DIRECTIONS FOR USE.

For Self-administration.

Attach the crooked or angular tube, H, to the end of the flexible tube, F; place the fluid intended for use in a basin opposite you; introduce the pipe, and sit down upon it, holding the instrument upright in the basin with one hand, and working the piston with the other.

For use with an Assistant.

If the instrument is to be used by an assistant, (as is often the case in sickness by a nurse,) the straight pipe, G, should be used instead of the crooked or angular one.

For Children.

For injecting the bowels of children, use the small pipe, I.

For Female or Vaginal Uses.

Attach the long pipe, J. (See Vaginal Injections.)

The Piston, or Plunger, and the Care of the same.

If the instrument has stood some time without use, or has been kept in a dry or warm place, the leather of which it is composed may have become dry; it should therefore be withdrawn from the barrel and immersed in warm water, (not hot.) It should then, after remaining a short time, be saturated with melted tallow or sweet oil, which will restore the suppleness to the leather and cause it to work easily within the barrel. If the instrument has stood in a very cold place, the leather of course would become chilled. This can be easily set right by merely immersing the barrel of the syringe in a basin of warm water. The interior of the barrel may sometimes become rough by means of matter adhering to it that has been used in the instrument, such as gruel, or other thick injections, and may cause an obstruction to the working of the plunger. The barrel should, therefore, in such cases, be thoroughly washed out with warm soapsuds before returning the plunger to its place. The leather with which this is constructed is prepared in a peculiar manner, expressly for the proprietor, so that it will not dry hard, and can be used for a long time without parting with its oily matter.

N. B.—Extra leathers for the plunger can be obtained of the proprietor, or his agents, and sent to any place by mail. Price 12½ cents.

The Valves.

These consist of small mineral balls, and are operated in an improved chamber or cavity, which allows them to always work well, and are not liable to stick or become wedged, as has been the case with instruments formerly made with this kind of a valve. They are greatly superior to India-rubber valves, which soon, by the action of the fluid, become unfit for use. Should the valves by any means be lost, a common marble, if round, will answer the purpose. ☞ After the instrument has been used for administering any thick injection, it should be thoroughly cleansed by pumping some clear water through it, and all sediment which may remain in the valve chambers, A and E, should be removed, or it may cause an obstruction to the working of the valves.

N. B.—Be careful not to put the instrument away wet, or it will injure the box.

The Flexible Tube.

The reader will observe that the couplings to which the flexible tube is attached are made with a neck, which is inserted into the orifice of the tube, the compression of which, when on, holds it firmly in its place. ☞ If at any time the flexible tube should be injured so as to be unfit for use, a new one can be forwarded by mail to any place, on application to either of the proprietor's agents, and it can be readily attached without the least trouble by any person. Price of Flexible Tube, 25 cents.

Withdrawal of the Piston.

Persons may sometimes withdraw the piston or plunger from the barrel, and on account of its peculiar construction be unable to return it again. Therefore, please observe that it is composed of two round pieces of leather, which are turned in opposite directions over the metallic plates—the upper one turning up, the lower one turning down. With the leathers thus arranged, it is to be introduced sideways into the barrel, and the portion of the lower leather which remains outside of the barrel gradually and carefully pressed in with the thumb nail. ☞ But in so doing be very careful not to cut or injure the leather. N. B.—Silver Plated Syringes, suitable for using nitrate of silver, furnished to order at short notice. (See Nitrate of Silver Injections.)

Peculiarities of the Improved Portable Syringe.

The peculiarity of this instrument, which renders it superior to others heretofore used, consists in the mode of constructing the valves and valve chambers. Many of the celebrated instruments with which the market has been heretofore supplied have been constructed with cylindrical valve chambers, having a flat seat for the valve to rest upon, through which is an orifice for the passage of the fluid. The valve itself consists of a circular piece of India-rubber, the diameter of which is somewhat less than that of the chamber, in order to allow the fluid to flow by it when the valve is raised. There are several serious objections to these valves. The India-rubber in a short time enlarges when in use so as entirely to obstruct the passage of the fluid, especially when a warm injection is used, which quickly softens and moistens the rubber. The valve, too, in such cases, if made so small and light as to avoid this evil, is liable to double or fold up, and is drawn through the orifice in the valve neck into the barrel of the instrument, and thereby entirely stops its working.

