m'tff ma With mi- w ,J/H xVite m 1m m ■frn m m THE GENTLEMAN'S HAND-BOOK HOMEOPATHY; ESPECIALLY FOR TRAVELERS, DOMESTIC PRACTICE EGBERT GUERXSEY, M.D t* t AUTHOR OF "DOMESTIC PRACTICE." RP*W [Of *M^ BOSTON: PUBLISHED BY" OTIS CLAPP, 3 BEACON ST. NEW YORK- WILLIAM RADDE, 322 BROADWAY. 1855. W B K IS 5 5 Entrrbh according to Act of Congrens, in the year 1855, by EGBERT GUERNSEY, M.D., la the Clerk's Office of the District Court for the Southern District of Ne» W, H. Tinson, Stereotyper, 24 Beekman St., N. Y. PREFACE. Fkeedom of thought, and a love of scientific in- vestigation, are prominent characteristics of the present generation. In every branch of society, in every department of life, the mists of error, preju- dice, and ignorance, are rapidly fading away. The cry is now everywhere, "What is truth?" and shadowy forms, and fine-drawn theories, are giving place to the real and substantial, the positive reve- lations of science. These revelations are not now confined to a favored few, but are broadly dissemi- nated and eagerly received among all classes of community. Nowhere is this more true than with that science whose investigations are directed to the relief of human suffering. This freedom of inquiry among the masses stimu- lates the profession and urges them on to careful and candid investigation. The more the people understand the laws of their being, the better will they be enabled to prevent disease, and the more careful and thorough will the profession become. IV l'l;l KA'.'K. Strong objections have been made against works of Domestic Practice, on the ground that familiar- ity with the symptoms of disease may so work on the imagination as to produce disease, and also from the great danger of laymen attempting to meddle with drugs. The first objection is too puerile to deserve notice, and the second would have more force when ap- plied to a school whose gentlest weapons are lancets and cathartics. Neither objection would have weight in a work of this kind. It is not intended to make every man his own physician; but there are times and places where a physician cannot be obtained, and when immediate aid is necessary. There are other cases perfectly plain and simple, where an ordinary ca- pacity can apply the remedy with an assurance of success. Designing this work especially for gentlemen, it has been our object to make plain those laws of their being which will enable them to ward off disease, and shunning vice and its fearful conse- quences, harmonize their passions, and make them not alone healthier, but better. Believing much of the disease in the world is the result of improper marriages, we have introduced some important facts upon that subject. We have also directed the attention to different mineral springs, changes PREFACE. V of climate, and directions for travelers. In the part on the treatment of disease, we have been as plain, simple, and concise as possible, speaking more particularly of the more common class of dis- eases. It is in the early stage of some simple trouble, such as cold or dyspepsia, that the seeds are planted of the worst and most torturing forms of disease. Meeting these symptoms at the com- mencement with a few easily chosen remedies, long attacks of suffering may be prevented, and even life itself saved. Toward the close of the work, chap- ters have been introduced on injuries occasioned by accidents, apparent death, poisons, and their antidotes, and electricity. Every effort has been made to make this work as plain, practical, and concise as possible. New York, 1855, 19 West 22d St. CONTENTS. CHAPTER I. PAGE Human Life,........12—18 CHAPTER II. PHYSIOLOGY AND HYGIENE, . . 18—46 Time of Eating,.........19 Kind and Quantity of Food,...... . .20 Food governed by Climate and Habits of Life, ... 21 Varieties of Food,....... .24 The Nervous System, ... 25 The Brain should not be overworked, 26 Alcoholic Drinks,.........27 Tobacco,..........28 Respiration and Circulation, ... 30 Necessity of Pure Air,........31 Development of the Chest,.......32 Functions of the Skin, ... 33 Bathing,.....35 Time of Bathing,.........37 Clothing,.....39 Color of Clothing,.........42 Exercise,.....43 viii CONTENTS. CHAPTER III. PAOH CULTIVATION OF THE MORAL AND INTELLECTUAL FACULTIES, 47—74 Vices to which the Young are Exposed, .... 50 Self-Pollution,.........50 Gambling and Licentiousness,......52 Healthful Development of the Mind,.....54 Marriage,.....59 Time of Marriage,........61 Suitableness of Age,........64 Harmony of Feeling Considered in Marriage, ... 65 Constitution and Temperament,......69 Generation of Organized Beings,......70 CHAPTER IV. INFLUENCE OF CLIMATE ON HEALTH, . . 75—96 Change of Climate in Consumption,.....77 Climate in the South of France,......79 '•' in Italy,.........79 " in Spain, Malaga,.......80 " of Algiers..........82 " of the Island of Madeira,......83 " of the Bermuda Islands,......84 " of the West Indies,.......84 American Climate, .... 86 Climate in Florida—Jacksonville—St. Augustine, . . 86 " in Savannah—Aikin,......87 " in the South and West,......88 Mineral Waters, . . 90 Mineral Springs in Europe,.......90 Sulphur Springs,.........91 CONTENTS. IX PAGE Acidulous Waters (in Virginia and Europe), ... 92 Chalybeate Mineral Waters,.......93 Saline Mineral Waters,........94 Hints to Travellers, .... 95 PART II. CHAPTER I. Diagnosis of Disease, . . 101—111 Constitution and Temperament,......101 The Pulse, . . '........102 The Urine,..........104 The Stools—Nausea and Vomiting—Cough, .... 105 Administration of Remedies, . . . 106 The Dose and its Repetition,.......107 Rules for Diet, . . . .108 CHAPTER II. Diseases Connected with the Respiratory Organs, 111—142 Cold............HI General Influenza—Cold in the Throat, .... 112 Cough,...........118 Hoarseness,..........121 Pleurisy,..........123 False Pleurisy,.........125 Inflammation of the Lungs, Pneumonia, . . . * . 126 Laryngitis...........128 Bronchitis,..........129 Hemorrhage from the Lungs,......131 Congestion of the Chest,.......134 Pulmonary Consumption,.......134 Asthma,..........138 : X CONTENTS. CHAPTER III. PAGE Fevers, .... 142—162 Simple Fever, . .......144 Inflammatory Fever,........144 Nervous or Typhoid Fever,.......146 Remittent or Bilious Fever,.......149 Intermittent Fever,........152 Yellow Fever,.........157 CHAPTER IV. Cutaneous Diseases, . . 162—177 Nettle Rash........^ . . 162 Scarlet Fever,.........163 Measles,..........165 Erysipelas,..........166 Small Pox,..........168 General Cutaneous Diseases, . . .171 Itch, Ringworm, Tetter, Chilblains,.....171 Whitlow, Ulcers, Boils, Abscess,......174 CHAPTER V. Affections of the Brain and Nervous System, 182—177 Headache,..........177 Dizziness—Sun Stroke,.......182 Inflammation of the Brain—Apoplexy, .... 183 Neuralgia,..........185 Paralysis—Delirium Tremens,......187 CHAPTER VI. AFFECTIONS OF THE EYES AND EARS, . 189—199 Inflammation of the Eyes,.......190 " of the Eye-lids—Stye,.....193 CONTENTS. Xi PAGE Watery Eye—Foreign Substances in the Eye, . . 194 Weakness of Sight,........195 Affections of the Ears, . . . 196 Mumps,..........196 Inflammation of the Ear—Earache, ... . . 197 Running of the Ears—Deafness.......199 CHAPTER VII. Affections of the Mouth and Throat, . 200—205 Tooth-ache,..........200 Offensive Breath—Scurvy,.......201 Sore Throat,.........202 CHAPTER VIII. Affections of the Stomach and Bowels, . 205—227 Dyspepsia,..........205 Nausea and Vomiting,........208 Sea-sickness,.........209 Pain in the Stomach,........211 Cholic,...........212 Jaundice,..........216 Diarrhea,..........217 Dysentery,.......• • 220 Cholera Morbus,.........222 Cholera,..........223 Constipation—Piles,........225 CHAPTER IX. Urinary and Genital Organs, . . 228 Inflammation of the Bladder,......228 Suppression and Retention of Urine—Seminal Emissions, . 229 Gonorrhea—Clap—Syphilis,......230 xn CONTK.NTS. CHAPTER X. PAGE Rheumatism, .... 232 CHAPTER XI. Injuries from Accidents. Burns and Scalds—Sprains—Dislocations—Fractures—Wounds— Stings of Insects, and Bites of Serpents, . 234—240 CHAPTER XII. Apparent Death. Apparent Death from Drowning—Hanging—Suffocation—Freez- ing—Lightning, ....... 241—245 CHAPTER XIII. Poisons and their Antidotes, . . 246—248 CHAPTER XIV. Electricity—Magnetism, . . 248—250 GENTLEMAN'S HAND-BOOK OF HOMEOPATHY. CHAPTER I. HUMAN LIFE. It is a mournful sight to look out upon the heaving ocean, when the sky is dark with storm, and see the proud ship, freighted with wealth and human life, strug- gling fearfully, yet vainly, to avoid impending destruc- tion, go down in the boiling waters. How much more sad to gaze upon the wrecks which strew so thickly the vast ocean of life ; human wrecks, in comparison with which the proud ship, a shattered navy, or the temples and half buried cities of a past age crumbling before the march of time, sink into insignifi- cance. Men go about with bent forms, and bowed down heads, with disease and death stamped upon their faces ere they 14 IMPURITIES OF OUR RACE. have reached man's estate, or rush along life's pathway with eager haste and flashing eye, heedless of danger, reckless of life. No wonder that the grave closes over them in early prime ; no wonder that their shrieks pierce the air, from the maniac cell, or that the wrecks of men, sad and wast- ed, going down to death, are scattered all along the journey of life. But the fault has not commenced with this generation. Men have not grown suddenly reckless of life, have not become in one generation the puny, sickly race we see, some of them with bodies too strong for the mind, wear- ing it out in their headlong speed, and others with mind and body both sickly and debased. No ; we are hurried along on the swift current of a stream whose source is in the darkness of the past. Here and there the waters emerge from the darkness and flash clear and sparkling in the bright sunlight. Greece, worshipping beauty, sculptures it in matchless forms of art, blends it in palace and temple, and wakens the echoes of coming ages with the matchless songs of Homer. Plato dis- courses of immortality from the groves of the academy, and the stern patriot falters not at duty even though it desolates his own home Rome, treading for awhile the conquerer's path, making its literature the world's classic, at length bends the knee to barbarian hosts. But Greece and Rome contained within themselves seeds of dissolution, in the moral depra- vity, which tainted as with a leper's touch every class of THE DARKNESS OF THE PAST. 15 society. The palaces of their emperors and the temples of their gods, became but little more than brothels, within which were practiced the most hellish forms of pollution. Then followed the age of physical force. The ponderous sword, the mighty battle-ax, wielded by sinewy arms, the hand-to-hand fight, were the playthings and pleasures of life. Men, as it regards physical strength, towered up like giants, strong and vigorous. But still in their midst vice lifted its head, and with each succeeding generation scattered its seeds more broadly over the world. Then came the whirlwind march of Revolution, dashing thrones to earth, and shaking the world like the throes of an earthquake. Oh, what a sad picture does the world present for the past six thousand years. History itself is but little more than a record, with a few bright exceptions, of wrong, and crime, and dark depravity ; the strong tramp- ling upon the weak, and the vile tainting the pure and holy : almost every page is written with blood and stained with tears wrung from suffering hearts. As man was created, how noble and God-like he stands forth, the most sublime and glorious of all his Creator's works. As the current of his life has flowed on through the corruption of past ages, how like a pigmy he seems, with his weakened body, bis groaning and sighing, his petty ambition and narrow and selfish ends and aims. The politician, struggling for the spoils and honors of office ; the eager crowd jostling along life's pathway in pursuit of wealth, which when acquired they know not 16 VIOLATIONS OF NATURE'S LAWS. how to enjoy, drones of society, vegetating through life, living on the fruits of their fathers' toil, devotees to fashion and slaves to sensual passions. The man of business throws himself heart and soul into the pursuit of gain ; the student toils on over the midnight lamp, heedless of the hectic flush and the wasting frame ; the young man stepping out upon the theatre of action, giddy with the whirl and roar of life around him, is apt to rush from the toils of business into the various avenues of vice which open so thickly around him ; and all forget one great truth, the intimate relation existing between body and mind, and unless both are kept active, pure and healthy, every organ performing its specific duty, withering disease, a soul tossed by the whirlwind of passion, or fretted and unhappy, will be the inevitable result. Borne along by the rushing tide which surges and dashes around us, we do not pause to think, butr yield to the impulses and passions which a corrupt and unhealthy society has fastened upon us, disregard the laws of physical health, and rush madly into the jaws of danger and death. Oh, how thickly the earth is piled with graves of the young I how it groans beneath its load of human suffer- ing, oppression and wrong 1 And is all this right ? Are these pigmy forms, wasted by disease, or deformed by passion, the men God made in his own image and placed in a world of beauty ? Look abroad upon nature, and one great law pervades all—harmony and beauty. See it in shining worlds, sweeping in circles of light around their great parent HARMONY WITHIN OURSELVES. 17 center ; hear it in the song of the bird as it cleaves the air, filling it with wild notes of melody ; see it in forest tree and lowly flower, in the gorgeous tints of autumn— the hectic flush of a dying year—and the opening, budding beauties of spring. Look now upon Man, that crowning glory of God's works, and where is the beauty and harmony of purity and truth ? Listen to the wail of the dying from the gory battle- field, to the groans of the oppressed, to the pulsations of that heart whose every throb is narrow selfishness, to the midnight revel, to the discord and jar of life—sum up the mighty record of diseases which devastate the world, and then may we not well say, " How has God's most noble work become involved in ruin ! how have the mighty fallen, and the most fine gold become dim !" Surrounded as we are by temptations, with the current of our life tainted by flowing on through the corrupt generations of the past, with the seeds of death rankling within us, and disease and death meeting us at every step, may we not, by adhering closely to nature's laws, cleanse that tainted current, pluck out some, at least, of those seeds of early death, and harmonize our passions, so that the vile and flaunting weeds which have taken such deep root within us may wither, and the germs of the holy, the beautiful and the true, grow up and expand in fragrant loveliness. Then will the great human heart pulsate in unison with the Divine ; then will earth, renewing its youth, bear upon its smiling bosom an emancipated race. 18 NUTRITION. Were we living in a state of Eden purity, the instincts of our nature might, if we gave heed to them, protect us from harm, and like the birds, need trouble ourselves no more than tbey about the mechanism of our being and the laws of nature. But we must not forget that for ages on ages, violation of nature's laws has tainted life's current with disease, and that we have within us impuri- ties which, unless we walk with cautious footsteps, will develop themselves in a ripe harvest of suffering. It is well for us to ascertain, then, the necessities of our being and the laws of life. -------*►------ CHAPTER II. PHYSIOLOGY AND HYGIENE. Within the human system we have the most perfect chemical laboratory ever constructed. From the food we eat, the water we drink, and the air we breathe, it pre- pares for the bones the materials necessary for their growth and waste ; sends to the muscles, the eyes, the teeth, the brain and the nerves, each the component parts required for their life and the performance of their duties, and develops in its varied combinations the animal heat which keeps up the equilibrium of life. The first step which the food undergoes in this chemi- cal change, is in the mouth. Here ground and triturated by the action of the teeth, and thoroughly mixed with TIME for eating. 19 the salivary juice, it is prepared for the stomach. But this step, apparently so simple, is of the utmost import- ance. The salivary juice aids materially the process of digestion, and unless the food is slowly and thoroughly masticated the glands remain partially inactive and the saliva is only mixed to a small extent with the food. The stomach, therefore, suffers by being compelled to receive food not prepared for its use. It suffers also from the habit, by far too common, of washing down the food with copious draughts of water, coffee, or tea. But very little liquid should be taken at meals, for it not only checks the salivary secretion, but by diluting the gastric juice weakens the action o£ the stomach. Yery hot food or drink stimulates to an undue degree, for a certain time, the vessels of the mouth and stomach, to be followed in a short time by reaction, loss of tone and strength. De- cayed teeth, spongy gums, and indigestion, are the results. Time of Eating.—The food should be taken at regular intervals, so as to give the stomach ample time, not only to thoroughly digest and empty its contents, but to rest and rally its powers before the next meal. The habit so peculiarly American, of rushing through the meal in hot haste, as if life itself depended on the rapidity with which the food was bolted, and among business men and students in particular, of eating at all hours, catching it whenever and wherever they can get it, is the fruitful cause of tortur- ing attacks of indigestion, fretfulness, and peevishness of disposition, headache, palpitation of the heart, constipa- 20 KIND AND QUANTITY OF FOOD. tion, hypochondria, and a host of ailments. The complaints of the stomach are immediately telegraphed through the pneumogastric nerve to the brain, and from thence through the nervous system to every part of the body; so that the whole system is likely to suffer from the derangement of this organ, and the diseases thus engen- dered sometimes break down the constitution and termi- nate life. Cancerous and tubercular diseases are some- times produced by long-continued indigestion. Kind and Quantity of Food.—The kind and quantity of food should be governed, in a great measure, by cli- mate, constitution and habits of life. Experience teaches us that the inhabitants of warm climates do not require as much strong food as those of colder regions, nor per- sons of sedentary life as much as those engaged in active pursuits. Food is the fuel, which develops in its combustion the ' animal heat, which warms us in cold and keeps up the even temperature of the blood, in all climates, and under every external circumstance. Experiment has shown that the temperature of the blood in health, in summer and winter, in the heat of the tropics and the intense cold of the frigid regions, is nearly the same. This will not appear strange when we look upon the animal body as a heated mass, giving out heat when the surrounding objects are cooler than itself, and taking it in when they are warmer. What an enormous difference there must be in the ANIMAL HEAT. 21 amount of heat given out in these warm climates where the temperature is nearly the same as the body, and in those intensely cold regions where it is 100° lower, and what a vast difference there must also be in the amount of food required to keep up that combustion, which pro- duces animal heat. Deprive the native of the South of food, and death would be slow in its progress, while the inhabitant of a frozen region, deprived of food, would speedily die. In the latter case, the enormous combustion required to be kept up to defend the system against cold, would in a short time exhaust the body of its carbon, and death would ensue. Satisfactory experiments show that an adult, perform- ing moderate exercise in a temperate climate, takes into the system through the lungs, from the atmospheric air, a little over thirty-two ounces of oxygen daily, and con- sumes in the form of food thirteen or fourteen ounces of carbon per day. This oxygen uniting with the carbon, forms carbonic acid, a portion of which is thrown off from the lungs ; another portion uniting with the hydrogen, forms the perspiration and urine, which pass off through the skin and kidneys. The result of this union is the combustion which produces animal heat. Food Governed by Climate and Habits of Life.— It is evident, then, that the amount of carbon consumed in the healthy system must be in proportion to the oxygen taken into the body. The amount of oxygen inspired 22 FOOD GOVERNED BY CLIMATE. depends upon the frequency of the respirations and the temperature of climate. In warm climates the air is not only highly rarefied, but contains a considerable amount of water, so that but little oxygen is introduced, and comparatively a small amount of carbon is required in the food. Nature has kindly provided for this, for the fruits and vegetables which compose a large portion of the food of the natives of tropical climates, contain but about twelve per cent, of carbon, while the meat and train oil which are so freely eaten in frigid regions, contain about eighty per cent. In warm climates, then, the food should be light, con- sisting principally of fruits and vegetables, and that class of food which contains but little fat, and therefore requires but little oxygen for its combustion. If the stomach is crowded with meats and food rich in carbon, the food is not consumed, but goes to form fat, or clogs up the system, renders the stomach and liver inactive, and develops those fevers which are so terrible to the unac- climated. The stomach must be kept active, for here the food, by means of the gastric juice, which is slightly acid, is prepared to enter into the circulation. The liver must also perform its duty, for through this the venous blood passes on its way to the heart, and its office is to take up those particles which in the combustion are not entirely consumed, and those chemical combinations which with a little change may again enter the circulation. The bile thus secreted by the liver is strongly alkaline, and being poured into the lower stomach neutralizes the acidity of FOOD GOVERNED BY CLIMATE. 23 the food now reduced to chyme, and renders it fit to be taken up by the absorbents which open with their little mouths upon the intestinal canal, taking up the nutriment and pouring it into the thoracic duct, from whence it is conveyed through' the arterial system to every part of the body. If the stomach is inactive, the food is not digest- ed, and if the liver is torpid, no bile is secreted from the blood, so that all the impurities which this organ should have taken up, sweep on through the system, irritating and inflaming the blood, and giving rise to serious forms of disease. For the same reason that fruits, vegetables, and food, containing but little carbon—or fat—should be used in warm climates, strong nourishing food, such as meats and grains rich in carbon, should be eaten in cold climates. The more laborious exercise a person performs, and the more he is exposed to the inclemency of the weather, the stronger and more nourishing should be his food. The air in these cold regions is more condensed, so that at each inspiration a much larger amount of oxygen is inspired than in warmer climates, and the com- bustion is consequently much more rapid. This rapid development of animal heat is absolutely essential to guard against the cold, which, were it not for this inter- nal fire, would rapidly prostrate the vital powers. There are many tribes of Indians who go almost naked, but they consume a vast amount of carbon in the meat, train oil and tallow, which form their food. Clothes, after all, are only an equivalent for a certain amount of food. 24 VARIETIES OF FOOD. The food then, both in kind and quantity, should con- form to climate and occupation. In persons of sedentary life, the change of tissue is not as great, the circulation not so active, and therefore, on account of there being less waste in the system, the same amouut of food, either in strength or quantity, is not required as in those of active life. If taken into the system it is not consumed and indi- gestion or obesity will probably be the result. Varieties of Food.—A person should not sit down to a hearty meal immediately after taking violent exercise, for the system weakened by fatigue should have a few moments' time to rally ; neither should he go directly from the table to his labor, but allow the stomach twenty or thirty minutes' time to direct its entire energies to the digestion of its con- tents. For a similar reason should a person abstain from food immediately before retiring to rest ; for the process of digestion is in a measure suspended during sleep, and the presence of food in the stomach at that time would be likely to cause a restless night and future trouble. Ripe fruits are as a general thing perfectly harmless, both in sickness and health. It is better, however, to eat them in the early part of the day. In health the stomach should be sufficiently strong to digest proper food with- out the aid of stimulants either in cooking or in drinks. The more plain and simple the cooking the better. Pork is difficult of digestion, and should never be used by persons of a scrofulous habit. Mutton, beef, vension and poultry, are not only highly nutritious but easy of THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 25 digestion. Veal and lamb are nutritious, but not as easy of digestion. Eggs and milk are highly nutritious, but they sometimes produce headache and derangement of the stomach. Oysters are usually easy of digestion when not cooked hard. The most nutritious graius are wheat and Indian corn. Rice is nutritious and easy of digestion as well as sago, arrow root, tapioca, and farina. THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. The brain, the seat of the nervous system, is a soft, pulpy, grayish mass, occupying the cavity formed by the bones of the skull, and sending its influence through the nerves, to every part of the system. The nerves usually pass off from the brain and spinal cord in pairs, one being the medium of sensation, and the other of motion. The one communicates feeling to and from the brain to every part of the body, and the other gives the power of motion to the muscular system. Through these two-fold system of nerves, passing from the brain and communicating like a net-work with every part of the body, the functions of life are carried on, we move, breathe, eat and drink. Through the nerves, the eye takes in the glorious pictures of nature, the soul thrills to the touch of love, or vibrates to the harmony of music. The brain, through the electric fluid generated in its batteries, sends its mandates along its telegraphic wires, the nerves, to the most remote part of the system, and 2 26 OVERTASKING THE BRAIN. the" muscles hasten to obey. This sympathetic chain con- nects every part of the system with the great center, transmitting external sensations to the brain, and con- veying the nervous fluid outward to the necessary place. If, then, the nervous system performs such a prominent part in the economy of life, the necessity of keeping it vigorous, active, and healthy, and the danger of increas- ing or diminishing its sensibility by stimulants or nar- cotics, will be apparent. The brain should not be overworked.—The records of disease show that insanity and affections of the heart have increased within the past few years to an alarming extent. In these feverish times, when fortunes are made or lost almost in a day, when to pause is to be borne down by the headlong crowd, rushing along the same path, and in pursuit of the same object, the mind is kept constantly on the stretch, and tasked to the utmost every day and every hour. The merchant marking out new fields of enterprise, and tasking the energies of his mind in perfecting and carrying out his plans, is liable, in his absorbing pursuits, to neglect those physical requirements essential to health. The mind must have rest as well as every other organ of the body, and when it is constantly tasked to the utmost, and never permitted to turn for recreation into other channels of thought, and especially when this is combined with a lack of care for physical health, the result is often incurable diseases of the heart, severe forms of nervous derangement, and insanity. ALCOHOLIC DRINKS. 2? A great fault with those in active life, is, they live too fast, are too much immersed in the feverish whirl of business, and have but little time for healthy phys- ical recreation, and the soothing charms of a happy home. Derangement of the nervous system, occasioned either by disobedience of physical laws, by developing only one part of the mind, and one set of faculties or feelings, or by any other cause, shortens life, impairs usefulness, and embitters what might be our brimming cup of happiness. The more we live in obedience to the simple teachings of nature, the less likely shall we be to require artificial stimulants. When these stimulants are required, it shows conclusively that there is something wrong about the system. Alcoholic drinks.—The effects of alcoholic drinks, when taken in large quantities, on the nervous system, are familiar to all. The trembling hand, the bowed and tottering form, the bloated face, and all the signs of pre- mature old age, show their fearful ravages on the human system. The larger portion of the wine and brandy con- sumed, contain but a very small trace of the pure liquors whose names they bear. The drugs which enter into their composition, often produce on the system all the effects of slow poison. Reaction is sure to follow the excitement, both to the circulation and the nervous system, produced by the free use of alcoholic drinks, and the effects, slow at first, perhaps, in their progress, will sooner or later 28 TOBACCO. become apparent, in weakness of different organs, and deranged general health. When stimulants in the form of alcoholic drinks are required, they should as a general thing be used by the advice of a judicious physician. Tobacco.—The action of opium and tobacco on the nervous system, when freely used, is prejudicial to health. The use of tobacco, when introduced into England by Sir Walter Raleigh, was very general throughout the western continent. It received in England but little favor at the hands of royalty. Elizabeth published an edict against its indulgence. James not only imposed severe pecuniary fines to abolish its use, but published his famous " Counterblaste to Tobacco," in which he remarks that smoking is a custom " loathsome to the eye, hateful to the nose, harmful to the brain, dangerous to the lungs ; and in the black, stinking fume thereof, nearest resembling the horrible Stygian smoke of the pit that is bottomless." In the sixteenth century, the king prohibited the use of tobacco in Persia ; but as the punishment was penal, many of his subjects, rather than discontinue it, fled to the mountains. In 1624, Urban VIII. excommunicated all snuff-takers who committed the heinous sin of taking a pinch in church ; and in the same century, the Russians, whose peasantry now smoke all day long, were forbidden to smoke under the penalty of having the nose cut off. TOBACCO. 