky lands and 
mountainous sections of the country. 
FIELD-BALSAM, Indian Balsam, White Balsam, 
Balsam-Weed (Guaphalium Polycepholum). 
Part used—The leaves. 
A warm tea drunk freely is a very good remedy in 
quinsy and sore throat. Those that are troubled with 
sore mouth will generally obtain relief by chewing the 
leaves. 
It is employed in bleeding of the lungs, diarrhea and 
dysentery. 
It is valuable for healing purposes. 
Sores, swellings and bruises are very much benefited 
by the application of a fomentation of this plant. Many 
recommend it in lung-diseases. It may be used freely 
in infusion. 
Description—Height from two to three feet, stalk 
erect and branched, leaves alternate, green on the upper 
side, whitish and fuzzy beneath, flowers yellow, pleasant, 
balsamic smell, and slightly bitter and rather agreeable 
taste. 
Where found—It is found growing generally in dry,, 
barren places, in old fields and on poor land. FEVEKFEW. 
283 
FEVERFEW {Pytherum Parlhenium). 
Part used—The leaves. 
This is an admirable remedy for the cure of St. Vitus’s 
dance. It should be given for several days in succes- 
sion ; two or three teacupfuls of the infusion during each 
day, divided in half-teacupful doses. 
It is very useful in irregularity of the menses, colds 
and suppressed urine. The infusion is to be drunk 
warm, four or five times a day. It is an excellent tonic 
and nervine and also very useful for promoting perspira- 
tion in fevers. 
Description—Height from one to two feet, leaves 
grayish-green color, flowers white and appearing in June 
and July. 
Where found—Growing wild and cultivated in 
gardens. 
FIVE-FINGER (.Potenilla Canadensis). 
Part used—The root. 
It is used in the treatment of bowel-diseases, excessive 
menstruation and hemorrhages from the womb. A de- 
coction taken freely three times a day is an admirable 
remedy for night-sweats and forms an excellent gargle 
for ulcerated sore throat. 
Dose of the infusion, from one-fourth to one-half a tea- 
cupful, three or four times a day. 
Description—It is vine-like in form, growing from 284 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
one to two feet high and having five leaves in a Mncli 
and yellow flowers. 
Where found—Usually in meadows and on the bor- 
ders of streams. 
FIRE WEED (ErecTithites Hieracifolia). 
Part used—The leaves. 
It is a prompt and efficient remedy in bloody flux, 
administered either in a strong decoction or the alcoholic 
extract. It is an important article as a purifier of the 
system in scrofula, boils, pimples, erysipelas, sore eyes, 
etc. It is highly recommended for cholera-morbus and 
for summer-complaints of children. Of the infusion or 
tincture, take a tablespoonful three times a day. 
Description—It has a large, rough stalk, three to six 
feet high, with light-green leaves, and white flowers. 
The plant has a strong, unpleasant odor and bitter, dis- 
agreeable taste. 
Where found—In moist lands and open woods, 
especially where the ground has been burned over. 
FIRWEIN. 
This comparatively new medicine is prepared from 
several different medical plants, with a definite quantity 
of phosphorus, iodine and bromine added to each pint. 
It can usually be found in drug-stores. 
This is one among the best remedies in lung-diseases; FLAXSEED 
285 
and in catarrh it has proven very successful, and like- 
wise in bronchitis, in which its use has been attended 
with the best results, as many effectual cures have been 
reported from its use. 
It is highly praised in nervous headache, and also in 
diabetes. But it is more celebrated for the cure of con- 
sumption and bronchitis, so far as it has been tested, 
than perhaps in any other disease. In fact it is proving 
more eflicient for most of the diseases, in which it is 
employed, than any remedy yet discovered. The dose 
is from one to two teaspoonfuls, three or four times a, 
day. 
FLAXSEED (Linum Usitatissimum). 
Some of the worst cases of piles have been cured with 
the oil in less than a month, taken in doses of 
tablespoonfuls "twice a day. For coughs and diseases 
of the lungs, it is a very superior remedy. Two ounces 
of the seeds should be infused in a quart of water, and 
the half, and in severe cases the whole of it, should be 
drunk in the course of twenty-four hours. It may be 
sweetened with loaf-sugar or honey, in order to make it 
more palatable. Equal parts of linseed oil and lime 
water, is a very effectual remedy in burns. The infusion 
is highly useful in flux and dysentery. For this pur- 
pose, add two ounces of the seed, to a quart and a half 
of boiling water, and infuse for an hour, and drink half 
of this during the day. For ulcers, inflammations etc., 
flaxseed makes a very effectual poultice, by boiling it 
with water or sweet milk. The oil of flaxseed, called 
linseed-oil, is a good substitute for castor-oil, as it is 
much milder in its action. 
It is too well known to need a description. 286 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
FOLIA CAKOBdE (.Pacaranda Procera). 
Part used—The leaves. 
The results of the employment of this drug are 
very favorable in all forms of syphilis, hut remarka- 
bly so in all old syphilitic eruptions and for patients 
who have taken large quantities of mercury. It is 
employed in the treatment of scrofula, ulcers and all 
diseases of the blood. Dose of the lluid extract, from 
ten to forty drops, three times a day. 
FOXGLOVE, Digitalis (Digitalis Purpurea) 
Part used—The leaves. 
It is valuable in diseases of the 
heart and useful in dropsy of 
the chest, rheumatism, inflam- 
matory fevers, spitting of blood, 
hooping-cough and in asthma. 
Dose, of the powdered leaves, 
one grain; or of the tincture, 
four to eight drops, three times 
a day, in chronic forms of dis- 
ease. In acute diseases the fre- 
quency of the administration of 
the dose must depend on the 
circumstances of each case— 
such as the violence of the disease, the age, sex, tern- 
Foxglove. GAMBOGE. 
287 
perament and strength of the patient. It is a powerful 
poison, and should therefore be employed with the 
greatest caution. 
Where found—In any drug-store and growing in 
gardens. 
GAMBOGE {Gambogia). 
This is a powerful cathartic, and in large doses it has 
proved fatal. It often vomits in large doses and some- 
times in small doses. It is employed in constipation 
and in dropsy, combined with jalap and cream of tartar. 
It should be given with care, as it is, like aloes, very 
liable to produce piles. It enters, like aloes, into most 
patent pills, to make them certain to purge, and thus 
thousands of cases of piles are produced annually. The 
dose is from two to four grains. 
Where Pound—Only at drug-stores in this country. 
GARDEN NIGHTSHADE {Solarium Nigrum). 
Part used—The whole plant. 
As a remedy in scarlet fever, this is equal to "bella- 
donna and as effectual in preventing it. It should he 
given in small doses, in order to insure its medical effects. 
In consequence of its peculiar power over the nerve- 
centers, it is an appropriate remedy for epilepsy, spasms 
and cramps of the extremities. 
In angina pectoris (one form of heart disease), it is said 288 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
it often acts admirably, and likewise in inflammation of' 
the eyes. 
In small doses it relieves headache of a nervous, con- 
gestive character. It is also a remedy for erysipelas of' 
the face. And for inflammation of the stomach and 
bowels it will prove a valuable remedy. 
The tincture is made from the fresh plant and berries, 
in alcohol, eight ounces to one pint; the dose, then, 
would vary from one to five drops ; but from the fraction 
to one drop will be the ordinary dose. 
Description and where found—This plant grows 
in gardens, around yards and near walls; has a low 
stem, much branched and spreading, with small white 
flowers, and black berries, when ripe, of a sweetish taste. 
During the summer we often see ripe berries, green ber- 
ries and flowers on the same plant. It resembles, in 
some degree, the tomato-plant. It has often been mis- 
taken for belladonna, from the fact that it bears a great 
resemblance to that plant; but it may be distinguished 
from it by the smaller stems and the purple color; the 
stems being smooth, not hairy, as those of the bella- 
donna. The flowers of the belladonna are large, of a 
dark-brownish or purple color, pendant, bell-shaped 
and furrowed. 
GARLIC {Allium Sativum). 
Part used—The root or bulb. 
The juice of garlic is a very excellent remedy in 
hoarseness, catarrh, hooping-coughs and worms, and 
also a very superior remedy for nervous coughs. If 
garlic-juice be stewed in an equal quantity of sweet oil GENTIAN. 
289 
and strained, and a few drops of it, from a warm tea- 
spoon, be inserted into the ear, it will be found to be one 
of the best remedies for deafness, as well as for earache. 
In pneumonia or lung-fever, it is good applied over the 
chest and spine; in inflammation of the brain or brain- 
fever of children, it has been applied to the feet and 
stomach with effect; in retention of the urine, applied 
over the region of the bladder, it has been found effica- 
cious ; and in cases of severe croup, a poultice of garlic 
(or garlic and onions), prepared by first roasting them, 
will always give immediate relief, if not effect a cure. 
A decoction of garlic, made with sweet milk, has cured 
stone in the bladder. When it is stewed in sweet oil and 
honey, it is considered, by many, an infallible remedy 
for coughs. An ordinary dose of the juice is about a 
half-teaspoonful; of the decoction, from one to three5 
tablespoonsfuls. 
Where found—In drug-stores, and growing wild,, 
and in gardens. 
GENTIAN (Gentiana Luted). 
Parts used—The root and berries. 
It is an excellent restorative, especially for fever and 
ague; also in dyspepsia, scrofula, gout, diarrhea and 
worms. It should not be given in large doses, or in irri- 
table conditions of the stomach, as it is liable to cause 
vomiting. Dose of the infusion, one tablespoonful; of 
the powdered extract, from five to ten grains. There are 
several species of this plant, all of which possess similar 
medical properties. The Jive-Jlowered gentian is a very 290 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
common plant, and very useful in liver-complaint, jaun- 
dice and headache. It is intensely bitter, and this 
property, as is supposed, gives it a medicinal value. 
Description—This is a perennial plant, common to 
the mountainous parts of Europe. The root is not over 
an inch thick, reddish-yellow externally, grayish-yellow 
or reddish at the center and intensely bitter. 
Where found—It is found in woods and pastures in 
almost all parts of this country, and at drug-stores 
generally. 
GERANIUM, Crow-Foot, Cranes-Bill (Geranium 
Maculatum). 
Part used—The root. 
The decoction of this plant 
is a cure for bleeding piles 
and should be employed twice 
a day as an injection. The 
powder is valuable to check 
the bleeding of wounds, nose- 
bleed, etc. Those who have 
employed this remedy for 
summer-complaint in children 
regard it as very superior. A 
good way to prepare it is to 
boil the root in sweet milk, 
sweetened with white sugar. 
It will be made still better if 
you add a little cinnamon and cloves. Dose, one-fourth 
Jto one-lialf teacupful five or six times a day; or, if not 
Geranium. GIXGEK. 
291 
prepared in this way, the decoction may be used in like 
doses. It is useful in diarrhea, cliolera-infantum and 
ulceration of the throat. 
Description—It is thick, rough, of a brown color and 
has a sourish taste, puckering the mouth like alum. 
The plant grows from twelve to fifteen inches high, 
smooth stalk, with a bunch of two or three ragged leaves 
at the top. The flowers are of a purple color and are 
large and appear in the Spring. 
Where found—It grows on the banks of creeks and 
hillsides. 
GINGER {Zingiber Officinale). 
Part used—The root. 
This is employed in cholera, cholera-morbus, diarrhea, 
dysentery, cramp-colic, flatulence, indigestion and to 
check vomiting. In bowel-complaints it is often com- 
bined with other astringents. An infusion is made by 
adding half an ounce of the powder to a pint of boiling 
water. Dose, two to three tablespoonfuls ; of the tincture 
or fluid extract, one-fourth to half a teaspoonful as often 
as may be necessary. 
GINSENG (.Panax Quinquefolium). 
Parts used—Leaves and roots. 
A tea, of the root, will usually afford relief in colic. 
Dose, one-half teacupful every one to two hours. For 292 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
nervous dyspepsia, it is one of the best remedies in use~ 
It should be taken in lialf-teacupful doses three times a 
day. Wonderful powers are attributed to it by the 
Chinese. They regard it as a panacea for almost “ every 
ill human flesh is heir to.” It is employed with good 
effect in treatment of palsy, asthma and dysentery, and 
also valuable in promoting digestion and increasing the 
appetite. Dose of the decoction, from a fourth to a lialf- 
teacupful three times a day; of the powdered root, one 
to two teaspoonfuls. 
Description—The stem is from ten to eighteen inches 
high, divided at the top into three branches; flowers 
small and white, producing a large, red berry. The roots 
have a pleasant, camphorated smell, a sweetish, slightly 
bitter, aromatic taste, fleshy, yellowish-white and bulbous. 
Where found—Usually in rich, shady soils. 
GOLD-THREAD (Coptis Trifolia).. 
Part used—The root. 
It is an excellent reme- 
dy for sore mouth and 
canker of the month, and is 
valuable in feeble digestion 
and in debilitated condi- 
tions of the system gener- 
ally. Dose of the tincture, 
one teaspoonful three or 
four times a day. It lias 
been successfully employ- 
ed in dyspepsia. 
Description — Roots 
creeping, with many fibres, 
color bright yellow. Leaves 
Gold-Thread. GOLDEX SEAL. 
293 
ever*green, on long, slender foot-stalks, growing three 
together. Flowers white and yellow, growing on a sep- 
arate stem, rising to the same height with the leaves. 
Where found—It grows in moist woodlands and 
swamps. 
CrOliDEN SEAL, Yellow Puccoon, Yellow Root, 
(.Hydrastis Canadensis). 
Part used—The root. 
For some forms of dyspepsia, the 
golden seal is one of the most cer- 
tain remedies known. Dose of the 
decoction, one table spoonful three 
times a day ; of the tincture, one to 
two teaspoonfuls three times a day; 
of the powder, fifteen to twenty 
grains, or half-teaspoonful. A decoc- 
tion, made of two ounces of golden 
seal and one ounce of geranium, in a 
pint of water, taken in doses of two 
tablespoonfuls four or five times a 
day, will cure chronic gonorrhea. It 
is extremely valuable as a wash in 
sore mouth and chronic sore eyes. A 
strong decoction of equal parts of golden seal and gera- 
nium is a valuable injection for chronic leucorrhea or 
whites. As a restorative, it is employed in cases of 
recovery from bilious and typhoid fevers. 
Hydrastin—This is a concentrated preparation made 
from the golden seal, used for the same purposes as the 
root, and generally found in drug-stores. 
Description—It is rough, wrinkled and knobby, half 
Goldeu Seal. 294 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
as thick as the little finger, of a yellow color inside, and 
of a bitter taste. The stem is round, growing from four- 
teen to fifteen inches high, commonly bearing two rough 
leaves at the top, resembling the leaves of the sugar- 
maple, in the center of one of which appears the flower, 
followed by a fleshy and many-seeded berry. It grows 
in shady soils and on liill-sides, and is kept by all drug- 
gists. 
GRAVEL-WEED, False Gromwell, Wild Job’s 
Tears (Onosmodium Uispidum). 
Parts used—Roots and seeds. 
This plant is most celebrated as a remedy for the 
gravel. It was iirst introduced by Dr. A. Robinson of 
Indiana, as a solvent of the stone. Its medical proper- 
ties had been discovered by the Indians in Tennessee, 
by roasting and eating the roots for food. Both the roots 
and seeds are employed for curing the stone. They are 
used as follows : 
Take half a pound of the bruised roots and two table- 
spoonfuls of the pulverized seeds, steep the roots in 
three pints of boiling water until the strength is extracted, 
then pour the decoction on the seeds, and drink a tea- 
cupful of it once in two hours for twelve hours, or until 
it operates on the bowels as a cathartic, when the sedi- 
ment or seeds must be taken. This finishes the process,, 
which, it would seem, is relied upon to effect a cure. 
Description—Height of stems, from two to three feet, 
several growing from the same root; leaves larger on the 
stems and smaller on the branches; flowers yellowish- 
white, producing whitish seeds, about the size of hemp- GKAPE-VIXE. 
295 
seed; roots large, dark on the outside and yellowish 
within. 
Where found—Usually on liill-sides and in open 
situations, and especially on rich limestone soil. 
GRAPE-VINE ( VLtis Vinifera). 
The juice or sap of the vine is a very excellent remedy 
for curing sore and weak eyes, and also valuable for 
stone in the bladder. It is a celebrated remedy for the 
dropsy. For this purpose, the ashes of the bark and 
small limbs or twigs are to be employed; of these, give 
a heaping teaspoonful three times a day, in two or three 
tablespoonfuls of catawba or Madeira wine. The wild 
and cultivated grape-vines possess similar medicinal pro- 
perties. In cutting or making an incision in the vine, 
in the spring or summer, the juice or sap exudes. This 
is to be used in the form of an eye-water for sore eyes. 
GREEK VALERIAS, Abscess-Root, Sweat-Root, 
Blue-Bells (Polemoneum Heptans). 
Parts used—The root and tops. 
This plant is very excellent for pleurisy and fevers. 
Also to cleanse the blood in case of boils, and for pro- 
ducing perspiration. 
It is a very popular medicine in some localities for 
lung-difficulties. In speaking of it, Dr. Howard says, 
“A valued correspondent at Zanesville, Ohio, assures 296 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
tls that we will find this plant ‘ excellent for consumption, 
and all affections of the lungs and liver.’ He also states 
that a lady who had a severe affection, attended by vio- 
lent pain in the left side, was cured by taking a com- 
pound of this article with manroot (Convolvulus pandu- 
ratus), after other means had failed. ‘ The person,’ says 
our correspondent, ‘ who communicated this plant to me, 
received his knowledge from the Indians; and he 
informed me that he cured his mother of consumption 
with it. The tea made from it,’ says he, ‘ may be drunk 
freely, though it will sometimes vomit when the stomach 
Is overloaded with it; but this is rare. I believe it to be 
a valuable root, and that it may be combined with other 
articles to advantage.’ 
“ From other persons we learn that it is not only highly 
Taluable for consumption, but is also very useful in other 
chronic complaints, particularly scrofula, scrofulous and 
other ulcers, and for the bites of snakes. They call the 
article abscess-root. 
“ They state that consumptions have been repeatedly 
cured by it, and in some instances, when the disease was 
in its worse stage, and after other approved means had 
been perseveringly tried but failed. 
“ For use, they direct a small handful of the roots to 
three pints of boiling water, steeped down one-lialf. 
Dose, half a teacupful every four hours. In chronic com- 
plaints, after using a short time, it often produces a 
singular sensation on the surface of the body—a kind of 
prickling. 
“ For snake-bites, take the roots and tops, bruise them 
in a mortar and mix with new milk to the consistence of 
a poultice, and apply to the bitten part; or if this be 
impossible or inconvenient, as in the case cf cattle and 
horses, wash the part with the milk, after the root has 
steeped awhile in it. The tea is also to be taken inter- GEINDELIA SQUARROSA. 
297 
•nally at the same time. Or if inconvenient to make a 
poultice as directed, chew the roots and apply them to 
the part, and drink the tea or eat some of the roots.” 
Description—Height of stalk one to two feet; flowers 
small, blue, and appear early in the spring; the roots 
small, numerous, fibrous, and of a dirty-white color. 
GRINDELIA SQTJARROSA, Gum-Weed, Tar- 
Weed. 
This is an excellent and ef- 
ficient remedy, in malarial dis- 
eases and enlarged spleen. 
Dose of the fluid extract, 
fifteen to thirty drops. 
This is a new remedy, from 
California, for chills and fever. 
It is said to surpass anything 
yet employed in chronic cases 
of this disease. 
In reference to it, Prof. I. J. 
M. Goss, of Marietta, Ga., 
writes, * * * “It will be found 
the remedy in leucocy thsemia; 
a disease of the lymphatic system, generally, which is 
common after attacks of ague and summer-fever; and 
the controlling effects of the grindelia squarrosa, over the 
.spleen and other lymphatic glands, render it the remedy 
in all old, chronic cases of ague. I have found nothing 
so prompt, to check relapsing chills, as this remedy. 
Gum-Weed. 298 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
There is no remedy that acts more kindly upon the liver 
than grindelia squarrosa * * * ” 
In irruptive diseases, such as scarlet-fever, measles, 
small-pox, it is a remedy of unsurpassed value and 
efficacy, and tills a place hitherto unoccupied by any 
known medicine. Its remedial powers are remarkable, 
and are applicable to the treatment of a large class of 
diseases. 
Description—This plant is sometimes called gum- 
weed or tar-weed. It grows from two to three feet high; 
produces many stems from one common root, with a 
bunchy top ; leaves about two inches in length, and of a 
briglit-green color; stems of a whitish color, bearing 
many leaves; flowers of a chrome-yellow, and about the 
size of a quarter of a dollar; buds, “ hooked,” resembling 
the burdock. This plant bears some resemblance to the 
wild sunflower; but one very distinguishing character- 
istic is, the former is gummy, while the latter is not. 
GREAT LAUREL (Rhododendron Maximum). 
This is a valuable remedy in coughs, consumption and 
influenza. Add twenty drops of the fluid extract to 
a tumblerful of water; of this give a teaspoonful every 
one or two hours. 
GUACO LEAVES (Mikania Guaco). 
This is a good remedy in chronic rheumatism, choleray 
diarrhea, dysentery and cholera-infantum. Dose of 
the fluid extract, from one half to a teaspoonful every 
two or three hours. GRINDELIA ROBTJSTA. 
299 
GRINDELIA ROBUSTA, Tar-Weed. 
Since this plant was first intro- 
duced it has earned for itself the 
reputation of being almost a spe- 
cific in asthma. 
Dose, from one-half to one tea- 
spoonful of the fluid extract, re- 
peated every three or four hours 
as required. 
W. T. Cleland, M. D., of Ke- 
wanna, Ind., writing in reference 
to this remedy, says, “I cannot 
speak in too high praise in regard 
to grindelia robusta in asthma or 
in any affections of the air-pass- 
ages, where fever is not too violent. 
In fact, it is the best remedy I ever used, in common 
catarrh or chronic bronchitis.” 
Another physician who has used it observes, “This 
is the best known remedy for the asthma.” 
Description—This is another species of the tar-weed, 
and the same description applies to this species as to 
the squarrosa, with the following slight variations: 
The stem of the former is brown and has fewer leaves, 
which are somewhat narrower than those of the latter, 
while the flowers are of an orange-color. 
Grindelia Robusta. 300 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
GROUND-IVY (Glecoma Hederacea) 
Part used—The leaves. 
The fresh juice, snuffed up 
the nostrils, is a valuable 
cure for headache. An infu- 
sion of the leaves will afford 
effectual relief in painters’ 
colic. It should be taken in 
half-teacupful doses or more, 
three times a day. It is also 
said to be a preventive of 
this disease. It is very good 
in jaundice, asthma, diseases 
of the lungs and for cleansing 
the blood. Dose of the infu- 
sion, half a teacupful three times a day. 
Description and where found—It is a low, creep- 
ing herb, growing generally along fences, orchards and 
shady places, and sometimes in gardens. The flowers 
are of a bluish-purple color. 
Ground-Ivy. 
GROUND CENTAURY {Polygala Nuttalli). 
Part used—The herb. 
This plant has the reputation of being almost infalli- 
ble as a remedy in fever and ague. It is useful as a 
tonic and alterative, and very effectual in boils and 
erysipelas. It is prepared for use by adding one drachm GUAKANA. 
301 
of the plant to a gill each of alcohol and water. Of this, 
give a tablespoonful three times a day. 
Description—The stem is eight to ten feet high; 
flowers, rose-purple; seeds, black. It is frequently found 
growing in bunches of fifteen to twenty stems, from one 
root, and on the root will be seen something resembling 
a nearly developed flower. 
Where found—It is found growing in very poor 
soils. 
GUM-MYRRH. 
This is a powerful medicine for checking all tendency 
to mortification, and for relieving sponginess of the gums, 
gangrenous conditions and ulcers. Also in wounds and 
inj uries, when there is a tendency to mortification, it is 
used as a wash or mixed in a poultice, and, at the same 
time, a small portion is to he taken internally. It is also 
valuable in putrid fevers and green sickness. Dose of 
the tincture, one to two teaspoonfuls, three times a day; 
of the powder, ten to twenty grains. 
Description—Gum-myrrh is the concrete juice of a 
tree, growing in the East Indies. It is hard, brittle, and 
of a reddish-yellow color. 
GUAR AX A (Paullinia). 
This is an excellent remedy for sick headache and 
also for chronic rheumatism, and may he employed 302 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
advantageously in bowel-complaints and neuralgia. 
Dose of the lluid extract, from ten drops to a teaspoon- 
ful. In headache, the dose may be repeated every half- 
hour or hour, until the pain ceases, though one dose is 
often sufficient. Prof. Bundy, of the California Medical 
College, says, “When you have the headache, don’t 
forget to take guarana.” It is a favorite remedy with 
him, and he regards it as almost sure to relieve most 
forms of headache. Dose of the solid extract, from one 
to five grains ; of the sugar-coated pills, from one to two, 
three times a day. This is a new remedy and to be had 
now at almost all drug-stores. The firm of Parke. Davis 
& Co., of Detroit, manufacture the fluid extract and other 
preparations of this plant. 
GUM-GUAIAC (Guaiaci Resina). 
It is useful in scrofula, diseases of the skin and vene- 
real diseases, and in small doses it is good in the first 
stages of dysentery and in obstructed menstruation. It is 
also a celebrated rheumatic remedy, for which purpose 
it is often used in the form of bitters, made by adding 
one ounce of the gum to one quart of the best rye 
whisky. Of this, take one to two tablespoonfuls three 
times a day. Dose of the tincture, from one to three 
teaspoonfuls, two or three times a day; of the powdered 
resin, five to fifteen grains. This is also a valuable 
remedy for the effects of poison oak. In taking this 
medicine for any purpose, if irregularity of the bowels 
or sickness occur, its use must be discontinued. The 
ammoniated tincture of gum-guaiac will almost invaria- GUM-ARABIC. 
303 
bly relieve painful menstruation, which originates from 
taking cold. Dose, from thirty to sixty drops, every 
three hours, in simple syrup. 
GUM-ARABIC {Acacia Arabica). 
This is the concrete juice of a tree growing in Asia. 
It is very useful in catarrh of the bladder, coughs, 
hoarseness, sore throat, and in all irritations and inflam- 
mations of the mucous surfaces, bowels and urinary 
passages. It is especially serviceable in irritating and 
inflammatory diarrhea, dysentery, gonorrhea and stran- 
gury. Hemorrhage from small wounds, razor-cuts, etc., 
may be readily checked by applying equal parts of pow- 
dered gum-arabic and alum. Dissolve from four drachms 
to an ounce in a pint of water; it may be taken freely—a 
tablespoonful or more every hour. It can be rendered 
more palatable by adding a small quantity of loaf-sugar. 
HAIR-CAP MOSS, Robin’s Rye, Ground-Moss, 
Bear’s Moss (.Polytrichum Juniperium). 
Part used—The plant. 
It is very useful in gravel, dropsy, fevers and inflam- 
mations. The infusion or decoction may he nsed freely. 
Prof. King says, “ A strong infusion of this plant, taken 
in doses of four tablespoonfuls, every half-hour, has 304 
MEDICAL PLANTS, 
removed from dropsical patients from twenty to forty 
pounds of water in the space of twenty-four hours.” 
Description and where found—Stem slender, of 
a reddish color, and from four to seven inches high; 
leaves lance-shaped and somewhat spreading. The 
fruit is a four-sided oblong capsule. It grows in high, 
dry places, along the margins of dry woods, mostly in 
poor, sandy soil. 
HARDHACK (Spircea Tomentosa). 
Part used—The herh. 
The green herh, hoiled in milk, makes a very effica- 
cious remedy for chronic diarrhea. An infusion, or tea 
of this plant, is reputed prompt in arresting cliolera- 
infantum. It is deservedly a popular remedy in summer- 
complaint of children. The infusion may he drunk 
freely. Dose of the fluid extract, from three to fifteen 
drops. 
Description—This is a beautiful, green shrub, com- 
mon to the United States. Its leaves are of a dark-green 
color above, and white underneath. 
HEMLOCK (Firms Canadensis). 
Parts used—The hark and the gum. 
This tree produces a gum, called Canada-pitch or liem- 
lock-gum, which makes a good strengthening plaster for 
weak hack. The fluid extract makes a very valuable inj ec- HIGH CRANBERRY. 
305 
tion for chronic gonorrhea. The essence of hemlock, in 
doses of live to eight drops, has proved effectual in 
checking vomiting of cholera-morbus. A strong decoc- 
tion of the bark is good in the whites, falling of the 
womb, and as an external application in gangrene. The 
oil of hemlock is often used externally in the treat- 
ment of croup, and to relieve rheumatic pains. A strong 
decoction, used as a wash, will cure itching piles. Use 
the lluid extract when it can be got. Prof. Bundy says, 
“This medicine has no equal for hemorrhages, whites, 
cuts, diarrhea and dysentery.” Dose of the infusion, one 
tablespoonful, two or three times a day; of the fluid 
extract, fifteen to twenty drops. In uterine and venereal 
diseases, it is used by injection. 
Where found—The bark and gum can always be 
found at drug-stores. The tree is a species of pine and 
grows in the northern part of the United States and 
Canada. 
HIG-H CRANBERRY (Viburnum Opulus). 
Part used—The bark. 
This is a very prompt and effectual remedy in reliev- 
ing cramps, asthma and spasms of all kinds. It is said 
that, if it is used during the last two or three months of 
pregnancy, it will entirely prevent the convulsions which 
sometimes occur at that period and in parturition 
Dose, one tablespoonful, once a day. 
It is employed in the treatment of hysterics. Dose of 
the extract, from one to live grains, three times a day. 
A decoction or infusion of the bark, in wine, may be 
used in doses of a tablespoonful, two or three times a day. 
This is a shrub, growing in rich soils in the Northern 
States and Canada. 306 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
HOARHOHNH (Marrubium). 
Part used—The leaves. 
Hoarhound is much used in colds, coughs, and is also 
valuable in asthma and jaundice. A cold infusion is a 
very useful tonic in dyspepsia. It is sometimes employed 
for the removal of worms, and for the cure of mercurial 
salivation. The infusion may be used freely. 
Where found—Growing in all parts of the country. 
HOLLYHOCK (.Alcea Bosea). 
Tarts used—The leaves and roots. 
This is a very fine remedy in all cases of inflamma- 
tion, such as inflammation of the stomach, lungs, bowels, 
bladder, etc. It is employed with good effect in colds, 
coughs, leucorrhea and gonorrhea. It is harmless, and 
the tea may be drunk freely five or six times a day. 
Where found—In gardens. 
HOPS (Humulus Lupulus). 
Hops are extremely useful to relieve tlie pain and in- 
flammation of internal organs in the form of fomenta- 
tions or poultices. Such pain may result from pleurisy, 
inflammation of the stomach and bowels, tumors, etc. HORSE-RADISH. 
307 
For wakefulness, a pillow of hops may be used; it will 
generally induce sleep. 
The yellow powder, called lupulin, obtained by thresh- 
ing the hops, is preferable for internal use. It is em- 
ployed to prevent chordee, and in delirium tremens, to 
allay nervous irritation and to mitigate the pain attend- 
ing gonorrhea. It is also employed to suppress venereal 
desires. Dose of the powder, five to ten grains; of the 
•tincture, from one to three teaspoonfuls. 
In making a fomentation, they can be boiled either 
alone in water and vinegar, or with other bitter herbs. 
HORSE-RADISH (Cochlearia Armor ado). 
Part used—The root. 
A syrup made of grated horse-radish and honey or 
sugar and water, will cure ordinary cases of hoarseness. 
Dose, a teaspoonful every one or two hours. 
Prof. King says, “ A warm infusion of the fresh root in 
cider, drunk in sufficient quantities to produce perspira- 
tion and repeated every night, has cured dropsy in two 
or three weeks.” 
It has proved beneficial in rheumatism, neuralgia, 
paralysis, and in weak digestive organs. Hoarseness, 
from colds, may be removed by chewing a small piece of 
horse-radish, the size of the little finger. 
HORSE-CHESTNUT (JEsculus Uippocastanum). 
It has proven a good remedy for the piles when they 
are hard, sore and attended with itching and burning. 308 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
When they are attended with a sensation of fullness and 
a desire to strain, and there is looseness of the bowels, 
this remedy will usually prove effectual. 
It seems to act directly on the veins of the rectum. 
Dose, from three to five drops of the tincture, three times- 
a day. 
Description and where found—The horse-chest- 
nut is a lofty forest-tree, covered with rough, brown bark. 
The wood is white and soon decays. Its leaves are 
large and on long foot-stalks, and composed of seven 
leaflets, arising from a common center, the middle one 
being the largest. The fruit is prickly, roundish, three- 
celled, and usually containing two seeds. 
HORSEMENT {Monarda Punctata). 
Parts used—The leaves and flowers. 
A strong infusion is very useful in disease of the kid- 
neys, suppressed urine and to allay vomiting, and may 
be drunk freely. The volatile oil is employed in neu- 
ralgia, rheumatism, paralysis and cholera-infan turn. 
The essence is a very elegant preparation to remove 
nausea and vomiting. 
Description—Height, from two to three feet. 
Where found—It grows in all parts of the country,, 
in dry soils, woods, and in the prairies of the West. 
HOUND’S TONGUE (Cynoglossum). 
Part used—The leaves. 
The fresh leaves bruised, or the tincture, will remove HYDRANGEA. 
309 
the discoloration and swelling of parts caused by bruises 
or blows. 
In case of excoriation of the feet from long marches, a 
poultice of the leaves will give speedy relief. It is like- 
wise valuable in scrofulous tumors, giving complete 
relief. 
A tea is good in catarrh, coughs, dysentery and spit- 
ting of blood. 
Where found—In drug-stores, and growing wild in 
almost all sections of country. The leaves have a very 
unpleasant odor, and a bitter taste. 
HYDRANGEA, Seven Barks (Hydrangea Arbores- 
cens). 
Part used—The root. 
It is an admirable remedy for the gravel, and relieves 
that excruciating pain experienced when the gravelly 
formations pass through the ureters from the kidneys 
to the bladder. A syrup or decoction of the root may be 
taken in teaspoonful doses several times a day, but not 
to cause dizziness, or other unpleasant symptoms. Dose 
of the decoction, one teaspoonful several times a day. 
Where found—This shrub is common to almost all 
parts of the United States. 
HYOSCIAMUS, Black Henbane (Ilyosciamus 
Niger). 
Part used—The leaves. 
It is used in rheumatism, neuralgia, gout, asthma, 
nervous and spasmodic affections and chronic coughs, to 310 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
allay nervous excitability, to relieve pain and to pro- 
mote sleep. It is frequently used in place of opium, as 
it does not produce constipation. It should be used with 
caution, however, for in large doses it is a narcotic 
poison. Lose of the tincture, from ten to fifteen drops j 
of the powdered leaves, five to ten grains ; of the alco- 
holic extract, from a half to two grains. The extract is 
the form in which it is generally used. 
Where found—In drug-stores, and growing wild in 
most parts of the United States. 
HYSSOP {Ilyssopus Officinalis). 
Parts used—Leaves and stems. 
It is useful in sore throat and quinsy, in the form of a 
warm gargle. Its value is very much improved when 
combined with alum and sage. It is good, taken inter- 
nally, for colds and affections of the chest. The fresh 
leaves are valuable, when bruised and applied to wounds, 
to relieve the pain, and also for removing black spots 
caused by bruises. 
Where found—Growing in gardens. 
ICEL AND-MO S S (Lichen Islandicus). 
This plant has "been used with good success in dyspep- 
sia and as a nutriment and tonic in low stages of 
consumption. As a demulcent, it is used in coughs, 
bronchitis and affections of the lungs. In these difficul- ICE-PLANT. 
311 
ties its value may be increased by adding an equal 
proportion of liverwort. It is prepared by adding a 
handful of the moss to a pint of boiling water; after 
standing two or three hours, strain, sweeten with honey 
and drink freely. It is only used when cooked, and 
forms what is termed blanc mange. It is good for 
food. 
Where found—It is a product of foreign countries 
and is found in drug and grocery-stores. 
ICE-PLMT, Pipe-Plant (.Monotroya TJnijlora).. 
Part used—The whole plant. 
The root of this plant is regarded as almost an infalli- 
ble remedy for fits in children, and has been nsed with 
great success in St. Vitus’s dance. The juice, diluted in 
cold water, is useful in sore eyes. It is very valuable in 
nervous restlessness, pains and irritability. It is used 
instead of opium, and without any of the objectionable 
influences of that drug. The juice of the plant is an 
excellent remedy in gonorrhea and ulceration of the 
bladder, used as an injection. Dose of the powdered 
root, half to a teaspoonful, two or three times a day. 
Description—Height, from four to eight inches. The 
whole plant, including the stem and flowers, is of a 
clear white color. It is very juicy, and when rubbed a 
little, it will melt almost like ice. The flowers have 
some resemblance to a pipe; hence its name, pipe-plant. 312 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
INDIAN FEVER-ROOT (Jlelianthus Occidentals). 
Part used—The root. 
It is a celebrated remedy among the Indians for the 
cure of fevers, and employed by them as a great sweating 
agent. The decoction should be drunk freely. 
Description—Height of stem from two to three feet, 
sending up several stems from the same root; flower- 
heads yellow, one to two inches in diameter; root dark 
and of a strong, rich taste. 
INDIAN ARROW, Walioo, Bitter Ash, Spindle- 
Tree, Burning- Bush (Euonymus Atropurpureus). 
Part used—The root. 
It is used in diseases of the stom- 
ach, bowels and liver, for indigestion, 
colic, dyspepsia and bilions fever. 
The decoction has been nsed with 
success in liver-complaint, dropsy, 
constipation and lung-difficulties. 
Dose of the tincture, from two to three 
tablespoonfuls of the powder (ten to 
twenty grains). When this is com- 
bined with equal parts of wafer-ash. 
(ptelia trifoliata) it can be relied on to 
cure old, long-standing cases of chills, 
which have resisted quinine. It may 
not be quite as speedy in controlling this disease as is 
Indian Arrow. INDIAN HEMP. 
313 
this latter medicine in some cases, but the disease is 
less liable to return when broken with wahoo than with 
quinine. 
Description—This is a shrub, growing from ten to 
fifteen feet high, bark smooth, dark-gray, interspersed 
with large, white, irregular-shaped spots ; leaves, deep- 
green on the upper and light on the under side. Flowers 
a kind of cluster, very small, dark, reddish-brown inside, 
inclining to green outside, with rough husk, which opens 
in the fall, exhibiting the beautifully bright, fiery-red 
fruit or berries. 
Where found—It grows in various parts of the 
country, especially on bottom lands and on the borders 
of streams. 
IlVDIAJf HEMP, Dogs* Bane, Black Silkweed 
(.Apocynum Cannabinum). 
Part used—The root. 
The decoction of this plant is an admirable remedy for 
dropsy, and numerous cases have been cured with it. 
It should be taken in tablespoonful-doses, three times a 
day; of the extract, four to five grains. 
It is an infallible remedy for the cure of thread or pin- 
worm. For this purpose, take twenty drops of the tinc- 
ture three times a day, for three successive days ; then 
use an injection of cold water and the worms will be dis- 
lodged. 
Description—Height about two feet. It is one of the 
several species called Indian hemp, and resembles very 
much the hitter-root (.Apocynum Androscemifolium). 
“They both grow in the same kinds of soil, often 
together, and both have a tough bark like hemp, and 
pods somewhat alike, but may be distinguished by 314 
MEDICAL PLAXTS. 
their leaves and flowers. The leaves of this species are 
oblong and sharp, or pointed at both ends, and of a 
whitish, downy appearance on the lower side; while 
those of the bitter-root are pointed only at the outer end, 
and quite round or blunt at the end next the stalk—are 
not so long as the other, and are dark, smooth, green on 
both sides. In this species the flowers are greenish- 
yellow, slightly pink or purple inside, while those of the 
bitter root are white, tinged with red.”—[ Gunn. 
Where found—In meadows and low, moist lands. 
ESDIAN CUP, Ragged-Cup, Wild Sun-Flower 
(Silphium Perfoliatum). 
Part used—The root. 
This will remove ague-cake. The Indians use it for 
curing fevers and attribute to it a very remarkable vir- 
tue ; namely, that of “ making an old man young.” It is 
employed effectively in bruises and ulcers, used very 
freely in the form of a tea. It requires long steeping in 
order to extract its virtue. It is esteemed a good remedy 
for liver-complaint, used in the form of a decoction, taken 
in wineglassful doses, three times a day. 
The fluid extract of the Indian cup alternated with 
bromide of amonium has effectually cured cases of 
asthma of long standing. Dose of either the fluid extract 
.or essential tincture, thirty to sixty drops. The latter 
may be made from the fresh bark of the root; four 
ounces to one-lialf pint of alcohol (76° ). It should always 
be made fresh, for it soon loses its virtue. 
Description—It has a large, square stalk, from four INDIAN TURNIP. 
315 
to six feet high; leaves from nine to twelve inches long 
and four to five wide, growing in such a shape as to form 
a cup; flowers yellow, resembling a sunflower; roots 
large and rough, having a strong resinous and bitter 
taste. 
INDIAN TURNIP, Dragon-Root, Wake Robin 
{Arum Tripliyllum). 
Part used—The root. 
The fresh root has been used in 
colic, asthma, hooping - cough, 
chronic catarrh, chronic rheuma- 
tism, bronchitis and in low stage 
of typhus fever. Externally, it 
has been used in scrofulous 
tumors, scald-head, and other 
diseases of the skin. Dose of 
the grated root in syrup or muci- 
lage, eight to ten grains, three 
times a day. For coughs and 
colds tincture the root in vine- 
gar, and give from one to two 
teaspoonfuls three times a day. 
It will often afford relief. For scrofulous swellings the 
pulverized root is to be mixed with honey or syrup and 
applied in the form of a poultice. 
Description—The root of this plant is round, flat- 
tened, with many white fibres ; externally it is dark and 
wrinkled; internally white. Leaves, three in number, 
growing at the top of the stalk, and a single blossom 
Indian. Turnip. 316 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
of the same color as the leaves, producing a roundish 
cluster of red berries. 
Where found—In drug-stores and almost all kinds of 
lands and soils. 
i 
IPECAC, Ipecacuanha (Cephcelis Ipecacuanha). 
Part used—The root. 
This is one of the mildest and most certain vegetable 
emetics. In small doses the tincture is a soothing tonic, 
and is often required in nausea and vomiting of many 
diseases. It is found very useful in dysentery, in one- 
half to one-grain doses. As an emetic, the dose is 
fifteen to thirty grains. It is useful in fevers, hemor- 
rhages, inflammatory diseases and dyspepsia. The 
wine or tincture of ipecac is a good remedy in coughs 
and an important ingredient in many of the cough-mix- 
tures. Dose, one-fourth to one-half a grain once in four 
hours. 
Where found—Only in drug-stores, in this country. 
IRON-WEED (Vernonia Fasciculata). 
Parts used—The root and leaves. 
This plant is particularly useful in female complaints. 
It is also said to he a certain remedy for the chills and 
intermittent and bilious fevers. It is said to be highly 
valuable in scrofula, diseases of the skin and in constitu- IROX-WOOD. 
317 
tional syphilis. Hose of the decoction, half a wineglass- 
ful or more; of the tincture, two or three teaspoonfuls, 
several times a day. A decoction of the leaves is 
esteemed a good gargle in sore throat. It is employed 
by some physicians in the treatment of dyspepsia. 
Description—Height, from four to eight feet, stalk 
straight and of a purple color ; leaves coarse and flowers 
of a bright-purple color. 
Where found—In rich timber and prairie lands and 
especially along water courses. 
IRON-WOOD (.Astrya Virginica). 
Part used—Heart of the tree or the central part of 
the wood. It has been used very effectively in neural- 
gia, dyspepsia and scrofula, and by some it is regarded 
as an infallible remedy in chills and fever. 
The wood is cut into small pieces or chips and a tea 
made of them, a dose of which is four to six tablespoon- 
fuls three times a day. 
Description—This is a small tree, growing from ten 
to forty feet high, the wood of which is very hard. The 
bark of the tree is fine and of a dark-gray color. 
Wliere found—Usually on hills and uplands and 
along streams. 
JALAP (Ipomea Jalapa). 
Part used—The root. 
It is a powerful and certain cathartic, especially em- 318 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
ployed when copious evacuations are required. It is 
somewhat drastic, producing large, watery discharges, 
with more or less griping, with nausea and vomiting. It 
is often used in dropsy with cream of tartar added. 
Dose of the tincture, from one to two teaspoonfuls ; of the 
powder, ten to twenty grains. 
Where found—In drug-stores and obtained from a 
tree growing wild in Mexico. 
JABORMDI (Pilocarpus Pennatifolius). 
This is a sovereign remedy 
for "breaking fevers when ad- 
ministered in the first stage. 
It will cure a cold when em- 
ployed at the "beginning of the 
difficulty. It has been em- 
ployed with good success in 
pneumonia, acute rheumatism 
and chronic Bright’s disease. 
Wherever a diaphoretic or 
sweating medicine is needed it 
is perhaps unequaled. It is, 
therefore, very excellent in the 
treatment of dropsy, bronchitis 
and diabetes-mellitus. Bose 
of the fluid extract, from fifteen drops to one teaspoonful, 
until thorough sweating is produced, then in one-fourth 
to one-half the quantity. In cases when a profuse per- 
spiration is required it may be given in teaspoonful 
Jaborandi. JAMAICA DOGWOOD. 
319 
doses. When the solid extract is employed the dose is 
from three to fifteen grains. This is a Brazilian plant, 
but its different preparations are to be found in the 
drug-stores in this country. 
JAMAICA DOGWOOD (.Piscidia Erythrina), 
Part used— 
Bark of the root. 
This is a new 
remedy and is 
proving a supe- 
rior substitute 
for opium. Com- 
mencing dose— 
thirty drops of 
the fluid extract. 
Its action 
seems to be on 
the nerve - cen- 
ters ; it causes sleep without producing the cerebral 
hypersemia which succeeds opium and the active princi- 
ples extracted therefrom. The sleep is tranquil and 
refreshing; it soothes bronchial cough and moderates 
the paroxysm in asthma and nervous coughs. It has 
also been pronounced an excellent remedy for chronic 
hepatitis and obstructions of the liver. 
Dr. William Hamilton, of Plymouth, England, in a 
communication to the Pharmaceutical Journal, speaks 
of this plant as a powerful narcotic, capable of produ- 
Jamaica Dogwood. 320 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
cing sleep and relieving pain in an extraordinary man- 
ner. lie had noticed, when resident in the West Indies, 
the use of the hark of the root in the taking of fish. He 
was induced to try it as an anodyne in toothache, and 
found a saturated tincture exceedingly efficacious, not 
only affording relief when taken internally, hut uni- 
formly curing the pain when introduced upon a dossil of 
cotton into the carious tooth. The hark of the root, to 
he effectual, should he gathered during the period of 
inflorescence in April. It yields its virtues to alcohol 
hut not to water. The formula employed hy him in 
preparing the tincture was to macerate an ounce of the 
hark in coarse powder in four fluid ounces of rectified 
spirit for twenty-four hours and then to filter. The dose 
is a fluid drachm. He first tried it on himself when 
laboring under severe toothache, taking the quantity 
mentioned in cold water on going to hed. He first felt a 
violent sensation of heat internally, which gradually 
extended to the surface and was followed hy profuse 
perspiration, with profound sleep for twelve hours. On 
awaking he was quite free from pain and without the 
unpleasant sensations which follow a dose of opium. 
When employed for taking fish it is thrown, coarsely 
powdered, into the deep, still part of some stream, when 
the water soon acquires a reddish shade and in a few 
minutes the fish begin to rise to the surface, where they 
float. 
JUDAS-TREE (Cercis Canadensis). 
This is useful in the treatment of diarrhea and dysen- 
tery when it has "become chronic, as it can "be adminis- JTTXIPER BERRIES. 
321 
tered where there is an irritable condition of the stomach. 
without increasing the trouble. It also makes an excel- 
lent injection for leucorrhea and gleet, where there is a 
debilitated condition of the mucous membranes. 
Dose of the fluid extract, from fifteen to twenty fivo 
drops, two or three times a day. 
JTJNTPER BERRIES (Juniperus Communis). 
Juniper "berries are valuable in dropsy, as they act 
directly on the kidneys and bladder. They are also, 
sometimes, employed in skin-diseases and in scurvy, 
and frequently given in combination with other medi- 
cines for various other complaints. An oil is obtained 
from the berries, which has been used in catarrh of the 
bladder, in doses of from two to five drops, in spirits or 
mucilage. 
Where found—In drug-stores and growing wild. 
KAMEEEA (.Rottlera Tinctorial) 
This is a great tape-worm remedy, and is excellent for 
the purpose. Dose, from two to four teaspoonfuls of the 
fluid extract, the patient having previously fasted 
twenty-four hours. This should then be followed by 
two tablespoonfuls of castor-oil. It is a new remedy and 
a good one. 322 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
KAVA-KAVA {Piper Methysticum). 
The fluid extract of this plant will cure gonorrhea, 
gleet and leucorrhea, and all excessive mucous dis- 
charges. It is efficiently employed in inflammation of 
the bladder and rheumatism. Dose, from thirty to sixty 
drops, three times a day, in a glassful of water. 
It is a new remedy, and was brought from the Sand- 
wich Islands and first introduced by Parke, Davis & Co., 
oPDetroit, who manufacture it. In reference to its use, 
Prof. I. J. M. Goss says, “ I used the extract of kava- 
kava in one case of gonorrhea, and I think it the most 
positive remedy that I have ever used in that disease.” 
Another, J. A. Gore, M. D., says, “ * * * I have re- 
cently tried the fluid extract of kava-kava in a very 
severe case of gonorrhea, and it acted like a charm, re- 
lieving the patient in three days.” 
KINO (.Pterocarpus Marsupium). 
It is useful in dysentery and diarrhea, and in many 
cases in which a pure astringent is needed. A decoction 
is sometimes employed as a gargle in sore throat. 
It is most frequently used in the form of a tincture, the 
dose of which, is from one-lialf to a teaspoonful; of the 
powder, three to five grains. 
Description and where found—It is obtained 
from a foreign tree, and is a dark-red, brittle gum. It is 
found only in drug-stores, in this country. KOOSO. 
323 
KOOSO (.Brayera Anthelmintica). 
This plant is indigenous to Abyssinia, and has long 
been esteemed by the natives as a vermifuge of great 
value. Careful experiments have proved its extraor- 
dinary efficacy in the destruction and expulsion of the 
tape-worm. Hose of the fluid extract, from two to six 
teaspoonfuls; the patient having previously fasted 
twenty-four hours. The medicine should be followed 
with a dose of castor-oil. 
LADY’S SLIPPER, American Valerian 
(Cypripedium Pubescens). 
Part used—The root. 
This plant should he used 
in the form of the fluid ex- 
tract, in doses of fifteen to 
twenty-five drops, or the tinc- 
ture made "by adding eight 
ounces to one pint of alcohol 
(7G°). The dose is one-half 
to one teaspoonful. 
This medicine is an excel- 
lent nervine, and acts as a 
tonic to the exhausted ner- 
vous system. Hence it is 
adapted to cases of nervous 
irritability and sleepless- 
Lady’s Slipper. 324 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
ness, and gives rest and refreshing sleep. In the rest- 
lessness and wakefulness occurring in the latter stages of 
typhoid fever, it is one of our best remedies. It may 
be used alone or combined with skull-cap, in the various 
nervous affections, such as hysterics, headache, St.'Vitus’s 
Dance, or in other diseases. Whenever a mild and safe 
nervine is needed, lady’s-slipper root is very generally 
used in the form of infusion, made by steeping about 
one ounce of the root in a pint of boiling water. Dose, 
from a half to a teacupful, every hour or two, or oftener, 
according to symptoms. 
Description and where found—It rises to the 
height of one or two feet; leaves three to four inches 
long and two to three wide, and attached by a sort of 
sheath around the stalk. Flowers large, showy, and 
somewhat in the shape of a moccasin, either pale-yellow 
or white, with red or purple spots. Roots bunchy, 
fibrous, crooked, and about as thick as a wheat-straw. 
PEEK, House-Peek (JSempervivum Tectorum). 
Parts used—The root and leaves. 
The leaves, braised and applied twice a day, are reputed 
to effectually remove warts and ringworms, and also to 
cure shingles. The fresh leaves, when bruised, are very 
useful and cooling when applied to the parts stung by 
insects, likewise for erysipelas, ulcers, and inflammation. 
This is a perennial plant, and generally well known. LOBELIA 
325 
XOBEIilA, Indian Tobacco (Lobelia Inflata). 
Parts used—Leaves and stems. 
For an antidote to poisons of all 
Mnds, whether animal or vegetable, 
lobelia is a good remedy. It is re- 
garded by some practitioners as effi- 
cacious in hydrophobia, in which well 
attested cases have been recorded as 
cured with it. Bites and stings of 
insects, spasms of the limbs and severe 
pains, may be readily relieved by an 
application of a poultice of lobelia and 
weak lye. An external application of 
the tincture is very effectual for re- 
lieving sprains, bruises and for the 
poison from poison ivy or poison dog- 
wood, and likewise often effectual in 
rheumatic pains. The ethereal tincture of lobelia, which 
can be purchased at any drug-store, will relieve almost 
instantly the violent paroxysms of asthma. Some physi- 
cians regard it as a good remedy for the bite of snakes. 
For an emetic, two teaspoonfuls of the powder are to be 
added to half a pint of hot water (but not boiling). 
After standing a few minutes it is ready for use. It 
may be given in half-teacupful doses every eight or ten 
minutes, along with pennyroyal balm, composition or 
some other warm herb-tea; and it is often well to drink 
freely of the tea of some one of these herbs before com- 
mencing the use of lobelia. When the tincture is used 
for an emetic, the dose is from one to two tablespoonfuls, 
repeated ds before directed. It can be sweetened and made 
Lobelia. 326 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
quite palatable. The lobelia should be continued until 
the patient has vomited two or three times. In sudden 
attacks of croup it is an admirable remedy. Dose for a 
child is one teaspoonful, given with some of the tea and 
repeated as before directed until thorough vomiting is 
obtained. It can be given in molasses or honey. The 
throat and chest should be bathed with it at the same 
time. Ten or fifteen drops will produce sickness in 
some persons. In asthma, give of the tincture a tea- 
spoonful and repeat every half-hour during the parox- 
ysms. It may produce sickness and vomiting or it may 
not; if it does, it is perhaps all the better for it. 
In reference to its power of controlling asthma, Dr. 
Cutler, a distinguished physician, makes the following 
remarks: 
“ It has been my misfortune to be an asthmatic for 
about ten years. I have tried a great variety of reme- 
dies, with but little benefit. Last summer I had the 
severest attack I ever experienced, for eight weeks. 
The tincture of lobelia gave me immediate relief, and I 
have been entirely free from the complaint since that 
time. My breathing at one time became so difficult I 
thought I should suffocate. I took a tablespoonful of 
the spirit-tincture, made of the fresh plant; in three or 
four minutes my breathing was as free as it ever was, 
but I felt no sickness at the stomach. In ten minutes 
I took another spoonful, which occasioned sickness. 
After ten minutes I took the third, which produced 
sensible effects on the coats of the stomach and very 
little vomiting, with a kind of prickly sensation through 
the whole system.” 
Description and where found—It grows one or 
two feet high; the stem is hairy; the leaves are tapering, 
hairy above and below, bordered with small, irregular 
teeth; the flowers are palish-blue, thinly scattered along LIVERWORT. 
327 
the branches and upper part of the stem, and continue 
to bloom from July till late in autumn. The blossoms 
are followed by small pods or bole-vessels—something- 
like the shape of an egg—which contain a large quantity 
of very small black seeds; when you break the plant a 
milky juice comes out. This plant grows throughout all 
parts of our country. 
The Oil of Lobelia is valuable in catarrh. In the 
commencement of this disease a few drops, added to 
a teacupful of ginger-tea and taken until perspiration 
results, will generally relieve the attack in a few hours. 
LIVERWORT, Tree-Foil, Silver-Leaf 
(Hepatica Triloba). 
Part used—The whole plant. 
This plant is recommended in lung-affections, coughs, 
bleeding of the lungs, liver-complaint, and in the early 
stages of consumption. It is an innocent herb, and may 
be taken freely in infusion or syrup. 
Description and where found—The plant is small, 
rising only six to ten inches high; having a sort of three- 
lobed leaf on each stem, found in timber lands, usually 
growing on the south side of hills. The blossoms, 
which appear early in the spring, are of a purplish-white 
color. 
LIME (Calx). 
For dysentery and clironic diarrhea, lime-water is a 
very efficient remedy, and has performed cures when all 328 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
else had failed. It is prepared by putting an ounce of 
unslaked lime in a quart of water. After standing two 
or three hours, pour off the clear liquor, as it may be 
wanted for use. Dose, from two to four tablespoonfuls, 
three times a day. If the lime-water is added to a wine- 
glassful of sweet milk, it is far more pleasant to the taste. 
Lime is a very convenient article to produce perspiration, 
when the patient is unable to be moved, or where it is de- 
sirable he should not be disturbed. Used in the follow- 
ing manner: Take half a dozen pieces of lime, each 
About the size of an egg, and wrap a moistened cloth 
.around them ; place them, thus prepared, on each side of 
the patient and by both thighs, when free perspiration 
will be rapidly produced. Lime-water is a valuable ap- 
plication for burns, and its virtue is increased when 
mixed with linseed-oil. 
LION’S FOOT, White Lettuce, Rattlesnake Root 
(Nabalus Albus). 
Parts used—Roots, leaves and juice. 
This is a new remedy, Ibut from the limited use it is 
satisfactorily proven to be a good remedy in dysentery 
and summer-diarrhea. It has been used with success 
also in leucorrhea. It has acquired some reputation in 
the bites of serpents, for which purpose it is applied 
locally as a poultice, while the tincture is given inter- 
nally. 
A saturated tincture of the root and plant may be 
made by adding four ounces to a half pint of alcohol. 
The dose is from two to ten drops, according to the LEMON. 
329 
urgency of the symptoms. As a remedy for dysentery, 
from four to five drops may he given every two hours; 
for diarrhea, one to two drops, every four hours. 
Myricin is the active principle of this plant, which 
can he procured in the drug-stores. In gleet, one or two 
grains of this medicine, given every three or four hours, 
and one grain dissolved in two tablespoonfuls of rose or 
rain-water and injected every four hours, will speedily 
relieve the disease. In leucorrhea, five or six grains, 
dissolved in a gill of warm water, may he used as an 
injection, with happy effect. The usual dose of this 
medicine is from one to two grains, three times a day. 
Description and where found—This is a perennial 
plant, has a smooth stem, stout, of a purple color; 
height, two to four feet. The leaves are mostly lance- 
shaped and irregularly toothed. It grows in moist 
woods throughout the United States. 
LEMON ( Citrus Limonum). 
Lemon makes a very useful and grateful drink in all 
fevers and inflammatory diseases. One tablespoonful of 
lemon-juice taken three times a day is a certain cure for 
scurvy, and is also a preventive of it. Lemon-syrup or 
citric acid may he used in its stead when the fresh lemon 
cannot he procured. 
A tahlespoonful of the juice of roasted lemons, sweet- 
ened to the taste, taken every two or three hours, is an 
admirable remedy for coughs. 
Diphtheria has often been cured with lemon-juice. 
The throat should he gargled with it every hour or two, 330 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
and at the same time swallow a teaspoonful of it. Cases 
apparently in the last stages of the disease were saved 
Tby this remedy. 
The juice of two or three lemons, added to a gill of 
brandy and used as an external application, has cured 
erysipelas when all other means had failed. And it is 
said that many cases of asthma have been permanently 
relieved by the patients’ eating two or three lemons a 
day. 
The juice of half a dozen lemons, used in an attack of 
biliousness, is worth more for this purpose ordinarily 
than all the pills you can carry and more than all you 
want to swallow. 
The application of equal parts of lemon-juice and 
glycerine will ordinarily remove tan and freckles from 
the face and hands. 
It will relieve some forms of headache and also acidity 
of the stomach, when taken in small quantities and suffi- 
ciently diluted. 
One draught of it is usually all that is required to re- 
move the difficulty. It is also a grateful and refreshing 
drink for patients convalescing from various diseases. 
Citric acid, which is made from the juice of lemons or 
limes, is useful for the same purpose. LAUREL. 
331 
LAUREL, Big-Ivy, Calico Bush (Kalmia Latifolia). 
Part use d—T h e 
leaves. 
They are employed in 
dysentery, hemorrhages 
and inflammatory d i s- 
eases, and said to he a 
valuable and efficient 
remedy in syphilis. Dose 
of the decoction, from one 
to two tablespoonfuls 
three times a day; in acute 
disease every two or three 
hours. 
This is a vegetable nar- 
cotic and in overdoses produces headache, loss of sight,, 
general weakness, cold extremities, etc., and must there- 
fore be nsed with caution. "When any of these danger- 
ous symptoms appear the dose should be lessened or 
discontinued. Dose of the tincture is ten to twenty 
drops three times a day, beginning with ten drops and 
increasing one or two drops each day until twenty are 
reached, carefully watching the symptoms. 
The shrub is often mistaken for the sheep-laurel (kal- 
mia augustifolia). 
Description—This is a shrub growing on rocky 
hills, mountain sides and in damp soils, rising from four 
to ten feet and often forming dense thickets, and bearing 
red or rose-colored flowers. 
Laurel. 332 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
MAIDEN IIAIR. 
Part used—The leaves. 
This is a good remedy in asthma, and also in erysipe- 
las, colds, coughs, hoarseness, chronic catarrh, pleurisy 
and jaundice. It is a valuable cooling drink in fevers. 
The decoction may be used freely, as well as the syrup. 
Description and where found—This is a peren- 
nial fern, found mostly in shady soils throughout the 
United States, growing from twelve to fifteen inches high, 
with a smooth, slender, black stalk. 
MALE FERN (Aspedium Filix Mas). 
Part used—The root. 
This is a celebrated remedy for expelling the tape- 
worm. The oil of this plant, which may "be obtained at 
any drng-store, is to be taken in doses of ten or fifteen 
drops, twice a day, followed by an active cathartic. 
Pose of the powder, two teaspoonfnls. If the infusion 
is used, one pint is to be taken, followed in a few hours 
by a cathartic. 
This plant is also employed in the itch. The infusion 
is to be used both internally and externally, followed by 
applications of soap and water. 
Description—This plant has no stalks, but a num- 
ber of large, feather-like leaves, ascending from the 
root, from one to two feet high. 
Where found—Growing both on timber and open 
lands. MANNA. 
333 
MANNA. 
It is used mostly for delicate ladies and children, and 
in cases where there is a tendency to piles. 
It is remarkably agreeable and pleasant to the taste, 
and children usually relish it. 
Dose, as a catharic, one to two ounces, for an adult -r 
and for children, from a drachm, to half an ounce. 
Manna is the concrete juice, or candied gum, obtained 
from small trees growing in Sicily and Italy. 
The flake-manna is the best variety, and may be dis- 
solved in warm milk or water before taking. It is a far 
better remedy for little children than castor-oil, which is 
ruining the digestion of thousands. 
MAGNOLIA TREE (Magnolia Grandijlora). 
Part used—Bark of the root. 
It is useful in chills and fever. It is a good restora- 
tive tonic, used in dyspepsia and for convalescence from 
fevers, especially miasmatic fevers. 
It is employed in the form of a decoction, or bitters, 
taken in doses of two or three tablespoonfuls, three times 
a day. 
Description—It is an ever-green, cultivated as an 
ornamental tree in the sourthern portions of the United 
States and in warm climates. It has beautiful white 
flowers, possessing a delicious odor. 334 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
MANGO {Mangifera Indica). 
Part used—The leaves. 
It is employed in dysentery, diarrhea, nasal catarrh, 
hemorrhage of the womb and leucorrhea. In hemor- 
rhage from the womb, it is an excellent remedy, and 
much dependence can be placed upon it. Dose of the 
fluid extract, from ten drops to a teaspoonful. 
MAESHMALLOW {Althcea). 
Parts used—The root 
and leaves. 
It is employed with good 
results in the treatment of 
acute gonorrhea, and all 
affections of the mucous 
membrane of the lungs 
and bowels, inflammation 
of the kidneys and blad- 
der, retention of urine and 
strangury. The infusion 
should be drunk freely. 
Its effects are improved 
when equal parts of spear- 
mint are added. 
It is useful for the prevention of gangrene, when used 
in the form of a poultice made of the powdered root and 
Marshmallow. MARIGOLD. 
335 
leaves, and is also excellent for bruises and inflamma- 
tory swellings. 
Description and where found—Is cultivated in 
gardens and grows wild in many parts of the United 
States, generally about wet, marshy land; from three to 
six feet high; light,pink-colored flowers, followed by 
little capsules or buttons, each containing a single seed. 
MARIGOLD (Calendula Officinalis). 
Parts used—The leaves and flowers. 
The tincture of this plant is good, applied to old ulcers 
and sores, to cause them to heal. It is used in surgical 
operations, and applied to fresh bruises and contused 
wounds. It is generally diluted with water; to a tumbler 
of water add a tablespoonful of the tincture, and apply 
,by means of muslin saturated with it. 
Description and where found—It bears beautiful 
yellow flowers and is cultivated in gardens as an orna- 
mental plant. 
MARSH-ROSEMARY, Sea-Lavender (Statice Caro- 
liniana). 
Part used—The root. 
The decoction of this herb is used as an injection, three 336 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
times a day, for falling of the womb, gonorrhea, gleet 
and leucorrhea. 
A gargle of the same is good for sore throat, and as a 
wash for old ulcers. 
The decoction, taken in one or two-tablespoonful doses 
every two hours, generally checks bowel-disease in 
children. 
Combine the infusion of this herb with equal parts of 
the infusion of black cohosh and golden seal, and you 
have one of the best injections for falling of the womb. 
Description and where found—This plant grows 
in salt-marshes along the sea-coast. It has a large and 
somewhat fleshy root; stalk one to two feet high, and 
flowers of a bluish-purple color, which appear late in the 
Summer. 
MAY APPLE, Mandrake, {Podophyllum Peltatum) 
Part used—Tlie root. 
This plant is most commonly known as mandrake,. 
May Apple. MAY-APPLE. 
337 
and is, perhaps, more highly esteemed as a purgative 
medicine and a remedy for acting on the liver, than for 
other purposes. In chronic affections of the liver it, per- 
haps, has no superior for arousing this organ to a healthy 
action, and finally effecting a cure in torpid conditions 
of this organ. For a cathartic, give of the powdered root 
fifteen to twenty grains ; of the tincture, twenty to fifty 
drops. When it is not designed to act as a cathartic 
but to produce an alterative effect, give five to ten drops 
of tho tincture, and one to three grains of the powder 
twice a day. 
Dr. Lobstein says, he never knew its employment to 
fail of procuring immediate relief in cases of inconti- 
nence of urine. Used in the form of a powder and sprinkled 
on the affected parts, it will destroy proud flesh without 
injury to the sound parts. And applied likewise to all 
ill-conditioned ulcers, it disposes them to heal very 
rapidly. With some persons it is an effective remedy 
for constipation, and many ladies regard it as one of the 
foremost remedies in suppressed and painful menstrua- 
tion. Podophyllin is the concentrated principle of the 
May-apple, and is very extensively used in place of the 
crude article, but generally in combination with other 
medicines. This medicine will expel intestinal worms. 
In cases of determination (excessive flow) of blood to the 
brain, this article is given in cathartic doses, is prompt, 
and will soon restore the equilibrium of the circulation. 
It should never be given without being mixed, one grain 
to ten, with sugar of milk (lactine), as it is so powerful 
that it has an irritating effect on the mucous coat of the 
alimentary canal. Thus prepared, the usual dose is 
from one to four grains, two or three times a day; as an 
alterative, give from one-half to one grain. In old cases- 
of mercurial poisoning it acts promptly; as a tonic and 
alterative, the tincture of May-applo is generally pre- 338 
MEDICAL PLANTS, 
ferred to podophyllin, in doses of ten to fifteen drops. 
Prof. Goss says, “ in cases of dyspepsia, attended with 
constipation, we have no better remedy than this to com- 
bine with tonics.” 
Where found—In moist timber-lands, and all forms 
of it may be found at any drug-store. 
MILK-WEED, Common Silk-weed {Asclepias 
Syriacd). 
When this plant is cut, or an incision made in it, a 
milky juice exudes, which is reputed a cure for warts. 
The root acts on the kidneys, and is a valuable rem- 
edy in dropsy, retention of urine, dyspepsia, scrofula and 
rheumatism. It is given generally in decoction. Braise 
and boil four ounces of the root in three quarts of water 
down to one quart or less, and take half a teacupful, 
.three times a day. Dose of the saturated tincture, from 
one to two teaspoonfuls, three times a day. 
Description—Height, two to four feet, with large, 
smooth stalks, and large, oblong leaves, two opposite 
each other on the stalk; having large, wdiitish-purple 
flowers ; with large, oblong pods filled with a sort of fine 
cotton and seeds. The root is large, white, and usually 
runs deep into the ground. 
MISTLETOE (Phoradendron Flavescens). 
Dr. Long recommends tliis as a parturifacient, and 
claims for it many advantages over ergot, particularly, MOTHERWORT. 
339 
that it acts more promptly and surely, and that it is 
equally effective in delayed menstruation. Dose, from 
half to a teaspoonful, every twenty or thirty minutes, 
until the desired effect is produced. 
MOTHERWORT (Leonurus Cardiaca). 
Parts used—The leaves and the tops. 
The extract of this plant is valuable for nervous com- 
plaints of females, such as neuralgia, spasms, nervous 
fevers and wakefulness. The warm infusion of the tops 
and leaves is beneficial in suppressed menstruation from 
colds and suppressed locliial discharge. Externally, it 
is used as a fomentation to the bowels in menstrual dif- 
ficulties. Dose of the decoction, from one to two wine- 
glassfuls, every two or three hours; of the extract, three 
to five grains. 
Description—Height, from two to three feet, bearing 
some resemblance to the hoarhound, but has much 
longer and darker-green leaves. 
Where found—It is found growing in most of the 
States, usually along road-sides and about old build- 
ings, generally in bunches. 
MULLEIN (Verbascum Nigrum). 
Part used—The leaves. 
A decoction of the leaves is used in catarrh, coughs, 
dysentery, piles, inflammation of the bladder and bleed- 340 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
ing from the lungs. Used externally they are an admir- 
able remedy in quinsy, malignant sore-throat and in 
mumps, to be applied in the form of a fomentation with 
hot vinegar. When made in the form of a poultice they 
are good applied to ulcers, sores and tumors. A decoc- 
tion made of equal parts of these and horsemint and 
drunk freely three times a day is an excellent remedy 
for disease of the kidneys. 
Description—Mullein is a very common plant grow- 
ing in all parts of the country, in old fields and open 
grounds. It has a straight stalk, from three to seven 
feet high. The leaves are soft and velvet-like, and at the- 
top it has a spike of yellow flowers. 
MUSTARD (Sinapis Alba). 
Part used—The seeds. 
The bruised seeds or the powder, mixed with Indian 
meal and vinegar to form a plaster, are excellent to re- 
lieve inflammation. Dyspepsia has often been cured with 
the seeds, particularly when it was accompanied with 
constipation. Dose, a teaspoonful three times a day. It 
is useful in chronic rheumatism and palsy, to stimulate- 
the vital actions and equalize the circulation. It is often 
used externally to relieve rheumatic pains. Ground 
mustard is extensively used for plasters or poultices for 
various affections. These applications should not be 
left on longer than twenty or thirty minutes, for they are 
liable to produce dangerous vesication, which is very 
apt to be followed by ulceration and gangrene. If wet 
with syrup or molasses instead of water they are not so NERVINE. 
341 
apt to vesicate (blister). Mustard applied to the nape of 
the neck often relieves nervous headache. Neuralgia is 
sometimes relieved by it. And in eruptive diseases that 
have left the surface it is an admirable remedy for 
bringing out the eruption again. In those cases it 
should be applied to the extremities. 
NERVINE, American Valerian, Moccasin Flower, 
Umble Lady’s-Slipper (Cypripedium Pubescens). 
Part used—The root. 
It is valuable in nervous headache, nervous irritability, 
hysteria, restlessness and whenever a safe and mild 
nervine is needed. 
Dose of the infusion, from a half to a teacupful every 
two hours or oftener, according as the symptoms may 
demand. It is often combined with skull-cap in severe 
nervous affections. 
It is a valuable substitute for the foreign valerian and 
in many respects fully equal to it. Dose of the tincture 
from two to three teaspoonfuls three to six times a day, 
according to the urgency of the symptoms. 
Description—Height from one to two feet, leaves 
three or four inches long and two or three wide, flowers 
large, somewhat the shape of a moccasin, either of a 
white or pale yellow, with red or purple spots. The 
roots are about the size of a wheat-straw, bunchy and 
crooked. 
Where found—In rich, sandy lands, on the borders 
of streams, on hill-sides and in shady woods. 342 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
NETTLE ( Urtica Dioica). 
Part used—Tho entire plant. 
For spitting of "blood and all hemorrhages of the lungs, 
stomach and urinary organs, this is one of the most 
powerful agents in the vegetable materia medica. It has 
also been employed successfully in diarrhea and dysen- 
entery. It should be drunk freely in the form of a 
decoction. For hemorrhages, the expressed juice of the 
fresh leaves is regarded more effective than the decoc- 
tion, given in teaspoonful doses every hour or as often 
as the nature of the case demands. It is a favorite 
remedy among the Germans for neuralgia, to bo taken in 
doses of four tablespoonfuls of the decoction three times 
a day, and at the same time bruise tho leaves and apply 
as a poultice to the affected parts. When ten or twelve 
of the seeds are taken at a dose, three times a day, they 
are said to be a very effectual remedy for the cure of 
goiter, or “ big neck.” 
Where found—Growing plentifully in almost all 
parts of the United States, and is known among the far- 
mers as the “ stinging nettle.” 
NIGHT-BLOOMING CEREUS (Cactus 
, * Grandijlorus). 
Parts used—The young branches and the flowers. 
This plant is now regarded as an effectual cure for one XUTMEG. 
343 
form of the heart-disease, medically called angina pec- 
toris. It must be given in small doses two or three times 
a day and its use perseveringly employed. The satura- 
ted tincture should be used. It is made by adding two 
ounces of the fresh bloom to half a pint of alcohol. 
Dose, one to live drops, every one, two or three hours, 
according to the urgency of the symptoms. But after 
these have passed it may be administered regularly three 
times a day in two or three-drop doses. This medicine 
is also recommended in dropsy and rheumatism. 
Where found — This plant grows plentifully in 
Mexico, but seldom found in the United States, except in 
drug-stores. 
NUX VOMICA {Dog-Button). 
In the administration of this medicine, great care must 
be observed, as it is a powerful poison. 
It is used in paralysis, neuralgia, dyspepsia, obstinate 
constipation, painful and suppressed menstruation, 
chronic dysentery, chills and fever, St. Vitus’s dance, 
mania, chronic inflammation of the spleen and rheuma- 
tism. Dose of the extract, from one sixtieth, to one thir- 
tieth of a grain: of the powder, one to three grains. 
Nux vomica must not be used in local irritation of the 
brain or spinal cord, where there is determination of 
blood to the head, nor in apoplectic or corpulent persons. 
Nux vomica is an efficacious remedy in cholera-mor- 
bus and diarrhea, in cases which are attended with much 344 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
debility, and likewise in cases of congestion of the 
liver. 
It is a valuable medicine in some forms of indigestion, 
accompanied with pain and flatulence of the stomach. 
For this purpose, from one to three drops of the tinc- 
ture may be taken in water. One dose will ordinarily 
be sufficient, but if not, a second may be taken in an 
hour or two. 
A strong tincture may be prepared by adding four 
ounces of powdered nux to half a pint of alcohol (96°). 
The dose of this is from one to five drops. 
Description and where found—Nux vomica is 
the seed of a tree growing in the East Indies, called 
strychnos nux vomica. It is about the size of an ordi- 
nary coat-button, and is frequently used as a poison to 
kill dogs; hence its name, dog-button. It is from this 
article that strychnine—one of the most deadly poisons 
known—is obtained, half a grain of which Will fre- 
quently cause death. 
NUTMEGr {Nux Myristicd). 
It is generally used in combination with other medi- 
cines and to flavor articles of diet and drink, but as a 
general rule, the less it is used for the latter purpose the 
better. When charred it has been used with success 
in the cure of chills and fever, taken in doses of ten to 
twenty grains, twice a day, and at the time the chill 
comes on, grated nutmeg mixed with lard is often used 
as an application to the piles. It posesses stimulant 
and carminative properties, and is used to remove flatu- NUT-GALLS. 
345 
lency, but should be taken in small doses, as from live 
to ten grains, for in large doses it will produce stupor 
and delirium. 
OTT-GADLS. 
These galls are used in bowel-complaints and are espe- 
pecially good in chronic diarrhea. For children it is 
best to boil in milk. Dose of the infusion, two table- 
spoonfuls ; of the tincture, ten to twenty drops, to be 
taken two or three times a day. Add a lialf-teaspoonful 
of alum to one pint of the strong infusion; this makes 
a valuable injection in leucorrhea, falling of the womb 
and gleet. Three of the galls are sufficient to make a 
pint of the strong infusion. They are useful in bleeding 
from the lungs, stomach and bowels, and can be given in 
the form of powder in doses of from one to ten grains 
every three hours. 
Where found—These galls are imported mostly from 
Mediterranean parts and may be found in drug-stores. 
OEANGE (Citrus Aurantium). 
The juice of the orange is a good remedy for the 
-scurvy, and useful in measles, small-pox, etc. It is used 
freely in fevers, when there is a dark-brown coat on the 
tongue. The rind or peel should not be taken into the 346 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
stomach, as it is very difficult of digestion. Orange- 
juice is mildly tonic, but should not be used in large 
quantities, as it has produced injurious symptoms.; 
The oil of orange, is prepared from the rind, and the 
oil of neroli from the flowers. 
OPIUM. 
This is the concrete juice of the unripe seed-vessels of 
the white poppy, medically called Papaver Somni- 
ferum, which is cultivated more or less in gardens, as a 
flower. It is used in all forms of disease where pain, 
nervous irritability, spasms and morbid mucous dis- 
charges are present. It is employed in cholera-morbus, 
cholic, dysentery, diarrhea, lock-jaw, epilepsy, asthma, 
consumption, wounds, fractures, toothache, neuralgia, 
and generally, to allay pain and lessen nervous excita- 
bility in all febrile and inflammatory diseases, and also 
to produce perspiration. 
The dose of opium varies according to the susceptibil- 
ity of the patient to its influence, from one-fourth of a 
grain to two, and, in extreme cases, as many as three 
grains may be given, two or three times a day. For the 
purpose of producing sleep and relief from pain, under 
ordinary circumstances, the dose is one grain; of the 
tincture ten to forty drops. Externally, in the form of 
a liniment or plaster, it is used to relieve pain and sub- 
due inflammation, as in rheumatism, neuralgia, erysipe- 
las, etc. As a general rule, it should not be used where 
there is determination of blood to the head, or in con- PAPAVERIN. 
347 
stipation. In too large doses, it produces an apoplectic 
state and death. 
There are thousands, including many physicians, who 
use opium very imprudently and destructively. 
There are hut few drugs that have produced more 
deaths than this, especially among children. At the 
first cry of helpless innocence, the young mother calls 
forth that potent pain-relieving and sleep-producing 
potation in the form of Mrs. Winslow’s Soothing Syrup, 
composed largely of morphine, which is one form of 
opium, accomplishing the fond mother’s desire, hut re- 
sulting often in sending the little victim into the land of 
perpetual sleep. 
In certain conditions of the system, the administration 
of opium, or morphine, is extremely dangerous; and it 
is questionable whether either of these, including lauda- 
num and paragoric, which are preparations of opium, 
contain any curative properties. But the fact is unques- 
tionable, that opium in all its forms often produces in- 
jurious effects. 
If the skin is dry and hot and the pulse hard, small 
and quick, the mouth dry, the pupils contracted, the eyes 
dull and heavy, (the face Hushed, and there is headache 
or determination of blood to the brain, with an expres- 
sionless countenance, then if opium should be taken, it 
would he at the 'peril of life. At any time when the 
above conditions prevail, do not permit any one, not 
even your physician, if he is ignorant enough to pre- 
scribe it, as is sometimes the case, to administer this 
medicine. 
i 
Papaverin—This is the aqueous extract of the poppy, 
or opium, and is quite different in its effects from opium 
or morphine. In all cases where a potent nervine is 
desired and we wish to avoid constipation, papaverin 
may be given. The instances are numerous where the 348 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
calming properties of opium are desired without its 
constipating effects, as in neuralgia, colic, rheumatism, 
gout and other painful affections. This preparation does 
not leave the same very unpleasant effects that follow 
the use of opium, as headache, sick stomach, restlessness, 
delirium, etc. This article is prepared in either the fluid 
or solid form. The dose is from one-sixth to one-eighth 
of a grain. The preparation called smpnia is said to be 
similar to the above. 
Morphine—This is the concentrated preparation of 
opium. There are several preparations of morphine em- 
ployed ; namely, sulphate, valerinate, acetate and muriate 
of morphine or morphia. But the sulphate of morphia is 
most commonly used. It is in the form of a fine, white 
powder, the dose of which is from one-eighth to one-half a 
grain, one-sixth of a grain being equivalent to one grain 
of opium. Persons habituated to its use are able to bear 
double what they otherwise would. It should never be 
given to infants, as there is danger of giving too much. 
Laudanum—This is a tincture of opium. It can be 
made by tincturing a half-ounce of opium in a half-pint 
of spirits. Bose is from five drops to twenty, but the 
latter amount should only be given in cases of extreme 
pain. For a child one month old, one drop only should be 
added to one tablespoonful of water, and one teaspoonful 
of this given for a dose every four hours; and then it 
may be increased according to age. 
Paregoric—This is a milder preparation of opium. 
It is made of opium, oil of anise, benzoic acid, gum-cam- 
phor and dilute alcohol. It is anodyne, used to allay 
pain. Bose, for-children under three years of age, five 
drops, and over that age ten drops. ONION. 
349 
ONION' {Allium Cejpa). 
The onion is a popular remedy for croup. It may bo 
sliced and sugar mixed with it and the syrup given to 
the patient; or it may be roasted and the expressed juice 
given. It is useful in colds of infants, and makes a good 
poultice for foul ulcers, boils, suppurating tumors, etc. 
Onions are very superior in the treatment of croup; for 
the manner of using them, see this disease. For coughs 
and pain in the side or chest, slice onions and fry them,, 
and apply them in the form of a poultice at night, and it 
will give relief to the patient and afford sleep. 
OLIYE-OIL. (Oleum Olivce). 
This oil taken internally acts mildly on the bowels* 
and is useful in inflammation of the stomach and bowels. 
Dose as a laxative, one tablespoonful; and with some pa- 
tients it may require even more. This oil has been used 
in coughs and catarrh. It is employed with good suc- 
cess when applied externally over the whole surface of the 
body, in scarlet fever and other febrile eruptive diseases. 
It is regarded as a sure cure for the bite of poisonous 
snakes, taken internally and at the same time applied 
externally. Dose, a tablespoonful every ten to twenty 
minutes, until eight or ten are taken. Olive-oil is one of 
the mildest laxatives we have, and should be used with 
little children where castor-oil is now used. In conse- 350 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
quence of the injurious and destructive effects castor oil 
has on their tender digestive organs, it should never be 
given if it can be avoided. Olive-oil is a valuable article 
for injections, by rubbing up two or three tablespoonfuls 
with the yolk of an egg and adding a little water. Dys- 
peptics should not use this oil. It is much adulterated, 
and therefore great care should be exercised in the pur- 
chase of it, in order to obtain the pure article. 
OIE OF CAJEPUT {Oleum Cajeput). 
This' oil is employed with good effect in chronic 
rheumatism, cholera-morbus, colic, flatulence, cramps of 
the stomach and bowels, and where a powerful stimulant 
is required. The dose is from one to five drops on 
sugar. It is useful in many cases of toothache, applied 
on cotton to the cavity of the tooth. It is often used 
externally for painful affections, as neuralgia, rheuma- 
tism, etc. But in such cases it is generally combined 
with other oils in the form of a liniment. 
Where found—The oil is obtained from a tree grow- 
ing in the East Indies and is sold by all druggists. 
PARAGUAY TEA {Hex Paraguayensis). 
Part used—The leaves. 
This is a powerful nerve-stimulant, not acting like tea 
or coffee. Persons who take this can withstand hunger 
or go without eating for an incredibly long time. PARSLEY. 
351 
It sustains the system during the hot summer months in 
a remarkable manner, preventing the tired and relaxed 
feeling that exists at that season of the year. Dose of 
•the fluid extract, one-half to a teaspoonful three or four 
times daily. 
PAP SEE Y (Apium Petroselinum). 
Parts used—The herb and seeds. 
This herb is noted for curing dropsy, for which purpose 
it is to be used freely in the form of a decoction. An 
infusion is efficacious in suppression of urine and in- 
flammation of the kidneys and bladder. 
This plant is generally employed by mothers to arrest 
the flow of milk after weaning children. For this pur- 
pose the leaves are to be bruised, saturated with cam- 
phor and applied. The powdered leaves and seeds, 
sprinkled on the head, will effectually destroy vermin of 
all kinds. 
The seeds are a valuable substitute for quinine in 
malarial diseases, and in difficult and painful menstrua- 
tion. It is also of much value in the night-sweats of 
consumption. Dose of the fluid extract, from one-half 
to a teaspoonful, three or four times a day. 
Where found—This is a common plant, growing 
throughout the country. 
PAW-PAW SEEDS (Uvaria Triloba). 
It is employed in constipation, dyspepsia and piles. 
In large doses it acts as an emetic. Dose of tlie fluid ex- 
tract, ten to twenty drops, three or four times a day. 352 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
PARTRIDGE-BERRY, Winter Clover, Squaw- 
Vine, Checkerberry (Miichella liepens). 
Part used—The vine. 
A decoction of the vine is reputed to cure dropsy. 
To be drunk freely three or four times a day. It is cele- 
brated among women in cases of parturition or child- 
birth. Its use is very common among the Indians: the 
squaws drink the decoction several weeks before and dur- 
ing delivery, which, it is said, renders that dreaded event 
remarkably safe and easy. It is highly esteemed by 
some as a remedy in piles and diarrhea, for which it is 
prepared by boiling in sweet milk and drinking it 
freely. The tea has been used with success in suppres- 
sion of urine. 
Description and where found—It is a small, 
ever-green, perennial vine, lying close to the ground, 
usually in beds or mats. The leaves are small and 
round; flowers, white; the berries, bright scarlet-red. It 
is found in shady woods and almost every variety of soil, 
and is common to most of the States. 
PEACH-TREE {Amygdalus Persica). 
Parts used—Bark, leaves and pits. 
Peacli-pits, tinctured in brandy, are an efficacious 
remedy in the treatment of leucorrliea. The proportions 
are two ounces to a pint of brandy. Dose, a teaspoonful PEACH-TREE. 
353 
three times a day. This tincture is a powerful tonic, and 
for this purpose it is used in fever and ague, debility, etc~ 
A bitters made of the leaves, or of the bark of the> 
root, taken in tablespoonful doses, four or live times a 
day, is a celebrated remedy for the cure of jaundice. A 
tea or syrup, of the bark or leaves, is an excellent pur- 
gative, and useful in bowel-complaints and worms; given 
to children in teaspoonful-doses, until it operates on the- 
bowels. To grown persons, double that quantity should 
be given. A tea of the bark i3 one of the best remedies 
for bloody urine, and for bleeding from other internal 
parts. 
The leaves, employed as a fomentation, and often 
renewed, are a superior remedy for inflammation of the 
stomach and bowels, as well as for other inflammations. 
The gum which exudes from the peach-tree answers all 
the purposes of gum-Arabic, and is regarded as superior 
to it. 
A strong tea or syrup of the bark or leaves is a most 
admirable remedy for vomiting ; and especially for nerv- 
ous vomiting, it i3 one of the most positive remedies we 
have. It will generally control the vomiting of cholera- 
morbus, and that, also, from irritation and congestion. 
It usually acts very promptly in allaying vomiting in 
morning-sickness. 
For these purposes, it may be taken in doses of two to 
four tablespoonfuls every one to two hours, or oftener 
in urgent cases. 354 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
PEONY, Piny {Poeonia Officinalis.) 
Parts used—The root and seeds. 
This is employed in spasms, hooping-cough, St. 
Titus’s Dance, and in nervous diseases generally. 
It is to he made in an infusion, one ounce of the root 
coarsely hruised to one pint of "boiling water. Dose, 
from a third to half a teacupful three times a clay; of 
the powdered root, a teaspoonful three times a day, in 
case cf fits. It was regarded in ancient times as a sov- 
ereign remedy for fits, or epilepsy. 
Where found—Cultivated in gardens, on account of 
its beautiful red flowers. 
PEPPERMINT (.Mentha Piperita). 
Parts used—Leaves and 
stems. 
Useful to check nausea and 
vomiting, to expel wind, relieve 
hysterics and prevent the grip- 
ing elTects of cathartics. Bruis- 
ed and applied to the stomachs 
of children, it is useful to allay 
sickness and vomiting. It is 
mostly used in the form of 
essence. It is also a superior 
remedy for sea-sickness. 
Description and where 
found—From one to two feet 
Peppermint- PENNYROYAL. 
355 
high. It grows wild and is extensively cultivated in 
many parts of the country. 
PENNYROYAL (Hedeoma Pulegioides). 
Parts used—The tops 
and stems. 
The warm infusion is 
used to promote perspira-' 
tion. It is employed in 
colds, obstructed menses, 
colic in children, and as 
a sweating and cooling - 
drink in fevers. The tinc- 
ture, or the oil of penny- 
royal, is often employed in 
wliooping-co-ugh and 
spasms, to be taken in 
doses of two to ten drops. 
Equal parts of the oil 
and linseed-oil, are a very 
valuable application for 
burns. Ifc is said to be 
useful in rheumatic affections, applied externally. The 
infusion may be drunk freely several times a (Jny. 
Where found—This is an annual plant, growing 
plentifully throughout the country. 
Pennyroyal. 356 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
PENTHORUM SEDOIDES. 
This remedy has of late attracted much notice as 
a remedy for catarrh, catarrhal inflammation of the 
larynx, chronic bronchitis, with increased secretion of 
mucus, and catarrhal affections of the stomach and 
bowels. It is demulcent, laxative and somewhat astrin- 
gent in its action. Dose of the fluid extract, ten to 
twenty drops. 
PERSULPHATE OF IRON. 
This preparation of iron is a line astringent; in fact,, 
it is the most powerful external astringent that we have 
and will arrest hemorrhage from small vessels very 
promptly. As an injection for falling of the womb this 
is the most powerful remedy we have, and may be used 
in solution of ten or twenty grains to the ounce of 
water, or the common solution diluted one-half is strong 
enough. In piles, if the tumors are not too large, it 
cures them entirely. It may be applied, diluted one- 
half with water, twice a day, and held on the tumors a 
few minutes. If the tumors are internal it must be used 
by injection, or just after stool, if they then protrude. 
PERUVIAN BARK {Cinchona Officinalis). 
There are several varieties, the principal of which are 
red, pale and yellow harks. This is a popular remedy PETROLEUM. 
357 
for chills and fever. Quinine, which is an extract of this 
bark, is now generally used instead of it and for the 
same purposes. The yellow bark is generally employed 
in the preparation of quinine. 
Where found—It is obtained from trees growing in 
South America, and found at drug-stores only in this 
country. 
PERSIMMON (Diospyros Virginiand). 
Parts used—The bark and unripe fruit. 
The infusion forms an invaluable gargle for ulcerated 
sore mouth and throat, and likewise an injection in 
leucorrhea. They have been successfully used in chronic 
dysentery, diarrhea and flooding. It is said that they 
have been used with good effect in fever and ague. Dose 
of the infusion or syrup, one tablespoonful or more every 
three hours. 
Where found—This tree is common in the Middle 
and Southern States. 
PETROLEUM (Mecca Oil). 
The Mecca oil is the crude petroleum or coal-oil. 
It is said to be used very successfully in chronic bron- 
chitis and laryngitis (clergyman’s sore throat), where 358 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
there is great irritability. It is also employed in scrof- 
ula. Dose, from thirty to sixty drops, three times a 
day. It is one of the best remedies in use for wounds, 
applied externally and likewise in skin-diseases. 
The common kerosene or lamp-oil is an admirable 
remedy in croup, applied externally to the throat and 
chest, and at the same time taken in doses from two to 
five drops internally. Also in many cases of sore throat 
and diphtheria it acts promptly. 
It is a very excellent application for burns, and has 
frequently cured some forms of rheumatism. 
PINK-ROOT, Carolina Pink (Spigelia Mar Handled). 
I 
Part used—The root. 
It is a valuable remedy for worms, and when employed 
for this purpose senna should be added to prevent any 
nervous symptoms and to increase the virtues of the 
pink. Steep one ounce of the pink-root and four drachms 
of senna in one quart of water. Dose, two tablespoonfuls, 
twice a day. When the powdered root is employed, 
give one to two teaspoonfuls; to children ten to twenty 
grains, according to age. 
Description—Height, from one to two feet, purplish- 
colored stalk, pink-shaped flowers, which are of a bright 
red color outside and yellowish inside. 
Where found—In drug-stores and grows wild in 
most of the states. 
V .. T , . - . P LIEUI1L3 Y-BGOT, 
359 
PLEURISY-ROOT, Butterfly-Weed, White 
Root (Asclepias Tuberosa). 
Part used—The root. 
This is highly extolled as 
a remedy for the cure of 
pleurisy. It i3 a superior 
medicine for relieving dif- 
ficult breathing, and dis- 
eases of the lungs. A 
warm tea of equal parts of 
pleurisy-root and wild yam 
is unsurpassed for the cure 
of cholic, especially flatu- 
lent colic. 
This root is a good rem- 
edy in acute rheumatism 
and dysentery. 
As a diaphoretic, or sweating medicine, it is regarded 
unsurpassed. 
It relieves pain in the breast and bowels, and assists 
digestion. Dose of the infusion or strong decoction, 
from one to four tablespoonfuls, to be repeated once an 
hour, or as often as the exigencies of the case may re- 
quire, or until free perspiration is induced ; after which, 
give a tablespoonful three times a day; of the powder, 
thirty to sixty grains (half to a teaspoonful) three times 
a day. Dose of the extract or tincture, from thirty to 
fifty drops. 
Description—This plant has a large, white, crooked, 
branching, perennial root, sending up several erect,. 
Pleurisy-Root. 360 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
round, hairy or woolly stems, branching at the top, 
green or red. Leaves promiscuous, very hairy, pale on 
the under side, of an oblong shape, and thick or fleshy. 
Flowers of a beautiful, brilliant orange-color. 
Where found—In open lands, gravelly and loose 
:Soils, along streams and roadsides. 
PLANTAIN (.Plantago Major) 
Part used — The whole 
plant. 
The j nice of the leaves will 
cure the "bite of rattlesnakes, 
poisonous insects, etc. It is 
to he taken in tablespoonful 
doses every hour, and at the 
same time apply the bruised 
leaves to the wound. "When 
applied to wounds, ulcers, 
erysipelas, salt-rheum and 
other affections of the skin, 
they are invaluable. It is 
said that a strong decoction 
of the leaves and root will 
break the chills. The early stages of syphilis have been 
-cured with a strong decoction of the roots and leaves, 
taken by one to two wineglassfuls, three times a day. 
The green seeds and stems boiled in milk will generally 
cure diarrhea and bowel-complaints of children. It is 
.also very useful in scrofula, piles and leucorrhea. Dose 
-of the decoction, from one-half to a teacupful, three 
times a day. 
Where found—In all parts of the United States. 
Plantain. POISON HEMLOCK. 
361 
POISON HEMLOCK, Poison Parsley (Conium 
Maculatum). 
Parts used—Leaves and seeds. 
This is useful in scrofula, goiter, enlargement and pal- 
pitation of the heart. It is also used for quieting the 
nerves and inducing sleep. 
Dose of the extract, one-fourth to half a grain; of the 
inspissated juice, from half a grain to two grains three 
times a day. The leaves are very useful applied as a 
poultice to tumors and ulcers. 
This plant is a narcotic poison and must be used with 
care. It is not much used latterly. 
Description—Height, three to four feet. The lower 
leaves are large, growing around the joints of the stalks, 
forming a sort of sheath. The flowers are small and 
white. 
Where found—In meadows and swamps. 
POMEGRANATE (.Tunica Granatum). 
Parts used—Rind of tlie fruit and bark of the root. 
The bark is an infallible remedy for the expulsion of 
the tape-worm. Two ounces of the bark are steeped 
in two pints of water for twelve hours, after which 
the whole is boiled down to one pint, strained, and 
given in wineglassful doses every two hours, until the 
whole is taken. It usually causes several passages of 362 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
the bowels or nausea and vomiting. The doses generally 
require to be taken for several successive mornings 
before the whole of the worm passes away. 
Where found—In drug and grocery-stores. 
POKE-ROOT (Phytolacca Decandra). 
Parts used — The rootr 
leaves and berries. 
Both the berries and root 
of this plant are in high re- 
pute for the treatment and 
cure of rheumatism. Take 
half a pint of the j uice of the 
ripe berries and an equal 
quantity of a strong decoc- 
tion of rattle-root; add one 
gill of the best brandy. This 
given in doses of one to two 
tablespoonfuls three times a day, has cured many 
cases of rheumatism of several years’ standing. The 
juice of the berries dried in the sun until it forms the 
proper consistence for a plaster, applied twice a day has 
cured cancers. Dose of the extract, two to three grains; 
of the powdered root, three to live grains two to three 
times a day. The root, roasted in embers and ashes 
and made into a poultice and applied, will scatter 
tumors and felons if applied in time ; if too late for that 
it will hasten suppuration or the formation of “ matter.” 
It is said that an application of the juice of the leaves 
will cure the itch and also ringworm. 
Poke-Root. POOR max’s hour-glass. 
363 
Description and where found—It grows from four 
to six feet high, with a large, rank, soft stalk; the stems 
green at first, afterwards purple or red; leaves large and 
scattering, with large bunches of soft, blood-red berries. 
Poke is a favorite remedy with some physicians in the 
treatment cf syphilis, scrofula and chronic skin-diseases. 
The old, dried root of this plant is of but little value. 
POOR MAN’S HOUR-GLASS (.Anagalis Arvensis), 
Part used—The herb. 
This plant has recently proven to be an excellent 
remedy for asthma. It is of much value in hysterics, 
epileptic fits and in all nervous affections. Dose of the 
tincture, in acute cases, from three to five drops, every 
hour or two ; in chronic cases, three times a day; of the 
infusion, a, teaspoonful. It must be used with care, as it 
is poisonous in large doses. 
Description—It i3 a prostrate or creeping plant, of 
a bright-green color, with small, scarlet-purple blossoms, 
opening in cloudy weather. 
Wliere found—In yards, gardens and along road- 
sides. 
POPPY (Papaver Somniferum). 
Parts used—Leaves, flowers and seeds. 
This is the common white poppy and has "been referred 364 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
to under the head of opium, which is a product of this 
plant and generally used for the same purposes. A tea 
or decoction of the leaves, "blossoms or heads may "be 
used in place of opium. Poultices made with this 
decoction are very excellent when applied to painful 
swellings, ulcers and inflammation, to soothe and lessen 
the pain. The infusion is used in nervous headache, 
cholera-morbus, toothache, earache, etc. 
Where Found—Cultivated in gardens as a flower 
and for medicinal purposes, and sold by druggists. 
PRICKXiY ASH (Xanthoxylum Fraxineum). 
Parts used—The bark of the root 
and the berries. 
The berries in the form of bitters 
are esteemed a good remedy in 
rheumatism and likewise in cholera. 
It is an excellent tonic in the recov- 
ery from fevers, as well as from some 
other diseases. It promotes general 
perspiration, warms and invigorates 
the stomach and strengthens the 
digestive organs. It also tends to 
equalize the circulation. The tinc- 
ture of the berries is a superior 
remedy for pains in the stomach, 
colic, diarrhea, cold feet and for wdiatever depends on a 
sluggish circulation. And the tincture, made by put- 
ting the inside bark in whisky, will afford relief in the 
Prickly Ash. PRICKLY ELDER. 
365 
most inveterate cases of toothache. A small portion of 
it is to be held in the mouth. The fresh bark chewed 
will answer the same purpose. Dose of the tincture, 
from one to two teaspoonfuls three times a day; of the 
powder, ten to thirty grains. 
Description—It is a small tree, from twenty to 
thirty feet high, common to this country. The ripe ber- 
ries are black and near the size of a pea, are hot and 
peppery to the taste, and contain an oil which gives 
them a fragrant odor, somewhat like that of lemon. 
PRICKLY ELDER, Toothache-Tree, Angelica- 
Tree, Southern Prickly Ash (Aralia Spinosd). 
Parts used—The bark and berries. 
It is used in diarrhea and rheumatism of a chronic 
character. The tincture of the bark and berries is used 
to relieve toothache. 
Its medicinal properties are very similar to those of the 
prickly ash. Dose of the decoction, cold, two or three 
tablespoonfuls, two or three times a day; of the tincture, 
one to two teaspoonfuls. 
Description — This is a bush, growing usually 
from ten to twenty-five feet high, but sometimes, in the 
South, attaining the height of fifty or sixty feet. It has 
small, white flowers, which appear from July to Septem- 
ber, and small, blackish, juicy berries. The bark has a 
peculiar, aromatic odor, and prickly, bitterish taste. 366 
MEDICAL PLANT3. 
PRINCE’S FEATHER, Amaranth {Amanthus 
Hypochandriocus). 
Part used—The leaves. 
This herb is most noted for being an effectual cure for 
profuse menstruation, for which purpose a tea is to be 
drunk freely. It is an astringent, and as such, is useful 
in bowel-complaints. 
Description—Height, from four to five feet; leaves 
dark; blossoms of a deep-red color; usually cultivated 
in gardens as an ornamental plant. 
PTELEA, Water-Ash, Swamp Dogwood (Ptelea 
Trifoliata). 
Part used—The bark of the root. 
This is an excellent remedy in chills and fever. It is 
also regarded as a good remedy in asthma when tinct- 
ured in whisky and taken in doses of one to two tea- 
spoonfuls every two or three hours. Dose of the powder, 
from twenty to thirty grains three to six times a day ; of 
the tincture, one to two teaspoonfuls. 
Description—Ptelea is a small shrub growing from 
live to ten feet high. It produces a peculiar-shaped seed 
about the size and shape of a wafer, with a sort of 
winged edge all around it. PUMPKIN-SEEDS. 
367 
PUMPKIN - SEED S. 
A strong infusion of these seeds will expel the tape- 
worm. It is also good in inflammation of the “bladder 
and “bowels, strangury and retention of urine. The oil 
of pumpkin-seed is obtained by expression, and in 
most cases is a quick and sure remedy in scalding of the 
urine, and it is said will cure gonorrhea. 
Whenever a diuretic is needed it is safe and efficient. 
Dose of the oil, from six to twelve drops four or five 
times a day ; of the infusion, drink freely every two or 
three hours. 
A good way to prepare the pumpkin-seed for tape- 
worm, is to remove the outer envelope and then beat to 
a paste in fine sugar and dilute with milk or water. Of 
this the patient ihay take freely on an empty stomach, 
followed in a day or two with a dose of castor-oil and 
turpentine or some other good, active cathartic. 
A fluid extract is now prepared with alcohol and 
glycerine in drug-stores, which is a good preparation. 
The dose is from two teaspoonfuls to one tablespoonful 
repeated every four hours, and followed each day by a 
brisk cathartic of one drop of Croton-oil in two table- 
spoonfuls of castor-oil. It is necessary to have a brisk 
cathartic in order to expel the tape-worm. It should be 
remembered that all remedies administered for tape- 
worm should be given on an empty stomach. 368 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
PRIVET (IAgustrum Vulgare). 
Part used—The leaves. 
The decoction is efficacious as a gargle, in ulcers of the 
throat and mouth, ulceration of the bladder and ulcera- 
tion of the ears with offensive discharges. They are 
good in the diarrhea and summer-complaints of children, 
ulceration of the bowels and stomach, and in excessive 
flow of urine. 
Dose of the decoction, from one to two wineglass- 
fuls, three times a day; of the powder, twenty to fifty 
grains. 
