THE FAMILY PHYSICIAN, A DESCRIPTION OF DISEASE AND ITS TREATMENT WITH SIXTEEN MEDICAL PRESCRIPTIONS MADE PLAIN FOR GENERAL USE BY J CLARK SLAY, M, D. D. C. BURSON & CO., Ko. 1013 Ciiestnut Street, PHILADELPHIA. Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1880, By D. C. Burson & Co., In the office of the Librarian of Congress, in Washington. INDEX. PAGE. Fevers ------- 7 Simple, or Ephemeral Fever 9 Inflammatory Fever - - - - 11 Typhoid, or Typhus Fever 12 Gastric, or Bilious Fever - - - 15 Intermittent, or Malarial Fevers-Chill and Fever-ngue ... - 17 Yellow Fever ----- 19 Eruptive Fevers ----- 23 Scarlet Fever ----- 23 Measles - -- -- --26 Small-Pox ------ 27 Chicken-Pox ----- 30 Miliary Fever ----- 32 Nettle Rash ------ 33 Diseases of the Brain - 35 Determination of Blood to the Head - 35 Inflammation of the Brain and its Mem- branes ------ 37 Inflammation of the Spinal Cord and its Mem- branes ------ 40 Apoplexy ------- 42 Palsy ------- 44 Tetanus - - - , - v'-- ' / * 46 Delirium Tremens 47 Epilepsy ------- 50 Neuralgia ------ 51 Headache ------ 52 The Digestive System - 55 Toothache ------ 55 Quinzy - - *- - - 57 Diphtheria ------ 59 Mumps ------- 63 Dyspepsia, or Indigestion - - - 64 INDEX. PAGE. Constipation ------ 67 Hemorrhoids, or Piles 70 Colic ------- 74 Looseness of the Bowels 75 Dysentery ------ 77 Cholera Morbus ----- 79 Summer Complaint - - _ - 81 Inflammation of the Liver - - - 83 Inflammation of the Stomach - - 86 Inflammation of the Bowels - - - 88 Inflammation of the Peritoneum - - 91 Invermination. Worms - - - - 93 The Respiratory System ... 97 Catarrh, or Common Cold 97 Influenza ------ 100 Croup ------- 102 Cough ------- 105 Ho ipingcough - 107 Bronchitis ------ no Lungs 113 Pleurisy - - - - - - - 116 Hemorrhaye ------ 118 Consumption - - - • _ 121 Asthma ------- 125 Circulating System - . - - 129 Heart Disease ------ 129 Palpitation of the Heart - - - 131 Angina ------- 133 Pectoris ------ 133 Urinary and Genital Organs - - - 138 Kidneys ------ 133 Bladder ------- 140 Difficulty in Discharging the Urine - 142 Incontinence of Urine - _ _ 144 Bright's Disease of the Kidneys - - 145 Diabetes ------- 146 INDEX. PAGE Cutaneous Diseases - - 149 Inflammation of the Skin - 149 Vesicular and Pustular Eruptions - 151 St. Anthony's Fire ----- 153 Itch ------- 155 Boil -------- 156 Carbuncle ------ 157 Felon. Run-around - - - - 159 Diseases Peculiar to Females - - 161 Chlorosis 161 Suppression of the Menses - - - 163 Painful Menstruation - 165 Profuse Menses ----- 167 Hemorrhage from the Womb - - - 168 Inflammation of the Ovaries - - 171 Leucorrhcea, or Whites - - - 173 Pregnancy ------ 175 Derangements during Pregnancy - - 181 Child Birth ------ 186 Diseases of the System in General - - 188 Rheumatism ----- 188 Gout ------- 191 Lumbago - -- -- - 193 Sciatica ------- 194 Inflammation of the Eyes - - 196 Inflammation of the Ears-Earache - - 198 Bleeding of the Nose - - - - 199 Dropsy - - -201 Scurvy - - - - - 203 Scrofula ------- 204 Casualties ------ 207 Concussion of the Brain - - - - 207 Sprains and Strains - 209 Wounds ------- 210 Burns and Scalds - 213 Overheat ------- 215 Apparent Death ----- 216 Poisons and their Antidotes - - - 218 INTRODUCTORY. Realizing that a large and very im- portant part of medical practice is, and must always remain in the hands of the people, hence the need for a plain guide to direct the successful treatment of those diseases which they have so long felt, though labored unsuccessfully to accom- plish, must be apparent to all; also one to direct the proper way to begin the treat- ment of diseases of a more serious nature, and its continuance when every thing is progressing favorably, and a good medical attendant is not readily at hand. Such a guide is claimed for this manual. Already we are beginning to meet amateur physicians, especially among the ladies in their own families, of no mean repute, and with the assistance that a plain guide offers, they will often be en- abled to accomplish, being upon the spot, what we would fail to accomplish, making our appearance four, six or ten hours later. INTRODUCTORY. Eleven-twelfths of all diseases are cured promptly when proper assistance is rendered at once, while the majority of aggravated and fatal cases can be traced to early neglect, so if there were no further use for this manuel than in cases of emergency, or the treatment of diseases of a mild nature, it would then fill a long- felt want. More than this, however, is claimed for it. Its description of diseases and its treatment with sixteen tried and trusted prescriptions-as many or prob- ably more than the ordinary physician makes use of, are so plain and unvar- nished that the average reader can not fail to understand, and if but little time is given to its study, diseases of a more serious nature can be successfully treated. It has been the endeavor to treat each disease, or each stage of disease, with a single prescription, and in the majority of instances it has been accomplished, but in some complicated cases the alter- nation of two or more remedies has had to be resorted to. It has also been the endeavor to give such practical and useful advice in relation to diet, dress and mode of living, as space would admit, and if INTRODUCTORY. proper respect is paid in this directionr the failure to get well will not have to be- so often recorded. Great care has been taken in the preparation of these prescription to in- sure their preservation for any length of time; also every effort made to reduce their quantity still to retain their original strength and medical virtue. In this latter particular success has attended the effort beyond expectation, still the- quantity remains something more than desired. A number of these medicines are of recent discovery, and are found to possess great curative strength, while the others are the same as are daily prescribed by leading physicians, with probably some slight differences in their combinations. Each prescription is designated by some letter of the alphabet as a means of simplicity. To give names derived from the medicine would be both lengthy and unwieldy. Two directions will be noticed upon nearly every prescription; headed, Acute and Chronic-it will also be noticed at the same time that the amount of medicine taken in twenty-four hours from INTRODUCTORY. either direction is about the same-and the reason for this, long experience has taught that the majority of medicine taken in small and often repeated doses are decidedly more prompt in their cura- tive action. This is true of chronic as well as acute affections, but whereas, it is neither troublesome or easily forgotten to take medicine often in acute trouble, when there is a good deal of suffering, in chronic affections, it grows very monot- onous, troublesome and can not be remem- bered, consequently furnishing the patient with a satisfactory excuse to himself to let them alone. While it is no intention of this manuel to usurp the place of any good physician, for on the contrary it frequently advises his being sommoned even in cases where but little danger is apprehended either by the patient or his friends, it does claim that his presence is a rare necessity if its instructions are properly carried out. As has before been said its object is to di- rect the successful treatment of those diseases which the people have so long labored unsuccessfully to accomplish, and to be resorted to in cases of emer- INTRODUCTORY. gency, and also to direct the treatment of diseases of a serious nature when a good physician is not at hand While it fre- quently advises the summoning of a phy- sician, sooner, however, than call an indifferent one, it as strongly advises sole reliance in the treatment herein laid down. FEVERS. (Febris.) Probably no form of disease has so much engaged the attention of physicians or given rise to a greater variety of speculations than Fever. Some writers consider Fever and Inflammation as synonymous terms, others as mere modi- fications of the same diseased state of the system. The study is one possessing great interest to physicians, but to the sufferer the comfort of having the remedy of relief within his grasp, is far more in- teresting than the discussion of theories. Space will not permit us to enter into any of the theories respecting Fever and Inflammation, although we cannot but render the tribute of our admiration to the learned men who have devoted so much of their time and energies to the elucidation of this important subject, since every new disease discovered serves to throw light upon the medicinal action •of medicines. 8 FEVERS. In all forms of acute disease, Fever is present, and the symptoms common to most forms, are, at first, a feeling of cold- ness or shivering, then heat, accelera- ted pulse, thirst, restlessness and lan- guor. These, and other symptoms, may continue more or less severe, and for a longer or shorter time, according to the nature of the Fever, and finally a crisis declares itself, frequently by diarrhea, nose-bleed, or by an eruption, but most generally by perspiration more or less profuse. Fever also, possesses the pro- perty of passing from one species into another. Thus inflammatory Fever may by a strong febrifuge be altered into a low typhus, or on the other hand, a sim- ple Fever by injudicious treatment may be changed into an inflammatory one ; and that again assume the intermittent form; also one attack may present all these different phases. Fevers have been differently classified by various medical writers. We shall treat of simple and inflammatory fevers, typhus and gastric or bilious fevers, in- termittent and yellow fevers, and then eruptive fevers, such as, scarlet fever, measles, &c, EPHEMERAL. 9 General Treatment and Diet in Fevers.-Perfect rest should be enjoined, both mental and bodily. Pure air and cool apartments. Feather beds should be discarded for mattrasses when practi- cable. The bed clothes should be light but sufficient. The thirst present in Fevers is nature's voice calling for fluid. Water is the best diluent, and will do no one harm when judiciously used. No solid food, broth, or even gruel and the like, should be per- mitted in cases where the Fever runs excessively high. Toast water, or weak barley, or rice water, sweetened with a little sugar, or syrup of berries may be allowed when the Fever is somewhat ■abated, though then we must still care- fully avoid incurring the risk of a relapse. Good ripe fruits are generally allowable in most forms of Fever unattended with •diarrhea. SIMPLE OR EPHEMERAL FEVER. (Fibris Simplex.) This form of Fever seldom presents any strong characteristics, and generally runs its course in a few hours, even though no 10 FEVERS. treatment be made use of. As, however, it frequently is the beginning of disorders, of a serious nature, it deserves attention. Preceding attacks of scarlet fever, measles, small-pox, &c., it is generally present, though occasionally manifest- ing itself as a distinct affection. It gen- erally begins with a slight chill or shiver- ing, followed by heat, dry skin, restless- ness, thirst, accelerated pulse, general uneasiness and lassitude. Treatment.-In this form of Fever, prescription 'F' will, in nearly every in- stance, promptly relieve. By following- direction closely a gentle perspiration will soon follow with a speedy dissipation of all the symptoms, if it be simple Fever properly so called, and if it be the fore- runner of any more severe affection, either at once check its further progress or materially mitigate its malignancy. The very few cases that do not readily yield to this prescription alone are promptly relieved by alternating prescrip- tions 'F' and £G'. We resort to this treat- ment onlv when 'F' alone fails. INFLAMMATORY. 11 INFLAMMATORY FEVER. (Febris Synochalis.') Inflammatory Fevers are characterized by rigors,folio wed by burning heat; pulse strong, hard and greatly accelerated, dryness of the skin, mouth, lips and tongue; great thirst, hurried breathing, urine scanty, and bowels constipated. The above are the prominent symptoms met with in Inflammatory Fevers, sub- ject to fluctuations, generally worse in the evening and at night, and better after midnight and towards morning. This form of Fever runs an irregular course, rarely exceeding fourteen days, and is peculiarly apt, if not carefully looked after, to run into typhus or fix upon some important vital organ. When properly treated, however, at any stage it progresses regularly to a crisis which shows itself generally in profuse perspira- tion but sometimes in diarrhea or nose- bleed. Treatment.-Here, as in all forms of acute Fever with hot, dry skin, quick pulse, hurried breathing and great thirst, description 'F' should be first thought of. 12 FEVERS. and the few cases that can not be entirely relieved by it, will be very materially im- proved by its use. Prescription 'G' is also a useful remedy in Fevers when there is a full, bounding or throbing pulse, with a determination of blood to the head; red face, staring eyes, sleeplessness, and a general sensa- tion of throbing or pulsating through the entire body. When the symptoms met with are found under prescription 'F' and 'G',these two remedies act well in alternation. Prescription 'I' is a valuable remedy in low forms of Fever with a tendancy to gastric or stomach derangements. In cases when the Fever has been somewhat reduced and should show a disposition to linger in a low form this remedy quietly completes the cure. TYPHOID OR TYPHUS FEVER. (Febris Nervosa.) Typhoid rarely sets in with such marked symptoms as announce the approach of inflammatory fevers ; instead of chills or shiverings, we first find a complaint of general uneasiness, lassitude and indiffer- TYPUS. 13 ence. The patient either complains but little, or of pains in his head,chest and ab- domen, and frequently an unusual degree of drowsiness is present. After repeated alternations of cold and heat, a sensation of coldness is complained of by the patient, while to those around him he appears hot; the extremities, however, upon examination are found cold. The pulse varies, sometimes full and soft, and then quick and weak ; fever usually, not so high, always increased in the evening, and decreased in the morning. Great weakness and prostration of the entire system. The tongue at first moist, be- comes thickly coated, dark, dry and tremulous. If the disease is allowed tc gain ground, all these symptoms increase in malignancy, the evacuations become involuntary, delirium supervenes, and the weakness and lassitude excessive. This form of fever runs a slow course, lasting often from fourteen to twenty-one days, and even longer in badly managed cases. Treatment.-At the earliest symptoms of this disease,if prescription'B'be admin- istered. its further development will often 14 FEVERS. be prevented, or the attack rendered much more mild. It is also specially indicated in any stage of the disease where the suffering seems to be confined principally, to the head, pain across the forehead and in the temples with a feeling as if the head would burst; frequent rais- ing the hands to the head even though delirious ; foul, thickly coated, yellow tongue, or dry, cracked tongue, with parched mouth, and great thirst. Prescription T is probably our best remedy in the the treatment of Typhoid Fever, and particularly so when the greatest suffering is experienced in the abdomen. Many cases have been treated from the beginning to a successful termi- nation with this prescription alone. Its special indications are low fever, quick, weak pulse ; sensativeness of the abdo- men to pressure with a tendancy to loose evacuations, and great prostration of strength. Prescription 'D' is also a very useful remedy when gastric or bilious symptoms are present; constipation with ineffectual effort to evacuate the bowels, general nervous excitability ; restlessness, sleep- lessness and slight dilerium. GASTRIC. 15 It is difficult to give rules of diet ap- plicable to all cases. When high fever is present, the same abstinence, however, should be enjoined as already noticed under fevers, but in low forms of pro- tracted fevers, the strength must be kept up. This can be done only by judicious feeding, the greatest care be taken to prevent over tasking the digestive func- tion. GASTRIC OR BILIOUS FEVER. This is a form of Fever in which, as its name implies, the digestive organs are chiefly affected. The following are the principal symptoms of Gastric Fever; sensation of fulness and weight in the stomach, flatulent distention of the abdomen with inclination to vomit; eructations of offensive flatus and some- times vomiting of the ingesta and tena- cious mucus mixed with bile, thickly fur- red, dirty yellow tongue, abdomen soft, bowels constipated, but in the advanced stage of the disease the evacuations are often loose, offensive and contain por- tions of undigested food,frontal headach, languor, sickly and distressed expression 16 FEVERS. of countenance, more or less chilliness, heat and dryness of the skin ; pulse quick, soft, and sometimes irregular; urine thick, cloudy and dark colored. When the bilious symptoms predominate all the symptoms appear in an aggravated form, the heat of the skin is very considerable, the restlessness and thirst excessive (the patient expressing a constant desire for acid drinks) which do no harm when sparingly used. Treatment.-When this Fever is clear- ly traceable to high living, too free indulgence in rich food, wines or liquors. Prescription 'D' is probably oftener indi- cated than any other remedy, and when in connection with the above there is fulness, distention and tenderness of the abdoman with bitter eructations, nausea and vomiting, and also, when there is constipation, red urine, with brick dust colored sediment, it can be adminis- tered with great confidence. Prescription is, however, more to be relied upon in the treatment of Bilious Fevers than any other one remedy. Its special indications are: headache, burn- ing or expansive, tongue dry and red, or INTERMITTENT. 17 covered with a coated whitish-yellow fur, aversion to even the smell of food, crav- ing for acid drinks; great thirst, insipid, clammy, bitter taste, nausea and vomit- ing of bile, tenderness and a sensation of swelling of the stomach, bowels consti- pated, stools dark, dry and hard. Prescription 'L' is also a very important remedy in this Fever, sometimes restor- ing patients when seemingly beyond the reach of hope. The chief indications for its employment are : extreme prostration of strength, dull and glassy eyes, bitter taste, inclination to vomit, bursting head- ache, delirium, dry, hot skin, pulse scarcely perceptible. Intermittent or Malarial Fevers-Chill and Fever-Ague. This class of Fevers is strongly charac- terized, by the simplicity of their form, the periodicity of the different stages, and the uncertainity of their duration. A chill, followed by heat and terminat- ing by perspiration, are the three stages that constitute a paroxysm, after which, for a certain period the patient is gen- erally free from suffering. These periods 18 FEVERS. are generally of definite duration, the paroxysms returning at regular inter- vals of twenty-four, forty-eight, or seven- ty-two hours, and in some instances the interval is even longer. These Fevers are exceedingly indefinite in duration, and frequently assume a chronic form. An individual once at- tacked with Ague is frequently liable to a return in after life if the disease has not been radically cured at the com- mencement, nay more, any attacks of disease he may be hereafter subjected to are peculiarly apt to assume the intermit- tent form. Treatment.-During a paroxysm a few doses of prescription'F'will hasten its course, and very materially modify and lessen the severity of the Fever. The evening following the attack, when retir- ing, take a dose of the pills from prescrip- tion 'A', say four, and on the following morning begin with prescription'L'taking a half teaspoonful in a wine glass of water every three hours until the parox- ysms fail to make their appearance. It will be well to remember the day of the last chill and seven days thereafter take yellow. 19 for one day, from the same prescription following the same directions. The dose of pills can also be repeated the third night from the first dose. This treatment strictly carried out has never failed us. YELLOW FEVER. This is a disease of warm climates, and derives its name from the color frequently given to the skin of those affected byit. It is generally preceded by sudden debility and restlessness, which are soon followed by headache, giddiness, faintness and slight chilliness, to which is added oppres- sion, want of appetite and deranged digestion. Immediately after the cold stage or chilliness, violent reaction sets in announced by a high degree of fever with great heat of skin, strong throbbing pulse, and determination of blood to the head ; violent vomiting first of bilious and sub- sequently of brownish black matter which is also passed by stool. The respiration is hurried, and often laborious ; the tongue white-furrid, and sometimes red, but soon becomes parched and dark colored ; excessive sensability of the stomach to 20 FEVERS. pressure, irritable from the first, is ren- dered so much so as the disease advances that every thing taken into it is almost immediately rejected with a quantity of bilious matter. Severe darting pains traverse the head, the small of the back, and even extend down the thighs. The pulse is subject to variations, being in some cases quick and strong, in others quick, low and irregular: the urine is suppressed or scanty and offensive: the stools have likewise a disagreeable fetor. The above are the general symptoms and course of the average case of Yellow Fever, but in some cases the seizure is sudden and unattended by premonitory symptoms, and the course of the disease exceedingly rapid, and a fatal termination not unfrequently within thirty-six hours. The importance of cleanliness,in so con- tagious and serious a disease, is perfectly apparent. All discharges and soiled linen must be quickly removed and disinfected, and the air kept as fresh and pure as possible. Treatment.-Prescription 'L' is a most excellent remedy to begin the treatment of Yellow Fever, and should be continued so long as there are signs of improvement. It is indicated when the fever, heat and shivering appear simultaneously, or when we find cold internally with heat, or when the heat is a burning character. It is also indicated by great, restlessness with marked prostration of strength; severe burning pains in the stomach, and nausea and vomiting of bilious mat- ter, great thirst, which is appeased only by drinking often, and but little at a time. Prescription 'B' is called for when there is continuous, violent delirium with ex- cessive heat; fowl thickly coated, dark, dry, cracked tongue; nausea and vomiting of bilious or brownish black matter, stomach extremely irritable and sensi- tive to pressure; constipation or relaxed stool of brownish black matter, urine of a deep-orange or a bright yellow color; frequently profuse perspiration during the fever. Prescription 'I' should be given when the fever assumes the typhoid character; low fever with extreme prostration, flatu- lent distention of the abdomen with a tendency to loose evacuation. YELLOW. 21 22 FEVERS. The diet should be plain and simple, toast bread, crackers,milk, arrowroot and the like in the first and second stages of the disease. In the third and last stage of prostration and the beginning of convalescence, it may be necessary to give ice cream, beef tea, wine, whey, &c. ERUPTIVE FEVERS. Under this head we shall consider those diseases possessing the common property of febril symptoms, preceding an erup- tion which is present during a part of their course, such as, scarlet fever, mea- sles, small-pox, chicken-pox, miliary fever and nettle-rash. SCARLET FEVER. This affection in its simple form con- sists of a contageous fever with a swell- ing of the face and a scarlet appearance of the skin (hence its name.) At the present day, however, we sel- dom meet withit in so simple a form, but more frequently complicated with severe or ulcerated sore throat;violent inflamma- tory or congestive symptoms and fre quently with more or less deviation from the scarlet appearance of the skin above described. As a general thing the disease sets in with a chill or repeated chilly sen- 24 FEVERS. sations, followed by heat, headache, nau- sea, vomiting, and a feeling of prostra- tion. The pulse ranges from one hundred and twenty to one hundred and thirty beats per minute. This is quite charac- teristic of Scarlet Fever, as no other dis- eas, shows such rapid increase of fever. Besides the above symptoms, the patient commences to complain of sore throaty dryness and burning, and pain when swallowing, and in the course of one or more days the eruption appears of the color mentioned, in large indifinitely marked patches gradually growing paler towards their margins, and often over- spreading entire limbs with a uniform color. These symptoms continue with more or less severity for five or six days when the eruption begins to disappear, the skin pealing off in quite large pieces,, and complete recovery takes place in about three weeks. Treatment.-When the Fever in this affection assumes clearly an inflamma- tory type and the pulse runs high, we begin the treatment with prescription "F' which, as a general thing, will reduce the Fever and quickness of the pulse in a few SCARLET. 25 hours. Prescription 'G'should be admin- istered as soon as the throat and tongue become affected with dryness and burn- ing and there is a desire but almost com- plete inability to swallow; also when the throat is of a bright red color, or covered with white specks, or. later in the disease, dark red patches, and also when the ton- sils are swollen and the tongue of a bright red hue, and delirum is present. Prescriptions 'F' and 'G' alternate well when both are indicated. Prescription 'H' is also a very useful remedy in this affection when derange- ment of the stomach and digestive organs is a prominent symptom, with alterna- tions of constipation and diarrhea,the face pale, red or bloated, pains in the bowels with a good deal of shivering, disposition fretful or melancholy. To rub the body with some oily sub- stance, as for instance, the fat part of smoked ham, to relieve the terrible burn- ing and itching, has been recommended with good effect. 26 FEVERS. MEASLES. (Rubiola.) This affection commences with symp- toms of a cold, sneezing, watering and slight redness of the eyes, dry, hoarse ■cough, and a degree of fever more or less marked, proceeding the eruption three or four days, and generally continuing as long after. The eruption appears first upon the face and neck, and gradually extends down over the rest of the body and consists in numerous roundish lentil sized red spots. In six or seven days from the time of sickening, the eruption begins to turn pale on the face, and after- wards on the rest of the body, and gen- erally disappears entirely about the ninth day with a bran-like desquamation. This complaint generally reigns as an infectious epidemic, and for the most part confines its attacks to children, in which case it is seldom, when properly treated, either severe or dangerous. When, however, it attacks adults it generally runs a more severe course. Treatment.-There is no better remedy to begin the treatment of Measles than SMALL-POX. 27 prescription 'F', and should be continued until the eruption is fully established. Prescription 'H' should be administered as soon as the eruption declares itself, and in most instances is sufficient to com- plete the cure. Prescription 'G' may be necessary in some rare cases of confluent measles where the throat seems to be much af- fected. SMALL-POX. (I ariola-} This disease is frequently very sudden in its attacks, commencing with chilli- ness and shivering, followed by fever,, headache, pains in the small of the back and loins, langour, weariness and faint- ness, oppression of the chest and acute pains in the pit of the stomach, increased by pressure. Catarrhal symptoms, as sneezing, coughing, wheezing and diffi- cult breathing often accompany this affection. The eruption makes its ap- pearance at the close of the third day,, first on the face, hairy scalp, neck, and afterwards over the whole body, and' displays itself in the shape of small. 