Publisher's Preface (continued 6)
Reading edition
Dose
, from ten grains to one drachm, or more.
789. Linseed
Linseed is emollient and demulcent.
It is
used externally
, in the form of powder or "meal," as a poultice; and the oil, combined with lime water, is applied to burns and scalds.
It is used
internally
as an infusion in diarrhœa, dysentery, and irritation of the intestines after certain poisons, and in catarrh. The best form of linseed meal is that which is obtained from seed from which the oil has not been extracted.
Dose
, of the
infusion
, as much as the patient pleases.
790. Marsh-Mallow
Marsh-Mallow is
used internally
in the same diseases as linseed.
The leaves are
used externally
as a fomentation, and the boiled roots are bruised and applied as an emollient poultice.
Dose
, the same as for linseed.
791. Mallow
Mallow is
used externally
as a fomentation and poultice in inflammation, and the infusion is
used internally
in dysentery, diseases of the kidneys, and the same diseases as marsh-mallow and linseed. It is also used as an enema.
Dose
, same as for linseed and marsh-mallow.
792. Liquorice
Liquorice is an agreeable demulcent, and is given in the form of decoction in catarrh, and some forms of dyspepsia, and the extract is used in catarrh.
Dose
, of the
extract
, from ten grains to one drachm; of the
decoction
, from two to four ounces.
793. Arrowroot etc.
Arrowroot, islinglass, almonds, suet, and wax, are too well known to require descriptions. (
See par 487
, for "Almond Confection" for preparations.)
794. Diluents
These are chiefly watery compounds, such as weak tea, water, thin broth, gruel, weak infusions of balm, hore-hound, pennyroyal, ground ivy, mint, and sage.
795. Emollients
These consist of unctuous remedies, such as cerates and ointments, and any materials that combine heat with moisture, —poultices of bread, bran, linseed meal, carrots, and turnips. (
See par 809
.)
796. Domestic Surgery
This will comprise such hints and advice as will enable any one to act on an emergency, or in ordinary trivial accidents requiring simple treatment: and also to distinguish between serious and simple accidents, and the best means to adopt in all cases that are likely to fall under a person's notice.
These hints will be of the utmost value to heads of families, to emigrants, and to persons who are frequently called upon to attend the sick. We strongly recommend the Parent, Emigrant, and Nurse,
to read over these directions occasionally
, —to regard it as a duty to do so at least three or four times a year, so as to be prepared for emergencies whenever they may arise. When accidents occur, people are too excited to acquire immediately a knowledge of what they should do; and many lives have been lost for want of this knowledge.
Study, therefore, at moderate intervals, the
Domestic Surgery
,
Treatment of Poisons
,
Rules for the Prevention of Accidents
,
How to Escape from Fires
,
the Domestic Pharmacopœia
,
&c.
, which will he found in various pages of
Enquire Within
.
And let it be impressed upon your mind that
The Index
will enable you to refer to
anything
you may require
In A Moment
. Don't trouble to hunt through the pages; but when you wish to
Enquire Within
, remember that the
Index
is the knocker, by which the door of knowledge may be opened.
To-morrow, Cries Too Late to be Forgiven.
797. Dressings
These are substances usually applied to parts for the purpose of soothing, promoting their reunion when divided, protecting them from external injuries, absorbing discharges, protecting the surrounding parts, insuring cleanliness, and as a means of applying various medicines.
798. Certain Instruments
Certain Instruments are required for the application of dressings in domestic surgery, viz.—scissors, a pair of tweezers or simple forceps, a knife, needles and thread, a razor, a lancet, a piece of lunar caustic in a quill, and a sponge.
799. Materials for dressings
These consist of lint, scraped linen, carded cotton, tow, ointment spread on calico, adhesive plaster, compresses, pads, bandages, poultices, old rags of linen or calico, and water.
800. Rules
The following rules should be attended to in applying dressings:
Always prepare the new dressing before removing the old one.
Always have hot and cold water at hand, and a vessel to place the foul dressings in.
Have one or more persons at hand ready to assist, and, to prevent confusion, tell each person what they are to do before you commence; thus, one is to wash out and hand the sponges, another to heat the adhesive plaster, or hand the bandages and dressings, and, if requisite, a third to support the limb, &c.
Always stand on the outside of a limb to dress it.
Place the patient in as easy a position as possible, so as not to fatigue him.
Arrange the bed after changing the dressings; but in some cases you will have to do so before the patient is placed on it.
Never be in a hurry when applying dressings, do it quietly.
When a patient requires moving from one bed to another, the best way is for one person to stand on each side of the patient, and each to place an arm behind his back, while he passes his arms over their necks, then let their other arms be passed under his thighs, and by holding each other's hands, the patient can be raised with ease, and removed to another bed. If the leg is injured, a third person should steady it; and if the arm, the same precaution should be adopted. Sometimes a stout sheet is passed under the patient, and by several people holding the sides, thy patient is lifted without any fatigue or much disturbance.
801. Lint, how made
Lint, how made. This may be quickly made by nailing a piece of old linen on a board, and scraping its surface with a knife. It is used either alone or spread with ointment. Scraped lint is the fine filaments from ordinary lint, and is used to stimulate ulcers and absorb discharges; it is what the French call
charpie
.
802. Uses of Scraped Lint
This is made into various shapes for particular purposes. When it is screwed up into a conical or wedge-like shape, it is called a
tent
, and is used to dilate fistulous openings, so as to allow the matter to escape freely; and to plug wounds, so as to promote the formation of a clot of blood, and thus arrest bleeding. When rolled into little balls, called
boulettes
, it is used for absorbing matter in cavities, or blood in wounds. Another useful form is made by rolling a mass of scraped lint into a long roll, and then tying it in the middle with a piece of thread; the middle is then doubled and pushed into a deep-seated wound, so as to press upon the bleeding vessel, while the ends remain loose and assist in forming a clot; or it is used in deep-seated ulcers to absorb the matter and keep the edges apart. This form is called the
bourdonnet
. Another form is called the
pelote
, which is merely a ball of scraped lint tied up in a piece of linen rag, commonly called a dabber. This is used in the treatment of protrusion of the navel in children.
803. Carded Cotton
Carded cotton is used as a dressing for superficial burns, and care should be taken to free it from specks, as flies are apt to lay their eggs there, and generate maggots.
804. Tow
Tow is chiefly employed as a padding for splints, as a compress, and also as an outer dressing where there is much discharge from a surface.
805. Ointments
Ointments are spread on calicoes, lint, or even thin layers of tow, by means of a knife; they should not be spread too thick. Sometimes ointment is applied to discharging surfaces on a piece of linen, folded over on itself several times, and then cut at the corners with scissors, in order to make small holes in it. The matter discharged passes out freely through these holes, and is received in a layer of tow spread over the linen.
806. Adhesive Plaster
Adhesive plaster is cut into strips, ranging in width, according to the nature of the wound, &c., but the usual width is about three-quarters of an inch. Isinglass plaster is not so irritating as diachylon, and is more easily removed.
