y F^Xv, v-f • ^i\-*.{r Surgeon General's Office $>i N« •aa0jGQjQQ>S-ZGaGaGQ,GQ.GZGQGQ,O' J&\ *>' 7/ ■ \OaacL I f t?*^ THE HOUSE SURGEON AND PHYSICIAN, TO ASSIST HEADS OF FAMILIES, TRAVELLERS, AND SEA-FARING PEOPLE, DISCERNING, DISTINGUISHING, A^tTcURJNG DISEASES. #/ * WITH *** ' CONCISE DIRECTIONS FOR THE PREPARATION AND USE OF A NUMEROUS COLLECTION OF THE BEST AMERICAS' REMEDIES: TOGETHER WITH MANY OF THE MOST APPROVER, FROM THE SHOP OF THE APOTHECARY. ALL IN PLAIN ENGLISH. BY A PHYSICIAN AJ\'D SURGEON. HARTFORD .-\ ' , "' v ✓ <■ - PBVSTED BT PETER B. GLEASOX AND CO. -v 1813. DISTRICT OF CONNECTICUT, ss. Be it Remembered ; That on the eighteenth day of June, in the forty-second year of the Independence of the United States of America, Peter B. Gleason & Co. of the said District have deposited in tlus office the title of a Book, the right w hereof they claim as Proprietors, in the words following, to wit: " The House Surgeon and Physician ; designed to assist " Heads of Families, Travellers, and a Sea-faring people, in "discerning, distinguishing, and curing Diseases. 'With " consise directions for the preparation and use of a nu- " merous collection of the best American Remedies : to- " gether with many of the most approved, from the shop "ofthe Apothecary. All in plain English. By a Physi- cian and Surgeon." In conformity to the act of the Congress of the United States, entitled, " An act for the encouuagement of learning, by secur- " ing the copies of Maps, Charts, and Books, to the authors and " proprietors of such copies, during the times therein men- " tioned." R. I. 1NGERSOLL, C/rr/c of the District of Connecticut. A true copy of Record, examined and sealed bvme, li. I. INdERSOLL, Clerk of the District of Connecticut, PREFACE. Evi-.ry mortal is liable to be thrown into suffering by accident, or by disease ; and no situation or circumstance of life exempts any one from " the common lot." Physicians and Surgeons cannot be present in every place; nor can they alone do every thing, which should be done for those to whom they are called.—The sick and wounded must depend much on nurses and attend- ants; and almost every individual thing which is done i'.tf the sick, is influenced by the notions or prejudices of the attendants. How important, then, that the mean,, of in- formation relating'lo the healing art, be extended to eve- ry one who may suffer, or who can watch. There are cases also, where medical aid cannot be obtained; and shall the sufferer lie without alleviation ? In the following work, I have attempted, in the plain- est language, to inform the reader what he should do, when he is a. witness to pain and sickness, and ,no one present better informed than himself. In the pursuit of this object, I have made a free use of any and every author, whose work I could obtain, with- out marking any quotations. This I should not have done, but as it became necessary to alter the dress of that which iv PREFACE. wras designed for the learned, to make it intelligible to the unlearned. How far I have succeeded in divesting my work of technics; or whether I have not in many instances run into vulgarity, I cannot, myself, determine; but this I can say, I have in every case sacrificed every thing to the desire of being fully understood. We, who are taught our profession in a language of made-up hard words, get so familiarized to the use of them, that we scarcely know when we ornament our style, or embellish our conversa- tions, with the ribbands of Greece, and rags of Rome. It is not necessary for me, here, to say much of my plan, or the execution of it; a little time will suffice to make the reader acquainted with it ; and that without a Glossary. Every body knows there can be enough taken out of a library to make a great book; but I have taken the greatest pains to keep mine a small one. In the Surgical part, I hav e endeavoured to describe what every man may do, ("and they may doinuch;) in many cases, immediate and effectual assistance may be afforded, where people are now idle spectators ; and frequently de- parting life may be staid, till a surgeon arrives to make all safe. In the part which treats of Diseases, I have been the fullest on those which are of minor consequence, and manageable ; in the more terrible forms of disease, I have particularly pointed out urgent and alarming symp- toms, that medical aid may be called in time. PREFACE. V The part which contains Reccipes for Apothecary's Medicines, will be found convenient. What is said of American Remedies, I think may be relied on. The collection is sufficiently numerous to an- swer every purpose of medicine in common hands, and they should always be preferred, when and where they can be obtained. Where the common names are not cerlainly known, recourse should be had to a botanist, who, of all people in the world, is most ready to commu- nicate. Should a very learned critic cast his eye on these pages, he will here learn, this book was written for the unlearned; and he will also learn, that a handkerchief tied loosely round a man's icg, above a wounded and bleeding artery, and a stick twisted into it, will as effec- tually save life as a surgeon's turniquet—and many other buch things. He will therefore please spare this little work, for the sake of him whose house is far removed from the surgeon, and who has no money to pay the phy sician. June 22, 1818. 1* CONTENTS. SURGERY. Wounds, ---.._. PAGE. 25 Simple cut,..... ib. Stopping Blood, 26 Lacerated, - ^ - 27 Contused,..... 28 Punctured, .... ib. Poisoned, - 29 Stings of Insects, ib. Bite of the Viper, 30 Rattlesnake, ib. Red Adder, ib. Mad Dog, 31 Lock-Jaw, ---.-.. 32 33 Healthy, - - . . ib. Erysipelas, .... 35 37 38 39-* ib. 40 Irritrtble, - 41 Indolent, - .- 42 Burns and Scalds, 43 ib. 44 45 ib. 4 CONTENTS. vH PAGE 46 Varix, - - - ib. Aneurism, - - - ib. Marks, (Maternal,) - - 47 ib. 48 49 Rupture, .... - -" ib. White Swelling, - - 50 Dropsy op Joints, - - 51 Rickets, .... - - ib. Dislocations, - - • 52 Lower Jaw, - - 53 Neck, - - ib. Ribs, - - 54 Shoulder, - - 55 Elbow, - - 56 Wrist, - - ib. Fingers, - - ib. Hip, - - 57 Aukle, *. m - ib. Broken Bones, - ■ 58 Sprains, - - 61 Fever Sore, - - 62 Kino's Evil, or Scrophula, ■ - 63 Venereal Disease, - ' 64 Clap, - ■ ib. Chancre, - - 66 Bubo, - - ib. Gieet, - - 67 Scaled Head, - - ib. RiN;.-\yorm, - ■ 68 Pimpled Face, - - ib. viii CONTENTS. Inflamed Eyes, Wounds of Eyes, Sty, .... Urine Stopped, Flux, Gravel, PRACTICE. Introduction to Diseases, Fever, Simple Inflammatory, Ague, Remittent, Nervous, Typhus, Yellow, Inflammation of the Brain, Quinsey, Malignant Quinsey, Croup, Mumps, Pleurisy, Peripneumony, Stomach, Bowels, Liver, Kidney, Bladder, Rheumatism, Gout, - Ear, - Small Pox, CONTENTS. Cow Pock, Chicken Pox, Measles, Scarlet Fever, Nettle Rash, Thrush, or Canker, - Colds, - Influenza Consumption, Dysentery, Piles, Bleeding at the Nose, Lungs, Stomach, Apoplexy, Palsy, Nervous Affections, Night Mare, - Epilepsy, St. Vitus' Dance, Asthma, Whooping Cough, Water Brash, Colic, Cholera, Diarrhiea, Tympany, Dropsy, of the Chest, Head, Insanity, Jaundice, Scurvy, X CONTENTS. PAGE. Itch,.......124 Worms, - - - 124—189 SUSPENDED ANIMATION, Choke Damps, .Serial Poisons, Mineral Poisons, Mercury, Arsenic, Lead, Yerdigrise, Vegetable Poisons, Animal Poisons, Choking, - Falls, - Lightning, TREATMENT OF COMPLAINTS PECULIAR TO FEMALES, Monthly Period, - - - 134 Its first appearance, - ib. Deficiency, Suppression, - 135 Profuse discharge, - 136 Cessation, - - - ib. Whites, - - - - - 137 Hysteric Affections, - - - 138 INTRODUCTION TO MEDICINE. Emetics, - - - - - 138 Laxatives, - - - - 139 Opiates, ... - - ib. Sweating medicines, ... i5> Cordials, - - . - ib. Clysters, -- - - . - 140 125 127 ib. 129 ib. ib. - ib. 130 131 132 133 CONTENTS. Drinks, - Sick diet, FAMILY DISPENSATORY, Wf.ights and Measures, - Pills, ... Laxative, Hull's colic, Powders, - of the gums, Dover's sweating, Plasters, ... Sticking, or adhesive, Salves and Oint.mf.nts, Simple ointment, Ointment of White Hellebore, - Tar ointment, Sulphur ointment, Tinctures, or Elixirs, Elixir Pro. ... Tincture of Fetida, Elixir Solutis, - Tincture of Bark, Guiac. Laudanum, Elix. Paragorlc, Tincture of Rhubarb, Balsam Tolu, Sirups, of Ginger, Lemons, Mulberries, Raspberries, Blackberries, xii CONTENTS. PAGE. Liniments, - - - - 149 Volatile Liniment, ib. Camphorated oil, - - - - 150 Opodeldoc, - ib. INTRODUCTION TO AMERICAN REMEDIES. Collection and Preservation of Simples, 151 Preparations, - - - 152 Infusion, ----- ib. Decoction, ----- ib. Extracts, ----- ib. COMMON NAMES OF AMERICAN REMEDIES. Adder's Tongue, Violet, Allum Root, Alder, Black, Spotted, American Centaury, Ipecac, - Sanicle, Senna, Angelica Tree, Avens' Root, Balm of Gilead, (garden,) Tree, Balsam of Fir, Poplar, Baum, common, Lemon, Barberry, common, NO. 51 51 63 120 130 7 68 21 10 60 101 iik i 118 97 90 10 CONTENTS. Bayberry, Beech Drops, Bear's Whortleberry, Beaver Tree, Bee Lark-spur, Benjamin Tree, Birthwort, Black Cohosh, Snake Root, Blazing Star, - Blood Root, Blue Flag, common, Bone Set, Bowman's Root, (Beaumont's,) Boxwood, - Broom Rape, - Burdock, Buttercups, Butterfly weed, Butternut, Candle Berry, - -< Castor Oil Nut, Carolina Pink, Catmint, Catnip, Cat Gut, Celandine, Chamomile, stinking, Cherry, Wild, Cinquefoil, Clot-bur, Coakum, - Cock-up-Har, 2 XIV CONTENTS Cohosh, Colt's-foot-snake-root, Cat-tail, - Continental Tea, Cotton, Crane's Bill, - Crowfoot, Cucumber Tree, Culver Root, Cunicum, Daffy, Daffodil, Daisy, Dandelion, Devil's Bit, Devil's Guts, Dock, Broad leaved, Dog's Bane, Tooth Violet, - Wood, Downy Meadow Sweet, Duck's Foot, Elder, common, Mountain, Elecampane, Elk Bark, . Elm, Red or Slippery, Everlasting, Feather Few, or Fever Few, Fever-wort, Five-finger, Fir Balsam, Flea Bane, * CONTENTS. xv No. Flower-de-Luce, ... - 70 Flux-wort, - - - - - 50 Fr.'sera, - 55 Fringe Tree, - - - - • 30 Garget, - - - - - 112 Gentian, 58 Georgia Bark, - - - - 113 Ginseng, - - - - 110 Golden Rod, - - - - 143 Thread, ... - 41 Goose Grass, .... 56 Goat's Tree, - - - - 150 Green Briar, - - - - 148 Hellebore, - - - 154 Ground Pink, - - - - 140 Groundsil, ..... 139 Hard Hack, - - - - 145 Harvest-weed Root, - - - 17 Hellebore, green, - - - 154 Hemlock, (plant,) .... 38 Tree, - - * *1 Henbane, ... - - 72 Hercules' Club, .... 10 Herb Bennet, ... - 60 Hoarhound, .... 95 Hops, .... 70 Horse Radish, - - - - 35 Hungary Root, .... 9 Hur Bur, - - - - 12 Indian Hemp, .... 7 Pink, - - - - 144 Physic, - - - 61, 62, 91, 92 XYX CONTENTS. Indian Tobacco, Turnip, Indigo Weed, Ipecac, American, Jagged Orache, Jeffersonia, Jerusalem Oak, Juniper., common, Lady's Led-straw, Ltuk-?pur, Lemon Baum, [>c'a,;.°i, garden, Wild, Li'ly of the Valley, Liou's-foot-saake-root, Lobelia, Low Centaury, Red flowered, Yellow flowered, Lombardy Ptfplar, Mallows, common, Marsh, Mandrake, ... Marsh Rosemary, Masterwort, - May Apple, May weed, Mercury, Millefoil, Mint, common, Moon seed, Weed, Motherwort, Mountain Elder, CONTENTS. Mountain Laurel, Mint, Tea, New Jersey Tea, Night Shade, Oak of Jerusalem, Orache, Palma, Christi, Parsley Violet, Patridge Berry, Penny Royal, Petty Morel, Pusirnon, Peppermint, Pipsisiwa, Spotted, Pleurisy Root, Princes' Pine, Pride of India, Poison Oak, Poke Weed, Poplar, Balsam, Poppy, Prickly Ash, Pyramid Flower, Queen of the Meadow, Rag Weed, Rattlesnake's Master, Rattlesnake Root, . Red Elm, Root, Roman Wormwood, 2* xviii CONTENTS, Rose Bay Laurel, Damask, Red, Sanicle, Saffron, Sassafras, Sarsaparilla, Sea-side Grape, Scoke, Scull Cap, Senna, American, Seneca, Shot Bush, Shrub Yellow Root, Sipsisiwa, Skunk Cabbage, Slippery Elrn, Sneeze Weed, Soap-wort Gentian, Sorrel, (Wood, or Toad,) . Spearmint, . Spice Bush, Wood, . Spikenard, Spotted Alder, Spruce, ... Squaw Root, Star Grass, Wort, Staves Acre, Slinking Chamomile, Weed, . % CONTENTS. Hickory, Swamp Willow, Sassafras, Sweet Cicily, Fern, . . . Flag, Tansy, Thorn Apple, Thoroughwort, Toad Sorrel, Tobacco, common, Indian, Mandane, or Ricara, Tooth-ache Tree, . Trillium, Trumpet Weed, Tulip Tree, . Virginia Snake-root, Vervain, large blue flowered, . Uva Ursi, Unicorn, . • . Wake Robin, Water Avens, Fennel, Hemlock, Wax Myrtle, White Oak Bark, Root, Wood, Poplar, Wild Carrot, Cherry, Fennel, XX CONTENTS. No. Wild Gintian, . 152 Ginger, 16 Hyssop, . 20 Hoarhound, . 54 Iodigo, , . 114 Lettuce, . 56 Liquorice, 56 Majorum, • 107 Potatoe Vine, . 40 Willow, Swamp, Rose Puss, 131 Yellow, , •. « 132 Winter Green, . . 57 Berry , . 120 Wood Sorrel, 1 . • 109 Wormwood, common, . 14 Yarrow, . 2 Yaw-weed, . 147 Yellow Root, . 71 BOTANICAL NAMES, With the Page and Numbers of reference from the American Names. NO. page! 1. Abies Balsamifera, » 153 1* Abies Canadensis, 153 2. Achillea Millefolium, 153 3. Acorus Calamus, 153 4. Aletris Alba, 154 5. Ambrosia Elatior, 154 6. Anthemis Cotula, 154 7. Apocynum Androscemifolium, 154 8. Aralia Nudicaulis, 154 CONTENTS. xxi to. PAGE. 9. Aralia Racemosa, 155 10. Aralia Spinosa, . 155 11. Arbutus Uva Ursi, 155 12. Arctium Lappa, 155 13. Aristolochia Serpentaria, 156 14. Artemisia Absinthium, 156 13. Arum Triphillurn, 156 16. Asarurn Canadense, 156 17. Asclepias Tuberosa, . 156 ' 18.. Atriplex Laciniata, 157 19. Berberis Canadesis, 157 20. Brachystemum Linifoliipn, 157 21. Cassia Marilaudica, 157 22. Carthamus Tinctorious, 158 23. Ceonothus Americauus, 158 24. Cerasus Virginiana, 158 25. Chaerophyllum Clyatoni, 158 26. Cheledonium Majus, 158 27. Chenopodium Anthelmiuticum, and C . Bo- trys, . 159 28. Chimaphila Corymbosa, 159 29. Chimaphila Maculata, 159 30. Chioauthus Virginica, 159 31. Chrysanthemum Leucanthemum, .* 159 32. Cichorium IntyLns, 1(30 33. Cicuta Bulbifera, and C. Maculata, 160 34. Cimicifuga Serpentaria, 1G0 35. Cochlearia Armoracia, 160 36. Coccoloba Uvifera, 160 37. Compronia Asplnifolia, 161 38. Conium Maculatum, 161 39. Convaliaria.Majalis, 161 40. Convolvulus Panduratus, 161 41. Coplis Trifolia, 161 42. Cornus Florida, 162 44. Datura Tatula, or D. Stramonium, 162 46. Delphinium Consolida, 162 47. Delphinium Staphisagria, 162 48. Diospyros Virginiana, lb3 49. Eryngium Aquaticum, 163 50. Erigeron Canadense, . 1W xxii CONTENTS. No. 51. Erythronium Lanceolatum, 52. Eupatorium Perforatum, 53. Eupatorium Purpureum, 54. Eupatorium Teucrifolium, ^5. Frasera Verticiliata, 56. Galium Circcezans, 57. Gaultheria Procumbens, 58. Gentiana Ochrolenca, Gentinna Saponaria, 59. Geranium Maculatum, 60. Geum Rivale, 61. Giilenia Trifoliata, 62. Giilenia Stipulacea, 63. Gnaph tlium Araericanum, 64. Gossypium Herbaraceum, 65. Hedeoma Pulegioides, 66. Helenium Atumnale, 67. Helonias Dioica, 68. Heuchera Viscida, . 69. Hibiscus Palustris, 70. Humulus Lupulus, . 71. Hydrastis Canadensis, 72. Hyosciamus Niger, 73. Hypericum Parviflorum, 74. Imperatoria Ostruthium, 75. Inula Helenium, 76. Iris Versicolor, 77. Iris Virginica, 78. Jeffersonia Diphylla, 79. Juglans Cinerea, 80. Juniperus Communis, 81. Lactuca Elongata, 82. Lactuca Sativa, 83. Laurus Benzoin, 84. Laurus Sassafras, 85. Leontodon Taraxacum, 86. Leouurus Cardiaca, 87. Liatris Squarrosa, 88. Liriodendron Tulpifei'a, 89. Lobelia Inflata, 90. Magnolia Acuminata, CONTENTS. XXiii No. PAGE. 91. Magnolia Auriculata, 173 92. Cordata, 173 93. Glauca, 173 94. Malva Rotundifolia, 173 95. Marrubium Vulgare, . 174 96. Melissa Cordifolia, 174 97. Melissa Officinalis, 174 98. Melia Azedarach, 174 99. Mentha Piperita, 174 100. Mentha Viridis, 174 101. Mouarda Didyma, 175 102. Myrica Ceriera, 175 103. Narcissus Pseudo Narcissus, . 175 104. Nepeta Cataria 175 105. Nicotiana Quadrivalvis, 175 106. Nicotiana Tabaccum, 176 107. Origanum Vulgare, 176 108. Orobanche Virginiana, 176 109. Oxalis Stricta, r76 110. Panax Quinquefolium, 177 111. Papaver Somniferum, 177 112. Phytolacca Decandra, 177 113. Pinckneya Pubens, 178 114. Podalyria Tinctoria, 178 115. Podophyllum Peltatum, 178 116. Potentilla Simplex, 178 117. Polygala Senega, 178 118. Populus Balsamifera, 179 119. Prenantes Serpentaria, 179 120. Prinos Verticilatus, 179 121. Pyrethrum Parthenium, 179 122. Quercus Alba, 179 123. Ranunculus Acris 180 124. Rhododendron Maximum, . 180 125. Rhus Toxicodendron, . 180 126. Ricinus Communis, 180 127. Rosa Damascena, 181 128. Rosa Gallica, 181 129. Rumex Obtusifolius, . 181 130. Sabbatia Angularis, 181 131. Salix Eriocephala, . 181 XXIV CONTENTS. No. 132. SalixViticellina, . 133. Sambucus Canadensis, 134. Sambucus Pubens, . 135. Sanguinaria Canadensis, 136. Sanicula Marilandica, 137. Satureja Hortensis, 138. Scutellaria Integrifolia '139. Senecio Vulgaris, ■. 140. Smilax Glauca, 141. Smilax Rotundifolia, 142. Solanum Nigrum, 143. Solidago Odora, 144. Spigelia Marilndica, 145. Spiraea Tomentosa, 146. Staice Limonium, . 147. Stillingia Sylvatica, . 148. Symplocarpus Foetida, 149. Tanacetum Vulgare, . 150. Tephrosia Virginiana, 151. Trillium Erectum, 152. Triostium Perfoliatum, 153. Ulmus Fulva, 154. Veratrum Viride, 155. Verbena Hastata, 156. Viola Pedata, 157. Zauthoriza Apiifolia, . 158. Zanthoxylum Ramiflorum. THE HOUSE SURGEON AND PHYSICIAN. WOUNDS. A wound is a recent division of the soft parts of the body, suddenly occasioned by external causes. The degree of danger, attending any wound, de- pends very much on some of the following circum- stances. The extent of the injury ; the additional violence which the fibres of the part have suffered, be- sides their division, the nature of the nerves and blood vessels which happen to be cut; the nature of the wounded part in respect to its general power of healing kindly, or not; whether the operations of the system at large, and life itself can be well supported, or not, while the functions of the wounded part are disturbed, interrupted, or suspended by the accident; the age of the patient; the goodness or badness of the constitu- tion ; and the opportunities which there may be of receiving proper surgical aid and assistance of every kind. WOUNDS, Made by a sharp culling instrument. Need no description. Remove every extraneous substance from (lie wound ; clean it villi a soft sponge, or cloth, and warm water; dry the skin with a warm soft cloth ; bring the 3 26 WOUNDS. sides neatly and closely together with straps of adhe- sive plaster ; the straps should be an inch wide, and extend across the wound far enough to secure it from gaping. The number of straps should be in proportion to the extent of the wound, and the width of a wheat- corn between them, to allow the escape of any fluid which may run from the wound. Over the straps should be placed a cushion of soft lint, and over the whole a bandage drawn agreeably tight, and making equal pressure. Under this dressing, a clean cut wound may be ex- pected to heal without the formation of matter, i. e. without suppuration ; and this is what surgeons call, union by the first intention. A cooling diet and regimen should be observed; and every kind of motion and dis- turbance of the part avoided. The rest is the work of nature. This dressing should not be removed till the third or fourth day, or longer. If pain and heat are felt in the wound, wet the dressing with spirit and water, or mineral water, frequently. All this may be performed by any ingenious person, provided the bleeding from the wound ceases after the proper cleansing, and this is commonly the case, un- less a large blood vessel is cut. When an artery is cut, the blood is of a bright scarlet colour, and gushes from the bleeding ves;-cl in je(, with great force. When a vein is cut the blood runs in an even unbro- ken stream, of a d;.rk purple red colour. Stopping of Bleeding. Pressure is the best n;can of stopping blood. If 1;u* wound be small, pressure of the thumb or palm of the LACERATED WOUNDS. 27 band, resting most on the side next the heart if an artery is bleeding, and the opposite side if a vein, is commonly sufficient while the dressings are preparing. Should a large vessel continue to throw out blood, so £is to endanger life ; throw into the wound a handful of lint, or a rolled bandage, or a sponge; round it tie your neck-cloth or handkerchief, loop in a stick, and twist till the blood is effectually stopped. Send for an experienced surgeon. LACERATED WOUNDS. A lacerated wound is made by violently tearing the parts asunder; the edges of this kind of wound are unequal and jagged. But little blood issues from a lascerated wound, even though a large blood vessel is parted. Whole limbs have been torn from the body, without the occurrence of bleeding; but we know that a great wound with little bleeding, was made with great violence. Treatment.—Clean the wound as directed for sim- ple culs ; restore the parts as near as may be to their natural position. Apply warm emollient poultices and fomentations. Should sloughing, i. e. dying and cleav- ing out of the wounded parts ensue; the treatment laid down for mortifications is proper. Opium should be taken to allay the pain and irritation. When the lacera- tion is but. slight, an union by the first intention, as in cuts, may sometimes be eflected ; at least the attempt should be made, if upon trial it fail, no harm is done, and we can still resort to the poultices and fomenta- tions. >3 PUNCTURED WOUNDS. CONTUSED WOUM'5, Made ly the stroke of a blunt instrument against any part of the body ; the skin remaining unbroken ; and black and blue spots appear on the bruised part. Treatment.—Slight bruises require only to be cov- ered with linen wet with vinegar and water, brandy, alum wr.ter, or mineral water made thus : R. No. 1. Take of Sugar of Lead, one draclun. Soft water, half a pint. Yinegarand Spirit, of each. Half a gill. Mix. or, R. No. 2. Sal ammoniac, half an ounce. Spirit and vinegar, each a pint. Mix, The bruised part should be kept quiet, with tb< inus- cels relaxed. A dose of salts needs sometimes to be siven. When however the contusion is greater, bleed- ing and saline purgatives are proper. Equal parts of vinegar and water, or hartshorn and vinegar and water, form an excellent wash. When the inflammation has a little abated, use No. 2, or 3. R. No. 3. Spirit of hartshorn, one part. Sweet oil, or fresh butter, two parts. Mix. and shake in a phial—this is called volatile liniment. Sometimes a little laudanum or camphor is added where there i3 tenderness of the part to which it i-j applied. Gentle pressure from a bandage should not be omitted. When a contusion absolutely kills the skin or flesh, treat it as is directed for lacerated wounds. PUNCTURED WOUNDS, Made by a sharp pointed instrument- as by a dagger, bayonet, scissors, ac Punctured wounds are not only dangerous on ac- count of their depth, injury of blood vessels, nerves, POISONED WOUNDS. 29 or vital parts; they also frequently give rise to exten- sive inflammation. Immense agitation of the nervous system, even to locked-jaw, follows the infliction of a punctured wound. Treatment.—Punctured wounds are not apt to heal, but form deep seated ulcers. But as no man can tell whether such wounds will heal or not, and as no harm can result from the attempt to unite them by the first intention; the orifice should be closed with straps of adhesive plaster, and gentle compression appli- ed along the whole course of the wound. Perfect quiet- ude is to be observed. When the pain is severe, opi- um is to be administered. Sometimes under this treat- ment the wound speedily unites by the first intention. More frequently however, in cases of deep stabs, the pain is intolerable, and the inflammation runs so high, as to leave no hope of avoiding suppuration. In this condition an emollient poultice is the best application. When matter is formed, the treatment must conform to the principles laid down under the head of suppura- tion, which see. POISONED WOUNDS. Bees, wasps, hornets, and other insects of this coun- try produce by their sting, a great deal of pain, red- ness, swelling and heat in the part affected. Treatment.—Lemon juice, vinegar, No. 1, cold water, oil, and hartshorn, are the principal local appli- cations. When the patient has been stung in many places, bleeding, salts, and spare diet ought to be observed. 3* 30 BITE OF THE RED ADDER. bite ok the viper. The poison of the viper is lodged in a little sack at the roots of the fangs in its upper jaw, and is pressed out when it bites. In about twelve o* fifteen hours, an acute pain and burning is felt in the wounded part. Swelling, heat, tension and pain spread from the wound, over the limb, and sometimes over the whole body; dejection of spirits, small weak pulse, head-ache, nau- sea and vomiting, a fixed pain in the breast, yellow tinge of the skin, cold sweat, convulsions, and some- times death. Treatment.—The wound should be immediately cut or burnt out; let the patient take ten drops of spirits of hartshorn every hour, opium, musk and cam- phor may be given advantageously. bite of the rattlesnake, Produces nausea, a full, strong, agitated pulse, the whole body swells, the eyes are suffused with blood ; sometimes bloody sweat; bleeding from the nose, eyes, and ears; the teeth chatter, interrupted groans. Treatment.—Local treatment same as for the bite of the viper. A poultice of quick lime, with oil and honey, is said to have been used effectually ; the fresh juice of plantain is by some considered an antidote. The firing of gun powder on the part. See several articles among the American remedies. bite of the red adder. Symptoms same though less distressing than of the rattle snake, and the treatment the same. See Ameri- can Remedies, No. 135. BITH OF MAD ANIMALS, 51 BITE OF MAD ANIMALS. Of all the poisoned wounds that happen in this country, the bite of a mad animal is the most danger- ous. The hydrophobic poison resides in the saliva of the rabid animal, therefore when a person is bitten through a boot or clothing, the danger is much dimin- ished. A considerable time elapses between the bite and the attack of hydrophobia. And the disease may be prevented, out is seldom cured after the symptoms appear. Symptoms of hydrophobia.—Melancholy stage; a dull heavy pain and swelling about the wounded part although it may have healed; a numbness proceeding Up the limb. The patient becomes anxious and gloomy, sleeps unsoundly and loves solitude. Raving stage; horror of water, even the sight or bare mention of it occasions disgust; every attempt to swallow liquids produces intolerable suffocation and convulsions. The patient is unable to swallow his own saliva, and throws it out, yet swallows dry things with- out the least difficulty. Excruciating pain gradually extending to the midriff. Convdsions and pain of the muscles continually augment; the countenance is full of horror, the eyes mad and furious. Still the patient retains his senses to the last. Treatment.—In every case where there are strong suspicions that the bite is inflicted by a mad animal, common prudence dictates a complete removal of the wounded parts by a knife. No man of conscience or discernment, would neglect to urge in strong terms the use of the knife. Wine, camphor, opium, hartshorn, night shade, sea bathing, mercurial frictions. 32 LOCKJAW. After the attack, opium in conjunction with the above remedies, and in large do0es as in locked-jaw, may smooth the road to death, but is never perhaps effica- cious enough to restore to health. In this disease, as well as in many others, the intru- sions of company is distressing to the patient; in all such cases, the patient's quiet should not be sacrificed to impertinent curiosity, nor to ill timed obsequious- ness, nor yet to the officious teasings of old women, either in or out of the practice of medicine. LOCK-JAW. Sometimes this disease arises without any previous injury, more especially in warm climates, and near the sea. Robust, vigorous, middle-aged men are more lia- ble than others. In the majority of cases, lock-jaw comes in conse- quence of stabs and punctures in tendinous parts, and about the fingers and toes, and this frequently when the wound heals kindly. Symptoms.—The muscles of the lower jaw become contracted and hard; at length the patient cannot open the mouth at all. A difficulty of swallowing succeeds, resembling hydrophobia. The muscles of the neck and back, and indeed of the whole body, become suc- cessively affected with violent spasms. The symptoms are sometimes rapid, at others slow in their progress. If the patient survives the fourth day, there is a chance of his recovery. The symptoms never recede but by slow degrees. INFLAMMATION. 33 Treatment.—The symptoms of lock-jaw are spas- modic, and opium in large doses is the principal reme- dy ; at least two grains every two hour3. If the symp- toms abate, the opium should not be suddenly relin- quished. Half an ounce of laudanum in a glyster, has sometimes checked the progress of the disease. Opiate frictions on the cheeks, temples, neck and back, have been of service. When the prespiratiou seems check- ed, the warm bath, camphor, hartshorn, and antimonial wine. When there is debility, a liberal use of bark, wine, and cold bathing; but opium is still the grand remedy. Fowler's Solution has done wonders in this disease but should never be given but by able practitioners. INFLAMMATION. Character.—Increased heat and redness, swelling, pain and teiision. Two Species. I. Phlegmonous, the swelling forms a cake well de- fined. II. Erysipelas, which see. Symptoms of species i. or healthy inflamma- tion.—Itching and dryness of the part, shortly suc- ceeded by increased heat, and circumscribed swelling; redness and increased circulation of the blood; shoot- ing and throbbing pains. If the inflammation runs high and be of considera- ble extent, an increased action of the heart and arte- ries takes place; the pulse becomes full, strong and hard, somewhat quickened: the skin is dry and hot, S4 INFLAMMATION. great thirst arises, the tongue is white; the urine is high coloured, and the blood when drawn from a vein, shows a glutinous buff coloured scum on its surface. This is sympathetic or inflammatory fever. Causes.—Cold, wounds, compression; or any thing which irritates the part. Favourable symptoms.—Absence of the above described fever; the swelling becoming more circum- scribed, pointing out and soft in the centre. Unfavourable symptoms.—Violent fever with de- lirium, sinking of the pulse; blisters forming which discharge a thin ichorous matter; the part becoming of a livid colour, and losing its sensibility. See Morti- fication. Treatment.—Remove the cause if it continue to operate, apply leeches, lay upon the part cloths kept constantly wet with mineral water No. 1, or, R. No. 4 White vitriol one drachm, Soft water one pint. Mix. Saline purges of Epsom or Glaub. salts, or sulphur and cream tartar. If the symptoms run high, bleed and give sweating medicines, antimonial wine, &c. Warm emollient poultices if it will suppurate. Poul- tices should never be suffered to get cold or dry, but be often renewed. See Suppuration. The generality of cases of inflammation undoubt- edly receive most relief from the use of cold astringent lotions; but there are constitutions, and parts which derive most service from the application of warm emol- lient remedies. The eyes, and parts about the face, and the private parts, when labouring under acute in- flammation, also boils, carbuncles, gunshot wounds, and swellings which rise in the course of fevers, more fre- ERYSIPELAS. 