28 FEVERS. hard pointed, red elevations, which in about three days present a vessicular appearance and become depressed in the centre as they enlarge. About the sixth or eight day, pus forms in the pustules and the depression in the centre disap- pears. When rhe pustules have attained their full development they generally burst, in mild cases emitting an opaque lymph which dries into a crust and falls off, whilst in severe cases we find a dis- charge of puriform matter forming scabs and sores which leave on healing, perma- nent marks or pits. General clearing up of the eruption begins about the eighth or fourteenth day according as the pus- tules may have been distinct or confluent. In confluent Small-Pox, when the pus- tules run together, all the symptoms are more severe; the fever runs higher, the pains in the stomach, back, and difficult breathing are more complained of, and in children the eruption is frequently pre- ceded by convulsions and delirium. Treatment.-We have yet to learn of the remedy that will reduce fever, lessen the pulse, and bring to the surface the eruption so nicely as prescription 'F' does SMALL-POX. 29 in any eruptive fever. It is our first thought and reliance until the eruption is- clearly established. This remedy is also useful at any stage of the affection when the fever runs high. Prescription 'G' follows our first named prescription well for the first two or three' days of the eruption, and especially if head symptoms have set in, characterized by flushed face, intolerance of the eyes to light, headache, delirium, great thirst, nausea and vomiting, or when there is redness of the tongue, abdomen swollen and painful to pressure. Prescription 'B follows'G'very nicely about the third day of the eruption, and, as a general thing can be continued until the eruption begins to disappear. This remedy is particularly indicated when the pains are of a rheu- matic character; oppression and pains in the chest, bitter taste, foul tongue, head- ache and constipation. Prescription 'O' comes in splendidly' during the clearing up of the eruption and the completing of the cure, and should always be resorted to. The diet should be plain and of a cool- ing nature, and regulated by the severity 30 FEVERS. of the attack. Feeding should be spar- ingly done at all times, and particularly so if the fever runs high. All beverages should be cold. Cool and fresh air are our best auxiliaries. So beneficial is cool air found in this malady that taking a child to an open window when attacked with convulsions, will generally be found to afford immediate relief. Great cleanli- ness must also be observed, and the linen frequently changed. When the vesicles declare themselves and begin to form into pustules, the room ought to be kept as dark as possible to aid in preventing the risk of disfigurement, a precaution deducible from common ex- perience, since we find that the parts of the frame exposed to the action of light are always those most strongly marked by the ravages of the disease. CHICKEN-POX. ( Varicella.) This is a disease bearing considerable resemblance to Small-pox, but much more mild in its course, and shorter in its dura- tion, generally requiring but little treat- CHICKEN-POX. 31 ment, but rarely becoming dangerous ■except when the lungs or brain become involved. When this affection attacks an indivi- dual during the prevalence of small-pox, which is not unfrequently the case, it is often mistaken for that disease, but it soon discloses its real character by the rapidity with which the eruption declares itself; the pustules (in many instances 'closely resembling those of the small-pox) being generally fully matured by the third day, and the whole eruption disap- pearing at the end of the fourth or fifth day, without leaving any marks. The Fever, however, in some cases runs quite high for the first two or three days. Treatment.-Here, as in the first stages of the preceding Fevers, we give prescription^',and in most cases need no other remedy to complete the cure. If, however, the brain should show signs of becoming affected, a few doses of pre- scription 'G' will be needed and, if chest symptoms should develope themselves, a few doses of prescription 'B' will be re- quired. 32 FEVERS. MILIARY FEVER. {Miliaria.) This affection consists principally of a. great number of exceedingly small, red pimples, which are soon converted into- white visicles, afterwards become opaque and end in scurf. They are irregularly scattered, of the size of millet seed, and when the hand is passed over the cutane- ous surface, a sensation is felt as if caused by small grains of sand beneath the sur- face. This, like other cutaneons affections of the same nature, is generally preceded by febril symptoms, the eruption appear- ing on the fifth or six day; and from the commencement of the Fever we frequent- ly find profuse sour smelling perspiration. Previous to the eruption declaring itself, there is experienced a tingling or itching, and occasionally a sensation of burning of the skin, together with a numbness of the extremities. The premonitory indications of the ap- proach of this affection are oppression of the chest, sometimes with short dry cough and stitches in the side, low spirits, NETTLE-RASH. 33 excessive anxiety, extreme restlessness, sighing, violent palpitation ot the heart, irregular pulse, and emissions of a quan- tity of clear colorless urine. Treatment.-Prescription 'F' is the remedy to lessen the Fever and bring to the surface the eruption. Prescription 'G' is indicated when there is a good deal of fulness about the head, with symptoms of delirium, full bounding pulse, dry cough, sensativeness of the ■eyes to light, and scanty eruption. Prescription 'D' is a valuable remedy when the stomach seems to be at fault, headache, coated tongue, constipation and other symptoms of gastric or stomach derangements. NETTLE-RASH. (JJrticariaC) This eruption is brought to the surface by various causes, not unfrequently aris- ing from indigestion, caused by the use of improper articles of food. Before the eruption discloses itself the patient is af- fected with restlessness, languor, oppres- sion and want of appetite; derangement of the digestive functions, and fever. 34 NETTLE RASH. When the eruption breaks out the above symptoms become relieved, but. consider- able suffering arises from heat and itch- ing, sometimes accompanied with swel- ling of the parts affected. The rash consists of spots or wheals, flat or prominent, and of a dull white color like the sting of a nettle, or more red than the surrounding skin; disappear- ing in warmth and reappearing when exposed to cold; evolving suddenly and constantly changing their situations. Treatment.-If this rash is attended with much fever, we give prescription 'Fr until it is considerably abated. Prescrip- tion 'D' is probably the most successful remedy in curing Nettle-rash, especially when it can be traced to indigestion. Prescription 'H' is also a valuable remedy in this affection. When the trouble is not relieved by either this or the above reme- dy alone, a cure is quickly affected by- alternating the two. DISEASES OF THE BRAIN AND NERVOUS SYSTEM. Determination of Blood to the Head. (Congest™ ad Caputo This is an affection brought on generally by sedentary habits, intense mental ap- plication. or the too free use of spiritous liquors; also other stimulating liquids, such as. strong coffee, &c. are frequently its exciting causes, particularly in those who inherit a predisposition to the disor- der. This affection is frequently met with in ladies, particularly in young girls, due to scanty or suppressed menstruation. The prominent symptoms are heat, red- ness and turgidity or palor and puffiness •of the face, with anxious expression of countenance, fullness of the vessels of the head and neck, the pulsations of which the patient experiences through the entire frame; repeated attacks of gid- diness, particularly after eating, sleeping, 36 BRAIN. or sitting in a warm confined apartment, or on exposure to the rays of the sun when exercising in the open air; headache generally above the orbits, and in the forehead, increased by stooping; dimness of vision, buzzing in the ears, tightness around the throat, and difficult breathing at times; furred, red, pointed, or elon- gated and very red looking tongue; dis- turbed and unrefreshing sleep, drowsiness •in the daytime, dyspepsia and bowles constipated. Treatment.-Prescription 'D' is proba- bly our best remedy in this affection, and particularly so when the stomach and bowels are at fault, want of appetite, poor digestion and bowels constipated. This remedy is also the more strongly indi- cated when the cause for the trouble can be traced to sedentary habits, want of ex- ercise, or the too free indulgence in stimulants. Prescription 'G' is a most excellent remedy in this affection when the head symptoms are very acute; fullness and throbing of the vessels of the neck and head: red face, staring eyes, anxious expression of countenance, difficult BRAIN. 37 breathing, and throbing pulsations felt through the body. Prescription 'H' is a valuable remedy when the trouble is due to the suppres- sion of some discharge. In females with painful, scanty, or suppressed menstrua- tion, there is no better medicine. The diet should be plain and sparingly used of good easily digested food. Stim- ulants of all kinds should be carefully avoided. Early rising and daily exercise in the open air must not be neglected, and too much mental work must not be indulged in, Inflammation of the Brain and Its Membranes. (Phrenitis. Encephalitis,) In inflammation of the brain, or its mem- branes, the symptoms are exceedingly diversified; the extent and duration of the disease, the age, the sex and consti- tution of the patient, all combine to give to the affection a variety of character. Occasionally the attack is preceded by premonitory symptoms, such as, conges- tion of blood to the head, attended with weight, or stupefying, pressive, constric- 38 BRAIN. tion and sometimes shooting pains in the head. In some instances slight feverish symptoms are complained of, with ring- ing in the ears for a time previous to the attack. When the membranes are af- fected the pain is more acute than that arising from the substance of the brain. Paralysis, however, more frequently ac- companies the latter affection. The pupils in the first stage of the disease, are commonly found more, or less contracted, but, as the disease advances, they often become dilated. The eyes for a time have a brilliant and animated expression, but soon grow blood-shot, with fiery redness of the face and violent delirium. The pulse is very variable in the course of the same day; it may be regular, intermittent, quick and weak, or very slow and strong. The patient frequently complains of heat in the head, whereas the extremities are cold. When there is stupor, or tendency to it, the qyes look heavy and void of all expression; vomiting at this stage some- times sets in and often proves very in- tractable; the stupor, if the disease is not arrested, becDmes more profound, convul- sions appear, and death sooner or later ensues. BRAIN. 39 Treatment:-Prescription 'F' should be given at the commencement of the attack when the skin is hot and dry, and the pulse rapid, with the ordinary indications of Inflammatory Fever. Prescription 'G' is by far the best rem- edy known in the treatment of this affec- tion, and if timely resorted to, stupor, convulsions, and death will rarely be met with. The most prominent symptoms calling for its administration are, great heat of the head with cold extremi- ties; throbing pulsations felt through the head, neck, and chest; redness and bloatedness of the face; eyes red and sparkling with extreme sensibility to light; wild expression with violent deli- rium. Prescription 'B' will frequently be found of great efficacy in children, and also in the few cases that prescription 'G' fails to benefit. 40 SPINAL CORD. Inflammation of the Spinal Cord and Its Membranes. {Myelitis. Meningitis Spinalis,') This is an affection characterized by pain, more or less severe, in some cases of an intermittent character, either con- fined to the lower, middle, or upper region, or embracing the entire length of the spine. The pain is aggravated by the slightest movement and great sensability to being touched at various places along the spine. Sharp pain in the region of the stomach, sometimes spreading over the entire abdomen. Sensation of con- striction, and weight in the chest with op- pressed breathing, pulse small, quick and hard. When the inflammation occupies only a part of the cord the symptoms vary according to its location. Thus, when the upper portion of the cord is chiefly affected we frequently find our patient cross-eyed, spasms of the throat, loss of voice, and other abnormal condi- tions of the muscles of the neck, chest and upper extremities. When the middle of the cord is the seat of the inflammation Opisthotonus usually results, that is, bending of the body backward; and when that of the lower region is attacked, re- tention of urine, or paralytic, or spasmodic affections of the pelvic organs generally are met with. In each of the latter cases the inferior extremities are commonly convulsed or paralysed. When the mem- branes of the cord are chiefly, or solely affected, the sensability is very great, but when the inflammation is confined to the substance of the cord the suffering is not so acute. In the former, moreover, the bowels are for the most part constipated, while in the latter diarrhea has almost uniformity been found to predominate. Treatment:-The treatment is pretty much the same as in the preceding affec- tion. Prescription 'F' is given at the commencement of the attack when the skin is hot and dry, and the pulse rapid with the indications of Inflammatory Fever. Prescription 'G' is, however, as in the preceding affection, our chief reliance. If the upper part of the cord is the seat of inflammation, producing the head, throat and chest symptoms, it is indicated. If the lower part is chiefly affected, giving SPINAL CORD. 41 42 APOPLEXY. rise to the bladder trouble, also convul- sion, or paralytic symptoms in the lower extremities, its place can not be supplied by any other remedy. Prescription 'D' is also a valuable medicine in this complaint when the mid- dle portion of the cord is affected, pro- ducing Opisthotonus, or pains in the chest stomach, or abdomen. APOPLEXY. (Apoplexicb.') Few diseases present so many varieties in form as Apoplexy and there is not a single classification of the many, that eminent medical writers have given to the world, which is not more or less open to objection. An attack of apoplexy is recognized by a sudden or gradual loss of consciousness, sensation,and motion, with greater or less disturbance of the pulse and respiration. The premonitory symp- toms of this affection are, continued incli- nation to sleep, with stertorious breath- ing, and frequent grinding of the teeth; a general feeling of uneasiness, heavi- ness, or a disinclination to the slightest APOPLEXY. 43 exertion; a sense of weight and fulness, and pains in different parts of the head, sometimes very deep-seated; disturbance of the brain, evinced by loss of memory, forgetful of words and things, irritable temper, or wildness and indifference, or despondency and weeping, dimness of vision, humming or singing in the ears, and difficult swallowing, pains in the joints with weak or unsteady mode of progression. When an individual is threatened with Apoplexy, by premonitory symptoms, he can not lead a too correct life, late hours, mental work, rich food, and stimulants of all kinds must be strictly avoided; regular hours, plain food, air, and out door exer- cise are his best friends. Treatment:-When the premonitory symptoms present themselves, the attack can frequently be warded off by resort- ing to prescription 'D,' and, at the same time following the directions given above. This remedy is also indicated during an attack, and particularly so, if the patient leads a sedentary life, or is addicted to the use of ardent spirits, or indulges too freely in the pleasures of the table. 44 PALSY. Prescription 'F' should be given in very- fat subjects when there is a determina- tion of blood to the head, characterized by redness of the face, quick, full pulse, restlessness and anxiety. Prescription 'G' is a very valuable medicine when the face is red and bloated, the eyes injected and look heavy, noises in the ears, pains in the head, with violent pressure at the forehead, nose- bleed, laborious breathing, and difficult swallowing. During an attack of Apoplexy the pa- tient must be placed in a cool room, with the body as near the erect position as is comfortable, sitting, or lying with the head high. Cold, or cooling applications must be made to the head, while warm ones are applied to the extremities. PALSY. {Paralysis.) This is an affection in which, the power of voluntary motion is diminished or com- pletely lost. It usually comes on sud- denly, but in some cases it is preceded by numbness, coldness and slight convul- PALSY. 45 sive, jerking or twitching in the parts affected. Treatment:-The treatment must be regulated according to the originating cause. When it results from apoplexy, or as a sequel of rheumatism we have nothing better than prescription 'D'. If our patient is, or has been plethoric, from rich living, too free use of stimulants, etc. makes it all the more strongly indicated. Prescription 'B' is also a remedy in paralysis when resulting from the above named diseases, and should be tried in every instance where prescription 'D' fails to afford relief. Prescription 'O' should be administered if its cause can be traced to the suppres- sion of an eruption. This remedy is always worthy of a trial in slow cases if the skin, or the glands about the neck are not in a healthy condition. Prescription 'G' has quite a reputation in the cure of paralysis attributable to exposure, to the fumes of lead. 46 TETANUS. TETANUS. This is a disease characterized by in- tense rigidity of certain muscles of the body. Its varieties are Trismus, the lock-jaw, Opisthotonus, where the body is bent back- ward, which is the most common form. Emprosthotonus, where the body is bent forward, a still more rare variety. This affection is frequently occasioned by exposure to cold, but more frequently by some irritation of the nerves resulting from local injury. In some cases the attack comes on sud- denly and with extreme violence, but it more generally approaches in a gradual manner, a slight stiffness being at first experienced in the back part of the neck, together with an uneasy sensation at the root of the tongue, and a difficulty in per- forming the act of swallowing. An oppressive tightness is complained of in the chest, with a pain at the lower end of the breast bone, extending through to the back, the respiration is impeded, the coun- tenance pale, pulse small, bowels consti- pated and urine high colored. TETANUS. 47 The spasmodic action does not continue unremitting, the muscular contraction occasionally admitting of some abate- ment, but is generally immediately re- newed as soon as the patient makes an effort to speak, drink, or change his posi- tion. Treatment:-When the first symptoms of the disease make their appearance the immediate use of prescription 'D' will, in many instances, stay its further pro- gress, or materially mitigate its violence. Prescription 'G' is probably our best remedy to relax the intense rigidity of the muscles in a fully developed attack. If under its use the rigidity shows a dispo- sition not to give way, the alternation of 'G' and T will be followed with quick and marked effect. Prescription 'O' is a good remedy to complete the cure, and prevent its return when the muscular contractions have once been relieved. DELIRIUM TREMENS. This is an affection of the brain, and is mainly confined to drunkards, hence its name. A few instances are on record in 48 DELIRIUM TREMENS. which it has arisen from exhaustion caused by excessive depletion, from the ■effects of lead,and also from the prolonged use of opium. The intemperate use of spiritous, vinous, or malt liquors, is, however, beyond comparison, the exciting cause in by far the majority of instances. The disease generally comes on in drunkards during the stage of prostration which ensues when they have, in a great measure, given, or been suddenly deprived of their accustomed stimulus. The first symptoms of the malady are generally indicated by extreme irritability of temper, weakness of memory, but con- stant activity of mind, anxiety and uncon- trollable restlessness with increased mus- cular mobility. The appetite is often good, but more frequently impaired, and the tongue foul but moist. Soon after these premonitory symptoms, vigilence sets in and little, or no sleep can be obtained. Fixed ideas take firm possession of his mind, such as, the supposition that some one is bent upon poisoning him, or doing him some other grievous injury, and yet he dreads being alone. The speech is DELIRIUM TREMENS. 49 frequently stuttering, the countenance quick, wild and exceedingly variable. As the disease advances, sleep is completely banished with perpetual bustling accupa- tion and eventually when it is fully developed delirium supervenes. Treatment:-When not absolutely re- quired to give an anodyne to control restlessness and produce sleep, we have always found the alternation of prescrip- tions 'D' and 'G' sufficient to quickly afford relief. When the restlessness is very great, with a wild expression of countenance and a disposition to escape, or a tendancy to delirium with complete sleeplessness, it will be advisable to give a dose of pills from prescription 'E' to afford a few hours sleep, before resorting to the above treat- ment. Beef tea made hot with cayenne pep- per is a most excellent article of diet when the stomach is irritable, nausea, or vomiting, or when there is complete loss of appetite. 50 EPILEPSY. EPILEPSY. (Epilepsia.} This is a disease consisting of clonic spasms, or convulsions, with loss of con- sciousness and voluntary motion, and is generally attended with foaming at the mouth. This affection comes on by fits and is usually characterized by the suddenness of the attack, although it is sometimes preceded by pain in the head, dulness of vision, flashes or sparks before the eyes, palpitation, flatulency and languor. Dur- ing the paroxysm the eyes are hideously convulsed and turned in various direc- tions, but at length become fixed so that the whites of them alone are seen. The fingers are firmly clinched, and the mus- cles of the jaws are often spasmodically affected, in consequence of which, the tongue is sometimes larcerated by being thrust out immediately before the sudden and violent approximation of the teeth. On the abatement of the spasm the patient gradually recovers. Sometimes a fit of vomiting terminates the attack. The memory and judgment are generally NEURALGIA 51 somewhat impaird for some little time after the attack, and a sensation of lan- guor and exhaustion are complained of. Treatment :-This is a very slow disease and consequently requires a good deal of patience and perseverance. We meet with some cases, however, very easily of cure, and, also some incurable ones. Prescription 'I' has done better in our hands than any other medicine, and next to it 'G' ranks. We advise a trial with '1' and so long as any improvement is notica- ble to continue its use, then give 'G' a trial of a similar kind. When these remedies fail singly they often work nicely taken in alternation. NEURALGIA. This distressing affection consists in an excruciating nerve pain, which has its most frequent seat in the branches of nerves that supply the face and head, and is accordingly experienced with great acuteness under the eye, and sometimes before the ears, from which it shoots over the entire half of the face and frequently into the orbit and cranium. 52 HEADACHE. The paroxysms occasionally continue with shorter, or longer intervals for several days, or weeks in succession. The disease is unfortunately generally of great obstinacy, and in some melancholy in- stances, utterly incurable. Treatment:-When the malady is symptomatic-the result of derangment in some other part of the body, which it very frequently is-remedies which are appro- priate to the primary disease must be had recourse to. Thus, when from derange- ment of the digestive function, prescrip- tion 'D' will be found to afford quick relief; and when arising from, or connected w'ith diseases of the womb, prescription 'H? will be found to act equally as effective. There are cases where the disease seems to be located in the nerve itself, or at least, can not be traced to any other cause, here we have a most wonderful curative agent in prescription 'F'. HEADACHE. (Cephalalgia-') Headache is often but symptomatic of disease, and in such cases, is only cured by the removal of the primary affection. Headaches are so common, almost every one have had more or less experience, that a description would simply be a waste of time. Treatment:-When, therefore, it arises from derangement of the stomach,dyspep- sia,constipation, or dissipation, late hours, otc., prescription 'D' acts very nicely, and when due to having taken cold, particu- larly cold in the head, prescription 'F' quickly relieves; and when caused by fever, congestion, full bounding pulse, throbing sensation in the head, with a tendency to loss of consciousness prescrip- tion 'G' is unquestionably the remedy. Females suffer a good deal with head- aches arising from affections peculiar to their sex, and when met with, prescription 'H' will do more towards affording relief that any other medicine. Prescription 'G' is also a valuable medicine in headaches of females. Periodical headaches, occuring every second, third, seventh, or fourteenth day will find a soverign remedy in prescrip- tion 'H', and headaches arising from a bilious state of the system, are cured, and HEADACHE. 53 54 HEADACHE. the bilious condition removed by tak- ing a dose of pills from prescription 'A' every second night for two or three suc- cessive doses, and at the same time take from prescription 'B' during the day until entirely relieved. DISEASES OF ORGANS CONNECTED WITH THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM. TOOTHACHE. (Odontalgia.') A constant disposition to this distress- ing malady without any apparent cause, or what is generally termed Rheumatic Toothache, warrents the conclusion that some constitutional taint lurks in the system, and until proper measures are adopted for its eradication, remedies clearly indicated under other circum- stances, fail to do more than temporarily alleviate suffering. This affection is frequently experienced in teeth, that are not only sound but continue to remain so, clearly demon- strating that the trouble is purely a mani- festation of some taint in the system. The trouble, however, is more generally due to diseased, or decaying teeth, and 56 TOOTHACHE. should be properly assigned to the care of the dentist. Treatment:-Prescription 'G' will often magically relieve toothache in sound teeth when the following symptoms are experienced, pains very severe of a draw- ing, tearing or shooting nature, extending to the face and ears, and growing worse in the evening and at night, dryness of the mouth with excessive thirst; aggra- vation of suffering when masticating, also from cold, or the open air; determi- nation of blood to the head with heat and redness of the face. Prescription 'H' is particularly effica- cious in toothache when accompanied with earache; pains of a shooting, or jerking description, frequently extending to the face, head, eye and ear of the side affected. This remedy is particularly adapted to Toothache in females and especially so during pregnancy. Prescription 'D' is a most excellent remedy to alleviate suffering in decayed teeth. It is also indicated when the pain is of a jerking or gnawing, or throbing,or pulsating character. QUINZY. 57 QUINZY. (Sore Throat.} This affection is characterized by in- flammation, swelling and redness of the throat, principally the back part of the throat, accompanied with alternation of the voice, fever, impeded respiration and difficulty in swallowing. At the begining of this malady there is experienced a sense of constriction about the throat with a feeling of soreness, and sometimes of obstruction in the act of swallowing the saliva. If it runs its course the difficulty of swallowing and breathing increase, the tongue swells and becomes foul, the tonsils assume a redder hue, and occasionally a number of small yellow eminences appear at the back of the throat and on the tonsils; the patient complains of thirst, and the pulse is high, strong and frequent ; sometimes the cheeks swell and become florid, and in severe cases delirium is not unfrequent. As the throat grows worse the majority of the foregoing symptoms become ag- gravated, and the tonsils swelled, suppu- ration takes place if resolution be not speedily effected. 