f THE/FAM FAMILY PHYSICIAN, CONSUMPTIVE'S GUIDE TO HEALTH, AND LADY'S MEDICAL COMPANION. COMPILED CHIEFLY FROM THE WORKS OK BENJAMIN RUSH, M. D., LL. D., PROFESSOR OF CHEMISTRY, THEORY AND PRACTICE, AND INSTITUTES OF MEDICINE IN THE* UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA J V- S. SURGEON GENERAL, ETC., ETC. EDITED BY A. II. FLANDERS, A. M., M. D., LATE PROFESSOR OF CHEMISTRY, CHEM1CO-PHYSIOLOGY, AND TOXI- COLOGY, IN IRE HOM, MEDICAL COLLEGE AT PHILADELPHIA I GRADUATE OF UNION COLLEGE. NEW YORK , MEM- BER OF THE RHODE ISLAND MEDICAL SOCI- ETY j MEMBER OF THE HAHNE-___- -- MANNIAN INSTITUTE; s^~*i >' * Ni '> •"■ CORRESPONDING SECRETARY OF THE IMPERIAL-^ClBTY, PARIS-} ~E$fc LOWELL : PUBLISHED BY THE EDITOR. CONSULTATIONS FREE. Prop. Flanders, the editor of this book, makes no charge for consultation, or advice, whether personally or by letter. His residence, and office, are in Wentworth's Building, Low- ell, Mass. For the benefit of those who cannot visit the city, he has so arranged his practice and pre- pared his remedies, that he can treat them suc- cessfully and satisfactorily at a distance ; al- though he prefers that the patient should give him the opportunity of a personal examination, whenever it is possible, by calling at his office. But when this cannot be done conveniently, and invalids can only consult by letter, a print- ed list of questions will be fowarded, by which all the facts necessary to any case will be as- certained. A candid opinion will be promptly returned. Remedies may be sent by express to all parts of the country. His treatment, conducted up- on this plan, has been attended by the most gratifying results, and its benefits have been ex- tended to thousands who could not leave their distant homes, and must otherwise have failed of relief. The remedies he employs are care- fully prepared under his own hand. His charges are moderate, and the poor should not hesitate to apply. The full address is given at page 44. Fntered, according to act of Congress, In the year 1864, Br A. H Flanders, in the Clerk's Office of the District (lourt of Massachusetts. 4 INTRODUCTION. This book lays no claim to originality ; but, based upon the works of the great Dr. Rush its object is simply utility. With this in view no trouble has been spared to adapt it to the present state of medical science, and render it perfect in its way. The Laws of Health are considered in rela- tion to the prevalent habits, and mode of life of our people ; and in the hope that they may be- come more generally known, and observed, than at present. The directions under Bathing and Water Treatment, are such as long person- al experience has proved to be most essential for the preservation and restoration of health. Those receiving this work as the Consump- tive's Guide to Health, are advised to read over all the matter commencing with page 6, until the article on Consumption is finished. It is to be hoped that the fastidious will not take offence at any thing contained herein ; re- membering that " to the pure, all things are pure ;" .and that the physician of the body, like the Good Physician, must be ready to assist all classes of the unfortunate. 6 DIRECTIONS TO THE READER; Almost any topic upon which medical infor- mation is usually wanted may be found by look- ing in the alphabetical index at the end of the book. The following topics may be found more es- pecially interesting. The Laws of Health, page 8 ; Scrofula, page 40 ; Rush's Sarsapa- rilla and Iron, page 47 ; Rush's Lung Balm, page 54 ; Cures of Consumption, page 58; Consumption, page 64 ; Medical Humbugs, page 143; Accidents, page 149 ; Poisons, page 152 ; Fevers, page 153 ; Dyspepsia, page 164; Rheumatism, page 168; Diphtheria, page 177; Cancer, page 183; Asthma, page 188; Dis- eases of the Heart, page 189 ; Diseases of the Skin, page 190; Female Complaints, 210; Rush's Monthly Remedy, page 231 ; The Laws of Maternity, or How to prevent an increase of Family, page 232 ; Syphilis, page 235 ; Gon- orrhoea, page 240 ; Self-Abuse, page 241 ; Re- ceipts, page 246. The receipt for Chromate Soap, housekeep- ers will find very valuable, page 246. 6 The Editor's Tour in Europe. In answer to the inquiries of numerous friends, the editor will take this opportunity to make a brief re- sponse , in regard to his recent visit to the principal countries of the Old World. His journey was one of observation, and improve- ment ; and he embraced the opportunity to make him- self acquainted with the different modes of treatment, and accumulated experience of British and Continent tal physicians. For nearly a year he devoted his time to visiting the European hospitals, availing himself of the researches and knowledge of the most eminent sur- geons and physicians in Europe ; such as Sir B. Bro- die, Curling, Civiale, Ricord, and Guerin ; and think- ing medical chemistry of the utmost importance in se- curing absolute purity for all medical preparations, especially in vegetable chemistry, he made himself thoroughly acquainted with the best Laboratories in England and on the Continent; especially those of Liebig, Regnault, and Kane. His tour thus extended through Great Britain, France, Italy, Germany and Switzerland; visiting also the principal hospitals of London, Paris, Edinburg, Rome, Milan, Venice, and Vienna. On his retnrn he found himself amply repaid by the additional knowledge acquired in the vtreat- meot of various diseases, especially of the more deli- cate and difficult diseases that devastate the human race; such as Consumption and all disorders of the Pulmonary tissues; and those of the Urinary,' Ner- vous, and Sexual functions. __ It is well known by many' physicians that, the means commonly used in the curing of ^thesejiiseaseff 7 8 THE EDITOR'S T0UB. I have baffled all their efforts; and none can more read- ily testify to the truth of this assertion than the poor patient himself, who has proved it by bitter experience. There is, undoubtedly, an aptitude in particular sys- tems to particular diseases, or a something causing that disease to assume an unusual inveteracy. It was the good fortune of the editor while residing at Paris, to witness in the hospitals every form of disease in the pulmonary and nervous systems, and the infallible means adopted for their removal and cure He found the facilities for medical improvement, at Paris to be far superior to those of any other Europe- an capital, equally notable in Diseases of the Skin, and the more difficult, and obscure Female Complaints. The principal surgeons, and physicians, attached to the various medical institutions there, are not only po- lite, but quite painstaking, in giving every needed in- formation to physicians from abroad, and especially to Americans. The authorities of the Empire, too, are no less Uberal in according every facility for attending the great government hospitals devoted to special dis- eases To give any detailed account of the medical facili- ties of Paris and the Continent, would fill a volume ; or of their artistic and literary advantages ;—it will not be attempted here ; but numerous friends may rest as- sured that however great such facilities, and advanta- ges, may have been found ; old Europe had no perma- nent attractions, for Young America. THE LAWS OP HEALTH. HYGIENE. DIET. Preservation of Health.. Pure Air, and plenty of it, that is to say good ventilation, is to be regarded as a matter of the first importance in preserving, or restoring health. Buildings public, as well as private, are now nearly always constructed with reference to bet- ter ventilation than formerly; especially in our cities, and larger towns: but in the rural districts, in fact, in all quarters, there are still great faults in this respect. Not only in dwellings, but in churches, school-rooms and all places of public meetings, is ventilation, at times, neglected; and the breathing of impure air thereby is a most fruit- ful source of disease. Proper ventilation is not practicable, and con- sistent with health without due regard to tempera- ture. A thermometer is therefore an essential in- strument in every well regulated room, which is to be kept warm ; and especially for a sick room. The proper temperature for comfort and health is between 65 and 70 degrees, when fires are kept; and in all rooms warmed by close stoves, except in the very coldest weather, a window should be kept constantly let down at the top, if only an inch or two; and this ia especially true of new, tight, and mod- 10 THE MEANS OF PRESERVING HEALTH. em-built houses. A very good way to secure ventil- ation in very cold weather, is to have a register in- serted in the chimney, and opening out of the room to be ventilated. This may usually be done by putting it over the fire-place. This is also a good way in sleeping rooms when persons cannot make up their minds to sleep with a window partly or quite open. Sleeping rooms, however, are best ventilated by opening a window wide open, and allowing the pure air of all-out-doors to enter freely. This may be practiced with perfect safety, even all winter, and in stormy weather, if there are protecting blinds to keep out rain or snow, with the greatest advantage to sound sleep and health. The only exceptions are to zero weather, and very windy weather, when enough air for ventilation will enter if a window is open a half inch, or so. There is a prevalent idea that sleeping in a room with a fire is unhealthy, and this is no doubt correct if the ventilation is bad, as it usually is when no window is left open ; because the fire helps consume the vital air. But if a window is left open a fire is by no means unhealthy. Some fear taking cold from leaving a window open : — there will be no danger for persons who take a daily morning bath; and others must accustom themselves by degrees; that is by leaving a window a little farther open every night, or every week, until the habit is formed. Young persons espec- ially should form this habit. The objection is sometimes urged that night air is unhealthy, and injurious. We are certain that this is only.popu- lar prejudice; there is no chemical difference be- tween air during the night and during the day, except that in the night it may perhaps contain a little more dampness; but if that is the case it is THE MEANS OF PRESERVING HEALTH. 11 rather an advantage ; since it is one of the evils of our climate that the atmosphere is too dry. We repeat it that it is only a groundless prejudice that night air is injurious to health. Sleep then with a window open at all times of year, and promote, and preserve your health by so doing. In general there is too little sound sleep. Eight hours is not too much for the average of persons; and how many there are who shorten their lives by trying to get along with five or six. No cloth- ing should be worn by night, that is worn in the day time, for the reason that by making an entire change every night, the body clothing, or linen,- becomes thoroughly ventilated, and the most of the perspiration absorbed during the day evapora- ted. It is a good idea to place the immediate body linen, when it is to be resumed the next morning near the open window. Sleeping a short time just before dinner, is as good or better than a long nap after. Feather beds, when very soft, are justly con- demned as unhealthy. But one of the hard kind, made of less costly feathers, can hardly be worse than a hair mattress, which does not admit of stir- ring up, or as thorough ventilation as does a feather bed. We are inclined to think that the indiscriminate abuse of feathers is hardly fair; and do not believe that feathers are more retentive of perspiration, or odors, than curled hair. The old fashioned straw-bed is rather cold for winter, but is perhaps the healthiest of all in summer. This question, however, is of very little importance when compared with that of ventilation by open windows ; or of daily bathing. Most persons, and all sensitive ones, will find on trial that they will sleep better with the head 12 BATHING. towards the North. The reason for which is, that there is a force similar to magnetism, which Reich- enbach has called the Odic force, which makes this a great requisite for sound sleep with very many persons. Moonlight, or the direct rays of the moon, in a sleeping room will frequently for the same reason, make sensitive persons restless, or even sleep-walkers. Persons desirous of a fur- ther understanding of this subject should read the Baron Reichenbach's " Dynamics of Magnetism." We only state what are now established facts. In this connection it may be stated that it is a very good habit to drink a tumbler of pure water on going to bed, in compensation for the loss by insensible perspiration, and evaporation from the lungs, dur- ing the night. It is certainly conducive to sound sleep, and beneficial to persons inclined to dyspep- sia, or constipation. In regard to bed clothing it should be stated that cotton-wadded quilts, or comforts, are objectiona- ble on account of retaining the exhalations from the body:—blankets are preferable, and can be washed if requisite. Bathing a 3VLeans of" Preserving Health. Daily bathing is the most important means of all, for preserving health. This is not entirely on ac- count of personal cleanliness, which is a duty we owe to society and ourselves; but for the physiolo- gical reason, among others, that the daily applica- tion of cold water to the entire surface of the body hardens and fortifies the entire system against any and all disturbing causes;—such as taking cold, susceptibility to contagion, and all other causes productive of disease. It also keeps the system in BATHING. 13 a constant state of renewal; because oathing causes a greater waste of the solids than would otherwise take place, but which is more than made up, by the increased appetite and more perfect digestion, by which we get new and perfect blood, and from that, a renewal of the solids, in a condi- tion resembling that of youth. We believe it to be a fact that the average length of human life would be increased fifteen years if everybody could, and would, bathe at least once daily. Set it down, then, gentle reader, as an established fact that a daily bath of some kind will promote your health, and comfort, and probably lengthen your life. The question is then asked what kind of a bath is best. We answer from long personal experi- ence The Sponge Bath. The Sponge Bath taken on rising in the morn- ing, is on many accounts the most effectual, and convenient bath which is avilable for everybody. A large sponge or coarse towel, or two, are all that are requisite save a basin of cold soft water. Use it in this way. Immediately on rising, the night clothing being removed, take a spongeful of water, and squeeze it out on the back of the neck, and by stooping a little let the water flow all over the body; repeat this over the chest and continue to take up rapidly one spongeful after another un- til one or two quarts have been briskly applied. Then with a large coarse towel briskly rub dry the whole surface. If the hair is not too abundant wash the entire head and face with the hands, before you com- 14 BATHING. mence the bath with the sponge. A coarse towel may be used instead of a sponge. The very best kind of towel for drying is a Turkish bathing tow- el. This entire bath, and wiping dry should occu- py just three minutes and no more ; and you will find it the best hour's work that you can do in the day. The water which is used in taking this bath may be received by standing in a common wash- tub. A skilful person, however, can take it with- out spilling enough water on a carpet even, to do any harm ; but it is better to use more water. The body should be briskly rubbed with the coarse towel at least one minute', which will be enough in practiced hands. For the first few times the entire bath may take up four or five minutes. Persons unaccustomed to bathing need not bathe the entire surface of the body for a beginning; but may commence with the face and chest only, and gradually increase. Perhaps you ask ;—Do you advise this bath to be taken every morning, even if it freezes in the sleeping room. We reply, yes, even if you break the ice to get at the water. We have often done so, and expect to do so many times again. If how- ever, you commence bathing in winter, at first you must use the water at about 65 degrees, until you become accustomed to the oddity of it. We ven- ture to say that after you have taken such a daily bath as this for the period of one month you will not willingly go back to the old greasy, sticky, sleepy feeling, of an unwashed skin. Daily bath- ing renders the wearing of flannel next the skin; the sleeping with hermetically sealed windows, for fear of taking cold ; and in short, the whole " cod- dling" process, wholly unnecessary. The editor of this book was brought up in "that way; but BATHING. 15 thanks to the progress of ideas " has come up higher." Perhaps you ask is not the shower-bath better than the sponge-bath. We answer no. It is a much harsher bath, but no better. Perhaps in summer it is a more pleasant bath, for daily bathing. We should prefer, if it were always ac- cessible, a full bath, by immersing the whole person, daily on rising, and occupying the same length of time;—namely three minutes; but unfortunately very few persons enjoy such facilities. We repeat it again, the morning sponge-bath, taken daily on rising, as previously directed, is the best, and most powerful means of preserving health, and available under all circumstances. After tak- ing any kind of bath, warmth, and reaction should be secured by exercise; or if necessary, by going to a fire. Food and. Diet. This is a subject both important and interesting ; and one we are sorry to say very little understood. We must remember that what we eat must be im- mediately digested, and converted into a substance called chyle, which enters immediately into the blood, and mixes with it; and that this is all a pro- cess of only a few hours. How important then to eat only such kinds of food as are proper to be- come a part of our bodies. A point of very great importance is that of the quantity of food to be taken. In this country most persons eat too much, and especially too much animal food ; and excess in eating is considerably promoted by the almost universal use of fine flour which is a form of food too concentrated for health. Wheat contains all the chemical elements which 16 FOOD AND DIET. are necessary to invigorate the body: but some of its most essential parts are contained in the cuticle or bran, and the colored part of the kernel which is next to the bran. The small portion of iron, which is essential to the constitution of healthy blood, is there situated; and the bran itself is necessary to most persons to keep the liver and bowels suf- ficiently active. If the use of fine flour could be entirely abandoned, and the use of meal, made by grinding up the entire wheat, be adopted instead; the health of the community would be very much promoted. The entire dyspeptic train of symptoms is caused in no small degree by this excessive use of fine flour, which has become a great and crying dietetic evil in our land. This is made worse, too, by the almost universal use of unleavened bread, in the form of biscuits, raised with saleratus, or soda, which are still more injurious by reason of loading the blood with pernicious mineral matter, produced by the combination of the soda with the cream of tartar, which forms a tartrate of soda. Saleratus is just as bad. How much better the raised loaf of wheat meal; or even the old-fashioned loaf of brown bread, though a little less nutritious. An excellent way of cooking wheat is to boil it whole, or unground, as you would rice; eaten with milk or syrup, it forms a very nice and nutritious dish, which a person could almost live on the en- tire year. The only objection made by* house- keepers is that it requires very long boiling; but this may be very much obviated by scalding the wheat over night; or by using it coarsely ground like what is sometimes called hominy. Rye and Indian Corn should be eaten in the same way, but are less objectionable even when bolted, than fine wheat flour, for the reason that they are less con- POOD AND DIET. 17 centrated forms of food, Vahpble rules may be found among the " Receipts" for unbolted wheat and coarse bread. It will be proper to add that lard for shortening is a most unhealthy addition. All kinds of shortening are injurious ; suet, and sweet butter the least so ; but lard is the worst of all. We have already stated that too much animal food is eaten. As a rule, once a day for it, is quite enough, even for laboring men; a pound of wheat at one fourth the cost contains as much substantial nourishment as a pound of meat; and it will be found so on trying the experiment. But if meat eating is carried to an excess in this country what shall we say of pork-eating that most unhealthy of all ways of taking food. It will be mentioned under Consumption and Scrofula that pork-eating is one of the most fruitful causes of those diseases ; and the reasons there given ; but it is not less a cause of many cases of Dyspepsia, Liver-Com- plaint, Constipation, and even Bilious Fevers. It is the most indigestible of all kinds of food, re- quiring according to the experiments of Beaumont and others, no less than six hours for its perfect digestion, while wheat and most vegetables re- quire but an hour and a half, and beef but three hours. Pork is especially pernicious to all seden- tary persons, and those who do not live much in the open air. To any person of a reflecting turn of mind it must be a disgusting idea that the flesh of a swine should be taken as food, and immedi- ately become a part of our bodies ; and thus the seeds of Scrofula, with which all swine are more or less contaminated, be habitually introduced in- to the system. The objection of possible disease is also good against all kinds of meats ; since we can rarely tell by its appearance, that the animal o 18 FOOD AND DIET. when killed was perfectly healthy. Scrofula, however, is not usual in otner animals, but as ap- pears from the traditions of Eastern nations orig- inated in the hog. However that may be, the fact is now certain. It 19 frequently answered to this, by farmers and others who have always been great pork-eaters, and still are reasonably healthy per- sons, that their own experience proves the contrary. To which we answer that the experience of many f>ersons who drink rum, and use tobacco all their ives, might prove the same thing:— viz, that rum and tobacco are healthy articles. Take a dozen of your acquaintances who have Scrofula, or have died of Consumption, and you will find that every one has been a pork-eater. The Jews eat no pork, and are very free from these diseases. Being much in the open air is a strong protection against all morbid influences; and so it is in the case of farmers against pork-eating ; yet nearly one third of them die of Consumption. Most lean meats are too much cooked, and this is especially true of the process of frying, and frying in lard is the worst of all. Boiling is pre- ferable, and should be done quicklv, and over a hot fire. Many receipts, and directions for cook- ing in accordance with the laws of health will be found under " Receipts." Coftee and Tea are both injurious articles; and it is perhaps fortunate that their present high price is leading to their disuse. According to experiments made by the editor, tea, and coffee, when highly concentrated proved active poisons, in doses of ten drops, when given to cats and rabbits; destroying life in a few minutes. Coffee produces piles, and other dyspeptic troubles; and tea may cause nervous disorders; FOOD AND DIET. 19 but in the form of weak black tea is not as un- healthy as coffee. Keep your children from using these articles, even if you cannot abandon the use of them yourselves. Their use, as well as that of tobacco, or alcohol, is an acquired habit. A young child will instantly refuse them all, when taken into the mouth for the first time, as being contrary to his sense of taste, and instinctive perception. The use of Salt. The use of Salt is generally an abuse; most persons use too much, and many suffer from dys- peptic and other chronic complaints caused by it, without knowing it. An eminent writer thinks that the use of salt is largely concerned in the production of Cancers and diseases of the glands; and that it is directly conducive to Scrofulous, pulmonary, and skin diseases, and disorders of the mucous membranes; also that it predispo- ses to disease, and aggravates it when produced. The use of salted food solely, certainly causes scur- vy ; and there is no doubt that the system does not require any more than a minute quantity of salt. Enough is taken in the butter we eat, to supply the system. Condiments generally. The Condiments mustard, cayenne pepper, horse- radish, stimulating sauces, garlic and ginger are all injurious; and far from assisting digestion accord- ing to Dr. Beaumont's experiments actually retard it 20 ALCOHOL AND TOBACCO. Alcohol and Tobacco. The subject of temperance has exhausted that of the abuse, or use as a beverage, of alcoholic stimulants. Few deny that they are injurious; but very many, and even clergymen, who would consider it a sin, and a shame to use ardent spirits daily; openly, or covertly use tobacco. It is a very powerful narcotic and acrid poison; the oil of which will destroy human life in less than ten 9 minutes, or as quick as Prussic Acid. Fatal ef- fects have frequently resulted from the medicinal use of tobacco. As the result of its habitual use the main injury is usually done to the brain and nervous system, and to the lungs. Loss of mem- ory ; general weakness of the nervous system, producing trembling of the hands, palpitation, and the like; and softning of the teeth, often follow its use. For its effects ou the lungs, see " Causes of Consumption." Every young man who has not yet used tobac- co, is earnestly advised never to form the habit. Few have the moral courage to abandon it Things that everybody may eat. We have mentioned several things which it is better not to eat; some are allowable, but not to be paticularly commended ; such as sweet butter, fresh eggs lightly boiled, fresh fish, shell fish, fresh beef, mutton, veal, and lamb, poultry, and game, a little vinegar, and unspiced pickled cucumbers. The more commendable articles are Cereals, Veg- etables, and Fruits, which should constitute the bulk of our living. We have already spoken of wheat, rye, and Indian corn, to which may be ad- THINGS THAT EVERYBODY MAY EAT. 21 ded oat meal, as useful cereal productions. Among vegetables, potatoes are the most nutritious, and healthy; but require care in cooking; beans, and peas, are perhaps the next in order of nutrition, and utility, and for health should not be cooked with pork, but fat beef instead. Beets, carrots, and parsnips will do for those who like them ; a- sparagus is allowable in its season, so of radishes and cucumbers; lettuce is unhealthy. Most per- sons eat two little fruit, and they are the same who eat too much meat. Of all the fruits the apple is the most valuable, and is a truly healthful article of diet It may be eaten raw, or variously cooked. Baked sweet apples and milk are very rich, and nutritious. Pears, peaches, grapes, plums, currants and the smaller fruits, may all be oaten in their season; or moderately when preserved. The plan of pre- serving them when fresh, in sealed jars without sugar, is best. Tomatoes are well worth preserv- ing in this way. We shall here annex a list of articles of food which are commendable, and allowable; and an- other of those which are unhealthy for most or all persons. Commendable, or Allowable Food. Soup or Broth from the lean of beef, veal, and mutton : to which may be added well boiled rice, barley, wheat, sago, tapioca, or maccaroni, seasoned mereiy with a little salt, if desired. Meats, beef, mutton, poultry, and game, plainly cooked, and not fried in lanl. Fish. Oysters and most kinds of fresh fish. Salt fish, very salt as it usually is, is not healthy except as a relish. 22 COMMENDABLE, OR ALLOWABLE FOOD. Vegetables. Potatoes, tomatoes, beans, peas, spinach, beets, turnips, carrots, parsnips, cauli- flower; and for persons in health, cucumbers, and asparagus; cucumbers, however, do not agree with everybody. Bread. All kinds of raised bread; but best of all that made of unbolted wheat meal; or brown bread, made of Indian meal and wheat or rye meal mixed. Biscuit free from soda and saleratus. Eggs lightly cooked. Light Puddings; such as boiled wheat or wheat meal, hominy or hasty pudding, rye hasty pudding, indian pudding, sago, rice, bread. Simple cakes composed of flour or meal, eggs, sugar, and a little good butter. Apple puddings. Fruit. Baked, stewed, or preserved apples or pears. Raw apples. The smaller fruits ripe, or preserved. Honey, syrups, and rich preserves in moderation. Preserves with sugar unspiced. Home made citron preserved. Raisins and grapes. Drinks. Water, milk, weak black tea, cocoa, chocolate, (unspiced^), and for the sick, arrow-root, or gruel made thin, toast-water, barley water, milk and water, sugar and water, rice water, wheat jelly water. Food prohibited Tor the Siolc and visually unhealthy for all. Soups. Turtle, mock-turtle, and all kinds of rich and seasoned soups. Meats. Pork, bacon, duck, goose, sausages, kidney, liver, and all fat and salted meats. Vegetables. Luttuce, celery, onions, artichokes, parsley, horse-radish, beets, thyme, garlic, salads, and pickles greened with copper. GENERAL RULES. 23 Pastry of all kinds, but especially mince pie, and fried and boiled kinds. Anything fried in lard. Lard for shortening. Spices, Aromalics, and Artificial Sauces of all kinds, and mustard:—also vinegar, and pickles when taking medicine. Cheese. Fruit. Oily nuts, Confectionery generally. Drinks. Coffee, green tea, all malt and spiritu- ous liquors. G-eneral Rules. The following rules may be deduced from the foregoing remarks, founded on the observations of the best physiologists. I. Bulk is nearly as necessary to food, as the nutritious principle. The coarse parts of food, therefore, should be eaten with the fine. Too highly nutritive diet is nearly as fatal to life and health as that which is insufficient in nourishment. H. The more plain and simple the preparation of food, and the less of seasoning of any kind, the better for health. Stimulating condiments, such as cayenne pepper, mustard, &c, instead of being of any use, are actually injurious to the healthy stomach. And though they may assist the action of an enfeebled stomach for a time, their continued use never fails to produce its indirect debility. They affect it as achohol or other stimulants do;— the present relief is at the expense of future suf- fering. HI. Thorough chewing and slow swallowing are of great importance. IV. A due quantity of food is of the utmost im- portance. There is no subject of dietetic economy about which people are so much in error as that 24 CLOTHING. which relates to quantity. Dyspepsia is more of en the effect of overeating and overdrinking than any other cause. V. Solid food, if properly chewed is more easy of digestion than soups and broths. VI. Pork, fat meat, and all oily substances, be- ing always of hard digestion, tending to derange- ment of the stomach, are better omitted. VII. Alcoholic liquors of every form, the vari- ous stimulating condiments, as mustard, cayenne pepper, spice, &c, tea, coffee, and narcotics of every kind, all tend to debility, derangement and disease of the stomach, and, through it, of the whole system. VII. Simple pure water is the only fluid necessa- ry for drink, or for the wants of the system. The artificial drinks are all more or less injurious. Tea and coffee, the common beverages of all classes of people, have a tendency to debilitate the digestive organs. Let any one who is in the habit of drink- ing either of these articles in a weak decoction, take two or three cups, made very strong, and he will soon be aware of their injurious tendency ; and this is only an addition to the strength of the narcotic which he is in the constant habit of using. Clothing. Ours is an extreme climate, in which much more clothing is required in winter, and less in sum- mer, than in most other parts of the temperate zones. It therefore becomes an interesting ques- tion, how much clothing, and what kind, shall be worn. Most persons wear too much by reason of excessive precaution. This has led to the wear- ing of woolen flannel next the skin; a useful thing CLOTHING 25 for persons who do not bathe daily, or sleep with an open window; but quite unnecessary for those who do. Priessnitz, the originator of the Water- Cure practice required his patients to lay aside their flannels;— many would object;— to whom he would reply that flannel worn next the skin ren- dered people delicate and less able to contend a- gainst atmospheric changes. He then tells them to wear it over the linen, until they become accustom- ed to cold water bathing, when they can leave it off, and will not miss it. He directs exercise after each bath until slight perspiration begins, when there will be no fear of taking cold. Clothing should nowhere injuriously press upon the body. It should be well proportioned over all parts, and all sudden changes avoided. In the ar- ticles on " Consumption," and " The Prevention of Consumption," may be found some useful hints on Exercise, Pure Air, and Clothing. Are the above Rules practiable ? Substantially the above question is often asked. We answer decidedly, yes. We have put them personally in practice, as far as circumstances would admit, for many years; and have seen them put in practice by many others. They are not theoretical merely, but eminently practical. We practice what we preach. In substantiation of re- formation in the Laws of health, read the follow- ing abstract from an extensive experiment made at the Orphan Asylum of Albany, N. Y. This institution was established in 1830. Shortly after it contained 70 children, and subsequently many more. For the first three years the diet consisted of fine bread, rice, Indian puddings, po- 26 CLOTHING. tatoes and other vegetables and fruit with milk; to which was added flesh, or flesh soup once a day. Moderate attention was paid to bathing and cleanli- ness, and to clothing, air, and excercise. Bathing, however, was performed in a perfect manner only once in three weeks. Many were received in poor health, and not a few continued sickly. In the fall of 1833 the diet and regimen of the inmates were materially changed. Daily ablution of the whole body, in the use of the cold shower or sponge bath, or, in cases of special disease, the te- pid bath, was one of the first steps taken; then the fine bread was laid aside for that made of un- bolted wheat meal, and soon after flesh, and flesh soups were wholly banished; and thus they con- tinued to advance, till in about three months more they had come fully upon the vegetable system, and had adopted reformed habits in regard to sleeping, air clothing, exercise, &c. They continu- ed on this course till August, 1836, when the re- sults were as follow:— During the first three years in which the old system was followed, from four to six children were continually on the sick list, and sometimes more. A physician was needed once, twice, or three times a week, uniformly, and deaths were frequent. During this whole period there were between thirty and forty deaths. Af- ter the new system was fairly adopted, the nurse- ry was entirely vacated, and the services of the nurse and physician no longer needed, and for more than two years no case of sickness or death took place. In the succeeding twelve months there were three deaths, but they were new in- mates, and were diseased when admitted. Their condition afterwards continued to improve, not on- WATER TREATMENT. ■11 ly as to health, but also in mental cheerfulness, contentment, activity, vivacity, and happiness. Statements from boarding schools for children in Germany, conducted on a similar state of facts, when the editor was there. Water has been spoken of as tne best and only beverage for the health. It should be pure water, and that is always soft water. As a rule water which is too hard to wash with, is not fit to drink; and this is always the case in lime-stone sections. When the hardness, or mineral matter, consists of clay, it is less injurious. Cisterns and filters must often be depended upon for pure water. "Water Treatment. The use of daily batning for preserving health has already been noticed; but water is not less valuable as a means of curing diseases: or at least driving them out of the system. The limits of this work will not allow of a fair exposition of the Hy- dropathic system; but the reader may rest assured that its processes are exceedingly valuable. The water-cure has been called the luxury of the rich; but both rich and poor may enjoy its advantages if they will only lay aside those prejudices, which result from a want of knowledge. There are at least four different processes which are too valuable not to be described in this book. The Morning Sponge Bath has aireaay been described at page 13. The Wet Sheet Pack, or Full Pack, is to be ap- plied as follows :—Remove the feather-bed, if there is one, and then spread out two or three comforters so as to cover the whole bed, one over the other. 