29 In Constantinople, where the use of tobacco in every form is now as common almost as eating, every Turk who was found smoking, was conducted in ridicule through the streets, with a pipe transfixed through his nose, and seated on an ass, with his face towards the tail; one reason was the supposition that the use of tobacco ren- dered the men impotent, and certainly, if taken in excess, such a result is likely to follow. Notwithstanding all this opposition to tobacco, it still sent up its curling wreaths of defiance, uhtil now it is used by every class of society the world over. When taken in sufficient quantity, it acts as a most virulent poison of the acro-narcotic class, producing deadly sick- ness, vertigo, and sometimes stupor. When tobacco is used in any shape to excess, it blunts the sensibility, not only of the organs with which it comes in contact, but of the whole nervous system ; or it induces so great a sus- ceptibility to impressions, that existence becomes painful. Snuffing is, perhaps, the least injurious mode of employ- ing tobacco, yet even in this form, when used to excess, it is apt to induce dyspepsia, blunt the sensibility of the olfactory nerves, and change the tone of the voice, ren- dering it disagreeably nasal. Tobacco contains two active principles, nicoiin and a volatile oil. The former, acting through the pulmonary nerves, affects the circulation, and when the tobacco is used in large quantities, or in individuals unaccustomed to its use, may paralyze the heart. In chewing, both the nicotin and volatile oil are 30 RESPIRATION AND CIRCULATION. brought in contact with the mouth. Not only does it act injuriously upon the system in this way, but has a tendency to produce dyspepsia, by diverting from the food the gastric juice so useful in digestion. In the moderate use of tobacco, the system may become habituated to its employment. When, however, indulgence becomes abuse, the nerves become unstrung ; stupor, indisposition to mental or corporeal exertion, tremors, nausea, and the whole tribe of dyspeptic com- plaints supervene, and the victim finds his exist- ence burdensome to himself as well as those around him. Those, however, who persist in indulging in bad habits, should remember there is a time and place for every- thing. Either smoking or chewing, in the public street, is a disgusting habit, of which no gentleman should be guilty. The air of heaven belongs to all, and no one has a right to poison it by tainting it with the fumes of tobacco, or mark his passage through life by a stream of tobacco juice. RESPIRATION AND CIRCULATION. At each inspiration we take into the lungs about one pint of air. This, filling the air vessels, comes in contact with a surface which would cover more than twenty times the size of the human form. Separated from the air-colls by only a thin membrane are the blood vessels, filled with venous blood, which throw off, through this PURE AIR. 31 thin membrane, carbonic acid, and take in return oxygen from the air. The blood, having thus, by throwing off through the lungs a portion of its impurities, and receiving in the oxygen vitality from the air, changed its character to bright arterial blood, flows on to the heart, from which it is sent through the arterial system to every part of the body. When it has performed its life- giving functions, it passes on from the minute vessels which form the termination of the arteries, into the veins. These flowing into each other, carry the blood, now dark and venous, to the heart, from whence it passes to the lungs, there to be rendered fit to again pass through the system. Each cavity of the heart holds about two ounces, and as the heart contracts about seventy times in a minute, more than two hogsheads traverse it every hour. And yet, performing this mighty labor, it beats on, year after year, until paralyzed by death. Necessity of Pure Air.—The necessity not only of hav- ing the lungs strong and fully developed, but the air taken into them pure and healthy, will be apparent to all. Impure air, poisoned with noxious exhalations from decaying animal and vegetable matter, brought in con- tact, not only with the immense surface of the air-vessels of the lungs, but with the entire circulation of the blood, diseases the lungs, and poisons the currents of life at their very fountaiu. The origiu of pestilential diseases, which ravage cities, and carry death and weeping into almost every family, if it could be unfolded, would be 32 DEVELOPMENT OF THE CHEST. found, in almost every instance, in some change of the atmospheric air. That change, it is true, is sometimes beyond our con- trol ; the air may be dry and hot, the heavens giving no rain, and the earth parched beneath our feet ; but the seeds of death too often fill the air from streets reeking with filth, from decaying animal and vegetable matter, which, with ordinary care, might have been removed, and take root, not only in systems impoverished from lack of proper healthy nourishment, but in the pampered sons and daughters of wealth, who, in the midst of luxury, daily violate nature's laws. I need not speak of the necessity of well-ventilated rooms, both at home and in places of business, for the good sense of the age is now fairly aroused to the impor- tance of pure air ; and, under the guiding hand of science, the time is not far distant when all buildings, designed to be occupied by human beings, will be constructed with an eye to comfort and health. Thanks, also, to the in- ventive spirit of our countrymen, the day is not far distant when we can travel by rail-car without fear of breathing air tainted by a hundred breaths, or of being ■choked by cinders and dust. Development of the Chest.—The amount of oxygen introduced into the system must, of course, be guided in a measure by the size and strength of the lungs. The muscles of the chest then, by whose action respiration is carried on, should be strong and active, the chest well THE SKIN. 33 developed, and the respiration full and deep, filling the lungs with air Let man maintain, then, the erect form and noble bearing designed by nature. With chest broad and full, and head erect, there is something majestic in his appearance, something to inspire respect and confidence, while in the crouching form, the bent head, the narrow and contracted chest, there is, to say the least, an appearance of physical weakness and deformity. Any position which has a tendency to throw the shoulders forward, contracts the chest, narrows the capacity of the lungs, interferes materially, not only with circulation, but digestion, and through them with the nutrition and health of the whole system. As exercise is essential to the growth of any organ, those whose employ- ment is of a sedentary character, giving but little exercise to the chest, should resort to artificial means to keep it healthy and active. Fencing, and that class of amusements which brings into active play the arms, develops also the muscles of the chest. Vocal music, aside, when properly performed, of being a most valuable exercise to the voice and chest, is, also, a charming accomplishment, and an invaluable aid to the fascinations of social life. FUNCTIONS OF THE SKIN. The lungs, however well developed, strong, and active, cannot perform, with safety, more than their due propor- tion of labor. When we take into consideration that the 2* 34 THE SKIN. body is a heated mass, within which combustion is con- stantly going on, and that, not only a vast amount of heat radiates from its surface, but, through the almost innumerable pores of the skin, perspiration is constantly passing off, charged with various chemical compounds, the result of the internal combustion and change of tissue all the time going on, we perceive the immense impor- tance of keeping the skin healthy and active. The structure of the skin shows in a strong light those wondrous marks of beauty and utility which meet us at every step in the investigation of the human system. To the naked eye, the skin is apparently composed of but one membrane ; yet, in reality, it consists of two. The outer layer is called the cuticle or scarf skin, is horny in its structure, insensible to pain, and guards the nervous, sensitive, true skin, or internal layer, from the constant pain it would experience from being brought in contact with material objects, and the harsh wind and dust. The true skin is exceedingly sensitive, and contains, not ODly arteries, veins and nerves, but oil glands and perspiratory glands. The arteries and veins are very numerous, dividing and subdividing into innumerable capillary vessels, forming a beautiful vascular net-work. The nerves, which spread over every part of the sensitive layer of the true skin, proceed from the spiral cord, so that the brain is in direct communication with every part of the body ; for, not the point of a needle can penetrate the skin without reaching some one of these nervous filaments. Thus, by a wise provision of Provi- BATHING. 35 dence, are we guarded from danger, for the sensation from external objects is immediately communicated to the brain. The oil glands keep the skin soft and elastic by their oily secretions, and the perspiratory glands, through their little ducts, carry off an immense amount, in the form of perspiration of chemical compounds, the result of internal combustion and change of tissue, which would otherwise be thrown back upon internal organs, clog- ging them in their movements, producing fever and pain. These little ducts or pores are about a quarter of an inch in length, and number about T,000,000, so that in an ordinary sized person, the length of perspiratory tube is nearly twenty-eight miles. This immense apparatus for carrying off the waste of the system, in health, is in con- stant action. If, then, the external openings of these almost innumerable ducts are closed, either from lack of cleanliness, sudden change of temperature, or other cause, their work must be performed, if performed at all, by other organs—the liver, the lungs, bowels, or kid- neys—resulting, not unfrequently, in serious disease of vital organs, and derangement of the entire system. BATHING. With these facts before us, we have some of the most powerful arguments, not only for cleanliness, but a proper external temperature of the body. The use of water may be either beneficial or injurious, according to the manner in which it is applied. 3G BATHING. The application of a medium colder than the tempera- ture of the body, produces a contraction of the capillary vessels, forcing the blood inward. The primary effect of cold bathing is sedative, but if the person is robust, and the power of generating heat active and vigorous, the internal heat soon forces the blood to the surface, and the first cold shivering sensation is speedily followed by a glow of warmth. It is in these cases that cold bathing is beneficial. Where the application of cold water is speedily followed, when friction is used, by a warm glow, and increased vigor and strength, no danger need be apprehended from its full use. The daily use of the sponge bath, in these cases, fortifies the system against cold, and renders the person less likely to suffer from change of temperature. Persons of weakly constitution and sluggish circulation, with but slight power of generating animal heat, or per- sons of highly excitable nervous temperament or plethoric habits, cannot always bear cold bathing. Reaction, not- withstanding the most vigorous friction, is slow in taking place, lassitude and languor, or nervous derangement is the result. In these cases immersing the body in cold water should be avoided, and the tepid bath substituted. The cold sponge bath can be used by almost every one, as the shock is not great, and vigorous friction will, in almost every case, be followed in a few moments by warmth. In cold weather the room should be moderately warm. The tepid bath, to the feeble and enervated frame, is one of the greatest luxuries in the world. Its temperature TIME OF BATHING. 31 should be guided by the feelings of the patient being sufficiently warm to produce no shock to the system. If higher than the temperature of the blood, or about 98°, it is followed by profuse perspiration, and the system is weakened. The temperature of the water in bathing should be guided by its effect on the system. If the cold bath in any form is speedily followed by a glow of warmth on the use of friction, such as a coarse towel, and increased strength, vigor and elasticity of spirits, it may be safely used. If, on the contrary, reaction is slow in taking place, and the bathing is followed by lassitude, debility, painful nervous excitement, or headache, it should be avoided. Time of Bathing.—Early in the morning, or three or four hours after breakfast, are undoubtedly the best times for bathing. Cold bathing should, in no case, be indulged in immediately after a meal, for then it is neces- sary that the circulation should not be disturbed, as the stomach requires all its strength to digest the food. Three or four hours after breakfast the food is so far digested that the process will not be disturbed. Neither should the cold bath be indulged in when much fatigued, or after violent exercise, for at this time the power of reaction is reduced, and bad effects might be the result. If the power of evolving heat be entire, active, and continuous, no danger need be apprehended. But if a person is exhausted and weakened by exercise, if he 'is perspiring 38 CLOTHING. and rapidly parting with heat, if the exercise is over and he remains at rest during and immediately after the application of cold, then there is danger. The danger is not from the application of cold when the body is hot, but wheu the body is cooling, after having been heated. In all those cases where death is occasioned by drinking cold water, it will be found that the body, heated and fatigued by exertion, was rapidly losing heat by profuse perspiration, the person having generally at the time closed his exertions. If the exertion had been continued, or at any rate the heat kept at its previous standard, no danger would have resulted. It was in this way that Alexander lost more of his army, than had ever been slain in his most bloody battle, when they, thirsty, weary and perspiring with their long march across the desert, rushed wildly into the cold waters of the river Oxus. CLOTHING. Clothing is an equivalent for a certain amount of food. There are some tribes, even in cold regions, who go almost naked, but they take a great deal of athletic exercise, and consume an enormous amount of carbon, in the form of meat and train-oil. The animal heat thus generated enables them to withstand the severity of the climate. In warm regions comfort requires the inhabitants to wear as little clothing, and that of as light a texture and fitting as loosely as possible. It is usually advisable in our changeable northern climate CLOTHING. 39 to wear flannel next the skin the year through. It pro- tects the system from the rapid changes of temperature, the alternations of heat and cold, of wet and dry, so common in northern latitudes. Of course that for summer wear should be as thin as possible. In persons predis- posed to rheumatic complaints, silk may be substituted for flannel with decided benefit. The electric qualities of the silk in these cases produces a healthy and invigorating action to the skin. The best clothing to protect us from external heat or cold, is one that "is a bad conductor of heat. A piece of iron and a woolen garment may be at the same tempera- ture, yet the iron feels much colder, because it conducts the heat more rapidly from us, whilst woolen conducts the heat so slowly that less is abstracted. Cloth, the tissue of which is loose and porous, containing air in its inter- stices, is a worse conductor than closer stuffs. This is owing to air being a bad conductor, and hence we under- stand why furs and long napped woolens are the warmest. The facility with which cloth imbibes, or gives off mois- ture, affects naturally their warmth. Linen imbibes moisture with great rapidity, and parts with it readily. It is therefore cooler than cotton or woolen, which im- bibes moisture more slowly, gives it off more tardily, and can contain a considerable quantity without its being perceptible. Bearing these facts in mind, we can more satisfactorily adapt our clothing to different climates, seasons, ages, and sexes. 40 CLOTHING. The amount of clothing necessary for comfort, of course, every one must decide for himself. The power of resist- ing cold, or enduring heat, depends, as I have already stated, in a great degree upon the proper kind and amount of food, an active circulation and healthy dis- gestion, lungs, and skin. When the circulation and the secretions of the system are active and healthy, the power of resisting cold is immense. ! Every young man should have a certain amount of i active exercise. If his food has been of the proper cha- racter, and his skin is in a healthy state, he is able to endure cold with much less clothing than those, who, pampered with luxuries, and constantly breathing heated air, too often, alas! poisoned with tobacco smoke, and reeking with the fumes of liquor, find it necessary to wear an immense amount of clothing to protect them from the cold. A sufficient amount of clothing should be worn to insure comfort, taking care to change it as the tempera- ture requires, if it is twice a day. The chest covered by that portion of the linen which is exposed to view, should be protected by an additional thickness of flannel. For this portion of the chest is much more exposed than any •other. In the covering of the throat, great care should be taken not to have it high, or fit too close. In either oase the circulation to and from the head is impeded, and a man is liable to feel very decidedly the first sensations of hanging. Weakness and disease of the throat is not infrequently induced by this practice. The best protec- tion of the throat is to allow the hair upon the chin CLOTHING. 41 and throat to grow to at least two or three inches in length. The warmth and electric state of the hair pro- tects the throat from changes of temperature, gives it additional strength, and prevents, in a great measure, those difficulties about the throat or voice which are so common in cold and damp weather. Clergyiflen, and those accustomed to much speaking and exposure, should not neglect these simple rules. Custom, when founded on reason, should be observed, but when it directs any class of men to divest themselves of the natural covering of the lower portion of the face and throat, the sooner it is dis- regarded the better. Those garments next the skin should be frequently changed, otherwise the perspiration which is constantly passing from the system, saturates the garment and closes up the pores. Clothing worn during the day should not be worn at night. Stockings should be changed every day if possible. Very much depends on keeping the feet clean, dry, and healthy, as there is a singular sympathy between the cutaneous functions of the feet and other parts of the body. The feet should be warm, and the cir- culation active, or some other portion of the body, parti- cularly the lungs, will be likely to suffer. Thick, double- soled boots, with double uppers, if well made, are much better protection to the feet than India-rubbers, which are apt to make the feet cold and damp. Not only should damp stockings be speedily changed, but also damp or wet clothing, unless the person is keep- ing Hip aetive and vigorous exercise, when there is but 42 COLOR OF CLOTHING little danger, as the amount of animal heat is not reduced. It is when the body is at rest, and therefore parting with heat, that the rapid abstraction of it by means of damp clothing, is prejudicial to health. Additional garments, especially during the spring and fall, should^e worn on going out in the evening, as the air is then usually more damp and chilly than during the day. Travelers accustomed to sleep at night, when journeying either by rail-car or stage, should always be provided with an extra cloak to wrap around them. It is during sleep, when the body is in a perfect state of repose, and its power of resisting external influences the smallest, that we are the most likely to take cold. Color of clothing.—The color of our clothes is a subject well worthy of attention. White colors reflect the rays of heat, which are absorbed by the black. It is obvious that the color which renders the transmission of heat from without difficult, must equally impede the transmis- sion of the heat of the body to without ; and from these properties of colors, it will be manifest that white is bet- ter adapted for both summer and winter clothing. As a general principle, then, clothes of light color may be regarded as adapted for every season and every climate. There is another point connected with the color of the clothes, which, to persons whose duties often lead them into the sick room, or into miasmatic districts, is of vast importance. When pieces of cloth of different colors are EXERCISE. 43 exposed to the particles emanating from bodies, the dark colors absorb twice as much as the light. In times of contagious disease, then, black is the worst color that can be worn. Physicians formerly dressed in black, but after a time they began to understand that they had chosen the color of all others the most dangerous to themselves and patients. Contagious disease is often carried from one family to another in the clothes. Those whose duties lead them in the midst of infectious disease, should wear light clothing, as experience has shown that this color absorbs less of the emanations from the diseased body than others. EXERCISE. Judicious exercise contributes materially to physical development and sound health. The man accustomed to that kind of labor which brings into active exercise the muscles of the body, is usually well developed, the muscles hard, full and strong, and capable of long con- tinued exertion. On the contrary, with those accustomed to but little physical labor, the muscles are usually more soft, the circulation less active, and the person more liable to fatigue. The muscles consist of bundles of small fibers gradually changing towards the end into tendons or cords, by which they are strongly attached to the bones. The stimuli of the nerves acting on these fibers, causes them to contract and produce the varied and rapid movements of which the body is capable. The frequent contraction of these mus- 44 EXERCISE. cular fibers increases the flow of arterial blood towards them, and therefore develops them in size and strength. Every movement the system is capable of, is the result of the contraction of some muscle or set of muscles. The daring and almost miraculous feats of the equestrian, show the power and elasticity of the muscular system when fully trained and developed. Of course^ where there is perfect health, all the organs of the body must be active; if tasked beyond their strength, or if but little is given them to do, weakness and disease will be the necessary consequence. If any organ is exerted too powerfully, too much arterial blood will be directed towards it, producing serious disturbance. Moderate exercise has a beneficial or tonic influence, whilst if it exceeds the bounds of moderation it may have an oppo- site result. For the system to receive the full benefit of which it is capable from exercise, it should be combined with mental amusement. Much may depend upon the mere exercise of the muscles, and much upon the change of air, which attends many varieties of exercise ; but a combination of mental occupation and amusement with these is of high importance. This is illustrated in the miserable experience of men who were once engaged in the habits of industrious trade, and whose success and wealth have encouraged and ena- bled them to retire from business. The monotony of every-day life is insupportable to them, and they resort to various forms of exercise for relief. The dumb-bell is EXERCISE. 45 tugged, and the feet and legs are dragged along the walks and avenues of a garden, but alike uselessly. They fail, because they want the pleasurable zest. Walking is one of the gentlest forms of active exercise, when on a plain, and in moderation. The muscles of the body are Verted, but without exciting in them feelings of fatigue. Dancing is a union of stepping and leaping. When used in moderation it constitutes an excellent exercise, besides communicating a grace and freedom to the mo- tions, which they might not otherwise acquire. To those whose occupations are of a sedentary character, it is peculiarly appropriate. Fencing is another excellent exercise. It brings into play particularly the muscles of the arms and chest, and indirectly every part of the body. Not only this, but it' keeps the mind actively employed, for it requires a con- siderable amount of skill to parry the rapid thrusts of an adroit fencer. Riding on horseback, swimming, and skating, are among the most fascinating and healthful exercises with which we are acquainted. The skater glid- ing over the smooth surface of the ice, presents in his swift movements a perfect picture of manly grace and beauty. A knowledge of swimming, independent'of the benefit derived from exercise in the water, is often the means of saving life. These athletic sports and manly exercises, should form a part of every young man's education. Gymnastic exer- cises should not be forgotten by those of sedentary pur- 46 EXERCISE. suits. There are innumerable aches and pains, which would rapidly vanish, if the circulation were quick- ened by a little judicious use of the muscles. I refer now, of course, to those whose every day duties require but little out-door exercise. The proper development of the chest contrUautes, not only to manly beauty, but wards off those terrific diseases, which, fastening their talons in the lungs and heart, poi- son the fountains of life and drag the victim down slowly, it may be, but surely to death. Exercise of the muscles of the chest, keeping the shoulders thrown back, and drawing in the breath slowly, so that all the air cells of the lungs may be filled, increases materially the strength and size of the chest and lungs. If we add to this a proper cultivation and judicious use of the voice, both in speaking and singing, filling the chest with air, and letting the tones of the voice flow out full, clear and distinct, we have a powerful preventive to the development of disease of the chest. As we have before said, a person should not sit down immediately after violent exercise, to a hearty meal, but should give the weakened system a few moments to rally ; neither should he commence active labor as soon as he has 'swallowed his food, but allow the stomach a few moments to direct its entire powers to the digestion of its contents. MORAL AND INTELLECTUAL FACULTIES. 41 CHAPTER III. CULTIVATION OF MORAL AND INTELLECTUAL FACULTIES. We have glanced, in the preceding chapter, at the phy- siological structure of man, and the healthy development of his physical powers. Let us now look at the moral and intellectual powers. We know that we all have have within us germs of good, faculties which, if rightly cultivated, make us in harmony with the purity and truth of the God of nature and love. The proper training and cultivation of these faculties develop all that is manly, pure, and noble within us, expand the soul, and shed around us the genial warmth and influence which ever flows from the good. Were there no hereafter, and were that fearful maxim true, once written over the gateway of a city of the dead, " Death is an eternal sleep," still would the happiness of man be found in the paths of purity and truth. In all ages of the world, from the time that sin first stained the earth to the present, has the violation of moral or physical laws brought their own fearful penalty, even here in this life. We cannot violate the laws of our 48 MORAL AND INTELLECTUAL FACULTIES. being with impunity, even if we would, for the evil results flowing from their disobedience, follow as naturally as day follows night. To be healthy, to be great and noble, and be remember- ed with love and veneration by the good, our being must be like an instrument, in which there shall be no dis- cordant note or jarring string, but all the faculties of the mind so happily blended, so harmonious in action, as to form one perfect whole. The more nearly we approxi- mate to this standard, the more shall we have fulfilled the great end of our being. Our passions were given us for use, but reason was also given us to keep them under proper control. A cold, passionless man, would be the most forlorn and unlovable object in the world. Pride, strongly developed, and the ruling dominant principle of life, renders one like ice surrounded by its own freezing atmosphere, an atmosphere which would chill a warm and genial soul. And thus, from the undue development of any one passion or faculty of the mind, the most fear- ful evils and desolating vices have been introduced into the human family. War, steeping the earth in blood, and crushing the living beneath its grinding taxa- tions,—vice, hydra-headed, poisoning the fountains of life, rearing the gibbet, building high, and broad, and strong the prison wall, and that dark and fearful catalogue of crimes which have changed men into demons, and made the heavens echo with the wail of suffering and agony, going up in all ages of the world from thousands of VICES OF YOUTH. 49 crushed and bleediug hearts—are all developed from this lack of harmony in ourselves, in this cultivation, or giving free scope to one set of passions or feelings to the exclu- sion of all others. True greatness can only be achieved by developing the whole being. The first step in this great plan of physi- cal and intellectual development is, of course, in the nur- sery—and the first teacher, the mother. Well will it be for the child in after life if that mother understands her responsibility, and seeks to develop the good and noble in its nature, and check, with gentle hand, the first half- unconscious step in the path of wrong. The child will need, as he ascends the scale of life and mingles, in his boyhood, with the world, all a mother's pure and holy teachings, all that love of virtue, purity, and truth, which the loving mother instils into the mind of her child, to shield it from the vices of the world.* And those vices meet him at every step, lure him with win- ning smiles and honeyed words into their embrace, weave around him the meshes of their silken net, and scattering his pathway with flowers, and entrancing his senses with the witching smiles of beauty and the harmony of music, bind him hand and foot in chains stronger than iron, tainting the purity of his soul, and the fountains of life, with the leprosy of death. When the boy reaches the age of puberty, and feels stirring within the strength and passions of manhood, he finds no lack of teachers to give him his initiatory lessons of vice,—vices which, oh ! how often ! change the bright sparkle of the eye and the 2 50 SEXUAL EXCESS. joyous laugh, to the dull, leaden stare, and the painful laugh of idiocy or insanity. Vices to which the Young are Exposed.—First and fore- most among the young in almost every grade of society, among the high and the low, the rich and the poor, the educated and refined, and particularly in our schools and colleges, we notice the development of that fearful vice, self pollution. First practiced, before the fearful conse- quences are understood, it is oftentimes persisted in until the poor victim is reduced to idiocy or insanity, or driven into an early grave. Its effects upon the system are pernicious in the extreme, prostrating the vital powers, and affecting, in a powerful degree, the brain, the nervous system, the organs of digestion and secre- tion. This will readily be perceived, when it is under- stood that the arterial blood flows through its appro- priate artery into the organs of generation, and furnishes the materials for the formation of semen. The semen is formed from the very life of the blood, and its con- stant formation draws from the system more powerfully its vital force, than would be the case if an artery was opened and as much blood as was required to form the semen was permitted to flow out ; for, in the former case, in addition to the abstraction of the vital fluid, is the powerful action produced in the formation of the semen, upon the brain and nervous system. This practice long persisted in is sure to leave its sad marks upon the mind as well as the body. The eye SEXUAL EXCESS. 