58 QUINZY. When suppuration ensues the pain is instantly relieved on the bursting of the abscess; it sometimes happens, however, that the tonsil upon the opposite side fol- lows the same course. This complaint is sometimes dangerous in its simple form, becomes particularly critical when it puts on the putrid type. In such in- stances the attendant fever generally assumes a typhoid character. Treatment:-If the throat symptoms are preceded by a chill or chilly sensa- tion, followed by fever, hot, dry skin and intense thirst, prescription *F' should be given for a time. Prescription 'G' is, however, the great- est of all medicines in this affection, and should be administered at the first throat symptom. The prominent indications for its use are, shooting pains in the throat during the act of swallowing; spasmodic constriction, or contraction of the throat, with constant and uncontrollable desire to swallow the saliva, sometimes there is a complete inability to drink, the liquid returning by the nostrils; bright red color and swelling of the throat; high fever, red face, hot head and delirium. Prescription 'H' is frequently servicable after prescription 'G,' or in alternation with this remedy when the following symptoms are present: shooting or burn- ing pains with a sensation of swelling of the throat; dry cough excited by con- stant tickling in the throat, attended with hoarseness; increase of fever in the even- ing, attended with shivering, red face and restlessness. Prescription 'O' is valuable in bringing the swelled tonsil to a head, when resolu- tion cannot be effected, and a sense of suffocation is experienced from its en- largement. This remedy in such cases can be continued until a cure is effected. DIPHTHERIA. 59 DIPHTHERIA. This justly dreaded disease, and ulcer- ated, or malignant sore throat, bear a very strong resemblance, so much so, that the experienced frequently mistake one for the other. It is not out of place here to speak of the two diseases under this head, as the treatment that cures diphtheria will also relieve malignant sore throat. Diphtheria usually reigns as an epidemic 60 DIPHTHERIA. of a highly contageous nature, and generally occurs in damp and sultry autumnal seasons. It sets in with cold- ness and shivering, followed by fever, and accompanied with great languor and oppression of the chest; nausea, or vomit- ing and sometimes purging, eyes inflamed and watery, deep red color of the cheeks, the nostrils are also more or less inflamed and secrete a thin acrid discharge, pulse indistinct, or very weak,small and irregu- lar, tongue white and moist. The swallowing is painful and difficult, and the throat on being examined early in the disease is observed to be of a bright red color and much swelled, but this state is very soon altered and numerous ulcers of various sizes will then show themselves interspersed over the parts, which become covered with a white, grayish brown, or livid coat. The prostration, considerable from the first, is now excessive, the tongue, lips and teeth are covered with brown, or blackish incrustations and there is more or less delirium. The neck appears swollen and of a livid color, and an efflorescence of a faint scarlet hue breaks out on various parts of DIPHTHERIA. 61 the body, and usually, though not neces- sarily adds to the danger. But the appearance of livid spots and other indi- cations of so-called putrescency, with frequent shivering, fluttering or intermittent pulse, sunken countenance, severe purging, extreme prostration, bleeding from the nose or mouth, &c., must decidedly be regarded as symptoms of great danger. When the local symptoms are mild the danger is rarely great, and even in the severe forms of the disease, when a gentle perspiration breaks out about the forth or fifth day, and when the sloughs throw off in a favorable manner, leaving a clean florid,healthy looking surface, and the res- piration becomes gentle and free, the expression of the face more lively, and the pulse stronger, a salutary result may be expected. Treatment:-A few doses of prescrip- tion 'F' given at the commencement of this affection, preceeding the throat symptoms, will often materially lessen the severity of its course. Prescription 'G' should be administered as soon as the patient complains of dry- 62 DIPHTHERIA. ness and difficult in swallowing, with a sense of constriction of the throat and oppression of the chest. It is further indi- cated when the fever continues to run high, the throat swollen and presenting a florid red appearance, the face bloated and the eyes inflamed, and considerable delirum is present. It is also further indicated when the eruption, which some- times breaks out in this disorder, presents a scarlet hue, and is smooth and glossy. Prescription 'H' will, as a general thing quickly relieve all stomach irregularities that sometimes accompany this affection, such as, nausea and billions vomiting, etc. Prescription 'O' is the remedy to be given when the disease reaches the ulcera- tive stage, and a marked improvement should be noticed in the patients general appearance soon after its administration, and most cases will be conducted to a salutary termination without the assis- tance of any other remedy. Prescription 'L' is an excellent medicine in this complaint when there is marked prostration of strength, accompanied with nausea and vomiting, or when the ulcer- ated throat presents a livid hue. This important remedy is also indicated in a more advanced stage of the disease, when the ulceration is covered with dark sloughs, the tongue parched, cracked, blackish and tremulous, the pulse small and irregular, with delirium and constant muttering. MUMPS. 63 MUMPS. (Parotitis-} This affection consists of inflammation and swelling of the parotid and submax- illiary glands, which are situated beneath the ear and under the jaw. It generally attacks individuals under fourteen years of age, and frequently declares itself as an epidemic during the prevalence of cold damp weather. When properly treated it is rarely dangerous, but particularly apt, if not carefully attended, to attack some more important organs by metasta- sis--for example: suddenly disappearing in the glands mentioned, and painfully affecting those of the breast, &c. These sudden changes may occur either from exposure to cold or from astringent appli- cations. 64 DYSPEPSIA. This complaint is generally ushered in by the ordinary symptoms of mild catar- rhal fever, after which the swelling declares itself, sometimes interfering with the motions of the jaw, and by the extension of inflammation to the tonsils, affecting the hearing and impeding respiration. Treatment:-We seldom ever use any other medicine than prescription 'O' to cure mumps. If there should be much fever, a few doses of prescription 'F' will be necessary, and if the throat should become much affected, or head symptoms show themselves it will be advisable to resort to prescription 'G' for a time. Dyspepsia or Indigestion. As this too common disease displays itself in so many different phases, in the short space allotted us, we shall simply content ourselves with enumerating some of the principal exciting causes, and refer to the symptoms given under the different medicines for its description. Irregularities in diet, such as an over indulgence in the pleasures of the table, partaking of rich and indigestible food DYSPEPSIA. 65 and excessive use of wine, malt and spiritous liquors, strong tea and coffee and other stimulants; imperfect masti- cation of food; irregularity of, or too long fasting between meals; indolent or sedentary habits; exhaustion from intense study, keeping late hours, mental emo- tion, etc., are the chief causes of this affection. The foundation of this disorder is fre- quently laid in early life by the baneful practice of administering large doses of calomel and other like medicines for the most trivial as well as the most serious derangements, and the evil is perpetuated in more mature age by a continuance of the same absurd and injurious practice. Treatment:-Prescription'D' is strongly indicated when the following symptoms are present, either when they have arisen in consequence of sedentary habits? or from the abuse of wine, or ardent spirits; the head confused with a feeling as resulting from intoxication, and giddi- ness with a sensation of turning of the brain; headache, unfitting for, or increased by mental exertion, distention and fulness in the stomach with excessive 66 DYSPEPSIA. tenderness to the touch, a feeling of tightness of the clothes around the upper part of the waist; frequent and violent vomiting of food, mucus, or bile, or an ineffectual effort to vomit, heartburn, acidity, flatulency, insipid taste of the food, and constipation, reddish urine with brick-dust colored sediment, sleep unre- freshing and restless. Prescription 'H' will effect a cure when we find the following symptoms, a re- pugnance to rich food, pies, pastry and the like, regardless of its injurious consequences; a want of thirst, general chilliness, or great difficulty in keeping the hands and feet sufficiently warm. great weight in the stomach soon after eating, with frequent sour eructations, frequent, loose or sluggish evacuations, melancholy. Prescription 'B' is particularly indica- ted when we find a good deal of headache of a burning, or expansive character, attended with bewilderment of the head and vertigo; tongue, dry, red, or covered with a whitish yellow coat, appetite very poor, and sometimes the aversion to food is so great that the smell of it cannot be borne; great thirst, bitter taste in the mouth, and a craving for acid drinks, acidity and flatulency, nausea and vom- iting of food and bile; tenderness and swelling of the abdomen; constipation, stools dark, dry and difficult to void. Prescription 'K? is a valuable remedy in weak and imperfect digestion when there is a general weak and relaxed state of the system with constipation and sore throat. CONSTIPATION. 67 CONSTIPATION. (Obstruct™ Jllvi.') We have now to treat of an affection which frequently baffles the skill of prac- titioners; their leading cause of failure being their ignorance of, or inattention to the great curative principal, and con- sequently proceed upon a system opposed to the operations of nature. This com- plaint is generally sympathetic with some other derangement of the organism, and consequently in our treatment of different diseases, we have had frequent occasion to allude to it. One of the leading causes of aggravation and excessive obstinancy in constipation 68 CONSTIPATION. is the practice of flying to aperient medicines on the slightest appear- ance of costiveness under the absurd idea that keeping the bowels open is a species of panacea against disease of every de- scription. Many mothers are so possessed with this idea that they continually administer physic to their children, without the slightest apparent call for it, and thus lay the foundation of dyspepsia and other visceral derangements in after life. Many a slight case of costiveness, which if left to nature would have disappeared of itself, leaving no ill consequences, has, by an ill-judged administration of cathartic, been converted into obstinate and hab- itual constipation embittering existence, and predisposing the constitution to a variety of diseases in after life. We do not wish it to be understood that we un- dervalue a regular state of the bowels, for, on the contrary, we know how abso- lutely necessary a regularity in this particular is dependent a healthy state of the system, and it is this knowledge which prompts us to put aside a practice that offers at the most, but a few hours relief CONSTIPATION. 69 to be followed by days, months, or prob- ably a life time of suffering. We do not wish it understood either, that we under- value cathartics, for they have their field of usefulness; it is this abominable practice of taking a dose of pills whenever the bowels are a little sluggish. As wTe have before said, constipation is generally sym- pathetic with some other derangement of the organism, and when that is corrected, constipation will be corrected also, and without applying a cathartic as you would apply the lash to rest a tired horse. Treatment:-Prescription 'D' will be found a useful medicine when constipa- tion results from too free indulgence in rich, indigestible food, and stimulating liquors, or when the confined state of the bowels has resulted from prolonged diar- rhea, or frequent purgings. It will also be found a very important remedy in chronic cases, arising from long continued indulgence in vinous, fer- mented, or spiritous drinks, or from seden- tary habit, or excessive study. Prescription 'B'is particularly indicated in constipation occurring in -warm weather, and in rheumatic subjects; constipation 70 arising from a disordered state of the stomach, with fullness about the head, headache; stools dark, dry, hard, and difficult to pass. Prescription 'K? is also a very useful remedy in constipation when due to a general weak, releaxed and rundown state of the system; poor appetite, sore throat, imperfect digestion, and consti- pation, stool soft, but want of ability to pass them. In mild cases of constipation strict at- tention to diet will generally be sufficient to effect a cure, to avoid too dry or indi- gestible food, to partake freely of fruit, to masticate properly, and take sufficient exercise in the open air. Regularity in habits has a great deal to do with the cure of constipation. With these precautions and the proper selection of one of the above named medicines we think any case of constipation can be relieved. PILES. HEMORRHOIDS OR PILES. This disease, so common, and so well- known, consists of an enlargement of the hemorrhoidal vains situated in the mucus membrane inside and outside of PILES. 71 the anus. When outside they are termed external piles, and when inside internal piles, and w'hen, during the act of evacu- ating the bowels, one or more of these engorged veins burst they are termed bleeding piles, and when they do not bleed they are termed blind piles. These enlarged veins form tumors of different sizes, from a pea to a cherry, or a walnut, and sometimes encircle the whole anal opening like a bunch of grapes. For ages piles were believed to be of great benefit to the organism, and they were therefore called the golden vein; and indeed, if we consider all the kinds and amount of mischief which may be done in the body by the suppression of hemorrhoids, this expression would seem to be founded upon sound observation, and would at once remove that erronious idea, that piles are a mere local disease, and the absurd practice of treating them exclusively local. As a forerunner to their local appear- ance, we observe a fullness and pressure in the stomach, disturbed digestion, bloat- edness of the abdomen, costiveness, dull pain in the small of the back, head, and a 72 PILES. disinclination to work, especially mental occupation. After a shorter, or longer duration of these symptoms, a sensation of itching, pricking, tickling, burning or pressing is felt at the anus with a gradual development, or growth of the varicose veins, or piles. Thus, the whole com- plaint is of a very slow and tedious nature, changing constantly from better to worse. The occasional spells of bleeding are frequently attended with a feeling of relief, though they do not better the malady itself in any way. Treatment:-The practice among sur- geons of removing these hemorrhoidal tumors by means of the knife, or ligature is very questionable, for apart from the danger attending the operation, in a great number of cases it wholely fails, and the disease returns often in an aggravated form. Hemorrhoids in individuals, who lead a sedentary life, or who indulge in strong coffee, or other stimulating liquids, are promptly relieved by prescription 'D,' if the piles are attended with shooting, burning, or itching pains, with colic, con- stipation, and sometimes painful and PILES. 73 difficult urination. This medicine will also relieve piles in females during preg- nancy. When there is a discharge of blood and mucous at the time of stool, accompanied by smarting and sensation of excoria- tion, pains in the back, pallid countenance and a disposition to fainting, prescription 4H' is the remedy to be given. And when there is burning and shooting pains in the hemorrhoids attended with utter pros- tration of strength, prescription 'L' will be found curative. Prescription 'M' is, however, the great pile remedy, and in bleeding piles can almost be termed a specific. This is not only a most excellent medicine taken internally, but makes a valuable external application in this annoying trouble. During the treatment of this affection it is of the utmost importance to attend strictly to rules of diet. Strong or heat, ing drinks, such as wines, spiritous and malt liquors, and stimulating or highly seasoned food of all kinds are particularly to be avoided. Sedentary habits, or the use of soft cushions materially tend to aggravate the affection. 74 COLIC. (JZnteralgicb.') COLIC. We understand by this term a griping, tearing, gnawing, or shooting pain in the bowels, chiefly confined to the region of the nave], generally attended with pain- ful distention of the abdomen, spasmodic contraction and sometimes vomiting and constipation, rarely diarrhea. The general exciting causes of this com- plaint are acid fruits and indigestible substances, cold from wet feet, drinking cold beverages when heated, constipation, worms, etc. External pressure sometimes gives relief and sometimes aggravates the pain. Warm external applications relieve in the majority of instances, while cold applica- tions almost always aggravate the suffering. Treatment:-Prescription 'D' will, in the majority of cases, quickly relieve either flatulent, or hemorrhoidal colic, or colic arising from a chill from having taking cold, acute pressive and forcing down sensation, compelling the sufferer to bend double, constipation, coldness and numbness in the hands and feet dur- ing the paroxysm. Prescription 'H' is often of peculiar efficacy in colic occuring in females either during the monthly period, or at other times, or when coming on periodically in the evening during cold damp weather and accompanied with tightness and dis- tention of the abdomen,aggravation of the suffering when at rest, better when in motion. Prescription 'B' is an excellent remedy to relieve colic arising from constipation, from indigestible food, or from worms. Prescription 'O' is an admirable remedy to give when other remedies only partially relieve. It is also a valuable medicine to rid the system of the disposition to this affection. BOWELS. 75 LOOSENESS OF THE BOWELS. (Diari'liea.') This disease is characterized by fre- quent liquid evacuations, and generally owing to inflammation, or irritation of the mucous membrane of the intestines. It is commonly caused by errors in diet, such as, the use of irritating, or indigestible 76 BOWELS. food; by taking cold from check, of perspiration, by sudden change in temperature and by causes that are num- erous. Treatment :-Prescription 'B' should be given in diarrhea caused by hot weather,, or from taking cold from check of pers- piration. This is also a valuable medicine in cases where the stools contain consid- erable bile, billions diarrhea, stools passed almost involuntary and contain portion of undigested food, stools thin, dark, and almost painless. Prescription 'H' is one of the best remi- dies in simple looseness, or diarrhea arising from errors in diet, such as, indul- gence in acid fruits, or rich indigestible food, attended with foul tongue and other dyspeptic symptoms. This is also a valua- ble remedy in diarrhea of females due to suppression of the menstrual flow. Prescription 'D' is strongly indicated when the stools are scanty and consist of slime and blood attended with straining and great weakness, flatulency and vio- lent cutting pains in the region of the navel. Prescription *P' is a valuable medicine DYSENTERY. 77 in loosness of the bowels arising from indi- gestion, attended with nausea and vomiting, stools thin, watery, and of a greenish color. This remedy and pre- scription 'H' work well in alternation. Prescription 'O' will be found a useful medicine in chronic cases of painless diar- rhea, and where there is dyspepsia of long standing, weak, debilitated and run- down state of the system. DYSENTERY. (Dysenteria.') Dysentery is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the large intestines, and is recognized by a constant urgency to evacuate, the bowels attended with a good-deal of straining and violent pains in the abdomen, a great or less degree of fever, particularly towards evening, and stools of mucous and blood. This disease may occur suddenly, but is frequently preceded by loss of appetite, costiveness, flatulency, nausea or slight vomiting, with a chill, or chilly feeling followed by heat of skin and accelerated pulse, then dull abdominal pains, and 78 DYSENTERY. increased evacuations. After a time no faeces are discharged with the stools, but only mucous tinged with blood, the blood increases with each evacuation as the disease increases, and in extreme cases the stool becomes pure blood. This affection should be treated promptly and decisively. If not checked in time the disease may terminate in ulceration, or the patient sink from ex- haustion. Treatment:-At the beginning of this affection, when there is a good-deal of fever, indicated by full and hard pulse, severe pains, abdomen tense and painful when touched, denoting the commence- ment of inflammation, we should resort to prescription 'F', and by its timely use many severe caseswill be made mild, and many mild ones nipped in the bud. It will also be found useful when the pains resemble rheumatism in different parts of the body with shivering, or excessive heat and thirst. Prescription 'P' is a very valuable medi- cine when the dysenteric affection seems fairly established, and the stools consist of slimy matter, containing white flocks. CHOLERA MORBUS. 79 followed by greenish, or bloody evacua- tions. But when the dysenteric stool is of a brownish color, with putrid odor, and containing lumps of coagulated mucous, prescription 'B'is equally as valua- ble. This medicine is often indicated when the attack occurs in hot weather from the effects of a chill from check of perspira- tion, and it is still further indicated in the advanced stage of the disease when the fever assumes a typhoid character, and the evacuations resemble undigested sub* stances, or small hard lumps, or balls. When the more acute symptoms are relieved, but the dysentery still continues obstinate, prescription 'O' will often com- plete the cure. CHOLERA MORBUS. This malady consists of vomiting and purging, spasmodic pain in the stomach and abdomen, sometimes cramps in the legs, rapid loss of strength, and coldness of the skin. The attack comes on almost always suddenly, and frequently in the middle of the night. The thirst is great, the vomiting constant, and the purging consist of fetid fluid discharges contain- 80 CHOLERA MORBUS. ing a large quantity of bile at first, which, however, soon diminishes until at last the discharges approach rice-water in appearance without smell. This affection prevails mostly during summer heat, although there are cases in other seasons, and it seems to be incited especially by exposure, check of perspi- ration, drinking largely of ice water, or imprudence in eating. It differs from Asiatic Cholera in not being caused by a specific poison. Treatment:-When this disease comes on suddenly, as it most always does, with cramps in the stomach, sometimes extending into the legs; violent vomiting and purging, the emissions consisting of undigested food, we as quickly as possi- ble give prescription 'P,' and those cases it fails to check, their further progress is very much lessened in severity. This remedy is also indicated when the disease is further advanced and the discharges resemble rice-water, and it seldom if ever fails to relieve in mild cases when the vomiting is mostly of a sour fluid without diarrhea. When this affection assumes a severe SUMMER COMPLAINT. 81 character from the first, with rapid pros- tration of strength, insatiable thirst, burning sensation in the region of the stomach with violent and painful vom- iting, prescription 'L' is strongly called for. This medicine in the advanced stages of the disease, when the pulse is small, weak, and intermittent, and the tongue and lips dry, cracked, bluish or black, has no equal. In mild cases, with mucous diarrhoea, prescription 'H' will afford quick relief, and in cases when vomiting and purging occur at the same time with cramps in the legs and feet, prescription 'O' should be given. SUMMER COMPLANT. {Cholera Infantum? This is a disease found every summer prevailing among children under two years of age, especially in large and densely crowded cities. .It generally commences with diarrhea, followed by vomiting. The discharges are whitish, ash-colored or yellowish, changing into green or greenish and having sometimes a very penetrating, and at others, a 82 SUMMER COMPLAINT. peculiar sweetish fresh smell. There is generally a great deal of thirst present, but the liquid is often not retained. The child soon becomes weakened and emaciated, the abdomen sinks in, and the constant loss of fluids causes gradual and general anaemia. This complaint, occurring generally during the period of teething, most likely has for its main causes, the changes known to take place in the digestive sys- tem at this time preparatory to receiving a food of a more solid nature and to the rapid growth of brain at this time, when it needs for its development an abundance of fresh air, we see therefore a change of air alone sometimes recuits the little sufferer. Treatment:-In children with small limbs, large heads, bloated abdomens, wrinkled faces, slow teething and with almost transparent skin, the timely use of prescription 'C' will often prevent summer complaint. This medicine is also specially indicated during the attack when the stools are whitish, watery and often of a sour smell, sour vomiting, sour perspiration, and great emaciation: also LIVER. 83 when the skin, hands, feet and legs are cold in the hotest weather. When the stools assume a green or greenish cast with nausea and vomiting of food, or milk, as soon as taken into the stomach, prescription P' is a most valuable remedy and will be followed with quick and beneficial results. It is further indicated when the face is pale and waxy, with painful expression around the mouth, sunken eyes and great emaciation. Cases benefited with either of the above remedies, but not entirely relieved, a cure will speedily be consuma- ted by the use of prescription 'O.' INFLAMMATION OF THE LIVER. {Hepatitis-) This disease is characterized by pain more, or less severe in the right side just under the lower edge of the ribs, some- times resembling stitches, and others, burning, shooting to the breast and right shoulder with a sensation of numbness of the arm of the same side; the pain is generally increased by taking a deep breath, and more or less fever is present,. 84 with a short, dry cough; bowels irregular, generally constipated, and stools in the majority of instances of an unnatural -color. When the seat of the disease is on the underside of the liver the pain is much less, the patient complaining more of pressure than actual pain, but the whole billiary system is much more affected. The eyes and countenance become yellow and often complete jaundice declares itself; the urine is orange colored, the -evacuations mostly hard and generally of a whitish, or gray color. We also find bitter taste in the mouth, vomiting, and •considerable distress. When the disease assumes a chronic form we find pretty much the same state of affairs except the symptoms are much less acute. This disease is much more common in tropical climes than with us. There a high mode of living; exposed to heavy dews, or damps in the evenings, and to the powerful rays of the sun by day, are among its principal exciting causes, but it may also arise from violent mental emotions; the too free use of stimulating, or alcoholic drinks; strong emetics, pur- LIVER. gatives, or the abuse of mercury; gall stones, or injuries of the brain, etc. Treatment:-When this affection is brought on by the excessive use of stimu- lents, or the abuse of emetics, purgatives or the taking of mercury in too large quantities, prescription 'D' should be thought of, and when in connection with any of the above causes we find the pains shooting and pulsating, and attended with excessive tenderness, at the region of the liver, to touch, with shortness of breath and constipation, this remedy can "be given with great confidence. When the pains in the region of the liver are mostly shooting, or consist of an obtuse pressure, with tension and burning, increased by touch, coughing or taking a deep breath, prescription 'B' is strongly indicated; also when the symp- toms are attended with violent spasmodic oppression of the chest; rapid and anxious respiration; bitter taste in the mouth, tongue coated yellow, and consti- pation. When either of the medicines named fail to afford entire relief, prescription ■'O' is a most excellent remedy to complete LIVER. 