28 WATER TREATMENT. Then spread out over the comforters two or three blankets. 'I hen take a stout sheet, linen is best, and wring it out of cold water so that it will not drip, leaving it quite wet; spread out the sheet over the blanket, and then cause the person who is to take the pack to lie down quite undressed ex- actly in the middle of the sheet, on his back, so that the neck shall come just at the edge of the sheet. The arms are to be placed against the sides. Then throw one side of the sheet over the person so as to envelop him all but the feet ; spread it smoothly, and then throw the other side of the sheet over the person, and spread that: then commence with the blankets, and bring them round the person one side of one blanket at a time, tucking in each side alternately, very carefully and closely, particularly about the feet and neck ; when the blankets are all tucked in, bring over the com- forters alternately, and tuck them in, in the same way. A pillow may be placed under the head. This should all be done very rapidly, after the pa- tient first lies down on the wet sheet; because the shock and sensation of cold is pretty severe. This however, very soon passes off, and a delightful sensation of relief follows. This is especially the case in fevers. If the feet are cold they should be got warm before the pack is begun ; and a hot brick be placed at the feet, partly within the pack. If there is headache, the forehead, and the top of the head, should be covered with a towel kept well wet. The usual duration of the wet-sheet pack, for colds, slight feverish attacks, and chronic com- plaints is one hour. The patient should then come out and have a thorough sponge-bath, with much rubbing with a coarse towel. The patient should drink freely of water while in the pack; or at WATER TREATMENT. 29 least enough to satisfy thirst In case of violent fever the pack should be continued several hours until the fever is subdued ; it must be opened about every half hour, or hour, in such a case ;—or, as often as it becomes well warmed up;—and then wet again by sopping in some cold water about the chest and body. The most violent attacks of fever rarely fail to be subdued in this way in six or eight hours ; and then the patient should come out, take a sponge bath, with much rubbing, and go into a dry bed. The proper medicine should be taken at the same time, as directed under In- flammatory Fevers. In some very violent fevers it is necessary to repeat this process, on some two or three successive days ; or as often as the fever returns. We have had experience of this in our own person. The Wet-Sheet Half Pack is better for children, and those adults unused to water treatment The comforters and blankets are to be arranged as for a full-pack : then a small sheet is to be wet and placed cross-ways of the bed, so as to reach from the arm-pits, nearly to the knees: the patient then lies down on his back, on the wet-sheet, and is to be enveloped as just described ; the sheet reaching from the throat, and arm-pits, nearly to the knees: and not forgetting the brick at the feet. The arms are left out of the pack ; which is an ad- vantage for children, beginners, and sensitive per sons; or, if it should be necessary*to continue the pack many hours, as it admits of turning on the side. Never forget the caution to have the feet warm before going into the pack, which may be done in a few minutes by soaking them in hot wa- ter It is well to keep the hands warm also. In cold weather the pack should be given in a room 30 THE SITTING OR SITZ BATH. suitably warmed, but not over 65 degrees. A larger amount of comforters and blankets is re- quired to produce the necessary degree of warmth ; part of them can be unfolded, after the first feel- ing of chilliness has passed off.. The pack should never be allowed to get hot and dry ; as it would then do harm. If the above precautions are ob- served the Wet-Sheet Pack need no longr be a bugbear; but will become, even with inexperi- enced hands, a most powerful agent for good. For young children, who nave not been in the habit of a daily cold bath, it is generally better to depend upon frequent sponging the surface, in case of fevers; and the medicines hereafter directed. The Sitting, or Sitz Bath. A tub of sufficient size, or a medium sized wash tub will do. Place it about four inches from the wall, and fill it so full of water that after the pa- tient shall be seated, the tub will be nearly full, and the water reach above the navel. The best time for taking this bath is on going to bed : and the proper duration from 15 to 30 minutes. If taken on going to bed it is best to undress, but that is not necessary. One or two blankets, and a comfort, can be ar- ranged so as to reach from the neck to the floor, enveloping the tub and all; and a pillow may then be placed between the back and the wall for a support. The feet are to be left out; and if they are inclined to be cold, should be placed on a hot brick; and in case of headache, or heat about the head, put a wet towel on the forehead, temples and top of the head. It is generally well to rub the abdomen briskly, during or after this bath; THE SWEATING PROCESS. 31 which if taken on going to bed, will be found high- ly promotive of good sleep. It has the effect of strengthening the nerves, of clearing the blood, and humors, from the head, chest, and abdomen, and of relieving piin and flatulency ; and is of the greatest value to those of a sedentary life. It may be used by every person, whether in health, or oth- erwise, without the slightest fear of taking cold. It is hereafter recommended for its most suitable com- plaints. The proper temperature of the water is from 75 to 55 degrees. Let beginners commence at 75 ; and go down one degree for every bath until they arrive at 60 degrees. Persons much used to wa- ter may go as low as 55. Do not try to take baths without a thermometer. A hot sitz-bath, taken as hot as can be borne, say at 110 degrees, will often relieve the most se- vere attack of menstrual or other colic. It may be continued a half hour, or more ; or until relief is obtained. A proper sitz-bath tub has a support for the shoulders and back, and a place to rest the arms; it may be made of wood or tin. Sitz-baths are usually taken in the day time without undressing entirely. A little experience will teach the most convenient way. The Sweating Process. A mattress or straw-bed, is to be covered with two or three comforters, and then as many blan- kets ; the patient should then be closely packed in the blankets, and comforters, just as directed in the Wet Sheet Pack, only there is no wet sheet. If there is any difficulty about accumulating heat 82 THE SWEATING PROCESS. enough to sweat, put two hot bricks wrapped up in cloths at the sides, within the pack, but not near enough to burn ; and one at the feet, which will rarely fail to accumulate heat enough to produce perspiration. It takes some time however; and especially for the first time, the confined position, the irritation of the blankets, and the accumulating heat, will be found uncomfortable; but not more so than other sweating processes. The patient should drink freely of cold water, in frequent but small draughts, and more especially as soon as perspiration begins. It may require an hour or two for perspiration to begin, but the time may be shortened by the use of hot bricks, or bot- tles of water; by very close and abundant pack- ing : and by making motion with the limbs, as much as space will allow. In most cases it will be better to pack in the wet sheet well wrung from warm water. Patients may take their choice ; and in all cases may take vapor, or steam baths, if they can get them instead. Any diseased parts, as swellings, or ulcers, should be bandaged with wet towels before packing up. Persons may sleep while sweating: but usually should keep awake to drink cold water. A win- dow should be kept open during the sweating; which, to do much good, must be profuse, and last as long as the patient can endure it; or say from 45 minutes to an hour and a half. Patients may begin gradually. On coming out always take a cold sponge bath, with a large b.iMn full of water, and much rubbing. This will not only be agreeable but highly salutary. BANDAGES. 83 Cooling Bandages. These are small packs, on the principle of the wet-sheet Make them with a wet towel, and a piece of flannel outside. Such a pack is very useful about the throat, in croup, and diphtheria. The inside bandage should be kept wet and cool. Warming Bandages. These are local packs, like the sweating process on a small scale. A towel is well wrung out, and kept covered with a dry cloth : as soon as dry it should be wet again. This is valuable in all dys- peptic troubles, and may be applied round the en- tire body, by taking a long towel, wetting one third of it, applying the wet end first over the abdomen, and then the dry part over, by passing it quite round the body. Fasten it as you like. If the kidneys, or back are in trouble, put the wet part diere. It should soon become warm to do good. A woolen wrapper may be used if necessary. It will need renewing twice or three times a day. "Water Drinking. Medicinally, this should be practiced an hour or two before a meal. In all dyspeptic cases from one to six tumblers of water may be drank before breakfast, or dinner with advantage. The idea that drinking much water toith a meal is injurious, is a mistake. And in all cases where food disa- grees with the stomach, drinking plentifully of water will assist in ridding it of its half digested load. We may lay it down as a rule that always when 3 84 NURSIM;. the body is not heated by exercise ; or is not much fatigued, and there is thirst, we should drink until satisfied. The very thirsty should drink slowly, this will allay thirst safely and effectually. NURSING. Good nursing, we are sorry to say, is but little understood; and good nurses are scarce. The position of nurse, is, in fact, a trying one ; and one in which the failings of human nature are very apt to appear. A good nurse should possess sutlicient physical powers, and therefore should not be old : good judgment, and some experience, and there- fore should not be very young ; take one, however, that is too young, rather than too old. Good pow- ers of observation, truthfulness, and honesty, are as valuable here as in any other walk of life. Deli- cacy, and tact in managing the sick, are also im- Eortant qualifications. Total abstinence from to- acco in any form, opium, and spirits, should be expected of a nurse; but quite frequently in vain. Personal cleanliness, too, we shall sometimes look for, and not find. Too much should not be required of a nurse, lest she become exhausted, and fail you in the time of greatest need. A good nurse should not be headstrong, but of docile disposition, that she may be willing to carry out directions, even if contrary to her prejudices; yet she should have enough moral courage to insist upon obeying the physician's directions, even if contrary to the prejudices of the patient, or others. She should be willing to follow directions implicitly, yet not blindly: lest varying circumstances should'require slight changes. A nurse should not be officious, or meddlesome; for a good doctor should under- NURSING. 35 stand, and order, everything about a sick room. A sleepy and snoring nurse is a nuisance ; try and make sure about that point before you engage one. The question of what food and drink should be given the patient, is never to be left to the decision of the nurse and if the physician does not give express directions they should be asked for. In general, however, we will say that no good physi- cian, at the present day, will prohibit cold water as a beverage, in the sick room. It is always to be allowed in small quantities, say a half a tumblerful, at a time ; and often enough to satisfy thirst. It is objected that vomiting, or purging is caused or in- creased by it: we say no matter; if caused by water, that will soon cure itself. If the doctor re- fuses a patient cold water, you would do well to be d, even for the convalescent, un- til it is ascertained that light vegetable food ; such as tonst-waler, rice-water, and gruel, are well di- gested. Many a relapse has happened from eat- ing too soon, and too much, during, and after a se- 86 NURSING. vere illness. The doctor should specify the quan- tity, as well as quality of nourishment to be given. Among the Receipts will be found some well adapted to the sick ; they are not generally of a nature to do any injury, if used moderately ; but the doctor, if there is one, should decide. Ten sick persons are injured by eating, and drinking, where one suffers from going without We have had the very best success with violent inflammations, and fevers, in many cases, where the patient has taken only water, for more than a week. Two weeks is not an excessive time to go wholly with- out food in violent diseases. The superfluous fat of the system is used up, at such times, as Liebig has shown, to support animal heat, and other vital processes. It is in this way that the sick lose so much flesh. Cleanliness of the most scrupulous kind should be observed in the sick room, if in no other place. All vessels employed should be cleaned before they are used a second time ; and those evolving odors immedintely removed. The entire surface of the body should be sponged over with cool soft water, at least twice a day; and the face, chest, and body much oftener in fevers. The addition of any thing to the water used, unless as hereafter directed in this book, is quite useless. Such useless things are vinegar, rum, and spirits. The patient's mouth and teeth should be cleaned at least twice a day with a tooth brush, which he can generally best do himself. If not, the nurse should not neglect it. Once a day is better than nothing. A little fine white soap is as good as any thing in ordinary ca- ses ; but in fevers where the teeth are much incrus- ted, pulverized charcoal is better. Quiet in the Sick Room need hardly be inculca- NURSING. 37 ted. Noise is frequently distressing to a sick per- son which he would not notice if well. The creaking of a shoe, or a door, or the rattling of a newspaper, may entirely prevent sleep, and ag- gravate fever. No whispered conversations, or whispering of any kind, are proper in a sick room. Say everything, in a quiet but cheerful tone of voice, which if awake, the patient may hear. If he hears whispering, he will think things are going wrong with him. No long conversations are proper; and no tales of any kind concerning un- fortunate c ises of sickness. The frequent opening and shutting of doors may be avoided, by keeping the door open as much as possible, which will favor ventilation ; or if it is the cold season, by having locks and hinges in good order, and oiled if ne- cessary ; and to inform his friends when he is asleep, put the feathered end of a quill through the key hole, as they do in Paris. Visitors should be quite excluded from the very sick; and no one should disturb the patient when asleep. The ventilation of the sick room is of even greater importance than for persons in health. Enough has been said of the importance of pure air under the Laws of Health; or may be found under Con- sumption. It should be secured by having a win- dow, or windows, wide open, if the weather will possibly admit; but at least a crack even in stormy weather. Patients never take cold if their feet are kept ivarm, which is a point of great im- portance, especially in fevers. All evacuations should be immediately removed from the sick room, and saved to show the Doctor. Never burn any- thing to cover up bad smells; it only makes the air still more impure. The only remedy is fresh air. It is very injurious to keep the sick room too 88 NURSING. hot; and always increases fever. A thermometer is a neces>ary article, since without it, it is impos- sible to regulate temperature. This should not exceed 65 degrees, but may be as low as 55, if the patient's feet are kept warm. Nurses who are constantly afraid of taking cold should be des- pensed with if possible ; they are rarely of the right sort. A sick person is frequently overloaded with covering, and thus kept feverish, when he might perspire with a less amount. This plain rule may be given;—if a sick person complains of too much heat, attempt to remedy it, either by tepid sponging, or by removing a part of the cover, or both. Sick persons are often made worse by improper attempts to sit up. Sitting up, after illness, amounts to exercise. Its amount should be in proportion to the strength. The great error is always on the side of too much, from a mistaken idea that sitting up is the only way to gain strength. After a long, and severe illness, fainting may easily result from sitting up even a few minutes. The sick person should generally be the judge, and decide by his feelings as to whether it is agree- ing with him or not. Be careful not to overload a person with covering when sitting up. It is equally necessary to keep the patient out of a draft of air : but do not shut all your windows, and doors, because he is sitting up. The making of the Bed, in a sick room, is gen- erally badly managed. A very sick person should never sit up to have the bed made ; but be placed in another bed, or on a sofa, while, it is being done. Frequently when mattresses are used, one side may be made up with fresh linen, and the sick one be removed to it, while the other half of the bed NURSING. 89 is then renewed. This is the best way when the bed is wide. As a rule, the bed and body linen of a very sick person should be changed every day; and this should be done in the morning. It conduces highly to the comfort of the patient, and the success of the remedies. A mattress in case of fevers, and all acute diseases, is greatly to be preferred to a feather-bed. It is an advantage to a very sick person to change from one bed to another, every 12, or 24 hours, whenever it can be managed. In that way thorough renewal, and airing of the bed is secured. When on a wide bed, the pa- tient should be changed from one side to the other, as often as he wishes; or several times a day, es- pecially in warm weather. Whenever any change is made do not fail to see if the feet are warm: for that is a great sign of safety. A bed-pau and urinal are quite essential for managing the evacuations of very sick persons; since the strength is very much saved in that way. Such patients should by no means be allowed to get out of bed to perform their evacuations, when their strength can be so easily husbanded. A good nurse will manage all that very skilfully; a bad one will bungle it. Relapses during convalesence take place more frequently from over-eating than from any other cause. Many a convalescent person has eaten him- self into a dropsy. The change from the sick man's best diet of pure water, to his usual fare, should be very gradual. Animal food of every sort, including'broths, and jellies, should be eaten very sparingly, if at all, until the strength has very much returned. Wheat, or oat meal jellies, puddings, or porridge are among the lightest, and 40 SCROFULA. most nutritious kinds of food. Persevere in their use and there will generally be no risk of relapses. The entire wheat is peculiarly suitable for conval- escents, either in the form of bread made of wheat meal; or boiled, like rice ; or in puddings. Milk may be usually allowed with it, after convalescence is fully established. SCROFULA. Scrofula, or King's Evu begins in the blood, and as this vital fluid penetrates every pore of the body, it carries with it the contamination of this corrupt- ing disease. Scrofula very much resembles the poison, virus, or infectious taint commonly known as Syphilis, or the pox ; the resemblance in many cases is so striking that good physicians are puz- zled to tell with certainty to which disease of the two, these cases, or symptoms belong. The rea- son for which is that in very many cases the two are mingled, or combined together in the same system, being derived from a parent, or grand-pa- rent, by what is called hereditary transmission. The taint of Scrofula, acting like a hidden poison, after corrupting the blood, and being engendered within it, so spoils, and as it were rots out the glandular machinery of the body, that those vital organs can no longer do their accustomed duty. Hence the liver, the kidneys, the lungs, the spleen, and the lympathic, and other glands, are no longer able to clear the system of its waste and worn out materials. Hence the blood remains burdened with corruptions, by which the endre strength, and vital energies are weakened; and thus persons afflicted with this taint, become much more subject to other diseases. THE SIGNS OF SCROFULA. 41 In many cases it may long lurk without any very decided, manifest, or ulcerous signs; but in such cases is more likely to produce Pulmonary Con- sumption ; which is only Scrofula located in the lungs. Nearly one third of all the deaths take place from Scrofulous diseases including con- sumption. It is not necessary here to enumerate the causes of Scrofula, as they may be found very fully de- tailed with those of consumption, a little farther on in the book. It is only necessary to say that no able medical man doubts the fact that this disease de- scends from parents to children ; and the opinion is fast gaining ground that the contamination of Syphilis is frequently combined with it. The Signs ofScromla. The chief signs, symptoms and indications of Scrofula are;—a pale bloated face, indicating a lack of energy, often fair, with a transparent white- ness of skin ; and agreeable redness of cheeks; sometimes a sickly yellow hue round the mouth; livid circles round the eyes; pearly whiteness of the whites of the eyes threatening consumption ; whites of the eyes red and injected, threatening dys- pepsia ; the eyelids are often humory and run; or are red and inflamed ; the teeth are very white, liable to crack, and decay early, or are foul and covered with a greenish or glairy slime; the ap- petite is unnatural, sometimes bad, and often too good; the tongue is foul, and the breath bad, nausea and sick-headache, sour stomach, piles, and constipation, or diarrhoea, are common; the flesh and muscles are flabby ; the limbs are soft and full, but lack firmness ; often considerable loss of 42 THE SIGNS OF SCROFULA. flesh and emaciation; general feebleness, and de- bility ; the powers and functions of body and mind though feeble, are often too early developed ; a scrofulous child grows rapidly ; the bones are often weak, crooked and small, producing deformity, or lack of symmetry ; eruptions and diseases of the skin are very common : the glands of the neck, arm-pits, and other parts swell, and then inflame and ulcerate : humors and eruptions of the scalp are very common ; there is always a want of robust and vigorous health. The principal affections of the skin which accompany Scrofula are Erysipelas, Pimples, Blotches, Boils, Tetter, Salt Rheum, Tu- mors, Scald Head, Ringworm, Ulcers, and Sores. Not all of the above signs, symptoms, and disor- ders will be found in any one person ; but any of the above-named peculiarities indicate the hidden and lurking contamination, which at any time may break out in open eruptions and sores, or at- tack the lungs in the form of consumption. All other diseases occurring in such persons become more obstinate, and the process of cure slow. We are indebted to the noble science of medi- cine for the discovery of a remedy capable of erad- icating this foul disorder from the blood, and en- tire system. It far exceeds any other known med- icine, not only in its power over scrofulous disease, but in the quality it possesses of purifying the blood from every sort of taint, and restoring it to a healthy condition For a further account of the discovery, and perfection of this remedy, see the next article but one. It is called Rush's Sarsapa- rilla andiron. This medicine should be taken for any and all of the conditions and symptoms just described, in the dose of a teaspoonful, immediate- ly after breakfast and tea, and on going to bed, THE SIGNS OF SCROFULA. 43 and two teaspoonfuls after dinner. After taking it, a week, increase the dose a little by taking two teaspoonfuls after each meal, and one at bed-time. Do not take it in larger doses than directed; for though it would do no serious injury; it would be wasting the medicine. Scrofulous persons should read over, and follow as strictly as possible, the directions, and hints, given under Laws of Health, and Prevention of Consumption. The same causes which produce consumption, produce scrofula, and the same rules in regard to pure air and exercise, apply to both. While taking the Sarsaparilla and Iron, scrofulous tumors, sores and ulcers should be kept dressed with pieces of old linen, of the size of half a towel, or less, wet in pure soft water, in which has been put a little tea made of walnut leaves by boiling, say a teacupful of leaves in a pint of water: keep this infusion in a cool place, and use a teacupful of it in a quart of water to keep the linen cloths wet with when the sores are dressed. These should be bathed twice a day with the same wash. The wet cloths may he covered with a flannel bandage, or covering. If any greasy application is made let it be only a piece of linen thinly spread with mut- ton suet freshly melted. The only good which that will do, is "to keep out the air. Most cases of sores and diseases of the skin yield very promptly to the use of Rush's Sarsapa- rilla andiron ; yet some cases maybe so deeply seated in the blood, and glandular parts of the sys- tem, as to require great perseverance hi the use of this most valuable remedy. In general the longer scrofulous signs, and troubles have been manifest, the longer must the medicine be perseveringly 44 THE EDITOR'S ADDRESS. taken. Three to six months, or even a year, will sometimes be required before perseverance will be rewarded by complete restoration to health. Scrof- ulous sufferers are apt to get out of patience, and change about from one remedy to another, until the stomach, and whole system is much injured by pernicious drugs. A better way is to consult some able physician in whom you can trust, and who has had success in treating such complaints. The ed- itor is in constant receipt of letters asking advice in obstinate cases, and at the request of influential friends has concluded to give his address in this book. THE EDITOR'S ADDRESS. Persons wishing for information, or advice, on any medical subject, but more especially on dis- eases of a chronic, or virulent nature, may address, A. 11. Flanders, M. D. Lowell, Mass. All com- munications are promptly answered, and advice is cheerfully given free of charge. Medicines are of- ten sent by mail, or express : and in order to facil- itate a full understanding of the sufferer's case, a printed list of questions is sent to him, or her, to be filled out, when it is supposed treatment may be desired. Please send a stamp to pay return pos- tage, and write your address, post office, county and state, very plainly. It is always preferable to see the editor in per- son, at least once, especially in cases of consump- tion, and female complaints. He may always be consulted free of charge, at his rooms in Went- worth's Building, Lowell, Mass. 45 THE PHYSICIAN. Thousands and tens of thousands of most preci- ous human lives are annually sacrificed to the iron despotism of theory ; to an obstinate and blind attachment to system; to a stupid, insensate, and mechanical routinity, which treats all cases alike, because the symptoms are similar—when, in fact, there are no two cases precisely alike, even where the cause or the primary disease is the same. As all human faces differ, so do all maladies of the same name, nature, and location, differ in differ- ent persons. Many diseases, having almost the same symptoms, differ altogether in character, and arise from entirely distinct causes; hence, each case should be examined, studied, and treated for what it is really in itself—as no one individual, or any number of individuals, should be made the absolute standard of any other case, nor the treat- ment be made the exact standard of any other. A physician, to be successful, must be, so to speak, a universal man—one capable of appre- ciating the habits, constitution, and condition of the people of all classes, of all countries, the tem- peraments of the young and old, of men and wo- men—able to accommodate himself to the states of all, as readily recognizing the signs of health or disease in the ignorant as in the learned, in the fastidious as in the frank, in infants and children as in the adult His knowledge should be uni- versal. He should know everything which can be known of the human economy, and the differences between all varieties, ages, sexes, &c.; and also everything which affects the human system, either favorably or unfavorably—all of air, moisture, cli- mate, temperature, dress, food, medicine, good and bad—the effects of all the various occupations, the 46 physician. gases, acids, woods, paints, oils, minerals, and earths which are used in mechanical operations and the arts—the effects of the positions, places, and all other circumstances in which men, women, and children labor, live, or are educated—the effects of all the various modes of training, the studies, cares, anxieties, troubles, passions, emotions, professional pursuits, recreations, associations, and every other particular relating to body or mind—that thus he may be able to detect the hidden cause of the dis- order which he may be called on to treat. Large experience, a profound acquaintance with the human constitution, iu liealth and in dis- ease ; a genius, and instinctive aptitude for the pro- fession : a ready, and almost intuitive perception of all the variation from a healthy condition ; an in- tense interest in, and cordial sympathy with every case of suffering ; a conscientious regard for the well-being of all, regardless of wealth or poverty, of intelligence or ignorance, of high or low con- dition, which shall ever induce us to do unto others as we would they should do to us; and above all, an undoubted reliance upon a higher Power, who is able to make us apt and wise in devising ways and means, when ordinary resources fail us—all these are indispensable in the man to whom the lives of multitudes of human beings, of every age, and of both sexes, are entrusted. To penetrate deeply into a case, so as to see it truly, and treat it successfully, we must enter into the interests, and feelings of the patient — we must make his case our own—bringing all our knowledge, ex- perience, ingenuity, untiring energies, and best feelings, to bear upon it—at the same time cher- ishing a firm confidence of ultimate success, where there is any ground whatever to hope for a cure. 47 RUSH'S SARSAPARILLA AND IRON. This is a highly concentrated preparation of the best Sarsaparilla imported ; chemically combined with the most delicate, and easily vitalized form of Iron known to modern science. The properties of the Sarsaparilla of Central America to remove, and eradicate from the system, all the various forms of scrofula, have long been known. Its mode of operation is by purifying the blood, and thereby restoring its healthy condition, and properties. This would seem a very simple process, and Sarsaparilla is no doubt alone suffic- ient for this purpose, where the supply of Iron in the blood is already sufficient. But unfortunately for the entire success of Sarsaparilla alone, the blood in most Chronic Diseases, and in all diseases of Debility is considerably deficient in this Iron, which is its most necessary ingredient when in a healthy state. Liebig, the greatest analytical chemist of modern times considers that the iron in the blood is the main agent in carrying on that very vital operation of renewing it, in the lungs, by its conversion from dark-colored, or venous blood, into bright red, or arterial blood. He says that this proportion