807. Compresses
Compresses are made of pieces of linen, calico, lint, or tow, doubled or cut into various shapes, according to the purposes for which they are required. They are used to confine dressings in their places, and to apply an equal pressure on parts. They should be free from darns, hems, and knots. Ordinary compresses are square, oblong, and triangular. Compresses are also graduated by placing square pieces of folded cloth on one another, so arranged that they decrease in size each time. They are used for keeping up pressure upon certain parts.
808. Pads
Pads are made by sewing tow inside pieces of linen, or folding linen and sewing the pieces together. They are used to keep off pressure from parts such as that caused by splints in fractures.
809. Poultices
Poultices are usually made of linseed meal, oatmeal, or bread, either combined with water or other fluids; sometimes they are made of carrots, charcoal, potatoes, yeast, and linseed meal, mustard, &c., but the best and most economical kind of poultice is a fabric made of sponge and wool felted together, and backed by Indian rubber, called "spongio piline."
The method of using this poultice is as follows:— A piece of the material of the required form and size is cut off, and the edges are pared or bevelled off with a pair of scissors, so that the caoutchouc may come in contact with the surrounding skin, in order to prevent evaporation of the fluid used; for, as it only forms the vehicle, the various poultices generally used can be employed with much less expenditure of time and money, and increased cleanliness.
For example,—a
vinegar
poultice is made by moistening the fabric with distilled vinegar; an
alum
poultice, by using a strong solution of alum; a
charcoal
poultice, by sprinkling powdered charcoal on the moistened surface of the material; a
yeast
poultice, by using warmed yeast, and moistening the fabric with hot water, which is to be well squeezed out previous to the absorption of the yeast; a
beer
poultice, by employing warm porter-dregs or strong beer as the fluid; and a
carrot
poultice, by using the expressed and evaporated liquor of boiled carrots.
Spongio-piline costs about one farthing a square inch, and may be obtained of the chemist. As a fomentation it is most invaluable, and by moistening the material with compound camphor liniment or hartshorn, it acts the same as a mustard poultice.
To-morrow, Dies in Anguish and Despair.
810. Mustard Poultices
These may be made of the mustard powder alone, or in combination with bread crumbs, or linseed meal. When mustard only is used, the powder should be moistened with water, and the paste thus produced spread on a piece of linen, and covered with muslin to intervene between the mustard and the skin. When mixed with linseed the powder and the meal may be incorporated before water is added, or the meal may be moistened and spread on linen for application, and the mustard be then strewn on the surface, more or less thickly according to the age of the patient. Rigollot's Mustard leaves, which can be procured from any chemist, are now much used in the place of mustard poultices. They only require wetting before application, and are both clean and economical.
811. Bandages
Bandages are strips of calico, linen, flannel, muslin, elastic webbing, bunting, or some other substance, of various lengths, and from one to six inches wide, free from hems or darns, soft and unglazed. They are better after they have been washed. Their uses are to retain dressings, apparatus, or parts of the body in their proper positions, support the soft parts, and maintain equal pressure.
812. Simple and Compound Bandages
Bandages are simple and compound; the former are simple slips rolled up tightly like a roll of ribbon. There is also another simple kind, which is rolled from both ends—this is called a double-headed bandage. The compound bandages are formed of many pieces.
813. Bandages for Different Parts of the Body
Bandages for the head should be two inches wide and five yards long; for the neck, two inches wide, and three yards long; for the arm, two inches wide, and seven yards long; for the leg, two inches and a half wide and seven yards long; for the thigh three inches wide, and eight yards long; and for the body, four or six inches wide and ten or twelve yards long.
814. To Apply a Single-Headed Bandage
To apply a single-headed bandage, lay the
outside of the end
near to the part to be bandaged, and hold the roll between the little, ring and middle fingers, and the palm of the left hand, using the thumb and forefinger of the same hand to guide it, and the right hand to keep it firm, and pass the bandage partly round the leg towards the left hand. It is sometimes necessary to reverse this order, and therefore it is well to be able to use both hands.
Particular parts require a different method of applying bandages, and therefore it is necessary to describe the most useful separately; and there are different ways of putting on the same bandage, which consist in the manner the folds or turns are made. For example, the
circular
bandage is formed by horizontal turns, each of which overlaps the one made before it; the
spiral
consists of spiral turns; the
oblique
follows a course oblique or slanting to the centre of the limb; and the
recurrent
folds back again to the part whence it started.
815. Circular Bandages
Circular bandages are used for the
neck
, to retain dressings on any part of it, or for blisters, setons, &c.; for the
head
, to keep dressings on the forehead or any part contained within a circle passing round the head; for the
arm
, previous to bleeding; for the
leg
, above the knee; and for the
fingers
, &c.
816. To Confine the Ends of Bandages
To confine the ends of bandages some persons use pins, others slit the end for a short distance, and tie the two strips into a knot, and some use a strip of adhesive plaster. Always place the point of a pin in such a position that it cannot prick the patient, or the person dressing the limb, or be liable to be drawn out by using the limb; therefore, as a general rule, turn the head of the pin from the free end of the bandage, of towards the upper part of the limb. The best mode is to
sew
the bandage on. A few stitches will hold it more securely than pins can.
Little Deeds are Like Little Seeds.
817. The Oblique Bandage
The oblique bandage is generally used for arms and legs, to retain dressings.
818. The Spiral Bandage
The spiral bandage is generally applied to the trunk and extremities, but is apt to fall off even when very carefully applied; therefore the recurrent bandage, which folds back again, is generally used.
819. The Recurrent Bandage
The recurrent bandage is the best kind of bandage that we can employ for general purposes. The method of putting it on the leg is as follows: —Apply the end of the bandage that is free, with the outside of it next the skin, and hold this end with the finger and thumb of the left hand, while some one supports the heel of the patient; then with the right hand pass the bandage over the piece you are holding, and keep it crossed thus, until you can place your right forefinger upon the spot where it crosses the other bandage, where it must be kept firm. Now hold the roll of the bandage in your left hand, with the palm turned upwards, and
taking care to keep that part of the bandage between your right forefinger, and the roll in your left hand, quite slack
; turn your left hand over, and bring the bandage down upon the leg; then pass the roll under the leg towards your right hand, and repeat this until the leg is bandaged up to the knee, taking care
not to drag
the bandage at any time during the process of bandaging. When you arrive at the knee, pass the bandage round the leg in circles just below the knee, and pin it as usual.
Bandaging is very easy, and if you once see any one apply a bandage properly, and attend to these rules, there will not be any difficulty; but bear one thing in mind, without which you will never put on a bandage even decently; and that is,
never to drag
or pull at a bandage, but make the turns while it is slack, and you have your right forefinger placed upon the point where it is to be folded down. When a limb is properly bandaged, the folds should run in a line corresponding to the shin-bone. Use, to retain dressings, and for varicose veins.
820. A Bandage for the Chest
A bandage for the chest is always placed upon the patient in a sitting posture; and it may be put on in circles, or spirally. Use, in fractures of the ribs, to retain dressings, and after severe contusions.