85 86 the cure. This remedy is also valuable in the chronic form of the disease. In the chronic form of the disease a dose of pills from prescription 'A' every third, or fifth night will be attended with good results. This is an important medi- cine for an inactive liver and obstinate constipation. The diet should be plain,and in the acute stage, principally of good sweet milk, with acid drinks to quench the thirst. Rich food, and stimulating, or alcoholic drinks must strictly be avoided. STOMACH. INFLAMMATION of the STOMACH. (gastritis.'') By gastritis we mean an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the stomach, which frequently involves the submucous tissue, and sometimes the entire stomach. It is characterized by burning, or shoot- ing pains in the region of the stomach, increased by pressure, inspiration , or the passage of food; swelling, heat, and tightness over the entire stomach region, sometimes with pulsation; great thirst, nausea and vomiting increased,or brought STOMACH, 87 on by the smallest quantity of food, or drink; soreness of the throat, hiccough, great restlessness, anxiety, and prostra- tion of strength: coldness of the extremities; tongue generally red at the tip and around the edges, foul at the centre and root; small, sometimes scarcely perceptible pulse; sunken features with expression of anxiety; generally consti- pation but frequently diarrhea, or alter- nation of these two states. In severe •cases we frequently meet with spasms, convulsions, and even tetanus. • The most frequent causes of this affec- tion are, cold drinks, or iced water when heated; the admission of acid or poisonous substances into the stomach, from having swallowed any rough pointed body, ex- ternal injury, ardent spirits, etc. Treatment:-In those cases where the fever runs excessively high with dry skin and restlessness, prescription 'F' must be given and continued until relief is ob- tained unless the symptoms present, call more strongly for some other remedy. When the vomiting is excessive, the region of the stomach considerably dis- tended, and the patient affected with 88 BOWELS. great anxiety, restlessness and difficult breathing, prescription 'P' must be re- sorted to. In gastritis of drunkards with low fever, nausea and vomiting after the- simplest food, prescription 'D' is the remedy to afford quick relief. It isr moreover, one of the most useful medi- cines when this disease occurs as a metastasis from suppressed piles. Gastritis arising from the sudden sup- pression of some secretion, such as, the menstrual flux, etc., is successfully treated with prescription 'H' also cases- proceeding from a chill in the stomach from ice. If the pain is of a burning character, with violent vomiting immediately after drinking; the pulse small, quick, and oc- casionally intermitting; anxiety, restless- ness and excessive prostration of strength, prescription 'L' offers to render the best service. INFLAMMATION of the BOWELS. {Enteritis.') This disease is comparatively of rare occurrence as a primary affection, but BOWELS. 89 appears much more frequently as a symp- tomatic trouble, particularly in the course of certain fevers, such as, Typhoid Fever, Scarlet Fever, Measles, etc. It much more frequently occurs in the sub-acute, or chronic, than in the acute form. In the acute form of the disease, the symptoms are usually as follows: intense burning, or pungent pain generally in one spot of the abdomen, especially in the region of the naval, increased by the slightest pressure and by movement, with tightness, heat, and distention of the abdomen; violent thirst with aggrava- tion of suffering from cold drinks- obstinate constipation; violent vomiting first of slime and bile, and sometimes even of excrements; small and contracted pulse, inflammatory fever, flatulence, and frequently obstruction of the urine. In the sub-acute, or chronic form of the dis- ease a general feeling of soreness is diffused over the abdomen which is com- monly, though not always, increased by pressure; indigestible food, or cold drinks almost always cause an aggravation of pain. The tongue is often very red, smooth, and glossy; loss of appetite, 90 indigestion with nausea and vomiting more, or less prominent, being greater the nearer the seat of inflammation is to the stomach. When the seat of trouble is lower down we usually find diarrhea, the stools being frequently slimy and mixed with blood, and in severe cases consisting of pure blood. Treatment:-At the beginning of the acute form of the disease when the ac- companying fever is intense, and the skin hot and parched, prescription 'F' should be given for a time, until the fever is somewhat abated and a slight moisture of the skin is noticeable. After the previous employment of pre- scription 'F,' prescription 'B' is a very useful remedy, particularly when the patient complains of severe headache with constipation and acute pain in the abdomen, aggravated by movement; it is also indicated when there is a dark red- ness of the tongue, or whitish, or yellow coated tongue; loose, offensive evacua- tions particularly after partaking of food, ordrink. Enteritis characterized by a feeling of soreness, or of burning heat in the abdomen, attended with nausea, no PERITONEUM. PERITONEUM. 91 appetite and great thirst calls for pre- scription 'L.' This remedy is further indicated when there is complete prostra- tion of strength. In the sub-acute, or chronic form of enteritis, when there is fulness and uneasiness in the abdomen, increased by eating, or cold drinks, prescription 'O' should be called into requisition. It is also indicated when we have constipation and diarrhea alternately, flatulency; skin yellow, or otherwise unhealthy looking, or dry and peeling; cold, clamy perspira- tion at night, or towards morning: ema- ciation. In acute inflammation, either of the stomach or bowels, no solid food should be allowed, broth, or, even gruel and the like should be used sparingly and with great care. Inflammation of the Peritoneum. This is a disease of the membrane that lines the walls of the abdomen and re- flects over the intestines and other abdom- inal organs to hold them in position; and is characterized by painful tension of the- 92 WORMS. abdomen with a sensibility to touch, even more acute than inflammation, of the bowels, so much so that the patient cannot bear even the pressure of a sheet upon the abdomen, compelling him generally to lie quiet upon his back with his feet drawn up. Nausea and vomiting are always present if the inflam- mation is very great, vomiting first, of what has been eaten, then of slimy and bilious, and finally greenish masses; obsti- nate constipation, and frequently obstruc- tion of urine; violent thirst, inflammatoiy fever and pulse small, quick and at times fluttering. Treatment:-As this affection is always attended with intense fever and inflam- mation, we should at once give prescrip- tion 'F,' and in many instances a complete cure will be effected without a change of treatment. This medicine will in every case reduce the fever and inflammation, and should always be continued until a moisture upon the skin is noticeable. When the inflammation extends up- wards to the chest, and breathing becomes affected, with acute pain, prescription WORMS. 93 'B' will quickly afford relief, and when there is painful sensibility and distention of the abdomen, with nausea, vomiting and constipation, prescription 'D' is the remedy to be given. If the inflammation is due to external injury, from a blow or fall, the external application of prescrip- tion 'N' should at once be made, while at the same time prescription 'M' should be administered internally. INVERMINATION. WORMS. The existence of worms in the intes- tines, in most instances, plainly arises from a peculiar constitutional taint, producing a certain unhealthy state of the- lining membrane, and thereby giving rise to the formation of these little animals;, and although no period of life is wholly exempt from their presence, infants and children appear to be much more subject to them than adults. The three species most generally met with in the human subject are, the thread, or maw-worm, the long round worm, and the tenia, or tape worm. The presence of worms, unless when passed, is not always easy of detection,. 94 WORMS. since sub-acute inflammation of the mucous membrane from other causes will frequently present nearly the same range of symptoms. Worms, and especially ascarides, frequently exist in the intes- tines without occasioning any disturbance and their presence is only known by their being observed in the evacuations. When the intestines become irritated by them, a number of symptoms are developed, the following are the principal: pallor and sickly appearance of the countenance: livid circles round the eyes; headache, or vertigo : irregularity of the appetite, some- times avaricious and then again wanting; foul tongue; tensive fulness of the abdo- men with a sensation of gnawing and burning at particular parts; hard and tumid belly: discharge of mucous from the bowels and bladder; heat and itching of the nose and anus, slight fever, and at times of a remittent character; wakeful- ness, irritable temper and gradual emaciation. In addition to the above general symptoms we frequently meet with severe colic like pains with straining and slimy and bloody evacuations, invol- untary flow of saliva especially when WORMS. 95 asleep; convulsions in children, and epi- leptic attacks, combined with brain affections in adults. Treatment:-Children of lymphatic constitution, with a disposition to cold in the head aryl diarrhea: feeble debilitated frame; defective nutrition; face pale and hollow, or puffy and of diminished tem- perature, can in almost every instance be relieved of worms and the system built up and made strong by the persistent use for a time of prescription 'C.' It is also strongly called for in complications with scrofula and rickets, or when there is chronic derangement of the digestive functions. Prescription 'O' is also a very valuable medicine in this affection when arising from a constitutional predisposition which is recognized by an almost constant dis- charge from the eyes, nose, ears, bowels, or bladder; bitter slimy taste, aversion to meat; irresistably longing for sugar, or something sweet; alternations of loss of appetite and voracity, frequent regurgi- tation of what has been eaten together with hiccough and at times vomiting; also when the itching and feeling of sore- 96 WORMS. ness of the anus and rectum are extremely distressing. We unhesitatingly say, after long experience, that every child with a pre- disposition to, or suffering from worms ■can be relieved by proper administration of the above mentioned remedies and the general system very materially improved. Prescription 'D' will rid the system of worms caused by insufficient and un- wholesome food; excess of vegetable, and deficiency of animal diet: impure air and want of sunlight ; damp, dark, and ill-ven- tilated dwelling, etc. The diet should be wholesome and nutritious with a supply of meat, such as roast or boiled beef, or mutton, or game; sour fruits, or vegetables in quantites must be prohibited, as also pastry and sweetmeats. Plenty of exercise in the open air is of essential service, but ■children should not be allowed to eat raw herbs, roots, and the like, which they are so prone to pick up in their rambles. DISEASES OF THE ORGANS CONNECTED WITH THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM. CATARRH, or COMMON COLD. This name is given to an affection which consists of a mild degree of inflammation of the mucous membrain of the nostrils, at times the windpipe, and occasionally extends to the lining membrane of the lungs, and is induced by exposure to sud. den changes of temperature, or to a damp and chilly atmosphere with insufficient clothing. This complaint is characterized by slight chills or shiverings, fever, lan guor, pains in the head, back and extremities followed by watering of the eyes, discharge from the nose,hoarseness, wheezing, difficult breathing, cough, and in severe cases a good deal of expectora- tion. In many instances a cold is carried off, or runs its course in a few days. This desirable result is generally due to 98 COLD. remaining in doors for a few days and encouraging a gentle perspiration by drinking some warm fluid, such as gruel and the like. Bathing the feet and legs in warm water is also a useful auxiliary mode of restoring perspiration, but the patient should be made warm in bed im- mediately afterwards. This is a very direct and satisfactory treatment at the beginning of colds for those who have the time to lay by and pay particular attention to the treatment, but for those who are obliged to go out it is more hazardous than is likely to be bene- ficial. Very robust persons who are accustomed to be in the open air in all weathers, but who have caught cold after having over-heated themselves, will fre- quently prevent any bad effects by drinking one or two glasses of cold water on going to bed. Treatment:-At the beginning of catarrh, or common cold, when there is chilliness, fever, sneezing, watering of the eyes, discharge from the nose, redness of the throat and slight cough, the cases that prescription 'F' will not relieve promptly are the exceptions to the rule, and so few are the exceptions that we can almost term it a specific. This remedy should be given at the first symptoms of the cold, and in many instances a few hours is all that is required to make a complete cure. In cases of some standing its action is not so prompt. Colds of some days standing, where there is dry, tickling, cough, with a good- deal of swelling and redness of the throat, prescription 'G' is quite prompt in its action. It is further called for when there is headache of a throbing,bursting charac- ter aggravated from coughing, and all the symptoms worse from going into the open, cold air. Prescription 'D' is curative in colds of long standing where the following symp- toms are met with. Tickling or scratching irritation in the throat, dry cough in the morning, and sometimes during the day, rarely at night: occa- sionally a small quantity of adhesive mucous which is difficult to expectorate after a fit of coughing. This is also a medicine of great utility in catarrhal fever with a disposition to chilliness, or wandering fever chills, worse during COLD. 99 100 INFLUENZA. movement, coming on and gradually increasing in the after part of the day* Warmth and rest mitigate the symptoms. Prescription 'B' has also proved itself to be a very useful medicine in colds of long standing, and is a little peculiar in being equally as efficious in dry hollow coughs, or loose coughs attended with copious expectoration. Coughs accom- pained with tenderness of the throat and chest, inclination to vomit, pains in the chest as if it would be racked to pieces, severe headache and aching in the limbs, are quickly abated by the use of this remedy. INFLUENZA. We understand by the term Influenza a disease much resembling catarrh or common cold, though more severe in its course and appearing in an epidemic form. In addition to the symptoms describing common cold, extreme oppres- sion and utter prostration of strength are complained of. Sleepiness, followed by shuddering and general chilli- ness, rheumatic pains, or pains as if caused by a bruise in the back and limbs, INFLUENZA. 101 intense frontal headache, sometimes ex- tending to the bones of the face; giddiness, earache, redness of the eyes, with painful weight or heaviness and sensability to light; coryza, or obstruction of the nose, dry shaking cough which produces dis- tressing fatigue in the chest, dryness of the throat, and subsequently dry, burning heat of the skin, loss of appetite, nausea, and in some cases offensive sweats, are all symptoms more or less prominent in this affection. Treatment:-Prescription 'F' is the best medicine to begin the treatment of this affection, when its symptoms are those of a common cold, and in mild cases will be sufficient of itself to make a com- plete cure. But when the trouble is strongly marked from its onset with extreme oppression and prostration of strength, we should unhesitatingly admin- ister prescription 'L'. This remedy is also indicated when there is profuse watery and corosive discharge from the nose, oppression of the chest, difficult breathing, thirst, anxiety and restless- ness. Prescription 'B' has often proved of 102 CROUP. great service in relieving the violent, pres- sive aching, bursting, frontal headache, and dry hollow cough, or cough with easily loosened expectoration. It has further been found of great efficacy when the liver was affected, painful to the touch, or on coughing, or taking a deep inspiration, also when vomiting was liable to take place after or during coughing. When the greatest suffering seems to be in the chest, with a hoarse hollow cough, brought on by tickling in the throat and attended with severe headache prescription ;D' comes in for its share of usefulness. It is also the remedy when the nose is obstructed, confusion in the head, giddiness, want of appetite, or sick stomach, thirst and constipation. CROUP. Croup consists of a peculiar inflamma- tion of the lining membrane of the windpipe, causing the secretion of a thick, viscid substance, generally opaque, of nearly the consistancy of the boiled white of an egg, which adheres to the parts and is difficult to expectorate. When this sub- CROUP. 103 stance, generally denominated the false membrane, has been allowed to form, the case becomes extremely critical. The attack is generally very sudden, com- mencing with the symptoms of a cold, such as cough, sneezing and hoarseness, with a greater or less degree of fever. In a short time the cough changes it char- acter and becomes shrill and squeaking, or deep, hoarse or sonorous attended with a ringing sound during speaking and res- piration, as if the air was passing through a metalic tube. There is seldom much expectoration, and when any matter comes up during coughing it has a stringy appearance, resembling portions of a membrane. From the time inflammation sets in, considerable fever and restlessness con- tinue, never wholely remitting; the countenance expresses great anxiety and alternates from a red to a livid hue, the attacks are followed by profuse and clamy perspiration of the whole body, more particularly of the head and face. This well-known malady demands prompt treatment to avert danger. From the movement we are aware of its exis- 104 CROUP. tence we should be up and doing. Quick relief can be had by prompt and properly directed treatment, whereas, in a very short time it can be beyond the reach of hope. This is just one of the many instances that make the demand for these prescriptions in every family im- perative. Treatment:-If prescription 'F' be administered instantly, upon the first symptoms of croup, such as, sneezing, hoarseness and dry, barking cough, with increase of fever, the attack seldom ever goes beyond this stage. It is further indi- cated where the disease is more advanced and attended with great fever, burning heat, thirst, short dry cough, and hurried laborious breathing. In those cases not entirely relieved by the above medicine though the skin hav- ing become moist, or covered with a profuse sweat, the cough more loose and the breathing freer, but there still remains a dry, harsh, deep, hollow cough with a weak, hoarse voice and more or less diffi- culty of breathing, the cure can be completed with prescription 'P'. This remedy is also to be given in the advanced stage of the disease when the breathing becomes exceedingly difficult, due to the accumulation of secretion, or the forma- tion of the false membrane in the throat, attended with nausea and vomiting of tough, viscid, or stringy substance. Prescription 'O' has been used with good results in preventing attacks of Croup in children subject to this affection; also in riding the system of the predisposition to this complaint. This medicine is often used in the last stage of the disease with happy results, making most perfect cures. COUGH. 105 COUGH. (Tussis.) Cough, although not dangerous of itself, may become so, or form an important feature of disease; and as a premonitor of consumption it is too often neglected. It may arise from an irritation, or disease of the air passages, or lungs, or from colds, or other causes, or merely sympathetic, or the consequence of derangements of other important organs. Treatment:-When we have a short, dry, barking, spasmodic, or nervous 106 COUGH. cough, especially at night in bed, with irritation or tickling, or sensation as if a foreign body were there, or as if dust had been inhaled, prescription 'G' can be looked upon as a soverign remedy. It is also a useful medicine in cough with rattling of mucous in the chest, attended with fever and expectoration of thick, white mucous; spasmodic cough which scarcely allows time for breathing. Prescription 'B' is a wonderful curative agent in dry cough excited by constant irritation in the throat, or as if caused by vapour; cough after partaking of food, or drink, with pain in the chest and bursting headache, especially at the temples; cough occuring in very cold weather, and aggra- vation of the coughing in passing from a cold to a warm temperature. This medi- cine has also proven itself curative in cough with copious yellowish expectora- tion, or slight spitting of blood with pain in the side, or sides. Nervous, or spasmodic cough, attended ■with painful shocks in the head and stomach, and followed by nausea, vitch- ing and vomiting is quickly subdued with prescription 'P'. In children this remedy HOOPINGCOUGH. 107 is indispensible when they appear to be threatened with suffocation from the accumulation of mucus in the throat. Violent short cough with quick, hard pulse and feverish heat; pricking in the chest when coughing, or during inspira- tion's promptly relieved with prescription 'F'. This remedy should always be given for cough in fevers. Prescription 'K' is curative in cough arising from a deranged condition of the stomach or liver, or from a general relaxed, or run-down state of the system. It is particular indicated in cough arising from indigestion with sore throat, par- ticularly the back part of the throat. HOOPINGCOUGH, (Tussis Convulsive.) This is a disease almost peculiar to child- hood, and is characterized by paroxysms of violent and convulsive expirations in rapid successions, interrupted by long- whistling inspiration, and in young sub- jects a long shrill hoop, terminating by the expectoration of a quantity of mucus, or a fit of vomiting, after which the attack ceases for a time. If the case is 108 HOOPINGCOUGH. severe the features swell and become livid, the eyes blood-shot, and in some cases blood escapes from the nose, mouth and ears. The paroxysms return every three or four hours, and oftener in severe cases, the least excitement bringing them on. Breathing is free during the intervals and the patient in every way healthy, although suffering from weakness. This affection generally appears as an epidemic, and is by many physicians acknowledged to be communicable by contagion. Over many the attack passes lightly; but in the majority of cases it proves a distressing malady. TPvEATMENT:-Prescription 'G' is the most important remedy in Hoopingcough when there is dry, hollow, or harsh and barking cough, which becomes materially worse at night. It is also particularly well adapted to the sore throat which is not an unfrequent concomitant at the beginning of this affection. When the cough is attended with dan- ger of suffocation, and each inspiration appears to excite a fresh fit of coughing, prescription 'P' should at once be admin- istered. It is further indicated when the COUGH. 109 fits are attended with spasmodic stiffness of the body and blueness of the face, great anxiety, and accumulation of mucus in the chest. Prescription 'D' renders good service when the cough is dry and very fatiguing, and attended with vomiting, particularly after midnight and towards morning; and when the paroxysms are so pro- tracted and violent as to produce apparent danger of suffocation with blueness of the face and occasional bleeding from the mouth and nose. Prescription 'F' may be had recourse to from time to time, when marked febril, or inflammatory symptoms are present, it being kept in mind that the action of this medicine is of short duration, and may be followed in a few hours by any of the above named remedies when they appear more particularly indicated. The diet must be light and of easy digestion, as nothing tends more to aggravate and prolong the suffering than a deranged state of the digestive system. 110 BRONCHITIS Inflammation of the Mucous Membrane of the Bronchial Tubes. (JlronchitiS'} This disease consists of a greater or less degree of inflammation of ihe mucous membrane of the tubes leading to the lungs. An acute attack sets in with chilliness, succeeded by fever, hoarseness, difficult breathing; severe, frequent and distressing cough, at first dry, or with scanty expectoration of frothy, or viscid mucus, which subsequently becomes copious and occasionally streaked with blood. The breathing is excessively laborious and attended with a feeling of constriction and oppression of the chest,, which sometimes increase to such an extent as to threaten suffocation: general weakness, foul tongue and loss of appe- tite; paleness of the lips, cadaverous and anxious countenance, loud, wheezing, rattling, whistling, or harsh and broken respiration. The first symptoms of improvement are, a greater freedom of breathing with remission of fever, and an alteration in the expectoration, which BLONCHTTIS. 111 becomes thicker, whiter and diminished in quantity. In chronic bronchitis the symptoms are much the same as the acute, but con- siderably less in severity, and its course, when not following the acute, is so insidi- ous as to make it often difficult to mark its commencement. Treatment:-Prescription 'F' is the medicine upon which we must place our chief reliance in the inflammatory stage of this affection, and throughout its course whenever high fever continues. Its more marked indications are, hot, dry skin with strong, hard and accelerated pulse; hoarsness, with roughness of voice; short, dry cough and obstructed respira- tion. Prescription 'B' is a great remedy in bronchitis, and we should not hesitate to prescribe it immediately when we meet with laborious, rapid and anxious breath- ing with constant inclination to take a deep inspiration, hoarseness, headache, dry cough with burning pain from the throat to the middle of the breast, cough with scanty and difficult expectoration of viscid snuta and sometimes mixed with 112 BRONCHITIS. blood, dryness of the mouth and lips, with excessive thirst. Prescription 'P' is a very valuable remedy in this affection and especially for children, but generally at a more advanced stage of the disease when there is accumulation of mucus in the chest, and when on coughing they are almost suffocated by the abundant secretion of mucus and become livid in the face; shortness of breath, and profuse pers- piration on the head after each fit of coughing. Prescription 'O' is a useful remedy in winding up a cure, and preventing the disease running on to the chronic form, or when the expectoration has increased in quantity and becomes whitish and less viscid. The diet to be observed should be the same as that mentioned under Fevers in the severe forms of bronchitis, but when the febril and inflammatory symptoms have subsided, the patient should gradually return to a nutritious diet, even though a considerable degree of cough and expectoration remain. Inflammation of the Lungs. LUNGS. 