35 quently require emollients as fomentations and poul- tices, though not always, and the greatest surgeons are frequently compelled to change their applications, and it would be folly here to give precise rules ; the patient's feelings should be consulted. Hence in all cases in which the first kind of topical applications seem not to produce the wonted degree of relief, let the second sort be tried. From the opportunity of comparison, a right judgment may then be easily formed. Foment- ations are only temporary applications, while emollient poultices must be permanent ones. Fomentations are best made of infusion or decoction of bitter herbs, hops, tansy, poppies, lettuce ; and for a poultice, stir flax seed meal into the liquid part of the fomentation till a proper consistence is obtained. ERYSIPELAS. Character.—The swelling diffused, of a bright scarlet colour tinged with yellow, not very prominent. Erysipelas is prone to spread rapidly to a great extent; the swelling is neither so hard, so elevated, nor so prom- inent as that of common inflammation ; when pressed with the finger the colour leaves the skin, but soon re- turns. The pain is of a burning itching kind. Some- times this disease in its course changes its seat entirely, leaving one part for another. Frequently little blis- ters arise, (called St. Anthony's fire,) not dangerous if other symptoms are mild. Favour-vble symptoms.—Absence of fever, or if present, assuming the inflammatory form, bright red colour, strength little diminished. 36 ERYSIPELAS. Unfavourable.—Appearing in the face, colour of a dark red, or brown, or livid, inflammation rapidly extending, pulse small, hard, rapid, brown tongue, stu- por, delirium, flabby swelling, livid blisters. Termination.—As the disease gets well, the skin peels off in branny scales ; this is to be wished. Sup- puration is to be dreaded, and mortification still more. Causes.—This form of disease is apt to take the place of healthy inflammation, in weak irritable habits, and in worn out constitutions. Treatment.—If the fever be inflammatory, and the swelling hard, wash the part with mineral water No. 1. If blisters arise, or the skin is livid, use flour or starch sifted in cotton. Never apply a poultice in Erysipelas. In severe Erysipelas, evacuations are indispen?-* ble; for it is usually connected with derangement of the Miliary secretions. Cream tartar, Glaub. salts, senna, manna, calomel. If the patient have a foul tongue, a bitter taste in the mouth, and a propensity to vomit, an emetic is proper. After full evacuations, and the pulse becomes soft, or there is a change to a purple co- lour; bark, wine, and nourishing diet are necessary. When Erysipelas spreads from a wound, local appli- cations are necessary, and their use should be regula- ted by the rules laid down in common inflammation; the warm emollients commonly do best, not always; weak warm mineral water is often an excellent appli- cation, or spirit and water, with the part covered or not, as feels best arU. If a hardness remain after opening, a poultice may be applied, lint being first placed in the orifice to prevent the growth of proud flesh; as soon as the cake disappears the poultice should be discontinued, and the abscess treat- id ;>s a common ulcer. See Ulcers. i 38 MORTD7ICATION. MORTIFICATION. Symptoms.—If it supervene on inflammation, an excessive, acute and constant pain, great anxiety, often delirium, followed by a sudden cessation of all inflamma- tory symptoms. The part before tense now becomes flaccid, of a livid colour, losing its heat and sensibility. Blisters are formed, under which appear brown spots. The parts soon become black, and acquire a fetid smell. If the event prove favourable, the mortified portion is completely surrounded by a white line, about which pus (matter) is formed. The dead part now loosens and sloughs out, leaving a suppurating ulcer. If, on the contrary, the termination be fatal, the morti- fication rapidly extends, great constitutional irritation arises; the pulse becomes small, rapid and irregular; there is a fixed flush on the countenance, with great anxiety and prostration of strength, and death soon ensues. Mortification is sometimes "produced without previous inflammation, by blood vessels choaked by pressure, long continued cold, long continued pressure, violent bruises, &c. Treatment.—Liberal use of bark, wine, nourishing diet, opium and cordials. Local applications.—Fomentations of oak bark, spirit of turpentine, or wash the part with No. 2, or a wash of nitric acid, one drachm, water one pint. Fer- menting poultice made with yeast and oatmeal or bran ; Gommon bread and milk poultice, with powdered char- coal in it. After the sloughing, or separation of the dead parts, treat it as an ulcer. See Ulcers. In (he mortification of the toes and feet of old people, CARBUNCLE. 39 nothing is of service but opium, bark and wine. This disease begins at the ends of the toes, first a blister rises, from which mortification spreads up the limb. BOIL. A circumscribed, very prominent, hard, deep red, pain- ful inflammatory swelling; not exceeding in general the size of a pigeon's egg; seldom attended with fever. Treytment.—Gentle purgatives of salts, cream tartar, and suphur. Local applications of diachylon plaster, paste of flour and molasses, or yolk of an egg with flour. Emollient poultices ; if there is much pain, add to the poultices decoction of poppy heads, lettuce, hen bane, &c. If the boil is tardy in bursting it may be opened with a lancet or knife, but so freely that the oore may escape. Be careful to distinguish this from a carbuncle soon to be described. CARBUNCLE. A carbuncle, is a malignant kind of boil. Sometimes they are as large as a plate; a number of small openings appear on its surface, discharging a yellow, greenish bloody irritating matter. Large sloughing and sometimes mortification takes place. Carbuncles are sometimes symptoms of plague and ma- lignant fevers. Treatment.—A free opening should be made in every carbuncle. An emollient poultice should then be applied, the matter and sloughs will then escape and make room for a healthy suppuration. 40 ULCERS. ■ Treatment.—An emetic or cathartic to clear the stomach and bowels, bark camphor, cordials, tonic reme- dies, with wine and nourishing diet. Opium to relieve pain and irritation. After the sloughing has taken place, and the carbuncle has become an ulcer, treat it as is laid down for ulcers. Note. It will be seen that boil and carbuncle require opposite general treatment, viz. For a boil a spare diet and cool regimen. For a carbuncle, full diet and cordials, LLCERS. Ulcers commonly appear as sequels to other diseases, ns, external injuries, inflammation, suppuration, mortifi- cations, &c. When an ulcer is of a recent nature it should be heal- ed as quick as possible. But when an ^lcer has been of long standing or has become habitual, especially in an old person, a surgeon should be consulted, or a blister should be applied and kept open, healing by degrees for some time as a substitute for the drain of the old ulcer. Many have fallen martyrs to their neglect of this pre- caution; particularly old men who have suddeuly cured their sore legs, and children who have been cured of ul- cers about the head. Ulcers are cither healthy or vitiated. The matter in healthy ulcers, is white, thick, and does not stick to the surface. The granulations, (growth of new flesh,) are small, florid, and pointed at top, rising no higher than the surrounding flesh ; a smooth film begins to form from the skin at the edges which spreads over the whole: this is the new skin which is to complete the cure. IRRITABLE ULCERS. 41 An ulcer answering this description is in a healthy healing state. The dressing should be soft lint or mild ointment of lard and bees wax, or No. 5. Avoiding all sources of irritation, by observing perfect rest. Filling the ulcer with soft lint, and applying over it a plaster of the simple ointment; the lint to absorb the matter as it forms, and the plaster to prevent evaporation, (which makes the dressing stick to, and wound the surface,) is a good way of dressing. No. 5. If over this we wind a bandage, which make3 gentle and equal pressure, the rest may be left to nature. Only renewing the dressing daily and cleansing the ulcer tho- roughly with warm water and castile soap. See Amer- ican Remedies, No. 9, 68, 84,108, 118, 128. Foul or ill conditioned ulcers, must become healthy before they can heal, and may be divided into Irritable and Indolent. IRRITABLE ULCERS. The Irritable Ulcer, has an undermined jagged edge, the bottom has unequal lumps and hollows, a thin gleety dis- charge, the surface when touched is painful and Dleeds. Treatment.—Steam of warm water, fomentations of decoctions of poppy heads, night and morning. Extract of hemlock and hen bane dissolved in warm water.— Emollient poultices of flax seed, under the poultice lay a piece of lint or cloth, dipped in opium water, made by dissolving one drachm of opium in three gills of water. Carrots boiled and beat to a pulp applied a3 a poultice. A change of dressings is indispensable. Bandaging is pernicious in irritable ulcers. As soon as this or any 4 * 42 INDOLENT ULCERS. other ill conditioned ulcer assumes a healthy appearance, treat as directed under healthy ulcers. See American Remedies, No. 134, 142. INDOLENT ULCERS. The edges of this kind of ulcer are thick, prominent, smooth and rounded; the bottom smooth and glossy, covered with a thin, transparent, glairy fluid ; or a tough, thick, white matter, which can hardly be rubbed off.— Sometimes these ulcers turn livid, not unfrequently a slouging takes place. Treatment.—Internally, bark, iron, wine, and gene- rous diet. Local applications.—Red precipitate sprinkled on, over which place lint or simple salve and a tight band- age. Night and morning bathe with decoctions of oak bark or walnut leaves, or immerse in quick ley. But all applications must give place to Mr. Baynton's new method of treating indolent or habitual ulcers, which consist in applying slips of adhesive plaster round the limb, so as to cover the sore and at least an inch above and below the ulcer. The straps should be three or four inches wide and drawn tight. The parts are to be cov- ered with compresses or soft cloth, and the limb rolled in hum bandages. The dressings are to be wet with cold spring water, which helps to remove the dressings, and keeps off inflammation. With this dressing the patient may walk about and attend to his business. In this way, the scar is much less, and the ulcer less likely to break out again. FROST. 43 BURNS AND SCALDS. Instantly plunge the part in cold water. If the parts are not blistered, wrap in cotton bats, or wash in alum whey, or vinegar. The new practice is, to bathe the part in rectified spir- it of wine, or camphorated spirit; then apply a plaster of yellow basilicum softened with spirit of turpentine to remain twenty-four hours, then renewed with as little ex- posure to the air as possible. If fungus (proud flesh) arise, sprinkle with powdered chalk. Give internally opium to allay pain and irritation. If the part is abso- lutely destroyed, apply an emollient poultice till i< sloughs. See Mortification. Yellow basilicum ointment. R. No. 5. Take of yellow wax, White resin, Frankincence, of each £lb. Mix. melt over a gentle fire, then add lard one pound; strain the ointment while warm. This ointment is the best dressing for all healthy ulcers. Stramonium ointment, made of the juice of the plant in the common way, has justly been celebrated ; an oint- ment made from indigo weed, is also much used by the judicious country people. See Thorn Apple and Wild Indigo. FROST. [n order to thaw frozen limbs, they should be rubbed in snow, or water with ice in it, until sensibility and uiotioii leturns ; taking care not to break slender parts. 44 CmLBLAINS. as the ear, fingers, &c. As soon as feeling and motion return, the friction is to be continued with brandy, oil of amber, tinct. myrrh, or camphorated spirit. Put the patient to bed in a chamber with a fire in it; give mul- led wine, and in this situation let him remain till a per- spiration appears, and a perfect recovery of sensibility takes place. Sudden exposure to heat, occasions inflammations, mor- tification and loss of life or limb. If this has been im- prudently done, still try the above plan, and save what you can. If inflammation or mortification has already ta- ken place; see the proper treatment under those heads. If ulceration succeeds, the ulcers are commonly of the irritable kind. See Ulcers. If the whole body is frozen, treat as above directed. If signs of life appear, apply strong volatiles to the nose, blow into the lungs. Never use tobacco injections in any case of suspended animation. CHILBLAINS. Chilblains are red tumors commonly about the heels, occasioned by suddenly exposing a cold part to the fire; or, a heated part to intense cold. They are accompanied with intolerable heat, itching, pain, and soreness ; after a while they burst and form ulcers, slow to heal, sometimes turn black and mortify. Treatment.—When they first appear, immerse the part three times a day in ice cold water, after which dry them well and cover with socks. If they inflame, use mineral water, camphorated spirit, alum-water, spirit of turpentine, balsam of capivy. If they ulcerate, warm vinegar, lime-water, quick-ley, CORNS. 45 salve No. 4. with red precipitate rubbed into it. Touch with lunar caustic. WARTS. Warts need no description. Spirits of hartshorn; tinct. cantharides, are good applications. The warts should be moistened with one or the other every day. Lunar caustic moistened and rubbed on the wart. A strong decoction of oak bark used as a wash, and often repeated, will most certainly cure warts if perseve- red in. Large warts should be cut out unless cured with oak bark, as the irritating applications are apt to make fun- gus flesh shoot out of them. See American Remedies No. 26. CORNS. Corns are common!}7 brought on by tight shoes and boots, and will be relieved by wearing loose ones. Eight or twelve pieces of linen smeared with soft salve, having a hole cut in the middle fitting the com, and laid over each other so that the corn may not touch the shoe or blocking, this applied for several weeks, the corn com- monly disappears. Take of yellow wax, gum ammoniac, of each two ounces, verdigrise, six drams, make a plaster and apply to the corn. If the "torn do not disappear in a fortnight, apply another piaster. Some cure corns by rubbing them repeatedly with lunar caustic. Others by laying on t 46 ANEURISM. little blister, larger than the corn, which will commonly raise the corn with the plaster so that it drops from its bed. WEAKENED, OR WEEPING SINEW. Ganglion. A ganglion is a small hard tumor, composed of a lit- tle sac, and containing a fluid resembling the white of an egg. 'Tis usually moveable beneath the skin; its growth is slow, seldom larger than a hazlenut. Its figure is com- monly smooth, even and round ; it seldom inflames, rarely suppurates, but when it does it forms an ill condi- tioned ulcer. They are usually the consequence of sprains or brui- ses ; they adhere by a slender neck to a tendon. Treatment.—Binding a piece of lead on a ganglion with a bandage is a good method of dispersing them. Oil origan, or hartshorn may be rubbed on the weeping sinew. They may be cut out by a surgeon. VARIX. An enlarged vein. These are most apt to appear in the legs. Slight affections of this kind may be cured by rolling a bandage neatly from the toes to the knee, so as to produce equal pressure, and it should be moistened with cold water, snow, brandy, alum in vinegar. ANEURISM. Enlarged artery. This tumor throbs and keeps time with the pulse or beating of the heart. If they burst or CANCER. 47 are wounded, death instantly follows. A patient on per- ceiving one, should immediately consult an experienced surgeon, that the disease may be removed by an opera- tion, or directions obtained, that may prevent accident. MARKS. The marks on infants, are, either a varix or an an- eurism, more frequently the former. Pressure, as directed for ganglion or weeping sinew, will commonly cure them if applied in season. CANCER. Puckering of the skin, lead colour, feeling knotted and uneven, darting pains; the skin adhering to the parts be- neath, distinguish a cancer before ulceration. Before the tumor has arrived to a very large size, it commonly ulcerates, throwing out some sloughs and a mixture of matter; leaving a large chasm, the bottom of which is uneven and ragged ; the edges thick, hard, jagged and painful. The ulcer sometimes spreads rapid- ly, with alarming bleedings and great debility. At other times the ulcer seems to be healing for a while, but the new flesh shoots out fungus, and bleeding lumps which cannot be controled. At length other parts are affected; cough and difficuly of breathing come on, and death is welcomed to the sufferer. Treatment.—Pressure and equal temperature by means of a piece of rabit's skin with the fur inside. Ci- cuta and night shade applied to the tumor have some- 48 WHITLOW. times relieved. Mercury and gum ammoniac are too irritating and dangerous. The knife in good hands is the safest, best, and should be the only remedy. Preparations of lead, arsenic, iron, barytes, and mercury may be useful by medical prescrip- tion. Carrot and fermenting poultices. WHITLOW. A painful inflammatory affection on the finger, at or uear the end. There are four kinds distinguished by their depths io the parts of the finger. I. Seated immediately under the Scarfskin, called a run round. It may be for some time immersed in warm water, or a soft fomentation, repeated till it suppurates. when it may be opened with a lancet or scissors. II. Seated under the true skin more painful than the first, but requiring the same treatment. III. Seated under the muscles. IV. Seated on the bone. The two last species of whitlow, should be treated with nothing but a surgeon's knife, and followed by a lit- tle lint and spirit and water, or perhaps a little laudanun. The operation should be performed as soon as the second or third day. Any thing else w ill expose, to the loss of bones, if not of limb, at least a dreadful disease. See American Remedies, No. 45, 148. RUPTURE. 4*> WEN. The swellings popularly called wens, consist of a sac, filled sometimes with a fluid, at others a hard sub- stance, most commonly with fat. The most successful applications for dispersing this kind of tumor, are such as contain common salt, sal am- moniac, &c. The best practice is the operation by which the wen is cut out, but this must be done by a i'lrgeon. RUPTURE. This disease is the protruding of a bowel through the^ sides of the belly, and lifting the skin and fat over it. li is not in consequence of laceration or tearing, but the opening is in consequence of the relaxation of the parts, and straining. The bowels are not held in place by a strong sac or bag ; for the strong sides of the belly are made by a strong overlapping of the muscles which bend the body forward and sideways; not very much unlike the layers of green leaves which compose the child's bask- et for summer small fruit. In violent straining the edges of the muscles which overlap, give way from each other, and the bowel escapes through the interstice, carrying the lining of the belly with it. Treatment.—When ruptures can be reduced by the hand, it ought always to be done; and the patient should always retain the parts in place by a bandage or truss. Persons who cannot keep up a rupture, should support it by a bandage, and carefully avoid pressure and bruises. Also avoid costiveness or any irregularit}^. 50 WHITE SWELLING. If heat, pain, or inflammation come on, apply cloths dip- ped in cold water, or filled with snow ; use injections, while you send for a surgeon. WHITE SWELLING. The large joints, such as the knee, ancle, and elhow, are most liable to attacks of this malady. In the first stage of this disease, the skin is not at all altered in colour. In most cases the tumor is trivial, al- though the pain is severe and felt commonly at one point of the articulation. The swelling atjirst occupies the little hollows of the joints, but soon becomes general. The patient soon only touches the ground with the tip of his toes, and the limb becomes stiff and crooked. These are the appearances in the first stage. At length the diseased joint appears of an enormous size, the skin not much altered but smooth and shining, with a few red veins running over it. Soon openings appear and discharges from them ; sometimes these heal, but soon break out again. The health fails, and hectic fever comes on. Treatment.—A continual discharge is to be kept up by blisters from the part, first from one side, then the oth- er, or issues may be used, however they are thought not so good. The common blistering salve may be used ; or bruised roots of the ranunculus, vulgarly called but- ter-cups, (see American Remedies,) will do equally well, and some think better. All other means are totally unequal to the cure of this formidable disease, and no time should be lost. The treatment for this disease here laid down is designed for RICKETS. 51 Ihe first stage only. After openings appear life should be saved by loss of limb. DROPSY OF THE KNEE JOINT. Dropsy of the knee joint, is known by a swelling of the part, in which pressure on the knee pan swells out the hollows of the joint. Blistering, as directed for white swelling, bandaging, moderate exercise, frictions, with flannel and vinegar, or a perpetual blister, as for white swelling, mercurial pur- ges. Bandaging the joint often. Blisters are good. Has been considered not difficult of cure. RICKETS. Character.—Large head, prominent forehead, protru- ded breast bone, flattened ribs, big belly, emaciated limbs, great debility. Weakly children are most subject to this disease. The bones become soft, so that they will not bear the weight of the body without bending ; and even the muscles draw the body out of shape. Treatment—Nourishing food, wine, bark, country air, cold sea bathing. R. No. 6. Rhubarb, }oz. Iron filings, \oz. Loaf sugar, loz. grind to a fine powder, take it every day at 11 o'clock, so as not to purge.—Above all, pure air and exercise. DISLOCATIONS. DISLOCATIONS. When a bone is moved out of its place or articulation, so as to impede its proper functions, it is said to be dislo- cated, or out of joint. As this often happens to persons in situations where no surgical assistance can be obtained, so that loss of limbs, and even life, may be the conse- quence of such accidents. We shall endeavour here to point out the method of setting or reducing the most com- mon dislocations which require immediate assistance. Any person of common sense and resolution, who is pres- ent when a dislocation happens, may often be of more service to the patient than the most expert surgeon can, after the inflammation and swelling have come on. When these are present, it is difficult to know the state of the joint and dangerous to attempt a reduction; and by wait- ing till they are gone off, the muscles become so relaxed, and the cavities so filled up, that the bone can never be retained in its place. A recent dislocation may generally be reduced by ex- tension alone, which must always be greater or less ac- cording to the strength of the muscles which move the joint, the age, robustness, and other circumstances of the patient. When the bone has been out of its place for any length of time, and a swelling and inflammation has come on, it will be necessary to bleed the patient, and after fomenting the part, to apply soft poultices with vin- egar to it before the reduction is attempted. After reduction all that is necessary, is to apply cloths dipped in vinegar or camphorated spirit, an.! to keep it perfectly easy. Many bad cousequences follow the neg lect of this rule. DISLOCATION OF THE NECK. 53 DISLOCATION OF THE LOWER JAW. The lower jaw may be dislocated by yawning, blows, falls, chewing hard substances, and the like. It is easily known by the patient's inability to shut his mouth, or to eat any thing, as the teeth of the under jaw do not cor- respond to those of ihe upper; besides, the chin is either thrown down or toward one side, and the patient is nei- ther able to speak distinctly, nor to swallow without con? siderable difficulty. This dislocation is commonly reduced thus : Set the patient on a low stool, so that an assistant may hold the head firm by pressing it against his breast. The opera- tor is then to thrust his thumbs (being first secured by wrapping them in leather or linen cloth, that they may not slip,) as far back into the patient's mouth as he can, while his fingers are applied to the jaw externally. Af- ter he has got firm hold of the jaw, he is to press it firm- ly downwards and backwards, by which means the elap- sed heads of the jaw may be easily pushed into the former sockets. DISLOCATION OF THE NECK. The neck may be dislocated by falls, violent blows, or the like. In this case if the patient receives no as- sistance, he soon dies, which makes the people believe that his neck was broken. It is however for the most part, only partially dislocated, and may be reduced by any resolute person. When the neck is dislocated, the person is deprived of all sense and motion, his neck swells, his countenance 5* $4 DISLOCATION OF THE RIBS. appears bloated, his chin lies upon his breast, and his face is generally turned to one side. To reduce this dislocation, the unhappy sufferer should be immediately laid upon his back on the ground, and the operator must place himself behind him so as to be able to lay hold of his head with both hands, while he makes resistance by placing his knees against the patient's shoulders. In this posture he must pull the head with considerable force, gently twisting it at the same time, if the face be turned to one side, till he perceives that the joints are replaced, which may be generally known by the noise which the bones make when slipping in, the patient's beginning to breathe, and the head continuing in its natural posture. This is one of those operations which it is more easy to perforin than describe. Women have happily performed it. After the the neck is reduced, the patient should be bled, and keep himself quiet for some days till the parts have recovered their tone. DISLOCATION OF THE RIBS. , The ribs are strongly articulated to the back bone, and a dislocation seldom occurs. It does however sometimes happen. When the ribs are dislocated upwards or dowrnwards, in order to replace them, the patient should be laid upon his belly on a table, and the operator must endeavour to push the bone into its proper place. Should this method not succeed, the arm of the disordered side may be sus- pended over a gate or ladder, and while the ribs are thus stretched asunder, the bones may be thrust into their sockets. DISLOCATION OF THE SHOULDER. 55 A bandage should be roiled round the chest, so that it may make gentle and equal pressure, and worn for some time. DISLOCATION OF THE SHOULDER. A dislocation of the upper bone of the arm, more frequently downwards, sometimes upwards. From the nature of the articulation as well as from its exposed po- sition upon the body, this bone is more subject to dislo- cation, than any bone in the body. A dislocation of this bone may be known by a depression or cavity on the top of the shoulder, and an inability to move the arm; when the dislocation is downward or forward, the arm is elongated and a hd\l or lump is perceived under the arm- pii; but when it is backward, there appears a protube- rance behind the shoulder, and the arm is thrown forward towards the breast. The usual method of reducing dislocations of the shoulder is to seat the patient on a low stool, and to cause an assistant to hold his body so that it may not give way to the extension, while another lays hold of the arm a little above the elbow, and gradually extends it. The operator then puts a napkin under the patient's arm, and causes it to be tied round his own neck; by this, during the extension, he lifts up the bone into its place. This is the way described in the books. The Compiler knows a farmer, who set the dislocated bones of his neighbours in a country village mucb more ingeniously than most surgeons. With his riyht hand he seized the elbow of the dislocated arm, keeping it beat, and gently moving it from the body ; with his left hand 56 VVPJsT AND FINGERS. he crowded a large ball of yarn as far toward the arm pit as was practicable; then using the arm as a lever, the ball of yarn becomes a bait and roller, over which he guided the head of the bone into its socket. All this he did without assistance, and gratuitously. DISLOCATION OF THE ELBOW. A dislocation of this joint may take place in any direction. A protuberance may be felt on that side of . the arm towards which the bone is pushed, from which, and the patient's inability to move the joint, a disloca- tion is easily known. Treatment.—Extension is to be made upwards and downwards by two assistants, while the operator guides the protruded bone into its cavity. All this time the arm should be half bent that the joint may be as much relax- ed as possible. WRIST AND FINGERS. Dislocatins of the wrist and fingers, are to be redu- ced by simple extention, and guiding the bones to their proper places. It is only necessary to look at injured parts, to learn the method of relief required; yet strange as it may seem, bystanders will remain idle spectators, when a little reso- lution exerted on their part, would instantly put all things right. In such cases an attempt should be made, a par- tial relief is better than none, and the swelling is less, even though a surgeon must finally be called. KNEES, ANCLES AND TOES. b7 OF THE HIP. The bone of the thigh may be dislocated four differ- ent ways. I. Downward. In this case the leg is lengthened by au inch and an half; the kness are forcibly separated from each other ; the foot is turned outward. The patient is to be laid upon his opposite side, the knee bent so as that it may form a right angle with the body. The right hand of the operator should be placed on the outside of the knee, his left hand on the inside of the thigh as high as possible. Now, the thigh should be made a lever, the right hand a power, the left a bait or. opposing power. The left hand should raise the head of the bone from its new bed, and the right carry it to op- posite its socket. I have seen a dislocated hip reduced to its place by putting the patient astride a saddle and causing the horse to trot. If the stirrups of the saddle be buckled short, so as to relax the muscles of the limb, the effect of appara- tus, position, and power, is readily imagined. The other three kinds of dislocations distinguished by surgeons, require the same treatment ; with little va- riation, a description will only tend to confuse the com- mon reader. KNEES, ANKLES AND TOES. Dislocations of these joints are relieved much the same way as the joints of the arm, viz. by extention in opposite directions, while the operator replaces the bones. In ma- ny cases, exlension alone is sufficient, and the limb will slip info its place, merely by exerting sufficient force. 