821. A Bandage for the Belly
A bandage for the belly is placed on the patient as directed for the chest, carrying it spirally from above downwards. Use, to compress belly after dropsy, or retain dressings.
822. Bandaging the Hand
The hand is bandaged by crossing the bandage over the back of the hand Use, to retain dressings.
823. Different Bandages for the Head
For the head, a bandage may be circular, or spiral, or both; in the latter case, commence by placing one circular turn just over the ears; then bring down from left to right, and round the head again, so as to alternate a spiral with a circular turn. Use, to retain dressings on the head or over the eye; but this form soon gets slack. The circular bandage is the best, crossing it over both eyes.
824. For the Foot
Place the end just above the outer ankle, and make two circular turns, to prevent its slipping: then bring it down from the inside of the foot over the instep towards the outer part; pass it under the sole of the foot, and upwards and inward over the instep towards the inner ankle, then round the ankle and repeat again. Use, to retain dressings to the instep, heel, or ankle.
825. For the Leg and Foot
For the leg and foot, commence and proceed as directed in the preceding paragraph; then continue if up the leg as ordered in the
Recurrent Bandage
.
826. Substitutes
As it sometimes happens that it is necessary to apply a bandage at once, and the materials are not at hand it is desirable to know how to substitute something else
that any one may apply with ease
. This can be readily done with handkerchiefs.
They Grow to Flowers, or to Weeds.
827. Handkerchiefs
Any ordinary handkerchief will do; but a square of linen folded into various shapes answers better. The shapes generally required are as follows:—The triangle, the long square, the cravat, and the cord.
828. The Triangular Handkerchief
The triangular handkerchief is made by folding it from corner to corner. Use, as a bandage for the head.
Application
.—Place the base round the head, and the short part hanging down behind, then tie the long ends over it.
829. The Long Square
The long square is made by folding the handkerchief in three. Use, as a bandage to the ribs, belly, &c. If one handkerchief is not long enough, sew two together.
830. The Cravat
The cravat is folded as usual with cravats. Use, as a bandage for the head, arms, legs, feet, neck, &c.
831. The Cord
The cord is used to compress vessels, when a knot is made in it, and placed over the vessel to be compressed. It is merely a handkerchief twisted in its diagonal.
832. Multiple Handkerchiefs
Two or more handkerchiefs must sometimes be applied, as in a broken collar-bone, or when it is necessary to keep dressings under the arm. The bandage is applied by knotting the opposite comers of one handkerchief together, and passing the left arm through it, then passing another handkerchief under the right arm, and tying it. By this means we can brace the shoulders well back, and the handkerchief will press firmly over the broken collar-bone: besides, this form of bandage does not readily slip or get slack, but it requires to be combined with the sling, in order to keep the arm steady.
833. For an Inflamed Breast
For an inflamed breast that requires support, or dressings to be kept to it, pass one corner over the shoulder, bring the body of it over the breast, and pass it upwards and backwards under the arm of that side, and tie the opposite corners together.
834. An Excellent Sling
An excellent sling is formed by placing one handkerchief around the neck, and knotting opposite corners ever the breast bone, then placing the other in triangle under the arm, to be supported with the base near to the hand; tie the ends over the handkerchief, and pin the top to the other part, after passing it around the elbow.
835. Apparatus
When a person receives a severe contusion of the leg or foot, or breaks his leg, or has painful ulcers over the leg, or is unable from some cause to bear the pressure of the bedclothes, it is advisable to know how to keep them from hurting the leg. This may be done by bending up a fire-guard, or placing a chair, resting upon the edge of its back and front of the seat, over the leg, or putting a box on each side of it, and placing a plank ever them; but the best way is to make a
cradle
, as it is called. This is done by getting three pieces of wood, and three pieces of iron wire, and passing the wire or hoop through the wood. This can be placed to any height, and is very useful in all cases where pressure cannot be borne. Wooden hoops cut in halves answer better than the wire.
836. When a Person Breaks his Leg
When a person breaks his leg, and
splints
cannot he had directly, get bunches of straw or twigs, roll them up in handkerchiefs, and placing one on each side of the leg or arm, bind another handkerchief firmly around them; or make a long bag about three inches in diameter, or even more, of coarse linen duck, or carpet, and stuff this full of bran, sawdust, or sand, sew up the end, and use this the same as the twigs. It forms an excellent extemporaneous splint. Another good plan is to get a hat-box made of chip, and cut it into suitable lengths; or for want of all these, take some bones out of a pair of stays, and run them through a stout piece of rug, protecting the leg with a fold of rug, linen, &c. A still better splint or set of splints can be extemporized by cutting a sheet of thick pasteboard into proper sized slips, then passing each piece through a basin of hot water to soften it. It is then applied to the fractured limb like an ordinary splint, when it hardens as it dries, taking the exact shape of the part to which it is applied.
Good-Nature Collects Honey from Every Herb.
837. Applying Dry Warmth
When dry warmth is required to be applied to any part of the body, fry a flour pancake and lay it over the part; or warm some sand and place in the patient's socks, and lay it to the part; salt put into a paper bag does as well; or warm water put into a stone jar, and rolled up in flannel.
838. Minor Operations.
839. Bleeding
Bleeding is sometimes necessary at once in certain accidents, such as concussion, and therefore it is well to know how to do this. First of all, bind up the arm above the elbow with a piece of bandage or a handkerchief pretty firmly, then place your finger over one of the veins at the bend of the arm, and feel if there is any pulsation; if there is, try another vein, and if it does not pulsate or beat, choose that one. Now rub the arm from the wrist towards the elbow, place the left thumb upon the vein, and hold the lancet as you would a pen, and nearly at right angles to the vein, taking care to prevent its going in too far, by keeping the thumb near to the point, and resting the hand upon the little finger. Now place the point of the lancet on the vein, push it suddenly inwards, depress the elbow, and raise the hand upwards and outwards, so as to
cut obliquely across
the vein.
When sufficient blood is drawn off, which is known by feeling the pulse at the wrist, and near the thumb, bandage the arm. If the pulse feel like a piece of cord, more blood should be taken away, but if it is soft, and can be easily pressed, the bleeding should be stopped. When you bandage the arm, place a piece of lint over the opening made by the lancet, and pass a bandage lightly but firmly around the arm, so as to cross it over the bend of the elbow, in form of a figure 8.
840. Dry Cupping
Dry cupping is performed by throwing a piece of paper dipped into spirit of wine, and ignited, into a wineglass, and placing it over the part, such as the neck, temples, &c. It thus draws the flesh into the glass, and causes a determination of blood to the part, which is useful in headache, and many other complaints. This is an excellent method of extracting the poison from wounds made by adders, mad dogs, fish, &c.
841. Ordinary Cupping
Ordinary cupping is performed the same as dry cupping, with this exception, that the part is scarified or scratched with a lancet, so as to cause the blood to flow; or by the application of a scarificator, which makes by one action from seven to twenty-one light superficial cuts. Then the glass is placed over it again with the lighted paper in it, and when sufficient blood has been taken away, the parts are then sponged, and a piece of sticking plaster placed over them.