113 This disease consists in an inflamma- tion of the parenchyma, or body of the lungs, and is recognized by a chill, or chilly sensations, followed by heat; diffi- cult breathing, short and hurried; short cough, continuous and distressing, dry at first, afterwards attended with scanty expectoration of viscid, lumpy tenacious, or glutenous mucus of various shades of color, but mostly of a dingy brick-red, or rusty hue. The cough is excited or aggravated by every deep inspiration, or on every attempt to speak, the speech is interrupted, or there is a pause after every articulation. A dull pain is felt occasionally in the chest, but more fre- quently rather a tightness than pain; the pulse is variable sometimes not beyond the normal standard, but more generally full, strong and quick at th© commence- ment, or, when the inflammation runs high, hard, wiry and greatly accelerated, the tongue dry, parched and dark colored. The fever is usually of the inflammatory type, but is sometimes of a low grade 114 LUNGS. The patient, particularly in a severe attack, lies upon his back. Such are the general symptoms of uncomplicated Pneumonia, but in severe cases it is often found combined with pleurisy, in which case the pains in the chest are intense and generally of an acute, shooting character. Another, and still more frequent complication is formed with bronchitis, and then we find some of the symptoms of that disease. We also meet with this affection where it assumes the typhoid character, the local symptoms then are very obscure, and the accompanying fever of a low grade, the pulse quick and very weak, the skin dry or clamy, the tongue brown and parched, and the urine greatly dimin- ished in quantity and of a high color. Treatment:-At the beginning of this disease, in the stage of inflammatory congestion, whether or not accompanied, or followed by severe shooting pains in the chest, prescription 'F' should be given for a time until the fever is some- what abated, or a slight moisture is observed upon the skin, If the fever returns after having been apparently LUNGS. 115 subdued by the above prescription, with difficult breathing, and pain, or feeling of uneasiness in the chest, the sputa tinged with blood, and difficult to the cheeks flushed, lips and tongue dry the skin hot, and the thirst incessant, prescription 'G' must be resorted to. In young and fleshy subjects these two medicines may be given in alternation with the most satisfactory results during the first, or congestive stage of this disease. Prescription 'B' is the appropriate remedy in pneumonia when the cough is attended with expectoration of viscid, or tenacious mucus of a brick dust color; oppression of the chest accompanied with acute shooting pains, or rheumatic pains in the muscles of the chest and extremi- ties with increase of pain on moving, foul tongue, constipation and other signs of gastric derangement. When the acute spmptoms of the disease have subsided, but the fever has assumed a low grade with alternate dry and clamy skin, we should hasten to administer prescription 'I' to prevent a complication with typhoid and insure a speedy return to health. 116 PLEURISY. Prescrption 'O' is a remedy that come in well often in the winding up of diseas0 and making good a complete cure. It has also proved itself of great service at any stage of disease in strumous, or scrofulous constitutions. During the inflammatory stage of this disease almost total abstinance from food must be enjoined; even during convales- cence there is caution required, and care must be taken not to over-indulge the returning appetite. The drinks should consist of water, toast water, or rice water, sweetened with a little sugar if desired. Inflammation of the Pleura. {Pleurisy. Pleuritis.) We understand by this term an inflam- mation of the membrane that lines the walls of the chest and reflects over the lungs. It is characterized by severe cutting, lancinating pain in the side, generally confined to one circumscribed spot, inter- ferring. with breathing and acutely increased by taking a deep inspiration, or by coughing; difficult and anxious respi- PLEURISY. 117 ration, but not so oppressed as in pneumonia and bronchitis; quick, hard pulse, hot skin particularly over the chestr or seat of the disease; short, dry cough,, parched tongue, scanty and high colored urine and occasionally delirium. Treatment:-Prescription 'F' is an indespensible medicine in allaying the inflammatory fever and acute pain atten- dant on pleurisy, as in many instances, when timely administered, sufficient of itself to cure the disease. It rarely fails to make a favorable impression in from six to eight hours, and in most instances in less than half the time. Prescription 'B' follows the above remedy well when the pain in the chest is shooting, cutting, burning, or aching in its character much increased during inspiration, or move- ment; dry cough followed by expectora- tion of dirty yellow colored mucuss streaked, or tinged with blood; oppression and anxious breathing; yellow tongue; bitter taste, nausea and sometimes vomit- ing of mucus; headache, head confused, great thirst and bowels constipated. In the few cases where prescription 'F' fails to relieve the fever and acute pain, it 118 will be accomplished by alternating these two medicines. Prescription 'L' is the remedy on which we mainly depend in those serious cases when effusion, to a great extent has taken place, in the plural membrane, when the breathing is painfully impeded and asthmatic, attended with extreme pros- tration of strength. Prescription 'O' here, too, comes in for its share of usefulness in making a good cure. An occasional case will be met with when the above medicines fail to do more than relieve the disease of its acute symptoms without wholly subduing the inflammation. In such instances, this medicine is the sufferers best friend. HEMORRHAGE. Hemorrhage from the Lungs. This affection may arise from an effu- sion of blood from the mucous membrane of the bronchial tubes, or from a conges- tion of the lungs, or from the rupture of a blood-vessel in the lungs during the course of consumption. We must be careful not to confound this affection with diseases of the mouth or gums, or the occurrence of blood from the nose HEMORRHAGE. 119 escaping through the posterior nares and being returned by the mouth. When the blood proceeds from the chest it is almost invariably attended with a sensation as if it came from a deep seated source, is warm, generally tastes sweet, and there is frequently a simultaneous burning and painful sensation in the chest. We propose to deal generally with the subject and give the treatment indicated by the symptoms present. When the attack is preceded by well-known pre- monitory symptoms, the patient should refrain from loud or prolonged speaking, calling, singing, blowing wind instru- ments, violent exercise of the arms, running, or, in short, anything calculated to increase the respiratory action, or otherwise fatigue the chest. In by far the greater majority of cases the dis- charge, or spitting of blood soon ceases of its own accord, the most important object therefore is to seek the cure of the complaint when the hemorrhage has ceased and thereby prevent its return. Treatment:-The well-known property of common salt to check spitting of blood is as efficacious in ordinarv attacks as 120 HEMORRHAGE. any remedy we are acquainted with. A small quantity placed upon the tongue and allowed to dissolve and gradually to be swallowed is generally sufficient for its arrest. When the salt fails to relieve and the discharge amounts to an actual hemorrhage of bright red blood, prescrip- tion 'M' will be found to act promptly. Spitting of blood in females arising from suppression of the monthly discharge, or in either sex, when from the suppression of bleed- ing piles, will find its corrective in prescription'H.' This medicine will also relieve this affection from whatever cause, when the expectoration is of dark clotted blood, attended with shivering, especially at night, and pain in the lower part of the chest. Prescription 'L' should be administered when the anxiety, anguish, palpitation of the heart, and bleeding continue, or increase after the employmexit of other remedies. This is a valuable medicine to restore the vital energies of the patient after considerable loss of blood. CONSUMPTION. 121 CONSUMPTION. (Phthisis.'} One of the earliest symptoms of con- sumption is a short cough, which is either dry, or accompanied by the expectoration of a frothy mucus, and is generally slight at the commencement, but more or less constant. Shortness of breath, proceeding from obstruction, is another early symptom of consumption. At first it is only experienced during exertion, but subsequently comes on after every fit of coughing, or on lying on the one or the other side, and is much increased by the slightest movement. Symptoms of stomach derangement are frequently present, with redness of the tongue, or with furred centre; the patient falls off in flesh, becomes indolent, dejected, and overpowered with languor. A feeling of soreness is often complained of in the chest, particularly, after any fatigue, or after a fit of coughing, and sometimes on exposure to cold air. The pulse is often normal at the begin- ning- of the but soon becomes full, hard, and accelerated. Fever of an 122 CONSUMPTION. intermittent character soon makes its appearance; it declares itself most towards night, remits from about two in the morning until the following day at noon, when it returns in a slight degree and continues until about five in the after- noon, and is then followed by an other remission. This hectic fever is, in the first instance, chiefly manifested by flush- ing of the face, heat in the palms of the hands and soles of the feet; but as the disease advances, night-sweats supervene, which leave the patient in a state of great exhaustion in the morning. As the expectoration increases it becomes more viscid and opague, and is often tinged with blood, or a considerable quantity of florid frothy blood is ejected. As the dis- ease advances the respiration becomes more difficult, the emaciation and debility go on increasing, the cough is rendered more severe and troublesome, particu- larly at night, and the fever, though of shorter duration, is attended with more profuse sweating and the pulse loses tone. The expectoration becomes, at the same time, more free and copious, and is less thin and transparent. In the suppurative, or last stage of the disease, the expectoration at first resem- bles curd, or cheese-like particles and subsequently is mixed with pus, mucus and frequently with blood. The bowels, from having been constipated from the •commencement of the disease, are now more prone to be relaxed, so that attacks of diarrhea recur frequently, and by alter- nating with the night-sweats induce an •excessive degree of weakness. In this stage of the disease the patient becomes reduced to a skeleton; the face is thinned, the cheek bones prominent, the eyes look hollow; the hair falls off, and the feet and legs are quite much swollen, but notwith- standing all this the countenance presents a degree of clearness, and the eyes a lus- ter that are rarely, if ever, met with in ■other maladies, and the mind is generally serene and hopeful, that the patient seems often quite unconscious of his dan- gerous condition, and speaks and acts as if in full anticipation of a speedy recovery. It is in the first and second stages of this disease, particularly the first ; that we should work and hope for recovery, for in the third, or last stage all hope desert consumption. 123 124 CONSUMPTION. us. There are claims of cures even in this, stage, but we confess never to have been so successful. Change of climate often works won- ders in the -early stage of the disease. Many medical men recommend warm climates, or well sheltered situations,, even although the atmosphere might bo of a humid and relaxing nature, we are inclined to side with those who do not object to a somewhat bracing and cold atmosphere provide it be dry and not too changeable temperature. Daily exercise in the open air should not be neglected, and the practice of inflating the lungs- two, or three times a day gives tone and strength to them that can not be derived from any other source. Treatment:-Prescription 'B' should be given in the earliest symptoms of this disease when the cough is short and dry, or accompanied by the scanty expectora- tion of frothy mucus; shortness of breath particularly after coughing, or exercising; loss of appetite, bitter taste, headache and bowels constipated. Prescription 'L' is a very useful medi- cine in this disease strongly marked by loss of flesh and utter prostration; hectic fever and debilitating night-sweats; incessant cough with copious expectora- tion of a yellowish green color; variable appetite and bowels changeable from con- stipation to diarrhea. When there is oppression at the chest, laborious brea,thing and no expectoration of mucus chiefly at night, prescription 'O' should be given. This is also a use- ful medicine when the expectoration is copious of white frothy substance. ASTHMA. 125 ASTHMA. This affection is said to be caused by an irritation of the vagus nerve, a nerve going to supply the lungs, and is charac- terized by the following phenomena; difficulty of breathing, recuring in paroxysms, attended with a sensation of suffocating constriction in the chest, cough and wheezing. The paroxysms are frequently preceded by a sense of cold- ness, languor, headache, heaviness over the eyes; sickness, or flatulency and a sense of oppression in the chest. During the attack the patient feels much worse in the recumbant posture and conse- 126 ASTHMA. quently sits up, requests the doors, or windows to be thrown open to admit more air into his apartment, and uses every effort to dilate and empty the lungs. He also experiences great restlessness, making frequent efforts to force some* thing out of the air passages which he thinks impedes breathing by coughing* The face is pale, or livid, and wears an anxious expression. The extremities and even the nose and ears are frequently cold, and the face and chest covered with perspiration; the heart palpitates, the pulse is variable, being quick, full, or small, and quick, or weak and irregular, often intermitting. These symptoms continue with greater, or less degree of violence for some hours, or even days until expectoration takes place which affords relief as it increases in quantity. A remission also sometimes takes place soon after an excession of copious pers- piration, or a profuse discharge of urine. The disease is more frequently met at an advanced, than an early stage of life, and oftener in men than woman. Treatment:-Prescription 'L' perhaps has done more for sufferers of Asthma ASTHMA. 127 than any other medicine, and is particu- larly indicated when there is great exhaustion and anguish, as if at the point of suffocation, with cold perspira- tion; spasmodic constriction in the chest and throat which is soon followed by laborious, panting and whistling res- piration. Prescription 'P' is called for in this affection when the cough is constant, no phlegm yielding, although the chest seems full of it; cough causing gaging, vomiting, followed by relief; stiffness of the whole body in children; cold extremi- ties and cold perspiration. Prescription 'D' is strongly indicated when the attack occurs suddenly at night arousing the patient from a sleep full of dreams, with a suffocating tightness, especially at the lower part of the chest. This medicine is further indicated in individuals who lead a sedentary life and are fond of strong drinks; headache, poor digestion and constipation. The simple procedure of holding the breath as long as possible will often relieve an attack of Asthma. This the sufferer will find difficult at first to do> 128 HEART DISEASE. as the desire to breath is so great, but in the end he will often find himself amply repaid for the effort. By this simple act the accumulation of carbon in the lungs produces the relaxing effect so anxiously desired. DISEASES OF THE CIRCULATING SYSTEM. HEART DISAESE. {Pericarditis. Endocarditis. Carditis.) Pericarditis is an inflammation of the membrane that envelops the heart and retains it in position, and is a disease frequently not well marked in its external characters. Endocarditis is an inflammation of the lining membrane of the heart, and is a disease with external manifestations still more uncertain and obscure than those of Pericarditis. Carditis is an inflammation of the substance of the heart, and is found always in connection with one or the other of these mem- braneous affections. Very few are the medical men that can always diagnose these three diseases cor- rectly so similiar are their manifestations- and so many symptoms have they in 130 HEART DISEASE. common. Were it possible for us to describe these three affections so that the average reader would be able to recog- nize them apart we then would have gained but little, since at the present state of medical knowledge the same medicines are used for all three affec- tions so we will content ourselves with pointing to the medicines called for by -certain symptoms. Treatment:-In acute heart troubles accompanied with high fever, full, hard, vibrating pulse; pain of a sharp, or pricking character with oppression, anxiety, faintness, and tumultuous action of the heart, we find quick relief from the use of prescription 'F,' but in ple- thoric subjects of sanguine temperament with determination of blood to the head, red face, throbing pulsations through the body, and occasional delirium it may be found necessary to alternate with pre- scription 'G'. Prescription 4L' is one of the most important of our remedies in diseases of the heart, and we would say, is all but indespensible when there is valvular trouble. It is strongly indicated when NERVOUS PALPITATION. 131 the attack has arisen from metastases of gout, or rheumatism, or from the sup- pression of some eruption, and is par- ticularly indicated when there is vio- lent palpitation, excessive rapidity of pulse, intense thirst, burning pain in the region of the heart, anxiety, fainting, extreme restlessness, or in the more advanced stage of the disease when the breathing is hurried and laborious, particularly on the slightest movement, and there is an inability to lye on the left side, pulse feel.de and irregular. Prescription 'J' is a remedy used a great-deal in affections of the heart, and is prompted by slight pain, aching and heaviness about the heart; palpitation with great anxiety forcing the patient to get out of bed; palpitation with dimin- ished, or enfeabled action of the heart; congestion to the head, noises and roaring in the ears; scarcely perceptible beat- ing of the heart, very soft, weak and intermittent. Nervous Palpitation of the Heart. This affection occurs in spells and is. generally more distinctly felt by the 132 NERVOUS PALPITATION. patients themselves than by the exam- ining hand of the physician. It is purely a sympathetic trouble, but one productive of a good-deal of scare. When during the attack the patient's face is red, then the pulse is full and strong, whilst when the patient looks pale the pulse is weak and intermittent. We often find it accompanied with dizziness; roaring noises in the head; headache; flickering before the eyes; trembling; fainting spells; and pressure and choking sensa- tion in the throat; the patient complains of a sensation as though the heart were jumping up into the throat. The causes of this affection are num- erous. It is met most frequently in anaemic and chlorotic individuals; also in women during the period of change of life, in hysterical females, and in diseases of the womb. Spinal irritation may also cause it, and we find it in children who grow very fast, or whose intestines are irritated by worms. Very often it is brought on by mental emotions, and sometimes we do not know any cause whatever. Treatment:-Prescription 'D' is gen- erally sufficient of itself to control an ANGINA. PECORIS. 133 attack of nervous palpitation of the heart, but occasionally we are obliged to change to prescription 'F', and in extreme cases to alternate prescription 'F' and 'J' before relief is obtained. These medicines are simply given to control palpitation, the object, however, should be to seek the cause and remove it. In anaemic and chlorotic individuals, prescriptions 'C' and 'D' will be found to work a great change in the system, good nutritious food and a plenty of out-door exercise come in for their share of praise in such cases. When the trouble arises in females, either from change of life, from diseases of the womb, or from hys- teria, prescription 'H' will be found a useful medicine, and in children, when due to irritation of the intestines from worms, prescriptions 'C' and 'S' will prove curative. ANGINA. PECTORIS. The suffering of this distressing malady is always severe and sometimes excru- ciating. The paroxysm usually comes on in the following manner; the patient is suddenly seized with an agonizing, aching 134 ANGINA. PECORIS. pain in the middle of the breast, a little to the left, which almost takes his breath away, and obliges him to keep perfectly still. Gradually increasing in violence, the pain spreads in most cases from the middle of the breast to the left side and shoulders and thence down the arm into the hand, and in severe cases to both shoulders and arms. The pain is attended with the greatest agony, and difficulty of breath- ing; the patients face looks pale and collapsed, the front part of the head covers with cold perspiration, his limbs grow cold and he complains of suf- focation and constriction in the chest. In the early career of the affection the paroxysms are commonly only brought on by some exertion, such as walking up a hill, but when it has reached a more advanced stage the most trivial degree of excitement, as also an error in diet, such as partaking of some indigestible article of food is sufficient to excite an attack; and finally the incursions come on suddenly and unexpectedly without any manifest cause, even when in bed and during slumber. In the milder forms of ANGINA. PECORIS. 135 the disease the attacks terminate in from a few minutes to half an hour, but in those of a severe character they continue for several hours, and in some cases the unfortunate patient is never perfectly free from distressing uneasiness and con- striction in the chest. Physicians are somewhat puzzled as to the cause of this peculiar affection, but most of them concur in the belief that it is due to some organic affection of the heart of various nature, such as, aneurism, fatty degeneration of the heart, etc. Its presence, therefore, affords no conclu- sion as to the nature of the heart trouble. Subjects of this disease are mostly men passed forty years of age and who are inclined to grow fat. Treatment:-During the paroxysms prescription 'L' answers our purpose bet- ter than any other medicine. Under its action the attacks shorten in duration and grow much less in severity. This remedy is particularly indicated when there is great difficulty in breathing from the slightest movement, and when the slightest movement, even turning in bed renews the attack; palpitation, 136 ANGINA. PECORIS. extreme anguish, and a feeling of impen- ding danger; paleness of the face, haggard and contracted features, great debility with feeble, irregular, or inter- mittent pulse. In more advanced cases, or in those in which the attack comes on suddenly without any assignable reason, prescrip- tion 'J' offers to be of great service, also when the interval between the paroxysms decreases in length with the duration of the disorder. Prescription 'D' has also proved itself a useful remedy in this affection when the patient is suddenly seized; he sits in speechless agony, his hands clasped over the region of the heart, his eyes protru- ded, and his face livid; the pulse weak, scarcely perceptible and intermittent; after a while the spasm relaxes and more or less palpitation follows and ihe patient recovers for a tiniy, soon to experience the same over and over again There are a number of other heart troubles of a secondary nature, such as fatty degeneration of the heart, hypertro- phy, or enlargement of the heart, valvu- lar disease of the heart, etc., having for ANGINA. PECORIS. 137 their origin a badly treated case of one of the three first named diseases, peri- carditis, eudocaditis, or cariditis, and their treatment can be found under these diseases. DISEASES OF THE URINARY AND GENITAL ORGANS. Inflammation of the Kidneys. (Nephritis.} Chill followed by fever is the com- mencement. Pain in the small of the back in the region of the kidney, or kidneys when both are affected. This pain in aggravated by pressure, motion, coughing, sneezing, or a deep inhalation; it extends along the side from the kidney to the bladder and frequently down to the thigh and upwards into the shoulder of the affected, side. Constant painful urging to void urine which passes off in very small quantities only, is dark, thick and usually mixed with blood. In high degrees of inflammation, or if both kid- neys are affected there may ensue a complete supression of urine, in which case soon follow, nausea, vomiting and KIDNEYS. 139 sometimes delirium and even convul- sions. In chronic inflammation of the kidneys the symptoms are much the same as the above, but much less in severity. Treatment:-In the inflammatory stage of this affection when the fever runs high, prescription 'F' should be given and continued until the fever abates. When shooting pains are felt in the kidneys extending to the bladder, and when the inflammation is accompanied with colic, heat and distension in the region of the kidneys, scanty urination; the urine presenting an orange yellow, or sometimes a bright red color and depositing red,or w'hitish, thick sedimnet, prescription *G' is the remedy to be given. This is also the medicine indicated in extreme inflammation with scanty, or suppressed uripe, nausea, vomiting, or delirium. Prescription 'H' will be found a very important remedy in this affection in females, when connected with some irre- gularity of the monthly period, or when there is complete suppression of the courses. 140 BLADDER. In fast livers, persons fond of rich food, wine and liquors, and who lead sedentary lives will often find their best friend in prescription 'D', and where we find con- stipation, feeling of faintness, nausea, vomiting with distension of the abdomen. This remedy should also have a trial when the affection has arisen from the suppression of some discharge, such as bleeding piles, etc. Patients suffering from Nephritis should strictly avoid wine, malt and spiritous liquors. Inflammation of the Bladder. {Cystitis.) This affection is characterized by pain in the region of the bladder, which is made worse from external pressure and motion; frequently this pain extends around the side to the kidneys and down through the urethra. The urine is voided drop by drop under great strdining and a feeling as though scalding fluid were passing. It is high colored, hot and occa- sionally mixed with blood and mucus. At its height it causes high fever, vomiting, prostration, cold perspiration, hiccough BLADDER. 141 and in some cases delirium. In the chronic form it is not so painful, but always attended with frequent desire to urinate, and the urine seldom of a natural appearance. Treatment:-We should have recourse to prescription 'F' in the inflammatory stage of the disease, recognized by high fever and full, rapid pulse, but in a few hours when the fever has somewhat abated, we should change to the next most appropriate remedy. Prescription 'H' is valuable in checking the development of this affection when arising from suppressed mensis, or courses, and in all cases from whatever cause arising when the following symp- toms are present, frequent desire to urinate, painful and scanty emissions of slimy, or bloody urine which deposits a brick-red sediment, burning and cutting pain in the region of the bladder with external heat and swelling, complete suppression of urine. When the trouble is attributable to high living, too free use of wine and spiritous liquors, prescription 'D' should be admin- istered. and its timelv use will often check 142 DISCHARGING THE URINE. its further progress. It is also curative when it results from suppressed bleeding piles, or other habitual discharges, or from dyspeptic derangements. In long standing cases of inflammation of the bladder where there are no acute symptoms we have no medicine that offers to do more than prescription 'O'. We have seen wonderful cures take place under its use when almost everything else had been tried. Difficulty in Discharging the Urine. {Dysuria, Stranguria.) Difficulty in discharging the urine may arise from various causes, such as, inflam- mation of the urethra, or channel through which the urine passes, or inflammation of the kidneys or bladder, excess in drink- ing intoxicating beverages, from the lodgment of particles of gravel at the neck of the bladder,from the abuse of Cantha- rides, either externally or internally, etc. This complaint is commonly attended with frequent inclination to urinate, with smarting pain, heat and difficulty in void- ing the water and a sense of fulness in the bladder. When this affection is in- DIRCHARGING THE URINE. 