In the instrument now offered to the public, these objections are entirely obviated by using for a valve a small mineral ball, which rests upon a concave seat, to which it is nicely adjusted. The ball, being of a material which does not absorb water, never becomes enlarged by use; and it is obvious that it can never be drawn through the orifice into the body of the instrument. It is also a self-adjusting valve, the friction of the ball on its seat having a constant tendency to make them fit together more accurately. The mineral balls are acknowledged to be much more durable than the India-rubber disks; and as an instrument is serviceable only while all its parts are fit for use, it is apparent that the new instrument will last much longer than those which have been constructed in the manner described.

Care and Preservation of the Instrument.

In all cases, after the instrument has been used for injecting any medicinal preparation, gruel, or in fact anything except clear water, care should be taken to thoroughly cleanse it before laying it aside, or it will become foul. This can be easily effected by pumping through it some pure water, which will generally remove all sediment that may be left in the instrument. If an injection containing oil has been used, strong soapsuds will be required to remove the oily matter. If in cleansing the syringe the plunger is withdrawn from the barrel, great care should be taken that the leather is not injured in returning it again. (See Directions for Use.)

As this instrument is composed wholly of the best of Britannia, and not of part lead, like most of the instruments of the kind, it can be easily kept clean and bright as when new, by rubbing it smartly for a moment with a piece of soft flannel or wash-leather. The little trouble occasioned by this process will be amply repaid by the handsome appearance of the apparatus.

Common Injections.

Take of cold or warm water about three quarters of a pint. These are the most simple injections for costiveness, and are generally very effective in their action. Cold water is highly recommended by Dr. Jackson, of Boston, in cases of habitual costiveness, and may be used daily for many years, without injury.

Laxative Injections.

Form I.

Take one half pint of strong soapsuds, made from the yellow bar; or common soft soap is often used, in two gills of warm water. This will be found very active, and is much used in bad cases of constipation, or to hasten the operation of cathartics taken by the mouth.

Form II.

Take of common salt, molasses, and lard, one table spoonful each, to which add one pint of warm water. If this do not operate as effectually as may be desired, the effect may be increased by the addition of a table spoonful of olive oil, or infusion of senna.

Purgative Injections.

Form I.

Take of soft soap one table spoonful, of olive oil one half a pint, to which add a pint and a half of warm water. This is recommended by Dr. Jackson in cases of obstinate constipation.

Form II.

To one pint of water gruel or thin starch add a table spoonful of castor oil, or the same quantity of common lard, and a table spoonful of salt. This is an excellent cathartic.

Form III.

Take of powdered senna two scruples, of soft soap one ounce, to which add a pint of boiling water. This is a very efficient cathartic enema in obstinate constipation, arising from colic, or other more inflammatory conditions of the bowels.

Form IV.

To one pint of warm water add one ounce of castor oil and half an ounce of salt of tartar. Or take of Epsom salts one ounce, of senna leaves half an ounce, to which add one pint of boiling water. Pour the boiling water upon the senna and let it stand for a quarter of an hour; then strain and add the Epsom salts.

Either of these will be found to be very effectual in their operation.

Emollient Injections.

Form I.

Take of molasses and water one pint, to which add one ounce of common lard. This has been found very effectual in cases of dysentery.

Form II.

To one pint of water add one ounce of common dried mallows, and one half an ounce of dried chamomile. Boil together fifteen minutes, and strain.

Starch Injection.

To one pint of water add from four to six drachms of starch. Rub them well together and boil a short time. This is used as an excellent emollient enema in an inflammatory condition of the large intestines, or in irritation of the rectum, but chiefly in inflammatory cases. Flaxseed or slippery elm may be substituted in most cases, if more convenient.

Injection for Piles.[1]

To one pint of water add half an ounce of bruised galls and two large poppy heads. Boil together twenty minutes, and strain. This will be found to be a valuable remedy in severe cases of piles, where the rectum is much inflamed, it being very soothing in its nature.

Turpentine Injection.

Take of spirits of turpentine one half an ounce, to which add the yolk of an egg and three quarters of a pint of warm water. The injection is to be repeated as often as the case may require.

Astringent Injections.

Form I.

Take of powdered nutgalls two and a half drachms, to which add half an ounce of walnut leaves and one quart of water. Boil down to a pint and a half, and strain. This is used in cases of leucorrhœa, or whites, and is esteemed a useful remedy.

Form II.

Take of white oak bark one ounce, to which add two pints of water. Boil to a pint, and strain. This is regarded as an excellent remedy by many eminent physicians in cases of leucorrhœa. (See Vaginal Injections.)

Form III.