842. Leeches and their Application
The leech used for medical purposes is called the
hirudo medicinalis
to distinguish it from other varieties, such as the horse-leech and the Lisbon leech. It varies from two to four inches in length, and is of a blackish brown colour, marked on the back with six yellow spots, and edged with a yellow line on each side. Formerly leeches were supplied by Lincolnshire, Yorkshire, and other fenny countries, but latterly most of the leeches are procured from France, where they are now becoming scarce.
843. When Leeches are Applied
When leeches are applied to a part, it should be thoroughly freed from down or hair by shaving, and all liniments, &c., carefully and effectually cleaned away by washing. If the leech is hungry it will soon bite, but sometimes great difficulty is experienced in getting them to fasten. When this is the case, roll the leech into a little porter, or moisten the surface with a little blood, or milk, or sugar and water. Leeches may be applied by holding them over the part with a piece of linen cloth, or by means of an inverted glass, under which they must be placed.
844. When applied to the Gums
When applied to the gums, care should be taken to use a leech glass, as they are apt to creep down the patient's throat: a large swan's quill will answer the purpose of a leech glass. When leeches are gorged they will drop off themselves; never
tear
them off from a person, but just dip the point of a moistened finger into some salt and touch them with it.
Ill-Nature Sucks Poison from the Sweetest Flower.]
845. Quantity Removed
Leeches are supposed to abstract about two drachms of blood, or six leeches draw about an ounce; but this is independent of the bleeding after they have come off, and more blood generally flows then than during the time they are sucking. The total amount of blood drawn and subsequently lost by each leech-bite, is nearly half an ounce.
846. After Leeches Come Away
After leeches come away, encourage the bleeding by flannels dipped in hot water and wrung out dry, and then apply a warm spongiopiline poultice. If the bleeding is not to be encouraged, cover the bites with a rag dipped in olive oil, or spread with spermaceti ointment, having previously sponged the parts clean.
847. When Bleeding Continues
When bleeding continues from leech-bites, and it is desirable to stop it, apply pressure with the fingers over the part, or dip a rag in a strong solution of alum and lay over them, or use the tincture of sesquichloride of iron, or apply a leaf of matico to them, placing the under surface of the leaf next to the skin, or touch each bite with a finely-pointed piece of lunar caustic, or lay a piece of lint soaked in the extract of lead over the bites; and if all these tried in succession fail, pass a fine needle through a fold of the skin so as to include the bite, and twist a piece of thread round it. Be sure never to allow any one to go to sleep with leech-bites bleeding, without watching them carefully; and never apply too many to children; or place them where their bites can be compressed if necessary. In other words,
never apply leeches to children except over a bone
.
848. After Leeches have been Used
After leeches have been used they should be placed in water containing sixteen per cent. of salt, which facilitates the removal of the blood they contain; and they should afterwards be placed one by one in warm water, and the blood forced out by _gentle_ pressure. The leeches should then be thrown into fresh water, which is to be renewed every twenty-four hours: they may then be re-applied after an interval of eight or ten days, and be disgorged a second time. The best plan, however, is to empty the leech by drawing the thumb and forefinger of the right hand along its body from the tail to the mouth, the leech being firmly held at the sucker extremity by the fingers of the left hand. By this means, with a few minutes' rest between each application, the same leech may be used four or five times in succession.
849. If a Leech be Accidentally Swallowed
If a leech be accidentally swallowed, or by any means should get into the body, employ an emetic, or enema of salt and water.
850. Scarification
Scarification is useful in severe contusions, and inflammation of parts. It is performed by scratching or slightly cutting through the skin with a lancet, holding the lancet as you would a pen when you are ruling lines on paper.
851. Terms used to express the Properties of Medicines
852. Absorbents
Absorbents are medicines which destroy acidity in the stomach and bowels, such as magnesia, prepared chalk, &c.
853. Alteratives
Alteratives are medicines which restore health to the constitution, without producing any sensible effect, such as sarsaparilla, sulphur, &c.
854. Analeptics
Analeptics are medicines that restore the strength which has been lost by sickness, such as gentian, bark, &c.
855. Anodynes
Anodynes are medicines which relieve pain, and they are divided into three kinds,
sedatives, hypnotics,
and
narcotics
(see these terms); camphor is anodyne as well as narcotic.
856. Antacids
Antacids are medicines which destroy acidity, such as lime, magnesia, soda, &c.
One Watch Set Right will Do to Set Many by.
857. Antalkalies
Antalkalies are medicines given to neutralize alkalies in the system, such as citric, nitric, and sulphuric, acids, &c.
858. Anthelmintics
Anthelmintics are medicines used to expel and destroy worms from the stomach and intestines, such as turpentine, cowhage, male fern, &c.
859. Antibilious
Antibilious are medicines which are useful in bilious affections, such as calomel, &c.
860. Antirheumatics
Antirheumatics are medicines used for the cure of rheumatism, such as colchicum, iodide of potash, &c.
861. Antiscorbutics
Antiscorbutics are medicines against scurvy, such as citric acid, &c.
862. Antiseptics
Antiseptics are substances used to correct putrefaction, such as bark, camphor, charcoal, vinegar, and creosote.
863. Antispasmodics
Antispasmodics are medicines which possess the power of overcoming spasms of the muscles, or allaying severe pain from any cause unconnected with inflammation, such as valerian, ammonia, opium, and camphor.
864. Aperients
Aperients are medicines which move the bowels gently, such as rhubarb, manna, and grey powder.
865. Aromatics
Aromatics are cordial, spicy, and agreeably-flavoured, medicines, such as cardamoms, cinnamon, &c.
866. Astringents
Astringents are medicines which contract the fibres of the body, diminish excessive discharges, and act indirectly as tonics, such as oak bark, galls, &c.
867. Attenuants
Attenuants are medicines which are supposed to thin the blood, such as ammoniated iron, &c.
868. Balsamics
Balsamics are medicines of a soothing kind, such as tolu, Peruvian balsam, &c.
869. Carminatives
Carminatives are medicines which allay pain in the stomach and bowels, and expel flatulence, such as aniseed water, &c.
870. Cathartics
Cathartics are strong purgative medicines, such as jalap, &c.
871. Cordials
Cordials are exhilarating and warming medicines, such as aromatic confection, &c.
872. Corroborants
Corroborants are medicines and food which increase the strength, such as iron, gentian, meat, and wine.
873. Demulcents
Demulcents correct acrimony, diminish irritation, and soften parts by covering their surfaces with a mild and viscid matter, such as linseed-tea, gum, mucilage, honey, and marsh-mallow.
874. Deobstruents
Deobstruents are medicines which remove obstructions, such as iodide of potash, &c.
875. Detergents
Detergents clean the surfaces over which they pass, such as soap, &c.
876. Diaphoretics
Diaphoretics produce perspiration, such as tartrate of antimony, James's powder, and camphor.