QUAKING- ASP, Aspen, White Poplar, Silver 
Poplar (Populus Tremuloides). 
Part used—The inner bark of the tree. 
The inner bark is one of the best bitter tonics in all* 
cases of ague, intermittent and bilious fevers, where 
strengthening medicine is needed. It may be used 
freely in infusion or decoction and in powder or bitters. 
Pose of the powdered bark, a teaspoonful three times a 
day; and in bitters it may be used freely as a restorative 
in loss of appetite, weak digestion, dyspepsia and 
chronic diarrhea. It is also useful in diseases of the 
kidneys and bladder. 
Description—The body is straight and slender and 
from twenty-five to fifty feet high. The leaves are con- QUEEH OF THE MEADOW. 
369 
stantly in a state of tremulous motion, even when there 
is no perceptible breeze stiring. The outer bark of the 
tree is of a grayish color, sometimes nearly white and 
very smooth. 
Where found—It is usually found in groves on level 
and moist lands. 
QUEEN OF THE MEADOW, Gravel-Root (Eupa- 
torium Purpurem). 
Parts used—The root and the inner 
"bark of the shrub. 
A strong decoction of the root is 
esteemed almost an infalliable remedy 
for the gravel. Both the root and inner 
hark of the shrub, in consequence of 
their direct action on the kidneys, are 
very efficacious in the treatment of 
dropsy. Some medical writers assert 
that it has cured impotency. It is also 
highly extolled as a remedy in sterility, 
threatened abortion and incontinence 
of urine. Dose of the decoction, from 
half to a teacupful: of the tincture, 
twenty to thirty drops, three or four 
times a day. 
Description and Where Found — Root long, 
fibrous, white or brownish-colored. Stems four to six 
feet high, round, smooth, of a purple color around each 
joint, bearing many purple or pale-reddish blossoms. 
Leaves in whorls, from three to five at a joint, broad, 
rough and jagged. Grows usually in damp soil or near- 
streams, though sometimes on high, dry land. 
Queen of the Meadow. 370 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
QUASSIA {Picrcena Excelsa). 
Part used—The wood of the tree. 
The wood of this tree is tonic, and very good in dys- 
pepsia, and bilious fever, and in ague. 
The infusion is employed in the treatment of worms, 
and in general debility, and by convalescents from fevers. 
Bose of the tincture, one to two teaspoonfuls; of the 
powder, thirty grains; of the infusion or decoction, half 
a teacupful, three times a day. The latter maybe made 
by infusing two ounces of the fine chips in two quarts of 
cold water for ten hours. An injection of the decoction 
will expel the pin-worm. 
QUININE {Sulphas Quinia). 
This is a very popular remedy in various forms of 
rfever, especially the chills and fever, and other 
diseases that manifest a periodic character. The 
dose, in these cases, is said to range from two to 
ten grains. But the latter quantity, it is reasonably 
believed, is much larger than is usually necessary 
for the purpose of preventing a paroxysm of ague. 
Much smaller doses, in cases to which the medicine is 
specially adapted, being sufficient, in ordinary cases, to 
-effect the desired object. 
II is best given in doses of two grains, and repeated 
•every three hours until ten or twelve grains are taken. QUININE-FLOWER. 
371 
It should be given only during the intermissions; that is, 
while the patient is free from fever. Quinine is believed 
by some physicians to possess tonic properties. If such 
an idea is to be endorsed or even tolerated, the dose, for 
such a purpose, might be set down as being from one- 
tenth to one-half a grain, taken two or three times a 
day. 
Description—It is extracted from the Peruvian bark. 
QUININE-FLOWER {Sabbatia Elliottii). 
This plant posesses strong antiperiodic properties and 
was largely used by the Southern army during the late 
war, as a substitute for quinine, on account of the high 
price and scarcity of the latter. Dose of the fluid 
extract, ten to twenty drops. It is a native of Florida. 
RAG-WEED, Hog-Weed, Roman Wormwood 
{Ambrosia Elatior). 
Part used—The leaves. 
This is regarded an effectual cure for bowel-complaints. 
A strong tea of it is a sovereign remedy for dysentery, 
and many regard it as infallible. 
The decoction or tea is very useful as a gargle for 
sore throat, and as an injection in leucorrhea and gleet. 
Piles have frequently been cured by stewing the green 372 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
leaves in fresh lard or sweet cream, and using as an ex* 
ternal application. 
The leaves make a superior fomentation for inflamma- 
tions of various kinds. 
The tea, or infusion, should be drunk freely, three or 
four times a day. 
Description—It is from two to three feet high, with 
a branching top, and opposite, ragged leaves. 
Where found—Along roadsides, in fields and waste- 
places. 
RASPBERRY (.Rubus Strigosus). 
Parts used—The leaves and root. 
This is an excellent remedy in dysentery and all 
bowel-complaints of children. It is used to mitigate 
labor pains in child-birth, and to relieve painful men- 
struation. The infusion is a valuable wash in sores, 
ulcers and raw surfaces, and an effectual astringent. 
The leaves of the red species are said to be the best. 
Dose of the infusion, from one-fourtli to one-half teacup- 
ful, three or four times daily. Raspberry is so common 
that a description is unnecessary. 
RED CLOVER (Trifolium Pratense). 
Parts used—The blossoms and leaves. 
This is an admirable remedy for malignant ulcers, 
cancers, scrofula, indolent sores from burns, and incon- EED CEDAK. 
373 
tinence of urine. It possesses very soothing properties, 
and promotes healthy granulation. A decoction is to 
be boiled to an extract and applied twice a day. It has 
been the means of effecting some remarkable cures of 
cancers. A weak tea will relieve hay-asthma, and often 
cut short the disease. 
Red clover is common to the United States and a well- 
known plant. 
A tea of the tops and leaves, taken freely, is effica- 
cious in relieving and shortening the duration of hoop- 
ing-cough. 
RED CEDAR {Jumperus Virginiana). 
The leaves of this tree are goodin chronic rheumatism, 
scalding urine and suppressed menses. The oil is used 
as a stimulating application to bruises, rheumatic pains, 
etc. Dose of the infusion, from one to two wineglass- 
fuls ; of the powdered leaves, one to two drachms ; of the 
oil, five to ten drops, taken twice a day. The red cedar 
is an evergreen tree, found in many parts of the United 
States. 
RED ROOT (Ceanthus Americanus). 
Part used—The root. 
It is an excellent astringent in diarrhea and dysentery 
and has been used with good effect in the first stages of 374 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
consumption. It is also employed in asthma, bronchitis 
and hooping-cough. Dose of the decoction, from one to 
two tablespoonfuls three or four times a day. In the 
form of a gargle it is used with good effect in sore- 
mouth, throat and in scarlet fever. 
Description—Height, from one to three feet, having 
a long, woody root of a dark-red color and a small, 
bushy top of shrubby stems. 
Where found—On barren lands in almost all parts of 
the country. 
RESIN, OR ROSIN {Resina). 
It is used in bleeding piles in doses of twenty to sixty 
grains, given in syrnp, and likewise nsed in irritable 
and hacking coughs. The vapor arising from burning 
resin is said to be good inhaled into the throat and 
lungs in bronchitis and diseases of the lungs. Its prin- 
cipal use is to give adhesiveness and consistence to 
ointments and plasters. Resin is a hard, brittle sub- 
stance, sometimes called rosin. It is a product of the 
pine-tree. After the oil has been distilled from the 
turpentine of the pine-tree, a solid substance is left, 
which is the ordinary rosin of commerce. 
RHATANIA (JKrameria Triandria). 
' Part used—The root. 
This is an excellent remedy for bleeding of the nose, EED LOBELIA. 
375 
spongy and "bleeding gums or the surfaces of wounds, or 
in "bleedings of internal organs. It is also employed in 
excessive menstruation, involuntary flow of urine, gleet, 
chronic diarrhea and in night-sweats. It is somewhat 
tonic, but a powerful astringent, and very useful when- 
ever a medicine of this kind is needed. Dose of the 
infusion, from half to a teacupful; of the powder, ten to 
twenty grains ; of the tincture, one to three teaspoonfuls ; 
of the extract, live to ten grains, two or three times a day. 
But it is used much more frequently in hemorrhages. 
Where found—A foreign plant, but found in all 
drug-stores. 
RED LOBELIA (.Lobelia Syphilitica), 
Parts used—The root and leaves. 
This species of lobelia is regarded 
by those who are acquainted with its 
properties as the most powerful and 
valuable medicine for the cure of 
cancer, scrofula, and of venereal dis- 
eases, particularly syphilis. In these 
affections it is used in strong decoc- 
tion, the patient drinking from a 
pint to a quart in a day. In the case 
of ulcers, they are to be washed with 
it. It is highly recommended for the 
cure of cancer of the breast in 
females. For this purpose the de- 
coction, in doses of a wineglassful, 
should be drunk three or four times a day. Also a 
poultice of the powdered root or leaves and equal parts 
Red Lobelia. 376 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
of elm-bark should be applied to the breast, and often 
renewed. At each renewal of the poultice, the cancer 
should be well washed with the -warm decoction. It is 
also useful for ulcers, wounds and inflammation that 
have a tendency to terminate in gangrene. 
Description and where found—It closely resem- 
bles the blue lobelia in all points but its flowers, which 
are large and of a pale-red color. It is a native of the 
West Indies, and flowers in January and February, and 
continues to bloom until late in Summer; also found 
growing in the United States, usually in low, flat woods 
.and dry marshes. 
RHUBARB {Rheum). 
Part used—The root. 
It is useful in dyspepsia, liver-affections, .piles, and in 
small doses it is very valuable in diarrhea and dysen- 
tery. Being a mild cathartic, it is regarded as valuable 
for delicate persons. It is also somewhat astringent and 
tonic. Dose as a purgative, thirty to sixty grains, or 
from half to a teaspoonful. 
When given in five to ten-grain doses, two or three 
times a day, it acts as a tonic and mild laxative, and in 
doses of one to five grains, as a tonic only. The syrup 
or tincture, in doses of one to two teaspoonfuls, is laxa- 
tive. There are several varieties of rhubarb imported 
from different parts of the world, but that from Turkey 
is regarded as the best. KHEUMATIC WEED. 
377 
RHEUMATIC WEED, Prince’s Pine (Chimapliila 
Umbellatd). 
Parts used—Tops and roots. 
A tea of this plant is a valuable medicine for rheuma- 
tism, dropsy, scrofula, diseases of the kidneys and can- 
cer. Externally it is used for washing cancerous and 
scrofulous ulcers, and bathing rheumatic joints. It 
should be drunk freely. 
Description—The leaves are evergreen, long, wedge- 
shaped, smooth and shining. Flowers purple and white, 
or reddish-white, and growing at the top of the stem. 
■Where found—On dry, sandy land and in shady 
situations. 
ROCK-BRAKE, Common Polypody, Rock Poly- 
pod, Fern-Root, Brake-Root, Female 
Fern, etc. (.Pteris Atropurpurea). 
This plant is recommended for dysentery, night- 
sweats and hemorrhage. It is used in the treatment of 
worms. The decoction may "be used freely. It forms a 
good local application for ulcerated sore mouth and 
throat and malignant ulcers. It is employed in the 
treatment of leucorrhea. Rock-brake is a perennial 
fern and found growing in most of the States. It is a 
good remedy for lung-difficulties. It is said that cases 
of consumption have been cured with it. 378 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
ROSE-WILLOW, Red Willow, Swamp-Dogwood 
(Cornus Sericea). 
Parts used—Bark of the 
root and stalk. 
This plant is a potent 
and reliable remedy for 
relieving the vomiting of 
pregnancy. It is also nsed 
in the treatment of womb- 
diseases. A decoction or 
tea may be drunk freely 
four or five times a day. 
Description—It grows 
from five to ten feet high, 
having small flowers of a 
yellowish-wliite color, fol- 
lowed by small, bine berries. 
Where found—Along the borders of streams and on 
moist lands. 
Rose-Willow. 
ROUND-LEAVED PTYROEA, Wintergreen, 
Pear-Eeaf, Canker-Luttice {Ptyrola 
Rotundifolia). 
Part used—The herb. 
It is used in infusion both externally and internally in 
cancer, scrofula, leucorrliea, and some diseases of the 
womb. Internally, the decoction or an extract has RUE. 
379 
heen used with success in gravel, bleeding from the kid- 
neys and ulceration of the bladder. Externally, the 
decoction will he found an excellent application in sore 
throat, ulcerations of the mouth, indolent ulcers, and 
forms a soothing poultice for boils and carbuncles. 
Bose of the decoction, one-half to a teacupful; of the 
extract, two to four grains. 
Description—A shrubby evergreen. 
RUE (Ruta Graveolens). 
Part used—The leaves. 
It has heen used with success in flatulent or wind- 
colic, epileptic fits and worms. When taken during 
pregnancy, it has produced deleterious effects, termina- 
ting in miscarriage and other dangerous symptoms. 
Bose of the infusion, from two to four tahlespoonfuls; 
of the powder, ten to twenty grains; of the oil, two to six 
drops. In large doses it is a narcotic poison. 
Where found—Cultivated in gardens. 
RUSH (Equisetum Hyemale). 
The ashes of the rush are reputed to he a good 
remedy for dyspepsia and sour stomach, taken in doses 
of five to ten grains twice a day. The infusion of the 
tops or stems is employed in diseases of the kidneys, 
dropsy and gravel. To he taken freely three times a 
day. 
It has recently heen discovered that the tincture of the 380 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
rush is one of the most important remedies known for 
incontinence of urine. Prof. Hale, of Chicago, reports 
various cases, three of which were in the same family, 
and promptly cured with it. It may be prepared by 
adding a handful of the herb to a pint of alcohol. 
Description—This is the common, well-known scour- 
ing rush, growing in wet lands; from one to three feet 
high; pointed, hollow, rough, furrowed stems and with- 
out leaves. 
SAFFRON (Crocus Sativus). 
Part used—The flowers. 
This is a very popular remedy for jaundice and red- 
gum in children and for female obstructions. Dose of 
the infusion, from two tablespoonfuls to two-thirds of a 
teacupful (one to three fluid ounces); of the tincture or 
syrup, one to two teaspoonfuls three times a day. The 
infusion is used in colds and to produce perspiration in 
measles, small-pox, etc. 
Where found—Growing in gardens. 
SAGE (Salma Officinalis). 
Part used—The leaves. 
The infusion is much used for sore and ulcerated 
throats in the form of a gargle, either alone or with 
vinegar, honey and alum. The tea drunk freely is 
esteemed one of the best remedies for curing night- SAGO. 
381 
sweats. The infusion is reputed to possess the property 
of repressing the sexual appetite. It will generally cure 
quinsy by simmering a handful of it in lard and giving 
it in doses of two teaspoonfuls four or five times a day. 
Warm sage-tea is an excellent sweating-agent for fevers,, 
coughs and colds. 
It is too common to need a description. 
SAGO {Saga). 
This is a very useful article of diet for sick, delicate 
and convalescent persons. It is also very valuable in 
bowel-complaints. Prepared by boiling thoroughly one 
or two tablespoonfuls in a pint of milk or w'ater and 
sweetening with white sugar. 
Where found—In grocery and drug-stores. 
SWEET SUMACH {Rhus Aromaticus). 
Part used—The bark of the root. 
This is one of the most reliable medicines now in use for 
diabetes. It is excellent in bloody urine, diarrhea and 
dysentery. Dose of the fluid extract, from ten drops to 
a teaspoonful three times a day. 
Description—It is a shrub growing from two to six 
feet high, inhabiting high, rocky soil; stems straight, 
branching near the top, flowers yellow, fruit clustered, 
red, seedy and acid. When the bush is fractured it 382 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
emits a strong odor from whence it takes its common 
name. The bark of the root is the proper medicinal part. 
This bush is found more plentiful in the Western States 
than elsewhere. Parke, Davis & Co., of Detroit, now 
manufacture a fluid extract of this shrub, which may be 
obtained at drug-stores. 
SARSAPARILLA (Smilax Officinalis). 
Part used—The root. 
This is an important remedy in 
syphilis, scrofula, skin diseases 
and rheumatism. It stands high 
as a blood purifier, but many re- 
gard the burdock or the yellow 
parilla equal to it. Dose of the 
decoction or syrup, half to a wine- 
glassful three times a day. 
Description and where 
found—This plant grows wild in 
South America, Mexico and some 
other parts of the world. That 
which comes from Honduras is 
.said to be the best. It is found in drug-stores. 
Sarsaparilla. 
SANDAL-WOOD (Santalum Album). 
It is used with good effect in gonorrhea, remittent 
fever, leucorrhea and other diseases. Dose, half a tea- SASSAFRAS. 
383 
spoonful three times a day. It is a new remedy and has 
not been in use long, but the success that has been at- 
tained in its administration in the cure of diseases, 
especially gonorrhea, will soon bring it prominently into 
use. 
SASSAFRAS (Laurus Sassafras). 
Part used—The "bark of the root. 
The oil applied to any inflammation on the surface 
seldom fails to effect a cure, and given in doses of five 
to ten drops is efficacious in diseases of the kidneys and 
bladder. 
Given in painful menstruation, it soon relieves the 
sufferer. It is a sovereign remedy for toothache, applied 
to the gums and in the tooth by means of cotton or lint 
saturated with it. It is used with good effect in after- 
pains. 
The tea prepared from it is very pleasant and may be 
drunk very freely. The oil, in which form it is com- 
monly employed, may be given in doses of from ten to 
twenty drops twice a day. A poultice of the root is a 
good application to ill-conditioned ulcers. 
An infusion is good to thin the blood and may be 
used for this purpose as well as to flavor other drugs. 
The oil may be used as an ingredient in liniments and 
furnishes an excellent application to bruises and 
swellings. 
Description and where found—It is a well-known 
tree common to this country and sometimes growing 
from thirty to forty feet high. 384 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
SAVIIS'E (Juniperus Sabina) 
Parts used—The leaves and small twigs. 
It is employed in obstructed menstruation. Dose of 
the infusion, from one to two tablespoonfuls, three times 
a day; of the powdered leaves, from five to ten grains. 
In overdoses, it will produce inflammation of the 
stomach and bowels and other dangerous consequences. 
It should not be given during pregnancy, as it is liable 
to produce abortion. 
Oil of savin is an oil obtained by distillation of the 
savin twigs, and is now the form in which it is mostly 
used. The ordinary dose, in suppressed menses, is five 
to six drops, two or three times a day. 
Description and where found—It is an evergreen 
shrub, growing from five to fifteen feet high; a species 
of cedar, and may be found in drug-stores. 
SAW-PALMETTO (Sabal Serrulata). 
This is a valuable plant for the treatment of chronic 
bronchitis, hooping-cough, catarrh, colds and coughs. 
A medical journal, speaking of this new plant, says, 
“ Medical attention was called to it by its superior fat- 
producing properties in animals that feed upon its fruit. 
It was noticed that as soon as the berries matured, the 
animals that fed upon them grew very sleek and fat. A 
physician (Dr Reed) noticing the very marked health of SEA-WRACK. 
385 
the animals that fed upon the berries that grow upon the 
sabal serrulata, concluded to try it as medicine, and the 
result was that he found the berries to improve the di- 
gestion, increase flesh, strength and weight, and readily 
relieve irritation of mucous tissues, especially that of 
the nose and air passages. He used it in catarrh, ozoena 
and chronic bronchitis, with prompt success. One ex- 
perimenter used it in hooping-cough with good success. 
There are several persons using it in this city, and they 
say with happy effect in catarrh and ozoena. Several 
persons used it here last winter in old bronchial coughs, 
and they say with the best success. I took a dose of it 
one hour before meal-time, and it gave me an appetite 
for my dinner which I had not had for some time. I am 
fully of the opinion that it will prove valuable in coughs, 
colds and debility generally.” 
It grows very plentifully on the coast of the Southern 
States. 
SEA-WRACK {Fucus Vesiculosus).. 
This is an anti-fat remedy of great merit. No derange- 
ment of the stomach or general system seems to result 
from its use. Dose, half a teaspoonful, three times a 
day, and gradually increased to a tablespoonful, of the 
fluid extract; of the sugar-coated pills, two to five. 
* * * “The fucus vesiculosus, or sea-wrack, has 
been often called to my attention on the Atlantic Coast 
jn my summer tours in that section. I have frequently 
recommended it to my patients, but not with the results; 
that I anticipated. I used it only in decoction. A 386 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
medical friend of mine in Philadelphia presented me 
with a pound bottle of Parke, Davis & Co’s fluid extract; 
I had three patients affected at one time ; I divided it 
and ordered it to be taken in doses of one table- 
spoonful thrice daily. The first week each one lost over 
eight pounds. I was so jdeased with the result that I 
procured a few pounds and put them on tablespoonful- 
doses three times a day. The average weight of the 
three was two hundred pounds each; in seven weeks 
the medicine brought them down to 130 pounds each.”— 
Prof. Chapman, M. D., Philadelphia, in Eclectic Medi- 
cal Journal. 
SCTTLLi-CAP, Blue Scull-Cap, Hoodwort (Scutel- 
laria Lateriflora). 
Parts used—Whole 
plant, leaves, stems and 
roots. 
This plant is prompt 
and efficacious in St. Vi- 
tus’s Dance and is em- 
ployed very successfully 
in nervous headache, 
neuralgia and nervous 
affections. It is especial- 
ly valuable to relieve 
restlessness, wakeful- 
ness; convulsions, delir- 
ium tremens, and is use- 
ful in nervous and inter- 
Scull-Cap. SCAMMONY. 
387 
mittent fevers. One ounce of the dry herb should be 
infused in a quart of water and drunk freely. It has 
been used efficaciously in hydrophobia. 
Description—Height, three to four feet; leaves 
small; with numerous branches, which are opposite; 
small, light-blue flowers. The roots are small, fibrous 
and of a yellowish color. 
Where found—In meadows, moist lands and along 
water-courses. 
SCAMMONY {Convolvulus Scammonia). 
This is a very active cathartic, but should be combined 
with a small portion of ginger, or coriander-seed, to 
prevent its griping. It is beneficial in dropsical dis- 
eases and to relieve torpor of the liver. Dose, five to 
ten grains, two or three times a day. It should not be 
employed when the bowels or stomach are inflamed. 
Description and where found—A gum-resin made 
from the root. It is a foreign plant, but has been domes- 
ticated in this country. 
SEA-HOLLY (.Eryngium Maritinum). 
Part used—The root. 
In the sections of country where this plant is well 
known it is regarded as a very valuable remedy for the 
cure of consumption. It is prepared for use as follows: 
Take one half-ounce of the root, pearl-barley half-ounce, 388 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
licorice root three ounces, add one quart of water, reduce' 
to one pint by gentle heat. Dose, a wineglassful, mixed 
with new milk, three times a day, to be taken before 
meals. 
Description—Height, from one to two feet; leaves 
circular, plaited form, glossy like those of the common 
holly, of a pale-blue color; flowers blue and terminate 
the branches in rounded heads. 
Where found—It grows more commonly along the- 
sea-coast and flowers from August to September. 
SENEKA SNAKE-ROOT (.Polygala Senega). 
Part used—The root. 
On account of its expectorant properties, it is con- 
sidered beneficial in asthma, coughs, diseases of the 
lungs, bronchitis, chronic catarrh, pneumonia, croup, 
dropsy and rheumatism. It should never be used in 
active inflammation. Dose of the powder, from ten to 
twenty grains; of the infusion, from a half to a wine- 
glassful ; of the tincture, one to three teaspoonfuls. 
Description—This is a small, crooked shrub or 
plant, twelve or fifteen inches high, growing in various 
parts of the United States. It has but a few small, white 
blossoms, which appear from June to August. The root 
is from two to three inches long and from a fourth to a 
half an inch in diameter, tapering and irregular in shape, 
resembling the ginseng-root. The central part of the root 
is tough and woody. SENA. 
389 
SENNA (Cassia Acutifolia). 
This is a mild but a very effective cathartic. Its ten- 
dency to produce griping and nausea are obviated when 
combined with ginger, cinnamon, cloves, sugar or manna. 
It should not be used in cases of inflammation of the 
stomach, bowels or in piles. 
Dose of the tincture, from one to two tablespoonfuls; 
of the powder, ten to twenty grains; of the infusion, 
from a half to a teacupful. 
Where found—Only in drug-stores in this country. 
SHEEP-LAUREL, Narrow-Leaf Laurel 
{Kalmia Augustifolia). 
Part used—The leaves. 
Internally, a decoction or tincture is successfully used 
in syphilitic diseases, hemorrhages, diarrhea, dysentery, 
fevers, diseases of the heart, neuralgia and jaundice. 
Dose of the decoction, a tablespoonful. Applied in the 
form of an ointment, the leaves have been efficient in 
scald-head and itch. 
This is a poison and must be used with care. When 
taken in large doses it produces dimness of sight, ver- 
tigo, cold extremities and sometimes death. In admin- 
istering it, when any of these symptoms appear, the 390 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
dose must be diminished, or the use of the remedy sus- 
pended for a few days. 
This shrub is often mistaken for the Laurel or Calico 
Bush {Kalmia Latifolia). 
Both are common to almost all parts of the United 
States, growing on hilly lands and in mountainous 
regions. 
SHEEP-SORREL (Oxalis Strict a). 
Parts used—The leaves and stems. 
This plant is mostly celebrated as a remedy for can- 
cer. The juice of the green herb is to be expressed, 
then evaporated in the sun until it is of the proper con- 
sistence to make a plaster, then applied and renewed 
once or twice a day. Numerous cases of cancer have 
been cured with it. The fresh leaves bruised and infused 
in cold water make a good cooling drink in fevers, and 
are valuable in scurvy; but on account of the Oxalic 
acid it contains, it should not be taken in too great a 
quantity. 
Sheep-sorrel has recently been discovered to be one of 
the most superior remedies for the cure of kidney-com- 
plaint. 
Description and Location—There are several vari- 
eties of sorrel, but this, the common variety, is generally 
well known, growing in the woods and shady places, 
from five to fifteen inches high; having liglit-green, 
round or head-shaped leaves, in “ threes ” at the ends of 
the branches, somewhat resembling the small-clover 
leaves. The flowers are small and yellow. The herb is 
quite juicy, and has a sour or acid taste. SLIPPERY ELM. 
391 
SLIPPERY ELM (TJlmus Fulva). 
Part used—The bark of the tree. 
As an external application in the form of a poultice 
slippery-elm bark i3 a:i admirable remedy, far exceeding 
any other known production as a poultice for ulcers, 
tumors, swellings, gunshot wounds, chilblains, burns, 
cutaneous diseases, felons, old, obstinate ulcers and for 
sore mouth. 
It promptly allays inflammation and promotes resolu- 
tion. An enema or injection of elm-bark infusion is 
excellent in bloody flux, piles and dysentery. A cold 
drink in the form of a mucilage, made by infusing a 
quantity of the bark in cold water, should be used in 
bronchitis, strangury, sore throat, inflammation of the 
bladder, diarrhea and bowel-complaints. Always use 
the fresh bark if it is at hand, bruising a handful and 
infusing it in two quarts of water over-night. 
The powdered bark boiled in milk is a valuable diet 
for children in summer-complaint. It may be had at 
any drug-store and found growing wild in nearly all 
parts of the United States. 
SHEPHERD’S PURSE {Bursa Pastoris). 
Part used—The whole plant. 
It is employed in the treatment of diseases of the 
kidneys and bladder, and as a tonic. Dose of the fluid 
extract, ten to fifteen drops, four times a day. The infu- 392 
MEDICAL PLAXTS. 
sion may be drunk freely. This plant grows in all parts 
of the country. 
SMART-WEED, Water-Pepper (Polygonum 
Punctatum). 
Parts used—Stems and leaves. 
A cold infusion of tlie lierb lias been used with suc- 
cess in gravel, and affections of the kidneys and bladder; 
and a cold infusion made of this herb and wheat-bran is 
an excellent remedy for bowel-complaints. It is to be 
drunk freely. Smart-weed makes an excellent fomenta- 
tion combined with hops, to be applied warm to the 
.abdomen in inflammation of the bowels. A strong de- 
coction is good to wash foul ulcers. 
It will dissolve coagulated blood. If a fomentation of 
it be applied to a bruise, immediately after being re- 
ceived, it will prevent the parts from becoming discolored. 
It will also remove the soreness, if frequently renewed. 
This herb is excellent for the purpose of opening the 
pores of the skin and producing free perspiration. 
Hence, it is useful in colds and some forms of fever. 
The strong tincture, taken in doses of one to two tea- 
spoonfuls, three times a day, will relieve obstructed 
menstruation. "When the tincture cannot be obtained, 
employ a strong infusion. 
Description—Height from one to two feet, witli red- 
disli-brown-colored, jointed stems, lance-shaped leaves 
and small, purplish flowers. 
Where found—In yards, along roadsides, ditches, 
and on moist lands. SOLOMONS SEAL. 
393 
SOLOMOX’S SEAL (Convalaria Racemosa). 
Part used—The root. 
A strong decoction given every two 
or three hours will cure erysipelas, if 
at the same time it he applied exter- 
nally to the affected parts. In leu- 
corrhea it will he found very useful. 
In poisoning from poison-vine a de- 
coction if drunk freely, will, it is 
said, very speedily effect a cure. It 
is a mucilaginous tonic and very 
healing and restorative. It is good 
in inflammation of the stomach and 
howels, piles, chronic dysentery and 
affections of the lungs. It is gener- 
ally used in decoction or infusion in 
doses of from one to two wineglassfuls three to five times 
a day. 
Description and where found—This is a peren- 
nial plant and is common to most parts of the United 
States. It grows from one to three feet high, and gen- 
erally on rich hanks, hillsides and on the borders of 
meadow-lands. Leaves ohlong and pointed, from three 
to six inches long, small, greenish-white flowers, hang- 
ing under the leaves, followed hy pale-red, white and 
purple-speckled berries. There is another species of 
which the berries are black or dark-blue when ripe. 
Both varieties have the same medicinal properties. 
Solomon’s Seal. 394 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
SOOT (Fuligo Ligni). 
Wood-soot is useful in acid conditions of the stomach,, 
dyspepsia and colic. Dose of the tea, from one to three 
tablespoonfuls three times a day; of the powder, five to 
ten grains three times a day. The tea or decoction is 
employed as an injection to expel thread-worms. An 
ointment of soot is good in scald-head, burns, erysipelas, 
and scrofulous sore eyes. 
SPEARMINT (Mentha Viridis) 
Parts used—T h e 
herb and oil. 
The oil of this plant 
is unsurpassed, per- 
haps, for the cure of 
chronic diarrhea, for 
which purpose it is 
to be given in doses of 
two to three drops 
every three hours. It 
is seldom that more 
than two or three 
doses will have to be 
taken. It is very val- 
uable to check vomiting and to remove sickness of the 
Spearmiut. spidek’s web. 
395 
stomach. In disease of the kidneys, suppression and 
scalding urine it is a very effective remedy. 
Dose of the infusion, a wineglassful three times a day. 
Description — Ifc resembles peppermint, usually 
growing in moist lands, from one to three feet high, 
having a strong, aromatic smell, more rank and less 
pleasant than that of peppermint. 
SPIDER’S WEB (.Aranece Tela). 
The cobweb of the spider, which is so common every- 
where, is said to be almost a specific for fever and ague. 
Y/e have been assured by different persons who have 
used it, that when rolled into an ordinary-sized pill, two 
or three would be generally sufficient to effect a cure, but 
should be given longer if necessary, and is to be taken 
every two or three hours. Some physicians give it in about 
five-grain doses. For consumption, where it has been 
used, it is said to have produced surprising effects. It 
is also very valuable in asthma. Its use will procure 
the most tranquilizing sleep. Applied externally, it 
will check the bleeding of wounds. The brown or 
black spider produces for the purposes above indicated 
the best web, and it is usually found in cellars, dark 
out-houses and barns. It is recommended in wakeful- 
ness, spasms and nervous excitement, and generally 
produces the most delightful state of bodily and mental 
tranquility. It is given in doses of four and five grains, 
in the form of pills, three times a day. 396 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
SPIGNET, Spikenard, Wild Licorice (.Aralia 
Racemosa). 
Part used— 
The roots and 
berries. 
They are pop- 
ular remedies 
for coughs and 
also for female 
weakness, used 
in tea or syrup. 
The roots bruis- 
ed and used in 
poultice are ap- 
plied by the 
Indians to all 
kinds of wounds and ulcers. Rafinesque says they are 
more efficient than the sarsaparilla in syphilis and all 
other complaints in which that article is used. 
Description—The roots of this plant are brown, 
tapering, several growing from one common head, about 
the size of the finger, one or more stems arising from the 
same root, from two to four feet high, reddish-brown 
and somewhat branched. Leaves consisting of nine 
folioles or smaller leaves. Flowers, of a yellowish- 
white ; berries resembling elder-berries. 
The small Spikenard (Aralia Nudicaulis') possesses 
similar properties to the above. 
Spignet. SPICE-WOOD. 
397 
SPICE-WOOD, Wild Allspice, Spice-hush, Fe- 
ver-bush (.Benzoin Odoriferum). 
Parts used—Bark, twigs and Iberries. 
A strong tincture of the ripe herries of spice-wood will 
relieve flatulent colic, taken in teaspoonful-doses. A 
tea made from the twigs is esteemed a good drink in 
intermittent fevers. It is also an efficacious remedy for 
worms. The berries boiled in milk have been found a 
salutary medicine in dysentery. The oil from the ber- 
ries is a fine stimulant for bruises, colic and rheuma- 
tism. The infusion is to be drunk freely. 
Description and where found—This plant has 
light-green leaves, flowers early in the Spring and in 
Autumn, and has small, red berries when ripe. The 
whole shrub, including the leaves and berries, has a 
spicy, agreeable, aromatic odor. It grows in moist and 
shady lands. 
SPIRITS OF AMMOXIA, Aqua of Ammonia, 
Spirits of Hartshorn. 
It is employed in hooping-cough, delirium tremens 
and in prostration from exhausting discharges as a stimu- 
lant, as an antacid in heartburn, acid stomach, and sick 
headache caused by acid stomach; and applied to the 
nostrils as a stimulant in fainting, headache, etc. The 398 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
dose is from ten to twenty drops, largely diluted with 
water, and which may be repeated as required 
It should not be used internally, except when largely 
diluted with water, otherwise it will act as a corrosive 
poison. Vinegar or lemon-juice is good to antidote the 
effects of an overdose. 
When ammonia is combined with sweet oil it makes a 
good liniment. 
SQUILL (Scilla). 
This plant is generally used for the relief of conghs, 
diseases of the lungs, asthma, bronchitis, dropsy, catarrh, 
croup and kidney-disease. It is usually employed in 
the form cf vinegar and syrup of squills. Dose of the 
powder, from one to two grains ; of the syrup or vinegar, 
one to two teaspoonfuls. It is generally used in combina- 
tion with other medicines. It should not be used when 
there is much excitement of the circulation, especially 
when it amounts to inflammation; nor should it be taken 
in large doses in any case, as it is an irritant poison, 
producing inflammation of the bowels and other serious 
consequences. 
Where found—Only in drug-stores, in this country. 
STAFF-VINE, Bitter-Sweet, Red-Root (Celastrus 
Scandens). 
Part used—The root. 
"When made into an ointment with lard, this is unsur- STAFE-VIXE. 
399 
passed for dispersing or scattering painful tumors. As 
an application for ulcers and sores it scarely has an 
equal. It is used in jaundice, obstructed menstruation, 
scrofula and venereal diseases. It is likewise valuable 
in cutaneous diseases. Dose of the decoction, from two 
to four tablespoonfuls. To make the ointment, add one- 
fourtli pound of the bark of the root to one-lialf pound 
of lard, simmer slowly over the fire for two or three 
hours, then strain for use. This will be found unsur- 
passed for swelled breasts and also for piles. 
For internal use, boil four ounces of the bark of the 
root in two quarts of water down to one quart, and take 
a wineglassful three times a day. This will be found 
highly valuable in liver-complaint and general weak- 
ness, and seldom excelled for scrofula. 
The “Dotanic Physician,” by Elisha Smith, says, in 
speaking of this plant, “ It is a powerful and useful medi- 
cine, though, like most of the invaluable medicinal plants 
which Nature so profusely furnishes to our hands, its 
virtues are appreciated but by few. It increases all the 
secretions and excretions, particularly sweat, urine and 
stool, and excites the heart and arteries. It is an excel- 
len discutient, detergent and resolvent medicine, and may 
be employed both externally and internally. It is pecu- 
liarly beneficial in real liver-complaints, and in all 
cutaneous affections ; also in rheumatism, scirrhus swell- 
ings, ill-conditioned ulcers, scrofula, whites, jaundice and 
obstructed menses. Cancers of the breast have been 
cured by the application of the juice over the cancer and 
the green leaves over the breast. For internal use, boil 
half a pound of the bark to one gallon; the dose, a gill 
three times a day. It is also good in fevers and dropsical 
swellings.” 
Description—This is a woody vine, usually climbing 
trees (though not always) to the height of thirty feet. 400 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
The leaves are ovate and pointed, of a light-green hue; 
the berries hang in bunches and become red in the Fall. 
The roots are of an orange-red color, large and long. 
Where found—Mostly on. rich soil and on bottom 
lands. 
There is another vine called “ Bitter-Sweet,” which is 
described under that head, and which is the “Bitter- 
Sweet” proper. 
STELliINGIA, Queen’s-Delight, Yaw-Root, 
Silver-Root (Stillingia Sylvatica). 
Part used—The root. 
It is exceedingly valuable in syphilis, bronchitis, 
clergyman’s sore throat and tetter. It is also used in 
chronic liver-complaint, ordinary sore throat, and being 
a good blood-purifier, is very useful in eruptive diseases 
of the skin. "When compounded with burdock or yel- 
low-dock, it is very superior for this purpose. This 
plant is one of the most powerful and valuable altera- 
tives in use. It will generally remove all traces of the 
syphilitic disease from the system. The fresh root must 
be used. The remedy has often fallen in disrepute, 
because it was prepared from the dry root, which is use- 
less. The iodide potassium is frequently combined with 
the stillingia in the treatment of syphilis. Some phy- 
sicians regard the combination essential. 
Dose of the decoction or syrup, from a half to a wine- 
glassful, three times a day; of the tincture, one tea- 
spoonful. 
Description—Height, from two to four feet; leaves STONE-ROOT. 
401 
alternate, oblong, of a silver color on the lower side; 
flowers are arranged on a spike, and of a yellow color. 
The stalk and leaves when bruised emit a milky juice, 
like the milk-weed. It has a large root, somewhat like 
that of the parsnip, quite hard, and of a yellowish- 
brown color, has a bitter, pungent taste, and peculiar 
oily smell when fresh. 
Where found—This plant grows in many parts of 
the United States; though it is much more common in 
the pine-barrens of the Southern States. 
STONE-ROOT, Richweed, Riclileaf, Oxbalm, 
Healall, Knotroot (Collinsonia Canadensis). 
The fluid extract, made from the 
root of this plant, is a specific in 
clergyman’s sore thrdat. It should 
he given in doses of twenty drops; 
of the tincture the same, in simple 
syrup or honey, four or five times a 
day. It relieves the hoarseness in a 
few hours, and, if continued, will ac- 
complish a cure. 
It is a reliable cure in the early 
stages of the piles, and will, some- 
times, cure them in the advanced 
stages of the disease. It is found 
very useful in chronic bronchitis. 
It is highly prized as an external application to sores, 
painful parts, swellings, poison and headache. Taken 
in tea for headache, colic, cramp, dropsy, indigestion,. 
Stone-Koot. 402 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
etc., internally; applied in poultice or the whole leaves, 
externally ; used both fresh and dry. 
Description—The root of this plant is knotty and 
hard, throwing out many slender fibers. Stem erect, 
round, from twenty to thirty inches high, terminating in 
several branches at the top which produce the flowers 
and seeds. Leaves few, opposite, broad, large and thin. 
Mowers numerous, pale-yellow, possessed of a peculiar 
balsamic fragrance. 
Collinsonin is the active, concentrated principle of 
stone-root. 
This article, though recently introduced to the medi- 
cal world, is receiving much attention as a remedy in 
valvular diseases of the heart. And in functional dis- 
eases of this organ, where from organized exudations 
the valves are obstructed, this remedy has the specific 
power to break up that organization and thereby remove 
the obstruction. The dose is one to two grains three 
times a day, or triturated in lactine, one to ten; dose of 
.the trituration, ten to thirty grains three times a day. 
STORAX {Styrax Officinale). 
Part used—The concrete juice. 
This medicine has heen useful in chronic catarrh, 
bronchitis, asthma, coughs and chronic gonorrhea; to he 
taken in doses of from ten to twenty grains. An oint- 
ment made of it with equal parts of lard has proven an 
.effectual remedy in scald-head and ringworms. 
Description and where found—The storax-tree STKAMOXIUM 
403 
grows in the Mediterranean countries. It is found in 
shops and drug-stores in the form of a brittle, reddish- 
brown substance. 
STRAMONIUM, Thorn-Apple, Jimson-Weed 
(Datura Stramonium). 
Parts used—The leaves 
and seeds. 
A poultice or fomentation 
of either the green or dry 
leaves is an admirable rem- 
edy for the cure of inflam- 
mation of the stomach or 
bowels. At the same time 
the patient should take a 
swallow of as hot water as 
lie can drink, and he will 
seldom fail to obtain prompt 
relief. This plant is highly 
valuable in inflammation of 
the bladder, painful swellings and sores, swelled and 
painful breasts and in rheumatism. An ointment pre- 
prepared by stewing the leaves in fresh lard will be 
found to be an admirable remedy in piles. The leaves 
and seeds have been especially beneficial in delirium 
tremens, epilepsy and mania. It is stated to be an 
excellent preventive remedy in cases of impending abor- 
tion and miscarriage. Five of the seeds should be 
taken as a dose and repeated every ten to twelve hours, 
until the threatening symptoms disappear. The leaves 
Stramonium. 404 
21EDICAL PLANTS. 
and seeds are highly poisonous when taken in large 
doses. 
They should not be taken in any case where there is 
determination of blood to the head. The tincture of the 
seeds is used in neuralgia and headache. The dose is 
from five to ten drops. 
Description and where found—Stramonium grows 
usually in great abundance around farms, in vacant lots 
and along roadsides. It is a very rank and offensive 
weed, growing three to four feet high, large, dark-green 
leaves, a long, whitish, trumpet-shaped blossom, and 
bears a large, thorny apple or pod, full of black seeds, 
when ripe. 
STRAWBERRY {Fragaria Vesca). 
Parts used—Leaves, root and berries. 
A strong tea or decoction, made of the leaves or root, 
is an admirable remedy for diarrhea and all bowel-com- 
plaints of children, nsed freely. A cordial or syrup 
made of them, in combination with cinnamon and the 
root of the strawberry, is a sovereign remedy for all dis- 
eases of the bowels. Both the berry and the herb are 
said to be good in calculous or gravelly affections. 
Where found—In gardens. 
ST. JOHN’S WORT (.Hypericum Perforatum). 
Parts used—Leaves and flowers. 
This plant is employed in the treatment of dysentery,, STRIPED ALDER. 
405 
diarrhea, bleeding of the lungs, worms, jaundice, sup- 
pressed urine and nervous irritability. Applied exter- 
nally as a fomentation or ointment it will remove swelled 
breasts and other hard tumors. Dose of the infusion, 
from two to four tablespoonfuls, three or four times a 
day. Many cases of chronic bronchitis have been cured 
by the use of this plant. It is employed in the treatment 
of kidney-disease, and when applied externally it is 
an efficacious remedy in sprains. 
Description—Height, from one to two feet, with 
numerous green leaves, dotted with small, transparent 
spots and bright-yellow blossoms. The leaves, when 
rubbed, emit a strong, peculiar, balsamic odor. 
Where found—Growing in great abundance in old 
fields and open lands, 
STRIPED ALDER, Tobacco-Wood. 
Says Dr. G. Westervelt, “ Among all the valuable dis- 
coveries which I have made during five years’ successful 
practice and experience, is the shrub called tobacco- 
wood, striped alder, etc. This plant grows as high as 
twenty feet, with the branches confined mostly to the top, 
where the leaves put out in pairs from the branches and 
are not very numerous. They are as long (some of them) 
as the two hands of a man, of a pale-green color, very 
soft and smooth and a strong, agreeable smell, but when 
dry have an odor of hyson-tea or young-hyson; they are 
very mucilaginous and, mixed in hot water, form a poul- 
tice very similar to slippery-elm-bark flour. The bark 
of the shrub is of a greenish color and striped; the fruit 406 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
is from two to three inches in diameter, tough and yield- 
ing. It grows on sides of hills and in thick, shaded 
woods where there is running water below. Leaves from 
one to two inches wide. 
A tea of the leaves allays and relieves vomiting, under 
all circumstances, sooner than any other article known. 
Half an ounce makes a quart, steeped live or ten minutes. 
Dose, a wineglassful once in twenty minutes; the same in 
any internal inflammation; four times a day in pulmonary 
affections or internal ulcers. Swelled breasts of women 
are relieved and cured sometimes in twenty-four hours, by 
anointing them with an ointment made of the leaves, 
two ounces; bitter-sweet root, one ounce; spirits, one 
gill; lard, four ounces : boil, then soak a necessary 
quantity of the leaves in hot water sufficient to soften 
them and apply to the breast; a little elm-flour may be 
added to form a poultice. In general the leaves should 
be kept whole and three or four soaked in hot water and 
vinegar, equal parts, just enough to soften them. In all 
cases of inflammation of the stomach, lungs, spleen, liver, 
intestines, bladder, kidneys and uterus they are indis- 
pensable: apply the leaves and change them every 
three or six hours, according to the violence of the case, 
and take the tea internally as above directed. 
SULPHATE OF NICKEL (Mccoli Sulphas). 
This is a substance formed by dissolving carbonate of 
nickel in diluted sulphuric acid, concentrating the solu- 
tion, and then letting it crystalize. 
It has an astringent, sweetish taste. It is soluble in sulpiiue. 
407 
three parts of water, hut not in alcohol or ether. It can 
he relied on in headache, and is truly a specific for 
'periodical headaches. It is a new remedy; yet many 
very grave cases of neuralgia have already heen re- 
ported as cured with it. 
Prof. Goss, of Marietta, Ga., in his new “ Materia-Med- 
ica,” says, “ I have used it in several very old cases of 
neuralgia, and have heen utterly astonished to see how 
readily it relieves that most excruciating malady. It is 
particularly adapted to it when it is of a periodical char- 
acter. I have not heen better pleased with any new rem- 
edy that has heen introduced to the profession.” The 
dose is from one-fourth to one-half a grain. It is fre- 
quently given in doses of one-eighth to one-fourth of a 
grain, once or twice a day, or even three or four times a 
day, if required. 
SULPHUR. 
Sulphur is a sure cure for certain forms of skin-dis- 
ease, especially the itch. It is commonly employed as an 
ointment, made as follows : Sulphur, two ounces; sub- 
carbonate of potash, one ounce; lard, eight ounces ; mix. 
Apply this to the parts affected, and wash off with strong 
soap every second day, then re-apply, etc. For many 
like affections of the skin, the sulphites of soda and 
potash will answer the same purpose, and are more 
cleanly. For humid tetter of the head, carbolic acid, 
alternated with the sulphites, will act well. Sulphur and 
cream of tartar, in equal parts, mixed together, is a very 
common and effective remedy for the same purpose. 408 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
SUMACH {Rhus Galbrum.) 
Parts used—The bark, 
leaves and berries. 
A gargle of the berries will 
cure putrid sore throat; it is, 
likewise, efficacious in quinsy. 
A decoction, made of equal 
parts of this plant and white- 
oak bark, is a prompt and 
effective agent in the treat- 
ment of leucorrhea and fall- 
ing of the womb, used by 
enema or inj ection. The bark 
of the root is a valuable spe- 
cific for the cure of murcurial 
salivation. It is likewise employed in the treatment of 
night-sweats, diarrhea and dysentery. An infusion of the 
berries will remove excessive discharges from the kid- 
neys. Dose of the infusion or decoction, from two table- 
spoonfuls to a teacupful several times a day. 
Description—Height, five to ten feet; blossoms of a 
greenish-red color, on spikes, followed by long bunches 
of hard, red berries, covered with a sort of short, red 
down, and are quite acrid, astringent and pleasant to the 
taste. There are other varieties of sumach, some of 
which are said to be poisonous. But this, the Rhus 
Galbrum, may easily be distinguished by the color and 
acidity of the berries, and their appearance in cone- 
shaped bunches. When the green leaves or limbs are 
broken or cut, a milky juice exudes. 
Where found—Throughout the United States. 
Sumach. SUMMER-SAVORY. 
409 
SUMMER-SAVORY (Saturcia Hortensis). 
Part used—The plant. 
It is employed in the treatment of colds, flatulent or 
“wind” colic and female obstructions; for which pur- 
poses the warm tea is used freely. 
Where found—In gardens. 
SWEET FERN, Sweet-Bush, Ferngale, Sweet- 
Ferry, Spleenwort-Busli (Comptonia 
Asplenifolia). 
p 
Parts used—The leaves and branches. 
This is a prompt and efficacious remedy for expelling 
the tape-worm. A pint of the decoction is to be taken in 
broken doses during the day, for four or five days, when 
it is followed by a cathartic. 
Sweet fern is much used in diarrhea and all bowel-dis- 
eases in children. It makes a very grateful, pleasant 
tea, with the addition of cream and sugar. It is also 
used in asthma, fevers, inflammations and rheumatism, 
and often as a fomentation. 
It is said that a strong tea freely drunk, and the leaves 
put in a cushion to sit on and between the sheets to lie 
on, has cured the St. Vitus’s Dance. 
Description and where found—The sweet fern is 
a small, shrubby bush, very much branched, growing 
from three to four feet high, having long, horizontal roots. 410 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
Leaves from three to five inches long and half an inch 
broad, each side jagged, bearing some resemblance to 
the common ferns. Flowers appear before the leaves by 
a kind of round bur containing the seeds. Found 
throughout the United States, particularly in mountains 
and sandy plains. 
SUNDEW (.Drosera Rotundifolia). 
Part used—The whole plant. 
This plant is a very valuable remedy in chronic bron- 
chitis and catarrh, attended with dryness of the mucous 
membranes and irritable states of the nervous system. 
It is excellent in the early stages of consumption, when 
attended with a harrassing cough without expectoration. 
It is very useful in the coughs accompanying measles; 
also in cases of hooping-cough where there are dryness 
of the air passages and much irritability of the nervous 
system. It is used in dyspepsia and asthma. 
Dose of the fluid extract, three to five drops every two 
or three hours; of the saturated tincture, five to ten 
drops. 
SUNFLOWER (HeliantJms Annuris). 
Part used—The seeds. 
They are very beneficial in coughs, the early stages of 
consumption and in disease of the kidneys. They are SWAMP-CABBAGE. 
411 
also used with success in bronchitis and in chronic laryn- 
gitis, or clergyman’s sore throat. 
In the first stages of inflammatory sore-eyes an infu- 
sion of the pith of the stalk used as a wash will often 
act promptly and effectively. It may be prepared in 
syrup or infusion and taken, of the syrup, in tablespoon- 
ful doses, every one, two or three hours; of the infusion, 
or tea, one-fourth to one-half teacupful every two or 
three hours. 
Where found—Growing in gardens. 
SWAMP-CABBAGE, Meadow-Cabbage, Skunk- 
Cabbage (Ictodes Fcetida). 
Parts used—The root and seeds. 
This plant has been found useful in asthma, coughs, 
epileptic fits, hooping-cough and chronic catarrh. 
It is also employed in the treatment of bronchial affec- 
tions and diseases of the lungs. Dose of the infusion, 
from two to four tablespoonfuls, three times a day; of 
the powdered root or seeds, ten to thirty grains; of 
the tincture, from one to three teaspoonfuls, repeated 
according to the urgency of the symptoms. 
Description—It is an offensively smelling herb with 
large leaves, without any stalk, resembling somewhat a 
large cabbage-head. The root is large and soft. 
Where found—In wet lands and moist situations. 412 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
SWEET FLAG, (Acorus Calamus). 
Part used—The root. 
The infusion is employed for flatulent or wind-colic, 
and may he taken freely. It is sometimes used as a 
syrup. 
TAG-ALDER (Alarms Serrulata). 
Parts used — The 
leaves, twigs and 
cones. 
The herb is used 
with good success in 
swellings, sprains and 
eruptions of the skin. 
It is prepared by 
bruising the leaves 
and applying them as 
a poultice. Boil the 
cones and twigs in 
water and add lard or 
butter. This makes 
an excellent ointment 
for burns and scalds. Great relief is afforded to hot 
swellings by keeping the parts constantly wet by means 
of cloths wrung out of a decoction of it. The timely 
application of a tea of the leaves or boughs will “scat- 
Tag-Alder. SWEET GUM. 
413 
ter” boils. It is likewise very valuable in all diseases 
of the skin and should be drunk freely. 
Description—Height, six to eight feet; usually 
many shrubs grow from the same root; leaves large 
and green, with cones or tags, resembling “ witch-hazel.” 
Where found—Usually in wet lands and along 
streams. 
SWEET GTTM (.Liquidamber Styrociflud). 
Part used—The inner hark of the tree. 
It is an excellent remedy for hloody flux, dysentery 
and all howel-complaints of children. Bose of the decoc- 
tion, from one-fourth to a teacupful. It may he taken 
freely. It is regarded hy physicians who have used it as 
a good remedy in chronic catarrh. 
When this tree is wounded a balsamic juice exudes, 
about the consistence of thin syrup, which finally hardens. 
This, melted with equal parts of tallow or lard, makes an 
admirable ointment for various skin-diseases, such as 
itch, ringworms, etc. It is also good for “ fever-sores ” 
and piles. 
Description—It is of various sizes, from that of a 
shrub, even to a large tree. The bark is of a gray color 
and rough, and bears some resemblance to the red elm. 
TAMARINDS ( Tamar Indus Indica). 
Part used—The fruit. 
These are chiefly used for preparing cooling drinks for 414 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
the sick. They are laxative and mildly cathartic. At 
the same time the drink is very refreshing and grateful. 
It is infused in water and may be taken at pleasure. 
Where found—In drug and grocery-stores. 
TAMARACK, American Parch, Black Parch 
(Larix Americana). 
Part used—The bark. 
It is useful in jaundice, diarrhea, rheumatism, liver- 
complaint and in cough-preparations. The decoction or 
bitters made of it may be taken freely. 
Description—It is a tall tree and is a species of the 
pine. 
Where found—The bark can be procured at the 
drug-stores. 
TANKIN', Tannic Acid (Acidum Tannicum). 
This is a powerful astringent, and in its administration 
care must "be exercised to avoid an over-dose, as it will 
produce obstinate constipation. It is efficacious in dy- 
sentery, diarrhea and hemorrhages, and as an astringent 
enema in gonorrhea, gleet, leucorrliea, and forms an ex- 
cellent gargle in sore throat. Rubbed up with lard it 
makes an invaluable ointment for excoriations of the 
skin. Bose, from half a grain to a grain. For a gargle, 
dissolve six grains in two tablespoonfuls of water. For TAXSY. 
415 
an ointment, mix ten grains with a tablespoonful of 
lard or glycerine. It should not be used internally when 
the patient is troubled with constipation, nor during the 
presence of active inflammation. 
Description—This acid is contained in most astrin- 
gent plants and trees. Oak-bark contains a large per- 
centage of it. It is generally prepared from galls, which 
grow on a certain species of oak, called the Gall- Oak. 
TANSY (Tanacetum Vulgare). 
Part used—The tops. 
A fomentation of tansy applied to the bowels is very 
-effective in case of painful menstruation. A warm tea 
of it used at the same time produces perspiration and aids 
materially in promoting the menses. It is also very use- 
ful when applied to painful swellings, inflammations and 
sprains. For restorative and strengthening purposes, it 
is used in the form of bitters. A cold infusion of tansy 
is tonic, and has been used in some forms of dyspepsia. 
Dose, from two tablespoonfuls to two wineglassfuls, two 
or three times a day. 
Oil of Tansy—This oil is a very active emmenagogue, 
and hence should not be taken by pregnant women, as 
it will produce abortion, and is regarded as dangerous. 
It is used as a worm-medicine. Dose, from two to five 
drops. 
Where found—In drug-stores, and cultivated in 
gardens. 416 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
TETTER-BERRY {Bryonia). 
Parts used—The root and leaves. 
In some forms of catarrh this medicine is a certain 
cure. Dose of the fluid extract or saturated tincture, is 
five to six drops, two or three times a day. A good way 
to give the fluid extract is to add thirty or forty drops 
to four ounces (two wineglassfuls) of water, and of this 
give a teaspoonful at a dose. This medicine is often 
given with good effect in rheumatism, pneumonia, bron- 
chitis, and is especially curative in pleurisy. 
THYME (Thymus Vulgaris). 
Part used—The leaves. 
These should he taken freely in the form of a warm 
infusion for colic, colds and headache. 
A cold infusion should he employed as a tonic for 
weak stomach, dyspepsia, and in recovery from exhaust- 
ing diseases or to produce sweating, used freely as often 
as desired. 
The Oil of Thyme is a good external application 
for toothache, neuralgia and painful swellings. It 
may he employed internally in place of the infusion in 
doses of two to ten drops. 
This is the common garden-thyme: it is a shrubby 
herb and generally well known. TOBACCO. 
417 
TOBACCO {JSficotiana Tobacum). 
Tobacco applied in the form of a poultice is one of our 
best remedies in extreme cases of lock-jaw. It should be 
removed as soon as the patient becomes relaxed. And 
it is likewise very good in colic. Obstinate cases of con- 
stipation have been promptly removed by a poultice of 
tobacco-infusion. It is often employed in the form of 
an ointment in croup, piles, obstinate ulcers and painful 
tumors. It possesses acrid, narcotic and poisonous prop- 
erties. Tobacco-smoke is often employed in earache and. 
in rupture. 
TOUCH-ME-NOT, Celandine (Impatiens Pallida)- 
Part used—The herb. 
The tea of this plant is highly esteemed as a remedy 
for the treatment of jaundice. Its juice is beneficial for 
removing ringworm, salt-rheum and warts, or it may be 
applied in poultice, boiled in milk. 
The decoction is useful in dropsy, to be taken freely. 
Description—The stalk is of a watery appearance 
and full of juice. The flowers are hood-shaped, of a 
light-yellow color, with spots of dark orange, followed 
*>y a soft of pods, which if squeezed a little will fly te 
pieces. 418 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
TRAILING ARBUTUS, Mountain-Pink, Gravel- 
Weed (.Epigea Repens). 
Part used—The herb. 
It has been successfully used in gravel and other dis- 
eases of the urinary organs, and in diarrhea and bowel- 
complaints of children. This is a woody plant, and 
common to almost all parts of the United States. The 
infusion of the leaves may be drunk freely. 
"TURKEY-CORN, Wild-Turkey Pea {Corydalis 
Formosa). 
Fart used—The root. 
Prof. Payne, of Philadelphia, says, “ There is no fact 
“better established than that this medicine, judiciously 
administered, has the power to remove syphilis from the 
system.” 
"When the tincture is prepared from the fresh herb and 
given in doses of twenty to thirty drops, three or four 
times a day, it will never disappoint the expectations of 
the prescribes And likewise for scrofula, it is one of 
our foremost remedies. Bose of the infusion, one to two 
wineglassfuls, three times a day; of the powder, five to 
ten grains. 
Description—This plant grows from six to twelve 
inches high, in rich, loose soil, flowering early in the 
.Spring. It has a small, tender stalk, and small, fine TE.EE of heavex. 
419 
leaves of a bluish-green color; round, bulbous root, 
about the size of a large pea; from two to four of these 
peas to a stalk, attached to small roots; are rather hard, 
of a yellowish color and quite bitter. It bears small, 
reddish-purple flowers. It decays early in the season, 
therefore the time to gather it is in March or April. 
TREE OF HEAVEN (.Ailanthus Glandulosa). 
This remedy has been found useful in epilepsy, palpi- 
tation of the heart, asthma, hysterics, hiccough and 
dysentery. Dose, from five to ten drops of the fluid 
extract; of the decoction, made by boiling one ounce of 
the root in a pint of water, one tablespoonful, three to 
five times a day. 
TUKPEHTENP, Oil of Turpentine, Spirits of 
Turpentine (Oleum Terebinthince). 
When this is combined with castor-oil it forms a good 
remedy for worms. Externally it enters into several 
lotions, preparations for rheumatism, tumors, chilblains, 
indolent and erysipelatous ulcers, and in burns and 
scalds, combined with linseed-oil. 
For ordinary sore-throat and colds, five drops on a lit- 
tle sugar, swallowed slowly and repeated once or twice a 
day, is said to be almost a certain cure. 
In dysentery and flux, ten-drop doses, mixed with 420 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
sugar, are an effectual and prompt remedy in many cases. 
It should be repeated every four hours. 
For gonorrhea, gleet and leucorrhea, turpentine is often 
employed. In these cases, add one teaspoonful to two 
tablespoonfuls of a mucilage of gum-Arabic; and of 
this give a teaspoonful every three hours. In stoppage 
of the urine, it will generally, it is said, give speedy re- 
lief. To four tablespoonfuls add the same amount of 
vinegar and the yolk of one egg. This makes a good 
liniment for sprains, bruises and rheumatism, far more 
effective than many of the patent liniments sold at high 
prices. It is employed in bronchitis and the diarrhea 
attending typhoid fever. In doses of ten to twenty 
drops, repeated every three or four hours, it has proved 
efficacious in bleeding from the lungs, nose, stomach and 
bowels. 
Turpentine should never be given in large doses, as 
it is liable to affect the brain, injure the kidneys or 
produce strangury. 
TWIN-LEAF {Jeffersonia Diphylla). 
Part used—The root. 
It has been nsed with good success in cramps, chronic 
rheumatism and dropsy. Externally it is used in sore 
eyes; also as a gargle for ulcerated sore throat and scarlet 
fever. Dose of the decoction, one to two wineglassfuls; 
of the tincture, two to four teaspoonfuls, three times a 
day. 
Description—The root is perennial, and has numer- 
ous small libers. It has many leaves, which grow on 
long foot-stalks. The flower-stem produces one single 
white flower. UNICORN-ROOT. 
421 
TTNICORN-ROOT, Star-Grass, Crow-Corn, Ague- 
Root (Aletris Farinosa). 
Part used—The root. 
This has proved very effica- 
cious in dyspepsia and flatulent 
colic, and is especially useful 
for the purpose of restoring the 
inactivity of the generative or- 
gans, giving them tone, vigor 
and healthy action. It is a most 
valuable agent to prevent the 
tendency to miscarriage; and 
for falling of the womb it has 
few equals. Dose of the tinct- 
ure, six to ten drops, three times 
a day; of the powdered root, 
five to eight grains. It has lately been used with good 
success in diabetes—excessive flow of urine—in which 
case it should be combined with alum. It is also very 
efficient in green-sickness and painful menstruation. 
Unicorn-root combined with black-haw, in equal propor- 
tions, made into a decoction, is a remedy of unsurpassed 
value in cases of threatened abortion. Dose, a table- 
spoonful, three times a day ; in urgent cases, every hour 
or two; of the fluid extract, half a teaspoonful every two 
hours. 
Where found—In dry, sandy soils and barrens, in 
most parts of the country. 
Description—Height, from a foot to eighteen inches; 
leaves pale, smooth and evergreen ; bears white flowers; 
root small and irregular, from one to two inches long, of 
Unicorn-Root. 422 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
a dirty, dark color, very hard, full of little pits, rough 
and wrinkled. 
IJRTICA DIOICA. 
In all diseases of the kidneys this new remedy has 
proved a good one. It is advantageously employed in 
diarrhea, dysentery, piles, various hemorrhages, in 
scurvy and febrile affections. 
Dose of the fluid extract, ten to twenty drops three or 
four times a day. 
UVA-URSI, Arbutus Uva-Ursi, Bear-Berry, Up- 
land Cranberry (ArctostapJiylos). 
This is a very serviceable remedy in chronic inflamma- 
tion of the bladder and in chronic diarrhea and dysen- 
tery. It has been employed with good effect in gleet, 
gonorrhea, leucorrhea, incontinence of urine, catarrh of 
the bladder and gravel. 
The decoction is made by boiling for a few minutes 
one ounce of the leaves in one quart of water. Dose, 
half a teacupfnl three or four times a day; of the powder, 
ten to fifty grains. 
Description—It is a perennial, evergreen shrub, 
growing in dry, upland regions, in the northern parts of 
Europe and America and always to be found in drug- 
stores. VALEKIAX. 
423 
VALERIAN ( Valeriana Officinalis). 
Part used—The root. 
It is employed in epileptic fits, St. Vitus’s Dance,, 
nervous derangement, especially for nervous females, 
restlessness and in wakefulness during fevers. Dose of 
the tincture, one to two teaspoonfuls three times a day; 
of the infusion, a wineglassful; of the extract, three to 
six grains ; and of the oil, five drops. 
Where Found—In drug-stores. This plant is very 
similar in its medicinal properties to the American vale- 
rian, or lady’s slipper. 
VENICE-TURPENTINE. 
This is a thick liquid, which exudes from the trunk of 
the abies larix, an European tree. It possesses medi- 
cinal properties similar to the oil of turpentine and the 
turpentines generally. 
VANILLA (Vanilla Aromatica). 
Part used—The bean. 
This is used in low grades of fevers and hysterics. It 
is an excitant of the generative organs, increasing sexual 
desire. It may be used in an infusion, one-half of the 424 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
powdered bean to one pint of boiling water, in doses of 
two or three teaspoonfuls three times a day. 
Where found—A foreign plant, but may be procured 
in all drug-stores in this country. 
VELVET LEAF (.Pareira Brava). 
Part used—The root. 
It is employed in gravel, dropsy, chronic inflammation 
•of the kidneys and urinary organs. • 
Dose of the infusion, from one-fourth to one-half a tea- 
cupful, three times a day; of the fluid extract, one to 
two teaspoonfuls. 
Description and where found—It is a large, climb- 
ing vine, a foreign plant, but found in drug-stores. 
VIOLET, Blue-Violet, Bird’s-Foot Violet (Viola 
Pedata). 
Part used—The whole plant. 
It is used in coughs, consumption, disease- of the kid- 
neys and syphilis. It is mucilaginous, alterative and 
slightly laxative. In urinary affections, when a mucila- 
ginous diuretic is needed, it is a very useful plant. It 
may he used in the form of a syrup made from the herb 
or root. 
Description—This plant has no stalk, is small, VERVAIN. 
425 
leaves nearly round, on slender stems from two to three 
inches long; flowers appear in May and are deep blue or 
purple. 
VERVAIN, Vervine, Wild Hyssop (Verbena Has- 
tata). 
Parts used—The leaves and 
.stems. 
This is regarded as one of the 
safest and “best remedies known 
for suppressed or checked menses. 
Dose of the decoction, half to two- 
thirds of a teacupful, three or four 
times a day. 
The decoction is a very valuable 
tonic and restorative medicine in 
lung-disease, fever and ague, loss 
of appetite and in convalescence 
from acute diseases. It is now 
accounted good in gravel and 
scrofula. Dose of the infusion, one to two wineglassfuls 
three times a day. The warm infusion, in large doses, 
is an emetic. 
Description—Height three to four feet; has a sort 
of four-square stalk, branching limbs, whitish flowers, 
followed by long, slim tassels of seeds. 
Where found—Usually in dry, hard soils, along 
roadsides and in fields. 
Vervain. 426 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
VIRGINIA SNAKEROOT (.Aristolochia Serpentaria), 
Part used—The root. 
As a nerve-stimulant it acts very 
promptly and is much used in de- 
pressed or exhausted conditions of 
the nervous system, especially in 
typhoid, typhus, marsh and child- 
bed fevers. 
It is applicable in the latter stages- 
of diphtheria, small-pox, scarlet- 
fever and pneumonia. It supports 
the sinking vital forces and rids the 
system of any offending matter by 
producing perspiration and a deter- 
mination of blood to the surface. 
A cold infusion is often employed with good effect in 
dyspepsia, croup, throat and kidney-complaints. A 
cold infusion is used for strengthening purposes and it 
may be drunk freely. Dose of the tincture, from half to 
a teaspoonful three times a day. 
Description—Height one to two feet, stalk slender 
and jointed, of a dark-redish color, toward the ground; 
leaves oblong and about three inches long and one wide; 
flowers of a dull-brown color attached to short stems 
which proceed from the root, so that they usually lie 
close to the ground. The root is fibrous and of a dark- 
brown color. It may easily be known by its gingery, 
aromatic smell. 
Where found—In timber and shady lands. 
Virginia Snakeroot. WATER-EEKNEL SEED. 
427 
WATER-FENNEL SEED (Oenanthe Phellandrium), 
This drug is of value in chronic affections of the air- 
passages, as asthma, inflammation of the larynx, bleed- 
ing from the lungs, catarrh, etc., and in periodical febrile 
diseases, dyspeptic affections and indolent ulcerations. 
It is highly recommended by some physicians in con- 
sumption, bronchitis and to quiet troublesome cough and 
render expectoration smaller and easier and produce 
sleep at night. Dose of the fluid extract, from eight to 
twelve drops three or four times a day. This is a new 
remedy and will have to be procured at drug-stores. 
WATERMELON (CucurMta Citrullus). 
Part used—The seeds. 
An infusion of watermelon-seed is very valuable in 
inflammation of the stomach and bowels, strangury, 
burning urine and gonorrhea. May be used freely. 
WATER PLANTAIN (.Plantago Cordata). 
Part used—The root. 
This is a good astringent, and is a very beneficial rem- 
edy in cholera, diarrhea, dysentery and all forms of 428 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
Tbowel-complaints. A poultice of the root is a very ser- 
viceable remedy for ulcers and sores. The decoction 
may be used freely. 
Description—The leaves of this plant are from six 
to seven inches long, broad and smooth; flowers small, 
whitish, and attached to spikes six to eight inches long. 
Where found—Usually on wet lands, and on the 
borders of streams. 
WHITE WEED (Chrysanthemum Leucathemum). 
Part used—The whole plant. 
The cold decoction is good in asthma, night-sweats, 
hooping-cough, nervousness, and externally and inter- 
nally in leucorrhea. 
Dose, half to a teacupful three times a day. The 
decoction is applied locally to scald-head, ulcers and 
wounds. 
Where found—This plant grows in almost all parts 
of the United States, and is very troublesome in the 
farming districts. 
WHITE COHOSH (Actcea Alba). 
Part used—The root. 
It is said to be a specific in controlling after-pains, and 
that for this purpose there is probably no remedy known 
that equals it. It has been suggested as an appropriate 
remedy in many diseased conditions of the womb, as in 429 
WHITE POND-LILY. 
neuralgia of this organ and painful menstruation, and 
also in leucorrhea from congestion of the womb. A 
strong tincture may be made by adding eight ounces of 
the root to one pint of alcohol (96°). Dose, fifteen drops, 
three times a day. 
WHITE POND-ELLY (Nymphcea Dorata). 
Part used—The 
root. 
The white pond- 
lily is efficaciously 
used in dysentery 
and diarrhea. Ex- 
ternally, it is em- 
ployed with good 
effect as a poultice 
for boils, ulcers and 
tumors. The juice 
of the fresh root, 
mixed with lemon- 
juice, is excellent for 
removing freckles, pimples and blotches from the face. 
The infusion is a good remedy for the cure of sore and 
ulcerated mouth, used in the form of a gargle. It is 
used in scrofula, diseases of the lungs and leucorrhea. 
For this latter affection it should be employed internally 
and by injection. There are few remedies that act more 
promptly than this in those old cases of leucorrhea, 
where there is chronic inflammation of the womb or 
abrasion of the vagina; and for ulceration of the womb 
White Pond-Lily. 430 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
it has proved more efficacious than any other remedy, 
having completely cured the disease after all other avail- 
able means had failed. It should be used locally, by 
injections of the infusion to the neck of the womb, and 
by taking it internally. Dose of the infusion or decoc- 
tion, from one-lialf to a teacupful two or three times a 
day; of the fluid extract, ten to fifteen drops, morning 
and evening. 
Description—This article grows in ponds, with 
large, round, dark-green leaves, floating on the water, 
and large white flowers. The root is often as thick as a 
man’s arm. 
WHITE SNAKE-ROOT (Eupatorium Aromaticum). 
Part used—The root. 
This plant is employed with good effect in pleurisy, 
gravel and lung-fever. Jt is used in typhoid and nervous 
fevers in cases where it is difficult to obtain sleep. 
The decoction or tea may be used freely. It is often 
employed in combination with other swreating-agents. 
Description—The root consists of a bunch of fibrous 
roots, of slightly bitterish taste and an agreeable aromatic 
smell. Height from one to two feet, rough stalk, branched 
top; leaves smooth, three or four inches long; flowers 
white and appearing late in the Summer. 
WHITE-OAK (Quercus Alba). 
Parts used—The bark and nuts. 
A poultice of the bruis 'd ■ t nvdered bark is a valu- 431 
WHITE-ASH. 
able application to check a tendency to gangrene and 
mortification. It is a valuable astringent, but care must 
be taken not to employ it in large doses, otherwise it 
will produce obstinate constipation. 
It is very seviceable in diarrhea, dysentery, hemor- 
rhages and night-sweats. It makes an excellent gargle 
in sore-tliroat and for falling of the palate. It has been 
used very successfully as an enema in falling of the 
womb, leucorrhea and piles. Dose of the decoction, 
from a fourth to half a teacupful four or five times a 
day. In sickly children and weakly persons, especially 
when the result of fever, and also in diarrhea, a weak 
decoction employed internally will be found of value 
and will produce the very best results. 
It is said that a coffee made from the roasted acorns is 
an excellent remedy for all scrofulous affections. 
WIIITE-ASH, Old Man’s Beard, Fringe-Tree 
(CMonanthus Virginica). 
Part used—The "bark of the root. 
This is one of the "best remedies for jaundice and is 
now regarded as an infallible remedy in this disease. 
It will be found to act very promptly in torpidity of the 
liver, and is also an admirable tonic for dyspepsia and 
general debility. It is highly praised for congestion of 
the womb. The unicorn-root is frequently combined 
with it for this purpose. Dose of the saturated tincture, 
thirty to sixty drops three times a day. This tincture 
may be procured at the drug-stores or made by adding 
four ounces of the plant to half a pint of alcohol (96°). 
A bitters made by steeping it in spirits, taken two 432 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
or three times a day, has proved promptly successful in 
the cure of inflammatory rheumatism. 
Description and where found—It grows in sandy 
soils in many sections of the country, but more abun- 
dantly in the Southern States, attaining a height of 
eight or ten feet. Its flowers grow in clusters, petals 
long and snow-white, like fringe. Hence it is called the 
fringe-tree. 
J. A. Henning, M. D., says, “I can heartily recommend 
this remedy in j aundice and torpid liver as being very 
prompt in its action, reliable and safe. 
“ In functional jaundice it is nearly a specific, given in 
doses of the fluid extract of from fifteen to twenty drops 
every three to six hours, as it may be indicated in the 
case.” 
WILD GINGEK, Colt’s-Poot, Heart Snakeroot 
(.Asarum Cunadese). 
Part used—The root. 
This is useful to promote perspiration, and may "be 
used for that purpose in all cases of colds, female ob- 
structions, hooping-cough and fevers. It may be made 
in a tea and administered in small doses frequently re- 
peated, as it is apt to nauseate the stomach in large ones. 
The best preparation is a cordial made with the tincture 
and syrup or molasses. Large doses of this herb and 
frequently repeated, are liable to produce abortion. 
Description—The root of this plant is round, fleshy, 
jointed, fibers brown; leaves round, hairy, supported on 
long foot-stalks, somewhat resembling a colts’s hoof, twa 
from a root. Only one flower growing from the root WHITE TURPEXTIXE, 
433 
between the two foot-stalks which support the leaves, of 
a dark purple, darkest inside, and growing close to the- 
ground. 
Where found—Usually in moist soils and shady- 
fore sts. 
WHITE TURPENTINE {Finns Palustris). 
It is used in chronic rheumatism, piles, chronic catarrh, 
gleet, ulceration of the bowels, weak back, coughs and 
leucorrhea. 
Externally it is very valuable as a strengthening 
plaster. 
The dose is from two scruples to a drachm. Its prop- 
erties are about the same as the other forms of turpen- 
tine. 
Description—It is a concrete juice obtained from a 
species of pine, known as the yellow pitch-pine and is a • 
gummy substance of a whitish color. 
WHORTLEBERRY, Huckleberry (Vaccinium 
Frondosum). 
This fruit is very useful, eaten with milk or sugar, in' 
scurvy or dysentery. The berries and root, bruised and 
steeped in gin, have proved beneficial in dropsy and 
gravel. A decoction of the leaves or bark of the root 
is used in diarrhea, or as a local application to ulcers* 
sore mouth and throat. 
Description—It is a shrub, growing four or five feet 434 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
high, bearing a rich, luscious and nearly black berry. 
Where found—It grows in low, moist lands and 
waste places. 
WILD CHERRY {Prunus Virginiana). 
Parts used—The bark of the tree and of the root. 
It is generally employed in combination with other 
medicines. It is an excellent bitter-tonic, and very ex- 
tensively used as a restorative bitters, and is valuable 
for disease of the lungs, coughs and jaundice. It is an 
astringent, and is often employed along with other as- 
tringents in bowel-diseases. It should not be boiled, as 
this process, to a great extent, destroys its virtues. 
It is also used in scrofula and hectic fever. Dose of 
the infusion, from two tablespoonfuls to a wineglassful, 
three times a day; the same of the bitters; of the fluid 
‘.extract, from one-half to two teaspoonfuls. 
Where found—It is a tree, found in nearly all parts 
of the United States, and is generally well known. 
WILD CARROT (Daucus Carotd). 
Parts used—The root and seeds. 
They have been employed with success in kidney-dis- 
ease, dropsy, inflammation of the bladder and in gravel. 
The seeds are the best; they should be bruised and 
steeped, care being taken not to boil them, as it will WILD POTATO. 
435 
destroy their virtue. Dose, half to two-thirds of a cup- 
ful three times a day. 
Description—It resembles the garden-carrot; grows 
from two to three feet high, in waste places and along 
roadsides. The root has a sweetish, aromatic taste and 
is much more slender than the cultivated species. The 
seeds are of a dull-brown-color, flat on one side and con- 
vex on the other. They have a warm, bitterish taste, 
and aromatic smell. 
WILD POTATO, Bird-weed, Man-in-the-ground 
(Convolvulus Panduratus). 
Part used—The root. 
Equal parts of the root and skunk-cabbage, made into 
a syrup, are very effectively used in consumption, coughs 
and asthma. The decoction of it is used in gravel and 
dropsy. 
The extract is a very valuable cathartic, and by many 
is regarded as equal to rhubarb. It is pectoral, diuretic 
and cathartic. 
Dose of the infusion, about a wineglassful every three 
hours ; of the tincture, two teaspoonfuls. 
Description—The root is perennial and three inches 
or more in diameter, milky and full of fissures, and of a 
yellow color; stem, a climbing vine, of a puplish color 
and from four to ten feet long. The leaves are heart- 
shaped at the base, deep green on the upper and pale on 
the under sides; flowers resemble the morning-glory; 
grows in loose, sandy or poor soil. 436 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
WILD INDIGO, Indigo-Broom, Indigo-Weed,, 
Prairie-Indigo, Rattle-Busli (.Baptisia Tinctoria). 
Parts used—The 
top and "bark of the 
root. 
An ointment made 
of the bark of the root 
with lard or cream, 
is one of the most 
powerful preventions 
of mortification 
known. It is valua- 
ble in ulcers of all 
descriptions, either 
applied in ointment,, 
poultice, or used as 
a wash. It has been 
used with success in scarlet and typhus fevers, and 
is one of the most valuable remedies known for the cure 
of typhoid fever. Dose of the decoction, a tablespoon- 
ful every two to four hours. If it purge or produce any 
disagreeable or unnatural condition of the system, omit 
its use for a time, or lessen the dose. A fomentation of 
the leaves will disperse (scatter) tumors of the breast. 
In putrid sore-throat, a gargle composed of a strong 
infusion is generally very prompt in arresting the dis- 
ease. And in threatened gangrene or mortification, in 
cuts or wounds, this medicine should be given internally 
at the same time of its external application, and it will 
always give prompt relief. 
Dose of the fluid extract, from twenty to thirty drops, 
Wild Indigo. WILD YAM. 
437 
•every three hours; of the saturated tincture, thirty to 
sixty drops. 
Description—This shrub grows from two to three 
feet in height, is of a yellowish-green color with black 
spots. The flowers are of a golden color, and are suc- 
ceeded by a swelled, oblong pod of a bluish or blackish 
hue; this, with the plant, becomes quite black on dying. 
The leaves are small, somewhat heart-shaped, and 
broadest towards the outer end. 
Where found—Mostly on hilly land and poor soil. 
WILD YAM, Colic-Root (.Discorea Villosa). 
Part used—The root. 
An infusion of the root of 
this herh is almost a sure cure 
in "bilious-colic, promptly af- 
fording relief. Dose, half a tea- 
cupful of the decoction every 
half-hour. It is very valuable 
to allay nausea. Give four to 
six tablespoonfuls about every 
half-hour until relief is afforded; 
of the tincture, half to a teaspoon- 
ful. It is also used with good 
effect in spasms and dyspepsia. 
It is one of the best remedies 
for the different forms of colic. 
It should be given in doses of 
one or two wineglassfuls every half-hour or hour, until 
Wild Yam. 438 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
relief is obtained. Dose of the tincture, half to a tea- 
spoonful. 
Description and where found—It is a sort of 
climbing vine, bearing small, yellowish-green flowers, 
and can generally be found in drug-stores. 
WELD HOARHOUND (Eupatorium Teucrifolium). 
Part used—The leaves. 
In the sections of country where this plant grows it has 
obtained a high reputation as a remedy for fevers. 
It is a valuable tonic, much used by the planters along 
the seaboard, and considered preferable to Peruvian 
bark. It is usually administered in the form of infusion; 
one ounce of the dried leaves infused in a quart of water 
may be taken daily in doses of half a teacupful every 
two hours. 
Description and where found—This is an annual 
plant growing from one to two feet high, found in all 
parts of the country, particularly at the South. 
This is a different species of plant from the common 
perennial hoarhound which grows along roadsides and 
near buildings. 
WINTER-GREE1NT, Partridge-Berry, Ground- 
Holly, Mountain-Tea (.Pipsisserva Umbeltalta). 
Part used—The leaves. 
This plant is much used by the Indians for rheuma- 
tism, and is a very prompt and efficient remedy in in- WITCH-HAZEL. 
439 
flammation of the kidneys and bladder, and is held in 
high esteem by some physicians in dropsy, female 
obstructions and suppressed urine, diarrhea and dysen- 
tery. 
The infusion of the leaves may be used freely in doses 
of from two to four tablespoonfuls, three times a day. 
For dropsy, this remedy is perhaps unsurpassed, 
especially when in that following measles and scarlet 
fever. Prof. I. J. M. Goss says, “ If I had to depend 
upon one single remedy in dropsy, I believe I would as 
soon risk this one as any other in the entire materia 
medica.” 
Dose of the fluid extract, from one to two teaspoonfuls. 
This plant soon loses its virtue by age. 
Description—This is a beautiful little evergreen 
shrub, found in all parts of the United States, in sandy 
regions, mountains and dry barrens. 
WITCH-HAZEL, Spotted Alder, Snapping Hazel- 
nut (Hamamelis Virginiana). 
Part used—The hark. 
To check internal bleeding, snch as from the lungs, 
stomach, etc., it is among the best articles known. Dose, 
half to two-thirds of a teacupful of a decoction of the 
leaves or bark, three times a day. In urgent cases it 
may be given more frequently. 
A poultice of the bark wflll remove painful inflamma- 
tion of the eyes. The decoction of it is seldom surpassed 
for the piles. It is used by enema in diarrhea, dysentery, 
leucorrhea and falling of the womb. 
For sore throat and mouth it is employed as a gargle. 440 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
An ordinary dose is from one to two tablespoonfuls, 
taken three times a day. 
Description—It is found growing in most of the 
States, along streams and hillsides, from ten to twenty 
feet high, with large leaves ; flowers appear in the Fall or 
"Winter, generally after the leaves have fallen off, the fruit 
ripening the next Autumn. 
WOOD BETONY (Betonica Officinalis). 
This is a new plant, but is proving to be a most 
remarkable remedy in the cure of chronic liver-complaint 
and inflammation of the bladder and kidneys, and in 
dropsy. Dr. F. Herring, in speaking of it in “Hew Pre- 
parations,” says, 
“ I have used it in my own practice for more than ten 
years with the most flattering results, and am confident 
it will win merit wherever it is tried. I know of no other 
single remedy in the materia medica that produces such 
marked results in the treatment of chronic liver-affec- 
tions as this. 
“ The usual dose of the fluid extract is from fifteen to 
thirty drops three or four times daily. The tincture is 
equally useful. 
“ It has proved very successful in chronic lung-affec- 
tions, when there is a slimy mucous expectoration, 
accompanied by a tight cough. 
“ It is almost a specific for chronic inflammation of the 
bladder and kidneys and in all cases of bloody urine, 
and, as it contains no toxic properties, it can be used for 
.children equally as well as for adults.” WORM-SEED. 
441 
WORM-SEED, Jerusalem-Oak (Chenopodium 
Authelminticum). 
Parts used—Seeds and tops. 
This is a reliable remedy for ex- 
pelling worms. A strong infusion of 
the tops may be used, or the pul- 
verized seeds, in doses of one tea- 
spoonful mixed with molasses, taken 
three times a day. The oil of the 
plant is often employed, and is to 
be administered in doses of four to 
ten drops. 
Description—Height from two 
to four feet, with yellowish-green 
flowers, which are oval and dotted 
on the under side. 
The whole plant is distinguished by a peculiar disa- 
greeable smell. 
Where found—Usually on open grounds and waste 
places. 
Worm-Seed. 
WORMWOOD {Artemisia Absinthium). 
Part used—The plant. 
It is valuable as a fomentation in braises, sprains, 
cuts, etc. The cold infusion is useful in intermittent 442 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
fever, worms, and to promote the appetite in dyspepsia. 
Dose, from one to four tablespoonfuls twice a day. 
Description—It is a perennial plant and generally 
well known. 
Where found—Cultivated in gardens for medical 
uses. 
XANTHIUM SPINOSUM, Spiny Burreed, Burr- 
Thistle. 
This plant is consid- 
ered by some European 
physicians as a specific 
for hydrophobia or the 
bite of rabid animals. 
In reference to its use 
the following is given 
from the Therapeutic 
Journal, published at 
Paris, by Dr. Grzymala: 
“ I have • used the 
Xanthium now a num- 
ber of years with the 
best success, and it has 
not yet been my lot to 
observe a single case 
where it has disappointed me, although I have had 
occasion to administer it at least a hundred times to men 
as well as to animals bitten by rabid dogs and wolves. 
You must not be astonished at these figures which I 
assure you are rather below than above the reality. In 
Xanthium Spinosum. YEAST. 
443 
the country in which I live hydrophobia is very fre- 
quent, and for more than twenty years that I have used 
the medicine, ten cases per annum, on an average, will 
reasonably justify the number mentioned above.” 
Dose of the fluid extract, ten to twenty drops ; of the 
infusion, half a teacupful three or four times a day. 
YEAST (Ceremsia Fermentum). 
This is a very excellent remedy in the treatment of 
typhoid and scarlet fever, and likewise in malignant sore 
throat and in all cases where there is a disposition to 
putridity. Dose, from one to two tablespoonfuls every 
three hours. When yeast is combined with charcoal 
and elm-bark and applied to dangerous ulcers, it will 
remove the tendency to mortification. 
YARROW (Achillea Millefolium). 
Part used—The whole herb. 
It is used very extensively for hemorrhages, as bleed- 
ing of the lungs, spitting blood and bleeding-piles. It is 
also employed in excessive flow of urine, leucorrliea, 
chronic dysentery and chills and fever. Dose of the in- 
fusion, from one-half to a teacupful three times a day; 
of the oil, ten to fifteen drops; of the tincture, two to 
three teaspoonfuls. 
Description—Height one to two feet, with a branch- 444 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
ing top, having a bitter, pungent taste and rather a 
pleasant aromatic odor. 
Where found—Usually in open lands and along 
water-courses. 
YELLOW DOCK, Sour Dock, Narrow Dock, 
Curled Dock (Rumex Crispus). 
Parts used—The root and seed. • 
A decoction is an elegant and effective preparation for 
the cure of some forms of dysentery. It is of great ser- 
vice and usually prompt in the cure of that unspeakably 
filthy disease of childhood, the itch. It is taken inter- 
nally, and at the same time applied externally in an 
ointment. It has latterly been used with good success 
in dyspepsia and chronic bronchitis. Prof. E. M. Hale 
reports several cases of these diseases cured with it. 
Dose of the decoction or syrup, a wineglassful three 
times a day. 
“ The dry root pulverized and steeped, one teaspoonful 
to a teacupful of hot water, is excellent in all cutaneous 
affections and various other complaints, particularly 
ulcers and scurvy. In this last disease it is recom- 
mended very highly; one case successfully treated with 
nothing but the decoction of the dock-root, has fallen 
under our own notice. Bad ulcers and hard tumors have 
been removed by the application of the bruised root in 
poultice. A strong decoction in milk is recommended 
as an infallible remedy for bleeding at the stomach.”— 
[Dr. Howard. 
Description—Height from two to three feet, with YELLOW-PAPILLA. 
445 
slender, crisped-edged leaves and slender, yellowish 
roots. The leaves and stalks have a sourish taste. 
Where found—In waste grounds and meadows and 
along fences. 
YELLOW-PAPILLA, Sarsaparilla, Vine-Maple, 
Moon-Seed (.Menispermum Canadense). 
Part used—The root. 
It is an efficacious remedy for scrofula, and cases are 
recorded in which the use of it alone has effected a com- 
plete cure. As a tonic restorative it is very valuable in 
convalescence from fever and ague. 
It is good in constitutional syphilis, skin-diseases, 
rheumatism and dyspepsia. In large doses it is emetic 
and cathartic. It is used in mercurial diseases and 
chronic inflammation of the stomach and bowels. Dose 
of the decoction, from a half to a wineglassful three 
times a day; of the extract, two to four grains; of the 
tincture, one to two teaspoonfuls. 
Description and where found—It is a climbing 
vine. It twines itself around bush and tree and grows 
from twelve to fifteen feet long, with smooth, dark-green 
leaves which are nearly round, and a long, yellow root 
which is very bitter. It is generally found in rich bot- 
tom-lands. 
YEEEOW POKD-EILY (Nuphar Luted). 
For spermatorrhea, or an involuntary discharge of the 
seminal fluid, this is an effective remedy. It also con- 446 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
trols the excessive desire for sexual indulgence. Dose 
of the saturated tincture is from ten to fifteen drops, three 
times a day; of the fluid extract, five to ten drops. It 
will be found a valuable remedy in nymphomania. In 
the hands of some physicians it has proved a prompt 
remedy in morning-diarrhea. 
YELLOW JESSAMINE (Gelseminum Sempermrens). 
Part used — Tlie 
root. 
It is an excellent 
remedy in St. Vitus’s 
Dance, nervous head- 
ache, pneumonia, lock- 
jaw, leucorrhea, neu- 
ralgia, rheumatism* 
inflammation and deter- 
mination of the blood 
to the brain, and used 
very extensively in bil- 
ious, intermittent and 
typhoid fevers. Its 
usual effects are cloud- 
ed vision, double-siglit- 
edness, blindness, general relaxation, inability to open 
the eyes, and sometimes complete prostration ; but these 
effects will soon pass away, leaving the patient refreshed 
and relieved or completely restored. In the administra- 
tion of the medicine, as soon as the above effect is 
induced, no more should be given, at least until these 
Yellow Jessamine. YELLOW JESSAMINE. 
447 
symptoms have ceased. The dose is from ten to fifteen 
drops, and even as high as thirty drops have been given 
in high grades of fever. Two or three doses are generally 
all that will he required if it is used in moderately large 
doses. It equalizes the circulation, produces perspira- 
tion and allays nervous excitement. It may he given at 
any stage of the disease, hut it should he used with cau- 
tion, and the administration of large doses should soon 
he suspended, as they are dangerous and have proved 
fatal. When it has heen given in too large doses, stimu- 
lants will counteract its effects, as whisky or hrandy or 
Turk-Island salt, the size of a pea, or aqua ammonia may 
he inhaled. The tincture of the root of this plant is the 
preparation usually employed and may he had at the 
drug-stores. It is an anti-spasmodic, and as such it is 
valuable in asthma, spasms of children and strictures of 
the urethra. 
It has a specific action on the mucous tissues, which 
renders it a very valuable remedy in the inflammatory 
stage of gonorrhea. 
The ordinary dose of the tincture is from five to ten 
drops every three hours. It should he made out of the 
green or the freshly dried hark, for it soon loses its 
strength. 
The fluid extract is the form in which it is not unfre- 
quently employed. Dose, three to eight drops, every one, 
two, three or four hours. It is poisonous and must he 
carefully given. 448 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
YELLOW POPLAR, White Poplar, Tulip Tree 
(Liriodendron Tulipifera). 
Parts used—Bark and twigs. 
It is a very popular remedy in many places for worms. 
It is useful in dyspepsia and dysentery, and is ranked 
high as a tonic. Dose of the pulverized bark, half to a 
teaspoonful. It may be used in decoction or tincture. 
A tea made of the twigs and drunk freely, is invaluable in 
the cure of kidney-complaint. It is regarded as a cer- 
tain and speedy remedy in chills and fever when admin- 
istered in equal quantities with wild-cherry-tree bark 
and dogwood-bark, made into a decoction. Dose, a wine- 
glassful, three times a day, before meals. This decoction 
is invaluable as a restorative medicine for the general 
health, or the decoction or tea of the bark of the poplar 
alone, is scarcely excelled for all debilitated conditions 
of the system. 
Description—It is usually a large, magnificent tree, 
and used extensively for lumber. 
YEEBA BUENA (Micromeria Douglassii—Benth). 
This is of recent introduction from California, where it 
is employed very extensively to expel worms, for fevers 
and in female diseases. 
Dose of the fluid extract, from thirty drops to one and 
a half teaspoonfuls, twice a day. A tea of the herb may 
be given three times a day. YEEBA SAXTA 
449 
YERBA SANTA (Eriodyction Californicum)~ 
This is comparatively a new, 
yet in many sections of the 
country it has been a leading 
remedy for piles, cough, laryn- 
gitis and bronchitis. A phys- 
ician, writing from Texas in 
regard to it, observes, “lean 
verify the statements concern- 
ing the yerba santa in the cure 
of piles, as I have cured three 
cases that were given up as in- 
curable and they are cured.” 
It has been employed in 
asthma and kidney affections 
with excellent effect, and for 
chronic coughs many who have 
employed it pronounce it “ unsurpassed.” Some recom- 
mend that it be combined with grindelia robnsta in the 
form of a syrup as making it more efficient. Dose of the 
fluid extract is from ten drops to a teaspoonful three 
times a day. A tea of the leaves may be drunk freely 
three or four times a day. 
The term “ Yerba Santa ” is one given by the Spanish,, 
which signifies “ saint herb ” or “ holy herb.” It is a 
native of California. The plant is somewhat branching 
and attains a height of from two to four feet. The leaves 
are petiolate, finely serrated and oblong, the upper sur- 
face presenting the darkest and richest green color and sa 
finely varnished with the gum-resin it contains as to 
Yerba Santa. 450 
MEDICAL PLANTS. 
appear and glisten like a mirror, while the under-side is 
tortuously veined and presents a silvery appearance. 
The leaf is the part used in medicine. It has a sweet, 
gummy taste something like tolu. 
Dose of the fluid extract, from fifteen drops to a tea- 
spoonful ; of the solid extract, three to six grains ; of the 
sugar-coated pills, one to two pills. These preparations 
may usually he found at drug-stores. 
YERBA REUMA. 
This new remedy is excel- 
ling all others in general 
use, in the treatment of gon- 
orrhea, catarrh and leucor- 
rhea. This is a remedy 
from the Pacific Coast, but 
can now be generally had 
at all drug-stores. Prof. 
Bundy, of the California 
Medical College, writes, “ It 
is surpassing all other rem- 
edies for catarrh, leucorrhea 
and gonorrhea.” 
See the treatment of these 
diseases respectively in 
another part of this volume, for the proper mode of using 
it. It is also employed in the treatment of diarrhea, 
dysentery and sore-eyes. It is especially applicable for 
gleet and shingles. Parke, Davis & Co., of Detroit, pre- 
pare sugar-coated pills (and likewise the extracts) of this 
Yerba ltenma. HOW TO COLLECT AND PREPARE PLANTS. 
451 
plant, which are very pleasant to take. These prepara- 
tions can now usually be had at drug-stores, and are re- 
garded by physicians and druggists as a purer article 
than those prepared by other parties. 
HOW TO COLLECT AND PREPARE PLANTS. 
The different parts of a plant are to he gathered when 
their peculiar juices are most abundant in them. 
Barks, whether of the roots, trunk or branches, must 
be gathered in Autumn or early in the Spring, when 
they peel off most easily. The most active barks are 
generally from young trees. 
After shaving off the outer portion of the bark, cut 
thinly and place in a good position in the shade to dry. 
Roots—After the leaves are dead in the Fall, or better 
in the Spring before the sap rises, are the times to col- 
lect roots. 
Seeds and Flowers—These should be gathered and 
dried in the shade, only after they are fully ripe. 
Medicinal plants—They should be taken while in 
blossom, and dried in the shade ; but they may be gath- 
ered at any time before frost comes. 
Leaves should be collected while the plant is in 
flower, spread thinly on the floor of a room through 
which there is a constant current of air, and dried as 
quickly as possible. 
Fruits, Berries, etc., may be spread thinly upon 
the floor, or hung up in bunches to dry. 
All vegetable medicines should be kept in a dry and 
dark place, as, for instance, in tin cannisters, which are 452 
HOW TO PEEP ARE HERBS FOR USE. 
superior to any kind of vessel for powders. Roots are* 
best kept in covered boxes. Tinctures, syrups, etc., arc 
best kept in bottles, whose outsides are painted black in 
order to protect the articles from the action of light. 
HOW TO PREPARE HERBS FOR USE. 
An infusion or decoction is to be made by adding one 
ounce of tlie plant, bruised, to a pint of water; the 
tincture, by adding an ounce of the powdered article to 
a pint of alcohol or brandy, and allowing it to stand for 
twelve days, frequently shaking; and the essence, by dis- 
solving one ounce of an essential oil in a pint of alcohol. 
Teas, otherwise called infusions, may be made by put- 
ting one handful of the herb into one pint of boiling 
water, and allowing it to stand for an hour. 
Decoctions may be made in the same way, but all 
the strength should be extracted by continuous boiling. DIVISION THIRD. 
MISCELLANEOUS. 
RECIPES, ETC., ETC. 
Asthma. 
This disease has often been cured 
"by the use of chestnut-leaves. The 
dry leaves are used after they have 
become ripe in Autumn, and a tea- 
cupful of the tea made from these 
is to be drunk at breakfast each 
morning. 
Another—A remedy which is 
recommended as affording great 
relief in asthma is to add ten ounces 
of pure honey to one of caster-oil. 
Mix. Dose, one teaspoonful night 
and morning. 
To Relieve Pain in the 
Breast. 
Drink freely of a tea of the buds 
or twigs of sycamore. If the tinc- 
ture is used, a teaspoonful may be 
taken, two or three times a day. 
Bruises and Sprains. 
Arnica and Milk Remedy—Bathe 
the affected parts with hot milk 
and arnica, in the proportion of 
.nine parts of the former to one of 
the latter, and in severe cases, im- 
merse the whole limb in the solu- 
tion. This is a new combination, 
but it is meeting1 with remarkable 
success in the treatent of these diffi- 
culties. 
Acidity of the Stomach 
and Heartburn. 
Take the inside portion of the 
gizzards of chickens, clean them 
carefully' with a knife, hut do not 
wash them; then dry, powder and 
bottle for use. Dose a half teaspoon- 
ful after each meal. When prepared 
and used as directed it will effect a 
timely cure of these difficulties. 
Bee-Stings. 
Wet indigo and apply. It will at 
once cure stings of any insects. 
Bronchitis. 
Equal parts of sage and mullein 
leaves give much relief in this dis- 
ease and have in some cases effected 
a permanent cure. The dried leaves 
are to he smoked. 454 
RECIPES, ETC. 
Burns, Scalds and 
Wounds. 
The following is most excellent 
for burns, scalds, cuts, old sores, 
chapped hands, piles, pimples, etc : 
Linseed oil, eight ounces; white 
beeswax, two and a half ounces; 
carbolic acid (Culvert’s), three 
drachms; alcohol, three drachms; 
mutton-tallow, half-ounce. Boil 
the linseed-oil fifteen or twenty 
minutes and then add the beeswax 
and mutton-tallow. Put the car- 
bolic acid and alcohol together in 
a bottle, and add to the others drop 
by drop, while hot, in order that it 
may not run over. When all are 
added, stir until cold. Apply by 
means of a cloth, three or four 
times a day. It is also far superior 
to glycerine to keep the hands 
soft and smooth. 
Another—Apply immediately a 
thick covering of wool to the burnt 
part; in the course of half an hour 
very little pain will be felt and 
scarcely any blister will remain. 
As this remedy is so simple, no 
housekeeper should be without 
loose wool at hand, in case of an 
accident. This remedy was dis- 
covered by the child of a wool- 
comber having been, dreadfully 
scalded; its mother laid it in a bas- 
ket of newly carded wool, whilst 
she ran for a doctor; when she 
returned, she found the child fast 
asleep amongst the wool and when 
it awoke the excessive pain had 
subsided. We have frequently tried 
it and invariably with success.— 
Hall. 
Another — Apply to a burn, 
bruise, or cut, the moist surface of 
the inside coating of the shell of a 
raw egg; it will adhere of itself 
and heal without pain. 
Canker of the Mouth. 
When the ulceration is rapidly 
spreading-, the following- should he 
used : To a teacupful of soft water 
add five drops of muriatic acid, 
mix well and use as a wash. The 
same should he given internally at 
the same time, in teaspoonful doses, 
once in four hours. 
Another—An excellent remedy 
to use as a wash, when the ulcera- 
tion is external, is carbolic acid and 
water, prepared hy adding about 
ten drops of the acid to a tumbler 
of water and stir well together. 
Apply several times a day. 
Chilblains. 
Cut an onion in thick slices and 
with these rub the chilblains thor- 
oughly for two or three nights, 
before a good fire and they will 
soon disappear. * 
For Coughs and Colds. 
To two quarts of soft water add 
one-half teaspoonful of flaxseed, 
three ounces of licorice, three of 
raisins, each cut in two parts. Boil 
very slowly until reduced to near a 
quart. Then add two tablespoon- 
fuls of lemon-juice (if it is not at 
hand use vinegar) and sweeten to 
the taste. Dos§, two tablespoon- 
fuls every three or four hours and 
double that amount on retiring at 
night. This cures bad colds in a 
day or two. It has cured many 
colds in a fortnight that had begun 
to exhibit signs of consumption. 
Dr. Randell gives the following 
as a favorite remedy for colds: 
Take the common white turnip, cut 
into thin slices and sprinkle pow- 
dered rock-candy between them, 
and when dissolved take from a. RECIPES, ETC. 
455 
half to a tablespoonful four or five 
times a day. 
Another—To one teacupful of 
white sugar, add the same amount 
of raw-water and a small-sized 
onion cut in pieces. Boil the whole 
together down to a syrup. Dose 
from one-fourth to one-third tea- 
spoonful, after each coughing-spell; 
and in a day or two your cough will 
be cured. 
For Chapped Hands, 
Lips or Wounds. 
Invaluable Ointment—Obtain a 
pint of sweet cream, let it simmer 
over the fire or on the side till it 
resembles butter and forms a thick, 
oily substance, which may be used 
as ointment for fresh or old wounds, 
cracked lips or hands. 
Chapping. 
Take sub-nitrate of bismuth two 
drachms and double the quantity 
of fresh lard. Mix and apply to 
the parts and a cure will very rap- 
idly be effected. 
Cracked Lips and 
Tongue in 
Fever. 