Take of alum two and a half drachms, and dissolve in one pint of water. This is frequently used in dysentery.

Form IV.

Take of alum two drachms, and of decoction of walnut leaves one quart. Dissolve and mix well together. This compound is found serviceable as a vaginal injection in leucorrhœa.

Form V.

Take of powdered galls one drachm, to which add one pint of water. Boil down to three quarters of a pint, and strain. This preparation has been found very useful in chronic diarrhœa and excessive hemorrhage from piles.

Form VI.

Take of soft extract of rhatany seventy-five grains, to which add one drachm of tincture of rhatany, and a half a pint of water. Dissolve the extract in the water, and strain; then add the tincture. This has been successfully prescribed by many physicians for bleeding piles, fissures in the anus, and chronic dysentery.

Anti-Dysenteric Injection.

Take of solution of acetate of lead from two and a half drachms to four drachms, to which add one pint of water.

For children, from one half to two and a half drachms will be sufficient in a proper proportion of water. This is an effectual injection in acute dysentery.

Injection of Sugar of Lead.

Take of sugar of lead one scruple, and of laudanum forty drops, to which add half a pint of warm water. This is recommended by the celebrated Dr. Davis as a sure remedy in cases of uterine hemorrhage.

Opiate or Anodyne Injections.

Form I.

Take of laudanum fifty drops, to which add five ounces of starch mucilage, and mix well together. The United States Dispensatory, speaking of this invaluable remedy, says that for obstinate vomiting, stranguary affections of the kidneys, bladder, &c., it is the most admirable remedy now in use.

Form II.

Take of laudanum one half a teaspoonful, to which add two ounces of starch mucilage, and mix thoroughly. In dysentery and other painful affections of the intestines, this is considered by the best medical authority to be a certain relief. Dr. Druit directs from one hundred to one hundred and twenty drops to be administered. A whole teaspoonful has been often used in severe cases. The less mucilage used, the more likely is the injection to remain in the rectum. An opiate injection for a child not over a year old may consist of two or three drops of laudanum mixed in three quarters of an ounce of mucilage. Opiate injections should not be administered often, without the advice of a physician.

Form III.

Take of powdered opium four grains, to which add one ounce of lard. Melt with gentle heat, mix thoroughly, and inject warm.

Lime Water and Catechu Injection.

Take of electuary of catechu half an ounce, to which add ten ounces of lime water. This has been administered with most beneficial results in diarrhœa.

Chloride of Soda Injection.

Take of chloride of soda one ounce, to which add from a half pint to a pint of water, and mix well. This is used in vaginal injections in cases of infections produced by the decomposition of a retained after-birth; also to destroy the offensive odor of stools, and to relieve pains in wounds of an unhealthy character.

Irritant Injection.

Take of hot Port wine one pint, and of alcohol five drachms. In cases of colic, where an active and speedy relief of the bowels is desired, this remedy has been highly beneficial.

Anti-Neuralgic Injection.

Take of Venice turpentine one half an ounce, and add the yolk of an egg, three fourths of a grain of extract of opium, and half a pint of water. Make the turpentine and egg into an emulsion, and by degrees add the water, in which the extract must previously be dissolved. An injection of simple water is to be first taken and retained, and then the above administered, which the patient must endeavor to retain. To be taken at first at bedtime, and after a few days twice a day, in cases of obstinate rheumatic affections.

Anti-Spasmodic Injections.

Form I.

Take of castor (not the oil) one drachm, and beat it well with the yolk of an egg; then add a half pint of water. This is frequently given with the best results to women suffering from spasms of the womb, accompanied with hysterics.

Form II.

Take of assafœtida two drachms, to which add from one half to three-quarters of a pint of thin water gruel, and mix well together. This is considered very useful in hysteria, colic, convulsions of children, &c., and for relief of severe pain in the bowels.

Injections for Worms.[2]

Form I.

Take of powdered aloes from ten to fifteen grains, and of starch mucilage one gill. Steep well together, and strain. The same quantity of warm sweet oil or even lamp oil is very useful in these cases, and is known to be a powerful exterminator of pin worms. It may be injected twice a day, if deemed necessary. For this purpose alone, the Improved Injecting Apparatus becomes, in the hands of parents, a valuable means of removing one of the most frightful sources of disease in children.

Form II.

Take of sifted wood soot six drachms; to which add half a pint of water. Boil and strain. This injection is useful in destroying thread worms in children. It should be given half an hour before the child goes to bed, and should be administered several days in succession.

Form III.