877. Digestives
Digestives are remedies applied to ulcers or wounds, to promote the formation of matter, such as resin, ointments, warm poultices, &c.
878. Discutients
Discutients possess the power of repelling or resolving tumours, such as galbanum, mercury, and iodine.
879. Diuretics
Diuretics act upon the kidneys and bladder, and increase the flow of urine, such as nitre, squills, cantharides, camphor, antimony, and juniper.
880. Drastics
Drastics are violent purgatives, such as gamboge, &c.
881. Emetics
Emetics produce vomiting, or the discharge of the contents of the stomach, such as mustard and hot water, tartar-emetic, ipecacuanha, sulphate of zinc, and sulphate of copper.
882. Emmenagogues
Emmenagogues are medicines which exercise a direct action on the uterus or womb, provoking the natural periodical secretion, such as castor, asafœtida, galbanum, iron, mercury, aloes, hellebore, savine, ergot of rye, juniper, and pennyroyal.
883. Emollients
Emollients are remedies used externally to soften the parts they are applied to, such as spermaceti, palm oil, &c.
884. Epispastics
Epispastics are medicines which blister or cause effusion of serum under the cuticle, such as Spanish flies, Burgundy pitch, rosin, and galbanum.
885. Errhines
Errhines are medicines which produce sneezing, such as tobacco, &c.
886. Escharotics
Escharotics are medicines which corrode or destroy the vitality of the part to which they are applied, such as lunar caustic, &c.
One that Goes Wrong may Mislead a Whole Neighbourhood.
887. Expectorants
Expectorants are medicines which increase expectoration, or the discharge from the bronchial tubes, such as ipecacuanha, squills, opium, ammoniacum.
888. Febrifuges
Febrifuges are remedies used in fevers, such as all the antimonials, bark, quinine, mineral acids, arsenic.
889. Hydragogues
Hydragogues are medicines which have the effect of removing the fluid of dropsy, by producing watery evacuations, such as gamboge, calomel, &c.
890. Hypnotics
Hypnotics are medicines that relieve pain by procuring sleep, such as hops, henbane, morphia, poppy.
891. Laxatives
Laxatives are medicines which cause the bowels to act rather more than natural, such as manna, &c.
892. Narcotics
Narcotics are medicines which cause sleep or stupor, and allay pain, such as opium, &c.
893. Nutrients
Nutrients are remedies that nourish the body, such as sugar, sago, &c.
894. Paregorics
Paregorics are medicines which actually assuage pain, such as compound tincture of camphor, henbane, hops, opium.
895. Prophylactics
Prophylactics are remedies employed to prevent the attack of any particular disease, such as quinine, &c.
896. Purgatives
Purgatives are medicines that promote the evacuation of the bowels, such as senna, aloes, jalap, salts.
897. Refrigerants
Refrigerants are medicines which suppress an unusual heat of the body, such as wood-sorrel, tamarind, &c.
898. Rubefacients
Rubefacients are medicaments which cause redness of the skin, such as mustard, &c.
899. Sedatives
Sedatives are medicines which depress the nervous energy, and destroy sensation, so as to compose, such as foxglove. (
See
Paregorics
.)
900. Sialogogues
Sialogogues are medicines which promote the flow of saliva or spittle, such as salt, calomel, &c.
901. Soporifics
Soporifics are medicines which induce sleep, such as hops, &c.
902. Stimulants
Stimulants are remedies which increase the action of the heart and arteries, or the energy of the part to which they are applied, such as food, wine, spirits, ether, sassafras, which is an internal stimulant, and savine, which is an external one.
903. Stomachics
Stomachics restore the tone of the stomach, such as gentian, &c.
904. Styptics
Styptics are medicines which constrict the surface of a part, and prevent the effusion of blood, such as kino, Friar's balsam, extract of lead, and ice.
905. Sudorifics
Sudorifics promote profuse perspiration or sweating, such as ipecacuanha, antimony, James's powder, ammonia.
906. Tonics
Tonics give general strength to the constitution, restore the natural energies, and improve the tone of the system, such as all the vegetable bitters, most of the minerals, also some kinds of food, wine, and beer.
907. Vesicants
Vesicants are medicines which blister, such as strong liquid ammonia, &c.
908. Special Rules for the Prevention of Cholera
It is impossible to urge too strongly the necessity, in all cases of cholera, of instant recourse to medical aid, and also in every form and variety of indisposition; for all disorders are found to merge in the dominant disease.
Let immediate Relief be sought under disorder of the bowels especially, however slight. The invasion of cholera may thus be readily prevented.
Let every Impurity, animal and vegetable, be quickly removed to a distance from the habitation, such as slaughterhouses, pig-sties, cesspools, necessaries, and all other domestic nuisances.
Let all Uncovered Drains be carefully and frequently cleansed.
Let the Grounds in and around the habitation be drained, so as effectually to carry off moisture of every kind.
Let all Partitions he removed from within and without habitations, which unnecessarily impede ventilation.
Let every Room be daily thrown open for the admission of fresh air; this should be done about noon, when the atmosphere is most likely to be dry.
Let Dry Scrubbing be used in domestic cleansing in place of water cleansing.
Let excessive Fatigue, and exposure to damp and cold, especially during the night, be avoided.
Let the Use of Cold Drinks and acid liquors, especially under fatigue, be avoided, or when the body is heated.
Let the Use of Cold Acid Fruits and vegetables be avoided.
Let Excess in the use of ardent and fermented liquors and tobacco be avoided.
Let a Poor Diet, and the use of impure water in cooking, or for drinking, be avoided.
Let the Wearing of wet and insufficient clothes be avoided.
Let a Flannel or woollen belt be worn round the belly.
Let Personal Cleanliness be carefully observed.
Let every cause tending to depress the moral and physical energies be carefully avoided. Let exposure to extremes of heat and cold be avoided.
Let Crowding of persons within houses and apartments be avoided.
Let Sleeping in low or damp rooms be avoided.
Let Fires be kept up during the night in sleeping or adjoining apartments, the night being the period of most danger from attack, especially under exposure to cold or damp.
Let all Bedding and clothing be daily exposed during winter and spring to the fire, and in summer to the heat of the sun.
Let the Dead be buried in places remote from the habitations of the living. By the timely adoption of simple means such as these, cholera, or other epidemic, will be made to lose its venom.
The Loveliest Bird has No Song.
909. Rules for the Preservation of Health
910. Fresh Air
Pure atmospheric air is composed of nitrogen, oxygen, and a
very
small proportion of carbonic acid gas. Air once breathed has lost the chief part of its oxygen, and acquired a proportionate increase of carbonic acid gas.
Therefore
, health requires that we breathe the same air once only.
911. Diet and Exercise
The solid part of our Bodies is continually wasting, and requires to be repaired by fresh substances.
Therefore
, food which is to repair the loss, should be taken with due regard to the exercise and waste of the body.
912. Water
The fluid part of our bodies also wastes constantly; there is but one fluid in animals, which is water.
Therefore
, water only is necessary, and no artifice can produce a better drink.