143 duced by the presence of gravel in the kidney, or at the neck of the bladder, nausea or vomiting, and a sharp pain in the small of the back, usually accompany the before mentioned symptoms. As the the trouble is almost always sympathetic the treatment must be directed against the primary affection. Treatment: - When there is frequent in- clination to make water, with great pain and difficulty in voiding it, the discharge being at the same time very small in quantity, often passed only in drops and presenting a dark red, muddy appearance the symptoms will generally yield to prescription 'F'. But when a sense of fulness in the region of the bladder is complained of, together with a cutting, burning or aching pain with an almost inability to pass water, prescription 'H' acts promptly; and when a darting or pricking pain extending from the small of the back through to the bladder, with symptoms of colic, high fever, fulness in the head and occasional delirium with difficult and at times suppressed urina- tion, prescription 'G' is unhesitatingly the medicine. 144 INCONTINENCE OF URINE. When the affection can be traced to dissipation, the excessive use of malt or spiritous liquors, or to the suppression of some eruption or discharge, prescription 'D' can be relied upon. INCONTINENCE OF URINE. Involuntary flow of urine usually pro- ceeds from relaxation, or a paralytic affection of the bladder, or from irrita- tion or compression of the bladder in consequence of the secretion of acrid urine. The presence of gravel, or a diseased state of the organ itself will also at times produce it. Treatment:-When the incontinence proceeds from relaxation, brought on by a too free use of stimulants, considerable relief, if not a complete cure, can be ef- fected by the use of prescription 'D'. Prescription 'O' follows this medicine splendidly, often making complete cures. The incontinence of urine, which pro- ceeds from paralysis of the bladder, or is attendant on more general paralytic derangement, requires prescription 'G' for its cure. Prescription 'O' is also a very useful medicine in this form of the trouble. If Inflammation about the neck of the bladder and urethra give rise to the affection, prescription'F'should be admin- istered, and in chronic inflammation we would still cling to prescription 'O'. This is the greatest of all remedies for the gen- eral treatment of this affection. KIDNEYS. 145 Bright's Disease of the Kidneys. This disease is known by pain, weak- ness and lassitude in the loins, pale and anaemic appearance of the skin and mucous membranes: pale, yellow, or watery colored urine, foaming easily when agitated, and retaining its foam a long time; by adding a few drops of nitric acid it coagulates on being heated, and in the advanced stage is full of minute shreds or casts from the diseased kidneys; dropsy, sometimes very slight, generally commencing in the eyelids and face, or on the feet, frequently changing location, so that whilst in the evening the feet are the parts mostly swollen we may find the swelling greater on the back, hands, or face in the morning. This peculiar shifting dropsical tend- ency, liable to affect any part of the body, 146 DIABETES. and the albumen in the urine, detected by the acid and heat, are the strong charac- teristics of this disease. Treatment:-Prescription 'L' is truly a wonderful medicine in this justly dreaded disease, and if administered in the early stage of the affection, strong hope of a speedy cure can be entertained. Under its employment we have often wit- nessed the dropsy and albumen in the urine, grow beautifully less, and a rapid progress to a complete cure. Prescription 'K? is also a most valuable remedy in this affection when in conse- quence of exposure to cold, and when the stomach seems to sympathize much with the trouble, nausea, vomiting and head- ache. Prescription 'D' comes in for its share of usefulness in this trouble when arising from high living, too free indulgence in rich food and strong drinks. DIABETES. This is an affection characterized by an excessive discharge of urine contain- ing sugar; excessive thirst, and great hunger; dry skin and want of natural DIABETES. 147 warmth; stools small in quantity and hard; constant wasting away of flesh, and mind depressed and peevish. At its height the mouth becomes hot and sore, and if the disease be not checked consump- tion will soon follow and put an end to the scene. Physicians are yet in the dark concerning the origin of this disease. Some go in one direction and some in an other in search of its cause, but as yet nothing definite is known. . Treatment:-Prescription 'K' has done us greater help in this disease than any other medicine, and in many instan- ces it has relieved all the symptoms of diabetes including the excessive quan- tity of sugar in the urine. We have also afforded great relief in this affection with prescription 'J', but never to our knowl- edge made a complete cure. Our chief reliance should be placed in prescription 'K' in this somewhat peculiar affection. Physicians recommend total abstinence of starchy and saccharine food, and the exclusive use of meat, fish, eggs, etc. This decreases the sugar in the urine because it takes away the material for its formation, but what power it exerts 148 over the tendency to that formation we are unable to say. No harm, however, can be done by following the direction, and if any result follows it must be a ben- eficial one. DIABETES. CUTANEOUS DISEASES. INFLAMMATION OF THE SKIN. {Erythema.} This affection is characterized by a diffused redness of the skin, which, under the pressure of the finger, disappears, and leaves not a white, but a yellow spot which at once grows red again, and is always attended with more or less burn- ing pain. Erythema is caused by exposure to heat, the rays of the sun, and by differ- ent irritating substances. It is often met with in young children between the folds of the skin as well as in very fat people. We also find it in consequence of pres- sure from lying long in one position, as in severe illness, upon the hips and other prominent parts of the body. So also do we observe it in consequence of acrid discharges from the eyes, nose, bowels and genitals upon the adjacent parts. 150 SKIN. Treatment:-When this inflammation is produced by heat, pressure, or other external irritations, the direct application of some cool soothing lotion is generally sufficient to remedy the trouble, such as, the free use of cold water, the application of cold cream, or sprinkling the inflamed surface with a little "Subnitrate of Bis- muth." If the inflammation is of an aggravated character the application of prescription 'M' will be found sufficient for its cure. We must, of course, do away with the cause, if that be possible. When this trouble is due to an acrid discharge, or if the perspiration is unheal- thy, which is frequently noticeable by some peculiar odor, prescription 'O' will in the majority of instances make a quick and complete cure. When the redness seems to expand in rays, and an acute shooting pain with heat and tingling in the affected part, which is aggravated by movement, pre- scription 'G' should be administered. This remedy is also curative when there is burning heat and swelling of the skin, violent headache, thirst, dry, hot skin and restlessness. ERUPTION. 151 Prescription 'H' is indicated when the color of the skin is less intense, or of a blueish red, frequently disappearing from one place to reappear in another. Vesicular, and Pustular Eruptions. {Eczema. Impetigo.) These two eruptions are so similar in appearances and results, their cause and treatment being the same, make it difficult for the experienced medical man always to say where one leaves off, and the other begins, so we have concluded to speak of them under this head. These eruptions consist in a diffused superficial inflammation of the skin which cause numerous little vesicles, or pustules upon an inflammed surface; sometimes these vesicles and pustules are intermingled, at others the exudation may not be abundant enough to raise into vesicles, or pustules, but only loosen the superficial layer of the skin so that it dies off and forms a scaly surface. Direct irritation of the skin by too hot tempera- ture, hot baths; the continued application of wet bandages, the rubbing in of mercu- rial sal/e, or croton oil, and various other 152 ERUPTION. irritating substances are their chief causes. Treatment:-Prescription 'G' is our chief reliance in the first stage of this affections, and by its early administra- tion the formation of vesicles, or pustules are often prevented. It is particularly indicated by shooting pain, heat, burning and tingling in the part affected. Prescription 'L' is the remedy called for when the disease is further advanced with great heat and burning pain, and the beginning, or formation of numerous vesicles, or pustules. This remedy should be continued until the burning, heat, pain and vesicles, or pustules are rapidly disappearing. When the pustules, or vesicles have disappeared, leaving a scaly, or scabby surface, we turn our attention to prescrip- tion 'O' which quickly completes the cure. ST. ANTHONY'S FIRE. ROSE. {Erysipelas.) ST. ANTHONY'S FIRE. 153 The first symptoms of this affection, are, heat, tingling, or pricking pains with diffused swelling, tension and deep shining redness of the affected part; soon followed by pungent, burning, or shooting pains which are worse from motion, or pressure'. On pressure the redness disappears for a moment, but immediately returns on removing the finger. The constitutional symptoms vary ac- CDrdiilg to the severity of the attack; they generally consist of shivering, suc- ceeded by flushes of heat, sleepiness, wandering pains, dry tongue, nausea, oppression at the stomach and headache. In a few days the redness changes into a yellowish hue, and when the face is attacked the features become much dis- figured by the swelling and delirium is not unfrequently present. The disease assumes a very serious aspect when it affects the face and scalp, and accord- ingly requires close attention and accurate treatment. 154 ST. ANTHONY'S FIRE. Treatment:-Prescription 'F' is our great fever remedy and always renders valuable service at the commencement, of acute disease when there is high fever, dry skin and full, rapid pulse. We should make use of this remedy for a time at the beginning of this affection, and will often be surprised at the rapidity with which the fever and burning pain subside. Prescription 'G' is, however, our chief reliance in the treatment of erysipelas when the redness expands in rays and an acute shooting pain, with heat and ting- ling, is experienced in the affected part. It is further indicated in erysipelas of the face with burning heat, excessive swell- ing, so that the eyes are almost closed, violent headache, thirst, dry skin, rest- lessness, disturbed sleep, delirium, and the redness of a very deep color. Prescription 'H' is the medicine to be prescribed when the hue of the skin is less intense, or of a bluish red, and the mor- bid spots frequently disappear from one place to reappear in another. This is also a valuable medicine in vesicular erysipe- las, where little vesicles appear upon the inflamed surface, or when the disease attacks the ear both internally and ex- ternally. When the eruption is a very dark red, and when the vesicles are of a very dark color, prescription 'L' is the remedy to be relied upon. This remedy is all the stronger indicated when the burning pain is of the intensest kind with utter pros- tration of strength. ITCH. 155 ITCH. (Scabies.) This is a name given to an affection produced by a parasite burrowing itself into the skin in order to find shelter, sub- sistence and to deposit its eggs. With the exception of the face these little insects make their appearance upon every part of the body, but much more frequently and abundantly about the thumb, wrist, between the fingers and at the bends of the joints, and are ac- companied by incessant and almost insupportable itching which causes the inflammation that often produces vesicles and pustules. Treatment:-The shortest procedure to a cure is the destruction of these little BOILS. 156 annoying animals by some direct appli- cation, such as; sulphur and mercurial salves, which can be procured at the nearest druggist. Their destruction can often be effected by the application of prescription 'N'. These little animals, however, often cling to life with a great deal of tenacity. While making the application it will be well for the patient to take from prescrip- tion 'O' to prevent any suppression of the eruption and to insure a complete cure. BOIL. (Furunculus.') This is a round, or rather cone-shaped, hard elevation, slowly inflaming and accompanied with acute pain and fever; subsequently suppurating in its centre and finally perforation of the skin and a discharge of bloody matter. The core, or centre, is not discharged until all of it has been loosened from its surroundings, but must be gotten rid of to insure a complete cure. Boils are of different sizes, large ones generally occurring singly, but small ones several at a time, or in quick succession. CARBUNCLE. 157 Treatment:-When boils first begin to make their appearance, their further progress can often be checked, and sup- puration prevented by the timely use of prescription 'H'. When, however, this can not be done and suppuration is inevitable, we should turn our attention to prescription 'O'. This medicine will lessen the pain and hasten suppuration. We should continue its use for some days after the boil has entirely healed to pre- vent its successor. The knife should not be used unless suppuration is quite far advanced, or it may only be productive of mischief. CARBUNCLE. {Anthrax.} Carbuncles appear principally upon the nape of the neck, or along the spine, and attack chiefly aged persons. They com- mence with severe pains in the part affected, which are mostly of a burning character and continue to be so through the whole course. The painful spot shortly begins to discolor, generally assuming a purplish hue, and grows hard and swol- len. In the course of five or six days we 158 CARBUNCLE. observe numerous little holes forming in the raised and discolored places, out of which project yellowish spots of mattery substance. But little pus is discharged from these small apertures; they, how- ever, gradually widen and coalesce until by degrees a considerable portion of the surface is entirely destroyed. Now we observe the decaying tissue underneath, the pus discharges more copiously, and with it large pieces of decaying tissue (sloughs) are thrown off. This stage of the trouble is always attended with con- siderable fever, and when complicated with brain symptoms, due to the absorp- tion of pus into the blood, should be looked upon with some degree of fear especially in the aged. In favorable cases there appear at the bottom of the wound new granula- tions, and by a slow healing process the whole lost substance is finally restored. Treatment:-Prescription 'L' is our best medicine in this affection, and with- out particularly consulting the symptoms we commence the remedy with the com- mencement of the disease, and continue its use until the anthrax opens and is dis- charging freely. We now change to FELON. 159 prescription 'O', and continue this treat- ment until our patient is entirely well, as we have as yet had no other result. A few years since the knife was the remedy, and death generally the result, especially in old people. The knife, how- ever, is gradually and very justly going out of use, and constitutional treatment almost exclusively made use oil. FELON. RUN-AROUND. {Panaritimun:) By this term is understood an abscess more or less deeply seated, formed near the end of the finger, attended with severe pain and considerable swelling. It is generally seated immediately around and beneath the nail, commencing either at the side of the finger, upon its dorsal sur- face, or at its extremity. It has a great disposition to reappear in individuals who have once suffered from its attack, which clearly demonstrates the advantage of treating it as a constitutional and not as mearly a local affection, Treatment:-We direct our patient to take from two to three pills from pre- scription 'A' each night when retiring 160 FELON. for three or four successive nights, and at the same time take from prescription 'O' following the direction upon tho bot- tle, omitting the dose at night while taking the pills. It is good treatment to continue prescription 'O' for sometime after the finger is entirely well, in order to rid the system of the disposition. When the felon has gone to the stage of suppuration, a poultice made of corn meal with a few drops of laudanum over its surface makes a very grateful appli- cation and hastens suppuration. DISEASES PECULIAR TO FEMALES. CHLOROSIS. (Emansio Mensium.) This affection generally manifests itself in young girls about their fourteenth year of age, and is characterized by a pale blanched complexion with sometimes flushes of heat and redness. The patient complains of weariness, lassitude and debility, and becomes very much emacia- ted, the extremities frequently assume an oedematous appearance, and are mostly cold; headache with flatulent distention of the abdomen particularly after meals, and bowels irregularly confined and some- times easily irritated and relaxed; a depravity of appetite, a longing after innutritions substances, something sweet, sour or bitter, and a general languor both mental and physical. 162 CHLOROSIS. A harsh cough, occasionally with peri- odical expectoration of dark coagulated blood, and hurried breathing declares itself if the affection has been allowed to proceed unchecked. Its proximate cause is in an obstruc- tion of the menstruation, or courses, while its predisposing cause is generally attributable to a deranged state of the organs of digestion, of respiration, and also of the ovaries; a disease very similar may be produced by great loss of blood. Treatment:-When this affection seems to have been excited by and is inti- mately connected with deranged diges- tion, and when it is accompanied with frequent attacks of headache and flatu- lent distention of the abdomen, prescrip- tion 'H' will be found peculiarly cious. This remedy should also be given when there is palpitation of the heart, coldness of the hands, feet, sudden flashes of heat with a disposition to diarrhea and leucorrhoea, or whites. Prescription 'C' is often of the most striking benefit in chlorosis, and complete cures are effected by it alone, even in some of the worst cases. The leading MENSES. 163 symptoms that call for its use are great emaciation, pale, sickly complexion, swelling, or puffing of the extremities with cold perspiration, difficult breathing and palpitation of the heart from the slightest exertion. Prescription kB' will be found curative when there is dry cough, bleeding at the nose, coldness and shivering, and some- times alternating with dry and burning heat, constipation, colic and flatulency, bitter taste, tongue coated yellow, and sense of pressure in the stomach as if from a stone. This is an affection requiring sun-light, out door exercise, and a plentiful supply of nutritious easily digested food. SUPPRESSION OF THE MENSES. {Amenorrhoea ■) Suppression of the menses, or courses, frequently takes place suddenly from some accidental cause, such as, exposure to cold, powerful mental emotions, etc. In other instances the suppression is symptomatic of some other disease, either organic, or functional, and can only be 164 MENSES remedied by the cure of the primary affection. Treatment:-When the suppression takes place suddenly from some powerful mental emotion such a fright, unex- pected news, etc., prescription 'F' should be administered immediately, and in nearly every instance a calm will soon follow, and a return of the flow. Prescription 'H' will be found to afford quick relief when the suppression is due to having taken cold from getting the feet wet, or other causes, and also from whatever cause when the following symp- toms are present; headache with pressure at the crown of the head, nausea with inclination to vomit and sometimes vomiting, palpipation of the heart, cold hands and feet, flushes of heat and a dis- position to diarrhea. In weak and debilitated individuals when the habit has become chronic, pre- scription 'O' is a most excellent medicine. This remedy will also be found efficacious when there is pain in the back of the head, extending to the nape of the neck, humming in the ears, pimples on the forehead and around the mouth; pale and MENSTUATION. 165 sickly complexion, red spots on the cheeks; pressure, fullness and heaviness in the stomach, bowels irregular; exces- sive fatigue and great tendency to take cold. PAINFUL MENSTRUATION. (JJysmenorrhoea.} Painful, menstruation is either due to a congestive state of the womb, or to a dis- placement, or flexion of the organ, or to a morbid sensibility of the nervous system in general and the generative organs in particular. In most cases there is an irregularity in the monthly period and the flow is scanty, but in others we find perfect regularity and the flow sufficient and sometimes profuse. The pains accom- panying it set in either before, or at the time when the menstrual discharge begins and generally last a day or two, but some times through the whole period. Many females suffer the greatest amount of pain at every monthly period, not only cramps, colic, cutting and griping pains, but actual bearing down pains as if in labor, and in some cases even con- 166 MENSTRUATION. vulsions attend each period producing the greatest dread of menstruation. Treatment:-Prescription 'G' is the best known remedy in painful menstrua- tion attended with cramps, cutting and griping pains in the abdomen, and when the flow is scanty with a determination of blood to the head producing headache, delirium and sometimes convulsions. This is a most excellent remedy when there is a neuralgic tendency at the head and womb at each return of the mens- trual period. Prescription 'F' is also a valuable medicine in painful menstrua- tion attended with neuralgia. The alternate use of these two remedies will often work wonders in such cases, not only relieving suffering for the time, but making most perfect cures. In painful menstruation where the flow comes on by fits and starts with cramps and colic pains in the lower part of the abdomen, we find a great remedy in prescription 'H' particularly when there is chilliness, thirstlessness, nose-bleed and extreme paleness of the face- PROFUSE MENSES. 167 PROFUSE MENSES. (Jfeno r rh agi a-) Profuse menstruation is generally found in females subject to leucorrhoea, or whites, and is dependent upon a simi- lar relaxed condition of the system. It is, however, often found in connection with different structural charges and morbid growths of the womb, and is sometimes due to diseases of other organs, heart, lungs, etc. The menstrual period may keep regular time, or it may come too soon, or it may last too long, and in some cases, too early, too profuse and lasting too long. Treatment:-In profuse menstruation, occurring too early, or too often and of too long duration, and in cases where it commences, stops for a day, or so, and then returns, prescription 'D' is the remedy to prescribe, and when the pro- fuse menses is attended with cramps in the abdomen, nausea, vomiting, or faint- ing, especially in the morning, and pains in the limbs with restlessness, this remedy can be given with great confidence. Prescription 'B' is strongly indicated 168 WOMB. when the menses are premature and too profuse of dark red blood, with tearing in the limbs and splitting headache from the least motion, even from moving the eyes. This medicine is still more strongly indicated if the tongue is coated yellow, great thirst, bilious vomiting, bowels con- stipated, and stools of a very dark color, sometimes alternating with diarrhea. In chlorotic, or anaemic females, with profuse menses occurring too early and lasting too long, prescription 'C' answers our purpose well, and especially in cases subject to leucorrhoea with cold extremi- ties, cold perspiration, palpitation of the heart and difficult breathing upon the slightest exertion. Prescription 'I' has often proved cura- tive where there is almost a continuous flow without any pain. HEMORRHAGE from the WOMB. (Metrorrhag ia-) It is understood by this term, a more, or less profuse flow of blood from the womb at any other time than at the regu- lar menstrual period. This is, however, not a very good definition, for in irregu- WOMB. 169 lar menstruation we find the menses occuring at any and at all times, and can- not well be termed hemorrhage, and on the other hand we frequently meet with hemorrhage at the regular menstrual period. The two are quite distinct yet they sometimes become very much mixed. Hemorrhage from the womb is recog- nized by the following symptoms ; the bleeding is either in gushes, or a continu- ous flow of bright red blood, ceasing for a time to be followed by dark clotted blood The face turns pale, the extremi- ties grow cold; there is anxiety, restlessness, labor-like pains, or colic; sometimes difficult breathing, vomiting and even convulsions. A considerable loss of blood brings on signs of anaemia, coldness and deadly paleness of the face; chills, cold perspiration, darkness before the eyes, ringing in the ears, weak pulse- and fainting spells. Treatment:-Hemorrhage from the womb with intense bearing down as if every thing would be pressed out, suggests prescription 'G', and if with the above we find headache, loss of con- 170 WOMB. ciousness at times, darkness before the eyes, enlarged pupils, gawning, jerking of the arms,and the blood a bright red,or dark clotted, we can give it with the utmost confidence of affording quick relief. Prescription 'C' is a valuable remedy in hemorrhage at the climacteric period, or change of life, especially when the patient has always been subject to too profuse menstruation, and in females with a weak debilitated constitution suffering much from leucorrhoea, or whites. Prescription 'M' has proved itself a valuable medicine in passive hemorrhage of the womb, as well as hemorrhage from any other organ. So also is prescription 'L' an excellent remedy in hemorrhage of this character, and when there has been great loss of blood with complete pros- tration of strength, it has no equal. In chronic cases where other medicines do not prevent its return w'e have often been successful with our slow but reliable friend, prescription 'O', and when an eruption appears here and there over the body, we give it with a great deal of assurance. OVARIES. 171 INFLAMMATION of the OVARIES. {Ovaritis.) Inflammation of the Ovaries is more particularly liable to occur a short time after childbirth, but the affection may arise at other times and particularly in highly excitable females, and from over indulging in high living, too free use of wine, etc, The disease is recognized by pain in the ovarian region, which is in the lower part of the abdomen on either side of the middle line. This pain is sometimes of a severe shooting, pulsating character, and mostly aggravated by pressure over the region. When the inflammation is considerable we frequently detect en- largement of the ovary, which is very sensative to touch; gastric disturbance, headache, constipation, diminished secre- tion of urine, fever and derangement of the entire nervous system are experi- enced in severe cases. It is, however, in the sub-actue, or chronic form generally that this affection is met with, coming on gradually and insiduously, materially implicating the nervous system. 172 OVARIES. Treatment:-In severe and sudden attacks of ovaritis attended with a high degree of fever and shooting pains a few doses of prescription 'F' will be necessary to begin the treatment, and especially so if the trouble is due to a suppression of the menses from fright, unexpected news, or from exposure to cold winds. Prescription 'L' is very quick in its action in ovaritis when there is a stitch- ing pain from the ovary into the groin and down the limb, which feels numb and lame; worse from motion, bending, or sitting bent; burning pain in the ovary extending to the back, high fever, thirst and restlessness. Prescription 'H' is also a valuable remedy when the affection is due to a suppression of the menses from getting the feet wet, with nausea, chilliness, thirstlessness and frequent urination. When this affection is due to a blow, or a bruise from some external cause, the internal administration of prescription 'M' with the external application of pre- scription 'N' will be found satisfactory treatment. WHITES. 