51 assumes a lack-lustre expression ; the face sometimes becomes pale and covered with pimples ; there is a lassi- tude, or a fretfulness and peevishness of disposition, or a total disregard of the affections of life. The digestion is impaired, the circulation sluggish, and the face rapidly assumes the wrinkled expression of age. Soon there is perceptible a blunting of the finer feelings of the nature, society is avoided for the luxury of secret practice, the senses become obtuse, the sparkle of the mind is gone, a slow decline of all the mental faculties, ending in death, or the living death of idiocy or insanity closes the scenes. This habit is even indulged among children, who are ini- tiated not unfrequently, by servants or their young com- panions. In all cases, however, whether the practice is commenced either before or after puberty, if persisted in, it develops a long train of difficulties, such as weakness of the genital organs, impotence, and all that torturing train of diseases which accompany impaired digestion and deranged vital power, and sows in the system the seeds of death. Upon how many households this blighting curse falls, dragging down the child of beauty and of promise, and, unmindful of the agonizing tears of parents, instils the poison of death where, before, all was purity and fragrance, the records of the grave alone can show. Strange as it may seem, the free indulgence in this vice generally develops a positive dislike for female society, so that its victims are seldom found among the haunts 52 GAMBLING AND LICENTIOUSNESS. of prostitution. But the wide portals of these palaces of sin are thronged by hosts of others, who, in the spark- ling wine cup and the excitement of sensual passions, are forgetting their manhood, and staining their souls with sin. Gambling and licentiousness.—Thronging the dark pathway of evil, and bound together by unseen influences, are the drinking saloon, gambling hells, and the halls of revelry and licentious debauch. Vice is garlanded with flowers. It lies concealed amid the gorgeous beauties of art, the blandishments and smiles of beauty, and the intoxicating charms of music. How brightly foams and sparkles the wine-cup, how softly gleam the lights, and how brightly the mirrors reflect from their dazzling sur- faces forms of physical beauty and grace ! Step by step along that charmed pathway the victim glides. The finer, holier feelings of his nature are blunted. The mad excitement of gambling absorbing every faculty of the mind, opens wide the door to a vast throng of feelings and practices, which at leugth may close around him the cold walls of a prison, and send him an outcast from society. Late suppers and the free indulgence of the wine-cup among young men is like to throw them into society not the most select or pure in their feelings and practices. This class of dissipation impairs the digestion, robs the system of its vital force, and shortens the length of human life. It also often makes easy the path to licentious excesses. THE FEARFUL RESULTS. 53 Remember that in New York alone there are nearly twenty thousand who eat their bread from the wages of prostitution. What a vast throng to prey upon society! Some clad in silks and satins, some clothed in rags ; some in the first flush of womanhood, with the blush of shame yet tinging their cheeks, some in the rounded full- ness of voluptuous beauty, with winning smiles and honeyed words, and others in rags and filth, with disease fearful and disgusting eating away their life. Some of the fruits of this vice are immediate, filling the body with suffering, and oftentimes making a person an object of loathing, even to himself. Walk for one short hour the wards of a hospital, and see the loathsome ravages of disease in varied forms produced by this vi three glo- bules should be given every two hours. General Influenza, or General Cold.—In addition to the symptoms mentioned under Cold in the Head, there is more or less shivering, alternating with flashes of heat, violent headache, drowsiness, rheumatic pains, difficult breath- ing ; generally cough, more or less severe, and general debility. There is often pain in the back of the head, and sometimes a sensation as of water running down the back. All of these symptoms may, however, not be present. In the commencement of the disease, camphor should be given, one drop every hour, until four doses have been given. If the difficulty is not ameliorated, some other appropriate remedy. Aconite is always indicated where there is inflammatory 116 AFFECTIONS OF RESPIRATORY ORGANS. action, shown by a quick, hard, or full pulse, hot or dry skin, and sometimes short and hacking cough. When fever exists, especially in the early stage of the disease, aconite will prove invaluable. It may either be given alone, or in alternation with some other appropriate remedy. Dose.—Six globules may be dissolved in four tea-spoons of water, a tea-spoon given every two hours. Opium may be given in alternation with aconite, one hour apart, when there is stupor or great fullness about the head, aud flushed face ; also when there is dry cough. Belladonna is of great value when there is a dry, spas- modic cough, aggravated at night, and affecting the head ; hot, dry skin, sore throat, headache more or less severe, usually of a throbbing character, increased by moving, noise, or a light, increased pain on stooping or coughing. When these symptoms exist, in connection with high fever, it will be well to alternate the remedy with Aconite. Dose.—Three globules on the tongue, or six globules in four tea-spoons of water ; a teaspoon every hour or two hours, according to the severity of the symptoms. Mercurius.—dullness, or alternate chills and heat, fol- lowed by perspiration, which does not however alleviate the sufferings ; acrid or watery discharge from the nose ; pains in the face and teeth ; red or watery eyes, sore throat, cough at first dry then moist, aching in the bones, and slimy diarrhea, with straining. Dose.—Three globules on the tongue, or six dissolved INFLUENZA. 117 in four tea-spoons of water, a tea-spoonful every two hours. Should there be much soreness of the throat, to- gether with some of the other symptoms enumerated under Belladonna, it would be well to alternate with that remedy one or two hours apart. Bryonia .is frequently of great benefit when there is violent aching, bursting pain in the front of the head ; constant cough, accompanied with pain in the chest; shivering alternately with flushes of heat and a bruised sensation about the flesh. Dose.—Three globules every two or three hours, ac- cording to the severity of the symptoms. Rhus is indicated where there is great restlessness, especially at night, prostration, nightly cough and pains, relieved by change of position. Give the same as Bryonia. Arsenicum.—Acrid corrosive discharge from the nose, shivering, with severe pains in the limbs, oppression of the chest, prostration of strength. Dry fatiguing cough, worse at night, sometimes with a sensation of dryness and burning in the throat. Dose.—Three globules every two or three hours, ac- cording to the severity of the symptoms. Nux-vomica.—Hoarse, hollow cough, excited by tick- ling in the throat, accompanied with headache, pain in the lower part of the back, constipation, obstruction of the nose, and sensation in the chest as of excoriation. Dose.—Same as Arsenicum. 118 AFFECTIONS OF RESPIRATORY ORGANS. Diet and Regimen.—In the milder forms of cold but little change in the diet is necessary. During the inflam- matory stage, highly-seasoned and stimulating food should be avoided, substituting fruits and light farinaceous food, easy of digestion. Cloths wet with cold water should be applied1 to the head if the pain is violent ; and if the throat is sore, a cloth wrung out in cold-water placed around it, covering this with a dry bandage. COUGH. Cough may be occasioned by a slight irritation of the throat or air passages, or it may exist only as one of a group of symptoms, indicating a deep-seated disease of the lungs and throat, or it may be sympathetic, produced by a derangement of some important organ. The treat- ment of cough, when it is developed in connection with some important organ, is given in connection with those diseases in their appropriate place. When cough is the principal symptom, some of the following remedies will be indicated : Aconite.—Violent short cough, with feverish heat and thirst ; sometimes sense of constriction, or pain in the chest, and difficult breathing. Dose.—Three globules, dry on the tongue, once in two hours. Stibrum.—Dry, hollow, or hard cough ; loose cough, COUGH. 119 with rattling in the chest, rapid and difficult breathing, feverish sensation ; cough with nausea or vomiting. Give^ same as Aconite. Ipecac.—Tickling or spasmodic cough, frequently ac- companied by nausea and vomiting ; worse at night, or in cold air.; oppression of breathing, as if the lungs were filled with mucus. Hepar-S.—Dry, hoarse, or deep cough, frequently ex- cited by talking, stooping, or much exertion ; worse at night, and aggravated by exposure of any part of the body to the cold air. Dose.—Three globules every three hours. (See Influ- enza.) Phosphorus.—Cough excited by lying on the left side ; dry cough, from tickling in the throat; hoarseness and pain in the chest, as from excoriation. Dose.—Three globules every two or three hours. (See Preumonia.) Garb.-v.—Dry, spasmodic cough, sometimes producing vomiting, aggravated by damp, cold weather, and worse in the morning ; or, towards evening, accompanied with a burning, excoriating pain in the chest. Dose.—Three globules once in two hours. Nux-vom.—Dry, hoarse, fatiguing, or spasmodic cough ; worse in the morning, and during the day. Oppression of the chest at night; and, on lying down, with a feeling of heat and dryness in the mouth ; cough excited by tickling, scraping sensation, with feeling of roughness or rawness in the throat, accompanied with hoarseness, 120 AFFECTIONS OF RESPIRATORY ORGANS. severe pain in the head, and a bruised sensation about the stomach. Dose.—Three globules once in two or three hours. Sulphur.—Particularly in obstinate cases, when the cough is dry, excited by food, or a deep inspiration, and worse at night. Cough, with expectoration of thick or fetid mucus or pus of a salt or sweetish taste : Dose.—Three globules once in three hours. Bryonia—Dry, catarrhal cough, particularly in the winter, and when produced by recent colds ; frequently accompanied with shivering, followed by fever and rheu- matic or aching pains in the head and limbs. Dose.—Three globules on the tongue, or six dissolved in six tea-spoons of water ; a tea-spoonful every two hours Rhus.—Short, dry, nervous cough, excited by tickling in the chest, worse in the evening, and attended with rest- lessness and shortness of breath. Cough, with rheumatic . pains in the side and chest, sometimes with expectoration of blood. Dose.—Same as Bryonia. Belladonna.—Violent spasmodic cough ; dry, short, and hacking cough at night, renewed by the slightest movement ; dry cough almost without intermission, day and night, with redness of the face, aud sensation as if something were in the windpipe. Pains in the neck and head. Dose.—Three globules every hour, until relieved. Hyascramus.—The symptoms are similar to the above, HOARSENESS. 121 but more particularly indicated when the cough is worse on lying down, and is excited by a tickling in the throat. Give same as Belladonna. Mercury.—Hoarse catarrhal cough, with watery dis- charge from the nose, or diarrhea. Dry cough worse to- wards evening, or at night, increased by talking, and sometimes attended with expectoration of blood. Dose.—Three globules every three hours. Dulcamara.—Loose cough after taking cold ; cough ex- cited by taking a deep breath, worse when at rest. Give same as mercury. Pulsatilla.—Severe shaking cough, worse at night, and frequently with retching aud vomiting. Loose cough, with aching in the chest, hoarseness, cold in the head, and expectoration of bitter mucus. Dose.—Three globules every two hours. China.—Asthmatic cough at night, with pain in the cuest, or cough from ulceration of the lungs, or loss of blood. ( See Consumption.) Arsenicum.—Asthmatic cough and breathing; dry cough, worse at night, and sometimes with bloody expec- toration, and a burning sensation over the body. (See Influenza and Asthma.) j)0Se,—Three globules once in three hours. HOARSENESS. This is an affection of the upper portion of the wind- pipe, and frequeutly exists in connection with other 6 122 AFFECTIONS OF RESPIRATORY ORGANS. diseases, such as measles, influenza, and severe distur- bance about the chest and windpipe. Pulsatilla.—May be given when there is almost com- plete extinction of the voice, loose cough, and discharge from the nose of thick, yellow mucus. Dose.—Three globules on the tongue, or six in four teaspoons of water, a teaspoonful every four hours. Mercurius.—Is particularly indicated when from the commencement there is a thin discharge from the nose ; also when there is profuse perspiration, especially at night, a hoarse, rough voice, and a burning, tickling sensation in the throat. Give same as Pulsatilla. It may be given with benefit after that remedy. Nux-vomica.—Hoarseness, worse in the morning, and accompanied with dry. rough, fatiguing cough. Dose.—Three globules every three hours. Sulphur.—Particularly in cold, damp weather; rough- ness and scraping in the throat ; in obstinate or chronic cases when the voice is almost extinct. Dose.—Three globules every four hours. It follows with benefit Pulsatilla or Mercurius. Rhus.—When there is a sensation of rawness in the throat and chest, chilliness, pain in the limbs, hoarseness, worse after talking, difficult breathing, with sneezing and watery discharge from the nose. Dose.—Three globules every three hours. Hepar-S.—Hoarse cough, worse at night, and accom- panied by a sensation of soreness in the throat and chest. Give every four hours. PLEURISY. 123 Carb.-veg.—In chronic hoarseness, aggravated by talking, and worse in the morning, and also in wet weather. Dose.—Three globules morning and evening. Phosphorus.—Particularly indicated in chronic hoarse- ness, when there is a dryness in the throat and chest, sometimes with sensation of soreness, and voice almost extinct. Give same as Carbo. Diet and Regimen.—The wet bandage, a cloth wrung out dry in cold water, placed around the throat, and a dry flannel over it, will materially aid the cure. After four or five doses have been taken, if no relief has been obtained, another remedy should be selected. The food should be plain, avoiding spices and wines. PLEURISY. The lungs, suspended within the walls of the chest, are covered with a smooth serous membrane, which is reflected back over the internal wall of the chest, thus forming a shut sack. This membrane in health secretes a watery fluid, which enables the lungs to rise and fall at each inspiration, one membrane gliding over the other without pain. But let this membrane become inflamed, and the watery secretion ceases, or changes its character. As the lung, in rising or falling at each inspiration, rubs against the opposite dry and inflamed membrane, the most intense pain is produced at every breath. This inflamed 124 AFFECTIONS OF RESPIRATORY ORGANS. membrane may pour out from its diseased surface a large amount of watery fluid, coagulable lymph, pus, or blood. Thus the membrane, which invests the lungs, may by this coagulable lymph be firmly glued to the wall of the chest, or the lung may be compressed by the large amount of fluid secreted into the pleural cavity. Symptoms.—After having been exposed to cold, a dampness or shivering sensation may be felt intermingled with flushes of heat. The patient then complains of severe lacerating pain in the side, which soon becomes short and stabbing, as if at each inspiration a sharp instrument were thrust into the chest, at a particular point. The breath- ing is short and hurried, the face flushed, the skin hot and dry, the pulse quick and feverish ; short, dry cough ; scanty and high-colored urine, general prostration and occasionally violent headache and delirium. Should much frothy mucus be expectorated, the disease is complicated with bronchitis ; should rust-colored sputa be brought up, the disease is complicated with pneumonia. Treatment.—Aconite and Bryonia are the two promi- nent remedies in this disease. If the attack is violent the remedies may be given in alternation every half hour, gradually increasing the intervals to two hours, as the symptoms improve. Dose.—Dissolve twelve globules of the remedy in six tea-spoons of water, giving a tea-spoonful at a dose. Sulphur.—May follow the above remedies when the pain has been relieved. Three or four doses of three glo- PLEURISY. 125 bules each, given at intervals of four hours, will usually complete the cure. Mercurius.—May be required when, notwithstanding the fever has been subdued, the pain and shortness of breath still continue, and the patient is becoming ex- nausted by copious night sweats. Three globules may be given every three hours. If during the night the patient should be restless and sleepless, one or two doses of Belladonna given at inter- ^ vals of one hour, will quiet the system. The above treatment will, as a general thing, control the most violent forms of pleurisy in a short time, with- out the aid of bleeding, leeching, blistering, and calomel, which in the allopathic school are considered so important in this disease. Sometimes, from the commencement the disease is com- plicated with pneumonia or bronchitis, but even then the treatment is simple. (Consult also those diseases.) Diet and Regimen.—Cold water or toast-water may be taken, but the diet during the febrile stage should be light, consisting of panada, toast, farina, or gruel, in addi- tion to some of the cooling fruits, such as strawberries, raspberries, sweet apples, peaches, oranges, &c. FALSE PLEURISY. This disease is often mistaken for pleurisy, yet with a little care it can be very readily distinguished. It is a rheumatic affection of the muscles of the chest, and is 126 AFFECTIONS OF THE RESPIRATORY ORGANS. usually preceded by pains in the neck and shoulders, and accompanied with but little, if any fever or thirst. The pain is often severe in the side, but the cough is slight. Treatment.—Three globules of Arnica may be given every three hours. This, of itself, will often produce a cure ; but if no relief is obtained after three doses have been taken, it may be alternated with Pulsatilla, two hours apart. Bryonia.—When the pains are sharp, and cutting exceedingly violent during inspiration. Give the same as Arnica. Nux-Vomica.—Shooting pains, with great sensibility of the external parts of the chest to the touch aggravated by movement and by deep inspiration. Give the same as Arnica. INFLAMMATION OF THE LUNGS.—PNEUMONIA. Inflammation of the lungs is usually produced by sudden changes of temperature, or exposure to. cold, damp winds. It generally commences with chilliness, followed by heat. The breath is quick and painful. There is pain in the chest on taking a long breath ; dry and deep, or quick and hacking cough, excited by deep breathing or talking. The patient dislikes to talk, and generally prefers lying on the back. There is usually more or less fever, which is sometimes accompanied by great pain in the head, parched tongue, dry and hot skin, and excessive thirst. After a time the fever may assume an intermittent type, PNEUMONIA. 127 going off in the morning and coming on in the afternoon; or it may assume a typhoid character, accompanied with prostration and muttering delirium. (See Typhoid Fever.) Treatment.—The prominent remedies are Aconite, Sti- bium, Bryonia, and Phosphorus. Aconite.—Is indicated when there is considerable fever, quick pulse, and painful, oppressed respiration. Should the cough be hard and dry, or loose and rattling, Stibium would be better than Aconite. Dose.—Six globules may be dissolved in four tea-spoons of water, and a tea-spoon given every hour Bryonia.—Will usually be indicated in alternation with Aconite or Stibium, especially if the oppression or pain in the chest is aggravated by movement with constant desire to cough. The cough is usually loose, and the expectoration white or slimy, or of a bloody character. There are frequently pains about the limbs, and consti- pation. Dose.—if in alternation with either of the above remedies, give one hour apart; if alone give every three hours. Phosphorus.—May be given when there are severe sticking pains in the chest, excited or aggravated by breathing, or coughing, shortness of breath, dry cough, and rust-colored expectoration. This remedy can very well be alternated with Bryonia, or with Belladonna, if there should be violent pain in the head. Dose.—Three globules once in two or three hours. Should typhoid symptoms set in, characterized by ex- 128 AFFECTIONS OF THE RESPIRATORY ORGANS. treme restlessness, delirium, and stupor, quick and irre" gular breathing, and great prostration, Phosphorus is still the remedy. Give every two hours, followed after three or four doses, if necessary, by Arsenic. (See also Ty- phoid Fever.) Diet and Regimen.—The same as in pleurisy. LARYNGITIS. This disease is an inflammation of a portion of the wind- pipe, and unless speedily controled, often runs a quick and fatal course. It corresponds in the adult to croup in the child. There is a sore throat, accom- panied with restlessness, and in a short time diffi- culty of swallowing and breathing. The act of inspira- tion is protracted and wheezing, as if the air were drawn through a narrow tube. The distress is in the vicinity of the bone in the middle of the throat, called Adam's apple. If there is cough, it is harsh and husky. The voice is hoarse, or scarcely perceptible ; the face flushed, and the skin hot and dry. As the disease advances, the distress increases ; the breathing becomes more and more difficult, there is a constant desire for air, and unless relieved, death by strangulation speedily ensues. Treatment.—Apply externally the wet bandage. Aconite.—Should commence the treatment, giving three globules every hour for three hours, until the fever sub- sides, or until other symptoms are developed. Stibium.—May be prefered to Aconite, where the symp- BRONCHITIS. 129 toms commence with severity ; hoarseness, dry, harsh, and ringing cough, sometimes almost suffocative. Give as above. Belladonna.—May be given where there are spasms in the throat, rendering it difficult to swallow liquids, and where the throat presents a swollen and inflamed appear- ance. It may be alternated with either of the above remedies, one hour apart. Spongia.—Is indicated where the breathing is shrill, and there is severe pain in the upper part of the wind- pipe. There is also an increase of hoarseness and difficult articulation. Dose.—This remedy may be alternated with Hepar, three globules one hour apart. Or, if the fever is violent, with Aconite or Stibium, at the same intervals. A physician should be obtained as speedily as possible. BRONCHITIS. An inflammation of the lining membrane of the air- tubes of the lungs is called Bronchitis. It may be either acute or chronic. The acute form often follows cold in the head, although it may commence in the bronchia. It usually commences with a feeling of roughness in the throat, which soon excites a frequent dry and hard cough. There may be hoarseness, difficulty of breathing, and a feeling of oppression about the upper part of the chest. There is more or less fever, pain in the limbs, and rapidity of the pulse. As the cough increases in severity, the 130 AFFECTIONS OF THE RESPIRATORY ORGANS. expectoration is usually of a frothy character, sometimes streaked with blood. If the disease terminate unfavor- ably, the breathing becomes more aud more difficult, and the patient is speedily prostrated; if favorably, the breathing becomes less difficult, and the fever gradually abates. Treatment.—Aconite is the main remedy while fever exists. It is particularly indicated where there is hot, dry skin, hoarseness, short, dry and frequent cough, excited by tickling in the throat and chest, difficulty of breathing, thirst, and scanty expectoration. Stibium may be prefered where there is a rattling, or hard, dry cough. Dose.—Six globules in four tea-spoonsfuls of water, a tea-spoonful every two hours. Spongia and Hepar.—May be given after the fever has been in a measure subdued by Aconite, when there is hoarseness and burning, tickling in the wind-pipe, anxious- labored breathing, and hollow, dry, or hoarse cough. Dose.—If in alternation, give three globules two hours apart. Nux-Vomica.—Difficult breathing and tightness in the chest, particularly at night. Dry cough, worse towards morning ; constipation. Dose.—Three globules every three or four hours. Bryonia.—Difficult breathing, with constant inclination to take a deep breath; breathing impeded by shootings in the chest. Give the same as Nux-vomicd. Phosphorus.—Is a prominent remedy, especially after HEMORRHAGE FROM THE LUNGS. 131 the inflammatory symptoms have been subdued by Aco- nite, if the respiration continue oppressed, and there is a heat, or sore, and shooting pains in the throat and chest, dry cough, excited by tickling, aggravated by talking, or laughing, and accompanied with expectoration of stringy mucus with saltish taste. Dose.—Three globules every three hours. (See Pneu- monia.) A few doses of Sulphur given at intervals of four hours after the prominent symptoms have subsided, will usually complete a cure. Diet and Regimen.—The same as in Pleurisy. For the treatment of chrouic Bronchitis the appro- priate remedy may be found under the head of cough. HEMORRHAGE FROM TEE LUNGS. Hemorrhage from the nose, mouth, or throat, is often mistaken for hemorrhage from the lungs, thereby causing unnecessary alarm. Hemorrhage from the lungs may arise from congestion, or as in consumption, be produced by an ulcerated and weakened state of the lung. In the latter case, the blood is of a bright, red color. Hemor- rhage from Congestion of blood to the lungs may be occasioned by violent exertion, mechanical injury, or the inhaling of poisonous gases, or breathing an air filled by injurious dust, as metal-filings, or the dust from lime, or tobacco ; or it may be produced by rapid change of tem- perature, of the abuse of spirituous drinks. It is fre- quently occasioned by suppression of blood from other 132 AFFECTIONS OF RESPIRATORY ORGANS. organs, and may follow the sudden disappearance of piles, and in ladies, the suppression of the menses. Treatment.—Where the hemorrhage is severe, perfect rest in a half-recumbent posture is absolutely essential. The patient should not be permitted to speak, and no unnecessary noise or confusion allowed. In absence of other remedies, half a tea-spoonful of table-salt may be given with care, so as not to produce choking, in a little water, every ten minutes ; or five drops of sulphuric acid may be mixed with a tumbler of water, and a table-spoon- ful given until relieved. Aconite.—Is usually indicated at the commencement of the difficulty. There is usually a sense of fullness and burning pain in the chest, palpitation of the heart, rest- lessness and anxiety. The blood is discharged at short intervals. Dose.—Twelve globules in six tea-spoonfuls of water, a tea-spoonful given in severe cases every twenty or thirty minutes. Where the fullness about the chest and the expectoration is slight, give every three or four hours. Ipecac.—If, after the violent symptoms have been sub- dued by Aconite, there should still remain a taste of blood in the mouth, or be present a slight, hacking cough, this remedy may be given, three globules once in two hours. Belladonna.—Slight cough, produced by tickling in the chest, with aggravation of the hemorrhage, and sensation as if the chest were full of blood, with shooting pains, worse by movement. Dose.—Prepare the same as Aconite, with which it may HEMORRHAGE FROM THE LUNGS. 133 often be alternated one hour apart. If given alone, take every two hours. Arnica.—Particularly where the difficulty has been occasioned by mechanical injuries or exertion, and where with but slight exertion, black coagulated blood is dis- charged, accompanied with stitches, burning, contracted pain in the chest, palpitation of the heart, and debility; or where with a cough, excited by irritation under the breast-bone, there is a discharge of bright, red, frothy blood, sometimes mixed with streaks of mucus. Dose.—Three drops in a glass half full of water, every one or two hours, according to symptoms. China.—Where there is weakness occasioned by loss of blood, or violent, dry, and painful cough, with taste of blood in the mouth, and shivering with flushes of heat and bewilderment of the head. Dose.—Three globules every three hours. Opium.—Particularly in intemperate persons, or where the blood is of a thick or frothy character, and accompanied with trembling and anxious starts. Dose.—Three globules every two hours. Nut- Vomica.—When occasioned by , cold, anger, or sudden suppression of hemorrhoidal discharge. Also in drunkards, after Opium, and where the cough is worse towards morning. Dose.—Three globules every four hours. 134 AFFECTIONS OF RESPIRATORY ORGANS. CONGESTION OF THE CHEST. There is a sensation of fullness about the chest, some- times palpitation of the heart, and oppressed breathing. Nux-Vomica—Will produce relief when the trouble is produced by sedentary mode of life, abuse of spirituous drinks, or continued mental exertion. Also where there is palpitation of the heart, oppressed breathing, with great restlessness, and sensation of tightness around the chest. Aconite.—Heat, thirst, violent oppression, and palpi- tation of the heart. Phosphorus.—Oppression, with fullness and tightness in the chest, and sensation of heat extending into the throat. Mercury.—Oppression, with desire to take a long breath, burning in the chest, and cough with expectora- tion of blood. Belladonna.—Palpitation of the heart, and fullness about the head, shortness of breath, short cough internal heat, and thirst. Dose.—Twelve globules of the remedy indicated may be mixed with six tea-spoonsfuls of water, and a tea spoon- ful given every four or six hours. (See also Hemorrhage from the lungs, Bronchitis, and Cough.) PULMONARY CONSUMPTION. This insidious disease, which in our ever-changing clime PULMONARY CONSUMPTION. 135 is constantly reaping a fearful harvest, is, as a general thing, hereditary, although it is sometimes the result of moisture, bad air aud food, dissipation, imprudence in dress, changes of temperature, and also sometimes follows other diseases. It is often developed in the children of those who, for generations, have shown no traces of the disease. But in these cases, it will generally be found, there has been some violation of nature's laws, either in improper marriage, or prostrating vices. (-See Chap- ter III., also pages 52 and 59.) Symptoms.