Add one drop of the tincture 
of arsenic to a tablespoonful of 
water. Dose, one teaspoonful e\reiy 
two hours, until the cracks dis- 
appear or the scabs come off. This 
is a prompt remedy for the above 
difficulties and also mitigates the 
fever itself. 
Colic. 
An injection of warm water will 
usually afford speedy relief, in the 
case of either an infant or an adult. 
Chills and Fevers. 
A strong tea of garden strawberry 
roots drunk freely will not unfre- 
quently effectually cure the chills 
and fever. 
Cobweb in Chills and 
Fever. 
Take sufficient cobweb to make a 
common-sized pill, cut it tine Avith 
a pair of scissors and mix it in a 
tablespoonful of molasses and use 
at one dose. Take a dose every hour 
for two or three hours and repeat 
each day before the attack. If pre- 
ferred the cobweb may be made 
into pills with mucilage of starch 
or guin-Arabic. This remedy lias- 
cured many persons of the chills.. 
Membranous Croup. 
Give from five to eight drops of 
the fluid extract of Jaborandi every 
half-hour. This is a sovereign rem- 
edy for this form of croup. Dr. 
Dover regards it as almost a spe- 
cific. 
Cancers. 
When cancer of the breast is sus- 
pected, the patient should at once 
commence the use of the tincture of 
poke-root in five-drop doses three 
times a day and at the same time 
apply it to the tumor by means of 
cloths saturated with it. This 
treatment will generally remove 
the tumor. 
To Cure Corns. 
A single drop of the sesquipede 
chloride of iron, put on a corn be- 
tween the toes once a day with a 
camel’s hair brush, will effect a mar- 
velous cure. 456 
RECIPES, ETC. 
Consumption. 
A Remedy from the Lone Star 
State—Tar, three tablespoonfuls; 
strained honey, three tablespoon- 
fuls; yolks of three fresh eggs; wine, 
one-half pint. Dose, one table- 
spoonful three times a day, before 
meals. Dr. East, a distinguished 
physician of that State—Texas— 
says, “It is superior to all other 
remedies of which I have any 
knowledge in the treatment of this 
disease.” 
Mullein a Cure for Consump- 
tion—Make a strong decoction of 
mullein, sweeten with coffee-sugar 
and drink freely two or three times 
a day. Continue its use three to 
six months. Young or old plants 
either may be used when dried in 
the shade. A writer in speaking of 
it says, “ It has been known to cure 
a number of cases after hemorrhage 
of the lungs had set in and the hec- 
tic flush was on the cheek.” 
For Dyspepsia. 
Dr. A. L. Clark gives the follow- 
ing as an efficacious remedy: Boil 
down a tea of smart-weed into a 
thick extract, make into pills the 
size of a pea. Dose, one pill imme- 
diately after each meal. 
Another—Four tablespoonfuls of 
lime-water. Mix with a cup of 
milk. To be taken once a day. 
This is very excellent in some forms 
of dyspepsia. 
Syrup for tlie Dysen- 
tery, 
(Which, it is said, has never 
failed in thirty years). 
Rhubarb and wild-cherry bark, a 
handful; four tablespoonfuls of 
sugar; simmer awhile. Dose, a 
tablespoonful to an adult, every fif- 
teen minutes, until the pain ceases. 
Make it fresh every day. The 
above is taken from a work called 
the “ Indian Physician ” and is pro- 
nounced infallible in dysentery. 
Diptlieria. 
Tincture of iron - 3 teaspoonfuls. 
Chlorate of potash 1 “ 
Syrup - - - - 2 tablespoonfuls. 
Water - - - - 6 “ 
Dose—One teaspoonful every two 
or three hours. No water is to be 
used after it. This is a very popu- 
lar remedy with some physicians. 
To Remove Dandruff. 
A most admirable remedy for 
this purpose is to take one-fourtli 
of a pound of hemlock-bark, steep 
in one quart of water to one pint 
and wash the head in it three times 
a week. 
Salt and Vinegar for 
Diarrhea. 
Take good cider-vinegar, one- 
fourtli tumblerful; common table- 
salt, one tablespoonful; hot water 
enough to fill the tumbler. When 
the salt is dissolved, give as warm 
as can be taken, from half a tea- 
spoonful to a tablespoonful, accord- 
ing to age, every five or ten min- 
utes, until the whole is taken. If 
it should be vomited up, repeat the 
quantity and in from six to ten 
hours, should the disease not be 
checked, repeat the dose. It is a 
splendid remedy. 
Epileptic Fits. 
As soon as there are any premon- 
itory symptoms give a teaspoonful RECIPES, ETC. 
457 
of salt in a little water and repeat 
in fifteen or twenty minutes. It 
prevents or shortens the fit. 
Another—They have often been 
cured by the simple use of the tinc- 
ture of asafeetida, given in half-tea- 
spoonful doses twice a day, when 
the first symptoms of an attack are 
discovered. 
For the Removal of 
Freckles. 
Lemon-juice mixed with water 
is a very good remedy for the 
removal of freckles. Mix and put 
in a well-corked bottle. Wash the 
hands and face with this several 
times a day (letting it stay on sev- 
eral minutes before drying with the 
towTel). This preparation is highly 
recommended by the celebrated 
Dr. Wilson, of London. 
Drink in Fevers. 
Take four ounces of raisins, four 
ounces of tamarinds, boil in three 
and a half quarts of water, quite 
slowly, for five or ten minutes; 
strain and add one-fourth pound 
wrhite sugar. This is excellent as 
a drink in all cases of fever. Take 
wineglass doses as often as the 
patient may wish. 
Fever and Ague. 
In some parts of the Southern 
States cotton-seeds are reputed an 
excellent remedy for some forms of 
fever and ague, by boiling one pint 
of the seeds in three pints of water 
down to one pint. 
One-fourth to one-half of this to 
be drunk warm one hour before the 
expected return of the chill. This 
is generally sufficient, but if not it 
is to be repeated. 
For the Gravel. 
Take of the root of Jacob’s ladder 
two ounces. Make into a decoction 
to be taken as a common drink. 
Said to be infallible for the gravel. 
Sick Headache. 
An eminent medical author says, 
“The most efficient preparation I 
ever used is composed of one tea- 
spoonful of prepared charcoal, pure 
baking-powder, one-half teaspoon- 
ful and twenty drops of essence of 
peppermint; mix well together and 
take at one dose. To he repeated 
every thirty minutes until relief is 
obtained. The patient should be in 
a dark room on his back. Bathe 
the head with equal parts of warm 
vinegar, spirits and rain-water. 
Nervous Headache. 
Take from one-half to a teaspoon- 
ful of firwein three times a day. 
This is a new remedy and those 
who have employed it praise it 
highly. 
Another—One drachm of oil of 
peppermint; one drachm of sul- 
phuric ether; mix; apply to the 
head with a piece of cloth or sponge. 
This will give immediate relief in 
many instances. 
For Hooping Cough. 
Dr. Cook, of Philadelphia, recom- 
mends the black cohosh as a very 
valuable remedy in rendering the 
cough less violent and bringing the 
disease to a more speedy termina- 
ion. The dose of the tincture for 
a child one year old is five to eight 
drops four or five times a day; for 
a child two to three years old, from 458 
RECIPES, ETC. 
ten to fifteen drops in a little 
sweetened water. 
Another—One pint of white- 
vinegar, one pound of rock-candy, 
two fresh eggs. Mix thoroughly. 
Dose, a teaspoonful four or five 
times a day. This will relieve 
hooping cough to such an extent 
that it will not be very trouble- 
some. 
Another—Dr. Ira Warren, of 
Boston, gives the following: A 
solution of nitric acid in water as 
strong as lemon-juice, sweetened, 
is a veiy valuable remedy, breaking 
up the disease in two ortliree weeks. 
The child may drink it freely a lit- 
tle further reduced with water. 
Petroleum or Mecca-Oil for 
Hooting Cough—This comes very 
highly recommended for the relief 
of this disease. A dose is from two 
to three drops three times a day. 
Poison Vine {Rhus Tox). 
Add one teaspoonful of grindelia 
robusta to half a glass of water; 
freely apply it to the affected part 
with a cloth or sponge. Dr. Funk- 
houser says in cases in which he has 
employed it, it acted like a charm, 
promptly and satisfactorily. 
Incontinence of Urine. 
For this difficulty in children 
give one or two drops of the tinc- 
ture of belladonna in sweetened 
water every night until relieved. 
A Cure for Suppressed 
Menses. 
Make a strong tea of smart-weed 
and let the patient drink freely of 
it. Put the feet in hot mustard- 
water, for fifteen to thirty minutes.- 
It is best done at bed-time. 
Another—A strong tea of the 
hair-capped moss (known as birds’ 
wheat) will nearly always accom- 
plish the same purpose and that 
speedily. It should be drunk while 
hot and used freely. 
To Check the Flow of 
Milk. 
Take of powdered camphor-gum 
and powdered skunk-cabbage root, 
each one ounce; fresh lard, two 
ounces. Mix and spread on thick, 
brown paper and keep applied to 
the breast. This is the best remedy 
we have ever used for this purpose 
and it can be relied upon. 
Kidney-Disease. 
Use asparagus as a diet. This is- 
said to be very effective for the 
removal of this disease. 
Cure for Neuralgia. 
Horse-radish root, bruised and 
bound upon the face or other parts 
where the pain is located, has been 
found very valuable and will give 
relief in a great many cases. 
Another—Take equal parts of oil 
of peppermint and sulphuric ether 
and apply to the parts with a soft 
cloth or sponge. This will often 
relieve the most excruciating pain. 
Cure for Pin or Thread 
Worm. 
Frequent injections of lime-water 
are reported entirely effective for 
this purpose. RECIPES, ETC. 
459 
Cure for PoisomOak or 
Poison-Vine. 
Wash the parts four times a day 
with lime-water, and if the vesicles 
are broken apply sweet spirits of 
nitre and repeat next day. 
Another—Poisoning from these 
vines may be cured by bathing the 
parts with a solution of either bo- 
rax or copperas. 
Piles. 
Take the garden celendine stew 
in fresh lard and make an ointment 
of it. Apply twice a day. This, it 
is said, will cure when all other reme- 
dies fail. 
Rheumatism. 
Take two quarts of sliced pota- 
toes and add sufficient water to 
cover them; boil them until soft 
and then pour off the liquid and 
bathe the affected parts with it as 
hot as can be borne, night and 
morning. This simple remedy has 
been known to cure the most obsti- 
nate cases of rheumatism. Often- 
times relief is obtained after a few 
applications. 
Another—Simmer together for 
a short time bran and vinegar until a 
poultice of proper consistence is 
formed and apply tepid. I have 
known this simple mixture afford 
relief when all other applications 
have proved useless. 
This treatment will be found very 
effectual in curing inflammatory 
rheumatism; although the disease 
under the best treatment will be 
sometimes protracted, at other 
times it is cured very soon. 
Another—Dr. Hall says, “ Oil of 
mustard well rubbed into the skin 
of the part twice a day is one of the 
most efficient remedies known.” 
Chronic Rheumatism. 
Arnica and Milk Remedy— 
Bathe the affected parts with hot 
milk and arnica in the proportion 
of nine parts of the former to one of' 
the latter; use tw'o or three times a 
day. This is a new combination 
but is meeting with remarkable 
success in the cure of rheumatism. 
Sour Stomach. 
A sufferer from want of appetite 
and sour stomach can be greatly 
benefited by leaving all medicines 
alone and for a time subsisting 
entirely on milk and lime-water—a 
tablespoonful of lime-water to a 
tumbler of milk. If this disagrees in 
any way, increase the quantity of 
lime-water. 
Sprains. 
Take a large spoonful of hon- 
ey, the same quantity of salt, and 
the white of an egg ; beat the whole 
up incessantly for two hours, then 
let it stand for an hour and anoint 
the place sprained with the oil 
which will be produced from the 
mixture. This is said to have ena- 
bled persons with sprained ankles 
to walk in twenty-four hours en- 
tirely free from pain.—[King. 
To Relieve Pain iu the 
Side. 
Take a fresh cabbage-leaf, warm 
and bind it to the side; let it re- 
main ten or twelve hours, when the 
pain will generally be removed; 
but if not, repeat the operation. 460 
RECIPES, ETC. 
St. Vitus’s Dance. 
Take black cohosh, one-half ounce; 
valerian, one and a half ounce ; wa- 
ter, four tablespoonfuls. Dose, one 
teaspoonful, every four hours. If 
perseveringly used, it will afford 
permanent relief to almost any case. 
Wash for Sore Mouth. 
Powdered borax, one teaspoon- 
ful ; glycerine, ten teaspoonfuls; 
water, one-half teacupful. This is 
exeellent in sore and cracked lips 
and tongue, in typhoid and other 
fevers, in fissures, cracked or chap- 
ped hands, etc., and will make the 
roughest skin smooth and soft. 
Sty on the Eye. 
Apply two or three drops of 
harlem-oil on the lid which is affect- 
ed and carefully rub it along the 
edge and over the lid and it will 
effectually scatter the sty, unless 
very far advanced. This oil is like- 
wise good for weak eyes. 
Scrofula. 
A very excellent cure for this dis- 
ease is a tea of burdock-leaves. It 
is to be drunk freely three times a 
day. One author claims to have 
cured more than a hundred cases 
with it. 
Another—A coffee made of roast- 
ed acorns is an excellent remedy in 
all scrofulous affections.—Prof. J. H. 
Bundy, of the California Medical Col- 
lege. 
Another—A great professional 
remedy in the treatment of this dis- 
ease is the acetate of potash, one 
scruple to the ounce of water. Dose, 
fifteen drops, three times a day. 
Sick-Headache. 
When there is headache, with 
constipation, giddiness, etc., add 
five drops of the tincture of nux 
vomica to half a tumbler of water 
and after stirring well together, 
take a dessertspoonful every half- 
hour or hour, until the pain is 
removed. When the headache is 
accompanied with flushed face and 
heat of eyes, put three drops of the 
tincture of belladonna in a teacup- 
ful of water; mix well together and 
take as the above remedy. 
For Sore Eyes. 
A strong infusion of chick-weed 
(knot-grass) makes an excellent eye- 
water. The eyes should be bathed 
with it and a drop or two at a time 
put into them. 
Another—White sugar, one tea- 
spoonful ; common salt, one-half 
teaspoonful; the shell of one egg; 
water, one-fourth teacupful. Pow- 
der the egg-shell and boil in the 
water for five minutes; add one or 
two more tablespoonfuls of water; 
after boiling strain and add the 
sugar and salt and it is ready for use. 
For chronic sore eyes two or three 
drops put into them three or four 
times a day surpasses most reme- 
dies in use. 
To Remove Scurf from 
the Heads of Infants. 
A simple and effectual remedy 
for removing scurf is to add a lump 
of unslaked lime the size of a wal- 
nut to a pint of water; let it stand 
all night, then pour the water off 
from the sediment; add one gill of 
the best vinegar and wash the head 
with the mixture. RECIPES, ETC 
461 
Sore Throat. 
One of the best gargles for com- 
mon sore throat and to loosen 
phlegm is a teaspoonful each of 
alum, salt and tincture of Cayenne 
pepper. Use every two or three 
hours. 
Another—Yeast Gargle. Take 
yeast, a wineglassful; milk, a gill; 
sweeten with molasses. Excellent 
for sore throat. 
Poultice for Sore 
Throat. 
Take of May-weed or the flowers 
a suitable quantity, bruise to a soft 
pulp and boil for a short time in a 
small quantity of water; then stir 
in corn-meal until of a suitable 
consistence for a poultice, spread 
on thick cloth and apply to the 
neck, renewing when it becomes 
dry. This is recommended as being 
highly useful for the sore throat of 
scarlet fever and for all swellings 
and inflammations. 
Putrid Sore Throat. 
Take of the tincture of belladonna 
five drops, in a teacupful of water. 
Stir well. Of this, give from one 
to two teaspoonfuls every one or 
two hours, according to age and the 
severity of the disease. Prof. Hem- 
pel and other eminent physicians 
regard this as a specific in this dis- 
ease. 
Sores and Bruises and 
Neuralgia. 
The following is a favorite remedy 
for these difficulties : Raisin-stems, 
one ounce; jimson leaves (green or 
dry), one ounce; tobacco leaves, one 
ounce; fresh lard, three-fourths of 
a pound. After bruising the stems, 
put all into a vessel and simmer 
three hours. Strain. Cut a lump of 
beeswax double the size of a nutmeg 
into fine pieces; add to the above 
and heat slowly until melted, stir- 
ring until cool; at which time add 
two teaspoonfuls of spirits of tur- 
pentine and stir the whole until it 
is cool, when it is ready for use. 
This is superior to “ Trask's Celebra- 
ted Magic Ointment ” and will speed- 
ily remove soreness and pain and 
tend to heal rapidly. For neural- 
gia it should be applied over the 
painful part. A California physi- 
cian says, “ in my hands it has acted 
like a charm in relieving the pain.” 
Cure for Salt-Rheum 
or Tetter. 
Take half a pint of sweet cream, 
tie "St up tightly in a thick piece of 
linen cloth and bury it one and a 
half or two feet deep in the ground. 
Let it remain there two days, when 
it will be found as hard as butter. 
Apply this to the affected parts 
twice a day. This is said to be an 
effectual cure for this affection. 
Another—A strong tincture of 
blood-root, made in vinegar, is suffi- 
cient to cure almost any case of 
tetter, as well as ring-worm. Apply 
twice daily. The yellow-dock root 
similarly prepared and used is said 
to be equally as effectual as the 
blood-root. 
Cure for Toothache. 
Powdered alum will not only 
relieve the toothache, but prevent 
the decay of the tooth, by putting- 462 
RECIPES, ETC. 
a small portion in the tooth and 
covering it with cotton. 
Another—Salaratus put in and 
around the tooth will often relieve 
this difficulty. 
Another—The tincture of aconite 
is another very excellent remedy, 
applied on cotton, or equal parts of 
ammonia and water are likewise 
efficacious. 
For Tape-Worm. 
Kemela, two drachms; simple 
syrup, one tablespoonful. Mix and 
take at a dose, after fasting one 
day. Follow this in four or five 
hours with two tablespoonfuls of 
castor oil and one teaspoonful of 
spirits of turpentine. One dose of 
this medicine is usually sufficient 
to expel the tape worm. 
Ulcers. 
A strong decoction of -walnut 
leaves in which a small portion 
of sugar has been dissolved makes 
a valuable wash for cleansing and 
healing ulcers. 
Another—Permanganate of pot- 
ash, one teaspoonful; warm water, 
one-half pint. This is one of the 
best lotions ever applied to foul 
ulcers or sores. 
Another—Take of nitric acid 
half an ounce and a piece of zinc 
about an inch square. Cut this into 
small pieces and put them in the 
acid and when they are dissolved 
add a teaspoonful of lard. Mix and 
apply on a cloth to the ulcer once a 
day. This will cleanse ulcers of 
foul matter and cause them to heal 
rapidly. 
Sleeplessness. 
Hearty or late suppers frequently 
cause disturbed sleep and sometimes 
sleeplessness. The use of coffee and 
tea, late rising in the morning,strong 
mental emotions, reading, writing 
and mental application during the 
evening are among the chief causes 
of this derangement. 
Treatment—If sleeplessness or 
disturbed sleep arises either from 
eating too much at supper or from 
late suppers let the patient avoid the 
former and abandon forever the 
latter. 
Sponging the body with cold 
water before getting into bed will 
often procure sleep. Take care that 
the bedroom is not too hot, take 
plenty of out-door exercise and do 
not study late. 
Venereal Diseases. 
Drink freely four or five times a 
day, of a tea made, in the summer, 
of the tops and leaves and in the 
winter of the root, of tar-weed (grin- 
delia squarosa). This has cured the 
most inveterate cases of this disease 
where the parties have been unable 
to perform any labor for months 
in succession. This tea should be 
sweetened with honey and stand 
for three or four days until it fer- 
ments before it is drunk. Drink 
large quantities of it. 
Water-Brash. 
Charcoal, one ounce; lactopep- 
t’ne, one ounce; guarana, one ounce. 
Dose, one-half teaspoonful three 
times a day. This has proved effect- 
ual in the most obstinate cases of 
this difficulty, when all other means 
had failed. RECIPES, ETC. 
463 
To Stop Vomiting. 
Take salt, two ounces; Cayenne, 
•one ounce; vinegar, one quart. Mix. 
Dose, a tablespoonful whenever 
there is great nausea or vomiting. 
A writer says that this compound is 
the best remedy to stop vomiting 
that he had ever used. 
Another—A tablespoonful of a 
strong tea make of cloves, given 
every ten minutes will check vom- 
iting. 
Another—From a half to a tea- 
spoonful of pepper-sauce diluted 
with water will generally produce 
the same effect. 
Another—Strong coffee without 
milk or sugar will not unfrequently 
check vomiting. 
Salve. 
Linseed oil, beeswax, rosin and 
mutton-tallow, equal parts and heat 
only sufficient to mix or melt them 
together. This forms an excellent 
salve for all purposes where a salve 
is needed. 
Black or Healing Salve. 
Common resin, one-half ounce; 
beeswax, one-half ounce; Venice 
turpentine, one-quarter ounce; 
olive-oil, one pint. Put all in a 
vessel and raise almost to a boiling 
point. Then add slowly two and 
one-half ounces of red lead, while 
on the fire. Be careful not to burn. 
Boil very slowly until it becomes 
of a dark-brown color. After re- 
moving, when it becomes nearly 
cold, add one teaspoonful of cam- 
phor. This is a superior article for 
all healing purposes, especially for 
.scalds, fistulous ulcers, scrofulous 
sores, etc. It should be renewed 
daily. 
To Beautify the Hands. 
To a wineglass of glycerine add 
the yolk of two eggs. Mix very 
thoroughly or rub in a mortar and 
bottle for use. No better prepara- 
tion can be had for the hands. 
To Prevent Summer- 
Complaint in 
Children. 
Let them drink freely of slippery- 
elm-bark water. A little of the 
powdered bark boiled in milk is an 
excellent diet for children having 
summer-complaint. 
To Soften the Skin and 
Improve the Com- 
plexion. 
Mix sulphur in a little milk and 
after standing an hour or two if the 
milk (without disturbing the sul- 
phur) be rubbed into the skin, it 
will keep it soft and make the 
complexion clear. It is to be used 
before washing. In warm weather 
the amount necessary to be used 
must be prepared each evening, 
otherwise it will become putrid. 
Excessive Flow of 
Blood to the 
Head. 
Add thirty drops of the fluid 
extract of gelseminum (yellow jes- 
samine) to one-half a teacupful of 
water and give one teaspoonful of 
this every half-hour until relieved. 464 
RECIPES, ETC. 
Seidlitz Powder. 
Bicarbonate of soda, 40 grains; 
Rochelle salts, 120 grains. Mix and 
take at a dose in one-half tumbler 
of water. 
Salt-water Bath. 
Salt, one-half pound; water, one 
gallon. Mix. Use as a bath every 
morning. This should be used te- 
pid or nearly so. 
Neutralizing Mixture. 
Take of rhubarb (pulverized), two 
scruples; salaratus (pulverized), 
two scruples ; peppermint - plant 
(pulverized), two scruples ; add half 
a pint of boiling water and sweeten 
with loaf sugar. Dose, one tea- 
spoonful every one to two hours, 
according to the symptoms. This 
is one among the most valuable 
preparations in use for cholera- 
infantum, cholera, cholera-morbus, 
diarrhea, dysentery, etc. Its oper- 
ation and action appear to be spe- 
cific or almost infallible. This is 
the celebrated “Neutralizing Mix- 
ture.” 
For Vomiting. 
A few swallo-ws of warm water, 
sweetened with sugar, will often 
allay this difficulty. Remedies for 
vomiting should always be taken 
warm—as coffee, a tea of peach 
leaves, etc. 
For Singers and Public 
Speakers. 
Many have found tar-water to 
cleanse and open the lungs and 
thus impart ease and freedom in 
speaking. A quart of tar is to be- 
stirred into four times as much 
water, or it may be weaker, as the 
stomach can bear it. Of this take 
about a gill, mid-way between 
meals, four times a day. The best 
season in which to commence tak- 
ing this medicine is the Spring. 
Continue for two weeks or longer, 
if needed. 
Intermittent Fever. 
Among the simple remedies that 
have been found successful in the 
treatment of ague, charcoal is to be 
mentioned. It is said to have been 
especially successful in those cases 
in which the digestive organs have 
been more particularly affected and 
known by symptoms of nausea, 
vomiting, hiccough, flatulence, di- 
arrhea, dysentery, etc. The remedy 
has been given in doses of one- 
fourth to a half teaspoonful two or 
three times a day, along with arrow- 
root or some other substance by 
which it could be more readily 
swallowed. 
For Cleansing Cloth. 
A writer gives the following: 
“Instead of using ammonia and al- 
cohol for cleansing coat-collars and 
other soiled garments, we buy 
Aquila or Spanish bark, sold by 
our grocers and druggists. A piece 
eight inches long by four wide will 
cleanse a very dirty coat perfectly. 
Tear the bark into very small pieces, 
pour over it a quart of hot water 
and when it is nearly cold sponge 
the coat, beginning at the collar; 
hang it in the wind till dry and 
if any spots remain go over it again 
with the bark solution; then dry 
and press it. Silks, poplins, de- RECIPES, ETC 
465 
laines of delicate tints, can be per- 
fectly cleansed without affecting 
their color. Woolen goods should 
be immersed in the water, rubbed 
gently, rinsed in warm, soft water 
and ironed while damp. 
A New Cure for Warts. 
A medical writer recommends 
kerosene-oil. He says, “ When I 
began its use three months since, I 
had thirty-seven on my hands, some 
very large and painful. Where 
they were covered with hard cuticle 
I carefully pared it off and satu- 
rated them daily, using a camel’s 
hair pencil and common coal-oil. 
They began to disappear by absorp- 
tion in about two weeks and are 
now' entirely gone.” 
Another—Common salt and 
alum in equal quantities burned to 
a powder and bound on warts will 
remove them. The juice of garden 
celandine (touch-me-not) applied 
twice a day, is said to be effectual 
for removing wrarts. 
Wounds. 
Something Worth Knowing— 
Smoke the wound, or any bruise or 
wound that is inflamed, with burn- 
ing wool or woolen cloth. Twenty 
minutes in the smoke of wool will 
take the pain out of the worst 
wound, repeated two or three times 
it will allay the worst cases of in- 
flammation arising from a wound. 
It has saved many lives and much 
pain and is worthy of being printed 
in letters of gold and put in every 
home. 
White Swellings. 
In white swellings and other pain- 
ful diseases the application of heat 
in the form of steaming is attended 
with the happiest effects and, in- 
deed, is often a complete and sov- 
ereign remedy. Cases have been 
relieved and cured by it which had 
baffled the skill of our most noted 
physicians. This principle properly 
applied will mitigate the acute 
symptoms of white swellings, and 
similar complaints in fifteen or 
twenty minutes, and by its repeated 
•application will wholly remove the 
horrid sufferings of the patient. 
Healing Salve. 
One-half pound beeswax, one- 
half pound salt butter, one-quarter 
pound turpentine, six ounces of 
balsam of fir. Simmer slowly for 
one-half hour, when it is ready for 
use. Dr. M. Curtiss says he has 
used this preparation for sores, 
wounds, burns, etc., for thirty years 
and has never found anything to 
surpass it. 
To Prevent Hair Fall- 
ing Out. 
Make a strong decoction of white- 
oak bark in water and use it freely. 
It is best to make hut little at a 
time and have it fresh at least once 
a fortnight. 
Cravats 
Should not he worn so tight as to 
compress the many large vessels 
of the neck, which connect with the 
brain, and they should never, under 
any circumstances, be worn during 
the night. 
How to Keep Sick- 
Kooms Cool. 
It consists in opening the win- 466 
RECIPES, ETC. 
'dows wide and covering the open- 
ings with cloths steeped in water. 
It is well known how largely water 
in passing from the liquid to the 
gaseous state, absorbs caloric. This 
absorption lowers the temperature 
of the room from five to six degrees 
in a few minutes, and the humidity 
diffused in the air causes the heat 
to be more readily endured. By this 
system patients, even in the hottest 
time in the summer, find themselves 
in a perfectly fresh atmosphere. 
Japanese Cleansing 
Cream for 
Clothing. 
Castile soap, three ounces; am- 
monia, four ounces; ether, one 
ounce; spirits of wine, one ounce; 
glycerine, one ounce. Cut the soap 
fine and dissolve in one quart of 
water, then add all the other ingre- 
dients and bottle for use. This prep- 
aration will thoroughly clean and 
renovate kid gloves and the finest 
articles of wearing apparel and 
brighten the colors without the 
least injury to their texture, remov- 
ing grease from clothing, etc. 
To Keep Flies Away. 
No fly it is said will enter a room 
where wreaths of walnut leaves 
are hung. The experiment is worth 
trying. 
Mosquito-Bites. 
As a remedy for mosquito-bites 
keep a vial of glycerine at hand and 
apply freely to the bites. It will 
relieve the irritation and swelling 
at once. One application is gener- 
ally sufficient. 
- To Fill a Decayed 
Tooth. 
When a tooth is too much de- 
cayed to be filled by a dentist or 
the person is at a distance from one, 
gutta-percha will he found an use- 
ful expedient. Drop a small piece 
of this substance in boiling water, 
then taking olf as much as will 
probably fill the tooth nearly level, 
press it, while soft, into the cavity. 
Then hold cold water in the mouth 
on that side, to harden it. It has 
been known to preserve a tooth 
two years at least and keeps it free 
from cold. 
Sweating Feet. 
Tannin is an admirable remedy 
for sweating feet. Half a teaspoon- 
ful sprinkled in tlm stockings for a 
few days strengthens the skin with- 
out interrupting too much the per- 
spiration. 
Protection from Mos- 
quitoes. 
These pests have a great dislike 
to the odor of the oil of cinnamon 
or cloves. Mix one-half teaspoon- 
ful of the oil (not the essence or 
spirit) with an ounce of spermaceti 
ointment and rub it upon the face 
and hands. 
To Keep Butter. 
A simple mode ot keeping butter 
in warm weather where ice is not 
handy is to invert a common flower- 
pot over the butter with some 
water in the dish in which it is 
laid. The orifice at the bottom 
may be corked or not. The porous- 
ness of the earthenware will keep 
the butter cool. RECIPES, ETC. 
467 
Watery Potatoes. 
If your potatoes are watery put a 
piece of lime about as large as a 
hen's egg in the pot and they will 
come out as mealy as you please. 
To Remove Ink and 
Fruit-Stains. 
Ten grains of oxalic acid in 
half a pint of water will remove all 
ink and fruit-stains. Wet the article 
in hot water and apply it to the top 
of the bottle so that the liquid will 
reach it, then rinse it well. 
How to Remove Dry 
Paint. 
Dry paint is removed by dipping 
a swab with a handle in a strong 
solution of oxalic acid and apply- 
ing. It softens it at once. 
How to Remove Berry- 
Stains from a Book, 
Paper or En- 
graving. 
The fumes of a brimstone-match 
will remove berry-stains from a 
book or paper or engraving. 
Something for the La- 
dies. 
Science has made a discovery of 
a new method of bleaching white 
goods. It is simple as it is said to 
be efficacious and is vouched for by 
<3erman chemists. It consists in 
dissolving one part oil of turpentine 
in three parts strong alcohol and 
placing a tablespoonful of the mix- 
ture in the water for the last rins- 
ing. The clothes are to be im- 
mersed in this, well wrung' out and 
placed in the open air to dry, not in 
a room. 
" r 
Methods of Purifying 
Water. 
Water is purified by—1, filtration 
through gravel, sand or soft, porous 
stone and charcoal. Or, 2, it may 
he sweetened and improved by 
charcoal, coarsely pulverized and 
thrown into a vessel of water. 3, 
by boiling and distillation. 
Beds Rendered 
Healthy. 
Beds, instead of being made up as 
soon as people rise out of them, 
ought to he turned down and ex- 
posed to the fresh air from the 
open windows through the day. 
Feather-beds, especially for youth 
and in warm weather, are very un- 
healthy and should never be used 
except in very cold weather. 
They should be opened every 
third year, the ticking washed, the 
feathers dressed and returned. 
Damp Walls. 
An excellent means of removing 
this difficulty is to wash them with 
a strong solution of alum-water. 
How to Make Baking- 
Powder. 
Take cream Tartar, five ounces; 
bi-carbonate of soda, two ounces; 
common starch, two ounces; mix. 
This is the composition of baking- 
powder sold by grocers. 468 
RECIPES, ETC. 
A Cooling Drink for Fe- 
vers and Other 
Diseases. 
A quantity of tamarinds infused 
in water forms a very refreshing and 
excellent drink, for sick and conva- 
lescents from diseases, especially 
from fevers. While at the same 
time it keeps the bowels open and 
the feces soluble. 
Good Bitters. 
One among the best stimulating 
and strengthening bitters, where 
something of this kind is needed, is 
made of the bark of the root or of 
the berries of prickly ash. It Avill 
also very often cure the rheuma- 
tism. 
To Prevent Sickness 
After Exposure. 
Bathe the feet and hands thor- 
oughly in warm Avater at night, 
after being exposed to cold or Avet 
during the day and one Avill seldom 
experience any of the bad effects 
Avhich often proceed from these 
causes. 
To Cause the Whiskers 
and Moustache to 
Grow Rapidly. 
Use a stimulant of the ashes of 
burnt-tobacco and bay-water and 
shave the parts frequently. 
To Prevent Danger 
from Wet 
Clothes. 
Keep in motion and do not go 
hear the tire or in any very Avarin 
place, so as to occasion sudden heat 
until after you have been able to 
obtain dry clothes. 
To Remove Dandruff. 
Take of ardent spirits, one-third; 
castor-oil, two-thirds; mix and ap- 
ply to the scalp of the head and 
immediately afterwards use the 
comb. The dandruff will come off 
in masses. Afterwards, wash thor- 
oughly with castile soapsuds; 
though in cases, as with men, when 
the hair is not long, the washing 
may be dispensed Avith. 
This is the best remedy we have 
ever known. A single application 
is often sufficient. 
Remedy for Rheuma- 
tism. 
First bathe the affected part \ATell 
with warm water, then rub Avith a 
liniment composed of equal parts 
of pure oil of juniper-berries and 
spirits of turpentine. The oil of the 
berries must be clear, pure and free 
from a yelloAvisli or brown tinge. 
This is reputed a soA'ereign remedy 
for the cure of rheumatism. 
Suppression of Urine in 
Pregnancy. 
One of the best remedies in use is 
to stew onions in SAveet-oil to the 
consistency of a poultice, and apply 
to the loAver part of the abdomen. 
We have never knoAvn it to fail in 
giving immediate relief. 
To Banish Mosquitoes. 
Sprinkle a little brown sugar on 
some hot coals in your room; it 
will certainly banish these unwel- 
come intruders for the night. RECIPES, ETC. 
469 
For Cholera. 
A remedy which has never been 
known to fail for the cure of chol- 
era, cholera-morbus, diarrhea, dys- 
entery, summer complaint, etc., is 
Tinct. Cayenne, - - one-half oz. 
“ Opium, - - - “ “ 
“ Rhubarb, - - - “ “ 
Essence peppermint, - “ “ 
Tinct. camphorated spirits, “ “ 
Soda, “ 
Thirty drops for an adult, five to 
ten drops for a child. This remedy 
should always be kept on hand 
during the summer. One dose is 
generally sufficient. 
To Cure Toothache. 
Take a paper of tobacco, pour 
upon it a wineglassful of warm 
water, squeeze out part of the 
moisture, and after placing the 
pulp upon a slice of bread, apply it 
as a plaster to the face. It is an 
effectual remedy for it in its worst 
form, the ague in the face. 
For Acute Bronchitis. 
The following is a cure for bron- 
chitis : Take honey in the comb, 
squeeze it out and dilute it with a 
little water, occasionally moisten- 
ing the lips and mouth with it. It 
has never been known to fail, even 
where children had throats so 
swollen as to be unable to swallow. 
For Sore Throat. 
When the throat first begins to 
feel sore, take a slice of salt pork 
(the salter the better) sprinkle it 
well with black pepper, and bind 
it around the throat with flannel 
just before going to bed at night, 
and in the morning the pain will 
have departed. 
For Chapped Hands. 
Make a funnel of a sheet of ordi- 
nary newspaper, ignite the larger 
end and hold it down so that the 
smoke will pass out at the smaller 
opening. Hold the affected hand 
over the smoke until stained a 
light-brown color. It is the oil of 
the smoke that cures, and it is said 
to effect an immediate cure. 
Chilblains. 
Put on a pair of cotton socks, 
dip your feet in cold water, and 
draw on your woolen stockings 
outside; then go about your busi- 
ness as usual. The torment will 
be assuaged in about two minutes, 
and a cure for the season effected in 
a few days. 
Another — To cure chilblains, 
simply bathe the parts affected in 
the liquor in which potatoes have 
been boiled, at as high a tempera- 
ture as can be borne. On the first 
appearance of the ailment, indica- 
ted by inflammation and irritation, 
this affords almost immediate re- 
lief. In the more advanced stages, 
repetition prevents breaking out, 
followed by a certain cure; an occa- 
sional application will operate 
against a return, even during the 
severest frost. 
To Take Paint off of 
Clothes. 
Rub with spirits of turpentine or 
of wine, either will answer if the 
paint is but j ust put on. But if it is 
allowed to harden, nothing will 
remove it but spirits of turpentine 
rubbed on with perseverance. Use 
a brush, sponge or a soft rag. 470 
THINGS WOKTH KNOWING. 
THINGS WORTH KNOWING. 
Prevention of Fevers as well as other Diseases. 
If persons in the first stages of many diseases, such as 
fevers especially, would drink freely of warm sage or 
other herb-tea, then go to bed and take a good sweat, 
they would succeed in breaking up the disease at once, 
and thus save themselves from a great deal of suffering 
and expense, and perhaps escape more fatal conse- 
quences. 
To Beautify the Teeth. 
To a pint of boiling water add one ounce of borax, and 
before it is entirely cold add thirty drops, or half a tea- 
spoonful, of the spirits of camphor and bottle and cork 
tightly for use. 
This preserves the teeth and gums, removes the tartar, 
arrests decay and makes them very white. When used 
add two or three teaspoonfuls of the liquid to as much 
tepid water. Apply with a soft brush. 
Blood-Purifier. 
Burdock-seeds, or the roots mixed with sarsaparilla and 
"bitter-sweet, equal quantities, say one ounce of each, 
boiled in three pints of water. Dose, two or three table- 
spoonfuls twice a day. 
A tea either of ground-ivy or ground-centaury is also 
excellent for this purpose. So is also sassafras. The THE COMPLEXION. 
471 
burdock alone, if the other articles cannot be obtained, 
answers a very efficient purpose. 
The Complexion. 
Painting—The use of white paint affects the eyes, 
which it renders painful and watery. It produces pim- 
ples, attacks the teeth, destroys the enamel and loosens 
them. It heats the mouth and throat, infecting and cor- 
rupting the saliva. Lastly, it penetrates the pores of the 
skin, acting by degrees on the lungs and inducing dis- 
ease. Powdered magnesia or violet powder is no further 
injurious than by stopping the pores of the skin; but 
this is quite injury enough to preclude its use. The best 
cosmetics are early hours, exercise and temperance. 
To keep the Hands Smooth. 
Apply pulverized starch. Those who often have their 
hands in dish-water or suds should rinse them thoroughly 
in clear water, wipe them, and while yet damp rub a 
pinch of starch thoroughly over them and the desired 
result will be produced. 
Wash for the Complexion. 
Add grated horse-radish to sweet milk; let it stand 
half a day, then apply with a linen rag. 
Another—Take one-quarter pint of pure alcohol, two 
quarts of strong soapsuds, half drachm of rosemary; 
mix and apply as above. 
Ice-Water. 
In hot weather ice-water should he taken in small 
quantities at a time, if drunk at all; otherwise derange* 472 
THINGS WORTH KNOWING. 
ment of the digestive organs is liable to ensue, which 
will result in laying the foundation of other troublesome 
diseases. It is best, in fact, if health is a consideration, 
to dispense altogether with the use of it as a drink. 
Good Cathartics. 
Manna, for children and delicate persons, is one among 
the best cathartics, for it is mild and pleasant. Children 
will eat it the same as candy. The dose is from one to 
two ounces for an adult, and from a drachm to half an 
•ounce for children. 
Senna is another certain cathartic. As the taste is 
rather unpleasant, it is frequently combined with some- 
thing else, as cloves, ginger and the like. Add quarter 
of an ounce of the leaves to a teacupful of boiling water; 
with a few cloves and a teaspoonful of cream of tartar, it 
forms a good purgative; for a grown person it should be 
given at one dose, and divided for children according to 
age. But, as heretofore stated, the less cathartics taken, 
as a general rule, “ the better the patient is off.” Thou- 
sands are ruined by them. 
How to keep Ointments and Salves. 
These should not be kept any length of time, for they 
become rancid. Many of those which are purchased in 
drug-stores are worthless on this account. When you 
make such articles yourself you Icnoio they are fresh and 
pure. Keep closely covered, in a cool place. 
Spirits of Turpentine and how to keep it. 
Purchase this from the apothecary, and you are less 
apt than otherwise to get an article which is adulterated 
with benzine. LIME-WATER. 
473 
Turpentine should always be kept in a colored bottle, 
•or one that is pasted over with a thick piece of blue 
paper, in consequence of the action of the light on this 
substance. In using it keep it away from lamp, candle 
or flame. 
Lime-Water. 
A bottle of this should always be kept prepared for use. 
It is not only desirable as an antidote to many poisons, but 
it is valuable as a remedy in various diseases (given in dif- 
ferent parts of the book under their appropriate heads). 
It can be made by taking a piece of unslaked lime (as 
to the size it does not matter, because the water will take 
up only a certain quantity), put it into a bottle and fill 
with cold water. Keep it in a cool place and the bottle 
corked and where it is dark, such as a cellar. It can be 
used in a few minutes after made, poured off when it is 
needed for use. When the water is exhausted fill the 
bottle again. This may be done three or four times 
before renewing the lime. 
Mustard. 
Ground mustard should always be kept in every house 
and in a convenient place where it can be found. 
The kitchen cannot always be depended on for a sup- 
ply, and the delay caused by sending and getting some, 
in cases of many poisons, often decides the case. 
Strict care should be taken to keep the mustard in a 
tight, wide-mouthed bottle, otherwise the active princi- 
ple will escape from the powder into the air and be lost. 
A valuable Poultice. 
As a poultice for all kinds of local inflammations, as 474 
THINGS WOKTH KNOWING. 
wounds, sores, scalds, ulcers, tumors, gatherings and the- 
like, there is nothing, perhaps, superior to elm-bark, and 
in many cases it has no equal. One ounce of the powder 
stirred in a little hot water or equal parts of milk, is suf- 
ficient for any ordinary-sized poultice. But the fresh 
bark pounded soft and moistened with water, makes as- 
good if not better poultice than the powdered bark. 
For the Prevention of Baldness. 
A medical writer says, “ After trying many remedies, 
but all in vain, I have finally found a successful one; 
which is the German or French soft, green soap. Take 
two ounces of the soap and the same amount of 
alcohol, and twenty or thirty drops of the oil of lavender 
as a perfumer. 
This is used as a shampoo, every morning or evening 
pouring one or two tablespoonfuls on the head. Upon 
the addition of water and a smart friction with the fin- 
gers, a copious lather is soon produced. After keeping 
up the shampooing process for some four or five min- 
utes, all the soap must be washed out of the hair by the 
free use of warm or cold water, and the hair thoroughly 
dried by means of gentle friction with a soft towel. The 
immediate effect experienced is a disagreeable feeling of 
tension of the scalp ; as if it were stretched too tightly 
over the skull. To obviate this effect and to keep the 
scalp from getting too dry, it is necessary to follow up 
the shampooing with castor-oil one part, to alcohol three 
or four parts. But the best, as well as the neatest pre- 
paration that I have employed for this purpose, is cosmo- 
line. This is a product obtained from petroleum, and is. 
comparatively cheap. HAIR-RESTORATIVE. 
475 
Hair-Re stor ati ve. 
Castor-oil 5 ounces. 
Aqua ammonia 1 “ 
Tincture Spanish flies \ “ 
Alcohol 1 quart. 
Oil of lemon, 
“ Bergamot, 
“ Lavender, 
- of each, 2 ounces. 
Mix and shake well before using, every morning when 
the hair is falling. Keep the bottle well corked. If the 
hair seems dry and harsh and full of dandruff, wash the 
head with egg and rain-water before using the restorative. 
This will be found an excellent means of restoring the 
hair, as its use will attest. 
Night-Air. 
An extraordinary folly among people is to dread the 
night-air. Yet what air can he breathed at night except 
the night-air ? Then the choice is between pure niglit- 
air from without and impure night-air from within. 
Most people prefer the latter. Such a choice seems un- 
accountable. But what will they say, if it be proved 
true, that a large proportion of all the diseases from 
which we suffer is occasioned by people sleeping with 
their doors and windows shut ? An open window, dur- 
ing most nights of the year, can not hurt any one. 
Night-air is often the best and purest that can be ob- 
tained at any time of the twenty-four hours. One can 
more easily understand why windows should be shut in 
cities and towns during the day than during the night; 
especially so far as sick people are concerned. The ab- 
sence of smoke and dust and the quietude, tend to make 
the night-time the most opportune for opening the win- 
dows and airing the patient’s room. 476 
THINGS WOKTII KNOWING. 
Position in Sleep. 
The better position to occupy in sleep is on the right 
side. This gives the contents of the stomach a chance to 
pass out more readily than if lying on the left side or on 
the back. If you sleep on the left side the contents of 
the stomach pass up instead of down, in which case 
gravitation hinders instead of aids in the work. If you 
have eaten a hearty meal and go to sleep on the back, 
the weight of the food rests on the great vein near the 
back-bone and hinders the flow of blood. 
Some physiologists claim that it is better to sleep with 
the “ head to the North,” both in health and sickness. 
The pillow should be only thick enough to allow the 
head to be on a line with the shoulder when lying on the 
side, that is, to be a very little above a horizontal line, 
for then it is easier for the heart to throw the blood to 
the head through the arteries, while there would be a 
little incline to favor the descent through the veins. 
The Feet and the Stockings. 
Ill health is generated by neglect to keep the feet 
clean. The poisonous exudations, by not being removed, 
are gradually absorbed again into the system by the 
large pores that are located on the bottoms of the feet. 
It is, therefore, necessary that they should be washed 
daily with pure water. 
This neglect to keep the feet clean, coupled with the 
pernicious habit of wearing the socks four or five days 
or a week without change, is a very prolific cause of dis- 
ease. Stockings or socks should not be worn more than 
a day or two at a time. A good way is to wear them one 
day, then leave them off one day until they are aired, 
when they may be worn another day. If they are worn 477 
LIME FOR PRODUCING PERSPIRATION. 
longer, the fetid, offensive matter from the feet that is 
deposited on the socks is readily taken into the system 
and blood by the absorbent vessels of the feet. 
Lime for producing Perspiration. 
When the health of the patient will not permit, or it is 
not desirable to disturb him, the following is a good 
means of producing perspiration: Take a piece of lime, 
about the size of an ordinary apple, wrap it in a piece of 
wet muslin and cover with several thicknesses of dry 
cloth, place four or five of these thus prepared at different 
places around the patient, and perspiration will be very 
rapidly induced. 
Cathartics, Pills, etc. 
In reference to these medicines, Dr. Wildie says, 
uln actual practice it so seldom happens that an 
aperient, such as castor-oil, is required, that in my thir- 
teen years’ experience, during which time an extensive 
public appointment gave me 1300 fresh cases annually, 
besides dispensary and private practice, I did not give 
an aperient three times in a year, and then it was only 
a dose of castor-oil. This conclusively proves the non- 
necessity of purgatives as used by the old practitioners. 
“ I regard the administration of purgative-pills or 
aperient mixtures as totally out of the question; worse 
than useless. I have never prescribed such abominations 
since I abandoned the old methods of treatment. 
“In case of being forced to give aperients by the 
patient’s obstinacy, let the following rules be strictly 
enjoined, viz.: 
“First—The use of an aperient is only a temporary 
expedient, and will never cure the patient. 478 
THINGS WORTH KNOWING. 
“ Secondly—Aperients are never to be used when the 
patient will use an injection. 
« Thirty—They should only be repeated after several 
days’ interval. 
“ Fourthly—They are never to be used where constipa- 
tion is only a symptom of fever, inflammatory action or 
the like, as in such cases the only proper way to relieve 
the bowels is to cure the fever or inflammation, after 
which the bowels will begin to act for themselves.” 
How to use a Syringe. 
As very few know liow to properly administer an in- 
jection, we submit the following directions: Take a 
wash-basin nearly filled with warm-water (about blood- 
heat is best). Grease the rectum-tube well before using 
it. Then, before introducing the instrument into the 
bowel, work it a few times through the water back into the 
basin. The object of this is to prevent injecting air into 
the bowel; fill it with water, for the reservoir of the in- 
strument being full of air, on the first squeeze it is 
driven into the bowel, and sometimes prevents the injec- 
tion being proceeded with. 
Then commence injecting, but proceed very slowly. 
This is one of the secrets of success. The sudden intro- 
duction of a large quantity of water stimulates the mus- 
cular action of the bowel to such an extent that there is 
felt an irresistible desire to evacuate or empty the bowels 
immediately, and this is one of the reasons why so many 
persons fail in using an injection. 
Should pain be felt, or the desire to evacuate come on, 
after about half a pint has been injected, wait a few min- 
utes until it subsides, and then go on again very cau- 
tiously, the pressure on the instrument being very slowly 
performed. The cause of the pain and of its disappear- SOOTHING-SYRUP. 
479 
ance is this: the bowel not being a straight tube bat 
flexed upon itself does not permit the water to traverse 
it readily, so that the fluid and wind displaced by the 
fluid are obstructed at each bend of the intestine, but it 
is only temporary, and, by waiting, the discomfort felt 
passes away and the injection can be proceeded with. 
The question is often asked, “ How much water shall I 
inject?” and this is a most important question to an- 
swer. The answer should be, “go on injecting till the 
desire to evacuate is too strong to resist, but you must 
not bring this on by too rapid an injection.” I have 
already stated that the wash-basin should be nearly full, 
and I said so for two reasons. In the first place the 
whole may be wanted, and in the second place if you 
have not enough water, it is very inconvenient to mix a 
fresh supply at that time. 
It must be borne in mind that the quantity of water 
required depends on the part of the intestines where the 
accumulation is. In some cases this is very high up, as 
in the ascending colon. In this case a large quantity of 
water will be required. In other cases the fecal mass 
may be in the rectum or descending colon, when a small 
amount will suffice. I am quite aware that in some cases 
only a pint of water may produce an evacuation. 
Some persons are unable to bear the introduction of 
more than a small quantity of fluid when all precau- 
tions are taken, as an instant desire is felt to discharge it. 
When the patient can not possibly retain more than a 
small quantity of water, it is better to repeat the injec- 
tion once or twice, as a second or third attempt will often 
succeed. 
Soothing-Syrup. 
For the benefit of those who are in the habit of giving 
their children sootliing-syrup, we give the composition of 480 
THINGS WORTH KNOWING. 
it, in order that they may know the character of the per- 
nicious stuffs with which they are dosing their children. 
This is what it is made of: A poor article of whiskyy 
morphine and simple syrup! A beautiful compound, 
truly, for mothers and nurses to feed their innocent- 
babes ! 
Winter-Shoes. 
Put on two pairs of socks when you have your meas- 
ure taken. Give direction also to have no cork or India- 
rubber about the shoes, but to place between the layers 
of the soles, from out to out, a piece of stout hemp or 
tow-linen which has been dipped in melted pitch. This 
is absolutely impervious to water—does not absorb a 
particle—while we know that cork does, and after a while 
becomes “ soggy” and damp for weeks. When you put 
them on for the first time, with your ordinary socksr 
they will feel as “easy as an old shoe” and you may 
stand on damp places for hours with impunity. 
Chemical Erasive Soap, 
Glycerine, 1 ounce. 
Sulphuric ether, - - - - 1| “ 
Alcohol, - 1} “ 
Aqua ammonia, “ 
Dissolve one and one-half ounces of castile-soap in 
two and a half pints of hot water, and add to the above. 
This will remove every particle of grease, from all 
kinds of cloth. 
It should be applied with a sponge or cloth, after 
which the garment should be sponged or rinsed with 
water. TO ESCAPE FROM FIRE. 
481 
To Escape From Fire. 
Creep with your face near the floor, as there the air is 
pure, even though the room he full of smoke. The hest 
means of escape from upper windows is hy knotted 
ropes; hut if a leap he unavoidable, throw out the beds 
first. "When a fire happens do not open the doors, as the 
fresh air, thus admitted, will increase the fire. Go down 
stairs on your hands and knees. Send children down 
hy a sack fastened to a rope. Burnt air is as great an 
enemy to fire as is water. Then the principal object 
should he to exclude the fresh air from without, and con- 
fine the air within. The prevailing practice of breaking 
windows is peculiarly mischievous and hurtful. 
Artificial Cream. 
Take milk, 8 tablespoonfuls. 
Sugar, £ pound. 
Corn-starch, 2 ounces. 
Dissolve the sugar first in a pint of water, then add 
the other ingredients and sufficient water to make a quart 
of the whole. This will be found an excellent substi- 
tute for cream. 
Successful Means of Catching Fish. 
Pat the oil of rhodium on the bait and no difficulty 
will be experienced in catching fish, for when there are any 
within a few yards of the bait they wall at once seize it. 
Smellage mixed with the bait is pronounced to be equal 
to rhodium. 
Fish can be easily and rapidly caught with the hands, 
with — 
Half-ounce of caceulus indicus, 
Half-drachm of oil of rhodium, 
Half-pound of cheese. 482 
THINGS WORTH KNOWING. 
Mix and break into small bits and throw into the 
water. It stupifies the fish for a short time when they 
can be picked up with the hands. 
Wash for the Face. 
Add a piece of gum-tolu, the size of a nutmeg or larger, 
to a small basin of soft water. After thirty minutes it is 
ready for use. A few applications will soften the skin, 
remove tan and to some extent freckles. This is much 
more valuable to beautify the complexion of young 
ladies than many of the costly and injurious cosmetics. 
Some use fine soap in connection with this. 
Sure Test of the Extinction of Life. 
If a limb of the body—a finger is best for the purpose— 
be constricted by a strong ligature, quite tightly, there 
will, if the subject be yet alive, be seen a reddening of 
the constricted member. First, the part in question 
becomes red, then the red color becomes darker and 
darker and deeper in hue, till it is finally converted into 
a bluish-red, the whole limb being from its tip to the 
ligature which encircles it, of a uniform color, except 
that at the region immediately around the ligature itself 
there is to be seen a narrow ring, which is not bluish-red, 
but white. The bluish coloration of the nails or of the 
finger-tips, so often seen on the dead body, as well, too, 
in certain cases of blood-disease, need not be regarded as 
any source of fallacy, for, after the ligature of a finger, 
as long as life remains in the body, the whole of the 
limb from the place of the ligature to the extremity will 
be uniformly blue-red, but if the coloration do not take 
place, or only at a circumscribed spot on the limb, it can 
be with certainty concluded that the spark of life is 
extinct. TO DESTROY ANTS. 
483 
To Destroy Ants. 
Ants are averse to strong scents. Camphor will pre- 
vent their infesting a cupboard, or a sponge saturated 
with creosote. 
Drop some unslaked lime on the mouth of their nest 
and wash it in with boiling water; or dissolve some cam- 
phor in spirits of wine, then mix with water and pour it 
into their haunts ; or tobacco-water has been found effec- 
tual. To prevent their climbing up trees, place a ring of 
far about the trunk. 
Brine for the Preservation of Butter. 
To three gallons of brine strong enough to bear an 
egg, add a quarter of a pound of nice white sugar and 
■one tablespoonful of saltpetre. Boil the brine and when 
it is cold strain carefully. Make your butter into rolls 
and wrap each roll separately in a clean, white muslin 
cloth, tying up with string. Pack a large jar full, weight 
the butter down and pour over the brine until all is sub- 
merged. This brine will keep really good butter per- 
fectly sweet and fresh for a whole year. Be careful not 
to put upon ice butter that you wish to keep for any 
length of time. In summer, when the heat will not 
admit of the butter being made into rolls, pack closely 
in small jars, and, using the same brine, allow it to cover 
the butter to a depth of at least four inches. This 
excludes the air and answers very nearly as well as the 
first method suggested. 
Measuring Hay. 
To measure the contents of a stack of hay proceed as 
follows: If it is a round stack, tapering to a point from 484 
THINGS WOKTH KNOWING. 
the ground, measure the width of half-way between the 
ground and the peak of the stack; multiply this width 
by itself and divide by 7854; this will give the average 
area of the surface covered by the stack. Then multiply 
that by the height from the ground to the point where 
the width was measured. If these measurements are 
feet, the sum found is the cubic feet in the stack. If the 
hay is timothy, orchard grass, millet or Hungarian, five 
hundred feet will make a ton, or a cubic eight feet each 
way. If the stack is very sohd, and was cut when dead 
ripe, three hundred and fifty feet will make a ton, or a 
cube of seven feet each way. If the hay is mixed with 
clover, about seven hundred feet, or a cube of nine feet 
each way, will make a ton. If it is all clover, or light 
meadow-grass or red-top, nine hundred feet will be 
required to weigh a ton, unless it is pressed very hard, 
when some allowance must be made. These estimates 
are made from notes of a great many stacks and mows 
of various kinds and will give a fair average. 
Keep Ammonia in the House. 
No housekeeper should he without a bottle of spirits 
of ammonia, for besides its medical value it is invaluable 
for household purposes. It is nearly as useful as soap, 
and its cheapness brings it within reach of all. Put 
a teaspoonful of ammonia into a quart of warm soap- 
suds, dip in a liannel cloth, and wipe off the dust and fly- 
specks, and see for yourself how much labor it will save. 
No scrubbing will be needful. It will cleanse and 
brighten silver wonderfully. To a pint of suds mix a 
teaspoonful of the spirits, dip in your silver spoons, forks, 
etc., rub with a brush and polish with chamois skin. 
For washing windows it is very desirable; put a few 
drops of ammonia on a piece of paper and it will readily OVER-TRAIXIXG. 
485 
take off every spot or finger-mark on the glass. It will 
take out grease-spots from every fabric; put on the 
ammonia nearly clear, lay blotting-paper over the place 
and press a hot flat-iron on it for a few moments. A few 
drops in water will clean laces and whiten them as well; 
also muslins. Then it is a most refreshing agent at the 
toilet-table; a few drops in a basin of water will make a 
better bath than pure water, and if the skin is oily it 
will remove all glossiness and disagreeable odors. 
Added to a foot-bath, it entirely absorbs all noxious 
smell so often arising from the feet in warm weather, and 
is valuable for cleaning the hair from dandruff and dust. 
For cleaning hair and nail-brushes it is equally good. 
Over-Training. 
The premature death of John C. Heenan, the antagon- 
ist of Sayers, will serve to impress the fact, which ought 
now to be well known, that the excessive and severe 
“ training ” which is customary amongst athletes prior 
to attempting feats of strength and agility, is detrimen- 
tal rather than serviceable to the health. Nothing, 
indeed, is better calculated to break down a strong con- 
stitution than ordinary habits of indulgence, alternated, 
with fits of “ hard training.” 
The Ilealth Tree-Blue Gum. 
M. Gimbert has been long engaged in collecting evidence 
concerning the Australian tree, Blue-gum or Eucalyptus 
globulus, the growth of which is surprisingly rapid, at- 
taining besides gigantic dimensions. This tree pos- 
sesses an extraordinary power of destroying miasmatic 
influence in fever-stricken districts. It has the singular 
property of absorbing ten times its weight of water from 486 
THINGS WORTH KNOWING. 
the soil, and of emitting antiseptic camphorous effluvia. 
When sown in marshy ground it will dry it up in a very 
short time. The English were the first to try it at the 
Cape, and within two or three years they completely 
changed the climatic condition of the unhealthy parts of 
the colony. A few years later its plantation was under- 
taken on a large scale in Algeria. At Pardock a farm, 
situated on the hanks of the Hamyze, was noted for its 
extremely pestilential air. About 13,000 of the euca- 
lyptus were planted there. In the fever-season not a 
single case occurred; yet the trees were not more than 
nine feet high. Since then complete immunity from 
fever has been maintained. The farm of Ben Macliydlin 
was equally in bad repute. In five years the whole 
ground was dried up by 14,000 of these trees, and farmers 
and children enjoy excellent health. At the factory of 
the Gue de Constantine, a plantation of eucalyptus has 
transformed twelve acres of marshy soil into a magnifi- 
cent park, whence fever has completely disappeared. In 
the island of Cuba this and all other marsh-diseases are 
fast disappearing from all the unhealthy districts where 
this tree has been introduced. A station-house in the 
Department of the Yar was so pestilential that the offi- 
cials could not be kept there longer than a year. Forty 
of these trees were planted, and it is now as healthy as 
any other place on the line. 
This tree is now being cultivated very extensively in 
California, from whence ere long we expect to have re- 
ports of what it will do for that part of the United 
States. 
Influence of Marriage on the Duration of Life. 
M. Bertillon lately read before the Academy of Medi- 
cine a paper on the relative influence of marriage and CARPETS, DUST ABfD DISEASE. 
487 
celibacy, based on statistical returns derived from 
France, Belgium and Holland. In France, taking the 
ten years 1857-66, he found that, in 1000 persons aged 
from 25 to 30, 4 deaths occurred in the married, 10.4 in 
the unmarried, and 22 in widowers; in females at the 
same age, the mortality among the married and unmar- 
ried was the same—9 per 1000, while in widows it was 17. 
In persons aged from 30 to 35, the mortality among men 
was, for the married, 11 per 1000, for the unmarried, 15, 
and for widowers, 19 per 1000; among women, for the 
married, 5, for the unmarried, 10, and for widows, 15 per 
1000. There appears to be a general agreement of these 
results of marriage in Belgium and Holland, as well as 
in France and Paris. 
Carpets, Dust and Disease. 
An atmosphere impregnated with the dust which lias 
been gathered in carpets and remained there for a con- 
siderable length of time is positively unhealthy. The 
dust, after being stagnant for some time, especially in 
warm weather, presents myriads of animal cuke. To 
prevent the evil the carpet should be cleaned often. The 
dust should be thoroughly removed every month. The 
trouble of taking up, shaking and replacing will be am- 
ply repaid, lirst in the matter of health, and secondly in 
preserving the carpet. We advise the good housewives 
—there are many—to make a note of this. 
Pure Air in the Kitchen. 
It is an essential to health that the air of the kitchen 
should he as pure as that of the parlor, because food 
prepared in foul air partakes of the foulness to a great 
extent. A little sink near a kitchen door-step, inadver- 488 
THINGS WORTH KNOWING. 
tantly formed, has been known, although not exceeding 
in its dimensions a single square foot, to spread sickness 
through a whole household. Hence, everything of the 
kind should be studiously obviated, so that there should 
be no spot about a farmhouse which can receive and 
hold standing water, whether it be the pure rain from the 
sky, the contents of a wash-basin, the slop-bowl or the 
water-pail. 
Airing Beds in the Morning. 
There is too little attention paid to this important 
requisite to health. The wise house-keeper should see 
to it that all the beds should be aired immediately after 
being occupied. The impurities which emanate from the 
human body from insensible perspiration are made up 
of minute atoms, which, if allowed to remain long, are 
absorbed by the bed, and will then, to a greater or less 
extent, vitiate the air for a considerable time afterwards. 
Let the occupant throw the bed open on rising, and as 
soon as is convenient open the windows and ventilate the 
sleeping room. One hour’s early ventilation is worth 
two hours’ late airing. 
How to Arrest Coughs. 
Any sensible person will always endeavor to suppress 
coughing, sneezing and other morbid phenomena of re- 
spiration, as such actions sometimes become annoying 
to others, and are therefore proportionably distressing to 
the subject of the affection. We have sometimes heard 
an eloquent minister pause a few moments in his ser- 
mon, and, with eyes directed to the spot whence the 
cause of the interruption proceeded, request that an 
effort might be made to arrest it. What would have HINTS TO BA.TIIERS. 
489 
been given under such circumstances to know that by 
simply pressing the nerves in front of the ear, the cough 
would occasion no further trouble ! Hard pressure on the 
roof of the mouth, or on the nerves of the lip in the 
neighborhood of the nose, will have a similar effect; the 
latter is well known to prevent sneezing. Hiccough also, 
though in a less degree, is arrested by pressure in the 
front of the ear. Children, and possibly a few vain and 
selfish persons might be unwilling to try such simple 
expedients, preferring the observation or sympathy 
which they sometimes endeavor to secure by some 
idiosyncrasy of the kind. But that the will exerts a 
forcible power in the matter is very evident; and thus 
the apparently arbitrary threats, “ Whoever coughs 
will go to bed at seven to-night,” “ The first patient who 
coughs will be deprived of his food to-day,” sometimes 
resorted to in the case of children and patients, are 
fully justified by the results. We are assured that a 
French nurse employed this means of arresting a cough 
with great success. 
Hints to Bathers. 
The Royal Humane Society has issued the following 
notice: Avoid bathing within two hours after a meal, 
or when exhausted by fatigue or from any other cause; 
or when the body is cooling after perspiration; or alto- 
gether in the open air if, having been a short time in the 
water there is a sense of chilliness with numbness of the 
hands and feet; but bathe when the body is warm, pro- 
vided no time is lost in getting into the water. Avoid 
chilling the body by sitting or standing undressed on 
the banks or in boats after having been in the water. 
Avoid remaining too long in the water; leave the 
water immediately there is the slightest feeling of 490 
THINGS WORTH KNOWING. 
chilliness. The vigorous and strong may bathe early in 
the morning on an empty stomach. The young and 
those who are weak had better bathe two or three hours 
after a meal; the best time for such is from two to 
three hours after breakfast. Those who are subject 
to attacks of giddiness or faintness, and those who 
suffer from palpitation and other sense of discom- 
fort at the heart, should not bathe without first consult- 
ing their medical adviser. 
To Clean Ladies’ Black Dress-Goods. 
Take common lager beer, and, with a sponge or black 
cloth, rub it on the right side of the goods, then iron on 
the wrong side. This process will also stiffen the goods 
and render them as glossy as when first purchased. A 
cheap and very convenient recipe for making old dresses 
new. 
Spine-Complaint. 
It is asserted by those who should know the facts, that 
in Ireland and other countries where milk-pails, etc., are 
continually carried on the head, no such ailment as spine- 
complaint is to be found! And there is yet another very 
important point in rearing children, often neglected for 
want of thought, viz., teaching them to go to sleep in a 
proper and healthy attitude. The head should be but 
little raised; the chin on the pillow, not bent down on to 
the chest; the mouth shut, and, above all, the backbone 
stretched straight; or, if at all bent, bent into a hollow 
curve, like a horse’s back, instead of into a round curve 
like a pig’s. WHAT IS IX THE BED-ROOM- 
491 
Wliat is in the Bed-room. 
If two persons are to occupy a bed-room during the 
night, let them step on a weighing scale as they retire, 
and then again in the morning, and they will find their 
actual weight is at least a pound less in the morning. 
Frequently there will be a loss of two or more pounds, 
and the average loss throughout the year will be a pound 
of matter, which has gone off from their bodies, partly 
from the lungs and partly through the pores of the skin. 
The escaped matter is carbonic acid and decayed vege- 
table, animal matter or poisonous exhalation. This is 
diffused through the air in part and part absorbed by 
the bed-clothes. If a single ounce of wool-cotton be 
burned in a room, it will so completely saturate the air 
with smoke that one can hardly breathe, though there 
can only be one ounce of foreign matter in the air. If an 
ounce of cotton be burned every half hour during the 
night, the air will be kept continually saturated with 
smoke, unless there be an open window or door for it to 
escape. Now the sixteen ounces of smoke thus formed 
is far less poisonous than the sixteen of exhalations from 
the lungs and bodies of two persons who have lost a 
pound in weight during the eight hours of sleeping; for 
while the dry smoke is mainly taken into the lungs, the 
damp odors from the body are absorbed both into the 
lungs and into the pores of the whole body. Need more 
be said to show the importance of having bed-rooms well 
ventilated and of thoroughly airing the sheets, coverlets 
and mattresses in the morning, before packing them up 
in the form of a neatly made bed ? 
In the Pacific Medical Journal, Dr. McNutt has 
recently exposed the system in San Francisco, and, if we 
Soothing-Syrup. 492 
• THINGS WORTH KNOWING. 
are to believe the records which from week to week 
appear in the daily papers, “our withers are not 
unwrung.” His attention was first called to the baneful 
effects and the enormous consumption of Mrs. Winslow’s 
Soothing-Syrup by an article in the California Medical 
Gazette. The author had been called to see a child aged 
six months, apparently in a dying condition from the 
effects of some narcotic poison. He found that this 
soothing-syrup was the only medicine which had been 
administered, and of it the child had taken two teaspoon- 
fuls within ten hours. There were remaining in the vial 
from which the two teaspoonfuls had been taken, ten 
drachms, which yielded, on analysis by a skilful chem- 
ist, nearly one grain of morphia and other opium 
alkaloids to the ounce of syrup. Dr. Murray, in the 
article already referred to, says, “I have ascertained 
that there are about one hundred thousand two-ounce 
bottles of it sold annually in this city, containing about one 
hundred and eighty thousand grains of morphia, which 
are given annually to the infants of this State.” If the in- 
fants of California consume two hundred thousand ounces 
of soothing syrup, it is but fair to assume that there is 
seventy-five times that amount used in the whole United 
States, which would make fifteen million ounces of syrup, 
or about fourteen million grains of morphia. Setting 
aside the direct cost of this nostrum, it would be scarcely 
possible to estimate the damages which the people of 
the United States sustain indirectly from its use. 
Asparagus as a Medical Agent. 
A medical correspondent, on whose statement we can 
most implicitly rely, informs us that the advantages of 
this plant are not sufficiently estimated by those who 
suffer from rheumatism and gout. Slight cases of rlieu- WHAT OUR WHISKIES AND TEAS ARE MADE OF. 
493 
matism are cured in a few days by feeding on this 
delicious esculent; and more chronic cases are much 
relieved, especially if the patient carefully avoids all 
acids, whether in food or beverage. The Jerusalem- 
artichoke had also a similar effect in relieving rheuma- 
tism. The heads may be eaten in the usual way, but tea 
made from the leaves of the stalks and drunk three or 
four times a day, is a certain remedy, though not equally 
agreeable 
What our Whiskies and Teas are made of. 
An analytical chemist here, acting in behalf of the 
editor of a spirited journal, The North British Daily 
Mail, has lately been making a number of investigations 
into the composition of the different kinds of whisky and 
tea as sold in our city. The result of his examination of 
these articles, which he tells us he procured indiscrimin- 
ately from several retail shops scattered throughout the 
city, discloses a state of matters sufficiently shocking to 
deter many of my townsmen and townswomen from ever 
indulging in either of these popular beverages again 
without previously submitting them to a chemical analy- 
sis. 
The adulterants found in whisky were fusil oil, naptha, 
sulphuric and hydrochloric acids, sulphates of copper 
and zinc, shellac, turpentine, etc. These ingredients it 
appears are added to the genuine article to enable the 
dealer to mix with it a larger proportion of water than it 
would otherwise take up without detection by his cus- 
tomers ; they therefore give a fictitious strength to the 
whisky, and thereby delude the thirsty folk who swallow 
it into the belief that they are being supplied with the 
utmost value for their money. The effects which follow 
the immoderate and long-continued use of the purest 494 
THINGS WORTH KNOWING. 
alcohol are serious and deplorable enough, but what 
they must be when that intoxicant has been adulterated 
with such noxious elements as we have mentioned, we 
leave to your readers’ imagination. 
Out of twenty-seven samples of black tea that were 
analyzed only six were found to be genuine, while of 
eight specimens of green tea examined, all were more or 
less mixed with foreign matters. The substances em- 
ployed in the adulteration consisted of exhausted tea- 
leaves; the leaves of camelia sasanqua, cliloranthus 
inconspicuus and officinalis, willow, hawthorn, oak, sloe, 
elm, beech and elder, pieces of the rind of some plant of 
the pomegranate order, catechu, clove and cinnamon 
buds, turmeric, starch, indigo, Prussian blue, China clay, 
sand, chalk, gypsum, salts of iron, etc. 
Few persons who daily partake of what they inno- 
cently believe to be the “ cup that cheers but does not 
inebriate,” are aware that they are pouring into their 
delicate stomachs such disgusting and poisonous matters 
as this chemist assures us are rarely absent from the tea 
sold in the shops of our city. What is true of Glasgow 
there is too much reason to fear is equally true of all the 
towns and villages in the United States ; for, while some 
part of the adulteration may be, and no doubt is, car- 
ried on by the small retailers, the greater part is unques- 
tionably effected by experienced manipulators on a large 
scale in London, San Francisco, New York and China. 
After the above revelation, who will have the courage to 
drink his beloved beverage as" heretofore ? For our own 
part we have long suspected the purity of our so-called 
tea, and have substituted for it sometimes milk and 
water, and at other times hot water slightly sweetened, 
and not unseldom plain cold water, not only with much 
advantage to our digestive organs, but with no inconsid- 
erable saving to our pocket. 495 
EXERCISE. 
Exercise. 
Exercise strengthens and invigorates every function of 
the body, and is essential to health and long life. No 
one in health should neglect to walk a moderate distance 
every day, and if possible in the country, where the pure 
and invigorating air can be freely inhaled. Walking is 
the healthiest as well as the most natural mode of exer- 
cise. Other things being equal, this will insure the 
proper action of every organ of the body. The walk for 
health should be diversified, and if possible include 
ascents and descents and varying scenery, and be alter- 
nated, when circumstances admit of it, with riding on 
horseback, active gardening or similar pursuits; and 
with gymnastics and games of various kinds. Calis- 
thenics prevent deformities as well as cure them. A 
gymnasium should be attached to every school, whether 
for boys or girls. Athletic sports and manly exercise 
should form a part of the education of youth, nor 
should they be neglected in after life, especially by per- 
sons of sedentary pursuits. Many aches and pains 
would rapidly vanish if the circulation were quickened 
by a judicious and regular use of the muscles. These 
modes of exercise, practiced moderately and regularly, 
and varied from day to day, are much more advanta- 
geous than the exciting, immoderate and irregular 
exertions which characterize the ball-room, the hunting- 
field, and even the cricket-ground or the rowing-match, 
which are sometimes pursued so violently as to be fol- 
lowed by severe and permanent injury to the constitu- 
tion. In the case of very feeble and infirm persons, 
carriage-exercise, if such it may be called, and frictions, 
by means of bath-sheets and gloves, over the surface of 
the body and extremities, are the best substitutes for 
active exertion. 496 
THINGS WORTH KNOWING. 
The proper periods for exercise are when the system 
is not depressed by fasting or fatigue, or oppressed by 
the process of digestion. The robust may take exercise 
before breakfast; but delicate persons, who often become 
faint from exercise at this time, and languid during the 
early part of the day, had better defer it till from one to 
three hours after breakfast. Exercise prevents disease 
by giving vigor and energy to the body and its various 
organs and members, and thus enables them to ward off 
or overcome the influence of the causes which tend to 
impair their integrity. It cures many diseases by equal- 
izing the circulation and the distribution of nervous 
energy, thus invigorating and strengthening weak organs, 
and removing local torpor and congestion. 
Invalids should always be moderate in their* exercise; 
take only short walks, avoid fatigue and not stand in the 
open air. The best time for them is in the forenoon, 
arranged so that they can rest for half an hour before 
dinner. They should never take exercise immediately 
before a meal or going to bed. 
Clothing. 
The adoption of artificial clothing by man serves three 
purposes—the regulation of the temperature of the body; 
protection from friction, insects and dirt; and ornament. 
In this climate clothing is chiefly employed for warmth, 
which purpose it secures by moderating or restraining 
the escape of heat from the body. Articles of clothing 
have no power in themselves of generating heat, and 
are designated as warm or cool just in proportion as they 
restrain or favor the escape of heat. Thus, a lady’s muff 
and a marble floor are ordinarily of the same tempera- 
ture ; but the sensation produced by each is widely dif- CLOTHING. 
497 
ferent, because the animal heat is retained by the muff, 
and rapidly carried off by the marble. Hence, for cloth- 
ing we select those substances which least conduct heat, 
such as the wool of sheep and the silk produced by silk- 
worms, which are superior, as non-conductors, to cotton, 
or linen. In this country we have recourse chiefly to the 
former in winter, and to the latter in summer, cotton and 
linen garments being coolest, linen cooler than cotton. 
There are several practical errors on the subject of 
clothing, committed perhaps by a majority of persons, 
to which we may briefly direct attention. “ The first 
and most obvious of these,” says the celebrated Dr. 
Baikie, “is wearing too much clothing in-doors or in bed, 
thereby both exhausting the natural powers of the skin, 
and exposing its action to a sudden check on going out 
into the cold air. This forms one of the principal objec- 
tions to the almost universal use of flannel, worn next 
the skin, and kept on even during the night, as is the 
practice with many persons. The skin is thus unnatur- 
ally excited, and in course of time loses its natural 
action; or, on the other hand, becomes so sensitive as to 
have its action checked on the slightest exposure.” “I 
never use anything else,” the same physician informs us,, 
“ than a light cotton shirt to sleep in, and strongly ob- 
ject to the common practice of sleeping in flannel.” 
Wearing flannel next the shin.—The prevalence of this 
objectionable habit suggests the necessity of a word of 
caution. It is well known that, even in otherwise nor- 
mal conditions, the skin of some persons is highly 
irritable and most unpleasantly excited by contact with 
flannel, and that when this exalted sensibility exists, the 
use of flannel next to the skin may develop decided 
physical alteration. It does this mechanically by re- 
taining the local heat and intensifying reaction. Cases 
of skin-disease often come before us in which pruritus 498 
THINGS WORTII KNOWING. 
is thus aggravated and the affection prolonged, especially 
when combined with neglect of proper washings. In 
congested conditions of the skin, or in diseased states of 
the nerves of the skin, flannel is inadmissible ; or if neces- 
sary to guard against vicissitudes of the weather, it may 
be worn outside a linen garment, as before suggested. 
The diseases in which this advice is especially applicable 
are, according to Dr. Tilbury Fox, certain skin-diseases, 
certain syphilitic irruptions, in their early stages, itch 
and prurigo. “ A remembrance of this little practical 
fact,” says the above author, “will sometimes give us 
the greatest cause to be thankful that we attended to it, 
trifling though it be.” Flannel, however is of great value 
in our variable climate, and may be generally worn 
through the whole year as a great protection to health 
and life. Even in summer weather flannel should not be 
cast aside, but a thin, light garment of that material 
substituted for a heavy one. 
Bed-clothing.—“A similar, but still stronger objec- 
tion applies to heavy bed-clothes, for the reason that, 
once under them, in the house of a stranger, you are 
entirely at their mercy. They throw you into a perspir- 
ation, and then you kick them off: this gives you a chill 
and you are compelled to take them back again, and so 
you go on, alternately roasting and freezing and con- 
stantly cursing, through the whole blessed night. Those 
heavy “ comforters,” as the country people call them, 
should be banished or burned as abominations. The 
diseases, colds and profanity they have occasioned are 
incalculable. They are not quite unendurable on an ex- 
tremely cold winter’s night, if one could be quite sure 
they wrould be found on his bed in no milder weather.”— 
Dr. Campbell. 
The color of clothing is not unimportant, light being 
preferable for the following and other reasons: 1. CLOTIIIjSTG. 
499 
White reflects the rays of heat which the black absorbs; 
at the same time it impedes the transmission of heat 
from the body. Light-colored clothes are therefore best 
both for winter and summer, retaining the heat in the 
former season and keeping it off in the latter. 2. Parti- 
cles which emanate from diseased bodies, as in mias- 
matic districts, and unhealthy accumulations, are much 
more readily absorbed by dark than by light clothing. 
Therefore, those who are exposed to contageous influ- 
ences in the sick-room, or in unhealthy neighborhoods, 
should wear light clothing. Dark clothes favor the 
transmission of contageous disease from house to house 
much more readily than light. Dark clothing imbibes 
odorous particles most readily, as the effluvia of the dis- 
secting-room, the smell of tobacco; and even the pecu- 
liar odor of city smoke is at once detected in black 
clothing by country people. 
Frequent changing and cleansing of clothes is another 
point deserving attention. The practice of adopting 
dark-colored instead of light-colored garments has fre- 
quently its origin in economy, dark clothes tolerating 
an amount of dirt inadmissible in light. It should be 
recollected, however, that dark garments contract dirt 
after being worn a little time as much as light, and if 
not changed and cleansed may favor the production or 
spread of disease. 
Thick, heavy clothing, the tissues of which are close 
and firm, is inconvenient. The textures of materials for 
clothing should be loose and porous, and contain air in 
their interstices—air being a bad conductor of heat. 
The advantage of having numerous light instead of 
fewer heavy coverings to the skin are these: The 
stratum of air interposed between each layer of covering 
being a non-conductor, they are relatively much warmer 
than a much greater thickness in fewer pieces; secondly, 500 
THINGS W0KTH KNOWING. 
they can be more easily laid aside to suit changing tem- 
perature ; thirdly, being lighter, they are less apt to 
overheat the wearer, and thus lessen the chance of a con- 
sequent chill. 
In China, one of the most changeable climates in the 
world, the variation in one day being frequently 35 or 40 
degrees, this is the mode adopted by the natives to pro- 
tect themselves : a working-man will often appear in the 
morning with fifteen or twenty light jackets on, one over 
the other, which he gradually strips off as the day gets- 
warm, resuming them again towards night. 
Other points may be briefly referred to.. Summer- 
clothes should not be put on too soon, or winter ones too> 
late. Thin-soled or liigh-heeled boots and shoes are 
destructive to health. High-lieeled boots or shoes tend 
to change the long axis of the body, directing the trunk 
backwards, and this altering the inclination of the pel- 
vis is likely to influence unfavorably the process of 
gestation. Other injuries that have resulted are, trouble- 
some corns, inflammation of the ligaments of the ankle- 
joints and of their sheaths, and even dislocation of this 
joint. Only the anatomist knows the frightful misplace- 
ment of the internal organs of the body that is caused 
by the suicidal habit of tight lacing. It gives rise, more 
or less, to that depression of spirits so common to young 
ladies; and worse still, occasionally originates or aggra- 
vates organic disease of the most serious description. 
The muscles of the body were intended to sustain it 
erect; but when stays are applied they soon become in- 
dispensable, by superseding the action of the muscles; 
and, in accordance with a well-known law of the muscular 
system, when they cease to be used they cease to grow, 
and become insufficient for the discharge of their natural 
functions. 
Finally, it may be stated that the clothing of children, BREAD AND ITS COMPOSITIONS. 
501 
whose feeble frames are less able to resist cold than 
those of adults, is generally insufficient. When a baby 
is divested of its long clothes, it is in danger of being 
insufficiently clad, the danger increasing when it can run 
alone and is more exposed to atmospheric influences. It 
can not be too strongly impressed upon those who have 
the charge of children, that the practice of leaving those 
parts exposed which, when grown up we find it necessary 
to clothe warmly, especially the lower limbs and abdo- 
men, is a frequent cause of retarded growth, consump- 
tion of the bowels, of the lungs, etc. Insufficient warmth 
of the body, whether in children or adults, renders the 
person more susceptible to disease. 
BREAD AND ITS COMPOSITIONS. 
Value of unbolted flour—By our system of grind- 
ing, bolting and separating wheat our tine flour contains 
but a little over half the quantity which has been provided 
for the wants of our systems in this important grain. 
The almost universal use of fine flour, instead of unbolted 
flour, is doubtless a fruitful cause of not only disease, 
but imperfect development of the system and its organs; 
in fact it is quite certain that here is to be found one of 
the most fruitful causes of consumption. And it would 
be far better if physicians would feed their patients with 
unbolted flour, and thereby supply the phosphorus that 
is found in this kind of flour, than to give them the vari- 
ous phosphates directly from the mineral kingdom for 
preventing and curing consumption. 
In the process of bolting flour, the dark portion is 502 
BREAD AND ITS COMPOSITIONS. 
separated almost entirely, and yet this is the nutritions 
portions of the grain, and that which, in a great measure 
nourishes the muscles and gives strength to the system; 
whereas the white or starch-portion of the grain is of 
"but little use except as a heat-producing agent; and, in 
this respect, it is far inferior to fat or oil; and most of the 
oil in wheat is contained in the dark or external portion 
of the kernel. 
Dr. Bennett says, “Now, if there is a well established 
fact emanating from experimental analysis, it is this: 
That superline or very finely bolted wheat-flour will not 
alone sustain animal life. This fact has been repeatedly 
demonstrated by Magendi, the greatest physiologist that 
ever lived. Having ascertained that the muscular and 
nervous tissues, including the whole brain or cerebral 
mass, was composed of nitrogenous matter, he readily 
concluded that starch or the fecula of wheat would not 
alone sustain animal life, for the reason that it contains 
not a particle of nitrogenous matter. Consequently, he 
found by experiment that animals fed exclusively on 
very finely dressed flour died in a few weeks; whereas, 
those fed on the unbolted, thrived. 
“ Then, again, by the repeated analyses of both Ameri- 
can and European chemists, it is abundantly demon- 
strated that the portion immediately beneath the external 
covering contains a very large per cent, of nitrogenous 
matter, which should be mixed with the internal, or non- 
nitrogenous, in order that the muscular and nervous 
systems be properly nourished. Add to this well known 
fact that the inhabitants of Scotland, Germany, Russia, 
as well as families and individuals in all parts of tlio 
world, who use almost exclusively unbolted flour, are 
seldom troubled with dyspepsia or indigestion, enjoy 
better health generally, and are possessed of much 
greater powers of endurance, and we have an array of RAISING DOUGH. 
503 
facts, which, if universally heeded, would consign the 
use of superfine flour, unmixed with this most nutritious 
or nitrogenous part, to oblivion.” 
A medical author, in his writings, observes that the 
worst cases of scurvy he ever treated were persons who 
lived almost principally on toast and bread made of 
superfine flour. 
The facts are, we feed our domestic animals the most 
nutritious and important part of the grain, and retain for 
our own use an inferior, heat-producing material, with a 
less amount of nutritious matter than was intended for 
our benefit. "We also lose the sweetest portion of the 
grain, and all of this is sacrificed to simple fineness and 
whiteness, notwithstanding our teeth are perishing for 
want of use. 
Many of the most important aliments of our bloodr 
brain and bone are found in the greatest abundance in 
the colored, outward part of the wheat, which we deem 
fittest for pigs ; so we fatten them and suffer ourselves. 
Raising Dough—Different methods are employed 
for this purpose, and some very objectionable ones. 
Dough is rendered spongy and light by the formation 
of gas through the mass, distending it and forming small 
cells. In the process of raising bread by the aid of 
yeast-leaven, salt or milk-risings, carbonic-acid gas is 
generated by the commencement of fermentation, which 
process is checked by baking. 
The use of leaven, or a portion of sour dough kept 
from a former baking, almost always gives a sour taste 
to the bread, caused by the presence of what is known as 
lactic acid; its use is therefore objectionable. 
The employment of chemical substances is likewise 
objectionable, and they should never be used for raising 
bread or biscuit. 
Bicarbonate of potash or saleratus and sour milk 504 
ANIMAL FOOD. 
should not be employed, as it is difficult to get the exact 
quantity necessary to neutralize the acidity of the milk ; 
and if enough is used to prevent a sour taste, an excess 
is very sure to remain in the biscuit, often sufficient to 
change the color and affect tlio taste. 
Yeast and salt or milk-risings are far preferable to 
either of the above: 
The mineral substances used for raising bread, such 
as bicarbonate of soda, that is, the baking-powder, 
cream of tartar, etc, are more or less impure, being 
adulterated with sulphurous acid, lime, alum, chalk, 
bisulpliate of potash, and various other preparations. 
And yet even when these miserable preparations are 
pure, there is no nutriment in them; they are only 
medicinal, and exert a disturbing action upon the 
healthy organism. Their habitual use is highly injur- 
ious, is the fruitful cause of much disease, and also does 
much toward preventing and impairing the physical 
development of the young. These poisons have no 
business in the kitchen, and should be speedily banished. 
AXIMAL FOOD. 
It is probable that the time has been, in the far 
distant past, when the men of earth did not use meat. 
And we know men now who, from their childhood, have 
never used meat, or even butter, and yet their systems 
are well developed, and they are robust, muscular 
men. 
We have medical writers who condemn the use of 
meat, as unnecessary and injurious. But most people AXIMAL FOOD. 
505 
•of our country have eaten meat, and their fathers for 
many generations "before them have done the same, so 
that their digestive systems are accustomed and accom- 
modated to the use of it; therefore it is not every one 
who can leave olf eating meat and continue to enjoy 
good health. 
Some physicians claim that they have been compelled 
to recommend the use of meat to their patients, and that 
its use resulted in a salutary effect. But there is no 
doubt that many will find themselves better in body and 
clearer in mind, if they will use less meat than they do. 
There is hardly a question that the human family 
would be better off to-day, in the aggregate, had they 
never used meat at all, than they are while using it in 
that excessive degree which is now common. But, in 
its use, we should doubtless do better to abstain from 
eating the flesh of those animals which the Jews were 
prohibited from eating. 
Hayward, in his history of Massachusetts, gives an 
account of a man living in Worcester county, who was 
able to go into the field and mow, at the advanced age 
of one hundred and sixteen years, and yet ate no meat 
from early childhood. 
The Hindoos are a healthy people, yet they live, to a 
great extent, on rice, and are capable of enduring strong, 
muscular exertions; while the flesh-eating foreigner 
suffers from the heat of the day and air of the night, 
and is troubled more or less with diseases of the liver, 
digestive organs, etc. The native races of Sierra Leone 
subsist on fruits and boiled rice, and are found to be 
long-lived and healthy, notwithstanding they live in 
one of the worst climates. 
The Indians, who reside in some parts of Mexico and 
South America, and who subsist almost entirely on vege- 506 
AXIMAL FOOD. 
table diet, are represented as being remarkably exempt 
from disease. 
The inhabitants of the Pacific islands, in their hea- 
then state, were well-built, fine, muscular, robust people, 
and their diet was almost exclusively vegetable. 
Hence it is not strictly essential that animal food be. 
employed by people, in order to insure health, bodily 
strength or longevity. 
On cooking animal footl—Cooking subserves sev- 
eral important purposes, and therefore demands more 
intelligent consideration than is usually given to it. 
Uneducated persons do not understand the reasons for 
certain preparations and processes, and only act accord- 
ing to custom and the traditions of the kitchen and the 
sick-room. Hetice, good food is wasted and spoiled, and 
both the healthy and diseased are disappointed of the 
anticipated flavor and nourishment. Cooking removes 
some things that might prove injurious, destroying any 
parasitic germs that may exist. It renders food more 
pleasant to the eye, agreeable to the palate, and digesti- 
ble by the stomach. It softens connective tissue, relaxes 
muscular fibre, coagulates albumen, and solidifies fibrine, 
thus making the whole substance less cohesive and more 
easily masticated, dissolved and assimilated. Previous 
beating and bruising facilitates the process, and makes 
the flesh more tender; hence the common custom of 
beating chops and steaks. The warmth of the food also 
aids digestion. 
In baking and roasting, effort should be made to pre- 
vent evaporation. Indeed, the perfection of cooking is 
to retain as much as possible of the constituent elements 
of the meat, and this is accomplished in the different 
methods adopted by subjecting the meat at first to a 
strong, quick heat, which contracts the fibres, coagulates 
the albumen at the surface, and thus closes up the pores 01ST COOKING ANIMAL FOOD. 
507 
by which the nutritions juices would escape. A lower 
and less rapidly acting heat will then suffice; for, there- 
after, the cooking goes on through the agency of the 
natural moisture of the flesh. Converted into vapor by 
the heat, a kind of steaming takes place, so that whether 
in the oven, on the spit or in the midst of boiling water, 
the meat is in reality cooked by its own steam. When 
properly prepared, instead of being dried up or insipid, 
the meat will be full of its own juice, which will flow 
forth as rich gravy at the first cut. 
Boiling—For this process a large joint is preferable. 
It should be put suddenly into boiling water, and re- 
main at boiling temperature for live or ten minutes. By 
the contraction and coagulation thus caused, the internal 
juice is prevented either from escaping into the water by 
which it is surrounded, or from being diluted and weak- 
ened by its entrance through the pores. The boiling 
may then cease, and the remainder of the process may 
go on most effectually at a temperature of 160° to 170°; 
indeed, the common mistake is to shrink and harden the 
muscular fibre by the maintenance of excessive heat. 
Boasting, to retain the nutritive juices, should take 
place quickly, and before a fierce fire at first; a lower 
heat, at a further distance from the fire, will then suffice. 
Broiling should be done in the same way. A beef- 
steak or mutton-chop should be done quickly over a hot 
fire, that the natural juices may be retained. 
Baking is but a method of roasting, but with this dif- 
ference, that it takes place in a chamber from which 
there is usually no escape for the volatile fatty acids 
which are generated. They, therefore, impregnate the 
meat and render it richer and stronger, and less adapted 
for weak digestion. 
Frying is, for the same reason, objectionable, because 
the fatty matter in which the meat is cooked produces an 508 
ANIMAL FOOD. 
excess of the volatile acids; moreover, the fat is often 
burnt, and thus changed in its character, and rendered 
unsuitable for invalids. 
Stewing is the best process for digestion. The meat 
should be just covered with cold water, then heated up 
and kept simmering, not boiling, till thoroughly done. 
The nutritive materials are diffused through the solid 
and liquid, which are then served up together. Hashing 
is the same process with meat previously cooked. But 
hashed or otherwise twice-cooked meat is very unwhole- 
some. 
There is another method of cooking, by which the 
meat is stewed in its own vapor alone. The meat is 
placed in a covered jar, the jar is put into water in a sauce- 
pan, and the water is made to simmer, and when a suf- 
ficient time has elapsed the meat is done, quite tender, 
and well adapted to the invalid. Warren’s Cooking 
Pot, and the “Norway Nest,” are constructed to prepare 
meat in this way. 
Soups, Broths, etc.—If, however, it is desirable to ex- 
tract the nutriment so that it may be given in a liquid 
form, the meat should be finely chopped or minced, put 
into cold water, and after maceration for a short time, 
gradually heated to a simmering temperature, at which 
it should be kept for half an hour if broth be required. 
But if soup be wanted the healing should go on to boil- 
ing point, and be maintained there, in order that the 
gelatine may be extracted to solidify the soup. Bones 
yield abundant gelatine, but require long boiling. It 
should be carefully observed that the minced meat 
should be put into cold water for a time, never into boil- 
ing water at first. 
It is a cause of regret to find how extensively the 
principles we have expressed in this section are disre- 
garded. Even in some well-informed circles there exists COFFEE AXD TEA. 
509 
lamentable ignorance or extreme carelessness as to the 
proper method of cooking animal food so as to utilize; 
its most valuable constituents. 
COFFEE AND TEA. 
It will probably not be questioned that there are cer- 
tain physical organizations that are injured by these 
drinks, and that strong tea and coffee are injurious in a 
greater or less degree to all classes of persons. But 
there is much difference of opinion in regard to the effects 
the general use of these articles has on the physical 
organization. We shall not, therefore, attempt to deter- 
mine to what extent, if any, they may be used with 
impunity, but submit an extract from an article on this 
subject by Dr. Ellis, in his valuable little book on 
•“Avoidable Causes of Disease ” : 
“ Coffee causes a great variety of symptoms. It causes- 
a peculiar form of headache which commences in tho 
morning, gradually increases until the middle of the day, 
or later, and then declines. Both coffee and tea palliate or 
allay the symptoms they cause, and patients always suffer 
from such symptoms for several days when they discon- 
tinue their use. Coffee excites the bowels to unnatural 
activity, and consequently weakens the digestive organs. 
It often entirely destroys the appetite for breakfast,, 
especially with children. It excites more powerfully 
than almost any other substance in use the sexual pro- 
pensity, and is a fruitful cause of licentiousness; and 
this over excitement is followed by premature impotency. 
“ Tea causes headache, violent palpitation of the heart 510 
COFFEE AND TEA. 
and a peculiar gone feeling at the pit of the stomach. 
These symptoms are worse when the patient lias been 
some time without tea, and are ameliorated when he 
again partakes. 
“ Coffee and tea excite the nervous system and brain, 
hasten on a premature, but consequently imperfect, devel- 
opment of both body and mind. If parents will persist 
in using these injurious substances themselves, I do not 
think they have a moral right to give them to their chil- 
dren, thereby polluting • their natural appetites, giving 
rise to an unnatural craving for these substances, the use 
of which will do incomparably more injury to the grow- 
ing organizations of the young than to those of adult 
men or women. 
“ Multitudes suffer from nervous and sick headaches, 
palpitation of the heart, goneness at the pit of the stom- 
ach, loss of appetite, derangement of the stomach and 
bowels, etc., from the use of coffee and tea, without ever 
suspecting that these beverages injure them; in fact, 
feeling all the time that they do them good, because they 
suffer when they attempt to leave them off, for they 
palliate or alleviate for the time-being the symptoms 
they have caused, as do all poisons. 
“ If parents have no regard for their own health and 
lives, may it not be a duty which they owe to their chil- 
dren to set them a better example than to use these sub- 
stances before them? Every one can but see, upon 
reflection, that it is very wrong to allow children to use 
these poisons. 
“ But we are told by some that tea and coffee contain 
more or less nourishment. Well, supposing they do, 
and so do the body and head of a rattlesnake; but if 
we were to steep up his snakeship, head, poison and all, 
and drink the tea, we might perhaps pay dearly for our 
folly. The deadly nightshade, hemlock, henbane and IIOW TO MAKE TEA, COFFEE, ETC. 
511 
all poisonous plants, when analyzed may he found to 
contain more or less of materials which are useful for 
food, hut they also contain substances which are poison- 
ous, and therefore they are unsuitable for food or drink. 
The nutritious portion of tea is in a great measure, if not 
entirely, insoluble, so that if we do not eat the leaves, 
we fail to get the nourishment they contain. 
“ The physician who is aware of the symptoms and 
diseases which tea and coffee so frequently cause, and 
has seen such symptoms and diseases gradually abate 
when the use of these beverages has been discontinued, 
as I have, can have no doubt about their being improper 
articles, especially for children, to use. 
“ Cold drinks are more invigorating than warm, and 
are generally preferable except at meals. There are per- 
sons who are in the habit of drinking freely at their 
meals (a bad habit by the way) who cannot use cold 
drinks with impunity, and, perhaps, they are best for no 
one; but surely there is no excuse for taking tea and 
coffee so long as hot water, milk and sugar are more 
plenty and cheaper than either. 
Since people will use such things, it may be well for 
them to know pure green tea is the same leaf as the black 
but more quickly dried and in good qualities is not more 
injurious. But inferior sorts faced with a preparation of 
Prussian blue, gypsum and indigo are decidedly so. 
Flavored teas have been exposed during manufacture 
to the aromatic essences of plants, but though rendered 
somewhat more agreeable are not of higher or lower 
chemical or dietetic value. 
Preparation—To make tea, especially for the dyspep- 
tic, it should only be infused in boiling water three min- 
utes and then poured off into a heated teapot so as to 
separate it from the leaves. Thus prepared tea is not so 
likely to cause flatulence, but it is less economic than the 512 
COFFEE AND TEA. 
ordinary method, much more tea being required. Soft 
water makes the best tea, but soda should not be used, 
for it only extracts the astringent tannin, while at the 
same time it “ spoils the tea,” both in flavor and benefi- 
cial effect. The water should only boil once, immediately 
before using it and not for hours as is sometimes the 
case; the teapot should be quite dry as well as hot 
when the leaves are put into it and the infusion as before 
stated, not allowed to exceed three minutes. 
Teapots that retain the heat are better than those that 
allow it to pass off readily; hence black earthenware tea- 
pots should not be used ; white, glazed earthenware, or 
porcelain, are suitable; but brightly polished silver tea- 
pots are the best, for they radiate much less heat than 
any other material. 
Addition of Lemon—The use of sugar in tea, except 
in small quantity, should be given up by persons who 
have a tendency to become corpulent. Many persons 
consider the flavor of tea improved by substituting 
lemon for cream or milk, pouring the hot tea over a slice 
of lemon cut with the rind upon it. Besides being more 
palatable, the lemon-juice more effectually allays thirst 
and is especially valuable at those seasons of the year 
when fruits and fresh vegetables are not generally to be 
obtained. 
The following mode of preparing tea is highly recom- 
mended : Pour tepid or cold water enough on the tea to 
cover it, place it on the stove-liearth or any place where 
it will be warm, but not enough to cause the aroma to 
escape in steam. Let it remain about half an hour, then 
pour on boiling water and it is ready for use. 
A most important point in making good coffee is to 
use a sufficient quantity of the powder. The minimum 
or smallest amount that should be allowed is one and 
one-quarter ounces to a pint of water. The cafe noir of the HOW TO MAKE TEA, COFEEE, ETC. 
513 
French contains a larger proportion than this. It is 
especially necessary to remember that the full qualities 
of coffee are not obtained if water is used at a temperature 
lower than that of the boiling poin t. It even bears boiling, 
which tea does not. When mixed with chicory, boiling 
for a short time improves the flavor. The particles of 
ground coffee are often found suspended in the liquid and 
ising-glass or white of egg is sometimes used to refine it, 
Nothing, however, is required beyond pouring a cupful 
out and returning it to the pot to effect the necessary 
clearing. 
It is well known that French cooks are famous for 
the excellence of the coffee, which they make so strong 
that one part of the liquor requires the addition of two 
parts to reduce it to the proper strength. This addition 
is made with hot milk. The large proportion of hot 
milk, in the place of so much warm water, gives the 
coffee a richness like that made by the addition of 
cream, in the ordinary way. By this means any house- 
keeper desirous of making good coffee can have it with- 
out cream. 
After being roasted, coffee should not be kept long 
before it is ground. This is usually done in a coffee-mill 
or it is pounded in a mortar. In either case the mill or 
mortar should be used for no other purpose, as coffee 
has a marked tendency to absorb other odors and thus 
to acquire a flavor not its own. 
Lastly, when ground it should be used as soon as 
possible, for in this state it rapidly gives off its volatile 
oil. The best method for keeping it for a short time is 
in a clean, accurately-stoppered bottle. Lead or tinfoil 
covering does not so effectuately retain the virtues of the 
ground coffee. 
Chicory—With this coffee is generally mixed, to 
which it gives color and body. Its properties are simi- 514 
CONDIMENTS 
lar, but inferior to those of coffee; so that it rather 
lessens its value, while it modifies its flavor. 
Preparation—To produce from cocoa-nibs one of the 
most wholesome and nutritious of beverages, the follow- 
ing method is recommended: For two persons, take of 
recent nibs a small teacupful and soak in one quart of 
water overnight; next morning boil briskly for two 
hours, then strain off and use directly, with boiling milk. 
It should not be re-warmed, as it then loses its flavor, 
just as tea does when warmed up again. As a breakfast 
beverage they are much superior to tea or coffee; for 
although they are mixed with sugar, arrow-root and 
other kinds of farina, they are not adulterated in the 
sense of containing any deleterious ingredient. 
CONDIMENTS. 
Pepper, Mustard, etc.—Pepper, mustard, horse- 
raddish, ginger, allspice and nutmeg, together with 
some other articles, form a class of irritating substances 
that are constantly in use under the name of condiments 
and are in some way or other mixed up with the food of 
which we are almost daily compelled to take, for we can 
scarcely find a dish that does not contain more or less 
of these injurious substances. Our cooks, especially at 
hotels and boarding-houses, cannot leave each individual 
to season his food with such trash, or not, as he may 
prefer, but must take upon themselves the liberty of 
seasoning our food with these vile drugs, until it has 
become an unbearable nuisance to every one who desires 
to live as he should, with his stomach uncontaminated CONDIMEXTS. 