913. Proportion of Food and Drink
The fluid of our bodies is to the solid in proportion as nine to one.
Therefore
, a like proportion should prevail in the total amount of food taken.
914. Sunshine
Light exercises an important influence upon the growth and vigour of animals and plants.
Therefore
, our dwellings should freely admit the solar rays.
915. Bad Odours
Decomposing animal and vegetable substances yield various noxious gases which enter the lungs and corrupt the blood.
Therefore
, all impurities should be kept away from our abodes, and every precaution be observed to secure a pure atmosphere.
916. Warmth
Warmth is essential to all the bodily functions.
Therefore
, an equal bodily temperature should be maintained by exercise, by clothing, or by fire.
917. Exercise and Clothing
Exercise warms, invigorates and purifies the body; clothing preserves the warmth the body generates; fire imparts warmth externally.
Therefore
, to obtain and preserve warmth, exercise and clothing are preferable to fire.
918. Ventilation
Fire consumes the Oxygen of the air, and produces noxious gases.
Therefore
, the air is less pure in the presence of candles, gas, or coal fire, than otherwise, and the deterioration should be repaired by increased ventilation.
So the Loveliest Woman may Lack Virtue.
919. Clean Skin
The skin is a highly-organized membrane, full of minute pores, cells, bloodvessels, and nerves; it imbibes moisture or throws it off, according to the state of the atmosphere and the temperature of the body. It also "breathes," as do the lungs (though less actively). All the internal organs sympathize with the skin.
Therefore
, it should be repeatedly cleansed.
920. Over-Work
Late hours and anxious pursuits exhaust the nervous system, and produce disease and premature death.
Therefore, the hours of labour and study should be short.
921. Body and Mind
Mental and bodily exercise are equally essential to the general health and happiness.
Therefore
, labour and study should succeed each other.
922. Over-Indulgence
Man will live most healthily upon simple solids and fluids, of which a sufficient but temperate quantity should be taken.
Therefore
, over indulgence in strong drinks, tobacco, snuff, opium, and all mere indulgences, should be avoided.
923. Moderate Temperature
Sudden alternations of heat and cold are dangerous (especially to the young and the aged).
Therefore
, clothing, in quantity and quality, should be adapted to the alternations of night and day, and of the seasons; and drinking cold water when the body is hot, and hot tea and soups when cold, are productive of many evils.
924. Summary
Moderation in eating and drinking, short hours of labour and study, regularity in exercise, recreation, and rest, cleanliness, equanimity of temper and equality of temperature, —these are the great essentials to that which surpasses all wealth,
health of mind and body
.
925. Homœopathy
926. Principle of Homœopathy
As homœopathy is now practised so widely and, indeed, preferred to the older system in many families, the Domestic Pharmacopœia could scarcely lay claim to be considered complete without a brief mention of the principal remedies used and recommended by homœopathic practitioners, and the disorders for which these remedies are specially applicable. The principle of homœopathy is set forth in the Latin words "
similia similibus curantur
," the meaning of which is "likes are cured by likes."
The meaning of this is simply that the homœopathist in order to cure a disease, administers a medicine which would produce in a perfectly healthy subject, symptoms
like
, but not
identical
with or the
same
as, the symptoms to counteract which the medicine is given. The homœopathic practitioner, therefore, first makes himself thoroughly acquainted with the symptoms that are exhibited by the sufferer; having ascertained these, in order to neutralize them and restore the state of the patient's health to a state of equilibrium, so to speak, he administers preparations that would produce symptoms of a like character in persons in good health.
It is not said, be it remembered, that the drug can produce in a healthy person the disease from which the patient is suffering: it is only advanced by homœopathists that the drug given has the power of producing in a person in health, symptoms similar to those of the disease under which the patient is languishing, and that the correct mode of treatment is to counteract the disease symptoms by the artificial production of similar symptoms by medicinal means, or in other words, to suit the medicine to the disorder, by a previously acquired knowledge of the effects of the drug, by experiment on a healthy person.
927. Allopathy
Allopathy is the name given to the older treatment of disorders, and the name is obtained from the fact, that the drugs given, do not produce symptoms corresponding to those of the disease for whose relief they are administered as in homœopathy. The introduction of the term is contemporary with homœopathy itself. It was merely given to define briefly the distinction that exists between the rival modes of treatment, and it has been accepted and adopted by all medical men who have no faith in homœopathy, and the treatment that its followers prescribe.
Deep Rivers Flow with Silent Majesty.
928. Comparison
Allopathic treatment is said to be experimental, while homeopathic treatment is based on certainty, resulting from experience. The allopathist tries various drugs, and if one medicine or one combination of drugs fails, tries another; but the homœopathist administers only such medicaments as may be indicated by the symptoms of the patient. If two drugs are given, as is frequently, and perhaps generally, the case, it is because the symptoms exhibited are of such a character that they cannot be produced in a healthy person by the action of one and the same drug, and, consequently cannot be counteracted or neutralized by the action of a single drug.
929. Homœopathic Medicines
Homœopathic medicines are given in the form of globules or tinctures, the latter being generally preferred by homeopathic practitioners. When contrasted with the doses of drugs given by allopathists, the small doses administered by homœopathists must at first sight appear wholly in adequate to the purpose for which they are given; but homœopathists, whose dilution and trituration diffuse the drug given throughout the vehicle in which it is administered, argue that by this
extension of its surface
the active power of the drug is greatly increased; and that there is reason in this argument is shown by the fact that large doses of certain drugs administered for certain purposes will pass through the system without in any way affecting those organs, which will be acted on most powerfully by the very same drugs when administered in much smaller doses. Thus a small dose of sweet spirit of nitre will act on the skin and promote perspiration, but a large dose will act as a diuretic only, and exert no influence on the skin.
930. Treatment of Ailments by Homœopathy
Great stress is laid by homœopathists on attention to diet, but not so much so in the present day as when the system was first introduced. The reader will find a list of articles of food that may and may not be taken in
par
.
961
. For complete direction on this point, and on diseases and their treatment and remedies, he must be referred to works on this subject by Dr. Richard Epps and others. All that can be done here is to give briefly a few of the more common ailments "that flesh is heir to," with the symptoms by which they are indicated, and the medicines by which they may be alleviated and eventually cured.
931. Asthma
Asthma, an ailment which should be referred in all cases to the medical practitioner.
Symptoms
. Difficulty of breathing, with cough, either spasmodic and without expectoration, or accompanied with much expectoration.
Medicines
. Aconitum napellus, especially with congestion or slight spitting of blood; Antimonium tartaricum for wheezing and rattling in the chest; Arsenicum for chronic asthma; ipecacuanha; Nux vomica.
932. Bilious Attacks
Bilious attacks, if attended with diarrhœa and copious evacuations of a bright yellow colour.
Medicines
. Bryonia, if arising from sedentary occupations, or from eating and drinking too freely; or Nux vomica and Mercurius in alternation, the former correcting constipation and the latter nausea, fulness at the pit of the stomach, and a foul tongue.