of Iron is in the form of a protoxid: and is converted in the lungs, into a peroxid, by- taking up oxygen from the air which we draw in at every breath. However this may be, it is cer- tain that in all diseases characterized by debility, loss of flesh, unnatural paleness of face, wasting away of the muscles, and every form of Scrofula, Consumption, Secondary Syphilis, Dyspepsia, and Anaemia, or Consumption of the Blood:—this vital fluid is deficient in Iron. The researches of those eminent physiologists, Carpenter, Longet, and 48 rush's sarsaparilla and iron. others confirm this. No respectable physician will deny it. Why not, then, the reader asks, give Iron in all these cases ? We answer that most physici- ans, though not disposed to deny the theoretical value of Iron, have been unable to find any prep- aration sufficiently delicate to agree with sensitive persons; and to be taken up, and readily assimila- ted, or united with the partially diseased, and dis- organized blood. Hence when such crude prepar- tions as the Carbonate of Iron, the Muriated Tinc- ture, Sulphate of Iron, and the usual drug-store preparations, are taken; headache, and other disturbances occur; because there is not power enough in the stomach, and other vital organs, to cause these crude drugs to assimilate, and combine with the mass of the circulating fluid. There is another reason, also, why iron alone in any form, has not the power to cure the diseases before mentioned. It is because it has not the power to purify the blood, by eradicating the Scrof- ulous humor, and other morbid humors, which are there first engendered, and produced. The Sarsa- rilla has this property. No one who has ever had any large experience in its use, in such diseases as before mentioned, can doubt its purifying, and healing nature. The celebrated Professor Rush speaks m his lectures, and published works, in the highest terms of this medicine ; and has left a form for preparing a mixture of it, with Iron, which he used to order in almost all chronic diseases. There is no doubt his great reputation, and success, in the treatment of such disorders was mainly owing to the use of these two remedies together; but he never succeeded by his formula, in making the two com- bine chemically, or form anything more than a mix- ture. Chemical science, at that time, was not suf- rush's sarsaparilla and iron. 49 ficiently advanced ; and it was left for the editor of this book, while professor of Chemistry at Phila- delphia, to make this discovery, by which the ac- tive principle of the Sarsaparilla is made to combine chemically with Iron, in its most highly magnetic, and minutely divided state. The benefit of this is that the nauseous and bitter taste of the Sarsapa- rilla, when concentrated, is wholly avoided; and this chemical compound becomes so pleasant to the taste, that the most refractory child takes it with- out a wry face, and it agrees with the most delicate, and sensitive stomach; never causing headache, and other disturbances, which all other prepara- tions of Iron, and even the original formula of Dr. Rush, are liable to do. Chemical Analysis of healthy blood shows the fol- lowing constituents in 1000 parts. Water 790;— Red disks or globules (coloring matter containing the iron) 127 ;—Albumen (like white of egg) 80 ; —Fibrin 3;—total 1000; but in all diseases of debility, the watery part increases, and the red disks containing the iron diminish. According to emin- ent Physiologists, these red-disks have the power of reproducing themselves, and are therefore the very life of the blood; but this wonderful process is im- possible without a suitable supply of iron. It will be seen from the above analysis, that the globules or red-disks form but a small part of the entire mass of the blood, which in a healthy man weighs about thirty-five pounds, or four gallons. Of the blood disks only about l-100th part consists of iron. But we must remember that every pore and minute vessel, not only of the lungs, liver, and brain ; but also of the skin, and every other part, is permeated, and invigorated by these minute blood-disks, whose average diameter is only 1- 4 50 rush's sarsaparilla and iron. 3400th part of an inch. We have treated of the importance of taking the iron as a medicine, in a delicate and easily vitalized form ; and the com- Earative uselessness of taking it, in a crude and ulky state. The principal disorders, and states of the system for which this chemical preparation is curative, and valuable are as follows;—Scrofula, in all its forms; Diseases and Eruptions of the Skin; A n- cemia or thinness and poverty 0/ the Biood , Syph- ilis, Fever and Ague, Debility, and iveakness, from long sickness, wounds, or loss of blood ; many cases of Consumption. Dyspepsia, Female Weak- ness, and Leucorrhcea or Whites; Neuralgia, Pain in the Bones, Rheumvti&m ; Boils and Tumors; Flatulence and Dropsy. The principle signs and affection of Scrofula, for which this medicine is specially adapted, are;— Humors, Eruptions of the Skin, and Scalp, Salt Rheum, Tumors, Tetter, Erysipelas, Ring-Worm, Swelled and sore Glands, Pimples, Blotches, Bloat- ing, Sore-Eyes, Inflamed Eyelids, Broken, or Early Decayed, and foul Teeth, Deformed, and Misshaped, Body or limbs, Pearly Whiteness of the Eyes, Pale Bloated Face, or very Fair trans- parently white Skin, Flabby Flesh, and Muscles ; circle round the Eyes. See page 40 of the Family Physician. The principle signs of Dyspepsia are;—Sick headache, dizziness and confusion of head; face pale, or yellowish; bad taste in the mouth ; want of appetite; sickness at the stomach; bitter belchings and vomitings; heartburn; sour stomach : flatulence ; fullness at the pit of the sto- mach ; tight feeling of the clothes at the waist; cramps and pains in the stomach ; red urine, with brick-dust sediment; sleep restless and unre- heshing ; Constipation and Piles. rush's sarsaparilla and iron. 51 It is not thought best to encumber this book with a multiplicity of certificates, and letters, showing the nature of cures performed. We shall, howev- er take room for the following letter. A. Cure of Scrofula. 201 Camden St., Philadelphia July 2, 1864. Professor Flanders, Respected friend :— You request me to state what is now the condi- tion of my health, and if I am so disposed, what it was when you were here. I will do so very cheerfully: and hope that others will profit by my example. At the time you was Professor in the Medical College here, which 1 think was about 1856, I had been very bad with the Scrof- ula for nearly four years, had the humor from a child, inherited from my mother, and had spent a great deal of money for medicine and doctors, but grew worse rather than better. I had swelled and ulcerated glands in my neck, and on my limbs, sometimes an itching and burning tetter, on my hands and arms, and sometimes on my face, and in my hair. I could cure it, or dry it up, in one place, and then it would break out in another. The doctors said if I did cure it on the outside, it would only strike in, and turn into Consumption ; so I dispaired of being better, till one day I was at the College and you told me to take old Dr. Rush's Sarsaparilla and Iron. I had always used his Pills, and liked them, and so determined to do as you said. In two months I took two bottles, and was very nearly cured. The third quite cured me, *nd I was so when you went to New York. Three years his of all the quack advertised nostrums for cough, asthma, and consumption; the increasing supply which the system demands when once habituated to its use, is not the least favorable point to such mercenary speculators." In the earliest stage of the disease, the cough is seldom very troublesome ; and it is in this stage that sufferers are earnestly advised to beware of prep- arations of opium. Very few, if any, who have tuberculous taint, and begin with such prepara- tions, are ever able to discontinue their use; and they prevent the effectual use of any really cura- tive remedy. It will be far better to seek tempo- rary relief from bland, demulcent remedies, such as the refined extract of liquorice, linseed, or-slip- Epry-elm tea; or "what is better, hoarhound, or" oneset candy; the candy, however, to be used in moderation, only just enough to produce the de- sired relief. But in such a disease as incipient, or threatened consumption, — and every cough threatens consumption in consumptive families, and in those persons who have the signs already described as indicating scrofula, — the only safe way is at once to rid the system of this scrofulous, or tuberculous taint, by the use of appropriate remedies. The best and only remedy, yet discov- ered, which will unfailingly cure coughs, and at the same time promote the removal of tubercle and the tuberculous diathesis, and scrofulous habit 120 PULMONARY CONSUMPTION. of body from the entire system, is Rush's Lung Balm. It should be taken in doses of half a tea- spoonful, or thirty-five drops, every six hours; one of which doses should be at bedtime. If the patient is taking Rush's Sarsaparilla and Iron at the same time, as previously directed, that should also be continued, and never interferes with any other remedies. The advantage of taking the two medicines together is, that the Sarsaparilla and Iron is more energetic in purifying and renewing the blood; while the Lung Balm is most effectual for the cough, and in promoting the removal of tubercle. For an account of the discovery and perfection of this remedy, see page 54. Cough, in the more advanced stages of consump- tion, needs still more the assistance of this remedy, which consumptives will find, on trial, to afford a far more grateful and permanent relief than any other medicine. The expectoration, when at all abundant or thick, heavy, greenish or yellowish in color, as de- scribed on page 111, will be benefited by the addi- tion of 60 grains of the hypophosphite of lime, or "the hypophosphite of soda, to'each bottle of the Lung Balm. It can be procured at any drug- S'st's, or by writing to the editor (for 12 cents). issolve it in half a teacupful of boiling water, and mix it with the bottleful of Lung Balm. It may be mixed in a pitcher, and stirred up, and imme- diately poured back. The remainder, which the bottle will not hold, may be put in a smaller bottle and used first. This addition to the Lung Balm is not essential, but only advisable in cases where there is the above kind of expectoration. The Balm may be taken without it, with great benefit in all cases.. The dose, after the above medicine is mixed, will be forty-five drops. Rush's Lung Balm TREATMENT OF CONSUMPTION. 127 contains no opium, or morphine, or any preparation of them. One of the best palliative means for cough is to take a sponge-bath with pure water at 70 degrees, over the whole surface of the body, and more es- pecially the chest and throat This will be found a cooling relief in cases where there is slight fever- ishness, and the skin hot and dry. Even bathing the feet will often relieve a troublesome cough. The sipping frequently of pure cold soft water will frequently assist in removing a troublesome cough. The (iifficutiy of breathing which attends con- sumption may be greatly modified, and if the case has not gone too far, quite cured, by Rush's Lung Balm, as before directed. It may be also tem- porarily modified and relieved by bathing the chest with cool water, and abundant rubbing with the wet, hand, two or three times a day, or oftener if agreeable. The treatment of Pulmonary Haemorrhage, or bleeding at the lungs, has been very much debated among physicians. It used to be the fashion to bleed. But that is now mostly abandoned, even by old-school men. Dr. Rush had a favorite remedy, which he made use of to check the bleeding, and which may now, in this country, be considered a popular remedy, namely, common salt, taken in a dose of a tea- spoonful every few hours, till the haemorrhage abates. This article, although so common, is a powerful drug when taken in such quantities. I should be unwilling to take it myself; but ife may answer a temporary purpose, with the view of arresting the flow of blood, when no other remedy is at hand. But the best remedy is Rush's Lung Balm. Put a table-spoonful in a tumblerful of water, with some pieces of ice, if it can be had, and give a table- 128 PULMONARY CONSUMPTION. spoonful every half hour until the hemorrhage is arrested, or for three or four doses; then once in three or four hours, and after the first day in the usual dose of 35 drops every six hours. The feet, during an attack of this bleeding, will usually be found cold, and should be put in very warm water, reaching above the ankles, until they are thoroughly warmed, and then be kept so by hot bricks. At the same time make cold applica- tions all round the front and sides of the chest, by means of napkins wet in very cold water, kept cold by ice, if it can be had, and changed v,ery fre- quently, with the view of cooling the whole of the lungs and the mass of the blood. There will be no danger of taking cold from the abundant use of cold water so applied; particularly //" the feet are kept warm. There is no doubt of the great utility of these cold applications to arrest such bleeding; even pounded ice in folded towels may be used in some cases. The Lung Balm should be contin- ued at least three months after an attack of bleed- ing at the lungs. And if there is decided debility, Rush's Sarsaparilla and Iron should be taken at the same time, a teaspoonful after each meal; the Balm 35 drops every six hours, avoiding meal times. One bottle of the Sarsaparilla and Iron will generally be sufficient. Hectic Fever. The appropriate use of water in all fevers is said to be the luxury of the rich ; but the poor may also use it, if they will but throw aside their prejudices and learn now. As soon as the sufferer begins to feel the heat coming into the hands and feet, he should take a sponge-bath all over; see page 13; or if that is inconvenient, let him wash freely the face, hands, arms, and feet, and he will not fail to be paid for his time and trouble. Heat will be prevented, and the strength TREATMENT OK CONSUMPTION 129 supported by this plan; and debilitating sweats probably avoided. The cooling treatment, too, has a great influence in regulating the circulation, and preventing rapid pulse. Exercise, which we have spoken of as so valua- ble, should be so regulated, if possible, as not to hurry and excite the pulse. And here it is worthy of remark that over heated rooms always excite the circulation, and make hectic fever worse. A ther- mometer is indispensable in the sick-room, both to determine the temperature of baths, and that of the patient's room, which should be kept at from 65 to 70 degrees, with one window at least, let down at the top, during the cold season, for the sake of pure air; with open windows in summer; do not be afraid of that bugbear, " taking cold." How often have we found consumptives literally sweltering to death, with hot stoves, and the air close and foul with the morbid exhalations from their bodies. Consumptives will not recover, under any course of treatment, shut up night and day in an unventi- lated room. They say, " If we open a window we shall take cold." We say, " No you will not, if you open your window before you make your fire, and keep it open all the time; or if, in other words, you will keep your room at a uniform tem- perature ;" but this of course will require some ex- pense for fuel, and some care. But remember, con- sumptive reader, that you will die under the old way, while you may get well if you do as here di- rected. Keep your thermometer where you can see it all the time, and don't let it get any over 70 degrees, and keep away from the stove. The night sweats, which are often excessive and very prostrating, may generally be controlled by taking a sponge-bath three or four times a day, as previously directed, when the skin is hot and dry. 9 130 PULMONARY CONSUMPTION. One may also be taken on going to bed at night, and if that is not sufficient to check it, take another as soon as the sweating begins, which last will rarely if ever fail. Rush's Lung Balm is, how- ever, the sheet-anchor in all these states; and all other treatment is only as an aid. For the night sweats take a dose on going to bed, and another at the time the perspiration comes on; also twice during the day, say at 10 A. M. and 4 p. m. The Hypophosphite of Soda should be added as directed previously for cough. The Sarsaparilla and Iron should be taken after each meal. Pains in the chest may generally be relieved by applying a wet towel wrung tolerably dry from cool water, putting this folded over the seat of the pain, keeping it wet and covered with dry flannel enough to keep pleasantly warm. In hot weather very little covering will be required, and more fre- quent wetting. A small napkin can be used first, and afterwards a larger one ; begin moderately, and gradually increase. The diarrhcea of consumption is always formida- ble. It may be generally very much relieved by injections of cool water into the bowels after each motion. At least a pint or two of water should be thrown up with a pump, and retained some minutes, or as long as the patient can bear. Take the Lung Balm every six hours, as previously directed. Leucorrhcea, or Whites, is a very common trouble in females, during consumption It should be treated as directed under that article. In regard to the use of baths, and water for bath- ing, it may here be added that the addition of a lit- tle of Rush's Restorer to each basin of water used, say as much as can be held on the blade of a pen- knife, will prevent taking cold, and relieve a feel- ing of soreness and fatigue. TREATMENT 1JY INHALATION. 131 Treatment of Consumption by Inhala- tion. When, and to what extent is inhalation available f If extensive cavities have already formed in the pul- monary tissue, we cannot in the majority of cases, look for any permanent improvement, whatever may be the means employed. Still, in those unfa- vorable cases, surprising relief will often be afford- ed by inhalation in connection with other suitable treatment, and life may in many instances be thus materially prolonged. Such persons should begin the practice with cau- tion, since whatever tends to over-exercise the lungs, under such circumstances, will only tend to hasten on more rapidly the fatal work. Any such danger may be avoided by following suitable direc- tions, and the use of a proper inhaler. Inhalation performed two or three times daily, and half an hour or an hour at each time, ha< been found in a few weeks to work a wonderful change for the better in the chest. " Externally, the mus- cles concerned in respiration become manifestly en- lamed," says Dr. Rush, "and the bony walls of the chest, both before and laterally, visibly increased ; while at the same time the natural respiratory mur- mur will be heard internally far more distinct than ever. Such has been the increase of size which the chest, in young persons especially, has undergone by practising "inhalation, that I have known indi- viduals, after inhaling little more than a month, re- quire their waistcoats to be let out. It is a fact in- credible to one who has never been at the pains to measure the chest, or examine its shape," this au- thor also says, " what an enlargement it acquires by the simple action of breathing, for the time above stated (a half hour, two or three times daily), back- ward and forward through a narrow tube of a few feet in length." lif-2 PULMONARY CONSUMPTION. There has, however, been an immensity of de- ception practised in regard to inhaling vapors and gases, as remedial agents. The main benefit results to the lungs from exercising and expanding them, and affording an increased supply of pure air. Enough, however, has already been said on the sub- ject of the capital importance to consumptives of a supply of pure air, without which no remedies can ever purifyr or renovate the morbid condition of the blood. The vapor ot the same medicine that the con- sumptive is taking can always be inhaled to advan- tage by means of a suitable inhaler, of simple but effective construction. Rush's Lung Balm and Rush's Restorer are the medicines best adapted for this purpose, and have, in several cases, contributed to highly satisfactory results. Patients are much more likely to use an inhaler perseveringly if com- bined with a medicine which has a soothing and grateful feeling to the sore and debilitated organs. Such is the effect of the remedies above mentioned; and we venture to say that no person who has once tried them, with a suitable inhaling apparatus, would be without the relief and benefit enjoyed for the expense and trouble they cost. Suitable inhalers unfortunately cannot be ob- tained at most drug stores, and the editor of this book has been obliged to keep on hand a supply, which he will continue to furnish at as low prices as the market will admit of. Full directions for their use accompany the inhalers. For the editor's address, see page 44. Consumption Curable. By this is not meant that every case is curable, but that some cases are so; and it would be safe to say many cases if they could be early treated, and un- PREVENTION OK CONSUMPTION. 133 der favorable circumstances. The instances of cures in this book are given not in a boastful spirit, but for the sake of encouraging the faint-hearted to per- severe in a rational and comfort-giving mode of treatment; and one which the editor candidly be- lieves presents the best, if not only chance of suc- cess in this most formidable disease. For cases of cures, see page 58. Persons desirous of corresponding with the editor of this book on any medical subject will find his ad- dress at page 44. Advice is cheerfully given, in all cases, free of charge. PREVENTION OP CONSUMPTION. In considering this very important subject, I shall commence at the origin of the evil, and this, in an immense majority of cases, is Hereditary Transmission. It would be foreign to this work to discuss the hitherto inexplicable power which man possesses, of transmitting peculiarity of talent, of form, of de- fect, in a long line of hereditary descent; we must be contented with the fact that he has that power — that wit, beauty, and genius, dulness, madness, and deformity, are thus propagated to a future lineage; and that a host of fearful diseases, as gout, con- sumption, scrofula, and leprosy, originating per- haps in the first sufferer accidentally, are propa- gated so deeply and so extensively, that it is diffi- cult to meet with a family whose blood is totally free from all hereditary taint. The health of the parents influences the health of the child. Dr. Rush says, " The importance, therefore, of considering the health of the parent as the most effectual means of checking the exten- sion of consumption, must be admitted; and I fear 184 PULMONARY CONSUMPTION. we must be content with the admission. Is a thought ever bestowed on this subject in matrimo- nial alliances V " Our opinion is, that when both the man and woman are tainted with a tuberculous constitution, marriage, under such circumstances, should be for- bidden by prudence, if not by civil rule. When a disposition to consumption exists in a family, " There can be no question," says Dr. Rush, " that intermarriages among the collateral branches tend more than anything else to fix and multiply and aggravate it; there is reason to believe that unions between total strangers, and perhaps inhabitants of different countries, form the surest antidote." He also advances the opinion that the physical and moral constitution of the infant has a greater resemblance to that of the father than that of the mother. If this be correct, the health of the infant would be dependent in a greater degree upon the health of the father than the mother. The doctrine, however, in relation to form, com- plexion, and moral character has so many excep- tions, that its correctness seems doubtful. Be this as it may, the young mother should know that the health of her infant depends much on her own; and that, from the commencement of pre"-nuncv, she must consider herself responsible, to a great degree, for the health of her offspring; whatever interferes with the regular action of her several functions, especially digestion and its product nutri- tion, interferes with the growth, the development, and the constitution of the child yet unborn ; and irregularity or carelessness, at this period, may en- tail upon her infant the most dire afflictions. We will now consider the prevention of con- sumption in infancy and childhood, and the means PREVENTION OK CONSUMPTION. 135 by which we may improve the constitution, so as to overcome the hereditary predisposition. Our help- mates, whilst the infant is " mewling and puking in the nurse's arms," are proper diet, pure air, and bathing. If the child derive its consumptive con- stitution from both parents, or from the mother only, the latter must be deprived of her sweetest privilege—that of suckling her own child; if, on the other hand, the predisposition be acquired from the father, and the mother's health be unexception- able, this restraint need not be imposed. Food of " Nature's cooking, a mother's milk," is the natural sustenance of infancy. When a stranger's breast has to afford this, the greatest care is demanded in the selection of the " wet nurse:" she must be healthy herself, and of healthy parentage ; in age she should not exceed thirty ; her child should not be more than six or eight weeks old, and her tem- per should be good and placid, as the secretion of milk is naturally affected by irritability and pas- sion. It is a common error with^ healthy mothers to suckle their children for twelve, eighteen, or twenty months, to the risk of their own health, and the injury of the child, Soon after the appearance of the teeth, the stomach of the infant is capable of digesting artificial food, and the milk of the moth- er^, affer the eighth or ninth month, deteriorated in quality, and insufficiently nutritive; the child should then be weaned. In consequence of ill-health, disease, or death of the mother, it may become compulsory to rear the children " bv hand," — that is, entirely on prepared food; and certainly this mode, hazardous as it is, is preferable to nursing with the milk of a parent affected with consumption. An artificial milk; which approaches in quality that of the mother, 136 PULMONARY CONSUMPTION. may be made with two-thirds of cow's milk and one-third of water, to which a little sugar is to be added; this forms a good substitute, and should be made fresh as often as the child requires it. The French prefer diluting cow's milk with an equal quantity of fresh whey. Biscuit, powdered and boiled with milk, water, and su<*ar, is also well suited to the delicate stomachs of infants. Arrow- root, of all vegetables, is the least disposed to fer- mentation, and forms an excellent food, either with milk, or with water and sugar. It is very common in this country for people to give their children the worst food possible, namely, flour boiled in milk, which, when taken into the stomach, ferments, and fills the intestinal canal with wind and acidity. Not any animal food should ever be given to an infant under nine months old. Happily, the day has gone by when the new-born babe was swathed and rolled in flannels and band- ages, until deprived of all power of motion ; yet, at the present time, dear old grandmammas adhere too closely to the unhealthy custom of their child- hood, and " long clothes," rollers, and nightcaps still improperly maintain their place in the nursery. It is a sadly mistaken notion to suppose that we can five strength to a delicate and puny infant by eeping it constantly in an artificial state; an infant confined in a heated chamber, lumbered with a superabundance of clothing, must of necessity be- come so tender and susceptible, as to take cold upon any and every alteration of temperature to which it may be exposed. In the early infancy of children, we must en- deavor to adapt the feelings and constitution of the child to the climate and circumstances by which it is surrounded, rather than accommodate and regu- late the atmosphere and dress to the supposed lim- TREATMENT RY INHALATION. 137 ited endurance of the child; our aim being to give to the infant an innate and native power of resist- ance, to render it a hardy perennial, not a tender hot-house annual. The clothing should be suffi- cient to preserve the body at a proper warmth, but not abundant or heavy; bleached cotton is the only fabric to be worn next the skin, and this should be changed frequently ; and the child should be daily washed or plunged in cold water, and a genial reac- tion induced by gentle rubbing with towels. The importance of pure air has already been stated. In boyhood, the diet should be nourishing and genei-ous, without being stimulating; animal food should be given very moderately, without pork, and vegetables should be allowed abundantly. Exer- cise in the open air must be obtained at all seasons. Exercise at this age is a natural want, essential to train the muscles to their requisite offices, and to insure to the frame its full development and just proportions. So strong, indeed, is this tendency to motion, that few punishments are more grievous to childhood than such as impose restraints upon it. Girls should exercise out of doors as well as boys. Little bodily restraint should be imposed on chil- dren for the first six or eight years ; long and irk- some confinement to the sitting, or, indeed, to any one position, and especially in close rooms, cannot but be inimical to the just and healthy develop- ment of their physical constitution. It is better that they be allowed to choose their own muscular actions — to run, jump, frolic, and use their limbs according to their own inclinations; or, in other words, as nature dictates — than to be subjected to any artificial system of exercise. In children of weakly constitutions, severe mental application is, in a particular measure, hazardous. Whenever a precocity of intellect, or a disposition to thinking 138 PULMONARY CONSUMPTION. and learning in advance of the years, is displayed, to the neglect of the usual and salutary habits of early life, it should be restrained rather than en- couraged; the physical education should ever be of paramount regard ; the future health — for the absence of which life has no recompense — being closely dependent on its judicious management. The practice, unfortunately too common, of se- lecting the most delicate child for the scholar, is founded in error. This is the very one whom it becomes most necessary to devote to some calling which demands physical action and exposure to the open air. A proper and moderate use of the vocal organs, at this age, is of considerable advantage : reading aloud is the best method of training the voice and expanding the lungs; and if, at the same time, the pupil be taught the graces of declamation, and the natural gestures of the orator, the benefit will be enhanced. It is well known that Cicero, in early life, was predisposed to consumption; and Cuvier attributed his exemption from pulmonary disease, to which he was expected to fall a sacrifice, to the increased strength which his lungs acquired in the discharge of his duties as public lecturer. Bathing, and " the art of swimming," should form a part of every boy's early education; to the child predisposed to consumption, the daily ablution of the whole body is of the most essential service; it gives tone and vigor to the frame, frees the pores of the skin from those impurities which are con- stantly accumulating, and the muscular exertion which swimming demands is so universal, that not one part of the body is affected in a greater degree than another. A bath taken on rising, is most in- vigorating (see page 13); it preserves the body during the day at an equal temperature, and ena- TREATMENT BY INHALATION. 139 bles us to bear, with less risk of annoyance, any sudden change in the weather. Those who have never enjoyed this luxury, and have now the cour- age to commence, will not willingly lay it aside. The period of life at which youth advances to adult age, termed puberty, extending in males from fifteen to eighteen, and in females, in our climate, from twelve, thirteen, or fourteen, to sixteen, is one of great importance to the future life of every in- dividual ; but important in an especial degree, to such as may be predisposed to consumption. Girls, especially, should not be over-crowded with studies, and should by no means be confined to school- rooms, music lessons, evening studies, or any other arduous exertions of body or mind; but rather, have long vacations, with much exercise in the open air. The selection of a proper occupation for a deli- cate or scrofulous youth, and the age at which he should commence the business of life, is an af- fair of no small importance. He should not be confined in crowded, heated, ill-ventilated facto- ries; nor employed in any sedentary business, as that of a tailor, shoemaker, watchmaker, etc.; nor as a clerk at the desk, nor an engraver; he must not breathe an atmosphere loaded with irritating particles. At the same time, he should regard with care the rules we have already laid down un- der the Laws of Health, page 8; by which he may hope to earn for himself a new constitution. We have, in practice, daily to combat the er- roneous opinions of over-indulgent mothers, that a " delicate " girl is unable or unfit to walk, hop, or run as her fancy may dictate ; and that she must be restrained in her movements, fettered in stays, and confined in a chamber warmed to fever heat If it i'c wished that a delicate girl should become a 140 PULMONARY CONSUMPTION. sickly woman, such would be the plan to follow; but, if we desire to banish this delicacy and sus- ceptibility, and give health and energy to the growing frame, we must allow Nature an oppor- tunity of exerting her own powers. In the early life of females, strict attention should be paid to the carriage, and the proper expansion of the chest; calisthenics are a useful auxiliary to health, insuring at the same time ease and grace of movement. In reference to this subject, Dr. Rush says, " Surely, it is not necessary, in order to acquire all the air and gracefulness of fashionable life, to banish from the hours of recreation the old rational amusements of battledore and shuttlecock, of tennis, trap-ball, or any other game that calls into action the bending as well as the extending muscles, gives firmness to every organ, and the glow of health to the entire surface." To prove the benefit of air and exercise, we have only to contrast the damp hair, the pallid features, and at- tenuated form of the young milliner, confined in a heated room for sixteen or eighteen hours, with the rosy tint and bloom of health of the more fortunate girl who is allowed to exercise in the open air. Whilst guiding the physical education or >l train- ing " of a young person affected with a consump- tive diathesis, we should not neglect the moral and intellectual culture. The passions now begin to exert a powerful influence on the health; it is now that the mind rushes into a new world, and is prone to receive lasting impressions, either of good or evil; new thoughts, new feelings, engage the attention ; and the ideas and habits now acquired, whether amiable or vicious, frequently become a part of our future existence. Parents, especially, should not fail to caution children on the fearful effects of solitary vine: and bear in mind, that TREATMENT BY INHALATION. 