58 BROKEN BONES-. I would not be understood to suppose that force alone is sufficient for the reduction of dislocations. Skill and address will often succeed better than force. A disloca- tion of the thigh has been set by one man, after all the force that could be exerted by six had proved ineffec- - tual. The parts injured by dislocations, require rest, after* ward easy motion to enable them to regain their wont- ed vigor. BROKEN BONES. There is, in most country villages some person who pretends to the art of setting bones. Though, in gene- ral, such persons are very ignorant, yet soan^-of them are very successful; which evidently provesy^fhat a small degree of learning, with a sufficient share of common sense and a mechanical head, will enable a, man to be useful in this way. We would advise, however, people never to employ such persons when a skilful and expert surgeon can be had ; but when this is impracticable, they must be employed. We shall therefore recommend the following hints to their considerations. When a large bone is broken, the patient's diet should, in all respects, be the same as in inflammatory fe- ver. His body should be kept open by emollient glysters, the food of an opening quality, as roasted apples, &c. He should keep quiet and cool. In all cases however, persons who have been accustomed to high living may indulge more than those who have been more abstemious. Too sudden a reduction of living may have fatal effects on the gluttonous and wine bibbers. There is often a necessity BROKEN BONES. 59 for indulging even in bad habits, those patients who have already injured their own constitutions. It will be generally necessary to bleed the patient im- mediately after a fracture, especially if he be young, of a full habit, or has, at the same time, received any bruise or contusion. When several of the ribs are broken, bleeding is peculiarly necessary* If any of the large bones which support the body are broken, the patient must keep his bed for several weeks. It is by no means necessary, however, that he should be all that time, as is customary, on his back. This situation sinks the spirits, galls and frets the skin, and renders the patient very uneasy; after the second week he may be gently raised up, and may set several hours, supported by a bed chair, or the like which will greatly relieve him. Great care, however, must be taken in raising him up, and laying him down, that he makes no exertion him- self, otherwise the action of the muscles may pull the bones out of place. It is of great importance to keep the patient dry and clean while in this situation ; by neglecting this he is often so galled and excoriated, that he is forced to keep chang- ing his place for ease. It is a bad custom to keep the limb for weeks upon the stretch. It is uneasy to the patient and unfavourable to the cure. The best situation is to keep the limb a little bent. This is the posture into which every animal puts itself when it goes to rest, and in which fewest muscles are upon the stretch. It is easily effected by putting the patient on his side, or making the bed so as to favour this position of the limb. If the bone upon examination be found shattered in a number of pieces, or a large blood vessel is wounded, or 60 BROKEN BONES. accompanied with a wound of the soft parts, an experi- enced surgeon should be sent for. All that art can do towards the cure of a broken bone, is to lay it perfectly straight, and to keep it quite easy. All tight bandages do hurt. They had much better be wanting altogether. A great many of the bad consequen- ces which succeed to broken bones, are owing to tight bandages. This is one of the ways in which excess of art does mischief. Some of the most sudden cures of broken bones, which were ever known, happened when no bandages were applied at all. Some method howe- ver must be taken to keep the member steady ; but this may be done many ways without bracing it with a tight bandage. The best method of retention is by two or more splints of leather or pasteboard. These if moistened, before they are applied, soon assume the shape of the limb, and are sufficient, by the assistance of a slight bandage, for all the purposes of retention. The twelve or eighteen tailed bandage is much easier applied and removed than long rollers, and answer all the purposes of retention equal- ly well. The splints should be as long as the limb, with holes cut for the ancle if the leg be fractured. In fractures of the ribs, where a bandage is not alone sufficient, a strap of adhesive plaster will assist in keep- ing the parts in place. The patient should keep himself quite easy, and avoid any thing which may occasion sneezeing, laughing, coughing, and the like. The most proper external application for a fracture, is a mixture of vinegar and water. The bandages should be wet frequently with this, if pain or inflammation come on. STRAINS, OR SPRALN'S. 6.1 STRAINS, OR SPRAINS. Strains are often attended with worse consequences than broken bones. The reason is obvious; they are generally neglected. When a broken bone is to be heal- ed, the patient is compelled to keep quiet, because he cannot do otherwise. But when only a joint is strained, the person finding he can still make a shift to move it, is sorry to lose his time for so trifling an accident. In this way he deceives himself, and converts into an incurable evil what might have been removed by keeping the part easy for a few days. Country people generally immerse a strained limb in cold water. This is very proper provided it be done im- mediately, and not continued too long; in which case, the parts are relaxed instead of being braced. Wrapping a bandage around the strained part is also of use. It helps to restore the proper tone of the vessels, and prevents the action of the parts from increasing the disease. It should not however be applied too tight. But what we would recommend above all is ease. It is more to be depended on than any medicine, and seldom fails to remove the complaint. A great many external applications are recommended for sprains, some of which do good, and others hurt. The following are such as may be used with the greatest safe- ty, viz. camphorated spirit, volatile liniment No. 3, com- mon fomentations of bitter herbs, with the addition of spirit or brandy. Previous to other applications the sprained joint should be immersed in warm soap suds, and rubbed for an hour lightly with the balls of the fingers. The evening is the best time for this operation. 6 62 FEVER SORE. FEVER SORE. Inflammation and ulceration of a bone. First stage.—A peculiar obtuse, deep seated, aching pain, extremely distressing to the patient, and soon affect- ing the health to a remarkable degree. At length the part swells, and a tumour forms possessing great hardness^ the skin becomes red and extremely sensitive, there is an increase of heat and other symptoms of inflamm dion. Treatment.—Use in this stage blisters, fomentations, allay pain with opium ; after the pain subsides, mercurial frictions. Second stage.—The symptoms of inflammation above enumerated ; the preceding pain has usually been ex- ceedingly severe and constant, and attended with great constitutional irritation, quick hard pulse, white tongue; t.he parts become swelled and inflamed; the patient is attacked with severe agues; and an undulation is percep- tible within the tumour; ulceration takes place, and a thin acid matter is discharged; when, by an examination with a probe, a cavity can be traced leading to, if not into, the bone. The progress of the formation is some- times extremely slow, at others the tumour soon becomes fluctuating. Treatment.—If the means prescribed in the treat- ment of the first stage fail, the whole should be laid open by a free incision. This must be performed by a sur- geon. After the operation, use tincture of myrrh, as an injection and treat it as laid down for ulcers. Injections first of soap in water, then with a solution of corrosive sublimate, a full, compress, and thorough bandage will commonly succeed in healing the abscess; KING'S EVIL. 63 if there is a tendency to such affections insert an issue. But all this a surgeon must direct. KING'S EVIL. Perhaps this Is a subject that requires more elucida- tion than any other Avith which medical practitioner* have so much to do. Scrophula is more terrible foe being an heriditary dis- ease. A fine skin, a delicate complexion, light blue eyes, a tumid unhealthy countenance, and a swelling of the up- per lip, are so frequently observable in scrophulous pa- tients, that such marks are deemed emblems of this pe- culiarity of constitution. Scrophulous inflammation is attended with a soft swel- iog of the affected part. The swelling has at first a doughy feel, which in time it changes for that of elas- ticity or fluctuation. A circumscribed hardened margin, surrounds the base of the tumour. The skin is slightly red. As the swelling advances, it changes to a light pur- ple colour, with small red veins running over its surface. The skiu at length becomes thinne., and more dark co- loured at a particular point; then bursts and discharges a thin fluid, blended with a curdy matter. The redness of the skin continues, but the apertu.e enlarges in propor- tion as the tumour subsides, and thus a scrophulous ulcer is the result. The margins of this ulcer are smooth, obtuse, and over- lap the sore; they are of a purple colour, and are rather hard and tumid, the surface of the ulcer is of a light red colour; the granulations are flabby and indistinct, the discharge is thin, and contains flake? resembling curdsi The pain is inconsiderable, 64 CLAP. The limits of this work will not permit us to trace ev- ery form which a scrophulous ulcer assumes. Scrophulous ulcers frequently heal in one place and break out in an another, and are generally worse in sum- mer than in winter. There is no medicine which has the power of com- pletely correcting the peculiarity of constitution implied by the term scrophulous habit. Bark, sea air, and sea bathing, are among the means from which patients afflicted with scrophula derive the most relief. Burnt sponge and soda are useful. Cicuta is good when the sores are irritable. Salivation is always hurtful. Nitrous acid is some- times serviceable, if on trial it does no good it should be discontinued. Vitriolic emetics, repeatedly exhibited, are said to be useful. Scrophulous swellings should nev- er be opened. External applications are of little use. Before the tu- mours break a piece of swansdown to keep the part from suffering from change of temperature. After the tumour has broke, dress with No. 5, adding a little red precipe ♦ate. See American Remedies, No. 109, 112, 142, 152. VENEREAL DJ^EASE. CLAP. A preternatural flux from the urethra in men, aris- ing from impure connexion. The action of the venereal poison on the passage, producing first an itching at its CLAP. 63 orifice, afterwards a discharge like matter, heat of urine, swelled testicle, and other painful and disagreeable symp- toms. Treatment.—While the heat of urine continues, drink infusions of flax seed, barley water, or solution of gum Arabic. Use spare, cooling diet, avoiding spirits :md spices, using cooling gentle laxatives, as cream tar- tar, and jalap, senna and manna, &c. not to purge much. Perfect attention to cleanliness, by purifications with warm milk and water, that the poison may not be absorb- ed into the system. If the parts at the head of the yard be much swollen and tender, soft fomentations, or flax seed poultice with mineral water. For chordee wrap the parts with cloths wet with laudanum, or take sixty drops of it on going to bed. When every appearance of heat and inflammation have subsided, astringent injections may be used to stop the disease, as white vitriol twenty graius, rose leaf tea or soft water one pint, make an injection; or, sugar of lead fifteen grains, white vitriol ten grains, soft water one pint, used for an injection. While these injections are using, injections of opium dissolved in water may be frequently thrown up to relieve pain and allay irritation. Or opium may be taken internally for the same purpose. If injections are used too early in the disease, a swel- led lesticle is the consequence; rest must be enjoined ; a brisk purge of calomel ten grains, jalap fifteen grains, every two days; cloths dripping with mineral water cold, must be laid on the swelling often repeated, while the part is suspended in a bag attached to a strap sur- rounding the body. After the inflammatory symptoms abate and injection.- are used, a niil of one or two grains of calomel made up 6 * :e BUBO. with bread crumb may be taken every night or two, but not to purge, yet so as slightly to affect the gums, con- tinued till all symptoms of the disease disappear. If swelled testicle come on, lay by the pills till it is abated, then resume it. See American Remedies, No. 8, 10,112, 147. CHANCRE. Venereal sores may be sprinkled daily with red pre- cipitate or calomel, and covered with lint or soft salve. Attend strictly to cleanliness. Take the calomel pill mentioned as in clap. BUBO. A swelling in the groin; should be rubbed with blue ointment of mercury. A lump of unguntum as big as a hazle nut should be rubbed on the inside of the thigh, every night, increase the quantity till you use double that* mentioned. If the bubo is too forward to be dispersed, a soft poul- tice may be applied over it to promote suppuration. In due time they may be opened as a boil. After opening it may be treated with lint, red precipitate, and strict cleanliness. During the cure of every form of the venereal disease, the pill prescribed for clap may be used as there direct- ed, avoiding spirits, spices, &c. If the mouth become sore, a gargle of Borax half an ounce, honey one ounce, rose tea, or soft water boiling one pint, may be used, and the medicine omitted for a short time. SCALD HEAD. 67 GLEET. Bt the term Gleet we understand a continued running, or discharge, after the inflammatory symptoms of clap have subsided, being attended with pain, scalding in mak- ing water, &c. Gleets are always attended with a relaxed constitution, and may come without previous venereal infection, or may come long after such affection have been cured, by excessive venery and other debilitating cau3e3; a simple gleet is never infectious. Treatment.—Cold sea bathing cures more gleets than the use of the common cold bath. Balsams, turpentine, and tincture of cahtharides taken internally are useful, and will effect a cure soon if at all, and need not be long continued. Injections of white vitriol, oak bark, alum, lead, &c. may be used, and usually cure. A solution of corrosive sublimate, two grains in eight ounces of water is a powerful injection, but should not be used in irritable habits. Bougies are a powerful means in the hands of surgeons, or well iuformed apothecaries. SCALD HEAD. An infectious disease. It consists of an eruption of pustles among the hair, containing a substance like hon- ey, and soon forming large white or yellow scales; the disease spreads over the head, and sometimes down the body, and is frequently mistaken for the itch. Unless the disease is attacked at its very commencement, the hair must be clipped, after having softened the scales and 63 DISEASES Or THE EYES. freeing the roots of the hair by lard, oil, or soft poultices; This cannot be done at once, but by repeated operations it may be effected. External applications.—Ointment or decoction of hellebore, diluted citrine ointment, soap and water, or a solution of corrosive sublimate mentioned for the itchi RING WORM. Ring worms may be communicated by contact APPLICATIONS. R. No. 7. White vitriol -§ drachm, Sugar of lead 11 grains, Soft water 3 gills, wash twice a day, at night rub on red precipitate and lard. Gun powder ground fine and rubbed on, and mois- tened with vinegar or saliva will often succeed. PIMPLED FACE. If pimples on the face have been of long standing, they should be cured with caution. In the treatment abstain from spirits, wash with corrosive sublimate as mentioned for the itch, adding as much soft water to weaken it. Fowler's solution, six drops twice a day, for some time will cure, a dose of calomel should be pre- mised. DISEASES OF THE EYES. Inflammation of the eyes, redness, heat, pain of the eyes, intolerance of light, effusion of tears ; in more se- WOUND OF THE EYE. 69 vere cases there is a violent throbbing, burning, darting pain in the eye, the eye feels pressed, the pain is increas- ed by motion of the eye, sometimes there is considera- ble swelling. Inflammatory fever. After a few days, the heat, throbbing and violent pain abate as also the fever, but the eye remains weak, and moister than usual, and more or less red. This is the chronic state of inflammation, and requires different treatment, from the acute. Treatment,—For the acute stage. In general mild cases are easily cured by means of low diet and gentle purging, with small doses of antimonial wine, or in more violent cases, bleeding, salts. R. Tartar emetic 1 grain,. Barley water 1£ pint, Cream tartar 1 drachm, Loaf Sugar £ oz. Mix. take a whole or half a wine glass full every two hours. This will move the bowels, promote prespiration and check inflammation and fever. Apply externally milk and water for a wash, and roasted apples as a poultice in a muslin bag at night. As soon as the acute inflammatory symptoms are over, use the following : A wash made of rose leaf tea, half a pint, white vitriol five grains, mix. Or, sugar of lead eight grains, camphorated spirit ten drops, soft water three gills, or, No. 7 diluted, if it cause pain. WOUND OF THE EYE. The slightest wound on the ball of the eye, especial- ly if it be near the sight, should not be neglected. A flying chip, or stroke, or scratch may induce inflammation 70 URINE. which will destroy the sight. To prevent which, cover the eye from the light, with a cloth dipped in spirit and water, suspended from a ribband tied round the forehead. This will, if properly managed, prevent inflammation. If the symptoms increase, send for an experienced surgeon. STY. This is a small boil, seated in the edge of the eye-iid. It is attended with heat and stiffness ; pain and conside- rable irritation. Apply a small poultice of roasted ap- ples, or poppy leaves. An opening may be made with the point of a lancet, as soon as there is matter in the tumor. Afterwards dress with red precipitate rubbed in a little lard. Old ulcers of this kind, or lumps remaining after a sty, should be touched with an ointment made by rubbing red precipitate in lard, or they may be touched with lunar caustic. , URINE. Suppression, and difficulty of passing urine. Treatment.—Aspargus and fennel roots, infusion of sassafras twigs, winter green tea, solution of gum Arabic. Inject into the passage sweet oil, or milk and water. Let the patient stand on a cold hearth, sprinkle his loins with cold water. Pouring a gentle stream of water in the hearing of the patient. In every case of difficulty of making Avuter, opium i^ of the utmost service, DISEASES. 71 Involuntary discharge of urine.—Put a blister on • he rump, and take pills of burgundy pitch. Gravel.—Use winter green tea, soda habitually, gum Arabic, uva ursi, opium, warm b^,th. Injections as above. In every difficulty of urine, live a temperate life, and avoid every irregularity. See Princes'' pine. See Ameri- can Remedies, No. 11, 28, 29, 56, 94, 116. DISEASES. Introduction.—The knowledge of disease does nbt depend so much on scientific principles as many imagine. It is chiefly the result of experience and observation. By attending the sick, and carefully observing the va- rious occurrences in diseases, a great degree of accuracy may be acquired, both in distinguishing their symptoms, and in the application of medecines. Hence sensible nurses, and other persons who wait upon the sick, often discover a disease sooner than those who have been bred to physic. We do not, however, mean to insinuate that a medical education is of no use ; it is doubtless of the greatest importance ; but it can never supply the place of observation and experience. Every disease may be considered an assemblage of symptoms, and must be distinguished by those which are most obvious and permanent. By a due attention to these, the investigation of diseases will be found to be less difficult than is generally imagined. A proper attention to the patient's age, sex, temper of mind, constitution, manner of life, and other circunistan- 72 DISEASES. ces, will greatly assist, both in the investigation and cure of diseases. In childhood the fibres are soft and lax, the nerves ex- tremely irritable ; in old age the fibres are rigid, the nerves insensible, and many of the extreme vessels oblit- erated. These and other peculiarities render the diseas- es of the young and aged very different, and of course they require very different treatment. Females are liable to many diseases which do not af- flict the other sex. Their nervous system is more irri- table ; they are less able to bear large evacuations ; and much more caution is required in administering to them stimulating medicines. Particular constitutions not only dispose persons to pe- culiar diseases, but likewise render it necessary to treat those diseases in a peculiar manner. A delicate person, with weak nerves who lives mostly within doors, must not be treated precisely in the same manner as one who is hardy and robust, and who is much exposed to the open air. The temper of mind ought to be carefully attended to in diseases. Fear, anxiety, and fretfulness, all occasion, and aggravate diseases. In vain do we apply medicines to the body to remove maladies which proceed from the mind. When that is affected the best medicine is to sooth the passions, divert the attention, and keep the per- Bon as easy and cheerful as possible. Notice should be taken of the climate. Does the patient live in the city or country ? In a high or marshy situa- tion ? Is he temperate, or otherwise ? What is his occu- pation ? It would be madness to treat, even under the same disease, the enervated shop-keeping citizen, the same as you weuld the hardy happy rustic. INFLAMMATORY FEVER. 73 We should inquire, farther, Avhether the disease be constitutional or accidental; whether it has been of long or short duration ; whether it proceed from error in diet, or manner of life. The state of the patient's body should be inquired into; of the evacuations, &c.; and likewise whether he can perform with ease all the vital and animal functions, as breathing, digestion, &c. Lastly, what diseases the patient has before been lia- ble to, and what relieved him. In the cure of diseases much may be done by diet alone; many patients thiuk the more drugs they swallow, the better they shall do. This makes people trust to drugs, and neglect their own endeavours; besides" it discoura- ges all attempts to relieve the sick Avhen medicines cannot be obtained. Every disease weakens the digestive powers. The di- et should be light aud easy of digestion. Exercise in many cases may be considered as medi- cine. Sailing, or riding on horse back will be of more service in consumptions, scrophula, and nervous affections than any medicine Avhatever. Few things are of more importance than cleanliness. Many diseases may be cured by cleanliness alone; most may be mitigated by it, and in all of them it is highly necessary, both for the patient and attendants. FEVERS. simple inflammatory fevetl Symptoms.— Weariness, anxiety, chills and flushes alternating, terminating in a violent continued heat; face 7 74 INTERMITTENT FEVER. flushed, eyes and skin red ; pulse frequent, strong, hard, and irregular; great thirst, white tongue, scanty high col- ored urine; exquisite sensibility, hurried breathing, and intolerance of the usual impressions; sometimes delirium. Favourable.—Moisture of the skin, nose-bleed, sores around the mouth, diarrhoea, soft pulse. Unfavourable.—High delirium, high pulse, laborious breathing, hickup, twitchings, involuntary evacuations. Distinguished from typhus,—By full, strong pulse. From inflammation of the brain, by there being no deli- rium at the first attack. Causes.—Sudden exposure to cold after violent exer- cise ; intemperance ; suppressed evacuations; violent passion. Most commonly suppressed perspiration. Treatment.—A quiet dark room. Bleeding, purging, laxative glisters, sweating medi- cines, salts. Senna, manna, cream tartar and rheubarb. See Glysters and Sweating Medicines. Cool air, sprinkling the floor with vinegar and water; light bed clothes, and sitting up. Drink of sorrel tea, bar- ly water, solution of cream tartar, tea spoonful to a tumb- ler of water, tamarind beverage, lemonade, balm tea. If delirium come on, blister the back of the neck, put the feet into warm water. If the strength fail and pulse sink, treat as for Typhus. See American Remedies, No. 13, 52, 97. INTERMITTENT FEVER. SvMPTOMS.--Cold Stage. Languor, listlessness, yawn- ing and stretching; pulse small, frequent, and irregular; breathing anxious and short; the patient feels cold, first INTERMITTENT FEVER. 75 in the back, then over the whole body ; followed by a universal shaking or ague. Hot stage. After the shaking, flushes come on, suc- ceded by a steady high heat; soreness of the flesh; acute sensibility ; pain in the head, and flying pains over the whole body; pulse quick, strong and hard; Avhite tongue; great thirst; scanty high coloured urine; costiveness. Sweating stage. At length a moisture appears, then a sweat, first in the face and proceeding downward to the feet. The heat abates ; the pulse becomes slow, full and free; the bowels m6ve; the breathing is free; and all the functions are restored to their natural standard. After an interval of 24, 48, or 72 hours, the ague and fever returs with nearly the same symptoms as before, and this distinguishes Intermittent, from alJ other fevers, viz. a time between the fit, when the patient is free from fever. Causes.—Exposure to the vapors arising from stagnant waters, after fatigue, or any thing Avhich debilitates ; as poor food, fear, anxiety, disappointment. Favot ;able.—When the paroxysms are short, regular, and go off clear. Unfavourable.—When the paroxysms are long, vio- lent with delirium; or other diseases appear with it. Or Avhen convulsions, stupor, hickup, double vision; pros- tration of strength ; vertigo, black tongue appear. Treatment,—During the cold stage. Artificial warmth ; put the feet in warm water, or warm bath ; warm drinks ; cordials ; hartshorn in pennyroyal or hys- sop tea ; warm tamarind beverage. Hot stage.—Cold acidulated drinks. Continue the remedies for the cold stage. If stupor come on, apply i blister to the nape of the neck. Mustard to the feet. 76 INTERMITTENT FEVER. In the intermission, just before the fit, an emetic. R. No. 8. Powder of Ipecac, 15 grains, Tartar emetic, 1 do. Mix. take in Avarm Avater or in molasses. Fifty drops of laudanum will sometimes prevent the fit. Bark is now the remedy principally depended on, for the cure of this disease. It should be given in sub- stance. After clearing the stomach by an emetic, No. 8. or, No. 9. Calomel, 8 grains. /J Jalap, 15 do. Mix. An ounce, or nearly that, of fine powder of bark, should be taken in eight hours previous to the fit, in di- vided doses. It may be stirred into Avine. An iufusion or decoction of bark, may be taken if the substance will not stay on the stomach. R. No. 10. Peruvian bark, 1 oz. Cloves No. 12. Boiling water, 1 pint, to be poured on the bark, and to be strained while warm, to be stirred when taken. Of this take a Avine glass ev- ery hour, the last eight hours of the interval before the ague. A strong decoction of white oak bark, or nut galls have been used as a substitute for Jesuit's bark. The crack willow has also been used. R. No. 11. White vitriol, 3 grains Extract gentian, 1 dram. Mix. Make 12 pills, to be taken as is directed for the doses of bark, in the interval before the fit, has cured Inter- mittents. If there is swelling or soreness in the bowels, under any course of treatment, calomel from 1 to 3 graina, should be taken every night on going to bed. REMITTENT FEVER. 77 Fowler's solution of arsenic will cure this disease, in doses of six drops tAvice a day ; but whoever thinks to enlarge the dose, should remember 'tis rat's bane. Yet it is a convenient, cheap, and safe remedy as above di- rected ; and moreover it is very certain to cure. See American Remedies, No. 13, 30, 48, 93, 132. REMITTENT FEVER. This fever arises as the intermittent, from marsh va- pours and from stagnant waters; athough there is evident exacerbations or rises, and remissions of fever, still there is no interval of time Avhen the patient is completely free from fever. The autumnal fevers of this country are commonly of this type, sometimes bilious, at others, pu- trid symptoms predominate. This fever is most favourable Avhen it approaches in form, nearly to an intermittent, or is inflammatory. If in symptoms it correspond with nervous or typhus fever, the danger is to be estimated as in those fevers. Treatment.—If the disease assume the intermittent form, or especially if each rise of fever goes off with a SAveat, or can be made to, by clearing the stomach and bowels with No. 8, or No. 9, followed with sweating medi- cines ; then give the bark in the remission, or any of the remedies laid down in Intermittent Fever. If there are obstructions in the bowels, calomel, as in ague and fever. Should it have a tendency to any of the fevers here- after to be described, treat as is directed for that, to which it approximates in form and symptoms. 7* 78 NERVOUS FEVEH. NERVOUS FEVER. Called also, slow fever, long fever, mild typhus, slow typhus, Sic. Symptoms.