—The incipient stage of consumption can be cured, and even where it is hereditary. I am strongly inclined to believe that by means of proper physical, moral, and mental training, a proper education of the whole system in childhood, in very many cases at least, children may escape the doom of the parents. I say that consumption, in its incipient stages, may be cured, but beware how you allow it to fasten its fangs deep in the system, how you disregard the slight, hacking cough, the growing sensation of languor, the weakness of the chest, the increasing flush on the cheek, and those other symptoms which, perhaps, if taken at first may be easily removed. The general symptoms of phthisis are cough, shortness of breath, expectoration, haemoptysis, night-sweats, and wasting ; hectic fever, hoarseness, or loss of voice, diar- rhea, and various other symptoms, marking the different stages of the disease. Cough is one of the earliest symptoms. It is, at first, generally slight and dry, occurring particularly on getting 136 PULMONARY CONSUMPTION. into the bed at night, on getting up in the morning, or after any unusual exertion. It soon becomes more trou- blesome, and is atteiaded with more or less expectoration. Haemoptysis, another symptom, is the expectoration of blood. This is a common symptom, but I have already spoken of it under a separate head. As the disease pro- gresses, the patient is troubled with shortness of breath after but very little exertion, and particularly on going up-stairs, or ascending even a slight eminence. Hectic fever gradually steals on. The patient may, in the eveuing, feel chilly, and at night flushed aud hot, the skin, particularly the hands and feet, dry and burning, followed during sleep and towards morning by profuse and exhausting perspiration. This perspiration is gene- rally more copious on the upper part of the body, the chest, and the head, and almost invariably comes on during sleep, the patient on awakening often finding him- self drenched. Diarrhea is another very common symptom ; more frequently occurring during the latter part of the disease, and rapidly prostrating the strength of the patient. The voice, sometimes for months, is almost entirely extinct, the patient grows weaker and weaker, until at length he glides, almost without a struggle, into the arms of death. Or, perhaps, for a time, the unpleasant symptoms may abate, the strength begins to return, and brightening hope whispers to the soul promises of returning health, when the blow falls, and all is over. In tubercular con- sumption, the tubercles may exist for years, without dis- PULMONARY CONSUMPTION. 137 turbing the health. If by proper treatment they are not removed, they soften and produce ulceration. The rapid form of consumption, which is frequently seen among the young, and after debilitating diseases, is rightly called galloping consumption, for its course is short. In tuberculous persons, syphilitic and eruptive di- seases, there is often a transfer of the disease from exter- nal organs to the lungs, developing a consumption which speedily ends in death. Treatment.—The treatment of this disease in all its stages covers so broad a field as to render it not only impossible but unnecessary to go into the particulars here, as the skill and care of a judicious physician are necessary in its treatment. For the appropriate remedies in the incipient stage, consult Cough, Bronchitis, and Inflammation of the Lungs, also Change of Climate, page 80. Diet and Regimen.—Cleanliness, fresh air, and as even a temperature as possible, are, of course, essential. Often simply a change of air, going from a cold to a warmer, or more temperate climate, will be sufficient to arrest a disease which seemed almost hopeless. In selecting the food, the wishes and feelings of the patient should be consulted, taking care, however, that, while the food is as nourishing as may be, it is as little stimulating as possible. 138 AFFECTIONS OF RESPIRATORY ORGANS. ASTHMA. This peculiarly painful disease is often, though by no means in all cases, hereditary. There is great difficulty in breathing, coming on in paroxysms, and accompanied with loud, wheezing respiration. The attack is usually preceded by loss of appetite, languor, drowsiness, oppres- sion, and dullness. There is a feeling of constriction about the chest, an urgent desire for fresh air, and a loud, wheezing respiration. These symptoms often last for several hours, and then gradually subside. Causes.—The disease may be hereditary or it may be occasioned by peculiar states of the atmosphere, irritating the surface of the air-passages, or by certain influences, which affect, in a peculiar way, the nervous system. Treatment.—When asthma is occasioned by congestion of blood to the chest, Aconite, Belladonna, Nux-Vomica, Phosphorus, or Cuprum, may be consulted. (See Conges- tion of the chest.) By flatulence, Nux-Vomica or Sulphur. In consequence of moral emotions, Ignatia or Nux- Vomica. From suppressed catarrh, Arsenica, or Ipecac. In aged persons, Opium, Camphor, or Arsenic. Ipecac.—Is a very valuable remedy. Its indications>are short, dry cough, nausea, cold perspiration on the fore- head, rapid and moaning respiration, or respiration short and obstructed, as from dust. Nocturnal paroxysms of ASTHMA. 139 suffocation, rattling in the chest from mucus, and great anguish. Dose.—Six globules in three tea-spoonfuls of water ; in violent cases, a tea-spoonful every half-hour. Bryonia.—May be given after the third dose of Ipecac, if that remedy have produced no relief, or if the following symptoms be present. Respiration obstructed, and in- creased by talking or movement, particularly at night, or towards morning ; cough, with pressure or shooting pain in the chest, aggravated by movement. Anxious respi- ration, intermixed with deep inspirations. Dose.—Give three globules every two hours. Arsenic.—Is often indicated after Ipecac, and is a pro- minent remedy in chronic as well as acute asthma. Diffi- cult breathing, and accumulation of thick mucus in the chest; painful constriction of the chest and lungs, espe- cially in a warm room ; suffocative fits, particularly at night, when in bed, with panting and wheezing respiration, great anguish, and cold respiration. Increase of symp- toms during rough weather, and on change of temperature. Dose.—In acute cases, give three globules every half- hour ; where the symptoms are less violent, every four or six hours. Nwx-Vomica.—Especially indicated where Arsenic or Ipecac fails to produce relief, and where the constriction is in the lower part of the chest, even the clothing there producing a sensation of oppression ; short cough, with difficult expectoration ; congestion of the chest with heat, burning, and general uneasiness. 110 AFFECTIONS OF RESPIRATORY ORGANS. Dose.—The same as Bryonia. ( See also Congestion of the Chest.) Phosphorus.—Difficulty of breathing and oppression of the chest, especially in the evening, and during movement. Nocturnal attacks of suffocation, palpitation of the heart, short cough, shooting pains, and fullness in the chest. Dose.—The same as Bryonia. Stibium.—Difficulty of breathing, with suffocative cough and oppression of the chest, arising from the pre- sence of mucus in the air-passages ; rattling of mucus in the chest. Dose.—Three globules every hour. Diet and Regimen.—Persons subject to the Asthma, should bathe the chest morning and night with cold water. When the paroxysms are exceedingly severe, they may often be relieved by strong coffee, tobacco, or stramonium smoke. AFFECTIONS OF THE HEART. Diseases of the heart are of such a character as to re- quire the advice and care of a judicious physician. As it would be impossible to enter into the minutiae of the variety of diseases which may affect this organ, we shall only give some few general remedies. Where the palpitation of the heart is occasioned by congestion of blood to the chest, Aconite, Belladonna, Nux-Vomica, or Phosphorus may be given. (See also Congestion of the Chest.) After moral emotion, Ignatia or Nux- Vomica. THE HEART. 141 After fright, Opium. From disappointment, Ignatia or Nux-Vomica. From fear or anguish, Veratrum. From loss of blood, China. Dose.—Three globules of the remedy indicated, may be given every one, four, or six hours, according to symptoms. FEVERS. 142 CHAPTER III. FEVERS. In perfect health every organ in the body should per- form its proper amount of labor. The machinery of the whole system would then move in harmony, and without pain. But let any of the organs of the system be pre- vented from performing their duty, and the whole circu- lation is disturbed, and an extra amount of labor thrown upon other organs. The effort of nature to throw off those clogs which prevent its free action, and restore equilibrium in the system, gives rise to fever. This struggle, of course, causes an increased combustion, and a derangement of the circulation is the result. Take, for instance, the skin, and let those pores through which such a vast amount of perspiration, the result of combustion within, is constantly passing off, be closed by a sudden current of air, or any other cause, and the whole economy of nature is at once disturbed. The combustion is constantly going on within, but the avenues by which impurities were formerly thrown from the system are closed, and the torturing pain, and burning skin, and rapid pulse, are the result. And thus any dis- turbance or inaction of the respiratory or digestive organs FEVERS. 143 is attended by peculiar symptoms, and derangement of the vital forces. Nature, deranged in her movements, struggles manfully to vindicate her rights. But the disturbing cause may be too great for her unassisted strength, and she sinks paralyzed, or, roused into too violent action, a highly inflammatory state is the result. In both cases, without help, the end may be death. Now is the time for human skill to step in and aid nature in her efforts for relief. To do this effectually, it certainly is not necessary to prostrate the system to the brink of the grave, but the more simple the remedy, and the more directly it can be applied to the diseased point, the more quick the cure, and the more easily does na' are get back into her old tracks. General Directions in Fever.—Absolute rest, both of mind and body, are essential. The food should be light in its character, and easy of digestion. Ice-water, or ice, held in the mouth, can be given in small quantities at a time, with perfect safety. Toast-water, or even lemonade, can also be given, save in looseness of the bowels, or while under the influence of aconite, when acids should be avoided. Should the fever be high, frequent ablutions in cold water are highly refreshing. The room should be well ventilated, and kept as nearly as possible at an even temperature, say from sixty to seventy degrees. The patient should be placed on a mattress, and the amount of covering regulated by his own feelings. The linen should be frequently changed. In nearly all cases, save when the bowels are disordered, 144 FEVERS. fruits, bnt little if any tart, such as roast apples, oranges, strawberries, raspberries, and peaches. SIMPLE FEVER. This fever is generally the result of suppressed perspi- ration, sudden changes of temperature, or undue exposure to heat, or cold ; also of mental emotion, and derange- ment in living. Symptoms.—A chill or shivering sensation, preceded by lassitude, and followed by heat, quick pulse, dry skin, and coated tongue. There is more or less aching in the limbs, heaviness in the head, which may pass into a severe pain in the forehead ; thirst, and restlessness. The symp- toms are often worse in the evening, abating toward mid- night. When not the forerunner of other diseases, it usually runs its course in a few days. Treatment.—Aconite will almost always dissipate the symptoms, unless they are the precursor of some violent disease ; but even in this case Aconite, at this stage, is still the remedy. Dose.—Dissolve six globules in a half a glass of water, and give a tea-spoonful every two hours, until the skin becomes moist. INFLAMMATORY FEVER. The cause and premonitory symptoms of this fever are similar to simple fever. The symptoms are, however, INFLAMMATORY FEVER. 145 much more violent. The chill is of longer duration, the tongue is coated, or of a bright red appearance, the urine red and scanty, the skin dry and hot. It generally runs its course in seven or fourteen days. A diarrhea, profuse perspiration, or bleeding at the nose, are not uncommon indications of a speedy and favorable termi- mination of the disease. It easily assumes a typhoid character, but this termination in homeopathic treatment can generally be avoided. Treatment.—Aconite is the first remedy which should be given. The inflammatory state of the system clearly indicates its use. Dose.—Twelve globules in a glass half-full of water, a tea-spoonful every two hours, uutil a moist skin, and de- creased frequency of the pulse show an improvement. Belladonna.—Should there be fullness and heat in the head, dizziness, throbbing pain, and great sensitiveness to noise or light. This remedy, prepared the same as Aco- nite, may be alternated with it one hour apart. Bryonia.—Is indicated where there are shooting or aching pains in the limbs, violent, stupefying pain in the head, with dizziness on rising or moving ; delirium, pres- sure at the pit of the stomach, constipation, thirst and burning, dry heat mingled with chills. Dose.—Dissolve twelve globules in a glass half-full of water, and give a tea-spoonful every three hours, or, should much fever be present, alternate with Aconite one hour apart. Diet and Regimen.—Cold water and fruits, but little 7 146 FEVERS. acid, may be given, but the food must be light in its cha- racter, such as toast, panada, or farina. When the fever subsides, bread and meat, in moderate quantities, may be sparingly used. NERVOUS OR TYPHOID FEVER. This is a low sinking fever, affecting particularly the nervous system. The ship and hospital fevers are varieties of this disease. Causes.—Badly ventilated rooms, exposure, want of cleanliness, unhealthy food, and hunger, are among the causes for its development among the poor. It may also arise from grief, care, violent exertion of mind or body, prostration from disease, or from the prostrating effects of that kind of medical treatment which, with its heroic depletion is often worse than the disease itself. Dampness, cold, or a peculiar state of the atmosphere, failing to give sufficient sustenance to the vital forces, may develop epidemic Typhus. Symptoms.—During the premonitory stage, or in a mild form of the disease, the patient is languid, easily tired, and loses his appetite. The tongue becomes white, and is inclined to tremble. Wandering pains are felt in the head, back, and extremities, together with fullness and giddiness in the head ; unrefreshing sleep. These symptoms may last for weeks. The commencement of the fever is marked by slow chills, alternating with heat, and sometimes violent pain in the head or back. The skin is hot and dry, the tongue TYPHOID FEVER. 147 is variable, smooth, and red, or dry, or coated, with red edges, and a dark brown streak in the center. Delirium is frequently present, sometimes of violent character, but usually low and muttering, with a perfect indifference to everything. Stupor, gradual sinking down in the bed, and diarrhea, are among the symptoms which denote the progress of the disease. The disease not unfrequently continues twenty-one or twenty-eight days, although in mild cases its course is much shorter. Treatment.—Quiet, cleanliness, a room well ventilated, are, of course, essential. If during the precursory symptoms there should be lassitude, dullness, with alternate heat, headache, rheu- matic pains, and restlessness at night, Bryonia and Rhus may be alternated, three globules three hours apart. Aconite.—When at the commencement of epidemic typhus, inflammatory symptoms declare themselves, such as a dry, burning skin, hard and full pulse, heat in the head, and thirst. Dose.—Six globules in a glass half-full of water, a tea- spoonful once in two hours, until better, or some other remedy is more strongly indicated. Belladonna.—Twitching of the limbs, and feeling of rest- lessness. Drowsiness ; the countenance changing from red to pale, and from cold to hot. Headache, more or less violent ; violent throbbing of the arteries of the head and neck ; pressing pain in the temples, intolerance to noise ; delirium, starts as from affright. The tongue red, burning hot, and parched, the mouth and throat dry. 148 FEVERS. Dose.—Six globules in six tea-spoonfuls of water, a tea- spoonful every two hours. Bryonia.—Bruised, aching sensation throughout the whole body ; pressing pain in the forehead, particularly on moving ,or looking up ; burning heat in the head, while the forehead may be covered with a cold sweat; moaning during sleep, heat, and frightful dreams. Heat, alternating with dullness, bitter taste in the mouth, nau- sea, and constipation. Dose.—Give the same as Belladonna. Rhus.—When in the precursory stage there is dullness even near the fire ; bruised, stiff, or lame sensation when at rest, relieved by motion, and drawing, and rigidity in the nape of the neck and back. As the disease advances there is great weakness and prostration, restlessness at night, with anguish, or sleep with murmurs, snoring, dry heat, or disturbed by dreams and frequent starting. Talkative delirium, stupefying headache. Oppression of the chest, diarrhea, followed by pain in the limbs, and prostration. Rhus is frequently indicated, especially in the commencement of the disease, and when it has been produced by dampness, in alternation with Bryonia. Dose.—Twelve globules in a glass half-full of water, a tea-spoonful, in severe cases, every two hours, when the symptoms are less violent, every four hours. Opium.—Is indicated when there is a constant desire to sleep, with snoring respiration, and hard, full pulse. Give the same as Rhus. Phosphorus.—Especially when caused by cold or vene- BILIOUS FEVER. 149 real excess. In the commencement of the disease, rheu- matic pain in the limbs, worse morning and evening, in- creased by cold air, or the touch, and sometimes accom- panied with a general sensation of sickness, weary, and bruised sensation, palpitation of the heart. As the disease progresses there is a small, quick pulse, and profuse sweat ; sleep interrupted by shrieks, moaning and rat- tling in the chest, oppressive cough, and bloody expecto- ration. The above symptoms in typhoid pneumonia clearly indicate this remedy. Dose.—Twelve globules in six tea-spoonfuls of water, a tea-spoonful every three hours. Arsenicum.—Rapid prostration of strength, deathly countenance, eyes dull and glassy, low, muttering delirium, dryness of the tongue, dry and burning skin, thirst, and diarrhea ; pulse weak, or scarcely perceptible. Dose.—Three globules every hour. Should the eva- cuations be fetid, and cold perspiration on the face and extremities, Carbo.—May be given in alternation an hour apart. Diet and Regimen.—The same as in fever. In the low- sinking stage, however, it may be necessary to support the strength by means of beef-tea, and brandy. REMITTENT OR BILIOUS FEVER. This fever is more violent in the Southern and Western States, particularly where the country is new, and the vegetation rich. In more temperate climates it is deve- 150 FEVERS loped more particularly in the spring, or during the great heat of summer. It may be occasioned by indiscretion in diet, exposure to chauges of temperature, and any of the numerous causes, by which the digestive organs are dis- turbed. Symptoms—Among the premonitory symptoms are headache, general uneasiness, and a deranged state of the stomach. A chilly sensation is followed or intermin- gled with flushes of heat. The mouth is clammy and dry ; pain in the head, back, and limbs, dry skin, flushed face, full and rapid pulse, and sometimes delirium. The tongue is white, occasional vomiting ; urine high-colored, and bowels constipated. In twelve or fourteen hours a remission of the fever takes place, although the fever does not entirely subside. After a calm of two or three hours the exacerbation again takes place, becoming shorter in duration, and less violent as the disease abates. In the more severe forms of the disease this remission is scarcely perceptible, yet the gastric irritability and the symptoms above noted, clearly show the character of the disease. Treatment.—Aconite. Fever, thirst, yellow-coating of the tongue ; bitter, greenish, or slimy vomiting, painful- ness in the region of the stomach, and severe headache. It may be well to alternate with Bryonia, Belladonna, or Pulsatilla. Dose.—Twelve globules in six tea-spoons of water, a tea-spoonful every two hours. Bryonia.—Particularly when the fever occurs in hot weather, with a damp and sultry atmosphere. Aching BILIOUS FEVER. 151 or tired sensation in the head, back, and limbs ; insipid or bitter taste, especially on waking ; heat, or shivering, with heat in the face ; desire for acids, and aversion to food; dry, brownish-yellow tongue; bilious vomiting, especially after drinking. Dose.—Twelve globules in a glass half-full of water, a tea-spoon every three hours. Belladonna.—Throbbing and beating pain in the head, particularly the forehead, with feeling as if the head would burst. Pain in the head, aggravated by moving the eyes, by light, or noise. Heat about the head with thirst, alternating with chills ; vomiting of sour or bitter substances. Dose.—If in alternation with Aconite, three globules one hour apart ; if alone, the same every two hours. Stibium.—Often in alternation with Bryonia, especially when there is nausea, aching pain in the head, bruised sensation in the limbs, dry heat, and rapid pulse. Dose.—Three globules every two hours. Ipecac.—Especially in the first of the disease, when there is loathing of food, nausea, and vomiting. Fullness in the stomach ; diarrhea ; aching in the forehead. Dose.—Three globules once in two hours, until the symptoms change. Pulsatilla.—Flat, pappy or bitter taste, belching of wind ; desire for acids, nausea ; vomiting of sour and bit- ter substances ; inclination to diarrhea, and frequeat shi- vering. Give same as Ipecac. Veratrum.—Debility after a stool; stool with cramp- 152 FEVERS. like pain ; soreness of the abdomen to pressure ; bilioug vomiting and diarrhea. Dose.—Three globules every two hours. Nux-Vomica.—Bitter taste, nausea, particularly in the open air ; pressure and fullness in the stomach, constipa- tion, spasmodic colic. Ineffectual urging to stool, aching in the forehead with dizziness; bruised sensation in the limbs. Dose.—In severe cases three globules may be given every three hours. When the symptoms are less severe, every six hours. Mercurius.—Putrid or bitter taste, and vomiting of slimy or bitter substances. Painful tenderness in the pit of the stomach, and below the short rihs, particularly at night, with anguish or restlessness. Dose.—The same as Nux-Vomica. Diet and Regimen.—During the fever the diet should be light, consisting of toast, farina, panada, and such fari- naceous articles of diet with, if no diarrhea is present, ripe fruits. As the fever subsides the diet may gradually become more nourishing, commencing with broth, and coming back by degrees to the original diet, taking care, however, not to overload the stomach. INTERMITTENT FEVER.* The symptoms of this fever are so marked that there is no difficulty in distinguishing it from all other forms. In * A large portion of this article is taken from my work on "Domestic Prac- tice." INTERMITTENT FEVER. 153 Remittent Fever, the fever is never entirely absent during the remission, while in Intermittent the paroxysm comes on, and in a few hours passes entirely off, leaving the patient without any perceptible trace of the fever. It prevails more extensively in marshy countries, parti- cularly at the south and west, where the land is being drained, and the rich soil turned up by the plough. The air is poisoned with a miasm so subtle in its character as to defy detection, and yet so powerful as to prostrate the strongest man. This fever may also be developed after other diseases. Symptoms.—The paroxysm is generally marked by three distinct stages, viz.: 1st, cold; 2d, fever; and 3rd, sweating stage; although these stages sometimes seem commingled together. In some cases the paroxysms appear every day, in others every other day, and again, once in three or four days, or even one or two weeks apart. The Cold Stage.—Is preceded by headache, languor, and a stretching sensation ; blueness of the nails. The cold- ness and shivering of the limbs and back gradually increase, and pervade the whole body; the teeth chatter, the shivering is so violent as to shake the bed, and the application of external warmth produces no immediate effect. There is oppression of the chest, pain of the head, or stupor, and delirium. This stage varies in violence and duration, lasting from half an hour to three hours, when it is followed by the hot stage. 154 FEVERS. This stage is characterized by violent fever, quick, wiry, and rapid pulse, great thirst, dry skin, flushed face, pain in the head, and sometimes delirium, hurried breath- ing, and sometimes oppression of the chest. It lasts from three to twelve hours, when it usually terminates in the sweating stage, or, as is sometimes the case, runs into Remittent or Continued Fever. Sometimes the sweating stage is entirely wanting. Sweating Stage.—The violence of the fever begins to abate, and is succeeded by profuse perspiration ; the pulse becomes less full, aud the aches and pains rapidly disappear, until all traces of the former violent paroxysm have subsided. Treatment.—A prominent remedy in distinctly marked Intermittent, where all three of the stages are clearly and distinctly defined, is undoubtedly Quinine. Those of our Allopathic friends, who denounce so bitterly Homeo- pathy, cure their patients by this drug, which always in this disease, when it acts beneficially, acts homeopathically. Dose.—Ten grains may be mixed with twice that quan- tity of white sugar, and divided into ten parts, a powder of which can be taken every four hours, during the inter- mission of the paroxysm. During the paroxysm the remedy must be discontinued. If the paroxysms should not return, a powder should still be taken, an hour before the usual time of the paroxysm, until after the seventh day. The fourteenth and twenty-first day should also be noted, and if any lassitude or derangement of the system be appa- rent, a powder should be taken. The effects of this drug INTERMITTENT FEVER. 155 should be watched, and if it brings on intense headache, and violent oppression of the chest, it should be discontinued. jpecac.—Shivering with but little heat, or heat with but little shivering ; shivering increased by external warmth ; oppression of the stomach, nausea, and vomiting. This remedy is particularly indicated where the third or sweat- ing stage is scarcely perceptible. Dose.—Three globules should be given every three hours, between the paroxysms, and three globules of Nux immediately after the attack. During the hot stage twelve globules of Aconite may be mixed in a half glass of water, and a tea-spoonful given every hour until sweat- ing commences. Nux-Vomica.—Particularly where the bowels are con- stipated, and in those fevers where the paroxysm comes on every day, or every other day, generally in the afternoon, the evening, or night, and where there is aching pain in the forehead, dizziness, nausea, and bitter taste ; spasms in the stomach, and great weakness. It is also useful where there is paralytic weakness of the limbs, and dizzi- ness, difficult breathing, or violent headache, increased by walking in the open air. £>05e.—During the interval between the paroxysms three globules every three hours. Arsenic—Particularly indicated where the stages are not distinctly marked, but are in a measure commingled ; or where there is burning heat, with anguish, restlessness, and great thirst; great prostration of strength, nausea, retching, and vomiting. 156 FEVERS. Dose.—During the intermission of the paroxysm, three globules every three hours. Pulsatilla.—Where there is vomitiug of mucus, mode- rate thirst, pain in the head, and oppression of the head during the cold stage, and shivering when uncovered, during the hot and sweating stage. Dose.—Three globules every three hours during the intermission of the fever. Bryonia.—Where the paroxysms are preceded by dizzi- ness and pain in the forehead, coldness is more prominent than the heat. During the chilly and hot stage there may be dry cough, stinging in the chest, difficulty of breathing, and nausea. Dose.—Three globules every three hours during the intermission of fever. Belladonna.—When there is violent throbbing, pulsat- ing headache, with redness of the face, three globules may be given every two hours during the fever. Veratrum.—During the paroxysm general coldness with cold, clammy sweat, or internal heat; or where there is cutting colic with painful diarrhea. Dose.—Three globules may be given every three hours during the intermission of the fever. China.—Before the fever, nausea, headache, anxiety, palpitation of the heart. Shivering, alternating with heat, or heat long after the chill. Uneasy sleep, yellow complexion, and general gastric symptoms. Dose.—Three globules every three hours during the intermission of the fever. YELLOW FEVER. 157 Diet and Regimen.—Care should be taken to avoid unnecessary exposure. On the days when there is no paroxysm the appetite may be moderately indulged. YELLOW FEVER. This disease is seldom known in temperate regions, but prevails sometimes to a fearful extent in warm countries, where it is looked upon with as much dread as the cholera. Causes.—Animal and vegetable substances exposed to continued heat in a moist atmosphere, soon decay and fill the air with a poisonous miasm. This miasm may give rise to yellow fever, especially when it exists in populous cities, and in crowded and ill-ventilated rooms and cellars. Other prominent causes are exposure to the intense heat of the sun at mid-day, mental anxiety, want of clean- liness, dissipation, and excesses both in food and drink. It is exceedingly fatal among persons who are accustomed to northern climates, and indulge as freely in the warm atmosphere of the south in stimulating food and drink, as in the colder north. As a matter, of course, the food is not all digested, and derangement of the system is the result. Symptoms.—This disease often runs its course with frightful rapidity, terminating even in a few hours in death. In other cases the disease is more slow in its progress, its severity depending much upon the consti- tution, habits and temperament of the patient. The first 158 FEVERS. symptoms are generally want of appetite, constipation, oppression of the stomach, giddiness and debility. When the attack comes on with violence, there is shud- dering, headache, nausea, and vomiting. This is followed by severe pain in the back, and tearing in the limbs, sometimes amounting to cramps. These sensations last for a few hours, and are followed by violent reaction. The breathing becomes difficult, the breath burning, the pulse hard, full, and quick, violent pain in the head and throughout the body; dry and hot skin, thirst, nausea, and vomiting. The abdomen is hard and painful, aud there is great suffering in the stomach. This period, lasting from a few hours to three or four days, is followed by almost an entire remission of suffering; but this is shortly followed by the return of the old symptoms. The skin and eyes are of a yellow tinge. The tongue is parched and covered with a dark fur, the skin clammy, the head confused, the pulse sinks, delirium may set in, the stomach is painful and sensitive, and the matter vomited presents a thicker and darker appearance. This stage lasts from twelve to forty-eight hours, when it is followed by the third stage, characterized by extreme prostration ; the tongue and lips are parched and cracked, the gums soft and livid, exuding black blood ; there is intense suffering in the stomach, great anxiety, the dreaded black vomit growing darker and darker, and more and more frequent, until death closes the painful scene. On the setting in of the third stage the patient is usually beyond hope. YELLOW FEVER. 159 Treatment.—It is in diseases like this, where the ground has to be contested inch by inch, that medical skill is tested, and here it is when other systems are cou- fused and panic stricken, that homeopathy marches on victorious. Ipecac.—Is indicated in the first stage when slight chills, general pains, uneasiness in the stomach, nausea, and vomiting, together with a sensation of faintness, are present. Dose.—Three globules every two hours. Aconite.