141 many a decline is so caused. See article on Self-Abuse. It is necessary that all gloomy and dispiriting ideas should be dispelled, and whatever tends to depress the mind or lower the animal spirits, should be avoided with the greatest circum- spection. The greatest discretion should be exerted in the selection of those who are to become the intimate companions of youth ; there are so many circum- stances dependent on this choice, that materially affect the future health and well-being of the rising man, which every parent will readily comprehend, that they require only to be attended to, in order that their importance may be acknowledged. Intemperance, excesses of all kinds, precocity, and all things that tend to induce nervous irrita- bility and muscular debility, readily become the parent of consumption; to those already predis- posed to the disease, they frightfully hasten its development. The climate most favorable to preventing or re- tarding the development of tuberculous consump- tion, is that which is of a mild, dry, and equable temperature ; hence a change of abode has been recommended in all ages to those whose native soil is subject to considerable and sudden variations. Consumptives who go South in the autumn, usually go too late, and especially return too early in the spring. It is not so much the excessive cold of our climate which is to be avoided, as its great changeability. Iceland is remarkably free from consumption ; but then little or no pork is used there. There are no months in the year more try- ing than May and the beginning of June ; and yet invalids, unless strongly cautioned, make their ar- rangements to return in those months. Many a sick one whose disease has resisted the steady cold 142 PULMONARY CONSUMPTION. of the winter months is cut off during the fresh winds and cold storms, which alternate with the hot days of spring and early summer. In regard to a change of locality for consump- tives, and the selection of a place for the few who have the means and inclination to abandon the comforts of home, California, with its warm and equable climate, presents manyr attractions. The sea-voyage, or overland journey thither, is no doubt very beneficial in many cases. The very best lo- cality is, probably, the Island of Santa Cruz. The climate there is so warm and equable, that the thermometer ranges but very little from eighty-two degrees, the year round; and the air is pure and bracing. It is easily reached by steamer from Havana. There is no denying that very many cases of consumption are curable there, as late as the beginning of the third stage, or even if large cavities have formed; together with the use of the remedies already recommended. Those who are able should return gradually from the South homewards, stopping at St. Augustine, in Florida, — which is an excellent place for consump- tives to winter at, — and not reaching home before July 1st. A sea-voyage to any warmer climate is likely to benefit consumptives. The exercise of sailing af- fords motion without exertion, or, at least, with no more exertion than gives a pleasurable and tran- quillizing feeling to the system; it cheerfully engages the mind, retards the pulse, calms the irregularities of the heart, and produces sleep. To prevent the ravages of consumption in one already predisposed, especial attention must be pod to bathing, nourishment, air, and exercise ; so that he may be placed in circumstances the most favor- able to acquire robust health. By removing func- MEDICAL HUMBUGS. 143 tional derangements as they occur, by maintaining a healthy condition of the digestive organs, and, above all, by obtaining prompt and efficient medi- cal aid on the advent of the slightest pulmonary disturbance, we may confidently hope so to invigo- rate the constitution, as to turn aside and overcome the liability to tuberculous disease. In regard to medical means, persons of consump- tive family should be very watchful, and on the appearance of any symptoms or troubles for which Rush's Sarsaparilla and Iron (see page 4 7) is rec- ommended, it should be promptly resorted to as the only sure medical preventive. It is peculiarly adapted to the youthful organism, and should be made use of by all persons of consumptive family during the period of approaching womanhood and manhood. MEDICAL HUMBUGS. The different modes in which consumptives are de- frauded, and the public deceived in medico1 matters, are here exposed. Consumptives are more exposed to different swindles and impositions than almost any other class of persons, for the reason that their supposed hope- less condition leads them to grasp at any means of relief offered, which seems, to them, to promise any plausible chance of success. Various arc the modes in which ingenious but dishonest men have enriched themselves, and plundered their victims, not only of their money, but of precious time, during which their disease lias made such progress as to become quite incurable. The first of these, in point of fre- quency, consists in a person who is not a medical man announcing himself as such; or falsely pre- tending to be a clergyman, in a short advertise- 144 PULMONARY CONSUMPTION. ment, and offering to send, free of charge, a won- derful prescription, by which himself, or a favorite daughter, or some one else, who was given up to die of consumption, realized a most wonderful cure. Such was the celebrated " Retired Physician," whose "sands of life had nearly run out;" and such, we are informed and believe, is now a person who claims to be a clergyman, and advertises from WiUiamsburgh, N. Y. The prescriptions sent by these impostors contain ingredients wholly unknown to any medical man, or at any drug-store ; and which, of course, cannot be procured without writ- ing to them. Some three to five dollars is then demanded for an utterly worthless, and often in- jurious combination of drugs, which would not be taken by the sufferer if he Knew their true names; and which would not cost ten cents at any respect- able druggist's. The principal ingredient in the " Retired Physician's " receipt was the extract or tincture of Indian hemp, which is also known un- der the name of cannabis, hashisch, or hasheesh; it affords some relief at first, but like opium and morphine, proves, ultimately, pernicious to the lungs. But this prescription put manyr thousand dollars into a notorious swindler's pocket, because the drug could not be found at most drug stores; and the {>oor consumptives sent to the " Retired Physician " or it. The other person alluded to (the Rev. im- postor, at WiUiamsburgh, N. Y.), on being written to, announces in a pamphlet that he himself has been cured of consumption by a receipt, which he also sends, and which reads as follows : — " Extract of Blodgett, three ounces ; hypophos- phites of lime and soda, one half ounce ;" alantin, one drachm ; meconin, one half scruple ; extract of cinchona, two drachms ; loaf sugar, one pound ; port wine, one half pint; warm water, one quart." THE RE8PIROMETER HUMBUG. 145 It will be seen that the Extract of Blodgett is one of the principal ingredients; and this can be procured only of him. There is no medicine by that name ; and the entire prescription is a shame- less imposition. The name (extract of Blodgett) is so laughable, that he goes on to say, in his pamphlet, by way of explanation, that it is shortened from the Italian Blodgetti, and known in the works of Italian au- thors. The editor of this book, when in Rome, Naples, Milan, and Venice, incidentally made in- quiry, and satisfied himself that it is also totally un- known there. Port wine is always more or less adulterated, and is an injurious article for any sick person. The Respirometer Humbug. A respirometer is an instrument to measure the amount of air breathed into the lungs, or out of them, at one time. It is practically valueless in lung^ com- plaints ; for the reason that this amount of air va- ries so much in healthy persons, _ that it is quite double in some persons to what it is in others. We consider the use of the Respirometer, therefore, as entirely and solely a device, or manoeuvre, to ex- tract money from the pockets of the unfortunate. The Oxygenated Inhalation Humbug. This is one of the very latest. The gas used, however, is not oxygen, but merely nitrous oxide, or lau^hin^ gas. It "is merely an unnatural stimulant to the lunss, somewhat like chloroform, and if enough is taken would produce intoxication. It never does any more than temporary good, and may do permanent injury. It is only another de- vice to fleece the unfortunate. i n 146 PULMONARY CONSUMPTION. The Speciality Humbug. It is usually the perfection of mercenary impos- ture for any man to claim to know more of ONE dis- ease, or the diseased action of any one organ, or any one class of organs, because he confines his treatment to one only ! Such a man is sure to make every case belong to that class to which ho confines his treatment, if it bears the least resem- blance to it, that thus he may secure the patient; and, what is of more consequence in his eye, viz., his fee. Moreover, having to do with one class of maladies, or the symptoms of a single class, he loses sight wholly of all the other maladies which have preceded the kind he treats, and which are the hid- den causes of all the mischief; hence he fails to de- tect the case as it really is, treats symptoms mere- ly, and must end in disappointing, if not ruining his patient We have no patience with such wretched charlatans who torture the feeble and the sick with their false and futile treatment, doing infinitely more harm than it is in the power of the best physi- cians to remove. To be FAMILIAR Willi ALL DIS- EASES, and the numerous and varied causes of every form of sickness, we must be daily in the habit OK EXAMINING ALL SORTS OK CASKS, and TREAT- ING all , thus we keep every symptom, every source, every appearance, every change of disease, of all the various organs, fresh in our minds; hence are ever prepared to meet any case, and to understand it fully ; and, be it what it may, to rep- resent to the patient what it really is, and to treat it according to its real character. As universal practitioners, we are never tempted to pronounce every affection of the chest Consumption; to make every derangement of the uterine functions the pri- mary or the principal ailment, when such derange- ments are nothing more than svmptoms, or merely the old-school humbug. 147 parts of a complicated disease ; to make diseases of the eyes, or ears, or limbs, or glands, local, so as to justify a barbarous surgical operation; nor to make all affections of the genital organs gonorrhoeal, or syphilitic, as those smutty venereal quacks do who confine all their quacking, cobbling, and poisoning to this class of diseases alone. The mercenary character of such men is also one of their chief characteristics. There is at the pres- ent time such a person who comes from a distant city, and whose pretentious advertisements fill whole columns of the newspapers. The editor is informed that his charges in his Speciality of Consumption are enormous. It is quite evident that in cases of such very large advertising, somebody must make the money to pay for it. The Old School, or Calomel Doctor Humbug. It is rather an ungracious duty to speak thus of a large class of educated practitioners. But in what other" terms can truth be told in regard to their treatment of such a disease as consumption ? Do they not, and country physicians especially, pro- nounce the disease incurable, and does not the re- sult of their practice prove their assertion true ? It is next to sure death for a consumptive to fall into their hands; and his executors will not fail to find a remunerative claim against his or her estate, or friends, in the shape of the doctor's bill, for prac- tice according to Gunter. The patient, however, has the advantage of dying according to law and custom. We will, moreover, add that the Thornp- sonian, or Botanic doctor, is not a whit more suc- cessful, on the average, than the so-called regulars. Drenching the system with quarts and gallons of 14.S PULMONARY CONSUMPTION. drugs is no way to cure consumption, or any other disease The Indian Doctor Humbug. Of all the follies in medicine, none exceeds that most absurd one which places reliance on what are called Indian Doctors—most of whom are im- postors, who know no more even of the Indians than they do of medical science or the human con- stitution. But what do Indians know of medi- cine? Comparatively, nothing. What do tiny know of the structure, and organs of the human economy; the lesions to which they are liable; or any other branch of true medical philosophy V Nothing. They may cure a cold, a slight fever, a simple sore or ulcer; and so can many old and observing nursing women do the same. They know the medical virtues of but few roots and herbs, and they make no progress in knowledge, because they have no facilities or aids for doing this. When an\ violent disease breaks out among them, every soul perishes; or they flee in all directions, usually to white settlements, for relief or safety. ACCIDENTS, concussions, falls. 149 Accidents. Concussions. Falls. A person injured by a fall, by the shock, or concus- sion, and taken up insensible, should not be bled. Loosen his collar, and waistband, and carry him care- fully home or to the nearest house, put him in bed, and make frictions with warm flannels, and apply mustard plasters'to the feet and calves of the legs; these should not be left on to blister, but only to produce redness. As soon as he is able to swallow give hot rum or whiskey toddy by the tablespoonful. A bottle of tincture of Arnica should be kept by every family, a receipt for making which may be found in this book on page 151. It is very valuable for all injuries, bruises, wounds and accidents; and may be used as a liniment, and for internal administration. In such a case as the above, put three drops in a tumblerful of water, and give a tablespoonful every hour. Also rub any bruised place with a little of the tincture. Drowning. When a body has been removed from the water, it should be removed to the nearest house and placed in a warm bath, if it can be had, of the temperature of 100 degrees ; if not, place it in a warm bed, and keep up the friction by means of hot dry flannels. Bottles of hot water, or hot bricks wrapped up in moist cloths should be kept at the feet and sides, tak- ing care that the bricks are not too hot But the chief remedy is artificial respiration. This may be done by placing the patient on his back, and pressing out the air from the lungs very strongly, by pressing on the chest; then turn him on to his side which will cause the lungs to fill again. If that does not seem to suc- ceed, the lungs may be inflated with common bellows. About 12 inflations a minute are sufBcient. Artificial respiration should be continued several, hows; especi- ally if the person has not been long in the water. At the same time continue the warm applications. Hanging, Persons found hanging should be immediately cut down with care : and treated in much the same way. 160 WOUNDS Wounds, If a wound is bleeding in a steady flow, and dark colored blood, the edges should be carefully brought together with the hand, and a large piece of cotton, or lint, firmly bound on with a bandage; or what would be better, use long strips of sticking plaster cut about half an inch wide, and draw the edges of the wound close together in applying it. If the tIow of blood is in jets, and of a bright red, it is an artery that bleeds, and requires tying. Until a surgeon arrives, tie a strong handkerchief firmly round the limb, be- tween the wound, and the body, and twist the hand- kerchief with a stick, until the bleeding stops. The course of the main artery is at about the mid- dle of the inside of the limb; if a knot is tied in the handkerchief, and applied over the artery before the handkerchief is twisted, that will help stop the flow of blood. This ligature may be fastened in place un- til the artery can be tied. Burns and Scalds. These are best dressed by sifting on flour, very abundantly, from a common flour box ; the benefit of which is to exclude the air. Where burns are" extensive, and there is much pros- tration from the pain, give a little hot currant wine, or rum toddy to bring on reaction. If the pain is ve- ry severe, cloths wet witli cold wnter may be applied over the thick coating of flour. These will give re- lief if kept wet and cold. A burnt finger is at once relieved of the pain by putting it in cold water. Frost Bites. A frozen part becomes white, and may mortify if thawed suddenly. Snow should generally be applied, while the circulation is being restored and no rub- bing should be used, lest the frozen cells be broken. A person benumbed with cold, and nearly, or quite insensible, should be taken into a cold room, and be rubbed with snow first, and flannels afterwards, until improvement takes place. Warm wine and water may be given as soon as it can be swallowed. USEFUL REMEDIES. 151 Useful Medicines, Rush's Sarsaparilla and Iron, page 47. Rush's Monthly Remedy, page 231. Rush's Pills, page 63. Rush's Lung Balm, page 54, Rush's Restorer and Preventive, page 231. The proof spirit mentioned in the following medi- cines, should be half-strong alcohol, and half water. Aconite. Mix one ounce proof spirit with £ ounce tincture of Aconite, (root or plant). Arnica tincture. Put one ounce of Arnica flowers in eight ounces of proof spirit. It will be fit to use in a week. Arnica Plaster. Take flesh colored court plaster and brush it over with tincture of Arnica, and then let it dry. Or take the new kind of sticking plaster, which sticks by wetting, and brush it over in the same way. This is very good for corns. Belladonna. Mix £ ounce of tincture of Belladonna with one ounce of proof spirit. Chamomile or Chamomilla. Mix £ ounce of tincture of Chamomilla, with one ounce of proof spirit. Coffta. Put three kernels of green coffee, cut fine, into an ounce of proof spirit. W will be ready to use in four days. It is very good for restlessness. Hamamelis. Mix £ ounce of tincture of Hamam- elis, with one ounce of proof spirit Pulsatilla. Mix £ ounce of tincture of Pulsatilla, with one ounce of proof spirit. Rhus tox. Mix | ounce of tincture of Rush tox, with one ounce of proof spirit. Ipecac. Mix £ ounce of tincture or wine of Ipecac, with one ounce of proof spirit. When the above medicines cannot be obtained at common drug stores, they can be had at the Homoeo- pathic, or Botanic. The directions for using them are given under the appropriate diseases. The follow- ing are much used. Wine of Ipecac. Dose as an emetic for an adult, two tablespoonfuls ; as an emetic for a child one or 152 poisons. two years old, one teaspoonful, repeated every fifteen minutes till it operates. Hive Syrup. Dose for a child of one year 15 drops ; from six to ten years, 20 to 40 drops; it is mostly used for croup. Paregoric. Dose for an adult, one to two teaspoon- fuls ; for a child one year old, the dose is from three to ten drops. Laudanum. Dose for an adult, fifteen to thirty drops. It should not be given to children. Poisons. The first thing to be done, in case of poisoning, is to give an emetic, and this may always be effected by giving a tablespoonful of mustard, mixed in a halt' pint of warm water. After vomiting begins, give more warm water to promote it; copious vomiting will dis- lodge most vegetable and mineral poisons. The acids generaly are antidoted by soda, saleratus, or soap suds ; Sugar of Lead, by Epsom Salts; Corro- sive Sublimate, or bed hug poison by white of egg, and milk ; Verdigris and Copper, by white of egg, and brown sugar. Opium, Morphme^audanum, and Paregoric; as well as Alcohol and whiskey, which may poison children ; require abundant cold bathing of the head, or whole body. Pour the water on the bead by pitcherful-, and in bad cases, keep the patient in motion, by walk- ing him round. Strong Coffee, may also be given, with advantage; give two tablespoonfuls very strong every fifteen minutes, without sugar, or milk. Arsenic requires a prompt emetic of mustard ; and, when it can be had, the hydrated peroxid of Iron. Give also the white of 10 or 12 eggs beat up in a quart of warm water, with the mustard. When the oxid >,f Iron cannot be had, if you have copperas, and soda for bread, dissolve a heaping tablespoonful of each in ;i pint of warm water, and pour them together in a large dish; they will foam ; let this subside, and then give a teacupful of this at a time stirred up with ,* heaping teaspoonful of mustard, to ensure vomiting. 153 FEVERS AND INFLAMMATIONS. In most acute diseases fever is present. The symptoms common to most fevers are;—at first, a chill, or chilliness, and shivering ; and then heat, thirst, restlessness, prostration of strength, and us- ually headache. When there is an inflammation of a part, there is usually pain in that part. The symptoms, or signs of inflammation, besides heat and pain, are redness and swelling. When an inflamma- tion is on the surface of the body, all these signs may be noticed ; take for instance, a boil; or ery- sipelas. But in case of an internal inflammation, the redness, and swelling, can not usually be seen. Take for instance: Inflammation of the lungs, com- monly called lung fever. Here theheat, and pain, are both very sensible ; but the redness and swelling, being internal, are not visible. Physicians do not mix up fevers with inflamma- tions; but in common language most inflammations are called fevers for instance, inflammation oj the pleura, or membrane which covers the lungs, and inside of the chest, is called pleurisy fever. It will be well for the reader to bear this in mind, and also the fact that fevers possess the property ofpass- inq from one kind into another. Remedies and treatment, therefore, should always be adapted to the symptoms of the case, and given on general princi- ples; not for the name of a disease. Many fevers have what is called a turn ; that is, they suddenly give way, and the patient improves from that time ; but this is not always the case. Many such at- tacks decline gradually, and have no turn or crisis. The causes of fevers are numerous. Miasms, epidemic influences, contagion, powerful mental emotions, derangement of some important organ, 154 FEVER AND INFLAMMATIONS external injuries, excess, or errors in diet, heat or cold, or alterations of temperature, exposure to cold or damp, in fact, anything that causes de- rangement of the equilibrium of the system, may produce fever. GENERAL TREATMENT IN FEVER, AND DIET. 1 he great essentials in the treatment of fever are : Perfect rest, mental and bodily. Pure air, thorough ventilation, and a cool apart- ment; the temperature of the patient's room should never exceed 65 degrees. Feather-beds should be discarded, and mattres- ses substituted, when practicable. Nature herself generally prescribes the regimen to be observed by taking away appetite ; while the thirst present, as Dr. Rush has well observed, may be considered as her voice calling for fluid. Water is the best diluent; drink a plenty of it; no solid food, broth, or even gruel and the like, should be permitted in cases where the inflammation runs ex- cessively-high : and the utmost caution is to be ob- served, in allowing gruel or weak broths during the decrease ; an error in this respect often causes irreparable mischief, and it is always safer to err a little on the side of abstinence than on that of indul- gence. A little toast-water, or weak barley or rice-water, sweetened with a little sugar, raspberry or straw- berry syrup, may be allowed when the fever ia somewhat abated, though then we must still care- fully avoid incurring the risk of a relapse, by giv- ing any aliment likely to tax, in however slight a degree, the digestive powers. Simple Fever from taking cold usually lasts but about 24 hours; it may be known as we have FEVERS AND INFLAMMATIONS. 155 stated abode by a chill, and shivering, heat of skin, restlessness, rapid pulse, usually headache, and slight loss of strength. This may occur in children as well as adults. In such a case it would be well to put two teaspoonfuls of Rush's Lung Bairn (see page 54) into a tumblerful of water, and give an adult a tablespoonful once in an hour and a half. A child may take a teaspoonful. This will usually bring on a perspiration, which will terminate the attack Every attack of simple fever may be usu- ally thrown off by the use of this remedy in about 12 hours. It will never do any harm to use it, in case it proves a severe fever; and will certainly prevent it from settling on the lungs. In all fevers the feet should be kept thoroughly ivarm with bottles of hot water, or warm bricks. The best way per- haps is to use bricks. Put two or three at the fire, and on trying them you will usually find one side too hot: cool it by pouring on water; then wrap it up in a cloth, not paper, and a moist heat will be given out. Keeping the feet warm, draws the blood away from vital organs, and equalizes the circulation. It is of most importance, between midnight and morning; and patients with fevers frequently take cold then. Inflammatory Fever. This name is given to an attack more violent than the above, which may last, under common treatment a week or two. Children are not subject to it. The symptoms are more violent than in simple fever : the pulse is strong, and hard ; the tongue is coated white, or else of a brighter red than na- tural ; the urine is red, and scanty; there is con- stipation ; the breathing is hurried; there is usu- 156 FEVERS AND INFLAMMATIONS. ally severe headache ; the chill, heat, and dryness of skin, and prostration of strength, are more se- vere than in simple fever. A person taken sick in this way should take Rush's Lung Balm without fail. Put two teaspoonfuls in a tumbler of water, and give a tablespoonful. Put five drops of Acon- ite j(see P'^g6 151)) m a tumbler of water, and give a tablespoonful in one hour after the first dose. Continue these in that way alternately, every hour, until the patient perspires freely; then leave off the Aconite, and give only the Lung Balm once in two or three hours, until the patient is entirely relieved. But if the fever rises again, resume the Aconite, and Balm, both. If the bowels are constipated give three of Rush's Pills, and repeat the dose every six hours, until the bowels are moved. Be sure and keep the feet warm as directed under simple fever. It the pa- tient is used to daily bathing he should not fail to go into a wet sheet half-pack, or full-pack, as di- rected under water treatment, as soon as the at- tack comes on. Let the wrapping outside be light; and let the pack be opened, and the sheet be wet again, and again, as fast as it gets warm, until the fever issubdued. This maybe known by the feel- ing of coolness, and comfort; and perhaps the pa- tient falls into a sweet sleep. It usually takes from three to twelve hours to effect this, and in severe attacks may be repeated for three or four days in succession; if the fever rises again and again, as it may do. The wet sheet pack will usually get heated up in about half an hour ; it should not be allowed to get hot and dry. Keep it cool by opening it, and wetting the sheet, and give the medicines as directed, and you will surely kill the fever. Put a wet towel on the forehead, and keep FEVERS AND INFLAMMATIONS. 157 it well wet and cool, for the headache. The Acon- ite should be given while the patient is in the pack, as well as the Lung Balm; as before directed; the Balm only, after the pack is over. If the pa- tient is a delicate person ; is not used to water; or afraid of the pack; give the medicine only; and sponge the chest, back, and body all over, eve- ry two hours or oftener, with a basin of cold wa- ter. Cases of most violent fever, which sometimes prove fatal, or last two, three, or four, or more weeks, rarely last more than three or four days when treated with these medicine's, and water both. After taking a pack as above directed, and the heat of the skin, and the feverishness, being for the time subdued; let the patient be well sponged over with cold water, or stand in a tub and be washed down with a basin of water, and towel, or sponge, and then be put into a clean bed. No one can know the comfort, nay. luxury of such use of water until experience of it is had. The wri- ter of this knows of what he speaks, having recov- ered from a most violent attack of fever in three or four days under just such treatment as this. Yet those_ who are afraid of water, may rely upon rush's lung balm, and aconite alone, as supe- rior to any other remedies, for attacks of inflam- matory fever. It is the nature of this kind of fe- ver to be worse at night, or from noon till midnight; therefore after the feverish action has been once subdued, we should not be disappointed if we are obliged to renew the treatment as at first, in the afternoon, or toward night. As soon as the patient is convalescent, and is able to bear considerable nourishment, some weakness and debility may, and probably will remain. In that case Rush's Sarsa- parilla and Iron should be taken, and will com- 158 FEVERS AND INFLAMMATIONS. pletely renovate the system. One bottle will usu- ally be sufficient. Many a decline which has come on, after violent fevers, might have been prevented by taking a bottle of this medicine. Typhus and Typhoid Fevers, Usually begin very much as already described as simple, and inflammatory. They may always be safely treated by rush's lung balm, Aconite, and sponging with water, for three or four days ; when, if the attack does not seem to give way, a physician should be sent for. After a long and debilitating typhoid fever, Rush's Sarsaparilla and Iron should invariably be used, to invigorate, and restore the system. It should be continued until it ceases to "benefit; or the usual health, and Btrength is restored. In some cases, one bottle will suffice. In other cases, two, four, or six, will not be too much. Fever and A.gvie, or Intermittent Fever. A severe chill, followed by burning fever, and this, by profuse perspiration, denotes the presence of this disease. The treatment is as follows. As soon as the chill comes on, put ten drops of Acon- ite ("See page 151,) in a tumbler of water, and give a tablespoonful every ten minutes while the chill lasts. Continue it every half hour during the hot stage, or while the fever lasts. As soon as the sweating begins, leave off the Aconite, and give the following preparation. Put forty-five grains of quinine into one half bottle of Rush's Sarsaparilla and Iron; mix it, and shake it well. Take a tea- FEVERS AND INFLAMMATIONS. 159 spoonful every three hours, until the chill returns. Then give the Aconite as before, and so on. There will generally be but one chill after you commence; and very rarely more than two. Af- ter the chill is broken, continue the Sarsaparilla and Iron and Quinine, by giving thirty drops eve- ry six hours until the mixture is finished. Then go on with the remaining half bottle of Sarsapa- rilla and Iron, and take it according to the direc- tions on the bottle. This mixture of Sarsaparilla, Iron, and Quinine, never injures the system ; but will restore even broken down constitutions. Af- ter being cured of the Ague, if debility remains, continue the Sarsaparilla and Iron until the health is quite restored. If the bowels are at any time constipated, they should be moved by Rush's Pills. These may be taken at bed time. Inflammation of the Brain. Brain Fever. This is fortunately a somewhat rare disease. It usually results from irritating causes; such as mental emotion, or excessive mental labor; ex- tremes of heat, and cold ; injuries ; concussions, and excesses. It usually begins with the symptoms of Inflammatory Fever (which see) but the head becomes affected very soon in the disease. We have great heat of the head ; boring of the head in the pillow , with violent pulsations of its blood vessels, and of those of the neck : there is extreme sensibility to noise, and light; the face and eyes are red and swollen; the pain in the head is vio- lent, shooting, and burning; there is furious deli- rium. An adult person seized with these symp- toms should be treated promptly as follows. Put 160 FEVERS AND INFLAMMATIONS. five drops of Aconite in a tumbler of water and give a tablespoonful:—in one hour after put five drops of Belladonna in a tumbler of water, and give a tablespoonful, and so go on with them eve- ry hour alternately. Keep the feet well warm, as directed under simple fever. The head should be constantly sponged, and sopped with water from a large basin with ice in it; keep the hair sopped full of the ice cold water, and let the water soak into a sheet, or a straw pillow, which can be changed often enough to keep from wetting the bed. Wet the back part of the head as well as the front. If the bed gets wet it will do no harm, if the feet are kept warm, and the patient is put in- to a dry bed, as soon as the fever gives way ; when that takes place give only the Belladonna every two hours. If the fever, when once subdued, re- turns ; go back to the same treatment, as at first. If the bowels are constipated give four of Rush's Pills, and repeat the dose if there is no motion in four hours. In children, this fever ma}- be treated in the same way, giving a teaspoonful of the med- icine for a dose, instead of a tablespoonful. At- tacks of Brain Fever may usually be thrown off in this way, in a day or two if treated promptly. If not no harm will have been done, if a physician has to be sent for. Inflammation of the Ijiinscss. I_ju.tj.jj Fever. Pneumonia. This is one of the most common diseases, both for adults and children. It commences with fever of the inflammatory type, (see inflammatory fever,) and, in addition to the symptoms of that disease, we shall find a short, dry, and continual cough, FEVERS AND INFLAMMATIONS. 