515 
with these miserable irritants. If any one questions 
whether it be injurious to take such irritating substances 
into the stomach, let him retain them in his mouth or 
put them in his eyes or nose. Yes, further, let him 
moisten them with water and apply them to the external 
skin, and even then he will find that they will create 
unnatural irritation of the surface and several of them 
will blister the skin and cause ulcers. Now, is it unrea- 
sonable to suppose that they will injure his stomach 
when taken internally? He may not feel a similar 
smarting and pain in his stomach to that which he expe- 
riences when they are applied to his eyes, mouth or exter- 
nal surface of his skin, simply because the stomach is not 
supplied with the nerves of sensation; but the effect on 
it is nevertheless the same. Many cases of dyspep- 
sia and chronic inflammation of the stomach are 
caused by these irritants. When taken, even in 
moderate quantities, they act as local stimulants, caus- 
ing an unnatural flow of blood to the mucous membrane 
of the stomach, which increases the secretion of the 
gastric juice, and that produces an unnatural, craving 
appetite; and the result is, the individual eats too much 
—more than the system requires and more than the 
stomach can digest. This undigested food then acts as 
a foreign body and causes diarrhea and various other 
derangements of the stomach and bowels, and the poor 
victim wonders what has made him sick. But when 
these things are not taken in sufficient quantities to 
produce this immediate effect, yet their constant repeti- 
tion at almost every meal sooner or later exhausts the 
vital energies of the stomach and it is prematurely worn 
out. The whole organism, failing to receive its proper 
nourishment, also fails and the result is premature old 
age and death. 
And even in case the individual should escape disease 516 
CONDIMENTS. 
and death, as a result of the use of these stimulants, he 
is liable to be cut olf by disease which these poisons; 
cause, for their effects are not spent entirely on the 
stomach, but they are absorbed into the circulation and 
flow through the entire system, producing deleterious 
effects on the whole body. Parents have not the right 
to expect that their children will grow up temperate,, 
virtuous and good—to say nothing of their physical 
health—when they are permitted this abuse of food. In 
reference to the effect these condiments have on the 
taste, the facts are, they render plain and wholesome 
food insipid, by destroying the natural acuteness of the- 
taste. Pies, as well as many other articles of food, filled 
with these substances, are far inferior to those without 
them, except it be to those whose tastes are perverted 
and unnatural. This fact can be easily demonstrated by 
giving a child who has a healthy palate the two kinds of 
food to eat, and you will soon see wdiich he will prefer; 
so that nothing is gained in this respect from the use 
of these substances, save the loss of taste and of a natu- 
ral appetite. 
Soda, vinegar, etc.—All alkalies, except such as 
are naturally contained in our food, should be avoided 
during health, for they impair the power of the stomach 
to digest the food, by destroying or neutralizing the 
natural acidity of the gastric juice, without which diges- 
tion cannot be performed. 
Soda, in excess, impairs digestion and injures the 
stomach; soda-water should, therefore, not be used, or 
very sparingly at most. 
Acids are less objectionable than alkalies, but if used 
at all, should be used very moderately, except in certain 
states of the system, as in scurvy, when vegetable acids 
are very beneficial. 
Vinegar, is a very doubtful article of diet, to say the- CHEWING GUM. 
517 
least, and if used at all, it should be very sparingly, 
and that derived from fruits and vegetables, instead of 
the product of decomposition. 
CHEWING GUM. 
The habit of chewing spruce or any other gum is not 
only filthy and unpleasant, but is also destructive to 
health, and parents cannot be too careful to guard their 
children against it. If the chewer spits the saliva from 
his mouth its loss weakens and exhausts his whole sys- 
tem and seriously impairs his digestion; for the saliva 
contains important properties which are all needed and 
are essential in the process of digestion. If the saliva is 
swallowed, impregnated as it is with the stimulating 
properties of the gum, it causes inflammation of the 
stomach, and often serious and troublesome diseases of 
this character are thus caused. It also not unfrequently 
leads the young to the use of tobacco. 
FREQUENCY OF MEALS. 
Three times a day is as often as we can safely take 
food, especially substantial food, like bread, meat, pota- 
toes, and the like; and this rule should be followed in 
health or sickness. The habit of eating often, and but 
little at a time, during sickness, has resulted in the death 
of many persons. Taking food oftener than three times 
a day is not allowable with patients, except sometimes 518 
FREQUENCY OF MEALS. 
in case of slightly nutritious fluids. It is surely unrea- 
sonable to suppose that the stomach of a sick man can 
stand an amount of abuse that would make a well man 
sick. It takes about four hours of time for the stomach 
to dispose of an entire meal, and carry it into the upper 
portion of the intestines; after which, at least, an hour 
should elapse before taking the next meal, in order to 
let the organs of the stomach rest and recuperate. 
Therefore, no two meals should be nearer together than 
five hours. Food that is taken into the stomach before 
this organ has got rid of the preceding meal must, of 
course, to a greater or less extent, mix with the latter, 
which is already digested, and is liable to be hurried 
along into the intestines undigested, there to ferment 
and give rise to different disorders, such as diarrhea, 
flatulence, colic, etc. Many of these troubles among 
children, as well as adults, originate from nursing or 
feeding them every hour or two. Some people breakfast 
in the morning from eight to nine o’clock, lunch from 
twelve to one, and dine from four to five in the afternoon ; 
thus bringing their three meals within about eight hours, 
and taking nothing during the remaining fifteen or six- 
teen hours. We are familiar with some places in the 
United States where this custom is very common; and 
the people among whom this practice prevails are of the 
number of those who imagine that the blood, coursing 
through their veins, is of a far superior character and 
quality to that which animates the “ common herd.” We 
found more sickness and premature deaths in this local- 
ity than among any other class of people elsewhere with 
whom we ever came in contact. When it was our mis- 
fortune to sojourn among them, we were compelled to suf- 
fer the infliction of taking our meals out of season ; but 
the reader may rest assured that we did so with a strong 
mental protest, and with the not unfrequently recurring DUSTIER, OR THE “ STRONG MEAL.” 
519 
thought that, if people did not know enough to eat their 
meals at the proper time, it was a matter of small* con- 
sequence to the world whether they lived or died. 
Dinner, or the “strong meal”—Of the three 
meals of the day, the last one should he the lightest, 
most simple and easiest of digestion. It is a query 
where the most reprehensible custom of having the din- 
ner, or “ strong meal,” the last one of the day originated. 
It has no foundation in reason, good sense or common 
prudence. Even the lower orders of animals exercise 
a higher orderjof judgment in this matter than some of 
the boastful “ lords of creation.” 
Regular eating—Half of all ordinary diseases would 
be banished from civilized life if everybody would eat 
but three times a day, at regular times, and not an atom 
between meals, the interval being five hours, four of which 
are required to digest a full meal and pass it out of 
the stomach. If a person, eats between meals, the pro- 
cess of digestion of the food already in the stomach is 
arrested, until the last which has been eaten is brought 
into the condition of the former meal; just as if water is 
boiling and ice is put in, the whole ceases to boil until 
the ice has been melted and brought to the point, and 
then the whole boils together. But it is a law of nature 
that all food begins to decay after exposure to heat 
and moisture for a certain time. If a meal is eaten, 
and in two hours another, the whole remains undigested 
for seven hours, before which time the rotting process 
commences, and the man has his stomach full of carrion— 
the very idea of which is horribly disgusting. As, then, 
all the food in the stomach is in a state of fermentative 
decay, it becomes unfit for the purposes of nutrition and 
for making good, pure blood. 
The hands and feet must have rest, and so with the 
muscles of the stomach; they can only rest when there 520 
CONSTIPATION. 
is no work for them to do—no food in the stomach to 
digest. Even at five hours’ interval, and eating three 
times a day, they are kept sufficiently at work from 
breakfast until the last meal is disposed of, usually ten 
o’clock at night. But multitudes eat heartily within an 
hour of bedtime; thus, while the other portions of the 
body are at rest, the stomach is kept laboring until 
almost daylight, and made to begin again at breakfast- 
time. No wonder it is that the stomach is worn out—has 
lost its power of action. Many girls become dyspeptic 
before they are out of their teens, in consequence of 
being about the house and nibbling at everything they 
lay their eyes on that is good to eat. 
CONSTIPATION. 
The bowels should move once a day when the system 
is in a healthy condition; and if proper attention be 
paid, such as evacuating them at a regular hour, and 
never varying the hour, which is all important, with suita- 
ble exercise and diet, they will rarely fail to move once 
in twenty-four hours. But no very serious consequences 
will result if they do not move daily. 
Some of the most intelligent medical writers assert 
that “ costiveness, when not aggravated by the frequent 
use of cathartic remedies, is rarely the cause of disease; 
and that danger from this source is very much over- 
estimated, the representations of patent-pill manufactur- 
ers to the contrary notwithstanding.” 
Let this fact be remembered, that costive people usually 
live to grow old, if they do not commit suicide by taking CONSTIPATION. 
521 
physic. It is a fact that many tailors, shoemakers, 
sedentary and indolent individuals, do not have a pas- 
sage more than once a week, and even sometimes once 
in two weeks, and yet enjoy apparently good health. 
Dr. Ellis says he has “ known a man to go forty days 
without a passage from the "bowels, and perform duty as 
a sailor, without disease resulting.” Such a condition 
of the bowels, surely, is not desirable, and can and 
should be avoided without taking carthartics. 
Costiveness can never be cured with carthartic medi- 
cines, for the reaction of the organism is in the wrong 
direction; besides, they weaken the organs which should 
be strengthened. 
During a run of typhoid fever, patients have been known 
to go without a passage from beginning to the end, last- 
ing a period of three weeks, and yet get along well. In 
this disease, after the termination of a previous diarrhea, 
they have been known to go from one to three weeks, 
and in one instance as many as four weeks without a 
movement of the bowels, and get along well and without 
any injurious consequences. 
The frequent action of the bowels in fevers and vari- 
ous acute diseases, is not so essential as many sup- 
pose. 
In certain inflammations of the bowels, the life of the 
patient often depends on the bowels remaining costive 
until the inflammation is subdued. Hot a few patients 
have been hurried into eternity by an ineffectual attempt 
to force a passage in acute inflammation of the bowels, 
who would have recovered had not such a course been 
pursued. 
Our most intelligent physicians are rapidly discounte- 
nancing the use of both carthartics and emetics, and 
substituting milder measures. 
The means of relieving costiveness has been given in 
dhe first volume. 522 
SELF-POLLUTION. 
SELF-POLLUTION, SELF-ABUSE, MASTURBA- 
TION. 
These are various names given to the unnatural and 
degrading vice of producing venereal excitement fay the 
hand, or other means, generally resulting in a discharge 
of semen in the rhale and a corresponding emission in 
the female. Unfortunately, it is a vice fay no means un- 
common among the youth of faoth sexes, and is fre- 
quently continued into riper years. 
The following are some of the symptoms that the 
child or individual manifests who is addicted to -the 
hafait: Inclination to shun company or society; fre- 
quently faeing missed from the company of the family, 
or others with whom he or she is associated ; "becoming 
timid and "bashful, and shuning the society of the op- 
posite sex; the face is apt to he pale, and often a "bluish 
or purplish streak under the eyes; while the eyes 
themselves look dull and languid, and the edges of the 
eyelids often "become red and sore; the person can not 
look any one steadily in the face, "but will drop the eyes, 
or turn away from your gaze as if guilty of something 
mean. 
The health soon "becomes impaired; there will "be gen- 
eral defaility, a slowness of growth, weakness in the 
lower limbs, nervousness and unsteadiness of the hands, 
loss of memory, forgetfulness and inability to study or 
learn, a restless disposition, weak eyes and loss of sight, 
headache and inability to sleep, or wakefulness. Next 
come sore eyes, "blindness, stupidity, consumption, spinal 
affection, emaciation, involuntary seminal emissions, loss- PREVENTIVE MEASURES. 
523 
of all energy or spirit, insanity and idiocy—the hopeless 
ruin of both body and mind! These latter results do 
not always follow. Yet they or some of them do often 
occur as the direct consequences of the pernicious habit. 
The subject is an important one. Few, perhaps, ever 
think, or ever know, how many of the unfortunate inmates 
of our lunatic-asylums have been sent there by this 
dreadful vice ! Were the whole truth upon this subject 
known, it would alarm parents, as well as the guilty 
victims of the vice, more even than the dread of the 
cholera or small-pox. 
Preventive Measures—When the parents are sat- 
isfied that their child is indulging An this habit, take 
immediate measures to break it up. It is a delicate mat- 
ter for parents, especially for a father, to speak to his 
son about. It is different with the mother: she can more 
readily speak to a daughter upon subjects of that nature, 
and, if guilty, portray to her the danger, the evil conse- 
quences and ruin which must result if the habit is not at 
once and forever abandoned. If persuasion and instruc- 
tion will not do, other measures, such as will prove 
efficient, must be resorted to. 
In case of a son, perhaps the better way will be for the 
services of the family physician to be engaged. He can 
portray to the misguided young man the horrors and 
evils of the habit in their bearing, and his caution and 
advice will have weight. 
An examination of the linen generally affords conclu- 
sive evidence in the case of boys ; the genital organs of 
these patients, it may be noticed, too, receive an undue 
share of their attention. The patient should be con- 
stantly watched during the day until he falls asleep at 
night, and be required to arise directly he wakes in the 
morning. In confirmed cases the night-dress should be so 
arranged that the hands cannot touch the genital organs. 524 
SELF-POLLUTIOX. 
Under no circumstances should nurses ever he permit- 
ted unnecessarily to handle or expose the genital organs 
of children, and children should he taught at the very 
earliest period that it is immodest, and even wrong, to 
handle the parts. When at school, as well as at home, 
every boy should have a separate bed. The neglect of 
this important advice is a frequent cause of had hahits 
being taught and practiced. In adddition to a separate 
hed, he should he able to dress and undress apart from 
the observation of others. The necessary privacy may 
he secured hy partitions placed between the beds, hut 
not extending up to the ceiling, so as to interfere as lit- 
tle as possible with the ventilation. One of the few 
articles necessary in the sleeping-room is a sponge-bath. 
This, with a good-sized piece of honeycomb sponge, and 
a large towel or sheet, complete the outfit. The regular, 
daily use of the sponge-bath conduces greatly to the 
cure or prevention of self-abuse. The too free use of 
meat, highly-seasoned dishes, coffee, wine, late suppers, 
etc., strongly tend to excite animal propensities, which 
directly predispose to vice. Probably most persons in 
health, enjoying ample means, eat and drink too much. 
Strict temperance, both in eating and drinking, is a great 
preventive. Soft beds and too much sleep are also to be 
avoided. 
The cultivation of pure thoughts and conversation 
among the young would remove occasions of great temp- 
tation to sin. Parents, guardians and teachers should 
exercise a strict supervision over the books that are read. 
The establishment of systematic exercise, at home and 
at school, athletic sports and proper books are highly 
useful, for they pre-occupy the mind, and so prevent 
loose thoughts and habits. ALCOHOLIC LIQUORS. 
525 
ALCOHOLIC LIQUORS. 
Alcoholic Liquors as a Cause of Disease—Those 
who die from the direct effect of intoxicating liquors— 
that is, of delirium tremens or drunkenness—comprise 
"but a small portion of those who go down to their graves 
from this cause, for it is a fact well known to the medical 
profession, that those who use stimulating liquors are 
far more liable to be attacked with any prevailing dis- 
ease and the fatality is also much greater in such cases 
than with those of temperate habits. As a general rule, 
throughout the world, the first victims of cholera are 
drawn from those who use stimulants. The same is 
true in cases of sunstroke, chronic inflammation of the 
stomach, headache, diseases of the liver, jaundice, dropsy, 
impotency, gout, colic, peevish irritability, febrile disea- 
ses, epilepsy, apoplexy, loss of memory and mania. 
These are some of the diseases that afflict the rum-drinker 
and the habit is one of the most prolific causes known of 
lunacy. In England, Lord Shaftesbury, chairman of the 
commission on lunacy, states in a parliamentary report 
that six out of ten of the lunatics in their asylums are 
made so by the use of alcohol. 
Adulterated Liquors in this country count their 
victims by the thousand. Wines, said to be the least 
injurious of the stimulants, contain the adulterants in a 
very great degree. Many of them contain but little of 
the juice of the grape and some of them none at all. 
They are manufactured from dye-stuff, drugs and alco- 
hol, with that most dangerous article, lead, added, to 526 
ALCOHOLIC LIQUOKS. 
render them clear and prevent their "becoming sour. 
Hence their use in any quantity can only "be injurious to 
health and destructive to life. 
Alcoholic liquors not essential in medicine— 
Dr. John Ellis, of Hew York, says, “ I can say that, after 
devoting over eighteen years to the study and the prac- 
tice of medicine, I have never seen eighteen cases in 
which the use of alcoholic drinks have done my patients 
good. I have never seen a patient recover under their 
use, that I had not good reason to think would have re- 
covered without them. 
I have frequently "been called to see feeble persons, 
especially females, who had been taking wine, beer, 
brandy and the like for years, to strengthen them, and 
still they remained weak; and I have found that such 
patients improved when they were required to live on a 
proper diet and discontinue their stimulants. So far 
from being strengthened they had actually been debili- 
tated by their use. 
The celebrated Dr. Edmunds, of London, makes the 
following statement in his writings: “ The cases in which 
I use alcohol in my practice I confess become less and 
less frequent every day. And I should feel that I lost 
very little were I deprived of it altogether.” It is proba- 
ble that there are conditions or states, in some few dis- 
eases, where stimulants of this character may do some 
good; but the great difficulty is to know exactly when 
this condition or state occurs ; and there is usually more 
or less disagreement on this point among physicians. 
And when they do not effect good, they usually aggra- 
vate the disease, and result in harm; for all undue 
excitement is necessarily followed by corresponding 
depression, and thus thousands are sent to a speedy 
grave in consequence of it. How can it be otherwise? 
Can a man, who is prostrated to the very lowest ebb o-f ALCOHOLIC LIQUORS DO NOT STRENGTHEN. 
527 
life, stand a course of stimulation wliose reaction all ex- 
perience shows, will prostrate a well man ? Take, for exam- 
ple, a most critical case, in which the patient is for days 
in a state where he can barely live without stimulants, 
and now let him be given these, and an unnatural state 
of excitement w‘ il follow, or a degree of activity above that 
which the exhausted organism is capable of sustaining; 
as a necessary consequence, corresponding depression 
must follow; and if the patient was barely at the living 
point before the prostration, which is sure to follow, he 
must now sink below that point. It may be asked, can 
not this state of excitement be kept up by the use of 
stimulants for days, until the patient recovers ? If space 
would admit, we might logically show that this can rarely, 
if ever, be done. 
Alcoholic liquors afford neither muscular 
strength nor nutriment—It is a law of the animal 
economy that any substance or food must, when taken 
into the body, be changed or decomposed into its ele- 
ments before it can yield to the body those forces which 
produce muscular strength. Now the facts are that, 
when alcohol is taken into the body it leaves it again as 
alcohol undecomposed, there being no change wrought 
upon it. It therefore cannot have given uF those ele- 
ments that are needed in order to supply nutriment and 
and muscular force. As an evidence that alcohol thus 
leaves the system undecomposed and without any 
change, you have but to give an individual a few table- 
spoonfuls and you can shortly afterwards smell its vapor 
as it is emitted from the pores of the skin. You can, as 
easily and definitely, reproduce and demonstrate the 
presence of alcohol by the exhalations from the skin and 
lungs, as you can the presence of arsenic in the body of 
a person who has been poisoned by it. Food is that 
which is decomposed in the body and supplies it with 528 
ALCOHOLIC LIQUORS. 
the forces which the body afterwards gives out. If your 
horse is tired by its journey, you give him a feed of corn 
and time to digest it, and he goes into the harness again 
as vigorous as ever and ready for the next stage. What 
is it that has taken him along through the second stage ? 
It is the corn which has served as food to the animal, 
and has been decomposed in his tissues, just as the coal 
would be put into a locomotive furnace when the fire was 
going down. Now, suppose, instead of giving a horse a 
measure of corn, you give him a liberal allowance of 
whip, which is a stimulant? The horse goes on and 
works until more completely exhausted; and just so 
with a man. Now, it should be recollected that food 
puts strength into a man by giving substance to supply 
waste, but alcoholic stimulants abstract strength from 
a man. They excite but to exhaust. Then recollect that 
when you employ stimulant, you are using that which 
will exhaust the last particle of strength with which 
your body otherwise would not part. That is what we 
always do when we work on stimulants ; it is obviously 
unnatural, and therefore injurious. The foregoing state- 
ment being true—that alcoholic liquors furnish neither 
nutriment nor muscular strength—it must logically fol- 
low that their use is unnatural and injurious. 
Alcohol an enemy to prosperity—To illustrate the 
beneficial effects that flow from curtailments of the use of 
alcoholic liquors, we give the following facts which were 
submitted by the clerk of the circuit court of Edwards 
County, in the State of Illinois, some time since: 
“ There has not been a licensed saloon in this county 
for over twenty-five years. During that time our jail 
has not averaged an occupant. This county never sent 
but one person to the penitentiary, and that man was 
sent up for killing his wife, while drunk on whisky 
obtained from a licensed saloon in an adjoining county. TOBACCO. 
529 
We have but very few paupers in our poor-house, some- 
times only three or four. Our taxes are thirty-two per 
cent, lower than they are in adjoining counties, where 
saloons are licensed. Our people are prosperous, peace- 
able and sober, there being very little drinking, except 
near Grayville, a licensed town of White County, near 
our border. The different terms of our circuit court 
occupy three or four days each year, and then the dockets 
are cleared.” 
TOBACCO. 
Tobacco a poison—No one will question the fact 
that tobacco is a poison who has observed the deadly 
sickness it usually produces when chewed or smoked by 
those not habituated to its use. There are but few sub- 
stances in nature that are capable of destroying life so 
suddenly as tobacco. From one to two drops of the oil 
have frequently been administered to dogs and cats, and 
invariably, in a few minutes, life became extinct. Dr. 
Franklin applied the oily material which floats on the 
surface of water when a current of tobacco smoke is 
passed into it, to the tongue of a cat, and found it to des- 
troy life in a few minutes. 
Tobacco a cause of disease—Tobacco is a frequent 
cause of disease of the digestive organs, lungs, nervous 
system, head, eyes and brain. It causes heartburn, 
nausea and frequent belchings; pains and diseases of 
the liver; pains in the bowels, with disposition to diar- 
rhea or costiveness. It causes, too, difficulty of breath- 530 
TOBACCO. 
ing, oppression of the chest, pains in the chest, with 
inability to take in a long breath, and violent palpitation 
of the heart, as well as pain and stiffness of the back. 
Tobacco also produces a tendency to paralysis, causes 
drowsiness, unnatural sleep, nightmare, troublesome, 
anxious and frightful dreams, and a great number and 
variety of affections which we have not space to men- 
tion. In fact we have noticed but a small proportion of 
the diseases which are asserted by some of our best 
medical writers to spring from the use of tobacco. Of 
course it affects different persons in different ways, 
searching out and seizing upon those parts of the body 
which are least able to resist its destructive force. 
Yet there is seldom any one who habitually uses 
tobacco but will find himself troubled, more or less, by 
the symptoms of the above named diseases as soon as 
he stops its use ; but while using it freely it will palliate 
or allay, as do all poisons, the. symptoms its use has 
caused. Not unfrequently on rising in the morning, after 
having abstained from its use during the night, he will 
get a slight glimpse of his waning vital energies; but 
his view will soon again be obscured when he partakes 
of the alluring leaf. 
The senior physician to the Metropolitan Free Hospi- 
tal, in London, writes as follows : “ I can testify, from 
long observation, that the chronic use of tobacco in any 
form is a very prevalent cause of debility and manifold 
diseases. Take, first of all, the sense of sight. One of 
our most celebrated London ophthalmic surgeons tells 
me that he is continually consulted by young gentlemen 
for weakness of vision, caused by smoking; and I my- 
self have, in many cases, seen the prolonged use of 
tobacco, especially when it is chewed, cause the total 
loss of sight. Then take the circulatory system, and we 
find smokers subject to palpitation of the heart, and MENTAL EFFECTS. 
531 
far less able to bear up against extremes of beat and 
cold than they were before making use of tobacco. The 
use of tobacco is apt to cause a relaxation of the mus- 
cles of the back of the mouth, and dusky discoloration 
of the fauces, with hoarseness from congestion of the 
vocal cords. The overwhelming majority of cases of 
cancer of the lip are found in men who smoke, and can- 
cer of the tongue has often been said to be caused by the 
irritation of the fumes of the pipe or cigar. Great 
smokers lose, to some extent, their vivacity; i. e., they 
are less vital than they used to be, and less easily moved 
by a slight c stimulus ’ which might be pleasurable to 
non-smokers. They are notoriously dyspeptic. I need 
hardly refer, indeed, to such a well known fact. They 
are subject to constipation and ‘ malaise ; ’ and when de- 
prived of their stimulus are more miserable, perhaps, 
than even drinkers. I must take the liberty to protest 
against a custom which has been inveighed against by 
Brodie, Copland, Critchett, Guerrin, Mantegazza, Caco- 
pardo, and numerous heads of my profession in all 
countries.” 
Mental effects—Softening of the Brain—Mr. Solly, 
an eminent writer on the brain, said once in a clinical 
lecture on that frightful and formidable malady, soften- 
ing of the brain, “I would caution you as students 
against the use of tobacco, and I would advise you to 
disabuse your patients’ minds of the idea that it is 
harmless. I have had a long experience in brain-diseases, 
and I api satisfied now that smoking is a most noxious 
habit. I know of no other cause or agent which tends 
so much to bring on functional disease, and through this 
in the end to lead to organic diseases of the brain as the 
excessive use of tobacco.” 
The influence of tobacco on the human system is quite 
as much to be dreaded as the use of alcoholic drinks. 532 
TOBACCO. 
Drunkards invariably are tobacco-users. Not one young- 
man in a hundred would ever even think of using intoxi- 
cating liquors did he not first learn to use tobacco in 
some form. Daughters of drunken fathers do not inherit 
a hankering after spirituous liquors ; neither would the 
sons, did they but abstain from the use of tobacco. And 
yet ministers of the gospel and many of the deacons of 
our churches, good men, so-called, who preach temper- 
ance and cleanliness to the youths of the land unceas- 
ingly, keep their mouths filled with the vile stuff or 
make smoke-houses of their heads, as if the end and aim 
of life with them was to pickle their tongues in smoke; 
and their whole bodies are so saturated and polluted 
with the vile stuff that their neighbors’ nostrils announce 
their coming afar off. Is it to be wondered at that so 
many of our young men, following in the steps of 
their illustrious fathers, learn to use tobacco and culti- 
vate a taste for stimulants which at last becomes a 
direful disease and then finally die lunatics or drunkards l 
The smoking of a single cigar, and especially by those 
not long habituated to its use, will increase the pulse 
from ten to fifteen beats. The results of both chewing 
and smoking often are depression of spirits, irritability,* 
peevishness, loss of memory, dullness of perception and 
despondency, as a natural result of over-excitement. 
The teachers in our institutions of learning not unfre- 
quently observe that those young men who use tobacco, 
as a general rule, are much more dull and stupid than 
those who do not; and they, as well as eminent physi- 
cians, have expressed the opinion that tobacco to-day 
is doing almost as great a,physical injury to the present 
generation as alcohol. 
Sudden death—Dr. Twitchell states that nearly all 
the cases of sudden death, occurring during sleep, which 
came under his observation, were those of persons who PHYSICAL EFFECTS. 
533 
had indulged largely in the use of tobacco. And, sub- 
sequently, the correctness of his statements was con- 
firmed by investigations made by the Boston Society of 
Medical Observation. 
Physical effects — The use of tobacco produces 
marked alterations in the most expressive portions of 
the face. In consequence of the constant use of the 
muscles surrounding the mouth, there is occasioned an 
irregular development of these parts, which presents a 
coarser appearance when compared with the rest of the 
features. The eye loses its natural fire and becomes dull 
.and vacant, and the skin assumes a sallow complexion. 
Uncleanly—To say that this habit, with many, is 
uncleanly and even filthy, is only repeating what is 
expressed every day. The linen, the mouth, the breath, 
and many times the room of its victim, indicate the effect 
it produces. 
Moral effects—The use of tobacco has a tendency to 
impair the taste, so that simple fluid and simple diet are 
liable to become insipid and unpalatable, and the natural 
resort is then to the “ flowing bowl.” It also excites the 
various animal propensities beyond their proper balance, 
and tends to debase the moral character and make man 
more animal and less intellectual. 
Expensive—Tobacco, in its different forms, costs the 
people of the United States more then $30,000,000 annu- 
ally, all of which is far worse than if thrown away. It 
is not a natural food for man; it will not sustain life, 
but is a poison, and all its tendencies, except in rare 
cases, are to destroy life. Is it any wonder that we cry 
hard times, when there are hundreds of millions of dol- 
lars annually thrown away for tobacco and intoxicating 
beverages ? Those who are so adroitly seeking for the 
cause of this condition of affairs, would they but take the 
trouble to examine the statistics and investigate this 534 
TOBACCO. 
matter, would find herein one cause for this great depres- 
sion that has been more potent that all others combined. 
Young' men and boys—Tobacco has utterly ruined 
thousands of boys, inducing a dangerous precocity,, 
developing the passions, softening and weakening the 
bones, and greatly injuring the brain and nervous sys- 
tem. A boy who early and freely uses tobacco never is 
known to make a man of much energy of character, and 
generally lacks mental and physical energy. The larger 
proportion of the aged, and those of mature years, very 
much lament that they were led to indulge in this habit. 
This should be a solemn warning to the young not to fall 
into the same error. Many boys have erroneously con- 
ceived the idea that to “puff” a cigar or cigarette, or 
chew a quid of tobacco, is manly—is genteel. Yet, if 
they did but know, in what contempt such a course is 
held by the thoughtful and considerate, there would 
never be a repetition of it. I fancy I hear some young 
reader remark, “ My father used tobacco many years,, 
and died an old man; if tobacco killed him, it was a very 
slow poison.” I am apprised of the fact that some men 
of strong constitutions, active life and otherwise good 
habits, may use tobacco and alcohol, and even get drunk 
often, and yet live to a good old age ; but they are excep- 
tions to the general rule; a much greater number will 
die young. 
Besides, it will be found that most of those who lired 
to an old age, did not commence the use of these pois- 
ons very young; else, they used them moderately, and 
were never what we call hard drinkers or smokers. And 
we would further say to this young man, that, if he were 
born after his father commenced using tobacco, he does 
not, for that very reason, if not for others, possess liis. 
father’s strength of constitution, if the latter used tobacco- 
as freely as most young men use it to-day; neither can. COD-LIVER OIL. 
535 
lie follow in his father’s foot-steps without the chances 
of tilling a premature grave. How many of us are 
to-day sutfering from parental errors in consequence of 
the iniquities of fathers being visited on their children ! 
Concluding—Tobacco not only destroys the health, 
but paralyzes youth in its vigor, and manhood in its 
strength. It produces consumption, feeds dyspepsia, 
cherishes nervous diseases and palpitation of the heart, 
embraces liver complaint, creates cancers, encourages 
headache, engenders weak eyes, invites disease and pro- 
motes softening of the brain. Its foul perfumes invade 
every railroad coach, street-car and omnibus-line; con- 
taminate hotels, boarding-houses and private apart- 
ments ; its stench invades the family and social circle, 
and nauseates the mother, sickens the wife and insults 
the daughter; it extinguishes the affections of the doting 
lover, offends the young bride and disgusts the young 
maiden. It produces weakness, not strength; sickness, 
not health; death, not life. It weakens the digestion, 
perverts the taste and leads to intemperance. It creates 
an offensive breath, repulsive mouth and soiled linen. 
It impairs the voice, furrows the cheek and sallows the 
complexion. And last, but not least, it makes angry 
mothers and scolding wives. 
COD-LIVER OIL. 
The value of this agent, in the treatment of many 
constitutional diseases, is amply confirmed by long ex- 
perience. It should be regarded as food rather than 
medicine, although the minute amount of iodine and 536 
COD-LIVER OIL. 
phosphorus it contains may account for its curative vir- 
tues in many cases in which cod-liver oil has been the 
only remedy given. 
The complaints in which cod-liver oil is of service need 
not be here enumerated, as it is prescribed in numerous 
instances in these pages. We may, however, state that 
it is specially valuable in the various forms of scrofula 
—chronic discharge from the ears, scrofulous sore eyes, 
enlargement of the glands, scrofulous disease of the 
bones, strumous abscesses, etc., and, in short, in all dis- 
eases which require fatty substances as food, and iodine 
as a remedy. Its assimilation is promoted, and its ben- 
eficial action greatly enhanced by the addition of one 
drop of iodine to each pint of the oil. This addition is 
especially recommended in consumption and atrophy, or 
wasting. 
In the treatment of consumption it stands pre-eminent 
by almost universal consent; when given in suitable 
cases, its power in checking emaciation and raising the 
tone of the muscular structures is well known. _ 
The value of cod-liver oil is often very marked in the 
conditions following many acute diseases or inflamma- 
tions occurring in middle-age and in old persons, in whom 
the reparative powers are less active than in children; 
also in the after effects of the acute fevers of children 
who have suffered, previous to such attacks, from im- 
poverished health, scrofula, etc.—as chronic discharge 
from the ears and nose after scarlet fever and measles; 
the after stages of hooping-cough; rickets, St. Vitus’s 
Dance, etc., are generally much benefited by the admin- 
istration of cod-liver oil. Chronic rheumatism and gout, 
chronic bronchitis, chronic skin-diseases, and the degen- 
erative diseases of the aged, are all more or less bene- 
fited by the employment of this agent. 
Caution.—Cod-liver oil should not, however, be ad- 537 
COD-LIVER OIL. 
ministered indiscriminately. It is generally inadmissible 
during tlie persistence of acute febrile symptoms, conges- 
tion, bleeding from the lungs or any active form of dis- 
ease ; digestion is then impaired, the mucous membrane 
irritable, and the oil is only likely to occasion disorder. 
The sphere of cod-liver oil is to remove exhaustion and 
increase general tone; this is best accomplished when 
active morbid processes and local irritation have sub- 
sided, for then the system is in a condition to appropri- 
ate a larger amount of nourishment. 
Some caution is necessary to be observed in the admin- 
istration of oil to obviate nausea or eructations. Such 
effects generally result from the quantity or quality of 
the oil used. The large quantity of oil taken in some 
cases occasions disorder of the digestive mucous mem- 
brane, or it passes off with the evacuations. The 
appearance of any oil unchanged in the evacuations is a 
sign that the quantity should be reduced, as more is 
given than can be digested. We generally recommend it 
at first, in teaspoonful doses, twice a day, with, or im- 
mediately after, food ; if the stomach be intolerant of it, 
a teaspoonful, or for young children ten or twelve drops, 
once a day. If there be still difficulty in retaining the 
oil, we prescribe it at bedtime, just as the patient is 
lying down to sleep. In cases of extreme irritability of 
the stomach, cod-liver oil may be introduced into the 
system by friction ; a considerable amount of friction, 
as much as the patient can bear, facilitates absorption. 
The disagreeable effects of oil, and the repugnance 
felt towards it, have often been created by inferior and 
disgusting preparations, and werfully endorse Dr. Cham- 
bers’ remarks, who, writing on consumption, says, “ To 
find the easiest assimilated oil, and to prepare the diges- 
tion for the absorption of the oil, are the main problems 
in the cure of consumption” Probably the best method 538 
SLEEP. 
of rendering the oil palatable is to have it made up in 
bread, as it is then scarcely tasted. The proper propor- 
tion is two to four tablespoonfuls of the oil to one pound 
of dough. Small pieces of ice in each dose of oil also 
render it almost tasteless. 
Claret or ginger-wine are other vehicles for cod-liver 
oil. The oil should be poured upon the wine, so that it 
does not touch the glass, but floats on the wine as a large 
globule, in which way it may be swallowed without taste. 
A few morsels of agreeable food should then be eaten. 
A yet further plan to obviate taste and nausea is to take 
a pinch of salt immediately before and after the oil. 
And, if the fish be not unsuitable, one or two teaspoonfuls 
may be given with a sardine, the oil being poured over 
in the absence of the child or patient. 
SLEEP. 
Very few people understand and still fewer appreciate' 
the importance of sound, regular, timely and refreshing 
sleep. Tissue-waste, the consumption of the entire phys- 
ical structure, from brain to cuticle, goes on during all 
our walking hours. Sleep is the time and the only time 
in which those reparative processes which may overcome 
all this waste can take place. To lose sleep is, therefore, 
to lose vital stamina, strength, health and finally life 
itself. Hunger and thirst are thought to be the most 
painful modes of death, but the ingenuity of despotism 
has, we are given to understand, within a few years> SLEEP. 
539 
past, discovered one still more torturing—and that is 
death by the loss of sleep. The helpless wretch is put 
under the charge of cruel keepers, who never allow him, 
from the date of his sentence, to close his eyes in slum- 
ber. He rages, threatens, begs for death in any form— 
longs for impalement or any active and violent form of 
torture—raves, blasphemes, and so at last dies in agonies 
unspeakable. 
Sleep is not only the tissue-builder, but the force- 
giver. Our strength and alacrity for daily tasks, whether 
of the mind or body, depend upon the quality and 
amount of our daily sleep ; and the amount and quality 
of the sleep required depend not only upon the severity 
of those tasks, but upon the perfection of the organism 
with which we pursue them. The higher the capacity, 
the more and better is the sleep required. Small and 
inactive brains, like small and inactive bodies, may 
perform their functions with much less rest than large 
and active ones. The sleep required for health is in 
proportion to the physical and mental strength of the 
individual. An erroneous notion prevails that sleepless- 
ness is an evidence of mind. It is simply an evidence of 
the want of mind, since those who have much mind must- 
have a correspondingly large amount of sleep. 
Now, it is essential to good and refreshing sleep that 
it be sound. A light and broken slumber, disturbed by 
vivid dreams in which the emotional and intellectual 
powers are generally abnormally active, does not answer 
the restoring purposes of nature : it neither builds nor 
strengthens the system ; hence, refreshing sleep is neces- 
sarily sound. Again, it is a condition of sound sleep 
that it be regular—that is, that it should occupy pretty 
much the same hours in every day. Alternate sleeping 
and waking, during the same hours of successive days, 
has the effect, often if not commonly, of rendering sleep 540 
SLEEP. 
difficult, uneasy and insecure. On tlie whole, if late 
hours must often he kept, it is perhaps better that the 
hour of retiring should be uniformly late than occasion- 
ally and frequently late; though even this preferable 
method defeats the evident design of nature, as shown 
by the declining health of those who, from some pecu- 
liar necessity of their occupation, habitually turn night 
into day and day into night. A few years of useless 
and hurtful fighting against a great law and they are 
worn out, and must yield and go back to natural habits 
or die. Thus we see that these four named conditions 
of good sleep are vitally connected; that sleep, to 
be refreshing, must be sound; that to be sound, it must 
be regular; and that to be regular, it must be timely, or 
taken at those hours indicated by the order of nature 
and a once universal custom. 
In this respect of seasonable rest Nature has given 
way to Fashion. Fashionable society means late hours, 
and all who aspire to enter that charmed circle must 
conform to this requirement. The modern fine lady 
must not only have time for her elaborate toilet before 
making her appearance at any place of evening enter- 
tainment, but she must also postpone her arrival to 
such an hour that, the place being filled, she can attract 
the greatest number of admiring regards to the splendid 
elegance of her costume. So theaters, concerts, lectures 
and sermons must alike wait for her coming, since she 
it is that gives character and tone to all these assemblies. 
People who labor and who ought therefore to be in bed 
by nine or ten o’clock, p. m., must conform to this rule 
or forego all fashionable amusements. And therefore 
it is that they are urged by all the well disposed 
to forego these amusements. It is not that the enter- 
tainments are wrong in themselves, but they sin against 
the health and liappiness-of all workers, whether with MAGNETISM. 
541 
brain or muscle, by trenching more and more deeply 
as time goes on upon the hours which Nature has conse- 
crated to repose. If workingmen and women must 
have amusement — and we concede that they must 
and should—let them devise it for themselves, within 
seasonable and proper hours. A persistently and 
repeatedly broken sleep very soon produces mental de- 
rangement ; and the directors of asylums for the insane 
have found, by experience, that regular and early 
hours are essential to the improvement of their patients ; 
and they require all their balls and parties to close 
punctually at ten o’clock, p. m. In this respect the 
insanity of fashion might well be placed under a like 
wise and judicious direction. 
One hour of sleep in the early night is worth two at 
its end or in the day, for all the purposes of health and 
strength. If our ladies understood what is undoubtedly 
the fact, that all their “ beauty-sleep ” must be gained 
before twelve, m., there would probably be fewer devotees 
of fashion among them. The faded, wan and prema- 
turely old women of society owe the early wreck of their 
once splendid charms more largely to irregular and un- 
timely hours than perhaps to all other causes combined. 
MAGNETISM. 
Since the reality of the phenomena of magnetism is now 
conceded, even by those members of the medical profes- 
sion who were formerly the most skeptical on this point,, 
we think our book would be incomplete without a fair 542 
MAGNETISM. 
statement of its powers and methods, and therefore sub- 
mit the following: 
In the first place, and by way of a general introduc- 
tion of the subject, we extract from the “ Cincinnati 
Medical Advance,” for October, 1875, some parts of an 
address by W. L. Fleming, M. I)., which was read before 
the Homoeopathic Medical Society of the county of New 
York. 
“ The term animal magnetism has been applied to a 
subtle force existing in man, which, it was discovered 
during the last century, was capable of producing upon 
certain persons, especially somnambulists, effects similar 
to those produced by the magnet; hence the name: ani- 
mal magnetism. 
“I have myself treated many cases of an inflammatory 
character, including acute rheumatism, where ordinary 
manipulation was at first impossible, owing to extreme 
sensitiveness; but where, by holding the hands lightly 
over the inflamed part, the sensitiveness has been gradu- 
alty diminished until full manipulatory action could be 
carried on with but little or no suffering, and, I am happy 
to add, in nearly every such case, so far as my memory 
serves me, the relief has been prompt and permanent. I 
have frequently dispersed boils, and in one case a large 
carbuncle, situated in the popliteal space, and which had 
progressed well toward suppuration, by holding the 
hands upon them, and using very gentle manipulation. 
In one instance, where a patient had submitted to a sur- 
gical operation for the removal of a duplicate thumb, and 
was suffering intense pain, I succeeded in entirely reliev- 
ing the pain for six or eight hours, by slowly passing my 
hand, without contact, two or three times, from the thumb 
toward the elbow ; when, at the end of this time, the pain 
returned, I repeated the operation, and the patient suf- 
fered no more during the healing process. Again: in MAGNETISM. 
543 
the case of a phthisical (consumptive) patient, who had 
long suffered from an obstinate constipation, and had 
been in the habit of using enormous doses of purgatives 
to obtain even temporary relief, I simply administered, 
once a day, magnetized water; and in two or three days 
a natural and easy movemen t of the bowels was obtained; 
a condition of things which the patient had not before 
experienced for several years. My method of magnetizing 
the water was as follows : I held the glass containing the 
water (as much as the patient desired to drink at one time) 
in the palm of the left hand, and placing my right hand 
over and a little above it, with the fingers converged and 
pointing down, maintained this position from three to 
five minutes, when the water was sufficiently charged to 
be administered. 
“And still another instance I can give you from my 
own experience, clearly demonstrating the existence of 
some peculiar force, capable of exerting a powerful influ- 
ence upon the human body, without the intervention of 
active manipulation. 
“A gentleman who was visiting at my house, and who 
had himself experimented considerably with the animal 
magnetic force, at my request permitted me to try an 
experiment upon him, which I will here relate. Desiring to 
ascertain to what extent the nerves could be affected by 
this force alone, and if it were possible by this means to 
produce local ana3sthesia, I placed him in as easy a posi- 
tion as possible in one chair, with his leg upon another 
directly in front, and in such a position that there would 
J)e no under pressure at any one point. I then made a 
few passes over the boot and clothing, without touching, 
from the foot toward the body, and then, with my hands 
encircling as nearly as possible the limb above the knee, 
but without contact, I concentrated my will upon this 
point with the intent to cut off, if possible, the nerve sup- 544 
MAGNETISM. 
ply from below this point. After holding the hands thus- 
for a few minutes, he complained of a prickling sensa- 
tion, which continued for a short time and then ceased. 
I continued holding the hands in the same position for 
about fifteen minutes, at the end of which time the leg 
was completely anaesthetized. There was neither feeling 
nor motion in it; and it remained in this condition until 
I made a few passes downward, when the tingling process 
was gone through with again, and the leg was gradually 
restored to its normal condition. 
“ Is there nothing in all this, then, to prove the action 
of some force independent of mechanical effect ? It cer- 
taiilly seems so to me, and I could give many more instan- 
ces, within my own experience, all tending to demonstrate 
this fact, and enough evidence of this kind could be 
obtained from others, if needed, to fill a volume. But 
the strongest and clearest evidence in support of the 
existence of animal magnetism, and that the phenomena 
resulting from its application are due to a fluid or im- 
ponderable power (or influence), is to be found in the 
researches of Baron von Reichenbacli on Magnetism, etc. 
The testimony of this author upon this point, from his 
name and standing as a scientist, cannot fail to carry 
with it great weight. 
“ I shall now proceed to give you the evidence of Reich- 
enbach upon this force : 
‘And now our investigation has brought us to the 
portal of what is called animal magnetism. This noli 
me tangere we shall now be able to seize. When I made 
a few passes down (with a magnet) the person of Mile. 
Sturman, from head to foot, she became insensible and 
was attacked by spasms, generally rigid. When I per- 
formed many passes with my large rock crystal, the result 
was the same. But 1 could also produce the same effect 
by using, instead of the magnet or the crystal, my hands MAGNETISM. 
545 
alone. The jpeculiar force (we shall call it crystalline) 
found both in magnets and crystals, must therefore 
also reside in my hands. 
‘ In order to test this more fully I tried the experiments 
which I shall presently describe. If this were the case, 
the force residing in my hand must produce all those 
effects which the crystalline force is capable of produc- 
ing, as described in the preceding treatise; I could con- 
clude as to difference or similarity, according to the 
degree of resemblance in the properties observed. It 
was, first of all, necessary to ascertain whether there 
existed a coincidence, and to what extent, between the 
action of the crystals on the healthy or diseased sensitive 
nerve, and that of the human hand on the same re-agent. 
When, in the case of persons sufficiently sensitive to per- 
ceive distinctly the passes made with a large crystal 
along the inner surface of the hand, I drew along the left 
hands of the patients the points of the fingers of my right 
hand, turned laterally, so that one linger followed the 
other, and all passed over the same line, which was 
drawn from the wrist down to beyond the point of the 
middle finger, there was not one among them who did not 
perceive the effect, exactly as from the point of a crystal. 
It was generally described as a cool aura, more rarely as 
a tepid aura; and was not only as powerful, but usually 
considerably more powerful than a crystal. 
'I need not here speak of the diseased subjects, since 
all of those I have hitherto mentioned perceived the 
effect with the same singular distinctness with which 
they felt, as a general rule, every magnetic pass; and 
Miles. Maix and Nowotny were even able to distinguish 
the effect of each finger separately. But there were but 
few healthy persons who were quite sufficiently sensitive 
for this re-action. Indeed, some of these, who only felt 
indistinctly the action of the crystals, perceived that of 546 
MAGNETISM. 
the fingers, nsed as above described, so plainly that they 
could always point it out while the eyes were averted. I 
am permitted here to refer to my friend, M. Carl Scliuh, 
who is a strong, healthy man, and perceives the action of 
crystals with unusual distinctness. When, to make 
assurance doubly sure, and contrary to my own rule, I 
blindfolded him, and made slow passes with the fingers 
of my right hand, as before described, over his left hand, 
he experienced so strong and distinct a sensation, analog- 
ous to that produced by a crystal, that he could distin- 
guish each individual pass, and was able, for example, 
at all times exactly to tell when I had made exactly two- 
thirds of the whole pass. M. Studer, already mentioned, 
also perceived this quite as plainly, as well as numerous 
other persons, among whom I have permission to name 
one of the finest, most powerful, and hardiest men I have 
over seen, who has traveled through Persia and Kurdis- 
tan, and twice penetrated from Egypt into the heart of 
Africa; who is therefore a rare example of iron health 
and strength of constitution, namely, M. Kotschy, who 
accompanied M. Russegger in part of his travels. He 
perceives the effect most distinctly when the temperature 
of the air is agreeable, and less distinctly when it is cold. 
The fingers, therefore, act, as on the sensitive nerve, 
exactly in the same way as a crystal of middling size. 
£ I compared the two forces with reference to' their con- 
ductibility. I caused Mile. Sturman to take hold of one 
end of a rod of German silver with her right hand, tak- 
ing care previously to avoid touching it myself. I al- 
lowed her some time to become accustomed to the 
sensation caused by the rod taken alone. I now placed 
on the other end the points of the fingers of my right 
hand, which were rather moist. She instantly perceived 
a warm sensation, and this passed upward as far as the 
elbow. I now added the fingers of my left hand; the MAGXETISM. 
547 
-sensation become much stronger, and reached to the 
shoulder. I removed my fingers ; the sensation rapidly 
diminished, without, however, instantly disappearing. I 
next attached and removed my fingers alternately; the 
sensation kept pace with the changes, increasing and 
diminishing regularly. On another occasion I requested 
Dr. Lippich to do the same: his fingers produced exactly 
the same effect. I tried the same experiments on Mile. 
Maix. I caused her to take hold of one end of the same 
rod, and, after a short interval, I first applied five, then 
ten fingers to the other end. The warm sensation was 
instantly perceived and it rose and fell as I applied or 
removed the fingers. With the whole ten it was so 
strong as to pass through the whole arm and into the 
head. I begged her physician to try the same experi- 
ment. He did so with the same results, only, although 
he was ten years my junior, the effect produced by his 
fingers was distinctly less powerful than that caused by 
mine. Father Lambert, the confessor of the patient, was 
accidentally present, and I begged him also to try. She 
found his fingers as powerful as mine. The nurse of the 
patient, Mile. Barbara Pschial, also made the trial. Her 
fingers caused similar sensations, but much more feeble 
than that of men. I repeated these experiments, substi- 
tuting for the rod of German silver an iron wire about 
five feet in length. When one end was held by the 
patient and I applied five fingers to the other, the patient 
perceived a current of decided heat; and with my ten 
fingers the sensation was stronger. It always quickly 
disappeared when I dropped the wire out of my hand. 
This fact was confirmed by frequent repetitions. I next 
caused the sister of patient, whose nervous system was 
also in some degree diseased, to apply her ten fingers to 
the end of the wire. The effect produced was strikingly 
feeble. The fingers of another female were added to 548 
MAGNETISM. 
hers: the effect was sensibly stronger; but the whole 
twenty fingers together did not produce nearly as much 
effect as my ten fingers alone, although I have long been 
gray and bald. I tried also a copper wire nearly ten 
feet in length. It conducted the force, but less rapidly 
and somewhat more feebly than the iron wire. The same 
experiments, with many variations, were repeated with 
Mile. Reichel, and with similar results. The action was 
very powerful in the case of Mile. Atzmanusdorfer; even 
M. Studer in perfect health was so sensitive, that he per- 
ceived quite distinctly the action of my hands through 
metallic wires. It follows from all these jriments, 
that the force derived from the human hand may be con- 
ducted through other bodies, exactly like the crystalline 
force, and that such bodies are conductors in the same 
way for both forces. 
‘I now wished to trv whether bodies could be charged 
with the force from the hand. I began with Mile. Stur- 
man. I laid the German silver rod near her and allowed 
it to lie for a quarter of an hour. I then begged her to take 
it in her hand, and thus to become accustomed to the sen- 
sation it might cause. After doing so, she laid it down; 
and then I took it in my hand for some seconds and 
laid it down. When she took hold of it she felt warm 
and so strangely charged that the well-known sensation 
caused under similar circumstances by crystals rose 
through the hand as far as to the elbow. This was of 
course repeated with many variations, for the sake of 
control. Her physician, Dr. Lippich, made a similar 
experiment. At my request, in another room, he took 
into his hands for a short time one of two precisely sim- 
ilar porcelain saucers, not touching the other. They 
were now presented to the patient, who with the greatest 
facility and accuracy distinguished that which had been 
held in the hand from the other. After about ten. min- MAGNETISM. 
549 
utes the effect was dissipated and both saucers felt alike. 
The experiment with the rod was soon after repeated 
with Mile. Maix, in the same way as above. It yielded 
the same results: the rod was charged by my fingers and 
the charge which Mile. Sturman had felt for five minutes 
was perceived by the more sensitive Mile. Maix to the 
last, gradually diminishing for twenty minutes. In 
both patients the sensation was the same ; one of warmth, 
rising into the arm and coinciding exactly with that caus- 
ed under similar circumstances by the rock crystal. I 
observed the same phenomena some months later in 
Miles. Reichel and Atzmanusdorfer. The most surpris- 
ing result is that obtained with a glass of water. If it 
be taken in one hand and grasped below by the fingers, 
and if this be continued for about ten minutes, it then pos- 
sesses, for sensitive patients, the smell, the taste and all 
the well-marked and curious properties of what is called 
magnetized water. Those who have never examined the 
matter experimentally may exclaim irrationally against 
this. I was formerly myself one of this number, but all 
those who have tested this fact by experiment and wit- 
nessed the effects, as I have done, can only speak of it 
with astonishment. The water thus changed, which is 
exactly similar to that treated by magnets or crystals, 
has therefore received from the fingers an abundant 
charge of the peculiar force residing in them and retains 
it for a considerable time. I could after a time produce 
similar effects on all possible substances by holding 
them for some time in my hand. The patients, who had 
tried them all before I touched them, now perceived in 
all of them the same change as if they had been stroked 
with the poles of magnets or crystals and this whether 
they knew of my having touched the objects or had 
been kept in ignorance of my having done so. It fol- 
lows plainly from all this that bodies may be charged 550 
MAGNETISM. 
with the force residing in the hands exactly as with the 
crystaline force. 
1 In this comparative investigation, however, the lum- 
inous phenomena which I have now to describe form both 
literally and metaphorically a brilliant point. One 
day, when I was observing Mile. Reicliel, who after 
severe spasms when in a sort of half sleep with closed 
eyes, was playing with the magnetic flame, an amusement 
in which she particularly delighted, I introduced my 
outstretched hand in the dark, between her and the- 
flame. She instantly began to play, as before, with my 
fingers and to speak to the bystanders of five little 
flames which jumped about in the air. She did not 
notice my hand, but took the motion of my fingers, at 
the points of which she saw little flames, for a spontane- 
ous dancing of the flames. All those who were present 
now held up their hands and asked whether fire could 
possibly also be flowing from their fingers. The flame 
was visible to the patient on the hands of every male 
person present, more or less brightly; but not one finger 
of a female had sufficient light to show a flame and 
exhibited at the utmost a feeble glimmer. This was 
even the case with her own fingers. As long as her ill- 
ness continued, these experiments were often repeated, 
in order to amuse her after her fits or for the gratifica- 
tion of many other persons. But when she had recovered 
it was found that she had the power, which still contin- 
ues unchanged, of perceiving, not only during her illness, 
but also in the intervals of apparently strong health, the 
magnetic flames, the light in crystals and the flames on 
human hands, if the room were only dark enough. Nay, 
it appeared that she had possessed this power from 
childhood. When a child her mother had been often 
obliged to raise her in her arms that she might convince 
herself that there was no fire proceeding from nails and MAGNETISM. 
551 
hooks in the wall, as she often spoke of such appear- 
ances with exclamations of wonder. There were even 
two of her brothers and sisters who, in the same way, 
saw everywhere luminous appearances, where other per- 
sons could see nothing, Now, while I am writing this, 
Mile. Reicliel daily assists me in researches which I am 
making in this direction, on electricity and magnetism ; 
and we shall see at a future period, from my reports, 
to what conclusions they have already led and will lead. 
I was thus enabled, with the aid of this sensitive patient, 
to study in the most sober and comprehensive manner 
and for a long time the luminous phenomena seen on the 
human hand, an investigation which I still daily pursue. 
‘ Experiments with Mile. Atzmanusdorfer gave essen- 
tially the same results. But she saw the flames of a 
larger size. While Mile. Reicliel, in her peculiar degree 
of sensitiveness, described them as being from 0.8 to 1.2 
inches in length, Mile. Atzmanusdorfer saw them in the 
dark from 2 to 2.5 inches long, that is, almost as long as 
a linger. Mile. Reicliel made drawings of these beauti- 
ful appearances, which I shall give in one of the subse- 
quent parts of this work. The fact established by 
several observers, that fiery bundles of light flow from 
the finger-points of healthy men, in the same way as 
from the poles of crystals, is sufficient for my present 
object.’ 
“ Here, then, we have the most conclusive evidence of 
the existence in man of the peculiar force called animal 
magnetism, and also that it is conductible and can be 
imparted to all substances. This testimony is all the 
more valuable, as the facts here stated can be verified at 
any time by all who may choose to investigate the 
subject. 
“ As a therapeutic means, this force has every reason 
to recommend it to the physician. While it in no way 552 
MAGNETISM. 
interferes with the action of a drug, it is efficient where 
drugs most conspiciously fail; and, as an auxiliary to 
surgical and medical treatment, it will, when better un- 
derstood, fill a need that has long been felt. For in- 
stance, in those cases where surgical interference is 
necessary, and yet where the condition of the patient is 
such as to render an operation unsafe, there is no other 
means that will so quickly impart vitality, and that will 
tend so much to insure a successful result as this. And 
in those adynamic diseases, where the enfeebled system 
fails to respond to drug action, this force will prove most 
valuable. 
“ While the animal magnetic force has proved most 
efficacious in both acute and chronic diseases, it is in the 
cure of the latter that it has achieved its greatest success; 
especially in the treatment of this class of maladies, it is 
destined to form an important part of the therapeutics of 
the future ; and in those diseases which have proved the 
least amenable to ordinary methods of cure, it will be 
our chief reliance. 
“ In the treatment of that fearful and mysterious dis- 
ease, insanity, I believe that this force is yet to play 
an important part. Although my experience in this 
direction has been limited, and I can not speak with that 
degree of confidence regarding its efficiency in this, as 
in other ills to which flesh is heir, yet the result so far 
attained seems to warrant its thorough trial in this dis- 
ease. Of the few cases of mental disorder which J have 
had occasion to treat, during eight years’ employment of 
this means, one only afforded me the opportunity to 
continue the treatment a sufficient length of time to be 
considered a fair test of its merits. In this, a case of 
melancholia—reported in a former paper—of several 
years’ standing, in which other means had failed, the 
treatment was applied less than two months, and resulted 
in complete recovery. MAGNETISM. 
553 
** In those diseases occurring in scrofulous children, 
which generally result in deformity, animal magnetism 
is pre-eminently qualified to take the' lead of all other 
modes of treatment; and I think I may truthfully assert 
that, in the majority of cases of this kind, deformity 
may be entirely prevented if this treatment be applied 
in time. 
“ In order to demonstrate the action of this force, in 
this class of troubles, I will here briefly cite a case. 
“ Charlie B., aged five years ; suffering from Potts’ dis- 
ease of the spine, and white swelling of the knee. 
.Various methods of treatment had been unavailingly 
employed in his case, and he was rapidly growing worse. 
When brought to me for treatment he was fast losing 
flesh, had no appetite, was peevish and irritable. Exam- 
ination revealed some curvature in the lumbar region, 
and spinal abscess. The right knee was considerably 
enlarged and very sensitive. The leg was flexed so that 
the toes scarcely touched the floor when standing, and 
motion exceedingly painful. 
“ After a few treatments there was marked improve- 
ment in the appetite, and he soon began to show evidence 
of returning bodily health. The improvement rapidly 
continued; and although he wore no brace or support 
for the spine, the destructive process was arrested, the 
abscess gradually healed, and in a short time the spinal 
trouble was entirely cured. It is now nearly five years 
since I treated this case, and the friends of the patient 
(who live out of town) inform me that there is no trouble 
or deformity of the spine, so far as they can perceive. 
As the treatment was discontinued at the end of nine 
weeks, the knee, though much improved, has not been 
cured, as I believe it would have been, had the treatment 
been persisted in. 
“ I could cite many cases, showing the value of this 554 
MAGNETISM. 
force in various diseases ; but the limits of this paper* 
will not permit. I will merely state that by this means 
I have cured quite a number of cases of paralysis, 
nervous affections, and numerous other forms of disease 
coming under the head of chronic. Many of these cases 
having first tried the ordinary method of cure without 
success. 
“The results attained by this force in those diseases 
incident to women, especially entitle it to the considera- 
tion of the profession as an auxiliary treatment in such 
cases. 
“ To conclude : Animal magnetism is a scientific fact. 
If it be not a fact, ‘ then do no facts exist in any depart- 
ment of science.’ That it has proved itself a most pow- 
erful therapeutic means, is also a fact. Such being the 
case, the duty of the medical profession in regard to this 
matter is perfectly plain.” 
How to Magnetize.—Select a good subject. 
1. One mark of such a person is very fine, soft hair;, 
another is fair complexion, with light, full and expres- 
sive eyes and regular and handsome features. Debility 
of health, also, predisposes to magnetic susceptibility. 
2. Choose a person younger and physically weaker 
than yourself, and by all means of an opposite or differ- 
ent temperament. 
3. Select a kind, well disposed and intelligent person. 
4. Sit beside or before your subject, preserving an 
easy and tranquil frame of mind. 
5. Be sure that he submits himself passively to your 
influence and thinks of nothing foreign to the purpose 
and occasion. He may either close his eyes or fix them 
steadily upon yours. 
6. Hold his hands crossed, his left with your left and 
his right with your right, the balls of your thumbs, 
touching the balls of his. HOW TO MAGXETIZE. 
555 
7. Have perfect confidence in your ability to put him 
to sleep in a short time. 
8. Use your will, earnestly but calmly, to effect this 
object, fixing your eyes upon a point midway between 
his. If convenient, sit so that his extended arms may 
rest upon your knees. 
9. Hold his thumbs until you feel that the heat in both 
pairs of hands is equal. This will occur within ten 
minutes. 
10. Begin the magnetic process by holding your hands 
upon his head, lightly, so that the palms shall touch the 
temples and the tips of the fingers rest upon the top of 
his head; or place your palms on his eyes and let the 
fingers rest upon the forehead. Incline your forehead 
towards his; and, to avoid fatigue, rest your elbows on 
your knees. 
11. Continue thus to charge his head until his eyelids 
close involuntarily and firmly. However difficult a sub- 
ject, if you persevere and he does not resist, he must at 
last succumb. It may take five minutes or half an 
hour, or as many sittings of the same length of time. 
It is useless to proceed until you do close his eyelids, 
and there is no better or speedier method than this. 
12. When you have succeeded in closing his eyelids 
so that he cannot open them without your permission, 
point your extended fingers, for a short time, in succes- 
sion at his eyes, forehead, and the top, sides and back 
of his head, and then to his face, chest and stomach. 
This, if properly done, will well accomplish the charg- 
ing processes. 
18. Now begin to draw off the magnetic essence with 
which you have overcharged him, in this way: Move 
your hands, slowly and gently, down from his head to 
his fingers, along the inside of his arms, beginning both 
at the top and back of his head, and from the forehead,, 
over the face, to the stomach and knees. 556 
MAGNETISM. 
14. If sleep be not induced or the eyes re-open after 
dosing, close the sitting in half an hour. Repeated 
trials will infallibly bring your subject into the mag- 
netic state, which will somewhat resemble natural sleep 
nt first. He will improve in susceptibility in proportion 
to the regularity of the magnetic process. 
15. It will be well, for a few of the first occasions, to 
let him sleep on quietly for a while, and to continue the 
drawing process for sometime after he falls asleep. 
15. Finally, when you deem him prepared for this, 
speak to him and ask how he feels. This will arouse 
and wake him, or he will sleep on without speaking, or 
he will answer. If he answer, he has entered into the 
somnambulic state. Then ask him if your method 
agrees with him, and if he can suggest any improvement 
on it; whether anything occurs to him to say or advise; 
whether he sees light in his brain, and how much; if he 
can perceive his magnetizer; where his organ of vision 
is located, and how you can improve it; whether he can 
look into your system or his own, and what he can say 
of either, how far he can see; if he can travel, or foresee 
any thing that can take place; whether he can look into 
your mind, so as to perceive a word you think of, or if 
not, how soon he will be able to do so, etc., etc. 
17. Let him sleep as long as he will, but wake him if 
he seem fatigued or express a desire to be awaked, first 
requesting him not to remember what has taken place 
during his sleep. 
18. Wake him by standing behind his chair and pass- 
ing your hand upwards, from his knees and arms to his 
head, and by bringing up your fingers briskly before his 
face, and telling him to awake. Give him his own time 
to awake, and do not hurry or arouse him suddenly. 
19. Upward passes not being magnetic, you should, 
therefore, in bringing them up, close your fingers and MAGNETISM AS A MEDICAL AGENT. 
557 
bend them into a semi circle. The gentlest movements 
are the best. Let your fingers be apart during the im- 
parting process, and remember that the tips and not the 
balls convey the lluid. Magnetize, if possible, at the 
same hour each day. 
20. In case the action produces pain in any part, con- 
centrate it to that part in order to draw it away after- 
wards. If the pain be in the head, attract it to the knees. 
21. Occasionally magnetize your subject standing. 
Magnetism as a Medical Agent—It is not pre- 
tended that magnetism cures all diseases; some are no 
doubt beyond its reach, but it is certainly a valuable 
auxiliary of medicine, and every physician should wel- 
come it to his field of labor and make himself familiar 
with its principles and practice, because a general 
knowledge of them would, as has been proved by thous- 
ands of experiments, relieve many of the ills of life and 
keep multitudes from untimely graves. Says Baron 
Dupotet, “ The value of such a discovery as animal mag- 
netism is to be estimated, not by the evils by which its 
unskilful administration may give rise, but by the posi- 
tive good which may be derived from it. Already we 
have seen that during the state of magnetic insensibility 
the most painful surgical operations may be performed 
and the patient remain the whole time in a state of 
unconsciousness. Is this not a boon to suffering human- 
ity? This is not a.l; the most obstinate and painful 
chronic diseases have been relieved and perfectly cured 
by its application. It was the successful treatment and 
cure of diseases which had notoriously resisted every 
other remedy that compelled the sturdiest and most 
inveterate of our antagonists to recognize the influence of 
magnetism, and when these facts were demonstrated 
beyond all reasonable controversy it remained for them 
to seek in the shadows of their imagination the solution 558 
MAGNETISM. 
of the mystery. In epilepsy, hysteria, neuralgia, chronic 
rheumatism, headache, I know of no remedy so imme- 
diate and availing. How often have I seen the victim of 
pain writhing in the most acute agony, sink, under its 
influence into a state of most placid composure.” 
We submit the following directions for its application: 
For headache, place your hand upon the part affected 
and exercise a constant and benevolent desire to relieve 
pain, and, after holding it there a few minutes, pass it 
lightly over the head from right to left. If the pain is 
occasioned by the stomach, next place your hand on it 
and proceed as with the head. If the headache is accom- 
panied with cold feet, after holding the hands on the 
head for a short time, draw them slowly from the head 
downwards, along the sides to the knees ; soon the head 
will be relieved and the feet become warm. If the pain 
has existed for years, it is chronic and must have a pro- 
longed treatment. 
In rheumatism, if local, place your hand where pain is 
felt, hold it there for fifteen or twenty minutes, then pass 
it lightly to the extremity of the feet and thus continue 
for ten minutes, but if the limbs generally are affected 
make passes a short distance from tliem to their extrem- 
ities for an hour or more ; if the disease is chronic repeat 
the operation daily until the relief is complete, and so 
with every chronic disease. 
The magnetic sleep is highly restorative and should 
always be resorted to when the complaint is general; but 
when there is simply a local pain or disease, there is no 
necessity for it. 
For toothache, hold the hand to the part affected for a 
few minutes, then pass the ends of the fingers lightly 
over the cheek, from right to left. 
In boils, magnetize when the inflammation begins. 
For a felon, make passes along the arm as far as the 559 
MAGNETISM AS A MEDICAL AGENT. 
extremity of the finger, and after lingering a moment 
there draw off quickly from the end. 
The action, of magnetism is upon the whole system. 
It assists the efforts which nature is constantly making 
to banish from the system whatever is injurious or 
unwholesome. Its re-establishment of a sound and 
healthy equilibrium is especially soothing; and when 
there is a deficiency of vital essence in any of the 
organs, it strengthens by imparting that essence. It 
quiets the nerves, restores sleep and appetite, relieves 
pain, abates swellings and imparts cheerfulness and 
tranquility even in the case of those organic and hered- 
itary diseases which it cannot cure. 
In magnetizing for diseases, we summarize the follow- 
ing directions: 
1. In all local affections, accumulate and concentrate 
the current upon the part and afterwards draw it off 
towards the extremities. The pain may be increased 
at first, but it will finally be soothed away by drawing 
off. 
2. The fingers gathered to a point concentrate the 
action upon the part to which they are directed. 
2. For all chronic and acute diseases and surgical 
operations, except in the case of rheumatism, bruises and 
burns and similar local affections, magnetize the whole 
system in the regular way and induce sleep. The 
magnetic lethargy will prove highly restorative and 
refreshing. DIVISION FOURTH. 
THE SICK-ROOM. 
NURSING THE SICK. 
The services of an intelligent, experienced nurse form 
a part of the treatment of the sick quite as essential as 
the administration of medicine. To aid her to some 
extent in the performance of this duty, the following 
general hints are offered: Particular instructions, suited 
to various diseased conditions are given, when needful, 
throughout the "book, under “Accessory treatment.” 
Special directions concerning infectious fevers are given 
in the section on “Typhoid Fever.” In serious and 
difficult cases the medical attendant alone can furnish 
instructions adapted to the peculiarity of each case, and 
it is the nurse's duty faithfully to carry out his direc- 
tions and to report to him at each visit the effects of the 
treatment. 
The following points should he kept in view: The 
apartment should he airy. A spacious, well-ventilated 
room, allowing an uninterrupted admission of fresh air 
and the free escape of tainted, is a valuable element in 
the management of the sick. Fresh air can only he 
insured hy an open window or door, or both. XUESING. 
561 
In ventilating a sick-room, yon should be careful as 
to where the air comes from which you let in. Never air 
a room from another room that has been closed up tight 
for days previously, nor from a hall which is itself 
seldom properly aired. The air which you let into the 
room should not come from a filthy locality, nor from 
a kitchen, nor underground or basement room. 
A fireplace or grate in a room is greatly to be prefer- 
red to a stove, and the fireplace should never be closed. 
Some people, as soon as the season for having fires is 
over, close up the fireplaces of the rooms where a 
fire is not necessary. This is bad. A fireplace should 
never be shut up. It serves, when open, whether with or 
without fire, as a most important ventilator, an escape- 
ment or draught, through which the air may constantly 
change. By opening a window a little, say at the top, 
or if this cannot be done, by takirig out one of the 
upper lights and making a brisk fire in an open fire- 
place a fine draught and plentiful supply of fresh air can 
be obtained and the room kept properly ventilated. 
And this should always be done, except in the most 
extreme hot weather. You need have no fear of the 
patient taking cold under such circumstances. Of course,, 
the patient is to be in bed and well supplied with the 
necessary covering. You will find that patients do not 
take cold while in bed. And it is better even to make 
use of artificial heat, by applying about the patient’s 
feet, legs and body, warm bricks or bottles of hot 
water, than to close the room and permit the patient to 
breathe impure air. When patients first get out of a 
warm bed is the time they are most likely to take cold. 
Great care, then, should be exercised in keeping them 
warmly wrapped. Cleanliness of the skin and clothing, 
pure air for breathing and proper food, are the chief 
essentials for the sick. Yet how few are thus properly 562 
NUKSING THE SICK. 
cared for ; and, not unfrequently, the result is the death 
of the patient, when to an inscrutable Providence, im- 
proper remedies, or an incompetent physician, is 
attached the blame which should rest upon an ignorant 
or a negligent nurse. 
Another extraordinary fallacy is the dread of niglit- 
air. What air can we breathe at night, but night-air? 
The choice is between pure night-air from without and 
foul niglit-air from within. Most people prefer the lat- 
ter. An unaccountable choice. What will they say if 
it is proved to be true that fully one-half of all the dis- 
ease we suffer from is occasioned by people sleeping 
with their windows shut ? An open window most nights 
in the year can never hurt any one. In great cities 
niglit-air is often the best and purest air to be had in the 
twenty-four hours. During infectious diseases, besides 
diluting the poison with an abundance of atmospheric 
air, dilute carbolic acid, specially prepared for use in 
the sick-room, may be used as an efficient and agreeable 
disinfectant. 
The same solution should be frequently sprinkled 
about the floors, bedclothes, handkerchief, etc., and be 
diffused through the room by a spray-producer. It acts 
quickly as an efficient disinfectant. It may also be used 
for personal disinfection—a point often but indifferently 
carried out—by adding it to the water in which the 
patient is washed, and is a valuable substitute for aro- 
matic vinegar. It also makes an excellent gargle for 
fever-patients to sweeten the breath. It is also useful to 
visitors of the sick, to prevent the risk from infectious 
diseases; for this purpose a few drops should be 
sprinkled on the handkerchief before entering the sick- 
room. Mason's 'perfumed carbolic acid is much more 
agreeable in use than ordinary preparations of the pure 
acid. NUBSING THE SICK. 
563 
To the same end the room should be divested of all 
superfluous furniture, carpets, bed-hangings, etc. 
The room should be provided with a second Toed or 
convenient couch to which the patient should, if possible, 
be removed for a short time, at least once in the twenty- 
four hours. This insures a change of atmosphere around 
the patient’s body, and at the same time allows the bed 
to be aired. 
The sick-room should be quiet. Silk dresses and 
■creaky boots, the crackling noise make by handling a 
newspaper, etc., often distress invalids; the tones of the 
voice should be gentle and subdued, but whispering 
.avoided; all unnecessary conversation and noise must 
be forbidden. 
The temperature of the room should be ascertained by 
a thermometer, as the sensations of the nurse cannot be 
depended upon as a sufficient guide; a thermometer sus- 
pended out of a current of air and the direct heat of the 
lire will correctly indicate the temperature of the room. 
The temperature may be varied according to the nature 
of the disease from which the patient suffers. In fevers, 
inflammation of the brain, etc.,' about 55° will be the 
proper warmth. In inflammation of the lungs and bron- 
chitis, a higher temperature is necessary—60° and up- 
wards. In all inflammatory affections of the chest the 
air should be warm and also moist, so as not to irritate 
the inflamed lining of the air-tubes. Cold air and too 
many bed-clothes are sure to increase the mischief. 
Under all circumstances it must be remembered that the 
temperature considered necessary is on no account to be 
maintained by excluding fresh air from the room, and 
making the patient breathe, over and over again, the air 
which has already been made impure. 
Patients suffering from infectious diseases should be 
separated, if possible, and occupy a room on an upper 564 
NURSING THE SICK. 
story, to prevent the spread of the infection to others; 
for infections exhalations, being lighter than air, ascend. 
Mothers, who frequently go in and out of the room, might 
keep a loose cotton gown ready to put on over their other 
dress whenever they enter it, before waiting on the in- 
fected patient, and to be taken off again when leaving 
the room. 
In most cases of illness, especially at the commence- 
ment, cold water, barley-water, gum-water, raspberry- 
vinegar and water, apple-water, toast and water, lem- 
onade and soda-water, all demulcent beverages, are 
nearly all that are necessary. There is, sometimes, a 
foolish objection raised to allowing cold water to a pa- 
tient ; but it is not only most refreshing, but an agent of 
supreme importance, lowering excessive heat, giving vigor 
to the relaxed capillaries, and accelerating favorable 
changes. The quantity of cold water given at a time 
should be small—one to two tablespoonfuls—and re- 
peated as often as desired. Sucking ice is useful and 
grateful. 
Food not to be kept in the sick-room —Miss 
Nightingale’s suggestion on this point is worth repeti- 
tion here. It is this : do not keep the food, drink or del- 
icacies, intended for the patient, in the sick-room or 
within his sight. The air and temperature of the apart- 
ment are liable to hasten putrefactive decomposition, 
especially in hot weather, and the continuous sight of 
them to cause disgust. Rather take up for him, at the 
fitting time, and by way of surprise, two or three tea- 
spoonfuls of jelly, or as many fresh grapes as he may 
consume at once, or the segment of an orange. Or, if it 
be appropriate to his condition, a small cup of beef-tea, 
covered with one or two narrow slips of toasted bread, 
just from the fire; this is very much preferable to offer- 
ing even a less quantity from a basinful that has been BATHING. 
565 
kept for many hours within reach of the patient’s hand 
and eye. v 
Moderation in convalescence, change of air on recovery 
from illness, etc., may be found in the section on 
“ Typhoid Fever.” 
Bathing—The nurse, before commencing to bathe the 
patient, should provide herself with water, two towels, 
a sponge, a piece of soft flannel and a sheet. The tem- 
perature of the room should also be observed. Use 
cold or warm water as may be most agreeable to the 
patient’s feelings. Before using the sponge to bathe, a 
sheet or fold of cloth, should be spread smoothly over 
the bed and under the patient, to prevent the bed-linen 
on which the patient lies from becoming damp or wet. 
Apply the wet sponge to one part of the body at a 
time ; as the arm, for instance. By doing so, the liabil- 
ity of contracting chills is diminished. Take a dry, soft 
towel, wipe the bathed part, and follow this by vigorous 
rubbing with a crash towel, or, what is better, a mitten 
made of this material; then use briskly a piece of soft 
flannel, to remove all moisture that may exist on the 
skin, and particularly between the fingers and the flex- 
ions of the joints. In this manner bathe the entire 
body. 
The sick should be thoroughly bathed at least once in 
twenty-four hours. Particular attention should be given 
to the parts between the fingers and toes, and about the 
flections of the joints, as the accumulation of the excre- 
tions is most abundant on these parts. In bathing, these 
portions of the system are very generally neglected. The 
best time for bathing, is when the patient feels most 
vigorous, and freest from exhaustion. The practice of 
daubing the face and hands with a towel dipped in hot 
rum, camphor, and vinegar, does not remove the impuri- 
ties, but causes the skin soon to feel dry, hard and un- 
comfortable. 566 
NURSING THE SICK. 
Food—It is the duty of every woman to know how to> 
make the simple preparations adapted to a low diet, in 
the most wholesome and the most palatable way. Water- 
gruel, which is the simplest of all preparations, is fre- 
quently so ill-made as to cause the patient to loathe it. 
Always prepare the food for the sick in the neatest and 
most careful manner. 
When the physician enjoins abstinence from food, the 
nurse should strictly obey the injunction. She should 
be as particular to know the physician’s directions 
about diet, as in knowing how and when to give the pre- 
scribed medicines, and obey them as implicitly. 
When a patient is convalescent, the desire for food is 
generally strong, and it often requires firmness and 
patience, together with great care on the part of the 
nurse, that the food be prepared suitably, and given at 
proper time. The physician should direct how fre- 
quently it should be taken. 
Bed-linen, as well as that of the body, should be aired 
every day, and oftener changed in sickness than in 
health. All clothing, when changed, should be well 
dried, and warmed by a fire previously to its being put 
on the patient or the bed. 
Darkening tlie sick-room—It is a common error 
to imagine that a sick-room should always be either 
'partially or wholly darkened. In some diseases, as, for 
example, fevers, when the eyes are acutely sensitive to 
light, so that they remain half-closed, and the eyebrows 
are contracted, the greatest relief is experienced from 
darkening the room. When delirium is present, a cer- 
tain degree of darkening is, in some instances service- 
able ; whilst in -others, especially when the delirium is 
accompanied with visual illusions, nothing so readily dis- 
pels these, and consequently abates the delirium, as the 
admission of the full daylight into the sick-room. There BEDS. 
567 
is much difficulty, however, in determining which state 
of the apartment is likely to he most serviceable in any 
particular case.* Observation of the effects of light and 
darkness, in the individual case, must be our guide. 
Beds—There is probably more injury done to the 
sick, and more lives lost through the ignorance of the 
nurse in regard to the bed and bedding, than in any 
other thing. 
To say the least, the condition of many beds is an 
outrage to the suffering patient. 
The careful nurse is very particular about airing the 
sheets every day. But are the mattresses ever aired? 
ever changed? seldom. 
A mattress will soon become saturated with the 
unhealthy, poisonous emanation from the patient’s body; 
from this arises a dampness, either cold or warm, as the 
case may be, which returns upon the patient, to be 
inhaled and absorbed into the system; and this unhealthy 
process is kept up during the whole course of his sick- 
ness. 
A patient should not be allowed to lie on the same 
mattress more than forty-eight hours at a time; twenty- 
four hours is better. It should then be exchanged for a 
well-aired one; while it should be subjected to a thor- 
ough airing and sunning; not slipped underneath 
another, on the same bed, as is sometimes done. 
It is vastly more important that the mattresses be fre- 
quently changed and aired, than that the sheets be ; and 
for the reason that they will catch and contain vastly 
more poisonous effluvia than sheets will, and will give it 
off again, to the great injury of the patient. The exha- 
lations from the patient’s body are constantly passing 
off, by perspiration, and gradually and constantly pass- 
ing into his bed. 
It may be worth while to remark, that where there is 568 
NURSING THE SICK. 
any danger of bed-sores, a blanket should never be 
placed under the patient. It retains damp and acts like 
a poultice. 
Never use anything but light Whitney-blankets, as 
bed-covering for the sick. The heavy, cotton, impervi- 
ous counterpane is bad, for the very reason that it keeps 
in the emanations from the sick person, while the blanket 
allows them to pass through. Weak patients are inva- 
riably distressed by a great weight of bed-clothes, which 
often prevents their getting any sound sleep whatever. 
Never place a patient on such a detestable thing as a 
feather-bed. Mattresses should be used for this pur- 
pose, and those made of hair are the best. 
As regards pillows, the facts are, every weak patient, 
be his illness what it may, suffers more or less from diffi- 
culty in breathing. To take the weight of the body 
off the poor chest, which is hardly up to its work as it 
is, ought therefore to be the object of the nurse in 
arranging his pillows. Now what does she do, and 
wliat are the consequences ? She piles the pillows, one 
a-top of the other, like a wall of bricks. The head is 
thrown upon the chest. And the shoulders are pushed 
forward, so as not to allow the lungs room to expand. 
The pillows, in fact, lean upon the patient, not the 
patient upon the pillows. 
Beds for the sick, as well as for those in health, should 
not be too low; neither should they be at the other 
extreme—that is, too high. The height to the top of 
the upper mattress, should not exceed eighteen inches 
or two feet. 
If the patient is too high, especially if the ceiling is 
low, he will be above the current of fresh air, and in that 
which is heated and impure. Care should be had also 
not to have the bed too lowg or the patient will be in the 
cold, damp, and equally unhealthy air which settles near PROPER TIME TO GIVE FOOD. 
569 
the floor of the room. The best criterion is to have the 
position of the patient as near as possible on a level 
with the top of the lireplace, as he will then be in a cur- 
rent of the best air in the room. 
The bed should never be placed against the wall, nor 
in the corner of the room, the reasons of which will 
appear to every intelligent nurse. If possible, it should 
be in the lightest part of the room, and where the patient 
can look out of the window. 
If possible, the bed should be made night and morn- 
ing. And sometimes during the day and night the bed- 
clothes should be raised up from the body and let fall 
again, so as to drive out the confined air ; or they should 
be thrown back towards the feet, to allow a full airing. 
If possible, the head of the bed should be placed towards 
the north. 
Proper time and punctuality in giving food— 
Punctuality in giving food is of the utmost importance. 
With very weak patients, life itself may hang upon a 
few minutes. A spoonful of nourishment, given at the 
right time, may turn the scale and save the patient’s 
life; whereas, if it had been delayed fifteen minutes 
longer, it might have been too late ! Where patients are 
very weak and can take but little nourishment at a 
time, it is of the utmost importance that it be given 
wdtli scrupulous punctuality. 
In the case of a large majority of very weak patients 
it is quite impossible to take any solid food before 10 or 
11 a. M., nor then, if their strength is still further 
exhausted by fasting till that hour; for weak patients 
have generally feverish nights and in the morning dry 
mouths ; and if they could eat with those dry mouths it 
would be the worse for them. A spoonful of beef-tea 
or arrow-root and wine, of egg-flip every hour, will give 
them the requisite nourishment and prevent them from 570 
NURSING THE SICK. 
being too much exhausted to take, at a later hour, the 
solid food, which is necessary for their recovery. Again, 
a nurse is ordered to give a patient a teacupful of some 
article of food every three hours. The patient’s stomach 
rejects it. If so, try a tablespoonful every hour; if this 
will not do, a teaspoonful every quarter of an hour. 
It should be better known that there are many lives 
lost for the want of proper care and ingenuity at these 
momentous times. 
Patients’ lives have been saved when they were sink- 
ing for the want of food by the simple question put to 
them by the doctor, “But is there no hour when you 
feel you could eat?” “Oh yes, I could always take 
something at — o’clock and — o’clock.” Patients very 
seldom, however, can tell this—it is for you to watch and 
find it out. 
A patient should, if possible, not see or smell either 
the food of others, or a greater amount of food than he 
himself can consume at one time, or even hear food talked 
about, or see it in the raw state. 
The above is applicable mainly to patients who are 
in a very feeble state of health, from exhaustion, through 
the want of nourishment. Hence in all these cases 
there are much judgment and discretion to be exercised 
by the nurse. The general rule is, “ never urge a pa- 
tient to eat'” he will know better than you when lie 
needs food. As to what he should eat, he may know 
better than you. If he craves any particular thing, the 
chances are that it will not hurt him. The diet should 
be light, nourishing, and easy of digestion. But recol- 
lect that the patient does not need much food. This 
will apply to all cases of acute disease. In diseases of' 
long standing, where there is little or no fever, the rule 
will be somewhat different. A light diet may not be so 
necessary. In cases of recent attacks of fever, or acute= MOISTURE PRODUCED IM THE ROOM. 
571 
diseases of tlie bowels, food, especially animal food, 
urged upon a patient simply because it is thought he 
ought to eat something, is likely to do more harm than 
for him to go without food for three days. Indeed, the 
abstinence from food for that time, or even longer, might 
be the best possible way to save the patient’s life! The 
best rule in all cases of recent or acute diseases is, never 
to give the patient food unless he desires it / and then to 
let him have what he wants or prefers, if you know it 
cannot hurt him. 
Moisture and impurities produced in the 
room—There ought to be nothing in the room, besides 
the patient, that can give off effluvia or moisture. The 
damp from towels, or any other article hung up to dry, 
goes into the air the patient is to breathe. One of the 
worst habits is that of leaving the chamber-vessel with 
its contents under the bed. A vessel for such purposes 
should never be left standing in the room for one 
moment with its contents—though it contain nothing 
but urine—without toeing well covered ; and if ever so 
well covered, it should be emptied immediately and well 
cleansed, lid and all. Day or night, make this an inva- 
riable rule in a sick-room. 
There should be no standing liquid of any description 
in a sick-room, not even the purest cold water; because,, 
the cold water causes the tainted atmosphere of the sick- 
room to settle on its surface, and condense into oily drops, 
to drink which would be disgusting. If not drunk, the 
same particles are made gaseous by the warm air of the 
room, are evaporated, mingled with the air, and breathed 
into the lungs. 
All medicines, bottles and vials, or anything else which 
reminds of medicine, should be kept out of sight, except 
at the moment of administering them. 
The use of a chamber-vessel without a lid should be 572 
NURSING THE SICK. 
abolished, whether among sick or well. You can easily 
convince yourself of the necessity of this absolute rule 
by taking one with a lid and examining the underside 
-of that lid. It will be found always covered, whenever 
the utensil is not empty, by condensed, offensive mois- 
ture. Where does that go when there is no lid ? 
Earthenware, or if there is any wood, highly polished 
and varnished wood, are the only materials fit for 
patients’ utensils. 
A slop-pail should never be brought into a sick-room 
or any other. It should be a rule invariable that the 
utensil should be carried directly to the water-closet, 
emptied there, rinsed there and brought back. There 
should always be water and a cock in every water-closet 
for rinsing. But even if there is not, you must carry 
water there to rinse with. Says a physician, “ I have 
actually seen, in the private sick-room, the utensils 
emptied into the foot-pan and put back unrinsed under 
the bed. I can hardly say which is most abominable— 
whether to do this or to rinse the utensil in the sick- 
room.” 
External applications—The feet and legs should 
be examined by the hand, from time to time, and when- 
ever a tendency to chilling is discovered, hot bottles or 
warm flannels, with some warm drink, should be made 
use of until the temperature is restored. Patients are 
frequently lost in the latter stages of disease, from want 
of attention to such simple precautions. The nurse may 
be trusting to the patient’s diet, or to his medicine, 
which she is directed to give him, while the patient is 
all the while sinking from want of a little external 
warmth. Such cases happen even during the height of 
summer. This fatal chill is most apt to occur toward 
early morning, at the period of the lowest temperature 
of the twenty-four hours, and at the time when the effect 
of the preceding day’s diet is exhausted. TALKING BUSINESS TO A SICK PEKSON. 
573 
Talking* business to a sick person—Always sit 
down when a sick person is talking business to yon,, 
show no signs of hurry, and go away the moment the 
subject is ended. 
Always sit within the patient’s view, so that when you 
speak to him he has not painfully to turn his head 
round in order to look at you. If you make this act a 
wearisome one on the part of the patient, you are doing 
him harm. So also if by continuing to stand, you make 
him continuously raise his eyes to see you. Be as 
motionless as possible, and never gesticulate in speaking 
to the sick. 
Mere visitors should not be allowed to remain in the 
sick-room more than five minutes, just long enough to 
allow a friendly greeting, and the expression of a hope 
that soon all will be well again, with the communication 
of such intelligence as might make a pleasant impres- 
sion on the mind. 
Sitting on the bed of a patient—Remember never 
to lean against, sit upon, or even touch the bed in which 
a patient lies. This is a painful annoyance. If you 
shake the chair on which he sits, he has a point by which 
to steady himself, in his feet. But on a bed or sofa, he 
is entirely at your mercy, and he feels every jar you 
give him all through him. 
Conversation and noise—It is a matter of surprise- 
that the friends of patients, and even many doctors,, 
should exhibit so much thoughtlessness, or lack of good 
sense, often resulting in unintentional cruelty, as to hold 
a long conversation in the room of the patient, or in a 
passage adjoining it. If it is a whispered conversation 
in the same room, then it is absolutely cruel; for it is 
impossible that the patient’s attention should not be 
strained to hear. Walking on tip-toe, or doing anything 
in the room very slowly, is injurious for the same rea- 574 
NURSING THE SICK. 
sons. A firm, light, quick step, a steady, quick hand, 
with every act and look tempered with gentleness of dis- 
position and kindness of heart, are qualities most desired 
in the sick-room ; not the slow, lingering, shuffling foot, 
the timid, uncertain touch, the “boisterous word or laugh, 
or the look of anxiety and despair. 
Variety and change—The effect, in sickness, of 
beautiful objects, especially those of variety and bril- 
liancy of color, is hardly at all appreciated, yet they are 
actual means of recovery. But it should be a slow 
variety; for example, if you show a patient ten or twelve 
engravings successively, ten to one that he becomes cold 
and faint or feverish, or even sick; but hang one up 
opposite him, one on each successive day, or week, or 
month, and he will revel in the variety. 
Nurses vary their own objects, their own employments, 
many times a day; and yet, while nursing some bed-ridden 
sufferer, they are liable to let him lie there staring at a 
dead wall, without any change of object to enable him 
to vary his thoughts ; and it never even occurs to them, 
at least to move his bed so that he can look out of the 
window. No, the bed is to be always left in the darkest, 
dullest, remotest part of the room. 
On leaving the sick room—Always tell a patient, 
and tell him beforehand, when you are going out, and 
when you will be back, whether it is for a day, an hour 
or ten minutes. If you go without his knowing it and 
he finds it out, he never will feel secure again that the 
things which depend upon you will be done when you 
are away, and, in nine cases out of ten, he will be right. 
If you go out without telling him when you will be back, 
he can take no measures or precautions as to the things 
which concern you both, or which you do for him. You 
should be prompt to return at the appointed time; and 
all will who are worthy of being called nurses. QUIET. 
575 
The nurse requires knowledge and practice to enable 
her to discharge aright her duty to the patient, as much 
as the physician and surgeon do to perform what is in- 
cumbent on them. Woman, from her constitution and 
habits, is the natural nurse of the sick ; and, in general, 
no small portion of her time is spent in ministering at 
the couch of disease and suffering. 
No girl should consider her education complete, who 
is not acquainted with the principles of the duties of a 
general nurse and a temporary watcher. 
It is to be regretted that, while we have medical 
schools and colleges to educate physicians, there are 
but few institutions to educate nurses, in their equally 
responsible station. In the absence of such institutions 
the defect can be remedied, to some extent, by teaching 
every girl hygiene, or the laws of health. To make such 
knowledge more available and complete, attention is in- 
vited to the suggestions on those pages relative to the 
practical duties of a nurse. 
Quiet—The room of the patient should be kept free 
from noise. The community should be guided by this 
rule, that no more persons remain in the room of the 
sick, than the welfare of the patient demands. It is 
the duty of the physician to direct when visitors can be 
admittted or excluded from the sick-room, and the nurse 
should see that these directions are enforced. 
It is the duty of the nurse to ascertain the habits of 
the patient as respects the period for eating and sleep, 
when in health, that she may prepare the food and 
arrange the sick-room in accordance with the practice of 
the patient. If the person who is sick is ignorant of the 
necessity of the removal of the waste products from the 
system, the nurse should invite attention to these func- 
tions at such periods as are in accordance with the pre- 
vious habits of the patient. 576 
NURSING THE SICK. 
The deportment and remarks of the nurse to the- 
patient should he tranquil and encouraging. The ill- 
ness of a friend, or persons who have recently died, 
should not he alluded to in the sick-room. No doubts 
or fears of the patient’s recovery, either hy a look or 
hy a word, should he communicated hy the nurse, in the 
chamber of the sick. When such information is neces- 
sary to he communicated, it is the duty of the physician 
to impart it to the sick person. 
The nurse should not confine herself to the sick-room 
more than six hours at a time. She should eat her food 
regularly, sleep at regular periods, and take exercise 
daily in the open air. To do this, let her quietly leave 
the room when the patient is sleeping. A watcher, or 
temporary nurse, may supply her place. • There is hut 
little danger of contracting disease, if the nurse attends 
to the simple laws of health, and remains not more than 
six hours at a time in the sick-room. 
Directions for watchers—These necessary assis- 
tants, like the nurse, should have knowledge and prac- 
tice. They should ever he cheerful, kind, firm and 
attentive in the presence of the patient. 
A simple, nutritious supper should he eaten before- 
entering the sick-room ; and it is well, during the night, 
to take some plain food. 
When watching in cold weather, a person should be 
warmly dressed, and furnished with an extra garment, 
as a cloak or shawl, because the system becomes ex- 
hausted towards morning, and less heat is generated in 
the body. 
Light-colored clothing should he worn hy those who* 
have the care of the sick, in preference to dark-colored 
apparel; particularly if the disease is of a contagious 
character. Experiments have shown that black and other 
dark colors will absorb more readily the subtile effluvia THE NURSE. 
577 
that emanate from sick persons, than white or light 
colors. 
Whatever may he wanted during the night should 
he brought into the sick-chamher or the adjoining room, 
before the family retires for sleep, in order that the 
slumbers of the patient be not disturbed by haste or 
searching for needed articles. 
The same general directions should be observed by 
watchers, as are given to the nurse; nor should the 
watcher deem it necessary to make herself acceptable to 
the patient by exhausting conversation. 
It can hardly be expected that the farmer, who has 
been laboring hard in the field, or the mechanic, who 
has toiled during the day, is qualified to render all 
those little attentions that a sick person requires. 
Hence, would it not be more benevolent and economical 
to employ and pay watchers, who are qualified by 
knowledge and training, to perform this duty in a faith- 
ful manner, while the kindness and sympathy of friends 
may be practically manifested by assisting to defray 
the expenses oT these qualified and useful assistants ? 
The Nurse—When all the arrangements are com- 
pleted in the sick-room, little benefit can be anticipated 
if a proper nurse be not obtained to render them avail- 
able to the invalid. Every female who wishes to act as 
a sick-nurse should be educated in an institution for 
this purpose, or she should be obliged to serve a certain 
time as an assistant-nurse in one of the public hospitals, 
and to receive a certificate of her efficiency before she 
leaves the establishment. The advantages which the 
public would derive from a body of nurses educated in 
this manner must be obvious to every one who has had 
opportunities of observing the miserable nurses we 
have; many of them never having as much as read any 
books on the subject. 578 
NURSING TUB SICK. 
In hiring a sick-nurse, the qualifications which should 
regulate our choice refer to age, strength, health, tem- 
per, disposition, habits and education. 
She should not "be under twenty-five nor above fifty - 
five years of age. This period is fixed upon on account 
both of the physical powers and the moral conduct of 
the individual. Under twenty-five the strength of a 
woman has not reached its maturity, and is scarcely ad- 
equate for lifting patients in and out of bed, and for 
many other duties which require strength, connected with 
the office of a nurse; but the strength and the muscular 
power in females begin to fail after fifty-five, when the 
natural transition from maturity to decay takes place. 
The foregoing remarks respecting age render it almost 
unnecessary to say that a woman of a naturally delicate 
frame of body is unfit for a sick-nurse; at the same 
time, a coarse, heavy and masculine woman is, for many 
reasons, objectionable. Whilst strength is requisite, the 
frame should be such as to indicate activity. 
None of the qualifications of a sick-nurse are of im- 
portance more than health. An individual who herself 
requires attention is ill-calculated to attend upon others. 
A woman who is asthmatic, or has any difficulty of 
breathing, or an habitual cough; who is rheumatic or 
gouty, or lias any spasmodic affections; who is afflicted 
with palpitation; or suffers from periodical headache, 
vertigo or a tendency to paralysis ; or wdio is consump- 
tive or scrofulous ; or has defective sight or hearing; or 
anything which causes decrepitude, is disqualified for a 
sick-nurse. It is important, also, to ascertain that the 
nurse is not hysterical nor predisposed to mental depres- 
sion. 
It is scarcely requisite to say that an attendant upon 
the sick should possess a happy, cheerful, equal flow of 
spirits ; a temper not easily ruffled; and kind and sym- THE NURSE. 
579 
pathetic feelings ; but, at the same time, not such as to 
interfere with firmness of character. The expression of 
the countenance should be open and winning, so as to 
attract the good-will and confidence of the invalid; a 
pleasing and gentle manner being more likely to gain 
esteem, and insure obedience to the orders of the physi- 
cian, than the most persuasive arguments which can be 
addressed to the understanding of the patient. 
A collected, cheerful expression of the countenance, 
in the attendant on the sick, is likely to inspire hope, 
and to aid the efforts of the physician for the recovery 
of his patient. 
The general disposition of a sick-nurse should be 
obliging. Every little office which the invalid may re- 
quire to be done should be performed at once, and with- 
out the smallest apparent reluctance, even when the 
necessity for its immediate performance is not absolute. 
There is also an earnestness of manner which should, if 
possible, be obtained or acquiesced in by the sick-nurse, 
as it impresses the idea that she feels deeply interested 
in the case ; a circumstance which is always highly ap- 
preciated by the patient. 
Finally, it is unnecessary to say that a nurse should 
be honest, as no description of servant has so much in 
her power. But the honesty of the nurse is not to be 
measured by her respect for property; she must be 
above imposing on the physician, with respect either to 
medicines or to diet. 
In her habits a sick-nurse should be sober, active, 
orderly and clean, and neat in her person. 
It may appear a refinement to talk of the education 
of a nurse ; but there is not a greater difference between 
noon-day and midnight than between an educated and 
an ignorant nurse. The former is often an aid to the 
physician, not only in carrying his orders into effect, but 580 
NUKSIXG THE SICK. 
"by observing and informing him of symptoms of great 
importance which have occurred during his absence; 
whereas the latter is a source of constant anxiety, and 
too often assumes the privilege of acting in direct con- 
tradiction to his orders, and according to her own opinion. 
To prevent infection—In every case of infectious 
disease, the attendants, even in the best ventilated rooms, 
should stand on the windward, or on that side of the 
sick-bed from which the current of air comes; as, by 
neglect of this rule, and by standing in the current which 
has passed over the patient, the infectious exhalations 
are blown upon them in a direct stream from the body 
of the patient. The attendants should never lean over 
the sick, nor should they receive their breath. The 
health also of the nurses should always be supported by 
nutritious and generous diet; but not by brandy or any 
other ardent spirit. 
Light—Patients should be able, without raising 
themselves or turning in bed, to see out of the window 
from their beds. To see the sky and sunlight at least, 
if you can show them nothing else, I assert to be, 
if not of the very first importance for recovery, at least 
something very near it. And you should look to the 
position of the beds of your sick, as one of the very first 
things. Again, the morning sun and the mid-day sun— 
the hours when they are quite certain not to be up—are 
of more importance to them, if a choice must be made, 
than the afternoon sun. But the best rule is, if possible, 
to give them direct sunlight from the moment he rises 
till the moment he sets. 
A great difference between the bed-room and the sick- 
room is that the sleeper has a very large balance of fresh 
air to begin with, when he begins the night, if his room 
has been open all day, as it ought to be. 
Cleanliness—Prof. Scudder makes the following obser- CLEANLINESS. 
581 
vations on this subject: “ Compare the dirtiness of the 
water in which yon have washed when it is cold without 
soap, cold with soap, hot with soap. You find the first has 
hardly removed any dirt at all, the second a little more, 
the third a great deal more. But hold your hand over 
a cup of hot water for a minute or two and then, by 
merely rubbing with the finger, you will bring off flakes 
of dirt or dirty skin. After a vapor bath you may peel 
your whole self clean in this way. What I mean is, that 
by simply washing or sponging with water you do not 
really clean your skin. Take a rough towel, dip one 
corner in very hot water—if a little spirit be added to it 
it will be more effectual—and then rub as if you were 
rubbing the towel into your skin with your fingers. The 
black flakes which will come off will convince you that 
you were not clean before, however much soap and 
water you may have used. These flakes are what 
require removing. And you can really keep yourself 
cleaner with a tumbler of hot water and a rough towel 
and rubbing than with a whole apparatus of bath and 
soap and sponge without rubbing. It is quite nonsense 
to say that anybody need be dirty. Patients have been 
kept as clean by these means on a long voyage, when a 
basinful of water could not be afforded and when they 
could not be moved out of their berths, as if all the 
appurtenances of home had been at hand. 
“ Washing, however, with a large quantity of water, has 
quite other effects than those of mere cleanliness. The 
skin absorbs the water and becomes softer and more per- 
spirable. To wrash with soap and soft water is, therefore, 
desirable from other points of view than that of clean- 
liness.” 
There are some common errors prevalent among those 
who have care of the sick, in reference to diet, a few of 
■which we shall mention : 
One is the belief that beef-tea is the most nutritive of 582 
NUKSING THE SICK. 
all articles. Now, boil down a pound of beef into beef- 
tea, evaporate your beef-tea, and see what is left of your 
beef. You will find that there is barely a teaspoonful of 
solid nourishment to half a pint of water in beef-tea; 
nevertheless there is a certain nutritive quality in it, yet 
there is little to be depended upon with the healthy or 
convalescent, where much nourishment is required. 
Again, it is an ever-ready saw that an egg is equivalent 
to a pound of meat; whereas it is not at all so. Also, it 
is seldom noticed, with how many patients, particularly 
of nervous or bilious temperament, eggs disagree. All 
puddings made with eggs are distasteful to them in con- 
sequence. An egg, whipped up with wine, is often the 
only form in which they can take this kind of nourish- 
ment. Arrow-root is another grand dependence of the 
nurse. As a vehicle for wine, and as a restorative quickly 
prepared, it is all very well. But it is nothing but starch 
and water. Flour is both more nutritive and less liable 
to ferment, and is preferable wherever it can be used. 
Again, milk and the preparations from milk are a most 
important article for the sick. Butter is the lightest 
kind of animal fat, and though it lacks the sugar and 
some of the other elements which are in milk, yet it is 
most valuable both in itself and in enabling the patient 
to eat more bread. Flour, oats, barley and their kind 
are preferable to all the preparations of arrow-root, sago, 
tapioca and their kind. Cream, in many long, chronic 
diseases, is quite unsurpassed by any other article what- 
ever. It seems to act in the same manner as beef-tea, 
and to most it is much easier of digestion than milk. In 
fact, it seldom disagrees. 
Sour milk, however, should be used with caution, as 
there are some diseases in which it is injurious. Butter- 
milk, a totally different thing, is often very useful, 
especially in fevers. COMMON ERRORS. 