—Is indicated where there is violent febrile reaction, dry and hot skin, great thirst, full and rapid pulse, short and anxious respiration, restlessness and anguish ; pain in the head, back, and limbs, and sensi- tiveness in the stomach ; nausea, vomiting, and a general sense of prostration. Dose.—Twelve globules in six tea-spoonfuls of water, a tea-spoonful every hour or every two hours. Belladonna.—Particularly in the first stage of the dis- ease, where there are shooting or violent throbbing pains in the head ; eyes sparkling and red, or fixed glistening and prominent; pulse variable; aching and cramp-like pain in the loins, back and legs. Dose.—It is often necessary to alternate with Aconite, one hour apart. When given alone, give every two hours. Bryonia.—Headache, increased by movement; pains in the back, loins, and limbs, yellow skin, eyes painful on motion, pain and burning in the stomach, or fullness and 160 FEVERS. oppression, vomiting, or nausea, particularly after eat- ing. Dose.—Three globules every two hours Rhus.—Sunken eyes, dry and black tongue, quick aud small pulse, talkative delirium, or partial stupor, moaning, and great restlessness, particularly at night. Violent pain aud burning in the siomach, spasms in the abdomen, numbness, or partial paralysis of the lower extremities. Dose.—Same as Bryonia. Nux-Vomica—Eyes yellow aud inflamed, yellow skin, dizziness, pains in the head, pressure, cramp-like, or burn- ing pain iu the stomach, bilious or acid vomiting, trem- bling of the limbs, movements of slimy, bloody, or bilious matter, numbness in the lower extremities. Dose.—Three globules every two hours. Mercurius.—Pulse changeable, feeling of fatigue, dizzi- ness, convulsive vomiting of bilious matter, tenderness of the stomach, constipation, or loose mucus, bloody, or bilious discharges. Dose.—Same as Nux. Arsenic — Changeable expression of countenance, sunken eyes, surrounded by a dark circle, lips and tongue brown or black, cold, clammy sweat, small, trembling, pulse, great prostration, burning pains in the region of the stomach and liver, sometimes with oppression and vomiting ; diarrhea prostrating, and often involuntarily ; oppression in the chest, with anxious respiration ; deli- rium, low muttering or talkative; loss of conscious- ness. YELLOW FEVER. 161 Dose.—Twelve globules in six tea-spoons of water, a tea-spoonful every hour, or even half-hour, as the symp- toms may indicate. Veratrum.—This remedy is principally indicated in the second and third stage, when there is a general coldness ; cramps in the upper and lower extremities, and in the stomach, and abdomen ; frequent loose evacuations ; diz- ziness ; great thirst; severe vomiting, sometimes of bile and mucus, sometimes of black bile and blood. Dose.—Twelve globules in six tea-spoonfuls of water, a tea-spoonful every half-hour, hour, or two hours, accord- ing to the symptoms. Diet and Regimen.—Much can be done towards pre- venting this disease, by paying particular attention to diet and general rules of health. During its prevalence, the food should be plain and simple, highly stimulating articles of diet should be avoided. Persons should not expose themselves without absolute necessity, in the heat of the day. Change of tempe- rature should be met by change of clothes, and on no condition should persons sleep in damp or confined atmo- sphere. Diet during convalescence should be the same as in other fevers, as the yellow fever is only a severe form of the bilious fever. 162 CUTANEOUS DISEASES. CHAPTER IV. CUTANEOUS DISEASES. The skin is liable to a large number of diseases, more or less severe, some of which affect the whole system, and are accompanied with fever and pain. Scarlet Fever, Measles, Chicken-Pox, and Small-Pox, are infectious, and generally prevail as epidemics. Very seldom is a person attacked with either of the above diseases more than once. NETTLE RASH. The appearance of this rash resembles very much the sting of a nettle. It consists of an irregular pale-red, or whitish eminence, surrounded by a rosy hue. The blotches constantly change their locality, disappearing in a few hours in one part, and appearing in another. Their appearance is preceded by restlessness, and accompanied by burning, itching, and irritation. They are often brought out by cold. They are occasionied by changes of temperature, im- prudence in diet, and in many persons from the use of shell-fish, and some kinds of fruit. NETTLE RASH. 163 Treatment.—Dulcamara may be given if the rash is occasioned by cold, and if preceded by a stinging sensa- tion. Give three globules every six hour. Aconite.—Will be required when considerable fever is present, and Rhus, when it occurs in cold or damp weather, the eruption is of a shining appearance, and attended with some fever. Three globules may be given every three hours. Bryonia.—May be required when the rash is attended with shivering, or strikes in. Given the same as Rhus. Ipecac.—Is useful when the rash is accompanied with nausea. Give three globules once in three hours. Pulsatilla and Nux-Vomica are the prominent remedies when the disease is occasioned by indigestion, the former being particularly indicated when the trouble is occa- sioned by the use of fatty food. Give three globules every six hours. Calcarea, Sulphur, or Mercurius.—May be required when the trouble assumes a chronic character. Three globules of the remedy chosen may be given morning aud night, changing to another remedy, if, after six doses, no relief is produced. Diet and Regimen.—Warm bathing, simple food, and no acids. SCARLET FEVER. This disease is more generally confined to child- hood. The eruption is a bright scarlet red, turning white on pressure of the finger, resuming its original 164 CUTANEOUS DISEASES. color on the finger being removed. The eruption is smooth and glossy, unless when combined, as is very often the case, with scarlet rash, when the roughness of the eruption is distinctly felt on passing the hand over the surface. The eruption commences on the face, neck or hands, and gradually spreads over the entire body. The appearance of the eruption is attended with fever, dry- ness of the mouth, and more or less soreness, or even ulceration, of the throat. As the fever abates, which is usually the case on the fourth or seventh day of the eruption, the eruption gradually disappears and the epi- dermis peels off in large patches. This disease may be distinguished from measles by the presence of sore throat and the absence of those catarrhal symptoms which are present at the outset of measles. Treatment.—Belladonna is the most important remedy in the treatment of this disease. Its indications are, fever and dryness of the mouth, thirst and sore throat, difficulty of swallowing liquids, shooting in the head, painful eyes, starts, and great nervous excite- ment. Dose.—Twelve globules in six tea-spoonfuls of water, a tea-spoonful every two or three hours. If violent fever be present, Aconite, prepared in the same manner, should be alternated with the Belladonna, one or two hours apart. Mercurius.—Swelling and ulceration of the throat, with offensive smell and ulceration of the mouth, violent inflammation of the throat. MEASLES. 165 Dose.—Three globules every two or three hours, alter- nating with Belladonna, if that remedy is indicated. After the severity of scarlet fever has subsided, other troubles are likely to be developed. Pulsatilla will relieve the violent pain in the ears. Give every two hours. The running at the ear will be controlled by Hepar or Calcarea, given three times a day. Hepar will also control the hoarse cough, which sometimes follows this disease. Give every three hours. Diet and Regimen.—As in fever. MEASLES. At first the symptoms of an ordinary cold are per- ceived, such as sneezing, running at the nose, watering of the eyes, short and dry cough, pain in the forehead and back, with more or less fever until the eruption appears. The eruption appears in the form of small red spots on the face and arms, and gradually extends over the body. On the fourth day the fever begins to abate, and on the sixth or seventh day the skin begins to scale. During the progress of the disease, other troubles may be developed, such as inflammation of the lungs, requiring prompt treatment. Chronic difficulties, often of a tor- menting and serious character, not unfrequently follow this disease. Treatment.—Aconite and Pulsatilla are the prominent remedies, and with these the treatment should commence, giving in alternation two or three hours apart. 166 CUTANEOUS AFFECTIONS. Dose.—Twelve globules in six tea-spoonfuls of water, a tea-spoonful at a dose. Bryonia.—May be given when the cough is dry, and there are shooting pain in the chest, difficulty of breath- ing, and rheumatic pains in the limbs. If fever is present Bryonia may be alternated with Aconite one or two hours apart. Belladonna.—May be given when there is pain in the head, dry cough, sore throat, twitching of the limbs and restlessness. Give three globules every two hours. In the affections which are liable to follow measles, see those particular diseases. In the severe form of measles and scarlet fever, the room should not be very light, as the eyes are apt to suffer. Diet and Regimen.—As in fever. ERYSIPELAS. Previous to the attack there is usually a general sen- sation of languor or dullness. In severe cases the parts become very much swollen, the skin presenting a deep red, shining appearance, and the patient suffering severely from a burning heat, tingling, and sensation of tension. The redness and swelling sometimes extend rapidly, and when it appears in the face, as it often does, sometimes covers the entire head. Sometimes the inflamed surface becomes covered with ERYSIPELAS. 167 little blisters. These severe cases are attended with con- siderable danger, particularly when the disease attacks the head. There is fever, severe headache, restlessness and sensitiveness to the slightest noise. Causes.—It may be occasioned by gastric derange- ment, or by sudden suppression of perspiration, and not unfrequently sets in after mechanical injury. Treatment.—Aconite is iudicated when considerable fever is present, with dry and hot skin. Belladonna.—May be given when the redness expands in rays, and severe shooting pain with great heat is felt, increased by movement; swelling of the face accompanied with burning heat, violent headache, delirium, thirst, and hot skin. Rhus.—Is particularly indicated when little blisters are perceived, or when there is great swelling, a tendency to spread, or extend to the brain, and when there is great restlessness and delirium. Dose.—Belladonna or Rhus may be indicated in alter- nation with Aconite. Twelve globules should be mixed with a glass half full of water, and a teaspoonful given in alternation one or two hours apart. If either of the above remedies are given alone, a dose may be given once in two or three hours. Pulsatilla.—When the disease affects the ear, when the skin is bluish red, and the spots wander from one place to another, also when the trouble arises from food. Give three globules every three hours. Diet and Regimen.—Similar to that in fevers. Great 168 CUTANEOUS AFFECTIONS. pains should be taken to prevent cold during conva- lescence. SMALL POX. This loathsome disease has ever been looked upon with dread. In England at one time the deaths amounted to 45,000 annually. At length, in 1798, the discovery was made by Dr. lenner, an English physician, that Cow-Pox is almost a sure preservative to Small Pox. Vaccination for Cow-Pox, notwithstanding the ridicule and denuncia- tion with which it was at first received, is now universally adopted, and is the means yearly of saving thousands of lives. It is well to be revaccinated once in about seven years, to be entirely safe. Symptoms.—This disease has distinct stages, each of which requires different remedies. 1. The febrile stage generally commences from eight to fourteen days after exposure, and continues from two to four days. It sets in with shivering, fever, and dryness of the skin, hard and frequent pulse, severe pain in the back, and sometimes in the stomach, aching in the bones, and bruised sensation of the flesh, swimming, and severe pain in the head, and sometimes delirium and convulsions. Cough and sensitiveness of the eyes to light, are usually present. Vomiting, and pain in the small of the back are characteristic symptoms of Small-Pox. 2. On the third or fourth day the eruption makes its SMALL POX. 169 appearance on the face, in the form of small, red points, increasing in extent and elevation, and gradually cover- ing the whole body. The eruption is distinguished from others by a small pimple, about the size of a millet-seed, in each point. 3. In the suppurative stage, the pustule completes its development, becomes about as large as a split-pea, and is filled with a yellowish fluid, which gradually changes its color, until it assumes a turbid appearance. It is sur- rounded by a red circle, and has on the top a blackish depression, or dent. The eruption becomes fully devel- oped on one part of the body, while it is only making its appearance on the other. During this stage, which lasts three or four days, more or less fever, swelling, and sali- vation are present. 4. In the fourth stage the pustules present a brown appearance, and sometimes burst, forming scabs. The fever and swelling gradually subside, the scales peel off, leaving at first a deep, red stain. The confluent form of the disease, where the pustules are so numerous as to run into each other, forming an immense scab, is longer in duration, and attended with considerable danger. Treatment.—The prevention of this fearful disease by vaccination, is purely homeopathic, and its most success- ful treatment, by which it is deprived of half its dangers, is also homeopathic. The room should be freely venti- lated, the patient placed upon a mattress or straw-bed, covered with linen-sheets, and kept cool, and as comfort- able as possible. 8 170 CUTANEOUS AFFECTIONS. In the first, or febrile stage, Aconite or Stibium should, if there is severe pain iu the head, intolerance of light, and delirium, be given every two hours. Belladonna.—May be given in alternation with either of the above remedies, one hour apart. Bryonia.—Is a valuable remedy, when there is derange- ment of the stomach, rheumatic pains in the limbs, worse by motion, constipation, shooting pains in the chest on breathing. Dose.—Twelve globules in six tea-spoons of water, a tea-spoonful every three hours. Rhus.—Is of benefit when there are rheumatic pains in the back and extremities, worse at night, and relieved by motion ; also great restlessness at night. Give same as Bryonia. Stibium.—Should be given when the cough indicates trouble about the lungs, three globules every two hours. Stramonium.—Iu the eruption stage this remedy is of great value in shortening its duration, and is particu- larly useful when the eruption is slow in its appearance and progress. Dose.—Twelve globules may be dissolved in a glass half-full of water, and a tea-spoonful given every three hours. Mercurius.—May be given should there be much sali- vation. In the last stage simple ablution with tepid water will usually be all that is required. Diet and Regimen.—The diet should be cooling ; cold water, lemonade, oranges, roasted apples, stewed prunes, SCABIES. 171 strawberries, gruel, and toast, may be used, avoiding the fruits, if diarrhea is present. VARIOLOID. This is merely a modified form of Small-Pox, occurring sometimes after vaccination. The treatment is similar to Small Pox. GENERAL CUTANEOUS DISEASES. ITCH OR SCABIES. This very annoying trouble appears in the form of small vesicles, filled with a clear fluid, and surrounded by a red border, between the fingers, on the wrists and in the bend of the joints. Sometimes the eruption extends over the entire body, with the exception of the face. The itching is aggravated in the evening, and by the warmth of the bed. As the vesicles become broken up by scratching they may form thick scabs. Treatment.—Sulphur is the most prominent remedy, and should be taken six globules morning and night for a week. Mercurius.—May follow the Sulphur, three globules morning and night for a week. When large boils make their appearance during the progress of the disease, Silicea may be given morning and night. Hepar.—Will be required in those neglected cases, where ulcers have formed. Given three times a day. 172 CUTANEOUS AFFECTIONS. Diet and Regimen.—Nourishing food should be freely used, and great cleanliness practiced. RINGWORM. This is an eruption which presents the appearance of a ring. Inside, the skin, at first, looks healthy, but gradually becomes rough and scales off as the eruption dies away. It generally occurs in summer, and some- times disappears in a week, or may last all summer. Sulphur.—May be given, three globules night and morning for a week. If there is no change for the better, Graphites or Hepar may be given in the same manner. TETTER. There are several varieties of this non-contagious affection of the skin. The eruption consists of vesicles or inflamed patches, and is attended with more or less itching. Treatment.—Should there be much restlessness and fever, Rhus may be given, three globules, morning, noon, and night. Should the disease assume a dry or scaly character, Sulphur or Silicea may be given in the same manner, continuing one for three days, when, if no better, pro- ceed with the next remedy. Mercurius.—May be given as above, when there is a tendency to ulceration. CHILBLAINS. 173 CHILBLAINS. This affection is usually confined to the hands and feet, and is the result of cold. They are attended with burning and intense itching. They sometimes ulcerate, when they become exceedingly painful. Arsenicum.—May be given, three globules every four hours, when there are acute burning pains, and ill-con- ditioned ulcers. Nux-Vomica.—May be given in the same manner, if the inflammation is superficial, and attended with slight red swelling. Pulsatilla.—Will be required should the parts present a blue red and swollen appearance, accompanied with severe throbbing pain. Give three globules, morning, noon and night. External Applications are often attended with marked benefit. Cloths applied, wrung out in cold water, in the mild form of the complaint, will be of great service. Where this is inconvenient, the afflicted part may be covered with cotton. Tincture of Arnica.—May be used as a lotion with decided benefit. Twelve drops may be mixed with three table-spoonfuls of water, and the parts bathed three or four times a day ; or the feet may be bathed with brandy into which has been dropped a few drops of melted tallow. 174 ULCERS. WHITLOW--FELON. An abscess more or less deeply seated, forming about the end of the finger, is called a Felon. The pain, when the disease is fairly developed, is agonizing. The disease may frequently be removed, when it is first noticed, by holding the finger in warm water. Mercurius.—May be given in the incipient stage, three globules every four hours. But if, after five or six doses, the disease should still advance, Silicea aud Hepar may be give in alternation, four hours apart. During the progress of the disease, the fiuger may be either wrapped up in cloths wrung out in cold water, or warm poultices of bread and milk, slippery elm or flax seed, may be applied. Sometimes, when the disease is attended with intense pain and advances slowly, a free incision may be made with the knife. ULCERS. Ulcers may follow a bruise or scald, or when there is a general derangement of the system, occasioned by impro- per food, they may be openings of nature to carry off the impurities of the system, which might otherwise produce serious disturbance. Treatment.—Dry soft linen lint may be placed over the ulcer, or it may be covered with a compress, dipped in either cold or warm water, as is most agreeable to the patient. BOILS. 175 Arsenicum and Carbo-v.—May be given in alternation, three globules of one in the morning and the other in the evening should the ulcer present a livid aspect, bleed readily to the touch, and especially if there is a burning pain. Mercurius.—May be given, three globules morning and night, if the ulcer is deep, and emits an offensive smell. Sulphur.—In ulcers of long, standing, three globules may be given morning and night. Cleanliness should be observed, and every pains taken, by means of nourishing food, to build up the general system. The application of the battery, in these cases, may be of benefit. (See Electricity.) BOILS—CARBUNCLES. A boil is of a round or conical form, having an inflamed appearance, is attended with more or less pain, and sup- purates slowly. On breaking, they discharge pus mixed with blood, and after a little while, a core. There is sometimes a constitutional tendency to boils, but they also often follow fevers and eruptive diseases, and may be occasioned by imprudence in food, either in eating too much or not enough. Arnica.—Should be given, in most cases, and will often prevent the full development of the boil. Dose.—Two drops may be mixed with a glass half-full of water, and a tea-spoonful given three times a day. 176 ABSCESS. Hepar or Mercurius.—May be given as above, when the matter is forming, to bring it more quickly to a head- When the boil is painful a poultice should be applied. The Carbuncle.—Is a malignant kind of boil, and when it occurs on the back of the neck, as is very apt to be the case, is attended with more or less danger. The disease is attended with severe pain and more or less fever. On breaking, the matter is discharged from several openings. Arsenicum.—Is indicated where there is great prostra- tion of strength. Three globules three times a day. Hepar and Silicea.—Are, however, the prominent remedies, alternated four hours apart. Three globules may be given at a dose. External application of the cold water compress is generally better than poultices. (See, also, Electricity). ABCESS--SWELLING OF THE GLANDS. The glands, in different parts of the body, as in the arm-pits, the groins or throat, are liable, from various causes, to swell and suppurate. If there is much heat or pain, the cold water compress, or a poultice may be applied. Three globules of Mercurius may also be given once in six hours. This treatment will generally prevent suppuration. Should, however, the swelling still continue, aud be slow in its progress, Hepar or Silicea may be alternated, three globules of one in the morning, and of the other at night. BRAIN AND NERVOUS SYSTEM. 177 CHAPTER V. AFFECTIONS OF THE BRAIN AND NERVOUS SYSTEM. HEADACHE. The head being the seat of the brain, sympathizes with almost every part of the system. To treat headache successfully it is absolutely essential that we should ascer- tain the cause. Among the numerous varieties of head- ache we may enumerate, 1. Nervous Headache. 2. Sick Headache. 3. Rheumatic Headache, i. Congestive Headache. Nervous Headache.—By this we understand that variety when the pain is at first unaccompanied by any disturbance of the stomach. After a time, vomiting may set in, but the substances vomited are generally destitute of bile or acid. This variety of headache includes periodical, neuralgic, one-sided, and certain forms of sick headache. It occurs mostly in persons of a nervous temperament, and is apt to be brought on by any unusual excitement. The pains are of a neuralgic character, violent throbbing, darting and stinging, worse at night, with great sensi- tiveness to light, noise, or touch. Sick Headache.—In this variety of headache there is sickness at the stomach, swimming in the head, or violent 8* 178 BRAIN AND NERVOUS SYSTEM. aching pain, not unfrequently coming on in the morning, and continuing until relieved at night by sleep. Previous derangement of the stomach or bowels is evident, and bile or undigested food is thrown up in the paroxysms of vomiting. The headache generally depends on gastric derangement, and in some persons seems periodical, coming on at intervals, more or less frequent. Rheumatic Headache.—This form of headache usually comes on in paroxysms, during which the pain is most intense. The slightest motion of the head is attended with pain, and there is a peculiar feeling of constriction over the brain. The urine, as well as the perspiration, is acid. Congestive Headache.—Some of the prominent symp- toms are, violent throbbing of the arteries of the head, fullness and heaviness of the head, accompanied with dizziness, particularly on stooping or walking in the sun ; heat in the head, also fullness and pain above the eyes, increased by stooping. Headache is often the result of constipation, cold, gastric troubles, and external causes. Treatment.—Ascertain the cause, and strive to avoid it in future. If there is too great a fondness for the pleasures of the table, or any other form of dissipation, strive to live more in accordance with nature. If pos- sessed of a highly excitable nervous organization, banish tea and coffee, aud stimulants of all kinds. Whatever may be the cause, live plainly, use cold water freely about the head, and avoid violent physical or mental exertion. HEADACHE. 179 When the headache is caused by chagrin, chamomilla may be given. From anger : Nux- Vomica. From fright: Opium. From constipation : Nux- Vomica or Opium. From gastric derangement: Nux- Vomica, Ipecac, Pulsa- tilla, or Bryonia. From the use of intoxicating liquor : Nux- Vomica or Opium. , From a blow: Arnica. From sedentary habits : Nux- Vomica or Sulphur. Aconite.—Violent headache, accompanied by heat and violent throbbing; heaviness and fullness in the head, compressive pain over the root of the nose, aggravated by noise or motion, relieved in the open air; headache so violent as to produce delirium; one sided headache with nansea and vomiting, and burning pain over the left eye; rheumatic and nervous headache. Dose.—Twelve globules dissolved in six tea-spoonfuls of water, a tea-spoonful given from one to four hours, according to the severity of the symptoms. If the pain is violent, give every fifteen minutes until relieved. It is often best to alternate with Belladonna. Belladonna.—Headache aggravated by motion, noise, or light; paroxysms of stitching pain on one side ; scintilla- tion before the eyes and obscuration of sight. Violent aching or throbbing pain, blood-shot eyes, delirium; pains in the afternoon, aggravated by the warmth of the bed ; sudden sharp pains. 180 AFFECTIONS OF THE HEAD. Dose.—Same as Aconite. Bryonia.—Compressive pains in the head, or sensation on stooping, as if everything would protrude through the forehead ; aching and pressing pain affecting the fore- head, temples, neck, arms and face. Dose.—In severe cases, three globules may be given every half-hour, increasing the intervals as the pain abates. In chronic cases, give once in six or twelve hours. Rhus.—Burning pulsative pains, with fullness in the head ; fluctuation of the brain, as from a fluid rolling inside ; weight in the back part of the head ; nervous headache. Dose.—Three globules every one, two, or four hours. Pulsatilla.—Especially indicated in headaches brought on from a derangement of the stomach, produced by the use of indigestible, rich or fat food, from indigestion pro- duced by exertion just before or after a meal ; also from bodily fatigue and loss of rest. Pressure and distressing pain in the side of the head, or attended with dizziness and inclination to vomit, .relieved by binding something tight around the head, or walking, and aggravated when quiet or sitting ; heaviness of the head, paleness of the face, and dizziness ; rending pains, worse in the evening ; throbbing, precisely after rising in the morning, and on lying down in the evening. This remedy is particularly indicated in persons of an easy or lymphatic temperament. Dose.—In severe cases, three globules may be given every half-hour, increasing the intervals as the pain HEADACHE. 181 abates, to three or four hours. In chronic cases give three times a day. Nux- Vomica.—Of great value when the difficulty is caused by abuse of ardent spirits, sedentary mode of life, anger or severe mental labor ; also from constipation and indigestion. Heat and redness of the face; dizziness, violent headache, particularly in the forehead over the eyes, increased by stooping and coughing. Dose—In severe cases, give three globules every hour. In chronic cases, morning and night. Mercurius.—Fullness in the head, as if it would split, or as if it were compressed with a band ; worse at night, with burning, tearing pains, easy and profuse perspira- tion. ( See, also, Cold in the Head.) Dose.—Three globules every four or six hours. Arsenicum.—May be given with benefit in periodical headaches ; face bloated, eyes suffused with tears, lids swollen. Dose.—Three globules, in severe cases, every two hours ; at longer intervals as the symptoms abate. Opium.—In congestive headaches, and from fright, also, when there is heaviness and fullness of the head, as if it would burst, increased by the slightest mental exer- tion, and attended with coldness of the extremities ; sen- sation of stupor. Dose.—Three globules in severe cases every half hour; as the symptoms abate given at longer intervals. China.—Headache in sensitive persons, when the scalp and face are sensitive to the touch; violent pain as 182 AFFECTIONS OF THE HEAD. if the head would burst ; pain aggravated by the slightest movement, and relieved by lying down and by quiet. Give same as Opium. Diet and Regimen.—The application of cold water to the head will be attended with relief. Magnetic passet may be made with the hand over the head with benefit. The food should be easy of digestion, and whatever in the manner of living has a tendency to produce the head- ache, should be carefully avoided. DIZZINESS. This affection seldom exists by itself, but is usually symptomatic. Belladonna.—Dizziness with sparks before the eyes, or with staggering, nausea, trembling, and recurrence of the attack on stooping or rising up. Cocculus.—When produced by the motion of a carriage, or by moving the head, with nausea and faintness. Nux- Vomica.—After a meal, in the open air, or in bed, with wavering in the head, and cloudiness of the eyes. Pulsatilla.—On raising the eyes, in the evening in bed, or on stooping, or after a meal, with nausea and paleness of the face. Dose.—Three globules of the appropriate remedy in severe cases every half-hour ; in chronic cases morning and night. SUN STROKE. This is an affection of the brain produced by intense SUN STROKE. 183 heat. It is very common in warm climates. A person exposed to the intense heat of the sun, may be attacked with dizziness and symptoms closely resembling intoxica- tion, or he may become, almost from the first, perfectly insensible. The head may be bathed with cold water or brandy ; a little brandy given internally will be of benefit; or Camphor may be given two drops every ten minutes, to be followed, after four or five doses have been taken by Belladonna, three globules at a dose, either alone or in alternation with Carbo-v. every half-hour or hour. INFLAMMATION OF THE BRAIN. Tne attack may come on suddenly with stupor and sensitiveness to light ; but it is generally attended with severe pain, heat, and fullness in the head, restless sleep, with starting as if in affright. As the disease advances, the pain may become dull and heavy, increased by the slightest movement, head hot and burning, great sensi- tiveness to light, stupor, delirium, thirst, dry and hot skin. Treatment.—External application should be made to the head of cold water, frequently removing the cloths, before they become warm. Ice is still better, either in a cloth, or pounded and put in a bladder. Aconite and Belladonna should commence the treat- ment. Give in alternation, three globules at a dose, oue hour apart. 