—General languour and lassitude, alternate chills and flushes, dejection of mind, loss of appetite, confusion of thought, giddiness, pain in the head, aching pain in the back, limbs, and flying over the Avhole body; nausea and vomiting; short anxious breathing; pulse weak, quick, often intermitting; tongue at first Avhite, moist, cov- ered with slime, border indented with the teeth, after- wards dry, brown, and tremulous, littie thirst, urine pale?, low muttering delirium. As the disease advances, the heat becomes intense, tongue dry, brown, and morbidly red ; delirium with suf- fused redness of the eyes, flushed countenance throbbing of the arteries of the neck and temples, urine scanty, high coloured, and fetid, sometimes drenching sweats, profuse diarrhoea, starting of the tendons, lethargic sleep, involuntary evacuations, cold extremities, convulsions, death. Such is usually the progress of this disease. Some- times, however, the patient gradually, almost irapercerv ibly sinks, no threatening symptoms, no anxiety, no pain, or distress; yet, in such cases, the arteries are seen to tremble or throb, under the chin, and a dark rose or peony coloured spot appears on one of the cheeks, while the limbs are apt to be cold. Favourable symptoms.—About the seventh, four- teenth, or twenty-first day the tongue peeling and becom- ing moist, showing a conical point, and vigour of motion when put out, and quickly retracted, moist skin, gentle diarrhoea, pulse becoming slow and full, sores about the mouth and nose. NERVOUS FEVER. 79 Unfavourable.—When no crisis appears on one of the above days, all of the symptoms enumerated in the second, or advanced stage. Causes.—Exposure to a damp cold atmosphere, depres- sing passions, fear, grief, anxiety, exhaustion from fatigue, more especially in persons of delicate habit, accompanied with irritability and sensibility, of sedentary life, of poor living and indolence. Distinguished from malignant typhus by its attack be- ing more gradual, the succession of symptoms being less rapid, less urgent. See Malignant Typhus. From in- flammatory fever by the pulse being quick, weak and feeble. Treatment.—An emetic or cathartic should begin the treatment, No. 8, or if physic No. 9, after which sAveat- ing A\ith the effervescing mixture, or thorough-Avort tea, this will act as a puke or purge and bring on sweating. After the stomach and boAvels are cleared, and a moist- ure appears, give tonics. Bark, Virginia snake-root, co- lumba, dogwood bark, Avillovv, &c. Avine, mineral acids, and cordials. If delirium, a blister to the nape of the neck, and mus- tard to the feet. R. No. 12. Opium and Ipecac, of each 10 grains, Camphor, 20 grains. Mix. and grind to a fine powder, divide into ten papers ; half or the whole of one may be taken at the rise of fever, and on going to bed. This allays imiation, promotes per- spiration and procures sleep. After the emetic or cathar- tic, this poAvder may be uoed daily till a uniform moist- ure appears, and the bark can be csed. If diarrhoea come on, use No. 12 more frequently. If the strength decline, it should be maintained by gene* 80 TYPHUS FEVER. rous Avine, nutritious diet, cordials, Avine whey, jellies, broths, eggs, puddings, &c. medicine No. 10, 11, and bitters. The opiate powder once in four hours. TYPHUS FEVER. Called also, malignant, putrid, spotted, and jail fever. Symptoms.—The attack is much more sudden than that of nervous fever, the strength gone, the horror and anxiety beyond expression, the skin cold, or of burning, acrid, almost stinging heat, the pulse quick, small, some- times halting, at others wiry, nausea and bilious vomit- ing, intense pain in the head, ringing in the ears, throb- bing in the temples, beating of the arteries visible in the neck, firey redness of the eyes, furions delirium, tongue dry, black and encrusted, breath hot and offensive, black crusts collect on the teeth, urine at first pale, thin, high coloured, offensive, or depositing a black sediment. As the disease advances, bleedings take place from dif- ferent parts of the body; red, blue, purple, or black spots, appear under, without raising the skin; involuntary evac- uations extremely offensive ; pulse sinks and intermits ; extremities grow cold ; hickup, convulsions, death. Distinguished from all other fevers by symptoms which cannot be mistaken. Always dangerous, more especially if it proceed to the coming on of the symptoms men- tioned in the advanced stage. Favourable symptoms.—Rising of the pulse, return of sleep and reason, the spots being of a florid colour. Treatment.—By the means laid down in Nervous Fe- ver, No. 9, 10, 12, putting the feet in warm water, during the ague. In short the same treatment as in Nervous Fe- ver, but more assiduously applied. TYPHUS FEVER. 81 Sponging the body, with warm or cold water, as best suits the patient's feelings; frequent change of bed and linen; sprinkling the room Avith vinegar and water; pure air, and every attention to cleanliness. R. No. 13. Volatile salt of hartshorn, 10 grs. Opium and camphor, each 10 grs. Chalk, 30 grs. Mix. grind to a fine powder, divide into ten papers, take one every four hours, more or less according to symptoms; or, R. No. 14. Equal parts of laudanum, Spirits of hartshorn, and Camphorated Spirit. Mix. a tea spoonful more or less, as urgency of symptoms re- quire. R. No. 15. Take of No. 10, a wine glass, Tinct. bark, a tea spoonful, Muriatic acid, drops 5. Mix for a draught, this may be repeated every four or five hours. Decoctions of oak bark, Virginia snake root, cinnamon tea, or orange peel tea, to which may be added elix. vitriol, nitric or muriatic acids. If bleedings appear, opium and muriatic acid. Through the whole the bowels should be kept soluble by rhubarb, cream tartar, or calomel, or glysters. Light nourishing diet, jellies, broths, &c. as in Nervous Fever. After the disease has abated, and the patient in a fair way of recovery, he should be cautioned not to make any sudden exertion of his strength, or be sudden* ly raised to a perpendicular posture, which has some- times proved fatal. 82 YELLOW FEVER. YELLOW FEVER. Many of the symptoms of this fever are common with this and the fevers above described. Those in some measure peculiar to yellow fever seem to be, pains in the eye balls and lower part of the forehead; the saliva is viscid; large quantities of frothy bile is thrown up by vomiting; the eyes, face, and breast of a deep yellow tinge; a peculiar delirium, with permanent dilations of the pupils of the eyes ; delusive remissions Avhich prom- ise speedy recovery, soon however the disease returns with redoubled violence; the patient suddenly become? giddy; loses his sight; or the eyes are much inflamed, watery, protruding, and wildly rolling; anxiety, vomit- ing of yellow or black matter; sweats of a yelloAv co- lour, and highly offensive; bleedings, severe pains, more especially in the testicles and calves of the legs; livid -spots in the skin; the patient in an agony throws out and draws back his extremities in violent succession; black fetid stools; hickup; sunk pulse; death. Such are the usual appearances, yet so irregular, and so varied is this disease that the most eminent physicians consider it only as a remittent fever; deranged as to its form, by appearing in subjects unaccustomed to hot cli- mates ; so that if all would stay in their native climate, this disease would disappear. Causes.---Exposure to noxious exhalations, from swamps, rivers, lakes, ponds, and marshes, or the filth of cities and towns accumulated under a burning sun. The poison is assisted by an irregular life, intemperance, ex- haustion of the system from whatever cause. Treatment.—Early in the disease, calomel so as to clear the passages and affect the mouth., YELLOW FEVER. 83 R. No. 16. Calomel, 4 grains, Julap, 15 grains. Mix. given and repeated every four or six hours fill the effect is produced; at the same time assist the application by rubbing in half or a full drachm of blue mercurial oint- ment every four hours, desisting when the mouth be- comes affected. As soon as the bowels are loose, use the following pill in place of No. 16. R. No. 17. Calomel, 2 grains, Opium, half a grain. Make a pill, to be taken every four hours. If nausea appear at the commencement, wash out the stomach with cammomile flowers, but use no emetic med- icine. Lay on the stomach decoctions of poppy heads, or tansy cloths. Injections of tansy tea, and eighty drops laudanum. SALINE, OR EFFERVESCING MIXTURE. R. No. 18. Sal. tart or pearlash, half a drachm, Lemon juice, or good vinegar, sufficient to de- stroy the taste of the pearlash, Cinnamon tea, a gill, Loaf sugar, a tea spoonful. Mix. and take half the above quantity every half hour or hour, till it allays the sickness, produces a moisture on the skin, or move the bow els. , For vomiting of b'.ack matter, use lime water and new milk every hour, or oftener. Apply early a blister or mustard paste over the stomach. Affusion and sponging the body with cold water, when the heat of system is steadiiy above the natural tempera- ture, may be applied early in the disease. After the bowels have become loose, when malignant symptoms threaten, the bark maybe used in substance, or 84 INFLAMMATION OF THE BRAIN. decoction. See Intermittent Fever. The bark should be continued till health is completely restored. The patient's strength is to be supported throughout the disease, with preparations of barley, sago, Indian ar- row root, &c. mixed with wine. INFLAMMATION OF THE BRAIN. Symptoms.-—Horror, the face becomes flushed and turgid; the eyes stare as if starting from their sockets, furious delirium ; tears sometimes burst from the eyes; sometimes sweating at every pore; skin dry and hot; parched tongue, at first fiery red, then white, yellow, or black ; hard rapid pulse. If the disease is not soon re- moved, stupor, insensibility, a great failure of the strength. Causes.—Exposure to heat, vertical sun; violent passion ; intense thought; intemperance. Distinguished from madness, by its being attended with fever. From simple fever, by the delirium appearing as a first symptom. From typhus, by the pulse being hard and rapid. ■,,* Treatment.—By a copious and sudden evacuation of blood from the arm or temporal artery. Application of leeches to the temples. Putting the feet and legs into warm water, and pouring vinegar and water on the head, previously shaved. Blisters to the head, neck, and legs. Quiet, room secluded from light and sound. Give no food during the inflammatory stage, except barley wa- ter gruels, arrow root, &c. Purging, salts, strong doses of calomel, No. 9. QUINSEY, 85 Sweating with cream tartar, and effervescing mixture No. 18, often repeated, or R. No. 19. Nitre, 10 grains, No. 18, 2 teaspoonfuls, Sage tea, a gill, L. Sugar, a teaspoonful. Mix, to be taken every two, or four hours. QUINSEY. Inflammation of the almonds of the ears and throaL Symptoms.—Chills and flushes succeeding each other, and terminating in the hot stage of an in inflammatory fever. Swelling of the palate and almonds of the ears ; swallowing becomes painful and difficult ; voice hoarse ot lost; shooting pains through the throat and almonds of the ears; frequent slimy spitting. Sometimes dangerous and fatal. Causes.—Cold applied to the neck; damp linen; wet feet; damp rooms ; hallooing; blowing on wind in- struments, &c. Treatment.—The timely exhibition of an emetic will frequently check the formation of the disease, No. 8. in divided doses. Bleed, if the pulse is high; cupping, lee- ches. Blisters to the throat, or nape or the neck. A flannel dipped previously in volatile liniment, No. 3. and wrapped round the neck. Purging with salts. Nitre, a few grains rubbed with L. sugar, and slowly dissolved on the tongue and SAvallow- ed. Sweating with saline mixture, No. 18,19. Inhal- ing steams of water and vinegar, and camphor. Gargles of sage or rose tea, sweetened Avith honey and acidulated with muriatic acid. 8 86 CROUP, OR RATTLES. If it will go on to suppuration, poultice with hops and flax-seed. If there is danger of suffocation, the swelling may be opened at any stage, with safety by a surgeon. MALIGNANT QUINSEY. This disease is a kind of ulcerous sore throat, attend- ed Avith typhus fever and weak pulse ; and requires the treatment of typhus, with the addition of gargles frequently used. R. No. 20. Powder of bark, a table spoonful, Boiling water, a teacup full, Honey, 2 tea spoonfuls, strain while warm, and add muriatic acid to make it sour as punch. No. 13. and No. 15. alternately every two hours. Call a physician. See American Reihedies, No. 146. CROUP, OR RATTLES. This disease, generally of children, creeps on imper- ceptibly, with hoarse dry cough; Avheezing, at first the breathing sounds like blowing through muslin ; then a rattling in the throat; soon it is like the croaking of a fowl when caught in the hand. Treatment.—Emetics of Ipecac, and oxymel of squills between; the former as often as every tvvo hours at least; warm bath often repeated; a blister put between the shoulder blades; calomel two grains, doses every two hours. Strong mercurial ointment plasters, under the knee?. See American Remedies, No. 135, 11". PLEURISY. 87 Note. In diseases, terrible as the two last described ; and many others, incident to human nature; no time should be lost; but medical aid obtained as quick as pos- sible ; yet something should be done while the physi- cian is coming, and more especially if he cannot come at all. In a work of this kind, most should be written, on the more manageable diseases. MUMPS. This is commonly a mild disease, requiring only that the patient avoid all causes of cold. Should fever appear, treat it as simple inflammatory fever. If swelling of the testicles in men, and the breasts in women, or delirium supervene, apply blisters to the head, mustard paste to the feet, and fomentations to the parts affected. PLEURISY. Symptoms of Inflammatory fever, accompanied with a sense of wreight in the chest, Which in a short time be- comes acute pain shooting into the side, thence to the breast bone, or through to the shoulder blade. Brea- thing difficult and increases the pain. The patient can- not lie on the affected side ; cough ; frequent, hard, con- tracted pulse, vibrating under the finger like the tense siring of a musical instrument; white tongue ; high col- oured urine ; and indeed all the symptoms of inflamma- tory fever. 83 PERIPNEUMONY. Caused most frequently by exposure to vicissitudes of temperature; violent exercise of body, or exertion of the voice. Treatment.—Copious bleeding from the arm, accor- ding to symptoms. Fomentations to the sides. Brisk purges at the commencement, of calomel 10, ja- lap, 15 grains; purging medicines to be laid aside after the patient raises freely. Sweating Avith, R. No. 20. Tartar emetic 2 grains, Sage tea, 10 spoonfuls, Mix. Or, E. No. 21. Ipecac, 15 grains, Thoroughwort tea, 12 teaspoonfuls. Mix. A spoonful of No. 20. or a teaspoonful of No. 21. may be taken any hour till a sweat breaks out. Apply a large blister over the pained side. Drink free- ly of hoarhound or catnip tea ; oxymel of squills or blood root will help to raise from the lungs ; or make free use of teas of flax-seed, rye bran, cat-tail, flagroot, bass-wood bark, &c. The diet in all inflammatory diseases, should be gruels* wheys, mucilaginous roots, and plants, &c. PERIPNEUMONY, OR LUNG FEVER. This disease has, seemingly, for a number of years iii New-England, taken the place of Pleurisy. It differs from pleurisy, in the pains being less acute, and more steady; a greater sense of oppression and weight all round the chest; the fever is flushed, sometimes ah INFLAMMATION OF THE STOMACH. 891 most purple; pulse not hard but quick. Bleeding is in- admissible, and so is tartar emetic. Thoroughwort tea has been much used ; take a table spoonful every half hour till it sweats, or pukes, or pur- ges. "• Blisters, if they produce stoppage of urine, it is a good symptom ; squills, fomentations, injections, all will come in for a place. A stoppage of urine from a blister, is cu- red by gum Arabic, drink freely, or infusion of marsh mallows, asparagus or parsley roots, &c. For sweating in the first stage of the complaint, No. 12. Avith hoarhound tea. In the second stage, after the patient raises matter from the lungs streaked Avith blood, (a good symptom,) use No. 13. or 14. Oxymel squills, with Avarm tea. If the strength fails, wine whey with hartshorn in it, Avarm broths. Bark No. 15. nourishing diet, cordials. For obstruction in the lungs, R. No. 22. Gum ammoniac the size of a nutmeg, Loaf sugar, twice as much. Mix. grind to a fine poAvder, pour on a teacup full of boiling water stirring it; let it settle, tken give a spoonful every half hour, till the person raises freely, to be assisted by warm tea, tinct. blood root. INFLAMMATION OF THE STOMACH. Fever, anxiety, heat and pain in the region of the stomach, increased Avhen any thing is swallowed ; aggra- vated by pressure on the stomach ; vomiting, hickup ; pulse hard and small ; great prostration of strength. Send for a physician. 8 * 90 INFLAMMATION OF THE BOWELS. Treatment.—Bleeding ; warm bath long continued; fomentations to the belly constantly applied; blisters to the part. Large emollient 'glysters. Small quantities of flax* seed tea ; barley water, or gum Arabic in water. INFLAMMATION OF THE BOWELS. Acute pain in the belly, increased by pressure, and shooting and twisting round the navel; obstinate costive- ness; belly tense ; frequent inclination to stool; vomit- ing bilious, dark and fetid matter. Fever, pulse quick hard and contracted ; great prostration of strength ; high coloured urine. A terrible disease. Distinguished from colic, by the pain in colic being relieved by pressure ; absence of fever in colic and the pulse is not affected. Treatment.—Bleeding, warm bath; and fomentations continually applied and changed ; purges of calomel fol- lowed by oil; large glysters; no time to be lost. Send for a physician. There is a slight inflammation sometimes takes place around the belly ; with mild fever in the morning; bowels little costive; strength little diminished. Caused by exposure of the loAver extremities to water in Avindy weather. Cured, by large blisters, where the pain is most se- vere, and purges of calomel, salts, or cream tartar, and rhubarb. I have seen this disease prove fatal by neglect, yet blisters and the other remedies are sufficient to the cure. INFLAMMATION OF THE KIDNEY. 91 INFLAMMATION OF THE LIVER. Tension and pain near the short ribs of the right side, more or less acute ; shooting to the top of the shoulder, and through to the shoulder blade ; increased by lying on the left side ; fever, dry cough, sallow countenance, high coloured urine ; sometimes hickup and vomiting. Causes.—Violent emetics; hot climates ; violent passions, intemperance, and all the causes of inflamma- tion. Treatment.—Bleeding, cupping, blisters large and repeated. Purges especially of calomel, No. 9. or 16. Dress the blisters with mercurial ointment. If the disease become chronic, pills of calomel and opium, so as not to affect the mouth, No. 17. A continued course of bitters and laxatives, as dande- lion, frazeri, gentian, columba and quassia, soda. A bev- erage of nitric acid should be used with calomel or alter- nating with it. Remove to a cold climate. INFLAMMATION OF THE KIDNEY. Fever, pain in the loins, shooting to the bladder; drawing up of the testicle, numbness of the thigh, high coloured urine; vomiting, costiveness, and colic pains. Treatment.—Bleeding, applying leeches to the loins, cupping; salts, castor oil, senna, manna, cream tartar, emollient glysters ; blisters are inadmissible. Mucilaginous drinks, sassafras twigs, dandelion, mal- Ioavs, flax-seed and nitre. Warm bath lonientation Avith camphor or spirit ; opiate glyster?. 92 RHEUMATISM. INFLAMMATION OF THE BLADDER. Fever, acute pain in the region of the lower belly; soreness and pain increased by pressure ; painful dis- charge of urine, frequent inclination to stool; vomiting. Treatment.—Same as in inflammation of the kidneys. In both diseases may be used, winter green, sassafras, violets, peach-tree gum. RHEUMATISM. f Chills, followed by heat and fever Avith hard, full, and quick pulse ; obstinate costiveness; after one, two, or three d:»ys, tumour and pain, with inflammation attack one or more of the large joints, and they become extreme- ly tender to the touch; tongue white; urine high colour- ed ; sometimes profuse sweating without relief. In rheumatism the pain shoots along the courses of the muscles, and often changes its seat. Rheumatism often runs into a chronic state, i. e. the fever abates and the pain or soreness continue. Some- times chronic rheumatism is not preceded by the acute. Causes.—Obstructed perspiration, damp rooms, damp linen, exposure to cold after exercise. Treatment.—Bleed with caution; cupping and leech- es ; purging with calomel, oil, salts, rhubarb and cteam tartar; sweating, No. 12, 18, 20, pennyroyal tea. Fox- glove, cicuta, calomel and opium may be given by medi- cal prescription. Fomentations with bitter herbs and poppy heads. After the fever abates, bark, wine, guai- acum. In chronic rheumatism, cupping, blisters, No. 17, vol- GOUT. 93 atile tincture of guaiac. hartshorn, spirits turpentine, mus- tard, bitters, sarsaparilla; above all, blisters, frictions, pa- tience and flannel; queen of the medoAVS, white-wood root bark, prickly ash, thorouglnvort. See American Re- medies, No. 1, 10, 13, 34, 35, 87, 102. GOUT. Pain in the joints, chiefly in the great toe, hands, feet and small joints ; returning at intervals; previous to the attack, the functions of the stomach are much disturbed, with dejection of spirits; coldness and numbness of the extremities, cramps, &c.; succeeded by horror, rigours and fear. The attack comes on about midnight, subsides next evening, the patient falls asleep and awakes with swollen limbs, but comparatively comfortable till in the night, when his distress returns, but goes off in the morn- ing. The pain during the paroxysm imitates almost eve- ry species of torture. This is regular gout, for which much may be done to very little purpose. Lamb skin slippers, and gloves, with the wool turned inward, regu- lar life, and abstemiousness after the fit is over. Atonic Gout, is when in a gouty patient, there is all the symptoms, except the pain and inflammation in the joints, viz. nausea, vomiting, palpitation of the heart, giddiness, low spirits and other nervous affections. Treatment of atonic gout.—Avoiding all the caus- es of debility, moderate exercise, animal food, good Avine, bitters, wearing flannel, blisters on the extremities. Retrocedcnt Gout, is Avhere, after die inflammation has appeared on the limbs, it suddenly leaves them and at- tacks some internal part, as the stomach lungs, &c. occa- 94 EAR. sioning vomiting, pain and sickness, spasms; or heart, oc- casioning faintings ; or the head, occasioning apoplexy or palsy, &c. Treatment.—-If the stomach be the suffering part, which is commonly the case, liberal use of warm brandy and water, or Avine and aromatics, castor, hartshorn, foe- tida, camphor, blisters and mustard to the extremities. Misplaced Gout, is Avhen the inflammation first, instead of the great toe, takes hold of some vital part, as the lungs, heart, stomach, &c. For which, in strong constitu- tions treat as for Pleurisy ; in weak ones as for Retr«ce- dent Gout. EAR. Inflammation of the ear is, for the most part, a local disease, without fever ; but in some instances, the suf- ferings of the' patient are very great, and the disease as- sumes a formidable appearance, as stupor, delirium, fever, convulsions, and soon, a fatal termination has been the consequence. Pain and inflammation of the ear, may be produced by the causes of other inflammations, but none more rea- dily than partial exposure to cold. Treatment.—If there is no fever, apply a btister be- hind the ear, and warmth to the part, leeches, mullen leaves in warm milk and water, cathartics, salts, No. 15. Sweating wiih No. 12, and balm tea. When the pain is over the whole head, with fever, delirium, stupor, and other urgent symptoms, use the remedies laid down for inflammation of the brain, excepting the cold local appli- cations. Tf it will suppurate, fomentations and poultices of hops and poppies. COW-POCK. 95 SMALL-POX. Character.—Fever, eruption of red pimples on the third day, which on the eighth contain matter, and4dry- ing, fall off in crusts. Formerly, a great proportion of every medical work, was religiously devoted to this disease ; and till less than a century since, one in seven at least of the persons born in England died of the small-pox. It is fortunate- ly now unnecessary, even to describe this loathsome and fatal disease. COW-POCK. The cow-pock consists of a single vesicle, which ap- pears on the spot Avhere the vaccine matter is inserted. The colour is a dull white, but it is red at the edges. It contains a fluid clear as crystal, about the eighth or ninth day. A redness or inflammation of the skin spreads to a little distance from it, about the size of half a crown. This begins to fade on the eleventh or twelfth day, and the vesicle becomes brown, and presently is cover- ed Avith a glossy hard scab, which discovers, when it falls off, a permanent scar. In boys, it is of little consequence where the matter is inserted, and the arm is as good as any part; but in girls, (children,) it is better to inoculate on the outside of the thigh, a little above the knee. Parents cannot too generally know, that the arm may inflame, and yet the vesicle may not be of the genuine kind. If the progress be different from the usual course, then there is always a doubt, lest it may not give security against the small-pox. 96 COW-POCK. If for example, there be no inflamed circle at all, or if on the other hand, it appear early, for instance on the fifth or sixth day, and especially if the vesicle be not round or oval, but jagged and irregular, and contain on or be- fore the eighth day, a turbid white, instead of a clear flu- id, it will be necessary to re-inoculate. It is possible the vesicle may be of the genuine kind, and the consti- tution not affected by it. This cannot be determined by appearances or symptoms, but it may by a very innocent and slight test. If on the morning of the sixth day, a second inoculation be performed on the other arm or leg, it will advance quickly, and become surrounded with a red circle, nearly as soon as the first vesicle. If this trial be neglected, we have still two other methods of determi- ning Avhether the constitution be properly altered, viz. by inoculating a second time with the kine-pock mat- ter, any time after the child has fully recovered from the disease If he has had the genuine cow-pock, in either case, the scratch only inflames a little, it soon heals, and no other effect is produced. No child can be presumed safe without having tested the operation in one of the above ways. If it be asked, A\hy every parent does not re-inocu- late as a test, it can only be answered, that it is from the same cause which makes many neglect insuring their property, namely, a belief that there is no great chance of its taking fire. It has been urged as an objection to the cow-pock, that it produces cutaneous diseases afterwards, but this is groundless. With regard to the treatment of coAV-pock, I have only to observe, that the part should, when the red circle forms, be frequently dusted with flour or chalk ; and after the MEASLES. 97 vesicle breaks, the same should be continued, in order to form a crust on the sore, which is much better than dress* iiig it with ointment. CHICKEN-POX. Slight fever, pimples bearing some resemblance to those of small-pox ; scaling off in three or four days. This disease is of so trivial a nature, as seldom to need the aid of medicine. Gentle laxatives and cool regi- men is all that is necessary. MEASLES. Fever, cough, hoarseness, difficulty of breathing; sneezing, sense of weight in the head ; nausea or vom- iting ; droAVsiness, dulness of the eyes, and flow of hot tears ; running from the nose, itching of the face. On the fourth day, small red pimples appear, first on the face spreading over the whole body; the pimples hardly elevated above the surrounding skin, but by the touch are found to be a little prominent. On the fifth or sixth day, they turn broAvn, and disappear Avith the peeling off of the scarf-skin. A diarrhoea often appears with the taming of the mea- sles. Treatment.—Abstinence from animal food, light veg- etable diet; a moderately cool room, temperature to be regulated by the patient's feelings; carefully guarding against sudden changes. Saline purgatives. Solution of cream tartar; sorrel fea ; sweating with No. 12. warm herb drinks. 9 98 SCARLET FEVER. If the symptoms run high, with pleuritic symptoms, bleed and blister the chest. If the eruption suddenly re- cede, put the feet in warm water while lying jn bed ; ap- ply mustard paste to the breast and feet. Blister be- tween the shoulders. Warm wine whey with harthorn, tea of Virginia snake root, &c. Hoarseness and cough, may be palliated by bran-tea, flax-seed tea after the fever abates; these symptoms may be relieved by oxymel of squills, and opium, or No. 22. Blood root made into a tincture by shaving the root, fil- ling a phial half with the shavings, and adding spirit. If paleness or purple spots appear, with prostration of strength, and other symptoms of typhus, treat as in typh- us, with cordials, wine, bark and snake root. SCARLET FEVER. This fever is most commonly inflammatory, but some- times, either at its commencement, or in its progress, symptoms of typhus appear. About the fourth day, the face sAvells and spots of a florid red colour appear, scatter- ed through the skin, which at length run together, and after three days disappear, the scarf-skin peeling off in branny scales. In severe cases the nails peel off with the skin. It is not unfrequently succeeded by a dropsical swel- ling of the whole body. When the disease has symp- toms of typhus fever, it appears like malignant quinsey, often the same affection of the throat; Avhen it is to be treated like malignant quinsey, or typhus. See those diseases. NETTLE RASH. 99 Scarlet fever is distinguished from measles, by ab- sence of cough, sneezeing, flow of tears; the eruption is more diffused like a blaze, and not sensible to the touch. Treatment.—Keep the bowels loose with calomel and rhubarb, No. 23. Calomel 6.grains, Rhubarb 12 grains. Mix. taken in molasses, and repeated if necessary. Cool vegetable acid drinks, lemonade, currents, $ras-. berries, sorrel tea, No. 18. Avith snakebite tea, and No. 12. at night. Sponging the body with vinegar and water, if agreea- ble to the patient. Sprinkle the room with vinegar and water. Beverage of muriatic acid, or elixur vitirol. If dilirium or stupor come on, blister bet\veen the shoulders. If soreness of the mouth and throat, with difficulty of swallowing, gargles of oak bark tea, sweet- ened with honey, add muriatic acid, as in quinsey. At the decline of the eruption, bitters, bark and Avine, and nutritious diet. No. 15. NETTLE RASH. An eruption on the skin resembling that produced by the stinging of nettles, Avhence its name; suddenly ap- pearing and vanishing, or changing its seat. The part affected is frequently considerably swelled. In the erup- tion, appear little white lumps resembling bites or stings of insects, sometimes long Avales, like the strokes of a whip lash. These lumps or Avales do not contain any 100 THRUSH, OR CANKER. fluid, and itch intolerably. All the symptoms increase at night. The parts which have been affected with this disease, peel off branny scales on recovery. Treatment.