933. Bronchitis
Symptoms
. Catarrh accompanied with fever, expectoration dark, thick, and sometimes streaked with blood; urine dark, thick, and scanty.
Medicines
. Aconitum napellus, especially in earlier stages; Bryonia for pain in coughing and difficulty of breathing; Antimonium tartaricum, loose cough with much expectoration and a feeling of, and tendency to, suffocation; Ipecacuanha, accumulation of phlegm in bronchial tubes and for children.
Shallow Brooks are Noisy.
934. Bruises and Wounds
For all bruises, black eyes, etc., apply Arnica lotion; for slight wounds, after washing well with cold water, apply Arnica plaster; to stop bleeding when ordinary means fail, and for larger wounds, apply concentrated tincture of Calendula.
935. Cold in the Head or Catarrh
Symptoms
. Feverish feeling generally, and especially about the head, eyes, and nose, running from, and obstruction of, nose; soreness and irritation of the throat and bronchial tubes.
Medicines
. Aconitum napellus for feverish symptoms; Belladonna for sore throat and headache with inclination to cough; Mercurius for running from nose and sneezing; Nux vomica for stoppage of nostrils; Chamomilla for children and women, for whom Pulsatilla is also useful in such cases.
936. Chilblains
Symptoms
. Irritation and itching of the skin, which assumes a bluish red colour.
Medicines
. Arnica montana, taken internally or used as outward application, unless the chilblain be broken, when arsenicum should be used. If the swelling and irritation do not yield to these remedies use Belladona and Rhus toxicodendron.
937. Cholera
Bilious or English cholera.
Symptoms. Nausea, proceeding to vomiting, griping of the bowels, watery and offensive evacuations, in which much bile is present, accompanied with weakness and depression. Medicines. Bryonia, with ipecacuanha at commencement of attack.
Malignant or Asiatic cholera.
Symptoms as in English cholera, but in a more aggravated form, followed by what is called the "cold stage," marked by great severity of griping pain in the stomach, accompanied with frequent and copious watery evacuations, and presently with cramps in all parts of the body; after which the extremities become chilled, the pulse scarcely discernible, the result of which is stupor and ultimately death. Medicines. Camphor, in the form of tincture, in frequent doses, until the sufferer begins to feel warmth returning to the body, and perspiration ensues. In the later stages, Cuprum and Veratrum.
938. Tincture of Camphor
Tincture of camphor is one of the most useful of the homœopathic remedies in all cases of colic, diarrhœa, etc. In ordinary cases fifteen drops on sugar may be taken every quarter of an hour until the pain is allayed. In more aggravated cases, and in cases of cholera, a few drops may be taken at intervals of from two to five minutes. A dose of fifteen drops of camphor on sugar tends to counteract a chill if taken soon after premonitory symptoms show themselves, and act as a prophylactic against cold.
939. Colic or Stomach-Ache
This disorder is indicated by griping pains in the bowels, which sometimes extends upwards into and over the region of the chest. Sometimes the pain is attended with vomiting and cold perspiration. A warm bath is useful, and hot flannels, or a jar or bottle filled with hot water should be applied to the abdomen.
Medicines
. Aconitum napellus, especially when the abdomen is tender to the touch, and the patient is feverish; Belladonna for severe griping and spasmodic pains; Bryonia for bilious colic and diarrhœa; Chamomilla for children.
940. Constipation
Women are more subject than men to this confined state of the bowels, which will, in many cases yield to exercise, plain nutritious diet, with vegetables and cooked fruit, and but little bread, and an enema of milk and water, or thin gruel if it is some time since there has been any action of the bowels.
Medicines
. Bryonia, especially for rheumatic patients, and disturbed state of the stomach; Nux vomica, for persons of sedentary habits, especially males; Pulsatilla, for women; Sulphur, for constipation that is habitual or of long continuance.
941. Convulsions
For convulsions arising from whatever cause, a warm bath is desirable, and a milk and water enema, if the child's bowels are confined.
Medicines
. Belladonna and Chamomilla, if the convulsions are caused by teething, with Aconitum napellus if the little patient be feverish; Aconitum napellus, Cina, and Belladonna, for convulsions caused by worms; Aconite and Coffœa, when they arise from fright; Ipecacuanha and Nux vomica, when they have been caused by repletion, or food that is difficult of digestion.
942. Cough
For this disorder, a light farinaceous diet is desirable, with plenty of out-door exercise and constant use of the sponging-bath.
Medicines
. Aconitum napellus, for a hard, dry, hacking cough; Antimonium, for cough with wheezing and difficulty of expectoration; Belladonna, for spasmodic cough, with tickling in the throat, or sore throat; Bryonia, for hard, dry cough, with expectorations streaked with blood; ipecacuanha, for children.
943. Croup
As this disorder frequently and quickly terminates fatally, recourse should be had to a duly qualified practitioner as soon as possible. The disease lies chiefly in the larynx and bronchial tubes, and is easily recognisable by the sharp, barking sound of the cough. A warm bath and mustard poultice will often tend to give relief.
Medicines
. Aconitum napellus, in the earlier stages of the disorder, and spongia and Hepar sulphuris, in the more advanced stages, the latter medicine being desirable when the cough is not so violent and the breathing easier.
944. Diarrhœa
The
medicines
to be used in this disorder are those which are mentioned under colic and bilious attacks.
945. Dysentery
Dysentery is somewhat similar to diarrhœa, but the symptoms are more aggravated in character, and the evacuations are chiefly mucus streaked with blood. As a local remedy hot flannels or a stone jar filled with hot water and wrapped in flannel, should be applied to the abdomen.
Medicines
. Colocynthis and Mercurius in alternation.
946. Dyspepsia
Dyspepsia or Indigestion arises from weakness of the digestive organs.
Symptoms
. Chief among these are habitual costiveness, heartburn and nausea, disinclination to eat, listlessness and weakness, accompanied with fatigue after walking, &c., restlessness and disturbed sleep at night, bad taste in the mouth, with white tongue, especially in the morning, accompanied at times with fulness in the region of the stomach, and flatulence which causes disturbance of the heart.
The causes of indigestion are too numerous to be mentioned here, but they may be inferred when it is said that scrupulous attention must be paid to diet (see
par
.
961
); that meals should be taken at regular and not too long intervals; that warm drinks, stimulants, and tobacco should be avoided; that early and regular hours should be kept, with a cold or chilled sponge bath every morning; and that measures should be taken to obtain a fair amount of exercise, and to provide suitable occupation for both body and mind during the day.
Medicines
. Arnica montana for persons who are nervous and irritable, and suffer much from headache; Bryonia for persons who are bilious and subject to rheumatism, and those who are listless, disinclined to eat, and have an unpleasant bitter taste in the mouth; Hepar sulphuris for chronic indigestion and costiveness, attended with tendency to vomit in the morning; Mercurius in cases of flatulence, combined with costiveness; Nux vomica for indigestion that makes itself felt from 2 a.m. to 4 a.m., or thereabouts, with loss of appetite and nausea in the morning, and for persons with a tendency to piles, and those who are engaged in sedentary occupations; Pulsatilla for women generally, and Chamomilla for children.