583 
In laying down rules of diet, by tlie amounts of solid 
nutriment in different kinds of food, it is constantly lost 
siglit of, wliat the patient requires to repair his waste, 
what he can take, and what he can’t. The nurse’s obser- 
vation here will materially assist the doctor—the patient’s 
fancies will materially assist the nurse. 
“ In the diseases produced by bad food, such as scor- 
butic dysentery and diarrhea, the patient’s stomach often 
craves for and digests things, some of which would be 
laid down in no dietary that ever was invented for sick, 
and especially not for such sick. These are fruit, pickles, 
jam, gingerbread, fat of ham or bacon, suet, cheese, 
butter, milk. These cases I have seen not by ones, nor 
by tens, but by hundreds. And the patient’s stomach 
was right and the book was wrong. The articles craved 
for, in these cases, might have been principally arranged 
under the two heads of fat and vegetable acids. 
“ There is often a marked difference between men and 
women in this matter of sick feeding. Women’s diges- 
tion is generally slower.” 
Jelly is another article of diet in great favor with nurses 
and friends of the sick; but it is now known that jelly 
does not nourish, that it has a tendency to produce 
diarrhea—and to trust to it to repair the waste of a dis- 
eased constitution, is simply to starve the sick under the 
guise of feeding them. If one hundred spoonfuls of jelly 
wrere given in the course of the day, you would have 
given one spoonful of gelatine, which spoonful has no 
nutritive power whatever. 
And, nevertheless, gelatine contains a large quantity 
of nitrogen, which is one of the most powerful elements 
in nutrition ; on the other hand, beef-tea may be chosen 
as an illustration of great nutrient power in sickness 
coexisting with a very small amount of solid nitrogenous 
matter. 584 
NURSING THE SICK. 
Dr. Cliristison says that “ every one will he struck with 
the readiness with which” certain classes of “patients 
will often take diluted meat-juice or heef-tea repeatedly, 
when they refuse all other kinds of food.” This is par- 
ticularly remarkable in “ cases of gastric-fever, in which,” 
he says, “little or nothing else besides beef-tea or 
diluted meat-juice” has been taken for weeks, or even 
months; “ and yet a pint of beef-tea contains scarcely 
one-fourth ounce of anything but water”—the result is 
so striking that he asks what is its mode of action? 
“Not simply nutrient—one-fourth ounce of the most 
nutritive material cannot nearly replace the daily wear 
and tear of the tissues in any circumstances. Possibly,” 
he says, “ it belongs to a new denomination of remedies.” 
“ It has been observed that a small quantity of beef-tea, 
added to other articles of nutrition, augments their power 
out of all proportion to the additional amount of solid 
matter. 
“ The reason why jelly should be innutritious, and beef- 
tea nutritious to the sick, is a secret yet undiscovered, 
but it clearly shows that careful observation of the sick 
is the only clue to the best dietary. 
“ Chemistry has, as yet, afforded little insight into the 
dieting of the sick. All that chemistry can tell us is the 
amount of carboniferous and nitrogenous elements dis- 
covered in different dietetic articles. It has given us 
lists of dietetic substances, arranged in the order of their 
richness in one or other of these principles; but that is 
all. In the great majority of cases the stomach of the 
patient is guided by other principles of selection than 
merely the amount of carbon or nitrogen in the diet. No 
doubt in this, as in other things, nature has very definite 
rules for her guidance, but these rules can only be ascer- 
tained by the most careful observation at the bedside. 
She there teaches us that living chemistry, the chemistry DIET. 
585 
•of reparation, is something different from the chemistry 
of the laboratory. Organic chemistry is useful, as all 
knowledge is, when we come face to face with nature; 
but it by no means follows that we should learn in the 
laboratory any one of the reparative processes going on 
in disease. 
“ Again, the nutritive power of milk, and of the prepara- 
tions from milk, is very much undervalued; there is 
nearly as much nourishment in half a pint of milk as 
there is in a quarter of a pound of meat. But this is not 
the whole question, or nearly the whole. The main 
question is, what the patient’s stomach can assimilate or 
derive nourishment from, and of this the patient’s stom- 
ach is the sole j udge. The diet which will keep the healthy 
man healthy, will kill the sick one. The same beef, 
which is the most nutritive of all meat, and which nour- 
ishes the healthy man, is the least nourishing of all food 
to the sick man, whose half-dead stomach can assimilate 
no part of it; that is, make no food out of it. On a diet 
of beef-tea, healthy men on the other hand speedily lose 
their strength. 
“ I have known patients live for many months without 
touching bread, because they could not eat baker’s 
bread. Home-made bread or brown bread is a most 
important article of diet for many patients. The use of 
laxatives may be entirely superseded by it. Oat-cake is 
an other. ’ ’—[ Scudder. 
You should never give tea or coffee to the sick, as a 
rule, after five o’clock in the afternoon. Sleeplessness 
in the early night is from excitement generally, and is 
increased by tea or coffee; sleeplessness, which continues 
to the early morning, is from exhaustion often and is 
relieved by tea. In general, the dry and dirty tongue 
always prefers tea to coffee and will quite decline milk, 
unless with tea. Coffee is a better restorative than tea, 
but a greater impairer of the digestion. 586 
In making coffee, it is absolutely necessary to buy it 
in the berry and grind it at home. Otherwise you may 
reckon upon its containing a certain amount of chicory, 
at least. This is not a question of the taste or of the 
wholesomeness of chicory; it is that chicory has nothing 
at all of the properties for which you give coffee And 
therefore you may as well not give it. 
For “ Food for the Sick,” see page 82, et seq. 
NURSING THE SICK. DIVISION FIFTH. 
HYGIENE. 
THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 
Statement—It is a law of the human system that 
each organ is moved to healthy action under the influ- 
ence of its proper stimulus. The perfection of the 
digestive process, as well as the health of the whole 
system, require the observance of certain rules, with, 
regard to the quantity and quality of the food, the man- 
ner of taking it and the condition of the system at the 
time. 
QUANTITY OF FOOD. 
Variation—The age, occupation, temperament, tem- 
perature, habits, amount of clothing generally worn, 
health and disease of the individual, are among the cir- 
cumstances which produce a variation in the quantity of 
food necessary for the system. 
Growth—In proportion to this will be the natural 
demand for food on the part of the child and youth. 
The more rapid the growth, the greater the demand. 
This makes the keen appetite and vigorous digestion of 
childhood. After full growth, this unusual necessity 
for nutriment ceases, unless there should be a corres- 588 
QUANTITY OF FOOD. 
ponding increase of mental or bodily exertion after this 
period. Without this, to continue to eat as much as 
during the growing stage, would impair or disease the 
digestive apparatus and diminish the vigor of the whole 
system. 
Repairing waste—Loss of substance follows action 
in every department of nature. This is called waste. 
As exercise or thought increases, the fluids of the system 
circulate with increased energy. The old atoms of the 
human system are more rapidly removed, by their 
proper organs, the vessels of the skin, lungs, kidneys, 
etc., and new atoms are deposited by the smaller blood- 
vessels. 
Diminishing the quantity—A lessening of activ- 
ity implies a corresponding cessation of waste; hence, 
the quantity of food should be diminished in nearly the 
same proportion as the amount and intensity of exer- 
tion ; otherwise the tone of the digestive organs must 
become impaired and the health enfeebled. Students 
who have left laborious employments to attend school, 
are exhausted by the demands of the new labor, rather 
than by previous habits. The real wants of the system 
are generally manifested by the corresponding sensa- 
tion of hunger. It is a common observation, in acade- 
mies and colleges, that the students who suffer from im- 
paired digestion are those who have experienced this 
transition from labor to comparative repose. 
Heat—This is produced in the system, at least partly, 
by the union of oxygen with carbon and hydrogen, in 
the minute vessels of the various organs. This union is 
accomplished by food and drink. The volume of heat 
is greatest when it is most required, i. e., in cold weather. 
Every one has noticed that he eats with a better appetite 
in winter than in summer. Where any deficiency of food 
occurs, a corresponding increase of clothing is required. 
This principle shows the propriety of lessening the QUANTITY TO BE GAUGED BY CONDITION. 
589 
amount of food as the warm season approaches. If 
this were regularly practiced the tone of the stomach 
would not so often need restoration by means of “ tonic 
bitters/’ etc. Men minister to the lower animals more 
wisely than to themselves; thus all who have the care 
of live-stock soon learn by experience that when the 
warm season begins their charges require less food. 
Quantity to be gauged by condition—If the 
digestive organs are weakened or diseased, that amount 
of food only should be taken which they can easily 
digest. Unchanged by digestion, food weakens rather 
than invigorates the system. The anxiety of a mother 
should never induce her to give food to her sick child* 
unless she believes it to be actually needed. If she be 
in doubt, let her consult a physician. 
Habit—This has much to do with the quantity of food 
required. Some take more than is necessary and the 
excess is removed by the waste-outlets. If, then, food 
is not taken in the usual quantity, there will-be a feel- 
ing of emptiness, resembling hunger, from the want of 
the usual distension of the stomach. This feeling may 
result from disease, but it is oftener the effect of inor- 
dinate indulgence in eating. 
Effect of too much food—Large quantities oppress 
the stomach and produce languor of the whole system. 
The system makes an extraordinary demand for blood 
and nervous liuid, to enable the stomach to dispose of 
its burden. If an unusual effort is intended, either 
mental or physical, soon after meal-time, we should eat 
less than usual, rather than more. 
Appetite and taste—Satisfaction of the appetite is 
the best usual test of the right quantity of food. This 
is the natural desire, arising from the wants of the sys- 
tem. Taste, on the other hand, is an artificial desire to 
gratify the palate. 
No certain rule—Though many things may aid us 590 
QUALITY OF FOOD. 
in fixing the right quantity of food, there is no certain 
guide. Some think that hunger may he relied upon for 
this purpose; hut this is evidently an error, since an 
artificial appetite may he induced hy stimulants or gor- 
mandizing. So, on the other hand, the hrain, when dis- 
eased, may not take cognizance of the sensations of the 
stomach, though the system may actually require nour- 
ishment. Disease, hahit, the mental state and many 
•other things exert an influence on the state of the appe- 
tite. 
It is true that Dr. Beaumont noticed, in his experi- 
ments upon Alexis St. Martin, that, after a certain 
amount of food had heen converted into chyme, the gas- 
tric juice ceased to ooze from the coats of the stomach ; 
and it has consequently been inferred, by some medical 
writers, that the glands which supply this juice* would 
only supply enough for the actual wants of the system. 
But what are the reasonable grounds of this inference ? 
Can any one show a reason why the gastric glands may 
not be stimulated to extra activity, or be influenced by 
habit, as well as other organs ? 
It is admitted, that the predisposing cause of hunger 
is usually a demand of the system for nutrient material; 
but it is also insisted that this is not always the immedi- 
ate cause of the sensation of hunger. Some physicians 
ascribe it to certain conditions of the glands of the 
stomach, and others to a peculiar state of the nervous 
system. 
QUALITY OF FOOD. 
Generalities.—The kind of food best adapted to the 
wants of the system is modified by many circumstances. 
The different varieties of food are still further modified 
by the various methods of preparation. A given quality WIIAT IS MEANT BY QUALITY IN FOOD. 
591 
of food is not equally well adapted to different individ- 
uals, or to the same individual in different conditions. 
This must Tbe obvious to all who have even slightly 
observed the effect of the same food, at different times, 
upon themselves. 
What is Meant by Quality in Food—Food is 
either nutritive or digestible, but a single article is not 
necessarily both. Foods are nutritious in proportion as 
they supply the elements of chyle, but they are diges- 
tible only in proportion to the readiness with which they 
yield to the action of the gastric juice. These properties 
should not be confounded. Such articles as milk and 
eggs which contain the greatest amount of the constitu- 
ent elements of the system are most nutritious, but there 
are conditions of the system in which these articles are 
wholly indigestible. Of course those articles which do 
not contain the essential elements of the system should 
never form the exclusive diet. On the other hand it is 
plain that articles which contain but a small quantity of 
these elements may often afford the greatest amount of 
nourishment because they are more easily digested. 
Time of Digestion—To ascertain the time required 
for the digestion of the different articles of food, Dr. 
Beaumont made many experiments on Alexis St. Martin, 
the general results of which are shown in the following 
table. As is known to almost every one the stomach of 
St. Martin was ruptured by the bursting of a gun. lie 
recovered under Dr. Beaumont’s care, when the stomach 
adhered to the side, with an external opening. In the 
healing process nature formed a kind of valve which 
closed the opening from the inside, thus preventing loss 
of the contents of the stomach, but on pushing aside this 
valve, the process of digestion could be plainly seen. It 
was through this orifice that the appearance of the coats 
of the stomach and food at different stages of digestion 
were examined. 592 
DIGESTION OF FOOD. 
TABLE, 
SHOWING THE MEAN TIME OF DIGESTION OF THE DIFFERENT ARTICLES OF 
DIET. 
Articles. 
Prepa- 
ration . 
6 
e 
Articles. 
Prepa- 
ration. 
6 
S 
H 
H 
h.m 
h.m 
Apples, sour, hard 
“ “ mellow... 
Raw.... 
Raw.... 
2 50 
2 
Meat hashed with \ 
vegetables ( 
Warm'd 
2 30 
“ sweet, do 
Raw.... 
1 30 
Milk 
Boiled. 
2 
Bass, striped, fresh 
Broiled 
3 
44 
Raw 
2 15 
Beans, pod 
Boiled.. 
2 30 
Roasted 
3 15 
3 
Beef, fresh, lean, rare.... 
“ “ “ dry.... 
“ steak 
Roasted 
3 
44 7 44 
Broiled 
Roasted 
3 30 
44 44 
Boiled .. 
3 
Broiled 
3 
Ovsters, fresh 
Raw 
2 55 
“ with salt only 
Boiled... 
3 30 
*44 7 44 
Roasted 
3 15 
“ with mustard 
Boiled... 
3 10 
44 44 
Stewed 
3 30 
“ fresh, lean 
Fried.... 
4 
Parsnips 
Boiled .. 
2 30 
“ old, hard, salted 
Boiled... 
4 15 
Pig, sucking 
Roasted 
2 30 
Beets 
Boiled... 
Pigs’ feet, soused 
Boiled .. 
1 
Bread, wheat, fresh 
Baked... 
3 30 
Pork, fat and lean 
Roasted 
5 15 
u corn 
Baked... 
“ recently salted... 
44 44 44 
Boiled .. 
4 30 
Butter 
Melted.. 
3 30 
Fried. 
4 15 
Cabbage head 
Raw 
2 30 
44 44 44 
Broiled 
Raw.... 
3 15 
“ w with vinegar 
Raw 
2 
44 4< 44 
3 
u 
Boiled... 
4 30 
“ steak 
Broiled 
3 15 
Cake, sponge 
Baked... 
2 30 
Potatoes, Irish 
Boiled.. 
3 30 
Carrot, orange 
Boiled... 
44 7 44 
Baked ... 
2 30 
Cattish ,T. 
Fried.... 
3 30 
Rice 
Boiled .. 
l 
Cheese, old strong 
Raw 
3 30 
Sago 
Boiled.. 
I 45 
Chicken, full-grown 
Fricas’d 
2 45 
Salmon, salted 
Boiled.. 
4 
Codfish, direct dry 
Boiled... 
2 
Sausage, fresh 
Soup, beef, vegetables1 
Broiled 
3 20 
Corn, green, and beans 
Boiled... 
3 45 
Boiled.. 
4. 
“ bread 
Baked... 
3 15 
and bread / 
“ cake 
Baked .. 
3 
“ chicken 
Boiled .. 
3 
Custard. 
Baked .. 
2 45 
“ mutton 
Boiled .. 
3 30 
Dumpling, apple 
Boiled... 
3 
“ oyster 
Boiled.. 
3 30 
Ducks, domesticated.... 
Roasted 
4 
Suet, beef, fresh 
Boiled .. 
5 30 
“ ' wild 
Roasted 4 30 
“ mutton 
Boiled . 
4 30 
Eggs, fresh j 
Boiled 
hard... 
3 30 
Tapioca 
Tripe, soused 
tolled.. 
Boiled .. 
2 
1 
44 44 J 
Boiled 
soft... 
3 
Trout, salmon, fresh.... 
Boiled.. 
l 30 
L 30 
1 
44 b4 it 
b l ied.... 
44 44 
Fried ... 
1 30 
Turkey, domesti- \ 
oated / 
Roasted 
2 30 
44 44 
Raw 
2 
Flounder, fresh 
Fried ... 
3 3C 
44 
Boiled.. 
2 25 
Fowl, domestic 
Boiled... 
4 
“ wild 
Roasted 
2 18 
• 4 ' 44 
Roasted 
4 
Turnips, flat 
Boiled.. 
5 30 
Goose 
Veal, fresh 
4 
Lamb, fresh 
Broiled 
2 30 
4 4 44 
Fried... 
1 30 
Liver, beefs, fresh 
Broiled 
2 
Venison steak 
Broded 
l 35 
Kind of Food Required—If we eat only those arti- 
cles most easily digested, the digestive powers will be AXIMAL OR VEGETABLE FOOD. 
593 
weakened for want of exercise; while if we pursue the 
opposite course they will he exhausted by overwork. 
The kind and amount of food should therefore be 
adapted to the maintenance of the digestive powers when 
in health and to their gradual invigoration when debili- 
tated. However, the most easily digested food is not 
always best for a person recovering from sickness, be- 
cause if it passes too readily through the digestive pro- 
cess it may bring on a relapse into the original disease. 
Thus water-gruel is often better for a convalescent than 
beef-tea and fish, though the latter are more easily 
digested. 
Animal or vegetable food—It is not yet well set- 
tled which of these is better adapted to nourish man. 
The people of the torrid zone subsist chiefly on vegeta- 
bles, and a large proportion of these are fruits; while 
those of the frigid zone live principally on fish and flesh. 
There is little doubt that in this both obey the condition 
of health peculiar to either climate; though in the latter 
very little choice is possible. It would seem to follow,, 
then, that a mixed diet of animal and vegetable food, the 
proportion of either varying with the latitude, is best for 
the inhabitants of more temperate zones. The form and 
arrangement of the human teeth, as well as the structure 
of the stomach and intestines, would, perhaps, lead us to 
conclude that a mixture of animal and vegetable food isy 
on the whole, best for all, wherever they may happen to 
live. 
Adaptation of food—The distensible character of 
the stomach and alimentary canal should determine this. 
While the human stomach will be full if it contain but a 
gill, it may be so distended as to hold a quart, or even 
more. The intestines, also, are extremely distensible. 
Now, if this distensible quality is unused, as it must be 
if only nutritious food is used, they become at last inca- 594 
QUALITY OF FOOD. 
pable and diseased. The digestive organs absolutely 
require the stimulus of distension and friction caused by 
the passage through them of a considerable quantity of 
wholly innutritious material. This is the reason unbolted 
flours are so generally prescribed for dyspeptics ; and, 
as it is quite evident that the natural tendency of seden- 
tary habits is in this direction, enfeebling the appetite 
and the whole digestive apparatus, persons so employed 
ought to be particularly careful on this point. 
Any one in whom there appears a tendency to either 
diarrhea or constipation, may generally so apply this 
principle as to check the tendency and be restored to 
health without other aid. In diarrhea the food should 
contain a very small proportion of waste or innutritious 
matter; while in constipation the proportion of waste 
should be as large as practicable. 
Season and climate—These should always be con- 
sidered in the selection of food. In cold weather, food of 
a highly stimulating character may be used, almost with 
impunity, by persons to whom such food would be very 
injurious, and even highly dangerous, if used in a milder 
temperature. The proportion of animal to vegetable food, 
therefore, should be greater in the winter and smaller in 
the summer. 
Age of the eater—Every one understands that the 
digestive organs of a young child are much more delicate 
and sensitive than those of an adult, and that they can- 
not, therefore, bear the same strong and rough food. 
This is true, also, of a very aged person, who seems, in 
body as in mind, to experience a second childhood. A 
nutritious, unstimulating, vegetable diet, as soon as warm 
weather sets in, is very important to those whose digestive 
organs are highly impressible or diseased. 
Modifying habits—This influence is very powerful. MANXES OF TAKING FOOD. 
595 
'The custom makes the man. If one who has been used 
to a vegetable diet changes suddenly to animal food, or 
vice versa, the whole system receives a shock, and disease 
is likely to follow, especially of the digestive organs. 
If a change in the manner of living is necessary, it should 
be brought about very gradually. Even a change from 
a bad to a good habit may be too sudden and violent. 
Food and temperament—It is obvious that a food 
quite proper for one temperament would be entirely too 
stimulating for another; and the reverse of this is also 
true; that is, it might be too little stimulating for 
another. People of dull sensations and slow movements, 
as a rule, will be benefited by a large proportion of 
animal food; while quick, susceptible and nervous per- 
sons require a nutritious and unstimulating vegetable 
diet. 
MANNER OF TAKING FOOD. 
This is of very great practical importance, as the 
health of the digestive organs very largely depends upon 
it; and this is a thing so fixed and certain that circum- 
stances need hardly ever modify it. 
Regularity of eating—The character of the food, 
and the age, health, exercise and habits of the individ- 
ual, should determine the intervals between meals. 
Every one will understand that the digestive process is 
much more rapid and energetic in the young, active and 
vigorous than in the aged, indolent and feeble ; and food 
must, in consequence, be taken more frequently by the 
former than by the latter. Food may be digested in one 
hour in a young and vigorous person, which would re- 
quire four or five hours in others. However, the average 596 
MANNER OF TAKING FOOD. 
time of digestion will be from two to four hours ; and the 
stomach will require from one to three hours to recruit 
its exhausted powers after the labor of digesting a meal, 
before it is well prepared to enter upon a new task of 
the same kind. 
Not too frequent—The secretion of gastric juice 
will be insufficient, and the contraction of the muscular 
fibres too feeble and imperfect, rightly to perform the 
work of digestion if food is again taken before the 
stomach has had time to regain its tone and energy. If 
taken before the work of digesting the previous meal 
has been completed, the effects will be still worse; be- 
cause the partially digested food becomes mixed with 
that last taken, and the stomach is burdened with the 
whole mass, which has become at once too large for its 
already fatigued and exhausted forces. The intervals 
between meals should therefore be long enough for the 
whole quantity to be digested, and for a sufficient period 
of repose of the exhausted organs. The importance of 
these suggestions increases in proportion to the feeble- 
ness of the person and the debility of the stomach. 
They should be regarded especially in the feeding of 
infants and older children. Persons recovering from 
severe illness should pay special heed to them if they 
wish to regain flesh and strength rapidly. The rapidity 
of the digestive process, other things being equal, is in 
proportion to the habitual activity of the life; and per- 
sons of sedentary habits are therefore more liable to eat 
too often than others of more busy and stirring pursuits; 
and the consequences with the former are worse. 
Mastication—This should be as nearly complete as 
possible; that is, all solid articles of food should be re- 
duced to a state of comparative fineness by chewing before 
they are swallowed. The gastric fluid will then mix MOTION OF THE JAWS. 
597 
with it more readily, and act more vigorously in reducing 
it to chyme. “ Bolting,” that is, swallowing food slightly 
masticated, tends to derange the digestive apparatus and 
impair the nutritive powers. 
Motion of the jaws—This should he slow rather 
than quick, so that the salivary glands may have time 
to secrete a sufficient quantity of saliva to moisten the 
food. If the food is swallowed unmoistened by saliva 
the digestion is retarded; besides, in rapid eating, more 
food is taken than the system demands, or than can be 
easily digested. Laborers and business men, as well 
as people of more leisure, should have ample time 
for taking their meals. Imperfect mastication is a potent 
cause of dyspepsia. 
No drinking at meals—The use of tea, coffee, water 
or any other fluid, is not required by nature’s laws while 
taking a meal, because the salivary glands are intended 
to supply fluid to moisten the solid food. “Washing 
down ” the food with drink, instead of slowly moisten- 
ing it with saliva, tends to produce disease not only in 
the salivary organs by leaving them in a state of com- 
parative inactivity, but in the stomach also by the defi- 
ciency of the salivary stimulus. Besides, large quantities 
of fluids, used as drinks, unnaturally distend the stom- 
ach and lessen the energy of the gastric juice by diluting 
it. These drinks, when taken into the stomach, must be 
removed by absorption before the digestion of the food 
can be even commenced. Drinks should never be placed 
on the table until the solid food is eaten. The horse 
will never voluntarily leave his provender nor the ox his 
hay, to wash it down. If we would be as healthy as 
these animals, we should be as natural in our habits of 
taking food. Drinking largely at meals is a mere habit, 
and a most unnatural and unhealthy one. 598 
MANNER OF TAKING FOOD. 
Thirst—This sensation does not always arise from the 
demand for fluids to increase the water of the blood, as 
in desire for drink which accompanies free perspiration : 
in this case, water or some other drink is absolutely 
necessary ; but it often results from fever or local dis- 
ease of the parts connected with the throat. In these 
instances thirst may be allayed by chewing some hard 
substance, such as a dry cracker. This excites a secre- 
tion from the salivary glands which removes the sensa- 
tion. In thirst, from a heated condition of the system, 
this practice affords relief and is safe ; while the prac- 
tice of drinking large quantities of cold fluids is unsafe, 
and should never be indulged. 
Hot food and drink—It should not be taken very 
hot. When this is done, the vessels of the mucous mem- 
brane of the gums, mouth and stomach are unduly 
stimulated for a short time : this is followed by a loss of 
tone and by debility of these parts. The practice is a 
fruitful cause of spongy gums, decayed teeth, sore 
mouth and indigestion. But neither should it be taken 
very cold. If a considerable quantity of very cold food 
or liquid be taken into the stomach, the tone of the sys- 
tem will be impaired and the health endangered, by the 
sudden abstraction of heat from the coats of the stomach 
and surrounding organs, to impart warmth to the cold 
food or drink. This arrests the digestive process and 
the food is kept in the stomach too long and produces 
oppression and irritation. Food and drink warmed, 
rather than heated, are best suited to the natural condi- 
tion of the digestive organs. 
It may have been observed that the inferior animals, 
as well as man, are injuriously affected when a bad 
quality of food is taken into the stomach, or taken in an 
improper manner. Cows, fed on unhealthy slops, as 
they are likely to be in cities, decay and go dry in about COKDITIOX OF THE SYSTEM. 
599 
two years. Is the milk of these diseased animals a safe 
nourishment for children ? 
CONDITION- OF THE SYSTEM. 
Violent exertion—Severe exercise, of either mind 
or body, should not be taken immediately before or 
after eating ; because all organs, when in action, require 
and receive more blood and nervous fluid than when at 
rest. Of the brain, muscles and vocal organs, this is 
especially true; and whatever of unusual supply they 
receive must be taken from other parts of the system. 
Of course, then, the parts from which these are drawn 
must be correspondingly weakened. Again, after such 
an extraordinary local demand and supply, some time 
must elapse before the tide can be arrested and turned 
to other organs, so as to reestablish the equilibrium of 
the system. Severe exertion, therefore, of any kind, 
should never be made within a period varying from 
thirty to sixty minutes of the time of taking a meal. 
This interval may be passed in cheerful amusements or 
conversation. The prevailing practice, among all sorts 
of people, of passing at once from severe employment to 
meals and from meals back to work, does much to under- 
mine the health of all the mental and physical laborers 
of this country. 
To satisfy himself of the soundness of this theory, an 
Englishman had two dogs fed on the same article of 
food and while he permitted one of them to remain quiet, 
he sent the other in pursuit of game. At the expiration 
of an hour he had both dogs killed. The stomach of the 
one that had remained at rest was nearly empty, the 
food having been properly changed and carried into the 600 
CONDITION OF THE SYSTEM. 
alimentary canal; while, in the stomach of the dog that 
had been running, the food remained in nearly the same 
state in which it had been eaten. The same fact is true 
with man, with this difference, that his organs being 
more delicate, he is more liable to deep and permanent 
injury from a similar cause. The Spanish “ siesta,” or 
after-dinner sleep, would be no bad custom to engraft 
upon the habits of the Anglo-Saxon race. It is true 
that, in some instances of strong health and constitution, 
persons may seem to violate the law with impunity; 
but outraged Nature will, sooner or later, have her 
revenge. The Spanish custom might, perhaps, be sub- 
stituted and improved, by an hour of gentle exercise or 
pleasant recreation before and after meals; as these 
facilitate digestion and help to sweep “ the cob-webs 
from the brain.” No judicious liorse-master rides or 
drives his animals as soon as they have swallowed their 
food, because he knows that this makes them dull and 
sluggish and tends to impair their efficiency. What a 
pity that he cannot be induced to treat himself as 
kindly! * 
The passions—All have observed their influence 
upon the appetite. Let a man, sitting at table and 
beginning the enjoyment of a hearty meal, receive sud- 
denly intelligence of the death or dangerous illness of a 
dear friend, or be made violently angry, or unusually 
excited in any other way; and note the effect upon his 
appetite. It disappears as if by magic. This is merely 
because the blood and nervous fluid have been drawn 
away from the stomach to supply the violent demands 
of those other organs which were roused to action by 
the stimulus of passion. Let the passion be calmed and 
a proper interval elapse and he will turn hungrily to his 
meal. This shows the importance of shutting out the 
“ shop ” from the meal; of avoiding, at that hour, PROSTRATION- OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
601 
■absorbing thoughts and discussions; and that every one 
who appears at the board should show only the lightest 
and sunniest phase of his temper and character. 
Prostration of the nervous system—Indigestion 
from this cause should receive very careful attention. 
The food should be simple, nutritious, moderate in quan- 
tity, and taken at regular intervals. The nervous pros- 
tration is increased by large quantities of stimulating 
food taken frequently. That the brain may be excited 
to a natural and healthy action, and so impart the 
needed stimulus to the digestive organs, open-air exer- 
cise should be combined with cheerful conversation. 
Food before retiring—Nothing should be eaten for 
at least three hours before going to bed. Unpleasant 
dreams or colic-pains are frequent effects of going 
directly to bed after a hearty meal. The reason of this 
is, the brain becomes partially dormant by sleep, and 
thus fails to afford the digestive organs the requisite 
nervous stimulus. As a consequence the food lies undi- 
gested on the stomach, producing local oppression and 
irritation. 
A physician of our acquaintance was called on by a 
famous hunter of the Virginia mountains for a prescrip- 
tion for nightmare—not to cure, but to cause it. His old 
woman, he said, complained mightily of it; but he 
thought she was shamming to excite sympathy. He 
would like to have it once, just to know what it was. 
The doctor directed him to go home, spend the next day 
in hunting, and just before going to bed at night to eat 
as much as he wanted of bacon and cabbage. "When his 
rueful face next appeared in the physician’s office, he 
said, “ Doctor, I know all about it, and the old woman 
wasn’t shamming a bit.” 
Small quantities of food—Only those should be 
taken of a mild, unstimulating character, when the general 602 
CONDITION OF THE SYSTEM. 
system is feeble and the digestive organs weak. To a 
half-famished man, or one recovering from dangerous ill- 
ness, this rule is imperative. Too much food will then 
almost certainly kill. The weak stomach, after its long 
inaction, is as unfit for hard labor as are the muscles. 
Under these circumstances knowledge and prudence, 
rather than appetite, should direct the giving of food. 
It is a popular fallacy, that “ food never does harm when 
the appetite calls for it.” The animal and vegetable 
broths are a convenient form of food in cases of great 
prostration, when the system needs immediate nourish- 
ment, because liquids are more rapidly removed from the 
stomach by absorption. 
The skin and digestion—It is an important fact, 
though few people seem to know it, that the condition of 
the skin exerts a powerful influence on the digestive 
organs. The action of the stomach and its associate 
organs is diminished whenever free perspiration is 
checked, either by want of cleanliness or chills. Many 
liver and stomach complaints owe their origin to this 
cause. Many diseases of the alimentary canal, also, 
commonly called “ summer-complaints,” might be pre- 
vented by attention to clothing and bathing. 
Tight clothing impairs digestion—The ribs are 
raised, and the central part of the diaphragm lowered 
from one to two inches at each full drawing of the 
breath. This depression is accompanied by a relaxation 
of the outer abdominal walls. When the breath is> 
thrown out the abdominal vessels contract, the ribs are 
depressed, the diaphragm relaxes, and its central parts 
ascend. These movements cause that raising and lower- 
ing of the stomach, liver, etc., which form the natural 
stimulus of these organs. Of course, these movements 
cannot take place freely in persons who dress tightly; 
and the tone and vigor of the digestive organs in tlioso RELATION OF PURE AIR TO DIGESTION. 
603 
persons is consequently impaired. A confined waist will 
not permit a full and deep inspiration; and thus it is 
that tight dressing soon enfeebles and destroys the diges- 
tive functions. 
Relation of pure air to digestion—A keen appe- 
tite and strong digestion depend greatly upon pure air. 
Pure blood cannot exist in the system except when we 
breathe a pure air; and the digestive organs need not 
only the stimulus of blood, but of pure blood. It lias 
been noticed that the mouth and throat of those persons 
who sleep in small and badly ventilated rooms, are dry 
and unpleasant in the morning, and they have little or 
no appetite; and this is the reason of it: impure blood 
lessens the desire for food and weakens the digestive 
organs. The following incidents will indicate this : 
It is said of an innkeeper, in London, on no less an 
authority than that of Dr. Reid, in his work on the “Ven- 
tilation of Rooms,” that when he spread a public dinner,, 
he always did so in a low and ill-ventilated basement- 
room ; and that he assigned, as his reason for this, that 
his guests consumed only about half as much food and 
wine as they would have done if more pleasantly sit- 
uated. 
It was stated, before a committee of the British Parlia- 
ment, by a manufacturer, that he had taken away an 
arrangement for ventilating his factory, because he 
noticed that his hands ate much more after his mill was 
ventilated; and in effect, that he could not afford to have 
them breathe pure air. The impure air of the rooms they 
occupy causes many of the cases of indigestion among 
clergymen, seamstresses, school-teachers, sedentary 
mechanics and factory operatives; and they may be pre- 
vented or cured by attending to ventilation. 
Evacuation.—This is a daily necessity for the preser- 
vation of health. There is, very frequently, an inactive 604 
THE MUSCLES. 
-or costive condition of the alimentary canal, in chronic 
diseases of the digestive organs. This may always be 
relieved by friction over the abdominal organs, and by 
making an effort, at some stated period of each day (eve- 
ning is best), to evacuate the residuum. Regard should 
be especially had to regularity in this matter in acute 
diseases, such as fevers. For those afflicted with piles, 
the best time for evacuating the bowels is immediately 
before retiring for the night; for the reason that, during 
the night, while the body is in a recumbent posture, the 
protruding part returns to its proper place, and the sur- 
rounding organs acquire added tone and strength to 
retain it there. The bladder, as well as the intestinal 
canal, should be regularly and frequently evacuated. 
Most distressing and incurable complaints are caused by 
bad habits and false delicacy in this particular. Teachers 
should be especially careful, in this respect, with regard 
to their younger pupils. 
THE MUSCLES. 
The Law—That, whenever a muscle is called into 
use, its fibres increase in thickness, and that it corres- 
pondingly diminishes with disease, is the law of the 
muscular system. The force of action of a muscle is 
proportioned to this thickness. In other words, the 
action and power of any organ measure each other. In 
order, then, that the muscular system may be prepared 
to meet the demands of nature and occasion, it must be 
exercised. 
Limits of the law—These are full growth, or the 
maturity of life and power. Whenever the muscles act, 
the flow of blood is increased in the arteries and veins. 
‘This increased flow causes a more rapid deposit of the EXCESS. 
605 
matter of which the muscles are composed. The de- 
posit of new material will be in excess of that removed, 
and the size and energy of the vessels increased, if the 
exercise is equal to the power of the system. So the 
muscles become strong by use, or labor. 
Excess—Exercise, either for pleasure or profit, should 
never be carried to the point of exhaustion—though this 
should be distinguished from fatigue—if one wishes to 
secure their utmost capacity. The hard labor frequently 
diminishes their weight, by several pounds, within a 
few weeks. This is illustrated, also, by the attenuated 
frames of overtasked domestic animals. The loss, in 
these instances, exceeds the new deposits of material. 
In a word, the muscles are lessened in size, and dimin- 
ished in power, whenever the exercise is continued so 
long as to produce a feeling of exhaustion. 
The practical inference—The strength should be 
the measure of exertion. Any other rule will fail to 
invigorate the system. Exercise and labor must there- 
fore be adapted to the strength of the individual. If a 
mile of riding or walking causes slight fatigue, this may 
be beneficial; while the exhaustion occasioned by doub- 
ling the distance may prove highly injurious. It is there- 
fore plain, that the same amount of exercise will not do 
for different people. 
Rest—The long strain on a muscle enfeebles its action 
and impairs its contractability. One can hold the arm 
extended but a short time, whatever effort he makes. 
This holding out of the arm, with a book in the hand, is 
sometimes inflicted as a penalty in schools; and it is a 
severe one. Most boys would prefer a sound whipping. 
The law of health is, that relaxation must soon follow 
contraction; or, in other words, that rest must follow 
labor. 
School—Frequent, though short, recesses are neces- 606 
THE MUSCLES. 
sary for small and feeble children; the younger and 
feebler the children, the greater the necessity. This is 
founded on the organic law, that muscular action must 
be alternated by rest. Any one may notice that the 
small children in a school room, after sitting a short 
time, become restless. A change of position, for a short 
time, will enable their imperfectly developed muscles to 
regain their strength, when they will again support the 
spinal column without pain. 
Exhaustion—This is the constant and necessary 
effect of continuous muscular contraction. No difference 
how seemingly light and easy the exertion, its continu- 
ance becomes, after a time, intolerably wearisome. The 
mere motion of a finger, if long continued, exhausts the 
whole frame. Change of employment brings a new set 
of muscles into play, and is often equivalent to rest. 
The utmost muscular capacity—This is to be 
attained not by prolonged exertion, but by taking suffi- 
cient time for rest. Of two men of equal strength, the 
judicious and understanding one, who never hurries and 
who rests at regular intervals when the muscles require 
relaxation, will accomplish far more labor, in a protracted 
time, than the nervous, overstrained and long-continued 
exertions of his competitor. This principle may be 
profitably applied to the labor of domestic animals, as 
to all other kinds of employment. Convalescing invalids 
frequently suffer relapses, from inattention to this law. 
A common experience—Neither growing youths 
nor habitually hard-working men can endure the severe 
muscular strain which can easily be borne by those who 
are at once mature and unexhausted. Napoleon I. com- 
plained that his boy-conscripts could not bear the severe 
marches of his campaigns ; and in our own war between 
the States, the young men from the towns and cities were 
found capable of sustaining vastly more hardship than the GRADUATION OF EXERTION-. 
607 
young men from the country. This was owing, in the 
first instance, to immaturity, and in the second, to the 
habitual exhaustion of the farm-laborer. 
Graduation of exertion—After rest, the first mo- 
tions should be slow, and the increase, to strong or violent 
exertion, very gradual. Of a task requiring several hours 
for its completion, considerably less than half should be 
performed in the first half of the allotted time. On this 
plan, we should conduct the labor of domestic animals. 
The reason for this is, that the muscles require more blood 
and nervous fluid when in action, than when at rest; and 
as the circulation of these fluids can only be increased 
gradually, it follows that sudden and violent muscular 
exertions have an effect similiar to that of working 
machinery unoiled; that is, the friction of the parts con- 
sumes the very substance of the machinery. 
Gradual rest—This is also important. If one has 
been making violent or long-continued exertions, it is 
better to substitute some other or gentler exercise, than 
to turn immediately to rest. Thus, time is allowed for 
the reflux of the blood and nervous fluids into their ordi- 
nary and more diffused channels, instead of allowing 
them to stand and stagnate, so to speak, when the muscles 
cease to use them. The stiffness and soreness of the 
muscles, after rest, is an evidence that the change, from 
exertion to repose, was too sudden. If the skin be cov- 
ered with perspiration, produced by the severity of the 
labor, this suggestion is so much the more important. 
Never sit or lie down to rest in this state. It is the well- 
known and proper practice of great walkers, and other 
athletes, to have themselves well rubbed down, like race- 
horses, before they go to rest. 
Pure Blood—This affords the highest muscular 
stimulus ; and pure blood can only come from a strong 
and healthy digestion; and this again depends on a 608 
THE MUSCLES. 
clean and properly warmed skin, pure air, abundant 
sunlight, and the free and unrestricted movement of the 
ribs, diaphragm and lungs. It is of great practical im- 
portance, to both men and women, to observe these con- 
ditions, whatever may be their vocation or mode of life. 
Open-air exercise—This is important for the reason 
that, the purer the air we breath the more stimulating 
will be the blood supplied to the muscles, and the longer 
continued may be their exertion without fatigue or in- 
jury. Thus, also, we see the importance of thoroughly 
ventilating all inhabited rooms, and especially sick- 
rooms. The patient can sit up longer when the air is 
pure, and finds his strength and appetite in every way 
improved. This is the reason a patient can sit up longer 
while riding in a carriage than in an easy chair in the 
room where he has been ill: it is the difference made by 
pure and impure air. 
Light—Exercise should be taken as much as possible 
in the light of day ; and, unless the sultriness of the hour 
or season forbid, in the full sunlight. Men and animals,, 
as well as plants, require the stimulus of this agent. It 
would be well if all shops, kitchens and sitting-rooms 
could be situated on the sunny side of the house. 
Students, especially, should take their exercise during 
the day, and laborers shun night-tasks. Like plants 
that grow in the shade, persons who dwell in dark rooms 
are paler and less vigorous than others. 
Regular and frequent exercise—Days of severe 
toil, followed by days of idleness—such is the custom of 
the savage and unreasonable man. Exercise, on the 
other hand, should be regular and frequent. Food is 
not a better means of invigorating the system, and 
should not be taken more regularly or frequently than 
exercise. A weekly fast of twenty-four hours is not 
more absurd and unnatural than a weekly suspension of THE PROPER HOUR. 
609 
exercise for a like period. It is not more true—though 
a matter of common experience and observation—that 
people who, from mistaken notions of religious obliga- 
tion or otherwise, practice fasting, ruin their health 
thereby, than that those who abstain from daily exertion, 
for these or other reasons, injure themselves correspond- 
ingly. Thomas Carlyle says he came out of a three- 
days’ fast with a Devil of Dyspepsia that has haunted 
and cursed his whole life ; and many a man and woman, 
if they only knew it, have emerged from corresponding 
periods of idleness with the twin of that same Devil of 
Dyspepsia. It is true that the evil consequences of neg- 
lect of exercise steal more slowly and gradually upon 
their victim, but they are not the less dangerous or 
deadly ; and sooner or later they are manifested in mus- 
cular weakness, irritability and dyspepsia. 
Kind of exercise—That species is best which calls 
into action the greatest number of muscles. For this 
purpose farm labor and domestic employments, care be- 
ing taken that neither is pursued to the point of drudgery, 
are the best as vocations; and fencing, sparring, archery, 
quoits and dancing, where the place is open and the air 
pure, are the best among the pastimes. It is all-impor- 
tant that every part of the muscular system should have 
its proper share of exercise. 
The proper hour—While this must depend largely 
upon circumstances, as a general rule morning is better 
than evening, when the air is pure and the ground dry; 
because the physical powers are greatest in the morning. 
Shortly before or after meal-time severe exertion should 
be avoided; though gentle, recreative exercise is better 
than complete idleness on either of these occasions. So, 
severe mental toil should be hedged about by a similar 
period of recreation, separating it from violent physical 
exercise. Where circumstances will at all permit, it is 
best to observe these distinctions of time. 610 
THE MUSCLES. 
Effect of sleep on the muscles—The wearied and 
exhausted condition of watchers, night-police, and others 
who spend a part or the whole of the night in some 
active employment, illustrates the fact that it is not well, 
if it can be avoided, to invert the common hours of rest 
and labor. The reason of this must lie in the fact that 
the quality of the day-sleep is not equal to that of the 
night: it is neither so sound nor so refreshing. The 
quiet hours of night seem sacred to repose; and the 
alternation of day and night seem specially adapted to 
the wants of the system. The muscles require sleep 
to restore their wasted energies; and the best sleep is 
their best restorative. 
Compression—Any compression is injurious to the 
strength and tone of the muscles to which it is long ap- 
plied, for the reason that it prevents the free passage to 
them and through them of the blood which is their only 
source of supply. This may be illustrated by the case 
of a man with a broken limb: the compression of the 
bandages lessens in a little while the size of the limb; 
and this can not be restored until they have been re- 
moved. In this way, tight dressing enfeebles, and, in 
the end, paralyzes the muscles of the back, and produces 
curvatures of the spine, projecting shoulders and dis- 
eased lungs. Every unyielding substance, such as 
whalebone, wood and steel, should be banished from the 
toilet as enemies of life. 
Mind and muscle—A full, nervous impulse is essen- 
tial to the most energetic muscular action, and this the 
mind alone can supply. This is the secret of the preter- 
natural strength of anger, and of other great excitements. 
So, the tone and contractile energy of the muscular sys- 
tem are always, though in a less degree, dependent upon 
the cooperation of the mind. Every one has experienced 
the fact that less fatigue attends and follows exertion, MIND AND MUSCLE. 
611 
under a buoyant and healthy mental stimulus, than 
without it. "While reluctant labor is exhausting, cheer- 
ful and willing labor leaves hardly a trace of toil. A 
successful sportsman pursues his game without any 
sense of fatigue; while, if unsuccessful, he finds it a task 
to drag himself along. In war, when the long march 
seems to have exhausted every muscular energy of the 
tired troops, let but the enemy appear and every one is 
on the alert and ready for vigorous action; while, should 
the alarm prove false, the mental stimulus is withdrawn 
and lassitude again falls upon the army. Therefore it 
is, that more depends upon the habitual spirit of the 
soldier, than upon the bulk and strength of his muscles, 
and that striplings have so often out-wearied and out- 
marched the sturdiest veteran in the ranks. So,' in the 
daily avocations of life, if the mind have some cheerful 
or noble incentive to toil, the tiresomeness of labor is 
greatly diminished. Those men are the true captains in 
the army of labor, who are capable of inspiring the 
workmen whom they control with a cheerful and willing 
spirit. One such foreman or overseer is worth, for the 
interest of his employer, half a dozen of the dull or 
driving sort. Hence, also, walking for mere exercise— 
though this is better than no exertion of the muscles—is 
comparatively irksome and unprofitable. Let your daily 
walk have some errand or objective point, to which the 
mind can look with interest, and health and strength will 
more speedily result. DIVISION SIXTH. 
WATER CURE—HYDROPATHY* 
Says Dr. Shaw, “hydropathy, or the water-cure—a 
system which has for its medicaments water, air, exer- 
cise, and diet, is the greatest of all medical improve- 
ments which is destined, not only to make the members 
of communities their own physicians for the most part, 
but to mitigate, in an unprecedented manner, the extent, 
the pains, and the perils of disease.” 
THE WET-SHEET PACK. 
In this process we use a coarse linen sheet—although 
a coarse cotton one answers tolerably well—of length 
sufficient to reach from the patient’s head to the soles of 
his feet, and about two yards in width. The bed is 
stripped of all its covering, one or two pillows only being 
left for the patient’s head. One or two comforts are 
then spread upon it, and over these a like number of 
woolen blankets, which are not so much injured by the 
wet as cotton comforts. Or, what is better, but more THE WET DRESS. 
613 
expensive, we may use blankets only, two or more pairs 
as they may be needed. The sheet having been pretty 
well wrung out of cold water—pure and soft always if 
such can be had—is then spread out as smoothly as may 
be upon the upper blanket. The patient being undressed, 
lays himself at full length upon the sheet, and holding 
up his arms, an assistant laps one side of it over the 
body and lower limbs ; the arms are then dropped at the 
side, after which the other part of the sheet is lapped 
over as before. The blankets are then, one by one, 
brought over the person in the same way, and tucked 
under from “ head to foot,” and then comforts in the 
same manner, if such are used. It is best always to place 
a wet towel covered with a dry one on the patient’s head 
while he is packed, or if it does not chill too much, the 
dry towel may be left off. This is the ordinary way of 
taking a “ pack ” in chronic disease. 
THE WET DRESS. 
A modification of the wet sheet, and in some respects an 
improvement, is to have a coarse linen or cotton dress 
made with large arms, so that one may take the applica- 
tion without help. The dress once applied, the patient 
lays himself upon blankets, in which he wraps himself 
jnst sufficiently to become comfortable. Or he may have 
flannel dresses to put on over the wet, and then lie in a com- 
mon bed. In this application the air is not excluded from 
the surface to anything like the same extent as in the com- 
mon tight pack. Hence, a patient may remain in it half 
or the whole of the night if he chooses, being careful to 
become neither too warm nor too cold. Rewetting it 
once or twice in the night will be of service. Often in a 
single night a bad cold may be thrown off in this simple 
way. 614 
WATER CURE. 
THE HALF-PACK. 
Patients not unfrequently present themselves in whom 
the reactive energy is so low that a “ half-pack,” as it is 
called, will be tolerated, while the entire sheet 
abstract too much caloric from the body. In such cases 
the sheet is applied so as to extend only from the arm- 
pits, or, at most, from the neck to the hips, leaving the 
lower extremities, as it were, in the dry pack. Some- 
times, also, the sheet is allowed to extend to the ankles, 
not including the feet. Packing the trunk of the body in 
wet towels acts upon the same principle as the partial 
or half pack, and is in many cases a valuable prelimin- 
ary measure. These precautions it is well to observe 
where a feeble patient, who has suffered long from 
chronic disease, is beginning with the envelopment. 
THE FOLDED WET SHEET. 
As a modification of the wet-sheet principle, I have 
often used in domestic practice the following application: 
A common sheet of coarse quality is folded four 
double, which leaves it large enough to encircle the 
trunk of the body from the armpits down. Two thick- 
nesses of the sheet, to come next to the body, are wet in 
cold water, or the whole of the sheet, according to the 
case. In a host of painful ailments, such as pleurisy, 
inflammation of the lungs, inflammation of the bowels, 
colic, cholera, cholera-morbus, rheumatism, painful men- 
struation, after-pains, etc., etc., this is the most valuable 
application. Often this remedy, which can be applied in a 
minute, as it were, will soothe a patient quickly to sleep, THE DOUCHE-BATH. 
615 
while without it a night of agony would be his lot. One 
advantage, too, of this appliance is, that if a patient is 
too weak to rise, the sheet may be opened in front, so 
that fresh water may, when needed, be sprinkled upon 
it, and wet towels may be added under it, upon the 
abdomen if necessary. 
THE DOUCHE-BATH. 
This is the most powerful, hut not the most useful, of 
all hydropathic appliances. A common douche consists 
of a stream of water from one to two inches in diameter, 
with a fall of ten, fifteen or twenty feet. But douches 
may he arranged of any desirable size and height. 
This remedy is useful in paralysis, stiff joints, gout, 
rheumatism, tumors and old swellings of various kinds. 
Those who have weak lungs, stomach or other abdominal 
organs, should not resort to the douche without the best 
of medical advice. 
SHOWER-BATH. 
This is also one of the more powerful of the hydro- 
pathic appliances, and needs judgment in its use. It 
consists, in fact, of a vast number of small streams or 
douches, and hence is a powerful refrigerant as well as 
excitant to the system. It should never be taken upon 
the head, especially if the water have any consid- 
erable force, or fall from any considerable height, for the 
reason that the head should never he subjected to 
mechanical force. It is useful in. some cases to com- 
mence this bath only upon the limbs for a time at first. 616 
WATEK CUEE. 
CATARACT-BATH. 
This is also one of the more powerful of the hydro- 
pathic processes, and is to be classed with the two pre- 
ceding baths. Like those, it may be said to be stimulant, 
tonic and alterative, while it is also highly sedative so 
far as animal heat is concerned. 
HOSE-BATH. 
Through the modern improvements in India-rubber, 
gutta percha, leather, etc., it is easy, wherever there is a 
small fall or head of water, to arrange what is called a 
hose-batli. It is in principle a douche, with the addi- 
tional advantage that it can be made to act upon any 
part of the body, and from whatever direction we choose. 
Rightly applied, the hose is a valuable means. 
PAIL-DOUCHE. 
The patient seats liimself in an empty, shallow, or 
other bathing tub, and crosses his hands over his chest. 
As many pails of water as are ordered are then dashed 
over him suddenly, one after the other, and one before 
and one behind—not poured, but thrown with some force, 
by lirst a backward and then a forward motion of the 
pail; half the number of pails being then emptied on 
the back of his folded hands, and half between the 
shoulders behind. This bath varies in effect according 
to the temperature of the water and the amount used. 
If a number of pails are used, and the water cold, it in 
effect, very nearly resembles the common plunge. THE WAVE OR SLUICE-BATH. 
617 
THE WAVE, OR SLUICE-BATH. 
"What is generally called in Germany a wave, but 
more properly a sluice-bath, is taken at the sluice-way of 
an under-shot mill-wheel, or in any similar place. The 
patient takes hold of a rope or something by which he 
can maintain his position, and then, lying down, subjects 
his body to the action of the water. This is, on the 
whole, a pleasant and agreeable bath, and in its effects 
somewhat resembles the douche, being, however, milder 
and safer. The sluice-bath can hardly be said to possess 
any peculiar advantages. It was not used by Priessnitz, 
although he did not object to it. 
HALF-BATH. 
This bath may be used as one of the mildest of water- 
cure processes, or as one of the most powerful. An ordi- 
nary bathing tub is a very good apparatus for the purpose. 
A good-sized washing tub will answer very well, if there is 
nothing else at hand. The water is generally quite shal- 
low in this bath—from three to six inches. Priessnitz’s 
half-baths were made of wood, four or five feet long, 
about two and a-half feet wide and twenty inches deep. 
This simple contrivance is one of his most powerful 
means—that by which some of his highest triumphs are 
achieved. The water is generally used of moderate 
temperature, at sixty to seventy degrees Fahr., and when 
long continued is changed, as it becomes warm from the 
heat of the body. This bath may be used—1st. As a 
means of cooling the mass of the circulation in the hot 
stages of fever and inflammatory attacks of every kind. 618 
WATER CURE. 
2d. As a revulsive, or means of deriving blood in 
congestions or inflammations of the nobler organs, the 
brain, lungs, stomach, liver, etc. 3d. As a means of 
resuscitation in the shock of serious accidents, sun-stroke, 
and before, during or after apoplectic and other fits. 
In drunkenness and delirium-tremens the lialf-bath is a 
sovereign remedy. 4th. As a milder means and prepara- 
tory to the general bath in weak constitutions. In the 
latter of these indications, the bath is generally used but 
for a few minutes after the wet sheet, or at other times, 
as may be desired. In the former much practical knowl- 
edge is necessary in order to proceed always with safety 
and to obtain the best results. Thus six, or even nine 
hours may be required, with the greatest perseverance, 
the patient being thoroughly rubbed over the whole sur- 
face, and this to be kept up constantly by relays of 
assistants, the patient’s head and shoulders being sup- 
ported meanwhile. 
HEAD-BATH. 
From time immemorial, cooling applications to the 
head have been much depended upon in that violent and 
dangerous disease, inflammation of the brain. All other 
known means failing, certain obstinate affections of the 
head have been known to give way to the affusion of 
cold water upon the part. In headache, drunkenness,, 
delirium-tremens, the delirium of fever, epilepsy, rheu- 
matism of the head, diseases of the eye, earache, deaf- 
ness, loss of smell and taste, and in nose-bleed, this- 
highly energetic remedy is brought to bear. 
PLUNGE-BATH. 
In sea, river and lake, as well as by artificial means, 
and as a matter of luxury, religious observance, purifi- SITTING-BATH. 
619 
cation, and the prevention and cure of disease, the 
plunge-bath has, in all periods of time, and in all parts 
of the world, been a favorite resort. So efficacious, 
indeed has this simple means proved in healing the sick, 
that not a little superstition has been mingled with it. 
Springs and wells have often been supposed to possess 
some mysterious power, and for that reason been named 
after some patron saint. In this respect the world has 
loved mystery and marvelousness rather than the pure 
and simple truth. 
SITTING-BATH. 
Convenient tubs, wooden or metallic, are constructed 
for this bath; but an ordinary wash-tub answers very 
well. The article should be large enough to admit the 
motion of the arms in rubbing the abdomen, sides and 
hips, first with one hand and then the other. Water 
enough is used generally to come pretty well up the 
abdomen. The more movement and friction, while in 
this bath, the better. It is more convenient if the tub be 
elevated two or three inches from the floor. Some un- 
dress completely, and place a blanket or sheet over the 
upper part of the body, but oftener the parts only of the 
person to be exposed to the water are uncovered. In a 
variety of ailments this bath is highly valuable. It may 
be made one of the most powerful of all of the hydro- 
pathic modes. Like all other powerful applications, it 
should be taken only after digestion is nearly or quite 
gone through with. 
As a tonic to the stomach, liver, bowels, womb, spine, 
etc., this bath is highly useful. In constipation and 
other irregularities, it is famous. Those of sedentary 
habits will find its use of rare service. For the tonic 620 
WATER CURE. 
.effect it is taken ten to twenty or twenty-five minutes or 
more. If it is continued some length of time, the water 
is to be changed once or more, as it would otherwise be- 
come too warm. 
WASHTUB-BATH. 
Under a great variety of circumstances what may be 
called the “ washtub-bath,” is an invaluable resort. For 
example, a patient is feverish; by seating him in a wash- 
tub half filled with water, and at the same time if we 
choose, having his feet in a pail of water, cold or warm, 
according to the case, we can give him any desirable 
.amount of cooling. We cannot, indeed, too highly 
prize this simple contrivance for using water—a means 
which every family possesses. 
THE AFFUSIOK. 
The patient stands in a wash-tub, bathing-tub, or 
other convenient place, when by means of a pail, pitcher 
or basin, the assistant pours water upon the head, neck, 
etc., either upon the whole of the body or only upon a 
part. The water is used in quantity and temperature 
according to the necessities of the case. The affusion is 
one of the best of hydropathic modes. 
Fifty years ago, Dr. Currie, of England, performed 
great cures in fever by the affusion, sometimes tepid, at 
others cold, according to the strength and heat of the 
patient. If there was great heat the water was used 
cold; if not, the reverse. In a variety of febrile dis- 
eases, such as typlius-fever, scarlet-fever, small-pox, 
measles, tetanus, convulsions, etc., he used this remedy 
with remarkable success. TOWEL AND SPONGE-BATH. 
621 
TOWEL, AND SPONGE-BATH. 
With one or two coarse towels and a quart or two of 
water we may take a very good hath almost anywhere, 
even in a carpeted room, at a hotel, or wherever we may 
he, without spilling a drop of the water. After a person 
becomes accustomed to this form of ablution, none hut 
the most indolent will he willing to do without it, unless 
they can have some other form of hath. A daily towel 
ablution, thoroughly performed, is an excellent preven- 
tion against colds ; helps the appetite and digestion, and 
is a good means of preventing constipation. 
Some are in the habit of sitting in a lialf-hath, or a 
sitz-tub, and with a large sponge making the water pass 
freely upon the head neck, shoulders, and other parts of 
the body. At the same time the bather may pour water 
from a cup, basin or pitcher, upon the head, neck, etc. 
This is a mild affusion, and stronger in effect than the 
towel-bath. 
WASH-DOWN. 
The patient stands in an empty sitting or wash-tub, 
beside which stands a pail of cold water with two coarse 
towels soaking in it. The bath-attendant, taking his 
place behind the patient, lifts one of the towels, all 
loaded with water, and lays it quickly on the patient’s 
head. The patient immediately seizes it, removes it 
from his head, and rubs himself rapidly with it—his 
face, his throat, shoulders, arms, chest, stomach, bowels, 
thighs, and legs. Having gone rapidly over the whole 
body once, he drops his towel into the pail again, which 
the bath-man presses down to the bottom of the water,, 622 
WATER CURE. 
then lifts out, and places it on his head again. As before, 
the patient seizes it, and goes all over the same ground 
once more, and then drops it into the water again, when 
the bath-man again lifts it and places it on the head to 
be a third time removed by the patient, and applied as 
before, rapidly, actively, and energetically, all over his 
body in front. The bath-man is industriously occupied 
all the time behind in the same manner, from the back 
of the neck to the back of the legs, wetting his own 
towel as often as he wets that used by the patient, viz., 
three times. This is called a wash-down of three towels. 
The patient is then dried in a dry sheet. It is a more 
powerful bath than the common towel-bath, but not in 
all respects so convenient to take. 
THE COLD FOOT-BATH. 
One of the first things people who are troubled with 
cold feet do, is to plunge them into cold water. Nor is 
the assertion put forth in some of the hydropathic works, 
that the cold foot-bath was prescribed by Priessnitz for 
the same purpose that the faculty order warm ones, cor- 
rect. When the feet are already cold, neither Priessnitz 
nor any one in his sober reason would prescribe cold 
water, which can only make the parts colder. To obtain 
the good effect of the cold foot-bath, so far as the feet are 
concerned, they should be warm wdienever it is taken. 
Por a tendency to coldness of the feet—a very com- 
mon symptom in these days of so-called luxury and 
refinement, and one that indicates a state of things in 
the system incomparably more to be dreaded than the 
mere coldness of the feet, this is the remedy. It may be 
taken at any convenient time; just before the morning 
walk is a very suitable occasion, the parts being usually 
warm early in the day. WADING FOOT-BATH. 
623 
At other times if cold, they should, if at all practica- 
ble, be warmed by exercise and friction, before subjecting 
them to the action of cold water. But in cases of old 
age, great debility, etc., the warm foot-bath, and other 
warm applications, may be resorted to before the cold. 
Thus with cold, exercise and friction, accustoming the 
feet daily and frequently to cold water, will beget in 
them a habit of remaining warm. In a great variety of 
ailments, such as toothache, rush of blood to the head, 
headache, earache, inflammation of the eyes, gout, 
rheumatism, hemorrhages, etc., the cold foot-bath is a 
valuable remedy. It is ordered deep or shallow, and of 
duration according to the nature of the case. 
WADING FOOT-BATHS. 
I have often directed patients to wade in water in some 
convenient place, as a means of hardening the system 
and of giving tone to the nerves. Delicate ladies who 
were not able, as they supposed, to endure cold water 
applied to the feet, have by degrees, wetting the feet but 
little at first, become so accustomed to the coldest water 
that in a few weeks they could bear as much as any one 
would desire. Caution and perseverance should be the 
rule. 
It is partly by sympathy and partly by the abstrac- 
tion of heat, that foot-baths and wetting the feet act in 
so beneficial or deleterious a manner as we know them 
to do. The principle of sympathy is an old one in the 
medical art, but none the worse for that. 624 
WATEIi CUKE. 
THE WARM FOOT-BATH (Pediluvium), 
Iam aware that some who consider themselves gen- 
uinely hydropathic, object to the use of this remedy. 
Having truth for my object, however, I care not for such 
objections so far as I myself am concerned, and without 
stopping here to argue the question, I simply remark 
that warmth under some circumstances is as natural an 
application for the living body, as cold under other cir- 
cumstances. I have already remarked, under the head 
of the cold foot-bath, that putting the feet into warm 
water is often a good preparatory process to that bath. 
It is good also, now and then, for soothing divers aches 
and pains, and also for warming the feet of old and 
weakly people, who cannot exercise sufficiently. 
THE NOSE-BATH. 
In a variety of nasal ailments, catarrh, colds in the 
head, inflammation and ulceration of the nasal passages,, 
nose-bleed, etc., the nose-bath is a salutary remedy. The 
water is used either tepid or cold, according to the case. 
It should be drawn back if possible, so that it is ejected 
by the mouth. Those who have injured the nasal cavi- 
ties by much snutf-taking, will find advantage from sniff- 
ing water freely into the nostrils. If one is determined 
• to leave off snuff, as every one addicted to it, if he regards 
either health or bodily comfort, ought, he will find it 
useful often to take cold water, instead of the abomina- 
ble weed. THE EYE AND EAE-BATII. 
625 
THE EYE AND EAR-BATH. 
Various contrivances may be brought to bear in apply- 
ing water to the eye and ear. Light, ascending douches 
and showers are useful in various diseases of the parts. 
There should not be much force used in this way. Im- 
mersing them also in water is often useful. The water 
should not, in general, be very cold, tepid or warm being 
often the best. 
MOUTH, OR ORAL. BATH. 
For inflammation of the gums, mouth, throat and 
palate, in slimy secretions from the throat and stomach, 
in toothache, catarrh, colds and chronic hoarseness, gar- 
glings and baths for the mouth are of great service. 
Pauley, a merchant of Vienna, has been thought singular 
for his zeal in recommending this bath. Clergymen and 
others who suffer hoarseness by much speaking, will find 
that holding very cold water in the mouth until it begins 
to grow warm, and then ejecting it, and by frequently 
repeating the process, much benefit will be obtained. 
For falling or elongation of the palate, in which it is now 
so much of a professional hobby to clip off the part, the 
gargling sufficiently with cold water will be found a never- 
failing remedy. Coughs and tightness in the chest may 
often be essentially relieved by this bath. In mucous 
secretions from the throat and stomach, by ejecting the 
water a number of times, it will surprise those who have 
not witnessed the remedy to see the amount of slimy 
secretion thrown off. 626 
WATEK CUKE. 
Wet-bheet Pack. 
Wash m o-Batli. 
Leg-Bath. 
Sitting-Bath. 
Plunge-Bath. 
Hot-Bath. MODES OP BATHING. 
627 
Douche-Bath. 
Shower-Bath. 
Cataract-Bath. 
Hose-Bath. 
Head-Bath. 
Vessel, 628 
DISEASES. 
DISEASES. 
INTERMITTENT FEVER. 
In the chilly stage, and still better, as some assert, 
somewhat before it, when the premonitory yawning and 
slight rigors appear, immersion in the warm bath, or 
perhaps still better, the vapor-bath, continued until the 
reaction is complete, will be found effectual—in many 
cases, at least—in preventing the coming on of the hot 
stage, and give rise in its stead to a mild perspiration. 
The treatment of the hot stage, is very simple. We 
manage according to the pulse, and the amount of fever, 
just as we would in any other case. Affusion with cold 
water, dripping-sheets, half-baths, the cold-bath, tepid- 
bath, and even the warm-bath, as before remarked, bring 
down the heat and pulse in fever: any or all of these 
methods we may use ; in short, the whole of the cooling 
plan, according to the case. And what is truly admira- 
ble in this treatment is, we prevent the sweating stage. 
The diet is a matter of great importance in ague. An 
improper meal is sufficient, in many cases, to bring on an 
attack even after the paroxysms have been checked. I 
have known patients who had just recovered from ague, 
and were going about comparatively well, by eating a 
hearty supper of warm biscuit aud butter, and the like 
articles, to be attacked again the next day as badly as 
ever. BILIOUS AND EEMITTENT FEYEE. 
629 
BILIOUS AND REMITTENT FEVER. 
Treatment—This is to he conducted on general prin- 
ciples. The important object is to keep down general 
fever. It is also important to purify the system as fast 
as possible. For this purpose the wet-pack is the most 
useful of all known remedies. We can advantageously 
give three or four of these applications daily, and during 
the intervals have the patient almost constantly in the 
folded sheet. If he is able to sit up a part of the time, a 
large wet girdle should he employed. Frequent clysters 
are useful, and the patient should drink as much water as 
he can, without oppressing the stomach. It may he taken 
warm for the diluent effect, if he is at all chilly. 
CONGESTIVE FEVER. 
Coldness and friction constitute the great remedy in 
all cases of severe prostration. In another place I have 
spoken of the Persian treatment of cholera, which con- 
sists of a great deal of friction with the hands wet in 
cold water—for the water is of a moderate temperature 
in that country—and water is also freely poured upon 
the patient. This is in effect the half or shallow hath of 
Priessnitz, which can he well enough imitated hy using 
a good-sized wash-tub, there being two or more persons 
to aid in the operations. When the patient is even too 
weak to he held up, he can he laid upon a couch, cot or 
straw-hed, and the frictions may thus he practiced, with 
wet-sheets placed upon and about him, and frequently 
renewed. At the same time the freest circulation of air 
should he allowed in the room, and if the weather is not 630 
DISEASES. 
decidedly inclement, it would be of great benefit to have 
the patient in the open air. Fresh air and coolness, gen- 
erally, are what he most desires, and his feelings should 
be gratified to the fullest extent while the fever is upon 
him. Now it is scarcely within the range of possibility to 
give a patient a cold under such circumstances—a fact 
which it is of the greatest importance to remember. These 
frictions, besides, are to be continued as frequently and as 
long as may be necessary to produce the desired result. 
A great advantage of the treatment is, that if it is not 
possible to cure the patient, which I think can seldom 
happen if the case is taken in season—it renders the 
sufferings much less than they would otherwise be. The 
water need never be so cold as to do much violence to the 
patient’s feelings. From 60° to 70° would be safe in the 
generality of cases. 
The patient should at all times be allowed what drink 
he craves; and, singular as it may appear, warm water 
is found to quell the thirst and vomiting better than cold. 
The cold sitting-bath should not be neglected in these 
cases, especially after the violence of the disease has 
somewhat passed off. The wet girdle should also be 
used all, or nearly all of the time, and a semi-daily pack, 
followed by the rubbing wet-sheet or the shallow-bath, 
would aid the patient much in his recovery. 
YELLOW FEVER. 
The celebrated Dr. Rush, speaking of the means used 
in his practice in the epidemic yellow fever that raged so 
fearfully in the city of Philadelphia in the year 1793, 
gives the following testimony concerning the effects of 
water: 
“ Cold water was a most agreeable and powerful YELLOW FEVER. 
631 
remedy in this disorder. I directed it to he applied by 
means of napkins to the head, and to be injected into the 
bowels by way of clyster. It gave the same ease to both, 
when in pain, which opium gives to pain from other 
causes. I likewise advised the washing of the face and 
hands, and sometimes the feet with cold water, and 
always with advantage. It was by suffering the body to 
lie for some time in a bed of cold water, that the inhabi- 
tants of the island of Massuah cured the most violent 
bilious fevers. When applied in this way, it gradually 
abstracts the heat from the body, and thereby lessens 
the action of the system. It differs as much in its effects 
upon the body from the cold-bath, as rest in a cold room 
differs from exercise in the cold open air. 
“I was first led to the partial application of coldwrater 
to the body, in fevers of too much force in the arterial 
system, by observing its good effects in active hemor- 
rhages, and by recollecting the effects of a partial applica- 
tion of warm water to the feet, in fevers of an opposite 
character. Cold water, when applied to the feet, as cer- 
tainly reduces the pulse in force and frequency, as warm 
water applied in the same way produces contrary effects 
upon it. In an experiment which was made at my re- 
quest by one of my pupils, by placing his feet in cold 
pump-water for a few minutes, the pulse was reduced 
twenty-four strokes in a minute, and became so weak as 
hardly to be perceptible.” 
In a disease that is so painful, pervading, and rapid in 
its progress, it would hardly be possible to do too much 
in the beginning, and before the prominent symptoms are 
effectually quelled. Long-continued shallow-bath fric- 
tions, affusions upon the head and body generally, cly- 
sters and tepid water-drinking with the cooling wet-pack 
between times, if properly managed, make quick work 
in subduing all pains and uneasiness, and consequently 
give the patient the best possible chance. 632 
DISEASES. 
CONTINUED FEVER. 
Treatment—The treatment of continued fever is to 
be conducted on general principles. We are to employ 
ablutions, spongings, wet bandages, clysters, wet-packs, 
etc., according to the symptoms of the particular 
case, just as we would in any other form of fever, 
remembering always that we should treat the case as it 
is and not merely according to a name. The particulars 
of such treatment are more fully entered into under the 
head of “ Typhus and Typhoid Fevers,” to which the 
reader is referred. 
Whenever a general feverishness, from whatever cause, 
is brought on in animals, they not only instinctively 
drink water, but immerse themselves in it, if it is possi- 
ble for them to do so. It is said that in some countries 
wild pigs become violently convulsed by eating henbane, 
and that by going into water and by drinking it they 
recover. And when animals become feverish from muti- 
lations or mechanical injury, they seek lying down upon 
the damp ground in the cool air and even in mud and 
wet, and go not unfrequently into the water. 
Do not these facts prove beyond all cavil that water 
is God’s own remedy eor eever ? 
TYPHUS AND TYPHOID FEVER. 
Says Dr. Carrie, “ The cold affusion, used on the third 
and fourth days of fever, does not immediately produce 
a solution of the disease, but it instantly abates it and 
by a few repetitions brings it to a happy termination in 
two or three days. TYPHUS AND TYPHOID FEVER. 
633 
1. “ Envelop the patient in one or more heavy wet linen 
sheets, according to the heat and strength, the sheets not 
much wrung out and to be frequently renewed, as often, at 
least, as they begin to grow dry. There must not be 
much covering over the sheets. In severe cases the 
patient should be kept in the wet-slieet the most of the 
time until the fever is broken up. As much fresh air as 
possible is to be admitted into the room. The sheet 
should always be doubled and wet towels applied to 
such parts as the armpits, between the limbs and wher- 
ever one part comes in contact with another. 
2. “The cold-bath is given three or four times in 
twenty-four hours and even oftener, should there be 
much heat. If the patient is very weak, the water is 
used mild, but never higher than twenty degrees Reau- 
mur (77 degrees Falir.), and this should be diminished 
from time to time until it can be borne cold. The bath 
should, if possible, be administered to the patient in a 
reclining posture. At the same time the back of the 
head and neck should be bathed in water of the same 
temperature as the general bath, ending always with 
the water cold. The surface of the body should be rub- 
bed constantly while the patient is being bathed and the 
bath continued until the temperature of the armpits is 
the same as the rest of the surface. 
3. “ As the patient becomes able to take nourishment, 
give cold miik, fruit and farinaceous food in small quan- 
ties, always cold and at intervals of the usual meals. 
Great care is necessary in the food. Water at all times 
to be drunk according to the dictates of thirst. 
4. “Use the wet girdle all the time when the patient is 
not in the wet-sheet. 
5. “Injections or clysters of pure water are to be 
given if the bowels do not act naturally without; the 634 
DISEASES. 
water cold, if the patient is not very weak, one pint at a 
time. 
“The object of the whole treatment is to supply the 
body amply with coolness and moisture, in order to 
counteract the tendency of the disease to dry up and 
consume the natural juices.” 
MILK-FEVER. 
It is of great service, in every respect, for the patient 
to bathe three or four times a day at such a period. 
The more the fever is kept in check the better. 
INFLAMMATION OF THE BRAIN. 
Having the patient’s head projecting a little over the 
edge of the bed, supported by two persons, holding at 
each end of a linen towel, for the head to rest upon, so 
that a large quantity of the coldest water can be poured 
upon the head and neck, to be caught in a tub or bucket 
below, is a good mode. At the same time wet towels 
are to be placed about the surface of the body, and 
changed as often as they become warm. These answer 
all the purposes of the wet-sheet, and prevent the neces- 
sity of moving the patient, which it is better to avoid. 
Bladders of pounded ice, or pounded ice placed between 
wet linen cloths, laid upon the head, are very useful. 
HEADACHE. 
Treatment—The liead-bath, head-douche, and head- 
affusion are invaluable remedies here. Of course, if 
there is general fever, that must be attended to in the APOPLEXY. 
635 
proper way. In a bilious tit I should neither take nor 
recommend calomel, as Dr. Gully has done, because if 
the water-treatment is applied faithfully and in a man- 
ner suited to the case, it is quicker and more effectual 
than the poison metal: besides, it leaves no bad effects, 
as calomel always does. I would depend, even, upon 
fasting and water-drinking alone, rather than resort to 
drugging in any-such case. 
In almost any case of headache, in which the patient 
is able to be up, the sitz and foot-baths, cold, followed 
by exercise, are highly serviceable. 
APOPLEXY. 
Treatment—First remove all constriction from the 
throat and neck; and second, take the patient, if possi- 
ble, into the open air; at least have the windows and 
doors wide open, so that breathing may be aided as 
much as possible. Then place him in such a position 
that the head may be elevated, so that by gravity the 
blood may the more readily descend. Take care that 
the head neither falls backward nor forward upon the 
chest. Rapid friction over the wet-sheet, with wet 
towels, or the hands wet in cold water, should then be 
made in the most vigorous manner, with the view of draw- 
ing the blood from the head. At the same time the head 
should be cooled as much as possible; and as soon as 
there is a little abatement in the symptoms, water should 
be poured upon the head, without, however, letting the 
part lie too low. Cold-water clysters are also useful. 
The treatment should be perseveringly followed till the 
patient grows either much better or much worse. After- 
wmrd the patient should be managed according to the 
symptoms of the case. 
The rationale of the above treatment will be readily 636 
DISEASES. 
understood. The great object is to arrest the current of 
blood towards the head, and to prevent the hemorrhagic 
tendency. The frictions act admirably in answering the 
first indication, and the cold upon the head the second ; 
for the constringing power of cold in arresting hemor- 
rhage is now well understood. 
In case the circulation has become depressed, with 
pale and cold surface, we should of course proceed some- 
what more cautiously in the use of cold. But even here 
the effort of • wet-hand friction in rousing the dormant 
vital power will be found highly serviceable. 
PALSY. 
If the case is a recent one, it is to be treated accord- 
ing to the symptoms as they present themselves. If 
there is febrile action in connection with the attack, this 
is to be combatted on general principles. We must, 
however, in all cases use the milder forms of treatment, 
because there may be great and hidden mischief in the 
brain or spinal marrow, in which case powerful applica- 
tions of water would be very liable to cause more harm 
than good, and might easily kill the patient outright. 
With reference to the local parts, a great deal of fric- 
tion should be used. It is not well to rub the skin off 
from the part, as is often done when dry friction is ap- 
plied. Wet hand-rubbing is always to be preferred, 
since it is far more tonic than the dry, and does not in- 
jure the skin. A wet towel or other cloth may be placed 
about the part—the arm, for example—and rubbing 
practiced over it. 
CRAMPS. 
Friction with the hand wet in cold water is evidently 
better than the dry application, or that by means of LOCK-JAW. 
637 
spirits, ointments, etc., which have sometimes been 
resorted to. The wearing of wet bandages at night upon 
the part liable to be affected will often, at least, ward off 
the attack. 
LOCK-JAW. 
Dr. Watson recommends the cold-bath in this affec- 
tion. He remarks “ that the application of cold water 
to the surface has, in many recorded instances, been 
of at least temporary benefit and comfort; and in the 
West Indies, where the disease is common, the cold 
affusion still continues to be the favorite expedient.” 
Some have recommended for tetanus the use of ice 
upon the spine, a remedy which has been found emi- 
nently beneficial in convulsions. The ice should be 
applied by means of friction upon the naked skin up 
and down the spinal column and over the whole region 
of the back. 
Various authors have recorded the beneficial effects 
of warm-baths in this disease. The Germans have in 
some cases used the with success. In Hol- 
land it has been a custom to immerse the patient in 
warm baths of broth, in which he is kept for five or six 
hours, at the same time having opium administered 
to him. The warm-bath is doubtless a valuable remedy, 
but in some cases of the disease, much benefit cannot be 
expected from it. Used in alternation with the cold-bath, 
it is to be recommended. At the expense of repetition, 
I must here remark that the warm-bath must not be 
confounded with the hot, an error too often committed. 
The great principle to be kept in mind in the treat- 
ment of this disease is, that tetanus is a spasmodic affec- 
tion. The treatment, therefore, must be of an antispas- 
modic kind. The more powerful the remedy, the more 638 
DISEASES. 
effectual it will prove, provided it is not such as to injure 
or depress the vital force. Facts plainly prove that of 
nil known antispasmodics, water is altogether the most 
powerful. 
As to the methods of using it, due caution should be 
used. It is said, on the best authority, that patients 
have been killed by throwing two or three pails of cold 
water over the body, almost as quick as if they had 
been shot in the head. If a powerful measure is to be 
resorted to, it should be done when the paroxysm is at 
its height. Cold water has never killed a patient under 
such circumstances. It is only when the patient is in 
thb opposite extreme of the disease, that a powerfully 
eold application proves so dangerous. 
Plunging the patient into cold water, douching and all 
applications that tend powerfully to shock the system, 
have often proved beneficial in quelling the tetanic par- 
oxysm; but passive cooling—such as gives no severe 
shock to the system—is to be preferred. The shallow- 
bath, therefore, prolonged and with wet-hand friction, is 
to be highly recommended. It should be remembered, 
however, that as the disease varies from a very slight to 
a most severe and terrible one, so should the treatment 
be made to vary accordingly. If a poor sufferer is so 
bent up with cramp of all his voluntary muscles that he 
can only touch his head and heels to the bed, be assured 
it is no boy’s play to treat his case. To bring down 
such spasms as make a man’s muscles hard and stiff 
as a board, is to be accomplished only by the most 
powerful means. If we know how to manage the more 
severe cases, the lighter ones will be no difficult task. 
HYDROPHOBIA. 
In regard to removing the irritation of the throat, Dr. 
Hooper tells ns that it has never been effectually fulfilled NEURALGIA. 
639 
in any other way than by the use of ice taken internally. 
Here, also, the prolonged shallow-bath—that greatest of 
all hydropathic appliances—would be of signal benefit. 
Ice cannot be had in all situations, and it is a satisfaction 
to know that in hydropathy there are various means 
of arriving at the same end. 
In connection with the swallowing of ice, or the cold 
shallow-bath, whichever might be used, or both in con- 
nection, clysters of cold water often repeated would be a 
serviceable means, not only to arrest the trouble at the 
throat, but the nervous symptoms generally. If the 
patient should be very weak, tepid water could be used 
instead. 
NEURALGIA. 
As a local application in this disease, ice, and ice-cold 
wrnter have been found to afford much relief. Steaming 
the part affected has been useful in some cases, and the 
hot douche—a remedy which can seldom be obtained— 
has been of service in subduing the pain. Dry heat, 
applied by means of a hot iron, or hot coals, held near 
the part as long as the patient can bear it, affords relief 
in some cases. Steaming the part with a hot brick or 
stone, with a wet cloth wrapped about it, has certainly 
done well in relieving rheumatic neuralgia of the back. 
Covering the part with oiled silk and cotton or wool, 
helps to keep off the attacks in some cases. In general, 
however, I am inclined to think that the cold applications 
are more effectual and permanent in their action. 
M. Gaudett, a French writer, asserts that facial and 
cranial neuralgia and hemicrania have, in his experience 
yielded to no therapeutical remedy with the same facility 
as to sea-bathing, by immersion and affusion. The same 
writer holds also, that sciatica, even when occurring in 640 
DISEASES. 
debilitated subjects, and of long standing, yields to what 
he calls the tonic and sedative effects of sea-bathing. In 
all these cases it is the improvement of the general health 
that occasions the cure. The effect of bathing is only 
indirect. The cures are also strictly hydropathic, the 
salt of itself having no good effect. 
INJURIES OF THE NERVES. 
The water-dressing is as favorable a remedy in the 
wounds of nerves as it is in other kinds of injury. No* 
other method can at all compare with it. 
EPILEPSY. 
Cold affusion upon the head, in the manner recom- 
mended in hysteria, is highly useful. We know that in 
such cases there is turgescence and too great fullness of 
the blood-vessels in the brain. Cold, by its constring- 
ing effects, drives away the superabundance of blood, 
thus moderating and shortening the fit. The effect of 
cold on the nervous system in these cases is also bene- 
ficial : it rouses the dormant powers of the system, and 
aids in preventing the debility that follows such attacks. 
ST. VITUS’S DANCE. 
Tlie rubbing wet- sheet and wet frictions generally are 
to be highly recommended for their anti spasmodic and 
tonic effects. The wet-pack, properly managed, is valu- 
able for its soothing effects. There is, in fact, no hydro- 
pathic process which cannot be brought to bear in this 
disease, as we find it in different cases. Dr, Wood, and COXVULSIOXS. 
641 
various other authors, also mention the good effects of 
sea-bathing. It should be managed, of course, upon 
scientific principles, according to the nature of the case. 
As with other potent remedies, what might be valuable 
for one, would in the case of another produce only harm, 
and perhaps dangerous effects. 
CONVULSIONS. 
Dr. Currie informs us that in the convulsions of chil- 
dren he found the cold-bath a most useful remedy whether 
the disorder originated in worms or other causes. He 
had seldom known it to fail in stopping the paroxysms, 
at least for some time, and thereby giving an opportu- 
nity of employing the means fitted to remove the particu- 
lar irritation. In early infancy he used it with caution, 
and generally by affusion, tempering the water when the 
weather was cold. In general he made the applications 
of cold in this way sudden and transient, and employed 
means subsequently to secure reaction. When the vital 
energy seemed much exhausted he avoided the remedy 
entirely. 
It is to be remarked that Dr. Currie, as a deduction 
from the experiments he had made, insisted strongly on 
the principle, “ that the benefit derived from the cold- 
batli in convulsive diseases depends on its being used in 
the paroxysm of convulsion; that its efficacy consists in 
resolving or abating the 'paroxysm ; and that when this 
effect is produced, the return of the paroxysm is greatly 
retarded, if not wholly prevented.” All subsequent 
experience has proved the correctness of the principle 
thus plainly expressed by this able author. 
In many cases the shallow-bath, rubbing wet-sheet, 
and other forms of applying water by wet friction, will 
be found to prove more successful than the above meth- 642 
DISEASES. 
ods of this author. Cold affusion on the head, particu- 
larly when the part is hot and the patient not very weak, 
is a valuable remedy in many of these cases. Cold 
injections, if the patient is not particularly weak, and 
in other cases the tepid, should be freely used in all 
convulsive attacks. It matters not so much whether the 
bowels are constipated or otherwise, ilie effect is good. 
In all the water management of these cases, of course, 
we should do no violence to the system, and the treat- 
ment should be managed prudently, according to the 
patient’s constitution and the nature of the attack. 
All kinds of convulsions are to be treated on the same 
general principles, whatever the cause. The great thing 
is by cold water, wet-liand frictions, and the like, to 
rouse the blood into a better and more general circula- 
tion. Pouring cold water on the head would seem to 
promise well in these cases, because the black blood 
stagnates in the brain in a remarkable manner; nor 
should any of the before-mentioned appliances be 
omitted if the case should prove obstinate. 
CATALEPSY. 
Treatment—This should be managed for the most 
part the same as hysteria. If there is great rigidity of 
the muscles, a large amount of wet-liand friction may 
be necessary. The water should be used cold. 
TRANCE. 
Treatment—In these cases, as in hysteria, thete is 
nothing that is at all comparable to water as a means of 
restoring the nervous power. The treatment should be 
similar to that for hysteria. HYSTERIA. 
643 
HYSTERIA. 
Treatment—The treatment of hysteria is divided 
properly into two heads : first, that which relates to the 
paroxysm ; second, the means of preventing the attacks. 
In severe cases care must he taken that the patient 
does not injure herself during the spasms. It would he 
easy for her to do harm with her hands or teeth if she 
were not properly looked after. No time should he lost 
in “ cutting the corset strings,” or at least in loosening 
the dress. The sooner, indeed, the clothing is removed 
the better, because the air, by its tonic effect, tends to 
take off the spasm. No matter how cold it is, the doors 
and windows should he thrown open for a time. It will he 
soon enough to go for “ comforts ” after the fit is cured. 
If it seems necessary, the hands and arms should he 
confined. If the patient can he made to swallow, the 
sooner she gets a good dose of cold water the better. If 
it is at all practicable, she should at once he placed into 
the sliallow-hath, or, what answers very well, a good- 
sized wash-tub, the feet being left outside, if the tub is 
not very large. If the patient is quite feeble, the water 
may be moderated a little at first, but afterward it is to 
be used cold. In the water she is to be rubbed with as 
many wet hands as can be brought to bear upon her 
body, limbs, hands and every part. The cramps are 
sometimes very severe in these cases, so that it is really 
a pitable sight to see how the poor creature suffers. But 
there is need of courage, and the operators may be 
assured that the more they persevere with the wet-hand 
friction, the less the patient will suffer in the end,' and 
the sooner the cure will be effected. After the spasms 
become quelled, the patient should be placed in the 644 
DISEASES. 
folded wet-sheet. This may appear uncomfortable to 
her at first; but, with the most mathematical certainty, 
it will soothe her system, and that too in a remarkable 
degree, if everything is managed as it should be. There 
is no objection either, after the spasms are off, to her 
being made comfortable, and having warm bricks to her 
feet—but in no case hot. She will have a hundred times 
more to fear from heat than cold in an attack of this 
kind. 
One of the best means of producing a powerfully 
sedative and anti-spasmodic effect in these cases, is to 
pour cold water freely upon the head. There is no case 
on record in which the cooling measures have done harm. 
Dr. Smee, a celebrated surgeon of London, who recom- 
mends this practice, says that he once saw cold water 
applied in this way for three hours, and the patient was 
quite well the next day. The water should not be poured 
from a height, as some would have it; passive cooling 
only is what is needed, as a local application, in all 
affections of the head. A wash-tub, instead of a bowl, 
should be used to receive the water, and we may use the 
same over and over again, if desirable; but it should 
not be allowed to get too warm. 
In some cases the sliallow-batli and the wasli-tub can 
not be used ; either they are not at hand, or the patient 
may be so unmanageable that she cannot be operated on 
in this way. We have, then, other and valuable 
resources —for hydropathy is not a one remedy, as igno- 
rant objectors have so often said. We have many and 
varied applications, and no two of them have precisely 
the same effects. But any one who understands the 
symptoms thoroughly, will never be at a loss as to what 
to do; he will be certain of doing at least some good, 
and no harm, which cannot be said of drugs. In these 
supposed cases, then, the patient can be laid upon a bed, INSANITY. 
645 
couch, cot, or the floor, even upon a blanket, or some- 
thing of that sort, while at the same time she is power- 
fully rubbed with rubbing wet-sheets ; these should be 
changed often, so as to keep the water as fresh as may 
be. Even wet-hand rubbing, wet-towel rubbing, and the 
like, are very good substitutes for the shallow-bath. 
Another important measure in these cases should be 
particularly mentioned, to wit: clysters of cold water; 
these may be used freely, without stint. Ice-cold clothes, 
placed upon the abdomen and genitals, are also highly 
valuable. These things are mentioned for the encour- 
agement of those who may not be able to have the 
better and more powerful means before explained. 
If we consult medical authorities on hysteria, we shall 
find that it would be almost impossible to use cold 
water amiss in these desperate cases, so great has been 
the success attending it. 
INSANITY. 
With reference to the use of water, in the cure of in- 
sanity, some facts of experience will prove instructive to 
the reader. 
Dr. Currie our favorite author on the subject of water, 
gives a case in which the results of the method of em- 
ploying it were highly satisfactory. The case was that 
of a man of very irregular habits of life, who was ad- 
mitted into the asylum at Liverpool in a state of furious 
insanity. His disease was supposed to have been 
brought on by excessive drinking. It was necessary to 
use very powerful means of coercion, and the most pow- 
erful medicines, opiates, cathartics, emetics, etc., were 
given. Dr. Currie commenced the case June 2d, 1796, 
and went on to the 21st of July, at which time he tells 646 
DISEASES. 
us tliat “ perplexed with these extremes (the patient get- 
ting alternately better and worse, and bearing in mind 
the success of the cold-bath in convulsive diseases), I 
ordered it to be tried on the present occasion. The in- 
sanity returning with great violence on the 21st, he was 
thrown headlong into the cold-bath. He came out calm 
and nearly rational, and this interval of reason continued 
for twenty-four hours. The same practice was directed 
to be repeated as often as the state of insanity occurred.” 
On the 23d the patient was again thrown into the cold- 
bath in the height of his fury as before. As he came out 
he was thrown in again, and this was repeated five differ- 
ent times, till he could not leave the bath without assist- 
ance. H'e became perfectly calm and rational in the 
bath. “ This patient,” continues Dr. Currie, “ continued 
with us sometime afterward, bathing every other day, 
and taking the oxide of zinc in small quantities. He 
never relapsed, and was discharged sometime afterward 
in perfect health of body and mind.” 
Dr. Dunglison, in speaking of the cold douche as one 
of the very best tranquilizers that can be employed in 
cases of furious insanity, maintains that a column of 
water the size of the arm, or even much less, made to 
fall from a height on the head of the furious maniac, will 
almost always tame him. One of the most frantic cases 
that had ever fallen under his care was tranquilized by 
the column proceeding from the spout of an ordinary 
teapot, made to fall upon the head from the elevation of a 
few feet. 
The cold dash, administered by pouring water on the 
head of the patient from some height, was used by 
Esquirol with entire success. The patient, a girl afflicted 
with mania, and of a nervous temperament, was placed— 
with a garment covering her—in a common wash-tub, 
and water was poured in small quanties on hex head delirium: tremens. 
647 
till it covered her body, and shivering ensued. On a 
second application of this method, which was for some 
time resisted, it was followed by a deep sleep, accom- 
panied by copious sweating; and when the patient awoke 
she was found to have recovered her senses. 
In the physico-medical treatment of the insane, we 
should proceed on the same general principles as in any 
other case of bodily derangement. We are to use the rub- 
bing wet-sheet, the wet-pack, the sliallow-bath, the affu- 
sion, the plunge, the wet-girdle, clysters, and, in short, the 
whole routine of the treatment, according to the nature 
of the case. This, I need hardly add, needs knowledge, 
skill, experience and good judgment in those who are to 
direct the treatment. In no department of the medical 
art are these more necessary than in this. 
DELIRIUM TREMENS. 
The great thing in treating delirium tremens is to cool 
sufficiently the whole mass of the circulation; to do this 
we can hardly go amiss in the use of cold water, apply- 
ing both externally and internally, in the most profuse 
manner, although we should not apply the douche or 
allow water from a height. Water will make the 
patient sleep when nothing else will. 
DRUNKEN FIT. 
Treatment—In no respect is tlie curative power of 
water more striking than in its effects upon a drunken 
person. The great thing is to pour plenty of cold water 
upon the head, till the patient “ comes to.” The drip- 
ping wet-sheet, shallow-bath, and all other means of 648 
DISEASES. 
cooling are also useful. If we can vomit tlie patient 
plentifully with tepid or warm water, so much the bet- 
ter. Cold injections, in the lit especially, are very use- 
ful. Treated in this way, much of the headache, nausea, 
feverishness, etc., that follow a debauch, are thrown off. 
Sailors understand well the proper method of bringing 
a drunken man to his senses. If one of their number 
becomes intoxicated, they tie a rope about him and 
throw him overboard into the sea. The shock quickly 
arouses his senses, and the submersion serves to remove 
the fever. 
EAINTIN G-FIT. 
Sprinkle a little cold water in the face, p-ive a little to 
drink, and wait patiently for Nature to take care of her- 
self. 
NIGHTMARE. 
The treatment for this affection should be similar to 
that which we would adopt in night-pollution, sleep- 
walking, sleep-talking, etc., and which need not here be 
commented upon. It is of great importance that the 
patient lie upon his side. Nervous people are often fond 
of lying upon the back; and it is in this position that 
the nightmare attacks. 
SLEEPLESSNESS. 
Every one knows that the excessive use of tea is very 
apt to "bring on this affection. Coffee comes somewhat 
under the same condemnation, and tobacco is a frequent 
cause of the difficulty. The practice of being busy at INFLAMMATIONS OF THE MOUTH. 
649 
something useful habitually during the day is an excel- 
lent means of securing good and refreshing sleep at 
night. Above all, the sleepless patient should resoiately 
avoid napping during the day. It is also highly impor- 
tant that he should not get the hypochondriacal notion 
into his head, which so many have, that going without 
sleep is a dangerous symptom. Some have worried 
themselves well-nigh to death in this wray. They 
should understand that worrying can never help them 
under such circumstances; and that if they will only 
observe the natural laws of health in any reasonable 
degree, nature will, with the utmost certainty in the end, 
and soon enough, bring them the desired sleep. 
INFLAMMATIONS OF THE MOUTH. 
The great thing in the management of these inflam- 
mations is, the strictest cleanliness and attention to the 
general health. All local applications are of little conse- 
quence, except for the purposes of cleanliness. Many 
of the drug-appliances that have been used in stomatitis 
are worse than useless, even for the time being. A good 
course of wmter-treatment by wet-packs, ablutions, the 
wet-girdle, clysters, pure soft water and proper air, 
exercise and diet—these are the most appropriate and 
effectual means. 
TONSILITIS. 
Gargles are used with advantage in this disease, but 
there is nothing in the form of a wash that will be found 
better than pure, soft water. It will, afford the patient 
great relief if he will often gargle his throat with tepid 
water, by the half-hour at a time. In this way a great 650 
DISEASES. 
deal of tough phlegm will be removed from the throat 
and the soreness will be relieved in a corresponding 
degree. Washing and rubbing the throat and chest 
externally, with the hand wet in cold water, will also be 
found a good remedy. This may, with advantage, be 
repeated many times daily. 
LOSS OF APPETITE. 
Treatment—One of the best evidences of the value 
of water-treatment is its powder to restore a lost appetite. 
The reason why the hydropathic processes act in this 
way is, that they promote a rapid change of matter in 
the system, and at the same time a tonic or invigorating 
effect. Water-patients uniformly get a good appetite in 
a short time after commencing the treatment. Exercise 
is also valuable. 
INFLAMMATION OF THE STOMACH. 
Treatment—This should be similar to that for any 
other internal inflammation. The stomach also should 
be thoroughly cleared of its contents as soon as possible. 
The vomiting is to be kept down by the sedative effect 
of cold water generally; the more the fever is kept in 
check the less of this symptom there will be. Relapses 
in this disease are common from errors in diet. 
DYSPEPSIA. 
In the first place, the dyspeptic should take as much 
exercise in the open air, regularly and daily, as he can dyspepsia. 
651 
bear without absolute exhaustion. He should become 
fatigued but not exhausted. 
In the second place he should go to rest early, and at 
the same hour every night. He should also rise early in 
morning, and observe the same regularity as to time. If 
he should not happen to sleep well every night, he should 
yet observe these rules strictly. His bed and pillow 
should be hard rather than otherwise, his sleeping-room 
as airy as may be, and he should use the least possible 
amount of clothing consistent with comfort. It is always 
better to sleep too cold than too warm, even in consump- 
tion itself. 
A most important rule is, that the dyspeptic eat pre- 
cisely at the same hour each day. If he is unavoidably 
thrown out of his time, he should drink some w*ater and 
wait till the next regular meal. The utmost regularity 
in the times of eating is of the greatest importance to one 
who is suffering in this way. 
The most important rule of all regarding aliment is 
that which relates to quantity. First, quantity, and sec- 
ond, quality, both of which are of great consequence in 
their place. The rule of all rules is, not to over-eat. If 
THE DYSPEPTIC WILL BUT PERSEVERE IX TAKING THAT 
AMOUNT, AND THAT AMOUNT ONLY, HOWEVER SMALL IT 
MAY BE, WHICH HIS STOMACH CAN RECEIVE AND DIGEST 
COMFORTABLY, IIE WILL SOON FIND HIMSELF ON THE 
high-road to HEALTH; and it will surprise any one to 
find on how small an amount of nutriment—wheat-meal 
bread, for example—he can subsist and grow better. I 
repeat, then, the dyspeptic should never oppress iiis 
stomach with food. If he can take only an ounce, or 
the fourth part of that amount, let it be so. If he will 
persevere in not oppressing himself, he will soon grow 
better and be able to take more. Flesh, he should 
remember, is no sort of criterion for health. 
I lay down this important rule, however, that the dy&- 652 
DISEASES. 
peptic should take the most healthy articles for a healthy 
stomach. But be sure to regulate the quantity 
ACCORDINGLY AS THE STOMACH CAN BEAR. 
As regards water-treatment proper, everthing that is 
calculated to promote the tone and vigor of the constitu- 
tion is a help in dyspepsia. The whole force of the 
treatment is brought to bear advantageously in many 
cases. The timid are particularly advised to try the free 
use of the rubbing wet-sheet. 
SEA-SICKNESS. 
I say to all, drink water freely from the first when you 
are sea-sick. Both man and animals can live more than 
twice as long with water as they can without it. Besides, 
it makes the vomiting easier. After one has had a little 
experience, he can tell well enough when the trouble is 
coming. If, then, when the qualmishness begins to affect 
him, he drinks two, three or more tumblerfuls of water— 
and blood-warm is best, though cold is useful—till he 
vomits, the effort is not only rendered much easier, but 
greater relief is obtained, and in a shorter time. The 
periods between vomiting will also be thus lengthened. 
This water vomiting, then, I recommend as a great help 
in sea-sickness. To treat vomiting by vomiting, might 
seem paradoxical; but of the good effects of the practice 
I can testify, not only from my own experience, but that 
of many others for whom I have prescribed. 
The rubbing wet-slieet, and all hydropathic appliances 
which tend to bring the blood to the surface, will not only 
be found useful in warding off sea-sickness, but also in 
supporting the strength. 
The wet-girdle is an excellent remedy in this affection. 
In some cases it wards it off entirely, and in others it serves COLIC. 
653 
as an efficient palliative. Priessnitz showed his rare 
shrewdness and knowledge of the laws that govern the 
human system, when he advised, as a remedy for sea- 
sickness, that a heavy wet-girdle, tightly applied, be- 
worn constantly, and re-wet often, without removing it. 
Sailors know by experience that a girdle, even though 
dry, is useful; and we know, also, that a wet one is still 
better. In the convalescence from sea-sickness this 
remedy is particularly valuable. 
COLIC. 
The treatment of a fit of common colic is in general 
simple, and the cure easily effected. The great thing is 
to clear the stomach and bowels as soon as may be of 
their morbid contents. One or two full injections of 
warm or tepid water will often suffice. But in some 
cases it is necessary to persevere, as we say, long and 
hard. Gallons upon gallons of water are given, both at 
the mouth to cause vomiting, and the bowels to clear 
them of their contents. We use also cold sitting-baths, 
prolonged as much as may be found necessary, with a 
good deal of rubbing the bowels with the wet hand. 
Going at once into a cold-bath is a valuable thing in 
some cases, and no one will get harm from cold water 
while the pain is upon him. Warm-baths may also be 
used in alternation with cold; while the cold sitting- 
bath is taken, the feet maybe placed in warm water, and 
the same may be done after any of the cold applications. 
It does no good to keep the feet very chilly in such cases. 
We should persevere with the several methods, one or 
more of them, accordingly as we may, till relief is 
obtained. 654 
DISEASES. 
WORMS. 
The case should be managed like one of dyspepsia. 
The strictest attention must be paid to the diet. The 
wet-girdle should be worn constantly, night and day, if 
the weather is not too hot. Sitting-batlis, shallow-baths, 
and, in short, every thing that can be made to act favor- 
ably upon the system generally, is useful. Cold clysters 
are valuable; and if the worms should happen to lie 
within reach of the water, that is, in the rectum or colon, 
which is sometimes the case, the effects, if repeated two 
or three times daily, will be most excellent. Drinking 
freely of pure, soft water, when the stomach is empty, 
will also be a valuable means of helping to dislodge the 
animals from the beds of mucus in the abdomen. 
INFLAMMATION OF THE BOWELS. 
The disease is to be treated on the general principles 
of all severe inflammations. Keep down the fever, 
especially in the bowels ; use lialf-baths or hip-baths, of 
temperature suited to the strength; wet-slieets and com- 
presses also come well in play ; give injections—almost 
blood-warm, again and again—if need be, fifty times in 
a day; keep the bowels completely ‘ soaked ; ’ give no 
food till the disease is quelled, and then begin with lialf- 
a-teaspoonful portion; if this does well, double or treble 
the quantity the next time; but be very careful, or 
trouble will come from the food. 
INFLAMMATION OF THE LIVER. 
Treatment—Acute hepatitis is to be treated actively 
like any other inliammation of an important organ. By BILIOUS ATTACK. 
655 
wet-sheet packs, shallow-baths, sitting-bath, compresses, 
etc., the pain and inflammation should be combated in 
the most vigorous manner. We should never cease or 
be satisfied till all pain and fever are completely checked. 
The abdomen is to be kept cool, and the feet warm. 
With this injunction it would be quite impossible for 
any one to do harm with cold water in this disease, so 
long as the pain and fever are not fully quelled. 
BILIOUS ATTACK. 
Let the patient drink water—pure and soft, if he can 
get such—in considerable quantities; six, eight, ten, or 
more tumblerfuls in a day. This process will purify his 
system sooner, better, and far more effectually and safely 
than any or all the drugs, nauseous or otherwise, that 
human art can combine. And if he can add to this pro- 
cess a few packs, clysters, sitting-batlis, half-baths, rub- 
bing-sheets, head-baths—as many, in short, per diem, as 
the symptoms may demand, in connection with moderate 
exercise in the open air, he will be made a new man of 
soon enough. 