161 and difficulty of breathing; with expectoration of tough mucus, or phlegm ; at first whitish, but after a day, or two, of a rusty color, which is considered, when present, a sure sign of lung fever; but it is not always seen. There is generally some' pain in the chest, which may serve to point out the seat of the disease. The treatment of the Lung fever is to be, precisely the same as for Inflammatory Fever, (see pagel55) except that we should be sure to get the feet well warm before applying the half-pack, or sponging. Put the feet in hot water at once, if cold, and commence with the medicines; ("Balm and Aconite.) After the feet are once warm, keep them so with hot bricks. The half-pack may then be applied, under the same conditions as in Inflammatory Fever, and the medicine given the same. A child should take a teaspoonful; and a very young child, half a teaspoonful of the mixture, for a dose. It is better to use the towel- pack round the chest of a child, by wetting a tow- el in cool water, squeezing it out so as not to drip, pinning it round the child's body, up to the arm pits, and then putting a dry towel round it all. This should be renewed, by wetting it again, as soon as it begins to get hot. Do not let it get hot and dry; as it would then do harm instead of good. A pack in this way will never harm even a child, if the feet are kept warm. A Lung Fever rarely runs more than five days, and is frequently bro- ken up in a day or two, when treated in this way. 11 162 INFLAMMATIONS. Inflammation of the Pleura, Pleurisy Fever. This disease may be known by a sharp, sticking pain in the side; burning fever, like lung fever; not much cough; difficult breathing, but less op- pressed than in lung fever. The patient lies gen- erally on his back, or the painful side. The na- ture of the disease consists in an inflammation of the membrane which covers the outside of the lungs, and the inside of the chest. Hence the sharp pain when they rub together; the two sur- faces being naturally in contact. The treatment is to be precisely the same with Inflammatory Fev- er and Lung Fever; which see. Inflammation of the air passages. Bronchitis,— Ministers' Sore Throat. The symptoms very much resemble Lung Fever, but are more mild, and like a common cold. There is hoarseness, and much wheezing, and cough, with expectoration of phlegm, and the breathing is quick, and oppressed. In children, phlegm fre- quently impedes the breathing, and vomiting en- sues. Fever is sometimes mostly absent; and those are apt to be dangerous cases ; because not attend- ed to. In any case like the above, give small doses of Rush's Lung Balm every three hours until re- lief takes place. An adult may take 20 drops; a child less, according to directions on bottle. If the throat is hot, and feverish, you mav put a wet towel round it, with a dry one outside", and keep it cool, by wetting it again as soon as it begins to get hot; the same as for croup. If there Is heat ol skin, and high fever, give aconite, one dose, and INFLAMMATION OF THE LIVER. 163 Lung Balm an hour after; the same as directed for Inflammatory Fever, (which see) and keep on alternately in that way, until the fever abates. This disease is frequently chronic, and sometimes called Minister's Sore Throat; it may be invaria- bly cured by the Lung Balm, taken according to directions. Inflammation of the Liver. Liver Complaint. Jaundice. This is more common in hot climates, than here; and very many cases of disease, where the stomach and bowels are at fault are saddled upon the liver; and mercury in some form given ; which, though it affords temporary relief, ruins the system; and has to be resorted to, more and more frequently. An attack of Liver Complaint may be known by pain in the right side, and usually some swell- ing over the liver; tenderness on pressure there; high-colored urine ; yellow tinge of skin and eyes; moist cough; and symptoms of indigestion. In Jaundice the yellow color is more decided all over the body; the stools hard, and whitish. Never take calomel, or blue pills for this disease. Keep the bowels well open with Rush's Pills; of which a good dose, to open the bowels, should be taken at first; and then one every other night, until im- provement is decided. At the same time take Rush's Sarsaparilla and Iron, a half a teaspoonful every four hours, commencing on rising. When the bottle is half finished a grain of Quinine may be added to the bottle, with good effect • to be tak- en the same as before. A bad case may require more than one bottle. Persevere until you are cured. The cure will usually be hastened by a 164 BILIOUS COMPLAINTS. wet sheet pack, taken about the middle of the fore- noon, or afternoon, one hour ; and a Sitting-Bath, for a half an hour, before retiring. See Water Treatment, page 27. Bilious Complaints Of whatever nature, may be treated exactly as above. Dyspepsia. Indigestion. This is too common to require much description. The causes are very numerous;—the most common are ; intemperance in eating, or drinking ; eating too much : use of coffee, tobacco, and spirits ; im- perfect chewing of the food ; impure or hard water; sedentary and vicious habits; and exhaustion of body, or mind. The signs of dyspepsia are brief- ly : —sick-headache, dizziness, and confusion of head; face pale, or yellowish; tongue foul and coated, dry, white, or yellowish ; bad taste in the mouth; want of appetite ; sickness at the stomach; bitter belchings, and vomitings; heartburn; sour stomach; flatulence ; fulness at the pit of the stom- ach ; clothes at the waist feel tight; cramps at or in the stomach; red urine, with brick dust sed- iment ; sleep unrefreshing, and restless; constipa- tion. Persons suffering with any of these symptoms should have the bowels moved by Rush's Pills; and then take Rush's Sarsaparilla and Iron, after each meal, and on going to bed. At the same time remove the causes, by living according to the laws of health. Take a sponge-bath every morn- ing. If there is constipation, or the above symptoms DYSPEPSIA. INDIGESTION. 165 well-marked; eat coarse, or Graham bread, or made of wheat meal; and nothing made of fine flour; only a little meat once a day, and no swine's flesh ; a plenty of vegetables and fruit, such as agree with the stomach. Read the articles on diet, and means of preserving health. Coffee, green tea, tobacco, and spirits should be entirely abandoned. The blood is generally poor, and deficient in quantity, Rush's Sarsaparilla and Iron in all such cases will do good; and a complete restoration to health may be expected if bad habits are abandoned, and the laws of health lived up to. Persevere with the medicine, and do the best you can about diet, hab- its, &c. Haemorrhoids. Biles. Constipaton. Costiveness. These troubles are usually brought on by the same causes with Dyspepsia, (see the preceding article,) and require about the same diet, and treatment. For constipation do exactly as there directed. Coffee must be given up. A tumbler of Eure soft water taken at bed time is no contempti- le remedy. A sitting bath for a half an hour be- fore ffoing to bed'will well repay the time and trouble. See Water Treatment page 27. For Piles it is a valuable remedy. Coffee in many cases causes the piles ; attend strictly to the rules under diet. For this complaint take a ripe horse- chestnut, and grate half the meat, with a fine gra- ter, and put it into a bottle of Rush's Sarsaparilla and Iron ; let it settle, and take a half a teaspoon-* ful after each meal, and at bed time. If you can- not get the horse-chestnut, take the medicine with- out. For Constipation, use the same remedy with- 166 COLIC. out the horse-chestnut. Rush's Pills may be used for cases not of long standing; and are always safe and efficient. Colic. This may be flatulent, or bilious. The pain is generally about the navel; and is relieved by pres- sure ; by which we distinguish it from dysentery, or inflammation; which is made worse by pressure. The common remedy of strong, hot peppirment may be tried. If that fails, two or three teaspoon- fuls of paregoric may be given once an hour un- til relief is obtained. A child must take less. Per- sons who are subject to attacks of colic may be Eermanently cured by Rush's Sarsaparilla and ron. Diarrhoea, Summer Complaint, Dysentery, The causes, and signs of diarrhoea, summer com- plaint, and looseness of the bowels, are too well known to require enumeration. Most cases result from irritating or undigested food. It is therefore a good plan to clear the bowels at first by a dose of Rush's Pills; and then a few doses of Rush's Sarsaparilla and Iron, a teaspoonful every three hours, will complete the cure. If you have Black- berry Cordial (see Receipts) give each dose of the Sarsaparilla in two tablespoonfuls of Cordial. If it is the season of blackberries, get some black- berries, and make the syrup. It is a good rem- edy ;—to children give less in proportion to age. you may give paregoric instead of Blackberry cor- dial;—dose, two teaspoonfuls; for a child less. DIARRHOEA. SUMMER COMPLAINTS. 167 Dysentery generally begins with looseness of the bowels, but soon grows worse, there being inflam- mation of the lower bowels. This is attended with some fever and heat, great pain and straining at stool, with green, slimy, and often bloody mo- tions. It may be treated for the first day or two the same as diarrhoea; but if it has reached the stage above described, which will rarely be the case if treated as above, domestic treatment should be no longer attempted. You may, how- ever, apply a towel wet with cold water over the bowels, and keep it cold by changing it. Also throw up an injection of cold water, as large as can be retained five or ten minutes, say a pint or more, after each motion of the bowels. Keep the feet warm. All this will be very grateful to the patient, and will often succeed in a few hours in arresting the disease. It cannot do any harm, and will not interfere with any other medicine. After a debilitating sickness with dysentery, it is highly important to take a bottle or more of Rush's Sarsaparilla and Iron, to restore the blood, and system generally. The diarrhoeas and dysenteries of children may be cut short by Chamomilla; (see page 151 ) put five drops of it in a half tum- bler of water, and give a teaspoonful after every loose motion. Give first, to a young child, a little tincture of Rhubarb, to clear out the bowels; then the cordial, paregoric, or Chamomilla, which may be tried one after the other. Cholera Morbus. Cholera. The first named is liable to occur in hot weather, and sometimes at other times of the year It com- mences with nausea, and griping, followed by vom- 168 CHOLERA MORBUS. CHOLERA. iting and purging. In severe cases there will be coldness of the body, and hands and feet; great thirst; cramps in the belly and legs ; shrunk fea- tures ; pulse very weak; discharges thin, watery and fetid, with strainings and bilious vomiting. At- tacks of this kind are sometimes, but not always, preceded by diarrhoea. This should be promptly checked as directed under diarrhoea ; especially in a cholera season. If the skin, and hands, and feet are cold; give tincture of Camphor, of which put two teaspoonfuls in a cup of warm water, and give a teaspoonful every five minutes. At the same time apply hot bricks, wrapped up in damp cloths, to the feet, calves of the legs, sides, and arms; and continue the treatment till reaction takes place, and warmth is restored. When this has taken place, if vomiting continues, put a tablespoonful of Rush's Lung Balm in a teacupful of water, and give a teaspoonful after each attempt to vomit. After the vomiting has stopped, the remaining di- arrhoea may be treated as directed under diarrhoea. In real Cholera cases the treatment with Cam- phor should be exactly as above, until a physician arrives. Experience has shown the Homoeopathic treatment to be the most successful for Asiatic Cholera. A person recovering from Cholera Mor- bus, or Cholera, should take Rush's Sarsaparilla and Iron; to effect a complete restoration of the system. Rheumatism. This disease is most generally chronic; and af- fects the joints, and back; and muscular, and membranous parts. The signs are stiffness, and RHEUMATISM. 169 tenderness, with some swelling and numbness. It is caused by exposure to cold, and dampness, and other depressing causes. It may be very success- fully treated as follows. First clear the bowels if constipated, by Rush's Pills; then get a bottle of Rush's Sarsaparilla and Iron, to which add one ounce of Wine of Colchicum, (root or seed); take a teaspoonful after each meal, and at bed time. At the same time take a vapor bath, or some kind of a sweat, (see page 31,) every two or three days, so as to perspire well. This will greatly assist the action of the medicine. Very few cases of Rheu- matism will resist this treatment. In cases where it chiefly affects the joints, or small of the back, constituting Lumbago ; entire cure may be expe- rienced from Rush's Rheumatic Plaster, which may be easily procured by writing directly to the editor; address at page 44. This plaster will at once relieve the most troublesome pains, and aches; and for those who are much exposed, and cannot afford to lose time, it is the best remedy. Acute Rheumatism. Rheumatic Fever. This is attended with fever of the inflammatory type; (see Inflammatory Fever,) with the usual si-ms of rheumatism, in a more severe form than first spoken of. The pains in the large joints often shift about, and leave redness, swelling, and tenderness ; and much weakness. If there is feverishness, put five drops of Aconite (see page 151,; in a tumbler- ful of water; put thirty drops of Wine of Colchi- cum in another tumblerful; put a tablespoonful of Rush's Lung Balm in another tumblerful; give a tablespoonful of the Aconite first; in one hour give a tablespoonful of the Colchicum; and after 170 RHEUMATISM. another hour give the same of the Balm ; and so go round with the three. As soon as the fever abates give only the Colchicum, and the Balm; with an hour and a half between the doses. The fever having subsided, give a good sweat with blankets, and hot bricks, which will finish break- ing up the disease. To complete the cure, take the medicine as directed for Rheumatism. Joints remaining painful should be packed at night, and during the day time, if confined to the house, with a wet towel, with a dry towel, or flannel round it. This may be applied to a swollen, and painful knee, at any time during an attack, with advan- tage. Tic Doloureux. Face Ache. Sciatica. Neuralgia. These are all nerve-pains. In the first named, or face ache, we find shooting, and darting, cutting, and tensive, and convulsive tearing and dragging pains, about the eye, face below the eye, and tem- ple. Great relief will frequently be found from Belladonna ; of which put five drops in a glass of water, and take a teaspoonful every hour. Perma- nent cure will generally be found for this complaint, for Sciatica, and for all other kinds of Neuralgia, by taking Rush's Sarsaparilla and Iron; which strengthens the whole system, and enables it to throw off the disease. We recognize Sciatica, by pain in the region of the hip joint, extending to the knee, and foot; and following the course of the Sciatic nerve. It often interferes with the motion of the foot, causing stiffness. The remedy, with- out doubt, is Rush's Sarsaparilla and Iron, (see page 47). Persevere with it. HEADACHE. 171 Headache. This is a species of neuralgia, and there are many kinds of it. One medicine will not cure all kinds of headache. Belladonna, (see page 151) will cure more headaches, than any one kind of medicine. The symptoms which indicate it are:— feeling of fulness, and pressing and expansive pain as if the head would burst open; pain in the fore- head ; about the eyes; or extending over large surfaces of the head; pain in one side of the head only: feeling as of waves of water, or something floating in the head ; strong beating of the blood- vessels of the head; excessive sensibility to noise, light, and touch. For the following signs take Aconite: — violent, stupefying, compressive, and binding pain; burning pain through all the head: headache with buzzing in the ears, and running at the nose; headache made worse by speaking, drinking, or moving; made better by going into the open air; headache with feverishness, cold hands, and feet, and disturbance of the circulation. Use these medicines by putting five drops in a glass of water, and taking a teaspoonful every half hour, or hour, according to the severity of the pain. Observe the rules on diet. Read the next ar- ticle. Sick Headache. Headache, with nausea, and vomiting, is a very common trouble, which many persons suffer with all their lives ; when the cure is very easy. The remedy is Rush's Sarsaparilla and Iron. When an attack comes on, put a tablespoonful in a glass of wa- ter, and take a tablespoonful every half hour or 172 SICK HEADACHE. hour; until relief ensues. To cure entirely:—take a teaspoonful unmixed, after each meal, and at bed time. Common headaches also may usually be per- manently cured in this way. The head symptoms Which indicate the use of "Rush's Sarsaparilla arid Iron are;—dizziness; tenderness_ of the scalp; piercing and pressing pain on one side of the head; pain as of a nail driven into the head ; periodical hammering and beating headache; pain in the back of the head ; bursting open pain ; falling out of the hair; heaviness of the head, with buzzing; headache with nausea and vomiting, or constipation. In very obstinate cases more than one bottle may be required, to effect an entire cure. The system will frequently be benefitted by taking the medi- cine, from three to six months, in all headaches, and neuralgia cases. Offensive Breath. This may be due to bad teeth. In that case have the bad ones removed ; and those with cavi- ties filled : and clean them daily with a good brush, and a little fine white soap. Every one for health, should take good care of the teeth. This being done, if a bad breath persists, it is a sure sign of disordered stomach. The remedy is Rush's Sarsaparilla and Iron ; a teaspoonful three times a day. Palpitations. Fainting Fits. These troubles show a disordered Circulation of the blood, and generally, a deficiency and poverty of it. At the time of their occurrence give aconite as directed for headache. But the remedy which PALPITATIONS. FAINTING FITS. 173 will infallibly work a radical cure, by renewing the blood, and restoring the whole system, is Rush's Sarsaparilla and Iron. It should be taken after each meal. One bottle will generally effect a cure. Nightmare. This is always owing to disordered stomach, or impurity, and poverty of blood. It will invariably be cured by Rush's Sarsaparilla and Iron, taken as above ; observing the rules of diet laid down in this book. Palsy. Confirmed cases of this affection are generally given up by physicians. It consists in a loss of the power of motion, or sensation, or both ; and is con- fined to one half of the body. In all such cases there is more to hope for in the use of Rush's Sarsapa- rilla and Iron, than from any or all other medicines; many cases have been entirely cured ; and para- lytics would enjoy such an improvement of health from taking it, as would well repay them. Per- severe with it, according to the directions with the bottie. Epilepsy. Falling Sickness. Fits. A person seized with this disorder falls instantly wherever he may be, and is unconscious, and convulsed ; with set teeth, frothing at the mouth, clenched hands, and staring eyes. The neck tie, and waistband should be loosened, and care taken that the patient does not injure himself by his 174 DRUNKENESS. DELIRIUM TREMENS. struggles. A fit only lasts, in general, for a few minutes; it then passes off of itself. If such at- tacks occur frequently, the mind will be seriously injured. The cure may be set down as sure from using Rush's Sarsaparilla and Iron; it should be persevered with, taking care to observe the direc- tions, as to Diet laid down in this book. Recov- ery will be assisted by the morning Sponge Bath. Drunkeness. Delirium Tremens. The latter is caused by the former. It is usu- ally attended by a very different kind of delirium, or craziness, from that of Brain .Fever. The tre- mens, is a busy, helpless, talkative, timid, and cow- ardly delirium. The patient continually sees de- vils, imps, snakes, and the like. An attack may always be treated by giving two teaspoonfuls of paregoric, or fifteen drops of laudanum, once an hour, until relief is obtained. The patient should never be bled. The Cure for Drunkeness, The remedy is to add some nauseating drug to the liquor of the inebriate, without his knowledge. The best thing to use is Tartar Emetic, on account of its tasteless nature ; and because it produces prolonged, and severe nausea. As much may be added to a pint of whiskey, as can be held on the blade of a pen-knife, or about two grains : if that is found insufficient to produce nausea, and vomit- ing, the quantity may be doubled. After vomit- ing has commenced, a physician who is in the se- cret should be sent for, who should then use very strong moral suasion to induce a reformation;— COMMON COLD. CATARRH. 175 saying, that when liquor produces such an effect, as nausea, and vomiting ; a continuance of its use would probably prove fatal very soon. Many drunkards have been reformed in this way. A great disgust for rum is also frequently produced. Common Cold.. Catarrh. This denotes a mild inflammation of the lining membrane of the nostrils, and windpipe, caused by exposure; especially with insufficient clothing. Children are particularly liable. The signs are slight fever, preceded by slight chills, or shiver- ings, with sneezing, obstruction or running of the nose, and eyes, some headache, and subsequently, hoarseness, rough and sore sensation in the throat, cough, wheezing, and difficulty of breathing. When this is confined to the nose, and frontal sinus, it is called a cold in the head. If the feet are cold they should be soaked in warm water (98 degrees,) until warmed. The patient should then go to bed and take a tablespoonful every hour, of a mixture made by putting a half a teaspoonful of tincture of Camphor in a teacupful of warm water. Place a hot brick at the feet, and encourage gentle per- spiration by drinking a glass or two of cold water. This treatment will frequently break up an attack. Strong persons who have taken slight cold, may throw^it off, by drinking one or two glasses of cold water on <*oing to bed. If hoarseness, cough, and sore throat, seem to threaten an attack on the luntrs, the remedy is Rush's Lung Balm ; of which take a dose everv two or three hours, until relief is obtained. If the cough continues, take the Balm three or four times a day. Many a cold has run on into Consumption for the want of a little proper medicine. 176 INFLUENZA GRIPPE. Influenza Gr-rippe This is only a common cold in a severe and epi- demic form, attended with great prostration of strength, and feeling of oppression ; in addition to the signs of common cold, (see preceding article). The treatment for this complaint, is to be pre- cisely the same as for common cold; except that in cases where there is much fever, Aconite (see page 151) should be given alternately with the Lung Balm. Put five drops of Aconite into a tum- bler of water, and give a tablespoonful; in one hour after put a tablespoonful of Rush's Lung Balm into another tumbler of water, and give a table- spoonful ; and so on, once an hour alternately, till the fever subsides; and then give the Lung Balm alone every two or three hours. For a child give a teaspoonful of the mixtures, instead of a table- spoonful. If hoarseness, sore throat, and cough ensue, give the Lung Balm three or four times a day. Quinsey. Sore Throat. Inflammation of the Tonsils. The signs are heat, swelling, and redness of the back part of the throat, with difficulty of swal- lowing, impeded voice, and some fever. As the disease progresses the fever may increase, the tongue become foulr the tonsils very red and Bwollen, and white spots appear on them. The difficulty of swallowing is very great ; the tonsils often being so much swelled as nearly or quite to prevent swallowing anything. Soon after the ap- pearance of the white spots on the tonsils, matter forms (denoted by a chill, or chills) and great re- lief is obtained as soon as it is discharged by lane- DIPHTHERIA. 177 ing, or spontaneously breaking. The treatment is as follows:—if there is much fever, give Aconite and Belladonna (see page 151), alternately, by putting five drops of each in 1-3 tumbler of water (twp glasses) and giving a teaspoonful of the acon- ite first, and after one hour, a teaspoonful of the Belladonna. If there is but little fever give the latter only. After one tonsil has broken, and dis- charged, the other may go through the same pro- cess. If the bowels are constipated open them with Rush's Pills. This disease shows a disordered stomach, and digestion, or impurity of the blood ; which should be cured, after the tonsil has dis- charged, by taking a bottle of Rush's Sarsaparilla and Iron. Diphtheria. This disease resembles croup, with putrid sore throat. It is more frequent in changeable weath- er, than at other times, and arises from mainly the same causes with consumption. See causes of Consumption. Diphtheria should not be confound- ed with the putrid sore throat of Scarlet Fever; nor inflamed tonsils, or Quinsey. This disorder usually makes its appearance by a slight sore throat, rawness, and difficulty of swallowing. These symp- toms rapidly grow worse, and there is a sensation as if of threads, or wool in the throat;—or of a bone which grows larger and larger every moment, and threatens suffocation. The face wears an anxious expression, and the usual signs of fever appear. The neck, and it* glands swell, and swallowing becomes difficult, or is stopped entirely. In the mean time a false membrane, of a yellowish white color, which is characteristic of this disease, 12 178 DIPHTHERIA. forms rapidly, on the inside of the wind-pipe, and extends down into the smaller air tubes, causing the voice to become feeble, and shrill; and may cause death by suffocation, in a period varying from a few hours to several days. During the depo- sition of this membrane, the tonsils, palate, and back {>art of the mouth become inflamed, and more or ess covered with patches of white, or dead mem- brane. The back part of the nostrils also become affected, and the breath very offensive. Great prostration of strength attends the whole disorder. Treatment. This should be as prompt as possi- ble. Begin, in mild cases, with Rush's Lung Balm, a dose according to directions, every two hours. If the throat is hot and inflamed on looking inside, it may first be packed, externally, with a towel wet with nearly boiling water, applied as hot as it can be borne : continue this every few minutes, until the throat is very much reddened outside, and then apply another, wet with cold water, ex- tending down on the top of the chest, and up to the ears, and cover it with diy flannel, pinned closely around , this may be changed every half hour, or hour, and kept wet, and ("old, when there is fever ; but if not let the cloth become warm, and sweat the throat. Instead of using hot water to redden the skin, volatile liniment may be used to rub the throat and top of the chest freely ; and then be applied on a flannel bandage round the throat. Warm the feet by putting them in hot water, and keep them hot with hot bricks, wrapped up in moist cloths. After giving the Lung Balm for two or three doses, if no improvement takes place, and there is fever, put five drops of Aconite, (see page 151) in a tumbler of water, and give a tablespoonful every hour ; if DIPHTHERIA. 179 there is any appearance of white spots in the throat, and a feeling of threads, wool, or a bone in the throat, with had breath, dissolve a quarter of an ounce of Chlorate of Potash in a teacupful of water, and give a teaspoonful every three hours to an adult, and less to a child. Take this till free ex- pectoration follows, or the throat is better. After that resume the Lung Balm every six hours. If the bowels are confined keep them open with Rush's Pills, at least for the first day or two. In cases which seem malignant, or very bad, with very foul tongue, and bad breath, procure five grains of the yellow Iodide of Mercury; put it in a cup with a heaping teaspoonful of fine loaf su- gar, and grind it up very fine with the end of a vial, or knife-handle ; of this powder give as much as can be held on the blade of a pen-knife, every three hours, between the doses of Chlorate of Pot- ash. If the Iodide of Mercury can not be had, use blue mass instead. The throat inside should be swabbed with the following preparation; Chlorate of Potash 1-4 ounce; Muriate of Ammonia 1-4 ounce ; mix with a half a teacupful of Syrup. Make a swab with cotton, fir wool, the size of a peanut, tied on the end of a stick, or quill, and apply this mixture thoroughly, as far down as possible, every half hour, hour, or two hours; at the same time giving the Chlorate of Potash, and Iodide of Mercury in- ternally. As the patient begins to be convalescent, he should return to the Lung Balm, to prevent any injury to the lungs. The diet should be very light and simple as for fevers; but in long continued cases, where there is great debility, beef tea, and thin chicken soup may be cautiously given. Such cases will be most rapidly restored to health by 180 DIPHTHERIA. Rush's Sarsaparilla and Iron, as soon as the throat disease is subdued. The above treatment should be followed ener- getically, even in very bad cases; for there are very few indeed, we might almost say none at all. which are not curable, as above. Bains, or Spasms ifx the Stomach. These are known by contractive, spasmodic, or gnawing pains at the pit of the stomach ; attended with anxiety, nausea, belching, or vomiting ; with faintness, and coldness of the hands and feet. Various other dyspeptic signs are often present; (see Dyspepsia,^ and the causes are mainly the same. This complaint is more common in females, than in males; and is due to any interruption, or disorder, of the usual monthly flow. Fortunately we now have a very safe, and agreeable remedy, for this destressing complaint, in Rush's Sarsapar- illa and Iron. It should be taken after each meal; and in case of an attack of pain, put two table- spoonfuls in a tumbler of water and take a table- spoonful every half-hour. The morning sponge bath (see page 14,) will much assist the core. Al- so observe the rules of diet, &c, laid down in this book. Heartburn, "Water-brash, Is a painful or uneasy sensation, of heat or burn- ing, at the pit of the stomach, sometimes extend- ing upwards. It is accompanied by the symptoms described in the last article, and relief is obtained on throwing off a small quantity of limpid liquid. The remedy is Rush's Sarsaparilla and Iron, VOMITING OF BLOOD. 181 which should be taken as just directed. A per- manent cure may be expected. t "Vomiting of Blood. Blood evacuated in this way is usually of a dark color, or nearly black, and in clots; or may be mixed with bile, or food. It is sometimes discharg- ed by stool. This loss of blood may be caused by an aggravated form of dyspepsia; and is then precd- ed by many of the sings of that disease. It some- times follows a suppression of the female flow, or stoppage of bleeding piles. The blood, in cases of vomiting of it, usually oozes through the coats of the bloodvessels of the stomach : and is not lost from a rupture of the bloodvessel, as is usually supposed. In case of an attack, give an even tea- spoonful of fine salt, dissolved in a little cold wa- ter. This will check, or stop the bleeding; and as soon as that is done put two tablespoonfuls of Rush's Sarsaparilla and Iron into a tumbler of water, and give a tablespoonful every three hours. After the attack is over, continue this medicine, as directed on the bottle. If persevered with, it will restore the system, by purifying the vital fluids, and thus prevent another attack. Consumption of the Blood. Anaemia. Leanness. *Any exhausting, and debilitating causes may produce emaciation, debility, leanness, and pov- erty, and thinness of the blood. The blood be- comes more watery than in a healthy state, and less rich in the red globules, or blood disks, or col- oring matter. (See page 48.) Physiology has con- 182 CONSUMPTION OF THE BLOOD. clusively shown that a certain proportion of Iron, in an exceedingly delicate, andsolublo condition, is an indispensable item, in the red globules, or blood disks, which are the very life of the blood, and through that vital fluid, of the whole system. Without this proportion of Iron, from failure to obtain it in sufficient quantity in the food, or from want of power in the digestive organs, to take it up , the blood no longer renews, and reproduces its red globules and disks, and they, in turn, are unable to restore the daily waste, and wear and tear of the whole body. The best remedy ever discovered is Rush's Sarsaparilla and Iron. The Iron in this medicine is in the very best state of chemical combination to form blood disks ; while the Sarsaparilla drives out all corrupt humors, and strengthens and invigorates the stomach, and di- gestive organs; enabling them to supply well di- gested food to assist in this wonderful and beauti- ful process. In many cases one bottle will prove sufficient; but in cases of great emaciation, and debility, arising from long fever, loss of blood, wounds, self-abuse, Scrofula, secondary Syphilis, premature decay, and the like ; a course of from three, to six months, or even a year, may be nec- essary for a perfect cure. In such cases as the above, the soft glow of returning health, will richly repay patience, and persverance. Dropsy. By this we mean a collection of serous, or wa- tery fluid, under the skin, or in any of the cavities of the body. When under the skin we know it by the swelled, bloated and waxy appearance; and by the finger making a pit, when pressed DROPSY. CANCER. 