184 AFFECTIONS OF THE HEAD. A physician should be consulted as speedily as pos- sible. •apoplexy. Preceding the attack there is generally dullness and heaviness of the head, disposition to sleep, derangement of the memory, slow and full pulse. Sometimes these symp- toms are wanting, and the patient falls dowii without consciousness, totally or partially paralyzed. The pulse is hard, full and slow, speech difficult, and the face livid. In other cases the attack may set with violent headache and vomiting. A predisposition to apoplexy is indicated by a stout, short body, large and short neck, dark red countenance. The predisposition is increased by rich living and seden- tary habits. Treatment.—Loosen the dress, and place the patient where there is plenty of air. Elevate the head and trunk. Belladonna.—Severe pain in the forehead, heaviness and dullness of the head, dizziness, snoring breathing, and dilated pupils. Nux-Vomica.—In the precursory stage in persons of sedentary habits, and addicted to the use of ardent spirits. Dose.—When the attack has actually commenced, dis- solve twelve globules in six tea-spoons of water, and give a tea-spoon every fifteen minutes. Belladonna.—Should usually commence the treatment. NEURALGIA. 185 NEURALGIA. In speaking of this extremely painful disease, we shall notice, 1. Neuralgia of the Face. 2. Neuralgia of the Heart. 1. Neuralgia of the Face. The pain comes on in paroxysms at irregular intervals, increasing in intensity until the patient is almost wild. The pain is of a lacerating, tearing, or beating character, and after having lasted a certain length of time, gradually subsides, coming on again, however, in a short time, with even greater intensity. The pain follows the course of the nerves. If it commences at a point in the eyebrow, over the middle of the eye, it may extend to the eye- brows, forehead, and eyes. If it commences at a point about the middle of the cheek-bone, it may extend over the cheek, and radiate to the teeth, palate, and tongue. Treatment.—Belladonna is a prominent remedy in almost every form of facial neuralgia. It is particularly indicated when the pain is aggravated by movement, noise, or the warmth of the bed. Darting pains, twitch- ing of the muscles, and pain in the ball of the eye. Dose.__During the severity of the attack three globules every half-hour, increasing the intervals to four hours as the symptoms abate. Colocynth— Violent, rending, darting pains, occupying chiefly the left side, aud aggravated by the slightest touch. Give same as Belladonna. 186 AFFECTIONS OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. Arsenicum.—When the attacks are periodical, the pain is of a burning, pricking character, around the eyes and in the temple ; increased by cold, and temporarily relieved by heat. Dose.—Same as Belladonna. China.—Particularly in periodical attacks, violent pain, increased by the slightest touch of the skin. Pulsatilla.—Pain, particularly on one side, worse in the evening, and on lying down, relieved in the open air, feeling of coldness and torpor in the affected side. Dose.—During the severity of the attack three globules every half-hour. As the symptoms become less violent give once in three or four hours. 2. Neuralgia of the Heart. Violent pain in the region of the heart, coming on in paroxysms, and extending over the chest, arms, and neck. Treatment.—Phosphorus.—When there is intense pain, coldness of the extremities, and great difficulty of breath- ing. Arsenicum.—Unable to breath, except with the chest bent forward ; oppressive stitching in the region of the heart, renewed by the slightest motion. Belladonna.—Hurried respiration ; shooting, pressing pain in the region of the heart; tremor of the heart, with anguish. Rhus and Nux-Vomica.—May also be indicated. DELIRIUM TREMENS. 187 Dose.—Three globules, if the attack is severe, every ten minutes. Afterwards three times a day. PARALYSIS. This affection is very apt to follow Apoplexy. One portion of the body may be completely paralyzed while the other is active. The whole of one side, from the head to the feet, may be paralyzed. Nux-Vomica.—Especially when the lower extremities are affected ; trembling of the limbs, or heaviness, stiff- ness, aud sensitiveness to cold air ; cramps, and spas- modic twitching of the parts. Rhus.—Great sensitiveness to cold air, stiffness of the joints. Particularly indicated when caused by nervous fevers. (See, also, Electricity). Dose.—Three globules three time a day. DELIRIUM TREMENS. Unfortunately this disease is so common, that it is very easily recognized. As a general thing it is produced by the long continued use of ardent spirits, although it is sometimes the result of other forms of mental excitement. There is irritability of temper, great restlessness, and usually entire sleeplessness. Talkative delirium, strange, wild fancies, and trembling of the hands. Treatment.—Nux-Vomica.—Trembling of the limbs, twitching of the muscles, delirium. Given at the com- 188 AFFECTIONS OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. mencement of the disease, it will often arrest its further progress. Dose.—Three globules may be given every two or three hours. Belladonna.—When there is boisterous delirium, con- gestion of blood to the head, trembling of the limbs. OpwM».-^Constant motions ; wild and staring expres- sion ; tremor of the limbs ; frightful visions. Dose.—Same as Nux- Vomica. Often, when there is hiccough, or great nervous excite- ment, a cup of coffee will quiet the system. AFFECTIONS OF THE EYES. 189 CHAPTER VI. AFFECTIONS OF THE EYES AND EARS. The eye consists of a globe held in its position by six muscles, attached externally to the Sclerotic coat, near the Cornea, and internally to the bones of the orbit behind the eye. These muscles produce the various movements of the eyes. The sclerotic coat seen in the white of the eye, is dense and fibrous. It is the strong membrane which invests the ball, except the transparent part in front, which is called the Cornea. Inside of this coat, is the choroid coat, which gives the dark color to the pupil. Another coat within the choroid is called the Retina. The optic nerve passes from the brain through the other coats, and expands on this. This is the seat of vision, where every object we witness, is pic- tured, and the impression thus transmitted to the brain. A curtain capable of contraction and dilation, divides the anterior portion of the eye into two chambers. This curtain is called the Iris, and the opening in the centre the Pupil. The two chambers are filled with a watery humor. Behind this chamber is the crystalline lens, and 190 AFFECTIONS OF THE EVES. behind the lens a chamber forming a large portion of the ball of the eye, filled with the Vitreous humor. Over the eye are the eye-lids, lined on the inside by a delicate mem- brane, which is also reflected over the ball of the eye, called the Conjunctiva. This membrane secretes a fluid which lubricates the eye, and when inflamed presents a blood-shot appearance. At the upper and outer angle of the orbit is the Lachrymal gland. It secretes the tears, which, after having passed over the ball of the eye, pass off through small openings at the internal angle, into the nose. We have then, the cornea, collecting and bending in- ward the rays of light ; the aqueous humor transmitting the rays and giving free motion to the iris; the iris con- tracting and dilating, admitting only the necessary rays ; the crystalline lens, the focus, concentrating the rays, which then, crossing each other, are transmitted through the vitreous humor to the retina, which serves as a daguer- reotype-plate, upon which the image is pictured, and the impression through the expanded optic nerve transmitted to the brain. INFLAMMATION OF TEE EYES.--Ophthalmia. External applications may be made to the eye of cold or tepid water, or of milk and water. If the inflammation is severe, the room should be partially darkened, and the patient kept as quiet as possible. If matter should be secreted, be careful that the towel used for that eye, does OPHTHALMIA. 191 not come in contact with the other, or with the eyes of any one else. When the inflammation is the result of cold, it may be attended with more or less cough and fever. The red- ness gradually extends over the whole eye. The eye is sensitive to the light ; burning, shooting pains, and sensa- tion as if sand were lodged between the lids. Aconite.—Is an important remedy in the commence- ment, either alone, or in alternation with Belladonna. Belladonna.—Is particularly indicated when there is congestion of the head, redness of the eyes, and sensitive- ness to the light. Dose.—Give three globules every two hours. In the first stage four drops of Arnica may be placed in a glass a third full of water, with which the eye may be bathed. Rheumatic and Gouty Ophthalmia.—This variety of inflammation is usually connected with rheumatic or gouty troubles in other parts of the system. The pain is intense, sticking, tearing, and boring, frequently extending to the temples, and aggravated by a change of weather. The same treatment is indicated as in catarrhal ophthalmia. Bryonia, Pulsatilla and Rhus, may also be required. (See Rheumatism.) Pulsatilla.—Will be of benefit when, after the first inflammation has been removed by Aconite, severe pains of a piercing, cutting character still remain ; pains worse in the afternoon and evening. Dose.—Three globules every two hours. 192 AFFECTIONS OF THE EYES. Colocynth.—Pain, seated in the ball of a burning, cut- ting character ; pressing, tearing pain in the whole brain, most violent in the forehead on moving the eyes. Scrofulous sore eyes.—The eye-balls are red and bundles of enlarged vessels run towards the cornea. There is great intolerance of light, increased secretion of mucus, and an aggravation of symptoms towards morning. The lids are also more or less diseased. Arsenicum.—May be given three globules three times a day, if the pain is of a burning character. Belladonna.—Sensation of pressure, worse when the eyes are turned upwards. Give three globules three times a day. Hepar.—Lids sore, and painful to the touch, as if bruised ; spots on the ball, and sensation as if the eyes were pressing from the sockets. Mercurius.—Eyes congestive and painful ; pustules on the ball; sensitive to light, and worse in the evening. Give three times a day. Sulphur.—Is indicated after Mercurius or Hepar, when the redness and pain still continue ; dimness of the cornea, and a mist before the eyes. Syphilitic sore eyes.—This variety of inflammation may arise from suppressed gonorrhea or syphilis, and from a transmission of the matter to the eye. The treatment should commence with Aconite, followed after inflammation has somewhat subsided, by Mercurius, four globules every four hours. Other remedies may be iudicated, as Sulphur or Nitric STYE. 193 Acid, but the patient had better at once consult a phy- sician. Diet and Regimen.—During the severity of the inflam- mation all stimulating food should be avoided, and the patient should live as directed in fevers. INFLAMMATION OF THE EYE-LIDS. The lids are generally more or less affected in inflam- mation of the eye, but they are sometimes red and swollen when there is no trouble about the eye. Aconite.—May be given when the swelling is hard, red, with burning heat, and dryness. Give three globules every three hours. Belladonna.—If the lids stick together, and are red and swollen. Give same as Aconite. Hepar.—A disposition to ulcerate ; pressing pain and soreness. Give morning and night. Nux-Vomica.—When the edges of the lids burn, itch, and feel sore when touched. Give three globules every four hours. Mercurius.—When the lids turn outward, and there is pricking, burning, and itching, or an absence of pain. Give same as Nux-Vomica. STYE. This is a swelling on the edge of the lid like a dark, red boil. It is attended with considerable pain, suppu- rates, and in a short time breaks. 9 194 AFFECTIONS OF THE EVES. Pulsatilla.—During the forming stage this remedy will usually be sufficient. Give three globules three times a day. Should, however, ulceration take place, Mercurius or Hepar may be given in the same way. A cold bread and milk poultice, applied over the eye at night, will generally remove the inflammation. WATERY EYES. The eyes are suffused with tears, which, instead of passing into the nose by the little ducts opening from the inner end of the lid, flow over the lid. This is occasioned by a stoppage of the tea-ducts, and is more annoying, from the constant necessity of wiping the eye, than painful. The prominent remedies are Calcarea, Silicea, and Sul- phur. Give three globules of the first every morning, for a week, then follow, if necessary, by the other remedies, in the same manner. Bathe the face freely with cold water. FOREIGN SUBSTANCES IN THE EYE. Particles of dust can generally be removed by bathing the eyes in cold water. Turn the head one side, and let a few drops of water pass in at the outer part of the eye, and run towards the nose. If the particle be not removed in this way, raise the lid gently, and with the corner of a handkerchief the offending substance can be removed with but little difficulty. If a hard particle should become WEAKNESS OF SIGHT. 195 imbedded in the eye, it may be removed with the point of a needle. The irritation of the eye may be removed by bathing it with cold water, or with a mixture composed of two drops of Arnica, to a table-spoonful of water. Particles of iron, which among mechanics are very apt to fly into the eye, may be removed with a magnet. WEAKNESS OF SIGHT. In case of weakness of sight a careful physician should be consulted. The difficulty may arise from a variety of causes, which would not be apparent except to the phy- sician. The weakness may come on gradually, with or without pain, and be accompanied with numerous symp- toms, such as dark spots, flashes of light, or a sensation as of mist before the eyes. The difficulty may be occa- sioned by other diseases, or be the result of continued watching, mental anxiety, too frequent sexual indulgence, self-pollution, and constant labor of the eyes. Particular attention should be paid to the general health. Food should be nourishing, and, when possible, exercise should be taken in the open air. As it regards the specific treatment, consult a physician. 196 WEAKNESS OF THE EARS. AFFECTIONS OF THE EARS. MUMPS. This disease is not usually dangerous, unless, in its progress, it is thrown upon some other organ. It consists in an inflammation of the large gland lying under and in front of the ears. It seldom attacks a person but once. On the fifth or seventh day the swell- ing sometimes leaves the neck, and attacks the breast or testicles, which become red and painful. Treatment.—The patient should remain in the house, keep a handkerchief about the neck, and not take cold. Mercurius.—In most cases will be all that is necessary. Give three globules three times a day. If the swelling assumes an inflammatory character, resembling erysi- pelas, and be attended with pain and fever, or should sharp pain be felt in the brain with stupor and delirium, Belladonna should be given, three globules every three hours. If the disease attacks the testicles or the breasts, Pul- satilla or Mercurius may be given, three globules every three hours. Carbo-v.—Would be required if the tumor is hard, Mercurius having proved insufficient, or if it recedes, and the stomach or voice be affected. Give three globules every three hours. EAR-ACHE. 197 INFLAMMATION OF THE EAR. The inflammation is usually attended with heat, and redness, and swelling, throbbing, and lacerating pain, aggravated by motion, frequently extending over the whole head, and often affecting the brain. Treatment.—Pulsatilla, in ordinary inflammation of the ear, is almost a specific. Give three globules every two hours. Belladonna.—Will be required should the pain pene- trate to the brain, giving indications of severe internal inflammation. If much fever is present, it may be alter- nated with Aconite, one or two hours apart. Mercurius.—May be required should there be a yel- lowish discharge from the ear, or a confused noise in the head, with throbbing pain. Give three globules every four hours. It will be well should there be indications, from a vio- lent, throbbing pain, of gathering in the head, to apply steam. This may be done by filling a tea-pot with warm water, and allowing the steam to pass out of the spout into the ear. EAR-ACHE. There is often more or less pain in the ear, sometimes of a neuralgic character, when no inflammation is present. Arnica—W\\\ be of service when there is a return of the pain from every exposure. Belladonna.—Tearing and shooting pains, extending 198 AFEECTTONS OF THE EARS. into the throat ; roaring and humming in the ear, and great sensibility to noise. Mercurius.—Shooting pains, extending into the teeth and cheek; pains worse in the evening ; sensation of eoldness in the ear. Nux-Vomica.—Pains extending into the forehead and temples, particularly when the ear-ache occurs in irritable and angry persons. Pulsatilla.—Where the pain is exceedingly violent, and extends over the whole side of the head. Dose.—Of the remedy carefully selected, give three globules every two or three hours, according to the seve- rity of the symptoms. RUNNING OF THE EARS. This affection is often found in scrofulous persons. It is frequently the result of cold, or may follow other diseases, such as measles, scarlet-fever, or small-pox. Belladonna.—May be given where it is attended with headache and swelling. Mercurius.—When the discharge is bloody or offensive, and attended with pricking pain. Calcarea, Hepar, and Sulphur, are indicated where the discharge is tedious. Dose.—In recent cases three globules of the remedy selected, may be given every six hours. In cases of long standing the remedy may be given once a day for a week, when, if no better, another medicine should be selected. DEAFNESS. 199 DEAFNESS. Hardness of hearing is often connected with other diseases, and will disappear when those are relieved. Calcarea.—Will be of benefit when there is a sensation as if the ears were obstructed, dryness, or purulent dis- charge, humming, tinkling, or singing in the ears. Mercurius.—Rheumatic pain in the ear, tendency to perspiration, sense of obstruction, ceasing when swallow- ing, or blowing the nose. Pulsatilla.—Tinkling or chirping, sensation of stoppage, roaring, or humming. Sulphur.—Obstruction of the ears, particularly upon swallowing, gurgling as if caused by water, or humming, and roaring. Carbo-v.—Chirping, humming, or musical sound in the ear. Dose.—Give three globules morning and night. If there is a dryness of the ear, occasioned by hardened ear-wax, let it be carefully removed. 200 AFFECTIONS OF THE MOUTH. CHAPTER VII. AFFECTIONS OF THE MOUTH AND THROAT. TOOTH-ACHE. To insure healthy teeth they should be brushed in the morning, after each meal, aud at night, and the mouth kept sweet and clean by rinsing it with cold water. Avoid also exposing them to sudden changes of heat and cold, as drinking cold water when the mouth is filled with hot food. Decayed teeth are often occasioned by an unhealthy state of the stomach, and also under allopathic treatment, by taking large quantities of acid and minerals. If the teeth become diseased, consult a skillful dentist, and do not be too anxious to have them extracted, because of a little pain. They may often be preserved by filling, if not ulcerated at the roots, even if very much decayed. Treatment.—Aconite may be given if considerable fever is present. Belladonna.—Severe pain in the teeth, face, and ears, worse at night ; swelling of the gums and cheek, pains worse in the open air, from contact or mental exertion. Chamomilla.—Violent pain, worse at night, from the warmth of the bed, redness and swelling of the face; pain * TOOTH-ACHE. 201 sometimes affecting the whole side of the face, increased by eating or drinking. Mercurius.—Severe pain in the roots of the teeth, in- creased by the warmth of the bed, or by damp air, and by eating aud drinking ; sometimes affecting the entire side of the face, extending into the ear and glands ; sen- sation as if the teeth were too long ; ulceration and bleeding of the gums. Pulsatilla—In persons of a mild and timid disposi- tion, especially when the pain is on one side, or is accom- panied with ear-ache and headache. Relieved by chew- ing, by cold water, or cold air. Nux-Vomica.—Iu persons accustomed to the use of coffee, ardent spirits, or who live a sedentary life, swell- ing of the glands, chillness, and sometimes pain in the head, back, and limbs. Dose.—Give three globules, where the pain is severe, every hour, increasing the intervals as the symptoms abate. OFFENSIVE BREATH. This usually arises from decayed teeth, or a deranged state of the stomach. (See Toothache and Dyspepsia.) SCURVY. This affection is more common among sailors, who have been for a long time without fresh provisions, and also 9* 202 AFFECTIONS OF THE THROAT. among those who have been accustomed to scanty and unhealthy food. There is fetor of the breath ; the gums are spongy, and inclined to bleed, or ulcerate. They often recede, so that the teeth may be picked out with the fingers. As the disease advances it affects the whole body, producing ulceration and swelling of the limbs. Treatment.—A healthy, nourishing diet will often pro- duce a cure. Fruits, vegetables, lemon-juice, and other acid drinks, should be used. Potatoes are also exceed- ingly beneficial as an article of diet. Mercurius.—Where the gums are red and spongy, ulcerated, and bleeding, with burning pains at night. Fetid smell from the mouth, ulceration of the tongue. Carbo-v.—May be given where Mercurius does not seem to produce relief, and there are pains, bleeding, and ulceration of the gums, looseness of the teeth, and ulcers in the mouth. Arsenicum.—Severe ulceration with violent burning pain and prostration. Dose.—Three globules may be given four times a day. Diet and Regimen.—Until the severity of the disease has subsided, the diet should be of a farinaceous or vege- table form. The mouth may be rinsed with lemonade, brandy and water, or a little borax and water. SORE THROAT—QUINSY. Sore throat may be attended with but little pain, and SORE THROAT. 203 slight inflammation, or the swelling may be so great as almost to choke up the passage, and be attended with fever, pain, and, if not relieved, ulceration. Treatment.—In the commencement of this disease a cloth wrung out in cold water, placed around the throat, and over this a dry flannel, will be of great service. Per- sons predisposed to throat-difficulties, should allow the hair to grow around the throat, and sponge the throat and upper portion of the chest with cold water. The treatment cau usually commence with Belladonna, three globules given every two or three hours. Aconite.—Violent fever, thirst, difficulty of swallowing. Alternate it with Belladonna or Mercurius. Belladonna.—One of the most prominent remedies in all forms of sore throat ; swelling on the outside of the throat, constant disposition to swallow, producing severe pain ; spasms of the throat when drinking, fluids passing through the nose ; sensation as of a plug in the throat ; swelling and reduess of the parts, and shooting pains in the throat. Dose.—Give three globules every two hours. Mercurius.—Redness and swelling of the throat, shoot- ing pains in the throat, especially on swallowing, extend- ing to the ears and glands of the neck ; painful and difficult swallowing, ulcers, and tendency to suppuration ; profuse discharge of saliva, symptoms worse at night, or in the open air. Dose.—Three globules every two hours, or alternate with Belladonna, one, two, or three hours apart, accord- ing to the severity of the symptoms. 204 AFFECTIONS OF THE THROAT. Nux- Vomica.—Sensation of a lump in the throat when swallowing, and pressing pains aggravated by swallowing; throat feels raw and excoriated, as if scraped. Dose.—Give three globules every three hours. Pulsatilla.—Persons of a timid or mild character; red- ness of the throat, a sensation as if the parts were swollen ; scraping pain, and dryness in the throat, with- out thirst. Dose.—Three globules every two hours. Bryonia.—Dry cough, and oppressed respiration, pain- ful sensibility of the throat when touched, on turning the head, or swallowing. Dose.—Give the same as Pulsatilla. Cantharides.—Burniug and grating, or smarting of the throat ; difficulty in swallowing liquids, tickling in the throat; dry cough, followed by distressing respiration, and sometimes bloody expectoration. Dose.—Three globules every two hours. Hepar.—Where the tonsils are very much swollen this remedy will often accelerate suppuration. Dose.—Give three globules every three hours. In malignant or putrid sore throat the disease may set in with great violence, and run its course in a short time. Arsenicum.—Is particularly indicated where there is great prostration of strength, fetid smell from the mouth, great restlessness, and anguish. Give three globules every three hours. (See the preceding remedies. Consult also Scarletina.) DYSPEPSIA. 205 CHAPTER VIII. AFFECTIONS OF THE STOMACH AND BOWELS. DYSPEPSIA. Owing to our artificial manner of living, this is by no means an uncommon disease. Did we live in perfect obedience to nature's laws, partaking of food at proper times, and in kind and quantity only what the system requires, we should escape a host of troublesome ailments, which fill our system with pain, and not unfrequently shorten our days. The stomach, crowded with rich food taken at all hours, or deprived of what is essential to the nourishment of the body, of a necessity becomes weak aud inactive, and utters its warnings in pain more or less severe, fret- fulness of disposition, and a general derangement of the entire system, as almost every organ in the body sympa- thizes with the stomach. Dyspepsia may be produced by taking too much and too rich food, by not enough, by eating at irregular hours, or eating too great a variety at one time ; by indulging in the free use of stimulants, tobacco, coffee, and from various other causes. Symptoms.—A sensation of weight in the stomach, or 206 AFFECTIONS OF THE THROAT. a fullness and heaviuess, especially after eating, appetite capricious, flatulence, belching of wind, nausea, and some- times vomiting of acid or bitter fluids ; drowsiness, parti- cularly after eating ; depression of spirits, and a general sense of uneasiness. Treatment.—Stimulants, such as ardent spirits, spices or tobacco, only produce a temporary relief, and should therefore be avoided. Food easy of digestion, a little at a time, and taken at regular intervals, will give the stomach time to act, and often gradually enable it to regain its natural strength. Recent cases of dyspepsia are generally controlled by means of Pulsatilla, Ipecac, or Nux- Vomica. Nux- Vomica.—Particularly indicated where there is a predisposition to piles, aud constipation, in persons of an irritable or lively temperament, and at the commencement of the treatment. Uupleasant taste iu the mouth, hun- ger, or repugnance to food ; nausea, or sour eructations, flatulence, headache, and disposition to sleep, sensation of fullness about the stomach, constipation. This remedy is particularly useful-where the sufferings are the result of various forms of dissipation. Dose.—In severe cases three globules every four hours; in cases of long standing give night and morning. Sulphur.—Especially in the beginning of the treatment and in chronic dyspepsia. There is a repugnance to food, pain in the stomach after eating, craving for acids, and acidity of the stomach. Dose.—Give the same as Nux, with which, in chronic DYSPEPSIA. 207 cases, it may be alternated—three globules of the Sul- phur being taken in the morning, and three of the Nux at night. Pulsatilla.—Particularly useful where the disease has been occasioned by fatty food ; there is craving for acids and rich food ; nausea, eructations, and oftentimes colic and diarrhea. Dose.—Give three globules every three hours. Bryonia.—Particularly useful in damp weather, aud where there is constipation ; painful sensibility of the stomach to the touch, and a sense of fullness ; vomiting of food after a meal; craving for stimulants, and aversion to food or morbid appetite. Dose.—Same as Pulsatilla. Ipecac.—Tongue furred with white or yellowish coating, insipid, clammy taste, nausea, and vomiting. Dose.—Give three globules every two hours. China.—Particularly in marshy districts, and where the system has been weakened by blood-letting and purg- ing ; indifference to food, and craving for stimulants, great weakness, drowsiness, and sensibility to currents of air. Dose.—Give three globules every four hours. Mercurius.—Unpleasant taste in the morning, consti- pation with straining ; painful sensibility of the stomach. Dose.—Give three globules morning and night. Arsenicum.—Stomach sensitive to the touch ; fullness or aching sensation ; burning pains, or colic in the sto- mach, sometimes with chillness and anguish ; great debi 208 AFFECTIONS OF THE STOMACH. lity, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, particularly after drinking. Dose.—Give three globules every three or four hours. Diet and Regimen.—Stimulants, and rich or highly-sea- soned food, should be avoided; simple food, plainly cooked, should be taken in moderate quantities at regular inter- vals ; drink but little at meals ; do not eat heartily when very much fatigued, and do not commence vio- lent labor, either physical or intellectual, within half an hour after eating ; use moderate exercise in the open air ; cultivate cheerful conversation, and avoid unpleasant or gloomy thoughts ; avoid dissipation of all kinds, and conform to the simple teaching of nature. By following these directions Dyspepsia, that fruitful source of a host of pains and torturing diseases, may be often removed with but little, if any medicine. (See, also Exer- cise, page 43 ; also from page 18 to 25.) NAUSEA AND VOMITING. These difficulties are sometimes the result of errors in diet, although, as a general thing, they occur in the pro- gress of other diseases. (See Dyspepsia—Fevers.) Ipecac.—In simple nausea or vomiting will generally produce relief. Pulsatilla.—Is particularly useful in females, and in nausea occasioned by the use of fatty food. SEA-SICKNESS. 209 Nux- Vomica.—When the vomiting is the result of dis- sipation. Cocculus or Pulsatilla.—When occasioned by the motion of a carriage, or from being on the water. Dose.—Three globules may be given every half-hour, hour, or two hours, according to the severity of the symptoms. SEA-SICKNESS. A description of sea-sickness would require the pen of a poet to do it justice. The retching and vomiting, the intense nausea, the disregard of life, and the lengthened visage, often furnish food for mirth to those who, from being frequently on the sea, or from other causes, escape entirely or in part, this annoying sickness. The severity and duration of this sickness depend in a great measure, upon temperament and the condition of the person at the time. Some are sick from the motion of a carriage, or when the water is but slightly disturbed, while others experience no trouble even in the wildest storms of the ocean. Treatment.—The patient should remain as much as pos- sible in the open air, and for the first few days avoid eating heartily. The confined air of the cabins or state-room is apt to increase the difficulty. Some obtain relief by drawing a bandage tightly around the body, just below the stomach. Three globules of Nux-Vomica taken on embarking will often prevent an attack. AFFECTIONS OF THE STOMACH. 210 Cocculus.—With nausea, extreme sensitiveness of smell; loathing of smoking ; hunger, but no appetite. This remedy is also particularly servicable for the nausea occa- sioned by the motion of a carriage. Dose.—Give three globules, at first every half-hour, until three doses have been taken, afterwards every hour or two hours. Arsenicum.—May follow Cocculus, if the sickness be- comes excessive, and is attended with great prostration, violent retching and vomiting, burning sensation in the throat or stomach. Dose.—Give three globules during the interval between the paroxysm, until relief is obtained, or another remedy is indicated. Nux-Vomica.