947. Fevers
For all fevers of a serious character, such as scarlet fever, typhus fever, typhoid fever, gastric fever, intermittent fever, or ague, &c., it is better to send at once for a medical man. In cases of ordinary fever, indicated by alternate flushes and shivering, a hot dry skin, rapid pulse, and dry foul tongue, the patient should have a warm bath, take but little nourishment, and drink cold water.
Medicine
. Aconitum napellus.
And Faith be Our Staff.
948. Flatulency
This disorder, which arises from, and is a symptom of, indigestion, frequently affects respiration, and causes disturbance and quickened action of the heart. The patient should pay attention to diet, as for dyspepsia.
Medicines
. China and Nux vomica; Pulsatilla for women, and Chamomilla for children. See
Dyspepsia
(946).
949. Headache
This disorder proceeds from so many various causes, which require different treatment, that it is wiser to apply at once to a regular homœopathic practitioner, and especially in headache of frequent occurrence.
Medicines
. Nux vomica when headache is caused by indigestion; Pulsatilla being useful for women; Belladonna and Ignatia, for sick headache; Aconitum napellus and Arsenicum for nervous headache.
950. Heartburn
For this unpleasant sensation of heat, arising from the stomach, accompanied by a bitter taste, and sometimes by nausea, Nux vomica is a good medicine. Pulsatilla may be taken by women.
951. Indigestion
See
Dyspepsia
(946).
952. Measles
This complaint, which seldom attacks adults, is indicated in its early stage by the usual accompaniments and signs of a severe cold in the head—namely, sneezing, running from the nose and eyelids, which are swollen. The sufferer also coughs, does not care to eat, and feels sick and restless. About four days after the first appearance of these premonitory symptoms, a red rash comes out over the face, neck, and body, which dies away, and finally disappears in about five days. The patient should be kept warm, and remain in one room during the continuance of the disorder, and especially while the rash is out, lest, through exposure to cold in any way, the rash may be checked and driven inwards.
Medicines
. Aconitum napellus, and Pulsatilla, which are sufficient for all ordinary cases. If there be much fever, Belladonna; and if the rash be driven in by a chill, Bryonia.
953. Mumps
This disorder is sometimes consequent on measles. It is indicated by the swelling of the glands under the ears and lower jaw. It is far more painful than dangerous. Fomenting with warm water is useful.
Medicines
. Mercurius generally; Belladonna may be used when mumps follow an attack of measles.
954. Nettlerash
This rash, so called because in appearance it resembles the swelling and redness caused by the sting of a nettle, is generally produced by a disordered state of the stomach.
Medicines
. Aconitum napellus, Nux vomica, or Pulsatilla, in ordinary cases; Arsenicum is useful if there be much fever; Belladonna if the rash is accompanied with headache.
955. Piles
The ordinary homœopathic remedies for this painful complaint are Nux vomica and Sulphur.
956. Sprains
Apply to the part affected a lotion formed of one part of tincture of Arnica to two of water. For persons who cannot use Arnica, in consequence of the irritation produced by it, a lotion of tincture of Calendula may be used in the proportion of one part of the tincture to four of water.
957. Teething
Infants and very young children frequently experience much pain in the mouth during dentition, and especially when the tooth is making its way through the gum. The child is often feverish, the mouth and gums hot and tender, and the face flushed. There is also much running from the mouth, and the bowels are disturbed, being in some cases confined, and in others relaxed, approaching to diarrhœa.
Medicines
. These are Aconitum napellus, in ordinary cases; Nux vomica, when the bowels are confined; Chamomilla, when the bowels are relaxed; Mercurius, if the relaxed state of the bowels has deepened into diarrhœa; Belladonna, if there be symptoms of disturbance of the brain.
958. Whooping-Cough
This disease is sometimes of long duration, for if it shows itself in the autumn or winter months, the little patient will frequently retain the cough until May or even June, when it disappears with the return of warmer weather. Change of air when practicable is desirable, especially when the cough has been of long continuance.
In this cough there are three stages. In the first the symptoms are those of an ordinary cold in the head and cough. In the second the cough becomes hard, dry and rapid, and the inhalation of the air, after or during the paroxysm of coughing produces the peculiar sound from which the disease is named. In the final stage the cough occurs at longer intervals, and the paroxysms are less violent and ultimately disappear. In this stage the disease is subject to fluctuation, the cough again increasing in frequency of occurrence and intensity if the patient has been unduly exposed to cold or damp, or if the weather is very changeable.
Children suffering from whooping-cough should have a light nourishing diet and only go out when the weather is mild and warm.
Medicines
. Aconitum napellus in the very commencement of the disorder, followed by Ipecacuanha and Nux vomica when the second stage is just approaching and during its continuance. These medicines may be continued if necessary during the third stage.
959. Worms
The presence of worms is indicated by irritation of the membrane of the nose, causing the child to thrust its finger into the nostrils; by irritation of the lower part of the body; by thinness, excessive appetite and restlessness in sleep. Children suffering from worms should eat meat freely and not take so much bread, vegetables, and farinaceous food as children generally do. They should have as much exercise as possible in the open air, and be sponged with cold water every morning. The worms that mostly trouble children are the thread worms, which are present chiefly in the lower portion of the intestines, and the round worm.
Medicines, &c.
. Administer an injection of weak salt-and-water, and give Aconitum napellus, to be followed by Ignatia and Sulphur in the order in which they are here given. These are the usual remedies for thread worms. For round worms, whose presence in the stomach is indicated by great thinness, sickness and discomfort, and pain in the stomach, Aconitum napellus, Cina, Ignatia and Sulphur are given.
960. Extent of Doses in Homœopathy
Homœopathic medicines are given in the form of globules, pilules, or tincture, the last-named being generally preferred. The average doses for adults are from half a drop to one drop of the tincture given in a tablespoonful of water, from two to four pilules, or from three to six globules. In using the tincture it is usual to measure out a few tablespoonfuls of water and to add to it a certain number of drops regulated by the quantity of water that is used. For children medicine is mixed at the same strength, but a less quantity is given. The proper quantity for a dose is always given in books and manuals for the homœopathic treatment of disease. Small cases of the principal medicines used in homœopathy can be procured from most chemists, and with each case a little book showing the symptoms and treatment of all ordinary complaints is usually given.
961. Diet in Homœopathy
The articles of food that are chiefly recommended when attention to diet is necessary are stale bread, beef, mutton, poultry, fresh game, fish, chiefly cod and flat fish, avoiding mackerel, &c., eggs and oysters. Rice, sago, tapioca, and arrowroot are permitted, as are also potatoes, carrots, turnips, broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus, French beans, and broad beans. Water, milk, cocoa, and chocolate may be drunk. It is desirable to avoid all things that are not specified in the foregoing list. Ripe fruit may be eaten, but unripe fruit, unless cooked should be scrupulously avoided.