183 firmly on the skin, which afterwards disappears slowly. A dropsy of the internal cavities, as the head, chest, and abdomon, is much more danger- ous. All dropsies are more or less due to Scrofula; (page 40.) or a Scrofulous condition of the blood and system. The remedy is to purify the blood, and rid it of this source of complaint. Dropsy is always accompanied by a poor, and watery con- dition of the blood, akin to Anaemia, or Consump- tion of the Blood, (page 182,) they both being caused by Scrofulous, and Syphilitic taints ; either acquired, or hereditary. All cases of Dropsy may be partially, or entirely cured by thorough purging, and by Rush's Sarsaparilla and Iron. Take four of Rush's Pills every second night for three doses ; or enough to move the bowels three or four times, for a dose. At the same time take Rush's Sarsaparilla and Iron, after each meal, and continue to keep the bowels open by an occasion- al dose of pills. All curable cases can be cured in this way. Cancer. There are two or more kinds of cancer. The most common is the hard kind, which begins with a hard knotty tumor, or swelling, and gradually increases in size, with shooting, and darting pains. By the time these tumors have reached the size of an orange, they are exceedingly painful, al- lowing little rest by day, or night. In this condi- tion they are called rose cancers. This is all a slow process ; it being usually three or four years from the beginning, before they prove fatal. • There is, however, no necessity for this result; since & hard cancer can always be removed, by Rush's 184 CANCER. Cancer Plaster, before it has become an open sore, and sometimes afterwards. The cause of cancer seems to be a bad habit of body, similar to Scrof- ula, and Syphilis ; indeed some eminent medical men are of opinion that cancer is a combination of both, either transmitted hereditarily, or not. This cancerous habit of body may be known by a sallow, leaden, and waxy hue of the skin ; and by emaciation, debility, bad appetite, and imper- fect digestion. In such a person, when a very hard tumor appears, with fits of darting pain; cancer may be supposed. It may be checked, or kept quiet for years as follows :—take a quart measure crowded full of the little plant Pyrola or Pipsissewa, gathered roots and all; put it all into three pints of soft water, and boil to one pint and strain. Mix this with one bottle of Rush's Sarsa- parilla and Iron, and take a tablespoonful after each meal. This may be continued as long as the- health improves. Much benefit nay be derived from this, even after the cancer has become an open sore. An open cancer should have very sim- ple dressing, such as simple cerate spread on linen, or compresses wet with tepid water. Persons inter- ested should also read the articles on* Scrofula and Syphilis. Those wishing any further advice, or information, on this subject, may recieve it gratu- itously by addressing the editor; see page 44. Sufferers are particularly cautioned not to fall in- to the hands of so called Indian Doctors, who are ' ignorant, and mercenary pretenders, almost to a man. CANKER IN THE MOUTH. SCURVY. 185 Canker in the Mouth. In this affection the mouth has a bad smell, the gums are hot, red, swollen, and spongy; with a viscid, or bloody discharge ; or ulcerated next to the teeth, which are perhaps loose; there may be general de- bility or slow fever. This disease is of the nature of scurvy, and is caused by improper diet in the use of salt food, or a lack of vegetables. The blood is always deficient in iron. A cure may be easily ef- fected by taking Rush's Sarsaparilla and Iron. At the same time the gums may be rubbed with tincture of myrrh, three or four times a day. White Canker spots in the mouth should be touch- ed lightly with a small pointed piece of nitrate of sil- ver ; when a cure will immediately result. But Rush's Sarsaparilla and Iron should be taken also; to prevent a return; and to remedy the accompany- ing scorbutic tendency of the system, and restore the blood. Scurvy. This is characterized by great debility, pale and bloated face, swelling of the feet and legs, bleedings, livid spots and ulcers of the skin, oppressive urine and stool. The gums are spongy as described in the preceding article. It is caused by exposure, and improper diet; also by intemperance, impure air, and unclean liness. To cure such cases a whole- some diet must be adopted, with vegetables and acid fruits; while Rush's Sarsaparilla and Iron will ren- ovate the blood, and restore the entire system. Earache. This is a very common complaint with children, and frequently attended with very severe pain. It is nannllv a siim of Scrofula; (see page 40). A very 186 INFLAMMATION OF THE EYES. good remedy is a poultice made of a roasted onion, slightly mashed, and applied very warm, with twenty drops of Laudanum on the surface. Where the ex- ternal ear is much affected put five drops of Pul a- tilla in a half a tumbler of water, and give a teaspoon- ful every half-hour. This, with the poultice, will rarely fail to give relief. The Scrofulous tendency of the system, upon which it depends should be renmv- ed by taking a bottle of Rush's Sarsaparilla and Iron. Inflammation of the Eyes. Sore J-Oyi-s. The whites of the eyes are rco and inflamed, as well as the lining of the lids; and there is a feeling as of sand in the eye. A discharge also takes place, and the eyes are stuck together, especially in the morning. To relieve this annoying trouble take equal parts of Elderblows, Chamomile flotvers, and Rose leaves, a handful of each, and having steeped them, fifteen minutes, in hot water enough to cover them, let the whole get cold, and then put the whole a little squeezed out, between two layers of thin mus- lin, and bind it on the eyes as a poultice. As often as it gets hot or dry, wet it with the liquid, squeezed out, or cold water. This may be worn only at night; or day, and night, if the eyes are bad enough to re- quire it. This application is far better than any eye wateis, or washes. Physicians are recommended to try it. Eye complaints show a Scrofulous tendency in the system, which should be promptly eradicated by Rush's Sarsaparilla and Iron. Erysipelas. St. Anthony's I^ire. This is a disease of tin; skin, and tissues which are directly under the skin ; the signs of which are heat tingling Or priekinrr nains. with pxtpinsivp "Wellinrr ERYSIPELAS. ST. ANTHONY'S FIRE. 187 tightness of skin, and deep-colored, shining redness. As the disease progresses the pain becomes pungent, burning, tearing and shooting, and is made worse by motion, and pressure. There is generally feverish- ness, foul tongue, nausea, headache, oppression at the stomach, and sleepiness. In a few days blisters filled with clear watery serum appear on the skin. Erysipelas, of the face and head, is considered the most genuine form ; and usually begins with the nose, or an ear, which appears dark red, and much swelled. From this point it rapidly spreads; delirium may come on; and the swelling is often so great as to close up the eyes, and completely disguise, and dis- figure the face. This disease is not without danger; and is thought to be contagious when the breath of the patient is directly breathed. It will terminate quickly, and favorably, if treated as follows;—as soon as the pain, redness, swelling, heat, and headache com- mence, put five drops of Belladonna (see page 151), in a glass of water, and give a tablespoonful every hour. If the swelling increases; and particularly if blisters appear, put five drops of Rhus tox (see page 151) in a tumbler of water, and give a tablespoonful, and in one one hour after the Belladonna, and so on, once an hour, alternately. The worst attacks will usually be cured in this way, in less than a week. The feet must be kept warm; and the burning pain may be relieved by linen cloths wet with cold water, and laid on the parts; or, apply a poultice made of stewed cranberries and crackers, to be kept moist. If no Rhus Tox is at hand, during the summer season it may be prepared as follows:—put five leaves of the poison ivy, the low plant, (not the creeping kind) in a half pint of boiling water, and steep half an hour, of this put a tablespoonful in a tumbler of water, and give as ordered. It is a safe, and powerful remedy, against Erysipelas. 188 ASTHMA. PHTHISIC. The bowels should be opened at first, by Rush's Pills. After an attack has subsided, the Erysipelas humor may be eradicated from the system, by Rush's Sarsaparilla and Iron; and a second attack prevent- ed ; which would otherwise be very likely to succeed, after a longer or shorter period. There are various eruptions called Erysipelas hu- mor, not attended with swelling, but with redness, itching, burning, and smarting, of which the different kinds of Eczema are the chief These all indicate a humory condition of the blood, which if neglected may run into Scrofula; or breakout in confirmed, and dangerous Erysipelas of the face, and head. Do not neglect to eradicate all such humors from the sys- tem by a sufficient course of Rush's Sarsaparilla and Iron. See page 4 7. Asthma. Bhthisic. This is a very distressing disorder affecting the breathing. It is caused by spasm of the very small air tubes, and cells, by which the air is kept from en- tering the air cells of the lungs. Attacks more fre- quently come on in the night; and last from an hour, or two, to a day or more. Most attacks end with ex- pectoration of mucus, and are called moist or humid; others remain dry, and are so called. Such attacks are liable to increase in frequency, and sometimes torment the patient nearly every night; preventing lying down almost entirely. Cases have come within our knowledge where for months, and years, the suf- ferer could not lie down ; one, a. lady was cured by Rush's Lung Balm, and other medicines in about five weeks. AlLeases under the new treatment are cur- able ; but the remedies should be adapted to each in- dividual case. Some are cured much sooner than others; and no satisfactory rlir*»• nr;«en jn DISEASES OF THE HEART. 189 a work like this. Out of 15 7 cases, on our note book, it appears that all were cured but three, who are now rapidly recovering. Persons wishing to avail them- selves of the same treatment, may find the editor's address at page 44. Diseases of the Heart. These are usually considered fatal, by the medical faculty ; but our own experience of their treatment proves their curability. We could easily cite many cases in support of this assertion. Heart disease is characterised by many strange, and uneasy feelings about the left side of the chest; with irregular action of the heart. The pulse shows an intermission be- tween the beats; and on listening over the heart, va- rious odd sounds may, in some cases, but not all, be heard. Patients compare the sensations to beating, fluttering, throbbing, panting, or thrilling. Palpita- tions are very common ; and all these signs are apt to be made worse, by going up stairs, any sudden ex- ertion, or heavy meals. Sudden sharp pain darts through the chest, and region of the heart; nervous attacks are common ; and sudden starting on going to sleep. Scrofula, and dyspepsia aggravate such troubles. We again rep'eat that the great majority of cases are curable; but that the treatment must be adapted to each case. Persons wishing to avail them- selves of the experience of the editor, can consult him free of charge ; address at page 44. Eczema. Salt Rheum. Humid Tetter. This is an eruption characterized by blisters, small and in patches, containing clear watery, or slightly opaque matter; and by chafing, or excoriation, giv- ing rise to more or less running, which hardens into 190 ECZEMA. SALT RHEUM. HUMID TETTER. scabs; terminating by desquamation of the scarf skin. The skin looks red, angry, and inflamed; and there is much burning, and burning itching. There is usu- ally no swelling. This eruption may appear in al- most any part of the body, and sometimes extends over the whole person. When it appears on the face, or head, with much running and scabbing, it is call- ed Impetigo. Such cases require a course of purging by giving Rush's Pills every night, or every second night; dose, one or two pills, or enough to procure three, or four stools a day. At the same time do not fail to take Rush's Sarsaparilla and Iron. These medicines should be continued until improvement begins, when the pills may be left off; but the Sarsa- parilla and Iron should be continued until a complete cure takes place. Do not make any greasy applica- tions ; but use washes of soft water with a little thin starch in it. You may boil about a teaspoonful of dry starch in a quart or two of water, and use it cold as a wash ; or applied on cloths, to allay the burning and itching. Biehen. Dry Itch. We know this by an eruption of red pimples ranged in rows, attended by redness of the skin which soon disappears, leaving itUhickened, rough, and with its folds and creases enlarged. A slight dark red col- or may remain, and there is usually severe itching, especially at night. It usually prefers the hands, fore-arms, neck, and thighs for its seat; but may take any part of the body. This eruption is not caused by an itch-insect; and can not be cured by greasy ointments. The very best mode of treatment is to proceed just as recommended for Eczema, in*the pre- ceding article. The itching may be allayed by the wet cloths; and the disease removed from the blood by Rush's Sarsaparilla and Iron. THE ITCH. 191 Bsoriasis. Is a disease of the skin characterized by silvery, white scabs folded over and over; these are very adherent to the skin, and cover a dark red, thicken- ed and slightly projecting surface. It may be in sep- arate patches of large or small extent; or it may cover large surfaces. When present at all, it is found on or about the elbows or knees. This affection shows a morbid condition of the blood, which can be removed, and the disease cured, by Rush's Sarsaparilla and Iron. The length of time will depend on the inveteracy of the disease. Perse- vere in its use, and you will be well repaid by re- turning health. The Itch. Bsora. This is caused by a little animal, too small to be seen, except by the microscope, which burrows in the skin. An eruption of small vesicles, or blisters, attended by severe itching, especially at night, when warm in bed. It is communicated from one person to another by a transfer of one or more of the little animals. These usually prefer the spaces between the fingers, bends of the elbows, the nipples of females, or penis of males; and other parts where the skin is thinest. It is easy to get rid of; since we have in Sulphur a sure remedy. Proceed as follows; procure one ounce of washed sulphur, and melt it in four ounces of lard, stirring it in until well mixed. When nearly cold, half a "teaspoonful of oil of bergamot, or any conven- ient perfume may or may not be added. If you can not get washed sulphur, take the common flowers of sulphur, and wash them, by putting them in a basin or bowl of soft water, letting the sulphur settle, pour- ing off the water, and then drying the sulphur, on coarse paper. 1»2 SHINGLES. ZONA. To cure the itch, rub a little of the ointment over the affected places, on going to bed at night. In the morning wash it off with soap, and soft water. Re- peat this for three nights, and then change all the linen. If all the little animals are not killed; it may be necessary to repeat this process. This is better than ointing the whole body at once. The above quantity of ointment is enough for a large family. The presence of itch is usually accompanied by more or less disorder of stomach, and digestion, as well as poverty of the blood;—in all such cases, it will be well to strengthen, and invigorate the system, by tak- ing a bottle of Rush's Sarsaparilla and Iron. See page 47. Shingles. Zona. This is a disease which makes its appearance on the skin in clusters of small vesicles, or blisters, on bright red patches of skin, extending half round the body, like a girdle, perhaps as wide as the hand. The right side of the body is more commonly affected, than the left. There is considerable pricking, smarting, and even sharp pain. There is generally some fever, headache, nausea, and loss of appetite. The vesicles, as above described, grow larger, per- haps to the size of a pea ; break, discharge, and dry up ; the red color of the skin remaining some time after; and the entire disease continuing three or four weeks. This complaint requires no serious medica- tion ; but in case of all such eruptions there is more or less impurity of blood, which will be renovated by the use of Rush's Sarsaparilla and Iron. BOILS, OR BILES. CARBUNCLE. 193 Boils, or Biles. Carbuncle. It is not necessary to describe a boil, of which a carbuncle is only a large one. When one begins it should be opened, the earlier the better, even before matter has formed. This will let it bleed, and di- minish the size of it. Then apply a towel or com- press, wet with cold water, having a few drops of tinc- ture of Arnica in it, Cpage 151,) and put a dry one on outside. Keep the inside one wet. This is bet- ter than poulticing, and will resolve, and bring the boil to a head, much sooner. A Carbuncle is an im- mense boil, which seems to prefer the back for its seat; but may come elsewhere. It should be treated as just recommended, except that a poultice of stewed cranberry, and pounded charcoal, should be used in- stead of wet compresses, if there seems a tendency to black spots, or mortification. In both these affec- tions there is a great impurity of blood ; which will require a course of Rush's Sarsaparilla and Iron to eradicate. Abscess. This is a collection of matter which forms in glan- dular and muscular parts of the body; as in the glands of the arm-pit, or female breast; in the mus- cles of the thigh, &c. They may break of themselves; but it is always better to have them opened ; as this makes them smaller, and there is less matter formed. Compresses wet with tepid water, and kept wet, and covered with a dry one, are the best application for resolving an abscess, or bringing it to a head quickly. A few drops of Arnica may be put in the water, with advantage. The formation of matter is usually at- tended by one or more chills. An abscess always shows an impure condition of the blood; which, if not eradicated, may result in disease of the lungs, or some other internal organ. This purification may 13 •194 FELONS. WHITLOW. CORNS. CHILBLAINS. always be effected by a course of Rush's Sarsaparilla and Iron. One bottle will usually suffice. Felon. "Whitlow. This is an abscess forming in the end of the finger. It should be opened early, and may be poulticed with cranberry, or with wet linen. They are very painful, and show a corrupt state of the blood, requir- ing the same treatment as laid down in the last arti- cle ; which see. Corns. Should be pared close with a sharp knife, and have Arnica plaster applied, see page 151. Be careful to wear large boots. Those made on Plummet's last, are easiest. To soft corns, apply Arnica tinc- ture, or plaster: page 151. Chilblains. These are caused by cold. The irritation may be relieved by applying tincture of Capsicum, (hot drops); or by soaking them in hot water, in which a large bunch of sweet fern has been boiled. Two ap- plications of the latter will usually cure them for the season Ulcers. An ulcer is a sore. It may have a variety of causes; but generally shows an impure or impover- ished state of the blood. The best dressing for an ulcer is some soft linen, wet with soft water, contain- ing a few drops of Arnica, or walnut leaves. Keep it constantly wet, and a dry cloth on outside. The healing of ulcers will be very much promoted by pu- rifying the blood, and improving the tone of the stom- ach and digestive organs. This will be best effected by Rush's Sarsaparilla and Iron. 195 DISEASES OP CHILDREN AND INFANTS. Scarlet Fever. Scarlatina. Canker Bash. This is a highly infectious and contagious disease, characterized by high fever, and the appearance over large surfaces, or the whole of the body, of an erup- tion of a bright red color, smooth and glossy, which appears on the second or third day of the fever. It is frequently complicated with ulcerated, or pu- trid sore throat, resembling diphtheria, which see. The fever is frequently violent; but begins to subside in about five days; when the eruption also fades away, and ends by the cuticle) or scarf skin peeling off, in large or small pieces. In the most severe cases the eruption is slow in appearing and scanty; and the inward organs are severely affected. The head and throat, are most affected ; the putrid char- acter of the disease seeming to extend from the throat to the brain. Most cases of Scarlet Fever are cured very promptly by Belladonna. (See page 151.) Put five drops in a glass of water, and give a teaspoonful every hour, and so continue, until the disease subsides' When this disease is prevailing, give the same medicine every six hours, to the well ones as a preventive; and to ernder an attack milder if it should occur. The whole family of children should take it; and very many cases of Diphtheria will be prevented, and lives saved. Adults who have not previously had this fever, should also take Bella- donna in the same way. Care should be particularly taken not to allow children to be exposed to taking cold, while recover- ing; as such exposure frequently brings on a-sort of dropsy, which proves fatal. Children who are left weak, and sickly, will be rapidly restored to health, by the use of Rush's Sarsaparilla and Iron. 196 MEASLES. Measles. This is also a contagious eruptive fever, the erup- tion coming out on the third, fourth, or fifth day; the color of which is a dark red, and is generally seen in Zen/i7 shaped spots. The fever is usually much less severe than in Scarlet Fever. It is considered a more severe disease for adults, than for children. A short dry cough, sneezing, and redness of the eyes, generally precede the eruption. Most cases are promptly cured by the following treatment;—put five drops of Aconite (see page 151) in a tumbler of water, and two teaspoonfuls of Rush's Balm in another tumblerful; give a teaspoonful of Aconite first, and in one hour after, a teaspoonful of Balm mixture, and so on. Adults may take a table- spoonful. Give only once in two or three hours, as soon as improvement takes place. When the erup- tion is slow in appearing, especially in adults, or when it seems to be imperfect, or to have receded, or struck in, the patient should take a sweat by means of the vapor bath; or in any convenient way. It should be followed by sponging the skin all over with tepid water. A sweat will invariably bring out the erup- tion, and with Rush's Lung Balm, render the disease safe and mild. The Balm will also prevent it from settling on the lungs, in persons of consumptive fam- ily. Persons left in a weakly, and sickly state, by measles, will recover rapidly by taking Rush's Sarsa- parilla and Iron. Small Box. "Varioloid. "Vaccination, Small Pox is also an eruptive fever, which comes on in twelve or fourteen days from the time of expos- ure to contagion, the eruption appearing on the fourth day of the fever, which begins with the usual signs of SMALL POX. VARIOLOID. VACCINATION. 197 fever ; besides much backache, and pain at the pit of the stomach. -The eruption begins on the face, fore- head, and in the edge of the hair, as red pimples, or Imstules, with a depression in the centre, as they en- arge, filled with semi-transparent fluid. When fully filled, they become as large as small peas. The vio- lence of the disease depends upon the number of these pustules. In the worst, and fatal cases, they are so numerous as to run together. We may dis- tinguish this disease from any other, by a small lump like a grain of wheat, to be felt, the first day in the centre of each of the pimples, or pocks. About three days are t V.om up by the stage of fever; five days by the pocks forming, and filling with matter ; four days by scabs forming on them; and four days more by the scabs falling off. The most dangerous time is the period of scabbing. Varioloid is Small Pox, modified by previous vaccin- ation. Most cases of Small Pox will be cured by Aconite, and Lung Balm, precisely as directed for measles, which see. In addition, procure, if possible, a dozen fresh leaves of the Pitcher Plant, or half an ounce of the drfed plant, and steep them in a quart of water, and give two tablespoonfuls every three hours. This, however, will not be needed except in very bad cases. The Pitcher plant can usually be obtained at Botanic Drug Stores. To prevent pit- tin", keep the face constantly covered by linen cloths, wet with tepid water : this will succeed better than gold leaf, or other means. The room should be thoroughly ventilated, and bed changed daily. A plenty of cold water should be allowed the patient to drink. After the pustules are fully formed, omit the \eonite, and give the Lung Balm, and Pitcher Plant, two hours apart. Varioloid has the pustules gener- ally a little smaller, and much fewer in number. The 198 CHICKEN POX. treatment should be mild, but precisely the same. Vaccination was discovered by Dr. Jenner, in 179K. It is the same disease passed through the cow. It is performed by placing, with the point of a lancet, or needle, a little of the clear serum, or matter, from the cow, or a child, (kine pox) under the scarf-skin. A very small piece of the dried scab will do. In one week the kine pox will be complete ; and the pustule resembles very much a small pox pimple, and scabs in the same way. Vaccination generally protects for life : but should be tried again after every alarm of Small Pox : since in many cases it fails, after a long- er, or shorter time. The time for obtaining the clear matter, for vaccinating, is on the 7th, 8th, and 9th days of the vaccination. Chicken Box. This is also an eruptive fever, the eruption of which has some resemblance to Small Pox. The fe- ver, however, is mild, and the pustules are ripe by the third day, and the whole eruption disappears by the end of the fifth, without leaving any marks. It does not usually require much treatment. If there is much fever, give Aconite; if the head seems af- fected, Belladonna; (see page 151,) if there is cough, wheezing, or oppression of the lungs, Rush's Lung Balm. In common cases put two teaspoonfuls in a glass of water, and give a teaspoonful every hour. Nettle Bash. This is an eruption of whitish spots like nettle stings, appearing and disappearing suddenly, by heat and cold ; and often changing place. These are usu- ally signs of Dyspepsia, which see ; and this disorder is generally caused by a Scrofulous and humory con- HOOPING COUGH. 199 dition of the blood; and requires for its eradication a regular course of treatment. The very best is Rush's Sarsaparilla and Iron. Hooping Cough. This hardly needs much description. It consists of violent, and convulsive, expirations, interrupted by long whistling inspirations, and ending in a shrill whoop; followed by expectoration of mucus, or a fit of vomiting. In severe cases suffocation is threaten- ed, and there may be bleeding from the nose, mouth, or ears. Such fits of coughing return, perhaps, eve- ry three or four hours, or oftener. Hooping Cough is promptly cured, or rendered very mild by Rush's Lung Balm. Put two teaspoonfuls in a glass of wa- ter and give to a young child a teaspoonful every two hours; or for an older child two teaspoonfuls; or it may be given hydrops, according to directions with bottle, after each coughing spell. If there is vomit- in. basinful of cold water, and apply a napkin, kept well wet with it, to the hard and tender breast Change this often, and a dry flannel may be applied outside ; at the same time draw the breast every two hours, as much as can be done without much pain; and give Rush's Lung Balm, and Belladonna (see page 151), as follows : — ten drops of balm ; then, in one hour, put five drops of Belladonna in a tumbler of wa- ter, and give a table-spoonful; and so on once an hour, alternately, until improvement takes place. If no Belladonna is at hand, use the balm and wet com- presses alone. As soon as the hardness and tenderness begins to disappear the compresses may be left off at night, and the balm given once in three hours. This plan, if followed up, will save many a broken bi-east; and will always diminish the size of the ab- scess, prevent its attacking the other breast, and bring it to a head quickly. After pus or matter has formed, which may be known by a chill, it should be soon opened; as this will save much loss of the substance of the breast. The folded wet napkin, or compress, is •much better than a poultice, and has the advantage of cleanliness. An abscess of the breast, as usually treat- ed, is attended by long and profuse discharge of pus, or matter, and results in much debility and loss of appetite and strength; to prevent this, or remedy it, use Rush's Sarsaparilla and Iron. J See page 47.) Deficient milk sometimes is a serious trouble. The quantity may usually be much increased by eat- ing raw apples, which, are besides, a most healthy and nutritious fruit. They may also be eaten cooked. A MILK FEVER. 221 deficient secretion of milk, however, usually shows anaemia or poverty of blood, and depends upon a lack of tone in the digestive organs. In that case the rem- edy for anaemia (page 181) and dyspepsia (page 164) must be used. Suppressed secretion of milk, or stoppage of the flow of milk, may result from a variety of causes, of which more or less fever is the most common ; when that ia the case put five drops of aconite and the same of pul- satilla (page 151) in separate tumblers of water, and give a table-spoonful of aconite, and in one hour the same of pulsatilla, and so continue until the fever sub- sides ; then give only the pulsatilla until the secretion of milk is restored. Milk Fever. The natural flow of milk does not require medical aid for its regulation. Still many females suffer slight uneasiness during the first flow, and when the follow- ing signs are present the affection is called milk fever : Thirst, shivering, and heat, terminating in perspira- tion, pulse variable, pain in the back, extending to the breast, disagreeable taste in the mouth, oppressed breathing, anxiety, headache, and diminution of the milk and loehial flow. The feverishness is worse in the evening, and passes off by perspiration in the morn- ing. This succession of signs may recur on the follow- ing day, but nature is usually able to restore the equi- librium of the system. If, however, this does not take place, or if the fever runs high, put five drops of aco- nite in a tumbler of water, and give a teaspoonful every hour, until perspiration ensues. Then give Rush's Lung Balm, ten drops every three hours, until the milk and lo'hial flow are restored. It should be re- membered that neglecting to put the child to the breast sufficiently early is a frequent cause of severe milk fever. The milk which has been secreted, not being drawn out, is reabsorbed into the blood, and causes the fever. 222 FEMALE COMPLAINTS. False Labor Pains. These are brought about by various causes, and sometimes precede labor but a few hours, but in many cases come on some days, or even weeks, before deliv- ery. They differ from true labor pains in being irreg- ular in returning, and disconnected with contraction of the womb. They arc chiefly confined to the abdomen, or belly, with sensitiveness to touch and movement, and the pains do not increase in violence as they return. The period of pregnancy is one important guide to distinguish the true from the false. It should be re- membered that the natural full period of pregnancy is forty weeks, or two hundred and eighty days, which exceeds nine calender months by nearly a week. This time is to be reckoned invariably from the end of the last monthly flow. If this time is not nearly expired, false pains are more probable. A physician distin- guishes false pains from true by examining the mouth of the womb, which remains quite closed in case of false pains. False pains should be quieted by small doses of Rush's Lung Balm, of which give five drops every two hours. If there are symptoms of dyspepsia present (see page 164), or of anaemia (sec page 181), do not fail to take the remedy there recommended. Natural Labor. This should occur at the end of forty weeks from conception, and the time should be reckoned from the end of the last monthly period. If the directions for diet and laws of health, given in this book, have been followed, the contractions of the womb will be regular and effective, and the whole process will rarely continue more than twenty-four hours, and usually not more than twelve, or even less, in all well-formed females. We may observe that among savages, where plenty of fresh air and exercise, bathing and unstimulating diet, and loose clothing are the rule, labors are comparative- ly free from pain and danger. The beginning of natural labor may be supposed when regular pains have set in, which increase proists in an inflammation of the peri- tonaeum, or glistening membrane, which lines the cav- ity of the abdomen or belly, and also covers the womb, vagina, bladder, intestines, and all the abdominal or- gans. It is dangerous, from its tendency to spread through the whole extent of this membrane. This fever is caused by taking cold, suppression of perspira- tion or the lochial flow, by injuries done to the womb, or vagina, by attempts to procure abortion, or by difficult labors, by too rich and stimulating diet during confine- ment, by violent purgatives, and by other irritating causes. The signs of puerperal fever are : A chill, generally severe, with cold pet, then flashes of heat, and the signs of inflammatory fever (seepage 155). Perspiration and the lochial flow are suppressed. We find great tender- ness of the alidonnii, the mother lying with her knees drawn up, and unable to bar the slightest pressure, even of the bedclothes. The face looks pinched and anxious, and the pulse is very rapid and inflammatory. There is severe pain in the lower bowels, made worse by pressure. This is not a disease which can be treated to advan- tage in domestic practice, and we have only introduced it here for the sake of pointing out the necessity of avoid- ing it, and its causes. And wo would mention, more- over, that many of the best physicians now believe that it often has resulted from contagion at the hands of the physician himself. This contagion consists of pai ti- des of morbid matter, from Erysipelas, other cases of puerperal fiver, and dead bodies diss'itid, and is com, v- cd directly by the hands of the physician. In one of the large Paris hospitals, while the editor was attend- ing there, the mortality w is reduced more than fifty per cent, in this fever by the simple expedient of cans- CHILD-BED fever. 