173 LEUCORRHOEA, OR WHITES. An acute attack of Leucorrhoea, or Whites, generally sets in with a chill, or chilly sensations followed by more, or less fever, pain in the small of the back, in the groins, and a feeling of fullness and heaviness in the lower part of the abdomen, which is painful to pressure. In the course of three, or four days, the patient observes a discharge from the genitals, which, at first, is transparent and sticky, staining the linen grayish, but soon becomes opaque, and more, or less purulent. Generally in eight or ten days the fever gradually subsides, and after that the discharge slowly dimin- ishes until it finally ceases. In chronic cases the commencement is not so easily ascertained, in fact, in many instances the discharge has existed a long time before the patient attaches much importance to it, she is unable to tell you how, or when it began. The dis- charge, however, is the same as that above described, staining the linen gray- ish, and in severe cases it frequently becomes acrid, excoriating the parts it 174 WHITES. comes in contact with. The longer standing the case, the more it changes the mucus lining of this organ, conse- quently the greater effect upon the monthly period, the general health and the difficulty of getting rid of. Treatment:-In an acute attack of Leucorrhoea we resort to prescription 'F'. at as early stage of the disease as pos- sible, and as the nature of the affection is similar to that of a recent cold, its pro- gress is checked almost at once by this remedy. When the discharge is thin, acrid and excoriating, or milky, thick and white without pain, prescription H' is the medi- cine indicated, also when the discharge increases, or occurs just before, during, ■or immediately after the monthly period, and especially when the menstrual flow is scanty, with looseness 6f the bowels, chilliness, thirstlessness, peevishness and sadness. Prescription 'O' is called for when the characteristics of the disease are con- stantly, or frequently changing: the discharge profuse and then scanty, mild, or excoriating, thin, thick, white, yellow, PREGNANCY. 175 or green. The following symptoms are also generally present: heat in the crown of the head and burning in soles of the feet; feeling of faintness with a strong craving for food, without having natural hunger, and a weak sinking feeling in the stomach. Prescription 'L' will be found curative when the discharge is thick, tenacious or sticky, also when there is a tendency to ulceration, to stomach derangement and frequent palpitation of the heart. Prescription 'C' acts promptly when the discharge is of a milk-like appearance and flows only by spells, profusely; too early and too profuse menstruation, pale- ness of the face, weakness in the chest, general weakness and emaciation. PREGNANCY. Pregnancy may justly be looked upon as one of the most interesting periods of a woman's life. She now no longer acts for herself alone, but has become invested with a grave responsibility, and upon some of the most apparently trifling of her actions may depend the future health and happiness of both herself and her new 176 PREGNANCY. creation. Evidence collected by careful observers of the operations of nature warrant the conclusion that the actions of the mother exercise a great influence over, not only the constitutional and physical, but also the mental organiza- tion of her offspring, hence the great im- portance of strict observance of nature's laws especially by mothers who prefer the welfare of their children to their own acquired habits, or indulgences. The principal causes of sickly offspring are, bad health, or constitutional taint of both, or either of the parents; great inequality in the temperament and ages of the parents; errors in dress, diet and general habits of life, and occasionally from powerful mental emotions. Medicines possess the power in a great measurs to obviate the first of these causes, not only by destroying the here- ditary taint in the parents, but also in the children when transmitted to them. In many families hereditary diseases are fostered and even increased in virulence by intermarriage between their different members, sometimes disappearing in one generation to reappear in the next, but PREGNANCY. 177 when the habits or mode of life of com- munities become more adapted to the natural law we may safely calculate upon the gradual extinction of all hereditary disease. Too much care can not be exer- cised in matrimony for upon this step not only depend the prosperity and hap- piness of the participants but also that of posterity. As a rule' no two persons should wed having a common defect, or disease, for their offspring, if they survive, will not be healthy. This, experience abun- dantly proves, and this is our opinion why the intermarriage of members of families is so productive of unhealthy children. Great differences of age and tempera- ment should be considered. The children of old men although by young wives are very often extremely delicate and not unfrequently precede their father, old as he is, to the grave. The dress of the pregnant female should of course, be suited to the season and when passing from a warm to a cold tem- perature the clothing must be changed accordingly to prevent taking cold. A point, however, of equal importance is the adaptation of her clothing to her per- 178 PREGNANCY. son so as to preclude all unnecessary- pressure upon any part of the frame cal- culated to interfere with the functions of those important organs destined for the nourishment and birth of the new being. The practice of tight lacing at all times injurious, is particularly so during this period. We should bear in mind that pressure upon these organs during development takes place in direct contra- vention of the operations of nature. Tightly bound garters are also especially injurious to pregnant females for the pressure they exercise upon the blood vessels encourage the development of varicose veins, an affection easily brought on during gestation. The diet should be plain. She should avoid taking indigestable food, or nour- ishment of the proper kind in too great quantities. Any imprudence in this respect besides causing indigestion an general uneasiness has a bad effect upon the future offspring. Too much care can not be exercised over what is taken into the stomach during this period, for upon this, to a great measure, depend the health character and disposition of the new PREGNANCY. 179 being. Nothing should be taken that is not of a simple nutritious nature, and in reasonable quantities. Everything pos- sessing a medicinal property should be avoided; wine, liquors, beer and other stimulating beverages should be laid aside; strong coffee and tea are also inju- rious. If, however, she has been long habituated to the use of wine, beer, coffee or tea they may be taken in extreme moderation, but it will be far better if stimulants of every kind pre altogether avoided. The mind, also, as well as the body, should be kept in a state of serenity. An easy cheerfulness of temper is very essen- tial in promoting the well being of the unborn infant. Experience is constantly proving that the predominant feeling on the mind of the mother during pregnancy has its effect upon the mental organiza- tion of the child. During the course of conversation with an elderly gentleman of sense and observation of some months since, he observed: "I have <five grown children, and no two of them are similar in any respect except in personal appear- ance, but," said he, "it enough 180 PREGNANCY. accounted for when I look over our past life. Each child's disposition or charac- teris the exact counterpart of its mother's at the time of pregnancy, due to our par- ticular condition at the time, prosperity, adversity, or surroundings." This proves how essential it is for the expectant mothers to keep their minds well and usefully employed during this period, to avoid all improper meditation, dissipation and the reading of literature not calculated to improve the mind. Powerful mental emotions should be avoided as far as possible. The effects of any unpleasant or unsightly object upon the mind of the mother, and the transmission of that effect to the offspring evidenced in various mental and physi- cal peculiarities after birth, is a theory as old as tradition. Without discussing the various arguments both for and against it, we simply advise expectant mothers to keep as far as possible out of the way of such objects. PREGNANCY. 181 Derangements During Pregnancy. While pregnancy runs its regular and uniform course, the expectant mother enjoys an almost complete exemption from epidemic and infectious diseases, and even chronic complaints are fre- quently suspended, or get entirely well; in fact, with the exceptions of some slight troubles, frequently attendant upon preg- nancy, a well constituted organism should enjoy as good health during this period as at any other time, and many women pass through it and give birth to vigorous children without even the most trifling inconvenience. Virtual diseases during pregnancy are of rare occurrence, but when they do occur they should be treated accordingly. Menstruation at this period is not a dis- ease but rather an exception to the general rule. With a little patience it generally subsides of itself in the course of a month or two. If, however, it does not and she seems to suffer from the continuance of the menstrual flux, a few doses of pre- scription 'H' preceding the time of its occurrence, is mostly sufficient to control 182 PREGNANCY. it. If this medicine should fail, try pre- scription 'D', one or the other has never failed us. Morning Sickness is probably the most distressing affection encountered during pregnancy. This annoying trouble is mostly experienced when first rising from a horizontal position in bed. It frequently disappears soon after the period of quick- ening, (the fourth month,) but sometimes continues during the whole period. This condition is frequently relieved byresort- ing to prescription 'D' for a few days. The symptoms calling for its employment are, nausea or vomiting every morning on arising, heart-burn, depraved appetite, constipation and irritable temper. Pre- scription 'H' promptly relieves morning sickness when the following symptoms are present, nausea after every meal, vomiting, heart-burn, and longing after particular articles, such as, acids, beer, wine, etc.; disposition peevish and sensi- tive, though naturally mild. Constipation is frequently met with in pregnancy, and particularly with those females who are naturally of a costive habit. Active exercise in the open air, PREGNANCY. 183 avoiding indigestible food, and regularity in habits, are generally sufficient to cor- rect this condition. If after these precautions the tendency should con- tinue, prescription 'D' will generally help to bring about a natural action. When the liver seems to be inactive and the stools very light, or very dark, dry and difficult to void, prescription 'B' will help us out. Cathartics should be the last resort, but when they become indispensi- ble, prescription 'A' answers our purpose. Take as few as are required to move the bowels, say two or three pills, or four if required, and one sometimes will be found sufficient. Diarrhea is rarely met with in preg- nancy, but when it does occur, can be successfully treated with a few doses of prescription 'O', or 'H'. We give 'O' first trial and rarely ever have to call 'H' to help us out. Fainting fits in extremely nervous females sometimes do occur during preg- nancy. The attack generally passes over easily and without any deleterious conse- quences. Should the sufferer remain long insensible, the expedient means of 184 PREGNANCY. revival is, sprinkling cold water in the face. If the attack arises from tight lacing, warm room, or any other obvious cause, its removal will be found sufficient. Exercise in the open air and attention to rules of regimen, are the best safe-guards against this affection. Prescription 'D' will be found a great help in such cases when caused by a general irritability of the nervous system, and consequently stomach derangement. Prescription 'G' is an excellent medicine when the trouble is due to a disturbed circulation, determi- nation of blood to the head, flushed face, etc. When purely hysterical give pre- scription 'H'. Toothache is a frequent affection with pregnant women, and we can say nothing more direct to the point than is already said under "Odontalgia". Miscarriage may occur at any time between the first and seventh months, but in the majority of cases takes place about the third, or beginning of the fourth. Women who have once suffered from this mishap are extremely liable to its recurrence, and this liability is still further increased if the event has taken PREGNANCY. 185 place a second, or third time. The pre- monitory and accompanying symptoms of miscarriage vary much in their nature; sometimes the discharge is exceedingly profuse, at others, scanty; the pains in many instances, extremely severe and protracted, in others very slight and of short duration. Treatment :-Prescription 'G' is perhaps more successful in preventing miscarriage, when threatened, than any other medicine. The following are its leading indications; pain in the loins and abdomen, with severe bearing down as if every thing would be forced out; pain in the back as if dislocated. It is also valua- ble where there is profuse hemorrhage of bright red, and sometimes dark and clotted blood. Prescription 'C' is a remedy of great importance in the treatment of miscar- riage when it seems to be brought on by a varicose, or enlargment of the veins. It is also of value as a preventive in ple- thoric females with a tender, or irriatable skin, and other strumous appearances. Prescription 'L' is of value in restoring the exhausted energies after the hemor- 186 CHILD BIRTH. rhage, and materially assists in checking the discharge if there be spasmodic pain in the womb, or bearing down sensation, with considerable loss of blood at inter- vals. Prescription 'M' will promptly check passive hemorrhage, hemorrhage with but little, or no pain that would eventual- ly end in miscarriage. When miscarriage is threatened the patient must assume the recumbent posi- tion in bed, sleeping with few bed clothes. Her apartment must be kept cool and every means used to insure perfect tran- quility of mind. CHILD BIRTH. {Parturition.') Child birth takes place at the end of the ninth month of pregnancy, and does not last longer than twenty-four hours, rarely above twelve, and frequently not longer than six. We have endeavored to describe and treat the most common affections of females both before and dur- ing pregnancy till the time of parturition. This is purely a physiological act and one seldom requiring interference, or CHILD BIRTH. 187 assistance, but that cases do occur where experienced manual assistance is deman- ded, no one will attempt to deny, and as the attending physician is, or should be present, we resign the whole affair into his hands. DISEASES OF THE SYSTEM IN GENERAL. RHEUMATISM. (JRieumatismus.') Acute rheumatism is preceded by rest- lessness, coldness of the extremities, chilliness, fever, thirst and constipation; soon followed by pains in the joints, or parts affected, frequently shifting their situation, leaving redness, swelling and tenderness of the parts; excessive pers- piration and weakness are also frequently present. Chronic rheumatism has similar symp- toms, except much less in severity; the swelling of the parts, except in very severe cases, is less perceptible, and fre- quently a general feeling of stiffness, or numbness is present with little, or no fever. The above symptoms are such as are met with in the average case of acute and chronic rheumatism. Other symp- toms incidental to this affection will be RHEUMATISM. 189 noticed in the directions for certain medi- cines. The principal exciting causes are, sudden check of perspiration from taking cold, exposure to cold, or from occupying damp apartments. People residing long in tropical climates are very liable to suffer from rheumatism in the chronic form. Treatment:-Prescription 'F is a valuable medicine to begin the treatment of acute rheumatism when there is high fever, dry skin, thirst and redness of the cheeks; violent shooting, tearing pains, especially when accompanied with a tingling sensation and worse at night; redness, or shining swelling of the parts affected and aggravation of pains from being touched. When the pains are of a shooting, or burning description, mostly in the joints and very much worse at night, prescrip- tion 'G' is the remedy to be prescribed. This medicine is particularly curative when the parts affected are very much swollen, rigid, red and shining, and where there is much fever with a deter- mination of blood to the head, red face and throbbing pulsations in the vessels, 190 RHEUMATISM. and also when the skin is hot, great thirst, rapid pulse and sleeplessness. Prescription 'B' is probably our best remedy in rheumatism, or at least, is oftener called for. The following are its most prominent indications: swelling and stiffness of the joints affected; severe shooting pains; increased by the slightest movement, or by the least cold; fever, headache, stomach derangement and constipation with an irritable temper, the pains seem situated more in the muscles, and par- ticularly about the joints than in the bones. Prescription 'O' is also a valuable rheu- matic medicine, and is indicated by draw- ing, pricking, tearing pains in the extremities and joints, with slight swelling, aggravation from cold and amelioration from warmth; increase of pain when at rest, and mitigation from movement; rheumatic fever with alter- nate heats and chills, with pains in the head and neck; shivering chills which are impossible to relieve by warmth, and which terminate in heat after an hour or two; towards morning sweat of an acid GOUT. 191 odor, generally complete absence of appe- tite, or desire for acid food only with great thirst and constipation. The diet should be made principally of fruits and vegetables, with but little, or no meat. The acid of fruit is decidedly curative in this affection, lemonade makes a palatable and healthful bever- age. GOUT. {Arthritis.} Gout differs entirely from rheumatism in the form of its attacks; also, in its never attacking children, but only grown people generally after thirty years of age, and men oftener than women. Such persons as are accustomed to a rich table, and habitually use beer, wine or liquor, and who take very little bodily exercise are generally subject to this disease. It is, therefore, a very rare occurrence to find a poor man a sufferer from this affection. The attack generally comes on sud- denly, and at night while asleep. The patient is aroused from his slumbers mostly after mid-night by a burning, 192 GOUT. screwing pain in one of his big toes, which grows worse from hour to hour. If the toe were screwed in a vice it could not hurt worse. The toe soon begins to swell and redden, there is great thirst, high fever, dry skin, clouded urine and great mental irritability. Towards morning a remission of suffering takes place, generally to be renewed the next night. In this way it continues for about a week, when finally the pain, redness and swelling gradually disappear and at last the skin of the affected toe peels off. This is generally the course of the first attack. Repeated similar attacks may occur from time to time in the joints of the feet and hands, but if the sufferer does not mend his ways, and lead a more correct life he lays himself liable to attacks of gout in the stomach, brain, or heart, from which, he will find it rather difficult to extricate himself. Treatment: -At the commencement of an attack of gout when there is high fever, dry skin, great thirst, swelling and redness of the toe we resort to prescrip- tion 'F', and those cases it fails to relieve entirely it very materially mitigates the suffering. Prescription 'D' is, however, the medi- cine, the most reliance should be placed in where the too free indulgence in beer, wine, or liquor has been the inducing cause. It is, moreover strongly indicated in dyspeptic individuals who also suffer from constipation, or piles. The pains are worse towards morning with cramps and throbbing in the muscles of the leg and foot. When the pains are of a shifting nature producing a paralytic, or torpid sensation in the part affected, prescription 'H' will be found excedingly efficacious. This is also a valuable remedy in this affection in dyspeptic patients. LUMBAGO. 193 LUMBAGO. This affection consists of a violent pain of a rheumatic character in the small of the back, either periodical, or permanent, and frequently accompanied with a con- siderable degree of fever. Treatment:-Prescription 'F' may be given for a short time with great benefit at the commencement of the attack if much fever is present with dry skin and excessive tearing pains. 194 SCIATICA. When the pains in the back are of a severe aching, or lancinating description, constraining the patient to walk in a stooping posture, prescription 'B' should be given, and when the suffering is aggravated from motion, or from cold, with a feeling, or sensation of general chilliness make this medicine all the more strongly indicated. When the pains resemble those pro- duced by a bruise, or by excessive fatigue, also when much increased by motion, especially turning in bed, prescription 'D' will be found to afford prompt relief. It is also curative when this affection is attended with great weakness, constipa- tion and irritability of temper. Prescription 'H' will be found a valuable medicine when the pains are changeable, shifting to different parts of the back, and when there is a sense of torpor, or paralysis in the parts affected. SCIATICA. We understand by this term a pain in the sciatic nerve, which extends from the hip to knee and foot on the outer side of the leg. It often interferes with the SCIATICA. 195 motion of the foot causing stiffness and contraction, and the pain is frequently of the most intense kind. Treatment:-In this as in the preced- ing affection we commence the treatment with prescription 'F' when there is con- siderable fever, dry skin, thirst, and the pains of a shooting, tearing nature. When burning pains are complained of, or sometimes a sensation of coldness in the parts affected, we frequently find quick relief from the administration of prescription 'L'. It is also further indi- cated when there is acute drawing pains in the hips, with great restlessness, oblig- ing the patient to move the limbs frequently, in order to obtain relief; occasional remissions, or the suffering of a periodical nature; great weakness and the suffering mitigated by the application of something warm. Prescription 'H' will be found to act splendidly when the pains are of a shift- ing character, first in one and then in another part of the leg; the pains worse in the evening and at night. 196 EYES. INFLAMMATION OF THE EYES. {Ophthalmia.) This affection, is recognized by great pain, heat and redness of the eyes, with a marked intolerance to light. When the inflammation is very great it is accom- panied by headache, high fever and an increased sensibility to light, with a scar- let, or pink redness of the eyes. Either one, or both eyes may be affected. This trouble may arise from numerous causes, the most frequent are, exposure, to strong light, or extreme heat after coming from a very cold atmosphere; from taking cold, external injury, etc. Treatment:-In inflammation of the eyes prescription 'G' should be given when the following symptoms are pres- ent: great redness and intolerance of, and pain increased by light: great sensi- bility of the eyes and eyelids, aching pains penetrating deeply into the orbits and head, with aggravation on moving the eyes, redness of the corners of the lids, dimness of vision towards evening, objects frequently appearing reversed, or double, severe cold in the head at the EYES. 197 same time, with acrid discharge causing excoriation at the end of the nose and on the lip. Prescription 'H' is indicated when there is burning and smarting irritation of the eyes, a sensation as if sand were under the lids; scarlet redness of the eyes and eyelids with copious secretion of mucus, pricking, shooting, piercing pains in the eyes, with bright redness and profuse flow of tears on attempting to use them. This remedy is also useful on the other hand when there is excessive dryness of the eyelids with sticking together in the morning. Prescription 'O' has been found an important remedy hi inflammation of the eyes of all kinds, whether catarrhal,rheu- matic, or scrofulous of an obstinate and inveterate character. It is particularly indicated by the following symptoms: pressure, smarting and burning, or itch- ing of the eyes, or eyelids; dimness of sight with cloudy appearance of things; specks, vesicles, or pustules on the ball of the eye. It is also one of the best medicines for chronic sore lids. As an application to inflamed eyes 198 EARS. there is nothing better than a very weak solution of prescription 'M!, say, ten drops in a half glass of water, applied four, or five times a day, or oftener in severe cases. Inflammation of the Ears. Earache. {Otitis- Otalgia-} Inflammation of the ears is made known by a violent, almost unbearable pain in the ears with extreme sensibility to noise, more, or less fever, and fre- quently inflammation of the external opening. In severe case the inflam- mation may extend to the brain, producing delirium. Earache may be the result of inflammation, or if neglected may pass on to it; in many cases it arises by sympathy from toothache, and itoften declares itself as a purely neuralgic affection. Treatment:-Prescription 'H* is pro- bably our best remedy in affections of the eye and ear, or at least, it seems oftener indicated. It is particularly efficacious when the external ear is much affected and appears inflamed and swollen, when there is a good deal of heat, shooting and throbing pain, and when there is a mois- ture in the ear, or a copious discharge. Prescription 'G' cures promptly when there is determination of blood to the head, tearing, or shooting pains extend- ing to the throat, fever and extreme sensibility to noise, and also when the brain partakes of the irritation and delirium is present. Prescription 'O' is called for in long standing affections of the ears, and par- ticularly when there is purulent discharge. NOSE. 199 BLEEDING OF THE NOSE. {Epistaxis.) Bleeding of the nose is of frequent occurrence with some, and but little is thought of it; with others, it as an affec- tion unknown. It often appears at the termination of many diseases, such as, fevers, etc., and is in such instances salutary. It also occurs sometimes dur- ing the course of some severe diseases and its presence frequently means mis- chief. It also frequently relieves, or ■cures headache, vertigo, etc., and in such cases does no harm unless it be excessive, 200 NOSE. last too long, recur too frequently, or takes place under a debilitated state of the system. An affection having so many different meanings can not be looked after too closely. The attack is generally preceded by a degree of quickness of the pulse, confusion, or dimness of sight,itch- ing in the nostrils, etc. Treatment:-Exposing the face to a current of cold air, sprinkling, or throw- ing cold water in the face, applying something cold to the nape of the neck, or placing the feet in warm water is generally sufficient to check an ordinary attack of nose-bleed, or, at least, very materially assist in its cure. In very plethoric subjects with deter- mination of blood to the head, with red face and a profuse discharge of bright red blood, prescription 'G' will generally be found sufficient to produce a cure. In females who have too scanty men- struation followed by headache and nose-bleed prescription 'H' will relieve promptly. Prescription 'M' is, however, the great- est of remedies for bleeding from any orifice of the body. DROPSY. 201 DROPSY. (Hydrops.') Dropsy is a name given to an unusual and abnormal collection of serious, or watery fluid in some parts of the body. It derives names according to the locality where it collects. When it collects in the cavity of the cranium it is termed Hydrocephalus; when in the chest Hydro- thorax; when in the abdomen Acites; and when in the cellular tissue in the extremi- ties Anasarca, etc., etc. The symptoms common to this disease are, pale and sickly countenance, dry yel- lowish skin, red and dry, furred and moist, or oh the contrary, an unusual clear and florid tongue; loss of appetite and poor digestion, constipation fre- quently alternating with diarrhea, urine scanty, at times, almost none, and very high colored; pulse variable, sometimes quick, at others slow and frequently irre- gular and intermitting, debility, languor, and an increase of fever generally towards night. In some cases there is cough, difficult breathing, or feeling of suffocation, particularly in the recum- bent position. 