—Laxatives, salts, cream tartar, calo- mel in small doses with rhubarb. Nitrous acid beverage; perspiratives as sorrel tea, snake-bite, &c. Cool vegeta- ble diet. If it strike in and occasion nausea and distress, teas of peppermint, hyssop or rosemary, &c. Avine Avhey with hartshorn. THRUSH, OR CANKER. The mouth becomes redder than usual; tongue swell- ed and rough; Avhite specks or spots invade the palate, al- monds of the ear, and inside of the cheeks, gums, and jaws; the disease sometimes spreads to the stomach, and boAvels ; they frequently disappear in a day or two and a new crop succeeds. But this is more favourable than to have the first crop continue. While the spots remain white or yellow, and the parts between of a florid red and moist, .there is no danger. But if there is hickup, oppression, pain in the stomach, and sense of suffocation, and the spots turn brown or black, great prostration of strength; it is nearly allied to Malignant Quinsey, and to be treated as such. Treatment.—Emetics of Ipecac ; gentle laxatives of manna, rhubarb, oil, calomel in small doses, copious emol- lient glysters; No. 15 used as a gargle ; touch the spots with borax and cream. If the stomach and boAYels seem affected, a powder of R. No. 24. Borax, Nut galls, Chalk, or charcoal, equal parts, INFLUENZA. 101 ground to a fine poAvder, five or six grains of which may be taken every four hours, and oftener if it does not pro- duce costiveness. If the strength fails, wine, bark, No. 15, taken inter- nally ; nourishing food, canker root, oak bark and allum, elm, bass-wood, and upland violets are all useful in the course of this disease. There is a chronic kind of canker which yields to emetics, and No. VI. COLDS. A common cold is produced by suppressed perspiration, and is cured as soon as an equable prespiration is again restored. Abstaining from animal food; drinking freely on going to bed, of cold water or tepid herb drinks, as hoarhound tea, motherwort, flax-seed and tansy ; and lying in bed late of a morning will commonly loosen a cold. If the symptoms run high, see Influenza. INFLUENZA. An epidemic cold ; whole countries are sometimes af- fected with it. It has been thought contagious, but its progress is too quick, and its effects too general. Conta- gion is sIoav. It seems to depend on a peculiar state of the air, and sweeps whole nations at a blast. Symptoms.—Fever, weight and pain in the head; op- pression of the chest, and difliculty of breathing; sense of fulness and stopping of the nose j watery inflamed 9* 102 CONSUMPTION. eyes ; chills and flushes; soreness of the jaws and wind- pipe ; cough ; pain in the chest; shooting pains in the head and back; running of a scalding fluid from the nose, &c. If the fever is inflammatory, spare diet of vegetables, salts, saline mixture No. 18, and antimonial Avine as a perspirative, teas of bran, flax-seed, thorough-wort in small doses. After the fever subsides, oxymel of squills, and laudanum. If the fever has symptoms of typhus, with prostrations of strength, give wine whey with harts- horn, warm wine and snake root, No. 15, also opium, No. 13, or 14, more especially in old people. Generous diet, moderate exercise. In the course of treatment, snake- bite, thoroughwort, mother-wort, sorrel tea, elecampane, &c. If the symptoms run high in either case, blisters may be used advantageously; so may mustard paste to the feet, warm drinks, and No. 12. In the advanced stage, No. 22 is an excellent remedy. CONSUMPTION. Symptoms.—Regular consumption usually begins with a short dry cough, so slight as to become habitual before it excites the attention of the patient. The breathing is more easily hurried by bodily motion; the patient be- comes languid and indolent, and gradually loses his strength; the pulse is small, soft, and quicker than usual; at length from some fresh exciting cause, the cough be- comes more considerable, and is particularly troublesome during the night; the breathing more anxious; sense of atraitness and oppression of the chest is experienced; and a raising from the lungs of a frothy mucus, and is most CONSUMPTION. 103 coniiderable in the morning; afterwards becoming more copious, viscid and opake. The breathing becomes more and more difficult; the emaciation and weakness go on increasing; pain arises in some part of the chest; at first generally under the breast bone, but as the disease advances is felt in one or both sides, is increased by coughing, and is sometimes so acute as to prevent the patient from lying down on the affected side. The face now begins to flush; the pulse becomes quick and hard; the urine is high coloured, and deposits a branny sediment; the palms of the hands, and soles of the feet, are affected with burning heat; the tongue from being Avhite, is preternaturally clean and red; the matter raised is noAV like that from a boil, dull white or turned of yelloAV and green ; all the symptoms are in- creased toward evening, and the fever assumes the hectic form. Hectic Fever has two exacerbations in a day ; the first about noon and inconsiderable, and is soon followed by a remission; the other in the evening which gradual- ly increases till after midnight. Each exacerbation is eommonly preceded by chills, and is terminated by a pro- fuse perspiration, and the urine deposits a sediment. The appetite often now mends ; the white of the eyes assume a clear pearly colour; during the rise of fever a red spot appears on each check; at other times the face is pale and dejected; food is vomited up; a diarrhoea comes on, and generally alternates with drenching sweats; the emaciation is extreme, the countenance suuk; the cheeks prominent; the eyes hollow and languid; the hair falls off' and the nails are hooked; the feet and legs swell; thrust in the throat. Still the appetite remains entire, and the patient flatters himself with hopes of speedy re- covery, and is often vainly forming distant projects of 104 CONSUMPTION. interest, or amusement, Avhen death puts a period to his existence. Causes.—Hereditary predisposition, marked by long neck, prominent shoulders, narroAV chest, slender fingers; scrophulous constitution, known by fine clear skin, fair hair, delicate rosy complexion, large veins, thick upper lip, weak voice, and great sensibility. Caused also by some diseases ; as bleeding at lungs, pleurisy, catarrh, asthma, king's evil, venereal disease, amall-pox and measles ; the dust of certain trades, as of stone cutters, millers, &c. fumes of burning poison- ous metals; intemperance, profuse evacuations, natural or artificial ; depressing passions, damps, colds, &c. Treatment.—In the first stages, small and repeated bleedings, unless the patient be of a scrophulous habit. Gentle laxatives, as cassia, manna, rochelle salts. Mild perspiratives, as No. 12. No. 18. substituting vol- atile salt of hartshorn for the pearlash. Occasional use of emetics, of white vitriol in doses of from two to five grains. Blisters, issues, and setons opposite the part affect- ed, are highly serviceable. Cicuta, beginning with doses of one grain, and in- creasing. Fox glove in tincture, beginning with 15 drops in infusion of gentian, three times a day, gradually increased till the pulse is slower. At the same time may be taken three of the following pills, three times a day : No. 24. Myrrh in powder 2 drachms, Sulphate of iron 1 scruple, Salt of tartar 1 drachm, Extract of gentian $ drachm, DYSENTERY. 105 simple syrup to pill, make into 70 pills. The diarrhoea may be relieved by opium and chalk. The cough by opium and liquorice. R. No. 25. Opium in powder 12 grains. Ipecac in poAvder 15 do. Camphor 20 do. Mix. and make 15 pills Avith balsam capivy, take one every six hours, and oftener if necessary to allay the cough. A light and neutritive diet; the farinacious vegetables, arrow root, what some call consumption root, (its botan- ical name not ascertained ;) milk. Removal to a Avarm climate. Moderate exercise, either by swiuging, riding on horseback, or by sailing; carefully guarding against cold, by wearing flannel next the skin ; a sea voyage, but not the sea shore. The air at sea is favourable to consumptive patients ; but the changes on the shore, in consequence of the sea and land breezes unfavourable. So that inland situation, or to be fairly out of sight of land, should be the object of a hectic patient. DY SENT ERA. This disease sometimes comes on with cold shiver- ings, and fever; at others, the complaints of the bowels first shew themselves. Costiveness, flatulence of the bowels ; severe gripings, frequent inclination to stool, with small fetid evacuations of slime and blood; or a fluid resembling beef brine ; loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting ; quick and weak pulse; sense of burning heat, and intolerable bearing doAvn of the parts ; febrile heat and dry skin ; hickup; livid spots on the breast, and not unfrequently fatal termination. 106 PILES. Favourable symptoms.—Moist skin ; stools becom- ing easy and natural; sediment in the urine ; strength not much diminished. Treatment.—An emetic of Ipecac or white vitriol; followed by the saline mixture, No. 18. Cathartics, calomel, oil, manna, epsom or glaub. salts. Ipecac in small doses to sweat, but not to puke, No. 12. Glysters of mutton broth, arroAV root, or starch, in either of Avhich, put from 60 to 100 drops of laudanum, often repeated. t Mucilaginous drinks, sassafras twigs, dandelion, arrow root, flax-seed and tansy. Fomentations to the bowels, of poppy heads, burdock or stramonium leaves, with camphorated spirit; frictions with No. 3. Blisters. Opium, with antimonial or Ipe- cac wine, or No. 12, 13, 14. If symptoms of malignan- cy supervene, and the strength flags, bark and snake root; wine whey, with hartshorn ; quassia, columba, angustura and simouraba barks. Nitrous acid with opium. If the disease become chronic, opium, oak-bark and fennel seed. •, • PILES. In this disease the patient should use cool diet consist- ing of bread, milk, vegetables, and broths; drink beer, infusions of mucilaginous plants of mallows, sassafras twigs, &c, BLEEDING FROM THE NOSE. 107 Medicine.—Balsam of capivy from twenty to fifty drops morning and evening. Emollient glysters; laxatives of cream tartar, or R. No. 26. Rhubarb 1 part, Cream tartar 3 parts, grind together, and take a teaspoonful in molasses occa- sionally, to prevent costiveness. Many have, seemingly, cured themselves by attending to the proper use of this remedy. If the gut protrudes, it is common to put the patient on his face, and make long continued pressure with a soft cloth dipped in milk and waer. The compiler has seen cold Avater succeed Avhere warm had failed. Where the common means fail, an emetic has caused it to return. Regularity in going to stool, has a wonderful effect in preventing, and curing many troublesome complaints of the bowels, and particularly so in this. See American Remedies, No. 12. BLEEDING FROM THE NOSE. Treatment.—Erect position of the body, with the head falling a little backward ; free exposure to cold air; cold water applied to the head, back of the neck, or gen- itals ; lint dipped in alum water, or a solution made by putliDg one drachm of white vitriol in a pint and an half of soft Avater, stuffed into the nose. If there is fever with strong pulse, head ache, &c. bleed at the arm ; salts and sweating medicine. If the face is pale, and pulse feeble, opium in large doses. See American Remedies, No. 14, 145, 150. 108 BLEEDING FROM THE STOMACH. BLEEDING FROM THE LUNGS. Symptoms.—Coughing up florid frothy blood ; heat and pain in the chest; irritation in the Avindpipe; salt- ish taste in the mouth. Treatment.—Carefully avoid heat and every kind of exertion, with every cause of agitation. Cool acidulated drinks ; sprinkling the genitals, feet, and legs with cold water, A table spoonful of fine salt, repeated if necessary. Sugar of lead one grain, Avith one grain of opium ev- ery six hours, is a powerful remedy in bleeding; oil to k6ep the boAvels loose at the same time. Tinct. fox-glove, with laudanum 24 drops three times a day. To prevent a return, small bleedings at the arm, if there is a sharpness of the pulse. Sailing, swinging, riding in an easy carriage, gentle motion on horse-back, are the best kinds of exercise. See American Remedies, No. 145, 150. BLEEDING FROM THE STOMACH. In this disease the blood is puked up, of a dark col- our. A free use of cooling purgative medicines. Note. The bleedings which occur, in Malignant Quin- sey, Scarlet Fever, and Typhus, are only symptoms of those diseases, and opium with cordials are proper. PALSY. 109 APOPLEXY. Symptoms.—The usual forerunners of apoplexy, are giddiness, pain and swimming of the head ; loss of memo- ry, drowsiness ; noise in the ears; night-mare ; flux of tears; laborious breathing. When plethoric old people notice in themselves these symptoms, they should en- deavour to prevent a fit, by bleeding, slender diet, and opening medicines. In the fit, if the patient does not die suddenly, the face is bloated and red ; the blood vessels truged ; the eyes are prominent and fixed; breathing difficult, and snoring; the excrement and urine are voided involuntarily; some- times vomiting. Treatment.—The patient should be perfectly easy and cool; the head raised, and the feet hanging downj his clothes should be loosened, but his garters tightened. Noav if his pulse beats strong, he should be bled freely, otherwise not. Glysters with oil, and two table spoonfuls of salt. Blisters between the shoulders, and on the calves of the legs. Drink warm tamarind water, or cream tartar whey ; a portion of salts. If the pulse be weak, do the same; except for drink, give warm wine or mustard whey, adding hartshorn* Omit letting blood. PALSY. Loss of voluntary motion, or sensation, or both in cer» tain parts of the body ; often with sleep, and slow soft pulse; preceded by universal torpor; giddiness, sense of weight and pain in the head; loss of memory; sense of 10 110 NERVOUS AFFECTIONS. creeping, numbness, and pricking in the part afterward to be affected. Often preceded by apoplexy. Causes.—Any thing which impairs the nervous poAV- er, Avhether acting on the brain itself, or injures the nerves in their course. Treatment.—If the attack is sudden, with symptoms of Apoplexy, treat it as is directed for that disease. 1 n debilitated constitutions, and in old age, with the head little affected, powerful stimulants Avill be proper, as mustard, horse-radish, spirit, and salt of hartshorn; tinct. guaiac. ether, electricity, &c. Frictions with flour of mustard, spirit of turpentine. Tincture of cantharides; flesh-brush; blisters, whip- ping Avith nettles, exercise, warm and salt water batb. Light nutritious diet. In palsy, from exposure to lead; balsam of peru and capivy ; mercury in small doses. In palsy of the tongue, chew pyrethrum. NERVOUS AFFECTIONS. Loss of appetite; distention of the stomach; belch* ings; nausea, heart burn; costiveness, or looseness; small slow pulse quickened upon the least exertion; palpita- tion ; tongue white and dry in the morning; limbs cold, sallow countenance. Senses depraved, or impaired; sadness; Avant of resolution; timidity as to future events; dread of impending evil; particular attention to the health ; and, upon every unusual feeling (which the pa- tient is seen to have) a fear of imminent danger, and even death itself. Disturbed sleep and frightful dreams, NERVOUS AFFECTIONS. Ill " And all that misery's hand bestows " To fill the catalogue of human woes." In respect of all these feelings and apprehensions, the patient is most obstinate in his belief and persuasion. Treatment.—" Contraria contrariis mendentur," or iu plain Euglich, change every habit of life, and every train of thought in the mind. Abandon the use of opium, and the immoderate use of ardent spirit, and tobacco ; give up tea and coffee and chocolate ; get up, and go to bed early ; use moderate exercise in the open air. Engage in new and interesting pursuits, « It has been unfortunate for the medical profession, as Avell as patients themselves, that persons labouring under nervous disorders, have expected too much from the pre- scription of the physician, and the shop of the apothecary, Avhat is only to be obtained from their own caution and circumspection : we thus find most of them ready, and greedy to swallow every medicine that is recommended ; but stubborn and unlraclable in all that relates to breaking in upon established habits and customs; Avhether of lux- urious living, depraved appetites, indolence of body or mind, or indulgence of any kind inconsistent with health. Many of these habits, it is true, are so far interwoven with flie constitution, as to make some changes almost im- practicable ; but as indisposition is so frequently brought on, or aggravated by the patients themselves, the physi- cian cannot be too much on his guard, in demonstrating to them all that belongs to their own government and de- meanor. The medical adviser, therefore, avIio observes the most disinterestedness towards his friends, will often be the first man to be dismissed ; while the selfish dissemb- ler, however ignorant, will become a favourite, and engross the emolument. On such an occasion, the virtuous mind 112 NERVOUS AFFECTIONS. of a liberal physician, would knoAv where to look for ap- probation. Nervous people are commonly endued with acute feel- ings; liable to act from the first impression and impulse, and easily deceived by the designing and interested. And should they fall into the hands of a gossiping physician, or a wheedling apothecary, these personages become a kind of appendage to their establishment, if not fixtures in their houses. Being singular in the choice of their friends, they seldom mix in company ; sedentary from . habit, they go little* abroad ; their amusements and rec- reations are thus limited, and such as possess the talent of bringing neAvs, and telling a story, are at all times wel- come guests. But as the tale of their OAvn complaints en- grosses so mucrrof their conversation, a medical gossip, before all others, is the most acceptable. Nevertheless, let the nervous and valetudinary, beivare how they trust their health and purse in such hands. See Dr. Trotter on Nervous Temperament. Exercise and recreation in the open air, even to labour and fatigue; and always till it produce a moist skiu, if not a profuse sweat. Riding on horse-back, is universally acknowledged to be beneficial; a journey should be taken, and if possible with some business, or object in view. Cold bathing, by a shoAver. Begin by setting a ves- sel of water in the morning, the south side of a building ; at 11 o'clock the water will, in summer, have become te- pid in it; sprinkle the patient, at first with a small quantity ; rub him dry with flannel immediately. Every fair day, use the shower, and every day putting the ves- sel out later, and increasing the quantity; soon the pa- tient will bear the full dash of a pail of cold water. No^A^ NIGHT-MARE. 113 if the patient has no longer a dread of cold Avater, he may plunge and swim 9 and exercise in the cold bath in- creases greatly its beneficial effect. Mineral springs may be visited Avith advantage by ma- ny. Nervous people should clothe warm and guard against variable weather. For cold feet, flannel or broad- cloth, pasted on the innermost soal of the shoe. Change of climate, may sometimes be resorted to, with great ad- vantage. Medicine.—Nervous patients should begin Avith small doses. If an emetic is thought proper, Ipecac should be used, or perhaps white vitriol. If a cathartic, rhubarb with a little salt of tartar, magnesia, or soda. To strengthen the digestive organs, bark, in powder, or infusion, or Whytt's tincture. Bitters, as quassia, col umba, gentian, and the like. The mineral acid, or sulphuric nitre, and muriatic, dropped into sugar Avater. Iron in the mineral spring waters, or No. 6, or 24. Zink is much praised by many. No. 11 , See American Remedies, No. 2, 17, 41, 42, 60, 130. NIGHT-MARE. bicn as are subject to this affection, should avoid all gloomy reflections ; tell no dreams, but keep the mind as cheerful and easy as possible ; should take exercise in the open air; eat light suppers; use cold hathing if it can be borne ; cordials, hartshorn, rhubarb. Iron No. 6. Keep the bowels free with rhubarb and cream tartar, 10* 114 St. VITUS' DANCEJ EPILEPSY. FALLING SICKNESS. Sudden falling, with strong convulsive motions of the muscles of the limbs and whole body, and spasms of the face and eyes ; frothing at the mouth } insensibility; fol- lowed by sound sleep. Causes.—Worms, teething ; acute pain, violent pas- sions, intemperance ; hereditary predisposition ; often continued by habit. The cure is seldom effected, except by medical pre- scription. The medicines are, mercury, zink, nitrate of silver. Of late stramonium is much used ; the stomach and bowels should be first cleared ; afterwards one fourth or one half a grain of the seed ground to a poAvder with chalk, may be given twice a day, gradually increasing the dose, till the pupil of the eye is somewhat dilated. Keeping the patient at that point will frequently cure the disease. St. VITUS' DANCE. Symptoms.—Convulsive motions of one side of the body. A kind of lameness in one of the legs, which the person draws after him in an odd and ridiculous manner; nor can he hold the arm of the affected side one moment still; if he is desirous of drinking, he uses many gesticula- tions before he can carry the cup to his mouth, when, he pours the liquor down his throat with great haste, as if to divert the by-standers. The eye loses its lustre and 'intelligence, and the countenance is pale and vacant; ASTHMA. 115 the flesh wastes, and the appetite and digestion are im- paired. Treatment.—Purgative medicines. Calomel and jal- ap, No. 9, 16. Rhubarb and iron, No. 6. Cold bathing ; good food ; warm clothing, &c. A physician may prescribe nitrate of silver, and stramo- nium, &c See Epilepsy. ASTHMA. Symptoms.—Paroxysms generally coming on in the night, in which there is frequent and extremely anxious breathing, Avith wheezing noise and tightness across the chest; propensity to cough ; with sense of immediate suffocation ; starting up from an horizontal posture, as if to get air ; the face turgid, or livid, or pale and shrunk. Towards morning the patient is relieved by raising freely from the lungs, and falls asleep. The tightness of the chest remains for some days, Avith a return of the distress at night. Treatment.—If the pulse is full, bleed, otherwise not. Purge Avith calomel 6 grains, rhubarb 15 grains. A puke of Ipecac Avill break up the fit; and if followed with a pill at night of opium, calomel, and Ipecac, each one grain, the paroxysm will not return. Some asthmatics find relief, in smoking tobacco, others in smoking stramonium. Sobelia Inflata has lately come into great repute for the cure of asthma. A tea spoonful of the infusion, or tincture, repeated till it pukes, or Mveats. Observe a light nutritious diet; Avarm clothing; avoid damps and wet feet; use regular exercise. See American Remedies, No. 18, 89, 95, 103, 148. 116 COLIC. WHOOPING COUGH. Convulsive strangulating cough, with whooping, re- lieved by vomiting. Contagious. Treatment.—Emetics given frequently, will moderate the symptoms. Keep the bowels open with mild laxatives. Change of air. Riding on horse back. See American Remedies, No. 15, 103, 117. WATER BRASH. Heart-burn, pain in the stomach, and running from the mouth of a thin watery fluid, in considerable quantity. Treatment.—Wear broadcloth soals in the shoes; flannel shirt and drawers. Opium, hearts-horn, soda ; lime-water for a steady drink. No. 24. COLIC. Pain in the belly, and twisting round the navel, vom- ing, costiveness. Treatment.—Warm bath and fomentations to the bowels. Opium till it relieves the pain, in glysters or by the mouth. To stop vomiting, effervescing mixture, No. 18. . ; Cathartics. Calomel in full doses, 8 or 10 grains every four hours ; with oil, and milder laxatives frequently in- terposed. CHOLERA. nr R. No. 26. Jalap, Rhubarb and Senna, each one drachm, Manna, half an ounce, Fennel-seed, a table spoonful, pour on three gills of water, boiling, let it steep, and strain, add pearlash half a drachm, cream tartar one drachm, SAveeten Avith molasses. Give a wine glass full every hour till it operates. Glysters Avith oil and salts ; they should be bulky and often repeated. In colic much depends in constantly plying the patient with the means above directed, no part of which should be neglected, and more especially the opium and cal- omel. In the treatment, external means should not be forgot- ten ; fomentations, and applications of burdock leaves heated upon a fire shovel; mustard paste; and sometimes blisters are necessary. Such applications relieve pain, relax spasm, and promote an equal motion of the bowels. See American Remedies, No. 3, 4, 12, 34, 67, 97, 148. CHOLERA. Violent and frequent vomiting, and purging of bilious matter; frequent, small, unequal pulse ; thirst and heat followed by cold sweats ; great anxiety ; spasms of the belly and calves of the legs ; sometimes universal con- vulsions, hickup, and death in a few hours. Causes.—-Excessive heat, and sudden changes ; cool damp evenings, after hot days ; indigestible food ; poi- sons ; violent passions. Treatment.—Copious draughts of chicken broths, or barley-water, or arrow-root tea. Emollient glysters, and those with nourishment. 113 DIARRHOEA. Opium in large doses, often repealed, by the mouth or in glysters, or rubbed on the bow els. Fomentations to the belly, No. 18. ( Warm wine whey, and other cordials; hartshorn, Sic. Nourishment as the stomach will bear. See Amvritur, Remedies, No. 50, 59, 132. DIARRHOEA. Copious and frequent discharges by stool ; each mo- tion is usually preceded by murmuring of the bowels, end griping; sense of weight, wind, and uneasiness in the lower belly, which ceases for a time after a disch«ir^e; frequently sickness and vomiting ; pale salloAV countenance ; thirst, bitter taste in the mouth, yellowness of the tongue ; dry rigid skin : if the disease continue great emaciation. Causes.—Cold applied to the surface of the body ; suppressed perspiration ; indigestible food, imprudent use of purgatives ; worms ; unripe fruit, &c. Treatment.—Emetics of Ipecac. Laxatives of rhubarb,calomel, magnesia, castor oil, salts, saline mixture, No. 18. Solution of pearl-ashes ; chalk- water. No. 12. Opiate, lime-water and milk. Mucilages, dandelion, barley-Avater, arrow-root, rice- water-tea, elm-bark, cat-tail flag-root, briar-roots. Tonics. Rhubarb in small doses ; iron filings, No. 6. Columba, bark and wine, Virginia snake-root. Nourishing diet. Lamb, chicken, calves-feet jelly; brandy and water, wine Avhey, and hartshorn, &c. As soon as the bowels are cleansed, oak-bark, and fen- nel seeds ; an infusion with milk and sugar, is an excel- DROPSY. 119 lent remedy. See American Remedies, No. 11, 59, 68, 108, 128, 132. TYMPANY. Elastic distention of the bowels, not readily yielding to pressure, and sounding Avhen stricken, like a drum; croaking of the boAvels ; costiveness ; wasting of the flesh; no fluctuation of water, which distinguishes it from drop- sy. Causes.—Weakened bowels, from any cause ; from errors in diet; exposure to cold ; intemperance, &c. Treatment.—Evacuate the air, by seeds of mother- Avort, cassia, anise, &c. Opium, fetida ; and draAving it off with a glyster pipe, and rubbing the boAvels with the hand dipped in oil, with camphor dissolved in it. This should be frequently repeated. Glysters of opium and mothenvorl. Laxative pills, of equal parts of myrrh and aloes. Bitters, exercise, digestible food. Leaves of burdock, horse-raddish, or meadoAV cabbage, externally applied to the boAvels, and frequently reneAved. Frazeri, harvest- weed root, (asclepias decumbens.) See American Reme- dies, No. 3, 12. DROPSY. A preternatural collection of a watery fluid in some of the cavities, or disused over the whole body, the latter pitting on pressure of the finger. la this disease, the urine is high coloured and scanty ; costiveness; insatiable thirst. Skin pale and salloAv, unless it is in' 120 WATER IN THE HEAD. flamed, when it is red, smooth, and shining; cough ; slow fever. Treatment.—Evacuate the fluid, by emetics of tartar emetic, Ipecac, squills. Cathartics, jalap and calomel No. 9. or cream tartar, 3 parts, rhubarb 1 part. R, No. 26. Nitre 2 grains, Aloes 4 grains, Gamboge 8. Make 6 pills, take one every two hours, till they operate freely. Diuretics. Medicine which promote discharges by urine, cream tartar, acetite of potash, SAveet spirits of nitre; fox-glove, junipers, horse-raddish, winter-green, &c. Tonics. Friction, bandages, as for ulcers of the legs; exercise, cold bathing. Bitters, wine, bark and iron, No. 15. Nos. 6, and 24. See American Remedies, No. 18,51, 76, 89, 117. DROPSY OF THE CHEST. All the symptoms of dropsy, except the swelling, which in this disease is at first confined to the chest. In addition, impatience of a horizontal position, loss of breath, numbness of the arms; starting from sleep, frightful dreams ; palpitation of the heart ; fluctuation of water in the chest. Treatment.—Same as in dropsy. May be tapped by an operating surgeon. See American Remedies, No. 50. WATER IN THE HEAD. This is a fatal disease of children, and unfortunately of very frequent occurrence. It may come on spontane- WATER IN THE HEAD. 121 ously, or succeed teething, disordered bowels, sudden healing of ulcers of the head and skin. Symptoms—Pain in the head, vomiting occasionally. This state lasts some days or weeks. Now the child complains seriously, the bowels are costive ; skin hot; pulse unequal and quick ; interrupted sleep, as if by dreams ; asleep or awake, the child keeps up a continu- al moaning ; this is sometimes the first symptom ; and if accompanied by inability to support the head erect, should alarm the parents ; cheeks flushed, the rest of the skin pale ; no appetite ; he starts frequently ; grinds his teeth, picks his nose, tosses his hands over his head, and screams when apparently slumbering. In a few days the pupil of the eyes dilate, a squinting comes on ; the pulse is slow and intermitting; complains less, but moans and screams most piteously. Presently the pulse becomes quick ; one side is convulsed, the other palsied ; convulsions come on ; the eyes are gla- zed ; breathing noisy ; stupor, shrunk features, and death. Treatment —Whenever a child complains of symp- toms of the first stage of this complaint, no time is to be lost: use brisk purges of calomel ; apply leeches to the temples, and repeat this if the symptoms return. Quiet, and food of the lightest kind. Shave the head, and apply cold vinegar or a blister. If these do not help, the symptoms become more ur- gent, and the danger is great ; and it is to be feared noth- ing will avail. Attention to cleanliness, beef tea, arrow- root, and ripe fruit for food ; gruel, lemonade, and Avine and water, for drink ; holding the hand gently on the head, ^ ill somewhat relieve the sufferer. This done, all is done. See American Remedies, No. 144. 