229 ing all the medical men to dip their hands in a disin- fecting solution, and use a nail brush with soap, before passing from diseased persons to attend cases of labor. We advise our lady readers not to employ a physician in confinement, who is known to be attending Erysipe- las patients, or who has now on hand, or lately has lost cases of puerperal fever. It has already been mention- ed that attempts to vrocure abortion by means of pointed instruments often cause this disease. The inflammation, beginning at the womb, spreads rapidly and causes death. There is no excuse for married ladies resorting to this dangerous method, since they have in Rush's Restorer and Preventive a sure and healthful method of avoiding such predicaments (see page 231). We have mentioned that a chill, with cold feet and hands, is one of the first signs of child-bed fever. A recently delivered woman who has a chill never knows what accident may or may not be her lot. She should im- mediately have her feet and hands got warm, and kept warm, by putting them in hot water, and then applying hot bricks, rolled up in a damp cloth. At the same time put five drops of aconite (see page 151) in a glass of water, and give a table-spoonful every hour, and drink freely of cold water, say nearly a pint an hour; all which will be strongly promotive of per- spiration. As soon as this sets in,' and the lochial flow returns, the attack will usually be thrown off, and the remedies may be discontinued. The above treatment can never do harm ; but should all the signs previously mentioned set in, no time should be lost in procuring the best medical attendance. Until a physician arrives, put five drops of belladonna (seepage 151) in a glass of water, and give a table-spoonful one hour, and the aconite before directed the next, and so on. Examine the feet frequently, and keep them hot. The above would be appropriate treatment for at least one day, and better calculated to throw off an at- tack, than giving bulky drugs. 230 FEMALE COMPLAINTS. Sore Nipples. This has been already mentioned in speaking of the breast (see page 219) ; it was there stated that a nipple shield, of glass or wood, should be worn, in case of re- tracted or compressed nipples, before confinement, to cause them to protrude, or grow longer, by taking off the pressure of the dress, there being an aperture in the shield to receive the nipple. In case of sore nip- ples, this should be worn during the intervals of nurs- ing taking care to keep both the nipple and surround- ing breast wiped quite dry, to prevent rawness and excoriation; and to keep the shield from adhering to the skin, as it might do if moisture were permitted to collect under it. If the nipples have contracted cracks or fissures, it will be best to draw the breast for a day or two with the rubber and glass breast-pump, while the cracks may have a chance to heal under the application of aruica court plaster. (See page 151 .J The infant may be, at the same time, nursed from a bottle, which should be kept perfectly sweet. In case it seems impossible to restore a nipple to a sufficient length to enable suck- ing, an artificial nipple may be worn, made of a heif- er's teat. These are sold by most druggists. They may be employed at any time in case of sore nipples, while cracks are healing. Mental Emotions Injure the Breast. It is a well known fact that fright, or a. fit of anger, may so poison the milk as to seriously injure, or even kill a nursing child. After such strong emotions do not give the breast to the child until a portion of milk has been drawn off, and all injury will be avoided. Weaning and Declining Nursing. Mothers declining nursing soon after confinement, and wishing to dry up the milk, should live as low as possible, and avoid juicy fruit and vegetables ; at the same time put five drops of pulsatilla (see page 151) in a tumbler of water, and give a table-spoonful everv three hours. This alone will often be sufficient to stop the secretion. BUSH'S MONTHLY R8MEDT. 231 RUSH'S MONTHLY BEMEDY, The restoration of the suppressed function of menstruation has never been attained so safely, pleasanMy, and effectually, as by the use of this remedy. It is in the form of an aromatic balsam ; and, unlike other nauseous compounds, in the market, is not unpleasant to take. It effects a restoration of the monthly flow, by bringing about a harmonious action of all the female organs ; without nauseating, purging, or any other disagreeable result. It is expressly adapted to obstinate cases, where other medicines have failed, and perfectly safe to be taken for this purpose un- der all circumstances ; at the same time with gentle action, being the most powerful remedy known , especially at the end of the first, or second suppressed period. It is greatly superior to all fe- male pills. Ladies who suppose themselvs pregnant, should by no means take this medicine, as miscarriage would be the inev- itable result. Direct ions for using. Take thirty-five drops, in ordinary cases, every three hours, shaking the bottle, and gently warming it, in cold weather, before using it. In more difficult cases a tea- spoonful may be taken for a dose ; but that quantity should not be exceeded. It is sold by most druggists, price 75 cents ; but may always be procured by sending 85 cents by letter to the pro- prietor of Rush's Remedies, Lowell, Mass., when the medicine will be forwarded free of charge. Observe that the letters A. H. F. are blown in the glass of each bottle ; all others are counter- feit. BUSH'S RESTORER AND PREVENTIVE. The prompt and effectual cure of female complaints, of ordin- ary kinds, such as Leucorrhoea, or Whites ; Prolapsus, or Falling of the Womb ; aud other common weaknesses, is very readily ef- fected by the use of this remedy. It acts by giving a new, and healthful tone to the female organs ; and by removing relaxed debility, and unhealthy secretions, and restoring the normal vig- or, and elasticity. Rush's Sarsaparilla and Iron, can generally be taken at the same time with advantage. It is also the most reliable remedy known for the prevention of conception, or pregnancy ; which it effects by destroying the vitality of the semen ; and at the same time has a most healing power upon the female organism. Directions. Put as much of the powder as can be held on a new cent into a half pint of water, and inject it freely three ot four times with a female Syriuge As a preventive, use it imme- diately after enjoyment. Prepare it freshly every time, and use it twice or three times a day, to cure female complaints. Any kind of Syriuge will do ; but the best is the Rubber kind, which works with gentle squeezing with the hand. All druggists have them j and usually keep this medicine ; price 75 cento a package r 232 THE HEALTHFUL PREVENTION OF PREGNANCY. or it may be procured by sending the money by letter to the Pro- prietor of Rush's Remedies, Lowell. Mass., when the medicine will be ?ont free of charge. Observe the written signature of the proprietor, on every box. For the cure of Gonorrhoea by this medicine, see that complaint, in Rush's Family Physician. It is the most effectual, and rapid remedy known, for that purpose, curing the discharge in a ve- ry few days. THE LAWS OF MATERNITY. The Healthful Prevention of Pregnancy. This has always been regarded as a most delicate subject; and yet it is so much desired in thousands of cases, and calculated to do bo much good, that we cannot forbear, in this book, intended for the benefit of the people, from making known, and defending the means of effecting this object. The whole course of human knowledge, improvement, discovery, and invention, since the beginning of the world, goes to show that whatever tends to the actual good of a portion of the human race, without injuring the remainder, may be fairly acted upon, under the general laws of the great Law Giver Good children, are among the highest, and best of blessings. Nevertheless, there are thousands of cases in which, if it is not an actual sin against heaven, it is at least a positive crime against society, to beget offspring. Thus , when struggling parents bring forth from one to twenty children, who are almost sure to be vic- timsof poverty and ignorance, they may esteem themselves fortu- nate if their children escape crime, and punishment. Accordingly, it is evident, that with persons in humble or even moderate ciicumstanoes, a means for the prevention of pregnancy, admitting of full enjoyment, is a consummation most devoutly to be wished ; for it is all nonsense to suppose, with some of our mod- ern writers that any code of laws, or morals, can be formed that will keep the opposite sexes of the struggling classes asunder. In this respect nature smiles at human intervention, and insists on her prerogatives. The writings of Political Economists, which would leave the rich alone, but are perfectly despotic as regards the poor, will have as little effect, as their arguments are incompatible with na- ture ; for men and women will either get married or do worse • in spite of all the theories of all the total abstinence writers in the world. But then the evils of which those political economists com- plain, namely, the overgrowth of the poor in densely-populated countries, may be safely averted; and through a medium, too that would be highly popular with the people if it wee only known. No poor man or woman wishes to be overstocked with children ; though of course, when they do come, they make the most of them ; and therefore they would rejoice in an innocent means for preventing that effect, without interfering with their connubial enjoyment!. THE HEALTHFUL PREVENTION OP PREGNANCY. 233 Nor are the poor alone concerned ; but at least one third of the upper classes of all communities. Vast numbers of persons af- flicted with hereditary diseases, such as scrofula, king's evil, &c, forfeit the pleasure of domestic life, because they conscientiously dread their misfortunes upon their offspring. And many females are of such physical organizations, that they cannot bring forth children without imminent danger of their lives, and are thus de- barred from marriage, unless at the risk of self sacrifice. And again, ladies who are prone to conception (be their constitution ever so good, affection for their progeny ever so ardent, and their means ever so affluent), must regret to be kept in a continual state of pregnaucy. I need scarcely add, that all the above, and many others for many causes, would rejoice in the means of avoiding the vexations and dangers alluded to. In support of these views read the following from the celebrated Robert Owen:— " See what a mass of evil arises from illegitimate children, from child-murder, from deserted children, from diseased children, and even where the parents are most industrious, and most vir- tuous, from a half-starved, naked, and badly hcused family— from families crowded into one room, for whose health a house and garden are essential All these things ;ire a tax upon love, a peipetual tax upon human pleasure, and upon health; a tax that turns beauty into shrivelled ugliness. Then comes the con- sideration— what a dreadful thiDg it is that health and beauty cannot be encouraged and extended—that love cannot be enjoyed without the danger of conception ; when that conception is not desired ; when it is a positive injury to the parties and to so- ciety. This circumstance has been a great drawback to health, strength and love. " What is to be done to remedy this evil? There is something to be done ; a means has been discovered, a simple means, crim- nal in the neglect, not in the use The destruction of concep- tions has been sought by acts of violence, by doses of poison, that injure, and sometimes destroy the mother to reach the foetus in her womb. This is dreadful, truly dreadful. Fvery village has its almost yearly cases of the kind. Hundred of infants are yearly destroyed at birth ; some cases sfro discovered, but many pass undiscovered. We condemn and shudder at the infanticide of ('hina and other countries ; yet it is a question if infanticide ever prevailed in any country to a greater extent than in our own. Here, then, as in every other case of disease or other evil, it if better to prevent than to do worse. Prevention pleases the mind of a woman at first thought: and ence practiced, all pre- judice flies, and approval must !>e the consequence To weak end tickly females—to those to whom parturition is dangerous, and who never produce living or healthy children, prevention is a ve- ry great blessing. And it is also a real blessing in all other cases, where children are not desired. It will become the very bulwark of li.ve and wisdom, of beauty, health, happiness, and virtue. If the question of love were thus made a matter of sedate and phi- losophical conversation ; the pleasuie arising from it, would be 231 THE HRALTHFUL PREVENTION OP PRBQNANCT. greatly heightened, desire would never be tyrannically suppressed, and much misery and ill health would be avoided. Parents would explain its meaning, and its uses, and its abuses to their children, at a proper age ; and all hypocrisy, and what is worse, all ignorance on the subject, which lead to so many disasters, would cease. We should soon see a much finer race of human beings ; a much more chaste, and virtuous race than we now see. Restraints on love operate precisly as they operate in cases of , excessive taxation; they destroy the revenue sought, and produce the evils of smuggled, and mere disastrous intercourse." The very best, and only safe, certain, and healthful means yet devised for this purpose, consists in the use of Rush's Restorer and Preventive. It should be used as directed in page 231. Directions also ac- company each package of the medicine. Ladies using it for this purpose will enjoy the advantage of strengthening the parts; and removing soreness, relaxation, whites, and other weakness at the same time. An instrument of the most approved construction for the use of this ro.nedy, with a supply of it sufficient to last one year, will be forwarded, paid, by express, on receipt of $5.00; address, as at page 44. ]VIeveurial. Diseases. We have already mentioned, (pages 94, 95,) that Mercury may cause Consumption, and we there related the destruction to animal life which followed the spilling of a large amount of quicksilver in a ship at sea. Calomel is the chloride of mercury, or quicksilver, and the most extensively used, and therefore most injurious, of all mercurial preparations, of which there are over twenty in all. It is in the form of a tasteless white powder, and is often given to patients without their knowledge. The teeth are almost certain to be destroyed by this drug; and the great number of young persons, whom we see almost daily, with teeth badly decayed, can confirm this. The following are some of the disorders which Pereira, in his greit work on Materia Medica, the largest in the English lan- guage, ascribes to it.—Mercurial Fever; Excessive salivation; Violent purging; Chronic Skin diseases ; Inflammations of the eye, throat, and bones; Enlargement of the glands ; Ulceration of the mouth ; Cachexia, or general wasting ; and Mercurial Palsy, and other neuralgic affections We have seen in our private practice, persons emaciated to a skeleton, with both plates of the skull al- most completely perforated, the nose half gone, breaths more pestiferous than the Upas, and limbs wracked with the pains of the inquisition. Modern Physiology and Pathology abundantly prove that no chemical element should be introduced into the system, which does not form a part of its tissues. We may add that all the remedies recommended in this book, or used by the editor, con- form to this law. Persons suffering with mercurial diseases, and wishing information, or advice, may consult page 44. SYPHILIS. This disorder arises from impure Intercourse, and makes its first appearance in the male, by a small pimple on the penis, which rapidly increases in size, and soon becomes an open sore. In most cases the syphilitic poison, or virus, is at the same time absorbed into the blood; and the whole system is infected simultaneously with the appearance of this venereal sore, or chancre. There may be more than one of these on the genitals; which, if left alone, or treated by mercury, may run together, and cause fearful destruction of the affected parts. Not much pain is felt; and in the female, the infection may pass unnoticed for some days, or even weeks, until very considerable swelling, or large sores, attract attention. About a week usually elapses from the reception of the contagion before this sore, or chancre, makes its appear- ance. This, if unchecked, soon produces a frightful swell- ing in the groin, called a bubo, which rapidly gives rise to abscess. AH symptoms after this are called secondary. Secondary symptoms generally begin after about six weeks; but the time may_ vary considerably. At this stage the pa- tient becomes thin and wan; he looks dispirited; his eyes are heavy; and he complains of want of appetite, and sleep, and rheumatic pains. Syphilitic eruptions next appear. These, in the mildest form, have the appearance of small irregular patches, of a copper-color, attended with very slight swelling; or there maybe an eruption of pimples, of the size of a pea, or smaller, on the abdomen and thighs, and extending over the most of the body. As these disappear they fade out with the characteristic copper color. Sometimes these eruptions assume a scaly character, on copper-colored bases. Sometimes there are large pimples full of pus, which break and give rise to small ulcers. Some- times there are small blisters full of matter, which dry into thick scabs, under which the skin ulcerates. Mucous patches, or tubercles, are soft red elevations of the skin, generally situated about the privates, where the skin is very thin; or on the mucous membrane of the mouth and throat. They are contagious, and exude a more or less copious, thin, and fetid discharge. Syphilitic ulcerations of the throat, nose, and palate, are also very common secondary afl'cctions. They usually occur in three or four months after the infection; but this time also varies. These affections vary very much also, in sever- ity; from a mere rawness of the mucous membrane, to ter- rible ulcers, which badly injure, or permanently destroy the voice, by spoiling the cartilages of the throat; eating holes through the soft palate; eroding the tonsils; and destroying 235 236 PRIVATE DISEASES. the very substance of the bones of the nose, and roof of the mouth. Ulceration of the larynx, or upper part of the windpipe, is known by huskiness, or whispering voice, suffocative cough, and expectoration of bloody matter; there is great loss of flesh, and strength, and life is sometimes lost by suf- focation. All this may coincide, in point of time, with the eruptions already spoken of; all which may occupy from six to twelve months. Syphilitic disease of bone is usually counted among tertiary Byniptoms. The bones of the face, head, and legs are most frequently attacked. It begins with tenderness of the bone, tca&severepain, which is felt mostly in the night. This pain is shortly followed by oblong swellings of the bone, called nodes. If these are allowed to extend, caries, or rottenness of the bone follows; and in this way the roof of the mouth, bones of the nose and eyes, and even the skull itself, may become eaten through, attended by frightful pain mid dis- charges, and resulting in death from irritation, or protru- sion of the brain, or from exhaustion and decay of the entire system. Death may also be caused in the primary stage, by erod- ing, or eating chancres; which may so extensively destroy the private parts, of male or female, as to cause death by eating into the very bowels. Such a case occurred in one of the great Paris hospitals while the editor was attending there; we have a drawing of the same, made at the time, which the curious or doubtful should see. Among tertiary symptoms must bo counted those terrible eruptions on the skin, called tubercular, which may appear in from six months to twenty years, after the beginning. They usually appear as broad, red, copper colored tuber- cles, or bunches, at the lower end of the wing of the nose, and on the face and forehead. They may also occur on al- most any part of the body or limbs j and are very disfiguring, because they destroy the true skin, and thus leave, oven when healed, indelible scars, frequently quite largo. When occurring on the face, or forehead, they are terribly vex- atious from this cause. An experienced eye can detect, not only such scars, but all the syphilitic eruptions, of which there are many kinds, as far on as They can be seen. The pus, or matter from all syphilitic discharges, of long stand- ing, has a peculiar, and olttn almost intolerable fetor; es- pecially is this the case with the breath, when the throat, teeth, and bones of the palate and nose become affected. All the more distressing and peculiar sulU-rings of this fearful disease are aggravated, and often in part caused by the common, old school, or mercurial treatment. In fact so similar are many of the symptoms of mercury to those of syphilis, that it is sometimes very difficult, in cases of long standing, where the system has been repeatedly saturated with that most pernicious drug, to determine accurately BVPIIILIS. 237 what part of the disease belongs to each. Scrofula, too, is liable to be mixed up with both. In the great syphilitic hospitals at Paris, where we have seen several hundred such cases, almost daily for months, such distinctions are very nicely made out; but many phy- sicians who still salivate their patients, know really very lit- tle of syphilis, the effects of mercury, or scrofula. One of the most vexatious symptoms attending this dis- ease, is the falling out of the hair of the head, and privates, which may happen in any part of the disease; but particu- larly during the first three months. Severe headache often attends it. Syphilis of children is often derived from one or both par ents, before the little innocents are born. A babe deriving svphilis in this way, may be born dead, or weakly and shriv- elled, with hoarse voice, discharge from the nostrils, and copper-colored blotches, or ulcers, all over the body, or only about the privates. Verily is this disease hereditary, and transmissible even to the third generation. It should be borne in mind, that persons may be afflicted with the various forms of syphilitic disease without any I an It of theirs. It may be hereditary, and thus be transmitted from father or mother or both, to the third or fourth gener- ation; thus the iniquity of parents is visited upon their chil- dren, and appears in every form which any disease can as- sume. We have seen whole families infected, and in no two of them were the external symptoms alike; none of whom Were conscious of the nature or the origin of the disease, ex ceptiugin some cases, one of the patients, from whom all the mischief originated. The disease may also be acquired by the application of the virus to any part covered by only a thin epidermis, as the lips, the membrane lining the nasal ca\ ities, the evelirls, or conjunctiva, to a cut, wound, or sore, to any part chafed or abraded. The infection may be re- ceived by handling or washing venereal sores; from sponges or cloths used by syphilitic patients; from bedclothes and second-hand clothing; from the seat in the privy; from food prepared by hands or lingers on which are venereal ulcers ; by a kiss; and in cases of strong susceptibility, by a breath loaded with the infection, and various other ways. Hie treatment of syphilis cannot be definitely laid down in a popular treatise like this. It is a disease which does not admit of safe and effectual domestic management; but often severely taxes the skill of the most experienced phy- Mcians who have seeu many thousand cases. All chronic cwsof eruptions and scrofulous admixtures will be very much benefited by Rush's Sarsaparilla and Iron; and this will do the more good if the disorder is one of debility. Many cure* have been effected by its persevering use; and wo have no hesitation in saying that the treatment of chronic Syphilis, by this medicine alone, will bi-found more satisfactory than by any old-fashioned medication. 238 PRIVATE DISEASKj. In many cases, however, other remedies will be required; and a physician must be sought. To all such we would say beware into what hands you may fall. The old, or mercu- rial treatment is terribly destructive; and yet many of our best family physicians know of no better remedies. There is, however, a still greater danger to avoid; and that is of those mercenary impostors who occupy large spaces in the city papers, with their pretentious advertisements. Many au unfortunate has lost most precious time, and been ruined in health for life, by their ignorance, or folly. There are now no respectable physicians advertising for the cure of such complaints;— avoid them all as you should the dire infection itself. Another " dodge" Is to advertise " a report of the How- ard Association," or the like, which is sent gratis. A most exhorbitant sum is then demanded for treatment; the whole thing being a sheer piece of imposition. In regard to the best mode of treatment, we would say that long experience has taught us that the most efficacious remedies, as well as harmless, for this disease, come from the vegetable kingdom ; of which we make the most ready use in the form of their active principles. In this way crude drugs and bulky medicines are quite avoided, and the stomach is never offended. Many patients who come under our care have been quite as much injured by the use of large quantities of filthy and destructive drugs, as by any disease of a specific character. With our mild, efficient, and agreeable medicines, and a § roper course of diet and regimen, we soon change the con- ition of these miserable unfortunates from a state of dis- ease and despair to one of health, vigor, and hope; giving no more medicine than is really needed, and permitting the vital powers to have full play, instead of drowning them in a sea of physic. The truth is, no real cures of disease are ever made by overpowering the system with drugs, but by the reaction of the organism under judicious medicinal Impressions. None should despair of being cured, as all cases are cura- ble, except the most malignant, at the very last. The following letter, among many others, will show how cures are very readily eflfected: — LETTER PUBLISHED BY PERMISSION. C---, Mass, May 3, 1864. Prof. Flanders, — Dear Sir i — As you have requested me to state the particulars of my case, for the benefit of others, I am willing to do so, only you must not mention my name or the town where I reside. I contracted Syphilis about seven months since, as I told you when you com- menced doctoring me ; and had grown worse and worse all the time, and had paid out over forty dollars, to a calomel SYPHILIS. 239 doctor, first, who salivated me till my teeth were loose, and I only grew worse; then an Indian doctor gave me quart bottles of roots and herbs, stewed up, sweetened with molasses, but did me no good; then I bought all the medi- cines I could find advertised; some injured me and some did me no good; so I went on till 1 began to despair of ever being any better, and thought the fate awaited me as described in the Scriptures. I had now nearly spent all my money, when one day I chanced to see a copy of your " Family Physician." I had been sick then four months; had open ulcers in my groin, and copper-colored blotches all over my limbs and Dody. My voice had begun to leave me, and my throat was very sore, and I was sick at the stomach nearly all the time, from the effect of the calomel and drugs of the Indian doctor and " specifics " I bought at the drug stores. I wrote to you a little over three months ago, and am now almost entirely well. I found no trouble in describing my case to you exactly, as you sent me a list of questions to answer, so that I did not forget anything. The first medicine you sent me, by express, made me feel like a new man in less than three days from the time I be- gan to take it, and in a week I was able to go about my work as usual. You said it took longer to cure me of the poisons I had taken than of the disease, and I believe it did. I t.hiuk I sometimes, now, feel the effects of the mercury the calomel doctor gave me, in my teeth and bones; but, except that, think I am entirely cured. Please send me a little more of your " Calomel Antidote," as you say you think you can entirely cure me of that too. Dear doctor, I am truly grateful to you for curing mo, When I was so bad. I will say that the purest remedies and medicines,from your laboratoky, are the cheapest and the best. Very thankfully and truly yours, >\---. X. B. — You may put this letter in your paper, if you want to, all bat the last name. Persons wishing further advice, or information, can ob- tain the same, free of charge, by addressing the editor of this book. For the address see page 44. All letters are strictly confidential, and will be returned, if so requested. .... The detection of Syphilis is not always easy. The erup- tions ou the skin are characterized by a peculiar copper color, by the abs/n■.■e of any pain or itching, and their as- suming different forms, at the same time, in the same per- son. It should not be forgotten that genuine Syphilis is essentially an eruptive disease. During the first month, an examination of the person will detect the syphilitic sore, or chancre; and the linen will usually bo found soiled with bloody matter. •2i0 PRIVATE DISEASES. Syphilis may be prevented by anointin? the penis with sweet oil before connection, and by thorough washing and urinutiug, immediately after. The female must use Rush's Preventive, as an injection, as directed at page 231. GONORRHOEA. This disorder is an imflammation of the urethra, arisinj; from the contagion of an unhealthy sexual contact. It is not merely a local affection, but if unchecked, is lia- ble to produce a kind of rheumatism, or to cause swelled testicles, or dropsy of the testicles; also disease of the blad ■ der and prostate gland. It may also become chronic, and converted into agleet, which rarely lasts less than a year. It may also cause abscess of the glands of the groin, and abun- dant wart-like vegetations on the penis Chronic cases are always liable to degenerate into stricture of the urethra. Tlie clap generally begins in about two or three days after exposure to contagion, by a slight fulness, and itching, ut the end of the urethra ; which is followed, nfter one or more days, by heat and swellingj extending up the course of the passage: scalding on making water; and soon after, by u more or less copious flow of greenish-yellow pus, or matter. Thia pus is contagious, and if it gets into the eye, will cause a similar affection there, called gonorrhoeal ophthalmia, which may cause the loss of an eye, with great ^unering. The eye sometimes becomes so diseased, without any known contact of the contagious matter. One of the most disagreeable symptoms consists in painful erections, called chordee, which take place mostly in the night. The pain is often very severe, from the penis beiug forced into a bent shape, owing to the urethral part bcit:^ so much swelled, and tender, from the inflammation. The scalding on making water, too, is often very severe, but always worse in first attacks. The disorders, of which we have already made mention. may follow at indefinite periods, but cannot successfully be treated without large experience. The treatment of common cases should be commenced bv folding a towel, kept constantly wet with cold water, round the suffering part, winch will alone greatly relieve the m- flammation and pain. One end of the towel may be left dry, to cover the wet part with. It is a useless piece ot folly to take those pernicious drugs, copaiva, cnbebs, and the like. Instead of nauseating the stomach, ami Injuring the lungs in that way, procure a box of Rush's Restorer and Preventive, and put as much as you can hold on the blade of a penknife into a pint of water, and use the liquid as. an injection very frequently; say every hour, or as often as possible. SELK-ABITSK. 241 If the above injection causes any irritation, put In more water, until it is hardly felt. It should be used of a strength to produce very slight irritation only, and be prepared freshly every day. A glass syringe should be used, and each injection be preceded by passing water. After the first two or three days, the frequency of the injections may be gradually diminished. The effect of this Restorer is truly wonderful, frequently curing obstinate cases in a very few days. Many cases, however, will occur which have been made worse by nitrate of silver injections; or by other barbarous treatment, or by neglect ; or which have become involved in some of the foregoing complications; —all which will require the ut- most skill and care of au experienced physician. The same remarks will be here applicable, that we have already made at the conclusion of the last article (Syphilis) to which the reader is referred. Gonorrhoea, in the female, is usually very readily cured by Rush's Restorer; it should be used everv two or three hours, by putting as much as can be held on a new cent, into a pint of water, and using it very freely as an injec- tion, with a good syringe; which should be a very large glass one, or one of the new rubber kind, which is best. Prepare the injection freshly every time. The prevention of gonorrhoea is very easy, by means of Rush's Restorer and Preventive. It should be used as an injection, by both male and female, as previously directed, Immediately after the act ; or any time the next day. Passing water, and thorough washing, after enjoyment, are also advisable. The detection of this disorder is verv easy, from the discharge of greenish-yellow matter; and from the charac- teristic stains of the same color, to be found on the linen, No lady, or gentleman, who has once used this remedy, for discharges of any kind, will willingly be without it. It is superior to all other medicines for this purpose; many of which are sold for five times as much. SELF-ABUSE. SECRET INFIRMITIES OF YOUTH AND MATU- RITY, ARISING FROM SOLITARY HABITS. In approaching this subject we feel no little embarrass- ment, because it has been so frequently dwelt upon in catch-penny books, and so adroitly handled by worth- less swindlers, that we feel reluctant to broach it. The ■cause of humanity, however, requires it; and plainness of speech is here unavoidable. Both sexes, rrirls and boys, men and women, are the slaves, and victims of self-abuse, or solitary vice. Nor 1G 242 PRIVATE DISEASES. docs this state of things depend a little upon a certain sham modesty, which prevents parents from warning their children against this pernicious habit. If they were early taught that it would strip the flesh from their bones, and make them weak, ugly, sick and hateful: how many might he saved from the insane asylum, or a consumptive's grave; or from a broken down and ruined constitution. The following are some of the disorders which are caused, wholly, or in part, by this vice: —Insanity, con- sumption, seminal weakness, all sorts of nervous affec- tions, decay of the spine, hysteria, nocturnal emissions wasting of the genital organs, impotenc<, barrenness, discharges from the urethra, bad dreams, nightmare, pal- pitations, fits, injury to voice, sight, or hea:ing, emacia- tion loss of memory, dizziness, diseased kidneys, and, indirectly, many other troubles. An able writer says : — " The patient, by neglect of himself, or from a false modesty, which is too common with this class of patients. has delayed seeking for proper medical relief, until he is completely destroyed. Body and mind are in ruins. The generative organs are so wasted as to be entirely inactive, or so diseased as to secrete but u popy, thin, and glairy fluid, having few or none of the characteristics of semen, and which continually flows away from the unconcious victim. He is finally either hurried to a premature grave by consumption, epilepsy, or apoplexy; or insanity, taking the hopeless form of dementia, has removed him from his own home to the mad-house. It is safe to say that, of all the cases of incurable insanity, a large majority are caused by involuntary seminal emissions, or by masturbation." Dr. Woodward, Superintendent of the Hospital for the Insane, has the following remarks on this practice: — " For the last four years it has fallen to my lot to witness, examine, and mark, the progress of from ten to twenty-five cases, daily, who have been the victims of this debasing habit; and I aver that no cause whatever, which operates on the human system, prostrates all its energies — mental, moral, and physical — to an equal extent. I have seen more cases of idiocy from this cause alone than from all the other causes of insanity. If insanity and idiocy do not result, other diseases, irremediable and hopeless, fol- low in its train, or such a degree of imbecility marks its ravages upon body and mind, as to destroy the happiness of life, and make existence itself wretched and miserable in the extreme." A late celebrated surgeon, in noticing the effects of self- indulgence, says : " A habit so baneful to many of our youth, that I believe it to be more destructive in its effects than a great proportion of all the diseases to which, in early life, they are liable. Were it to prove hurtful to those only whose self-indulgence gives rise to it, there would be TESTIMONIALS. 