—Particularly serviceable in persons of a bilious or nervous temperament, or in alternation with Cocculus, after Arsenicum has been given with benefit, to dissipate the sensations of swimming and nausea, which may remain. It may also be given in alternation with Arsenicum, particularly when the symptoms are slight, and commence soon after embarking. Dose.—If given alone, give three globules every two hours ; if in alternation with Cocculus, one hour apart ; if in alternation with Arsenicum, two hours apart. Ipecac.—Will be of benefit when the vomiting is free and unattended with prostration of strength. It is also of service when there is no vomiting, but constant and distressing nausea. Give three globules every hour until relieved. PAIN IN THE STOMACH. 211 SPASMS AND PAIN IN THE STOMACH. This affection is characterized by pain, more or less severe, in the region of the stomach. Sometimes the pain is very light, or dull and heavy, at others violently constrictive, cutting, or tearing, making the patient bend double. Hard pressure from without generally relieves the pain. The paroxysms vary in duration, and are often attended by vomiting, flatulence, hiccough, constipation, and palpitation of the heart. This disease may be occa- sioned by the same causes which produce Dyspepsia, viz., errors of diet, dissipation, &c. Treatment.—Apply externally hot cloths, or even a warm poultice. Nux-Vomica.—Is a valuable remedy, especially at the commencement of the disease. There is flatulence, op- pression of the chest, contractive, pressive, and spasmodic pain ; nausea, and water-brash ; changeable disposition ; palpitation of the heart. Dose.—In acute cases three globules every hour ; in chronic cases morning and night. Carbo-v.—After Nux, and when there is violent con- tractive spasmodic pain, worse on lying down ; flatulence, burning pressure, worse at night, or after a meal. Dose.—Give same as Nux. Cocculus.—When Nux fails to produce relief. Pulsatilla.—-Pain, either from fasting or overloading the stomach, with nausea and vomiting ; shooting pains, increased by walking, and in the evening. 212 AFFECTIONS OF THE BOWELS. Dose.—Give same as Nux. Bryonia.—In the milder forms of the disease ; pressure in the pit of the stomach, with sensation of swelling, head- ache, constipation. Give three globules every three hours. China.—Is indicated when the disease is occasioned by debility. Arsenicum.—When there is prostration, burning pain, vomiting on drinking the smallest quantity. COLIC. Colic is characterized by griping, tearing, or cutting pain, more or less severe, coming on in paroxysms in dif- ferent parts of the abdomen. The pain is often very vio- lent, is relieved by pressure, and is often attended by nausea and vomiting. The absence of fever, except in violent paroxysms, the pain being relieved by pressure, and the quiet, soft pulse distinguish colic from inflam- mation of the bowels. Colic may be produced by dissipation, errors in diet, cold, and any of the causes which have a tendency to derange the stomach and abdomen. Flatulent Colic.—Is often present in persons suffering from dyspepsia, or in those who have been poorly nour- ished, or who have been accustomed to the free use of spirits. Bilious Colic.—Preceding this form of colic there are usually symptoms of disordered stomach, such as bitter taste, yellow fur on the tongue, nausea, thirst, restless- COLIC 213 ness, severe, cutting, writhing pain. In short time vomit- ing supervenes ; the bowels are freely moved, when the symptoms gradually abate, and as a general thing the patient rapidly recovers. Painters' Colic.—This disease is occasioned by being exposed to the action of lead, and is very common among painters who use white-lead in their paint, as well as among plumbers, and those engaged in smelting-ores and in lead manufactories. At first, there is loss of appetite, restless nights, and disturbance of the nervous system; this is followed by vomiting, pain in the abdomen, at first in paroxysms, but gradually increasing, until it becomes almost constant. There is little or no fever, but head- ache, pain in the limbs, obstinate constipation, and after the severe symptoms have passed away, sometimes para- lysis of the extremities. An almost invariable symptom of Lead-Colic is a bluish line, extending along the edge of the gums ; sometimes this bluish tinge extends over the mouth. Treatment.—A warm bath will often produce speedy relief. If couvenieut the patient may be seated in the bath, the water coming up to the stomach, the upper part of the body being covered so as to confine the steam, and permitted to remain in this situation ten or twelve minutes. He can then be taken out and covered warm in the bed, bottles of hot water being placed to the feet. When this form of bath is not convenient, warm cloths can be placed over the abdomen. Nux-Vomica—Constipation, pressure in the abdomen 214 AFFECTIONS OF THE BOWELS. as from a stone, with flatulence, pinching or contractive paius, fullness and tension in the stomach and abdomen, griping and flatulence, pain iu the loins, and pressive headache, numbness during pain. Dose.—Give three globules every half-hour, until re- lieved, or a change of remedies is indicated. Colcoynth.—Violent cutting and griping pains, bruised sensation, and tenderness of the abdomen, constipation, or diarrhea, and bilious vomiting after eating. Dose.—The same as Nux. Pulsatilla.—Stinging pains in the bowels, and throb- bing at the pit of the stomach ; heaviness, fullness, tight- ness, or bruised sensation in the stomach and abdomen, incarcerated wind, with rumbling and griping, sore and bruised sensation of the bowels when touched ; pains worse in the evening, on lying down, and relieved by walk- ing about; pain in the small of the back when rising, nau- sea, diarrhea, pressive headache. Dose.—Give three globules every hour until relieved. Belladonna.—Violent pain in the stomach and bowels, as if the intestines were grasped by the finger-nails ; or spasmodic constriction in the bowels, with burning and pressure in the small of the back ; redness of the face, and pain in the head. Dose—Give three globules every half-hour until re- lieved, or a change of remedy is indicated. Cocculus.—Colic attended with constipation, with rum- bling of flatulence ; spasmodic pains, nausea, shortness of breath, and distention of the stomach ; sensation of empti- COLIC. 215 ness in the abdomen, tearing and burning in the bowels, with clawing in the stomach, nervous excitability. Dose.—Give the same as Belladonna. China.—Especially useful in flatulent colic, in debili- tated persons, and also where the pain appears at night. Dose.—Give three globules every hour. Arsenicum.—Violent pain with great anguish, sensation of burning or of cold in the abdomen, nausea, or vomiting. Dose.—Three globules every two hours. Mercurius.—Tenderness of the abdomen when touched; pains worse after midnight; nausea, water rising in the throat, or slimy diarrhea ; violent pains, especially around the navel, with distention and hardness of the abdomen, morbid appetite. Dose.—Give three globules every hour, until three doses have-been given, when, if not relieved, follow with Sulphur in the same manner. Diet and Regimen.—The food should be easy of diges- tion, carefully avoiding all flatulent diet. In violent cases of flatulent or bilious colic, where the bowels are constipated, it may be necessary to administer an injection. This may consist of about a pint of luke- warm water, administered with an ordinary syringe. In these cases also, the colic is often relieved by drinking freely of warm water sweetened with molasses. 216 JAUNDICE. JAUNDICE. This disease may be either acute or chronic, and con- tinue from a few days to several weeks. The liver is inactive and does not secrete the necessary amount of bile. Hence the bile, instead of being taken up by the liver, passes through the system, giving a yel- low color to the skin. There is a bitter taste, and some- times nausea, distended abdomen, and pain in the region of the liver. This affection is frequently the result of errors of diet, and from the abuse of quinine and cathar- tics. It may also follow Intermittent Fever. Treatment.—The patient should be kept in a warm, and even temperature and perspiration encouraged. Warm bathing, or the application of a bandage wrung out in cold water, around the body in the region of the liver, and this covered with a dry bandage, will often be of service. Mercurius.—Is a prominent remedy in almost all forms of this disease. Especially when it seems to have arisen from the digestive organs ; pain in the region of the liver. Dose.—Give three'globules three times a day. China.—Will be of benefit when the disease arises from the abuse of Mercury, and also where there is pres- sure at the stomach, distention of the abdomen, nausea. diarrhea, and great debility. Give the same as Mercurius. Nux- Vomica.—When occasioned by chagrin and anger, by abuse of spirits, coffee, or tobacco, also by sudden changes of temperature. DIARRHEA. 217 Dose.—Give three globules three times a day. Pulsatilla.—Espesially after abuse of China, and from overloaded stomach, unpleasant dreams, and restlessness at night; bitter taste in the mouth, bilious vomiting, throbbing in the pit of the stomach. Dose.—Give three globules every four hours. Either of the above remedies may be given in acute cases every three or four hours, in chronic cases three times a day. Diet and Regimen.—Farinaceous food, fruits, &c, and in chronic cases meat simply cooked. DIARRHEA. Diarrhea consists of loose evacuations from the bowels, more or less frequent, and brought on by various causes. It may be produced by cold, suppressed perspiration, fright, or fear, and by disordered state of the stomach. Diarrhea is not unfrequently developed during the pro- gress of serious diseases ; it sometimes indicates a favor- able crisis, at others the rapid prostration of the system. When it is a favorable symptom there is a decrease of fever, and a more even, and quiet circulation. Much harm is often done by means of cathartic, which, acting powerfully on the already weakened intestinal canal, weakens it still more. A free use of astringents and narcotics, such as opium, or sugar of lead, may check the diarrhea, but in so doing the cause is not 10 218 AFFECTIONS OF THE BOWELS. removed and that, still acting, may develop a more serious affection in some other organ. The object of the remedy should be to remove irrita- tion, and bring back the weakened intestinal canal to its original strength. Treatment.—Dulcamara.—Is especially indicated when the diarrhea has been occasioned by cold, and the eva- cuations are of a green, yellow, sour, or slimy character, occurring particularly at night, and often accompanied with cutting pain. Dose.— Give three globules every three, four, or six hours. China.—If the diarrhea be of a debilitating kind, occurring particularly at night, or after eating, and con- taining undigested food. Dose.—Give morning, noon, and night. Arsenicum.—Evacuations of a watery, slimy, bilious, putrid, or brownish character, with burning or tearing pains, especially after midnight, thirst, vomiting, and great prostration ; pale face, distention of the abdomen, and colduess of the extremities. Dose.—In violent cases three globules may be given every hour, until relieved. Bryonia.—Especially during the heat of summer, or when produced by driuking cold water, by vexation, fright, or a fit of passion. Dose.—Give three globules every three hours. Colocynth.—Bilious or watery diarrhea, with spasmodic DIARRHEA. 219 colic, and violent, griping pain, particularly when caused by vexation or passion. Dose.—Give three globules every hour or two hours, until relieved. Chamomilla.—Slimy, bilious, or watery diarrhea, yel- lowish or greenish, resembling chopped eggs ; want of appetite, rumbling in the bowels ; tearing, griping pain, fullness of the stomach, and sometimes bilious vomiting. Give same as Colocynth. Ipecac—Watery diarrhea, with nausea, vomiting; bloody or slimy diarrhea, with tearing, colic, and rest- lessness. Dose.—Give every two hours. Pulsatilla.—Particularly when occasioned by a disor- dered stomach, and the stools are of a watery, greenish, or slimy character, accompanied by cutting pain ; worse at night. Give same as Ipecac. Mercurius.—Evacuations of a watery, bilious, slimy, or frothy character, or greenish aud bloody, preceded by colic and griping, and followed by straining, burning, itching, and excoriation of the anus, nausea, and shiver- ing. Dose.—Give three globules every three hours. Nux-Vomica.—Frequent but scanty evacuations, with griping pain, colic, and straining. Give as above. Phosphorus.—In chronic diarrhea, with painless eva- cuations and emaciation. Give morning and night. Veratrum.—Diarrhea resembling cholera (which see), or where there are cramp-like or cutting pains and debility. 220 AFFECTIONS OF THE BOWELS. Diet and Regimen.—In severe cases rest is advisable. The diet should consist of light, unirritating food, such as toast, farina, or arrow-root, except in chronic cases, where it may be more nourishing, yet easy of digestion. Fruits and acid drinks should generally be avoided, ex- cept perhaps in bilious diarrheas, occurring during the heat of summer, when a little of some slightly acid drinks, such as cider, or weak lemonade, will often produce not only marked relief, but a complete cure. DYSENTERY--BLOODY FLUX. This disease is intensely painful, and requires prompt and vigorous treatment. It is generally attended with fever, and sometimes headache, nausea, and vomiting. Preceding the attack there is usually a loss of appetite, constipation, or diarrhea. These symptoms are soon fol- lowed by evacuations of mucus, then mucus mixed with blood, and sometimes pure blood, with almost constant desire for stool, violent straining, and intense pain. The discharge at times is of a whitish or jelly-like mucus, resembling the scraping of the intestines, or green, black, and fetid, or perhaps pure blood. It may be occasioned by indigestible food, decayed or unripe fruits, abuse of spirituous liquors, or sudden suppression of perspiration. It often prevails to an alarming extent in damp, marshy districts, and is most violent in the summer and au- tumn. Treatment.—Aconite.—Is indicated in the commence- DYSENTERY.^ 221 ment, where there are fever, shivering, heat, and thirst, with rheumatic pains in the head, neck, and shoulders, watery or bilious evacuations, sometimes tinged with blood; dull, or cutting pain in the bowels. Dose.—Give three globules every two or three hours, until relieved, or another remedy is indicated. Belladonna.—May be given after, or in alternation with Aconite, where in addition to the fever the symptoms are worse in the afternoon, the patient restless, the face red, and the head hot. Dose.—The same as Aconite. Mercurius.—Is one of the most valuable remedies in the treatment of this disease. Violent straining, with bearing down pain, as if the intestines would be forced out, which only produces a passage of blood, or blood mixed with a substance resembling chopped eggs. During, or preceding the evacutions, there may be nausea, colic, or shivering. Colocynth.—Bloody stools, fullness and pressure in the bowels, and particularly severe griping colic, sometimes so violent as to cause the patient to bend double. Dose.— Colocynth and Mercurius are often indicated at the same time, when they may be given in alternation, three globules one, two, or three hours apart. When either is given alone, three globules may be taken every two or three hours. Ipecac—Is particularly useful in Fall Dysentery, where there is nausea, straining, and colic, with stools first of a slimy, then of bloody mucus. 222 AFFECTIONS OF THE BOWELS. Dose.—Give three globules every two or three hours. Arsenicum.—Burning pain in evacuating the bowels, rapid prostration of strength, coldness of the extremities, putrid and offensive discharges, which are often involun- tary. Dose.—Give three globules every two or three hours China.—Where the disease occurs in marshy countries, and is accompanied with great prostration of strength. Dose.—Give every three hours. Nux- Vomica.—Small, frequent evacuations, with strain- ing and cutting pain about the navel ; particularly useful when brought On by the heat of summer. Dose.—Give the same as China. Sulphur.—After other remedies have failed, a few doses of Sulphur given at intervals of three or four hours, will often produce relief. Diet.—All animal food should be avoided ; the patient should keep in a reclining posture, in a well-ventilated room ; the food and drink should consist of cold water, toast water, rice coffee, arrow-root, farina, and gruel. CHOLERA MORBUS. This disease occurs principally in summer and autumn, and runs its course rapidly. It may be preceded by languor and nausea, but it generally comes on suddenly. There is nausea, violent vomiting, and purging, accompa- nied with cutting aud griping colic, particularly about the navel. In the severe form of this disease there may be CHOLERA MORBUS. 223 cramps in the extremities, cold, and clammy skin, and great prostration. The disease is occasioned by taking cold suddenly in hot weather, exposure to long-continued heat, and food of an unhealthy character. Ipecac.—May be given in the commencement of this disease, where there is nausea and vomiting. Veratrum.—Should be given if, notwithstanding Ipecac, the disease still advances ; the vomiting and diar- rhea are violent, the abdomen is tender to the touch ; there are violent pains in the region of the navel, and sometimes cramps in the extremities. Arsenicum.—Is indicated where the disease commences with violence, and is attended with rapid prostration of strength. Colocyntn.—Is also a valuable remedy where there is violet griping colic, and bilious vomiting. Dose.—Three globules may be given where the symp- toms are violent, every twenty minutes, increasing the intervals when the unpleasant symptoms abate. Diet and Regimen—Dry, hot clothes should be applied to the abdomen, the patient kept warm by means of blankets, and perhaps bottles of hot water to the feet. ASIATIC CHOLERA. This fearful disease sometimes sets in without any per- ceptible premonitory symptoms, and runs its course in a few hours. There are, however, usually premonitory symp- 224 AFFECTIONS OF THE BOWELS. toms, such as general uneasiness, dizziness, rumbling in the bowels, and diarrhea. As the disease becomes fully developed, there is violent vomiting and diarrhea, and rapid prostration of strength. After a few evacuations the diarrhea presents the appear- ance of rice-water, and is without smell. There is a pain- ful, burning sensation in the stomach, intense thirst, fear- ful cramps in the bowels and extremities, and great restlessness. The face presents a sunken appearance, the voice is hollow, and the extremities cold. The predisposing causes are undoubtedly unripe fruit, indigestible and unwholesome food, dissipation, by which the system loses its vital force, badly ventilated rooms, impure air, occasioned by decaying animal or vegetable matter, and any cause which has a tendency to derange the stomach or bowels, or greatly fatigue or excite the mind or body. When this disease prevails people should live as temperate as possible, avoiding unnecessary fatigue or ex- citement. Further than this no particular change should be made in living, except that the fruit aud vegetables should be ripe and fresh, and the food easy of digestion. Treatment.— Camphor is the great specific in the first stage. The vomiting and rice-water discharges will not unfrequently be entirely checked by a few doses of this remedy. Cover the patient up warm in bed, apply warmth to the feet, and give one drop of the tincture of Camphor in a little water every three, five, or ten minutes, until a genial warmth begins to pervade the system, when it may be given less frequently, and when a full perspiration CHOLERA. 225 commences cease entirely. A little brandy and water may now be given ; if headache should follow the use of Camphor, give three globules of Belladonna; should, how- ever, cramps commence in the extremities or bowels, the diarrhea still continuing, Veratrum should be given, six globules every ten or fifteen minutes. If there is great oppression and spasmodic constriction about the chest, Cuprum will be required, given the same as Veratrum, with which it can generally be alternated, ten or fifteen minutes apart. , Should the disease pass into the stage of collapse, indi- cated by complete prostration, general coldness, and burning sensation in the stomach, and the above reme- dies have been used, three globules of Arsenicum may be given every half-hour. During the progress of the disease small lumps of ice may be held in the mouth, external warmth in the early stage should be applied in the form of warm blankets, or bottles of hot water, and the limbs should be rubbed with the dry hand. For the precursory symptoms, such as diarrhea, head- ache, &c, consult those diseases. Diet and Regimen.—As the severity of the disease sub- sides, a little brandy and water may be given, or a little broth, gradually returning to the old diet. CONSTIPATION. Constipation often exists in connection with some other 10* 226 CONSTIPATION. disease. It is usually occasioned by a deranged state of the stomach, or inaction of the liver and bowels, it fre- quently exists in persons who lead a sedentary life, taking but little exercise, and is also the result of dissipation, and irregularity iu eating. It can usually be remedied by exercise, and food of opening character, such as fruit and vegetables. (See Exercise, page 43 ; Food, page 19.) Treatment.—Cathartics should be avoided, as they have a tendency, by weakening the bowels, to increase the difficulty. Injections can be used where mechanical means are required. Nux-Vomica.—Is a valuable remedy, especially in chronic cases, occasioned by dissipation, sedentary habits, or indigestible food. There may be, aside from the con- stipation, headache. Dose.—Six globules may be given at night, and six of Sulphur in the morning for a week if necessary. Opium.—Is of benefit in more recent cases, when occa- sioned by sedentary habits, and where there is fullness about the head. Dose.—Give three globules morning and night. In chronic cases the sitz-bath is a valuable help, also bathing the abdomen freely with cold water. After the bowels have become strong, a stated hour every day for going to stool, exercise, and proper attention to diet, will prevent all further difficulty. PILES. 227 PILES. These are small tumours or lumps just within the rectum; they sometimes bleed, and, at other times, their presence is only indicated by a sense of fullness and pain. They are often occasioned by constipation, also by the free use of cathartics under Allopathic treatment. The sitz-bath is of great benefit. The patient seating himself in a tub of cold water, the water coming up around the hips, and remaining in that position for three or four minutes. Nux- Vomica.—Is of benefit when occasioned by consti- pation, errors of diet, or sedentary life. It may be given six pellets at night, and six of Sulphur in the morning. Belladonna.—May be given in alternation with Arnica, two or three hours apart, where there is severe pain in the small of the back, and discharge of blood. 228 URINARY AND GENITAL ORGANS. CHAPTER IX. URINARY AND GENITAL ORGANS. The kidneys, whose office it is to secrete the urine, are located on either side of the spine, just below the last false rib. The urine is conveyed from each kidney by a small tube to the bladder. The bladder is the reservoir for the urine, and is situated in the lower part of the abdomen. INFLAMMATION OF THE BLADDER. In inflammation of the bladder there are chills, fever, and sometimes nausea. The urine is discharged drop by drop, is thick, dark red, and there is more or less pain in the region of the bladder. Should there be much fever, and difficulty in passing water, Aconite should be given in alternation with Cantharides, every one, two, or three hours. Nux.—Will be found of benefit when occasioned by abuse of spirituous liquors. Give every three or four hours. Avoid wines and liquors, and all kinds of stimu- lating food. The same treatment may be pursued in Inflammation of the Kidneys. URINARY AND GENITAL ORGANS. 229 SUPPRESSION AND RETENTION OF URINE. These affections generally exist iu connection with some other disease, and should receive prompt attention. In suppression of the urine there is no secretion, while in retention, the urine is secreted, but, owing to a weakened state of the neck of the bladder, or some mechanical cause, it is not discharged. Warm or cold cloths may be applied over the region of the bladder or kidneys, and Nux given every two or three hours. INCONTINENCE OF URINE. This may be occasioned by a weakness of the neck of the bladder, which is sometimes so great that a person is able to retain his water but a short time. The sitz-bath and electricity are valuable remedies. (See Electricity.) Cantharides.—May be given six globules every night. SEMINAL EMISSIONS. This discharge frequently occurs in the young, just after reaching puberty, aud is generally occasioned by irregular habits, and a morbid imagination. The cultivation of a more healthy frame of mind, and, if remedies are required, the sitz-bath, and electricity are all that will be required. (See Electricity.) 230 GONORRHEA—CLAP. GONORRHEA—CLAP. This disease consists of an inflammation of the urethra, (or passage from which the water is discharged), and only extends at first about an inch or two from the end of the penis. In from two to six days after an im- pure connection, a tingling or itching sensation is felt at the orifice of the urethra, especially when urinating. Soon the lips of the urethra become red aud swollen, and the emission of urine is attended with burning, scalding pain. A discharge is now perceived, at first of a mucus character, but as the inflammation continues, becoming greenish or yellow. At night there may be painful erec- tions of the penis. Treatment.—During the inflammatory stage, characte- rized by painful swelling, and burning in passing water, Aconite and Cantharides should be given in alternation, three globules at a dose, three hours apart. When the severity of the inflammation has subsided Mercurius may be given, six globules three times a day, followed by Sulphur at the same intervals, when the dis- charge becomes of a whitish character. After the inflammatory symptoms have subsided, if the discharge should still prove obstinate, three drops of Balsam Copaiva may be given three times a day. During the progress of the disease remain as quiet as possible, and avoid liquor and stimulating food. If the inflammation is severe the penis may be wrapped in cloths wrung out in cold water, and for the painful erections at night two drops of Camphor may be taken. SYPHILIS. 231 SYPHILIS. Every discharge from the urethra may not be the result of an impure connection, neither is every sore upon the genitals syphilitic. The chancre usually presents it- self at the end of the penis, iu the form of a red itching pimple, from three to eight days after connection. If allowed to go on it gradually increases in size, until it becomes a large and deep ulcer. If the disease is not thoroughly exterminated from the system, often effects of the most serious character are the result, such as sores, eruptions, and a general breaking up of health. Mercurius.—Taken morning and night, should com- mence the treatment, but the patient should lose no time in consulting a judicious physician. Avoid adver- tising quacks, for as a general thing they do much more harm than good. 232 RHEUMATISM. CHAPTER X. RHEUMATISM. This extremely painful disease is very common in damp and changeable climates. Acute rheumatism is ushered in by a chilly sensation and a general sense of uneasiness. The joints are most liable to be affected, although the pain flies from one part of the body to the other. The pains are variable in character, dull, aching, or sharp, aud aggravated by the slightest movement. There may be redness and swelling of the part affected, or these symp- toms may be absent. In chronic rheumatism the pain is less severe, and is attended with no fever. In all forms of rheumatism the urine is acid and high-colored. Treatment.—When there is much swelling or pain, cold or warm water may be applied, as is most agreeable to the patient. Six drops of Arnica may be mixed with three table-spoonfuls of water, and the swollen parts bathed with the mixture. Aconite.—Should be given if much fever is present, quick pulse, heat, and dry skin. It may be alternated with Belladonna., Rhus, or Bryonia. Belladonna.—Fever and pain in the head ; swelling, RHEUMATISM. 233 with shining redness ; shooting pains, increased at night, and by a movement. Bryonia.—Tearing pains increased by the slightest movement ; shivering, headache, and gastric symptoms. Rhus.—Violent pains, worse at night, and in change- able weather, and relieved by motion. Pulsatilla.—Pains, rapidly passing from one part to another, and relieved by exposing the part to the air. Mercurius.—Pains increased by the warmth of the bed, by cold and damp air, and towards morning ; swelling of the parts ; perspiration, which, however, does not afford relief. Nux-Vomica.—Tensive pains, particularly about the back, chest, and loins ; sensation of torpor, or numbness of the parts ; twitching of the muscles. Dose.—In the early part of the disease, when consi- derable fever is present, it will often be advisable to alternate Aconite with some of the other remedies. Of the remedy selected give three globules every two, three or four hours, according to symptoms. In chronic rheumatism lemon-juice will often be bene- ficial Sulphur is also a valuable remedy, given morning and night. Great benefit also may be derived from the " Galvanic Battery." (See Electricity.) For Lumbago, or pain in the back, Nux, Bryonia, Rhus, and Pulsatilla, are the prominent remedies ; fever, as directed above. 234 INJURIES FROM ACCIDENTS. CHAPTER XL INJURIES FROM ACCIDENTS. In our progress through the world, we are constantly liable to accidents and mechanical injuries, more or less severe. Occurring, sometimes, when it is impossible to obtain a physician or surgeon immediately, and when immediate action may not only prevent a vast amount of suffering, but even save life, every person should know what to do, until professional aid can be obtained. In all cases, when the injury is severe, a physician or sur- geon should, of course, be obtained, as speedily as possible. BURNS AND SCALDS. In slight, superficial burns or scalds, the injured part may be held near the fire ; this, at first, may increase the pain, but in a short time produces entire relief. When the burn is not deep, turpentine, alcohol, brandy, or rum, warmed, may be applied, continuing to moisten the in- jured part until the pain is relieved. A very excellent application, not only in deep and severe burns, but where they are more superficial, is soap. Castile or white soap should be scraped and made BURNS, SPRAINS. 