11 122 JAUNDICE. INSANITY. Erroneous judgment from imaginary perceptions, at- tended with agreeable emotions ; or a perception of false relations. Exciting the passions, and producing unrea- sonable actions or motions, with terrors of mind in pursu- ing a train of thought ; and in running from one train of thought to another ; attended Avith incoherent and ab- surd speech, called raving ; violent impatience of either contradiction or restraint, without fever. Maniacs have frequently lucid intervals, hence called lunatics. Treatment.—Much depends on gaining the confi- dence of the maniac, by gentle conciliating treatment; or more frequently, by inspiring awe and dread of cor- rection, tempered with mildness and humanity. Divert- ing the attention ; frequent change of scene ; spare low diet; bleeding, if the patient be plethoric and the attack recent. Purgatives, and emetics, No. 8, 9> 23, and 26. Henbane, hemlock, and stramonium, but not without advice. Cold bathing ; blisters to the nape of the neck. ^ If there is great debility, nourishing food ; bitters, bark, Ayine and iron. See American Remedies, No. 45. JAUNDICE. Languor, inactivity; loss of appetite ; yellow colour of the skin, especially of the eyes ; bitter taste in the mouth; yellow tinge communicated to the Jlinen by the urine ; Avhite or clay coloured stools; dryness of the skin; SCURA7T. 123 and if long protracted, ulcers, bleedings, and all the symptoms of the scurvy. Treatment.—Warm bath and fomentations to the up- per part of the belly. Gentle emetics when the pain is not acute, No. 8. Cathartics, No. 9,23, 26. Opium to relieve pain. Soda, soap, raAV eggs, turpentine, ether. Bitters, columba, quassia, &c. Frazeri, white-wood root, box Avood bark, prickly ash, &c. If the disease assume the appearance of scurvy, treat it as such. See American Remedies, No. 19, 24. SCURVY. Extreme debility, complexion pale and bloated ; spon- gy gums; livid spots; breath offensive; swelling of the feet and legs; bleeding, from various parts; fetid urine ; stools extremely offensive. Treatment.—Pay the utmost attention to cleanliness; vegetable food of every description ; vegetable acids, limes, lemons, apples, Sic. Fermented liquors, beer, cider, wine, &e. Mineral acids in beverage, sorrel tea, mustard whey, tamarind water, arrow-root tea, gargles of oak bark, No. 15, and steams of vinegar. Pains relieved by opium, fomentations of vinegar and water, pure air, regular ex- ercise, bitters, bark, iron, Sic. Stimulants. Horse-radish, mustard, cabbage. See American Remedies, No. 32: 124 WORMS. ITCH. The Itch is a contagious eruption of small pustles, with a hard hot base, and watery looking top. Too Avell known to need a minute description. The best application is an ointment of sulphur and lard. When sulphur fails, oris not employed on account of its smell, other remedies have been used; such aa strong decoction of juniper berries, or of hellebore, or bo. lution of ten grains of corrosive sublimate of mercury, in a pint of rose-leaf tea; these are to be applied as a wash to the part three times in a day. An ointment of hellebore, or of twenty grains of cor- rosive sublimate, ground into two ounces of lard, have been used. Great attention to cleanliness, and frequent Avashings in soap and Avater are necessary during the cure. Fre- quent change of linen throughout. See American Reme- dies, No. 7, 47, 77, 112,154. WORMS. Unavholesome food, with bad digestion, seem to be the principal causes of Avorms. They appear most frequent- ly in those of a relaxed habit, and Avhose bowels contain a great quantity of mucus or slimy matter. Children are most subject to suffer from worms, but adults are af- fected sometimes with them to a high degree. Symptoms.—Variable appetite, fetid breath, sour belch- ings, pain in the stomach, grinding of the teeth, picking of the nose, swelled hard bowels, griping pains of the boAvels, paleness, emaciation, sIoav fever, convulsive fits. SUSPENDED ANIMATION. 125 Treatment.—Calomel and jalap, No. 16, folloAved by the daily and continued use of No. 6, lime water, &c. This course may be preceded by an infusion of Car- olina piuk. Generous diet, wine, animal food. Crude unripe fruit and poor unAvholesorae food avoided. See American Remedies, No. 27, 139, 144. ----»o«.-- ACCIDENTS. SUSPENDED ANIMATION. It is certain that life, when to all appearance lost may often by due care be restored. Accidents frequently prove fatal, merely because proper means are not used to counteract their effects. In consequence of drowning, suffocation, and strangu- lation, a check is given to the principle of life without wholly extinguishing it. In drowning, the circulation of blood becomes slow and feeble. Air is discharged from the lungs and water drawn in, a struggling comes on, suc- ceeded by convulsions; the breast ceases to rise and the breath stops; soon the skin, especially about the face and neck, become of a purple or blue colour, and the body sinks. When a person dies from suffocation, the symptoms are nearly the same as in apoplexy. In strangulation, convulsions are joined to apoplectic symptoms. Livid dark spots on the face, stiffness and coldness of the body, a glassy appearance of the eyes, and a flaGcid 11* 126 SUSPENDED ANIMATION. state of the skin, denote a perfect extinction of life. Ac- tual putrefaction is the only certain sign of death. The noble machine may be stopped, yet the spring retain its elastic vigour. The following are the means to be employed for the recovery of persons recently drowned. As soon as the body is taken out of the water, it is to be conveyed with as little tossing and agitation as possi- ble to the nearest house, where it is quickly to be stripped of the Avet clothes, and wiped perfectly dry; then to be laid between warm blankets and on the right side; the head to be covered Avith a Avarm woollen cap, and bags filled with warm sand, or bricks heated and wrapped in flannel are to be applied to the feet and sides. The doors and the windows are to be thrown open in order that the pure air may be freely admitted, and no persons but such as are necessary in the operation, should be al- lowed to enter. We should in the next place endeavour to expand the lungs, and if possible, make them resume their office. This may be done by inserting the tube of a bellows in one nostril and stopping the other, as also the mouth, and gently forcing the air into the lungs till the chest is raised, then with the hand depressing the breast and thus imitating natural breathing, a strong person with a tube in the nostril, or by putting his mouth in contact Avith that of the sufferer may raise the lungs. The lungs being inflated, rub every part of the body with salt and flannel cloths, carefully avoiding the access of cold, and gradually increasing the warmth as symp- toms of life seem to return. Should the friction with flannel fail, apply flannels Avrung out of very hot water CHOKE DAMPS. 127 to the region of the heart, and sides of the chest. Or put the patient into a warm bath. Apply hartshorn to the nose, and Avith it wipe the tem- ples. Stimulating glysters to the intestines, but not of tobacco. As soon as the person can swallow, a cordial may be given. By perseverance in such means, persons have been restored to life, long after all signs of life had become extinct. The use of the means should not be given up till four or five hours have elapsed. After the vital heat and circulation are restored, bleed- ing may be proper, of this a physician alone can judge. In cases of apparent death jrom suffocation and strangling, the same precautions are necessary, and many, of the same means are proper ; bleeding may be sooner used. In all cases of suspended animation, on the smallest appearance of respiration, or restoration to life, wine cordials, or a little brandy and Avater should be convey- ed into the stomach, in small quantities at a time, and frequently repeated. When the patient comes perfectly to himaelf, he should be alloAved every benefit from re- pose. CHOKE DAMPS. dtkial poisons. Persons cannot breathe Avhere a candle will not burn. The air becomes contaminated and use- less by repeated breathing, by burning charcoal in a close place, and Avhen rendered noxious, being much heavier than the pure atmosphere, collects in low places, as cav- erns, wells not used, and in vaults where fermenting Ii- 128 CHOKE DAMPS. quors are kept, &c. The fumes of some of the metals are also deleterious, such as lead, copper, antimony, mer- cury, &c. The danger from damps, or foul air is increased, by their silently extinguishing life, particularly that of fixed air, (carbonic acid gas.) This serial poison benumbs the sensibility and faculties, so that the person immersed in it is entirely insensible of his danger, and dies without a struggle. Symptoms.—The head, face and neck areswoolen, the ' eyes are propelled from their sockets, the tongue hangs out at one side of the mouth, the jaAvs fixed, the face li- vid, aud the lips blue, and the person appears in a pro- found sleep. On breathing deleterious fumes, the patient feels a sense of weariness, giddiness succeeded by head-ache, lethargy, fainting, convulsions, general stupor ; frequent- ly however, death comes without a precursor. As soon as a person is discovered, who has suffered by breathing any kind of foul air, he should be carried immediately into pure cool air, and freely exposed, be- ing supported in a leaning posture on a chair. The face should be sprinkled with vinegar, and the stomach with cold water. After each sprinkling of cold water, rub the skin Avith flannel or a soft brush. Apply hartshorn to the nose, and warm Avater to the feet. Glysters of vinegar and water ; and if there appear an inclination to vomit, promote it by a feather dipped in oil ; continue the V sprinkling and frictions. The first symptoms of returning life, are shivering and foaming at the mouth. Air may be introduced into the lungs as mentioned in other cases of suspended animation j as soon as the pa- VEGETABLE POISONS. 129 tient can swallow, give vinegar and water, or some other acid beverage. MINERAL POISONS. The chief of these are arsenic, strong preparations of mercury and lead. Where arsenic, or muriate of mercury, (corrosive subli- mate,) has been swallowed, a strong puke should be giv- en as soon as possible. Drink freely of some diluting liquor, as of barley-Ava- ter, gum-water, flax-seed tea, mallows, &c. Oils should be given freely, and large injections of oil Avith any of the above mentioned drinks. Pearlash Avater quickly drank, will someAvhat counteract the poison. Where me- talic poison has been swallowed, Ipecac should be imme- diately given without measure. Where an over dose of arsenic has been swallowed, a pricking burning heat is felt in the stomach, and most ex- cruciating pains in the boAvels, rough parched tongue, un- quenchable thirst, anxiety and restlessness ; swelling of the belly, hickup, fetid puking, and stools, and death. Lead produces colic, and palsy, which see. Verdigrise swallowed is highly poisonous. Emetics as in the case of arsenic, and followed by pearlash water, drank freely. The tests of poison can be known only to physicians and chemists. VEGETABLE POISONS. The vegetable poisons produce, when taken, giddi- ness, confusion or loss of sight, with dilatation of the pu- 130 ANIMAL POISONS. pils of the eyes, palpitations, loss of memory, fatuity, low muttering, delirium, stupor; sometimes vomiting, con- vulsions and death. Those most liable to be taken, are Avild fennel, hem- lock, night-shade, thorn apple, and other such plants. Opium, hen-bane, fox-glove, Carolina pink, are liable to be taken in over dos.es or by mistake, as medicines. The running rooting sumack, called mercury, is some- times eaten inadvertently, as it climbs fruit-trees, and be- ing bruised drops its juice, which dries upon the fallen fruit. This produces an eruption upon the skin; is cured by a wash of corrosive sublimate, ten grains to a pint of water. Bark may be given internally with wine. As soon as it is ascertained that a person has swallow- ed a vegetable poison sufficient to endanger life, emetics of white vitriol, tartar emetic and Ipecac should be given till they operate. When the patient pukes, a free use of diluents should follow ; vegetable acid drinks, as vinegar, lemonade, &c. Coffee is a good drink in such cases. If the remedies are directed in time, the principal source of danger is the fear of overdosing; vegetable poisons render the stomach insensible, and consequently commou doses have no effect; and it is best to repeat in quick succession, a full dose'of the first mentioned re- medies, till a retching and vomiting lakes place. Then proceed as is above directed. Cases of intoxication may receive the same treatment as vegetable poisons. ANIMAL POISONS. Most of the animal poisons have been mentioned in the surgical part of this Avork. See Bites of Fenomous Serpents, &c. ANIMAL POISONS. 131 Some persons OAving to peculiarity of constitution, or from some other cause, arc poisoned by eating freely of oysters, lobsters, ells, &c. Symptoms produced are, uneasiness, giddiness, and a blaze in spots on the skin. A smart vomit should be immediately taken, folloAved by vinegar, and a free use of milk. But a terrible poison is found in many kinds of fish in hot climates. The yellow bill-sprat, and cavalee, are most to be dreaded; but rock-fish", and king fish, are sometimes poisonous, with others. As in other cases of poison, vomiting should be premised, then a purge of oil or calomel. Ardent spirits, strong cordials, and Madeira Avine should be drank freely. If vomitting or cholera morbus come on or follow, opium, and more particularly if convulsions come on. The alkalies, hartshorn and pearlash may be of ser- vice. Pains of the joints and other symptoms, often contin- ue a long time to harass the patient; wrap the parts in flannel; Avarm bath. Remove to a cold climate. The entrails of a suspected fish should be given to a cat or a dog, and if no ill effect follow in two hours to the animal which eats them, the fish is good. The test by a silver spoon should not be relied on. Unknown fish without scales, and uncommonly large fish of their kind, are suspicious. CHOKING. As soon as any person is observed to be choked, and more particularly children, the obstructing body should 132 FALLS. be felt for with a finger at the top of the throat; His pos- sible many times to remove it directly, and should we fail in this, the puking excited by the finger frequently removes the offending body. Food and foreign substances are sometimes lodged in the top of the wind-pipe and produce immediate suffoca. tion; help in this case must be afforded at the moment by introducing the finger. Unless the offending body can be seen, any apparatus is unsafe except in the hands of an experienced surgeon. Presence of mind will enable any person to do much in all cases of casualty, and particularly in this, and the directions above are sufficient. The finger, and the vom- iting which it is sure to produce, will do much more at the instant than is commonly thought. FALLS. The concussion or shock of a sudden fall from an emi- nence is such, as to leave the sufferer breathless; and here there is often apparent death, though no destruction of parts has taken place. In this case the person should be turned to an easy pos- ture of body and the air freely admitted, or waved into his face. Should the breath not return, the lungs should be filled as in cases of drowning; a cordial should be giv- en ; and the patient should not he bled, simply because he has fallen; yet symptoms may require it, such as ob- structed breathing. Yet bleeding is of essential service when the pulse rises or pain and inflammation come on. See Contused Wounds, &c. In falls from fainting the head should not be raised nor LIGHTNING. 133 persons croud around ; a little water sprinkled in the face is commonly sufficient; hartshorn, lavender, ether, Ac. may be administered. LIGHTNING. Persons apparently dead from lightning, may be fre- quently restored by proper means. Sprinkling or affu- sion of cold Avater, and in general the means laid down for atrial poisons, are to be persevered in. A rigidity of (he limbs usually attends persons recovering from a stroke of lightning ; sprinkling and rubbing the parts Avith cold Avater, should be often used. The means to be used for the recovering of persons suddenly deprived of life, are nearly the same in all cases. They are practicable by every one Avho happens to be present at the accident, and require no great expense, and less skill. The great aim is to preserve or restore the vital warmth and motion. This may in general be attempted, by heat, frictions, bloAving air into the lungs, administering glysters, cordials, &c These must be va- ried according to circumstances. Common sense and the situation of the patient, will suggest the means of relief. Above all, we Avould recommend perseverance. Much good may, and no harm can result; who would grudge pains in such a case 1 12 134 OF THE MONTHLY PERIOD. TREATMENT OF FEMALE COMPLAINTS. OF THE MONTHLY PERIOD. The age at which the monthly evacuation commences, varies not only in different climates, but also in different individuals, in the same place. It usually appears about the fourteenth year, and continues for a period of thirty years. In some instances, this change takes place without any previous indisposition or uneasy feelings. But fre- . quently it is preceded by various affections of the stom- ach and bowels, with pain in the back, and the health seems to decline, and not unfrequently a train of nervous or hysterical symptoms occur. its first appearance protracted. With regard to the management of the constitution of young women, about the time when this evacuation com- mences, I would observe, that which insures general health, prepares the way for the happy establishment of this important change in the female constitution. If the health declines with a disordered state of the stomach . and bowels, the surface of body should be kept warm by wearing a flannel shirt and draAvers; the use of the warm bath every second night; moderate but regular exercise; food easy of digestion ; keeping the bowels regular by rhubarb, epsom salts, or No. 6. It will be useful to employ tonic remedies, such as tinc- ture of steel or Ens. veneris and myrrh. If there appear symptoms Avhich indicate an approaching consumption, it will be necessary to have early recourse to a practitioner. DEFICIENCY. 13$ If the system seems to be simply lax and debilitated, the general remedies for strengthening are the best. Wine, iron, bark ; as the strength returns use aloes and myrrh, or calomel and rhubarb. Riding in a waggon or on horse- back. Sometimes girls robust, florid, and healthy suffer from a protracted appearance of the periodical evacuation, and complain of uneasiness, head-ache, and flushes ; such should observe a spare vegetable diet; keep the bowels loose, and avoid violent exercise, particularly in croAvded rooms. The most effectual remedy is to bleed from-two to six ounces every tAventy-eight days, and after the sec- ond or third bleeding, to postpone the operation a day or two longer to wait for the desired event. SUPPRESSION. In temporary and accidental suppression or stoppage from cold, bathe the feet and legs, or the common prac- tice of setting in, and over, decoctions of herbs, and tight- ening the garters are good means to restore the discharge, a dose of Elixir Pro. is a good addition to the treatment, and drink freely of catnip or mother-wort teas on going to bed. If these fail, a little blood should be taken as soon as it is ascertained the period is missed. See Ameri- can Remedies, No. 87. DEFICIENCY. A deficient and painful turn is with some Avomen very distressing. Such Avomen should carefully avoid cold and every thing Avhich tends to disturb the general health, at the period should keep the house, drink freely of warm teas, especially on going to bed; should keep a moist skin, 136 CESSATION OF THE MENSES. and use the warm bath, or sit over aa arm decoctions of herbs, and allay immoderate pains with opiates. profuse discharge. A more frequent and more serious complaint is a pro- fuse flowing at the period, or an appearance at too short intervals. Such women should confine themselves to a horizontal posture on a hard bed or matrass ; take cold drinks, astringents are to be preferred, such as rose leaf tea, oak-bark and the like. Elixir vitriol may be added to the drinks. In obstinate cases, cold water and vinegar may be applied to the parts Avith cloths or otherwise; and opiates relieve pains and moderate the discharge,— acetite of lead, joined to opium is a poAverful and safe remedy when a physician attends, but should not be tak- en without advice. This should be said of the cold bath during the period. During the interval the patient should use exercise, such as riding in the open air, in a carriage, or on horse- back, and should use Avine, nourishing food, and prepara- tions of iron, No. 6. Both in deficient and profuse discharges at the period, the prime object should be, next to obviating symptoms at the time, to mend the health during the interval. Ir- regularity is commonly the effect of bad health, and peo- ple mistake when they suppose confirmed ill health grows out of accidental suppression. Violent and forcing re- medies should always be avoided, and in female com- plaints the physician is too seldom consulted. cessation of the menses. The periodical discharge ceases spontaneously in most women betAVcen the ages of forty and fifty. In some it WHITES, OR SEXUAL WEAKNESS. 137 disappears suddenly, in others gradually ; when no symp- toms of disease appear, no other attention to the change is necessary, than to observe temperance in all things ; every kind of excess, particularly that of spiritous li- quors, should be carefully avoided. If symptoms of disease occur during, or at the time of the cessation of the periodical discharge, they should be treated as is elseAvhere directed for such diseases. WHITES, or sexual weakness. This is a disease in Avhich women have a thin white glairy discharge, in its mildest form resembling thin starch, and if attended with no pain is easily cured by removing the irritating cause, and washing and bathing in cold water. When, however, the discharge is of a yellow, brown, or green colour, and acrid or fetid, it then is certainly a constitutional disease, and should receive immediate at- tention. If the patient be of a full habit, with flushings in the face and palms of the hands, with strong full pulse, bleeding, with cool evacuating medicines, and a spare di- et will be sufficient to a cure. If the disease be of long standing, and the health is much impaired and the strength much reduced, the sto- mach should be cleansed by a vomit, then should follow cordial and bracing medicines, such as bark, wine, elix- ir vitriol, preparations of iron. Thus we should endeav- our to effect a cure by remedies which tend to re-estab- lish health. But local remedies should not be long omit- ted, such as injections of tea, oak-bark, but more parti- cularly a solution of half an ounce of alum in a quart bottle of soft water ; these should be frequently thrown 133 EMETIC 3. up in the passage by means of a proper syringe. See American Remedies, No. 121. HYSTERIC AFFECTIONS. In a well marked hysteric fit, a sense of pain or ful- ness is felt in the belly near the navel or left side. This gradually spreads, and a sensation is felt as if a ball pas, sed up and stuck in the throat. The patient falls down insensible, or convulsed, Avith irregular breathing, sobbing, and sometimes shrieking; after this the symptoms are wonderfully varied in different cases, alternate laughing and crying, fainting, &c. The treatment during the fit is simply this,—lay the patient on a sofa or bed in a warm room, open a door or a window, apply lavender or camphor to the temples, hold hartshorn to the nose ; as soon as the patient can swallow, give a tea spoonful of lavender and hartshorn in a spoonful of water, or a dose of laudanum, and if ne- cessary repeat them. To prevent a recurrence of the fit, purgatives of aloes, strengthening medicines, and avoiding high seasoned food, and every irregularity of body and mind. See American Remedies, No. 2, 45, 148, 149. INTRODUCTION TO MEDICINE. EMETICS. For adults, a scruple of Ipecac, or an ounce of Ipecac wine. For children, from four to ten grains of Ipecac, or from a tea to a table spoonful of Ipecac wine, according to the age. Antimouials should not be given but by med- ical prescription. CORDIALS. 139 LAXATIVES. v "' •'•' ■-.. [ ' ' ( - t set. U'A j i > '4 <,-.■■'■■ For adults, a t^ible spoonful of castor oil taken alone or mixed with brahdy, lemon juice syrup, or the thin part of marmalade, an ounce or an ounce and an half of glaub. or rochelle salts. Jalap from a scruple to a drachm, with a little ginger, or six or eight grains of calomel rubbed up >' with loaf sugar. Or No. 27. Or magnesia, or cteam tar- tar. . _ y ',. rV , • ,/ . '_, For children, rhubarb and magnesia, or senna tea, from a tea to a desart spoonful of castor oil; from a quarter of a grain to six grains of calomel, according to the age, should be given in jelly or syrup of preserves. OPIATES. For adults, a grain of opium or twenty-five drops of laudanum; but in severe pain or lock-jaw, the dose of laudanum may be very much increased or repeated. Extract of hen-bane (Hyosciamus,) in double the quan- tity of opium. See American Remedies, poppy, lettuce, and hen-bane tops. SWEATING MEDICINES. See No. 18, 32, American Remedies. Thoroughwort, lemon baun, cat-nip, Virginia snake-root, queen of the meadows, everlasting. CORDIALS. Wine, spirit, No. 13, 14. laudanum, wine whey, mus- tard whey. American Remedies see, motherwort, prickly ash, sanicle. 140 FAMILY DISPENSATORY. GLYSTEilS. A pint of gruel or broth, to which may be added a spoonful of common salt. When there is tenderness of the bowels or in the parts adjacent, infusions of tansy or roots of motherwort may be used. Opiates are adminis- tered in gruel or starch, but the dose of opium should be double the quantity taken by the mouth. See American Remedies. Hops, motherwort, masterwort, American senna, hard hack. DRINKS. Barley-Avater, toast-Avater, oat meal gruel, rice gruel, ginger Avine and Avater, apple tea, lemonade, tamarind beverage. American Remedies, see, baum, lemon baum, catnip, spice-bush, sussafras, spear mint. SICK DIET. Light boiled rice, stewed apples, prunes or.gooseberries, soft boiled eggs, egg beat up in sugar, arrovA'-root, bread- Avater, caives-feet jelly, chicken broth, beef-tea, spinage, asparagus, cauli-floAver, turnip, &c. FAMILY DISPENSATORY. Under this head will be found Avhat I conceive to be a chcicc of remedies. The limits of this work Avould not admit of a great variety of preparations; yet enough are to be found here, and in the body of the Avork. A mul- tiplicity of remedies tend only to confusion. A few things well understood, and well improved, are better than a thousand of Avhich we have but half knowledge. WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 141 WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. The Apothecary's weights, and wine measures are used in this work. WEIGHTS. Twenty Grains make a Scruple. Three Scruples .... a Drachm. Eight Drachms .... an Ounce. Twelve Ounces .... a Pound. The Grains the same as in money scales, from Avhich the other weights may be calculated—as, 24 grains make a Penny Weight, Sic. Note. Apothecaries in this country do not distinguish between the Grocers' or Avoirdupoise pound, and their own. MEASURES. Eight Drachms make one Ounce. Sixteen Ounces.......Pint. Eight Pints .......Gallon. A table spoonful is supposed to be equal to half an ounce, and a tea spoonful to seventy drops. A drop Avill con- tain a quantity proportioned to the size of the mouth of the phial from which it falls ; a common ounce phial should be a medium size. The doses mentioned are for adults, except when oth- envise particularized. Doses reduced for petrous under twenty-one years of age. For 14 years, TAvo-thirds. 7 do. One-half. 5 do. One-third. 3 do. One-fourth. 28 months, One-fifth, 142 PILLS. For 14 months, One-eighth. 7 do. One-twelfth. 2 do. One-fifteenth. 1 do. One-tAventieMi. Under One-twenty-fourth, Laudanum and other active fluids should not be given to young children, after there is a cloud in them, as the strength is then uncertain ; the top of the fluid is then weaker and the bottom stronger, as the substance has fallen to the bottom. APOTHECARIES' FORMS OF MEDICINES. Note. Forms to the number of tAventy-six, are inter- spersed in the body of the Avork, and may be easily found by referring to the numbers. A feAV more will be here added. PILLS. R. No. 27. LAXATIVE PILLS. Take of poAvder of cinnamon, 10 grains, Socotorine aloes in fine powder, and Castile soap, of each one drachm. Beat them together in a stone or iron mortar, adding one or two drops of syrup or molasses. Make into 32 pills. Dose for groAvn persons, two at bed time. R. NO. 28. PILLS OF ALOES AND FETIDA. Take socotorine aloes, Assa fetida, and Soap equal parts. Pill with gum Arabic. POWDERS. 143 These pills are good in indigestion, attended with cos- tiveness, and \vind in the stomach and bowels. Purging pills, see No. 26. R. No. 29. hull's colic pills. Take Cinnamon, Cloves, Mace, Myrrh, Saffron, Ginger, Castile soap, of each one drachm, Socotorine aloes one ounce, Essence of peppermint, sufficient to moisten it. Make common sized pills, and take them till they ope- rate. POWDERS. R. No. 30. picra. Socotorine aloes, 1 pound, White canella, 3 ounces. Separately powdered and then mixed. Good purga- tive. Dose betAveen a scruple and drachm. May be taken in syrup or molasses. R. No. 31. POWDER OF THE GUMS. Tragacanth, in powder, Gum Arabic, Starch, of each li ounce, Loaf sugar, 3 ounces. Grind to a powder. Good in coughs, hectic, stoppage of urine, old fluxes, Sic. Dose one or more tea spoonfuls. 