243 less cause to regret the effects of it. Besides rendering the parent himself miserable, it evidently entails the severest distress upon his posterity, by generating languor, debility, and disease, instead of that strength of constitution, with* out which there can be no enjoyment." Perhaps enough has now been said to show the dangers resulting from such a course: but the question of a remedy next occurs. It is not enough, when serious disorders have arisen from this habit, to leave it oft', in order to ob- tain a cure of its results. A suitable course of remedies, in many cases, is quite es- sential ; and, from the great diversity of disorders which may arise, it is evident that no general directions can be given for their cure in the limits of this work. All cases attended by debility and nervous disorders, with loss of flesh and strength, will be very much benefited, and niiny cases entirely cured, by Rush's Sarsaparilla and Iron (see pige 47.) This truly valuable medicine should I e continued as long as it improves the general state of the health; but many cases arise which no single remedy will cure, To such persons we would say beware into who.-e hands you fall. It is a common trick with certain impostors, *ho call themselves clergymen, to send some wonderful receipt,free of charge. Such a person is now advertising a preparation called the Corassa compound, which is a shameless piece of imposition; and we believe it to be wholly worthless. No such plants are known to botanists. All the little books sent so freely to sufferers we believe to be upon a similar scale, and only devices to extract money from the pockets of the unfortunate. Beware of any man who sends you a prescription free of charge, made up of drugs which you can only obtain of him. All such are either worthless, or injuri- The following letters published by permission, and select ed from many others, best show the nature of such cases and the time required to cure them, by the aid of the most improved modes of treatment now known. "Sringfikld, June 3d 1804. "Prof. Flanders,—Dear Sir: I have been for some time afflicted, and believing from your writings that you can relieve me, I take the liberty to address you by the medium of the pen. I will proceed at once to describe my case- Nervousness, or trembling; cold feet, especially in winter; occasional pain in the right lobe of my lungs; weak- ness, and sometimes pain, in the broad of my back; some- times slight pain in the spinal chord, just below the small of the back; also, occasionally in the testes, or privates; oc- casionally sinking in my ears; sometimes dulness of hear- ing; tears are easily excited; eyes weak, I believe more so in summer than in winder; dimness of vi.-ion dots or specks before mv eve■»; gathering of films before them. My step is 244 PRIVATE DISEASES. not so light and elastic as formerly, nor can I walk in so direct a line as formerly. The passions are more easily aroused — anger especially — and when angry, I am nervous and weak. Formerly iny voice was very strong, now I think it is neither so strong nor so flexible; sometimes when read- ing, and frequently when talking, my voice seems to catch slightly; my delivery of speech being less rapid and easy than it once was. When 1 was a boy I could run eight or ten miles an hour; now, upon a little running, or other ex- tra exertion, I am out of breath, and my heart beats rapidly. When I was a boy I rarely ever wanted a coat; even in the coldest weather, the cold did not seem to affect me ; now the cold wind quickly chills me through. The grasp of my hand is not so strong as formerly. I spit a good deal of mucus. I have less inclination to female society than formerly, though naturally very fond of it. My comprehension, I think, is not so keen as it once was. My temper is not so equable as formerly , 1 am more easily irritated, and some- what inclined to nioroseness. My ambition for study seems diminished. I long again to revel in mental acquisitions, but my memory, once so strong and retentive, now keeps only the main points of a subject; its failure seems to rear a barrier not easily to be removed. My appetite is keen, mostly for strong diet. * "Description of my person.—My height is 5J feet, circumference of chest 'i'i inches, weight from 115 to 12U, though persons mostly think I weign about 135 or 140. When a boy I was muscular and robust, now I am rather thin in flesh, though my flesh is solid. Very fair complex- tion, though freckled and easily tunned. Blue eyes, curly hair, age Ti. I am disposed to active service, though my occupation is about two-thirds of the time in doors; mostly mental labor. In nearly all kinds of medicines I require nearly or quite double the dose for common persons. " The above evils I regard as resulting from the habit of solitary indulgence. I am also afflicted with nocturnal emissions; also with passing water more frequently than I should. I am, otherwise than the above, usually in good health. " Dear doctor, give me aid as soon as possible. Please re- turn answers well secured. Yours, respectfully, M. C." Twelve weeks later he writes : " Dkar Sir :—The last medicine you sent me, has nearly completed my cure. I rejoice in recovering my former health and strength of mind and body. Please send what medicine you may now think necessary to prevent a relapse. " Yours, respectfully. M. C." " Northvili.k, Jan. 10, 1804. "Dear Sir : — I write to you on a delicate subject, one that 1 am much ashamed to own , it is the practice of self-pollu- TESTIMONIALS. 24 0 tion. The practice I have quit, but the disease remains. I am subject to seminal emissions, somi times not in two weeks, then again sometimes twice a week. I have a loss of the appetite, a weakness of the limbs, pains in the groins and dnlness, irruptions on the skin. I am 20 years old, tall and thin; my occupation is of a sedentary kind; I have tried one physician "private," but he done me no good, but I will trust you. Sometimes 1 feel that there is nothing for me to live for; I have been tempted to fill a suicide's grave. When I wrote to the physician that treated ine the first time, and he promised to cure me, 1 had some hopes, but when the medicine done no good I began to despair; but I ac- cidentally was reading your Physician,I thoughtthat I could try once more; and it you cured me the blessing that I can offer shall be yours, and you will ever have my friendship. I love a beautiful and lovely girl, and had intended to get married soon, but I dare not, as 1 am now, to blast the hopes of another person for Hie, and make myself misera- able for life too. There is at most times a weeping of the urethra, which strains my limbs. I beg pardon for writing so much, and Remain yours, S." After taking the medicines for one month he writes: Xokthvili.k, Feb. 21, 1804. " Dear Sir and Friend — For a friend you are. I write to you according to request. I received the medicine safe and sound, and commenced taking it immediately, and soon began to feel the effects of it. I feel better in mind, better in health. 1 grow stronger; the pains have all gone; I have not had but one seminal emission since I got the medi- cine; no weeping of the urethra; testicles are increasing in size and altogether much strengthened, for all which I give you credit. I will write again in about two weeks, and re- main ' Yours, with respect, S." And a month later he writes: " Nukthville, March 13, 1864. " Dear Sir.- — I pen these few lines to you to let you know that. I am rapidly improving in health under the influence of your treatment. I little thought, three months ago, to be on this side of the grave. After I tried one physician and he faiTed. 1 gave up all hopes of ever recovering, and when 1 noticed your offer of advice. I thought they were all alike; and when I sent to you I tiiought it was money thrown away, but 1 have changed my mind, and now I class you as one of the benefactors of manknd. The symptoms have all left me ; the pains in the back and loins have gone, my appe- tite is increasing, and altogether I feel a new creature; po weeping at the urethra, and no seminal emissions. " Yours, S." Any unfortunate person who desires further information, or advice, can obtain it, free of charge, (by addressing the editor of this book; see address at page 44). All letters are strictly confidential, and will be returned if requested. 246 RECEIPTS. The following receipt was extensively sold for one dollar, and di- minishes the labor of family washing nearly one half, as the best housekeepers say. It may be made by any intelligent person, as follows :— Chromate Soap. White Soap, Five Pounds; Washing Soda half pound; Borax, quarter pound; Soft Water 4 1-2 pallons. Dissolve these articles in the water, about as hot as you can hold your hands in; then add of carbonate of ammonia half ounce, and let that dissolve, then set it away and let it cool; It will be nearly solid. Mode of Using.—Put a teacupful of soap into two pailfulsof water; heat the same as hot as you can hold your hand In, and put It into the tub with the clothes, cover the tub with a thick cloth, and soak twenty minutes, then wring; then put the clothes into cold water, and and half a cupful of soap for two pailfuls of water; then boll 16 minutes, then rinse as usual. This process saves the whole labor of rubbing, unless the clothes are very dirty; in which case those that need it maybe rubbed after the process In the warm water, and before the clothes are boiled. The object of covering It with a thick cloth Is to keep in the strength of the carbonate of ammonia, but is not very Important. No family will willingly be without this after having once used It To keep Butter a Year. Putsix pounds of Turk's Island salt into two gallons of hot wa- ter; scald and skim. Put the butter in common lumps into a firkin and pour on enough of the brine to cover the butter. Keep the butter under the brine, with a plate or flat stone. This is the eas- iest way to keep butter perfectly sweet, and nice Rush's Hair ^Mixture. Tincture Arnica, 8 ounces; Castor Oil, Bounces; Tincture Cay- enne, 2 ounces; Waterofammonia, 1 ounce. Mixed together in a bottle. This is far better for the hair than any preparation now In the market. Perfume to your taste. Bed Bug Poison. Lard 6 ounces: Corrosive Sublimate pulverized, half an ounce. Warm the lard in a bowl, and mix with it the Corrosive Subli- mate, with a wooden spoon, or flat stick; If the lard is entirely melted, it will do no harm, but must bo stirred while cooling. It should be pushed Into the cracks of the room, the. floor, and the, bedsteads. Any excess may be wiped up with paper; this will last for years, and one application is sufficient to clear the house of bedbugs; a sure remedy after all others have failed. Best Black Inlc. Nutgalls In coarse powder 2 ounces; soft water a pint Put them into a bottle, and let the galls remain one week; then add three-quarters of an ounce of Copperas, and after three days, half an ounce of Gum Arabic, in small pieces. This makes a beautiful glossy dark ink, far superior to the most of the ink now sold. It is not very black at first, t>ut grows darker on using. RECEIPTS 247 "White Bar Soap. Tallow or Lard, 10 lbs Sal Soda. 7 1-2 lbs. Soft Water, 3 quarts, Blacked Lime in coarse powder, 2 lbs. Dissolve the soda in one quart of water; then boil it twenty mln- utes with the lime; then strain through a coarse towel double; then let it settle an hour: then strain again; then put the soda into a common wash boiler and add the tallow cold; let them remain cold a lew hours, or overnight; then apply a gentle heat frequent- ly stirring, without boiling for an hour; then add two quarts of water, and boil gently one hour, with the cover of the boiler on loosely, stirring the soap up from the bottom frequently. When the soap is done tt will be as thick as hasty pudding, and boil like It; it should thn be poured into suitable pans, and when nearly cold cut into bars, or squares. It will do no harm to boil the soap two hours; but It should not be boiled much the first hour.. If the grease is rancid, two or three hours boiling cleanses it. The following receipts are mostly consistent with the laws of health; but those containing soda, salera- tus, spices, and acids, are less so than the others. They are all, however, highly approved by the best housekeepers. Eastern Bx-own Bread.. One quart of rye. Two quarts of Indian meal: If fresh and sweet do not scald it; 'if not, scald it. Half a teacup of molasses; a little salt; one teaspoonful of saler- atus ; a teacup of home-brewed yeast, or half as much distillery yeast. Make It as stiff as can be stirred with a spoon with warm water. Let it rise from night till morning. 'Ihenput it in a large deep pan, and smooth the top with the hand dipped In cold water, and let It stand awhile. Rake five or six hours. If put in late In the day, let It remain all night in the oven. Bread of "Unbolted "Wheat, Graham Bread. Three pints of warm water. One teacup of Indian meal, and one of wheat flour Three great spoonfuls of molasses, or a teacup of brown sugar. A li-tie salt, and one teaspoonful of saleratus, dis- solved in a little hot water. One cup of yeast. Mix the above, and stir In enough unbolted wheat flour to make It as stiff as you can work with a spoon. Some put in enough to mould It to loaves. Try both. If made with nomc-brcwed yeast, put it to rise over night. I f with distillery yeast, make it in the morning, and on^c when Hi lit. In loaves the ordinary size, bake one hour and a half. Wine Whey. One pint of boiling milk, two wine glasses of wine: boll them a moment, take out the curd, sweeten and flavor the whey. Arrowroot Custards for Invalids. One tablespoonful of arrowroot, one pint of milk, one egg, one tablespoonful of sugar. Mix the arrowroot with a little of the cold 248 IIKCKIPTS. milk, put the milk Into a sauce pan over the fire; and when It bolls stir in the arrowroot and the egg and sugar, well beat together. Let it scald, and pour into cups to cool. A little cinnamon boiled in the milk flavors it pleasantly. Rice "Waffles. A quart of milk, a teacup of solid boiled rice, soaked three hours In half the milk, a pint anda half of wheatflour.or rice flour, three well beaten eggs. liake in waffle irons. The rice must be settled enough when boiled. Tomato Syrup, a delightful Beverage for the Sick. Take the juice of ripe tomatoes, and put a pound of sugar to each quart of juice, put it in bottles, and set It away, In a few weeks it will have the appearance and flavor of pure wine; and mixed with water is a delightful drink for the sick. Ho liquor is needed to pre- serve it. Currant, Rhaspberry, or Btrawbevry "Whisk. Put three gills of the juice of the fruit, to ten ounces of crushed BUgar; add the juice of a lemon, and a pint and a half of cream. Whisk it till quite thick, and serve it in jelly glasses, or a glass dish. Sa^'o Milk. Soak oneounce of sago In a pint of cold water, one hour, pour off the water, and add a pint and a half of new milk. simmer it slow- ly, till the sago and milk are well mixed. Flavor with sugar. Simple Barley "Water. Take two ounces and a half of pearl barley, cleanse It, and boil It ten minutes In half a pint of water. Strain out this water and add two quarts of boiling water, and boil it down to one quart. Then strain it and flavor It with slices of lemon and sugar or sugar and nutmeg. This is very acceptable to the sick in levers. Compound Barley "Water. Take two pints of simple barley water, a pint of hot water, two anda half ounces of sliced flgs, half an ouce of liquorice loot tiiced and bruised, and two ounces and a half of raisins. Boil all down to two pints, and strain it, this is slightly aperient. Pumpkin IJie. Some prefer that the inside of the pumpkin be not scraped, mere- ly removing the seeds. They are to be peeled, and cut Into small strips, and stewed slowly, until thoroughly done; when done let It steam slowly over the fire; when cold strain. A plain pie is made of equal parts of milk and pumpkin; and some prefer an ece or two to every quart of the mixture. The tlrickerof pumpkin the less eggs arc needed. Sweeten to the taste. Some add grated lem- on peel, ginger, spice, &c. These require a hot oven. It is well to scald thn mixture just before pouring in to bake. The crust Is not thus so apt to burn. The less of eggs the more baking Is need- ed. Bake as soon as the pies are filled, to prevent clainmiiv »s of the under crust. The prepared pumpkin can be kept for months in cold weather, if well sweetened. RECEIPTS. 249 Arrowroot Transparent Jelly for the Sick. Put a full teaspoonful of arrowroot Into a basin, mixed with two of water, to make it about the consistency of starch; stirring all the time, pour it into a stew pan, and stir it until it has boiled two minutes, add a little cream, a small glass of wine, and a little sugar. Blackberry Syrup for Cholera and • Summer Complaint. Two quarts of blackberry fuice. one pound of loaf sugar, half an ounce of cinnamon, one ounce of allspice, pulverize the spice, and boil all for fifteen or twenty minutes; when cold, add a pint of cherry brandy. Oat Meal Gruel. Four tablespoonfuls of oatmeal, and a pinch of salt into a pint of boiling water. Strain and flavor it while warm. Or take fine oat- meal and make a thin batter with a little cold water, and put it into a pan of boiling water. Ground Rice Gruel. Take two tablespoonfuls of ground rice, a little salt, and mix it with milk enough for a thin batter. Stirit with a pint of boiling water, or boiling milk. Flavor with sugar and spice. A. great Favorite with Invalids. Take one third brisk cider, and two thirds water; sweeten it. and crumb in toasted bread, or toasted crackers, and grate on nut- meg. Acid jellies will answer for this, when cider cannot be ob- tained. Corn Griddle Cakes with Yeast. Three coffee cups of Indian meal, sifted, one cup of either rve meal, or Graham flour, two tablespoonfuls of yeast, and a teaspoon- ful of salt; wet at nljht with sour milk or water, as thick as pan caucs, and in the morning add one teaspoonful of saleratus. Hake on a griddle. If Graham flour is used add a very little molasses. Strawberiy or Currant Ice "Water for the Sick, Press the juice from ripe strawberries, strain it, and put a pound of sugar to each pint of juice. l'ut into bottles, cork and seal it, and keep it in a ccl place. When wanted, mix it with ice water for a drink. Currants can be used in the same way. Alum "Whey. Mix an ounce of powdered alum with one pint of milk; boil it two or three minutes, then strain, arid add the sugar and nutmeg to the whey. It is good in cases of haemorrhages, and painter's colic. Wedding Cake. Take 4 lbs flour, 3 of butter. 3 of su'.'ar. 4 of currants, 2 of raisins, 24 eggs, I ounce mace, 3 nutmegs. Bake three hours. Three lbs of frosting. Frosting. Whites of two eggs, half pound of loaf sugar, 1-8 ounce white starch, 1-8 ounce gum arabic; beat till it looks white and thick. Dry It In a cool oven. 250 UKCKIFTS. Apple Tea. Take two good mellow apples, slice them thin, pour on boiling water, let them stand an hour; pour off the water, sweeten ana flavor. Carrot and Squash Pies. These are made in a way similar to the pumpkin pie, and are very excellent, if properly made. Potato Pie, Boil good mealy common potatoes, or good sweet ones, in differ ent waters,—strain them. One part potatoes to six or eight of milk with beaten eggs, and bake with undercrust only. Tomato Pie. Pour boiling water over the tomatoes, letting them remain in the water a few minutes. Strip oft the skins, cut In slices, sprin- kle s..gar over them, ane bake slowly for an hour, with upper crust. Rhubarb, or Pie Plant Pie. Tender stalks, with the skm stripped off. are cut into thin slices. One layer of rhubarb with one of sugar, till sufficiently thick; cov- er with atop crust, well closed at the edges, and prick holes. Bake Blowly till done. Potato Flour for Cakes, Ac- Take the best mealy potatoes, pare and wash well; grate them finely in a vessel containing water, until there Is about as much potato us water It is well to stir. When well settled, pour off the water carefully, dry the flour, grind or beat It, and sift. This is excellent where great lightness Is an object, as in spongecake. It may be cooked in a variety of ways for children and the sick. Plain Bread Cake. One or two parts of sugar, to three or four of raised dough, and one. part of good cream, or milk will do. Alix all thoroughly. If too soft, add flour. Fruit can also be added. Let It raise awhile before baking. A Plain Cake. Two or three parts of sour cream or milk, with salrcratus, to Bwecten; then stir in five or six parts of flour, or meal of wheat, and bake. "Wheat Jelly. Wheat Jelly is one of the most soothing substances that can be introduced Into the stomach. Soak the wheat over-night, and boll four to six hours. The jellv mav be pressed through a coarse cloth or may be eaten as It is, with some kind of frcit or sauce. It is most excellent for regulating the stomach and bowels. Apple Jelly. Take nice fairapples, cut out the stem and eve; cut them In thin slices, without paring them, or quartering, a* the chief flavor Is in the peel, and the jelly part in the. cores. Put them in a kettle, and put in just waterenough to cover them, and boil them very soft. I'hen wash, and strain through a jelly bag, made of coarse flannel; put to each pint of liquid, a pint of brown sngar, add the Juice and rind of a lemon cut in slices. Beat up one egg and stir ft In thor- * RECEIPTS. 251 oughly. Boil up 5 minutes; let it stand and cool a little: try it, if not hard enough let it boil 5 minutes longer; then skim ofl the scum, and pour off the clear jelly; then put it in jelly glasses. Common Plat Jacks. One quart of sour milk, thicken it with flonr, two teaspoonfnls of saleratus, and a little salt. Coc^a, Boil two large spoonfuls of ground cocoa, in a quart of water, half an hour; skim off the oil. pour in three gills of mi k, and boii it up again It is the best way to make, it the day before it is used, as the oily substance can be more perfectly removed when the co coa is cold. Shells. A heaping teacupful to a quart of boiling water. Boil them a halfan hour, but two or three, hours is far better. Scald milk as for coffee. It i« well to soak them over night, and boil them in the same water in the morning. ITIilk Lemonade. To a half a pint of boiling water, add the juice of one lemon, and a wine glass of currant wine. 'Ihrnad' a pint of cold milk, and strain the whole to make it nice and clear. An Economical Method of Making Chocolate. Cut a cake m two small bits and put them into a pint of boiling water. In afew minutes, set it oft'the fire and stir it well, till the chocolate Is dissolved; then boll it again gently a few minutes, pour it into a bowl, and set it in a cool place. It will keep good eight or ten days. For use, boil a teaspoonful or two in a pint of milk, with sugar. Apple Mince Pics. To twelve fine chopped apples, add three beaten eggs, and a half a pint of cream, (made of com starchV Putin spice, sugar, or mo- lasses, raisins, or currants; just as you woujd for meat mince pics. Cherry Pic. The common red cherry makes the best pie. A large deep dish Is best. Add four spoonfuls of sugar, dredge a very little flour over the fruit before you lay on the upper crust Hot Cakes. Scnld aquart of InJian meal, with just water enough to make a thick batter. Stir in alii tic salt, and two tablespoonfuls of butter: pour it into a buttered pan, and bake it halfan hour Corn Muffin*. One pint of sifted meal, and half a teaspoonful of salt, two table- spoonfuls of melted butter, a teaspoonful of saleratus. in two great spoonfuls of hot water. Wet the above with sour milk, as thick as for mush or hasty pudding ; and bake In buttered rings, on a but tered tin. Orange or Lrmon Syrup for the Nick. Put a pound and a half of white sugar to each pint of juice; add some of the peel; boll ten minutes, then strain and cork it. It makes a fine beverage.and is useful to flavor pies and puddings. 252 RECEIPTS. Taffy. One cup of sugar, one spoonful of butter, one of water, one of molasses; boil together twenty minutes: then pour it out Into a long tin. When quite cool, cut it in squares; then let it remain until hard. Crystalized Currants. Take fine bunches of currants on the stalk, dip them In well beat- en whites of eggs, lav them on a seive and sift white sugar over them, and set them in a warm place to dry. Apple Snow, Put 6 very tart apples in cold water over the Are. When soft. take away "the skins and cores, and mix in a half a pint of sifted white sugar; beat the whites of flve eggs to a froth ; and then add them to the apples and sugar. Put it In a dessert dish and oma ment with myrtle. Bachelor's Corn Cakr. A pint of sifted corn meal, and a little salt; two spoonfuls of but- ter, a quarter of a cup of cream, two eggs well beaten. Add milk till it is thin as fritter batter, bake In deep tins. Beat it well and bake with quick heat; and it rises like pound cake. Crumpets. A quart of warm milk, a little salt, a gill of yeast, flour enough for a stiff batter: not very stiff when light; add half a cup ofmelt- ed butter, or a cup of rich cream; let It stand twenty minutes, then bake it as muffins or in cups. Crenin f»riddle Cakes. On" pint of thick cream, and a pint of milk, three eggs, and a lit- tle salt. Make a batter of flour, and bake on a griddle. Potato Biscuit for Tea. Twelve potatoes, hiVUxd soft and mnshed fine, and a little salt llix the potatoes andTnilk, add half a tea cup of yeast and flour enough to mould them well. Then work In a "cup of butter. When risen, mould them into small cakes. Then let thein stand In buttered pans fifteen minutes before baking Beef or Million and Potato Pie. Take a deep di t of good fresh wheat meal with about two parts of milk. Add a little sweetening, with raisins or other fruit, If desired, and bake an hour. It is better to stand awhile before baking. An Excellent Indian Pudding -without Egg. Take seven heaping spoonfuls of Indian meal, half a teaspoonful of salt, two spoonfuls of butter, a tea cup of molasses, l'our into these a quart of milk, while boiling hot, mix well, and put it in a buttered dish. Just as you set it In the oven, stir in a teacup of cold water, which wili produce the same effect as eggs. Bake three quarters of an hour, in a tin that will not spread it out thin. Green Corn Pudding. Ten ears of corn grated. Sweet, corn is best: one pint ofnewmilk two well beaten eggs, one tea cup of sugar. Mix the above, and bake three hours; if common corn is used more sugar is needed. A Minute Pudding of Corn Starch. Three heaped tablespoonfuls of corn starch, two eggs, a little salt, one pint and a half milk Boil the milk, reserving a little to moisten the flour; stir the flour to a paste, with the reserved milk and put it into the boiling milk, add the eggs well beaten, let it boil till very thick, then ponr it into a rlish and serve with liquid sauce. After the milk boils, the pudding must be stirred every moment till done. Sweet Potato Pudding Grate half a pound of parboiled sweet potatoes, and stir to a cream six ounces of s gar and six of butter: and then add the beaten yolks of four eg»s. Jlix the obove, and add a glass of wine, or strong cider. The last thing, put in the whites of the eggs beat to a stiff froth. Common potatoes and carrots may be used as above, only they arc to be boiled soft, and put through a colander, and more sugar used. Baked Rice Pudding. Swell a coffee cup of rice, add a quart of new milk; half a cup of sugar, three eggs, a little salt, bake an hour and a half. Apple Pudding. Set your tin pail or kettle on the stove; put in a cup of water; cuf In four large apples, one pint sour milk, one large teaspoonful of saleratus; mould your crust, and spread it over the top; cover It tight; bake one hour. Boiled Indian Pudding. One quart of milk, flve gills of meal, four eggs, a teaspoonful of salt and one of molasses; boil three hours. Another. Three cups of Indian meal, half a cup of molasses, mixed with luke warm water, rather stiff. Boil two hours. 254 INDEX. The Figures refer to pages. Abortion, Abscess, Accidents, After Pains Alcohol, Anaemia, Asthma, Bathing, Barrenness, Bed Bug Poison, Bilious Complaints, Black Ink, Bleeding at the Lungs, Brain Fever, Breathing, Bronchitis, Breast, the, Boils or Biles, Calomel Doctors, Catarrah, Cancer, Canker Rash, Canker in the Mouth, Carbuncle, Care of New Born In- fants, Chromate Soap, Cholera, Cholera Morbus, Chicken Pox, Child bed Fever, Chilblains, Chlorosis, Clothing, 24, Improper Croup, Colds, Corns, 166 217 19 149 217 Colic, 193 Costiveness, 165, 149 pregnancy, 225 Condiments, 20 Concussions, 181 Consumption, 64, cures, 188 58, Causes, 86, different 12 forms, 83, Curable, 132, 214 Quick, 85, Symptoms, 106 246 Treatment, 119, respirom- 164 eter in, 145, of the blood, 246 182, prevention of, 133 104 Coughs, 124 159 Convulsions, 203 69 Crusted Tetter, 207 162 Delirium Tremens, 174 219 Diet, 15, Rules of, 193 in Fever, 147 Diphtheria, 175 Diarrhoea, 166, In- 183 fants, 195 Diseases of Children, 185 do Females, 193 do Heart, 189, Skin, 190 Dropsy, 182, of the 204 Brain, 246 Drunkenness, 174, 167 cure for, 1671 Dry Itch, 198 Drowning. 2271 Dysentery, 194 Dyspepsia, 210 Earache, , 93 Eczema, 199jEditor'b Address, 175: Editor's Tour in Europe, 7 173 23 154 177 208 195 210 202 174 190 149 167 164 185 189 44 255 Erysipelas, 187j Face-ache, 170, False Labor Pains, 222 Fainting Fits, 172 Falling of the Womb, 213 Falls, 149| Felon, 190 Female Complaints, 210 Fevers, 153 Fever and Ague, 158 Fits, 173, 203 Food, 15 Commendable 21 prohibited, 22 Gonorrhoea, cure of, 240 Detection and preven tion, 241 Green Sickness, 210 Hanging, 149 Headache, 171, Sick, 171 Heartburn, 180 Heart Diseases, 189 Hectic Fever, 112 Hooping Cough, 199 How to prevent an in- crease of family, 232 Humbugs, Medical, 143 Humors of Infants, 208 Hysterics, 213 Indian Doctors, 148, 184 Indigestion, 164 Inflammations, 153, Brain, 157, of Eyes, 187 of Lungs, 100, of Pleura, 102, of Liver, 103, of Peritonaeum, 227, Ton- sils, 176 Inflammatory Fever, 155 Influenza. 176 Inhalation in Consump- tion, 131, Oxygenated, 145 Itch, Wl I 232 212 1G3 07 100 196 234 143 211 Jaundice, 163 Labor, Natural, 222 flooding after, 224 Laws of Health, Laws of Maternity, Leucorrhoea, Liver Complaint, Lungs Anatomy of, Lung Fever, Measles, Mercurial Disease, Means of Preserving Health, Medical Humbugs, Menstrual Colic, Menstruation, 210, in Pregnancy, 216, Painful, 211, Profuse, 211 Miscarriage, 217 Milk Fever, 221 Minister's !Sore Throat,162 Morning Sickness, 216 Natural Labor, 222 Nettle Rash, 1V-8 Neuralgia, 170 Nightmare, 173 Nursing, 34 Oflcnsive Breath, 172 Old School Humbug, 147 Oxygenated Inhala- tion, 145 Painful Flow, 211 Pains in Stomach, 180 Palpitations, 172 Palsy, 173 Piles, 1G5 Physician, the right, 45 Phthisic, 188 Pleurisy, 162 Psora, 191 Poisons, 152 256 INDEX. < ^Poferpus Uteri, 213 JSieumonia, 1G0 ^Profuse Menstruation, 211 Pulmonary Haemor- rhage, Prolapsus Uteri, Pregnancy, Prevention of Preg- nancy, Puerperal Fever, Quinsey, Receipts, Respiration, Respirometer, Rheumatic Fever, Rheumatism, Rickets, Rush's Lung Balm, 104 213 215 232 227J ne; 246 to 253 69 14oj 169: 168 202: 51 Rush's Monthly Rem- edy, 231 Rush's Pills, 63 Rush's Sarsaparilla and Ikon, 17 Rush's Restorer and Preventive, 231 Salt Rheum, 189 Self-abuse, 241 Scarlatina, 195 Scarlet Fever, 195 Sciatica, 170 Scrofula, 40, cure of, 51 Scurvy, lSi Shingles, 192 Sitz Bath, 30 Small Pox, 196 St. Anthony's Fire, 187 Sore Nipples, 230 Sore Throat, 176, Minis- ter's, 162 Sore Eyes, 187 Spasms in the Stom- ach, 180 Sponge Bath, 13 Summer Complaint, 160 Suppression of Menses,211 Sweating, 31 Swelled Veins, 217 Syphilis, 235, detection, of, 239, prevention, 210 treatment, 237 Teething, 20:i Tic Doloureux, 170 Tobacco, 20, 97 Toothache in Preg- nancy, '217 Tubercle, 72, found in ■ different Organs, 82 Typhoid Fever, 158 Tvphus Fever, 158 Ulcers, 194 Use of Salt, 19 Useful Medicines, 151 Vaccination, 198 Varioloid, 196 Vomiting of Blood, 181 Vomiting of Milk, 207 Want of Sleep, 205 Water Brash, 180 Water Drinking, 33 Water Treatment, 27 Weaning, ' 2:10 Wet Bandages, 33 Wet Sheet Pack, 27 Wet Sheet Half Pack, 2J Whites, 212 White B >t Soap, 217 Womb, Tumors of, 213 Worms, 209 Zona, 192