JAUNDICE. 
In all cases it is to be remarked the wet-sheet pack is 
a most valuable poultice; nothing will correct the skin 
at all like it. Wet-sheet rubbing, shallow-baths, clys- 
ters and in short, the whole of the hydropathic enginery, 
which is so admirably calculated to purify and invigor- 
ate the system, can be brought to bear in this disease. 
CHOLERA. 
The dripping-sheet, with the brisk rubbing upon its 
surface, is, as I have before said, a powerful means of 656 
DISEASES. 
relieving spasms, arising from whatever cause. The 
dry-rubbing, which is not a tenth part as good as the 
wet, was found in Paris sufficient to render calm and 
quiet the poor sufferers, when the terrible spasms were 
upon them. The water-drinking and vomiting in nausea 
cleanses the stomach, produces a tonic effect upon its 
internal surface and thus forestalls the vomiting in 
cholera. It helps, moreover, to cleanse the bowels and 
prevent the diarrhea. The deep, cold hip-bath (for it is 
such that Priessnitz uses) has a very powerful effect in 
constringing the opening capillaries of the mucous mem- 
brane of the stomach and alimentary canal generally, 
and in arresting the vomiting and discharges from the 
bowels. Each and all of these applications, if energet- 
ically persevered in, tend most powerfully to keep down 
the inordinate burning and thirst. 
DYSENTERY. 
If I were to give in a few words the great golden rule,, 
as I may say, for treating dysentery, as well as cliolera- 
morbus and bowel-complaints generally, it would be, 
Keep the bowels cool, the head cool and the 
extremities warm. If all this were done faithfully in 
all cases from the first, few, very few, would ever die 
of such attacks. But all of this implies good judgment, 
skill and perseverance. In dysentery, for example, a 
sleepy parent allows the disease to progress for half or 
the whole of a sultry night, anti in the morning it is too 
late. The fatal work is done. I repeat, such attacks 
must be taken at the very first. 
The cold hip-bath is an invaluable remedy in this 
complaint. If there is in the wdiole range of human 
diseases one instance wherein a remedial agent can be DYSENTERY. 
657 
made to act in a manner most agreeably efficacious in 
subduing pain, it is tlie cold sitting-batli here. In the 
tormina and tenesmus of dysentery, a child may be 
writhing in agony a great portion of the time; opiates 
and injections and all other remedies fail in bringing 
relief; we sit or hold this child in a tub of cold water 
and directly the pain ceases. We use the remedy suffi- 
ciently often, the water being of proper temperature, and 
we are certain of securing our object, so far as the 
relieving of pain is concerned. Whether the patient can 
live, is another question; but if death, even, must be 
the result in any given case, it is certainly very desirable 
that we make this death as easy as may be. This every 
parent can well appreciate. 
Let this bath be used thus : a common wooden tub is 
sufficient, the size being suited somewhat to the patient’s 
age. It is better to elevate the back of the tub a few 
inches by placing under it a brick or a block of wood. 
If the tub is of pretty good depth, all the better, as we 
wish to have the water come as high upon the abdomen, 
as may be; but if the tub is shallow, the water can be 
poured higher upon the body by means of a cup; or a 
sponge or towel dipped frequently in water may be used. 
Make thorough work in cooling the bowels and 
then the pain will cease. If it is a young, feeble 
child, let two persons hold it, one to support the head 
and upper part of the body, the other, the feet outside of 
the tub. I would not object, in some cases, to having 
the feet in warm water at the same time. I am not cer- 
tain but this would be good in all cases. I should 
not, at any rate, be afraid of it, if the water were not used 
hot. The feet also may be rubbed with the dry, warm 
hand, or warm cloths ; or other moderately warm appli- 
cations may be made. 
If there be great soreness of the anus, or external 658 
DISEASES. 
opening of tlie lower bowel, a heavy, wet compress should 
be placed upon the part. We wet a heavy diaper and 
apply it as for a young infant. This may be double or 
treble, according to the necessity of the case. This 
accomplishes much in relieving and preventing the sore- 
ness alluded to—the excruciating torture so often attend- 
ing the disease. 
I would give the child all the liquid he desires. I 
would even encourage him to take more rather than less ; 
and the best liquid of all, for this purpose, doubtless, is 
pure soft water—the purer and softer the better. People 
may everywhere have pure soft water if they will only 
be at the expense (which is, on the whole, a moderate 
one) of catching the water as it comes from the clouds. 
But use even hard water, rather than any other drink. 
Boiling the water, if it is hard, improves it somewhat. 
STRICTURE. 
Water, if persevered in, is even more effectual than 
drug enemata; it leaves the bowels in a much better 
state and much less liable to future constipation. If 
there are concretions within reach in the lower bowel, 
they can sometimes be scooped out at once with the 
finger or a spoon-liandle. Clysters of pure water, often 
repeated, aid the bowels in throwing off masses of this 
kind. In intussusception it is a sorry method to drug 
the stomach wdtli cathartics, for by their action down- 
ward they tend inevitably to make the evil worse. 
Using very largely of clysters and at the same time very 
cold applications to the surface to stimulate the move- 
ments of the bowels, will no doubt cure this formidable 
difficulty in some cases. The same also in twisting of 
the intestines. CONSTIPATION. 
659 
CONSTIPATION. 
As local applications, in this condition, the sitting- 
bath and wet-girdle, worn night and day, or nights only, 
if it is not practicable by day, are invaluable means. It 
is of great importance to attend well to the condition of 
the skin. The mucous membrane of the bowels has 
great sympathy with the condition of the skin. To 
maintain this in a healthy, vigorous state, the rubbing 
wet-sheet, the towel-bath and the daily shower, where 
this is well borne, are valuable remedies. The bathing 
should be followed daily and semi or tri-daily, should 
there be need in the case. 
FLATULENCE. 
Treatment—The great thing is to remove the cause 
or causes of the disorder as far as they may be known. 
The case should be managed in all respects like one of 
dyspepsia. Clysters, sitting-baths and the wet-girdle, 
are highly serviceable. If the patient can avail himself 
of the advantages of a thorough hydropathic course at 
an establishment, so much the better. 
PILES. 
If the piles become strangulated—that is, if the bowel 
cannot be returned into the rectum—a cold hip-bath 
should be taken, so that the tumor may be reduced. 
Cold compresses are also useful. 
“Half a pint of cold water,” says Dr. Guy, “injected 
into the rectum twice or thrice a day, and retained as 
long as possible, is a most effectual remedy.” 660 
DISEASES. 
FALLING OF THE BOWEL. 
A tepid sitting-bath, long continued, would in such 
a case prove highly beneficial; it would not only be a 
means of relieving pains and soreness, but would bring 
down the inflammation and size of the protrusion, and 
thus facilitate its return to its normal position. 
One of the best possible means for preventing the 
pain—and this is very excruciating at times—is to envelop 
the patient in the wet-sheet. It may be used in the half 
or folded form, or the entire envelopment may be had 
recourse to. Its action, in such cases, is that of a great 
and soothing poultice, the good effects of which can be 
appreciated best by those who have experienced its salu- 
tary effects. 
I should remark, that the abdominal wet girdle should 
be worn constantly, night and day, in all these cases, 
until a cure is effected. It is an invaluable means of 
promoting the vigor of the stomach and bowels, and is 
thus an excellent auxiliary in the treatment. 
COUGH. 
Treatment—The Gough—One of the best palliative 
means for cough, when consumption has not proceeded 
to a great extent, is to make the body naked, and wash 
the surface with pure water, especially the throat and 
chest. Even washing the feet will often relieve a trou- 
blesome cough. 
The difficulty of breathing, which often attends lung- 
complaints, may be greatly modified and relieved by 
the washings and wet-hand frictions, such as I have 
recommended for cough. COUGH 
661 
The power of water to promote the strength of the liv- 
ing tissue is nowhere more strikingly exemplified than 
in the treatment of hectic night-sweats. With every 
thing besides well managed, it would seem that these 
debilitating night-sweats can be effectually checked, to 
the very last. Often have I known persons who have 
sweltered for weeks and months nightly with perspira- 
tion, in whom it was checked altogether by the simple 
effect of cold water, and wet frictions upon the surface. 
would I have the water applied very cold; only of 
such temperature as the patient can bear, that is, 
can get comfortably warm after. In proportion as these 
night-sweats are checked by water is the strength sup- 
ported, the health made more comfortable in every 
respect, and, to all appearances, life materially prolonged. 
These washings may be practiced two or three times 
daily, with the view of invigorating the surface. Pure 
fresh water—the purer and softer the better—should be 
used. 
As a palliative means to be used in the fatal diarrhea 
wdiich occurs towards the last of consumption, pretty 
copious injections of lukewarm or tepid water into the 
bowels, will be found a most excellent means. It serves 
to soothe the patient, and at the same time supports his 
strength. Have a good instrument, and resort to the inter- 
nal rinsing at every time when the bowels act unnatur- 
ally. Use it either just before, or after, or both. Be the 
diarrhea of whatever kind, this is a most excellent 
remedy. 
There is no magic, I will remark, as to the particular 
form of bathing. Any good ablution—the dripping- 
sheet, as it is called in our hydropatic works, the affus- 
ion of water, the washing of the body in a wash-tub, or 
merely by wet towels and the wet hand—all of these are 
good modes. The shower-bath, it is to be remarked, is 662 
DISEASES. 
one of the most severe of all; hence great care should 
be exercised in its use. 
INFLAMMATION OF THE LUNGS. 
According to the symptoms, we use the wet-sheet pack, 
folded wet-slieet, wet compresses, shallow-baths and 
rubbing wet-slieets. Water should also be drunk freely, 
little and often, even if there is no thirst; but we need 
not over-chill the system, so that the water may be 
taken tepid or even warm. When the blood internally 
is in such a fret and fever, as we may say, it is of great 
service to dilute it; this is the reason why we direct so 
much to be taken. Clysters, too, are useful in the same 
way. 
LARYNGITIS. 
Locally frequent garglings with tepid, or even warm 
water will be useful. The throat and chest should at the 
same time be often washed and rubbed with the hand 
wet in cold water. The stimulating compress is also use- 
ful about the throat. 
ASTHMA. 
In treating the asthmatic tit, the wet-sheet, well wrtfng* 
and faithfully applied, is the great thing. Repeat it two, 
three, or twenty times in succession, as the case may 
need. There is no danger of doing harm, or of giving 
the patient a cold, so long as the nervous excitement is 
upon him and the difficulty of breathing continues. If 
the sheet can not be had, a good washing with towels, IIOOPIjVG-COUGII. 
663 
the water always cold, is very useful. With the cooling 
means in any way we can hardly go amiss with water, 
but the wet-sheet is the great thing in reducing spasms 
of whatever kind. The wet-jacket or chest-wrapper, or 
wet towels about the chest, are all useful, if the weather 
is not too hot. When that is the case, we must depend 
upon the washings simply. 
HOOPIIV G -COU OH. 
The water-treatment, properly managed, it is begin- 
ning to be understood at this late day, is the best, safest 
and most effectual means possible for reducing general 
feverishness, of whatever kind. As to what amount is to 
be given, the nature of the case should determine. One 
patient may need few baths in a day, another many ; and, 
in all cases, enough of the water-processes should be 
followed out to keep the general fever constantly in 
check. 
CROUP. 
If we wash and rub the chest with the hand wet in 
cold water, and put upon it a wet bandage—methods 
that are always salutary for a cough—we do good, 
although the attack may not prove to be one of croup. 
In a violent attack of croup we could hardly do too 
much until it is subdued. Sometimes it may be neces- 
sary to bathe the child every hour, or even oftener. At 
all events, we should give baths enough, change the 
bandages often enough, and wash and rub the chest suf- 
ficiently to keep the breathing good and the croup in 
check. 
Tepid and cold affusion—tepid if the child is weak, 664 
DISEASES. 
but cold if the contrary—with wet-hand friction upon 
the throat and chest, with the constant use of wet ban- 
dages upon these parts, constitute the sum and substance 
of the best of all known methods of treating this dis- 
ease. 
SMALL-POX. 
We are, then, to treat small-pox on the same general 
principle as all severe inflammations, namely, to keep 
the fever in check from the begining to the end of the 
disease. As to how much water-drinking, how many 
baths, wet-sheets, compresses and bandages, and what 
the temperature of the water, all this must vary accord- 
ing to the nature, severity, and other circumstances con- 
nected with the case. No other treatment can at all com- 
pare with this for comfort, in so desperate a disorder. 
MEASLES. 
Treatment—First, we are to keep down the general 
fever, as in all inflammatory diseases. In accomplishing 
this we do not send the eruption in, but aid nature in 
bringing it out. A single tepid-batli, a pack, or a cold 
bath, if the patient is not very weak, will often bring the 
rash upon the surface as by magic, while all the other 
symptoms are relieved in a remarkable manner. We 
use, then, the wet-pack, and tepid or cold ablutions—each 
one or all of these, as may be convenient, or as the case 
may require. 
SCARLET FEVER. 
The disease has been cut short by taking the patient 
out of bed and pouring cold water upon him. The heat NETTLE-RASH. 
665 
of the body is so great in this disease, that no danger is 
to be apprehended from the cold affusion. It is true, 
there are cases where the patient is more or less chilly; 
but if, in this affection, the general rule I laid down in the 
case of common fever be followed, there is no danger 
whatever, but the greatest advantage, in taking the patient 
out of bed (however hot he may be), and pouring cold 
water upon him. 
NETTLE-RASH. 
Nettle rash is to be treated actively, according to the 
symptoms. The tepid and warm baths are valuable, so 
also the wet-pack. 
ERYSIPELAS. 
The great thing is, to keep down the general fever. Do 
this from first to last, both night and day, and all goes 
on well. The local applications (wet cloths), repeated 
often and suited to the patient’s comfort, are also use- 
ful. Be especially careful to keep the head cool; pour 
water upon it as much and as often as necessary, and 
use wet towels; keep the feet warm. Water drinking, 
clysters and spare diet when the appetite comes, are also 
to be thought of. Bathe the patient as often during the 
night as may be necessary to give him sleep. No disease 
requires a more prompt treatment than bad erysipelas. 
So that the feet are kept warm, it is quite impossible to 
do too much. Allow of no remedy other than water. 
WARTS. 
Warts often disappear while the patient is undergoing 
a course of water treatment. This happens in conse- 666 
DISEASES. 
quence of the purifying and stimulating effects of & 
hydropathic course. Wearing stimulating bandages 
upon warts, and washing the parts often with cold water, 
will not unfrequently drive them off, even when other 
means have failed. Paring them, as a preparatory meas- 
ure, is useful. 
CORNS. 
It is an instructive fact in regard to corns, as also 
warts, bunions, etc., that a course of water-treatment 
generally removes them wholly, or prevents all pain. 
Those who bathe habitually in cold water are seldom 
troubled with corns. 
CHAFING. 
In all cases perfect cleanliness—the most strict and 
constant—is the great thing. In the case of infants use 
a soft sponge and the purest, softest water that can be 
obtained. It is not necessary that it be very cold; it 
may, indeed, be used quite lukewarm, but never hot. 
To secure the most perfect cleanliness, use a little mild, 
unscented soap now and then, if necessary. Use the 
sponge and water three, four or more times each day. 
CHAPPING. 
I know of no means so good for chaps as the water- 
dressing, suited to the feelings of comfort. Nights espe- 
cially this remedy may be advantageously used. If we 
can but manage it rightly, it will cure in a shorter time 
than any other application we can make. CELLULAR DROPSY. 
667 
CEELUEAR DROPSY. 
As a general thing, the water used should be cold, but 
the applications should not be so long continued as to 
over-chill the system. A good share of friction is advis- 
able on the ground of stimulating the excretory organs 
generally. The rubbing wet-sheet, well wrung and fol- 
lowed by a thorough rubbing over the dry sheet, is a 
valuable remedy. The skin should be preserved as 
much as may be, and hence it is better that the friction 
(which should be often and freely made) should be with 
the wet hand or over the sheet. Moderate showering 
and douching are also valuable aids in case the debility 
is not so great as to preclude the employment of these 
remedies. 
DROPSY OF THE HEAD. 
It is a most important consideration to commence the 
treatment as early as possible in these cases; and the 
general management should be the same as for cellular 
dropsy. Washing the head often with cold water and 
the pouring head-bath are useful in connection with the 
general treatment. 
GOUT. 
The wet-pack, prolonged sliallow-lbaths and wet band- 
ages are the means to be used. The practice should be 
continued as many hours or days in succession as may 
be necessary to quell the pain. It is far better to use 
cold, tepid and warm baths alternately; the wet-packr 668 
DISEASES. 
frictions, bandages, etc., constantly; that is, to live in 
water than to endure the pain. Nor does water act by 
repelling the morbid matters from the surface, but by 
drawing them out. 
SCROFULA. 
The general treatment should be tonic and purifying, 
that, in short, which is best calculated to restore and 
preserve the general health. All of the hydropathic 
appliances come into play, according to the strength and 
power of endurance in the case. 
The management of local parts is also to be conducted 
on general principles. In swellings we are to proceed 
according to the degree of heat. The same also is true 
of ulcers and the like. In general the stimulating com- 
presses are the most appropriate, because the disease is 
seldom attended with high vascular excitement. 
BOILS. 
The water-dressing, that is, applications of wet linen, 
frequently renewed, and kept at a temperature which is 
most agreeable to the feelings, is, beyond doubt, the best 
local remedy we have for boils. 
General ablutions in water, tepid or cold, according to 
the season of the year and the patient’s strength, will 
be found highly serviceable. The wet-sheet pack is also 
an invaluable means. It will surprise any one who is 
not acquainted with matters of this kind, to witness the 
salutary effects of these general applications upon the 
affected parts. A tepid bath simply will often relieve 
pain and irritation to a degree which no one who had not 
witnessed it could believe. FELON", 
669 
FELON. 
We believe keeping it constantly immersed in ice-cold 
water would form the most effectual means of arresting the 
inflammation and preventing its rising to a head; and 
that this mode is certain to subdue the pain most effect- 
ually, every one who has the opportunity may test for 
himself. This is an affection in which we have a perfect 
demonstration of the great power of cold water to quell 
pain. Severe as it may be, we immerse the part in very 
cold water, when all at once the pain grows less and soon 
dies away. Keep it thus immersed, taking care to have 
the water very cold, and the pain does not return. 
EARACHE. 
We use head-baths, wet-sheets, general baths, wet- 
compresses—in short, the soothing, sedative and febri- 
fuge-treatment generally, according to the severity and 
persistency of the case. The extremities are to be kept 
warm; the warm foot-bath is useful now and then. So 
also the general warm and the vapor bath. 
INFLAMMATION OF THE KIDNEYS. 
Treatment, from the very beginning, should be of the 
most active kind. The great object is to subdue the fever 
and quell the pain. Cooling wet-packs, often repeated, 
cold sitting-batlis, rubbing the whole back much with the 
hands wet in the coldest water, and with ice, are the means. 
The pain should, as far as possible, be kept subdued. 
The extremities should, for the most part, be kept warm. 670 
DISEASES. 
The warm or vapor-bath, alternating now and then with 
the cold treatment, is useful. But the great reliance is 
to be placed upon cold. Pure, soft water to be drunk 
frequently. 
GRAVEL. 
The matter of the body should be changed as rapidly 
as possible for that which is pure and healthy, by the 
use of wet-packs, rubbing wet-sheets, sitting-bath, etc. 
STONE-GRAVEL. 
The wet-sheet pack, cold sitting-baths, the shallow- 
Tbath, rubbing the back with pieces of ice, frequent 
clysters to the bowels, etc.—all this will have a tendency 
not only to relieve the pain, but to stimulate the parts to 
expel the offending matters through the urinary channels. 
The free use of pure, soft water and fruits, as a part of 
the regular meals, will be serviceable in preventing an 
increase in the size of the calculus, and the painful 
symptoms attending it. The warm-bath, as a palliative, 
is to be resorted to occasionally. 
GONORRHEA AND GLEET. 
Local wet compresses to the parts should be used un- 
remittingly ; the wet-sheet pack should, if possible, be 
used often: the diet should be strictly vegetable, and the 
whole management, both as regards the primary and the 
secondary symptoms, should be such as is best calculated 
to purify and invigorate the body generally. The hun- 
ger-cure is nowhere more applicable. 
Gleet is to be managed on general principles; the WET-COMPRESSES. 
671 
•system is to be purified and invigorated by baths, diet, 
etc., and the private member is to be kept constantly 
swathed in wet cloths. 
WET-COMPRESSES. 
A cold-compress consists of two or three folds of soft 
linen or cotton wrung out of cold water, applied to the 
affected part, and covered by a piece of oil-silk, gutta- 
percha foil, or India-rubber cloth, which should project 
a little beyond the wet cloth on all sides, so as to prevent 
evaporation from the linen. In parts subject to consider- 
able motion, as the throat and neck, the edges of the oil- 
silk should be folded in over the wet linen so as to 
prevent its exposure to the air. For persons with feeble 
reaction, the compress may be held for a minute in front 
of a fire before applying it. 
Compresses are generally best applied at night, as it is 
often impossible to keep them in close apposition while 
moving about. After removing them in the morning, the 
parts should be sponged with cold w~ater to restore the 
tone of the skin. 
Abdominal-compress—This consists of two or three 
thicknesses of linen, from about six to nine inches wide 
and long enough to go round the whole body, or the linen 
may only cover the front part of the abdomen, or even 
only the seat of uneasiness ; this should be wrung out of 
cold water, covered with oil-silk, and secured by a flannel 
or linen bandage with strings. This may be worn several 
nights in succession, the parts being well sponged with 
cold water, and rubbed with a coarse towel on removing 
it in the morning. The abdominal-compress is very 
valuable in typhoid-fever; it tends to control diarrhea, 
checks the spread of ulceration, and so lessens the danger 672 
DISEASES. 
of perforation, or opening in the bowel. In constipation 
it is often a most useful adjunct, and in diarrhea it 
relieves irritation and facilitates the cure. 
Compress for the throat—A piece of linen or flan- 
nel should be wrung out of cold water, and wrapped in 
two or three thicknesses around the throat; this should 
be covered with oil-silk, and, over all, two or three thick- 
nesses of flannel to maintain the warmth. When this is 
applied the patient should retire to bed, and he will gen- 
erally have the satisfaction of finding his throat-difficulty 
much relieved by the morning. 
Cliest-compresses—In bronchitis and other inflam- 
matory affections of the lungs or pleura, the use of wet 
compresses, after or before poultices, greatly aids the 
action of the medicines. Compresses adapted for the 
chest and other parts may be obtained from most Homoeo- 
pathic chemists. 
Sores, ulcers and tumors are often benefited by com- 
presses. In local forms of rheumatism, as lumbago, some 
inflammatory affections of the knees, ankles and other 
joints, and in sprains and other injuries they hasten the 
cure. 
The appearance of a rash or eruption of pimples after 
the continued use of the compress is regarded as favor- 
able. If the rash be very troublesome, the compress 
may be discontinued and glycerine and Cologne-water, 
in equal parts, smeared over the eruption. 
Spinal hot-water and ice-bags—In many female 
derangements, Chapman’s spinal-bags are of great utility 
when judiciously used. The ice-bag requires greater 
caution than the hot-water bag, especially during preg- 
nancy. SPIRIT-VAPOR BATH. 
673 
SPIRIT-VAPOR BATH. 
This hath is very powerful in beneficent effects upon 
the whole system, and contributes not a little towards 
the removal of disease. It is one of the best methods of 
inducing activity of the vessels of the skin, and was first 
introduced to the medical profession more than twenty 
years ago, we believe, by the accomplished Prof. King; 
since which time, especially, it has been very exten- 
sively used as a remedial agent. One of the many 
advantages of producing perspiration in this way is, that 
it is unattended by the injurious effects which too often 
follow the administration of a sweat-producing medicine. 
The method of giving this bath is as follows: The- 
patient is to be in a night-shirt or other clothing, to be 
worn only while sweating and during the night, if the 
bath is taken at bed-time. He is then seated on a high,, 
wood-bottomed chair, or any other, provided care m 
taken that the bottom is so covered that the flame will 
not burn him. Then a large blanket is thrown around 
him from behind, covering the back of his head and body 
as well as the chair, and another passed around him in 
front, pinned so loosely at the neck that he can put it on or 
off his face as occasion may require during the bath. The 
blankets must join each other at the sides and reach the 
floor, so as to prevent the vapor from passing off. Then 
a saucer containing two tablespoonfuls of whisky, or any 
other spirit that will burn, is placed upon the floor 
directly under the center of the chair, and lighted by 
introducing from behind a piece of burning paper. The 
liquor is allowed to burn until consumed, and the opera- 
tion repeated one or more times if the patient does not 
already sweat freely enough, which he will probably do 
in fiom five to ten minutes. 674 
DISEASES. 
If during the operation he feels faint or thirsty, cold 
water must "be sprinkled in his face; he may drink one 
or two swallows, or even have his head bathed with it. 
Then, when free perspiration is produced, wrap the 
blankets around him, put him in bed, cover him warmly 
and give him hot teas to drink. After two or three hours 
remove the covering piece by piece, at intervals of about 
half an hour, so that he may gradually cease to perspire. 
Ordinary precautions will prevent his taking cold, and 
he may go to business the next day. 
This mode of producing perspiration is highly recom- 
mended in severe colds, pleurisy, rheumatism, diarrhea, 
dysentery, feverish and inflammatory attacks, etc. In 
acute diseases it may be practiced once a day; in 
chronic, once or twice a week, according to indications 
of its necessity. DIVISION SEVENTH. 
HOMCEOPATHIC TREATMENT. 
SPECIFIC PRESCRIPTIONS. 
We have frequently heard people complain that the 
hooks on this subject, which they obtained for the use of 
their families, were impractical. 
But we apprehend that they will find in the following 
pages a practical treatise—so simplified that any person 
who can read may use and apply the remedies. And the 
two extremes that are so common in treatises of this 
kind are avoided; the one being so voluminous that the 
domestic prescriber is confused, and finds it impossible 
to decide between the merits of the different remedies; 
and the other, of abridging the subject until the infor- 
mation desired is neither clearly nor readily obtained. 676 
SPECIFIC PKESCKIPTIONS. 
INTRODUCTORY RULES AND DOSES. 
1. For persons above the age of ten years, four drops 
of the tincture prescribed in four tablespoonfuls of pure 
water. Of this give a teaspoonful for a dose. 
2. For those under ten, use one half the quantity 
named above, in the same amount of water. 
3. The intervals between doses, as prescribed here- 
after, must be lengthened as the patient improves. 
4. The water used should be such as the patient is 
daily accustomed to as a beverage; and the vessel, as 
well as the spoon employed, must be perfectly clean. 
When the drops are put in the water, the mixture should 
be stirred briskly for live minutes, and then kept closely 
covered, and away from light and heat. A fresh pre- 
paration must be made as often as every twenty-four 
hours. 
5. If the medicine is in the form of globules, give four 
to an adult and two to a child. 
DIET. 
Those undergoing Homoeopathic treatment, should 
avoid high-seasoned food and all condiments except salt 
and sugar, and these should be used sparingly. All 
strong-scented or pungent vegetables, smoked meats, 
pastry and confectionery should be shunned. 
The better articles for diet are gruel, made with water 
and oatmeal, rice, farina, barley or wheat-flour, seasoned 
with a little salt or sugar, or both. The patient should 
avoid all alcoholic and fermented drinks, tobacco and 
opium, unless he has been long addicted to their use; in 
which case they should be used very sparingly, and 
gradually discontinued as soon as possible. HOMEOPATHIC GLOSSARY. 
677 
The patient should drink pure water, gum-Arabic 
water, weak black tea, and slippery elm. 
HOMOEOPATHIC GLOSSARY. 
FULL NAMES. 
Abbreviation. 
COMMON NAMES. 
Aconite, Aconitura Napellus 
Arsenicum Album 
Aeon. 
Arsen. 
Monk’s Hood. 
Arsenic. 
Apis Mellifiea 
Apis Mel. 
Arn. 
Poison of the Honey-Bee. 
Leopard's Bane. 
White Bryonia. 
Deadly Nightshade. 
Carbonate of Lime. 
Hemp. 
Tincture of Camphor. 
Spanish Fly. 
Charcoal. 
Arnica Montana 
Bryonia Alba 
Bry. 
Belladonna 
Bell. 
Calcarea Carbonia 
Calc. Carb. 
“Cannabis Sativa 
Cann. 
Camphor 
Camph. 
Canth. 
Cantharides 
Carbo Ve<retablis 
Carbo Veg. 
Cham. 
Ohamomilla 
Chamomile. 
China Officinalis 
China. 
Peruvian Bark. 
Cina 
Cina. 
Worm seed. 
Cocculus Indicus 
Cocc. 
Fish-Berries. 
Croton Tiglium 
Crot. Tig. 
Coffee. 
Croton Oil. 
Coffee Cruda 
Coffee. 
Colocyntliis, Colocynth 
Colo. 
Bitter Cucumber. 
Cuprum Metalicum 
Cup. Met. 
Dulc. 
Copper. 
Bitter-Sweet. 
Dulcemara 
Drosera 
Dros. 
Round-Leaved Sundew. 
Gelseminum Sempeiwirens 
Gel. Semp. 
Glon. 
Vellow Jessamine. 
Glonoine 
Ilelleborus 
Hell. Nig. 
Ilyos. 
Ilepar. 
Ipecac. 
Itm. 
Black Hellebore. 
Hyosciamus Niger 
Hepar Sulphuris 
Black Henbane. 
Sulphuret of Lime. 
Ipecacuanha 
I<matia Amora 
St. Ignatius’ Bean. 
f Poison of the Lance- 
1 Headed Serpent. 
Lacbesis 
Lach. 
Lycopodium 
Lyc. 
Merc. Cor. 
Wolfs Claw. 
Mercurius Corosivus 
Corrosive sublimate. 
Mercurius Vivus 
Merc. Vir. 
Mercury. 
Mercurius Protiode 
Merc. Proto. 
Protiside of Mercury. 
Doo’-Button. 
Nux Vomica 
Nux Vom. 
Natrum Muriaticum 
Nat. Mur. 
Common Salt. 
Nitric Acidum 
Nit. Ac. 
Nitric Acid. 
Opium 
Opi. 
Phos. 
Opium. 
Phosphorus 
Platina 
Plat. 
Rhus Toxicodendron 
Rhus Tox. 
Poison Oak. 
Rheum. 
Rheubarb. 
Sabina 
Sabina. 
Savine. 
Seenle Coruretnm 
Sec. Cor. 
Stan. 
Ergot of Rye. 
Tin. 
Spongia 
Spong. 
Sil. 
Burnt Sponge. 
Silex. 
Stram. 
Thorn-Apple. 
Sulphur. 
Tartar Emetic. 
Sulph. 
Tart. Em. 
Veratrum Album 
Ver. Alb. 
White Hellebore. 678 
SPECIFIC PKESC11IPTIONS. 
ASTHMA. 
Ipecac in ordinary cases of this disease is best, if there 
are dryness and great tightness in the air-vessels, espe- 
cially if there is any nausea attending it. Give dose 
every hour. 
Arsenicum is best when there is dropsy or remnants 
of chills and fever in the system or great excitement of 
the heart. Dose every hour. 
Nux vomica, in cases when yon have eaten some 
articles of food which are indigestible. Give every hour. 
Dose, as directed in “Introductory Rules.” An eminent 
physician, in New York, prescribes the following : 
Give aconite once in two hours, if the paroxysms have 
been caused by sudden changes in the weather or by 
getting cold; and repeat the dose as long as there is any 
improvement; then ipecac every two hours. If these 
remedies fail to relieve the paroxysms, give arsenicum, 
once in two hours. In nervous persons, or if it is caused 
by mental emotions, give belladonna every hour; and 
should there be any fever, which is not relieved by this 
remedy, give aconite every hour, alternately with it. 
Ipecac may be given if the above remedies fail, or 
pulsatilla if there is much expectoration or if the disease 
should occur immediately after suppression of the 
menses. 
To prevent a return of the paroxysms and to effect a 
permanent cure of this disease, give sulphur and nux 
vom., alternately, at intervals of forty-eight hours. If 
they fail or lose their effect, pulsatilla and arsenicum 
may follow and be given in the same manner. APOPLEXY. 
679 
APOPLEXY. 
Opium should be given when there are stupor and 
insensibility, more or less complete heat in the head, 
coldness in the extremities and a snoring as in deep 
sleep. Dose every fifteen minutes. 
Belladonna, when the opium has broken the stupor 
and the patient moans, as if conscious of pain or goes 
into convulsions; when there are heat in the head, 
injected, red appearance of the eyes and coldness of the 
extremities. Dose every ten minutes. , 
Glonoine—When two doses of bell, have given no 
apparent relief, this may be substituted for it. Dose 
every ten minutes. 
Nux vomica when the attack has been induced by 
eating or drinking improperly and there is derangement 
of the stomach and when there is rigidity of the limbs, 
with occasional jerking convulsions. Dose ever half- 
hour. 
Hot water, applied to the head warm as can be borne, 
is one of the most important remedies for apoplexy. 
Application to be renewed every half-hour. Cold water 
applied to the feet and hands—the colder the better— 
is a very important measure and is best when the 
extremities are very cold, made with ice or snow-water, 
if it is to be had, succeeded by a very brisk rubbing with 
flannel. Application to be used at the time the hot 
water is put to the head. 
INFLAMMATION OF THE BOWELS. 
Symptoms of this disease are severe burning pains, 
great tenderness and sometimes fullness in the abdomen 
and the suffering increased by any movement. 
Give aconite every half-hour, until four doses are 680 
SPECIFIC PKESCKIPTIONS. 
given ; then give belladonna, if there are yet much fever, 
flushed face, headache and extreme soreness, with 
smooth, red tongue. Dose every hour. 
Nux vomica is indicated after the aconite, if the tongue 
is coated yellow with red edges, and there are flatulency 
and intermitting pains, attended with constipation of the 
bowels. Give as above. 
Colocynth, if there is great and frequent urging to 
stool, with small discharges. Dose as above. 
Mercurius corosivus, after the colo. has been used with- 
out effect, especially if there are bilious or bloody stools. 
Dose every hour. 
Groton tiglium is indicated in case of violent purging 
and severe griping. Dose as before. Apply a wet com- 
press of hot water only in case of great external heat. 
BOILS. 
Arnica—Five drops in a teaspoonful of water may be 
applied by bathing or by a compress. Application every 
four hours. 
Belladonna, when there are great heat and pain, and 
general disturbance of the system. Dose every three 
hours. 
He/par sulphur, when the boil begins to soften and the 
matter begins to collect. Dose every four hours. 
Hot water should be applied just before the time for 
taking the medicine. A poultice of bread and water 
should be kept applied till the boil opens, then a com- 
press of hot water till it is healed. 
When boils are small, or located in places not very 
sensitive, no treatment by medicine is needed. BRUISES. 
681 
BRUISES. 
Arnica tincture should be applied, prepared as fol- 
lows : When the skin is not broken, one part to three of 
cold water; and when the skin is broken, one part to 
five of cold water. This application should be made 
with a compress of muslin or raw cotton, and be renewed 
every half hour. But if reaction has taken place before 
any application is made, and the injured parts are 
inflamed and swollen, cold water must not be used, but 
rather hot water, with the proportion of tincture named 
above. 
Also give arnica tincture internally, once in three 
hours, as prepared in the “Introductory Rules.” 
ACUTE BRONCHITIS. 
Aconite—This is the first and most important remedy 
in all cases attended by any febrile excitement or heat 
of the skin. Give a dose every hour, and continue it for 
twelve hours. If at the end of this period there is a 
violent, dry cough, or sensation of dryness in the chest, 
or twitching in the throat, which excites cough, give 
belladonna, and if fever continues give it alternately with 
aconite, one hour apart. 
Bryonia—If aconite, or aconite and belladonna fail to 
cut short the disease at the end of two or three days, 
bryonia will generally be required, especially when there 
is a profuse, transparent, whitish or yellowish expec- 
toration, dryness of the throat or a free perspiration. 
Give a dose of bryonia once in four hours, and a dose of 
.aconite every hour between the doses of bryonia when- 682 
SPECIFIC PRESCRIPTIONS. 
ever there is any fever or heat of the skin. As soon as 
the patient is free from fever, during the fore-part of the 
day and latter part of the night, omit aconite and only 
give it when there is fever. 
Tartar emetic—If the above remedies fail to check 
the progress of the disease, and the rattling of mucus is 
heard throughout both lungs, and there are great oppres- 
sion and severe paroxysms of difficult breathing, give 
this remedy every hour. 
Sulphur and arsenicum are the main reliance in des- 
perate cases of this disease, when there are threatening 
symptoms of suffocation from an accumulation of mucus 
in the air-passages with rattling. Give a dose of sulphur 
every hour until five or six doses have been taken, and 
if the symptoms improve continue it; but if there is no 
improvement give arsenicum every hour. 
CHROMIC BRONCHITIS. 
Sulphur is indicated when there are cough and raising 
at night, stitches in the side, or when there is a dry cough 
at night, with or without copious expectoration of thick 
whitish mucus during the day, or when the symptoms 
are worse at every change of weather. Dose twice a day. 
After two weeks follow sulphur with pulsatilla, and 
especially in case of females. 
Bryonia should be given morning and noon, and sul- 
phur before supper and at bed-time, wdien the disease is 
not of long standing. Bnt if they do not relieve the 
symptoms, omit bryonia and give sulphur and pul- 
salilla in the same manner. 
Bryonia is particularly indicated when there are 
cough in the morning with expectoration, and pains in OFFENSIVE BREATH. 
683 
the side, and cough and vomiting after eating, and when 
the disease is aggravated after taking cold. 
Phosphorus is indicated when the cough is excited by 
walking, drinking or talking; also for dry cough from 
tickling in the throat; and also when there is expectora- 
tion of salty, sour or sweet mucus. Dose three times 
a day. 
OFFENSIVE BREATH. 
Sulphur should be given in the morning, and nux 
vomica at night. 
Give pulsatilla at night in place of nux vomica, if no 
improvement has taken place within a month. 
BILIOUSNESS. 
Bryonia—Give a dose of this every morning, and a 
dose of nux vomica every night, until relieved. 
Never take any cathartics or emetics, and shun blue 
pills and all mercurials; they may afford palliative re- 
lief, but they never fail to do harm in the end. 
CONSTIPATION OF THE BOWELS. 
This is almost invariably the effect of disease: remove 
it, and yonr constipation is cured. An.d don’t injure the 
bowels by scrubbing and torturing them with physic. 
Constipation, if it occurs to persons confined to their 
rooms, is usually the result of inaction on the part of 
the stomach or liver, and calls for attention to them. 
When it occurs to persons in bed or confined to their 
rooms, it is merely a part of the general torpor and want 684 
SPECIFIC PRESCRIPTIONS. 
of action which prevails in the system, and needs no 
separate treatment. 
In all cases the diet should consist chiefly, or entirely, 
of fruit and vegetables and coarse bread, such as are 
not in themselves binding to the bowels. 
CHOLERA-INFANTUM. 
The remedies are the same as the following (cholera- 
morbus), except when the cause has been teething ; then 
give belladonna and ipecac alternately every half-hour. 
Grown persons or children, who are subject to bowel-dif- 
ficulties, should wear flannel tightly fitted around the 
body, from the chest to the hips. Cold drinks should 
be very sparingly used in such affections. 
CHOLERA-MORBUS. 
This disease is characterized by pains in the stomach 
nnd bowels, vomiting and often violent purging and is 
usually brought on by improper eating and drinking. 
If you have reason to suppose that the substance that 
produced the affection is yet in the stomach, drink a pint 
or more of warm water, till the stomach is emptied by 
vomiting. 
If bile is vomited and there are symptoms of bilious- 
ness, give a dose of ipecac every hour, and alternately 
with this gixvnux vomica, if the attack has been induced 
by vegetable food, acids or spirituous drinks. Boses 
one-lialf an hour a part. 
Arsenicum, if there are violent vomiting and purging, 
great thirst and sense of weight at the pit of the stomach. 
Bose as above. INFLUENZA AND CATARRH. 
685 
If the attack has been induced by eating pastry, meat 
or fatty substances, give pulsatilla, alternately with 
ipecac. Dose as above. Veratrum in place of arsen., if 
that fails to check the purging and vomiting. 
every hour. 
INFLUENZA AND CATARRH. 
When the symptoms are soreness of the throat, drjr 
cough, headache, white-coated tongue and a feeling of 
general languor, or redness or watery condition of the 
eyes and much irritation of the nose, accompanied with 
a free discharge, the disease can often he arrested by 
the means pointed out in “ Common Fevers.” 
Having used the aconite without relief, next use mer- 
curius vivus every three hours ; after giving two or three 
doses of this if there is no improvement, give bryonia 
alternately with mercurius vivus until relieved. Give 
doses three hours apart. 
Give camphor every half-hour, when, in addition to 
the above symptoms, there is a sense of sudden and 
great prostration. 
Nux vomica is best when the cough is dry and there 
are increase of restlessness in the after part of the day 
and night, soreness of the bowels and constipation. Dose- 
every four hours. 
Give arsenicum when there are great thirst, scalding- 
water running front the eyes and nose, which are sore 
and swollen, heat in the fore-part of the head, which is 
aching, with relief and favorable symptoms when mov- 
ing about and in the open air, and the reverse when 
lying down. Dose every four hours. 686 
SPECIFIC PRESCRIPTIONS. 
CHICKEN-POX. 
Aconite may be given if the fever is very high, every 
two hours. 
Belladonna, when there is any disturbance of the head, 
flightiness, or disposition to spasms. Dose every two 
hours. 
Mercurius virus when there is redness of the eyes, 
with running from the nose, or other catarrhal symptoms. 
Dose every four hours. 
This disease is usually very mild and does not require 
any medicine. 
HOOPING-COUGH. 
Give belladonna and cuprum metallicum, alternately, 
three times a day. These remedies are adapted to a 
majority of cases. 
If they do not lessen the severity of the disease, give 
veratrum after every paroxysm, especially if there are 
vomiting and great debility. 
In obstinate cases give tartar-emetic after every par- 
oxysm, and if it does not relieve the symptoms, give a 
dose of sulphur every night, and belladonna once in two 
hours during the day, until the patient is cured. 
COSTIVENESS. 
Nux vomica—If there are derangement of the stomach, 
headache or frequent urging to stool, with no passage or 
slight mucous discharge, give a dose every night. This CHILL IX CONEIXEMEJSTT. 
687 
remedy is especially useful for those patients who are 
troubled with piles or are of sedentary habits. This is a 
good remedy for pregnant females who are troubled with 
nausea and vomiting. Give them a dose at night and 
one of ipecac in the morning. Bryonia is indicated for 
aged persons and those who are troubled with rheuma- 
tism, and also when nux vomica fails to relieve the case 
for which it seems indicated. Dose twice a day. 
Opium may be given in recent cases of constipation, 
when there are heaviness and heating in the abdomen, 
or headache or red face. Dose twice a day. 
Pulsatilla is useful in cases of acidity of the stomach. 
Sepia may follow this at the end of a week or two. 
In chronic cases, if the above remedies fail, give natrum 
muriaticum every night; and wet a towel in cold water, 
every morning, and apply over the bowels, and over that 
three or four thicknesses of dry flannel, and confine the 
whole by a bandage around the body, pinned so as to 
exclude the cold air. In chronic cases, the remedy should 
be continued for several weeks without being changed. 
CHILL. IN CONFINEMENT. 
Give camphor, when the chill is yet on. Dose every ten 
minutes. 
Aconite, when the chill is gone and there are great heat 
all through the body, thirst, and a very rapid, full pulse. 
Dose every half-hour. 
Pulsatilla, in alternation with the aconite, wdien the 
pains are irregular, tardy and defective, and there are 
much heat and restlessness. Doses one-half hour apart. 
Belladonna, alternately with the aconite or the pulsa- 
tilla, when, in addition to the symptoms calling for one 688 
SPECIFIC PRESCRIPTIONS. 
of these remedies, there is great heat in the head, head- 
ache, flushed face or delirium. Doses one-half hour 
apart. 
Cover the patient well. Warm drinks, such as weak 
black tea, may be given. These chills are the most diffi- 
cult affections to cure in confinement, and therefore a- 
physician should be immediately summoned. 
COLIC. 
Nux vomica will usually give relief in cases of con- 
stipation, and when the pains come and go at intervals, 
or if there is mucli flatulency. Given as directed in the 
“Introductory Rules,” in doses every hour. 
Colocynth is effective when the pains are accompanied 
by an urging to stool and looseness of the bowels. A 
dose every hour. 
Pulsatilla is best to be given, should the pains come 
during the menstrual period, and especially if there is 
a sudden check of the flow. To be given every three 
hours. 
But if there are fullness of the head, dizziness, pains 
severe and scanty flow, cocculus should be given in place 
of pulsatilla. Dose every four hours. 
When the pains are in the nature of cramps, and cause 
the patient to almost cry out, then give cuprum every 
hour. 
A wet compress in most cases of colic, will be of great 
service. Use hot water, and keep it upon the painful 
part, covered by a dry flannel bandage. 
CONSUMPTION. 
Lycopodium—This remedy should be given when there 
is a short dry cough, caused by a tickling in the chest; CONSUMPTION. 
689 
or when there is a dry cough, accompanied by wheezing. 
And also later in the disease, when there is a loose cough, 
with a sore or raw sensation in the chest, and a salty, 
whitish or yellowish expectoration. Give a dose every 
night until improvement commences, after which, give it 
once a week as long as there is improvement. 
Phosphorus—This is the proper remedy in the early 
stages of this disease, when there is a short, dry cough, 
from tickling in the chest, which is aggravated by walk- 
ing, talking or laughing; and still later in the disease, 
when there are a loose cough and a sore feeling in the- 
chest, tightness, shortness of breath, saltish expectora- 
tion morning and evening, night-sweats and a diarrhea. 
Dose every night. 
Calcaria Carbonia—This is particularly adapted to 
young persons who have been subject to bleeding from 
the nose, and young females who have been troubled 
with profuse menstruation. And it should be given to 
those of any age, when there is a violent, dry cough, with 
tickling, as from line dust in the air-passages. It is often 
required after calcarea carbonia. Dose every night. 
Sulphur—This is the best remedy where patients have 
been troubled with eruptive diseases, and particularly if 
such eruptions have disappeared on the appearance of 
disease of the lungs. It should also be given when there 
is a short, dry cough, with soreness and an aggravation 
of the symptoms in cold, damp weather. Give this 
remedy every night for five nights, then omit it for a week, 
and if at the end of that time there is any improvement, 
give nothing as long as it lasts, after which sulphur may 
be repeated again. The chief aricles of food should be 
bread and milk ; the former should be made from shorts, 
or the second or third runnings, which contain an excess 
of the oil and mineral ingredients; fat beef and mutton, 
when the stomach will digest them ; cream and baked 
potatoes, and fruits and vegetables in moderation. 690 
SPECIFIC PRESCKIPTIOXS. 
CARBUNCLE. 
The treatment in this is the same as in boils, with the 
following addition : 
Arsenicum, when there is much general disturbance, 
such as nausea, general prostration of strength, and 
when the cavity formed by the discharge of matter is 
slow in healing, and its edges are of a bluish color. 
Dose every four hours. 
CHILBLAINS. 
Pulsatilla should be given at night and arsenicum in 
the morning ; and at the same time put a teaspoonful of 
the tincture of arnica in a tumblerful of water, and wash 
the parts with it live or six times a day. 
COUGII AND COLD IN THE CHEST. 
For dry, liollow couglis, especially if there is tickling 
in the throat, give belladonna, and also for spasmodic 
coughs. Dose every two hours. 
Chamomilla is indicated when there are a suffocating 
cough, which seems to be caused by dryness, and burn- 
ing and tickling in the* throat and upper portion of the 
wind-pipe ; and also when there are a tickling in the 
throat-pit and cough at night. This remedy is often 
required for children. Dose once in two hours. 
Nux vomica—This remedy is often required at the 
commencement of colds in the chest, when the cough is 
worse toward morning and the fore-part of the day, CHOLEKA. 
691 
accompanied with dryness, tickling and scraping in the 
windpipe. Dose every two hours. The following are 
also valuable remedies for dry coughs : 
Laches is, when the cough is worse after sleeping, or 
arising from the recumbent position, or in cold air. 
Rhus toxicodendron, when there is a rough, scraping 
feeling, or tickling in the windpipe, and cough worse by 
inhaling cold air, and relieved by warm air and exercise. 
Hyosciamus, when the cough is aggravated by lying 
down and relieved by sitting up, and if there are dryness 
and heat in the air-passages. 
China, when children are troubled with worms, and 
are subject to a dry cough. Doses for the above, every 
three hours. 
For loose coughs give either belladonna, dulcamara, 
or ipecac. Give as above indicated. 
CHOLERA. 
Groton tiglium should be used when there is a pro- 
fuse diarrhea with griping pains. Dose every hour or 
half-hour. 
Arsenicum, when the diarrhea is not controlled by two 
or three* doses of croton and there is nausea. Dose as 
above. 
Veratrum, when there is violent vomiting as well as 
purging, with cramps in the stomach or bowels or limbs. 
Dose every half-hour. 
Cuprum, when, with the vomiting, the cramps are very 
severe, alternately with reratrum. Doses half an hour 
apart. 
Cuprum is the best remedy, and should be taken alone 692 
SPECIFIC PRESCRIPTIONS. 
when cramps prevail and there are little or no vomiting' 
and purging. Hose as above. 
Camphor is also the best remedy when the others have 
failed and the stage of collapse is setting in; when the 
hands are blue and cold, the eyes sunken, and the whole 
body bathed in a cold, profuse perspiration. Hose every 
ten minutes. There is not a single remedy that lias, 
saved as many lives as that of camphor in this disease. 
The surface of the body, especially the extremities, 
may be sponged with ice-water when there is great cold- 
ness, particularly when there is threatened collapse,, 
once every half-hour till warmth returns. 
CROUP. 
There have frequently been new Homoeopathic rem- 
edies brought forward for the croup, and their success 
in certain cases reported. But the old and well-tried 
remedies of aconite, spongia, ipecac and hepar sulphuris 
can be relied on. Upon the first appearance of croupy 
symptoms the remedy is aconite. Give a dose every 
fifteen minutes, till four doses are taken ; then, if not 
better, give spongia alternately with the aconite, half 
an hour apart, till the patient is better ; then one, two or 
three hours apart. 
Hepar sulphuris is the best remedy for the hoarseness 
and cough remaining after the attack of croup is broken. 
Hose every three hours. After an attack of croup, the 
patient must be kept for at least twenty-four hours in a 
warm, dry room, and as free from excitement as possible. 
In case of any return, the same remedies must be used. 
In forty-nine cases out of fifty, these three remedies will 
accomplish the desired effect in this disease. DIPHTHERIA 
693 
DIPHTHERIA. 
Give, at the commencement, aconite, alternately with 
mercurius protiode, when the fever is high and the skin 
hot and the breath not very offensive and the patches of 
false membrane light-colored. But if the fever is less 
active, give belladonna in place of aconite. Unless the 
patient is growing manifestly worse, you should not 
change the remedies for others, oftener than twenty-four 
or forty-eight hours. 
If in two or three days there is no improvement in the 
symptoms, omit the mercurius protiode and give in its 
place mercurius virus. Dose of the above remedies, once 
every hour. 
Lachesis—Give this remedy either alone or alternately 
with mercurius, when the acute symptoms are somewhat 
relieved and the fever less active ; especially if there is 
a sensation as if a foreign body were sticking in the 
throat and the symptoms are worse after sleeping. 
Dose every hour. 
If sudden and alarming prostration ensues at any 
stage of the disease, with cold extremities and small 
pulse, give either six globules or a drop of the tincture 
of camphor, every ten minutes, until the prostration is 
relieved. The following remedy for diphtheria has been 
thoroughly tested in many cases and has not, as yet, 
been known to fail in a single case to effect a cure, 
namely: Add eight drops of aconite and the same 
amount of arsenicum to two separate glass tumblerfuls 
of water and of this give a teaspoonful alternately every 
hour. As soon as the fever has abated, use belladonna, 
the same amount in place of the aconite. But in 
case there is fiery redness in the throat, in place of the 694 
SPECIFIC PRESCRIPTIONS. 
above remdies, use capsicum, ten drops to a glassful of' 
water. Dose as above. Powdered sulphur should be 
blown into the throat by means of a quill or pipe-stem. 
Give lachesis every hour when the patient begins to be 
troubled with a hoarse or squeaking cough and croupy 
symptoms occur, with paroxysms of difficult breathing; 
and if it does not soon afford relief, alternate it with 
hepar sulpliuris, at intervals of one hour, and apply 
large towels wrung from hot water over the throat, neck 
and chest, as hot as can be borne, and apply dry flannels 
over the wet cloths. Change the wet towels every fifteen 
minutes, when there is much difficulty in breathing ; at 
other times, once an hour. 
Arsenicum—If the symptoms get steadily worse, the 
breath more offensive, the throat dark and putrid and 
the extremities cool, omit the mercurius and give arsen- 
icum, alternately with lachesis. Dose every hour. The 
patient may wash the mouth and gargle the throat with 
a tea, made by pouring boiling water on dried apples. 
DROPSY. 
For dropsy of tlie chest, sulphur, arsenicum, mercurius- 
and bryonia are the chief remedies. If they fail to 
relieve, give apis mellifica. One of these remedies may 
he given once in four hours. 
If dropsy is caused hy exposure to damp and wet 
weather, give dulcamara. If this fails to relieve, give 
apis mellifica. Dose every two hours. 
For dropsy of the abdomen, arsenicum, apis mellifica, 
dulcemara, sulphur and china are important remedies,, 
and one of them may be given once in four hours. 
When this disease follows scarlet fever, givje arsenicum. 
and helleborus, alternately, once in two hours. If they DYSPEPSIA. 
695 
do not relieve the symptoms, give apis mellifica. Dose 
once in two hours. 
If it has been caused by the abuse of mercury, give 
sulphur, alternately with china. Dose every three hours. 
DYSPEPSIA. 
Nux vomica, when there is a gnawing sensation in 
the stomach, craving, or aversion to food, headache, 
drowsiness and mental depression; also when this dis- 
ease occurs in persons of sedentary habits, or those who 
freely use stimulants and condiments, and are subject to 
constipation. Dose every night for a week, then omit 
for two days ; after which give a single dose of sulphur, 
then omit all medicines for six or seven days; after 
which give the nux vomica and sulphur in the same 
manner, and continue as long as there is any improve- 
ment. 
Pulsatilla, when there is great acidity of the stomach, 
or acid eructations. This remedy is especially suitable 
to females in almost all forms of this disease. Give a 
dose every night for a week, then omit two days, after 
which give a dose of hepar sulphuris. Then omit all 
remedies for a week; then give these two remedies in 
the same manner again, and continue as long as there is 
any improvement. 
China may be given every night if the patient is con- 
stantly troubled with flatulency or wind. If the above 
remedies do not entirely relieve the symptoms, give a 
dose of calcarea carl). every three days. 
DEAFNESS. 
If, on examination, you see that the passage is tilled 
up with hardened wax, drop two or three drops of sweet- 696 
SPECIFIC PRESCRIPTIONS. 
oil in the ear, and after a few hours, syringe out the ear 
thoroughly with warm water; let the head, while using 
the syringe, be leaning over in the direction of the 
obstructed ear. Repeat once a day until the wax is 
removed. Give sulphur alternately with pulsatilla, 
once in five days, to prevent a return of the obstruction. 
Nervous deafness—Calcarea carbonia is indicated 
if there is dryness in the ears, with singing, buzzing or 
ringing. Dose every night until there is a change, when 
the intervals should be gradually lengthened between 
the doses. If the patient is a female, once a month omit 
this remedy for a week, and give pulsatilla every night 
in its stead. If the patient is a male, and following a 
sedentary pursuit, and lives high, and has buzzing or 
whistling in the ears, give sulphur in the morning and 
nux vomica at night. 
DYSENTERY. 
Dysentery differs from diarrliea in this : the pains and 
urgings to stool are generally greater, and the discharges 
smaller and more frequent. There is a constant feeling 
as if something should pass, yet unrelieved, except 
momentarily, by an effort at stool. 
The proper remedies are bryonia and aconite alter- 
nately, when there are chilliness, yet flushed face and 
headache, aching in the back and limbs, with soreness in 
the abdomen, and urging to stool. Doses an hour apart. 
Colocynthis, when the colicky pains are very severe, 
the stools small, bilious and frequent. Doses every hour. 
Mercurius corosivus, when the stools are bloody or 
mucous, in alternation with belladonna. Doses an hour 
apart. 
Cantharides, when there are much pain in the bladder DIARRHEA. 
697 
and difficulty in urinating, alternately with mercurius 
•corosivus or colocynthis. Dose every hour. 
DIARRHEA. 
There are many varieties of this affection and various 
means are to be employed for their cure. It is the 
object here to give only a few of the many remedies 
and such as will usually meet the demands of most cases 
of diarrhea. 
Croton tiglium, when the discharges are sudden, 
copious and attended with violent gripings. Dose every 
two hours. 
Arsenicum should be given every hour, when croton 
does not relieve and when there are nausea, great thirst, 
debility and the surface of the body cold. 
Veratrum, •pulsatilla or colocynthis may be used, in 
case the croton and arsen. fail. Dose every two or three 
hours. 
Colocynth is especially called for, in any stage of the 
complaint, when there are pain and griping in the bow- 
els, either before or after a discharge. 
ERYSIPELAS. 
Belladonna, when the inflamed part is smooth and 
shiny or there is headache, fever or delirium. Dose 
every three hours. 
Rims rliadicum when the inflamed parts are covered 
with watery pimples or “blisters. Dose every three 
hours. 
Bryonia or nux xomica should be given alternately 
with belladonna or rhus, in cases with the symptoms for 698 
SPECIFIC PRESCRIPTIONS. 
these remedies, when there are violent pains in either 
side or any derangement of the stomach or liver. Doses 
two hours apart. 
INFLAMED EYES. 
Bathe with water as hot as can be borne}, when there 
is great heat, redness or pains in any part of the eye. 
Apply it every two or three hours. 
Belladonna, when the lids or ball of the eye are much 
inflamed, being red, painful and very sensitive to the 
light. Dose every three hours. 
Pulsatilla, when the lids are much swollen and stuck 
together with mucus. 
This is the best remedy for inflamed eyes after measles. 
Dose every four hours. 
Mercurius virus when pulsatilla fails to give relief or 
when there is matter discharged from the eyes. Dose 
as above. 
Care must be taken to shield the eyes from much light, 
Reading and sewing must be abandoned. 
EARACHE. 
Aconite should be given first, when it is induced by 
cold, and when there is much local heat or fever. Dose 
every hour. 
Pulsatilla should follow aconite in case two doses of 
it have given no relief, and especially if there is hardness 
of hearing or any discharge from the ear. Give as above, 
Mercurius virus in case there is much swelling within 
or about the ear, or the pain is worse in bed, and especi- FOR PERSPIRATION OF THE FEET. 
699 
' - % 
ally if the glands of the neck are swollen and sore. 
Dose every two hours. 
A compress dipped in hot water should be kept upon 
the ear and surrounding parts, till the pain is relieved. 
FOR PERSPIRATION OF THE FEET. 
Carbo regetablis should be given every night for a 
week, and sulphur the next and so continue. When the 
perspiration is offensive and cold, silicea every night. 
For habitual cold feet together with coldness of the 
lower extremities, silicea should be given at night and 
rhus toxicodendron in the morning. Wash the feet fre- 
quently with cold water. 
For burning of the feet give calcarea carbonia every 
morning and pulsatilla every night, and wash them with 
warm water. 
SIMPLE FEVERS, FROM A COLD. 
A chill or general feeling of coldness is the first symp- 
tom, which, however, is not always observed. 
Then follow a sensation of heat, flashed face, thirst, 
hot, dry skin, headache and perhaps pains in various 
parts of the body. And if these symptoms are not 
relieved by the proper remedies, the result is often lung- 
fever, pleurisy or other diseases. In this difficulty a 
cold bath is very successfully used, followed by briskly 
rubbing the surface with a towel, and a walk or run 
afterwards, until free perspiration is effected. But if the 
fever has set in or there already appear symptoms of an 
affection of a secondary and inflammatory character, the 
cold water must not be used. 
When the cold stages have past and the fever rises,. 700 
SPECIFIC PKESCKIPTIONS. 
give aconite, as directed in the “ Introductory Rules,” 
every half hour. When perspiration is produced, take 
no more ; or when the fever begins to abate, lengthen the 
time to a dose every two or three hours. 
SCARLET FEVER. 
Aconite and ipecac when there are high fever and 
vomiting. Doses one-half hour apart. 
Belladonna, in alternation with ipecac, in case the 
aconite does not reduce the fever, after two doses of it 
are given; especially when the surface of the body is 
red, throat inflamed and there is headache. Doses an 
hour apart. 
Belladonna, when the skin is smooth, very red and 
hot, the throat very sore and there is intense headache, 
or delirium, or spasms. Dose every hour. 
Capsicum, in alternation with belladonna, when the 
greatest trouble seems to be sore throat. Doses an hour 
apart. 
Mercurius virus, when there is watering of the eyes, 
running from the nose, or much swelling of the throat or 
neck. Dose every two hours. 
Mercurius virus, in alternation with belladonna, when 
in connection with the symptoms given for mercurius 
virus, the fever or headache continues. Doses three 
hours apart. 
Bhus rhadicum, when there is much aching in the 
limbs, or the eruption roughens the skin, or is itchy. 
Dose every two hours. 
Arsenicum, in alternation with rhus, in case there are 
pains in the limbs, swelling of the feet and ankles, puffi- 
ness of the face, or there is a general dropsical condition 
•or oppressed breathing. Doses three hours apart. CRYING AND SLEEPLESSNESS OF INFANTS. 
701 
If there are any symptoms of croup or strangury, see 
chapters on those affections. Rub the entire surface of 
the body, in every case, with a piece of fat pork. This, 
I consider one of the most favorable conditions in which 
we can place a scarlet-fever patient. If the throat is 
highly inflamed, it would be well to gargle it with hot 
water, each time, just before taking a dose of medicine. 
Belladonna is a preventive of scarlet fever. During 
the prevalence of the disease in the family or neighbor- 
hood, a dose of it may be given to a healthy child at 
bed-time, for two nights, and a dose of sulphur one 
night, and so continued until the epidemic is over. 
CRYING AND SLEEPLESSNESS OF INFANTS. 
When this originates from colic, cold, or from teething, 
see the chapters on those subjects. When they occur 
without any perceptible cause, the following remedies 
may be given to allay the nervous excitement: Bella- 
donna, nux vomica or chamomilla. Dose every two 
hours. 
Never dose your infants with narcotic drops and cor- 
dials. The mother who purchases quietude in her nur- 
sery by such means, often brings the quietude of death, 
or is afterwards pained to see her children grow up 
weak-minded men and women, and fit votaries of the 
cup. 
REMITTENT OR BILIOUS FEVER. 
Aconite—This should always be given at the commence' 
ment of this disease, especially if the skin is hot and 
dry, and the pulse full and there are violent pain in the 702 
SPECIFIC PRESCRIPTIONS. 
head, back and limbs, red eyes, faintness on rising, shoot- 
ing pains in the chest with oppression, and short and 
anxious respiration and palpitation of the heart. Give 
this remedy every hour. 
Belladonna—It is generally best to give either bella- 
donna or bryonia after giving three or four doses of 
aconite, during a severe paroxysm of this disease. Bella- 
donna should be selected when there are sharp, cutting, 
or throbbing pains in the head, especially over the eyes, 
with intolerance of light, restlessness, sleeplessness or 
delirium. Repeat the dose every hour. 
Bryonia—This remedy should be selected in preference 
to belladonna, and given after aconite during the parox- 
ysms when the pains in the head are dull or throbbing, 
with intense pain in the back and limbs; sensation of a 
load or weight at the stomach, pain and soreness in the 
region of the liver, yellow skin, cough and oppression of 
the chest, and bitter taste, with a dry tongue. Dose every 
two hours. If the above remedies are faithfully given 
during the paroxysms, they will rarely fail to render the 
latter lighter and the remissions more distinct in the 
course of a few days. They need not be continued during 
the remission when it becomes distinct, but one of the 
following remedies may be given once in two hours. 
Ipecac, when there are nausea and vomiting, painful 
pressure and fullness at the pit of the stomach with aver- 
sion to food, and a yellow complexion. Ipecac need not 
be used longer than two or three remissions. Dose as 
above. 
Nux vomica may be given instead of ipecac, or follow 
that remedy during the remissions when there are marked 
bilious symptoms, such as 3~ellow skin and eyes, swell- 
ing and tenderness, with pain in the region of the liver; 
cramp-like pains in the region of the stomach with sensi- 
tiveness on pressure, and bitter taste, with or without 
bilious vomiting. Dose once in two hours. INTERMITTENT FEVER. 
703 
Arsenicum—If nux vomica does not relieve the stom- 
ach-symptoms in the course of a few days, especially if 
nausea and vomiting continue, with great thirst and 
soreness of the stomach on the slightest pressure, arsen- 
icum should take the place of nux vomica, and especi- 
ally if, in connection with such symptoms the extremities 
begin to become cool, and the pulse more frequent and 
less full and the remissions less distinct. 
When such symptoms exist, aconite will not be needed, 
but arsenicum may be given alternately with bryonia, 
one hour apart during both the remission and the fever. 
If at the end of twenty-four or forty-eight hours the 
nausea, vomiting, thirst, burning and tenderness of the 
stomach are not relieved, veratrum should be given in 
place of bryonia, alternately with arsenicum, one hour 
apart, and be continued until such symptoms are re- 
lieved. If the bowels feel full and uncomfortable, a 
copious injection of tepid water may be used, once in 
three or four days. 
Frequent sponging of the body with warm water, or a 
warm bath, often affords great relief. Hot water is gen- 
erally preferable to cold, and has a better influence over 
the febrile excitement; and also, its use is more likely to 
relieve the severe pains in the back and limbs, than the 
application of cold water. 
INTERMITTENT FEVER—Fever and Ague. 
Aconite—This is the remedy, if the paroxysms are 
very severe, the skin hot and dry, the pulse full, with 
violent pain in the head. It should he given every hour, 
until perspiration ensues, commencing about one hour 
before the chill is expected. 
Ipecac—This should be given in recent cases, if there 704 
SPECIFIC PRESCRIPTIONS. 
is any nausea or vomiting during the paroxysms, or 
feeling of fullness or oppression in the chest, with great 
thirst during the fever. It should be given every three 
hours, when the patient is awake, during the intermis- 
sion, and give the aconite as directed during the fever. 
The ipecac should be continued for about five days. 
Nux vomica—This should be given if there are bilious 
symptoms, yellow skin and eyes, bitter taste, fullness or 
pain in the region of the liver or stomach, nausea and 
vomiting or constipation, thirst during the chill, but 
moderate thirst during the fever and sweat. This remedy 
is frequently required in old cases of this disease. Dose 
once in two hours. 
Pulsatilla, when there is watery or bilious diarrhea, 
with or without sick stomach and acid vomiting, and if 
the paroxysms occur in the afternoon or evening, or the 
patient be a female. Dose every three hours. 
In recent cases of ague, the foregoing are generally the 
most important remedies for the first six or eight days, 
after which arsenicum or china will often be required to 
either take their place, or if derangement of the stomach 
and liver still lingers, to be given alternately with nux 
vomica, two hours apart. 
Arsenicum—After the bilious and stomach symptoms 
have been relieved by the above remedies and the disease 
somewhat modified by their use, as it will be, no remedy 
is as frequently required as this and no one will more 
frequently cure old cases of ague, than this. The 
chief indications for arsenicum, are very little thirst 
during the fever, chill and heat set in about the same- 
time or alternate with each other, burning heat, as if 
boiling water were flowing through the veins, watery 
diarrhea, distress in the region of the heart, great debil- 
ity, and when there is little or no chill, or chill and 
fever, with little or no sweat. Dose once in two hours, 
during the intermission. INTERMITTENT FEVER. 
705 
China—This remedy will be of service when quinine 
has not been administered recently, when there is sallow- 
ness of the skin, a well-marked chill or shake, fever and 
sweat, with thirst before and during the chill and during 
the sweat, but not much thirst during the fever, and 
especially if the patient is hungry during the fever and 
intermission; soreness, tenderness and enlargement in 
the region of the spleen or beneath the left short ribs. 
Dose every three hours, during the intermission. 
In obstinate cases of recent ague and also in old cases 
which have been dosed with quinine, patent medicines, 
etc., there are several other remedies that may be re- 
quired. 
Ignatia will be useful when the chills are moderated 
by external heat, pale face, or alternately pale and red, 
thirst during the chill, and in cases of children, if either 
the cold or hot stage is attended with convulsions. 
Doses every two hours, regularly. 
JVatrum muriaticum—This is one of the most superior 
remedies for the treatment of all old cases of this disease, 
where it has been frequently suppressed, if there is thirst 
during the chill and fever, with dry tongue, pains in the 
bones, with yellowish complexion and great debility, 
and especially if the paroxysms occur in the morning or 
fore-part of the day. Dose night and morning. 
Carbo regetablis, when the patient has had the ague 
frequently, for years, and when there are rheumatic pains 
before or during the fever, and when the paroxysms 
occur iu the evening or at night and terminate with a 
profuse perspiration. Dose night and morning. 
Arnica, in old cases of this disease, where there are 
pains in the bones before the paroxysms, constant dispo- 
sition to change position, each one being found uncom- 
fortable, during the fever, loathing of meat during the 
intermission, loss of appetite and yellowish complexion. 706 
SPECIFIC PRESCRIPTIONS 
A drop of this remedy on the tongue at the commence- 
ment of the chill will sometimes stop it and cure the 
disease at once. 
Bryonia—When the paroxysms have been composed 
almost entirely of chills, followed by little or no sweat, 
this remedy rarely fails to afford prompt relief and 
effectually cure this disease. Dose once in three hours. 
TYPHOID FEVER. 
Bryonia—This remedy is as important in the treat- 
ment of this disease, as in the treatment of the typhus 
fever, especially during the first ten or twelve days, and 
when the bowels are constipated. The reader may consult 
the indications for this remedy, together with those for 
rims toxicodendron and arsenicum, under the head of 
“ Typhus Fever.” 
Rhus toxicodendron may take the place of bryonia, 
during the later stages of this disease, provided there is 
great prostration, with crusts on the teeth and twitch- 
ing of the tendons. Dose every two hours. 
Arsenicum should be given, provided rims toxicoden- 
dron does not check the tendency to dissolution. Dose 
every hour. 
Gelseminum sempervirius will often do well at the 
commencement of the disease, when there is great fullness 
about the head, severe headache, or delirium. Dose 
every two hours. 
Pulsatilla—Give this alone, or alternately with bryonia, 
when this disease commences with diarrhea, or when 
there is a bitterish taste, whitish tongue, or watery, bil- 
ious, or even mucous evacuations of the bowels. 
China may be given during the forming stage of this TYPHUS FEVER. 
707 
disease, when there is painless, watery diarrhea, with 
rumbling in the bowels, paleness of the face and ringing 
in the ears. Dose every two hours. 
Arsenicum—This remedy should be given at any 
stage of the disease, when there are watery, slimy, whit- 
ish, greenish or more particularly brownish evacuations 
from the bowels. Dose every two hours. 
Mercurius virus may be given, instead of arsenicum, 
when the passage from the bowels becomes bloody or 
slimy, or if there is straining with the discharge. Dose 
every two hours. 
TYPHUS FEVER. 
Bryonia should be given in the first stage of this dis- 
ease, before prostration or collapse arrives. It is a most 
important remedy when there are a dull pain in the 
head and great heat over the body and temples, with 
cold extremities, coated tongue, and when there is great 
soreness of the system. Dose once in two hours. 
Aconite should be given in case the disease should 
commence with a full pulse and warm extremities, 
once in two hours, for twelve or twenty-four hours, or 
until the extremities are cool, before giving the bryonia. 
We must avoid changing our remedies often, if we ex- 
pect to derive the full benefit which they are capable of 
exerting in this and other diseases, which have some- 
what a specific duration. Bryonia, when indicated 
in this disease, should generally be continued once in 
two or three hours, until the sixth or seventh day, or 
even longer if the patient seems to be doing well. A 
patient may be regarded as doing well, as long as he is 
not getting materially worse. 
Belladonna—This may be given in place of bryonia, 708 
SPECIFIC PRESCRIPTIONS. 
if there are sharp pains in the head, with sensitiveness; 
to noise and light, with or without delirium, early in the- 
disease. Give once in two hours until the symptoms are 
relieved. 
Nux vomica—This remedy is indicated in the first 
stages of this disease, when there is pain in the top and 
back of the head, when the skin, and eyes, and tongue 
are yellow or dry, when there are pain and weight in the 
right side, in the region of the liver, with constipation. 
This remedy will seldom require more than two or 
three days, and then it should be followed by ~bryonia. 
Dose once in three hours. 
Rhus toxicodendron, as the disease approaches the- 
stage of great prostration or collapse, and the extremi- 
ties become colder, the pulse weaker, and the tongue 
becomes dry and dark; this remedy should take the 
place of bryonia and be given once in two hours. But 
rims toxicodendron is the main remedy in this disease, in 
great prostration, and in such cases should be given in 
the early stages, especially when there is delirium, cold 
perspiration, or dark spots on the skin. Dose once in 
two hours. 
Arsenicum, when the tendency to decomposition and. 
dissolution increases until the pulse becomes very 
small, and the surface cold and clammy. And it is 
especially indicated when there are profuse watery or 
offensive discharges from the bowels. Doses as above. 
Camphor—During the course of the disease, especial- 
ly about the seventh or fourteenth day, if very great 
prostration of strength ensue, the pulse small and irregu- 
lar, the surface cold and clammy, give one drop of the 
common spirits of camphor, in a little sugar and water, 
every fifteen minutes, until the symptoms of excessive 
prostration are relieved. It should be remembered that 
we seldom “break up” this disease, or the typhoid 
fever. FELON, 
709 
It is the opinion of many writers that this can never 
•entirely be done; it is quite certain that it generally 
runs its course, and what wre chiefly do, is to lessen its 
severity, and bring it to a favorable termination. 
Many of the Allopathic school produce fatal results, 
with their patients, in breaking the fever. 
FELON. 
The part affected should be immersed for five minutes 
at a time in water as hot as can be borne. Repeat it 
every hour. 
Belladonna should be taken when the pain and heat 
are very great. Dose every two hours. 
Mercurius vivas, in alternation with belladonna, when 
there is much swelling. Doses two hours apart. 
Hejpar sulphuris, alternately with belladonna, after 
the opening of the abscess. Doses four hours apart. As 
soon as the swelling appears soft, it should be opened. 
A poultice of bread and water, or a compress wet in 
hot water, should be applied from the time the matter 
begins to collect, till the abscess is entirely healed. 
FAINTING. 
The clothing should he loosened, and immediate way 
made to the open air. If this does not restore conscious- 
ness, wet a cloth with alcohol, or some other stimulating 
spirit, and hold for a moment to the nose, and bathe the 
forehead with the same. In some cases the following 
remedies may be required: 
Aconite, when there is feverishness, or violent palpita- 
tion of the heart. Dose every hour. 
Belladonna, when there are flushed face, headache, 710 
SPECIFIC PRESCRIPTIONS. 
and a feeling or appearance of blood flowing to the head.. 
Dose every hour. 
Chamomilla, when there are great excitability, fear 
and predisposition to hysterical troubles. Dose every 
half-hour. 
FLOODING. 
Remove the pillow from under the patient’s head, and 
administer the following remedies: 
Belladonna, when there are rapid, yet full pulse, 
"bearing-down pains and a copious How, coming at inter- 
vals. Dose every twenty minutes. 
Ipecac, when the flow is more continuous, the pulse- 
not so full, or there is nausea, or disposition to faint on 
rising. Dose every twenty minutes. 
If the flow continues free, after four doses of the ipecac, 
give belladonna alternately with it. Doses ten minutes- 
apart. These two remedies have "been efficient in the 
worst cases, and very seldom fail. In critical cases,, 
medical aid may have to he consulted. 
GOITER—BIG NECK. 
Spongia—This remedy should be given every nighty 
for two months or more; rub hard and press the swelling 
frequently. If this should not cure the disease, dissolve 
in one ounce of water one grain of iodine and two grains 
of iodide of polassa, and of this solution give one drop 
on sugar night and morning. Also dissolve one drachm 
of iodide of potassa in a pint of water, and every night 
wet a few thicknesses of cotton or linen cloth in it, and 
lay over the swelling, then cover well with dry flannel. GRAVEL. 
711 
GRAVEL. 
Lycopodium should be given if the sediment in the 
urine is yellowish or red; if it is light-colored, give 
calcarea carbonia. Dose every night. Cantharides 
and cannabis, given alternately twice a day, are valua- 
ble remedies for the irritation caused by either stone in 
the bladder, or in the pelvis of the kidneys. 
Belladonna—This should be given every half-hour, for 
the severe pain caused by the passage of the stone from 
the kidneys to the bladder. But, if after giving four 
doses, no relief follows, give nux vomica in the same way. 
If convenient, put the patient into a warm bath; if not, 
wring a sheet from 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. 
For dose, see “ Introductory Rules.” 
GONOEEHEA. 
Cannabis should be given at the commencement of this 
disease, if there are fever, headache and restlessness, once 
in two hours, during the forenoon, and aconite, once in 
two hours, during the afternoon and evening, and con- 
tinue these remedies for several days, if there is any 
improvement. But if the fever and scalding pain are not 
lessened, during the morning and forenoon, omit cannabis, 
and give cantharides and aconite during the afternoon 
and evening; continue these remedies until these sympT 
toms are, in a great measure, relieved; then if the diffi- 
culty of passing urine and the scalding do not abate, 
omit aconite and give cannabis, alternately with can- 712 
SPECIFIC PRESCRIPTIONS. 
tharides. Dose every two hours. CantJiarides is the best 
remedy for painful erections or cliordee. 
Mercurius virus should be given every night, and sul- 
phur every morning, if the discharge lingers and threat- 
ens to become chronic; that is, after the acute symptoms 
have been removed by the above remedies ; if, after two 
or three wreeks they fail to afford relief, give silicea, every 
night, for a week, and continue if there is improvement; 
after which return to mercurius virus, and sulphur again. 
In obstinate cases of this disease, if other remedies 
fail, use weak injections of sulphate of zinc, or nitrate 
of silver, from one-half to a grain of the former, or one- 
fourtli to one-lialf a grain of the latter, to an ounce of 
rain-water, once a day. 
In using them, press firmly in the passage, back of 
the sore, and thus prevent the fluid from passing into the 
bladder, excepting when the inflammation extends to 
this organ. 
It is best at the commencment of an attack of gonor- 
rhea, to wrap the penis in cotton or linen cloths, wrung 
from cold water, and surround the wet cloth with several 
thicknesses of dry flannel; wet the cloth once in six 
hours. If, at the end of three or four days, the symp- 
toms are not improving, use warm, instead of cold water, 
once every hour. 
The patient should live on the lightest diet possible, 
use no stimulating drinks and take but little exercise ; 
the more quiet he keeps, the better. 
HEADACHE. 
Nux vomica, for indigestion, from mental labor, and 
when there is momentary partial blindness or spots 
before the eyes, and when the headache begins in the AFFECTIONS OF THE HEAET. 
713 
morning. It is best adapted to persons of bilious tem- 
peraments, or who have piles or constipation, and should 
be given every four hours. 
Ipecac, for violent sick headache, nausea and vomiting 
of bile, in alternation with nux vomica. Dose as above. 
Belladonna, for persons of full, active brains, and who 
are subject to a rush of blood to the head; more especially 
when there is a feeling of fullness in the head, with 
heat and throbbing, and the eyes are very sensitive to 
the light. Dose every four hours. 
Colocyntli, for very severe one-sided headache, which 
is increased by stooping or lying, especially when it 
comes in the latter part of the day and induces nausea. 
Give every two hours. 
Apply a hot compress to the head in case of tendency of 
blood to that part, great heat and stupifying pains. 
Renew it every hour. 
AFFECTIONS OF THE HEART. 
Aconite should "be given when there is acute pain or 
heat in the region of the heart, or violent palpitation. 
Dose every hour. 
Arsenicum when there are great burning in the region 
•of the heart and a sense of smothering, worse when lying 
down; especially when, in connection with these symp- 
toms, there is a dropsical condition of-the feet and ankles. 
Dose every three hours. 
Capsicum, in alternation with arsenicum, when the 
burning in the heart is very great, and there is a constant 
short cough and palpitation. Doses two hours apart. 
Bryonia, in alternation with arsenicum, when the 
patient is subject to rheumatism, or there is much head- 
ache or cough. Doses as above. 
Rhus radicum, in alternation with arsenicum, or alone, 714 
SPECIFIC PRESCRIPTIONS. 
when there are rheumatic pains in the limbs, which 
become worse when at rest or at night. Doses two hours 
apart. 
HIP-DISEASE AND WHITE-SWELLING. 
Mercurius virus—This remedy should be given night- 
and morning, as it is one of the best in use at the com- 
mencement of this disease. But in cases where there is 
much pain give belladonna occasionally between the 
doses of mercurius. Colocynth will also sometimes- 
relieve the pain. 
Continue mercurius as long as there is any improve- 
ment, but when it ceases, or when the patient is appar- 
ently well, do not stop the treatment, but give sulphur 
every night for a week, and calcarea carbonia every night 
for the next week, and so continue. 
If an abscess begins to form, give hepar sulphuris twice 
a day, and after it breaks give silicea every night for one 
week, and calcarea carbonia every night for the next 
week, and so continue until the discharges cease. 
Treat 'white-swelling in the same manner. Bose, see- 
“ Introductory Rules.” 
HEARTBURN—WATER-BRASH. 
Vinegar is a very valuable remedy for immediate 
relief. It should be of the best quality and taken, one- 
half teaspoonful, every hour. 
Bryonia, when the food rises into the mouth with a 
bitter taste, and there are headache, flushed face and 
dizziness, with chilliness and feelings of heat alternately. 
Bose every four hours. 
Arsenicum, when there are much burning at the pit of 715 
ITCH. 
the Stomach, thirst and occasional nausea, with soreness 
of the bowels and griping pains. Dose every four hours. 
Nux vomica, when the indigestion has arisen from, 
indulgence in liquors or beer, or the use of fruits or vege- 
tables, and there are eructations of wind, a foul taste in 
tbe mouth and constipation of the bowels. Dose every 
four hours. 
Pulsatilla, when the trouble has come from using fat 
or greasy food, or rich pastry, and there is more of a 
tendency to diarrhea. Dose every four hours. 
Persons subject to indigestion should drink little or 
no liquid while eating, and for an hour after. The use 
of acid wines in place of tea and cotfee is good, especially 
if there are acid eructations. Soda, salaratus, lime-water,, 
and all other alkaline substances, should be totally 
carded, for they destroy the lining membrane of the 
stomach and make dyspepsia perfectly incurable. 
ITCH. 
Sulphur—Give a dose of this three times a day, for 
three or four days. At the end of this time, after wash- 
ing the body with warm water and soap, rub fresh lard 
freely over every part diseased, night and morning. 
If at the end of two weeks the disease is not nearly or 
quite cured, make an ointment by stirring a teaspoonful 
of the flowers of sulphur into a teacupful of melted lard, 
continuing the stirring until the lard is cold. Apply this 
every night to the parts diseased until cured, continuing,, 
at the same time, the sulphur internally twice a day. 716 
SPECIFIC PRESCRIPTIONS. 
JAUNDICE. 
Bryonia should be given when there is fever, fullness, 
soreness or pain in the region of the liver. Dose every 
six hours. 
If there is headache, give belladonna alternately with 
Bryonia, three hours apart, when the patient is awake. 
If the symptoms continue to improve, continue giving 
them several weeks. 
Nux vomica, when bryonia fails, or it may be given 
at the commencement of the attack, in place of it, when 
the disease has been caused by mental application, 
passion, intemperance or the suppression of an intermit- 
tent fever. Dose three times a day. 
Mercurius vivus, when the skin becomes very yellow 
and the region of the liver painful to the touch, swollen 
and hard, and when the stools are of a grayish-white 
color. Dose three times a day. 
China may be given if the disease has been caused 
by the use of mercury; also, if connected with intermit- 
tent fever and nux vomica fails to relieve the symptoms. 
Dose twice a day. 
In obstinate cases, sulphur, nitric acid, hepar sulphu- 
ris, lachesis, one or more may be required. 
INFLAMMATION OF THE BLADDER OR 
KIDNEYS. 
If the kidneys alone are affected, there are great pain, 
heat and soreness across the small of the back. The 
urine is hot and high-colored. When the bladder is 
;also affected, the pains extend from the back over the INFLAMMATION OF THE LUNGS. 
717 
hips. There are great urging to urinate and much burn- 
ing and pain during the operation. 
The water may pass only in drops or be bloody.- 
Ninety-nine cases out of a hundred of inflammation of 
either the kidneys or bladder can be cured by taking. 
aconite and cantharides alternately. We might go fur- 
ther and truthfully say that it can be cured by canthar- 
ides alone. 
Substitute belladonna for the aconite if there is head- 
ache or extreme nervousness. 
Wet cloths from hot water maybe applied over the 
affected parts and renewed every half-hour. 
INFLAMMATION OF THE LUNGS. 
Give a dose of aconite every hour; after two doses are 
given, then give bryonia with it alternately. Doses an 
hour apart. 
If there is much rattling of mucus in the chest, or if 
there are nausea and oppressed breathing, give tartar 
emetic in place of the bryonia. 
Belladonna maybe substituted for the aconite where 
there is severe headache, flushed face, or the fever con- 
tinues unchecked. 
At the time of giving the belladonna wring cloths out 
of hot water and apply them to the seat of the pain and; 
cover with dry flannel. 
Do not apply mustard-plasters or blisters. 
INFLAMMATION OF THE LIVER. 
This affection is characterized by the pain being in 
the right side, in place of the leftotherwise it has manyr 718 
SPECIFIC PRESCRIPTIONS. 
of the symptoms of inflammation of the stomach. The 
tongue is generally coated yellow, and the skin has the 
appearance of a jaundiced patient. 
If there is general fever, aconite should be given every 
four hours. 
Nux vomica is best when there are great tenderness 
and fullness of the liver, and constipation of the bowels, 
alternately with the aconite. Doses two hours apart. 
Bryonia is indicated when there is constant short 
cough, pains shooting up into the chest, great soreness, 
with constipation. Give dose as above. 
Mercurius vivus, when the liver is much enlarged, 
bitter taste in the mouth, disposition to sweat and 
looseness of the bowels. It should be given alternately 
with bryonia. Dose every two hours. 
Belladonna should be given when there are excessive 
pain, oppression in breathing, headache, giddiness and 
flushed face, every six hours. 
A compress of hot water may be applied to the region 
of the liver, and renewed every hour. 
BLEEDING FROM THE LUNGS. 
Loosen the clothing about the neck and waist, place 
the patient half way between a sitting and a lying posi- 
tion, and then apply cold water to the chest. The 
patient should not speak. 
•Give aconite alternately with ipecac every fifteen min- 
utes. If these are not at hand, dissolve a teaspoonful 
of salt in half a glassful of water, and give a table- 
spoonful of it every ten minutes. If the hemorrhage 
has been caused by violent muscular exertion, speaking 
or singing, give arnica every fifteen minutes, in place of MEASLES. 
719 
■aconite and ipecac. After the bleeding ceases, give it 
once an hour, to prevent its return. 
Pulsatilla—In females, if the cause is suppression of 
the menses, and also in other cases when the blood is 
dark and clotted, from escaping slowly, give a dose 
-every half-hour. 
China, when it occurs in weak and exhausted persons, 
and when it is very profuse, and causes great exhaustion 
and faintness. Dose every fifteen minutes until relieved; 
then every three hours until the debility is relieved. 
MEASLES. 
Aconite is the first remedy to be used in this disease, 
and is sometimes the only one required. Give it every 
two hours. 
Pulsatilla, in case the eyes are very much inflamed 
and swollen, or the eruption is slow in developing on 
the skin ; also for the running from the ears, occurring 
after the disease. Dose every two hours. 
Bryonia, when the cough is severe, there are difficulty 
in breathing, pain in the chest, and the eruption is 
faint. Dose every two hours. 
Belladonna, when there are tendency of blood to the 
head, burning skin and delirium, alternately with acon- 
ite. Doses four hours apart. 
MUMPS. 
Mercurius virus is almost a specific in this affection. 
Dose every four hours. 
Belladonna, in alternation with mercurius virus, in 
case there is any headache, fever or delirium. Doses two 
hours apart. 
Hot water, if applied by a compress to the swollen 720 
SPECIFIC PRESCRIPTIONS. 
parts, will much relieve the pain or heat. Renew every 
hour. 
STY. 
A weak tincture of Belladonna, in the proportion of 
one part of the tincture to nine parts of alcohol, will 
generally blight a beginning sty. Moisten the finger 
with the tincture and apply. Two or three such appli- 
cations will usually be sufficient to cure the inflamma- 
tion and swelling, and afford complete relief. 
SUPPRESSED MENSES. 
Pulsatilla may be given every night, if it is the result 
of exposure, or getting the feet wet. If there is a feeling 
of fullness in the head, together with headache, in addi- 
tion to this remedy give belladonna in the morning, and 
continue these remedies until the next period arrives. If 
the menses have been some time suppressed, continue 
them for four weeks, unless relief is had in the meantime. 
If they fail, sepia should be given alternately with pul- 
satilla every two days. 
Aconite—This remedy should be given three times a 
day where the suppression has been caused by fright or 
violent mental excitement; also when it arises from other 
causes, if there are fullness of the head and flushed face 
with palpitation of the heart. As soon as these symp- 
toms are removed give but one dose a day. 
Lycopodium should follow aconite if the latter fails to 
bring on the menses. Give a dose every night for a week, 
then only twice a week. This is also a valuable remedy 
when the patient is suffering with the whites, or leucor- 
rhea, the face pale and the spirits depressed. PAINFUL MENSTRUATION. 
721 
Bryonia—Give this in obstinate cases every morning, 
or if there are frequent chills, or a disposition to cough. 
PAINFUL MENSTRUATION. 
Platina—If the menses are profuse, last long or return 
too frequently, with severe pains and pressure in the 
region of the womb, give a dose of this remedy every 
night between the periods, and night and morning during 
the flow, and continue for a month, or as long as there is 
any improvement. 
If the menses are natural, as to quantity, or scanty or 
are irregular or delayed as to time of appearance, give 
sulphur and pulsatilla alternately, one day apart, on 
retiring at night. During the pain give pulsatilla once 
in two hours. Chamomilla or belladonna will sometimes- 
relieve the pain if pulsatilla fails. 
If the flow is scanty and the pains severe, apply cloths- 
wrung from warm water, over the lower part of the abdo- 
men and between the thighs. 
NEURALGIA IN THE FACE AND HEAD. 
Belladonna should be given for all cases of neuralgia 
of any kind, hourly, as directed by the “Introductory 
Rules.” 
Rhus radicus for the same, when you do not obtain 
relief from the belladonna, especially when the pains are 
worse at night, or when the patient is at rest. Dose 
every hour. 
Arsenicum, when the pains come at regular intervals 
and are burning and there is nausea or a sense of general 722 
SPECIFIC PRESCRIPTION’S. 
prostration. Dose as above. This remedy may be 
taken in alternation with belladonna or rhus. 
Aconite, when the attack has come on after a chill or 
from a cold, and especially if there is any accompanying 
fever. Dose every hour. 
In some cases colocynth is very good. (See “ Head- 
ache.”) 
SORE NIPPLES. 
Arnica—Add eight or ten drops to a tablespoonful of 
water and use as a wash. Before nursing, wash them 
with tepid water. At the same time give arnica inter- 
nally, once in two hours, and if there are much pain and 
soreness, give it alternately with chamomilla every twro 
hours. 
If, after the above treatment, the nipples become 
cracked or ulcerated, give sulphur every night and 
silicea in the morning. 
BLEEDING OF THE NOSE. 
When it is but slight, no remedies are needed. When 
it is profuse or too long continued, use the following: 
Aconite, when there are considerable excitement of the 
pulse, hurried breathing and hot skin. Give every half- 
hour. 
Belladonna, when there are great heat and fullness of 
the head, or the bleeding has come from stooping or 
being over-lieated. Dose every lialf-hour. 
Pulsatilla, when the bleeding comes from a sudden 
suppression of the menses, or an insufficient liow during 
the menstrual period. Dose every two hours. 
Never apply cold water or ice to the nose, for they will 
cause a reaction and a consequent continued bleeding. PLEURISY. 
723 
PLEURISY. 
For this disease, aconite is the chief remedy. Give a 
-dose every hour. If there is no abatement of the pain 
after two doses are given, then give hryonia alternately 
with it every half-hour. If relief is not obtained after 
four hours, belladonna should be given in place of the 
.aconite and bryonia. Dose every hour. At the same 
time the belladonna is used, wring cloths out of hot 
water and apply them to the seat of the pain. Cover these 
with dry flannel. 
These three medicines and the hot water are capable 
of curing most, if not all, cases of pleurisy. For doses, 
see “ Introductory Rules.” 
Pleurisy is usually characterized by a short, stitching 
pain in the side, felt most in taking breath, preceded by 
chills, and more or less fever accompanies it. 
PARALYSIS—PALSY 
The adulteration of liquors and heers with nux vomica, 
cocculus and lead is helping to cause many more cases 
of this affection than formerly. When the want of sen- 
sation or motion is observed in any part of the body, 
after a fit of apoplexy, or spasms of any kind, a continu- 
ance of the very remedies successfully employed in these 
affections will often be sufficient to remove it. 
Rhus radicum is our best remedy for such paralysis, 
especially if there is aching in the parts affected, and 
this becomes worse when at rest. Dose every three or 
four hours. 
Cold water, applied by sponging or pouring on the 724 
SPECIFIC PRESCRIPTIONS. 
parts lacking sensibility, is of great benefit. Hot mater 
is better when there is much heat and pain, yet want of' 
power, in any part. Apply by fomentations every four 
hou^s. 
PILES. 
Nux vomica, when the patient is of a costive habit, or 
subject to indigestion or flatulency. Dose every three 
hours. 
Arsenicum, when there is more tendency to diarrhea, 
and when there is great heat and burning in the parts. 
Dose as before. 
The pain caused by this affection may often promptly 
be relieved by bathing the parts in hot water. 
Aconite should be given if there are much inflamma- 
tion, pain, soreness and fever. Dose once in two hours. 
Nitric acid, when there is hemorrhage, once in two 
hours until it is relieved, then give a dose every morning, 
and a dose of nux vomica every night, for two weeks; 
after which give nux vomica at night and sulphur in the 
morning. These two remedies should be continued for 
several months if necessary. 
If, notwithstanding these remedies, the hemorrhage, 
returns, a dose of calcarea carbonia, given night and 
morning for a few weeks, will rarely fail to relieve this 
symptom. If the flow of blood is very profuse, give a 
dose of ipecac every hour until relieved. 
As a general rule, to effect a lasting cure, the patient 
must shun the causes that produce the disease. He must 
abstain from stimulating drinks, spices, use brown 
bread and but little meat; eat temperately and take 
active, out-door exercise. ACUTE KHEUMATISM. 
725 
ACUTE RHEUMATISM. 
Speedy relief of this painful affection o-e-nerally 
obtained under the Homoeopathic treatment. 
Aconite should be given when the pulse is full and 
rapid and there is thirst and the painful parts are hot 
and sore. Dose every two hours. 
Bryonia, when the painful parts are very sore, swollen 
and reddened, when the pains are made worse by motion 
and the tongue is coated white or yellow, especially 
when there are disturbance of the stomach and consti- 
pated bowels. Dose every two hours. 
Rhus radicus, when the pains are made better by 
motion, or are worse at night or when at rest, and espe- 
cially if the attack is from a sudden suppression of some 
rash or eruption. Dose as above. 
Aconite may be given alternately with either of these 
remedies in case there is much general fever. Doses an 
hour apart. 
The application of raw cotton to the painful parts, 
keeping it bound tightly to them, affords protection and 
favors recovery. 
Of the above remedies, aconite and bryonia are more 
especially adapted to inflammatory rheumatism, while 
rhus radicus is applicable to cases not inflammatory. 
When this disease is of a more nervous character, use 
the following remedies: 
Pulsatilla, when the pains shift rapidly from one 
place to another, when there is a sensation of numbness 
or lameness of the affected part, or a feeling of coldness 
at every change of weather, also when the pains are 
aggravated in a warm room and relieved by cool air. 
Dose every two hours. 
Bryonia, after the acute symptoms have somewhat 726 
SPECIFIC PRESCRIPTIONS. 
yielded to aconite and in cases not attended with much 
fever from the commencement, or when moving the 
affected parts causes stitching, tearing or shooting pains, 
or when there is profuse perspiration, or the symptoms 
are aggravated by motion and are worse at night or in 
the morning. Dose every four hours. 
Mercurius virus should be selected when the pains 
seem to be in the bones, also when they are in the joints 
or muscles, if there is a profuse perspiration, which 
affords no relief, and when there is a feeling of coldness 
in the parts and the pains burning or tearing and worse 
in cold or damp weather and at night. Dose every three 
hours. 
CHRONIC RHEUMATISM. 
Sulphur, in all cases of acute rheumatism which 
linger and threaten the chronic form, also when this 
disease has been caused by the abuse of calomel or 
mercury. It may be given night and morning. If it 
fails to relieve, hepar sulphuris may be given in the 
same manner. 
Lycopodium, laches is, phosphorus, sepia and calcar ea 
carbonia may be used in turn, giving a dose night and 
morning, and continuing the remedy for at least twx> 
weeks and longer if the patient improves. 
Several of the remedies named for the inflammatory 
rheumatism, especially bryonia and pulsatilla, will be 
found serviceable, and the indications for their use there 
given are sufficient. 
RINGWORM. 
Sulphur should be given night and morning for three 
days, and then give sepia for a week in the same manner,, NETTLE-RASH. 
727 
when if a cure is not effected, give charcoal twice a day. 
Arsenicum is frequently required in very obstinate 
cases. 
NETTLE-RASH. 
Pulsatilla, when there are evident derangement of the 
stomach and looseness of the bowels. Dose every eight 
hours. 
• 
jRhus toxicodendron, when there is any predisposition 
to erysipelas, or to rheumatism. Dose every four hours. 
Nux vomica, when there are derangement of the stom- 
ach and constipation of the bowels. Dose every eight 
hours. 
Warm or hot baths are very soothing and beneficial 
in this affection, both night and morning. 
INFLAMMATION OF THE STOMACH. 
This disease may be distinguished by cutting or burn- 
ing pains in the pit of the stomach, and to the left side 
of it, increased by pressure, by taking food or breathing. 
Aconite should be the first remedy given, then altern- 
ated with one of the following remedies : 
Arsenicum, when there are nausea, great thirst, burn- 
ing in the stomach and vomiting, or if there is diarrhea. 
Nux vomica, when the attack has been induced by 
eating fruits or vegetables, or by alcoholic drinks, and 
the bowels are constipated. 
Veratrum, when the vomiting is excessive, and not 
relieved by arsenicum; especially when the extremities 
are cold, or cramps are in the stomach. 
Give capsicum, when there is very much burning in 
the stomach. Dose every half-hour. 
Very hot water should be given, half a pint, before 728 
SPECIFIC PRESCRIPTIONS. 
any medicine is given, and then enough of it to satisfy 
the thirst, between all doses of medicine. 
In this affection no cold drinks should be given. If 
there is much external heat in the region of the stomach, 
frequent sponging with hot water will be beneficial. 
CONVULSIONS—SPASMS. 
If these should occur in apoplexy, or at the time 
when the patient is afflicted with congestion of the "brain, 
the remedies pointed out under the head of apoplexy 
are to he used. But when they occur in children, other 
remedies are required, as hereafter given. 
When they are troubled with them it is usually dur- 
ing the time of teething, and generally from some care- 
lessness on the part of the nurse—a fall, improper feed- 
ing or exposure to the sun. The abominable, yea, mur- 
derous practice of bathing infants’ heads in cold icater, 
may be justly blamed for many a case of brain-disease, 
and consequent death. The water used on a child’s 
head should always be warmer than that used on the 
body, especially the limbs. 
Hot water should be used in this affection, on the 
first appearance of heat in the head; apply it with 
cloths for five minutes, and repeat every two hours. 
If the child has eaten any rich, indigestible food, and 
seems sick at the stomach, put your finger down its 
throat so as to promote vomiting. 
Aconite, when there are high fever, skin hot over the 
whole body, and great thirst. Dose every hour. 
Belladonna, when there are much heat in the head, 
flushed face and cool hands and feet; or when there are 
dilated pupils and great nervous excitement; or when MORNING-SICKNESS. 
729 
,aconite fails to reduce the fever after two or three doses. 
Dose every hour. 
In case spasms come on with the above symptoms, 
give the bell, till they cease. Dose every ten minutes. 
Chamomilla, when, during the spasms there is great 
jerking of the muscles of the face, clenching of the 
hands, redness of the cheeks and looseness of the 
bowels. Dose every ten minutes. 
Nux vomica, when the spasm has come from some 
indigestible food, the child has been colicky and consti- 
pated in the bowels, and when it is inclined to bend the 
head backward, and stiffen its limbs during the spasm. 
Dose every half-hour. 
The child should not be agitated by carrying it about, 
or plunging it into a hot bath ; or no application to the 
head of water, except it is hot, nor unless cold to the 
extremities, should be used. 
One that comes out of a spasm with ice to the head, 
or with the feet in hot water, would do so better without 
these means. 
MORNING-SICKNESS. 
Pulsatilla—Give a dose of this remedy every night for 
heartburn or sour stomach; if it fails to give relief give 
a dose of nux vomica every night, and a dose of pulsa- 
tilla every morning. 
Nux vomica—Give this for nausea and vomiting every 
night, and a dose of ipecac at any time when there is any 
nausea, but not more frequently than four times a day. 
If the above remedies fail, give natrum muriaticum, 
night and morning. 
Arsenicum, in obstinate cases when there are great 
heat and burning in the stomach. Dose twice a day. 
Some females are troubled with lieart-burn, sour stom- 730 
SPECIFIC PRESCRIPTIONS. 
ach and vomiting until after delivery, unless relieved by 
treatment. 
SPRAINS. 
As soon as possible after the occurrence of a sprain, 
the part affected should be wrapped in cloths wet in a 
solution of arnica-tincture, one part to three of cold 
wmter. This wrapping should be wet afresh every hour. 
As in bruises, so here, if inflammation has arisen, the 
application must be hot and not cold. Should the parts 
afterwards be painful and lame, rhus radicum may be- 
taken. Dose every four hours, and a solution of the 
same, one part to five parts of water, may be applied 
externally. 
SPITTING BLOOD. 
If a mechanical injury is the cause, arnica is the 
remedy used externally and internally. Take muslin 
three or four thicknesses, wet with the tincture and spread 
it on the chest and stomach. Give a dose of the medicine 
internally every two hours. 
In this disease the blood sometimes comes from the 
throat. When this is the case, it issues in small quanti- 
ties, and is dark-colored. When it comes from the stom- 
ach, it is vomited, is attended with nausea and burning 
in the pit of the stomach, and is dark-colored. When it 
comes from the lungs it is often frothy and usually of a 
bright-red color. It comes after hard coughing, a blow 
or a strain. Sometimes the blood comes from the nose; 
when this is the case the spitting occurs at night, or after 
a sleep. 
When the blood comes from the stomach arsenicum is 731 
SMALL-POX. 
the best remedy, and may be given alternately with cap- 
sicum two hours apart. 
Spitting of blood, sometimes is occasioned from a sud- 
den suppression of some habitual discharge, as in piles, 
or the menses, and is of a bright-red color. Then give 
pulsatilla and aconite alternately, every two hours. 
Bryonia and belladonna, either singly or in alternation, 
are the best remedies when the hemorrhage is from the 
lungs. A dose every hour. 
The patient should remain very calm and be kept 
quiet. But there is no occasion for any fright in this 
disease, for it is not a dangerous one, unless persons are 
very indiscreet. The patient should remain in a recum- 
bent posture, and not be allowed to talk or to drink cold 
water, except in moderate quantities. 