235 into a salve with tepid water, and this, spread on linen or muslin, applied over the whole injured part. This dress- ing may be changed, if necessary, once in twenty-four hours, being careful not to disturb the parts by washing. If blisters form puncture them with a needle, but do not expose the parts more than is necessary. If the soap is too irritating, a very excellent and sooth- ing liniment may be made by shaking thoroughly to- gether equal parts of sweet-oil and lime-water. This lini- ment may be applied in the same way as the soap. An- other very excellent application in extensive burns or scalds, is wheat-flour, dusted plentifully over the injured parts, keeping the parts constantly covered with the flour. In scalds it is often necessary to cut the cloths, so as to remove them without producing serious injury. The garment should always be removed with the utmost care. If much fever should be present, give Aconite, every two or three hours. If there should be trouble about the head, Belladonna may be given, and if there is much nervous excitement, Rhus. SPRAINS. A severe sprain is often more painful and tedious than a fracture or dislocation. The injured part should be wrapped in cloths wet with cold water, or a mixture composed of one-fourth Arnica to three-fourth* water. The same treatment may be 236 INJURIES FROM ACCIDENTS. pursued in bruises, mixing at the same time two drops of Arnica in a glass half-full of water, and giving a tea- spoonful three times a day. When from a fall or blow the head or nervous system becomes affected, Belladonna may be alternated with the Arnica one, two, or three hours apart, as the symptoms indicate. DISLOCATIONS. Dislocations of the shoulder and elbow-joint are more common than any other. The appearance of the joint, compared with the one on the other side, together with the inability or great pain in moving the limb, point very clearly to the cause of the difficulty. By a person possessed of a little mechanical skill, sim- ple dislocations may be reduced with but little difficulty. Ascertain by careful examination the exact location of the old joint, and also of the end of the bone which has been forced from the socket. Move the opposite limb in different directions, watching carefully the action of the muscles. Then, with the thumb strongly pressed upon the end of the bone which has been forced from the socket, lift the injured limb carefully upwards, bringing it either forward or backward, all the time pressing with the thumb, making that the fulcrum, and the limb the lever. In this way a person, with a little care and though^ can often reduce a simple dislocation with but little trouble. In all cases a physician or surgeon should be obtained, if possible. When the dislocation is fol- DISLOCATIONS, FRACTURES, WOUNDS. 237 lowed by much pain or swelling, cold water or Arnica may be applied in the same manner as directed for sprains. FRACTURES. A fracture can very readily be detected by a peculiar grating sound heard on moving the parts. This sound is occasioned by the ends of the fractured bones rubbing against each other. There is usually considerable pain, and more or less swelling. The ends of the fractured bones should be brought carefully together, so, that when united, the limb shall be as nearly as possible as it was before it was broken. The limb should be kept perfectly still, all motion being prevented by means of splints placed by the sides of the limb, and the whole wound with a bandage. This, at first, should uot be applied very tight for fear of swelling. If there is much swelling, cold water or Arnica, should be applied, as directed for sprains. WOUNDS. Simple incised wounds are generally attended with no fever, and heal with but little trouble. Punctured, lace- rated, or gun-shot wounds, on the contrary, are often attended with severe febrile disturbance, producing not unfrequently mortification and death. Incised wounds bleed freely, but lacerated or gun-shot wounds seldom cause much hemorrhage. 238 INJURIES FROM ACCIDENTS. In all wounds the parts should be carefully washed, and all foreign substances removed. The hemorrhage may often be controlled by pressing the lips of the wound together with the finger, and the free application of cold water, or Arnica and water. If, however, one of the arteries is injured, which may be known by the bright red blood spouting out in jets at each pulsation of the heart, and the above measures do not check the hemor- rhage, the current should be shut off by compressing the artery above the wound. To do this a piece of cork or pebble may be placed above the wound, directly on a line with the point from which the blood spouts. Over this, and around the entire limb a handkerchief may be tightly bound, introducing, if necessary, under the handkerchief a small stick, twisting it round. In this way the artery is compressed, and the hemorrhage immediately stopped. When the wound is in the lower part of the leg, the application should be made in the bend of the knee ; when it is in the hand or forearm, in the bend of the elbow. The artery can now be readily tied with a thread. Cut from the Arnica-plaster (Adhesive-plaster will answer as well) long, narrow strips ; moisten them, and, pressing the wound firmly together, place the strips across, so that they will extend some little distance over either side. If the wound is deep and gaping, it may be necessary to put in two or three stitches. If much heat or swelling is present, the parts may be bathed with Arnica and water, or cold water. In deep, punctured wouuds, it may be necessary, at first, to intro- STINGS OF INSECTS. 239 duce lint, so that the wound may heal up from the bot- tom. This lint should be removed every day or two, and the parts washed with tepid water. If considerable fever should set in, Aconite may be given once in two or three hours ; if the parts are swollen and painful; Belladonna may be given at the same intervals. STINGS OF INSECTS, AND BITES OF SERPENTS. The bite of a poisonous serpent sometimes produces death in a few hours. The poison is speedily transmitted to every part of the system, and the remedy should be applied immediately. The wound should be exposed to dry heat, by means of a coal of fire, a hot iron, or even the stump of a cigar. The heated substance should be held as near the wound as possible without burning, and con- tinued until a stretching, shivering sensation is experi- enced. When no fire can be obtained the poison may sometimes be sucked out with the mouth. Oil, soap, or saliva may be applied around the wound ; a little salt and water, or gun-powder, may be taken into the mouth from time to time. If there are severe shooting pains, nausea, Arsenicum may be given every fifteen minutes. The bite of spiders, mosquitoes, and other poisonous insects, and the sting of bees, may be relieved by bathing the parts with Spirits of Ammonia (Spirits of Harts- horn), or black garden mould may be placed over the swollen parts, renewing the application when the pain increases. For the sting of a bee iu the mouth or eye, 240 STINGS OF INSECTS. honey may be applied, smoke, tobacco smoke, or burning, brown sugar on coals will often drive off mosquitoes. The application of almost any alkali to the bite will produce relief. APPARENT DEATH. 241 CHAPTER XII. APPARENT DEATH. From Drowning.—Some persons on being precipitated into the water, stunned by the fall, or paralyzed by fear, sink like lead, and die without a struggle. Others strug- gle fearfully for life, rising to the surface of the water several times, and eagerly seizing hold of anything within their reach. Every time they come to the surface an attempt is made to obtain air, but usually water is intro- duced with it, which, exciting a cough, expels the little air introduced. The blood, from want of air, ceases to become arterialized, the action of the heart grows fainter and fainter, and, after the first struggle is over, the vic- tim glides quietly, and almost with a sense of pleasure, into the arms of death. Death is not occasioned, as is sometimes supposed, by the admission of water into the lungs, for but very little, if any, is introduced, but simply from shutting off the necessary supply of air, by which the blood can become arterialized. Often when persons are taken from the water appa- rently dead, life may be restored by well-directed and judicious efforts. The mouth and nostrils should be cleansed, the wet clothes removed, and the body wiped dry and immediately 11 242 APPARENT DEATH. covered with warm, dry clothes or blankets. If the weather is cold, this should be done on the spot, unless there is some dwelling close at hand. These simple directions should always be observed, and all harsh usage or confusion avoided. Act energetically and with decision, but remember that confusion or failing to act right destroys the only chance for life. In removing the body do not lift it by the shoulders and legs, so that the head falls backward and forward, but place it on a board or cart, in a recumbent posture, with the head and breast raised. On reaching the desti- nation cover the body with warm, dry blankets, apply bottles of hot water to the feet and arm-pits. Keep the mouth and nostrils free, and the head and chest raised. As soon as these preliminary steps have been taken, resort to artificial respiration. By means of a strip of cloth fit the tube of a common bellows accurately to one nostril, while the other is closed by the hand of an assis- tant, who, at the same time, closes the mouth. Let another assistant with his right hand press back- ward, and draw gently downward toward the chest, the upper end of the wind-pipe, that prominence just below the chin, usually called Adam's apple; by doing this the passage to the stomach is stopped, while the wind-pipe is open for the free admission of air to the lungs. The left hand of the second assistant is to be spread lightly over the pit of the stomach, ready to compress the chest, and expel the air again, as soon as the lungs have been mode- APPARENT DEATH. 243 rately filled ; the fijret assistant unstopping the mouth and nostrils at the same time, to let the air escape. The same operation is to be repeated in a regular and steady manner, either until natural respiration begins, or until this and the other measures recommended, have been per- sisted in for three or four hours. In the absence of the bellows, or until one can be pro- cured, air can be blown into the lungs, by applying the mouth of the operator to that of the patient, and ex- pelled in the manner directed above While the process of artifidal respiration is going on, others may be engaged in applying continued heat, such as dry, warm blankets, bottles of hot water, or hot bricks, and gentle friction with the hand. A warm bath, not exceeding 100°, would also be of benefit. Slight shocks of electricity or galvanism passed through the diaphragm, or region of the heart, sometimes succeed when everything else fails. The first signs of returning life are slight twitching of the muscles of respiration. When these signs are ob- served, the efforts should be increased, as the life of the patient can only be saved by continued exertion. As soon as the patient can swallow, a little brandy and water can, from time to time, be given. The return of life is often attended with the most intense pain. Even when the breathing has become calm, and the pulse regular, the patient should be closely watched for some hours. 244 APPARENT DEATH Apparent Death from Hanging, Choking, or Smother- ing.—The treatment is precisely similar to that indicated in apparent death from drowning. Apparent Death from Hunger.—Small injections of warm milk should be repeatedly given, and cloths, wet with warm brandy, placed on the stomach. As signs of returning life manifest themselves, warm milk may be given, a tea-spoonful at a time, to be followed, after a short interval, by a little beef-tea, or a few drops of wine, by degrees returning to a full diet. Apparent Death from noxious Gases.—The presence of these gases, frequently found in wells, or where fomenta- tion is going on, may be detected by lowering a can- dle ; if the candle goes out, the air will not support life ;' while, if it burns brightly, there is no danger. In burn- ing charcoal in an open room, the carbon of the coal, unit- ing with the oxygen of the air, forms carbonic acid gas, and unless the room is freely ventilated, the air soon becomes incapable of supporting life. Remove the patient to the open air, dash cold water upon the face and chest, and employ artificial respiration as directed for drowning. Apparent Death from Freezing.—The first symptoms of approaching danger is an irresistible drowsiness, which, if indulged, will soon glide into the sleep of death. When APPARENT DEATH. 245 a person is found in this state, he should not be removed to a warm room, but to a place of shelter. If the body is stiff he should be covered several inches with snow, leaving the nostrils free. If snow cannot be obtained, place him in a bath of cold water. After the stiffness is removed by this treatment, gradually remove the clothes, cutting them off if necessary, and rub the body with snow, until it becomes red, or let it be placed in a room moderately warmed, covered with flannel, and briskly rubbed with the hands. If still no signs of life show themselves, give every fifteen minutes an enema of Camphor and water. As soon as the patient is able, let him swallow a little warm, black coffee. For the severe pains, which follow, give Carbo-v., in alternation with Arsenicum. The pa- tient should for some little time avoid the heat of the fire. Apparent Death from Lightning.—Place the body in the open air, and dash cold water upon the face and chest. Should the body be cold, apply warmth or friction. Artificial respiration should be practiced as recommended for drowning. A powder of Nux-Vomica may be placed on the tongue every fifteen or twenty minutes. 246 POISON AND THEIR ANTIDOTES. CHAPTER XIII. POISONS AND THEIR ANTIDOTES. In cases of poisoning, life itself may depend upon a prompt and vigorous treatment. Where poison has been taken into the stomach, it should be expelled as speedily as possible, by vomiting or the stomach-pump. If this cannot be done, some remedy should be administered, which will destroy the action of the poison. Vomiting can generally be produced by introducing the finger into the throat, or by drinking freely of tepid water ; also by placing snuff or mustard mixed with salt on the tongue. In some cases it will be necessary to give Ipecac, or Tartar Emetic. Muriatic, Nitric, Oxalic, or Sulphuric Acid.—When poi- soning occurs from these acids, if nothing else is at hand, drink freely of water, which will dilute the acid. Give immediately Carbonate of Magnesia, Chalk, Old Mortar, or even Plaster, scraped from the walls ; or soap-suds, or wood-ashes mixed with water. Arsenic.—Produce vomiting if possible, after which give soap-suds, or the white of eggs. Corrosive Sublimate.—The white of eggs should be mixed with cold water, and given every two or three POISON AND THEIR ANTIDOTES. 24T minutes, so long as the matter vomited contains a white opaque material, but when the substance vomited becomes transparent, no more should be given. If the white of eggs cannot be obtained, soap and water should be mixed with wheat-flour, and given plentifully. Copper.—The Acetate of Copper is often formed in cook- ing-utensils, when they are not properly cleaned, in the form of Verdigris. Give freely of the white of eggs, or sugar; after vomiting has been produced give Carbonate of Soda. Lead.—Poisoning from lead is common among paint- ers, and where water is used which has been standing for some time in lead-pipes. (See Lead Colic.) Poisonous effects are often produced by taking through mistake Sugar of Lead. Produce vomiting immediately, and then give dilute Sulphuric Acid, or Epsom, or Glauber Salts. TartarEmetic.—For the poisonous effects produced by Tartar Emetic, give strong coffee, green tea, or a decoctio* of oak-bark. Tin.—Sour food allowed to remain in tin vessels, some- times produces poisoning. Give the white of eggs, sugar, or milk. Shellfish.—Sometimes produce vomiting. Encourage vomiting, and give charcoal, sugar and water, or strong coffee. Animal Matter.—Rendered poisonous by putrefaction or disease. Give diluted vinegar, or lemon-juice, and afterwards strong coffee. 248 POISON AND THEIR ANTIDOTES. Nitre.—Saltpetre.—Produce vomiting by tepid water, afterwards give mucilaginous drinks, such as gum-water, or flax-seed tea. Opium.—When this drug in the form of Gum, Lauda- num, or Morphine, produces poisonous effects, vomiting should be produced as speedily as possible. As much Tartar Emetic as can be placed on a five cent piece, may be dissolved in a glass half-full of tepid water, and given a third every ten minutes, until vomiting takes place, giving in the intervals tepid water. When it is impos- sible to produce vomiting, it is necessary to use the sto- mach-pump. After some of the poison has been thrown from the stomach, give strong coffee, vinegar, or lemon- juice. The strong desire to sleep should be prevented by walking the patient about, or dashing cold water into the face. In poisoning from Hyosciamus, Belladonna, Stra- monium (or Stink-weed), Hemlock, Camphor, Strychnine, Lobelia (or Indian Tobacco), and most of the other narcotics, the treatment is similar to that indicated for Opium. Rhus.—Ivy.—The running or climbing Ivy, or, as it is sometimes called in the country, Mercury, will some- times poison persons who come near it. It produces a perfect Erysipelas, with large blisters. Bathing with salt and water will be of benefit. Take internally a cup of coffee, or three globules of Belladonna. Tbo Sumac belongs to the same class of poison. ELECTRICITY. 249 CHAPTER XIV. ELECTRICITY. Electricity and Magnetism perform an important part in every form of animal or vegetable life. Without them the earth would be a barren waste, and man could not exist. There would be no life-giving power in air or earth, no spiritual essence, developing in the world forms of beauty and fragrance, and peopling the earth with intelligent human beings. Deprive a plant of the action of these forces, generated in the earth and air, and it would die. Sever the nerve which transmits the nervous fluid from the brain to any organ, and that organ would cease to act. Flowing out from the brain, in whose secret chambers it is generated, the nervous fluid passes along the nerves of volition to every part of the body, communicating life and health. In the capillaries, that net-work which ramifies every part of the system, when the arteries and veins unite, the nerves of volition carry- ing the nervous fluid outward from the brain unite with the nerves of sensation, which carry impressions inward to the brain. Thus we have formed the complete circuit. If then, from any of the numerous unhealthy influences to which we are exposed, this circuit in those minute 11* 250 MAGNETISM. capillaries is obstructed, pain is the result, and if the obstruction is complete, of course, in that part there is no action, and suppuration or disorganization of the parts ensues. We can readily perceive then what an important agent electricity or magnetism must be in the cure of various forms of disease. The mildest form of magnetism is undoubtedly what is called animal magnetism, or the impression which one person may produce upon another through the action of the mind, and certain passes of the hands. When there is a high state of nervous excite- ment, or severe pain, this form of magnetism sometimes produces a very charming effect. Almost every one has noticed the soothing effect pro- duced in severe headache, or the restlessness of fever, by holding the band on the head, or gently passing it over the forehead. When there is any seated pain, if mus- cular or nervous, passing the hand gently, in one direc- tion, over the painful part, will often produce marked relief. In applying this form of magnetism, one hand may be placed on the head or the forehead, while the other holds a hand of the patient; or both hands may be pressed on the head, or passes may be made down- ward, or the hand passed gently in one direction over the painful part. If the impression is too strong it will be only necessary to reverse the passes. Next to Animal Magnetism we may notice the Electro- Magnetic or Electro-Galvanic Battery. In many forms of disease, the Battery, properly constructed and applied, ELECTRICITY. 251 is a powerful remedial agent. In paralysis, neuralgia, chronic rheumatism, abcesses, spinal difficulties, and weakness or inaction of any organ, it may be used with decided benefit. The battery, however, should be pro- perly constructed, and the power so nicely adjusted, that the current will be scarcely perceptible, and can be applied with safety to the most delicate and vital organ, or increased, so as to produce violent muscular contrac- tion Another important point is to have the shocks all in one direction, and the positive and negative pole always remain positive and negative. In most of the batteries the poles constantly change, so that there can be no con- tinued current along the nerves, breaking down obstruc- tions, and restoring a natural nervous circulation.* In applying the battery for the first time, the patient can take hold of one pole, and the operator of the other, while with the other hand he manipulates about the diseased part of the patient. In this way the shocks may be given with great benefit and safety. Another very excellent way is to attach to one or both of the poles a moist sponge. If one pole is held in the hand of the patient, let the moist sponge of the other be passed along the diseased part. When there is great spinal weakness, or general inaction of the system, it can be passed down the spine. Or the operator, taking hold of the non-conducting * One of the best Batteries now in use, combining in a very happy manner these principles, is one recently invented by Dr. Carpenter. It is not expensive and is very compact in its form. 252 ELECTRICITY. portions of the poles, can hold the sponges on either side of the diseased part. In cases of muscular contraction, it may be necessary to apply the poles without the sponges, being careful to send the shocks along the course of the nerves. In applying the battery to any delicate or vital organ, it should be applied with great care, for if the shocks are too strong, serious consequences, and, perhaps, even death may be the result. THE END. INDEX. Alcoholic drinks, 27. Air, necessity of pure, 81. Aches and pains dispelled by exercise, 46. Acidulous waters, 92. Administration of remedies, 106. Aliments, allowed, 109. " prohibited, 109. Asthma, 138. Abscess, 176. Apoplexy, 184. Accidents, injuries from, 284. Bathing, 35. " time of, 87. Bronchitis, 129. Boils, 175. Brain, affections of, and nervous sj tern, 177. Breath, offensive, 201. Bowels, 205. Bladder, inflammation of, 228. Burns, 234. Chest, development of the, 82. " congestion of the, 134. Clothing, 38. " change of, 38. " color of, 40. Cultivation of the moral and intelle tual faculties, 47. Cultivation of the mind, 55. Climate, influence on health, 75, 79. Consumption, change of climate ii 134, 77. Climate of Italy, 79. " Spain, 80. " Algiers, 82. " Maderia, 83. " Bermudas, W. Indies, 84. " Jamaica, Barbadoes, 85. Climate of St. Vincent, St. Christo- pher's, 86. " Savannah, Aikin, 87. Cholera Morbus, 222. Cholera, 223. Chalybeate mineral waters, 93. Constitution and temperament, 101. Cough, 105, 118. Cold in the head, 112,113. Cutaneous diseases, 162. Chilblains, 173. Carbuncles, 176. Cholic, 212. Constipation, 225. Clap, 230. Eating, time for, 19. " at railroad speed, 96. Exercise, 48. Erysipelas, 166. Diet, change of, 96. " rules for, 108. Dress, change of, according to climate, 95. I Diagnosis of disease, 161. Dose and its repetition, 107. Dizziness, 182. Delirium tremens, 187. Deafness, 199. Dyspepsia, 205. Diarrhea, 217. Dysentery, 220. Dislocations, 236. Drowning, 241. Death apparent, 241. " from drowning, 241. " hunger, 244. " gases, 244. " freezing, 244. " lightning, 445. 254 Eyes, affections of the, 189. Eyelids, 193. Eyes, watery, 194. " foreign substances in the, 194. Ears, affections of the, 196. " running of the, 198, Earache, 197. Electricity, 249. Food, kind and quality, 20. " governed by climate and habits of life, 21. Food, variety of, 24. Fevers, 142. " simple, 144. " inflamatory, 144. " nervous or typhoid, 146. " remittent or bilious, 149. " intermittent, 152 " yellow, 157. " scarlet, 163. Fractures, 237. Gambling and licentiousness, 18. Generations of organized beings, 70. Gonorrhea, 230. Human life, 13. Hair upon the chin, 40. Healthful developments of the mind, 54. Hints to travellers, 95. Hoarseness, 121. Hemorrhage of the lungs, 181. Heart, affections of the, 140. Headache, nervous, 177. " sick, 177. " rheumatic, 178. " congestive, 178. Hanging, apparent death from, 244. Laryngitis, 128. Lightning, apparent death from, 245. Mental cultivation, 56, 57. Marriage, 59, 68. " time of, 61. ?,X. Marriage, suitable age, 65. " harmony of feeling, 65. " constitution and tempera- ment, 69. Mineral waters, 90, 95. Measles, 165. Mumps, 196. Mouth, affections of the, 200. Magnetism, 250. Nc rvo as system, 27. Nausea and vomiting, 105,208. Nettle rash, 162. Neuralgia of the face, 185. " " heart, 186. Obedience of moral laws, 58. Ophthalmia, 190. • Physiology and Hygiene, 18. Passions, regulation of, 4S. Pulse, the, 102,104. Pluiisy, 123. " false, 125. Pneumonia, 126. Pulmonary consumption, 184. Paralysis, 187. Piles, 227. Poisons and their antidotes, 240. Quinsy, 202. Respiration and circulation, 80. Rational enjoyment, means of, 55. Respiratory organs, diseases of, 111, 141. Ringworm, 172. Rheumatism, 232. Skin, functions of the, 88. Self-polution, 50. Sexual excesses, 50,51. Saline mineral waters, 94. Stools, the, 105. Small pox, 168. Swelling of the glands, 176. Sun stroke, 182. Stye, 193. Scurvy, 201. Stomach and bowels, 205. Sea sickness, 209. Stomach, pain iu, 211. Seminal emissions, 229. Spasms, 211. Sprains, 285. Syphilis, 231. Serpents, bites of, 289. Scalds, 234. Impurities of our race, 14. Impotence, 71. Influenza, 111,118. Inflamation of the lungs, 126. 11 " brain, 183. " " eyes, 190. " " eyelids, 198. Itch, 171. Injuries from accidents, 284. Insects, stings of, 239. INDEX. 255 Tobacco, 23. Travelers, hints to, 95. Tetter, 172. Throat affections, 200. " sore, 202. Toothache, 200. Urine, the, 104. Ulcers, 174. Urinary organs, 228. Urine, incontinence of, 229. " suppression of, 229. Violations of nature's laws, 16. Vices of youth, 49, 50. Varioloid, 171. j White Sulphur Springs, 92. Waters, mineral, 90, 95. Windpipe, inflamation of, 128. Whitlow, 1T4. ! Wounds, 237. HOMOEOPATHIC DOMESTIC PBAGTEGB. -------------------< —.«. >------------------ JUST PUBLISHED D Y WW. RADDE, 322 Broadway, N. Y. Jjfjutfiopfljit ^onustic |)rattta; BY EOI3ERT GUERNSEY, M. D. Bound, $1.50. This is the most complete work on Domestic Practice ever published. In addition to the part on the Treatment of Dis- eases, it contains chapters on Anatomy and Physiology, il- lustrated with elegant plates; also, a chapter on Hygiene, an abridged Materia Medica, and a Dissertation on the True Theory of Cure. 0» "Dr. Guernsey's Book of Domestic Practice is a reliable and use- ful work. It is especially adapted to the service of well educated heads of families."—John F. Gray, M. D. HOMCEOPATHIC BOOKS FOR SALE BY OTIS CLAPP, No. 3 BEACON STREET, BOSTON. Hering's Domestic Fhysician.........$2 00 Small's " " .........2 00 Hull's Laurie's " - " .........1 5(1 Pulte's " " .........1 5(1 Guernsey's " " .........1 50 Freligh'h " " .........1 50 Caspaii's " " .........1 25 Epps's <• " .........0 75 Chepmel's " " .........0 50 Hempel's " " .........0 50 Jahr's Symptom Codex and Repertory. 3 vols. . . . 17 UU Jahr's Manual. 2 vols............fi 00 Hahnemann's Materia Medica. 4 vols......6 00 " Chronic Diseases. 5 vols......7 00 " Lesser Writings,........3 00 " Organon...........1 00 Jahr's Clinical Guide and Repertory......1 50 " and Gruner"s Pharmacopoeia........2 00 " and Possart's Manual.........3 5U " Diseases of the Skin.........1 00 Haitmann's Acute and Chronic Diseases. 4 vols. . . 5 75 " Diseases of Children.......2 00 Bryant's Pocket Manual; or, Vade Mecum .... 1 25 Laurie's Elements of Homoeopathic Practice ... 3 00 Marcy's " " " " . . . . 2 00 Teste's Materia Medica...........2 50 " Diseases of Children.........1 25 Williamson's Diseases of Women and Children . . . 0 75 Corserio's Obstetrics............0 75 Tarbell's Sources of Health, &c.........0 50 " Pocket Homceopathist........0 25 Rueckert's Treatises on Headache, Apoplexy, &c, each 0 75 Pulte's Woman's Medical Guide........1 00 Becker on Cunsumption, Constipation, Dentition, Eye, each................0 37 Gollman's Diseases of the Sexual Organs.....1 50 Wilkinson's War, Cholera, and Famine.....0 25 Also, Homoeopathic Tinctures, Triturations, Cases for Phy- cians', Travellers', and Family Use, wholesale and retail. CARPENTER'S lAiiiti-iiiiiit hitfiifi A New Machine for Medical purposes, arranged without Acids. By Dr. C. CARPENTER, Jr. ELECTRICITY, in some form or other, plays an impor- tant part in all animal and vegetable life. In the human frame its subtle influence is diffused throughout the whole system ; disturb its equilibrium or cut it off from any portion of the system, and pain and disease is the result. This powerful agent, properly applied, through a carefully prepared Magneto-Electric Battery, is of immense impor- tance in the treatment of diseases, and will render the cure of many of those painful maladies which have heretofore bid defiance to human skill, simple and easy. All of those trou- bles characterized by a general inaction of the system, or of particular organs.are speedily relieved by means of electricity. In the treatment of female diseases, in neuralgia, paralysis, rheumatism, deafness, weakness of sight, and partial blind- ness, the magnetic or galvanic battery is regarded by the medical profession as one of the most powerful remedial agents in their possession. The electric current breaks down the obstructions of disease, and stimulates with new life parts which were before debilitated and almost inactive. Recently, scientific research has brought to light a new fact, which must be hailed with delight by thousands, whose days and nights are now filled with suffering. This fact is the power of the Magneto-Electric Battery of freeing the system from those mineral substances such as mercury and lead, which, either in the form of medicine or by being con- stantly exposed to their influence in many of the employ- ments of life, enter the system, producing fearful diseases, which have heretofore dragged the poor victim to an early grave. By the Magneto-Electric Battery the system may be easily freed from these substances in a similar way that the electrotyper precipitates upon the article intended to be elec- typed, the silver, gold or copper. By applying the poles of the battery with the proper solution, the precipitate always takes place on the substance in contact. So in the human frame ; by placing the patient in a bath, expressly and care- lully prepared, and applying the battery, the mineral is forced out of the system and precipitated on the sides of the bath. To do this however, the battery must be so constructed that ihe current is always in its full strength, in one direction, and the positive and negative poles always remain the same. This feature is peculiar to Br. Carpenter's baltery, and ren- ders it infinitely superior, as a remedial agent, to any oiher in use. Another important feature in this battery is the much im- proved plan for increasing the rapidity of the shocks, so that a continuous and pleasant current can be produced. The absence of acids, and the ease with which the instrument can be graduated, so that it can be applied with perfect safe- ty to the most delicate organ, or increased in continuous pow- er to produce violent muscular contraction, very greatly en- hances its value. The scale by which the power can be mea- sured, the compact form of the instrument, added to its other most important improvements, must introduce it to pop- ular favor, more especially as it is not liable to lose its power or to get out of order. The attention of the medical profession, as well as the pub- lic, is most earnestly solicited to the peculiarities and improve- ments of this instrument. Twelve dollars is the price for a Machine adapted for gen- eral use, with the addition of extra apparatus for physicians, according to its extent. It may be had of OTIS CLAPP, Beacon street, Boston, of WILLIAM RADDE, New York, and of dealers in Chem- ical and Electrical Instruments generally; also, of regular Druggists and Apothecaries, both of the Allopathic, and Homeopathic Schools of Medicine.