202 DROPSY. Dropsy is generally, if not always, symptomatic of some other disease; diseases of the brain, lungs, heart, kid- neys, etc., but the symptoms are generally sufficient to lead to its cause and cure. Treatment:-Prescription 'L' is a very great medicine in dropsy when there is much debility and the attack has come on suddenly, as after a chill, from drinking copiously of cold water while in a heated state, also when it occurs in connection with diseases of the heart, stomach, or kidneys. The special symptoms for this remedy are, tightness of breathing, or attacks of oppression which threaten suffocation; dry, harsh and thickened skin which is extremely pale, or of a greenish hue, particularly the face; exces- sive thirst, feeble or irregular pulse and coldness of the extremities. Prescription 'B' will be found efficacious in dropsical affections due to diseases of the liver and intestines, and when arising from heart troubles prescription 'I' will be found equally as beneficial. Prescription 'K' is a most excellent medicine in dropsical affections from diseases of the kidneys, and especially SCURVY. 203 when the stomach is much out of repair. In dropsical affections due to diseases of the kidneys, when the flow of urine is very scanty and high colored ' •Apocynum Cannabinum" has quite a reputation among physicians. This remedy is not found in the case but can be procured at any pharmacy. SCURVY. {Scorbutus.') This affection is characterized by excessive debility, languor and bloated countenance; oedematous swelling of the lower extremities in severe cases, suscep- tability to hemorrhage, livid spots on the skin with an ulcerated tendency and very offensive urine and stools. The gums are spongy, recede from the teeth, easily provoked to bleed a viscid, bloody dis- charge. The gums probably show symptoms of the disease sooner than any other part of the body. This disease chiefly affects those who, from circumstances, are deprived of fresh provisions, and a sufficient supply of healthy food, and are exposed to cold and damp together with fatigue. Want of 204 SCROFULA. exercise, pure air and cleanliness, with intemperance, further tend to predispose to this affection. Treatment:-Prescription 'D' is a valuable medicine in this disease. We begin and continue its use so long as any improvement is noticable, but after a week, or so of its administration, if there be no improvement, we turn our attention to prescription 'O', probably the best known medicine in this affection. We now give this remedy a trial for two, Or three weeks and then again return to the first named prescription. We may from this on give these remedies in alternate weeks until the cure is affected. This is a disease very slow to appear and conse- quently slow to disappear. In the treatment, as well as the preven- tion of this malady, we must remove the probable causes of its occurrence when that can be done, and supply the patient with wholesome diet, fresh vegetables, and fruits of an acid nature. SCROFULA, We understand by this term a nutritive disturbance of the body generally, mani- scrofula. 205 festing itself by an enlarged and hardened condition of the glands of the neck, groins, and under the arms, sometimes suppurating and discharging instead of pus, a white curdled matter; also by course features, thick swollen nose and upper lip, large belly, flabby muscles,, rough skin with more, or less eruption, or the skin is transparently white, reddens easily, and through which the vessels can be seen, red lips and cheeks, bluish color of the whites of the eyes which gives to them the expression of languor. This affection is also manifested in the mucous membranes, the joints, bones, eyes, ears,, nose, and in short, in every part of the body. Scrofula is inherited as well as acquired. Inherited from scrofulous parents; parents suffering from consump- tion, cancer, syphilis, etc. It is acquired generally from poor, or unhealthy diet, or by want of exercise and fresh air, or more frequently by the joint action of a number of unhealthy influences. Its course is always chronic, sometimes growing better and then worse again. Treatment:-When scrofula manifests 206 SCROFULA. itself by large glands, rough skin, thick swollen nose and upper lip, large belly and flabby muscles, and also by affec- tions of the eyes, nose, ears, joints, bones and mucous membranes.we give prescrip- tion 'O'. And on the other hand when the skin is a transparently white, reddens easily, red lips and cheeks, bluish color of the whites of the eyes, muscles thin, soft and flabby, we resort to prescription 'C'. We also prescribe these two remedies in alternate weeks, with strong and marked effects in Scrofula. In the treatment of Scrofula a great deal can be accomplished by strict atten- tion to cleanliness, fresh air, exercise and a liberal supply of good nutritious food. In young subjects the above precautions alone are often sufficient of themselves to eradicate completely the entire trouble. CASUALTIES. CONCUSSION OF THE BRAIN. We understand by this term a violent shock, or shaking of the brain due to falling upon some other part of the body, as the breech, or even the feet, and not to direct violence as a blow, or fall on the head. The symptoms vary according to the degree of injury sustained. When the concussion is severe there is imme- diate loss of sense and motion and death is frequently the result; when slight, there is temporary confusion, headache,, followed by quick pulse, vertigo and sick stomach; and when the injury done is quite severe, though not sufficient to pro- duce death, the patient is rendered insen- sible and unable to move, the pulse is weak, slow and generally intermitting, the breathing laborious and the extremi- ties cold. As improvement sets in the pulse and respiration grow better, and the extremities begin to warm up, the 208 BRAIN. sensibility to touch returns and generally at this stage vomiting begins and the contents of the stomach is rejected. Though the patient now answers ques- tions, a good-deal of stupor is present, and just here we have to fear the begin- ning of an active stage of inflammation of the brain, Treatment:-In all cases of injury resulting from external violence, pre- scription 'M' is an invaluable remedy, and its timely administration in cases of concussion of the brain, will, in most instances, if the injury sustained be not too severe, be sufficient to remove all evil consequence of such misfortunes. When there is a general disturbance of the system from such injuries, made known by high fever, dry skin and great thirst, we alternate prescription 'F' with 'M' for a time. And when there is a ten- dency to inflammation of the brain, determination of blood to the head, red face, stupor, delirium, convulsions, etc., we alternate prescription 'G' with 'M' with good results. When all danger has passed and our patient up, moving around, he will often SPRAINS. 209 complain of pains in his limbs, stiffness in the joints, and dull headache, pre- scription 'B' will promptly relieve these symptoms. When there is an external injury pre- scription 'N' makes a good application. SPRAINS AND STRAINS. These troublesome casualties, due to some sudden twist or unnatural move- ment, or from some sudden or powerful exertion are successfully treated by the application of prescription £N', and in severe and obstinate cases by the inter- nal administration of prescription 'M' at the same time. In obstinate cases of long standing of these affections, prescription *B' will be found a great benefit. Perfect quiet should be onjoined in these two affections until entire recovery takes place. Often when the patient feels him- self quite well, some slight exertion is sufficient to produce a relaps, from which it is more dfficult to recover than from the first attack. 210 WOUNDS. WOUNDS. Wounds receive names according to the nature of the instrument producing them. An Incised wound is one produced by some sharp cutting instrument, as a sword, knife, etc., and although more liable to bleed free, is, generally speak- ing, the least dangerous and the most easily healed. Lacerated wound is one instead of the flesh being cut, as with a knife, is torn asunder with violence, the edges are uneaven and irregular. It is commonly attended with little or no bleeding and rarely heals without inflammation and suppuration. Punctured wound is one caused by a pointed instrument. It partakes more of a lacerated than an incised wound, and is dangerous from the depth frequently penetrated. Contused wound is simply a bruise, the result of direct violence to some part of the body, such as, a blow with a blunt instrument and the injury sustained is according to the force of the blow, to the wounds. 211 nature of the instrument, or to the local- ity received. We have also the gun shot wound, the poisoned wound, etc. Treatment :-In the treatment of wounds the first thing to be done is to arrest bleeding. This is done in ordinary cases by cold applications, such as cold water, or ice and astringents. If the hemorrhage be considerable, and these applications not sufficient to arrest it, or if it be from rupture of an artery, especial- ly of the extremities, a band tightly bound around the limb above the bleed- ing with a compress under the band on the side just above the wound will be suf- ficient to control the hemorrhage until the nearest physician is summoned, as in all probability an artery is to ligate or tie which requires skilled hands for its proper performance. When the bleeding is stopped and all foreign matter removed, such as, sand, splinters, rags, fragments of glass, shot, etc., then proceed to dress the wound. This is done first by placing the body or limbs in a position to relax the muscles, to prevent the wound from gaping; finally place the lips of the wound in 212 WOUNDS. accurate contact and keep them so by bandage if the wound be very slight; by plasters and bandages if it be more severe; and by suturs, plasters and bandages if they all be required to hold the parts firmly together. Bandages are indispensible in deep or small superficial incised wounds, but care must be taken not to apply them too tightly, especially where there is much inflammation. Sutures are generally necessary in wounds of some magnitude, and often in small superficial wounds of the face, abdomen, and sometimes the hands, and especially in old people, but should be applied with skilled hands. Strips of adhesive plaster cut narrow in the centre, or portion to cross the wound, and sufficiently long to retain their hold firmly ; form in the majority of wounds the most frequently useful means of bringing the parts in close approxima- tion. Wounds frequently suppurate, con- sequently it is necessary to leave inter- vening space between the strips of plaster to admit of the exit of matter, or we may do mischief. BURNS. 213 If there be considerable pain, heat and swelling, lint dipped in cold water fre- quently remoistened, makes a grateful application. If, however, healing goes on naturally, and there is not much pain, swelling, or inflammation, we prefer no application whatever, simply cleansing the wound with tepid water. If healing seems to be slow, with a tendency to inflame and suppurate, prescription 'O' will work a very rapid change. This medicine will also be found useful when the suppuration has become copious. In severe wounds the patient should be kept cool, free from anxiety, or exertion, and as quiet as possibly. He should live abstemiously, avoiding everything of a heating nature, and his drink should be cold water. BURNS AND SCALDS The degree of danger f r- >m the effects of burns and scalds, depends upon several conditions. A scald or burn of great extent frequently proves fatal immedi- ately; or in a very short time, the patient often not rallying from the collapse. Burns of considerable depth are also alarming. 214 Age temperament and habits of living determine to a considerable extent the danger to be apprehended. The young with correct habits of living would quick- ly recover from a burn or scald that would prove fatal with the aged and intemper- ate. Treatment:-In slight burns or scalds the injured parts should be held for two or three minutes near the fire; a tempor- ary increase of pain will be amply repaid by the prevention of future suffering. The application of prescription 'M' is of quick service in superficial burns and scalds, frequently preventing blistering in quite severe cases. The plan of appli- cation: make a weak solution,say, fifteen or twenty drops in a half glass of water; dip a linen cloth in this and completely cover the burn or scald with the same. Keep the cloth moistened with the solu- tion w'ithout moving it from the wound. The sooner the application is made after the accident the more likely to prevent blistering. When, however, the injury is more severe, the affected part may be dressed with heated alcohol, oil of turpentine or BURNS OVERHEAT. 215 linseed oil, taking care to keep the parts continually moist and well protected from the air. Raw cotton applied over the part is frequently found efficatious, especially when the injury presents a large surface. It should be applied two or three thicknesses, and when suppura tion sets in remove the upper layer only and substitute fresh. In severe burns or scalds, prescription 'O' should be given from the beginning, and continued until the cure is affected. OVERHEAT. When from extreme heat, or from over exertion in hot weather, the head should become hot and the face flushed, care must be taken to drink no cold water until sufficient time has elapsed for the body to cool down. The early employ- ment of prescription 'F' in such cases will quickly afford relief and prevent danger by the controlling influence it exerts over circulation. Violent throbing headache with con- gestion, fever, vomiting, sleeplessness, great anguish or despair and a sense of weight in the head from overheating calls 216 APPARENT DEATH. for the administration of prescription 'G\ This medicine is also particularly effica- cious when there is a sudden loss of consciousness from overheat, with hot head, cold extremities,cold clammy skin and laborious breathing. The extremities should be made warm by placing the feet in hot water, and by being well rubbed and wrapped when taken out. The head must be made cool by cool applications, though the direct applica- tion of ice is not so highly extoled as of some time since. APPARENT DEATH. {Asphyxia.') When an individual has to all appear- ances suddenly expired, and particularly from external causes, animation may only be suspended, care therefore, when there is the least uncertainty, should he taken to do nothing that may cause death, and interment should be avoided until certain signs of putrefaction set in. There are many cases of course, where sudden death is no mere suspension of animation, but there are others where apparent death is far from uncommon. Apparent death is sometimes met with from hunger, from a fall, from suffoca- tion, from lightning, from drowning, from being frozen, etc., etc. In a work so small as this it is impos- sible to give full and complete directions in every case of sudden and apparent death, and, if so, for the wTant of experi- ence the average reader would in many instances be unable to carry them out successfully, so in every instance of appa- rent death we advise the instantaneous summoning of the nearest physician as his knowledge and experience will, or should enable him to do the very best that can be done. In the meantime we would advise that the body be properly cared for; freely exposing the face, neck and chest to the air, and to turn the body upon its face for a time with one arm under the forehead in order to clear the mouth and throat. This being done our next move is to excite respiration, which is frequently accomplished by turning the body upon one side and applying snuff, pepper, or some other irritant to the nostrils and dashing cold water on the face. When these means fail we APPARENT DEATH. 217 218 POISONS. should hurriedly proceed to imitate respi- ration by turning the body first upon the face and then upon the side alternately; continuing this rotating motion perse- veringly from sixteen to seventeen times per minute, and at the same time to rub the limbs upwards with firm pressure to induce circulation and warmth. If, in the meantime, the body be slapped briskly with the hand, and cold water dashed upon the surface, previously rubbed dry and warm, will very mate- rially assist in restoring respiration. The above directions should be followed ener- getically until the patient is restored to life, or the attending physician suggests something differently. POISONS and their ANTIDOTES. When poisonous substances have been taken into the stomach the first move is to cause their ejection by vomiting, or neutralization by proper antidotes. Our first step, however, should always be to get rid of as much of the poison as possi- ble by vomiting-riddance is always pref- erable to neutralization-but that which remains must be rendered inert by proper antidotes. Vomiting should be produced by the simplest means when they are sufficient, such as, tickling the throat with the finger, or with a feather, or by drinking luke-warm water, salt and water, or mustard and water, but when these means are insufficient we should at once resort to one of those emetics which is most powerful and speedy in its operations, as tarter emetic, sulphate of copper, or sul- phate of zinc. When vomiting has been excited it should be continued by copious draughts of warm water, or by tickling the throat with the finger, or a feather until the poisonous substances are rejected. In cases when vomiting can not be produced the stomach pump must be used by skilled hands, especially in arsenical, or narcotic poisons. When as much of the poison as possi- ble has been gotten rid of by vomiting the following antidotes will be found the most simple and reliable: acids are neu- tralized by alkalies, such as, very thick soap suds of soap and milk, chalk, soda, lime water, magnesia, or saleratus. In cases of poisoning from sulphuric acid do POISONS. 219 220 poisons. not use soap suds, or lime water; for nitric, or oxalic acid use magnesia and lime; and for prussic acid use dilute ammonia and electricity. Alkalies are neutralized by acids, the vegetable acids, vinegar, or oils in large quantities. Opium and other narcotics are neu- tralized by strong coffee and frequent doses of aqua ammonia following and during frequent powerful emetics, and for the spasms of strychnia, use chloro- form or ether and electricity. Motion and heat must be maintained in poison- ings of this character. Arsenic is probably the most difficult poison to antidote successfully of any we have to contend with; THE HYDRATED PEROXID OF IRON in tablespoonful doses every ten minutes until relief is obtained is relied upon by the profes- sion oftener than any other treatment. This preparation as well as any others named under poisons can be procured at any druggist. Bismuth, copper and their compounds, mercury, tin, zinc and their salts, and creosote, use albumen in some form, as the white of eggs, sweet milk, strong coffee and mucilaginous drinks. Lead find its salts, use epsom salts, glauber salts, dilute sulphuric acid, or even lemonade in mild cases. loidine, use starch, wheat flower, or arrowroot beaten up in warm water. Gases, use dilute ammonia, electricity and friction. In poisoning from animals but little, or no benefit is derived from vomiting, but we should at once resort to antidotes and often to the actual cautery. Bite of a rabid dog, the actual cautery should instantly be applied to the wound, and large doses of zinc, or muriate of iron given for several days. S3rpsnts stings, apply the actual cau- tery immediately and give sufficient whiskey, or brandy to produce intoxi- cation. Insect poison, apply ioidine, or harts- horn and oil to the part and give stimu- lants for a day or two. When imminent danger is passed, to prevent any sequally, and restore health and vigor to the stomach as well as the body generally, we give for a few days POISONS. 221 222 POISONS. prescription 'K' if the poisoning was from a mineral, prescription 'G', if from a vege- table, or prescription 'D', if from 4116 bite, or sting of an animal. Much assistance will be rendered by keeping the bowels open by taking a dose of pills from pre- scription 'A' every second day for two or three successive doses, DIRECTIONS. 'A' These pills are taken from one to four for a dose according to age, or require- ment, and the full dose can be repeated every second day, for three successive doses when necessary. One or two pills are laxative; three strongly laxative; and four an active cathartic. This is a valuable liver, stomach and bowel medicine, and for headaches and other affections arising from a bilious state of the system. 4B' In acute affections, drop eight drops in eight tablespoonfuls of water and take one tablespoonful every two hours. In chronic troubles, take three drops in a tablespoonful of water three times a day. This remedy is curative in headaches of a pressive, expansive, or bursting character; cough either dry, or with copi- ous expectoration and pain in the side cr sides; indigestion with inactive liver and bowels constipated; rheumatism, 224 'C' Take one granule every two hours in acute disease, or three granules three times a day in chronic affections. This is a most excellent medicine for feeble and anaemic females, with thin almost transparent skin, suffering frjm leucorrhoea, or whites, and profuse debi- litating menstruation, also chlorosis in young girls. This is also a most valua- ble remedy with children suffering with summer complaint, worms, or almost any affections of the stomach and bowels. 'D' Mix eight drops in six teaspoonfuls of water, and take one teaspoonful every three hours. This remedy is a great curative agent in stomach troubles, dyspepsia, head- ache and constipation; in nervous affections, tetanus, epilepsy and general nervous irritability; in hemorrhoids, or piles, and other affections arising from high living, strong drink, or sedentary habits. 'E' Take from one to four pills for a dose. One to three will relieve pain, and from DIRECTIONS. DIRECTIONS. 225 two to four will produce sleep. Not more than six in any case should be taken in twenty-four hours. These pills, as their direction would indicate, are ancdynic in their action when enough of them have been taken. They should be used with care, but by following the direction, pain can be relieved and sleep produced with great benefit to the sufferer. 'F' Mix fifteen drops in five tablespoonfuls of water, and take one teaspoonful every two hours in acute troubles. In chronic affections take five drops in a tablespoonful of water three times a day. This is the greatest of medicines in fever, inflammation, inflammatory rheumatism, neuralgia, heart disease, and, in fact, all affections attended with high fever, hot, dry skin, great thirst and rapid pulse, hence its importance at the beginning of almost all acute troubles. 'C' One-half teaspoonful to five table- spoonfuls of water, and take one teaspoonful every two hours in acute affections. In chronic disease take seven 226 DIRECTIONS, drops in a wine glass of water three times a day. This is also a valuable medicine in fevers, inflammation and congestions with determination of blood to the head, red face and throbing pulsations; throb- ing, beating headache, sore throat, dry tickling, spasmodic cough and pains rapidly changing position. This is also a very important remedy in female affec- tions attended with heaviness, pulling at the back with a sensation as if every- thing would be forced from them. 'H' In acute affections take three granules every three hours, and in chronic troubles take six granules three times a day. This is a great curative medicine in female affections; painful, scanty, or suppressed menstruation with impaired digestion; leucorrhoea, acrid, or like milk and painless. This is also a valu- able medicine in affections of the eyes, nose, ears or mouth, as also of the anus, stomach and bowel affections especially in children. One-half teaspoonful in four table- spoonfuls of water, and take one tea- DIRECTIONS. 227 spoonful every three hours in acute affections. In chronic disease take four drops in a tablespoonful of water three times a day. This is a valuable remedy in low grades of fever, as in typhoid, or malarial, with marked periodicity. It is also a valuable medicine in chronic affec- tions of the kidneys and bladder. 'J' In acute affections, mix one-half tea- spoonful to five tablespoonfuls of water and take one teaspoonful every two hours, or eight drops in a wine glass of water three times a day in chronic cases. This medicine is largely used in all forms of heart disease, and in diseases of the circulation generally. 'K' Mix one teaspoonful in a half glass of water, and take one tablespoonful every three hours in acute affections. Or, in chronic cases take a half teaspoonful in a wine glass of water, before each meal. This is probably the best stomach remedy known, and for almost all affec- tions arising from imperfect digestion and assimilation. It is a tonic to the entire system. 228 'L' Mix one tablespoonful in a half glass of water, and take a tablespoonful every three hours. For chills and fevers follow directions given in the book. This is a very valuable medicine, and will be found often indicated, and especially in all affections arising from malaria. In recent attacks of chills and fever it will cure almost without an exception. It is also a valuable medicine in asthma, gout, rheumatism, piles and in stomach, liver and bowels affections. 'M' Take a half teaspoonful in a wine glass of water, before each meal and when retiring. As an external application apply with a linen cloth from four to six times a day. This is a capital medicine in hemor- rhage from any orifice of the body, and for bleeding piles it has no equal. It is also a useful remedy in internal injuries arising from external violence, such as, a blow or fall. As an application for burns, or scalds it should always be at hand, as also for any surface affections. DIRECTIONS. 'N' USED EXTERNALLY. Apply with a linen cloth from four to six times a day. For fresh and open wounds dilute with equal parts of water before applying. We might say, in a word, that this medicine is used locally with benefit for almost all forms of external affections, the medicine diluted, or left strong according to the irritability of the part it comes in contact. It is also often used with great relief for internal affections by being applied over the seat of the trouble. 'O' Take a half teaspoonful in a wine glass of water, four times a day. This is the most genera] useful medi- cine in chronic affections that is made use of. For the skin, glands, affections and discharges of the eyes, nose, ears, anus, and in all forms of scrofula, it is certainly without an equal. It is also a useful medicine in stomach and bowel affec- tions, chronic diarrrhea, piles, or fistula, also for summer complaint, worms and bowel affections in children. DIRECTIONS. 229 230 DIRECTIONS. 4P' In acute affections take two granules every two hours, or six granules three times a day in chronic troubles. This is a most excellent medicine in affections of children, croup, colds stomach affections, dysentery, diarrhea, summer complaint and especially where there is much nau- sea and vomiting. It is also an excellent medicine in dysentery and diarrhea in adults. Accompanying the directions we have given a few leading indications for the employment of each prescription, hut to prescribe with positive accuracy the book must be consulted. THE ABOVE CUT REPRESENTS THE FAMILY PHYSICIAN consisting of this book, bound in cloth, descriptive of disease and its treatment, with sixteen medical prescrip- tions prepared under the Doctor's immediate supervision. Contained in a polished walnut, or ebony case, with lock and key. PRICE COMPLETE, - - - - $9.00. Single Fresoription. 75 'B'.... 25 'C'.. .. 50 'LT.... 25 'E'... .$1 00 *F*.... 50 'G'.... 5o 'H'.... 50 PRICE PER BOTTLE. • 'I'.... $ 40 'J'.... 30 'K'.... 50 'lu*.... 1 00 •M' . . ? 50 'N' 75 O' 50 'P'. ... 50 Any of the above sent on receipt of price, or procured through the druggists. In ordering be careful to designate the Letter of the Prescription. All communications addressed to D. C. BURSON & CO., No. 1013 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, Pa.