SMALL-POX. 
jRhus radicus and mercurius rnvus, given alternately,, 
will carry safely through eight out of every ten cases, 
without the aid of other medicines. Doses four hours 
apart. 
Belladonna should he substituted for rhus when there 
is flushed face, congested eyes, headache or delirium. 
Ipecac may be substituted for rhus when there are 
nausea and vomiting. Doses one or two hours apart. 
Arsenicum in place of ipecac, when it does not afford 
relief, especially if there are great prostration, thirst 
and oppression at the pit of the stomach. 
Tartar-emetic is used in all cases of small-pox and 
may be employed from the beginning of the disease. Dr. 
Liedbeck, of Stockholm, states that he has never seen a 732 
SPECIFIC PRESCRIPTIONS. 
case of small-pox terminate fatally when treated with 
tartar-emetic in small doses. Dose every four hours. 
Varioloid—This should be treated in a similar man- 
ner to. small-pox. 
SEA-SICKNESS. 
Nux vomica should be taken just before starting, then 
in case of giddiness, nausea or vomiting while in motion, 
a dose of cocculus should be taken, in alternation with 
the nux vomica. Doses every two hours. 
In any case in which the above remedies fail, give 
arsenicum once in two hours. 
In obstinate cases, omit the above remedies for a time 
and give sulphur, once in six hours. 
Petroleum, when there are much nausea, vomiting 
and giddiness. A few doses should be taken in alterna- 
tion with nux vomica, before commencing the voyage. 
SCURVY. 
Mercurius vivus—If the patient has not recently taken 
this medicine in large doses, give it once in four hours, 
when he is awake, especially when the teeth are loose 
and the gums ulcerated, and there are swellings on the 
limbs. 
Car bo vegetables may follow mercurius vivus or pre- 
cede it, when there are burning sensations in the mouth 
or very great weakness, or when the breath is offensive. 
Nux vomica should be given, alternately with carbo 
vegetablis, in case this fails to relieve. Dose every two 
hours. 
Arsenicum—This remedy should follow the above, in SCALD-HEAD. 
733 
case they fail to benefit or relieve all the symptoms, and 
particularly when there are burning sensations, ulcers on 
the edges of the tongue, and swelling of the limbs. Give 
a dose every three hours. 
Lemon-juice is one of the best remedies, and should 
be given in the form of lemonade. Vinegar is of but 
very little value. A proper diet is of more value than 
medicine. Among the most important are acid fruits; 
next in importance, are, perhaps, potatoes; then raw 
cabbage, turnips, carrots, etc. 
Fresh meat is very useful, especially wild meat, and 
should be used when it can be obtained. 
SCALD-HEAD. 
Cut the hair close to the head, and apply a large 
linseed-meal poultice every night, washing it off every 
morning with soap and water, and brush the head care- 
fully with a soft hair-brush, and continue these meas- 
ures until the crust is removed. 
Sulphur—Give this remedy every night for a month ; 
then calcarea carhonia the same length of time. 
Hepar sulphuris—This is one of the best remedies 
for this disease. Give a dose every night and morning 
for three weeks ; then give lycopodium every night, for 
two or three weeks. To cure this disease a persevering 
treatment is required. Sepia and sulphur may follow 
the above remedies if necessary, and may be given in 
the same manner. 
Arsenicum—If the other remedies fail give this three 
times a day. 
In this disease the diet should be light but nourishing- 734 
SPECIFIC PRESCRIPTIONS. 
VENEREAL, DISEASE (Syphilis). 
Mercurius virus should he taken before every meal, 
and at bed-time, for four days ; then night and morning 
only. Should proud flesh start up, and the ulcer not heal 
readily, omit the mercurius and give nitric acid, twice a 
day until the ulcer is healed; then give a dose of mercu- 
rius virus every night for three or four weeks, at which 
time if there is no appearance of sore-throat or eruptions 
on the skin, the remedy may be discontinued. 
Mercurius corosivus—If after giving mercurius virus 
for two weeks there is no change in the ulcer, and the 
bottom of it still presents a lard-like appearance, give 
this remedy once in six hours, until red granulations 
make their appearance, then give it only twice a day. If 
at the end of a week there is no change, give sulphur 
alternately with mercurius corosivus for a few days, at 
intervals of six hours. When there is a marked improve- 
ment omit the sulphur, and give mercurius corosivus 
night and morning. 
Lachesis should be given alternately with mercurius 
virus when the ulcer presents a darkish appearance and 
spreads rapidly by sloughing. Doses every four hours. 
If these remedies do not check the progress of the 
disease, omit the mercurius and give arsenicum alter- 
nately with lachesis every three hours until the sloughing 
ceases; then omit these remedies and give mercurius 
corosivus. 
The ulcer should be kept clean by means of water; and 
lint wet in cold water may be applied to the ulcer, and 
if it becomes irritable and painful, apply cold water. 
The patient should live on very light diet, abstaining 
from stimulating drinks, condiments and generally from 
.animal food, and eat moderately. 735 
TEETHING. 
Secondary Syphilis—Mercurius virus should be given 
if the ulcer appear in the throat and eruptions on the 
skin, unless the patient has been taking mercury or cal- 
omel in large doses. Dose night and morning for a week, 
then give mercurius virus at night and sulphur in the 
morning, for a week; after which give mercurius virus 
every night. If at the end of another week there is no 
change for the better, give mercurius corosivus twice a 
day. 
Lachesis—This remedy should follow the mercurial 
preparations, and afterwards nitric acid. Dose twice a 
day. 
TEETHING. 
The plan of cutting the gums as soon as the form of a 
tooth is seen, is had ; for, unless the tooth comes imme- 
diately through, the cut heals, thereby forming a tough 
scar, through which it has to force its tedious way. 
When the edge of the tooth looks white along the gum, 
and there is a disturbance of the comfort or health, a 
slight cut with a knife, or a rub by a mother’s thimble, 
will set free the struggling prisoner, and end all trouble. 
When the necessary relief is not obtained by cutting 
the gum, or several teeth are pressing forward at the 
same time, the following remedies may be called for: 
Aconite, when there is high fever, full, rapid pulse, 
and Hushed face. Dose every two hours. 
Belladonna, when the aconite fails to break the fever 
after two doses, or there is great nervousness, heat in 
the head or threatening spasms. Dose every hour. 
Chamomilla, when the bowels are loose, when there 
are greenish-colored stools, starting and jerking of the 
muscles of the face during sleep. Dose, every hour. 
When there is at the same time fever, the aconite may 736 
SPECIFIC PRESCRIPTIONS. 
be given alternately with the chamomilla. Doses an 
hour apart. 
Ipecac, alternately with belladonna, when, with the 
symptoms calling for belladonna, there are also nausea 
and vomiting. Doses an hour apart. 
Hot water—When the mouth seems hot and the gums 
highly inflamed, relief may be obtained somewhat by 
washing and rubbing them with this article. 
TOOTHACHE. 
Belladonna is the first remedy to be employed for this. 
Give it every hour. 
Mercurius vivus is the best when there are heat and 
soreness about the root of the tooth, great pain, swelling 
of the gums, worse at night and during rainy weather. 
Dose every two hours. 
This remedy, in alternation with belladonna, will give 
relief in five cases out of six of toothache. Doses one 
hour apart. 
Nux vomica is best when the ache has been induced by 
coffee, green tea, alcoholic drinks or mental labor. Dose 
every tw'o hours. 
Pulsatilla, for toothache, when the pain extends to the 
eyes or ears; or, in females, during the menstrual period 
or pregnancy. 
SORE THROAT. 
When there are difficulty in swallowing and soreness 
of the throat, it is not easy to anticipate the disease, of 
which these may be the first symptoms: it may be 
quinsy, malignant sore throat or scarlatina. It is, there- 
fore, well to act both wisely and promptly in the use of WHITES, OR LEUCOREIIEA. 
737 
remedies. Open the month widely, pressing the tongne 
down with a spoon, and examine the appearance of the 
throat. 
The appropriate remedies are capsicum, when the ton- 
sils, palate and surrounding parts are very purple or red, 
swollen, sore and burning, swallowing and even talking 
difficult; or when the tongue is sore, red, swollen and 
even protruding between the teeth, and there are head- 
ache and dizziness. Give a dose every hour. 
Belladonna, when the capsicum does not afford relief, 
and particularly if the head is very bad, with flushed 
face, or if you apprehend scarlet fever. Dose every two 
hours. 
Mercurius rims when the palate and tonsils are much 
swollen, their color pale-red, the palate appearing length- 
ened, and the throat filling with mucus, constant desire 
to swallow, or when there are small, yellow, smarting 
ulcers on the tonsils or parts near them, with unnatural 
flow of saliva in the mouth. Dose every four hours. 
Arsenicum when, with ulcers in the throat, there is 
great burning, a discharge of grayish or greenish matter, 
or a feeling of great prostration. Give a dose every eight 
hours, with a dose of capsicum between times. 
Just before giving a dose of medicine in this disease, 
gargle the throat with hot water. The greater the heat of 
the throat, the warmer the water should be. In inflamed 
throats, cold drinks are bad. 
WHITES, OR EEUCORRHEA. 
Pulsatilla should Ibe given when the discharge is white 
and thick, or watery with pain and burning. Dose every 
night for a week; then give sulphur alternately with it 738 
SPECIFIC PRESCRIPTIONS. 
once a day, gradually lengthening the intervals to two 
or three days. 
Sepia—When the discharge is yellowisli-green, and is 
attended with itching or smarting, and pains in the abdo- 
men, give this remedy every night. 
Follow sepia with lycopodium in such cases, after two 
or three weeks, and give in like manner. 
Calcarea carbonia—If the discharge is bloody and 
thin, or worse before the menses, and if there are pain, 
soreness and itching, give a dose of this remedy every 
night for a week, after which give it every other night. 
In cases of great debility from profuse discharge, give 
a dose of china in the morning. 
Cannabis sativa—Give this remedy in case of whitish 
discharge of young girls. Dose twice a day for twenty 
days; then give a dose of calcarea carbonia once a week. 
Wash the external organs with tepid water every three 
or four days. 
In this disease very light diet should be employed. 
FALLING OF THE WOMB. 
Nux vomica—Give this remedy when the affection fol- 
lows confinement. Dose every night. 
The patient should keep the horizontal position until 
she is relieved. 
In nearly all cases of this disease commence the treat- 
ment with this remedy. Dose every night. 
Calcarea carbonia—When the menses are frequent or 
profuse, give a dose of this remedy every third morning, 
in connection with nux vomica, hut if they are natural 
or scanty, give a dose of sepia in place of calcarea car- 
bonia. After giving the above remedies for four weeks, 
if the patient is not relieved, omit the nux vomica and LONG BOUND WORMS. 
739 
.give belladonna every night and sepia once a week, in 
the morning. 
After three weeks, nux vomica can be given again, if 
necessary, after which, if the patient should not be 
cured, consult a larger treatise on this subject, or a 
Homoeopathic physician. 
LONG ROUND WORMS. 
China—Give tliis remedy every morning until the 
symptoms are relieved, also give mercurius virus every 
night for one week, after which give a dose of sulphur 
once a week for several wTeeks. 
Treatment for tapeworm—Make a strong tea of 
pumpkin-seeds, by bruising a tablespoonful or more and 
steeping them, and drink half the tea at night and the 
other half in the morning, and repeat for three or four 
days, and also take for a couple of months mercurius 
virus and sulphur, one week apart. 
The patient should eat no pork, nor raw or imperfectly 
cooked meats of any kind. Persons troubled with 
worms of any species, should abstain from candies, pies, 
cakes, coffee and much sweet food. 
PIN-WORMS. 
Aconite should be given, if there is intense itching 
on going to bed, with heat and restlessness. Dose an 
hour or two before retiring. If the patient, after retiring to 
bed, does not soon fall asleep, but remains nervous, give 
a dose of ignatia. These remedies are given more for 
the purpose of palliating the symptoms for the time 
being than otherwise. To effect a cure, give sulphur 740 
SPECIFIC PRESCRIPTIONS. 
every morning for a week. It will be better to give the- 
sulphur at night, unless the symptoms are so severe as 
to require aconite at night. After giving sulphur for a 
week, then omit and give calcarea carhoida for a week, 
then omit it and give china for a week, then discontinue- 
all remedies for a week, after which give in rotation a 
single dose of the above remedies, at intervals of one 
week. It would be well to continue them for months, as 
it will eradicate all constitutional predisposition, on 
which the existence of these worms depends. 
A small injection of sweet-oil may be given every 
night for two or three weeks. For dose, see “ Introduc- 
tory Rules.” DIVISION EIGHTH. 
DOMESTIC ANIMALS. 
HORSES. 
The reader will find the remedies here* given very dif- 
ferent from those in other treatises on this subject, being 
as they are, simple and easily to be obtained, and usu- 
ally at hand. They have been selected with much care, 
and from every available source, whence they could be 
obtained. 
THE SECRET OF SUBDUING WILD HORSES 
AND OTHER WILD ANIMALS. 
This wonderful art, founded upon a system of philos- 
ophy, is infallible and universal in its application, and 
extends to all the animal kingdom. In regard to the 
horse, it consists in convincing him that you are his 
superior, and you have absolute power over him. This 
system is somewhat akin to animal magnetism in its 
-effect, but the process is widely different. 
The process of taming a very wild horse which 742 
DOMESTIC ANIMALS. 
was never handled, consists in a method which has- 
been for some time employed, first charming him by a 
powder, which is obtained by taking the button from the 
horse’s knee; by which I mean the horny substance 
growing on the inside, or rather on the back part of a 
horse’s legs, below the knee behind, and above it before. 
Dry this substance and pulverize it; put a small quan- 
tity into a quill and blow it into his nostrils; in a few 
minutes it will operate and cause him to follow you or 
permit you to handle his feet, or get upon his back. Thus, 
with perfect ease, may a wild and vicious animal become 
gentle and harmless; so, at least, it is said. 
By thus proceeding gently, you may handle his feet 
and legs in any way you choose. 
However wild and fractious a horse may be naturally, 
after practicing this process a few times, you will find 
him perfectly gentle and submissive and even disposed 
to follow you anywhere and unwilling to leave you on 
any occasion. 
Unless the horse be wild, the first treatment will be 
all-sufficient; but should he be too fractious to be 
approached in a manner necessary to perform the first 
named operation, this you will find effectual, and you 
may then train your horse to harness or anything else 
with the utmost ease. 
In breaking horses for harness, after giving the pow- 
ders, put the harness on gently, without startling him, 
and pat him gently, then fasten the chain to a log, which 
he will draw for an indefinite length of time. When you 
find him sufficiently gentle, place him to a wTagon or 
other vehicle. 
Note—Be extremely careful in catching a horse, not 
to affright him. After he is caught and the powders 
given, rub him gently on the head, neck, back and legs- 
and on each side of the eyes the way the hair lies, but: 743 
TO BREAK A HORSE OF SCARING. 
"be very careful not to whip, for a young horse is equally 
passionate with yourself, and this pernicious practice has 
ruined many fine and valuable horses. When you are 
riding a colt (or even an old horse), do not whip him if 
he scares, but draw the bridle so that his eye may rest 
upon the object which has affrighted him and pat him 
upon the neck as you approach it. By this means you 
will pacify him and render him less liable to start in 
future. 
Means of teaching a horse to pace—Buckle a 
four-pound weight around the ankles of his hind legs 
(lead is preferable), ride your horse briskly with these 
weights upon his ankles, at the same time twitching each 
rein of the bridle alternately. By this means you will 
immediately throw him into a pace. After you have 
trained him in this way to some extent, change your 
leaded weights for something lighter—leather padding or 
something equal to it will answer the purpose—let him 
wear these light weights until he is perfectly trained. 
This process will make a smooth and easy pacer of any 
horse. 
TO BREAK A HORSE OF SCARING. 
Turn your horse into the barn-yard, or a large stable 
will do, and then gather up something that you know 
will frighten him—a red blanket, a buffalo-robe or some- 
thing of that kind. Hold it up so that he can see it. He 
will stick up his head and snort. Then throw it down 
somewhere in the centre of the lot or barn and walk off 
to one side. If he is frightened at the object, he will not 
rest until he has touched it with his nose. You will see 
him begin to walk around the robe and snort, all the 
time getting a little closer, as if drawn up by some 744 
DOMESTIC ANIMALS. 
magic spell, until he finally gets within reach of it. He 
will then very cautiously stretch out his neck as far as 
he can reach, merely touching it with his nose, as though 
he thought it was ready to fly at him. But after he has 
repeated these touches a few times (though he has 
been looking at it from the first), he seems to have an 
idea what it is. And after he has found, by the sense 
of feeling, that it is nothing that will do him any harm, 
he is ready to play with it; and should he run in that lot 
a few days, the robe that frightened him so much at 
first, will be no more to him than a familiar stump. 
HOW TO MANAGE A STUBBORN HORSE. 
If your liorse, instead of being wild, seems to be of a 
stubborn or mulish disposition, if he lays back his ears 
as you approach him or turns his heels to kick you, he 
has not that regard or fear of man that he should have 
to enable you to handle him quickly and easily, and it 
might be well to give him a few sharp cuts with the 
whip about the legs, pretty close to the body. It will 
crack keenly as it plies around his legs, and the crack of 
the whip will alfect him as much as the stroke; besides one 
sharp cut about his legs will alfect him more than two or 
three over his back, the skin on the inner part of his legs 
or about his flanks being thinner and more tender than on 
his back. But do not whip him much—-just enough to 
scare him. It is not because we want to hurt the horse 
that we whip him. We only do it to scare that bad dis- 
position out of him. But whatever you do, do quickly, 
sharply and with a good deal of fire, but always without 
anger. If you are going to scare him at all, you must 
do it at once. Never go into a pitched battle with your 
horse and whip him till he is mad and will fight you. HALTERING THE COLT. 
745 
You had better not touch him at all, for you will estab' 
lish, instead of fear and regard, feelings of resentment, 
hatred and ill-will. It will do him no good, but an injury, 
to strike a blow, unless you can scare him; but if you 
succeed in scaring him, you can whip him without mak- 
ing him mad, for fear and anger never exist together in 
the horse, and as soon as one is visible, you will find 
that the other has disappeared. As soon as you have 
frightened him so that he will stand up straight and pay 
some attention to you, approach him again and caress 
him a good deal more than you whipped him; then you 
will excite the two controlling passions of his nature, 
love and fear, and then he will fear and love you too, 
and as soon as he learns what to do, will quickly obey. 
HALTERING THE COLT. 
As soon as yon have gentled the colt a little, take the 
kalter in your left hand and approach him as before, and 
on the same side on which yon have gentled him. If he 
is very timid about your approaching closely to him, yon 
can get up to him quicker by making the whip a part of 
your arm, and reaching out very gently with the butt-end 
of it, rubbing him lightly on the neck, all the time get- 
ting a little closer, shortening the whip by taking it up 
in your hand until you finally get close enough to put 
your hands on him. If he is inclined to hold his head 
from you, put the end of the halter strap around his neck, 
drop your whip, and draw very gently; he will let his 
neck give, and you can pull his head to you. Then take 
hold of that part of the halter which buckles over the 
top of his head, and pass the long side, or that part which 
goes into the buckle, under his neck, grasping it on the 
-opposite side with your right hand, letting the first strap 746 
DOMESTIC ANIMALS. 
loose; the latter will be sufficient to hold his head to you. 
Lower the halter a little, just enough to get his nose into 
that part which goes around it, then raise it somewhat 
and fasten the top buckle, and you will have it all right. 
The first time you halter a colt you should stand on the 
left side, pretty well back to liis shoulder, only taking 
hold of that part of the halter that goes around his neck ; 
then with your hands about his neck you can hold his 
head to you, and raise the halter on it without making 
him dodge by putting your hands about his nose. You 
should have a long rope or strap ready, and as soon as 
you have the halter on, attach this to it, so that 
you can let him walk the length of the stable without 
letting go of the strap, or without making him pull on 
the halter; for if you only let him feel the weight of your 
hand on the halter, and give him rope when he runs from 
you he will never rear, pull or throw himself, yet you will 
be holding him all the time and doing more towards gent- 
ling him than if you had the power to curb him right up 
and hold him to one spot; because lie does not know any- 
thing about his strength, and if you don’t do anything to 
make him pull, he will never know that lie can. In a few 
minutes you can begin to control him with the lialter ; 
then shorten the distance between yourself and the horse, 
by taking up the strap in your hand. 
As soon as he will allow you to hold him by a toler- 
ably short strap, and step up to him without flying back, 
you can begin to give him some idea about leading. But 
to do this do not go before and attempt to pull him after 
you, but commence by pulling him very quietly to one 
side. He has nothing to brace either side of his neck, 
and will soon yield to a steady, gradual pull of the hal- 
ter ; and as soon as you have pulled him a step or two to 
one side, step up to him and caress him, and then pull 
him again, repeating this operation until you can pull PULLING ON THE HALTER. 
747 
him around in every direction, and walk about the stable 
with him, which you can do in a few minutes; for he will 
soon think, when you have made him step to the right or 
left a few times, that he is compelled to follow the pull 
of the halter, not knowing that he has the power to resist 
your pulling; besides, you have handled him so gently 
that he is not afraid of you, and you always caress him 
when he comes up to you, and he likes that and would 
just as lief follow you as not. And after he has had a 
few lessons of that kind, if you turn him out in a lot he 
will come to you every opportunity he gets. You should 
lead him about in the stable some time before you take 
him out, opening the door so that he can see out, leading 
him up to it and back again, and past it. See that there 
is nothing on the outside to make him jump when you 
take him out, and as you go out with him try to make 
him go very slowly, catching hold of the halter close to 
the jaw, with your left hand, while the right is resting 
on the top of the neck, holding to his mane. After you 
are out with him a little while, you can lead him about 
as you please. Don’t let any second person come up to 
you when you first take him out; a stranger taking hold 
of the halter would frighten him and make him run. 
There should not be even any one standing near him, to 
attract his attention or scare him. If you are alone and 
manage him right, it will not require any more force to 
lead or hold him than it would to manage a broken horse. 
FULLING ON THE HALTER. 
You should lead a broken horse into the stable first, 
and get the colt, if you can, to follow in after him. If 
he refuses to go, step up to him, taking a little stick or 
switch in your right hand; then take hold of the halter 748 
DOMESTIC ANIMALS. 
close to liis head with your left hand, at the same time 
reaching over his hack with your right arm, so that you 
can tap him on the opposite side with your switch; bring 
him up facing the door, tap him lightly with your switch, 
reaching as far back with it as you can. This tapping, 
by being pretty well back and on the opposite side, will 
drive him ahead and keep him close to you; then, by 
giving him the right direction with your left hand, you 
can walk into the stable with him. I have, says a noted 
horse-farrier, led colts into the stable in this way in less 
than a minute, after men had worked at them half an 
hour, trying to pull them in. If you cannot lead him in 
at once in this way, turn him about and walk him around 
in every direction until you can get him up to the door 
without pulling at him. Then let him stand a few min- 
utes, keeping his head in the right direction with the 
halter, and he will walk in in less than ten minutes. 
Never attempt to pull the colt into the stable; that 
would make him think at once that it was a dangerous 
place, and if he was not afraid of it before, he would be 
then. 
Besides, we don’t want him to know any thing about 
pulling on the halter. Colts are often hurt, and some- 
times killed, by trying to force them into the stable; 
and those who attempt to do it in that way, go into an 
up-hill business, when a plain, smooth road is before 
them. 
If you want to hitch your colt, put him in a tolerably 
wide stall; which should not be too long, and should be 
connected by a bar or something of that kind to the 
partition behind it; so that, after the colt is in he cannot 
get far enough back to take a straight, backward pull on 
the halter; then, by hitching him in the centre of the 
stall, it would be impossible for him to pull on the 
halter, the partition behind preventing him from going TO MAKE A COLT TAKE THE BIT. 
749 
back, and the halter in the centre checking him every time 
he turns to the left or right. In a stall of this kind you 
can break every horse to stand hitched by a light strap, 
any where, without his ever knowing any thing about 
pulling. But if you have broken your horse to lead, 
and have taught him the use of the halter (which you 
should always do before you hitch him to any thing), 
you can hitch him in any kind of a stall, and give him 
something to eat to keep him up to his place for a few 
minutes at first, and there is not one colt in fifty that 
will pull on his halter. 
Another Method—First, buckle a strap around the 
left foreleg of the animal, just above the knee; then 
pass the lialter-strap, through the hole in the manger and 
make it fast to the strap around the foreleg. As the 
horse pulls back, it pulls his foreleg forward; and no 
horse will enjoy breaking his halter at the expense of 
his leg. A few trials will effectually cure him. 
TO MAKE THE COLT TAKE KINDLY 
TO THE BIT. 
Yon should use a large, smooth, snaffle-bit, so as not 
to hurt his mouth, with a bar on each side to prevent the 
bit from pulling through either way. This you should 
attach to the head-stall of your bridle and put it on your 
colt without any reins to it, and let him run loose in a 
large stable or shed some time, until he has become a 
little used to the bit and will bear it without trying to 
get it out of his mouth. It would be well, if convenient, 
to repeat this several times before you do anything more 
with the colt; as soon as he will bear the bit, attach a 
single rein to it, without any martingale. You should 
also have a halter on your colt, or a bridle made after the 750 
DOMESTIC ANIMALS. 
fashion of a halter, with a strap to it, so that you can 
hold or lead him without pulling on the bit much. He is 
now ready for the saddle. 
SADDLING. 
Any one man who has this theory, can put a saddle on 
the wildest colt that ever grew, without any help and 
without scaring him. The first thing will be to tie each 
stirrup-strap into a loose knot, to make them short and 
prevent the stirrups from flying about and hitting him. 
Then double up the skirts and take the saddle under your 
right arm, so as not to frighten him with it as you 
approach. When you get to him rub him gently a few 
times with your hand, and then raise the saddle very 
slowly until he can see it, and smell and feel it with his 
nose. Then let the skirts loose, and rub it very gently 
against his neck the way the hair lies, letting him hear 
the rattle of the skirts as he feels them against him; each 
time getting a little farther backward, and finally slip it 
over his shoulders on his back. Shake it a little with 
your hand, and in less than five minutes you can rattle it 
about over his back as much as you please, and pull it 
off and throw it on again without his paying much atten- 
tion to it. 
As soon as you have accustomed him to the saddle, 
fasten the girth. Be careful how do this. It often 
frightens a colt when he feels the girth binding him and 
making the saddle fit tightly on his back. You should 
bring up the girth very gently and not draw it too 
tightly at first, just enough to hold the saddle on. Move 
him a little, and then gird it as tightly as you choose, 
and he will not mind it. 
You should see that the pad of your saddle is all right MOUXTIXG. 
751 
before you put it on, and that there is nothing to make it 
hurt him or feel unpleasant to his back. It should not 
have any loose straps on the back part of it to flap about 
and scare him. After you have saddled him in this way, 
take a switch in your right hand to tap him up with, 
and walk about in the stable a few times with your right 
arm over the saddle, taking hold of the reins on each 
side of his neck with your right and left hands: thus 
marching him about in the stable until you teach him 
the use of the bridle and can turn him about in any 
direction and stop him by a gentle pull of the rein. 
Always caress him and loose the reins a little every time 
you stop him. 
You should always be alone and have your colt in 
some tight stable or shed the first time you ride him; the 
loft should be high so that you can sit on his back with- 
out endangering your head. You can teach him more in 
two hours’ time in a stable of this kind than you could 
in two weeks in the common way of breaking colts, out 
in an open place. If you follow this course of treatment 
you need not run any risk or have any trouble in riding 
the worst kind of a horse. You take him a step at 
a time until you get up a mutual confidence and 
trust between yourself and horse. First teach him to 
lead and stand hitched, next acquaint him with the sad- 
dle and the use of the bit; and then all that remains is 
to get on him without scaring him, and you can ride him 
as well as any horse. 
MOUNTING. 
First, gentle him well on both sides about the saddle, 
and all over, until he will stand still without holding, 
and is not afraid to see yon anywhere about him 
As soon as you have him thus gentled, get a small 752 
DOMESTIC ANIMALS. 
block about one foot or eighteen inches in height, and 
set it down by the side of him, about where you want to 
stand to mount him; step up on this, raising yourself 
very gently; horses notice every change of position very 
closely, and if you were to step up suddenly on the block 
it would be very apt to scare him ; but by raising your- 
self gradually on it, he will see you without being 
frightened in a position very nearly the same as while 
you are on his back. As soon as he will bear this with- 
out alarm, untie the stirrup-strap next to you and put 
your left foot into the stirrup, and stand square over it, 
holding your knee against the horse and your toe out, so 
as to touch him under the shoulder with the toe of your 
boot. Place your right hand on the front of the saddle 
and on the opposite side to you, taking hold of a portion 
of the mane and the reins as they hang loosely over his 
neck with your left hand, then gradually bear your 
weight on the stirrup and on your right hand until the 
horse feels your whole weight on the saddle; repeat this 
several times, each time raising yourself a little higher 
from the block, until he will allow you to raise your leg 
over his croup and place yourself in the saddle. 
There are three great advantages in having a block to 
mount from. First, a sudden change of position is very 
apt to frighten a young horse that has never been 
handled; he will allow you to walk up to him and stand 
by his side without scaring at you, because you have 
gentled him to that position; but if you get down on 
your hands and knees and crawl towards him he will be 
very much frightened; and, upon the same principle, he 
would be frightened at your new position if you had the 
power to hold yourself over his back without touching 
him. Then the first great advantage of the block is to 
gradually gentle him to that new position in which he 
will see you when you ride him. RIDING. 
753 
Secondly, by the process of leaning your weight in the 
stirrup and on your hand you can gradually accustom 
him to your weight, so as not to frighten him by having 
him feel it all at once. 
And, in the third place, the block elevates you so that 
you will not have to make a spring in order to get on the 
horse’s back, but from it you can gradually raise your- 
self into the saddle. When you take these precautions 
there is no horse so wild but what you can mount him 
without making him j ump. When mounting, your horse 
should always stand without being held. A horse is 
never well broken when he has to be held with a tight 
rein while mounting; and a colt is never so safe to 
mount as when you see that assurance of confidence and 
absence of fear which cause him to stand without 
holding. 
RIDIXG. 
When yon want him to start do not touch him on the 
side with your heel, or do anything to frighten him and 
make him jump, hut speak to him kindly, and if he does 
not start, pull him a little to the left until he starts, and 
then let him walk off slowly with the reins loose. Walk 
him around in the stable a few times until he gets used 
to the bit, and you can turn him about in every direction 
and stop him as you please. It would be well to get on 
and off a good many times until he gets perfectly used 
to it before you take him out of the stable. 
After you have trained him in this way, which should 
not take you more than one or two hours, you can ride 
him anywhere you choose without ever having him jump 
or make any effort to throw you. 
When you first take him out of the stable be very 
gentle with him, as he will feel a little more at liberty to 754 
DOMESTIC ANIMALS. 
jump or run, and "be a little more easily frightened than 
he was while in the stable. 
But after handling him so much in the stable he will 
be pretty well broken, and you will be able to manage 
him without trouble or danger. 
When you first mount him take a little the shorter 
hold on the left rein, so that if anything frightens him 
you can prevent him from jumping by pulling his head 
around to you. This operation of pulling a horse’s head 
around against his side will prevent any horse from 
jumping ahead, rearing up or running away. If he is 
stubborn and will not go, you can make him move by 
pulling his head around to one side, when whipping will 
have no effect. And turning him around a few times 
will make him dizzy, and then, by letting him have his 
head straight and giving him a little touch with the 
whip, he will go along without any trouble. 
Never use martingales on a colt when you first ride 
him; every movement of the hand should go right to the 
bit in the direction in which it is applied to the reins, 
without a martingal to change the direction of the force 
applied. You can guide the colt much better without 
them, and teach him the use of the bit in- much less 
time. Besides, martingales would prevent you from pull- 
ing his head around if he should try to jump. 
After your colt has been ridden until he is gentle and 
well accustomed to the bit, you may find it an advan- 
tage, if he carries his head too high, or his nose too far 
out, to put martingales on him. 
You should be careful not to ride your colt so far at 
first as to heat, worry or tire him. Get off as soon 
as you see he is a little fatigued; gentle him and 
let him rest; this will make him kind to you and pre- 
vent him from getting stubborn or mad. BITTING. 
755 
BITTING. 
Farmers often put bitting-harness on a colt the first 
thing they do to him, buckling up the bitting as tight as 
they can draw it, to make him carry his head high, and 
then turn him out in a lot to run a half-day at a time. 
This is one of the worst punishments that they could 
inflict on the colt, and very injurious to a young horse 
that has been used to running in pasture with his head 
down. Colts are often so injured in this way that they 
never get over it. 
A horse should be well accustomed to the bit before you 
put on the bitting-harness, and when you first bit him 
you should only rein his head up to that point where he 
naturally holds it, let that be high or low; he will soon 
learn that he c&nnot lower his head, and that raising it a 
little will loosen the bit in his mouth. This will give 
him the idea of raising his head to loosen the bit, and 
then you can draw the bitting a little tighter every time 
you put it on, and he will still raise his head to loosen 
it. By this means you will gradually get his head and 
neck in the position you want him to carry them, and 
give him a nice and graceful carriage without hurting 
him, making him mad, or causing his mouth to get sore. 
If you put the bitting on very tight the first time, he 
cannot raise his head enough to loosen it, but will bear 
on it all the time and paw, sweat and throw himself. 
Many horses have been killed by falling backwards with 
the bitting on: their heads being drawn up, strike the 
ground with the whole weight of the body. Horses that 
have their heads drawn up tightly should not have the 
bitting on more than fifteen or twenty minutes at a 
time. 756 
DOMESTIC ANIMALS. 
DRIVING A WILD AND VICIOUS HORSE. 
Take up one fore-foot and bend his knee till his hoof" 
is bottom upwards and nearly touching his body, then 
slip a loop over his knee and up until it comes above 
the pasture-joint to keep it up, being careful to draw the 
loop together between the hoof and pasture-joint, with a 
second strap of some kind to prevent the loop from slip- 
ping down and coming off. There is something in this 
operation of taking up one foot that conquers a horse 
quicker and better than anything else you can do to 
him. There is no process in the world equal to it to 
break a kicking horse. When you first fasten up a 
horse’s foot he will sometimes get very mad and strike 
with his knee and try every possible way to get it 
down, but he cannot do that and will soon give it up. 
When you find that he is conquered, go to him, let down 
his foot, rub his leg with your hand, caress him and let 
him rest a little, then put it up again. Repeat this a few 
times, always putting up the same foot, and he will soon 
learn to travel on three legs so that you can drive him 
some distance. As soon as he gets a little used to this 
way of traveling, put on your harness and hitch him to a 
sulky. If he is the worst kicking horse that ever raised 
a foot, you need not be fearful of his doing any damage 
while he has one foot up, for he cannot kick, neither can 
he run fast enough to do any harm. And if he is the 
wildest horse that ever had harness on and has run away 
every time he has been hitched, you can now hitch him 
in a sulky and drive him as you please. Thus you will 
effectually cure him at once of any further notion of 
running off. Kicking horses have always been the 
dread of everybody; you always hear men say when TO CUKE BALKY IIOKSES. 
757 
they speak about a bad horse, “ I don’t care what he 
does, so he don’t kick.” This method is an effectual cure 
for this worst of all habits. There are plenty of ways 
by which yon can hitch a kicking horse and force him 
to go, though he kicks all the time ; but this don’t have 
any good effect towards breaking him, for we know that 
horses kick because they are afraid of what is behind 
them, and when they kick against it and it hurts them, 
they will only kick the harder, and this will hurt them 
still more and make them remember the scrape much 
longer, and make it more difficult to persuade them to 
have any confidence in anything dragging behind them 
ever after. 
But by this new method you can hitch them to a rat- 
tling sulky, plow, wagon, or anything else in its worst 
shape. They may be frightened at first, but cannot 
kick or do anything to hurt themselves, and will soon 
tind that you do not intend to hurt them, and then they 
will not care anything more about it. You can then let 
down the leg and drive along gently without any further 
trouble. By this process a bad kicking horse can be 
taught to go gently in harness in a few hours’ time. 
TO CURE BALKY HORSES. 
Horses know nothing about balking, only as they 
are brought into it by improper management; and when 
a horse balks in harness, it is generally from some mis- 
management, excitement, confusion, or from not know- 
ing how to pull, but seldom from any unwillingness to 
perform all that he understands. High-spirited, free- 
going horses are the most subject to balking, and only 
so because drivers do not understand how to manage 
.this kind. A free horse in a team may be so anxious to 758 
DOMESTIC AXIMALS. 
go, that when he hears the word, he will start with a 
jump, which will not move the load, "but give him such 
a severe jerk on the shoulders, that he will fly "back and 
stop the other horse ; the teamster will continue his 
driving without any cessation, and by the time he lias 
the slow horse started again, he will find that the free 
horse has made another jump, and again flown "back; 
and now he has them both badly balked, and so con- 
fused that neither of them knows what is the matter, or 
how to start the load. 
Next will come the slashing and cracking of the whip,, 
and hallooing of the driver, till something is broken, or 
he is through with his course of treatment. But what 
a mistake the driver makes by whipping his horse for 
this act! Reason and common sense should teach him 
that the horse was willing to go, but did not know how 
to start the load. And should he whip him for that? 
If so, he should whip him again for not knowing how to 
talk. A man that wants to act with any rationality or 
reason should not fly into a passion, but should always 
think before he strikes. It takes a steady pressure 
against the collar to move a load, and you can not ex- 
pect him to act with a steady, determined purpose, 
while you are whipping him. There is hardly one balk- 
ing horse in five hundred, that will pull true from whip- 
ping; it is only adding fuel to the fire, and will make 
him more liable to balk another time. You always see 
horses that have been balked a few times, turn tlieir 
heads and look back, as soon as they are a little frus- 
trated. This is because they have been whipped, and 
are afraid of what is behind them. This is an invaria- 
ble rule with balked horses, just as much as it is for 
them to look around at their sides, when they have the 
bots ; in either case they are deserving of the same sym- 
pathy and the same kind, rational treatment. TO CURE BALKY HORSES. 
759 
When your horse balks, or is a little excited, if he 
wants to start quickly, or looks around and don’t want 
to go, there is something wrong, and it needs kind treat- 
ment immediately. Caress him kindly, and if he don’t 
understand at once what you want him to do, he will 
not be so much excited as to jump and break things, 
and do everything wrong from fear. As long as you are 
calm and can keep down the excitement of the horse, 
there are ten chances to have him understand you, 
where there would not be one under harsh treatment; 
and then the little flare-up would not carry with it any 
unfavorable recollection, and he would soon forget all 
about it, and learn to pull true. Almost every wrong 
act the horse commits, is from mismanagement, fear or 
excitement; one harsh word will so excite a nervous 
horse as to increase his pulse ten beats in a minute. 
When we remember that we are dealing with dumb 
brutes, and reflect how difficult it must be for them to> 
understand our motions, signs and language, we should 
never get out of patience with them because they do not 
understand us, or wonder at their doing things wrong. 
With all our intellect, if we were placed in the horse’s 
situation, it would be difficult for us to understand the 
driving of some foreigner, of foreign ways and foreign 
language. We should always recollect that our ways 
and language are j ust as foreign and unknown to the 
horse, as any language in the world is to us, and should 
try to practice what we could understand were we the 
horse, endeavoring by some simple means, to work on 
his understanding, rather than on the different parts of 
his body. All balked horses can be started truly and 
steadily in a few minutes’ time; they are all willing to 
pull as soon as they know how, and I never yet found a 
balked horse that I could not teach to start his load in 
fifteen, and often in less than three minutes’ time. 
Almost any team, when first balked, will start kindly 760 
DOMESTIC ANIMALS. 
if yon let them stand five or ten minutes, as though 
there was nothing wrong, and then speak to them with 
a steady voice, and turn them a little to the right or left, 
so as to get them both in motion before they feel the 
pinch of the load. But if you want to start a team that 
you are not driving yourself, that has been balked, 
fooled and whipped for some time, go to them and hang 
the lines on their hames, or fasten them to the wagon, so 
that they will be perfectly loose; make the drivers and 
spectators (if there be any) stand off some distance to 
one side, so as not to attract the attention of the horses ; 
unloose their check-reins, so that they can get their heads 
down if they choose; let them stand a few minutes in 
this condition, until you can see that they are a little 
composed. While they are standing you should be 
about their heads, gentling them; it will make them a 
little more kind, and the spectators will think that you 
are doing something that they do not understand, and 
will not learn the secret. When you have them ready 
to start, stand before them, and as you seldom have but 
one balky horse in a team, get as near in front of him 
as you can, and if he is too fast for the other horse, let 
his nose come against your breast; this will keep him 
steady, for he will go slow rather than run on you ; turn 
them gently to the right, without letting them pull on 
the traces, as far as the tongue will let them go ; stop 
them with a kind word, gentle them a little, and then 
turn them back to the left by the same process. You 
will have them under your control by this time, and as 
you turn them again to the right, steady them in the 
collar, and you can take them where you please. 
There is a quicker process that will generally start a 
balky horse, but not so sure. Stand him a little ahead 
so that his shoulders will be against the collar, and then 
take up one of his fore feet in your hand, and let the TO CURE BALKY HORSES. 
761 
' driver start them, and when the weight comes against 
his shoulders, he will try to step ; then let him have his 
foot and he will go right along. If you want to break a 
horse from balking that has long been in that habit, you 
ought to set apart a half-day for that purpose. Put him 
by the side of some steady horse; have check-lines on 
them ; tie up all the traces and straps, so that there will 
be nothing to excite them; do not rein them up, but let 
them have their heads loose. Walk them about together 
for some time as slowly and lazily as possible; stop 
often, and go up to your balky horse and gentle him. 
Do not take any whip about him, or do anything to 
excite him, but keep him just as quiet as you can. He 
will soon learn to start off at the word, and stop when- 
ever you tell him. 
As soon as he performs right, hitch him in an empty 
wagon; have it stand in a favorable position for start- 
ing. It would be well to shorten the stay-chain behind 
the steady horse, so that if it is necessary, he can take 
the weight of the wagon the first time you start them. 
Do not drive but a few rods at first; watch your balky 
horse closely and if you see that he is getting excited, 
stop him before he stops of his own accord; caress him a 
little and start again. As soon as they go well, drive 
them over a small hill a few times and then over a large 
one, occasionally adding a little load. This process will 
make any horse true to pull. 
Other Methods—When a horse balks, take him out 
of the vehicle, one individual take him by the head and 
the other by the tail and whirl him around, holding him 
to the smallest possible circle, until he is giddy. Don’t 
let him step out of the circle. The first operation is 
often effectual and the second will accomplish the 
desired result with the worst horse. Another means to 
make a horse go is to fill his mouth with gravel or dirt. 762 
DOMESTIC ANIMALS. 
The philosophy of this is it gives him something else to 
think about. To attempt to force a horse, usually 
excites him to a more determined resistance. There aro 
many men who do not know how to control themselves; 
hence they are not lit to control horses. The following 
is another means that has often proved effectual: Tie in 
the ear of the horse some substance, as a piece of wood 
or cob. 
BREAKING TO HARNESS. 
Take him in a tight stable, as you did to ride him, take 
the harness and go through the same process that you 
did with the saddle, until you get him familiar with it, 
so that you can put it on him and rattle it about without 
his caring for it. As soon as he will bear this, put on 
the lines, caress him as you draw them over him and 
drive him about in the stable till he will bear them over 
his hips. The lines are a great aggravation to some 
colts and often frighten them as much as if you were to 
raise a whip over them. As soon as he is familiar with 
the harness and lines, take him out and put him by the 
side of a gentle horse and go through the same process 
that you did with the balking horse. Always use a. 
bridle without blinds when you are breaking a horse to-’ 
harness. 
TO MAKE A HORSE EIE DOWN. 
Everything that we want to teach the horse must be 
commenced in some way to give him an idea of wliat 
you wTant him to do and then he repeated till he learns it 
perfectly. To make a horse lie down, bend his left fore 
leg and slip a loop over it, so that he cannot get it down.. TO MAKE HIM FOLLOW. 
763 
Then put a surcingle around his body and fasten one 
end of a long strap around the other fore-leg, j ust above 
the hoof. Place the other end under the surcingle, so as 
to keep the strap in the right hand: stand on the left 
side of the horse, grasp the bit in your left hand, pull 
steadily on the strap with your right, bear against his 
shoulder till you cause him to move. As soon as he 
lifts his weight your pulling will raise the other foot and 
he will have to come on his knees. Keep the strap tight 
in your hand, so that he cannot straighten his leg if he 
raises up. Hold him in this position and turn his head 
toward you, bear against his side with your shoulder, 
not hard, but with a steady, equal pressure, and in 
about ten minutes he will lie down. As soon as he lies 
down he will be completely conquered and you can 
handle him as you please. Take olf the straps and 
straighten out his legs, rub him lightly about the face 
and neck with your hand the way the hair lies, handle 
all his legs, and after he has lain ten or twenty minutes, let 
him get up again. After resting him a short time, make 
him lie down as before. Repeat the operation three or 
four times, which will be sufficient for one lesson. Give 
him two lessons a day, and when you have given him 
four lessons, he will lie down by taking hold of one foot. 
As soon as he is well broken to lie down in this way, tap 
him on the opposite leg with a stick when you take hold 
of his foot and in a few days he will lie down from the 
mere motion of the stick. 
TO MAKE HIM FOLLOW. 
Turn him into a large stable or shed, where there is 
no chance to get out, with a halter or bridle on. Go to 
him and gentle him a little, take hold of his halter and 764 
DOMESTIC ANIMALS. 
turn him towards you, at the same time touching him 
lightly over the hips with a long whip. Lead him the 
length of the stable, rubbing him on the neck, saying in 
a steady tone of voice as you lead him, come along 
boy ! or use his name instead of boy if you choose. 
Every time you turn, touch him slightly with the whip, 
to make him step up close to you and then caress him 
with your Land. He will soon learn to hurry up to 
escape the whip and be caressed and you can make 
him follow you around without taking hold of the 
halter. If he should stop and turn from you, give 
him a few cuts about the hind legs and he will soon turn 
his head towards you, when you must always caress 
him. A few lessons of this kind will make him run 
after you when he sees the motion of the whip; in 
twenty or thirty minutes he will follow you about the 
stable. After you have given him two or three lessons 
in the stable, take him out into a small lot and train 
him, and from thence you can take him into the road 
and make him follow you anywhere and run after you. 
TO MAKE HIM STAND WITHOUT HITCHING. 
After yon have him well broken to follow yon, stand 
him in the center of the stable and begin at his head to 
caress him, gradually working backward. If he move, 
give him a cnt with the whip and put him back in the 
same spot from which he started. If he stands, caress 
him as before and continue gentling him in this way 
until you can get round him without making him move. 
Keep walking around him, increasing your pace, and 
only touch him occasionally. Enlarge your circle as 
you walk around, and if he then moves, give him another 
.cut with the whip and pi' him back to his place. If he 
.in TO BREAK A HORSE FROM KICKING. 
765 
stands, go to him frequently and caress him, and then 
walk around him again. Do not keep him in one posi- 
tion too long at a time, but make him come to you 
occasionally and follow you around in the stable. Then 
stand him in another place and proceed as before. You 
should not train your horse more than half an hour at a 
a time. 
Horsemanship—The rider should, in the first place, 
let the horse know that he is not afraid of him. Before 
mounting a horse, take the rein into the left hand, draw 
it tightly, put the left foot in the stirrup and rise quickly. 
When you are seated, press your knees to the saddle, 
letting your leg from the knee stand out, turn your toe 
in and heel out, sit upright in your saddle, throw your 
weight forward—one-tliird of it in the stirrups—and hold 
your rein tight. Should your horse scare, you are 
braced in your saddle and he cannot throw you. 
Indication of a horse’s disposition—A long, thin 
neck indicates a good disposition; contrarywise, if it be 
short and thick. A broad forehead, high between the 
ears, indicates a very vicious disposition. 
TO BREAK A HORSE FROM KICKING. 
An old horse-trainer gives the following valuable 
directions: 
“ Take his tail, part it in the middle and tie a knot in 
it, and pass the halter-strap through the loop made in 
the tail by the knot, and make it fast so that the horse 
cannot go in any way except in a circle. Then take a 
pole and work it up and down his legs while he is cir- 
cling in the ring. The object is to get him used to having 
his legs handled. Work him for about ten minutes in 
that position, and then cr K bush about the size of a. 766 
DOMESTIC ANIMALS. 
•common currant bush, tie this to his tail, so that it will 
drag on the ground, then whirl him for about fifteen 
minutes more, then put the harness on him : if he works 
all right, well and good; if he does not, go through the 
operation again. 
Another way of breaking a kicker is with a small 
cord about twenty feet long and about three-eighths of 
an inch thick. Pass it over the horse’s neck, putting the 
center of the cord on the horse’s withers and crossing the 
cord in the horse’s mouth, then bring it back to the hind 
legs, making it fast by buckling a leather strap around 
the legs, between the pastern and the coronal joint. 
Then fasten your line in the cord that is on the horse’s 
neck, stand off and start him, when he makes an attempt 
to kick, the cord draws and hurts his mouth, and as a 
horse can think of but one thing at a time, he thinks of 
his mouth and forgets to kick. This plan is almost sure 
to break him, as I never knew a horse to kick more than 
three to five times with this training.” 
CRIBBING OR BITING. 
Where there is any chance for the horse to bite, nail 
sheep-skin with the wool side up. Those who have tried 
it say this will break the horse of this habit. 
Another is to keep a wire-muzzle on his head continu- 
ally, only removing it at meal-times, adjusting it again 
immediately after he has finished his meal. Another 
way may be adopted as a preventive; remove the man- 
ger entirely and feed his hay from the floor and his grain 
from a nose bag, and nail sheet-iron or zinc, full width, 
commencing twTo feet six inches from the floor; let it ex- 
tend upwards and around the partition wmlls of his stall. 
■This will prevent .him from fastening his teeth on any HOW TO BREAK A IIALTER-CIIEWER. 
767 
object that will allow him to crib. Ordinary care and 
judgment with regard to food and treatment is all that is 
necessary in these cases of crib-biting. 
HOW TO BREAK A IIALTER-CHEWER. 
This may be done by making a strong solution of Cay- 
enne pepper, and soaking the halter in it. The animal 
will soon learn not to chew this kind of a halter. 
TO BREAK A HORSE OF FORGING. 
Great benefit is derived by making tlie shoe thin at the 
heel, almost as thin as a knife blade, and then putting a 
piece of steel on the toe of the shoe; this raises the foot 
and causes it to go over the fore foot instead of striking 
it. 
Another—Set the toes of the hind shoes back about 
three quarters of an inch from the margin of the toe 
of the foot. This will remedy the difficulty. 
TO CATCH A HORSE TS A PASTURE. 
The most successful method, if the horse has a trick 
of refusing to he caught, is to turn him into the smallest 
lot you have, so that when he runs from you he must 
circle about this small enclosure. Walk slowly around 
in the centre of the lot, following the motions of the 
horse, until he stops, and then go up to him and caress 
him, always speaking kindly to him. Keep this up 
until he will allow you to approach him without shying 
or running. A few lessons of this sort will entirely cor- 
rect his bad habit, which proceeded entirely from fear, 
and he will soon follow you like a dog. 768 
DOMESTIC ANIMALS. 
TO TEST HORSES’ EYES. 
Look at the eye when the horse is in a dark stable; 
then turn him about to a strong light; and if you ob- 
serve that the pupil contracts and appears much smaller 
than in the first instance, you may infer that he has a 
good strong eye ; hut if the pupil remains nearly of the 
same size in both cases, his eyes are weak, and you had 
better have nothing to do with him. 
HORSE-SHOEING. 
It is necessary, when the horse is taken to the shop to 
he shod, that his foot should he trimmed perfectly even 
and level: if the toe is trimmed down, so should the heel 
he ; as it is important that the bottom of the foot should 
he level. As the frog is shed every three months, it 
should never he touched; it acts as a sort of natural 
sponge, gathering from the ground, which it should touch, 
the moisture required to keep the foot healthy. The 
shoe should he fitted to the foot, and not the foot to the 
shoe. The shoe should come up close to the frog, in 
order to protect the heel. The nail-holes should he very 
close to the toe. There should he three nails on the 
inside, and four on the outside of the foot. The shoes 
should never have corks, unless for heavy draught- 
horses. Corks should never he put on shoes without 
toes, as this destroys the foot’s level. The nails should 
never he twisted off, hut cut off with the pincers after 
being turned up, and as little enamel as possible should 
he rasped off the front of the foot. TO BREAK A HORSE OF JUMPING. 
769 
TO BREAK A HORSE OF JUMPING. 
Sew a strap of leather one and one-half or two inches 
broad to the head-stall, so that it will pass directly across 
the eyes of the horse. Split the leather into four or five 
strips. It must be so arranged that when he raises his 
head to jump these strips will come directly over his eyes 
creating thereby the appearance of fence-rails; and he 
will at once desist from jumping any fence. 
BREEDING. 
To make a mare breed, first let the horse cover, then 
give one-third of a pint of wheat every day for eighteen 
days, and let the horse cover again. 
FLIES ON HORSES. 
Make a decoction of walnut-leaves, moisten a sponge 
with it, and rub about the ears, neck, flanks, etc. This 
will prevent a horse from being teased by flies. 
Smart-weed has also been recommended by soaking 
the weed over night and applying it to the horse in the 
morning with a sponge. 
TO REMOVE LICE. 
Wash the animal thoroughly with sour buttermilk. It 
destroys the vermin and does not injure the horse. 770 
DOMESTIC ANIMALS. 
HOW TO TELL WHEN A MARE IS WITH FOAL. 
If the mare is in foal the teats and cords under the 
tongue are red. If not they are pale. 
TO PREVENT SNOW-BALLING. 
Clean the hoofs well, then rub thoroughly with thick 
soapsuds before going out in the snow. 
TO EXTRICATE HORSES FROM FIRE. 
Put the harness on a draught-horse, or the saddle on a 
saddle-horse, and they may be led without difficulty. 
SADDLE-GALLS. 
To prevent saddle-galls the saddle should be lined with 
some smooth, hard substance. Flannel or woolen cloth 
is bad. A hard-finished, smooth, rawhide lining, similar 
to those of the military saddles, is preferable. Then, if 
the saddle is properly fitted to the horse’s back, there 
will be no galls unless the horse is very hardly used. 
Galls should be washed with soap and water, and then 
with a solution of three grains of copperas or blue vit- 
riol to one tablespoonful of water, which will harden the 
surface and help to restore the growth of the skin. White 
hairs growing upon galled spots cannot be prevented. 
TREAT ANIMALS KINDLY. 
Domestic animals of all kinds should be treated with 
gentleness and mildness; men or boys who are rash and HEALTH OF AXIMALS. 
771 
bad-tempered, ought not to be permitted to have charge 
of them. Animals that are kept in constant fear of suf- 
fering never thrive well, and they often become vicious 
and intractable by unkind and cruel treatment. 
HEALTH OF ANIMALS. 
All domestic animals should be abundantly furnished 
with salt. Horses and pigs should occasionally have 
ashes given them in their food; and pigs ought at all 
times, when confined in pens, to be supplied with char- 
coal, as, besides being a medicine, it is a cheap and val- 
uable food. 
PROPER TIME FOR BLANKETING HORSES. 
When a horse becomes heated by exercise, he should 
stand uncovered for a few minutes—a longer or shorter 
period, according to the circumstances, until cooled down 
to about the ordinary temperature, but not to any degree 
toward chilliness ; then throw on the blanket; otherwise 
if it is put on when he is very warm, the vapor steams 
up from his hot sides, becomes condensed and wets the 
blanket; and as the horse continues to cool, the cold 
and wet covering is of but little use. 
TO DESIGNATE BETWEEN SHOULDER AND 
FOOT LAMENESS. 
Take the animal by the bridle-bits and back him ; if 
the lameness is in the shoulder, he will drag his foot as 
he backs ; but if it is in the foot, he will lift it np from 
file ground as he moves. 
Another way to locate lameness, is by the motions of 772 
DOMESTIC ANIMALS. 
the horse when in a brisk trot; when he is lame below 
the knee, he will bow his head downward, and when 
lame above the knee, he nods his head upward. 
This is a reliable guide. 
HOW A BOY MAY DRENCH A HORSE. 
The old method of drenching is difficult, absurd and 
unnatural, and often attended with bad effects which 
prove in the end worse than the disease for which you 
wish to drench. 
The following is a new and better way, which even a 
child may practice : Standing on the right side of the 
horse, with the bridle in his left hand, keeping the 
horse’s head down in its natural position, let him intro- 
duce the end of a long-necked bottle, containing the 
medicine, into the side of the horse’s mouth, and pour 
out the medicine only as fast as the horse will lap and 
swallow it. This method is invaluable to those who 
have horses to drench. 
TO BREAK A IIORSE THAT INTERFERES. 
Buckle a round leather roll, stuffed with cotton, between 
the pastern joint and the hoof; buckle it so the ends of 
the roll will come close together. This roll strikes the 
opposite foot, and will cause the horse to place his foot 
in a different position when he steps. 
In case “ interfering pads,” if used at any time, should 
rub the legs of the horse and make them sore, the fol- 
lowing mode of shoeing will in most cases obviate the 
difficulty: For the hind feet have the shoes made one 
pound weight on outside and four ounces weight on in- 
side. Pare the feet slightly, the lower on the outside, IIOW TO I’ATTEX HORSES. 
773 
leaving them the higher on the inside bar and quarter. 
Set the inside quarter of the shoes a trifle inside of the 
walls of the feet. Make the forward shoes light, with 
both bars of the shoe equal in weight and thickness. Pare 
the forward feet in the same way as above described for 
the hind feet, and fit the forward shoes close. If it is 
possible to stop the interfering by means of shoeing, the 
way herein described will be found efficacious. 
HOW TO FATTEN HORSES. 
If a horse is poor and you find it difficult to fatten 
him, or if it is desirable to fatten a horse rapidly, change 
your feed; if his feed has been unground, change to 
ground feed. To one bushel each of corn, oats and 
barley-meal, add one-fourth of an oil-cake. Feed two or 
three-quarts of this mixture three times a day, with 
about a peck of cut hay and straw; and increase the 
allowance a little every day, so long as the horse will 
eat it up clean. But always avoid the practice of letting 
a horse stand at a rack filled with hay. In order to 
readily fatten a horse, feed him no more than he will eat 
up clean and lick his manger for more. 
If the oil-cake above spoken of cannot be obtained, 
then mix a bushel of flaxseed with one of barley, one of 
oats and another of Indian-corn ; have them ground into 
meal, and use as above directed. 
THE AGE OF A HORSE. 
A colt sheds two teeth above and below at two; one 
on each side, above and below at three; and corner 
ones at four ; at live the teeth have grown up on the out- 
side, but the corner teeth have not grown up on the in- 774 
DOMESTIC ANIMALS. 
side ; at six the center teeth below are smooth ; at seven 
one on each side ; at eight all smooth below; at nine the 
center teeth above are smooth ; at ten one on each side ; 
at eleven all smooth above and below; at twelve a 
small white spot comes in the nose as big as the head of 
a pin; at thirteen it is half as large as half a pea ; at 
fourteen it is as large as half a pea, and round, after 
it sprangles. At fourteen the ossification of the suture 
of the skull begins, and has a continuous growth of one 
inch each year until death. 
PULLING BACK. 
A horse may he thoroughly broken of this very disa- 
greeble and annoying habit by the following means : 
1. Place on his head a strong leather head-stall halter, 
with iron rings strongly sewed at the junction of the 
cheek-pieces and nose-band. 
2. Have a strong surcingle made out of wide webbing 
cloth or leather, on each side of which in a line with the 
base of the tail where the croup-strap comes, sew two 
iron rings. 
3. Take a stout piece of marlin, such as is used by the 
riggers of vessels, sufficient in length to secure one end 
firmly to the ring on the off or right-hand side of the 
halter; pass back through the ring sewed in the surcin- 
gle on the same side, thence under the tail and forward 
on the left side through the ring sewed on the near or 
left-hand side of the surcingle; also through the ring 
sewed on the same or near side of the cheek-piece and 
nose-band of the halter. Then tie this end of the marlin 
to the ring used for tying the animal in the stall. Oil 
the marlin well before using, in order that it may readily 
pass through the rings. This will prove an efficacious 
remedy, and at the same time a perfectly harmless one 
to the animal. DISEASES OF HORSES. 
775 
DISEASES OF HORSES. 
BIG HEAD OR BIG SHOULDER. 
Take of powdered gentian, - - 4 drachms. 
“ “ phosphate of iron, - 2 “ 
“ “ linseed cake, - - - 4 pounds. 
Give the whole of this quantity in the horse’s feed, 
every twenty-four hours, until relief is perceptible; 
then give about one-fourth the quantity. 
Feed no corn, and the hay and oats should be perfect- 
ly sound. Every effort should be made to restore the 
general health of the horse. He may be worked regu- 
larly, but moderately. The stable should be well venti- 
lated, dry and clean. 
BIG HEAD. 
Linseed oil, 1 pt. 
Oil of spike, ... 1 oz. 
Turpentine, - - - - - - - - 2 oz. 
Pulverized cantharides, 1 dr. 
Apply to the affected parts, heating with a hot iron, for 
three days; then grease for three, wash off and apply as 
before. 
BRUISES AND SPRAINS. 
Apply twice a day a strong decoction of wormwood, 
made with hot vinegar, and it will he found to surpass 776 
DISEASES OF IIORSES. 
in efficacy any liniment that can be obtained for bruises 
and sprains. 
BOTS. 
1. Dissolve a lump of alum the size of a walnut in a 
pint of water and give immediately. It is seldom that 
half an hour will elapse before the horse will be relieved. 
It may, in some cases, be necessary to repeat the dose. 
2. Give one pint of milk and one of molasses, followed 
by a dose of castor-oil (eight or ten tablespoonfuls). 
This is an old remedy, but often efficacious. 
3. Take of linseed-oil, 1 quart. 
Molasses, 1 “ 
New milk, 2 “ 
Warm sage-tea, 2 “ 
Give as follows: Fifteen minutes after giving the 
milk and molasses, give the sage-tea, and half an hour 
after this, give the linseed-oil. Lard is sometimes given 
in place of the oil. 
4. One pint of linseed-oil with one ounce of chloroform. 
Give as a drench. 
The linseed-oil soothes the inflamed parts and the 
chloroform is as good a neutralizer, and the bots inhale 
it and become so stupefied that they let go their hold on 
the lining of the stomach and fall down a dead mass. 
CRACKED HOOFS. 
The hoof should be pressed together and clinched by 
a wrought nail. 
Then apply the Hoof-Ointment (for mode of preparing 
it see “ Hoof-Bind ”) once a day for the first two or three 
weeks; after which once in two or three days. CORN'S 
777 
The ointment is only employed for the purpose of 
expediting the cure. 
The animal should not be put to heavy labor during 
the treatment. 
CORNS. 
Corns are caused by bruises; remove the shoe, cut out 
the bruised part, fill with turpentine and lard, equal 
parts. Sear in with a hot iron. 
COLIC. 
1. Give one ounce (two tablespoonfuls) of the tincture 
of asafoetida. It very seldom fails to cure in twenty to 
thirty minutes, but if it should fail, repeat the dose. It 
is generally known that to drench a horse with salt-water 
will cure some forms of colic. 
2. Take soft soap, 1 gill. 
Warm water, 3 pints. 
Inject with a syringe or cow’s horn. 
Usually one injection is sufficient to effect a cure. 
3. Those who have employed saleratus in colic regard 
it as a very superior remedy. They dissolve and use at 
a dose one-half to two-thirds of a teacupful. 
4. Dr. Goss says he has saved the lives, of many val- 
uable horses, affected with this disease, by the use of 
tobacco; infuse an ounce in a pint of water and use as 
an injection. 
BLOOD OR RED COLIC. 
Take of tincture of lobelia, - - £ ounce. 
Tincture of valerian, - 2 “ 
Give at one dose, and after the animal lias become 
easier, give one and one-half pints of raw linseed-oil. 778 
DISEASES OF HORSES. 
WIND-COLIC. 
Whisky, ... 8 tablespoonfuls. 
Sulphuric ether, - 2 ounces. 
One dose is usually sufficient to give relief. 
CATARACT. 
Burnt alum has seldom been known to fail to remove 
cataract from a horse’s eye. It is to be finely pulverized 
and blown into the eye with a pipe-stem or goose-quill. 
The oil of winter-green is likewise used. It is to be 
injected with a small glass syringe. A few drops are 
sufficient. The injection is to be repeated in three days. 
CATARRH. 
Mix half an ounce of nitre with water and let the horse 
drink it. It is best first to dissolve the nitre in a pint of 
water, which can then be added to a larger quantity—as 
much as the horse will drink. Give your horse a bran 
mash every second morning. If the disease lias become 
chronic, inject a weak solution of alum into the nostrils. 
This will remove the discharge. 
TO CURE COUGHS AND COLDS. 
Give twenty grains of bromide of potassium in a 
bucket of water, three times a day for four days. This 
includes all kinds of cough, except that brought on by 
heaves. 
Another—An excellent treatment is to give cold bran 
mashes, with half a pound of linseed and one ounce of 
saltpetre in each mash. CONDITION POWDERS. 
779 
CONDITION POWDERS. 
One gallon wood-ashes, three pounds salt, one pound 
sulphur, one pound resin. Mix, dampen, put in a trough 
and feed otf of it. This should be kept in the trough at 
all times, or where a horse can get to it, whether he be 
healthy or not. 
Take two ounces each of finely pulverized gentian- 
root, African ginger and licorice-powder, one ounce finely 
pulverized iodide of potassa and four drachms of tartar 
emetic; incorporate these materials well together in a 
mortar, then add half a pound of bruised linseed-meal; 
mix all thoroughly together again. Dose of the powder, 
one large tablespoonful morning and evening; incorpor- 
ate each potion well through a mash composed of equal 
parts of bran and oats, properly salted. 
DYSPEPSIA. 
Evaporate the liquid substance from beef-gall, take of 
the wax a piece as large as a grain of wheat, three times 
a day for ten days. 
DIABETES. 
Feeding a bran-mash containing carrots will ordinarily 
relieve this disease. Feeding a horse with green or fresh 
meat is said to be excellent for the same purpose. 
EPIZOOTIC. 
The smoke of burning feathers is an effectual cure for 
this disease. Throw live coals into a tin can, put on 780 
DISEASES OF HORSES. 
feathers, then put the can in a sack and hold over the 
horse’s nostrils as long as he can bear. After the lapse 
of a few moments add a fresh handful of feathers to the 
fire, and apply as before, and so continue for several 
times, or until a free discharge from the nostrils is pro- 
duced. Repeat twice a day until the horse is relieved. 
DIARRHEA. 
Gum-Arabic, ------ 2 ounces. 
Boiling water, - - - - - - 1 pint. 
Dissolve and then add— 
Oil of peppermint, 25 drops. 
Mix and give at a dose, and repeat night and morning. 
CHROXIC DIARRHEA. 
Gum-Arabic, 1 ounce. 
Powdered chalk, 1 ounce. 
Essence or oil of peppermint, - - 20 drops. 
~Water, ------- \ pint. 
Mix and give twice a day. 
FISTULA—POLL-EVIL. 
These are the same diseases, only differently located, 
both being caused by a bruise. 
The tumefied parts should be kept constantly wet by 
means of bandages thoroughly saturated in a mixture 
composed of equal parts of pure cider vinegar and cold 
water. This treatment should be well persevered in for 
a few days. Should the tumor in the meantime increase 
in its size and the parts develop much heat, a poultice FISTULA—POLL-EVIL. 
781 
of bruised flaxseed should be applied twice daily for 
forty-eight or ninety-six hours, or until the tumor mani- 
fests a fluctuating feeling. You will please note that no 
procrastination should be indulged in, such as waiting 
patiently for the tumor to break of its own accord, but 
as soon as the pus or matter can be distinctly felt by 
pressure, make an incision slantingly with a sharp knife 
upon the right side of the neck at the base of the abscess. 
The incision or cut must not be made so deep as to come 
in contact with the spinal cord or marrow. The opening 
at the base of the tumor should be made sufficiently 
large to allow the pus to freely escape as fast as it forms. 
A seton should be passed down from the natural open- 
ing at the top of the tumor through the artificial opening 
made at its base. Before inserting the seton it should 
be dipped in tincture of cantliarides. This will be found 
the safest and best plan to adopt for promoting healthy 
granulation and adhesion of the walls of the tumor. 
The fistulous track is not probably very long and the 
tape-seton will work its way gradually but efficaciously 
out, by which time the cure is made. A stimulus is also 
necessary, to be applied to the interior of the tumor by 
resaturating the seton, in three or four days after it is 
first inserted with a solution made by dissolving ten 
grains of nitrate of silver in one ounce of cold water. 
This latter named stimulus should be applied twice per 
week until a healthy discharge of pus appears, then 
stop. In the opening, from the top down to the artificial 
opening at the bottom, should be injected three times 
per week a stimulus composed of one drachm of chloride 
of zinc dissolved in one pint of cold water. Apply the 
zinc lotion in half an hour after using the cantharides 
tincture and the nitrate of silver solution. The tincture 
of cantharides should only be applied once and the 
nitrate of silver solution on the third or fourth day after 782 
DISEASES OF HORSES. 
and continued as long as found necessary, but the zinc- 
lotion should be applied once daily until a healthy 
granulation takes place, then every second or third day 
until the parts heal soundly. 
To scatter poll-evil—Take a handful of mandrake- 
root, bruise and boil, strain and boil down until quite 
thick, then form a salve by simmering with enough lard 
for that purpose. Anoint the swelling every morning 
until it disappears, which it will do if applied before it 
breaks or is very far advanced. 
Another—Take of gum-Arabic, - - - 2 dr. 
Caustic-potash, - . 2“ 
Extract belladonna, 2 “ 
Dissolve the gum in as small a quantity of water as 
possible, then add the potash and stir until dissolved, 
after which add the belladonna. Cleanse the sore with 
Castile soapsuds and inject into the pipes with a small 
syringe. Repeat every other day until a cure is effected, 
which will seldom fail to be done in a short period of 
time. 
FOUNDER. 
For treating this disease in its early stages, a cele- 
brated veterinary surgeon says, “ I always treat the fore- 
feet for founder and meet with success: By placing the 
horse’s feet in water that is as hot as he can bear, and 
letting them remain for six hours, being careful to keep 
up the temperature of the water, even increasing it as 
he becomes accustomed to the heat, you will find him 
greatly improved at the end of the above specified time. 
“After this, I use the Hoof-Ointment, heating it into the 
bottom of the hoof with a hot iron, and immediately 
afterwards give the horse a physic.” 
Chronic Founder—“ This is an exceedingly difficult FOUNDER. 
783 
matter to remedy, for in many cases yon will find tliat 
the hoof of the horse has grown entirely out of shape. 
The best treatment I have ever found is to take the 
horse to the blacksmith’s shop, and have his feet trim- 
med down as low as possible, then use the hoof oint- 
ment on the bottom of the foot. When the shoe is 
nailed on, be careful not to have it drawn too tight. In 
the meantime feed him alteratives.” 
The mode of preparing the Hoof-Ointment is found on 
page 786. 
1. It is said that the seeds of the sunflower, are the best 
remedy known for the cure of founder. Immediately 
on discovering that your horse is foundered, mix about a 
pint of the whole seed in his food, and it will give a per- 
fect cure. 
2. Founder is the effect of a gorge of food or water, 
causing stiffness in the fore pasterns. To cure this, 
gauge the small blade of a knife, half an inch from the 
point; lance the horse this depth in the wart of the fore- 
leg and take one teaspoonful of blood from each leg. 
This is said to be a prompt and effectual cure. 
3. One among the best remedies in use, for this diffi- 
culty, is alum. Give a tablespoonful (dissolved) two or 
three times a day. 
4. Another remedy for founder is, to clean out the 
bottom of the horse’s foot and pour in a tablespoonful 
of spirits of turpentine. Touch it with a red-hot iron, 
or use any other means to ignite it; hold the foot firmly 
till the turpentine burns out. Care must be taken that 
none runs on the hair about the hoof, lest the skin be 
burned. Relief will speedily follow, and the horse will 
soon be ready for use. 784 
DISEASES OF HORSES. 
FEAT FOOT. 
The only remedy for this is to throw the weight off the 
heel. To do this, the shoe should be sprung backwards, 
from the last nail-liole, so that will tend to curve down- 
wards : this will make the shoe spring with every step 
of the horse, and lessen the weight on the heel. A horse 
shod in this way will walk with much more ease. 
TO PREVENT GADEING THE SHOULDERS. 
1. The following is recommended for this purpose: 
wash the shoulders of the horse with strong alum-water 
twice a day for several successive days before using him; 
also use as a wash a strong decoction of wliite-oak bark, 
or, while letting the horse rest, raise the collar and pull 
it forward and rub the shoulder with the hand. 
2. Another plan is to wash with a lather of Castile 
soapsuds, and leave a lather of soap on the shoulders. 
SORE SHOULDER AND BACK OF HORSES. 
1. Wilt the leaves of jimson (stramonium,) and apply 
to tlie alfected parts and it will cause tliem to heal read- 
ily, even when the horse is used every day. 
2. The following is a good liniment for curing these 
difficulties: 
Sweet oil, 2 ounces. 
Gum camphor, 1 “ 
Mix and apply twice a day. GRUBS IX HORSES. 
785 
GRUBS IX HORSES. 
Make an opening with a penknife, and gradually 
squeeze them out. Then take a pint of strong vinegar 
and an ounce of pulverized chalk. Mix well and give 
as a drench. 
TO CURE GRAVEL. 
1. Make a decoction of one-half pound of hops and 
three pints of water, and give it as hot as you think the 
horse can endure. 
2. In most forms of this disease, beet-juice is a sure 
cure. Extract several gallons of the strong juice and 
give as the horse’s daily drink; or he may be drenched 
with it. 
A horse with the gravel acts very much as a horse does 
with the colic, except the throwing of the head to the 
side. 
HEAVES. 
1. Add indigo to water until it is blue, and give a two- 
gallon pailful two or three times a day. 
“ Old horsemen ” assert that they have never known a 
remedy to “ bear any comparison ” to this, in value, for 
curing heaves. 
2. Another superior remedy, which has effected many 
cures when the cases seemed to be beyond the reach of 
medicine, is to wrap the bit of the bridle with tobacco 
leaves, and keep them on for weeks at a time. Moisten 
a plug of tobacco and from this separate the leaves, or 
use the natural leaf when it can be gotten. 
3. Smart-weed is another remedy that is highly recom- 786 
DISEASES OF HORSES. 
mended for this disease. From one and a half to two 
pints of a strong decoction of it is to he given daily, for 
ten or twelve days. It may he mixed with the horse’s 
feed. During this time he should he fed on cut or green 
feed. The former should he wet with water. 
4. Almost a sure cure for the heaves is to turn the 
horse loose on the Western prairies one season. 
HOOKS. 
Hooks are a contraction of the cords back of the eye. 
When they become inflamed they enlarge, contract and 
draw the washer out of its natural position, causing it to 
swell. To cure, cut the cords back of the eye and let the 
washer alone. 
CURE FOR HOOF-BIND. 
In tlie outer wall of the foot, all the way around the 
hoof, there should he made grooves, one inch apart. The 
shoe should then he made to circle so as to protect the 
heel, and should he hended, from the last nail-hole hack, 
on the inside instead of on the outside. This is to spread 
the foot. 
Then the hoof-ointment should he applied every morn- 
ing, in the bottom of the hoof. This ointment is made 
as follows: 
Take of turpentine, 2 ounces. 
Sweet oil, 2 “ 
Gum-camphor, 2 drachms. 
Oil of spike, £ ounce. 
Corrosive sublimate, - - - - 2 drachms. 
Apply with a sponge. 
The horse’s feet should he soaked in warm water at 
least three times a week. ITCH 
787 
ITCH. 
Give one teaspoonful of equal parts of black antimony 
and sulphur, once a day; at the same time reduce the 
daily allowance of food and put the horse on low diet. 
In a few weeks the sores will have disappeared, and the 
horse will be covered with a coat of new hair. 
TO CURE KNEE-SPRUNG HORSES, 
Also galls, sprains, sores, etc., take fresh worms and 
put them in a vessel for twenty-four hours, until they 
become clean; then put them in a bottle and throw 
plenty of salt on them ; place them near a stove and they 
will turn to oil. Apply freely to the parts affected. 
LOCK-JAW. 
1. Chloroform is an effective means of arresting this dis- 
ease. Use from one to three ounces, by taking a sponge 
and saturating it with chloroform, and keeping it close to 
animal’s nose until he is under the influence of it. Then 
take— 
Alcohol, 1 pint. 
Capsicum, 1 ounce. 
Make a mixture and rub his legs, and also his spinal 
column. 
2. This is often speedily relieved by placing a board 
to the bottoms of the feet of the horse, and then striking 
it several blows. 
3. Drench with three ounces of powdered lobelia-seed 
and one pint of warm water; rub hartshorn over the face 
and neck; hold choloroform to the nose until the jaws 
open. 788 
DISEASES OF HOUSES. 
OINTMENT FOR CORKS AND BRUISES OF 
THE FEET. 
Lard, 1 pound. 
Rosin, 2 ounces. 
Beeswax, 3 ounces. 
Melt together and add one ounce of powdered verdigris 
and one-half pound of tallow. Stir it all until it gets 
cool. You will find this ointment unsurpassed for bruises, 
corks, etc. 
DAMPERS {Lampass). 
Take a gum-lancet and lance the gums. After this is 
properly done, take a little fine salt and rub the gums 
with it. If the gum-lancet is not at hand, a common 
pocket-knife—which should be very sharp for the pur- 
pose—will answer equally as well as the lancet. With 
the knife make several incisions through the prominence 
down to the teeth, after which apply the salt as above 
directed, and wdiere the lampass is unattended with any 
other local disease the cure is made, and the animal will 
recover his appetite immediately. Lampass should 
never be burned with a hot iron. 
NARROW HEEL. 
Rasp the front part of the foot and saturate the whole 
foot with the following lioof-liquid: eight ounces spirits 
turpentine, six ounces oil of tar, six ounces linseed oil, 
four ounces oil origanum. Mix and apply every morning. RING-BONE AND SPAVIN. 
789 
RING-BONE AND SPAVIN. 
Take of tincture of iodine, - - • 4 ounces. 
Cantharides, - 1 “ 
Mercurial ointment, - - 2 “ 
Corrosive sublimate, 1£ drachms. 
Turpentine, 2 ounces. 
Lard, - 1 pound. 
Mix well together. 
Cut the hair off the part affected, and after applying 
the ointment rub well with the hand. 
After two days grease the part with lard, and after four 
days more wash with soap and water and apply the 
ointment again, and repeat every four days. 
This is stated by veterinary surgeons to be an effect- 
ual cure for lameness occasioned by ring-bone, spavin, 
etc. 
2. In all cases, in the early development of tumefac- 
tion and lameness, cooling lotions, hot fomentations, light 
but nutritious, sound and sweet diet, combined with 
absolute rest for some time, are the best means of cure. 
In this case apply early hot fomentations and acetate of 
cantharides until the affected parts appear tumefied and 
tender to the touch; then substitute cold water bandages 
and repeat the process if necessary. 
CURE FOR SCRATCHES. 
1. Wash the parts twice a day with Castile-soap and 
water, followed by an application of bine-vitriol water. 
This is usually sufficient to cure this difficulty. 
2. Kerosene oil applied once a day for three or four 
days, is reputed a cure. 
3. White lead and linseed-oil will also cure this affec- 790 
DISEASES OF HOUSES. 
tion. Mix as if you were preparing it for painting, and 
apply. 
BITES OF SNAKES. 
1. Give the horse, as soon as possible, three or four 
quarts of whisky. 
2. Clay made into a mortar, applied for twelve or 
fifteen hours and renewed occasionally, will often effect 
a cure. 
FOUL. SHEATH—DIRECTIONS FOR STALLION. 
The sheath of a stallion may be kept perfectly clean 
by occasional washings with Castile-soap and warm 
water, applied with a soft, velvet sponge; the pouch 
should be thoroughly dried from all soapy material, 
both inside and outside; and then the inside should be 
slightly anointed with olive or sweet oil. Considerable 
care and judgment must be exercised in washing the 
sheath during the winter and early spring months, or 
the animal will not do well subsequently. Yo foreign 
bodies or material that may be found in any way 
attached to the inside of the pouch or sheath should be 
violently rubbed off with the sponge nor picked off with 
the fingers when washing, but all must be soaked off by 
means of the soapsuds. The oil above prescribed must 
be used sparingly, as when it is used too lavishly it will 
cause dirt to collect in the parts anointed. 
Feed—Six quarts of sound and sweet oats, and four- 
teen pounds of sweet and sound hay per day, is quite suffi- 
cient grain and provender for your horse ; and a few car- 
rots or Swedish turnips, well washed and sliced, may be 
added with advantage. You should give your horse from CURE FOR SWEEXY. 
791 
one to one and a half pints of salt per week, or else a large 
piece of rock-salt should be‘kept in his feed-box. Two 
hours and a half of moderate exercise daily is necessary 
for a horse to keep him in good normal condition. Where 
this cannot be given he should be turned out daily dur- 
ing the winter and spring months, in pleasant weather, 
in a lot. 
CURE FOR SWEENY. 
1. Eight ounces spirits of turpentine, eight ounces 
good vinegar, one egg. Mix, shake well, and bathe 
twice a day with the naked hand. This cures curbs, 
splints, strains and bruises of all kinds. 
2. Cut the skin just above the affected part and insert 
a silver half-dollar. Close the wound by stitches. The 
coin will make its way down through to the healthy 
skin; the cure is then effected and the money may be 
removed. 
3. Puncture the skin near the top of the deadened sur- 
face, through which puncture inflate the part with air; 
after which inject one-half teaspoonful of the following 
mixture: 
Sulphuric ether, 2 ounces. 
Oil of turpentine, - - - - 2 ounces. 
SCOURS. 
Give the whites of three eggs and a teaspoonful of alum 
at each feed until cured. This is for the full grown 
horse; if it he a colt affected, rub the gums from the 
center-nippers above and below. 792 
DISEASES OF HORSES. 
SPAVINS, WIND-GALLS AND RINGBONES. 
The following comes to ns recommended as almost an 
infallible remedy for these difficulties : 
Corrosive sublimate, £ ounce. 
Spanish flies, £ ounce. 
Alcohol, j pint. 
Apply to the parts affected for two evenings in succes- 
sion, and on each succeeding morning press out the 
matter with a sharp-edged stick, and then wash with 
soapsuds. After three days repeat the operation as 
above, and likewise continue until a cure is effected. 
Ordinarily a few applications will be sufficient. 
TO STOP BLEEDING. 
Raise the upper lip and put a strong bandage around 
the upper jaw, just above the nippers. This bandage 
should be a half-inch wide and drawn tight, and let 
remain until the blood coagulates. 
STRAIN. 
Foment the affected limb with a lye made by dissolv- 
ing two ounces of sal-soda in a pailful of hot water. 
Apply the lye with a sponge as hot as it can be borne, 
twice daily for one hour each time; keep your lye to 
this temperature of heat during each fomentation; dry 
the parts fomented each time from all the lye material, 
and bathe, them with a strong infusion made of either 
wormwood or hops; use whichever of these is the more 
convenient, and pure cider-vinegar; steep the hops or THEUSII IX FEET. 
793 
wormwood in the vinegar, and apply as hot as it can be 
used immediately after each fomentation, and hand-rub 
well in; then cover the limb with flannel. This treat- 
ment, if thoroughly persevered in, with rest from all 
work added, will no doubt prove an efficacious one in a 
very short time. Feed no corn or other heavy grain 
whole or ground, while your animal is under treatment. 
Oats and bran and carrots or Swedish turnips, with good 
sound and sweet provender, properly seasoned with salt, 
are the only kinds of diet that should be fed to your 
animal until a full recovery takes place. 
THRUSH IN FEET. 
Thrash is by some called frush; the direct cause of 
which is neglect and oversight in the management of the 
hoof. Its symptoms are a fetid odor, combined with 
morbid exudation from the frog and with softening of 
the same. Apply twice a week, as long as it is found 
necessary, a charcoal-poultice made of three parts finely 
pulverized charcoal and one part of bruised flaxseed 
meal, mixed with warm water. Use the poultices at 
night. After removing it in the morning, dress between the 
clefts of the frog with pyroligneous acid and fine table- 
salt mixed. Be careful to press the acid and salt down 
to the very bottom of the cleft of the frog at each dress- 
ing, morning and evening. I believe the safest plan to 
adopt in cases of this kind is to treat the disease both 
locally and constitutionally. The local treatment I have 
above indicated. For the constitutional treatment take 
equal parts of finely pulverized sassafras-root, lac- 
sulphur, gentian-root, African ginger, charcoal and salt: 
incorporate well in a mortar. One ounce daily is a dose. 
Another—Wet thrush is brought on by excessive wet 794 
DISEASES OF HORSES. 
or standing in wet stables, causing the frog of the foot to 
decay. Dry thrush is brought on by extreme drought. 
To cure either, take equal parts lard and spirits of 
ammonia, fill the bottom of the foot with this and sear in 
with hot iron. Thrush almost always causes the foot to 
contract, for which use the “ hoof-ointment.” 
WOUNDS. 
One among the best washes for wounds is to take one- 
half pint of turpentine, one-fourth pound of saltpetre, 
put them in a bottle : apply to the wound three times a 
day, with a feather. Shake well before using. 
BONE-SPAVIN. 
1. Foment the spavin twice daily, for half an hour each 
time, with a lye made hy dissolving one ounce of sal- 
soda in one gallon of hot water; apply with a sponge, as 
hot as the animal can hear it without causing distress. 
The lye should he kept at the same temperature during 
each fomentation. All lye material should he carefully 
hut thoroughly removed from the surface of the skin 
when drying the parts immediately after each applica- 
tion. A sweating-hlister should he applied every night 
over the region of the spavin, and well hand rubbed into 
the surface of the skin immediately after the parts have 
heen fomented and dried as above described, until con- 
siderable irritation is produced on the surface of the 
skin. Then the use of the blister should he omitted for 
three days and applied again in the same way. The 
blister is composed of one ounce each of tincture of 
cantharides, oils of turpentine, origanum and spike, two 
drachms of finely pulverized corrosive sublimate, three STEIN G-H ALT. 
795 
ounces each of raw linseed-oil, camphorated oil, tincture 
of opium and one pint of alcohol. Incorporate these 
well in a bottle and the blister is ready for use. The 
fomentations must be perseveringly applied twice daily 
as above described during the blistering, and for several 
days after the use of the blister is wholly discontinued. 
Feed your horse on mash-food, which should consist of 
equal parts of sound and sweet bran and oats, with half a 
pint of bruised flaxseed-meal added, properly seasoned 
with salt, morning and evening. Make each mash with 
cold water. The remainder of the food should be grass. 
This treatment will be found as efficacious as any and 
will leave no scar or blemish behind it, provided it is 
used according to directions. 
2. It is said that “ Triple H ” liniment will cure bone 
and blood-spavin. 
3. Take of oil of spike 1 oz. 
Oil of amber £ “ 
Spirits of turpentine 2“ 
Mtric acid “ 
The acid must be put into the bottle last. Apply 
thoroughly and it will remove the lameness, though not 
probably the bunch. If the horse has reached the age 
of four years, fit a bar of lead just above the swelling 
and twist or wire the ends together, so that it will con- 
stantly wear upon the enlargement. The two together 
will cure almost every case in six or eight weeks. 
STRING-HALT. 
String-halt is a soreness of the muscles of the loin; 
usually caused by a strain. Cure—place your hand on 
the backbone just forward of the coupling, pass across 
the loin till you find the soreness. Insert a rowel or seton 796 
DISEASES OF HOKSES. 
under the skin over the soreness, move this back and 
forth twice a day until cured, which usually takes in from 
four to six weeks. 
1. Some of the worst cases of this difficulty have been 
cured by the use of goose-oil. 
It is to be applied to the muscles thoroughly two or 
three times a day. 
2. Sweet oil has been used in the same way with 
success. 
SAND FOR HORSES. 
Mr. Small, of Dundalk, a veterinary surgeon of con- 
siderable experience, states that sand is not only an 
excellent substitute for straw, for horse’s beds, but supe- 
rior to straw, as the sand does not heat, and saves the 
hoofs of the horses. He states that sand is exclusively 
used for horses’ beds in his hospital. This suggestion 
merits notice. 
THUMPS. 
1. Ordinarily there is no permanent cure for this dis- 
ease, although the animal can he relieved to a great ex- 
tent, by placing live drops of aconite on the tongue, and if 
the animal is not relieved by the first dose, repeat the 
dose at intervals of one hour until there is a change for 
the better perceived. I have never known this to fail in 
from one to two doses. 
2. Give the horse two or three quarts of strong brine, 
then bleed in the third bar of the mouth. Give the 
brine while bleeding. WABTS. 
797 
WARTS. 
1. Touch over the entire surface of the wart twice daily, 
morning and evening, with a stimulus composed of one 
drachm of nitrate of silver dissolved in one ounce of 
fresh rain or spring-water. Apply with a camel’s hair 
brush until the wart disappears, which will probably 
take place in two or three weeks’ time. 
2. Take equal parts of calomel and copperas, mix and 
apply dry. This is also an invaluable medicine for cur- 
ing sore necks, backs, shoulders, etc. 
TO CURE WENS. 
Take a half-teacupful of slaked lime and the same 
amount of soft soap, mix well and apply to the wen. 
From two to four applications will generally effect a 
cure. The wen should be lanced at the time of making 
the application, or a day or two after. 
BLOOD-WART. 
Wash it twice a day with a solution of "blue-stone,, 
after which sprinkle some of the pulverized stone upon 
the wart, and in due time it will he removed. 
WORMS. 
1. Giving a teaspoonful of pulverized alum in each 
feed, for six feeds, is usually sufficient to remove worms. 
2. Powdered areca nut is another good remedy; give 798 
DISEASES OF HOUSES. 
one teaspoonful morning and evening; two doses will 
be sufficient. After which the animal should be given 
a pint of oil to work off the medicine. 
3. Linseed oil 1 pint. 
Spirits of turpentine, 2 teaspoonfuls. 
Mix and give every morning until the worms are 
expelled. 
RUBBING THE TAIL. 
1. The cause of this disease usually originates from 
worms. Many are mistaken in thinking it is a humor of 
the tail, when it is only the worms that irritate the 
rectum. 
2. Inject a solution of sulphuric ether. If this does 
not allay the irritation, it is simply an irritation of the 
anus, and it needs to be greased thoroughly with citrate 
ointment. 
SLOAN’S CELEBRATED HORSE-OINTMENT. 
Take of rosin, 2 ounces. 
Lard, 4 “ 
Beeswax, 2 “ 
Honey, 1 “ 
Heat the whole until they are brought to a boil, 
remove and slowly stir in a half-pint of turpentine, then 
stir until cold. It is very valuable for bruises, galled 
backs, sores, cracked heels, etc. 
MISCELLANEOUS REMEDIES. 
The following, by J. J. Stiitzman, will be found as in- 
teresting as practical: 
1. Cure for colic—Take one gill of turpentine, one MISCELLANEOUS REMEDIES. 
799 
gill of opium dissolved in whisky, and one quart of water 
milk-warm. Drench the horse and move him about 
slowly. If there is no relief in fifteen minutes, take a 
piece of chalk about the size of an egg, powder it, and 
put it into a pint of cider-vinegar, which should be blood- 
warm ; give that and then move him as before. 
2. Another—Take one ounce laudanum, one ounce of 
ether, one ounce of tincture of asafoetida, two ounces 
tincture of peppermint, half-pint of whisky; put all in 
a quart-bottle, shake it well and drench the horse. 
Cure for the hots—Take one and a half pints of 
fresh milk, just from the cow, and one pint of molasses. 
Drench the horse and bleed him in the mouth; then give 
him one pint of linseed-oil to remove them. 
For distemper—Take mustard-seed ground fine, tar 
and rye-chop, make pills about the size of a hen’s egg. 
Give him six pills every six hours, until they physic 
him; then give him one tablespoonful of the horse-pow- 
der mentioned before, once a day, until cured. Keep him 
from cold water for six hours after using the powder. 
Rheumatic liniment—Take croton-oil, aqua ammo- 
nia, f. f. f.; oil of cajeput, oil of origanum, in equal parts. 
Rub well. It is good for spinal diseases and weak back. 
Cuts and wounds of all kinds—One pint of alco- 
hol, half-ounce of gum of myrrh, half-ounce aloes ; wash 
once a day. 
Sprains and swellings—Take one and a half ounces 
of hartshorn, one ounce camphor, two ounces spirits of 
turpentine, four ounces sweet oil, eight ounces alcohol. 
Anoint twice a day. 
For glanders—Take of burnt buck’s horn a table- 
spoonful every three days, for nine days. If there is no 
relief in that time, continue the powder until there is 
relief. 
Saddle or collar-liniment—One ounce of spirits of 800 
DISEASES OF HORSES. 
turpentine, half-ounce of oil of spike, half-ounce essence 
of wormwood, half-ounce of Castile soap, half-ounce 
gum-camphor, half-ounce sulphuric ether, half a pint of 
alcohol, and wash freely. 
Liniment to set the stifle-joint on ahorse—One 
ounce oil of spike, half-ounce origanum, half-ounce oil 
amber. Shake it well and rub the joints twice a day until 
cured, which will be in two or three days. 
Eye-water—I have tried the following and found it an 
efficient remedy. I have tried it on my own eyes and 
those of others. Take bolus muna one ounce, white vit- 
riol one ounce, alum half-ounce, with one pint of clear 
rain-water; shake it well before using. If too strong, 
weaken with rain-water. 
Liniment for wind-galls, strains and growth of 
lumps on man or horse—One ounce oil of spike, 
half-ounce origanum, half-ounce amber, aqua-fortis and 
sal-ammonia one drachm, spirits of salts one drachm, 
oil of sassafras half-ounce, hartshorn half-ounce. Bathe 
once or twice a day. 
Horse-powder—This powder will cure more diseases 
than any other medicine we know; such as distemper, 
fersey, hide-bind, colds and all lingering diseases which 
may arise from impurity of the blood or lungs. Take 
one pound comfrey-root, half-pound antimony, half- 
pound sulphur, three ounces saltpetre, half-pound laurel- 
berries, half-pound juniper-berries, half-pound angetice- 
seed, half-pound rosin, three ounces alum, half-pound 
copperas, half-pound masterwort, half-pound gun-powder. 
Mix all to a powder and give in most cases one table- 
spoonful in mash-feed once a day until cured. Keep the 
horse dry, and keep him from cold water six hours after 
using it. 
For cuts or wounds on horse or man—Take 
fish-worms mashed up with old bacon-oil, and tie on the 
wound, which is the surest and safest cure. MISCELLANEOUS REMEDIES. 
801 
Oil for collars—This oil will also cure bruises, sores, 
swellings, strains or galls. Take fish-worms and put 
them in a crock or other vessel, twenty-four hours, till 
they become clean; then put them in a bottle and throw 
plenty of salt upon them; place them near a stove and 
they will turn to oil; rub the parts affected freely. I 
have cured knee-sprung horses with this oil frequently. 
Sore and scummed eyes on horses—Take fresh 
butter or rabbit’s fat, honey and the white of three eggs, 
well stirred up with salt and black pepper ground to a 
fine powder; mix it well and apply to the eye with a 
feather. Also rub above the eye, in the hollow, with the 
salve. Wash freely with cold spring-water. 
For a bruised eye—Take rabbit’s fat and use as 
above directed. Bathe freely with fresh spring-water. 
I have cured many bloodshot eyes with this simple 
remedy. 
Poll-evil or fistula—Take of Spanish flies one 
ounce, gum euphorbium three drachms, tartar-emetic 
one ounce, rosin three ounces; mix and pulverize, and 
then mix them with a half pound of lard. Anoint every 
three days for three weeks; grease the parts affected 
with lard every four days. Wash with soap and water 
before using the salve. In poll-evil, if open, pulverize 
black bottle-glass, put as much in each ear as will lie on 
a dime. The above is recommended in outside callous, 
such as spavin, ring-bone, curbs, wind-galls, etc. 
To make the hair grow on man or beast—Take 
milk of sulphur one-half drachm, sugar of lead one-half 
drachm, rose-water one-half gill; mix and bathe well 
twice a day for ten days. 
Cholera or diarrhea mixture — One ounce of 
laudanum, one ounce of spirits of camphor, one ounce 
spirits of nitre, half-ounce essence of peppermint, twenty 
drops of chloroform; put all in a bottle; shake well, and 802 
DISEASES OF HORSES. 
take half-teaspoonful in cold water once every six, twelve 
and twenty-four hours, according to the nature of the 
case. 
OTHER REMEDIES. 
Bots—Mix one pint honey with one quart sweet milk, 
give as a drench. One hour after dissolve one ounce 
pulverized copperas in a pint of water, use likewise, then 
give one quart of linseed oil. Cure effectual. 
Colic—After bleeding copiously in the mouth, take a 
half-pound of raw-cotton, wrap it around a coal of fire in 
such a way as to exclude the air, when it begins to 
smoke hold it under the horse’s nose until he becomes 
easy. Cure certain in ten minutes. 
Distemper—Take one and one-half gallon of blood 
from the neck-vein, then give a dose of sassafras oil; one- 
and one-half ounces is sufficient. Cure speedy and cer- 
tain. 
Fistula—When it makes its appearance, rowel both 
sides or the shoulder; if it should break, take one ounce 
of verdigris, one ounce of oil-resin, one ounce of cop- 
peras ; pulverize and mix together. Use it as a salve. 
Recipe for bone-spavin or ring-bone—Take a 
tablespoonful of corrosive sublimate, quicksilver about 
the size of a bean, three or four drops of muriatic acid, 
iodine about the size of a pea and lard enough to form a 
paste; grind the iodine and sublimate fine as flour, and 
put all together in a cup; mix well, then shear the hair all 
off the size you want; wash clean with soapsuds, rub dry, 
then apply the medicine. Let it stay on five days; if it 
does not take effect take it off, mix it over with a little 
more lard and add some fresh medicine. When the 
lump comes out wash it clean in soapsuds, then apply 
a poultice of cow-dung, leave it on twelve hours, then 
apply healing medicine. DISEASES OF CATTLE. 
803 
DISEASES OF CATTLE. 
GARGET IN COWS. 
This is explained to be hard swellings of the teats and 
bags of cows, caused often by their not being milked, or 
not milked clean. 
This difficulty may be removed by giving the cow a 
pint of beans. They may either be soaked in water and 
mixed with their feed, or first ground and then mixed 
with their feed. 
CHOKED CATTLE. 
1. A strong solution of salt in water, used as a drench, 
will in nearly every instance relieve this difficulty. 
2. Another mode of relief is to cause the animal to 
jump over as high a fence as possible. 
3. Another method, that will often cause the obstruc- 
tion to be ejected from the throat, is to discharge a gun 
or a revolver, holding the muzzle between the horns and 
a little forward of them. 
HOOF-ROT. 
Take one teacnpfnl of the best vinegar, two teacnpfnls 
of salt, one and one-half teacnpfnls of copperas. Dissolve 
on the stove, bnt not boil. When cool, apply to the 
affected parts once or twice a day. Two or three appli- 
cations nsnally cure. 804 
DISEASES OE CATTLE. 
TO DESTROY LICE. 
Take of coal-oil, ------- £ pint. 
Lard, - .... 1 « 
Melt, mix and apply. It will effectually kill all lice. 
Camphor-gum dissolved in spirits will promptly 
remove lice from animals. 
They are said to be removed by dipping the teeth of 
the curry-comb or card into coal-oil, and keeping it moist 
with it while currying or grooming the animal. 
RIGHT METHOD OF MILKING COWS. 
Many cows are ruined by bad milking. Too fre- 
quently, through carelessness and want of thoroughness, 
individuals will cause the usual quantity of milk to 
shrink one-third in two weeks. 
In milking they will seize the root of the teat between 
the thumb and forefinger, then drag upon it until it slips 
out of their grasp; this, together with the rude way of 
using the teat and udder, and their ill disposition to the 
cow completes the injury. 
BAD HABITS OF THE COW. 
Cows should always be treated with great gentleness, 
especially when young or when the teats are tender, in 
which case the udder ought to be washed with warm 
water before milking, and touched with the greatest gen- 
tleness, otherwise the cow will be in danger of contract- 
ing bad habits and retaining her milk ever after. A cow 
never lets down her milk pleasantly to the person she 
dreads or dislikes. PARSNIPS GOOD POR MILK. 
805 
PARSNIPS GOOD FOR MILK. 
Parsnips cause cows to produce abundance of milk, 
and they eat them as free as they do oil-cake, and the 
milk is like cream. Sheep, when lambing, fed with them, 
produce much milk. They are improper food for horses, 
subjecting them to blindness. 
NEW REMEDY FOR THE CATTLE-PLAGUE. 
Under the somewhat inappropriate sub-heading, “Sim- 
ula, similibus cur ant wr” the Eastern Budget published 
the following paragraph: “A landowner in Southern 
Russia has submitted a new remedy against the cattle 
plague to the Russian Agricultural Society. This remedy, 
which he says he has used with complete success on 
about four hundred cattle, consists in taking the skin of 
an animal which has died of the plague, rolling it round 
three 'puds (120 pounds) of salt, and then placing it for 
a whole night before a large fire. The salt thus pre- 
pared is then administered to healthy cattle, whom it 
inoculates with a mild form of the disease, from which 
they recover in from twenty to twenty-six hours, and 
then become entirely proof against the danger of infec- 
tion.” 
CURE FOR SCOURS IN CATTLE AND 
HORSES. 
Boil a quantity of wild-fcherry bark for an hour or 
more. The quantity of water should be sufficient to 
keep the bark covered while boiling. Soak corn, oats 806 
DISEASES OF CATTLE. 
or barley in this liquid and feed with it. It has proved 
one of the best remedies in use for this disease. 
SCOURS IN CALVES. 
Give a raw egg and repeat the dose twice a day. It 
can be administered by holding the tongue and pouring 
it down the throat. This is. a sure remedy. 
CURE FOR CATTLE SWELLED WITH GREEN 
FOOD. 
Instead of the usual method of stabbing in the sider 
give a dose of train-oil. This has been often tried with 
a successful result. The quantity of oil must be adapted 
to the size and age of the animal. For a grown-up beast, 
of average size, the right quantity is about a pint. 
TO CURE BLOODY MURRAIN OR BLACK LEG. 
1. Drench the animal twice a day with a teacnpfnl of 
salt and as mnch vinegar. No water should be given 
for ten hours after the drenching process. 
2. Dissolve a tablespoonful of saltpetre in a pint of 
water. This should be given at one dose. Give two 
doses the first day and one dose every succeeding day, 
until the cure is complete. This is said to have been 
successful after all other means had. failed. 
3. First bleed in the foot of the leg affected. Then cut 
a hole in the skin just above the soreness, insert a strong 
solution of saltpetre-water and work it down over the 
soreness with the hand. Let this and the corruption out 
by cutting a hole in the skin below. TO PREVENT MURRAIN IN CATTLE. 
807 
TO PREVENT MURRAIN IN CATTLE DURING 
ITS PREVALENCE. 
Give them, every three days, one tablespoonful of salt 
and two of slaked lime. 
SAWING OFF CATTLE’S HORNS. 
This operation is liable to result in inflammation of 
the head, madness, lock-jaw, or other dangerous mala- 
dies. Besides, the operation of sawing off horns is a 
very painful one to animals, and such a gross act of 
cruelty should never be performed. 
FATTENING CALVES. 
Calves will thrive better on milk that is not rich in 
butter, than on that which is. The reason of this is, the 
nutritive elements of milk are chiefly in the casein, and 
not in the butter-making properties. 
If you have a cow that gives rich milk and one that 
gives a quality poorer in butter, it is better to feed the 
calf on the milk of the latter. The calf will thrive bet- 
ter, and you will get more butter from the milk of the 
first cow. 
REARING CALVES—SAYING CREAM AND 
MILK. 
Take nearly the quantity of water that the calf can 
drink and while boiling add two handfuls of oatmeal. 808 
DISEASES OF CATTLE. 
When milk-warm, mix with it one or two quarts of 
skimmed milk, and feed it to your calf. This will make 
it grow much faster than by the old method. 
CREAM. 