144 PLASTERS. R. NO. 32. SWEATING POWDER, OR DOVER'S POWDER. Ipecac in powder, Opium, (dry,) of each one part, Sulphate of potash, eight parts. Grind them together to a fine poAvder. Dose from 5 to 20 grains, as the stomach and strength will bear it; lessen the dose if it threatens to puke. Avoid much drinking after it. This is a powerful SAveating remedy in fevers, rheumatism, and dropsies, excellent in colds and suppressed perspiration. In general this is the best opi- ate, as the Ipecac lessens the danger of a habitual use of opium,—a thing to be avoided next to habits of intoxi- cation. PLASTERS. Blistering plaster should be prepared by an apothecary. R. No. 33. COMMON PLASTER, OR DIACHYLON. Take of Litharge, one part, Olive oil, two parts. Boil them, adding warm water to prevent its burning, and constantly stirring the mixture till the oil and litharge be formed into a plaster. All this should be done with caution, the water added should be neither very hot or very cold, it is better to remove the kettle from the fire while the warm Avater is added. This is a common application to slight flesh Avounds; they keep the parts Soft and warm, and defend them from the air, which is all that can be expected from any plas- ter. R. NO. 34. STICKING PLASTER, OR ADHESIVE PLASTER. Take of common plaster, five parts, White resin, one part. SALVES AND OINTMENTS. 145 Melt them together, and make a plaster. This is the plaster used in dressing recent wounds; it supplies tne place of the surgeon's needle and stitch, and this from a simple cut finger, to an amputated thigh. See its use un- der the head of Ulcers. This makes the best strength- ening plaster. Rub opium into it, and you have the an- odyne plaster. SALVES AND OINTMENTS. Basilicum, See No. 5. R. No. 35. SIMPLE OINTMENT. Olive (sweet) oil, five parts, White Avax, two parts. .Melt together. May be used for softening the skin, and healing chaps and excoriations. U. No. 30. OINTMENT, OF AVH1TE HELLEBORE. White hellebore, one ounce, I fog's lard, four ounces, Essence of lemon, half a scruple. Mix. Used to cure eruptions on the skin, ringAvorms, and the like. Oinlmcuts of mercury are difficult of preparation, and apt to change by keeping; for which reason they should be purchased of an apothecary Avhen wanted. R. No. 37. TAR OINTMENT. Take of Tar, Mutton suet, of each half a pound. Melt them together and strain. Successfully emploj-- ed in some eruptions of the skin, especially scald head. 13 146 TINCTURES, OR ELIXIRS. R. No. 38. SULPHUR OINTMENT. Take of Hog's lard, four parts, Flowers of sulphur, one part. To each pound of this ointment may be added, Volatile Oil of lemons, or, Oil of lavender, £ drachm. A certain remedy for the cure of itch. A pound serves for four unctions. The patient should be rubbed four nights in succession, each time one fourth part of the body. For other Ointments, see American Remedies, as stra- monium, (thorn-apple) wild indigo, elder, &c. TINCTURES, OR ELIXIRS. See Tinctures, under American Remedies. R. No. 39. ELIXIR PROPRIETATUS, ELIX. PRO. OR TINC- TURE OF MYRRH AND ALOES. Take of Myrrh in powder, two ounces. Alkohol, one pound and an half. Water, half a pound, Mix the alkohol with the water, and add the myrrh. Steep four days and then add, Socotorine aloes, an ounce and an half. Saffron, an ounce. Steep three days, and pour off the clear liquor from the sediment. Laxative and stomachic. R. No. 40. TINCTURE OF ASSA FETIDA. Take of Assa fetida, four ounces. Alkohol, two pounds and an half. Digest seven days, and strain through paper. Dose from ten to fifty drops. TINCTURES, OR ELIXIRS. 147 R. NO. 41. ELIXIR SOLUTIS, OR ELIXIR OF HEALTH, TINCTURE OF SENNA. Take of Senna leaves, two ounces. Jalap, one ounce. Coriander seeds, half an ounc e. High spirit, three pounds and an half. Digest seven days, and to the strained liquor add four ounces of loaf sugar. Useful in bowel complaints, colic, especially in intem- perate persons. II. No. 42. TINCTURE OF BARK, OR HUXHAM's TINCTURE. Take of Peruvian bark in powder, two ounces. Orange peel dried, half an ounce. Virginia snake root bruised, three drachms. Saffron, one drachm. Proof spirit (rum) two pounds. Steep fourteen days, andjMjhin. Good preparation of the^Wk taken as a bitter, a tea- spoonful to a glass of wine before eating; useful in low fevers. R. NO. 43. TINCTURE OF GUAIAC. Take of Gum Guaiac,one pound. Alkohol, two pounds and a half. Steep for seven days, and strain. A powerful stimulating sweating remedy in rheuma- tic and old gouty affections. Dose, a tea spoonful in spirit. R. No. 44. LAUDANUM. Take of Opium, two ounces. Diluted Alkohol, two pounds. 1-48 SIRUPS. Digest seven dr.ys. This is an elegant opiate, but separates by keeping. R. NO. 45. ELIXIR PARAGORIC. Take of Purified opium, Flowers of Benzoin, of each one drachm. Camphor, two scruples. Oil of anise, one drachm* Proof spirit, tAvo pints. Digest for ten days, and strain. This has been called Elixir Asmatic, relieves coughs, and the bowel complaints of children. R. 46. BITTER TINCTURE OF RHUBARB. Take of Rhubarb, two ounces. Gentian root, half an ounce. Diluted Alkohol, two pounds and an half. Digest seven days, and sh^n through paper. Good in indigestion, deSKy of the boAvels, Diarrhoea?, Colics, and other similar complaints. R. 47. TINCTURE OF BALSAM TOLU. Take of Balsam Tolu, one ounce. Alkohol, one pound. Digest till the balsam be dissolved, then strain through paper, mixed Avith simple sirup of sugar; it forms an ele- gant preparation called Sirup of Balsam; this with Elixir Paragoric in equal parts, is an excellent remedy for night coughs, and in consumption. SIRUPS. R. No. 48. SIMPLE SIRUP. Take of Double Refined Sugar fifteen parts, Water Eight parts. LINIMENTS. 149 Let the Sugar be dissolved by a gentle heat, and boiled a little so as to form a sirup. See Tincture of Balsam. R. No. 49. SIRUP OF GINGER. Take of Beat ginger, three ounces, Boiling water, four pounds, Double refined sugar, 71 pounds. Steep the ginger in the water, in a close vessel for twenty-four hours, then to the strained liquor add the beat sugar, so as to make a sirup. This is an agreeable and moderately aromatic sirup; impregnated with the flavour and the virtues of the ginger. R. No. 50. SIRUP OF LEMONS. Take of juice of lemons, suffered to stand till the sedi- ment falls, then strain off this liquor, three parts. Double Refined Sugar five parts. Dissolve the sugar in the juice till it forms a sirup. In the same way are prepared, Sirup of Mulberry juice, ---------Raspberry juice, ---------Black current juice. All these are pleasant cooling sirups; quenching thirst; and may be used in gargles for sore mouths. LINIMENTS. VOLATILE LINIMENT. See No. 3. R. No. 51. LINIMENT OF OIL AND LIME. Take of Linseed Oil, Lime Water, of each equal parts Mix them. 13* 150 LINIMENTS. This Liniment is extremely useful in Burns and Scalds; efficacious in preventing inflammation after such accidents. R.' No. 52. CAMPHORATED OIL. Take of Olive Oil, two ounces, Camphor, half an ounce. Dissolve the Camphor in the Oil. Good applied to local pains; to glandular sAvellings, and to the boAvels in Tympany. R. No. 53. OPODELDOC. Take the best of hard soap, two ounces, camphor, one ounce, very strong spirit, one pint; mix the soap Avith the spirit, and let them stand in a moderate heat un- til the soap is dissolved, occasionally shaking the phial. then add the camphor, and continue to shake the vessel frequently until the whole is dissolved. Useful in sprains, bruises, and in rhueniatic pains. Good to disperse swell- ings, tumors, and the Jike. INTRODUCTION TO AMERICAN REMEDIES. COLLECTION AND PRESERVATION OF SIMPLES. Vegetable matters intended for medicine should be collected from Avhere they grow spontaneously, in gene- ral from high and dry soils. Roots should be gathered before the plant shoots, or after the sap has returned in the autumn. They should be dried Avithout Avashing ; after drying they should be cleaned with a brush, and freed from Avorm-eaten and decayed parts, with a knife. Such as lose their virtue by drying, should be preserved in dry sand. Herbs and leaves, are to be gathered when they are in full vigour ; aromatics, when the flower buds are open- ing. They are usually tied in bunches, and hungup un- der a roof; if they are juicy, they may be dried on a ^ieve, near a stove. Sprouts are collected before the buds open. Stalks are gathered in autumn. Barks in spring aud autumn. Barks should be taken from young trees, and freed from all impurities. Woods should be gathered in spiug and autumn, but from trees not very young. Flowers are collected after the dew is off, before noon. 153 PREPARATIONS. Seeds and fruit, are to be gathered Avhen ripe, but be- fore they fall spontaneously. This is a rule with excep- tions. PREPARATIONS. INFUSION. Upon a handful of the article, pour on boiling Avater till a coffee bowl may be filled of the strained liquor; it should stand in a covered vessel, fifteen or twenty min- utes. Dose, a full draught, unless differently prescribed. We use Infusion for those articles which have virtues liable to be driven off by heat in continued boiling. DECOCTION. Proceed as for Infusion, but continue the boiling gent- ly, for a sufficient length of time to obtain the wished for product. EXTRACTS. To any quantity of the article, pour on a large quan- tity of water; boil away one third or one half; strain through thick cloth; put the strained liquor into a small kettle ; set it into a large one Avith water previously put in it This precaution will prevent the burning of the ex- tract, which totally ruins it. Evaporate to the consistence of honey or wax. Note. When extracts are prepared from poisonous plants, as hemlock, hen-bane, lettuce, stramonium, and the like ; the fresh plant, as the flowers fall off, should be gathered, cut up and bruised in water in a wooden AMERICAN REMEDIES. 153 mortar; then the fluid pressed out of them through a thick cloth. The liquor to be treated as the strained liquor for the common extract. AMERICAN REMEDIES. NO. 1. ABIES BALSAMIFERA. Michaux. Balsam of Fir.—May be used for balsam of capivy. Good to cover recent wounds. NO. l.» ABIES CANADENSIS. Michaux, Hemlock, Spruce.—Decoction of the leaves and boughs, and essence. Highly stimulating ; may be taken in coughs, colds, and chronic rheumatism, only in the sec- ondary stages. NO. 2. ACHILLEA MILLEFOLIUM. Lin. Yarrow, Millefoil.—Bitter and astringent. Expressed juice, good in indigestion, and hysteric affections, and flatulence of the stomach and bowels. NO. 3 ACORUS CALAMUS. Lin. Sweet Flag Root.—Good in spasmodic pains of the stomach and bowels. Warm and cordial. 154 AMERICAN REMEDffiS. NO. 4. ALETRIS ALBA. Michaux. Star Grass, Devil's bit, Unicorn.—Dry powder, tinc- ture, and infusion, all good preparations. Useful for irri- table stomachs, hysterics, and colics. NO. 5. AMBROSIA ELATIOR. Lin. Rag weed, Roman worimvood, Bitter weed herb.—In- fusion relieves hysterical affections, and after pains; is an- odyne, and promotes perspiration- NO. 6. ANTHEMIS COTULA. Lin. May weed, Mather, Stinking Chamomile.—Herb and flowers in infusion and tincture, may be used for the cham- omile of the apothecaries. NO. 7. APOCYNUM ANDROSCEMIFOL1UM. Lin. American Ipecac, Indian hemp, Dog's bane, root.—Pow- der of the root pukes like Ipecac. The juice used exter- nally, cures itch and other eruptions, but excoriates ten- der parts. NO. 8. ARALIA NUDICAUL1S. Lin. Sarsaparilla, wild do. root.—Infusion useful as a diet drink, may be joined Avith guaiacum, sassafras, or meze- reon taken after a mercurial course, venereal disease, &c. AMERICAN REMEDIES. 155 NO. 9. ARALIA RACEMOSA. Lin. Spikenard, Hungary root, Petty morel, root.—Juice or infusion, good applied to foul ulcers, and as a gargle in thrush, cancer, &c. NO. 10. ARALIA SPINOSA. Lin. Angelica tree, Hercules club, Shot bush, Tooth-ache tree.'—Every part of this beautiful shrub, in tincture, in- fusion, or decoction, are useful in chronic rheumatism, venereal pains, colics, &c. and the berries for tooth-ache. NO. 11. ARBUTUS UVA URSI. Lin. Bear's whortleberry, Uva Ursi, herbs and leaves.—Cel- ebrated in diseases of the bladder and kidneys, also in diarrhoea, clap, and in some consumptions. A scruple of the powder, or the infusion, or decoction, may be drank in gravel and weakness of the urinary organs. NO. 12. ARCTIUM LAPPA. Lin. Burdock, Clot bur, Hur bur.—The seeds taken inter- nally, iioAA-erfulIy promote fluid secretions, e&pecially, of urine and SAveat. The root relieves colic, and torpor of the liver. The leaves wilted on a peel, are powerful means of ease in pains of the head, applied to the feet, in feAers; also to relieve tympany and pains of the boAV- els in fevers. 156 AMERICAN REMEDIES. NO. 13. ARISTOLOCHIA SERPENTARIA. Lin. Virginia snake-root.—In powder, infusion, or tincture, it is a Avarm, cordial, stimulating remedy ; promotes fluid secretions, particularly of perspiration; may he joined with bark in fevers, and as a gargle in ulcerous sore throat. NO. 14. ARTEMISIA ABSINTHIUM. Lin. Common worrmvood.—The expressed juice is used in stomach complaints, hypocondria, dropsy, jaundice, worms. NO. 15. ARUM TRIPHILLUM. Lin. Indian turnip, Wake robin.—The root recently boiled in milk, is used in catarrh, whooping cough, consumption; should be used with caution. In a dried state is simply nutritious. NO. 16. AS ARUM CANADENSE. Lin. Wild Ginger, ColtVfoot, snake root.—Like Virginia snake-root, it is a Avarm cordial remedy. NO. 17. ASCLEPIAS TUBEROSA. Lin. White-root, Butterfly Aveed, Harvest weed, Pleurisy AMERICAN REMEDIES. 157 r00t.—Promotes fluid secretions, is laxative, expels wind from the stomach and boAvels. Loses by drying. NO. 18. ATRIPLEX LACINIATA. Lin. Orache, jagged orache.—The juice is a powerful pur.. gative, peculiarly adapted to cases of asthma and drop- sy. NO. 19. BERBERIS CANADESIS. Pursh. Barberry, Piperidge bush.—Bark, good stomachic bit- ters in jaundice, torpor of the liver and bowels; promotes digestion. Fruit makes a grateful drink in fevers. NO. 20. BRACHYSTEMUM LINIFOLIUM. Willdenow. Wild hysop, Mountain mint.—A fine aromatic; re- lieves pains in the stomach and bowels, and produces sweating. NO. 21. CASSIA MARILANDICA. Lin. American senna.—Infusion may be used as a substi- tute for senna. Excellent in decoction for a purgative glyster. 11 158 AMERICAN REMEDIES. NO. 22. CARTHAMUS TINCTORIOUS. Lin. Saffron.—Flowers are tonic, anodyne, useful in spasms, hysteric affections, striking in of eruptions, &c. NO. 23. CEONOTHUS AMERICANUS. Lin. Continental tea, New-Jersy tea.—Bark of the root is intensely astringent, and as such as may be used in tinc- ture or powder. NO. 24. CERASUS VIRGINIANA. Michaux. Wild cherry, Black cherry.—From the wounded bark of this tree, exudes a gum equal to Gum Arabic for most purposes. The bark itself is bitter, disposing to sleep. A decoction cleans foul ulcers. The fruit is steeped in spirit, which by it, is rendered still more seducing, exhil- erating, and intoxicating ; yet may be of service as a stomachic cordial and stimulant. Bark good bitter in aundice. NO. 25. CHiEROPHYLLUM CLYATONI. Pcrsvon. Sweet Cicely.—Useful in coughs, hoarseness, and ca- tarrhal affections. NO. 26. CHELEDONIUM MAJUS. Lin. Celandine.—Expressed juice or dry root; promotes fluid secretions, cures warts, old ulcers, Sic. AMERICAN REMEDIES. 159 NO. 27. CHENOPODIUM ANTHELMINTICUM, and C. BOTRYS. Lin. Oak of Jerusalem, Whole plant.—Cures of worms. Expressed juice after slight bruising, or powder made by rubbing the tops in the hands, and taken in molasses. NO. 28. CHIMAPHILA CORYMBOSA. Pursh. Pipsi-^siwa, Winter-green, Princes' Pine.—The dry powder and infusion or decoction. Useful in gravel, and all weaknesses of the urinary organs. Of late much puffed in the neA\spapers, for curing can- cer. Should not be given in active inflammation. NO. 29. CHIMAPHILA MACULATA. Pursh. Sipsisiwea, Spotted Avinter-green.—As a medicine, similar to the last article, though more unpleasant. NO. 30. CHIOANTHUS VIRGINICA. Lin. Fringe tree.—The root is used in infusion, for long standiug Iiitermittents, and other chronic diseases. No. 31. CHRYSANTHEMUM LEUCANTHE- xYIUM. Lin. Daisy.—Used as a tea in the sweats of hectic fe- ver. 160 AMERICAN REMEDIES. NO. 32. CICHORIUM INTYBUS. Lin. Suckory.—The juice and decoction of the roots, are tonic, promote fluid secretion. Taken in large quantities are laxatives, and cure eruptions of the skin. NO. 33. CICUTA BULBIFERA, and C. MACULATA. Lin. Wild Fennel, Water Fennel, Wild Carrot, Water Hemlock.—Higjily poj|Qnpus; frequently fatal to chil- dren. See Vegetable'Poisons. NO. 34. CIMICIFUGA SERPENTARIA. Pursh. Black Cohosh, SquaAV-Aveed, Rattle-weed, Bug-bane.— Recent root. In strong infusion, promotes fluid secretions, and is anodyne in chronic rheumatism, slow fevers, fla- tulent colics, and in hysterical affections. NO. 35. COCHLEARIA ARMORACIA. Lin. Horse Raddish.—Grated root good in chronic rheuma- tism, palsy, dropsy, catarrhs, old colds and coughs. Leaves applied to the bowels and feet, relieve colic and tympany. NO. 36. COCCOLOBA UVIFERA. Lin. Sea side Grape.—Affords the kino most abundantly, AMERICAN REMEDIES. 161 useful in old diarrhoea, in bleedings, in relaxations of the palate. NO. 37. COMPTONIA ASPLNIFOLIA. Aiton. Sweet Fern.—Slightly stimulent, tonic, and anodyne, promotes perspiration and other secretions. No. 38. CONIUM MACULATUM. Lin. Hemlock.—A virulent poison. Unsafe, except in the hands of a skilful physician. NO. 39. CON V ALL ARIA MAJALIS. Lin. Lilly of the Valley.—The root and flower in extract, purges like aloes. NO. 40. CONVOLVULUS PANDURATUS. Lin. Wild Potatoe Vine.—Infusion and decoction are said to be serviceable in gravel. NO. 41. COPTIS TRIFOLIA. Salisbury. Golden Thread.—Useful bitter tonic, less heating than most bitters. Combined with aromatics, it forms a most elegant stomachic tincture. 14* 162 AMERICAN REMEDIES. NO. 42. CORNUS FLORIDA. Lin. Dog-wood, Box-A\ood.—The bark of this tree may be taken in poAAder by the tea spoonful, three times a day. Has been used for the Peruvian bark ; a decoction of the bark, tAvigs, or flowers, agree Avell with weak sto- machs. NO. 44. DATURA TATULA, OR D. STRAMO- NIUM. Lin. Thorn apple, Stinking weed, Moon-weed.—Every part highly poisonous. It is smoaked for asthma ; an oint- ment is made by simmering the cut leaves in lard till the virtue is extracted, excellent in burns, frost-bitten, and irritable ulcers. Physicians may give the datura in epilepsy, insanity, and convulsions, in substance. In powder of the seeds are extract or tincture. The bruised leaves ease pain in whitlows, and injuries of the parts under the nails. NO. 46. DELPHINIUM CONSOLIDA. Lin. Lark-spur.—The seeds in powder or decoction, will kill lice, and cure worms, but are dangerous, used internal- ly in common hands. NO. 47. DELPHINIUM STAPHISAGRIA. Lin. Staves Acre, Bee Lark-spur.—Medicinal properties sim- AMERICAN REMEDIES. 163 ilar to lark-spur, yet more active and unsafe in common hands. But with it they may kill lice, and cure the itch. Use a decoction. NO. 48. DIOSPYROS VIRGINIANA. Lin. Persimon.—Bark of the root tonic, and if continued, laxative; useful in agues, and dropsies. Ripe fruit, laxa- tive, and kills worms. NO. 49. ERYNGIUM AQUATICUM. Lin. Used in decoction. Promotes fluid 'secretion. NO. 50. ERIGERON CANADENSE. Lin. Flea-bane, Colts-tail.—Powder, expressed, juice, and tincture, are useful in the secondary stages of the bow- el complaints of children. Decoction taken freely poAV- erfully promotes urine in dropsy, and relieves all com- plaints of the urinary organs from debility. NO. 51. ERYTHRONIUM LANCEOLATUM. Pursh. Adder's tongue, Adder's violet, Dog's-tooth violet.__ The expressed juice, or the plant infused in wine or cider, is said to relieve every species of dropsy. 164 AMERICAN REMEDIES. NO. 52. EUPATORIUM PERFOLIATUM. Lin. Thorough-Avert, Bone-set, Cross wort.—Infusion or de- coction in spoonful doses, may be given in colds, and at the commencement of all fevers ; it promotes sweating, moves the stomach and bowels, cleans the tongue, and cures agues ; should not over dose with it ; small doses strengthen the stomach. NO. 53. EUPATORIUM PURPUREUM. Lin. Queen of the Meadow, Trumpet weed.—Herb similar in medicinal properties to thorough-wort, but less apt to puke. The root in decoction, or in substance, is good in old gravelly complaints, and in chronic rheumatism, and dropsies. NO. 54. EUPATORIUM TEUCRIFOLIUM. Willdenow. Wild hoarhound.—Medicinal properties like tho- rough-wort ; may be joined to bark in agues. NO. 55. FRASERA VERTICILIATA. Muhlenberg. Frasera, Wild Columba, Pyramid fiWer.—Root al- though supposed to resemble columba, il is much near- er allied to gentian; a good bitter tonic, possessing laxative powers. Powder, infusion, and decoction. AMERICAN REMEDIES. 165 NO. 56. GALIUM CIRCCEZANS. Michaux. Wild Liquorice, Lady's bed straw, Goose grass.—This plant in a dried state, much resembles the liquorise of apothecaries ; is much used for that article. NO. 57. GAULTHERIA PROCUMBENS. Lin. Winter green, Mountain tea, Patridge berry.—Infu- sion, essential oil and spirit, all relieve in gravel, dropsy, irritations of the boAvels, bladder, &c. powerfully pro- mote urine in children. NO. 58. GENTIANA OCHROLEUCA. Froelich. Gentian.—This root is recommended as not at all in ferior to the gentian of the apothecaries. GENTIANA SAPONARIA. Lin. Soap-Avort-Gentian.—Root small, but a good bitter. NO. 59. GERANIUM MACULATUM. Lin. Crane's Bill, Crowfoot, Fluxwort.—A pure intense as- tringent ; the dry powder is recommended in bleedings, diarrhoeas and dysentary. Also in the autumnal bowel complaints of children; boiled in milk it has high popular reputation. 166 AMERICAN REMEDIES. NO. 60. GEUM RIVALE. Lin. Evins' Root, Water Avens, Herb Bennet.—Infusion, decoction and powder are all suited to bleedings, Aveak- ness of the stomach, lungs, bowels, &c; in agues, may be made into a gargle in sore mouth and throat. Persons who have Aveak stomach and nerves, may use this as a substitute for the table tea. It helps digestion, and strengthens the nerves. NO. 61. GILLENIA TRIFOLIATA. Mocnch. BoAvman's Root, or Beaumont's Root.—Ipecac, Indian physic. The bark of the root in doses of half a drachm seems to answer all the purposes of Ipecac. NO. 62. GILLENIA STIPULACEA. Barton. (Nutoll 1) Indian physic.—Medical properties, similar to No. 61. NO. 63. GNAPHALIUM AMERICANUM. Willdenm. Everlasting, Life-Everlasting.—Infusion drank plenti- fully promotes sweating. NO. 64. GOSSYPIUM HERBARACEUM. Lin. Cotton.—The wool is applied to burn3 and scalds AMERICAN REMEDIES. 167 where the skin is not destroyed. Hum and calico are the best bandages. NO. 65. HEDEOMA PULEGIOIDES. Pcrsoon. Penny-royal.—Infusion, or essential oil. The first a grateful cordial, and the latter a pungent external appli- cation, a substitute for oil origanum. NO. 66. HELENIUM ATUMNALE. Willdcnow. Sneeze-weed.—The florets reduced to a fine powder powerfully promote sneezing, without the disagreeable ef- fects of the more acrid articles. NO. 67. HELONIAS DIOICA. Pursh. Star-wort, Blazing Star, Devil's Bit, Colic Root.—Dry powder, infusion, decoction, and tincture, seem peculiarly adapted to irritable stomachs and bowels, relieve vomit- ing, and correct the secretions of the mouth and stom- ach ; removes fetid breath. NO. 68. HEUCHERA VISCIDA. Pursh. Alum Root, American Sanicle.—Root, in dry powder or strong infusion or decoction acts as a powerful astrin- gent in bleedings, dysenteries, and diarrhoeas, and bowel complaints. Externally it is useful to change ill condi- tioned ulcers. 168 AMERICAN REMEDIES. NO. 69. HIBISCUS PALUSTRIS. Lin. Marsh Mallows.—Root one of our best mucilages; good in dysenteries. NO. 70. HUMULUS LUPULUS. Lin. Hop.—Infusion and tincture, bitter tonic and anodyne. the former is most beneficial as a bitter, and the latter to allay irritation and pain; the tincture will often procure sleep when opium fails. Hops taken from an infusion is a good application in quinsy, ear-ache, Sic. NO. 71. HYDRASTRIS CANADENSIS. Lin. Yellow-root.—Infusion, bitter and tonic. NO. 72. HYOSCIAMUS NIGER. Lin. Henbane.—Extract is used like opium, to allay pain and procure sleep. It moves the boAvels. It may be given in one or two grain doses. NO. 73. HYPERICUM PARVIFLORUM. Willdcnow. Low Centaury, YelloAv Flowered.—Infusion and tinc- ture, strong bitter and tonic. AMERICAN REMEDIES. 169 No. 74. 1MPERITORIA OSTRUTHIUM. Lin. Master-wort.—Seed, Avarm cordial, expels wind from the stomach and bowels, and relieves pains of those parts. Infusion of the root a good injection in tympany. NO. 75. INULA HELENIUM. Lin. Elecampane.—The substance of the root, or an infu- sion, relieves coughs, asthmas, whooping cough, warms the stomach, and is supposed to remove obstructions; loses its poAver by drying. NO. 76. IRIS VERSICOLOR. Willdenow. Flower-de-Luce.—The root in decoction, promotes dis- charge by urine, and relieves dropsy. NO. 77. IRIS VIRGINICA. Lin. Common Blue Flag.—The recent root excites blisters, and boiled in lard makes an ointment Avhich cures itch, and cleanses foul ulcers. A decoction does the same. NO. 78. JEFFERSONIA.DIPHYLLA. Barton, Root similar to May Apple, Avhich see. 15 170 AMERICAN REMEDIES. NO. 79. JUGLANS CINEREA. Lin. Butternut.—It is an important laxative and purgative medicine. The bark of the root should be collected in May or June; after cleaning, cutting and bruising, should have eight times its weight of Avater added to it; it should then be boiled to one half, strained through thick cloth, and afterwards evaporated to the consistence of thick honey, at such a distance from a fire that it shall not be burnt in the least. It may then be dried in a warm oven till it will pill; take four or five pills size of a pea. Note. All Extracts should be thus made, if they are burnt they are effectually spoiled. NO. 80. JUNIPERUS COMMUNIS. Lin. Juniper.—Berries infusion or tincture, powerfully pro- mote discharge by urine. Decoction of the leaves cures the itch. NO. 81. LACTUCA ELONGATA. Muhlenberg, Wild lettuce.—May be collected and used as is direc ted for the garden lettuce, yet it is much stronger ; an opium may be collected by cutting the stock, and saving the dried milky juice, which exudes plentifully, possessing all the anodyne properties of the Turkish opium, and it at the same time laxative. A liquid laudanum may be made by dissolving this inspissated juice in spirit, and the dose is he same as laudanum of the shops. AMERICAN REMEDIES. 171 NO. 82. LACTUCA SATIVA. Lin. Garden Lettuce.—In full blossom it should be gather- ed for infusion, Avhich is anodyne peculiurly appropriate, where costiveness is to be dreaded in after pains, &c. at the same time it may be bruised and a bottle stuffed with it, into which pour spirit, let it steep; this is lettuce laudanum, and as such may be used in tea spoonful do- ses for an adult; procures sleep; does not bind the bowels. NO. 83. LAURUS BENZOIN. Lin. Spice Bush, Spice Wood, Benjamin Tree.—An infu- sion is a warm pleasant beverage in fevers, quenching thirst, and promoting perspiration. NO. 84. LAURUS SASSAFRAS. Lin. Sassafras.—A warm cordial, promotes fluid secretions, especially those of sAveat and urine. An infusion of the twigs bruised, removes suppression of urine, brought on by blisters and other irritants. The essential oil is useful applied to foul ulcers; and in chronic rheumatism, should be cautiously used Aviiere the pains frequently change their seat, lest it drive the disease to a vital part. NO. 85. LEONTODON TARAXACUM. Lin. Dandelion.—The expressed juice and decoction, pro- mote fluid secretions, remove obstructions, and restore 127 AMERICAN REMEDIES. the natural healthy action of the liver, stomach, and bow- els, and helps digestion. Is cathartic given to children ; good in dropsies, and in persons of full pale habits. NO. 86. LEONURUS CARDIAC A. Lin. Motherwort.—The substance in powder, expressed juice, and infusion, relieve hysterical symptoms, procure sleep, abate delirium, are anodyne and composing. As a warm cordial, may be used in low fevers ; in pains with chronic weakness and nervous affections; is admi- rably adapted to the cases of those females who suffer pains from tenderness about the loins and loAver boAvels; in short, Avherever a cordial perspirative is Avanted, this may be found ready at hand, and seldom fails to re- lieve. NO. 87. LIATRIS SQUARROSA. Willdenow. Rattlesnake's Master, Devil's Bit.—A strong infusion or decoction, applied externally and taken internally, h reputed to cure the bite of the rattlesnake ; useful in ul« cerous sore throats, and thrush. NO. 88. LIRIODENDRON TULPIFERA. Lin. Tulip Tree, White Poplar, White wood.—The bark of the root is a pungent aromatic bitter, and is much us- ed in combination with other pure but less heating bit' ters. AMERICAN REMEDIES. 173 NO. 89. LOBELIA INFLATA. Lin. Indian Tobacco, Lobelia.—Two ounces of the plant put to a pint of hot water or spirit, make, the first an in- fusion, the last a tincture, of these a tea spoonful, is a me- dium dose. In spasmodic asthma, it should be given every twenty minutes, till it pukes or relieves. In drop- sy, every two hour3, till it pukes or increases urine. NO. 90. MAGNOLIA ACUMINATA. Lin. Cucumber Tree. NO. 91.----------AURICULATA. Barton. Indian Physic. No. 92.----------CORD AT A. Michaux. Indian Physic. No. 93.----------GLAUCA. Lin. Beaver Tree, Swamp Sassafras, Elk Bark.—The bark of the top and root of all the species of the Mag- nolia, is heating, bitter, and tonic; promoting the fluid secretions, and moving the bowels when used freely. Best used in decoction. Good in chronic rheumatisms, agues, and Avherever the bark and other stimulants are needed. NO. 94. MALVA ROTUNDIFOLIA. Lin. Common round leaved Mallows.—Infusion and decoc- tion are used in dysenteries and urinary complaints, 15* 1F4 AMERICAN REMEDIES. gravel., asthma, and indeed Avherever a mucilage is wait- ted. NO. 95. MARRUBIUM VULGARE. Lin. Hoarhound.—Expressed juice, infusion, or the plant cut up in milk. Bitter tonic, promotes sweat, relieves coughs and colds ; restores a healthy motion to the sto- mach and bowels; anodyne. NO. 96. MELISSA CORDIFOLIA. Willdenow. Lemon Baum.—Preferable to the common baum. NO. 97. MELISSA OFFICINALIS. Lin. Common Baum.—A pleasant beverage in fevers. NO. 98. MELIA AZEDARACH. Willdenow. Pride of India. Substitute for NO. 144. NO. 99. MENTHA PIPERITA. Lin. Peppermint.—Infusion and essence, warm aromatic; expels wind, and relieves pains of the bowels and stom- ach. Highly stimulant. NO. 100. MENTHA VIRIDIS. Lin. Common Spearmint.—More heating and stimulant, but less pleasant than peppermint. AMERICAN REMEDIES. 175 NO. 101. MONARDA DIDYMA. Lin. Balm of Gilead of the gardens.—Resembles common baum in medicinal properties. NO. 102. MYRICA CERIERA. Lin. Bay Berry, Myrtle wax, Candle Berry.