Take of chamomile flowers half an ounce, of aloes one drachm, of common salt one ounce, and boiling water one pint. Steep the chamomile and aloes for ten minutes; then strain, and add the salt.

Aromatic Injection.

Steeped anise seed or carraway, so commonly given by the mouth to infants, in flatulency, may be used in the form of injections for the same purpose, by making an infusion of the seeds. Take, of the seeds of either one half an ounce, and of boiling water a pint. Steep for fifteen minutes and strain. This may be often repeated, if required.

Yeast Injection.

Take of barley gruel one gill, to which add one gill of yeast. This injection is found extremely efficient in typhoid fever, and useful in preventing the offensive odor of stools in various complaints.

Tobacco Injection.

Take of tobacco leaves from fifteen to twenty grains; to which add one pint of boiling water. Steep for an hour and strain. This injection is recommended in cases of strangulated hernia by many distinguished French and English physicians; and also for obstinate constipation, retention of urine, flooding after child-birth, &c. This injection should be used with the utmost caution, and never without the sanction, or, perhaps, even under the eye of a physician. Lobelia, which is sometimes substituted for tobacco, is liable to the same or more stringent objections, and should be used with the same care.

Quinine Injections.

Form I.

Take of flaxseed tea one gill, to which add from twelve to fifteen grains of quinine. Injected warm, this enema is found to have a powerful and immediate effect in intermittent fevers. It may be repeated every four or six hours, as the case may require.

Form II.

Take of quinine five or six grains, and of sulphuric acid eight drops; to which add half a pint of water. This enema is sometimes used for expulsion of worms from the rectum, and is considered very effective by physicians generally.

Camphor Injection.

Take of powdered camphor five grains, and one gill of gum arabic mucilage, or flaxseed tea. Mix well and administer warm. This is highly esteemed in cases of dysentery.

Ox Gall Injection.

Take of ox gall flesh one ounce, to which add one pint of warm water. This has been strongly recommended by Doctors Clay and Alnatt, of England, for cases of obstinate constipation and hardened fæces. Cases are on record in England where numerous other injections had been used, all of which failed; upon which an injection of ox-gall was administered, and success was the instantaneous result.

Nutritious Injections.

Form I.

In cases where nourishment cannot be taken by the mouth, injections of strong beef tea or broth may be thrown up the rectum, to the extent of from half a pint to a pint at a time. A case is cited where life was prolonged in this manner alone for ten weeks or more.

Form II.

Take of starch or tapioca one drachm. Boil in half a pint of veal broth, without salt, and three yolks of eggs. Beat well together and strain. Administer tepid. This is an admirable support to nature where food is not easily borne upon the stomach.

Nitrate of Silver Injection.[3]

Take of nitrate of silver half a grain, to which add half a pint of water; to be retained after injection several hours, if possible. The strength may be increased to three grains for each injection. Dr. Trask, in his "Notes on Hospital Cases," in his Journal of October, 1850, mentions a case of severe chronic diarrhœa, in which, after using several strong injections of sulph. zinc, sugar of lead, opium, tannin, etc., with no effect, he injected a solution of thirty grains of nitrate of silver, with a common glass syringe. It was not retained a moment, he says, and caused a good deal of tenesmus for some time. After this injection, another of starch and laudanum was immediately administered, and a very decided diminution in the number of discharges followed. The next day but one, an injection of fifteen grains of nitrate of silver was given, followed by the injection of starch and laudanum, and in eight days from the first injection of the caustic, the patient was able to walk about the house.

Vaginal Injections.

Vaginal injections should first be given in quantities sufficient to thoroughly cleanse the vaginal canal; and then, in quantities of about a gill, should be administered and retained as long as from ten to twenty minutes, if possible. The temperature of the injections may vary with the state of the patient, and be either hot or cold. Warm injections may afford a speedy relief to some, while upon others they have no effect. In cases of leucorrhœa, if copious, injections of tepid water, three or four times a day, will be found to be very beneficial. In falling of the womb, injections of cold water in quantities of a quart at a time, have been administered with good results. In some cases of leucorrhœa an astringent injection may be required. The injection for this complaint mostly recommended by physicians consists of a decoction of white oak bark, (see Astringent Injections,) and can be used warm or cold, as best suits the patient. However, in all cases of vaginal complaints, unless they are very mild, legitimate medical advice should always be had; physicians in regular standing being the most reliable in all critical cases. Application to them should therefore be made at once, or evil consequences may be the penalty of neglect.