The quantity of cream on milk may be greatly in- 
creased by the following process : Have two pans ready 
in boiling water, and when the new milk is brought in, 
put it in one of these hot pans and cover it with the 
other. The quality is improved as well as the quantity 
increased. 
BLOODY MILK. 
Give a teaspoonful of sulphur in a little dry bran 
once a day, and in severe cases it may be necessary to 
give it twice a day. 
SWELLED BAGS. 
This difficulty in cows is usually very readily removed 
when caused by cold and exposure, by dissolving one- 
lialf ounce of pulverized camphor-gum in two ounces of 
sweet-oil over a slow lire, and applying twice a day. 
TO INCREASE THE QUANTITY OF MILK 
IN COLD WEATHER. 
Slightly warm the water given to the cow, and to this 
add one quart of bran to two gallons of water, and a lit- 
tle salt. Give at least this amount three times a day. 
It will increase the amount of milk of many cows twenty- 
five per cent. Never give them the dirty slops from the 
kitchen. MARK OF GOOD COWS FOR MILK. 
809 
MARK OF GOOD COWS FOR MILK. 
The upward growth of the hair on the inside of the 
thighs of the cow, from immediately behind the bag as 
high as the hair grows. Smooth and fair-sized teats; 
slim neck and yellow skin apparent above the eyes and 
nose, are indications of rich milk and of a good cow. 
Another good indication is a striped hoof, though it is 
not infallible, but accompanied with soft, yellow skin, it 
is almost a sure sign of a good cow. A cow with black 
hoofs will seldom yield rich milk. 
KICKING COWS. 
This is sometimes caused by sore teats, tender bag, 
the milker pulling the long hairs on the bag, or his hav- 
ing long, sharp finger-nails. In such cases, shear off the 
long hairs and cut off the long nails ; bathe the chapped 
teats with warm water and grease them well with lard, 
and if they do not heal readily, or if it is a very severe 
case, apply equal parts of glycerine and tannic acid, 
mixed, and it will cure the difficulty very promptly. 
Another important consideration is to always treat 
your cow gently. 
If you find that she is like some men, has a bad tem- 
per—and the kicking originates from this cause, then 
bend the fore-leg so as to bring the foot up to the body ; 
then put a small strap around the arm and small part of 
the leg, near the hoof, crossing between so as not to slip 
off over the knee, and buckle. In this condition she 
cannot kick, and it is a good way to subdue her. Never 
confine the hind legs, singly or together, for in doing this 
there is danger of spoiling the animal. And never whip 
nor beat a cow in any case. 810 
DISEASES OE CATTLE. 
TO REMOVE WARTS ON COWS’ TEATS. 
Warts may be removed by cutting them off with 
shears; and this is not a very painful operation for the 
cow. Large warts may be removed by twisting a piece 
of tine wire sufficiently light around the wart to obstruct 
the circulation of the blood; and they will, in due time, 
drop off. Warts should not be removed while cows give 
milk. 
HOLLOW-HORN. 
Ponr strong spirits of camphor on the top of the head, 
once a day. Some recommend that the camphor he di- 
luted with water until it is very weak, and pour it into 
the ears of the animal. Some medical authorities on 
this subject advise that the horns be bored, while others 
are opposed to such a proceeding. Copperas is highly 
recommended in this disease. A teaspoonful is to be 
pulverized and mixed with the feed, and given each 
morning. If the animal does not eat, dissolve the cop- 
peras in water, and drench with it. A few doses are 
usually sufficient. DISEASES OF SHEEP. 
811 
DISEASES OF SHEEP. 
CARE OF SHEEP AND LAMBS. 
Keep sheep dry under foot. This is even more neces- 
sary than roofing them. Furnish them an ample supply 
of water during the winter months, as well as at other 
seasons of the year. Begin feeding grain with the 
greatest care, and use the smallest quantity at first. 
Never frighten sheep if possible to avoid it. Separate 
the weak sheep from the rest of the flock, in order to 
give them special attention. If a sheep is injured, wash 
the wound; if flies are troublesome, apply spirits of 
turpentine every day or every second day. Cut tag- 
locks early in the spring. If sheep are given pine- 
boughs once a week, it has a tendency to prevent dis- 
ease, increase health and create an appetite. 
FOR SCAB. 
Mix one part of linseed-oil with two of coal-oil. One 
application of this will generally effect a cure. 
STRETCHES. 
Give a strong tea of red peppers. Dose, one-fourth of 
a pint. Follow this by giving the sheep exercise : such 
as running them around the lot or field for eight or ten 
minutes. 812 
DISEASES OF SHEEP. 
FOOT ROT IN SHEEP. 
Salt will very materially relieve, and not unfrequently 
entirely cure this disease. It is given freely in their 
feed, and sprinkled on the grass they eat. 
Another—Potash, 4 ounces. 
Arsenic, 4 “ 
Water, 1 gallon. 
Boil till dissolved. 
When you discover that sheep have become lame, 
pass them through a trough holding a warm solution 
containing the proportions of the above. The amount 
to be used will depend on the number of sheep to be 
treated. Let your trough be twenty or twenty-five feet 
long, and just wide enough to admit one sheep walking 
after the other. Keep it about three inches deep, of the 
solution. Two thousand sheep can be run through in a 
few hours, and this will result in a cure. 
SORE HEAD. 
This disease is connected with, or often the sequel of 
and produced by the striking of the fly. Next to the 
tail of the sheep the head is the most frequently and 
seriously attacked, and in the animals’ trying to defend 
themselves from their tormentors, they are continually 
striking their heads with their hind feet, until sores are 
formed, from which many others, perhaps, will soon be 
observed, originating from the first. 
Treatment: First make a nice-fitting cap for the head 
out of soft, thin leather, or of stout, brown paper, or of 
strong, cotton cloth. In cutting, fitting and making this 813 
CATARRH. 
cap, the eyes must be left plenty of room, in order that 
the ointment preparation may not get on the lids and 
close the eyes. The ointment is composed of two 
pounds of black pitch, one pound each of tar and flow- 
ers of sulphur. Melt these materials together in an iron 
pot over a very slow fire, constantly stirring the ingre- 
dients as they begin to melt. The compound must be 
carefully and constantly watched, or it will boil over 
into the fire and be lost. As soon as the materials 
are thoroughly melted and mixed together, the vessel 
should be removed from the fire, before they begin 
to boil, for they will swell rapidly, and the whole mass 
would run over and be lost. While the ointment is 
warm and soft spread a good thick coating on the inside 
of the cap fitted to the head. The dressing should be 
done at night. The ointment will gradually cool, and 
the cap will stick close to the head. 
CATARRH. 
Immerse a small feather in spirits of turpentine, and 
insert it into the nostril of the sheep. Twirl it around 
once or twice before withdrawing it. Ordinary cases 
will be cured with one application. More severe ones 
by two or three, to be applied at intervals of two or 
three days. 
SCOURS IN SHEEP 
Give pulverized alum in wheat-bran. Great care in 
changing from dry to green feed should be exercised. 
FOR LAMENESS. 
Examine the foot, clean out between the hoofs, paro 
the hoof, if unsound, and apply a wash of carbolic acid. 814 
SHEEP—MISCELLANEOUS. 
TO PREVENT DOGS FROM KILLING SHEEP. 
If sheep are kept in the same lot with cattle, dogs 
will not disturb them ; for, almost invariably, as soon as 
a dog approaches sheep they will run to the cattle, and 
these will drive the dog away. 
TO PREVENT SHEEP, CATTLE AND OTHER 
ANIMALS FROM JUMPING. 
Clip the eyelashes of the underlids with a pair of 
scissors. This, it is said, destroys the ability and dispo- 
sition to jump, and the animal will not again make the 
attempt until the eyelashes are grown. 
TO MARK SHEEP WITHOUT INJURY TO 
THE WOOL. 
To thirty spoonfuls of linseed-oil, add two ounces of 
litharge and one ounce of lamp-black: unite them 
together by boiling, and mark the sheep therewith. HOGS. 
815 
HOGS. 
HOW TO PREVENT HOG-CHOLERA AND 
OTHER DISEASES. 
Keep your hogs in good clean fields ; give them access 
to pure water—even though you should he compelled to 
dig a well for that purpose; a good pump and plenty of 
suitable troughs, cleansed every week, will cost but little 
and will always prove a valuable outlay. Provide also, 
in the dryest part of the field, a good shelter, both from 
sun and rain. And by no means allow them sleep on 
old straw or manure. Leaves or dry ground make healthy 
beds. In troughs, near by their resting-places, once each 
week, place a composition of salt, soda and red pepper. 
To four parts of the first article add one part of the lat- 
ter. Our common red peppers will do very well; they 
should, however, be well pulverized, and all the ingre- 
dients thoroughly mixed. Most healthy animals will 
readily devour salt. To obtain it they will also take the 
alkali and the stimulant. It is not offered as a patent 
remedy, but simply as a preventive of the injurious 
effects of the foul gases and the pestiferous filth in which 
hogs wallow. Exclusive grain-feeding has a tendency to 
produce cholera; therefore other kinds of food should be 
employed in connection with grain. Among the best are 
artichokes and turnips. Hogs should have free access to 
mud and water. They seem to be a natural disinfectant. 
When hogs are being fattened in pens they should be 
turned out during damp weather. 
Stone-coal or charcoal should be kept where they can 
have free access to it. 816 
DISEASES 0E HOGS. 
BLIND STAGGERS. 
This almost invariably originates from too high feed- 
ing. In order to cure the difficulty it is necessary to 
withhold the food from the hogs for a day or two, and 
feed them very small quantities of sulphur and charcoal. 
LICE ON HOGS. 
Apply crude petroleum-oil once a month and no more of 
the vermin will appear. 
Boil tobacco (leaf-tobacco if you can procure it) until 
you have a strong decoction, and add enough of grease 
or lard to make a thin salve; apply thoroughly, and in 
one day there will be no vestige of lice left. 
HOG-CHOLERA. 
To prevent liog cholera take one peck of charcoal, one 
pound of cape-aloes, one pound of rosin, one pound of 
sulphur; mix and keep in the bottom of the trough. 
To cure this disease, take of 
Sal-soda, 2 pounds. 
Sulphur, 1 “ 
Saltpetre, \ “ 
This will make four doses for forty head; to be given 
night and morning. 
Another—A correspondent writes us that turnips are 
an admirable remedy for the hog-cholera. They should 
be given them for their feed daily. Farmers who have 
employed this remedy say that it is simply infallible. FOWLS 
817 
FOWLS. 
REMEDY FOR ROUP. 
To cure the roup, when a bird is attacked with the 
characteristic cough of the malady, or has tenacious 
mucus about the beak, with difficulty of breathing, I 
place it in a wicker-coop in a quiet shed, and put before 
it a drinking fountain containing about a gill of water 
with which I have mixed one drop of solution of aconite, 
third potency (may be had of any Homoeopathic physi- 
cian). In every instance during three years this treat- 
ment has had an effect almost marvelous; for, upon 
visiting the patient an hour or two afterward, I have 
found that the symptoms had vanished. The attack for 
a day or two is liable to return, yet each time in a lighter 
form; but continuing the medicine has in no instance, 
with us, failed completely to remove the ailment in about 
forty-eight hours. In case the disease should have made 
so much progress before it is observed that the sufferer is 
unable to drink, it will be necessary to give the dose. 
This is easily accomplished by pouring into the throat 
about a teaspoonful of the water every hour.—[Finan- 
ciers’ Journal. 
CHICKEN-CHOLERA. 
It was very bad here last spring, and I will tell your 
readers how we cured it. For every forty fowls we took 
a piece of asafoetida the size of a hickory-nut, broke it 818 
FOWLS. 
in small pieces and mixed it in about a pint of corn- 
meal, wet it thoroughly with boiling water, and placed 
it near the roosting-place, so that the chickens could eat 
of it the first thing in the morning. If they were not too 
near dead to eat, a cure was certain.—[.Letter to Ohio 
Farmer. 
TO FATTEN FOWLS IN A SHORT TIME. 
Mix together ground rice well scalded with milk, and 
add some coarse sugar. Feed them with this, but not 
too much at once. 
COLD AND CATARRH. 
Give pulverized red pepper, or which is the same 
thing, Cayenne-pepper, in soft feed, every day or two 
until relieved. Keep your fowls on dry, elevated places, 
if possible. 
Putrid affections are prevented by occasionally 
mixing pulverized charcoal with the food of chickens. 
LICE. 
Lice or vermin on fowls, about their nests, etc., can be 
very readily removed by sprinkling kerosene-oil on their 
roosts and nests. Or, a better plan is to tack a narrow 
strip of old cloth on the top of the scantling on which 
they roost and then sprinkle the oil on this. Another 
good means is to sprinkle some sulphur on the ground 
where they dust themselves. To make roosts of sassafras 
poles is also highly recommended. DKOOPIXG WIXGS. 
819 
DROOPING WINGS. 
Take some lard and apply a little underneath the 
wings of the fowls and on their beaks and it will soon 
remedy this difficulty. This drooping usually originates 
from vermin, which the grease will remove. 
CHOLERA. 
A good remedy is to feed raw onions, chopped fine, 
mixed with their food, about twice or three times a week, 
A remedy published by the Department of Agriculture, 
is alum-water; three or four teaspoonfuls of it are to 
be mixed with their feed and given daily. This is said 
to cure the very worst cases. 
Another— 
Spirits of turpentine, - - 2 teaspoonfuls. 
Sulphur, 1| ounces. 
Bran or meal, - - - 1 quart. 
Mix. Feed once a day. It is usually an effectual 
cure for this disease. 
TO FATTEN TURKEYS. 
Mix finely pulverized charcoal with their feed, and 
turkey s will fatten more rapidly and their flesh will be 
superior in tenderness. Mashed potatoes and meal are 
good articles to feed turkeys with, and to mix the pul- 
verized coal with. 820 
FOWLS. 
TO MAKE HENS EAY. 
To one and a half gallons of boiling water add two 
ounces of lard, two teaspoonfuls of common salt and one 
of Cayenne-pepper. Stir tlie mixture thoroughly; then, 
while boiling, stir in equal proportions of corn and oat- 
meal until a thick mush is formed. It will be well to 
taste the feed in order to see that you do not have an 
overdose of pepper or salt in the preparation. This feed 
is not to be given the fowls all the time ; a change occa- 
sionally is necessary ; and on days when it is omitted, 
give them about one-half an ounce apiece of fresh meat, 
chopped line. At all times keep a good supply of gravel, 
lime and pure water convenient to them. It is said that 
hens may be made to lay eggs the “year round” by 
feeding them on red peppers, or mixing it with their feed 
and giving it to them two or three times a week. 
Another—Another mode that is highly recommended 
for making hens lay perpetually, is to keep them sepa- 
rate from the rooster; give each half an ounce a day of 
fresh meat, chopped up like sausage-meat, from the time 
insects disappear in the fall until they appear again in 
the spring, and never allow any eggs to remain in the 
nest for what is called nest-eggs. 
A hen is said to have the capacity of laying 600 eggs, 
and no more. A few the first year, about 320 to 380 the 
next, and the balance from the fifth to ninth year inclu- 
sive. Therefore, it is not profitable to keep hens after 
their fourth year. By feeding proper and stimulating 
food as above given, hens can be made to lay the quan- 
tity of eggs with which they are endowed in much 
shorter time than if left to “ scratch for themselves.” 821 
GAPES. 
It is scarcely necessary to state that roosters should 
not Ibe excluded from the hens, when it is desired to 
hatch chickens from eggs. 
In order to raise chickens successfully, the male birds 
should be replaced with a different breed once every two 
years. 
GAPES. 
When taken in the first stages, camphor will relieve 
this difficulty. Give a portion, the size of a wheat-grain, 
daily, and put camphor in the drinking-water. Spirits 
of turpentine will often accomplish the same purpose. 
It may be given in meal. At the same time improve the 
deficiencies of diet and shelter your fowls ; a want of 
which are the causes of this difficulty. In very severe 
cases of gapes, if it is desirable, they can be relieved by 
introducing a loop of horse-hair into the wind-pipe, and 
turning it round during its withdrawal; this will bring 
out the worm which is the cause of this difficulty. Fre- 
quently it is necessary to repeat the operation in order to 
extract all the worms. Small portions of dough mixed 
with soft-soap, given once or twice, is reputed a cure for 
gapes. 
EGG-EATING HENS. 
This habit can be effectually cured by breaking an egg, 
sprinkling the contents with Cayenne-pepper, and turn- 
ing the egg round so as to get the pepper below the 
yolk; after which place the egg in the nest or where the 
hen will get it. It is seldom that the dose will have to 
be repeated. Hens very seldom, if ever, eat their eggs 
when they are properly supplied with lime, gravel and 
animal food. 822 
BEES 
PULVERIZED BONES FOR FOWLS. 
Burn them white, when they can be easily pulverized. 
Then mix with corn or oatmeal, and feed once a day. 
TO PRESERVE EGGS. 
Take eggs as soon as they are laid and smear them 
with butter, and they will keep good for months. Lard is 
recommended for the same purpose. 
TO TEST GOOD EGGS. 
When it is desired to test good and fresh eggs, put 
them in water; if the large end turn up, they are not 
good. This is a reliable rule to distinguish good from 
bad eggs. 
BEES. 
A community of bees is generally understood to con- 
tain from twelve to thirty thousand individuals. About 
nine-tenths of this number are working bees, and the 
remaining tenth drones; and at the head of this com- 
monwealth, there is a personage entitled “the queen.” 
The queen—This important individual differs, in 
appearance and functions from all the other members of WOEKIXG BEES. 
823 
the family. She is darker, longer and more taper in 
figure than the common bee; her legs are shorter, wings 
longer, and her color underneath is a yellowish-brown. 
She has a sting, which she uses only on important occa- 
sions. She is the mother of the whole family, and has 
been known to produce a hundred thousand eggs in a 
year. She is not only a mother, but a sovereign, and so 
loyal are her subjects that the absence, whether by death 
or otherwise, of their queen, causes an immediate sus- 
pension of all labor and the speedy dispersion of the 
whole hive. 
Working Bees—These are smaller than the queen 
and drones, and habitually make provision for the sus- 
tenance of the whole family. They proceed on the 
principle of what is now called a “ division of labor,” 
the secret of which man may be said to have learned 
from the bee. Some make the comb, others keep the 
eggs warm, others feed the queen and young brood, 
others ventilate and clean the hive, others stand as sen- 
tinels to guard against attack and warn of danger, while 
still other 5 collect the required flower and honey. 
The drones—These are large, dark and hairy, have 
no stings, are heavy on the wing, and the sound of their 
humming so much deeper as to have given rise to the 
common term of “ droning.” They are sometimes the 
victims of a war of extermination waged against them 
by the workers. 
Swarming—When the hive contains too many to 
leave space for breeding young bees and storing honey, 
they swarm, or colonize. If the owner does not wish to 
lose his bees, he must prevent this by providing more 
hives or more room in the parent-hive; either of which 
will have the desired effect. 
Artificial swarming—This should be undertaken 
only when the nights are warm and honey abundant in 824 
BEES. 
the fields. To divide them, have a hive at hand, of the 
same size and pattern as the others. Then from four 
hives take two frames each and place them in the new 
hive, supplying their place in the old with empty frames. 
Then move an undisturbed hive to a new place a rod or 
more away, and place the new hive where the old one 
stood. This should be done in the middle of a fine day, 
when many bees are absent in the fields. These will 
come to their old place and find it strange; but, as it 
contains stores and eggs from which to rear another 
queen, they will remain contented in their new home. 
This may be repeated every two weeks, until you have 
secured sufficient room, and no hive will think of swarm- 
ing. 
Position of the hive—The best is a sheltered place, 
on low ground, as far as possible from damp, noxious 
smells and disturbing sounds. 
Time of changing: hives—The best time for this is 
about the swarming season, which varies with the lati- 
tude and climate. 
Food for bees—Whenever this is really required, 
refuse honey is the best; though various substitutes for 
this have been resorted to, not unsuccessfully. 
Pasturage for bees—Wild-flowers, clover, peas, 
beans, fruit-trees of all kinds, flowers of the broom, furze 
and bramble—these are the best feeding-ground for the 
bee. Cactus, black hellebore and mignonette are also 
favorable. Many others are appropriate to different sec- 
tions as the Pacific Coast etc. 
Water-supply—If there be no convenient natural 
supply, a small vessel must be placed near the hive and 
frequently filled to the brim. To guard against drown- 
ing, a thin piece of wood, perforated with holes, may be 
so placed upon the water as to cover its whole surface. 
Sunshine and shadow—Too much heat is injurious 825 
ENEMIES OE BEES. 
to "bees. They should never be exposed to the full glare 
of the sun in hot weather. 
Enemies of bees—Domestic fowls sometimes, some 
birds, especially the titmouse, or blue tomtit, mice, rats, 
slugs, snails, wasps and hornets. Against all these, 
adequate care and watchfulness will protect the hives. 
Care of bees in winter— A. cold, dry, dark room is 
the best winter-quarters for bees. They will consume 
less honey than if left on their summer stands, and will 
not be weakened by the loss of thousands, which, tempted 
out by the premature warmth, are caught by the cold 
winds, fall to the ground and never rise again. 
Never kill a bee—The smoke of the common puff 
ball, when dried so as to hold fire, has a stupefying effect 
on the bees, and renders them as harmless as brimstone 
does, without any of its deadly effects. DIVISION NINTH. 
HOME. 
C. D. X. CAMPBELL. 
This is one of those common words which we all un- 
derstand, perhaps, after our several fashions, but which 
none is able precisely to define. It would seem to mean 
one thing to one man, and something quite different to 
another, very much according to the capacity, culture and 
disposition of each. Our ideas of home are somewhat 
like our ideas of God. 
T1IE GKEAT SPIEIT 
of the savage does certainly not much resemble the 
God of the enlightened Christian. Many of the attri- 
butes of these beings are just the opposites of each 
other. But, behind the crude or imperfect notions of 
both there might, perhaps, be discovered a Divine 
Reality, if one were only wise and great enough to find 
it. So, though men differ widely in their conceptions of 
what constitutes a home, there may possibly be some 
common elements, apparent to the eye of a close and 
exclusive analysis, in which all would agree, and which 
must therefore constitute the real and only essentials of HOME. 
827 
that substantial thing which all men quickly recognize, 
hut upon all the conditions of which so few are entirely 
agreed. 
It would further seem that, among these essential 
elements of home, and perhaps first among them, is a 
nameless if not wholly 
INDESCRIBABLE CHARM. 
This is like the fragrance of an odoriferous shrub or 
flower, which proclaims its neighborhood through miles 
of distance, and is strongest in the silence and dark- 
ness of the night. Something like this is the charm of 
home. The heart scents it from afar, when the eye can- 
not behold it, and gloats on the ideal picture of its beau- 
ties amidst the silence of solitude and the blackness of 
actual desolation. Hence, none have written more 
eloquently upon the charms of home than 
the homeless. 
The author of “ Home, sweet home,” was a wanderer 
and an exile, and sang hut the passionate picture of his 
own sad and lonely heart. Rest, peace, love, friendship, 
joy—these, and much more which we cannot name or 
characterize, are the constituents of that wonderful 
charm which dwells in the word, Home. These are the 
hreath of its fragrance and the odor of its thought. 
These, with the simple utterance of the name, let into 
the heart, as through an open window, the light of 
beauty and the atmosphere of purity; and it is these 
that render a home, whether real or fancied, 
“the dearest spot oh earth” 
to every man. 
The influence of this most wonderful and sacred of 
all institutions is, in its nature, purely centripetal, or 828 
HOME. 
attractive; it is the gravitating force which restrains hu- 
manity from wide and lawless wandering; and it oper- 
ates in two directions: it pulls forward, and it drags 
backward: it incites to build, and it acts to restrain. 
Its antetype is in the heart of every good man and 
woman. It is an ideal picture, which all feel that they 
must somehow place upon the canvas of their lives; an 
imaginative structure, which they must build at the cost 
of all their earthly possessions, or life itself will be des- 
titute of meaning and of end. To this, they are natur- 
ally and irresistibly drawn. This is the meaning of 
labor, of enterprise, of thought, and of all the passion- 
ate attachments of the heart. The visions of the youth, 
and the dreams of the maiden have this common inter- 
pretation. The apparently mysterious forces of sexual, 
kindred and social attachments and aversions find here 
their clear solution, and draw hence all their spring and 
energy. Love and hate, friendship and dislike, coldness 
and indifference, the realities of time, and even the 
VISIONS OF ETERXITY, 
are inspired by this passionate longing for home. It is 
just because this longing is so seldom satisfied, this 
vision so rarely realized; because the actual experience 
of home has disappointed by its imperfectness and 
pained by its discords: it is because of this that men 
and women, despairing of their ideals in this world, 
have looked to realize them in another and better, and 
so come to think that the disappointments of earth may 
be atoned for by the fruitions of heaven. It is thus seen 
that the design of all theology, and even of all religion, 
is the realization of this common desire for 
A PERFECT HOME; 
hell itself being but the everlasting limbo to which the HOME. 
829 
revengeful heart consigns the enemies and disturbers of 
its domestic peace. 
Imperfect, however, as is the home of earth, and far 
as it commonly falls short of realizing the ideal of youth 
and maturity, yet, once built, according to man’s best, it 
throws around him an indissoluble chain. To maintain 
it in being and add to its attractions, becomes now the 
one purpose of his life and labor. For this, he toils by 
day and watches by night. In the field, the shop, the 
office, the laboratory, the library, the forum—everywhere 
—the worker works for home. Allured to the paths of 
adventure, vice or crime, he is held back by the 
TIE OF HOME. 
Driven to despair by want or wToe, and longing for the 
rest of the grave, the rash hand of the suicide in thought 
is paralyzed by the memories of home. Frantic with 
rage or bitter with revenge, the thought of direful conse- 
quences to those he loves curbs the wrath which might 
wreak itself in blood. If he is a good citizen—the con- 
servator of those moral influences which hold society 
within the bounds of order and decorum—all this is due 
to the domestic stake he must venture for the gratification 
of an illegal avarice or illicit lust. In short, the factors 
of every enduring social state and the constituents of 
every permanent and advancing civilization, lie in the 
homes they embrace and of whose tender energies they 
are the 
If there be virtue, honor, worth, purity and peace on 
earth, they were born in its homes and will perish with 
their extinction. 
The stormful gusts, which occasionally shake society 
to its national centres and threaten the overthrow of all 
CRYSTALLIZED EXPRESSION. 830 
HOME. 
the institutions which Time has consecrated, issue from 
those apparently sudden and cyclic changes which peri- 
odically occur in the domestic temperature of the world 
When, at any period in the history of a nation, love 
becomes a jest, friendship a myth and honor a name; 
when the night of Despotism has settled down clear and 
cold and drear, extinguishing those fires of purity and 
trust which burned upon the hearth of home: then the 
wild ruffianism of the individual man breaks forth in 
ANARCHY AND BLOOD. 
As it was with France, in ’89, so will it be with every 
nationality on the earth: when the state, by its arbitrary 
social distinctions and unequal laws, invades and 
tramples upon the sacredness of home, it simply takes 
its own life ; because the state is the product of its homes 
and has unnaturally destroyed those factors of which its 
dignity, grandeur and authority were the 
MERE MULTIPLE. 
When the state becomes paternal in its government; 
when it undertakes to educate or to regulate, in any other 
interest than the conservation of the public peace, the 
children of its citizens : then it usurps the highest and 
dearest prerogative of the royalty of home ; and it will, 
in time, snatch all the others ; and then, indeed, it will 
have committed national suicide; for society will dissolve 
and go back to its original elements. The Spirit of Pro- 
gress, so called, who now stands embracing the pillars 
of the temple of our National Freedom, is the 
BLIND SAMPSON 
whose strength is coming fast, and who will soon how 
himself to bury all in a 
COMMON RUIN. HOME. 
831 
Sucli, then, being the influence and effects of the home 
it may be well, if possible, that we should form some 
distinct conception of its essential conditions. 
The flrst of these is, obviously, the presence of 
ONE MAN AND ONE WOMAN, 
who have mutually chosen each other out of all the 
world, and who are held together by the same attraction 
of mutual and exclusive choice. This it is that makes 
true marriage ; and those, and those only, who are thus 
wedded, are true husbands and true wives. They may 
be of any faith, or of no faith. The ceremony which 
united them may be gorgeous and elaborate as that of 
Rome, or simple and natural as that of an untaught 
savage. 
THE ESSENTIAL THING 
is, that they love and prefer each other to all the world. 
This being granted, they are the common centre of the 
circle of home. They make its earliest constituent, 
and its prime and essential condition. Without this, 
there may be much that is charming and bright, but 
there is no home. Indeed, whatever of brightness or of 
charm may be discerned in those broken circles to which 
this element is wanting, will be found, on a careful 
examination, to owe their presence to the sacred memory 
and still potent influence of this primal fact. If the 
children cling to the old roof-tree, under whose shelter 
sits the lonely and widowed husband or wife, it is because 
the vacant place was once so honorably and tenderly 
filled that the simple recollection of the lost has still the 
power to charm and bind. It is a power so 
that death itself cannot quite cancel it. This, then—the 
ENDURING AND SACRED 832 
HOME 
presence of one man and one woman, joined together in 
a tender and sacred union of hearts—makes the earliest 
element of the real home. 
The next—and the immediate and proper consequence 
of this—is the presence of parents and children. When 
the loving wife 
RIPENS INTO MATERNITY 
under the chaste and tender influence of her husband’s 
embraces, she is not only fulfilling the ends of Nature 
and the law of God, but she is adding another and equally 
essential constituent to the home. Indeed she is helping, 
as in no other way so efficiently she can help, to build 
the home. Not all the domestic virtues combined can 
atone for the 
CURSE OF BARRENNESS. 
This is the greatest of all misfortunes. Until her babe 
smiles in its mother’s face and coos in its father’s arms, 
their common being is incomplete. Strange and awful 
depths of tenderness are unsealed by the presence of the 
little one, whose waters could never else have purified 
and gladdened the hearts of the husband and wife. 
Holding this treasure in their arms, they 
TASTE A DIVINE JOY 
and nnlearn tlie hardened selfishness of life. Their 
nnion is now first complete. They are not merely huS' 
band and wife, but the common parents of that bud of 
being which they see unfolding under their eyes; and 
this fact invests either with a new and unspeakable dear- 
ness to the other. It is no longer John and Jane, that 
each sees in the other, but the father and mother of my 
boy; and both feel that the mutual tenderness of wedded 
love bore no comparison to the mutual tenderness of 
WEDDED PARENTAGE. HOME 
833 
And besides this, the birth of the little stranger has, in 
some new and mysterious way, made them akin to all 
humanity. The childhood of the world has crept into 
their bosoms and made its home there. They love all 
children for their own child’s sake. Even the beggar’s 
brat, which they were wont to pass with disgusted feel- 
ings and averted eyes, seems now to be invested wfith a 
new and inexplicable charm. Their eyes have been 
somehow unsealed, so that they can look through the 
dirt and rags down to the 
ATTGEL TTATUEE 
which they hide. 
It seems hardly conceivable that any wife could be 
willing to forego this divine joy of motherhood and this 
sacred duty of home-building, for the unnatural claims 
and doubtful pleasures of fashionable society; yet 
such wives we are assured there are, and not a few. In 
the larger towns and cities—the so-called centres of civi- 
lization—it is said that, with many society-ladies, 
motherhood is dreaded as a curse and prevented by 
crime. Undoubtedly, so far as they are concerned, the 
sin brings its own punishment, and the punishment is 
sufficiently severe. It makes no difference, that they 
are for the present unconscious and dreadless of that 
HAEVEST OF WOE 
whose seeds their jewelled hands are sowing every day. 
It will come soon and fast enough. In broken health and 
blighted life—in loneliness and lovelessnes—they will 
realize, at last, that they are reaping as they have sown. 
But the crime against society—the sin against government 
and race—the infidelity to marriage vows and obligations 
—the putting out of the light of a home—the blighting 
of human possibilities of greatness and worth—the 834 
HOME 
destruction of a factor in the purity of society and the 
strength of a state! what personal suffering of the 
wretched criminal can atone for this ? During an eternity 
of misery—could she suffer it—this sin would grow 
blacker by all the 
SMOKE OE HEE TOEMENT, 
and greater with every groan of her anguish. The suf- 
ferings of the sinner cannot undo the sin; albeit, it is 
ordained, by the organic law of our being, that the sinner 
shall suffer. We see, however, still more distinctly, by 
the lurid light of such a crime against nature and society, 
how essential is that second condition of home, which 
we have named as the relation of parents and children. 
Another of those essential constituents of home whose 
importance it would be‘difficult to exaggerate, is a 
DWELLING-PLACE. 
This, if possible, should he the inalienable possession 
of its occupants. Let it be altered, improved, amended, 
if they will and can, but never, save under the stress of 
urgent necessity, abandoned. The local attachments of 
our nature are strong and ineradicable. The popular 
proverb, “ A rolling stone gathers no moss,” is fairly 
applicable not alone to material possessions, but to those 
higher acquisitions which enrich the understanding and 
the heart. These are rubbed away and lost by the sharp 
attritions of local change, until one becomes a- mere 
HUMAN BOULDEE, 
the mechanical result of the circumstances which have 
swept, tossed, and washed him hither and thither, and 
left him lying helpless and supine, at the mercy of 
every elemental and impulsive force. The steady and 
unchanged homestead, on the other hand, is the soil; in 835 
HOME 
which the dwellers are infixed like the strong rocks, 
which laugh at the storms of life, and successfully resist 
all violent and injurious change. 
In process of time, there are transferred to such a spot 
and made a part of it 
INNUMERABLE ASSOCIATIONS, 
joyful or sad, but all alike tender and endearing. The 
graves of forefathers and mothers, the home-coming of 
brides, the departure of sons and daughters, the birth 
and death of children—all have left their traces on 
house and furniture and soil. These dumb, material 
things are eloquent of all the interests and emotions of 
the home circle. They bind its members to the spot, or 
force them, if they wander, 
“To drag, with every step, a lengthening chain.” 
Years afterward, indeed, when the family is extinct or 
scattered; when the fences are fallen down, the hearth- 
stone cold and the house a battered ruin : the footstep 
of a lonely stranger, treading there, is repelled by unseen 
forces, and something says, 
“ As plain as whisper in the ear, 
The place is haunted.” 
Haunted, indeed and forever it is, by the nndying ghosts 
of the passionate hearts that once dwelt and revelled 
there. 
So strong, so enduring, so imperishable is the in- 
fluence of a dwelling place. No doubt, 
some cannot have it. 
It is out of their power to purchase and own their own 
•dwellings. The necessity of their pecuniary circum- 836 
HOME 
stances or local surroundings forces them to rent and 
occupy, on such terms as they may, the hired tenements 
of others. This is especially true of the working classes 
in the cities. But even they may shun, as much as pos- 
sible, removals from house to house. They may select 
a modest dwelling, at a price so distantly removed from 
the outer margin of their means as to promise perma- 
nence of occupancy if they so choose, and stay there; and 
this will prove, in time, a tolerable substitute for owner- 
ship. Gradually, the place will grow warm and dear to 
them. Should their pecuniary circumstances solidly 
improve, then, instead of seeking another and more 
eligible situation, let them take a long lease of the one 
they now occupy, and proceed to renovate it in accord- 
ance with their better tastes and larger abilities. This 
will give them that 
FIXEDNESS OF ABODE 
which is essential to home, and which no money ex- 
pended elsewhere can purchase. 
But a worse practice than that of frequent removals 
seems to be steadily gaining ground in the towns and 
cities ; and that is, the custom of 
FAMILY-BOAEDING. 
This, it is urged, is both convenient and cheap. The 
wife has more leisure for society, and the husband more 
time and money for business and pleasure. Neither is 
worried or hindered by the annoyances of housekeeping. 
All this may be true: though we doubt about the 
economy, from what seems to us the sufficiently signifi- 
cant fact, that poor families 
They make a home for themselves because they must. 
CANNOT AFFOED TO BOAED. 837 
HOME. 
It would seem, then, that families board not because 
they cannot afford to keep house, but because they can- 
not afford to do so in a certain style which they deem 
essential to their social standing. If they could go to 
a grand and 
SPLENDIDLY APPOINTED HOUSE, 
they would all go to-morrow, and we should hear no 
more of the conveniences of boarding. Then, it is to 
this false and tyranical god of Social Appearances that 
they sacrifice their comfort, their privacy and their 
home; for in boarding they can have none of these. 
They cannot choose their own table, their own hours, 
their own company, or their own entrances and exits. 
They must go in and out, up and down, at the beck and 
call of others. Their children must be deprived of their 
natural liberty, of all wholesome discipline, and ex- 
posed to the baneful influence and injurious caprices of 
strangers. Above all, they must be homeless; for a 
boarding-house is not, and 
CANNOT BE MADE A HOME 
for any one—not even for its keepers. And to compen- 
sate for all this they have two priceless privileges : the 
luxury of being considered respectable and the liberty 
of grumbling ; and it must be confessed that they exer- 
cise the last so constantly that, one would think, it must 
be inexpressibly dear to them. If its exercise, however, 
can compensate them for the ruin of two homes—their 
own and that of the family with whom they board—we 
must say, that they richly deserve that 
CUESE OF HOMELESSNESS 
which they suffer and inflict. However, should they he 838 
HOME. 
forced by kind adversity to abandon the boarding-house, 
though for the poorest tenement in all their knowledge, 
they will learn at last, with grateful and happy hearts, 
how much truth lives in the immortal line, 
“ Be it ever so humble, there’s no place like home.” INDEX. 
PAGE. 
Abscess-root 295 
Acacia Arabica 303 
Acacia catechu 246 
Acetic acid 191 
Achillea millefolium 443 
Acidity of the stomach 453 
Acid, Tannic ' 414 
Acidum tannicum 414 
Acidum aceticum 191 
Aconite 190 
Aconitum napellus 190 
Acorus calamus 412 
Actaea alba 428 
Acute bronchitis 469 
Adder-tongue 277 
Adults, Diet for in consumption 97 
AEsculus glabra 240 
ALsculus hippocastanum 307 
Affusion, The (Hyd.) 620 
African columbo 264 
Agave Yirginica 263 
Age, Diet in old 151 
Agrimonia eupatoria 192 
Agrimony 192 
Ague and fever 457 
Ague-root 421 
Ague-weed 234 
Ail an thus glandulosa 419 
Airing beds in the morning 488 
Air, Night 475 
Air, Pure in kitchen 487 
Alcea rosea 306 
Alcohol 17 
Alcoholic liquors 525 
Alder, Black 227 
Alder, Spotted 439 
Alder, Striped 405 
Alder, Tag 412 840 
INDEX. 
PAGE. 
Aletris farinosa 421 
Allium sativum ’ 288 
Allspice 194 
Allspice, Wild 397 
Almond, Cutting 270 
Almus serrulata 412 
Aloe perfoliata 191 
Aloes 191 
Althoea ✓. 334 
Alum 193 
Alumen 193 
Alum-root 193 
Amaranth 366 
Amber 194 
Ambrosia elatior 371 
American centaury 253 
American columbo 262 
American hellebore 196 
American ipecac 197 
American ivy 197 
American sarsaparilla 195 
American senna 198 
American valerian 323, 341 
Ammonia, Aqua of. 397 
Ammonia, Keep in the bouse 4S4 
Ammonia, Spirits of. 397 
Ammonium, Bromide of. 236 
Ampilopsis quinquefolia 197 
Amygdalus persica 352 
Anagalis arvensis 363 
Amanthus bypocbandriocus 366 
Angelica 198 
Angelica arcbangelica 198 
Angelica tree 365 
Angelica, Wild 268 
Animal food 21, 504 
Animal food, Loss in cooking 163 
Animals, Domestic 741 
Anise-seed 199 
Anthemis cotula 276 
Antliemis nobilis 251 
Ants, To destroy 483 
Apium petroselinum 351 
Aposynum androssemifolium 216 
Apocynum cannabinum 313 
Apoplexy (Iiyd.) 635 
Apoplexy (Horn.) 679 
Appetite, Loss of. (Hyd.) 650 
Apple, Bitter 260 INDEX. 
841 
PAGE. 
Apple, May 336 
Apple, Thorn 403 
Apple-tree bark 199 
Apple-water 186 
Aqua of ammonia 397 
Aralia hispida 274 
Aralia nudicaulis 195 
Aralia racemosa 396 
Aralia spinosa 305 
Aranea tela 395 
Arbor vitae 201 
Arbutus, Trailing 418 
Arbutus uva ursi 422 
Arctium lappa.. 239 
Arctostaphylos 422 
Aristolocbia serpentaria 426 
Arlanthe elongata 201 
Arnica 200 
Arnica Montana 200 
Arrow', Indian 312 
Arrow-root 178 
Arrow-root jelly 181 
Arrowr-root wine jelly 181 
Artemisia absinthium 441 
Artichoke, Jerusalem 59 
Artificial cream 481 
Arum tripbyllum 315 
Asafoetida-plant 202 
Asarum Canadense 432 
Asclepias Syriaca..... 338 
Asclepias tuberosa 359 
Asli. Bitter 312 
Ash, Prickly 394 
Ash, Water 30g 
Ash, White 431 
Asparagus, as a medical agent 
Aspedium felix mas 332 
Aspen 3G8 
Asp, Quaking 368 
Ass’s milk, Artificial 474 
Asthma 453 
Asthma (Hyd.) 662 
Asthma (Horn.) 678 
Astruga Virginica 347 
Atropa belladonna 212 
Backache-root 243 
Bael-fruit 203 
Baked soup 171 842 
INDEX. 
PAGE. 
Baking food 159 
Baking-powder, How to make 467 
Baldness, Diet for 134 
Baldness, Prevention of. 474 
Balm 203 
Balm of Gilead 203 
Balmony 204 
Balsam copaiba 206 
Balsam, Field 282 
Balsam, Indian 282 
Balsam of fir 205 
Balsam of Peru 205 
Balsam of tolu 207 
Balsam weed 282 
Balsam, White 282 
Baptisia tinctoria 436 
Barberry 207 
Barley 51 
Barley, Pearl 177 
Barley-soup 170 
Barley-water 182 
Bark, Buckeye 240 
Bark, Sliittim 250 
Bath 615 
Bathers, Hints to 489 
Bathing, Illustrated modes of. (Hyd.) 626, 627 
Bathing the sick 565 
Bath, Salt-water 464 
Bayberry 208 
Bear-berry 422 
Bear-grass 263 
Bear’s foot 209 
Bear’s moss 303 
Bebeerine 210 
Beburina sulphas 210 
Bebuructra 210 
Bed-room, "What in the 491 
Beds, Airing in the morning 488 
Beds rendered healthy 467 
Beech-drops 211 
Beef 24 
Beef-essence 167 
Beef, Extract of. 171 
Beef-juice 167 
Beef-pulp 168 
Beef-tea 164 
Bees ? 822 
Bee-stings 453 
Beet 211 INDEX. 
843 
Belse fructus 203 
Belladonna 212 
Belula senta 227 
Benne-leaves 213 
Benzoin odoriferum 397 
Berberis aquifolium 215 
Berberis vulgaris 207 
Berry-stains, To remove from paper 407 
Berry, Winter 227 
Beth-root 214 
Betonica officinalis 440 
Betony wood 440 
Big ivy 331 
Big neck (Horn.) 710 
Bilious attack (Hyd.) 655 
Biliousness (Hyd.) 683 
Birch, Black 227 
Birch, Spice 227 
Birch, Sweet 227 
Birds 28 
Bird’s foot violet 424 
Bird-weed 435 
Bites, Mosquito 466 
Bitter apple 260 
Bitter ash 312 
Bitter cucumber 260 
Bitter herb 204 
Bitter root 216 
Bitter sweet 217, 398 
Bitters, Good 468 
Black alder 227 
Blackberry 219 
Black birch 227 
Black cohosh 225 
Black dress goods, To clean ladies’ 490 
Black haw 220 
Black hellebore 256 
Black henbane 309 
Black locust 218 
Black root 221 
Black salve 463 
Black silkweed 313 
Black snake-root 219, 225 
Black walnut 224 
Black willow 223 
Bladder, Inflammation of. (Horn.) 716 
Blessed thistle 226 
Blood-purifier 470 
Blood-root 228- 
PAGE. 844 
INDEX. 
Blood to the head, Excessive flow of. 463 
Blue-bells 295 
Blue cohosh 230 
Blue flag 229 
Blue gum 231, 485 
Blue lobelia 232 
Blue scull-cap 386 
Blue violet 424 
Boiling food 160 
Boils (Hyd.) 668 
Boils (Horn.) 680 
Boldo-leaves 233 
Boneset 234 
Borage 235 
Borago officinalis 235 
Borax 235 
Bowel, Falling of. 660 
Bowels, Inflammation of (Hyd.) 654 
Bowels, Inflammation of (Horn.) 679 
Bowman-root 221 
Brain, Inflammation of. (Hyd.) 634 
Brake, Buckthorn 238 
Brake-root 377 
Brash, Water 462 
Brayera anthelmintica 323 
Bread 47 
Bread and its compositions 501 
Bread-crumb pudding 175 
Bread-jelly 179 
Bread-pudding 175 
Breakfast 93 
Breast, To relieve pain in 453 
Breath, Offensive 683 
Bright’s disease, Diet for 125 
Brine for preservation of butter 483 
Broiled soles 173 
Broiling food 159 
Bromide of ammonium 236 
Bromide of calcium 281 
Bronehitis 453 
Bronchitis, Acute 469 
Bronchitis, Acute (Horn.) 681 
Bronchitis, Chronic (Horn.) 682 
Broom, Indigo 436 
Broth, Calf s foot 169 
Broth, Chicken 170 
Broth, Mutton 168 
Broth, Yeal 169 
Broths 161 
PAGE. IKDEX. 
845 
Bruises 453, 461 
Bruises (Horn.) 681 
Bryonia 416 
Buchu 236 
Buckeye-bark 240 
Buckhorn brake 238 
Buckthorn 238 
Bugle, Sweet 237 
Bugle, Water 237 
Bugleweed 237 
Burdock 239 
Burgundy-pitch 240 
Burning bush 312 
Burns 454 
Burreed, Spiny 442 
Burr-thistle 442 
Bursa pastoris 391 
Bush-honeysuckle 241 
Butter 42 
Butter, Brine for the preservation of. 483 
Butter, To keep 466 
Butter-weed 246 
Butterfly-weed 359 
Butternut 241 
Button-bush 243 
Button-snake root 243 
Cabbage, Meadow 411 
Cabbage, Skunk 411 
Cabbage, Swamp 411 
Cabbages 60 
Cactus grandiflora 342 
Calcium, Bromide of. 281 
Calendula officinalis 335 
Calf s foot broth 169 
Calico-bush 331 
Caltha palustris 267 
Calx 327 
Camphor 244 
Camphora 244 
Canada fleabane 245 
Cancer-root 211, 244 
Cancers 455 
Canker-luttice.- 378 
Canker of the mouth 454 
Capsicum 251 
Capsicum annuum 251 
Caraway-seeds 246 
Carbo 253- 
PAGE. 846 
INDEX. 
Carbuncle (Ilom.) 690 
Cardamom-seeds 247 
Carolina pink 358 
Carpenter’s square 248 
Carpets 487 
Carrot-pap 179 
Carrots 59 
Carrot, Wild 434 
Carum carvi 246 
Cascara sagrada 250 
Cassia acutifolia 389 
Cassia Marilandica 198 
Castor-oil ._ 247 
Catalepsy (Ilyd.) 642 
Cataract-batli (Ilyd.) 616 
Catarrh (Horn.) 685 
Catching fisli 481 
Catechu 246 
Cathartics 477 
Cartliartics, Good 472 
Catnip 249 
Cattle, Bad habits of cow 804 
Cattle, Bloody milk of cow 808 
Cattle, Bloody murrain or black leg in 806 
Cattle, Bloody murrain, To prevent 807 
Cattle, Choked 803 
Cattle, Diseases of. 803 
Cattle, Fattening calf. 807 
Cattle, Garget in cow 803 
Cattle, Hollow-horn in » 810 
Cattle, Iloof-rot in 803 
Cattle, Kicking cow 809 
Cattle, Lice on 804 
Cattle, Mark of good cow for milk 809 
Cattle, Milking cow 804 
Cattle, Parsnips for milk 805 
Cattle, Bearing calf 807 
Cattle, Remedy for plague in 805 
Cattle, Saving cream and milk of. 807 
Cattle, Sawing off horns of. 807 
Cattle, Scours in SOS 
Cattle, Scours in calf. 806 
Cattle, swelled bag of cow 808 
Cattle, Swelled with green feed 806 
Cattle, To increase milk of in winter 808 
Cattle, To increase the quantity of cream 808 
Cattle, Warts on teats of cow 810 
Caudle, White 186 
Caulophyllum thalictroides - 230 
PAGE. INDEX. 
847 
PAGE. 
Cayenne-pepper 251 
Ceanthus Americanus 373 
Cedar, Red 373 
Cedron-seed 249 
Celandine 417 
Celastrus scandens 398 
Centaurea benedicta 226 
Centaury 253 
Centaury, American 253 
Centaury, Ground 300 
Cephalanthus occidentals 243 
Cephalis ipecacuanha 316 
Cercis Canadensis 320 
Cerev isia fermentum 443 
Cereus, Night-blooming 342 
Chafing (Hyd.) 666 
Chamomile 251 
Chapped hands 455, 469 
Chapped lips 455 
Chapping 455 
Chapping (Hyd.) 666 
Charcoal 253 
Checkerberry 352 
Cheese 43 
Cheese-weed 255 
Chelone glabra 204 
Chemical erasive soap 480 
Chenopodium anthelminticum 441 
Cherry, Wild 434 
Chestnut, Horse 307 
Chicken-broth 170 
Chicken-jelly 181 
Chicken-pox (Horn.) 686 
Chilblains 454, 469 
Chilblains.. (Horn.) 690 
Children, Diet for in consumption 95 
Children, Summer-complaint in 463 
Chills 455 
Chills in confinement (Horn.) 687 
Chimaphila umbellata 377 
Chionanthus Virginica 431 
Chiretta 259 
Chironia angularis 253 
Chocolate-root 280 
Cholera (Horn.) 691 
Cholera (Hyd.) 655 
Cholera 691 
Cholera, Diet for 112 
Cholera infantum (Horn.) 684 848 
INDEX. 
PAGE. 
Cholera morbtis (Horn.) 684 
Christmas-rose , 256 
Chronic albuminaria, Diet for 125 
Chronic rheumatism 459 
Chrysanthemum leucathemum 428 
Cimicifuga racemosa 225 
Cinchona officinalis 356 
Cinnamon 254 
Citrus aurantium 345 
Citrus limonum 329 
Cleavers 259 
Cleansing cloth 464 
Cleansing cream, Japanese 466 
Cloth, Cleansing 464 
Clothes, To take paint off. 469 
Clothes, To prevent danger from wet 468 
Clothing 496 
Clothing, Cleansing cream for 466 
Clover, Ited 372 
Clover, Winter 254, 352 
Cloves 260 
Cobweb in chills and fever 455 
Coca-leaves 259 
Cocculus palmatus 264 
Cochlearia armoracia , 307 
Cocklebur 192 
Cocoa 81 
Cocoa from the nibs 187 
Cod-liver oil 100, 535 
Coffee 79, 509 
Coffee, Nutritious 187 
Cohosh, Black 225 
Cohosh, Blue 230 
Cohosh, White 428 
Colchicum 257 
Colchicum autumnale 257 
Cold foot-bath (Hyd.) 622 
Colds 454 
Colic 455 
Colic (Hyd.) 653 
Colic (Horn.) 688 
Colic-root 437 
Collinsonia canadensis 401 
Collodion 264 
Colocynth 260 
Colt’s foot 432 
Colt’s tail 245 
Columho, African 264 
Columbo, American 262 849 
KSTDEX. 
PAGE. 
Columbo-root 202 
Comfrey : 259 
Common polypody 377 
Common silkweed 338 
Complexion, To improve 463 
Complexion, Wash for 471 
Comptonia asplenifolia 409 
Condiments 67, 514 
Conium maculatum 361 
Constipation 520 
Constipation (Ilyd.) 659 
Constipation (Horn.) 683 
Constipation, Diet for 113 
Consumption 456 
Consumption (Horn.) 688 
Consumption, Diet for in adults 97 
Consumption, Diet for in children 95 
Convalaria racemosa 393 
Convolvulus panduratus 435 
Convolvulus scammonia 387 
Convulsions (Hyd.) 641 
Convulsions (Horn.) 728 
Cooling drinks for fevers and other diseases 468 
Cool, To keep sick persons 465 
Copaifera 206 
Coptis trifolia 292 
Coral-root 208 
Corydalis formosa 418 
Coriander-seed 261 
Coriandrum sativum 261 
Corn, Crow 421 
Corn, Indian 52 
Corns 455 
Corns (Hyd.) 666 
Corn-smut 261 
Corn snakeroot 263 
Corn, Turkey 418 
Cornus sericea 378 
Cornus Florida 275 
Corpulence, Diet for * 136 
Corallorhiza multiflora 268 
Corydalis formosa 418 
Costiveness (Horn.) 686 
Coto-bark 265 
Cotton-plant 266 
Couch-grass 265 
Cough-root 214 
Coughs 454 
Coughs, Hooping 457 850 
INDEX. 
PAGE. 
Coughs, How to arrest 488 
Coughs (Hyd.) 660 
Coughs, Hooping (Hyd.) 663 
Coughs and colds in the chest (Horn.) 690 
Cow-parsnip 268 
Cowslip 267 
Cracked lips in fever 455 
Cracked tongue in fever 455 
Cramp (Hyd.) 636 
Croup (Horn.) 692 
Cranberry, High 305 
Cranberry, Upland 422 
Cranesbill 290 
Cravats 465 
Crawley 268 
Cream 40, 171 
Cream, Artificial 481 
Cream for stewed fruit 186 
Cream, Fruit 187 
Cream, Rice 177 
Creeper, Virginia 197 
Crocus sativus ... 380 
Croton-oil 269 
Croton tiglium 269 
Croup (Hyd.) 663 
Croup (Horn.) 692 
Croup, Membranous 455 
Crow-corn 421 
Crow-foot 290 
Cucumber, Bitter 260 
Cucumis colocynthis 260 
Cucurbita citrullus 427 
Culver’s physic • 221 
Cunila Mariana 274 
Curled dock 444 
Cutting almond 270 
Cynoglossum 308 
Cypripedium pubescens 323 
Cypripedium pubescens 341 
Damiana 271 
Damp walls 467 
Dandelion 273 
Dandruff, To 456, 468 
Datura stramonium 403 
Daucus carrota 434 
Deadly nightshade 212 
Deafness 396 IJSTDEX. 
PAGE. 
851 
Decayed tooth, To fill 466 
Delirium tremens (Hyd.) 647 
Devil’s bit 243 
Dewberry ■. 273 
Diabetes, Diet for 118 
Diarrhea (Horn.) 697 
Diarrhea, Diet in 141 
Diarrhea, Salt and vinegar for 456 
Diervilla trepida 241 
Diet (Horn.) 676 
Dietetic rules Important .6 
Diet in diseases of the liver 144 
Diet in eczema 143 
Diet in hysteria 140 
Diet in infancy 146 
Diet in maternity 155 
Diet in old age 151 
Diet in skin-diseases 143 
Diet in worm-affections 116 
Diet for baldness 134 
Diet for Bright’s disease 125 
Diet for cholera 112 
Diet for chi-onic albuminaria 125 
Diet for constipation 113 
Diet for consumption in adults 97 
Diet for consumption in childi’en 95 
Diet for corpulence 136 
Diet for diabetes 118 
Diet for diarrhea 141 
Diet for diphtheiia 135 
Diet for dysentery Ill 
Diet for dyspepsia 82 
Diet for fevers 129 
Diet for gout 106 
Diet for gravel and stone 108 
Diet in heart-disease 133 
Diet in inflammations 129 
Diet in obesity 136 
Diet for purpura 127 
Diet for rheumatism 104 
Diet for rickets 139 
Diet for scrofula 94 
Diet for scurvy 127 
Diet for travelers 153 
Diet, Regulation of. 5 
Digestion, Time-table of. 592 
Digestive organs 587 
Digitalis 286 
Digitalis purpurea 286 852 
INDEX. 
Dinner 93 
Diosma crenata 236 
Diospyrus Yirginiana 357 
Diphtheria 456 
Diphtheria (Horn.) 693 
Diphtheria, Diet for 135 
Discorea villosa 437 
Diseases, Cooling drink for 468 
Diseases of the liver. Diet in 144 
Diseases, Prevention of. 470 
Dittany 274 
Dittany, Mountain 274 
Dock, Curled 444 
Dock, Narrow 444 
Dock, Sour 444 
Dock, Yellow 444 
Dog-button 343 
Dog-fennel 276 
Dog’s bane 313 
Dog-tooth violet 277 
Dogwood 275 
Dogwood, Jamaica 319 
Dogwood, Swamp 366, 378 
Domestic animals 741 
Doses (Horn.) 676 
Douche-bath (Hyd.) 615 
Dough, Raising 503 
Dragon-root 315 
Dragon’s claw 268 
Drink, Cooling for fevers and other diseases 468 
Drink in fevers 457 
Drinking, Immoderate 19 
Dropsy (Horn.) 694 
Dropsy, Cellular (Hyd.) 667 
Dropsy, Diet for 143 
Dropsy of the head (Hyd.) 667 
Drosera rotundifolia 410 
Duration of life, Influence of marriage on 486 
Dust and disease 487 
Dwarf-elder 274 
Dysentery 456 
Dysentery (Hyd.) 656 
Dysentery (Horn.) 696 
Dysentery, Diet for Ill 
Dyspepsia 456 
Dyspepsia (Hyd.) 650 
Dyspepsia (Horn.) 695 
Dyspepsia, Diet for 82 
Earache (Hyd.) 669 
PAGE. INDEX. 
853 
Earache (Horn.) 698 
Ear-bath (Hyd.) 625 
Eating too soon after previous meal 86 
Eating late suppers 87 
Eczema, Diet in 143 
Eels, Stewed 173 
Egg 279 
Egg and wine 172 
Egg-nogg a : 186 
Egg pudding 172 
Eggs 34,171 
Egg-soup 171 
Elder 279 
Elder, Prickly „. 365 
Elecampane 278 
Eletharia cardamomum 247 
Elixir iodo 281 
Elm, Slippery 391 
Enema, Egg and sugar 188 
Enema, Nutrient 188 
Enema, Oil and vinegar 188 
Epigea repens 418 
Epilepsy (Hyd.) 640 
Epileptic fits 456 
Epiphagus Virginianus 211 
Equisetum hymale 379 
Erasive soap, Chemical 480 
Erechthites hieracifolia 284 
Erigeron Canadense 245 
Eriodyction Californicum 449 
Eryngium maritinum 387 
Erysipelas (Hyd.) 665 
Erysipelas (Horn.) 697 
Erythronium Americanum 277 
Erythroxylon coca 259 
Essence, Beef. 167 
Eucalyptus globulus 231 
Eugenia caryophyllata 260 
Euonymous atropurpureus 312 
Eupatorium aromaticum 430 
Eupatorium teucrifolium 438 
Eupatorium perfoliatum 234 
Eupatorium purpurem 369 
Euphorbia corollata 197 
Euphorbin 198 
Evan-root 280 
Evening primrose 277 
Exercise 495 
Extinction of life, Test of. 482. 854 
LNDEX. 
PAGE". 
Extract of beef. 171 
Extract of meat, Liebig’s 164 
Eye-bath (Hyd.) 625 
Eyes, Inflamed (Horn.) 691 
Eyes, Sore 460 
Eye, Sty on 460 
Face, Wash for 482 
Face, To paint « 471 
Fainting (Horn.) 709 
False grape 197 
False gromwell 294 
Feet 476 
Feet, Perspiration of. (Horn.) 699 
Feet, Sweating J 466 
Felon * (IXyd.) 669 
Felon (Horn.) 709 
Female fern 281, 377 
Feniculum 281 
Fennel, Dog 276 
Fennel-seed 281 
Fennel-seed, Water 427 
Fern, Female 281, 377 
Ferngale 409 
Fern, Male 332: 
Fern root : 281, 377 
Fern, Sweet 409’ 
Ferula asafoetida 202 
Fever and ague 457 
Fever and ague (Horn.) 703 
Fever, Bilious (Horn.) 701 
Fever, Bilious (Hyd.) 629 
Fever bush 397 
Fever, Cobweb in 455 
Fever, Congestive (Hyd.) 629 
Fever, Continued (Hyd.) 632 
Fever, Cracked lips and tongue in 455 
Feverfew 283 
Fever, Intermittent (Hyd.) 628 
Fever, Intermittent 464 
Fever, Intermittent . (Horn.) 703 
Fever, Milk (Hyd.) 634 
Fever, Remittent (Hyd.) 629 
Fever, Remittent (Horn.) 701 
Fever root, Indian 312 
Fever, Scarlet (Horn.) 700 
Fever, Typhoid (Hyd.) 632 
Fever, Typhoid (Horn.) 706 
Fever, Typhus (Hyd.) 632:, INDEX 
855 
PAGE. 
Fever, Typhus (Horn.) 707 
Fever, Yellow ; (Hyd.) 630 
Fevers 455 
Fevers, Cooling drink for , 468 
Fevers, Diet for 120 
Fevers, Drink in 457 
Fevers, Prevention of. 470 
Fevers, Simple (Horn.) 699 
Feverwort 234 
Fibrine, Artificial 35 
Field-balsam 282 
Figwort 248 
Felix mas * 332 
Fit, Drunken (Hyd.) 647 
Fit, Fainting •. (Hyd.) 648 
Fire, To escape from 481 
Fire weed 284 
Firwein 284 
Fisb 29 
Fishing, Successful means of. 481 
Fish, Shell 32 
Fits, Epileptic 456 
Five-finger 283 
Flag, Blue 229 
Flatulence (Hyd.) 659 
Flaxseed 285 
Fleabane, Canada..... 245 
Flesh, Comparative values of. 22 
Flies, To keep awray 466 
Flooding (Horn.) 710 
Flummery 186 
Folded wet-sheet (Hyd.) 614 
Folio carobae 286 
Food, Animal 21, 504 
Food, Baking 159 
Food, Boiling 160 
Food, Broiling 159 
Food, Condition of system on taking 599 
Food, Elements of 11 
Food, Frying 160 
Food in health and disease 5 
Food, Manner of taking 595 
Food, Methods of preparing 157 
Food, Nitrogenous 14 
Food, Non-nitrogenous 15 
Food, Quality of. 590 
Food, Quantity of. 587 
Food, Relation of to nutriment 11 
Food, Roasting 158 856 
INDEX. 
Food, Stewing 161 
Food, Vegetable 45, 53 
Fowls 817 
Fowls, Cholera in 817, 819 
Fowls, Cold and catarrh in 818 
Fowls, Drooping wings in 819 
Fowls, Egg-eating 821 
Fowls, Gapes in 821 
Fowls, Pulverized bones for 822 
Fowls, Remedy for roup in 817 
Fowls, To fatten quickly 818 
Fowls, To fatten turkey , 819 
Fowls, To make lay 820 
Fowls, To preserve eggs of. 822 
Fowls, To test good eggs of. 822 
Foxglove 286 
Fragaria vesca ♦. , 404 
Freckles, To remove 457 
Fried soles 173 
Fringe-tree 431 
Fruit, Bael 203 
Fruit-cream 187 
Fruit, Cream for stewed 186 
Fruits 62 
Fruit-stains, How to remove 467 
Frying food 160 
Fucus vesiculosus 385 
Fuligo ligna 394 
Galium aparine 259 
Gamboge 287 
Gambogia 287 
Game 29 
Garden nightshade 287 
Garlic 2S8 
Gelatine 26 
Gelseminum sempervirens 446 
Gentian 289 
Gentiana chirayta 259 
Gentiana lutea 289 
Gentian, Yellow 262 
Geranium 290 
Geranium maculatum 290 
Geum Virginianum 280 
Ginger 291 
Ginger, Wild 432 
Ginseng 291 
Glecoma hederacea 300 
Gleet (Hyd.) 670 
PAGE. INDEX 
857 
PAGE. 
boat’s milk, Artificial 174 
Goiter (Horn.) 710 
Golden seal 293 
Gold-thread 292 
Gonorrhea (ITom.) G70 
Gonorrhea (Hyd.) 711 
Goose-grass 258 
Gossypium 2G6 
Gout (Hyd.) 667 
Gout, Diet for 106 
Grape, False 197 
Grape, Oregon 215 
Grape vine 295 
Gravel 457 
Gravel (Hyd.) 670 
Gravel (Horn.) 711 
Gravel, Diet for 108 
Gravel-root 3G9 
Gravel, Stone (Hyd.) 670 
Gravel-weed .....294, 418 
Gravy-soup 170 
Gray feather 243 
Great laurel 298 
Greek valerian 295 
Greens 60 
Grindelia robusta 299 
Grindelia squarrosa 297 
Gromwell, False 294 
Ground centaury 300 
Ground holly 438 
Ground ivy 214, 300 
Ground moss 303 
Gruel 177 
Guaco-leaves 298 
Guaiaci resina 302 
Guaphelium polycephalum 2S2 
Guarana 301 
Gum 65 
Gum-Arabic 303 
Gum, Blue 231, 485 
Gum, Chewing 517 
Gum-guaiac 302 
Gum-myrrh 301 
Gum, Sweet 413 
Gum-water 182 
Gum-weed 297 
Hair-cap moss 303 
Hair, Maiden 332 858 
PAGE. 
Hair restorative 475 
Hair, To prevent falling out 465 
Half-bath (Hyd.) 617 
Half-pack (Hyd.) 614 
Hamamelis Yirginiana 430 
Hands, Chapped 455, 469 
Hands, To beautify 463 
Hands, To keep smooth 471 
Hard-hack 304 
Hartshorn, Spirits of. 397 
Haw, Black 220 
Hay, Measuring 483 
Hazelnut, Snapping 439 
Hazel, Witch 439 
Headache (Hvd.) 634 
Headache (Horn.) 712 
Headache, Nervous 457 
Headache, Sick 457, 460’ 
Head-bath (Ilyd.) 618 
Head, Excessive flow of blood to 463 
Heads of infants, To remove scurf from 457 
Healall 401 
Healing salve 403, 465 
Health-tree 231, 485 
Heart, Affections of. (Horn.) 713 
Heart-burn 453 
Heart-burn (Horn.) 714 
Heart-disease, Diet for 133 
Heart snakeroot 432 
Hedeoma pulegioides 355 
Heliantlius annuris 410 
Heliantlius occidentalis 312 
Hellebore Americana 196 
Hellebore, Black 256 
Hellebore, Swamp 196 
Helleborus niger 256 
Hemlock... 304 
Hemlock, Poison 361 
Hemp, Indian 313 
Henbane, Black 309 
Ilepatica triloba 327 
Heracleum lanatum 26S 
Herbs, How to prepare for use 452 
Heuchera Americana 193 
High cranberry 305 
Hip-disease (Horn.) 714 
Hoarhound 306 
Hoarhound Water 237 
Hoarhound, Wild 438- 
INDEX. 859 
INDEX* 
PAGE. 
Hogs 815 
Hogs, Cure for cholera in 816 
Hogs, Lice on 816 
Hogs, To cure blind staggers in 816 
Hogs, To prevent cholera and other diseases in 815 
Hogweed 371 
Hollyhock 306 
Holly, Ground 438 
Holly, Sea 387 
Holy thistle 226 
Homoeopathic glossary 677 
Homoeopathic treatment 675 
Honeysuckle, Bush 241 
Hoodwort 386 
Hooping-cough ,. 457 
Hooping-cough (Horn.) 686 
Hops 306 
Horse-chestnut 307 
Horse-mint 308 
Horseradish 307 
Horses 741 
Horses, Big-head in 775 
Horses, Big-shoulder in 775 
Horses, Bitting the colt 749, 755 
Horses, Blood-wart on 797 
Horses, Blood or red colic of. 777 
Horses, Bone-spavin or ringbone in 794, 802 
Horses, Bots in 776, 799, 802 
Horses, Breaking to harness 762 
Horses, Breeding 769 
Horses, Bruised eye of. 801 
Horses, Bruises of 775 
Horses, Cataract of. 778 
Horses, Catarrh of. 778 
Horses, Cholera or diarrhea mixture for 801 
Horses, Colic in 777, 798,799, 802 
Horses, Condition-powders for 779 
Horses, Corks and bruises in 788 
Horses, Corns of 777 
Horses, Coughs and colds of 778 
Horses, Cracked hoofs of. 776 
Horses, Cuts and wounds in 799, 800 
Horses, Diabetes of 779 
Horses, Diarrhea of. - 780 
Horses, Chronic Diarrhea of. 780' 
Horses. Diseases of. 775 
Horses, Distemper of. 799, 802 
Horses, Driving wild and vicious 756 
Horses, Dyspepsia in . 77S> 860 
IKDEX. 
PAGE. 
Horses, Epizootic in 779 
Horses, Eye-water for 800 
Horses, Fistula or poll-evil in 780 
Horses, Flat-foot of. 784 
Horses, Flies on 769 
Horses, Foul slieath of. 790 
Horses, Founder in 782 
Horses, Galled shoulders of. 784 
Horses, Glanders in 799 
Horses, Gravel in 785 
Horses, Grubs in 785 
Horses, Haltering the colt 745 
Horses, Heaves in 785 
Horses, Hoof-hind in 786 
Horses, Hooks in 786 
Horses, Itch in 787 
Horses, Knee-sprung 787 
Horses, Lampers [lampass] in 788 
Horses, Liniment to set the stifle-joint of. 800 
Horses, Liniment for wind-galls, etc 800 
Horses, Lock-jaw in 787 
Horses, Miscellaneous remedies for 70S 
Horses, Mounting the colt 751 
Horses, Narrow-heel of. 788 
Horses, Oil for collars of. 801 
Horses, Poll-evil or fistula in 801, 802 
Horses, Powder for 800 
Horses, Pulling hack of. 774 
Horses, Pulling on halter of. 747 
Horses, Rheumatic liniment for 799 
Horses, Riding the colt 753 
Horses, Ringbone and spavin in 789 
Horses, Rubbing tail in 798 
Horses, Saddle or collar-liniment for 799 
Horses, Saddling the colt 750 
Horses, Salt for 771 
Horses, Sand for 796 
Horses, Scours in 791 
Horses, Scratches in 789 
Horses, Shoeing 768 
Horses, Shoulder and foot lameness in 771 
Horses, Sloan's celebrated ointment for 798 
Horses, Snake-bitten 790 
Horses, Sore and scummed eyes of. 801 
Horses, Sore shoulders and back, To prevent 784 
Horses, Spavins, wind-galls and ringbones in 792 
Horses, Sprains and swellings in 775, 799 
Horses, Strain in 792 
Horses, String-halt in 795 INDEX. 
PAGE- 
861 
Horses, Sweeney in 791 
Horses, The secret of subduing 741 
Horses, Thrush in feet of. 793 
Horses, Thumps in 796 
Horses, Time for blanketing 771 
Horses, To be treated kindly 770 
Horses, To break from cribbing or biting 766 
Horses, To break from forging 767 
Horses, To break from halter chewing 767 
Horses, To break from kicking 765 
Horses, To break of interfering 772 
Horses, To break of jumping 769 
Horses, To break of scaring 743 
Horses, To catch in a pasture 767 
Horses, To cure balky 757 
Horses, To drench, How 772 
Horses, To extricate from fire 770 
Horses, To fatten 773 
Horses, To make follow 763 
Horses, To make lie down 762 
Horses, To make stand without hitching ! 764 
Horses, To make the hair grow on 801 
Horses, To manage stubborn 744 
Horses, To prevent saddle galls on 770' 
Horses, To prevent snow-balling 770 
Horses, To remove lice from 769 
Horses, To stop bleeding of. 792 
Horses, To tell the age of. 773 
Horses, To tell when mare is with foal 770 
Horses, To test eyes of. 768 
Horses, Warts on 797 
Horses, Wens on 797 
Horses, Wind-colic of. 778 
Horses, W orms in 797 
Horses, Wounds of. 794 
Hose-bath (Ilyd.) 616 
Hound's tongue 308 
Hour-glass, Poor man’s 363 
House Leek 324 
Huckleberry 433 
Humulus lupelus 306 
Hydrangea 309 
Hydrangea arbosescens 309 
Hydrastin 293 
Hydrastis Canadensis 293 
Hydropathy 612 
Hydrophobia (Hyd.) 638 
Hygiene 587 
Hyosciamus 30& 862 
INDEX. 
PAGE. 
Byosciamns niger 309 
Hypericum perforatum 404 
Hyssop 310 
Ilyssopus officinalis 310 
Hyssop, Wild 425 
Hysteria (Hyd.) 643 
Hysteria, Diet in 140 
Ice 74 
Iceland moss 310 
Iceland moss and milk 184 
Iceland moss jelly 182 
Ice-plant 311 
Ice water 471 
Ictodes fcetida 411 
Hex Paraguayensis 351 
Impatiens pallida 417 
Incontinence of urine 458 
Indian arrow 312 
Indian balsam 282 
Indian corn 52 
Indian cup 314 
Indian fever root 312 
Indian hemp 313 
Indian poke . 196 
Indian sage , 234 
Indian tobacco 325 
Indian turnip 315 
Indigo-broom 436 
Indigo, Prairie 436 
Indigo-weed 436 
Indigo, Wild i 436 
Infancy, Diet in 146 
Infants, Crying and sleeplessness of. (Horn.) 701 
Infants’ heads, To remove scurf from 460 
Infection, To prevent 580 
Inflammations, Diet for 129 
Influenza (Horn.) 685 
Ink stains, To remove 467 
Insanity (Hyd.) 645 
Instructions, violation of wrong 8 
Intermittent fever 464 
Inule helenium 278 
Invalid’s jelly 181 
Ipecac 316 
Ipecac, American 197 
Ipecac, Wild 197 
Ipecacuanha 316 
Ipoinea jalopa 317 INDEX. 
863 
PAGE. 
Iris versicolor 229 
Iron, Persulphate of. 356 
Iron-weed 316 
Iron-wood 317 
Itch (Horn.) 715 
Ivy, American 197 
Ivy, Big 331 
Ivy, Ground 214, 300 
Jahorandi 318 
Jalap 317 
Jamaica dogwood 319 
Japanese cleansing cream 466 
Jaundice (Hyd.) 655 
Jaundice (Horn.) 716 
Jeffersonia diphylia 420 
Jelly, Arrow-root 181 
Jelly, Arrow-root wine 181 
Jelly, Bread 179 
Jelly, Chicken 181 
Jelly, Iceland-moss 182 
Jelly, Invalid’s 181 
Jelly, Nutritive 180 
Jelly, Orange 180 
Jelly, Pearl-barley 180 
Jelly, Tapioca 181 
Jelly-water 182 
Jelly-wine 180 
Jerusalem oak.... 441 
Jessamine, Yellow 446 
Jimson-weed 403 
Job’s tears, Wild 294 
Judas-tree 320 
Juglandin 242 
Juglans sineria 241 
Juglans nigra 224 
Juice, Beef. 167 
Juniper-berries 321 
Juniperis communis 321 
Juniperis sabina 384 
Juniperis Yirginiana 373 
Kalmia augustifolia 389 
Kalmia latifolia 331 
Kameela 321 
Kava-kava 322 
Kidney-disease 458 
Kidneys, Inflammation of. (Hvd.) 669 
Kidneys, Inflampiation of. (Horn.) 716 864 
INDEX. 
PAGE. 
Kino 322' 
Kitchen, Pure air in 487 
Knot root 401 
Kooso 323 
Koumiss 41 
Krameria triandria 374 
Ladies, Something for 467 
Lady’s slipper 323 
Lady’s slipper Umble 341 
Larch, American 414 
Larch, Black 414 
Larix Americana 414 
Laryngitis (Hyd.) 662 
Late suppers 87 
Laudanum 348 
Laurel 331 
Laurel, Narrow leaf. 389 
Laurel, Sheep 389 
Laurus cinnamonum 254 
Laurus sassafras 383 
Lavender, Sea 335 
Leaves, Boldo 233 
Leek 324 
Lemon 329 
Lemonade 185 
Lemonade, Linseed 185 
Lemonade, Nitric 186 
Lentil-soup 171 
Leonurus cardiaca 339 
Leptandra Virginica 221 
Leptandrin 221 
Lettuce, White 328 
Leucorrliea (Horn.) 727 
Liatris spicato 243 
Lichen islandicus 310 
Licorice, Wild 396 
Liebig’s extract of meat 164 
Life, Influence of marriage on duration of. 486 
Life, Test of extinction of. 482 
Ligustrum vulgare 368 
Lily, White pond 429 
Lily, Yellow pond 445 
Lime 327 
Lime for producing perspiration 477 
Lime water 473 
Lime water and milk 174 
Linseed tea 182 
Linum usatissimum 285 865 
INDEX. 
PAGE. 
Lion’s foot 328 
Lips, Chapped 455 
Lips, Cracked in fever 455 
Liquids 68 
Liquidamber styrociflua 413 
Liquors, Alcoholic 525 
Liriodendron tulipifera 448 
Liver, Diet in diseases of. 144 
Liver, Inflammation of. (Hyd.) 654 
Liver, Inflammation of. (Horn.) 717 
Liver medicine, Simon's 222 
Liverwort 327 
Lobelia 325 
Lobelia, Blue 232 
Lobelia cardinalis 232 
Lobelia inflata.... 325 
Lobelia, Oil ot 327 
Lobelia, Bed 375 
Lobelia syphilitica 375 
Lock-jaw (Hyd.) 637 
Locust, Black 218 
Lungs, Bleeding of. (Horn.) 718 
Lungs, Inflammation of. (Horn.) 717 
Lungs, Inflammation of. (Hyd.) 662 
Lungwort 267 
Luttice, Canker 378 
Lycopus Yirginicus 237 
Macaroni 174 
Macaroni pudding 176 
Macrotin 226 
Magnetize, How to 554 
Magnetism 541 
Magnetism as a medical agent 557 
Magnolia grandiflora 333 
Magnolia tree 333 
Maiden-hair 332 
Male fern 332 
Malice 255 
Malt-tea 183 
Malva 255 
Mandrake 336 
Mangifera indica 334 
Mango «34 
Man-in-the-ground 435 
Manna •. 333 
Maple, Vine 445 
Marigold 335 
Marrabium 306 866 
INDEX. 
PAGE. 
Marriage, Influence of on duration of life. 486 
Marshmallow 334 
Marsh-rosemary 335 
Masterwort 268 
Masturbation 522 
Materia medica 189 
Maternity, Diet in 155 
Matica 201 
May-apple 336 
May-weed 276 
Meadow-cabbage 411 
Meadow-pride 262 
Meal, Eating too soon after a previous 86 
Meal, Exertion after a 86 
Meals, Frequency of. 517 
Measles (Hyd.) 664 
Measles (Horn.) 719 
Measuring hay 483 
Meat, Good 23 
Meat, Liebig’s extract of. 164 
Mecca-oil 357 
Medical plants 189 
Melissa officinalis 203 
Membranous croup 455 
Menispermum Canadense 445 
Menses, Suppressed 458 
Menses, Suppressed (Horn.) 720 
Menstruation, Painful (Ilom.) 721 
Mentha piperita f 354 
Mentha viridis 394 
Micromeria douglassii 448 
Mikania guaco 298 
Milk 36 
Milk and meal 184 
Milk, Artificial ass’s 174 
Milk, Artificial goat’s 174 
Milk, Condensed . 41 
Milk, Iceland moss 184 
Milk, Rice 184 
Milk rum and isinglass 174 
Milk, Sago 184 
Milk, To check the flow of. 45S 
Milk-weed 216, 338 
Minced fowl and egg 172 
Mint, Mountain 274 
Mistletoe f. 238 
Mitchella repens : 352 
Mixture, Neutralizing 464 
Moccasin flower 341 INDEX. 
867 
Monarda pavetata 308 
Monk’s-hood 190 
Monotropa uniflora 311 
Moon-seed 445 
Morning-sickness (Horn.) 729 
Morphine 348 
Mosquito-bites 4G6 
Mosquito-bites, Protection from 466 
Mosquitoes, To banish 468 
Motherwort 339 
Mountain-dittany 274 
Mountain-mint 274 
Mountain-pink .. 418 
Mountain-tea 438 
Mouth-bath (Hyd.) 625 
Mouth, Canker of. . 454 
Mouth, Inflammation of. (Hyd-) 649 
Mouth, Sore 460 
Mucuna prariens 267 
Mullein 339 
Mumps (Horn.) 719 
Muscles, Hygiene of. 604 
Mustard 340, 473 
Mutton 24 
Mutton-broth 168 
Myrica cerifera 208 
Myricin 329 
Myrospermum toluiferum 207 
Myrrh, Gum 301 
Myrtus pimenta 194 
Nabalus albus 328 
Narrow dock... 444 
Narrow leaf laurel 389 
Nepeta catoria 249; 
Nerves, Injuries of. '. (Hyd.) 640 
Nervine 341 
Nervous-headache .. 457 
Nettle 342 
Nettle-rash (Hyd.) 665 
Nettle-rash (Horn.) 727 
Neuralgia 458, 461 
Neuralgia (Hyd.) 639 
Neuralgia in face and head. (Horn.) 721 
Neutralizing mixture 464 
Niccoli sulphus 406 
Nickel, Sulphate of. 406 
Nicotiana tobacum 417 
NighGair 475 
PAGE. 868 
INDEX. 
Night blooming cereus 342 
Nightmare (Hyd.) 648 
Nightshade, Deadly 212 
Nightshade, Garden 2S7 
Nightshade, Woody 217 
Nipples, Sore (Horn.) 722 
Nitric lemonade 186 
Nose-bath (Hyd.) 624 
Nose, Bleeding of. (Horn.) 722 
Nuphar lutea 445 
Nurse, The 577 
Nursing 560 
Nut-galls 345 
Nutmeg 344 
Nutrient enema , 188 
Nutriment, Relation of food to 11 
Nutritious coffee 187 
Nutritive jelly 180 
Nuts 55 
Nux myristica 344 
Nux vomica 343 
Nymphoea dorata 429 
Oak, Jerusalem 441 
Oak, Poison 459 
Oatmeal 50 
Oatmeal tea 182 
Obesity, Diet for 136 
Oenauthe pliillandrium 427 
(Enothera biennis 277 
Oil, Cod-liver 100, 539 
Oil, Croton 269 
Oil, Mecca 357 
Oil of cajeput 350 
Oil of lobelia 327 
Oil of tansy 415 
Oil of thyme 416 
Oil of turpentine 419 
Oil, Olive 349 
Ointments, To keep 472 
Old age, Diet in 151 
Old man’s beard 431 
Oleum cajeput 350 
Oleum olivse. 349 
Oleum ricini 247 
Oleum terebinthince - 419 
Olive-oil 349 
Onion 349 
-Onions - 61 
PAGE. IXDEX. 
869 
PAGE. 
‘Opium 340 
Oral bath (Hyd.) 625 
Orange 345 
Orange jelly 180 
Oregon-grape - 215 
Orobance Yirginiana 244 
Orosmodium hispedium 294 
Osmunda regalis 238 
Over-training 485 
Ovum 279 
Oxalis stricta 390 
Oxbalm 401 
Oysters 33 
Oysters, Stewed 173 
Pacaronda procera 286 
Pail-douche (Hyd.) 616 
Pain in the breast, To relieve * 453 
Pain in the side 459 
Paint, to remove dry 467 
Paint, To take off clothes 469 
Palsy (Hyd.) 636 
Palsy (liom.) 723 
Panada 172, 188 
Panax quinquefolium 291 
Papaverin 347 
Papaver somniferum 363 
Pap, Carrot 179 
Paper, To remove berry-stains from 467 
Paraguay-tea 350 
Paralysis (Horn.) 723 
Paregoric 348 
Pareira brava 424 
Parilla, Yellow 445 
Parsley 351 
Parsley, Poison 361 
Parsnip, Cow 268 
Parsnips 59 
Parthenium integrifolium 270 
Partridge-berry 254, 352, 438 
Paullinia 301 
Paw-paw seeds 351 
Peach-tree 352 
Pearl-barley 177 
Pearl-barley jelly 180 
Pear-leaf. 378 
Pea, Wild-turkey 418 
Poeonia officinalis 354 
Penmus Boldo „ 233 870 
INDEX, 
PAGE., 
Pennyroyal 355* 
Penthorum sedoides 356- 
Peony 354 
Pepper, Cayenne 251 
Peppermint 354 
Pepper, Red 251 
Pepper, Water..... 392 
Pernis balsamea 205- 
Persimmon 357 
Perspiration, Lime for producing 477 
Persulphate of iron 356 
Peruvian bark 356 
Petroleum 357 
Phoradendrqjj flavenscens 338 
Phytolacca decandra 362 
Picraena excelsa 370 
Piles 459 
Piles (Hyd.) 659 
Piles (Horn.) 724 
Pills ..477 
Pilocarpus pennatifolius 318 
Pimpinella anisume 1S9' 
Pine, Princes 377 
Pink, Carolina 358 
Pink, Mountain 418 
Pink-root 358 
Pink, Rose 253 
Pinus Canadensis 304 
Pinus plalustris 433 
Pin-worm 458 
Pipe-plant 311 
Piper cubeba 270 
Piper methysticum 322 
Pipsisserva umbeltalta 438 
Piscidia erythrina 319 
Pitch, Burgundy 240 
Plantago cordata 427 
Plantago major 360 
Plantain 360 
Plantain, Water 427 
Plant, Asafcetida 202 
Plant, Cotton 266- 
Plant, Ice 311 
Plants, How to collect and prepare 451 
Plants, Medical 189 
Pleurisy (Horn.) 723 
Pleurisy-root 359 
Plunge-bath ! (Hyd.) 618 
Podophyllum peltatum - 336 - INDEX. 
871 
PAGE. 
Poison-hemlock 361 
Poison-oak 459 
Poison parsley 361 
Poison-vine 458, 459 
Poke, Indian 196 
Poke root 362 
Polemoneum rep tans 295 
Polygala nuttalli 300 
Polygala senega 388 
Polygonum punctatum 392 
Polymnia uvedalia 209 
Polypodium 332 
Polypodium vulgare 281 
Polypod, Pock 377 
Polypody 281 
Polypody, Common 377 
Polytrichum juneperium 303 
Pomegranate : 361 
Pond-lily 445 
Pond-lily, White 429 
Poor man’s hour-glass 363 
Poplar, Silver 368 
Poplar, White 368, 448 
Poplar, Yellow 44S 
Poppy 363 
Populus condicous 203 
Populus tremuloides 368 
Porridge 178 
Potatoes 57 
Potatoes, Choice of. 59 
Potatoes, To prepare for the table 58 
Potatoes, Watery 467 
Potato-surprise 173 
Potato, Wild 435 
Potenilla Canadensis 283 
Poultice for sore throat 461 
Poultice, Valuable 473 
Powder, Baking, how to make 467 
Powder, Seidlitz 464 
Prairie indigo 436 
Pregnancy, Suppression of urine in 468 
Prickly ash 364 
Prickly ash, Southern 365 
Prickly elder 365 
Primrose, Evening 277 
Prince’s feather 366 
Prince’s pine 377 
Prinos verticillatus 227 
Privet 368 872 
INDEX, 
PAGE. 
Prunus Vlrginiana 434 
Ptelea 366 
Ptelea trifoliata 366 
Pteris atropurpurea 377 
Pterocarpus marsupium 322 
Ptyrola rotundifolia 378 
Ptyrola, Round-leaved 378 
Public speakers, For 464 
Puccoon, Red 228 
Pudding, Bread 175 
Pudding, Bread-crumb 175 
Pudding, Ground rice 176 
Pudding, Maccaroni 176 
Pulp, Beef. 16S 
Pumpkin-seeds 367 
Punica granatum 361 
Purifier, Blood 470 
Purifying water 467 
Purpura, Diet for 127 
Pussy-willow 223 
Putrid sore throat 461 
Pyrus malus 199 
Pytherum parthenium 283 
Quaking asp 368 
Quality of food 590 
Quantity of food 587 
Queen’s delight 400 
Queen of the meadow 369 
Quercus alba 430 
Quinine 370 
Quinine flower 371 
Radish, Horse 307 
Radix columbae 256 
Ragged-cup 314 
Rag-weed 371 
Raspberry 372 
Rattle-bush 430 
Rattlesnake-root 323 
Rattlesnake’s master : 263 
Rattlesnake-violet 277 
Rattle-weed 225 
Read-leaf. 214 
Recipes 453 
Red cedar 373 
Red clover 372 
Red lobelia 375 INDEX. 
873 
PAGE. 
Bed root 373, 398 
Eed pepper 251 
Red puccoon „ 228 
Red willow. 378 
Resin 374 
Resina 374 
Rharanus catharticus 238 
Rhamnus purshiana 250 
Rhatonia 374 
Rheum 376 
Rheumatic-weed 377 
Rheumatism 459, 468 
Rheumatism, Acute (Horn.) 725 
Rheumatism, Chronic 459 
Rheumatism, Chronic (Horn.) 726 
Rheumatism, Diet for 104 
Rhododendron maximum 298 
Rhubarb 376 
Rhus aromaticus 381 
Rhus galbrum 408 
Rice 53 
Rice, Boiled 176 
Rice-cream 177 
Rice-milk 184 
Rice pudding, Ground 176 
Rice water 183 
Richleaf. 401 
Rich weed 401 
Rickets, Diet for 139 
Ringworm (Horn.) 726 
Roasting food 159 
Robina pseudo-acacia 218 
Robin’s eye 303 
Rockbrake 281, 377 
Rock-polypod 377 
Roman wormwood 371 
Rose, Christmas 256 
Rosemary, Marsh 335 
Rose-pink 253 
Rose willow 378 
Rosin 374 
Bottlera tinctoria -. 321 
Round-leaved ptyrola 378 
Rubus strigosus 372 
Rubus trivialis 273 
Rubus villosus 219 
Rue 379 
Rules and doses, Introductory (Horn.) 676 
Rumex crispus 444 874 
IjSTDEX. 
PAGE. 
Rush 379’ 
Ruta Graveolens 379 
Rye..... 52 
Rye, Robin’s 303- 
Sabal serrulata 384 
Sabbatia elliottii 371 
SafFron..; 380- 
Soga 381 
Sage 389 
Sage, Indian 234 
Sago 178, 381 
Sago milk 184 
Salicin in rheumatism 223 
Salix alba 224 
Salix niger 229 
Salt rheum 461 
Salt-water bath 464 
Salve 463 
Salve, Black ( 463 
Salve, Healing 463 
Salves, To keep 472 
Salvia officinalis 3S0 
Sambucus Canadensis 279 
Sandal-wood 382 
Sanguinaria Canadensis 228- 
Sanicle 219 
Sanicula Marilandica 219 
Santalum album 382 
Sardinian soup 170 
Sarsaparilla , 382, 445 
Sarsaparilla, American 195- 
Sassafras 3S3 
Saturcia hortensis 409 
Savine 384 
Savory, Summer 409 
Saw-palmetto 384 
Scald-head (Horn.) 733 
Scalds 454 
Scammony 387 
Scarlet fever (Hyd.) 664 
Scilla 39S 
Scrofula 460 
Scrofula, Diet for 94 
Scrofula (Hyd.) 668 
Scrophularia nodosa 248 
Scull cap 389 
Scull-cap, Blue 389 
Scurf, To remove from infant’s heads , 469 IISTDEZ 
875 
PAGE. 
Scurvy, Diet for 127 
Scurvy (Horn.) 732 
Scutellaria lateriflora 386 
Sea-holly 387 
Sea-lavender 335 
Sea-sickness (Hyd.) 652 
Sea-sickness (Horn.) 732 
Sea wrack 385 
Seidlitz powder 464 
Self-abuse 522 
Self-pollution 522 
Sempervivum tectorum 324 
Seneca snakeroot 388 
Senna 389 
Senna, American 198 
Sesamum indicum... 213 
Seven barks 309' 
Sheep, Care of lambs of. 811 
Sheep, Catarrh of. '• 813^ 
Sheep, Diseases of. 811 
Sheep, Foot-rot of. 812. 
Sheep, Lameness of. 813 
Sheep, Scab of. 811 
Sheep, Scours of. 813 
Sheep, Sorehead of. 812 
Sheep, Stretches in 811 
Sheep, To mark without injuring wool of. 814 
Sheep, To prevent dogs’ killing 814 
Sheep, To prevent from jumping 814 
Sheep-laurel 389 
Sheep sorrel 390 
Shell-fish 32 
Shepherd’s purse 391 
Shittim-bark 250; 
Shoes, Winter 480 
Shower-bath (Ilyd.) 615 
Sick-headache 457, 4G0 
Sickness after exposure, How to prevent 468 
Sick-room 560 
Sick-room, Food not to be kept in 564 
Sick-room, How to keep cool 465 
Side, To relieve pain in 459 
Silkweed, Common 338 
Sillc-weed, Black 313 
Silphium perfoliatum 314 
Silver-leaf. 327 
Silver poplar 368 
Silver-root 400 
Simaba cedron .. 249 876 
INDEX. 
PAGE. 
Simons’ liver-medicine 222 
Sinapis alba 340 
Singers, For 464 
Sitting-bath (Hyd.) 619 
Sitz-bath 619 
Skin-diseases, Diet in 143 
Skin, To soften 463 
Skunk-cabbage 411 
Sleep 53S 
Sleeplessness 462 
Sleeplessness 64S 
Sleeplessness of infants (Horn.) 701 
Sleep, Position of. 476 
Slippery-elm 391 
Sluice-bath (Hyd.) 617 
Small-pox (Hyd.) 664 
Small-pox 731 
Smartweed 392 
Smilax officinalis 3S2 
Snakehead 204 
Snakeroot, Virginia 426 
Snakeroot, Corn 2.3 
Snakeroot, Heart 432 
Snakeroot, Seneca 388 
Snakeroot, White 430 
Snapping hazelnut 439 
Snowdrop, Yellow 277 
Soap, Chemical erasive 480 
Sodae boras 235 
Solanum dulcamara 217 
Solan um nigrum 287 
Soles, Broiled 173 
Soles, Fried 173 
Solomon’s seal 393 
Something for the ladies 467 
Soothing-syrup 479, 491 
Soot 394 
Sore eyes 460 
Sore mouth 460 
Sores 461 
Sore throat 461, 469 
Sore throat (Horn.) 736 
Sore throat, Poultice for 461 
Sore throat, Putrid 461 
Soup, Baked 171 
Soup, Barley 170 
Soup, Egg 171 
Soup, Gravy 170 
Soup, Lentil 171 877 
INDEX 
PAGE. 
Soup, Sardinian 170 
Soup, Yeal 170s 
Soups 161 
Sour-dock ., 444 
Sour stomach 459 
Southern prickly ash 365 
Spasms (Horn.) 728 
Speakers, For public 464 
Spearmint 394 
Spice-birch..... 227 
Spice hush 397 
Spicewood 397 
Spider’s Web 395 
Spigelia Marilandica 358 
Spignet 396 
Spikenard 396 
Spindle-tree 312: 
Spine-complaint 490s 
Spiny burreed 442 
Spirea tomentosa 304 
Spirit-vapor hath (Hyd.) 673 
Spirits of ammonia 397 
Spirits of hartshorn 397 
Spirits of turpentine, How to keep 472 
Spitting blood (Horn.) 730s 
Spleenwort-bush 409s 
Sponge-bath (Hyd.) 621 
Spotted alder 439 
Sprains 453, 459 
Sprains (Horn.) 730 
Spurge 197 
Square-stalk 248 
Squaw-root 225' 
Squaw-vine 352 
Squill 398 
Staff-vine 398 
Stains, Berry, To remove 467 
Stains, ink and fruit, To remove 467 
Starch 56 
Star-grass 421 
Statice Caroliniana 335 
Stewed eels 173 
Stewed fruit, Cream for 186 
Stewed oysters 173; 
Stewing food 161 
Stickwort 192 
Stillingia 400 
Stillingia sylvatica 400s 
Stings, Bee - 453- 878 
INDEX. 
PAGE. 
St. John’s wort 404 
Stockings 476 
Stomach, Acidity of. 453 
Stomach, Cooling the 85 
Stomach, Inflammation of. (Hyd.) 650 
Stomach, Inflammation of. (Horn.) 7*27 
Stomach, Overloading the 83 
Stomach, Sour 459 
Stomach, Stimulating the 85 
Stone, Diet for 108 
Stone-root 401 
Storax 402 
Stramonium 403 
Strawberry 404 
Stricture (Hyd.) 658 
Striped alder 405 
St. Vitus’s dance 460 
St. Vitus’s dance (Hyd.) 040 
Sty (Horn.) 720 
Sty on the eye 460 
Styrax officinale 402 
Succinum 194 
Suet and barley-water 174 
Suet and milk 174 
Sugar 66 
Sulphas quinia 370 
Sulphate of nickel 406 
Sulphur 407 
Sumach 408 
Sumach, Sweet 3S1 
Summer-complaint 463 
Summer savory 409 
Sundew 410 
Sunflower 410 
Sunflower, Wild 314 
Supper 93 
Suppers, Late 87 
Suppressed Menses 458 
Suppression of urine in pregnancy 468 
Swamp-cabbage 411 
Swamp dogwood 366, 378 
Swamp heiebore * 196 
Sweating feet 466 
Sweet birch 227 
Sweet bugle 237 
Sweet hush 409 
Sweet fern 409 
Sweet ferry 409 
Sweet flag 412 I^DEZ. 
879 
PAGE. 
Sweet gnm 413 
Sweat root 295 
Sweet sumach 381 
Swelling, White 465 
Symphytum 259 
Syringe, How to use 478 
Syrup, Soothing 479. 491 
Tamarack 414 
Tamarindus 413 
Tamarinds indica » 413 
Tag alder 412 
Tanacetum vulgare 415 
Tannic acid 414 
Tannin 414 
Tansy 415 
Tansy, Oil of. 415 
Tape-worm 462 
Tapioca and cod-liver oil 178 
Taraxacum dens leonis 273 
Tar-weed 297, 299 
Tea 75, 509 
Tea, Beef. 164 
Tea, Linseed 182 
Tea, Oatmeal 182 
Tea, Mountain 438 
Teas, What made of. 493 
Teething (Horn.) 735 
Teeth, To beautify 470 
Test of the extinction of life 482 
Tetter 461 
Tetter berry 41G 
Things worth knowing 470 
Thistle, Blessed 22G 
Thistle Burr 442 
Thistle, Holy 226 
Thorn-apple. 403 
Toroughwort 234 
Thread-worm 458 
Throat, Poultice for sore 461 
Throat, Putrid sore 461 
Throat root 280 
Throat sore 461, 469 
Thua occidentalis 201 
Thyme 416 
Thymus vulgaris 416 
Tobacco 417, 529 
Tobacco, Indian 325 
Tobacco wood 405 880 
IXDEX. 
PAGE, 
Tongue Cracked in fever - 455 
Tonsils (Hycl.) b49 
Toothache 461, 469' 
Toothache (Horn.} 766 
Tooth, To fill decayed 466 
Toothache tree 365 
Touch-me-not 417 
Trailing arbutus 418 
Training, Over 4S5 
Trance (Hyd.) 642 
Travelers, Diet for 153 
Tree-foil 327 
Tree, Health 231 
Tree of heaven 419' 
Trifolium, pratense 372 
Trillium latifolium 214 
Triticum repens 265 
Trout-pool, Illustration of. 30 
Tulip-tree 448 
Turkey-corn 418 
Turnera aphrodisiaca 271 
Turnip, Indian 315 
Turnips 59 
Turpentine 419 
Turpentine, How to keep spirits of. 472 
Turpentine, Oil of. 419 
Turpentine, Spirits of. 419 
Turpentine, Venice 423 
Turpentine, White 433 
Turtle-head 204 
Twin-leaf. 420 
Ulcers 462 
Uhnus fulva 391 
Umble lady’s slipper 341 
Unicorn-root 421 
Ui’ine, Incontinence of. 458 
Urine, Suppression of in pregnancy 468 
Urtirca dioica 422 
Uvaria triloba 351 
Uva-ursi 422 
Uva-ursi, Arbutus 422 
Vaccinium frondosum 433 
Valerian 423 
Valerian, American 323 
Valerian, Greek 295 
Valeriana officinalis 423 881 
IXDRX. 
PAGE 
Vanilla 423 
Vanilla aromatica 423 
Veal 25 
Vegetable food 45 
Velvet-leaf. 424 
Venereal disease 462 
Venereal disease (Horn.) 734 
Venice turpentine 423 
Veratrum viride 196 
Verbena liastata 425 
Vernonia fasciculata 316 
Vervain 425 
Vervine 425 
Viburnum opulus 305 
Viburnum prunifolium 220 
Vine, Grape 295 
Vine, Maple 445 
Vine, Poison 458, 459 
Viola pedata 424 
Violet 424 
Violet, Bird’s foot 424 
Violet, Blue 424 
Violet, Dogtooth 277 
Violet, Rattlesnake 277 
Verbascum nigrum 339 
Virginia creeper 197 
Virginia snakeroot 426 
Vitis vinifera 295 
Vomiting, To stop 463, 464 
Wading foot-bath (Hyd.) 623 
Wake-robin 315 
Walls, Damp 467 
Walnut, Black 224 
Warm foot-bath (Hyd.) 624 
Warts 465 
Warts (Hyd.) 665 
Wash-down (Hyd.) 621 
Wash for the face 482 
Wash-tub bath (Hyd.) 620 
Watchers, Directions for 576 
Water 68 
Water, Apple 186 
Water, Ash 366 
Water, Barley 182 
Water brash 462 
Water brash (Horn.) 714 
Water-bugle 237 
Water cure (Hyd.) 612 882 
IKDEX. 
Wahoo 312 
Water-fennel seed 427 
Water, Oum 182 
Water hoarhound 237 
Water, Ice 471 
Water, Jelly 182 
Water, Lime 473 
Watermelon 427 
Water, Methods of purifying 467 
Water pepper 392 
Water plantain 427 
Water, Rice 183 
Water, Toast 183 
Watery potatoes 467 
Wave-bath (Hyd.) 617 
Weed, Ague 234 
Wet clothes, To prevent danger from 468 
Wet compress (Hyd.) 671 
Wet dress (Hyd.) 613 
Wet-sheet pack (Hyd.) 612 
Wet-sheet, The folded (Hyd.) 614 
Wheat 45 
Whey 184 
Whiskers, To make grow rapidly 468 
Whiskies, What made of. 493 
White ash 431 
White Balsam 282 
White caudle 186 
White cohosh 428 
White lettuce 328 
White oak 430 
White pond-lily 429 
White poplar 368, 448 
White root 359 
White snakeroot 430 
White swellings 465 
White turpentine 433 
White weed 428 
Whites (Horn.) 737 
Whortleberry 433 
Wild allspice 397 
Wild angelica 268 
Wild carrot 434 
Wild cherry 434 
Wild ginger 432 
Wild hoarhound 438 
Wild hyssop 425 
Wild indigo 436 
Wild ipecac 197 
Wild Job’s tear 294 
PAGE. INDJLX. 
883 
PAGE. 
Wild licorice 396 
Wild potato 435 
Wild sunflower a.... 314 
Wild turkey-pea 418 
Wild yam 437 
Willow 224 
Willow, Black , 223 
Willow, Pussy....: 223 
Willow, Red 378 
Willow, Rose 378 
Winterberry 227 
Winter clover 352 
Wintergreen 378, 438 
Winter shoes 486 
Witch-hazel 436 
Womb, Falling of. (Horn.) 738 
Wood-betony 446 
Woody nightshade 217 
Worm affections, Diet in 116 
Worm, Pin 458 
Worm seed 441 
Worm, Tape 462 
Worm, Thread , 458 
Wormwood 441 
Wormwood, Roman 371 
Worms (Hyd.) 654 
Worms, Long-round (Horn.) 739 
Worms, Pin (Horn.) 739 
Wounds 454, 455, 465 
Xanfhium spinosum 442 
Xanthoxylum fraxineum 364 
Yam, Wild 437 
Yarrow 443 
Yaw-root 406 
Yellow dock 444 
Yellow gentian 262 
Yellow jessamine 446 
Yellow parilla 445 
Yellow pond-lily 445 
Yellow poplar 448 
Yellow puccoon 293 
Yellow root 293 
Yellow snowdrop 277 
Yerbabuena 448 
Yerba reuma 450 
Yerba Santa ..446 
Zingiber officinale 291