—A powerful sneezing powder is made from the bark of the root, and in doses of a scruple to half a drachm, operates as an emetic. NO. 103. NARCISSUS PSEUDO NARCrSSUS. Lin. Daffy, Daffodil.—The root is much used as an emetic for children in whooping cough, and rising of the lungs, &c. Prepared and given like garlic tea. NO. 104. NEPETA CAT ARIA. Lin. Catnip, Catmint.—Elegant warm cordial aromatic. Infusion promotes perspiration. NO. 105. NICOTIANA QUADRIVALVIS. Pursh. Ricara, or Mandane Tobacco.—This is a fine new spe- cies of tobacco lately found in Louisiana, and now culti- vated in many parts of the union. This plant, though 176 AMERICAN REMEDIES. smaller, is much more mild and grateful than the common tobacco. The Indians prepare a most elegant and deli- cate tobacco from the dried floAvers. NO. 106. NICOTIANA TABACCUM. Lin. Common Tobacco.—The use and abuse of this article is too well known ; an ointment may be prepared from it for irritable ulcers. Should not be put into injections. NO. 107. ORIGANUM VULGARE. Lin. Wild Majoram.—Infusion, a Avarm cordial and stimu- lant, and stomachic. The essential oil is a heating stimulating application in the secondary stages of sprains and bruises, and in numbness of the limbs. NO. 108. OROBANCHE VIRGINIANA. Lin. Beech Drops, Cancer Root, Broom Rape, Virginica.— Substance, infusion, and decoction, all good applied to foul ulcers, cancerous affections, sore mouths. Internally in secondary stages of dysentery, diarrhoea. NO. 109. OXALIS STRICTA. Lin. Common Wood Sorrel, Toad Sorrel.—Bruised in wa- ter it makes a cooling acid leverage in fevers and mea- sles, and boiled in milk produces a fine acid whey. Good applied to indolent ulcers; bad to irritable ones AMERICAN REMEDIES. 177 NO. 110. PANAX QUINQUEFOLIUM Lin. Ginseng.—Moderate aromatic. Bitter sweating med- icine. NO. 111. PAP AVER SOMNIFERUM. Lin. Great Red and White Poppy.—From these may be obtained by all who will take the trouble, the genuine opium. It should be collected by slitting the exterior rind of the head, as the blossoms fall off, and scraping the milky juice off Avith a knife as it dries. It should be sun-dried. Poppy leaves and tops make a poultice very soothing to painful inflammatory affections around the face and head. NO. 112. PHYTOLACCA DECANDRA. Ik Poke Aveed, Scoke, Coakum, Cunicum, Garget.—The bruised leaves, expressed juice, and an ointment prepared from the leaves, may all be used with benefit in chronic inflammation, chronic rheumatism, in secondary stages of venereal disease, scrophulous and cancerous affections, in itch, ringworm, piles, &c. to foul ulcers, the milder species of Avhitlow. For the same purposes a tincture of the seeds may be used internally. Infusion of the dried root pukes. 17Z AMERICAN REMEDffiS, NO. 113. PINCKNEYA PUBENS. Michaux. Georgia Bark Tree.—May be substituted for Peruvian bark. NO. 114. PODALYRIA TINCTORIA. Michaux. Wild Indigo, Indigo weed.—Bruised to a pulp, or a de- coction, or made into an ointment; it cleans foul ulcers, relieves painful swellings, and irritable sores. NO. 115. PODOPHYLLUM PELTATUM. Lin. May-Apple, Mandrake, Duck's foot.—Excellent purga- tive ; powdered root similar to jalap, operating more kind- ly in less doses, thpugh equally effectual. NO. 116. POTENTILLA SIMPLEX. Michcaa. Five finger, Cinquefoil.—Infusion is astringent and tonic ; may be used for tea; relieves urinary complaints. NO. 117. POLYGALA SENEGA. Seneca Rattlesnake root.—Powder of the root in doses of thirty grains or more, pukes and purges. Is useful in smaller doses in low fevers, particularly in lung com- plaints, dropsy, croup. It may be given in iafusion and decoction. Indians use it for the bite of the rattlesnake. AMERICAN REMEDIES. 179 NO. 113. POPULUS BALSAMIFERA. Lin. Balm of Gilead tree, Balsam Poplar.—Bark good bit- ter and tonic. The buds afford an acrid resinous juice, good in foul ulcers. NO. 119. PRENANTES SERPENTARIA Pursh. Lion's Foot Snake Root.—The milky juice or sub- stance of the root is celebrated in diseases of a malignant tendency. Bite of mad dog. In bites of venomous ser- pents, particularly of the rattlesnake. NO. 120. PRINOS VERTICILATUS. Lin. Winter Berry, Black Alder, Spotted Alder.—The bark has been used as a substitute for the Peruvian bark in fevers, dropsies, mortification, and applied externally as a wash where bark was indicated. NO. 121. PYRETHRUM PARTHENUM. Willdenow. Fever Few, Feather Few.—Infusion, an aromatic ton- ic peculiarly appropriate to hysterics, and other female complaints. NO. 122. QUERCUS ALBA. Lin. White Oak Bark.—Astringent and tonic, in powder or 180 AMERICAN REMEDIES. decoction. It should be given in the secondary stages of all fluxes; in bleedings from relaxed vessels; may be applied to foul ulcers, in cases of mortification ; to decay- ed relaxed limbs, and to old sprains and bruises. NO. 123. RANUNCULUS ACRIS. Lin. CroAvfoot, Buttercups.—The bruised root applied to the skin produces a deep and thorough blister. Good where a lasting blister is wanted, in diseases of the joints, and old deep seated pains. Where eruptions strike in it may be applied to redden the skin without blistering. NO. 124. RHODODENDRON MAXIMUM. Willdenow. Rose Bay Laurel, Mountain Laurel—Stimulant, bitter tonic and anodyne; good in old rheumatic pains. NO. 125. RHUS TOXICODENDRON. Lin. Poison Oak, Mercury.—Better let alone than used by the common people. Highly poisonous. Physicians may give it in palsies. NO. 126. RICINUS COMMUNIS. Lin. Palma Christi.—Castor oil is expressed from the ker- nel of (he fruit.; AMERICAN REMEDIES. 181 NO. 127. ROSA DAMASCENA. Aiton. Damask Rose.—Infusion of the flowers are purgative. NO. 128. ROSA GALLICA. Lin. Red Rose.—The flowers are a pleasant astringent. Good for inflamed eyes and sore mouth. NO. 129. RUMEX OBTUSIFOLIUS. Lin. Broad Leaved Dock.—The powder or decoction of the root is purgative. The root beaten with lard, or in decoction, is celebrated for curing salt rheum. NO. 130. S ABB ATI A ANGULARIS. Pursh. American Centaury.—An infusion or decoction is es- sentially serviceable in chronic weakness of the stomach, in Ioay fevers, and wherever a pure tonic is needed. NO. 131. SALIX ERIOCEPHALA. Michaux. Swamp, Rose, or Puss WHIoav.—Decoction in milk good in the secondary stages of the bowel complaints of children. Strong decoction good in canker, ulcerous sore throat, diarrhoea. Tops bitter and tonic, useful in agues. 16 182 AMERICAN REMEDIES. NO. 132. SALIX VIT1CELL1NA. Lin. Common Yellow WHIoav.—Good bitter tonic in agues, and in chronic weakness of the stomach. NO. 133. SAMBUCUS. CANADENSIS. Lin. Common Elder.—The flowers are laxative for children. Juice of the berries made into a rob answers the same purpose. The pulp of the bark makes a good ointment for burns and irritable sores. The bark is purgative. NO. 134. SAMBUCUS PUBENS. Nichaux. Mountain Elder.—A decoction of the tops, pukes and moves the bowels and increases urine. NO. 135. SANGUINARIA CANADENSIS. Lin. Blood Root, Puccoon.—Infusion and tincture are emet- ic ; in smaller doses they promote fluid secretions, check the frequency of the pulse, remove obstructions, assist digestion, and restore healthy motion to the liver, sto- mach, and boAvels. It relieves coughs and loosens phlegm. Dose to puke, fifteen or tw enty grains of the powder. To make a tincture, cut in small pieces the recent root, half fill a phial of it, and the rest of the vessel fill with spiril or wine. Dose a tea spoonful for an adult, once in three or four hours to produce a tonic effect, and often repeated, or by the table spoonful to puke. AMERICAN REMEDIES. 183 This is a good ingredient in stomachic bitters. It is; said the natives use it to cure bites of serpent*. Cures croup if given freely in season. NO. 136. SANICULA MARILANDICA. Lin. Black Snake Root, Sanicle.—Infusion warm cordial, simulant and promotes perpiration and other secretions. NO. i47 SATUREJA HORTENSIS. Lin. Savory of the Gardens.—Infusion warmest and most stimulating of the garden herbs. NO. 138. SCUTELLARIA INTEGRIFOLIA. Lin. Scull Cap.—This beautiful plant is a very pure and highly intense bitter. Substitute for quassia. ■>! : < NO. 139. SENECIO VULGARIS. Lin. Groundsel.—Strong infusion, good vomit. The bruis- ed leaves good applied to boils; substance good for worms. 184 AMERICAN REMEDIES. NO. 140. SMILAX GLAUCA. Michaux. Sarsaparilla.—Good diet drink during a course of mer- cury and in chronic diseases. NO. 141. SMILAX ROTUNDIFOLIA. Lin. Green Briar, Devil's Guts.—Infusion is useful drank after a course ef mercury, and in eruptive diseases, and in chronic rheumatism. NO. 142. SOLANUM NIGRUM. Lin. i Night-shade, Black Night-shade.—Infusion, (half au ounce to a pint of water,) drank freely, relieves stoppage of urine, good in old scrophulous ulcers, and tumors. The berries enter into an ointment of the common peo- ple, which is used to relieve painful tumours. NO. 143. SOLIDAGO ODORA. Alton. Golden Rod, Sweet scented Golden Rod.—Infusion a pleasant diluting beverage in fevers. NO. 144. SPIGELIA MARILNDICA. Willdcnow. Carolina Pink, Indian Pink.—A strong infusion drank at evening till a slight intoxicating effect is produced, and followed by calomel and rhubarb, destroys worms. AMERICAN REMEDIES. 185 Given to children in small doses at intervals, relieves pain in the boAvels, stops puking in irritable stomachs, and checks the slow remittent fever which usually pre- cedes dropsy in the head. NO. 145. SPIRAEA TOMENTOSA. Lin. Hard Hack, Downy Meadow Sweet.—The leaves in infusion, make a delicate, yet effectual astringent ; ex- cellent in relaxed bowels, thrush, ulcers of the mouth ; a fine extract is prepared from the leaves, which retains the medical virtues of the plant in perfection; a fine remedy for bleedings from the stomach and bowels, and in short wherever an astringent is wanted. NO. 146. STAICE LIMONIUM. Lin. Marsh Rosemay.—The roots of this plant are power- fully astringent; decoction is good in ulcerous sore throat. Good against thrush and canker, and in malignant quin- sies. NO. 147. STILLINGIA SYLVATICA. Lin. Yaw Weed, Cock-up-Hat.—Purgative, promotes fluid secretions, good in dropsy, yaws, and venereal com- plaints. ^ 16* 186 AMERICAN REMEDIES NO. 148. SYMPLOCARPUS F03TIDA. Salisbury. Skunk Cabbage.—The root is a pungent antispasmo- dic in colics, and griping of the bowels. Seeds good in asthma and hysterical complaints. Leaves bruised re- lieve painful swellings, whitlows, &c. No. 149. TANACETUM VULGARE. Lin. Tansey.—Aromatic, tonic. Removes obstructions, re- lieves hysterical affections. Expressed juice postpones agues, should be drank a wine glass full a few minutes before the attack. ") '?V> v-i\.<- -*-*. No. 150. TEPHROSIA VIRGINIANA. Persoon. Goat Tree, Cat Gut.—Root in decoction destroys worms. NO. 151. TRILLIUM ERECTUM. Lin. Trillium, Birth-root.—Good in bleeding. 'Tis said the natives used it, ad partum accelerandum. No. 152. TRIOSTIUM PERFOLIATUM. Lin. Fever-wort, Wild Gentian, Bastard Ipecac—Bark »f the root pukes and purges like jalap, and in the same doses. In smaller doses removes obstructions of the liver. Tonic in scrophula, in yet smaller doses. AMERICAN REMEDIE9. 187 NO. 143. ULMUS FULVA. Michaux. Red Elm, Slippery Elm.—Mucilaginous, and slightly astringent. NO. 154. VERATRUM VIRIDE. Alton. Green Hellebore.—Ointment and decoction cure the itch and other eruptions, but is apt to excoriate tender parts ; violent poison^taken internally. NO. 155. VERBENA HAST AT A. Lin. Blue Flowered Vervain, (large.)—A strong decoction is purgative, and in large doses vomits. NO. 156. VIOLA PEDATA. Parsley Leaved Violet.—Strong decoction ; good in catarrhs, and affections of the lungs; given in large quan- tities, pukes. NO. 157. ZANTHORIZA APIIFOLIA. VHeritier. Shrub Yellow Root.—A strong pleasant bitter ; sits easy on the stomach. 188 AMERICAN REMEDIES. NO. 158. ZANTHOXYLUM RAMIFLORUM. Michaux. Prickley Ash.—Warm pungent aromatic in substance or tincture; water does not extract the virtues at all. Good in chronic rheumatism, and in other diseases where guaicum is proper. A good ingredient in bitters. APPENDIX. MARASMUS. The folloAving, is taken from a work of Doctor James Hamilton, of Edinburgh. If attentively read, a better idea will be gained of that wasting disease of children, Avhich is usually ascribed to worms as a cause, than from any thing which 1 can offer on that interesting subject. OBSERVATIONS ON THE UTILITY AND ADMINISTRATION OF PURGATIVE MEDICINES IN THE MARASMUS AVHICH AP- PEARS IN CHILDHOOD AND EARLY VOUTH. I comprehend under the general title, marasmus, a variety of symptoms Avhich affect the young of both sexes. A sluggishness, lassitude on slight exertion, depravity and loss of appetite, wasting of the muscular flesh, full- ness of the features and paleness of the countenance, swelling of the abdomen, an irregular and generally a costive state of the bowels, a change in the colour and odour of the feces, fetid breath, swelling of the upper lip, and itching of the nose, mark the beginning of the disease. When these symptoms have continued for some time, they are followed by alternate paleness and flushings of the countenance, heat and dryness of the skin, feeble and 190 MARASMUS. quick pulse, thirst, fretfulness, increasing debility and disturbed sleep, during Avhich the patients grind or gnash their teeth, and are subject to involuntary starting, and twitching of different muscles. Every case of marasmus does not necessarily include all the symptoms Avhich I have enumerated. Different combinations of them give a variety of the disease, which is, however, in general, readily knoAvn and dis- tinguished. Marasmus appears most commonly among weak and infirm children, whether they are so from delicacy of constitution, or from incidental causes. It is particular- ly prevalent in large and populous cities, Avhere chil- dren are deprived of ready access to exercise in pure air, and sicken and pine in the nursery; or when they are confined in crowded and airless school-rooms, Avhither they are sent, partly for the purposes of education, and partly, to use a common phrase, with the view of being kept out of harm's way. Children also, who are employ- ed in manufactories, where their occupation and confine- ment are such as to weaken and enervate them, are lia- ble to be attacked Avith this disease. Irregularity in di- et and improper food, also give rise to marasmus. We accordingly observe it to prevail most commonly in au- tumn, the season which affords opportunity for eating un- ripe fruit and vegetable articles froiei the garden. In proof of the operation of these causes, I remark, that I have held the office of Physician to George Her- riot's Hospital for two and thirty years. During this long period, I scarcely recollect an instance of this mar- asmus among the children entertained in that institution. This may be attributed to the healthy site of the buil- ding ; to the cleanliness and free ventilation of every MARASMUS. 191 part of it; to the wholesome nourishing food of the chil- dren, and to their exposure to pure air Avhile enjoying their infant sports. Marasmus has been generally attributed to the presence of Avorms in the alimentary canal. This supposition, however, is questionable. Ascarides, (Pin worms,) Ten- iae, (Tape worms,) and Lumbrici, (Long round worms.) are the worms most commonly found in the human in- testines. Ascarides, which are often passed in great numbers by children when at stool, are not accompanied by the symp- toms of marasmus. Except an itching about the anus, they give little other uneasiness. The tenia or tape worm, the presence of Avhich is known by peculiar symptoms, which are the source of much suffering in after periods of life, is altogether un- known in infancy and childhood. The lumbricus, or round worm, therefore, must be the generally supposed cause of the symptoms of marasmus. Medical gentlemen, Avho have practised in tropical cli- mates, speak much of the lumbricus, and mention the number of them that is occasionally passed to be very great. There may be something in the climate, soil, or state of the air of these regions ; in the mode of life or constitution of the inhabitants, with which we are unac- quainted, Avhich may account for this circumstance. But in our cooler latitudes, no such instances of nume- rous lumbrici have been noticed. On the contrary, af- ter the best directed course of anthelmintic (worm destroy- ing) medicines, Avhen the symptoms of the disease are going off, no lumbrici have been seen, unless Ave admit, that the Avoruis, destroyed by the efficacy of the medi- 192 MARASMUS. cines, constitute the unnatural and fetid feces which, in such instances, are voided in great abundance. This admission, however, is not to be readily granted; for similar feces are passed upon the exhibition of an early purgative, and before any specific vermifuge (rvorm destroying,) is employed. Farther, the prescence of lumbrici in the boAvels is by no means an uniform cause of bad health. They havt been known to exist in the intestinal canal without any dis- ease ensuing. These instances are not rare, and are not confined to childhood. They militate against the receiv- ed opinion, that lumbrici, within the intestines, are the cause of marasmus ; for if they are so in a single case, they should be so in every one. This opinion, however, that worms exist, and exert a baneful influence in the intestines, has been so prevalent for ages, that a great many anthelmintic medicines, some peculiar to the nursery, others to the regular practitioner have been mentioned and extolled. Of these, some have been considered as specific poison to the insect, and oth- ers are conceived to destroy it by mechanical triture. Most of them have had their partisans for the day, and have passed in succession through the ordeal of experi- ence, into oblivion. The utility of such anthelmintics as have been found to be most beneficial, has, in my opin- ion, been in proportion to the purgative powers which they possessed. When I consider the languor and lassitude which pre- cede this marasmus ; when I recollect the constitutional or acquired debility of those ay ho are more particularily exposed to be affected by ii, instead of adopting the com- mon opinion, of its being occasioned by worms, I am more disposed to think, that a l&rpid state, or weakened action oj MARASMUS. 193 the alimentary canal, is the immediate cause of the dis- ease ; whence preceed costiveness, distension of the bow- els, and a peculiar irritation, the consequence of remora of the feces. I have accordingly been long in the habit of employing purgative medicines for the cure of this marasmus ; the object is, to remove indurated and fetid feces, (matter passed at stools,) the accumulation perhaps of montlis ; and as this object is accomplishing, the gradu- al return of appetite and vigour mark the progress of re- covery. The history of the disease, from the first indisposition to the appearance of more urgent symptoms, disposes me to consider it as consisting of Iavo stages or periods; the incipient, and the confirmed. The first period commen- ces with the disease, and continues to the accession of the febrile (feverish) symptoms. These usher in the con- firmed stage, which continues to the end. This is not a frivolous remark ; it is of use in practice. In the incipient stage, the bowels are not altogether torpid and inactive, neither are they overloaded with ac- cumulated feces. Mild purgatives, therefore, repeated at proper intervals, effect a cure. They preserve the bow- els in proper action, carry off feces which had begun to be offensive and hurtful, and prevent farther accumula- tion. In selecting purgative medicines, we must flatter the taste of our young patients. PoAvder of jalap is not alto- gether unpleasant. The mild neutral salts, dissolved in tt suitable quantity of beaf tea, are also convenient purga- tives ; but calomel Avill prove, on several accounts, the most certain and useful remedy of this kind. Neglect, on some occasions, and too great confidence in inert medicines on others, allow the confirmed stage ©f 17 194 MARASMUS. marasmus to steal on imperceptibly. Manifest danger noAV threatens, the young sufferer, whose remaining flesh and strength are rapidly wasted by the supervening fever; while prostration and depravity of appetite withhold ne- cessary nourishment. And at the same time, the more inactive bowel, and greater bulk of feculent matter, throw additional difficulties in the way of a cure. Under these circumstances, I adopt active practice, in the view of stimulating the intestines, and of putting the collected mass in motion without delay. I find theseends are best obtained by giving small doses of the purgative medicine which I employ, and by repeating these fre- quently ; so that the latter doses may support the effects of preceding ones.—When the bowels are once opened, stronger purgatives, given at longer intervals, will accom- plish the cure. I observe calomel to be equally useful in this, as in the incipient state of the disease ; but great attention must be given during the exhibition of it. Without this, as the fe- tor of the breath prevents us from recognizing the mer- curial fetor accurately, the mouth may be affected unne- cessarily and unexpectedly. While I thus give appropriate purgative medicines, I find it necessary in order to have full information of their effects, to inspect daily what is passed at stool. The smell and appearance of the feces are a criterion of the pro- gress we make in the cure, and direct the farther adminr istration of the purgatives. This inspection is the more necessary, as we cannot expect the information we want from our little patients ; and we will often look for it in vain from the attendants, whose prejudices, and whose ig- norance of our views, prevent their seeing the propriety of the enquiry. MARASMUS. 195 During the prevalence of the disease, the feces are dark, fetid, and varying from a costive consistence, to that of clay, and are often fluid ; and such they ap- pear upon the first exhibition of the purgative medicines. I observe that the recovery of the sick keeps pace with the return of feces of natural colour, form, and smell; a change Avhich the repetition of purgatives doe3 not fail to produce. While I give purgative medicines after this manner, in ibis stage of marasmus, in Avhich the obstinacy of the dis- ease is sometimes great, and the danger attending it im- minent, nourishing food, of light and digestible quality ; and suited to the taste of the patient, and the moderate use of wine, are much Avanted. For some time after the symptoms have disappeared, it is expedient to continue a mild stimulus to the boAvels. As they have recently suffered, and have been weakened by over distension, they are apt to favour subsequent ac- cumalation of feces, the forerunner of a relapse, which is to be dreaded the more, as the patierits have been weaken- ed by the previous disease. This gentle solicitation of the alvine (by the bowels) evacuation, for it ought to be gentle, is not attended with danger; on the contrary, it is the greatest promoter of re- covery in this case, with Avhich I am acquainted. It re- lieves the stomach, and improves the appetite and diges- tion. Besides nothing more is intended by this practice, than to establish a regular action of the bowels, after long constipation, (costiveness,) by procuring daily one or two easy motions, which are indeed at all times neces- sary to the healthy condition'of childhood. With this precaution, I do not feel the necessity of em- ploying tonic and bracing medicines to complete the cure J 196 MARASMUS, this object is readily obtained, in general, by the use of light nourishing food, and by the patient being much in the open air. I do not, however, say that strengthening medicines may not be useful towards the close of the disease, and many practitioners set a value upon them. Lime water in- fusions of vegetable bitters and chalybeates, (preparations of iron and steel) are of this description ; and, provided they do not, by any peculiar effect on the stomach, pre- vent nourishment being taken, will advance the return of the tone and vigorous action of the stomach and alimen- tary canal. I have thus endeavoured to unfold the opinion 1 enter- tain of this marasmus, and of the causes which induce it; and to explain the method of cure which I have employed for a great length of time, with success, in my private practice. As marasmus proceeds from symptoms of slight indis- position, through a series of others which becomes daily more and more obstinate and dangerous ; as the first de- viation from health is easily obviated by the stimulus of purgative medicines, Avhich brings the sluggish bowels in- to regular action, and evacuates their contents; and as the disease attacks the young and thoughtless, Avho can hardly explain their feelings, it behoves mothers, and nur- ses, and superintendants of nurseries and of manufacto- ries, to Avhoin the care of the young is committed, to watch over their charge with assiduity. Prostration and depravity of appetite, a changing complexion, tumefac- tion of the abdomen, scanty and unnatural stools, and fetid breath, indicate approaching danger. When these therefore, are observed, assistance should be asked ; by MARASMUS 19? the prompt interposition of Avhich much eventual distress, and even death itself may be prevented. But other considerations weigh with me also, when I call for this assiduity. Marasmus has a close connexion with othe tormidable diseases, and either precedes or seems to accompany them ; of these, I shall at present notice two, hydrocephalus, (water in the brain,) and epi- lepsy, (falling siclness.) Hydrocephalus internus, the bane of infancy and of childhood, a disease big with much suffering, and of a fa- tal tendency, has at all times occupied the attention of physicians. They have endeavoured to investigate its nature, to assign the causes which induce it, and to pro- pose curative indications. Different sentiments on these subjects have led them to employ numerous and discor- dant remedies. Nevertheless, even now they are not at one as to the causes of hydrocephalus, so involved are these in obscurity. Neither have they made the most distant approaches towards the discovery of a certain re- medy for it. This much is known, that hydocephalus often steals sloAvly on, with symptoms resembling those of incipient marasmus. Till some better theory, therefore, is estab- lished, it is not unreasonable to suppose, that the maras- mus, of which I have treated, may on some occasions give rise to hydrocephalus, by impairing the vigour of the constitution, and by favouring serous effusion (watery collection) into the ventricles (interstices between the folds of the brain, when the water is lodged in dropsy of the head) of the brain. This conjecture merits the greater ^attention on this account, that Avhile the symptoms of hydrocephalus re- semble those of incipient and even of confirmed maras- 198 MARASMUS. mus, they have been removed by the diligent exhibition of purgative medicines. The truth of this observation has been repeatedly confirmed in my private practice, and it affords an additional reason for the exercise of watchful attention, to prevent the confirmed state of ma- rasmus which may, in more instances than we are aware of, have been the forerunner if not the cause of hydroce- phalus. Epilepsy, than which no disease is so distressing to the patient, and perplexing to the physician, often appears in Childhood. It acquires a hold, and is confirmed by the repetition of the fits, till their frequency, and the force of habit fix it, and make it a constitutional disease for life. It is not my present purpose to enquire in what manner, the functions of the organs more immediately affected by epileptic paroxysm are influenced, so as togive permanen- cy to the disease. The uncertainty of the theories pro- posed on this subject, and the little benefit that arises from them in practice, hold out little inducement to en- ter on the discussion. It is however, I believe, generally understood, that the first attacks of epilepsy are not always kliopathic, (without previous, or attendant symptoms, which operate as a cause,) but are frequently the effect of particular irritation of the mind or body. There are many instances of irrita- tion of the body inducing epilepsy. When no other is evident, the loaded intestine and the change induced on its contents in the course of the marasmus, of Avhich 1 have spoken, may be suspected of giving the irritation in question. In fact, practitioners have had this circumstance in view j for they enumerate worms in the intestines, or AfARASMUS. 199 marasmus, as I understand their language, among the cau- ses of epilepsy. Surely, therefore, this consideration suggests another cogent reason for watching the rise and progress of marasmus. And it will induce us on the first attack of epilepsy in children, arising from an uncertain cause, to set on foot the most decided and active course of purgative medicines ; and not peradventure to alloAV the disease to strike root, while we are idly employed in the exhibition of inert and useless vermifuge medicines ; or are groping in the dark in quest of other causes of the disease, or of uncertain remedies for their removal. (200) RECOMMENDATIONS. From NATHAN SMITH, M. D. Professor of the Thco- ry and Practice of Physic, Surgery, and Midwifery, in the Medical Institution of Yale College. This certifies, that I have perused a Manuscript of the "House Surgeon and Physician," and am decidedly of opinion that it is better adapted to the use of families, and those unlearned in med- ical science, than any other work of the kind which I have ever seen; and especially for the people of this country, on account of its containing a better description of the indigenous medical plants of this country, and their virtues, than is to be found in any European publication of this kind. NATHAN SMITH. New-Haven, April 24, 1818. From MASON F. COGSWELL, M. D. President of the Connecticut Medical Society. Hartford, April 18th, 1818. TO THE PUBLIC. I hereby certify, that I have perused a treatise, entitled the *"* House Surgeon and. Physician," and I have no hesitancy in say- ing that it is the best thing of the kind I have ever seen—that is, that it is better calculated for family use, and the use of the nur- sery, than any treatise extant. The list of the Plants of our coun- try is more fall, and their peculiar qualities and virtues, are better defined and described than can be found in any of our Botanical writers. I sincerely wish the work may be encouraged. MASON F. COGSWELL. * V£l MeJL.Hust. WZ wo, ERRATA. Pajre 1 \ for Hickorv, read Suckory. Pa'e-es 21 & 15", after Berberis, read Canadensis. __1__21 & 161, after Comptonia, read JUplenifolia. -----23 & 175, after Mynca, read Cerifera.